=/\= "Of Stardates and Honeycomb" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

In the hours after the Security department meeting, security officers went about their duties in an apparently energetic manner. No one wanted to appear lax or inefficient. In reality, however, most of the officers were embarrassed or feeling chastised. Several of them had met together in Main Security at the end of Beta shift, to discuss their reactions to 'Commander Sunder's leadership style.

"The chief will rotate every one of us off the Galaxy within six months if we don't shape up!" croaked Chris Aaron. His eyes held genuine distress at the idea. For the last few hours during their shift he had bent the ear of Ensign Trabuco, who, after hearing the same lament now for the sixth time, turned away from the young man.

Snorting derisively, Mulich interjected, "He's not sending us off anywhere! What he is going to do is work us like dogs until we leave Klingon space. He'll decide we have all learned a lesson, and congratulate us on a fine job! Don't bitch about it, Chris! Just keep quiet and stay out of his way and we'll be fine," he concluded.

Matthew felt a calming word, perhaps some cool-headed logic was needed. Of course, what he finally said had the opposite effect, "Mark, I think it's a mistake to assume the 'commander wasn't serious about our performance. What we ought to be doing is--"

"Albrecht, stick a sock in it!" quipped an argumentative ensign Sanchez. "Sorry, I know you are a lieutenant now, but get real! You just got posted to Alpha shift, you're the shift second, of course you are gonna come out and defend his speech," she snapped, obviously upset with Matthew for more than his comments about the Security Chief.

Gary stepped up and put a hand on Matthew's shoulder. He wanted to let his friend know he had support, so the man wouldn't feel a need to fight back. Matthew heard his father's voice in his head, reminding him that there is a time and place for everything, including arguments with the bull-headed. Calmed, Matthew let Heather's comments go, rather than exacerbate the situation. Heather had been passed up for promotion again, and it must be getting to her, he reasoned.

Chris added another insight into his theory of crew rotation, "Look, I hear that on SB77 Sunder went through junior officers like the Enterprise goes through design changes! He wouldn't think twice about sending any of us off to tours on listening posts and colonial transports. I'm telling you, I've heard things!" Chris's concern seemed to only extend to the other ensigns surrounding him. Matthew could almost feel himself being excluded from the group.

Perhaps that's what promotion means, he thought. *I'm not an ensign anymore, not even a junior grade lieutenant. They want people around they can speak freely with, and I don't think I want to be that guy anymore,* he concluded. It was a short hop from realizing he wasn't just another one of the guys to realizing he was now responsible for this bunch of complaining misfits.

Putting on his best serious expression, Lt Albrecht stood straight and walked into the handful of people. Picking the PADD up from the counter, Matthew handed it to ensign Aaron, saying, "This doom-saying isn't getting us anywhere, people. Let's all get on with our business and let Chris get on with his." Turning his gaze on the ensign, he said, "I believe you have some EVA suit lockers to inspect?" The room cleared in moments, confirming Matthew's suspicion that his command voice was pretty good.

Gary was stowing his phaser in the weapons locker, an activity he dragged out until the room was clear of the other ensigns. "Interesting," he began, "Looks like you are taking to your rank." Gary stood across the office, with his arms crossed.

Matthew returned his look, and replied, ""Bother you?" He hoped Gary hadn't been offended by his attitude. The two men were far too close to let rank get between them, he hoped.

"Hell, no!" Trabuco answered vehemently. "I was pretty tired of the whole scene anyway. No, that conversation was self-destructing. You take command fairly well," he observed. "I've never seen Sanchez give you that kind of respect before."

Neither had Matthew. He wondered if the woman just wanted to be out of the conversation. *There'll be plenty of time for that speculation later,* he decided. His shift was finally over, and with his new schedule and double shifts starting the next morning, he decided to leave security and head for his quarters. "Thanks, Gary. Have a good night, we've got a big morning tomorrow."

**** Lt Albrecht's Apartment ****

Matthew was tired, he knew that rest would be scarce at least twice a week, probably more. But, the research he had started conducting into Klingon Law and Government had been nagging at him all day. He felt that if he didn't at least make some progress that night, he wouldn't sleep well at all.

He pulled off his jumpsuit and undertunic, and sat down at the terminal. "Computer, bring up all files tagged 'Albrecht Klingon Paper' on this terminal." The Starburst organizational chart revolved on the monitor screen, in full three dimensions and several bright colors. He rubbed his eyes, trying to decide how best to cull the information down to manageable size. He ran through possible criteria in his mind.

"Computer, save current chart as StarBurst one. Now modify chart and save as working chart one." The computer confirmed the action and awaited further instructions. Matthew looked at the chart, deciding what data could be removed from the collection. "Computer, remove all files containing data generated by non-Klingon sources," he instructed, hypothesising that by tackling the Klingon point of view on matters, he could determine a direction from which to write his paper.

The diagram simplified drastically, with many Rays dropping out, and a few new ones leaping to the fore. Documents and logs from Klingon sources were woefully scarce compared to similar studies from other governments and universities. It was as if the Klingons were deliberately dissuading studies of their government. "Computer, change format of chart to Link and Flow charting method." The chart became a complicated interaction of individual documents, with loops and if-then conditional connections leading every which way. The image zoomed out as the chart grew exponentially.

Matthew winced and squeezed his eyes shut. he quickly realized a three-dee chart would be a must. "Computer, change chart to a Pentalo--no, wait. Incorporate the data into a Soong Honeycomb data matrix," he instructed, when the idea struck him to give the data a sort of rudimentary brain of its own. The 'honeycomb matrix' would exist in computerized virtual space, having 'size,' 'mass,' and 'duration.' It would have four dimensions, after a fashion.

Matthew keyed in some preferences, setting up the matrixes communication, or I/O parameters. "Matrix," called the security officer. He hoped for a response, but feared that he would probably fail. He had seen this done once at the Academy, and the computer that did it held far more information than the data files he was using.

