James had his eyes glued to the screen, watching the tendrils whip their way out, snaking towards the ship in gentle curiousity. Tearing his eyes away from the viewscreen, he went back to scanning the nebula with Lt. Shtik.

Shtik's eyes were furrowed in concentration. He seemed to be more "in tune" with the Nebula than when it was first encountered. James was curious at what the relationship was between Shtik's meteorite and the protomatter detected in the Nebula was.

Shaking his head, he turned back to his scans. Shtik had called for Yellow Alert and notified the Captain beforehand. Shtik took one last look at the Nebula and moved out of his chair for the center of the bridge.

After dictating his orders, Shtik moved closer to the screen and stared at its thrashing tendrils and swirling myriad of colors. They were churning at a more fantastic rate now and had expanded another 2 Astronomical Units in the last few minutes. Looking at it, you wouldn't know, for its center looked like the eye of Jupiter, spinning and crushing itself into a denser shape, constantly changing color.

Captain Price moved out of the TL and approached the Science Station. Shtik had moved over to the Command Chair and was about to take his seat, when the Captain gestured him over to the Science Station as well. Shtik strode up to the station and stood next to Price as he pulled out a chip and inserted it into a sleeve in the console.

[Please input your authorization] The computer hummed out. Captain Price punched in his codes. The computer whirred as it went through its motions in its authorization.

[Authorization Code Price accepted] Information began to scroll up on the screen. The three officers skimmed through the information, avoiding the many {CLASSIFIED} gaps.

"Project Genesis,... a terraforming process,... massive explosion reducing matter to sub-atomic particles then reforming them according to a preprogrammed matrix,... Director of project - Doctor Carol Marcus,... Phase 1 on the Regula asteroid,... Accidental discharge in 2285 in the Mutara nebula formed the 'Genesis planet',... destroyed less than a year later because of instabilities caused by the protomatter used in the Genesis device,..." Mitchell spoke out loud.

As James read through the information, Price and Shtik spoke among themselves. James wasn't really listening, but one line caught his attention.

"...is a colony near by that would be devastated if not totally destroyed by the kind of explosion this protomatter seems capable of making."

James popped up at this comment, but let them finish as he looked into his scanner to check something.

A few moments later, James' idea was confirmed.

"Captain!" Price had just sat down in his command chair and was watching the turbulence on the screen when Mitchell called.

"Yes, lt.?" Captain Price moved back up onto the ramp and appraoched the Science station. Shtik was curious too and diverted James' information to his screen.

James called up his data that he'd been going over on his screen. An image of the Nebula appeared and it showed its expansion. At the edge of the screen was a small moon and a planet nearby.

"Sir...I overheard your comment to Lt. Shtik about the colony nearby. So I ran a scan on the Nebula and projected an estimation of its expansion. At the rate its going, it'll reach the planet within 2 hours."

"Can you confirm that, Mr. Shtik?" Shtik was checking and double-checking his readouts. He sighed and leaned back.

"I concur. Also, in the time I have taken to confirm the scan, the Nebula's outer perimeter has reached the moon, and there is some kind of activity going on with it."

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

"I'm not sure about him, Lieutenant" stated Paran, looking towards the Tamarian's cell.

"Really, Lieutenant? What have you found out?" Hutchcraft tried to put on his best serious expression. It felt forced, and fake. Paran paused for a moment. What had he found out, exactly?

"I'm not sure, Lieutenant. Chiron does not seem to be telling the truth about anything" Paran responded "All of his answers were very short, and unprovable"

"But you can't prove them otherwise, right Paran?" Hutchcraft retorted.

"Well... no sir, but ...." Paran was struggling. He could feel something was wrong, but did not know what it was, or how to proove it.

Hutchcraft looked at Paran. This wasn't getting anywhere. There was still a problem at large, and bickering about Lt. Chiron was not going to anything. Whether Chiron was a potential victim, the cause of the deaths or just an innocent bystander, Security wasn't going to find the answer by talking in a Security Office. At least not with each other.

"Well we'll just leave him in the brig for the moment, Ensign" Hutchcraft was still trying to perfect the serious, responsible Chief look. "For now, I'd like you to help out in the Transporter Room"

The Ensign simply nodded, before making his way out of the office. The Lieutenant went up to the replicator, and ordered another coffee. Hutchcraft was glad that replicators had been invented. He could only imagine the shortage of coffee caused by him. Coffee mugs littered the office, somebody else's office at that. Partly because he was busy, partly because he was lazy. But it showed how much Hutchcraft got through.

Hutchcraft stared at the black abyss once again. He couldn't even remember the body count anymore. There seemed to be a new one every five minutes. Still things had ....

Hutchcraft put his mug to the ground. 'Wait a second' he thought to himself 'They've stopped ...'

"Computer, list all missing crew members on the ship" he ordered. He looked towards his terminal. He referenced each missing person to the list of victims so far, and the list of officers on shoreleave.

They had stopped. Hutchcraft double checked.

"Computer, count number of life signs on the USS Galaxy, and reference them by how many should be on the USS Galaxy" Hutchcraft could feel the adrenline pump through his body. He crossed his fingers out of hope. Hope that at least things would stop.

The computer listed two numbers. The difference was five. Five deaths, that was right. Hutchcraft gave a sigh of relief, sat back on his chair and put the black liquid back to his lips. Maybe it was just coincidence after all.

Or maybe...

Hutchcraft looked towards the brig. He shook his head. Chiron was a fellow officer, he could not of done such a thing. Hutchcraft moved the empty coffee mug to the pile. Maybe time would claim another victim, that would set Hutchcraft's mind at rest about Chiron.

'Computer, power up Phasers.'

+Phasers at full power.+

'Target coordinates at 270 mark 35'

+Target locked.+

Chiron pressed the fire button, and a ruby red bolt of sizzling energy shot from the shuttle, and ripped through the operator's booth. Chiron could see the smouldering ruins of the booth, and the charred mark on the wall as his hands moved involuntarily and activated the launch sequence.

