Several weeks after the incident at the outpost, the Galaxy finally returned to Earth. Joerg was very nervous as he was about to visit his parents for the first time after he was transferred to the Galaxy. With a happy smile on his face he was on his way to the Captain to ask his permission for his brief visit. When he entered the Captain's room, Commander Jamson and the Captain were discussion details of the next mission. Joerg was just about to leave them alone and return another time, when the Captain noticed him.

"Yes Lieutenant. Can I help you with something?" he asked.

"I'm hoping so sir. I was wondering if I may visit my parents on Earth while we are orbiting it. It's been a long time since I was at home." Joerg explained.

"That's no problem 'mate." the Captain replied.

"You could even do us a little favor too." Commander Jamson added.

"That's right. There are some new Ensigns and one Cadet waiting for their transfer in Starfleet Headquarters. I want you to meet with them and bring them aboard the Galaxy. They will be waiting for your arrival at 1400 hours. This leaves you five hours to visit your parents." Captain Price said while handing him a PADD with the list of new crew members.

"Thank you sir." Joerg answered, his smile again on his face, and left the Captain's ready room.

He went to one of the transporter rooms and was transported down, near the place where his parents' vineyard was located.

It was a happy reunion with his parents. They exchanged the usual 'You look very good.', 'How are you doing aboard the ship?', and 'Why haven't you visited us earlier?' phases, but one could see in the eyes of his parents that they really cared for him and were happy to have their son back in one piece.

While sitting outside the tavern, in the bright spring sunlight, Joerg told them about his adventures and strange situations aboard the Galaxy. Time was quickly passing by as they listened to the stories. After a very well lunch, Joerg found it was about time to go to Starfleet Headquarters and look for the new crew members.

Before he was going, he checked if his skiing equipment was still in his old room. It was and in good condition too. So he took it with him, knowing he will need those things soon. When he was trying to say good-bye, his father handed him a winecase with three bottles of last year's vintage. It should be a gift for Liam Sketcher, for organizing the skiing trip. Joerg said farewell to his parents and was on his way to San Francisco.

Some time later he was already standing on one of the transport pads of Starfleet Headquarters. With his skiing equipment and the winecase next beside him, he was a funny picture among the correctly dressed Starfleet officers there.

He quickly noticed a group of young officers who were apparently looking for someone. He approached them and introduced himself.

"Hi there. I'm Lieutenant Sterner, Chief of Security aboard the USS Galaxy. You must be the new crewmembers, that are about to be transferred to the Galaxy."

All of them began to nod. Joerg signaled them to come with him and they all were quickly beamed aboard the ship. In the transporter room Chief Jenson was already awaiting them.

Joerg explained to all of them where they'll find their quarters and suggested that they should contact their department chief, once they have unpacked and refreshed themselves. While the others went to their cabins, Joerg held back the two security officers Campbell and Mohler.

"Cadet Campbell, you'll be in Alpha shift. That means you'll report first thing tomorrow morning at 800 hours in my office, deck 38." Joerg address the young cadet.

"Ensign Mohler, you are in Beta shift, which starts soon. I suggest you get your things to your quarters and report to Lieutenant Quall after that. If there isn't anything else you want to ask you are both dismissed." Joerg concluded his welcome speech.

The two new security officers quickly went to the nearest turbo lift and were on their way to their quarters. Joerg himself was thinking where he'll go first, to his quarters dropping his skiing equipment or to Liam to give him the bottles. He decided to first leave his baggage in his cabin and after that visit ten forward.

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

"Approaching Docking Bay 8." the computer announced.

"Hail them and let them know our intention to dock."

Several minutes later, she brought her little craft into the shuttlebay of the USS Galaxy. It hovered for a moment, then settled down to a landing on the shuttle deck. She rose from the console, swung her bag over her shoulder and activated the hatchway. It opened with a hiss as the pressure equalized. She walked down the ramp and looked around. ~The USS Galaxy is a pretty big place.~ she thought. A bored-looking security ensign welcomed her aboard and showed her to her quarters. Shanika sensed a great deal of fear and distrust from him. He jetted away as quickly as possible, leaving Shanika in the middle of her new room. It was quite big, compared to the place she had on DS 14. She set her bag down. ~I'll unpack later.~ She headed for the mess hall to get something to eat first, and maybe meet a few of her new colleagues.

"Ensign Mohler, I presume? My name is Ensign Mason. I've been instructed to show you the ropes of starship security? Are you ready?" asked Ensign Heidi Mason, who just walked out of the security office.

"Ready to follow you to the ends of the galaxy!" came the reply. Anyone who knows Andreas Mohler should have seen that coming. Always the ladies man. No wonder he's only an ensign.

Ensign Mason managed to give Mohler the basic outline of a normal security shift. "Not too hard. Not too exciting. I guess this will do for a month or so. I wonder what kind of fun people have on ships like these anyway." thought Andreas. He then proceeded to finish the rest of his shift in the security office.

Jonathan Hanover
Ensign Andreas Mohler
ae238@seorf.ohiou.edu

Lieutenant Ti and Commander Coe were exchanging pleasantries while standing near the Bar in Ten Forward.

While swabbing the counter top, Liam noticed the padd sitting there with his list.

"Hey guys, are you interested in snow skiing at all?" Liam asked with enthusiasm.

Miran finished sipping her drink as she nodded. "I haven't been in a long time but I love to ski."

The bartender grinned, then looked at Commander Coe.

"I've been known to ski fresh powder runs from time to time. Why do you ask Liam?"

Liam placed the padd on the bar top and slid it over to the other side. "The Captain has authorized a week long shore leave while the Galaxy is assigned to chart out the forming gasseous nebula in the Moudini sector. I know of a ski resort on a near by planet that has the best slopes in the quadrant. I'm putting together a ski trip for those that sign up."

"Sounds interesting." Miran says as she glances at the list.

"Ya. We are going to have a great time. As you can see a lot of people have already signed up."

"Man! You're not kidding. It looks like practically everyone from Security is going." Coe says as he looks at the list over Lieutenat Ti's shoulder.

"I'm telling ya, if you want to go, you should sign up now. The Captain said I can use two shuttles and once they are filled up, that's it!" Liam said grinning as he polishes one of the wine glasses and hangs it back on the display rack near the bar.

"Look, Ronni from Science is going, so is Commander Jamson. I don't see Deiran's name though." Miran's voice trailed off as she sounded disappointed.

"Heck, sign up. Once Casey hears you're going, he'll bend over backwards to go too!" Liam smiled at the blushing Chief Helmsman.

"Alright. I'll sign up." Miran said as she keyed her name into the padd.

"Count me in too." Commander Coe said. "It sounds like it will be fun."

"Well that's the spirit. Be sure to let Lieutenant Casey know now... I wouldn't want him to miss out!" Liam smiled as he said it. Miran just nodded as she and Commander Coe went to sit down at a table. Liam looked across the other end of the bar.

"What can I get you today? Say, do you two like Skiing?"....

"Are you coming down to Headquarters with me?" The Admiral asked.

"For a little bit, then I'm going to head over to the Academy to see Jennifer. And a few of my friends, that are still there."

"I'm sure your sister will be glad to see you, after all it's been a while." The Admiral smiled.

"Yup, but it'll only be for about five hours, then I have to report back here."

"Better than not at all" William said.

They entered the transporter room and stepped on the pad. Soon everything faded blue, then was replaced by the surroundings of Starfleet Headquarters.

"I've got to meet with the C in C in about five minutes, so I better get going" William said. Troy handed William his suitcase.

"Well granddad, it's been nice seeing you again" Troy stated.

"Yes, it has. You keep in touch ok? And I'll send you a communiqué when ever possible"

"Sure thing. You better go, you're going to be late to the meeting" Troy stated.

"Okay...Bye Troy."

"Bye granddad."

Troy and his grandfather hugged, and then went their separate ways. "Off to the Academy!" ran across his mind.

Lieutenant JG Troy Blair
Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

Personal Log

I am here siting in my quarters unsure of myself. Its been several hours since my meeting with Lt. Shtik and I am in a personal dilemma. After my time spent on the Outpost, I am lost in my thoughts as to what direction my life should take. I thought being a Science Officer was what I wanted to be, but since my experience as a Medic, I am unsure of my choices. I have now been thrown a promotion to Assistant Chief of Science. It seems that Lt. T'Nevin has chosen to stay behind on the Outpost, for what reasons, I am unsure of.

Since my Academy days, and even my first few assignments, I had been a Medical Officer of sorts, but in order for me to advance, I had to switch careers to the Sciences. I have excelled in this area, but I still feel something has been missing since my time as a Medic. I felt I was really wanted and needed then, and now....

I know the Medical Division here on the Galaxy has been depleted of Medical Officers of late, with Dr. Bellen leaving, so I think have come to a conclusion of choices. Either I transfer to the Outpost, where I know I'm wanted and needed, or I apply for a transfer to the Medical Department here. Either way, I fall back in advancement. I would have to start over again.