The computer spat out a rapid-fire collection of Klingon invective. "Damn," griped the officer while he keyed in further instructions for the virtual brain, "Translation subroutine... There." The monitor screen illustrated a revolving lump, with a golden honeycomb pattern of hexagons all over its surface. Blue flashes within the geometry of the matrix showed where new connections were being made and data was being integrated into the whole. The 'mind' was rearranging itself, probably based upon Matthew's question in Federation standard.

He closed his eyes and forced all the air out of his lungs, then inhaled deeply. "Matrix, respond." The pattern on the monitor flared to life, illustrating the receipt of the officer's instructions.

The computer synthesized a voice for the honeycomb matrix, "What do you want, P'Taq?" it barked in gravelly, short words. A status light on Matthew's monitor screen indicated that he was exceeding the standard computer time/processing resources allocation for non-lab use. He decided that Ops would probably ignore it if he kept the conversation short, or perhaps he would get a speaking to from 'commander Casey.

He put his hands behind his back and paced, to think better. "Matrix, what is the nature of the Klingon legal system?" He had already skimmed through many documents that addressed just this issue from the greatest minds of Vulcan and Earth. He wanted to give the matrix a question to sharpen its 'teeth' on, to get the 'synapses' to form new connections that would aid in answering the next questions.

Without a moment's hesitation, "The law of Klinzhai is an adversarial system based upon three pillars of legal power; Dominance of the weak, Defense of the Empire, and Justice in the form of harsh punishment and Dishonor." The gravelly voice fell silent, for a moment, then continued, "There is more, now..."

Matthew broke in, "Matrix, what is the basis of Klingon civil rights?" He listened for a moment, but recognized the matrix's answer to be right out of a popular Klingon text that was exerpted at the Academy. He interrupted, "Matrix, I know this, but tell me what events led up to the creation of laws to protect the rights of Klingons!"

The voice did not come quickly. "I will resume from the previous document," it finally said, and continued to spout rhetoric from the same document. Matthew was very familiar with the sort of 'spin' that was put on this particular data. He concluded that the honeycomb matrix he had created consisted of too little data to be effective. He gave it one last try. "Matrix, what were the political forces that led to the formation of the Klingon Empire's current governmental structure?"

The matrix replied, "The many warring factions of the Klingon people..." He listened for about five minutes before interjecting, asking the matrix to access another document. He recognized the tone of the current information as being identical to the previous documents. When the matrix resumed its narration, he had to stop it several more times. The tone, and style of all the information it possessed were virtually exact copies of every other Klingon file.

"Matrix," he began, wishing the matrix was a being he could argue with, "How old are you?" he asked. He had stopped pacing his floor, as if the matrix might answer too quietly for Matthew to hear while going about his thoughtful behavior.

"This construct is approximately ninety-eight standard years old."

The security officer was surprised, since electronic data storage and retrieval had existed for several hundreds of years. The matrix should, by all rights, be a couple of hundred years old at minimum. He decided that he must not have asked the question correctly. "Matrix," he continued, "What is your age based upon the age of the data to which you have access? How old is your source material?"

"This matrix is composed of approximately thirty-seven hundred files, of which, sixty percent are under thirty years old. Thirty percent are under fifty years old, and less than five percent are over eighty years old. No documents contain a revision date older than ninety-eight years," it replied. Its words hung in the air like a giant anacronism. Matthew was surprised by the lack of historical data from generations ago, a seeming contradiction coming from a society that prizes the retelling of noble deeds and past conquests...

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"Andorian's are Too Odd"
By. Lt (jg) Ryak Sullax

Ryak sat down at a the table and started reading his padds. The information on his experiment was not telling him much. He knew that their had to be a way to safely fold space and have a ship travel instantly from one point to another. On the other hand he was also having troubles getting the language to be compatible in the labs conversion. Ryak was not getting anywhere with cracking the Captain's lock out as well. Why hasn't Erikson gotten back to him?

Ryak looked up for a second to order a Romulan Ale and then back down at his padd. As Ryak read through his notes he noticed someone approach his table.

"Excuse me, sir. Is this seat taken?"

Ryak looked up at the Andorian security officer and pointed at the seat across from him. The Andorian spun on his heals toward the bar, then back to the table.

"Oh, uh. I would like to talk but I have to go. Sorry, some other time. Bye."

Ryak nodded and watched as the Ensign turned back towards the bar and then back toward him again.

"Sir."

The Andorian then spun for the last time toward the bar and headed off. Ryak shook his head and began on his notes again. A couple minutes later the hostess arrived with his Ale and went back to work. Ryak took a sip of his drink and cringed after being reminded the inferior taste of synthetic Ale. Oh well. Ryak went back to his notes. And wondered if he'd ever talk to the Andorian again.

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

“Mission essentials”
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

“Ensign, increase distance between us and the Qul’etlh. If we have to move quickly I don’t want to be crowded.”

“Aye, Lt.” replied the young ensign at the Galaxy’s helm.

Mac leaned back in the Command chair and frowned. The bridge of the Galaxy was more subdued than usual, almost as if the crew knew the weight of their current mission.

He was used to being in situations that required major decisions with split second timing, but this whole mission outline stuck in his craw. To many variables could turn this mission into a disaster. But, as he looked around the bridge, he had to smile. He knew that the Galaxy had best crew in the Universe. He just hoped that the Klingons knew it as well.

“Lt. Groom…” said Mac as he turned to face then veteran TacOfficer, “See if you can access any troop movements, ship redeployments or…, I don’t know, any other info that will tell us what kind of contacts we can expect on the way to Boreth. I don’t like surprises.”

“Neither do I.” Smirked Groom. Mac chuckled as he turned back to the viewscreen. They still had several days until they arrived at Boreth. Mac could only guess at what lay ahead as the Galaxy plied through Klingon space.

