Chapter

Two years later

Fabian Stevens and Tarsem Johal stood above the treeline, perched on a rocky outcrop that allowed them a vantage point over the village far below. Coroticus III was a class-M world, and Stevens allowed himself a moment to breathe in the scent of alien pine drifting up on the mild wind. This almost makes it worthwhile, he thought. The S.C.E. was to begin the process of rebuilding a dozen cultural observation posts on pre-warp worlds throughout the sector, with the da Vinci handling Coroticus III and Sachem II. Stevens was leading a small team on Coroticus, training a group of young technicians in the process before they could be left on their own, while Corsi located the Dominion headquarters for the planet and Abramowitz observed whatever cultural contamination the Dominion might have left behind. It was not a mission that promised to be much of a challenge. At the same time, escape was impossible; the da Vinci wasn't due to pick them up for seven days. The ship was now dropping off another team—with P8 Blue, Chief Hawkins, and Bart Faulwell in Stevens, Corsi, and Abramowitz's roles, respectively—then would report to Avril Station for a week to conduct upgrades on their outdated systems.

"You're not pleased to be on this assignment." Johal's smile was gentle.

Stevens dragged his attention away from the scene below. "I'm sorry if I seem distracted, Commander. The S.C.E. is happy to assist however it can. That's what we're here for."

Johal shrugged, the smile never leaving his eyes. "Rebuilding duck blinds is hardly a challenge worthy of the Corps of Engineers. Nevertheless, your expertise is appreciated. This sort of mission hasn't been the highest priority lately, but it is what we're out here for. Exploration. Discovery."

Stevens nodded. High above them, a dark green bird floated serenely. There was nothing Stevens could see that even hinted at this world's recent past as a Dominion conquest. Of course, that didn't mean Coroticus III wouldn't reveal some scars eventually. Rebuilding Starfleet's observation posts here wasn't simply meant to resume the original mission. It was to study the effect of alien conquest on a pre-warp civilization. "We take that duty seriously, sir. You'll be back at work in no time."

"I won't be staying on when the post is up and running again. I'm only here to patch things up, and then only because I know the place better than anyone else." His eyes lingered on the vivid forest, and beyond toward the purple mountains in the distance.

"So, what is your next assignment? Or should I say, where?"

Johal chuckled. "Picking strawberries."

"Strawberries?"

"An Earth fruit. A delicacy the galaxy over. The Mizarians will pay almost any price for a kilo of strawberries." He shrugged, smiling faintly. "It acts as a mild narcotic for them."

"I know the fruit, Commander. I'm guessing that Starfleet isn't assigning you to strawberry duty?"

"Good guess, Mr. Stevens. My sons own a large farm on one of Shiralea's moons. Turns out the equatorial belt is virtually perfect for strawberries. Just as good for blueberries in the right season. My whole extended clan lives there: sons, daughters, grandchildren, various in-laws." He paused to allow a faint, wistful smile. "And my wife."

"It sounds… idyllic. Very idyllic."

Johal laughed. "No need to be polite, Mr. Stevens. It's not for everyone."

"No, sir, it isn't. I tried it, before the war started. It didn't take, and I found myself off Rigel and on the da Vinci before I knew it. If you don't mind my asking, if retirement beckons, why not leave this assignment to one of your officers?"

Johal looked out at the vista before them. "My tactical officer died destroying the post so that it wouldn't fall into enemy hands. My first officer was lost when the Ogun was destroyed a few months later. She'd been reassigned as a yeoman. It was only supposed to be until the war's end." He smiled faintly. "It just goes to show that you can never take anything for granted."

Stevens remembered Salek and Chan Okha, who died during the war, and 111, who died shortly afterward, and Ken Caitano and Ted Deverick, who died just a couple of weeks ago, and Diego Feliciano and Stephen Drew and all the other crewmates who died at Galvan VI—including his best friend, Kieran Duffy. He whispered, "Amen."

Copyright © 2005 by Paramount Pictures