Ensign Shanika and Lt. T'Lein sat for a while pondering over ideas that would allow the Cydonia to escape the sector without the Intrepid detecting them. But, as it were, they could not come up with any plausible ideas that would work (their was a limited number of things a shuttle craft orbiting a small planet could do without a starship detecting it). T'Lein, after pulling up the Intrepid's crew manifest, instructed Shanika that the counselor on the ship was half human and betazoid. Because of the counselor's half betazoid heritage, Shanika knew that the counselor's telepathic abilities would be limited and that she could send out a fake signal that would be strong enough that the counselor would, no doubt, interpret it as being real. Feeling confident that the plan would work, Shanika began entering commands using the flight console and brought the Cydonia's power cells to minimal power.

"Lt. T'Lein, I will begin sending a distress signal to the Tygris Sector, a few light years from this one. The Intrepid's counselor should pick up on the signal pretty quickly. If all goes accordingly, as soon as the Intrepid moves to intercept the signal, we will move away from the planet, bring the Cydonia to full power, and engage warp engines. Understood Lt.?"

Shanika used a tone that insured that T'Lein had no problem understanding her.

T'Lein responded, "What about the Yosemite and the team on the planet's surface?"

Shanika responded, "There is a good chance that they have completed their mission and are on their way back."

T'Lein said, "We Vulcans do not believe in chance ensign. However, it is logical to assume that the Yosemite detected the Intrepid and, because of that, they have not contacted us to inform us that they have been successful with their plan. Therefore ensign, we will go through with your plan."

Shanika said, "Well put Lt. Now, shall we get started Lt.?"

T'Lein replied, "Yes, we may."

Shanika closed her eyes and sent out the signal. A few seconds later, the Intrepid began moving away from the planet, heading for the Tygris sector. Upon viewing that, the Cydonia came to full power and engaged warp engines.

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

She had been monitoring for as long as she could.

That is, after all, how the doctor's on ships knew what was going on. Access to the bridge was, of course, availiable to the ship's Chief Medical Officer, but not really practical.

Jacqueline was genuinely worried about Chiron, despite the fact that he had singlehandedly killed two of her own staff and more than two aside from them. He was a crewmwmber; A life, and if the last few days had proven nothing else, they did prove this: There had been enough killing.

-- Alyssa --

"The Interpid is leaving the sector at Warp," Deiran annouced. The other officers let out a cheer. It looked as though they were home free now. Miran restarted full power.

"Lt Blair, keep hailing the Cydonia until you hear from them. I'm setting a course back to Moudini." She plotted the course that would take them back the quickest to save Ronni.

Five hours later they arrived back to Moudini. They had only a short time to get the trilithium to the Ferengis or miss the deadline that Lord Mudd had set to get Ronni back.

When they entered the lodge the Ferengis were there to meet them. A shudder ran down Miran's spine. She detested Ferengis. K'arta got into one of the Ferengis face.

"We have the trilithium you wanted. Now where is Ronni?"

Captain Thiana Zeri, USS St Louis http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/2796/
"Honor to Serve, Proud to Lead"

Shanika closed her eyes and began to concentrate. It was hard trying to reach the mind of someone she had never met or even seen before, but with the training she had had, it was possible. She descended onto the bridge of the Intrepid and looked around. There was the captain and exexcutive officer, and to the right, the counselor.

Shanika moved to get as close as possible without entering his mind. It was hard enough trying to influence him, but it would be much worse if he sensed her. She paused a moment to rehearse what she was going to send, then began. Images of destruction, hurt, pain, killing, and cruelty projected from her mind to his. Anger, sorrow, pity, helplessness, death...

**WHERE?** came the anguished thought back to her. Good, good. He was falling for it.

**Not know... two suns... desert planet... so tired, cannot go on....**

**We will help you. Keep sending, we can locate you. It will be all right.** He turned to the captain. "I am receiving a telepathic cry for help. Their people are being destroyed! We've got to help them!"