'Computer, Authorization Chiron 3 curry 7 9. Disable all shipboard Tractor beams and weapons systems, and place them under lockout under the same authorization.'

+Acknowledged, command executed.+

'Begin launch.'

+Warning, ShuttleBay Doors are closed.+

'Fire Phaser burst, Bearing 000 mark 000.'

The phaser bolts again leapt from the shuttle's body, and disintegrated enough of the Bay door for the shuttle to escape. A grin spread across the Tamarian's face. In just a few more seconds, the mission would be complete.

The Schizoid Man

K'arta was lost in thought about how she wanted to hurt the Ferengi rats that had stolen her close friend from her. She barely heard Casey's call to action. As soon as she realized what he meant, she quickly put her hand in. She was willing to risk almost anything, as long as they got Ronni back safely. She didn't care if she would be court martialed, a friend was worth more than a career in her eyes. Her Klingon loyalty was burning through her.

Soon the vacationing crew began making plans to sneak into the Tyrell compound. She only half heard them. When all the officers were done explaining their plans K'arta picked up her ski jacket and walked outside. Aimlessly walking around the resort K'arta eventually found herself at the teleporter. Seeing it only made her madder. She felt like ripping the computer panel off and throwing it as far as she could. Instead she punched the wall of the small booth. She was satisfied with the dent she left in the metal. Turning around she saw the computer panel. On a whim, she tapped in a few commands that would tell her who went where on the resort. She saw Ronni's name next to the ski run where she was supposed to arrive. K'arta was just getting angrier and angrier about the whole situation. She decided to try to find out where exactly Ronni was transported. She spent a good half hour working in the cold on the computer panel. She was almost about to break it when she finally made a breakthrough. She had uncovered the partial coordinates of where Ronni had been transported. Excited K'arta pulled out her padd and copied them. She also retrieved the coordinates of various transport sites on the planet and downloaded them into her padd. Ignoring the cold she cross referenced her partial coordinates with those of the planet and came up with no matches. She stood outside working on them as her fingers grew numb. The only progress she made was to determine that Ronni was no longer on the planet. Something they already knew. She did have a vague idea of where the ship that had stolen her friend had been located though.

K'arta quickly marched back to the lodge to report her findings. When she returned, everyone was gathering for a briefing. After Casey described the plan of action Lt. Sterner was about to assign the security team. Suddenly Miran spoke up.

"Lt. Sterner, sir. May I request that Ensign K'arta remain with me? I trust her if something goes wrong at my end. Deiran." She asked.

Sterner agreed with the pilot and continued making his assignments. K'arta wanted to interrupt him to tell him where Ronni had been. Soon she got her chance as they were beginning to board the shuttle.

"Sir, I have something to show you." K'arta started.

"Go ahead, Ensign." Her superior replied.

"I went to the teleporter earlier and found this." She said handing him her padd.

"Very good, Ensign." Sterner said impressed. "May I borrow this?"

"Of course, sir." Ensign K'arta was proud that her findings could be of some use.

They were all boarding the shuttles then. K'arta took a seat behind Ti. She hoped that this plan would work and that they would be able to resue Ronni. She hoped nothing had happened to her Delphinian friend. The Klingon sat in silence almost the entire trip to the complex.

Captain Price was watching the swirling mass of the Moudini nebula when Lieutenant Mitchell got his attention.

"Sir...I overheard your comment to Lt. Shtik about the colony nearby. So I ran a scan on the Nebula and projected an estimation of its expansion. At the rate its going, it'll reach the planet within 2 hours."

"Can you confirm that, Mr. Shtik?" Captain Price asked, the look on his face hoping that somehow, the Lieutenant was mistaking.

Shtik was checking and double-checking his readouts. He sighed and leaned back. "I concur. Also, in the time I have taken to confirm the scan, the Nebula's outer perimeter has reached the moon, and there is some kind of activity going on with it."

"Is there any way we can stop this nebula from expanding? Somehow neutralize the effect the protomatter is having on it?"

"I don't know Captain. Lieutenant Mitchell and I are analyzing the readings now. They may tell us something about how to counteract the effect." Shtik answered.

"Well You and Mitchell stick on finding a solution. The people on that planet are all counting on you gentlemen."

"Yes Captain." Shtik replied curtly in his Vulcan tone as he turned back to the science station to try and come up with an answer.

The Captain frowned. As he thought of what they should do, things got much worse. A warning alarm rang out on Ensign Harris' Ops console.

"Sir, someone has discharged phasers in the mail shuttle bay."

The Captain looked around with a puzzled look. With all of the mysterious deaths on board, anything was possible.

"Who would do that?" Just as Lee finished his sentence, the ship rocked violently, like it had just been hit by a large phaser blast. The entire bridge crew stumbles, struggling to maintain their balance.

"Explosive decompression of the main shuttle bay Captain! I am showing an unauthorized launch of the shuttle Waterloo." Ensign Harris' voice was amazingly calm as he braced himself on his console and reported his findings.

"Who is in that shuttle!" Price shouted out angrily.

"I can't get a reading Captain. Whomever it is must not be wearing a comm badge." Harris r eplied.

"See if you can find out Ensign." Lee turned around and looked at Ensign Reys at the tactical arch. "Get a tractor beam on that ship."

Reys presses a couple of controls, but the computer responds with warning tones.

"My controls seem to be locked out sir. I can't activate the tractor beam." The young officer exclaimed in exasperation.

"Run a diagnostic Ensign... quickly!" Captain Price was moving around to the tactical station to see what the problem was as he said it.

"Diagnostics show that all weapons and tractor beam targeting controls are locked out."

"By whose authority?" The Captain was impatient. As the seconds ticked away, the Waterloo was getting closer and closer to the protomatter infested Moudini nebula. Practically pushing Ensign Reys out of the way, Lee punched up the display himself. Assistant Chief Engineer Chiron's name flashed upon the screen.