In transferring to the Outpost, I would leave my friends and companions behind, forsaking any adventure and travel to new worlds; to actually be a part of something new and wondrous. The outpost sits at the edge of the Neutral Zone and in light of recent events, it would be a very dangerous life, always on the edge of disaster. But it would get me virtually nowhere. I wouldn't be happy, and my soul wouldn't accept the position in life that I would be locked into. I promised myself that I would strive to uphold the sacred vow of bringing peace and sanctuary to all races and beings. My experience on the Outpost opened my eyes to what I had to do since Bajor had been liberated. I think this is what had attracted me to the idea of serving on the Outpost. Making this log has helped me immensely. I know that my life is here, on the Galaxy, but in what capacity?

Switching over to the Medical Dept. doesn't seem to be the answer. I have spent the last few years as a Science Officer and I have felt at ease in that role since being posted to the Galaxy. I HAVE felt needed here, but I need something more. My desires demand it. This is my dilemma. I love my position. I know that I'm good at it, since I've been promoted twice now in the last few months, so I can't leave it. It wouldn't be fair to myself or the Galaxy. The other thing that keeps me here is that I have finally met the other Senior Science Officer on board. She is quite intriguing. Everytime I thought about transferring to the Outpost, her eyes appear in my mind. I am curious as to why that is. The intensity of her blue eyes haunt me...

I believe I have come to a conclusion. It is the only one I have. I think I will sleep on it and let the Captain know tomorrow before I report for Beta Shift.

***END LOG***

Lt.(jg) James Mitchell
Asst. Chief Of Science
USS Galaxy

Meeting D'tarna in front of the resturant caused several stares. The sight of two vulcans hugging and kissing on a street corner was rare to say the least. But Shtik and Bellen walked to their table hand in hand, filling each other in on the events of their lives within the mental link it provided.

"Look at you! You've done great!" D'tarna said as they sat at a booth in the back.

"Your appearance is asthetically pleasing as well." Shtik said.

"Flatterer." D'tarna laughed. "Oh, by the way, I met someone who I wanted you to meet. I've invited her here to meet us. I hope you don't mind." Shtik tried to examine her thoughts for a clue to the surprise, but D'tarna just smiled and slid her mental barriers into place.

"Any friend of yours would be welcome." Shtik said.

"I am pleased to hear that, Shtik." The voice came from behind him and he turned to see an attractive middle aged vulcan woman in the starfleet uniform of a commodore. The long dark hair of the 90ish year old woman was just starting to go grey.

"Grandmother." Shtik said rather stiffly.

"You must forgive Dr. Bellen for the deception. I knew this would be the only way I would get to see you." Shtik's grandmother said.

"I understand you will finally be accepting a promotion." Shtik said avoiding eye contact.

"Yes, I will be giving up starship command for a position at Starfleet Academy."

"What made you change your mind, Commodore?" D'tarna asked.

"I had finally recovered something very important I had been searching for."

"What's that?" D'tarna asked as Shtik stared out the window at San Francisco Bay. The Commodore produced a small wooden box and placed it on the table.

"It is something I have kept for a long time. It was in the possession of Shtik's father when he died and I wanted to recover it to pass on to Shtik" Shtik's attention was drawn back to the table.

"Oh, Sie, it's a family hierloom." D'tarna said. Shtik and his grandmother both turned to her with arching eyebrows.

"The term 'heirloom' suggest an illogical motivation behind the gift. I'm sure..."

"Actually, it may not be entirely inappropriate. This object represents a period of my life where logic does not necessarily apply. Therefore I must admit to a somewhat irrational sentimental desire to pass this on within the family."

Shtik picked up the box and opened it.

"It appears to be a rather ordinary meteorite." Shtik said examining the object within the box. His grandmother looked over his shoulder to glance at the object as well.

"So it does." She said. Shtik looked at her quizically. Then his grandmother's comm badge churped.

"Commodore Saavik, your shuttle is ready on lauch pad 12." the Commodore slapped her badge and acknowledged.

"I must depart now. Thank you for the invitation, Dr. Bellen. And Shtik, it is pleasurable to see you again as well. Remember, I will always welcome communication from you." Shtik stared back wordlessly clutching the box. After a moment, Commodore Saavik turned and left the restraunt.

Finally he walked over to the object and opened it again. The meteor looked somewhat smoother in this light and he noticed small blue sparkles that he hadn't seen before. He reached in, picked up the rock and held it to the light.

When his hand came in contact with the stone he found himself suddenly on a windy precipice. Shtik panicked for a moment before realizing he wasn't in his body. Looking around he realized he was cornered on a precipice overlooking an ocean on a class M world. There was an elderly Klingon advancing toward him with a knife.

"Give it to me! It belongs to me!" The Klingon was yelling, waving the knife threateningly.

"That is not logical, Maltz." Shtik found himself saying. "There is no evidence toward your ownership of the object in question." Shtik realized he was still holding the meteorite his grandmother had given him.

"You were not there, Vulcan. I was! My entire crew was killed! That belongs to me!" The Klingon drew even closer. Shtik looked down at the old mining company uniform he wore. The logo on the sleeve was familiar.

"There are doubtless others like this. You do not need this one." Shtik said finally realizing it was the stone they were fighting over.

Suddenly, the Klingon, Maltz, attacked. Shtik stepped aside in a move designed to throw the Klingon. But Maltz grabbed Shtik and dragged him down with him. Together they slipped over the edge.

As they fell, Shtik found himself looking at his shoes of all things. He recognised those shoes. He knew who he was. He was experienceing events in the life of his father.

When the cold water hit, Shtik knew he was going to experience his fathers death. Water was rare on Vulcan and few vulcans learned to swim. Adding the complication of a blood thirsty Klingon pulling you down was enough to cause anyone to give up. But Shtik's father fought on, finally getting hold of the Klingon's shoulder and delivering the nerve pinch. Maltz slid off his victum and, falling unconcious, sank ahead of him into the depths of the alien ocean.

Shtik struggled to get back to the surface. He felt his air running out. Finally the darkness overtook him and he lost conciousness...

He woke up on the floor in his quarters, the meteoroid laying on the carpet across the room. He looked at it laying there. Now it was grey and ragged looking. Somehow it contained the memories of his father. Shtik hit his communicator.

"Lt. Mitchell, please meet me in the geology lab."

She beamed in between the house and the barn. The farm was beautiful. The plants were beginning to bloom. Father Steven came out from the barn.

"This is a pleasant surprise, Miran. Mother! Miran's here." Mother came out from the house. She was followed by Robert's youngest brother, Alexander. He was so cute. He was only five, the youngest of twelve.

"Mirie, Mirie." Alex came up and gave her a hug. Mirie was his name for her, when he was younger he could say Miran so he called her Mirie.

"You should see Thunder's new colt. He looks like his sire. The momma is Lady." Thunder was Robert's stallion, a beautiful black Arabian. Lady was also an Arabian but not of the dark coat that Thunder had.

"How long can you stay?" Mother asked of her.

"We leave orbit in four hours, so not long." It felt good being around her surrogate parents. They took her under their wing when Robert first introduced her to them.

"Wish you could stay longer. John just finished tuning up the old plane. It runs like it wasn't over three hundred years old. My how many Great Grandmother took excellent care of it and trained her children to treat it with as much respect as she did. She is the one to build that airstrip you know. She built after she retired from the US Air force of the time." Father loved to talk about his ancestors. The farm had been in his family since right after the American Civil war. The airstrip was built by the great-great grand daughter of the original owner.

"Come in dinner is about to be finished. You can eat with us of course can't you?"

"Yes, Mother." She looked forward to the meal. Mother Steven was the best cook that she had ever met. Actually, probably the only cook she had met that still used a real oven. They raised most of their food so it was not synthsized. The meal was excellent. They had chicken, corn, greenbeans, and homemade bread. Robert had six siblings that still lived on the farm. She loved being here.

"We had three new foals born including Lady's. Two of the cows calved. Of course there were many chicks. One of the chickens that hadn't been laying well provided us with this fine dinner." Ti smiled. A farm was a great place to be if she couldn't be on a starship.

She helped out around the farm, talking to everyone for the remainder of the afternoon. John showed her the plane. It had a new paint job. He started it up and it sounded great.

Soon it was time to go. She hugged everyone and said her good-byes.

"You know you are always welcome here, Miran," Mother reminded her.

"I know that. I will try and come back when I get a chance. I didn't get to ride. Or fly for that matter. Thank you for dinner." Ti contacted the ship and was beamed back aboard. It had been a wonderful day.

The Galaxy arrived to Earth and entered orbit. Most of the crew was visiting earth while the ship was under some minor 'repairs' that Starfleet Engineers insisted on.

Jamson just finished his shift and left the bridge toward Ten-Forward. He walked through the empty corridors and thought about his family. He didn't know where his famliy was, after the borg destroyed his home...he never found them again.

"A good drink will help." he said to himself and entered Ten-Forward.

****Ten-Forward****

The big room was almost empty, a few officers in the far corner were looking at the beautiful planet below. Even Liam was there.

"Liam? I thought you were gone to visit Earth." Jamson asked him.

"Well...I'm on my way in a few minutes. I just wanted to make sure everything will be ok while I'm down there."

"Liam...did you get my message about the Ski Trip in the Moudini Sector?" Jamson asked.

"Yes I did, infact I used your name to convince others to join." Liam said while locking a few drawers.

"Really?" Jamson was suprised. "I heard that a lot of Security Officers will be there." He added.

