The USS Seth slowly settled into its designated position in Shuttlebay Two of Starbase 901. Katianna deactivated the ship's main systems and opened the airlock. She looked back and smiled at Jarrod and Kara Lac. "We're home."
Jarrod, Kara Lac, and Laurissa had the duty of moving all their items back to their apartment as Katianna made her presence known to Captain Mallory. Katianna walked past the Promenade on her way to the captain's office, and along the way she passed two women who gave Katianna contemptuous looks as she walked by.
Katianna did not acknowledge anybody on her walk to the captain's office. She didn't even make her presence known to the officer in charge of visitors as she whisked right into the office. "Captain, I wanted to let you know that I'm back," Katianna announced as the captain stood in surprise.
Kitty looked slightly shocked. "Sooner than I suspected." She slowly regained her composure and smiled, happy to have her officer back. "You look lighter. I'm glad. How's the child?"
"Daniel is doing fine, Captain." Katianna breathed happily as if she had received this news for herself only now.
Kitty sighed. "That is excellent to hear! I'm sorry I can't talk right now. Some of our other officers are missing, and I have several reports I need to look at." She paused. "I can't wait to read yours; I bet it's gonna be very interesting."
Katianna nodded. "I'll have it for you soon. It's a long one. Long and confusing." She laughed for the first time in about three months. Then, she began to walk out.
"Oh!" Kitty exclaimed, stopping Katianna before she walked out of the room. "Commander Kalimar is awake. He's doing quite well."
Katianna paused in absolute shock. "He's... what?... when?"
Kitty nodded. "About a week and a half ago. He's been staying in your apartment. I thought you wouldn't mind." She smiled. "I had no idea he was such a great officer. He's already started working. He's been doing a great job."
Katianna nodded slightly and walked out of the office.
"Katianna?" Kitty paused for a moment as Katianna walked off and the doors closed behind her. "Hmm." Kitty sat down and continued working.
Katianna nearly ran into her apartment. She saw Jovan sitting at his computer reading a report and drinking coffee. Katianna stood there for a moment and just looked at him. She took in his countenance wearily at first. As their eyes met she gazed at him intently.
"You're here," she said, not quite knowing what else to say.
Jovan smiled, his dark eyes almost glowing. "Hi, honey!" He walked up to her to kiss her on the lips.
As they drew apart a small smile appeared on her face. She wanted so badly for him to be the Jovan she remembered: not Kalimar. "So you're okay?" she asked, still a bit hesitant.
"Of course!" Jovan shook his head slightly. "Well, a bit of a headache, but it's to be expected. I did spend the past three months in a coma." He paused and looked into her eyes. "What happened?"
"What do you remember?" she asked, daring to let her fingers touch his face and roam through his hair for a moment, still tentative.
Jovan hesitated. "I remember leaving to bring Laurissa and Kara back from the other reality. I remember being shot by an Orion Syndicate man.
After that, everything else is a blur."
The memories of Kalimar came back to her, and she took her hand away. She went to the couch and sat down trying to rid her mind of all the emotions the memories brought up for her. She tried to remind herself that Jovan was there now. Right in front of her! "Well, things went very badly for you." She hesitated. "Kalimar took over."
"Kalimar? What do you mean? The Orb of Kalimar doesn't have a consciousness? It's just an orb."
She shook her head. "I hate to break this to you, babe, but Kalimar is a Pah-wraith, and the more you use the powers, the more Kalimar's evil takes hold of you. You almost killed Kara in front of Laurissa and myself. In fact," she stopped for a moment, swallowed hard and looked away. "You tried to kill me."
"What?" Jovan said painfully. He sat next to Katianna. "This... this isn't supposed to happen." Tears began to form. "I'm so sorry." He fell upon Katianna's lap, crying apologetically.
She was a bit taken aback. She did expect a certain amount of surprised remorse, but not this. Tenderly, she ran her fingers through his hair. "It's all right. I'm afraid I'm the one that put you in the coma. I had to. It was either you, or Laurissa, Kara, myself and... our child."
Jovan suddenly stopped. He looked up, surprised. "Our... our child?"
"I was pregnant then," Katianna replied, her green eyes sparkling. "We have a son; I named him Daniel Jovan."
Jovan stood up, urgently. "I must... May I see him?"
There was still a trace of apprehension in her. Something wasn't sitting right, but she couldn't place her finger one what. She wanted to believe that this was her Jovo. That she had him back. "Let me take you to him."
She stood up and grabbed his hand squeezing it gently. As her green eyes gazed at him, she couldn't help but caress his face. "I've missed you."
Jovan smiled sweetly. "I've missed you too."
Jarrod and Kara looked up as Katianna walked into the shuttlebay holding
Jovan's hand. Katianna shone. "Jarrod, this is Lt. Commander Jovan Kalimar, Daniel's father."
Jarrod was happy to see Katianna in such a good mood. "Commander Kalimar, it is a pleasure. I've heard a great deal about you." He grasped Jovan's hand.
Jovan smiled. "Please, call me Jovo." When Jarrod and Jovan's hands touched, both officers reacted. They suddenly glared at each other.
