He grumbled about it as he threw 3 of his 5 PADDs and his flatboard (a larger cousin of the PADD, about 19 inches side and wide) There was his cube, under his bed. Cam breathed a silent apology to his room mate.

He finished putting the rest of his stuff in his carry on. He was ready. Almost. Now he just had to convince himself that he really wanted to go. Cam had always hated change, and he was hating it now. The slight dread was hanging off his heart, just like it had when he had joined the Seldon, left the Seldon, joined the Academy, left the Academy, and joined the Galaxy. He wondered in passing if he was the kinda person that should just put roots down somewhere. Ohwell, orders said Crusader, so he was off to the Crusader.

He left his quarters and wound his way to TR2, where he beamed over with a couple other officers to the Roland. As he beamed over, he wondered if he shoulda said a last Goodbye to Kelea and the others. Oh well, he had never liked Good byes either. She could chew him out for it later. In fact, he decided, if it wasn't for the leaving and good-byes, he would LOVE going to other places. Mabey he should get himself a house somewhere, and then spend all his time "vacationing" all over the place...

The blue faded from the pad, and he was gone.

--Cam

For once in his life, he didn't know what to say to Bellen. Shtik stood there gaping and completely at a loss for words. Their telepathic bond grew stronger with proximity. She could nearly read his exact thoughts. She couldn't catch a firm thought. He was panicing. The day they met, their life on Vulcan...every bit of their existance together was running through his mind in fragments. One thing that kept coming up was of her...in vulcan wedding robes. Now she was confused. Suddenly something popped up in her mind. The mind meld with Deiran. Shtik must have taken it the wrong way! But he must have known it wasn't more than a sibling meld.

"Shtik I-" He stared blankly.

"I know, Bellen." Shtik said with his logical tone. He tried to offer as much feeling and sincerity as he could. "That is not the reason."

"Then why is it, Sie?" Shtik paused.

"From the beginning, our relationship has been anything but logical. All these years I have been taking the logical vulcan approach. I feel now, that I must take the illogical approach and follow my heart. You were always one to bring that out in me. You will know...soon...my Tarny Belle." He said dryly. Bellen's heart lifted at that attempt at a joke while the confusion burrowed deeper into her mind. She departed with not another word uttered.

"Damn these feelings!" she whispered while walking back to the bar. Soon after her second coke, Deiran approached the bar.

"Merry Christmas, Bellen." Deiran hugged her.

"Ahhh, yes. Merry Christmas, Deiran. I have a gift for you. It's in my quarters." Deiran motioned for Bellen to lead. As the Ten-Forward doors swished open to allow their departure, he turned and announced to the crowd "Have no fear, Casey WILL return!" He giggled. Bellen just sighed and kept on walking.

Off in the corner of Ten Forward, Mr. Shtik crushes the metalic glass he was holding in his Vulcan hand. "I am in control.." he mutters under his breath.

Entering her quarters, Bellen remarked "I've been doing some research on the Christmas holiday. And...I have to admit," she handed him a small gift, badly wrapped with green holiday paper "my wrapping techiques require a bit of practice." Deiran chuckled politely at the workmanship. He hurriedly opened the gift to reveal a small isolinear chip.

"It's a holo-novel. William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'." Deiran smiled. "OUT DAMNED SPOT!" He said dramatically. Bellen laughed.

Lt.jg Bellen
USS Galaxy

Many hours passed and the party was still going strong, Troy had talked to everyone atleast once, and made many new friends. But while talking to Dr. Rousseau a thought entered Troy's mind, he hadn't wished his grandfather a Merry Christmas. Troy looked at his watch, 22:00 hours, there was still time.

"Well Jacqueline, if you'll excuse me I've got some business to take care of." Troy said.

"No problem Troy, it's been nice talking to you. I'll see you around." replied Jacqueline.

"See you around doc!"

Troy turned and headed for the door, before leaving Troy shouted Merry Christmas and got an in harmony reply of Merry Christmas.

***Troy's Personal Quarters***

"Computer, lights!"

With a chirp from the computer Troy's quarters lit up. His quarters were filled with standard StarFleet issued furniture, but there was some touches Troy added. Marquee Posters from 20th century movies covered the walls, and there were Playbills from plays Troy had seen on the tables. And there were a few plants here and there, by order of his mother. Over his bed was a picture of the USS Reprise, his father's ship.

Troy made his way to the subspace transmitter and began to push the necessary buttons. Within seconds the Federation insignia appeared with the words StarFleet Command written underneath it. The screen faded to a picture of his grandfathers assistant.

"Hello Rebecca, Merry Christmas!" Troy said with a smile.

"Merry Christmas to you too Troy. I suppose you want to speak to William?" The young assistant replied

"Yes, if he isn't busy."

"Let me see if I can find him"

The screen went back to the Federation insignia and Troy waited. A couple of minutes passed, then the screen faded to Troy's grandfathers picture, Admiral William Blair. The burly old man was in his sixties with hair that was a color in-between black and gray, with a thin beard and mustache. He has the appearance of a grizzly bear but the personality of a teddy bear (if they could have personalities).

"Merry Christmas granddad!" Troy said with enthusiasm

"Merry Christmas Troy! How's the Galaxy?"

"It's great! My first mission wasn't that bad either. We were thrown in an alternate timeline, faced a Borg cube, lots of excitement."

"Sounds like your career got off to a good start."

"Yup" Troy stated with a smile

"You'll have plenty more adventures to come in your career ."

"I'm looking forward to all of them! So who in the family made it to Earth for Christmas?"

"Just about everyone, half of StarFleet is in my home!"

Both laughed, it was a running joke in the Blair family that half of StarFleet was related to each other.

"Well don't worry about me granddad, the ship is having a party in Ten Forward as we speak."

"I won't Troy, well I've got to go. I'm already late for Christmas dinner, your grandmother is gonna kill me!"

"Ok, bye!"

"Bye Troy."

The screen went blank. Troy got up from the desk feeling relieved he was able to wish his grandfather a Merry Christmas.

"Computer, lights!"

His quarters went black, Troy went out the door and headed back to the party.

Ensign Troy Blair
Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

Casey was tired, but he loved Christmas and really loved Christmas parties. There was nothing like a Starfleet party, nothing could compare to the camaraderie. When he entered Ten-Forward, there was a lot of people but no Christmas music.

Casey walked to the bar and asked Liam, "Liam, I know we haven’t practiced, but Christmas music is pretty easy, why don’t we play a short concert?"

Casey chased down Hutchcraft and D’tarna and went to retrieve their instruments. 20 minutes later the Galaxy Crusaders had the entire room singing Christmas carols.

The band took a break after a 30 minute concert. Casey wanted to mingle a little. He had a chance to get to know Troy Blair, they both had a lot in common and could grow to be good friends. Casey did his best to stay away from Dr.Rousseau, but unfortunately he bumped into her, literally.

"Hello, Doctor, Merry Christmas," a look of unbridled terror stamped itself on Casey’s face, it was all he could do to remain composed. "Well, if it isn’t the ever allusive Deiran Casey. I thought you’d be here. Merry Christmas to you to Ensign," the Doctor leaned over and whispered, "Don’t worry Ensign, your safe for tonight, but after the party you’re fair game buddy!" Dr.Rousseau smiled. And then walked away laughing.

Needless to say, that didn’t sit to well with Casey. He’d be watching every step he made. Casey saw D’tarna walk away from the table Shtik was sitting at and walked over to her, "Hey, D’tarna, Merry Christmas," Deiran gave her a hug and they both sat down at the bar.

"Ahhh, yes. Merry Christmas, Deiran. I have a gift for you. It’s in my quarters." Bellen seemed a little distracted, like her thoughts were somewhere else, of course, Deiran knew she was thinking about Shtik. "I have a gift for you too," Deiran replied, he then pulled out a small box from his shirt pocket, "Here, I hope you like it, it’s not replicated, it’s the real thing!"

When Bellen saw what it was her eyes sparkled, she smiled, "It’s beautiful Deiran, thank you so much," she leaned over to him and gave him a sisterly kiss on the cheek. Deiran helped D’tarna put on the diamond necklace. "It looks beautiful on you."

"You are quite welcome my dear sister. You lead the way to your quarters."

When they returned to the party, they went to their instruments and started playing Christmas songs. Deiran sang, everyone was shocked to hear how good his voice was, Casey made sure to get the entire room involved in the caroling.

The singing, the end of a dangerous mission and the friendships being made was bringing the crew together, they were becoming a tight-knit group. Which would only make the crew better at their jobs.

