Leaving the Light On
Posted on Thu Mar 27th, 2025 @ 9:57am by Commander Zhora zh'Roothi & Commodore Wilkan Targaryen & Administrator Kuzos & Lieutenant (J.G.) 1001 & First Ikidik'tan
3,355 words; about a 17 minute read
Mission:
Short Treks
Location: Landing Pad, U.S.S. Enterprise
Captain's Log, Supplemental Entry:
The Enterprise has received notice that our diplomatic envoy from the Dominion is ready to come aboard. Commander zh'Roothi and I are traveling to the Landing Bay to meet with him.
"Bridge to Commodore Targaryen."
Reaching the doorway to the Landing Bay, Commodore Wilkan Targaryen stopped and reached for his communicator. Tapping the device once, "Go ahead."
"We've just received the coded subspace signal you were waiting for. Should we reply?" The young Bynar Operations Officer answered.
Wilkan nodded, "Send my compliments, Lieutenant, and authorize their landing." The Enterprise's captain reached up to the small keypad next to the door and pressed the release command. As they walked through the door, the Captain continued, "Targaryen out."
Walking down a long corridor line with transparent aluminum windows, the Enterprise's captain briefly looked in at the large landing bay leading into the parking garage for the Enterprise's shuttles. In the ceiling of the chamber the space doors were closed as flashing lights came alive inside the bay. As the duo walked the giant space doors began to open to space beyond and the landing elevator began to ascend upward toward the opening.
Approaching the docking airlock, the elevator began its descent back into the bay and the space doors began to close. Looking out into the bay again, the El-Aurian spotted the large Dominion scoutship lowering into the bay on the elevator platform. Somewhat resembling an Earth bat, the spacecraft was quickly lit by the lights of the docking bay as the elevator neared the deck plating. Clear of the doors, they sealed shut and the landing bay lights shut off as well as a gantry began to extend from the airlock toward the scout's hatch. Gently pressing against the side of the Dominion vessel, gasses could be seen venting outward as the connections established.
Wilkan looked at the Andorian XO, "Now we wait."
"Not one of my greatest qualities," zh'Roothi sighed but resounded herself to the wait.
Inside the Dominion scout ship Kuzos sat. Since leaving Founder Odo and the others he had come to terms with his new assignment. Now viewing it as a challenge to be embraced and expanded upon. he looked to his Jem' Hadar First. "Come First, our Federation hosts are waiting. Let us meet our new...." He paused as he searched for the right word and settled on "associates. Let them see how we conduct ourselves."
The Commodore watched as the Dominion delegation approached from inside of their vessel and, inwardly at least, it opened old wounds the Commodore didn't realize existed. His thoughts returned to the Dominion War and the friends that he lost during the conflict. He started to wonder if this hadn't been a good idea.
Before they were within earshot the Enterprise's Captain whispered, "You greet them, Commander."
The eyes of his XO shifted briefly sideways to him following his whisper. She was surprised by his request and her brow crinkled with unasked questions, however obediently she stepped forward without comment.
"Greetings Administrator, welcome aboard the Enterprise," she began and nodded her head respectfully at the Vorta. "I'm Commander Zhora zh'Roothi First Officer, and this is Commodore Wilkam Targaryen, the ships Captain. I hope your journey was smooth."
Kuzos stopped with Ikidik'tan beside him and one step behind. His shifted between zh'Roothi and the Commodore but he said nothing for a beat then another before his face split into a smile "Commander zh'Roothi, it is a pleasure to meet you. Did I pronounce your name correctly? And yes, our journey was entirely unremarkable," He answered as his gaze shifted to the Commodore. "May I present my First? This is Ikidik'tan. It is an honor to meet you, Commodore." He added shifting gears quickly.
"Nice to meet you, Administrator," the Commodore answered, diplomatically, from his place slightly behind his Executive Officer. "And you too, First, it is nice to meet you as well."
The Jem'Hadar solider nodded simply, "Commodore."
"Commander," Wilkan looked to his XO, "Would you like to escort our newcomers to their quarters?"
It didn't feel like a request. "Of course sir," zh'Roothi remained polite and upbeat even if Targaryen was having an episode of cold feet. Perhaps, she concluded the Commodore was simply observing as she'd witnessed in the meeting room with Lortha and Vegg. Either way was now wasn't the time to show weakness against an old foe this far away from home.
