"Distraction."
by Counsellor Jade
approved by Lt Casey Ti Miran

---Holo-deck---

Jade was busy with her daily meditation, when she sensed the sadness and longing of Lt. Casey Ti. The circumstances of Deiran being away for so long, was starting to take it's toll on Miran. Jade knew immediately that Miran was in need of a friend that could distract her from her worries, because the baby was feeling her distress. Jade almost started crying herself, before she managed to regain control of her emotions again. Gently Jade planted the urge to come and see her, into Miran's subconscious.

---Miran's quarters---

When Miran woke the next morning, the computer told her that Counsellor Jade has requested her presence for an appointment.

---Counselling offices---

The moment that Miran entered, Jade could sense the sadness and tension in her. Though Miran tried to put up her shields, Jade had no problem in sidestepping them to see into the very core of the being called Casey Ti Miran.

"Blessed be, and welcome Lt. Casey Ti," said Jade, giving Miran a smile that could put anyone at ease.

"Nice meeting you, Counsellor," Miran replied and knew instantly that nothing could be kept from Jade.

"Please, have a seat."

"Thanks, call me Miran," replied Miran as she made her way over to a chair.

"What can I do for you, Miran, and please call me Jade. Think of me as a friend, not a counsellor."

It was not easy keeping up her defenses with the Betazoid Counsellor, but Miran tried, even though she knew it was useless.

"Deiran will be back, you know," said Jade and saw that finally, Miran was letting go.

Miran started to cry. Jade comforted her. She knew, a good cry and a shoulder to cry on, was all that Miran needed.

"I miss him so much, that I have trouble sleeping at night. I'm so worried about him."

"I know how you feel, but remember, the baby feels everything you do, that's why you should try not to stress yourself like this."

"I know, but still it feels like I want to go and get him wherever he is and just drag him back to the ship. I do not want him to be away for so long. What if something should happen to him. I do not want my baby to grow up without a father."

Jade could sense Miran starting to get tense again. Gently she reached out with her mind and calmed Miran. "Would you like something to drink ?", she asked Miran.

"Yes, please."

"Computer, two cups of chamomile tea, warm." Jade handed Miran a cup, "This will have a calming effect on you."

"Thanks, I need it."

Both Miran and Jade drank, and felt the herbal tea take effect. When they finished, Jade stood.

"Come, I want to show you something," she said as she walked to the door. Miran followed.

---Holo-deck---

"Computer, activate holo-program, Jade rainforest Alpha."

[You may enter when ready.] the computer replied.

---Rainforest---

"Oh counsellor, this is so beautiful," Miran exclaimed.

"I come here everyday to meditate," Jade replied.

The black panther entered the clearing and waited for them to notice him. Miran jumped as she turned around.

"Sorry, I should have warned you. This is one of Earth's animal species, known as the black panther."

"Magnificent, he fits in perfectly with the surroundings."

The panther came closer.

"This is Miran," Jade introduced Miran to the panther.

"Greetings, Miran. My name unfortunately, is unpronounceable by humans," the cat replied, it's tail swishing from side to side.

Again Miran was surprised, "It talks !"

"Just a little extra I thought about the other day," Jade replied.

"I am programmed with the profiles of the greatest counsellors of Betazed, which is incorporated into my essence," turning to Jade, he continued, "Jade, I wish to thank you again for giving me speech."

Miran looked at Jade. Jade shrugged, "Even counsellors need counselling sometimes."

"Ooh, the baby is kicking," Miran said as she took Jade's hand and said, "Feel...Beware the one that gets in the way of that foot." They both laughed.

Jade was glad. Without Miran realising it, Jade was able to distract her from worrying about Deiran.

"How about a swim ?" Jade asked.

"That would be great," Miran replied.

"Computer, two swimsuits please." The swimsuits appeared on a nearby rock.

For two hours, they relaxed by the waterfall. Miran enjoyed herself and Jade was successful.

"A Bomb or a Ring"
by Ensign Burns

("Cadet Shivek to Ensign Burns...")

It took John a few moments to come to his senses. John sat up in his bed and said in a sleepy voice, "Cadet, I HOPE this is important!"

Shivek responded, ("I believe so sir. I was having difficulty sleeping, so I resumed my scans of the explosion area. I believe it would be prudent for you to come down here, sir.")

"Be right there, Cadet." John was not very happy about being disturbed in his sleep but it sounded as if the Cadet had stumbled upon something of importance.

"Computer what time is it?"

[05:01hours.]

"Damn...its early."

John slipped into his uniform and headed for the Aft Torpedo Bay. After arriving there he could not find the Cadet. Figuring that Cadet Shivek was in the burnt out Jefferies Tube, John got on his hands and knees and began to crawl into the Tube. John called out, "Cadet are you in here?"

"Yes Ensign. I'm only a few more meters away." A voice responded from somewhere in front of him.

After crawling about twenty more meters John had arrived at Shivek's location. "What have you found?" John asked in a dreary and curious tone.

"Sir, I have been scanning the area with a micro scanner, and..."

John interrupted him, "What possessed you to do that at this hour of the day??? There are several square meters to cover!"

"Yes sir. But it has yielded some surprising results. I believe I have found what appears to be trace elements of ultritium. We did not initially discover these traces because ultritium is undetectable by standard scans such that would be used by a tricorder or transporter scanner."

John's mouth opened slightly, he was not expecting this.

"Ultritium? Cadet, that is an artificial substance. The only use for it that I know of is to cause an explosion. That would mean that we've got..."

Shivek finished John's sentence, "...a saboteur on board, yes sir."

John's head dropped down and he stared at the floor for several moments. He was thinking of what to do next. Finally, John lifted his head and looked at Shivek, "Alright, let's go, Cadet."

John and Shivek crawled out of the Jefferies Tube and walked over to the turbolift. They stepped in and John broke the silence, "Cadet, just how much Ultritium did you find? "

"Well that is the weird thing about it. There was just trace amounts of the element which in turn, if it was a bomb, would of had to have been very small. However, this would explain why there was very little damage from the explosion itself, but the fire being the main destructor."

"Good point Cadet."

John turned away and said, "Computer Bridge." The turbolift took off headed towards the Bridge.

John looked at the Cadet and then turned away and said, "Computer, name all known uses for the element Ultritium."

['There are two known uses for the element Ultritium. First use- Explosives and explosive devices. The element Ultritium is used in this way as a covering or....']

John interrupted, "Computer, skip to second use."

['Second use-Jewlery. The element Ultritium is used in rings worn on a beings finger. Ultritium is placed into the mixture that eventually forms the ring. The purpose of this is to give more strength to the ring. It may also help in preserving the ring. This element is in the rings of all graduating classes from Starfleet Academy since the year 2365. End of all known purposes for the element Ultritium.]

"Well you learn something new everyday." John said as he looked down at his class ring on his hand.

Before Shivek was able to respond to the comment John's comm badge chirped. ("Ensign Tan to Ensign Burns.")

"Go ahead."

("I was told to inform you that Ensign Wadell may be able to speak with you now, but only for a short time.")

"Thank you. Ensign Burns out. Computer, change in destination. New destination...Sickbay."

['Acknowledged.'] The computer changed the course of the turbolift.

John then tapped his comm badge, "Ensign Burns to Specialist Reid."

A few seconds ticked by before an answer came, ("Reid here.")

"Teena, please join Cadet Shivek and I in Sickbay immediately. Skye may be able to talk with us now."

It took a few moments before Teena answered, ("Ok Burnsie, I'll be there momentarily.")

"Great, Burnsie out."

Shivek looked at John, "Shouldn't we first report are findings to..." Shivek stopped in mid-sentence. "...who is in command at the present moment?"

"I believe that Lt. Miran is the highest ranking officer onboard at the present time. And no, I believe we should speak with Ensign Wadell first and ask him if he wears his class ring."

Shivek appeared to be pondering on this statement and then said, "That does seem logical."

**********Sickbay**************

John and Shivek arrived at Sickbay greeted by a Ensign Medical Officer. "I assume that you are Ensign Burns and Cadet Shivek?"

John responded, "That would be correct."

"Good. I am Ensign Tan and if you will follow me we can go see Ensign Wadell."

Shivek and John followed Ensign Tan over to one of the bio beds as Teena had not arrived yet. John looked at Skye. He was still badly burnt but he did look better than when he first saw him.

Ensign Tan spoke up, "I don't know how long he will stay awake for, after I revive him."

"Ok, go ahead and revive him Ensign Tan." John said.

Ensign Tan began preparing a hypospray as John looked at both of Ensign Wadell's hands. John leaned over an whispered to Shivek, "Notice his hands? There is no graduating class ring on them, which means that either he doesn't wear it or..."

"...that is why I had found traces of Ultritium in the Jefferies Tube. " Shivek finished up the thought.

"Right, now there is only one way to find out...we have to ask him."

Ensign Tan finished preparing the hypospray. He put it on Skye's neck and after a few seconds Skye's eyes slowly opened. A low voice came out of Skye's mouth, "What... what is going on?"

John leaned over him, "Skye take it easy. Look I'll have Cadet Shivek explain everything to you but first I have to ask you a couple of questions. Do you have your graduating class ring?"

"Yes, I wear it all the time." Skye tried to look at his fingers to see if his ring was there. "Where...where is my ring."

"We're not sure." John could see that Ensign Wadell's condition was beginning to deteriorate so he went onto the next question. "Skye, your tricorder readings gave reference to the word hair several times. Could you tell us what kind of hair?"

Wadell's eyes began to close and he started to lose consciousness. A word came out of his mouth before he went into unconsciousness, "Animal."

A few seconds later a beeping sound came from one of the medical readouts being displayed on a panel. "Shit," the nurse said who had been standing nearby. She yelled out, "Dr. Bellen, Ensign Wadell has slipped into a coma."

"Damn," a voice said as the Dr. appeared out of another room. Get me the brain stimulators and get those two out of here." She had pointed at John and Shivek.

John pulled on Shivek's arm sleeve as they headed for the door. John called out, "We were just leaving."

They exited Sickbay as Teena came running up to John. "Burnsie how is Skye?"

John looked at her and by the expression in his face Teena knew that it was bad. She began to cry and John gave her a hug and let her cry on his shoulder. "It will be alright, Wadell will pull through."

She finally began to calm down and said, "I'm alright I think."

"Ok then, good. There is things to be done. Teena can you tell Ensign Prescott to meet Shivek and me in the Zoology Lab."

"Yes, I can do that." Teena said.

"Alright good, I'll catch up with you later then."

John turned towards Shivek, "Alright, let's go, Cadet."

Ensign J. Burns/Tactical Dept. aka Pat Burns

"Discoveries and immunities"
by Jeramiha Gordon

After leaving the Slice of Risa bar on Kal-Dixas, the crew of the shuttle SPITFIRE returned to the space port docks to make preparations to meet the fat Ferengi weapons dealer, Eldor, on board his ship, the RACKTOR.

"I really think this is a bad idea sir." Kal'Gor stated yet again. "Eldor could be setting you all up. And once you are on board his ship... you'll be at his mercy."

Behind Kal'Gor, the female Klingon, Gritta of the House Krotmag nodded her agreement with Kal'Gor's assessment. A rare occurrence lately. "He's right sir. If that Ferengi chooses to break orbit and go to warp, even with the SPITFIRE, we'd be helpless to do anything to assist you."

Gordon acknowledged his crew mates with a gentle nod. "I understand it's risky 'mates. But Eldor is not stupid, and as you've pointed out, he *is* a Ferengi. There would be no profit in harming any of us while there is still a possibility of doing business. We will stay on our toes, and at the first sign of trouble, I'll give the signal for you to transport us back." Turning, Gordon glanced up at the cockpit of the shuttle and saw Cadere still busy working on one of the consoles. "Cadere. How are you coming with whatever you are working on 'mate?"

Max popped his head up and looked at Gordon. "Almost finished." Giving a last twist on one of the connections, Cadere grabbed the face plate and slid the console back together. It powered up as soon as it was reseated. "There. That should just about do it."

Gordon watched as Cadere got up and moved to the other console and keyed in a few commands. "Seems to be working sir."

"What does 'mate? You never explained what you were doing." Gordon asked as he slid his cowboy hat backwards on his head.

"I've reconfigured the emergency transporters to use a lower frequency for the signal locks. We should be able to maintain a constant lock on each member of the away team without the RACKTOR detecting our signal on this non-standard frequency. There is one small problem though..."

Gordon looked at Cadere and then at the others as he asked, "What's that 'mate?"

"Well sir, this low frequency was never intended to be broadcast for any great range. We will need to make sure that the shuttle is within a few thousand kilometers of the RACKTOR in order to maintain a lock." Cadere explained.

"That will mean we will have to be in orbit as well to maintain that close of a distance 'mate." Gordon realized.

"Yes sir. If the SPITFIRE is not in orbit, we will loose the signal as soon as the RACKTOR passes over Kal-Dixas."

"Not a problem." Gordon turned to Rune, "Vandersway here can pilot the SPITFIRE. We will pull along side the RACKTOR and beam over from there. I don't think the Ferengi will find that very unusual."

"Eldor might. He hasn't become the successful arms dealer he is today by being sloppy sir." Kruger pointed out.

"We will just have to hope that he isn't too suspicious and risk it." Gordon finally said.

"Here sir." Cadere began handing out small transponder cards. "Hide these somewhere on your person. Our transporter will use the transponder as a source for the signal lock."

