Karla would have been at the viewport watching the Manhattan come in but for the reason that she was currently in the station’s infirmary trying to stabilise the Talaxian, Wattorux. Wattorux was the spouse and 2IC to Nalonx, leader of the nearby Talaxian colony. It seemed the small vessel they had been on was fired upon by an unknown assailant on their way here, and while Nalonx was able to escape most of the damage, the same couldn’t be said for the female Talaxian on the biobed in front of her. She had been under Karla’s care for some time now, and while her very anxious spouse was understandably concerned for her, his pacing up and down the sickbay did no good for either the patient or for the staff attending to her.

“Blood pressure low, doctor,” warned a nurse.

“Stabilise it,” Karla ordered and the nurse complied.

“Stabilised,” the nurse reported after a few moments.

“Computer, complete a scan of the patient’s internal systems, and confirm bleeding has stopped.” Karla said.

“Bleeding stopped,” reported the computer.

“Vital signs,” Karla asked her staff.

“Returning to normal,” a nurse replied.

“Pleased to hear it. We’ll keep her in here for observation overnight and review her condition in the morning. Good work, people, and thank you Voyager EMH for your detailed notes,” Karla said, “anything else need our attention?”

A nurse shook his head, “Nothing we can’t handle, Doctor, you should get going to the viewport … you don’t want to miss the arrival of the Manhattan.”
a
Karla nodded, and began to clean up and remove her scrubs, “ok,” she said with a laugh, “I’m going … please don’t hesitate to call on me if you need my services again I’m not here for a holiday.” She smiled as she said that.

Once again in her standard uniform, Karla left sickbay and headed for the viewport. On arriving there, she saw that a ship was almost docked … Manhattan in all its glory. Durik slipped in alongside her and she took his hand in hers.

“Looking good,” Karla asked the Cardassian.

“Yes, you are,” Durik said, “oh, you meant the ship, yes that too.”

Karla laughed at that, “yes, I meant the ship, flattery will get you nowhere, no mater how well deserved it is.”

-Karla, Med USS Manhattan
-Durik, Med Starbase Event Horizon
-Wattorux, Talaxian patient and 2IC of nearby Talaxian colony>>>
Shifting the large duffel over her shoulder, Faye approached to see the ship that would be her new home. This new assignment was dangerous, and exciting- both in equal and excessive measure. But it was a science vessel and despite all the terrible things that had happened on the Curie, she realized that she missed science postings.

Calloway came to stand near Karla and she did a double take when she saw the Cardassian. Her reaction wasn’t his fault, but it wasn’t one she could control. Still, the scientist did her best to not do more than stiffen at the sight of a species that had given her nightmares for many, many years. At least now she could say the Romulans had that questionable honour.

Lt. Calloway, Data Specialist

“Lieutenant,” Karla greeted Calloway with a nod, “I’m Doctor Karla Reyes, assigned to Manhattan, and this is Doctor Durik, assigned to the Event Horizon.”

“Ma’am,” Durik said to Calloway, “I am sorry for the hurt that members of my species may have done you in the past. I am a neurosurgeon and a Doctor and I have dedicated my life to healing the minds of the sick and injured, whether they are Cardassian or alien. I do not wish to cause you distress, and am more than happy to depart if it would ease your discomfort.”

Reyes admired that most about Durik, his awareness of the impact his presence had on others. Being a Cardassian was something he couldn’t help, but he never hid from the pain that his people caused to others, and never made excuses for it, it was what it was. He let his actions and skill as a doctor to speak on his behalf.

“It’s a beautiful ship, isn’t it, Lieutenant,” Karla said just before the silence between them got unbearable.

-Dr Karley Reyes, Medical Manhattan
-Dr Durik, Medical, Event Horizon