Subject: Grail: "The Great Brightness": `Last Hope'

<<Stardate: 47307.31>>

<<Corridor Deck 12>>

Epic stood in the rain and looked at the pips in his hand. It was

just too much. He would never gain Brinns respect by expecting it. And

he might never gain it now. Did he care? He supposed in some way he did,

but he was not sure if his needs were his own, or the needs of the crew

that would benefit from her experience.

Of one thing he was sure, though. The Grail needed her. He needed

her. And if he did not end this destructive conflict now, it would never

end. But how? Until now, he had thought that he had done everything as

it should have been done. And none of it had worked. None of it. There

was only one last thing to do. One last hope.

He took a deep breath and let it out. The rain in his face was cool

and clean. Closing his fist around the little gold pips, he left the

holodeck at a brisk pace.

A few officers saw the soaking Captain and tried their best to

avoid his gaze. Epic disregarded those he passed. His focus was on one

and one alone. Athayla Anne Brinn. She hadn't gotten far. Epic

straightened his shoulders.

"Ms. Brinn.", he called to her. She slowed but did not stop.

"Athayla." Still, she kept walking. "Please.", he finally said. She

stopped.

Epic approached her. The corridor was alive with activity. Epic

entered the nearby gymnasium and turned to her. "May I have a word in

private?" Without a word, she entered the gym. Epic stood for a long

moment, dripping in place.

"My name is Epic Terrakian and because of the death of this ships

Captain, Jebediah Cochrane....", he paused, then added. "... my

father.... I have been offered the field promotion of Captain.

"I am now without a First Officer. Now, I know you are a civilian,

but your record of service in the Federations Marines indicates that you

are an outstanding facilitator and ideally suited to the

responsibilities of Executive Officer. It is my hope that you will

consider accepting the commission of an Executive Officer onboard this

ship.

"Now before you answer...", Epic said quickly. "... I have to warn

you that two years ago I was a Tactical Officer. Last year I was a

Security Chief. And now, I am Captain. I have no experience with the

responsibilities I have been given and I will need a great deal of your

help if I am to be affective.

"I also have some `ego' issues that I will be working out with our

new Ships Counselor. Hopefully, those issues will soon be resolved, but

I will expect you to keep me apprised of any breaches in protocol I may

affect.

"I am not the easiest person to work with, but with your help, I

think we can succeed on this mission."

He pushed the water away from his face and sniffled a little. Then,

Epic opened his hand to her, offering back her pips.

"Will you accept, Ms. Brinn?", he asked with almost quiet calm.

"Will you help me?"