Lt. Katsim Peri - "Let's Go Home"
Amanda Nordstrom
(( Bridge, Deck 1, USS Oumuamua ))
So much had happened in the last few days, even the last few hours, that it was dizzying. First, the Thor had gone to check on an outpost down on Okaea, a watery world. They’d been taken surprised and crashed, stuck in the water, turned into a submarine, then limped back into space with the help of another ship, the Oumuamua, who was commanded by none other than Commodore V’Airu. Somewhere in between that time, the pirates who had attacked the Thor were joined by a Dominion ship who then kidnapped Commodore Kells!
Of course they had gone after him! How could they not? But upon their arrival, the Cenobians made a sudden appearance and rather than fight, the Vorta decided a more diplomatic approach. Not only that, the Vorta had referred to everyone as equals - with a Founder standing right there! What did it all mean?
It meant a new fledgling organisation, evidently one fashioned after the Federation itself. How interesting, to have tht blossom in front of them - but was it a good thing? Were they peaceful? Supposedly so, though their beginnings indicated otherwise. Peri still didn’t understand why they had been so antagonistic at first, nor did she understand why they needed Kells or why they had given him back so readily. It just didn't make sense. Even so, there were still two more missing.
Katsim: Perhaps…the rest of our crew could be returned to us?
Basilia: Response
Greaves: It would be appreciated.
The Lost One: We have no reason to keep your people here against their will. Our meeting has been successful.
Peri shifted a little nervously. No reason to keep them…was it because the meeting was successful? Did that indicate they would have kept Basilia and Wes had it not been? The idea was unsettling.
Vorta: Indeed, more than we could have hoped. (beat, with a slight bow to the screen) We thank you for your attention, Commodore and crew, and we apologize again that we needed to resort to subterfuge for this first meeting.
Peri heard the snort from V’Airu and she understood the indignation. That was not subterfuge, but outright antagonistic actions. Biting her lip, Peri kept silent . It had started that way, but now things were peaceful. She hoped they would remain so, even if they didn’t agree with what had led up to it.
The Lost One: I hope the next time we meet it will be under… new circumstances.
V'Airu: As do I. Go in peace.
Those final words had been spoken before only a few moments prior. As they faded, two shimmering columns of light appeared, then faded to reveal both Basilia and Wes. Peri let out an audible sigh of relief.
Basilia: Response
Vomek: Welcome back Major, Ensign. Good to have you aboard.
V'Airu: Congratulations on a successful mission, and welcome to Oumuamua.
Everything that had led up to that moment didn’t make sense. But sometimes, the universe didn’t make sense. Sometimes, one just had to understand you didn’t have all the answers and you had to do the best you could. If nothing else, the Commodore was returned, as was the rest of the awa team who stood right there in the bridge, and Peri was extremely happy to see them safely there.
Greaves: Good to be back ma’am. Any word on Lieutenant Kel or Commodore Kells? They both were injured.
Vomek: I'm not sure sir, it looks like they've activated the EMH.
Katsim: Both of them?
Kells was injured, and Kel? How badly? With those two returned, the other two were now the subject of her worry, but there was nothing she could do for them. They were in better hands than hers.
Cabrillo/Basilia: Responses
Vorta: We hope for their speedy recovery.
Everyone was startled by the sudden voice coming over the commlink, for no one had expected it. Had someone forgotten to close it? Evidently so.
V’Airu: Thank you. (beat) I am sure we'll meet again.
Vorta: No doubt. As you said, go in peace.
No doubt. How long until that meeting, and would they remain peaceful? With the past as a record, some would be skeptical. Peri decided she wanted to be hopeful. The channel closed and the Commodore took up her seats as other officers on the bridge called out.
Ulasso: Navigation sensors, impulse and warp drive are ready. I can take us out of here whenever we need. Standing by.
Vomek: All systems green. Where are we heading next ma'am?
V'Airu: Home. Tractor the Thor, ensure it and its crew are secure, and then maximum warp for the wormhole. (beat) Go.
Home. What a wonderful word, and a wonderful idea. Back to their home quadrant, back to the safety and familiarity of Federation space. They needed it, to return there, to gather their bearings. No one protested and after a lingering gaze, she finally turned back to her own seat to ease into it and retake her position. Yes. It was time to go home.
[End scene for Peri]
-- Lt. Katsim Peri Chief Science Officer USS Thor M239008AD0