"Yes, you know...I couldn't believe it, but the shuttles were filled in no time. I guess they just love ski trips." Liam Smiled and asked "Wanna escort me to the Transporter room?"

"Hmmm...no can't, I got to do something..." Jamson said and took a seat.

Liam looked at him for a second before leaving the room "Well, I'll see you later."

"What should I do? I've never been in a ski trip before....maybe some Holodeck programs will help..."

****Holodeck1 3.5 hours later****

"Damn ski site....! I've had it....I should have known it won't be easy...let's do it one more time." He said and tried to get up.

"Here we go" Jamson started to slide down the mountain "Hey! I'm doing it! I can do it!" when suddenly...."Wow! wowoww......" He fell down the mountain.

"Bloody tree...." he tried to get up "My leg! I think I broke it...what time is it" He watched his ski watch while feelinh the pain "Oh no! 30 minutes before the ship will leave orbit...that's all I need...now everyone will laugh at me. Jamson to sick bay..." he slapped his comm badge.

["Rousseau here"]

"I need some help..."

["What is it?"]

"Promise not to laugh?"

Noam Brosh aka
Captain Mike Johnson,Commanding Officer USS Crusader .
Commander Michael Jamson,Executive Officer USS Galaxy.

Will had just unpacked the last of his things, and was now getting ready to report to Sick Bay, for his first time. He hadn't met the CMO, Doctor Rousseau, but from her bio, he saw that they had a few things in common. *She's actually quite good-looking...* he thought to himself. *I wonder... no, no, no... I can't, I can't do that...* He restrained himself.

They could just be friends, nothing more...

Sadly, he pinned his Ensign pip and his comm-badge on his uniform, and strode out of his quarters. He greeted some of the other Ensigns in the corridors, along the way, but most of them, he had never met. *This is such a big ship... how am I going to get used to living here?* So many thoughts and questions ran through his mind, he began to get a bit nervous. He had always dreamt of working aboard a starship, but it seemed intimidating. He was just a little speck of dust in a much bigger picture; he would probably just be hated and scorned by every person on the ship. *What if no one likes me, here? Oh well, who cares, I can manage without them... no wait! I'm going to be living here for a long time, I can't have EVERYONE hating me...*

Just then, he made his way to the turbolift. The doors slid open, and a young woman appeared. Will greeted the woman, and she nodded. She appeared to be a Vulcan, but her ears were too rounded to be a Vulcan's - she was probably Romulan.

"Hello, Ensign..." Will said, hesistantly.

"Ensign Shanika. And you are?"

"Doctor Andrews. I'm the new Medical Officer. Nice to meet you."

"Yes, it is agreeable to meet you, as well." Shanika sounded like a typical Vulcan,

"Where are you headed?"

"I am going to the Mess Hall."

"You must mean Ten-Forward."

"Yes, that is correct. And where, may I ask, are you going?"

"Sick Bay. I have to meet the CMO."

"I see..."

*Wow, she is a typical Vulcan, but she is a Romulan... how strange...* Will thought. He decided not to bring it up, but he was sure that she could probably hear his thoughts.

Just then, the doors slid open. Will was too engulfed in his thoughts to notice.

"We have arrived at Sick Bay, Doctor." Shanika said, in a typical Vulcan tone.

"Oh... right... nice meeting you, Ensign. See you later."

Shanika nodded. Will walked out of the turbolift and headed to Sick Bay, in near confusion. He was still in deep thought, but he managed to make his way to Sick Bay without bumping into any walls. The doors slid open, and he found Doctor Rousseau walking to her office.

"Doctor! Doctor Rousseau!" Will yelled. Doctor Rousseau turned around, and greeted Will.

"Doctor Andrews, right?"

"Yes, that's right. Nice to meet you." Will extended his hand, reluctantly, and Doctor Rousseau shook it once.

"Well, you'll be working the Gamma shift."

"Alright."

"If you have any questions, just ask. Okay?"

"Great! Thanks, Doctor."

"Please... call me Jacqueline."

"Only if you call me Will."

Jacqueline smiled, and walked to her office.

*Things are looking pretty good, so far...* Will thought to himself.

Ensign (Doctor) William Andrews
Medical Officer
USS Galaxy
SCOTT HONG
shong@globalserve.net

Rousseau came out from her office, while Will was putting away some medical equipment.

"Will, looks like you're going to have your first patient. Commander Jamson broke his leg on the Holodeck."

Will had to stifle a laugh.

"Yes, yes... prepare the surgical equipment... the nurses will be bringing him in any minute."

"Broken cartilage?" Andrews queried.

"No, just the bone was broken... nothing too serious. You can handle it." Rousseau grinned.

"Yes, Doctor." Will grinned, as well. He walked over to the surgical bed, and prepared the surgical laser and the bone regenerative device, along with some other medical utilities. They were all lined up neatly on the anti-grav tray, just beside the bed. Just as Doctor Andrews had completed repolarizing the surgical laser, the nurses wheeled Commander Jamson on an anti-grav stretcher.

"Alright... lift him onto the bed... gently..."

The nurses lifted up the top part of the anti-grav unit and placed it on the med-bed. The part of Commander Jamson's uniform which covered his leg had already been torn off and replaced with an icepack, to relieve the swelling.

"Commander, how are you feeling?" Will asked, politely. *Geez... how does a guy injure his leg on the Holodeck?* he thought to himself. He just hoped that the Commander wasn't telepathic.

"I'm fine," Jamson replied. "It's painful... but I'm fine."

"I'm going to have to perform some minor surgery... this won't hurt a bit... alright?"

Jamson nodded, wincing due to the pain.

Andrews turned to the nurse. "20 cc's of local anaesthetic."

The nurse slapped the hypo on Andrews' waiting hand. He administered the hypo to the area near the injury, and began the surgery.

It was nothing too serious; Andrews had done a scan of the leg to make sure that the cartilage was still intact, and that the bone hadn't completely snapped. He ran the bone regenerative device over the leg and administered some pain reliever, to lessen the pain, as the bone healed itself naturally. Andrews cleaned up whatever that had remained, and replaced the ice.

"Alright, Commander, you're all set. You'll need to keep the ice on, to reduce the swelling, and I administered a pain reliever to lessen the pain, as the bone heals. You should rest, for the next day... maybe two."

"What?? I have the ski trip!"

"Well... if you don't let the bone heal, you could worsen it. Bones cannot be regenerated instantly."

"Damn..."

"How long until your trip?"

"A few hours."

"You might want to postpone it, sir..."

Jamson sighed, and sat up on the bed. He seemed to be very upset.

"I'm really sorry, sir."

"No... no... it's fine..." Jamson grumbled, as he got up from the bed.

"Nurse! Help the Commander to his quarters..." Andrews called to one of the standby nurses.

Jamson stumbled out of Sick Bay, with his arm wrapped around the Nurse's shoulder, about ready to hit himself for his folly...

Doctor William Andrews
Medical Officer
USS Galaxy
SCOTT HONG
shong@globalserve.net

Memories flooded Troy's mind as he walked across the campus. Just about everything he looked at triggered a thought from an event in the past. But the feeling he got was different than what he use to feel as he walked across the campus. He was a cadet last time he set foot on the grassy noels, but now he's a Lieutenant JG in Starfleet. The cadets were looking up to him the way he use to look up to the visiting Starfleet officers, he couldn't help but feel proud.

When he made it to his sister's dorm he was surprised he didn't run into any of his old friends. Many graduated with him and were in different parts of the Federation, but there were still some that were at the Academy. He wondered around the dorm before he finally found his sister's quarters. Straightening his uniform, Troy rang the door chime. Everything was silent for a second before the door finally slid open. But the person answering wasn't Jennifer, it had to be her room mate.

"Can I help you?" The young cadet asked.

"Uh..This is Cadet Jennifer Blair's quarters isn't it?" Troy inquired.

"Yes it is. Who are you?" She said.

Troy was stunned, surely his sister's own room mate would know who he is.

"I'm Troy...Jennifer's older brother."

"Oh ya...I've heard her talk about you a couple of times. She's not here..she went to the student lounge about an hour ago." The cadet said while playing with her hair.

"Ok thanks...and cadet next time an officer comes to your door, show a little more respect. I made that mistake once and was reamed for it."

"Sure" was the reply as the door closed.

As Troy walked away he shook his head; "Freshmen...." he said to himself.

The lounge..if there was one thing that was missed the most; it was the lounge. Many pranks were planned there while sitting around tables, sipping exotic drinks. He glanced around to find his sister sitting around a table with five guys. Five guys?!? (Troy had always been protective of his sister. He had to approve of every boyfriend she had, but it didn't help because she dated them anyways. Sometimes just to spite him) He walked up to the table, unnoticed, and cleared his throat. Jennifer turned around and a look of surprise came across her face.

"Troy!!" she yelled as she sprang to her feet and hugged his neck.

"Hi Jennifer"

"I can't believe it!" She was still surprised.

"So, who are your.....friends" Troy said in a sarcastic tone. Jennifer rolled her eyes, she knew what that tone ment.

