Jensen arrived at Transportor room two and brought the Transportor on line. He tapped into the freq of the communication freq and then accessed the last transportor record of him beaming off the pad. He then configured the transportor console to receive any computer program the Galaxy sent and access it immediately. After Jensen was finished he stepped up onto the pad and within seconds the computer beeped to notify him his signal was picked up....."Well", he thought, "It's up to them to bring me back....I've done all I could do here". And with that he stood staring into space wondering if his fellow crew members will get him back home.

Chief Petty Officer Thomas Jensen

Bellen sighed as she sat down at the bar. "Coke." She smiled. Relief ran playfully throughout her mind. Though her symbiot was sorry that the away mission was called off, her vulcan half was showing as much relief as she could muster. The fact remained that Chief Jensen was still on the other side. And Shtik, distant as ever. If he wasn't a complete part of Bellen, she'd think something was wrong. Still, she was confused. She shook herself back to the current conversation when Liam returned with the coke.

"Does two days from now sound good for the band?" Bellen asked. Liam nodded. "I'll drag Deiran down here by the pips myself if need be." Liam chuckled. She scanned the room, finding strings of little lights decoratively hung on tables and the bar. They resembled the stars when she looked out the ten forward window.

"Christmas...Christmas...I must admit I haven't had much experience with the holiday. Christianity is scarce on Vulcan. I look forward to it. Perhaps I could help with the tree?" She asked hopefully.

Lt.jg Bellen
USS Galaxy

Ensign Chen was thinking to herself that she sure spent a lot of time in this transporter room for an ops officer when the scanners picked up Chief Jensen's quantum signature in the warp conduit. Chen activated the transporter and within seconds the Chief appeared on the transporter pad.

"Are you OK Chief?"

"Fine, thank you."

"Chen to Lt. T'Lein. We have Chief Jensen back safely."

[Very well Ensign, I will notify the Captain. T'Lein out.]

The Chief stepped off the pad and walked towards Chen and said, "What took you so long and ... what have you done to my transporter console?"

Ensign Chen, Operations Officer
USS Galaxy

Jamson,Casey and Mitchell were at the Science Stations and Mission Ops. Mitchell spoke with Casey while Jamson was corodinating the science and engineering departments.

A few minutes after the Galaxy entered the beautiful Conduit T'Lein recieved a message from Ensign Chen "Chen to Lt.T'Lein,we have Chief Jensen back safely" "It's about time" Jamson thought.

A few smiles spread around the Bridge after the message,it appears that everyone were happy to hear about the Chief.

"Will you be at the X-mas party, Sir?" Casey then asked Jamson.

Jamson was thinking what to answer...he never had a X-mas party before..he was too busy or tired to attend parties.

"I don't know...it's been a while and I..." Jamson didn't had anything to say at the moment.

"Come on Sir! it will be fun!" Casey smiled.

"Sir,where is your X-mas spirit?" Mitchell laughed.

"I lost it many years ago..." Jamson was thinking to himself and answered "Well...a little party won't hurt..."

"And since I'm in the band...it will be fun!" Casey said and laughed.

"I hope so!" Mitchell also laughed.

"That's the X-mas spirit?" Jamson asked and added with a smile "Then I'm looking forward to this party."

Suddenly the Captain addressed the 3 Officers "What's going on over there?"

Casey Mitchell and Jamson lost their smile in a second and looked at the Captain with a serious expressions on their faces.

Then the Captain smiled and said "That's the spirit 'mates!" and they all laghed together.

Commander Michael Jamson
FO/XO
USS Galaxy

"Lights". The lights come on as I enter. For a moment I imagine Karen sitting there on the couch, waiting for me. I can see her sadly offering some failed experiment for supper, feeling bad that she just didn't have the aptitude for cooking that I have. I fight the urge to rip off the computer terminal and throw it at the wall, or to punch a wall panel in frustration. Sitting down hard, my head falls into my hands and I sit there, feeling sorry for myself. How did I ever get into this situation, I wonder? I married a gorgeous woman I can't even be with, she's probably being coerced into who-knows-what... At that I imagine her slipping between the sheets with Blake, the threat of him doing something to me making Karen willing to do anything. For that matter, its been so long, I wonder bleakly if Karen has given up on me. My blood boils as I imagine her with another man, or even someone else making a play for her, and me not there to defend her honor.

I have the blood-lust now, it's all I can do to sit there and not tear apart my room. And all those people in Ten-Forward, don't they care? Don't they see what's being done to me? They probably won't even know I'm missing, since the rest of the away-team was heading there. For the first time in my life, I picture myself putting my ancient Colt automatic into my mouth and pulling the trigger. But the sight of Karen's Swiss watch, the one that she gave me, that was handed down through her family for generations, slowly pushes out any thoughts of that particular action.

Enough, before I do something I'll regret, and that'll hurt Karen even more than I already have. Stripping down, I get ready for bed, wondering how I'll possibly endure yet another day without her.

At 0-dark thirty, my comm panel goes off. I lay there, wondering if I should answer it. All the thoughts from last night come back in a flood of depression. The light from the panel floods the room, and I wonder why I didn't shut the damn thing off completely. So much for not answering; the caller can see I'm here.

"[N'ian, love?]" What? My imagination told me that was Karen's voice. I'll kick myself for imagining something so stoopid. Instead I stumble to the desk, facing the screen, sit and grumble, wiping the sleep out of my eyes.

