"Medals"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Deiran enjoyed his vacation to Bajor with Miran and Lara. Bajor is a beautiful world. But, like anyone on vacation, Deiran was glad he was home. He was sitting in his office, reading all the messages he received while he was gone.

As he read, he heard someone walk into his office. When he looked up he saw the Captain in his doorway. Deiran was quite surprised and stood up.

"Sir, this is a pleasant surprise!" Deiran replied, standing at attention in respect to the Captain.

"Please Deiran, at ease, this is a social call ‘mate," Lee replied with a smile.

"Yes sir, please have a seat Captain," Deiran replied graciously.

Lee took a seat in front of Deiran’s desk.

"May I offer you some Bajoran coffee sir?" Deiran inquired. The Captain agreed and Deiran ordered a Bajoran coffee from the replicator, it was just the way the Captain liked it. "Here you go sir," Deiran placed the coffee on the desk, in front of the Captain.

"How was your vacation ‘mate?" Lee asked after taking a sip of coffee.

"Great sir, it was relaxing and made Miran very happy to see her home again," Deiran replied.

"I’m glad to hear it," Lee said. There was an awkward moment when either man didn’t know what to say next. Deiran and the Captain had never really spoken on an unofficial basis before. Deiran respected the Captain, he was proud to serve one of the best Captains in Starfleet and so his silence was from respect. Lee’s silence was from the fact he had good news from Starfleet Command. He was waiting for the right moment.

"How is Joerg sir? I haven’t been able to check on him since I returned," Deiran spoke up.

"He’s recovering well. Should be back to duty today or tomorrow."

"That’s great, I’m glad to hear that. I remember when he injured himself, I wanted to lash out at that Breen. The Commander can take care of himself, but I don’t like seeing a friend hurt," Deiran’s voice began to rise, as the emotion in him began to rise.

"You did well Deiran, quick thinking. You and Joerg work well together," Lee replied. "Yes sir, I think we’re a good team," Deiran smiled.

The Captain reached into his pocket, and took out a blue case, setting it on Deiran’s desk. "I think you deserve this ‘Commander," the Captain was smiling, looking proud.

Deiran was shocked as he looked at the case. It was exactly the same kind of case that contained his father’s Medal Of Honor, Victory Cross and his Medal Of Valor. Deiran smiled, he knew that this wasn’t his father’s, even if he’d died the Medals would be on Earth in the family’s home.

Deiran looked at the Captain and then back to the case.

"Go ahead ‘mate, open it up. Starfleet has presented it to you, its official," Lee smiled.

Deiran picked it up and opened it. He recognized the Medal right away. His eyes grew big and his smile glistened. Pride was flooding over him.

Deiran remembered admiring his father’s medals when he was a boy, he dreamed of earning his own someday. That dream, like most of his dreams, came true.

"Thank you sir, I’m very honored to receive this. Very proud." Deiran’s demeanor was bright but humbled, receiving the medal was humbling to him. He earned it, something he did on his own.

"And I might add ‘mate, your father had nothing to do with giving you this Medal. He didn’t even speak with the Council that awarded it to you," the Captain smiled.

"Thank you sir, I’m very glad to hear that, thank you for telling me."

"I need to go ’mate," the Captain stood up, placed his cup on Deiran’s desk. Then he held out his hand and shook Deiran’s hand, "Congratulations ‘mate, well deserved ‘Commander."

The Captain left Deiran’s office. About thirty minutes later the new Ops officer, Ensign Makoko arrived for their appointment.

"Welcome Ensign, have a seat," Deiran said, shaking the Ensign’s hand. The Ensign looked a little nervous.

"Just wanted to welcome you aboard Ensign, get you acquainted with my procedures for Ops. Basically, I’ve put it all down on this PADD, read it when you have time," Deiran handed Ilo the PADD. "I’ve assigned you to Gamma shift, you’ll start tonight. That’s all I wanted Ensign. Just wanted to introduce myself to you, and give you the Ops Procedural for the Galaxy," I think you have an appointment with Lt. (JG) St. John, he’ll show you to your new quarters. And then you’ll report to sickbay for a check-up. One last thing Ensign, I expect excellence and respect from those under my command. You have a clean record so I expect good things from you."

Deiran stood up and led the Ensign out of his office. Deiran cleaned things up and then turned off the light. He went to the Gym to work out and then headed home for dinner, time with his family and some rest before he started Gamma shift.

=/\= "Rewards" =/\=
by Lt. Matthew Albrecht

The handful of security officers moved through the corridor like a pack of hungry wolves, stalking their prey in formation. Well, like hungry wolves carrying plastic storage units, stalking a residential apartment in formation. In the leading position was Gary Trabuco, carrying a box filled with uniforms, four PADDs stacked atop it, sliding back and forth as his weight shifted. He knew the way, he said. "Lieutenant Van Hoeven used to live there," he explained, even though no one had heard of any lieutenant Van Hoeven.

Behind him, like wingmen to either side, followed ensign Salt and Matthew Albrecht. Each of them carried a similar box, filled with personal belongings. Astrid's box was topped by two clear display boxes. On Matthew's box was a mannequin's head wearing an ancient barrister's wig. The two friends shrugged at each other, smiling at Gary's quirky, know-it-all personality.

"Here it is, your new abode!" Gary declared. He activated the door control, and it swished open, revealing Matthew's new quarters. 'L' shaped, the large room was almost two rooms, with the bed around the corner concealed by a curtain and a sitting area at the corner. Several shelves and cupboards were ample space for the lieutenant's meager possessions. "You can add a few pieces of furniture, an occasional table, maybe a whole mannequin for that wig--give him a proper robe and all that..." Gary rambled on, furnishing Matthew's whole room, his whole world even, in his mind.

Matthew interrupted, "Gary, I think I'll be able to decorate it myself." He laughed, putting his burden upon the floor in front of a cabinet. Each of them put away a few things in their obvious locations. Astrid Salt found a nice spot for the Cardassian Blade of Decision, easily seen from the sofa. The rusty dagger still protruded from its Chuk block, in traditional Cardassian fashion.

She picked up the other display box, and frowned, "Hey, Matthew, isn't this a pistol? I've seen these somewhere before..." In the transparent aluminum box was an automatic pistol, its magazine removed and sitting on the base. The weapon gleamed with good care, but an alloy plug prevented the slide from operating or holding a round of ammunition.

Albrecht took the clear box from her, looking into it. "This is a Rhomboid pistol. I really don't know why I keep it, but it reminds me of things..." He found a place for it, behind and above the sofa, where it could be seen when standing but not while sitting in casual conversation. "It reminds me of where we've been, and how far we've come."

Gary looked up from filling Matthew's uniform drawer to see the exchange. "You oughta show that to ensign K'Vada, he's really into projectile weapons. He's probably never seen one of those," he continued as he closed the drawer and moved on to off-duty tunics. "He might offer you some latinum, too."

Salt looked over and made a disapproving face, "You have no sentimentality in your entire body, Trabuco. I swear you were raised by Targs!" she jibed. Noticing Matthew placing his Gavel, she shook her head at him. "No, no, you can't put that there! Why have it if you aren't going to show it off?" She took it from him and put it in front of his PADDs, centered on a prominent shelf. "Who wants to see these old things, anyway," she concluded.

"Well, I suppose I can always put these holoprints on the walls," Matthew stated after seeing that all the best spots were filled with his growing collection of sentimental items. He looked at his family picture, wondering if he could get his mother to send him something newer. One of the cats was supposed to have had kittens, which his parents were handing out to other diplomats on Tellar like prizes. Many of the alien delegates had never met a feline before, and fell immediately in love with the independant souls.

He surveyed his new place happily. After his exam the week before, having been fairly sure he had done well, he had decided to reward himself by requesting private quarters. Already, he felt more independant. Resting Hawk Talloak had never really liked him anyway, and his girlfriend had always made a point of messing up his personal space, spraying perfume around and leaving her things on his bed. *Why did she do that?* he wondered. No matter, that was all over now.

In short order, the three had put the small loads away. That was all, he didn't have much to move. They relaxed for a few minutes, talking about their families. Gary maintained Astrid's joke about his family being Targs, and they had a healthy laugh.

"Look, let's all go to ten-forward, I'll buy breakfast!" Matthew offered his friends. They continued their lively morning conversation in the lounge, while the Galaxy proceeded on to its next great adventure.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"Old military axoim"
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer),
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

***** Cat's Quarters *****

Stretching out the kinks in her body, she watched the stars in her windows. Today was the Medical Breakfast for the team and with it, all the good byes for Tash. Cat was excited that she was the new ACMO, but for Tash to be leaving for her to get it seemed a little unfair and wrong. Rising and then showering, she automatically reached over for her uniform to dress. This was supposed to be informal, she reached for a mini-dress. Cat was proud of the uniform of Starfleet, but it was just that little uncomfortable. Her uniforms had to be tailored for her tail. The dress allowed her tail to be free.

As she was dressing she called out for her messages. Messages from Ursa, Nilani, Greer, Matthew and a long list of other congratulations from friends on the Galaxy. Sending her own messages of congratulations to:

Ursa: So your the new /sheriff/ in this one-horse town. Congratulations Ursa, the New Chief of Security, maybe we can get together later to celebrate it. What do ya think?

Matthew: Just a quick line, so as not to interfere with your studies. Congratulations on your promotion to a full Lieutenant. When ya got some time, a drink in 10-Forward.

Chanor: Lieutenant Commander huh and also Assistant Chief. Congrats Chanor, how about a drink in 10-Forward.

Ryak: I am really happy to hear that you don't have to worry about staying in the Brig. What do ya think of a drink in 10-Forward to celebrate your release, he he.

Cat was going to leave her congratulations to Nilani and Endris till the breakfast and to say her goodbyes to Tash, to give them personally. She looked at her clock and noticed she had only a few minutes to get there. Rushing out, hopping to put her shoes on as she rushed to Holodeck 2.

***** Holodeck 2 *****

The breakfast went well, Cat couldn't help but hug her ex-boss when she gave her goodbyes. "Good Bye Jurelle, I hope you can kick some sense into those EMHs."

[(Goodbye Tash, it was great simming with you. Wish you all the best for the future)]

"Well, Nilani - Looks like you're the new ruler for the Sickbay - What is your first command for your loyal and humble serfs?" Cat called out when everybody toasted Nilani on her new position.

"My royal decree is that everybody here is to enjoy themselves!" Everybody laughed as Nilani tried to put on the all high and mighty emperoress act.

Cat turned around and called out for a celebratory toast for Endris. This in celebration for her promotion. Endris smiled and held up her own glass. "Congratulations Lieutenant Endris Gakor."

Nilani had a surprise for Cat, one that she wasn't quite expecting. "Cat, I have a little present for you. Now that you are the new ACMO. Computer, Nilani Dinner Alpha-B."

A glitter of blue sparkles appeared as a huge box, wrapped in paper with a red ribbon bow appeared off to the side. Cat looked at it a little wide eyed. "I thought you said it would be small.

"Big, small it's all relative." Nilani smiled.

Cat moved to the parcel and touched the bow. The bow untied and slid off the package. Cat opened the box and looked in. The box was filled with PADDs. "What the...?"

Nilani began laughing, "Tash has already passed on to me all those little things the CMO has to deal with. So fair is fair, here are all those reports, articles and everything else that I had to deal with as the ACMO. Enjoy! But you are hereby ordered not to worry about them until after the breakfast."

***** Somewhere on the way to Ten-Forward *****

Cat was furious, both at herself and Ursa. She hadn't had a chance to say more than hello a few times to that K'tarian b!+(h and here she was with her arms around Ursa, returning from the Starbase. Luckily, the two hadn't seen Cat as she reversed direction and swapped to a different corridor.

Being furious at Ursa made her even more furious with herself. 'You have had a number of weeks to talk to him on how you feel, you wimped out every time. You spent every opportunity to make sure he didn't know. And so another woman has walked in. You've only got yourself to blame.'

'What a way to celebrate today?' she thought to herself. 'Assistant Chief Medical Officer and a full Lieutenant and here you go acting like some teenager. He has made his choice and you've got no right to consider otherwise.' It still didn't make Cat feel better and she moved off towards Ten-Forward to drown her sorrows.

***** Ten-Forward *****

Door was looking after the bar. With the meditations in the Bajoran Temple, he could feel his spiritual centre strengthen and with that, the crew on the Galaxy was finally accepting him. Compared to his first day on board, today was a slice of heaven. As was the last few weeks.

The doors to the corridor outside slid open and Cat strode in towards the bar. Door could see that Cat was angry about something. He could see it in her face, but it was her tail that confirmed it. It was flicking from side to side in what Door recognised for frustration and anger. He noticed this was the first time that he had seen her out of uniform. As she hopped onto a stool, Door asked, "Hi Felicia - What can I get you?"

Cat just looked at him, she grimaced and said "Hudson, Give me a Blaster and Deneb Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake.

"So Felicia, would you like to talk about it?" To Door, Cat's order sounded a lot like someone trying to cheer herself up. Considering her mood, it only confirmed it.

As he went about filling her order, Cat just looked at the bar top and just shook her head. Door gave a small smile, "Someone told me that I would have friends here on the Galaxy, I just thought I'd remind you. I think some Caitian told me that a few weeks ago."

Cat gave an embarrassed snort as she listened to Door. "Ok Hudson, you've got me there. Thanks, but I'd just like to be by myself for a little while. I really appreciate you being there."

"Sure Felicia. Here ya go," as Door passed over her order. As Cat moved to a table, she saw Commander Sterner enter, PADD in hand.

She sat down and began on her meal, she heard Door and the Commander begin their discussions on an energy drink and its name. Cat shook her head a little bit, the thought of the second most powerful officer on the flagship of the Fleet was in Ten-Forward discussing what to name a drink. Just seemed a little unreal, but what the hey, showed he was just a normal person, like the rest of us.

Cat began eating the cake and sipping her 'Blaster', doing what she could to stop Ursa from intruding on her thoughts. Low in her throat she began a light purring, her 'prescription' for her anger was working.

"Uhhmmm, Excuse me?" Cat looked up to see an ensign wearing the gold of the support services.

"Yes Ensign?"

"Mind if I sit here?" The ensign indicated the seat across from Cat.

Cat just shrugged, "Yeah, if you want."

"Thanks, uh my name is Anthony, uh, Anthony Mendenhall." He held his hand out to Cat.

Cat took his hand, "Felicia Khatroweena, Hi" Cat gave a quick smile and returned to her chocolate mousse cheesecake.

"Hope you don't think I'm intruding, I overheard from you talking to the barman that you were a Caitian. Is that right?"

Cat was about to return with a caustic comment about her ears and tail, but as she opened her mouth, she thought better of it. "Yes, but not quite, I'm half Terran."

"I know a little about Caitians, I wasn't sure, that was all. Your Terran half is what threw me," replied Anthony.

Cat just gave a small nod. "I don't remember seeing you before, you came on board the Galaxy recently."

"Yeah, just a couple of days ago. I still can't get used to the size of the ship."

"Takes a bit of getting used to, but you do."

"Yeah, it's a little embarrassing. I'm an engineer, here to run the ship and I get lost on it."

Cat tried to hide the chuckle, but a few snorts came out, "Haven't you been informed?... I suppose once you get used to the ship, you forget about it. Anthony, if you ever get lost, just contact the computer. It will set up lights to guide you were you want to go."

Anthony felt embarrassed, Cat saw his embarrassment and stopped chuckling. "Don't sweat it Anthony, I was on the Galaxy just over a week, before I found out about it. I was getting lost from my own quarters to Sickbay."

"What do you do Felicia? Like I said I'm in Engineering."

"Me," Cat smiled, she had the chance to roll out her full rank and position to someone who didn't know. She was interested in seeing Anthony's reaction. "Lieutenant Felicia Khatroweena, Assistant Chief Medical Officer."

Anthony tensed up, "Uh Ma'am. I didn't know. Uh..."

"Don't worry about it Anthony. We are both off duty. You should be if you are here," Cat smiled. "Relax, just call me Cat. All my friends do."

"Cat, ok. That's interesting, I have a cat, named Digit."

"Digit, strange name."

"Well, there's a small story on how Digit became Digit."

"Really, you'll have to tell me some time. You should see Greer, he'd be quite happy to talk to another cat lover on the Galaxy."

"Who Ma'am... uh Cat?"

"Sorry, Lieutenant Greer Erikson, Chief Science Officer. He'd be very happy to talk to another cat lover."

"Yes of course. What about you?" asked Anthony.

"What about me?"

"Do you like cats, Cat?" he smiled as he heard what he said.

"I love cats, they like me."

"Do you own a cat?"

"No, I just don't have the time to look after them. I spend too much time on duty that wouldn't be fair for the animal. I'd like to."

Anthony and Cat talked a while longer, talking about cats and the Galaxy.

"Family"
by Casey Ti Miran

Miran tugged the reins of her mount. This place wasn't too familiar. The village where she had found the monolith had changed to but she had recognized the town center, the water hole.

The family had stopped at the water hole for lunch and a rest in the heat of the day. The water had been a welcome respite in the day's heat.

"I remember that tree, I remember the way it split. We are almost there." Miran urged her stead back up to a steady, but not fast pace. Coming up over a hill, Miran slowed and dismounted. Down at the bottom of the hill stood the remains of a house at a cluster of trees. Miran started down the hill gaining speed as she descend.

Deiran watched his wife go down the hill. He dismounted and followed but at a slower speed as he had his daughter. He stopped at the foot of the hill watching as Miran looked around. A hand on his shoulder surprised him, though not scaring him. He had not heard anyone come up. Deiran turned to face the Bajoran.

"Excuse me, you are trespassing. I must ask you to leave." The man seemed to be in his late 30s or early 40s.

"I'm sorry, my wife thinks this was where her family lived." By now Miran had seen the other man and was approaching.

"That's not possible, you must leave," again he said. Miran took her husband's arm looking up at his face. Miran studied the Bajoran's face. It looked familiar in a strange way.

"I am sorry, sir. My family lived here. I wanted to see."

"I think you are mistaken, the family that lived here died during the occupation. The Cardassians took them away never to return; they're dead. Please leave."

"Please let me explain," Miran begged. "My family's name was Ti. They were taken to Hutet Labor Camp on Cardassia IV. I was released in 2369 and joined Starfleet. This is my first time seeing my home."

"What's your name?" The Bajoran asked with an odd expression on his face.

"Miran, Casey Ti, I took Deiran's with mine when we married."

"You were just a baby," he whispered. It was Miran's turn to give him funny looks.

"Forgive me, I am Lek Aben. My name before I married was Ti." Miran sat down hard on the ground.

***

They had been invited back to Lek's home. He lived not far from his childhood home. Aben had explained to Miran how he had not been rounded up with his family. He had been visiting some of his friends when the Cardassians had come and took his family away. He told her about her parents and her siblings.

Miran told him about their parents' execution. She told him about their brother's escape attempt, she always thought that he was her oldest brother. He was saddened of the death of their other brother and sister from Oriketts disease.

They had exchanged stories long into the night. Lara had been taken and put to bed by Aben's wife. Deiran had nodded off a couple of times. Finally Aben stood up.

"You must be tired. Please allow me to show you to a bed." Miran and Deiran followed, happy to sleep.

***

Miran didn't want to leave but they needed to return to the Galaxy, their vacation over. They had visited many places while getting to know her brother. They exchanged promises to keep in touch.

"So, did you have a good time, honey?" Miran asked as she piloted the ship back to the coodinates to rejoin the Galaxy.

"Yes, but I'm looking forward to returning to the ship, how about you?"

"I loved it, Thank you so much. I love you."

"You know I will always love you, Miran." She knew, she always knew. Deiran was everything.

They returned to the Galaxy, one tan, happy family.

"Legacy"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

There was one universal fact. When things are quiet, patrol duty, even on a Starship, is a drag.

Things were quiet on board the USS Galaxy. Months had past since the Federation had retaken Deep Space Nine back from the Cardassian-Dominion Alliance, and the mysterious disappearance of the Dominion fleet through the worm hole had helped to stifle the war effort for the Alliance. It appeared that other than a few Jem'Hadar scout ships that would occasionally test and probe Federation space, the Dominion had withdrawn back to the safety of the Cardassian controlled zones. Rumors circulated and speculation was being tossed around that the Alliance was trying to rebuild it's forces on this side of the worm hole. That new fighters and battle ships were being fashioned in the shipyards of Cardassia Prime. Captain Price admitted, he thought this was highly likely. But for right now, the Galaxy was running sentry duty over a relatively dead, unimportant span of space. In a way it reminded Lee of the Galaxy's first tour of duty under Captain Shoak, when the mighty Starship was assigned to the outer reaches of the galaxy on a mapping mission while the Enterprise-D got to have all the fun and glory in the Alpha quadrant. The thought depressed him if he lingered on it.

Dull duty leads to it's own form of entertainment however. While the Galaxy was trekin' along at warp factor one touring the Federation borders, watching the sensors and the stars pass by, and doing little else, Captain Price thought it would be a terrific time to practice his casting technique. He had a short, fly fishing rod with a weighted fly, sans-hook, that he was using to cast out from his command chair towards the front of the bridge. He'd then slowly reel in the line. The newer rod made a crisp ratchetting sound that was the only thing that stood out from the back ground noise of the ships humming systems. With each click and recasting of the line, Captain Price seemed to expressing the same level of boredom the rest of the bridge crew was experiencing. What was left of it anyway. It seems that most of the senior officers from Alpha shift had already found excuses, ANY excuse, to get off the bridge and do something to break up the monotony of patrol duty.

