Conversations

[Cmdr Ayers 0]

Muon heads to the mess hall to have a bite to eat before reporting for duty. When she arrives, she notices Commander Ayers sitting at a table, looking lost in thought. Deciding to join him, she walks over to his table, "Mind if I join you Commander?" she asks.

 

"Please do Lt." Nick responds and waves to an empty chair.

 

      Muon settles herself and begins eating. Glancing up at Nick, he still looks lost in thought.  "So Commander, what do you think will happen next?"

 

      Nick blinks and feels a blush crawling up the back of his neck when he realizes he had let his mind wander.  He swallows the bit of salad that he had been absentmindedly chewing then says "To be honest, I am not entirely sure. I imagine we'll be busy trying to find the refugees a new home planet and moving them there and once that's done orders will come down on our new assignment." He hesitates for a second then adds "Most likely, Command will shift some personnel to different assignments and bring some new people in. However, for right now, all we have to do is wait for the end...to befall Cardassia Prime and the Station." Though he tries to say that with as much of a professional tone as he can, some of the frustration and sorrow over the situation that he's feeling leeches into his voice.

 

      He studies the Lieutenant for a few seconds, wishing that she didn't appear to him as the empathic equivalent of a brick wall.  When one had spent a lifetime using a gift it was at times disconcerting to have to make do without it. Finally he says "My apologies for getting lost in my thoughts just a minute ago, Lieutenant.  I'm still trying to get a feel for this place."

 

    Muon nods, understanding.  "I know what you mean.  This..."  She waves an arm to indicate the station, "is not at all like Fereginar. Very different. Also, it goes against my nature to hang around and wait for a planet to blow up."  She grins and adds "Normally, a Ferengi would be light years away by now."

 

    For a brief second, she thought Nick smiled a little.  Deciding it would be prudent not to mention it....   "Anyway, you're right.  We'll just have to wait and see."

 

    Just then, a shipwide announcement is heard.  *Senior personnel report to Command.*

 

    Nick begins to rise.  "I must be going Lieutenant.  Thank you for the company."

 

    Muon smiles and nods.  "Sure thing Commander."

 

    All across the ship, people are lost in their own thoughts.  What would become of Cardassia?  What would  become of all the people?  Only time would tell.