The doors slid open with no time to spare as the cart came careening out of the corridor. Finally in a place that they could take control from, Rousseau and her staff began the long process of stabilizing the patient. Hyposprays were injected to regulate his erratic brain activity and reversed nervous impulses. Molecular integrity was spotty on some areas, and they had to perform microsurgery as soon as they could...providing, of course, that Chiron ever pulled out of his shock.

A collective sigh of relief was released when Chiron was finally able to control his own involuntary functions once again. The next step lay beyond the sterile doors of the OR.

"Okay...prep for surgery. We go in five minutes, no more."

And again, collectively, they all headed off to prepare for the delicate task ahead.

"A ship full of androids huh? Man, if any of them looked as good as the one that was with the two Ferengi, then that's one ship I'd love to be on!" Troy said in between laughs.

Troy had been sitting with Ronni and K'arta for over an hour, discussing what had happen to Ronni, and the mission to Tyrell. Over the course of the conversation, Troy got to know the two officers better than before. But all in all, the vacation that was supposed to give them a break from Starfleet, was coming to a close.

"Hey, we still got some time left here, you guys wanna hit the slopes one last time?" Troy asked.

"Sure, sounds good to me" K'arta said.

"Alright, I'm in too" was Ronni's reply.

A few minutes later they were on top of one of the mountains ready to ski. While waiting in line to ski down the slope, they ran into Deiran and Miran who were also waiting in line. Troy crept up behind Deiran and placed him in a hold.

"You're to come with me hue-mon!" Troy blurted out in his best Ferengi accent. Deiran quickly got out of the hold and turned around.

"You little Ferengi slee..... Troy!" Derian exclaimed as he saw who the 'Ferengi' was, "Man, the first thing that entered my mind was oh great, not again!"

Troy let out a slight chuckle. K'arta and Ronni exchanged hello's with Deiran after they had stopped laughing at his reaction to the 'Ferengi'. They all joked with each other while waiting their turns on the slope. After their turn, they grouped at the bottom of the mountain and went back up for another run.

Once back on top of the slope, Troy began to get creative.

"Lets see, I've done these slopes on skis and that's starting to get repetitive. What else can I do?"

"You can try my Snowboard" Deiran offered.

"Naw, I've snowboarded before. It's fun, don't get me wrong, but I just want something different." Troy stated while looking around. A smile came over his face as he spotted a snowshovel. Troy walked over to the shovel and brought it back. Everyone looked at him like he was insane when he put it down on the snow.

"You're going to go down the mountain on a shovel!?!" K'arta remarked.

"Sure, why not!" Ronni replied as she stared at Troy.

"Hey man, let me know how it is, I may want to try it." Deiran said.

"You're just as crazy as him" Miran whispered in Deiran's ear.

Troy laughed as he plopped down on the face of the shovel and put his feet up on the handle. The face barely covered his seat, but it was enough to be able to go down the mountain. With a slight push from Deiran, Troy was off. The shovel quickly gained speed, more than he thought it would. Soon, he was a black streak shooting down the snow. However, one thing became apparent, the faster he went the harder it was to control the shovel. With what little control he had, he was dodging the other skiers and shouting for everyone to look out. About three quarters of the way down the slope Troy was flying, behind him was a large mist of snow that was being kicked up by the shovel.

Once at the bottom, Troy threw his hands and legs out in an attempt to stop. But, since he had so much speed his attempt was no good he continued to travel at a high speed. His speed, however, was not his biggest problem, the fact that he was heading straight at the lodge was. Just as he was about to hit a door, and come to a complete stop, it swung open and he went flying through the lobby into the lounge.

>CRASH!< >BOOM!< >BAM!<

After colliding with a few tables, Troy found himself staring up at the wooden beams in the ceiling. His daze was broken by Commander Coe who leaned over and looked at Troy.

"Oh...uh....Hi Commander" Troy mumbled.

Lieutenant JG Troy Blair
Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

"You're all set, sir." Murphy said as she handed the science officer his helmet.

"Thank you, Ensign." Shtik placed the helmet over his head and made certain the seals were secure. Then he backed to the wall where the booster pack hung. Ensign Murphy again assisted, making sure the large propulsion pack was firmly attached. Shtik hit the communicator control on his sleeve.

"Lt. Shtik to bridge."

[Lt. Harris here. The Captain is in transporter room 2.]

"Acknowledged. I am ready to begin EVA."

[Please hold, Mr. Shtik, while I contact the captain.]

"Very well, Mr. Harris. I am holding" Shtik and Murphy exchanged a nervous moment.

[Mr. Shtik, this is Capt. Price. Lt. Mitchell and I are back on the bridge.]

"May I assume the seperation of Mr. Chiron was successful, sir?"

[The jury's still out on that, Lieutenant. All the more reason for you to be extra careful out there. Remember what I said about the safety of the ship.]

"I couldn't agree more, Captain. I am departing now. Shtik out."

Shtik said. He gave Murphy one more look and she gave him a thumbs up. Shtik turned back to the airlock and stepped through.

Shtik stepped off the lip of the airlock and felt his legs hang below him. The feeling was that of falling. And the longer he fell, the more danger his insticts told him he was in. But logic overrode the initial panic and Shtik quickly got use to the weightlessness and began manipulating controls.

"Science Officers Log, supplimental. I have begun my EVA and am preparing to enter the nebula. Although this is a potentially dangerous situation I want to thank Captain Price for allowing me this attemt to rescue my fathers katra. I understand the logic of the mental connection is difficult for humans to understand, but I applaude his empathy in this matter. All systems are operational at this time and I am prepareing to initiate thrusters. If this should prove to be my final transmission. Inform Lt. Bellen D'tarnn that my thoughts are with her. Shtik out."

The stiff white figure used his retro rockets to position himself toward the giant nebula which thrashed before the galaxy class starship. And with a burst of power, he rocketed toward the nebula.

"Let’s spread out and get to work!" Lt. Sterner said to his security officers.

All the security officers and two local policemen were gathered at the scene of the murder. They were supposed to look for clues. To Christopher it seemed like a pretty long shot, but if his senior officer wanted him out here in the cold looking for clues then he would be out here, no matter how cold it was, looking for clues. Doing his duty.

As the security officers started to spread out Lt. Sterner shouted: "Look for anything unusual, just.... anything! And come back here in one hour to report!"

"Yes, sir!" the security officers mumbled. Obviously they all weren’t that pleased to be out in the cold snowy landscape looking for clues.

Christopher put his hands under his arms to keep them warm. He kicked at the snow in front and under him, that would have to do. There was no way he was going down on his hands and knees and digging in the snow with his hands. No way.

Suddenly he heard a cough. He looked over his shoulder. It was Lt. Sterner. The Lt. just looked at him. One of those looks only a senior officer can give a Cadet. Christopher was already down on all four going through the snow with his hands.

*One hour later*

The security officers returned to report. They were all wet and cold and none of them looked particularly happy. Christopher’s fingers felt like ice when he held them to his cheek.

"Anything to report, gentlemen?" Lt. Sterner asked.

The security officers looked down at there feet. Nobody said anything. Lt. Sterner sighed.

"Well...", Ensign Enquist started. "I did find a.... a...."

"A what, Ensign?" The Lt. asked.

"A button, sir!" The Ensign answered as he held up a small button in his frozen fingers.

"Well, thank you, Ensign!" Sterner said, his voice balancing on the border to sarcasm.

"Ehm... Sir!" Christopher said.

"Yes, what Cadet?"

"It... The button, it....", the cadet realized that everyone was looking at him. "It belongs to Bates, sir. I noticed he had a button missing, when we paid the Constable a visit. I think that it", Christopher pointed at the button in Ensign Enquist’s hand, "is his missing button, sir."

"I’ll be...." The Lt. looked a little surprised. "I will have to look into this." He took the button from Ensign Enquist and said over his shoulder as he left with the two local policemen: "Dismissed! Go have a warm drink or something, you all deserve it."

The last remark made the frozen security officers light up a little.

"About time", Ensign Mohler murmured. "I feel like... Oh, I don’t know, something cold!"

Deiran smiled as Liam asked, "Did you have to use the rifle?"

"No, thank God, everything went as well as could be expected. I appreciate you going through all the trouble though, thanks Liam."

Deiran was truly thankful for his friend. He looked around the room and realized how much he liked this crew and his friends and being on the Galaxy. It was a comfort. Deiran could face anything that was thrown at him, and his friends would give him peace. Deiran needed people, even if they didn’t think they needed him.

"Liam, Lt. Sterner will catch Kristin’s killer, just be patient, I know its hard. I’ll be at Kristin’s funeral," Deiran patted Liam’s shoulder as masculinely as possible and went back to the fire in the middle of the room. He resumed his stare into the flame.

"Well enough of staring into the flame, I would like to have a little bit of relaxing fun before I return to duty," he thought to himself. He walked over to Miran, a huge smile on his face, he could never get enough of her shear, exquisite beauty, he was putty in her hands.

"Miran, let’s go skiing, this is our last night here and I’d like to spend some time with you, okay?"

"Okay, let me get changed," Miran replied, smiling back at Deiran. "I’ll change too," Deiran and Miran laughed as they both looked at Deiran’s oversized admiral’s uniform.

*** Hallway, near Deiran and Miran’s rooms ***

Deiran and Miran held hands as they walked to the transport at the bottom of the slopes. It was a clear night, not too cold—perfect for skiing. As they waited in line, Deiran was attacked by Ferengi, "You’re to come with me hue-mon," the voice said.

