"Deck by Deck"
by Ensign Kagitingan, J.M., Operations Officer, USS GALAXY NCC 70637
[Thanks to Lt. Casey, D. for his comments]

Ensign Kagitingan double-timed it along the corridors and saw his quarry. James absently brushed an imaginary speck of lint off his jumpsuit and hopped beside the ship's Chief Operations Officer, Lt. Deiran Casey.

"Excuse me, sir. I know you're probably on your way to the bridge, but I have a few matters that require your attention," Ens. Kagitingan said, holding up a PADD.

James' direct superior nodded. "Oh, not at all, Ensign. I hope you just make it quick."

"Of course, sir. I won't to take up too much of your time, Lieutenant," James promised. The Ensign pressed a button activating the PADD and a flood of information burst onto the screen.

"How's that deck by deck inspection?" Lt. Casey asked.

"Going pretty well, sir."

"I'm very interested to know what you find. Draw up a report, Ensign."

"Will do, sir. The inspection is also giving me a chance to get to know the Galaxy better."

"Not to mention her crew. I heard about the incident on deck 15 the other day."

"Oh... THAT, sir." James looked somber and apologetic. He also wished he could beam himself down to the surface so the planet could open up and swallow him whole.

"Maintenance Chief Chao is a good crewmember..."

James mentally berated himself for doing his job, perhaps a little too well. "I wholeheartedly agree, Lieutenant. I guess she just doesn't want some overzealous young ensign looking over her shoulder while she goes about her work."

"You could say that. Just so you know, some of them don't take it too kindly having their work inspected and double checked, especially by a greenhorn ensign. But I know you are trying do a good job and it's good to see initiative in an ensign."

James knew that senior officers were expected to give support and encouragement to those under their command. James had come to expect the comments to come with the harsh scrutiny and severe tone of his drill instructors at the Academy. At best the remarks were to be perfunctory and indifferent. His CO's compliment had a ring of sincerity to it that surprised James, especially since he was a newbie on the Galaxy. Perhaps James was harder on himself than any of the instructors ever were.

"As you can see, sir," James said gesturing to the PADD, "Aside from my usual duties in the department offices, I've also volunteered to coordinate a damage control team. I've reviewed the personnel files and I'm submitting some changes for your approval. More than a few of the crew rotated out of the Galaxy while she was on Earth so I'm hoping to run the women and men through exercises every 10 standard days. The damage control cadre directly under my command will go through hull breach procedures in full environmental protection gear every month or so. Of course, there will be 'emergency' drills as needed."

"Wait... turtleshells?! I'm sure the crew will definitely love you for that!" The Chief Ops Officer scrolled through the data, the expression on his face showing slight amusement at the Ensign's penchant for maximum verbosity.

"I see you've got Chief Jensen," Casey continued, "I couldn't have picked a better person to help you."

"Oh yes, of course, sir. "

"I'll tell you what, I'll try to keep in mind that we have a bright young ensign in the Ops department who would only be too willing to head up a team. Unfortunately, our current mission doesn't call for multiple away teams."

The turbo lift doors swished open and the Lt. Casey placed the PADD back into James' hands.

"Everything seems to be in order, Ensign. Just make sure to send a copy to Engineering and to the XO," the Chief Ops Officer reminded as he stepped into the turbolift.

"Keep up the good work, Ensign Kagitingan. Carry on."

Ensign Kagitingan snapped to attention. "Aye, Aye, SIR!!!!"

James swore he a trace of a smile on Lt. Casey's face as the turbolift doors hissed shut.

"Strawberry Jelly"

Ensign Burns, you have been temporarily assigned to the Beta Shift during the absence of the officers on the diplomatic away mission. This takes effect immediately upon the departure of the away team. If you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them.

Lt.Blair/Chief Tactical Officer

'End of Message'

John was shocked at what he had just heard and almost fell off the seat. John had been sleeping when the computer awoke him. He was mad at the computer when it awoke him but, now that he knew the reason the computer awoke him he was glad.

Saying out loud to himself, "I can't belive I'm on Beta Shift! I have only been on board for a short time and now I'm on Beta Shift!" John began to dance around his quarters. While dancing around his quarters he glanced at the chronometer. Stopping in his tracks, "Oh no, only fifteen minutes till Beta Shift starts."

John started scrambling around his quarters. First, he replicated breakfast; two egg omelet, bacon, toast with strawberry jelly, and orange juice. Stuffing some toast with strawberry jelly into his mouth he ran over to his closet and picked out a fresh uniform. He put the uniform on while eating at the same time.

John had finished eating now and looked at the chronometer again. Less than three minutes until his shift started. He ran out of his quarters unaware of the large strawberry jelly stain on his left pant leg.

"Main Bridge" John said as he entered the turbolift. The whirl of the turbolift started, heading to the Bridge.

As the turbolift doors opened he gazed in awe at the site he saw. John had seen pictures of the bridge but, those never did quite have the same effect as seeing it in person.

John stepped onto the bridge and a few of the bridge crew looked at him. One by one they all began to smile at him.

He was totally puzzled at why the bridge crew was smiling at him. Even the Captain, who was just finishing up Alpha Shift, was smiling at him. John still had not noticed the strawberry jelly on his pant leg.

A few giggles began to break out and John just stood there baffled, waiting for someone to say something.

Ensign John Burns/Tactical Dept. aka Pat Burns

"Exhaustion!"
By: Lieutenant Junior Grade Mélissa Marie Boudreau
With Additions By: Jane Austen

As she turned over main engineering to David, Mélissa realized how tired she was. She was finally adjusting to Gamma Shift hours but she hadn't quite expected all the work associated with being in charge of the shift.

She slowly walked back to her quarters. After eating and relaxing for a little while, she did a little work. She had to assign projects for the Gamma Shift engineers. After almost realizing that she wasn't going to get much work done at that point, Mélissa decided to have some fun and relieve some of the stress.

The young engineer entered holodeck 3 and activated one of her holo-novels. One man, his wife, and four young girls appeared as well as a late 18th century setting. Mélissa picked up a hat and some trimming tools, and the characters came to life.

"I hope Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy." The man (her father) said.

"We are not in a way to know what Mr. Bingley likes," said her mother resentfully, "since we are not to visit."

Mélissa said her lines on cue. She had read the novel and played the holo-novel of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice before. "But you forger, mamma, that we shall meet him at the assemblies, and that Mrs. Long has promised to introduce him."

"I do not believe Mrs. Long will do any such thing. She has two nieces of her own. She is a selfish, hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion of her."

Mélissa smiled to herself and thought, "Look who's talking!"

"No more have I," said Mr. Bennet; "and I am glad to find that you do not depend on her serving you."

She continued the holo-novel until the end of the first ball. She always got caught up in the story, as utterly silly and romantic as it was. Mélissa left the holodeck feeling much more relaxed and decided to go find some real people.

She entered Ten Forward and sat down at the "bar". The hostess approached her and asked her what she wanted. Mélissa hadn't really spoken to Electra before. Electra seemed cool to her but of course, some people occasionally thought the same of Mélissa before they got to know her. The Orion woman brought her the chocolate milkshake she ordered and Mélissa tried to engage her in conversation.

"So, how do you like the Galaxy so far?" she said, giving Electra a friendly smile.

Amelie aka:
Lt. jg Melissa Marie Boudreau
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

"They also serve..."
by Lt (jg) Hunter McKenzie

Mac had just stepped out of the shower and now stood in front of the mirror. He gingerly pressed the large bruise in his rib cage, just below his left pectoral. As he grimaced slightly, he removed the small piece of adhesive tape and applied it diagonally across his ribs.

"Well at least it's just a chip and not a fracture." He thought as he raised his arm slightly, grimacing. "That will teach me to show off for the ladies, especially "Alien" ladies"

The boxing workout had been excellent. Not only had it taken his thoughts on Ensign Brant of his mind, but he had met two other members of the crew. Both, Lt Morris and Lt(jg) Samara had given him a run for his money. He would carry the sore ribs and jaw as a reminder for a while. What was most interesting had been the almost animal fury that had overtaken him and Samara during the match. Almost as if....

"Naww!!!" said Mac out loud, as he finished dressing "It was only my imagination. It was just a workout...just a workout."

Mac smiled, as he adjusted his uniform and headed for the bridge.

--- Main Bridge, USS Galaxy ---

Mac stopped and took a deep breath as he stepped on to the bridge. He always was awe struck when he was here. Something about the strength and power that flowed from the place. Mac stepped toward Lt Blair to initiate the change of relief. As Blair quickly went over all the ongoing operations that had been initiated on Alpha shift. Mac carefully examined the PADD, and observed that the Away team with Commander Coe and the Rhomboidian Ambassador had beamed down a short while ago. Blair asked if he had any questions, Mac shook his head and smiled.

"No questions at all, Lt. I have the Conn." Mac said as Lt Blair nodded, turned and walked to the Turbolift doors with the rest of Alpha shift. As the doors opened he saw Ensign Burns enter with the remainder of Beta shift. Mac turned and approached Captain Price, standing by as he finished his conversation with Lt. Casey. As the Captain turned, Mac stepped forward.

"Lt McKenzie reporting for duty, Captain."

Captain Price smiled as he related the operations that were on-going, especially the ones concerning the Away team and the nuclear powered craft that was carrying the Rhomboid delegation. Mac acknowledged and wished the Captain a good night.

Mac noticed that all of the crew was smiling as they settled in for the shift. Mac looked around and noticed the attention that the new Tac Officer was eliciting. As Mac turned he saw the reason. A large stain of what appeared to some sort of ...jelly was on his pant leg.

Mac set that PADD down on the command chair and approached to Ensign.

"Welcome to Beta shift, Ensign Burns. Did you have a any problems getting ready?" Mac asked, trying to keep a straight face.

"Well...umm..yes, sir, Lt. No problems at all" replied Burns. Hesitantly.

"It's important that you get a nutritious meal prior to shift." Mac grinned.

Ensign Burns looked at Mac completely confused. "I don't understand, Sir."

Mac made a slight motion to Burns's pant leg. Burns looked down and suddenly became aware of the reason for the extended analysis. He began to blush bright red.

Mac extended a hand and placed it on the Ensign's shoulder. "It's okay. Just next time bring enough for all the shift. Okay?" He turned and started back to the command chair as a small laugh began to issue from the Beta shift personnel.

As he took the seat, he once again felt the pride that he felt overtime he thought of Starfleet.

"Okay, Beta shift. As the ancient Greeks used to say...They also serve who stand and wait... Begin Beta shift."

"Intergalaxial Developments"
USS Galaxy
Lt. Deiran Casey

Deiran and Miran were having a delightful dinner, alone in their quarters. No disturbances. The peace talks between the Rhomboid and Dronegar seemed to be going well as far as Deiran knew.

"You know I’ve been blessed," Deiran said to his wife.

"Oh really?" she asked, smiling, her face appearing like a beautiful rose.

"Yes, I have the pleasure of your company and honor of you being the mother of my children."

Miran laughed, "Your charms always will work on me handsome."

Deiran gave her that dashing smile of his.

[Lt(JG) Thomas to Lt. Deiran Casey]

"Lt. Casey here Chris, what’s up?" Casey gave his wife a frown as he answered the comm.

[Sir, I have an incoming transmission. It has an extremely high security subspace protocol attached to it, sir. I would say it’s extremely important.]

"Who’s it from Lieutenant?" Casey asked.

[Your father sir, Admiral Casey.]

"Re-route the transmission to my quarters Chris."

[Aye sir.]

Casey stood up and walked to his desk, swiveled the computer terminal around and clicked on the screen. Admiral Casey’s face appeared on the screen, Deiran’s father didn’t look very happy. Deiran sat down and waited for his father to begin.

"Hi son, everything well on the Galaxy?" the Admiral was unusually gloomy.

"Yes dad, everything’s fine."

"How is the baby?" he asked, showing a slight gleam in his eye, but no smile.

"The baby is healthy Admiral," Miran said as she peaked in to say hello to her father-in-law.

"What is all the security for dad?" Deiran asked.

"I have bad news and good news," Admiral Casey said. "The bad news first," Deiran knew the bad news always came first, typical of his father.

Miran started to leave, figuring this was not for her ears, "Miran this concerns you too, so please stay dear."

"Yes sir," Miran stopped in her tracks and stood over Deiran and watched the screen.

"I have just heard that Bajor has signed the Non-Aggression Treaty with the Dominion."

Miran’s heart sank, she couldn’t trust the Dominion and she knew no Bajoran really did. "What was this about?" She asked.

"Has Bajor lost their minds?" Deiran blurted out.

"I don’t understand it either, but we still have political ties with the Ruling Council on Bajor. This hasn’t been released yet to any officer accept Captain’s and Ambassadors of the Federation. You are required to keep it silent, at least until it’s known widespread across Starfleet and the crew of the Galaxy. Got that, son?"

"Aye sir."

"Miran, I believe it’s time to pray to the Prophets for Bajor and it’s people, they’ll need all they can get honey," Admiral Casey was absolutely sincere in his words. He was loving his daughter-in-law more and more and showed it with his words right there.

"Dad you had some good news?" Deiran said, as he turned to see Miran’s face. She looked heart broken for her people.

"Yes, it seems I’m not the only Casey who’s being promoted quickly through Starfleet."

"Oh really Dad?" Deiran laughed at that.

"I’ve been promoted to Chief Of Operations in Starfleet Command," Admiral Casey was smiling from ear to ear. He loved his new position.

