"Security meeting, Part 1"
by Lieutenant Joerg Sterner
Chief of Security, USS Galaxy

The moment Joerg returned to his office at the beginning of his shift, he hoped that there would be some solutions to his current problems. The first thing was that one of his officers was missing and he had no idea what could have happened to him. The second problem was the unknown situation with the Void.

When he sat down at his desk he found two new messages for him. One was from Beta 2's security chief about a meeting and the other was about another meeting of the two Captains with two individuals from a so called "Void Cooperative". First he answered Chief Dawner's message.

To: CPO Jalal Dawner, Chief of Security, Station Beta 2
From: Lieutenant Sterner, Chief of Security, USS Galaxy
CC: Lieutenant (JG) K'arta, Assistant Chief of Security, USS Galaxy
CC: Lieutenant (JG) Paran, Assistant Chief of Security, USS Galaxy

I agree with your concern about a possible threat from the Void. Therefore I invite you to meet me today at 1500 hours at the Galaxy's docking bay.

I'll bring along my two Assistant Chiefs and we'll discuss security measures in my office.

Lieutenant Sterner

After sending this message he reread the message of the recent meeting with the Void Cooperative. He was informed, that a delegation of Beta 2 and the Galaxy will be sent to meet with the Cooperative at their headquarter.

He was about to prepare both for the security meeting and the security involvement for the delegation, when Ensign Mulich and Cadet Campbell entered his office. He thought that at least one mystery has been solved.

Unfortunately the two were not able to find out much about the current whereabouts of Ensign Enquist. It wasn't even certain that the Ensign was with them in this Void. After this meeting he hoped that perhaps with the help of Chief Dawner there could be a slightly chance of finding Enquist, and reminded him to ask the Chief about this in their meeting.

The time until 1500 hours Joerg spent with preparations for the upcoming events. Right before he left for the docking bay, he contacted his Assistant Chiefs, only to find out they were already waiting for him at the docking bay.

Arriving there himself he was glad he arrived shortly before Chief Dawner. Once the Chief came aboard the Galaxy, Joerg introduced him to his security officers.

"Welcome aboard the USS Galaxy Chief." he friendly greeted.

"May I introduce my staff. This is Lieutenant K'arta, my Assistant Chief for Beta shift." he said while K'arta nodded to the Chief.

"And this is Lieutenant Paran, in charge of Gamma shift security."

After the Chief introduced his assistant, Joerg asked them all to follow him back to his office on deck 38. Once there they sat around the conference table, a smaller version of the ones used by the Captain and the First Officer.

"I guess we all know why we are here." Joerg started the meeting.

"The unknown danger this Void Cooperative poses leaves us very little time to act. Therefore I already have prepared for some assistance my security officer could give you." he added and handed Chief Dawner a PADD with a list of security officers he had choosen.

"I want to put Lieutenant Paran in charge of these security officers while they are on your station." he concluded his first words and waited for a reply.

V: “Off Duty”
Written by: Ensign Tatalia Connor Alpha-One section leader

Tatalia entered her quarters. Out of habit, she walked over to her window to glance at the starts. She turned away from the void that greeted her. Looking out to the stars had always calmed and comforted her but now she was just troubled.

She walked over to the computer console and sat down.

*********************************************
To: Petty Officer Ibor D’els Arcs
From: Ensign Tatalia Connor
Subject: Stand

Ibor,

Thanks for dinner. I really enjoyed it. I was curious if there is any progress on the stand? Tolan would be happy to help so we would have four people. Let me know what’s happening.

Tatalia Connor
**********************************************

Tatalia finished the message and read over it. “Computer send message,” she said. The computer beeped and the message cleared off her screen.

Tatalia sighed and thought about the situation. First the Borg were on their way and now we are stuck in a void.

Tatalia stood up. “I’m not going to just sit here and stress out,” she said. “I’ve got to relax.” She thought about the different options. She really didn’t want to go to the Promenade. She was likely to pour her feelings out to someone.

She got up and walked over to the dresser. Opening the bottom drawer she pulled out a rolled up keyboard.

She walked over to a table, rolled out the piano and ran her hand down the keys. She smiled as the music filled her ears. She started to play and relax.

Kale laghted to him self silently as he left sick bay, humans could just be so amusing some times, it was obviouse Falkland him self was not sure what was wrong with the woman, and by his reactions he cared for her alot. His threats were also amusing, Kale was a master of the higher forms of "laughing murder" the Rhianssu unarmed combat technique and Kale had on occasions killed Klingons with his bear hands (not in his opinion enough occasions) Still he liked this Falkland and could see why Morgath worked for him, though of course he could not let this Insult about being a troll (what ever that was) go unpunished so it was only with a little malice that he gave Falklands name to a dazed looking security guard asking if any one had seen an assailent who matched Falklands description. He made his way back to the embassy huming a traditional Rhianssu harvert song. He had important work to do.

Salvine sat in his office, reviewing some medical reocrds, basically killing time until his meeting with Dr.Rousseau. That was the priority at the moment.

"Computer, open a......."

Salvine's command was interrupted by someone placing a small vile on his desk, when he looked up he saw it was the friend of that very sick woman.

"Here is the antidote."

"To what? What's the matter with her?"

"Just give it to her."

"I am not going to inject this woman with some drug that I have no idea what it's composed of. It'll just have to wait."

Salvine left the man and headed straight for the lab, the initial scan with a tricorder registered nothing, it said nothing was there. That was all the test he needed for the moment.

He walked back to the man who was still standing there. "My tricorder doesn't register anything when I scan this vile so the bottom line is I am not going to give this to her until I thourougly test it and find out more about her condition. Now, do you think that you would be more willing to answer some questions now?"

"Misery Loves Company"
Written by Captain Joseph Zahn
Commanding Officer, Station Beta Two

The USS Galaxy slowly zoomed along at impulse speed in The Void. They were headed to fortress of the cooperative, following Vyrissla's small shuttle. Joseph was on the Bridge of the shuttle. He stood next to Vyrissla watching the massive mechanical structure come into view. It was almost sphere-like in a way, composed of hundreds of stations and ships all melded together. It looked like a piece of grandiose Bolian metal art work.

Vyrissla slowly turns to Zahn, "Prepare to join The Void Captain."

Suddenly Vyrissla and everyone onboard the shuttle disappeared in a beam of black light. The Captain spinned around the Bridge in awe. He didn't know what was going on. All he knew is he had to contact the Galaxy. Joseph's heart began pumping faster as he tried to figure out how the communications panel operated.

Just then Joseph's mother beamed aboard the Bridge in the same black light. "What the hell is going on?" Joseph thought. Seconds later Michael, the Captain's late brother, appeared. Then The Oracle and Commander Morris exited the mysterious light. Zahn pounded the console. Electra and Morriel appeared and moved toward him. Then an older man beamed in and approched Joseph.

They all spoke in unison, "Prepare to join The Void."

The large fortress opened up and a massive black beam of light fired upon the Galaxy. Within minutes the Galaxy Class starships erupted in a violent fury. Joseph screamed as he watched the horrer on the view-screen of the shuttle. This couldn't be happened. His friends and family moved further toward him.

They all spoke in unison, "Prepare to join The Void."

Then the beam fired again, but this time upon the small shuttle. Joseph screamed again as everything aboard the shuttle, including himself, exploded in a firey rage.

* * *

"Joseph, are you okay?" Electra said tugging at his pajamas. He leaned up in bed and looked at the Orion female frightfully. "I'm fine, I just had a crazy dream. That's all," he said leaning back down into the bed. She sat there for a silent moment and glared at him.

"Painful Memories" by Ensign Shanika

Shanika saw the bright flash from her favorite spot on the Promenade. She didn't see the strange people who welcomed them to "The Void", but she heard all about the experience from the usual station gossip. The Void. Typical, trying to make something you didn't understand more approachable by using capital letters. Shanika had heard that those who tried to leave The Void were never heard from again. Obviously, whoever left The Void and reentered the normal universe had no way of communicating with this odd place. Maybe it was a gravity well, that would explain the strange absence of stars! Or worse even, the event horizon on some black hole! The station and everyone on it would be forever imprisoned in the area where the laws of relativity collapse, unable to escape the black hole's pull, while everyone in the normal universe watched Station Beta 2 melt and stretch until it became a wad of matter in the wastebasket of space....

She shook her head, as if to clear the thought from her head. Shanika had definitely been known to come up with the weirdest of ideas on occasion. She stood up and decided to go off and see if there was anything for her to do. One of the good things about being a pilot was that you might do a couple days work in a week, then get quite a bit of time off, being docked at a station with no need to move the ship. However, being idle was something Shanika did not like. She had been a scientist before anything, and if they were in a possible situation where more knowledge of the universe might be gained, they might need more science personnel.

Walking down the corridor, she ran into several slightly panicked civilians and a few Starfleet officers. She hoped the panic would calm down once these people figured out that running around like a diseased Alterian Zwoot would do them no good.

As she turned a corner in the passageway, Shanika suddenly stopped dead in her tracks, feeling a panic attack of her own coming on. That face - she recognized it! Dark, malevolent eyes. High cheekbones. Slightly skewed nose, looked as if it had been broken a few times. Small scar above right eyebrow. It was him all right. The one she remembered from her darkest memories. The one who had stolen her from her rightful family all those years ago.

Shanika attempted to keep a straight face and pretended to ignore him. He passed on by without a glance. He probably didn't even recognize her. She breathed a slight sigh of relief. There really wasn't much to worry about after all. She knew she would have to be on her guard, though. It was only logical that the Rihannsu would come looking for her someday. Fortunately, it didn't look like it was going to be today.

V: "Repairs"

***USS Galaxy, Main Shuttlebay***

"Be careful with that!" Too late, the engineers dropped the shuttlebay door and there was huge crash. Katarina shook her head and rushed over to check to see if anyone was injured. She could hear a scream from the far end of the shuttlebay.

"He's trapped under here," someone yelled. Damn. Lt. Seles saw the ensign with his legs trapped under the heavy door.

"Seles to Transporter Room 1. Medical Emergency. Transport one directly to Sickbay." Moments later the ensign with broken legs arrived in Galaxy's Sickbay.

Katarina let out a big sigh. The crew were having a hard time concentrating on their work. No doubt they were worried about this void they were in and if they were ever going to get out of it. "OK, listen up people. I need you to concentrate! No more accidents!" She softened her voice a little and continued. "The sooner we finish these repairs, the sooner we can start trying to find our way home. Now, let's get back to work."

* * * * * *

Katarina looked over the shuttlebay door and ran diagnostics to check the atmospheric integrity. Satisfied, she walked over to Lt. Hutchcraft. "Lieutenant, the door has been successfully installed. Is there anything else I can do to help?"

Lt. Seles, Chief Operations Officer Station Beta Two

"We're still not getting a verbal response," reported Billi, "but I'm picking up Federation navigational beacons."

The shuttles swung toward the beacons, the Republic survivors following the freighter crew's lead, with the Borg in close pursuit. "Borg power levels still rising. They have weapons ready. Billi, prepare to beam me aboard your ship." He cut across her course from behind. In one instant, he saw some kind of torpedo emerge from the Borg cube and felt himself dematerialize.

He was deposited in Billi's shuttle in time to see the last of the explosion of his. "Take the sensors." He grabbed the flight controls.

"They're going after the Republic crew!" A volley of torpedoes flashed past the other ship, which was beginning turning, came around, and two hit at once. The sparks from the explosion dslowed and flickered out. "The Republic just blew up," reported Billi, "and we're nearing Beta 2 now."

The station and the Galaxy grew in the viewport. "Beta 2, there will be just a second to beam aboard. Lower your shields and we'll handle it from here." Gavin made a last-minute adjustment to the sensors and coasted through the Beta 2 shield perimeter less than one second after the shields came down. He turned to Billi. "Make a full report to the Captain." She was beamed down just as his sensor routine finished the scan. The shuttle had located an item from his quarters on the station and beamed it up. Gavin tucked it into his belt and flew out of the shields perimeter again, just before they came up. This was an opportunity he'd been waiting for for years. The chance to die in battle for a worthy cause. To give what was left of his life some meaning.

He set the controls, stood up, and waited. He was beamed aboard the Borg ship and the shuttle began to attack with its phasers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BETA 2, OPS

"He saved my life! You can't let him go off to his death like this! Do something!" Billi pleaded. "Get him back when the Borg's shields go down!"

The man remained silent, so Salvine turned and went to check on Ash, he needed to find out everything he could about her condition and then run tests on this so called antidote, hopefully whatever she had was not life threatening.....and hopefully this was the antidote but he could not just inject her with it if he did not know what it was.

"Listen, you can still help me if you want....do you have any information regarding her condition?" Salvine questioned.

"PLease, just giver her the antidote." he pleaded.

Salvine shook his head and headed for the ICU where she was being kept.

"Computer, display all medical readouts about this woman's condition."

Next to nothing appeared on the screen, the only thing that could be of value was that she was producing massive amounts of bile.......

"That's the best I got... Computer, display all diseases that will make humans produce

an abnormally large amount of bile."

"Seventy known diseaes."

"Narrow it down to those that induce unconciousness."

"Fifteen."

~Quite a difference. All right, that gives me something to work with~ Salvine heads for the medical lab to cross-refrence this information with any readings he could get on the antidote, just because the tricorder did not register anything didn't mean a more in depth one would produce the same results.

"Deadlines"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

"They are doing WHAT?!" Deiran exclaimed in response to Captain Price.

"I told you 'mate. They have deployed some long range communications beacons to be used to navigate by."

Lieutenant Casey stared at his PADD. He had been working with the Science and Engineering departments to come up with a plan to navigate through this vast void. Now he was being told that the Station Beta Two crew had already began implementing a plan. Needless to say, Deiran was feeling less than productive.

"So what I've been working on is now null and void Captain?" Casey questioned.

Price winced at Casey's choice of words. "Bad pun 'mate." He said as he shook his head. After a long enough pause for Deiran to realize what he meant, the Captain continued. "Besides, that wasn't the only thing I had you working on... How are the modifications coming on the Shuttle Yosemite?"

Deiran pepped up somewhat. "They are done sir. We can take her out whenever you give the word."

Lee smiled as he shook his head in the negative. Deiran's smile dropped. "Are you sure your modifications will work Lieutenant?"

"Absolutely Captain. As long as the shuttle stays within reception range of one of the beacons, even combat navigation will not be a problem. I know Lieutenant Ti is looking forward to testing out the new systems..." Casey's tone trailed off, trying to lead the Captain to answer.

"That won't be necessary Lieutenant." Price said as he looked at Casey.

Deiran just stared at the Captain. After a moment of shear shock, he managed, "Sir? I don't understand. I thought the whole point was.."