"Will you follow me Administrator, First," the XO half turned gesturing for the guests to follow her lead.
The Jem'Hadar did not follow, instead turning to look at the Vorta to receive his orders.
"Yes, First please accompany us. I'm sure the Commodore knows his way after all it is his ship." Kuzos observed pleasantly.
"Maybe not as much as I'd have hoped. It is a new ship, after all," the newly promoted Commodore answered the Vorta with a fake smile. "My Exec will make a great tour guide for you though, Administrator and First, as she is very familiar with the Enterprise and its capabilities." He turned toward his XO, "I'll take my leave of you and allow you to get the Administrator acquainted with his cabin. I apologize for the accommodations though," he said turning back toward Kuzos. "Notice of your assignment here was short notice." He smiled as he said it, perhaps more than he meant to. For some reason the Commodore was suddenly bothered by having a Vorta aboard and he didn't know quite why he was.
"If you'll all excuse me."
The antenna on zh'Roothi crown swayed in unison and her crinkled again with uncertainty as Targaryen moved away leaving the XO feeling rather winded by his actions.
With a steadying breath she put the thoughts aside and returned her attention to the two Dominion representatives. "Shall we?"
Kuzos saw and catalogued the Commodore's smile, noting to be as fake. it seemed the Commodore wasn't all that thrilled with having him here. "Oh, I'm sure the accommodations will be fine Commodore." He turned back to zh'Roothi, "By all means Commander please lead the way." He answered as he took in everything as they walked the corridors.
The Jem'Hadar First stood close to Kuzos as they stood near to the Andorian XO. The tactical mind within the Jem'Hadar was moving at warp speed, taking in his surroundings and calculating a response should combat be needed. The diplomatic side that Odo had insisted upon was not as well developed, making the Jem'Hadar wonder if he was well suited for this assignment.
"What does the Commodore mean by apologizing for our accommodations? I had believed I would be berthed aboard our scout vessel."
Leading the way from the landing pad and along the corridor zh'Roothi had traversed a short while ago before meeting the Dominion guest the woman spoke over shoulder to Ikidik'tan to address his question. "Both yourself and the Administrator have been assigned guest quarters on deck three. From there you'll both have access to many of our facilities to enjoy at your leisure."
"If the Administrator has no objections," Ikidik'tan began, "I will maintain my place on the scout with the rest of my squad. The Administrator may utilize the cabin assigned."
Kuzos looked at the Jem'Hadar. "As you wish First. You may return to the scout ship and stay with your squad." He turned back to zh'Roothi, "Shall we continue Commander?"
Ikidik'tan nodded mutley, stiffened to attention and departed the pair to return to the Scout ship
Without realising the XO had halted short of the turbo car as the conversation had continued as details of the squadron of Jem'Hadar soldiers was revealed. "Yes, of course." she resumed the short distance and summoned the lift. "How many personnel have accompanied you Administrator?" she asked turning back her eyes lingering upon the retreating soldier.
Kuzos met zh'Roothi's gaze and answered immediately. "Ikidik'tan and a squad of six Jem 'Hadar soldiers Commander. Is there a problem? I was given this was known and agreed upon."
She clenched her jaw at the reply and resisted the strong urge to fold her arms in defiance. The polite and open air she was attempting to maintain was beginning to fray at the Vorta's mannerism and power games.
"No, there's no problem," she replied coolly. "I'm just curious why you needed to bring your own personal army. Do we frighten you Administrator?"
He smiled broadly at her before his voice became serious, deadly serious. "I wasn't aware seven Jem' Hadar constituted and army Commander. And if you are ill at ease or frighten by seven Jem ' Hadar and a lone Vorta. I suggest you talk to your federation officials and Founder Odo who agreed to this arrangement. Perhaps they can give you the answers you are more comfortable with."
Instinctively she stiffed her frame. "If I was afraid Administrator I'd have my own security detail standing beside me right now, or trailing your every move. And armed."
Behind the lift arrived like an intruder to a private party.
"You and the Jem'Hadar personnel our guests, and throughout this assignment our allies. No harm will come to you while you're aboard, however." zh'Roothi paused. "Don't expect to be treated as openly as I have been. Both sides will have to work hard if we are to trust one another given our history."