"Dad, that’s great, I’m proud of you sir," Deiran said

"A Casey is now one of the top leaders in Starfleet Command, and oh it’s so much fun," Admiral Thomas Casey was ecstatic. He had reached the pinnacle of his career, or at least an apex of it. Of course the only thing left to rise to was the Command Board or to the Head Of Starfleet itself.

"Dad, doesn’t that make you number ten on the command list in Starfleet?

" Deiran asked his father.

"Actually I’m eleven. And everyone at Starfleet HQ knows I’ve earned it."

"Dad, I have a question for you."

"Shoot son."

"What is Starfleet’s response to Bajor signing this treaty with the Dominion?" Deiran asked.

"That’s classified Deiran. I’m sorry. I can’t even tell your mother about that. Before I go I wanted to tell you that Alexa wants to hear from you and may visit you soon…in person. Your mother says hello to both of you. Take care of yourselves. Admiral Casey out."

Deiran said goodbye and the Starfleet insignia appeared on the black screen.

"Well there’s a shocker!" Deiran said to his wife.

"Yea your father just keeps rising in the ranks of Starfleet. He’s amazing," Miran commented.

"Should show you where I learned from," Deiran laughed. Miran laughed at that too.

"Your a Casey all right, we’ll be living at Starfleet HQ someday right?" Miran laughed.

"Yes. Head Of Starfleet Command sounds very good." Deiran wasn’t kidding. "Miran what is the Ruling Council thinking in signing this treaty? It’s foolhardy, just ludicrous!"

"I agree babe, I have no idea what they’re thinking…I’m against it, I thought all of Bajor was," Miran seemed as confused as Deiran on the subject.

Both of them returned to their dinner, thinking on the future and praying for their friends on Bajor and Deep Space Nine.

"Shift"
bY Lt. (jg) Thomas

Lieutenant McKenzie had been given command of Beta, as Command Coe and Lt. Morris where unavailable. Though Chris wondered why the captain had chosen Hunter over himself or another officer. However something that held true to ever ship after the first officer and second officer the chain of command began to blur and become fuzzy. If it was going by rank the Lt. Kane should've been assigned command of Beta Shift as he out ranked Lt. McKenzie and himself.

The captain always had the choice to choose who would or deserved command in these situations. He wasn't upset as it allowed him to concentrate on other matters, including his station. He hoped that captain would enjoy the more interactive version of the AHE. Though he knew there were minor improvements that would have to be made and it would take time to produce a fully integrated AHE.

[Captain, given the need for doctors, and such I would like to propose developing an AHE Doctor that could be used during crisis. He would have to be limited to the ship as a precaution against malfunctions and other issues. Plus his database would be limited until a reasonable way could be constructed to allow him/her more integration with the ships medical database, which would increase the effectiveness of an AHE Doctor. Please let me know what you think about this suggestion.]

Chris sent the message to the captain. He returned to working on adjusting some ship's systems to improve there performance, and protect them form the nuclear radiation that was being sent into space. He figured that the science officers had already analyzed and determined the threat of this radiation. Which he confirmed, and set to adjusting anything that was or could be affected by the radiation. Such a power source was dangerous as humans had learned several hundred years ago.

Chris Patton

"On Dronegar"
by Lieutenant Commander Joerg Sterner
Chief of Security, USS Galaxy

After he was being informed of the upcoming away team compliment, Joerg went back to his office to write a message to Lieutenant K'arta.

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

To: Lieutenant (j.g.) K'arta From: Lieutenant Commander Joerg Sterner Subject: Next away mission

Lieutenant,

I will be responsible for security on our next away mission on Dronegar, and leaving the ship for that period of time. Therefore you are in the meantime Chief of Security of the Galaxy.

I want you to assemble a second security team of about 4 people. These officers should be armed with phaser rifles and wearing heavy armor. They are only to beam down if the fights should erupt while the away team is still on the planet.

Joerg Sterner Chief of Security

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

After sending the message, Lieutenant Paran entered the office. Joerg lifted his head to speak to him.

"Lieutenant, as you know, I'll be off ship for a while, whilst we provide cover for the Ambassador Lorn down on Dronegar during the peace negotiations. I want you to keep Gamma shift running smoothly whilst I'm away." he explained

"Yes sir" replied Chanor and then continued, "Sir, how long will you be away?"

"I'm not sure, however long it takes to go through the negotiations. A few hours, but more likely it could be a few days. Why?"

"Since you'll be away sir, who is in command then, I mean, in command of the ship board security whilst you're away? Will it be Lieutenant K'arta?" he asked.

"Yes of course, Lieutenant K'arta has proven her ability as Assistant Chief many times. Therefore she'll be in full charge of security while I'm away. I already have written her a message about that." Joerg said, and stood up.

"Ok. Thank you sir." Chanor just replied.

Joerg grabbed his phaser and tricorder, and left for the transporter room. Once there he met with the other members of the away team. After everyone was ready the group beamed down to the surface.

They arrived at the center of the town. Ambassador Lorn tried to explain some things while the rest of the group had other interests, for the moment. Joerg and his security officers kept their eyes open, to see if anyone was about to attack them, as did Mister J'naii.

The Ambassador showed them the way to the seat of the Triad Hachurui. He explained to the group while they approached the house, that on Dronegar every unit consists of three, as does the government leaders, the Triad Hachurui or 'The Triad that Leads'.

Upon arriving in the house they were greeted by Yumeijin, the Speaker of Dronegar. Ambassador Lorn introduced them, and after that they went deeper into the building. Shortly after that they came to a large chamber.

"This is where we will be holding the peace talks." Yumeijin explained to the group.

They approached a large stone table, where two other people already sat. When they saw the Federation group they stood up.

"May I introduce you to Kokishin here, the Prime Minister of Dronegar." Yumeijin said, while one of the two nodded.

"And this is Jisonshin, Minister of War or Military Commander if you like." she said, and the second person nodded slightly.

After that she introduced the away team to the government leaders.

"This is Ambassador Lorn, the Federation representative, who will lead the peace talks." she started the introduction, and Lorn just nodded similar to the nods from the Dronegars.

"Next the him is his aide, Mister J'naii." she continued and J'naii imitated the nods he has just seen.

"The leader of the Federation team is Commander Jonathan Thomas Coe. The one next to him is Lieutenant Commander Joerg Sterner, who will protect the talks with his two officers Lieutenant Arcas and Ensign Campbell."

By the mention of the word 'protect' Jisonshin began to find some interest.

"You are the warriors then?" he asked Joerg directly.

"Well, one could say that. But the correct term would be 'Security officer'." Joerg answered, not really knowing what to say.

"I'm very pleased to meet great Federation warrior." Jisonshin replied, while Joerg was not certain if that was good for him.

"This is Counselor Leslie Wilson, who wants to study some of our customs." Yumeijin carried on.

"And finally this is Doctor Kahn Nilani, who is here to help us too." she concluded the introduction, but the word 'doctor' somehow sounded like a relief in her voice.

"We'll have a hard day before us. I think it would be best if you showed our guests their quarters now." Kokishin added.

"Very well, please follow me now." she said.

Before they all left the room Jisonshin turned to Joerg again.

"I would be very honored if you would join me in 'Hunting the Frode' tonight, Lieutenant Commander." he offered him.

"'Hunting the Frode'? I'm not quite sure what the means." Joerg answered and turned to Ambassador Lorn, who was still standing beside him, in ask for help.

"'Hunting the Frode' originates from the former dependence of survival from tracking, trapping, and killing the frode, a vicious hump-backed bovine creature that stalks the plains." Lorn began to explain.

"It is a great honor for a Non-Dronegar to be invited to such a hunt, Lieutenant Commander. It's some kind of welcome ritual, a good luck charm, if you will."

Joerg thanked the Ambassador and turned back to the Military Commander.

"It's a great honor for me to accept your generous offer, Commander." he said diplomatically.

"I'm happy you accepted it. I'll send for you later in the night." Jisonshin said, nodded and left for his own quarters.

On their way to their quarters, Lorn explained some more details of the 'Frode' to Joerg, so that he would understand the importance of that ritual.

"I Hate School"
by Colby Torwyn

Colby sat in the back of the classroom. He sighed as the teacher went over to help a student that was struggling with their work. He had managed to finish the test within a few minutes of receiving it. He had tapped the buttons on the small, child-sized computer and handed it in quickly. None of the other students had finished yet; Colby felt as though he was about to die of boredom.

"Pssst! Hey Colby!" Jonathan cried out from beside him. "Colby!"

Colby looked over to the boy sitting beside him. He was the perfect example of a human child--perfectly trim, small, blonde hair, and blue eyes. He, like Colby, was living with an adoptive parent. An ensign that was in sickbay took care of him. Jonathan and Colby had become good friends in the past few days at school.

"What?" Colby asked as he looked over to Jonathan.

Jonathan smiled as he pointed to a picture below his desk. It was obviously a picture of Mrs. Hatchmoor, the teacher. It perfectly depicted the flames and gouts of smoke coming from her ears and mouth.

Colby tilted his head to get a better look at the picture. He covered up his giggle with his hand and snickered loudly.

Jonathan started to giggle too, hearing his friend start to laugh. Encouraged by each others joy, within seconds, both young boys were laughing loudly. The rest of the class looked at them strangely.

"Colby Torwyn and Jonathan Allen! Just WHAT is so funny?" Mrs. Hatchmoor asked aloud. She was not happy with their unappropriate behavior. It was in her opinion that children should be seen and not heard.

Jonathan and Colby couldn't stop laughing; Mrs. Hatchmoor walked over to their desks. She saw the picture and picked it up. She looked at it. Her face turned a bright red. "There is absolutely nothing funny about this!" They continued to laugh as she lectured. "You two, follow me! We're going to Mrs. Salshyar about this! Maybe SHE can teach you something about discipline!." Colby and Jonathan's laughter started to die down as they realized where they were going to be escorted.

Colby looked at Jonathan and both of them looked up to Mrs. Hatchmoor. "NOW!" she yelled aloud.

Mrs. Hatchmoor guided the two boys down the corridor and the entire trip to the counselor's office. Theys stepped in, the teacher still fuming about the picture, which she held in her hand.

Devlynn looked up from her desk and to the teacher. Then to the two small boys. Both of them had turned on their sweet and innocent looks. "Hi momma," Colby said sweetly.

"Can I help you Mrs. Hatchmoor?" Dev asked, ignoring Colby's attempt at sweetening her up.

"These two children just blantantly refuse to act appropriately in class. I wish for the appropriate action to be taken," the teacher fumed.

"And so it shall be taken. Return to your class. I'll take care of the trouble-makers here." Devlynn was calm, leaning back in her chair.

Colby and Jonathan, both small--about the same height--for their young age, looked up with gloomy expressions. They knew that a lecture awaited them. What made it worse was that the lecturer was none other than Colby's mother...

“Working Lunch”
by Lt. (jg) Alan Hewson

Alan glanced over his shoulder as a small Krige-meat sandwich appeared on the replicator pad. It had been another slow day in engineering and AC’s stomach started complaining halfway through Alpha shift. Lt. Mercury had him running several diagnostics on the main Deuterium fuel tank, which mostly consisted of sitting at a console the whole day. Officers weren’t really allowed to eat on duty, but this was engineering where people were more relaxed.

Alan walked back over to his station and pulled an extra chair over to set his tray on. Making himself comfortable by propping his feet up on a non-active console, he took a large bite out of his fresh sandwich. The sweet meat almost melted in his mouth.

When there wasn’t a crumb of bread left on the plate, Alan washed down the sandwich with a tall glass of Iouty Juice. He seldom ate food from his native planet Earth. There were so many worlds, with so many dishes that tasted better than anything earth had to offer. But for some reason the majority of the crew chose not to try the thousands of choices stored in the replicators. It was almost as if they were scared to try something new. The computer beeped signaling the end of the tests being done on the Deuterium tank.

Everything checked out, and AC was quite surprised to see that the tank was actually running three percent above the standard efficiency. He pulled a PADD out of a side drawer and began writing his report to David. Out of the corner of his eye he saw someone approaching him. Turing around he saw his good friend Lt. Greer Erikson.

“Goodness Greer, what are you doing down here? I thought you’d be asleep or something.” It was a rare occurrence when a non-engineer came to engineering of their free will, especially during their off-duty hours.

“I was just in the neighbor hood.” Greer said as he took a seat on one of the consoles. “Since you chose a rather boring profession, unlike working in the Science Department, I thought I might drop by and talk to you for awhile.” They just talked about the current mission, what their strategy was going to be like in their next poker game, made a few jokes, ect. Then the name “Felicia Khatroweena” came up.

“Man, have you seen that new doctor? She is hot!” Alan sometimes acted like a flirt, but tried to keep it under wraps.

“Yeah, I know what you mean. She stopped by my quarters a few hours ago. It seems Jasey managed to escape again, I swear I’ll have to hog-tie that cat to keep her from getting out of my room. Cat found her and brought her back to me. She is rather attractive though, I hear she’s part Caitan.”

“What makes you think that? Maybe it’s the tail and the ears.”

“Shut up AC. I think I’ll just beat the crap out of you next time we play poker!” They both laughed at this. In the past few months, Alan had only beaten Greer three times during the holodeck poker games. It seemed luck was always with Greer.

“Excuse me,” a voice interrupted them from behind. “Which one of you is Lt. Hewson?”

