Dr. Bindo reports for the meeting

"This Azimuth phenomenon has me very concerned," Jolie said to her Imzadi, Dr. Shian Andres, as they both walked to the meeting of the senior officers. We have so little data on short and long term effects, if telepaths and empaths are affected, what medical preventatives we need to use for certain species, you name it."

Shian shrugged one shoulder and squeezed her hand at the same time. "All we can do is work through the problems as they come. No sense borrowing trouble."

"True. Still, I'd rather be prepared than not."

"You've been assigned to the fleet's flagship. I think if anyone will be prepared, it'll be you and the Lotus staff."

Jolie stopped a moment as they approached the meeting room. "Promise me something, Shian,"

He turned, his onyx eyes searching hers. "What is it?"

"If you can't reach me telepathically, just know that I'm OK unless someone finds my...remains."

He reached up with a hand to caress her cheek, then brushed a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. What are you not telling me? he spoke into her mind.

She frowned at the thought, not quite understanding why she said it, either. Call it a premonition, she replied.

He tipped his head to the side, eyes studying hers. I WILL find a way to reach you if that happens.

A brief smile lit across her lips as she squeezed his hand in return. "We'd better go in to the meeting before we're late."

They joined the other officers filling the room and found seats. Jolie absently tapped at her chin, wondering about the Azimuth Horizon as the swirls of excitement, fear, dread, and sheer medical curiosity tore through her mind.