Soji leans forward, her face incredibly still, her eyes wide. “Do you—regret what you did?”
Jurati tilts her head, confused.
“To Bruce,” Soji adds. 1/8
Jurati’s lungs stiffen as if a lightning strike rattled through them.
“You—you don’t have to answer that,” Soji says. “I—I just sometimes blame myself for Picard’s—well, I’m so thankful you and Dr. Soong could give him a second chance.”
Jurati stood up and left the table. 2/8
“Oh,” Soji says. “Okay.”
Jurati sits back down with two a drink. “A special concoction I affectionately call a Sour Rios.”
Soji picks up a glass. “What’s in it?”
“Better not to ask,” Jurati says, smirking as she takes a swig. She gently places the glass on the table. 3/8
Soji sips the Sour Rios. “How are you even alive?” Soji teases.
“It’s funny—well maybe not, really—but I ask myself that a lot,” Jurati says, her face falling flat. “Like every day. Mornings. Nights. Now.”
“I’m sorry I asked the question,” Soji says.
“No, no,” Jurati says. 4/8
“My brain tells me that Oh is responsible,” Jurati says. “But my eyes saw his face, my ears heard my name on his lips, my—heart bears the—well, so, yeah, myself blames myself, if that makes sense.”
“I’m sorry,” Soji says. “How do you—deal with it?”
Jurati lifts her glass. 5/8
“But seriously,” Jurati says. “You.”
“Me?” Soji asks.
“You’re everything Bruce lived for,” Jurati says. “We lived for. And seeing you in this diplomacy gig—and killing it in that top—softens the guilt and grief—a little.”
“So—I uh—know I should hardly be surprised by people appearing in my quarters,” Pike begins. “Especially when your older self from an alternate future pays you a visit, but—why are you here again?”
Sisko grins.
1/14
Sisko swallows the ice cold water and sets the glass on Pike’s counter. “Well, I’m—not quite sure.”
“You’re not sure,” Pike repeats.
“I—exist outside—uh,” Sisko says, the hilarity of his statement preceding the words. “Time.”
“I’m—sorry,” Pike says.
2/14
Pike grabs the handle of the pan, flicking his wrist and tossing the steak strips, sliced onions and peppers. The harsh buzz of steam fills the kitchen.
“I—got a glimpse of my future once,” Pike says. “It’s not what I ever imagined for myself.”
“That’s an interesting question,” Michael replies.
Janeway notices her stiffening face and the dryness of her voice. “I can tell you that the question itself is an answer, isn’t it?”
A thin grin pulls apart Michael’s lips. “It is—actually.”
1/14
“I suppose I should attempt an answer first,” Janeway says.
Michael nods.
“So, my father—well, first you must imagine this—figure—the figure of immense gravitas and—authority,” Janeway says. “He was nothing less than—the incarnation of Starfleet service.”
2/14
“Ahhh, I know exactly what you mean,” Michael says. “Sarek was always—the immaculate Vulcan—at least that was his goal.”
“Oh, yes, you had the pleasure of being raised by two fathers,” Janeway says. “I’m interested in how they both shaped your command.”
3/14