In the living room, the Cardassian sat across from the Betazoid and the Human, no one saying much at all. Turek hated the silence, thinking that Des was sending thoughts about him to Summer, or that Summer herself was telepathic and having a conversation with Desmond, effectively excluding him. “So...Solek and Edgar?â€
Summer jumped slightly and tensed up from the break of silence. Desmond almost laughed at her sudden reaction. “Yeah...as far as we can tell at least..â€
There was a chime at the door, prompting Desmond to welcome whomever it was in the quarters. The doors slid open to reveal Admiral Quinn. The three ensigns were instantly standing at attention. “At ease, ensigns. Just tell me where that commanding officer of yours is.â€
Turek stammered grabbing the admiral's focus. “I think he's helping Mr. Solek get cleaned up.â€
“Was the ensign attacked?†Admiral Quinn asked, looking around at the shambled room.
“No sir, not that I saw any defensive wounds. I believe something was used that broke his control on his emotions, but I'll need to run further tests in my lab to verify this.â€
“I see. So when are you going to answer my question?â€
Turek shook, fighting between staying at attention and moving towards the bedroom door. “T-this way, sir.â€
Summer caught onto Turek's need for loud distraction and jumped to move to the door, promptly jumping into the door itself instead. A moment later, and Eddie opened it with a recomposed Solek standing just behind him.
“Summer? What is it?†Summer nodded her head in the direction of Admiral Quinn, who raised an eyebrow at Eddie. “Admiral!â€
“My office, twenty minutes.â€
Eddie slumped slightly after Quinn left the quarters. “Thanks for the warning...not that it seemed to help much in the end.â€
“Don't worry, sir. I don't think any of us have a problem with any of it.†Turek reassured, but Eddie's reaction indicated the comment wasn't taken correctly, or about the right topic.
“Ok I'm ordering you four to find Aron-Mu and head to Sisko's restaurant. When I'm done with Quinn's meeting I'll meet you there.†Eddie said, moving towards the hallway.
---
Quinn's office was vacated from the typical administrative officers milling about helping him manage the spacedock and the captains under him. “So, Eddie...the court-martial found you justifiably excused in your actions. The virus is decompiled, but is under proper research status now to better understand why it had the results it had.â€
“Understood sir.â€
“Not yet you don't. I don't want you near any compiler with any block of code you may or may not have written until you've vetted yourself further. Furthermore, when I clear someone for information I expect that person to be told completely what is going on!â€
“Yes Sir.â€
“You will remain in contact with Lt. Matoya regarding her research. I don't care if she asks you what color your underwear was the day you wrote it, you're telling her the answer.â€
“Yes sir. Is that all?â€
“No. That was the easy part. Truth be told, Eddie, you proved yourself in a tougher situation that most captains in my day ever saw. I can't overlook that, and that's the main reason you and I are having this conversation – not with you on a prison transport to Del Vana II.†Eddie felt himself shrink under the prospect. “Nonetheless, leaving you in command could be dangerous with your lack of experience and your track record. I've decided however, that you and your crew will have another chance to redeem yourself.â€
“Really sir?†Eddie was almost beaming.
“Yes and no. Your crew will remain unchanged, but you will hold the rank of first officer officially.â€
“I don't understand...â€
“I'm commissioning the required use of a modified ECH. The Doctor was kind enough to allow similar expansion that he had to be copied into this copy, thus creating a longer term Educational Command Hologram that will take over should you get in over your head, or need advice or guidance. While he is your captain, you both will report directly to me on any missions that your ship will have. Is that clear?â€
“I...I believe so, sir.â€
“Don't feel so defeated. It's rare that a Lieutenant gets to hold the rank of XO. You're dismissed.â€
“Thank you sir. Oh, one question, if I may?†Quinn nodded. “What is the new ship specs?â€
“She's an older Constitution model. U.S.S. Exobyte. Report to her at 0730 tomorrow morning for your first assignment.â€
“Yes Sir.â€