"Anything on the sensors mister Hermedhie?" Captain Price called back while casting out another line from the command chair.

The Ensign rocked his head, slowly while he double checked the tactical display from the rear arch of the bridge. Lieutenant McKenzie had asked that Raesene mind the store while he attended to some certification programs on Holodeck one. At least that is the excuse Mac had given the new Ensign. In actuality, Hunter probably wanted to get off the bridge like everyone else. You can listen to the bored ratchetting of a fishing pole only so long before it drives you crazy. Unless you are a fisherman... But Raesene didn't mind. He looked forward to the additional time at the tactical station. Simulations were fine and good, but there was little that compared to real world experience at the controls of a Starship like the Galaxy.

"Negative Captain. Nothing on the scanners for a good twelve parsecs." Hermedhie stated tapping his finger over a couple of buttons just to be sure.

"I didn't thing so 'mate," Captain Price stated, reeling in his line, "just wishful thinking I suppose."

Raesene's eye brow shot up as he noticed something odd. With the quiet on the minimally staffed bridge and no one talking, the tactical officers soft grunt at the odd readings was all it took to get the Captain's attention.

"What is it 'mate? Anything interesting?" Lee asked.

"I'm not sure Captain... I'm picking up a strange disturbance behind the Galaxy. Some kind of neutrino field that seems to be caught in our wake." Ensign Hermedhie explained.

Captain Price's reeling stopped as the tip of the rod was lowered in sync with his eyes narrowing. "Raise shields." He ordered flatly, "Signal red alert."

A shocked look formed on Raesene's face, but he quickly let his training take over, reaching and tapping the controls that surrounded the Galaxy with her protective energy shielding. "Shield's raised Captain,... sounding red alert."

The Battle klaxons began to wail in the back ground as the lights dimmed and the alert status lights filled the bridge with a reddish glow.

"Ensign Vulgar, drop us out of warp, spin us around and then full stop 'mate. Let's see who's riding our hind quarters shall we?" Captain Price ordered.

"Aye Captain." the Vulcan Ensign calmly replied.

"Mister Hermedhie, stand by with main phasers 'mate."

"Weapons are on-line and standing by Captain." Raesene said excitedly. The rush of adrenaline could be heard in the young officers voice.

"Hold off on firing until I give the command Ensign. On the Galaxy, we don't shoot until we get a visual and can confirm what we are firing at. Is that understood 'mate?" Lee explained, discarding his fishing pole to punch up the small tactical readout on the arm of his command chair.

"Perfectly Captain." Hermedhie confirmed, this time in a more even tone.

"Dropping out of warp Captain." Vulcar explained.

The Galaxy slowed down to sub-light speed and quickly spun around, coming to a full stop, phasers charged and ready to blast away at whoever was tailing the Federation Starship. It was an impressive site.

"Captain, I'm detecting a massive wave of neutrino particles directly ahead of us." Lieutenant' Sullax explained from science station one, having begun monitoring for neutrino particles after Ensign Hermedhie first detected them.

All eyes turned to the main view screen even as the senior bridge officers began exiting the turbolift and stepped onto the bridge. Bancroft, Erikson, Thomas, McKenzie and Sterner each stood there just behind the tactical arch and watched with the rest of the bridge crew.

Before the Galaxy, the space began to quiver, like a pool of water under a strong wind, before the outline of a Klingon Bird of Prey began to materialize just a few hundred kilometers in front of the ship. Her foils were bent down in attack position as she loomed in space, so near the USS Galaxy that she barely fit on the main view screen.

"Status report?" Captain Price called back.

Hunter stepped over to Ensign Hermedhie and placed a friendly hand on his shoulder, effectively relieving him of the tactical station. Stepping forward, McKenzie tapped up the required display while the other senior officers stepped down to the command well to assume their duty stations. "Their weapons are armed Captain, but they haven't locked onto the Galaxy."

Captain Price watched as the Bird of Prey bobbed and swayed slightly where it hovered in space. "He's a cool customer that one." Lee commented. "Lieutenant Thomas, hail them."

Chris smiled at Ensign Trinker as the Benzite officer quickly allowed Lieutenant Thomas to resume his post. "Opening a channel Captain. They are responding."

"On screen." Lee stated.

The main view screen was replaced with the image of a Klingon Commander wearing a warriors uniform. He didn't dangle on any sort of pleasant greeting rituals. "I have been sent to deliver a message to..." the Klingon referenced a Klingon PADD and continued, "Captain Lee Price, the General. I will speak to him at once." He said rudely, in typical Klingon fashion.

Lee glanced around as the Senior bridge crew finished retaking their stations and the junior officers moved off out of the way. He watched as the last of them made their way to the turbolift for a well deserved break after hours of boring patrol duty. He then refocused on the view screen. "I am Captain Price. You may deliver your message to me 'mate."

The Klingon shook his head negatively and bared his teeth in a sort of disagreeable snarl. "That is not acceptable. My instructions were to deliver this message to the General personally."

Captain Price glanced at Commander Sterner briefly before looking back at the Klingon Commander. "Give me a moment to discuss it with my 'mates." Lee then made a slashing motion with his hand and thumb, signaling Lieutenant McKenzie to cut the audio portion of the transmission.

"I don't like it Captain." Sterner stated, "It could be a trap."

Lee nodded, "Aye, could be, but they are our allies now in the war against the Dominion. We can't just blow them off when they are helping us keep the Alpha quadrant from falling."

"Well then, Captain, at least have him transport to

the USS Galaxy. That should be a great deal safer than sending you onto their ship." Joerg recommended.

"Sounds like a plan. Lieutenant, reinstate audio." Captain Price called back.

"Audio reinstated Captain." Hunter confirmed.

"Okay 'mate. Power down your weapons and lower your shields and we will have you beamed on board the Galaxy." Lee said in a diplomatic tone.

The Klingon's eyes narrowed slightly, not liking the idea of taking the Qul'etlh's weapons off-line. In a sort of disgusted snarl, he signaled to one of his crew members to do as the Captain had requested.

"I await your transporter signal General..." the Klingon Commander stated impatiently.

Lee pivoted in his chair and glanced at Lieutenant McKenzie at Tactical.

Hunter gave a positive nod. "They have lowered their shields and powered down their weapons sir."

Captain Price gave a calm smile and blinked at Hunter, thanking him for his help. "Stand down from red alert Lieutenant. Have our Klingon guest beamed on board. I'll meet him in transporter room two."

Lee then turned back to face the view screen. "We will beam you on board in a few moments 'mate. Stand by for our signal. USS Galaxy out." The Captain then deactivated the view screen.

"Captain, we should send a team of security to accompany you to the transporter room." Sterner suggested, "Purely as a precaution of course."

Lee smiled, "Still a little jumpy from the incident with the Breen I take it Commander?"

Joerg raised his eyebrows slightly, "It's just that we seem to have had a rash of security problems lately. I'd like to make sure we stay on top of things from now on before they develop into something larger than they need to."

Lee nodded and grinned. "You'll probably earn less metals that way my friend." he teased.

Joerg smiled, "That's a risk I'm willing to live with sir."

"Very well, inform Lieutenant Commander Sunder to have some men standing by in transporter room two. I'm on my way there now. The bridge is yours 'mate. We've stood down from red alert, but still.." Lee swung his head in the direction of the Klingon Bird of Prey, "...keep an eye on 'em."

"Will do Captain." Joerg agreed as the Captain made his way to the turbolift on route to Transporter room two.

"Free at Last"
By: Lt(jg) Ryak Sullax
Science Officer USS Galaxy

Ryak sat in the cell in deep meditation when Lt. Erikson arrived outside his cell.

"Ensign Sullax."

"Sir." Ryak said as he stood up.

"There are a few things we need to discuss."

"Aye sir."

"The first thing is the SI issue."

Ryak stood still as Erikson went on about how the issue had gone and what was going to happen from then on. Ryak understood everything that was said.

"Ok Ensign place your thumb print here and I will send this on to the Captain."

Ryak placed his print on the padd.

"For the second thing there has been a commendation placed in your record for the proper re-calculating of our oxygen while we were in the vortex."

Ryak could see that the reminder of the time in the vortex gave the Lt some pain. "It was all a part of my job sir."

"Thanks all the same Ensign."

Ryak was starting to get annoyed with all the Ensign formalities that was being placed on him. "And the other things, Sir."

"The next thing is you are now released from the brig. That means you get to return to all of your duties as soon as possible. So good luck Lieutenant (jg) Sullax and I hope all goes well."

"Ryak raised an eye brow as the Lt was talking. He heard what was said and didn't know how to respond. Erikson gave Ryak his pip and shook his hand.

In Erikson's best attempt at Romulan he continued, "I have to again thank you for your work on this last mission. I can fore see an interesting working relationship in the future. Be well, and good luck."

"Thank you sir." Ryak nodded his head and followed the Lt out of the brig.

Erikson went one way and Ryak headed for his quarters. The doors slid open to the darkness of the room.

"Lights." Ryak said as he entered. The room was in basically the same way as it was when he had left. Ryak could see that he had a few messages. First he had to change. Ryak had a shower then put on a new clean uniform. He looked in the mirror at his new pip. It looked good.

"Computer display messages."

"Ryak, you have four messages. They are from CMO USS Excalibur Ensign Jakar Rydoc, Dr Khatroweena and Tryas Multar."

Ryak's heart skipped a beat as he heard the last name. Ryak moved over to the replicator, got some food and sat down at his desk. After reading Cat's message he responded by accepting the offer for a drink and letting her decide the time an place. He then played the message from Jakar. All was well aboard the Excalibur and was going to get difficult. Ryak always enjoyed the shortness of the doctors letters. Ever since they shared a room at the academy he he only had short, blunt and direct conversations with him. Now for the final message. Tryas Multar had not tried to contact Ryak for at least one year.

"Computer play message."

****

Chris Gagne
A.K.A. Lieutenant(JG.) Ryak Sullax
Science Officer
USS Galaxy
Contact at: i2qtnot2b@hotmail.com

As Mendenhall and Cat talked, he took out the isolinear chip and looked at it. He started to think about the program. As he looked at it, he wondered how his sister and the rest of his family was doing back home. He fingered the small program in his hands.

"After that-" she stopped and looked at him curiously. "You alright?" she inquired. A little startled, he sat up higher in his chair.. "What was that, sorry, I was thinking about something else" he said a little sheepishly. "What about Anthony?" she asked. "My sister and some other stuff," he replied simply. "Oh, what is she like?" she asked.

"Well," he thought for a moment. "She's the exact opposite of me. She's really out going and loves to talk. She didn't like farm work very much either. Not that she hated it, just rather do other things." All the sudden he stopped. He thought to himself that he had probably spoken more here than all through his schooling career if you didn't count the orals he had taken. Then he thought again. Probably he was streching that, but still, he had probably only spoken this long to his cat Digit.

Cat looked at him quirkly, thinking this guy really was strange. She tried to start the conversation as she almost finished her Deneb Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake. "So, what's on that Isolinear chip?" she questioned as she looked at it. "Oh," he said getting back into reality. "It's just this program for her birthday kind of. She wanted this holo program for her and her boyfriend, so I'm working on one. I was going to go work on it after a drink." He looked at the already drunken glass of orange juice and decided he needed to get that done before his next shift.

"Well," he stood up. "I gotta go work on this before my shift is over." he said to her. He started to ask her if she wanted to come along, but he thought why would she. "See you around some time" he said waving to her. "See you around," she replied. He pushed his chair back into the table and then started out.

" Need any help hanging that painting in your quarters? " Ursa asked coyly. Half of Sunder screamed at himself, trying to re-establish control. The other half, however, was content to let go of the carefully-built restraints he had crafted through years of discipline. Things were happening too fast. He felt dizzy as Xala's lips brushed against his, aware of their presence as a thirsting man in the desert is aware of cool water rushing into his mouth. He broke contact to steady himself, silently wondering at the strange turn of events that had brought them to this point.

Darling Rin who he had thought lost on that bywater planet. Rin, who had taught him that there was more to life than just duty. Her wild lust for life had managed to permeate even his thick sensibilities. Life was for the living, she had told him... and here she was again weaving her spell on him once more.

" What's wrong? " She asked, wondering at the cessation of his amorous advances.

" I'm ... overwhelmed. " He managed, croaking his words in a harsh whisper. " I had thought you dead for the past five years and then you're here. It's like some ... "

" Dream? " She finished for him, with an arched eyebrow. " That's what it is, you know? After all, life IS but a dream. " Her tone sweetened. " And if you hang that painting with me, I can make your dreams come true. "

Sunder chuckled, his flushed face, apparent even in the shadows of the restaurant's back booth. Xala clapped her hands delightedly, giggling with schoolgirl glee.

" You still haven't changed a bit! Stuffy as an old maid and just as uptight. " She took one of his mammoth hands in hers. " Ursa, we can move as slow as you like. There's no need to force yourself to catch up with me. We just found each other again. We have all the time in the galaxy - literally, I guess. " She said with a knowing smile.

Ursa smiled back, relieved at her understanding. " It's happening just like it did before. " He said. " Only you're not trying to play hard to get this time. "

Xala thought for a moment. " Hard to get - huh! I practically threw myself at you! You've got a head as thick as a brick! "

Sunder snorted. " Well, I just thought you were being friendly. I didn't want to make any improper advances, that's all. "

" Don't make me laugh. " She said, laughing anyway. " You're shy - face it, big, tough security chief: deep down, you'll always be Mr. Shy Guy. " Xala saw a frown creep over Sunder's face. " Now don't get that way. I know you hate it when people start to see through that ' somber, brooding giant ' illusion you've built up over the years, but if you only let your guard down every so often, you'd realize that people can appreciate your sensitive side as well. "

" It doesn't help a security officer to be known as a soft touch. " He grumbled.

" It also doesn't help if you pout either. " She remarked back at him.

" You're right. " He checked the ornamental chronometer on the restaurant wall. " I should get back. I have a ton of depositions to go through and file. Got to make a good impression now. "

" And it wouldn't help your image to be seen with a lounge hostess in a seedy starbase restaurant, would it? " She teased.

" Take a raincheque on the painting? " He asked.

" You got it, big boy. " She purred.

*******

Days later, Sunder's PADD was still crammed with seemingly-endless notes, files, messages, and other administrative matters. He had a lot of changes to implement in his new position. He caught the note of congratulations on his promotion from Felicia and others. He paused at Cat's note. For some reason he felt strangely guilty when he thought about her. She'd been oddly distant with him in the last few days; the spark of friendship had been replaced with a sense of dutiful manners.

He sighed - another mystery that would have to wait while he tried to push his way through the mountain of management that lay before him. Women were always a mystery to him though. Sometimes he preferred trying to match wits with those of the criminal persuasion, rather than of the feminine! At least with them, a man knew where he stood.

His reverie was interrupted with the whine of the alert klaxon sounding red alert. Instinctively he reached for his communicator badge. As if sensing his movement, the badge started to chirp.

" Sunder here. Go ahead. "

" Ursa? Joerg here. "

" What's up Joerg? "

" There's a bloody awful Bird of Prey trailing us, Ursa. Their commander wants to chat with the Captain in person. Can you arrange for two of your officers to meet him in the transporter room? "

" I'll even better that. I'll even go myself. "

" Can you spare the time? " Sterner said half-mockingly.

Sunder looked ruefully back at the data-stuffed PADD on his desk. " It's nothing that can't wait. Sunder out. "

He tapped his badge again. " Sunder to officers Chen and Albrecht: meet me in the transporter room. We have a guest to escort. "

He only hoped the Klingon commander wasn't a woman...

"First the Breen, Now Klingons?"
by Ensign James Chen
Security Officer

Chen was sitting in the brig, as it was his turn for guard duty. Normally, there wouldn't be anybody there at all except an overzealous crew member had had a few too many in Ten-Forward and started making a little to much noise. Chen popped his neck and all of a sudden, the red alert klaxon sounded. Well, at least that was interesting.

Chen sat up and wondered what was going on. Another security officer, the other one working guard duty, came in and sat down. After a few minutes, his comm badge chirped.

[Sunder to officers Chen and Albrecht: Meet me in the transporter room, we have a guest to escort.]

Chen caught the envious look from the other guard and he smiled. He jogged to the transporter room. When he arrived, Sunder was already there. "Ensign. Good to see you."

Chen nodded. "Good to see you, Chief."

Sunder smiled at the new title. He didn't seem quite used to it yet. A second later, Lieutenant Albrecht entered and exchanged pleasantries with everyone. Just minutes after that, Captain Price himself came striding in. Chen had seen him a couple times before when he had bridge duty, but he still wasn't used to being around the Captain himself.

The Captain and Sunder spoke for a few seconds and then he looked over at the transporter operator. "Well, mate. Let's bring our guest over." The operator nodded and pressed the controls. The transporter beam started to shimmer as their guest beamed aboard.

"Breaking the Monotony"
by Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft

***

Tebrianne took another slug of her lager as she jotted down a cord on the PADD in front of her. She set down her glass and played the last bit of her new song. She smiled and took another slug of her drink.

It was really nice that the captain had been fine with her excuse to get off of the bridge to work on the Helm Performance reports. She'd recently had a staff increase with Vulcar, Bova, and Sharp coming onboard and then Prince in the shuttle bay, and wanted a little time to review their performances over the last couple weeks. Of course, she hadn't told the captain that it would take her upwards of a half hour to finish the reviews. And, it gave Ensign Vulcar a chance to log some time at the helm.

With the recent crew rotation, the rest of her department was pretty new to the ship. She needed to find an assistant, and the only way to do that would be to watch how each of the Helmsmen perform on duty.

But, that was business. She had taken a sanity break from the boredom of this bloody patrol Starfleet had set the ship out on. Teb had managed to make it about halfway through the song she'd started a couple days ago. She slugged down the last of her drink, and penned in the next cord and changed one she'd written about ten minutes ago. She played it, and smiled.

Tebrianne was about to go order another drink when the red alert klaxons started blaring. She grabbed her PADD and guitar and rushed to the bar. As she nearly ran toward the exit, she made a quick stop at the bar.

"Door," she said quickly. "Be a dear and watch this for me. Duty calls." The bartender spluttered something as Teb thrust the instrument into his hands. "Thanks love," she called as she made a dash for the door.

***

Tebrianne tapped her foot in a steady rhythm as she waited for the turbolift to deposit her, and the rest of the senior staff, on the bridge. She fought to keep her composure as she stood next to Greer Erickson in the lift. She hoped that no one was picking up on how nervous she was. Hopefully, they'd just take it as nervousness over the red alert, and not that she was standing next to the bloke she wanted to... Get that bloody thought right out of your bleeding head, girl, Tebrianne cursed herself. "Nothing like a red alert to break up the monotony of a boring patrol," she said. Chuckles rippled through the car as she echoed their unspoken thoughts.

The door of the lift opened. "About bloody time," she said stepping out of the car. A part of Teb was sad to have to move away from Greer though. She would have been content to just stand their next to him forever. But, duty called.

A Klingon Bird of Prey loomed on the viewscreen. The Klingons are so bored they've taken to attacking their allies, Teb thought. What next?

Lieutenant Thomas opened a channel to the ship as Teb moved down to the CONN and replaced Ensign Vulcar. A quick diagnostic told her everything was operating normally. She heard the brief exchange between the captain and the commander of the Klingon ship.

"That is not acceptable," the Klingon commander snarled, sounding like a cross between an angry pitbull and a Targ with a hairball. "My instructions were to deliver this message to the General personally."

"Give me a moment to discuss it with my 'mates." Captain Price said, and Teb heard the audio cut out.

"I don't like it, Captain," Commander Sterner said. "It could be a trap."

"Aye," Captain Price said. "Could be, but they are our allies now in the war against the Dominion. We can't just blow them off when they are helping us keep the Alpha quadrant from falling."

"Well then, Captain, at least have him transport to the USS Galaxy. That should be a great deal safer than sending you onto their ship." the Commander said.

Tebrianne snapped her gum, and double-checked the Galaxy's last course settings. "Sounds like a plan," Captain Price said. "Lieutenant, reinstate audio."

"Audio reinstated Captain." Lt. McKenzie acknowledged.

Well, like always they didn't need my advice, Tebrianne thought.

"Okay 'mate. Power down your weapons and lower your shields and we will have you beamed on board the Galaxy," the Captain said, sounding like he should be an ambassador.

The Klingon commander's eyes narrowed, enhancing that look of the pitbullesque Targ. With a snarl, he gestured to one of his officers. What a grouch, Tebrianne thought. It's probably all that Klingon Opera.

"I await your transporter signal General..." the Klingon said.

After a brief pause, McKenzie said, "They have lowered their shields and powered down their weapons sir."

"Stand down from red alert Lieutenant," the Captain said. "Have our Klingon guest beamed on board. I'll meet him in transporter room two. We will beam you on board in a few moments 'mate. Stand by for our signal. USS Galaxy out." The Klingon's face was replaced with the view of the Bird of Prey sitting motionless in front of the Galaxy. Tebrianne could never shake the thought that the Klingon Bird of Prey resembled the Terran Duck just a little too closely.

