Belch'en me
by Lt. Endris Gakor
with the rest of the Medical Staff

*** 10 Forward ***

Gakor waited to see if any of her friends would surface for Oinkus, but was distracted by all the H'op la going on around her. A kaleidoscope of Klingon tales and phrases assaulted her senses, and Endris felt a bit overwhelmed. The snout-endowed immunologist picked up a glass of Mt. Cuisine sparkling water, and was about to pour it down, when a loud noise erupted unexpectedly.

"BURRRRRRP!", quaked Gakor's tummy. As promised, gurgling the chemical potion helped the doctor learn Klingon rapidly. But it also gave her one of the Tellarite's worst fears: Indigestion! Unfortunately, the Doctor chose not to carry her medical gear to meals. After all, Oinkus was a social occasion, when relaxation ruled.

The doctor headed to sickbay to calm her latest anxiety.

*** Sick Bay ***

"Endris, I'm so sorry you're leaving!", exclaimed Cat.

*Leaving*, thought the Tellarite.

"Didn't you read your messages today?", Doctor Khatroweena asked meekly. When Gakor stopped, puzzled as how to explain her lapse, Cat proffered an explanation. "At the senior staff meeting, Captain Dergaus of the Qul'etlh asked for officers to man his vessel. Apparently, it is short on crew. I understand Nilani recommended you personally, as well as Nurse Keena. The security Klingon Empire has been threatened by some kind of mutation virus, and you've been selected to accompany the new CMO on the away team!", Cat surmised quickly.

Endris always felt Cat was kind of a friendly sister type, and couldn't resist spicing her conversation with a freshly learned Klingon phrase or two. "I see mey jup, It's a good thing I learned Klingonese, then.", Gakor said, burping for emphasis. "We wouldn't want to leave all the good food for Targs, now, would we?", she stated with an even more rambling burp.

Cat frowned at Endris' unexpected rudeness. Then, something in the back of her mind clicked. "Chemical induction?", she prompted.

Overcome by a wave of nausea and gas, Gakor was incapable of responding, but bent a bit in obvious pain. Cat laughed, chuckling at the extreme measures her friend would take in the line of duty.

For the first time since doubling over, Endris glanced up and noticed Doctor Kahn was in the CMO office, separated from the others by a transparent aluminum wall. She was packing a variety of things in a trunk seated on a antigrav pallet. The moment of queezyness soon passed.

"Well, I didn't quite know to expect serving on a Klingon ship, but I felt we were going to be interacting with them extensively on this mission.", Gakor recovered nicely, interrupted by a few more belches.

Cat adjusted the replicator, and it delivered an anti-nausea treatment, which Gakor consumed eagerly. "Starvation!", Cat toyed, imitating Endris' voice. "One might think Gah was enough.", she continued with a wink.

After a moment, the discomfort subsided enough for Gakor to continue unhindered. The talk about food had restored her spirits, but made her think of her pet fish. Cat would have her hands full keeping sick bay in order. The immunologist wondered if Lieutenant Albrecht was going on away team. She recorded a message, asking him to feed Spines and the other fish that survived their mission to the Argonii system.

Mentally, Endris composed a list of things to take along. She had read about conditions on Klingon ships. Like the warrior race, the vessels were study and built to fight. However, they had fewer amenities. If the Qul'etlh as a small ship, it most likely didn't even have a holodeck.

Which meant sacrificing the EMH and most of the medical data base, since the Klingon ships traded computational power for defensive and offensive weaponry. Unless.....

Gakor recalled the time the Galaxy was damaged and she ran multiple copies of the EMH from the shuttles. Federation craft might not be as 'sturdy' as their Klingon counterparts, but they had other strengths that made up for their weaknesses. Mentioning her concerns to Dr Kahn, the new CMO considered placing a request to take a shuttle with them. Facing possible devastation from a medical threat, it would make sense to have access to the entire data base at their fingertips.

Even with her new promotion, the doctor did not want to be to ambitious or pushy. Also, there might be good reasons to leave the shuttles behind. It need not be stated that one woman could not think of everything. Even the best chefs sometimes spoil the broth.

Sated by her new orders and much improved stomach, Gakor returned to her quarters while her superiors debated the validity of the observations Endris had made.

As Ensign George Prince started to finish the last shuttle he said to himself "To bad I willn't be flying this shuttle today." Then he started to day dream about flying to shuttle. After droping a padd on his foot Ensign George woke up to see his shift is almost over. He quickly finished the shuttle and left. As Ensign George walked out the door he ran into Ensign Aaron Sharp. "Hey, you are dressed right this time and you are happy." said Ensign George as he walked by Ensign Aaron. Ensign George got off th turbo lift at the holodeck level. He walked up to the door and saw that it someone was using it. Then Ensign George head to ten forward. When he entered Ensign George saw that everyone was talking to each other. He said hi to a few people as he pasted by them and sat down at the bar.

Ensign George Prince
Helmsmen, USS Galaxy

"The Perversion of Science."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson

"You were a little quiet earlier." Tebrianne remarked. "It's not like you not to say anything during a senior staff meeting."

Greer looked at her after finishing a spoonful of his plomeek soup. "I'm sorry?"

"In the senior officer meeting. I was just wondering why you were uncharacteristically quiet."

"I was biting my tongue too hard." Greer said as he placed his spoon on the table. "I just feel that science should be to enhance our knowledge. Enrich our lives not make it that much more difficult. To think that a government would pervert it to abuse their own people, without their consent, is . . . ," he stopped to try and think of an appropriate word, "heinous by any standard. Not even the Romulans or Breen are foolish enough to do something like that."

"I'll try not to take that personally." the half-Romulan smiled as Erikson began to look a little embarrassed. "I do understand your point of view though. I can't say that I ever thought that Klingons would ever condone any form of genetic manipulation. Come to think of it, they don't even like medical examinations."

"Exactly. You only have to look at the level of understanding the Klingons have about their own neurology and, from the Klingons scientists I've met, they don't even seem to place that much of an importance on the sciences. Personally, I didn't even know the Klingons had ever really experimented with bioengineering to the extent that they could manipulate a genome."

"I can't even begin to imagine how the Klingon High Council could justify their intentions as honorable. Obviously the bej'mey don't share their convictions on genetically mutating the Klingon people." Tebrianne pointed out as she crossed her arms. " We all know the war is not going well for the Federation and now we know it can't be doing all that well for the Klingons either. I guess it really indicates how serious the situation is after all."

"I can't decide which is scarier Tebrianne. The fact that the Klingons are willing to genetically manipulate their own people," Greer said as he leaned closer to Tebrianne, as not to be overheard by everyone in Ten Forward, "or that there is a strong chance we will loose the war against Cardassia and The Dominion."

"I guess that the High Council might have considered that cost and made their decision. A situation with regard to the lesser of two evils. It might not be right but it can be viewed that desperate times call for desperate measures."

"But war is not an excuse to do something like this."

"I agree Greer. All I am saying is that if you look at the situation, you can possibly understand why they might make a rash decision like this."

"Indeed. Now, as soon as someone with a bit of power comes along and decides that something is lacking in society, or that they need a way to 'improve' their species, they can do it."

"I think you're being a little overdramatic."

"Am I really?" he said rhetorically. "It's no better than what we saw on Dronegar or how the Dominion created the Jem'Hadar and the Vorta. Science once again perverted for the purposes of war. The knowledge is there, what is going to stop someone from using it."

Tebrianne sat there quietly as Greer got out the frustration that he restrained himself from showing during the meeting. He was arguing with the same thoughts she had herself, but realized he needed to get it out of his system.

"I didn't want to cause a debate on the issue. It is a subject I am very passionate about." Erikson said, now a little calmer. "I just wanted to maintain a level of professionalism."

"Unfortunately, as tragic as it sounds, the innocent and unwary are often the victims of war. At least now the Captain's Klingon friend has told us, we might be able to do something about it."

"I truly hope so Tebrianne." Greer said before he took a sip of his Balso tonic. "Anyway, you weren't exactly a conversationalist yourself Miss Bancroft."

"Let's just say that I didn't think I had a lot to contribute to the discussion."

"I know what that can feel like. I can remember when there were times at the Vulcan . . . . "

["Talbot to Erikson."]

Greer reached across his chest and tapped his comm badge. "Erikson here."

["Sir, those laboratory reports you asked for are complete."]

"Thank you Ensign. How did the diburinium cultures go?"

["Not well Lieutenant. The diburinium gradient wasn't formed properly and the culture collapsed in the end. Ensign Brooks and I are trying to analyze the data whilst we prepare another culture."]

"Alright, I'll meet you in Science Lab Five in fifteen minutes then. Erikson out." Greer said as he tapped his comm badge once again. Turning to Tebrianne, "Sorry, ship's business calls."

"I guess I'll see you bright and early at seven hundred hours then." Tebrianne said with a smile.

Greer nodded. "Until then."

****The Way of Life****
By Ensign Vulcar
Helmsman
USS Galaxy

"Computer, begin Ensign Vulcar's personal log."

"Log initiated."

"As reason that Lieutenant Bancroft suggested a personal log, This is my first entry.

"Life on the Galaxy is most deffinately different than at the acadamy. At first a recocnised that my quarters were rather large. I didn't complain. I did adapt to the surroundings though."

"The crew has been generous. I made friends with one, an Ensign Ben Nova. Before I really could get to know him, he transfered to Starbase 357."

"Ensign Burton seems to be doing well. He is also quickly adapting to the ship. He was like that in the Academy. Jack always knew his way around a place. It just took a matter of days and he could walk through it with a blindfold on as he said. I do not see the relevance in that for he might seriously injur himself."

"I am not quite sure as to how a personal is to be composed. Therefore I will continue later."

"Computer, end log."

The computer responded with a bleep and Vulcar left his quarters. It was a first try, but practice makes perfect.

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

"In Command"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Deiran walked out of the senior staff meeting with a thirst and hunger. He tapped his comm badge, "Deiran to Miran, how about some dinner in Ten Forward hon?"

[Let me get Lara ready and I’ll meet you there,] Miran replied in her sweet sexy voice.

*** Ten Forward ***

Deiran walked into the room and was met with a flood of people. He found his usual table full of Ensigns. He always went to the corner table next to the window. He went to the bar, leaning against it, his elbows on the counter.

A beautiful Ktarian woman walked up to him. She was barely wearing anything, her cleavage went down to her stomach. Deiran was a little nervous, trying not to stare. He was a married man. In fact, his wife was on her way now.

"Oh yes, I’ll have some fettuccini and some chicken breast," Deiran hesitated, locking his eyes on her head and not looking down.

"Sure ‘Commander, anything to drink?" She asked in a sexy voice.

"Ummm lets see," he stopped and turned around and saw Melissa Boudreau drinking a milk shake. "I’ll have a Vanilla milk shake," he smiled like he was a little boy.

"What’s your name? We haven’t met," Xala asked.

"Lt. Commander Deiran Casey, Chief Ops and Second Officer and you are?" Casey replied in his typical manner, his smile and charm made Xala smile too.

"Xala, nice to meet you Deiran. You’re the one I hear everyone talking about," she laughed.

They shook hands. Deiran was still trying not to look below her neck. If Miran saw him looking, he’d be in big trouble. "Yep I’m the one, only believe the good stuff," Deiran laughed, "What do they say?" he inquired.

"The women all say how gorgeous you are and how lucky your wife is," Xala replied, a smile lighting up her face. A very pretty smile. "The men say things I can’t repeat," she giggled.

"Like I said, only believe the good stuff," Deiran reiterated, and smiled. "They’re all just jealous," Casey laughed.

He excused himself as he saw the Ensigns get up from the table and darted past everyone to get the table.

As he sat down, he looked out the viewport. The Qul’letlh was hovering like a glider. A very nice ship, Deiran thought to himself. He wanted a chance to fly on that ship. Xala walked up next to him with his Vanilla shake.

"Here you are ‘Commander, enjoy!" Xala said as she walked away. Deiran couldn’t help but sneak a peak. "Wow! Nice curves," he whispered. He turned back around and waited for Miran. He took a sip of his shake, sat back in the chair, looked out at the stars and relaxed.

It didn’t last long.

His comm badge beeped. [Captain Price to Casey.]

Casey sighed, tapped his badge and replied, "Aye sir, Casey here."

[‘Commander, can you meet me in my Ready Room?"]

"Now sir?" Casey asked.

[In about an hour. Before we embark for the Klingon Empire ‘mate.]

"Aye sir, I’ll be there sir, just finishing up dinner with the family," Casey replied as he rolled some fettuccini on his fork. Xala had brought his food a few seconds before and Miran was just walking in.

[No need to rush ‘mate, just make sure you meet me before the volunteer crew transfers to the Qul’letlh.]

"Aye sir, I’ll be there promptly sir," Casey said, hiding that he was chewing some food. He was famished.

[Price Out.]

Deiran stood up and took Lara and then pulled the seat out for Miran so she could sit. He put Lara in her Hi-chair next to Miran and then he sat back down.

"So what’s going on hon? Rumors are all over the ship," Miran asked, wondering what was going on.

"Well most of it is classified, but we’re going into the heart of the Klingon Empire. Some of the crew are transferring to the Bird Of Prey," Deiran said as he continued eating his pasta.

"And you volunteered?" Miran wondered.

He looked into her eyes, "yes Miran, you know that nothing will happen to me. I’m strong, intelligent and can handle anything thrown at me. I’ll be ok. The Captain wants to meet with me after I finish eating, I think its a command briefing."

"Yes, I know, I trust you. I just love you and get concerned," she said, her voice quivering.

"And honey when you were still on active duty you went on away missions. I was just as concerned then, but you still went," Deiran said.

"I know I can’t hold you back, your right," Miran replied.

Deiran ate the last bite of his food and drank the last of his shake. He kissed Miran, a passionate kiss that was hard to ignore. And then he kissed Lara on the cheek, of course she smiled.

*** Captain’s Ready Room ***

Deiran was surprised to see Commander Sterner already in the seat next to his. "Hello Commander," Deiran said as he sat down.

"Deiran, I wanted to let you know of our plans ‘mate. The Commander and I will be going to the Qul’letlh. We’re leaving you in command of the Galaxy."

"Aye sir, we’ll be going to Boreth right? What then sir?" Deiran asked.

Deiran had been in command for many months now and was used to it. It was no big deal to him, just his duty. Of course he would enjoy it, but so did the Captain.

"Right ‘mate. When we meet up with the remaining bej’mey we’ll go wherever that takes us. The Galaxy will remain in orbit around Boreth. We’ll stay in contact. That’s it ‘mate." The Captain was about to say "dismissed" when he thought of one last thing, "And Deiran, don’t mess up my ship!" The Captain said with a smile.

"Aye sir, she’ll not have a scratch on her," Deiran replied in a perfect Irish accent.

Everyone smiled.

"You’ll do a bonzer job ‘mate, I’m leaving her in good hands."

"Thank you sir," Casey wasn’t as disappointed as he thought he’d be. "I think Lt. Thomas would be a good choice to represent Ops sir. He knows the Klingons quite well and is familiar with the Bird Of Prey. And St. John speaks Klingon. Those are my recommendations for the mission sir."

"I’ll take that into consideration. Dismissed."

"Good luck sir," Casey said before leaving the Ready Room.

Nothing in Particualr
Ensign Mendenhall

Mendenhall opened his eyes and looked around at the program one more time. He climbed down the tree and turned the program off. He felt thirsty and decided to go to ten forward. He walked out of the holodeck and thought he'd stop by his quarters first to pick up some work, see how Digit was doing, then go to Ten Forward. He found his quarters and walked in.

Digit was on the bed, so he decided to to leave him alone. He placed the holo program back in the drawer and searched though to find the padd he was looking for.

Just then his Comm badge beeped. He tapped it "Mendenhall here." [This is Mercury. Your going to be stationed on the Klingon Crusier. Just thought you'd like to know.] "Thank you sir" he replied. [Mercury out.] He smiled. He liked the Klingons. I'd be fun to go aboard one of their ships. He found the padd he needed and loaded a Klingon dialect progam in another one. He walked out.

He found the turbolift and walked into it. no one was in it. "Deck 10" he said. He felt the turbolift start and looked at the padd. The turbolift stopped and he walked out. He walked into Ten Forward and walked over to the counter. "hi, what can I get you?" the waitress said. "Just a glass of orange juice" he said politly. He looked around while she fixed it. She handed it to him and smiled at him. He smiled back and went over to an empty table in the corner. He read for a while, then looked out at the stars. He looked at his glass and realized he hadn't dranked any of it yet. He took a small sip and comtinued looking at the stars and the large Klingon crusier.

********* Who's to go? **********
By Lt. Cmdr. Paran Chanor

Chanor heard his alarm going off, and reached over to turn it off. It was 1630 hours, a little after the start of Beta shift. That would mean that Lt. K'arta was on duty at the moment. He rolled out of bed, and headed for the sonic shower. It didn't take him very long (one of the advantages of the sonic shower over water showers) and he got dressed in his usual gold uniform. First thing he thought he should do was see 'Commander Sunder about what had happened during the staff meeting whilst he slept. He found that he was ten forward, by asking the computer. It had been a long time since he'd been there, so he set off towards the destination, at a brisk pace.

*********** Ten Forward ***********

Arriving, he spotted 'Commander Sunder and Xala talking together. Seemed Sunder was enjoying a drink, and her company whilst off duty. He scanned the room for a bit, noticing Lt. Parker sipping a drink on her own. For a minute, he thought about wandering over there, whilst Sunder was engaged, but Electra suddenly arrived on the scene. Seems Xala was on duty, and was needed elsewhere. Electra looked almost happy to drag her away, but it gave him the chance to move on over to Sunder. He approached and started,

"Mind if I sit down sir?"

Sunder looked up at his assistant chief and said, "Not at all 'Commander. Something you wanted to see me about?"

"Well, it was regarding the senior staff meeting sir. Is there anything I can be told?" he asked.

"Actually, I think there is." Sunder started, and proceded to tell him all about the ship, and why the crew was needed to go to Kronos.

"So, we're looking for volunteers to go over to the Qul'ethl. I'm going to be staying here myself, but if you want to go, you're more than welcome." Sunder finished his lengthy explanation.

Chanor thought for a moment. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to go. He liked the Galaxy a lot, and he knew nothing about Klingons, their ships, their language or anything else. He'd make a pretty bad officer if it came to it. However, on the other side, he was the second highest ranking security officer on board, and with the chief not going, he would probably be expected to go. Furthermore, you didn't need to have that much knowledge on operating a klingon computer system as a security officer. You'd just be expected to stand there and fight. He thought numerous possibilities over his head, from his lack of close combat skills, to Lt. K'arta perhaps wanting to go. He got so lost in it that it took a,

"'Commander. Are you okay?" comment from Sunder to get him active again.

"Yes sir. Just thinking sir. About the Qul'ethl sir." he said quickly.

"Made a decision then?" Sunder asked.

"Well, sort off sir. You see, I really would prefer to stay on the Galaxy at this time sir. But I realise that with you staying as well, we would probably need either myself or Lt. K'arta to go over."

"So you're happy here. Then that's fine 'Commander. Lt. K'arta will probably go over anyway." Sunder said, perhaps slightly disappointed.

"No sir, it's not that. If K'arta doesn't volunteer, then I'll go sir. I feel we need an assistant chief on duty on the Qul'ethl." Chanor replied.

"Then I suggest you go and see K'arta about whether she intends to go or not." Ursa said.

Chanor stood, with a quick, 'Yes sir' and headed out of ten forward, heading for security, where no doubt K'arta would be.

Lt. Cmdr Paran Chanor
USS Galaxy

=/\= "Muffin" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

Chirp-chirrup, sounded the computer as the security officer returned to his new quarters, notifying Matthew that he had a message waiting for him. He shook his head, wondering why the sender had not contacted him in ten-forward. His time in that facility had been profitable, however, since he now had a general, if unofficial, idea of the reason for the Klingon captain's visit. Several officers were already rushing in requests for temporary duty on the small Klingon vessel.

He ignored the electronic chirping, while he set about getting ready for his shift. Minutes later, while he zipped up his duty jumpsuit over his grey pull-over tunic, he remembered the message waiting for his attention. "Computer," he stated, "messages, please."

The computer responded, "You have one message." It's tone betrayed nothing of the message's content. Matthew thought of the hand-written notes that were so ceremonially important on Tellar. He recalled how the ink, and how it was placed on the page, how the words were written--sharply or sloppily, large or small, dark or faintly printed--could give clues to the contents within.

He sighed, resigning himself to the fact that he would only learn its contents by listening to it. "Computer, play message."

Chirp, "Message has no title," started the computer. It continued, playing the recorded words;

"Muffin: Please feed my fish while I am out. I will think of you while I am gone. Gakes."

He stopped his uniform adjustments, his left index finger in his right cuff. He stared off for a moment, and then smiled. "Muffin!" he repeated, and sniffed. "That's me all over, just a big muffin!" The image of him as a large, buttery, blueberry muffin adhered itself to his mind. Every few moments, he snickered. He envisioned himself being served up on a large gilded silver tray to Gakor, who wore a large cloth napkin tucked in at her throat. She licked her lips and held up a knife and fork.

*So, she's going over to that tiny little ship, hardly any protection on one of those smaller-class birds,* he reflected. *She must be doing it for the fresh Gah. Why else but to get some new recipes!!* He was all ready for his shift, but wasn't due on for a while yet. "Computer, please send a message to Lt Endris Gakor."

The computer chirped, and he began, "My dearest eggroll, I would be honored to look after Spines..." He shook his head, deciding that a voice message, no matter how comic or subtle, would not be sufficient for him. He had to send her something special, as he would be thinking of her while she was away, as well. He needed to make his message something memorable, so she would keep her promise.

"Computer, cancel message. Please replicate one sheet of Tellarite parchment, 440 millimeters by 200 millimeters, and one inkpen, calligraphic tip." He cleared the PADDs from his deskspace, and went to the replicator for his supplies. He placed them upon the desktop, and took the seat facing the desk.

Matthew lifted the pen, and made a few practice strokes upon his usual notepad, 'getting the hang' of the edge and learning how to make graceful curves. Once he felt ready, he put the pen to the parchment and composed his traditional Tellarite communique.

He began by writing his family's name above and to the right of the page, then moved down to the center of the sheet for the message itself. "Dearest Endris, I will look over your fish as if they were my own. Do not worry yourself over them. While you are away, we will gather in your quarters and share tales of you, to keep us, fish and man, from becoming lonely or longing for your sarcasm. Spines will take it hard, I know, but together we will be strong, and resist the despair that might otherwise overpower and suffocate us."

He lifted the pen and read what he had written so far. He considered changes, but had written in pen and could not change it without starting over. He decided that one of the special aspects of written messages was that once written, there was little that could be taken back. He concluded, "Please return safely from your adventures, as you mean more than life itself to Spines. I will miss you as well, Albrecht."

