40.5 Sacrifice of Angels by Diane Carey

Author:Diane Carey [Carey, Diane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure, Interplanetary voyages, Sisko; Ben (Fictitious character), Media Tie-In
ISBN: 9780671024987
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 1998-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

"THERE WERE several casualties, Captain. General Martok lost his second officer and two senior engineers. Eight of our lower-deck crew were killed in the ship's outer areas. Thank you for asking about Alexander."

"How many Jem'Hadar ships did you manage to draw away, Worf?"

Sisko leaned forward and peered at the communications screen, at Worf's dogged face with its constant scowl.

On the screen, the cross between the Empire and Starfleet looked as drawn as Sisko had seen him in weeks.

"We engaged at least five Jem'Hadar," Worf told him, "but we have no way of knowing how many guard ships were left for Dax to face in the cluster."

Sisko started to mention that they didn't even know yet whether or not the Defiant had survived the dangerous travel through the erupting core of the cluster to engage any Jem'Hadar ships that might be left behind. He would've voiced his concern, except that the captain of that ship was engaged to the man he was speaking to and Sisko was sensitive to reminding Worf that his fiancée might now be dead.

Besides, they both knew all the hard truths as well as their own names. There was no comfort either would take, or would attempt to give.

Worf waited through their mutual discomfort, then found a nonemotional question to ask. "Has there been any news, sir?"

Sisko almost winced. It was emotional anyway.

"None."

"The Defiant has been gone over sixteen hours."

Finally Sisko had to offer something, anything. "I know this is difficult for you, Worf."

"Yes, sir," Worf accepted, "but I sense it is more difficult for you. The Defiant is your ship."

Of course, he wasn't just talking about the ship, Sisko knew. Worf was offering some kind of sympathy for Sisko's having to stay here, in this office, unable to share the pains or problems of his crew, and a simple order or change of position couldn't stop those people out there from being his crew.

"Dax'll bring her home," he said, mustering a hint of confidence. "There's no way she's going to miss her own wedding."

"No," Worf said. "I suppose not."

For a moment longer they regarded each other, neither willing to forfeit the stronger position in a relationship that now, though rarely, needed somebody to be the comforting one.

"As soon as I hear something," Sisko offered, "I'll let you know."

"Thank you, sir. Captain, you should get some rest."

Sisko almost straightened in the chair, but trying to pretend he wasn't exhausted would look just as silly as pretending he wasn't worried.

"Not tonight."

Without further amenities, Worf simply clicked off the communication. Neither of them wanted to hear any good-byes or over-and-outs.

"I've got to get out of here somehow," he murmured. "I've got to get back in command ..."

Only the whispering hum of the hardworking tactical computer and the bubble of the replicator making him another cup of coffee provided any answer for his horrible mumble.

Get out. Get back command. Big talk from a selfish man. How many other Starfleet officers were hungering right now, as he was, for command?

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