As he was singing, Casey looked out into the crowd looking for Miran, he couldn’t find her. He wondered when he should give her his gift. Maybe it would be too personal, but he’d take the chance.

The concert was over, and Liam had the computer play Christmas music the rest of the party. Casey searched out Ti. When he found her he didn’t know how to approach her. "Oh, well I’ll just walk up to her and start talking, with my mouth it shouldn’t be too hard," he thought to himself.

"Miran, I wanted to thank you for accepting my invitation, we’ll have fun, I was thinking maybe tomorrow at 7? If that’s convenient for you?"

"Yes…that sounds fine," Miran seemed nervous, just as nervous as Casey. Casey then handed her a small box. She looked at the box and was shocked, "What’s this?"

"A Christmas present, it is Christmas, let us Terrans indulge in our holiday traditions," Casey laughed, Miran wasn’t sure if she should. "Open it!" Casey tried coercing her. She relented and began opening the paper like she was going to save it for eternity. Casey thought she would never get it open.

When she opened it, Miran’s eyes met a pretty diamond and sapphire necklace with matching ear rings.

Casey had to give up a lot of gold press latinum to get the necklaces, those darn Ferengi on Rigel VII were crooks, but he didn’t have time to bargain with them.

"Who is it?" No answer. I get out of bed, wearing my normal short-sleeved shirt and my boxers, and get the door. To my surprise it's Commander Jamson. "Come on in, Commander. Why aren't you at the Christmas Party?"

He comes in, looking with interest at my Marine gear sitting on the floor. "I could ask you the same thing. Going somewhere?"

"Yes, apparently. My wife seemed to have growled at the...I mean, my services are required elsewhere. I've just heard from a friend of mine that the Admiral in charge of Research and Development is transferring me to the outer reaches of the Federation. I'm supposed to report toot-sweet on some tub called the Crusader, an Intelligence-gatherer. Wonderful place for a grunt, isn't it?"

"Come on in Commander.Why aren't you at the Christmas Party?" Jeppo asked.

Jamson looked at Jeppo.He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and boxers. Suddenly Jamson noticed the Marine gear on the floor and answered "I could ask you the same thing. Going somewhere?"

"I'm supposed to report toot-sweet on some tub called the USS Crusader, an Intelligence-gatherer. Wonderful place for a grunt, isn't it?" Jeppo said.

"The Crusader....who is the Captain of the Crusader?" Jamson asked.

Jeppo grabbed a pad from the floor and said "Captain.....Mike Johnson,why?"

"I know him pretty well... I served with him aboard the USS Ranger. He was the First Officer then,and now he's a Captain..." Jamson thought and continued "Who did you say transfered you?"

"The Admiral incharge of Research and Development..." Jeppo answered.

"What's his name?" Jamson asked Jeppo.

"I...don't remember..." Jeppo replied and started packing his Marine gear again.

"Jeppo,are you in trouble?" Jamson asked.

"No...why are you asking? did you ever see my Marine Blaster?" Jeppo tried to change the subject.

"Jeppo, I can help you if you want...who is that Admiral and why did he transfer you to the Crusader?" Jamson continued asking.

Commander Michael Jamson
FO/XO
USS Galaxy

Jamson steps over the stuff on the floor and takes a seat. "I have nothing else to do, and I like a good story".

"Oh, this gets better and better every day, and it isn't over yet. Computer, Terran fruit juice, chilled". A tall glass of juice appears, and I take it over to the couch, sitting across from Jamson. I hold my hands tightly, to hide the shaking from fear, from absolute rage.

"It started some time ago, when I was posted to the cruiser-carrier U.S.S. Guam as a fighter pilot with the Marines. At the time I was still pretty wet behind the ears, so I didn't pay attention to the politics. We intercepted a distress call from a civilian passenger liner, under attack from pirates carrying Orion colors. The Guam made it in time for us to swarm all over the pirates, blowing them out of space. However, one got off a lucky shot that destroyed the liner. We found out later such interesting details that we were sworn to secrecy."

"It seems the liner was carrying some prototype equipment, unbeknownst to anyone except the Captain, who was in one Admiral Blake's pay. He was to surrender his cargo, and that...whatever it was... to the pirates, as part of a sale by the Admiral, of Starfleet experimental devices to other parties. It was by chance that the Guam intercepted the distress call. Instead, the ship was destroyed, the goods destroyed, the pirates all killed, and the Marines charged with incompetence. He tried to prove it was a Marine fighter that hit the passenger liner. Guess whose fighter?"

"He couldn't make a case. As time goes on, I met Ensign Karen Davies on the Enterprise-D, we married, and so on. She was already a Practical Sciences Officer, kind of a Jack-of-all-trades inventor. She designed a shuttle, I like to think it was for me, a fighter that had foils that could literally penetrate any ship's shields undectected. It was designed for the new quantum torpedoes, rapid-fire phaser banks, and a cloak that was far superior to the Romulans' design. It would have been a great Borg-killer."

I pause to take a drink. The Commander is absolutely absorbed by my story. Frankly, it feels great to get it out, but my shaking increases as I think about what I'm doing. Putting Karen at greater risk.

"Things exploded when my wife, Lieutenant Commander Karen Davies and I, were posted to Utopia Planitia, she to carry out design and testing of advanced shuttle designs, and me to teach academy cadet survival training on the outer moons. The new head of Starfleet Research and Development was one Rear-Admiral Blake. Coincidence? I think not. I suspect he had her posted there to gain control of her designs, but he's very good at covering his tracks. Anyway, he wants her to complete design of this shuttle for his own use. I don't know if he wants to use it or sell it. But when Karen balked and threatened to wipe all plans for that shuttle, he confiscated them, had us separated and me shipped here, and took Karen and the plans to Station Beta Two. It's far enough off the beaten track that he can complete the shuttle."

"And Karen? Surely there's something she can do."

"No. He has me as a bargaining chip to use against Karen, and she's terrified Blake will send me on a suicide mission or just have me out-and-out killed. He has her under his thumb, and rumour has it he's blackmailing or extorting help from quite a few other Admirals as well. He's been selling secrets to other parties for quite some time, now."

The Commander shakes his head. "It's pretty hard to believe. If this is true, how could he have gotten away with this for so long?"

"If he has the right Admirals in his control, he can do whatever he wants. He's had Starfleet officers 'accidently' killed before, to hide his secret. And to have the pirates destroy a passenger liner to hide his secret? I think there's nothing he won't do."

"And there's no help from Starfleet? No one that can help?"

Hmmm. "A former Marine Captain of mine wasn't able to find ANYTHING. Or so he says. Either the Admiral's covered his tracks well, or he's getting to people who snoop too much. I've got a buddy of mine keeping a covert eye on Karen for me, and who's looking for evidence. The Admiral's tracing every communique, every message with my name in it, so I can't contact her myself. And she's being kept incommunicado. We haven't spoken to each other for over a year, now." That wasn't exactly true, but I'm not going to tell the Commander his ship received an illegal message from her. "Even the Marine Corps Commander, General Beth'ay, has been ordered not to even inquire about me. We're on our own."

Jamson stands, paces. I stand, looking hin squarely in the eye. "SIR...", rarely do I call a Starfleet Officer that, "I don't want to involve anyone else. I can see the Admiral doing something drastic, like declaring a starship rogue, and ordering its destruction by other ships. Karen hopefully is making allies on Beta Two, and as far as I know, this shuttle hasn't been built. Yet. She's pretty resourceful, so I hope we'll find a way out of this mess. As for me, I just have to bear it until I have the opportunity to kill the Admiral with my bare hands. I look forward to the day. And Commander...", Jamson looks at me with a frown, "Thanks. I've never told anyone else the whole story. I hope I haven't put you at risk for this".

"Thanks!" she said and turned on her heels and throwing her bag over her shoulder, she entered the corridor.

"Computer - Where are my quarters?"

[ Lt. Morris' quarters are on deck three ]

Ronni entered the turbolift and said, "Deck three". She was still excited every time she heard Lt. Morris instead of Ensign Morris. Not only had she been assigned to the USS Galaxy again, but she had gotten promoted too!

As she exited the turbolift she was looking all around and ran smack-dab into another Lieutenant Junior Grade. She fell straight on her back.

"I'm sorry!" said the Lieutenant, helping her up. "I was reading my reports and ....you're a Delphinian aren't you?"

"Yes I am. Well, actually, half Delphinian and half human. I'm the one who should apologize. I was looking around like a guppy in a whirlpool." Ronni said.