He carefully folded the letter in three, and called out, "Computer, replicate one ounce of confectioner's chocolate, melted." He retrieved the dish and dripped several large droplets of the delicious substance upon the joint between the pages. He held the paper until the chocolate cooled, making a seal on the note that couldn't be broken without the reader's knowledge, as was the standard custom back home. On the front of the folded note, he wrote "Endris Gakor" in large, loopy and intricate letters, running diagonally across the entire face of the paper.

********

On his way to security, he stopped by Sickbay and gave the note to a nurse. "Please see that Doctor Gakor receives this before she leaves the Galaxy," he requested. The nurse smiled in reply, with a knowing look on her face. He walked away, whistling a tune he hoped to sing at the talent show, if he could get the time off to attend.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"The Klingon"
by Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

Personal log. I have lost track of where my thoughts have taken me over the past couple of days, but I do know that they have been focused around my time living as a Klingon.

Close log

Chris reclined in his chair.. he'd spent several hours working on a couple of his projects, and working out before returning to his quarters. He was hungry, and as usual it was dinner for one. The one thing that he'd been doing these past months since Dev left the Galaxy. He'd pretty much stayed to himself working on projects, something that allowed him to keep busy.

"Computer play Bach's Brandenbrug Concerto No. 3" Chris said as he relaxed.

He decided to skip his dinner for the moment, and choose to just sit down at his desk. He'd lived in the same quarters that where once shared with Colby. The lad was still onboard the ship, but was no longer living with him. Something that he regretted, but there wasn't much he could do about it, nor was he sure he wanted to. The kid and he had always been at odds on things. Which Chris contributed more to the death of his wife, than to being the fault of someone else. That's to say that the blame is his not someone else's.

He wasn't sure about a lot of things these days, they'd just seemed to blur together. No connectivity between them. Then there was this Klingon matter which had ignited something in his soul, something for his past. He wasn't sure that he wanted to go back down that road again. Perhaps he was afraid to allow himself to return to that time or that experience. There was a good chance that what he feared was losing himself to the nature of being Klingon. He'd only spent one intense year living as a Klingon, which occurred the same time Gwyen had mysteriously been killed.

That might be the only reason that he want to have anything to do with this Klingon. The intense feelings that he'd experienced since the arrival of the Klingon had been having a serious effect on him.

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

Galaxy "Departing"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
Chief Medical Officer

There was not much time left tp pack everything we needed, I walked into my office moving to my computer terminal.

"Computer Encrypt file Alpha 4-7-2.!"

"Acknowledged. Chief Medical Officer Voice recognition confirmed!"

I turned off the teminal and moved to my Medical Kit, I check that everything was in there. I looked around my office and realised that I had forgoten one thing! I moved to a Walk in storage space and pulled out my Klingon Fighting Dagger and my Bat'hlet.

I looked over everything and walked out of my office, I had already told cat that she was in charge. I walked out of Sickbay and into the turbolift.

"Transpoter room 1!"

The Turbolift started to head down.

I tapped my comm badge!

"Chief Medical officer to Lt. Gakor and Nurse Anara meet me in TR1 in 10 min!"

The turbolift stopped and I exited carrying my Backback, Medical Bag, dagger holstered in my belt and the Bat'hlet in it's cover hanging from a strap over my shoulder.

I entered Transporter Room 1

**** 10 min later ****

The medical team had arrived and we were ready, we got up on the Transporter platform with all the equipment and transported over too the Klingon ship. We rematerialised on the Klingon ship Seconds Later.

["Ahhh I see we are prepared to fight."] A voice came from the Left.

"Only if it comes down to that. But we are here to help!"

The klingon Warrior just smiled as he showed us the way to the Klingon Sickbay.

"Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho..."
By Door, Son of Dade
and Lieutenant JG Erin G. Parker, Counselor
and Xala, 10-forward lounge Hostess
and Lieutenant Matthew Albrecht, Security officer

The Galaxy's half-Cardassian barkeep was having a better time of late. Many of the crew who would apparantly be extreamly hositle to him had seemed to have had their go, and now he was free to meet the rest of the crew. It was odd that all of the Card-haters/Bajorans had arrived on the scene first, drinks and knifes at the ready to be tossed towards Door (Okay, so knifes is an overstatment, but there was Liuetenant Samara).

Things were starting to hot up though, shipwise, as the huge Klingon vessel that was suspended outside ten-forward's main viewing port showed. Most of the people in the bar were at present either staring into space (At the ship) or staring into space (At the wall). All were deep in thought and the bar was unusually quiet for such a large patronage as present.

The ship didn't interest or worry Door at all. It was just another vessel... He'd spent a short while in the company of Klingons during his travells and had idscovered that deep-down they all were just small children usuing their great honour as a defense mechanisim against the rest of the world. Of course a Klingon would deny this with their life, but Door knew better. In an arrogant way, he considered himself better than them and therefore... they posed on threat to him. At least not mentally.

As for the rest of the bar, there weren't too amny people drinking, but there had been a sudden surge in chocolate consumption. Placing a replicated chocolate milkshake and a replicated chocolate sundae ona tray, he picked it up and walked around the bar.

First stop was Lieutenant Boudreau's table. All though he had seen her about the ship, Door had never ahd the chance to speak properly with the engineer. There was an empty seat at her table, so he took that as an offer to sit down. Sliding around onto the seat, he lifted the massive chocolate drink from his tray and set it down in frnt of her. She seemed rather shy at first, but after Door raised his eyebrows for her to try the drink, she sipped and smiled.

"Hey, My name's Door," he introduced himself and extended a hand.

"I'm Lieutena-"

"Lieutenant Mlissa Boudreau," Door finished, "I know."

At that moment, a large dollop of chocolate ice-cream slopped onto Door's hand with a 'gulp'. It seemed as though the heat was starting to get to the poor dessert.

"Ah, I think that I better get this to someone," Door grinned, rising and picking up his tray. "It was nice- uh- not talking to you."

"You too." smiled Mlissa laughed.

"See you around." relpied the barman distantly, desperatly searching for the owner of the disintergrating ice-cream. Door eventually spied her sitting alone at a table string out at the Klingon ship. He quickly dancing between the masses of crewmen leaning over tables or inconsideratly gazing blankly into space and headed for the choclate hungry officer.

"Does this belong to you?" Door asked as he set the tray down for a second time. Unfortunatly, the ice-cream was looking rather worse for wear, having slooped over the sides of the tall glass dish and onto the saucer that carried it.

The female officer laughed.

"I think it must've," she answered, lifting the spoon and prodding the sticky goo with mock caution, "At one time at least!!"

"Hi," she greeted Door upon relaising that they had never met before, "Lieutenant Parker. You can call me Erin."

"Door." answered the 'Zoid/Card as he took the seat opposite her.

"I beg your pardon?" Erin said, a little disconcerted by the barkeep's strange name.

"Door." he repeated, "That's my name. And I am sorry about you ice- cream..."

"It's okay Door. I will eat it anyways. I love chocolate and ice- cream. I guess it is my weakness." Erin said with a smile. "I cannot tell you how nice it is to relax in the lounge with a good book and a bowl of ice-cream and chocolate."

"Well, Erin- you have no book," Door humorously pointed out.

Erin thought for a minute. Did she have to tell this man that she wanted to talk to him further? "So I don't. Would you like to keep me company instead? I hardly know anything about you?"

"But we only just met." Door answered with a grin.

"Oh! Oh. Yeah.." Erin answered slyly, beginning her dessert.

Erin and Door chatted for a while, and after a few moments, he realised that he was staring- and stopped immeadiatly. He was too old to be getting crushes on people.

[[Erin?]]

The ice-cream was finished. Erin smiled contentedly as she shovelled the last mouthful of thich chocolate goo into her mouth.

"Well Door, I've gotta thank you, that was magnificant."

"It's wasn't me!!" he exclaimed in denfense of the hard working ship systems, "It was one of our trusted replicators- Wait," Door stopped and picked up a napkin, "You have chocolate on your mouth."

Door leaned across the table and wiped it away gently. He stopped or a second as they both looked at eachother. There wasn't anything there just the feeling of friendship in a crowded room- a small intimate moment... at least from Erin's side of the table.

"Door." Xala's voice broke into the moment, as she palced her hands on the Cardassian barman's shoulders, "Can I have a word?"

"Sure," he mumbled in a slightly annoyed voice as the Ktarian's delicate hands gripped his and dragged him away from Erin. He mouthed a goodbye to the counselor as she did so.

Xala lead Door through the crowds of people that had decended upon the Galaxy's relaxation nexus to view the ship outside and behind the bar, into Electra's empty office. Once inside, she let Door take a seat and then closed the door behind them.

There was an annoyed tention between them that Door, with or without his Betazoid abilities, could sense. They both stared at eachother blankly, their eyes locked as now Xala had atken her place opposite him, sitting on the edge of the table. Door, upon slight realsiation, cracked a small smirk.

"Don't you even think it!!" Xala flared up.

{{What?}} Door protested innocently through telepathic projection.

"It is hot, There are way too many people in the bar, We are seriously under-staffed with Electra off, and the person she left ten-foreward under the control of is doing nothing but flirting with the customers!!"

"By the Prophets- what are you, Jealous?"

"No, I'm not jealous!" she returned slightly calmer, "It's just..."

Xala considered Door a friend, and in the short time thatshe had known him, he hadn't let her down. Yet, she hadn't confided in him about the visions of syndicate memberrs that were repeatedly flashing before her eyes...

"Remember a few months ago, why you saw me find that disc?" she asked with a sigh, "It was supposedly from the syndicate saying that they were keeping tabs on me... it's just got me on edge."

Door was in a stunned silence. He'd heard rumours floating about that Xala was this and that, but he had always discounted them as just that- rumours. Maybe he was just too quick to see good in people. Door reached out and squeezed her hand. Xala smiled at the comfortable silence between them, their friendship having been strengthened by this recounted of the truth.

"What is it that Electra sees in you?" Xala asked eventually, punching his shoulder playfully, "It doesn't bother me that she hates /me/, but..."

Door laughed.

"I know about the money, y'know."

The smile left Cardassian's face.

"I- I don't know what you're talking about." Door attempted to proclain his own innocence, but he had already given himself away.

"Don't worry- I won't tell anyone-" she said sincerely, "I like to see a little enterprise..."

Door's eyes were wide with shock. He didn't think that anyone knew- he was skilled at covering his tracks.

He returned to the bar. She'd never tell anyone, he tried to assure himself... but soon the Xala demons took over and the worrying thought ahd to be banished to the back of his mind. He returned his attention to the table at which Erin was sitting, but there were officers obscuring his view. He was about to walk aruond the bar see... Xala placed a drink in his hand.

"Lieutenant Albrecht." she said, knodding her head in the officer's direction.

Door turned to see the human officer sitting, whistling in tune with another bside him. Door crossed over to them and joined in their bizarre musical interlude by humming along with them both. He felt rather like a spoilsport by ending Albrecht's pinging of the glass by giving him a new one.

Looking out at the Klingon bird of Prey again, Door shook his head. It wasn't the ship that he shook his head at, more the fact that he stupidly thought that he could get away with fiddling Electra's finances...

*Stupid, Stupid.* he scolded himself. And now he was in more trouble than it was worth. Xala was his friend, and he believed that his secret was safe... but all the same, if she knew then how? Maybe others did too?

Cardassian words broke into his thoughts. Door looked around for the speaker, and it appeared that it was Albrecht himself who had spoken. Thinking hard for a few moments on the translation (for it had been a while since speaking in one of his native languages) Door eventually came out with a confused sounding response.

"You are quite welcome, Lieutenant." Door said, reaching up and touching his Bajoran ear-ring- a small movement which usually served to inform anyone interested in cultural exchange that he was not an average Cardassian.

"A belief in the Prophets?" asked Matthew with genuine interest.

"Yes." Door answered shortly, placing the dirty glass into a sterilisation unit.

"How'd that come about?" Matthew continued, sipping his new drink.

{{Time on Bajor as a kid. I'm only half-Cardassian as you can tell,}} he projected for emphisise, {{Never really spent anytime in Cardassian space though.}}

The security officer's eyes opened wide as he realized he had just been the recipient of a telepathic message. He had never been communicated to in that manner before, and found it frightening, and yet strangely natural. It certainly seemed a more accurate way to communicate a point. He picked up nuances and flavor in the Cardassian/Betazoid's message that voice wouldn't convey.

Matthew smiled, and replied, "From what I understand about Cardassia Prime, you didn't miss much!" He thought his remark was somewhat humorous, and looked over to Tarbuco to share a laugh, but of course Gary hadn't heard Door's statement. Instead of snickering, the other security officer just loked at Matthew with a suspicious expression.

A call came up for another synthale down the bar.

"Duty calls." Door shrugged, leaving the Lieutenant with his drink.

Harmless Secrets
by Lt. Endris Gakor

"Computer, begin personal log"

I have returned to my quarters to pack things for prior to leaving for the Qu'lteh. I intend to take some of my prize possessions with me, some that even the rest of the crew don't know I have."

-end log.

With that, the pretty immunologist pressed a hidden stud, and the mirror in her quarters slid downward, revealing a small concealed box. Gakor removed the tarnished metal gray container that blended in with the bulkhead. The box contained only a sharpened meat cleaver and a set of knives, along with a tiny decorative plaque.

The flowing Tellarite Script read: "Cleaver of Culinary Excellence- awarded to Endris Gakor, 2370." Not one to boast, Gakor had carefully suppressed the knowledge she won Tellar's most coveted Cooking contest. She checked regulations, and it wasn't a crime to suppress home world awards, unless they were fleet wide recognized decorations. And although all known species ate some type of fuel, no others shared Tellar's special efficacy for digestive pursuits.

Quickly, she pressed the hidden button that returned the mirror and the box to its normal position. Only the plaque remained in its hiding hole.

But on a Klingon ship, the flashy latinum Cleaver would be as welcome as a Bat'leth. And the sheathed Terran knifes, made by Ginsu, could substitute for a dagger in a pinch. One did not venture to a Klingon ship without honorable weapons. She also had time to replicate and pack an appropriate Klingon uniform, which seemed much more revealing than the Federation ones to which she was accustomed. If she was going to be posted on a Klingon ship, she wanted to respect their traditions as much as feasible.

At that time, Endris heard a chirp from her com badge. Doctor Kahn was heading to the Transporter room. At the last minute, Gakor packed a paper bound journal. Like ancient sea farers, the Tellarite planned to keep a written record of her adventures on the Qu'lteh.

Without time to stop in Sick Bay, Gakor dashed for the transporter room just in the nick of time to meet the CMO's summons. Nurse Keena appeared at the last moment, and pressed a parchment into her hands just before the molecules lost cohesion in the transporter beam.

***Qu'lteh***

A smiling Klingon met the medical team at their arrival. The warrior lead the group to the vessel's sick bay, apparently amused by the knives and weapons blatantly displayed by the off-worlders.

Once they reached the medical bay, Endris stopped to sniff the seal on the document. "Chocolate!", she exclaimed, licking her lips uncontrollably. With out warning, she consumed the seal with one gulp, accidentally swallowing the traditional rice parchment in the process. "Snacks!", she cursed, "now I'll never know what the message said."

Since the mission promised to take them deep into Klingon territory, they would most likely have to observe radio silence for most of their journey. That meant being out of contact with the Galaxy and Federation data banks. Gakor wondered if the CMO had requested taking one of the shuttles along. The medical data base stored in the computers might prove valuable, especially if her assumption about radio silence after departure was correct.

Endris had learned through the grape vine that one of Captain Price's Klingon amigos was detained on Rhua Pente. Should it prove necessary to make a prison break for Captain's friend, a Federation shuttle could become a natural diversion to make a rescue plan work. Not for the first time, Gakor wished she had more influence in the decision making process.

Before the rest of the Galaxy away team arrived, Gakor asked one of the Klingon's permission to speak with Lt. Albrecht. After all, she needed to find out if Spines was going to be fed during her absence! And the Qu'lteh had not resumed its cloak, so communications were not yet the problem Gakor anticipated.

"Klingon Pride"
Written by Kornan Rios

The message had come through a couple of days ago that all the klingons on the ship would be traveling to the klingon homeworld to save the empire.

The songs of our victory were already collecting in my mind, as well as the heart of any Klingon Warrior who wanted his honour back. The Team was ready to go and so was I. I had my clothes my Bath'let and most importantly my honour as I stepped on the transporter padd. Within an instant the view had changed to that of the Klingon Bird of prey. The Sounds, sights and smells of the BOP brought back strong memories.

["Kornan my old friend is that you!"]

I looked and saw an old friend of mine!

"It is my old friend!"

["Ahh it will be great to fight side by side again and when we are Victorious we will stand on the top of Gowron's Body and reclaim our honour!"]

"The Empire is in Danger it is our right to save it!"

["Agreed. come! come! we must celebrate this reunion with a drink of blood wine."]

::laughing:: "Yes my old friend! And then we can talk about battles of long ago"

["Ahh yes and we can sing songs of the dead and pay tribute to them"]

"My sparing partner is also on this glorious ship!"

["Ahh let me guess my old friend! It is that Bajoran Doctor. She has the heart of a warrior!"]

"She does Indeed."

I stood for a second and finally spoke.

"I once heard an eath term for our situation. If a Rat is cornered it will attack, even if it has no hope of wining."

["My friend that is a wise saying. Now lets drink!"]

We both walked away into his quarters

"Postponed"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

It was back to work for everyone's favorite Ktarian lounge hostess. The deep cut had not been a problem that a marrow stimulator and dermal regenerator could not resolve, but it was Doctor Cat that could become an unsolvable issue. It seemed Xala had gotten herself caught in a love triangle. Suddenly, Xala noticed Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey leaning up againist the bar in typical Starfleet mode.

"Can I get you anything?" Xala asked approaching him.

"Oh yes, I’ll have some fettuccini and some chicken breast," Deiran hesitated with uncertainy in his voice.

Xala could tell he was attempting not to fully examine the new body suit pattern she downloaded from the fashion database on Starbase 357.

"Sure Commander, anything to drink?" Xala asked in a sexy voice.

"I’ll have a vanilla milk shake," he said with a bright smile.

The hostess went away and retrieved his meal from the replicator. Nothing he requested was in stock aboard the Galaxy, esspecially chicken breast. Xala came back and served the Commander his meal. He was a cute guy and the Ktarian made sure to flirt with him. Surprisingly, he was very recipical for a married man. Out of the corner of her eye, Xala noticed that Lieutenant Commander Sunder had come in and taken a seat at the bar.

"Enjoy!" Xala said to Deiran as she walked away.

As she moved to the bar where Ursa Sunder was sitting, she could feel Deiran's eyes fondling her body. It was a good feeling coming from a married man. Xala smiled and gave Ursa a greeting kiss on the cheek. She took a seat at the bar to have a chat with her favorite Orion adopted Human.

"Nice to see you again," Ursa said playfully.

"How have you been?" Xala asked taking a sip of his drink.

"Good, a bit preoccupied with the Klingons," he replied.

"Are you going?" she asked blankly.

"No."

There was a brief pause in the conversation. Had Xala hit a nerve?

"I got your message about your talent show," Sunder said with a half-smile.

"Going to show off your talent?"

"I prefer private viewings of my talent," he said smirking.

Xala laughed. "Well, Door and I have postponed the show until after the mission. Too many of the crew and going over to the Qul'ethl. Besides, we haven't gotton Electra's permission yet and I need to find a costume to do my Caitain ballet."

"Caitain ballet? Be sure to save me a seat in the front row."

"Speaking of Caitain, did you hear about my injury? I got cut on an ale bottle and met your friend Doctor Khatroweena in Sickbay. She is a very lovely woman," Xala said with underlying scarcasm.

Ursa became a little flushed. It was an odd occurance to hear that the two substanial women in his life had met and more than likely dicussed him. He tried to think of something to respond with, but nothing came out of his mouth.

"So, what exactly is the extent of your friendship with the Doctor?" the Ktarian woman asked in a quasi-serious tone. Xala wanted to know what exactly she was dealing with in her new adversary - Cat.

Before Sunder could answer or run out of the lounge, Electra approached Xala and informed her it would be a very good idea if she poured drinks for the people at tables four through six. Xala leaned over and gave a quick kiss to Sunder before she got back to work.

"Find me later," she said.

"Jealousy"
By Doctor Felicia Khatroweena
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

***** Sickbay *****

"Ensign Ral, I really think that you need to take it a little easier on the training. The lower vertebra are a little bruised, just take it easy. Within a couple of days - things should be fine for you to thrown across the holodeck by Ensign Chen" smiled Cat.

Ral looked up, her hand on her back. "Sure there's nothing more you can do. It's killing me!"

"Bit of pain is good for you, Ral. Just takes things a little easier, that's all you need to do." Cat replied.

"Thanks"

"That's OK." Cat gave that mischievous smile, it meant that person had a little warning that Cat was about to tell a joke, usually a bad one. "How about I not see you next week?" she said with a big grin.

Ral slid off the biobed, "I'll try and make sure, Cat."

Cat watched the counsellor head out of sickbay to notice Endris returning from her break. Good as time as any to break the news about her new assignment.

Endris was given a quick run down of what had happened and how she was to be apart of the medical contingent on the away team. Endris seemed excited on the prospect. What gave Cat pause was a rumbling burp that was a heroic effort, even coming from a Tellurite after her puzzling familiarity of Klingonaase that she had acquired so quickly. This was accompanied by a grimace and bending over, obviously, Endris was in pain.

It didn't take Cat long to realise the Endris had used Chemical Induction for her fast track to learn Klingonaase. This had given Endris the most dreadful thing that could happen to a Tellurite, the dreaded INDEGESTION. After a couple of minor belches, relief appeared on Endris' face and she relaxed on to a biobed.

Cat passed her an anti-nausea treatment, which Endris consumed with relish. The relief was immediately apparent.

"Starvation!" Cat toyed, imitating Endris' voice. "One might think Gah was enough." Cat winked.

Endris' face brightened, the indigestion gone and the thought of food was enough to brighten her up.

"I have things I must do Cat" Cat watched Endris leave sickbay, a little surprised at what she would put herself through for her duty. But then Endris is a doctor, "its just part of the job."

Cat returned to her preparations for being A C M O - Acting Chief Medical Officer.

***** That Afternoon *****

Cat was just looking over some of the readings of the previous physicals on the crew. 'You'd think having a physical was like catching a deadly disease.' Cat thought to herself.

The doors to sickbay opened and Cat was surprised to see Xala walk in. "What does she want?" was the first thought that came into her head, immediately replaced by obviously the towel/bandage. It was red with blood.

"Can I help you?" purred Cat. Cat kicked herself, while she had a problem with this woman; this was not the time. There was a great loss of blood; this had to be attended first, the Sunder situation.