Deiran twisted out of the hold easily and was about to kick the Ferengi in the left ear when he stopped himself. "Man…you’re lucky I have quick reflexes and could stop before I kicked you into that tree over there," Deiran pointed at a tree to his left, about forty yards away. He smiled, the smile grew into a nice hearty laugh. Troy loved pranks.

Troy wanted to try something different. Casey offered his snowboard and Troy politely refused. Troy being braindead when he was off duty threw a shovel on the snow and said, "I think I’ll try this. Would you give me a push Deiran?"

"Sure, Einstein, but I wipe my hands of any broken bones you receive on the way down!" Deiran laughed.

"Maybe I should try this, break a couple of bones and you can nurse me back to health Miran, how about it?"

"You’re as crazy as he is," she said, rolling her eyes at him.

Miran, K’arta, Ronni and Deiran watched as Troy started down the mountain, picked up speed and became a blur underneath the moonlight.

Deiran looked down the mountain trying to pick up where exactly Troy was, he couldn’t. "Well, honey, I’m not doing that," he said. "I’m brave, but I’m not stupid!"

K’arta and Ronni started down the mountain. Before Miran started her run, Deiran stopped her, "Let’s stop half way down the mountain so we can spend some quiet time together," Miran smiled and shook her head in agreement as she pushed herself to a start.

Deiran used his strength to shove his body down the side of the slope to catch up to her. Right before the end of the run, they stopped off in an area cleared of trees with some privacy, no one seemed to be around or know where it was.

They unclasped their skis and sat underneath a tree, looking up at the stars and staying warm in each others embrace.

"I forget sometimes how beautiful the stars are, after months on a Starship you start thinking of them as just blurs outside your window." Miran laughed softly at his remark.

"You are too much, why are you in such a good mood? Any particular reason?" Miran snuggled up closer to him as she waited for him to answer.

"Three things actually: one- I’m in love with most beautiful woman in the universe, two- I just broke into the one of the most heavily guarded facilities of Starfleet without being caught, three- the view here is extraordinary."

"Look a shooting star!" Miran said, pointing in its direction. "Make a wish," she said.

"I don’t have to," Deiran looked into her eyes then up into the night sky. "On a clear night you can see the future and its brighter than any star."

Deiran closed the distance between him and Miran and they kissed for long time. Their passion keeping them locked together, their love keeping them warm.

"You ever do something like that I will kill you for scaring me if you survive." He just laughed and kissed her.

She and Deiran decided to find some time alone from the others. They pushed off the top of the mountain.

Miran and Deiran stopped in a clearing. She felt safe in his embrace. He was the center of her world right now. She missed the warmth of the ship and she missed Bobbie. Poor Bobbie; she wouldn't be happy at Miran when she got back. She let Deiran make her forget about everything.

Soon she begged Deiran to go back to the lodge. It was too cold for her outside. He was more than happy to oblige her. She snuggled close to him and rested her head on his arm as they went back to the lodge. She was almost asleep by the time the got back. She let Deiran guided her back to her room. He gave her a long goodnight kiss.

She went entered and started to get ready for bed. As she let down her hair she thought about her relationship with Deiran. She loved him so much but it kind of scared her. She had loved, still loved Robert. It scared her to think that she could lose Deiran too. He had promised her that he would always be there for her but she couldn't bear the thought of again losing the one she loved the most. The future that Deiran talked about seeing scared her.

She sighed. She cleared her mind of all the negative thoughts and went to sleep with the thoughts of Deiran. Tomorrow, she would be home.

After sitting on opposite ends of the room and staring into the fire for over an hour, Lt. T'Lein found it very difficult to keep his attention on the conversation other members of the crew were carrying on and off of Ensign Shanika. He just could not stop staring at her beautiful eyes and perfectly pointed ears. He found, after a while, that he wanted to be alone with her so they could talk before returning to the Galaxy the next day. He knew that there would be little time for socializing after their return to the ship. He decided to go over and ask the ensign if she would like to join him for a late dinner.

As the Lt. made his way across the room, he could feel the scrutinizing gazes of the other crew members who were lounging around. Of course, this did not make him nervous, but it did make him feel a little awkward. After a few meters, the Lt. came face to face with the ensign and found that her beautiful eyes were even more hypnotizing close up. T'Lein was a little caught off guard and it took him a little while to gather his thoughts. He began, very slowly, to ask: "Ensign, would you like to accompany me to the dining center for a late dinner and, afterwards, on a walk on the promenade?" T'Lein had thought of asking Shanika to his quarters for dinner, but he decided that that would be a little too straight forward on such short notice. With a disguise of calmness, he awaited Shanika's answer.

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

After Ensign Enquist's discovery of the missing button and Cadet Campbell's correct conclusion to its former owner, Joerg left with the two policemen, but not before dismissing his security team.

'They really did a good job, and they deserve to spend the rest of the vacation as they like' he just thought.

On their way back to the constable's office, Joerg thought about the possible motives of Kristen's murderer. To his mind came things like terroristic act, senseless violence, personal reasons, and so on. However there was still a chance that Henry Bates was the murderer and maybe they just found the missing link to prove it.

Upon arriving at the constable's office, Spencer eyed him suspiciously.

"Have you found the evidence that no one else was able to find Lieutenant?" he asked ironically.

"Well, it's no really hard evidence, but" Joerg answered while handing him the button "we found this near the site where the murderer had to be standing to shoot down as he did."

"I see, and now all we have to do is find out who is missing one of his buttons on his jacket, and that's the murderer?" Spencer asked with an evil grin on his face.

"Yes and no. Fortunately you already have such a person in custody. He is missing one of his buttons on the jacket he was wearing when we saw him last time." Joerg replied.

"But that's no crime. You can't seriously accuse someone just because he's missing a button!"

"Yes, you are right, but I had something else on mind. Perhaps with a little trick we could find out if he's the murderer of Ms. Snow. But for this I'll need your help." Joerg said.

"Everything that could prove his guilt or innocence is okay with me. What do you need?" Spencer asked curiously.

They talked Joerg's plan over for some time, then Spencer allowed him to access his computer terminal and ordered one of the guards to assist the Lieutenant in any way possible.

*********** About one hour later ***********

"Do you think this will work?" Spencer asked, still a bit curious about the plan.

"Stay cool." Joerg answered, with a smile on the face, for the both were standing outside in the snow.

"Ok, bring Mr. Bates." the constable just ordered one of his guard.

Moments later, Henry Bates joined the group.

"We want to show you something Mr. Bates. I hope you don't mind talking to Lieutenant Sterner. He is helping me with this case. If he asks you any questions, you'll have to answer them. Is that understood?" Spencer addressed the prisoner.

"Yes, I understand."

After that the group looked around and saw a couple coming their way. The two people didn't seem to recognize the group standing there and just walked past them. After the two have walked away, suddenly a flash of light stroke them and they both fell to the ground.

"Come on, let's take a look at them." Joerg just said to the others.

They approached the site and Joerg kept an eye on Mr. Bates the whole time. His face expression changed a bit when he saw the two dead people lying there.

"Do you have anything to say?" Joerg asked him.

Henry Bates just shook his head.

"Ok, then we'll have to do a little mountain climbing." Joerg said and the group turned around and walked in the approximate direction where the shot came from.

Some time later they arrived at a small number of tree, where a strange person was standing frozen as ice. The only thing that could be identified was the phaser he was holding in his hand. The rest of the person was just a floating mass, it almost looked like a changeling.

"Mr. Bates." Joerg started. "We all now have witnessed a murder. As it appears this person seems responsible for the killing." he said while pointing at the mass.

"What do you think Mr. Bates. Who is this person?" Spencer asked.

"I don't know. I never saw such a person." he answered honestly.

"Well perhaps we can do something about this person." Joerg said and suddenly the form became clearer. The mass turns into a tall, humanoid form, wearing winter clothes and a red jacket. The head however remains a floating mass.

"Do you recognize the person now, Mr. Bates?" this time Joerg asked.

"No, I don't think so." Bates replied.

"Perhaps you do, but maybe you are right. There is still something here that doesn't belong here." Joerg said.

After speaking these words, the person with the phaser moved again. It put the phaser into the pocket of the jacket and turned away from the trees. By doing so, one of the buttons on the jacket ripped off and fell in the snow. Suddenly the person's movement froze again. Joerg went near the person and picked up the button, showing him to Bates.

"Do you know where this belongs?" he just asked.

"It appears to belong to the murderer." Bates said, not knowing what to make of it.

"You are absolutely right. Let's go down to the victims again." Joerg replied.

Some time later they all arrived at the crime scene, where the two dead bodies lay. Joerg went to the body of the woman and turned it around, so that everyone could see her face. It changed since they first saw her pass by. Now they all looked at the dead face of Ms. Snow.

Henry Bates' eye widened as he saw her lifeless face.

"You never saw her that way, did you? All you saw was the two of them collapsing." Joerg said him straight into his face.

"You were watching them all the time they were together. Until you thought that it was enough. Then you somehow obtained a phaser and wanted to scare them. But when you saw them together again you changed your mind and set the phaser to kill. Then you tried to murder them both, but somehow you only killed her." Joerg angrily announced to Bates.

"But after you shot, you got scared yourself and ran away. The only mistake you did was that you didn't notice the little thing we saw up there. You lost one of your jacket's buttons and when we checked the site again we found it." Joerg said and presented the missing button to him.

"You yourself said that this button belongs to the murderer." Joerg stated while holding the button over the place on Bates' jacket where it should belong.