"Captain, we should send a team of security to accompany you to the transporter room." Sterner said, "Purely as a precaution of course."

"Still a little jumpy from the incident with the Breen I take it Commander?"

"It's just that we seem to have had a rash of security problems lately," Sterner said. Teb couldn't help but wonder if that was a comment on the department after his promotion. Well, it was a possibility with Sunder being assigned as the new Chief of Security. "I'd like to make sure we stay on top of things from now on before they develop into something larger than they need to."

"You'll probably earn less metals that way my friend." the captain said. Tebrianne winced inwardly as she thought about how she had never even been in a position to be decorated. She loved flying the ship, but it really didn't offer much of a chance to gain any recognition like 'Commander Casey. Then again, Casey would probably be given a medal for 'Proper Hygiene for a Starfleet Officer.' Not that he was a bad bloke...he just drew that type of recognition. He was a great officer and all that, but he just seemed to be the guy that Starfleet pinned all of their medals on. Not that Teb was complaining. She was doing what she wanted to do. She got to fly one of the most fantastic ships in Starfleet.

"That's a risk I'm willing to live with sir," the commander said.

"Very well, inform Lieutenant Commander Sunder to have some men standing by in transporter room two. I'm on my way there now. The bridge is yours 'mate. We've stood down from red alert, but still...keep an eye on 'em."

"Will do Captain." Sterner said as Teb watched Captain Price disappear into the Turbolift.

Well, Teb thought as she looked at the Bird of Prey looming ahead of them, at least that small boredom problem is gone now.

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

****Trapped In The Holodeck, Part I****
By Ensign Vulcar
Helmsman
USS Galaxy

The threesome walked into the holodeck. The large room was laced with yellow lines and in between them, black squares. Just your typical holodeck. That is, until you start the right programs.

A Vulcan helmsman, a terran engineer, and a terran helmsman, made up the bunch. They wern't the most impressive bunch in Starfleet, but thay were determined. That's all that mattered. Not to mention that they were ready to kick some Hadar butt.

"Computer," Vulcar shouted out to no one as it seemed,"Initiate program Vulcar-Hadar-Alpha-47." In an instant, the dull pattern of the holodeck's yellow and black bulkhead quickly dematerialzed and in it's place was The USS Galaxy's mess hall.

Vulcar, Jack Burton, and Ben Nova sat at a table and each drank a mug of ractajino. Then, all of a sudden, the ship's hull rocked and the people in the mess hall started panicking.

"This is Captain Price to all hands. This isn't a drill 'mates! Protect the ship! Repeat, this is not a-" The comm line went dead.

"You heard the Captain!," Nova said excidedly,"Let's kick some Jemmy butt! Computer, three Type III Phasor Rifles." Three phasor rifles appeared on the table and each of them picked one up.

Instinctively, the trio headed towards the battle bridge. They all knew that if there were any officers not caught, they would gather there. They ran through the corridors searching for their enemy. All at once, four Hadar troops popped out from a corner and opened fire.

"Nobody messes with me!," Jack said. Vulcar was glad that he invited his friend. Even though four Jem'Hadar were shooting at him.

Almost as soon as they came out, they feel to the floor. Then, a jerk to the hull knocked them to their knees. "Why would the Jem'Hadar be firing at us if they already borded?" Jack asked, very puzzeled.

"That did not come from the holodeck ensign. We have dedocked from Starbase 357. The same base which Ensign Nova was transfered to. The question remains, why are you here, and why have we pulled away from the starbase?"

There was no answer from Ben. They just stared at each other. Vulcar raised his rifle to Ben's mid section. "Answer the question." No answer. "Computer, arch." The computer bleeped to show that it didn't understand. "Please restate order."

"Computer, holodeck arch." The computer responded,"You are on deck 14, the holodecks are on deck ten. Plese restate order."

Jack looked at Vulcar who stared back. "This is going to be a long day." Burton stated with a frown.

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

=/\= "Interrupted" =/\=
by Matthew Albrecht

The large chamber was pitch black, except for the tight-beamed light focused upon the room's two inhabitants. Both held phasers, and stood shoulder to shoulder, watching the artificial horizon for the red or blue glowing orbs they were supposed to shoot at. Matthew's face was damp with sweat, as the two buddies had just completed part two of their personally designed triathlon which involved jogging through steamy tropical jungle, swimming a half- kilometer of primevil river, and a half-hour of target practice.

Gary was frowning with intense concentration; He had won the first portion of their race easily, since his physical condition was extraordinary. Trabuco held two trophies for running at the Academy. The second leg of the competition went easily to Albrecht, who had been a diving champion in school. The lieutenant was completely at home in the murky river, much like the local rivers back on Tellar. Now the second monthly Trabuco/Albrecht Galaxy Triathlon victory rode entirely upon the sharpshooting competition--just like the first monthly competition had.

A red globe appeared to the left, and Trabuco fired reflexively at it, missing by an arm's length. He grunted in frustration, swamp-water dripping from his uniform tunic. Matthew snickered, just as a blue globe swooped down from the right. Albrecht regained his composure just in time to miss his target as well. He cursed under his breath, while Gary returned the mocking laugh. Neither of them was doing their best in the target-practice portion of their competition this month.

They were interrupted by the wail of Red Alert klaxons. Both men were secretly happy to say, in unisun, "It's a draw!" as they scrambled to leave and head for Security. No sooner had they arrived at the entrance to their HQ, when Matthew's comm badge chirped.

"Sunder to officers Chen and Albrecht: meet me in the transporter room. We have a guest to escort," came the sound of their commander's voice. Gary looked disappointed, he never seemed to get the high-profile duties. Matthew slapped him on the shoulder, and smiled before running to the turbolift.

"You might find more excitement in there, buddy!" he consoled on his way to the transporter room. Matthew didn't believe it for a second, though. Being called to escort important guests after a red alert was just too exciting. He couldn't have been in a better mood as he entered the room and found several officers waiting already.

Lt. Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"Breakfasts and Departing Gifts"
by Lt Endris Gakor

*** Personal Quarters ***

Endris tugged at the collar of her uniform, admiring the full pip that rested there. Promotions didn't occur often, but the Immunologist had studied hard and was dedicated to the health of the crew. The medical staff would be gathering for breakfast soon, and Doctor Tash was departing for a new position, to augment the EMH program. If anyone could make the erasable holo Doc more personable, Jurelle would be a good bet.

The Tellarite wondered what she could give the Trill as a send off present. Rummaging through her things, she found a small holocube left by Grible Frumux during his brief stay on the ship.

Pressing the activation stud, a full-sized reproduction of the Tellarite sprang into being. "Please state the nature of the Culinary Emergency", the device joked. Endris remembered how the Bolian had injected joviality into all his work. The Tellarite imposter wore a chef's apron and hat, and juggled a meat cleaver menacingly, but with the practiced skill of a kitchen scullion.

"Recipes!" Gakor said triumphantly! The portable cube was the perfect item to reminded Jurelle of her tour on the Galaxy. The Doctor deactivated it and wrapped it in Tellarite butcher paper, traditional for parting gifts on her homeworld. Gathering up the present, she hoofed it towards Tash's final Oinkus on the ship.

*** Holodeck 2 ***

The medical officers had convened in style to give Jurelle a palatial send-off. Endris congratulated everyone on their promotions, and others noticed the bright shiney pip on the Tellarite's collar. But things got even more interesting when "Gakes" handed the Trill a package to her soon to disembark friend.

After several lifetimes, not much surprised the Trill or the Tash symbiont. However, the cube was a bit puzzling. The long lived doctor paused a minute before activating the stud.

To everyone's amusement, the Holographic Chef was a great hit. Assessing the situation, 'she' soon proposed a toast appropriate for the menu. Jurelle looked a bit teary-eyed, and claimed she would miss the gentle Tellarite's humor and the rest of her friends on the ship.

"Starvation!", Endris exclaimed brightly. "Perhaps my gift may assist you in modifying the holograms. I was sure to add some of your favorite recipes!", quipped the perky porker.

Indeed, Doctor Tash had much to consider for her new job. Doctor Kahn and Cat both looked pleased at their new positions, although Cat looked a bit miffed at the quantity of PADDS her role now brought her.

Conversation turned to the Galaxy's reassignment to patrol duties, and Gakor was pleased to learn the ship was heading towards Klingon space. Perhaps the mission would give Endris an opportunity to study the artifact she had recently read about. Once again, it was time to wait...

"Old Memories"
by Lt. Thomas

** USS Galaxy Bridge **

The Galaxy was on a routine patrol mission, through now days a routine patrol mission wasn't what it used to be, to the least. From all accounts almost all Federation ships where expected to maintain a combat readiness. This was of course due to the war with the Dominion.

Then it happened, just as predicted something changed to break the routine of their patrol. A Klingon bird of prey decloaked behind them, catching every ones attention.

Lt. Thomas opened the channel to the Klingon ship. He remained quite expect for responding to the captain to open the channel to the ship. Chris had not seen a Klingon ship, full of Klingons in a long time.

All of those memories of living and being a Klingon came rushing back to him, all at once. He looked down at his hands they were shaking just ever so slightly, which disturbed him. He continued to man his station, but some of the memories that came rushing back to him were of both great times, and sad times. He'd experienced a lot in his time that he lived with the Klingons. His time among them taught him several things, one Klingons are ruthless when made upset.

Chris watched as the captain left the bridge leaving the executive officer in charge of the bridge. If he'd not been overwhelmed with memories about his time living as a Klingon, he might've spoken up and stated his observation about this Klingon Captain.

The truth of the matter, Chris wasn't afraid of seeing the Klingons, it was the memories that he'd forgotten and moved on with. There were things that only he knew he'd done as a Klingon, because he had to, as it was needed to keep his cover in tact. There were things that he'd done while serving Starfleet Intelligence as an undercover agent that he preferred to have remain in the past. Buried for all eturnity if possible, than have them come to light. Some might question his motives, his orders and a lot of other things if they truly knew what he'd done while working for SI.

He'd made the commitment to live with his actions, from those days and he wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. As the memories where not all gloom and doom, as one might expect from his thinking at this moment. There were some very good memories that he cherished to this day, even if he couldn't openly speak about them. He still had some good friends in the Klingon empires, assuming the causality reports where accurate.

The only question that he needed to have answered, was why where the Klingons here now. He doubt they where here for him, or they'd made it clear and not needed to speak with the captain directly and in person.

Lt. Thomas returned his focus to his station at ops, and started doing his job. He only hoped no one had been paying close enough attention to him, to notice anything. If they had, perhaps they'd not say anything and allow it to pass as a surprise, not a direct reaction to the appearance of the Klingon Ship. Only time would tell if that where to be the case or not and if it came to someone asking him about his reaction. Then he'd have to deal with it, when and if they crossed the bridge.

Chris Patton
Assistant Operating Officer - Allied Electronic Simulations
GM --- Fleet Captain William E. Churchill - USS Atlantis - AES
Lt. Commander John Bruce - USS Sulu - AES
Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES
USS Atlantis Website: http://www.geocities.com/~ussatlantis-a

"lut Qo'ja pagh tlhIngan"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain Price made his way to transporter room two. When he entered, Lieutenant Commander Sunder, Lieutenant Albrecht and Ensign Chen were already standing by.

Lee smiled, "Things as slow in Security as they are on the Bridge 'mate?" he asked Ursa.

The Lieutenant Commander shrugged his shoulder, "Not anymore sir." referring to the new guest they were about to entertain.

Glancing over at the transporter controls, Lee gave Chief Jensen a nod, indicating he could bring the Klingon over. Within moments the Commander from the Qul'etlh was standing before them.

"Welcome aboard the Starship Galaxy. I am Captain Lee Price. I believe you have a message for me 'mate?"

The Klingon stood there defiantly. We was wearing the whole nine yards in the way of a warriors outfit. Right down to the spiked boots and chain mail Ha'quj covered in house insignias. Glancing around the transporter, the warrior slowly glanced into the eyes of each of the security officers that stood to the side of Captain Price, as if he were evaluating their estimated worth as fighters and deciding they were nothing more than Qiv SuvwI'mey.

"In private." He hissed through gnarled teeth.

Captain Price folded his arms. He was growing impatient with this warrior's macho attitude. "Perhaps. But first I think you should explain who you are exactly, and what this is all about friend."

Sunder and Albrecht picked up on the Captain's cue, each standing a little more at the ready. Ensign Chen soon followed.

The Klingon let out a small grunt, took two steps off of the transporter pad and stood in front of Captain Price, just inches from his face in the Klingon custom. He was a massive warrior. He stood a good four inches taller than Captain Price. His skin was dark, the ridges on his forehead and nose very pronounced. His raven black hair was pulled back and secured in a pony tail.

"I am Dergaus from the house of Kras." He said boldly, as if it were a sort of challenge to the Captain to realize what that meant.

Lee thought for a moment. He was certain that he'd never met this man before, but the name Kras he did know. It was the house of his friend, K'Ral, he'd met on Qo'nos early in his Starfleet career. The two fought and drank blood wine together. It was K'Ral that gave Captain Price his prized d'k tahg that he proudly displayed on his ready room desk.

"The house of Kras? You must be Dergaus, younger brother of K'Ral, son of Kras." Captain Price smiled, "Last time I saw you, you were completing your very first hunt as a Klingon Warrior 'mate."

The Klingon regarded Captain Price for a moment before responding. "I have been on many hunts since then. Too many to count."

Lee watched Dergaus for a moment longer, remembering the young man he was the last time he'd saw him. Looking closer, he could see the family resemblance to his older brother K'Ral. "You look well Dergaus. You have prospered I can see. Your Ha'quj is filled with house insignia indicating good fortune for the house of Dergaus. Tell me, how is your brother K'Ral doing?" Captain Price asked.

Dergaus kept his serious demeanor, even though he was now convinced that the Captain was who he said he was. "K'Ral is why I have come. The message I am to deliver is from my brother. He insisted that I deliver it to you in person." Dergaus reached into his warriors uniform and began to pull something out. The motion caused each of the three security officers present to tense up and prepare to draw their weapons. Dergaus just bared his teeth and growled in a low tone, while slowly removing a holo-chip from his pocket and showing it to Captain Price.

"A hologram?" Lee asked glancing at the cylindrical shaped chip.

"Yes. K'Ral recorded it and placed it in my keeping in case anything were to happen to him." The Klingon explained in an authoritative tone.

A concerned look formed of the Captain's face. "What has happened to K'Ral 'mate? Is he all right?"

"It should be explained in the message General. K'Ral insisted it be viewed in private. Only you and I may be present." Dergaus again insisted, giving the security officers a nasty look like they were a lower form of life or something.

Lee gave the Klingon a nod. "I understand." Turning to his side, Captain Price looked at Lieutenant Commander Sunder. "'Commander Sunder, I think everything is under control here 'mate now that we know who we are dealing with."

Ursa gave a nod. "As you wish Captain."

Lee then glanced over at Dergaus and decided to introduce him to Ursa. "I'm sorry 'mate, I've been rude. This here is Lieutenant Commander Ursa Sunder. He's the Chief of Security on board the Galaxy. These gentlemen are Lieutenant Albrecht and Ensign Chen. They work in security with mister Sunder here. Gentlemen, this is Dergaus."

The three Starfleet officers each gave a polite smile and nod. Dergaus let out what sounded like a disapproving grunt as if the formalities of introductions was a complete waist of time.

"Well now," Captain Price quickly injected trying to relieve the tension in the room, "Dergaus, if you'll accompany me, we can go to the holodeck and have a look at K'Ral's message together."

Lee motioned to the transporter room exit and waited for Dergaus to start walking towards the door. When he did, the Captain quickly followed, giving the three security officers a glance that relayed his apologies for the Klingon's lack of manners.

The Captain and Dergaus soon left.

"Man, was that guy rude or what?" Ensign Chen stated after the door to the corridor slid shut.

"He's just a Klingon Warrior Ensign," Sunder explained, "they have a different way of doing things then we do. If you spend enough time around them, you'd get used to it."

Ensign Chen shook his head, "I don't know that I'd want to with an attitude like that..." he expressed.

Matthew smiled, "Well, don't worry about it. For now the Captain appears to have things well in hand with this Dergaus. It's not like we are going to be entertaining a ship full of Klingons or anything." Albrecht pointed out.

"Thank goodness for that." Chen stated as the three of them exited the transporter room to head back to security.

*****

*** Holodeck three ***

Captain Price and Dergaus entered the darkened holodeck and watched as the pressurized doors sealed behind them. Once inside Captain Price summoned the arch control panel and prepared to slot the holo-chip Dergaus had given him.

"What's on this 'mate? Any ideas on what your brother was up to?" Lee asked while preparing to load the chip.

"He did not say. He only informed me that if he did not return in one weeks time that I was to take this message and locate you in the Federation. That we were to view the message together with no one else present." Dergaus explained.

"And you didn't even check out the message yourself?" Lee asked over his shoulder.

"That would not have been honorable. I gave my brother my word I would do as he said." Dergaus said proudly.

Lee gave a slight nod. "You and he are quite a lot alike." He then finished preparing the holodeck and was ready to begin the playback. "It's ready. Here goes...."

The yellow grid lines of the holodeck remained and a holo-image of the Klingon K'Ral appeared standing a few meters away. He seemed to be standing relatively still, like the holographic recording equipment he used to make this message was of a low quality design. Looking at the holographic K'Ral, Lee recognized him immediately. The years had been kind to his friend, but there were definite changes that were noticeable signs of the passage of time. K'Ral appeared to have a worried, rushed look about him as he stood there and began his message.

"My brother. If you have done as I have asked, you are viewing this now with my warrior friend from the Federation, the General, Lee Price. If that is so, you have done well Dergaus." K'Ral began. He seemed to be a little short of breath, as if he were running recently, or in a hurry to say what he had to say.

"Lee Price. I wish that I could see you my friend. Were it another time and place we could drink blood wine into the wee hours and tell tales of battles fought and victories won like we did many years ago. But I am afraid my time is short and I have so very much to tell you."

K'Ral took a pause to catch his breath, sitting down on an unseen stool or crate or something. It appeared odd to see the hologram sitting on an invisible object, but it only added to the Captain's original thought that this recording was made in a great deal of hurry. Only K'Ral's image and words had been bothered to be recorded.

"maj jup, what I am about to tell you has never been made known to those outside of Qo'nos. Even those handful that do know of what I am about to tell you will not speak of it for fear of what the High Council may do. You must use this information wisely maj jup."

K'Ral paused for a moment and caught his breath. Captain Price was beginning to think his first impression was correct, that K'Ral was recently running just before this holographic recording was made. Glancing over, he could tell that Dergaus was just as interested in hearing this secret as Lee was. The recording soon continued.

"The story I am about to share with you is know by a rare few of the Klingon populous as lut Qo'ja pagh tlhIngan or roughly, the tale that is not discussed with outsiders. It is a true story. And it begins one hundred years ago. " K'Ral explains, pausing to catch his breath.

"It was a time of expansion and war. The Klingon Empire, then a mortal enemy of the Federation and the Romulan Empire was struggling to survive. We were a proud people. Followers of the great Warrior Kahless. Strong in battle. Proud with honor! But it was not enough. While the Klingon heart and soul roared through the galaxy, our resources were dwindling and our technology was no better, often inferior to our enemies. Speculative projections made by the High Council predicted the fall of the Empire in less than ten years if something was not done to change the balance of the quadrant."

"Panic stricken but proud, the High Council would not accept the inevitable predictions of defeat. With a maddening pace they began seeking out ways of upsetting the balance of power and giving the Klingon Empire the advantage it needed to over come our adversaries. When a desperate people look desperately for answers, they often get exactly that which they seek."

"In this case, it was from a group of Klingon scientists that were able to convince the members of the High Council that they could improve upon the Klingon people giving them a physiological advantage over our enemies. At first their claims were dismissed as being unhonorable. But as the losses mounted for our people, a desperate High Council became willing to explore any avenue to preserve the Empire."

"In a behind the doors meeting of the High Council, it was decided to go forward with these genetic experiments to evaluate the feasibility of enhancing the Klingon Warrior's genetic make up. After running a number of tests, and presenting the High Council with only the positive results of their data, these scientists were able to get the Council to agree to the planet wide release of the genetic reconstruction virus. It was distributed through the drinking water without any of the Klingon population's knowledge or consent. Within weeks the ramifications of the scientist genetic tampering was felt. Within a month, a period that is sometimes referred to in Klingon history as the wej'oy'nem (three years of pain) began. Klingons began to mutate. A large percentage of the population mutated as the scientists predicted. It was a painful, grueling process. Organs were repositioned or replicated with redundant organs. Skeleture changes of a massive scale twisted and contorted the original Klingon form until it was how you see us today. But there were those, one out of five Klingons, that mutated badly. Some grew new appendages, others redundant eyes, even entire heads! Most went mad from the pain as their organs distorted unpredictably. Many with the strength of will took their own lives. Others begged for the pain to end asking to be put to death. It was a dark time for all of our people."

