“It’s not the same place.  Most of the citizens in the capital resettled and never returned.  What we’re dealing with is the remaining population forming a government.”  Charlie Hargraves sat at the briefing room table, PADD in hand.  The senior staff filled the remaining chairs along with Hasar.  No longer a Gul, he had taken on an advisory role.

Park was reading through the report the Diplomatic Officer had put together as they traveled back to the Janoor system.  “They sound…pissed.”

Charlie replied, “They are – they’re responsible for putting a Federation colony back together again, and they’re still raw from the loss of life just a month ago.  They’re frustrated at the attitude the Task Group gave them.  It is worth noting that one of the captains was confirmed as a Changeling during the Frontier Day events.  The ships endured the effects of the attack – part of the anger is that Janoor III briefly faced the fury of the Borg in Federation clothing until things were controlled.  There had been no answer to their pleas as the attack occurred.  For the people, it was like they were facing a third invasion…and this time it was the Borg.”

Wren sighed, “I can only imagine their fury.  What did they have to sacrifice?”

Longfellow ran down the report, “It was an orbital bombardment mostly, and they lost two hundred in the initial attack.  Then they transported down.”

The XO whispered as she read along, “Shit.”

Henry agreed, “That is an accurate description.  Survivors used the shelters they had built after the Dominion attack.  Those caught in the streets suffered.  They lost three hundred until the Borg Queen was destroyed.”

Walton picked up where Longfellow had left off, “Part of why we’re being sent in…is that we’re a friendly face.  The Task Group was nearly forcibly removed from the planet by the people of Janoor III.  They could only keep working with a tenuous agreement with the provisional government..and even then, the crew was isolated from the population for their safety.”

The group turned as Charlie stood and tapped at the display, “We’re coming in as infrastructure support and governmental advising.  Our job is to get the remaining cities repaired and working.  The remains of the capital have been cleared.  We’re also being asked to assist in building a memorial there – the provisional government has some ideas.”  He paused momentarily and let the details sink in before continuing, “It’s important to note here that they asked for us.  The Mack was here the last time and did good work in their eyes.  They’re not sold on continued Federation membership, and considerable voices demand a secession vote.”  The screen changed to news coverage from the planet, “Three political parties are vying for power in the elections.  Straya is a liberal group that wants to open communication with Cardassia, Romulans, Federations…anyone and everyone they think can help.  Gully is the more conservative group that wants to lock down and walk away from the Federation…and just about everyone else.  There’s suspicion that Romulan separatists may have some influence over this group, but nothing concrete.  Loka is the smallest group, but they’re walking the middle line, trying to bring a moderate voice to the masses.  They’ve had limited success.”  He tapped the display off and returned to his seat, “Not to mention there are suspicions that some Dominion elements are still on the planet and the disconnected nature of the other cities…there’s no cohesive group working together.”

Walton cracked, “So we’re the ones smashing everyone together with glue?”  She sat forward, “There is a lot of work to be done here.  Each of you will pair up.  Security and Tactical together.  Medical and Science.  Engineering and Operations.  Work with your teams, and keep Charlie in the loop as you go.  Slow and steady is better than trying to beat some time record in saving the planet.”

The group broke and paired off to work on their arrival plans, leaving Wren and Park alone.  The XO spoke first, “You ready to go back?”

Walton scoffed and pushed off the back of her chair, “I don’t think any of us is ready, Park.  We went face-to-face with The Dominion.  We won, but it was an empty victory.”  She locked eyes with her XO, “Are you ready to go back?”

Seoyeon didn’t answer.  She chewed on her lower lip while her thoughts swam in uneven lanes.  She landed on, “I’m not ready to face the failure…I’m ready to put some in the win column this time around.”  She shrugged at her captain’s pointed look, “Part of serving in Starfleet is accepting that you can’t win ‘em all.  You told me that once…or twice…”

Wren chuckled, “Or fifteen, but who’s counting?”  There was only so much you could hold onto, she knew.  “We did the best we could the last time we were here…and we will keep doing our best.  These people deserve nothing less.”

Park gestured to the door, “Lead on, my captain.”  She laughed as Walton stuck her tongue out before leading out the door.