"Please not now Troy. They're my friends, nothing more. Ok??" Troy shook his head. If he had more time he would probably run her friends through rigorous interrogation, but he wasn't here for that. Jennifer quickly introduced Troy to her friends, he turned his attention back to her.

"How've you been?" He asked.

"Fine. I heard about your mission with papaw. How did it go?"

"Smooth, it was a success" He didn't want to tell her what really happened. Jennifer shook her head and smiled.

"How do you like the Academy?" Troy wanted to change the subject "I love it! This place is great! I've never made so many friends in my life and it's only my first year!"

"Ya...this old place has a lot of memories." Troy stated.

They talked for a little bit about the Academy. Troy gave his sister some advice about future courses, and she told him about some of the parties on campus. She sounds exactly how he did while he was a student. He couldn't get mad at her for being like him.

"Hey..have you talked to Mom lately?" Jennifer was moving on.

"No, I haven't heard from her in a while. What's up?" Troy was hoping it wasn't something bad.

"She's started dating an Operations Officer out there on DS3!" Excitement filled Jennifer's voice.

"Really." Troy said in a low tone.

"Ya! He came into sickbay one day for treatment, she treated him and they started talking. He asked her out and she said yes! That was about a month ago."

"A MONTH!" Troy exclaimed "Why didn't she tell me? She..She.."

Jennifer cut him off, "She knew you would object. She was going to tell you, but wanted to give you some more time."

"But it's only been 8 months since dad...." Troy trailed off.

"Troy, you can't expect her never to date again. Sure it's been 8 months, we're all still sad, but this is making her happy again. Mom said she thinks she's falling in love with him. Don't make things bad for her Troy. Dad would want her to do this" Jennifer said while staring at Troy.

"This will take some time to get use to." Troy muttered.

"I know, it took me some time too. I met the guy at Christmas, he's really nice. You'll like him Troy."

"Perhaps, after I think about this, I'll send a communiqué to Mom." Troy said .

"She'll love to hear from you" Jennifer smiled.

Troy was about to speak when someone yelled.

"Troy Blair! You low life..no good; son of a .." The voice yelled Troy turned to see his friend Gene walking up to him. Troy stood up.

"Gene! You lazy, poor excuse for an officer! How've you been!"

"I've been great man!" Gene said, "How about yourself?"

"Never been better!" Troy returned.

"Come with me man. Some of the others are at our usual table."

Lieutenant JG Troy Blair
Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

The Captain responded to his hail quickly and the door opened.

"Mr. Shtik, g'day." the Captain said, "Come on in. 'ave a seat."

"Thank you, sir." Shtik said, sitting.

"I trust you're settling in all right?"

"Quite well, yes. Thank you, sir."

"What brings you here, Lieutenant?"

"Sir, are you familiar with my grandmother. Commodore Saavik?"

"I've heard the name." the Captain said, leaning forward.

"I have been doing research into her past and have found a portion of her career which I did not have the authority to access and I was hoping that you would." The Captain leaned back and raised his eyebrows at the Lieutenant's directness.

"Writing her memoirs are you?" Capt. Price smiled.

"No sir." Shtik said simply. There was a pause.

"I'm afraid I'm going to need a little bit more motivation for opening up and revealing classified Starfleet information, Lieutenant." Shtik sighed.

"Yes sir. While we were on Earth, I met my Grandmother and she gave me an object which she refurred to as a momento from her past. A small meteorite."

"I didn't think Vulcans collected souveniers?"

"They don't, sir. She addmitted that this object signified an illogical period in her past. When I tried to access her records I found a portion of her career classified. Logic suggests that this is the time period she is refurring to."

"That still doesn't give me any reason to divulge this information to you here and now, Mr. Shtik."

"I'm sorry, sir, but the rest of this is going to seem highly speculative at the moment. I feel uncomfortable even discussing it."

The Captain came out from behind his desk and sat on it's corner. "Shtik, most races deal with intuitive leaps and hunches much more freely than vulcans do. I need more to go on in order to help you. Tell me what you have and I promise not to hold it's speculative nature against you."

"I have asked Lt. Mitchell to analyse the rock fragment. He is doing that at this time. I am awaiting the results." Shtik stalled, "Sir, I believe that this meteorite somehow contains the memories of my father. He had it in his possession at the time of his death. I believe... I feel that it may somehow contain his katra... his soul." The Captain was silent. "Please, sir, will you assist me?"

"Hello!" K'arta greeted them as she halted Sandstorm.

"Hi, K'arta! How've you been?" Sam asked her.

"OK. And you and Christine?" She replied.

"We're fine." Christine smiled as she answered.

"What did I tell you about riding with out a helmet?" K'arta's father boomed.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I wasn't thinking." She apologized with a slight smile on her face.

"How are you, K'arta? It's been a while since we talked." He returned.

"I'm doing pretty good, Dad. I've made a few friends on the ship." K'arta said as she dismounted. Sandstorm sniffed her and started grazing on the front lawn.

"That's great. Why didn't you bring them with you, we have plenty of room." Her father obviously didn't know that she was only there for a few hours.

"I wanted to, but we're only here for a few hours, Dad, and they probably wanted to visit their families." She answered him, giving Sandy one last pat before starting up the porch steps. She was met at the top by five puppies and their mother, Griff K'arta's Irish Wolfhound. She scooped two of the puppies into her arms and cuddled them. Griff put her paws on K'arta's shoulders and licked her face.

"Hello, Griff." K'arta said laughing at her dog.

"She really missed you, K'arta." Her father laughed too.

"I know. You told me that earlier. So, how're things going here?" K'arta was hungry for news of the farm.

"Well, you probably noticed that we have a new stud. He's purebred Morgan. He was a champion hunter/jumper. Hopefully he and the Thourobred mares will turn out some good steeplechase colts." Her father informed her.

"Wow, I wish I had time to ride him. How about Sandy's babies?" K'arta asked eagerly.

"They're all doing good. We had a bumper crop of foals this year. A total of 17. 10 were Sandy's. Are you going to come train a few of his babies?" Her father asked jokingly.

"I would love to, Dad, but I don't know if I could get enough shore leave." She answered him.

"That's all right, sweetheart. I'll keep you posted on all of them though." He said.

"Thanks, Dad. What's for dinner?" K'arta was starting to get hungry.

"Oh! Is that what you came here for? To eat our food and ride your horse?" her father mocked.

"Of course!" She answered smiling. During the meal K'arta, her father, Sam and Christine caught up on each other's lives. Soon K'arta had to go. She hugged her father and said good-bye to Sam and Christine.

"I'll take him back to the barn." K'arta said nodding at her gray stallion still grazing in the yard.

"Alright, K'arta. Have fun on your skiing trip. Be careful." her father said as she mounted.

"I will, Dad. Don't worry. Remember, you were the one who taught me how to ski." She smiled at her father. She could hear the love in his voice.

"Good-bye, sweetheart. Don't forget to talk to me sometime." He said as she turned her mount toward the barn.

"Bye, Dad. I love you." K'arta said as she asked Sandstorm for a slow trot. They trotted out of the yard and onto the dirt road that connects the barns. She held him at the trot as they passed the broodmare pasture so she could look at the new foals. A few of them were playing in the pasture and K'arta laughed at them. Then she kicked her stallion into a gallop and they raced for the stallion barn. She put him in his stall then contacted the ship and beamed back just in time.

Erin
AKA
Ensign K'arta-Security Officer-USS Galaxy
Ensign Sonayan Kel-Security Officer-USS Crusader
Lt.Commander Shea Lorran-Head of Security/Tactical-USS Freedom

"Space!...A starship!....The federation flagship, even!", he thought. "I was born to live here in space." Christopher's thoughts were interrupted by Lt. Sterner as he turned to the officers and explained to all of them where they would find there quarters and suggested that they should contact their department chief.

As most of the officers left Lt. Sterner said: "Cadet Campbell, you'll be in Alpha shift. This means you'll report first thing tomorrow morning at 800 hours im my office, deck 38."

Lt. Sterner then also adressed the huge ensign Mohler, but Christopher wasn't listening, he was dreaming about his future career in Star Fleet.... "....Dismissed", Lt. Sterner said.

Christopher and Ensign Mohler quickly went to the nearest turbolift. On his way into the turbolift Ensign Mohler had to bend over so he wouldn't hit his head. "Deck 19", Christopher said following Lt. Sterner's directions. He looked up at Mohler, he was enormous and looked very strong, not to mention intimidating. Christopher swallowed. "I'm a security officer aboard a starship now, he doesn't scare me!" he had to remind himself.

The young cadet was about to ask the large ensign what had happened to his hand since he was wearing a glove, but just then Mohler left the turbolift. Cristopher sighed of relief.

* LATER *

At exactly 800 hours the young cadet stod outside of his department chief's office. He took a deep breath, straightened his uniform and pushed the comm. The door opened.

Cadet Christopher Isaac Campbell

Troy excused himself from Jennifer and followed Gene. He wanted to get his mind off the news about his mother dating again. Plus, he wanted to see some of his old friends. They walked over to the "usual spot", a few tables next to an enormous bay window with a view of San Francisco Bay. All of his friends that had not graduated yet were sitting at the tables.

"Hey guys..guess who decided to show up..... Troy!" Gene said.

Troy exchanged "hi's" with everyone, shook a few hands, and hugged a few people, then sat down in the same chair he always sat in.