My eyes open wide at the sight of her, and I can feel the tears forming, my heart staring to pound furiously, the hands getting sweaty. Karen! After I don't know how long, I finally broke the silence.

"Love? How...how did you get this call through, I thought the Admiral was.....". She smiled tenderly, tears of joy still running down her cheeks.

"He's gone. Back to Starfleet, or somewhere. It doesn't matter. I've missed you so much, darling, it hurt so much. I needed to talk to you, to see you, to hear you. It's been so long." Hell, it's been forever.

"So long..... Darling, how have you been? What's Blake forced you into now?" My voice can't hide the anger boiling up yet again.

"He's been so horrible, love! He's threatened your life ten times since the Enterprise, and he's thrown me in the brig three. I've been demoted to a Specialist."

"A Specialist? He took your entire commision?" She nodded, the light in her room showing the softness of her face.

"Oh, he's awful! He-he scares me, love. He's even sexually attracted to me." My fists tighten up hard when I heard that. I'm in the mood to kill someone now. Literally.

Her eyes widened when she saw my face. "He hasn't forced anything on me, but I'm scared. He could reach the point that he would threaten you if I don't-"...I cut her off.

"Never, love. Don't let him touch you."

"But, 'Nian, if he hurt you I could never live with myself! It's hard enough with knowing what I know and not being able to tell anyone, but knowing that any mistake I make will end up in your lap? I-I don't know what to do!" My heart is breaking, killing me at the sound of her torment.

"Love, don't worry. He's not stupid, he won't force himself on you. If he did, I'd fly over there and personally throw him out of an airlock. As long as I'm alive, he won't lay so much as a finger on your gorgeous skin." She blushed as if that were the first compliment she had ever received from me. Far from it, but it had been so long since we had last spoke face-to-face. Karen sighed, a sound that echos in my memory forever.

"How are you, Darling? Are you being treated well on the Galaxy?" I groaned. Here?

"I suppose. I've made a few friends, you know that, but it just isn't the same. It's a Starship, a milk run! I wish you were here with me." She smiled. I couldn't tell her now apart I was from the rest of the crew.

"I wish I was there with you too." Her computer beeped at her; she looked at it annoyingly. "Honey,I'm almost out of time. I love you so much, 'Nian, it's so hard going on without you. I've made some friends too, friends who are willing to help. It won't be long before we're together again, I promise."

"I love you, Karen. More than life." That doesn't even begin to describe how I feel, but what I can't put into words. I only hope she can see in my eyes what my voice cannot tell her.

"I want to give myself to you for the rest of time. I'd follow you to the edges of the universe, I'd follow you past death and wherever you lead. Whatever the consequences, I want to be with you forever. Forever, my love." My voice was quiet and hoarse, a great painful lump in it.

"Forever, my love." The connection shut down. I sat there in the dark, remembering those words she first spoke to me when I nervously proposed marriage to her. Somehow my heart feels lightened, but tinged with the darkness that enveloped it a short time ago.

Standing, I start gathering up all my Marine gear: my life-support/armour, portable tracking and sensor systems, my fighting knife, the neutron knife Grigg gave me, and my Colt .45. I stow everything in the barrack box. The Mark V phaser rifle/grenade launcher and Marine phaser, and all their ammo and power packs I'll have to get from the armoury when the time comes. The activity takes my mind off my depression, and clears my head a bit. Once done, I head back to bed, relieved that no one interrupted me to invite me to a Christmas party that I don't belong to.

Hutchcraft walked into his quarters, still in a state of disorder from boarding. He looked at everything, took a big sigh, and sat on his bed. A terminal flashed away trying to tell the Security Officer that he had messages, but Hutchcraft just ignored it.

For some reason the whole experience with the Borg had broken Andrew slightly. His desire to laugh had been extinguished, leaving him just an empty, darkened man sitting in a shell of metal.

He thought back to the Academy. All those people training to be intergalactic explorers, it made Hutchcraft look at himself and everyone else in a strange way. He looked at the whole of Humanity as being a race thought wouldn't exist for much longer. He picked up his guitar, and began playing it to himself.

Thoughts came back to him.

Everyone abusing him as a child. Being the outsider of everything. Hell, he thought, for all he cared there might of been a party going on in Ten Forward. He didn't care. Just another indication of how he was not fitting into the ship either. He had started to love the adventure of Starfleet, but wasn't enjoying the social issues that circulated around the ship. He didn't fit in with any of the others.

And then one day it would all end. The Borg would come and change humanity into just a memory. Or maybe the Dominion would come, kill off anyone who dared oppose them, and enslave whatever was left.

He thought about events in history. Countries on Earth being wiped out so easily. History was just repeating itself on a larger scale. Eventually, humanity would become a casualty of intergalactic war.

He stopped playing on the guitar, and reached for the terminal.

He found a couple letters, both addressed from Liam. He quickly wrote in a note to Liam .....

To: Liam Sketcher
From: Ensign Andrew Hutchcraft
Re: Ten Forward Band

I'd like to play in your band, Liam, find me sometime and we'll talk, 'kay?

He knew that playing in a band would be uncomfortable, but at least it would be better than sitting inside his quarters, and that it would be an outlet for his feelings. He then left his quarters and walked towards the Holodecks.

He stood outside Holodeck 3, and spoke into the machine.

"Computer, launch Ensign Hutchcraft Fitness Simulation Gamma"

The computer relayed the commands, before replying; "Enter when Ready"

Ensign Andrew Hutchcraft

Lieutenant T'Lein turned to face the Captain.