"Understood." Gordon replied as he and the rest of the five crew members that would be beaming over to the RACKTOR took the cards and hid them in various places in their clothing. "We best get under way. Mister Vandersway, you take the hel

m and get us out of here. We have a meeting to keep with one fat Ferengi."

"Aye sir." Rune said as he took the controls. Within a few moments the SPITFIRE had received clearance to depart and had lifted off.

*****

*** Aboard the Ferengi Marauder class starship, RACKTOR ***

"And you are certain of this? You are not peddling lies once again?" Eldor demanded of the man before him.

The fur and gem trading Yridian looked up at Eldor shakily. Two large Nausicaans stood stolidly at either side, as if ready to pounce on the wrinkled mouse man at the first indication that the Ferengi wished it.

"I swear, it is true. I saw them together. I watched them closely. I listened to them talking. What I tell you is the truth. They are with the Federation."

Eldor's eyes narrowed evilly. "I suspected something was amiss when that Klingon turned out to be a hue-mon in disguise... but I had no idea they were working together with this Mengar and his 'friends."

The Ferengi turned as he was about to say something else to the Yridian, when the high pitched wail of a transporter beam preceded the arrival of five members of the SPITFIRE crew.

Mengar stood in front with Gordon and Kruger just behind him, and Clay and Cadere just outside them. Both Gordon and Clay's eyes narrowed slightly as they saw the Yridian, Yranac, speaking to Eldor. The Yridian's ears cowered backwards slightly as he scrunched his head down, as if that were somehow going to hide him. Eldor just smiled.

"Ah, excellent. My next clients are here and on time. I like punctuality in those I deal with." Eldor reached to the side of his chair and withdrew several slips of latinum which he handed the Yridian. "Here you go Yranac. I found your story to be most interesting. My associate here will arrange to have you returned to the surface." Eldor motioned with his hand and the Nausicaan roughly grabbed onto the smelly fur trader's arm, forcibly showing him the way to the nearest exit.

Eldor's gaze returned to Mengar and his four companions. "Excuse the interruption gentlemen... just finishing up old business. Free advice is seldom cheap."

"The fifty ninth rule of Acquisition I believe." Mengar said as he and the others began to break out of the transporter formation into a more relaxed one.

"You know the rules. That is surprising hue-mon. But you seem to be full of surprises now, don't you?" Eldor commented. "So, you are in the market for some,... 'spice' is it?" The Ferengi said mockingly.

"In the Slice of Risa it was spice Eldor. But now that we are in more private surroundings, it is weapons I am after. Biogenic weapons." Mengar said strongly. The others were looking around, evaluating their present position. Amazingly, since the Nausicaans left, only two Ferengi remained. Though both of them looked like they would just assume kill the SPITFIRE crew than talk to them.

"Biogenic weapons is it? My, my. Seems those are becoming quite the popular item lately." Eldor smiled coyly. "I do believe those are illegal to sell in this quadrant."

Cadere pressed forward rashly, "DON'T PULL THAT WITH US FERENGI! We know you are the biological weapons expert in this part of space according to your colleagues!"

Gordon and Kruger both had to grab each of Cadere's arms to keep him from leaping onto the Ferengi. They struggled to hold him back as he pulled and shouted.

Eldor just steepled his fingers and smiled widely, showing off his pointy teeth. "I do not know what to tell you my hue-mon friend. They must of been mistaken. I would never deal in anything as illegal as biological weapons... no matter what you have heard."

Mengar was taken aback by Cadere's maniactical behavior, but when he saw that Gordon and Kruger had him under control he returned his attention to the fat Ferengi and laughed. It was a hearty laugh, deep from the belly. It surprised everyone in the room, but especially Eldor and the two other Ferengi.

"You are telling me that you have forgotten the sixty second rule of Acquisition? 'The riskier the road, the greater the profit.' ?!" Raph asked.

"I've not forgotten it. I just don't understand what the FEDERATION would want with such a weapon, hue-mon."

Shock overtook the room as the members from the SPITFIRE crew glanced at each other after hearing Eldor's revelation that they were in fact under cover Starfleet officers. Clay went to reach for a weapon, but Gordon stopped him with a motion of his hand.

"I see you've been listening to more lies from that smelly fur trader Eldor. I had hoped that you would be smarter than to listen to tales from a desperate Yridian who wishes only to line his own pocket with your latinum." Mengar responded sharply.

Eldor twisted a smile as he regarded Mengar. "I can choose with whom I do business with hue-mon. It is a benefit of my success. Maybe the Yridian was lying. Or maybe he was not. Maybe it is you that are lying. Or maybe you are not. It doesn't matter. Today, I choose not to do business with you. Whomever you are."

Mengar looked over to Gordon and Kruger and the others. It appeared they were not going to get anywhere with the fat Ferengi, now that Yranac, the Yridian fur trader, had ratted them out.

Gordon stepped forward.

"Aye 'mate. I can understand your position on this. I really can. You're just looking out for your best interests in all of this. I mean, if the Yridian was telling the truth, and we are Starfleet, then you'd have to be a fool to do business with us. And you don't look like a fool."

Eldor looked at Gordon and simply nodded.

"I mean if you did sell us a biological weapon, and we were Starfleet, then you could be arrested at the minimum, executed as a maximum." Gordon went on.

"Exactly my thinking hue-mon. I am glad you see things from my perspective." The fat Ferengi agreed.

"Well 'mate. We don't want to purchase Biological weapons. We are more interested in information about anyone who may have recently acquired such devices." Gordon explained.

"So what hue-mon? That still gives me no reason to help you. To help STARFLEET." The Ferengi spat back.

"But it does 'mate, it does. You are correct. We *are* from Starfleet. But our investigation is strictly to locate the party or parties that purchased the weapons and used them. Now, you could choose to help us in our investigation... or you could choose not to." Gordon smiled. "How Starfleet Command reacts to this incident could largely be influenced by your actions, or lack of, in helping us Eldor."

Eldor frowned. He was obviously growing angry at having suddenly been found to be in the company of a handful of under cover Starfleet officers. "You are overlooking another option Hue-mon. I could simply kill you all right now."

Gordon nodded without flinching one muscle. "That is true. But you are not stupid. Starfleet knows where we are and that we are having this little meeting on board the RACKTOR. When we fail to report, they will know we have met foul play. And when that happens, care to guess whom they will come looking for 'mate?"

The Ferengi pressed back into his seat and looked away. "I can not tell you anything. My clients expect a certain level of confidentiality. Even in this business."

"Of course they do 'mate. Understandable given the nature of the merchandise. But consider this. Someone is going to be held accountable for all that has happened because of the use of those biological weapons. With or without your help, Starfleet *will* get to the bottom of all of this. And when we do, and the perpetrators are in custody, do you really think *they* are going to respect your confidentiality 'mate?"

Eldor shifted in his chair uncomfortably without talking.

"The biological weapons you sold, is there an antidote to reverse the effects of the virus?" Clay asked.

"How about it 'mate?" Gordon added, "Is there an anti-toxin you could provide for the Federation?"

"There might be." Eldor finally said. "But what reasons would I have for providing it to you? I am not in the habit of giving things away, hue-mon, not to Starfleet or to anyone."

"Consider it a barter trade." Gordon began, "You will provide us with the anti-toxin and the information about the buyers of the weapons, and in exchange, Starfleet will not pursue any charges against you or your business."

Eldor thought a moment then nodded, "That sounds fair, so long as I have it in writing, hue-mon."

"Not so quickly Eldor." Gordon warned, "You must also agree not to provide anyone else with Biogenic weaponry. There will not be any agreement without your assurances that you will stop dealing in weapons of this type."

The Fat Ferengi smiled. "But of course. Why I would be happy to assure you I will not sell that type of weapon in the future."

It was almost comical listening to Eldor promise to stop selling weapons that he probably has every intention of selling again at his first opportunity.

"Mister Clay," Gordon called back, "you will examine the anti-toxin our host will provide to verify it will neutralize the virus."

'Aye sir." Clay answered as he stepped forward.

Sourly, Eldor turned and waved to one of his Ferengi aides, "Go on, get them the antidote."

Gordon watched as Clay followed the other Ferengi out of the room before returning his attention to the fat Ferengi. "Now, tell us who bought the weapons from you 'mate."

Eldor sighed. "Several months ago, I was approached by a couple of Pakled asking about purchasing low grade weapons. Naturally, I was more than happy to arrange shipment of the hand arms, and we set up a delivery schedule to where shipments of the arms would be delivered every few weeks. It wasn't a huge profit, but the quantity was high, even if they were low tech arms, so I turned a tidy profit margin. About three months ago, when they met for one of their regularly scheduled shipments, they inquired about purchasing a biological weapon that would only affect species that had a copper based circulatory system. Naturally, I informed them that those weapons had been outlawed..." The Ferengi feigned innocence, poorly, "but the Pakled insisted, so I arranged shipment of several of the weapons. Evidently, they were not handled correctly, as the Pakled returned a short time later wishing to purchase the anti-toxin. That's why I happen to have a supply on board. They have been purchasing the anti-toxin along with every shipment of hand arms we make to them."

"When was the last shipment you made to these Pakled?" Kruger asked.

"We just made one about four days ago before we came to Kal-Dixas. They have been receiving shipments steadily for nearly a year." Eldor commented, "Their business will be missed..."

Gordon was about to say something when Clay reentered the room holding a vile of the anti-toxin. "It checks out sir. The anti-toxin creates a reaction in the virus that causes it to go dormant, preventing the advancement of the disease. The virus is still present, but in this dormant state, it is no longer infectious. Those that are infected will need to maintain inoculations of the anti-toxin periodically to keep the virus dormant."

Gordon nodded, "Very good 'mate. How much of the anti-toxin is there?"

"They have two cases on board, but I believe it will be a simple matter to manufacture more once we return to the ship, now that we know the chemical makeup of both the virus and the anti-toxin." Clay explained.

"So, hue-mon. You now have the whole story and the anti-toxin. I believe this concludes our business arrangement?" Eldor said impatiently, as if wanting to get the Starfleet officers off of his ship as quickly as possible.

"It most certainly does 'mate. I want to thank you for your... cooperation in our investigation." Gordon said adjusting the Australian cowboy hat on his head.

"You just be sure you keep up your end of our agreement hue-mon." Eldor said waving a finger wickedly at Gordon and the others.

Gordon took a small step closer and leaned forward. Quietly he said, "And you just be sure you keep your word Ferengi. Cause if it is learned that you sell even one more biogenic weapon, one vile of chemical virus or anti-toxin, I assure you, your little business adventure will be over. Are we clear 'mate?"

"Perfectly clear hue-mon." Eldor replied reluctantly.

Stepping back, Gordon, Mengar, Kruger, Clay and Cadere all stood in formation. The fat Ferengi, Eldor and his associates all watched with spiteful faces as the crew from the shuttle SPITFIRE dematerialized.

*****

*** Shuttle SPITFIRE ***

The five crew members rematerialized inside the tiny compartment.

"Glad to have you back Captain." Kal'Gor said with Gritta standing by his side. They appeared to of been pacing all this time.

"Good to be back 'mate. Mister Rune, or should I say Lieutenant' Hewson, set course for the rendezvous with the Galaxy. Best speed."

"Aye sir!" AC called back, happy to be heading back to the safety and comfort of the USS Galaxy.

“A light at the end of a dark tunnel.”
by John Clay

*** Ferengi trader RAKTOR ***

"Mister Clay," Gordon said to the young man behind him, "you will examine the anti-toxin our host will provide to verify it will neutralise the virus."

'Aye sir." Clay answered as he stepped forward. It was a wise precaution. They were understandably cautious to whether or not Eldor would supply the group with the actual antidote.

Following his orders, Clay left the room where his comrades and Eldor were discussing the terms of their agreement. The two Ferengi, apparently aides to Eldor of some sort, accompanied him to a cargo bay where he presumed the antidote was being store. It was overwhelming being there as it was the first time Clay had been aboard a Ferengi vessel. He was also cautious, watching the two troll-like aliens, as he was now separated from the rest of his group.

One of the Ferengi pressed a button on a control panel located a meter or so from the ground. Considering the reduced height of the Ferengi species it wasn’t that suprising to him, however, he had only ever seen Ferengi in a non-Ferengi environment. Doors, panels, and chairs in that environment were always designed around the taller species such as Humans, Vulcans, Klingon, and Bajorans.

Entering the cargo bay, Clay saw a spacious room filled with merchandise of numerous descriptions. One of the aides moved over to a console, presumably attempting to determine the location of the antidote stored somewhere in the room.

“Eldor certainly gets around a bit doesn’t he?” Clay said to the other Ferengi.

“We are here to show you the antidote hue-man. NOT to answer questions.” he said rather abruptly.

Clay wasn’t suprised with his reaction eventhough it was rude. Rude by Human standards perhaps by apparently not by Ferengi standards. This may have been the cause of the great mistrust between the Federation and Ferengi which were obviously contrasting cultures.

“Section 45-3-332.” the Ferengi at the console said.

The two Ferengi escorted Clay to two cases of merchandise designated medical supplies. Considering Eldor’s dealing it may not necessarily be medical supplies as appearances can be deceiving. Clay thought about his group of companions and smiled at the thought.

“Here is what you are to inspect hue-man. Touch nothing else.” he was warned, “We will be watching.”

Clay took one of the cases from the shelf and placed on a table. Opening the case for inspection he saw several dozen vials of a substance he assumed was the antidote to the Dronegar virus. He certainly hoped so.