"Chiron!" The Captain looked up at the main view screen momentarily in disbelief. The Tamarian Engineer was one of his most trusted officers. This had to be a mistake. He couldn't be a trader, and a murderer, and now, what? bent on suicide? "He must be crazy." Lee said under his breath. Shaking himself out of his initial shock, Captain Price activates the computer override system.

"Computer, reinstate weapons and tractor beam systems to full capacity."

["Please enter command authorization code."]

"Price, theta gamma omega seven naught seven Price."

["System controls reinstated."]

Lee looked at Reys. "Get the bastard."

"Targeting tractor beam sir. Got him Captain! Beam holding steady." Ensign Reys sounded pleased that the control lockout was not his fault, and that he was now able to carry out the Captain's instructions.

Price began walking back into the command well. "Raise shields 'mate. I pretty much know what's going to be coming next."

"Sir, the shuttle Waterloo has but one occupant." Ensign Harris began. The Captain promptly interrupted.

"Yes, a Tamarian. Lieutenant Chiron. Open a channel Ensign."

A quick tone from his control panel. "There is no response Captain."

Lee's eyes narrowed. "Keep trying Ensign. Reys

, increase power to the tractor beam... let's reel him in 'mate."

{At last after millennia, we have finally suceeded. We have a corporeal body to act as a conduit, and we are only minutes away from... What was that???}

The shuttle jerked to a stop as a tractor beam from the Galaxy held it fast like a claw of pure energy.

Then he heard Captain Price's voice filter in over the comm system. -Chiron... Fine, ya don't have to answer me, just listen. I want you to shut off the engines and sheilds, and beam back here! NOW!!!-

Chiron's hands flew over the controls... They had found a way around his lockouts! He hit a final button, and heard the engines whine in response as his engines rose to full power.

==Galaxy Bridge==
'Sir! He's powered up the shuttle's impulse engines! At this rate he'll....'

'Captain! I have the Waterloo on the com!'

'On Screen!'

The normally innocent visage of the Galaxy's assistant cheif engineer had been replaced by a hideously contorted face, dripping with evil. His eyes had not even a fleck of white in them, just solid red.

-You will not stop me, you puny humanoids! I will not be compromiised this close to my goal!-

Shtik turned from his console and addressed the Captain. 'Sir, part of the nebula is expanding toward us! It will intercept in 2 minutes!'

Price glared at the viewscreen. 'Cut your engines, now!'

The creature on the screen just laughed, leaned forward, and pressed a button just outside of the range of the viewscreen to terminate the link.

'His hull condition is critical, sir... I'd say he has about one minute left until his hull breaches.'

The ship shuddered slightly as the shuttle's considerably weaker phasers started pommeling the larger ship's sheilds.

'Shields down to 85%, sir, but holding.'

Everyone on the bridge looked to their Captain... the General... to see what strategy their commander had in store.

The Schizoid Man

As the runabouts raced toward Draxor III, Troy sat in a chair going over the part of his grandfather in his head. He thought about every possible question that they could ask him, and he thought of every possible answer to give (that sounded like an answer his grandfather would give). He didn't want to be caught by suprise or thrown off guard by something he didn't count on. If this mission failed, not only would everyone be court marshaled, but one of their crewmates would lose her life. It had to work at all cost.

The closer the runabouts got to Draxor, the more silence filled the air. Some had slight looks of nerves on their faces, while others sat with a look of steel. But all together everyone was wondering if this mission is going to be 100% successful.

Troy took his mind off the mission slightly to look at the incoming sensor readings of the Draxor system. There were a couple of Intrepid class vessels in the area, but nothing too close to the target planet. He tapped Deiran on his shoulder and pointed at the monitor to show the readings. With a slight nod of his head, Casey returned his attention to the front of the runabout, he too was in deep thought. Even if they were detected and managed to get off the planet, getting out of the system would be a whole different story. But it wouldn't be anything that the Galaxy crew could not handle. Besides the Draxor system was full of places or a runabout to hide.

As time passed, Troy's mind drifted back to the mission. Every little detail, and every little movement had to be perfect to be convincing. If not, then who knows what could happen? Only time could tell what would be the fate of this mission.

Lieutenant JG Troy Blair Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

Having latched onto the Federation space shuttle USS Waterloo, the valiant crew of the Galaxy continue to relay the information to the Captain.

"His hull condition is critical sir...." Ensign Harris reports, "I'd estimate he has about one minute left until his hull breaches."

As the Galaxy continues to haul the small, struggling shuttle craft closer with the tractor beam, the Waterloo begin firing it's phasers at the Starship. The ship shudders slightly as the shuttle's considerably weaker phasers start pummeling the Galaxy's shields.

"Shield strength down to 85%, sir, but holding steady."

Captain Price glanced back at Harris at the tactical station and gave him a nod. "Transporter room. Get a lock on Lieutenant Chiron and prepare to beam him aboard."

["Captain, Chief Jensen here. I can't transport the Lieutenant on board until he lowers the shuttles shields sir."]

"Understood Chief. But get a lock on him anyway. He's presently using all of the shuttles power to resist our tractor beam with the Impulse engines and firing his phasers to boot. There may be power fluctuations that will allow a safe beam out. Particularly in a few moments when his engines reach critical."

["Aye sir. I have a lock now."]

Another phaser blast rocks the ship's shields as the shuttle fires again.

["I can see what you mean Captain, his shields almost weakened enough to initiate a transport just then."]

"Keep monitoring him Jensen. When you are able to, transport him out of there. And when you do, I want you to keep him in transit. Don't rematerialize him, understood?"

After a slight pause, Thomas answered, ["Yes Captain I understand sir. But why would you want to do that?"]

Lee's eyes narrowed slightly. "I want to be there when Chiron beams in Chief. Price out."