"Well it looks like you're new here. I'm Lt. Deiran Casey from Ops. Can I show you to your quarters?" he said.

"I would be honored. My name is Rr'lonni Morris. Ronni to most people. Lead the way." she said with a bow.

Ensign Enquist was not enjoying himself on the party. Too many memories. Ever since that day when he had had one drink too many, and got tangled up with that political teacher at the academy. It was at the graduation ball, and he was just happy to be eligible for a position in the Starfleet. Now that he thinks about it, maybe his friends at the academy, Machiavelli and Straker, that put him to it. They knew that he could not take liqueur.

He was getting smashed, and his friends was having a good time at his expense. Needless to say, he made a fool of himself. His 'friends' made him believe that the teacher in political science had a crush on him. He must have been out of his mind, she's the coldest bitch that ever came from earth! She could have been a Vulcan, for all he knew.

Anyway, now he dare not take any stimulants, not even beer, for his fear of losing control again. This Christmas was going to be the worst in his life. Everyone was having a good time. Everyone but Ensign Enquist. He mingled for awhile, being careful to have been seen at the party, even exchanging a few word with people around. He then exited, and went back to his cabin, trying to relax. He had to get this scandal behind him. Everyone at the ball found out, and he just cannot meet any of those graduated officers right now.

* Lieutenant Commander Teshir Bajoul, Chief Councelor, USS Sovereign *
* Lieutenant Svetlana Andropova, Chief Councelor, USS Crusader *
* Ensign Jack Straker, Computer Engineer, Station Beta 2 *
* Ensign Thomas Enquist, Security Officer, USS Galaxy *

Quall was never much for parties. In his patheticly small experiences in parties, this one seemed pretty good. There was a band of sorts, and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

Quall sat alone at a small table in the corner, looking out into space. Crowds bothered him. He prefered to pretend that he was alone in the room.

As if pretending he was on duty, Quall made the decision that the presence of a security officer was not required.

Quall stood up and made his way through the shifting mob of party-goers, and out of Ten Forward. Quall recalled a message that he had recieved.... from where? Oh yes, sickbay. They want a physical.

Quall headed for sickbay to be probed by the docs there.

Ensign Quall
Security Officer

----a week later----

Chiron put down his fifth Punch. Tomorrow was the New Year. It is customary among Tamarians to spend the festive occasion with loved ones, but his family was so far away, and these Galaxy people were very new to him. Suddenly, Chiron perked up. 'A poker game would be Ideal.'

'Chiron to Bellen and Shtik'

[Yes Chiron?] They chorused. Just like telepaths...

'I would like to organize a game of poker, 2000 hours in my quarters.'

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]

Hutchcraft walked in to the field. He spoke ....

"Computer, select three random opponents at Level Five"

The Computer replied silently. Slowly, the effects of the programme began to come in. A large African-American male, clad in only ripped up rags, walked in from the ambient fumes. Hutchcraft picked up a crowbar nearby. Hutchcraft placed all his anger into the crowbar. Hutchcrafts aggresive adrenline fix had began.

Hutchcraft charged towards the male screaming as if his life depended on it. He plunged the crowbar into the huge man. He groaned in agony, yet was not harmed to a noticable extent.

The programme began to initiate phase two. Another two rag-clad males walked in from behind Hutchcraft. He could just see one of them, a long-haired white youth weilding a chain. He could not see the other male, but feared for the worse.

He threw the first male towards the long-haired fighter. His adrenline fix buzzed through him like the most powerful drug. His eyes began to bulge in aggresion. He could feel the anger flow out of him.

Before he could begin to attack the third warrior, the holodeck doors opened. Standing there was an officer he didn't recognize, along with the medical officer he remembered from the Borg-incident.

"What are two doing here, I don't even know you." he pointed at the male officer he had not met.

The officer began to walk towards Andrew, before realizing it might be a little difficult. "Think you can freeze this violence, for just a little" he asked.

"Computer, freeze programme" ordered Hutchcraft. He didn't look too pleased. He walked towards the two officers.

"Andrew we need you at the party, the band is going to play." the officer rushed to say his lines.

"Hi my name is Andrew, how nice of you to introduce yourself..." Andrew's sarcasm was coming back to him, as the adrenline eased.

"Sorry, My name is Lt.Jg. Dieran Casey. This is D'Tarna. We're going to be performing christmas carols." Casey answered. Andrew looked into Casey's eyes, searching for any signs of sarcasm.

"You serious, friend?" Hutchcraft still had trouble gripping at the idea of a christmas party, but the thought of singing songs about a baby had finally broke him.

"I'm presuming your not going to turn up, Hutchcraft" Casey sounded disappointed.

"I'm sorry friend, but I still can't figure out why we still celebrate christmas. But you cheered me up, thank you friend" Hutchcraft was on the verge of breaking down from the sight of him even trying to sing christmas carols. Then his twisted mind came up with something even better ....

"Actually come to think of it, it should be a fun and merry thing to do this fine summer day. Show me the way, Ca-Say" ...

Hutchcraft considered that fact that this might be going over the edge a little too far, but his twisted nature had already gotten him started. He picked up his Red guitar, and followed Casey and Bellen.

"By the way, Hutchcraft, well done on your promotion" Casey said happily.

Hutchcraft froze. What promotion?

Ensign Mitchell had been mingling with the guests far too long, he thought. He enjoyed the time he spent there, but he was very tired after everything that had happened. It had only been a few days since he had boarded, but it felt more like years. He laughed when Chiron had come in, and then a young officer had come up to him and given him a book on fishing lures. After sharing eggnog with the other partygoers and listening to the band play their rendition of the more popular Christmas carols, Mitchell decided he needed a little sleep. He said his goodbyes and politely excused himself.

**3 days later***

Mitchell's day was off to a great start. He got up, read his messages, and came across one marked Priority. "Another 'Save the World Mission' so soon? He groaned as he opened it. When he got up the courage to look at it, it read:

Ensign Mitchell, due to your exceptional actions on board the Galaxy during its crisis, you are hereby awarded the rank of Lieutenant (jg) and all its rights and privileges therein. Report to your commanding officer for your pip and new responsibilities.

Captain Price
Commanding Officer
USS Galaxy

"Yee Haw!" Mitchell jumped for joy. "Way to go, James!"

**3 days later, Dec 31, Ten-Forward**

Mitchell was just strolling in to Ten-Forward, when he was pulled aside by Lt. Casey.

"I haven't seen you for awhile, Mitch. Where you been?"

"Oh, around...No, just kidding. I've been working. Probably a different shift than you. Hey! You got promoted, too?"

Casey beamed and stuck out his chest.

"Yeah, next stop...Admiral!"

The two of them walked up to the bar and sat down. Liam walked over to them with something in his hands.

"Whats that you got there, Liam? Casey asked.

Liam put a pair of paper hats and two of what looked like whistles on the counter.

"They are Happy New Year hats and blow whistles. See?" He picked one up and blew into it. It made a loud squeaking sound and extended out 2 feet, almost hitting Casey in the face, but startling them both.

"Haha! Cool, Liam!" Mitchell picked up a hat and put it on. "Do I look good?" He winked slyly.

They both just looked at James, then each other, and burst out laughing. Mitchell started to turn red, but Casey slapped him on the back.

"Hey, its New Years! Lets have some fun! Liam a round of ale!" And Casey reached down, grabbed a hat and put it on himself. James just sat there, blowing his whistle and throwing confetti.

Lt. James Mitchell
Science Officer, USS Galaxy

After the Tholian Delegation was safely beamed down to Rigel VII, Captain Price was finally able to relax.

The last several days had been hectic. The Breen attacks on the Galaxy, being pulled through a spatial anomaly to another timeline, loosing Chief Jensen, the Borg, it was all quite overwhelming. Now that things were back to normal the Captain was grateful for the breather.

"Computer. Bajoran Coffee with cream."

The replicator made the customary acknowledgment tones and a steaming hot mug of the tan colored liquid appeared. Price picked it up and walked over to his desk in the ready room. He sat down and took a sip, before placing the mug down and turning his attention to his desktop Padd.