"Mr. Bates. You cold blooded murdered your girl friend and tried to murder Liam Sketcher, who was walking with at that time. Do you have anything to say?" Joerg concluded his accusations.

Suddenly, without any warning, Henry Bates started to cry. While some of the words he now said were unintelligible, the words 'didn't mean it', 'she left me', 'accident', and 'sorry' weren't.

Constable Spencer reached out to shake hands with Lieutenant Sterner, while the guards took away Henry Bates.

"I have to thank you, Chief. You did a wonderful job in solving this case. This was a bit unorthodox, but it really did work." he said while pointing at the snow covered landscape.

"It really was, but I knew that this guy can't stand to see the murder, his murder again." Joerg replied.

"Computer, end program." Joerg stated and the skiing resort disappeared quickly.

"I have to return to my people again, and tell them the good news. I hope I'll find some relaxation after all." Joerg said when the two exited the holodeck.

*********** Some time later, back at the hotel ***********

"... and because he saw you with his girl friend, he tried to kill you both. Unfortunately for Kristen, he did partly succeed." Joerg explained to Liam.

"I'm just glad that her murderer has been arrested and will face justice." Liam just added.

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

K'arta was speaking Shanika who was checking the power relays of the shuttlecraft. Deiran was sitting against the side of the shuttle with his sunglasses on, enjoying the sun.

Ronni stowed her stuff on the shuttle and then went around to the far side of the shuttle, opposite of Deiran. Then, calculating the arc and force necessary, she lobbed a perfectly slushy snowball over the ship, right onto Deiran up turned face. She then sped over to stand next to Shanika and started pointing out various connections on the relay.

Deiran came around the corner and first saw K'arta, who started to laugh at the soggy man. He threw the snowball at the laughing Klingon woman who deftly dodged the projectile. Unfortunately, Shanika had her back to the situation and received the full force of the snowball. The slush quickly dripped into her uniform.

With a death look, Shanika scooped up snow in a beautifully fluid motion, along with K'arta and Ronni, and chase after him. He knew he was out gunned and decided on the better part of valor.

Liam nearly bust a gut when he saw Deiran running as fast as he could, knees almost striking his chest, swiftly followed by three laughing and well armed women. The battle was soon joined by the rest of the crew and a snowball war continued for nearly an hour. Cold and wet, everyone piled into the shuttles and prepared to return to their home aboard the USS Galaxy.

It took a few moments to get used to the equipment again. Microsurgery was never her forté, and she consequently relied heavily on Janar Dassaut's expertise. The decision paid off, and Chiron's surgery was a success.

The idle patient remained silent...not uncommon. She expected him to be out for another five hours at least. But Hell was going to break loose in five hours. Chiron was very likely to have serious side effects to the molecular shock as well as the repaired pattern degredation. He could expect to have frequent headaches, blurred vision, irritability, and temporary hearing loss.

But until then, he was safe from these annoying disabilities, quiet in his recovering slumber. She was sure that, for at least that long, he was safe...

And then the security guards came in...

Shtik reached over and began to unlatch the bindings surrounding his right wrist. With a tug, his glove was off and his hand was exposed to space. The cold hit his fingers instantly. Shtik felt as though he could see the color draining from the appendage. A few seconds later, the dark bruses of burst blood vessels appeared like liver spots against the back of his hand. Shtik fought to replace the pain with the logic of his objective and he raised his naked hand infront of him. Somewhere he heard a voice, he wasn't sure if he formed the word or it came from without, but the vulcan word 'remember' echoed in his helmet.

Aboard the Galaxy, Lt. Mitchell watched the display as the green tinged portion of the nebula seemed to close in on Shtik and finally disappear completely.

"Son?"

"I am here, Father." Shtik struggled to replace the glove over his numb fingers.

"I am pleased you have come."

"It was the only logical course, Father."

"You must return quickly, Shtik. These beings will soon infiltrate this suit."

"I'm afraid it is already to late, Father. They seem to have already adapted to mechanical intelligence." the joined minds could clearly see the displays as they began to indicate the infiltration of the aliens into the spacesuits computerized systems.

"It's only a matter of time then until they work their way through to us, son."

"We cannot return to the ship now. I have vowed to keep my ship and my friends safe. If the aliens are able to infiltrate computer systems, then returning would be even more dangerous than before."

"Than we are to just stay out here and die."

"It is the only logical way to keep the ship and crew safe."

"Than you rescuing me was a suicide mission for you. I'm sorry, Shtik."

"On the contrary, Father. I believe it was worth it to share these moments. Your death held many questions for many years."

"Suit systems are 85.7% infiltated."

"Yes, personal infection is imminent."

"Shtik, I have found that death allows me the wisdom to master emotions. I now find myself in a position to tell you something that logic has never allowed me to tell you before...I love you, son."

Shtik raised an eyebrow.

"As I do you, father." Suddenly the lights in the suit went out leaving them in darkness.

"Suit systems are completely infiltated. This is it, son." Shtik blinked his eyes as the world began to dissolve in a bright flare. There was no indication of what possesion by the energy beings would be like, but he did not expect it to have such a familiar feel to it.

When he opened his eyes again he found himself without the spacesuit standing in his uniform on the platform of transporter room 3 on the Galaxy. Behind the console, Chief Jensen stood, grinning ear to ear. Shtik stepped forward, cradleing his injured hand.

"Thank you, Chief. A fascinating solution."

The woman looked to be as old as the sand itself. Her silver hair was pulled back severely, and her fathomless dark eyes spoke of difficult trials and disciplines mastered. "It has all but been forgotten now. Recognition, girl. Soul meets soul when eyes meet eyes. After the reformation it faded away, but in the ancient times it was an almost undeniable force..."

Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Shanika averted her gaze.

"Ensign, would you like to accompany me to the dining center for a late dinner and, afterwards, on a walk on the promenade?"

Shanika stood up. "I would be honored."

Ignoring the amused stares of some of the other crew members, the two walked out of the room.

" This is the life!" Coe exclaimed to himself as he took another sip at his hot chocolate. Most of the others were off on the mountain, but Coe needed some piece and quiet, some time to get his thoughts straight on what had just happened in the previous few days. All had turned out well and Coe was looking forward to enjoying himself for the next day before transport back to the ship, and normal life, was due to take place. Coe smiled to himself.

The first indication that something was going wrong was the soft hissing getting louder outside. He took another sip of his drink, dismissing the sound as some wild skiers outside. But what happened next took everyone by suprise. Coe focoused his eyes on a young woman who proceeded to open the door, her scream jolted Coe from his fantasy as Lt. Blair his fellow tactical officer and friend, burst through the door nocked over tables, chairs and people, and then stopped just before nocking Coe off his chair, leaving the room a mess with the people bewildered. Coe calmly put his drink down on his table, got up and walked over to Blair. He knelt down over Blair with a serious face which soon became a beaming smile.

" Uh.....Hi Commander.."

" Troy Blair.....What are we going to do with you? eh?"

He helped Blair to his feet and motioned for him to sit down and join Coe for a drink. Soon they were chatting like they had known each other for ever.

Chris N
AKA: Lt. Johnathon Thomas Coe
Chief Tactical Officer USS Galaxy
NCC-70637
Indentification: Foxtrot delta 769

Liam walked up to the rostrum a asked everyone to take their seats. Once everyone was quiet he spoke. "I would like to thank you all for being here today even if you had only just met Kristen and those who had known her for longer like myself" he cleared his throat befroe continuing "It was a short life, cut off in tragic circumstances in the harshest manner. She was known, and loved, by many who...could not be here today in body but I am sure they will be here in spirit."

Underneath the rostrum Liam pressed a button to activate the holo-projectors.

The light around them dulled and the sky was purple as everyone in the audience lit the candles they had recieved upon their entrance to the chapel as they began to sing and Liam, Kristens father and two brothers picked up her casket and walked out of the chapel with tears streaming down their faces as were the faces of many inside of the chapel.

The congregation gathered beside the grave at the peak of the tallest mountain and as the pall bearers shovelled dirt in to the grave Kristen's mother activated the holographic headstone which was a roughly hewn piece of granite it read "Kristen Jasmine Snow May her body and soul rest in peace" They all stood silently as the music began to play it was an old 20th century tune usually reserved for soldiers and as many cried and closed their eyes the Last post rang through the canyons.

Liam Sketcher, Ten-Forward

Cadet Campbell had heard how Lt. Sterner had solved the murder. He was really impressed.

"But", the Cadet thought, "I was the one that found the connection between the button and the murderer. I, did!" And suddenly he felt like he was a few inches taller. He also felt like going to the bar in the lounge to have a drink, a BIG drink.

On the way from his room to the lounge, Cadet Campbell made himself as big as he could. He passed a small group of human females in tight skisuits, and gave them the 'Don-Juan-look'.

"There's nothing I can't do", he thought. "Heck, I've solved (he totally forgot that his role in solving the murder had been quite minor) a murder. I don't think these girls can resist me", he thought smiling at them. "Oh, look at them! They're eating out of my ha..." BANG!

The next thing Christopher knew he was lying on the ground. His head hurt. Several people hurried to his help.

"Are you okey?", an old lady asked. "That looks pretty bad", she added pointing at his forehead. "You'll probably get a bump"

"What... What happened?" He asked still a bit dizzy.

"Well, you walked right into the wall", the old lady answered. "You should be watching were you walk, young man!"

Christopher got up on his feet with some help from a few people. He didn't feel as tall anymore. "Did I shrink?".

"What was that?" the old lady asked.