Another phaser blast hit the ship, rocking the bridge crew slightly. Lieutenant Shtik struggled to keep his balance. "Captain, the expanding nebula is getting dangerously close to the ship. I suggest it may be wise to increase our distance at the earliest opportunity."

"So noted Lieutenant." The Captain replies curtly.

A few more blasts shake the ship's shields.

"Shields holding at 73% Captain." Harris stated. Punching a couple of buttons on his console he adds, "the shuttle craft's engines are beginning to overload sir...."

One last phaser blast hit the Galaxy, this one barely shaking the ship, it's power so drastically reduced from the overloaded engines on the shuttle craft.

Captain Price and the rest of the bridge crew watch as the shuttle craft Waterloo's main engines overload. A brilliant flash of white light fills the view screen as the officers shield their eyes. The USS Galaxy jerks violently as the back wash of the explosion impacts with the ships outer shields.

"Back us away from the nebula Ensign. Full impulse 'mate."

Sherman quickly taps in the proper sequence of commands on his console. "Backing us away sir. Full impulse."

"Jensen, did you get him?" Lee's voice was a flux. Part of him hoped that his Assistant Chief Engineer made it off that exploding shuttle craft. Yet, another part hoped that he died in that fiery explosion for having murdered the five crew members on the Galaxy.

["I have him sir. I was able to get him when he fired that last phaser burst, right before the shuttle exploded."]

"Is he still in transit Chief?"

["Aye sir. Have him in the buffer right now...."] Jensen's voice trailed off as if he was checking something.

Lee noticed the Chief's change in tone and knew something was amiss. "What is it Jensen? Is something wrong 'mate?"

["I have very strange readings here Captain. I have Chiron's pattern locked in the memory buffer, only it appears that there is another, thing, in with him Sir."]

Captain Price was astonished. However it would explain a lot of things. The Chiron he knew would never willfully take the life of another living being. But if he was somehow, possessed...

"How long can you keep the Lieutenant's pattern in transit Chief Jensen?"

["So long as I have power Captain, as long as you like. I can maintain the buffer integrity by placing it in a diagnostic mode. This transporter will not be able to be used if I do that however. Sir."]

The Captain thought a moment. He was anxious to get to the bottom of what was causing Chiron to act as he had. To murder so many crew members. But right now he had a greater responsibility. "Do it 'mate. Price out."

Taking advantage of the Captain's availability, Lieutenant Mitchell swiveled in his chair at Science station one to face Price. "Captain, I noticed that the expansion of the Moudini nebula momentarily stopped at the instant when the shuttles engines exploded near it's perimeter."

"Really? For how long? Shtik?"

The Vulcan stepped over to Mitchell's station and looked at his findings. "It appears Lieutenant Mitchell is correct. However I would say that the nebula did not stop expanding, so much as it changed it's direction."

Shtik pointed at the view screen at the science station. Captain Price stepped over from the command well and stood besides Shtik.

"You can see here the rate of expansion. Then here is where the shuttle explodes near the nebula's perimeter. Notice how it's expansion in this area halts, and the expansion in this area increases."

"It's like it's turning away." Mitchell starts, "like it felt or sensed the explosion and is turning away from it."

"If that is the case Lieutenant," Captain Price starts, "then maybe we can herd it away from the colony."

Mitchell smiles at the Captain. "Like a bunch of cowboys Captain? We could use the photon torpedoes to create explosions to turn it away from the planet."

"Exactly 'mate. It's worth a try."

Lieutenant Shtik looked concerned over the plan. The Captain noticed his expression and inquired, "What's wrong Lieutenant?"

After a pause, the Vulcan made an observation. "If this is true, and this nebula changed it's course in the wake of the shuttle's near by explosion, then I can only draw two conclusions. Either this nebula has some physical, or chemical property that reacted to the conditions created by this explosion which in turn caused it to alter it's course, or...."

"Or what Mr. Shtik?" Captain Price asked.

"Or this Nebula is not a nebula at all. It is a life form which may or may not be sentient."

The Schizoid Man

K'arta sat down behind her and Deiran sat next to her. It basically was a silent trip, everybody pondered on the question what could go wrong and what would happen to their careers if it did. They arrived at Draxor III and Ti opened a comm frequency to the complex.

"This is run-about Yosemite of the USS Pegasus-D carrying Admirals Casey and Blair on an expection. Requesting permission to land."

They were granted permission to land and Ti set the run-about down gently outside the complex. As the group began filing out the shuttle Ti stopped Deiran.

"Be careful." He gentle cupped one hand against her face and smiled through his mask.

"I will," and he was gone. Ti sighed and sat down in one of the chairs. She willed herself to relax. It was going to be all right. It just had to be for Ronni's sake. She closed her eyes and thought relaxing thoughts to get her mind calm. She probably shouldn't have closed her eyes because soon she was asleep.

"Isn't that a bit speculative, Lieutenant?" the Captain asked.

"Actually, it corrosponds with previous data." Shtik turned to Science station 2, "Mr. Mitchell, recall the alpha wave pattern we discovered earlier." The captain took a moment to coordinate photon torpedo detonations with Ensign Reys before joining the pair at the science consoles . "We found these, Captain. It didn't make sense at the time, but they appear to be brain waves." Mitchell posted the visuals on a science monitor.

"Brainwaves?" the captain stated. "Is that the result of the protomatter?"

"There is still much of this situation that is not known. I should point out that our information on Genesis provided no clear indication of it's effect on pre-existing life."

"Pre-existing? You don't think that this potential life form was created by some kind of accidental 'Genesis effect' then?"

"If there is a connection between it and Mr. Chiron's illogical behavior than I would point out that deaths began prior to that exposure. On the other hand, analysis of the nebula has never before shown these type of alpha waves. The protomatter seems to have added something to the matrix of the nebula which is causing a violent reaction. With your permission, sir, I'd like to run a comparison between those wave patterns and the brain patterns of known races... and individuals." Shtik said trying not to let the hope come out in his request.

