"Leave, Vacation, Whatever You Want To Call It"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Deiran was feeling pretty good. Like he could destroy the Dominion with one quick strike, using his patented Left Hook maneuver, that was becoming famous throughout Starfleet.

He leaned up and looked to his right, where his beautiful wife was sleeping. She looked so beautiful, she was an angel. He just gazed at her and his heart jumped. They had a wonderful few days, their love renewing since they talked at the Palace holo-program. Everything was straightened out and he promised Miran he wouldn’t work as hard. Even when he was working the Gamma shift at Command, his heart was so in love he could barely remember what took place on his watch. All he could think of was Miran.

He got out of bed, showered, dressed, shaved and started for the Bridge. It was Alpha shift and he had to keep a promise to Miran. It wouldn’t be that bad, it was just six days he said to himself.

Besides, the Dominion were keeping a low profile lately. There wouldn’t be a better time for a vacation. He’d be on Bajor if anything happened anyway, he would fight and kill Jem’Hadar anywhere, on the Galaxy or on Deep Space Nine it didn’t matter.

Normally Deiran would go to his office and check what was happening but he knew he’d get involved in something and would start working so he decided to steer clear of his office and go directly to the Bridge.

*** Bridge, 0845 hours ***

Deiran stepped onto the Bridge, Alpha shift was in full swing. Many of the officers acknowledged him with a glance. He enjoyed it. The respect of being Second Officer. He was just out of the academy three years and he’d be a Captain before he was 30 years old. Everyone in Starfleet knew it. But, Deiran was changing. He was becoming a leader of men. Mature, brave but still cocky. He always wondered what the big deal was about his cockiness, who wanted to follow a indecisive and weak pansy?

He walked down the ramp, stopped at the entrance to The Ready Room and rang for the Captain. The doors opened and Deiran entered to see the Captain sitting at his desk, looking over some Starfleet files.

"Hello sir, I’m a little early for our appointment," Deiran smiled.

"Yes, ‘Commander I knew you would be. What can I do for you ‘mate?" the Captain replied.

"I would like to request some leave sir. I need a few days off sir. I was thinking of taking a trip to Bajor, showing Lara part of her heritage. The Lakes of Kortan are beautiful this time of year. Miran wants to visit her home planet," Deiran replied to his Captain.

"You’ve certainly earned some leave ‘Commander," the Captain looked over Deiran’s file. "In fact, according to your Starfleet records, you have six days of guaranteed leave coming to you. Do you want to take all of them ‘mate?"

"Yes sir, I would. I will need a day for travel, does that count sir?" Deiran asked.

"No you’ll have a day for travel, plus six days leave ‘Commander." The Captain smiled, his second officer thought of everything, he had come to trust that Deiran would think of everything, at every angle and do it quickly.

"When does this start sir?" Deiran asked.

"It starts immediately ‘mate, your officially on leave until next week. Enjoy and return safely ‘Commander," Captain Price smiled and shook Deiran’s hand.

"Thank you sir, I’ll return rested and ready to win this war," Deiran replied. You could see in Deiran’s eyes that he’d fight the Dominion until the very last man, even if it were himself.

*** Ops Office, deck 11 ***

Deiran was reserving a run-about for the trip to Bajor. The advantage of being Chief Ops is he could do it quickly. He and his family would be on their way before noon.

"Mr. St. John, I’ll see you next week. Take care of Ops for me. Let Chris know I’ve left some files in the Ops computer that he should look at. Having to do with some refits and some repairs to the tractor beam. Engineering will be doing some repairs and science will be busy while I am way, and he needs to know the specifics. I’m out of here," Deiran finished, a smile from ear to ear. He was looking forward to this.

*** Casey Quarters, Deck 8 ***

"Are we all packed honey?" Deiran asked as he finished putting the last of his clothes in the suitcase, a standard issue Starfleet bag.

"Yep, Lara’s things are packed, mine are and when your done we can go," Miran replied, Deiran could see the excitement in Miran’s eyes and on her face.

Five minutes later Deiran finished. "Okay, I’m done. Let’s head down to the shuttle bay."

Deiran picked up all the bags they were taking, five in all. Miran had Lara. And the Casey Family closed their quarters, not looking back. The lights were off, the room in complete darkness. They were off on their first family vacation.

*** Main Shuttle Bay ***

"I’ll let you drive this time," Miran laughed. "Do you remember your shuttle training?" Miran joked.

Deiran gave her a mean look, "Of course I do, I was the top pilot in my class, including the shuttle pilots who had a pilot major! I was flying shuttles when I was 16," Deiran looked a bit upset, taking Miran’s joke a bit too personal.

"Calm down Deiran I was just kidding," Miran laughed. "I know your capable of doing anything. Just relax and have fun, we can joke and play you know?"

"Ohhh ok sorry," Deiran kissed Miran and then entered the run-about. He did the usual pre-flight procedures, set the course and smoothly took the shuttle out of the Bay manually.

"Nicely done," Miran said, actually surprised at how well he did.

"Thank you," Deiran replied.

Deiran then spoke with the Galaxy, "This is the USS Tiberium, we’ve cleared the shuttle bay, we’ll see you in a week," he said with a smile.

"We’ll miss ya," Lt. Bancroft replied.

The shuttle created a warp shell and shot through space with a flash of light. The Casey’s were on vacation.

"Meeting in Ten Forward"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara
revision 1 by Lt Paran Chanor
revision 2 by Lt Paran Chanor, Hudson Dorffen and Lt Samara
revision 3 by Lt Paran Chanor
reviewed by Xala and everyone mentioned above

Yawning, K'Eytyanna stepped into a turbolift and leant against the wall as she spoke,

"Ten Forward."

After many hours of work, K'Eytyanna could feel her whole body aching. With her Klingon heritage and upbringing, it was fairly easy to ignore.

Entering the bar, she headed towards a relativly empty section near the windows and sat at one of the tables, looking outwards. Cracking her knuckles, she put her d'k tahg down on the table in plain sight, a warning to everyone to stay away as she wanted some peace & quiet. The way she was feeling, she would have even snapped at Captain Price or Hunter.

Rubbing her eyes as she rested her elbows on the table, she heard the sound of footsteps moving towards her, despite the effect of the carpet. The hairs on the back of her neck bristled as she felt the slight tingling that she had always felt around telepaths.

Growling softly, her hand moved towards her weapon as a voice spoke,

"Lieutenant, can I get you anything? A friendly ear or a drink perhaps."

Suddenly, all her senses shifted to full awareness and her Klingon mind sprang into control. Within a second, she was standing, weapon in hand and teeth bared as she looked into a part Cardassian face. Her eyes flicked to his hands, and she threw the d'k tahg hard onto the table, her honour not allowing her to attack an unarmed opponent with a weapon.

Quickly, she spat out a vile curse in Cardassian, baring her teeth again.

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

Door looked up from the bar as he noticed a female officer he hadn't met enter and quickly head to the windows. As she did, people quickly gave way, as if they thought she would be liable to attack them.

He shrugged and decided to head over to the window seat she had taken. As he got closer, he picked up that she was a Lieutenant from Engineering, and looked human.

His telepathic senses registered great frustration and anger. Smiling, he spoke in a calm friendly manner,

"Lieutenant, can I get you anything? A friendly ear or a drink perhaps."

Before he could react, the woman had sprang up and was pointing some sort of knife at him. It was quickly obvious that she was a mixture of human, Bajoran and Klingon heritage. She slammed her weapon onto the table, baring her teeth - distinctly Klingon.

His eyes blinked in surprise when she spat out a curse at him, and he gulped, wondering what would happen next. A saying rushed into his head that he had heard from another cadet during his very short stint at the Academy,

{What a mistaka' to mak'a!}

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

K'Eytyanna felt her blood boiling in anger, and her human plus Bajoran sides tried to calm her Klingon side down, failing dismally. All the terror, anger, pain, desperation and frustration from the first ten years of her life pushed her over the edge, clouding her mind as to where she was and leaving her a frightened child lashing out at the visage of her tormentors.

Springing forward, she charged the man and took him down in a tackle. Growling and snarling, she punched and slashed with her nails, fighting to get her hands around his throat so she could squeeze the life out of the innocent bartender.

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

Chanor was sitting in security, mulling over the latest information from the disc that Xala had given him when his combadge chirped.

[Ensign Meadows to Lieutenant Paran.]

He tapped his combadge to reply,

"Paran here. What is the problem, Ensign Meadows?"

[There is a brawl between one of the bartenders and someone from Engineering. It looks like the engineer is trying to rip his throat out.]

"A team will be there soon. Lt Paran out."

Taking his phaser from his holster, he spoke again,

"Security alert in Ten Forward... Team Gamma, meet me there, and keep to stun."

He quickly headed out of security, grabbing Ensign Mulich into the fray on the way out. **********************

Charging into Ten Forward with the team, they headed to where two people were struggling. Noticing it was Lt Samara, Chanor shouted,

"Lieutenant! Stop."

Aiming his phaser, he fired at low stun. Chanor was a perfect shot, even against a moving target, but this wasn't a moving target, so he fired at where she was. However, at the last moment, she lifted herself up to strike Door again, and the shot hit him instead. Door slumped down, as Samara brought a fist down on his face. Chanor quickly reset the phaser to a medium stun as she prepared to punch again, and fired at her before she connected. The effect of the blast helped lessen part of the damage, but her fist still connected.

Cursing, he reset the weapon to a heavy stun, aimed and held down the trigger until she slumped to the ground unconscious.

Lt K'Eytyanna Samara, USS Galaxy - Engineer/Shuttle Pilot

"Relaxtation Nova Style"
by Ben Nova

The air was cool, blowing across Ben Nova's, hair as he stood leaning up against a sleek black 20th Century Transam Automobile. An ancient variety of Earth Rock Music reverberated through the air, thrumbing from within the vehicle..."Ya say ya wanna revolutio-on, we-ell ya kno-oh-oh..., we all wanna change tha world..."

Bens eyes wafted across the magnificent whitecaps of the ocean just off the interstate where the car sat parked. The air was crisp with a hint of the moisture rich air. A white long material was in his mouth..., one end aglow with fire..., he inhaled, held his breath and released a long stream of possible toxic smoke, pulle the thing from his lips and squashed it out on the tar topped street. Opening the automobile's door, he slid in as cool as a cucumber, cranked it up, reving its combustible engine..., the dual carbs "voooomed" in harmonic bliss..., Ben's, hand slapped the gear shift into place and took its accelerator peddel to the floor.

The black beast of automobile, burned its tires in smoky residue as the engine roared., then dissapeared from view. the music still churning out rythmic pulses.. "if ya go carryin pictures of Kam-in ow, ya aint gunna make it with any one anee-how.., dont ya know its a gonna be, alright....a alright..."

The Transam hit velocities of 120 miles an hour...., a sharp curve ahead..., getting closer by the second.., the music blasted louder and louder..., there were no slopes no barriers, just a straight dropoff to rocky jagged cliffs and oceanic spray below. There was no stopping.., as the car barreled headlong into space...., Ben Nova, screamed out a wild "Ahurahhhhhh!"

Just a few feet or a matter of seconds to the jagged bottom...., "Computer, end program!" yelled Ensign Nova. The program wiped everything away..., Nova, landed on his feet as if from a mere 2 feet. Sweaty and breathless.., he calapsed on the hard holodeck floor...., "Wheeeew! What a rush!!" Just silence and Ben..., alone..., adreneline pumping.

Ensign Ben L. Nova
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"Distorted Images"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess

"And I turned around and splashed him with the hot tea. That is when he turned and ran off down the corridor," Xala said with an abrupt ending to her story.

"It's a good thing you didn't chase him, Xala. We don't know what exactly we are dealing with here. It could be a sentient lifeform from inside the vortex for all we know," Chanor said with a half-smile across his face.

Lieutenat K'arta stepped forward, "We have done a complete sweep of the ship and have found no intruders. Everyone is aboard the ship and accounted for. Every shuttle and escape pod is still here and the transporters have not been in use," the Security Chief paused before she continued, "You said you also had a dream about this figure. Could you have been dreaming when you were standing in your quarters that night?"

"No, there was a man in my quarters," Xala said sharply.

The Ktarian hostess sighed and stood up from the chair in the security office. She could sense that K'arta was having a hard time believing in her story. All Xala knew was that Chanor trusted her and she trusted Chanor. There was nothing else Xala could tell the security officers about the situation.

"Can I go back to work now?" Xala asked.

K'arta nodded her head and said, "Yes, we have everything we need. I am stationing Ensign Aaron and Ensign Mulich outside of your quarters just in case this man tries to come back and harm you again."

Xala slighly nodded and left the security office somewhat dissatisfied. The Ktarian felt helpless to an attack from this ghastly person who was haunting her in the holodeck, in her work, in her home, and in her dreams. Xala struted down the corridor with a confident poise like she always has, even amongst stalking attempts and barfights. Silently, the dark figure landed behind her from a jefferies tube opening in the ceiling. He began to follow her along the corridor. Xala knew nothing of his pressence - at first.

She entered the turbolift alone. The doors closed before the phantom could make any sudden move. "Ten Forward Lounge," she said aloud. A loud thump was heard on top of the turbolift. Xala began to feel very uncomfrontable.

"Halt," she said with a tone of uncertainy.

The closed confining space of the turbolift made Xala even more weary of the orgin of the noise, but she was no longer going to be chased by some freak wearing a black cloak. The lounge hostess leaned up and attempted to open the top if the turbolift. Her arm barely could touch the ceiling. Suddenly the door to the lift opened and the cloaked figure

entered in a fast rampage.

Xala thrusted her leg into the side of the phantom with a swift kick. He leaned up from the attack and grabbed her face. Acting on instinct, she pushed her attacker againist the wall, which was actually the door to the lift. This was the first time she could clearly see who the man was. He was a Vulnarian with disgusting skin and sharp fingernails. Unfortunately, the door opened and the Vulnarian man began running down the hallway. Xala quickly followed after her prey.

This time the hunted would become the hunter.

The corridors shifted and turned as Xala followed after the cloaked Vulnarian. Her chest pounded deeply as she began to gain on the man. Periodically, he would look back to see if the Ktarian was getting closer. Suddenly Xala lunged forward and took the phantom down. She grabbed him by his neck and slammed him againist the wall, using her legs as a barrier to his freedom.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you," she said, out of breath.

"Because I have something important to tell you," he said in his raspy voice.

"What is that?" she demanded.

"I work for the Orion Syndicate."

"Lies! If you worked for the syndicate, you would have killed me by now."

"My employer only told me to scare you. The syndicate needs you alive."

"Why?" Xala asked motionlessly.

The Vulnarian simply smiled at the Ktarian. Through the smile, Xala could see the face of another person. This syndicate member was someone else. She dug her fingers into his cheeks and began to pull off pieces of a prosthetic mask. Xala continued to rip his face off until the person underneath could clearly be seen. It was Ensign Mulich, a Human security officer aboard the Galaxy. She remembered his facial features distinctively. He would always order Fire Wine after the alpha shift in the lounge and he would even ask Xala out on dates from time to time in the holodeck.

"Hold it right there!" Lieutenant Paran said comming up behind Xala.

Two security officers came and apprehended the Ensign. The drug him off down the corridor. His fate was sealed. Soon he would be put in the brig and dropped of with the Breen at Starbase 357.

Chanor went to Xala's side. She was very weak and dripping with sweat from the exhasted fight in the turolift and the chase down the corridor. It was a pleasent sight to see the security officer come to her rescue, although she could have handled Mulich herself.

"I guess we now know why we couldn't find your phantom," the Bajoran said.

"He had been posing as a crewmember this entire time. He used the holodeck disc to make me think he was a hologram, which I actually believed for awhile."

"Did he say anything to you?" Chanor asked.

"No," Xala said in a lie to the Lieutenant. "He wouldn't say anything."

The lounge hostess stood behind the bar in the lounge during her shift that enitre evening. She did not interact with anyone, not even with Tak or Door. She just wiped off glass after glass. Xala could not stop thinking about the events that had transpired. The Orion Syndicate was actually able to get one of their members aboard a Starfleet vessel. It had been done many times before, but only for missions of great priority.

Why did the syndicate member say they needed her alive? Xala could only wonder and hope they would not try to take her any time soon. She wiped off another glass and held it up, looking at the distorted images of everyone in the lounge.

"The Club."
by Dr. Felicia Khatroweena and Lt. Greer Erikson

**** Holodeck Four: Erikson Jazz Program One (Bourbon Street, New Orleans) ****

It was early morning, the sky a dark cerulean with the sun barely breaking the horizon, lights on were every where in New Orleans. The streets were wet with last night's rain. They were almost empty, with only a few cars going past. A couple, wrapped in warm clothes and coats under an umbrella, to protect them from the morning mist watched as a man in a Starfleet uniform, feeling the cold, looking a little miserable crossed the street.

His destination was obviously a club. A 'closed' sign, seen through the glass in the door, hung from the inside handle. The man looked up at the name of the club, as if to confirm he was at his destination. As he

was about to move forward, a car rushed by. It's tyres, slicing through the puddle that had formed near the curb. A rooster tail of water splashed over the man as he tried to jump back.

'This is all I need!' thought Greer as he looked down on himself, drenched. "Computer, Freeze Program."

"Who said computers aren't sentient?" he said as he shook his head. "Computer, begin program to late afternoon."

The other side of his brain responded, 'You wanted a miserable day in New Orleans, well that is what you got. Can't blame the computer.'

"Computer, Remove the water that was splashed onto me." With sparkles of blue, the water disappeared from his uniform. Feeling a lot drier, he opened the 'locked' door to the club and went on in.

The club looked strange. Remmy wasn't at the bar. Marie wasn't flittering from table to table being a perfect hostess. All the chairs were piled onto the tables. An old man was dragging a trolley of cleaning things to the back of the club. The place looked 'empty.'

"Hey mister, the club's closed. Can't ya read the sign? 'Ere how did you get in." the old man called out.

Greer faced the old man, "Just came in to do some playing and some reflecting."

"I asked you... 'Ere I recognise you, your that guy that Marie told me about. If you're friends with Marie, I suppose it's OK. Mind you lock up after you leave. My job on the line if ya don't."

"I promise" promised Greer.

He watched the man drag his trolley out back and moved over to the piano. He pulled out the stool, open the cover and started to play some

Andorian Blues. In the empty club, it even sounded more sad than usual. He came to a complex key change and to his annoyance missed it again.

He changed to something a bit more easier to play. His thoughts came to the fore, his mind on his first command and Ensign Joanna Tholen. He was no longer concentrating on the music; his body was playing. He knew that he could have done nothing, her death was tragic. He could not be blamed.

"Then how come I still feel guilty" he called out.

Behind him came a voice, "Because you're person who cares for people and life is important to you."

Greer spun round, he saw Cat sitting at one of the tables just watching him. He was a little angry at her, coming into his holoprogram, but he couldn't stay too angry. The concern in her eyes was obvious; it mollified it somewhat. "I didn't hear you come in."

"I'd doubt that you'd hear the Galaxy exploding, you were so deep in thought. There is nothing that can be done about Joanna" replied Cat.

"How do you know what I was thinking about?" asked Greer.

"You've been in your quarters for the last couple of days, like some recluse. Then you go to speak to AC, one of your best friends and then you come here. Your favourite holosequence, which you use to relax." Cat moved her chair to be next to the piano.