"Captain. Ensign Chen has informed me that Chief Jensen has successfully been beamed back on board."

Price nodded at the good news. "Excellent. Please congratulate all those who were involved in recovering our Chief Transporter officer. Any word from Ensign Mitchell on how the warp shell is holding up around the Galaxy and the other Breen ships?"

"No Captain. I understand he and Ensign Casey are quite busy working with Engineering to maintain the shell."

"Understood."

"Captain." Ensign Ti stated. "It looks like we are approaching the end of the Warp Conduit sir."

The bridge crew suddenly grew quiet as all eyes looked forward at the view screen.

"Steady as she goes Ensign." The Captain said after a brief pause.

As the myriad of colors from the warp conduit faded to the more common surrounding of the blackness of space and stars a wide toothy grin found it's way onto Ensign Ti's face. "Captain, I'm picking up a Federation beacon from Rigel VII!"

Lieutenant Coe confirmed the Ensigns findings as he and Ensign Blair stood near the Tactical Arch. "She's right sir, I'm also picking up comm traffic on all frequencies."

Captain Price just sat their for a moment, relieved that they were finally home. His thoughts were interrupted when Ensign Blair spoke.

"Captain, I am picking up a sensor echo to our stern quarter Sir."

Smiles found their ways onto several of the bridge crew's faces.

"Hail the Breen Ships Ensign Blair."

"Aye Captain." a moment later, Blair added "I have them sir."

"On Screen."

The image of the Breen Leader, Grevek appeared on the main view monitor.

"Grevek here. What you want?"

"It appears that we were successful at finding our way back home."

After mumbling something to one of his crewmen, Grevek responds. "You state the obvious Price. The question is, what now?"

Price grins, nearly laughing. "Well the way I figure it, you can either begin your surprise attack now, or choose to accompany us to Rigel VII as escorts for the Tholian delegation."

A shrewd, and slightly enlightened look formed on the Breen Leaders face as he raised his solitary brow. Again he mumbled to one of his aides before responding.

"You have shown good faith in your treaty with the Breen. My landing party says you Terrans are not much different than we Breen. We will not fight today. Grevek will order Breen escort to accompany USS Galaxy to Rigel VII."

"Your company will be greatly appreciated. Thank you Leader Grevek." The Captain nodded as the Breen leader closed the channel.

"They are decloaking Captain. Falling into formation behind us."

"Thank you Lieutenant Coe. Ensign Ti, plot a course for the Rigel System. Establish standard planetary orbit about Rigel VII."

"Yes Sir!" Ensign Ti said with great enthusiasm. She shared the entire bridge crew's feelings. They were all glad to be back home.

"3...2...1...Start the beam, Ensign Casey!" Captain Price ordered. The conduit opened, displaying a myriad of brilliant and blazing colors, hypnotizing the crew as they stared out the viewscreen. "Ensign Mitchell, is your warp shell ready?"

Mitchell tore his eyes from the viewscreen and absorbed the information scrolling his console screen, both from Engineering and the conduit. Everything checked out. "Plasma emissions at nominal...gamma radiation at norm...dechyon/neutrino beams stable and not affecting shield frequencies...Aye, sir!"

"Begin, Ensign!" Mitchell's fingers flitted over his console. For a moment, the viewscreen flashed and went dark. Then the conduit re-appeared, not quite as bright as before. Mitchell analyzed his readings, looking for the duranium and tritanium signatures all the while checking quantum signature readings. "Scanning for trace metals of Duranium and Tritanium...got them! Now scanning for Chief Jensen's signature..."

"Captain, look!" Someone yelled out. I think it was Ensign Ti. 'It's the Galaxy!"

Everyone looked up to see a ship standing still in a what appeared to be a rift in the conduit.

"What the...what is that?"

T'Nevin spoke up. "I believe what we are looking at Captain, is where the split timeline began. Chief Jensen must've created that rift when he beamed out and now the conduit has formed its own warp bubble around him causing a stoppage in the conduit. The best expression would be that Jensen and his bubble are like the cork in the bottle."

"I've got his signature, captain! Feeding coordinates to Transporter Room 2..." Mitchell spoke.

"Wait! Don't beam him out, yet. What'll happen if we beam him out now? If his the proverbial "cork", won't beaming him out cause the rift to close?"

"Captain." Mitchell spoke up. He spun around in the chair and the Captain and T'Nevin approached him.

"Captain, if we beam him out of the rift, I believe that the rift will close immediately."

"But, Ensign Mitchell, I believe we will be trapped in this timeline." T'Nevin said.

""I was hypothesizing sirs, and, if I am reading these scans correctly, all we will have to do is pass the other Galaxy, then beam out Jensen. The rift will close and the timeline will be restored."

"How did you come up with that hypothesis, Ensign?" Captain Price questioned.

Mitchell spun his chair around to face his console. The Captain and T'Nevin leaned in for a closer look.

"I'll replay the index for when we entered up until now." Mitchell played hi s fingers over the console. The computer began its playback with technical information scrolling up underneath it.