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

"Ten Forward"
by Ensign George Prince

Ensign George was sitting at the bar he saw people getting in a group play a hand of poker. Ensign George walked over and said," Do you mind if I join in?" "No, not at all have a seat." said one of the Ensigns. After about ten hands of poker Ensign George felt that it was time to go. "I have to leave, you no get some sleep before next shift." said Ensign George as he walked away from the table. As Ensign George walked into his quaters he saw that he need to unpack. When he picked up a PADD on cars Ensgin George fell on his bed and started to read. After a few hours of this he fell a sleep dreaming about cars.

Ensign George Prince
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

"Visuals, Part 2."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson
Chief Science Officer/ Acting Second Officer, USS Galaxy

**** Deck 08, Room 2133 ****

"Computer, lights." Erikson finally said after tossing and turning for the last few hours.

As the light level in his quarters increased, Greer jumped out of bed and walked in to the living room where he grabbed the blue-coloured PADD off of his desk. Tapping the display screen, he accessed several of the search parameters he had been reviewing only hours before.

"Computer, access the PADD I'm holding and display image at this console." he said as he sat down at the desk. The computer complied and the image of Captain Kirk and the Klingon commander Koloth appeared. Cycling through the datafiles, he called up the image for Koloth as reported on the station Deep Space Nine. Although the computer identified them as being the same Klingon, they appeared to be quite different in appearance. "Computer, confirm that the image on this PADD is the Klingon known as Koloth."

["Confirmed".] the computer replied.

"Analyse image from Stardate 4523 and confirm that this is the same Klingon in the visual log from Deep Space Station K-7."

["Confirmed, both individuals have been identified in both visual logs as Koloth."]

Greer rubbed his chin for a moment trying to decide where to proced next, taking into consideration where potential problems might be leading to the computer to consider them to be the same. "Computer, display parameters for determing identification of the indiviudal in the visual records and explain discrepencies which may arise between the visual logs taken from Deep Space Station K-7 and Space Station Deep Space Nine."

["Quality of holo-imaging, degredation of visual records, low stringency parameters for comparision between images, incorrect identification traces, computer error . . ."]

"Computer, stop. Let's begin with trying to determine the quality of the visual logs. Search database for all Federation records and visuals for Koloth and compare them in realtion to their respective times."

["Analysis complete."]

"Now, factor in the type of imaging technologies used to produce the visual logs and display record of all images on this console." he requested as he reached to grab his half-filled cup of coffee as the computer beeped several times. "Now, analyse the visual records of Koloth and determine the number of discrepencies in appearance and when they first appeared. Take into consideration into consideration the possiblity for static or other distortions."

["Accessing . . . . analysis complete. Discrepencies between visual records first appeared between an image taken at Deep Space Station K-7 in 2269 and a visual communication from 2287."]

"Computer, where there any design differences between holo-imaging technologies during those dates?"

["Negative. Identical holo-imaging systems were used during that time."]

"I guess it is reasonable to assume that this is not the result of a holo-imaging problem." Greer said as he thought out aloud. "Computer, analyse visual records and identify all personnel that were on Deep Space Station K-7 on Stardate 4523. Extend search parameters to include identification traces of visitors to the station."

The computer beeped as it began the emmense task of sifting through megaquads of information. ["Request will take approximately five hours."]

"Tuning In"
by Tebrianne Bancroft

***

The Galaxy slipped quietly through space toward the Klingon Listening post. Teb thought it was 1486. She chomped down on her gum, small popping sounds loud against the normal thrum of quiet conversation on the bridge. She looked around to see if anyone heard the cracking. That's it Teb, she scolded. Slot em all off.

An indicator light started blinking on the console. She was right, it was 1486 and the Federation-Klingon border.

"Entering Klingon space, Captain," she said, her Cockney dialect more distinct with the absense of Captain Price's Aussie-speak.

"We’re approaching Listening Post 1486 Captain. They’re hailing us sir," said St. John at the Ops station next to her. Teb threw a quick look over as he spoke, adding a smile--just to be friendly. She hadn't spoken much to the him, but he seemed like a decent chap.

"Aye, audio only, put it through Lieutenant," said "Captain" Casey.

[Who is dat there?] came the Klingon voice at the other end of the comm channel. What is that? Teb thought. Sounds like a bleedin' yank. She stifled the giggle that welled in her throat.

"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."

Great, Teb thought. Hopefully the Klingon is too ignorant to realize Casey isn't the captain of the ship. The Galaxy and Captain Price had a reputation, but that rep hopefully hadn't reached the man at the other end. Tebrianne held her breath, fearing that her breathing would somehow give the Klingon cause to deny them passage. What was taking so long?

Tebrianne shot a glance back at the command chair. Casey looked like he knew what he was doing. He was confident in his own abilities, she was certain of that. He didn't look afraid, but he was. Tebrianne could sense it--feel it--deeper down, away from what he showed the world.

Tebrianne blinked. How did she know that? She chewed her lip, nervous energy welling up inside of her. To cover for it, she quickly ran a diagnostic on the helm. There was nothing on the surface, but she knew. She felt it. How did she--

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

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

Tebrianne glanced behind again, stealing a look at Casey--who was looking around at the crew with a broad smile across his face. "See, I told you, no problem," he said. This time there was nothing else. It was just 'Commander Casey's smile.

Hesitantly she turned back forward, and engaged the impulse engines. The Galaxy pulled away from the listening post and was underway toward Boreth once more.

*** At the end of Alpha shift

Tebrianne looked up as Ensign Vulcar approached the helm.

"Cheers, Vulcar," she said. "It's all yours." Tebrianne stepped away from the helm and motioned the ensign to the seat. She turned and headed toward the turbolift.

