Kassia was tired and walked at a slower than normal pace back to her quarters. The day had been quite long and eventful. As she walked through the door and into the darkness of her quarters she realized that Troy was not home from the early shift he had taken at Soma that day. They had plans to go to dinner together, though she was seriously considering just replicating something, taking a nice, hot bath and going to bed. She wasn't even sure if she was going to make up for the meditation session that was interrupted that morning. It was an important exercise, but she really was tired. More tired than she'd been in a long time.
"Lights. 65% illumination," she stated. Instantly the lights came on. Not too dark. Not too light, she thought to herself as she walked to the couch and kicked off her shoes.
Though she hadn't been on her feet the whole day, she was definitely drained, though it was more mental than physical. She had finally hired an assistant by the name of Dandrane Languedoc who was half Terran and half Betazoid. She was a beautiful, young girl with curly dark hair and darker eyes, typical of many Betazoids. She was also very friendly, and yet soft-spoken. An added plus was the fact that not only was she an empath, but she was very knowledgeable about the items Kassia sold and she had an interest in them as well. She was thankful to have found such a perfect assistant. It had allowed her time to do several readings for certain individuals that she had be unable to work into her schedule as the only one working the shop.
However, missing that morning meditation had really caused the readings to drain her. The visions has begun to feel as if they were happening to her, instead of her simply being a third party watching events unfold. Though it wasn't bad, it could get worse if she continued to skip meditation.
She was considering once again whether or not she should meditate, but her stomach rumbled a bit. She hadn't eaten for several hours. Being tired and hungry was not a good combination to meditate on anyway, she realized, so hunger won out.
She had walked over to the replicator, but before she could order her food she felt a familiar presence approaching her quarters. It was Tarik, she smiled to herself. Instead of the food, she decided on something else.
"Two Romulan ales. Cold."
As soon as she spoke, they appeared, followed directly by the sound of the door sensor. Swiftly she grabbed the two glasses and headed to the door.
"Enter," Kassia said as pleasantly as she could manage.
Tarik entered the room, looking a bit more worn than usual. "Good evening, I hope I'm not disturbing you," he said. "I figured I'd stop by while I had a free moment."
"The intrusion is more than welcomed!" she smiled, as she handed him an ale. However, she was already picking up on his emotional state. Something was concerning him.
Tarik took a long pull from the drinking horn, smiling as he recognized the synthesized taste of Tar'shaq, a first-quality ale brewed exclusively for members of the Romulan Senate. "Normally commoners aren't permitted this luxury," he commented. Tarik's own experience of the expensive drink came from a bootleg cargo he had seized while on anti-piracy patrol.
"I know," she replied with her smile turning mischievous.
Gently she took his hand and lead him to the couch. Together they sat down. Taking a sip of her own drink, she found it harder to control the shudder that was coming on. Whatever was preoccupying his mind was definitely serious.
"Are you sure you're up to this? The ale, I mean," Tarik commented. "Generally those not of the Rihannsu are unable to handle its potency."
"You might be surprised with that I can handle," she smiled again. She didn't know how, but she was managing to keep herself in check. She wasn't ready to spoil the visit by asking him what was wrong. She wanted to enjoy a few minutes with him.
Tarik took another drink. "Is everything okay?" he asked, seeing Kassia's exhaustion set in as the drink relaxed her.
"Well, its been a long day . . . But a good one! Even better, with you here," she replied.
"Mine's been rather trying, too, but that's why they pay me the big bucks now," he said, indicating the new rank badge on his collar. "Your prediction about the promotion came true!"
Her smile grew as it lit the room further. "So you're a . . . Major now?
I am not all that familiar with ranks and whatnot . . . But the pin looks good! You deserve it. You earned it!" she said, taking his hand in hers once again and gazing into his eyes.
"That's correct. Captain Wallace just notified me this morning of the promotion. Unfortunately, it means even more headaches than usual."
"Well, I take it, it means more responsibility . . ." she stated. A vision appeared to her. It was unclear, but she saw a battle of some sort, and people dying. She could hear and smell it. This time she couldn't suppress the shudder. She quickly took another drink of the ale.