"We came to the conclusion that you were never going to come back to the Academy. After all, you are the last one to 'visit' " Surek said. Her statement was backed up with a mutter of "ya." by everyone else.

"Well.. this is my first time to be back at Earth with some time to kill." Troy stated .

"That is a logical excuse" Surek replied in a tone only a Vulcan can muster. Troy laughed.

"Hey Troy, did you hear about Sean?" Gene asked.

Troy looked at Gene and shook his head.

"Well, you remember how we all thought he would get an assignment on the Enterprise?" Gene said.

"Ya, did he get it?" Troy asked.

"Nope, he was assigned to a penal colony in the Beta Quadrant" Gene stated.

"No? Sean? One of the top five security graduates, Sean?" Troy was stunned.

"Yup." Gene replied.

"I can't believe it." Troy mumbled .

"Speaking of assignments, how's yours?" Paige asked.

"The Galaxy? Well..."

Troy proceeded to tell everyone about the Galaxy, and how much he liked it. He even threw in some stories about his first two missions.

"Alternate time lines..Borg Cubes...Romulan Defectors. And to think you almost accepted a post on a scout ship." Gene said sarcastically .

"Ya..ya" replied Troy.

Troy and his friends continued to reminisce for a while, before it was time for him to return to the Galaxy.

"Well I better get going, my time is almost up." Troy said.

"Where y'all off to now?" Kyle inquired.

"We're heading to Moudini. And the Captain has approved a ski trip! Heh heh heh" Troy replied in an evil tone.

"Uh oh, King Prankster back in his game. That poor crew has no idea what they're in for." Gene said. Everyone else laughed.

Troy smiled as he tapped his comm badge.

{Blair to Galaxy...}

[Galaxy here]

{One to beam up}

[Aye]

He turned to everyone else, "Well... until we meet again!"

{Energize}

Everything faded blue, and then faded to the familiar surroundings of Transporter Room 2

Lieutenant JG Troy Blair
Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

"Thank you! Something to take my mind off of things!" He reached over to to the console to acknowledge the chime.

"Lt. Mitchell. Please report to the Geology Lab." Lt. Shtik's voice was distant and appeared thoughtful.

"Aye, sir. On my way." James sat up at the edge of his bed and rubbed his eyes. Stretching his arms above his head, his bones cracked in several places. Yawning all the way, he got himself cleaned up and changed, then made his way to the Geology Lab.

***Geology Lab***

James strolled into the lab to see Lt. Shtik holding a wooden box and leaningover a PADD. Walking to him, he reported in.

"Mitchell reporting for duty, sir." Shtik looked up and noticed Mitchell's red eyes.

"Have I woken you up, Lt.?"

"No sir, I've been having trouble sleeping lately. Some personal problems I have to work out."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Shtik seemed genuinely concerned, for a Vulcan.

"Maybe...but not now." James looked at the box. "What's that?" His eyes pointed to it.

"Ah...This is why you are here, Lt." Shtik put the down and opened the lid. Opening it up, it revealed a meteorite of questionable nature. James leaned over to take a closer look at it. Other than a slight sheen to it, it appeared to be a normal rock.

"What is the nature of the metorite? It seems like a simple fragment with some quartz or organic matter. Nothing special. Did you want me to cross-reference it and try to find the origin?" Mitchell's brow furrowed. He was the Asst Chief of Science and he was given the task of analyzing a basic rock!

"Try touching it, Lt." Mitchell looked up at shtik with curiousity then back down to the rock. Reaching out with his hands, he grasped the rock around the middle, with the intention of placing it into stasis.

He was hit with a warmth and tingly feeling that made him stagger. Getting over his initial shock, he accepted the feelings and was enveloped by the sensations of the rock. It felt...alive! It felt like it had...a heartbeat? The closest description James could come to was that it had what would could be called...a pulse! What was this thing? He looked up at Shtik, who was watching him intently. James' eyes were wide with excitement! Carrying the rock over to a workstation he placed it on an upraised platform and let go of it. It was difficult, and when he released it, the feelings went with it. His eyes were wide with shock, the bloodshot lines in them had disappeared and he felt awake and with purpose!

"What is this, Shtik?! I've never felt this more alive!" James lloked over himself. His body felt awake and alert, full of strength and energy.

"That's what you are here to find out, Lt. Now I must take leave of you, inform me of your results when you are done." Shtik turned on his heel, but stopped just before the doors opened. Turning his head, he left one more instruction.

"By the way, Lt. This is not to be spoken about to anyone but myself, got that? I'll expect a call from you in one hour." He didn't wait for an acknowledgement.

James just sat down on a lab chair and stared at the meteorite.

Lt(jg). James Mitchell
USS Galaxy
Asst. Chief of Science

"I have asked Lt. Mitchell to analyze the rock fragment. He is doing that at this time. I am awaiting the results." Shtik stalled, "Sir, I believe that this meteorite somehow contains the memories of my father. He had it in his possession at the time of his death. I believe... I feel that it may somehow contain his katra... his soul." The Captain was silent. "Please, sir, will you assist me?"

Captain Price looked at Mr. Shtik as he sat there. He could tell that this information was important to the Vulcan.

"Presently Lieutenant, we are departing for the Moudini sector to finish studying the gaseous nebula that is forming there. I'll need both yours and Lieutenant Mitchell's full attention in conducting the scientific study of that nebula." After a brief pause Captain Price continued. "Have Lieutenant Mitchell continue studying the meteorite. We have nearly a full day before we will be in position to begin our survey of the nebula. And I'll see what I can find out about Commodore Saavik's early Starfleet career. No promises Mr. Shtik, but I'll try."

"Thank you Captain. I will inform Lieutenant Mitchell of the mission's priorities as you have stated." Mr. Shtik stood up and readied to leave the Captain's ready room. Before turning to go, he added, "I... appreciate your help Captain."

Lee smiled at the straight faced Vulcan. "That's all right 'mate."

As Mr. Shtik nodded and began walking towards the exit, Captain Price injected one last thing. "Oh, and Mr. Shtik... I expect to be informed immediately if it is discovered that meteorite poses any threat to the ship. Understood?"

"Of course Captain." Shtik said reassuredly, before exiting the Captain's ready room.

**********

Captain's Log, Stardate 49702.26:

The USS Galaxy has been assigned to the Moudini sector where a forming gaseous nebula is to be studied and charted by the Science department. We are presently in route and should arrive by day's end.

While the study is being conducted, several of the crew have requested shore leave so they can visit a neighboring planet system to enjoy a week of rest and relaxation on a skiing expedition that Civilian Liam Sketcher has arranged. I have authorized the leave, and have given permission for the shuttle's Yosemite and Cydonia to be used for their transport.

**********

** Ten Forward **

The ship's largest lounge looked more like a ski resort than a starship social center. Piles of luggage had begun to form, and all ready over a dozen pairs of skis were propped up against the corner wall. Liam was busy trying to coordinate everything.

"Where is Ti?" He said with a hint of exasperation in his voice. "She still hasn't gotten back to me on what shuttles we are supposed to be taking. I need to start getting these things loaded."

"Calm down Liam. She'll be here soon enough!" said Ensign Shanika in her soothing Romulan tone. "Be patient my friend."

"Patient? I'm almost sorry I though up this trip. To be honest, I figured I get four or five people together and we'd go skiing. Now over a dozen people are going! Do I sound Stressed? Huh? Do I?" Liam was purposely getting louder and crazier as he spoke. Shanika just giggled slightly.

It wasn't much longer before Lieutenant Ti Miran walked into Ten Forward. She looked awesome in her black, yellow and white ski suit.

"Well it's about time! All of this stuff is starting to pile up! Can we start loading the shuttles now.. Pleaaassssee?" Everyone could tell Liam was just being a ham. He wasn't really stressed out, but it was fun to think so.

Ti smiled. "Yup, we are all set. The Captain has given us the Yosemite and the Cydonia shuttles." Lieutenant Ti walked over to Ensign Shanika and handed her a padd. "You'll be piloting the Cydonia Ensign. I'm taking the Yosemite."

Ensign Shanika smiled. "Personal preference Lieutenant?"

Ti smiled even wider. "I didn't think I was being that obvious Ensign?"

"Just making a note Lieutenant." Shanika smiled as she grabbed her bags and began getting her skis. "See you all in the main shuttle bay."

As Shanika left, Lieutenant Ti approached Liam who was busy restacking all of the bags most of security had "dropped off" for the trip.

"Do you need any help with that Liam?"

He looked around and realized the futility of his efforts. With a sigh, he answered. "No, I guess not. This is hopeless. We just need to get all of this stuff to the shuttle bay."

Ti looked around at all of the bags. "I could maybe arrange a site to site transport?"

Liam laughed. "No I don't think it's quite come to that Lieutenant. Besides, I look forward to making everyone that dropped off their bags here, get all of this stuff and carry it down to the shuttle bay where it belongs."

"Well, do you have a passenger manifest? I need to file a flight plan before we leave."

"Ahh, yes..." Liam said as he begins twirling his head from side to side, glancing at the kaos of baggage, trying to locate his padd. "There it is!" He said, pointing at the bar counter. "Get that padd, it has the list of who's signed up to go."