"Promotion time." He said, as he reviewed the names of officers on his list:

"Lt. T'Lein" [clg02@comp.uark.edu]
"Lt.Commander Coe" [chrisn@cia.com.au]
"Lt. Sterner" [e9226192@student.tuwien.ac.at]
"CPO1 Jensen" [sbenson@ups.edu]
"Lt.jg Ti" [melfikl@pxa.parks.slu.edu]
"Lt.jg Shtik" [mmekkes@mailnews.rsad.edu]
"Lt.jg Casey" [rschwa19@mail.idt.net]
"Lt.jg Quall" [rsalter@globalserve.net]
"Lt.jg Mitchell" [dick0016@algonquinc.on.ca]
"Lt. Bellen" [spookyy@erols.com]
"Lt.jg HutchCraft" [sml@cableol.co.uk]
"Lt.jg Blair" [ccox101898@aol.com]

The Captain stared at the monitor for a moment. Satisfied with the selections, Price couldn't help but feel pride in how his crew were performing. "They're a good lot." He said as he sent the file to Starfleet command to log the promotions. Soon the "End trans" logo popped back up onto the screen. Captain Price watched as Starfleet headquarters began sending him new orders.

"Humm, I wonder what this is." He thought as he waited for the download to complete before opening the new file. Reading through it, the Captain spoke parts of it out loud.

"Stardate blah, blah, blah,... New Starship, USS Crusader,... Intelligence gathering.... Ah here we go. The following personnel to report for immediate assignment."

Captain Price looked at the list.

Ensign Stephanie Chen, USS Galaxy
Ensign Cam Chalmers, USS Galaxy
Major Tinian Jeppo, USS Galaxy

The Captain scratched his head. He had known Stephanie Chen had accepted a new assignment and promotion to full Lieutenant on the USS Crusader as the Chief Operations Officer. She had left just a short time ago on the USS Roland. Cam Chalmers had likewise accepted a new position on the Crusader.

But Major Jeppo, now there was a surprise. The Captain knew he wasn't exactly thrilled with his assignment on this Starship. "Marines and Starfleet just don't mix." He thought. Still he wondered why the Major was being transferred around like a ping-pong ball. He knew the Major was rough, but he had begun to make friends on board the Galaxy. As he read further, the words "Intelligence gathering" again popped into his mind.

"Perhaps his special skills are needed on board the Crusader in order for her missions to succeed."

Price sat in silence for a minute. He was collecting his thoughts. In his stay on board the USS Galaxy, the Major had been rude, disrespectful and haughty. Still, he was key to the successful attack on board the Borg mother ship that ultimately saved the lives of the entire crew of the USS Galaxy. The Captain decided to let bygones be bygones.

"Computer. Enter letter of recommendation for Ensign,... Strike that. Major Tinian Jeppo. Form Price 14."

[Standard letter of recommendation loaded.]

"Computer, append paragraph 1."

[Working.]

"Major Tinian Jeppo has demonstrated his willingness and ability to succeed in the diarist of circumstances. His ability to adapt and overcome difficulties in his assignments and ultimately complete the mission objectives at hand are remarkable and duly noted. Major Tinian Jeppo is a fine officer."

[Working.]

"Computer. File letter of recommendation to Major Tinian Jeppo's personnel records and forward a copy to Starfleet command."

[Letter has been saved. A copy has been transmitted to Starfleet command.]

Captain Price switched off the monitor on his desk. Finishing the last of his coffee, he paused to pinch the bridge of his nose while he closed his eyes. He was tired. This last assignment was very stressful for the Captain. He wanted to rest. But being the Commanding Officer of the Starship, he had duties to attend to. Fortunately, tonight's duties only entailed attending a Christmas party that Liam Sketcher was hosting in Ten Forward.

The Captain got up and stretched a bit. Then walked over to the replicator and returned the empty mug. It quickly disappeared. Finally the Captain Smiled and exited his ready room to join the rest of his 'mates at the Christmas party in Ten Forward Lounge.

She entered the mess hall and looked around. Lt. Casey and a Benzite were sitting at a table near the back. Ronni waved and went over to the replicator and ordered Lemon Steamed Salmon with wild rice. With her tray she went over to their table. Ronni said "Hello."

Lt. Casey said "I'm glad you decided to join us. This is Ensign Trinker, he's works in Ops with me."

"Hello." he said with a slight bow. "Welcome to the USS Galaxy."

"Hello, I'm Lt. Ronni Morris, Practical Sciences. Are you any relation to a Trinker that worked on designing this ship?" Ronni inquired

"Yes. My father worked on the design and building of the ship. Why?" said Ensign Trinker.

"I worked with him at the Utopia Planetia shipyards. Your father is a genius! I designed the shields for this ship and we worked on the plasma conduits together." Ronni bubbled.

The three officers talked for almost three hours, until Lt. Casey said "Ohmygosh, I have to finish reconfiguring my new station before the party tonight. It starts at 1600 hours in Ten-Forward, do you want to go?"

"I would love to, but I don't know what my new Commanding Officer Lt. T'Neven has planned for me. I'll meet you both there if I can." she said.

Ronni got up and went into the corridor. "Computer - Where is Lt. T'Neven?"

[Lt. T'Neven is on the bridge]

"Great!" she thought. "This will give me an excuse to be on the bridge on my first day." She headed over to the turbolift and went to the bridge. Lt. T'Neven stood at the Science station.

"Excuse me, Lt. T'Neven? My name is Lt. Rr'lonii Morris. I'm reporting for duty."

A hangover.

She smiled at the term. It was certainly accurate enough.

She walked back to her office to check the agenda for the day. And cringed.

"Fun. Steeple chase day."

Bellen knew what that look on Dr. Rousseau's face meant. Her first day as a Lieutenant and what did she have to do? Hunt, for physicals! Time to put that life's worth of klingon training into it's long awaited use.

She thanked Keron, the blessed host, who had lived on the Klingon homeworld his entire life. Klingons had a need for the hunt and capture. An evil grin broke through the vulcan's barrier. Now she knew what Christmas was like to the little children who could never seem to run fast enough down the steps in the morning. She suddenly realized...she was looking forward to this. The lack of medical staff meant that Bellen and Dr. Rousseau would have to do it themselves. Bellen felt like jumping up and down but barely suppressed herself. Day after day, she had to supress her want to run reckless through the ship and now, she knew, she had the chance.

Dr. Rousseau handed command over to Nurse Opel and accompanied Bellen out of sickbay.

"Computer." Said Rousseau.

[beep]

"Locate Ens...Lt.jg Casey."

[Lt.jg Casey is in his quarters.]

"For once!" She paused. "I'll get him. I already told you where he is most likely to end up, right?" Bellen asked.

"Everything is set. I'll meet you there."

Bellen jogged to Deiran's quarters. She rang the bell.

"Come on in..." As the doors slid open, Deiran knew within one second what was going to happen. He stood at once. "Oooooh, no way!" He laughed. "nooooo way you're gonna catch me!" The chase had begun. Through corridor after corridor, room after room, Deiran ran and Bellen chased. Almost every starfleet officer on the ship had seen Bellen and Deiran or at least a blurred image of them. D'tarna felt like a child again. Running in the fields on vulcan was one of her most favorite things to do. Keep in mind, these were no Vulcan fields. Just corridor, metal and synthetics. But LORD it felt like home now!

Soon, neither of them could stop laughing. But the chase remained strong, the small space between them never grew nor shrunk. Deiran was getting desperate, now. He needed somewhere else to go. Bellen noticed where he was headed. "Mind melds do come in handy!" she said breathlessly. And just as she had planned, he entered the holodeck.

"Computer, execute program Casey Gamma." Casey cried.

[Unable to comply. Program Bellen Alpha already in progress.]

Before Deiran could stop, his legs dragged him into the holodeck, Bellen close behind. The doors wooshed shut behind them. Deiran stopped. He stood in the center of what seemed to be and 18th Century New Orleans tavern. Dr. Rousseau was already there, watching the story take place. Rats scurried away from the sudden scuffle.

Two men sat playing poker a mere 2 feet away from the starfleet crowd. One of them, the face of an angel and the mind wishing for death, Bellen had fallen in love with. She still loved him. Too bad he was merely a character from a book. Unaware of the recent occurence, the men contined their programmed narrative.

The angellic man stared at the other, who looked much like an ogre, with a nearly vulcan stare. Yet his sadness shone through. The angel tossed four aces, one by one, on the table and watched as the ogre became newly outraged with each card's unveiling.

"How many aces are in that deck?" Asked the ogre suspiciously.

"Are you calling me a cheat?" The angel longed for death more than anything else.

"I'm calling you a piece of stinking awful!" The ogre, in a silent fit of outrage, threw the table aside and pointed a pistol at the angel.

When he should have cowered, the angel gallantly, or stupidly, heald his ruffled white collar open to allow more ease in the bullet's passage. "You lack the courage of your convictions, sir. Do it!" The ogre stood in silent shock.

