Sacrifices

Sorripto’s mind wandered as the brief dragged on his thoughts continuing to be dragged back to his encounter on the McKenzie’s last mission. He was still shaken by seeing his friend in that state and could not shake the lingering feelings of guilt.

You are out there somewhere Joey and I promise I will find you, Sorripto thought to himself.

As Sorripto sat distant combing through the memories of that fateful day something in the brief snapped him back into the real world. Sorripto’s heart sank as he looked up and saw the picture of his friend projected on the big screen. Sorripto gazed the picture over trying to calm the nerves that were now overpowering him. As he gazed back again through his memories Sorripto saw flashes of something he could not figure out. The flashes felt more like remembering a dream instead of a memory. There is little in the galaxy stronger then a well trained Cardassian mind and Sorripto prided himself on his mental prowess. As the visions became more constant and more blurred Sorripto tried feverously to shake free the images and concentrate on his friend.

Damn you Joey. I heard the scream. I saw the conflict you are in there somewhere! Sorripto screamed within his own mind.

Sorripto knew that somewhere in these flashes was the answer. Somewhere locked away deep his aged Cardassian brain was an answer to the image before him. That man he saw on that forsaken place was not his friend and Sorripto knew that somewhere in the flashes somewhere in the blurred images swirling in his mind was the answer on how to save his friend.

Shaking off the images Sorripto nodded to the few now concerned looks directed his way as his obvious state of discomfort had now taken over his face. Sorripto had, for the first time in his life, been unable to remember and that discomfort turned to worry and slowly to fear. Sorripto breathed deeply and tried to relax his mind. These images would make sense and Sorripto promised himself that nothing would stop him from unlocking this puzzle.

Standing up Sorripto cleared his throat to speak. The side conversations quickly silenced as the image of a large Cardassian imposing himself in the conversation was not something ignored and easily drew the attention of the room.

"Sir if I may? If there would be any attempt at a rescue I volunteer to lead the assault team."

The murmurs in the room could be heard even by Sorripto’s aging Cardassian ears. The crowd wondered why an Engineer would think himself qualified and even some grizzled veterans who were still taken aback by a Cardassian volunteering to rescue a Bajoran.

"Sir anyone who has read the briefing from the McKenzie’s last mission knows that I possess a unique set of skills and if there is any time those skills can be put to use it is now. Sir there are two reasons that I see myself as the man to lead this mission actually the only man in this room that should be on this mission… hell I would offer to go alone if I thought you would let me."

The murmurs among the crowd silenced slightly as Sorripto continued.

"Sir not everyone joins Starfleet wanting to kill people and whether you want to admit it or not that is exactly what anyone who goes to retrieve him is going to have to do. I have dealt with these fanatics before and if they see him as some god prophet they will defend him to the death. Any good soldier can tell you whether it be Jem'Hadar or Klingons there is nothing more dangerous than an enemy that is all but wanting to die. I have killed people before sir and it is not easy and trust me when I say it does not get any easier."

Taking a deep breath Sorripto continued.

"Any mission to remove a man as revered as Sisko is now will only result in the need to kill, you can sugar coat it all you want Sir and ramble on some logistics or planning, but to take away a prophet from fanatics people will have to die. My training has given me the skills to take life and my past has left me with little reason to doubt my abilities to do so. More than that Sir, Sisko is my friend and I know better then anyone here what he is capable of. That sir is why I volunteer."

As Sorripto leaned back to sit a voice came from the crowd.

"What’s the other one?"

Sorripto stood and looked in the direction of the voice.

"You said there are two reasons you should go that is only one. What is the other one?"

Letting out a deep sigh Sorripto spoke slowly.

"We might have to kill him."

The room went silent as the serious tone of the Cardassian took total control of the room.

"The sad truth is Sir if we cannot save him we might have to kill him. Joey Sisko is my best friend and I know that somewhere in that shell on the screen he is in there."

Clenching his fist to control the anger Sorripto continued to speak.

"If he has to die it should be me to pull the trigger. And personally Sir I will be damned if I let anyone else make that choice."

I just hope to Galor it does not come to that, Sorripto thought to himself.

As he sat down the serious look on his face turned somber. Sorripto knew that things could turn sour fast and he knew his friend's life would depend on it. He wanted to bring his friend home alive and these blurry flashes in his mind were the key to not just bringing him back, but getting him back.

Kissing his clenched fist Sorripto promised himself that no matter what happened he would find the answer. He knew that this could be the end to a journey that started so long ago. Sorripto promised himself he would not stop until this was over and Joey was home. As the seriousness settled in Sorripto knew that he could not fail not for himself or for his friend. He was bringing Joey home. Sorripto knew that whether he saved Joey or whether he did what had to be done Joey was coming home and one way or another. Sorripto promised himself he was going to save him from the radicals that had destroyed his friend.

You will come back with me old friend… With your shield or on it.