Updated – December 15, 1998
BEHIND LINES
Chapter 1 - Part I
Ensign Eilia Tollin nervously scanned over FNS's (Federation News Service) data as she sat in the Medical Bay. Like most late shifts, it was quiet in the bay. The doctors and other assistants were in another room having coffee, but she wanted to spend some time alone, checking on the latest news accounts.
Her brother, Hal, was serving aboard the G.C.V. Vaggnass, a Gorn scout class vessel. He was the type that liked to be among the first to do something. While the Federation and Gorn had actively worked together for almost two centuries now, few humans were given the chance to serve on their ships. Before her brother, none had served aboard one of their exploratory vessels. Tollin’s family was proud to see him get the opportunity, but now she worried about him.
The Gorn Confederation had begun to suffer loses against an unknown force about 3 months before. Hal had communicated with their parents and indicated he was safe, but that was about a month ago. She worried and continued her search for any new information.
Tollin was so enraptured in her search that she missed Doctor Stewart’s return. When he came up behind her and got her attention she was startled. Seeing Stewart, she relaxed.
“Doctor, you surprised me.”
She now noticed a cocky grin on his face as he spoke. “I noticed. What’s so fascinating?”
Looking back at the console, she explained, “I was scanning through FNS, trying to see if there is any information on the beings attacking the Gorn.”
“Oh right, your brother’s doing a tour of duty with a Gorn scout ship, isn’t he?”
Concern entered her face as she looked at the doctor. “Yah. I was hoping to see where the Gorn are being attacked. I was hoping to figure out if it’s close to the area he was in the last time he sent us a message.”
“Well, from what I’ve heard the Romulans are being attacked by this force as well. So I have to assume if he’s heading towards the Galactic Core or on that side of the Confederacy, he’s definitely fine.”
With a stunned look, she looked at him for a moment. “The Romulans too? That’s not in these reports.”
“Well, Starfleet doesn’t want to let that get out to the public just yet.”
“Should you be telling this then?”
“I think I can trust you at this point.”
Appreciating the trust, she said, “Thanks. If you don’t mind me shifting subjects, what’s with the stupid grin?”
To that, Stewart grabbed the chair beside the table and set himself in it. His inane grin grew and he began, “Well, I have to tell you this has been a great day, overall that is.”
In a less than interested voice she inquired, “Another date?”
“No, actually had a good day without winning any hearts.”
She gave him a semi mockingly surprised look.
“Yes, it surprised me to. I usually just survive by naturally exuded charm.”
She nodded along with this. Tollin had learned to let Doctor Stewart boast. After a minute or so he usually came back to reality.
“Seriously though, I had a really interesting talk with T’rana earlier and it’s just been getting better. First, she actually complimented my humor and asked for help in exploring the concept. Then later we had yet another rather interesting conversation. And now a nice long walk and conversation. Overall, it’s almost scary.”
“But impressive.”
“After all that, on my way here I bumped into Lieutenant Moore on the turbolift.”
She looked semi perplexed at him, saying, ”So?”
“Well, you should have seen her. She was dressed in this long flowing black dress and was looking really remarkable. It was just…a dazzling sight.”
Unclear of what he was getting at, she probed, “It’s not the first time you’ve seen her in a dress, remember that ball on Debrock and th…”
“I know, I know. It was more something about her, more then what she was wearing. It’s hard to describe for a man. I mean, I think most us would classify and describe it as wow. I just wish I could describe it.”
Rolling her eyes, she decided to just move past it, saying, “Don’t worry, I think I get it.” Thinking for a moment, she continued. “Seeing as we’re heading to Klingon space, the Prime Team is probably about to go on a mission and I doubt it’ll be a pleasant one. It reminds me of the last time I saw my brother. He was about to transfer to the Vaggnass and I was home on leave. It wasn't an overly risky assignment, but it can be dangerous in that region. So, we spent the weekend out and about talking and conversing, trying to enjoy every moment. You never really know when it’s going to be your last chance to be with your loved ones. When you know theirs a chance that that opportunity is passing, you grab it and hold on. She’s just lucky she has someone that important close by.”
Stewart nodded in agreement, thinking for a moment. “I have to admit, I’ve never been in that position or had someone that special.”
Wanting to get off the topic of loved ones in dangerous situations and her brother she asked, “So, when you saw the lieutenant, were you smart or did you act as usual?”
“Oh no, I kept my thoughts to myself. As it is, she scares me a little.”
Tollin decided to goad him a little, saying, “Andrew Stewart, cowed by a woman?”
He frowned slightly. “You haven’t seen her record of injuries or fighting, or some of the things that happen early on. But, we shouldn’t be discussing that, unless it’s business. It’s enough to say I try to hold back any remarks if she’s in earshot. Even as amiable as she seems right now, I think saving my comments for the Captain would be safer, and more fun.”
Shaking her head, she shifted subjects again. “Well, I still can’t imagine you and Commander T’rana having a pleasant conversation. No goading, no remarks?”
Stewart, pondering his conversations with T’rana, sat back saying, “None. Well, a few at first, but she looked past that and still talked to me.”
Giving him a serious look, “Do you think she’s ill?” She let her words set in and then started laughing.
Unamused, Stewart shook his head saying, “Everyone’s a comedian.”
*****
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