"I guess it can't hurt." Captain Price said.

"I'd also like to recommend Mr. Mitchell assist with any examination of Mr. Chiron. He has been studying the nebula energy patterns and has proven helpful in determining their biologiacal properties."

The away team were getting ready to board the Yosemite and leave. The tension was high.

Lt Sterner motioned for Lt Quall and Cadet Campbell to step aside with him.

"While I'm gone on this mission it's up to you, Lt Quall and you, Cadet Canpbell, to check out Ensign K'artas findings." With that he handed Lt Quall the PADD he had recieved from Ensign K'arta earlier. "This is what we have so far. It contains some coordinates that show that Lt Morris isn't on the planet. I'm....Lt Morris is counting on you, gentlemen."

"Yes, sir!" The Cadet and the Lieutenant said. "And good luck", Quall added.

"They'll need it", the Cadet thought.

Lt Sterner nodded and made his way to the Yosemite.

"They'll need it", Lt Quall said to Cadet Campbell.

"Ehum.... That's just what I thought, Lieutenant."

They waited untill the shuttle had left.

Lt Quall turned torwards the Cadet. "OK, Cadet. Let's get to work!"

"I'd also like to recommend Mr. Mitchell assist with any examination of Mr. Chiron. He has been studying the nebula energy patterns and has proven helpful in determining their biological properties." Mr. Shtik stated to the Captain, still theorizing what part his own father's brain wave patterns contained in that small protomatter stone have to do with all of this.

"Excellent idea Lieutenant, but first things first 'mate." Captain Price turns to face Ensign Harris at tactical. "Load all forward photon torpedo tubes. We need to divert the nebula away from the planet before the colony is destroyed."

"Aye sir, loading torpedoes now." harris stated tapping his controls.

"Ensign Helms, take us near to the planet. We need to be in position to launch our photon torpedoes to drive the nebula back, but not harm the planet or it's orbiting moon."

"Yes Captain, plotting course now." Sherman tapped a few controls, "Laid in sir."

"Do it 'mate. Full impulse."

"Aye sir, engaging impulse engines."

The USS Galaxy changes course and quickly moves into position to fire it's photon torpedoes.

"We are in position Captain." Ensign Helms relays.

"Excellent 'mate." Captain Price turns over his shoulder. "Ensign Harris, when ever you are ready, fire photon torpedoes in front of the Moudini nebula's path. Let's see if we can turn her around."

Mr. Shtik raised an eyebrow. "Her Captain?"

Lee smiled. "It's just an expression 'mate."

"I see Captain." The Lieutenant then returned to his thoughts of his father and the Moudini nebula... as illogical as they were.

K'arta thought a little about ruining her career, but knew that it wouldn't matter to her as long as she saved her friend. Loyalty to her friend was one of the most important things to her. She wondered if Ronni was doing OK. If anything had happened to her, K'arta was prepared to kill. At least she would have her revenge if she didn't have her friend.

Soon Ti contacted Tyrell and gained permission to land. The security officers and the two "admirals" filed out of the Yosemite. K'arta followed them out and glanced around. Then she reboarded, performed her security checklist and closed the shuttle's doors. By the time she was through and returned to the main cabin, it looked as if Miran was sleeping. A little disappointed that she wouldn't be able to get to know the Bajoran a little better while they waited K'arta settled into her guard mode. She hoped it wouldn't take too long to complete Operation Ronni.

Ry`kath took off at a dead sprint through the corridors to his quarters to change and to check in and to find out what the hell was going on. On his way he noticed he was reciving strange looks from the most of the crew, he was the only one reacting to the apperant attack. Then he remembered that being half klingon gave him heightned senses that humans didn't have.

As Ry`kath ran into his room he looked around and remembered his first day on the Galaxy.

** Flash Back **

I remember the first day I came aboard the Galaxy. I had wanted to get a good assinment to give my family honor, but I would have never have guess this. I was stuned by the sheer enormity of it, I spent my first few few hours just exploring the ship. I found ten forward, and the holodecks. The holodecks made it seem a little more like home, I had a good work out to make myself relax. I remember distinctly reporting for my first shift of security duty. I was walking into the security office and I ran into Joerg he had treated me with respect...which was better than alot of people had treated me in my life. I found my first round of duty very exciting even though it had been uneventful.....

** Present **

The ship rocked gently again shaking Ry`kath from his remanis. Damn, I had better hurry. He quickly got dressed and ran to report.

Deiran sat looking into the dark expanse of space. His eyes seemed to be statues, he sat still and silent. His mind raced over the facts on the Tyrell complex. Over and over he continued to drill himself on every single important piece of information.

Miran was sitting next to him, flying the shuttle. He wasn’t ignoring her but he did have a lot on his mind. He was thankful she seemed to understand it and didn’t expect any conversation. She didn’t mind. Although, she was still trying to get used to Deiran looking like his father.

Deiran didn’t like the mask, it itched and the wax felt disgusting as it oozed on his skin. But, after awhile the mask adjusted to his face, and it felt natural, as natural as a piece of prosthetic could feel.

Deiran heard Miran speak,"This is the Yosemite from the Pegasus-D. I have Admirals Casey and Blair here for an unscheduled inspection of your facility. Requesting permission to land."

"We need the alpha code for the Admirals?" the voice responded. Miran looked at Deiran with a dazed and confused look.

"Yaran, Mark, Loro, Nine Beta Twelve Beta One Six," Casey replied, deep in his father’s voice. Casey’s own grandmother wouldn’t have known the difference.

Casey then handed Troy a piece of paper and motioned for him to read it. "Jarkara, Kina, Leretta, Seven, Three, Five, Beta One Beta One."

"We have you for clearance. Please dock on LB 3. Tyrell out." Miran then responded and cut off the channel. Deiran looked at her and then looked at Troy. His eyes and face said, "that was close." Deiran knew they might ask for the alpha code.