Kara Lac walked in front of Jovan as he released Jarrod. She bowed. "It is a pleasure to have you back and healthy, Mr. Kalimar."
"Thank you, Kara. It's good to be back."
Laurissa, then, walked out of the ship. "Jovo!" she cried as she ran to hug him. Once she came up close, she stopped. She diverted her direction and instead hugged her mother.
Jovan shook his head. "I'm so sorry for whatever it is I did, Laurissa,"
he said, genuflecting. "How can I make it up to you?" He paused, then smiled. "Some ice cream, maybe?"
Laurissa only looked up at Katianna. "Mommy, when can we go home?"
Katianna picked her daughter up. "We'll be there soon, honey." She looked at Jovan. "This is going to take some time."
Jovan nodded. "Where's... um... my son?"
Jarrod motioned at the Seth. "He's inside. I'll go with you."
"Okay," said Katianna. "Kara and I will get this stuff home."
Jovan kissed Katianna quickly and walked into the ship with Jarrod. They walked in silence until they entered the small medical bay. Daniel lay in a small crib that Troy had bought for his new nephew.
Jovan was ready to reach into the crib when Jarrod stopped him. "You're a good actor, Kalimar."
Jovan looked into Jarrod's eyes. "What?"
"I felt you. You are not Jovan. That demon is still inside you."
Jovan shook his head sadly. "The orb is still inside me. Now that I know what it can do, I will do everything in my power to get it out, even though it may kill me. I don't know how much you know about my DNA problem--"
Jarrod shook his head. "I know. I also know that you are not who you say you are. You may have convinced Katianna, but you don't fool me."
Jovan reached in the crib. Daniel began to cry as Jovan touched him. Jovan picked him up anyway and began to rock him gently. The baby's crying would not abate.
Jarrod gently took Daniel from Jovan's hands. Just as soon as Daniel was
in Jarrod's arms, he stopped crying.
"I'm not trying to fool anyone. I have problem, and I will deal with it." He began to walk out of the ship and paused right before the door leading out of the medical bay. "Besides, at least my family knows about my orb. I would bet that you're not too honest about what you are, holy one."
Jovan exited the medical bay as Jarrod glared and shook his head, rocking Daniel to sleep at the same time.
Katianna entered the Easy Inn with Jovan. Together they walked to their table. To Katianna's surprise, Jovan moved a chair back. "Ladies first."
Katianna sat down, "Thank you."
Jovan sat down across from her. "I'm so glad to be doing this. It's been
too long."
"I'd think that you'd want to spend more time with Daniel."
"He cries all the time. I just... It hurts. I think he senses Kalimar within." He looked down. "Damn this orb."
Katianna moved forward. "We don't have to talk about that tonight. Let's enjoy this night."
"Thank you."
Jovani Burgos walked by. "How may I help you?"
Katianna smiled. "You work here now?"
"Why not? I do need a job. I've felt like a leach for the past few months."
Jovan interrupted. "I'd like the special."
"Great choice," said Jovani. "And for the lady."
Katianna smiled. "I'll have the same."
Jovani nodded. "Good. I'll get that here ASAP. It's good to see both of you back and well."
Jovan nodded. "Thank you." He faced Katianna as Jovani walked off. "So, this place looks nice. Lazarus' work?"
"Him and Ensign Kalvin," answered Katianna. "They've been working together."
"Interesting," Jovan answered making a slight face.
Katianna tilted her head slightly. "What?"
"Oh you'll see. This night is not over."
"Hi, Jovan," said two women that walked up to the table.
Jovan stood up and hugged them. "Hi!" Jovan faced Katianna. "This is Cathy, and this is Sabrina. They helped me out earlier this week."
"It was our pleasure," Cathy said as she ran her finger down Jovan's chest. She and Sabrina quickly looked at Katianna jealously and walked off.
"Who...?" asked Katianna.
Jovan laughed. "You're not jealous, are you? They just helped me out. That's all. Don't worry about it."
Katianna tried to shake it out of her head.
"Want to dance?"
Katianna smiled. "Yes, I would."
"Two specials!" Lazarus spouted handing two plates to Jovani. Jovani quickly took them and walked to Katianna and Jovan's table.
Michael Kalvin walked up to the bar. "So, how are things?"
"Pretty calm. There's business, but too much competition. I wonder how long things can stay this way."
"Any trouble?"
"None yet. I just hope things pick up soon. Keeping people is not easy. I need to do something to bring people in, though the ones that do come seem to love the special. I may need to modify the menu."
"I think it's great." Michael smiled.
"Thanks."
"So, Kox, is that your symbiote's name?"
"Uh... no. Well, it used to be. I haven't changed my name legally yet. Kox was killed during a firefight. I'm Tara now."
"Wait." Michael was taken aback. "Tara? I knew a Tara once."
Lazarus smacked the table. "No! That's why you looked so familiar!"
"Tara... I need to go."
"Michael?" Lazarus followed Michael as he was walking out. "Mike, what's wrong?"
