To Shoot, or Not to Shoot

[Sendai Riko 0]

To Shoot, or Not to Shoot

The Question Answered

LtJG Sendai Riko

 

He was in for it, and he knew it, but he was far past the point of caring. After everything he'd been through, recently, he'd snapped. You can push a Bajoran a certain amount before they'll either break or explode; Riko had been close to breaking, but ended up exploding instead. Well, at least as far as the usually gentle-natured man could boom. As it was, he was so fed up with the Qel at this point, that he half wished his unapproved disruptor fire had vaporized the lust-blind idiot. Besides all of the trouble TroNoQ had caused on the planet, the cowardly doctor had tried laying the blame for the whole affair on Riko's shoulders. Thank the Prophets that Messner wasn't buying it, because he was in enough trouble as it is. At least Doctor Xiou will probably not back the Qel, judging by the annoyance painted on her face since the moment she had transported aboard the shuttle. A Bajoran can hope, anyway.

 

As for K'Walus, Riko's feelings were torn. This was her op, and she may feel some heat for not controlling him; on the other hand, if she had taken charge, one way or the other, he wouldn't have been put in the position of making the decision on his own. Blast that Van Roy! Riko didn't care if Bch had been on the comm with Kahless, he certainly didn't expect to be put on hold when he had been discussing time-sensitive vital matters prior to the authorization request, let alone because the HoD had been talking to that ninny-brained, prattling, pompous paper-pusher.

 

So, in the end, with the security forces closing in, and no time to wait, he had chosen to act instead of twiddle his thumbs, knowing full well at the time there'd be consequences, and accepting that. But he'd be damned if he'd not pay back the Qel for the trouble at some point in the future. He knew the Klingon saying: "Revenge is a dish best served cold." Riko swore that this entree will be frosty before hitting the table.