Casey was putting his signature on a PADD a yeoman had offered him. She had a bored expression on her face, like there were a million other places she would rather be. It was an act though. Somehow, Tebrianne knew the expression was masking what the woman truly felt. Tebrianne put a hand to her temple as a wave of lust overwhelmed her. Lust for Lieutenant Commander Casey. But, those weren't her own feelings. Teb looked at the yeoman. That was the yeoman's lust and longing for the man in the captain's chair.

Tebrianne could feel the sweat beading on her forehead. She quickened her step toward the turbolift. "Hold please," she called after St. John, as he stepped into the car. To Tebrianne's ears, her voice felt distant and strained. "Cheers, matey," she said as the doors closed.

As the car started to move, most of the panic she had been feeling began to subside. She rubbed her temples, trying to massage away the headache threatening to go nova on her. With a start, she realized Robert had been trying to say something to her.

"What?" she asked.

"What level did you want, Lieutenant?"

"Twelve please," she said quietly. "Deck twelve."

The car started moving again, the thrum as it passed each deck like pounding on a tom in Tebrianne's ears. The percussion seemed to go on forever as the turbolift worked its way through the ship. The driving beat bringing her to the point of tears as her head pounded out a counter-rhythm. The doors finally opened, and Teb practically fell into the corridor. It was a short distance to her destination: Sickbay. The hall was quiet, a definite relief. Her senses were starting to readjust...starting to feel normal again. She couldn't turn back. Teb was scared. She had no idea what had just happened on the bridge. She'd never felt anything like it and it worried her. She stumbled her way toward sickbay. The doors opened at her approach, allowing her into the sanctity of the Galaxy's medical facility.

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

Galaxy "Knock Knock"
Written By Kornan Rios

After a long drinking session with my old klingon mate. I walked into the mess hall and there we Klingon and Federation personnel arguing!

"What Is this bickering! You Are Klingon Warriors and Federation Officers. We are Both Facing a common enemy!! So why are we fighting amonst ourselfs!"

Everyone stopped and looked a Klingon warrior stepped forward.

"You of all people. Here you are dressed In a Starfleet Uniform and obeying there Rules you Are a Spinless Targ!"

The Klingon Warrior demanded and pulled out his Knife moving forward.

"Are you challenging me! I am Kornan from the House Rios. I Have recived the medal of the Sword of Kahless"

The Klingon warrior just looked and moved forward.

"Stand your Ground!"

I picked up a knife from the table and stood in a defensice position. The klingon warrior moved forward and attacked!

I dodged a couple of times and then attacked. I missed and dodged the counter attack

"This ends Now!" I shouted.

I moved forward disarming the klingon warrior, I placed my knife next to his throat.

"Do you speak for the crew!" I asked

"Yes!"

"There is to be no more fighting between the two crews!" I shouted.

"There will be none!"

I though the knife down and walked to Nilani's quarters.

********* Chewing people out ***********
By Lt. Cmdr Paran Chanor,
Reviewed by Lt. Alyssa Idana,
Reviewed by Ensign Aaron Sharp
Reviewed by Ensign James Chen
Reviewed by Lt. K'Eytyanna Samara.

Chanor sat on his bunk (or rock, as he liked to call it now) and was reviewing some reports from the departments on the Qu'etleh. It seemed that several starfleet officers had been getting into brawls on the ship. He wasn't sure what to do about them, not knowing enough about Klingon culture, but he decided that, though on a Klingon ship, the officers here would still follow Starfleet rules. It was the best bet to go on. However, just incase, he was going to ask Lt. Samara for a bit of help.

He tapped some commands in the computer, and called four officers to his quarters for a little chat. Lt. Idana, from science, Ensign Sharp, from the helm, Chen from security, and Lt. Samara from engineering.

Whilst he waited for the officers to arrive, he paced, reading the PADD on the reports he'd got from other officers about the fights that had been breaking out.

It didn't take long for all the officers to arrive, and Chanor stood, steeling himself for a rant that he was going to give (And, by the look of Lt. Samara, the chewing out he was going to get back!)

"What's up 'Commander?" Samara started, after entering. "I'm very busy in engineering, and I don't want distractions."

"I'll try and make it brief then Lieutenant. I called you here for your opinion on the following matters." he started.

She looked a little puzzled, but nodded for him to continue. He turned to the other officers who had arrived, and looked down at his PADD.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it has come to my attention that certain individuals on the Qu'etleh are engaging in fights with the original Klingon occupants onboard. Now, I know that the Klingon's way is to meet all problems head on, but I do not expect that from Starfleet officers. You're still in Starfleet on this vessel, so I expect you to act like one." Chanor started, slowly building himself up.

"Ensign Sharp. First you. You attacked a Klingon helmsman on the bridge when he refused to yield his post to you. Mach I believe his name was. Captain Price was there at the time, so I assume that your actions were not too aggressive, or I'm sure that he would have told you. However, you should not then have found him in the messhall, insulted him, and got into a fight with him!" Chanor said, loudly at the end, to emphasis his point.

"I expect more from Starfleet officers. You could have avoided the whole confrontation." Chanor carried on, ignoring Sharp's minor protest that it is the Klingon way.

"Lieutenant Idana. You attacked another Klingon near the mess hall," he looked at his PADD, "because HE WAS IN YOUR WAY???! What sort of stupidity is that? Ignore it. If he gives you trouble, speak to me about it. I'll deal with him, not you."

"Finally, Mr. Chen. I expected more from you. Attacking a Klingon in the mess hall simply because, for all intents and purposes, he drank your water? Ensign, I expect security to do just that on board this ship! Maintain security! Not start fights with every Klingon who comes along!"

Chanor turned to Lt. Samara. "Lieutenant, I understand that Klingons on this ship want us to 'prove' ourselves to them, but as far as I am concerned, there has to be some better way of doing this. Can you please suggest to the officers here some other way of doing it?"