Price cut him off. "I need you to make the same modifications to the Galaxy Casey. Were taking the ship rather than just a shuttle to visit this Cooroperative Fortress."

A glimmer of understanding shone in Deiran's eye. "I see sir."

"How soon can you complete the modifications to the Galaxy Lieutenant?" Price asked as he stepped into the turbolift and stood by for Casey's reply.

Deiran thought for a moment, cupping his chin in his hand. "Three hours sir. Now that I know exactly what needs to be done."

"You have one Lieutenant."

Casey's eyes widened again. "Sir?"

A grin bent onto the side of Lee's mouth. "Muster up whatever resources you need. We are to meet with this Cooroperative, and Zahn thinks it would be better if we show up with the Galaxy rather than a few shuttles."

"I see sir..." Casey said, a slight hint of concern in his tone as if he was worried about completing these modifications on time.

"Is that a problem Lieutenant?" Lee questioned.

"No sir!" Casey replied, knowing that *somehow* he would be able to meet this tight deadline.

Lee smiled. "Well then do it 'mate! Dismissed."

Casey gave the Captain a nod just as the turbolift doors slid shut.

**** Bridge, USS Galaxy ****

Captain Price handed a Padd to Yeoman York, smiling at her slightly as she took it and left. Glancing around the Bridge, he could see that the Senior Bridge crew had all reported to their stations. The Galaxy was almost ready to get under way.

"Lieutenant Mitchell, how is Casey coming with the modifications to the Galaxy's navigational systems?"

The Chief Science officer turned to face the Captain. "I believe he is just about finished. He's down in main engineering now finishing up."

Lee nodded. "Good." Glancing over his shoulder, the Captain looks at Lieutenant Sterner, Chief of Security on board the Galaxy.

"Lieutenant Sterner, has Captain Zahn and his officers boarded the Galaxy yet?"

Checking his console, Joerg replies, "No sir, not yet."

A puzzled look forms on the Captain's brow. "What the devil could be keeping him?" he wondered out loud.

"I could go and get him if you like Sir. Escort his party to the Galaxy." Sterner suggests.

Lee nods. "Good idea 'mate. That should get Joseph moving. These 'neighbors' of ours are not going to want to wait much longer."

"Very good sir. I'll go get Captain Zahn and escort him to the bridge." Sterner said as he deactivated his station and turned to leave the Bridge.

Lee sat back into his chair. Looking forward, he could see Lieutenant Ti Miran, the Bajoran Chief Helmsman and fiancee to the Galaxy's Operations Manager, Deiran Casey. "So Lieutenant Ti, do you think these modifications to the ships navigation systems will actually work in letting us navigate through this Void?"

Miran swiveled around in her chair to face the Captain. "Yes sir, I'm certain of it. So long as we can receive a signal from one of the communications beacons, we will be able to find our way back."

Ti spoke with great confidence. A reassuring sign.

"That's good to here Lieutenant. Now if Lieutenant Casey can complete the modifications, we can put the system to the test."

Miran smiled, he eyes glancing over the Captain's shoulder at her fiancee as he walks onto the bridge.

"Here he is now Captain," Miran said pointing with a smile, "you can ask him yourself."

"Ask me what?" Casey questioned having just walked into the middle of the conversation.

With a smile, Lee replied, "Ask you if you are done modifying the ships navigational systems 'mate."

Deiran smiled at the Captain and at his fiancee as he took the seat to the Ops station to her immediate right. Pressing a button, he turns around and faces the Captain. "I am now sir. Modified systems are online and functioning." Casey was beaming with pride. He had made the deadline the Captain had given him with only a few moments to spare.

"Great job 'mate." Price said. "Now if Captain Zahn and his officers ever get here, we can get under way."

After exchanging a quick glance at Deiran, Ti smiled and told Captain Price, "I will contact Station Beta Two to prepare for our departure Sir."

With a slight blink of his eyes, Captain Price gave his approval. They would soon be getting underway. Sitting back in his chair and waiting for Sterner to arrive with Captain Zahn and company, Lee couldn't help but wonder why he had this uneasy feeling about this "Cooporative Fortress" that these aliens seemed so eager to have them join.

"Out of Synch - Part II"
by Lt. (Jg.) Ronni Morris
Asst. Chief of Sciences, USS Galaxy

Ronni tilted her head slightly to the left. She was going over the sensor logs of the USS Galaxy, Beta Station 2, and several of the other ships docked at the station. They all collaborated the same findings. The harmonic reason ace of the Void, at the sub-atomic level, was out of synch with the resonances of all of us who were transported. That means that they weren't just in some bubble. They were in a different universe.

She went over the scans done of the visitors from the 'Void Collective'. The leader, Vyarraia or whatever, was from our universe, but two of her associates came difference 'realities'. The implications were staggering. Why were they being gathered together? Why and how did that probe bring them here? And more importantly, how were they going to get back?

This variance between The Void and their universe reminded her of something, but what . . . .? She went over to the replicator and ordered a Breen Hooish. She savored the strong, sweet smell and took a sip.

Over and over in her mind she thought, phase variance, harmonic resonance, phase variance, harmonic resonance, phase variance, harmonic resonance . . . Suddenly she thought of something, the Warp Shell. She sat down at the desk and started compiling information. Before she presented this to any of the Senior Officers, she wanted to have all of the information ready!!

She tapped her comm badge, "Lt. Morris to Cmdr. Coe."

"Coe here. How can I help you?" he said.

Ronni said, "I am working on some ideas on how to maybe get us back to our home. When the USS Galaxy goes to the Void Collective, I would like to go along. I don't know if the entire crew will be included, but I would like to run some scans of the Collective if I could."

"We'll see Lieutenant. I'll speak with the Captain and I'll inform you then. Coe out." said the Commander.

Ronni turned back to the console and continued her work. She loved a good mystery.

"A report"
by Cadet Christopher I. Campbell

”Enter!” The voice belonged to Lt.Sterner.

The door to his office opened and Ensign Mulich and Cadet Campbell came in.

Lt. Sterner was sitting behind his desk, filled with PADDs, doing alot of paper-work. He looked up at them. Christopher had never seen as many PADDs at once.

”Gentlemen. What’s your news about Ensign Enquist?”

”Well, sir.” Ensign Mulich said. ”We still don’t have that much information about his whereabouts.”

”But I assume you know something. Am I right?” The Lieutenant leaned forward, anxious to hear about his vanished officer. It was obviuos that he cared about the crew of his department.

”Yes, sir. We know that he left the Galaxy and arrived to Beta Two.”

”The security officers guarding the causeway verify that.” Cadet Campbell added.

Lt. Sterner nodded.

”However,” Mulich continued ”this happened before...” he spread his arms ”all this. Before the Void. So, it’s possible that Ensign Enquist left the station with any ship that left the station from the time of his arrival to the time of our... displacement.” Mulich gave Sterner a PADD. ”Here’s a list of all ships that left Beta Two during that time.”

Lt. Sterner put the PADD among the others on his desk.

”All we know for sure is that he’s not aboard the Galaxy and that he never did visit his friend, Lt. JG Straker on Beta Two.” Christopher said.

Lt. Sterner scratched his chin. ”So, he’s ether on Beta Two, dead or alive, or he’s back home. In our galaxy.” Joerg had hoped for more information, but at least it was something

”That’s correct, sir.” Mulich said. ”You’ll have a written report at 1800 hours from Cadet Campbell and myself.”

”Very well, gentlemen. Dismissed.”

When Ensign Mulich left Lt. Sterner’s office, Christopher stayed behind.

”Sir?” he asked.

”Yes?”

Christopher hestiated. ”It’s... it’s... It’s about Ensign O’Lindey, sir.”

Joerg’s eyes grew darker. ”Yes, what about him?”

”May I ask what you’re going to do with him?”

”That’s none of your buisness Cadet. Dismissed.” Lt. Sterner returned to the many PADDs on his desk. It looked like the Lieutenant had a lot of work to do.

”Sir?”

”Yes, what?” The Chief of Security sounded very irritated.

”Permission to speak freely, sir?”

Joerg sighed and leaned back in his chair. ”I’m listening...”

”I... I...I don’t think that O’Lindey... I mean, what he did it wasn’t really...” Lt. Sterner didn’t move a muscle. The Cadet took a deep breath. ”I just don’t think it’s such a big deal, that’s all.”

”Are you done, Cadet?” Christopher had never heard his department Chief so calm.

”Yes, sir.”

”Now, please let me share my oppinion of ‘the incident’ with you. Ensign O’Lindey ignored my order, he didn’t care about his fellow crewman being dissapered and he left you, a Cadet still in training, all alone on a Starbase totally unknown to you. On top of that he gets drunk on duty! If that’s not insubordination, I don’t know what is.”

”I... I guess I hadn’t seen it from that point of view. Sorry ‘bout taking up your time, sir.”

”Not at all, Cadet Campbell.”

Christopher left the office. As the door closed behind him he heard Lt. Sterner murmur ”I got to get rid of some of these PADDs!”

"Shocked but unhurt"
By Lt. Jg Ramone Pescadeiro
Assistant Chief Operations Officer Beta 2 Station

Ramone left the shuttlebay and headed to his quarters. Enroute he ordered the computer to upload the scans made of the Void fortress to the main science station in Ops and a copy to his personal console. He wanted to look over the information so he could make a full report to Seles, Cohen, and the rest of the senior staff should it be requested.

In the turbo lift, Ramone sent out a thought to find Jania. Finding her, he sent a quick thought to her. {{{I have some work to do, but if you're not too busy, come by my quarters. We have a lot to discuss.}}}

A moment later her response came to him. {{{I'll be there in a while, I'm tied up at the moment.}}}

The turbolift stopped at his deck, and he went directly to his quarters.

**************

Entering his quarters, he went to the replicator and ordered Degillian ice tea. A moment later, his ice tea materialized on the pad. Taking his drink, he sat at his terminal and brought up the scans he'd done.

The more he looked at them, the more something about the fortress bothered him. Why had they jammed the shuttles communications. Almost as if they were trying to hide something.

The fortress semmed to consist of an amalgamation on many different ships and stations of different design. It was huge, at least 25 times the size of Beta 2. All melded together. It was almost errie. They had run into nothing but the fortress, but yet something was wrong. The fortress couldn't be the only living thing in this void. But where were the other inhabitants? Were they making a mistake to trust these people from the fortress? They didn't seem to friendly to the shuttle. Maybe he was just being paranoid, but something about this whole Cooperative bothered him.

"Computer, start personal log entry."

[Ready.]

"Personal log, Stardate: 49705.25.

I have just returned to Beta 2 station after taking the shuttlecraft Clinton into the Void to deploy navigation beacons with communication modifications. We needed to deploy these beacons on the chance that we need to navigate this Void. Without them, we would be unable to navigate.

Lt. Jelis accompanied me in the shuttle, to deploy the beacons. We had deployed 62 out of 80 beacons when we came across what seemed to be a large moon. In fact it was the Void Cooperative. They were less than friendly and jammed our communications when we tried to get further orders from Beta 2. While in communication with this Void Cooperative, we did descreet scans of their station, which should be analyzed. I assume that they didn't consider the shuttle to be a threat and therefore let us return unharmed to Beta 2. I don't trust their actions and if asked would advise not visiting them uninvited.

Computer, end recording and upload a copy of this personal log to a PADD."

Selecting an empty PADD on his desk, he put it in the recording slot and uploaded the log to the PADD.

Looking over the scans again, he couldn't seem to shake an awful feeling that something bad was going to happen should anyone visit this Cooperative.

Ramone stopped and hit his comm badge.

"Lt Pescadeiro to Lt. Reix."

[Reix here, go ahead.]

"Lt. if you check your computer, you will find some descreet scans of the Void Cooperative we did, when Lt. Jelis and I were dropping the nav beacons. I recommend those scans be analyzed."

[Will do, Lt. Good work, I'll get on it right away.]

Ramone closed the channel.

"Computer, locate Lt. Seles."

[Lt. Seles is not on board Beta 2 station.]

Tapping his Comm badge, he opened another channel.

"Pescadeiro to Lt. Seles."

[Seles here, go ahead.]

"I would like to speak with you and Lt. Cohen at your earliest convenience. Please let me know when."

[Acknowledged, Seles out.]

"Pescadeiro to Lt. Cohen."

[Cohen here.]

"I would like a meeting with you and Lt. Seles. Lt. Seles is going to let me know when she's free."

[Very well. Cohen out.]

A few moments later, Ramone received a telepathic mess

age from Jania. {{{I'm on my way. I'll be there momentarily.}}}

Flashing a quick message back to her, {{{I'll be waiting.}}} Ramone finished his tea.

*****************************10 Minutes Later********************************

Ramone was sitting at his terminal when his door chimed.

"Enter."

The door hissed open, Jania came in carrying a PADD. Turning to her, Ramone smiled. "Long time, no see. How's your sister?"

[She's doing fine. How's Dalia? Is she still on Betazed, teaching?]

"She's doing good. You'll be able to talk with her again, more often, just like you used to. She's on the station teaching."

Looking at Jania, Ramone hid his feelings as best he could, but it was difficult. His feelings were still the same as they had been 7 yrs before when he had left Betazed. He still loved her, but didn't know if she felt the same. When it came to Jania, she was the only one he refused to use his empathic powers on. He respected her too much.

Russ sits down by Ash in a chair. "Ash, it's me, Russ. I brought the antidote and you'll be fine soon. Just don't leave me...I mean us, now. You'll make it, right?" Russ then watches as a doctor comes in and checks on Ash, then the doc walks back out. "What do you know about Ambassador Kale? I don't trust him. He seems, shady. I don't know, but it seems that there is something not right about him. It's like he is planning and plotting all the time." Russ reaches up and brushes Ash's hair back. He looks at her face, trying to figure out what brought about this ailment. He then leans back in the chair and waits by her bedside.

USS Galaxy
Lt. Deiran Casey
"Deadline"

The turbolift doors closed. Deiran just stood there in unbelief. He had an hour to reconfigure the ships navigation computer. The job would normally take him four hours, on a good day. "One hour?" he said out loud to himself.

"Well I’m not going to get it done standing here," he said to himself.

"Lt. Casey to Lt. Hutchcraft," Casey said, after tapping his comm badge.

[Hutchcraft here. What can I do for you Deiran?]

"Hi Hutch, I was wondering if you and some of your staff can assist me. The Captain’s ordered me to reconfigure the nav computer so we can travel through this blasted Void. I’ve got an hour to do it."

Casey could hear Hutchcraft laughing over the comm. [I’m sorry Casey, but I’ve got my hands full finishing with the main shuttlebay door. Try Mitchell.] Hutchcraft’s laughs could be heard trailing off as he disconnected the comm. Casey didn’t appreciate the laughing.