Kuzos looked her up and down before he replied. "Bold words and why should you be afraid Commander zh'Roothi? You are surrounded and protected by the hull of the federation's flagship along with its entire crew. I wonder if you would be so bold, so confident if the situation was reversed? Alas that is a question we may never know the answer to. As for expecting anything, I expect nothing. Therefore, I cannot be disappointed. First Ikidik'tan and his squad feel exactly the same." He motioned to the lift, "Shall we go?"
Remaining taught the XO moved aside to allow Kuzos to pass and board the lift before her. "Deck three," she instructed once inside. A soft tone responded and the lift hummed into life.
Her gaze drifted for the Vorta as they rode in a tense silence wondering if this version of Kuzos had been aware of her part in rescuing Dominion personnel and Odo from the unidentified space creature. Her and the away team had been vulnerable, facing certain death if had not been for the timely manner of a Dominion vessel. On board that very vessel that plucked them for death's door was Kuzos, or at least a version of him and therefore could have answered his own question.
Not that it mattered right now as they arrived at their destination. "Your assigned quarters are this way," zh'Roothi took the lead. "On this deck you'll also find the mess hall and observation lounge. Holosuites are located on decks four and eight should you wish to use them."
Kuzos rode the lift in silence, his thought his own. Only when the lift came to a halt and zh'Roothi took the lead did he reply. "Mess hall as well as an observation lounge. We are indeed grateful for these amenities Commander zh'Roothi. Will our quarters have replicators? If so, then I don't see myself using the mess hall unless I feel particularly adventurous nor do I wish to add to any tension our arrival has already added but the offer is appreciated."
"Every cabin, expect for the junior bunks have a food replicator," the Commander replied. "I hope there will be several items suitable for you diety requirements, if you're dissatisfied with the selection the Quartermaster will be able to source alternatives. Unfortunately we do not have the facilitates to make White for your Jem'Hadar crew members." She led the guests to the assigned cabin and unlocked the door.
"I am sure I can manage." Kuzos replied. "As for White, First and his squad no longer need it." Kuzos replied without explaining any further as they stopped in front of a cabin and zh'Roothi opened the door. "After you Commander." Kuzos offered.
She nodded at the non requirement of White and led the Vorta inside his new cabin. "As the Commodore has already stated we've had little time to prepare for your arrival. These are standard guest quarters, I hope they suffice?"
"I am sure they will be fine Commander zo'Roothi, just fine."
"zh'Roothi," the XO corrected him with an edge of frustration in her tone. "However Roothi will be acceptable if necessary."
"Ah yes, my apologies Commander, a slip of the tongue." Kuzos purred. He inclined his head when she offered an alternative name. "I believe I will stick with Commander."
Her lips thinned slightly before she continued with her last: "If you do find you need something else the Quartermaster will be able to assist. Would you like to rest, or continue our tour?"
"Oh, I would like to continue the tour Commander as this is my temporary home. So, I should get to know it." Kuzos replied with his best used car salesman smile.
"Very well," zh'Roothi nodded and returned to the corridor and towards the lift. "Let us continue."
"Certainly Commander, please lead on." Kuzos replied with a broad smile as they walked to the lift to continue the tour.
"Deck sixteen, engineering," the Andorian XO instructed once the pair were in the lift. Immediately it whirled into action and she addressed the visiting guest once more. "You have been permitted free roam of the Enterprise and the Commodore has requested your presence upon the bridge to aid with our passage throughout the quadrant."
"Very courteous of you to allow me to wander about freely." Kuzos replied with a smile. He nodded at being told he was expected to be on the bridge as they made their way through the quadrant. "Very wise and prudent of the Commodore. We wouldn't want any trouble now, would we?"
"There are, as you've probably expected their are some restrictions however." She fixed him with a firm glare as if warning the Vorta of the consequences of violating these primaters.
"Of course, Commander it is only wise to have restrictions. Are you going to share those restrictions with me or am I do wander about until your security personnel pick me up and toss me in your brig for violating those restrictions?" He inquired.
"I trust it won't come to that," zh'Roothi replied smoothly and enjoyed the mental image of Kuzos' smug face behind a security field under guard before moving on. "Your access to our systems will be very limited and your communications monitored. Though you and the First are our quests we will not be sharing any details that Starfleet, the Federation or the Commodore deem to be of a sensitive nature." The lift slowed to a stop before the door opened onto another corridor. "I assume you understand the reason for our caution."