"Ehh... Nothing, thanks for your help!" He looked over at the women. They were laughing at him. He blushed. "I gotta go", he said as he staggered away. His head really hurt. He was probably going to get a big bump and a blue eye.

Deiran spoke to Kristin Snow only twice, but she seemed like a sweet young lady. Deiran’s heart went out to his friend Liam as he conducted the funeral and the eulogy. After the funeral Deiran left a bouquet of gladiolas at the headstone of Kristin’s grave. He said a prayer quietly for the Snow family and started back to his room.

As he walked along the snow glazed grounds of the lodge he began to think how truly wonderful life is and how precious it is. He remembered the video footage of a small baby in its mother’s womb, the miracle of birth, the happiness and joy in life and the adventure one could experience in life, family, love, kindness, friendship. Even pain and heartache helped humankind grow. Life is about growth, Deiran thought, growth, advancement. If people could just see the joy in life and the sanctity of life, the 24th Century would be a better place. Terran civilization had advanced and changed for the better, but problems still persisted.

Deiran shed a tear for all that Kristin would miss and the terrible loss for her family. A single tear was a tremendous amount of emotion shown by Deiran. His father taught him to be strong, never let your true feelings show until you are alone and shut away from the world. It was a way of thinking of an officer, a mask of impenetrability and strength. Deiran listened to his father, but knew it was all an act.

If Miran was here with him, the tear would’ve stayed in his eye. But, he was alone and could show his emotion. Deiran was in Starfleet to protect life, to explore the Universe and try to improve it for the next generation. For as long as Deiran would have a career in Starfleet, he would always protect life. The saying, "sacrifice the few in times of emergency, to save the lives of thousands," was a compromising way out to Deiran.

Deiran knew he was up for a promotion, he would soon be a Lieutenant, full, senior grade Lieutenant. It would be just a matter of time until he reached Lt.Commander and then Commander and an XO position on a Starship somewhere and ultimately a Captaincy and his own command. Deiran knew it would happen, he had know idea when or what the future held for him, but he vowed that life would be protected by him. One life was just as important as a thousand lives. The Sanctity of Life would be one ideal that Deiran would uphold throughout his Starfleet career.

His thoughts returned to Kristin and then to Liam and his loss. Deiran realized how fragile life is and his thoughts then shifted to Miran, he loved her so much. He couldn’t imagine life without her. He smiled, his face lit up as he thought of her.

Deiran arrived at his room, Miran was off with Ronni and K’arta. So, he decided to pack and get ready to leave. He never thought he’d actually miss the Galaxy, but he did.

*** Yosemite Shuttle ***

Deiran had his shades on, taking in the soothing, warm sun, minding his own business when a cold, piece of ice hit him on the crown of his head.

"Owwwww," he screamed. "All right! Where are you Troy? Show yourself, be a man, so I can belt you one!" Troy was nowhere in sight. He looked for possible suspects. Picked up a huge ball of snow and threw it at Ronni. It strayed and Shanika was plastered with the white powdery ball.

Minutes later he was running for his life as three dangerous women were chasing him with arms full of snowballs. Deiran started running backwards, pelting them with snowballs.

[We’re ready for takeoff, all personnel report to the LB 3.] The comm stopped the fracas.

"STOP! It’s time to leave for the Galaxy. Everyone back to the ship."

Miran was in the pilots seat, her hair up in a pony tail, she was in her uniform, looking great and smiling that smile that made him melt. He took his seat next to her.

"Is everyone aboard?" she asked.

"Yes," a few replied in unison.

Miran got clearance for takeoff and they were off.

*** Orbit, around the Galaxy ***

"Miran what’s wrong with the main shuttlebay doors?" Deiran asked and pointed his finger at the mangled Shuttle bay.

"Chief is it okay to land at the main shuttle bay?" Miran asked.

"I’m sorry Lt., but we’re still repairing the door, could you please land on Shuttle bay 2?" Jensen seemed to be in a good mood.

"Copy that, Chief, Yosemite out," Miran smiled as she had the privilege of taking the shuttle in herself, being the Chief Helmsman.

Miran landed the shuttle with ease. Everyone exited the shuttle, their gear on their shoulders or held in their hands.

When Deiran exited the shuttle, he stood still for a bit and let the shuttle bay smell envelop him,"Awwww, nice, homey, stale air. This is home!"

Miran heard him say it, "You sure love your career don’t you?" Miran smiled, letting Deiran know she was playing.

"Yes, I do, it’s very important to me, but not as important as you," he replied, putting his arm around her. They both walked out of the shuttle bay, happy to be home.

Lieutenant Mitchell and Captain Price exited the turbolift and stepped onto the Bridge of the Galaxy.

Lieutenant Harris stood up from the command chair, relinquishing command back to the Captain as he stepped back to his position at Ops. Mitchell took his position at Science station one.

"Status report 'mate?"

"Lieutenant Shtik has just exited the shuttle bay Captain, his EVA has just begun." Harris explained.

"Mitchell, are you patched into the Lieutenant's suit monitors?"

Pressing a few controls at the science station, Lieutenant Mitchell brings up Mr. Shtik's space suit display. "I have it here now Captain."

"Good. Keep a close eye on his readings. Are you detecting anything unusual about the nebula Lieutenant?"

Mitchell was working between both Science 1 and Science station 2. As he adjusted the second station, he notices something. "This is odd Captain. It appears that when Chief Jensen transported the remaining energy pattern from the transporter buffer into the nebula, it caused some kind of reaction."

Standing, Captain Price walks over to the science station near Mitchell. "A Reaction? What kind of reaction?"

"Not sure Captain. I will attempt to analyze it." the Bajoran replied.

As Mitchell began running tests on the new activity inside of the Moudini nebula, Captain Price returned to his command chair. As he sat down he watched as Mr. Shtik in a pressure suit and rocket pack, jetted out into the heart of the nebula. As he neared the billowing green center mass, the Lieutenant stopped in space.

"Captain, I think I know what is happening." Mitchell said as he turned around to address Price.

"What is it 'mate?"

"It appears that the matter Chief Jensen transported into the nebula, the same matter that was trapped within Chiron, is being attacked by the organisms inside."

"Attacked? How so Lieutenant?" Lee asked with a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"It's almost like a viral reaction. Like millions of tiny entities are surrounding and attacking the foreign one."

The Captain's expression grew concerned. "What about Mr. Shtik? Is he in danger Lieutenant?"

Mitchell slowly shook his head from side to side. "His pressure suit should protect him for a while."

Just as Mitchell was finishing his sentence, a loud alarm rang out from Science station one. Glancing over he could see that something had happened to Lieutenant Shtik's EVA suit. It was loosing pressure in the right hand joint.

"What is it Lieutenant?!" Lee demanded.

"Shtik's EVA suit is loosing pressure in the right wrist joint sir."

Lee did a double take from the view screen to Lieutenant Mitchell's station. "Harris, magnify image. I want to see what's happening out there."

"Aye sir." Harris replied as he punched up the enlarged image of Lieutenant Shtik on the main view screen. There the Lieutenant hovered in space as his bare hand extended out, touching the very nebula.

"What on earth does he think he's doing?" Ensign Helms gasps as he sees Shtik holding his right glove in his opposite hand. "Is he crazy?"

"No Ensign. Vulcan's are able to survive in extremely low atmospheric pressures. Their home world has a very thin atmosphere. I assume this is necessary in order for Shtik to communicate with the alien presence inside the nebula."

Not intending to be disrespectful, Sherman replies, "Thin yes Captain. But space? There isn't any atmosphere out there!"

"You are correct Ensign. I am sure Shtik is becoming quite aware of that at this moment."

Lee activates a comm channel. "Captain Price to Sickbay."

["Rousseau here Captain."]

"Doctor, have a team stand by. Lieutenant Shtik will be suffering from exposure to open space when he returns to the ship."

["Understood Captain. I'll make the necessary preparations."]

"Very good. Price out." Lee then tapped the comm controls again. "Transporter room three."

["Jensen here Captain."]

"Chief, get a lock on Lieutenant Shtik. He's presently got a pressure leak on his EVA suit. If he can't stabilize it we will have to transport him out of there."

["Can do Captain. Waiting for your order to beam him on board."]

As Lee was about to close the channel, Lieutenant Mitchell cried out. "Captain, the entities are attacking the Lieutenant's Environmental suit!"

A worried look crossed the Captain's face. "Are they trying to posses Shtik like they did to Chiron?"

"No sir. They appear to be attacking his suit much the same way they attacked the entity we transported into the nebula. The Lieutenant's suit is over 80% saturated Captain."

"Can we transport him out of there?" Lee asked. "Bring him back on board the ship?"

Regretfully, Mitchell had to reply. "I can't advise that sir. That could contaminate the entire ship. And from these readings, those things would soon begin attacking the electrical systems on this vessel."

Captain Price sat back in his chair. He was stunned. He felt helpless to do anything but watch as another of his fine officers fell victim to a strange phenomenon that they had no control over. He had forgotten that the Comm channel to Transporter room three, and Chief Jensen, was still open.

["Captain, I can try beaming the Lieutenant on board the Galaxy without the EVA suit sir."]

Lee's head popped up. "Is that possible 'mate?"

Lieutenant Mitchell looked at the Captain and shrugged his shoulders.

["Piece of cake Captain. Shall I give it a try?"]

"Do it 'mate! Bring the Lieutenant on board."

***** USS Galaxy, Transporter room three ****

Mr. Shtik opened his eyes and found himself without the space suit standing in his uniform on the platform of transporter room 3 on the Galaxy. Behind the console, Chief Jensen stood, grinning ear to ear.

