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[Capt Ayers 0]

Nick narrows his eyes when Meve makes the remark to Demore that Nick would be more then willing to translate the distress signal now. He angrily thinks, but doesn't say "When hell freezes over...Admiral."

 

Nick had suspected that this day would come when he had made his choice regarding the distress signal. It was something he simply accepted that he would have to bear, he really didn't have a choice on the matter. What he had done needed to be done, it was what was best for everyone, just as one doesn't give a Phaser to a child. His only regret on it was not being able to orchestrate it in a way that kept Command...and especially those Starfleet Intelligence goons out of it. Now they were likely to make life for his people very uncomfortable for a long while. Well, the Elders would be able to deal with it, it was one of the contingencies that had been prepared for in case this or something like it ever occurred.

 

Nick glances at Ethan briefly. Make that two regrets.

 

As Muon rides the TL to the CT, she wonders what the hell is going on.  She had just checked in with Ethan but her boss had said nothing about anything being wrong.  Acting Chief of Security, and Ayers confined to quarters the Admiral had said.  What in the name of the FCA could have happened?  Well, as much as she was hating it right now, it was her job to do as the Admiral ordered.  She would do the best she knew how.  She had pulled herself together by the time the TL had arrived at the CT but she was still a little shocked to see the scene waiting for her.  The Admiral with a bloody hand and more angry than she'd ever seen him, and Ayers, equally as angry. 

 

He hears the turbolift door open behind him and he turns to find Quark standing there, looking a little bewildered and confused. Nick removes the Phaser from it's holster at his waist and offers it, handle first, to Quark as he says "Lets get this over with, Lieutenant."  He waits for her to take the Phaser before he steps past her into the turbolift.

 

Muon nods and takes the weapon wordlessly and then steps aside so the Captain can proceed her into the TL. She quickly glances around the CT at everyone there and then turns to follow the Captain into the TL.  They ride the TL in silence and then exit on the Captain's deck.  Muon decides that it's now or never.....

 

       "Captain, will all due respect Sir, what the hell just happened back there?"  She asks bluntly, not knowing how else to be.

 

       Nick stops and regards Muon for a few seconds.  Finally he says, with some command in his tone, "I do not think it wise, Lieutenant, that you ask that question.  It might be best for you if you simply did your job and not tried to engage the....prisoner in conversation."

 

    Muon tilts her head and holds the Captain's gaze for a moment.  Finally, she shrugs.

 

    "Very well Sir.  I understand."  Muon reaches over presses the button to open the

Captain's quarters.  Her expression is neutral but inside she is concerned for the Captain and the Admiral and, of course, Ethan.  "If you need anything Sir, just let Andrews know." 

 

He considers for a second then says "What I did, Lieutenant, was my job. The Admiral wishes that I hadn't did it in the way that I did and those above him wish that I hadn't done it at all."

 

Muon nods, not surprised.  "Well, whatever IT is Sir, I know you had your reasons.  Give the Admiral some time.  He'll cool down and then you two can talk again.  Maybe even without someone getting hurt this time."  Muon joked lightly, remembering that the last time the Admiral and the Captain had argued, they had almost killed each other.

 

Nick steps through the door to his quarters and turns around to regard Muon again. He nods slightly "Thank you for the humor but I fear that last time the Admiral and I had the excuse of not being in full control of our minds. This time, though, there is no such excuse. He's angry and I can't say I blame him for that and I..."

 

He shrugs and changes topics "I'll let Andrew know if I need anything though I'm not sure I should trust him with taking Diamant to the holodeck for a walk."

 

    "Aye Sir, I will.  And I'll be happy to find someone to walk Diamant while this is going on. Good Night Sir."

 

He turns but stops and says "If you get a chance, tell Commander Haw.....Ethan that I am sorry." He sighs and shakes his head then says "Nevermind that, it's my responsibility. I'll tell her myself. Just watch over the Admiral and her, Lieutenant, I put them both in an unpleasant spot. Good night, Lieutenant and take care."

 

Nick turns and steps into the room as the door closes behind him. He steps into the kitchen area and pours a generous amount of bourbon into a glass. He walks back into the main living area of his quarters as he consumes the drink. He stares at the empty glass for a long while. The anger that had been clawing for release finally wells up and he whirls around and throws the glass across the room to shatter against the windows. As he watches the glass shatter he says in a supremely angry tone "Damn short sighted bunch of immature spoiled brats."