No help from Lagashi High Command. With Starfleet vanishing from a lot of the border with obviously false reasons, they’re busy making sure the Breen don’t hit the Pentad. Eden Enigma tapped her screen. “Contact Gul Malen.”

It took a few minutes before the Carsassian’s face appeared. Malen. In a mission that carried so much anxient history, it was nice to run across something more recent. Their shared mission on Bajor and Trill, Eden’s own quarters going unused as she basked in the warmth of the brilliant, thoughtful Cardassian’s presence. They had parted – they both entered their tryst knowing that staying together was less important to each of them than their senses of duty – but they had parted amicably, and there were few Eden trusted as completely.

Malen would do what she thought was best for her nation and people, and her vision of their future was, by Eden’s view, bright indeed.

“Commander Enigma. They still haven’t put a fourth speck on your collar?” There was laughter in Malen’s dark eyes, but behind that exhaustion.

“You know Starfleet finds me as much trouble as necessity, Malen,” Eden said, fingers resting against the screen, wanting what closeness she could find while Malen was far outside the reach of her senses.

Malen’s hand rose as if to meet Eden’s through the glass. “I wish this call was for pleasure, Eden, but given the things I have heard and had to do, I expect it is very much the opposite.”

“I need permission to enter the Cardassian home system, and a ship to get there. My need is urgent for the continued security of both the Federation and the Cardassian Union, but I’m not at liberty to say why.”

“So much we are both not at liberty to say, today,” Malen murmured. “Regardless of how much we could likely help one another. I can’t offer you that permission on my own authority, but Legate Duran has been seeking an in with a Ferengi trading consortium…”

“The Lagashi have the head of such a consortium in prison for continuing to resist the destruction of his contraband cargo,” Eden said. “I could likely call in favors on Lagash Prime to arrange more comforts for him in return for having a meeting with Duran.”

“Then I will promise you this: By the time you secure a ship, you will have clearance to tour the home system at your leisure.” Malen met Eden’s eyes. “I wish I could join you, but we face dangers in our space as well. And I do not have a ship to spare to take you safely.”

“I expected that.” Eden let out a breath. “I miss you, as well. Perhaps when our unrelated crises are resolved, we could each take a little leave?”

“I would like that very much. Good luck, Eden.”

“Good luck, Malen. Good bye.”

The call ended, and Eden stared at the blank screen for a long moment. “Computer…”

“Incoming call, Commander Enigma’s eyes only. Source: House Starling, Betazed.” The computer said the words with no emotion.

A hundred emotions rose up in Eden. Grandmother. The last person I need to hear from right now. “Inform the caller that I will answer in a moment. I need to take this in my quarters.”