Shtik stepped forward, cradling his injured hand. "Thank you, Chief. A fascinating solution."

Jensen nodded, still grinning. "I have him Captain, he appears to be all right."

["Have the Lieutenant report to Sickbay immediately. Doctor Rousseau is standing by to treat his hand."]

"Understood Captain." Jensen said as Shtik stepped off the transporter pad and approached the control station.

"Captain, I want to thank you for allowing me to retrieve my father's katra."

["I take it you were successful then 'mate?"]

"Yes sir. I was. I have another request I wish to make..."

["Vulcan? You wish to be taken there?"]

Shtik raised one of his eyebrows as he held his throbbing right hand in front of him. His left hand tightly holding the opposite wrist, constricting the flow of blood to the appendage. "That is correct Captain. Can you take me there?"

Lee smiled as he sat back in his chair. ["I think that can be arranged Lieutenant. We need to rendezvous with the shuttles Yosemite and Cydonia first. But then we can plot a course for Vulcan."]

"Thank you Captain." Lieutenant Shtik said with a very slight hint of gratitude in his voice.

["No problem 'mate. Now get yourself to Medical and have that hand looked at. Price out."]

As the channel closed Shtik glanced over at Chief Jensen who was still smiling with his arms crossed. He looked like he'd just saved the day. And in a sense, he was correct. "If you'll excuse me Chief."

Jensen just nodded and grinned.

Lieutenant Shtik began to exit the transporter room. As the doors swooshed open the Vulcan entertained himself by listening to his own thoughts, and that of his father.

"Where's Ensign Mulich?" Paran asked

[He's going to replace Lt. Hutchcraft later on today. However, I don't know if Hutchcraft will let him. Probably not. He was a little worked up over Chiron getting away.]

Paran allowed himself a small smile.

"Well, I don't know about you two," he said, turning to Ensigns Taylor and Ry'kath, "but my shift is over now, and I'm going to get some sleep for a few hours. Want to walk back with me?"

Ensign Taylor nodded, then they both looked at Ensign Ry'Kath.

He looked up at Ensign Paran "Ensign, if you were to write a report on my competence, what would you write?"

Paran returned the look towards the Terran Officer. "You are a good officer, sir" he replied

Lieutenant Hutchcraft wouldn't take that answer "Yeah, but, what about my weaknesses... don't you think I slack off my work too much?"

Doctor Rousseau, who had been working while the officers were talking, interrupted.

"Lieutenant, one thing is for your you are not slacking off. You've been in this sickbay so many times under so many circumstances. Sometimes, I wish you slacked off more" Doctor Rousseau continued to write reports on the Tamarian's progress.

"What about you, Ensign Chandler?" Hutchcraft asked the rather new officer.

"Sir, to gain the position of Assistant Chief of Security, you must of not been slacking off. It is an honourable position" responded the Ensign.

Hutchcraft took in the three officers comments. Save his drunken mess, Hutchcraft had been clearing up his awful record from Starfleet Academy. There had been something about fighting the Borg, his current position, his rank... it made the officer feel a great deal of pride.

That was it. Pride. Everytime Hutchcraft had done something right he felt pride, yet he somehow never noticed. He decided that after the situation with the Tamarian was over, he would make another appointment with Lieutenant Semanka.

-------------

Chiron did not seem to be doing badly. Lieutenant Hutchcraft gave a sigh of relief. He nodded towards the two Ensigns, and tapped his comm badge.

"Lieutenant Hutchcraft to Ensign Mulich" he said with a smile on his face.

[Ensign Mulich here, sir]

"Ensign, it's your shift. We'll only need one officer here..." he looked towards Dr.Rousseau who seemed to be giving a sigh of relief.

[I'm on my way]

Lieutenant Hutchcraft looked down at the innocent looking Lieutenant one last time. He couldn't believe that this officer, a friend of everybody's, had been used by some force that Hutchcraft couldn't comprehend to kill so many innocent lives. Hutchcraft felt pride being involved in such a mission. He simply couldn't wait until the next time he could help someone in this way.

Finally, he looked back up at Dr.Rousseau...

"Erm, Doctor, I never said sorry for the problems I caused with the alcohol and for never saying thank you for everytime you've saved ..." Hutchcraft was mumbling heavily.

"Lieutenant, it's alright" Dr.Rousseau interupted as Ensign Mulich entered the room "Now I think you've been working too hard recently, Lieutenant"

Hutchcraft nodded, and made his way towards his quarters for some undisturbed, non-alcohol-induced, worriless sleep.....

Captain Elitia, USS Sovereign
sml@cableol.co.uk
Commanding Officer of the USS Sovereign Sim
Lt.Hutchcraft, Assistant Chief of Security, USS Galaxy
Lt.SSA, Android Chief Tactical, USS St.Louis

Coe did not attend the funeral. He could not bear the sight. He had seen too much death. Too much, unneccesary, pointless death, amoung his friends, shipmates, and family. He put the remainder of his cloths into his travel case and closed it up. He was ready to leave. He sat on his bed next to his suitacase as the familiar memories of a time and place that he had fought so hard to obliteratein his mind, began to return...........

**** Flashback, USS Saratoga, Wolf 359, 2067 ****

" .... Get out!! Get out!!......" Someone called as flames began to ripple from the floor as exposed electronic circuits began to ignite. Ensign Coe stayed at his station at helms as he attempted to manouver the dying ship to safety. A huge explosion shook the bridge behind him and Coe looked around to see all of the senior staff, dead. He was the last remaining officer left on the bridge, he took one final check off his console, it was useless, main power had been shut down and the warp core jetisoned. Their was nothing Coe could do. All main controls to the bridge had been destroyed.

" Damm!!!!" Coe yelled as he hit his control, his face blackened and his uniform torn. There was but one thing left to do. And Coe had to hurry. He stood from his console and quickly moved over to the Captains chair, noticing the XO still vaguly alive, blood spurting from a cut artery in his neck, his unheard screams of pain visible. Coe tried to ignore the first officer, he softly grabbed the Captains lifeless body and lay him on the ground. A tear falling from Coe's eye as he hurried to perform the last official duty left to perform on this ship. He pressed to shipwide communications button on the captains arm rest and spoke up.

" initiate evacuation procedure alpha delta zero. Repeat, initiate evacutation procedure alpha delta zero. " He released the button and began to head toward the main shuttle bay, leaving behind his fallen comrades and friends........

**** Present Coe's room. ****

Coe did'nt cry much, but now he began to sob as the remembered those dark times. He stopped after a while. Sure that he had regained control. He stood from his bed and got dressed up in his official starfleet dress uniform, with badges and all. He ordered some flowers from the replicator and began the long walk, as opposed to transport, to Kristens grave site, leaving himself time, to clear his mind.

**** Kristens Grave ****

Coe walked over the final hill and saw the gravesite. A soliatry figure stood over the grave with his head bowed. Coe could'nt make out who it was at first, but as he got cloaser, unmistakable features of Liam Sketcher began to take shape. Without saying a word Coe walked up and out the flowers next to the holographic tombstone. He then walked back and stood next to Liam and began to pray silently, together, for the soul of Kristen Snow.

Chris N
AKA: Lt. Johnathon Thomas Coe
Chief Tactical Officer USS Galaxy
NCC-70637
Indentification: Foxtrot delta 769

"You all need to get your things together and aboard the shuttles. We will be leaving in an hour." Groans came from the group and they shuffled off. She then went back inside to where it was warm and dry.

A little later Deiran came up behind her and leaned over her. He must have changed because he was dry.

"Hey beautiful." Ti tilted her head back and they kissed.

"Hi sweetie. Ready to go home?"

"Wouldn't mind getting back to work but I don't care where I am as long as I have you." Ti blushed. She wanted to get back. Not only did she want to sit at helm again but she missed Bobbie like crazy.

******

Soon they were on their way. Everyone was subdued and quiet on the way back to the ship. Some even napped. As they approached the Galaxy they got a bad feeling. The ship looked as though it had survived a war. Ti got permission to dock in the shuttle bay. She gently piloted the shuttle through the forcefield that sealed what used to be the shuttle bay doors.

As they exited the shuttle, some stopped to ask the Shuttle Bay chief what had happened. Ti just went on. She needed to go get Bobbie. She was curious to know what happened but she would find out with time. All would be reveled with patience.

She dropped her belongings off at her quarters then went for Bobbie. Bobbie was glad to see Ti but a little upset over being left behind. Ti set the ferret up on her shoulder. Bobbie curled around her neck and the two of them went home.

Ensign Chandler was standing guard outside the entrance to the Main Shuttlebay. The main hangar doors had been blasted off earlier in the week by Lieutenant Chiron while under the influence of an alien entity. As Jacob stood there, he could hear, even from the corridor, the sound of the giant containment force field that was stabalizing the hull of the Galaxy class ship. His assignment was simple. Keep everyone out of the hangar bay. As the hours past, The Ensign could remember how just a few weeks earlier he stepped through the same door he was now guarding.

The first time Ensign Jacob Vincent Chandler saw a galaxy-class starship, she was washed over with a sense of awe over its lines, sleek and smooth, the ship large and looming. It seemed logical to him that a ship that large, and that powerful should be as smooth as it was. His mind imagined ancient artisans chiseling like structure out of marble, grinol, even bone.