“May I have a scanning device please?” he asked the Ferengi who appeared to be the more dominant of the two.

“We DO not serve the Federation or Starfleet hue-man. Get it YOURSELF.” he said pointing to a small unusual looking piece of equipment nearby.

Clay moved away from the table to get the device when he heard a footfall begin to follow him. Uns

ure of what, or whom, it was he quickly turned around. Perhaps he had been lured into a trap? He didn’t but it passed Eldor or the two Ferengi he had followed to the cargo bay. The two Ferengi looked at him and laughed. It appeared as if they were just using Clay’s caution as a means of entertainment. He smiled more from relief than from appreciating their alien humour.

The device appeared to be similar to a Federation tricorder with several major modifications. It was neither a Ferengi nor a Federation device but was capable of displaying information that Clay could read. He returned to the table with the case of ‘medical supplies’ and preceded to use the scanner on the merchandise on display.

The tricorder-like device displayed the chemical structures of the contents on the small output screen. It appeared to be a series of complex chemicals. They appeared to be complex relative to standard pharmaceuticals but considering their designated use it didn’t actually suprise him. Clay observed approximately twenty-two identifiable chemical products from which one which appeared to be similar to an anti-hemoagglutinin compound.

“So that’s that how they stopped the adhesion of the virus.” he said to himself. “Very interesting.”

Several of the chemical compounds appeared to be complex transcriptional interferon which apparently targeted regions of the virus and controlled the transcription of several viral factors. Although the compounds were considerably complex Clay was convinced that they would be easy to replicate once fully analysed.

“It’s all falling into place.” he said looking at the wealth of information on the small screen.

The entire genome of the virus, or how to slow down the hyperpolymorphic variation of the antigenic determinants, was not entirely understood so it had been difficult to develop a cure. It now appeared that they wouldn’t have to. The two Ferengi looked at him eagerly studying the data from the tricorder-like device and seemed unimpressed. He looked up at them and they gave him a look of disgust.

“I think I’ve seen enough thank you.” he said replacing the samples of the antidote except for a single vial.

“Replace that one also hue-man.” one of the Ferengi ordered.

“I need to prove that this is the genuine product and to do this I require a sample.” he argued. The Ferengi withdrew his protest and they preceded to leave the cargo bay.

Clay entered the room they had first transported to. "It checks out sir. The anti-toxin creates a reaction in the virus that causes it to go dormant, preventing the advancement of the disease. The virus is still present, but in this dormant state, it is no longer infectious. Those that are infected will need to maintain inoculations of the anti-toxin periodically to keep the virus dormant."

Gordon nodded with some relief, "Very good 'mate. How much of the anti-toxin is there?"

"They have two cases on board, but I believe it will be a simple matter to manufacture more once we return to the ship, now that we know the chemical makeup of both the virus and the anti-toxin." Clay continued to explain based on the data he had observed.

*** SPITFIRE, a short time later *** The Captain gave the order to return to the GALAXY which seemed to please the crew of the SPITFIRE. The Captain appeared to be no exception.

“Good work ‘mates.” he said congratulating the crew of the SPITFIRE. They had discovered the source of the biogenic weapon used on Dronegar, had an antidote to the virus, and they hadn’t been killed in the process.

“Lieutenant’ Erikson” the Captain said turing to Clay. “I would like a full report on that anti-toxin before we reach the GALAXY ‘mate.”

“Aye, sir.” Greer said swinging his chair to face a work console.

Greer had forgotten how good it was to hear his own name again. After this mission he would certainly appreciate it a little more. Greer started working the console and began a complete analysis of the contents he had previewed on the RAKTOR. Although they had the antidote, he was very interested to see how it actually worked in causing a 'viral dormancy' in this piece of biological engineering. Considering all of the technology they had it was humbling to see how a nanoscopic particle could remind them of their vunerabilities.

"Plans"
Lieutenant Troy Blair
Chief Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

Three days of constant mortar fire, had begun to take it's toll on the away team. Some officers argued over petty matters, some looked like they were dead (due to lack of sleep), and others were beginning to be overwhelmed with fear. Troy spent most of his time calming some of his comrades down, or studying the Rhomboid lines. But in the back of his mind he knew their time was running out, something had to be done.

"Sir, did you hear?" Ensign Cambell's voice broke Troy's thoughts

Turning back from the window he was looking out, Blair replied "Hear what?"

"Lieutenant Arcas discovered the Rhomboid are being supplied weapons through a third party. The Prime Directive no longer applies"

"Really? Where's Commander Coe?" Troy's mind quickly went into tactical mode, coming up with several different plans to loosen the hold the Rhomboid had.

"He's in the 'war room'" Christopher answered

"Thanks, Ensign" With that, Troy headed across the Triad to talk with the XO, stopping only to take cover from an occasional incoming shell.

*** War Room ***

"Commander!" Blair called out as he crossed the doorway, leading into the room.

"I guess you've heard the news by now, Lieutenant...." JT said, turning back from a table with a number of maps thrown across it.

"Yes sir, and I've go...."

"Several ideas? That's what I like best about you Troy, you're a punctual officer" Coe smiled, reflecting back on the days when he was Chief Tactical and Troy was his assistant.

"Thank you sir. And you're right I do have a few ideas." Troy paused before he continued "As I said before we must take out those mortar emplacements. They're slowly driving everyone crazy in here."

"I agree with you son, but how do you propose we take all of them out?" A Dronegarian officer asked

"I've been watching the Rhomboids for a couple of days, and have learned they do just about everything at the exact same time. Everyday at 20:30 hours they eat, 21:00 hours they go back on duty, and the guards they leave behind go eat. 00:00 hours they change shifts. It's been the same times everyday, not a minute earlier, or a minute later. I suggest we strike when they eat, leaving a minimal number of guards to deal with. If we send out two or three teams on every side, that should be enough to take care of a large number of mortar pieces."

Commander Coe thought over the plan for a minute, before speaking "If we create a diversion near the area where the Rhomboid eat, that may buy the teams a little more time, to double the number of mortars they knock out."

"Very true," Troy stated "We may even be able to take out a few command posts, if we're lucky"

"But let's not rush into attacking just yet," the Commander said "there still may be a way to end this conflict peacefully. If we have no other choice, then we will use force"

"For everyone, I hope we do resolve this peacefully" another Dronegarian spoke

"So do I" Troy replied

"Back to Reality"
by Ensign Tebrianne Bancroft

Tebrianne sat in the Captain's chair aboard the Galaxy. Her crew was performing well. Their orders were to cross into Dominion space and destroy a supply depot.

"Lieutenant McVey, what is our ETA?"

"ETA to supply yard is 47 minutes."

"Good," Tebrianne said. "Maintain course and speed. Mr. Tivek, any sign of Dominion pursuit?"

"Negative, Captain," the Vulcan said from his post. "Sensors indicate that there were no other Dominion ships in the sector when we encountered the last patrol."

"Thank you, Mr. Tivek."

Tebrianne settled back into the Captain's chair, her XO, Cmdr. Galen Tran, seated next to her. They were almost there, then they could get back to Federation space and rejoin the fight against the Dominion. Word was Captain Sisko was planning to retake Deep Space Nine.

"Captain," Mr. Tivek said, starting Tebrianne out of her thoughts. "I'm picking up four Dominion ships on an intercept course."

"Red alert. Shields up. Lieutenant Daniels, bring the weapons online and prepare to fire."

The bridge was bathed in a reddish glow as the ship changed alert status. She could feel the ship strain as the shields came up and the weapons charged. It felt like they were flying through molasses compared to the ship without the added power drain.

"Mr. McVey, evasive maneuvers," she said, punching some data into the display on her chair. "What's the status of quantum torpedoes, Lt. Neth?"

"Quantum torpedoes coming online now, Captain," the Bajoran woman at tactical said, making some quick adjustments to her station.

"The lead Dominion ship is firing," Tivek barked.

The ship rocked as the Dominion weapons slammed into the Galaxy. One of the science panels showered sparks onto Tivek as he ducked away from the exploding panel.

"Shields down to seventy-five percent," Neth shouted over the klaxons blaring.

"Return fire, go to attack pattern Tebrianne Theta."

"Aye, Captain," Neth said, hands gliding over the controls. "Torpedoes away."

A medical team poured onto the bridge. Dr. Galen rushed to Tivek. The El Aurian moved quickly for a man who had been around long enough to have personally known William Shakespeare. His medical tricorder scanned the unconscious Vulcan.

"Get him to sickbay," he said to one of the other doctors. The doctor turned toward where Tebrianne was seated. "Will you please take care of them? I don't want to see half of our ship in sickbay."

"Thank you, Doctor, but I am working on it. Tactical, report!"

"One of the Dominion ships has been destroyed," Neth said. "Shields are down to forty-eight percent."

"Helm, attack pattern Tebrianne Omega. Go."

The ship lurched as it suddenly changed direction. The Dominion ships were heading straight into the Galaxy now. Neth fired a spread of torpedoes that shook the lead ships all the way down to their warp cores. Phaser fire danced across the starboard Dominion ship's nacelles, shearing them from the rest of the ship. The next torpedo turned the ship into a ball of fiery debris.

The two remaining ships shot past the Galaxy and prepared to come about for another attack.

"Take us to attack pattern Tebrianne Alpha. Tactical and Helm, on my mark."

"The Dominion ships have turned around and are returning. They are preparing to fire, Captain."

"Go," Tebrianne shouted as the Dominion ships opened up with their weapons.

The Galaxy shot forward at full impulse. Her phasers and photon torpedos blasted away at the Dominion ships as they rushed at the larger ship.

"Shields down to twenty percent. Fifteen. Forward shields offline, Captain."

"And, Go."

The Galaxy's course suddenly changed, the ship spun and rolled between the Dominion ships. Without warning the Galaxy jumped to warp. The Dominion ships deperately tried to evade as the Galaxy's warp engines engaged. The smaller vessels were torn apart as the Federation ship's warp bubble surrounded parts of their ships and took them into warp with it.

"Report!"

"Dominion ships have been destroyed Captain," Neth said.

"Current time is 2300h. There is one hour until Gamma shift begins," the computer said, interrupting Tebrianne before she could give the next order.

"Computer, halt program and save as Tebrianne-Galaxy."

"Program saved."

"Arch," Tebrianne called out.

In the center of the the viewscreen, the Holodeck arch appeared. Tebrianne got up from the Captain's chair and walked to the archway. She tapped a couple keys on the display and the Holodeck returned to the black and yellow grid. She turned to the door, which slid open in front of her.

The Vulcan-Romulan woman stepped out into the corridor and headed for her quarters. As she walked, she removed three of the pip on her collar, nodding to the people she passed in the hallways. She noticed a young Romulan man walking the other direction. He was staring intently at a PADD in his hand. He had to be an engineer. No one else stared harder at one of those things.

She reached her quarters in time to see her bunkmate going to sleep for the night. They spoke briefly, before Tebrianne had to get into the shower and dress for Gamma shift.

Tebrianne stopped briefly in Ten Forward for a cup of tea. She drank it, letting the warm liquid soothe her. She liked to have some tea before she began her shift on the bridge. It helped her nerves, she still wasn't used to flying such a big ship. She handled it without a problem, but the nerves were there. She wanted to impress Lt. Casey Ti and Captain Price. She wanted them to notice that she was a good officer and a good helmsman.

Tebrianne stepped onto the bridge, she noticed that Lt. Kane was in the Captain's chair. She walked to the helm and relieved Ensign Marshall.

"My turn, Steve," she said with a smile.

"It's all yours," he said, standing up. "Just don't run into anything."

She shot him a dirty look and followed it with a grin. Tebrianne slid into the helm chair as he left the bridge. She ran a level 1 diagnostic on her station. Everything was in order. Tebrianne relaxed into her seat. This part wasn't very exciting. Usually piloting the ship during Gamma shift wasn't exciting. It was even less now with the Galaxy waiting for the SPITFIRE to return. They sat at the edge of the Dixas system. Tebrianne ran a few more diagnostics on her station. Lt. Kane stopped by to check on the status at the helm. She gave him the thumbs up.

It was boring. Very boring. Tebrianne checked the sensors again. There was something on long range sensors. She checked. Rechecked.

"I'm picking the SPITFIRE up on long range sensors, sir," she said turning to Kane.

"Confirmed," Ensign Kamin said from tactical. "The SPITFIRE is enroute."

"She should be here in," Tebrianne said, checking her readings. "59 minutes 30 seconds, sir."

"Okay," Kane said. "We stay here until they're ready to dock. Those were our orders. Ensign Tebrianne, bring us to 138 mark 6. Maintain current speed. Take us around Dixas IX one more time, then we'll return to where we let them go."

"Aye, sir," Tebrianne said, course set. "Course laid in, Sir."

"Good job, Tebrianne."

She gave him a smile. A thought occured to her as she looked at the Captain's chair.

"Ensign Tebrianne to Lt. Casey Ti. Ensign Bancroft to Lt. Casey Ti," she found it hard to keep so much of the excitement out of her voice.

"Yes, Ensign, what is it?" Lt. Casey Ti said, supressing a yawn. She sounded very sleepy. She probably was, but Tebrianne had news she wouldn't mind being woken up over.

"Long range sensors have detected the SPITFIRE enroute to our current position," Tebrianne said. "I thought you would like to know, Lieutenant. Lieutenant Casey will be here in approximately 55 minutes 15 seconds."

