Missing in Action "
By: Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Miranda, Lounge Manager, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58206.19 1330

John Wright sighed, he hated being the bearer of bad news. It was a part of his job but it certainly was not one of his favorite activities. He decided to put this off for a bit and instead he began going through his daily reports. He picked up a PADD and started going though the Engineering reports. After reading the opening paragraph 5 times he tossed it aside and left his office.

He took a turbolift to deck ten and went into Miranda's. He walked up to the main bar and sat down. Miranda was busy with another customer so he waited patiently until she finished.

"Hello Commander," said Miranda as she gave him a cup of coffee.

"You always know what I am going to order," he tried to smile at her.

"You look like you have something unpleasant to do," she observed.

"I have to share some bad news with a friend," he replied.

Miranda knew the friend he was referring to was her. She picked up a rag and started to wipe down the bar next to where Wright sat, "Well, I guess the best advice I can give you is to just say it and get it over with," she said. Her heart suddenly started beating faster and she felt as if she was going to be sick.

"I received a report regarding the Atlanta," he said.

"About TJ," she asked tentatively. Miranda stopped wiping down the bar and looked at Wright.

Wright nodded, "He has apparently been abducted. He is considered missing in action."

"Abducted," she asked surprised, "by who?" Miranda came around the end of the bar and took a seat next to Wright.

"Evidence indicates that it was an Orion," he said. "We have been asked to keep an eye out for Orions."

"I know he is a good friend of yours so I wanted to let you know." said Wright.

"At least he is not dead," she said.

"There is no evidence that would indicate that he is dead," replied Wright, "So there is still hope."

"Thanks John," she said with a sigh, "You know, next week I will celebrate my 100th birthday. I am pretty young as far as El-Aurians are concerned she said. We live long lives and one of the down sides of that is that we get to watch people we care about get old die. It is kind of a curse."

"We all loose friends and loved ones," said Wright, "but I expect that you will go though loss more than most of us before your life is over. It will be hard, but you are strong, you will make it." Wright looked at his now cold coffee. "Anyway, he is not dead yet so don't give up on him."

Miranda smiled, "I know that he is not dead. I will not give up hope."

Wright stood up, "My door is open for you Miranda, if you need anything just call."

"Thanks John, I will be fine," she assured him.

Wright nodded and then turned and left. Miranda watched him go. She did not get up from the stool she sat on. She felt rather lonely and empty inside. Perhaps when they returned to QulTuq she would pay a visit to her mother. Mothers always seem to know how to fix things.