"That means one of two things, considering past events. So it's not hard to work out. It's going to be hard for you to forget Joanna. Greer, you never will, but you are going to have to learn to live with her always being in the background. I know what you are going through." She finished off.

"How could you know what I am going through? What I'm thinking? You could never know? You've never been in that sort of situation. I'd never been in that situation before," exclaimed Greer.

"No Greer, I've never been in a command situation like that. But you're not the only one who feels responsible for people dying. Ever heard of triage or the planet Dronegar."

Greer began to understand where Cat was going with this comment. "I remember Dronegar. After all that work we did on that biogenetic weapon."

"And with that, thousands of lives were saved. You are instrumental in that. You would have seen some of the reports of the attacks on the Caves of the Sick. Those attacks were designed to terrify and wound, they worked everytime." Cat paused for a little while as thoughts and sounds from Dronegar came back. "Greer, do you know how hard it is to make the decision on who will live and who will die. Who can be saved and who can't. I never had to go through that, until I had been to Dronegar. I suppose you could say I was forced into accepting those decisions. If I hadn't, I'd probably would have gone crazy. A little bit of me died with those people I let die."

Cat forced herself to straighten up, her fangs briefly showed again as she put a smile back on her face. "By the Fates, I came here to help, not dump my troubles on you. And with the way you're looking at me, I've done a really bad job of helping."

Greer grimaced a little, "No Cat, you didn't do a bad job, a little wasted maybe, but not a bad job. Captain Price came and talked to me earlier," a small smile crossed his face. "His little talk was better then yours, maybe because he had more practice at it."

Cat look at Greer a little unsure what was meant, she chuckled after a few seconds. "That's why he is the Captain. What I wanted to say is, I

understand what you are going through. I'll be there if you ever need it."

"I know that Cat, you are a good friend."

Cat gave an embarrassed smile, "Well we are both here, let's not waste the time. What do you think of the idea of us just playing some music for a while? We should have done this a long time ago."

Greer was unsure whether he wanted Cat to stay or not, but he remembered that he wanted to stop being the recluse and get back into the swing of things. Besides it might be fun. "Yeah, Sure Cat."

"Good, maybe we should contact Tebrianne later. If she is still interested in getting that band together. Computer, acoustic guitar." A guitar appeared next to Cat. Picking it up, she began tuning it. "So what are we going to play?"

Greer shrugged, "Dunno, you got any suggestions?"

Cat looked thoughtful, "Maybe! Computer, change time to Midnight. Greer we need an audience."

Suddenly the club was full of people; a smoke haze filled the room. Remmy was behind the bar serving drinks and polishing glasses. Marie was talking with the patrons. The place was alive.

Cat was finally able to get Marie's attention. "Marie, why don't you find out what some of people in here would like to hear. Maybe we could convince you to sing as well."

"Oui Cat, I will ask around. To have to convince me to sing. All you would have to do is but ask." Marie moved off into the crowd, and within a few minutes, returned with the suggestions from the audience.

The streetlights on Bourbon Street illuminated the wet street as the stars twinkled above. Cars were parked along the whole street. Couples walked along the street as cars raced along the road. Coming out from a brightly-lit club came the sound of a piano, a guitar and a melodic voice.

**** Several days later . . . Turbolift One ****

"Bridge." Lieutenant Erikson said as he entered the turoblift.

In some ways it suprised him that so many people seemed to care. Captain Price, Cat, Counselor Wilson, and several other members of the crew, emparting their personal experiences or words of wisdom, seemed to give him the advice that Greer needed.

After a week, he was no longer blaming himself for what happened on the away mission, accepting that those events are something that were beyond his control. After studying sciences, it should no have taken that long for him to accept that the universe can be the most unpredictable laboratory of them all.

Near deck five, the turbolift began to slow down. The doors parted and Ensign O'Hare, carrying a PADD, entered.

"Jon." Greer said with a slight nod.

"Good morning sir." the computer scientist responded as the turbolift resummed its way to deck one.

"I spoke with Captain Price regarding those upgrades to science station one." Greer began. "If you still want to take them off-line, it seems now would be the best time."

"Thanks Lieutenant." Jon said with a satisfied smile. "I was wondering if Ensign Brooks and Lieutenant' Grump could assist me."

"If they're not doing anything in particular, by all means."

The turbolift doors opened up to a view of the Bridge that Greer had missed in almost a fortnight. The Captain in his chair, Commander Sterner in the chair off to the Captain's left, Lieutenant Bancroft at the Conn, Lieutenant Thomas at Ops, Lieutenant Blair at Tactical, and Ensign Idana waiting to be releived at the Science Station. Everyone where they should be for the Alpha shift.

"Ready to resume my duties sir." Greer said as he caught the Captain's eye, giving a nod of silent thanks for his words earlier last week.

Lee gave a small nod of acknowledgment. "Man the science station Lieutenant."

"Thank you sir." Greer said with a smile, making his way to Science station one.

"Commendations"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain Price had just finished visiting with Ensign Vulcar in Ten Forward after Alpha shift had completed. The young Ensign had wanted to discuss tactical scenarios concerning the Jem'Hadar. Lee enjoyed talking to the Vulcan Ensign. It reminded Lee of when he was younger and Captain Shoak was mentoring him.

Having retired to the tranquillity of his own personal quarters, Captain Price pealed off his duty jacket and programmed the replicator to create an icy tall glass of Bolian tonic water. Taking a sip, Lee settled in the chair at his desk and called out to the computer.

"Computer, begin recording Personal log."

["Working. Recording for personal log ready to begin."] the computer acknowledged.

"Captain's Personal Log, Stardate 49805.4. The Galaxy is presently on course for Starbase 357 after successfully closing the fluidic vortex we came across in response to a distress signal from a Breen ship that was caught in the phenomenon's clutches. It is still unknown how the vortex was created or if it was naturally or artificially created. The Galaxy managed to seal it using anti-mater explosives contained in a huge static warp shell to concentrate the energy into the vortex. I am extremely proud of the Galaxy's crew. They all came together in an impressive fashion to come up with a solution to rescue the stranded away team and seal the vortex before it could threaten to permanently damage the universe as we know it."

Captain Price paused for a moment and took a sip from his tonic water. He then continued dictating.

"For the record, I would like to recommend the following personnel for commendations.

Lieutenant Greer Erikson
Lieutenant Rr'lonii Morris
Lieutenant Alan Clarence Hewson
Ensign Joanna Tholen

For their bravery and willingness to voyage out into the unknown in the name of science.

Special commendation for Ensign Joanna Tholen who lost her life in the line of duty. Her presence will be sorely missed on board the Galaxy, but her memory will continue on forever."

Lee paused for a moment of silence and then continued.

"For their heroic capture and neutralization of the escaped Breen, The following officers shall receive decorations.

Commander Joerg Sterner
Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey
Lieutenant Leslie Wilson

for preventing two renegade Breen from destroying the ship by sabotaging the aft photon torpedo storage chambers. Their actions were both selfless and brave."

Again Captain Price paused for a minute and carefully considered everything else that had happened on board the Starship during the last mission. One more notation came to mind that he felt was worth noting.

"And lastly, I would like to commend Ensign Ryak Sullax for correctly recalculating the amount of oxygen reserves left in the Away Teams EVA suits in the foreign fluidic environment in which they were trapped. Were it not for the Ensigns calculations and willingness to bring them to command's attention, the entire away team may have perished before a rescue attempt was ever mounted."

Lee took another sip of his Bolian Tonic and then let out a satisfied sigh. "Computer, end log." Two beeps sang out acknowledging the request. Captain Price leaned back in his chair and kicked his feet up onto his desk, relaxing and enjoying his tonic. Soon the Galaxy would be arriving at Starbase 357, this adventure well behind the crew of the USS Galaxy.

"Mission Over"
by Ensign Parker

Ensign Erin Parker, Personal Quarters

Erin had not been of much help to the crew of the USS Galaxy, but things were about to change. Erin had been worried about other things involved in her life and things were beginning to come clear. Her job aboard the USS Galaxy, was not just a job. It was her career and it meant something to her. Erin had not spent much time with Lt. Wilson, but wanted to know her senior officer better than she did.

"Computer," Erin said aloud. "Send message to Lt. Leslie Wilson, Chief Counseling Officer: Lt. Wilson, if it would be possible I would like to meet you in Ten Forward at your availablity. Please let me know. Ensign Parker."

"Computer send message."

[Acknowledged]

Erin wasn't happy with the way things had gone in the past month aboard the Galaxy. She wasn't even able to help out the young civilian child, Colby. This was not the Erin Parker that had come in to the Galaxy, so who was it that was in the mirror. Not someone Erin knew. Things were going to change. For the better!

"Again in the Brig"
By: Ensign Ryak Sullax
Science Officer USS Galaxy

Ryak kept his eyes closed as he stayed in sick bay. He was unsure on what was going on but he finally had time to think.

"Ryak?"

Ryak open his eyes and sat up on his bed. "Yes Cat."

"We have the results of more tests we have made. I will have to admit that we have a small number of unexplained readings. I can't be hundred and one percent sure, but they don't look dangerous. In general, you are healthy and fit. But I want you to make time to see a counsellor. If I have to I'll drag you from your labs and take you to a counsellor," Cat finished with a smile.

Ryak looked back at her, "Why do I have a feeling that you're not joking."

Cat gave a small chuckle. "Wanna try me? Seriously Ryak, you'll be fine for your next shift. Well a doctor's work is never done; I have my other duties. I'll see you later. If you have any troubles, contact me straight away. OK?"

"Yes Cat"

Cat moved over to one of the security officers watching over Ryak. "Well, he can go back to the brig at any time." Her voiced changed from half jovial to very serious. "When I give orders that someone is brought to sick bay, I want it done immediately, not a couple hours later when I have to remind you people."

Ryak watched the Cat talk to the security officer. He could see that the security officer was uncomfortable, not quite sure how to react. "Yes Ma'am." The officer looked a little set upon. Not being on duty when Ryak was brought to sick bay, he was being blamed for something he had not been a part of.

Ryak felt the security officer place his hand on Ryak's arm. "Lets get you back to the brig Ensign."

Ryak gave out a sigh and followed the security officer. Ryak was on his way back the wonderful world of the brig. Ryak was starting to get fed up with all of the time he was spending with security. Now he had to get in touch with a counsellor.

Ryak turned to the security officer as he was being placed back in the brig. "I would like you to contact Counsellor Parker and set up an appointment with her for me please."

The security officer looked at Ryak and said, "You understand that the meetings will be conducted here in the brig."

"I understand."

"Very well I will contact her."

Ryak sat down in his cell and began his count down to freedom yet again.

Chris Gagne
A.K.A. Ensign Ryak Sullax
Science Officer
USS Galaxy
Contact at: i2qtnot2b@hotmail.com

****Holodeck For The Night****
By Ensign Vulcar
Helmaman
USS Galaxy

"Replicator, Racktajino." the computer did as said and within nano-seconds, there was amug of the strong Klingon coffee sitting inside the small iluminating compartment.

He and Captain Price had a drink at the ten forward an hour ago and now Vulcar was off to engineering to greet his friend. He also wanted to stop by Ensign Nova's quarters and tell him of his new Jem'Hadar programn in which he had created.

Vulcar walked down the hall and pressed the chime on Nova's door. There was no answer. He repeated the procedure. Still no answer.

"Computer, locate Ensign Nova." he ordered.

"Ensign Nova is at the Ten Forward. It was definately on his way way to engineering which was located on deck 36.

The slim Vulcan walked up to the turbolift. "Deck Ten." he said. His new holo program included all the ship's crew, a choice in where he could be conducting his activities at during the attack, and a choice of weapon. He liked having control of his own games and being able to make decisions of his own.

Though, he studied being a helmsman at the academy, and he was always in simulations, he never really got to experience his own creations. This was the first one he had to put to the test since before the academy. He decided to work out the 'kinks' during his first experience.

Ensign Vulcar wanted Jack and Nova to both see his new sim. He was sure that Jack Burton would have a relief and actually get to have fun. He also wanted to show Nova how he did his Hadar killing technice.

Vulcar walked into the Ten Forward with the PADD containing the program in his hand. He walked over to the bar and called to 'Door' as he was told to call hom by fellow crew mates.

"How may I help you Ensign?" Vulcar could since the man's betazoid self probing his mind. Vulcar didn't care since he was incapable of emotion.

*I need a holodeck* Vulcar telepathically transmitted to Door.

The man (so to speak) behind the bar jumped back in amazment. Vulcar sensed that Door didn't communicate that way with much people. So he decided to do so verbally.

"All of the holodecks are filled up", he responded. Then in a whisper,"That only is if you have a little something in it for me."

Vulcar gave the Door five slips of latinum. He really did not care for the money and only collected it for those particular reasons.

"How's holodeck 2 tonite at 1800 hours?" The Vulcan looked at him and said *That will be fine.*

=/\= "After the Vortex" =/\=
by Matthew Albrecht
and Endris Gakor

The civilian observation lounge was quiet, as was usual just after Beta shift. Since the incident at the Breen vortex, he had been retiring to this particular spot to do his studying. Matthew had been investing five or more hours a day, every single day, in his legal studies, hoping to catch up after so many consecutive crises had nearly derailed his coursework. Having always been a fast learner in his chosen field (if not others), a week of intense concentration had been enough to salvage his projects and restore him to passing standing. He was sure that within another week he would again be ahead of schedule, and be able to complete his courses as much as ten days early.

He slapped his PADD down upon the tabletop, next to the archaic notepad he found useful for scribbling little notes and brainstorming his legal theories, and a few inches from several other PADDs he shuffled to keep all his references close at hand. He reached up with his right hand and rubbed the bridge of his nose with thumb and forefinger. *The Vortex,* he thought, then added, *what Vortex?" When he thought of the Vortex, he didn't always think of the swirling mass of fluidic matter from another universe. Sometimes he thought instead of the whirl of personal difficulties and discoveries that culminated while the Galaxy was orbiting that anomaly.

Lt jg Matthew Albrecht came away from the Vortex with a new lease on his life. He had thrown himself into his studies with vigor. He also resumed his mentoring of the young teenagers, Kevin and Gilleon, along with his friend Gary Trabuco who had been going at it alone while Matthew's personal problems kept his attention elsewhere. Gary had been quite pleased with his friend's return to functionality, but he wasn't entirely satisfied. Trabuco had commented several times since then that Matthew should be 'thanking the woman who brought him out of his funk,' and 'Get out there and have some fun!'

The only problem was, Matthew had no interest in ensign Salt any longer. The woman he wanted to thank was someone else entirely. Endris Gakor was on his mind a lot, though he had not managed to get around to seeing her since the trip to Ronni's beach holoprogram. Actually he had had several opportunities to visit sickbay during her shift, but had allowed himself to be busy with studying and spending time with the two youths. He lacked a plausible excuse for a visit to allow him to avoid looking clumsy or awkward.

The security officer dragged the PADD across the featureless table to let it rest before him, where he could read the display. He tapped the keys, calling up a case history relevant to his topic of study. He nodded, and placed some of the data in the PADD's active memory. Next to his left elbow was a fresh, steaming cup of hot cider, with a stick of cinnamon standing nearly straight up out of it. When he had come in another guest was drinking one, and it smelled wonderful. He looked at the mug beside him, and wondered, *maybe I ought to ask Gakor if she's ever tried hot apple cider. She is always looking for something new to try...*

As if cutting short a day's studies to introduce a friend to a new beverage were the most natural action in the world, he picked up his belongings and headed to Sickbay. On the way out the door, he passed an elderly woman, a Bajoran of about ninety. Something about her was familiar to Matthew, and with a small gasp, he turned to get another look. In his haste to spin around, he struck his elbow into a bulkhead, spilling the piping hot cider all over his sleeve. The doors to the observation lounge slipped shut, while steam rose off Matthew's arm and his forearm erupted in pain.

*Now I REALLY have to visit Sickbay!* he thought to himself angrily as he struggled to free his arm from the sleeve of his jumpsuit and remove the gold shirt underneath.

**** Sickbay ****

The doors to Sickbay slid open to allow entry to the security officer, his jumpsuit hanging around his waist and his chest exposed. The man's right forearm was bright red, alerting the nurse on duty that he had suffered at least a minor burn. He of course no longer had the cider for Gakor, but he smelled quite strongly of it.

The nurse approached him and took his good arm, guiding him to a table. She took the opportunity to look over his chest, casually, then turned her head to check out his back as well. "Take a seat," she paused to flip the collar of his jumpsuit over so she could see his rank insignia, "lieutenant." She smiled brightly, as if she found the situation extraordinarily funny. "The doctor will be with you in just a moment."

He defended his clumsiness, "I don't know how I managed to spill it, it happened so quickly--" but the nurse was already headed for the doctors'offices.

Gakor, having seen Matthew enter through the transparent walls, emerged and said something quietly to the nurse, who nodded and left the room. "Starvation! What happened to you, Albrecht?" she exclaimed as she crossed the room to meet her patient. "You didn't have to get all undressed for me," she said with a mischievous grin.

He turned a bit red, and looked down. "You don't want to hear the story."

She arrived at the bedside, and took his burned arm to inspect it closely. "What is that smell, Matthew? Are you keeping some kind of culinary secret from me?" She produced a medical tricorder from thin air in that way the ship's doctors had. The small detachable sensor was in her fingers and playing back and forth over his burned flesh before he could respond, making a warbling tone and flashing tiny lights.

He was watching her eyes dart from his burn to her tricorder, until she raised them to meet his gaze. Their eyes held steady for a few moments, and he noticed the little streaks of gold in her irises. He replied, "Actually, I was just bringing a mug of hot apple cider to Sickbay, for you to try. No, really!" She was curling up one end of her smile dubiously. "Fine, maybe I'm lying. Maybe I had heard that the cinnamon was good for my skin," he said sarcastically.

"Let me know if you notice an improvement in your complexion," she joked in return. "Or would you rather I ran the dermal regenerator over this?" She turned her back to him and walked over to get her equipment, and he remembered the little Risian outfit she had worn a week before on the holodeck. He had had such a wonderful time...

"Gakes," he began more steadily than he finished, "why don't we go to the beach again after your shift?" Suddenly fearing that he'd totally made a fool of himself, he scrunched up his face to await her acerbic reply.

"Well, Muffin", Gakor said in her sauciest voice, "Why don't we have Oinkus instead?" After her conversation with Doctor Kahn, she had been ordered to relax more often. Naturally, the Tellarite had tailored a "restaurant" generating program for the holodeck. And she was interested in learning more about Breen cuisine, especially after defrosting the guests.

"Hum, Gakes. That sounds positively..... festive!", Matthew argued with a grin. "Could I choose a spot for us to dine?", he conspired, already thinking at warp speed. There was a particular world with fascinating conditions for the development of haute cuisine that had always appealed to his flavor receptors.

During his study of Galactic legal affairs, he had reviewed material on Nimbus III, the 'planet of galactic peace.' After the century-old incident with Sybok was cleared up, the multi-racial cooperative venture was joined by both Gorn and Breen fractions. Who knew? Perhaps one day, even the Borg or the Dominion might assimilate into the mix. With so many races packed on a single planet, Endris would be sure to find something interesting to munch on! The promise of a bolstering meal cheered Gakor, and she forgot all about the spilled cider, as did Matthew.

"Okay, moi cheri," Gakes replied. "Let's see what you can cook up!"

The couple exited sick bay, heading for a vacant holodeck.