"I had been running other scans on the conduit since we entered. In scanning for trace metals and Jensen's signature, I came across discrepancies in temporal readings. I didn't understand until I engaged the Warp shell and locked into our quantum signatures. I began to think that maybe the conduit is a type of temporal wormhole. I analyzed the frequencies of our signatures and noticed that the readings became stronger and more in line the further we went into the conduit. My theory wasn't affirmed until we located Jensen and the Galaxy. You see, in layman's terms, we are going back in time within the conduit. When Casey opened the conduit, it became a type of "time tunnel". It had its own timeline and when the Borg used their own warp conduit to go back in time to Earth, Jensen happened to be beamed out at the same time, causing a rift in time. Right now, I'd say that Jensen is keeping the rift open and it is impossible to get back to our own time without closing it. The open rift is clogging the timestream, explaining why we haven't come back to our timeline or the Enterprise-E. To us, they are frozen in the time-stream until we close it. If we continue forward into the conduit, but past Jensen's timeline, we will enter our real timeline. Once Jensen is back aboard and the rift is closed, our timeline will be restored and we should be able to enter our time at the exact time we left!"

"Hmmm...what do you think, T'Nevin?" Captain Price asked. T'Nevin was analyzing Mitchells readings at a sub-station. "It does look promising, Captain. I concur with the Ensign's suggestion."

Captain Price stood up. "Alright, mates', we're going home!"

The Galaxy was moving just past the mirror ship as the Captain made his announcement. The crew on the bridge wanted to cheer but instead a ring of smiles erupted among them.

"Ensign Chen?" Captain Price spoke out loud.

[Chen here, sir. I've got a lock on the Chief.]

"Prepare to energize." The Galaxy moved past the rift with the other ship in it. "Give the order, Ensign Mitchell."

Mitchell watched his readings as they moved into sync with their own timeline. "Energize, Chen!" They all heard the whine of the transporter beam and prayed. Mitchell kept his fingers crossed under the console. They all waited in nervous anticipation.

"Chen to Lt. T'Lein. We have Chief Jensen back safely."

The bridge erupted in a cheer.

As the crew celebrated, the rift closed behind them. The Captain slapped Mitchell on the back.

"Great work Ensign! I think we are all going to buy you a round at the Christmas party!"

'Thank you, sir, I was just doing my job." Mitchell answered humbly.

"Thud!!" The shuttlecraft landed on the shuttledeck and the away team disembarked. Coe was walking to the shuttlebay exit when Major Jeppo caught up with him.

" Ahhh, Major, you did good work back their on the borg cube, congradulations. I want you to present your report to the Captain, lets go!" The two Officers headed toward the bridge, celebrating the victory on the way.

**** Main Bridge ****

The two men stepped on to the bridge to be welcomed by a standing ovation. Both of the men smiled as they were congradulated by their fellow crewmen. Coe stepped aside and motioned toward Major Jeppo as the applause continued, he to began to clap, acknowledging the Major's effort in leading the away team. Commander Jamson approached Coe and whispered in his ears.

" I think the captain is waiting for you in his ready room." The clapping still loudly in the background. coe swallowed, straightend his uniform, motioned to Major Jeppo to step along with his stride (which he did not want to do as he was enjoying the attention ) and stepped into the Captain's room. Not quite expecting the welcoming the Captain was going to give.......

Lt Coe.

Home, Cam hadn't realized how homesick he was. But now that he was home, he was so glad that he was. He could finally write to friends, to his parents. He could swap Holo-proggin ideas with others, and get comments from others on what he had already written. Home.

Cam trudged up to his quarters, letting himself become sleepy. Technically, he still had 30 min on duty, but onna the ensines in the Lab had offered to cover for him. He really wanted to be amoung the first to start pouring over the loads of information that they had gotten about the two borg ships. The information couldn't be fully trusted, it came from a tainted source, but it would help provide an idea as to how the Borg had adapted to the Photon Torpedos.

Cam walked into his room, and flopped down on his bed. After laying there for a moment, he pulled off his boots, shirt, and pants, crawled into bed, and fell fast asleep.

--Cam

"Well, that was a completely fulfilling waste of time." Chiron remarked.

"Hey, if you like we can waste the time of putting it back to normal," Kelea said with a smile,

"No thank you. Besides, I need something to do in my off hours."

With a chuckle and a smile, they set their course for engineering to prepare for the grueling but welcome work of returning the Galaxy back home.

Eric Hanson (Lt. JG Chiron, Engineer, USS Galaxy [E-Mail]
Lt. JG Jarod Reix, Station Beta 2 [E-Mail]
Ens. Tal Breno, USS Horizon [E-Mail, IRC]
RAdm Rantoth Parr, Starfleet Command [IRC])

"Time to relax" Troy thought to himself. Shortly after getting back to the regular timeline Troy was relieved at tactical. Even though Troy was tired, he figured it would be a good idea to go to the Christmas party. Putting his Santa Hat on Troy entered Ten Forward.

He took a seat at the bar and ordered a cup of Vulcan tea, a drink he became quite fond of at the Academy. The bartender set the steaming cup infront of Troy and as he took a sip the bartender spoke.

"I saw you in here before you were called away, but I never got to introduce myself, I'm Liam Sketcher"

Troy, while setting the cup down, responded; "Troy Blair"

"Pleased to meet you Troy"

"Likewise"

"Coming to the party eh?" Liam asked

"Yup, plus a cousin of mine on the Virtue told me Ten Forward was the best place to meet people and make friends."

"You've got family in StarFleet?"

"Oh ya, almost every department has atleast one Blair in it. Including StarFleet Command" Troy answered with a smile.