"Kassia, are you okay?" Tarik said, suddenly concerned. "Perhaps you've overestimated your own tolerance," he said, taking Kassia's drinking horn. In reality, Tarik knew what was concerning Kassia--the mission he'd been handed this morning, for all intents and purposes a suicide mission.
"Its more than that," she replied, looking away. "There's something bothering you . . . I sensed it as soon as you arrived . . . What's going on?" she asked, pushing the vision away as best as she could.
Hell, I need to talk to someone eventually, Tarik thought. She then looked right into his dark eyes. "What is it? What's got you so worried?"
"Everything I'm telling you must be held in strictest confidence," he said, his dark eye clouding, "I've been assigned to a mission with a very low survival probability. I have to hold the line in order for the Fleet to accomplish what it needs to do, and I'm not sure it can be done. We're outnumbered five to one, and probably seven to one by the time the balloon goes up. I've dealt with those odds before on my own, but then it was only my own neck I was risking. Some of these kids are fresh out of boot camp! If either I or Hartman goes down, we're in deep trouble out there."
She nodded, tears misting her green eyes. "You think this is a suicide mission . . . That you're going to die, right?" she asked.
As she held his hand, she closed her eyes, searching for the future. She could still see the battle raging, people dying, smell the seared flesh . . . It was all unclear as to who was dying . . . and yet, in the distance, she could see him . . . He was tattered and torn a bit, but it seemed as if he were going to make it . . . only the vision faded . . . She shook her head gently as she tried not to cry. She couldn't be sure that what she saw was the future, or her own desires to have him back. The vision had not been clear enough . . .
"I'm more worried about all the others who are about to die--and they will die," he replied. "The holodramas don't have the slightest clue what it's about--there are no neat wounds to the extremities that can be bandaged up, nor is the enemy just a bunch of straw dummies. And if we don't do this right, then the Son'a and their allies have a hole through which they can drive into the Briar Patch and beyond," Tarik said angrily. He then calmed down for a moment. "But I suppose when you get down to it, you're right. Just when my life is finally starting to be worth living again, I may have to give it all up. I'm told there's an afterlife, but I'm sure it's a little late for me to start currying favor with the powers that be for admission. So what's there for me if I don't make it?"
"There is an afterlife. Whether you are prepared for it or not," she said swiftly getting her emotions in check, "But you won't be finding out this time." She knew she couldn't be sure, but she was going to trust her vision and just hope to fate that she was right. She could sense his worry for his men, but she didn't want to address that with him . . . she knew that he was right and many were going to die . . . But in all honesty, not that she wanted anyone to get hurt or die, her main concern was for Tarik . . . She wanted him to return. To be with her . . .
Tarik smiled briefly. "You were right before; I guess we'll find out if you're always right. Tell you what: if--when--I come back, we'll see about crashing the Star Lounge. It's been a while since I've done the town with a pretty lady!"
"I think that would be a wonderful idea," she replied softly, the smile still with her. "And when you come back, I will have another Romulan ale waiting for you."
"You'd better! Nothing but the best!" Tarik laughed. "Now, how was your day?"
She sighed and laughed, "Well, I hired a new assistant, and she is just fantastic. And that, of course, freed me up to do several readings . . . It just seemed like a very busy day . . .
"If you only knew how long I've been waiting for an executive officer! Considering how long it took Starfleet to put this team together, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they cut the XO's orders around the time I make Lieutenant General," Tarik laughed. "I envy you."
"You know, I was about ready to replicate some dinner, would you care to join me?" she asked sweetly. She so wanted him to stay.
"Yes, I'd love to stay for dinner, but it will have to be an early evening. 0430 comes early," he replied. "But don't worry about me," Tarik added impulsively. "I can't tell you the number of times I've been written off. And this time, I've got a reason to come back," he said has he caressed her cheek gently, taking her face in his hands and preparing to kiss her.
Just as their lips met, the door slid open. Troy, took one step inside before his eyes fell on the pair. Instantly, their kiss ended.
Kassia was so taken by surprise that her cheeks flushed. "Troy! You're home!"
Tarik jumped suddenly. He was not used to being taken by surprise--at least, not in this context.