“That would be me,” AC said as he swiveled around to face the young man. “And what’s your name son?”

“Ensign James Kagitingan, sir.” Greer and Alan smiled at each other. Everyone had heard about Ensign Kagitingan’s troubles on Deck 15.

“So, tell me what can I do for you Ensign?”

"That's Entertainment"
by Ens. Felicia Khatroweena

*** Ens. Khatroweena Quarters ***

[Bloopbeep: Time is twenty three hundred]

With a jaw cracking yawn, Felicia awoke and cursed the universe of having her on Gamma shift. She stretched and twisted, straightening the kinks in her body and crawled out of bed.

"Who ever said that you get used to night shift? Obviously they were never on Gamma shift."

"Caitan zucchini salad and one tall glass of orange juice, very cold."

As Felicia was eating, she looked through her messages. On the screen, she saw an entry that brightened her evening. Her favourite holo-programming had finally arrived.

"Now I can get some decent dance practice in. Computer prepare the holodeck with program Cat Dance Practice Alpha at oh nine hundred tomorrow."

Looking at the clock, she had a little over half an hour to the start of her shift. She relaxed in a long hot shower, coming out feeling eager to go on with her day, 'night' she reminded her self.

"I hope there is no drama on this shift, it has been far too long since I got in a good workout."

Checking herself in the mirror, to see if everything was in it's place, she left for her shift.

Arriving at Sickbay a few minutes early, she looked over the empty beds and the staff working on their paperwork.

"It is amazing, for over three hundred years, paper has not been used for the mundane administrative duties. Yet we still, with all these great and powerful computers still get stuck with paperwork."

"Hello, Doctor Khatroweena. I notice you are still waxing poetic."

"Hello, Doctor Huntson. I see you still haven't got those rolling r's yet."

The two looked at each other for a few seconds and both started laughing at the same time.

"It's a good thing that all the doctors are not in the Sickbay at the same time." said Felicia.

Leah looked with an expected but pained look upon her face and asked, "Why is that?"

"Well, if Jurelle, Nilani, Cote, you and me were all in the sickbay at the same time, imagine what would it sound like."

"What would it sound like?" Leah looked like she ready to duck from something aimed at her.

"If we were all here, this place would start sounding like an echo chamber. 'Hello doctor, Hello doctor. Doctor, Doctor, Doctor, Hello doctor.' "

"Felicia" an exasperated Leah sighed.

"Ok, no more, I accept your surrender. Anyway, is their anything I should know about the last shift."

"Worst thing we had was Lieutenant Hunter McKenzie come in for a few minor injuries, mostly it was his pride."

"How did that happen, accident in Engineering?"

"McKenzie had an encounter with Engineering, but it was Lieutenant K'Eytyanna Samara. The two had a round for fun in the gym and McKenzie came out the worst."

"Nothing serious?"

"Besides being sore for a few days, nothing. Well Doctor Khatrrroweena, the Sickbay is now yours."

"Don't forget take two aspirin and call me in the morning for that throat."

Leah's only response was a half hearted wave as she left Sickbay.

"Ok, Fisher back to the grindstone. We haven't got any time to spare." said Felicia as she indicated the silent Sickbay.

*** Holodeck, 0900 ***

"Computer, program Cat Dance Practice Alpha."

The black and yellow of the holodeck faded out to be replaced by a large covered courtyard. Huge flagstones on the ground, with torches lighting the courtyard in a soft flickering light. Adorning the walls were hangings that represented the major clans from the Caitan history. A melodic combination of drums and strings pervaded itself throughout the courtyard. It was a recreation of one of the most famous fortresses in Caitan history and how it would have appeared almost five hundred years ago.

"Computer, random selection from list gamma."

The music changed from a soft melody, to a charged and exciting sound, full of energy. Felicia just waited and after a while the music filled her and time became ethereal. The universe was just the music and her translation of it into form. For almost ninety minutes, Felicia had approached her own nirvana.

*** Ten-Forward ***

As she entered Ten-Forward, an idea struck her. It had been a couple of months since she had a audience for her music, she always played better when in front of one.

She moved over to the bar and ordered a synth-ale.

"Bartender, I would like to talk with Electra. I'm a pretty good musician and I would like to talk to her about playing in Ten-Forward maybe every few days or so. If she's worried about her clientele, she has got no worries. I'll be over there next to the windows when she has got time and wants to talk about it.

Ensign Khatroweena

"The Nesting caves of the sick"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The speaker of Dronegar, Yumeijin smiled as she saw how Ambassador Lorn was explaining Minister Jisonshin's invitation to the Hunt to 'Commander Sterner. Already an atmosphere of mutual interest and trust was beginning to build between the Dronegarians and these skilled Federation mediators. A hopeful smile warmed Yume's face as she watched the exchange.

"Gentlemen and ladies, if you will all have a seat, I have arranged for some refreshments before you are sown to your private chambers." Yumeijin asked motioning to the seats around the large stone conference table.

Several Preparer Dronegarians brought out platters of snack foods and liters of a purple wine liquor. In a diplomatic fashion Ambassador Lorn graciously accepted the wine. After loading several samples of the various food stuffs onto his platter, the Deltan raised his goblet in a toast.

"My tonight's Hunting of the Frode help to strengthen us all." The Ambassador then took a healthy swallow of the purple wine, spilling a trickle of it down the corner of his mouth from the silvery goblet.

"Here here!" echoed through the large conference chamber as many Dronegarians, soon accompanied by the Galaxy crew members, raised their goblets and drank to the Ambassador's toast.

While the crew from the Galaxy ate and drank with their Dronegarian hosts, they exchanged small talk about each other. The Dronegar were a very sociable and curious people, interested in learning about the Federation member's customs and sharing their own.

"...And so that is how it has been for generations between our people." Minister of War Jisonshin explained, "Since the time of my Grandfather's, Grandfather's, Grandfather and beyond, the Dronegar have been in constant conflict with the Rhomboid. It is the way that it is. Just as the great star rises every day and sets each evening, so do the Rhomboid and Dronegar fight."

"That is a very sad way to look at things isn't it Minister?" Counselor Wilson asked as she removed a slice of Samilla fruit from her mouth.

"I am just telling you how it is ma'am. It is how our people feel. And it is an accurate description, for just as sure as any Dronegarian is that the great star will rise in the morning, they will tell you, they are just as sure that the Rhomboid are our enemy."

"It will take much effort to shatter that image from the minds of the people Minister." Ambassador Lorn injected, "ALL of your people, the Dronegar and the Rhomboid alike, for they too see this war as a constant much like the sun rising each morning. We definitely have our work cut out for us in erasing that notion, and striving for peace."

Minister Jisonshin nodded at Ambassador Lorn's words of wisdom. He then looked over as Counselor Wilson finished the sweet fruit and looked as if she had a question. "What is it Counselor Wilson?"

"I am curious Minister. If both the Dronegar and the Rhomboid are so set in their ways over this conflict between your people, why have these peace talks been called forward?"

The Minister of War looked on at Counselor Wilson as she asked the question, almost as if he was pondering the very fact in his own mind. Speaker Yumeijin quickly answered the Counselors query.

"As the Minister has stated, generations of our people have been raised hating the Rhomboid as our mortal enemy. Just as the Rhomboid have been raised to hate everything Dronegarian. For hundreds of years this has been our way of life. However, recent events have threatened that way for all of Dronegar. A deadly sickness has ravished our people, rendering many ill, and even more dead than the last several Rhomboid conflicts combined. Between battling this invisible disease and our conflict with the neighboring Rhomboid, our resources and population is dwindling at an alarming rate. If we do not put an end to this conflict, our people and our culture will be destroyed by the Rhomboid as we fall to defeat."

The mention of a deadly disease instantly got the attention of Doctor Kahn and Commander Coe.

"Disease?" Doctor Kahn asked, "No one mentioned anything about an epidemic on this planet. Have your Doctors been able to isolate the virus yet Speaker Yumeijin?"

A worried look formed on Commander Coe's face. His was the responsibility for the entire away team, and now, learning that a deadly disease was ravishing the planet, he was concerned for his fellow crew members and how they would be affected.

"I am afraid that our medical practices are not similar to your Federation Technology Doctor Kahn. I have had our best healers working with those that have been stricken with the illness. So far none of the traditional remedies have worked. Many have died from this horrible sickness... including some of the healers that were working with the sick." Speaker Yumeijin diverted her eyes for a moment. Her large, reptilian like eyes welled up at the sadness of it all. Looking up again, in a pleading, but still Drongarian-rough voice she asked, "Is there anything you can do Doctor, to help my people?"

Nilani reached across and placed her hand on Yumeijin's shoulder gently. "I can try Speaker Yumeijin. If you can take me to some of your sick, I have some equipment with me that I can use to get an initial reading. Depending on what I discover, it may be necessary to have additional equipment and personnel sent down to assist me, with your permission of course."

"By all means child, yes. Anything you can do to help the Dronegar will be appreciated." Yume clapped her hands twice which brought a younger Dronegarian running to her side.

"You summoned Speaker?" The young female said with a deep bow of her head.

"Puregaru, you will guide this Federation Doctor to the Nesting caves of the sick. She is unfamiliar with our world 'Garu', you must act as her escort and tend to her needs while she is here."

"I understand Speaker. The Federation Doctor shall stay on the straight path while under my care." Puregaru again bowed.

The Speaker turned back to face Doctor Kahn. "Puregaru is an excellent tracker Doctor Kahn. She will assure that you find the Nesting caves that contain our sick."

"Thank you Speaker Yumeijin." Doctor Kahn started, "With Puregaru's aid, I am sure to find the way. Now, if you will give me a few moments to prepare my equipment, I will be ready to leave."

"As you wish Doctor. And thank you for your offer to help." Yume said with a bow of her head. Across the room, several of the Dronegarians were likewise nodding. Not just at the Doctor's act of kindness by offering to try and help, but also as if it was in some way an act of bravery... offering to travel to the Nesting caves of the sick and dying. There was a sudden level of deep respect for the courage of this Federation Doctor.

"Doctor can I have a word with you please..." Commander Coe asked as diplomatically as he could. He was trying to hide his concern from his tone, but he wasn't doing a very good job of it. After Doctor Kahn grabbed her med kit and stepped away from the center of the conference chamber to one side with Commander Coe, JT continued. "Are you sure this is a good idea Doc? You heard how deadly Speaker Yumeijin said this disease is. What if you become infected yourself? Some healers have already died from this disease..."

"I'm a Doctor Commander. Caring for the sick and injured is what I joined Starfleet to do. Yes, there is some risk, but if this virus is airborne, then we were already exposed to it the minute we beamed down. And who knows! This might turn out to be a simple virus that the Federation already has a cure for. The point is, we won't know anything until someone goes to check it out. Since I am here, and I am a Doctor, that is exactly what I intend to do."

JT could see that Kahn had made up her mind. Besides there was no denying her logic on the matter. She was correct, they had to check it out in order to determine if there was a greater threat to the Galaxy from this disease that would force them all to be quarantined until a cure could be found. "Very well Doctor. I can see that you are right about this. But at least let me send a security officer to accompany you, just to be safe."

Nilani shook her head in the negative. "It's better that I go alone Commander. I can not allow another member of the away team to accompany me until I know what sort of disease we are dealing with. It poses an unnecessary risk that I will not allow."

JT crossed his arms and let out a slight "humph" as he blew a lock of his hair off of his forehead. Then he tried to turn the tables on Kahn. "I thought you said we have already all been exposed to this disease the minute we beamed down to Dronegar Doctor? If that is the case then I ..."

"That may be true Commander," Doctor Kahn interrupted abruptly, her Bajoran nose wrinkling with slight annoyance, "but there is no way to be certain of that without further tests. If this disease is transmitted in some other way other than by the air, or if it is a weak strain, then we may all still be in the clear. Taking another person into 'the hot zone' is an unnecessary risk that I will not allow as lead medical officer on this away team, Commander." Nilani's tone was authoritative, but softened slightly when he addressed JT by his proper rank.

JT rocked his head slightly before speaking. "You are right Doctor. As the lead medical officer on this away team you have the authority to supersede my request. I would just feel better if you'd reconsider. This is a strange new world that we are on, and though the Rhomboid have agreed to a cease fire during these negotiations, that is a fragile agreement at best."

"I appreciate your candor and your concern JT. But I can not allow anyone else from the Galaxy to accompany me until I have some scientific data to go on. Once I check things out for myself, we will all have a better idea of what we are dealing with and how to proceed. I will keep in touch via communicator, but I have to do this alone right now. Okay?"

JT tossed his hand up. "All right. I guess you have a point, but I still don't have to like it."

Puregaru, who had been standing by and eavesdropping, spoke up. "I will take good care of the Doctor Commander. She will not loose her way with me as her guide."

JT pivoted and saw the young Dronegarian tracker standing by with her hands behind her back as she raised up on her tippy-toes either impatiently, or in an attempt to look taller or older than she really way. It brought a smile to the Commander's face. "I am sure that Doctor Kahn will be in excellent hands."

Closing her tricorder and placing it back in her med-kit Doctor Kahn looked over to the young tracker. "I am all set Puregaru."

"Call me Garu, most people do." The youth said with a smile showing her tiny, reptilian teeth.

"Very well, Garu, lead the way." The Doctor said as the two began leaving the conference chamber to begin their long trip across the Dronegarian empire to the Nesting caves of the sick.