The captain looked at him skeptically. "Starfleet doesn't normally respond to psychic distress calls."

"But surely our mission at Tyrell can wait a few days. I sense that they are in a binary solar system with at least one inhabited planet. Aren't those rather rare? Where's the closest one?"

"Er, I believe it's the Tygris Sector sir." replied the science officer.

"Telepathy can only range so far. If the Tygris sector is the closest one, can't we make a small detour and help them? We're the only ship in range!"

The captain deliberated for a moment, then replied. "If it's that important to you, Leo, I'm sure we can get Starfleet to approve it somehow. Helm, lay in a course for the Tygris sector, maximum warp. It should only take us a few days and we can be back here at Tyrell."

Leo nodded and relaxed somewhat.

**So tired, must stop now. Please some soon!!!** Shanika sent, then gave the equivalent of a telepathic sigh and faded out. She opened her eyes and found herself back on the Cydonia.

"They are moving away." reported Lt. T'Lein. "Restoring full power and engaging warp."

Shanika pulled herself back into the pilot's seat (she had somehow fallen out) and assumed the controls without a word. She could only wonder how many charges would be brought against them when they got back....

USS Galaxy
Cadet Christopher I. Campbell
”Can I tempt you with a cup of chocolate, my dear kidnapper?”

Cadet Christopher Campbell was sitting in the fire room in the lodge. He was sipping from a cup with hot chocolate. The shuttles, hopefully with the trilithium aboard, should come back soon if nothing unexpected had happened to them. And Lt. Sterner was on one of the shuttles. The same Lt. Sterner that had told him and Lt. jg Quall to look for clues that could reveal Lt. Morris whereabouts.

The Cadet sighed and took another sip of the chocolate. The coordinates Lt. Sterner had given to him hadn’t provided him with any clues. Maybe Lt. jg Quall had had more luck?

”I sure hope that they get their hands on that trilithium, or else this Mudd guy will have Lt. Morris killed”, Christopher thought.

Although he didn’t know Lt. Morris, he had only seen her a few times in the ski resort (after all blue skin tends to stick out), he didn’t want to see a fellow Star Fleet officer get killed.

He finished the hot chocolate and stood up. Just as he got ready to leave, the door opened and the Ferengis stepped inside. They looked around and spotted Christopher, the only person with a Star Fleet uniform in the room.

”We have come for the trilithium, human”, one of them said.

”Ehm...”. The Cadet looked around the room and realized he was the only Star Fleet officer there. ”It’s... it’s on it’s way. It’ll be here any time now”. He hopped he wasn’t lying. He wiped his sweaty palm off against his uniform. ”Ehm... Have a seat. Do.... do you want some hot chocolate or something? No? OK.”

*Later*

”Human, the trilithium isn’t here yet! We don’t have time to wait!”

”But...but...”, the Cadet protested.

Just then the doors opened again and Lt. Casey and everyone else barged in.

"We have the trilithium you wanted. Now where is Ronni?" Ensign K’arta said.

Ronni just looked at Harry and considered his offer. Here he was offering her immortality and youth. But, it also meant giving up who she was. She never admitted to being perfect, but she was Ronni.

"Harry, thank you but no thank you. I would love to study the androids, but I couldn't give up being me. For good or for bad, I'll stay mortal." she said sadly as she caressed his cheek.

"Well, my lady, I had to try. It's almost time to meet with the others. Alice #23 signaled that your comrades succeeded in obtaining the trilithium. My Ferengi cohorts have already beamed down to receive the trilithium. As soon as we have it, I'll beam you down and we'll be on our way." he said melancholically.

"Do you suppose I could take the android double of me with me?" she said with a smile and some hope.

"No, I think we'll limit access to us for now." he said leading her to the transporter room. There next to the pad was a satchel. Inside Ronni could see the dress and her ski clothes. "Maybe we'll come by this way again?"