*** Holodeck ***

Gakor waited patiently, as Albrecht amended the parameters of the restaurant program. He caught her looking over his shoulder a few times, only to scowl at her and shoo her attention away. He tapped at the panel quickly, obviously enjoying the few moments of anticipation and Gakor's imminent surprise. It was only a few moments before the snoutless one summoned the Arch and the pair entered the room.

Gorn palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze. Terraforming had proved to reclaim much of the terrain damaged by drought years before. Not even the Spice Jungles on Tellar held such variety of flora and fauna! Endris tried to place the setting as her nose was assaulted by scents from

the biggest hydroponics bay she had ever seen.

"K'plah. Welcome to Nimbus III", said a Klingon in the traditional robes of the Boroff Monastery. The peaceful warrior paused a minute to assess the couple. Noticing the Tellarite from memory, the polite representative soon steered them into the "Pan Galactic Cafe". It was no secret that many of the kitchen staff were Tellarites. Who else could cope with the dietary needs of a hundred worlds?

Albrecht and Endris were soon escorted to a table, overlooking a spectacular fjord with a tumbling waterfall. Gakor selected chilled Breen IceBeast hearts with caramel topping. They would share a communal bowl of Tom Yum soup, a dish with many reported side-effects, some of them true. Matthew decided to order brazen Gorn beef, with a large dish of ironroot leeks and rotelli pasta and garlic Breen-prawns. A bottle of Chateaux Brion would complement the food.

Before the feast could arrive, another "surprise" kicked in. With a whizzing sound, a bright blue police box materialized, fuzzy at first, and then firmly setting on the deck. Turning to listen to the commotion, visitors were surprised when a man wearing a floor-length scarf appeared. A Tellarite waiter recoiled in surprise, spilling an entire tureen of P'Tomic soup! The man wore his hair in a curly "Afro" style that looked bushier than even Gakor's normal funkiness.

"Bonzer!" exclaimed the anonymous visitor. "This isn't Heathrow!", he said. Wanting to collect as much data on the alien as possible, Endris pulled out her medical tricorder. Ever since her fright with Matthew's health a week prior, she had taken to keeping the device near her at all times.

The immunologist began scanning the humanoid, noting his physical structure contained two hearts. Extreme age was also indicated on the high-tech gauges. Before Endris could adjust for finer resolution, a mechanical dog ventured out of the much-larger-inside-than-out chamber.

"Doctor", said the canine with a computerized voice. "The TARDIS went off course again.", informed the charming but terribly fake hound.

"Sorry to disturb you chaps,", the intruder said pleasantly. "Please continue your Oinkus!" He added, looking directly at the Tellarite doctor and her date. With no further ado, the man crisply turned. Dextrously avoiding jamming the long scarf in the doors, he and the K9 robot left, as the police box disappeared in a stream of chronoton particles.

"Snacks!, that was sure Diverting!", said Endris with a big smile. Try as she might, Gakor failed to get Albrecht to confess to this major alteration to her delicate programming. It would have taken considerable time to add an alien with access to native Tellarite expressions.

"Perhaps it's malfunctioning, Gakes," he said deviously. "I'll send a note to have one of the engineers check it out." With that, the pair finished their Feastium, spicing things up with pleasant conversation.

Galaxy "A Time of Peace"
Written by Kahn Nilani
Assistant Chief Medical Officer

As I woke up after a long deserved sleep I remembered something that I once planned but was interupted by the Dominion. I sat up in my nightgown and moved over to the terminal. I opened up the message center and selected new message.

TO: Medical Staff

Dear Medical staff. I once planned a relaxing dinner for all of us to attened but it didn't happen thanx to the dominion. So I now Invite you all to come along on Saturday in Holodeck 2 0900 hours. No uniform, and come relaxed! Food will be provided as well as drink.

FROM: Lt. Kahn Nilani

I sent the message and moved over to my closet. After looking for a while I selected some nice casual clothes, moving back out of the closet I walked back over to the terminal.

"Computer! Send message!"

The computer beeped.

["Please enter message"]

"Dear All Bajorans. I would like to invite you a bajoran servace which will start on a regular basis. I have found my self moving from the path the prophets have layed out for me. I hope you will all attened the servace in holodeck 1 tomorrow morning 0630 hours. May the Prophets guide you. Computer Save messqage and send."

["Acknowledge. Message sent."]

I closed the terminal and headed out of my quarters and upto Ten Forward.

"Holo-Concert"
by Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft

***

The vortex was closed. Sealed. Done for and all those other ways to describe when something was completed. Most of the crew was celebrating the victory as the Galaxy journeyed back to Starbase 357.

Tebrianne Bancroft stood in the center of a darkened stage, illuminated by a lone spotlight from out somewhere in the auditorium. She was alone in a pool of light...like the rest of her life. She knew people on the Galaxy, but she didn't really _know_ anyone on the Galaxy.

The rest of everyone probably didn't really know her either. She was the British half-Vulcan, half-Romulan with hair that changed like an old Terran mood ring. She had tried to make friends with some of the other crew, but it never quite worked out.

At first, John Prescott was interested. Teb had to admit that she was more than a little interested as well. And, suddenly, he just vanished. Not vanished vanished...but stopped talking to her and all that. Greer was the next person to catch her eye. It was just before his undercover mission on Kal Dixas. She still hadn't gotten over him, even though she knew that he had no interest in her. It had nearly broken her heart when she thought that he was dead in the vortex. She absently touched her hair, dyed black in memory of Greer's supposed death. She hadn't realized that he was alive when she did it. She wouldn't admit to anyone why she changed her hair color--especially not Greer. It was too embarrassing. To have such a hopeless crush on someone...

Tebrianne hadn't seen Greer since his return to the ship. When he got back, she was sequestered in Sickbay with the Romulan Flu. And with the closing of the vortex and the parties, trying to get back into the swing of things, and Greer feeling guilty over the death of Ensign Tholen...there just hadn't been time. She'd seen him on the bridge, but that wasn't the same. Tebrianne wiped the single tear away from her eye.

"Computer," she said softly in her Cockney dialect. "Create a holographic representation of Greer Erickson of the USS Galaxy and insert him into this program. Place him in casual attire and put him in the first row of the auditorium. Create a second light source and illuminate his chair."

Tebrianne watched as the computer created a holo-Greer and set him in the first row. She smiled. She walked to the edge of the stage, the heels of her boots clicking on the stage floor. The light followed her movements across the stage. She nodded to the unseen band in the darkness behind her. She crouched at the edge of the stage, resting on the balls of her feet.

The first strains of music drifted across the stage and out into the crowd of one. She let her body start to move with the rhythm of the percussion. She picked up the microphone that lay next to her boot. Raising it to her lips, she started to sing.

It was an old Terran song...one that she heard a few years ago and her band did a cover of it. She sang it now they way it's composer had written it. Peter Gabriel, if her memory served. She focussed on holo-Greer, wishing it were the real thing. Wishing she could express herself to him. Wishing she weren't so gutless. Wishing that he would give a damn.

"In your eyes," she sang. "The light. The heat. I am complete. I see the doorway. A thousand churches. The resolution..."

Tebrianne poured everything she had into the song.

When she finished the song, her body was soaked in sweat...the poet's shirt she wore clinging to her body and her face covered in a fine sheen.

Holo-Greer started clapping from his place in the audience. Tebrianne smiled and thought about how glad she was to be alone in the holodeck. It would be truly embarrassing to have someone find out about this...

"Computer," she said, taking a sip of water from a paper cup at the back of the stage. "End program and save as Tebrianne-Concert-Omega."

The holodeck returned to it's usual black and yellow grid. Tebrianne pulled the wet fabric of her blouse away from her skin and exited through the heavy holodeck doors.

Lt. Tebrianne, USS Galaxy, Chief Helmsman
[dodger@hevanet.com]
UIN# 2172851

"This Little Light of Mine"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess

Xala set down a large cup of coffee ice cream in front of Crewman Myers. She smiled and departed from the table when she noticed Lieutenant K'arta and a very familer Human man enter from the port enterance. Many memories began flooding her mind as she saw the tall and dark man enter the lounge with the Klingon woman. She was unsure of how she would approach the man from her mysterious past. They both began to order from the table menu. Xala watched them intently before Door broke her concentration.

"This is for table nine," Door said setting down a bulky glass and a bowl-like cup on a tray in front of the Ktarian.

Xala quickly took the tray, seizing the perfect opportunity to see Sunder. She slowly moved to the corner table while her silver boustier shook from side to side with her every step. K'arta and Sunder were having small talk. It was obvious that they were just friends or coworkers and nothing more. Xala stood behind Sunder before she said anything. The perfect enterance makes the perfect impression, Xala thought while waiting to make her move.

"So where is this hostess we're supposed to meet?" he quipped.

"I suppose that would be me," Xala said in her sexist of voices.

Sunder turned to see Xala .He stood up at once in shocked recognition. It seemed that Xala had once again made the perfect enterance at the perfect time. She quickly set down the tray as the Human rose to his feet.

"I know you," he said in a deep voice filled with mystery.

Suddenly, the two came together in a magnifficent embrace. Their lips were locked with years of built-up passion and lust joining in one magical union. She placed her hands gently on his shoulders as he grabbed her waist and pulled her delicate body closer. Luckily, nobody in the lounge noticed except for K'arta and Door. It was a very romantic moment that demanded some type of explaination. Xala moved out of the kiss and slapped Sunder across his ominous face. He looked back in shock at the Ktarian woman.

"I thought you were dead!" Xala exclaimed.

Aaron exited his quarters and turned left down the corridor. He had no particular destination in mind and weighed up the possibilities. He could use some practice on the piano.

“Computer, are any holodecks available?”

“All holodecks are presently occupied.” came the reply.

Well, that’s one out the window, he thought. There was Ten-Forward. Ugh, he shivered at the thought, I don’t think I’ll be going there for some time. How about a workout? That looked like the best option right now. He had a few hours before his shift began so he headed towards the nearest turbolift, passing two lieutenants, a Klingon and a Delphinian, on the way. As he continued around the corner, he suddenly stopped short, a puzzled frown coming over his face. He could have sworn he heard one of them say......Yummy?

“Well that’s just great,” he muttered as he continued on his way, “Barely on board the ship and already I’m a sex object.” He shook his head and laughed as he entered the turbolift.

“Deck 12, Gymnasium.” As the lift began its journey, his mind wandered back over his career. His joy at making the academy; his even greater joy of marrying his sweetheart; his unbelievable luck at being accepted onto the Enterprise-D after graduation; his ultimate triumph, the birth of his daughter, topping anything Starfleet had to offer; the Veridian III incident...his thoughts began to darken...the saucer crash landing; searching madly trying to locate his wife and daughter, finally finding their bodies....Aaron gasped for breath as the memories flooded over him. He fought to pull himself together. The doors slid open and Ensign Sharp double-timed himself to the gym.

*** 1 hour later ***

Sweat poured from Aaron's body as he bench pressed the weights. His workout had been thorough and intense, and he had managed to refocus his thoughts. As he replaced the weights where they belonged, he heard a voice behind him.

“Hello, Ensign.” Aaron turned to face the speaker, as he towelled the sweat from his face.

“G’day. You’re....Ensign Nova?”

“That’s right. Ben Nova” he said sticking out his hand. Aaron took it and shook it.

“Aaron Sharp. Pleased to meet you.”

“Likewise,” said Ben, “I’ve seen you around occasionally, but you don’t seem to socialise very much.”

“No, I’ve been, uh, pretty occupied since I arrived,” Aaron replied, “Although I have been thinking about getting about a bit more.”

“Well then, let’s do something,” said Ben, “How about Ten-Forward?”

“NO!” Aaron snapped.

“Whoa, something else then?”

“I’m sorry, Ben,” Aaron apologised, “I didn’t mean to snap like that. I’ll tell you what, I have to go on duty shortly, but afterwards if you’re available, we can do something.”

“OK, what do you have in mind?”

“I hear you’re a pretty good shuttle pilot.”

“Only the best.” Such modesty, Aaron thought.

“well, I’m not to bad myself. I’ll tell you what we’ll do....”

To be continued...

Ensign Aaron Sharp

" Of All the Gin Joints... "
By Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder

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

" I thought you were dead! " Xala exclaimed accusingly.

Sunder's cheek stung from the force of Xala's slap, while his lips still tingled from the passion of her kiss. She knew how to pack a wallop - in two senses of the word. At least she hadn't changed that much, he thought to himself.

" I can say the same. " He said darkly. " You didn't leave me a signal or anything. I waited well past the deadline. When you didn't appear, Captain Ramirez had given you up for dead and ordered me back to the runabout. "

" Well, " Xala replied, her arms akimbo on her slender waist. " when you're being manhandled by two Naussicaan mercenaries, frisking you for weapons and for pleasure, it's slightly difficult to contact a secret Starfleet intelligence-gathering party. " She replied sarcastically, though Sunder could still see a slightly mischevious light behind her eyes.

" It's good to see you, Ursa. " She added after a moment of awkward silence, taking his massive hands in hers. The two stood there for a brief second, remembering past feelings thought long vanished with the passage of time. There was a slight cough from behind them.

" A-hem. "

Sunder looked back to see Lt. K'arta sitting at the table with a startled, yet somewhat bemused expression on her face. This was a side of Sunder she had never seen before! The man was so private he was practically a recluse. She wondered when he had ever found the occasion to meet such an extroverted person as Xala seemed to be.

" Lieutenant. " Sunder said, snapping his focus away from the Ten-Forward hostess. " I must apologize. I didn't mean to be so ... indiscreet. "

" Think nothing of it Commnder. I wanted you to meet Xala, but it appears you already have that ... pleasure. " K'arta said amusedly. There was going to be talk in the security office tonight, for sure, she thought to herself, just wondering how many others had seen the passionate exchange.

" It seems like the two of you have a lot to discuss. Perhaps I should give you some space. " K'arta said, politely excusing herself. " Commander, I'll want to talk to you regarding some of the duty assignments for the next month. I'm a bit concerned about the new rotating shift cycles we were experimenting with. I also want to speak to you concerning Lt. Samara, if that's alright? "

" Quite, Lieutenant. " Sunder said, his eyes already slowly making their way back to Xala. With a smile on her face, K'arta left the two alone, making her way for the door.

Sunder's eyes were fixed on Xala.

" Can you sit? " He asked.

" I have a break coming up. I can sit for a few minutes, but we really need to talk later on. " She said, her eyes shining.

" Of course. " Sunder replied. " A new name? " He asked.

" I had to - you know why. Besides, nobody's looking for Xala - Lounge Hostess on board the USS GALAXY. Best way to be kept hidden is to remain in plain sight. You taught me that. "

" Plain sight is one thing, a spectacle is another. Aren't you ... cold in that outfit? " Ursa asked uncomfortably.

" I like it - it suits me. " She chucked his chin with her hand. " Poor Ursa - you were always so stuffy. Nice to see you haven't changed. "

" Funny, I was thinking the same about you. " He said, feeling his sore cheek. " But you know Kengar's saying... "

" ' The more things change, the more they stay the same. ' Yes, I remember that old dog. How is he? "

" Last I heard he was off around the Donorian Belt, keeping an eye on a private mining operation. The Dominion's pretty active around there and he's got a contract to keep an eye on the miners for some Ferengi outfit. They're outside Federation territory and the operation is too small to afford Ferengi military protection. So they hired Kengar. "

" Worried? " She asked.

" A bit. The SHADOWFIRE's overdue for a refit, and so is Kengar for that matter. " He answered with a smile.

" It's a good ship, Ursa - with a good commander. He'll be okay. " She said patting his hand.

Sunder started to harden, trying to mask the real level of his concern he had for his adoptive father. Xala recognized the mannerism and changed the subject.

" I have to get going now, but we'll get together later. "

" Definitely Ri - Xala. " He finished, almost using the name he knew her by previously. " Let me know when you're free, now that you know I'm here. "

That light of mischief Sunder remembered so well suddenly lit up her eyes again.

" Until then, here's something for you to remember me by. " Locking his face into her hands, she pulled the massive man's neck downwards, covering his mouth with the deepest kiss. They remained that way for several seconds, to the entertainment of everyone in the immediate vicinity. When they eventually separated, it was all Sunder could do to keep from leaning against the table for support.

With a sensuous twist of her hips, Xala parted from the dazed security officer.

" Catch you later, big man. " She whispered seductively.

=/\= "In the Brig" =/\=
by Matthew Albrecht

The cell, so confining and dismal under utilitarian conditions, seemed larger with the energy barrier down. Matthew looked around him, taking in the view from /inside/ the brig's number two cell. He raised his hand, and looked at the device he held--a low-wave-signature disruptor, useful for disinfecting surfaces by destroying micro-organisms and many strains of common rhetro- viruses. Activating the control on the handle of the clumsy machine, and being careful to point it away from himself, he swept the walls and surfaces of the small space in long, even strokes.

Gary marched in, hefting a stack of drab-colored sheets and blankets. "Here they are, two sets of fresh linens for the 'Presidential Suite,'" he quipped, with a child-like grin. "Remember your hospital corners, lieutenant?"

Matthew imitated a terrified shriek, "Eeeeeeek, stay back, foul creature! If you speak of bed-making again, I shall be forced to eradicate you like a paramecium!!" He raised the disruptor, motioning threateningly with it's broad, flat barrel while grimacing exageratedly.

Gary shook his head, "Not getting out of it that easily, buddy. You take the bunk on the left, okay?" he suggested, dropping half his load onto the other bunk's bare mattress. The two men set to work making the prisoners' bunks as neat and straight as their bunks at the Academy were required to be.

Gary laughed to himself. "Did you ever have Chief Aggie?" he asked, obviously remembering some funny anecdote he wished to share with his friend. "That old son-of-a..."

Matthew folded the last corner of his blanket as tight as he could, forming a perfect pleat that would pass for having been pressed. "No," he began, recalling all the chiefs he had served under while a cadet. "Didn't he teach some kind of know-your-enemy combat class?" He prepared himself for a good laugh, since all officers had at least two or three good cadet stories that they resurrected periodically.

Ensign Trabuco stopped his tucking to look up at the ceiling. "Yeah, he was this real hard-ass. He'd come in every morning after showers and yell and scream about the condition of our bunks and footlockers. The guys were all pretty fed up with this whole routine after a few weeks, so we came up with a plan..." Gary looked at the bunk, and adjusted a fold. He stood, evidently pleased with his results.

"So," he resumed, "we all got up early, about twenty minutes before usual, and made our bunks and straightened our footlockers, even though we weren't required to do it until after showers." He shook his head, "We thought he would finally be satisfied, maybe give us some peace for a change. First lesson; don't be naive!" he declared.

Gary leaned against the entryway, his hand placed square over the energy projectors. "We got out of the showers, and we were all pretty happy to see no Chief Aggie--but then Soupy--Shirley Soupstra, one of the cadets--started to cry. She had found her bunk before the others got to theirs, sheets stripped and laying off the side, and her footlocker dumped haphazardly all over the mattress." Gary let out a week chuckle.

Matthew was taken aback, he didn't know how to react to that story. "Great story, Gary. 'Make a great holonovel. Geez, what a downer," he grumbled. The young officer picked up his PADD, and logged the cell as being done. "Well, at this rate buddy, we'll be making regulation bunks for years to come. Next cell, number three!"

Ensign Salt popped her head around the corner, and smiled at the two men. "Matthew, encoded message for you. You can receive it out here," she informed him, winking at Albrecht and waving at Trabuco as she vanished again out of sight.