Miran began her descent. She landed the shuttle. Once the Yosemite docked, everyone in the shuttle stood to their feet and stretched. Casey looked at everyone. Everyone seemed to feed off Casey’s confidence as he showed no fear, no hesitation and walked for the bay door of the shuttle. Miran walked beside him.

The door descended. Troy and Lt. Sterner were the first to exit. Miran took Deiran’s aged hand, looking into Deiran’s eyes and gently putting her hand on his left cheek. Love and concern was evident without words. She leaned close to him and whispered, "Be careful." Casey smiled at her. He took her hand in his, held it for a few moments and released it and walked down the ramp. He did not look back, he was on duty and thought it improper to kiss her, although he wanted to passionately.

He began walking like his father. He had a little hitch in his step on the left side from a phaser blast in 2365 while on an away mission for the USS Glory. Deiran remembered this and used it as part of the "act."

Deiran caught up to Troy, not running just walking . He took his place beside Troy and in front of Sterner and started for the main gate. It was a hot day, the two suns shined in Casey’s eyes. Deiran liked wearing an Admiral’s uniform and was beginning to enjoy himself. Troy was a little nervous and it showed on his features. Casey turned to him and smiled. Talk about brash and brevity.

At first Troy thought Deiran was nuts and had a deathwish. But the more he saw Casey enjoying himself, the more Troy began to enjoy himself. By the time they arrived at the main gate, Troy and Deiran were having a ball. Of course they didn’t show it outwardly, they stayed in character at all times. But inside themselves they were having fun. Danger somehow brought out daring in a man.

Deiran walked up to the first security guard from Tyrell. He handed him his ID, papers and pass before the guard asked for them. It showed the security guard he’d been through this before and made the guard feel at ease. Troy followed Deiran’s lead, handing over all his ID and passes to the guard.

A few minutes later the guard returned the papers to them and asked the admirals to follow him. He stopped at the retscan and VPMS. "Admiral Casey please look into the eyepiece." Casey looked and started his programs to fool the computer. Troy followed Casey and looked into the retscan.

"Please state your name, rank and serial number into the VPMS, sirs." Casey followed the guards directions. Casey touched his right index finger to his thumb as he spoke into the machine. Casey again pressed his index finger to his thumb as Troy spoke into the VPMS.

"It’ll be a minute while the computer analyzes the data sirs," the guard replied in a cordial tone.

Casey stood, waiting. He had assumed the bearing of an Admiral. Lt. Sterner had to keep telling himself that it was only Lt. Casey and not a real live admiral. Everything was working out according to plan.

As they were waiting for the retscan and VPMS results, Wilcox walked through the gate from the inside and greeted the visitors.

"Hello Admiral Casey, Admiral Blair. It’s an honor to have you here. May I ask what ship you came on?" Wilcox was polite as he asked the question. Wilcox had to be sure they were who they said they were, or it was his hide.

"Yes, Chief, Captain O’Reilly’s ship the Pegasus-D. Fine ship," Casey replied as he shook Wilcox’s hand. Wilcox shook Troy’s hand. As was Starfleet protocol, Wilcox did not acknowledge the Admirals guard. Wilcox looked at the Tyrell guard, asking a question with his eyes. "The Pegasus has assumed standard orbit around the planet sir," the guard replied.

"I need to contact Admiral Oshigawa and check your guard’s credentials?" Wilcox seemed to have a problem with the papers of some of the guards accompanying the Admirals. Casey didn’t flinch or squirm at the question. Casey changed his look, it was intimidating and tumultuous, the same look his father used when Deiran got into trouble as a boy or when he was reprimanding one of the members of his crew when Thomas Casey had a command.

"That will not be necessary, Chief," Casey stopped and looked at the guard who had finished the results of the retscan. "Do we check out Ensign?" Casey asked with emphasis for the sake of Wilcox.

"Yes, sir, everything is in good order, you are who you say you are." The guard was emphatic.

"What about our guard?" Casey asked.

"They check out too."

Casey stared at Wilcox with an evil eye, "Then I don’t see any problem in contacting Admiral Oshigawa. Please, Chief, do your duty."

"I’m sorry Admiral it is regulations." Wilcox was being intimidated by Casey’s looks and bearing and everyone in the room could sense it.

"Where would Starfleet be without regulations," Troy said in his grandfather’s voice.

"Do hurry, Chief, we only have two hours allotted for the inspection." Casey commanded with a forceful tone.

"Aye sir."

Casey and Troy watched as Wilcox walked into the comm and opened a channel to Admiral Oshigawa. Casey looked at his comrades, their faces like stone, but he could sense their nerves on edge. Casey stayed relaxed and enjoyed it all. It seemed to help everyone else or it ticked them off. He wasn’t sure. And Casey didn’t care as long as they kept their minds off their nerves and fear.

"Do you do this procedure every time?" Casey asked the guard.

"Yes, sometimes sir. As you know this is a heavily guarded facility. The chief would call Starfleet and double check the papers of the president himself." The guard was serious.

Casey smiled, "I like his devotion to duty and the way he covers his butt!" It’s exactly what Deiran’s father would’ve said in the same situation.

Casey and Troy waited.

Casey and Troy watched as Wilcox walked into the comm and opened a channel to Admiral Oshigawa. Casey looked at his comrades, their faces like stone, but he could sense their nerves on edge. Casey stayed relaxed and enjoyed it all. It seemed to help everyone else or it ticked them off. He wasn't sure. And Casey didn't care as long as they kept their minds off their nerves and fear.

"Do you do this procedure every time?" Casey asked the guard.

"Yes, sometimes sir. As you know this is a heavily guarded facility. The chief would call Starfleet and double check the papers of the president himself." The guard was serious.

Casey smiled, "I like his devotion to duty and the way he covers his butt!" It's exactly what Deiran's father would've said in the same situation.

Casey and Troy waited as Director Wilcox walked over to the communications console on the far wall and contacted Starfleet command.