Chanor looked over at her, hoping to get some words of wisdom about the ship from her, but suspecting he didn't have a chance of changing Klingon heritage.

Lt. Paran
USS Galaxy

“How to win friends and influence people”
by Ensign Aaron Sharp

Aaron opened his eyes, then quickly shut them again, as pain lanced through his eyeballs all the way to the back of his skull. He winced and slowly began to open them again. His body ached all over. He tried to remember what had caused him to end up this way. Oh, yes, that’s right, he’d been in a fight with the Klingon helmsman, Mach. It had ended with them becoming good friends. (Klingons had odd ways of starting friendships, he thought) Then they drank bloodwine together and told heroic tales late into the night. He didn’t remember returning to his room. Now he was suffering the consequences, with a massive hangover and an all over body ache. Gingerly, he began to sit up. His rib cage was really painful. He decided he’d better go to sickbay ASAP, and get them checked out. Sitting upright, he began to focus on the room around him, trying to stop it from swimming. As his head began to clear, he noticed on the opposite side of the room Lieutenant Alyssa Idana, staring at him.

“Uh, Lieutenant,” Aaron started, “Can I help you? What are you doing in my quarters?” He squinted at her, the dim Klingon lighting still causing him some discomfort.

“You idiot,” came Idana’s response, “These are MY quarters. I got here before you did. Just my luck to get stuck in the same room with a cheap drunk.” She rolled her eyes at him. Aaron's head hurt to much to tell if she was really mad at him or whether she was putting it on.

“You mean to say we’ve been assigned the same quarters together?” He tried to remember Klingon customs regarding mixed rooming but it just made his head hurt more.

“No, dopey, I’ve been assigned with the guy behind you.” Aaron started to turn too look when he picked up the sarcastic tone in her voice. The day was not getting off to a good start.

“I’m sorry Lieutenant, but we’ll probably be too busy elsewhere on the ship to do much more that come here to sleep.” Alyssa’s eyes bulged.

“What exactly are you implying by that, Ensign?” she demanded.

“Ah, no, that didn’t come out right, what I meant was, we’ll only be in our quarters when we sleep. That’s all.”

“Yes, well, I’d probably get more sleep if you didn’t come bursting in here at some ungodly hour of the morning with your arms wrapped around that Klingon helmsman, singing bawdy Klingon songs!” Aaron didn’t remember doing that, but then he didn’t remember much after the first hour of drinking bloodwine. My god, what else did I do? he thought to himself.

“Ah, sorry about that, Lieutenant, I was just trying to bolster relationships with the Klingon crew.”

“Well you’re just lucky you found your own room and didn’t walk out an airlock instead. That would have really inspired the crews morale.” Alyssa shook her head slowly from side to side. Aaron couldn’t think of anything else to say so he just gave her a big, dopey grin. The grin gave way to a grimace as his ribs reminded him they needed attention.

“Are you alright, Ensign?” Idana asked, her look of disgust changing to one of concern.

“I think I hurt myself in a fight with a Klingon, yesterday. I should probably go to sickbay.” As he stood to his feet, the computer beeped with a message. Lt Commander Channor wanted to see him right away regarding his fight. He also wanted to see Alyssa. Looked like they were in trouble. Alyssa read the message over his shoulder. They slowly walked to the door together, Aaron grimacing some more. “Perhaps we could start this conversation again,” Aaron continued, “When I can think a bit clearer.”

“That would probably be a good idea.” Alissa replied. Aaron grinned as they left and Alyssa burst out laughing.

Ensign Aaron Sharp
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

"Testing the Waters"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess

Lieutenant Commander Sunder and Civilian Xala sat in his office. She had brought him lunch from the Ten Forward Lounge while he was working. He took a break from security duty to enjoy the turkey sandwich, potato chips and mug of iced root beer. It had been Terran Day in the foreward-most section of the ship. The theme days were Xala's idea. She sat atop his desk like an owl sitting atop his tree.

"So how is it working in the lounge?" Ursa asked.

"I'm begining to hate it again. Being a barwench is monatenous. I'm bored. I've tried everything to make the job enjoyable from planning a talent show to even coming up with these stupid theme days.

"You just need something to occupy your time. That's all."

"Are you telling me I need a hobby, Ursa?"

"Maybe," he began, "Maybe you could learn to play an instrument. Maybe you could write a holo-program. Maybe you could take a class."

"You mean one of those subspace corespondence courses? Like they do with Starfleet Academy?" she asked.

Ursa nodded his brooding head.

"Maybe," she said with a smile, taking a bite of one of his potato chips. "I meant to tell you something. Lieutenant Sanchez asked me on a date to the holodeck. He just got a new Casandra Prime resort program."

"You know they don't wear clothing on Casandra Prime?" Sunder asked.

"I know," she said shifting her tone, "I'm only telling you this because I want to know if you have a problem with that."

"No, the people of Casandra Prime can do what they want," Sunder said, knowing he was completely avoiding the true intent of her question.

"You know what I mean, Ursa. Do you have a problem with me going on a date with Sanchez?" Xala asked in a dramaticlly serious tone.

He shallowed deeply before answering. His adam's apple jostled in his throat. Ursa did not like the thought of Xala spending time with another man romantically. It was a stupid and silly thing to think and he knew that. Why was he feeling this way? It had been a long time since Sunder had the emotion of jealousy. He had always thought it a senseless emotion.

"No," he forced, "Not at all."

Xala slightly smiled. It was not exactly what she wanted to hear. She was not at all interested in Lieutenant Sanchez. Xala simply wanted to test the waters with Ursa. She was rather disappointed with the results. If the roles had been reversed Xala would not want the Chief of Security to see other people. She wanted their relationship to be everything it had been on Bolus 3. She hoped that time had not corrupted the chance of pure bliss - the chance of love.