Bellen sighed. She LOVED that story and promised herself to spend more time acting it out in the holodeck. Back to work, though. It was the perfect spot.

"If I'm not mistaken..." she whispered to herself and turned to face the balcony of the tavern where, sure enough, a tall blond haired man stood. He was dressed in a quite opulent blue outfit to suit the times. His piercing eyes had surveyed the entire story, as the narration went, and he stood there, loving every minute of it. Deiran still stood searching for a way out of the tavern. It was so crowded with people, he couldn't find one.

Bellen whipsered gently, as so Deiran wouldn't hear and begin thrashing about, one word: "Lestat."

The archangel in blue leapt down, and Bellen, having programmed all of the characters in the story with memory, awaited as her plan was executed. In no more than a second, Lestat had a grasp on Deiran that none of normal strength could break. Dr. Rousseau had hesitantly approached Deiran, all the while aware of the pale beast, and quickly administered the hypospray to her struggling patient. All the while Lestat stood patient, looking at Bellen. Deiran lost conciousness and Lestat place him on a nearby table, completely ignoring the dirty tavern occupants.

"Thank you, Lestat." Said Bellen as she approached him with no fear.

"My pleasure..." He paused as if in deep thought. Bellen began to leave, seeing that the security staff had arrived to help carry Deiran back to sickbay. "Must you leave? I do so miss romping around New Orleans as we used to..." He said pitifully and quite playfully.

"I will return...very soon." She smiled.

"Well then, adieu, ma chere." He bowed.

"Goodbye, brat prince. And go get Louis!" With that, Lestat was gone.

As the two doctors made their way back to sickbay, Bellen a bit more slowly than usual, Dr. Rousseau remarked "Interesting friends you have..." They both laughed.

Mere minutes after re-entering sickbay, while Dr. Rousseau was performing the much delayed physical on the unconcious and ever-stubborn Casey, Bellen's comm badge chirped.

[Chiron to Bellen and Shtik]

"Yes Chiron?" She heard Shtik answer with her in unison.

[I would like to organize a game of poker, 2000 hours in my quarters.]

"I'll be there." She said. Shtik's reply was also in the affirmative. Collapsing on a biobed, she soon broke into laughter again, remembering the event. "That's one for the history books!!!"

Lt. Bellen
USS Galaxy

It had been a typical Hutchcraft adrenline-fueled experience. While his fellow band-members were putting on a fairly-serious performance of carols, Hutchcraft felt that anything less than complete chaos was unsuitable for such an occasion.

This had happened before. Once Andrew was in the right mood, he was a performer that even a clown would be ashamed of. He asked his band if it would be okay for him to lead the next song. The other members, for some strange reason, agreed to this, and Andrew began to lead the whole of Ten Forward into a chorus of 'Come Ole Ye Faithful'

Hutchcraft was not content with just being the one with the loudest voice. He could see the others blush in embarassment. He began to sing the carol in a variety of styles, until he decided that an *strangled* version of gospel was adequate.

The whole of Ten Forward looked at him. He looked back. The band stopped playing. The voices, stopped singing. All eyes were on Hutchcraft.

He grinned through it. His teeth were bright white. He waved at the crowd.

The band began to continue until the end of the carol, while Hutchcraft stood there, grinning. "Joy," he thought to himself ;"That was pure and utter joy. I gotta do that again"

The band finished. Sketcher went up to him ;"Erm, I don't think your going to be singing the lead from now on ..."

Hutchcraft was still grinning. He couldn't believe he hadn't been kicked out for it. He wished Sketcher, Casey and Bellen a Happy ... well his words were "a fantastic and mouth-watering" Christmas, before walking towards the Captain about his promotion. The others looked at him curiously.

"Excuse me Sir, according to Lt.jg Casey I've been promoted ..." he asked in a serious tone. His grin had managed to wear off."

"Yes, yes you have Lieutenant." the Captain answered.

"Thank you sir. And let me just add that you would look very ni ..." he was interupted briefly ...

"I think you need some rest as well, Lieutenant." the Captain smiled at him before Hutchcraft could end whatever he had to end.

"Understood sir."

The Captain handed him a black pip, which Hutchcraft placed alongside the gold pip. Hutchcraft then exited Ten Forward.

"Well, " he thought ;"I guess tomorrow we're back to business ... "

He undressed his uniform, before falling asleep ....

.... He awoke feeling less hyper, less angry, less everything. He smiled, and asked the computer for the time. The results were not to his liking.

"Ack, I hate it when I'm up late" he shouted loudly. He had fifteen minutes to report for duty. He put on his uniform quickly, picked up his phasar and walked to the Security Office.

"Ens ... I mean Lieutenant Junior-Grade Hutchcraft reporting ... " he spoke in to an empty chair. He was then joined by Quall, who had also gained a black pip. They looked at each other for a while, before both began to smile out of stupidity. They continued with their duties.

Lieutenant Junior-Grade Andrew Hutchcraft

Jeppo just finished telling Jamson his story. Shuttles...Pirates...Starfleet officers selling Federation secrets to the enemy...it was too much...

Jamson was ready to leave when Jeppo said to him "Thanks. I've never told anyone else the whole story. I hope I haven't put you at risk for this."

"Don't you think you should tell Captain Price? I'm sure he can help you" Jamson tried to convince Jeppo to get some help.

"No! don't tell anyone!" Jeppo said to Jamson and added "It's too risky! I don't want Karen to get hurt!"

Jamson looked at the Major for a few seconds before answering, he could see how Jeppo loved his wife "I understand...i won't...but you need to know one thing...you can't beat Blake alone."

"It doesn't matter...I will be leaving soon to the USS Crusader...there is nothing you or the Captain can do..." The Major said.

"Yes there is...you can speak with Price, he will help, i know he will." Jamson was still trying to convince Jeppo.

"And what can he do? didn't you hear what i said? I'm leaving!" Jeppo got angry.

"He can speak with the Crusader's Captain, or he can contact someone in Starfleet for you..." Jamson said.

Jeppo just nodded "I really don't know....I don't think anyone else should know about this..."

"It's your choice." Jamson said and waited for an answer.

Commander Michael Jamson
FO/XO
USS Galaxy

Troy couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the message that said he was promoted to Lieutenant JG. He was well on his way to continuing the Blair legacy. Immediately following his promotion message was one from his grandfather. It read:

To: Lieutenant JG Troy Blair, USS Galaxy
From: Fleet Admiral William Blair, StarFleet Command

Hello Troy,

I see in the promotions report from the Galaxy, you've been promoted to Lieutenant JG, congratulations! You've made me proud, and I know your father would be equally as proud, if not more. Well, I've got several matters to attend to, so I've got to make this short. By the way, I'm going to be making inspections on defenses soon, so I'll be out your way. I may drop by.

End Message

After reading the rest of his messages, Troy went to get his pip. On his way, he ran into Derian, who also was promoted.

"Well Derian, seems we're both JG's now" Troy stated with a smile

"You were promoted too? I can see it now Troy, someday we'll both be Admirals incommand of StarFleet."

" Not until I've been Captain of the Reprise-A first!"

"Reprise-A? When did they build another?"

"They haven't, yet, but when they do I want to be the first to be considered her commanding officer"

"I'm sure you'll make an excellent Captain for her, two Blairs in command of two Reprises" Derian said

"The only way my father would want it."

The two talked for a while longer, then Derian had to go. It took a while, but Troy finally found Lieutenant Commander Coe, who gave him his pip. Troy talked to Coe for a little bit then left.

After walking around the corridors for a while, Troy went back to his quarters. He sat down at his chair next to a window, and began to read his book on theatre. Time had passed, but how much Troy couldn't tell, he was deep into the book. After reading a few more pages, the door chirped.

"Enter." Troy yelled, while still reading.

The door slid open to reveal Troy's guest, it was Shtik.

"Greetings Troy"

"Well, hello Shtik" Troy replied as he put his book down.

"I was coming by to tell you I've got a new 20th century movie I think you'll like"

"Really? When can we see it?"

"Is tomorrow at 20:30 hours fine with you?" Shtik said raising one eyebrow.

"That's fine by me, mind if I invite the others?"

"Seeing a movie with a group of people would be more like the 20th century movie experience. I think that is a wise decision."

"Alright, is it going to be in the holodecks?"

"Yes"

"I'll send a message to everyone telling them about it."

"Well Troy, I must go now"

"Ok Shtik, see you tomorrow."

