So Nice of You to Call

[A Davis 0]

So Nice of You to Call

A Chirakis/Davis Joint Log

Amanda brushed a totally uncooperative strand of hair from her face as she sat at the console on Alastair I, the archaeology colony that was investigating the ruins of a city that appeared to have been abandoned by a civilization some 100,000 years ago.

Counselor Davis had been on TKR-117 as a guest of Dr. Nagi, chief archaeologist, since before Aegis went... wherever they went when they disappeared. Since that incident all manner of rumors had spread about what had actually happened, and the rumors had become more absurd as the system remained under alert level red, or code red, or red alert. Whatever they called it in the colony really didn't matter. What did matter was that they really hadn't heard from the station for over 48 hours.

As she waited for the subspace signal to engage, she couldn't imagine who was calling and why. It put a knot in her stomach, which was already in knots from their most recent archaeological find. But knots of anxiety from waiting were much worse than knots of excitement.

"Doctor Davis." The image of Commander Chirakis took Amanda totally by surprise. "Where is Administrator Sa'atak? Dr. Nagal?"

Blunt, as usual, was her passing thought before Amanda blurted, "Oh, thank goodness, Commander! I'm so glad you're all right! Is the station all right? Is everyone all right?"

"We've sent the colony timely updates, Counselor. Have you not received them?"

"Oh, for heaven's sake, of course we have," she said, adjusting her chair in an agitated manner and brushing that same strand of hair away from her face, "but it's not the same as actually hearing from you, seeing your face, hearing your voice. I've been ever so...."

"Counselor," the commander interrupted, leaning into a more demanding posture. "Where is Administrator Sa'atak or Doctor Nagal?" Stylus in hand, she tapped it impatiently on the desk.

"At the excavation site. There's been a very exciting find, one that Doctor Nagal is personally directing and the administrator is overseeing. It's a new area of the city, found completely by accident. Washed out by a monsoon rain. Very interesting artifacts, intricate writing not unlike runes. I'll see if I can bring one when I return."

"So you are here in their stead."

She is definitely not pleased. Definitely does not care one whit about the find.

Amanda took a deep breath. "Well... yes," she said, somewhat miffed but certainly not surprised. It took her a few seconds to slip into a more professional mode. "How may I help you?"

"Several days ago I queried the Administrator and Doctor Nagal about the possibility of relocating the Deosi to your colony. Has there been a decision?"

Ye gods. It's not like nothing has happened since then. "Well.... yes." She paused to study her hands before looking back at the screen, "Sort of. Administrator Sa'atak has his reservations. He's concerned about their track record."

"Their 'track record.' Meaning the thefts?"

"Yes. And their DNA problems. We don't have any extensive medical facilities here, and with the station half a day away it's just a bit disconcerting."

The commander nodded understanding. "As for the thefts, it has been explained to the administrator that the Deosi were taking what they needed to survive. Now that their needs are met, there have been no thefts, nor do we expect there to be any when they are relocated and gainfully employed at the colony. As for the DNA problems, Doctor Lepage has that in hand."

Her expression brightening, Amanda leaned expectantly towards the screen. "He's found a cure?"

"Of sorts. He tells me that a diet rich in silica will slow the degradation, though his theory has yet to be tested. Hopefully that will happen when they are moved to a colony rich in silica, the closest one being yours."

"Yes. Well. As soon as the security problem is ironed out, I'm sure he'll have no problem with it and we can get them over here. I'll relay that to Administrator Sa'atak."

"I will be waiting for his reply, Doctor Davis. And for his official statement needed to move the Deosi. Chirakis out."

The screen phased to the Alastair I logo before Amanda could utter another word. "Well," she said to the empty room, "it's good to hear from you, too, Doctor Davis, and I'm glad you're well. Thank you, Commander. So nice of you to call."