Liam, looking at someone who just walked up to the bar, said "I'd like to hear about your family sometime. But, if you'll excuse me I have another patron to 'tend to."

Troy nodded his head as Liam walked over to the other patron. Taking his tea in one hand, Troy began to look around Ten Forward. Everyone was engaged in conversation, or looking out at the stars. Ten Forward was packed with people all in the Christmas spirit. Even some of the non-terran crewmen were trying to grasp the concept of Christmas spirit. Troy turned back to the bar and was about to order another tea, when a Vulcan science officer sat at the stool next to him. Troy looked at the Vulcan out of the corner of his eye. He didn't have the "Caesar" haircut like most Vulcans had, his hair was somewhat longer.

"Troy Blair" Troy said as he extended his hand to shake the Vulcans. Then he remembered, at the Academy Vulcans would look at him funny everytime he tried to shake their hand. But, to Troy's surprise this Vulcan shook hands

. "Shtik" The Vulcan replied. Then he continued "Blair... ah yes I red your profile and it seems we have a common interest."

"What's that?"

"20th Century Terran Cinema"

"Really? I thought I would be an outcast on this ship!"

"I think that would make both of us outcasts." Shtik replied.

Troy couldn't believe his ears, that sounded like a Vulcan joking with him. Sure it was dry, but it still sounded like a joke. The two talked for a while about old movies they had seen and what their favorites are. Each quoted lines from movies to test the others cinema knowledge, and each knew what movie the lines came from. Then Shtik stood up and said;

" I've got to go do something now. We should have a movie night on the holodecks, I've got a program that looks like a 20th century movie theater."

"Sounds great to me, we can even invite some of the others to show them what they have been deprived of." Troy said while lightly laughing.

"I'll send you a message when I'm available. " With that, Shtik turned and walked over to another crew member.

Troy sat there thinking about some of the movies he had seen. He ordered another tea, and looked to see who else he hadn't met.

Ensign Troy Blair
Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

Jacqueline smiled at the thought. A pleasant way to wind down after such a hair-raising mission.

And the perfect way to relax before the mad hunt for those who ignored their physicals began. Top on the list: Ensign Casey.

But that would wait until EVERYONE was more relaxed. Even medical guidelines had to give way to practicality, and she wasn't a tyrant. She would let them have their fun, join in, and start her hunt tomorrow.

She walked into Ten-Forward, amazed at the amount of people crammed into one room. Ordering a Strawberry Daquiri, she found a deserted table and sat quietly, simply staring out at the stars.

Wordlessly, thy gazed back at her as they streaked by. Quietly familiar.

Home.

"Well Chief.....there is a party going on in ten-forward right now...You can get me that drink right away" Ensign Chen said.

"That will be good...thanks." The Chief said...and with that they walked out of the transportor room with the Chief asking questions about what she did to get him back.

Chief Thomas Jensen

(15 seconds later)

A beeping started. "Computer turn off alarm," he said excitedly,"gotta go" Steve ran out of engineering.

"Steve's Quarters"

"Hey Mason, want some food"

"Arf Arf."

"Computer food suppliment 63."

Steve got the tray and put it on the ground. He looked in his closet and pulled out a box, then ran to ten forward.

Ten Forward
Steve entered and loudly said "Merry Christmas". everyone looked at him. He walks up to Capt. Price, "Here sir." and walks away. Capt. Price looks at the present and then opens it. The 5000 differeret ways to BBQ. He walks up to the doc. "Here's yours." and hands her a package wraped in bright paper. Steve leaves. She opens it and it is a kit labeled Grow your own strawberries and a cookbook entitled The Strawberry CookBook. "Well, she thinks, home-grown strawberries are better than replicated ones." "Jameson, here" he give jameson a gift and leaves. He opens it and it is a book in Klingon, The Dream of the Fire, written by K'Ratak {Gene Roddenberry made this up, not me}. "JT, I don't know you that well but Merry Christmas" and hands JT a package. He opens it and inside is three data tapes of classical music.

and so forth. {I haven't really figure out who is here and who isn't and the list goes on so:

Troy Blair, Book - The best of theater
Stovok T'Lein, Hiking Stick - Hand carved, good luck
Boaz Trinker, model - The USS Poncedelion
Deiran Casey, Book - 72,000 guitar songs
Stephanie Chen, tennis raquet - (The newest from Earth)
T'Nevin, Book - The nitpickers guide to tinkering
Cam Chalmers, book - 5000000 holodeck flight programs
James Mitchell, lures - 16 fishing lures designed to catch "The Big One"
Mr. Shtik, book - 70000 things you can say to make people laugh.
Ravel M'obius, book - the best of poetry
Nathan Kane, model - the USS Constellation
Tama Pentl Chiron, book - the best poker stratagies
Kelea, book - Klingon Culture
Russell Skye Wadell, book - flying, the holodeck experiance

Sorry if I didn't get to anyone else but I have to go now. Pick what you want.

Merry Christmas

Ensign Thomas Enquist felt like a ball in an ancient Flipper Game. He was sent this way, and that way all day long, and neither of the orders were to be fulfilled. He was happy to be out of the situation, but unhappy about not doing anything useful. He had to take care of all the phasers, and go back to the armory, to lock them away. Ensign Sanchez wanted to help, but Enquist said. "It's alright, I can take this back on my own, they don't weigh much." Ensign Enquist collected all the weapons, and left. He went straight into the armory, and stowed away the gear. He tapped his badge. "Bridge, this is Ensign Enquist. All modified phasers requisitioned for the away team is back in the armory." "Good, Ensign. Now report to Ten Forward for the festivities" The elation of a mission gone well was clear in the bridge officers voice. "Yes sir, Ensign Enquist signing off." He began to worry. This was an order, he had to follow them, but he did not want the risk of meeting her again, or someone that knows of her. The scandal has not died down yet, and this was his first ship. It must not be his last. After cleaning up, he went to the mess, with shaking legs, hoping for a lucky break....