"Yeah . . . My shift was over," he replied, gazing at the pair.
Kassia could sense Troy bristle a bit as his eyes fell on Tarik again.
Tarik met his gaze, and held it. He wasn't about to be run off, even by
the brother of the woman he was coming to--love? Yes, might as well call it what it is, he thought. You've got it bad! "Is there a problem here?" he asked, politely but firmly.
Troy forced a smile. "Oh, not really. I was just under the impression that my sister and I were going out for dinner together tonight . . . You know, some brother/sister bonding time . . ." He wasn't going to speak his mind to Tarik just then. He was going to have a talk with Kassia first. Every man that had entered his sister's life had hurt her, and as far as he was concerned, Tarik was probably no better. But it was Kassia he had to deal with first.
"I had no idea you had plans made. As far as I knew, Kassia's evening was free, and she never told me otherwise. In any case, she is a grown woman and can make her own schedule, the last I checked," Tarik said with a little bit of an edge in his voice. An only child, Tarik never knew the protection of an older sibling. Whatever it is that's going on here, I'm not putting up with it, he thought.
"Troy, I was just going to replicate something anyway. I've had a long day and I really don't feel up to going anywhere," she said. "And you'll have an early shift tomorrow . . . We can do it then, unless you would rather not have dinner with me at all."
He shook his head, "Whatever, Kassia," he replied. "I'm going to take a shower and change." With that, he walked out of the room and toward the bathroom.
Kassia sighed and shook her head. "You have to forgive him. He just feels he's looking out for me . . . Its what he's always done."
"Well, he's going to have to adapt, isn't he?" Tarik said, standing up.
"He will," she assured. "But it will take time. He's had to protect me from some pretty bad things before . . . Including his own father . . " she replied quietly as she looked away. "Just give him time . . " she said again, looking at him, pushing the old memory away of when Troy's father stabbed him in a drunken rage trying to get Kassia, to force himself on her.
Tarik calmed down, suddenly understanding a little better. "Just let him know I'm one of the good guys. I don't know what went on before, but I'm not a part of it and don't want to be a part of it. I just want to be with you."
"And I want to be with you," she replied, leaning toward him. Tenderly kissing him.
Tarik returned the kiss, deeply. "Suddenly my appetite is back!" he said, smiling.
"You're still welcome to stay for dinner, though I am not sure if Troy will appear or not . . . Though I'm not so sure its food you're thinking about," she giggled.
"That depends upon one's definition of hunger," Tarik replied in a deadpan manner. "But right now the more common definition applies. What were you planning on having?"
"Well, I was simply going to replicate a roasted chicken breast, mashed potatoes and some green beans. Very Terran!" she replied with a smile. "But I can replicate anything you'd like."
"Right now I could eat a Rigellian squid, but I'll save the fancy fare for our night out. Simplicity is in order tonight," Tarik replied.
"So what would you like?" she asked, as she broke from his embrace and headed to the replicator.
"I'll have what you're having," he replied. "Chicken, turkey, survival rations, gagh, whatever--I'm just happy to have this moment!"
Her smile was once again bright, as if nothing in the universe were wrong. "Two plates. Each with one roasted chicken breast, a side of green beans and a side of mashed potatoes." Instantly the meals appeared. She picked them up and set them on the dinner table. She turned to a nearby drawer and pulled out eating utensils and napkins.
Tarik grabbed the ales and headed to the table.
It wasn't long before the meal had been completely devoured. "I'd love to stay longer, but I really do need to go," Tarik said regretfully.
Little did he know all the emotions running wild in her. She knew he wanted to shield her from his reality, and though he knew the truth, she would let him believe for this moment, that she had forgotten it all.
"I understand," she replied, wishing the time hadn't gone by so fast.
"You may not hear from me for a while, but just know that I'm okay," Tarik said, wanting to give her something in the way of reassurance. He was trying very hard not to think of this as the last time he may ever see her.
She nodded. "And don't forget! We have that date upon your return."
"You've got that right!" Tarik grinned. "Have a good night. I'll be talking to you soon!" he said as the two embraced.