The fourth time Ensign Jacob Vincent Chandler saw a galaxy-class starship, he saw it from a slightly different angle, and what floated before him, tethered to the guts of the vast made his front teeth show as bared his teeth in disgust, showing his displeasure at the oddly sexually connotative design of the vessel. He thought about the fact that this design had been praised countless times by Starfleet, and realized that the designer was most likely still having a good joke over that one. Usually starships were referred to as 'she', and this one, Chandler knew just from looking, was designed in a perfect and logical mix of the two. Her saucer section sat large and round before the battle half, protecting its occupants; a womb symbol, while her Engineering section, large, sweeping up and forward, two phallic symbols protruding behind the people she held to protect them; guide them on their many ways. Definitely designed by a male, he decided.

The thirteenth (yes, he was still counting) Ensign Jacob Vincent Chandler was able to peer in upon the sleek lines of a galaxy-class starship, he was on his way to take his place among the ranks of the class vessel, the USS Galaxy.

He was to arrive by shuttlecraft, and so entered. The first time his feet hit the deck, he was astonished by the brightness of the vessel. Quite a change from the oft-dimly lit corridors and passageways of his former Starbase 416 on the edge of the Neutral Zone; it was almost as if the ship were somehow living; a breathing, thinking entity, waiting to pounce forth into life

En route to the ship, aboard a shuttlecraft streaking silently through the void toward the pages of history and the demands of destiny, he was welcomed aboard by that Romulan . . .

"Shanika?" he had asked, as if she had been in any measure of doubt. The woman displayed prominent Romulan identifiers; standard Vulcan heritage ears, a brow not unlike a cross between strong Klingon DNA and weak Vulcan genetic code; an olive pallor accompanying all this. Her expression, however, was very far removed from Vulcan, that was to say, normal, in his mind. She experienced the same fear, doubts, and the same relative lifespan as most other Federation lifeforms. She was not of the Kohlinar; no logic or predetermined values to accompany and comfort her. No logic driven guidebook to help her live -- heaven forbid.

The woman acknowledged her name with mock formality, and, from a standard military at ease stance, took an unwieldy, brusque step forward, warmly taking the Ensign's hand in greeting. "I'm Shanika t'Kallar, your pilot; er, I mean -- one of them at any rate . . . or something like that," she explained, gesturing to the computer's autopilot switch in jest.

The shuttlecraft slid into position on the deck of the greater starship, t'Kallar rubbing the hand Chandler had attempted to squeeze juices out of with her other, somehow able to maintain her composed air of formality. "I've never seen a Caitian," she replied, her hands now skimming the pilot's console, shutting down systems and feeds, giving control of the shuttlecraft over to the Galaxy's main computer as it's door opened. "They're interesting," she explained. "I imagine we will discover many things about each other during our tour together."

"To say the least," he smiled.

Turning her back to him, apparently finished with this conversation, she called, "The Bridge is this way, sir."

"Not sir," he stopped. "You've been in longer than I have."

"Sorry," she grimaced, looking extremely afraid, "ma'am."

"Funny."

"Of course, Caitian," t'Kallar said, feigning a beaten look.

The first time Ensign Jacob Vincent Chandler entered the Bridge of the USS Galaxy, he immediately noticed how spartan it looked. The contrast with Starbase 416 was impressing. There was a total of five officers on the Bridge; this, oddly enough, including himself and the Romulan woman who had escorted him to Deck One. There was something to be said about leaving a starbase with fifteen-thousand people into a starship with an average crew compliment.

The crew barely noticed as Chandler and t'Kallar entered, until Chandler released his hair from a tied back position. The Captain stood to face them immediately, and introduced himself.

She walked over to her chair, which was almost directly in front of the aft turbolift. There was a heavy air of expectancy in the room. Ensign Jacob Vincent Chandler sat down in the chair and pulled her legs up underneath her, made sure she could reach the consoles on either side of the chair, and silently asked himself if he was comfortable here. The answer smiled into existence as the skant Brige crew went back to work.

"Computer?"

A short beep responded to her voice.

"Can you identify me?"

Voiceprint analysis confirms Ensign Jacob Vincent Chandler assigned to security staff of the starship Galaxy, NCC-70637, this date.

"Wonderful," his voice rasped out in it's usual harsh sound. "Captain Price," he said to the man still standing before him and watching him. "I go on duty in about six hours, but right now, with your permission, I'd like to tour the ship--"

"Well mate," Price told him, "t'Kallar here," he began, indicating the pilot beside Chandler, "would be glad, I'm sure to get a little leg stretch time after going sitting on shuttle to rendezvous for you."

"Actually," Jacob intoned, raising a hand to wave off the Captain's idea, "I wanted to know if you'd mind if I were to walk around and introduce myself to the crew so I can familiarize myself with the crew in a, shall we say, kinder, gentler manner."

Price looked impressed -- but only for a moment; heaven forbid the man should show an officer pride within moments of meeting him; many good officers were spoiled by allowing themselves to be imbued with cockiness due to the praise of their commanding officers. "This ship is yours now too, Ensign." He took a deep breath, "I'll see you in six hours; enjoy yourself," he told the Caitian.

The tactical officer turned sideways from his post to peer at the Ensign, "Don't get in the way though," he pleaded. "The fewer reports I have to put together the better; don't try to help anyone or I'll have to log you for duty time."

Jacob paused, realizing who he was speaking to. "You're Jorg, er- jerg, er, how-do-you-say-that-sorry, aren't you," he asked the man.

The Lieutenant straightened. "I'm Lieutenant Sterner," he explained, extending his hand to the Ensign, "Welcome aboard and to my staff, Ensign Chandler."

"Thank you," Jacob returned, "taking the man's hand firmly."

Joerg Sterner looked down at his hand, then pulled it away from the Caitian, rubbing it with the other for a moment, as he said, "You'll be just fine here." He continued to massage his hand, turning back to his console; "Report here to me when you're done with your 'walk' or whatever it is you want to do.

"Yes sir," Chandler told him. He looked behind him to the turbolift door, and extended his hand toward his new Captain. "Thank you for such a long and warm welcome; it is appreciated." His hand hung in the air.

Captain Price stared at it.

His hand hung in the air.

Captain Price stared at it, then patted Chandler on the shoulder blade. "'Ave a good walk, mate," he proclaimed, smiling.

As the 'lift doors slid shut before him, in the back of his mind, Ensign Jacob Vincent Chandler reminded himself to stop counting how many times he entered the Bridge of the Galaxy.

David Moody

aka Ensign Jacob Vincent Chandler
Security Officer, USS Galaxy; FSG
aka Captain Major Ty N'Desp
Commanding Officer, USS LaGrange; The Federation
http://www.geocities.com/~fednet/FLGTITL.HTM

Jamson was on the Yosemite getting back to the Galaxy. The trip was not exactly a vacation but eventually, everyone had fun. He ignored of all the voices in the shuttle, everyone were talking and exchanging stories about the trip. But he was the Commander...it was quite hard to get friends when you got a high rank above others.

He just say down dreaming while stairing at the wall, and after a few minutes he fell asleep.

**** Shuttle bay 2 ****

The landing sound and the movement of the shuttle woke Jamson up. HE noticed that some of the others were napping as well. "Lucky I wasn't the only one who fell asleep..." he thought and got up.

All the crew left the shuttle bay 2 taking their bags and heading to their quarters, they were all tired. But not Jamson no...he was the Executive Officer, he had to check what was going on the Galaxy since he left.

"Did you hear about the Nebula? it was amazing! I was just...."

Jamson heard two officers talking while they were passing him in the corridor leading to sickbay. "Nebula?"

**** Sick bay ****

Sickbay was real quiet... "That's strange" Jamson said to himself and walked over to Doctor Rousseau.

"Commander!" she rose from her chair.

"Hi Doc. What's up?" (lol) Jamson smiled and asked "Did I miss anything?"

Rousseau's face expression changed quickly "You don't know?"

"What?" Jamson was a little bit suprised.

She walked toward him and left her desk "You heard nothing about the Nebula? or Chiron?"

"No." Jamson closed his eyes "I'm kinda tired Doc...so unless you can tell me something importent I'll be on my wayt to bed."

"You better speak with the Captain. It's a long story..." She said and got back to her desk. Only then Jamson looked at her and saw that she was wearing some surgery clothes.

All of a sudden Jamson's comm badge beeped from his bag. He hurried to open his bag and to press his comm badge, he missed that sound.

["Price to Jamson"] the voice of his Captain went through.

"Yes Captain. Good to hear from you after all that time Sir." Jamson smiled.

[Good to hear from ou too Commander. May I see you in my ready room?"] the Captain wasn't so excited like Jamson but there must be a reason for his tone.

"Of course Sir...but I really need to change some clothes...?" Jamson looked at himself still not wearing Starfleet uniforms.

["Ok 'mate. But do it quick! I have a ship to run, Price out."]

Rousseau giggled from her seat.

"I really did miss a lot of things..." Jamson turned around to Rousseau.

"You better go change some clothes before the Captain get angry." She said and continued to smile.

**** Captain's ready room ****

Jamson entered the room along with the Captain who was on the bridge. The bridge was looking great, Jamson couldn't wait until he can seat in his place again.

"Have a seat Commander." Price sat down and continued "I guess you are aware of the situations we had on the Galaxy. Here are some reports that can help you understand all that happen while you all were gone." Price handed Jamson a padd.

"All I know Sir, is that there was a murder when we weren't here. I also heard a few words about a Nebula and Lt.Shtik." Jamson looked at his Captain.

Price nodded and pointed toward the padd the Jamson was holding "It's all in there 'mate."

Jamson looked at the padd and then glanced back to the Captain "Ok Sir, I'll read it in a few moments." Jamson said and got up heading to the bridge.