"Thank you, Ensign," her CO said. "I'm on my way."

Tebrianne smiled to herself. She wanted to do something for Casey Ti Miran, but didn't know what. It seemed like she'd just made the woman's millenium.

She made a slight course correction, and settled back into her seat, waiting for the SPITFIRE's return.

Ensign Tebrianne Bancroft
USS Galaxy, Helm
dodger@hevanet.com

=/\= Meet Thy Neighbor =/\=
By Ensign Matthew Albrecht

He awoke to the sound of Akira’s steady breathing. He took an inventory of his condition; His ankle was still wrapped in heavy bandages, and sore. His hand was still bandaged, blood showing through the cloth. The crude stitching seemed to be helping the cut above his right eye to heal. Other minor cuts and abrasions were already on their way to healing. Then he looked over at Akira.

Physically, her wounds were much less severe. However, while the day of resting they took had helped Matthew to heal considerably, Akira was continuing to become more and more ill. He watched her breathe, long, shallow breaths. *She has even less luster than before* he thought, sadness bubbling below his surface. *It is so hard to see her like this!*

The morning before, the ensign had been in no condition to travel. His head had been spinning, his ankle too sprained to hobble, even with a splint, and he had lost a lot of blood. Akira had spent the day gathering food and supplies and settling them in to the shelter she had found them. He looked around at his surroundings, perhaps to avoid thinking about what he must do that day.

The room was large and wide, with plush carpeting and lavish tapestries hanging from the walls. The ‘nest’ was in a large domed alcove to one side, with light pouring from some kind of sunroof, even though the room was buried in a large building. The nest looked over the central living space, bowl shaped, with broad, flat pillows or mats lying in it. Another alcove held the bathing chamber, where Akira had cleaned his wounds and sewn shut the gash across his brow. Elaborate tile work formed the flooring and many of the walls, while stonework made up the ceilings. All over, light came from the sun through some network of light bending devices above. Akira had told him that her family owned this hotel, and others all over Dronegar. She had hoped this one had been undamaged, and for the most part it was intact. She knew where the kitchen was, where the first aid supplies were, and which chambers were the best. Now that his head was clear, he knew it would be up to him to get her to help.

*The Galaxy should be returning soon, perhaps tomorrow morning,* thought the young officer. *The captain must have found a cure for this plague that is taking Akira’s life from her! Whatever they have discovered to aid these victims will be administered first where we have established bases of operation.* Matthew stood up and hopped over to his clothing and backpack. He dug through the pack to find his medical kit. He opened it and removed the booster hypo, he would need it if he were going to make the hike to the ‘Nesting caves of the sick,’ or whatever they were called. He put the rest back, along with his uniform and some hotel medical supplies. Then he picked up the local garb Akira had collected for him. It was not much covering, mostly leather pieces stitched together, but it should help to camouflage him better than his black and gold uniform. He then woke Akira up and helped her to dress herself.

-------------- several hours later --------------

Their breaks had been getting longer, and closer together. Soon Matthew would have to begin carrying her. He looked at his makeshift crutch, as if to say ‘I will miss you.’ They had somehow been able to avoid Rhombid patrols all morning long, it was now well past noonday. Akira hadn’t spoken a word in two hours. Matthew withdrew the hypospray from the side pocket of his backpack, turning it in his hand, considering whether to use it yet. He knew that once he did, there would be hell to pay when it wore off. The Tracker, accountant by day, patriotic heroine by night, rested upon a tire lying in the shadows near a burnt-out truck. "Come on, Akira, it’s time to be moving on."

Not speaking, she let him help her up. As he turned with her, they found themselves facing a lone Rhomboid armed with a pistol. The ensign reminded himself that he was only armed with a Rhombid cutlass, and unable to wield it properly at this point. Matthew almost collapsed to the ground in defeat, spilling Akira in the rubble and grime of the war-torn street. Somehow, he kept his feet and spoke to the pale-skinned Vulcan-like alien.

"Kill us if you must, but don’t torture us with your delays." The Starfleet officer spat upon the ground. Akira probably would have done the same, had she even noticed her enemy standing there. Matthew searched his mind for arguments to befuddle this man, but feared he didn’t have time. The Rhomboid was bigger than any he had seen before. Larger legs and arms, with a thick neck and tiny eyes set close together. When the alien spoke, the voice was rough and uncultured.

"Maybe I let you live." He then put his weapon in the front of his jumpsuit. Stitched upon his breast pocket were some Rhomboid letters. "You Federationer?" he asked Matthew.

"Yes I am, and it is increasingly obvious that it doesn’t matter to your people. What do you want of us?" As he spoke, ensign Albrecht set Akira down again on the tire.

"It true you make friends with all um, . . . not Federationers?" The Rhomboid man appeared to be having difficulty maintaining such an extended conversation, but for some reason carried on with the questions.

"We try to make friends with anyone who will have us for friends. Everyone else gets to make war on each other and slaughter their own people and release plagues upon their neighbors and enslave innocents all they want. It’s a free galaxy." Matthew spoke with as much sarcasm as he could muster. He balanced his weight upon his good ankle, so he could use the cane as a club if necessary.

"Sit down, man" the pale man said. After Matthew cooperated, he sat down as well. "I am Epsilon Phea. I load bombs on trucks."

"It’s a pleasure. I am Ensign Albrecht, I protect people." He thought he recalled some bits of information about the Rhomboid caste structure from the briefing data. As he remembered, the Epsilons were the bottom rung of the ladder. Also, they were reputed to be fairly unintelligent. But then again, so were judges. "This is Akira, an accountant."

"Have you heard of the ‘Lost Prophet’?" Asked Epsilon Phea, almost reverentially. As he spoke, he withdrew a folded piece of paper from his hip pocket.

Matthew had not. He took the paper, examined the unintelligible script, and handed it back. "I cannot read your language. Who is the ‘Lost Prophet’?"

"He teaches us to think for ourselves. You should read this when you can read." He handed the paper back to the officer. "Keep it."

Matthew took it and stuffed it into the backpack’s pouch. "What will you do with us?"

"I don’t know yet, let this one think." He considered for a moment. "Where you go?" Asked the Epsilon.

"To the caves where the sick are. Akira needs attention badly. How would you like someone to infect your world with an incurable disease, then watch millions die before you catch the illness yourself? Perhaps you want to sit here and watch the disease take her life?" Matthew built up a lot of steam, he felt that his best bet was to attack the enemy now, while the pistol was put away. His hand slipped back to grasp the hypospray.

"This one will help you. Follow me." Then the large worker lifted Akira like a child and carried her away.

Matthew stared after the man for several breaths. He just didn’t get it.

Ensign Albrecht
Security Officer, USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"Back to work and to Dronegar"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain's Log: Stardate 49711.3:

Our mission to Kal-Dixas space port has proven successful. We now have in our possession two cases of anti-toxin that Lieutenant' Erikson assures me should help to treat the Dronegar infected with the virus from the biological weapons.

We also managed to learn that it was the Pakleds that were responsible for delivering the chemical weapons to the Rhomboid, though their motive for doing so has yet to be discovered. The arms dealer we learned this from says he made a delivery to them just four days ago. So we may be fortunate enough to catch them delivering the weapons to the Rhomboid if we hurry. Though most likely, they are in a cloaked vessel of some type.

We are presently approaching the Galaxy preparing to dock. I look forward to getting back on board and back into more familiar surroundings.

*****

The SPITFIRE safely landed on shuttle bay three of the USS Galaxy, being guided by the Starship's tractor beams to a gentle landing in the hangar. After a minute or so, the bay was fully pressurized, allowing the away team to exit.

"Good work 'mate." Captain Price commented as the team piled out of the rear exit hatch and proceeded down the ramp. "We accomplished what we set out to do at Kal-Dixas, now let's get back to the Dronegar-Rhomboid sector and act on what we have learned."

A few nods and smiles formed on the faces of the away team. Some were already beginning to remove their disguises.

"I should get these cases to Sickbay. No doubt the medical staff will want to get started on manufacturing more of the serum so we have a large supply when we reach Dronegar Captain." Lieutenant' Erikson explained while holding the two cases of anti-toxin antidote in his arms.

"Good thought 'mate. Take it on down there straight away." Lee instructed. Then turning to Lieutenant Casey the Captain raised a hand up, stopping him. "Lieutenant, can you hold up a minute?"

Deiran stopped and walked back to Captain Price while the other away team members exited the shuttle bay, presumably to return to their quarters and change out of their civilian clothes and back into their Starfleet uniforms.

"Yes Captain, what can I do for you sir?" Deiran asked with a smile.

"I haven't got time right now, but later, I'd like you to stop by my ready room so we can have a talk about your conduct while on Kal-Dixas..." Lee said in a serious tone.

Deiran's smile dropped. He was just thinking how much fun he had while on the under cover assignment, and now, the Captain's tone made it sound like he'd done something wrong. "Yes sir." He managed evenly, not knowing what else to say or expect.

"Go ahead and get changed. Freshen up and get something to eat. I'm sure Miran will want to see you now that you've returned. I have to change as well. Shall we meet in about two hours then?" Price asked.

"That will be fine Captain." Lieutenant Casey said, still not too sure what this was all about. Deiran opened his mouth, thinking of asking the Captain straight out what the meeting was about, but decided not to, given the Captain's tone.

"Dismissed Lieutenant." Captain Price finally said. Casey nodded and exited, on his way back to his quarters and his wife, Miran, the whole time wondering what Captain Price wanted to speak with him about later in his ready room.

Lee watched as the Lieutenant exited. He was a good officer, eager to please, but his actions on Kal-Dixas could not go undiscussed. While thinking about Casey, Lieutenant Mercury walked into the shuttle bay.

"Welcome aboard Captain. How did it go with the shuttle?" Lieutenant Mercury asked.

"Perfect Lieutenant. You should congratulate your men on a fine job. The Kal-Dixas dock master even noted the deteriorated condition of the impulse engines and suggested we have it repaired." Lee grinned.

"Glad to hear it Captain. They worked hard to get it ready on time. It's nice to know that she did the trick." David said patting the side of the painted up shuttle craft. His tone was distant, as if something else was on his mind.

"Well, just be sure you tell them what a good job they did for me, *before* you have them carry out their next assignment." The Captain explained with a smirk.

"Our next assignment sir?" Mercury asked, a little surprised and uncomfortable over the news he still needed to relay to the Captain.

"Aye 'mate. I want you to put everything back the way you found it. Bring the shuttle Yeager back up to Starfleet specifications."

Lieutenant Mercury glanced at his handy work and shook his head a moment. "It's going to take a lot more effort to bring her up to Starfleet regulations than it took to bring her out of spec sir." David said in an evaluatory tone.

"I'm sure it will, but I know you and your crew are capable of the feat Lieutenant. There is no hurry, but I'd like it returned to specs as soon as your schedule allows 'mate."

"Aye sir. I will get people to start working on it next shift...." David's tone again sounded like he had something he wanted to talk about.

"Do you have something for me 'mate?" Captain Price asked noting the Chief's expression.

"Yes sir. We seem to of had an accident with the Aft photon torpedo tubes. A small explosion. They are presently off-line while we continue to carry out an investigation into the cause of the explosion."

"Any preliminary indications as to what happened Lieutenant?" The Captain asked.

"At first it was assumed that it was the cause of sabotage, but further scrutinizing of the main torpedo tubes has all but eliminated that possibility. At this point, it looks like a malfunction or possibly human error."

I see. Well keep me posted as to when the Aft tubes are back on line. I'll look forward to reading your report on the entire incident 'mate." Lee said with a nod.

Again, David rocked his head slightly. Being the Chief Engineer was turning out to be a lot of work. "Aye Captain. You'll have it as soon as the investigation and repairs are complete. Welcome home Captain." David said with a half smile and in a almost sarcastic tone as he looked at the amount of work that laid before him and his crew.

"Thank you Lieutenant. G'day." Lee said tipping the rim of his cowboy hat slightly before exiting the shuttle bay.

*****

Captain Price exited the turbolift and stepped onto the Bridge of the Galaxy, still wearing his civilian 'under cover' clothing.

"Welcome home Captain." Lieutenant Kane greeted from the Captain's chair.

"Good to be here 'mate. Have you set course back to the Dronegar-Rhomboid sector Lieutenant?"

"Course plotted and laid in sir." Nathan replied.

"Do it 'mate. Bring us back to the others on Dronegar. Warp 8. Have there been any communications from Dronegar while I was away?"

Nathan signaled to the helm to engage the warp engines. Ensign Bancroft activated the controls and soon the ship was enveloped in a warp shell and propelled forward in a flash of light.

"No sir. I believe the cosmic pollution belt between Dronegar and Rhomboid is interfering with our long range communications. There have been no sub-space transmissions since just before you departed sir." Kane explained.

"Very well. I hope that is what is causing the problem 'mate. If it is, we should be able to establish a channel when we get closer to the system. If not... then it may be that the Rhomboid have managed to knock out their communications satellites. Or worse."

"I will have Ensign Kamin continue to try and hail them sir." Lieutenant Kane suggested.

"Bonzer 'mate. I will be in my quarters changing if I'm needed. I'll be back shortly." Lee said as he turned to leave.

"Captain..." Nathan had to stop him. When Lee stopped and faced him, the Lieutenant continued, "Sir, there was an accident with the Aft Torpedo tubes while you were away sir. The Engineering personnel are investigating the cause of the malfunction."