"Come with me Xala" and Cat led her to a biobed. Cat carefully removed the towel and washed the wound area. The cut was deep and was still bleeding a little; it was a straight and clean cut. While Cat was applying the dermal regenerator, she asked, "How did you cut your self?"

"I dropped an Orion Ale bottle and it slashed me." Xala responded.

"Well I hope it was cheap stuff," Cat smiled, "we don't want the bacteria to get drunk on the good stuff."

Xala just smiled at the joke and waited for Cat to finish attending the wound. After Cat had sealed the wound, she gave Xala a marrow stimulator. As she applied it to Xala's neck, "This will stimulate your bone marrow to replace the blood you've lost. I think if it would be best you take things lightly over the next day or so."

"Yes Cat."

"Good! Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"How well do you know Ursa? What I mean is what... You know what I mean!"

Xala looked at Cat, slitted pupils watched slitted pupils and Xala smiled one of her smiles. "I've known Ursa quite well. It was a long time ago. You could say, a lot happened between us."

"I can believe that! Xala," Cat moved closer to talk to her quietly, "Xala, just between you and me - Please stay away from Ursa."

Xala looked at her, "Now why would I want to do that? He is an old friend."

"Xala, stay away from him OK? It will make things easier on all of us!"

"Is that a threat Doctor?" Xala asked coldly.

"Fates, NO. You make sure anything between him and you just doesn't get in my way."

Xala slid off the biobed, a mischievous smile, "Ah Cat, don't you think things would be a little bit more exciting with a little competition. We must get together to discuss about Ursa. Don't you think?"

Cat watched Xala leave, with frustration all over her face. Cat knew she would do nothing to affect Xala. If that means that she had to make sure Ursa knew how she felt and steal him from her. If it was going to be that way, then that is the way it is going to be.

"The Blue Skinned Klingon"
by Lt. Ronni Morris
Temporarily Assigned to the Qul'etlh of the Klingon Empire

Ronni hurried and packed after Greer left. She brought along a spare Starfleet uniform, some personal items, several PADDs, her phaser, and most importantly, two of her Klingon Opera costumes including the dagger of Marotak. She loved the craftsmanship of the costumes and solid beauty of the dagger. At the last minute, she also brought her aqua sleeping bag. She had been on Klingon ships before and she refused to sleep on their hard pallets without something for comfort.

She had most of her things transported over to her quarters on the Qul'etlh, and she took her duffle bag and headed for the transporter. She arrived at Transporter Room 1. As she stepped on the transporter pad, the door to the transporter room opened and Greer Erikson walked in. She looked over at him and said, "Here, I brought you something for your trip." He stretched out his hand and handed her a belt. He said, "I found a design for this in the Starfleet databases. It's a self sealing force field belt that immediately fills with water. A scientist names Varin Reix, from Trill. created it. His notes said that it worked great for your sister on Station Beta 2."

Ronni took the belt and smiled. Placing her bag down, she stepped down off of the platform and took the belt. She looked up at him and said, "Thank you. This will be very useful." She started to go back up the couple steps when she turned quickly and gave Greer a big kiss. She then hurried back to her spot on the transporter pad. The look of shock and surprise on his face was priceless. As she faded out, she gave him a quick wink. He just weakly waved at her.

As she appeared on the Qul'etlh, she quickly stepped off the pad. She introduced herself to the second officer who was waiting there to greet the visiting Starfleet officers. He explained where her quarters were and then promptly ignored her. She just turned and headed for her quarters. It turns out she was going to share quarters with Lt. Endris, the Tellerite. She wasn't there yet, but would be soon.

Ronni took the bottom bunk and unpacked her things. She decided to wear her phaser and she tucked the Klingon dagger into her boot. "When in Rome . . . . " she thought. She then headed for the Bridge. She introduced herself to the officer in charge and then went over to the 'science' station. She changed the configuration a little and set the controls to a more user friendly setup. She recalibrated the sensors and started a level three diagnostic. Everything went smoothly and she was soon humming along to the sound of the engines.

As she sat there, she realized that the sound of the engines was the melody to "The Stars of Fire and Blood", a Klingon Opera about 100 years old. She softly started to sing the words to the Opera. She stopped suddenly, mortified, when she noticed several of the Klingon Officers staring at her. She turned back to her station and silently finished her diagnostic. One of the Klingon Officers slapped her on the back as he was leaving the bridge. He said "I'll be good to have a Blue Skinned Klingon on the ship!"

"All aboard who's coming aboard"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain's Personal Log: Stardate 49805.18

On my authority as Captain, the USS Galaxy and the IKS Qul'etlh are presently heading for Boreth, a class-M planet located in Klingon space. Just a couple hours ago, I explained the situation to the senior staff. While there was, and I feel still is, some apprehension over the situation, a team of Starfleet officers has been assembled for transport over to the Klingon Bird of Prey. Dergaus had left with the warship with only a handful of crew members aboard. Those officers that volunteered will be helping to run the starship when the time comes. Given the nature of this situation, I have a feeling that their skills and training will be put to the test by whatever the High Council sends our way.

*****

Captain Price carried a duffel bag over his shoulder while making his way through the corridor leading to transporter room two. He was wearing his regulation duty grays and jacket, which was typical for the Captain. Had it not been for the phaser and d'k tahg strapped to the Captain's hip, one might picture Lee walking down any corridor on the Galaxy. Perhaps heading towards the bridge.

While the Captain took long strides on the way to the transporter room, Commander Sterner rounded the corridor several meters behind him. Joerg soon recognized the Captain's haggard walk and took steps to catch up. "Heading to the transporter Captain?" Joerg called out, hoping to gain the Captain's attention and slow him in the same moment.

The Commander succeeded. Captain Price stopped and turned aside to wait for the Galaxy's First officer to catch up. "Aye Commander. Most of the volunteer crew 'as already beamed over. I'd like to get everyone on board before we reach Klingon space so we can cloak the Qul'etlh. I think the Galaxy will be less noticed if she crosses over into Klingon space alone then with a Bird of Prey riding shot gun."

Joerg nodded. "That sounds reasonable. But even alone the Galaxy will draw attention."

Captain turned back and he and Commander Sterner continued walking together towards the transporter room. "That's true, but if we are heading to Boreth, that would not be considered too uncommon. With the war going on, a number of Starships from the Federation have made that trek to allow Klingon and non-Klingon members of the Federation to visit the monastery there and pay their respects to those that have past on to Sto-Vo-Kor."

Joerg again gave a slight nod, but his face betrayed his reserved doubts, "That is true Captain, but I think the situation is a little different right now. From what Dergaus said, it sounds like the High Council is actively searching for the remaining bej'mey members. If they are on alert, the passing of a starship like the Galaxy across their boarders will surely not go unnoticed." Sterner pointed out.

Lee gave a reserved nod. "Aye." He sighed in agreement, pausing just in front of transporter room two before turning to face Joerg. "You are probably right 'mate. But I don't think the Klingon government would dare to do anything about it. Even if they do suspect something. As long as the Galaxy heads to Boreth and remains in orbit around that sacred planet, the High Council will be forced to take our word at face value, and allow us access to their temples."

"With all do respect, this is the same government that is planning to release a genetic virus on their own people Captain. If they are willing to do that, I doubt they'd have many qualms about trying to stop a Federation vessel."

Captain Price gave a nod. He wanted to tell the Commander just how far the Klingons have already crossed over that line. How one hundred years ago the High Council already subjected their people to a genetic mutation against their knowledge. How the resulting wej'oy'nem forever transformed the Klingon people and resulted in the deaths of nearly 20 percent of the population. All of these events had factored in strongly into the Captain's decision to take the Galaxy into Klingon space to try and help the bej'mey stop it. But it was also information the Captain could not reveal. "You only know the half of it 'mate. That's why I wanted you to stay on board the Galaxy just in case. But,..." Lee smiled slightly, "...now that you've decided to join me on this quest, the ship will have to rely on Lieutenant Commander Casey to keep her out of trouble."

"Deiran will do a fine job Captain. I have every confidence in him." Commander Sterner reassured.

Lee nodded, "As do I 'mate, or I'd not have left him in charge. I'm just worried that he won't turn the ship back over to me when we return." Captain Price said jokingly.

It brought a smile to Commander Sterner's face as the two men walked into the transporter room and prepared to beam over to the Qul'etlh. Chief Jensen fed in the proper coordinates, and soon Captain Price and Commander Sterner disappeared off the Galaxy's transporter pad in a sparkle of blue light.

*****

*** Qul'etlh ***

The Captain and Commander Sterner rematerialized on board the Qul'etlh. Glancing around the gray, sterile interior of the Klingon warship, the Captain's eyes caught a glimpse of a Klingon officer standing by with a jagged data padd. He was a large man, husky in build, but not as tall as Dergaus. Still, with this warriors girth, the Captain was sure he'd make a difficult adversary.

"Pong?" the Klingon grunted in a deep, masculine rumble, not looking up from the odd shaped Klingon padd.

Lee took a step forward, still glancing around while he answered. "HoD Price, je la' ra'wI' Sterner."

The burly Klingon glanced up from the jagged padd and looked at Captain Price and Commander Sterner. His eyes were tiny slits while he glanced each of them from head to toe and back up again.

"General Price, Dergaus has been waiting for your arrival." The Klingon said in descent English. Well, it was understandable anyway. "Come, I will take you to your quarters. There you can leave your things and I will bring you to Dergaus."

Captain Price and Commander Sterner stepped off the Klingon transporter and began to follow the large Klingon who, without waiting, began marching off, expecting Lee and Joerg to follow. For a big man, the Klingon moved very quickly in long, proud steps. Both Captain Price and Commander Sterner had to hustle to keep up. The three men walked through the narrow corridors of the Klingon vessel. Open mesh-steel grating lined the floor. Arid fumes from the exposed ODN conduits beneath the flooring gave the flooring a orange like glow as tufts of steamy like smoke billowed up and around their feet while they walked. The walls and bulkheads were dark and dull. All surfaces were varying shades of gray. Some with patches of a darker metal stitched with the silvery color of a plasma welder from various repairs made over the course of this vessel's history. Klingon warships were not festooned with the luxuries of a Federation vessel. Only pure, essentials made up a Klingon ship.

"You and your je la' ra'wI' shall stay here." The Klingon boomed in his low, bass voice.

Lee gave the warrior a nod. He was wearing a warrior's outfit, complete with a very large, white fur wep, that had black spots on it like from a leopard. "Thank you?..." Captain Price beckoned.

"I am Yirok." The rotund Klingon said proudly, while the Captain and Commander Sterner dropped off their things.

Glancing around their quarters, Commander Sterner could see that like the rest of the Klingon ship, only the bare essentials where furnished. The bunks were molded directly into the bulk head and made of solid metal. The room resembled a cell more than crews quarters. But not the brig on board the Galaxy. Compared to this, even those accommodations appeared to be luxurious.

"Yirok. A strong name." Captain Price acknowledged. "Later you must break bread and share blood wine with us and tell tales of the battles you have won."

Yirok gave a slight nod, licking his lips at the mention of good food and drink, two of Yirok's favorite pleasures. "That would be an honor General. But come! Dergaus requires your presence and does not like to be kept waiting."

With a nod, Captain Price and Commander Sterner followed Yirok out of their quarters. While again trying to keep up with the fast moving warrior, Captain Price and Commander Sterner began to see others from the Galaxy on board. Yirok bellowed and grunted while moving down the narrow corridors, causing those in his way to move aside, and quickly for fear of being run over by all of the warriors girth. Lee and Joerg smiled at Doctor Kahn who was fumbling with her baggage, her bat'leth and her balance, all at the same time when she hopped out of the way of Yirok's steam roller like walk. Several more faces from the Galaxy were recognized. Ensign Rios caught the Captain's eye. That wasn't hard to do, the Klingon Ensign was greeting one of the Warriors on board the Qul'etlh with a friendly head butting contest. Lee just shook his head while he and Commander Sterner continued to follow Yirok down the adjoining corridor.

Finally they reached the bridge of the Qul'etlh. Dergaus was sitting in the command chair and turned to face Yirok, the Captain and Commander Sterner when they entered.

"General. At last, you have come. Welcome aboard the Qul'etlh." Dergaus greeted.

Captain Price and Commander Sterner stood there and glanced out over the Bridge of the Klingon Bird of Prey. It was smaller and more crowded than the Galaxy's bridge. And dark. Like the rest of the ship, gray and black were predominant everywhere other than the illuminated control panels at each station that were plainly written in Klingoneese. Other than Dergaus, Lieutenant Morris from the Galaxy, and two other Klingon warriors were present on the bridge. One was sitting at what looked like the helm, and the other was stationed to the side by what appeared to be a master situation monitor for the ship. The illuminated images displayed showed the Klingon Bird of Prey from all three axis with all panels presently illuminated in a cool green color.

"Thank you from bringing them Yirok. You may leave." Dergaus ordered.

The burly warrior bowed slightly and gave out a deep grunt before turning to exit.

Captain Price motioned to Joerg, still looking at Dergaus, "You remember Commander Sterner 'mate. He will be coming along with us on this assignment."

Joerg gave a slight nod.

"So, your warriors blood has begun to boil Commander. That is good." Dergaus commented before swiveling in the command chair to face the officer at the helm. "Allow me to introduce members of the Qul'etlh crew. This is Mach from the house of Hegh. Do not let his appearance deceive you. He is a skilled warrior and a fine starship pilot."

Captain Price and Commander Sterner glanced over to the young Klingon sitting at the helm of the Qul'etlh. He looked lean and lanky. His forehead had pronounced ridges that crisscrossed in straight lines. Mach gave the two Federation officers a nod out of respect.

Turning, Dergaus motioned to the other Klingon on the bridge, "And this is Numar from the house of Rodoc. Numar is our only jonwlI' on board the Qul'etlh. He knows her like she were part of his own hand." The Commander bragged of his Engineer.

"Pleased to meet ya 'mate." Captain Price acknowledged the Klingon. He wasn't wearing a Klingon warriors uniform like the rest of the Qul'etlh's crew that they'd seen so far. Numar was wearing some form of jumpsuit that was quite soiled from working on the Bird of Prey's systems. A once white, now nearly black cloth dangled from a rear pocket of his 'uniform'. His hands were dirty and smudges of soot and grease were on his neck and face where he'd unknowingly scratched himself. His hair was tied back in a ponytail, but tufts of it still escaped the restraint of the band, pointing off disobediently in all directions. "I'm sure the officers that beamed over from the Galaxy will be glad to lend a hand in whatever needs to be done." Lee reassured.

"There help will be welcomed General." Numar replied in a friendly tone, "There is much to be done on a ship such as this."

Lee nodded, "Well I'm sure the 'mates will be willing to help out wherever they are needed."

Dergaus nodded in agreement and then motioned to Ronni. "And of course you know your own QeD be'." The Klingon motioned to Lieutenant Morris where the Delphinian was busy learning how to work the Klingon control panel at the sensory station of the Qul'etlh.

Lee nodded. "Of course." the Captain nodded, then turned back to Dergaus, "I believe the last of our people have beamed over Commander. With your permission, I think it would be best if we activated the cloaking device before we cross over into Klingon space. The Galaxy will draw less attention if she isn't being escorted by a ship such as the Qul'etlh." Lee explained, resisting the urge to say 'stolen' which is what Dergaus had told the Captain he'd done to obtain the warship. That's why she was so low on crew and why the men and women from the Galaxy were needed to man her understaffed systems. But given the dubious circumstances surrounding this unauthorized mission, Captain Price chose to keep that bit of information to himself.

Dergaus face lit up, immediately realizing the hidden meaning behind the General's words as he glanced quickly at Commander Sterner and then back at the Captain. "Qupla." He agreed. "We need to get more of your officers up here General. There are still many stations that need manning." Dergaus pointed, "Weapons, Power systems, even Helm and engineering will need officers to relieve them. Numar is needed in the engine room, and Mach has been at his post for thirty six of your Earth hours straight." Dergaus commented.

"I am not tired Commander!" a weary young warrior declared proudly, but the seasoned officers present were not fooled. Even Numar made a motion to the young Klingon indicating he needed to seek rest.

"I will go and organize the crew Captain." Joerg suggested.

Lee gave his first officer an appreciative nod. "Thanks 'mate. See if you can get people up here to relieve the crew. We can then assemble the rest and assign them to other areas of the ship as needed. Numar can probably assist with that since he knows the Qul'etlh so well."

"Aye Captain. I'll get someone up here right away sir." Joerg replied before exiting the bridge.

Dergaus watched at Commander Sterner exited the bridge and gave a slight jog of his head acknowledging the officers loyalty. He then turned to face the view screen and called out to Numar, "Chu'So'wI'!"

Activating a few controls at the engineering station near the grand, ship wide situation monitor, Numar nodded and turned to face the front of the ship. "Qupla." He declared.

The elegant B'rel class Bird of Prey began to shimmer in space as she flew alongside the mighty USS Galaxy until she finally faded away into nothing. Her cloaking device fully activated and functioning perfectly.

On board the Qul'etlh
Ensign Mendenhall

Mendenhall finshed his drink and got up out of his chair. He walked out of ten forward and found his way to his quarters. Digit sat up from the bed and gave a slight purr. He smiled and started to gather his things. One starfleet uniform, two pads. "Hmm.." he said in thought. Nothing else he could think that he needed. He packed a phaser in too and went over to the repilcator. He programed it to make a dish of cat food for Digit every so often.

He sat down at the desk. "Computer" he said. "Message to Dr. Felicia Khatroweena." He started. "Hi, this is ensign Mendenhall, I was talking to you at Ten Foreward a couple days ago. I'm going to be stationed on the Qul'etlh. If you could just check on my cat Digit every now and then I'd really appriciate it." He thought for a moment then said "End messaged." The computer beeped back "Message sent." He placed a padd on his desk that he always had. He had made it since he was first stationed aboard Utopia Planitia. It was kinda like a will, some stuff for his parents, some things when his bother and sisters got older. He hoped it would never serve it's purpose, but you never know. He patted Digit, then walked over to the transporter.

He beamed aboard the Qul'etlh and saw a Klingon officer walk over to him. "Ensign Mendenhall?" he questioned. He spoke fairly good English. "You are the last person," he thought for a moment for the right word. "on ship." Mendenhall nodded. "We have problem." He replied back in Klingon that he understood it. The warrior smiled and started talking in his native language. "There seems to be a problem with the quarters, there is room for 2 more people in the last quarters. The problem is that it is already occupied by two women from your ship. Mendenhall frowned. "There is a diruptor cabinent that is empty" the Klingon said trying to make it sound like it was a good thing to live in a disruptor cabinet. Mendenhall rubbed his forehead thinking. "I'll take the disruptor cabinet" he said to the warrior. He nodded and walked over to a cabinet in the corner. He opened it. It was alrge enough to fit inside, and there was a shelf he could sleep on. He figured it was alright, if you liked cramped stuffy, hot spaces. He set up his "quarters" and asked the kilingon were engineering was. The warrior showed him the way. He looked around at the fairly small engine room. A tired looking Klingon walked up to him. He spoke to him in very good English. "Your post is over there. Get used to it. I assume you know Klingon?" Mendenhall nodded. The klingon smiled and started explaining in slight detail how things worked. Mendenhall reassured him that he could figure it out himself.

He went over to his station. He started getting used to the panels, as the Qul'etlh started to enter cloak. He looked and noticed that took longer to gain the initial speed to start. He asked one of the Klingon engineers there in Klingonesse. "We have anything in cargobay?" THe klingon looked at him sharply in the eye. "Nothing you need to worry about." Mendenhall smiled and thought he'd check it out later.

"Chen the Klingon Officer"
by Ensign James Chen
Security Officer

Chen left Ten-Forward after Lex took off. He was heading to his quarters to take a quick nap when his comm badge chirped.

[Sunder to Ensign Chen]

Chen sighed, hoping he wouldn't need to pull a double shift again. "Chen here. Go ahead."

[Ensign, I need to see you in my office for a few minutes.]

"I'll be right there, sir." He turned and headed for Sunder's office. When he arrived, Sunder was just getting ready to leave. He looked up when Chen walked in. "Ensign. I called you here to ask if you'd like to join the crew of the Qul'eth. It's a strictly optional duty and there's no penalty for not taking the job."

Chen looked thoughtfully at Sunder. Finally, "I don't see any reason why I shouldn't take it. It could be an interesting learning experience."

Sunder nodded. "Fine. You should be heading out in about an hour. Get packed."

Chen spoke up. "Sir, if you don't mind my asking..."

"Yes, Ensign?"

"Why did you approach me for this mission? I mean, I didn't talk very fondly of Klingons back in the transporter room."

"Well, it was a combination of things. For one, you speak Klingon. For another, you're one of my most experienced officers and I think you could be useful on this type of mission."

Chen nodded. "Well, I won't disappoint you, sir."

Forty-five minutes later, Chen materialized aboard the Qul'eth. There was a large Klingon there. He looked at Chen about as nicely as one would regard pond scum. "Pong?"

Chen stepped down. "Chen."

The Klingon looked through a set of PADDs he held and found the name. "Ensign Chen, security?" Chen nodded. "Tamak," he motioned to the Klingon standing next to him. "Will show you your quarters and station." He looked back down at the PADDs, officially dismissing Chen. Tamak wasn't the type who like to talk. He simply led Chen to his quarters and station, telling him to report in half an hour.

Chen nodded and watched the Klingon go. Chen was familiar with the general layout of a Bird of Pray, but he decided to take a stroll to familiarize himself with the Qul'eth. He found his way to the dining hall. There were several Klingon warriors there, their positions taken by Starfleet officers who were getting some much-needed rest. Tamak was there, too. He smiled and got a glass of water and sat down.

As he sipped at his water, Tamak sat down next to him and stared. Chen looked up. "Can I help you?"

Tamak smiled and took Chen water, drinking half of it down. He grinned at Chen again. Chen simply grabbed the water out of the Klingon's hands. Tamak's fist lashed out suddenly and Chen fell. There was a roar of laughter as Chen went down. He stood up and smiled back at Tamak. Then punched him full force on the nose. Tamak fell. He got back up and smiled at Chen. "Not every human would have reacted like that."

Chen shrugged. "I'm not like every human, I guess."

Tamak nodded. "No, you are not a normal human. You are a Qo'hom. But, there is potential for you." He motioned to the door. "Your shift is coming up. We shall meet again, Qo'hom."

Chen nodded and left quickly. He wasn't sure if his meeting Tamak again would be a good thing or a bad thing.

"Raesene and the Klingons"
by, Ensign Raesene Hermedhie

Ensign Hermedhie woke up from his little sleep session, to hear the beeping of the computer. "You have one message."