Commander Coe watched as the Doctor and Dronegarian guide exited, before returning to the Conference chamber and informing the others of where she had gone. JT wasn't sure if he should tell them about the disease, or the possibility that they had all been exposed to the deadly infection, but in the end he decided to disclose everything and get it out in the open. It wasn't much time after that before the Speaker of Dronegar arranged to have the Galaxy away team shown to their private chambers for the evenings rest. The Rhomboid delegation was due to arrive early the next morning. Their space cra

ft had already left in route for the neighboring world of Dronegar.

In the morning, the peace talks would begin.

"A friend in deed"
by Electra

"So, how do you like the Galaxy so far?" she said, giving Electra a friendly smile.

"Well, uh...Lt. jg Boudreau, it has been an unusual transition." Electra said, not really wishing to get into her anger and frustration. She had assumed in a way only she could, that her circumstances would immediately improve on board the Galaxy. Her feelings of restlestness after the cruel losses on Beta 2, still masked her grief and kept her from truly feeling. Her arrival at the Galaxy had only further instilled that sense of restlessness in her. Having been whisked away to that horrendous planet and then returning to find she was not the focus of attention, nor even noticed by the males of stature and position. How was she to further herself if she could not position herself by closely aligning herself with a high ranking officer. And now, to top off her dismay her staff in the lounge loathed her and worked in a disgruntled fashion that would surely show soon.

"Please, is it Electra? Call me Mélissa." Lt. jg. Boudreau had a soft manner somehow not as distant as many had been. Electra had no idea of the icy attitude she presented and was surprised that even with joining the poker games she had not really made any connections other than an occasional smile from the group she gamed with.

"Yes, Electra... Mélissa. You are the first person to ask that question." That fact stunned Electra suddenly taken aback. She held tight, still unable to express or show the emotions that raged inside her.

"Oh, but you have been on board for a while now. I would have thought that here in the hub of the ship you would have had many people ask that? Have you spent anytime trying to talk to any of the crew when they are here? They really are a friendly group once you get to know them." This young engineer had hit the nail on the head. Her earnest attempt to show interest in Electra was kind and sincere.

"Well.... no... not really." Electra paused reflecting and then somewhat abruptly said "I really have been very busy." The shields went up her instinct to protect herself from warmth and kindness and any real feeling snapped back in place.

"Why don't you sit down and join me Electra, we may have things in common that you might not suspect, and Ten Forward is slow right now."

Electra sat down, feeling somewhat awkward, a rare feeling for an Orion of her beauty. The awkwardness came from within, and though she was uncomfortable, the conversation that ensued with Mélissa began a gradual and almost imperseivable change in the icy facade. A warmth began to seep into her consciousness, so gradually, but steadily as they talked for the next hour. The warmth was not visible to anyone, not even Mélissa but she did seem to sense a slight meltdown of the ice.

A barrier was dropped... the tiniest barrier, but the first step toward Electra becoming whole of spirit again.

"Loving Confrontations"
USS Galaxy
Lt. Deiran Casey & Lt. Casey Ti Miran

Miran stared across the table at her husband. She loved him so much. This was the first time they had really spent any time alone together in a very long while.

"It is nice to finally be alone with you," Miran said.

"I'm glad your rested. You've been very tired lately," Deiran responded.

Deiran was glad to spend time with Miran.

"Deiran, I am happy to be with you. I love you so much, but... I have a question," Miran let her heart say the things she had been carrying with her.

"What is it honey?" Deiran asked, not knowing what to expect.

"Why have we not been spending more time alone together. Ever since I got pregnant you have been out almost every night and I have been alone," Miran asked. She had to fight the tears. It was so hard. She was so scared of being alone again.

This shocked Deiran. The times he remembered leaving, Miran was asleep.

"Miran, I'm sorry. But, your sleeping all the time."

"Not all the time, I have been tired. But, even when I am awake you have not been home. You do not want this baby, do you?" Miran wiped tears from her eyes and cheeks. She put her arms protectively around her waist. She could feel the baby kick, a reminder that a new life was soon to be with them.

Deiran's heart sank. He was blind, he didn't realize what he had been doing to his love, his only love. He didn't know what to say, he didn't want to speak.

"I…uh…I…" Deiran was practically stuttering.

"What is it Deiran, you really do not want this baby, do you?" she asked him, tears still streaming from her eyes. Maybe it was better had she never gotten pregnant in the first place.

"Miran, I don't know how to respond. I'm being honest with you now. My father never shared his feelings with my mother- in fact it took a long time for him to reveal his feelings period. I guess part of that nature has been carried to me inadvertently. I never wanted to hurt you. And I love that baby so much, it's part of us, and it's very special to me. I'm sorry I didn't mean to hurt you one bit, I love you so much," Deiran stood up, walked over to Miran and knelt beside her as she was still sitting in her chair.

"I love you very much, I couldn't go on without you. And I want this baby more than I can put into words Miran, and I mean that. I'm going to tell you something I've never told anyone in my entire life. And I'm telling you because I need to and have been avoiding it. This isn't easy for the Iceman to say," Deiran hesitated.

"Deiran, I love you, forever I will. You can always tell me anything your feeling, and I promise to do the same. I love you, Deiran," Miran replied.

"I was taught that a leader never reveals his true emotions, he deals with them inside himself. But, I can't do that with you. And I'm so sorry honey," Deiran was stalling he really didn't want to say this.

"Just tell me, Deiran," Miran encouraged. "How can I help if I do not know what you are feeling? Please?" she pleaded with him.

"Okay! I'm afraid of the kind of father I'll be, I'm nervous about being a father. I want to be a father, I really do. But, it's not easy being a Casey. With the Casey name comes pressure, especially if that baby is a boy. If it's a son, and he joins Starfleet, he'll have to be an Admiral. I'm concerned if I'll even be a good father," Deiran said the word ‘afraid’ in describing himself for the first time in his life. He could face an Armada of Dominion warships or attack the Romulan fleets with one ship and not even fear death. But, fatherhood scared him immensely.

"I did not know if you wanted the baby. I thought perhaps you were angry at me because of the baby." Miran said feeling relieved at what he said. It also brought new fears and questions. What if they did have a son and he didn't want to be in Starfleet? What if they only had girls? How would the Casey's look at her then if the Casey name was so important to them? She didn't want a child of hers to be pressured into anything that they didn't want to be.

"I want the baby with all of my heart. I do Miran, but can I be a good father?" Deiran had never experienced questioning himself in such a way. His nickname was Iceman, cool, calm under extreme pressure, nerves of steel under any situation. Except fatherhood.

"Do you love the baby?" Miran asked.

"With all the love I can give, yes," Deiran replied.

"Let the baby know that. Be there for him or her and you will be a good father. All you have to do is spend time with the baby and love him or her." Miran felt relief that Deiran wanted and loved the baby.

"I can do that, that's easy."

"Yea, I know you can do it. You will be a great father!" Miran smiled at him and kissed Deiran passionately. She truely was happy and felt at peace now. Her family was still hanging together.

Of course he kissed her back. They stopped kissing long enough for Deiran to speak.

"Now if I can just get through the birth, I'll be fine," Deiran said with all seriousness.

Miran laughed and said, "You better! I will have K'arta take you physically from the room if you do not stay calm."

Deiran looked into her eyes, kissed her for what seemed like eternity. He stopped, touched Miran's stomach, feeling the baby, "I love you little one." He looked up and smiled at his wife.

"Federation Law"
by Lt. (jg) Thomas

Personal log: I have been reading the Captain's evaluation of the new AHE model and found that although he enjoyed the greater interactivity his details on how to improve the subject in question were vague. However he is the Captain and he has a great deal of other things to do, besides review things.

I haven't been able to have lunch with Lt. Morris as she has been unavailable, so I have just made note that she might come calling to take me up on lunch. Thus I have placed the need information and everything within easy reach.

I have spent a lot of time working on decoded and reading the documents, but I have begun to run into walls and dead inns. Which appear to be recent or at least activating as I continue my research. I suspect based upon current information the Starbase was developing something the Federation doesn't want to be public knowledge. The problem with that is I don't buy the reason for a total blanket.

I have debated asking for help, but I really haven't made any impressive friends, except my CO, Lt. Casey. Unfortunately after our incident, I doubt he'd be willing to stick out his neck or anyone else's that might be able to help. No before I go and ask him or try and get him involved I'm going to have come up with away that it will benefit him or his career. Obviously I have from the information translated so far determined, that several some bodies in Starfleet are trying to hide something of importance. I originally set out just seeking the truth, but the further I dig, with the access codes and guidelines Suvak provided me, the further I dig a hole for myself. The information in these files, or at least what I can obtain, might damage several officers careers. I suppose that given a really convincing speech I might even with the limited information I have be able to convince Lt. Casey that exposing the truth behind the cover-up might be a big boost to his career. Unfortunately, the danger of getting killed over knowing this information, is at the moment great of a risk.

I haven't bothered to check up on how Colby is doing, not that I don't care, but I am not sure how he would react to my presence. Which is why haven't spent or seen much of Dev lately. I love her, but things have become some much more complicated. Marriage for instance, how would Colby react to Dev and I getting married. I think for the way he acted the first time we meet. I'd need to visit the Doctor, and I try to avoid them if at all possible. They usual want to prod and poke me to death, not that I can't handle it, but the idea of seeing one is the problem. I haven't been sick since I was young.

Since I have had access to some information, I decided to pull the files on the ambassador as I haven't had much else to do besides read and write. I found the ambassador public files to be interesting, but dry over all. Which means nothing, as the real information or at least the more noteworthy information is guarded.

[end personal log]

Chris looked around his quarters and decided he seen enough of them, for a while. He headed for 10-forward, but picked up his padd containing his research and analyzation of what he had discovered so far.

** 10-forward Alpha shift. **

He found a corner area away from the few officers that were there. He had ordered some ale before going to sit down. He looked out the windows before sitting down and starting read. He was content with his life at the moment. He had already learned quite a bit about current Federation Law, beyond the normally education that cadet receives at Starfleet Academy.

Chris Patton

"Strawberry Jelly (part 2)"
by Ensign Burns

Lt. McKenzie set a PADD down on the command chair and approached John.

"Welcome to Beta shift, Ensign Burns. Did you have a any problems getting ready?" Lt. McKenzie asked. John noticed a hint of humor in Lt. McKenzie's voice.

Hesitantly John replied, "Well...umm..yes, sir, Lt. No problems at all."

"It's important that you get a nutritious meal prior to your shift." Lt. McKenzie smiled. However, John was still totally confused as to what exactly was going on.

"I don't understand, Sir." John said still bewildered at the situation.

Lt. McKenzie made a slight hand motion to John's pant leg. Upon looking down at his pants John became aware of why he was receiving so much attention. His face turned bright red.

Lt. McKenzie extended a hand and placed it on John's shoulder. "It's okay. Just next time bring enough for the whole shift. Okay?" Lt. McKenzie turned and started back to the command chair as a small laugh began to issue from the Beta shift personnel.

John still felt quite embarrassed, but due to his humorous nature, he joined in on the laughter.

Lt. McKenzie sat down into the commander chair, and quoted the ancient Greeks.

"Okay, Beta shift. As the ancient Greeks used to say...They also serve who stand and wait... Begin Beta shift."

John assumed his position behind the tactical controls, tapping a few buttons to check that the ships systems were all in order. Lt. McKenzie turned his head in John's direction and said, "Oh and, Ensign Burns, there will be a nuclear powered ship headed toward the planet. Make sure when it arrives you don't shoot it down, its part of the peace negotiations being held on the surface."

"Yes sir," John responded.

"Also Ensign Burns, if you'd be kind enough to bring some blueberry jelly with you next shift, I'd be grateful."

Playing along with the joke, John smiled and said, "Yes sir, but would you like white, whole wheat, or rye toast?"

Another small laughter broke out.

Lt. McKenzie replied, "I can tell that these shifts are not going to be very boring."

"That is for sure sir," John answered.

Ensign J.A.Burns/Tactical Dept. aka Pat Burns

"Deck By Deck, 2"
by Ensign Kagitingan, J.M., Operations Officer, USS GALAXY NCC 70637

"Excuse me. Which one of you is Lt. Hewson?"

One of the two men James approached swiveled around to face him and said "That would be me. And what's your name son?"

The rookie ops officer introduced himself to the two officers who both wore junior grade lieutenant's pips. "Ensign James Kagitingan, sir."

James noticed the knowing grins and the warm feeling around his neck and cheeks was a sure sign he felt self-conscious. Reports of his misadventure with Maintenance Chief Chao spread quickly. Truly, news travelled faster than transwarp or anything else known to Starfleet.

"So, tell me what can I do for you Ensign?" Ltjg. Hewson asked.

Struggling to contain his embarrassment, James began to explain why he had come to see the engineers at work. "I'm going through a deck by deck inspection of the ship, sir - it's written up on the work schedule. But I just wanted to check if Engineering had any special procedures that haven't been covered in the orientation when I came aboard."

"You could have gotten through to me using the comm system, you know. That's what the comm-badges are for?" Ltjg. Hewson said flashing another grin. The smile highlighted a scar on the engineer's chin which James failed to notice earlier.

"I know, sir, but I want to meet and get to know the people I will be serving with aboard the Galaxy. Besides I don't want it to get it in my head that ops officers have other departments at their beck and call."

