The night of pleasure didn't end there between Kyle & Lenara. They continued on after a short rest. Lenara & Kyle had sex on the floor, in her living room. They had sex in her sonic shower. On her couch again and several times in her bed. Kyle fucked Lenara's pussy, mouth and ass as the night went on. Leaving large loads of his cum inside her body. They fucked in every way possible and used many different positions. They ended up in Lenara's bed, sleeping in each others arms. This is how they woke in the morning. The computer identified the time as 0500 hours. It was common to set the computer to deliver a message to wake one up. However, Kyle & Lenara weren't quite ready to part. They remained laying together, in her bed, kissing like lovers. This was the type of life Lenara had always wanted. Someone to really care about her. Though, she never dreamed she'd have so many lovers in her life. Lenara had gone from having one lover, every once in a while. To having come to a ship where she found many lovers. Each of them was an important part of her life. Losing anyone of them would hurt Lenara deeply.
The Dominion continued to try and take Minos Korva. During the remainder of 2374. Their fleet tried to many time to force the Federation from the system. However, the fleet under Kyle's command held strong. They beat back every assault the Dominion threw at them. Captain Saavik proved Kyle was right in placing her in command of the right. Twice, the Dominion tried to turn the Federation line on her end. Both times Saavik was able to hold and push the enemy back. Saavik showed she was a very good combat officer. Even Captain Howe was forced to admit this. Much to the delight of both Saavik and Lenara. Normally, Saavik was very Vulcan. However, she couldn't help but let her Romulan side shine through when taking delight in Captain Howe's praise of her. The combat continued as 2374 was coming to a close. The Protector would remain on the front lines and defending Minos Korva into the new year.
Days before 2374 ended. Lenara received several messages from Deep Space Nine. The first was from her dear friend Worf. He delivered the news that Lenara's long time love, her dearest friend, Jadzia Dax was killed. The news hit Lenara very hard. She and Jadzia had talked about marriage once. That's how deep their love for each was. Jadzia married Worf, but she & Lenara remained close and still love each other with all their hearts. Jadzia had even thought about having Lenara join her and Worf in marriage. Many races feature groups of people married to each other. If Jadzia had put this idea into action. Lenara would have married both of her oldest friends. But, Jadzia knew Klingons had different ideas on such matters. Since Worf was a member of the House of Martok. He had to do what was best for the house. A group marriage wouldn't set well with General Martok's wife. This was the only reason why Jadzia never spoke of her thought with Worf or Lenara. Worf knew how much Lenara & Jadzia loved each other. He expressed his sympathy for Lenara. Worf also sent Lenara an unfinished letter Jadzia had on her computer. The letter was something Jadzia was working on, meant for Lenara, but never completed. This letter explained the group marriage idea Jadzia had. It spoke of the undying love Jadzia had and would always have for Lenara.
Lenara also received messages from Captain Sisko, Major Kira, Doctor Bashir. Chief O'Brien, Odo and Quark. All expressing the sorrow they had for Lenara and spoke of how much they each cared for Jadzia. They all knew how close to the two woman had been. Jadzia often spoke with them about Lenara. Despite her deep pain, Lenara didn't take anytime off. She was comforted by her friends on the Protector, but Lenara didn't give herself a chance to morn her lose. Her devotion to duty was very strong. The Protector was still on the front lines, in the heat of battle everyday. She would push her pain aside. Bury it inside of her body and continue on. Kyle said Lenara could take time off, but she assured him that everything was fine. And it was in the beginning. Lenara seemed fine for a time. However, Doctor Boyd warned Kyle that not dealing with grief could be very harmful to Lenara. He knew she could explode with emotion and god help the person or persons on the receiving end of her wrath.
The pain of lose, was eating away at Lenara. However, she never lashed out with those she loved. None of her ship mates were in danger. Still. the pain was causing Lenara to have some very bad dreams. If not for her altered DNA. Lenara would have broke long before she did. She put on a brave face, and went about her duties. All her friends and lovers aboard the Protector still worried about her. Lenara had cried for her friend's lose, but that wasn't the same as dealing with the lose. She never opened up about her feelings of Jadzia's death. Doctor Boyd knew this was very important and he would remained worried about Lenara until she did open up and really face her lover's death.
The Protector stayed at Minos Korva until early in 2375. They finally received orders to return to Starbase 133. The Protector and many other ships guarding that system were pulled back. Other starships were sent into to continue the defense of Minos Korva. The Protector returned to Starbase 133, where they would under go some much needed repairs and wait for their next assignment. During this time, the crew would be given some leave. Time to relax and enjoy themselves. Lenara had no choice but to take some time off. Several of her friends had invited her to join them at the officer's club on Starbase 133. Knowing that Kyle would order her to go and have fun. Lenara agreed to join her friends, Tala, Lesley,
Lieutenant Jeff March and
Lieutenat Karen Grant. The group entered the officer's club, found a table, then orders some drinks. The place had many Starfleet officers from other ships already inside. There was also a group of Romulan officers seated at a nearby table. Four to begin with, but they were joined by another group of five. Who came in just after Lenara and her friends. Once the drinks arrived, Tala stood an offered a toast.
" To the USS Protector.......The best ship with the best crew in Starfleet. " The pretty Andorian woman spoke. Everyone took a good long drink.
" And we gave the Dominion so many defeats they won't ever forget us. " Karen added with a smile on her face.