Gary grabbed the PADD out of Matthew's hand, saying, "Haven't you been out again? When are you going to ask her out again?" He was starting to sound like a broken record to his friend. "Come on, Mr. Freeze, you can't deny she's a knockout. Doesn't look to me like you guys didn't get along..." he drew out his sentence, hoping the insinuation would make his friend give up more information.

Matthew had always been shy with regard to relationships, never one to broadcast his personal details. He wasn't about to change that now. "Gary, you're going to have to survive this bunk-making without me for a few minutes. I've got a call," he declared imperiously, lifting his nose and walking across the cell in mock-superiority.

********

At the terminal in Main Security, with Ensign Salt looking on from across the room, he took the message. On the terminal face appeared the Seal of Starfleet Academy, triangular with the Golden Gate Bridge stretching across the logo. He spoke his identification, and the ship's computer verified his identity by voiceprint. *A level two protection, must be important.* The Seal was replaced by the image of Doctor Barrymore, commonly referred to by the term JAG, Starfleet Academy.

The Doctor began, "Lieutenant junior-grade Albrecht, congratulations on your academic progress so far. We are impressed with your continued high performance during this time of military crisis with the Dominion." The words of the message thus far were a fairly standard, cookie-cutter introduction before the meat of the subject matter. That they were delivered by such an august person was the only clue that there was more to it than a 'form letter.'

The JAG lifted his clasped hands, bringing his elbows in closer together and leaning slightly forward. "Your work has caught the attention of several of the top brass, here at the Academy." As the personal nature of the message became more evident, Matthew started to become excited about the attention. The Doctor continued, "Including myself," and he smiled ever so slightly.

The security officer sat before the monitor with his mouth agape. *JAG Starfleet Academy is watching my work? This can't be for real!* he silently declared. The message continued unabated by the lieutenant junior grade's disbelief. "Assuming you do as well on your upcoming exams as you have done in others, you will soon be choosing a graduate thesis." He was right, Matthew would need to begin research on his thesis--a project that could take many months to complete. A law student's choice of thesis was often as important as his or her quality of work in determining class standing, and in determining future assignments. A poor choice could cost him his degree, and the career he hoped to build in the fleet.

The JAG officer wrapped up his message, "When you are ready to decide on your project, give my office a call. Ask for my personal secretary, Lieutenant Stratton. We have an opportunity we would like to offer the right student. And keep up the fine work," he concluded. The message ended and Starfleet Academy's Seal reappeared on the monitor. Text in the corner of the screen identified the origin of the message, and stamped its authenticity. Matthew stared at the little official evidence of reality in the corner of his monitor, attempting to convince himself of what he had seen and heard.

Silence filled the main security offices while Gary stood in one doorway as quiet as a church mouse afraid to be caught eavesdropping. Astrid Salt sat atop a nearby desk, impressed by the tone of the message although she didn't know who the high-ranking person on the monitor was. No one spoke, all having sensed that Matthew needed to absorb his message's meaning.

Albrecht looked up at the ceiling of the room, "Computer, store the communique from StarFleet Academy in my private directory, please." The ship's computer informed him that the task had been accomplished, and Matthew wondered to himself how many times he would access and play that message for himself in the next few days. Then it struck him, he would have to study twice as hard before his exam. With such influential eyes upon him, he could not afford a reduction in his average marks! He found himself filled with, not so much dread or stress, but rather a determined energy.

He checked the time; How much longer until he could get to his studies?...

****New Friends, And Old Ones Too, Part I****
By Ensign Vulcar
Helmsman
USS Galaxy

Once Vulcar had received his holodeck reservation, he walked over towards Ben Nova. He always seemed to find him in the Ten Forward. *Does he ever retreat to his quarters?* Vulcar thought to himself. After almost aboloishing that thought once it came to his mind, he approached Ben's table.

"How are you doing Ensign?" Nova spit out. Vulcar answered with a raising of his eyebrow. He didn't quite understand the need for terrans to know how one's mental position is.

At that sight, Ben started to chuckle. "I forgot. You're Vulcan. You don't understand emotions."

"Not true." the Vulcan countered. "My ansesters were well aware of their emotions. Though, just as your people have and have almost abolished, we had crime and wars. We finally learned and mastered our emotions." Ben Nova ignored him through that whole textbook recital as it seemed to him.

"Your point ensign. Surely you didn't waste all that time up there with Door just to talk. You just reserved a holodeck and wanted me to join you." Vulcar was impressed. He wouldn't of thought that Nova would have infered all of that.

"That is correct. Now all I need is an answer."

"Sure!" Ben replied quickly.

"I am also going to ask Ensign Burton in engineering. I am sure he too would like to join the three of us during my new hologame."

"Bring Captain James T. Kirk himself for all I care. As long as we get to kick some Jem'Hadar butt!." Obviously by his tone of voice and his sarcasim, Ensign Ben Nova was to join him to witness the prevailing of the Jem'Hadar program, Ensign Vulcar style.

Ben wanted to know how good this holo programer really was. Unfortunately, he was going to find out soon.

*End Entry*

Ensign Vulcar
Helmsman
USS Galaxy

" A New Beginning"
=/\= Ensign Lexana Ral =/\=
Counselor

Lexana Ral stepped down from the transporter pad and grinned at the terrified looking mortal who'd just beamed her aboard.The MCPO looked extremely worried for some reason. He stammered "Welcome aboard Ensign Ral."

Lexana smiled- he must have read the reports about what she got up to at the Academy. She thanked him, walked to a console, figured out where her quarters were and slowly made her way up there.

The doors opened to reveal her room, rather bare as she had brought hardly anything from home. There was a holo of her Sorority sisters, some pictures of Earth and Betazed and a large poster of a Twentieth Century Cartoon. It was soFragile it was kept behind a containment field to protect the ancient paper. Lex was glad she'd picked that up. It was a true collectors item now.

She stared at it for a moment. The words printed on it echoed in her head. : "Oh My God.. You killed Kenny! .. You Bastards..!" Suppressing a chuckle, she sorted through her belongings untill she found what she was looking for.

She still had two hours before she was scheduled to report to Counselor Wilson for her duty assignment and she wanted to check out the Holodeck. She'd never been onboard a Galaxy class vesel before but had heard all about them from her friends.

Upon reaching the Holodeck, she inserted a programming chip and toyed with the controls for a moment. Her voiuce echoed of the walls for a moment "Computer..Run Program Lexana4a..". "Working.. Program engaged.." The computer replied in a helpful manner

The Yellow and black squares of the holodeck vanished, revealing a wooded area which appeared to be somewhere on earth. A large black horse was tied to a nearby tree, Lexana walked over to it and stroked it's nose for a moment, before untying it. She gave it a hug. "Dear Spock, I missed you.." She said to it.

She reached around and bent over to tighten the cinch straps. Spock, being an exact replica of her horse on earth and the evil minded little sod that a lot of horses are, didn't like the idea of the cinch being tightened. He bent his head around..and sank his teeth into Lexana's rear... She looked surprised for a moment then yelled " You Little BASTARD!.. You Bit my ASS?"

She socked him one in the neck, tightened the cinch strap anyway and rubbed her bruised butt. She swung herself into the saddle "I'm going to reprogram you later."

Spock flicked his ears and looked about as innocent as a horse could do.. Like he cared what she was going to do.

Five minutes later, the were galloping happily through the forest.. the trees started to thin, giving way to an open area. The ground sloped up and the horse slowed to a trot. Lexana eventually reigned him in at the edge of a cliff and enjoyed the gentle breeze upon her face. Below them was a rocky valley.

People were milling around and there was much shouting. The people were seemingly dressed in ancient Terran attire.. Lex grinned as she listened to remnants of the shouting match below.

"But it's just a bunny rabbit!"

"That there is no ordinary rabbit.. It's vicious I'm telling you!"

"Come on.. Let's get it"

A small white rabbit launched itself at the throat of one of the people..then another....Watching from the cliff above, Lexana laughed till her sides ached.. The horse lowered his head and began to graze.. idly swishing his tail.

"Run AWAY!" came the shout from below as a group of armoured soldiers ran from the white rabbit...

This was one of Lex's favorite programs.. Monty Python with an equine section built in. She'd designed it herself for a projject at the Academy.

She had just got to the bit about the "Holy Hand grenade" when she realised the time..

"Rats.." She grumbled.. as she dismounted and handed Spock a piece of sugar from a saddle pack. "Laters amigo..." she said with a sigh "Computer.. end program."

The scene vanished and Lexana was once more in the yellow and black box. She felt different.. even though she had put in so much of what she was familiar with into that program..she still felt lost. this was her first posting and she felt..Homesick.. Yes. That would be the psychological definition of what she was feeling right now.

"Interesting" she thought as she made her way to Counselor Wilson's office. She had a feeling that her life had changed dramatically and that Lexana Ral was going to have to learn to be a totally different person than the Lexana Ral of Starfleet Academy.

=/\= Ensign Lexana Ral =/\=
=/\=Junior Counselor=/\=
=/\=USS Galaxy=/\=

Relics
by Lt(jg) Endris Gakor

***Personal Quarters***

Gakor wandered over to the terminal adorning her desk, and noticed a new copy of Archaeology Digest had downloaded. Starvation! she exclaimed. Quickly, she scanned the journal, hoping some new medical artifacts had been discovered.

The Tellarite became progressively interested in the document, and even forgot it was dinner time! A Fabrini object had just been unearthed on one of the Klingon frontier worlds, and preliminary translations indicated it might hold some of the race's lost medical knowledge.

If so, the relic might well provide clues to cure the Teresi virus. Still mulling over the contents of the magazine, Endris popped over to the replicator for a spicy Thai salad, with petite but fragrant mandarin oranges for desert.

The Doctor wondered where the Star Ship was headed on it's next mission. Not quite reliable, she heard stories from the grapevine of potential Shore Leave on Risa, a foray into Cardassian/Dominion occupied territory, and even an outrageous rumor the Galaxy would next tour fringe worlds of the Klingon empire.

Expecting things to get palatable, Endris hoped the mission would take them into Klingon space. Who knew, if she put all her recipes in order, she might even get the chance to study the artifact.

The clock squeeped, and Gakor realized she had best be heading to sickbay for another duty shift. She quickly pulled on a fresh blue tunic and headed for the area.

*** Sick Bay ***

Everything in Sick Bay was in order. Endris saw several crew members had rotated in, and a few drifted along to get physicals. Once that was finished, Gakor took some samples down to the lab for tests.

On a lighter note, Angela Dana had made a full recovery. However, the immunologist demanded a biopsy of her hypothalamus. This "factory" where the surplus of bio chemicals had been manufactured might still hold some secrets. When dealing with an unknown condition, it was best to collect too much data rather than not enough.

It took only a moment to deliver the samples to the lab and trot off to 10 Forward for a drink.

*** 10 Forward ***

Endris was still full from the meal in her quarters, but she ordered a Starry Fiz and settled in to relax. For some reason, the chairs seemed to be more comfortable than normal. The cushions smelled like they had been freshly laundered and sprayed with a floral scent, and someone had fetched bouquets from the botanical gardens to decorate the tables. It was obvious the new bar staff and Electra were getting along charmingly after their initial "getting to know you" phase. Soothing into the surface of the chair, the doctor was content. For the moment, she didn't even require the comfort of Cuisine!

Ensign Raesene Haermedhie was standing on the transporter pad at Starbase 357. He was waiting for the transporter operator to clear him. The main holdup was his assortment of ancient weapons. "Look these are family heirlooms. And as I am the only one left from my family, they are mine!"

"Ensign, I am not cleared to let you go with those. You could kill someone with them!"

"First of all, they are in sheathes, and otherwise made less dangerous. Also, are there not people who have brought Bat'leths and other bladed weapons on board starships. And finally, there was no trouble when I brought these aboard the Highlander." Tired of the argument, the operator finally transported him over to the Galaxy. When he reappeared, the transporter operator, Arielle Treudeux was very intimiated by his hulking man wearing several interesting weapons. Smiling, Ensign Hermedhie, just glanced at the schematic of the starship located his room, and quickly walked to his room.

There he first placed his two-handed sword, heavy horse lance, long bow, and quiver of arrows on the wall. He then placed his dagger on his desk, and rearranged his personal affects in the way he wanted. He then checked his messages and found one each from Security and Medical, wanting him to check in. He also had from Hunter McKenzie, Chief Tactical Officer, who wanted to meet him at 2000, when he would explain to him his duties, and give him his assignment. Checking the time, he found that it was 1400.

He decided to get the security and medical checks out of the way. First, he stopped at Security, where he mainly had to explain the reasons why he should have the ancient weapons. After getting cleared there, he moved on to Sick Bay, where he was cleared as having no overt problems. Checking the time, he saw that it was 1600. Raesene decided to go to the HoloDeck to pass away the time. When he found one that was emepty, he entered. "Computer - Program: Seaharrow" [Acknowedged] The scene changed from the basic orange-and-black boxes, to that of a small, medieval, walled city, sitting on the shore of a sea. The sun was shining, and it appeared to be about midday. To the west, off in the distance, storm clouds were visible. Occassionally, a streak of lightning would flash into the sea. "Well, it appears that Cuiraecen is brewing another nasty one of his storms." As he looked at the scene, he began to look a little depressed.

"You look like you need something to pick you up."

Startled, Raesene turned and looked at the person behind the voice. It was a brown-haired woman, with brown eyes, with brown spots around her face. "Who are you?"

"I am Alyssa Idana, one of the Science Officers on board the Galaxy."

"And I am Raesene Hermedhie, one of the Tactical Officers. How did you get in here?"

"I just walked in. You were so preoccupied with the scene, that you didn't even hear the sound of the doors opening." She looked at the scene, then said, "What is this place?"

"This is my home, Seaharrow, Boeruine, on the planet Aebrynnis."

"Where?"

Smiling, he said, "Aebrynnis, a class M world, I think. However, no one has yet found it."

"They have not?"

"No... However, i am continuously looking for a way to find it. I do so want to go home..."

"Hmmm. Well, I could try to help you with that." Pointing towards the ocean, she said, "So what is this?"

"It is called the Miere Rhuann. It's Anuirean for Sea of Storms. It is equivalent to the Bay of Biscay, or North Sea on Earth."

"That is most interesting. Listen, it is not a good idea to stand here moping the entire time." Then she glaced at her timepiece. "Ohh. It's already 1930, Gotta go!" Waving, she exited the HoloDeck. ~Great, I have to leave, too~ "Computer - End Program" As soon, as the program faded from view, Ensign Hermedhie left, to prepare for his meeting with Lt. McKenzie.

Galaxy "May the Prophets be close"
Written by Lt. Kahn Nilani
U.S.S. Galaxy

I dressed my self in some temple clothing and walked out of my quarters. I started heading down to the Holodeck when I remembered something. I walked to the Sickbay Door, and entered it.

"Ahh Just the person I wanted to see!"

Door sat there looking up from the Bio bed.

"Door I am going into the holodeck to prey to the prophets. If you wish to come you may do so, as you follow the teachings, I shall be in Holodeck 3."

Door looked if he still couldn't beleave what I had just asked.

["I would love to Doctor"]

"Well then It is settled! See you soon."

I left sickbay and headed into holodeck 3, upon entering I asked for the correct program. The room changed to a Bajoran temple, I sat down and started to prey.

By Ensign Aaron Sharp

The massive doors of shuttlebay three of the USS Galaxy slowly peeled open, a gaping maw in the neck of the graceful vessel. Two shuttlepods emerged and flew side by side , banking out and over the starboard warp nacelle. The Galaxy was currently orbiting a large reddish orange planet, an inhospitable world with a poisonous atmosphere. Poisonous to humans. There was plenty of local flora and fauna thriving below. Both shuttles came to a stop facing the planet. Brrlleep [Shuttlepod Macquarie to shuttlepod Arthur Phillip]

“Shuttlepod Arthur Phillip here. Go ahead, Aaron.”

[Alright. Ben, the course of this race is programmed into both shuttlepod computers but the craft will do no more than tell you what direction to fly. The whole race is flown manually.]

“Just the way I like it, man.”

[Beauty. The computer has also scanned the planet and chosen the course itself, so I don’t have any unfair advantage by knowing the course before you do.]

“Not that it would make any difference.”

[Uh, right. This is no cakewalk, though. There are plenty of obstacles along the way, so be careful and try not to get yourself killed. the computer will give a ten second countdown and we can start.]

“Let’s DO it, man!” Ben pressed.

[OK. Shuttlepod Macquarie out.] Brrlliip. Ben waited. Suddenly the computer began speaking.

“Shuttlepod race begins in ten seconds, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, zero.” Ben jabbed the impulse controls with his thumbs and his tiny craft leapt forward simultaneously with Aaron's pod.

Both vessels raced neck-a-neck towards the planet below and suddenly, with a jarring thud, hit the atmosphere. Inertial dampeners struggled to compensate and Ben was almost thrown from his seat. He checked his monitor for the course directions. Looks like this will be quite a ride, he thought. The outside of both craft were starting to glow as the friction against the atmosphere superheated their hulls. The Arthur Phillip started to pull ahead, The Macquarie seemingly slowing to prevent burning up. Ben looked out the windshield at the landmass rapidly approaching at supersonic speeds. He checked his controls, then looked out again. The ground was racing madly towards him now. Brrlleep [Ben, pull up! You’re too close to the ground!] Ben smiled grimly ignored the hail, concentrating on the scene before him.

“Collision alert,” the computer cheerfully announced, “Impact in ten seconds.”

Ben waited a few more precious seconds the suddenly wrenched the pod up and along the surface of the planet with a mere three metres to spare.

On board the Macquarie, Aaron shook his head and whistled. “Maybe he is as good as I’ve heard.” He’d pulled the Macquarie up in a wider arc then Bens, giving himself the lesser distance to travel, but Ben had used the planets gravity to his advantage and inertia carried his craft several kilometres ahead. Aaron redlined his vessel in an attempt to catch up. Ben had now entered a forested area, and was weaving in and out of odd looking trees. Within seconds Aaron was also amongst the foliage. Both shuttles had to slow down somewhat to avoid colliding with the flora, the race now becoming a test of skill, rather than speed. The Arthur Phillip exploded out of the forest at a furious pace and tore across a large open plain towards a mountain range. The Macquarie emerged shortly after and had managed to close the gap. There was only a two kilometre break between the shuttlepods.

On Bens computer screen the next obstacle appeared and his eyes widened in surprise. The race was about to get a lot tougher. He checked the distance to the Macquarie. 1.8 kilometres. Aaron was gaining. He smiled and looked ahead once more. The mountains were almost upon him. He let out a whoop of delight as he pointed the Arthur Phillip groundward and entered the mouth of a large, rocky cavern.

To be continued...

Ensign Aaron Sharp,
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

"The day after"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Executive Officer, USS Galaxy

Joerg woke up, with a feeling he hadn't had in quite a long time, he was very relaxed. Although this first impression was very comfortable, the next one wasn't so good after all. He still felt all the bruises and wounds from his fight with the Breen and they were giving him some pain.

He still lie in his bed but started to move carefully. Slowly and with much care he tried to stretch a bit, but when the pain was growing too strong he decided against going any further. He then began to put his feet out of his bed, one at a time. Before he started to stand up he took a deep breath.

