Relief

Eran, stepped out of Counsellor Devore's office and headed for the Bridge. He felt that now was the time to approach Devore about the problems. Counsellor Devore had also advised him to do it as soon as possible. He directed the turbolift to the Bridge and stepped out onto the bridge to see it under heavy repairs.

"Is Captain Devore in his ready room? " He asked the officer in charge

"He is..." Came the abrupt reply from T'kul. Her dislike for Dakul was more apparent than most officers, but then again, she was half Bajoran.

Eran rang the chime and was invited in. He walked in and found Devore sitting behind his dress in his casual uniform reading over a Padd from the large stack that was on his desk.

"What can I do for you Lieutenant ?" asked Devore peering over the Padd.

"I have a few problems that I need to discuss with you Captain."

Devore realised that Eran was serious and put down the Padd and looked up at Eran

"What is it ?"

"First of all, I have problems with the crew." Eran thought it would be better to put this problem forward first. "Basically, they hate me."

"Hate you ?"

"Because I'm Cardassian sir. Surely you have noticed it. I have been threatened numerous times in the corridors. Mostly by Bajoran officers, I'll admit, but by some others too. Commander Rashad, bears an obvious hatred to me. As do many others. Just yesterday, I was checking on crewmen Mulden and Forestal and as I walked off one of them said, and I quote, 'Cardassian Prick ! who does he think he is ordering us around !!'"

"I had no idea it was this bad for you Eran. I'll certainly look into it and try to make things a bit more comfortable for you. As for Mulden and Forestal, pay no attention to them. They have no respect for anyone. In fact, disrespect for Major Phanan was what got them on extra duty in the first place."

"Thank you sir."

"No problem" Said Devore getting back to his Padd. "Was there something else Lieutenant ?" Asked Devore after he noticed Eran was still standing at his desk.

"Yes sir, there was."

"Spit it out then."

Eran thought for a moment about how to say this without offending the Captain, if that was at all possible in this situation. He took a deep breath and began.

"Captain, do you have a problem with me ?"

"Problem ? With you ? How do you mean ?"

"Well sir, in my opinion, security officers should be closer to Captain's than most senior officers set aside the executive officers. In many cases, the two often become good friends. However, I can't help but notice that this isn't the case between us."

"You have to forgive me Lieutenant, It's been a hard few weeks since we've been out here. I've had little time for anyone."

"Captain, is it because I'm Cardassian ? Do you hold a grudge against my people ? against me ?"

"Of course not ! That's absurd ! Admittedly, most Cardassians I did hold a grudge against for a long time, but most of them that fought in the war are either now dead or have been discharged from military service. You had nothing to do with the war. You fought for us. You're a good and honourable man and I'm sure that in future, I'll be able to place a great deal of trust in you."

"You really mean that ? You're not just saying that to get me out of here as quickly as possible ?"

"I mean it Eran. You shouldn't be punished because a few military leaders and politicians of your world decided to enslave a planet and go to war with us. You, like many other Cardassians in the past have proven that there are good, honourable Cardassians out there. You should be proud that you're Cardassian! Never let anyone take that away from you !"

"Thank you sir. I will"

"Now if that is all, I really need to look over these reports from Engineering. Would you like to join Sierra and me for dinner tonight ?"

"I'd like that Captain."

"We eat at 20:30 hours. See you then Mr. Dakul."

"See you then Captain."

Devore walked out of Devore's office happier than he'd been in a long time.