"Oh...and Commander." Price addressed Jamson who turned around.

"I'll be expecting your report on the Ski trip." Price smiled.

"Yes Sir..." Jamson turned around thinking "I hate writing reports......" and left the room.

Commander Michael Jamson
Executive Officer
USS Galaxy.

"I just wanted to try something different" Troy replied.

"Well, it was different. I'll give you that!" Coe exclaimed.

Troy and Coe talked for hours, admits the lounge that looked like a bomb had hit it. Many people stared at the mess wondering who caused it, and why a snowshovel was laying in the middle of the mess. Finally, a clean up crew came to straighten the lounge. Coe and Troy ignored the spectators and continued to chat. After many hours of talking they were ran out of the lounge, because it was way past time for them to close. The two continued to talk for a little bit, then went to their quarters for rest.

The next day, Troy began to pack his things for the return trip to the Galaxy. He had been asked if he was going to Kristen's funeral, which he was not going to. He meant no disrespect to his friends, Kristen, or her family, the truth was he couldn't go. After the emotions he went through at his Father's funeral, there was no way he could go to another funeral without remembering that time. Instead, he sent his condolences to Liam and Kristen's family by sending them flowers.

*** Hours Later ***

It was time to return home. Everyone was busy loading the shuttles and going through a pre-flight check. The trip had been fun, except for the Tyrell Complex part, and relaxing. Everyone wished they could stay longer, but if they did who knows what could happen to them next!

After a brief, and intense, snowball fight everyone piled into the shuttles to return home to the Galaxy.

Lieutenant JG Troy Blair,
Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy.

"The captain has authorized a stop at vulcan so you may be placed in the hall of thought." he said.

"That is fortunate, Shtik" His father replied. "This form does not last long unaided."

"It is pleasurable to see you again in this way. I must admit to a rather illogical hope of reviving you fully when I understood the nature of the genesis fragment."

"It is illogical to assume that death is a state that can be reversed."

"Yet it has been in the past."

"Yes, I understand that is true. However, those were rare circumstances."

"You are familiar with Grandmother Saaviks quote 'There are always possibilities.'" Shtiks father raised an eyebrow.

"I am not certain, but that quote may have originated with your grandfather."

"The source is unimportant, Father, but the logic is clear. Your retrieval, in whatever form, was worth overcoming any obsticals." Shtiks father raised his hand in the split fingered vulcan salute.

"Live long and prosper, Son."

"I'm afraid I can't return the traditional salutation, Father." Shtik raised his own, still recovering hand. His father smiled at him.

"I love you, Shtik." His father stated.

"As I you, father." Shtik said stonefaced. "Computer, end program."

The walls of the holodeck appeared and the body of his father was replaced by the glowing sphere which now held his katra ready for transport to vulcan.

He turned, slowly in the sudden half-light brushing up against the corridors of the USS Galaxy. "Who's there," he called.

"Whom do you think," came a disembodied voice.

"What are you doing here?"

"I am here for you, Vincent," the woman's voice echoed softly across the deserted hallway.

"You were here for me before," he complained, "now you leave me alone," he started, baring his teeth.

A primal, threatening roar, part in surprise, part in anger, part in frustration burst from his throat when she appeared. Calming slightly, his chest heaved, and he shrank back against the wall. "Kai Opaka," he growled.

"The one and only," she claimed.

"Or so you say," he rasped.

"I'm on a new ship woman," he told her. "There are things going on here, they may need me. This may be my destiny," he told her blankly; you know, my fate?"

"To the new bark of a winter's day," Opaka told him. "You really should be more considerate of space-time, Vincent."

"My name is Jacob," he said.

"And Vincent," she retorted, "Jacob and Vincent. Which makes two," she said.

He remembered the times she had come to him before; what she had done to him, the trials this woman had led him throguh, all the while claiming that he did not belong. What right had she to say that? What right had she to give him such quizzical looks; such quizzical answers to question he hadn't asked? "Go away," he told her.

The woman vanished. As did the corridors of the USS Galaxy. Vincent stood in what had been his home for so many years; SubCity in New York, on Earth. "Why," he whispered to himself, his raspy basso profundo softly echoing through the corridors of the City. . .

David Moody
aka Ensign Chandler; Security; USS Galaxy

*****

She arrived about twenty minutes early so that she could set up. She wore a loose flowing white dress and carried a picnic basket. She had decided to go barefoot on the sand. She laid out a blanket provided by the holodeck. She laid out the contents of the basket except for the wine glasses.

She had the holodeck set up so that Deiran would walk on to a moonlit beach. She would seem to come from down beach and they would have a snack by the campfire. It was perfect.

Soon Deiran arrived. Miran walked towards him, her hair flowing loose in the wind the holodeck provided by request. Her loose dress flapped in the wind giving her more the appearance of a spectre walking the moonlight beach than of flesh and blood. He stood there tall and gorgous in the moonlight. As she got closer she could see him clearer. She almost laughed when she saw Deiran's face but didn't want to break the serenity of the scene. When she got to Deiran she offered her arm. She didn't say anything. She led him around an upcropping of rocks. There was the fire. She urged Deiran to sit. She pulled two crystal goblets from the basket.

"I got the idea from a book. A man took the woman he fell in love to with to the beach for marshmellows and champaign. She was scared of him. I really do not remember why. Since neither of us drink champaign I brought apple juice because it looks similar." She was really happy and bubbly.

"Miran anything is fine you know that, calm down. I love you." He pulled her to him and kissed her. She broke the kiss off.

"Let me finish. We need to roast the marshmellows. This is a Terran beach. I do not know what year or even what century. I just asked for something isolated and before the lunar colonies where built so it would not change the beauty." Deiran kissed her again to make her quiet.

"I said calm down. You, my beauty, are too hyper. It wouldn't matter where we were; it would still be beautiful with you."

Soon she had calmed down. They roasted the marshmellows and drunk Miran's apple juice. They laid under the stars and Deiran pointed out different objects out in the sky. Miran felt safe and happy with Deiran's arms around her. Right now she didn't have a care in the universe.

Captain Price sat back in his leather bound chair while sitting quietly in his ready room. With his head tilted back slightly, he pinched the bridge of his nose as he let out a sigh. The last several days had been quite stressful on the young Captain. He was enjoying the peace and quiet of the moment.

The USS Galaxy was on route for the planet Vulcan. Lee knew that Mr. Shtik would need to go there to complete the Katra ritual for his father's spirit. It would also offer him the opportunity to visit with retired Captain Shoak, the former commander of the USS Galaxy and Lee's personal mentor. Thinking about the Bendii Syndrome stricken Vulcan troubled Lee. He had been lax in contacting his friend, but only because Shoak's deteriorating condition saddened him greatly. "All of these technological advancements and we still fall victim to old age." He thought.

Two beeps interrupted the Captain's rest.

["Incoming transmission from Starbase 123 Captain."]

Lee adjusted his seat as he straightened in the chair and reached to activate his desktop terminal. "I'll take it in here Lieutenant." Pressing a button, the screen came to life.

["Captain Price. How are you doing my friend?"] It was Captain Ben Okuda, CO of Starbase 123.

"Quite well actually 'mate. Been through a lot, but still in one piece. Well, mostly..." Captain Price smiled widely.

["Mostly? And I suppose that's why you are calling? Humm?"] Ben knew The Captain well. When he was an Ensign, Okuda was serving on board the USS Galaxy under Captain Shoak. They were once shipmates.

"You know it. You wouldn't happen to have any shuttle bay doors lying around that Starbase of yours?, would you?"

["Shuttle bay doors? For a Galaxy class? I doubt it. But let me check. Which doors do you need Lee?"] Okuda began punching in some commands on his terminal, looking up the inventory for Galaxy class parts.

"The big ones 'mate. Main shuttle bay hangar."

["The main shuttle bay? How did you manage to damage those?"]

"It's a long story 'mate. You can read about it in my Captain's logs."

["Ah, here we go. I am afraid I don't have those doors here I'm afraid. In fact, I can only find one Starbase that has them at all."]

"What Starbase is that?" Lee was disappointed he wasn't going to be able to get the ship repaired at the near by Starbase 123.

["Station Beta Two. It's in the Beta Quadrant."]

"Humm, never heard of it. Are you sure that's the only station that has the doors? The Beta quadrant is pretty far out of our way."

["Well, I can always build some new doors from scratch Lee... shouldn't take more than a month or two."]

Captain Price winced. The thought of returning to space dock for that long reminded him of the year spent at Utopia Planitia shipyards. He wanted the ship fixed, and wanted it fixed as soon as possible. "No, I don't think that would do 'mate. Not that I'd wouldn't want to visit your facility, but a month or more is a bit too long. Go ahead and contact Station Beta Two. We can have the doors put on there."

["I understand Lee. I'll notify them to be expecting you. You still need to stop by here on the way though."]

Lee smiled. "Why's that 'mate, to tell stories of past missions?"

["That could be fun, but actually for a crew rotation. Several crewmen are standing by to be transferred to and from the Galaxy."]

Lee nodded. "Fair enough. We are stopping off at Vulcan for a day or two, but you can expect us after that."

["Visiting Captain Shoak?"] Ben asked with a tone of concern and understanding in his voice. The tone and respect that only a former crewman of the great Vulcan could muster.

"Aye. It's been a while since I visited him. I'd like to take advantage of this opportunity."

["I understand. Give the Captain my regards. And I look forward to seeing you here in a few days Lee! Okuda out."]

Price watched as the 'end trans' logo flashed onto his screen. After a pause, he activated his communicator. "Ensign Helms, what is our present ETA to the planet Vulcan?"

