As more and more evidence seeped into 2016 that the temporal experiment designed to erase the history of the regional fleet authorities, the fascist Vulcan uprising and the colonial expansion from history had failed and the timeline was being restored to 2396, 370 years in the future, Nicole wondered about the assignment to Brooklyn 2016 and how that would be handled by Starfleet Command.
Nicole was devastated to learn that her new infatuation Jandaa Prang'Laar had returned to her father, Admiral Vasha Prang'Laar in 2396. The Tellarites no longer needed to quote-unquote have skin in the game now that the temporal reality was not being maintained. Nicole's heart had been broken so often lately that it was in tatters.
Nicole went to see Caitlin Wu, the Section 31 Operative that had helped create the temporal window used to get to King's County 2016. Nicole flat out asked Caitlin why she had remained here.
Caitlin responded, "Section 31 sees this temporal window as an important tether for future experiments and needs someone to stay here to maintain the link. Here I am a judge. I am well compensated. I have access to a replicator for cash and sustenance. In 2396, I am a cog in a giant machine designed to maintain the status quo. I have no freedom. Here I have freedom. Just by being here, I am fulfilling my duty. I am staying."
"I am staying too.", Nicole responded.
"It is your prerogative, Councillor.", Caitlin responded.
Nicole returned to the Renaissance. She was shocked to see Bella sitting in the courtyard. Upon seeing Nicole, she came running over falling to her knees crying, begging her to take her back. She sobbed as she apologized for the mistake with Mars Viceroy. She grabbed onto Nicole's legs, "I'll do anything. I am begging you."
Nicole pulled her leg free. She had learned that Bella was given the Klingon Sector as her Ambassadorial post and had been assigned to the Beta Penthe Sector which had been totally devastated in the Klingon recapture of the colonies and in the Cardassian War of January 2396. She would live in the ruins and assist with the refugee evacuations. She had been told by Marcus-Brutus that she had two options - Accept the assignment or return to the temporal assignment. Bella had chosen Nicole. She had chosen to get away from the future.
Nicole heard sobbing in the hallway. She opened the door to find the corridor empty. She found roses, a fine bottle of wine and a ten page apology detailing her betrayal of Nicole, her sorrow at the mistake and professing her new love for Nicole. Nicole actually started crying as she read the words of love.
Kenzi looked at her adoptive mother, "Are you going to give her a chance?"
"I don't know.", Nicole wiped her eyes.
"You gave me a chance when no one else would. Your heart is big enough to fix anything.", Kenzi hugged her foster mom.
Nicole went upstairs to the apartment assigned to Bella Pan'Taar. She opened the door to find the apartment totally empty. Bella had brought nothing. Bella heard Nicole and came walking out. She had obviously slept in her dress... On the floor. Bella half-whispered a hello. Nicole just nodded.
Both ladies just stood there in silence. A million unspoken words were being shared. Nicole finally looked up at Bella. She slowly lowered her sweater to expose her bra.
She was very apprehensive. She was so afraid of getting hurt again. Bella started to cry walking towards Nicole, cupping Nicole's left breast, "It was all my fault. You are perfect."
Bella kissed Nicole on the neck. Nicole quivered in fear.
"I promise to make this right.", Bella kissed Nicole on the cheek.
Posted by:
Bella Pan'Taar
Repented Lover
Renaissance Apartments
King's County