"When the High Council learned of these random distortions, it was decided to keep the reason for the mutation a secret from the general populace. The Council knew, with the public out cry over this horrible mutation, that if they knew it was brought on intentionally a revolution would begin. So the wej'oy'nem was vanquished to secrecy. Turned into a religious event that was not to be discussed out of fear and respect for those poor Warriors that did not survive the changing. But in truth, it was to protect the High Council from their wrong doing."

"Degraus, my brother, you did not know this because I have never told you. But I, like our father before us, and his father before him, belong to a secret group of warriors known as the bej'mey (Watchers). Formed just after the wej'oy'nem, it is our job to observe the High Council and make sure that such a horrible event never takes place again without the people's knowledge."

"The wej'oy'nem happened over one hundred years ago. And for one hundred years the bej'mey have kept silent sentry over the Klingon people. Making sure that no harm befalls them at the hand of genetic mutations ordered by a High Council more concerned with retaining power then the well being of the Klingon people."

"And then there is this war with the Dominion. maj jup, I should not have to tell you that our battle goes badly. The Klingon blades are dulling and once again, the fall of the Klingon Empire is a looming possibility that the High Council is trying to prevent at all costs."

"The bej'mey has learned that yet again the High Council has sanctioned genetic experiments geared to change the Klingon people to give our warriors an advantage over our adversaries. While it is true there is no match for a finely trained Klingon Warrior, the Jem'Hadar attack with genetically bread soldiers that hatch and can fight within three days time. They do not need to eat, or sleep, or rest. In the time it takes a young Klingon to grow into manhood and receive the training needed to call him a Klingon Warrior, entire legions of Jem'Hadar can be manufactured and ready to strike that Klingon down. Even Kahless himself would be no match for a full legion of soldiers. So it has been decided by the High Council that once again the Klingon people must undergo a genetic change in order to insure the survival of the Empire. It has been discovered that they have scientists working right now on captured Jem'Hadar soldiers, trying to secure the knowledge needed to transform Klingon physiology to be more like the Jem'Hadar. Capable of going with out food, or water or sleep. Able to quickly regenerate wounded limbs and reproduce full grown warriors in a matter of days. It is the High Council's intention of releasing this new mutation virus upon the unsuspecting populace of Klingons as they did once before."

K'Ral paused to catch his breath. Captain Price watched as his Klingon friend glanced over his holographic shoulder, as if checking to see if he had enough time to finish his recording before whomever he was worried about came bursting into the recording room. Lee glanced over at Dergaus and for the first time, the Klingon warrior didn't seem as though he thought this was all a waist of his time.

"The bej'mey exists for the single purpose of preventing another wej'oy'nem from ever happening again. We have each sworn an oath of honor to protect our Klingon brothers and sisters from these sorts of genetic experiments. When we learned of the High Council's plans to go forward with these experiments, we made ourselves known and demanded that they stop what they were planning or we would expose them to the Klingon people. But the secrecy of our own organization was used against us. Those brave warriors that approached the Council were hunted down and killed. Their family names stripped and their possessions forfeited leaving their surviving family members with out a house or a name. There is only a small handful of the bej'mey left. They have already sworn an oath to help you in exposing this plan of the High Council and stopping it before it is too late for the Klingon people."

K'Ral again glanced over his shoulder, and then realized he must finish quickly if he were to escape.

"If you are viewing this recording, you must assume that I have been captured or killed by the High Council. Dergaus knows where you must go after viewing this message, though I doubt my brother realized that he did until this very moment. Be well maj jup. Be well Brother. I hope to see you in Sto-Vo-Kor."

The recording then ended, K'Ral's image disappeared, leaving the holodeck once again empty.

"I had no idea my brother was involved with the bej'mey." Dergaus declared almost in awe.

"Until just now, I'd never even heard of them 'mate." Captain Price commented.

"I have." Dergaus said with widening eyes. "They are like a legend, a myth among our people. Great tales of the mysterious bej'mey circulate in children's stories that teach of right and wrong. Of honor and discipline. Now to learn that the bej'mey is actually real, and that my brother, my father, my grand father were part of it... it changes many things." Dergaus explains with a look of realization, "...and explains many more!"

Captain Price didn't know what to make of Dergaus 'revelation'. He stood by quietly thinking about what K'Ral had said. If the Klingon Empire were to fall, it would mean certain doom for the Federation in the war with the Dominion. But the High Council's plan to mutate the Klingon people like they had done before was not the answer either. If this mutation was anything like the last one a hundred years earlier, and it resulted in another "three years of pain", it would have the same result as if the Empire were to fold. The Federation would have to face the Dominion alone with only the Romulans to offer limited support.

Dergaus turned to face Captain Price. "When my brother told me to deliver the message to you, I questioned why you. 'Why travel all that way to bring something to an outsider?' I asked. K'Ral told me that there was no one in the entire Empire he could trust except for myself. He said that you are an honorable man. That your heart beats as a Klingon. That no matter what happened, or how the High Council would slander his own honor, or spread lies about his deeds, that 'The General' would believe with his heart and seek out the truth. At the time, I did not understand. But now...."

Lee glanced up into Degraus' eyes. "But now?"

"Now that I understand the scope of my brothers work, I realize that an outsider was the only choice to bring this information too."

Captain Price gave a slight nod. "Where is K'Ral now? Do you know 'mate?"

Dergaus gave a slow nod. The seriousness of his look made Captain Price think the worst.

"Is he... dead?"

"No. Much worse. He has been sent to the dilithium mines on Rura Penthe awaiting trial by the High Council." Dergaus explained, "When I learned of this, I ordered the Qul'etlh into Federation space."

"Rura Penthe?!" Captain Price gasped thinking of that frozen asteroid labor camp. "They sent him there before even holding a trial?"

Dergaus nodded. "Now I realize, they wish to hunt down all of the bej'mey and deal with them in one swift blow. He is accused of high treason for his involvement in trying to stop the High Council from going forward with their plans. These charges are a sham, and just a formality to give the appearance that the High Council has reason to publicly execute him as they wish to do. Unless these allegations can be proven and the Klingon people made to know the truth, K'Ral stands virtually no chance of surviving the wrath of the High Council."

Lee nodded. "You are probably right there 'mate. We have to do something to try and save your brother and stop the High Council from going forward with these genetic mutations on your people."

Dergaus regarded Captain Price for a moment. "K'Ral was right, your heart is Klingon General."

A slight grin twisted on one corner of the Captain's mouth. "Thanks 'mate. So what is the story with your ship, the Qul'etlh is it? Can you trust the men you 'ave on board Dergaus?

The towering Klingon warrior nodded. "Explicitly. But there are only six warriors on board."

Captain Price raised an eyebrow. "On a B'rel class Bird of Prey? I thought they carried a compliment of 20 to 30 crew members 'mate?"

Dergaus grinned slightly. "That is correct, but I stole the ship while the crew were taking leave at a Klingon space station. I needed to get to the Federation as quickly as possible to deliver my brother's message, just as I had given my word to do."

"Bonzer job 'mate. I'm sure she'll come in handy. We can't exactly just fly in with a Galaxy Class Starship everywhere without drawing undo attention to ourselves now, can we?" Captain Price paused long enough for Dergaus to nod in his agreement. "I'm sure we can get you staffed up with officers from the Galaxy 'mate. But where exactly do we begin? I mean, if we want to clear K'Ral, we are going to need some hard evidence of these genetic experiments the High Council has authorized."

"When my brother told me to swear and deliver this message to you, he said one other thing that I didn't understand at the time."

"What was that 'mate?"

Dergaus looked at Captain Price and their gaze locked for a solemn moment. "He said to go and pray."

Lee's forehead furrowed at the odd reference. "Go and pray? What could that mean?"

"That was exactly my thought at the time. K'Ral had always been a religious man much like our father, but I never once knew of him to preach his beliefs or suggest that anyone should pray if it wasn't something they themselves were wanting to do. Yet this time, he tells me to go and pray... I believe it was a coded message of sorts. And now that I know K'Ral was part of the mythical bej'mey, I think I know where we must go..."

"And that would be?" Lee probed.

"Boreth. A sacred planet to my people. It is the place where Kahless once returned from Sto-Vo-Kor. There is a monastery there where our people wait for his return. I believe that is where we must begin."

Lee nodded. "Sto-Vo-Kor. K'Ral used that reference at the end of his message." Captain Price pointed out.

"Yes. Yes he did." Dergaus remembered. "We must go to Boreth and begin our quest there. We may find others from the bej'mey waiting to aid us on Boreth."

"Agreed." Captain Price consigned. Then, after a moments thought a concerned look crossed his face, "This is going to be a interesting briefing to share with the rest of the crew..."

Dergaus turned to face the Captain, "You must be careful not to reveal the secret of lut Qo'ja pagh tlhIngan. If the information were to get out, K'Ral and the High Council aside, the Klingon Empire would fall into civil war. You must use discretion General."

"Don't worry 'mate. Your people's tale is safe. I can just brief them on this new development. They don't need to know about the three years of pain." Captain Price explained.

"Thank you General. You are a man of honor just as my brother said."

Lee gave a nod and a half smile, given the seriousness of the situation. "Well, let's see what we can do to save the Klingon people, and your brother from the High Council 'mate."

Captain Price reached across his chest and activated his comm badge. "Captain Price to Commander Sterner."

["Sterner here Captain."] Joerg's voice responded.

"Commander, I want you to call a senior staff meeting in the executive conference room in thirty minutes. I need to brief everyone on the latest developments."

["Understood Captain."] Joerg responded.

"Also, have the helm lay in a course for the Klingon Empire. Contact the Qul'etlh and have them follow us. Commander Dergaus and a number of Federation officers will be transporting over to the Bird of Prey within the hour."

["Did you say our people would be beaming over to the Qul'etlh sir?"] Joerg questioned not sure if he heard the Captain correctly or not.

"That is correct Commander. I'll fill you in at the senior meeting. Captain Price out." Lee confirmed and then deactivated his comm badge.

Glancing at Dergaus, Lee motioned to the holodeck exit, "After you Commander, we have a briefing to attend to."

The two men then walked out of the holodeck on route to the executive conference room.

"A sort of Homecoming"
by Lt. Alan Hewson

“Yeah, I’d like to go to Ten-Forward with you after this shift.” Alan said from below the transporter’s operations console.

“What was that A.C.?” Specialist Arielle Treudeux asked half-shocked. She was sure that she hadn’t asked Alan if he wanted to stop in Ten-Forward for a drink out loud.

“I’m sorry, Arielle. It’s just that every now and then I have these…I don’t know telepathic experiences ever since I came in contact with those aliens. Wait, did that sound as corny as I think it did?” A.C. feared that he was beginning to sound like a Betazed.

“Naw, that’s ok. I can’t imagine what it was like to be used by those fluidic aliens. It must have been awful…”

“Other than being about a hundred times stronger than any hangover I’ve ever had, it wasn’t too bad. Of course the worst part was spending those four weeks in Sickbay. Can’t stand hospital food.” Alan strained his neck, trying to sneak a peek at Arielle’s face. She had the most beautiful face onboard the Galaxy, and the smile that she wore at this moment almost melted the coil spanner in A.C.’s hand.

“Oh, the replicators in Sickbay replicate the same food that is served throughout the ship. It must be some kind of mental quirk.”

God knows I have at least one right now, Alan thought to himself.

“Anyway,” he said as he stood up, brushing the wrinkles out of his uniform, “how about the two of us catch some dinner? Our shift is just about over.”

Once again, she smiled. Alan had to support some of his weight on the console to keep from falling over. “I’d love too. All I need to do is wait for Chief Jensen to relieve me.” The doors to the transporter room swished open just as Arielle’s last word left her lips to reveal the honorable Chief Jensen.

“Jens! Great to see you. You wouldn’t mind talking over a bit early would you pal?” Alan asked as he and Arielle exited the room.

“No, I don’t mind. And Alan, it’s great to see that you’re up and…” the Chief’s words fell on deaf ears as the door slid shut.

***** As the two officers made their way to Ten-Forward, a red alert sounded. The two diverted their path to Main Engineering to see what was going on. Dinner would have to wait.

As they waited for a turbolift, A.C. couldn’t help but stare softly into her eyes. Suprisingly enough, she returned the glance. However, the moment was broken as the turbolift doors opened. Alan was more than a bit surprised to see that the lone occupant in the car was the Captain.

“Sir, is there anything wrong?” A.C. asked as the Captain exited the lift.

“No, Lieutenant. Just our friends the Klingons making a house call. No worries, carry on mates.” The General said with a smile as he walked down the corridor.

“Well, I guess dinner is on after all.”

"The Call to duty"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
Chief Medical Officer

Sickbay was quiet, which was a first in a while. I had been in my office for around 30 Min doing medical reports for the day when my computer terminal beeped.

["Incomming Message For Chief Medical Officer Kahn"]

"On screen!"

The computer displayed the message. I looked at the screen and sighed. Just then Cat walked in with a PADD.

["What's wrong now?"]

I looked up and smiled.

"Do you know the saying when the Cats away the mice will play."

["Yes! What is that ment to mean."]

"Well It's now 2nd day I am Chief Medical Officer and the Captain has called a Senior Officer's meeting. You are now On Duty."

["Ok um... I will leave this on your desk untill you get back."]

With that I left the room and headed for the confronce room. I reached the CR and moved over to one of the chairs awaiting for people to arrive.

“Piano concerto in Bb major”
by Ensign Aaron Sharp

It was pitch black. Suddenly, silently, a solitary beam of light sliced through the darkness, illuminating a grand piano, behind which sat Ensign Aaron Sharp, dressed formally in black tails and pants, with a white bow tie. His eyes were closed; his breathing light, regular; his hands rested atop the piano keys. As if having a mind of their own, his right hand began quietly tinkling two notes, high in range. The tempo slowed as the dynamics increased, finally coming to a pause on the lower note. Without warning an orchestral hit thundered from the darkness and Aaron slammed his hands into the ivory. His face became the model of concentration as his hands glided up and down the piano, music flowing like water down a stream. Aaron's hands became a blur as he began a particularly difficult section. His body moved as if it were a vitally important part of the music itself. the music began to build, tension gathered, heading towards a momentous climax. Louder, higher, the music rose, the grand finale approaching. The music reached its apex, prepared for the final, almighty note and....was suddenly replaced by the annoyingly unmusical sound of the red alert klaxon.

“Oh, crud,” Aaron cursed, “I was just getting into that. Computer, end program.”

The piano faded away and Aaron quickly headed out of the arch, pausing only to clip his comm badge to his tuxedo. He entered the nearest turbolift.

“Deck thirteen.” he stated flatly. The lift complied instantly. Aaron wasn’t required on the bridge during Alpha shift, so his station during red alerts was in the shuttlebays. The turbolift doors opened and Aaron strode purposefully up the corridor and turned into shuttlebay three. Ensign George Prince was already there, as were several crewmen, bringing shuttles to a launch readiness of T minus thirty seconds.

“Ensign.” Aaron nodded in greeting as he walked over to assist.

Prince looked up in response, then looked down at the outfit Aaron wore, one eyebrow raised in an unasked question. Aaron glanced down at himself, having forgotten he was out of uniform, then grinned sheepishly at Ensign Prince, a blush coming over his face.

“I, uh, didn’t have time

to change when I left the holodeck.” Aaron explained.

Prince just smiled and went back to work. Aaron climbed into one of the shuttles and began running pre-launch diagnostics when the red alert was stood down. Shaking his head in bemusement, Aaron clambered back out of the shuttle and called out to Ensign Prince.

“Hey, George! I don’t know what’s going on upstairs, but if there’s no more red alert, I’m going to change into something a little more appropriate. If you need me, I’ll be in my quarters.” Prince waved back at him from across the bay and Aaron turned on his heel and left.

Ensign Aaron Sharp
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

"Prank Number 1"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

K'Eytyanna walked over to her beeping terminal and spoke, "Computer, open channel."

The screen activated and she smiled when she saw the face of a Rex grinning at her, Commander Bobbie Ray Jefferson - the only person who delighted in kicking her butt from one end of the Hand-to-Hand combat course coz he was the only one who could.

"How u doing, K'Eyt? Still breaking noses?"

She laughed and replied, "Very funny, Bobbie. Still enjoying teaching at the Academy?"

"Yeah. On a personal note, are you still the anti-social aggressive type?"

She growled softly at him, and he laughed, "I see not. You should learn to loosen up and not take everything so seriously or as a personal insult."

She shrugged, "I suppose not, but it's so damn hard."

"Just try. I know that when you put your mind to it, you don't give up. Do me a favour, and put your mind to that. It's for your own good, not mine or anyone else's."

"If it helps, I'll try."

"Good. I have to go get ready for class. Hell, try a practical joke for goodness sake. If you get busted bad, put it down as a stress relief method that I told you about, and don't feel bad about dropping my name in. Bobbie Ray out."

The screen went blank and K'Eytyanna thought about what her friend suggested, { Now who on this ship could I play a practical joke on? Captain Price or Commander Sterner, no. Don't want to cause anymore trouble with the other engineers.}

Suddenly, she smiled and rembered a rumor she had heard about an incident between Lt Commander Deiran Casey and Lt Ronni Morris.

"Computer, where is Lt Commander Casey at the moment?"

"Lt Commander Casey is currently in the Main Briefing Room. A senior department-heads meeting is scheduled there at this time."

Smiling, she grabbed the spare engineering kit she left in her quarters, in case she had to make any stops for repairs on the way to Main Engineering.

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

After crawling through Jefferies tubes, and small crawlways, K'Eytyanna finally made it to the crawlspace leading to the sonic shower emitters of the quarters shared by Lt Cmdr Casey and his wife, Miran.

Opening up the back of the unit, she attached her tricorder to it and routed through to the command proccessing unit. Using her computing skills, she quickly adjusted its programming so that the system would respond to any commands by Deiran by changing the frequency of the sonic emitters to human hearing range and turn on the cold water to full. She made sure that the commands for anyone else would work normally.

Five minutes later, she had finished the task and then put in enough computer evidence so that Deiran would be easily able to trace how stuffed around with his shower, should he decide to.

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

"The Beasts Of The Lair"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Deiran had changed his schedule around. He was always awake and in his office or running around somewhere or with his family during Alpha Shift. So if something good happened or a senior staff meeting was called he wouldn’t have to wake up in the middle of his sleep. He learned this lesson after a few weeks of Command on Gamma shift.

Deiran, Miran, Colby and Lara were eating breakfast in Ten Forward when Deiran’s comm badge sounded.

"’Commander Casey here," he said as he tapped the badge.

[‘Commander, please report to the Conference room. The Captain has called a staff meeting to begin in 30 minutes. Sterner out.]

"Aye sir, I’ll be there," Casey replied. A smile was on his face. Finally the monotony of patrol duty was a memory. Something interesting was coming, Deiran could feel it. He looked at his family and there faces were sad. Once again he had to leave them.

"I’ll be back Miran, I promise," Deiran reassured her. He stood up after eating the last bite of his bran muffin and the last sip of his OJ. He walked to Miran, leaned down and gave her a loving kiss on the cheek. Then he kissed Lara on the forehead. He went over to Colby and they did their new handshake. Colby smiled. They all watched him leave Ten Forward.

*** Turbolift ***

Deiran stepped inside to see Lt. McKenzie and the new Lt. Commander, Paran Chanor.

"Hey Mac!" Deiran said in greeting Hunter. He looked over to Paran. "Well the new ‘Commander, congratulations Chanor," he said as he shook Paran’s hand, "Don’t get to attached to that half pip," Deiran said with a laugh.

"Mac, what’s going on?" Casey asked.

"Don’t know Deiran, I wasn’t on the Bridge. I heard from Ensign Hermedhie that it has something to do with a Klingon Bird Of Prey," Mac replied.

"That doesn’t sound too interesting considering they’re our allies, unless something’s happened I haven’t heard about. Speaking of alliances. I wish the Romulans would see reason and join our side. In fact, I say every race that has battle worthy Starships join our side. The Federation Council is too slow. If we would get a quadrant-wide alliance and strike Cardassian-Dominion manufacturing plants and shipyards, even their incubation facilities for Jem’Hadar warriors, this war would be over real quick. Our problem is numbers, I argued that with Professor Prota at the academy hundreds of times."

"I remember him!" Paran spoke up.

"He had a low voice and never combed his hair," Mac chimed in.

A good trip down memory lane was had by all. The turbolift stopped and Greer Erikson entered.

"Morning everyone," Greer said with his usual smile.

"Morning Greer, you remember Professor Prota the Poli prof at the Academy?" Casey asked.

"Yeah, he was one of the most annoying teachers, talked slow and had a low voice that would make Ferengi ears hurt! Can’t forget that guy." Everyone laughed together.

"He’s been teaching Politics and Diplomacy at the Academy for 20 years," Deiran replied.

The turbolift stopped and let Paran out.

A few decks later they all arrived on the Bridge.

*** Executive Conference Room***

Deiran, Hunter and Greer walked into the Conference Room together, still laughing about their days at the Academy.

Deiran took his seat across from the chair Commander Sterner would sit in, right next to the seat at the end of the table which was next to the Captain’s chair. He said a cordial hello to Nilani and ‘Commander Sunder. He looked down to Greer and Hunter at the other side of the table.

"We haven’t played poker in ages Greer, lets do that soon uh?"

Deiran, Greer and Hunter began talking about poker as they waited for the Captain to arrive.