Ensign Thomas Enquist, Security officer-Beta Shift, USS Galaxy

Everyone in Ten-Forward turned to face the door to see who had just shouted the greeting. A figure in a large red suit, carrying a heavy-looking sack, and wearing an odd-looking hat walked into the room.

"And a happy new year!"

The strange apparition made its way to Bellen and stopped. "That IS the correct way to address people at this type of gathering, is it not?"

"Who ARE y... Chiron???? Is that you?"

"Yes. I have done some research into human customs regarding Christmas and... Why are you laughing, D'Tarna?"

"You look positively silly."

Captain Price Glanced over and noticed the conversation. With a wide grin, he shouted "Look 'ere, mates! It's Jolly Saint Nick himself, come to join us!"

Everyone had a good round of laughter. Steve said "Well, what are you doing here? 's a mighty long way from Earth's North Pole, isn't it?"

"I just thought I could make an attempt at your.." Chiron looked down at his attire, "..peculiar human customs regarding Christmas."

Ti came up to him and said "Nice try, Chiron. I don't know... I actually think you look good in red."

Ten-Forward filled with laughter, including Chiron's.

"I believe I shall return to my quarters and change into more.." Chiron stretched his collar, "..Comfortable attire. Excuse me, please, I will return."

Eric Hanson (Lt. JG Chiron, Engineer, USS Galaxy [E-Mail]
Lt. JG Jarod Reix, Station Beta 2 [E-Mail]
Ens. Tal Breno, USS Horizon [E-Mail, IRC]
RAdm Rantoth Parr, Starfleet Command [IRC])

*************Holodeck 2***************

It was match point at the Australian Open. Ensign Chen was battling Steffi Graf, one of the greatest tennis players of the 20th Century. Graf was winning of course even though Chen had set the difficulty to level 6. It was hot and humid this time of year in Melbourne. The year was 1996. Graf tended to skip this tournament, the first leg of the Grand Slam, but this was a holodeck program after all. They were playing on the hard courts at Melbourne Park by the Yarra River.

Chen stepped up to the baseline to serve and took a deep breath. Graf looked ready to win another title. Chen pounded in a 90 mph serve. [In the 20th Century, Chen would only be able to hit an 80 mph serve, but now she has the racquet Lt. Capizzi gave her - thanks Steve!] The serve went to Graf's backhand, her weaker side, but Graf hit a blistering down-the-line return-of-serve for a winner. They both ran up to the net to shake hands.

"Computer, end program."

Chen returned to her quarters to shower when she noticed her message light blinking. She turned on her computer and read the message.

To: Ensign Stephanie Chen, USS Galaxy
From: Starfleet Personnel
Stardate: 49612.26
Subject: Reassignment

Ensign Chen,

You are to report immediately to Starfleet Command for reassignment. You will be the new Chief of Operations on the USS Crusader. Your new commanding officer is Captain Mike Johnson.

The USS Roland will rendevous with the USS Galaxy to take you back to Earth.

Starfleet Personnel

Ensign Chen was surprised by the message. She had not been on the Galaxy for very long, but that was the life of a Starfleet Officer. She quickly packed up her belongings. She also forwarded her canine food supplement recipes to Lt. Capizzi for his dog, Mason.

******************Bridge***********************

Commander Jamson announced that the USS Roland had rendevoused with the Galaxy.

Chen walked over to the Captain and said, "Captain Price, it has been a pleasure serving with you. Permission to leave the Galaxy."

"Permission granted. Have a safe trip Stephanie and good luck 'mate."

"Thank you sir."

Chen said goodbye to the Commander, Lt. T'Lein, Ensign Casey, and everyone else on the Bridge and left for the transporter room.

***************Transporter Room 2******************

Chen entered the transporter room and thought to herself, "Ah, my favorite transporter room."

Chen said goodbye to Chief Jensen and stepped up to the transporter pad.

Stephanie said "Energize," and within seconds, Stephanie and Geisha (in a kennel) transported off the USS Galaxy.

Ensign Chen, Operations Officer
USS Galaxy

The news about the successful return to the right timeline quickly reached the Chief of Security. He was relived that they could escape the Borg infested timeline with the help of the Breen. Shortly after hearing the good news, one of his security staff told him about a Christmas party in Ten Forward. He really enjoyed such parties, but this time he was very tired and just about to go to bed. But nevertheless he decided to stay there a while and therefore left his office.

********* Ten Forward *********

When he entered the establishment, everything was decorated the way it should be around Christmas. He saw lit candles on the tables, the smell of fir-trees was in the air, people dressed up as Santa's helpers (obviously the waiters of Ten Forward), and everyone in the room was happy.

"Hi Chief." a familiar voice addressed Joerg. It was Ensign Mulich.

"Glad you could make it here, sir"

"Thanks Ensign. But I'm afraid I won't stay here very long. It's been a long and busy day for me. I just came by to enjoy some time here before falling in my bed." Joerg explained.