"Computer: Play Message." The message was from Hunter Mackenzie, telling him that he had been selected to join the Qul'etlh, to bolster their tactical unit. After hearing this, Raesene quickly began preparing himself to join the Klingon ship. From what little, he had learned of them, he decided that he should go aboard fully armored and armed. That would either leave the impression that he was a warrior, or simply a fool. Either way, it was how he normally ended up showing himself to people. Therefore, he put on his half-plate armor, and strapped his sheathed two-handed sword and dagger to his left side. He also decided to take one of his personal phasers. ~Besides,~ he thought, ~you never know when you're going to need it.~

He then quickly clanked down to the transporter room, and was transported across to the Qul'etlh, where he was met by a contingent of Klingons, who quickly ushered him to his quarters, and later to his station. Raesene still di not know if he had impressed them or not, but tiem will tell.

"Computer, record message"

" Lt. Cmdr Sundar, This is ensign K'Vada requesting transfer to the Qul'ethl. Please respond ASAP so I may join my people in need. I beleave that I will be a useful addition to the crew, I am skilled in klingon etiquite and language so I beleave that I will prove most useful serving on her."

"End recording, Save and send to Ursa Sundar"

[Message saved]

K'Vada had several minutes before his shift so he decided to sharpen his d'k'tahg, It might prove useful he thought.oh well I hope That I will be transfered temporalry to the Qul'ethl. Its time for my shift he thought as he walked out the door.

***THREE HOURS LATER***

Ensign K'Vada walked into his quarters and the computer announced that he had one message...

"Computer play message"

{Ensign K'Vada, i have thought about your request and have approved it. Congradulations Ensign, Your going to spend the rest of this trip on the Qul'ethl}

[end of message]

Well I had better start packing he thought as he grabbed a couple of uniforms and other clothing and his D'K'Tahg and shoved them into a Carreing case and then walked out the door, I'm Done he said to himself.

The ensign tapped his communicator,

[K'Vada to Sundar]

[Yes ensign]

[I am reporting to transporter room 2 for transfer to the Qul'Ethl]

[Goodbye Ensign, Sundar out]

***Transporter room 2***

K'Vada entered the room and stepped on to the pad "going to the Qul'Ethl"

"Yes sir"

"Energize"

He demateralized than re materealized in a room much darker than the first

"Chaw Nay' tIj"
(permission to come aboard)

"LuQ'"
(granted)

"lagh K'Vada yuQjIja, Ya"
(Ensign K'Vada, Starfleet, reporting for duty)

"Nay' legh sOH SoV Hol"
(I see you remember your real language)

HISlaH qaH
(Yes sir)

With that Ensign K'Vada left the room and searched for his smaller more homelike quarters

K'Vada
Security USS Galaxy

Today is a good day for Oinkus
By Lt. Endris Gakor, Doctor IKS Qul'etlh

*** Sickbay ***

Gakor brandished the meat cleaver eraticaly as she swallowed the note Lt. Albrecht had sent. Talking to him via subspace, she heard his promise to feed Spines and the other fish. The Klingon view screen seemed a bit fuzzy, so it could have been a trick of vision, but the Terran seemed a bit mushy to her.

A Klingon doctor noticed the Tellarite's distress and slapped her on the back. With the sharp whap, the parchment managed to dislodge from its air constricting position and slide the rest of the way down her throat. The immunologist, involuntarily gasped for oxygen as her lungs cleared up.

"Welcome to the Qul'etlh," said the Klingon with a glint of a whole platoon of sharp white molars. "my name is Korof, I will be assisting you getting settled. You will be sharing quarters with Lt. Morris."

With out further ceremony, the young Klingon warrior turned to escort the doctor to her temporary abode. He did pause to comment, "I see you have a fine blade. May you earn much honor."

*** Quarters ***

Orange glow and vile smells penetrated from below the decks. Endris had never imagined such ghastly combinations of before, but could take a nasal suppressant later if the irritation continued. The impromptu tour of the small vessel soon brought them to the quarters she would share with Ronni.

It did not take long for her to stow her gear and change into the Klingon outfit. The warriors were only slightly more generous than Ferengi when it came to women's clothing, however. The tight garment was basically little more than a stout brown leather harness, with minor coverings for the groin. A few pieces of metal armour completed the costume. Also, there was a d'pla, shaped like a finely honed scalpel, gracing both shoulders. This was the local equivalent of a Cadelius, a symbol of medical accomplishment.

Exiting her new quarters, which looked more like a cage than a habitat, she found Korof waiting for her. "Kah....." he stuttered in surprise, failing to complete his greeting. The whites of his eyes bulged to huge proportions, threating to pop out of his sockets.

"Now is not the right time for Eyeball stew", joked the Cuisine lover. After a brief pause, Korof got his hormonal surge out of control and replied diplomatically "Today is a good day for Oinkus". Endris wondered just how many paraphrases there were of that well-worn Klingon proverb.

Accepting the offer of food, both Tellarite and Klingon headed off to the mess area. "Well, my new friend, if you can spare time for the tale, I would like to learn more of the Hurc and the Sword of Kahless. I've heard the story is...", "Glorious." Endris finished. Dining in a social environment would be a good way to supplement her Kingoneese, and she knew mentioning Kahless would be an logical way to approach the situation.

"A little excercise is good for your health"
by Ensign Ilo Makoko
Operations Officer

During his lunch in Ten Forward Ilo found out that captain was going to the Klingon Bird of Prey that decloaked with some of the crew to fill their ranks. That probably meant more work for those that stayed. "Well, if you wanna eat you have to go and catch the prey... Alone or with help." thought Ilo.

He saw many faces in Ten Forward, some of them familiar, but most of them he still didn't know. He was still a newcomer onboard. He knew only a couple of crew members from his shift. Probably the only exception to that was CMO Kahn Nilani whom he had met on his check-up when he arrived onboard at the Starbase 357. "I'll have to make some friends here before I start talking with holodeck animals." he thought with a little frown on his face.

He noticed intriguing hostess, he heard the others calling her Xala, who reminded him to Caitians with her felinoid eyes. He thought of asking her to join him but saw that she was talking with Chief Security Officer Sunder so he changed his mind. He decided to go to his quarters and browse through crew roster, and to ind out in the computer the race of the hostess.

In his quarters Ilo found out that Xala was Ktarian, and many other interesting things about crew. Even that there was a half-caitian Medical Officer onboard. But after a while he started to feel drowsy so he decided to go to a gym a run for a while.

He was alone in the gym when he arrived, but he didn't mind it at all. He started to run. After his 3rd mile someone entered the gym. Ilo saw that it was Ryan Fulton, one of his back-ups from gamma shift. She was cute woman, a little older than him according to the ship's computer, but you couldn't tell that just by looking at her. She had a girlish face, and looked no older than sixteen. He said "Hi!" and smiled awkwardly not knowing what to say. But she broke the ice. "Hi, Ensign! I see that you don't have any company here. Would you mind if I join you?"

"No, of course not! Feel free to drop in." said Ilo with a smile. "Want to run with me for a while?"

"Well, I'm not much of a runner but if you promise to play a party of a table tennis with me after that it's a deal."

"I don't know how to play table tennis. I'm not even sure what is table tennis.

"Great! Then the loser buys a drink in Ten Forward." she said with a charming smile.

"Deal!"

They ran for a while, and talked while they ran. Ilo matched his pace with hers so they can do that. They ran for about a mile before she stopped. "This is enough for me. I'm not much for running." She panted.

"I guess that you are too tired for your table tennis too, then?"

"Oh, no! You won't get out of it so easy, Ensign" she smiled.

"You may call me Ilo if you like."

"And you can call me Ry. And now for the game."

She made some preparations and there appeared a table with a small polyesther ball and two wooden 'things' with some rubber on it. She called them rackets. She showed him how to play, explained him the rules, and then they tried to play one set. Ilo was pretty good for a beginner, and he thought that he maybe has a chance for a win. But when they started to play for real she beat him easily. She smirked "See you after gamma shift, Ilo!" laughed, and went out of gym. Ilo just watched after her for a moment and then realized that it was time to go and prepare for his duty on bridge.

"Qul'etlh Engineering - Welcome to Hell"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

K'Eytyanna turned quickly, and headed back to her console. Quickly, she typed up a short message to Lt Hunter MacKenzie asking him to please look after D'Akana.

Finishing, she put on the Klingon honour sash that she had left in the bottom of a cupboard since she left the Klingon Defence Forces.

Growling when she realised it was a bit restricting, "This had better leave a good impression with the Klingons, or I'm going to space it after this mission."

K'Eytyanna grabbed her bat'leth plus a bag and engineering kit on the table, slung it over her shoulder and headed to the transporter room.

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

The ensign at the transporter room gasped in surprise, but quickly closed his mouth when she glared. Stepping onto the pad, she spoke,

"Energise." Within seconds, she arrived on a Klingon transporter pad and sniffed the air.

Stepping off the pad, she noted that two nearby Klingons were part of the warship's small engineering compliment, and working on a panel. Walking over, she spoke,

"Lt K'Eytyanna Samara. Where is the Assitant Chief Engineer?"

One of the Klingons turned to her, growled and turned back to his work-mate. Her hearing picked up a very soft curse as he did.

Stepping forward, she drove her fist hard into his back before giving the hulking brute a hard two-fist smash into his side. The Klingon bellowed in anger, and spun around, smashing her across the face.

She fell against a wall as he went back to his job. Putting down her equipment, she lifted the kit by both hands and swung it hard against the aggressive Klingon's head. His eyes flicked before he slumped forward, unconscious.

His companion blinked in surprise as she spoke,

"Let me rephrase that - Lt K'Eytyanna Samara, your new temporary boss, reporting. Do you want a piece of this as well, or will you co-operate?"

The Klingon nodded and quickly replied, "Main Engineering, Lieutenant. Do you need directions?"

She shook her head, picked up her gear and walked out of the room.

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

Walking into Engineering, K'Eytyanna quickly picked out the Klingon who was in charge and walked upto him.

He looked at her in amusement, right before she smashed her fist into his face and followed it up with a kick to the stomach. The Klingon fell against a console as the others moved in to watch.

After five minutes of fighting, both were suffering various bruises and cuts. K'Eytyanna fell to her knees, acting like she was really badly injured. Listening as footsteps got closer, she suddenly sprang up, fists outwards, and smashed hard into the Klingon's face, knocking his head back.

With a loud crash, the Klingon fell to the deck and she pounced on him, bringing her d'k tagh to his neck.

"Are you going to hand command over gracefully or do I have to slit your throat?"

He looked at her and spoke in Standard, "You have command. Well fought, Lt Samara. I was advised that you would be coming over."

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

“The Arrival”
by Ensign Aaron Sharp

The transporter pad of the Qul’etlh sparkled and shimmered as the form of Ensign Aaron Sharp took shape and materialised on the platform. Aaron’s gaze scoured the room, finally settling on the lone Klingon warrior facing him. It had been some time since Aaron had been on a Klingon vessel, in fact, he was only fourteen at the time, and had been on one of his fathers business trips. Memories of that time rose as he took in the smell of the ship and all that went with it. He stepped down from the platform and addressed the warrior.

“[I am Ensign Aaron Sharp, here to take helm].” He spoke roughly in the Klingons native tongue. The Klingon grinned coldly at him, baring teeth that had seen better days.

“[ If you can get it from Mach, then you are welcome to it.]” The Klingon grinned some more.

“[There is no one available to show you to your quarters.]” he barked,

“[You will have to find them yourself.]” He briefly described the way and Aaron soon found himself heading down a corridor towards the crew quarters. Finally arriving he found another officer had already moved in, but wasn’t there at that moment. He’d have to wait to see who he was bunking with. Aaron began unpacking his stuff, which wasn’t a lot. He had two spare uniforms, some padds, a tricorder, a type 2 phaser and his portable roll-up keyboard. He also had a small type 1 phaser secreted away in a pouch under his armpit, just in case. He placed the type 2 phaser in his belt in plain view, and picked up a padd. Then, taking one last look around his quarters, he headed for the bridge.

**** 2 minutes later ****

Aaron was approaching the bridge when the doors opened and Commander Sterner strode out.

“Ah, Ensign Sharp. Reporting for bridge duty?” Sterner asked.

“Yes, sir.” Aaron replied, bringing himself to attention.

“Good. The Klingon crew, tough as they may be, have just about had it. Carry on, Ensign.” Sterner continued on his way, then paused and turned.

“Oh, one more thing, Ensign.”

“Yes, sir?” Aaron asked.

“Do the Galaxy proud.”

“Yes sir!” Aaron grinned and entered the bridge.

*****

The doors slid shut behind Ensign Sharp as he looked around the bridge. Captain Price was already here, as was Dergaus. The Delphinian Lieutenant he had passed in a corridor of the Galaxy a few weeks earlier was also here. He still hadn’t had the opportunity to meet her. The only other officers present were two Klingons at separate stations. Aaron walked up to Price and Dergaus and Addressed them both, again speaking native Klingon, out of respect to Dergaus.

“[Ensign Sharp reporting for helm duty, Sirs.]” Dergaus nodded in the direction of the younger Klingon.

“[That is Mach, our helmsman. You may relieve him.]” Sharp walked over to Mach, who looked him over with distain.

“[This is my replacement? He is no warrior. Send me a warrior to take my post.]” Mach looked defiantly at Ensign Sharp, daring him to respond. Aaron looked around at Captain Price, but Price’s face was unreadable, as if waiting to see how the young Ensign would respond. Well, Aaron thought, this is a Klingon ship, so I’d better do things the Klingon way. He looked back at the taunting young Klingon. Quick as a flash Aarons fist shot out, slamming Mach in the mouth. Blood spurted out as his head snapped backwards with the force of the blow. Aaron grabbed him by the shoulders and flung him from his post to the floor before Dergaus and Price.

“[You’re relieved.]” Aaron stated with authority. Mach leapt up, the sound of his d’k tahg ringing across the bridge as he whipped it from its sheath.

“[ENOUGH!]” Dergaus roared, “[This is not the time or the place to settle your differences! Mach, you will leave now. Your replacement has relieved you!]” Mach sullenly sheathed his blade, then, leaning in close to Aarons face, spoke.

“[Do not think I will forget this. Make sure you do not turn your back on me.]” And with that, he stalked off the bridge. Aaron watched him leave then, turning again to Durgaus and Price, and holding up the padd he brought with him, addressed them once more.

“[Sirs, with your permission, I have some tactical and evasive manoeuvres I’d like to download to the main computers.]”

Ensign Aaron Sharp
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

With the meeting well in hand, Sunder returned to the familiar surroundings of the security office. He still had a mountain of work to conquer, and with the upcoming mission to Q'R'onos he still had to allocate mission specialists to the away team. He sighed and sat down heavily in the quilted chair he had brought with him from Outpost 77. The chair had been specially crafted to fit his bulky dimensions. Stored in his quarters all this time, he decided that it would serve him better in the security office. A bit too much of a personal touch, but rank did have its privileges after all.

The first thing on his list was the transfer of security personell to the Klingon vessel. He'd had a flood of requests to temporarily shift manpower to help the Klingons in the last little while, some even before the announcement had been posted. Amazing how fast scuttlebut could fly, even on a ship this large. Perhaps Lt. Samara could hook that phenomenon up to the engines, he mused to himself. A new propulsion system - the Scuttlebut Drive. He allowed himself a slight smile at his own joke.

Ensign Chen would be going along. The choice was a fairly easy one to make. Chen's combat skills were truly superlative. While his slight stature would possibly invite the Klingons to pick on the security officer, Sunder thought that the surprise the Klingons would receive would more than justify his selection. Sunder only wished he could witness the Gong Rei student demonstrate to Dergaus that human warriors were just as dangerous as their Klingon counterparts.

Sunder's eyes rested on Kornan Rios's name. Just try to keep the Klingon away from the Bird of Prey matching the GALAXY's path, he chuckled to himself. There was no doubt that Rios would be along for the ride. Rios was a good statement to make to the Klingons as well: it would show that Klingon/Federation joint operations could happen at the tactical level as well as the strategic one. With any luck, Rios would have brought his wrestling program along.

K'Vada was a different story. Other than the required meetings, Sunder hadn't had a chance to get to know the new security officer. Sunder had always meant to meet with the Klingon more, but things had always piled up keeping him away from him. He really hadn't met him enough to formulate an official opinion, but personally Sunder felt that the Klingon was doing his best to avoid the security chief for some reason. In his file, Sunder had noticed that K'Vada had an unfortunate encounter with Orion pirates. He wondered if this could explain the Klingon's reaction to him... hell, it wouldn't have been the first time somebody had tagged his background as somewhat piratical.

Despite K'Vada's attitude, Sunder approved his transfer. One more Klingon couldn't hurt, he reasoned. When the Klingon returned though, there would be a time for discussion.

Paran Chanor would have to go as well. With K'arta's unexplained reticence to enlist with her Klingon comrades, there would need to be a source of rank for the security team; especially since Sunder had learned that both the captain and Joerg were going along on this mission. He knew Joerg would want to take direct responsibility for the captain's safety. Paran was going to be responsible for the pair of them, Sunder promised himself. He made a note to himself to remind Paran of this task.

He pressed his thumb on the transfer order, giving final authority to the orders. With a sigh, he leaned back in the comfortable chair, letting out a long sigh. This was going to be an interesting mission and he somewhat regretted not going. But he had a ton of work to keep him occupied here and someone had to mind the shop.

He picked up his PADD and started to run down the checklist. New shifts would have to be arranged with the missing officers. The weapons lockers were due for re-inspections and the new Starfleet boarding party drill programs had arrived. He needed to evaluate them and see if they could be integrated into the existing procedures.

Resisting the temptation to throw the data unit against the wall, he leaned forward to finish his next tasks. With any luck he'd be finished within the next few hours.

"They Leave...What Now"
By: Lt (jg) Ryak Sullax

Ryak waited for the Miranda class ship to load up onto his screen. After another display of destruction Ryak gave up for now.

"Computer save stats on this test and transfer all info onto this padd."

"Transfer complete."

Ryak was getting hungry. He made his way back to the Astrometrics/ Stellar Cartography lab. Ryak had one hour left of his shift so he thought he'd try to get some more things done. Ryak started right as he entered the lab.

"Computer, is it possible to get the two systems functioning as one without changing their language."

"There is a 2% chance that will work."

"Why even say that?"

"Please restate the question."

"Never mind. Initiate the Astrometrics program."

The program came up perfectly. Ryak ran some tests on it and found that there were no glitches in the program.

"Computer close program and initiate the Stellar Cartography Program."

A couple seconds passed before the program came up. Ryak was getting annoyed with the reluctance of the two systems working together. "Computer, locate the junction where I would have to access the processor for the two systems to become compatible and load up the Astrometrics program again."

After the Astrometrics program came up the computer opened the section for Ryak to make the adjustments. Now if only Erikson would get the permission to access the system. Ryak took a few minutes to play around in the Astrometrics program.

"Computer locate Klingon Space."

The image was spectacular. It was if Ryak was flying through space as the image of Klingon space came into view.

"Now map the path the Galaxy is taking through Klingon space and give me a read out of all ships in that area."

A couple of seconds passed before the newer model came up. There was not that many ships. But there were a whole lot of ships appearing then vanishing again and again.

"Now show me any anomalous readings."

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

"Future’s Present"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
Acting Captain of the USS GALAXY

[The time is 2130.] The computer announced to a groggy Deiran Casey.

He leaned up in the bed, rubbed his eyes and slowly got out of bed. He dragged himself into the bathroom, undressed and then stepped inside the sonic shower. As the shower began to clean his body an annoying sound blared through his head. A sound similar in annoyance to nails scratching against a blackboard.

Deiran let out a scream as he held his ears, shielding them from the high pitched sound.

A few minutes of this was enough to drive Deiran nuts. It wouldn’t go away. Or so it seemed. Finally, Deiran cut the power to the sonic shower and took a water shower. He finished his shower, dried himself, shaved, brushed his teeth and dressed. A typical morning except someone rigged his sonic shower.

"Computer who altered the sonic shower in Lt. Commander Deiran Casey’s quarters?" he inquired.

"Lt. K’etyanna Samara," the computer answered.

"Well, she obviously hasn’t heard of my ability to get revenge. She’ll be very sorry. In fact, she’ll return my shower to normal during her shift after she returns from the Qul’lethl," he said to himself.

"Casey to Lt. Boudreau," Casey said.

[Melissa here sir,] Melissa replied.

"Hello Lieutenant, I would like for you to assign Lt. Samara to fix my sonic shower. I want it to be the first thing she does when she returns. Its making this annoying shrieking noise. She made it do this, she can restore it. Understood Lieutenant? Under no circumstances can she get out of this, assign no one else," Deiran was quite serious.

[Aye sir, she’ll do it, I’ll make sure of it. Boudreau out.] Boudreau replied.

*** Ten Forward, 2200 hours ***

Deiran had left Miran sleeping. He would have to have breakfast alone today. He also had to think of something to do to get Kay back for her little prank.

A waiter came to his table, the one in the corner that had become his regular table, and he ordered a Denver Omelet, a glass of orange juice and a bagel and cream cheese. As he sat eating, he wondered what lay ahead as he was now in command of the Galaxy. People getting off Beta shift were nodding to him, saying hello and treating him with respect. Some were even calling him Captain, as its customary to call the commanding officer captain, regardless of his current rank.

Deiran was friendly and said hello to everyone who spoke to him. He ate his breakfast, had a few more glasses of orange juice then he headed to the Bridge.

*** Bridge—2330 hours ***

Deiran exited the turbolift. He looked around to see who was on duty. Norman Freeman was at Ops, Burnsie was at Tactical, Ensign Lamarsh was at the Helm. A few other officers were at the Mission stations behind tactical. All in all very quiet.

Mac was at the Conn and stood to his feet as he noticed Casey on the Bridge.

"Captain, good to see you sir," Mac said.

"Thanks Mac, anything happening I should know about?" Casey inquired.

"No sir, relatively slow."

"You’ve received the course heading from the Qul’lethl?" Casey asked.

"Aye sir," Mac replied.

"Good when the Qul’lethl is ready to embark, follow her. I’ll be in the Ready Room. You have the Conn. Inform me when we arrive at Boreth ok Mac?"

"Aye sir, I’ll try not to fall asleep on the way," Mac said smiling. Casey laughed at Mac’s joke.

Deiran entered the Ready Room. He would not disturb any of Captain Price’s belongings. He had some work to do, Ops reports to write. And he brought his own notebook and PADD’s. Casey felt strange being here. This was where Captain Price belonged not him. Although, he had to admit it was nice to relax while on duty.

Casey walked over to the replicator, "Glass of water, 34 degrees Fahrenheit," Casey requested. The glass appeared seconds later, he picked it up, took a sip and walked over to the desk.

Sitting down he thought about how comfy the chair was. "I can get used to this," he said out loud to himself. Casey thought about how he just needed 2 more promotions and he’d have his own command. But now he was living future’s present. He was in command and was determined to not let the Captain down and to show Starfleet that he was more than capable of commanding his own ship when the time came.

Casey smiled at himself, thinking about the legends of the past. Hoping to stand beside them when his career was over.