"New experience"
by Ensign Ilo Makoko
Operations Officer

'It's so quiet here,' Ilo thought in his quarters 'so much different from home.' He was stationed here on USS Galaxy for a couple of weeks already but he was feeling unusual onboard of a starship. He started to remember his first day on USS Galaxy...

** He beamed up on Galaxy, his orders came in late and the ship was already starting up to leave, so he was the last one to come on board, and probably the only one that came via transporters. He was welcomed by a young security officer, maybe even younger than him, and he has shown him the way to the office of the Chief Operations Officer Dieran Casey. Ilo managed to find it without any problems and entered.

"Welcome Ensign, have a seat," Deiran said, shaking the Ilo?s hand. Ilo was a little nervous, he wanted to make a good impression on his Chief of Department. Ilo sat down.

"Just wanted to welcome you aboard Ensign, get you acquainted with my procedures for Ops. Basically, I?ve put it all down on this PADD, read it when you have time," Deiran handed Ilo the PADD. "I?ve assigned you to Gamma shift, you?ll start tonight. That?s all I wanted Ensign. Just wanted to introduce myself to you, and give you the Ops Procedural for the Galaxy," I think you have an appointment with Lt. (JG) St. John, he?ll show you to your new quarters. And then you?ll report to sickbay for a check-up. One last thing Ensign, I expect excellence and respect from those under my command. You have a clean record so I expect good things from you." Deiran stood up and led Ilo out of his office.

'Well, that went relatively smooth." thought Ilo as he went to meet with Lt.jg St. John. As he was walking down the corridor he heard a voice...

"Excuse me, are you Ensign Ilo Makoko?"

Ilo turned around and saw a young man. Probably around his age, but much taller and heavier. "Yes, I am. And..."

"I'm Lt. jg Robert St. John," he said with a smile before Ilo could finish his thought, "and I'm supposed to show you your new 'home' here. If you'd follow me I'll show you where are your quarters so you can get comfortable."

"Thank you very much Lt. St. John."

"Oh, you can call me Robert or Rob. You can even call me Captain if you want!" he said with a broad smile.

Ilo relaxed visibly now "Well, I guess Robert will be fine for start. You can call me Ilo or Mako. You can even call me to buy me a drink in Ten Forward!" said Ilo with a smile which became a laugh when he saw that St. John is laughing too.

They finally came to his quarters. "This is it. Whether you like it or not you'll spend a big chunk of your time onboard here." said St. John. "I have to go now and leave you to prepare for your first day and you first shift. Don't forget to visit the sickbay. One of this days maybe I'll give you a call." said St.John with a smile and left on his way.

When he got to the sickbay he was lucky that it was empty, or at least empty of those who needed medical attention. He was approached by a female officer whom he recognized as a Bajoran. "Yes?" she inquired.

"I'm Ensign Ilo Makoko reporting to sickbay for a regular check-up, sir!... Ma'am?"

"Well, Ensign, sit down." she said with a look of a slight amusement on her face. She scanned him for some time and finally said "Nothing seems out of order Ensign, you're ready to perform your duties on this ship. You're free to go."

He went back to his quarters and went to get some sleep before his shift... ** Suddenly he was wakened from his reverie by a sound of red alert klaxons. By the time he got dressed up the klaxons have quieted down, and red alert was no more. Ilo wandered what could have happened and he went to Ten Forward to find out.

"Another Day, Another Fifty Cents"
by Lieutenant jg Erin Parker
Counselor, USS Galaxy

Erin had just finished up on of her appointments. He enjoyed meeting with the crew and learning about their lives. It was a way out of her own life. She enjoyed giving advise to others and enjoyed the techniques she had learned in her field experience and her medical college experience. It was just any other day like the one before, when half way through the day Crewman Thomas came running in.

"Erin! Erin!" Crewman Margaret Thomas yelled running in Erin's office.

"What's up Margaret? Why are you in a panic?"

"There is a Klingon Warrior on board the Galaxy and he is with the Captain. I just passed by them outside the holodeck. They were talking about a meeting with the senior staff."

Erin's face was drawn with a look of astonishment. Astonishment of the Klingon Warrior aboard the galaxy class vessel or astonishment of Margaret finding out all of this information. Margaret was about 5 feet tall and thin as a post. She was a small woman, but nonetheless got information out of anybody.

Erin commented to say, "Well, that explains where Lt. Wilson has run off to. If I hear about anything which I can share with you, I will let you know Margaret. Thanks for the info."

The young crew woman soon left the office of the counselor. Erin now had something fun to think about. What could the Klingons want with Captain Price or the USS Galaxy?

******* Promotions, and all that malarky ********
By Lt. Cmdr. Paran Chanor

Well, it had been quite a few uneventful weeks on the Galaxy for Chanor. Another one of those slow missions that had started on Starbase 357, and had been quite throughout. However, the good thing was, that he had been promoted! He was quite shocked at that, especially as he never thought that he'd come to the attention of any of his superiors, well, apart from the other security officers maybe. Perhaps Commander Sterner had a hand in it, as he used to be chief security officer, and he still thought of him as "The Boss" despite his departure from the department several months back.

Well, he'd been promoted, so he wasn't going to argue with the Captain over whether he deserved it or not. He'd also been pleased to note that Lt. Albrecht was now just that, a full lieutenant. Also, 'Commander Sunder had taken over as chief of security, as Lt. K'arta no longer felt up the task. He didn't blame her! He didn't want that sort of responsibility like that, not yet at any rate.

So here he was, finishing up outside the holodeck again, for the fourth time this week. He was becoming addicted to the programme that he and Ensign Neg'Puj had written about the Jem'Hadar boarding the Galaxy. He wasn't bothered by the security aspect of it now anyway. He could managed the boarding easily now if he played himself, as he should do. No, what he prefered was the tactical and command side of things. He kept trying to prevent the Jem'Hadar even boarding, by playing the role of Lt. McKenzie, or Captain Price. However, the best he'd managed had been the mutual destruction of both sides, but he was getting better.

He was heading back to his quarters, when Red Alert sounded. He immediately tapped his badge,

"Paran to security. Everything okay down there?" he enquired.

'Commander Sunder replied promtly, "Not sure yet Chanor. Hold on, I'll get a report from the captain."

He broke the link, and though he thought he should have probably waited where he was for the report, he started to move towards security, slowly at first, then a bit faster. However, before he got the turbolift, Sunder paged him back.

"Sunder to Paran. Everythings okay. A Klingon bird of prey decloaked behind us. They're sending a visitor for Captain Price over. Chen, Albrecht and I are providing security cover, so there should be no need for any extra assistance."

As he finished, the klaxons went out, and normal station keeping was resumed, so Chanor simply acknolodged the page, and headed back to his quarters.

Stepping into the turbolift, he found Lt. McKenzie already there. He gave him a nod, then opened with, "Well done on your promotion lieutenant. I'm sure you'll fill Lt. Blair's spot perfectly."

"Thank you sir. Congratulations on yours." he replied.

Chanor then did his usual, 'I'm not good at small talk, so please don't engage me in it' thing, by keeping quiet for the rest of the turbolift journey. He hardly knew Lt. McKenzie, so didn't know what to say to him. However, a certain Lt. Cmdr Casey was going to stop all that, as he stepped in the 'lift.

"Hey Mac!" Deiran said in greeting Hunter. He looked over to C

hanor. "Well the new ‘Commander, congratulations Chanor," he said as he shook his hand, "Don’t get too attached to that half pip," Deiran said with a laugh.

"Mac, what’s going on?" Casey asked.

"Don’t know Deiran, I wasn’t on the Bridge. I heard from Ensign Hermedhie that it has something to do with a Klingon Bird Of Prey," Lt. McKenzie replied.

"That doesn’t sound too interesting considering they’re our allies, unless something’s happened I haven’t heard about. Speaking of alliances. I wish the Romulans would see reason and join our side. In fact, I say every race that has battle worthy Starships join our side. The Federation Council is too slow. If we would get a quadrant-wide alliance and strike Cardassian-Dominion manufacturing plants and shipyards, even their incubation facilities for Jem’Hadar warriors, this war would be over real quick. Our problem is numbers, I argued that with Professor Prota at the academy hundreds of times."

"I remember him!" Chanor suddenly said, speaking his mind.

"He had a low voice and never combed his hair," McKenzie chimed in.

Chanor listened as the other two started talking about the quirks of the professor in question. It took him back to a time when he was a fresh faced cadet, whose only aim had been to get through the academy with the minimum of hassle. All work, no play was what he was like back then. Come to think of it, he hadn't changed that much since back then. He still had very few friends on the Galaxy. Commander Sterner perhaps, Lt. Albrecht, Ensign Neg'Puj and Ensign Mulich. Perhaps even that bartender, Xala, but she'd been spending a lot of time with 'Commander Sunder lately. Everyone else, he just sort of seemed to "Know"! The turbolift pulled him out of his daydream and Lt. Erikson entered.

"Morning everyone," Greer said with his usual smile.

"Morning Greer, you remember Professor Prota the Poli prof at the Academy?" Casey asked.

"Yeah, he was one of the most annoying teachers, talked slow and had a low voice that would make Ferengi ears hurt! Can’t forget that guy." Everyone laughed together.

"He’s been teaching Politics and Diplomacy at the Academy for 20 years," Deiran replied.

"Well, here's my stop gents. Have a fun time on the bridge." Chanor said with a smile, as he stepped out. The 'lift closed behind him, leaving him on deck seven. He reached his quarters, and collapsed on the bed. No doubt 'Commander Sunder would wake him before he'd been fully rested, and need him on duty. That war bird out there was there for a reason, and sooner or later the captain would figure that out, and security would be on alert as usual.....

Lt. Cmdr. Paran Chanor
USS Galaxy

By Dianne Heppel
Aka Alyssa Idana
Science Officer USS Galaxy

Alyssa was in her quarters sleeping when the Red Alert Klaxons woke her up. she Quickly put on a uniform and headed towards the Science Lab. She was not required to be on the bridge so the Science Lab was her duty Section. By the time she got to the Science Lab the Red Alert had ended. "What was that about?" she asked the other Officer on duty Ensign Manden. "There was a Klingon Bird of Prey trailing us" said Ensign Manden. "how did you know" asked Alyssa "I detected an ion trail behind us and utilized the Science Sensors to analyze it" "Why didn't you tell Captain Price" asked Alyssa. "I wasn't sure that it was anything and I didn't want to bother him until I was sure" said Manden. "Ensign I heard that the Captain is so bored during this patrol mission that he was casting a fishing rod in the bridge" said Alyssa with a chuckle. "I'm sorry next time I will tell him" said Ensign Manden. "Don't worry about it now no harm has been done" replied Alyssa.

Alyssa decided to stay in the Science Lab to see if anything else happens

“New Responsibilities, New Faces”
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

1600 hrs, Completion of Alpha Shift

Mac rubbed his eyes as he stepped into the TacOps center. As he made his way to the Chief’s office in the back he looked around and noticed how empty it still seemed.. Troy had been gone just a few short weeks and it still seemed incomplete without his presence. Mac had seen him just prior to his beam out to the Sovereign and had wished him well. Offering any assistance that Troy may need in the future. As Mac trundled to his desk he wished Troy had taken the pile of PADD’s that waited silently on the desk with him. Rubbing his eyes he started to work.

“Computer, List tasks needed to be completed today, by order of importance.”

“Working,” came the generic voice of Starfleet and the familiar buzz-whir of a working computer. “Tasks required to be completed are as follows.”

Current Sector analysis of Dominion threat in Galaxy’s AO.
Current Tactical analysis of Federation forces in Galaxy’s AO.
Monthly Crew Tactical Readiness reports
Monthly Section Evaluation reports
Tactical Officer Continuation training for current month
Appointments with Ensigns Hermedhie and Louve’.”

Sighing he picked up the first PADD and started in.

Hours later

“…thus, in conclusion, the Picard maneuver, while beneficial in the correct situation, will not work when employed against the advanced sensors of the Jem’Hadar. Class dismissed. Computer save file under TacOps Class Mac-22A.”

“File saved” replied the disembodied voice. As Mac looked over the now cleared desk and noticed, with a smile, an absence of pending Pad’s. As he leaned back he was alerted by the door chime.

“Come,” he answered s he subconsciously adjusted his uniform. Through the door strode , with perhaps a bit of a swagger, a large man wearing the pips of an Ensign and the Red of Tactical. Stopping before the desk he spoke.

“Ensign Hermedhie reports, Sir.”

Mac couldn’t quite place the accent, as he motioned to the waiting chair. “Must be something in the water at the Academy,” he thought as the large man stood stiocly at attention

“At ease, Ensign. I’m not much for the dog and pony show. Sorry It’s taken me so long to sit down with you. But, I’m just recently been promoted to Chief of Tactical and have been busy. I see by the Duty roster that you have already started your duties on Gamma shift along with Ensign Louve’. Starting tomorrow I will be rotating you both onto Alpha shift periodically, to evaluate your abilities, so as to be able to use you both more efficiently.” Mac sat back and steepled his hands , bouncing them slightly on his lips.

“Now, with that out of the way, What can I help you with”.

Lt. Hunter McKenzie, ASST Chief Tactical Officer, USS GALAXY
ICQ # 6728583

"First Report In"
by, Ensign Raesene Hermedhie.

After leaving the holodeck, Ens. Hermedhie, went back to his room, and prepared himself for his meeting with Lt. Mackenzie. As soon as he was sufficiently prepared, he walked to the Tactical Chief's Office. He rang the door chime.

"Come," Lt. Mackenzie answered. Raesene strode through the door, with perhaps a bit of a swagger. Stopping before the desk he spoke.

"Ensign Hermedhie reports, Sir."

Mackenzie couldn’t quite place the accent, as he motioned to the waiting chair. "Must be something in the water at the Academy," he thought as the large man stood stiocly at attention

"At ease, Ensign. I’m not much for the dog and pony show. Sorry It’s taken me so long to sit down with you. But, I’m just recently been promoted to Chief of Tactical and have been busy. I see by the Duty roster that you have already started your duties on Gamma shift along with Ensign Louve’. Starting tomorrow I will be rotating you both onto Alpha shift periodically, to evaluate your abilities, so as to be able to use you both more efficiently." Mackenzie sat back and steepled his hands, bouncing them slightly on his lips.

"Now, with that out of the way, What can I help you with?"

"Nothing really, Sir"

After beign dismissed, Raesene went on his Gamma duty shift. Over the next couple of days, he settled in.

"Working Off Some Steam"
by, Ensign Raesene Hermedhie,
Tactical Officer.

After the excitement on the bridge, the rest of Ensign Hermedhie's shift was relatively boring. When his shift ended, he still felt a little worked up, so he decided to use one of the holodecks to get rid of the excess energy.

First, he reserved a holodeck, for a two-hour block, to start in about one hour's time. Then, he took off his StarFleet uniform, and began to put on a suit of armor that he owned, and was normally placed on a small stand in the middle of his quarters. The set of armor is made up of a series of plates that protect the torso, thighs, and lower arms. These plates are worn over soft leather. Prominent on the armor is a symbol on the chest. This symbol is a red shield witha sword crossing a bolt of lightning. He then, placed his quiver on his back, the bow across his hest, and the dagger and sword on his left side.

He then trudged down to the holodeck, entered and said, "Computer: Activate Program - Tariene."

|| Acknowledged ||

The scene canged form the yellow and boxes, to that of a small, medieval, fortified town sitting on a riverbank. Then several formations of troops appeared. Then, a large force of soldiers, of varying species swarmed towards them. Immediately, 5 humans attacked Raesene. Raesene drew his two-handed sword, and quickly dispatched the five rogues. Then a human who appeared ot have been the leader of the small group of humans, stepped up, swinging a long sword. Raesene quickly parried the blade aside, and decapitated the rogue. Then nine creatures that stood about 4 feet tall swarmed towards him. ~Can they not think of better tactics~ Raesene thought. He then quickly swung his sword several times, each stroke taking out another of the humanoids.

Then three grey-skinned humanoids, and five dog-like men attacked him. Still they tried the over-powering tactic. Raesene deftly knocked their weapons aside, and quickly killed all eight of his foes. Then two more of the grey-skinned creatures and two more of the dog men attacked him. They came at him, one from each cardinal direction. They then charged in. Raesene waited until the last second, then ducked, as all four of their weapons clashed above his head. He deftly slashed them each in the abdomen, and finished them off with quick fatal slices. Then off in the distance, five rather ugly looking man-like creatures, and a huge grey-skinned humanoid. Raesene quickly sheathed his sword, picked up his bow, and quickly drew arrows and fired, killing five of the six. He then drew his sword, and went into single combat with the massive humanoid. After, about two minutes of parrying, and attempts at striking, Raesene managed to knock his opponent's sword away. Then, as the humanoid tried to draw his backup, Raesene struck him down. Then another group of five creatures swarmed at him. This time, it was a little more difficult. These humanoids came at him relentlessly, and each wore a set of brigandine armor. Raesene managed to dispatch them all, but he was left a little winded. He then had to face four more humanoids, including one rather large dog-like man. He quickly took out the three orogs, and faced down with the massive creature. After five minutes of fighting, he managed to get in a killing blow. But not before, the gnoll had managed to hit him on the left arm with his mace.

"Computer: End Program"

|| Acknowledged ||

The scene faded to the base yellow and black boxes. Having sufficiently rid himself of his excess energy, he gathered his things, walked back to his room, took a quick sonic shower, and went to sleep.

"Routines"
by Lt. Ronni Morris
ACSO, USS Galaxy

Ronni was manning the Bridge Science station early because Greer had to go to meeting of the senior staff. She finished the reports he had started and forwarded them to Cmdr. Sterner. She was interested in knowing what was happening, but she knew she would just have to wait.

She read through the various logs that Starfleet sent out daily. It was interesting to see some of the various information coming from the Daytrom Technology Institute. Dr. Maddox had some interesting new reports out on Commander Data. It was fascinating. She filed that information away and forwarded a copy to Lt. Thomas.

Her duties included running diagnostics, so she ran a level 2 diagnostic on the computer core. As that was running, she started her reports to Starfleet on the happenings in the Vortex. She had already submitted the preliminary reports, but they wanted the data off of the tricorders interpreted. Lt. Cmdr. Sunder's Orion decoder had been able to recover most of the information. It was fascinating. The nature of the vortex was so simple, it was complex. It would take years of research to fully understand just the data on the tricorder. She worked on her reports and sent them on to Starfleet.

It was getting toward the end of her shift. She was hungry and a little tired. 'Probably still recovering from the time in the Vortex.' she thought. She checked the results of the diagnostic. Fixed the problems that were found and finished her shift report for the Science staff. A message was waiting for her. She should probably wait until she was back in her quarters, but she decided to check it out in text format. It turns out that she had been admitted into the Command classes. She was really excited. It would mean more work, and some long hours, but it also increased her chances at promotion and opened all kinds of avenues within Starfleet. Science and Engineering were her first love, but Starfleet runs on hierarchy.

Lt. (Jg.) Sullax relieved her at the end of the shift. She smiled at him and told him that she was glad to have him back where he belonged. She went to Ten-Forward and ordered dinner and began studying for the Command classes.

"Senior briefing on the bej'mey"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain Price and the Klingon Commander, Dergaus, entered the executive conference room. Several members of the senior staff were already present and sitting at different positions around the large, bent, oval table. Captain Price made his way to the head of the table where he normally sits. Dergaus sat to the seat just beside him.

The room was mostly quiet. There were a few hushed conversations between staff members while they waited for the rest of the officers to arrive and for the meeting to begin. A few of the officers glanced over at Dergaus with curious looks, but none bothered to say anything to the standoffish looking Klingon Warrior.

Eventually everyone arrived and the Captain was ready to begin.

"Thank you all for coming 'mates." Captain Price opened. "This gentleman here is Commander Dergaus. He's from the house of Kras, and brother to my warrior friend K'Ral, the gentleman that was kind enough to give me the d'k tahg that some of you may have seen displayed in my ready room."

Lee glanced around and saw a few nods from the crew that remembered the Klingon knife the Captain keeps on his desk. A souvenir from the time spent on Qo'nos earlier in his Starfleet career.

"Dergaus has brought some disturbing news from the Klingon Empire. It seems that his brother has been wrongfully accused of high treason and sent to Rura Penthe awaiting trial for these false charges." Lee explained.

"Captain?" Lieutenant Commander

Casey asked, interrupting the Captain's briefing.

Lee glanced over at Deiran, "Yes 'Commander?"

"Sir, what exactly did your friend K'Ral do to get the High Council to accuse him of high treason?" Deiran asked.

"I was just getting to that 'mate. K'Ral is a honorable warrior and a good man. I've known him for many years. He is a member of a group called the bej'mey. They are like an honor guard, set up to monitor the activities of the High Council and insure that their governmental leaders do not put their own greed and power above the needs of the Klingon people." Captain Price explained.

"It is no secret that we are at war with the Cardassian-Dominion Alliance. All of those around the table know that fact too well. That is why the Galaxy has been on patrol duty for the last six months instead of attending to more productive areas of space exploration and diplomacy." Lee began, "It also shouldn't be any secret that this struggle is not going very well for our side..." the Captain paused for effect, "that includes the Klingon Empire that is projecting defeat at the hands of the Dominion because of the losses incurred from the war."