*** Shuttle craft Cydonia ***

Shanika sat in the pilots seat of the near empty shuttle as it orbited Draxor III. It's id beacon altered to emit the identification code of the USS Pegasus-D. Sitting next to her is Lieutenant T'Lein. He had used logic to convince Commander Jamson that an experienced officer should accompany the Ensign on so delicate a mission. However, logic was far from the reason behind his motivation.

"So I guess we just sit here and wait for couple of hours. Hey Lieutenant?" Shanika smiled flirtatiously at her superior officer. She had picked up on his interest in her at the ski resort, and though the others may have been fooled by his logical reasons for being on board the Cydonia... she knew better.

T'Lein nodded. "Assuming nothing unforseeable should transpire with Lieutenant Casey's plan, then yes, we just 'sit here' and continue to masquerade as the Pegasus."

Shanika reached out with her hand, still smiling slightly as she extended a finger and traced a line up the Lieutenants chest.

"So Mr. T'Lein, what was the real reason why you wanted to be on board this shuttle, all alone, with me?" Shanika's finger paused at T'Lein's chin lifting it slightly as she leaned passionately close to the Vulcan.

T'Lein's mind raced with thoughts. Illogical thoughts. Animal thoughts, from his ancestors past. Something about this Romulan woman sparked an inner passion within him, that logic could not explain. Yet, it also could not be denied. T'Lein began to lean forward, preparing to meet the beautiful Ensign's lips. Their first embrace would be interrupted when an incoming hail is received from the Tyrell complex below.

T'Lein cleared his throat as he sat back in his chair. Quickly going over a mental mantra to regain his composure. Shanika grinned flirtatiously, tong lightly pressed against her cheek as she checked the communications console.

"It's from Wilcox. He's sending a message back to Starfleet command for Admiral Oshigawa. I'm intercepting it now." Shanika tapped a couple of controls.

While she did that, T'Lein, now more centered quickly reached for one of the holoprograms he had took the liberty to program for just such a contingency. He had recorded several characters and written a program to allow him to speak through the holographic character remotely. He had found that concentrating on programming these holographic projections had helped take his mind off of the perk new Ensign whom he was now sharing a shuttle with. He hadn't programmed Admiral Oshigawa, but he did have a Starfleet aid handy. Slotting the chip, he called it up on the display.

["This is Director Wilcox of the Tyrell refinement facility on Draxor III. Let me speak with Admiral Oshigawa please?"]

Shanika's smile grew more serious as she glanced at Lieutenant T'Lein. He cleared his voice, then pressed the voice over controls to transmit the pre recorded image of the Aide he had just slotted.

"I am sorry Director, but Admiral Oshigawa is currently in a meeting with the join chiefs and can not be disturbed. If you like, I can take a message and see that he gets it."

On the view screen you could see Wilcox' e

xpression grow dim. He wasn't happy about not getting to speak to the Admiral, but he did seem to accept the explanation.

["Very well. Please tell the Admiral that I hailed, and have him contact me immediately when he is through with his meeting."]

"Yes Director, I will do that. The Admiral's meeting is expected to last for the rest of the morning... will that be okay?"

Wilcox tossed his hands up into the air. ["What choice do I have? Just be sure he gets the message. Wilcox out."]

The channel abruptly closed. T'Lein removed the isolinear chip from the panel and placed it meticulously back in it's case with his other programs.

"Impressive..." Shanika said as she looked at the Vulcan. Then in a more seductive voice, she teased him. "I never knew you we so... resourceful."

Again clearing his throat, T'Lein straightened in his chair. "Vulcans are a very resourceful people Ensign."

Shanika sighed. "Please, call me Shanika when we are alone. Okay T'Lein?"

The Lieutenant swallowed dryly. "Very well,... Shanika."

*** Tyrell Complex ***

Director Wilcox walked back from the far wall behind the security check point. He didn't look too happy. For a brief moment, Lieutenant Casey considered the possibility that they had been discovered. Acting on shear guts alone, he decided to stay calm and play out the hand. He was gambling with the lives and careers of all of his crewmen that were accompanying him. Fortunately, he gambled correctly.

"Admiral Oshigawa is not available. He will be calling when he finishes his current meeting agendas. In the mean time, your credentials do check out, so we will allow you to enter Admiral. In the future I would prefer a days notice on these 'surprise inspections'..."

Casey was about to answer when Troy piped up. "If we did that Director, then it wouldn't be much of a surprise now, would it?" It seemed that 'Admiral' Blair was having as much fun as Casey was playing the parts of their fathers.

Touching the controls, Wilcox deactivates the electronic gates that seal the complex off from the outside world. With a buzz, the gates open and the entourage from the USS Galaxy, disguised as Admirals and their security guards, walk into the high security refinement facility.

He was not frustrated by the PADDs or the information they contained... just at the lack of a conclusion.

Sighing, Quall went back to the note that Lt. Sterner had left for him:

TO: Lt. jg. Quall

FROM: Lt. Sterner

Search for clues.

Could he have been any more vague? This was the root of the problem... Quall had spent countless hours searching for and gathering information, and trying to put it all together. So far... nothing but a bad headache.

Picking up yet another PADD, Ryan ran through possible sienarios in his mind...

Lt. Jg. Quall Assistant Cheif of Security USS Galaxy

He came back into the lab where she was at and just stared at her. Ronni turned around to see him staring at her and she blushed. "I have a surprise for you." he said.

He motioned for her to follow him and she did. In the lab next to the one she had been in, she saw what must have been an android, lying on a table, under a sheet. Harry said, "Ronni, I wanted to thank you for your assistance and for putting up with being taken against your will. " With that, he pulled back the sheet and there on the table was a perfect duplicate of Ronni, in the orange gown she had worn at the dinner. Ronni's eyes bulged and her jaw dropped.