"Thank you Lieutenant. Chief Engineer Mercury already briefed me of the problem down in the shuttle bay 'mate. If that's all?" Lee replied candidly.

With a relieved look on his face Nathan smiled, "Yes sir. That's it."

The Captain smiled and gave Lieutenant Kane a reassuring nod before turning to return to his quarters and get his duty uniform back on.

Galaxy "Up an Adam"
Written By Kahn Nilani
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Galaxy

::Standing up:: "Oh man my head hurts."

["Well as I said before Doctor that is usually what happens when you loose enough blood. Oh bye the way sorry about sedating you it had to be

done."] ::smiles::

"Well I will remember that!!. How long was I out?"

["Close to three days. And before you say anything else the Boy is fully

recovered and is walking around and Garu is o.k."]

"Well that is good to hear." ::Walking over to mirror:: "Oh my!!! I look

like someone who has been to hell and back, and my hair is a big mess."

["Don't worry there are people worse off than you are."]

"Well isn't that glad to know." ::Tying her hair back::

["How are you feeling?"]

"I am fine. A little headache but I should be fine soon, no need to sedate me again."

::Sarcastically:: ["I wouldn't do that again."]

"You wish." ::Laughing:: "Well how is my experiment going?"

["Your experiment is going well Nilani, everything is on track."]

I stood up and made my way to where all the experiments were

"It's a nasty little virus isn't it. Look it encodes it's self with there DNA, it is almost like it is a designer virus. The rhomboid have yet to be infected with this disease."

["True. But they could be supplying a antidote to them."]

"Your right. Cat get on that lead, I want everything possible on this virus."

"Honor"
By Kal'Gor

** Previous to the captain's return **

Kal'Gor bored the shuttle with Gritta and Rune. He was sensing angry from Gritta about something, though he wasn't sure about what until he took a set in the shuttle. Kal'Gor came to the conclusion she was made about his use of her. He didn't intended to offend her by telling the Fat Ferengi that she was his mate. He spent several minutes trying to figure out how to apologize for saying that, but he was drawing blanks.

He worked on how to approach her about the incident, but then it dawned on him like someone had turned on a bulb in his head. His training and experience as a Klingon brought it rushing back to him. Klingon's treated each others as equal's and that was even more important when they were mates. She was up set at him not for calling her his mate, but for his comment to the Ferengi about trying anything with Gritta, now that was something that she might be up set about.

He rose from his chair and walked over to stand next to Gritta, he then squatted down next to her. He wanted her to hear what he wanted to say, but not Rune. "Gritta, I must talk with you about what happened back there in the Slice of Risa Bar." Kal'Gor said.

"What?" Gritta said, turning to see Kal'Gor at her side.

"I said, that I need to talk with you. I owe an apology about what happened with Eldor. I now understand why you are up set at me, it is that I dishonored you by threatening the Ferengi if he tried anything with you. I meant no offense, he had caught me off guard when he knew I was human. I felt that I need to regain the up hand, and his interest in you offered the prefect oppurintunity to do so, by generating fear of me. I realize that is no excuse for what I did to your honor, Gritta. I only hope that it helps to explain my actions. It is up to you whether you can forgive me for my actions." Kal'Gor finished sentence.

*** Present ***

Chris would be glad to be back on the Galaxy, he wasn't sure that he could return to the life of an SI agent. He was exhausted from the experience, though he suspected that he'd felt more comfortable had it been just him or a few people. The size of the group had put him on edge every sense he'd stepped onto Kal Daxis soil. He hoped if there was a next time the Captain would allow him to better prepare and train such a group. Plus of course choose size and make-up if possible, but just training alone probably would've made him less nervous about such a mission. Chris closed his eyes and fell asleep, not concerned about whatever music was being played this go around.

Chris Patton

"A Cold Room, A Hot Cup of Java"
by Lt. (jg) Alan Hewson

Alan leaned back in the pilot’s chair, still shocked that he was alive…for now anyway. When Eldor, the Fergengi weapons dealer, had discovered Kal'Gor masquerade AC (also known as Rune Vandersway) almost screamed. For some reason Eldor didn’t really care about the false Klingon, and continued on with their business. Sweat had been pouring off AC since then. It wasn’t until now that he felt somewhat safe.

For now it was just Kal’Gor (Lt. Thomas), Gritta (Lt. Samara), and Alan onboard the SPITFIRE. The Captain and the rest of the team was onboard Eldor’s ship, trying to work out a deal. The situation was still very dangerous for both parties, but being on the SPITFIRE made Alan feel a little more secure. The social scene on the ship was not present, however.

Alan had never really even spoken to Samara before, even though they were both engineers. She always seemed so cold and secluded. Some people were like that, and AC respected their wishes. Her temper flared quite often, especially when her Klingon side took over. She was attractive, but she had not been on a date to AC’s knowledge.

Lt. Thomas was a different case. It was well known that Chris had been with SI for sometime; an experience that Alan never wanted to have. He too had never conversed with Alan off-duty. It was plainly evident that Chris was very intelligent, perhaps to intelligent for his own good. Until the mission to Kal-Dixas, Chris had been confined to his quarters for an unapproved “field test” of his mobile holo-emitter. At the moment, Chris and K'Eytyanna were not talking to each other. K'Eytyanna was quite upset that Chris had stood up for her when Eldor began making suggestive comments about her. Alan never had understood Klingons and their pride and honor, and he never really wanted to learn.

Chris approached the cockpit area. AC was still in the pilot’s chair; K'Eytyanna sat with her arms-crossed in the co-pilot’s seat. When he was by their chairs, Chris squatted down with his back to Alan. With a loud sigh, AC removed himself from his chair and headed towards the back of the shuttle, leaving the two to discuss their honor.

“Coffee, black.” The replicator came alive, producing the beverage in a matter of seconds. Alan blew gently on the steaming hot liquid before taking a large sip. He leaned back on a wall and stared up at the ceiling. The Captain had been gone for quite sometime now, and Alan once again began to worry. There had been at least a half-dozen Naussicans with the Ferengi smuggler. Naussicans couldn’t do much, but they could fight.

Just as he began to swallow another sip of java, the familiar ring of a transporter beam sounded. Somehow he managed not to spit the coffee all over the interior of the ship. AC’s right hand rested on his phaser as he checked to make sure that it was friendlies and not foes that had beamed over. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw his friend Greer Erikson standing with the rest of the away team.

All had turned out better than AC could have hoped for. The anti-toxin was now in their posesstion, and no one had been injured. As soon as the Captain gave the word, AC ploted a course back to the Galaxy as fast as the little ship could take them.

"Pieces are coming together"
by Ensign Burns

*******Zoology Lab*******

John and Shivek walked up to someone who appeared to be feeding some rabbits. "Excuse me, who is in charge here?"

"Dr. Riley." The woman pointed at a short man.

"Thank you." John said.

They walked over to the short man, "Hello. My name is Ensign Burns and this is Cadet Shivek. We are investigating a fire that occurred near the Aft Torpedo Bay and we were wondering if you would be kind enough to answer a few questions for us?"

"Why of course." The Doc said.

"Have any of your animals escaped in...say, the last two weeks?"

"No. None have escaped to my knowledge in the last two months." Dr. Riley answered.

"Say, an animal were to escape, how would you know it?"

Dr. Riley explained, "We would know almost immediately because we tag all of our animals with a tracking device that the computer can detect."

"Ok then, thank you for your help." John turned towards Shivek, "Well, I guess this means that the hair belongs to one of the crew members animals."

"That would be the next logical step." Shivek responded.

Ensign Prescott walked in and headed towards Shivek and Burns. "You wanted to see me Burnsie?"

"Yes. I would like you to begin replacing all parts damaged in the fire. However do not dispose of the parts being replaced. I want to scan them again to see if we can find some animal hair."

"Where should I put the damaged parts?"

"Just leave them in the Aft Torpedo Bay for now. Oh, also I want Ensign Bates to help you with this task. That is it, so go ahead and get going."

Ensign Prescott left the Zoology Lab as John turned and faced Shivek, "Contact Ensigns Gakor and Mckenzie and tell them to report down to the Aft Torpedo Bay at... Computer, what time is it?"

['The time is 07:30hours']

"...at 12:30hours. Also, relay the same message to Ensigns Vo and Wolf from the Science Department. After you do that Shivek, I want you to go and get some shut-eye and then report back to me at 13:00hours."

"Yes I believe I will." Shivek replied. He left the Zoology Lab leaving John standing there staring at a muskrat. John's concentration was broken by a voice, "Ensign Gakor to Ensign Burns." John didn't react immediately and Gakor repeated, "Ensign Gakor to Ensign Burns."

John finally reached over and tapped his comm badge, "Go ahead Gakor. "

"Burnsie I was having trouble getting some sleep last night and..." John thought to himself, "What is this with everybody? I'd sleep all day if I could."

Gakor had still been talking when John was thinking this but then his attention returned to Gakor, "...I think you should come down here to the Jefferies Tube right away.

"Ok, Gakor I'm on my way."

**********Jefferies Tube, Aft Torpedo Bay*********

Once again John was on his hands and knees crawling toward someone in this burnt out Jefferies Tube.

"There you are. Take a look at this." Gakor handed John his tricorder and a small protective container. Inside was a piece of hair.

"Is that..."

"Yes, that is hair. Its partially burnt but I was able to make out what species it is."

"And?????" John was caught up in the suspense.

"It's from a cat. I believe it is a house cat or something similar. "

"Great work Gakor. Has Cadet Shivek contacted you yet?"

"No, I haven't heard a..."

"Cadet Shivek to Ensign Gakor."

"Gakor, I'm taking this hair sample with me. Shivek will bring you up to date on what I would like you to do next."

John turned and started to crawl away as Gakor began speaking with Shivek.

*******Engineering Lab**********

John walked in holding the protective case with the cat hair in it for Teena to see. "Looky what we have here."

"Hair? What species?"

"It is from a cat, probably a house cat, at least that is what Ensign Gakor believes. All we have to do now is find out who has a cat with dark hair and that cat is probably missing a patch of hair from its body." John explained to Teena.

"Computer, name all crew members that have a house cat or that is a similar species to a house cat."

['The members of the crew that have...']

********A few minutes later*********

"Alright," John said "There is only 24 crew members that have a cat. We'll split the list in half. Ok?"

"Alright sounds good, lets get going." Teena said as she walked out the door.

*******2 hours later*******

John had searched through his whole list except for one person. Teena hadn't contacted him yet so he figured that she was still looking.

John walked up to Lt. Greer's quarters. He remembered the poker game that they played a couple of weeks ago. There hadn't been anytime to play lately due to most of the crew being off the ship.

"Enter." John heard Greer say after he had rang the door chime.

"Why hello Ensign...ummm...Ensign B..."

"Burns." John reminded him.

"Thats right you go by Burnsie. Right?"

"You got it, sir."

"Well, how can I help you Burnsie?"

"I was wondering if I could take a look at your cat for a moment?"

"Jasey?? Mind if I ask why?"

"Well, see, I'm leading the investigation in the Aft Torpedo Bay. A few hours ago we found some cat hair in the burnt out Jefferies Tube. Now, another officer and I are looking at all the house cats on board to see if the hair belongs to any of them."

"Oh, well let me find Jasey. Jasey...Jasey...there you are." Greer handed Jasey to John.

John examined Jasey very carefully. Greer stood there looking at John with a face of anticipation. John was just about to hand Jasey back to Greer when he noticed something he did not see before. A small, very small patch of hair was missing from Jasey body.

"Greer I am sorry to inform you but I believe the hair in this protective case belongs to Jasey. May I take a hair from Jasey's body to make a better comparison of the hair."

"Yes, go ahead."

John pulled out a scissor like tool and snipped a piece of hair off.

John was thinking a mile a minute. He believed that he had solved the case but he had to confirm one piece of information.

"I'm sorry to cut this visit short but I have to call a meeting together with my investigation team."

"Certainly, I'll see you later than Burnsie?"

"Alright, sounds good Greer." John raced out of Greer's quarters headed toward the Aft Torpedo Bay. He tapped his comm badge and contacted everyone in the investigation team telling them to meet him immediately in the Aft Torpedo Bay, as he thinks he has solved the mystery.

Ensign Burns/Tactical Dept. aka Pat Burns

"This could be the start of a beautiful friendship."
written by Jade
approved by Devlynn Salshyar

Dialogue written between [ ], is communicated telepathically.

"Enter," Dev said as the door-chime sounded. "Ah, Counsellor Jade, come in and have a seat."

"Thank you, Counsellor Salshyar. I'm pleased to finally meet you, face to face. You've been so busy," Jade replied.

[It's the back-log of appointments I've had ever since the trouble on Dronegar began. Crew-members worrying about friends, etc.]

[I know what you mean, Gamma-shift has never been so busy either.]

[Would you like something to drink ?]

[Yes, a cup of chamomile tea would be nice, thank you, counsellor.]

Dev ordered two cups of tea and handed one to Jade. [Please, call me Dev. I've been hearing quite a lot about you. I've heard only positive things, and the crew-members that has come into contact with you, are really touched by you. You have a rare and wonderful gift, and I'm glad we are working together.]

Jade was unaccustomed to such praise and showed it. [I thank you for your praise, but I'm only doing my job, the best I know how. I love helping people and will always be there for someone in need, if I'm able.]

[Don't be so modest, Jade. You deserve every single word.]

[Thanks.]

They talked about everything that came up. Both enjoyed talking to the other and both realised that this could be the start of a new and wonderful friendship.