["At present course and speed, three hours twenty two minutes Captain."] Sherman responded.

"Thank you Ensign. Price out."

After closing the channel, Lee swiveled around and looked out of his observation window. Folding his hands and leaning his elbows onto the armrests of his chair, he leaned forward and rested his head on his hands while gazing out at the passing stars. His thoughts wondered to Captain Shoak, his former mentor, and what he would say when he visited him on Vulcan.

"Computer", she said, "open a communications link with the USS Galaxy, secure line, protocols Beta Beta One Two One."

"Processing" replied the computer.

As she settled into her seat, the image of her sister appeared on the screen. Her sister had cut her hair short, much to the frustration of their mother, but Kra'lana had to admit she looked good.

"Voolapi Cho'coll Rr'lonni." she said.

Rr'lonni replied, "Qua'taka Duxa'na Kra'lana. Why are you and Mom the only ones who still call me Rr'lonni? Everyone else calls me Ronni."

"Because, your name is Rr'lonni." she said half seriously, "Besides, I'm your big sister and it's my right."

"Whatever. So, why the call?" she said.

"Well, I just wanted to say that I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks. We are doing a revamping of our shields and the USS Galaxy has been assigned to our defense while the shields are down. Hey, you'll even get to see your former supervisor, Karen Davies."

"That'll be great! Now if we could just pull Vyonn from Siencia Colony, and Mom and Dad from Delphi, we could have a family get together." Ronni replied. "Well, I have to go, Gamma shift starts soon and I've got to be on the bridge. I've been on vacation, I'll tell you the full story later. Bb'onani Kra'lana."

"Bb'onani, Rr'lonni. Bye!" Commader Morris said.

Kra'lana reached over and ended the communications. She took another sip of the iced tea and started writing her weekly report for Captain Zahn.

It had been a long day. Deiran was glad to be back on the bridge of the Galaxy. He was even more glad when his shift was over. He returned to his quarters and received a message from his girl. Deiran really liked the sound of that "his" girl. Miran wanted him to meet her on holodeck 2 at 0100 hours. "Would Miran object to me claiming her as mine?" he asked himself. He wouldn’t voice it, just in case.

Deiran showered, dressed in a black silk suit(his best), combed his hair as perfectly as he could get it and started for the holodeck. He knew she had something planned for him and couldn’t wait to find out what it was.

The holodeck doors slid open with that annoying hum-crash sound they made. He stepped into a beautiful scene. A moonlit night on the beach. This surprised him. He remembered his first date with Miran and how unhappy and shy she was, and then she had done this for him. They had been together for a long time now. He was proud to be a part of Miran’s healing. Eight months ago Miran would barely talk to anyone and now she was planning romantic evenings for him. He liked that. He loved Miran.

He was standing on the beach when he saw a vision coming toward him. He was glad there wasn’t a mirror around because he didn’t want to see his face. His eyes were probably bulging out of their sockets and his tongue was probably taking in sand. He had never seen her more lovely, more beautiful than this night. He would remember it forever.

Miran was standing next to him now, she offered her arm and they began walking around some rocky terrain and as they passed the last of the rocks, Deiran saw a fire burning a few yards away. Miran continued to lead him to the fire. She had him sit on a blanket and handed him two champagne glasses. Miran poured a brownish liquid in each glass. Deiran handed her one glass and kept the other for himself.

"I got this idea from a book. A man took the woman he had fallen in love with to the beach for marshmallows and champagne. She was scared of the man, I don’t remember why. Since neither of us drink champagne I brought apple juice because it looks similar." Miran’s face was all lit up, like she’d just bought a new dress or a dream had come true. Deiran just enjoyed the moment, watching her every move as if she was dancing in the moonlight above. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

"Miran, everything is fine you know that. Everything’s perfect, it couldn’t be more perfect. Just calm down and sit next to me." Deiran gestured for her to sit next to him. That didn’t work so he pulled her to him and kissed her gently on the lips. She pulled away, like a woman would if she was busy.

"Let me finish Deiran. We need to roast the marshmallows…" Deiran interrupted Miran.

"Honey, everything is great, let’s talk for a little while, you’ve done a splendid job planning everything so let me enjoy it with you. Okay?"

Miran continued as if she didn’t hear him, "This is a Terran beach. I do not know what year or even what century. I just asked for something isolated and before the lunar colonies were built so it would not change the beauty." Deiran kissed her again to make her quiet.

"Just calm down." He said to her in a soothing voice, "You—my beauty, are too hyper. It wouldn’t matter where we were; it would still be beautiful with you."

Soon Miran did calm down. They roasted the marshmallows. Deiran liked them slightly burned. They drank Miran’s apple juice. Afterward Miran snuggled up next to Deiran, her head laying on his chest as he pointed out his favorite stars to her.

"This was wonderful Miran. Thank you so much. I’m proud of you."

"It wasn’t that hard," Miran smiled.

"Yes I know that, but I’m proud of you because of how much you’ve changed since our first date. You’re healing. And tonight shows it."

Miran was silent for a bit and then said, "You’ve helped me put the past behind me Deiran. I love you for that. You’re the only man who could’ve done that in such a caring, patient way. I’m happier when I’m in your arms than any other time in my life."

Deiran smiled at her. He leaned up and whispered in her hear,"thank you." He put his right hand on her cheek, slowly moving it to her neck and met her lips with his.

*** Deiran’s quarters, 0800 hours ***

Deiran woke up early. He had a wonderful date with Miran and really couldn’t sleep he loved her so much. What she had done for him last night showed him that she loved him too. He had known she did because she told him so, but she reinforced it with her actions. Which is something Deiran thought was important.

He sat on the side of his bed, looking out into the stars, they streaked by in the distance. The ship’s warp engine’s could be heard humming underneath him. It was quiet for 8 am. Usually Deiran wouldn’t wake up until 10 am. But his thoughts were on Miran.

He had one more thing on his mind: his career. The pressure he felt from his father, grandfather and great-grandfather was tremendous, he knew they meant well, but he would never make them proud unless he was an Admiral at the end of his career just like them. His thoughts went back to Miran and then back to his family again.

He then began to remember his first time on the bridge of the Glory with his father. The experience was still vivid in his memory. As he relived that moment in his memories, he came to a conclusion. He didn’t voice it. He stood up and began pacing in his bedroom.

"Computer turn lights up 20%." The computer raised the lights to Deiran’s desired level. His room resembled the time at dusk, dark and light at the same time.

Deiran’s mind was racing over memories, idea’s, family outings, his sister Alexa and the moment he received his diploma from Starfleet Academy. He remembered his valedictorian speech. Many of the crew on board this ship heard that speech. He emphasized adventure and honor and most important of all family.

For an hour Deiran relived his life. The good and the bad times. He made his decision at 0941 hours.

Deiran walked to his desk and reserved the holodeck for 0100 hours. And then started to write a brand new program for the holodeck. When he finished he left a vid message for Miran, asking her to meet him at 0100 on holodeck 3.

Deiran went about his day. But his mind was thinking of Miran and how gorgeous she was in her white dress last night. Beta shift seemed to go on forever. It was one thing after another. Deiran had to plan an away mission for an EVA at Station Beta Two. He also had to coordinate with security on several procedures when they arrived at the Station. His day was one of planning and coordinating the departments. A day like any other. But, he would remember this day and how nervous he was and how his thoughts were on Miran throughout the day.

And finally, mercifully Ensign Freeman relieved him at his post and he was free!

He went to his quarters and replicated a new suit and a gift for Miran. He then went to the holodeck to make sure everything was perfect.

Miran showed up on time. She was wearing his favorite color- blue. It was a beautiful dress that made Miran shine. Her hair was down, he loved her long hair, and ever since she knew that she wore it down.

Miran walked into the holodeck. Her eyes grew wide as she recognized her surroundings. It was a field. A meandering field, green grass, beautiful flowers decorating the landscape. Next to a table where dinner was waiting was a water fall and a brook. It was one of the most beautiful places on Bajor. Deiran couldn’t remember the name but he knew what it looked like from the pictures he found in the Starfleet database.

Deiran walked to her in his black and white 24th century suit and offered his arm to her. She took it, and walked next to Deiran with grace and elegance, her smile illuminating her face.

"This is one of my favorite places on Bajor! How did you know? I never spoke of it."

"It’s one of the most cherished places on Bajor right? Considered the most beautiful place on Bajor right?"

"Yes it is," she replied.

"Well tonight, I wanted to be near the two most beautiful things on and from Bajor. And that’s you and this place."

Miran smiled and blushed. She loved it when he showered her with compliments. Deiran loved giving them to her.

They sat down for dinner and talked about the day. Deiran listened intently as Miran relived her day.

When they finished dinner Deiran stopped the conversation, he did it politely. He stood to his feet and walked over to Miran. He turned her chair towards him and reached into his pocket.

"After last night Miran, I realized that I can’t live without you. You’ve become my world, you’ve become everything to me. I don’t want to ever be separated from you as long as my heart is beating, I love you with all of my heart. And as long as my heart is beating it will beat for you," Deiran stopped and opened the small blue velvet box that had been in his pocket.

Miran’s eyes grew twice their size as she saw the box.

Deiran opened the box, revealing a dazzling sight, "Ti Miran," Deiran went to one knee as he said her name, "will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?"

Deiran took the diamond ring out of the box and held it in his hand, waiting for an answer. He wanted to put it on her finger now. This was the bravest thing Deiran had ever done in his life.

Visit the USS Valiant Web site at:
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