Shtik turned and exited Troy's quarters. Troy got up from his chair and went to his computer to make the messages.

To: USS Galaxy Crew
From: Mr. Shtik, Troy Blair

Hey guys!

Shtik and I are going to be holding one of many "Movie Nights" to come, in the holodecks around 20:30 hours. Everyone is invited, so let us know if you'll be there!

Troy sent the message, he hoped everyone would be there. Movies, in Troy's opinion, were a great way to relax.

Lieutenant JG Troy Blair
Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

I pick the larger shards out of my hand. Boy, I bet the Doctor'll have my butt for this, not to mention the engineer who has to replace this. But for some reason, it helps. The stress is still there, the pressure like a great mainspring wound tightly inside my chest, but it's slightly reduced, clearing my head. In the closet I pull out a towel and wrap it around my hand. No use attracting attention. Stopping in front of my door, I take a deep breath and try relax. Stepping out, I pause, taking in the light and the fresh air, a stark contrast with my dimly lit and stale-smelling cabin. Sickbay is two decks down, so I head there, my steps getting lighter. Maybe I WILL talk to the Captain. If I can get him to realize how delicate this is, just maybe he won't blow it. Don't starship Captains have their own 'old-boy' network? Their own grapevine for passing information? What if he CAN do something? At this point I don't have much to lose. Now I just have to figure out how to explain this to the cute medical staff. Then go and have a talk with the Captain.

On his way towards Ten Forward he thought about the Vulcan and Betazoid religious traditions he was familiar with and he made up his opinion, how this particuliar Christmas party will be. And like usual, he was not very succesfull predicting human behavior, especially leisure behavior.

When he entered the bar he was welcomed by a large crowd of people, all singing more or less after the same tune a band of crew members played on the provisinal stage. A collective feeling of pleasure, slightly coloured by some sad and thoughtfull emotional waves penetrated Shivok's mind.

A guy he never has seen before gave him a drink and shouted "Merry Christmas!", but before Shivok could reply with the traditional Vulcan "Live long and peace", the other has vanished in the crowd again. But Shivok couldn't think much longer, because his awareness was cought by a strangly dressed man, who didn't let him go, until he handed him over a little box covered in colourful paper.

And again: "Merry Christmas." "Long life and peace."

With his two hands occupied with either a glass and a small parcel he gave a rather lost image. As he stood there he heard suddenly a soft voice whispering in his ears: "Not feeling at ease, Counselor?"

Shivok replied and a touch of relief was heard in his voice: "Not exactly, T'Lein, I'm not used to this kind of ... celebration parties."

Lt. T'Lein face didn't show any expression, but Shivok could see T'lein amusement: "Humans have different ways to Vulcans to think about their religious roots, although the Christian tradition is only one of the many this fascinating species has produced."

"And different to Betazoids." Shivok replied to T'Lein risen eye brow. "Betazoid have a very conservative approach to their traditions, everything it is very symbolic and even the slightest change of the holy ceremonies are seen as blasphemy."

Meanwhile the band has finished to play and Liam put on some laserdiscs and popular music blubbered from the speakers. A group of people started to form a lane and put their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them. The started to walk through the room, ever more people were joining them. Just before the lane has arrived at them, Shivok turned around to face T'Lein and asked: "I've got some fresh Saya in my quarter, would you like to join me for a cup?"

"Your invitation is an honor to me." Shivok's Betazoid senses perceived clearly T'Lein relief to have a good excuse not to join the collective merryness.

Stephane, aka Counselor Shivok

Casey could only stand in the doorway, shocked and happy all at once. He watched as Lt. T’Lein walked down the corridor and then out of sight. It was nice of T’Lein to deliver the pip to him in person. When the Lieutenant disappeared from view, Casey looked down at the new black pip he held in his hand. Pride swelled within him at the thought of his superiors putting in his record that he’d only been an Ensign for two months. That will look really good on his Starfleet record, Casey thought to himself.

He turned around and went inside his quarters. "Lieutenant Junior Grade, I like that," Deiran said out loud. He remembered just then that his mother had sent a sub-space communication before the Galaxy was caught in the Transwarp Conduit.

Casey walked to his desk, "Computer, display message from Dr. Allison Casey." The computer told him it was working. Casey sat in his seat behind the desk and waited. The wait was only a few seconds.

Casey watched his mother appear on the screen, it was good to see her face again, "Hi sweetheart," Casey blushed and was tempted to talk back and complain at that remark, "I hope by now you’ve heard about your sister. Your father and I really like Alexa’s fiancée, you will too." Casey paused the message.

"Computer, establish communication to Admiral Thomas Casey and Dr. Allison Casey," Casey decided to talk to them in real time. The computer told Casey it was working on establishing the link.

Several minutes later, Casey was talking with his father. "Hi son, how’s everything on the Galaxy?" Admiral Casey was a distinguished man, silver hair, a slightly aged face, piercing blue eyes that seemed to look right through you, he was a man who commanded respect, you may never have known his record in Starfleet, but all you had to do was look at him and you could tell this man had served the Federation well.

"Everything’s fine Dad, I have good news for you." Casey smiled, he couldn’t wait to tell his father.

"You, sir, are looking at a Lieutenant Junior Grade!" the Admiral’s face lit up when he heard those words, pride was glowing all over Casey’s father.

"Son, I’m proud of you, good work. Next up, Lieutenant."

"Yes, sir."

"You received the news about your sister?" Admiral Casey asked.

"Yes, I’m looking forward to being at the wedding, it’s a long way off," Casey was hardly containing himself, he couldn’t bear the thought of his sister marrying someone named Jumar!

"I’ll make sure you get the time off. Confidentially, I don’t like the guy, he’s not Starfleet!"

"Well, I’m not exactly endeared to the guy myself Dad, and I haven’t even met him."

Admiral Casey turned to see his wife enter the room and started to change the subject. "Your mother’s here, I’ll put her on in just a minute. But, first I’ve got a surprise for you. Starfleet is transferring me." The Admiral let that sink in before he continued, "guess where son?"

Casey didn’t know what to say. His father was smiling, illuminating the screen. "It’s a big universe Dad, it could be anywhere."

"There putting me in charge of Starfleet Tactical Operations."

Talk about bricks falling from the sky, that was a huge promotion. "What about Mom?"

Deiran’s mother appeared on the screen to answer that herself, "Deiran it’s great. I’m getting a promotion, I’ll be heading Starfleet’s Medical Procedure Board, and I’ll be a Vice Admiral."

Casey was blown over by all this, it was all a little overwhelming. His first thought he couldn’t keep inside, "Mom, can you handle not being in a sickbay?"

Dr. Casey smiled at her son, "Yes, it’s time for me to move on. This position will allow me to take a broad step in affecting Starfleet medicine Deiran. I’ll be able to create and improve Starfleet’s medical procedures and influence new advances in medicine."

"I’m happy for you Mom, I hope you’ll be happy. Did Dad tell you about my promotion to lieutenant junior grade?"

Dr. Casey was beaming at hearing about her son’s promotion, "No, Deiran, I’m proud of you. Good work. That’s my boy. You’ll be at your father’s side before you know it." Dr. Casey winked at Deiran. She was just saying that for her husband’s sake, Deiran’s mother just wanted him to be happy, regardless of his rank.

"Mom, I have good news for you."

His mother waited for the news.

"I’ve got a date with a beautiful woman tonight."

Dr. Casey smiled, "Oh, really, fill me in Deiran?"

"Well, she was just promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade, her name is Ti Miran. She’s Bajoran. She’s the Galaxy’s Chief Helmsman."

"Well, this is a first, my son is actually going to go on a date, you’ve been terrified around women your whole life, what’s changed?"

Deiran didn’t know how to respond. He thought about it for a minute, "Mom, this girl is gorgeous, my heart wouldn’t let me keep quiet or be nervous. I had to get to know her. I’m just mesmerized by her, she’s been in my thoughts every second of the day ever since I first saw her."

"It sounds serious!" His mother replied.

"Mom, I haven’t even been out with her yet. I’ll let you know how it turns out."

"Aren’t you on duty right now?" his mother inquired.

"No, Lt. T’Lein gave me the day off. When we were on the last assignment I was up for almost 24 hours straight. I thought I’d just relax, get some rest before my date tonight. I report for beta shift tomorrow morning."

"I should get going Mom, I’ll be in touch. Give my best to Dad. Tell Alexa to call me. And Congratulations to both of you on the big promotions."

"Thanks honey, take care of yourself. What’s this girl’s name again, I want to look up her file?"