"Lt. Casey to Lt. Mitchell," Casey said, waiting for a response.

[Aye, Deiran, Mitchell here.]

"Mitch could you help me reconfigure the nav computer?"

[I wish I could, I’ve been assigned to analyzing this void and other reconfigs on the ships sensors.]

"Can you spare anyone?" Casey asked.

[How long would you need them for?] Mitchell asked over the comm.

"An hour at the most," Casey replied.

[You have to reconfig the nav computer in an hour?] Mitch laughed. His laughing could be heard over the comm. This was getting old.

"Captain’s orders, Mitch."

[I wish I could help, I’m swamped as it is Deiran. You could try Ronni or Shanika.]

"Lt. Casey to Lt.(JG) Morris and Ensign Shanika," Casey was talking to lower ranked officers and changed his voice tone and demeanor accordingly.

[Shanika here sir.] [Ronni here sir.]

"Yes, I need you to meet me in main engineering pronto. We have to reconfigure the nav computer in an hour, Captain’s orders."

[On my way sir.] they both said over the comm.

Casey stepped forward after disconnecting the comm. The turbolift doors opened and Casey went to Main Engineering.

Casey went to the Jeffrey’s tube that contained the nav computer console. With his tools, and specs he went to work.

Ten minutes later. Ronni and Shanika appeared in the Jeffrey’s Tube.

"Well, join the party ladies. See those specs, we have to configure the nav computer to those specs by 1600 hours. Let’s get to work. Split the work between you, I’ve taken the hard part," Casey smiled at Ronni, knowing she’d like that. She liked challenges, this made the work more drawn out and boring to her if what she was doing was easy. He was glowing as her face turned red with fury. She couldn’t say anything, Casey out ranked her.

"Yes, sir," Ronni replied, still beat red with anger.

Shanika was just happy to be working, doing something.

*** 1550 hours ***

Casey knew he had ten minutes to get to the bridge. "Thanks for the help, both of you, I’ll be sure to note this with your superior’s. It won’t go unnoticed."

Casey finished and ran for the turbolift. "Main Bridge, pronto, computer."

Casey arrived on the bridge, and was greeted by his girl, she was pointing at him. Her face glowed as she watched him enter the Bridge.

"…you can ask him yourself." Miran finished her sentence, Casey missed the first part.

"Ask me what?" he asked as he took his Ops console over from Ensign Williams.

"Ask you if you’re done modifying the ship’s navigational systems ‘mate?" the Captain spoke up as Casey finished his question.

Casey pressed the button that would bring the newly reconfigured nav systems on-line. "I am now sir. Modified systems are on-line and functioning." Casey couldn’t help but beam with pride, what the Captain asked of him was downright impossible to do in an hour, but of course Casey did it. With a little help from Ronni and Shanika.

"Great job ‘mate," Captain Price replied, trying to hide his shock. The captain didn’t think Casey would finish it in just an hour. An hour and half, maybe, but an hour?

Miran glanced at Casey for just a second and then turned to the Captain, she said something. But Casey was still mesmerized by the smile she gave him. Deiran kept his composure and started a level one diag on the ship’s systems, the sensors and then tapped his comm badge,"Casey to Hutchcraft."

[Hutch here.]

"Hutch, I’m going to bring the main engineering computer on-line now, I’ll have to redirect power for just a moment. Just wanted you aware of this. It’ll be forty seconds max."

[Aye, Lieutenant. I’m still working on the shuttlebay doors and we’re docked so this is a good time to do this.]

Casey laughed, letting Hutchcraft hear him laugh,"Yes, Hutch, that’s why I’m doing it now. Still getting used to engineering are we?" Casey let Hutchcraft know he was joking and disconnected the comm.

Casey re-initialized the main engineering computer so it would run smoothly with the new configured nav systems.

A minute later, it was done and Casey started a level one diag on the two systems.

By the time Sterner had escorted Captain Zahn and staff to the Bridge Casey finished the diagnostics on the main power core and main computer, including the main engineering part of the computer and was ready for the venture into the dark Void.

Being Chief Ops, Casey realized, was a never-ending job of one headache after another. He then wrote Mitchell and Ti a letter on his console PADD letting them know of Ronni and Shanika’s work for him and wanted the work noted in their files.

by Lt. Cmdr. Tom Hanson Chief Engineer, Station Beta 2

Katarina looked over the shuttlebay door and ran diagnostics to check the atmospheric integrity. Satisfied, she walked over to Lt. Hutchcraft. "Lieutenant, the door has been successfully installed. Is there anything else I can do to help?"

At the same time, the large Entrance to the ShuttleBay opened and Lt. Cmdr. Hanson walked in, eager to see the results of all the replicated materials he'd worked on over on the Station. Seles and Hutchcraft turned, watching the Chief Engineer's reaction to their handiwork.

By the time Hanson reached them, his face was wearing a broad smile. "See? I *told* you that you wouldn't need my help over here," he joked lightly, nudging the half-Klingon in the ribs. Turning to Hutchcraft, he extended his hand in greeting, since the two, although corresponding, had not yet met face-to-face. Hutchcraft shook Hanson's hand, liking the man already.

"Lieutenant, if you're not busy, I thought perhaps you could show me your Engine Room; it's been awhile since I've seen a Galaxy-class ship's Engines up close and personal . . . " Hanson said to Hutchcraft.

Lt. Hutchcraft's eyebrows went up. "Absolutely, sir! This way," he extended his hand and led the way towards the door from which Tom had entered. Hanson motioned for Seles to join them as they strolled out of the shuttlebay towards Engineering . . .

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

Sometime later, Hutchcraft touched the last few LCARS on his power-relay console in Engineering. "Okay! Try it now, Tom!" he said loudly over the pulse of the giant ship's Warp Reactor Core. From high above, Tom Hanson acknowledged with a nod, and he and Seles finished re-connecting the last conduit on the Matter Injector sub-matrix. After a few minutes, Seles looked up and nodded. Hanson closed the relay panel, and glanced down towards the ship's Engineer. "What have we got?" Hanson's voice rang out.

Lt. Hutchcraft tapped a few keys, and his eyebrows raised again. His mouth broke into an involuntary grin as he shouted, "Seven Percent Gain in the Warp Engines!! Whooooooo!!" He looked up at his counterparts, who were grinning down at his enthusiasm. Andy was suddenly seized with inspiration, and said "Sirs, let's celebrate. Ten Forward; I'm buying!"

Hanson and Seles exchanged looks of surprise; Katarina nodded, and Hanson laughingly called down, "So what's the most expensive thing on the menu?"

Jania stared at the man in front of her. Ramone hadn't changed in the seven years since he left. An awkward moment passed as Jania had no idea what to say.

"Can I sit down?" she said, realizing that she was still standing in the doorway. He looked shocked for a moment, but then grinned apologetically as he gestured towards a chair.

"I seemed to have forgotten myself for a moment. She smiled as she took a seat across from him. "What's the PADD for?" he asked. She looked down at it, having forgotten it.

"Oh, nothing. Just some readings I got that I need to write a report on later." She sensed his feelings towards her and quickly blocked her empathy. She didn't need this now. Her own feelings had been shot to hell when he left. When he hadn't returned for quite some time and others began telling her to move on with her life, Jania had.

Theirs was a love affair. As she looked at him now, her feelings came back quickly. She fought the urge to cry.

"Are you okay?" he asked, seeing her distraught expression. She shook her head.

"Why didn't you come back?" she said quietly, holding back the tears that threatened to escape.

Everything remained normal in Ops, despite the change outside. Officers cycled through the stations, watching vital functions, fingers tapping away at panels with nary a word being spoken.

Cohen was sitting sentinel at the tactical board, where he'd been since Zahn left for the Galaxy. Gloved hands, the skin beneath still healing slowly, roamed over the various monitors, checking, doublechecking... shield status, weapons, systems he had at his command to defend lives. To say he did not trust the entities in this so-called Void was an understatement, but that was his job.

A sidewise glance over to Ops again noted a different officer at the console. The third one since he'd arrived to take his post, which mean Seles was still on the Galaxy. Lovely. At least with the confrontational woman, he knew what he could expect, should they need the station's systems.

His commbadge chirped. "Pescadeiro to Lt. Cohen." Lovely again. What was he being left out of this time? He tapped his insignia in response.

"Cohen here."

"I would like a meeting with you and Lt. Seles. Lt. Seles is going to let me know when she's free." Good. For once, he was being told in advance about a meeting regarding ship's tactical systems. About time. But for now, he had more important matters.

"Very well. Cohen out." Something just... seemed wrong about the whole situation. His gaze again returned to the officer at Operations.

"Ensign, I need the tactical analysis of that station on my panel, and I need it yesterday. Coordinate with other departments and get it to me."

"No Turning Back"
Written by Captain Joseph Zahn
Commanding Officer, Station Beta Two

"I'll be going with you Captain," the Yridian Jarlok said standing next to Vyrissla and her crewmates in Shuttlebay Three. They were about to depart to the fortress of the cooperative. "I don't have a problem with that Captain," Zahn said. "You basically represent the Yridian Government. There are no Yridian officals on the station. I think it would be a good idea if you joined us. Kale will be going along."

Vyrissla stepped forward. "I believe you misunderstand Jarlok, Captain Zahn. He, his ship, and his crew will be going and staying with The Void Cooperative. We have dicussed it throughly and the YSS Shek understand their choice. We welcome their souls to the cooperative," her contentful voice said.

"I see," Joseph mumbled. "Well, I think we had better begin undocking procedures. I'll escourt Mister Jarlok to the Shek and make my way to the Galaxy. I think after preflight procedures the three of our ships will make our way to the fortress in about 20 minutes. See you there," the Starfleet Captain said walking out of the shuttlebay with the Yridian. The large doors slowly closed behind them.

Captain Zahn's mood changed completely as the doors shut. He turned an icy glare to the Yridian. "What the hell do you think you're doing Captain? We don't know the Void Cooperative that well and you've already decided to join them. Our science teams aren't even on the frontier of developing a way home yet. You have to give everyone aboard the Shek time Jarlok."

"The decision was mutual Captain Zahn. Don't you see? We're not going home. I'm a realist and the reality is we're stranded in another dimenison. And in case you didn't know interdimensinal travel was never anyone in the Beta Quadrant's strong suit. Esspecially not mine and esspecially not yours. I'm going to join them, if the Federation likes it or not."

The Yridian swiftly turned away and walked down the corridor. He had made his choice and there was no turning back. Joseph couldn't persuade Jarlok. His words were deep. The Shek was joining the cooperative, no matter what. Zahn sighed and walked down off in the other direction. He tapped his combadge, "Captain Zahn to Ambassador tr'Herrian, Commander Reix, Chief Dawner, and Lieutenant Cohen. Please report to the Galaxy imediantly. We will be proceding to the void fortress in twn minutes. Zahn out."

"Captain Zahn to Ambassador tr'Herrian, Commander Reix, Chief Dawner, and Lieutenant Cohen. Please report to the Galaxy imediantly. We will be proceding to the void fortress in twn minutes. Zahn out." Cohen nearly dropped the padd he'd been holding, entering tactical information. He's going with them?! His gaze turned to his relief. "Ensign, take over." The younger officer slid into position, picking up where the StratOps officer left off, as he walked quickly to the turbolift.

********

The mechanical click was loud in the personal quarters, followed by the whir of a charging weapon. Matthew stood before the mirror, in a fresh uniform, his gloved hands holding a compressed phase rifle, mark IV. The captain might want a peaceful encounter, like the rest of them, but he'd been a soldier. He knew what desperate people could do. And the Void might be quite desperate indeed, given the fact that the Federation might find a way home. A combat tricorder found its way into a pocket on the black and grey uniform, followed by a long knife into his boot. And then, he finally shouldered the weapon, the beautifully stitched strap a present from his wife, running over his right shoulder.

He quickly strode out into the corridor, boots echoing hollowly on the metal deckplates. His eyes remained fixed ahead, his pace swift and unfriendly. Ten minutes were all he allotted himself to get to the docking port with the Galaxy, intentionally so few would try to stop him for conversation. He had to focus on the mission ahead. A mission none from either ship might come back from...

V: "Back to the Station"

***USS Galaxy, Ten-Forward***

Lt. Cmdr. Hanson, Lt. Hutchcraft, and Lt. Seles were celebrating after finishing their work on the shuttlebay and warp engines.

"Don't you guys wish you were on a starship rather than a space station," asked Lt. Hutchcraft.

Katarina nodded. Yeah, that would be fun. She would actually get to explore the galaxy rather than waiting for hostiles to attack the station. Well, maybe after she finished what she came here to do, she would have to talk to Rios about a transfer. But her Beta Two assignment was still better than what she used to do for a living...

***Station Beta Two, Main Operations***

Lt. Seles was busy reading all the status reports Ramone had left for her. She was pleased with his work on the navigational beacons. She also read his report about the fortress and was curious about it. Katarina tapped the comm button on her panel and said, "Seles to Lt. Pescadeiro. Meet me in Ops at your earliest convenience."

She turned back to her OPS panel and started making preparations for the Galaxy's departure.

Lt. Seles, Chief Operations Officer Station Beta Two

Sitting down at his desk Jalal just stares at his desk. For once there isn't a stack of PADDs taller then him on his desk. Let's check any messages first. Tapping a key he brings up all his messages. Glancing down the list he stops and reads.

To: CPO Jalal Dawner, Chief of Security, Station Beta 2
From: Lieutenant Sterner, Chief of Security, USS Galaxy
CC: Lieutenant (JG) K'arta, Assistant Chief of Security, USS Galaxy
CC: Lieutenant (JG) Paran, Assistant Chief of Security, USS Galaxy

I agree with your concern about a possible threat from the Void. Therefore I invite you to meet me today at 1500 hours at the Galaxy's docking bay.

I'll bring along my two Assistant Chiefs and we'll discuss security measures in my office.

Lieutenant Sterner

That sounds fine to me. I will get to actually talk with Lt. Sterner in person. And get to see the insides of their wonderful ship. One day the Orexians will beable to construct ships like that. The Emperor will lead us to that goal. Pulling his thoughts back to the present he taps his com-badge.

[Lt. Grigg please meet me at 1500 at the Galaxy's docking bay.]

[I'll be there Chief.]

[Warrant officer Crane both Grigg and I will be on the Galaxy for a meeting at 1500. But I want someone at the desk here just in case.]

[Understood Chief, I'll be there.]

Taking a PADD he begins writing down security ideas and concerns. The time escapes his attention until WO Crane walks up to the office door. Lightly knocking at the door causes Jalal to glance up.