Harry just stared at her and said, "You have a good heart and a marvelous mind. I enjoy speaking with you and I love to hear your laugh. I would like to offer you the gift of immortality."

Ronni just stared at him dumbfoundedly. "Wow." she thought.

Director Wilcox frantically opened the gates to his visitors. As the group walked into the complex, Ensign Mohler slipped away to steal what Mudd needed. "This'll be just a walk in the park, ja?" Unfortunately, it wasn't that easy.

Just as Mohler had collected the trilithium he needed, an engineer from the complex approached him, eyeing Andreas rather suspiciously. "You need something, boy?" the engineer asked with a strong southern accent.

"I must be lost. I was with the guard accompanying Admirals Casey and Blair. I stopped to look at some of the machinery and got lost. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."

"Now hold on a minute," the engineer ordered. Andreas sensed that the engineer wasn't buying his story and reach for a small knife Andeas had in his back pocket.

The engineer shot our dear Ensign a look that almost melted what was left of his steal hand. "What's in that case, ya got there, sonny?"

"Coffee. This case is an excellant thermos. The Admirals love their coffee." Would you like to see?" inquired the young Ensign.

"You took the words right out of my mouth." Ensign Mohler opened the case to reveal a coffee thermos and two mugs. The engineer couldn't believe his eyes. He let out a grunt and walked away. Mohler opened the thermos and looked inside. In the thermos was the trilithium he had stolen. Andreas put his knife back in his pocket, closed his case, and returned to the group of Admirals.

Jonathan Hanover Ensign Andreas Mohler

Ensign Thomas Enquist was looking forward to some real action. He listened to the briefing with anticipation. His orders were quickly assimilated and read out as:

Accompany Lt. Blair as Admiral Blair’s Security escort. To be able to perform as required, the following instructions were important to follow:

1. Do not answer any question.
2. Do not be sociable.
3. Do not smile.
4. Act as alert security escort to an Admiral.

Once there we would proceed as follows:

1. "Admiral" Blair and "Admiral" Casey will walk up front.
2. I will walk behind Lt. Blair and Ensign Mohler walk behind Lt. Casey. Lt. Sterner will walk behind us all.
3. We will tour the facility. At the processing facility, Lt. Blair, Lt. Casey Lt. Sterner and I will distract our attendees.
4. Ensign Mohler will sneak away and find 2 kilo T-resin and put it into the tritanium suitcase he will be carrying, and hurry back to the group.
5. We will cover his absence (faking nature’s call or whatever is needed).
6. Once clear, the security officers return to the Yosemite, and the container is safe.
7. The rest of the team rejoin, and we take off.

The Yosemite had landed. Lt. Sterner and the two admirals got out first, a serious breech in Starfleet Security Protocols, but fortunately, no one noticed. We quickly took our positions, as we were led away from the ship, towards the plant.

Ensign K’arta stayed behind as sentry for the shuttle, with Lt. Ti as the pilot. Their job was to appear confident, and to keep nosy people away from the shuttle, so as not to allow them to see through the disguise. Thomas was more than confident that they would handle it admirably.

Then we reached the Base Security and Lt. Casey walked up to the first security guard from Tyrell. He handed him his ID, papers and pass before the guard asked for them. It showed the security guard he’d been through this before and made the guard feel at ease. Lt. Blair followed Lt. Casey’s lead, handing over all his ID and passes to the guard. Lt. Sterner and the rest of the security escort followed up with their papers.

A few minutes later the guard returned the papers to them and asked the admirals to follow him. He stopped at the retscan and VPMS. "Admiral Casey please look into the eyepiece." Casey looked and started his programs to fool the computer.

"Please state your name, rank and serial number into the VPMS, sirs."

As they were waiting for the retscan and VPMS results, Wilcox walked through the gate from the inside and greeted the visitors. They exchanged pleasantries while the security escort looked bored, with great success.

"I need to contact Admiral Oshigawa and check your guard’s credentials?" Wilcox seemed to have a problem with the papers of some of us guards accompanying the Admirals. The guard looked at Ensign Mohler with a strange look.

"That will not be necessary, Chief," Casey stopped and looked at the guard who had finished the results of the retsca n. "Do we check out Ensign?" Thomas wondered what should happen if the bluff was seen through.

"Yes, sir, everything is in good order, you are who you say you are." "What about our guard?" Casey asked. "They check out too." The Admiral really played the role as well as he could.

"Then I don’t see any problem in contacting Admiral Oshigawa. Please, Chief, do your duty." "I’m sorry Admiral it is regulations." Wilcox was being intimidated by the phony Admiral Casey’s looks and bearing and everyone in the room could sense it. Admiral Blair spoke up, to further put the poor Wilcox of guard. Admiral Casey finished the sentence, and Wilcox decided to hurry p with the confirmation.

Wilcox contacted Admiral Oshigawa, while the disguised team waited with growing tension. Again, Thomas felt the tension grow. After awhile, Wilcox managed to contact some aid of the Admiral, and got the message that the Admiral was unreachable for the time being. Wilcox, feeling the pressure, finally agreed to let the inspection team in. Thomas and Ensign Mohler took up positions behind the Admirals, while Lt. Sterner was circling the team.

Touching the controls, Wilcox deactivates the electronic gates that seal the complex off from the outside world. With a buzz, the gates open and the entourage from the USS Galaxy, disguised as Admirals and their security guards, walk into the high security refinement facility.

The "inspection group" walked into various processing stations, checking logs, and maintaining appearance of a bored routine inspection. The two Admirals sent the poor Wilcox running for files and samples, and the security guards was busy helping him. Thomas found his part to be the easiest in this group, until now. Time for Ensign Mohler to get onto his job, and for Thomas and Lt. Sterner to get onto their. Now their task was to appear to be 3 escorts, doubling back and changing positions, so that any surveillance might loose track of their positions, and help Mohler to slip away.

The first part went smoothly, Mohler slipped away, and no one noticed it. Now for keeping them in that belief…….