Alyssa was asleep in her Quarters until about 0230 hours. At 0230 hours the man Alyssa knew as Ensign Aaron Sharp came barging into the quarters being supported by a Klingon Helmsman. "Oh go to sleep" Alyssa yelled half asleep herself.

In the morning the Drunken Ensign finally wakes up. He took one look at her and asked her why she was in his Quarters. By this time Alyssa was a bit annoyed over last nights event. "You idiot these are my Quarters. I got here before you did. Just my luck to get stuck with a Cheap Drunk" Alyssa replied and rolled her eyes. "You mean we have been assigned to the same Quarters" Ensign Sharp said. "No dopey, I've been assigned with the guy behind you" Alyssa said Sarcastically. Alyssa was surprised when Ensign Sharp actually turned to look.

"I'm sorry Lieutenant, but we'll probably be to busy elsewhere on the ship to do much more then to come here and sleep" said Ensign Sharp. Alyssa bulged her eyes, just what was he implying she wondered. "What exactly are you implying by that comment Ensign" Alyssa demanded. "Ah no, that didn't come out right, what I meant was we will only be in our Quarters when we sleep, that's all" replied Ensign Sharp. "Yes, well I'd probably get more sleep if you didn't come bursting in here at some ungodly hour of the morning with your arms around a Klingon Helmsman, singing bawdy Klingon Songs" replied Alyssa. By the look on his face Alyssa could tell that he didn't remember doing any of that. "Ah sorry about that Lt., I was just trying to Bolster relationships with the Klingon Crew." said Ensign Sharp. Well that he did do thought Alyssa. "Well you're lucky you found your own room and didn't walk out an airlock instead. That would have really inspired the crews morale" replied Alyssa while shaking her head. Ensign Sharp turned and gave her a big dopey smile. Alyssa was able to tell that he was hurt.

"Are you all right Ensign" asked Alyssa. "I think I hurt myself in a fight with a Klingon yesterday I should probably go to sickbay." replied Ensign Sharp. He then stood and the Computer beeped a message. As Ensign Sharp was reading it Alyssa read it over his shoulder, it seemed Lt. commander Chanor wanted to see the two of them.

"Perhaps we can start this Conversation again, when I can think a bit clearer" Ensign Sharp told Alyssa. "That would probably be a good idea" replied Alyssa. They both left the Quarters together and Alyssa broke out Laughing.

Alyssa and Aaron Sharp arrived at Lt. Commander Channor's Quarters together. Soon Lt. Samara and Ensign Chen arrived. the lt. Commander then began his speech.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it has come to my attention that certain individuals on the Qu'etleh are engaging in fights with the original Klingon occupants onboard. Now, I know that the Klingon's way is to meet all problems head on, but I do not expect that from Starfleet officers. You're still in Starfleet on this vessel, so I expect you to act like one." Chanor started, slowly building himself up.

"Ensign Sharp. First you. You attacked a Klingon helmsman on the bridge when he refused to yield his post to you. Mach I believe his name was. Captain Price was there at the time, so I assume that your actions were not too aggressive, or I'm sure that he would have told you. However, you should not then have found him in the messhall, insulted him, and got into a fight with him!" Chanor said, loudly at the end, to emphasis his point.

"I expect more from Starfleet officers. You could have avoided the whole confrontation." Chanor carried on, ignoring Sharp's minor protest that it is the Klingon way.

"Lieutenant Idana. You attacked another Klingon near the mess hall," he looked at his PADD, "because HE WAS IN YOUR WAY???! What sort of stupidity is that? Ignore it. If he gives you trouble, speak to me about it. I'll deal with him, not you."

"Finally, Mr. Chen. I expected more from you. Attacking a Klingon in the mess hall simply because, for all intents and purposes, he drank your water? Ensign, I expect security to do just that on board this ship! Maintain security! Not start fights with every Klingon who comes along!"

Chanor turned to Lt. Samara. "Lieutenant, I understand that Klingons on this ship want us to 'prove' ourselves to them, but as far as I am concerned, there has to be some better way of doing this. Can you please suggest to the officers here some other way of doing it?"

"The Question"
by Lt. Kahn Nilani and Ensign James Chen

The Universe loves to confuse the hell out of everyone, and this is no exception! Here I am laying on a bunk, on a Klingon Bird of Prey in Klingon space!!! I assure you this isn't one of my best ideas!!!

I woke up to see Ensign Chen practicing his martial arts. He was good, better than I was but not skilled enough to fight a seasoned Klingon Warrior.

He looked over. "You’re awake!"

"No I'm not!"

Chen shrugged. "Fine."

Ensign Chen continued to practice. I slowly sat up, hair all messed and definitely looking like I had just been in a fight.

"Ensign!"

"Yes ma'am?"

"I have read through your psych reports and you seem to be having problems in your sleep!"

"Yes Ma'am I have been having some problems lately"

"Ensign, Stop calling me Ma'am. It is annoying and I hate it, call me Nilani. Also I can help you relax and learn to give those emotions to the prophets."

Chen smiled. "Sorry, but I’m afraid I don’t believe in the prophets."

I had meant figuratively. But, instead I used this opportunity to really get to know my temporary roommate. "Well, what do you believe in?"

Chen considered this for a moment. "I don’t know anymore. I mean, things have changed too much for me to really have an opinion. I think that there’s something out there, something bigger than all of us. I just don’t know what it is."

I smiled. He was apparently a thinking man. "Well, I didn’t mean literally, anyway. I just meant that maybe I can help you with your sleeping problems. Whatever that’s bothering you. I am the Chief Medical Officer, after all."

He considered me for a moment. Finally, "I apologize for interrupting your sleep. Let’s go have some breakfast and we’ll talk, you and I. Okay?"

I nodded. We both got ready quickly and headed down to the dining hall.

**Dining Hall**

Chen and Nilani got the least nauseating Klingon dish and sat down. "So Ensign," she started. "What seems to be the problem?"

"How old are you, doctor?"

