Star Trek Drabble -- "The Day Before"

[rhetor]

Here's the drabble hhbarmaid won from me.

***
The Day Before

"Better," says the instructor. "But you left seven enemy ships alive. That's a defeat." That's harsh, from him.

"I was outnumbered four-to-one!" Ro complains.

"Are excuses a tactical advantage?"

She's better at controlling her temper, but what's wrong with him?. "Sir? Why have the last five simulations been Cardassian scenarios, all using irregular forces?"

He doesn't answer, but their eyes meet; he knows something he shouldn't. And so does she.

"That's all for today," Chakotay says. "I have to catch the shuttle to Starfleet Headquarters." He looks her right in the nose-ridges. "Some messages have to be delivered in person."

<<<>>>

Author's Note:

The Barmaid asked for a story with Chakotay, but occurring before STV began. Chakotay was an instructor at Starfleet's Advanced Tactical School before joining the Maquis following the death of his father. Ro Laren studied at Advanced Tactical immediately before her last mission for Picard, during which she joined the Maquis. She mentioned, in that episode, that her instructor had resigned to join the Maquis.

[dreaming of the incrowd]

Nicely done

[rhetor]

Nicely done

I am honored.

[Brad]

G'day! I saw your post here and tracked down this drabble.

I liked it, but I think I missed half the punch. Stupid reader here asking for your help.

he knows something he shouldn't. And so does she.

That's the critical sentence, I think, and I love it. I think I know what Chakotay is on about; maybe this is before the Maquis formed, or the Federation agreed to hand back their territory to the Cardassians ... but Chakotay could see it coming? And so was preparing his Bajoran student.

But - if she was hiding her own decision to join the Maquis - or her growing sympathy for them - I think I'm floundering on the timing, because I thought Chakotay was with them well before she joined up. I can't see how both secrets could exist concurrently.

Sorry to be stupid, but the nice thing about knowing authors is that I can ask them questions. On this occasion I'll probably learn both about your drabble and some Trek history I've forgotten. Would you mind setting me straight? Cheers, Brad.