"Back to the Galaxy"
by Gritta / Lt jg. K'Eytyanna Samara

After awhile, she got sick of pacing around the shuttle, so after wacking a nearby bulkhead a few times in frustration about being left behind, she walked to the co-pilot's seat and threw herself down into it before running some diagnostics.

Her senses picked up somebody moving towards her, and with a quick sniff of the air, realised it was Lt Thomas. Fighting back the urge to grab him by his shirt and throw him through a bulkhead, she gripped the co-pilot's console tightly.

He knealt down next to her and spoke,

"Gritta, I must talk with you about what happened back there in the Slice of Risa Bar." Turning, she hissed,

"What?"

"I said, that I need to talk with you. I owe an apology about what happened with Eldor. I now understand why you are up set at me, it is that I dishonored you by threatening the Ferengi if he tried anything with you. I meant no offense, he had caught me off guard when he knew I was human. I felt that I need to re

gain the up hand, and his interest in you offered the prefect oppurintunity to do so, by generating fear of me. I realize that is no excuse for what I did to your honor, Gritta. I only hope that it helps to explain my actions. It is up to you whether you can forgive me for my actions."

{ Klingon, calm down - it's an apology, not an attack }

Taking a deep breath, she let go of the console and spoke,

"Apology accepted. Just be lucky you aren't Klingon." Her human side managed to crack a smile, which seemed to relieve him.

He stood as her part-Klingon hearing picked up the sound of a transporter beam. Instantly, her hand grabbed for her disruptor rifle as she knelt down in a crouch as she prepared to fire. Within seconds, she picked out Captain Price's face through the blue transporter haze, and raised her rifle as she stood.

When the order was given to head back to the Galaxy, she took her place at Engineering.

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

Later ....

The shuttle set down with hardly any bump on Shuttlebay 3's deck. When the hangar was pressurized, everyone left the SPITFIRE, which had been a bit crowded. Walking into a nearby turbolift, she headed to her quarters.

The door opened and she quickly shot her hand out, catching the collar around her pet's neck as he tried to make a runner.

"Not again, D'Akana." Dragging him back inside, she let go once the door had closed. Heading to the replicator, she ordered a raktajino before heading into her bedroom.

Minutes later, she returned out of her Klingon battle-armour and back into Starfleet uniform. Checking D'Akana's food bowl was full, she refilled his water bowl with fresh water before slipping back out, heading to Main Engineering to check on what had occurred while she was away.

Gritta of the House Krotmag, Private shuttle Spitfire
Lt jg K'Eytyanna Samara, USS Galaxy NCC-70637 Engineering Department

"Dragon's Honor"
Ensign Leslie Wilson

Leslie looked up at the creature before her. His dark yellow eyes searched her face, trying to find some reason behind her demands.

"Ambassador Wilson, the Dragon Empire will not join the Federation," the Dragon like creature stated simply.

"Then you face destruction at the hands of the Grii Empire," she said. "If you don't join the Federation, you will be destroyed, Starfleet can't protect you if you don't sign the pact," she pleaded.

"I'm sorry Ambassador, you are wasting your time, this council has ruled."

"Good bye, Lio-To," she said.

She tapped her commbadge. "Wilson, to Asimov... one to beam up," A moment later she found herself standing in the transporter room of the Asimov,a Nebula Class Starship.

"Ambassador Wilson, report to the bridge," the voice of Captain Xavier said through the comm-line.

"On my way," she said crisply, and with a brisk stride she walked out of the transporter room.

On the main viewscreen, sixteen Grii ships approched, and began to fire weapons on the planet below. She watched, with guilt in her eyes, as the world was hit again and again.

The Asimov was already backing away at full impulse. "Casuilties," she said.

"So far, Two Million," the tactical officer said sadly.

"Set a course for Starbase 47, Warp Six," Xavier said.

The ship went to warp. "End program," Leslie said.

The bridge of the Asimov vanished, and returned to the black and yellow. She left still thinking about the program. She had found it on the back-up computer, she wondered who had created it. Oh well, it was a good training program for her skills.

She entered Ten-Forward, sat down at a table, and ordered a glass of Tea.

"Blessed Returns And Superiors"
USS Galaxy
Lt. Deiran Casey

Turning to Lieutenant Casey the Captain raised a hand up, stopping him. "Lieutenant, can you hold up a minute?"

Deiran stopped and walked back to Captain Price while the other away team members exited the shuttle bay, presumably to return to their quarters and change out of their civilian clothes and back into their Starfleet uniforms.

"Yes Captain, what can I do for you sir?" Deiran asked with a smile.

"I haven't got time right now, but later, I'd like you to stop by my ready room so we can have a talk about your conduct while on Kal-Dixas..." Lee said in a serious tone.

Deiran's smile dropped. He expected it. He knew the kind of upstanding man the captain was and knew there was no way he’d let his conduct go without some form of tongue lashing. Deiran had fun while on the undercover assignment. "Yes sir," Casey managed evenly, not knowing what else to say or expect.

"Go ahead and get changed. Freshen up and get something to eat. I'm sure Miran will want to see you now that you've returned. I have to change as well. Shall we meet in about two hours then?" Price asked.

"That will be fine Captain." Casey said, still not too sure what this was all about. Deiran opened his mouth, thinking of asking the Captain straight out what the meeting was about, but decided not to, given the Captain's tone.

"Dismissed Lieutenant." Captain Price finally said. Casey nodded and exited, on his way back to his quarters and his wife, Miran, the whole time wondering what Captain Price wanted to speak with him about later in his ready room. Was it a tongue lashing? Would the Captain surprise him with something completely different?

Casey hated the unknown, when dealing with people. Space he could deal with, it was the thrill of being a space explorer that invigorated him. But, there wasn’t much to explore with people, so the unknown held no value with people. At least in Deiran’s opinion. There were emotions to explore, but exploring emotions wouldn’t make Deiran an Admiral.

Casey shouldered his gear and headed for the turbolift. It was Beta Shift, so Miran would be in her quarters. He was surprised that she wasn’t there to meet him. But, it didn’t matter, he was home and the only thing he could think about was his love and his child.

*** Casey Quarters ***

The doors slid open and Deiran walked inside. He put his gear down and wandered around looking for his wife. She was asleep on the bed. She looked so exquisitely beautiful as she slept. Her hair was down, and her face seemed peaceful.

He bent over her and kissed her on the cheek. Miran stirred, opened her eyes. Her face went from peace and sleepy, to bright and sunny. Her eyes were sparkling. She leaned up, smiled and squeezed his neck.

"Deiran!!!" she said as she practically squeezed the breath out of Deiran.

The couple embraced and kissed for a long while, happy to be in each others arms once again. After about an hour Deiran let Miran go back to sleep and he looked to see if he had any messages.

He had one from his mother, the weekly message. One from Chris Parker, an old friend from his academy days. That message got him thinking about the old days. He was the BMOC, the most popular cadet at Starfleet Academy. He was the golden boy. In all actuality he still was the golden boy, a Lieutenant a year after his graduation. But, he hoped his actions on Kal-Dixas hadn’t hurt him in the eyes of the Captain.

What happened to him? Why did he just lose it? Was the bloodlust that strong within him. Had he succumbed to the most violent and stringent nerves of humanity? The truth was he had. Something inside him snapped. And he was ashamed of himself. Before he returned to the Spitfire, he checked on the Klingon. He wasn’t there. The Klingon disappeared. He would never know what happened to the warrior. It would plague him for a long time.

He continued to check his messages. He saw a text message from Lt. D’tarna Bellen. He rubbed his eyes. Checked again. "D’tarna!!!" Casey smiled, he almost screamed. D’tarna and him were like brother and sister. There was a close bond between them, and that was before the mind-meld. D’tarna was like his surrogate sister.

Deiran accessed the message from Bellen:

Dear Deiran,

My duties at Starfleet Med. are complete and I will be returning to the Galaxy. It has been a long time since we’ve spoken. I have missed you. My life has changed. I would like you to meet me when I arrive if you can arrange it in your schedule? Live long and prosper.

D’tarna

Quite abrupt and to the point for D’tarna. No jokes, no fun, just blah. That didn’t sound too good. But, he looked forward to seeing his surrogate sister again. It had been a year since they last spoke.

The computer told Deiran the time. He had a half hour to report to the captain. He clicked off his Com console and went into the sonic shower. The shower felt good. He was clean, smelled great. He did his hair. Then he dressed, making sure his uniform was perfect and started for the Captain’s ready room.

*** Turbolift ***

"Hi Melissa," Casey was happy to see a friend.

"Hi Deiran, good to see you returned in one piece," Melissa smiled.

"Thanks. I have some free time this week, are you up for some fencing?" Deiran asked...

*** Main Bridge ***

Casey walked down the ramp of the bridge. People acknowledged him, Chan was at Ops and nodded to him. Tebrianne smiled at him. Kane also nodded to him. Casey headed straight for the Captain’s ready room. He pushed the chime and waited.

"Come in!" Casey heard the Captain’s voice say. Here it came, the moment of truth. This wasn’t going to be fun.

"Lieutenant Casey reporting as ordered sir," Casey was standing at attention, waiting for the inevitable.

"In the uniform again"
by Lieutenant Commander Joerg Sterner
Chief of Security, USS Galaxy

They had done it. The crew of the SPITFIRE finally was on their way back to the Galaxy. Jack Kruger was still thinking about the mission while the others were celebrating their victory. A victory that should help the people on Dronegar to survive.

Jack was partly happy too, that they made it, but he was still concerned. One thing he was worried about was the fact that he didn't know anything about his security officers on the planet's surface. If everything went wrong down there, they could have been all killed by now.

It was the uncertainty and the incapacity to help them that spoiled his happiness. In his mind he remembered being at the 'Slice of Risa' bar and that he was unable to collect any useful information there. It almost looked like nobody was buying him being a smuggler. His part to complete this mission wasn't a very important one, but in case anything should have gone wrong he probably would have been useful.

The SPITFIRE was slowly approaching the Galaxy and Jack was very nervous. Once the ship landed in the shuttle bay and the Captain congratulated his team to the successful mission, Jack Kruger changed to Joerg Sterner, Chief of Security, again.

Upon being dismissed he quickly left the shuttle bay, but suddenly a thought struck him and he turned to face his friend Ursa Sunder.

"Ursa, can we meet in my office, on deck 38, in half an hour? I need to talk to you about some security measures." Joerg asked him.

"Ok, no problem. See you there." he just answered and was gone.

Joerg turned around and was on his way to his quarters. After arriving there he took off his clothes and took a shower. Completely refreshed he put on his security uniform, straightened it in front of the mirror and left satisfied for his office.

When he entered the security office, Joerg was pleased to see that there weren't tons of PADDs on the desk. He sat down behind the desk and started to read through the reports that lay there. After reading for some time, the door opened and a refreshed Ursa entered the office. Joerg stood up, left the PADD on the table and approached him.

"Since we haven't had much time before this mission, I would now like to officially welcome you to the Security department of the Galaxy, Ursa." he greeted him.

"Thank you. I have been in this office for some time before, but I would appreciate it, if you could show me around a bit more." Ursa replied.

"No problem. Just follow me, I'll show you everything you need to know to feel at home." Joerg said.

After that they both started their tour of the security section of the ship, while the Galaxy was on their way back to the Rhomboid-Dronegar sector.

"The more things change…"
by Lt(jg) Hunter McKenzie
Acting Chief Tactical Officer

Mac stepped out of sickbay massaging his left forearm. D’Kana had nipped him on his last trip to Lt. Samara’s quarters and had caused no little amount of damage. Mac smiled. He knew that D’kana had only been playing and that it had been his fault for not paying attention to him when he entered the quarters.

"Oh, Well!" sighed Mac as he made his way to the TacOps office.

Mac had been notified that the Captain’s Away team had completed docking and that they would be a debrief pending their settling in. Mac looked at his wrist chronometer and thought about stopping by Lt Samara’s quarters to check up on D’kana, but decided against it. She was probably busy and Mac didn’t want to interuppt her.

"Maybe I’ll invite her to dinner?" thought Mac as he sat down at the desk in the office.

Looking over the last duty Pad’s he saw that Burnsie’s investigation was going fine. But he was sure either Lt Mercury or the Captain was going to ask about progress he knowingly tapped his communicator.

"McKenzie to Ensign Burns." Stated Mac

"Burns here , Sir" came the reply.

"Ensign, I need an update on your investigation as soon as I can get one. I know you’re busy, but with the Captain back I’m sure he is going to want a Tactical SitRep soon. Any problems?"

"No Sir. Not a one. I’ll have the report on your desk ASAP."

"Thanks Ensign. McKenzie out!"

Mac smiled to himself. He liked the young ensign and saw a lot of promise, he reminded himself to talk to Lt. Blair about Burnsie's performance and see about getting him an accelerated promotion. Just then the door opened and a young yeoman handed him a new stack of PADDs for his signature.

Mac sighed. "Somethings never change." He said as he chuckled to himself.

Endris Gakor, Ens. 10-Forward Lounge

Doctor Gakor waltzed in to the 10-Forward Lounge, nearly bumping into Electra, the compartment's hostess. The Orion gleamed in surprise. What could bring more profit than a hungry Tellarite bent on a meal? If Endris didn't know better, she would swear the bartendress was part Ferengi.

Then, too, dining for Tellarites was a social occasion, so the Immunologist preferred to feast in the ship's lounge rather than taking food from the replicator in her quarters. It was always good to have company when she was depressed.