Ti walked over and looked at the list.

Ski trip List
===================================================
Position:               Rank:      Name:

Executive Officer       Cdr        Michael Jamson
Chief Tactical Officer  Lt.Cdr     JT Coe
Chief Ops Officer       Lt.        Stovok T'Lein
 Ast. Operations        Lt.jg      Deiran Casey
Chief Helmsman          Lt.jg      Ti, Miran
Shuttle Pilot           Ensign     Shanika
Chief of Security       Lt.        Joerg Sterner
 Security Officer       Lt.jg      Ryan Quall
 Security Officer       Lt.jg      Andrew HutchCraft
 Security Officer       Ensign     K'arta
 Security Officer       Ensign     Thomas Enquist
 Security Officer       Ensign     K'Bal Sobra
 Security Officer       Ensign     Andreas Mohler
 Security Officer       Cadet	   Christopher I. Campbell
 Science Officer        Lt.jg      Rr'lonii Morris
 Medical Officer        Lt.jg      Janar Dassaut
Civilian Bartender      NCO        Liam Sketcher

"Yep. But that should be fun too. I bet we all have a great week!" Liam said entusiastically.

"Me too. I know I'm looking forward to it. Well I'll go file the flight plan. Then I need to prep the Yosemite for the trip. Have everyone bring their things to the main shuttle bay as soon as they can. The sooner the better."

"Hey, no arguments here! This stuff is getting in the way of everyone that is not going on the trip. Catch ya later Miran."

"Bye Liam."

Ti walked out of Ten forward in her tight ski suit. Liam, and a few others couldn't help but watch her leave.

Lt. T'Lein thought Liam and Lt.jg Ti were going to get in a big quarrel before the packing was over. Liam looked very stressed and frustrated as he awaited Lt.jg Ti's entrance into Ten Forward. T'Lein noticed how much of an effort Ensign Shanika put forward to calm Liam down. The lt. found the Romulan female to be some what different from other Romulan females he had previously encountered. He knew of her Vulcan upraising and education and he could sense the logic in her presence and actions. T'Lein felt a slight attraction to the ensign. He could not divert his attention from the ensign until the atmosphere in Ten Foreward was disrupted by the abrumpt entrance of Lt.jg Ti. She finally arrived and everyone, excitedly, began gathering their things to carry them to the main shuttle bay to be loaded on the Yosemite or Cydonia.

Lt. T'Lein heard Lt.jg Ti inform Ensign Shanika that she would be piloting shuttle Cydonia and he wanted to be on that one. T'Lein began gathering his bags and and skiis followed the ensign down to the main shuttle bay. He began thinking that the this trip may be the perfect time to become more aquainted with the ensign.

Lt. T'Lein
Chief Operations Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

"No, I think the blue and green one looks better. The yellow one looks like your face turned blue because your clothes are too tight!" K'arta said critically.

"Hah. Hah." Ronni turned and stuck her tongue out.

"Listen, you've tried on six different outfits. Who CARES what you look like when you're skiing?" K'arta said with a sigh.

"EVERYBODY cares how you look when you're skiing. 'The Look' is half of the reason why ANYBODY skis." Ronni said looking in the mirror again.

Switching into a seventh outfit, Ronni said, "So, what about this one?"

K'arta just sighed. She hoped Ronni would decide soon so they could get to the shuttlecraft and be one their way to the resort.

"Liam, I've got some bad news" sighed Deiran "Your mother has just been admitted to hospital we believe that it was a massive stroke."

"Can I get down there now?"

"Certainly I set it up for transporter room one in five minutes."

"Thanks" he abandoned his search for his pants and rushed of towards transporter room one, on the way he ran into Ti "Uh.. Ti if I don't get back in time go ahead as planned and if I'm not at our meeting point on time ask for Kristen, she knows all about what's going on, got that?" he blurted out.

"Liam why won't you be there?"

"My mother has just gone into hospital so I'll be there for a couple of hours" he said as moved of down the hall accidently bumping into a Science officer along the way " Sorry" was all he could say as he hurried towards the transporter and his mother.

"I haven't had a vacation since before I entered the academy. Being 1 of only 20 others in the new Practical Sciences division, we weren't ALLOWED a vacation. Since then, I've been stuffed inside of so many Jefferies tubes and box-like labs, that I thought I was dead and buried. I am so very ready to Go!" She said with a laugh and a wiggle of the hips.

Cmdr. Jamson, walking up behind her, said with a smile, "Save it for the slopes. We'll be there soon."

As they arrived in the shuttlebay, Ronni pointed to Ensign Shanika. "K'arta, there she is. I told you she would be one of the pilots. Let's ride with her in the Cydonia."

All of the gear had been loaded and an exhausted Liam looked like he had already been down the slopes too many times. He was leaning up against the shuttlecraft with sweat pouring down his face.

Ronni walked over to him and said, "Don't wear yourself out yet Tiger, we have a while to go!" with that she gave him a subtle pinch on the backside, and a not so subtle kiss on the cheek. Pushing K'arta ahead of her, she climbed onto the shuttle.

Jacqueline looked down at the still lifeless form of Ensign Tailor. She had been sleeping when the call from sickbay came. Nurse Opel had come back from a short break to discover the poor ensign, face down, dead. Jacqueline had immediately relieved her and reccomended she see one of the counselors.

The mystery of how this ensign was killed was great indeed. He was in perfect health, and was actually very active. He was friendly and very popular, from what she'd heard. There was no motive for murder, and no likely natural cause...

She picked up the laser scalpel and made the first incision.

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER'S LOG, SUPPLEMENTAL:

THE EXAMINATION OF LIEUTENANT JONATHAN TAILOR'S REMAINS WAS COMPLETED NOT FIVE MINUTES AGO, AND WHILE I HAVE MY CAUSE OF DEATH, I'M HAVING TROUBLE SIMPLY ACCEPTING IT. THE ENSIGN WAS PERFECTLY HEALTHY PRIOR TO HIS DEATH, AND THE AUTOPSY REVEALED NOTHING THAT WOULD INDICATE FOUL PLAY. THE ONLY SOLUTION I WAS ABLE TO COME UP WITH WAS SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. THIS IS EXTREMELY RARE, BUT IT IS THE ONLY CAUSE OF DEATH THAT SEEMS TO FIT. MY DOUBT OF THIS STEMS FROM A BELIEF THAT EVERYTHING HAS A SCIENTIFIC EXPLAINATION, AND ALL THE NORMAL FACTORS INVOLVED IN SUCH CASES WERE NOT PRESENT TO MY KNOWLEDGE...

Alyssa

"I am going to miss you, my little thief." Bobbie squeaked so pitifully at being left that it made Ti really sad that she had to leave.

"Shh, I will be back soon. Bye, love."

***Ten-Forward***

Ten-Forward was a zoo. There were bags and skis everywhere. Ti just carried a duffel over her shoulder. She still was not sure if she liked the yellow, black, and white ski suit she chose. She kinda felt like a bee. She would have decided that she should have gone with her favorite color, purple, if it weren't for all the second glances people took as she walked by.

Liam was having a fit. He went on and on about loading the shuttles. The sly look he gave her lead her to believe that he was teasing her, being a ham.

"The Captain has given us the Yosemite and the Cydonia. Ensign Shanika, you will be flying the Cydonia. I will fly the Yosemite." Ti didn't really know the ensign. She had just met her when Shanika first reported to her.

"Personal preference Lieutenant?" The ensign smiled. Ti paused a moment. She had expected the ensign to be stoic.

Ti blushed and smiled back. "I didn't think I was being obvious."

"Liam, don't worry about the bags. If the owners want them on the shuttle with them they will get them on there. Do you have a passenger manifest? I need to make a flight plan before we leave." He handed her the list when he found it.

There were seventeen people going including herself. She decided to take eight people and have Shanika take seven. She knew Deiran would want to be in her shuttle.

***Shuttle Bay***

She had just finished her pre-flight when everyone started to file into the shuttlebay. She saw K'arta try to come towards her shuttle but Lt Morris pushed her towards Shanika's shuttle. She ended up with Casey, Coe, the doctor who reminded her of Robert- Dr Dassaut, a guy that seemed to keep going up- he was over two feet tall than she, Sterner, a Klingon she didn't know, Hutchcraft, and a cadet.

"Hey, Hutchcraft! Going to watch your mouth this time? Remember what you were told; 'Do not make the pilot mad'" He just gave her a sarcastic grin.

"Ti to Shanika. Ready to launch? Let us go. Safe trip Ensign." The Shuttle Bay door lifted and they were on their way.

It was an uneventful flight. Everyone was in high spirits and talked and joked the whole way there. This week was going to be wonderful. The first thing Ti was going to do when they get there was buy skis.

***planet***

Ti set the shuttle down gently near the lodge. Shanika followed suit. They quickly exited the shuttles for no one wanted to wait any longer. A couple of people with red coats and little hats came up offering assistance. They showed the group where their rooms were. Somehow, as fates would have it, Deiran was in the room next to her.

The room was small but beautiful decorated. There was a fireplace with a couch in the anteroom. The sleeping room was closed off by manual doors. She twisted the handle of one of the doors and walked in. There was another set of doors that opened out on to a balcony. The balcony looked out at a mountain side. It was really beautiful.