"I guess that it's time for me to be moving." Jalal tells Crane. Holding onto the PADD Jalal stands up and moves around the desk. Putting the PADD under his belt, he reaches up and removes a silver necklace with a key on it from around his neck. Handing it to Crane he says.

"Here you go. Of course, almost all of the weapons are already out. And I hope it doesn't come to you having to delete the security codes. I don't know exactly how long this meeting will be, but I should be back in not too long a time."

"Understood Chief. Don't worry it's all under control."

"Yes I know, it's just my nature. Hold down the fort." Turning Jalal walks out of the office and past the front desk. Jogging quickly brings him to the turbolift. As the door opens he steps onto it and tells it where to go. After going a few seconds the lift stops on another dec k to let Lt. Grigg step into it.

The rest of the lift ride is filled with Jalal giving Grigg the rundown of the meeting to come. When the door opens both of them walk down the corridor to the docking bay. As they walk up he gives his mobile strike section guarding the docking bay a nod. This will be the first time I've been on a Galaxy class ship. I can't wait to see it Jalal thinks to himself walking on to the ship.

"Welcome aboard the USS Galaxy Chief. May I introduce my staff. This is Lt. K'arta, my assistant Chief for Beta shift. And this is Lt. Paran, in charge of Gamma shift."

"It's good to meet all of you. This is Lt. JG Grigg in charge of my Beta shift. And it's an honor to be aboard the Galaxy." Jalal replies in an equally friendly voice. Jalal and Grigg follow as Sterner leads them to a conference room. After everyone sits around the table Lt. Sterner starts the meeting.

"I want to put lieutenant Paran in charge of these security officers while they are on your station." Sterner says and then waits for an answer.

"That's a fine idea and thank you for your help. Let's have Grigg and Lt Paran workout the shift rotations with both groups. We need everyone as sharp as we can get them while we are here. I think we need the basics of a plan to defend ourselves in case of some type of attack. The main part of that defense has to be the Galaxy with it's greater firepower. I hope that any fight will end there, but I've had my men practice defending the station in holo programs for alone time. I'm sure by now they hate that program."

"Called for Information"
by Lt. Jg Ramone Pescadeiro
Assistant Chief Operations Officer Beta 2 Station

Ramone was in his quarters talking with Jania, when his Comm Badge chirped at him.

[Seles to Lt. Pescadeiro.]

"Excuse me for a moment," he said to Jania, tapping his comm badge.

"Pescadeiro here, what can I do for you Lt.?"

[ Meet me in Ops at your earliest convenience.]

"Certainly, I'll be there momentarily. Pescadeiro out."

He closed the channel and looked over to Jania. "She sounds interested in something, probably my report. I better go talk with her. Feel free to stay, I shouldn't be too long."

With that he turned to leave, pausing....

"Computer, engage security Pescadeiro 1 if Jania Fowler leaves these quarters."

Turning back to Jania, Ramone tells her that the security is to protect his quarters and not used to keep her there. She was free to leave at any time.

*******************Main Ops****************************

Ramone entered Ops and saw Lt Cohen wasn't there, but Lt. Seles was at her post. Walking over to her, he lightly tapped her on the shoulder. "You wanted to see me?"

Slowly Russ fell asleep. Ash appeared again.

"Hey babe, you must be getting attached." She said with a soft smile.

"Ash they won't give you the...." Russ started worriedly.

Ash interrupted, "Stop fretting Russ, you sound like an old woman, or someone who actually cares....about...me.." Ash trailed off but quickly picked it back up. "Tell the doctor I was hit with a small dart in the back of the neck. The doctor should find some of the poison on it. I've got to go..."

Ash lend forward a quickly kiss Russ. Her image dissipated and Russ woke up.

V: "Assignments"

***Main Operations***

"You wanted to see me," asked Lt. Pescadeiro.

"Yes, Ramone, thanks for coming." It looked like she had disturbed him from something personal but it went with the uniform. "Lt. Cohen will be accompanying the Galaxy to visit the fortress. I would like you to take over at Tactical." She didn't think that Matthew would like that very much but he wasn't here and she needed some more experienced people in Ops.

"Since you have already come in contact with the fortress, I want you to come up with some tactical solutions on how to deal with an attack from members of this Void Cooperative. Use the data from the scans you obtained and also use the scans of the shuttle that is still docked here. Any questions?"

Lt. Seles, Chief Operations Officer Station Beta Two

Time to go, Kale tucked the last bit of concealed equipment into his clothing and turned to S'tell "You understand what you must do?"

"Yes ambassador" the aids face was a mask of calm.

"Excellent , good luck to you."

"And to you Ambassador, may the elements be kind."

"May they indeed S'tell, may they indeed."

Kale left the embassy at a brisk pace, as he passed an observation window, he could not surpress a shudder, the religiouse belifes of the Rhianssu focused around the life force of the elements and this place was like some ancient version of hell, no life no elements just void. Kale cut that train of though, there was life here and he was going to meet it. He swiftly made his way to the galaxy. Despite the alienness of her design she was a beutiful ship in her own way, so unlike the sweeping bird like designs of Rhiannsu star vessels, he recalled the frantic intelligence gathering on this class of vessel when it was known the federation intended to make one its flagship, very few Rhiannssu had ever set foot on a galaxy class vessel, fewer still with the knowledge of its federation owners, yes all in all it would be an interesting trip.

Lieutenant Paran had spent the day resting after him and the other officers had pulled two shifts. He awoke to find a message waiting for him from Lieutenant Sterner. He called it up.

To: CPO Jalal Dawner, Chief of Security, Station Beta 2
From: Lieutenant Sterner, Chief of Security, USS Galaxy
CC: Lieutenant (JG) K'arta, Assistant Chief of Security, USS Galaxy
CC: Lieutenant (JG) Paran, Assistant Chief of Security, USS Galaxy

I agree with your concern about a possible threat from the Void. Therefore I invite you to meet me today at 1500 hours at the Galaxy's docking bay.

I'll bring along my two Assistant Chiefs and we'll discuss security measures in my office.

Lieutenant Sterner

After reading that, he realised he didn't have all that long to get ready, so he quickly washed, pulled on his uniform, checked his phaser, then set of to the docking bay. There he met Lt. Sterner and Lt. K'arta waiting for the officers from Station Beta 2.

Once Chief Dawner came aboard the Galaxy, Joerg introduced him to his security officers.

"Welcome aboard the USS Galaxy Chief." he friendly greeted.

"May I introduce my staff. This is Lieutenant K'arta, my Assistant Chief for Beta shift." he said while K'arta nodded to the Chief.

"And this is Lieutenant Paran, in charge of Gamma shift security." Joerg introduced him. He nodded back and waited for the other man to be introduced.

After the Chief introduced his assistant, Joerg asked them all to follow him back to his office on deck 38. Once there they sat around the conference table, a smaller version of the ones used by the Captain and the First Officer.

"I guess we all know why we are here." Joerg started the meeting.

"The unknown danger this Void Cooperative poses leaves us very little time to act. Therefore I already have prepared for some assistance my security officer could give you." he added and handed Chief Dawner a PADD with a list of security officers he had choosen.

"I want to put Lieutenant Paran in charge of these security officers while they are on your station." Sterner says and then waits for an answer.

"That's a fine idea and thank you for your help. Let's have Grigg and Lt. Paran workout the shift rotations with both groups. We need everyone as sharp as we can get them while we are here. I think we need the basics of a plan to defend ourselves in case of some type of attack. The main part of that defense has to be the Galaxy with it's greater firepower. I hope that any fight will end there, but I've had my men practice defending the station in holo programs for alone time. I'm sure by now they hate that program."

Chanor listened in interest before adding his own comment.

"Sir, I believe that Lieutenant K'arta would be better suited to this task than I. He is a more experienced officer and has had more time on board the USS Galaxy. Besides, my main weakness lies in fighting. I am very good with ranged weapons, but cannot fight exceptionally well. I believe that Lieutenant K'arta could better complement that which I lack?"

He waited for an answer, hoping that the others would not be offended by what he had said.

Lt. JG Paran Chanor USS Galaxy.

"Out of Synch - Part III"
by Lt. (Jg.) Ronni Morris
Asst. Chief of Science, USS Galaxy

Ronni was steamed but she kept it under control. She didn't mind Deiran having her help reconfigure the navigational controls, and working with Shanika was always nice. What got her mad was Deiran talking to her like an underling. She was as good at her job as Deiran was at his and here he talks to her like she was a child.

She was glad to be busy though and was glad that she was being requested to do all of these different projects on the Station and on the USS Galaxy. She decided to bring her ideas about modifying the WARP shell to Lt. Mitchell.

Lt. Mitchell on the bridge calibrating the newly aligned sensors and navigational controls. He turned as she walked up.

"Hi Ronni." he said, "Are you ready for our trip to the Void Collective?"

"Yes. And actually, that is part of the reason I wanted to talk to you. I think there may be way to return to our dimension, but the idea has never been done before and could be risky." she said.

"Well, what is it?" he said turning to face her completely.

"In the Void, we are our of synch with our reality. The WARP shell created when we warp puts us slightly out of synch with basic reality, otherwise we would hit stray asteroids, ships, etcetera. If we could modify the WARP shell and encompass us and Beta Station 2, we could set the modulations to put us back in synch with our reality. I figure that is how the probe sent us here. It couldn't have had the power to open a portal, but if it emitted. an energy pulse of some sort, it could have remodulated the field harmonics of the area and poof, sent us here."

Lt. Mitchell just sat there. "Do you have any proof of this?" he said hesitantly.

Ronni handed him her PADD and said, "I've gathered this from out sensor logs and the scans done of the Void Collective. I would like to verify the scans when we get closer, but this pretty much proves my theory. What I'm worried about is how we are going to generate a WARP shell while standing still AND make it large enough to encompass the Station."

Lt. Mitchell was reading through the data and just said, "Hmmmmm."

Behind her, Ronni heard the turbolift doors open. She turned and saw that Captain Zahn and Captain Price were entering onto the Bridge, talking quietly. It looked like they were ready to go.

"In the Crow's Nest"
by Cmdr. Kra'lana Morris
Executive Officer, Beta Station Two

Kra'lana stood in Ops staring out the view screen as the USS Galaxy took off into the dark expanse. It was almost surreal looking at items in the cold void.

All around her, everyone spoke in whispers, almost afraid of disturbing the Void. The world was shaky right now and nobody wanted their foundation to drop out completely.

Kra'lana felt like the lookout in the crow's nest of the ancient wooden ships of Earth and Bajor. She was on the lookout for land, or even familiar space. She had to shake her head to break the reverie.

She went around Ops and checked with each person there. Asked them how their assignments were coming, helping as she could. She made a point to tell everyone there how good a job they were doing and how much she appreciated them.

She went into her office and composed a message for all section heads asking for a status report of all proj ects, general mood of their crews, and preparedness for attack or action.

Kra'lana went over to the replicator and ordered an iced Tulac and quietly waited in her nest, looking for land.

Russ woke up from his dream with a start. He got up from the chair and headed into the doctor's office. "Doc, I know what's wrong with Ash. Look at the base of her neck, and there will be an entry point were a poison-tipped dart went in. That's what's wrong with her! She was poisoned!"

The doctor turns and eyes Russ suspiciously. "And how do you know this?"

"I just know, okay? Will you just look at her?"

"No. First you tell me how you know. Then I'll take a look."

Russ rolls his eyes, getting annoyed. "Alright, fine. I'll tell you. But, you won't believe me."

"Just tell me."

"Alright. Everytime I go to sleep near Ash, she comes to me in my dreams. As a real person, not someone I made up. She tells me things that will make her better, and other items of interest. That's how I knew about the poison dart. Now, go take a look at her."

The doctor thinks about this for a minute. "Okay. I will. But first, I have to finish up something more important."

"Thanks, doc." Russ then turns on his heel and heads back to Ash's bedside. "Ash, it's me, Russ. The doctor is going to come and look at you. Just hang on. " He then leans down and kisses her lightly on the forehead. Russ then sits back down in the chair, waiting for the doctor.

V: "Assignments Pt 2"

***Main Operations***

"You wanted to see me," asked Lt. Pescadeiro.

"Yes, Ramone, thanks for coming." It looked like she had disturbed him from something personal but it went with the uniform. "Lt. Cohen will be accompanying the Galaxy to visit the fortress. I would like you to take over at Tactical." She didn't think that Matthew would like that very much but he wasn't here and she needed some more experienced people in Ops.

"Since you have already come in contact with the fortress, I want you to come up with some tactical solutions on how to deal with an attack from members of this Void Cooperative. Use the data from the scans you obtained and also use the scans of the shuttle that is still docked here. Any questions?"

Looking over at the Tactical station where Lt. Cohen usually worked, Ramone gave an inward shudder, he knew very well that Lt. Cohen didn't like him and hoped that he wouldn't think his working that station presumptuous.

"Very well, Lt. If you think that appropriate." He turned to go to the tactical station and then stopped, looking back at Lt. Seles, "I appreciate your faith in my judgement." He handed her the PADD with his recommendation and personal log.

Sitting down at Tactical, he looked at the way Lt. Cohen had his monitors configured. He could see that using all the displays at once to monitor all the stations functions were useful, but he felt it could be better. He started reconfiguring the displays to his preference. That done, he turned to Seles. "I'll be here at the start of Beta shift."

Leaving Ops, Ramone got into the turbolift. He told the computer to take him to the Promenade. On arriving at the promenade, he went directly to a store that he often frequented. Seeing the little betazoid, behind the counter, he smiled. Looking around the store, he saw what he was looking for, grabbing it ever so gently, he took it to the counter and payed for it. Getting a little box to carry it in, he left, hoping that Jania was still in his quarters when he got there.

Ramone was about to answer Jania's question when his com badge interrupted them. Jania sighed. Maybe she'll never know why.

=/\= "Seles to Lt. Pescadeiro."

"Excuse me for a moment," he said to Jania, tapping his comm badge. "Pescadeiro here, what can I do for you Lt.?"

=/\= "Meet me in Ops at your earliest convenience."

"Certainly, I'll be there momentarily. Pescadeiro out." He closed the channel and looked over to Jania. "She sounds interested in something, probably my report. I better go talk with her. Feel free to stay, I shouldn't be too long." With that he turned to leave, pausing momentarily. "Computer, engage security Pescadeiro 1 if Jania Fowler leaves these quarters."

Turning back to Jania, Ramone tells her that the security is to protect his quarters and not used to keep her there. She was free to leave at any time.

Jania glanced around the room. She noticed a few pictures on a table. Walking over, she noticed that there were some with the two of them. There was one of them in the park on a picnic. She remembered that day. That was the day they had confessed to each other about how they felt. She hadn't realized that he still loved her after he left. But then, why didn't he return like he promised?