True, fewer victims on Dronegar were succumbing to the disease, but thousands had died in the Rhomboid invasion. It was a tragedy of near Shakespearian proportion! Also, she had not made progress on curing teresi syndrome. Perhaps when the current mission concludes, the rest of the Medical staff could help this quest.

When Cadet Shivek had shown her some burnt hair recovered from a Jefferies Tube, the Immunologist was taken aback. After all, she failed to see the importance of a minor mystery involving some Terran pet when thousands of sentients were dying. She almost asked the cadet to massage Spines. (Her Lion Fish was always eager for snacks!) Besides, since she was not permitted to retain the sample, she could not perform extensive tests to resolve the situation.

Endris briefly considered what to order, when she noticed Councilor Wilson was also taking repast in the ship's rec lounge. "Ensign, may I join you?", I inquired. Leslie looked up and gestured to a chair at her table. Soon, a tall Denubian waiter took my order, and a nice cajun chicken salad plus a massive bowl of P'tomik soup soon graced the table.

Having been aboard the Galaxy only a short time, I hope to form bonds with the counselling staff. The teresi syndrome which afflicted my home also brought intermittent bouts of depression. Endris paused to begin discussion of her pro

blems while digging into the salad like a land-starved Horta.....

Ensign Grey walked into Ten Forward, over to the window and stared out into space. The waiter asked him what he wanted. He told the waiter he wanted an orange juice, then the waiter left. Nate stood there staring out the window thinking of his life over the years. He felt out of place among his crewmates, he hadn't talked to any of his crewmates yet. He wasn't really sure what to say. He wasn't shy or anything he just didn't often talk to people.

After the waiter brought Nate his orange juice, he sat down near the window. After about an hour, he decided to go to his quarters.

As he was leaving ten forward, he turned and looked out the window one last time, then left. He was walking the the corridors, then he came to a turbo lift. When he entered the computer chirted, "Deck 8" and the turbolift started moving. When the turbolift stopped, Nate steped out and headed for his quarters. He approached his quarters and walked in and sat down in his chair.

" Taking the fight to them...."
By Commander Coe

**** War room ****

Lt Blair rushed into the room, enthusiastically. His face vividly lighting up as he saw the Commander. Coe wiped his grubby face of the sweat and switched on the light above the tactical desk. It was late. Everybody seemed asleep. Only a lone dronegarian soldier was present and the lack of power meant all the lights seemed off.

Blair walked quickly over to Coe and spread a large sheet of paper over the table. They were the plans of the Triad Hachuri and the approximate positions of the Rhomboid emplacements. Coe and Blair, together, began to plan an attack strategy that could just incapacitate the Rhomboid long enough to allow the Galaxy to return, and help to arrive.

**** Next Morning, War room ****

The Galaxy crew that were seated around the screen looked tired. As far as Coe was aware, there had been only two casualties.

" Listen up everyone.." Coe spoke loudly. The small amounts of chatter quickly subdued.

" It has come to my attention, that the Rhomboid have not fought this war alone. Another race has intervened and changed the natural balance that these waring nations once possessed. After studying a captured Rhomboid weapon, it was noticed that the laser rifles contained coils that are to advance for Rhomboid culture. Further studies indicated that the coils were not produced in this system. It is my conclusion, that both the weapons and the virus, were produced by an alien race that are illegally involving themselves in a war that has nothing to do with them." Coe paused before continuing.

" Therefore, it is my discussion that the first rule in the prime directive no longer applies in this situation. We have tried, and have always strived for a peaceful settlement to this conflict. We have risked our lives to save those of others we have never met. We have been prepared to make the supreme sacrifice for a cause we no little about and I commend you all for that.

Its time we take the fight to them. Lt Blair and I have devised a plan to silence those damned mortars. Here it is......"

"Gamma Shift Blues"
by Ens. Lorenzo DiAngelo

Ensign Lorenzo DiAngelo was running a Level 2 diagnostic on the Tactical Station. It was 0758, and Gamma Shift was almost over. He had filled in for Ensign Kamin, who had mild virus, but nothing too serious. The doctor had told the good ensign to take the next shift off, and Lorenzo, being a bit of a night owl, and looking for all the duty cycles he could get, gladly volunteered.

Glancing around the bridge, his fellow crew members were also running their final preps for the shift changeover. Lt. Erikson had been examining a nearby spatial anomily. Ens. Bancroft was doing as much as any helmsman could do with a fully automated ship. Lt. Sterner, the Chief of Security, was sitting in the big chair. He looked a little uncomfortable, like he still wasn't too pleased with being lumped with command on the Graveyard shift.

The quiet hiss of the turbolift doors announced that Alpha Shift had arrived. Silently handing of the controls to Lt. Blair, Ensign DiAngelo left for the nearest turbolift with his collegues. Someone said "Deck 9". Yes, Lorenzo thought, a meal would be good. He had been on board the Galaxy for a couple of weeks and had learnt that the replicators turned out an excellent rhubarb, apple and custard. As his crewmates chatted amongst themselves, he thought back to Ragnorak Squadron, and Commander Lee. Those were good days. He missed the old crew, most of whom had been retired when the squadron was disolved.

Making his way silently behind the others, Ens. DiAngelo went into to Mess Hall, grabbed some rhubarb and apple with custard, extra cold, and took a free table over by the windows. The Mess Hall was not very busy at this hour, and he was glad. He might have been on board for over a fortnight, but he hadn't said very much to anyone in particular.

"Recovering, very, very slowly"
by Lt. JG Paran Chanor

Chanor awoke with a splitting headache, to hear a voice swimming in his head.

"Sir, sir, are you alright? We'll have you out in a minute."

he focused on a security uniform of Ensign McElvogue again. What had happened, he thought, before remembering the collapsing room. He tried to move himself, and couldn't.

"Don't try and move sir, you've broke your left arm in two places and your left leg. Seems you've been buried in the rubble for quite some time." McElvogue said.

Chanor looked around to find another officer, an ensign helping to dig him out. A stretcher lay nearby and Ensign Cooper was being carried away. His injuries looked far worse than Chanors.

He started to let his mind wander as he was dug out by Ensign McElvogue and another Ensign. He wondered how long he'd been out for, and suddenly realised he was very hungry.

It took the officers nearly an hour to dig him clear, before he was carryied by stretcher to the first floor rest room, where Ensign Cooper was being treated for shock, broken bones and concussion. His stretcher was laid down, and despite already having been unconcious for a significant amount of time, he was asleep before he knew it.

Lt. JG Paran Chanor

"Contemplation" by Ensign Shanika

Free of distracting furniture, noises or smells, a brig was an ideal place for contemplation. Perhaps that was one element included into their design - it would certainly give any perpetrator much opportunity to quietly reflect on his or her wrong doing.

The design of the brig was far from Shanika's mind, however. In particular, she was again considering an escape plan. The technical aspect of it was simple - she had escaped from far worse situations in the past - but the moral ramifications were somewhat harder to justify.

She knew now why the security guards were not speaking to her: the Prime Directive, obviously. They assumed that Shanika and her copilot were innocent visitors from the 20th century, and in a way they were right. But they didn't know that Shanika had originally come from the 24th century, and there was no way she could tell them without messing up the timeline even more.

As she speculated several probable outcomes of the situation, it became more and more difficult to think of a way to escape successfully without further damage to the correct timeline.

~*I* belong here, and if I had come back alone, it would have worked out. But Drew is from the 20th century, and they will obviously have to do *something* with him...~ Shanika thought to herself. ~And what are the odds that they will just let him stay?~

The more she thought about it, the more Shanika wished that she had never even heard of the Bermuda Triangle...

"Hypothesizing and behavior"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

After changing out of his civilian 'under cover' garments and putting on a fresh, Starfleet uniform, Captain Price felt much more like himself. He was concerned that the Galaxy had been unable to raise the security teams left behind on the planet Dronegar. Particularly since the Galaxy had past the spot where she had last had contact with the teams while venturing to Kal-Dixas space port.

Lee reached across his chest and tapped his comm badge.

"Any word from Dronegar yet Ensign DiAngelo?" Lee asked.

["No sir. I am continuing my attempts to hail them as Ensign Kamin instructed, but so far they have not acknowledged our signal Captain."] Lorenzo said through the comm link.

"Keep trying 'mate. Let me know the moment you establish contact. Price out." Lee deactivated his badge and proceeded to frown. There were a pile of padds that had accumulated on his desk, all of which required his review and approval. Grabbing one, he held it up and quickly read the first few words. It was no use. His mind and his fears were light years away, to his crew on Dronegar. Would they be okay? Has Rhomboid resumed their war with Dronegar? Is this lack of communications a result of a malfunction with the Dronegarian communications system, or is there simply no one left on Dronegar to respond to the Galaxy's hails? These thoughts and more plagued the Captain's mind as he tried to focus. Finally, he cast off the padd and gave up. Walking to the replicator, he ordered a rackejino. Picking up the steaming hot mug of Klingon brew, Captain Price turned on his heals and headed out of his quarters and towards the bridge.

Exiting the turbolift, Lee stopped for a moment to take another sip of his coffee. Looking around the bridge, he noticed many new faces as well as a few old ones.

"Hi Captain." Lieutenant' Erikson called out.

"Hi 'mate. Has the Medical department had any luck manufacturing more of the Anti-toxin for use on Dronegar?" Captain Price asked while stepping over to the Science officer's station.

"Yes sir. I gave the two cases to Doctor Tan. They have already been able to create several more liters of the antidote. By the time we reach the planet Dronegar, we should have enough to inoculate most of the population." Erikson explained to the Captain. He then asked, "Sir, any idea if we will be able to find the Pakled ship that has been supplying the Rhomboid with these terrible weapons?"

"I don't know 'mate..." Captain Price said rubbing his chin in one hand, "Eldor mentioned that he'd just shipped them a load of hand weapons four days ago. It is possible that they are heading back to the Dronegar-Rhomboid sector, but I'm surprised we didn't detect them along the way."

Erikson nodded, "Aye. If I didn't know better, I'd say Eldor was lying. Either that of the Pakled's have a cloaked ship." Greer mused.

Across the bridge, Lieutenant Kane's ears perked up as he sat at the helm. "Excuse me, but did someone say something about a cloak ship in the Dronegar-Rhomboid sector?"

Both Captain Price and Lieutenant' Erikson turned to face Lieutenant Kane.

"Yes 'mate. The Lieutenant' here was just hypothesizing as to why a Pakled ship we were told was delivering a shipment of hand arms to Rhomboid was not detected by the Galaxy even though we took the same course she did." Lee explained.

"Well sir..." Kane said stepping away from his console, motioning for a back up officer to cover the controls, "...I may be able to turn Greer's hypothesis into science fact."

Both men's eyebrows raised as Nathan stepped up to the science station and recalled some readings he had taken earlier while in Dronegar space. Stepping back, he offered, "Take a look at this. At first I assumed it was just back ground noise from all of the nuclear pollution between Rhomboid and Dronegar. But look at these streaking patterns... that could very well be a Romulan type cloaking device that is slightly out of synch between the warp nacelles."

Greer and Captain Price glanced at the readouts. "You may be right Nathan," Lieutenant' Erikson commented, "these streams are to asymmetrical to of been caused naturally."

"Do you think we can detect their vessel, now that we know what we are looking for 'mate?" Lee asked Lieutenant Kane.

"Probably. If we reconfigure out sensors to deal with all of the back ground radiation, and if the ship is moving. If they go to silent running, we may not be able to." Nathan explained.

"Don't worry 'mate. Once the Galaxy shows up, they'll be moving all right. I can guarantee it." The Captain said with a wink as he took another sip of his rackejino. "Lieutenant' Erikson, see to the sensor modifications. Lieutenant Kane, why don't you assist Greer since you made the discovery 'mate."

"Aye Captain." Nathan said with a grin.

"Very good. I have work to attend to at the moment. Keep me posted of your progress. We should be reentering the Dronegar-Rhomboid sector in ten hours. Be sure the modifications are complete before then."

Both officers acknowledged the timeline they had been given to perform the adjustments to the main sensor array. Captain Price stepped over to his ready room and entered. The door swooshing shut behind him.

*****

Roughly an hour later, the chime to the Captain's ready room sang out.

"Come in!" Captain Price responded. A moment later Lieutenant Casey stepped into the room letting the door close behind him.

"Lieutenant Casey reporting as ordered sir," Casey was standing at attention, waiting for the inevitable.

"Lieutenant, have a seat." Lee offered motioning to the chair with his hand, "Can I get you something from the replicator 'mate?"

"No thank you sir." Deiran managed as he sat down some what stiffly, still wondering exactly what this was all about.

As if he sensed the Lieutenant's apprehensiveness, Lee let his neighborly smile drop and got right down to business.

"Lieutenant, I wanted to discuss your performance while at Kal-Dixas. It is my understanding that you got into a number of altercations with various members of the civilian population while we were conducting our under cover investigation." Captain Price explained.

"Yes sir. But I only did so to help establish my under cover persona. I would never act like that under normal conditions sir, I assure you." Casey explained.

Lee rocked his head ever so slightly from side to side. "That's not the point Lieutenant. You are a Starfleet officer. You have been trained your entire career to set a good example. To take the right actions at the right moments. Your behavior on Kal-Dixas was inexcusable. Under cover or not. It was not conduct befitting of a Starfleet officer."

