It had been a long day.  The introductions for the former Ranger 5 turned Knight 5 went well.  He knew Abara was a very amiable person among friends and allies and most of the others seemed to agree.  There were one or two crewmates who were a tough read.  Either which way his old and new wingman would likely win them over.   

Marcus had spent the last 90 minutes working on fine tuning some battle plans and formations for future use. There were some improvements and one or two brick walls he’d run into.  Rather than bang his head against the wall he opted to give it a rest for the rest of the evening and resume tomorrow after some rest.   

Dinner tonight was something that was a very acquired taste but one he enjoyed.  What was classified as a medium “white” New York style pizza with extra cheese all over, with one half being mushrooms as well as anchovies and the other being smoked clams, bacon and fresh basil. Girlfriends and friends alike often gave him grief about his go to toppings.  His other favorites were pineapple with bacon and Italian sausage with mushrooms.    He’d often rotate between the combinations and that was fine with him considering he’d only have it once or twice a month.  After the last few weeks such an indulgence seemed earned.   

He had just finished, recycling the leftover dishes in exchange for a syntholic pilsner to sip on while watching some holodramas in the comfort of his own quarters when the computer interrupted his plans.  It stated, “Communications: Recorded message for Lieutenant Marcus Ming, personal, eyes only.” 

Puzzled, Marcus said, “Receive.  Authorization Ming Zed, Zed, five, nine, three, two, seven, echo, gamma, ultraviolet.” 

“Confirmed.  Playing recorded message,” the computer stated.   

He was shocked about what followed.  A voice he was intimately familiar with said, “Marcus….If you are hearing this I am dead.  I’m sorry if I did not have the chance to say goodbye in person but there is a war going on.   I wanted to thank you.  You were one of my best pilots and I’m not sure I could have had a better executive officer.  I’m unsure I could ever repay that.”

The woman’s voice paused for a moment, punctuated by a deep and audible sigh before she went on, “I know our relationship might’ve been frowned upon by the Fleet if it had become public knowledge but I am so very grateful for the love we have for each other.  It was unlike any relationship I have had before and it was wonderful.  I’m deeply sorry it had to end. Regardless of that I have left written instructions that all my material belongings be given to you.  My parents died years ago, as you know, and my brother and I have been estranged, likewise, for years which you also are aware of.” 

Her voice carried a tone of sadness and regret as she said, “I love you Marcus.  You were more to me than anyone else has ever been.  For that I am deeply appreciative of.  Keep up the good fight, survive this damned war and live happily ever after.  I just wish I could’ve been part of that.  Take care of yourself, Lunertic….Goodbye.  Ranger Actual out.” 

That is where the voice message ended.  He had taken a seat on his sofa and was now sitting there completely stunned.   It was bad enough that he’d had to watch his former flight leader and lover die when the Dominion took out her fighter at the Battle of Betazed.  This just twisted the knife in what was, he now realized, still an open wound.  All this lead to something that Marcus had not done in quite a while.  He unabashedly cried.