Ming was on the holodeck, sitting in a camp chair, doing the age old thing you did in this situation.  He was roasting a marshmallow.  It was cliche but the liked the ritual of the thing and, not that he’d admit it to many, he was a fiend for smores.  As a kid his family had gone to Mount Lemon in Southern Arizona just shy of 300 miles south by southeast of Flagstaff where his dad taught history.  It was a tradition over many years in the summer which he had grown to love. 

He hadn’t been back there since joining the Fleet.  It was even harder between the tension with the Klingons prior to and during this war with the Dominion.  Looking over to his tent he huffed at himself.  It was rather large and very cush.  His parents would have chastised him but with the war on he wasn’t going to rough it on his down time if he had anything to say about it.  Dinner had been some rainbow trout from Rose Cayon Lake that he’d grilled on this same fire.  Amazing what could be done with a fish, utility knife, a stick and some lemon.  The guts had fed some hungry ants some distance away from his camp and the only other thing left was the bones which he had tossed into the fire for incineration.  He was thinking deeply as he enjoyed his first smore.   

The thoughts included the visage of Lieutenant Arin Jones. It wasn’t anything really erotic although he’d be a liar if he said she wasn’t beautiful.  They were friends and he was happy with that arrangement.  None the less there it was.  

He’d just finished the Smore when he heard a song dog let out a rather melodious howl.  Then came another.  Soon a whole pack was calling out as a method of communication to it’s members.   He always thought it sounded rather beautiful.  Always had … especially as he got older and became less fearful of the animals.  He had learned that they did not attack humans without reason….or in an opportunistic move if you let down your guard.   A long-lasting fire often took care of that and he’d become quite good at building those.  

Ming smiled taking in a deep breath.   The smell of the campfire, the scent of the trees, the earthy scent of the soil, and the fresh air was also something that had captivated him early on.  If there was such a thing as a happy place this was it for him.  He was glad he had blocked off a long stretch of open time for this Holodeck as he hadn’t slept in a tent for way too long.  

The doors swished open, letting in the ambient ship light as Arin walked in. The doors closed around here, returning the lighting and mood to the proper setting of the holodeck. Walking over near the fire, she set her small pack down a couple meters from the fire. “Seriously?! Orange rocks, snakes, and dirt? No tropical beaches? Mountain stream? Five star hotel?” Arin commented. Her Irish brogue was always thicker when she was agitated.  Getting into fine form, she added. “Boyo, I think the donkey kicked yer head one too many times..” Looking around, she frowned. “Computer. Add one outdoor rustic wooden oversized pine couch, with outdoor removable cushion.”

As the furniture appeared, Arin pulled her sleeping bag out and lay it out on the surface. Ming grinned at his camping companion.  

He said, “Not much in the way of snakes around here aside from the occasional Diamondback Rattler.  They’re scarce on the ground this time of year.  Too bad as they’re good eats. Fund that out in the real world after it coiled up when I was just walking by.  My spade was faster than it’s strike and the rest is history.  I still have the rattle and the tanned skin back home in New Berlin.  The Fleet tried to convince me to becoming a ground pounder when they found out about my martial arts and survival experience.  I convinced them I was more useful in the cockpit.  It was oddly satisfying when I ended up levelling my combat training instructors at the Academy and taught the Survival course instructor a few things.”

He chuckled and added, “And the red rocks are about 65 to 70 clicks south by southwest.  It’s quite beautiful actually. Sedona was one of my favorite places to visit growing up.   There’s some rather impressive places and sites in the North American Southwest.  Looking forward to going back when this damned war is over and done with.” 

“There are times when you ken be so in tune with the way I think. Then there is now. ” her brogue going strong. When Ming mentioned the war and wanting it to end, she softened. “Let’s at least try to get a few shots of our own in first please.” Opening a thermos, she poured them each a spiked coffee and passed one of the blue and white enameled cups over to Marcus. “Though Lord knows I hope you’re right.”

“I absolutely want to get the chance to give the Dominion at least one more solid kick in their collective arses.   Maybe two.  The gods of old know damned well that I owe them that at least.  After that they can feel free to surrender.  I originally signed up to explore.  I am unafraid of a fight when necessary but I’d like to go back to that sooner versus later,” Ming replied eyes watching the holographic flames dance.