"Well in that case enjoy yourself and Merry Christmas, sir" Mulich answered him with a happy smile on his face.

"Thanks, and the same to you and the others." Joerg replied and walked on to the bar.

Liam Sketcher was busily working to keep the party running. When he noticed Joerg he put a smile on his face and greeted him.

"Merry Christmas Lieutenant. What may I get you?" he politely asked.

"Some tea please, but without alcohol."

"But we have some good punch right here." Liam tried to convince him.

"No thanks, just a cup of tea please."

"Ok, here you are and enjoy the party." Liam said after handing Joerg the cup.

"Thanks and I hope you and your waiters will do the same." Joerg answered, knowing that such party preparations are very hard work and could ruin someone's Christmas Eve.

Nipping at his tea he looked around, seeing some senior staff officers, including Captain Price and Commander Jamson, and approached them.

"Merry Christmas to you." he greeted them.

"The same to you 'mate." the Captain happily returned.

They continued to talk about the latest mission a bit, when suddenly Santa Claus entered Ten Forward and started to give away the presents.

Joerg, curious as always, quickly opened his gift. It was an ancient book from Earth, titled 'Weaponry of Ancient Asia'. He was very happy about it, because he is a great fan of ancient Earth weaponry.

After the great music show, in which some of his colleagues also participated, he said farewell and goodnight to his friends and to the senior staff present in the establishment, and left the bar. On his way to his quarters, he already started to read some passages in his new book and because he couldn't wait till he read everything. But shortly after arriving in his quarters, he was lying on his bed and sleeping very deep.

Lieutenant junior grade Joerg Sterner
Chief of Security - USS Galaxy NCC-70637

When it was all over he still hadn´t found his assigned area and had make a fool of himself in front of K´arta, one of the few people he had meet that he felt could understand him since they had so much in common.

The Christmas party was still going on but he wasn´t going, he had no intention to let the crew laugh at him again. The ship was due to dock soon and the crew would get a well deserved R&R, he was planning to stay onboard and take the time it took to lear n every bit of the ship in his memory, he would never again perform so poorly or he would surely be dishonored and that he NEVER would allow himself, " batlh vaj bIHegh"(with honor or die) he thought to himself.

He had learn to respect the Captain and the Senior Staff for their actions during the incident with The Borg, they had really surprised him and anyone that could beat a Borg ship even if it was "only" a scout ship had earned his respect.

All the crew was at Ten-Forward,dancing,drinking and having fun. Jamson was sitting on the bar reading his new book "The Dream Of The Fire" that Lt.Capizzi gave for X-mas.the was written by K'Ratak. Jamson was very happy,it was hard to show it but the the X-mas spirit in Ten-Forward made it more easily.

He took his book and approached Captain Price.
"Having fun Sir?" Jamson asked.

"Yes Commander,and you?" the Captain answered.

"Well...I" the Commander was interupted by Lt.Sterner that came to speak with them.

"Merry Christmas you two." Joerg greeted them.

"The same to you 'mate" The Captain said.

Jamson just nodded and they continued to speak about the last mission when suddenly a male with a funny red suit entered Ten-Forward and shouted "Merry Christmas all!" after a few seconds of silence he continued "And a happy new year!"

"Santa!" Jamson thought and turned his look to Captain Price "It must Jeppo"

"No, I think it's Chiron" The Captain replied Jamson.

"So where is Jeppo?" Jamson asked Price.

"I really don't know 'mate" Price said.

Something about Jeppo bothered Jamson "a Major Marine...serving on a starship?that was really strange....and all the time not making friends and not fitting into the crew..."

"Computer,where is Major Jeppo?" Jamson asked the Computer.

["Major Jeppo is in his quarters"] the Computer replied.

"Excuse me Sir" Jamson said to Price.

"Of course 'mate" Price looked at Jamson while Jamson wa on his way out of Ten-Forward to Major Jeppo's quarters.

Jamson entered the nearest turbolift,the ship was almost empty..."a lot of the crew must be at Ten-Forward" Jamson thought.

Standing before Jeppo's quarters Jamson pressed the door button and the door chime could be heard.

Commander Jamson
FO/XO
USS Galaxy

Everything had happened so quickly.

The USS Galaxy had found her way home to the correct time line. Captain Price was relieved. Their encounter with the Borg had been weathered with only minor damages and little loss of life. As he sat in his ready room contemplating how he was going to explain this adventure to Starfleet in his Captain's log, he wasn't given the chance.

The Comm channel chirped.

"Price here."

"Captain, Sterner here sir. It's the Tholians. They are insisting to speak with you."

"Under stood Lieutenant. I'm on my way. Price out."

The Captain made his way to the quarters T'Lein and Chief of Security Sterner had set aside for the Tholian delegation. When he arrived he was surprised to see a full security team standing by.

"What is the situation Lieutenant Sterner?"

"Sir, it seems that the Tholians are upset about a few things."

Price looked at Sterner, encouraging him to continue.

"They are mad that we didn't arrive to Rigel VII on time. They are outraged that we are being escorted by their enemies, the Breen, and are insulted that they have been confined to their quarters through out this whole ordeal."

"I understand Lieutenant. Let's have a look." The Captain motioned to the door and entered. Sterner followed.

"Captain Price! At last. I wish to file a complaint against our treatment while on board your vessel. Why we have been treated as criminals! Confined to our quarters like animals! Is this how Starfleet treats Foreign Delegations?"