Lee glanced around the room to make sure he had everyone's attention. Dergaus was just sitting by, attentively listening to the Captain's explanation. The Captain continued.

"In an attempt to prevent the defeat and fall of the Klingon Empire, the High Council has decided to go forward with a genetic experiment to alter Klingon Physiology to be more like that of the Jem'Hadar." Captain Price paused while the staff members around the table expressed their surprise and disbelief.

"This group that K'Ral belongs to, the bej'mey, learned of these plans to mutate the Klingon people and tried to stop the High Council from proceeding. As a result, K'Ral and the rest of the bej'mey have been declared enemies of the Empire and are being hunted and killed, or thrown into penal colonies for acting against the Empire. It is an attempt by the Klingon government to silence the truth and go forward with this forced genetic evolution they plan to unleash on the Klingon population without their knowledge or consent." Lee explained.

"That's not right." Doctor Kahn said flatly. "No one should be subjected to any sort of biological mutation, it's just wrong."

Lee nodded, "The bej'mey and myself agree with you Doctor. That is the entire reason their group exists, to prevent things like this from happening. Unfortunately, the High Council is doing a bang up job at silencing all voices in the Klingon Empire that know the truth. Dergaus here managed to escape and get this information to me at K'Ral's request, as no one inside the Empire can be trusted because of the influence the High Council has over the Klingon people."

"What do we need to do Captain?" Lieutenant McKenzie asked.

Lee glanced across the conference table at the Chief Tactical Officer, "We believe that before K'Ral was captured, he managed to get evidence of the High Council's plans to the surviving members of this secret bej'mey group. Without evidence, there is nothing we can do to stop the High Council from executing the members of the bej'mey and proceeding with this diabolical forced genetic mutation on the Klingon people. I intend to take the Galaxy and the Qul'etlh into the Klingon Empire and find that evidence in order to save K'Ral, the surviving bej'may, as well as the rest of the Klingon population from the High Council's plan."

"Won't a Galaxy Class Starship sort of 'stand out' in Klingon Space Captain?" Lieutenant Mercury, the Galaxy's Chief of Engineering, asked.

Lee nodded. "Aye. But the treaty between the Federation and the Klingon Empire is once again in effect, thanks to this war with the Dominion. We should be allowed relatively free passage through their territories. Still, when we are in the heart of the Empire, most of the more, how shall we say, covert?, operations shall be dispatched from the Qul'etlh. She's equipped with a cloaking device and full armaments." Lee paused and smiled, "There is one little problem though..."

Glancing around the room, and then at Dergaus, Lee paused before continuing, "In Commander Dergaus' haste to bring this information to the Federation, he neglected to bring a full crew on board the Qul'etlh. We will need to send several officers over to get her fully staffed. Those officers that can read and write Klingon or have experience with Klingon warships would be preferred, but make no mistake... this is a strictly voluntary mission. There is a high degree of danger involved." Lee paused for a moment and then added, "Are there any questions?"

"Boring Thoughts"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess

Door and Xala sat in the lounge playing a quick game of Tongo. Neither were particularly good at the trival game of chance, but the risky game offered the twosome something to do during their shift. The lounge was empty except for Ensign Marsh eating lunch in one of the back booths and Takal cleaning the bar. Instead of using latinum in the game, they were using coloful chips borrowed from the poker set on another table.

"Sell," Door said reviewing his cards. "So I heard Lieutent Sunder and yourself have become an item," he added in an attempt at small talk..

"Confront," Xala said with a spin of the wheel.

"Well?" Door said with a smirk.

"Well, what do you want to know? Ursa and I are good friends, very good friends," Xala said as she placed two cards down on the table. "The Lieutenant and myself know each other from previous encounters."

"So you have a history?" Door said with an unusual curiousity.

Xala nodded her head and took one of Door's cards. "Yes."

Door paused for a moment and watched the Ktarian's demeanor. She was very evasive when talking about Ursa Sunder, much more evasive than other issues she discussed that would make a Risian resort hostess blush. The Cardassian attributed it to the fact that the security officer was a link to her past and Xala did not apperciate links to her past aboard the Galaxy.

"Confront," he said with a usual certainy in his voice.

"This game is boring," Xala interupted. She put her cards down on the table and shifted in her seat. She was uncomfrontable. "Tell me again why we cannot have real gambling with latinum in the lounge, Door?"

"Because it is againist Federation law," he said blankly.

"Well, we should do something fun in the lounge. People have been spending most of their off-duty time in the holodeck to get away from the noramlity of the corridors of the ship. This patrol duty has become pretty routine. We need something to spice up the Ten Forward Lounge," she said with excitement and thrill in her voice.

"Like gambling?" Door questioned.

"Like strippers!" she said enthusiasticly.

"Like a new menu," he said diplomatically.

"Like knocking out a wall and building a disco."

"Like a talent show," Door said.

They both stopped talking upon hearing those words. It seemed like the perfect chance project for the two lounge staffers to work on together. The crew of the Galaxy had to have many talents and it would be fun to showcase them in one evening. Xala had become very bored with her hostess job and this would be something to occupy her time.

"Like a talent show," Xala repeated with equal excitment. "You clear everything with Electra and I'll spread the message to the entire crew."

"It sounds like a plan," he said with a spin of the Tongo wheel.

"Volunteerism"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

"Dergaus has brought some disturbing news from the Klingon Empire. It seems that his brother has been wrongfully accused of high treason and sent to Rura Penthe awaiting trial for these false charges." Lee explained.

"Captain?" Lieutenant Commander Casey asked, interrupting the Captain's briefing.

Lee glanced over at Deiran, "Yes 'Commander?"

"Sir, what exactly did your friend K'Ral do to get the High Council to accuse him of high treason?" Deiran asked.

"I was just getting to that 'mate. K'Ral is a honorable warrior and a good man. I've known him for many years. He is a member of a group called the bej'mey. They are like an honor guard, set up to monitor the activities of the High Council and insure that their governmental leaders do not put their own greed and power above the needs of the Klingon people." Captain Price explained.

Deiran listened intently to every word the Captain said as he explained the situation. Deiran was human but he had the heart of a Klingon warrior and his heart jumped when he heard the Qul'etlh needed a crew.

This would give him the chance to maybe man the Tactical station or maybe even act as XO under Dergaus. Deiran could speak, read and write perfect Klingon.

"Sir, I would be proud to serve on the Qul’ethl," he said to the Captain. Then turned to Dergaus, "Deiran Casey, The House Of T’gara, I would be proud to serve on the Qul’ethl," he told Dergaus in his own language. It was pronunciated perfectly, his voice rude and mean, impressing the Klingon.

Casey, Dergaus both looked at the Captain for his approval. Deiran had no other questions for the Captain and was ready for an adventure.

"Gah and Blood Wine"
by Lt Endris Gakor

*** Personal Quarters ***

The ship was abuzz with rumors concerning the Klingon visitors. Having seen the General's medical dossier, Gakor knew the Captain had personal friends on Kronos. With the current Dominion/Cardassian war, the quasi-alliance with the warrior race was back on again. Secretly, the Tellarite felt safer with the battle hardened sapients around. The mission was sure to involve extensive interaction with the Klingons, and what ever the senior staff was discussing would undoubtingly bubble down the chain of command.

"Diets!", she cursed. *Why couldn't I have learned Klingon?*, she thought. Mechanical translators had greatly improved, especially now that the warriors were cooperating. Still, much of the 'flavor' of the translation was lost. Most of the Klingon words in Gakor's vocabulary involved, quite logically, foodstuffs. She had also smooged much from socializing with Lt Samara and her pet Targ.

Endris thought back to a time before she served on the Galaxy, when she had been a medical librarian at Memory Beta. Many things were stored in the archives, including mostly forgotten or unpracticed techniques. But with the recent unearthing of a Fabrini artifact inside Klingon territory, Endris had posted several queries to the library's data banks.

Included was a response for a means of learning a language, including its slang and motive components. It was rarely used, because it involved stimulating the brain by depositing chemicals and neural transmitters. The only recorded side effect was nausea, however, and the fact that the knowledge faded in a few weeks time if not reinforced by regular use.

Regardless of where the needs of the mission placed her, learning the Klingon tongue would be an asset at this time. The woman had her replicator prepare the pill that would teach her 'nearly instant Klingonese'. She left a memo on the ship's bulletin board in case others were thinking along similar lines before swallowing the tablet.

The doctor blinked twice. Her mind wandered, full of Klingon images and history. Suddenly, she recalled stories about the sword of Kahless and the Hurc raiders. What could she learn from studying one of the races greatest enemies? Scanning available holodeck scenarios, Gakor regretted not finding one along these lines.

The Lieutenant asked the computer to create a program extrapolating from historical accounts shared by the Klingons. She could add details later, if some of her friends on the ship supplied them. The machine informed her it would take about an hour to compile the program, since the Tellarite asked for the greatest level of detail possible. Even the data banks on the Galaxy compiled with the motto, "the higher the fewer".

Not one to waste time, Gakor headed to Ten Forward for a quick plate of Gah, Blood Wine, and Skrag. Maybe she would bump into a Klingon and be able to test her freshly imprinted linguistic skills.

"Engineering Team"
Lieutenant David Mercury
Chief of Engineering

"Are there any questions?" Lee paused and looked around the room.

David was sitting three chairs down from the Captain on the right side. As with every staff meeting David had a PADD at his side and was currently going over his staff. "Sir, what about an Engineering team?"

"Definitely Lieutenant, I was thinking somewhere along the lines of four or five crew members. Will you be joining the crew of the Qul'etlh?"

"If it is O.K. with you I was thinking of asking Lieutenant Samara to head up Engineering on-board the Qul'etlh, for some reason I think she would do anything to get aboard the Qul'etlh." David and the Captain both shared a smile. I was also thinking of asking Ensign Mendenhall, he is dying to get his feet wet."

"Sounds good to me David", Lee paused "if you don't mind me asking I know you are quite familiar with Klingon starships why aren't you joining the team?

"Well sir, to be honest, we are going into the heart of the Klingon Empire. The Qul'etlh can hide behind its cloaking device if we run into trouble. But the Galaxy, she'll be all alone, I think she may need me in Engineering." "And so would I." the Captain added.

Dan Josephs

Galaxy "Medical Team"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
Cheif Medical Officer

"Ok. Are there any more questions?" the captrain looked around the room.

"Ahh yes sir! from what we all have been told I suggest two Medical doctors to go with you. And sir I saw this comming so I had a look through all Medical Personnel and have come up with 2 Doctors and a Nurse. I want on the Medical part of the Team Endris Gakor, My self and Nurse Anara Keena. Cat will be running the Medical department on the Galaxy while we are gone."

"Very well mate. Organise your team and get ready."

"Aye Sir."

=/\= "Scuttlebut" =/\=
by Matthew Albrecht

It wasn't so bad being on Beta shift, especially when Alpha shift gets hopping. Had he been on Alpha, he wouldn't have been able to come into ten- forward with Gary and get a good look at the Klingon vessel that was holding position directly in front of the Galaxy. Additionally, he wouldn't be in the ship's unofficial communications hub to hear the latest speculation about the Klingon Captain's purpose in coming aboard and the reason for the Department heads' meeting that was happening as the off-duty officers sat about chatting.

An ensign Matthew knew only as Farley asked him a second time, "C'mon, Albrecht, what do you know about the Klingon? You were there when he beamed aboard! You HAVE to know something!" A couple of the junior officers in the lounge had pestered him about the situation while Matthew sat with his friend and drank tomato juice. He had rebuffed such inquiries each time.

"Look, ensign," he began, feeling like a malfuntioning holo-cube, repeating himself again, "releasing such privileged information is most definitely contrary to StarFleet regs, and asking an officer to do so is also a violation of regulations. Just stop asking me and we'll all be better officers," he concluded--an ending he hadn't tried yet, but kept him feeling like he had fresh 'material.' While he did feel strongly about obeying the regs regarding privileged information, he had a thirst for good gossip just as powerful as anyone. His personal rule was to listen to, but not contribute to the scuttlebut that swept a starship when events unfolded. He typically succeeded in following his rules, except perhaps when in the company of his closest friends.

The ensign was not deterred, "Lieutenant, how are we supposed to defend the ship if we don't know what's up?" The ensign's argument was predictable, and hardly seemed worth countering to the debator. Matthew looked at Farley disdainfully, and was about to smack his poorly constructed argument around like a cheap Pinata when the ensign turned away, having become distracted by an officer at another table who seemed eager to speculate about the matter.

Gary spoke at just the right moment to get his friend's mind off Farley's inane argument, "Well, we're not going to learn anything we don't already know in here. At least, until the senior officers' meeting ends," he qualified. Gary drummed his fingers on the tabletop, impatient for some change in the events. He was developing a little rhythm, and was moving his head a little to the beat.

Matthew started pinging his glass with a fingernail to Trabuco's time, and whistled a complimentary tune. The two seemed oblivious to the others in the bar, until the half-Cardassian barkeep appeared to swap a new drink for Matthew's empty. Door joined in the tune by humming, though he was evidently perturbed that so many of the patrons weren't ordering anything, they were just taking up space.

Door picked up the dirty glass, ending Albrecht's pinging ability since the full glass had little tone. The civilian looked at the Bird of Prey hanging in space beyond the viewports, and shook his head. Matthew snatched the celery stick from the empty glass Door held, and dunked it in his replacement.

Matthew licked his lips, and spoke in Cardassian, thinking the server would be able to understand, saying, "Many 'thank you's." Door gave the security officer an odd look, perhaps surprised to hear Cardassian spoken in a friendly tone. Matthew didn't know how to take the other man's unreadable expression, but he did notice the Bajoran-style earcuff with small chains dangling from it--could this Cardassian be a believer in the ancient Bajoran Prophets?

Apparently Door understood well enough, however, because he did reply in Standard, "You are quite welcome, lieutenant." The barkeep then reached a hand up and stroked the chains Matthew had noticed, while smiling and maintaining eye contact. Matthew couldn't help but feel the short exchange between them had operated on more than one level.

Lt. Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"Decisions, Decisions"
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy
with additions by Captain Price

Mac hurried along the corridor. The call for a senior staff meeting had came just after his meeting with Hermedhie. He was still a little concerned about the Ensign. But, he was sure that he would live up to the standards that the Galaxy required. As he stepped into the conference room he politely nodded to Commander Sterner and Doctor Kahn, before taking his seat. None too late as the Captain entered accompanied by a very large Klingon in full regalia. As all eyes focused on the Price, Mac glanced at the Klingon who stood there scowling impassively, as the Captain began to speak. "This can't be good," he thought.

"Thank you all for coming 'mates." Captain Price opened. "This gentleman here is Commander Dergaus....."

_____

"....this is a strictly voluntary mission. There is a high degree of danger involved." Price paused for a moment and then added, "Are there any questions?"

Mac could hardly believe what he was hearing. A covert mission into the Klingon Empire. He was, to say the least, intrigued, but also a little skeptical. Mac had been one to take the Prime Directive as a suggestion and not as the rule. But this even called him to be taken aback. Mac cleared his throat before he spoke.

"Captain, with all due respect, How does this mesh with the Prime Directive. I'm sure I speak for the rest of the crew when I say that there isn't anyplace that we wouldn't follow you, But how is Starfleet going to take this?" Mac could almost feel the gasp that came from the rest of the senior staff. Lieutenant Commander Sunder gave a slight nod, as if he were thinking along the same lines.

Captain Price sat silently behind steepled fingers. His eyes locked onto Lieutenant McKenzie's for a long moment. It was obvious that Hunter had opened a subject that the Captain was hoping to avoid. Lee took an additional moment to calm himself and think of just the right words to say to this officer and the rest of his senior staff. To the Captain's right, the Klingon Commander, Dergaus, watched with interest as the Federation Captain addressed the question. Weakness was not something he'd dare to show.

"First Mister, the Klingon Empire is not exactly a pre warp civilization that has never had contact with the Federation. They are our allies in this struggle with the Dominion. Their warriors are dying right along side ours it defending the Alpha quadrant. So general order one has little baring on this decision." Lee started. His tone was professional, but it was evident that some annoyance was present as he addressed McKenzie's question.

"While it could be argued that this issue, forced genetic mutation, is a civil dispute between the Klingon people and their High Council, the results of it will have wide implications for the Federation that could affect the security of the entire Alpha quadrant, and the outcome of the war with the Dominion. We can not sit idly by behind the Prime directive and allow the Klingon Empire to tamper with the genetic make up of it's people, our allies, and turn a blind eye. Last time I checked, genetic manipulation was outlawed within the Federation, ever since the Genetic Wars of the twenty first century." The Captain paused, collecting his thoughts and suppressing his anger.

"It's a catch 22 situation 'mate." Lee finally explained. "Do nothing and allow the Klingon Empire to undergo this genetic mutation, that by all likeliness it will take them out of the war while their people are transformed, leaving the Federation to defend the Alpha quadrant alone. A battle which we are not likely to win. Intervene, and prevent the Klingon government from subjecting their people to a genetic mutation that is outlawed in the Federation, and we violate our own laws of non interference. Well Mister, on this Starship, during this time of war, the decision is mine and mine alone. I choose to act. I have a high regard for those men, women and children that make up the Klingon Empire. And I will be damned if I am going to let anyone subject them to these genetic alterations without their knowledge of it happening and against their free will. One of those men over there," Captain Price pointed idly out the observation window in the general direction of Klingon space, "is my friend Mister McKenzie. And he needs our help to save his people from this morally wrong plot to harm his people. If our positions were reversed, I say with a degree of confidence that K'Ral would not let protocol or general orders stand in the way of aiding a brother warrior that needed his help."

The Captain paused again to catch his breath. His tone was rising as his speech progressed. Dergaus gave a confirming nod as Lee spoke of his brother, K'Ral. For years Dergaus' older brother spoke very highly of his Federation friend, the General. It was a bond that Dergaus sometimes grew jealous of. But now, having met the Captain, he realized that his heart did beat as a Klingon's. That he was an honorable man, and that his brother would likely have done anything to come to the aid of his kindred spirited friend. His nod reflected that in proud silence.

"Mac, If we don't help the bej'mey prevent the High Council from moving forward with this genetic experiment, all of this wont matter. If the Klingon Empire falls out of the war because it's people are incapacitated because of these planet wide mutations, or if they drop out because of the resulting Civil conflict over the change, it will not matter. The end result will be the Federation facing the Dominion alone in a battle we can't possibly win."

Captain Price stopped and took a moment to let his speech sink in, glancing around the room at the faces of his senior officers. He then called out, "Computer, record Ship's Log."

["Working."]

"Ship's Log: Stardate 49805.14. On my personal authority as Captain of the Starship USS Galaxy, I have ordered the ship into Klingon space. There I intend to investigate reports about possible genetic experiments that could have a grave impact on the Klingon Empire's participation and support in defending the Alpha quadrant from our mutual foes in the war with the Dominion. I take personnal responsibility for these orders as Commanding Officer, USS Galaxy NCC-70637 on this Stardate. So noted, Captain Robert Edward Lee Price. Theta, Alpha, Five, One, Two, Four. End log." Captain Price recited to the recorder and the room full of his senior officer.

Glancing around the table, and then back at Lieutenant McKenzie, Lee added, "Anyone who feels the desire to do so may log a formal protest with Starfleet Command. But be certain of one thing. Those are my orders and they are not to be questioned. Is that clear 'mate?"

Lieutenant McKenzie gave a reserved nod, "Perfectly sir."

Satisfied with Hunter's response, Captain Price glanced around the room to get the rest of the Senior Staff's input. "Fair dinkum 'mate. Now, are there any other questions about our mission or objectives?" Lee asked.

Lt. Hunter McKenzie, Chief Tactical Officer, USS GALAXY
ICQ # 6728583

Sunder's brow stormed as he listened to the captain's story. Sending Federation officers into what was obviously a Klingon internal matter worried him. Not to mention the fact that the entire idea seemed set against the very nature of the Prime Directive, Sunder just didn't like fighting someone else's battle.

It was apparent to Sunder that was the source of Dergaus's unsettled nature as well. The Klingon stoicism in the face of adversity was all but legendary, but the way that Dergaus scratched his chin indicated something else. For a Klingon, Dergaus was practically fidgeting. True, all Klingons emanated a surly attitude, but there was something deeper in this one's. It radiated off his face like the heat off a open plasma conduit. Ursa could sense it - the loathing of having to accept help from the likes of Starfleet.

" Mr. Sunder - mind sharing 'em with the rest of us? " The captain's voice sharply interrupted the security chief's silent assessment of the situation - and the Klingon. He cleared his throat before speaking, his eyes focusing on Dergaus.

" While running the risk of offending our guest here sir, I have a few concerns. "

Price's eyebrows rose in an arch. " Do tell 'mate. " Dergaus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, fixing the GALAXY's security chief with a heated gaze of his own.

" First of all, there's the matter of legality. Is this our fight? While the Klingons are our allies, do we have the right to involve ourselves in a Klingon political matter? " He grimaced at the thought of his next sentence. " I hate to sound like an armchair lawyer, but the Prime Directive specifically prohibits this type of action. By preserving our allies from an internal danger, we risk losing what it is we stand for. "

Dergaus snarled. " He talks like a Ferengi! Is this one of your warriors? You sound like you would be more successful in bargaining your way out of a fight, you p'tak! " The Klingon sneered. " T'Rauq grah hrjah - pul toK. " He finished.