"Hey, I'm posted on one of the best ships in the universe, the USS Galaxy, you should be able to find us. Plus, I'll be on Delphi in about three months for the Festival of the Star. Come see me." Ronni looked at the proud, beautiful man and tears gently rolled down her face. She was going free, and he was trapped, in an appealing prison, but still a prison.

Harry looked at her and said, "I'll be watching. You never know when we'll show up again." Once again he was his debaunare self. He gave he a wink and said, "Maybe next time." With that, Ronni reappeared in the room with her crew mates and friends.

"Ronni's return" by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Ski lodge, Fire room ***

After hearing a rapid and persistent knock, Cadet Campbell answered the door. Swinging the large wooden door open, two heavily bundled, shivering Ferengi glanced up at the Cadet.

"We have come for the trilithium, hue-mon", one of them said. The warmth from his breath swirling in the cold winter air.

"Ehm...". The Cadet looked around the room and realized he was the only Starfleet officer there. "It's... it's on it's way. It'll be here any time now".

He hoped he wasn't lying. He wiped his sweaty palm off against his uniform. "Ehm... Have a seat. Do.... do you want some hot chocolate or something?"

The two Ferengi stomped past the young Cadet and straight over to the fire.

"No? OK." Cadet Campbell said as he closed the door.

*** Two hours later ***

"Human, the trilithium isn't here yet! We don't have time to wait!" Thom exclaimed. He knew Lord Mudd was upset at him for the damage caused to the Alice unit earlier. He wanted to be sure that the Trilithium was delivered on time to curry favor once again with his Lordship.

"But...but...", the Cadet protested.

Just then the doors opened and Lt. Casey and everyone else barged in.

"We have the trilithium you wanted. Now where is Ronni?!" Ensign K'arta said. Her beautiful green eyes narrowing under a 'no nonsense' Klingon brow.

"First things first Klingon." Thom started. He spoke with determination and authority that surpassed his short height. "We must examine the Trilithium, verify that it is the genuine item."

"Tell her brother," Queg added, "We are not stupid. We know of their Federation tricks!"

K'arta's eyes narrowed further as she lunged towards the Ferengi. Lieutenant Casey quickly holds her back with Ensign Mohler's help.

"Careful K'arta..." Casey said calmly, "we've come so far in this... it would be a shame to blow it now."

She turned and looked at the Lieutenant. The Klingon rage could be seen on her face. She finally gave a slight grunt and turned away from the two Ferengi. Walking off in a huff.

"Mohler, give them the trilithium," Casey started, then turned to the two Ferengi and added quite sternly, "to INSPECT."

The huge security officer held the bag by the straps with his damaged hand as he reached in and extracted the protective metal 'thermos' type containers and handed them to the Ferengi.

Thom eagerly took one, and his brother, Queg took the other. They each whipped out some kind of scanning device and began testing the trilithium.

"It's the real thing." Lieutenant Blair said from the back of the room. "We wouldn't risk Ronni's life to trickery."

"Shut up Hue-mon!" Queg shouted, "We will inspect it for ourselves."

Mohler rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms and waited. The rest of the Starfleet officers in the room settled in to the lodge. Their thoughts mixed between wondering what happened to the Cydonia, and with the thoughts of what they had just done. Were they successful? Had they just ended their careers in Starfleet?

A full twenty minutes later, the Ferengi were still poking and prodding the Trilithium containers. Had this been under other circumstances, it would of almost have been humorous.

"Do you believe us now? Are you convinced that we are telling the truth? That is pure Trilithium in those containers?" As the Lieutenant spoke, everyone could tell Deiran was getting impatient.

"We will take as much time as we need Hue-mon!" Queg retorted.

"Our testing is much more thorough than you are probably used to in your Federation." Thom added.

The two Ferengi then went back to poking at the containers, and fumbling with their devices.

As Casey and Mohler shook their heads, a transporter beam went off near the doorway. As the beam faded, Lieutenant Rr'lonii Morris materialized holding a satchel. She smiled widely as she saw the faces of so many of her friends.