Captain Price grinned slightly. "I'm sorry Ambassador. But in times of crisis all non Starfleet personnel must report to their quarters. It is a regulation we have."

The Tholian scoffed at the comment. "The crisis is long past. Why are we still confined to our quarters then? And why have you not fired upon the Breen? They tried to have us killed earlier!"

"The Breen have agreed to accompany the USS Galaxy to Rigel VII. They will not be attacking your Delegation any longer. Had it not been for the Breen, we all may have perished while fighting the Borg." Captain Price smiles widely. "You might say the Breen saved your lives. Perhaps you should thank them."

The Tholian became outraged at the comment. "Thank the Breen? Never! They are a fanatical race. If the Federation is allied with them, then there is no place for the Tholians in Starfleet."

"As you wish Ambassador." Captain Price looks over his shoulder at the Chief of Security. "Lieutenant Sterner. How long will it take to travel to the Penal colony on Altegra four?"

"Six and a half hours at maximum warp Sir." Lieutenant Sterner said happily. The smile on his face was reflected by the security personnel in the corridor who over heard. They knew what a pain it was watching over the Tholians better than anyone else on board the ship. They'd been doing so for the last 4 days around the clock. It was nice to hear them get their just deserts.

The look of surprise crossed the Tholian's face. "What are you talking about Captain? I want you to return us to Tholian space at once!"

"I'm sorry Ambassador. I can not allow that. Since you will not be making the scheduled meeting with the Federation commission, I have no choice but to take you and your men into custody."

"Custody? That is ridiculous! We have done nothing wrong." The Tholian Ambassador spoke with confidence.

"That is not true Ambassador." Captain Price turned to his Chief of Security. "Lieutenant?"

"We have found evidence that one of your delegates was tampering with Transporter 2. That is what caused the accident that sent Chief Jensen into a different dimension. It nearly cost him his life." Sterner savored every word as he spoke them. The Tholians had been a constant pain since they stepped on board the Galaxy. Getting even felt good.

Captain Price enjoyed the moment as the Tholians began to fidget as Sterner spoke. After a moment, he decided to let them off the hook. "So you see Ambassador, unless you are willing to let by-gones be by-gones and attend the Federation meeting as planned, I will have no choice but to turn you over to the authorities for your crimes."

The Tholians gathered together and began to speak quietly. Finally, the Ambassador replied. "Very well Captain. We will overlook our improper treatment while on board your vessel. Now if you will transport us down to Rigel VII, we have a meeting we are late for."

"Excellent choice Ambassador. It just so happens that we are orbiting Rigel VII now. Lieutenant Sterner. Can you have your men accompany the Tholian Delegation to Transporter room 1 and send them on their way?"

"It will be my pleasure Captain." Sterner and the rest of the security detachment guided the Tholians along. Each Starfleet officer wore a smile as they past the Captain.

As they disappeared around the corridor, the Captain again began to think of how he was going to file his report to Starfleet to document this whole incident with the Borg and the alternate timeline.

"No. I still have one other thing to attend to." He said out loud to himself. Captain Price reached over and tapped his comm badge.

"Lieutenant Coe, Major Jeppo, This is the Captain. Please meet me in my ready room, immediately. Price out." The Captain then made his way back to the bridge and to his ready room.

When he got there, Coe and Jeppo were already there. Coe stood to attention when the Captain entered. Jeppo just glanced over momentarily before returning his attention to the d'k tahg on the Captain's desk.

"Gentlemen. I believe you know why I have summoned you." Captain Price sat down and looked at the two men. He could tell Coe was a little nervous. Jeppo looked like he didn't have a care in the world.

"I... think so Sir." Coe finally managed to get out.

"Of course. You wanted to tell us what a great job we did at pulling the Galaxy's butt out of the friar back there with the Borg. Forget it. I already have." Jeppo began cleaning his nails with the tip of the Klingon knife as he spoke, only occasionally glancing up at the Captain.

The Captain's eyes narrowed as he looked at the Major. He seemed to go out of his way to be disrespectful to the Captain. Lieutenant Coe spoke before Price could say anything.

"Captain. I was in command of the away team. I know I violated your orders when I took the Yosemite in to engage the Borg. Major Jeppo didn't do anything wrong sir... he was following my orders."

Both Captain Price and Major Jeppo looked at the Lieutenant as he said his piece. Lieutenant Coe was prepared to take full blame for disregarding the Captain's orders. A noble thing to do, the Captain thought. Though he didn't believe for a minute that the Major had nothing to do with it.

"I am prepared to accept whatever disciplinary action you see fit sir." Lieutenant Coe stood at absolute attention. His head held up high. Price though if he reached out and pushed him, the Lieutenant would topple over on his heals like a wooden soldier.

"Relax Lieutenant. It's like the Major said. Well done 'mate."

A surprised look formed on Lieutenant Coe's face. Jeppo just put the d'k tahg back down and asked, "Is that all Captain?"

"Yes Major. That will be all. I understand there is going to be a party in Ten Forward later tonight. I hope to see you there." The Captain was addressing both men at the same time. Lieutenant Coe just nodded, a little shocked that he wasn't in any trouble for their unauthorized attack on the Borg cube.

Major Jeppo looked at the Captain for a moment. "Maybe. We'll see." He said as they both exited the ready room.

Captain Price sat down and finally began writing his Captain's log report on the incident with the Borg. He was truly glad that this mission was over.