Chapter One/Admiral Ross comes to the station

In his office Captain Martin is sitting at his desk when Admiral Ross walks into the office.

Captain Martin it's been too long Admiral Ross says as he shook the Captain's hand.

Captain Martin returns the shake.

Admiral Welcome to Deep Space Nine we've arranged quarters for you to stay while we sort out our wounded and dead from the reported attacks in the Chin'toka System Captain Martin says as he looks at Admiral Ross.

He sits in front of the desk and hands him two padds.

Captain, I really don't think you have anything to be concerned about. I've met Senator Cretak and I found her to be... very cooperative Admiral Ross says as he looks at Captain Martin.

Captain Martin having noticed the admiral's hesitation. John holds a PADD with a picture and bio of Senator Cretak.

For a Romulan Captain Martin says as he leans back in the chair.

Admiral Ross looks at him.

Cretak's a strong supporter of the Alliance... and we need that kind of support if we're going to win this war Admiral Ross says as he looks at Captain Martin.

Captain Martin looks at him.

I don't care if the Romulans were the only thing standing between us and total annihilation, I'd still think twice about letting them establish a military presence here on the station Captain Martin says as he looks at Admiral Ross.

Admiral Ross looks at him with some exasperation.

We're just talking about a few offices for the senator and her staff Admiral Ross says as he looks at him.

He returns the response.

And a few personal guards most of my officers had great, great grandparents that fought in the Earth-Romulan War of 2156-2160 that their going to feel a bit weirded out seeing Romulan officers on the Station sir, and what's up with the second padd.

Admiral Ross looks at him.

A dozen people, at most. Besides, it's only a temporary arrangement -- until the end of the war Admiral Ross says as he looks at Captain Martin.

He looks at him.

How long will that be sir? Captain Martin asked as he looks at Admiral Ross.

But Ross isn't about to be intimidated by Captain Martin.

Let's get one thing straight, captain. I came here as a courtesy to you. This decision has already been made Admiral Ross says as he looks at Captain Martin.

Captain Martin looks at the Admiral.

And I have to live with it if there's a brawl between the Starfleet and Romulan people Captain Martin says as he looks at Admiral Ross.

Admiral Ross looks at him.

And as for the padd it's replacements for First Officer Admiral Ross says as he looks at Captain Martin.

Captain Martin isn't happy.

Commander Halliwell will come back sir he just needed a few months to visit family on Earth but I've not heard from him but he'll be back when I don't know and till he returns Colonel Kira is my acting First Officer Captain Martin says as he looks at Admiral Ross.

Ross nods and leaves his office.

On Earth Paige is chatting with her brother.

Are you sure you want to return to the Station after what happened with Piper and Jadzia Paige says as she looks at him.

Typhuss turns to her.