K'tara's eyes brightened as well. "Ronni!" Without thinking she ran over and embraced her friend.

Ti, Casey, Blair, they all stepped over as well to great Ronni.

Ensign Mohler just stood there. His arms were still crossed. A slight smile crossed his face. He was glad that Lieutenant Morris was back and appeared to be okay. But that wasn't why he was smiling.

Sensing something was wrong, Casey looked back. Mohler was still grinning as he pointed at the two Ferengi who were still fumbling with the Trilithium containers and their out dated scanning equipment. Casey gave the Ensign a nod as he stepped over.

Mohler grabbed Thom by the back of his jacket, lifting the Ferengi off of the ground with one hand. Casey spun the other Ferengi, Queg around.

"Now that Lieutenant Morris is back, I think we will be taking that from you." The Lieutenant said loudly as he wrenched the trilithium container out of the Ferengi's struggling hands.

The rest of the officers stopped and turned around. They were surprised at what happened next.

"No stop!"

Casey looked back to the familiar voice. Ensign Mohler stopped shaking Thom as well to listen to what Ronni had to say.

"We must give them the Trilithium or they will all die."

Casey looked a bit puzzled. "Wha.. What are you talking about Ronni?"

Ronni put down her satchel with the dress Harry had given her and walked over to Lieutenant Casey.

"Deiran," she began, placing her hand on his arm. The one that was clenched around Queg's jacket collar. "Mudd is an android as is most of his crew. They need this trilithium to create independent power supplies capable of sustaining thei

r functions."

Mohler glanced down at the Delphinian Woman, "You mean it's not for some terrorist bomb?"

Ronni smiled. "No. It's for a power source. A sort of Trilithium battery. I helped them build a prototype while I was in their... company."

Deiran thought a moment while looking into Ronni's eyes. She seemed to be okay, and quite sincere. Turning his gaze back to the Ferengi he saw Queg nodding in agreement.

"It's true. She is telling the truth. If we don't bring this trilithium back to Lord Mudd he and the others will... die." Queg's tone grew very remorseful as he lowered his head.

Casey was not sure what to do. They had won. They had Lieutenant Morris free, and now they could return the Trilithium to the Tyrell complex and possibly save everyone's careers. As the Lieutenant pondered over the situation, Lieutenant Ti stepped forward and placed her hand on Casey's shoulder.

"Let them have the Trilithium Deiran."

Miran's voice was soft, compassionate. Deiran felt his knees going weak. How could he resist someone whom he loved so much?

Casey glanced around the room in silence. Slowly his gaze fell on every member of the Tyrell away team. As he paused at each person, they would silently blink their eyes, or give their personal nod of approval. Even Ensign Mohler was in agreement to let the Ferengi have the Trilithium now that they knew what it was to be used for.

Casey let go of Queg. "You can go. I assure you, the Trilithium is exactly as it appears. We didn't try to trick you. We wouldn't risk Ronni that way."

Slowly the Ferengi adjusted their jackets as they looked at each other. They were surprised that the humans were letting them go. From their Ferengi stand point, it made no sense. There isn't a Ferengi word for 'charity'.

Thom looked at his brother, then back to the Federation officers. "Thank you Hue-mons. Lord Mudd will be most pleased."

Mohler crossed his arms again. "Just go, before we change our minds!"

Thom tapped a button on his wrist communicator. The two Ferengi faded as they were transported away.

Lieutenant Ti turned to go back and visit with Ronni as did K'arta and a few of the others.

Lieutenant Casey just stood there, near the fire for a minute. He leaned over the stone ring surrounding the great pit and stared into the crackling flames. Ensign Mohler stepped over and stood next to Deiran.

"What you thinking about Sir?"

Deiran smiled wryly, not turning to look at the large security officer.

"I was just wondering how I was going to explain this to Commander Jamson when he shows up."