A slight smile graced his lips as he looked up to the half Orion helm officer sitting near him and added with a sparkle entering his eyes toward the last sentence, “And the old adage of, ‘If everyone liked the same thing it’d be a boring galaxy’ has some truth to it.  Something to be said about adventure.”

“Change of subject. Things are morbid enough around here. Do ya just need ta be moody?” Arin asked her friend.

Ming exhaled and smiled apologetically.  He said, “Sorry. I’ve had a few former crewmates tell me I seem more serious.  Must be something about taking a combat command.  The Battle of Betazed didn’t help.  Among the ships lost was the USS Tucson.  Over 400 of her crew killed including the flight leader, flight XO and a pilot.  My last posting, many of my friends and collogues…two members of my last flight….one of which was formerly a romantic interest.  I pretty much had a front row seat to watch them all die.”  Marcus visibly winced.  He drained the cup and shook his head saying, “And I’m sorry again.  I put this holodeck program together to escape the war and the worries of…”  He gestured to where the door was, “….Out there.  It’s picked some odd times to pop back into mind.” 

The Knight’s CO closed his eyes and inhaled deeply through his nose before slowly exhaling.  He quite obviously started to calm as he said, “I managed to get the holodeck to replicate the smell of this area closely if imperfectly.  It’s pretty damned close though.  Fort Tuthill Recreation Area.  It’s been a United States Army rec area and a public park / historical site run jointly between the US Army Reserve and Coconino county right up until the dissolution of the United States Armed Forces in favor of the world government.    The County took over from there with help from Starfleet Command.  Northern Arizona University is a few clicks north of here.  With a parent teaching there part time it became a place to…escape and rebel as a teen.   During my time off at the Academy and leaves prior to the war I’d come back to rest and unwind.  It’s helped more than not.  It always seems to….and now I have the best company I can hope for in one of my favorite places in the universe.  At least a recreation of it.”

With that last sentence he pulled out a mostly full bottle of Tullamore DEW adding with a bit of a grin, “Compliments of County Cork. Invented in County Offaly in your old neck of the woods judging by the accent.” 

“Thanks. You could try the Irish coffee I handed ya.” Arin pointed out. “Sorry for being miffed earlier. One of my new ensigns is being a donkey and performance review are due soon. So there more joy to spread.” The coffee had cooled down long enough that Arin drained the mug. Placing it back in her bag, she had the computer replicate some marble whiskey tumblers. She poured herself a few fingers. “This is a nice place. It just reminds me of one summer I spent in the Ozako desert back home. Average was close to 40 C.” 

Sipping the whiskey, Arin commented. “So what would you be doing if not for Starfleet? Me? I’d be back home working on airfact, so not much would change. However, I do like piloting starships. At least the ones that seem to have charm.” 

“I’ve got a wanderers soul so I have been told.  I visited many places on Earth over the years.  Every continent, scores of cities….At the risk of sounding macabre I found the Catacombs of Europe to be fascinating.  How we face death is as we face life I’ve found.  There were whole necropolises in antiquity.  Then there’s the canals of Venice, the French Quarter of New Orleans, the rolling hills of Ireland, the Scottish marches, the American Pacific Northwest, the Southwest, the Japanese Isles, and so on.  I’m grateful that I joined the fleet.  It’s been one hell of an experience war or no.  If I hadn’t joined Starfleet I’d likely have been a merchant mariner or private merchantman.  Figure I’d be a department head by now if I were on a boomer ship if not second officer,” Ming finished with a sparkle in his eyes.

Arin pulled some bagels and salmon spread out of her bag. “Why didn’t you just ask for a deep-space assignment? It’s not like you haven’t had time to ask.? She asked, curious about his answer, then added. “I would kill for a fresh tomato. Red plastic is closer to what comes out of the food slot.”

“A friend from the Academy turned me on to this delicatessen in New York City…Lower East side more specifically…that makes the most delicious bagels with the whole schmear as they often say.  From scratch no less.  We’ll have to hit there next time we are in Sector 001,” Ming said with one of his boyish grins.