Jania flopped herself on the couch and cried. She had waited, just like she had promised him she would. But, one could only wait so long. Just before her graduation from public school, he had signed up. She asked him why. He said it was something he had to do. The day he left, he promised he'd return for her. She waited, having applied to Starfleet herself to follow him. Of course, she didn't hear from either for a long time. Starfleet contacted her first, scheduling her to come in a few days later. She didn't have long to make her decision. It had been a year now since Ramone had left and she had received nothing from him. She went, wanting to find him.

When she entered the academy, she looked for him. He was nowhere to be found. Soon after she started, she realized that she had to move on. Jania had accepted the fact that he wasn't returning. She started in the degree field of Science, hoping to meet people who had the same interests as her. Oh, she would think about Ramone now and then. When she was assigned to the Yokohama, she had hoped he would be there, but he wasn't. Things had been happening at home and she had been looking for support, but she didn't find it on the Yokohama. After being discouraged about finding him twice, she didn't expect him to be on Beta 2.

But he was. She had found him again, seven years later. Should she be happy? Should she be angry for what he did? Jania didn't know. Her mind whirled in circles as she fell into a troubled sleep on his couch.

Lt.(jg) James Mitchell
Chief of Science USS Galaxy
"How Time Flies..."

***Station Beta 2, Promenade***

After the flash of light on the Beta 2 station, James had the sudden feeling of free floating. It was an odd feeling. He knew something was wrong. Holding onto his bag of veggies tightly, he hustled his way to a viewport. There was a throng of people there, mostly residents on the station, and they were all murmuring amongst themselves.

"The Stars! They're gone...." James edged his way through an opening in the the crowd and got a glance out the window. All there was to see was blackness. He thought that it might just be a starship or freighter running too close to the station and glanced around, twisting and craning his neck for a better view around the crushing squeeze of the other inhabitants. Voices were rising in panic.

"It looks to me like it's just a ship docked too close to the station." James shrugged as he spoke to the man beside him.

"Not quite, Lt." The civilian had glanced at the pips on his collar. "Look over there." He pointed out towards the opposing obsrvation port on the North side of the Station. James squinted at where the man pointed, and then his eyes grew wide. Someone pulled out a pair of infra-binoculars and handed them to him.

"If that's your ship, Lt. I'd suggest you get there right away." In the distance, James could make out the form of the Galaxy, silhouetted against nothing but the lights of the station and its own running lights, a shade of grey, riddled with the lights of its ports to go by.

***Several hours later***

After James had reported back to the ship, Captain Price had brought him into a meeting to apprise him of details and get a review of the events from him. James had been analyzing the data for hours upon returning to the starship and still nothing could be made of what was going on. It was a complete mystery. There were no precedents to go by, no events even remotely close to what was happening here. It was as if the Galaxy and Beta 2 had a blanket thrown over them that was impenetrable by their sensors.

It reminded James of a story he'd read once long ago. Called "The Langoliers", it was a story of a group of people who had flown through a rift and found themselves 'behind' time. Everything was stopped on a certain time. They had eventually found the way home, by the very fact that the aircraft that had flown them through was still working on their time. Maybe the basics of this novel would work here.

Before he had the opportunity to try this theory, he had been reassigned to the Station to work under Lt. Cmdr Varin Reix, its Chief of Science, deploying navigational beacons. They'd gone off without much problem. Lt. Casey had called him for some help and he would dearly have loved to go, but duties were duties. He had to finish up on the station first. He sighed and programmed another probe...

After the dubiously entertaining duty of launching probes, he had been re-assigned to the Galaxy to calibrate the ships sensors in conjunction with the probes and the Station. Apparently, Captain's Zahn and Price had decided to take little recon through the Void to meet something called the "Void Collective." Being that he had no idea what this was about, he brought it up to Captain Price when he had a chance to chat alone with him.

"All I have time to tell you is that we've made First Contact with this 'Void Collective' as they wish to be called." Price had turned to leave. "Just make sure those Nav beacons work, 'mate!" He left before James could get another word in edge-wise.

So here he was now, on the bridge, calibrating the sensors and finishing up Lt. Casey's work on the navigational controls, when he heard a tapping approach him. Looking out from under his panel, he saw two legs in black pants. Following his gaze up the uniform, it fell across the standard Sciences blue and found himself looking up at Lt Morris, his assistant Science Officer.

The Delphinian presented him with an interesting idea for what and how to get out of the situation they were in.

"In the Void, we are out of synch with our reality. The WARP shell created when we warp puts us slightly out of synch with basic reality, otherwise we would hit stray asteroids, ships, etcetera. If we could modify the WARP shell and encompass us and Beta Station 2, we could set the modulations to put us back in synch with our reality. I figure that is how the probe sent us here. It couldn't have had the power to open a portal, but if it emitted. an energy pulse of some sort, it could have remodulated the field harmonics of the area and poof, sent us here."

James pondered this idea. There were variances in it that he had to question, but due to his work with Warp Shells in a previous mission, it had merit. "Do you have any proof of this?" he said hesitantly eying Lt. Morris.

Ronni handed him her PADD. "I've gathered this from our sensor logs and the scans done of the Void Collective. I would like to verify the scans when we get closer, but this pretty much proves my theory. What I'm worried about is how we are going to generate a WARP shell while standing still AND make it large enough to encompass the Station."

"Hmm...." James skimmed through the data. "Interesting..." He looked up to see Zahn and Price enter the Bridge. They appeared as if they were rearing to go.

"Ronni." The Delphinian turned back to James. "Listen, it looks like we're ready to go. I want to talk to you about this idea of yours. I have had some experience with warp shell theories and practical uses. I can expand the shell to encompass both the ship and the station, but I want to get Lt. Cmdr. Reix and his staff in on this. They might have some input on the situation. As soon as the Captain is finished here and we know what we are doing, I'll contact Commander Reix and arrange some time for a Science Staff Conference."

The glistening female nodded as the two of them were interrupted by Captain's Zahn and Price.

Lt (jg) James Mitchell Chief Science Officer USS Galaxy

Ensign Luke Miller went to his quarters, ordering a hot coffee from the replicator. He set down on the table, looking out of the window, watching the coldness of space. Somehow the memories of his first day on board came back to him.

Luke had joined the crew of the Galaxy as the ship was docked on StarBase 123. After he had first set foot on the ship the young half Klingon - half Bajoran, who had just finished Starfleet Academy a few month earlier, had reported to his CO, Lt. Ti, Miran. It had been a great relieve for him when he saw that the woman was Bajoran, a race so familiar to him. She had welcomed him on board and they had talked for a few minutes, before he had went to his quarters.

Luke had, later on the day, made a tour through the ship, visiting the most important areas. He had heard a lot about these Galaxy class starships, but had never thought that they were so huge.

Before going to bed Miller had reviewed the crew roster and had found, to his delight, that there were many different people, from many different worlds on the Galaxy. There were several Half Bajoran and even one half Klingon. It wouldn't be that hard to find some friends here he had thought, althought this was normaly one of his biggest problems, finding new friends.

Luke had decorated his room with small models of shuttles and space ships from across the galaxy. But most of them were Klingon.

About all this he thought, as his eyes focused on a point somewhere in the galaxy.

"Security meeting, Part 3"
by Lieutenant Joerg Sterner
Chief of Security, USS Galaxy

After hearing the opinions of everyone on the security help for Beta 2, Joerg tried to bring the meeting to an end.

"Ok, that's what we gonna do. Lieutenant K'arta and Grigg will be responsible for the station's security, since I assume that we both will be present on the upcoming meeting with the Void Cooperative." Joerg said looking at Chief Dawner and he just nodded, not to interrupt him.

"This will include building security teams from the Galaxy and Beta 2 and let them train together to increase their teamwork. Lieutenant Paran will stay aboard the Galaxy, but help Lieutenant K'arta with the upcoming training. Is there anything else?"

"I don't think so. We better start moving, cause we're running out of time." Chief Dawner said and stood up.

"Let me show you the way to the docking bay." Joerg offered, while his Assistant Chiefs were already busily checking PADDs to coordinate the teams.

Upon arriving at the docking bay Joerg thought of the missing Ensign again.

"Have you found out anything about Ensign Enquist, my missing security officer?" he asked the Chief before he could leave the Galaxy.

"No, I'm terribly sorry, but we hadn't much time to search for him lately." he added.

Frustrated by the sad news, Joerg returned to his office, after the guests had left the docking bay. For the rest of his shift he offered his assistants his help to complete their task.

****************** Next day, Alpha Shift ******************

Joerg was standing on the bridge of the Galaxy, a place he wasn't seen very often, since most of the time he spend in his office. But this time it was different. Captain Price has ordered every senior officer to the bridge, except those who were still busily adjusting the Galaxy's systems for the upcoming voyage.

Because the delegation from the station were overdue, the Captain ordered Joerg to look for them and escort them to the bridge. He stepped into the turbo lift and was on his way to the docking bay. While inside the lift he tapped him comm badge.

"Sterner to Mulich and Franklin. Meet me at the docking bay at once."

[Understood sir. We're on our way. Mulich out.]

Sterne

r and his two officers met on the corridor just in front of the docking bay.

"We'll escort Captain Zahn and his senior staff to the bridge." Joerg explained quickly to Mulich and Franklin while they walked to the hatch.

They left the Galaxy and started to look for the delegation. A short time later Joerg saw them and gestured his team to follow him. Upon meeting with Captain Zahn, he greeted them.

"Captain. We are here to escort you and your staff to the bridge of the Galaxy sir." he said while standing straight.

"Very well Lieutenant. Just go ahead and we'll follow you." Captain Zahn said.

Joerg turned around and led the way back to the docking bays, while his two Ensigns took a position behind the delegates. As soon as they arrived at the Galaxy the security guards saluted and let them through. Once they entered the turbo lift, Ensign Mulich and Franklin stood guard outside the lift until the doors closed.

"Bridge." Joerg just stated.

Some moments later they arrived at the main bridge of the Galaxy. Joerg left the lift and stood beside the door.

"Captain Zahn and his senior staff as ordered sir!" he said to Captain Price, who just turned to view them.

"Follow Me Home"
Written by Captain Joseph Zahn
Commanding Officer, Station Beta Two

"Stay steady behind that shuttle at full impulse 'mate," Captain Price said sitting aboard the Bridge of the USS Galaxy. Captain Zahn, Lieutenant Cohen, Commander Reix, Chief Jalal, and Ambassador Kale stood in the back of the Bridge observing. Jalal and Cohen made small talk about working aboard ships verus stations. The Romulan Ambassador was almost in awe. He hadn't experienced a Federation starship in a long time.

Joseph and Varin stared at the view-screen. Vyrissla's colorful shuttle and the Yridian transport Shek slowly etched out into the open spanse of pure space. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. The space station Captain could only think about the dream he has the night before. Luckily he wasn't traveling to the fortress aboard Vyrissla's vessel. That experience might have sparked unimaginable recollections of the nightmare.

Captain Zahn tried not to think about the future too much. Concentrating on the present wasn't as detrimental. He looked over at his Trill Chief of Science. Lieutenant Commander Reix stood and glared out of the main viewer alongside Joseph. "Commander, why don't you go speak with Lieutenant Mitchell about some of the theories you've developed about The Void? I'm sure our little trip will take an hour or so." Reix just nodded and moved over to the Science terminal. Joseph smiled. The scienctists of Beta 2 and the Galaxy might be the only way of escaping The Void.

He sighed and continued staring out of the main viewer.

"A bolt drifting in space"
by Robert Edward Lee Price

The USS Galaxy slowly eased away from Station Beta Two. Her thrusters pushing her clear of the docking port as the Starship gracefully spun around and engaged minimal Impulse engines. In the distance, a glistening Alien space craft from the Void Cooroperative hovered near by, waiting for the Galaxy to take up position next to the YSS Shek which was already waiting in position. Zahn looked out of the Galaxy's main view screen with contempt. Obviously still angry at the Yridians for deciding to join the Void Cooroperative without consulting him first.

"Still sulking 'mate?" Captain Price asked noticing Joseph's grin expression.

"A bit maybe. I just have a bad feeling about all of this." Zahn let out a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "I just want to get back home."

Lee nodded. "I hear you 'mate. We all want to get back to familiar territory." Glancing out the main view screen, "Perhaps some of the answer lies within this Fortress."

Zahn nodded slightly, still deep in his own thoughts of the Yridian. Lee glanced around. Ambassador tr'Herrian was standing by near the back of the Bridge, observing everything that was going on. Lee smiled slightly as he watched the Romulan talk with Lieutenant Blair at the tactical station, most likely showing off his knowledge of the Galaxy class systems. Blair seemed less than impressed, almost annoyed at the Romulan's attitude, but was under orders from the Captain to be cordial to the distinguished guests from Station Beta Two.

Behind the Ambassador, Chief Dawner and Lieutenant Cohen from Station Beta Two stood by quietly, arms crossed. Their eyes never seemed to leave the Romulan Ambassador for more than a few moments as he questioned and prodded Lieutenant Blair about the Galaxy's tactical systems. Lee grinned slightly, as it seemed that the Station Beta Two officers were not very trusting of the Ambassador either. He wondered if Zahn had given them private orders to keep close tabs on the Romulan while on this away mission.

Across the Bridge, Lee's gaze fell on Lieutenant Mitchell and Commander Reix. The two Science officers seemed fascinated in something the sensors had detected. Lee raised an eyebrow as he got up from his chair and walked over. Zahn followed.

"What's all the commotion about 'mates?"

Mitchell and Reix glanced at each other quickly. It was apparent that they didn't realize they were arguing loudly enough to catch anyone's attention. The Bajoran spoke first.

"Captain,... just a slight disagreement over something one of the lateral sensor arrays picked up sir. Nothing important."

The Trill's expression soured noticeably. However Commander Reix wasn't going to say anything to embarrass the Chief science officer of the Galaxy.

"Why don't you let us decide that Lieutenant?" Captain Price insisted. Captain Zahn leaned closer listening in on the conversation.

Again Mitchell's eyes darted to Reix, before he took a deep breath and adjusted his station.

"Okay Sir. We were hypothesizing over the nature of this debris Captain."

Mitchell's monitor came to life with the enlarged image of what looked like a small, broken bolt, tumbling slowly through the vast openness of the Void.

Lee squinted to make out the image before he recognized it. "Looks like a bolt of some kind."

Joseph placed a hand on Lee's shoulder as he leaned in. "To be more specific, a self sealing stemic bolt. The Outer ring of the Station uses quite a few of those."

