Dusty Muse.

[aphoenixsong]

I admit that it is quite rare for one to fully understand the path laid out before them. Usually, death, the great equalizer as it were, is the only tool we have to see what we could not see before. And, undoubtedly, once one meets Death, there is very little point in moving forward in life.

Yet... (Here, he sighs, looking tired.) Even those who have passed yearn to repair the mistakes of their past. I cannot say that I would forego the opportunity to use a Time-Turner once or twice.

(He allows himself a saddened smile.)

My time has passed. The world belongs to others who are far more fit to shoulder the burden. That fact, I can honestly say, does not sadden me in the least.

Comments

[aphoenixsong]

Yet you didn't run away. It seems you would be in Gryffindor if you were a Wizard.

[dominion_war_graduate]

I could never have run away. It wouldn't have made the problem go away, and if I didn't take the risks, someone else would have had to.

[aphoenixsong]

(Oh yes. A true Gryffindor.) You are right in that. Even so, it has always been your choice.

[dominion_war_graduate]

It's true, but these choices are the ones I've made, and the ones I can and will live with. I lost enough friends to the Dominion War already, I lost more when the Dallas was destroyed, and I may lose more in this strange and new world.

But I can only do everything I can, so that when those times come I can face myself and honestly say: "I did everything I could." That's all anyone can do, I think.

[aphoenixsong]

That is the highest achievement when one's life comes to an end. To die without regrets will undoubtedly lead to a peaceful afterlife. Those who cannot let go of their lives are the ones who...linger, shall we say.

[dominion_war_graduate]

I have one regret, but it's more to do with hindsight.

Being stuck in another reality made me realize I should have talked to K'Ehleyr one more time before I left for the galactic edge.

But I imagine a lot of people have those little regrets when it comes to romance.

[aphoenixsong]

Romance.

(A deep breath.)

A dangerous game. Though one can hardly help who one loves.

[dominion_war_graduate]

Tell me about it. I fell for a Klingon warrior. Most of my friends still tell me it was just some 'heat of war' fling.

[aphoenixsong]

What is so wrong with loving a Klingon warrior?

[dominion_war_graduate]

During part of the war, their status as allies was questionable. Also, the Klingon Empire and the Federation were in a kind of cold war for close to two centuries. There's still little bits of resentment, even if people don't realize it.

Also I'm a human. Normally that puts me squarely in 'absolutely never to be considered as a potential mate'. They're a warrior society focused entirely on personal and family honor and strength.

It's complicated is what I'm getting at.

[aphoenixsong]

I find it sad when politics interferes with love. I do not think you should treat your feelings - or her's - so lightly. You are an individual - not an empire. The same applies for her.

[dominion_war_graduate]

I wanted to. If it's any consolation, it wasn't politics that made me put the relationship on hold.

Maybe when I get home...

[aphoenixsong]

I urge you to follow your heart - as cliche as that may sound.

[dominion_war_graduate]

I'll be sure to at that. It's not a mistake I intend on continuing if I can avoid it.

[aphoenixsong]

Chances like that are rare indeed. If you are not honest and truthful, you could regret it for the rest of your life.

(Speaking from experience? Perhaps.)

[dominion_war_graduate]

Of course, there'd still be the difficulty of us both serving in two different militaries. Makes meeting ... difficult.

[aphoenixsong]

I have little doubt that you could find a way. (Benign smile.) I have known enemies who fall in love.

[dominion_war_graduate]

Grandfather always said I wouldn't live a normal life if I went Starfleet.

[aphoenixsong]

He was correct. Then again, how does one define normal?

[dominion_war_graduate]

Quiet and uneventful? White picket fence, two point five children and spouse?

[aphoenixsong]

Life is determined to disagree with your image of normal, Captain.

[dominion_war_graduate]

I know. Just thought I'd give it a shot.

[aphoenixsong]

Even those with white picket fences experience problems, I would imagine. Otherwise everyone would seek white picket fences desperately. (Which is funny, actually.)

[dominion_war_graduate]

No ... no, I don't think so. I'm fairly certain white picket fences are some kind of anti-problem charm with immense power. That's why so few people use them where I'm from. Humanity is a species that thrives on trouble and challenge.

[aphoenixsong]

You might very well have a point.