Mohler let out a slight "Mmhumph", as he nodded his head and leaned on the stone ring about the fire pit, gazing back at all of the people talking happily with Lieutenant Morris. They had succeeded at saving their friend.

"Some vacation this turned out to be..." Mohler commented. "I didn't even get a tan!"

Deiran smiled at the Ensign's comment as he stared into the crackling flames.

USS Galaxy
Lt.(JG) Deiran Casey
"Pride And Predicaments"

Miran landed the Yosemite with perfect precision. After sweating out the mission on Draxor III, everyone was relieved to be back on Moudini. At the landing bay Casey and Blair removed their masks and body suits and recycled them in the replicator.

"I’m glad to get rid of that inferno!" Casey said to his friend Troy.

"I never realized how hot that stuff was until I put it on," Troy laughed as he responded.

"Well, lets hope my little underhanded trick on Wilcox gets him in trouble and not us. If he finds out what I did, he’ll suspect something. He may want to turn us in, but he has no idea who we are. Besides, they’d court martial him for falsifying his own records. So, if he turns us in, he’s turning himself in. Judging from how protective he is of his career, I doubt he’ll do that."

"Yeah, he was pretty antsy when you talked about a bad report wasn’t he?" Troy laughed again.
"Yeah, he’ll allow it to pass and forget all about it. Plus, your grandfather and my father have proof that they were on Earth and they’ll chock it up to a changeling intrusion."

Everyone was off the shuttle and headed for the ski lodge. Casey and Troy walked in back. Miran had her arm around Casey’s as they walked.

Casey worked his way to the front and opened the door to the Fire Room. He expected to find the Commander. He was met by the two Ferengi and Cadet Campbell.

"We have the Trilithium you wanted. Now where’s Ronni!" Ensign K’arta was emphatic as she implored the detestful Ferengi.

Casey didn’t here what the Ferengi said in response to K’arta, but he did hear what he said after that,"We must examine the Trilithium, verify that it is the genuine item."

"It’s 100% genuine, trust me. We wouldn’t risk our lives for anything less, Ferengi!" Casey barked in perfect Ferengi dialect.

The second Ferengi spoke in gibberish to K’arta. K’arta lunged at the smaller Ferengi, she looked as if she was going to tear the big-eared clown apart! Casey acted quickly and held her back, with Mohler’s help.

"Careful K’arta," Deiran said in a soothing tone, "we’ve come so far in this. . . we wouldn’t want to blow it now, right?"

K’arta looked at Casey, her rage was evident on her face. She grunted, turned away and walked off angry, but under control.

"Ensign, give these Ferengi," Casey said Ferengi with contempt, like they said hue-mon, "the Trilithium." Casey paused and said sternly, "to inspect!"

Ensign Mohler handed over the metal containers to the smaller Ferengi. Kind of slighting the leader.

Lt. Blair assured them it was the real thing and the Ferengi didn’t quite appreciate his impatience. "We’ll inspect it for ourselves hue-mon!"

Twenty minutes past. Deiran was getting tired of placating these greedy worms. "Do you believe us now? Are you convinced that we are telling the truth? That is pure Trilithium in those containers!" Everyone in the room picked up on Deiran’s impatience.

"We will take as much time as we need hue-mon!" the smaller Ferengi responded. "Our testing is much more thorough than you are probably used to in the Federation," the lead Ferengi said, still using their scanners on the T-resin.

"That may be true, but only because our scanning equipment is more sophisticated," Casey shot back at the impertinent creature.

During this exchange, Ronni appeared near the door of the Fire Room. She was holding a satchel, a bright white and blue smile strewn across her face.

K’arta and Ti were the first to welcome Ronni back to the group. Casey gave Ronni a hug, and smiled at her, it was a mischievous grin that told Ronni he was glad to have her back. He then moved out of the way and back across the room.

Casey sensed the time was right, nodded at Mohler and they both sprang into action.