Lee glanced at Captain Zahn and nodded, taking his identification of the object as fact. Still struggling to understand what the argument was over.

"So?" Lee said flatly. "There is a bolt drifting in space. Probably debris from an accident, or a battle. What is the point?"

Mitchell grinned. "My thoughts EXACTLY Captain." The Bajoran leaned back crossing his arms slightly, tong pressed firmly in the corner of his cheek while he stares at Commander Reix waiting for an answer.

Price and Zahn both follow Mitchell's gaze to Reix.

"Well 'mate, I think Mitchell has made it your turn." Price said with a slight grin.

The Trill looked at Captain Zahn and then Price. Finally, he stepped forward slightly, and adjusted a couple of controls widening the field to reveal many tiny objects all tumbling through space. All very small, no bigger than the bolt fragment Mitchell had isolated before.

"As you can see GENTLEMEN," The tone of Reix' voice rose slightly with the word 'Gentlemen' as he moved past and looked at Lieutenant Mitchell before continuing. "It is not simply one single bolt tumbling through space, but a very large, ambient small debris field."

Both Captain Price and Captain Zahn listened intensely to the Commander's description, anticipating a point being made. Reix stared back at them blankly, as if it had already been.

With a questioning look, Lee asked, "And your point Commander? Surely you didn't simply want to point out a debris field from some sort of accident or battle?"

Mitchell's grin grew slightly wider.

Reix rolled his eyes slightly. Perhaps he was expecting too much from these humans. After all, they were only youngsters compared to his hundreds of years of experience thanks to his symbiot.

"It's moving Captain. Look. The entire field is slowly drifting away."

Lee shook his head slightly as he took another look. It appeared Reix was correct, the entire mass of debris did appear to be moving, however agonizingly slowly.

Captain Zahn interjected. "Couldn't the movement be accounted for by whatever force caused the debris field? An explosion, or other kinetic force that set the objects in motion?"

As the Captain spoke, Mitchell's attention was focused on the monitor now that Reix had widened the view to display the larger field. Tapping the controls, Mitchell began isolating other pieces of debris and analyzing them.

"I do not believe so Captain. Were that the case, the debris would not all be moving in the same direction as this field appears to be doing."

"He's right Captain..." Mitchell reluctantly admitted. "I've just cross checked a few of the other pieces of debris. They are all moving in a parallel course and speed."

"Could it be some sort of interstellar current? Some kind of slip stream that has caught the debris 'mate?" Price asked.

"I don't believe so Captain." Reix began. "This Void is absent of most of the elements and phenomenon required to have such a current establish."

"This almost looks like a gravitational attraction..." Mitchell thinks out loud. Price, Zahn and Reix turned and looked at the Bajoran.

"Exactly my thought Lieutenant." Reix said with a smile, having now proven that the 'bolt drifting in space' was more than it first appeared.

Lee glanced out the main view port at the shear vastness of the Void. Station Beta Two had long since vanished out of visual range. Nothing could be seen for as far as the eye could see other than the two other ships in their envoy.

"What could have a gravitational pull strong enough to attract such small pieces of debris from so far away?"

Mitchell shook his head. "I don't know sir, maybe a black hole? Normally I'd say a giant Star, but here, I don't think that's possible. A huge planet?"

Joseph laughed slightly. "A planet that large would definitely of been detected by our sensors. No, if there is something out there that is strong enough to attract this debris, it would have to be much, much bigger than a planet to affect the gravitational fields from so far away."

Captain Price stepped away from the Science station and looked over to the Helm. "Lieutenant Ti, is the Galaxy experiencing any sort of gravitational pull that you can detect?"

Miran adjusted her console. "Very slight Captain, however the inertial dampeners are compensating Sir."

Taking a fe w more steps. "Can you localize the direction of the gravitational pull Lieutenant?"

"Aye sir, Bearing 264 mark 7."

Glancing back, Lee looked at Lieutenant Mitchell. "Confirmed sir, same bearing as the debris field is being drawn to."

Captain Price nodded. "Good catch Commander. I'm not too sure what it all means, but at least it tells us something about this Void."

"Captain," Zahn started, "we may be able to get more information from the Cooroperative when we meet with them. No doubt they have had an opportunity to study this gravitational pull in their time here."

"Aye, good idea. In the mean time, I'd like Lieutenant Mitchell and Commander Reix to continue to study this gravitational field. Learn all we can about it 'mates."

Reix and Mitchell gave each other a glance. There didn't appear to be any hard feelings between them, just a general, friendly rivalry. With nods and slight smiles, they acknowledged the Captain's orders and began to get to work.

"Maybe if we prepped a class one probe..." Mitchell mused while Captains Zahn and Price returned to the command chairs.

V: "Holding Down the Fort"

***Main Operations***

Lt. Pescadeiro looked hesitant about taking over at Tactical. "Don't worry about Lt. Cohen. I am sure he won't mind." paH! Katarina knew how much Matthew disliked her interfering in HIS area but he wasn't here and half the senior officers were off the station. They could fight about it later.

Katarina turned back to her OPS console and reviewed the work done so far on trying to get them out of this void. She pulled up all the sensor logs of the original probe and data obtained from the probes that had already been sent out. She was amazed that such a small probe could actually transport the station and the Galaxy to another place or dimension.

She called for a relief ops officer and headed to Deck 61 to work on the main sensor array.

* * * *

After several hours of reconfiguring the long range sensors, Katarina returned to Ops. Just then a call came in from the Galaxy over a secure line. It was Lt. Cmdr. Reix notifying them of the gravitational pull they were experiencing. Interesting.

What could cause that? Perhaps it was the mass of space stations and ships that Lt. Pescadeiro encountered. Or perhaps they had been transported to a different solar system? Or maybe they were INSIDE some enormous entity? That would account for the lack of stars but it didn't seem very plausible. Most likely they were in a different reality or dimension. Lt. Seles boosted power to the long range sensors and continued scanning the space around them...

Lt. Seles, Chief Operations Officer Station Beta Two

The air was cool and crisp. The room was well-lit, carpeted, familiar beeps and whistles, sounds of a ship in operation. The panels were the right colors and configurations. It had been two long, long years, but Matthew Cohen was on the bridge of a starship again.

He took it somewhat for granted that he would not be at the tactical station, given the fact that the Galaxy had a tac officer (even more so, he'd never been at the tactical board of a ship this large), and so he contented himself with chatting with Jalal about the differences between shipboard and station assignments. All the while, his eyes kept flicking over to the Rihannsu ambassador, who he didn't trust any farther than he could throw.

His hands automatically slipped the rifle from his shoulder, the armament having not left his side since boarding, despite the protests from the Galaxy's security chief. He had no intention of being caught off guard. Even as he talked, his fingers turned the setting to the heaviest stun he could get away with... all the better to keep watch.

Ramone entered his quarters, carrying the little box he'd bought on the promenade. Glancing around he see's Jania dozing on his couch. She'd stayed. Thinking to himself, I hope that's a good sign, but never too sure when it came to Jania, afterall it had been 7 years. He looked down at the box, that he hoped would help bring her back into his life again forever. He didn't want to lose her again. And it was is fault the first time, he vowed to himself that he wasn't going to make that mistake again!

Quietly, he stepped over to the couch, taking in her beauty as she slept. He noticed that she'd been crying. A painful pang of guilt erupted within him. Putting the box behind him, so she wouldn't see his surprise, he reached out and gently tapped her shoulder. After a moment, she stirred, waking up.

Her eyes fluttered open to see a smiling face that she'd searched for, for so long and had finally found. Sitting up, she looked into his eyes, finding all the love they had shared so long ago still there, still burning.

"I have something for you," Ramone said, waiting for her reaction.

She looked a little confused, "Something for me?"

Ramone pulled the small box from behind his back and gave it to her, "This is for you. I know it's not much, but it's a little token. It can't make up for all the lost time, but please accept it."

Opening the box in lap, Ramone heard her take a sharp intake of breath. She held the up the necklace, a Betazoid blue rose, a symbol of undying love. Ramone saw the tears well up in her eyes. Thinking to himself...if she acceptshe'll be the happiest betazoid in the universe. She'll be his and he'll be hers.

"Ready"
by CPO Jalal Dawner
Chief of Security, Beta 2

As the loud alarm blasts into Jalal's bedroom he rolls over. Reaching up he slaps around on the cabinet above him trying to takeout his alarm clock. Remembering that said clock is back on his homeworld he sits up.

"Alright! Shutup computer! I'm awake already."

Sliding to the edge of his bed he puts his legs down. Rubbing his eyes he stands up, for a few seconds at least before sitting back down. With both hands he gently rubs his knee easing the muscles there. When this is all over I think I'll ask commander Morris to work on that kneecap. After a few minutes he stands up and walks into the bathroom getting ready for the coming day.

Leaving the bathroom he goes to his dresser taking out his uniform. Checking to make sure all his special items are there he starts to get dressed. Zipping his pants up a dark shape steps into the bedroom.

"I have some real breakfast made for us. Exxcept for the orange juice, like either one of us can afford it." Blla, standing in the doorway, tells Jalal.

"That sounds Great. I'll be right there." Pulling his shirt on his begins to rebraid his hair and attach his different rank symbols. The silver ones for starfleet and the officers pearl for the Orexian emperor. Sliding a hand phaser into his position he steps into the front room.

Sitting down he and Blla begin to eat their meal. "Jalal, try and be careful. None of us know what these guys will do."

"Aren't I always careful." Looking at her face he continues. "You know I have a duty to the station, the Captain and our Emperor. My safety is secondary to those three, as it should be. If I was any different you wouldn't care for me like you do."

"I know, it just makes me feel better to tell you that. And I Do care for you. Now eat your food before it gets cold. Hot, my food isn't that great. Cold, it tastes like rocks."

Finishing their meal Jalal stands up walking to the small pack on the floor. Picking it up his slides it over his right shoulder. Glancing around the room nothing jumps out to him. So he walks up to Blla.

"I know I don't say this too often. But I, well, you know." Reaching over he kisses her goodbye. "By the Light, I Will come back. There's a good reason now." Turning he walks out of his quarters heading for the docking bay.

+++++++++++

Walking up to the docking bay he sees the two people he's looking for. Moving to them he says. "Captain, sir. Lt. Cohen." Jalal sees Sterner and two of his men leaving the docking bay. Glancing around they with ease see Jalal and the two humans. Sterner and the two walk over to them.

"Captain. We are here to escort you and your staff to the bridge of the Galaxy sir." he said while standing straight.

"Very well Lieutenant. Just go ahead and we'll follow you." Captain Zahn said.

Joerg turned around and led the way back to the docking bays, while his two Ensigns took a position behind the delegates. As soon as they arrived at the Galaxy the security guards saluted and let them through. Once they entered the turbo lift, Ensign Mulich and Franklin stood guard outside the lift until the doors closed.

"Bridge." Joerg just stated.

Some moments later they arrived at the main bridge of the Galaxy. Joerg left the lift and stood beside the door.

"Captain Zahn and his senior staff as ordered sir!" he said to Captain Price, who just turned to view them.

"Taking Charge"
by Lt. (jg) K'arta

K'arta was on duty in the Galaxy's security office doing the routine "paper" work when she noticed a new message on the computer screen. It was from Lt. Sterner notifying her that there would be a meeting with Station Beta Two's security chief at 1500. She realized that it was only a half hour until the meeting and called up a replacement.

"K'arta to Lt. Mohler." she said, tapping her com-badge.

"Mohler here. What do you need?" he answered.

"Can you replace me here in the office?" she asked.

"Sure. Can I ask why?" he queried.

"I have a meeting in a half hour." she answered.

"I'll be there as soon as I can. Mohler out." he closed the channel.

K'arta rolled her eyes and turned back to the report she was going over. Yet another report on yet another PADD decorating the security desk. She wondered why they couldn't just condense all of the reports to less than five PADDs. Sometimes she wondered how people got up in space at all.

She sighed as Mohler entered and stood over her, waiting for her to vacate the chair.

"What?" she said, looking up at the tall man.

"Don't you have a meeting?" he asked of his ever so slightly superior officer.

"Yeah, yeah. I guess I should be going." K'arta said as she rose.

K'arta walked out and headed for the turbolift. She arrived in the docking bay and was followed by Lt. (jg) Paran. Sterner arrived quickly after him. Chief Dawner entered with one of his officers shortly after Sterner.

Lt. Sterner introduced his assistants as did Chief Dawner. The group proceeded to the security conference room where Sterner outlined his plans. He was going to place Paran in charge on the station until Paran objected. He cited the fact that K'arta was much better at hand to hand combat than himself. Sterner agreed and concluded the meeting. He rose to show Dawner the way back to the docking bay as K'arta and Paran began discussing what officers would remain on the ship and which ones would take posts on the station.

"I'd like to take Sobra, Chandler, Mulich, Mason and Aaron." K'arta began.

"That would leave Cadet Campbell taking the place of one of the regular officers." Paran objected.

"I think he can handle it." K'arta responded.

"I'd think an experienced officer would be better to remain on the ship since we don't know what to expect from the Void Collective." the Bajoran countered.

"You have a point. Let's see what Lt. Sterner has to say." K'arta suggested when she saw their superior officer enter.

"Sir, may I have Cadet Campbell for my team?" K'arta waited for his answer.

"Who's going?"
by Lieutenant Joerg Sterner
Chief of Security, USS Galaxy

When Joerg returned to his office, K'arta and Paran were just discussing, if Cadet Campbell should be in the security team on Beta 2.

"You have a point. Let's see what Lt. Sterner has to say." K'arta suggested when she saw their superior officer enter.

"Sir, may I have Cadet Campbell for my team?" K'arta waited for his answer.

Joerg thought about this question while he sat down beside Lieutenant K'arta.

"I think this could be an experience for him he needs as a security officer. You can have him." Joerg said, and felt like he just sold the Cadet to Lieutenant K'arta.

"Who else do you want in your team?" he asked her and she handed him a PADD.

"Sobra, Chandler, Mulich, Mason, Aaron, and Campbell." he read. "A good choice." he also added.

"I'll contact them at once and see that they'll do their best sir." K'arta said.

"I know you will. Good luck on your mission."

"Scanning request" by Ambassador Kale tr'Herrian

Kale moved up to the science console were the federation captains were clustered. he interjected " Is it posible to scan these bolts to see if they've suffered expasion shock due to external flash heating? This statment drew blank stares. " it would help us decided if it is space battel debry, it may even help us discover what kind of weapon was used, that kind of data is always useful and if it is battle remains we must find out who was fighting who and why."

Lt. JG Paran headed back to security after the meeting with Lt. JG K'arta to discuss who should go to the station to provide additional assistance. When they got back, K'arta began,

"I'd like to take Sobra, Chandler, Mulich, Mason and Aaron." K'arta began.