"Well we're not - and you better remember that!" Hewson's companion chimed in. James had met Ltjg Erikson in passing during his first few days on the Galaxy. Unlike the other officers whom James had met so far, Eriks

on did not seem aloof on or off duty. The friendly gleam of the science officer's blue eyes showed that Erikson's comment wasn't meant to be derisive.

"Exactly, sir. I've been studying the technical schematics and the maintenance handbooks for the Galaxy, but looking at a screen can be quite different from the real thing. I was hoping that you," James said turning to the engineer, "would be able to guide me through the more intricate bells and whistles of the stardrive section. If that won't be too much trouble, Lt. Hewson."

"That's not a problem, ensign. But if they were JUST a bunch of bells and whistles, I doubt you would need my help."

"And you wouldn't have a spare set of diagnostic tools, would you... sir?" James added almost sheepishly.

"Diagnostic tools. Technical schematics and handbooks. Deck by deck inspections. Before you know it, you'll get to know every Jeffries tube and power conduit of this ship. We will make an engineer out of you yet!"

James smiled politely but declined the Lieutenant's offer. "Uh...No offense, lieutenant, but I have other plans for my future."

"Hah! Wait - don't tell me, you want to be a Captain someday?"

"Yes, that's right, sir. Isn't that every young officers' dream? Or should be?"

"Oh no. I suppose most of us are happy tending to our babies. In my case, it's main engineering. If you're bucking for a command post or the captaincy you ought to know that 'The General' will be with the Galaxy for a long time."

"I don't doubt that, sir. And it's not like I want or expect to be Captain tomorrow. It may sound like I'm complaining but running diagnostics, assigning quarters, making sure we have enough cargo space for such and such a mission, sorting minor interdepartmental disputes... I don't know, all this doesn't seem like the stuff of legend."

"Welcome to Starfleet, ensign! You aren't assigned to where you WANT to be. Not usually, anyway. Starfleet puts you where you are NEEDED. Fleet admirals and their staff have to keep themselves busy dreaming up new ways trying to do that very thing. Do you see what I'm getting at here?"

Ensign Kagitingan hmmmmm'ed in agreement. "Since you put it that way, sir, yes I guess so."

"You look a bit stressed there, ensign. Why don't you hit the holodeck?" Ltjg Hewson suggested.

"I've been meaning to do that, sir. Though I don't know if you've noticed, but there are quite a lot of people on board. With everybody practically scrambling for the holodeck on their downtime, I doubt I would find an available slot!"

Erikson, one of the science officers on the ship, feigned an expression of disappointment. "Well, you're an Ops Officer aren't you?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then I'm sure a smart young ops officer you should be creative enough to squeeze some downtime in one of the holodecks."

"Aye...," James said suddenly lost in his own thoughts. Ensign Kagitingan had not planned on voicing his opinions about his current assignment but the two junior grade lieutenants seemed friendly and easy going enough for James to share his frustration. James was wary about expressing his personal thoughts to someone he didn't know very well, much less to those who outranked him. But after the encounter on deck 15, James was just aching to vent and somehow justify how he had exercised his authority during his inspections. He only hoped that Hewson and Erikson were discreet enough to keep James' comments to themselves.

"I spend half my time crawling about Jeffries tubes and getting on the crew's bad side. I don't mean to give an impression of importance. I figure I'm just doing what an ops officer should do: standing in for Lt. Casey when he is on the bridge making sure everything comes together neatly. At least I'm getting SOME command experience that way. The other half I spend in the department offices, shuffling PADDs and monitoring redundant ops substations." The bronzed-skinned ensign breathed a deep sigh to accompany his long winded lament.

"Now there's your problem. Even great Captains and Starfleet veterans have to do *SOMETHING* between those times they save the galaxy you know."

"New life... New civilizations! To boldly go where no one has gone before!" James exclaimed as his hand slashed through the air, mimicking a starship in warp.

Ltjg Erikson couldn't resist chuckling in the face of James' histrionics. "Hehehe. That's another ship, 'son'."

"I want to be where the action is at!"

"You know what they say, Ensign," Hewson said. "Be careful of what you wish for, you just might get it."

"Doesn't that contradict what you said about Starfleet? About not getting the assignments or missions that one WANTS?"

"Damn it! I'm an engineer! Not a philosopher! Oh boy, you are giving me a headache. I'll leave this stuff to green-skinned hermits living in a mud huts."

James flashed Ltjg. Hewson a cunning grin. "Just be glad I'm not Vulcan or I'll chew more holes in your arguments than a hull rat would in a ship."

"Iceman At The Conn"
USS Galaxy Lt. Deiran Casey

Deiran finished his dinner that he and Miran shared together. It was a beautiful dinner and a beautiful moment in their relationship. He would never reveal what he said to her to anyone. That was just Casey’s way.

"I have to pull a double shift so I’m going to get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at the start of Alpha shift okay honey?"

Miran kissed Deiran before he went to bed. She had a smile on her face as she watched him walk into the other room.

*** 2255 hours, before Gamma Shift ***

Deiran was up early. So, he decided to visit Ten Forward before Gamma shift began.

When he walked in it was almost dead. Melissa was the only one he knew, so he walked over to her table.

"Hello Lieutenant, may I join you?" Deiran asked politely, smiling at the pretty Lieutenant JG.

"Please sir, have a seat."

Deiran sat down across from Melissa. As he sat down, a waiter came up to take his order. "I’ll have a Strawberry Twist Juice, Electra has the recipe."

"Very good sir," the waiter said.

"I’m not used to this double shift Melissa. Do you like Gamma shift?" he asked her.

"It has its advantages sir," Melissa responded.

"Melissa, we’re off duty, you may call me Deiran," Deiran laughed at the Engineer.

"Okay Deiran," she said, it felt so awkward to her as the name flowed off her lips.

"I should be in bed," Casey joked.

"Have you had the Conn before Deiran?" Melissa asked, wondering about Deiran’s past.

"Yes, this will be my second time. My first time for an entire shift," Deiran said it like it was no big deal. Just another day to him. "While I have you here face to face Melissa, I wanted to see if we can’t improve the anti-matter conversion rates. I think it’s important to be prepared. Especially since the Rhomboid ship will be entering our space soon, leaking nuclear power into space. If our conversion rate is high, there’s less risk of contamination in the warp core. It’s just a precaution," Casey said as he finished the last sip of his juice.

"I’ll be sure to make it a priority Sir. I wasn’t aware that you knew about Warp engines, much less nuclear powered Starships, Deiran?" Melissa asked, curious to know the man’s background.

"I grew up on Starships my whole life. I could operate in any job in any department on the ship. Really, all Ops officers should be able to. And I had a double major at the academy, Technical Ops and Engineering. I also won the Federation Science award for conserving nacelle energy, I’m quite familiar with all types of Warp, transwarp theories and even nuclear powered engines, Melissa. I could even redo the programming of the main computer in a couple of days and have it running more efficiently. If it exists, I know something about it," Casey laughed. "Sorry, I’m an honest person and you asked."

Casey set the glass down and excused himself, "Have a good shift. I’ll contact you in a couple of hours to check on your progress on those conversion rates."

*** Start of Gamma Shift, 2330 hours ***

"Lieutenant Deiran Casey here to relieve you of the Conn Mr. McKenzie," Casey said, smiling.

"It’s all yours sir," Hunter said as he stood up and headed for the turbolift.

Casey sat down and checked the computer on the arm rest for any pertinent information. Nothing important.

"Ensign Kamin, nice to see you," Casey said as the Tactical officer arrived for his shift.

"Ensign Barker, Lt. Erikson, good to see you both," Casey acknowledged the officers as they arrived for their shift.

Ensign Chan arrived just on time and relieved Lt. (JG) Thomas.

"Ensign Chan, intensify the sensor sweep. Let Lt.Erikson know that we’ll be sharing sensors until the Rhomboid enter orbit around Dronegar. I want to be prepared for the slightest contingency."

"Aye sir," Chan replied and began the procedure.

"Ensign Kamin as Chan supplies the power to you, give me updates on the Rhomboid’s progress. At say half hour intervals," Casey commanded.

"Aye sir," Kamin replied to Casey.

"Lt. Erikson, will you be doing any major experiments in the sector during our shift?" Casey asked the science officer.

"I have a few things planned, yes sir," Erikson seemed preoccupied with one experiment already. "Lt.Mitchel has us studying a nearby nebula. It should take about 3 hours to complete our sensor sweep."

"Good, please inform me when your finished, as I’d like to use those sensors. I want to have you do some studying on the amount of nuclear power seeping into space in this area. It should be an interesting study, don’t you think?" Casey asked.

"Yes, sir. More interesting than doing a sensor sweep on a nebula," Erikson laughed.

"Ensign Chan, how far is the Rhomboid ship from our position?" Casey asked.

"About 3 hours 37 minutes sir," Chan replied quickly, almost reading Casey’s mind.

"Lt. Casey to Lt.(JG) Chanor?"

[Chanor here sir, what can I do for you?]

"Just checking in with you Lieutenant, I assume Lt.(JG) Quall has arrived for duty also?" Casey asked.

[Yes, sir he has]

"Please note that the Rhomboid delegation will be arriving in 3 hours Lieutenant, just wanted you to be aware of this, in case you need to send a team down to the surface. I don’t expect any problems, but it doesn’t hurt to be on your guard."

[I agree sir.] Chanor replied.

"Lt. Casey out," Casey disconnected the comm and sat back in the chair.

This amount of activity was unusual for the Gamma shift officers. Casey had them doing tasks, and not the usual mundane ones. The bridge crew seemed to be in good spirits under Casey’s leadership. For the first time in awhile they didn’t feel like falling asleep at their consoles. Casey knew that Gamma shift was always slow, so he had planned to keep the shift as busy as possible.

*** Four hours later ***

"The Rhomboid ship has entered orbit around Dronegar sir," Ensign Kamin stated to Casey.

"Good. Chan see if Commander Coe is available," Casey said and waited for a response.

"Yes sir he is, should I hail him?" Chan asked.

"Please do so Ensign," Casey said, smiling.

Chan opened a channel to the Commander.

"Commander, the Rhomboid delegation has arrived in orbit around Dronegar," Casey informed his CO.

"Dronegar"
By Leslie Wilson Counselor, USS Galaxy

The away team was led by Yumeijin. They were being showed to thier private chambers for the night. Leslie was a little bit worn out. Barely out of the acadmey and she was already on an away team. Well she was just there to observe.

Lt.jg Arcas walked up to Leslie. "Do you think these talks will do anything?" he asked, whispearing. "I hope, it could help these worlds a great deal if the war stoped, and they started helping each other," she responded. He nodded, and they continued on thier way.

Each member of the away team was shown to thier chambers.

Amanda looked around the room. On the far side of the room was a small bed, that looked comftorbale. One chair was located in the room. Thier was a window on each side of the room.

Leslie sat down on the bed. The dinner had been excellent. *If a life in starfleet is always like this, then I will enjoy myself* Leslie thought, smiling.

She laid down, the taste of the sweet fruit she had eaten at dinner, still on her lips. She slowly drifted off to sleep...

"The Long Walk"
Written by Kahn Nilani, Assistant Chief Medical Officer - USS Galaxy

"O.k. Garu. Which way?"

"This way Doctor. It is about a days Journey from here."

"What? A Day of walking."

"Yes, Is there a problem."

"No, not at all. This should see if all that exercise I have been doing has paid off."

"That is good."

I started following Garu on to the Caves. She seemed very fit for her age, and deep down inside I know how she felt with her people at war.

"So Garu, explain the virus to me, What it does, What happens to the people once getting the virus, as this will help determining what I can do to help?"

"Well the virus causes the person to get a high temperature and to start hallucinating, some people die very quickly others hang on for a day or two some have been know to hold on for as long as your week. Other than that I cannot help you."

"O.k. that has helped" I pulled out a data PADD and typed in what she had told me, so far it could be 1 of 1 billion diseases, so I will need to keep looking. As I put the PADD back into my satchel I had an idea, with that I pulled out my medical tricorder and scanned the air for any possible viral strains. Nothing to indicate the virus that Garu had described.

"Excuse me doctor?"

"Yes, I answered"

"Tell me about your self, You are different to the others?"

"Yes I am, I am known as a bajoran. My race was at war for over 50 years with another race called the Cardassians. I was born in a prison camp on

my planet, and was also witness to my parents death at the hands of the Cardassians."

"Oh. I am sorry, then you must know what is happening between us and the Rhomboid?"

"Yes, I have my ideas."

"Well I am sorry, look it is getting dark, I think we should rest for the night.

"That is fine with me. Garu one thing are we safe?"

"Yes quite safe doctor"

"Oh good"

**** Morning ****

"Come on doctor. Time to wake up."

"mmm, yes o.k. I am up"

"Well good we have not far to walk"

Getting up I put everything into my satchel and start to walk off with Garu

**** 1 hour later ****

"See In that valley over there. That is where the caves are."

"Oh good, when will we get there?"

"Within the next shift of the sun."

"O.k." This had no meaning to the doctor so she guessed about 30 min.

**** 45 min later ****

Walking down the carved steps that leaded into the caves. I was amased at the beauty of the cave walls.

" Here we go doctor the first of the caves"

Dev was shocked when Colby's teacher pulled him into her office, ear in hand. He wasn't alone either. His recently acquired 'best-friend' was at his side.

"Can I help you Mrs. Hatchmoor?" Dev asked, ignoring Colby's attempt at sweetening her up.

"These two children just blantantly refuse to act appropriately in class. I wish for the appropriate action to be taken," the teacher fumed.