Although he was in some pain, he finally stood beside his bed. He slowly walked towards the replicator and on the way he ordered the computer to produce his daily breakfast. When he finally arrived at the replicator, the meal was already there and so he just took it and sat down at the desk, which fortunately was located very near.

He sat down and started to eat. He wasn't in a hurry since he was off duty for the next few days thanks to the Doctor, so he was eating very slowly. But during his meal he caught himself some times looking over to the display of his terminal. Although the Doctor ordered him not to do any work, she didn't say anything about just reading something.

Finally he convinced himself that just taking a quick look at his messages wouldn't violate the Doctor's order. Moments after this thought has formed in his mind, his fingers were already on the keyboard and the display came to life. While still eating his breakfast with his right hand, his left was doing its job on the keyboard and accessed the messages for the Commander.

While he just looked through the subjects and senders for the moment, he was astonished to see how many of his crew mates were wishing him to get better soon and were hoping he would be with them in a few days again. He was very pleased how much they seemed to care for him, until his eyes caught Doctor Tash's name as one of the senders. He quickly accessed that particular message and read it.

Doctor Tash wrote him the instructions for the next few days. He had to stay in his quarters on the first and half of the second day. On the second day he had to come to sickbay to check his situation. If anything went according to plans, he could start with some minor holodeck training to improve his condition on the third day. Joerg was pleased to read that until he read the last line of Doctor Tash's letter.

It said that after Joerg had read that message he should go to bed at once and to stay there for the rest of the day. If she found out that he was accessing his computer terminal again that day, she would have to report that to the Captain. Joerg smiled after he read that line and found it amusing that he was that predictable, that the good Doctor knew he was going to read his messages.

After he had finished his meal he returned the remains of his breakfast to the replicator, which took care of the plates. He slowly walked back to his bed and lay down relaxed. His mind was still full of things from the recent encounter with the Breen, but Joerg didn't want to think about them again. So he ordered the computer to play some relaxing music, was closing his eyes and just lie there relaxing again.

By Ensign Aaron Sharp
Reviewed by Ensign Ben Nova

Aaron's shuttlepod was moving at two hundred kph, a mere crawl for the craft, but dangerously fast for the location. He was inside a large system of interjoining caves, in the middle of a race with Ensign Ben Nova, a fellow helmsman. He’d lost sight of Ben when he’d entered the caverns, but was sure he wasn’t too far ahead. This part of the course required total concentration. The caves twisted and turned this way and that. Stalactites and stalagmites jutted out in all directions and one false move, one distraction could cause a new, shuttlepod sized cave to be created. Aaron weaved in between 2 large rock outcrops and dove to avoid a particularly large stalactite, rapidly pulling up again to avoid becoming a part of the cavern floor. He was totally focused on the path before him, not having time to even check his computer console. The Macquarie emerged suddenly to an overly large cavern, one that the Galaxy would fit into, and as he raced towards the other end he saw two exits. There was no time to check the correct one, he’d have to choose between the two. It was a fifty fifty chance anyway. He raced towards the left hand cave and saw Bens craft, the Arthur Phillip, reversing out! Aaron flipped his craft on its side and dove into the right hand exit, scraping the bottom of his craft along the wall as he did so. Ouch, he thought, I hope that doesn’t come out of my pay. Ben had obviously taken the wrong turn and it had worked to Aaron’s advantage. He flew down the naturally created corridor feeling very pleased with himself. The smile quickly vanished as he looked ahead to see the cave come to a dead end!

“I can’t believe it!” Aaron exclaimed, “He tricked me!” He checked again. No exits. Left, right, nothing... Wait! There in the roof was an opening, previously hidden from view. Aaron made for it. It looked like a tight squeeze. Closer, closer, BOOOOOOOOM!!! Aaron's craft ejected itself from the cave system, heading straight up in the air, the side of his craft further damaged from scraping the cave wall. Aaron cringed, and thought about the distinct possibility of spending the rest of his career in the brig.

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

“Dammit, dammit, dammit!!” Ben yelled, and began reversing his shuttlepod out of the dead end he was in. Thos was NOT going to help. As he extradited himself from the wrong turn, he saw Aaron’s craft shoot past, then heard a loud crash, followed by some falling rock. Oh-oh, he thought.

“Shuttlepod Arthur Phillip to shuttlepod Macquarie, you OK, Aaron?” But something in the cave walls was blocking communications.

“Just have to go look.” he said, and accelerated down the right hand cave. He didn’t see Aaron’s craft anywhere, so he assumed it was only a close call. Suddenly he faced another dead end, but no, there was a roof top exit, with what looked like fresh gouge marks in the wall. Ben smiled and thought, they’ll probably take that out of Aaron’s pay. Aiming his pod at the hole he accelerated some more and exited the cave with a sonic boom. Rock shards and foliage blew up in the air around the cavern he just left. Up ahead, in the distance he saw the Macquarie, damaged but functioning. He checked the computer and saw they were about to start the final, most difficult leg of this obstacle course.

To be continued....

Ensign Aaron Sharp,
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

******** A lot to catch up with **********
By Lt. Paran Chanor

Chanor was sitting in security, again. How long he spent in this place he didn't know. He looked down at the PADD he had, and realised he had a lot to do. Firstly, there were three people in the brig. Ensign Mulich, Ensign Sullax and Lt. Samara. Ensign Sullax had been in the brig for God knows how long, and the two recent additions were more starfleet officers. It seemed to be a regular occurance now. Do something silly, get banged up by Lt. Paran.

First on the list was Electra. He wanted a word with her. She was going to learn that she was a civilian on this ship, and security, not her, decided who was to be sent to the brig. He set off, at a brisk pace to ten-forward.

Arriving, he spotted 'Commander Sunder in a delicate position with Xala. Ignoring the situation, he hurried on over to Electra.

"Ma'am, may I have a word?" he said to her, noticing the dislike for Xala evident in her eyes. She failed to notice him, so he tried again.

"Ma'am. A word if you please?"

"Huh? Oh, sure Lieutenant." she finally said. "In my office?"

Chanor nodded, and the two headed inside. She shut the door, and Chanor began his rant.

"Ma'am. I'd just like to make one point clear. The other day you ordered Ensign Mulich and Ensign Meadows to throw Xala in the brig. Now, these two officers did as they were told, because they believed that Xala had started a fight. However, I'd just like to make it clear that you cannot, I repeat, cannot, order any starfleet officer around on this ship. It is up to us to decide who goes in the brig, and who does not. Do I make myself clear?"

Electra stood stunned at this outburst, the first seen by the Bajoran in many a year. She looked at him and meekly replied, "Yes."

"Excellent. Glad that we have reached an agreement." Chanor said, as he left the office, and ten-forward, and left Electra to mull over his words. Next destination, security....

******* Security **********

Arriving back in security, he found he had a message from Dr. Nilani. Calling it up, he read:

"Dear All Bajorans. I would like to invite you a bajoran servace which will start on a regular basis. I have found my self moving from the path the prophets have layed out for me. I hope you will all attened the servace in holodeck 1 tomorrow morning 0630 hours. May the Prophets guide you."

He read it quickly, and replied immediately,

"Doctor. I am afraid I have too much business to attend to. I will not be able to make your service this week. Lieutenant Paran."

He sent that, and was about to head into the brig, when Ensign Trabuco came rushing out, shrieking about Ensign Mulich. Chanor grabbed him, and calmed him down.

"Ensign, what's the problem?" he asked.

"It's Mark. He's collapsed in the brig." he said rapidly, "I've called sickbay, but I don't know what's wrong."

Chanor entered the brig immediately, to find Ensign Mulich having a fit at the bottom of his cell. He immediately tapped his commbadge and called for a emergency transport to sickbay. Chief Jenson replied, and whisked Mulich away before his eyes. He looked over at Lt. Samara and Ensign Sullax, before muttering, "Stay tuned for more fun folks." and headed out.

Passing Trabuco again, he told him to release Lt. Samara on probation, and left him with the instructions that she was not to go near Door again. He headed for sickbay to immediately find out what was wrong with Ensign Mulich.

********* Sickay **********

Dr. Bellen was on duty, and was already rushing around, trying to stabilise Ensign Mulich's condition when he arrived. She quickly questioned him as to his condition, but he couldn't tell her much, other than he'd found him in a fit in the brig.

D'tarna quickly shooed him outside, and told him to wait whilst they stabilised Mulich's condition.

******** Half an hour later ********

Dr. Bellen stepped outside, and called him again. Chanor had been sitting, occasionally paceing, outside sickbay. He liked Ensign Mulich a lot, and couldn't believe that he was Xala's mysterious stranger. He hoped that the doctor could shed some light on the subject.

"Lieutenant." she started,"It seems that Ensign Mulich has been under some mind control drug, which, once it wore off, sent him into a fit, which would've been fatal, had you not caught it in time." she explained

"Does that mean that these recent actions with regards Xala had nothing to do with him?" he queried.

"Actions?" she enquired.

"He's been following Xala, the civilian bartender around for some time now. Threatening her really." he explained briefly.

"I'd say not. He's been under some sort of mind control for about a week now. I'm not sure how commands where issued to him, but they could've been done telepathically. He's been much more susceptiable to any telepathic suggestion as of late." she explained

"Thank you doctor. Is he fine now?" Chanor enquired.

"He is... BUT," she injected, before Chanor could get a word in," I'm keeping him under observation for another few days, just to make sure he doesn't relapse." she said.

"That's fine doctor. I'm glad that we've got this sorted out." Chanor said smiling.

"No problem. It's my job." she said, looking at him strangely.

Chanor thanked her again, then headed back to security, glad that they, hopefully, hadn't lost a valuable security officer.

Lt. Paran
USS Galaxy

by Dianne Heppel
AKA Alyssa Idana
Science Officer USS Galaxy

"Door thank you for the meal but I really have to get going" Alyssa said. "Okay feel free to come back when you want" replied Door Alyssa then walks out of Ten Forward and starts to walk to her Quarters. Along the way she passes Holodeck Two and sees it's in use. "hmm I don't remember this Holodeck being Scheduled now" Alyssa thought. Her curiosity go the better of her and she walked in.

Inside the Holodeck it appeared to be some kind of city. Standing there was a male Officer she had never seen before. "Must be one of the Officers that came aboard since we arrived at the Starbase" thought Alyssa. She noticed he looked a bit depressed.

"You look like you need something to pick you up" said Alyssa to the man.

Startled he turned around to look at her. "Who are you" asked that Officer.

"I am Alyssa Idana one of the Science Officers aboard the Galaxy" Alyssa replied.

"And I am Raesene Hermedhie one of the Tactical Officers, by the way how did you get in here?" said the Officer.

"I just walked in. You were so preoccupied with the scene, that you didn't even hear the sound of the Doors opening" Alyssa then looked around, "What is this place?" Alyssa asked Officer Hermedhie.

"This is my home, Seaharrow, Boeruine, on the planet Aebrynnis." replied Officer Hermedhie.

Alyssa didn't recognize the name of the Planet "Where?" she asked.

Smiling he said "Aebrynnis" an M class World, I think, however no one has yet found it."

"They haven't?" Alyssa said in surprise.

"No.....However I am continuously looking for a way to find it. I do so want to go home..."

Alyssa thought that if this was a real planet she may be able to help him find it. "Hmm well, I could try to help you with that," said Alyssa. She then pointed to some body of water and asked "So what is this?"

"It is called the Miere Rhuann. Its Anuirean for sea of storms. It is equivalent to the bay of Biscay, or North Sea on Earth" Officer Hermedhie replied.

"That is most interesting. Listen, it is not a good idea to stand here moping the entire Time" said Alyssa. She then looked at her timepiece. "Ohh it's already 1930. Gotta Go!" said Alyssa. Waving at the Officer Alyssa left the Holodeck.

She then walked the rest of the way to her Quarters thinking.

"Character Reference."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson

"Computer, access all files regarding the vortex encountered by the USS Galaxy on Stardate 49802.23." Greer said as the computer responded with a series of electronic beeps. "Using all references, attempt to characterize the phenomenon, using all observations and sensory inputs, taking into consideration any distortions reported."

[Unable to comply.] the computer replied.

"Explain?"

[There are no practical applications on record for representation of the phenomenon.]

"Alright." Greer said, taking a little while to consider his next request. "Route all reports through the theoretical database and extrapolate."

[Working . . . ]

The spatial phenomenon they encountered was closed, all crew were accounted for, and the ship was now proceeding to starbase, Greer was still interested in the highly dynamic material they encountered on the other side of the vortex. Although it no longer posed a threat to their own universe, the science department were still no closer to deciphering the origins of the vortex.

["Thomas to Erikson. Sir, there's a subspace communication from Starfleet Intelligence."]

"Oh," Greer remarked with some suprise, "please patch it through to this terminal Lieutenant. Erikson out."

Moments later, the screen on the desktop display changed from a black screen to that of a middle-aged Human male. ["Greetings Lieutenant, I am Commander Lonar from Starfleet Intelligence here on Earth. I am contacting you with regards to one of the officers in your department, a Starfleet officer, Ensign Ryak Sullax."]

"I see Commander. I'm not entirely sure how I might assist you."

["Ensign Sullax is accused of breaching the security protocols on the USS Galaxy, placed by the standing orders of your commanding officer, utilizing classified intelligence codes to do so."]

"Indeed. The reports I received from the Security department here on the Galaxy would seem to indicate that also. I can assure you, the matter is being delt with. Ensign Sullax is being released from custody and Captain Price is planning to include a formal reprimand after speaking to him. There's really not a great deal to it."

["I don't think you understand Lieutenant. This is not a simple case of an officer breaking into a Holodeck. We are talking about violating an oath that was taken and potentially violating the security of the Federation."]

Greer simply smiled sarcastically. "Seriously now Commander. I very much doubt those codes were a threat to the safety of the Federation. I doubt very much that two year old intelligence codes wouldn't have accessed by either the Romulans or Klingons."

["I won't argue the logistics regarding the charges Lieutenant. I initially wanted to see if you could provide some kind of information as to what kind of officer Ensign Sullax is. Give us an idea of who we are dealing with."]

"Certainly. Although Ensign Sullax has only been on the ship for the last few months, he has been quite efficient with his work. He's come up with some interesting ideas, including the rerouting of our stellar cartography laboratory. Due to his performance in our recent mission, Sullax has also been commendated by Captain Price."

["I see. I wasn't aware that that had happened."]

"I'm not sure what you were expecting Commander. Sul

lax is not some Starfleet 'screw-up' that simply disobeys orders and decides to undermine the security of the Federation. He simply made an error in judgment. We all do. If Sullax had not brought particular calculations to the attention of the commanding officer, it is quite possible that my away team may not have made it back."

The intelligence officer looked at the PADD in front of him. ["If my information is accurate, one person did not make it back."]

Greer opened his mouth slightly as if to let a small sigh pass. "There was no way that the information could have saved that officer . . . it was an unpredictable event. No one was responsible for that incident."

["I see."]

Greer took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Commander, I honestly believe that Ensign Sullax can assure you that such an event will not happen again. Afterall, I think an investigation into these charges might open a lot more interesting questions. Potentially embarrassing questions."

["I'm not sure I follow you Lieutenant. What sort of questions?"]

"Oh I can think of a few," Greer replied, "for instance, why was Ensign Sullax required to undergo nearly a year of medical rehabilitation. Perhaps why classified codes, more that two years old, are still active and capable of removing command level security protocols on a Federation starship."

Lonar looked at the PADD further, studying it intently for several minutes. ["I am beginning to feel that pursuing the charges against Ensign Sullax might be essentially unnecessary. If Ensign Sullax is being seen to by Captain Price, and he is doing as well a you say, it might be possible to drop our investigation. Ofcourse, he will have to assure us that this will not happened again."]

"I'm sure that can be arranged." Greer said with an understanding expression.

["He should hope so. I don't think Intelligence will be as . . . understanding next time. Lonar out."]

Greer sat there as the face of the intelligence officer disappeared and the screen went black once again. Standing up, he moved to the replicator and ordered a macchiato. Returning, he sat there thinking about more personal matters.

[Analysis completed.]

"Display analysis." the science officer said after finishing a mouthful of his coffee.

Sitting back down at his desk, Greer went over the computer interpretations of the information regarding the vortex. Tapping a small button, he cycled through the multiple images and datacurves which the computer had pieced together. Although they were no closer to solving the mystery of the vortex origin, it did formalize certain observations the away team made during their time in the vortex.

****New Friends, And Old Ones Too, Part II****
By Ensign Vulcar
Helmsman
USS Galaxy

With Ensign Nova's agrrement to join himself in the holodeck, Vulcar walked down the corridors toward engineering to see if Jack Burton would accompany them. In his hand was a steaming cup of the very strong, Klingon coffee. He remembered how Jack used to drink it all the time at the academy when he 'crammed' for an exam.

He walked into the turbolift and ordered to the computer,"Engineering." The computer immediately responded with a light tug and and a whirring sound. Vulcar watched as the colors illuminating the other decks pass by.

The doors slid open with a "wush" and he stepped into enigineering. He could see the warp core in the center of the room and many busy engineers going back and forth from one console to another.

Ensign Vulcar stood out with his red uniform and him being the only Vulcan there also made himself look strange in the bunch. Though it wasn't hard to pick Jack out working at a station near the core. The Vulcan saundered over and called out the young engineer's name.

"Ensign Burton, how are you doing?" Jack spun around and was greeted with a smiling Vulcan.

"Vulcar!? Where have you been!? I've been trying to reach you ever since I got the news that we were to be posted on the same ship."

"Jack, I was wondering if you would like to join myself and Enisgn Nova in the holodecks. I am going to activate my first holo program since before the academy."

"I would love to come! When is this prevailing?" Ensign Jack Burton queried.

"Tonight at 1800 hours in holodeck 2. As that a good time for you Ensign?"

"It's perfect", Burton started, sipping his Klingon coffee,"I'll meat you there!"

Vulcar then walked out of engineering, satisfied. He knew that both of his friends were to accompany him. What lie ahead of the three "amigos" as Ben Nova called it, was not yet known.

Ensign Vulcar
Helmsman
USS Galaxy
"Live long and prosper."

"Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow"
Lieutenant Troy Blair
Chief Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

*** Ten Forward ***

As with the end of every mission, Troy treated himself to a few hours in the Galaxy's number one social establishment, Ten Forward. Since the young Lieutenant set foot on the Galaxy, only then he was a pretentious Ensign who thought he knew it all, he always loved coming to the lounge. To him it was better than the holodecks, well actually it was only better, if there was a high number of single female crew members. But either way, Troy would stay for hours talking to many people like he knew them for years, even if he just met them.

{Captain Price to Lieutenant Blair} Troy's commbadge chirped, just as he was about to approach a table full of beautiful Ensigns. Blair gritted his teeth and shook his fist slightly, in a 'not now' manner.

"Blair here sir." the Lieutenant replied, smiling at the table he wanted to introduce himself to.

{Please report to my ready room 'mate. I have some business to discuss with you.}

"I'm on my way"

*** Captain Price's Ready Room ***

The seasoned Captain sat at his desk, reviewing the information he just received form Starfleet Command. A slight smile crept across the Australian's face, as he remembered all of the mischief his Chief Tactical Officer loved to get into. All of it was in good humor of course, Troy would never intentionally set out to make someone hate him. Even the rivalry he had with Commander Casey, was with good intentions, though some saw it in a different way.

Suddenly, the sound of the door chime filled the office. "Come" the General called out to the closed door.