"That would leave Cadet Campbell taking the place of one of the regular officers." Chanor objected.

"I think he can handle it." K'arta responded.

"I'd think an experienced officer would be better to remain on the ship since we don't know what to expect from the Void Collective." he countered.

"You have a point. Let's see what Lt. Sterner has to say." K'arta suggested when she saw their superior officer enter.

"Sir, may I have Cadet Campbell for my team?" K'arta waited for his answer.

Joerg thought about this question while he sat down beside Lieutenant K'arta.

"I think this could be an experience for him he needs as a security officer. You can have him." Joerg said, and felt like he just sold the Cadet to Lieutenant K'arta.

"Who else do you want in your team?" he asked her and she handed him a PADD.

"Sobra, Chandler, Mulich, Mason, Aaron, and Campbell." he read. "A good choice." he also added.

"I'll contact them at once and see that they'll do their best sir." K'arta said.

"Sir," broke in Chanor. "Is this too many? I was thinking that there may be too many officers going to the Station. Alpha shift, with the officers who are going, will then be completely run by yourself and Ensign Franklin. Cadet Campbell and Ensign Mulich will be on the station, we don't know where Ensign Enquist is, and Ensign O'Lindey is awaiting a hearing at the moment." he paused for a moment before continuing.

"Beta shift will be completely manned by Lt. Mohler as the only senior officer whilst Gamma shift will be a near full strength. Couldn't the selection of officers be better picked so that the three shifts still have at least 2 competent officers on board?" he concluded.

"Who would you pick then Lieutenant?" asked Lt. Sterner neutrally.

"I would pick," He checked a PADD, "Cadet Campbell from Alpha shift, Ensigns Chandler and Aaron from Beta shift, along with Lt. K'arta of course, and Ensigns Sobra, Sanchez and Taylor from Gamma shift. It's still not the perfect arrangement, but it means that Beta shift is not left with only 1 senior officer on that shift. Ensign Mason will be there to assist as well."

He finished his statment and turned back to Lt Sterner and Lt. K'arta, awaiting their response to his idea.

Lt. JG Paran Chanor USS Galaxy

Ensign Miller went to the Chief Helmsman early in the morning, because he had to make a request.

He met here somewhere on deck three.

"Good morning, Ensign," she said.

"Good morning, Lieutenend," he replied, still a little nervous. "May I speak with you for a moment?"

"Of course," she told him.

"I want to do something for this ship. I'm now since a few weeks here and haven't done anything real significant, so I wondered if you would have something to do for me?" Luke asked, feeling as his face turned red, as he waited for the woman to respond.

"The Tactical Officer and The Romulan"
by Lieutenant Troy Blair
Chief Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

"This display is certainly interesting." Ambassador tr'Herrian commented over Troy's shoulder.

"I've never heard it called that, but I guess it is" Troy responded, the Romulan was beginning to get on his nerves, even after the first sentence..

"How much firepower does this ship carry?" The Romulan asked, while getting a close look at the tactical display.

"I don't think I can give you that information."

"It's because I'm Romulan...right? There's no need to tell me, I'm sure Romulan Intelligence already knows the answer to my previous question."

"Perhaps." Troy replied, then let out a slight sigh. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Captain Price smiling at him. Obviously, everyone was getting amusement from watching the Tactical Officer, and the curios Romulan.

"Hmph. You're not very fond of Romulans are you Lieutenant?"

"I wouldn't say that Ambassador. It's just the last time we had a Romulan on this ship, things didn't go smoothly."

"Oh another Romulan has been on this ship...hmm let me think. USS Galaxy....hmmm....ahhh I've got it! That Romulan must have been the traitor ri'nanov N'Prng." Troy shuttered at the sound of her name, "I see that name sends chills down your spine."

"You could say that" Troy mumbled

"Well then Lieutenant, you'll be happy to know after her child was born she was promptly executed. Her husband H'Rid recommended the method....isn't Romulan justice lovely?" Troy shook his head, what his grandfather had said after that ill-fated mission came true.

"It's not how we do things in the Federation....." Troy replied while pushing a few buttons on his display.

"What are you doing?" tr'Herrian asked. He moved closer to Troy to get a look at what buttons he was pushing.

"Nothing important, just a random sensor sweep." He began to wish the Romulan would go ask someone else questions

"Is that a normal procedure?"

"It is in an unknown environment."

"Ahhh, well if this ship had a cloak then you wouldn't have to worry about surprise attacks would you?"

"No, but I do believe our treaty with your people prohibits our ships from having cloaking devices." Troy shot back

Holding one hand in the air the Ambassador replied, "Pah! Stop living in the past, we've amended the treaty so your Defiant Class vessels can have a cloak."

"Yes but only Defiant class, correct?" Troy said

"I believe so. lloan'na should be happy we did that for them."

"Well let me tell ya....they are." Troy's voice was full of sarcasm

"Dha'rudh" replied the Romulan

"I'm sorry..did you say something?" Troy asked

"No..." tr'Herrian let out a small laugh.

Over by the Science stations, a small crowd had gathered and were discussing something. The Romulan, seeing all the commotion, casually walked over to the crowd. Probably to interject his thoughts, whether anyone wanted to hear them or not, Troy thought. But either way, the Ambassador was out of Troy's hair and in someone else's. Now he could monitor the other ships in peace, as the Galaxy made its way to the Void Cooperative fortress.

"Tactical Ideas"
By Lt. Jg Ramone Pescadeiro
Assistant Chief Operations Officer Beta 2 Station

Ramone was extremely happy about getting back together with Jania; it almost seemed as if he was afloat in a river of bliss as he walked into Ops a few minutes before Beta shift started, Ramone was sitting at the Tactical station in Ops. Pulling up the scans he had done from the shuttle. The Void Collective as they had called it, was enormous. It was an amalgamation of different ships and stations all merged into one.

Ramone started assessing that complex mixture of the Void Cooperative. They had used beridian waves to block communications, which suggested to Ramone that they had Phaser and Disruptor capabilities. It also looked like their technology was a little more advanced than he might have liked but there was nothing he could do about that.

The shield upgrades would be a definite asset to have on-line. It was a shame they didn't even have mini-photon torpedo's. He made a mental note to mention that to Lt. Cohen. The phaser remodulation should be the first priority for the station's defence should they encounter trouble. The next thing on the list to do, probably should be shield remodulation.

Ramone continued to examine the readings from the scans he did in the shuttle.

Jania wasn't really dreaming. It was more of a stream of consciousness that whirled about as she slept. She could change it at any moment, she could stop it and wake up if she wanted. But, she didn't want to. She let it run it's course, waiting for an answer.

A small tap on her shoulder brought the stream to an end. She waited, hoping it would start again, but she was fully awake now. There was no bringing it back. She rolled onto her back and opened her eyes.

Ramone stood above her, a smile that said surprise crossing his face. She remembered that smile. He always did that to her when he had

something, whether it was an object or a piece of information. He was one of those hopeless romantics who love to surprise their mates. She slowly raised her eyes the rest of the way to his. There was love in those eyes, love that hadn't left in the seven years that they were apart. She slowly sat up, feeling her own love come flooding back.

"I have something for you," Ramone said, waiting for her reaction.

"Something for me?" He brought a small box from behind his back and presented it to her.

"This is for you. I know it's not much, but it's a little token. It can't make up for all the lost time, but please accept it."

Jania opened the box and gasped. She held the up the necklace, a Betazoid blue rose, a symbol of undying love. The tears began to overwhelm her once more. She looked up at him, not quite sure what to say.

"I promise we'll never be apart again," he whispered.

"Oh, it's beautiful." As she leaned forward, all the years of separation vanished, and she hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arms around her as a sense of relief and love engulfed them. They didn't let go for quite some time. When they finally did pull away, Jania was crying again.

"What is it?" he asked, concerned.

"I'm just so happy. We're finally together again." She saw his smile of relief. She knew that they wouldn't lose each other again. Ramone gently brushed her tears away and then helped her put the necklace on. It hung a few inches below her neck, the rose a beautiful shade of deep royal blue. She fingered it fondly.

"I'm glad you like it," he said. Jania took his hand.

"I'm glad you gave it to me."

"Missed Appointments"
By Dr. Jacqueline Rousseau

Jacqueline shook her head as they moved away from Beta 2. 'I suppose this means the meeting is cancelled,' she thought. But then...there was always communications...but of what good was that? It wouldn't work at long distances.

She sent a message to Dr. Salvine as they moved off.

TO: DR. SALVINE, STATION BETA 2
FROM: DR. ROUSSEAU, USS GALAXY

Doctor,

I apologize that I had to miss our meeting. I suppose it'll have to wait until the Galaxy gets back to Beta 2. I suppose we could only expect this. It is, after all, the life of a starfleet officer.

Yours, Dr. Rousseau

The Void CoorOperative. It sounded too much like the *Borg* Collective. she felt uneasy about everything that was happening.

'But then, you're in a void, cut off from the life you knew, not sure about what will happen to you here. Uneasiness comes with the territory here. And besides, they're not cybernetic. It's not like they're going to assimilate you...'

"Outside Influences"
by Lt. (Jg.) Ronni Morris
Asst. Chief of Science, USS Galaxy

Lt. Cmdr. Reix, Lt. Mitchell, and Lt. (Jg.) Morris were working on a WARP shell model when the Romulan Ambassador walked up to the group.

The three Starfleet officers didn't notice his presence until the Lt. Commander looked over at him and jumped. He spoke up, "Ambassador, is there something I can help you with?"

"I was just wondering if you needed my assistance with anything?" he said calmly. The Ambassador looked almost amused.

"Not at this time Ambassador, but maybe in a little while. Thank you though." Lt. Cmdr. Reix said.

The Ambassador gave a slight bow and backed up. He then turned toward where the Captains were speaking and headed down the ramp toward them.

Lt. (Jg.) Morris and Lt. Mitchell looked at each other and tried not to laugh.

They turned back to the matter at hand. Lt. Mitchell spoke up and said, "Something isn't quite right. According to the databases of those who have gone to other universes and of several prevailing theories, we aren't out fully out of synch with our reality. I want to run our WARP shell model against a Temporal Mechanics model."

Lt. Cmdr. Reix and Lt. (Jg.) Morris turned to each other and groaned.

"Killing Time"
by Ensign Shanika

For the first time, Shanika was infinitely glad she was on the beta shift. That is, if that nosy Rihanha decided to go to bed before she got on the bridge. If he wanted to stay up all night, there was no escaping the awkward questions that would undoubtedly follow.

She slowly rose from the table and put her tray into the recycler. She sauntered out of the mess hall and decided to take the long way back to the bridge.

Several minutes later, she arrived, still in time for her shift. She noticed that tr'Herrian appeared quite engrossed in the tactical displays. Big surprise, I bet that nosy thrai wants to get all the information he can during this little ordeal, thought Shanika. She slid right by him, too quiet to be detected, and switched places with Lt. Ti at the helm. He hadn't noticed her yet. Shanika straightened and tried to make as little disturbance as possible. With luck, she'd probably blend in and look just like any other Starfleeter. Shanika offered up a silent prayer to Whomever might be listening that the Rihanha wouldn't be an observant one.

Lt. JG Paran headed back to security after the meeting with Lt. JG K'arta to discuss who should go to the station to provide additional assistance. When they got back, K'arta began,

"I'd like to take Sobra, Chandler, Mulich, Mason and Aaron." K'arta began.

"That would leave Cadet Campbell taking the place of one of the regular officers." Chanor objected.

"I think he can handle it." K'arta responded.

"I'd think an experienced officer would be better to remain on the ship since we don't know what to expect from the Void Collective." he countered.

"You have a point. Let's see what Lt. Sterner has to say." K'arta suggested when she saw their superior officer enter.

"Sir, may I have Cadet Campbell for my team?" K'arta waited for his answer.

Joerg thought about this question while he sat down beside Lieutenant K'arta.

"I think this could be an experience for him he needs as a security officer. You can have him." Joerg said, and felt like he just sold the Cadet to Lieutenant K'arta.

"Who else do you want in your team?" he asked her and she handed him a PADD.

"Sobra, Chandler, Mulich, Mason, Aaron, and Campbell." he read. "A good choice." he also added.

"I'll contact them at once and see that they'll do their best sir." K'arta said.

"Sir," broke in Chanor. "Is this too many? I was thinking that there may be too many officers going to the Station. Alpha shift, with the officers who are going, will then be completely run by yourself and Ensign Franklin. Cadet Campbell and Ensign Mulich will be on the station, we don't know where Ensign Enquist is, and Ensign O'Lindey is awaiting a hearing at the moment." he paused for a moment before continuing.

"Beta shift will be completely manned by Lt. Mohler as the only senior officer whilst Gamma shift will be a near full strength. Couldn't the selection of officers be better picked so that the three shifts still have at least 2 competent officers on board?" he concluded.

"Who would you pick then Lieutenant?" asked Lt. Sterner neutrally.

"I would pick," He checked a PADD, "Cadet Campbell from Alpha shift, Ensigns Chandler and Aaron from Beta shift, along with Lt. K'arta of course, and Ensigns Sobra, Sanchez and Taylor from Gamma shift. It's still not the perfect arrangement, but it means that Beta shift is not left with only 1 senior officer on that shift. Ensign Mason will be there to assist as well."

He finished his statment and turned back to Lt Sterner and Lt. K'arta, awaiting their response to his idea.

Lt. JG Paran Chanor USS Galaxy

"The Choice"
by Lieutenant Joerg Sterner
Chief of Security, USS Galaxy

"Who would you pick then Lieutenant?" asked Lt. Sterner neutrally.

"I would pick," Paran checked a PADD, "Cadet Campbell from Alpha shift, Ensigns Chandler and Aaron from Beta shift, along with Lt. K'arta of course, and Ensigns Sobra, Sanchez and Taylor from Gamma shift. It's still not the perfect arrangement, but it means that Beta shift is not left with only 1 senior officer on that shift. Ensign Mason will be there to assist as well."

He finished his statement and turned back to Lt Sterner and Lt. K'arta, awaiting their response to his idea.

Joerg thought this pick over and came to the conclusion that Lieutenant Paran was right. The one point he didn't agree with his assistant was that there weren't enough competent security officers left aboard the Galaxy with K'arta's list. There were more than enough, who were waiting for the chance of being in charge of security, even if it would only be a single shift.

But on the other hand, if the situation should erupt, Paran's list would ensure that there are enough experienced security officers left in each shift.

"After careful consideration, I think Lieutenant Paran's list is the better choice." he said, and both assistants nodded their approval, although Lieutenant K'arta was a bit disappointed by her superior's decision.