Hearing his answer, Arin commented, “That is very interesting. Doesn’t answer my question, however.” She shot him an unamused look. No roots to hold you down? Is your indigenous name, “Wanders in space?”  Arin added, teasing him a bit.

“That’s not far from what my Navajo friends were calling me.  And regardless of if I’d picked a deep space assignment or the path I did chose I’d still be dancing in this little soiree with the Dominion.  It simple felt like the path I needed to take.  Who knows what’ll be after the war though,” Ming finished with a bit of a wistful tone.   

He paused and said a bit more soberly, “I haven’t thought about any of that for a while.  First time I used this holoprogram in a while as well.  I got a message not long after the retreat from Betazed from my flight leader from the Tucson.    She asked me to live the best life possible.   I’ve started thinking very hard about it especially since I saw her die in that furball.” 

Was there grief in his words he wondered or was it his imagination?  He hoped that his famous …. or infamous …. poker face didn’t fail him.

Knowing when not to break out the toolbox was just as important when it came to emotions. Staying in the moment, she stoked the fire and refilled the glasses.   

Marcus gazed into the fire as it was stoked and as the drinks refilled.  After a moment his gaze shifted to Arin.  He tilted his head ever so slightly and smiled at her as he said, “Life can be funny sometimes.  It’s reaction to a person’s choices and the whims of … fate, luck, a universal butterfly effect .. whatever one prefers to call it.   Past events make us who we are.  We become what we chose to be.   Wherever we go from here I am genuinely glad it’ll be with you, Arin Jones.   True friends can be hard to find.”

“The best way out for all of us together. Letting the Dominion split us into factions was the issue to begin with. Though no one in either quadrant can claim good guy status all the time. And while I know the solution won’t be tomorrow, I’d just like to be part of the bloody conversation to fix it.” Arin said, slightly annoyed at the situation everyone was in. To punctuate the sentence, she threw the last drops of whiskey into the fire, creating a small bloom of fire. “Thanks. If people just stop lying to each other, it can be so much easier to get along.”

Ming nodded and replied, “The Dominion would love to see back biting among the Alliance.  Luckily that is nary an issue aside from the damned shape shifter infiltrators.  I never was big on lies.  Too hard to keep it all straight as the lies get bigger.  Honesty is damned near always easier to keep track of in my experience. Thus I prefer honesty.  Life’s got too many twist and turns without BSing anyone beyond innocent ribbing perhaps.  It’s just too much effort.”  

“War is something this part of space had a problem with centuries before the Dominion showed up.” Arin offered. Plus, we can’t divide the shapeshifters. The Jem’Hadar and Weyoun donkeys are bound genetically to believe the shapeshifters are Gods. So, that leaves the Cardassian angle. Or just build more guns.” Arin paused, then added. Though you’re missing horses, leather saddles, and such.” She mimicked a pistol, each finger and thumb, and made a menacing face at Marcus.  

“Mainly skirmishes for the better part of the past century.  Some were longer and more vicious than others, but nothing close to a real, drawn-out war.  The Earth Romulan War might’ve been close but the Cold War with the Klingons weren’t quite a match for this.  I mean, The Klingons were lukewarm friends at best, and the Romulans were standoffish before the Dominion’s aggression, to put it nicely. Now the Klingons are staunch allies and the Romulans are ALMOST warm and friendly. 

Pardon my language, but that just shows how big of a shitshow this war is.  Betazed wasn’t a battle.  It was a slaughter en-mass with a 2:1 advantage held by the Dominion.  Unfortunately, this is a level of fighting this part of space hasn’t seen in quite a while.  I hope to whatever Gods that are left the like is never seen again.  Unfortunately, the winner, whoever that ends up being, will have to live with an itchy trigger finger to avoid a repeat of this horror show.  If not permanently then for a long while.  Sadly, the history books are rife with stories like that.  I’ve seen in many historical codexes between my history classes at the Academy to not long ago looking for tactical inspiration and, silly me, hope,” Ming said in a generally straightforward tone that was, for the most part, like he was offering a briefing. 

Marcus paused, then let out a slow, long breath, his eyes raising to meet Arin’s as he said, “I hope it’s not as bad as my worst fears.  My hopes for this whole thing are buried in cynicism and tactical mixed with historical comparisons.  I’ve run into too much disappointment, I suppose.   When faced with something this damned big, I’m not sure I can AFFORD to be overly hopeful, ya know?”

