The day had wound down as the sun began to set. Adrian and Nevar had managed to spend most of the day climbing the lower cliffs of the mountains, learning how to work a phaser and talking. The entire time hey had not come across one of the feline creatures they were hunting. Instead the two had spoken about a variety of topic: from the loss of Adrian's parents in a shuttle accident, to state of the universe, to what makes woman tick. Nevar had learned that after the loss of his parents, Adrian, having no other relatives, had been passed from foster home to foster home, each transfer making the boy a little more withdrawn and sullen. Only two weeks ago, his current foster family had decided to join the colony effort of New Canada. As they headed down the last few rocks and into the settlement, Adrian turned to Nevar.
"Nevar, there is one thing I don't get?"
"What's that?" Pol said wiping his brow of the sweat from the exertion of the last few hours.
"What made you think I wouldn't figure out that you knew the whole time that cat creatures can't climb?"
Before Nevar could reply, the young boy handing the security officer back him his hand phaser.
"Thanks for the lesson Commander," the boy spoke, smiling to himself, as he headed off to find his new family. Nevar's eyes followed the boy until he turned the corner and faded into a crowd of colonists. Turning back Nevar saw his men and the volunteers heading toward him.
"How did we do?" asked the senior officer
"Pretty good boss. A scratch or two mon. But overall I think da big at's no come back" Officer Atibessa spoke, accent heavy as always.
"Harper, McManus?"
"Same thing boss, most of them just tucked tail and ran" "Wouldn't you with two rifles shooting at you?" Yeoman Harper chimed in quite content with his day's work.
"Ok everybody, enough fun for one day." Slinging the rifle over his shoulder, Lieutenant Commander . Nevar Pol, Chief of Security for SB901 and current mission commander, tapped his comm badge
"Bounty, seven to beam up." In a shimmer they were gone.
Nevar rode the turbo lift to the bridge. Overall it had been a good day. He had managed to go the entire day without having to fill out one blasted form or give a speech. All he done was climb a mountain and hang out with a pretty smart kid. Coming on the bridge he was happy to see both Nugent and Call back from SB901.
"How's Garek?" Nevar asked Lt. Call, who currently occupied the command seat on the bridge.
"Good. Doc say he's going to be fine. Although, they still have no idea of what actually happened." Call spoke, rising from the command seat. With a wave of his hand, Nevar indicated that Call should not vacate the chair.
"Nathan you have the bridge. I'm going for a quick shower and long sleep. See you in the morning."
Quizzically, both Nugent and Call exchanged glances. Neither had seen the expression on the Bajorian's face before. Nevar actually looked sort of happy and content.
"Aye sir" Call spoke to the back of Nevar's head as the doors to the turbolift closed behind him.
Hours Later...
Nevar had wished he would have had the chance to stay overnight on the Colony, like Nugent had, but with the Son'a so active in this sector, his duty was to stay on board. Washing quickly he headed to the Bounty's sole transporter room. As he entered he saw Lieutenant Nugent had arrived early. "Ready, Le'Chell, we have a colony to chrissen and we don't want to keep the Governor waiting?"
Nodding, the two walked onto the transporter pad. Nugent, was having trouble recognizing the man beside her. Was this the same burnt out, sulky, arrogant officer she had known for the last few months? She had never seen Pol like this, at least not for more than an instant. "Do you have your speech?"
Before Pol could respond or give the order to energize, the swish of the doors could be heard. Somewhat disheveled and still fixing his dress uniform, Cadet Razek ran into the transporter room. "Sorry, I'm late sir." said the out-of-breath cadet, joining the two officers on the transporter pad.
Le'Chell braced for impact, remembering how Pol had yelled at her that first day on SB901 for being late for his security briefing, however, both she and Ethan was surpised when Pol spoke softly instead.. "Energize."
Hours Later...
The group of formally dressed officers made there way down the corridor from the transporter room to the turbolift. Dr. Cherrin, who had come from SB901 with Call and Nugent - replacing Dr. Carter - who was recalled to the station, lead the group, with Cadet Razek and Le'Chell closely behind. Walking slightly behind the group, was Nevar Pol, actively listing to the words of his ship's Counselor.
"...but what I don't understand, was the whole 'Mr. Christian' reference."
"What can I say Le'Chell, Garek was supposed to give the speech not me. Public Speaking is not my thing..I panicked." Pol said smiling to himself.
Le'chell was going to challenge the man on this but the turbolift arrived before she could think of a "witty" comment to say.
As the group boarded the turbolift to the bridge, Le'chell turned to the Nevar and said: "Ok who are you....and what have done with Commander Nevar?"