Casey turned on his notebook and accessed the tactical data. He wanted to see if there was anything new in the last month. There was nothing. He began programming a few of his Tactical ideas into the computer. Just in case the Galaxy ran into any Jem’Hadar on the way to Boreth.

Casey’s tactical maneuvers had never been seen before. In fact, few Captain’s could pull off some of his maneuvers. But Casey was brave, a good commander and could get the best out of his crew and his ship. He watched his father many times as he pulled off maneuvers that would make roller coaster enthusiasts of the 20th century queasy.

He ran a few tests on the computer against Jem’Hadar warships, always making sure there was at least three ships against the Galaxy. His tactics did the trick every time. He gave the maneuver a name, he called it the Jawbreaker.

After that he started on his Ops reports. His first day in command was, so far, uneventful.

"The Decision"
by: Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

Personal log: I have been invited to join the away team on the Klingon ship. Something that I must admit is very tempting to join them, but I am not sure about whether I will lose myself there. Though it is truly tempting to accept the offer of beaming over to the Klingon ship, I am still undecided.

I have to consider not only where I be able to best serve Starfleet, but the crew as well. Which means the question I have to ask myself, is where I can be of the most use. This isn't an easy decision for me, the last time I was with Klingon's my wife died. What will happen this time if I join the captain and the others on the Klingon vessel. I know little about the mission, and why they need help on the ship. If I still have contacts in the Klingon Empire, but whether they'd be useful or not is a question that only time might be able to answer.

End log

** Thomas' quarters **

The majority of those going to the Qul'etlh had already boarded her. He was still thinking about it, his ties ran deep and so making a decision, any decision was going to be a tough one. If he remained onboard the Galaxy, he'd be serving at ops, but would be unless something had changed the second ranking officer on the ship. Which wouldn't be a bad thing, he'd been serving as a bridge watch officer when the XO, and the SO where unable to due to injuries.

The second choice was to join Captain Price, and Commander Sterner plus others on the away team. Which had several of the ships, best officers already over there. Through he would be probably the most seasoned one among the group when it came to dealing with full blooded Klingons. He knew a little about those going, the captain had experience with the Klingons from what he understood, and what was available both in his Starfleet record and the records of the Galaxy.

He also knew that the ships officers who where partial Klingon would be or were already onboard the Qul'etlh. The only question was how effective they'd be as well. Starfleet officers were among the best trained officers in the quadrant. However Klingon warriors where next to impossible to match when one was fully trained and seasoned. He also knew that there was a full blood Klingon serving onboard the ship. Which would make things interesting to say the least.

Either way he was at a crossroads, on where to go. If he returned to the bridge today it would be a permanet decision for the duration of this mission. He would be able to command the ship, most likely during non alpha shifts. If he joined the crew on the Klingon ship, would he be out of place or not was the question that faced him today. If this was a year ago, he'd have not sat around debating the issue, instead he'd been the first officer onboard the ship. There was less need for a internal debate back then, of course back then he was ready to die as a Klingon.

This was going to be a tough decision. If he remained on the ship, he would be someone of importance to the ship. If he went on the mission, on that Klingon ship he'd be just another officer. If he went on the Klingon ship, he'd have to make another decision, to just be another officer or to prove his value and at the same time revile some of his life in Starfleet, as Klingon Officer. He did have connections, the question again was what could he do with them if anything.

He decided there was one thing that he could do and should do.

"Computer display all message occupying black folder labeled S-1." Chris said. This was the folder that he'd created for anything that he received that contained information concerning his search for answers about his wife, but it also was where any messages form Starfleet Intelligence, old buddies or what not had been routed to. He'd only checked the side for message from SI. Twice since creating the security routine for messages.

He read the messages, which took all of 2 minutes, because there was nothing there of value. Which brought him back around to his original problem, which way to go. He would have to make his decision soon, or it would be made for him. He looked around the room and thought about things.

He still had most of the stuff from living as a Klingon. He finally made a decision, this wasn't going to be the easiest thing to do, but he realized that time was up, and he had to decide.

Personal log: I have finally come to very hard decision. I will be joining the crew on the Klingon vessel, I hope they're ready to receive a member of the crew that can live just like them.

End log

Chris gathered his stuff that he would need. The first thing he needed was his kit, he made sure that he had all the needed items to make himself a Klingon if needed be, but not just any Klingon, a very specific Klingon. One that had earned honor, for himself. Only two people in the Klingon Empire knew who he really was, the head of the house he lived under and severed with honor. There was one other person that knew, but he wasn't sure would remember him, even if they came face to face with each other.

Next he would need his weapons, Klingon Weapons. The Batleth, through poorly balanced, it was still a very properly weapon of choice. He picked up, toyed with it for a few moments, and then picked up the case he'd made for it, which also contained several other Klingon weapons that he'd earned while living as one of them. He placed his d'k tahg around his waist, it felt good there.

His next item to retrieve and place in his carry on luggage was the needed clothes of a Klingon, but he stopped short of placing it all in there. He needed the one thing from it, a brooch that marked the symbol of the house he'd severed. He placed around his neck, he'd put the Klingon clothing on when needed, but the house symbol he needed. He knew the House still held power, the question was would the Klingons recognize the house.

He finished placing everything that he needed away, there was something he debated whether to include a Klingon Disrupter among the weapons he was taking. Then he remember the weapon should still already be in the case. He packed additional clothing that he figured he'd need and the gathered up his stuff and headed for the transporter room. He juggled with a his stuff a bit, before finally getting it into a comfortable

He entered the transporter room and beamed over to the Klingon Ship, with his stuff.

** Qul'etlh **

He arrived onboard the Klingon ship. The Klingon that had been there to greet him quickly noticed the house symbol, grinned a bit and lead him to his quarters.

"That house symbol you wear is a house of honor among the Klingon Empire." The Klingon officer said, leaving Thomas to unload his stuff.

A Klingon bird of prey, he could find his way around the ship, with ease. This might not be so bad after, he then headed for the bridge. He should check in with the captain, of the ship and Captain Price.

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

Galaxy "Setteling In"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
Chief Medical Officer

Well 5 long hours and an argument with the klingon medic and were organised. To say that Klingon Medical equipment is primative is an understatement. Think of there daggers and knife's and you get the general Idea. It was five min after we had set everything up when the klingon who directed us to the Sickbay entered the room.

["Doctor Kahn If you would follow me I will show you to your quarters!"]

I looked at him and picked up my bag with clothes in it, we walked out of sickbay and down one of the passageways. The klingon warrior stopped at a door and pressed the button to open the door.

["Doctor Kahn here are your quarters, they suit a warrior like your self well!"]

"Thank you. If you see my friend Kornan please tell him to drop by my quarters."

["Ahhh so you are his mate!"] ::laughing:: ["he has chosen wisely"]

The klingon turned and walked down the passageway laughing. As I walked further into my new quarters I realised Klingon quarters were nt designed for comfort, the bed was a steal bunk bed that was retractable. There was a pillow but it wasn't all that large, suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Come In!"

The door opened to show Ensign Chen

["Ahh excuse me ma'am I was told these were my quarters!"]

I looked at chen a smiled

"Well then, looks like we are sharing these quarters!"

Chen just smiled as he entered the quarters. He placed his things on the bottom bunk and started unpacking. I moved to draw and placed my clothes in them, I picked out a nice casual set and took them into the shower area.

"Excuse me a second. I am going to get changed into something more relaxing."

I walked into the shower area and changed into some night clothes. I walked back out a couple of minuites later ready for bed, I opened up my backpack and pulled out my camping mattress and sleeping bag. I placed them on the top bunk and climbed up into them.

"Ensign If you need me or if you need any help please let me know."

["yes Ma'am I will remember that. Ma'am It is only equivalent to beta shift on the galaxy. Why are you going to sleep?"]

"Well when you become the Department head you find that you get little sleep and whe you have a chance you take it."

["Understood. Nite Ma'am"]

"Chess anyone?"
by Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey and Lieutenant Greer Erikson

Chief Science Officer's Log. Stardate 49805.20

Assistant Chief Science Officer Morris and Science Officer Idana have been transferred to the Klingon vessel, IKS Qul'etlh. Lieutenant' Sullax will be temporarily reassigned to the science station for the Beta shift for the duration of this mission. Although the next ranking Bridge officer, 'Commander Casey has seen fit to make Lieutenant McKenzie the acting executive officer due to his tactical expertise and experience at the Conn. I agree with the selection, however, I hope that those expertise are not called upon. In the meantime, I have been requested to join 'Commander Casey in the Ready Room.

"Would you like anything to drink?" Deiran said as he extended his hand towards the replicator. "Bajoran coffee, tea, anything?"

"No thanks Deiran." Erikson said as he patted his stomach. "I just finished several cups of coffee after analyzing a lot of data regarding one of our experiments. We're trying to create a stable diburinium medium to grow a series of culture. The cells are capable of metabolizing the diburinium into several organic structures that the replicators have a lot of trouble making."

"Let me guess," Deiran remarked, "you've got problems with creating a diburinium gradient?"

"Exactly. Each time you add the cells, the gradient is altered. If you add the cells before establishing the gradient, then most of them die after being engorged by the presence of the diburinium." Greer explained. "Ensign Talbot has managed to work out the problem for now, I just wanted to see if there was a better way to do it."

"We had a similar problem with an engineering experiment when I was at the Academy. Diburinium doesn't seem to form ion gradients very well." Deiran said before taking a sip of his Baron coffee. "Well, the reason I wanted to speak to you is because I wanted to know if you were interested in taking Command of Gamma shift?"

"You know full well that I . . . ."

"You're getting a little predictable in your old age Greer," Deiran interrupted in a joking tone, "I know you don't consider yourself a command officer, but I think you'll do fine."

"I'm not that much older than you," Greer said as he crossed his arms, "but your statement holds. I prefer the science station and the laboratory."

"I thought as much."

"I'm not necessarily opposed to the idea though." Greer remarked. ''I'm kind of flattered you would consider me at all. In my experience, science and medical officers are usually overlooked."

"Then it is settled," Deiran said in a conclusive tone. "you are now my second officer."

Erikson seemed a little overwhelmed by this unexpected turn of events. "All this swapping and transferring reminds me of a chess game. Rook to knight, Starfleet officer to Klingon vessel, pawn to bishop, and so on."

Deiran laughed heartily at Greer's joke.

"You look pretty comfortable in that position Deiran," the scientist said as he gave him a look of intrigue, "the Captain just might have a problem getting his job back."

"It's only temporary. Besides, I respect Captain Price, it feels kind of strange being here in this room, sitting in this chair. This is where Lee belongs." 'Commander Casey smiled. "Just make sure you know that I'm getting my job back, so don't get too comfortable on Gamma."

"I know what you mean," Lieutenant Erikson said, "and don't worry, I won't."

"Apology"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara
reviewed by Hudson Dorffen

Walking upto Ten Forward's door, K'Eytyanna stopped and checked the delicate package she was carrying under her arm. Taking in a deep breath, she stepped into Ten Forward and looked around. The place was quite busy, as she hoped it wouldn't.

Gulping, she headed towards the bar where Door was working, noticing that he hadn't noticed her and was still serving.

Stopping in front of him, she mentally pushed down her anger at his Cardassian part and managed to attract his attention. Almost instantly, her senses picked up that he had become quite apprehensive for obvious reasons and was looking around for Security officers, probably not even realising on a conscious level.

"Can I speak with you? I promise I won't attack you again."

He nodded and motioned her to a quiet section of the bar. When they both reached it, she held out the wrapped up item to him,

"I bought this for you as an apology for attacking you. It was not you personally, but your race in general."

He blinked his eyes in surprise and replied, "Lieutenant, if I had known about your past, I would have been more careful. Apology accepted, but you didn't have to get me anything."

She shrugged then smiled, surprising him even more, "Wait till you see what it is first. It's very delicate."

He took the package and set it down on the bench between them. Unwrapping it, he saw that it was a very finely crafted wooden violin. A small certificate inside stated that it was a very-prized Strativarius violin, centuries old and incredibly expensive.

He looked up at her and said, "This is way too expensive for an apology gift. I can't take it."

She shook her head, "Considering what I did, I thought it was too cheap but couldn't think of anything else. It arrived from Earth when we were at the starbase, but I was busy and also wanted to give you a bit of time to calm down. I'm very sorry."

"In that case, I accept your apology and gift. Thank you very much."

She smiled and replied, "I have to go finish packing for the Qut'leth. Maybe we can have a drink when I get back."

With that, she slid through the crowd and left Ten Forward.

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

"My new Quarters"

As Ensign Baerl slowly walked into his quarters, all he could think about was how much bigger they were than that of his last post the USS Merrimac. "Oh my god!" He said

excitedly, "I can't believe it, I'm actually here, on the Galaxy!" He threw his equipment bag onto his bed, "Even the bed's bigger."

He let all of his excitment leave his body as he set out to un-pack his things. He didn't really have much belongings with him, he pulled out a little holo-projector and put it on the table, he then reached into his bag again a took a out a tiny model of the USS Merrimac, as he put it on the table he laughed a little laugh to himself as he thought about the good times he spent on the Merrimac. He only wishes that this posting will be better.

He walked over to the replicator and ordered his favourite drink - Orange Juice, quite a simple drink, but he grew up with it on Earth, and it stuck with him ever since. He sat down by the table staring into his glass, as he was stareing he started to think, think about his parents, about why anyone would want to kill them. He switched on the holo-projecter to see two images appear, one was his mother, the other his father.

He stared long and hard at his parents in deep thought. Asking the same question over and over again, "Why?" He called out exspecting an answer from the still figures in front of him. "Why?"

He left the room and headed for the holo-deck, hoping to relieve his sadness with some swimming.

"Beginnings"
By Ensign Xavier Bishop

Ensign Xavier Bishop strode purposefuly down the spaciouse corridor of the USS Galaxy toward Ten Forward. As he approached the doors swished aside allowing him entrance. Without a second glance at the rooms occupants, Xavier walked over to one of the many view ports looking out into the vastness of space. He stood there crossing his arms across his chest and marveled at the sight before him. So that is a Klingon Bird of Prey, the young Andorian thought to himself. I wonder what they are doing here?

Xavier turned, and finding a vacant table, sat down. This was his first trip to Ten Forward. Although Xavier himself was an adventerouse person and loved to explore his world around him, which at this point was the USS Galaxy, he had been keeping himself secluded in his assigned room going over and trying to memorize the variouse ship and departmental protocol's. When he wasn't doing that, he was trying to keep caught up with all of his security duties which seemed to consistantly bleed over into his off time. Ah, well, he simply hadn't learned how to juggle his work load.

The young Andorian countinued to look out toward the Bird of Prey until his reveree was interupted by a lithe waitress. "Excuse me, sir. Would you care for any refreshments?", she said in a soft elegant voice.

Xavier looked into her lovely face and smiled. "Yes, a glass of iced water and your name will do fine for now."

"Lazy Days."
By Door

Door sat on the low stone wall in the arbouretum, examining his new gift from Lieuetnant Samara. It was definatly too expensive to have recieved as a mere apology (Even though he had suffered a few broken bones and the like), but he couldn't help but take such a beautiful instument.

After he had discovered the Xala knew of his dealings with Electra's finances, Door needed something to atke his mind off of the everyday grind that was beginning to wear him down. So, he had taken some time out for himself, as was taught by the Vedeks of Bajor.

Surrounding himslef with the natural beauty of the Galaxy's very own out-door/in-door experience, Door was preparing to undergo a Bajoran ritual of relaxation, praying to the Prophets to lift all troubles from him...

Sitting on the warm, soft grassy knoll, Door crossed his legs and closed his eyes, raising up his arrms into the positiona dopted while praying to the Prophets.

Breathe in... breathe out... Breathe in... Breathe o-

It wasn't working. Still, at the back of his mind was the fact that /someone/ knew. He kept telling himself that she was his friend and that she would never let it slip... but not only was she involved with the Galaxy's CSO, but she hated Electra with a vengence. Something ahd to be done...

*No- get these thoughts /out of your mind/!* he scolded himself, untangling his legs and standing. He picked up the violin case adn removed the ancient instument. He lifted it to his chin and was about to begin playing when-

"No." he decided, his mouth revealing his own subconcious argument, "I've got to do something about it... Wait, _I'm talking to myself?_ that's it- something's got to be done."

Packing up all of his belonging's Door hurried out of the arbouretum and back to his quarters by way of a turbolift.

Door's private quarters were rarly entered by anyone other than himself. He respected his own privacy as well as others', although was a total hypocrite as he often invaded the private space of others while on duty in 10F.

As soon Door unlocked and entered his rooms, he plunged himself into the volentary darkness of the main living area and tossed his luggage (carefully giving the violin special treatment) into a shadowy corner. He flopped into the position that he knew his chair would be in, as the only illumination offered was by the stars outside the viewing port.

This was his domain, a sanctuary for the battered barkeep... and battered he was... unknown to the crew and civilians... battered and brusied and broken...

"Computer, messages?" he asked into the dark, closing his eyes.

"Five." the computer responded.

"Civilian?" Door asked, confirming that all of the messages were from civilians on the Galaxy- the usual lot of people who sent him messages.

"Four." the computer responded again.

"I have an offship message?" Door asked in suprise, opening his eyes and sitting up. He got excited when he recieved an offship message, it was something new to break the routine.

"Correct." his queation was rhetorical, yet still the female voice answered it.

"Computer play mess-" Door stopped. "DIsregard command computer... _I have work to do_..."

Disallowing himself to review his offship commun-i-kay, Door pulled his console over and got to work attmepting to cover his tracks more fully...

"First stop," he said, pressing the screen, "Ferengi Commerce Authority."

"Surroundings"
by Counselor Erin Parker

Erin walked through the corridors of the Galaxy on her way to the counseling offices. The Galaxy was almost half empty. Alot of the junior grade officers were transfered to the Klingon vessel with the Captain and the Commander. On this mission there wasn't a lot for the counseling area to do, but Erin hoped that wasn't true.

Erin made her was into the turbolift and then to the deck where the counseling offices were stationed in the ship. She walked down the corridor and into the offices. Ensign Margaret Dubois was waiting for her there. "Margaret, you are one hour early," Erin told the young medical officer.

"I know Counselor. I am here to personally let you know that I won't be able to make my appointment as I have to pull an extra shift in sickbay."

"I completely understand Margaret. Let me know when you are available after this whole thing is over."

"I will," the young ensign replyed and headed out the door.

Things were getting to Erin. First half of the crew were transporting off of the Galaxy and now the officers that were left on the Galaxy had to cover up, but it was all for the good of the mission. Starfleet was something that was held together with teamwork and compassion. Erin had to accept that. She was a starfleet officer and now that she had been promoted, she was a lieutenant. With those responsibilities, she had to set an example for the other junior officers. The problems with authority.........

-Lt. jg Erin G. Parker, Counselor, USS Galaxy

Alyssa was in the science Lab when Lt. Erikson told her that her request to join Capt. Price on the Klingon Ship was accepted. At that time Alyssa went to her Quarters and began to pack.

She took her Bat'leh off the wall and put it in the Sheath she had made for it. She also took the D'ktagh Knife that was given to her by a friend of the house of Gowron and put it on the Table.

Alyssa then went to pack clothes

Computer Replicate one Female Klingon Warriors outfit" said Alyssa

The Warrior outfit then appeared in the Replicator and Alyssa packed it in her bag along with other spare clothes just in case. Alyssa didn't need to take a sleeping bag or a pillow because she was used to sleeping on Klingon Beds (If you can even call them beds) thanks to her last host.

Alyssa then slung the Bat'leh on her back and attached the D'htagh knife on her belt. Alyssa then headed to Transporter Room 2.

"Energize" said Alyssa

She then appeared on the Qut'leth, next to a tall Klingon Warrior

"I am Komar I will show you to your Quarters" said the Warrior.

He showed her to her Quarters without saying another word.

She seemed to be in Quarters by herself

"I wonder if anyone else will be staying in here" thought Alyssa. "Oh well" thought Alyssa as she put her bag on her bed.

"Ten Forward"
By Ensign Bearl

Ensign Baerl stepped out of his quarters and looked around himself. "OK, if I get this right, the holodeck is... Um..." He pointed to his left "That way." So he started to walk that way, passing a few people as he walked, he waited until he saw no-one around him, then spoke, "Computer, show me the way to the holodeck." He saw a flash of arrows down the pannelling, and soon enough, after much following he found the holodeck, "Computer activate program Baerl 1"

"Working" after a brief pause the computer spoke again. "Enter when ready."

Baerl wakled into the holodeck, and as the door slid open he saw a giant swimming pool, on the fresh mountains in France, a great place that he went to once as a child.

He stood staring at the pool, and after only a brief moment, left the room saying "Computer End Program."

He made his way to a place that was easier to find, Ten Forward. As he reached Ten Forward he could see the amount of people that come in and out of Ten Forward. He walked through the doors and sat at an empty seat by the bar. As the waitress came over to him, she asked what he would like, and he answered with "Um... I'll have an orange juice please." The waitress came back moments later with his orange juice, he sat and looked into the glass, then looked about himself, to see who was about.

"Into Klingon space"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** IKS Qul'etlh ***

Things were going fairly smoothly on board the cloaked Klingon Bird of Prey. No doubt a side benefit from having so few Klingons on board. Still, there had already been a number of small brawls that had broken out between Galaxy crew members and the hand full of Klingon warriors that were manning the Qul'etlh. That was to be expected on board a Klingon ship. Captain Price was just glad that no one had been seriously injured so far.

Ensign Sharp had come onboard the bridge and relieved Mach, the young Klingon warrior that was previously manning the station. Lieutenant Morris was also on the bridge, now satisfied with the way the sensor station had been reconfigured to her liking. Numar, the only Engineer on board the ship that was from the Klingon Empire, had likewise left to tend to other matters in the main engine room. Numar seemed in good spirits, for a Klingon. Having help to tend to the Qul'etlh's systems was most probably the cause. Standing by the main situation monitor on the bridge was Lieutenant Thomas. Chris seemed busy studying the damage display monitor as if he was refreshing his memory or something. The Captain was surprised how at home Lieutenant Thomas appeared to be on the Klingon Bird of Prey.

"We are approaching listening post 1486 Captain." Ensign Sharp called back.

Dergaus let out a low growl when he saw Captain Price go to answer. Lee stopped and glanced at the Klingon Commander.

"This 'Captain' will not be practical when we enter battle." Dergaus boisterously stated.

The sharpness of the warrior's words had caused Aaron to flinch slightly before glancing back. The Ensign had meant to address Captain Price, but the Klingon Commander was correct, he was sitting in the command chair on board his vessel. By tradition, that made him the Captain of the Qul'etlh. "I didn't mean to..." Aaron's voice trailed off.