There was a knock at her door. She went and answered it to find Deiran.

"Come on, let's go get you some skis so we can ski. Of course I then want to go snowboarding." She smiled and took his hand and they went shopping.

The medical officer approached the bed, somewhat apprehensive of the large man in the bed in front of her. She asked 'So, how are you doing today, Chiron?' Chiron stared her in the eyes as she looked away. 'Are you ready to die?'

'Well, no change, I can see.' She said tartly, and then asked the security guard to leave. 'Ma'am, I don't think that would be a good idea...' The burly Bolian said. She cut him off with a wave of her hand and said 'I'll activate a force field... don't worry.' He left the room, and she leaned over the controls to the biobed. Chiron turned his head away and contorted his face into a maniacal grin. DuMont activated the force field generator on the BioBed, and was immediately ensconsed in a shaft of glittering light. Chiron looked on his handiwork and smiled at the struggling female. Her mouth moved, but her voice could not be heard. Chiron ever so slowly brought his hand up to the panel and gave the computer a final command.

The field began contracting, starting to burn the skin right off of the woman's body. Then it began to slowly crush her. Chiron left orders with the computer, only using a general force field command, to terminate the field when someone entered or the subject had died. He rerouted the commands as the field narrowed to 2 feet in radius through numerous locations to mask his location, then erased the records, still not using his personal authorization. He completed his work, and rested his head back just in time to hear the field snap out of existence and the remains of a badly mutilated body hit the floor.

Chiron laid back on the bed, but before his eyes closed, a single tear escaped. He was now the prisoner in his own mind, and he was mourning the dead crewmates.

---I am NOT a monster!--
The Schizoid Man

She looked over at the growing pile of luggage, then at the sweating Liam going back and forth bringing more stuff. It almost made her want to smile. Shanika easily threw her bag and skis into the cargo area of the shuttle, then proceeded to the cockpit to do a preflight checkover. Everything checked out OK. She turned around in her seat to face the passengers. "You all ready to go?"

Shanika set her stuff down on the floor and got her skis ready to go. She had never really learned to snowboard, although it looked like fun. Skiing was hard enough, especially since it had to be done in the cold. Shanika knew she would have to take frequent breaks to warm up, but it was still worth it anyways. She checked her equipment to make sure it was still in good condition. Yes, checked out all right. She headed out the door and noticed Lieutenant T'Lein coming out of another room just down the hall. Shanika almost grinned to herself. She had felt the looks he had given her on the shuttle. She walked over to him and inclined her head politely. "Do you mind if I join you?"

Jamson was in his quarters trying some 'ski' suits the computer replicated for him.

"Nahhh....too green" He thought to himself and changed to another suit.

"That's it!" he smiled while looking in the mirror. He chose the red suit that appeared to be bigger than the other suits and more comfortable.

Suddenly the door chieme beeped.

"Come in" Jamson screamed and moved the ski equipment that was on the floor.

"Michael, are you coming?" Casey was in some tight Blue-White suit carrying his equipment as well.

"Hi Deiran. Are the others ready?"

Casey grinned "Liam is getting crazy, we better go."

Jamson grabbed his ski stuff and exited his quarters with Casey heading toward the shuttlebay.

The ship was again fully operational and all the crew was back. Jamson and Casey were discussing all the way about the last events when Jamson brought up the question with a smile. "So...how is it going with Ti?"

Casey laughed "She's amazing Michael."

"If you're so happy then I guess she is." Jamson returned a smile.

While getting closer and closer to the main shuttlebay Deiran and Jamson could see all the others that came along with them. It was suppose to be a small trip...but then there were about 20 people.

"I hope I'm not gonna fall while skiing..." Jamson whispered to Casey.

"You will...believe me you will..." Casey said quietly.

Jamson could hear Ronni and K'arta just ahead. they were laughing and it seems le they were very excited to go, in particular when Ronni said "I am very ready to Go!"

Jamson and Casey passed them in the corridor and Jamson felt the need to say something. "Save it for the slopes. We'll be there soon." and he smiled.

When they got to the Shuttlebay Jamson entered the Yosemite and soon they were all under way to the trip.

Noam Brosh aka
Captain Mike Johnson,Commanding Officer USS Crusader .
Commander Michael Jamson,Executive Officer USS Galaxy.

T'Lein was caught off guard when Ensign Shanika appeared 2ft. in front of his face...she surprised him to the point where he dropped the ski equipment he was carrying. The lt. began to feel very awkward before the ensign could even get her first word out. T'Lein could feel his body temperature start to rise and his stomach began to feel as if rocks were in it. Shanika politely asked the lt. if she could join him on his way up to the slopes. For the first time, T'Lein hesitant in giving a response to a question...it was as if his entire mouth suddenly went dry. But, after a brief moment and a hard gulp, the lt. acknowledged the ensign's request with a, "yes you may." Shanika and helped T'Lein gather his equipment off the floor and they both headed up to the slopes to ski.

Lt. Stovok T'Lein
Chief Operations Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

Troy scrambled into the shuttle bay just as the shuttles took off.

"D'OH!" He yelled between gasps for air. (He had ran the whole way from his quarters to the shuttle bay, almost causing several accidents)

Looking around, he found a petty officer standing near the shuttle bay's transporter room. He quickly ran over to him.

"You there! Beam me over to the shuttles quickly, please!" Troy exclaimed as he gathered his luggage and his skis.

"Aye sir" The officer replied while taking his place behind the controls.

Troy grew impatient, "Hurry Up! Come on, before it's too late!"

"Sir, this would be easier if you would hold still for a second" The Officer said while tapping at the controls.

"Oh" Troy stood still. Within seconds he found him self standing in the Yosemite.

"What the..." Jamson said "Troy what are you doing here?"

"Well, I had signed up for the trip but apparently there was a mix up and my name was somehow erased from the list. I almost missed you guys, but luckily I was able to transport over" Troy stated as he put his things in a corner of the shuttle.

"I see, well glad you could make it" was Jamson's response.

"Thanks sir."

"I was beginning to wonder where you were, when you didn't show up to the shuttle bay" Coe said.

"I was still packing. But I'm here, wouldn't want to miss a ski trip for nothing!" Troy said.

He took a seat and waited for their arrival at the resort. The whole time he talked with everyone about the trip, and swapped a few tips with some of the other experienced skiers.

*** A few hours later***

After the long flight the shuttles landed gently on the snow, everyone grabbed their things and exited. Some guides greeted the crew and showed them to their rooms.

Once Troy got into his room he quickly unpacked his things, and opened the curtains to see what kind of a view he had. It wasn't too bad, he could see several of the resort's buildings, and in the distant he could see the snow covered mountains. It was one of the best views he had at a ski resort in a while.

Troy messed around in his room for a while, but soon an uncontrollable urge over took him. "King Prankster" (the nick name he earned at the Academy) had returned and was in need of his first victim. He quickly left his room, with an evil grin on his face, insearch of anyone he knew, innocently walking around the resort. But who would be his first victim?

Lieutenant JG Troy Blair
Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

Liam Sketcher
Ten-Forward

Deiran hadn’t been home in five months. That was a long time to him. The Galaxy was in orbit around earth for just over seven hours and then she would be off to Moudini. Casey wanted to go skiing really bad, he wanted to see Miran in a tight ski suit even more, but that was a completely different subject.

"Hi Chief, beam me down to Starfleet HQ, would you?" Deiran had an appointment to keep.

"Sure thing Lieutenant," Chief Jensen patched in the coordinates immediately.

Deiran stood on the transporter pad and faded into a blue haze and rematerialized at the entrance to Starfleet Strategic Command.

He walked into the office and was met by two security officers. "Lieutenant we’ll need to do a blood and eye scan before we can allow you to enter." The nurse with the security officers took the blood and then Casey stood in front of the eye scanner. The third security officer double-checked the results with the records and cleared him to pass. He walked into the reception area and was met by a young woman he knew from his academy days.

"Hi, Sarah, how did you get assigned here?" Deiran had a crush on the beautiful blonde when he was in the academy, but she didn’t phase him this time, all he could think about was Miran.

"Hi Case, well it’s a long story. Let’s just say the Lexington didn’t work out. Are you here to see your father?"

"Yeah, tell him I’m here."

Two minutes later he was walking into his father’s office. He was surprised to see two other admirals in the room. Admiral Fujikawa and Admiral Jacobsen, two high ranking admirals of the Strategic Command.

"Come in Deiran," Deiran’s father had a grin that seemed to meander off the man’s face. Admiral Casey introduced Deiran to the admirals and then Deiran took a seat next to Admiral Jacobsen.

"I’m impressed Tom, your son was only an ensign for what…two months?" Fujikawa smiled at his ol’ buddy from their academy days. All three men graduated in the same class and all three had been assigned to one of the most powerful levels of Starfleet. They were close.

"Yeah he beat you to Lieutenant by 15 months," Jacobsen had to get his stab in.