"And so it shall be taken. Return to your class. I'll take care of the trouble-makers here." Devlynn was calm, leaning back in her chair. She could sense that they were frightened, that was good.

Colby and Jonathan, both small --about the same height-- for their young age, looked up with gloomy expressions. They knew that a lecture awaited them. What made it worse was that the lecturer was none other than Colby's mother.

As Mrs. Hatchmoor left the room, Devlynn leaned forward in her chair. "Boys?" She said, "do you want to tell me what happened today to get your teacher so wound up?"

"Nothing," they chimed in simulataneously.

"Right." She said flatly, "that's what I thought you'd say." She turned her head to the air. "Salshyar to Hatchmoor, you wanna come ba..."

"Wait." Colby said. "I'll tell you." He breathed i

n deeply. "We were in class, see? And well, Mrs. Hatchmoor is really nasty. She's got this dragon breath thing."

"Hold it honey." She said, "just tell me what happened."

Jonathan didn't look like he wanted Colby to continue. "Jonathan, here," Colby gestured to his companion. "He drew a picture of Mrs. Hatchmoor, it's was a really good one too. It had the flames comming out her nose and everything!" He was getting into this a little too much. "It had smoke flying everyw..."

"I get the picture." Devlynn said flatly. "So, what am I supposed to do with you two?"

Jonathan was giving Colby a nasty look, he didn't like the fact that Colby had told his mother, and the dean of the school system, the truth. "Uh..." Colby studdered. He didn't know how to answer that. "Nothing." He said quickly. That cute smile finding it's place on his face.

"I think that you know as much as I do, that is not possible. This was in school, as the dean, I am responsible for discipline. As much as I hate it." She sighed. "Colby, Jonathan. I want you to write a letter to Mrs. Hatchmoor. I want you to appologize to her for disrupting her class..."

"Ah, momma!" Colby whined. "We don't want to write to her..."

"Colby, you don't have to appologize for drawing the picture. I don't think that is necessary." Colby cocked his head slightly. He didn't get it. "But, you did cause her to have to take time away from the other students. That is not acceptable."

Jonathan, who was up 'til now silent said quickly. "Colby, lets go write that letter." He jumped up from the chair.

"Do I make you feel uncomfortable Jonathan?" Dev asked.

"No, ma'am." He said.

"Then why the rush?" She said. "Honestly."

He flushed a little, Dev knew the reason. He felt that he was getting off easy. "No reason ma'am." He said.

"Okay," she said. She would talk to Colby about Jonathan later. "You boys may use the office down the hall to write your letter." She heard Jonathan sigh, he wasn't getting off as free as he thought. "When you are finished, come back here and I'll read it over." She smiled at the boys.

"Okay, momma!" Colby said and they dashed out the door, giggling.

Dev sighed as she turned back to her work. She giggled slightly when she thought of the picture of Mrs. Hatchmoor, it was a perfect representation!

Lt. Devlynn Salshyar (Dev) Chief Counselor, USS Galaxy - NCC-70637

"Solving the Problem"
Lt.jg. Mercury Chief of Engineering

"David, Lt.jg. Samara left you a PADD from Beta shift. I believe it has something to do with the container in the shuttle bay." AC handed David the PADD and went back to what he was doing before David arrived.

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

To: Lt.jg Mercury From: Samara

Sir, I was reading over the report you gave to the Beta shift about the container in the shuttle bay. I have a suggestion that might help solve the problem. We could tow the container outside the with a shuttlecraft and place it in front of the Galaxy's long-range senor array and flood them on highest-resolution mode.

My only concern is the it could be a nuclear weapon. Both sides still use nuclear engines.

Hope this helps.

**********

*** Main Shuttle Bay ***

David walked into Ensign Heart just as she was going off duty. "Ensign, anything to report?"

"Sir, still no answers, the tricorders don't seem to be getting through. We have tried everything we could think of." Ensign heart seemed a bit frustrated, she had been at it all shift. "Thank you Ensign, I'll take it from here. Nice job."

The possibilies were endless. David know that Samara's suggestion might be the only other option. David tapped on his com-badge. "Merucry to Hewson"

[Hewson here]

"I need your assistance in the Main Shuttle Bay AC."

[On my way]

David paced around the shuttle bay while he waited for AC to arrive. He remember that he had dinner tonight with Melissa. David know that this might take time, he rather not break their plans but it was becoming a possibility.

AC arrived a couple minutes later. "What is the problem, David?"

"We seem to have a mystery container, that we are having trouble scanning. Lt.jg. Samara suggested that we tow it outside the ship and use the long-range senor array on it. It is to the point right now that I happen to agree that might be our best course of action.

"I see, what do you need me to do?"

"I need to go inform the Captain of our little situation down here, I want you just to prepare the sensors and the shuttle."

"I will get right on it."

David left the shuttle bay and headed for the bridge. He hoped that the Captain would understand the situation and his plan to solve it.

Just as David walked into the turbolift, his com-badge beeped.

[Tash to Mercury]

David seemed a little confused.

"Go ahead."

[Sorry to bother you sir, I know that you are on duty but I was wondering if you have recieved my equipment yet?]

"If you don't mind me asking, what equipment?"

[I had added a special order of sterilized enablers to be shipped with the order you had recieved at our last docking.]

"By any chance, would these enablers be cased in an unlabeled container."

[Very possible, it was sort of any emergency order, they may not of had time to label the container. Oh, one more thing, you may have trouble scanning the container, it is packed in a specialized container to protect the enablers.]

"I think we have your container, I will put it asside for you. By the way, you owe me one Lt.jg Tash."

[Why? Was there a problem?]

"I will explain later"

[Thanks again.]

The doors openned and David walked onto the bridge.

"What is the problem mate, you seem a little confused?" The Captain turned toward David as he exitted the lift.

"Nothing sir, just wanted to see the bridge." David felt a little embarassed.

"Glad to see you up here." The Captain continued with what he was doing.

David walked back into the turbolift and headed back down to the Main Shuttle Bay. He had almost forgot about AC.

Lt. JG Paran Chanor
------------------------------

Lt. Paran had been spending most of Gamma shift catching up on some filing that he'd left for far too long. Lieutenant Quall was down in the shuttlebay, investigating some odd containers they'd found there. Only Ensign Taylor was on duty with him, and he was tapping at keys slowly. He turned to Chanor.

"Sir, why is it so boring most of the time, then it really picks up for a few days, then slumps back again?"

"I have no idea, Ensign, but I agree with the sentement." answer Chanor.

Ensign Taylor turned back to the desk, then stated,

"A bit of excitment sir! Commander Sterner's just recieved an urgent message from Lieutenant Thomas in ops."

"Let me see." stated Chanor.

He headed over to the terminal and noted that an urgent message had been sent. He looked at the cronometer nearby and noted that it was coming up to 07:30 hours, so he paged Commander Sterner.

"Lieutenant Paran to Commander Sterner."

There was a moments wait, then a gruff Commander Sterner answered.

["Yes Lieutenant, it'd better be good."]

"Sorry to interupt sir, I was hoping you'd be up. There is an urgent message here from Lieutenant Thomas in Operations. Shall I set up a link with the Dronegar local computer and forward it to you?"

["Yes, alright Lieutenant. But please ask Lieutenant K'arta to forward any future messages from now on."]

"Yes sir. I will."

Chanor closed the channel and turned to a smiling Ensign Taylor.

"He didn't sound to happy sir. I wouldn't have bothered contacting him."

Chanor glared at him for a minute, then said,

"Just patch the message through Ensign, if you please."

"Yes sir." answered Taylor.

The last half hour of Gamma shift finished uneventfully. Lieutenant Quall reported that the unknown containers in the shuttlebay where supplies for Lieutenant Tash in medical and at 08:00 he handed over to Lieutenant K'arta, informing her of the 'message' for Commander Sterner and all future messages. Like Ensign Taylor, she also smiled slightly and acknolodged the request.

He headed for ten-forward, hoping for a drink there.

Lt. JG Paran Chanor - USS Galaxy

"Cease fire declared"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Bridge, USS Galaxy ***

Captain Price stepped off the turbolift several minutes earlier than usual. Alpha shift was not due to begin for another hour yet, however the Captain had several reports he needed to update for Starfleet command. Since the duty load was presently light while the ship was in orbit of Dronegar, standing by, Lee figured this would be an excellent opportunity to catch up on his work.

"Captain, I hadn't expected you here this early sir." Lieutenant Deiran Casey stated, still sitting in the Captain's chair.

"Aye 'mate. Figured I'd use the quiet time while the away team and Ambassador Lorn are surface side to catch up on my reports."

"Good idea Captain." Deiran agreed, "Things are slow around here. I would of dosed of completely if it wasn't for the Rhomboid ship we were tracking. She's in orbit about the planet now sir."

Lee smiled. "Nuclear propulsion 'ay 'mate? That must of been like watching a snail crawl across the floor..."

"It was sir. We were taking bets on how long it would take for the ship to establish orbit around the planet. I think Ensign Chan won."

The Captain smiled as he glanced at the Helm. Chan seemed to be glowing at his prediction. "That's good to hear. I bet we are all in for a bigger treat when they launch their reentry vessel. Probably something reminiscent of the old Apollo lunar landers..."

"I'd imagine they are a *little* more advanced than that sir." Casey said with a smile as he leaned back in the leather bound command chair looking up at Price.

"I wouldn't be too sure Lieutenant. Keep monitoring all frequencies. I wouldn't be too surprised to hear a transmission like, 'Houston, we have a problem...'"

"What is it Captain?" Lieutenant Alan Clarence Hewson asked as he too reported early for duty on the Alpha shift, preparing to take the morning readings from the Engineering station.

Lee glanced over his shoulder, he couldn't help but chuckle. Deiran suppressed a grin as well, looking away and covering his mouth.

"No Lieutenant. Not Hewson... Houston. It is a historic flight control center on Earth." Captain Price explained.

"I see sir. Yes, I believe we read about it back at the Academy." Alan responded. After a long pause, he added, "Well, if you'll excuse me Captain, I'd like to get a jump on the morning readings."

"Carry on 'mate." Captain Price instructed. "I'll be in my ready room Lieutenant Casey."

"Yes sir." Casey replied and watched as Price left the bridge.

*****

*** Dronegar, Triad Hachurui ***

Dronegar has a hot, dry climate. Even early in the morning, as the great star begins to rise, the heat soars to oven like temperatures. It is perfect for the Dronegarians. Their reptile-like skin thrives under such conditions, but to the members of the away team from the Galaxy, it is just plain hot.

Commander Coe, Ambassador Lorn, J'naii and the rest of the Federation mediators were up early. The heat not very agreeable with sleeping in.

"First light Ambassador Lorn." Prime Minister Kokishin greeted, "Isn't it a beautiful morning?"

The Ambassador adjusted the sash that held his floor length, diplomatic robe closed, straightening the lapels. "Yes Prime Minister, it is a lovely day to

Attachment Converted: C:\files\future of peace with the Rhomboid.txt Samilla juice? I made it my self." The Prime Minister offered, raising a glass pitcher of the sweet fruit juice.

"My goodness Prime Minister," Leslie replied, "I will have to go on a diet when I return to the Galaxy after visiting your world. But I'd love to try some."

"Excellent child. And I don't think you need to worry. You are already too skinny." Kokishin flirted as he poured glasses for each of them.

"I understand that the Rhomboid ship is currently in orbit around Dronegar Prime Minister?" Commander Coe asked.

"That is correct. The Speaker is communicating with them now. She should join us shortly."

"How long will it take for their shuttle craft to land on the planet surface Prime Minister?" Counselor Wilson asked after sipping from her juice.

"Please child, you may call me Kokishin in this setting." The Dronegarian said with a smile.

"Very well Kokishin, but only if you call me Leslie." The Counselor countered.

"Superb!" Kokishin declared, placing down the pitcher and getting a glass of juice for himself. "To answer your question, Rhomboid landing craft usually take half a movement of the great star before landing. Sometimes less if they are in a real hurry, like an attack."

"Half a movement?" Commander Coe asked.

The Prime Minister looked puzzled by the Commander's question.

"Perhaps I can explain Prime Minister." Ambassador Lorn cut in. "Commander, Dronegarian time is based on the movement of the sun, their 'great star', around the planet. Roughly translated, a movement is about three quarters of an Earth hour. Half of a movement then, would be three eighths of an Earth hour. Or a little over 20 minutes."

"Twenty two minutes, thirty seconds to be precise Ambassador." Responded Lieutenant Commander Sterner as he stepped out into the conference chamber with the others.

"Does that answer your question Commander?" Kokishin asked.

"Yes Prime Minister. Thank you." JT replied while having another sip of the Drongarian juice.

*****

*** Rhomboid space craft, in orbit of Dronegar ***

The channel had just closed between Alpha Bah - Spokesperson for the High Council of Rhomboid and Yumeijin, the Speaker of Dronegar. It had been confirmed, a cease fire had been declared between their two worlds for the duration of these negotiations. Something that had never happened in over five hundred years.

"The Speaker sounded weak Alpha Bah. An indication that their world is on the brink of collapse. They are ripe to be conjured." Alpha Zan pointed out as she pointed to the now blank view screen.

"Yes. Yume was not speaking from a position of power, though that is the ruse she tried to lead me to believe. There is worry in her eyes. They fear us. They fear the Rhomboid for we have managed to gain the upper hand in this bitter conflict with our repulsive neighbors."