Now, that was a strange question. "Thirty-four. Why?"

"So, you must’ve seen some pretty hard times during the Cardassian Occupation?"

Nilani breathed in sharply. "Yes. I did."

Chen nodded. "Doctor, I’m twenty-nine years old. I’ll be turning thirty in just a few weeks. I have the constant sensation that there’s something…Someone out there who holds the answers to questions that I desperately need answers to. Just tonight it came to me."

"What did?"

Chen seemed happy. Elated, almost. "The answer. All my life, I’ve been striving towards one goal, one achievement. And then, tonight, it came to me in a vision. My old teacher, Master Kwan appeared to me. He told me that I had reached the end of my training and the final test was to begin. Next thing I know, I’m thrown in the middle of this…Nightmare. Even now, everything is fading from memory. But the fact is, I passed whatever test I had to survive."

"And what’s your reward?"

"Parts of my mind are opening up that I never even knew existed. Things are so much clearer now. I don’t know why. Just that now I finally understand who I really am. I’ve achieved the higher status in my discipline. Things are brighter, clearer now than ever."

Nilani looked in Chen’s eyes. She had learned long ago that you could learn more about a person through their eyes rather than their body. She saw a confidence that she hadn’t seen before. She also saw something else back there, something she couldn’t quite make out. It was that other thing that worried her. She shook her head. "Well, that’s very good for you, Ensign—"

"James."

"What?"

"I call you Nilani if you call me James. Fair?"

She smiled. "Yeah. Fair. I’m not one to begrudge anyone for having a little enlightenment. If you’ve found something that makes you this happy, pursue it. But, I have a shift starting soon, so if you’ll excuse me."

Chen nodded. "Have a good one." Nilani smiled and left. All the way back, she tried to figure out exactly what it was in Chen’s eyes that had worried her. In the mess hall, Chen sat and smiled at a couple of mean-looking Klingons. Then, he stood up and went to his room to meditate and practice. He had seen that look Nilani gave him back in the room when she appraised his fighting skills. He knew she thought he couldn’t handle a Klingon. Everybody thought that. That was his edge. If ever he was in a fight, they’d never think the small man could leap into the air and crush you windpipe without a sound. Chen stopped. What had made him think of something so morbid? He shook his head and continued on his way.

"Reply to Meeting"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

K'Eytyanna jumped (again) as her combadge chirped, and managed to add another bump to the back of her head. Letting it chirp, she slid out of the conduit and tapped it as she growled,

"What?"

[Message from Lt Cmdr Paran Chanor. Please come to my quarters for a talk. I know you are busy down in Engineering, so consider it an order.]

Growling in annoyance, she snapped to one of the Klingons that he was in charge and headed to the door. As she left, she deliberatly slammed the door to Engineering as had as she could, causing a very loud crash which caused quite a few looks and sighs of relief as she left.

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

Reaching the quarters, she stepped inside and noticed she was last. Also standing around were Lt Idana, Ensign Sharp and Ensign Chen.

Sarcastically, her Klingons side snarled a few very bad Klingon expletives followed by,

{Oh great!}

Her human side jumped in before the comments could be verbalised, deciding to ignore that it would probably come out in an insolent tone,

"What's up 'Commander? I'm very busy in engineering, and I don't want distractions."

"I'll try and make it brief then Lieutenant. I called you here for your opinion on the following matters." Paran started.

Thinking about what he said, she shrugged and listened. After Paran addressed each of the officers, he asked her for some suggestions.

Her Bajoran side lit up, {I guess he hasn't heard about the incident in Engineering.}

"Okay. We may be going into combat with the Klingons at our side, and we want them to at least trust us. Subtlty and tact are out of the question, coz basically most Klingons sux at picking it up. If you can find any way to save some Klingon aboard's life, that would help. Apart from that, the only way to get them to trust you is to show that you are like a Klingon - honourable. Think of something that can show you are honourable, yet don't have to smash someone's face in."

All the officers looked to each and the meeting quickly broke up. Samara stayed after the others left and spoke,

"Lt Cmdr, can I speak to you off the record?"

The bajoran nodded and motioned for her to sit. Taking a place out of arm's reach, she sat and continued,

"Personally, I do not agree with the opionions that you voiced to the others, but didn't want to undermine you. Klingons and part-Klingons, myself included, are basically just animals! The only way to gain our trust is to show that you can fight. Every one of those incidents was exactly the right thing to do. Do you happen to know how Captain Price originally met the Klingon, whose trail we are following?"

He shook his head so she continued, "It was in a bar fight. Klingons only respect two things - honour and the ability to successfully belt the hell out of others."

"K'Eytyanna, there must be some other way. We are Starfleet officers."

Jumping up, she stepped close as she poked him in the chest, subconsiously baring her teeth and raising her voice quite loudly,

"Before we stepped aboard this ship, we could have been the head researchers for the Vulcan Science Academy, and they still would expect the same thing. I, for one, would not like to be in hand-to-hand combat with Klingons that don't see me as being Klingon like."

"That wouldn't happen. The Klingons know we are here to help them. That should be enough."

"On this ship, the only method that the Klingons know is to fight. We are dealing with the Klingon Defense Forces, not the damn Ferengi Alliance!! If you damn well want to get yourself killed, do it, but don't do it to the others!"

Turning away, she stormed out of the room, slamming the doors as hard as possible behind her. On the way back to Engineering, she gave the walls a few hard smashes and quickly headed to the Chief's office, determined that she would make herself calm down before speaking to anyone else.

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

"More Injuries"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani - Chief Medical Officer
with additions by Captain Price

I had just finished speaking to Ensign Chen when there was a knock on my door.

"Come In!"

The door opened to show Ensign Aaron Sharp.

"What can I do for you Ensign!"

["Ma'am Um my rib cage hurts!"]

"Come on."