"Not soon enough," she replied.
"It never is," he said. "I need to go. It is getting late," Tarik continued. He hated long good-byes.
"Good-bye," she said, "And sleep well . . ." she said, trying hard not to make it sound final.
With one final kiss, he walked out the door.
Tarik left Kassia's quarters, trying desperately--and failing--to get his mind focused again. "It's probably just the ale," he lied to himself.
As the door slid shut, Kassia thought her heart was going to break into a million pieces. There was a real chance that he would die in the upcoming battle, and that her vision had been nothing more than her wanting him back. She fought hard to stifle a sob.
"Kass, I want to talk to you . . . "
It was Troy, and she knew that tone of voice.
"I want to talk to you about Tarik."
"Not now," she replied, keeping her back to him. She wanted to hide her tears.
"Then when?" he replied, "Am I suppose to wait until he hurts you?"
"He's not going to hurt me!" she replied back, this time facing him.
Seeing the tears in her eyes, he immediately dropped his authoritative voice and melted with concern. "What is it?" he asked.
"Troy, Tarik is a good man. The only man I can foresee in my future. He would never hurt me . . ." she said. "He's one of the good guys . . . and he's . . . my soul mate."
He gently took her in his arms and wiped away the tears staining her cheeks. Gently, but firmly, he said to her, "You can't be sure of him, Kass. Whenever you've tried to see your own future, its always been clouded and filled with uncertainty . . . Remember Arviel, Or Rojere on Santori? You thought both of them were the ones as well . . ."
She shook her head. "That was different," she said, "I didn't see visions with them, or about them pertaining to me . . . and I didn't have a psychic bond with them like I have with Tarik . . ." She was silent for a moment as she let her head rest on his shoulder. "He wouldn't ever hurt me . . . Not in the way you're afraid of . . ."
"He could hurt you?" Troy asked, with concern lacing his voice. She knew he had the potential to hurt her and she still loved him? He didn't understand.
"He's a Marine . . . His job is dangerous . . . There is always the possibility that he might not come back from a mission . . . and that . . ." she almost couldn't say the words, "That . . . would break my heart forever . . ." Tears started anew and she couldn't stop them.
"What did you see, Kassia? Did you see him die?" he asked.
"There's going to be a battle. I saw that much . . ." she said, "But I don't know for sure if he'll come back . . . I saw him alive . . . but it was so hazy . . . It could have just been me wanting to see it that badly . . ."
"You love him . . ." Troy said, pulling her head off his chest long enough to look into her green eyes.
"Yes," she said, without hesitation.
Not knowing what to say, he pulled her back into his arms and held her. But his own mind was racing. He had never seen Kassia like this. He had to admit that her visions and the bond she had with Tarik was unique to any relationship she'd ever had before. Maybe this guy was her soul mate, he thought . . . But what if he died in battle? Would Kassia be able to go on without him? She was strong, but was she that strong? Maybe it would be better if Tarik left her life now, he though. Maybe he could have a talk with him . . . Man to man . . . make him understand what it would do to his sister . . . But then again, that would crush her too . . . Was there no right answer, he wondered.
Suddenly, he felt Kassia being to go slack on him. He lifted her up and carried her to her room. Gently he laid her upon the bed. She was tired, but not asleep. She seemed weak and fragile. Her tears were gone for the moment, but the pain in her eyes haunted him.
"Can I get you something to help you sleep? Some warm milk or anything?"
"No," she said, forcing a soft smile. "I just need some sleep. I'll be okay."
He returned her smile. "Then get some rest."
But just as he began to leave, she grabbed his hand. "Troy, wait . . . Tarik really is a good man. I know you mean well and you want to protect me, but don't ask him to turn away from me . . . If he's meant to leave this life for the next, then so be it. But whether he is with me or not, it will hurt me because he's in my heart . . . and will be for all time."
He knew she was right and gently caressed her cheek. "Don't worry, Kass . . . Just get some sleep."
As he walked away, he took one more look back at her. He loved her so much and couldn't bare the thought of her going through more pain. But all he could do was wait . . . and if the worst happened, he would try to help her pick up the pieces and go on . . .