Star Trek: Eleventh Fleet

Ep2: Chapter 4: Broken

Kal led his mother through the station. There was a tense silence between them. He knew she was holding back her temper. But he also knew she had not finished with him yet.

"Here we are." They walked through the doors into a waiting room area. The refugees from the Maquis ship filled the room. Kal was less than pleased to see these people here. "Oh, uh..." His mind filled with ideas on how he could turn his mother around and get her out of here before she noticed them, but it was too late. Makbar approached with that sweet smile of hers.

"Captain Henderson. I cannot thank you enough for what you've done for my people. I was so worried when they were captured. Thank you." She was nearly in tears.

Kal cleared his throat and stepped aside. "Uh, Makbar, this is Admiral Henderson."

Makbar greeted Bonita with that same smile. "I am pleased to meet you. I'm Makbar, co-leader of this small group."

Bonita did not smile, her face displayed a substantial amount of annoyance. "Cardassians? Commander Nurnberg said nothing about Cardassians being present."

"Mom," Kal whispered. "Not here."

"Mom? Oh, so this is your mother. How nice to meet you." Makbar ignored the rudeness from Bonita, and said, "your son should be commended. He risked much to help those who were in great danger. After we fled Cardassia to escape Dominion tyranny and then spent months hiding in one terrible place or another, always fearing for our lives, it is a great relief that we can find such genuine goodness in this universe. As his mother and commanding officer, we should give you some of that credit yourself. Thank you, Admiral."

This rather amused Kal. That was a perfectly executed diplomatic response. His mother even took Makbar's hand and answered, "I'm just glad that he returned safely." She then said, "Cardassians... working with Maquis. I must confess that I'm confused."

Kal interrupted, before anyone dove into that explanation. "I will tell you all about it later. Here comes a nurse."

One of the holographic nurses stepped out and said, "Captain Henderson, Dr. Selar would like to have a word with you."

Admiral Henderson said, "I'll be in this conversation as well."

"Oh, hello Admiral. This way, please." The nurse led the way.

Peter jumped to his feet. "I want to come."

"Only Starfleet," Bonita stated, and then left with the nurse.

Kal paused long enough to say something without his mother hearing, "Peter, Makbar, I'll talk to you about your people as soon as I can. Please, be patient."

"We understand," Makbar replied and then sat with Peter to help comfort him.

Kal followed his mother and the hologram into the hospital. It dismayed him when they didn't head for the recovery ward. Right now all he wanted to do was see Sakura with her eyes open, listen to her voice, tell her how much he has longed for her all these years.

His mother asked, "Where were those Hakashan people? I didn't see any Felinoid people in that waiting area."

"I'm not sure," the nurse answered. "They've been waiting in shifts for news about their friends as they recover. I suspect most of the Hakashans are resting or eating right now. I will introduce you to them later. Here's Dr. Selar."

Dr. Selar waited for them outside of one of the medical laboratories. The only surprise in her for seeing an admiral approach was a single eyebrow raised. "Good afternoon, Admiral Henderson."

"Doctor Selar."

Kal asked, "What's going on? Is Sakura all right?"

Dr. Selar responded, "We are currently performing surgery on the two subjects who could not be revived. We need to remove the implants placed in their bodies, which countered medication. However, preliminary scans indicate they are otherwise healthy and should make a quick recovery. Right now, we must discuss this." She pressed a button on the wall and the sealed lab doors opened.