Mohler picked up the Ferengi named Thom, completely off the ground with one hand. Deiran spun the other around, his hands grasping the ferengi’s coat.

"Now that we have Lt. Morris back, we’ll be retaining the Trilithium. The Federation doesn’t like it when they’re missing such a dangerous compound," Casey smiled at himself. The look on the ferengi’s faces was comical.

"No stop!"

Casey whipped around, his hands still holding the Ferengi. Queg swung around, his legs dragging on the floor, fear brandishing his features. "What do you mean?" Casey was surprised.

"We must give them the Trilithium or they will die, Deiran." Ronni said the words as an impassioned plea.

"What? What are you talking about Ronni?" Casey wondered. Ronni put down her satchel, laying it on a chair near her as she walked over to Casey.

"Deiran," she began, placing her hand on his arm, the arm holding Queg, "Mudd is an android as is most of his crew. They need the Trilithium to create independent power sources capable of sustaining their functions."

"You mean it’s not for a terrorist bomb?" Mohler asked.

Ronni smiled, "No, it’s for their power source. A Trilithium battery, I helped them build one while in their… company."

Deiran had to go with his gut. He had gotten to know Ronni pretty well. She seemed to be sincere, she looked all right. Deiran looked at Queg, he was nodding his head in agreement with Ronni’s words.

"It’s true. She is telling the truth. If we don’t bring this Trilithium back to Lord Mudd he and the others will die." The Ferengi lowered his head, actually showing remorse.

Casey stood there, wondering what decision would be the better one. Take the Trilithium back, throw the Ferengi in jail for kidnapping, and let the androids die which was the right thing to do. Or be merciful and let the Trilithium go, saving android lives.

It wasn’t a hard decision to make. Miran made sure Casey made the right one, she placed her hand on Deiran’s shoulder and said in her soft voice, "Let them have the Trilithium, Deiran."

It was hard to say no, or even disagree with such beauty. Especially when his knees where about to give way underneath him. Miran had that effect on him, and Deiran liked it!

Casey looked around the room, looking into each person’s eyes. Each person gave their approval in one way or another. But, Mohler’s was a clincher.

"You can go," Casey pushed the Ferengi forward as he released him, "it’s perfect Trilithium, you should find it to your liking. We wouldn’t risk Ronni’s life!"

Thom looked at Casey,"Thank you hue-mons. Lord Mudd will be most pleased!"

"Just go before we change our minds!" Ensign Mohler barked.

Seconds later they were gone.

Minutes later, Deiran stood alone next to the fire. He was in deep thought as Mohler came up to him and asked,"What are you thinking about sir?"

Deiran kept his eyes on the fire as he replied to the Ensign’s question, "I was just wondering what I’m going to tell Commander Jamson when he arrives." Casey smiled wryly.

"Mmmmph! Some vacation this turned out to be, I didn’t even get a tan!" Mohler grunted.

Casey smiled at the Ensign, his eyes still locked on the flames. "My first vacation since graduation and I spend it risking my career. I’ve spent quality time with Miran and beat you in a snowboarding contest. All in all…I’ve had fun!" Casey laughed.

Mohler didn’t appreciate Casey’s attempt at humor.

***Turbolift***

Lt. Mitchell was at a loss. The Moudini Nebula had shown all the characteristics of a sentient being, but how could that be? Captain Price had asked him to accompany him to the Transporter Room that had beamed Chiron's form off of the shuttle, but was now held in limbo.

Chiron's form in the buffer had been found to have had another entity locked in with it and the Captain had asked him to assist in the analysis of the matter.

After the Galaxy had fired torpedoes into the path of the oncoming nebula to stop the advance of the cloud, it had shown almost humanoid tendencies. Could that have had something to do with the Protomatter in the Genesis effect? All these mysteries plagued him.

They had been both quiet in the Turbolift, thinking about possibilities until Captain Price spoke up.