As the door slid open, Troy didn't know what to expect. The words 'I have some business to discuss with you', had a lot of meanings, and the possibility of it being positive or negative, was dead even.

"You wanted to see me, sir?" Blair asked, sounding a little anxious

"Ahh yes Lieutenant. 'ave a seat." Captain Price replied, gesturing to the empty seats infront of his desk. Reluctantly, Troy sat down ready to hear the General begin yelling at him. Blair began to twiddle his thumbs uncontrollably, in an effort to keep from breaking a sweat. But what he heard next, brought about a sigh of relief "Congratulations 'mate." Lee smiled.

The Lieutenant's heart instantly slowed to a normal pace, and he felt as though a heavy weight was just lifted off of his body. "Congratulations? For what sir?"

The General leaned forward in his chair, so he could slide a PADD across the table. Another smile painted itself on his face. "You've been reassigned."

"Reassigned? I didn't know you were trying to get rid of me..." Troy joked, hoping he was doing just that- joking.

Price let out a laugh, before he continued "It's nothing like that 'mate. It seems Command has been keeping an eye on you, and they want to offer you the position of Strategic Operations Officer."

"I see. Will I still be on this ship?" Troy asked, while he thumbed through the information on the PADD.

"Though I wish you were. Command wants you on the USS Sovereign. She's a fine ship." Captain Price commented.

"Did you say Sovereign?"

"That's correct 'mate. You know someone onboard?"

"Yes. My cousin is the Commanding Officer"

"So you're related to Commodore Blair. For some reason I didn't think you were."

"Since when have I not been related to a Blair in Starfleet?" Troy joked again, poking fun at the large size of his family. "When do I transfer?"

"A runabout will be waiting for you day after tomorrow" Price announced, while standing on his feet and extending his hand in the ancient Terran greeting.

Grasping the General's hand and shaking it firmly, Troy replied "Thank you sir. And might I add it has been an honor serving under your command." With that said, Troy exited the Captain's office.

*** Next Day, Main Corridor ***

News about Troy's transfer spread through his associates, faster than red alert klaxons could travel through the corridors. One of their own was about to move on, and they were not about to let him go without saying good-bye. So, they decided to through him a surprise going away party, in Ten Forward. A good idea, however the only difficult part of the plan was keeping Troy out of his favorite place, for a few hours. A task they decided to give to Ronni.

"Why is it everytime I mention Ten Forward, we turn towards the stern of the ship?" Troy asked, his mind already wondering what Ronni as up to.

"No reason" She replied nonchalantly

"If you say so."

The two continued to aimlessly walk the hallways of the Galaxy, for what seemed like hours. The whole time they talked about the past, all of the missions they underwent together, all of the pranks they pulled on each other, and they even talked about the Sovereign for a while.

"Oh my," Ronni said aloud, touching her chin with her fingers. In an obvious attempt towards acting "Would you look at the time. I'm hungry. How about dinner in Ten Forward"

"First, since we haven't passed any computer consoles in a while, you have no way of knowing what time it is. Unless you ask the computer. Second, you've been avoiding the lounge like the Jem'Hadar. But suddenly you want to go. And third we already ate dinner in my quarters, earlier. So that can only mean something is up." Blair stated, giving Ronni a pretend evil glare

"Don't be ridiculous Troy. I simply want to have dessert"

"Whatever you say Ronni" Blair replied in his typical sarcasm

*** Ten Forward, 4 hours later ***

The party had been going strong for some time now, and everyone was enjoying themselves. Some a little more than others as they became tipsy. Some sang, some danced, others talked, Troy took this opportunity to say good bye to his friends. That and flirt with every female he was attracted to, one last time.

"Hey Deiran!" Troy called out over the noise, as he walked up to one of the first friends he made on the ship. Casey turned to face Troy, and quickly laughed as he saw one lady in each of Blair's arms. "Having fun?"

"Lots! Though I must say, you look like this is the worst party ever!" Casey joked in reply.

"Ya... you know me, always the one to complain!"

As the evening progressed, things got a little wilder, so wild that something's are best left unmentioned. By the time 04:30 rolled around, the crowd started dissipating, but not before Troy had to give his speech.

"Ok...Ok... I figured I should say some words before I leave this ship." Troy projected, as he got up on one of the tables

"Good riddance!" Deiran joked, causing the crowd to laugh

"Ya ya. But seriously, I will always remember you guys, especially when I'm on one of the most advanced ships in the fleet! Heh heh heh. I'll miss this place and all of the joy it brought me. Don't forget, no matter where I'm at, I still consider all of you my friends."

The crowd began to cheer, as Troy stepped back onto the floor. He took another look around the lounge, his last. The Galaxy was a fine vessel, and he was confidant that the person who replaced him, would take good care of her.

As for Troy, it was time to move on.

"Warning"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara
reviewed by Lt Cmdr Ursa Sunder and Cpt Price

Ursa finished up the report he was working on when he heard the 'prisoner' in the cell behind him groan.

"Calmed down yet?" A few seconds later, he heard the sound of a pillow hitting a forcefield. Turning, he saw that K'Eytyanna was sitting up, glaring at him.

Before she could talk, he got up and turned off the forcefield. "Lieutenant, that was not a very good thing to do in Ten Forward."

She bared her teeth and growled, "It wasn't a very good thing to let that petaQ aboard in the first."

He was about to step closer when he rembered that it was too close to a certain Klingon ritual that he didn't feel like entering, but had heard from rumor that one of the Tactical officers had already started.

"Mr Dorffen has every right to be aboard this ship as you do. Lieutenant, there must be some reason why you suddenly attacked Hudson. Crewmen who were in Ten Forward at the time noted that you seemed like you wanted to be alone, but not particularly as aggressive."

Noticing K'Eytyanna was starting to squeeze the bed tighter, he spoke, "This is off-the-record, Lt. If it is anything that affects the ship, Captain Price will have to be told, but otherwise, it stays between us. Please answer, as I do not want to have to pull rank."

Looking up, she spoke, obviously fighting some inner voice as she spoke, "If you check my record, you will find that I was brought up in a Cardassian genetic facility. When I saw the bartender, all my instincts and anger at them overwhelmed my reasoning, and I lashed out. It will not happen again, Sir."

"It had better not, Lt. An entry in your permanent record will be placed about this. Next time, you will get a reprimand and forced into counselling. You are dismissed, Lieutenant."

She nodded and quickly headed out of the room.

Lt K'Eytyanna Samara, USS Galaxy - Engineer/Shuttle Pilot

By Ensign Aaron Sharp

The universe. Vast. Foreboding. A swirling, churning soup of galaxies all mixed up together. Closer now, the focus pulls to one Galaxy in particular, expanding to fill one’s view entirely, and finally getting too close to take in completely. We continue our fall towards one arm of this galaxy and finally, a solar system. Five planets. One sun. The fourth planet, a reddish orange giant, draws near. Circling it, a starship. Nearby, a moon, and a former moon, blasted into oblivion aeons before, now a pile of tumbling, turning asteroids, locked into orbit. And approaching this asteroid belt, two tiny shuttlepods...

...Aaron checked the damage report from his pod. It wasn’t too bad, but it wasn’t too good, either. Structural integrity was holding, but his propulsion systems were very shaky, with only one third of normal speed available. Fortunately, speed wasn’t going to be an issue while negotiating the asteroid belt. Behind him, Ben was rapidly catching up, ahead, he was almost to the asteroids. Just a few more seconds and.... There! He began weaving amongst the swirling plethora of rocks. This was a lot harder than the caves, where everything stayed in its place. And on top of that, according to the computer course layout, there were... KABOOOOOOM!!! Off to his port side a large explosion rocked his vessel! According to the computer course layout, there were floating mines in the area, detonated by proximity fuses. They were left over from some ancient war that had originally caused the destruction of this moon, and it was going to take some pretty fancy flying to avoid setting them off. BOOOOOOM!!! Another shockwave engulfed the shuttlepod.

“Warning. Structural integrity at 55%” He wasn’t going to be able to take much more damage.

“Computer. At what distance do the mines detonate?”

“Mines detonate at 1000 metres.”

“Computer, alert me of distance and direction if we come within 1500 metres of any mine.”

“Confirmed.” Bleepwhirrll.

********

“Confirmed.” Bleepwhirrll. That ought to take care of the mine problem, Ben thought, now I just have to concentrate on not cleaning up any asteroids. He’d seen the two explosions Aaron had set off, and had immediately set the computer to warn him if he got too close to any himself. He was amazed that Aaron’s craft was still functioning at all, considering the beating it had taken.

“Warning. Mine located 1500 metres, course 040 mark 310.” Ben pulled up to avoid detonating the mine. Suddenly, without warning, an enormously large asteroid spun into view.

“Collision Alert.” the computer announced, as Ensign Nova put his pod into a spin dive. He had no choice now but to take his chances with the mine. He pulled out of his spin just as the mine went off, and the shockwave sent his shuttle into a flat spin, throwing him from his chair. Quickly he pulled himself back up and raced his hands across the controls before he hit anything else. Finally he regained control. All he had to do was hold it together for a few more minutes and it wound all be over. He twisted and turned and suddenly he was in open space, clear of the asteroid belt. All he had to do was dock at shuttlebay three and victory was his. He pulled the pod around towards the galaxy and saw Aaron was already halfway there.

“Oh no you don’t.” Ben said, and engaged full power, hurtling towards the Galaxy. Aaron was only travelling at one quarter power and venting plasma. As Ben approached, Aaron’s craft increased speed, but it wasn’t enough. Ben flew past and a minute later was approaching shuttlebay three, a grin of victory across his face. Suddenly the Comm system came to life. [Mayday, mayday, shuttlepod Macquarie to Galaxy. My thrust controls have jammed. I can’t fly slower than 100 kph. Attempting emergency landing.] Without thinking twice Ben quickly spun his shuttlepod up and around and sped back out to Aaron’s wounded vessel.

“Shuttlepod Arthur Phillip to Shuttlepod Macquarie, need a hand, buddy?”

[Ben, what are you doing? It’s too risky to attempt anything!]

“Sorry, buddy, risk is my middle name. Now I’m just gonna fly right along side you and guide you right into the shuttlebay, OK? Nothing to worry about, just take it real easy.”

[Thanks, Ben. Let’s do it.] The Galaxy was at red alert as the two shuttlepods sped towards shuttlebay three, one of them skewed on a strange angle. Only the skill of the pilot and Ben Nova’s guidance was preventing it from spinning off into space. At the back of the shuttlebay, safety nets sprang up and locked into place, ready to prevent the pod from slamming into the back wall. Emergency crews were in place and there was nothing left to do except wait. The pod was only seconds away now but it seemed like days. Then it was over. Ben slowed the Arthur Phillip’s speed and allowed the Macquarie to enter the bay first. The shuttlepod entered at 100 kph, still venting plasma and attempted to land belly down, but due to the odd angle of the craft and its excessive speed, it bounced instead, flipping over on its side and sliding in a shower of sparks into the safety net where it finally came to a rest. Then the plasma ignited, engulfing the rear of the pod. Emergency crews rushed to put out the blaze as Ben set his craft down and exited as quickly as he could. As soon as the blaze was out, they began prising open the shuttle door. Ben jumped up along side them. Finally the door popped open and Ben clambered in and dropped down beside the crumpled body of Ensign Sharp.

“Aaron! Can you hear me! Are you all right!” he yelled, shaking Aaron by the shoulder. Aaron’s eyes opened and he looked at Ben with a mischievous grin.

“Of course I’m all right,” he said, “D’ya think I’d do this with the safeties off?” He laughed and stood to his feet.

“Computer, end program.” The shuttlepod and bay around them were suddenly replaced by the yellow-on-black walls of the holodeck.

“Thanks very much, Ben. I really enjoyed that. I have to say, you’re one helluva pilot.” Ben grinned.

“Piloting that damaged shuttle back in was no easy task either, Aaron. You did pretty good yourself. Although I probably wouldn't have crashed like that.” Aaron threw back his head and laughed at the comment.

“Next time, Ben, I’m going to program your shuttle to take damage whether you hit anything or not!” They both laughed, and headed for the arch.

“I guess you’re the winner, though, Ben.” Ben shook his head in disagreement.

“No, if your craft wasn’t damaged you would have beaten me.”

“Draw, then?”

“Draw.” They shook hands, and headed off down the corridor, the arch wheezing closed behind them.

Ensign Aaron Sharp
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

Ensign Prince slowly brings a shuttle into dock at the starbase. "Easy, not to fast now this place is small." says Ensign Prince as he flys the shuttle in. "Oh, does the time fall or what. I better get going. Computer end program." he waits until the holodeck program ends and steps out and heads for Starbase 357 transporter room. When he reaches the transporter room he finds his stuff just laying there on the ground. "Excuse me, but is the USS Galaxy here yet?"

The officer looks up at Ensign Prince. "Yes, and they have been waiting for you."

"Well I better get over there." Ensign Prince picks up his stuff and stands on the transporter. After a second he was on the USS Galaxy. He quickly walks out of the transporter room and heads to his quaters. When Ensign Prince enters his quaters he throw his stuff on the bed and headed for shuttle deck.

Ensign Prince
Helmsman
USS Galaxy

"Farewell"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Executive Officer, USS Galaxy

Joerg spent the rest of his first day of relaxation lying in his bed, as the Doctor had ordered him to do. His thoughts were about many things, most of them concerned the Galaxy and her crew. But each time he had finished a single thought about anything, he wanted either write it down or at least make a little note about it, so that he could remember it later, when he was again allowed to work.

I didn't dare to tell the computer to make a log about his thoughts, as Doctor Tash could have ordered the computer to report any activity on his behalf to her at once. So after some time of thinking and philosophic discussion with himself, he really got frustrated.

He really hated being sick and unable to stand up from his bed. Back when he was a little kid and he had to stay in bed, his mother read stories to him and so he was distracted from his illness. Now, for obvious reasons, he couldn't hope for the same treatment. He could have ordered the computer to read stories to him, but it wouldn't be the same. Each time he heard the female voice of ship's computer he has to think about his duty on the ship and was back in his frustration again.

In despair he looked over to his nightstand beside his bed, and to his surprise he found that there was a lonely PADD lying there, which just seemed to have waited for him. He slowly stretched out his hand to grab it and when he finally did so, he was relived. 'That day could turn out not to be that bad after all.' he thought as his fingers went over the PADD to input his thoughts.

On the next day he awoke with the PADD lying beside him in the bed. He tried to stretch again, like the day before, and to his astonishment he could go much further before the pain was too much. Obviously his lying in the bed finally proved to have bettered his situation.

Over night the Galaxy had arrived at Starbase 357, but for now that wasn't Joerg's concern. He repeated his daily morning routine, but this time he was reading his messages officially again. He read each and every message he had received over the past few days and was pleased to see that many of his fellow officers, who were personally involved in clearing the vortex and Breen situation, have either been promoted or decorated.

One of the last messages caught his eye and he had to read it again to finally truly realize what it was saying. Counselor Wilson, Lieutenant Commander Casey and Commander Sterner were awarded the Federation Metal of Valor for their heroic attempt to save the USS Galaxy from being blown up by the Breen guests. Joerg was very proud, as this would be his first decoration in his life. He was only wondering why they would give it to him since it was his duty to take care of the Galaxy and her crew, but then again he was pleased that he finally would have something he could wear on his dress uniform on the next special occasion.

After he finished his breakfast, he continued to study the various position changes and promotion. Especially the one in Security caught his attention. His old friend from the academy, Ursa Sunder, finally got the position to Chief of Security. Lieutenant K'arta requested a transfer to Beta shift, so Ursa got his chance to be the chief after all. Joerg quickly typed some congratulations to his buddy and also composed more formal versions to the other crew members, who got promoted. Although he was not yet on duty, he could feel that it was only a matter of time before he was sitting on the bridge again, so why not start with some minor paper work right away.

In the afternoon he began to walk out of his cabin to meet with Doctor Tash in sickbay as ordered. Although it took him some time, he was able to go most of the way to and from the turbo lift without having any pain. 'Doctor Tash really knows her job.' he thought pleased just as he entered sickbay.

A nurse showed him to one of the empty beds and promised that the Doctor would soon come to see after him. Joerg nodded his approval as the nurse was already on her way to another patient. Only a few moments later Doctor Tash appeared, a medical tricorder in her hand.

"Hello Commander. How do you feel today?" she asked him, while she already scanned him.

"I'm feeling much better, thanks to you." Joerg honestly replied.

"I see." she just answered and examined the data on the tricorder.

"Your healing process is going much faster than I expected." she admitted.

"Thank you Doctor. Does that mean that I could start with some holodeck training tomorrow?" Joerg happily asked.

"Absolutely. Although you should come back here tomorrow after your first training, just in case." Tash said.

"Well, then until tomorrow Doctor." Joerg said and stepped down from the bed.

"Tomorrow you'll have to contact Doctor Kahn Nilani for your examination." Tash replied quickly.

"Why? Where will you be?" Joerg wanted to know.

"I'm leaving the Galaxy today. I have been offered another quite interesting position, which I couldn't turn down. As of today 1600 hours Kahn Nilani is the official Chief Medical Officer aboard the Galaxy." Doctor Tash explained.

"I'm sorry you have to leave Doctor. But I wish you luck with your new work. We will really miss you." Joerg answered, partly speaking in his role as First Officer and partly speaking for himself.

"Thank you Commander, just promise me that you will behave yourself and you don't have to be a guest of this facility here." Tash tried to hide her sadness about leaving that ship.

Before Commander Sterner left sickbay, he took Tash's hand, shook it and said another farewell to her. After that he was going back to his quarters. He still seemed to haven't read some reports yet, since he had no idea about that Doctor Tash was leaving them before she told him.

Vacation!
Casey Ti Miran w/ Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

It was bliss. They were actually on vacation. Miran could have kissed the captain for giving Deiran the time off to go. The trip had been long, but it was worth it to have time with her husband all to herself.

They had boarded at a good size city on the coast. It was the next large city to the village that she wanted to visit.

Deiran was taking a shower while Miran chose a breakfast for the three of them. When she ordered it they promised they would bring it up to them within half an hour. After breakfast, Miran planned on traveling to that village, and there hopefully on to where she thought her family's home might have been before the Cardassians took them away from it.

The balcony door was open to the warm breeze. The white sheer curtains were blowing. Lara cooed and laughed, trying to catch at the curtains as Miran watched to make sure her daughter didn't go any further than that. Miran wondered what Bobbie was thinking and doing. She would have to thank K'arta for watching over her beloved pet while they were on this vacation.

Deiran came out of the other room, still shaking water from his hair. That was the other thing that Miran loved, the baths she could take. She smiled as he bent down to sweep Lara from the floor. Laughter filled the room. Lara was loving being up with her daddy and Deiran laughed at the glee he caused his daughter.

Deiran gave his daughter a hug, and he melted when he saw the great smile on Lara's face. The cute little giggles that came from her. "How is my princess?" Deiran asked her, his face up close to hers, their noses touching.

Breakfast interrupted their unbridled pleasure, but the smiles didn't vanish.

Deiran looked over a map on a PADD during breakfast.

"This is a long hike, you sure you want to hike this?" Deiran asked.

"We're all in good shape, and we'll bring enough supplies for Lara. I think we can handle it Deiran," Miran said with a smile.

"All right, I'm game. Besides it'll give us a chance to enjoy the scenery. This really is a beautiful planet!"