"If there isn't anything else to discuss, we should be moving. The time is working against us."

"On Our Way!"
By Commander JT Coe

**** Bridge, USS Galaxy ****

Coe sat in the command chair and looked over the bridge. He was pleased to note thae everything had gone according to plan. The modifications to the ship had been completed and with the Captains order, the ship was ready to get under way en-route to the void collective. No one really knew what awaited them. He picked up a PADD that had been placed on his armrest by a young ensign and began to read it. He relaxed face turned into a frown as he read on. Lt Sterner was informing Coe of insubordination by one of starfleets officers. Coe thought, the moral of the crew was not at its best and now was NOT the time for insubordination. He replied to Lt Sterner with a what Coe felt was a harsh penalty, but necessary.

To: Lt Sterner
From: Commander Coe

Subject: Ensign O'Lindey

Lt Sterner, Ensign O'Lindey is to be relieved of duty for the meantime and is to report to my office at 09:00 hours monday morning.

Commander Coe.

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

Coe kept it brief. He passed the PADD to an ensign who had it sent. He looked up at the viewscreen. Station Beta Two lay in front of the Galaxy, turning slowly in space. He waited for Captain Price, pleased that everything had been done.

**** 10 mins later, Bridge ****

Captain Price stepped onto the bridge and was escorted by Captain Zahn and other members of the Beta two station. Coe stood from the command chair and took his place in the XO's chair situated right next to the Captains chair. He nodded to Price as the Captain took his seat and quickly checked the status report that lay ready and waiting on his armrest. The Captain Spoke.

" Lt Ti, take us out, one third impulse...."

Chris N AKA: .Commander Johnathon Thomas Coe First Officer, USS Galaxy Email Sim NCC-70637 Indentification: Foxtrot delta 769

Romulan Ambassader Kale tr'Herrian

Kale was still at the tactical display, when the new helm officer came on duty, Kale was to put its mildly surprised that the officer was a female her took her for a Vulcan at first but the tell tail signs gave it away not least of which was the nervouse way she attempted to avoid his attention. He preteded he had not noticed her while atempting to figure out who she was, then it hit him, the scandle years go, house s'Tern had attempted to use the old tradition of hostage fostering as justification for kidnapping and depositing the children of rival house's on other worlds, the retaliation had been sever and several senior members of house s'Tern had to commit hounerable suicide to preserve there house, most of the children had been recovered but one or to especial in hostile space had not. Could this be one of them?

"Panic"
by Cmdr. Kra'lana Morris
Executive Officer, Station Beta Two

Commander Morris sat at her desk going over the daily reports. The repairs to the USS Galaxy's shuttlebay doors had been accomplished quicker than expected and the shield remodifications would be on-line soon. She sat down and sent out a message to all the involved personnel thanking them for their resourcefulness and quick work.

As she was working on crew evaluations, her comm badge chirped.

"Lt. Griggs to Cmdr. Morris."

"Morris here." she replied.

"Commander, a rather large group has gathered together on the promenade. They are looting the stores and trying to stock pile food from the replicators. There have been several fights and one stabbing. It is turning from bad to really bad very quickly, I think you should get down here."

"I'll be right there. Deploy all security forces and try to enlist the help of some of the Engineering staff. And please remember, these are just scare people."

"Aye Commander. Griggs out."

Kra'lana hit her comm badge. "Morris to Salvine"

"Salvine here" came the reply.

"Doctor, we may injuries. There is some trouble on the Promenade. You'll want to prepare the staff." she said briskly.

"We'll be ready! Commander. Salvine out."

Kra'lana went out into the main section of Ops, "Lt. Pescadeiro, Yellow Alert. Restrict Ops to Starfleet Personnel Only. We are having a rather large dist urbance on the Promenade and I'm going down there. Lt. Seles, you're in charge up here. Try to lock off access to vital areas, and coordinate your activities with Chief Dawner and myself."

With that, she entered the turbolift and headed for the Promenade.

Kale was about to investigate this unexpected arrival further when his wrist com pulsed with silent vibrations indicating a signal had been sent on the pre-arranged frequency. Kale altered his body posture to indicate tirness so much sutable than a theatrical yawn.

He turned to Captain Price "Captain, do you have or our ETA at the void station?"

"No' mate." the Captain replyed in that strange earth accent of his, "Our escort appears to be going slow, probably giving them time to prepare for us"

Kale wondered if the ominouse tones of that statment were recognised only by him, "Well Captain, I'm feeling rather fatigued and wondered if I might find some were to sit down, the area you call ten fowards perhaps?"

Price eyed him warily " I dont see why not, I'll assign a guard to guide you."

"Thats quite alright Captain I can find my own way."

"No ambassador I inssist I would not want you getting lost and ending up in engineering or something." this remark drew a low chuckle from several other federation officers.

Kale gave a slight bow. "Thank you Captain your concern for my welfare is touching"

Shortly there after kale found him self sitting in a corner in the ten foward area off duty galaxy crew giving him curiouse glances. Across the room a sullen security guard gave him an iron stare as if daring him to try anything. Kale had obtained a glass from behind the bar and filled it with ale from hiship flask. He turned to face the deep blackness out of the view port. Then cautiously he pressed his wrist com to his neck as if resting on him. He murmered quietly "Did the insertion go succesfully?"

The equaly quite reply came, "Yes ambassador I by passed the galaxy's security systems with ease." Before Kale could reply, "And don't worry about detection, this signal's piggybacked on their own internal com system. The only way they can detect it is a full system security scan and I'll have plenty of warning about that."

"How will you board the cooroprative station and how can you be sure that you can access it's systems?"

"You let me worry about that Ambassador, I'm a profesional."

"It would have been safer to attempt to get you included on the mission legitmately..."

"And what would you have introduced me as your own personal espionage agent and intelligence operative?"

A slight smile creased Kales lips, "Hardly my own, your an independent operator remember?"

"That's not what I'll say if they catch me...."

"If I though they were going to catch you I would never have hired you."

"True, the station side of this little operation is on schedule. I left the toys in the hands of S'tell."

"Excellent, time to go, my Watch dog is getting suspicious."

Kale quickly closed the channel and took a swig of his ale and turned to face the approching guard whose approch he had watched reflecet in the observation surface. "I feel much better now you may return me to the bridge."

As Kale made his way back to the bridge he pondered what had brought him to take the dangerouse risk of having the Ghost smuggle herself on-board the Galaxy, the Free-lance intelligence operative had agreed to place herself at Kales disposal in order to maximise there chances of getting Home. The only reason she was not working for the federation directly was the string of warrents aganist her alias for data theft and espionage and the fact that she was on beta 2 orignaly to penetrate the federations computer systems at his behest. He was doing the feds a service really, having the most skilled computer espionage agent in the Alpha quadrent on there side could only help get them home quicker.

Jania and Ramone parted ways at the door to his quarters, he was headed for Ops, she for her quarters. She kept fingering the blue rose that hung around her neck. She then glanced at the PADD that Reix had asked her to write a report on. The readings in it were probably already known about. She quickly tapped in a few codes and read up on what she had. She stepped into the turbolift, reading away. She didn't notice that the Yellow Alert klaxon sounded. The 'lift abruptly stopped. Now, she took notice.

Jania had no idea there was a riot forming on the prominade. Someone shut down the turbolifts trying to prevent it from spreading. Now, she was stuck in there not knowing why. She tapped her badge.

"Lt jg Fowler to Ops."

=/\= "Ops here," said Ramone on the other end.

"Do you what's wrong with the turbolift?" she asked, her voice softening at the sound of his.

=/\= "Someone shut them down because of a riot, why?" Jania nodded as if he could see her.

"Okay. I was just wondering since I'm stuck in one."

=/\= "What? Are you going to be okay?" He sounded worried.

"I'll be alright. I just needed to know that something else didn't go wrong." She sat down, deciding to wait it out for a while.

=/\= "I'll try to get yours working. Where do you need to go?"

"I was headed for my quarters." A pause ensued, in which Jania heard the terminal in front of him beeping away. The 'lift gave a slight jolt and headed towards it's destination. "Thank you!" she said sweetly.

=/\= "No problem, Jani." She smiled. The doors opened on her level.

"I'm out," she said, stepping out. The doors behind her closed.

=/\= "Okay, thanks. I'm going to shut that one down now. That way, no one can get in it." She watched as the panel next to the TL door went dark. "I'll see you later. I've got work to finish up on."

"See you later." They closed the connection and Jania continued to her quarters.

"Space Mass"
Written by Captain Joseph Zahn
Commanding Officer, Station Beta Two

Captain Joseph Zahn stood at a window alone in the Ten Forward Lounge aboard the Galaxy. The view from the window almost overtook the entire wall. He was pondering the thought of the space debris found on sensors. A small silver speck againist the vast void slowly grew larger and larger as Zahn watched the Yridian transport and Cooperative shuttle trek onward. He took a sip of his Sumarian Sunset and looked up in awe at the Void Cooperative Fortress. It was nothing like the Dyson Sphere-like image in his mind.

The fortress was much larger and not as sphere-like as readings indicated. It was, in fact, many stations, shuttles, ships, and other man-made space vessels melded together to create one very large space mass. On some parts of the fortress there appeared to be buildings rising upward, like on the top of Federation starbases. Many small shuttles and ships floated outside of the fortress, making it appear even larger. It was so odd looking that Joseph wondered how the fortress kept it's structual integrity.

"Captain Price to Captain Zahn. We are approaching the fortress."

"I," Joseph stumbled over his words, "I know Captain."

Vyrissla's shuttle swayed past the other vessels outside of the cooperative. A small shuttlebay door opened and the shuttle quickly entered with the Shek in tow. Suddenly another larger door opened and some type of tractor beam locked onto the Galaxy. It's intital pull rocked the Galaxy forward. Joseph lost his balance, droped the sunset, and fell backward.

He didn't like this feeling of the unknown. The Captain could only speculate if the cooperative were pulling them in by force or by will. Joseph stood up and brushed off his unform and headed out of the lounge. While making his way to the Bridge he passed by a window and saw the interior of the fortress. Zahn could see a few other ships being, what appeared to be, repaired by mechanical devices. The Galaxy slowly came to a stop.

A portal opened in the docking bay wall and a long self-contained tunnel emitted from inside. It slowly moved outward, closing in on the Galaxy. The Captain stopped to look at the tunnel through the window and noticed a group of people standing on the very end.

The tunnel connected with the Galaxy and rocked the area where Joseph was standing very lightly. He paced quicker to the docking exit where the tunnel connected. No doubt that Captain Price and company would be there to greet the welcoming party. He entered the docking exit area where Captain Price, the Beta 2 away team, and many Galaxy crew senior and security officers stood.

"Just in time Joseph," Lee said with a smirk.

The docking exit opened up to the welcome team. Vyrissla was the only recognizable face among the group. A striking tall and dark long haired man made the first impression on Zahn. Suddenly that very man stepped forward. His voice was deep and strong with polite undertones.

"I am Sir Therio. I want to be the first to welcome you to The Void Cooperative Fortress. I know you will enjoy it here," he said holding out his hand.

Ramone sat at his Strat Ops station as Cmdr Morris came out of the office into Ops.

Kra'lana went out into the main section of Ops, "Lt. Pescadeiro, Yellow Alert. Restrict Ops to Starfleet Personnel Only. We are having a rather large disturbance on the Promenade and I'm going down there. Lt. Seles, you're in charge up here. Try to lock off access to vital areas, and coordinate your activities with Chief Dawner and myself."

Not even giving her a second glance, Ramone changed the station status to yellow alert. He looked over at Seles for a moment.

"Lt. what do you think of erecting temporary force fields to cut off the vital areas? Freeing up the security for the problem on the promenade."

He waited for her response.

V: “Preparing for Trouble”
by Ensign Tatalia Connor
Security section Alpha-One leader

Tatalia was playing her piano when the call came through. “Grigg to all security sections report to the Promenade. Riot in progress.”

‘Great so much for relaxation,’ she thought. She immediately grabbed and holstered her phaser. She ran out of her quarters and entered a turbolift. “Promenade.”

The lift started to move but halted in less than two minutes. “Computer resume lift to Promenade,” Tatalia said impatiently.

“Turbolift access has been denied.” The computer answered.

Tatalia took a deep breath, “Override, security code nine four alpha one.”

“Access granted resuming turbolift.”

‘Glad my code worked,’ she thought.

The lift continued to the Promenade and Tatalia prepared herself for what awaited. She knew her section would be waiting in front of the security office. They would move as a team.

Katoc Malron Kenit,
"Memories of Home PT. 2"

Katoc sat in his quarters staring at the small flute. He was thinking about all he had heard about this 'void'. He had heard roomers that Captain Zahn would join the cooperative and that they would spending the rest of their lives here in this emptiness.

Katoc looked out the portal in his quarters, he could now see the Galaxy, at least he could see SOMTHING out there, even if it was something man made, not his wonderful stars.

Katoc did not like that idea at all. He could not get used to this place, everything about it seemed wrong. There should not be a place with no stars, no anomalies, no gaseous clouds. He wanted to leave here, to see the stars again, to feel comforted by them.

But he had also heard roomers that the Starfleet personnel onboard the station and starship were planing some way to get back home, or at least out of this void. Katoc liked that roomer and wished there was something he could do to help, but he was not a trained Starfleet officer and he had no experience in situations like this, he needed STARS to guide him in space! But, none of them had been in a situation like this he thought.

Katoc grew tired of thinking about it and turned his attention back to the flute. It was quite small, and his large size made it look even smaller. It was made out of some sort of wood, a read of some sort he figured, but it had to have been a thick one as it had an intricate design carved into it and none of the outer wood left. It was painted very beautifully in natural colors, and stained.

Katoc put it to his lips and began to play a sad, haunting melody. It was a song his mother had taught him decades ago, when his mother and father had owned a ship and were traders. They had not had a home, none but the ship, because their race was long dead, his parents the sole survivors, and the flute his mother owned one of the few artifacts of their culture.

Katoc had loved to sit at her feet and listen to her play, she would weave a tale of their race, of great battles, love stories, even humorous ones, all in the music. She had taught Katoc to play at a very young age, he now relised it was to keep the culture alive even though the race was gone, and he was glad she had done so.

Katoc finished the song and set the flute in the box that he had decided to keep on the sill of the portal, where, if they ever returned to the normal universe, it would backdroped by stars, so that he could look at that window and see two comforting things. That of course, would only be if they returned to where they were from. So he had also decided to keep it there as a sign of hope, that one day, hopefully soon, it would be backdroped by those stars.

Web page - HTTP://members.tripod.com/~nickgosey
E-mail - nickg@bellsouth.net
Alt. e-mail - dr-bashir@juno.com