"Mr. Mitchell, what do make of this situation?" Price looked at him with curious eyes. They weren't determined or cold, like most people would've been under this kind of situation. James didn't feel any pressure from this man, so he answered truthfully.

"Captain, all I can do is offer a guesstimate. Nothing like this has ever been seen before, so there is no precedent.".

Price nodded. "I understand. I'm at a loss, too. I've been at this Starfleet business for years, 'mate, and I've never come across anything like this before. Anything you have would be much appreciated."

James shrugged. "Okay, sir. All I can think of is that in the case of the nebula, there must've been some kind of lifeform living within it at an inert level and when Shtik beamed in his protomatter, something in its makeup must've reacted with the composition of the meteorite, causing the Genesis Effect to begin. The instability in the protomatter caused the lifeform to grow and evolve at a fantastic rate an now we've reached the final stage before....well, as you can see, something caused Starfleet to cease the Genesis Project and now it's classified. I think we're about to reach that final stage."

The Turbolift stopped and the two exited. Captain Price was in thought whilst they make their way to the Transporter Room.

"What does this have to do with Chiron, though? What is the connection?" Price and Mitchell rounded the corner and entered the Transporter Room.

"That is what's got me, sir. This problem with Chiron appeared to have begun before Shtik beamed the rock into the Nebula. The only thing I can think of is that the entity within Chiron was another energy form that had been picked up on the way and now has grown in strength as we got closer to the Nebula." James looked at Price. "Maybe something happened with this lifeform and its molecules had been spread out over a period of space and now it's gathering itself back together. Maybe a part of it was in the Nebula? That's all I can offer you at this time, sir."

Captain Price, Mitchell, and Jensen just looked at each other, then at the buffer where Chiron and his entity were being held.

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

K'arta and the rest of the team got back to the resort to find the two Ferengis waiting for them. K'arta was glad she would finally get to see her friend again, and if not, it was more than likely that no one would try to restrain her from ripping the spineless rats limb from limb.

"We have the trilithium you wanted. Now where is Ronni?!" K'arta demanded narrowing her green eyes.

"First things first Klingon." One of the Ferengi started. "We must examine the Trilithium, verify that it is the genuine item."

"Tell her brother," The other added, "We are not stupid. We know of their Federation tricks!"

K'arta's eyes narrowed further and she lunged towards the Ferengi. Lieutenant Casey and Ensign Mohler grabbed her before she could get her hands on them in her rage.

"Careful K'arta..." Casey said calmly, "we've come so far in this... it would be a shame to blow it now."

K'arta looked into Casey's eyes and saw that he was right and backed off. She walked off and stood toward the back of the room waiting for one of the Ferengis to make a wrong move so she could at least maim them before being pulled off by her crewmates. She stood out of the way while they inspected the trilithium containers. Then her ears picked up the unmistakable whine of a transporter beam. She located it and saw her friend materialize.

"Ronni!" K'arta almost shouted when she realized that it was her. She gave her good friend a hug that was returned emphatically. Then a few other crewmembers welcomed Ronni back also. K'arta stood next to her friend protectively while they all greeted her. Then K'arta was horrified at what Ronni said about letting the Ferengi keep the resin. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Ronni explained why they should have it and understood a little more, but still didn't totally agree with it. The room agreed with Ronni that the androids should have the resin though, so K'arta went along with it. She relaxed as the Ferengi exited and Casey made a quip about their vacation. Everyone laughed with him then broke up to recover from the harrowing trip.

"I'm glad you're back, Ronni." K'arta said, trying not to gush.

"Me, too. I'm a little tired though. We need to do something tomorrow." Ronni answered.

"Of course. I'll walk you back to your room." K'arta was overjoyed that Ronni was alive and well and back amongst friends.

"You don't need to guard me, K'arta. I don't think there's anyone out to get me anymore." Her friend said laughing.

"Hey, can you blame me? My best friend was stolen out from under my nose. Can't I be a little paranoid?" K'arta returned. The duo was back to normal.