The Casey's finished their breakfast, packed their supplies for the trek and started for the location of Miran's parents' home.

"Things Are Looking Up"
by Ensign James Chen
Security Officer

**Personal Log Stardate 49805.6**

Well, I've been thinking. About my life and the way it's gone. It's not easy to have more than one person call you a murderer to your face more than once. Ah, hell. I've had enough of this feeling sorry for myself stuff. I've been kicked around to much the past year for me to care about other people's opinions any more. Things happen, people die. It's the way of life. I will not allow myself to be abused by those who think so little of me. Not anymore. I'm done. On a positive note, Terence and Liz were transferred to the USS Agincourt. I watched them leave this morning. Terence gave me a look that told me things weren't over between us and I thought maybe I shouldn't have avoided that final little battle he had planned on the holodeck. Who cares? I just gave him the exact same look. We'll be finishing this little feud soon enough. I know it and so does he. Of course, I will say this: It was very difficult watching Liz walk away. She's not mine anymore. Maybe she never was. Once again, who cares? I'm tired of this little pity party I've been throwing myself and I've decided to start with a clean slate. I've restarted my training, I have a couple friends on board and I think it's time I found a few more. I think it's time I lived my life instead of dwelling on past failures and actually work at being a Starfleet officer again.

**End Personal Log**

Chen sighed and stood up. He was happy that whole vortex business was over and that Terence and Liz had both stepped out of his life. What he needed was some reconstruction of his life, a rebuilding of who he was. Not some introverted, angry individual, but who he had started out as when he first joined Starfleet. The pain of his losses and failures would always be there, but no longer would he let them ruin his life.

Chen walked out of his roo

m and headed to Ten-Forward. When he got there, people looked over, a little apprehensive. Apparently people still remembered what happened last time he was here. Chen nodded to everyone. And took a seat at a table in the back, facing the door. That was an old habit he could never break, and one of the most important rules in the Gong Rei style: Always put your back against a wall so nobody can surprise you.

A waitress came, eyeing him suspiciously. He ordered a glass of ice water and sat there, wondering where to start with the reconstruction of his life.

Mendenhall looked out the small window on the shuttle. For the first time he saw the USS Galaxy. It dawned on him that this would be his new life, this was his new home for him and his cat digit. It was unusual though. As he stared at the massive starship, he didn't have a feeling of dread or that of fear, it was more like when you finally realize it was the holidays.

The shuttle moved around to the shuttle bay. As it did his cat Digit let out a small meow. He looked down on the poor feline and smiled, remembering how lucky he was to have all his body parts. "Well," he said to the small cat, "guess it's time." He took the cat and placed him over his shoulder. He scratched Digit's neck. "Don't worry, it'll be alright." The comment was more directed to himself rather than the cat. He picked up his small bag of belongings as the shuttle landed.

As he stepped out of the shuttle's door, he felt a rush of mixed emotions. He saw the captain and walked over to him. He let down his bag, and saluted the captain. "Ensign Anthony Mendenhall, reporting for duty sir." As he saluted he realized he forgot to let the cat off his shoulder and blushed a little. The captain smiled ask and patted his other shoulder. "Good to have you aboard mate," he said with a smile. The smile made Mendenhall relax a bit. "Ensign Ral will show you to your quarters. The betaziod step up and extended a hand. "Nice to meet you." He nodded and shook her hand.

He picked up their bags ,and they started walking towards his quarters. He didn't really like being new on board, and being shy didn't help. He hoped his shift would come soon so he could get to work. They entered a turbolift. "So, that your cat?" Ensign Ral asked. "Yes" he replied. Ral tried to get him to talk. "So, you like it aboard here so far." He nodded as the turbolift opened. They walked down a hall and stopped at a door. "He's your quarters" she replied. He nodded and thanked her. As the door opened, he looked a bit shocked. Ral looked at him. "Anything wrong?" "No," he replied, "It's just so big." The Ensign smiled and left him to his room. He saw a pad on the table and looked over it. It was a while until his shift. "Well," he said, placing the cat down, "guess we better decorate this place." The cat did a sort of sliding, skidding motion and manages the climb onto the bed. Mendenhall smiled as he opened his bag. The cat smiled at him. "Alight," Mendenhall said "You get the bed." He pulled out a hammock, and set it up, one end on a bedpost, and the other a table leg. He placed his uniforms in the closet, trying to hang the wrinkles out. He pulled out a sack full of datapads and data chips. Next, he pulled out a dish for Digit's food and placed it next to the bed. He gently placed it in a drawer on the small desk. He pulled out a small pocketknife and placed it on the desk top. Last he emptied the bag by taking out a picture of his family, and a picture his bother had drawn when he was three. He fixed them on the table top and smiled. He looked around as Digit started to go to sleep. Since he had some time to kill, he started read.

"Captain's Log, closing entry - fluidic vortex"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

"Nearly a week has past since the incident with the spatial vortex. The Galaxy is preparing to depart for Starbase 357, where we dropped off the three Breen survivors and filed reports on the fluidic phenomenon. The crew is still morning the loss of Ensign Tholen. A small service was held in Joanna's honor in the ship's chapel. She will be greatly missed." Captain Price paused from making his log entry and glanced out the observation window near his desk in his Ready room. The Galaxy was slowly 'orbiting' the Starbase. A number of other Federation ships were being serviced at the various platforms on the multi-layered Starbase.

"I have given the order to recall our 'mates that visited Starbase 357 on leave. While we were here, Starfleet ordered another crew rotation on the fleet. So once again several familiar faces will be leaving and new ones returning in their place. With the Cardassian-Dominion Alliance war raging on, I can understand why the Federation needs all of the seasoned Officers it can find in this time of need. I wish the departing officers well on their new assignments and promotions." Lee paused for a moment.

"Speaking of promotions, I just finished authorizing a few on board the Galaxy. Promotions, decorations and one reprimand. Please note for the record that placards have been commissioned and a fixed to the entrance and above all Holodeck control stations that plainly state 'overriding the ship's safety protocols is not allowed by order of Captain Price without express command level authorization. Violation of that general order will result in disciplinary action'. That should help to relay what should be obvious to those individuals that still fail to follow the operational guidelines for using the Holodeck." Lee paused and took a sip of his Bajoran coffee. He used his hand to wipe away a mustache of cream that remained on his lip, before continuing.

"No doubt the placards on the Holodeck will come as good news to the folks in Medical. Which brings us to a few departmental changes on board the Starship. Doctor Kahn Nilani, Lieutenant, has assumed the role as Chief Medical Officer on board the Galaxy with the departure of Doctor Tash. I spoke to Doctor Kahn and she seems eager to prove herself in the new position. Doctor Khatroweena was promoted to Assistant Chief Medical Officer and both she and Doctor Gakor received promotions to full Lieutenant for their service tenure in Starfleet." Lee referenced a PADD on his desk before going on.

"In Security, I am pleased to announce that Paran Chanor has earned a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. We are all very proud of Paran's accomplishments on board the Galaxy and look forward to his continued service as Assistant Chief of Security. The Security department also underwent a slight restructuring when Lieutenant K'arta decided to step down from the position of Chief of Security in favor of resuming her role as Assistant Chief of Security on Beta shift. K'arta offered little explanation into the reasons behind her decision other than stating the Chief of Security position was not all she thought it was cracked up to be. I have instated Lieutenant Commander Ursa Sunder as the new Chief of Security on the Galaxy. Reviewing the 'Commanders service record, his performance over the last several months on the Galaxy, and his experience as Chief of Security on Outpost 77, I am sure that Ursa will do a bonzer job in the position."

Lee paused, again referring to his notes. "I am pleased to say that the issue with Starfleet Intelligence has been resolved. SI has decided not to pursue Lieutenant' Sullax for his improper and illegal use of former Starfleet Intelligence override codes from the holodeck matter I spoke of earlier. Their decision comes as good news, since Lieutenant' Sullax has been a model officer and an asset to the crew, aside from that one incident. I went ahead and added a notation to his service record praising his calculations of oxygen consumption of the away team that became stranded in the vortex. His quick recalculations and willingness to bring the new data to the attention of command may very well be credited as one of the major contributing factors to returning Erikson, Morris and Hewson back to the Galaxy in one piece."

"While on the away team that transcended the fluidic vortex, I have submitted decorations on their behalf to Starfleet Command, asking that they be awarded the Victory Cross for heroism for their work and professionalism on the away team mission in which they had to abandon the shuttle craft Kepler and spend over 36 hours stranded in fluidic space before being rescued."

"I also submitted three other officers for decorations. Commander Sterner, Lieutenant Commander Casey and Counselor Wilson will be awarded the Starfleet Medal of Valor for their actions in thwarting the attempts by two renegade Breen officers to destroy the USS Galaxy by exploding a stolen phaser in the Aft Photon Torpedo storage area. We are all very proud of these officers and find them deserving of this decoration."

Lee paused and glanced out the observation window at the new shuttle craft Starfleet ordered transferred to the Galaxy to replace the Kepler. The Captain stretched his neck slightly, trying to make out the name, or figure out what class shuttle the replacement was, but it past by too quickly to tell. "It looks like Ensign Prince and Lieutenant Samara have returned from Starbase 357 with the replacement shuttle for the lost USS Kepler. The Galaxy will be leaving Starbase 357 to return to patrol duty along the Federation shipping lanes once they have docked in Shuttle bay two. So once again, the Galaxy returns to the front lines and keeps an ever vigilant watch out for Cardassian-Dominion activity along the Federation's borders." Lee paused and thought for a moment, before a wry grin formed on the corners of his mouth. "Ahh well, it sure beats farming. Computer, end Captain's Log. Stardate 49805.9. Subject, 'Fluidic Vortex 1302'."

The computer responded with a familiar acknowledgment tone. Captain Price tapped his comm badge. "Captain Price to Lieutenant Thomas."

Chris' voice answered over the Captain's comm channel. He'd been left in charge on the Bridge in the Captain's absence while Commander Sterner was attending to the newly arrived crew that came on board from Starbase 357 for this months crew rotation. ["Thomas here Captain."]

"Prepare to break orbit from Starbase 357 as soon as Ensign Prince and Lieutenant Samara have landed with the new shuttle craft. Set a course back to the boarders of Federation space. We are resuming our patrol tour of duty there 'mate."

["Aye Captain. I'll take care of it sir."] Chris replied in a confident tone.

Captain Price nodded to himself. He expected it wouldn't be long before Deiran and Chris started swapping assignments, rotating between commanding the Gamma "midnight watch", and serving at Operations during Alpha shift. Both positions had their advantages, and disadvantages at times. "Fair dinkum 'mate. I know the Galaxy is in good 'ands. I have additional reports to file, so if I'm needed I'll be in my office."

["Very good Captain. Lieutenant Thomas out."] Chris answered before closing the channel.

"A new drink"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Executive Officer, USS Galaxy

On the third day after the fight with the Breen, Joerg finally felt no pain at all in the morning. He tried to stretch, and to his astonishment his body was not responding in any way like the last two days. Happy with the development of his situation he sat down at his desk and ate his breakfast.

While he was again reading reports and messages while eating, he noticed that he hasn't yet reserved a holodeck for his medically ordered training. He checked the reservations list and luckily he found one vacant holodeck, which he booked at once. After he had finished his meal, he changed into more comfortable cloths for the upcoming holodeck training.

On his way to strengthen his physical condition, he caught himself whistling and smiling nearly all the time. The crew members, whom he met on his way, must have thought that he was mad or on vacation, the latter wasn't actually that wrong, since technically he was still off duty and he really enjoyed it.

When he arrived at the appropriate holodeck, a newly placed plate caught his attention. 'Overriding the ship's safety protocols is not allowed by order of Captain Price without express command level authorization. Violation of that general order will result in disciplinary action' was written there. 'Hopefully this will prevent most holodeck users from playing around with the safety protocols.' Joerg thought while he was entering through the arch.

Inside the holodeck he typed in some commands into the control panel and the whole floor of the holodeck grid was replaced by mats, so that falling down during the training won't hurt him. It was a long time since he last covered the whole holodeck floor with mats, but he didn't want to take any chance to hurt himself again so soon.

Before he ordered the computer to load any of his training programs, he remembered the most important lesson before doing any kind of sport, to warm up the whole body. So he did some stretching and practiced some fall techniques for about five minutes before he finally ordered the computer to begin with his pre-chosen training. He trained with virtually each of his martial arts programs, starting at the easiest difficulty and worked himself up to the average difficulty setting.

After about two hours of training, Joerg was through with each and every of his programs. Although he hadn't reached the form he had before his forced pause, he still was pleased with his performance. He unloaded all of his programs, transferred the data the computer had collected about his training session to his terminal in his quarters and left the holodeck. He then was on his way to sickbay, as he had promised Doctor Tash the day before.

When he entered sickbay, the same nurse as the day before immediately saw him, nodded to him to signal him to sit down on one of the vacant beds and was on her way to fetch Doctor Kahn Nilani. Some short time later the Doctor arrived to check with her patient. While she was scanning the Commander, she didn't say a word to him.

"How does it look today, Doctor?" he started with a conversation.

"You look pretty healthy today Commander." she answered, still scanning him.

"I am also feeling very well." Joerg just added.

"That's good. I see from the reading that you have been doing some exercises lately."

"Yes, that right. The last two hours I was training in the holodeck, to improve my physical condition. Is there anything wrong with that Doctor?" Joerg replied honestly.

"No, not at all. I only think that you should consider giving your body back some of the energy you just drained, as a manner of speaking." she said, took a PADD and typed in some words.

"Here, take this to a bartender in Ten Forward. He will know what to do with that and will serve you an 'energy drink'." she added, while handing him the PADD.

"Thanks Doctor. When shall I come back for the next check?" he asked, while standing up from the bed again.

"Any other day for the rest of the week should be sufficient. Although you should contact me of course if you experience any pain again." she answered.

"I'll do so. Thanks again Doctor." Joerg concluded and went out of sickbay.

On his way to Ten Forward he checked with the list the doctor gave him. While some of the termini sounded familiar with him, most of them didn't. When he was through with the list, he was already entering the establishment. Many of the crew members, who were present at that moment, looked astonished at the current outfit of the First Officer. They were used to see him only in his duty uniform and not in his tra

ining cloths. Joerg on the other hand had only one thing in his mind when he arrived at the bar, that the drink the bartender was going to mix for him would at least not taste too bad, since medicine mostly does.

"What can I do for you?" came the friendly question from the bartender everyone just called Door.

"Doctor Kahn sent me here with this list." Joerg started to explain and handed him the PADD.

"She said that I need an 'energy drink' and that you would know how to make one out of these components." he added quickly.

Door took the list, quickly scanned it with his eyes, nodded quickly, returned the PADD to Joerg and was on his way to create the drink. Joerg was astonished as Door seemed to have understand exactly what the items on the list were.

About a minute later Door returned with a huge glass of redish orange fluid in it.

"That's it. I hope you'll like it." he said, placed the glass in front of Joerg.

"There is no alcohol in it, right?" Joerg just cautiously asked.

"No, of course there isn't. On the little list of yours, the doctor explicitly noted that you don't drink any alcohol. Come on, don't be shy, try some!" Door encouraged him.

Joerg took the glass in both his hands, smelled at the fluid and finally took a quick nip. In contrary to his wildest fantasies, the drink was tasting absolutely delicious, so that he quickly took a larger gulp. As Door noticed the pleased expression on his customer's face he knew that again one of his creations was a great success.

After Joerg drank nearly half of the juice, he put down the glass to ask the bartender a question.

"Door, you don't mind if I call you that way?"

"No, not at all."

"Door, I really have to congratulate you for that drink. It tastes really great, unlike anything I have ever drunken so far."

"Thank you Commander. That's a great honor for me. May I ask you a question in return?" Door replied.

"Sure, just go ahead."

"Since you seem to enjoy drinking that drink, may I call it after you?"

"You mean like 'Sterner energy' or 'Commander's favorite'? Sure I have no problem with that. Besides I certainly will come back to drink one or two of these drinks from time to time. Calling it by a name is much easier than bringing with me the PADD with the list each time." Joerg replied smilingly.

"Thank you Commander."

"Say, what exactly is there in this drink?" Joerg's curiosity finally came through.

"I can't tell you all of the ingredients of course, but there are some fruit juices in there and one of my favorite secret ingredients." Door mysteriously announced.

Joerg nodded in approval, congratulated Door again on his great composition and the two discussed a fitting name for the drink for some time, while Joerg was enjoying his drink.

Joerg Sterner - Vienna University of Technology
e-mail: e9226192@stud1.tuwien.ac.at
Homepage: http://stud1.tuwien.ac.at/~e9226192/

"Wolf in Sheep's clothing?"
By Door

His eyes opened. There was a pulsing, aching pain eminating from the back of his skull making him screw up his face. He knew that he was in sickbay and therefore, added with the unpleasant sensation throbing in the back of head, that something was worng with him... But, cliché as it was, he had no idea what had happened.

"What...?"

"Ah, Mister Dorffen," smiled the Trill doctor as she came over to him, "One of our toughest paients has rejoined us then?"

"Toughest? What?" Door was confused, "What happened to me?"

"You took quite a beating from Lieutenat Samara," she explained running a tri-corder over his body, "It was actually lucky that Lieutenant Paran accidently phasered you- who knows what would've happened..."

"Wait- I was beaten up and the /phasered/?"

Tash nodded.

"...by two Starfleet officers?" he further asked, disbelief and slight embaressment making his voice increasingly meek.

She nodded again.

"...In ten-forward?" he squeaked.

Tash affirmed his suspicions yet again.

Door audibly gulped in a cartoon-like way. This was not good for his reputation. He ahd joined the SRP to see the Galaxy and, being on board a Federation Starship, he thought that he would also be reasonably safe. It seemed not.

"Why don't I remember any of this?" he asked the smiling Trill.

"You have temporary memory loss," she informed Door, gripping his shoulder reassuringly, "It'll soon return and you'll remember /everything/." She grinned. "I'd enjoy it while you can. You can stay here for as long as you like, but otherwise, you're free to go- the only danger to your health that I can see is Lieutenant Samara."

"Thank you doctor."

"No problem- you can buy me a drink before I leave." she winked.

Door lay back on the bio-bed and sighed heavily, taking the doctor's offer of staying the present calm of sickbay until his head felt better. He closed his eyes and allowed his mind to wander through-out the ship, his mental abilities being allowed to roam free. It always helped him to relax, allowing himself to do that.

He heard the sickbay doors slide open.

"Ah, Just the person I wanted to see!" a voice called out, breaking Door from his wanderings. He recognised it as the Bajoran doctor he had upset earlier... Kahn Nilani. He sat up and tried his best to eminate a friendly vibe, smiling at her.

"Door, I am going into the holodeck to pray to the prophets. If you wish to come you may do so, as you follow the teachings, I shall be in Holodeck 3."

Door was dunb-founded. It seemed that a positive vibe wasn't necessary and that the doctor was asking /him/ to share /her/ company. He was very glad that she now felt able to share this bond they had... maybe it was what made him differnet from the other Cardassians who she most obviously feared. Or despised. He hadn't felt hatred from her but hate was an emotion usually well hidden.

"I would love to Doctor." she grinned at her, excited at the prospect.

"Well then- It's settled!" she replied, turning away, "See you soon."

Door watched the Bajoran leave and then lay back down for a moment. He had already heard about the gathering of Bajorans on the ship from someone in 10-forward, and was happy that she had decided to do this for him, inviting him to attend. He would have to show her how much it meant to him.