"If that is how you feel, Alpha Bah, why do we continue on with this pretense of peace? Why not launch our assault vessels now and let us begin the final conflict with the Dronegar. A great victory for the Rhomboid is inevitable my love."

"Alpha Zan, you forget your place!" Alpha Bah snaps. "I am the Spokesperson for the High Counsel, not you." His eyes narrowed as he rolled around a thought. "We shall attend these peace negotiations, though there will never be peace between the Rhomboid and those foul creatures called Dronegar. We shall use these talks to buy us the time we need to complete the second and third attack vessels. We will..., cooperate, with Speaker Yumeijin and these Federation peace negotiators she speaks of, as we survey the Capitol city of Dronegar. We will buy our time, and when word reaches us that our attack force is ready to proceed, we shall excuse ourselves from these useless negotiations and prepare to take what our fore fathers have fought for generations to obtain. Victory over Dronegar!"

An evil smile stretches over Alpha Zan's pale face. "You are quite clever my husband. It is nice to be reminded of why I married you. Victory over Dronegar!"

Alpha Bah pulled his wife closer to him, running a hand across her cheek and up the ridge of her pointed ear before kissing her passionately.

*****

*** Dronegar, Landing site near the Triad Hachurui

***

The entire away team from the Galaxy, less Doctor Kahn, were at the landing site with Speaker Yumeijin, Prime Minister Kokishin, and Military Commander Jisonshin who took the liberty of stationing extra Dronegarian soldiers near by in case this was a Rhomboid trick. Lieutenant Commander Sterner and his security personnel were sure to be on their guard, having preset their still holstered weapons on heavy stun.

The Rhomboid landing craft was saucer shaped. Unlike the "long ranged" vessel that trekked them between planets, this craft seemed to be entirely powered by chemical propellant engines, similar to the thrusters used on board the Galaxy for docking maneuvers. The ship set down in a gaseous billow of smoke. Within moments the air cleared and a door opened on the fair sized shuttle.

Several members of the Rhomboid delegation began to exit the craft, slowly, apprehensibly, walking down the ramp to reach the ground. Their resemblance to Vulcans was somewhat uncanny, except they appeared to be hairless and albino. They were obviously an off-shoot of the Vulcan race.

"I am Yumeijin, the Speaker of Dronegar. On behalf of all of Dronegar, I welcome the Rhomboid delegation for peace to our humble planet." Yume bowed deeply as she recited the greeting.

The leading Rhomboid, a tall, thin man wearing long, open robes, a loincloth and sandals that strap up to his knees, raised his nose at the Dronegarians and the Federation mediators in a very arrogant, egotistical way. "I am Alpha Bah, Spokesperson for the High Council of Rhomboid. And these... these are members of my negotiation party."

Alpha Zan turned and gave her husband an annoyed look, though she knew better than to speak when she had not been addressed by her husband.

"Welcome to Dronegar Alpha Bah. As we have agreed, a cease fire has been declared between our people. Do you concur?" Speaker Yumeijin asked, doing her job as Speaker of Dronegar and establishing the cease fire before admitting their enemy into the Triad Hachurui.

"I Alpha Zan, Spokesperson of the High Council of Rhomboid give you our word. A cease fire has been declared for as long as these peace negotiations remain open." The Rhomboid spoke the words, but there was no weight in them. It was as if he were bored with this entire affair and reading a statement off of a piece of parchment.

"Very well. Then on behalf of all of Dronegar, I welcome you into the Triad Hachurui." Yume said, again with a bow as she turned and lead the Rhomboid delegation into the central conference chamber where the peace negotiations would begin.

"Questions, Answers, and Fun"
by Ensign Burns

After Beta shift had ended John went straight to his quarters to change his clothes. He was glad to get out of his uniform with the strawberry jelly stain on it. His first shift on the bridge was quite boring.

He just made diagnostics on different systems most of the time. Checking the photon torpedo tubes, the phaser arrays, the deflector dish, and a few other parts of the ship isn't consider fun. The only exciting part would have been the Rhomboid vessel but, it didn't come close until Gamma shift began.

He did meet another Ensign though. Ensign Kamin relieved John from the Tactical Post.

Now, he was ready for some fun. John decided to ask Ensign Campbell if he wanted to play some hockey.

"Computer, what is Ensign Campbell's location?"

('Ensign Campbell is not aboard the Galaxy.')

"What?" John said confusingly

('Please restate your question')

John said slightly annoyed, "No, I wasn't talking to you."

Thinking about the why Ensign Campbell wasn't on the ship, "Hmm.... Lets see. Ensign Campbell....Ah ha. I got it. Computer, is Ensign Campell part of the away team that is on the surface?"

('Affirmative')

"Darn, there goes hockey for awhile. I guess I'll play by myself."

*********5 minutes later***************

John had collected his hockey equipment and headed for the Holodeck. While on his way a small child ran into him causing John to drop the hockey equipment and the little kid to fall.

"Uh..Uh sorry I didn't mean to a..."

"No, No" John said, helping the little guy to his feet. "Don't worry about it. It's not like you ran into me purposely. Anyway, whats your name?"

"Umm Colby."

"Nice to meet you Colby, I'm Ensign Burns, but you can just call me John."

John had always liked kids and he seemed to get along with them too.

"Ok John," Colby said, "Let me help you with your bag." Colby's tried to pick up John's bag of hockey equipment. He strained and grunted a little and finally stopped and said, "What do you possibly have in there a starship?"

John smiled and said, "No its my hockey equipment."

"What is hockey?" He looked at John with that curious little boy look.

"Well its a 20th century sport that is played on ice. The object of the game is to put a piece of round rubber, or puck, into the net."

Colby seemed quite interested. John asked, "who is your mother?"

"My momma is Devlynn Salshyar."

"Well Colby, would you like to come and watch or even play hockey with me some time after I get approval from your mom?"

Ensign J.A.Burns/Tactical Dept. aka Pat Burns

"Ice"
By Ensign William Patrick Boone
Security Officer, USS Galaxy

****Ten Forward****

William sat in Ten Forward, siping a glass of Orange Juice. The flavor of the drink was sweet, and William was enjoying it. He looked at the single pip on his collor. *An Ensign* he thought to himself. *Is this what I wanted* He shook his head. Thinking of his days on Mitch Riely's frieghter.

*Those were the good times* he thought.

"Can I get you anything else?" Electra asked, startling William.

"No thank you," he replied. She walked off.

***

William headed back to his quarters. It was time for a game of hockey. He loved the game. Well he loved all sports, so he would play anything. He grabed all of his gear and ran out the door.

****Holodeck 2****

William entered the Holodeck. He loaded his program, and started to skate around the ice. He had left the players out, he was going to warm up first.

"Security business"
by Lieutenant Commander Joerg Sterner

Joerg woke up in the morning, just to be remembered by his aching muscles of last night's hunting session. It was quite an experience for him, hiding behind bushes and crawling though the sand to wait for the 'frode'. He even earned the respect from Jisonshin, who was very pleased to see how skillful Joerg was hunting with the spear.

He also came to know, that Jisonshin was very fascinated by Klingon tradition, so Joerg in return promised him that he'll tell him more about it. The hunting was a great success, as all of the hunters were able to kill at least one 'frode' each, although Joerg only killed one. Jisonshin promised that these animals would be a perfect meal.

After he dressed in his Starfleet cloths, he headed for the conference chamber. Most of the away team, the Prime Minister and Jisonshin were already there. There he heard that the Rhomboids were about to land on the planet, and even better they had agreed on a cease fire during the peace talks.

The whole group left the building to see the Rhomboids land. The three security officers were still not quite sure that the Rhomboids could be trusted and therefore had their phasers ready and on heavy stun.

Some moments after the ship landed, the Rhomboid delegation left the craft. They were introduced, and after that entered the Triad Hachurui building to begin the peace talks.

Joerg was relieved when he saw that the Rhomboid delegation had no weapons with them and looked quite reasonable. He was quite sure that these talks would be a success and that the war between the two peoples was finally to end.

On their way to the conference room, Joerg's comm badge chirped.

[Lieutenant Paran to Commander Sterner.]

"Yes Lieutenant, it'd better be good." he answered.

[Sorry to interrupt sir, I was hoping you'd be up. There is an urgent message here from Lieutenant Thomas in Operations. Shall I set up a link with the Dronegar local computer and forward it to you?]

"Yes, alright Lieutenant. But please ask Lieutenant K'arta to forward any future messages from now on."

[Yes sir. I will.]

Joerg turned to Jisonshin to ask him a question.

"Excuse me, but may I use one of your computer terminals. It's an urgent message for me from the Galaxy." he tried to explain.

"Of course, no problem. You can use my computer in my room, it's the second room on the left over there." Jisonshin answered.

"Thanks and please excuse me for a moment." he said to the rest of the group.

He found the room and the terminal easily. Some moments later he was able to read the forwarded message.

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

To: Lt. Commander Joerg Sterner From: Lt.(JG) Christopher Thomas

I need to talk with you at your earliest convenience. I figure that you'll probably be going on the away mission, as all good security chief's would. I feel that I what I need to talk with about security should be heard by you only.

And no I haven't contacted Lt. Casey about this, as one it doesn't pertain to ops specifically, but it does to security.

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

Not knowing what Lieutenant Thomas was up to, he returned to the group. The peace talks had already started and heavy discussions could be heard from the outside of the conference chamber.

When Joerg entered only the members of the away team noticed him. He quickly approached Commander Coe.

"Commander, I have some very important security business aboard the Galaxy. May I leave the planet for about three hours sir?" he asked his commanding officer.

"Well, if it's really important you may go, but send another security officer as a replacement." the Commander answered.

"Thank you sir." Joerg said and turned over to Lieutenant Arcas.

"I have some important security business back on the ship. In the meantime you'll be responsible for the away team's security. I'll send down Ensign Mulich to replace me here."

"Aye, aye." just came as answer.

Joerg turned and left the room again. Once outside he tapped his comm badge.

"Sterner to Chief Jensen. One to beam up."

Moments later he materialized aboard the Galaxy again. While on his way out of the transporter room he nodded to the Chief. Once outside he tapped his comm badge.

"Sterner to Mulich."

[Mulich here sir.]

"Report to transporter room two at once. You'll beam down to the planet and replace me in the away team for about three hours." Joerg ordered.

[Yes sir. Mulich out.]

After that Joerg still needed to find Lieutenant Thomas.

"Computer. Locate Lieutenant Thomas."

{Lieutenant Thomas is currently in Ten Forward.} the computerized voice answered.

Joerg entered the turbo lift and went to deck 10. Some time later he arrived at Ten Forward. He entered the establishment and scanned the room. He quickly saw Thomas sitting alone at a table. He approached him.

"You wanted to speak to me about a security matter." Joerg said and sat down beside him.

"Beware Smugglers bearing gifts...."
by Lt (jg) Hunter McKenzie. Asst. Tactical Officer

Mac stepped out of the turbolift and onto the bridge. As he looked around, he noticed the controlled anarchy that was Alpha Shift. As he approached Lt Blair, he waited quietly while the Tactical officer finished his calculations.

"Yes, Mac?" inquired Lt Blair. "What can I do for you?"

" I have those simulation estimates and scenarios you requested." Said Mac, handing a data PADD to his CO.

Lt Blair took the PADD, gave it a cursory glance and returned it to Mac. "Fine, Lt. Go ahead and show it to Capt. Price. He's been expecting it."

Mac was astonished. He knew that Lt. Blair was affording him quite an honor, reporting to the Captain, and all. He stood there dumbfounded for a few seconds, until Blair's voice brought him back to reality.

"Is there a problem Lt?" asked Blair.

"No Sir. No problem at all." Replied Mac, smiling as he turned and headed to the Captain's ready room.

As Mac pressed the door buzzer, he heard the echoing chime from inside.

"Enter!" came the commanding reply from behind the door.

Mac entered through the sliding doors, stopping exactly 4 steps form the Captain's desk.

"Lt McKenzie reports, Captain." He stated, trying to not be overwhelmed.

Captain Price looked up from his terminal , acknowledging Mac's arrival.

"Hello 'mate. What do I owe this visit?" asked the Captain, as he leaned back in his chair.

Mac stepped forward and handed him the PADD, then stepped back to his previous position.

"These are the simulation result s that you requested. They detail the various scenarios involving any attack or planetary assault with either the Rhomboid, Dronegar or a combination of both." Replied Mac, cursing himself mentally for sounding so stiff.

"The results of your simulations..were?" inquired the Captain, as he continued to examine the PADD.

Mac cleared his throat, subconsciously. "Although, we have limited information on their capabilities, Our biggest threat to the ship would be a nuclear explosion close to the Galaxy. The computer didn't seem to consider the weapons of either side a potential threat. The worst scenario, involved the taking of the Away team and peace delegation, by radical extremists, in some sort of hostage situation meant to derail the peace negotiations." Mac stopped, noticing that he had run on a bit during his report.

"I've added recommendations to help prepare for most probable situations." Mac added.

The Captain looked up , smiling "Your not a pessimist are you, 'mate?"

"No Sir!" replied Mac warily. "I'm a tactical officer."

The Captain chuckled softly as set the PADD to the side. "Thank you Lt. That will be all."

Mac turned on his heel and exited the office. He winked at Lt Blair as he passed and stepped into the turbolift. As the doors slid shut he allowed himself a slight grin.