"Thank you all, I appreciate your jokes, but I’m not going to be compared to my son, we are two different people." Thomas Casey laughed, but he gave a stare at Deiran that Deiran would never forget. It was a stare of jealousy. Thomas Casey would even compete with his own son. There was love between them, but both knew they had to live up to a family name and mystique that was hard to live up to. It seemed as if Deiran was doing a better job so far. Yes, Thomas Casey was an Admiral but it took him twenty years, if Deiran kept up this pace he’d be an Admiral in fifteen and that burned his father up.

"Dad, I just dropped in to say hello, I’ve got some other things to attend to. I’ll see you at dinner later, okay." Deiran stopped and turned to the admirals, he shook their hands and told them how nice it was to meet them and left the office. Deiran had to get out of there. His father was being embarrassed, he didn’t want to see his father go through that.

Casey started for Starfleet Medical. Oh, how he hated that place, but he’d get a tongue lashing that he wouldn’t soon forget if he didn’t see his mother before the family dinner later in the evening.

He wanted to see D’tarna, but she was out of her office. Casey hoped that she at least received his message that he’d given to Shtik. After trying to see D’tarna he left for his mother’s office at the medical procedure headquarters.

Casey didn’t have to go through any scans at this office, his mother was waiting for him in the hallway. "Hi mom," he said non-chalantly. Casey’s mother practically squeezed his intestines out with a hug.

"I’m so glad to see you Deiran, how is everything on the Galaxy?"

"Fine. I wanted to see some of my friends from the academy. Everyone I know are all serving on Starships or on space stations. So, I thought I’d come early."

"Your father told me you were on your way. Have you seen Alexa yet?" his mother was shining with a glow that even the sun couldn’t outshine, she loved her son so much and had missed him.

"No, I figure I’ll see her at dinner." Casey wasn’t exactly cheerful at the moment and his mother could sense it.

"What’s wrong Deiran?" a worried, motherly look was on Dr. Casey’s face as she asked the question.

"It’s really nothing mom, I’m just tired. Working hard lately, I’m just drained."

He lied through his teeth to his own mother. But, he didn’t want to tell her about the awful stare that his father had given him, he had never seen that in his father, ever. Deiran didn’t know what to think. He’d just let it go for now, and have a nice shore leave with his family.

"Will that nice girl be joining us tonight?" Dr.Casey asked, curious to know what the young woman was like who had stolen her son’s heart.

"No, mom she’s visiting her family, they have a farm somewhere, I’m not sure where its at. The Galaxy will be back this way in a month or so and you can meet her then, or I can have her and I get on a holocomm and you can talk with her that way?"

"That’ll be nice, I look forward to it. Let’s go home, I’m expecting your sister and Warren in an hour."

"Your taking the rest of the day off?" Deiran was shocked.

"Yes, I’m the head of my own department now, I can do that," Dr.Casey smiled. Deiran’s mother was taking to her new position as head of the Starfleet Medical Procedure Board quite well.

Two hours later. Casey home- San Francisco, Earth.

Deiran could not stop himself from sending evil, intimidating glares at Warren. He didn’t like this guy. He was not worthy of his sister. Warren could sense this, it wasn’t hard to do. There was friction throughout the entire dinner. Casey didn’t talk much to his future brother-in-law and really never wanted to. He knew he would have to eventually, but it wouldn’t be a pleasant experience. He decided to get it over with.

"Warren come outside with me would you?" Deiran asked him as his mother was clearing the table.

The two men walked out onto the terrace. The view was spectacular. Overlooking the lights of San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge in the distance. The air was crisp, all and all it was a beautiful night that was about to turn ugly.

Deiran waited until he was out of ear-range from the house and then jabbed his index finger into Warren’s chest,"I don’t like you! I don’t like the fact that you’re marrying my sister and I don’t think you really love her. You are going to have to prove yourself to me, and prove your love for Alexa. If you hurt her, I swear I’ll turn you into a pile of broken bones and ashes!"

Warren’s face was beat red, he was visibly shaken by Deiran’s Starfleet bravado. "I love my sister, I’ve protected her throughout her life, she’s my best friend and I love her. I don’t make idle threats, you treat her like a queen! If you don’t I guarantee you’ll regret ever becoming a part of this family!" As Deiran finished the sentence Alexa walked out onto the terrace.

"What are you two talking about?" Alexa asked in her dainty, low voice. She had a huge smile on her face, she wasn’t interpreting the scene accurately. "Getting to know each other?" she asked.

"Oh yes, I’m beginning to understand your brother completely," Warren replied to Alexa,"I’ll let you two catch up," and he walked back into the house.

"Isn’t he just gorgeous?" Alexa asked.

"Alex, he’s a bum!" Deiran replied.

Alexa’s dainty voice turned deep real quick,"How dare you, you just met him an hour ago!"

"Yeah, and I hate his guts already, the guy is a privateering gigolo and he’s stringing you along."

Alexa’s face turned red, fire practically spewed from her ears and nose,"Deiran, I love him, and there’s nothing you can do that will change that!"

"I could kill him," he smiled mischievously at his sister.

"Why are you acting like this?" Alexa’s mood was changing from anger to frustration.

"Do you remember Chad Hiller?" Deiran smiled, knowing he’d just hit his sister with the proverbial brick right across the face.

"Don’t even bring him up!"

Chad Hiller was Alexa’s prom date. He had three dates for the prom and juggled them through the entire night. As the dance ended he forgot to take Alexa home, ditching her halfway through the night. Alexa didn’t date for months afterward.

"I warned you about that jerk. Ever since then you’ve come to me for my opinion. I wasn’t here to give you my opinion on Warren. If I was here I would’ve told you the first time I met him that he’s not any better than Chad Hiller. Your a beautiful woman, and like most women, you couldn’t pick a descent guy to have a relationship with if your life depended on it!" Deiran let it all hang out, so much that he made Alexa cry. That didn’t phase him as much as the look on her face. She was crushed. She valued his opinion, she had always known he had a knack for seeing people for who they were inside. He was rarely wrong. Alexa knew this.

"But I love him," Alexa pleaded not just with her words but with her tears.

Deiran walked a few paces to Alexa and put his arms around her in a supportive hug, he whispered to her,"I know Alexa, but he’ll end up hurting you, I’m positive of it. I’m sorry but there’s nothing about this guy I like."

Deiran would never intentionally hurt his sister, but he would protect her even if it meant destroying the relationship they had together as brother and sister. He loved her so much, he was willing to jeopardize their love for Alexa’s well-being.

"What should I do?" Alexa asked.

"Alex, I love you, but I can’t live your life for you. You have to make this decision. I’ve given you my opinion, you can do with it what you want. But remember, when it comes to people I rarely miss it. I know people. I don’t want to hurt you, and I don’t want to see you hurt by any guy. We’re adults now, we have to live our own lives. The decision is yours to make, not mine. If you want him, I’ll say a prayer for you every night…you’ll need it." Deiran had faced the fact that he couldn’t live her life for her and that tore him up inside, he needed to protect her, to guide her but he couldn’t do that anymore. It would take a long time for Deiran to get over that fact.

One hour later.

The shore leave for Deiran came to a close. He said his good-bye’s to his parents and to Alexa. He was standing in the living room when he tapped his comm badge.

"Lt. Casey to Galaxy, one to beam up."

Casey waved one last time, just before the beam transformed his body into trillions of molecules in a blue haze. Seconds later he was back on the Galaxy. He stepped off the padd of transporter room 4. His eyes were bulging out, his knees were jelly and his mouth was dragging along the floor.

"What do you think?" Miran was standing in front of the transporter padd waiting for him. She was in a tight ski suit that hugged her body. "Some of the crew are in Ten Forward, let’s go," she pulled on his arm. He stopped her.

"I’ll be there in a minute, you go ahead," Deiran’s temper was beginning to show.

Deiran watched as Miran left the room. He walked over to the transporter console. "Listen Bransen, don’t even think of looking at my girl like that again! No looking, no touching, got it?"

"Sir, I wasn’t..." the CPO was visibly scared, he’d been caught. But, then it was hard not to stare with admiration at such beauty.

Deiran was upset that his shore leave wasn’t as fulfilling and happy as he would have liked. He couldn’t wait to get to Moudini.

He caught up with Miran and asked,"Why are you wearing the suit now?"

"Well, I wanted your opinion. Do I look like a bee?" Miran smiled at him.

"No, you look vivacious and beautiful, the colors look good on you. Besides, bee’s are yellow and black. No white." Deiran smiled at her.

She stopped and looked at him. "What’s wrong, you seem upset?" He was smiling and she could still see it. They were definitely getting closer.

"The time with my family wasn’t exactly great. My father was aloof. My mother was fine though. My sister and I got into a fight, and she’s marrying the biggest loser in the galaxy. How was your time with the Stevens’s?"

"Great, it was wonderful seeing them. Mother Stevens cooks her own food, never replicates anything." Miran was happy.

"I can’t wait till we ski. You should go snowboarding with me," Deiran couldn’t wait to see that.

"I’ll try it. You have to help me though," Miran was smiling, she was in a jovial mood and was practically bouncing, she wasn’t really, but she was on the inside.

"I’m looking forward to it, believe me," Deiran had a devilish grin on his face that seemed to indicate he didn’t mind having so much time with her and control. It would be fun. She would be completely reliant on him. And after the realization he had gone through with Alexa, he needed someone who relied on him. It was the leader in him.