After a short while (And a plea and further recieval of medicinal relief) Door left sickbay and headed for Holodeck three.

Out in the corridor, he stopped and reviewed the program that was running- One of Kahn's own programs, but available for open use. It was a Bajoran temple simulation, and there were apparently a few people already inside, probably the other Bajorans that had been invited.

Bracing himself (for the butterflies of the stomach were out in force), Door stepped though the holodeck enterence.

Inside it was dark and cool. The stone walls of the holo-temple radiated calm and peace... silence but for the breathing of the others present. The twnety or so that had attended were seated in a circle around a large symbol of the Bajoran religion, the same icon worn by the Bajoran malitia [[I dunno what else to call it :p Any clues?]].

Door stood for a momnet, observing the well-practiced ceremony, the Bajoran crewmen, their eyes closed, thoughts inward. He sat on the cool floor for a moment, removed his boots and then went to join the others, taking up a gap in the circle.

Closing his eyes, he took a sharp breath in... and let the Prophets guide his thoughts.

Nilani opened one eye after Door had closed his own, and smiled.

Ensign Ral
Junior Counselor

Ensign Ral walked back from Mendenhall's quarters. She thought about him for a moment.. he seemed.so.. attatched to his Cat... So quiet.. she found that bizarre in itself... Also. she had tried to start a conversation and.. he had given her 1 word answers!!

She couldnt believe it! this was Lexana Ral- Getting One Word answers from a guy.. Unbelievable!... She was kinda ticked about it.. Well... She needed a drink.. She headed for Ten-Fore and walked up to the bar.. "Margarita..No salt" she huffed.. she took the frozen drink and looked for a free table.. there weren't many.. She noticed someone looking bored and wandered over. She smiled and gestured to the empty chair. "May I?"

Chen looked up from his glass of ice water. "Be my guest." Ral sat down and took a sip of her Margarita. "Well," She said "I'm Ensign Lexana Ral.. I'm the new Junior Counselor..And you are?"

Chen extended his hand "Ensign Chen, Security. Did you arrive recently? I haven't seen you around before."

Ral grinned and shook his hand "Today, actually. I'm still finding my way around. This is my first assignment from the Academy and I've never been on a Galaxy Class vessel before.. I'm just glad I haven't blasted my self out of an airlock or something. To tell you the truth I am completely overwhelmed by everything right now."

"I can see you're..er.. trying some therapy?" Chen nodded at the Margarita

"It reminds me of home.." She shrugged "I used to sit out on the boat and drink Margaritas sometimes in the evening. I guess I'll have to get a new holodeck program. Maybe that will help"

"Feeling homesick?"

"Terribly. It''s bizzarre. I've never really studied psychological problems with myself as the subject before." Ral stared at the Margarita and stirred it.. " Sorry to be dumping this on you.. Great first introduction- Hi I'm Lexana Ral and I'm currently having psychological problems."

Chen grinned " It's ok. I know it's always tough on a new ship."

"Maybe I should go see the Ship's Counselor"

Chen "You are a counselor.."

"Oh yeah.." she frowned "Now I'm cross.. They put Salt on my Margarita. Ah well." She pushes it to the side " I shouldn't be drinking at this time of day anyway"

Chen is thinking to himself that Lexana has a very short attention span. He wonders how she graduated the Academy and that it was his bad luck she chose his table to sit at.. Lexana picks up on this and looks a bit miffed.

"Well. I have to be going.. Things to do..Please excuse me." She gets up and leaves, thinking to herself that maybe she didn't like Starships after all and she wanted to go home.

Chen watched the crowds in Ten-Fore for a while "Oops." He said to no one in particular.

Ensign Lexana Ral
Junior Counselor

"Leaving Home"
by Jurelle Tash

Jurelle walked into sickbay for her last shift on the Galaxy, word had gotten around quite quickly and by now, nearly everyone knew she was leaving. She was sorry to go, she already missed the Galaxy and the people on it she had come to know as family. And the ship she had come to know as home.

She had seen the Captain a couple of days before, requesting a transfer to Starfleet medical, to assist in the further development of the EMH program. She had been asked by a collegue involved with the research to assist in possible changes to the program. Jurelle had to think long and hard about the request, her dislike of the program being well know among her friends and collegues. She had decided that if this had to be, if the program was going to be a automatic addition to future starfleet vessels, the least she could do was be a part of its development. She might be able to suggest some significant improvements in the programs attitude and people skills.

Captain Price had been sorry to see her go, but had wished her well, and assisted with her transfer. Jurelle had suggested Nilani replace her as Chief Medical Officer, due to her outstanding performance as assistant CMO.

She was looking forward to her trip back to earth. She was meeting the USS Stargazer at Starbase 357. Jurelle hadn't been to earth since arriving with the Galaxy, and she was happy she would be seeing her friends still at Starfleet Medical and being on planet again.

The medical breakfast had turned into a farewell party, even though Jurelle didn't want one. It had been nice to have everyone together though, to say goodbye personally. She would think of her friends a lot. The Galaxy had been good to her, good for her career, and good for her life, she had made many new friends.

Any serious work was impossible, she had to shut herself in her office for a time, just to get the paperwork into some sort of order, ready to hand over to Nilani. She hated to leave so suddenly like this, but she needed to follow her own way, needed to go where she was needed.

Jurelle sighed as she looked about her office. Picking up the last of her personal items, she left sickbay, taking one last look as she went through the door. Sickbay on the Galaxy was a place of many memories for her, some she would not forget any time soon.

Bumping into Nilani on the way out, she hugged the Bajoran, wishing her luck and congratulating her on her new post. Nilani seemed more sad that Jurelle was leaving, rather than happy that she was now CMO. But Jurelle knew Nilani would make a fine boss of Sickbay.

Jurelle finished packing the last of her belongings and made her way to the transporter room. Entering the transporter room she was glad she hadn't made a big deal of leaving, she hated goodbyes. And she hoped she would be back one day. Jurelle stepped up on the transporter pad and looked toward the transporter technician.

"One to beam down".

Jurelle Tash, CMO, USS Galaxy... signing off.

By Dianne Heppel
Aka Alyssa Idana
Science Officer USS Galaxy

Alyssa went to her Quarters after seeing that officer in the Holodeck. when she got to her Quarters she went to check her messages "Computer any new messages" Alyssa asked

[You have two new messages]

"Computer play first Message" said Alyssa

Captain Price's face appears on the monitor "Ensign Idana due to your Performance as an Officer over the last few days and your help in getting the Away Team back Safely I have made the Decision to promote you to Lt. JG, congratulations" The message then ended. Alyssa was then happy that she was promoted.

"Computer Play Second Message" said Alyssa

Lt. Erikson's face appears on the monitor "Ensign Idana or should I say Lt. JG Idana Congratulations on your promotion, keep up the Good Work.

Alyssa thought maybe now she can Use a Holodeck

Alyssa finds that Holodeck one is not in use. Computer Run Program Alyssa Enterprise delta nine

[Initiating Program]
[Program Initiated]

Alyssa walks into the Holodeck and what looks like the Bridge of the Original Enterprise. In this Simulation she takes the Place of Captain Kirk and goes through the adventures he had seeing if she can improve on some things.

After 1hr of being on the Holodeck

Computer End Program said Alyssa

The Bridge of the Enterprise fades away and is replaced by the Black Squares and yellow gridlines of the Holodeck. Alyssa was very pleased with her self she did a simulation of Kirk's Incident concerning the Medusan Ambassador and believed she got a better result by stopping the mad man from Taking control of the Engines

She then goes back to her quarters Satisfied.

"Oops"
by Ensign James Chen
Security Officer

Chen watched as Lexana Ral left. She had obviously picked up on his curiosity of how she had made it through the academy and didn't like his act. He felt like an idiot now. He hadn't meant to be offensive, but she just didn't seem like normal Starfleet material. So, he had thought the wrong thing around a Betazoid.

He watched her retreating form. Just this morning he had talked about making new friends and he alienated the one person that had approached him. He saw her walk out the door. Damn! He stood up and walked after her. He stepped out of Ten-Forward and glanced around. He saw her walking down the corridor. Just her movements were angry. He walked fast to catch up with her.

"Hey!" He called. When he caught up with her, he turned to face her. She kept walking without looking at him. "Listen," he said. "I'm really sorry about that back there. I should've paid more attention. I didn't mean to offend you."

She kept walking. "Fine. Good day."

He watched her walk. "Wait a second!" She turned around. "What are you mad for? I had an opinion. An unspoken opinion at that. If you're going to act hurt over everyone's opinions, especially if you're an empath, you better go to some abandoned cave and stay there."

She was seething. "Don't you talk to me like that."

"Why not? People have opinions. And sometimes, those opinions can hurt, trust me, I've been there. The fact is, if you're going to get wounded every time, you may as well just forget about ever making any friends. Now, I'll admit that I rushed judgment, something I definitely shouldn't have done. I apologize for that and that alone."

She looked at the floor. When she looked back up, she was smiling. "You know, no one's ever talked to me like that."

"Hey, everybody talks to me like that. It can be tough, but it can also be healthy. In the right boundaries."

"I guess. But I don't think I'll make it a habit of letting people talk like that to me all the time. And I don't know if I'd like you to do it a second time."

"Deal. Now, what do you say we go back to Ten-Forward and I'll get you that Margarita and if there's salt in it, I'll completely destroy the place. Okay?"

Ral studied Chen thoughtfully. Finally, "Sure. Let's go."

They walked back in together and Chen was greeted with whispers and apprehensive stares again. Ral leaned over. "What do they keep looking at you for?"

"I got in a fight here a couple days ago."

"Really? Did you win?"

"What, in a public fight in this day and age? Hell, no. It got broken up. Let's get that drink."

First Day on the Job
Anthony Mendenhall
AKA Ensign Mendenhall

Mendenhall looked up from his book book to the small chronometer on the desk. He admired hoe ugly it was and thought he needed to take it apart and make it look better or something to that affect. He noticed he had 20 minutes till his first shift. He looked over to Digit. "Well, guess I better get ready" he said to the cat. The cat gave him a hungry, pathetic look. "alright," he smiled and moved over to the replicator. He checked to make sure there was cat food programmed in, and there was. "Cat food," he said, thinking to himself that word sounded weird in a way. He took the bowl and poured it into the cat's dish. The cat purred, and hoped down off it' bed and started eating. He walked over to the mirror and looked in it. He uniform wasn't in perfect condition, but wasn't too bad. He fixed his hair a little.

He started to ask the computer to view a map of the deck he was on, but he decided not to. How hard was it to find a turbolift? He started out, besides, he had 15 minutes anyway. "Be good." he said to the cat and he went out. He looked down the hallway and started off to what he thought was the way to the turbolift. As he wondered around, he realized he had no clue where he was. "Great," he mumbled to himself. "Just act natural and no one will notice you" he said to himself. After noticing the same repair crew on a plasma relay, he new this was pathetic. All he had to do was find one, just one little door maked "Turbolift." Finally he found one. He walked into it relived. "Engineering" he stated as the turbolift accelerated. As the door opened he sighed in releif. There was engineering. He walked in as Lt. Hewsopn walked up to him.

"Hi," he said smiling. "Welcome to Engineering. Hewson extended a hand. Mendenhall shook his hand and replied with a simple "Hi."

***************Later at 0815*********************

Mendenhall walked out of turbolift. He thought to himself about the first impression he made. As he pondered to himself he realized that longest sentance he had said was "I think that conduit is shot." I really need to work on my poeple skills he thought. He wondered around until he found his room. He walked in and saw Digit waiting for him.

He smiled as he saw the cat and picked it up. "Well, that went alright" he said to the cat, almost excpecting it to tlak back. He picked up the cat dish and brushed the remains inot the waste container to be recycled. "I'm going to go to Ten Foreward and get a drink," he said reassuringly to the small animal. It shuffled over to the bed and manages to get up on it, then curled up.

He opened the drawer with the bag of data chips and padds, and pulled out one particular holoprogram labeled "Nicole's Birthday Pres." He thought he might work on it after he had a drink. He made sure Digit was alright, then walked out.

He managed to find it and walked in. "Orange juice" he said and walked over to an empty table and sat down. He pulled out the chip and looked at it thinking how he could make the Scene inside more romantic for his sister and her boyfriend. The guy was nice, and his parents even approved of him. He was kinda nervous because he sister kind hinted that they were going to get engaged, and it could be in this program too. He sighed and sipped his o.j. as he looked at it, thinking.

"Rekindle the Flame"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess

Ursa and Xala sat together in a back booth at a small restaurant on the promenade of Starbase 357. The lights were dimmed and the mood of the establishment was very downbeat. Behind the couple was a hugh window in which the Galaxy stood in space. Luckily, it was the middle of the night and there was little activity. The two made prime use of their time to catch up on their pasts with one another. The mood was exactly perfect for the two-some. She held up her glass of Spring Wine and toasted his promotion to Chief of Security.

"I wish I had gotton you a gift but I spent all of my credits on decor for my quarters the first day we arrived. You have your choice between a Terran oil painting, a Klingon table statue or a set Ktarian chimes," she said jokingly.

"No, spending time with you again is the best present."

Xala leaned close to Ursa. He could feel her sweet breath on his lips. Ursa knew what she was going to do next. She gave him a slow kiss on the lips as he placed his hands over hers on the table. After a quick embrace, Xala moved comfrontably back into her seat. There was a brief pause in the conversation when Ursa suddenly changed topics.

"So, tell me about the incident with Ensign Mulich stalking you."

"I wanted to talk to you about that. I'm sure you've read the reports."

Ursa nodded his brooding head.

"Today, Chanor told me he was under the influence of a synthetic drug placed in his cerebrum. Somehow he was given commands from the syndicate: creating the holo-program, replicating the prosthetic mask, leaving the disc in the lounge, and so forth. It seems like something the Romulans would do as opposed to the Orion Syndicate," she said sipping her wine.

"Indeed. Are you sure the syndicate was behind this?"

"I am not positive of anything. But there is something I never told Chanor or anyone else aboard the Galaxy," she said gaining his complete attention. "Mulich gave me a message from the Orion Syndicate. He told me he was sent to frighten me and that syndicate needed me alive."

"This doesn't sound like anything the syndicate would do to you. Besides, I find it hard to believe that they've found Xala - Lounge Hostess on the USS Galaxy in such a short amount of time," he said with a smirk that brighten the dim room.

"I hope you a right, big man. I'm just scared some trace of this might still be on the ship waiting to make a move on me."

"You don't need to worry," he said in his deep voice. "There is only one thing on the Galaxy waiting to make a move on you, Rinallia."

Xala and Ursa began to kiss each other passionately again at the sound of her past name. The table between them was merely an obstacle. Together, they were caught in their past of lust and excitement when she was a mistress of the universe and he was an intelligence officer on the edge of the galaxy. His mouth slowly opened and tasted her lips. She lifted her hands and gently placed them on the sides of his face. The sensation of her long nails on his stubble-filled cheeks made Ursa dizzy with desire. He moved out of the embrace to form words.

"Do you need someone to help you hang that painting in your quarters?" he asked coyly looking into her shining eyes.

=/\= "Feeling the Pressure" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

Into the main security facility walked the newly promoted lieutenant Matthew Albrecht. He wore his newest full-pip proudly, feeling that everything in his life was pulling together for him. He only hoped that his streak of good fortune continued for just a few hours more.

He approached the console, setting his blank pad of paper and his pen next to the computer terminal. He touched the back of the chair, as if to pull it out and be seated, but he relaxed his grip and walked away. Heading for the replicator tucked away in a corner, he ordered, "Computer, tall mug of coffee, please. No wait, make that water, three degrees celsius below room temperature. No, no, better make it a chilled glass of iced tea. Yes, that's it," he finally decided.

The replicator produced the beverage, which Matthew stared at, lost in thought. He was nervous, so much rode on the exam he was about to take. He thought about the message he received from the Academy and JAG, and how his work was being 'watched' by 'important people.' Who were these people? What could happen if he aced his exam? What if he bombed?

Coming out of his semi-trance, he lifted his glass and returned to the console. Mulich was passing through the room, "Big day, Matthew? Good luck, man!" he said encouragingly. While the two weren't close friends, they had worked together many times. All the security officers were aware of Matthew's scheduled exam, and most of them had actively supported his studies and his dual specialization.

Albrecht put down his tea, and pulled out the chair unceremoniously. He laced his fingers behind his head, and twisted his torso left and right to prepare for a long duration of sitting. The tests would take several hours, and only short breaks would be allowed. He inhaled deeply, closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind.

Into the room strode Sanchez, carrying a PADD and holding herself with her customary air of superiority. She went to the replicator herself, ordering a raktaccino with cream. Reaching out for the drink, she spoke over her shoulder at Matthew, "You're looking mighty pensive. This isn't your last exam, is it?" She walked up to him, blowing on her drink which she held in both hands as if she were cold, her PADD under her arm.

"Not exactly," he replied, "but the results are going to be reviewed by some rather influential people at the Academy. I'm pretty nervous, I guess." Just talking about it lifted some of the stress from him, and he felt himself relax another degree. Sanchez and Matthew had had several run-ins since he came aboard the Galaxy, but they had also 'clicked' several times. They were almost friends, but her hot temper and his quick retorts kept them from becoming comfortable together.

Sanchez turned slightly away, but didn't leave. She seemed to have something to say, but couldn't get it out of her mouth. Matthew could see this, and couldn't begin his exam with the other officer lurking about like she was. He gave in and asked her, "Sanchez, what's on your mind?"

She turned back towards him, and cleared her throat. She looked down at her drink, and looked up again. "Look, I don't want this to sound like I don't support your ambition. I just want you to know that several of us have noticed your improved mood and attitude. We all think that you put yourself under a lot of pressure with all of your legal studies." She paused for a moment, choosing her next words carefully. "We, well, I want you to know that no matter what happens with this exam, whether you pass with honors or fail, you're a Galaxy Security Officer. We've been in battle together and risked our lives defending the same causes. You don't have to be the best, Albrecht."

He smiled lopsidedly. "Allright, you made your point," he returned with a capitulatory tone. "Okay, I'll try not to let this make me crazy. You're right, this is all icing on the cake. I'm a security officer now. Even though I never thought I'd be happy with that, it's actually a pretty good thing to be." He smiled again, and put out his hand for his colleague, who took it and shook.

She broke contact, and gulped a large swallow from her mug. "Oh yeah. Congratulations on the promotion. Some people have all the luck!" she teased and left him alone with his test.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

Galaxy "Chief Medical Officers Log"
Written By Kahn Nilani
Chief Medical Officer

Stardate 49805.11

I had know about Jurelle leaving the ship, I even offered her a position on Bajor. All I had to do was contact the Bajoran goverment or my friend and she would have the position. But It was not to be, I had been promoted to Chief Medical Officer. Which was a great honor but I was being promoted because a good friend was leaving. And that was my main problem! On another hand the Medical breakfast went well, It turned into a farewell party. Jurelle was sad as she left for he transporter room to start really a new life. I would like to point out now that my quarters are now much bigger and even thou my life is bound to get more complex I should have no problem. Cat is now the ACMO taking my old position.

The temple session worked well I am happy to see that door accepted my invitation, he seams alot more relaxed now and seems to have settled in. I have already had my first patients and they seemed happy with my treatment.

Computer End Log!