Captain Price raised his hand, as if to indicate it was all right. "Relax Ensign," Lee started, glancing at Dergaus, "the Commander has a point. Maybe for clarity's sake it would be better if everyone referred to me as 'General' while on board the Qul'etlh. That should avoid any confusion in the heat of battle."

Lee paused and watched Dergaus give a nod of approval. "That would be acceptable." He stated in an even tone.

Ensign Sharp nodded. "Coming up on Klingon listening post 1486 General." He restated.

"The Galaxy will inform them they are heading to Boreth to visit the monastery there. So long as we are cloaked and stick close to her, they shouldn't be able to detect us 'mate." Captain Price explained to the Ensign.

Aaron gave a nod and returned to facing forward, adjusting the foreign Klingon controls to verify the Qul'etlh was still cloaked and that she was flying in close proximity to the USS Galaxy.

"They will check the Galaxy's id." Dergaus stated to the Captain, "It will raise some suspicion, but she will be allowed to pass since she is headed to Boreth."

Lee nodded. "I'm counting on that too 'mate. We shall soon see." Captain Price stated and then looked out the main view screen into Klingon space.

*****

*** USS Galaxy ***

"Sir, approaching the boarders of Klingon space." Lieutenant Bancroft called out.

Deiran lowered the Padd he was reviewing while sitting in the command chair on the Bridge of the USS Galaxy. Glancing out the main view screen, he heard Lieutenant' St.John's voice coming from the Operations station besides Tebrianne.

"They are hailing us Captain." Robert stated.

"Let's hear it." Casey ordered. The audio only signal soon came through.

["Who is dat there?"] came broadcast over the communications system. It was obvious that the universal translator was patched in.

"This is Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey of the Federation Starship USS Galaxy. We are on course for the planet Boreth for shore leave from the war and to pay our respects for those that have past on." Deiran replied.

The bridge grew quiet. The normal, day to day activities that generated noise on a busy control center like the bridge of a starship ceased completely. Only the quiet hum of the instruments could be heard while everyone on the bridge waited patiently for a few tense moments for the Klingon's to respond.

["USS Galaxy. You may proceed to Boreth. Have good leave. Listening post 1486 out."] crackled back over the sub-space channel.

A relaxed sigh of relief filled the bridge while Deiran flashed the Casey grin at the rest of the command crew on duty. "Thank you Listening post 1486. We will. USS Galaxy out."

Lieutenant' St.John closed the channel and the volume on the bridge went up several decibels while people began to congratulating each other on their good fortune at getting across the Klingon boarder without raising undo suspicions. Evidently, cloaking the Qul'etlh was a good tactical decision to allow the Galaxy to cross over into Klingon space.

"Well, so far so good. Now let's head for Boreth and see if the Captain has any luck finding this bej'mey group

of Klingons." Lieutenant Commander Casey stated to no one in particular, returning to the new duty roster he was reviewing for the Galaxy.

*****

*** Qo'nos, First City ***

A lean Klingon Warrior walks quickly through the halls of the High Council building on the Klingon home world of Qo'nos. In his hand he carries a small, jagged edged padd. Judging by the speed in which he navigates the halls and corridors of the great hall, the information contained on the device is of the highest urgency. He walks down a very long hall way. It's floor covered in a fine red carpet. The walls to either side have great statues of famous historic warriors from battles past. He reaches two oversize wooden doors. They are huge and heavy. Carved and polished by the finest craftsmen in the entire Empire. Their handles giant brass rings fit for a warriors hand. With great might, the warrior yanks on the doors, pulling them open and walking into the Great Hall, assembly room of the High Council.

Inside reveals a room even more grand than the great entry hall. A huge, room whose crafted marble walls climb upward and form a great cathedral ceiling. Three steps, each a platform that encircles the High Council chamber, are quickly ascended. The warrior walks the distance to the center of the Great Hall. Two long tables split the chamber on either side. The seats for the High Council members. Between the two, angled tables, a single seat, more properly called a throne. The warrior looks and can see that the seat is empty at the moment. Not slowing, the Klingon quickly walks to the table to the right of the Chancellor's chair. The seat immediately next to the throne of the Klingon Empire is occupied, and per tradition the warrior makes his way to the senior Counselor member's seat. The farther away one sits from the throne, the lower one's status on the High Council, by tradition. Had the second chair been empty, the warrior would go to the third, or fourth seat, until all chairs of the right hand table were empty, in which case he would head for the left.

Standing before the senior High Council member, the warrior stops and comes to attention out of respect, standing their silently until the Councilman addresses him.

The gray hared Klingon looks up at the young warrior with hardened eyes. A glint of hatred peers over his wrinkled lower eyelids in preparation for the news this messenger brings. "You have news for the High Council Potas?" the droopy eyed High Councilman asked in a reserved, almost dreadful tone.

"I do Councilman Korux. Klingon Intelligence thinks it is of the highest priority." The warrior stated, handing Councilman Korux the Klingon data padd.

Korux bared his teeth displaying either his dislike of the messenger or of the organization which was providing the information. It was difficult to tell. Taking the padd, Korux reads it. His expression grew more annoyed.

"You may leave now. We must discuss this information in High Council. You will wait outside until summoned to deliver our decision."

Bowing, the warrior silently agrees, turning on his heal and walking out of the council room as quickly as he entered. Even on the red carpeted floor, the warriors heels made loud clicking noises all the way until he reached the exit. Turning, he faced the High Council members, grabbing the two brass rings on each of the huge, heavy wooden doors. With a nod, Potas uses his strength to close the great doors to leave the Council to discuss matters in private.

A full hour later, the doors open. Councilman Korux emerges from the Great Hall and glances over at the messenger.

"You will deliver this at once." Korux barks with authority. The same hatred present in his eyes as before.

"Yes Councilman Korux." The Klingon agrees taking the padd and turning to leave. The Councilman returned into the Great Hall while Potas began walking back down the hall of warriors. While he does he views the padd and reads the orders issued by the High Council.

["Dispatch ships to Boreth. Observe the USS Galaxy and report."] Was all that was written.

Never feed a Klingon Tribble Soup (or, how to defuse a fight in one recipe or less)
by Lt. Endris Gakor, IKS Qul'etlh

*** Mess Decks ***

"Swine!", bellowed Gakor at the top of her lungs. "Never get between me and the blood wine!", she exclaimed adventurously, shoving an inebriated Klingon from her path with considerable strength. Endris had traded the cleaver for a gallon-sized Tellarite stein, but had a pair of her Ginsu knives handy in case of trouble.

Apparently amused, Korof cleared a table by pushing debris to the deck. He watched eagerly as the warrior-grabbed doctor returned with 2 mugs of wine and an entire Rothegan blood pie. Also on the tray was a large, squirming container of Gah.

The pair set at a table, and Korof began his tale of the sword of Kahless. It was filled with acts of honor and intrigue, and Endris was captivated by the battle between Kahless and his treacherous brother Mol'har. The first bat'leth forged by the emperor himself was indeed a treasure to the Klingon people.

Legends were built on less. Then, about a century ago, the sword was stolen by a race known as the Hurc. Both 'Oinkusians' leaned into the conversation, which was interrupted several times by challenges of authority between the two crews, which hadn't quite meshed out yet.

Elsewhere on the station, Doctor Kahn dosed after spending hours reorganizing Sick Bay to her exacting requirements. After that, the rest of the Klingons banged their steins on the tables and demanded a story. Gakor thought she had sated them with her recounting of the Nausicaan/Tholian attack of her homeworld. But when she noticed hands reaching for d'khang, she decided more had to be done. Both crews appeared tense, for lack of a better term.

Gakor paused in thought, and snorted a few times as odors drifted in from the corridors. *How do I sooth a battle hungry pack of Klingons, and an equally agitated Federation crew*, she pondered. Since most of those assembled were from the Galaxy, she briefly composed an off the cuff speech to defuse hostilities.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," she began in English "we are not Hurc, that despoil Klingon honor. We have gathered on a Glorious mission to protect the integrity of the Empire. Please refrain from attacking each other like a litter of young Targ."

"And to my Klingon neighbors I would say," she paused shifting to Klingoneese, employing the universal translator for the benefit of those who were not versed in the native tongue of K'O'nos, "Stop acting like children, or I shall personally put Tribbles in you soup!" This was delivered like any well-finished recipe, with a smile and a brutish garnish of the Ginsu knife. In absence of other possibilities, one could trust a Tellarite for a Culinary based threat!

Korof gave Endris a smile of approval, muffling some curse under his breath. The Tellarite wasn't sure, but he either exclaimed "Waffles!", or "She is the most infuriating female in the Galaxy!"

Having heard no reports of injury from recent squabbles, the Tellarite marched back to her quarters, in the company of her gallant escort.

***Quarters***

It appeared Ronni was still manning a station on the bridge, so Endris pulled out the journal she had packed. Drawing a pen, she scribed the tale of her speech into the ledger, which reminded her of the big loopy letters of Albrecht's hand. *I wonder how little nose is doing*, she thought.

Then she glanced over to the Klingon bunk. *Snacks!*, she thought despairingly. *I forgot to pack a mattress*. She could almost see the sneer on the EMH's face, if summoned to address a chiropractic emergency. The stiff metal was sure to make her back ache.

Korof had wandered back to Sick Bay while Endris composed her thoughts. *I know*, she said as a twinkle of an idea sprinkled into being. Stowing the journal in its case, she walked out of her quarters and headed for the engineering decks.

With any luck, her wise friend Lt. Samara had prepared for this contingency and had some type of foam insulation on hand. To 'logically' prevent non-warriors from unnecessary visits to the holo-grouch. Klingons proved amazingly resilient during their relationship with the Federation, and had been known to make allowances for off world races. Which was why her obnoxious culinary threat could work.

However, Endris returned to thinking of her exploits on the Galaxy. Before Doctor Tash left, the medical staff had whimsically dubbed the rash EMH program 'Dr. Grinch'. Perhaps that had contributed to the Trill's departure, as she mentally wished Jurelle well wherever she now was.

=/\= "The Swine's Spines" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht
and Spines

**Monotony... What's that, a sea monster?!?! No, just the other fish... Monotonous... Swum as far as I can, better turn around... Wow, look! The same darn tiny ocean, the same darn golden plants and green kelp... Same darn striped and spotted fish... Monotony... Bubbles race up the side of my world, and giant amorphous shapes approach the ends of my ocean... Sometimes they get really close, and frighten the other fish, but they never come IN to the ocean.**

**And then there's the FOOD!**

"Two shakes ought to do it..." mused Matthew Albrecht as he shook the fish food dispenser over the opening in the fish tank, sending a shower of brown and green flakes to spread over the surface of the water. He moved his face close to the front of the plexiglass barrier, peering into the little mock- ocean that held Gakor's pet fish. *It looks different, better here than it did in Ten-Forward* he decided. The colors were deeper in the darkened room of his friend Endris than they did when the doctor had stored the tank in the lounge.

Matthew's family had always kept cats, always several of them at a time. The felines were sometimes pesky, often aloof, but always warm and willing companions for a catnap. He had never kept fish, and wondered what was involved. *I hope I don't screw this up!* he thought, picturing Spines flopping around on the deck with a leash attached to his tail fin, suffocating after the officer tried to take him for a walk. He grinned at his imagination.

"Does Gakes talk to you fellas?" he asked the fish rhetorically. Plants developed better when spoken to, he believed, so he felt it reasonable to assume fish did as well. "So, how do you like your little place here, eh? Your mother is away playing Klingon, so you guys will just have to make do with me for the time being. I may not be quite the expert in fish food that she is, but I do make a hell of a key lime pie!" he joked. The fish didn't laugh, or even look at him. "Don't make me come in there after you. I'm a pretty good swimmer, you know." No response from his last joke, either. He decided to give up on the scaley audience.

Spines and the other fish seemed pleased at their watery Oinkus, so he decided his fish keeping duties were completed for the day and he left the Doctor's quarters, after fighting off an urge to look around. He had research to perform, and killing time invading his friend's privacy would get him no closer to finishing.

********

Albrecht arrived at his private quarters, a luxury he was still thrilled about after so many months sharing a room with Resting Hawk Talloak. He gathered his study aids, notepad, pens, and PADDs, from the shelf he had put them on when moving. He hadn't touched them since then, as he was between courses. Matthew activated the terminal on his desk, and sat down. He was surrounded by his memorabilia of interstellar law. Cardassian Blade of Justice, a British Navy gavel, a powdered wig on a mannequin's head, all were visible signs of the officer's first love.

He would soon be selecting a Thesis project. He might have done well on the last exam, and if so, he was supposed to contact Star Fleet Academy JAG before making his thesis decision. The possibilities if that were to happen were fantastic! However, his thesis was not the research that occupied him this time. He had other fish to fry, so to speak.

Matthew called up the library system and made search enquiries of 'Klingon,' 'High Council,' 'Constitution,' and 'Genetics.' He wanted to improve his understanding of the situation the Galaxy was headed into. Perhaps, he reasoned, the information could come in handy. Moreover, perhaps the information could prove vital. Regardless, Matthew had little knowledge of Klingon law and Klingon rights under their Imperial government.

Thousands of entries scrolled down the lieutenant's screen. The young officer applied his experience with research papers to his search. "Computer, organize these entries utilizing a Lavian Starburst organizational chart. Center: Klingon. Main Rays for five most correlated keywords, adjacent to Rays with most similarity," he instructed, observing the Starburst diagram taking shape. The starburst oscilated, as Rays moved around the center, meeting Rays of varying similarity. "Employ three-dimensional view."

As the Starburst reasearch diagram stabilized, he was struck by ideas for enhancing it. "Computer, add keywords 'Bej'Mey,' and 'civil rights.' Exclude all topics without keyword 'Klingon' in text," he added, watching the diagram drastically change form. Smaller Rays branched off from the main Rays, giving the entire diagram a molecule-like appearance, as sub-Rays met together to make smaller centers. After a few minutes of exploring the topics in each Ray, he made another change, "Computer, create secondary Center, labeled 'Klingon Constitutional Crises.'"

Matthew buried himself in the project, taking copious notes on paper and PADDs. He began writing footnotes, and making intuitive links the computer had not found. Although he didn't realize it yet, he would soon decide the only way to fully develop an understanding of their situation was to write a paper on the subject. At least it would give him something to present to his superiors, who were without the benefit of StarFleet Intel to brief them on the various aspects of the current Klingon crisis.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"Bridge Duty...Beta Shift?"
By: Lt. (jg) Ryak Sullax

Before the computer could put up the display of anomalous readings Ryak said, Computer cancel request."

"Lt Sullax there is a message for you."

"Display message."

Ryak read the message. 'Lt Sullax is being temporarily assigned to the Bridge science station for Beta shift for the duration of this mission.' Ryak took a deep breathe and headed for the bridge. Ryak was so excited to pull a double shift. This was going to be fun. Ryak felt his stomach growl as he made his way to the bridge.

"Computer how much longer until the start of the Beta shift?"

"There is one hour fifteen minutes."

Ryak shook his head. He seemed to be having no concept of time at all today. Ryak turned around and headed to Ten Forward. Ryak had not been in Ten Forward since before his jail term. As he walked in he noticed the Cardasian behind the bar as well as the new hostess. Ryak walked over to a table sat down and waited for the Hostess to come over. While Ryak waited he started to go over the readings from his experiment as well as trying to break the description of the two computer systems....

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

" Some of you may think that this is a time to relax a bit with others going off on some unknown mission with the Klingons. That we're just along for show. " Sunder said, fixing each one of the assembled security officers with a steely gaze. He flicked an imaginary speck of dust off his polished desk table with his right hand. He leaned forward and steadied himself with his left hand, standing above his desk like some imposing statue looking down on the seated assembly.

" We've got a load to push here people. I've been spending a lot of my time going over proficiency reports and while most of them are satisfactory, there are others that need some improvement. " He turned his attentions to the new officers, seated in the front row customarily reserved for the new or the screwed. " There are also some of you who will have to prove themselves to me in the next little while. Remember: I haven't authorized receipt of your transfer orders yet. " One of the officer's throat bobbed up and down as he gulped at Sunder's words.

Sunder began pacing around his desk. His massive arms clasped behind his back in an air of deep contemplation.

" One area we definitely need to improve upon is our coordination efforts. " He suddenly rounded on the seated officers with a dark ferocity that startled even the veterans in the room. " It's pathetic! I want to know why an escaped Klingon targ was able to outwit several well-trained security officers! " Ensign Salt began to look uncomfortable.

" I won't point out the coordinating officer who failed to find the targ; despite the fact that she was only a few feet away from it paraded itself past the captain. I would say that was a good example of poor reaction time. "

The ensign winced visibly. The other officers had ensured that the nickname of 'The Targ-keeper' would stay with Ensign Salt for the rest of her tour on the GALAXY. It was an embarrassment for her and the rest of security.

The other officers chuckled at the event. Sunder rose and wheeled on the laughing culprits. Gary Trabuco's face paled immediately at the large security chief's approach - a considerable feat for a man of his mediterranean palour.

" You're one to laugh, Mr. Trabuco. Or should I remind you of the time when your phaser got caught in a rip in your tunic's pant-leg and you accidentally stunned Neg'Puj's hand in that last anti-Jem H'adar training exercise in the holodeck? " At once the slender Italian's chuckles subsided into a coughing fit of extreme discomfort.

" I thought not. " Sunder concluded with a grim smile. " People, you've been sloppy. There's no excuse for it and it has to change - NOW. "

The despondent expressions on the officers' faces told Sunder that he'd made his point. Reluctantly, almost fearing to be noticed, a hand rose at the back of the room. Sunder acknowledged Lt. Albrecht - recently promoted and one of the officers who had managed a satisfactory proficiency report.

" Albrecht? "

" Yes sir - I'm sure we're all going to regret me asking this question, but what do you propose? "

" I'd like to say I'm glad you asked Albrecht, but I think my popularity level is going to decrease drastically when you hear the answer. " Sunder answered grimly. " As we're low on numbers, we've got no time for extra drills, but ... " he emphasized over the many sighs of relief around the room, " I have managed to work a cooperative drill/duty roster schedule that will allow all of you to take advantage of the new Starfleet drill programs that were just received and fill in the gaps of the duty schedule at the same time. It means that a good two-thirds of you will be working a double shift twice a week, but there's nothing else for it I'm afraid. With Chanor, Chen, Rios, and K'Vada gone, so is a quarter of our department. "

This time the groans manifested themselves unabashedly all across the room.

" At the same time, it'll give you some practical exercise time in working with schedules. People: we're going into Klingon space. We may receive guests from time to time on routine inspections and I want a picture-perfect security team on deck running by the numbers. "

He stopped and looked over the assembled team. A pang of guilt stabbed him as he observed the lackluster expressions on their faces. It was never easy to tell a person about his mistakes, never mind an entire group of armed security officers! But Sunder always tagged the tough jobs.

" I've downloaded the the new duty roster into everyone's message bases. You can review them tonight, since the changes will be effective tomorrow. Along with them I've also drafted a new system of placement. Security officers will be permanently posted in sensitive sections of the ship at all times during yellow alerts. Even during peaceful times, I want an officer on the bridge and in auxilliary control. The schedule will reflect that change as well. Any questions? " He asked finally.

There were several shakes along with downcast looks throughout the room. It looked like Sunder's message had been received.

NEW DUTY ROSTER
-------------------------------

Alpha Shift ( 08:00 - 16:00 )
Shift Commander - Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder
Second - Lt. Matthew Albrecht
Ensign Xavier Bishop
Ensign Mark Mulich (NPC)
Ensign Gary Trabuco (NPC)
Ensign Carol Salt (NPC)

Beta Shift (16:00 to 00:00 )
Shift Commander - Lt. K'arta
Second - Lt. Jack Lawson
Ensign Kornan Rios
Ensign James Chen
Ensign Heather Sanchez (NPC)
Ensign Chris Aaron (NPC)

Gamma Shift ( 00:00 to 08:00 )
Shift Commander - Lt. Commander Paran Chanor
Second - Ensign Heidi A. Mason (NPC)
Ensign Baerl
Ensign Neq' Puj
Ensign Ryan Quall ( NPC)
Ensign Charles Taylor (NPC)

YELLOW/RED ALERT POSITIONS
-----------------------------------------
SC on the bridge
Second in the security office
Detention areas double staffed
Engineering
Sickbay
Auxilliary Control

By Dianne Heppel
AKA Alyssa Idana
Science Officer USS Galaxy
On temporary Assignment to the IKC Qul'etlh.

Alyssa was resting in her Quarters on the Klingon Ship when she felt hungry. I guess I'll go to the Mess hall" thought Alyssa. She then proceeded to walk to the mess hall when a large Klingon Purposely knocked into her. "What's your Problem" Alyssa told the Klingon in his native Language. "YOU FEDERATION SCUM" the Klingon yelled at her in Klingonese. Alyssa tried to walk around him but he kept moving in her way.

Alyssa knew from her experience with Klingons that she would have to use force. "GET OUT OF MY WAY BEFORE I GET YOU OUT OF MY WAY" Alyssa yelled at the Klingon in Klingonese. "YOU" the Klingon said Mockingly in standard. "Yes me" said Alyssa. The Klingon then broke out laughing.

Alyssa then Punched the Klingon in his face so hard he lost his balance. He got up and tried to hit her but she was faster and Dodged his hits. she finally Gave him a Knee to the Chin and he Slumped to the Deck. "Klingons" Alyssa thought as she Continued to the Mess Hall.

Mendenhall worked at his control panel. He wondered what was in the carbo bay that was so heavy. There wasn't much he had to do, just constantly check to see where problems were. There had been a few, but only minor. The engineer cheif seemed alright, for a Klingon at least. He started to wonder what was in the cargo bay again. As he went through the monotnous work, he started to look through old logs to see what it was.

Once he found it, he smiled. "Interesting," he muttered. He quickly downloaded it onto a padd and set it down. He continued his work for an hour or so. The Chief Engineer was a bit demanding and grouchy. A large hand grabbed his shoulder, not in a forceful way, more in a gettting attention way. He turned around and saw a large Klingon. He started speaking in Klingonessee. "I'll take over now" he said in a more commanding way than a request. Mendenhal nodded not to give any trouble. He took the padd and headed toward his "quarters."

He found them pretty easily. Ventalation holes had been punched so he could breath. He Opened the door and lied down on on of the racks. He closed the door and started looking at the padd.

After a while, he set it down and closed his eyes. He heard some noise outside. Some two people were fighting. He heard a creaking noise as the rack started to collapse. The doors to the disruptor rack flew open as Mendenhall fell out.

He rubbed his jaw and turned up to see Lt. Alyssa Idana staring at him with a blank expressio on her face. "Hi," he manged to say. He saw the confused look on her face. "Their my quarters" he explained. "Oh," she replied. He put the rack back in, shut the doors, then went off towards the mess hall.

