The Fuse is Burning

It was lunch time. The *Nile's* mission seem to be going according to plan so Captain Devore decided to grab a bite to eat, so he headed to the forward lounge. On his way he occasionally was greeted by the numerous ensigns and crew people that wondered the decks of the almost fully functional behemoth known as the Leviathan. Devore was happy that the repairs neared completion and according to Lieutenants Shaka, Barker, and Hansen the repairs will be complete in a matter of hours. Lt. Toran was on the bridge along with a few specialized repair teams fixing Ops and making it totally operational again.

As he turned the corner and entered the forward lounge, Devore went directly to the replicator and requested a poboy sub and a cup of coffee. After it materialized, Devore grabbed it and headed to a table in the far corner where he sat and looked at his food sitting on its plate, Then it hit him, he had missed his breakfast date with Lt. Rashad and instantly he felt like a heel, but for the first time in days, he actually felt better. He glanced at the sandwich and took a bite where he chewed it slowly. After a few chews, Devore took a deep breath and replaced the sandwich and looked out into space where pieces of debris from the destroyed ships littered the immediate vicinity. Devore smiled thinking about the performance of the crew and thanked the good Lord, that they were victorious.

For days he hadn't really slept until last night and after walking the corridor and talking to Rashad, he finally was able to sleep- sleep was the prescription which seemed to be what the doctor ordered.. Doctor. Devore stared into the cup of coffee and recollected the events of the past in reference to Barbara Clairidge. He recalled the look on her face as he was forced to pull the trigger and many times previously, he drowned himself in sorrow and guilt pondering the idea that there might have been something he could've done. However he hadn't the time nor at that present time the will to really save Clairidge. She had been assimilated and the best course of action was what he did- eliminate her. Devore hoped and prayed that he never, ever, had to do that again, but he was plagued, even cursed, with that never-ending choice. Just like one time before during the Dominion War where he was responsible for making the life or death decision of a few people while on board the *Lakota*. Now he wishes he would have thought it out more, but the choice had to be made and it was. Now the consequences of his choice was one that he now brings regret. The regret is is now fuel for a fire totally out of control, and in the time of a light year, the tremendous length of the fuse which has been lit by the decision will catch up to him and destroy everything he has built.

Devore now takes another hearty bite of his sandwich and chew quickly now. Unlike earlier, he now tries to suppress the memories. For once since the attack, he wished for someone to end his loneliness and the opportunity to wallow in his guilt. As if on cue, a female's voice was heard just behind him. "Captain may I join you?" It was Lt. Rashad. He turned around and grabbed the napkin that was on his lap and dabbed his mouth.

"Please." He said with a smile standing up motioning to the chair opposing him.

Rashad was carrying a cup of coffee or what seemed to be coffee for it had a stronger smell. She sat down and looked at the captain. "So where were you at 0930 this morning?"

He lowered his head at the mock scrutiny. "I am so sorry. I overslept. I hadn't been getting that much sleep and when I left your room last night I went right to my room and boom!, I was out."

With a raised eyebrow and an almost piercing look, Rashad managed a forced smile. "That is okay sir... Mark." She remembered that when they were alone, he wanted her to call him Mark. If there were others present then Captain was appropriate, but since he was one of the youngest captains in Starfleet, Captain or Sir ALL the time seemed wrong. So certain time, first name basis was the protocol on board the Leviathan for his senior officers.

"Well we can make up for it now." He said with a smile.

"Indeed. So what do you want to talk about?" She said unfamiliar with these typical social interactions.

"Well... we can always talk about the weather."

"The weather is irrelevant. Comfortable at 70 degrees, relative humidity at..."

"No. Rashad. Not literally it was figurative. Just something to break the ice."

"Oh I see."

"Well I just wanted to spend some time with you. It may help me with the Clairidge Incident and...."

"And what sir?"

"Nothing."

[Captain. This is the Bridge. *Runabout Nile* is on its way back to the Leviathan.] Toran informed.

"Very good Mr. Toran. I am on my way." Devore said standing up. "Well Lieutenant Rashad we will have to pick up where we left off, but as of now duty calls."

Lt. Rashad knew what he said and followed his lead. They both walked to the nearest turbolift and headed for the bridge.

On the bridge the turbo lift doors opened and as Devore and Rashad exited the turbolift he saw Toran look at him and smiled. "Captain, you have really good timing. There is a hail coming from the *Nile*."

Devore smiled as well. "Well I guess that is why I am captain. Timing is everything. Put it on screen," he ordered as he sat down on in his chair. On the screen was the image of the first officer and Mr. Ambrose. He had blood pouring from his nose and it too was disfigured. *Damn Grant. Can't stay out of fight for 10 minutes.*

["Captain Devore. I have good news and bad news. I've lost the young ensign but caught a Borg queen.] Harris said.

"Very good Lieutenant. Get back to the Leviathan! We are pulling out." Devore said. *Another crew member. At this rate, we will be nothing but a few officers by time we reach the Beta Quadrant.*

[Understood. Sir. Meet me at the shuttle bay.]

"Negative. Once you are in transporter range, beam the queen directly to the brig. Devore out."

Suddenly the an explosion registered on the sensors. "Captain. We have an explosion 024 mark 5." Lt. Toran said.

"On screen." Devore said. Immediately on the front monitors, the bridge crew saw the explosion and the *Nile* returning. "They must have destroyed the Borg vessel."

"Understood. Captain there is an urgent message coming in from Starfleet Command. It says for your eyes only." Toran yelled.

"Put it to my ready room." Devore said standing up. "Mr. Toran. You have the bridge."

In Devore's ready room he sat down and punched a few buttons. On the computer monitor the Starfleet logo appeared then Admiral Beard. He face seemed angry. [Captain Devore. I just read your report you have a lot of explaining to do.]

*Was wondering when he was going to call.* Devore thought emphasizing HE in his mind. "Yes sir. I was expecting your call."