Sunder's eyebrows knitted together in a dark furrow as his eyes flashed silent lightning. His voice was still, but steady. The briefing room was deathly silent, all prepared to restrain the security chief. Fortunately, the large man remained in his seat; his fingers clenching into a solid hamfist.

" You Klingons are always ready to remind us that we ' are not Klingon ', but you never care to think of our ways. You are not Human. " Sunder replied forcefully. " Yet, I understand enough of your ways to know what it is you just said and to reply in kind: Q'tag Hjrah mak Pul! " Ursa shouted back at him, the hamfist connecting with the glossy table with a resounding thud.

Those who spoke Klingon wore faces of shocked expression The captain put up a restraining hand.

" Gentlemen, can we return to the matter at hand? Blood duels aren't going to help us now. "

" You are correct General, " Dergaus answered, still staring at Sunder. " But after this is all over, you and I shall meet, Sunder. "

" Name the time and place Dergaus, I'll be ready. " He said, his eyes locked with Dergaus's for a time and then he continued to speak.

" Captain, loyalty is not the question here, I think it's safe to say that we'll all follow you where-ever this may take the GALAXY. But I have to express myself about the possible repercussions this may have upon the careers of junior officers. The Prime Directive reaches pretty far, and even if we're successful in our mission to assist the Klingon Empire, " Sunder couldn't help but notice Dergaus wince - " we still have to deal with the consequences when we return. "

Price was still for a moment, digesting what Sunder had said. " You make some fair sense 'mate. But this is a war-time matter. The fact is, we need the Klingons as much as they need us in the fight against the Dominion. Anything, even an internal political threat, that affects that alliance is as much a danger to us as them. When it comes to interpreting the PRime Directive in this case, I would have to invoke the " powers of unusual breadth of discretion " caluse in the Starfleet Charter. In fact, I could even argue that the Prime Directive would extend to include the Klingons, given as they are in an alliance with us. "

Sunder sat back. " I can see your point sir. Even if our guest does not understand, someone had to speak about it. "

" As far as culpability goes, I can suggest that we take full responsibility for the actions of our juniors in this matter. " Deiran Casey piped up. " Does that ease your mind Commander? "

" Actually, it does Commander. " Sunder replied. " It's a good idea and I will be prepared to go on record to that effect. Since you will need security presence on the Qul'eth, I'll submit a few names of my staff for your approval Captain. " Price replied with a curt nod.

" What about you Commander? You've got a great deal of experience with Klingon vessels. "

Sunder folded his arms and leaned back heavily in his chair. " I've just been considering that myself Captain. Though I'm of the opinion that it's best that I remain here and coordinate security efforts, but I'll leave it up to your discretion. "

" Fair enough. " The captain looked around the table. " Any other matters to bring up? "

"Staying Behind..."
by Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft

***

Tebrianne leaned back in her chair as she listened to the rest of the senior staff discussing Commander Dergaus' situation and taking the Galaxy into Klingon space. Tebrianne had held her tongue throughout the meeting, not really having anything worthwhile to contribute. She felt like all she did in these staff meetings was take up space.

Tebrianne keyed in some information on her PADD. The Galaxy had recently picked up a number of helmsmen, and she had to figure out who would help man the Klingon ship. It wouldn't be her, not with all those Klingons over there. Romulans and Klingons had never really mixed well. And Teb wasn't looking forward to however long this mission would take amongst the Klingons. Not to mention she would have to listen to that bloody Klingon Opera non-stop for weeks on end. She didn't really have anything against Klingons as a people... But when they were acting like Klingons they were just so boorish and...Klingon. Tebrianne liked it just fine on the Galaxy. And it would give one the other helmsmen a chance to shine a little brighter.

Teb stole a quick glance down the table at Greer. He was pretty quiet too. Probably not much for the science department to contribute to the briefing this time. Teb quickly focused her attention back on the PADD and forced thoughts of Greer out of her mind. Not now, she scolded herself.

After the near fistfight between 'Commander Sunder and Dergaus, Teb was a little apprehensive to say anything. But, when she felt all eyes on her, she knew it was her turn to speak.

"I don't have that much to say that hasn't already been said," she said. "I'll have Ensign Sharp standing by for duty on your ship Commander Dergaus. If you need any other helmsmen, I'll see what I can do. Captain, I think I'd better stay on the Galaxy."

"Why's that, 'mate?" Captain Price asked.

Tebrianne took a breath, and hesitated briefly before deciding to just say it. "Nothing against Dergaus or his crew, but I don't know any of their language, I'm not familiar with Klingon ships, and I don't think I would be very well received on their ship."

"I don't understand, Lieutenant," the Captain said, a little surprised at what he was hearing from his Chief Helmsman. "Why wouldn't you be well received over there?"

"The Klingons and the Romulans have never been...friendly toward each other," Tebrianne said. "Because of my Romulan heritage, I doubt I would be all that welcome over there. Besides, you might want someone with a little more experience at the helm of the Galaxy."

"Fair dinkum, 'mate," the Captain said with a smile. "I'll be glad to have you at the helm of the Galaxy."

"Thank you, sir," Tebrianne said, returning her gaze to the PADD. With her forelock cascading over her eyes as she looked down, Teb couldn't see if anyone was looking at her--she couldn't see them, but she could feel them. She offered up a silent prayer that whoever was supposed to speak next would hurry up and start.

"You have mail.."
=/\= Ensign Lexana Ral=/\=
=/\=Counselor=/\=

Ensign Ral wasn't too happy. Her meditation had been rudely awakend by the Klaxons..Her back was aching because she had been sitting cross-legged on the floor for seven hours... THEN a senoir staff meeting had been called. Counselor Wilson had vanished and was holed up with the rest of the senior crew. Ral felt extremely curious, and what made it worse was that no one would tell her what was going on.

She'd gone down to Ten Fore to see if anyone had any gossip for her. That was most definately the place to be for a half-Betazoid who liked to catch random thoughts as they floated about the room.. She was sitting, nursing some iced tea whe a familiar voice echoed in her ear...

"Iced tea?"

Ral looked up and smiled. "Well, with you not around to smash the place, I didn't trust them not to put salt on my Margarita.." She watches as ensign Chen takes a seat.. "Well- What's the latest?"

"Classified.." Chen grinned

"Awww come ON.. what do you know?.. No one's let me in on anything..." She looked at him pleadingly.. "Please??"

"Are you telling me that after spending almost an hour in Ten Fore.. you haven't picked up anything?"

A waitress approaches them.. Chen orders some Ice-Water..

"I was preoccupied.. My back hurts.." Ral retorted..

"So go to sickbay..."

"I have been in sickbay..Seven times since you began teaching me Terrran Martial arts.. I have a feeling Cat is getting rather tired of seeing my face..Besides.. the pain reminds me I need to practice.." She sipped her drink thoughtfully..

"Did you get my message?" Chen raises his eyebrows in an "I Know you didn't" fashion..

Ral chokes slightly "Message?"

"On your Holo.. ? I guess you haven't checked you mail recently.."

"Um.." Ral realises she'd completely forgotten to check her mail in the past two days.. "I haven;t checked it today.."

"Lex, I sent it yesterday.." Chen laughed."What have you been doing?"

"Meditating?" Ral looked embarressed.." You kinda..lose track of time.. What was the message?"

"Why don't you go back to your quarters and read ALL your messages?" Suggested Chen..

"Maybe I will..." Ral sulked "No one around here seems to want to tell me anything apart from the fact that we have Klingons on board..."...

Chen watched as Ensign Ral stalked out of Ten Fore..She'd made several impressions since she'd been aboard..Most of them bad..But still.. She was trying.. . He sipped his Ice-Water..Yes.. VERY TRYING..

Ral walked into her quarters and switched on the console. It yelled at her- "OH My GOD! You have Mail! You B@$T@RD$"- A relic from 20th Century earth.. She smiled and played the first of 28 messages.. Most of them were from assorted people saying

"Did you get my message?"

"Why haven't you sent us a subspace in weeks we've all been worried sick.."

Eventually she found a message from Ensign Chen telling her to return his throwing knife collection before she cut herself or killed someone.

Quite frankly she'd totally forgotten she had it. It was lying on her table..Completely untouched. Out of curiosity (and also cos she'd pestered Chen till he'd lent it to her) she opened it and picked up a flat-bladed weapon..

"I wonder what you do with them?" Ral weighed the object in her hand. It was surprisingly light and well balanced. On a whim she flicked her wrist and sent the knife flying through the air. It bounced off a wall and embedded itself in the holo- emitter of Ral's Aunt Vera, totalling the machine completely. Ral shrugged. "Ah well..never liked the old trout anyways.These are cool!"

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

Lt. jg Erin Parker was tired of thinking about the Klingons and their connection with the USS Galaxy and Captain Price. She was just a counselor aboard the galaxy class vessel. Lt. Wilson was the senior staff officer and when the meeting had concluded, Erin was certain that Leslie would share what she had to say with the rest of the crew.

Erin had just finished a session with one of the security officer's spouse. It was Erin's duty to consel all the civilian class individuals aboard the Galaxy. She was disappointed that she was not assigned to a specific department, but was always helping out with the Medical and Engineering staff. People had problems, a starship was no different than living on a planet. Everyone had their problems and issues, Starfleet was no different.

Erin shift was over and the only thing she wanted more than some rest was to be around other people. She headed to deck 10 and to the ten forward lounge. She walked in and saw Ensign Ral, the junior counselor that just came aboard, and Ensign Chen talking at a table. A few other officers were stationed around the lounge taking up most of the tables. Erin decided to grab a seat at the bar and asked for a chocolate sundae with whip cream, nuts, and a cherry on top. She was in heaven.

Lt. jg Erin G. Parker
Counselor, USS Galaxy

“Batting a 1000 in a 2 out inning”
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

“ …Dismissed.” Ordered the Captain.

As the other Senior officers filed out of the Conference Room Mac again mentally kicked himself. His first official function as Chief Tactical Officer and he had not only pissed off the Captain, but did it in front of the rest of the senior officers and a Klingon representative. Mac had always been one to take Starfleet regs as Guidelines instead of being written in stone. But even he, who had tread on both sides of the line at one time or the other, felt that he needed to ask the question and make sure that the Captain wasn’t too close to the problem to see all the answers.

As he stopped outside of 10-forward he hesitated. He had intended to have a drink and place the entire episode behind him. As he turned and headed back the way he came he knew what he had to do.

Captain’s Ready Room

“Come.” Mac walked through he doors and stopped 5 paces from the Captains desk.

“Mister McKenzie,” stated Price, matter-of-factly. “What can I do for you, mate?”

“Permission to speak freely, Sir”

“Granted,” replied the Captain as he leaned back and subconsciously adjusted his shirt.

Mac took a deep breath as he stared directly into the Captains eyes,

“Sir. In light of the upcoming mission and my continued performance onboard the Galaxy, I feel that an explanation of my actions in the Staff meeting is required.” Mac paused before continuing.

“As a member of the Senior staff, albeit a new member, I would be remiss in my duties if I allowed you to make a decision involving such far reaching repercussions as this mission does, without mentioning all of the outlying problems that may arise from its inception. It in no way effects my respect, my loyalty or my faith in your ability to command or in my ability to follow those commands.” Mac paused again, trying to find some response in the Captain’s face as he sat there impassively.

“I could have sat there in that conference room and thought only about the mission and not the consequences, like the majority of the officers, but I chose to think about the long term aspects. You said yourself that you are deeply tied to this matter and I had to be sure that you weren’t being blinded by that connection. If you want someone to play the part of a “yes man” and not play devil’s advocate when it is necessary, then, I am not the man that you need on your senior staff. My loyalty remains to you and the Galaxy, first and foremost and as such am proud to serve under your command”

Mac stood rigidly in place, but felt that a great weight had been taken off of his shoulders. The Captain still sat impassively behind the desk. Mac had already accepted the possible consequences of this meeting and as such awaited the Captain’s response.

Lt. Hunter McKenzie, Chief Tactical Officer, USS GALAXY
ICQ # 6728583

"Back to Work"
By: LT(jg) Sullax

Ryak started at the screen before it started to play. "Computer save message."

"Message saved."

Ryak grabbed his Padd's and left his quarters for the science lab. Once in the lab he sat down and called up his experiment. Onto the screen came the appropriate information on his space folding idea.

"Computer what is the status on the combining of Astrometric's and Stellar Cartography?"

"The status on the combining has not changed."

Ryak felt a bit disappointed but knew that it was a given. Ryak stood up saved his experiment and headed to the stellar Cartography lab.

On the way to the lab Ryak noticed that a Klingon Bird of Prey was right outside the ship. Ryak thought back to all the instances he had had with Klingon's. Their blind honour was not a good match for the passionate honour of the Romulan's. Ryak has only really had bad experiences with Klingon's. Fight after fight and even being taken to jail by one. Ryak could feel the alertness of battle come over him. But it had to be suppressed. Ryak entered the lab and initiated the the systems. Ryak grabbed a repair kit and started working on the combining of the labs.

Ryak heard a sound come from one of the computers as he was working so he stopped to check it out. Ryak noticed that a ship wide search was on for anybody who would volunteer for a mission on the Bird of Prey. Ryak knew he'd love to do it. But there was two problems. Lack of knowing the Klingon language and the lack of trust the Klingon's and Romulan's share for each other.

Ryak sat back down on the floor and started working on the the systems.

"Sullax to Erikson."

"Erikson here what is it Ryak."

"Sir, I am having a problem with getting the stellar Cartography Lab and the Astrometric's lab together. It seems that I need to have the Captain's direct authorization to manipulate these systems so that they can co-exist."

"Explain."

"Sir, they seem to have a different language to put it bluntly. They refuse to work as one. My codes will not allow me to access the area's I need to go into to get them to work better together. Is there any way I could do this?"

"Are you the only one working on this?"

"Aye sir, I couldn't find anybody to help but I have to say it is going well."

"Ok, I will look into it Ryak. Welcome back. Erikson out."

Ryak stood up grabbed his Padd's and headed back to the science lab. There was nothing he could do until he got the permission to work on the systems."

When Ryak was back in the lab he called up his experiment and started to work on it.

"Computer, load experiment with an Oberth class ship."

"Experiment ready."

"Begin test."

The ship started off ok the shields were holding the space was beginning to fold nicely and the ship exploded. No warning at all."

"Ship lost, experiment ended."

"Damn! Add the calculations to the other and load in a Miranda class ship."

Chris Gagne
A.K.A. Lieutenant(JG.) Ryak Sullax
Science Officer
USS Galaxy
Contact at: i2qtnot2b@hotmail.com

Mendenhall walked up to the holodeck, holding the program he was working on. Word had it that the Klingon was meeting with all the senior officers right now, or was finished. He had heard postitions were needed on the Klingon ship, and he hoped that he would be able to get assigned to it.

He walked over to the arch and loaded the program in. He looked around as the grid suddenly changed into a forested area overlooking a waterfall. He sat down next to a tree with a padd in his hand. He up linked with the program so he could make changes to it. He closed his eyes as he thought how to make the program more romantic for his sister and her boyfriend back on Earth. He took a deep breath and could smell the musty air. He changed it so it had a more fragrented smell, like a field of flowers.

He continued with a mix of flower scents until it seemed right. He opened his eyes and looked around. It was kind of barren for a forested area. He started adding different plants and trees. He moved a large tree that blocked the view of the waterfall down beside it. Then he remembered a scan he had done of a tree at home. He loaded into the program. It was a tree from the farm he had grown up in. It was an odd tree, from another planet. It had about a ten foot diameter and at the top, the branches wove around,, almost like a large flower bud or something. Inside, he and his sister had flattened it, almost like a secret room. He had many fond memories of that tree. He wondered why he had never looked up what species it was. Probably to keep it's mystery about it. He climbed up the short trunk, and entered through a small hole.

He smiled as he laid against one of the larger branches. You could barley see the falls through the large branches and leaves that covered it. He lay down and relaxed. He added some quiet bird noises, and ajusted the temperature. He then added his own personal sunset program he had made at the academy for one of his few friends. It was an Angosian sunset, lasted two hours. He saved what he had done so far and sped up the time to when the sunset had half way set.

He thought about some things for a moment, about the Klingons and other stuff. He then realized if he was going to go on the Klingon Cruiser, he'd have to leave his cat Digit behind. He wondered who could take of him. He thought for a moment. The only person he could think of was Cat, the new ACMO. She was half cat so to speak, and said she enjoyed them. The thought about her for a while. She seemed nice, and very intelligent. She filled out her uniform pretty well too, but that wasn't what was most important. Personality, attitude, integrity, that sort of stuff. He started thinking for a while about her, remembering how she looked, talked, acted like. Then he chuckled to himself. Him, voted Mr. Granite Heart, won the "Never Dated" award in his engineering class, fantisizing about dating an ACMO. How would a little shy ensign impress someone like her. He sighed and decided if the program had this kind effect on him, what it would do to his sisters boy friend. He'd change it later he thought as he thought about Cat and other things.

****Trapped In the Holodeck, Part II****
By Ensign Vulcar
Helmsman
USS Galaxy
with additions by Captain Price

"What are you doing?!" Ensign Burton said worried and confused.

"Like I said, this is not Ensign Nova. When I walked into the Ten Forward Lounge, he was sitting at a table spying on Xala, the civilian. Me, suspectiong that he was the actual Nova, asked him to the holodeck. He did not know that Nova was to transfer to Starbase 357, so he had to comply. He is from the syndicate. The only question now is who he is."

The barrel of the Starfleet standard rifle was jammed almost into the Nova imitator. He showed signs of defeat and knew that he was out smarted.

"What the Vulcan said is true. But what you won't find out is who I am." The shape shifter took his own rifle, pointed it to his head, and all at once, fired the weapon.

The body of Ben Nova as they knew him slipped away and in it's place was a puddle of liquid. There was no doubt. The founders were'nt going to like this.

"Wow! This is some holonovel." Ensign Burton commented, staring at the solidifying changling.

"Please Mister Burton, try to remain in character for this tactical simulation." Vulcar reminded.

Jack stood looking at the tanish puddle, paranoid. Burton didn't look good at all."Are you all right Mr.Burton?", Vulcar asked, seeming conserned."When my parents died, I was only told of it. I never really saw a dead body before."

"Jack, perhaps you should see a counseler, but right now is not the time to be sharing past problems. We must focus on the task at hand. Unless you would prefer to end this simulation prematurely?" Vulcar asked.

Burton knew that Vulcar was right. He didn't want to end up a puddle like Mr.Changeling. The sight had made him squirmish and reminded him of his long lost parents, but he didn't want to end the holodeck tactical simulation. He was still having fun, even if it was a bit graphic and realistic. "No. I... I'll be fine. Please, let's continue." Ensign Burton reassured, motioning up ahead with his weapon.

Both of them were tense and held their phasor rifle until their hands sweated. No one could really blame them.

"So... How many Jem'Hadar do you think are on board?" Jack queried, just to make small talk."Seventy-five. Perhaps more."

"Any plans yet?" There was a long pause. Vulcar had an idea it was good. But it was very dangerous. It could take their lifes in the process. Both of them could end up like that changeling.

"I think I have a plan."Vulcar said. He didn't care about risks at that time. He just wanted to save his fellow crewmate. He wasn't just a crewmate though. He was a friend. Someone once said to him, "Don't do it because you must, do it because you have to."

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

"Rules That Don’t Apply"
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
USS GALAXY

Deiran was ready to go assist the bej’mey. Granted he may have been gung ho, but he knew that if anything effected the Klingon Empire it effected the Federation. The two Bodies were connected. Without the Klingons, the Federation would be hard pressed to win this war.

In Casey’s thinking, there was no other choice but to help Dergaus and the bej’mey. It wasn’t even a situation to question. He sat and listened to Mac and Sunder, fidgeting in his seat at every word. He respected both men, but disagreed with their rationale.

"Sir, I respectfully have to disagree with ‘Commander Sunder and Lt. McKenzie. I understand their view. But, we are in a time of war. In War time, rules are always pushed to the side. This is a matter of our survival, as it is for the Klingons. The lives of billions are at stake and not just on Kronos, but the whole Galaxy. We’re talking about our Allies. It involves the lives of millions of innocent people. The Klingons are a much apart of the Federation at this time, than the officers in this room are. The Prime Directive doesn’t apply. In fact, I know of many Admirals at Starfleet Command who would trash the Directive and not think twice if they were faced with this situation sir. We’re dealing with allies! This isn’t an exploration mission to a pre-warp capable society we’re talking about. Survival is more important than regulations sir."

Starfleet Officers had always defined the Prime Directive differently. But the fact was, the Prime Directive wasn’t as important as the survival of the Federation and the freedom of the Galaxy.

All eyes were on Casey, some didn’t like what he was saying, others agreed with him. "In fact if this was a mission to Romulus, Breen, or any race that could possibly help the Federation. I’d do the same thing without a second thought. Damn regulations sir! I want to win this war, the Klingons will help us do that. And I should point out that the Dominion doesn’t give a rat’s rear about the Prime Directive if we lose."

