Everyday Defiance

[LeftEar JoNs 0]

The Promenade was subdued. The only businesses that were open had been relatively undamaged, but most tended to close early. Patrons who did venture out to the eateries or to shop stayed in tight knit couples and family groups. Single patrons slipped furtive glances over their shoulders, going about their business quickly and efficiently, ducking into this store or that store, so as not to remain in the open for a long period of time. The café tables and chairs were devoid of use, the typical seating arrangements set out in the open as they were.

 

No one wanted to be a single, or moving target, should a rogue sniper somehow make it past the internal Security grid and personnel; the smell of fear and concerned paranoia was scented on the air...at least to a Caitian.

 

The terrorists had left their mark on the space station, mentally with lingering thoughts and physically with the damages to property and personnel. Security had become a constant presence, patrol numbers had doubled and in some cases tripled per the orders of Daise Dabi.

 

Left Ear JoNs maintained a grid assignment, phaser rifle slung across one shoulder. The rifle, though standard issue, was not usually standard issue for patrols or general posting assignments. During peacetime, that is; Sky Harbor Aegis remained on alert, dealing with the private little war instigated by a previously unknown Romulan terrorist faction.

 

The Cait walked along the Promenade perimeter grid assigned to her for the shift, slowly back and forth, nodding to the occasional passerby who actually made eye contact.

 

“Excuse me?”

 

The brown furred panther turned halfway around, not entirely surprised at the question; she had heard the woman’s approach. “Yes Ma’am. May I help you?”

 

The younger woman, in her mid to late twenties, hesitated at first before replying. “I have some inventory…” She indicated the personal gravity sled that hovered nearby, holding a half a dozen medium-sized plasti-steel containers, lashed down by bungie cording, “…that I’d like to transport to the civilian cargo storage deck. I know the way is cleared, but…,” She cleared her throat, “”…I’d like to ask if someone could walk with me?”

 

JoNs recognized the Trill female. She rarely frequented the woman’s shop, as it tended towards jewelry and the like, but she knew of the woman; Virna was her name. Her eyes held the same emotions that the Caitian had witnessed in other eyes, no matter the species: fear, concern. And defiance. The fear was not to keep the businesswoman from her daily duty. Virna just needed a little bit of assistance in order to do so.

 

The Commander waved a paw to Team Two, stationed across the way; the answering wave confirmed that the post position would be filled in her absence.

 

With a slight smile of understanding, Left Ear turned her attention back to the shopkeeper. “I’ll escort you there myself.”