March of the Gods
:'''''Note:''' The Arcadia website is currently undergoing reconstruction due to a previous database corruption. Content is in progress and will be available in [[User:Sasoriza|the webmaster]]'s time.''
Arcadia # 2682 | |
| original continuity | |
| — Reverse Course — | |
| |
| year | 316 CE (2379) |
| posted | December 28 2002 |
| previous | Girl Talk (1) |
| next | Re: March of the Gods (1) |
[bridge — After "By the Bye".]
April's reaction to Quarton's innuendo had been merely a raised eyebrow. Protocol dictated putting the former Q in his place, but at the moment other things weighed on his mind and good ol' Wayne tended to it, as was proper – the crew was the XO's domain. In truth April found Quarton refreshing – at least he was being honest. April, too, felt more compunction with regards to job politeness than in the old days, and it was all he could do not to simply roundhouse those proving difficult, as the Klingons had taught him. He shot a glance at Drake who seemed to chuckle nonstop, and then Starr's outburst threw April for a loop.
April stared at the closed turbolift doors for a long moment after Starr left. Something troubled her. That remark... No place on this ship? He didn't quite comprehend. His heart ached for her. Something hurt her inside, and he felt that hurt. He took a step towards the turbolift, ready to follow and find out what, but halted. This ship needed him now. He saw, then, he truly had no place on this ship, either, anymore. In a moment of crisis, he was more concerned with one woman then an entire ship.
He swung back towards the viewscreen. "Mr. Drake, obviously you haven't been paying attention. According to the XO'S report on his encounter with the Gatekeeper, we'll return to our proper quantum state once all elements of our presence on this Earth have been removed." April took Wayne off to one side of the bridge and they spoke in low tones, out of earshot of others. "Andrew, once this is over, I'm returning command to Skye. I don't belong here. So I hope you won't have a problem with this, but... I'm going back down to take care of some last-minute business and to retrieve Commander Jallez. You have the ship."
"Pardon me for saying, Captain, but are you sure that's wise?"
"I don't know. But Jallez came looking for me, and I have to return the favor. We can't leave without him or the Akasha."
Then he did leave the bridge, disappearing into the turbolift... possibly for the last time, once and for all.
[sickbay]
Starr could find nothing wrong with Skye. His neural output was back to normal... if she could trust her readings. For that reason she discharged him to quarters. Still, Marlu`k had a standing order to keep the former Arc CO under surveillance (you never knew); Crewman Sarneth escorted Skye back to quarters, then stood guard outside his door.
A couple minutes later, April walked in, looked around and found Starr.
"Jenna," he said, approaching, "I never thought you couldn't do this. In fact, I need you to. We need you to go down there and get that shuttle back. You've already set it up to meet with this Sergeant Walker. There's no one else, no time for other arrangements. Want a ride? I'm going back down there now, to get Jallez. I can drop you off at Area 51."
▷ TBC ◁