The Captain smiled, as did Commander Sterner. Casey was right. There were smiles all around the table as Casey finished. He made his point crystal clear. He had one more thought.

"One more thing Captain. I see no honor in standing back and watching a proud race become lab rats because a group of their own people have no faith in their abilities. Honor is defined by holding life precious and the conduct of a Starfleet officer is framed by honor as well as duty."

"Strange days"
By: Lt. Melissa Marie Boudreau

Melissa yawned as she typed up her report on the padd. It was the end of another shift, same as any other in the last while. In a way, she considered these her strange days. Usually, Melissa loved the company of her crewmates, but for the last little while, she had been a rather reclusive person. Many new people had arrived on the ship and she'd managed to avoid meeting every single one of them.

Melissa left a message for David and decided that instead of going straight to her quarters, she would go to Ten Forward for once. As she walked, she thought about the mission to the Klingon ship Qul'etlh. She'd considered volunteering as part of the engineering crew on the ship but she wasn't really fluent in Klingon. She wasn't completely aware of all of their customs and intricacies. Of course, if she was asked to go, she would jump at the opportunity. To learn about the engineering systems of a Klingon ship would be a wonderful learning experience.

As she entered Ten Forward, Melissa noticed a few familiar faces and a lot of new ones. She ordered a chocolate milkshake and sat down at an empty table. Perhaps Melissa's shy nature was returning. For the moment, she was content to be in a place she knew well, drinking her milkshake and watching the stars.

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

Old military axoim
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer),
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

***** Sickbay *****

Cat looked up as Nilani walked into her office, "OK Nilani, what happened?"

"Endris, Anara and I are going aboard the Qul'etlh, as are a number of the crew."

"Huh? What?"

"The Qul'etlh's captain brought a message from a Klingon friend of the Captain. Seems he has been charged with treason."

"Who, the Captain or his friend?"

"The Captain's friend, K'Ral has been charged. Seems the High Council want to release a virus to mutate the Klingon people to be able to combat the Jem H'Dar more effectively. K'Ral is a member of a group called the bej'mey. They tried to stop it. The High Council now charge them with treason."

"What has that to do with us?"

"We are going in to try and solve the situation. The Qul'etlh is down on crew. Well be making up the numbers. That leaves you in charge of Sickbay."

"Fine. When will you be transferring over?"

"Not long. Looks like you will have to do with out the three of us."

"We'll be able to deal with out you. It's the loss of Endris and Anara that is going to hurt." Cat gave a wide grin.

"Oh Ha, Ha. Just make sure that Sickbay is here when I get back. Keep my seat warm."

Cat leaned back in her chair, "What makes you think I'm going to give it back?"

"Transporters!" was Nilani only reply.

"Curses, foiled again. Another purrrrrfect scheme for control bites the dust." purred Cat.

Nilani shook her head; "I think all this power has gone to your head."

Cat gave a small smile as her only response.

"Right, unless something changes. Next time I talk to you it will be from the Qul'etlh."

"Be careful Nilani"

"You know me, I'm always careful!"

"Yeah right." Cat was very concerned for her friend; Nilani had a bad habit of getting injured when she got into a fight. Scenes of Dronegar, the stabbing and the Holodeck incident came to the fore of her mind.

As Cat watched Nilani leave, she wondered what injury Nilani would return with.

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

"In the Works"
by Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

Lt. Thomas sat in command of the bridge as the senior officers as the senior officers meet with the captain in counsel. He knew that a Klingon Captain had come onboard the ship. Why was a mystery, obviously it didn't concern him or his previous life as a Klingon, which was a relief. The question that Chris keep asking himself was why the Klingon needed to talk with the captain in private and then the meeting with the senior officers.

This was most interesting to Chris, the more he thought about it, the less likely it seemed that the Klingon was after him. There were at the moment other more important reasons that could explain why the Klingon captain was here and needed to deliverer a message in person. The most obvious one was that it had to do with the war, the Klingons and the Federation had been at war with the Dominion alliance for a year. The Romulans had just entered the war, there was a chance that this was about the rumor that there was a build of Federation/Klingons ships preparing to launch an offensive. Now would be the optimal time since the Romulans had now entered the picture.

There was something else that might happen soon enough and that would be for the other races living in the alpha and beta quadrant to join the Federation, Romulan and Klingon war effort.

Chris remained silent thought out this time thinking about his past.

The was one occasion just about two weeks after arriving that he'd thought he'd managed to blow his cover. This wasn't the case, it had the reserve effect, it had managed to strengthen his own position and creditability to his cover. He had been shocked by the outcome, but happy. It was the only time that he'd made that sort of mistake while living undercover. He quickly decided that living undercover wasn't just a exercise it had to be an attitude. You had to become that person immerse yourself into living and playing that character in the culture that you where suppose to belong to. Which in this case among other things meant eating Gagh. He'd prepared for it with his training, but nothing can come close to the real live thing.

It took him several days to get used to eating the real thing, but it became easier, and drinking bloodwine helped. However when he first started he had to be careful about drinking the bloodwine at dinner. This of course was due to the high potentcy of the Klingon drink. Like anything one can build up a natural tolerance on immunity to things, but this of course takes time and moderation. His tolerance for some things reached higher levels than he was prepared to expect. He had to be in top physical shape, plus be even more than that, because he was ready to face or challenge a Klingon.

There were many things that he longed for at the moment, nostalgia was getting the best of him at the moment. He longed for those days in all its glory he had a great time, even through worst of times. He had only told Starfleet Intelligence what he was there to tell them, beyond that they learned little else.

He'd always keep the one secret that he feared from anyone. That was something that he'd never told anyone and had no intention of telling anyone. His mind started drifting back to the memory, something that he'd barely thought about in all these years. While living undercover he'd been the subject of an arranged marriage to a Klingon women. This wasn't something he'd counted on, as he was loyal to his beloved with Gwyen. There had been the chance that something like this might occur, but it wasn't something that had been seriously discussed. He'd only told her about the possibility that something like this might happen. He'd prepared her the best he knew how for the problems that might be encounter,

He felt guilty at first, but he adjusted to the life of being married to a Klingon women.

Lt. Thomas returned to his senses and decided that he'd have to put everything about his life as a klingon in a book. He looked around the bridge, someday he'd make captain...

The only question was whether it would be with Starfleet and out here among the many stars and the ships, that at this very moment were defending the Federation boarders against the Dominion or would be with a more elusive department in Starfleet.

Chris Patton
Assistant Operating Officer - Allied Electronic Simulations
GM --- Fleet Captain William E. Churchill - USS Atlantis - AES
Lt. Commander John Bruce - USS Sulu - AES
Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES
USS Atlantis Website: http://www.geocities.com/~ussatlantis-a

“Mission Impossible”
by Ensign Aaron Sharp

Aaron was in his quarters, preparing to get some sleep before he went on duty for Gamma shift. He’d heard through the grapevine that they were about to head for the Klingon Empire but didn’t know why. He’d also heard that the Klingon bird of prey nearby required a crew. If that was true, then it was an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up. However, not wanting to seem impetuous to his superiors, he hadn’t yet spoken to anyone about volunteering and was trying to think of the best way to approach it. “Stuff it,” he said “I probably won’t get this opportunity again.” And with that he reached up and tapped his Comm badge.

“Ensign Sharp to Lieutenant Bancroft.”

[Bancroft here, what can I do for you, Ensign]

“Ma’am, are you available right now? I’d like to see you, if I could.”

[Yes I am. Meet me in Ten-forward in five minutes.]

“Uh, Ma’am, I’d prefer to see you in your office, if you don’t mind.” There was a slight pause at the other end of the channel.

[Very well, Ensign. Five minutes. Bancroft out.]

Aaron left his quarters and headed for Lt Bancroft’s office.

****5 minutes later****

The door chimed and Tebrianne Bancroft called out, “Come.” the door slid open to admit Ensign Sharp.

“Yes, Ensign? What did you wish to see me about?”

“Ma’am, I understand that several officers will be transferring temporarily to the Klingon vessel.”

“That’s correct.”

“I’d like to volunteer to join the mission.” Tebrianne blinked.

“Any particular reason for wanting to go?” she asked.

"Yes, Ma’am. I’ve been on board the Galaxy for several months now but I’ve never had the opportunity to really get involved. Gamma shift is fine, but not a lot happens, as you’re aware. This is an opportunity I just couldn’t resist.”

“Alright, you’re in.” Tebrianne said.

“Plus,” Aaron continued, not hearing what Tebrianne had just said, “I’m fairly familiar with Klingons and their technology. My family is involved with the mining industry and we have several supply contracts with Klingon parties, so I have spent some time in the Empire before I entered Starfleet. It’s given me several useful contacts.”

“Ensign, I said you can go.”

Aaron continued, still not hearing, “Also, it’ll give me a chance to really prove to myself that I still have what it takes to be a Starfleet officer. As you’re aware...”

“ENSIGN SHARP!” Aaron stopped and looked at Tebrianne with a shocked look on his face.

“Ma’am?” Tebrianne took a deep breath before continuing.

“Ensign, I have already spoken to the Captain about this mission and he has approved you to go, so congratulations, you’re on the mission. I’ll let you know the details shortly.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Thank you, Ma’am.” Aaron could hardly suppress his grin.

“That will be all, Ensign. Dismissed.” Tebrianne sighed as Ensign Sharp turned and smartly exited the room. Aaron headed down the hall and entered the nearest turbolift. As the doors shut he lifted his fist and pulled it down in a tugging motion.

“YEEESSSSSS!!!!” Two passing lieutenants looked at the just closed turbolift, then at each other. Shrugging their shoulders they continued on their way.

Ensign Aaron Sharp
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

By Dianne Heppel
AKA Alyssa Idana
Science Officer USS Galaxy

Alyssa heard rumors that they were heading into the Klingon Empire and that the Klingon Ship needed crew. Hmm well I know quite alot about Klingon's I wonder if that would help thought Alyssa. If anyone needs me I'll be in Ten Forward Alyssa told the other Officers in the Science lab.

Now In Ten Forward.

Alyssa walks up to the Bar and orders a saurian Brandy. She sees a young woman sitting at a table. Judging by her Section Colors Alyssa assumed she was in engineering.

Alyssa walks over to her. "Mind if I sit here" Alyssa asked. "No not at all the Officer replied. "Hi I'm Alyssa Idana a science Officer" said Alyssa introducing herself

"Chip Off the Old Block"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess

Ensign Marsh entered his quarters and sighed with a breath of relief. He had worked three shifts in a row on recalibrating the power relays on Deck 4 and they were still giving him trouble. He stood and the replicator and ordered himself a plate of tortia chips with salsa.

"Computer, do I have any messages?" the Human asked.

"You have two messages," the computer responded.

"Play them," he said taking a seat with his snack.

Xavier Marsh looked down at the computer terminal on his coffe table and saw an image of his lovely sister. She wore a light pink dress and gleamed in the light. Ensign Marsh thought about home and his younger sister and everything he left behind when he joined Starfleet.

"Xavier, I just wanted to tell you that spring is here on the colony and the tulips are begining to sprout. They are so beautiful and I wish you were here to look at them. I have final exams coming up next week in school and my professors are already begining to talk about joining Starfleet Science. I told them I was not interested and I would study botany alone. There's no way I'm going to follow in my big brother's footsteps," his sister said with a laugh. "I will try and send you a message next week when I get more access to the subspace network."

The screen flashed with the emblem of the Federation then with the image of a Ktarian female only somewhat familer to Ensign Marsh. He remembered her serving him in the lounge and he remembered her exotic outfits. On the screen she was wearing a bright orange top that pulled on every corner of her body with matching bright make-up. She began to speak.

"Greetings everyone! I am Xala, your hostess in the Ten Forward Lounge, and I just wanted to let everyone know that we have an exciting night of talent planned aboard the Galaxy on Stardate 49805.20 at 2100 in the lounge. You are invited to show off your most interesting talent whether it is playing the Andorian flute, singing Klingon operas, preforming a Shakesperian monolouge, or juggling!

Please send me a message and tell me what you are thinking about doing so the staff can acomidate your needs. Be sure to RSVP if you would like to attend and have a seat in the audience. The Ten Forward Lounge can only seat 30 people. We look forward to this evening of fun and I hope to see you there."

Ensign Marsh smiled at the message. The talent show sounded like fun. He tapped his terminal and sent a message to Xala telling her he would love to attend the show. Xavier took a chip and dipped it down into the sauce. He brought the chip to his mouth and bit down on it with a big crack.

"A word in private"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Executive Officer, USS Galaxy
and Captain Price

Captain Price glanced around the conference table and saw that his senior staff understood why the Galaxy and Qul'etlh were heading for Klingon space.

"Well, I believe that covers it 'mates. Check with your respective departments and see if you can assemble a few volunteers to beam over to the Qul'etlh and help out. I want her fully staffed before we reach the borders of Klingon space." Lee explained. Then with a glance around the room, he declared, "Dismissed."

After the Captain had dismissed the senior officers from the meeting and they started to leave the room, Joerg turned to the Captain to ask him a question.

"Sir, may I have a word with you in private?" he addressed the Captain.

"Sure Commander." was the quick reply.

Lee turned to Commander Dergaus and Lieutenant Commander Sunder as they were about to leave the room.

"'Commander, could you escort our guest back to his ship?" Captain Price asked.

"Yes sir." the Chief of Security answered.

Lee nodded, then turned to the towering Klingon, "Dergaus, I should have a team of crewmen ready to beam over to assist with manning the Qul'etlh in about two hours."

Dergaus gave a slight nod of agreement, "We will be ready to receive them General."

Commander Dergaus and Captain Price exchanged looks and then they said farewell the Klingon way. Soon after that, all other senior staff members were gone except for Commander Sterner and the Captain. They both sat down at the table again and Lee waited for the Commander to begin.

"Sir, may I ask what your real motives are after all this? I mean we are going into Klingon space on our own, without Starfleet even knowing about this. You can't expect that we will just walk into that facility, get the proof we need and we are gone again?" Joerg inquired.

"Commander, I appreciate your concerns 'mate. But I have to do this. It's personal. K'Ral is my friend and I have to prove his innocence, whatever the cost for that might be. If he was in my position he would do the same." Lee replied, trying to make his point.

"But sir, you won't go on the mission yourself, will you?" Sterner asked.

"Yes Commander, I will be leading the investigation on board the Qul'etlh. It seems only right since I have a personal stake in all of this with my friend." Lee replied candidly.

"May I ask what exactly are you going to do?" Sterner queried.

"Once we have a full crew, I'll beam over with them to the Qul'etlh. The Galaxy and the Qul'etlh will continue together until we reach Boreth where we hope to hook up with the remaining bej'mey. We will then proceed with the cloaked Qul'etlh alone to our destination and there I'll be part of the investigation team. The Galaxy will remain in orbit of Boreth." Lee explained.

"May I remind you that as First Officer, I am to be going on away missions and you, as the Captain of this vessel, should stay aboard your ship. Anything else would be a breach of Starfleet protocol." Joerg reminded.

"Not this time 'mate." Captain Price countered sharply, "This time, I'm going to lead the investigation myself. I owe K'Ral that much. Is that clear Commander?"

"You made your point clear, but if you are going, then I'm coming with sir." Joerg replied sternly, "If you do not find this acceptable, you force me to inform Starfleet Command about your plans. Do we have an understanding Captain?" Joerg said in the most serious voice Lee had ever heard him speaking.

"You drive a very hard bargain Mister Sterner." he just replied, but after some moments of thinking about the offer he continued, "Very well, it seems you leave me very little choice on this. 'Commander Casey will be in command of the Galaxy when we beam over to the Qul'etlh. Deiran will probably be disappointed he won't be coming along, but he'll have to remain on board the Galaxy if both of us are on the team." Lee agreed.

"That sounds fair enough to me Captain." Joerg replied.

While this concluded their private conversation, both stood up and were on their way out of the executive conference room. Lee turned to glance at Joerg over his shoulder while they were exiting, "You do know that blackmailing a superior officer could be considered an act of insubordination, don't you Commander?"

"Of course I know that sir. But as you said before, Starfleet doesn't know about this, so as far as I'm concerned this conversation never happened." Joerg replied smilingly.

"Which conversation?" Lee then asked with a smile as both men exited the executive conference room.

"Slice of Life"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess

The lounge was extremely busy. Everyone was getting off Beta Shift to come down to Ten Forward to get a look at the Bird of Prey and gossip as to why the Galaxy was meeting with the vessel. Xala was busy behind the bar pouring and mixing drinks for the patrons. Her bartending skills had improved almost 90% since she had come aboard the Galaxy. Tak and Door had tought her everything, from making Sumarian Sunsets to mixing the perfect Spring Wine. Takal was at the other end of the bar trying to serve everyone as quick as possible, while Electra retrieved food from the replicator.

"Orion Ale," an engineer said in his order to Xala.

The Ktarian turned around and opened one of the many cupboard behind the bar. Xala remember from inventory they had gotton three large bottles of Orion Ale from Starbase 357. She also remembered how Electra loved to sip the concoction. Xala quickly scoped up the heavy bottle up. Suddenly, on the other side of the bar, she saw an image of the Vulnarian that had been stalking her. Xala dropped the Orion Ale bottle at the halucination. The bottle broke and slice her arm. The deep red blood was profuse, and not a happy sight to Xala.

"Tak, I cut myself," the Ktarian said weakly.

The large bartender went to Xala's side and examined the cut. It seemed to go very deep. The patrons were unaware of the trama that Xala was experiencing behind the bar. They were enraptured with looking out of the window.

"Get down to the sickbay. I'll clean this up," Tak said sweetly.

Xala took a towel and wrapped her arm before rushing out of the busy lounge. The walk to sickbay seemed to take longer than usual. Xala looked down at her arm and suddenly noticed she had been losing a lot of blood in her trot down to sickbay. The towel was soaked.

Quickly, she went through the double doors and toward a doctor. Xala's vison began to blur a little when she looked up at the medical officer. It was Doctor Felicia Khatroweena, the Assistant Medical Officer and friend of Sunder. Kat was shocked upon seeing Xala.

"Can I help you?" the Caitain purred.

"Preparations for Flight"
by Lieutenants Ronni Morris and Greer Erikson, ACSO and CSO

She was floating in the vortex. She was swimming again and not getting anywhere. Behind her there was a horrible seething mass of unseen destruction reaching out to engulf her. She swam and swam. To her left she noticed a Tw'enolik'aknakak, a Delphinian dolphin, who she somehow knew was Greer. Tied to her foot was an obsidian statue of AC. To her right she saw a Klingon warrior. As she looked at him, he opened his mouth, but instead of words he said . . . .

[bree deep]

Ronni sat straight up and splashed water over the in sloped sides of her sleeping tank.

[bree deep]

Looking around, she said, "Yes?" Then she realized it was the door. Climbing out of her the tank, she pulled on the terry cloth robe on the chair. "Come in!" she said.

Lieutenant Erikson walked in and the doors swooshed closed behind him. He suddenly realized that Ronni was dripping wet, was wearing a robe, and the water in the tank was still sloshing. He stumbled a little and said, "Oh, Uhh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were asleep."

Ronni smiled. She really liked Greer, more so because of their recent mission. She said, "That's ok. I needed to get up and get ready for my shift. Actually, why aren't you on the bridge? It's still Alpha shift isn't it?"

"Well, yes, but I thought I had better talk to you now. You won't need to take Beta Shift today if you wish to take the oppurtunity to serve on the Klingon ship Qul'etlh. If you do, I'll recommend to the Captain that you serve as the Science Officer, assuming the position is open. It'll be a dangerous mission, but with your knowledge of Klingon technology, language, and a lot of engineering skills, I think you'll be a fine addition to the crew." he said. "Besides, I can manage things here on the Galaxy without you." he smiled.

"OK. Is this an undercover mission or what? I just want to know if I'll need to go to sickbay for some 'alterations'. " she said as she went over to the replicator and got a glass of grapefruit juice.

"Not that I'm aware." he said. "I have spoken with Lieutenant' Idana briefly also. She would like the oppurtunity to serve on the Qul'etlh also. I'll inform the Captain soon."

Ronni smiled at him because he seemed nervous. I was kind of sweet. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No thank you Ronni." he said as he shook his head.

"Well, if we aren't going to do surgical alterations, I have a really good emulation program for the view screen to make the crew appear Klingon. "

"At least no I know what you do with you time." Greer said.

An akward silence feel between Ronni and Greer. Although Greer no longer blamed himself about what happened, this had been the first time he and Ronni had even discussed the away mission any further than an inquiry to see if the other was in good health.

Ronni tilted her head. "What happened in the vortex was not your fault. You did everything possible to ensure our survival and success. I don't know of anyone who could have done better." She walked over to him and touched his left cheek. "I like and respect you Greer. You are an excellent scientist and an excellent Chief Scientist. Don't doubt yourself so much. I don't. Now," she said, "unless you want to watch as I get dressed, I would recommend you return to the bridge or something." She removed her hand from his face and turned toward the dressing room.

Greer raised an eyebrow slightly.She turned back to him and said, "Unless you want to stay . . . " she said with a wink and a smile.

"I . . . uh . . . think I . . . it would be better if I go Ronni." he said. "I'll see you in two hours on the Bridge." he said as he strategically backed out of the door.