“The human race will survive. So will the Alpha Quadrant.” Arin said simply. “I’m not going to worry myself into an ulcer thinking about things I cannot change. What I will do is help you come up with devious things we can do to help change the outcome. Do our part. ” She up-ended her marble glass, refilled it, then tapped the bottle against Marcus.

Ming took the bottle, emptied what little was left in his glass and refilled.  He set the bottle aside and took a sip from the freshened drink.  He said, “Being an unholy terror in the eyes of the Dominion would be fine with me.  The Xoval mission was a good start.   I’m not quite bent on bloody vengeance but a few more solid vicious kicks in the arse would do nicely. I’ll take what I can get at this rate.”

Marcus paused for another sip of his drink and smiled, “Unlike some others out there I at least know when to take a break from all that from time to time.  Seems a bit unhealthy to do otherwise.  That being said maybe we can talk about other things. I did plan on this being more or a social gathering than a work retreat after all.” 

“You talk. I wanna ride.” Arin said. then added, “Computer, Arch. Add two horses, a Morgan, and a Palomino. With saddles. Also, change the time of day to an hour before dawn and add thirty percent cloud cover at high altitude.” Two horses appeared. An auburn-colored Morgan and a spotted fawn-colored Palomino.  The sky to the east became lighter, and streak clouds started to pop a hint of violet.  “Computer add  6 sugar cubes to my pocket.” Reaching in she walked up the reddish mount. “Hey there, lovely.” Holding out her hand flat with two of the cubes. It ate as she rubbed the patted the side of the horse with her hand. Grabbing the saddle-horn, she swung up and over, in one polish move.  “You coming?” 

Marcus smiled, and said, “Computer:  Replace Palamino with Sirocco from program Ming: Moonshadow.  Full tack.  Also add two carrots and two red delicious apples.”

The Palamino horse was replaced by a bay Arabian with a white crescent shaped bit of white on his forehead who stood at roughly 14.5 hands in height.  Ming checked the saddle bag on the horse’s right and smiled seeing the requested produce.  He gently patted the horse’s neck before climbing up into the saddle with practiced ease.  

Grinning at Arin he replied, “Ready whenever you are, Lieutenant.” 

Arin put a hand on the horn, and a foot in the stirrup, then swung deftly onto the saddle in a fluid motion. “Let’s go, donkey. ” She said while looking Marcus, sticking out her tongue and spurring the red morgan into a slow trot.Grinning, Ming leaned over the horn and said, “Not sure where this is going, little brother, but you put on a good showing you get extra molasses in your feed.”

He straightened a little, settling in, and didn’t even signal when his horse got underway and smoothly started catching up to the Denver’s Orion helm officer and her mount.  Ming couldn’t help but smile…The reproduction of his horse was a good facsimile from the start and became more and more like the original every outing.  

She’d spent nights on the prairies before with wind that seemed to cut through to your core. The wind was blowing but it wasn’t cold. With the sun starting to brighten the morning sky, the palette of colors started to mix and morph as the day begun. 

“There’s a trail that is especially beautiful this time of year…Especially this time a day and at sunset. It’s just over there,” Marcus gestured before turning his mount toward that direction.  His mount shifted for a moment. 

Ming chuckled as he patted then caressed his horse’s neck for a moment before saying to Arin, “Even Sirocco is fond of it.  We tend to agree on many things, actually.  I actually called him my big little brother.  He died a few years ago but I recreated him in the holodeck for whenever I missed him.”

Arin chuckled, “Computer, load character Joan of Bark.” An oversized Rhodesian Ridgeback appeared trotting along in sympathy. “Hi, girl. ” Arin offered, scratching her head. “I had her from age eight up to just past Academy start.” 

Marcus chuckled.  He loved dogs and always had.  He looked down from his seat on the Arabian’s back and said happily, “Hey puppy girl….Very nice to meet you.”

The pilot grinned and looked up after getting a few tail wags and a doggie grin.  He looked at Arin, “I think that this should be a fun time all around.  Only one way to find out however…..Shall we?”