Kuzos looked at zh'Roothi. "OH. I think you would be quite happy to see me in the brig Commander." He said with a smile. He continued on, "As to your precautions I take no offence nor would First if he were here. Also do please remember that precautions work both ways and neither I or First will betray or divulge any Dominion information to you or the Commodore that is viewed to be sensitive in nature. Also, lest you forget, you are our guests here in the Gamma Quadrant. So, it would be in our mutual best interests to get along would it not?" Again, the smile appeared on his face.
"Indeed," the Andorian nodded disliking that obnoxious smile each time it appeared that little bit more. "On that we can agree on."
Eager to escape the lift and move into a more bustling location to detract from the Vorta's personality zh'Roothi lead the guest into engineering where the vast room was dominated by the glowing colour of the wrap core. Even though they were docked in the station the core hummed in its dormant state ready to be employed in short notice.
Kuzos smile grew at zh'Roothi answer. "See? We can find some topic to agree on." He replied as his smile grew even larger (if that was possible) as he followed the Andorian into the engine room.
The XO tried not to gnash her teeth together as she glanced sideways to introduce the area they'd entered: "We're currently in Wrap Engineering on deck sixteen at the rear of the ship. The engine room if you like, I assume you understand the basics behind wrap engines Administrator?"
He nodded at their surroundings. "I am familiar with the workings of warp engines Commander." He replied simply without expanding on his answer. "I must confess however that your engine room is most impressive as is all your ship that I have seen so far."
"As the flagship we need to be prepared to handle a wide range of situations," zh'Roothi explained. "You should hold your breath until we reach sickbay - even I still find that to be impressive."
"But of course Commander. I would expect no less. The Federation has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to a wide variety of topics and situations. It is quite commendable. One could even say tenacious especially with varying degrees of success you have had." Kuzos purred.
"That almost sounds like a compliment Administrator."
"Does it Commander?" Kuzos answered an undercurrent of surprise in his tone and a smirk on his face. "I'll have to be more careful and watch myself. This could lead to an embarrassing bad habit."
"Uh-huh," zh'Roothi replied not convinced.
She indicated for him to follow her a nearby wall panel where she activated a simple ship map. "As I said we're currently here, on deck sixteen," she gently tapped in the screen with a finger tip causing the section to bloom slightly. "On deck eleven is another of our faster than light propulsion drives: the Quantum Slipstream Burst Drive." Again she tapped the monitor before addressing her guest. "It's more complex to operate, offers speeds that exceed warp in a similar style as the transwarp Drive utilised by the Borg, However, as the name suggests this can only be achieved for a short time before automatically shut down."
Kuzos just smiled at zh'Roothi as he gazed at the wall panel. "Fascinating. These wall panels I am guessing are located all over the ship. To keep visitors from getting lost or ending up in locations they shouldn't be." He nodded when she mentioned the Quantum Slipstream Burst Drive. "I have heard of the Slipstream Burst Drive Commander. How long are you able to utilize it? He paused before saying his next. "Yes, very clever to name it after the function it performs. Federation ingenuity is absolutely amazing." he deadpanned.
There was an interruption, "Bridge to Commander zh'Roothi."
The Andorian was relieved for the interruption for his belittling tone was tiresome. "Excuse me," she stepped away from Kuzos to answer the request.
Kuzos nodded, "Of course Commander." he replied as he looked at his shoes, the floor, the ceiling as she talked.
"Go ahead," zh'Roothi touched her com pin.
"Commander, the Commodore's moved up our departure timing. We're going to need you and the Ambassador to get up to the Bridge."
"Understood," the XO glanced back towards the Vorta momentarily. "We'll be there shortly."
She took a steadying breath before returning to Kuzos to deliver the news. "Unfortunately our tour has ended prematurely. Our presence is required on the bridge as we depart and head towards the wormhole."
"Well, that is a shame. We were having just a good time." Kuzos replied in a velvety tone. He sighed dramatically. "Let us not keep the others waiting. We wouldn't want them to grow concerned now, would we?"
"Quite," zh'Roothi responded lowly and began to retrace their steps out of engineering towards the lift.
Kuzos inwardly smirked as the pair walked along, bantering with zh'Roothi was going to be so much fun. Perhaps this assignment wouldn't be so boring after all.
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