Ideas: Love and Junk

Personal Log: Stardate 60211.12

" Well I am laying in bed at some three in the morning and can't sleep ! I can't believe what has just transpired ! We battled the Borg and won with minimal casualties.. sort of. The emotion damage has been overwhelming for a few of us, me included. You see I really did love Barbara but there just wasn't anything I or Starfleet could do. Once someone is assimilated the best thing for both parties was to sever the link. That is what I did! But at the same time I took a laser scalpel and cut out my heart as well. Now what? Grant must be feeling something similar. His wife or ex-wife was on the *Blake* when it was destroyed. So was his daughter. I honestly could say that I feel the pain. I just need him to know that I am here for him.

"Well the repairs are going well on the Leviathan. Lieutenant Shaka has repaired the minimal damage to the SS drive, but Lieutenant Hansen says that there is at least another 30 hours left to fix the warp drive. I hate sitting around, but there is nothing to do about it. Shaka told me that if we tried to engage the SS drive now, the ship could tear apart so I don't want to take that sort of chance till all is completed. The impulse engines work, but it would take us almost 10 years just to reach the nearest starbase. Oh well, then 10 years it will be as long as we are heading in the right the direction. Navigational systems are still on the fritz and Mr. Ambrose is working on it. Quite an interesting man. I may just promote him to ensign, such a waste of a potentially fine commissioned officer. I will have to look into it.

"Speaking of which, a few of the crew has performed admirably including Grant and Rashad... Rashad, another interesting one cute too.. Stop! How can I even disrespect Barbara in such a way. It hasn't even been a week! Anyway, I think a few more promotion are in order. I will have to look into it.

"Well since I can't sleep, I might as well take a stroll."

End Log

Devore dressed in his casual uniform. The suede jacket and his gray turtleneck were quite comfortable since the life support were running at minimal power. The Borg attack had did great amounts of damage to the Leviathan but repair teams were dispatched around the clock fixing as much as possible.

He had walked for almost twenty minutes when he noticed that he was in front of Lieutenant Rashad's door. *I wonder if she is asleep*

"Computer what time is it?" <The time is 03:50.> *I wonder if she would mind some company ?*

Devore straightened his jacket and rang the bell. "Come in!" a sleepy voice said in Bajoran from behind the other side. He entered smiling.

"Hi. I was in the neighborhood and thought that I would drop by." He said smiling.

She quickly put on her professional appearance and replied, "Oh... Jolan Tru. How can I help you, Sir ?"

"Rashad, Please. We both are off duty. You can call me Mark."

"Captain.. on duty or off, it isn't protocol to address you in such a way."

"Really. What if I gave you an order to call me Mark when we are off duty. That wouldn't be would it."

"Well...."

"Fine. Suit yourself. I was out for a walk and passed by your door."

".. and in the kindness of your heart wanted to stop in and see me at.... what time is it ?"

Devore lowered his head slightly. "Umm, It is just before 04:00."

"04:00 ? Captain. I need my beauty sleep !" Rashad smile shocked and surprised.

"Lieutenant, it looks to me that you have had plenty of sleep then." Devore said.

"Captain ?" She said demurely. Rashad knew what he meant. *My my my, he is forward isn't he ?*

"Like I said. I couldn't really sleep and was out walking around and thought that I might go to the lounge and maybe raid the mess. Care to join me ?"

"Sir ? It is four in the morning. How about I meet you for breakfast then we can continue our conversation."

"Oh..," Devore said disappointedly. "Well I understand. Okay. How about 08:30 ? We both are on the same shift tomorrow which starts at 10:00."

"Sounds fine. Good night Captain," Rashad said with a smile.

"Good morning, Lieutenant." Devore said with an equally large smile.

Devore walked out of Rashad's quarters and returned to his. He was passing a view port when he saw some debris from a Borg cube which gave him an idea. He tapped his combadge, "Devore to Harris."

[Go ahead Captain.] Harris said. He was on the bridge on watch.

"Mr. Harris. How would you like to go on a salvage operation ?"

[Sir?]

"Tomorrow. You and Mr. Ambrose take a shuttle and search the debris field. Let's see if we can get some information about our friendly Borg."

[Acknowledged Captain.]

Devore yawned. He was now getting a little sleepy. "Ok good. Will see you in the morning. Devore out." Devore headed back to his quarters and laid down fully clothed. He was out in minutes.