"I just... I need to absorb this. We'll talk tomorrow. I promise."
"Okay." Lazarus watched worriedly as Michael walked out of the Easy Inn.
Katianna watched at Jovan ate. Jovan looked up. "What? Do I have something dripping from my chin?"
Katianna laughed. "No. It's just... It's so hard to accept that you're really here, sitting in front of me."
"Believe it." Jovan smiled, then he leaned forward and kissed her. "I'm here to stay."
The door to Katianna's apartment whisked open, and Jovan walked in, carrying Katianna in his arms. Jovan playfully threw Katianna on the bed. Jovan took his position next to her and began kissing her passionately.
Katianna kissed back for a few moments, then she pushed away for a moment.
Jovan looked at her questioningly. "What's wrong?"
Katianna hesitated, then, "Nothing." She forced a smile. "Nothing at all."
They continued.
Earthdate: February 22, 2385
Katianna awoke first. She looked next to her to see Jovan sleeping like a child. Katianna simply stared at him for a few minutes. It was so perfect; her dreams had come true. Still, she could not help shaking the feeling that something was not right.
Katianna lifted her hand to touch Jovan, but hesitated. Instead, she got up from the bed. She took one look at Jovan's sleeping body, then she left the room.
Michael walked into Lazarus's office in the Easy Inn as he did his numbers for the day. Lazarus looked at the figures and put his head in his hands in frustration.
Michael sat down in front of Lazarus. "Hi."
Lazarus looked up with a start. "Hi! How are ya?"
"Good. Listen, sorry for walking out yesterday. Norinne Tara was very important to me. We were... close."
Lazarus looked down. "I know. I'm sorry about what happened to me." He paused, then realized what he had said. "I mean... uh... her... what happened to her."
Michael smiled. "It's okay. It was weird at first, but I'm okay with it.
It just took me so long to accept Norinne's loss. I tried to kill myself at least twice. The last time I almost did it. I think that's why I joined Starfleet: to get away from all that sympathy and the less-than-pleasant memories."
Lazarus shook his head and stood up to walk toward Michael. "Mike, I'm so sorry." He hugged him.
Michael shed a tear. "I guess, in a way, it's good to have you back."
Lazarus began to move his fingers through Michael's hair.
Katianna completed her report as Jarrod walked into her office. "Hello, Jarrod."
"Hi, Katianna. How are you?"
Katianna smiled. "I'm fine, thank you."
Jarrod walked up to her desk and sat down across from her. "Katianna, I have something I want to talk to you about."
"Jovan?"
Jarrod nodded. "I just... I wanted to tell you to be careful."
Katianna waited, then, "Is that all?"
"Yes."
"I feel as if you have more to say."
"I don't."
Katianna looked up as Jarrod stood. He was obviously flustered.
"I can't say more. I'm sorry." Jarrod walked out, leaving Katianna a bit shaken. She sent her report and headed for her apartment.
Katianna entered her apartment to find that Jovan was not home. She sat on the sofa in the middle of the room, exhausted. Soon after she had sat down, Laurissa burst through the door. "Hi, honey! How was your day?"
Laurissa jumped on her mother's lap. "It was fun! We went to all the shops on the Promenade!"
Kara Lac followed her in pushing a sleeping Daniel in a stroller. After taking the stroller to Katianna, Kara sighed, "I'm going to go lay down for a bit." Kara walked into her room.
Laurissa laughed. "I think she's tired."
"I bet," said Katianna. "You tired her out. Now it's my turn. Tickle monster!"
"AAAAH!!!" Laurissa yelled as Katianna pinned her on the sofa and started tickling her. Soon, they were both tired. They simply sat on the sofa smiling at each other. Then, Laurissa's countenance changed. "When is Jovo coming back?"
"Later. Why?"
"What about the man that's staying with us? He's scary."
"What?" Katianna was perplexed. "What man? Jovo?"
"He looks like Jovo, but he's not Jovo. Jovo's nicer. And he has pretty eyes."
Did his eyes change? Katianna realized she had not even looked into them. Then she realized that she had not read him since he had returned from his coma. "Honey, why does he scare you?"
Laurissa looked down.
Katianna raised her chin. "Why does he scare you, Laurissa?"
Laurissa hesitated. "His eyes used to be black. Now they look like nothing. It's like he's empty." Laurissa ran to her room.
A prarie. A dozen rabbits sat eating grass. One rabbit, a black one, began to hop away, signaling a white one to follow it. The black rabbit showed the white one a hole in the ground. The black rabbit jumped in and hopped deeper into the hole. The white one followed. Before long, the white rabbit lost sight of the black one. All it could see was the glowing white of the black rabbit's eyes.
Suddenly the black rabbit's eyes morphed into a blood red. Out of the darkness, a snake's jaws grabbed the white rabbit and pulled it into the darkness.
Katianna awoke with a shriek. Jovan lay next to her, but he was undisturbed by her scream. Katianna looked over and asked herself why. She decided to probe his mind. Now was as good a time as any. She caressed his head with her hand.
And she felt nothing.