--- Junior Officers Quarters, Deck Three ---

As Mac entered his quarters he was greeted by the ever-present voice of the Galaxy's computer.

"You have a subspace message on a secure channel." Delivered the generic voice of the computer.

"From who?" Queried Mac as he sat down.

"The message is from Tarsis Dumas." Replied the disembodied voice.

"Great!" thought Mac, "Just the person I need calling me on the 'Galaxy'.

"On screen, please." Asked Mac as he leaned toward the monitor.

The person that appeared was not one that you would expect to be calling a Federation Starship. The man had some obvious Vulcan or Romulan heritage, visible due to the slight point of his ears and the high arched eyebrows. He could be considered quite dashing if not for the ragged scar that ran form his left nostril to his right temple. Large rings adorned his hands and a huge pendant dangled from a thin silver chain around his neck. Tarsis was known for acquiring certain things.....whether the owner wanted to part with them or not.

Mac looked at the viewer, "NO, Tarsis!" stated Mac, quickly and matter-of-factly.

"Bu...Bu...But Hunter, my friend, I haven't asked for anything yet." Replied the smuggler, a slight nervous laugh following the condescending tone. "Can't a friend call just to say Hello?"

"Sure." Replied Mac, "But you're NOT a friend and you haven't called to say hello. What do you want, Tarsis?"

"You're not still mad about that little Tribble-Klingon-Ferengi-Orion misunderstanding are you?" inquired Tarsis.

"That's It ! Goodbye, Tarsis!" yelled Mac as he reached for the cutoff switch.

"Wait! Wait! I have some boxing Memorabilia that I think you might like......" he spat quickly, hoping to get Mac's attention, which he succeeded in doing.

"Okay! I'm listening ..." replied Mac.

Tarsis held up a pair of old style boxing

gloves, much like the style that Mac owned.

"So?" asked Mac Non-commitingly.

"So..my dear and trusted friend, these are actual gloves won in the last World championships on Earth between James Tyson and George Foreman IV. Signed of course, by both participants." Tarsis smiled knowingly seeing that he had Mac's undivided attention.

" Of course they are real?...."asked Mac slyly.

"Of course! I have the certificate of Authenticity right here." Replied Tarsis , holding up a gold sheet of paper with an official looking seal embossed on it.

"Okay, How much?" asked Mac, sighing as he did.

"Come now, friend McKenzie, how can I put a price on something that you hold in such admiration. I will merely give these to you as a gift..."

"...And?" asked Mac suspiciously.

"..And in return I would require a small.......favor." stated the smuggler his beady little eyes seeming to glow of their own accord.

"Oh-Oh!" mumbled Mac.

"Lonely Nights"
by Lt Casey Ti

Miran felt lonely. She hated Deiran pulling these double shifts. She couldn't sleep without Deiran's comforting presence next to her.

Bobbie chattered at her for getting up. The little ferret didn't appeciate losing her sleeping partner. Deiran didn't like Bobbie sleeping with them but the critter usually crawled up next to Miran anyway.

"Shh, my little bandit. Go back to sleep, my spoiled little brat." Miran stroked the soft gray fur. Bobbie was a good companion and Miran loved her a lot.

Miran dressed in something comfortable and warm. She then went down to Ten-Forward. She ordered warm Pyrellian Tea. She then turned a chair to gaze out the bay windows.

The planet turned below them. Orbiting a planet wasn't nearly as spectacular as travelling along at warp with the stars streaking by. Miran turned her focus on the stars that were visible from where they held their planetary orbit. It was a curious thing to know whether or not she was looking at light from a star that had died many years ago, or if she was looking at a star that had life just beginning to flourish in its system, while now that life was travelling the stars themselves. It was a mystery, no one would ever know.

Miran sighed and keeped stargazing.

"A momentous occasion"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Dronegar - Triad Hachurui conference chamber ***

Ambassador Lorn took a deep breath. The first several hours of these peace negotiations had not gone very smoothly. The Deltan delegate tried to clear his mind of the obvious hostility both of these people harbored for each other.

The talks opened up in a straight forward fashion. Ambassador Lorn, the crew members from the Galaxy, and the Dronegarian Triad leaders all meet the Rhomboid delegation when they landed just a short distance from the city center. It was a reassuring sight to see the Rhomboid, who looked uncannily like Vulcans except for their white skin and total lack of body hair... (a feature Ambassador Lorn found most appealing), were not carrying weapons of any sort. They did have a haughty attitude about this whole negotiation, but Lorn felt that once they got into the talk, the Rhomboid would warm up.

The leader called himself Alpha Bah. He was the Spokesperson for the High Council on Rhomboid - more or less the exact counter part to Speaker Yumeijin of Dronegar. Alpha Bah seemed to be arrogant, egotistical, and self-serving above all. He even treated his own people badly. His presence at these talks, and his position will make the negotiation of peace very difficult.

Alpha Zan appeared to be the Consort of Bah. In these talks, she held the position of Assistant Spokesperson for the High Council of Rhomboid. She was extremely vain, as are most of her caste, but was more open minded than most. Ambassador Lorn sensed that Zan wanted nothing more than to rule Rhomboid in Bah's place. Particularly when he speaks down to her as he often does. Something in her eyes tells the Deltan that she may be willing to make alliances that will give her the advantage.

Beta Kalor - The thoroughly amoral biochemist that serves as the Chief Scientist for the Alpha caste. He would gladly accept the role of patron saint of inhumane scientific experiments, if offered, for Kalor has no problems with dissecting conscious "lower life forms" if it serves his quest for knowledge. His main task is developing weapons of mass destruction and torture tools for the extermination of lesser species, especially the Dronegar. He does not care who rules his planet as long as he may carry out his experiments. Beta Kalor is definitely against any sort of ending of the war between Rhomboid and Dronegar that doesn't involve a military solution.

Gamma Phra is the Chief Servant for Bah; strong among her caste, but properly sniveling to the Beta Scientists and Alpha leaders. Despite her arrogance, she is used to mediating between different castes and different egotists of the Alphas. She treats all Epsilons with more respect than most, a curiosity that Ambassador Lorn found stood out about her personality, even above her arrogance.

Delta Gom is the highest ranking military leader in the Delta caste. He serves as the Chief Investigator, with the entire Rhomboid militia at his command. Gom represents the typical Rhomboid. His mission is to serve, and to demand respect of all those below him. He is a cruel authoritarian to all those below his position, but completely subservient to the higher classes. Gom appears to be fanatically loyal to Bah, any decision the Spokesperson for the High Council makes, Gom will follow. Lorn muses that if Zan were to order Gom to take his own life as a show of loyalty, Gom would do so with out hesitation. Such loyalty is commendable... and dangerous.

The last of the Rhomboid delegation is Epsilon Blek. Blek's sole purpose at this delegation is to act as idiot janitor of the Royal Palace. Other than tending to any need of the rest of the Rhomboids and taking all of their abuse, Blek serves no purpose in these negotiations. Ambassador Lorn pities the Epsilon servant. All of his people, with the exception of Gamma Phra, treat him very badly. Though not as badly as they treat the Dronegar.

Clearing his breath, Lorn turned to look at Alpha Bah. "Spokesperson Bah, surely you must see some merit in these peace negotiations, or you would not of agreed to calling a cease fire and traveling the great distance between Rhomboid and Dronegar to be here with us now."

Bah cocked his head slightly, looking down his nose at the Ambassador, "It is true, we have halted our hostilities for now to hear what the Dronegar have to say. But it was to be expected. Rhomboid is winning this war, so now the Dronegar grovel for mercy, calling it 'peace talks'..." Bah's tone was antagonistic. His personal loathing for the Dronegar oozed out of each word as he practically hissed them.

Hasshin, A young warrior bodyguard of the delegation, rashly stood up sending his chair flying backward. The hatred was evident in the young boy's eyes as the Rhomboid leader practically called his people cowards while they were sitting there. Lieutenant Arcas looked uneasy at the sudden out burst. He feared that the young Dronegarian was going to jump over the stone conference table and grapple for Zan's throat. Fortunately, Military Commander Jisonshin quickly clamped a three fingered hand onto the warrior's shoulder.

"Sir down Hasshin." The Dronegarian Military leader said firmly, "This is a place of peace, not war."

"But you heard what he called us Commander! He..."

"SIT!"

With a thrust of his hand, Jisonshin made it clear that the conversation was over. The Military Leader of Dronegar was a good man. It was obvious that he wanted these negotiations to succeed.

"As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted by this... undisciplined example of the Dronegarian warrior caste, we are here to listen to what the Dronegar have to say. Though in all honestly, we are prepared to accept Dronegar's unconditional surrender. That is why we have come Ambassador."

Lorn shook his head at the arrogance of Zan's words. The Ambassador was dumbfounded how such a egotistical jerk ever rose to power.

"Dronegar will not surrender Alpha Zan." Speaker of Dronegar stated flatly. "That is not why we have called you here today. We wish to negotiate a settlement between our two worlds. A peaceful agreement to end hostilities permanently. Do not say that is not possible Spokesperson, for you have already proven that it *is* possible by declaring the cease fire between our people."

"That proves nothing you fool!" Alpha Zah spat out defending her husband, "You know as well as I that sometimes weeks or months pass between our interplanetary skirmishes. One can say that those are also 'cease fire' periods. But that is not so! During that time our factories and yours are busy manufacturing new weapons, training a new wave of warriors, and creating new space craft to renew the war effort. You know I speak the truth Speaker. Do not insult us with your false analogies!"

"That is ENOUGH Zan!" Spokesperson Bah scolded for interrupting his conversation, "I am the Spokesperson for the High Council of Rhomboid. Not you. When I want you to speak, you will BE spoken too. Now silence woman or I shall have you removed from these proceedings."

The anger and frustration could be seen in Alpha Zan's face as she accepted her husband's dressing down. In a 'humph', she crossed her arms and sat back in her chair, looking away from Bah and staring out across the room at no one in particular.

"It seems apparent Spokesperson Bah, that Dronegar does not wish to surrender. However there is merit in Speaker Yumeijin's words. You are here. Tell me, in your people's history, when was the last time the leaders of Dronegar sat at the same table with the leaders of Rhomboid?"

The Ambassador had given both parties cause to think. After a few moments, Delta Gom leaned over and whispered something into Zan's pointed ear.

"My Chief Investigator informs me that not since the reign of Alpha Gyhra have the leaders of our worlds come face to face, over four hundred years ago."

"There, you see. This is a momentous occasion. Simply agreeing to be a part of these talks, and meet with the leaders of your opposing governments is a major accomplishment. You should both be very proud. It takes courage to face each other in this way." Ambassador Lorn explain while surveying the various members of both delegations.

*****

*** USS Galaxy, Captain's Ready Room ***

Captain Price was finishing up some over due reports requested by Starfleet Command. He'd spent most of the morning working on them, letting Lieutenant Casey Ti take charge of the conn in his absence from the Bridge.

While working on his reports, a hail came through.

"Go ahead." Lee called out still reading what he had written on his computer monitor.

["Captain, I have a incoming hail from Doctor Kahn on the planet surface."] Lieutenant Blair explained.

"Understood Lieutenant, pipe it through 'mate." Lee said, leaning back in his chair.

A moment later, the voice only transmission began.

["Captain, Doctor Kahn here sir."]

"Go ahead Doctor."

["Captain, I have traveled across the Dronegarian capitol city to a place known as 'the Nesting caves of the sick'. It is where the Dronegar have sent thousands of their people that have contracted a deadly disease."]

"I see Doctor. Have you been able to learn anything?" the Captain asked.

["I've taken some preliminary scans of the atmosphere, but so far I have not been able to detect any sort of airborne virus, so I think the away team is safe for the moment. I will know more when I take a few blood and tissue samples from the infected Dronegar and have tests run on them."]

"Very good Doctor. Is there anything I can do to help you?" Lee asked.

["Yes Captain. I could use a few additional pieces of equipment beamed down to these coordinates. I would prefer to run some preliminary tests on what I have here before risking exposing anyone else from the Galaxy to this disease."]

"That seems like a good precaution Doctor. I will contact Doctor Tash. You can tell her exactly what you need and arrange to have it sent down."

["Very good Captain. If my test results come back promising, I may need to have additional Medical and Scientific personnel transported down to help me here. It is quite an agonizing sight seeing so many thousands of people suffering as these Dronegar are Captain. I think we should do all that we can to help them."]

"If your can determine that this disease or virus or whatever it is that is infecting these people is not dangerous to the crew of the Galaxy, you'll have all the people you need Doctor."

["Thank you Captain. I will be standing by for Doctor Tash's signal, while I make a list of what equipment I need down here."]

"Very good 'mate. Price out."

Lee tapped his comm badge. "Captain Price to Doctor Tash."

After a moment, the Doctor responded, ["Tash here Captain. How can I help you?"]

"Doctor Kahn is presently on the planet surface at a place called 'the Nesting place of the sick'. There are thousands of sick and dying Dronegarians there suffering from some unknown illness or disease. Doctor Kahn needs to have some additional laboratory equipment sent down to her location to perform some preliminary tests to determine the cause of the illness, and to discover if this virus or disease poses any threat to non-Dronegarians. Can I have you contact Doctor Kahn and arrange to have the equipment she needs sent down?"

["Of course Captain, I'll get right on it."] the Chief Medical Officer replied.

"Great. If Doctor Kahn's tests reveal that this disease doesn't pose any threat to non-Dronegarians, she has requested that additional personnel be sent down from Medical and Science to assist her