Star Trek: Eventide 777

Upon finding the door to his quarters, Kassell stepped inside and glanced around. It had no comparable features to that of Entok Nor's habitat ring. The walls had a rather light mood and the floor was blue with a soft feel on the feet. He placed his bag on the couch and sat down next to it, exhaling while laying his head back. So this was where he'd be staying until further notice. Working with Starfleet officers aboard a station in the Xarantine sector--in the Beta quadrant. He's unsure of what to expect. But for now, this was home, and he was going to live in it like such. The chief stood up and walked over to the replicator. "Apple juice." he requested, watching the beverage materialize. He grabbed the glass and took a sip. Kassell then headed into his bedroom and eyed the bed for a moment. The soft texture of the mattress and blanket confirmed what he had heard about how comfortable humans like their beds. After another sip, he set the glass on the bedside table and sat down. Once his behind met the mattress, he knew he was going to sleep very well. In fact, a small nap sounded really good. So he leaned on down and rested his eyes, dozing off to sleep.

The living room of Kassell's quarters were empty with only a couch, a chair, a dining table, and other miscallenous household furniture. There were a few decorative items resting about, things he had collected over his life. The doors to his quarters opened. Kassell stepped out dressed in casual Cardassian clothing, donning a blue long sleeve shirt and a woolen brown coat. His pants were brown too and his shoes were a dark blue; almost navy colored. The joy in his eyes and his cheerful smile motivated him to leave as soon as possible. So he did. He tapped on the door panel and left.

3

The doors opened at Kassell's request and allowed him and his brother to enter. He spread his arms out sideways and looked around before turning to face Lurror. "Welcome to my humble abode." he said. "Now," he motioned towards the couch on the other side of the coffee table. "What exactly is going on?" he asked, sitting down in a chair.

Lurror followed Kassell inside, glancing around momentarily before nodding and sitting on the couch. However, he mostly sat on the edge of the seat and clasped his hands together, resting his forearms on his knees. "Of course, you know that Miala has been seeing someone for the past four months."

Kassell nodded. "Yes. I still have yet to meet him. But during our conversations across subspace, she has told me about him from time to time." he said.

"I see. He's a good man. He is an artist like her, very passionate and proud of his work. Mother and father like him very much. I've met him a few times myself and I like him too." he said.

Kassell blinked for a moment, slightly furrowing his brows as to why this was a bad thing. "I... okay? I'm glad to hear that. The family likes him. Good. What's bad about that?" he asked.

Lurror sighed, glancing downwards before looking back up at his brother. "We... found out four weeks ago that she's pregnant." he informed.

2

Kassell was silent, trying to comprehend what he just heard. Pregnant? What? There had to be more to the story than this. "Wait, wait, wait. Pregnant? As in she is with child?" he asked.

"What other definition is there?" he replied.

He blinked at Lurror's answer, tilting his head as a half-smile slowly grew on his face. "Okay, I see what's going on here. You came all this way not only just to see your brother, but to pull a joke on me. I admit. You had me--but only for a moment!" he said, raising his finger.

"Kassell, this is--"

"No, no. Don't try to deny it, Lurror. The prank's over. I bow down to your genius." he said, slightly bowing his head. "But using a concept like that is--"

"Kassell! This is not a joke! I am not pranking you in any way. Miala, your sister--our sister--is pregnant." he said, hoping his brother wouldn't continue to assume this was all a gag.

2

Once Lurror sternly clarified that this wasn't a prank, his half-smile faded away. He now knew this was a serious thing, and real. He had nothing to say at the moment, staying silent as he stood up and circled to the back of the chair. His eyes were set on the window, staring at the endless dots of stars before looking at his brother. "I assume her companion is the father." he said.

Lurror slowly stood up from the couch and walked out of the tight space between the sofa and the coffee table. He moved closer to the window, clasping his hands behind his back. "That's where it gets worse." he said, glancing out at the stars. "He denies copulating with her."

And another one came out of the left field. The implication of this was very concerning. Kassell shook his head as he closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. "What has she said about this?" he asked.

Lurror turned to face Kassell. "Miala has been very quiet about the whole situation. She won't admit nor deny anything. However, for the past four months we have grown to trust Zornel--his name, and aren't entirely convinced he's lying. Which leaves us with the possible truth that she fornicated with another man." he theorized.

Kassell sighed, turning as he placed his hands on the top of the chair's backrest. He took the moment to breath and take in what he's hearing. For a Cardassian family, this was a serious and heavy matter to handle. And this meant a big repercussion for both Kassell and Lurror's sister. "What about father? What is he going to do?"

"There's no doubt he will get the authorities involved since we don't know exactly who the father is. But as for Miala? Father will likely disinherit her." he said.

1

"Disinherit?! Isn't that a bit harsh?" he asked, pushing himself off of the backrest. "I won't deny that what she did was wrong, but every crime only deserves its appropriate punishment." he stated.

"Miala copulated outside of wedlock, Kassell. I honestly believe it's the appropriate punishment. It is the appropriate punishment. It's not like he's disowning her too." he responded.

"That's beside the point. Miala is still family! She doesn't deserve to be excluded from our inheritance. The business is our blood and we should never cut the veins that bridge between us." he voiced. This was just outlandish in his opinion. He believed a lighter punishment sufficed for her disloyal actions.

"Well, that's your opinion on the matter, brother. Truth be told, it doesn't matter what we think. The only thing that matters now is what father decides. I said he will likely disinherit her. I never said it was official." he said, exhaling before stepping closer to Kassell. "Look, I know family is always everything amongst our people, and that you're a firm believer in that. But let me tell you something, brother. I am a firm believer in 'you get what you deserve'. As much as it does pain me to say this, she will get what she deserves. And there will be nothing you or I can do about it." he stated.

1

Kassell had no rebuttal. His brother had a point, and he couldn't argue against it. In fact, he had no more words to say or he'd just be repeating himself. All he did was look down at the floor. He loved his sister and cared for her greatly. Seeing such affliction befall Miala was agonizing.

Lurror was quiet for a moment, letting his brother accept what was going to happen. "It's getting late. I'm going to go to my quarters. I apologize if I may have ruined your plans with me for the rest of the week, but you needed to know." he said.

Kassell simply glanced at him, keeping his mouth zipped as he returned his gaze to the carpet.

"Have a goodnight, Kassell." he said, stepping past him and walking out of the room.

"... Goodnight." he replied.

1