"Mom, give her a break. She’s very shy and reserved, I haven’t figured out why yet. But, I’ll give in, I’d like to know what you think of her. Her name is Lt.(JG) Ti Miran, recently promoted, she’s the Chief Helmsman on board. I love you Mom."

"Love you too Deiran."

The screen went black for a second and then the Starfleet insignia appeared on the notepad screen.

Deiran just sat in his chair for awhile and thought about his father being head of Starfleet Tac. His mother a Vice Admiral? Man, would this family ever stop? The pressure just seemed like a ton strapped to his back. Deiran shrugged it off, or least tried to ignore it. His thoughts were interrupted by someone at the door.

Deiran walked to the door, wondering who it was. "Enter."

He was met by D’tarna with a hypospray in her hand. "OH NO! GET THAT AWAY FROM ME!" D’tarna went at him, he ducked, juked to the left and darted out into the corridor, running as fast as his feet would take him. He turned to see if D’tarna was following him, she was, but she was slow. Must be out of shape, Casey thought. She looked like she was enjoying this. The rat!

Casey was terrified, he wouldn’t go to sickbay conscious that was for sure. He headed for the holodeck, hoping he could shake her in there and maybe hide until she gave up. But, it didn’t work. A ghastly creature restrained him while someone injected hypospray into his system. It worked quickly.

He woke up in his quarters two hours later. He was mad! He would get D’tarna back, he didn’t know how, but he would. Deiran felt betrayed by her. She would have to make amends.

Deiran asked the computer for the time. "The time is 1730 hours," the computer voice replied. He had to start getting ready for his date with Miran. His heart began to pound like it was going at warp speed. And his nerves began to shake, "Oh no, please, I don’t want to look like a fool tonight!" Casey hated it when his nerves became all jittery.

An hour later.

Casey was dressed, his hair done just perfect. He tried to make himself look as good as he possibly could. "Computer turn off lights." Casey then left his quarters and started for the turbolift. He had a bouquet of red roses in his hand. He prayed that he could get his hands to stop shaking. He would pick Miran up right on time.

The rays of the sun shined down on the city of Venice. There were gusts of wind over the marina, which caused small ripples of water to crash against the sea wall near the Palazzo Ducale. Deiran and Miran were walking toward the Hotel Gritti Palace. They both had sun glasses on to shield their eyes from the brightness of the sun. The San Marco Arcade was swamped with venetian natives, tourists, people feeding pigeons in the square. It was during the Venezia Carnival, and the natives were dressed in elaborate costumes.

Deiran wore a 24th century midnight blue suit, his medium length blonde hair held behind his neck loosely with a leather strap, his bangs hung down above his left eye. Ti Miran, was wearing a long-sleeved purple silk blouse, black pants, one Bajoran ring, her blonde hair was up in a French twist. They looked perfect together.

"Isn’t this city beautiful?" Deiran asked Miran.

"Absolutely stunning," she responded, her voice just barely audible. Deiran could see she was nervous.

"I made this program so I could observe the architecture, Venice has some of the best designs in the galaxy!"

Ti Miran could see in Deiran’s eyes his passion for architecture, his eyes brightened when he talked about it, especially when he was surrounded by such a gorgeous setting.

"Here we are," Casey said, as he opened the door. When they were inside they were met with an exquisite hotel lobby that looked like it was from a fairy tale, the kind where anything was possible. Michaelangelo-style paintings covered the ceilings, the walls were decorated with art collected through the ages by the Doge’s of Venice. The main color of the decor was gold, but not even that color could outshine the brilliance of the room.

Deiran led Miran through the lobby and to the Ristorante Club del Doge. The maitre’d met them and seated them at a table on the terrace, it gave the perfect view to the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica de San Giogio Maggiore across the bay.

"We hope you enjoy your meal, your waiter will be with you shortly," the maitre’d said to them, he spoke in perfectly accented Italian, which Miran could hear. Deiran didn’t speak Italian, but had reworked the holodeck translator so that Miran heard the Italian, Deiran could hear the translation in his ear. Deiran thought the language gave the program more ambiance.

The waiter gave them two menu’s, and left to give them time to choose their meal. Each picked up a menu, "I’m sorry I can’t recommend anything, the food is so good, it’s hard narrowing the items down to just one," Deiran laughed. Miran could only muster a shy smile at his comment. She was absolutely terrified that he’d see her shaking.

They ordered and began to get to know one another. Miran was quiet and listened to Deiran talk about his warp drive experiments, his wishes of becoming a Captain, maybe the youngest ever. He talked about his family, he told Miran that his sister was getting married in four months. Deiran stopped, noticing that he’d been talking for twenty minutes and Miran hadn’t said a word. "I’m sorry, please tell me about yourself, I seem to be monopolizing the conversation?"

"No, I was enjoying what you were saying, please continue," Miran thought her nerves were going to explode. She wanted to stay and be with Deiran, but her emotions were just terrorizing her. She didn’t know if it would stop.

Deiran just stared at Miran. "Please, don’t do that," she begged. "I’m sorry, I’m just entranced by your beauty, I can’t help but be mesmerized by your eyes and the glow of your face," Deiran said, completely enchanted with his date.

Miran turned a deep crimson, and shot out of her chair. Deiran’s quick, athletic reflexes allowed him to catch her by the wrist, he did not hurt her, he just stopped her. He stood to his feet, looked into her eyes and pleaded, "Please don’t go!"

Miran broke out in tears.

"What have I done?" he asked himself. He didn’t know what to do but pull her close to him and let her cry. It was several minutes before he felt she would be able to answer if he asked a question.

"What’s wrong Miran?" he asked the question as sincerely as his heart possibly could.

She pulled her head from his chest, her voice mangled underneath her tears, "I was to be married this week."

Deiran’s mouth dropped open. He wasn’t expecting that, "What happened?" he asked with compassion. Before she could answer, Deiran asked the holodeck for a handkerchief, so he could wipe her tears. As he wiped her tears she tried to explain.

"I requested an assignment to the Voyager so I could serve with my fiancée, Robert Stephin. He was my only friend and family…though his family took me in and made me a part of theirs." There was a long pause as Miran began to cry again at the thought of loosing a second family.

"My sister and brothers died at Hutet Labor Camp on Cardassia IV, the prison camp where we were held by the Cardassians. I was made to watch…" Deiran began hearing Miran switch between Standard and Cardassian as she relived the memories, the horror of her ordeal,"…as my parents were shot," Deiran’s heart seemed to sink to his feet when he heard that and his heart went out to her, he wouldn’t feel sorry for her, but he could be sensitive, tender to her feelings. It was strange hearing Standard in one ear and Cardassian in another, it took only milliseconds for Deiran to translate the words, "I had a friend in prison camp, but she died too. Anyone I love or get close to seems to be ripped away from me…" She couldn’t continue, as she began to cry again. She put her head against Deiran’s chest and sobbed. "Let it out Miran, you need to let all the pain escape your soul, your spirit needs to heal."

Miran didn’t realize it at first, but the more she cried and expressed her pain and heartache, she began to feel a little better, almost as if she could go on. Miran looked up at Deiran, he wiped her tears away from her cheeks, "Thank you Deiran for being there for me, I just could not handle it anymore. You are very sweet."

"Don’t worry, Deiran Casey isn’t going anywhere and I will never leave you, or die on you. I’m a member of one of the luckiest families in Starfleet!" Miran smiled at Deiran, it was all she could allow herself at that moment. She felt safe in Deiran’s arms and knew that she could trust him.

They finished dinner and Miran did begin to open up a little. After their dinner, which Miran devoured, her tastebuds couldn’t get enough of the delectable spices in the food. Deiran and Miran left Gritti Palace and started east along the walkway near the sea wall.

Miran looked out into the marina and asked Deiran what the building across the bay was, Deiran was happy to tell her, "That is the basilica San Giorgio Maggiore, it was built between 1565 and 1610 and designed by Andrea Palladio. Ancient history says, ’it can be said that the history of Venice begins and ends with the basilica of San Giogio Maggiore."

Indeed it was a beautiful structure. The whitewalled entrance, etched in an antiquitous Roman, 14-15th Century architecture pleased the eye. The statuesque tower, almost a reddish-beige in color, dominated the surrounding waterfront. The intricate handiwork of the carver, the delicate texture of the outlying curves and angles told the story of the architect and of the Basilica. Witness to all of Venetian history, it was the grandest church Deiran had ever seen, at least in Italy. It resembled the Roman temples and there was just a touch of Greek influence. It combined the best of old and new of ancient earth.

