Along the equator of Andor, running thru the center of the main continent lay long narrow valleys between towering mountain ranges. The mountains provide a bit of protection from the unforgiving cold of most of the planet. That and the long days allow an area of distinctive vegetation on an otherwise bleak world. Here the Srjula plant clings to the mountain sides, its leaf harvested twice a year to make the Srjula Tea so important to Andorian society.
Dr. Blue watched in utter amazement as Marcus carefully poured a kettle of hot water over what appeared to be real Srjula leaves in strainer, the tea collected into a genuine Neruu serving pitcher.
After filling the pitcher, Marcus set out two small matching cups. He brought the tea and cups over to their chairs in the rear compartment on a silver tray and set it on a table between them. Then, as if he were on Andor, he bowed his head and gave a short Hastra Bei Hastra prayer. Finished he pour the tea into the little cups and handed one to Dr. Blue.
"Sorta -Ka venn." he said as she took the cup.
"Sorta - Ka venn." she answered. Leaning back she shook her head. "Most impressive Mr. Dinn."
"I'm not trying to impress you Dr. Blue. Just make you feel....at home."
She sipped the hot tea. It was exactly as she remembered it from home. In her mind she could see her mother performing the same little ceremony for her family before dinner.
"How did you get this?" she asked.
"I still have connections back on Andor."
She studied him, his face, looking for any other tell tale signs of his genetic manipulation.
"So....why? What made you go thru what had to have been an excruciating painful procedure."
"I was working for Star Fleet Intelligence."
"They sent you as a spy? To Andor?"
"No. I was requested by Andor, so Star Fleet loaned me to them."
Dr. Blue set her cup down. "Not possible. Andor would never have knowingly allowed that."
"Why?"
"Because....the Treaka would never have allowed it."
The Treaka was a branch of the Andorian Imperial Guard. It's sole purpose to protect the Andorian culture from all enemies both foreign and otherwise.
"No...they would not." Marcus agreed.
The silence hung between them for a minute. "Unless it was the Treaka that brought me in." Marcus said.
"That could never happen, No human would ever be allowed into the Treaka."
"Exactly."
"But why?"
"What other reason could there have been. They didn't know who to trust."
Marcus refilled her cup. "I was on Andor for just over a year and a half."
"And did you complete your mission?"
Marcus shook his head. "No. My cover was blown. I lost three men I had recruited, barely got out alive."
"What happened?"
"Someone talked. Someone in Star Fleet Intelligence."
"What did you do?"
"I quit."
"You quit? You can't quit the Treaka. it's a vow for life."
"I was given special dispensation."
"For what?"
"I was able to rescue Ambassador Krymikes Daughter."
Dr. Blue nearly dropped her cup.
"That was you? You did that?" she remembered the news accounts of the famous Ambassadors daughter being kidnapped. She had been held for weeks, and then suddenly she just showed up again. Dropped off in front to the ambassadors home early one morning. No note, no explanation, no nothing.
Marcus filled his cup again, but said nothing.
"So you quit Star Fleet and landed on the Phoenix colony." she said.
"Decided it was time for change. Are you hungry? I have some Impararay
And harrid."
"No.... are you serious?"
Marcus got up and returned to the galley to prepare the small meal. As he did he brought Dr. Blue up to speed on his current situation. She got up and watched as he carefully cooked the red bat meat in a sauce pan and placed the loaf of bread in a warmer. As they ate she listened to him explain he had no idea just who had sent Mr. Fren and the Observian to his club, or what their motive was.
When they finished the meal they returned to the tiny lounge.
Marcus grew quiet, his gaze seemed to focus on some far away point.
"When was the last time you slept?" Dr. Blue asked.
"Sleep? Oh.....two days, I think."
"No offence, but you look like hell."
"I've looked worse."
She pulled out her tricoder and scanned him again. "You have two fractured ribs, you spleen is bruised, and a puncture wound on your leg that is not healing well. Disrobe please."
"Beg you pardon?"
"I'm your doctor. I'm telling you to disrobe so I can start cleaning you up."
He was to tired to argue so he did as he was told. When he had stripped to his shorts he started to sit down.
"You're not finished." she corrected him.
Shrugging his shoulders he pulled off his shorts and stood ready for inspection.
She couldn't help herself. It was an unexpected sight.
"Oh...." he smiled. "I played a Romulan too, for a time. Thought I'd keep that improvement."
"Good call." she nodded.
****
Over the next hour she maintained her professionalism and ministered to the various ailments. Then she ordered him to lay down, for at least a few hours. SB 157 was still some distance away.
She sat..watching him sleep. Wondering how amazing the universe could be. Just when she had begun to feel so homesick, this man shows up.
"This may prove more interesting than I could have hoped." she whispered to herself.
Marcus Dinn
Owner of RICKS and Oz
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Lieutenant Commander Dr. Delilah Blue
Medical Officer, USS Prometheus