Deiran looked into the Captain's eyes. His words hurt him, but he was being strong about it. He wanted to cry out, to explain himself and why he had acted that way. Why he felt he had to beat up that prostitute, and threaten the others into leaving the Slice of Risa. Why he had attacked that Klingon so savagely after he'd challenged his combat skills. Why he plunged his d'k tahg deep into the chest cavity of the all but finished Klingon when he made his futile last ditch lunge at him. But somehow, now in the safety of the USS Galaxy and looking back, Deiran was hard pressed to explain his behavior. "I... don't know what to say Captain. I'm sorry. I wasn't myself. It was like I was ... someone else."

"I know how important it is that you do well in Starfleet Lieutenant." Captain Price explained, "That is why I am not going to make an official report on your conduct. But let me tell you Mister!..." Lee said, pointing a serious finger at the young Operations Manager, "...if you ever act out of line like that again, if you ever go around and wantonly, carelessly injure another person without so much as a good reason, your career on this vessel will come to an abrupt end. Are we clear on that 'mate?"

"Aye sir." Deiran managed to say through dry lips.

"I want you to see one of the ships counselors about what happened. Off the record of course. I think it may be i

mportant for you to get to understand what transpired down on Kal-Dixas to better insure it doesn't happen again. There may come another time in your career Deiran, where you will be required to be placed in similar circumstances and again go under cover. The better you understand why you acted as you did this time, the better of a chance you'll have at avoiding it in the future." The Captain's tone lightened some what, but it was obvious that he was dead serious that Deiran should seek council.

Deiran didn't know what to say. This wasn't the first time he'd been under cover, though he could hardly tell the Captain about the incident with Mudd and breaking into the trilithium refining facility. The entire operation was illegally performed while Deiran and a few other Galaxy crew members were supposedly away on a ski trip. If the Captain were ever to find out about that.... If Deiran's *father* were ever to find out, there would be a lot worse to pay than simply an ear bending and a few counseling sessions. Of that, Deiran was certain.

Realizing that a long, awkward pause had just come over the room, Deiran fidgeted and said, "Yes sir. I will see to it that I make an appointment with one of the counselors. Thank you sir,..." Deiran managed, "...for keeping this off my record."

Lee nodded. "Just be sure you find out what triggered your behavior 'mate. You are one of my finest officers Deiran. I want to make sure you are on the right path, destined for greatness." The Captain consoled.

"I am trying Captain, I am trying." Casey nodded.

"That is all Lieutenant. Dismissed." Lee finally said.

Lieutenant Casey got up and exited the ready room. Captain Price watched for a moment, as if he could see beyond the bulk head door at Casey walking away. After a long moment, he pivoted in his chair and glanced out of his observation window. The myriad of stars streaked past the hull of the Galaxy at warp factor eight.

"Just a few more hours...." Captain Price said to himself, "... a few hours and we will know what happened on Dronegar."

" I haven't had much of an opportunity to tour a GALAXY-class cruiser, never mind the GALAXY herself. " Sunder quipped, as he and Sterner casually ambled their way down the corridor. " In fact, the largest ship I served on was the SHADOWFIRE - my father's ship. It's modified Klingon K'VORT-class attack cruiser, roughly comparable to a GALAXY-class, but without the usual amenities. " He finished with a dark glint in his eye.

" How the son of an Orion pirate managed to join Starfleet is beyond me. " Sterner joked.

" Privateer, " Sunder corrected light-heartedly. " The old man was always careful to maintain his reputation. The SHADOWFIRE wasn't exactly known as a friend to honest traders, but it was always was known to be a loyal vessel - for the right price. And to the Orion Pharoh Clan, of course. " He added with another smile.

Sterner returned his smile. " I'm sorry that we didn't get a proper chance to welcome you to the ship. Things happen pretty fast around here. If you like, I can arrange a more ... formal introduction to the rest of the security team? " Sterner's pause indicated a mischievious intention formulating somewhere in the back of his mind. Sunder said nothing though, fully aware that it was a time-honoured naval tradition to haze a newly arrived crew-member in some way. A bit of a rolling stone, Sunder had come to appreciate the value of emplaced traditions.

" Sounds good, though you'll have to let me know what to wear. "

Sterner smiled back. " Heh - left your evening gown at the cleaner's? " Sunder stopped at a corridor junction.

" So where do we begin the tour? " He asked.

"Case Closed"
by Ensign Burns

*******Aft Torpedo Bay*********

John stood in the middle of the bay staring off into space. He had just spoke with Mac who had told him to write up a status report about the progress of the investigation. Finally, one by one the members of his investigation team showed up for the meeting he had quickly called together.

After everyone had arrived John began, "Ok, everyone I have a theory to what has happened in the Jefferies Tube. I want you all to share your opinion with me about whether it would be plausible or not." John paused for a moment to make sure he had everyone's attention. "Ok, here it is...Sometime, before the explosion, Lt. Greer's cat, Jasey, was walking inside the Jefferies Tube. For one reason or another Jasey's attention was focused on the dispensers energy cells in the Jefferies Tube. Jasey probably attacked it, using her paw, which ripped some of the energy cells, the energy transfer lines, and damaged the auto shutoff mechanism. The energy being received by the dispenser was fluctuating so rapidly that it couldn't handle it. This is what caused the torpedo dispenser to go haywire."

John looked around at everyone as they began to nod in agreement. Cadet Shivek questioned, What about the explosion that injured Ensign Wadell?

"I've got an explanation for that to." John said.

Interrupting Ensign Prescott said, "Wait. I belive I understand where you are going with this. The explosion was caused by the energy cells overheating. Right?"

"Exactly." John said. "Due to the auto shutoff mechanism being damaged along with the energy transfer lines, we caused the explosion by turning it all off-line. That is why seconds after Teena had shut the Aft Torpedo Bay down the explosion occurred. With the power off-line, all of the energy began to build up in those energy cells. With both the auto shutoff mechanism and the energy transfer lines being damaged the computer was unable to avoid the explosion."

John looked at their faces and one by one they all began to nod their heads again. "Now, it all makes sense." Ensign Gakor said out loud.

"Ok, now that we have solved this I am going to have to right up a report. Ensign Gakor and Ensign Mckenzie I would like to thank you for dropping your schedules for this task. But now, I do believe, that the Medical Department is not needed any further so I release you two to your normal duties. Dismissed."

Gakor and Mckenzie turned and headed for the turbolift. John looked at Prescott, "Ok, begin replacing the damaged parts in the Jefferies Tube. Everyone here will help you Prescott. I will join you shortly, but first I must write up a report about our investigation."

"Burnsie, We'll see you later then." Prescott said. John noddes and then headed to the turbolift to get to his quarters.

********about an hour later********

John had been working on the status report for about an hour now. Finally he had finished. Picking up the PADD he had been writing it on, he headed towards the Tactical office to give it to Mac.

John walked in and noticed that Mac was sitting behind the desk talking with somebody John had never seen before. Mac saw John and said, "Burnsie, I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the Tactical Department, Ensign Lornenzo DiAngelo."

"Pleasure meeting you" John said as he shook his hand.

"Dismissed." Mac said to Ensign DiAngelo.

The Ensign walked out and Mac looked up at John, "So, you got that status report Burnsie?"

John looked at Mac and smiled, "I have that...and even something better. The solution!"

John handed Mac the PADD and he began to read it over. John glanced around the room. It was pretty small and their was a pile of PADD's on the desk in front of Mac. John thought to himself, "Wow there is a lot of PADD's in that pile. I'm glad I don't have to do that job."

After Mac was done reading it he looked up at John and handed it back to him. Mac said, "Normally I would take it to Captain Price myself, but if you look at the work on this desk...I just don't have the time. Plus I believe Captain Price wanted to hear about this immediately so do you think you could take it to him Burnsie, since you were leading this investigation?"

John was thrilled he would actually get to have a conversation with the Captain. "Mac, I'd love to." he answered.

"Good, you're dismissed Burnsie."

John walked out headed for the Bridge so that he could talk to Captain Price.

Ensign Burns/Tactical Dept. aka Pat Burns

=/\= Revolutionary Talk =/\=
By Ensign Matthew Albrecht

Matthew held the torch with his free hand, illuminating their path ahead. The woods surrounding the city had become extremely dark after nightfall, about two hours before. The small group had left the city that afternoon to avoid Rhombid patrols, and were skirting the town in the direction of the ‘Nesting Place of the Sick.’ The ensign and the Rhomboid worker had been carrying on a hushed conversation.

". . . So in that way, the Alphas maintain judicial controls over the Betas…" the Terran said, as he began to understand the Rhombid legal system as Epsilon Phea described it. Some people might have been put off by the laborer’s slow manner of speech and economical use of words, but Matthew enjoyed the opportunity to apply his questioning training. By asking mostly yes-or-no questions, he had put together a basic picture of the aliens’ legal system.

The large being was exceptionally strong, having carried the ill Tracker for several hours without a break. *He must be accustomed to very hard, grueling labor,* thought the young officer. The alien was only then beginning to tire from the constant exertion. Phea stopped and set his burden down on some loamy ground, up against a reddish-brown tree. Two small lizards rushed out from a hole beneath the tree, squealing their displeasure at the invader of their home. The tall vulcanoid lay down next to her and spread out his arms in the wispy green ground-covering, oblivious to the little yipping pests.

Matthew handed the man his water bottle. His ankle was throbbing from the constant pressure of walking on it. "You seem remarkably well-educated considering your social class, Phea." The security officer couldn’t contain his curiosity about this big man who chose to help his enemies. *Maybe his family has powerful friends in the higher castes* he thought. As they spoke, Matthew looked after Akira, checking her temperature and giving her water. He wiped a damp cloth over her dry, dull scales. Her breathing was shallow except when she coughed, every five or ten minutes. She rarely opened her eyes.

The alien then began his longest single speech yet, "I have never been to school. My father taught me to read and write in secret—he taught me never to let anyone see me with a book." Phea looked at the stars showing through the fronds of the tall trees around them, a faraway look of hope upon his pale face. His blunt, callused hands stroking the leaves beside him. "Epsilons who seem too smart do not have it easy. I have borrowed many books from the libraries of rich Betas and Alphas. I know you think I am a backward man from a backward world, but we can be so much more than that. One day we will be. The Lost Prophet will help us make that come true." The Epsilon looked right in Matthew’s eyes, defiantly. "This war is suicide for our people, Terran. Destroying the Dronegars is not the answer. But maybe your ambassador doesn’t have the answers either."

Long minutes passed without conversation. A breeze developed that rustled the tree fronds, making a haunting whistle. Flying creatures, like birds, began to arrive in the trees for shelter from the night. The two noisy lizards had taken up residence beside Akira’s unconscious body. Matthew wondered how long it would be before Federation scientists would be able to travel to this world and catalogue its wonders.

----------------- Later ------------------

The troupe walked for another two-and-a-half hours before retiring for the night. Their campsite was in a small copse of trees on a hill with a clear view of the ‘Nesting Place of the Sick.’ They saw the Rhombid force outside the entrance, and saw signs of patrols in the area.

Matthew took the first watch, armed only with his cutlass. Eventually the Epsilon awoke and stood guard with his sidearm while the Starfleet officer slept. Fortunately, no patrols found them during the night.

When he awoke the next morning, Matthew discovered that Phea was gone. Rummaging through his pack for some food and water, he also discovered that one of his PADDs was gone, replaced with Phea’s pistol, and a note written in Rhombid.

Ensign Albrecht
Security Officer, USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"Staff Meeting"
Lt.jg Mercury
Chief of Engineering

"Mercury to Boudreau"

[Go ahead David]

"Sorry for bothering you during you off shift, Melissa but I need to have a little engineering meeting, if you could meet the rest of us down here.."

[On my way.]

Now David needed to get Chiron down here. David still felt a little nervous about the way you contact Chiron. David always felt like he was invading his privacy, maybe even worse it was his head that he was invading.

David began to concentrate hard. "Chiron . . . Chiron"

[[[You sense a little nervous, David]]] Chiron answered back telepathically.

"Can come to engineering..." David than thought to himself, I could just tell him now. "Better yet, I will leave instructions for you on what the Captain has planned for us"

[[[Thank you, David]]]

David now felt a little relieved, one of these times David is going to pop his thoughts into Chiron's head at a bad time.

David began putting his thoughts down on a PADD as Melissa entered Engineering. "Hey. Melissa how is everything going?"

"Things could be better," Melissa answered.

"What is wrong?"

"One of this days David, I will fill you in." Melissa was not in the mode to open up right now. But she needed to soon.

"O.K., I will take that for now but we need to talk." David noticed the Cadet Shivek was still working hard at the his consol. "Shivek, care to join us over here?"

"Sorry sir, I just got so caught up in the ..." Shivek said as he quickly walk over.

"I know, don't worry about it. O.K., guys here is the story, the Captain wants us to refit the shuttle to what it was before we redecorated it. I want each shift head to take a team of three down to the shuttle bay during there shift to start refitting the shuttle. The Captain didn't an exact time to be finished, but I would like to show him how things are done down here. Let's see how fast we can get her back into tip top shape. Now for the second order of business. The explosion. Cadet Shivek you seem to logged the most hours with the investigation. I want you and Melissa to head up the investigation. Do you thing you are up to it?"

"Yes sir!" Shivek beginning a good Vulcan contained his excitement.

"Melissa I want you to report to me periodically, and Shivek pay close attention to the Lieutenant, she knows what she is doing!"

"Dismissed"

Dan Josephs

"Requiescat in