Deiran and Miran toured the city, Deiran continued to tell her about the buildings of the city, he showed her his favorites. When it was time to go Miran commented, "We should come back and take a ride in those boats, what are they called?"

"They’re called gondolas, the bigger ones are vaporetto’s. There’s a quote by a Terran author named Henry James, ’The only way to care for Venice as she deserves is to give her a chance to touch you often— to linger and remain and return.’"

Deiran told the holodeck computer to show the arch and exit, as the doors hissed open, Miran turned to take another look at Venice, "Mr. James was a brilliant man."

"Private communications"

Karen Davies looked at the terminal in a bit of shock.

"Captain Price? You know that this communique is directly disobeying Admiral Blake and that you could be court martialled for it."

The Captain smiled at the suprised Specialist and said calmly, "This channel is secured, no one knows about it. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve, you know 'mate."

She broke out in a wide grin, "Thank you, Captain! I'm so worried about him. Tell me, Captain, how has he done on the Galaxy. Does he have friends?, is he happy?"

The Captain pursed his lips. In truth, Major Tinian Jeppo had been having a very difficult time in making any friends. He blended into the Galaxy crew as well as a Gorn blends in with humans. However, the look on Karen's face was more than he could bear. He couldn't possibly imagine breaking her heart. "He's a little reserved, but yes, he's all right. He worries about you quite a bit."

Karen laughed discordantly, the tension relieved. Tinian's wife relaxed into her chair and sighed, looking at Price with relief, "The Crusader, hmm? I haven't heard of it. Is it a Cerenkov class?, I've got friends at Utopia Planitia telling me about a new production-"

Price cut her off, "It's an intelligence ship, Specialist. I'm not sure, but I believe it's being assigned to the Klingon neutral zone."

Karen's heart dropped. Admiral Blake had warned her about disobeying his orders, told her that the punishment would not be hers but Tinians'. It would be her punishment, all right, only ten times worse. She whispered, "The Klingons? He's being assigned to the Klingon neutral zone?"

Price could see that Karen's morale had just dropped several decks. He tried to console her but realized that there was little he could do, "Now, Karen, Tinian's the finest soldier I've ever seen. If he IS assigned to the neutral zone, I have no doubt in my mind that he'll make it out all right. He's very driven, and I think it's you that drives him."

Her eyes snapped back up to meet his, her voice was low, "Thank you, Captain. Very much, I'm glad to know that I still have friends."

He smiled sympathetically and nodded, "You're more than welcome. He's going to be fine, G'day Specialist. Galaxy out."

The screen went blank. On one side of the quadrant, the Captain of the USS Galaxy sat staring at the glowing Federation emblem with hard eyes, while on the other side, on Space Station Beta Two, Tinians' estranged wife fought back the tears that threatened to envelop her.

The onboard computer interrupted Dyllan’s daydreaming. "Approaching Starship Galaxy. We are three minutes from docking maneuver."

Dyllan stood up and shook his head to remove the last traces of fog from his awakening brain. Scratching his left shoulder he reached over with his free hand and tapped the comm panel, "Starbase shuttle craft Pinochio to Galaxy docking control, this is Lt. Shane on final approach. Request docking maneuver." The huge Galaxy-class vessel loomed ominously ahead. Breathtaking from the outside. One could study the schematics but seeing it close-up and personal was a real picture of mans accomplishments.

"Pinochio, you are clear for approach to shuttle bay 2. Release your controls, we’ll take it from here."

Dyllan took his seat and adjusted the pitch of the smaller craft, "Galaxy docking control, if its all the same, I’ll fly her in manually. Dyllan had logged over 1400 hours on various shuttle craft since his enlistment in Starfleet and countless hours prior. There was something to be said about turning control of your ship over to a tractor beam. What of the person on the other end got a twitch or something. One slip of the finger and he could find himself embedded in a bulkhead and sucked out into space. No, he preferred to handle the docking himself.

"Negative Pinochio, no manual docking unless emergency conditions dictate otherwise. Standard procedure......sorry."

"Understood Galaxy, authority released, you have control." Mr. Shane sat back folding his arms behind his head in a show of helplessness. The great maw of docking bay two swallowing him up as the almost invisible blue beam of the tractor guidance system conducted the Pinochio to her resting birth. "Computer, secure moorings and open the hatch.

Dyllan already had his sea bag hung over his shoulder as the ramp came to a rest on the deck plate. He walked off smartly and took a quick look around. There was an ensign, a female ensign walking his way. She was a bit short in stature, but adorable never the less. Blond hair lying loosely about her shoulders; uniform fitting suitably in all of the appropriate places. It had been a long trip.

"Lt., welcome aboard the Galaxy. Your quarters are on deck 8, number 815b. The engineering duty officer is expecting you at 16:00 in main engineering."

Recovering his eyes from their brief scan of the female ensign tool a bit more effort than expected. He hoped it hadn’t been obvious. "Thank you Ensign, you might want to check out the starboard nacelle on the Pinochio, I noticed some deuterium flow irregularities." The door to the bay opened as it sensed his approach; and the newly arrived Lt. Jg. Strolled out and was assimilated into the passing foot traffic.

"Deiran..." He avioded eye contact. She smiled. "Deiran, I'm sorry that I had to chase you around the station like that..." She felt like breaking out in laughter just thinking about yesterday's chase. "No, actually, I'm sorry I enjoyed it so much!"

"You didn't have to chase me around the station like that! You could have easily slipped something in my drink. Didn't have to give me a heart attack!"

Bellen looked suprised. "In case you don't remember, I came to your quarters not even intending to use the hypospray unless needed. And who ran?" She raised a vulcan eyebrow. Deiran was silent. "At any rate..." she heald her hand out forming the infamous vulcan sign of 'live long and prosper' waiting for his hand to join it. "Truce?"

Lt. Bellen
USS Galaxy

The turbo lift was waiting for him as he entered and directed it to deck 8 Jr. Officer quarters. Thinking of where he had been and where he was Dyllan sighed and slumped a bit. He had expected to be assigned to a boarder patrol ship, maybe an Excelsior class or if he was lucky one of the more recent Nebula class Starships; but the Galaxy? This was almost too good to be true. Maybe there was a mistake or something. Maybe it had paid off to have dated somebody in Starfleet Personal. He had thought Ensign Doomley had been kidding when she said she could fix him up with a primo posting. It was not inappropriate to think that a favor might be in order.

The lift stopped and a stocky Vulcan stepped into the car. The Vulcan seemed to give him a brief going over before muttering "level 4" and returning his gaze forward. The heads up approach was probably the best thought Dyllan directing his attention to the frontward gazing Vulcanoid. "Lt. Dyllan Shane, just came aboard. And you are?"

The Vulcan raised an eyebrow and almost imperceptibly grinned. "Lt. Shivok, ships counselor. Welcome aboard Mr. Shane." Dyllan took a double-take. Had Shivok actually smiled? Were Vulcan’s allowed to do that? Then again, were Vulcan’s allowed to be ships counselors? One could imagine a session with a Vulcan counselor, "Never mind what you’re thinking, I’ll get the story myself." How would you know if you were getting any feedback? A Vulcan counselor was almost a paradox in terms!

As if it sensed his presence the lights came on and the port window shade opened as the newly arrived Lieutenant entered his quarters. "Computer, transfer communication protocols for Shane, Dyllan R. Starfleet from shuttle craft Pinochio to USS Galaxy. Any messages" Dyllan dropped his sea bag on the nearest chair, actually the only chair in the spartanly furnished Jr. Officers cabin.

"There is a message from your Mother, and a message from Lt. Nathan Kane."

"Computer, play message from Lt. Kane, and fix me a cup of hot cocoa please." The replicator hummed as it produced the requested beverage. Dyllan scooped the cup out of the device and took a hearty sip as the computer obediently played the stipulated message.

"Lt. Shane, welcome aboard, you’re probably itching to get started; while we iron out the details of your permanent duty I could use some help running some general repair and maintenance type stuff. Report in to Main Engineering and pick up an equipment bag and then stop by Lt. Jamsons quarters. His replicator has been damaged and it’s causing spastic energy spikes in that section. Go ahead and replace the entire processor unit. When you’re finished get a hold of me and I’ll meet you in Sensor Maintenance."

Well, it seemed the Chief Engineer was in no hurry to utilize an extra body. It’s all the same I suppose, better busy than looking for something to do. "Computer, delete message." Dyllan gulped down the rest of his hot chocolate and headed for the door.