"Fascination"
by Lt. Ronni Morris
Temporarily Assigned to the Qul'etlh of the Klingon Empire

'The Qul'etlh is a beautiful ship!' thought Ronni. 'Whatever else could be said about Klingon Science and Engineering, they sure know how to build a good ship.' She had the sensors back up to their full potential and had been working on the shields. She didn't want to mess around with them too much without understanding how any changes might effect the cloaking technology. She just did the software configurations and re-routed some power from axillary sources to the shield generators. They couldn't be on-line while they were cloaked, but they would surely need them soon enough.

As she was running a diagnostic on the shields, there was a >POP< and a smell of ozone. She opened the panel and found a dead vole. It had died chewing an ODN cable. It smelled gross. She picked it up by it's charred tail and tossed it on the floor next to the open panel. She then went over to the emergency supply cabinet and pulled out a replacement cable and connector. She then crawled back under the work area and detached the fried connector and the chewed cable and replaced them. She tightened some of the loose connecters and verified their integrity. She wiped her hand on her uniform after she had placed it in Vole droppings. She then found the hole where the Vole had climbed into the control panel and she sealed it with a welding of panelling and extra wire. She scratched her nose and felt the silicone lubricant smear across her face.

As she climbed out, she looked behind her and saw several of the Klingons snickering at her. She stuck out her tongue at them and closed the panel. Captain Price walked up and brought over a piece of toweling from the supply cabinet. He handed it to her and helped her up. "You look like you could use this." he said with a slight smile.

"Thanks." she said wiping her face and then her hands. She then picked up the dead Vole and brought it over to the laughing Klingon Weapons Officer. She dropped it onto his workstation and said, "I'm sure you'll want to have this for dinner . . . . ." she said. She turned and walked back to her station. The others on the bridge laughed at the Klingon.

Ronni re-initialized the station and got everything on-line. When she was done, she turned and left the bridge for the mess hall. "In need an iced coffee." she said.

"C-Defense"
Lieutenant David Mercury
Chief of Engineering

The turbo lift stopped and David exited and headed for his quarters. The senior staff meeting just ended, David still had many concerns about going directly into the heart of the Klingon Empire but nobody was going to sway the Captain's decision on this one. The door to David's quarters closed behind him and the lights automatically eluminated the room. Surprising the room was in decent shape, David had spend hours while docked at Starbase cleaning his quarters. He walked over to his desk and sat down in his chair and let out a sign of frustration. The Galaxy might be one of the most powerful ships in the quadrant but going

where we were going alone, was to say the least risky. David sat back in his chair and began thinking of possible improvements to the warp core or the shields or something. The Galaxy was going to need some sort of edge. "Computer, open file Mercury Defense" David commanded as he leaned forward in his chair.

"File not found" the Computer barked back.

"What about Mercury Special Alpha?"

"File not found" the Computer again replied.

"Computer give me a list of all files containing information about defensive tactics written by David Mercury?"

"There is only one file containing that subject, Mercury C-Defense"

"Mercury Defense wasn't that close enough!" David yelled back at the computer.

"Please repeat request?" the confused Computer answered.

"Nevermind." David download the file onto his PADD and stood up

and walked over to his couch. A few hours pasted as David read through his notes that he had written over two years agao. C-Defense was a file

David had written in the Academy following a course in Tactical Warfare.

Being in the Academy David had little knowledge about what real battle was like, so after writing this file David quickly dismissed his ideas. Well two years later and now the Chief Engineer of the most powerful Starfleet ship, he realized that his ideas back then were not so bad after all. After making a few changes here and there, recalculating a few variables

and refitting his plan to work on the Galaxy, David was ready to take his work to the simulator.

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

"Computer give me a replica of Main Engineering."

Within seconds the Warp Core and the rest of Main Engineering appeared directly in front of David. Feeling right at home David started to work right away. Implementing the idea on the Galaxy was the easy part, it really only consisted on a few modifications to the sensors and

the weapons control systems. The real problem lied in that David was unsure whether his idea would really work in combat, hence the reason for the simulator. "Computer reconfigure the sensors with the new data I just entered, and reformat the weapons control system with format, Mercury Alpha 6."

"Reconfiguration and reformatting complete." the Computer replied.

"O.K., Computer I need to generate a simulation."

"Please state the parameters?"

"USS Galaxy, modification Mercury Alpha 6, traveling full impulse through random sector of Klingon space. I need a visual representation of Main Engineering and the Bridge." the holodeck quickly removed the old images and rendered the new simulation images. "Now, I need a cloak Klingon Bird of Prey. O.K. here is where it gets tricky, Computer I need you to have the Bird of Prey attack the Galaxy at a random time using only torpedoes." David sat patiently waiting for the Computer to attack. A warning light on one of the Engineering panels began to light up. Suddenly a torpedo warning light flashed on the bridge. Within seconds a phaser burst was shot out of one of the aft banks. The torpedo was destroyed and the warning light on the bridge and in Main Engineering went out. "Computer verify, launch of torpedo."

"Torpedo launched from Klingon Bird of Prey at 05:34 into the simulation and was destroyed at 05:38." the Computer confirmed what David already knew. His plan actually worked.

"Computer end program," David announced as he left the holodeck,

"Mercury to Boudreau."

"Go ahead David."

"Staff meeting in twenty-five minutes, all shifts, please get everyone down there."

*****

***********Bridge***********************************

David exited the turbo lift and walked towards the view screen. "Captain?"

"Lieutenant Mercury," Casey replied.

"Deiran?" David was surprised to see Deiran sitting in the Captain's chair.

"David. Well now that we got our names straight what can I do for you?" Casey smiled.

"What happened to the Captain?" David still a little confused.

"Nothing both the Captain and the Commander, decided to join the away team on board the Qul'leth. I have taken command of the Galaxy for the duration."

"Wow, I must have been in that simulator a while." David finally realizing the situation.

"What?"

"Nothing Casey, I mean Captain. . . uh. . . Deiran I have some ideas that I think you need to hear about. Is it possible for you to come down to Main Engineering with me?

"Sure David, Mac you have the bridge." Deiran followed David into the turbo lift.

****************Main Engineering*************************

Deiran followed David through the corridor into Main Engineering.

"David, everyone has assembled and we are ready for you to begin." Lieutenant Boudreau told David as he entered.

"O.K. people," David walked through the small crowd of people gathered, "we are going to make some modification to the Galaxy. This is how I see it, there is a very possible chance that we will encounter some Klingons who are looking to destroy us. Being cloaked this could be a very serious problem. Back when I was in the Academy, I came up this idea about a defensive tactic. Here is the concept, given that the Klingon ship will be cloaked, to fire it has to uncloak. But by the time our sensors detect the ship the torpedo will already be locked onto us. Well here is what I have come up with. Relay the phaser controls through the sensors. As soon as the sensors detect the launch of the torpedo, the computer will automatically lock on to the torpedo and fire many short bursts from the phaser banks. I ran a few simulations, it appeared to work. The computer was able to decrease the time it took to fire the phasers by 150%. The torpedo slipped through about 35% of the time, at least it gives us a chance. Here is the schematics I used." David held up a PADD and looked at Deiran. "What do you think, should we give it a try?"

"Yes, it is a good idea. I would like to make a suggestion. I also think we should scan for neutrino emissions. As you know, cloaking devices emit neutrino's as a Federation vessel emits deuterium gas from the dilithium crystals. We will scan for those emissions as well as tie the sensors to the phasers. I'm not about to allow anyone to catch us by surprise. At least not for a long period of time. Also Lieutenant, when was the last time you released the plasma coolant from the warp core?" Deiran enjoyed using his Engineering ability, he hadn't really used it since his Academy days, but he always read Engineering textbooks and news from Starfleet when he had the chance and conducted many Engineering experiments in the holodecks.

"About three weeks," David replied.

"Okay don't do it until this mission is over or until I make the request all right David?" Casey asked.

"Aye sir," David replied a little confused at what Deiran had in mind.

"If we encounter any hostiles, especially hostiles with cloaking devices, it'll come in handy. Good work David," Deiran gave the Engineering staff the famous Casey grin and exited Main Engineering.

“Mess hall brawl”
by Ensign Aaron Sharp

Aaron entered the mess hall of the IKS Qul’etlh and, after getting himself some food from the replicator, found himself a spot at the table. Several Klingons were present, as were several Starfleet officers. At the far end the Klingon helmsman, Mach, hovered over his bowl of Gah. He scowled down at Ensign Sharp, then spoke in English.

“So, the ‘replacement’ joins us.” Mach emphasised the word replacement. “Tell us, ‘replacement’, do the humans sing songs of your great deeds? Are you a great warrior among your people?” He sneered at Aaron and stuffed more Gah into his mouth. Aaron was not intimidated. He sneered back down the table.

“It’s none of your business. Why don’t you keep your petty jealousies to yourself!” Mach leapt up and slammed his fists on the table, knocking his Gah to the floor.

“And I say it IS my business!” he roared, “If I am to fight along side you, I will know how well you battle!” He pulled his D’k tahg from its sheath and brandished it in the air. “You caught me weary and off guard earlier, human, now let us see just how well you really fight!” And with that he lunged across the table, slashing wildly at Ensign Sharp. Aaron threw himself backwards and rolled out of Mach’s reach. Klingons and Humans alike backed out of harms way. Quickly scrambling to his feet Aaron began circling warily around the angered Klingon. Two Starfleet security officers made towards him to end the fight, but the Klingons present prevented them, making it clear that this fight would continue until one warrior emerged victorious. Aaron thought about using his hidden phaser, but decided against it as the Klingons would find it dishonourable. He had to fight this out hand to hand. Mach lunged at him again, thrusting his blade towards Aaron's heart. Aaron side-stepped and hit Mach with a double handed fist. He quickly stepped backwards as the Klingon turned towards him again, fire in his eyes. Aaron jumped towards the closest Klingon and grabbed his D’k tahg from him, releasing the side blades as he did so. Now they were evenly matched. The two fighters circled each other some more, both looking for an opening.

“Surrender now, human,” Mach growled, “And I will not kill you.”

“There is no honour in surrender.” Aaron replied, and leapt forward, swinging his knife in a wide arc. Mach parried the blow and smashed his elbow into Aaron's stomach, then followed through with a backhand to the face, knocking him to the ground and making him drop his knife. Aaron was winded and stunned, but managed to gather his senses as Mach threw himself on top of him. Aaron grabbed Mach’s knife hand and the two rolled around on the floor, wrestling for control. Finally Aaron somehow got on top and pulled the D’k tahg from Mach’s hand. Mach lashed out and sent Aaron rolling one way and the knife sliding the other. Both leapt to their feet. Aaron felt a lancing pain shoot through his rib cage. He winced, but had no choice but to continue. Mach leapt forward again and this time Aaron wasn’t quick enough to get out of the way.He was knocked to the ground and slid backwards several feet. As he came to a stop he saw one of the D'k tahg’s lying by his head. As Mach threw himself down onto Aaron for a final blow, Aaron grabbed the D’k tang and slammed the butt into the side of the young Klingons head, knocking him sideways. Aaron clambered over to Mach and, grabbing him around the throat, lifted the steel blade high. It sparkled in the light, razor sharp. Then Aaron slammed the blade down, into the floor next to Mach’s head. A shocked look came over Mach’s face as Aaron stood up, breathing hard.

“Why did you not kill me!” he demanded to know.

“Because the battle ahead will be great,” Aaron replied, “And I would rather fight with you than against you. We’ll need all the help we can get.” Mach rose to his feet.

“Your honour is great, Human. I will be proud to fight be your side. And...” he paused, “...to call you friend.” Aaron grinned at the battered young warrior and stuck out his hand.

“I’m Ensign Aaron Sharp.”

“And I am Mach of the house of Hegh.” Mach replied, grasping Aaron by the wrist in a warriors handshake. A bond of friendship had been formed between the two men that would not be easily broken.

Ensign Aaron Sharp
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

"No Problem"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
Acting Captain, USS GALAXY

Casey was on his 13th hour of duty when Mac hailed him in the Ready Room.

[Captain, we are approaching Listening Post 1486.]

"Thanks Mac, on my way," Deiran replied. He ended the transmission and headed for the Bridge.

Deiran sat down at the Conn. He was taking to command quite well. The ship was running smoothly. This was his first test. The Qul’leth had cloaked and had kept silent the last 30 minutes. He had been over this part of the mission with Captain Price. Everything was going as planned.

"Entering Klingon space Captain," Lt. Bancroft stated in her British accent.

"We’re approaching Listening Post 1486 Captain. They’re hailing us sir," Lt (JG) St.John said from Ops.

"Aye, audio only, put it through Lieutenant," Casey replied.

[Who is dat there?] the Klingon asked, the universal translator was obviously having trouble with the Klingon’s accent.

"Lt. Commander Deiran Casey of the Federation Starship, USS Galaxy. We are on course to the planet of Boreth. We’re on leave from the war with the Dominion. We’re traveling to Boreth to pay our respects to those warriors who have gone to Sto’Vo’Kor." Deiran’s demeanor was strong and nonchalant. Commanders had to be actors sometimes.

The Bridge grew totally silent and tense. The crew stopped what they were doing, as their every breath was centered on what the Klingon would say next. Deiran could sense the tension, and was a rock. He was cool, calm and showed no fear.

[USS Galaxy you are cleared to proceed. Have good leave. Listening Post 1486 out.]

"Thank you, we will. USS Galaxy out."

The sub-space channel was cut. Deiran looked around at his crew, his smile bright. "See, I told you, no problem," he told everyone as things on the Bridge returned to normal. Deiran was trying his best to keep spirits high and let out a laugh.

This was just the beginning of their adventure.

"The Irony"
by Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

Lt. Thomas watched of the operations station on the Qul'etlh. He'd left the controls configure as they where like when he arrived onboard the ship. Unlike most of the crew which chose or had to reconfigure the display controls to work like they where used to, he didn't. He knew this would be a issue that would come up as the Klingons would return to their station.

He'd already heard that there was several issues brewing between the crew members those of the original crew to the Qul'etlh and the new crew, those from the Galaxy. Things were starting to get crazy and out of control and the irony of it all was that he'd not had anyone of the Klingons question his wearing the house symbol of Kel'Garck. Through the house of Kel'Grack wasn't as big as some of the house's, they were more than sufficiently endowed.

He decided that it was time to have a talk with the captain, err the 'general'. Mr. Price deserved to know some things about his career. He'd made the decision that he could safely inform Price about his time that he spent living among the Klingons. He knew Starfleet Intelligence might object to something's he would tell the 'general' about he, despite the issues of security that might be raised. However he was pretty confident that the information he told the captain, wouldn't be to much of a concern. He also was trusting that Price would find the information both useful, and would restrict who he told.

** end of the shift **

"General, I would like to have a word with you in private when you have the time, sir." Chris said as he stopped to talk with Price. "I have some information to tell you."

He then left the bridge and headed for his quarters. Whether the 'general' would come see him or not was a different matter.

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

"Klingon Survival 101"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

K'Eytyanna walked down the corridor and stopped when she noticed some Galaxy crewmembers further down. Picking up their conversation with her above-average hearing, she realised they were talking about Klingons in general and it seemed they had no idea.

Grumbling mentally, her Klingon side growled, {If I don't step in and give them some advice, someone is going to get themselves killed.}

Walking upto them, she spoke, "Ensigns, what is the matter here?"

One of them, a new member of Engineering, spoke, "Lieutenant, we were having a discussion about what to expect on this mission. Maybe you could help clarify some things."

From the scared looks on the others' faces, K'Eytyanna realised that her bad reputation was starting to head towards psychopathic, and she decided to do something about it later.

"Certainly, Ensign Mendenhall, as long as we ignore rank. How about we talk over a meal?"

The group entered the mess hall, which was luckily empty. After everyone had ordered meals, they all sat at one of the long benches. Ignoring the looks of disgust centering around the Klingon dishes she had chosen, of which none were heart of targ, K'Eytyanna spoke,

"Who wants to start with the questions? Ask about anything at all."

Ensign Raesene Hermedhie spoke up, "I have heard that Klingons have a lot of rituals. I assume that there are rituals for challenging others. Could you elaborate on them, as I have heard they are normally to the death?"

"Firstly, you have to be careful about what you say or do. While you are around Klingons, don't use insults unless you are planning to back them up, most likely with a lot of force.

If you plan on hitting a Klingon, don't use the back of your hand. This is one way of challenging someone to the death. Another method that will cause the same predicament is to tell someone to show you their face. This more obscure method basically says that you think your opponent is a cowardly dog who hides from killing."

Looking over at Ensign Ilo Makoko, she noticed that he was paying a lot of attention, so she asked,

"Anything you would like to now, Ilo?"

"Yeah. Is there anything important about the way we address Klingons?"

"The answer is yes. Never call somebody a name used for a person of higher or lower social status or rank. To call a Klingon by an inappropriate title is to dishonour them and is never tolerated. The correct choice should be based on comparitive genders, offical positions of each and how close or intimate they are. You can normally address someone by using his or her name alone, unless they hold a special rank."

Ensign Chen from Security spoke up, "K'Eytyanna, what about if they do have a special rank?"

Grinning, she replied, "Then you had better get it right or face a duel. In an unofficial situation, you can most probably leave off the title. In an offical title, you should use the title followed by their name, or just use the title. You can also use qaH, which means the equivealent of sir in Klingon, for either gender."

The conversation wandered onto more obscure, less life-threatening concepts after that, until everyone went back to work.

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

"The New and the Screwed"
By Ensign Bishop
Ensign of Security
USS Galaxy

Ensign Bishop stared through the viewport of Ten Forward into the star sprinkled blanket of space admiring the eternal beauty it contained. All the while, he continued to ponder unanswered questions. Why are the Klingons here? And, what adventures lay ahead of us now that they have arrived? A slight smile played across his face as his thoughts drastically changed direction to think of the Ktarian waitress. For that matter, what is the name of that waitress?

The waitress had simply smiled back at him and replied, "Your security, do some investigating." With that she turned and moved away from the table with a cat-like grace only to return a few moments later with a tall glass of iced water. Unfortunately, she did not give Xavier a chance to continue his 'investigation' as she quickly retreated to tend to the needs of Ten Forward's other guests. Now, how did she know I was security?

Xavier turned from the viewport to see if he could locate the waitress when he noticed Ensign Bearl enter Ten Forward. The Bolian and he had reported for duty aboard the Galaxy together, however, they had not really talked. Bearl paused in the entrance to Ten Forward for just a moment scanning the room, then he moved toward the bar and perched himself on an empty bar stool. There she is.

The waitress glided over toward Bearl and leaned across the bar and spoke to the ensign. Normally from this distance, and with all the background noise, no one should have been able to pick up the conversation between the waitress and Bearl, but Xavier wasn't normal. He was an Andorian and Andorian's are known for their accute sense of hearing: thanks to their antennae.

The waitress stole a quick eye twinkling glance in Xavier's direction before returning her full attention to Bearl, "And what would you like, a glass of iced water?" Xavier smiled to himself. Bearl looked at her and stammered, "Umm...I'll have an orange juice, please." The waitress moved away from Bearl and sauntered down the bar to the replicator.

Xavier watched her serve Bearl, then watched her as she glided across the room to attend to a Vulcan, no a Romulan, Lieutenant who was keeping himself busy by reading a PADD. Why, I do believe that is Lt. Sullax. Xavier pushed himself up from his seat and moved to the table occupied by the Romulan officer. "Excuse me, sir. Is this seat taken?", he said while motioning to a vacant seat at the table. That is when he realized something he had forgotten. The Security briefing from Lt. Cmdr. Sunder.

Damn! We're going to be late for Lt. Cmdr. Sunder's meeting.

Xavier spun on his heals toward the bar, then back to the table where Lt. Sullax was sitting making a full circle. "Oh, uh. I would like to talk but I have to go. Sorry, some other time. Bye." Xavier spun toward the bar again, then remembered he hadn't addressed his superior officer as "sir". He spun back toward Lt. Sullax making another full circle. "Sir." Then spun for the last time toward the bar.

Charging over to the bar where Ensign Bearl was staring down into his orange juice, Xavier grabbed him by the shoulder, "C'mon Bearl, we're going to be late for Lt. Cmdr. Sunder's meeting." A look of abject terror crossed the Bolian's face mirroring the Andorian's as he leaped up from the stool spilling his juice all over the front of Xavier's tunic. But the two ensigns had other more immediate concerns than spilled juice. The two ensigns raced from Ten Forward and down the corridors of the Galaxy.

***** Security Briefing Room *****

" Some of you may think that this is a time to relax a bit with others going off on some unknown mission with the Klingons. That we're just along for show. " Sunder said, fixing each one of the assembled security officers with a steely gaze. He flicked an imaginary speck of dust off his polished desk table with his right hand. He leaned forward and steadied himself with his left hand, standing above his desk like some imposing statue looking down on the seated assembly.

" We've got a load to push here people. I've been spending a lot of my time going over proficiency reports and while most of them are satisfactory, there are others that need some improvement. " He turned his attentions to the new officers, seated in the front row customarily reserved for the new or the screwed. " There are also some of you who will have to prove themselves to me in the next little while. Remember: I haven't authorized receipt of your transfer orders yet. " One of the officer's throat bobbed up and down as he gulped at Sunder's words.

The meeting continued and Xavier could only hope no one could detect the fear he held for this large surly bear-like Chief of Security. How does one impress, let alone prove themselves to, a rabid Targ?

"Checking all the areas"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Temporarily Assigned to the Qul'etlh of the Klingon Empire

After Captain Price had ordered him to organize the crew, Joerg left the bridge. Before he could even start to do his given task, he met Ensign Sharp. They did some small talk and after the Ensign entered the bridge of the Klingon ship, Joerg pulled out a PADD with the list of Starfleet officer, who volunteered for a position on the Qul'etlh.

He came to the conclusion that it would be best to check each and every possible area on the whole ship, before assigning any more of the Galaxy's officers to specific positions. Joerg decided that it would be best to start on the lower decks, in Engineering to be specific.

While he walked down the hallways he remembered the good old days, when his father's friend Khas from the house of P'hag visited them back home and told him so many things about Klingon tradition. It was back then, that Joerg first wanted to be on a Klingon ship after the Academy. Unfortunately the war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire interfered with that plan of his and so he ended on the Galaxy, which wasn't that bad after all he thought.

He spent the next one hour or so, just walking around the ship, checking with the responsible persons in the appropriate areas of the ship what their needs were and noting them on his PADD. Although most of the Klingons he encountered looked suspicious at him, they treated him with respect and answered all his questions honestly, perhaps Commander Dergaus had informed them of his coming and ordered them to help him in any way they could.

In the last few areas he went, his routine was nearly perfect. He entered, greeted, asked, got the answers he wanted to hear, wrote them down, and left again. After the last section was completed, he had two lists: one with the Starfleet officers currently aboard the Qul'etlh and one with possible crew assignments. While he slowly went back towards the bridge, he started linking one list with the other. The moment he reached the doors, that lead back onto the center of the ship, he finished his work.

