ten_fwd | (no subject)

The week had started so well. Dukat had received reports that the ore requirements were being filled once again, there hadn't been a riot on board the station in well over a month. Tora Naprem and his daughter Ziyal were safely aboard the Ravinok and on their way to Lisepia and the red leaf tea had been superb. Naturally, things had to go downhill. First there was the bombing and assassination attempt. Death threats were always so much fun, but when they also endangered the lives of those trusted into his care it was unconscionable. Odo swore he had the suspects, and the three were executed.

And that was that. Right? Of course it couldn't be so easy. Three days later, there was another bombing, and Dukat was starting to get used to the constant ringing in his ears. And then they lost contact with the Ravinok. Dukat studied the information on the PADD he was staring at, as if constantly glaring at it would change the information contained within. He let the Bajorans build their shrine.He had tried to help them become more self sufficient instead of relying on Cardassian generosity and what was he given in return? As thanks? Assassination attempts. Riots. And more pressure from Central Command.

Getting up from seat in his office, Dukat went over to the replicator. "Red leaf tea, please." It never hurt to say please and thank you. Even to replicators. Picking up the mug, he took a sip, and closed his eye briefly. And in that instant, the temperature changed, dropping at least 10 degrees Celsius. The lights were brighter too. Irritated, Dukat raised his comm to his lips.

"Dukat to Engineering. Would you care to explain your sudden inability to maintain climate control?" But, looking around, Dukat was quite sure the situation wasn't limited to climate control.

"Dukat to Terok Nor. Respond."

Taking stock of the situation it would appear he was far from Terok Nor. "Would someone like to explain why the Prefect of Bajor has been teleported onto a Federation ship? This is not the way to ensure peace talks. I assure you."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sitting in Ten Forward, Henry watched people. He'd kept his backpack with him at all times since his arrival and probably would for a while yet. He didn't trust these people but at least they were being nice. He continued to note down things about the people he knew and the people he didn't, learning everything he could until there was a flash of light.

There was suddenly someone else in the room with him. He'd arrived with his back to Henry but when he looked around, the boy caught a look at his face.

And screamed.

Dukat spun around to find the source of the scream, only to find a small human boy--who...was either terrified or....burned his tongue maybe?

"Boy. Are you screaming at me or are we in danger? Besides the obvious abduction, that is. Do you know who is responsible for this?" Honestly, screaming at a Cardassian. Didn't the boy have any manners? At least he wasn't Bajoran. That might have been more than Dukat could take.

The scream was just the initial shock of someone so different to everyone else he'd met so far. Usually the different races had slightly differences to humans but this man was striking in his differences.

After breathing heavily for a moment, he shook his head. "S-Sorry mister." He tried to stop looking so scared. Because he wasn't scared per se, just shocked by the man's appearance.

"I'm not used to seeing other species. And you're the most different one I've seen." He had no idea of the man's race but he was trying to be polite and tactful about it. Sadly that wasn't always possible.

"Well you're going to find a fair number of them here, so might I suggest you get used to it. In fact, I'd bet the computer here has a number of files you could access to bring yourself up to date. So you don't scream at anyone else." Despite himself, Dukat, chuckled. It was a bit amusing, being screamed at by a human boy about Mekor's age.

"I'm a Cardassian, Gul Dukat. And who are you?"

Henry just nodded. He knew that. He just hadn't gotten around to it. Being in this setting was still taking time to get used to to.

"I'm Henry. Henry Gold." He paused before adding: "I'm human." It was probably obvious but he felt like saying it anyway. "Nice to meet you Mr Dukat." Because Gul was obviously his first name.

"Yes, you are human, I can see that. And it's Gul Dukat, Henry--may I call you Henry? Gul is a title, equivalent to your Captain I believe. I'm also the Prefect of Bajor--that's a planet under Cardassian jurisdiction. We're helping them become more.....self sufficient."

Dukat paused, taking a sip of his tea before continuing. "And you. Shouldn't you be in school?"