Chapter Text
Seven months after the end of the Dominion-Federation conflict, the organizers realized their network of 150 members was by far not extensive enough to address the challenges that they were facing on Cardassia, so that anyone with the required skills was requested to join their team for at least a few weeks or even permanently. On Deep Space 9, the branch of SFHS was functioning at full capacity, providing logistic and humanitarian support for most of the planets in the sector. However it, too, was severely understaffed in spite of fifteen full-timers; Starfleet had lost so much personnel in the Dominion war that its institutions were in nearly the same situation.
When Melset came in after an hour of downtime, Myssiro was already waiting for her. “Gul Melset, urgent message for you, Loo’Wess area, Natíma Lang requests you contact her immediately.”
“Put me through.” She quickly smoothed back her hair which never stayed sleek for any length of time in the relatively dry air of the station.
Within moments, the screen cleared, showing Professor Lang. She looked exhausted. Things are extremely difficult for all of us, will possibly remain thus for years; so much to be effected, so few who can be called away from the basic tasks of clearing away ruins, seeing to repartition of aid… We would need at least triple the current number of organizers to maintain the network required in our central system and the outlying ones. Melset suppressed her frustration. How to cope after losing nearly a third of our population, if not far more? Even top priority projects cannot be accorded the necessary staff; nor is the Federation any better off in spite of not having sustained such massive destruction or loss of civilian populations on its own worlds.
Natíma’s words pulled her out of her thoughts. “I’ll make this brief, Gul Melset. We are extremely short-handed. Most of the population is still clearing away the ruins, seeing to distribution of aid. Up to 40 of us are constantly underway to inspect projects in areas where damage is not quite so severe. On the plus side, Federation and Cardassian technicians have made provisional repairs to a dam in Saranji Province, thus ensuring a reliable supply of energy and water for the citizens preparing to reclaim that area of the province.
The repatriates have donated the funds they earned or were given off-world or brought goods, but even the largest donations hardly make a difference, considering the conditions. The Federation made good on its offer of technological support a little over four months ago by setting up computer annexes equipped with programmes to streamline registration of evacuees and match their skills to requirements in relocation projects. As a result, they can use their abilities for the benefit of all instead of improvising or taking over tasks not within their area of expertise.” She waited for a few seconds before inquiring. “Is there any chance you can be released from your duties on Terok Nor for another period of roughly four C-standard weeks?
“I will contact my supervisor. Provided he agrees, either you or your secretary will be notified within three days at most. Melset out.” Short-handed here, too. Double and triple shifts…. The Cardassian briefly leaned back in her chair, looking out the viewport. I would far rather be on Cardassia, in spite of conditions. Annoyed at herself, she shook off the thought. Nostalgia is a waste of time; the sights and experiences I miss so much no longer exist, except in my memories.
May as well get this over with… She went to the Security Chief’s office where she asked, “Chief Remosi, I need to speak with Colonel Kira as soon as possible. Do you or a deputy have the time to escort me to OPS?”
Getting up at once, Chief Remosi answered, “I can make the time, Gul Melset.” While they went to the Operations Area, he repeatedly glanced at her. He despised Cardassians, but this one adhered to all station regulations and, this was the most important aspect for him, treated his people with respect, with interest in their way of life.“Commander Kira, Gul Melset wishes to speak to you.” With a salute, Remosi stepped aside to let Melset enter the office, then left.
“Commander Kira.” Melset saluted her.
Kira pushed aside her instinctive feeling of aversion at seeing the Cardassian. I do wonder why she, a Cardassian military, was posted on Earth, at SFCCEI, and is now here instead of where she belongs … “What can I do for you?”
“Commander, is it possible to establish contact with Commander Chandler at SFCCEI? It is an urgent matter. Professor Lang has inquired whether I can have leave for a month to assist in organizing a relocation office in the Loo’Wess area.”
Kira nodded, “I will establish contact, then reroute it to your office. Your shift ends….”
“A triple shift has become necessary today …. be on duty for another eight hours,” was the reply. “…followed by six hours of downtime; you can contact me at any time; I am returning to my office at once so that there will be no problems reaching me.”
The same routine for the past fifteen weeks! Kira gave her a brief, evaluating glance. “I will keep it in mind.”
A day later, contact was effected. “Commander Chandler here. Commander Kira said you request authorization for a four-week stay on Cardassia to set up a relocation programme.”
“Yes, Commander. The Federation has sent us computers and annexes with programmes for registration and skills matches. However, it is extremely difficult to find enough staff for implementation as the situation is still critical at best; clearing away ruins, effecting repairs where possible, resettling relatively undamaged areas…. Professor Lang inquired whether I could be freed to assist in the work in spite of SFHS’ own need for further personnel.”
“The matter of additional personnel for SFHS has already been resolved. Organizer Garak sent a request some days ago, as did Commander Kira.” He saw her eyes widen slightly in what he remembered was a sign of tension. “Your request is granted; you can go to Cardassia at any time in connection with your duties; the year originally stipulated has been extended to 18 months as such details are part of SFHS’ tasks. I have more good news: SFHS’ offices on Deep Space 9 have been accorded five additional personnel. Mr Delios has selected three civilians you still remember from your time at SFCCEI; the other two? Choose them during your stay on Cardassia Prime. It is obvious that the workload has increased to such an extent that fifteen people are not enough to keep everything running smoothly. Further staff may become necessary in future, but next time, Gul Melset,” he looked at her from the screen, “demand, don’t wait to be accorded additional staff or try to tough it out. One last detail: address requests to me directly.”
“Commander Chandler, this is generous, both the authorization and the personnel.” Melset smiled with pleasure. “You have our gratitude.”
He smiled in turn, recognizing she was sincere. “For the first, I accept your thanks, for the other, address both the station commander and the medical officer. Be strong. Commander Chandler out.”
At that moment Andrews came in. “Gul Melset? Do you have a moment? We have just been notified that three new personnel are on their way, a mixed group: one Bajoran, Selon, two Humans, Mr Gardner and Mr Landon. I have seen to reserving their quarters and those for the two employees you are to select.”
“Andrews, please explain why we have been accorded new personnel so quickly and generously, and without my involvement?” She met his eyes.
He looked slightly uncomfortable before telling her, but knew she would inevitably find out sooner or later. “About two weeks ago, Commander Kira had a data padd with information for SFHS and found you asleep at your annex. You did not react, neither when she addressed, nor when she touched you. She promptly went to Dr. Bashir. It seems the two of them had a rather energetic discussion with the organizers of SFHS - Earth.” He shrugged, “Look, we knew you were having a break, but Kira didn’t. The misunderstanding is worth it: the new personnel will reduce all our workloads so that response times to unforeseen events will be shorter. We are seeing to deliveries and assistance for an entire sector.”
Recognizing the validity of Andrews’ argument, she said, “Indeed. All of you have been doing far more than stated in your contract: I have seen to notifying the centre about each extra shift.”
“As we have about yours ….” Before leaving, he added, “I have already arranged passage for you. The Gettysburg will dock at the station in two days.”