He entered and quickly approached Captain Price with the PADD.

"Captain..." he started and Lee quickly interrupted.

"Commander, we have come to the conclusion, that while I'm on this ship everyone should refer to me as 'General' to avoid confusion with the real Captain of this vessel." he quickly explained and Commander Dergaus nodded his approval.

"Well ok then. General, here is the list of open positions that need to be assigned. I also took the liberty to suggest a possible way to fill all the vital positions with the available Starfleet officers." Joerg explained to Lee the data he had put into the PADD.

The General took the PADD and quickly looked it over.

"Looks good to me 'mate. Inform them to take their positions as soon as possible."

"Yes sir." Joerg just answered and was on his way out of the bridge again, to do as ordered and to oversee that vital reassignment himself.

"On our way to Boreth"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain Price glanced around the bridge of the Qul'etlh. Commander Sterner had just showed Lee the temporary duty roster he'd made up for the Galaxy members on board the Klingon warship. Lee smiled and gave his approval to his First Officer. He could see that things were well in hand with the crew and the bridge team. Since his presence was not required on the bridge with Commander Dergaus in charge of the Qul'etlh, Lee decided to take a walk below decks and see how the crew was doing. Lee remembered that Lieutenant Thomas wanted to speak to him, so he started making his way to the general quarters of the Bird of Prey, trying to locate Chris' cabin.

Captain Price past several crew members along the way. Lee smiled and gave a nod to each member of the Galaxy he past. He could see the excitement in their eyes. Being assigned to serve on a Klingon warship was a great change of pace. Something to be savored and remembered throughout one's career. Lee remembered the first time he ever got to travel on board a Klingon ship early on in his Starfleet career. Back when he first met K'Ral. So the excitement and magic in the eyes of the Ensigns and Lieutenants he past was not lost on the Captain.

"Looking for someone Captain?" Doctor Kahn asked.

Lee turned and faced the Chief Medical Officer from the Galaxy. Nilani seemed to be getting into her role on board the Klingon vessel. She was wearing what looked like a Klingon outfit and had her hair pulled back and secured with a bandanna. It gave her a very 'no nonsense' appearance. "Aye Doctor, I am. Have you seen Lieutenant Thomas here abouts?"

"Doctor Kahn turned to one side, "I think he's staying in one of the bunks in J section around to the left there Captain." Nilani pointed.

"Thanks 'mate." Captain Price started, then glanced at the Doctor, "And for the rest of the time on this mission, you can call me 'General' rather than 'Captain'. It is a bit too confusing for the Klingon's to have everyone refer to both myself and Dergaus as 'Captain'." Lee explained.

Nilani gave the Captain a doubtful glance. She knew how much he hated that nickname since his Starfleet Academy days when everyone made fun of his full name. "Are you sure sir?" she asked.

Lee just gave a nod. "For now it's the simplest solution." He smiled, "Just remember, once we get back to the Galaxy, it's 'Captain' as usual."

"Yes sir, General sir." Nilani came to attention and saluted mockingly.

Lee grabbed her upper arm and squeezed gently at her joke and smiled before walking past and heading to corridor J where Lieutenant Thomas was said to be staying.

Three doors down the side corridor, Lee came to a room which he thought to be the most likely one in which Chris was staying. Activating the chime, Lee waited patiently to be admitted. The door soon slid open, and Lieutenant Thomas was indeed standing inside.

"General, I'm glad you could come sir." Chris explained, "Please come in."

Lee followed Chris into his quarters and the door slid shut behind them. Glancing around, Lee could see that Chris was staying in a standard room just like he and Commander Sterner were sharing. Strictly functional furniture, right down to the steel slab bunks inlaid in the bulkhead. Lee thought to ask who the Lieutenant was rooming with, but the seriousness of Chris' expression made the Captain think twice about making small talk. "So," he began, "What is it you wanted to talk about 'mate?" Lee asked, looking into Lieutenant Thomas' eyes.

*****

*** Elsewhere ***

On board a Klingon Vor'cha Battlecruiser, a transmission is broadcast over the communications systems on the bridge.

["jaH Boreth tu' DIvI' 'ejDo' je ja' Dub ra' yej!"] (go to Boreth to observe the Federation starship and report back to the High Council.)

Pivoting in the command chair, a bald Klingon warrior peers back evilly while listening to the transmission. Hate radiates out from his dark brown eyes that glare through narrowing slits that are scarred from battle with the same sort of Federation starship that they were now ordered to be allied with. Kang turned and spat on the floor of the Vor'cha Battlecruiser bridge to show his contempt for the Federation. In spiteful defiance he sat there and remembered how just a few years earlier his father and brothers were killed in battle while fighting another starship. Placing a hand over his facial scars and feeling the texture of the burnt, twisted skin that covered his skull, Kang remembered the pain of the exploding plasma conduit that splattered his face and caused his hair and face to be seared beyond repair. Observe. Indeed, the Captain would prefer to destroy the Federation for their cowardly tactics of playing wounded and drawing his fathers ship in closer before preying upon the Klingon show of mercy and honor in dishing out a quick death. The Federation's weapons lashed out and relentlessly struck the unsuspecting Klingon warship, disabling her and leaving her adrift and aflame in space. Kang's father dead. His brothers, wounded and dying. And himself, massively disfigured for the rest of his life because of a dishonorable Federation tactic known as 'possum'.

"Commander, the message comes from Klingon Intelligence. We must reply." Another warrior injects into the Captain's deep thoughts of battles past.

Kang removes his hand from the side of his plasma-scarred face. "lu'jang" he states, indicating his officer should acknowledge the transmission. The other warrior nods and does as the Captain asks, sending a coded transmission back to the Empire.

"tlhap maH pa'. tlhap maH Boreth, pIvghor jav." (take us there. take us to Boreth, warp six.)

"lu la' ra'wI." (Yes Commander.) the warrior stated, turning to carry out Kang's orders.

Kang stared out over the Birtas' bridge as the Vor'cha Battlecruiser's engines powered up and propelled her towards the planet Boreth, deep in the heart of Klingon Space.

"The QeH and Po'SuvwI' have also been ordered to head for Boreth Commander." The warrior stated to Kang while the Captain still stared off into distant space.

Kang gave a slight nod of approval. "maj. Chaj HoD'mey mus DIvI parHa' jIh." (good. Their Captain's hate the Federation like I do.) He stated flatly.

The Birtas jumped to warp factor six and headed for the holy planet of Boreth to meet up with her sister ships and observe the actions of the Federation Starship as the High Council had ordered.

"Visuals, Part I."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson
Chief Science Officer/ Acting Second Officer, USS Galaxy

It had been a long time since the chief science officer had been on duty during the Gamma shift, however, it still felt exactly as he remembered it, including the reduced light level on the Bridge. The USS Galaxy continued to proceed to the planet of Boreth without any incident or problems.

"Ensign Makoko." he said as he looked over to Ops. "Status please?"

"Engineering reports that the optical data network on Deck Nine, Section Alpha needs to be adjusted to compensate for a power surge created by the Plasma Dynamics laboratory." the new operations officer reported. "Sickbay has reported one minor plasma burn."

"Alright, please ask Lieutenant Hewson to send a report once the problem has been rectified on Deck Nine." Erikson said before turning over to the science station. "Ensign Soleri, anything interesting in this area?"

"No sir." the Andorian scientist replied. "The sensors are currently detecting twenty-seven particles of space dust per cubic meter and four ultraviolet spikes. No unusual electromagnetic readings or any remarkable elements in this region. All in all, a very uninteresting region of space."

**** Three hours later - Captain's Ready Room ****

Unlike his exposure to Vulcan culture, Greer was a little ignorant in the way of Klingon culture, history, and beliefs. He remembered what he had been taught in the Academy, and from Klingons he encountered during his career, but never really studied them in any great detail. Taking this opportunity, he walked into the Captain's office, hoping to remedy the situation as much as he could. Inside, Greer realized that he had never actually been in the Ready Room without either Captain Price, Commander Sterner, or 'Commander Casey being present. A fact brought to his attention by the empty chairs and Klingon blade missing.

"Computer, access database on all information regarding the Klingon Empire," he said as he took a seat opposite the Captain's chair, "with emphasis on diplomatic relations with the United Federation of Planets, science, religion, and philosophy."

[Accessing . . . ] the computer replied with several whirls and beeps. [Search complete.]

Erikson turned the desktop console so that he could see it from his side of the desk. "Computer, let's begin with Klingon-Federation diplomatic relations. Access information on the the Treaty of Alliance. Audio readout." he said as he leaned back into his chair.

[Treaty of Alliance. A diplomatic agreement between the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire. Signed during the mid twenty-fourth century. A culmination of several decades of dialogue which followed a peace initiative by Chancellor Gorkon of the Klingon High Council, which leading to the Khitomer Peace Accords of 2293. This treaty stipulates mutual aid, mutual defense against aggressors, and forbids interference in internal matters. The Treaty of Alliance was briefly terminated after the Federation refused to attack the Cardassian Union in 2372. It has since been reactivated.]

"That seems to fit with what I remember from the Academy" he said out aloud. "Computer, access entries relating to the Khitomer Peace Accords."

[Khitomer Peace Accords. Diplomatic initiative begun in 2293 at the planet Khitomer. Resulted from a dialogue opened by Chancellor Gorkon of the Klingon High Council and Captain Spock of Starfleet, following a devastating explosion on the Klingon moon Praxis. This effort resulted in the Khitomer Peace Accords which were a prelude to the Treaty of Alliance.]

"Computer, display biographical reference to Chancellor Gorkon of the Klingon High Council." Greer waited as the computer displayed his request. Skimming through the file he noticed several historically significant names . . . Captain James T. Kirk, Captain Christopher Pike, Captain Spock, Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan.

"Computer, access all logs and data entries which involve Captain Spock and the Klingon Empire with emphasis on the events leading to the Khitomer Accords."

[Accessing . . . ] the computer replied. [Search complete.]

*** Some time later ***

Greer had looked through a the long list of logs from one the of the longest-serving officers in Starfleet history and facilitator of the existing peace with the Klingons. Beginning with Khitomer, the database entries went as far back as the Vulcan's assignment as executive officer and science officer of the original USS Enterprise, providing an interesting insight into the history of relations between the Federation and Klingon Empire. Concise and factual, they seemed to demonstrate how far the two governments had come since their disastrous first contact.

"And who says science offices can't command a starship." he mused to himself, having been given that argument many times before. "Computer, access logs on Stardate 4523." he said as he placed his macchiato down on the desk. "Visual display only."

The computer processed the request with a series of beeps and whirls, whirls and beeps, working hard to analyze all the available information that the science officer requested.

"Captain's Log. Stardate 4523 . . . .Enterprise at Deep Space Station K-7 . . . Captain Koloth of the Klingon Empire . . . quadrotriticale." Greer said aloud as he skimmed through the mission log, highlighting the main references. Continuing through the logs pertaining to the incident at DSK-7, he looked at some of the visual logs taken from the Federation flagship and the deep space station. "Computer, access biographical files for Captain James T. Kirk and Captain Koloth of the Klingon Empire."

The computer rapidly processed request. Although he knew the outcome of the incident from the logs of the Enterprise's executive officer, he was particularly intrigued how the two commanding officers interacted. Vulcans were quite efficient in keeping their logs, but they often exclude any emotion or sentiment. Although it may be considered to be illogical, it can often, especially with species which are emotional, be a means of better understanding a sequence of events.

The biographical data and image of James Tiberius Kirk had almost been imprinted on his brain. He had seen his picture, and heard of him, a countless number of times at Starfleet Academy. Lecture notes, the Starfleet Hall of Fame, the Fleet Museum, and a number of other places, recognized the legendary captain. He was very different from the Starfleet commanders of the twenty-fourth century.

Although the scientist was aware that Klingons have an extended lifespan, he was amazed to note how active Koloth had been during his life. The incident at Deep Space Station K-7 was the first Federation record of the Klingon commander more than a century ago. Apparently he was still alive at the time the Federation took control of Deep Space Nine, reports of the old warrior visiting there.

"Computer, download all information requested in the last two hours to this PADD." he said as he placed the blue-coloured display device on the desktop console.

As the computer processed the transfer, Greer place his empty coffee cup in the replicator for reprocessing. Eventhough all was well on the USS Galaxy, and there had been no sign of any trouble, Greer began to feel as something gnawing at him. He did not know what it was, or why it was there, but it sat just outside the border of his perception. Shrugging it off for now, he picked up the display device and returned to the Bridge to finish his shift in command.

By Dianne Heppel
AKA Alyssa Idana
Science Officer USS Galaxy
On Temporary Assignment to the Imperial Klingon Cruiser Qu'etleh

As soon as the Klingon that attacked Alyssa hit the ground a Disrupter Closet opened up and the new Ensign in the Engineering section Ensign Mendenhall fell out.

What is he doing in a disrupter closet wondered Alyssa.

Hi, these are my Quarters" said Ensign Mendenhall. "Oh" said Alyssa as she walked to the Mess hall. At the Door of the mess hall the same Klingon she belted in the Hallway came up to her.

Alyssa got into fighting stance. "That will not be necessary, I was testing your Skills in Battle" said the Klingon in perfect Standard. "Did I pass?" asked Alyssa jokingly already knowing the Answer. "Yes" said the Klingon. "My name is Yirok" said the Klingon. "Alyssa Idana" replied Alyssa. "You know Today is a good day for Oinkus" said the Klingon. Alyssa figured he must have been hanging around Dr. Endris Gakor in order to pick up a word like Oinkus. "Sure why not" Alyssa said and she walked into the Mess hall with the Klingon.

The Klingon Yirok ordered Gagh and Heart of Targ, Alyssa ordered the same thing. they sat down at an empty Table and talked. Yirok was talking about a battle he was just in, he claimed that they destroyed a Jem'hadar breeding facility by launching an experimental Trilithum warhead into the Systems Star. "Yes and you killed all the occupants of the planets in that system" said Alyssa. "The System was populated by dirty Cardie Scum, what does it matter if a few of them die?" said the Klingon. "A few you mean a few Billion" replied Alyssa. "Yes it was a glorious Victory for the Klingon Empire" replied Yirok.

They talked for about 15 minutes longer and became good friends then Alyssa asked "Why is Ensign Mendenhall sleeping in a disrupter Closet" . "Ahh you noticed, it was a practical joke, I told him that there were no more Quarters available and that the Closet was the only sleeping space Available" replied Yirok.

Sweat dripped into his eyes, stinging them before he could wipe the droplets away. Perspiration flooded his forehead and he lowered his head to allow the water to drip downwards, trying to keep them away from his eyes. Looking downward also kept his mind off the rest of the distance and focused on lifting one aching and burning foot after another.

It was an oval track, sectioned off in single kilometer increments and modeled after one at an ancient Olympics on Terra at the beginning of the 21st century. The crowds cheered on other events while Sunder plodded along at his own pace. One of the features of the program allowed the user to compete with legendary athletes or to perform by himself. In this case, Sunder simply felt like running 10K by himself.

The program was a gift from an old friend. Sunder was by no means an ancient sports fanatic, nor did he even keep tabs on the popular sports of the day. But the program's creator - Lt. Commander Aelon Bishop - knew that its sole attraction to Sunder would lay in the fact that it had great tracks. From the marathons of heroic Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics to the great events of recent times. It had them all. Sunder enjoyed pushing his run limits to their fullest. A 5K run was his usual, but today he felt like pushing himself. What better place than to test himself than in the shadow of some of the greatest athletes in history?

His breathing took on a familiar pattern as he passed his 7th klick: two quick exhales followed by a long inhale with every two or three footfalls. Repetition: that was the key. A steady pattern along a set-out track. As long as he kept his pace and his mind focused on where his feet were going to fall, the run would be over before he knew it.

Tonight, something was different. He couldn't keep his rhythm. His mind conjured up an image of the security meeting. He hadn't wanted to come across as some sort of ogre. but there'd been no other choice. A point needed to be made and it was better coming from him than from the captain. Besides, it was time for a change. It was his show now - his team and he wanted them running by the numbers. Why shouldn't they be at their best?

Then there was Xala. Without warning that whirlwhind had blown back into his life without so much as a warning. Immediately his old feelings for her had re-surfaced. He was happy to have her back in his life, but he had to ask himself, where would it all lead? Back when they were younger, they had both entertained fantasies of living out their lives on some remote starbase where they could both ply their trades, far from the reaching arms of the Orion Syndicate under the watchful eye of Federation protection.

... Damn, he thought bitterly as he missed a breath, interrupting his pace.

But that wasn't to happen. That fateful night that split them apart, preventing each other from living out that fantasy life. To be separated for six years, each thinking that the other was dead. Sunder had accepted his loss and gotten on with his life, the biggest irony being that he had managed to attain the backwater base position he and she had dreamed of without her, upon his transfer to Outpost 77.

His breathing went out of sequence and he slowed his pace to regain it.

It had been the worst night of his life. His last away assignment on board the EXCALIBUR. Captain Ramirez had specifically chosen him to accompany two operatives who were trying to obtain dispersal movements of the Syndicate raiders in the Bolus sector. He'd met Xala, or Rinalia, as he knew her back then, while he was working undercover.

At first, Sunder had allowed the relationship to foster, seeing it as an excellent means to continue his cover. Xala had worked as one of the raider chieftan's - Aergelian Rue - computer specialists/entertainment manager at his amusement facility on Bolus 3. It doubled as his base of operations, and Xala doubled as his information manager. She supervised the hacking operations that gave Aergelian his unsurpassed knowledge of Federation shipping in the sector. What better source of information for Sunder than Aergelian's own source? She'd even had a chance to meet his adoptive father, Kengar in that time. The old dog knew of Sunder's mission and assisted him with as much information as he'd gathered along his travels.

As the months went by though, true feelings began to develop for this woman who masterminded a substantial portion of Rue's criminal enterprise. A woman who Sunder was duty-bound to arrest along with the rest of her ilk. Eventually the dichotomy drove him to confessing his identity and his purpose for being on Bolus 3 to her, giving her the chance to get away before Sunder and his operatives brought Rue's entire operation down around him.

With a carefree wink and nod of her head, she surprised the security officer by telling him that she already knew who he was and why he was there... and that she didn't care. She was looking for a way out of Rue's indentured servitude and that she wanted to go with Sunder.

It had been perfect. Everything in the galaxy revolved around the two of them for that particular moment in space and time.

... he cursed as he failed to bring his foot up high enough, causing him to stumble slightly...

All seemed right in the world. Sunder had all the information he needed, and with Xala's help they were able to establish a covert data-link with the EXCALIBUR's computers in high orbit around the planet upon its timed return. Every bit of evidence they needed to convict Aergelian Rue had been collected. All that was left to do was signal Captain Ramirez to pick him, Xala, and the other two operatives up and send down a detention squad to take care of Rue and his operation. The only thing Xala needed to do was to get some personal effects and final evidence that she would need to clear her name, showing that she was forced into Rue's service by unscrupulous means. She'd sneak into the complex, download the files, and get out before anyone could notice she was even there. Seemed simple enough.

Unfortunately, simplicity is a thin thread to cling to; one that usually frays when trusted too much. In this case that proved to be true. As soon as Xala returned, Rue's Nausicaan mercenaries were waiting for her. Rue had gotten wind of the impending Starfleet raid and had a number of questions for his erstwhile employee. Within minutes, Xala was bound, drugged, and whisked away to the villain's escape shuttle.

The detention team had landed and successfully seized the complex. Illegal materials, documents, illicit goods and wanted criminals had been apprehended...

... save one.

... Sunder's right knee started to burn with the beginnings of a painful ache. Large men made for the worst runners, with the amount of energy needed to maintain the momentum of their bulk. Sunder was no exception. He'd been told this over and over again by physicians. The stress it placed on his joints was considerable, but Sunder hated to be told that he couldn't do something. He'd made it a point of honour to run at least 5K three times a week and a 10K at least once every few months. By now he was rounding eight kilometers. He ignored the pain and kept going. The memories of the past following him as he did so.

He'd stayed on Bolus Three for a week, even using up some of his leave time that he'd accumulated. Ostensibly searching for Rue, Captain Ramirez knew better. It was no use though. Rinalia was gone and so was any chance of exploring their future together. He never knew what happened to her, or Rue for that matter, until now. Now she'd returned into his life with as much vivacity as he remembered her having.

But there were complications. He wasn't the same man anymore. She hadn't changed but he had. He loved her still... she who had taught him so much about living on the edge. When she disappeared he fell into a self-imposed hell of exile which he was just beginning to emerge from, thanks to another special person. Too many choices...

He closed his mind to these thoughts, continuing to simply stare at the track, focusing on it's simple, linear path. His gait picked up as he pushed everything out of his mind, save for the single direction of the track-lines. It was strange how a wave of relief passed over him as he followed the sole path laid out in front of him. The hologramatic crowd cheered as he continued onwards, yet he didn't see them, also relieved by the anonymity the program could give him.

"Ship status"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara
reviewed by Captain... General Price :-)

K'Eytyanna growled in annoyance as the wires she was working on sparked, causing her to jump and bang her head against the back of the conduit she was working in. Putting down her tools on her chest, she wiped the grease of her face with the sleeve of her uniform and went back to work.

Captain Price's voice echoed down the conduit, "Ensign, where is Lt Samara?"

Putting down the equipment, she quickly slid her way back down the tube. Reaching the end, she prepared herself for the two meter drop to the deck and crouched as she landed.

A small brown shape caught her attention as it sprinted across the deck away from her. Closing her eyes as she drew the small disruptor pistol she was carrying, she aimed instinctivly, tracking the vole and fired. A small screech was heard and when she opened her eyes, the only trace was a smoking pile of vole ash.

Spinning the pistol, she holstered it in one motion and turned to see Captain Price standing behind her.

"That's a bit rough, isn't it?"

Standing at attention, she spoke, "Captain, if the Klingons were more careful with allowing those pests aboard, I wouldn't have to blow them. Anyway, it's good practice and they deserve it after chewing up all the cables. I'm still trying to figure out why they don't electrocute themselves."

"At ease. Please use General, Lt. Don't want to confuse the Klingons. How is the ship going?"

"It will be as close to Federation-standards as a Klingon Bird of Prey can get by the time we reach destination, even if I have to personally kick it into working conditons or maybe just use some of the Klingon engineers as battering rams. The vole damage is nearly repaired and all other systems are getting upto scratch. The warp reactor is now functioning at 102 percent efficency and the shield generators are showing a status of 105 percent. Life support, photon torpedos and impulse drive still need some more work though, but it will be done by the time we get there."

"I hope that won't be neccesary. Just get us there in working conditon and don't cause any mutinies in Engineering."

Captain Price headed away as K'Eytyanna called out, "Aye aye, Sa'."

Shrugging, he kept on going, realising that she would probably slip into a more Klingon-based language to help communication with the Klingons.

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