I waved my hand and headed down towards the sickbay. Upon reaching sickbay I entered to see the nurse still preforming tests on some of the equipment.

"Ok Ensign lay on the Bed!"

Aaron laid down on the bed. I picked up my Medical Tricorder and started running scans.

"Well ensign, you have banged yourself up really well. You have 3 Broken ribs on your right side and a cracked sternum. What happened?"

["Um I sort of got into a fight Ma'am."]

"Well you see! that is what happens when you get into a fight with a klingon. Trust me on that one, I have been hurt my self play fighting with Koran."

["Well I will not get into any more fights ma'am."]

"Good! I am going to have to report this to the captain. Now go on get out of here." ::Smiling::

**** Short Time Later ****

I still wasn't dressed in my Uniform but the way I was would have to do until I got back to my quarters. I had finally reached the bridge and entered, I walked over to where the captain was sitting.

"Captain here are the recent injuries of Starfleet crew!"

Lee glanced at the list the Doctor had assembled. "Is this all?" Captain Price asked, causing Nilani's eyebrows to shoot up in shock.

"Um Captain I am concerned about the recent injuries. I think you should step in!"

Handing the padd back to the Doctor, Lee rocked his head negatively, "Doctor, this is not a Federation Vessel. It is a Klingon Warship. The crew has got to learn to adapt to the conditions and ways of doing things here if they are to have any chance of surviving later on when we are in the heart of Klingon Empire. Here you've listed a few scrapes, bruises and broken bones. All in all, a favorable report considering the speed in which we were all thrust into this joint mission with the Klingons. Were I to step in and run interference on the crew's behalf, the Klingons would see that as a sign of weakness and would no longer respect the Federation officers that must rely on their Captain to fight their battles for them. The men and women that volunteered for this assignment must be able to rely on the Klingons for support and visa versa Doctor. No. This is a matter of honor and pride. The Klingons are testing the crew. I have confidence that our people can handle themselves. That understood 'mate?"

"Yes Captain." Nilani responded, though her tone indicated she didn't agree. turning on her heal, Doctor Kahn exited the bridge and headed back to her quarters.

***** Surprise *****
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer),
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

***** C M O Office *****

It felt a little strange being in the C.M.O's chair. Every few minutes, Cat expected to see Tash walk in.

[Blee-bloop, Message for Doctor Khatroweena]

Cat looked up from her work. She still felt frustrated with her encounter with Xala. "Go ahead."

["Hi, this is Ensign Mendenhall, I was talking to you at Ten Forward 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 appreciate it."]

Cat smiled, remembering the ensign. She saw no problem in looking after Digit.

Still being an annoying twinge in the background was Xala. Cat had to do something...

"Khatroweena to Sunder"

["Yes Cat"]

"Ursa, I need to talk to you. It's important. Ah... Er... Come to Sickbay." She was committed, with only a half-baked plan and not sure what she was going to say to him. Cat was feeling scared. Scared that saying anything would scare him away.

[Are you all right? Is everything OK?]

"Sickbay is fine, I... We need to talk. Could you come as soo... Could you come when you can?" Trying to think fast, and missing on each cylinder, Cat wasn't thinking quite straight. Having Ursa in her mind had a habit of doing that to her.

[Cat, What is it about?] Ursa's voice was a mixture of concern and confusion.

"Ursa, I don't want to say over the comm."

[I'll be there as soon as I can. Ursa Out.]

Cat leant back in the chair, she felt hopeless. What would Ursa see in her?

From the computer came a complaining bleep, [Unable to complete encryption of file.]

Cat snarled, in frustration and anger, "Now what? What file?" She looked at the blinking message, her nose wrinkling at the thought of a problem with the computers.

[Unable to complete encryption of file Alpha 4 7 2.]

Cat sighed, "Computer, what is Alpha 4 7 2?"

[Alpha 4 7 2 is a personal file of Lieutenant Khan Nilani]

"Computer, display contents of Alpha 4 7 2. Medical override Khatroweena delta one five omega six zero." Cat watched the terminal and her eyes grew wide. What came on the screen was unthinkable! It shocked her out of her feeling of hopelessness. She looked at it for a couple of minutes, totally unsure of what to do. The file wasn't large; there was no indication of why the computer couldn't complete the encryption. The contents of the file were like a photon torpedo. Nilani had a sister and she was virtually a slave to a Cardassian Gul. Reading between the lines, this looked like the beginnings of blackmail. Why else would he send this?

Cat slumped back into the chair, 'Fates, what do I do now?"

"Cat... Cat..." suddenly a rapping sound on the doorframe got Cat's attention. She looked at it a little absentmindedly.

Kristen was looking at her, "Cat, Lieutenant Bancroft is wishing to speak with a doctor. Everybody else is busy!"

Cat shook herself out of her mood, "OK Kristen, have her relax, I'll be there in a sec."

Kirsten went off to speak with Tebrianne as Cat shutdown the access to Nilani's file. She headed out to attend her patient.

Ensign K'Vada
IKC Qul'ethl

Ensign K'Vada felt like he was home again, The smells, The people, And most defiantly the look. It is all he can do to try to remember what it was like when he was a boy...

*****24 years earlier*****

K'Vada is living with his father onboard the listening post 23421 On the border with a known outpost of the Orion Syndicate. His father was the commanding officer of the post. K'Vada was walking to the mess room to get some Gagh when the walls shook. Lights turned red, Sirens sounded. Little K'Vada was running to get to his fathers quarters. Smoke was filling the rooms and hallway, He finally reached his room. His father was not there. He opened the door and saw that they had been boarded, It was the Orions. The started opening every room, Shooting everything they could see, killing people where they stand. Little K'Vada was not stupid as they were coming closer to his room he was running to the ventilation tube, He hid inside just closing the door as the orions checked the room. They shot up the food slot and computer terminal but didn't see him. K'Vada heard screams as his friends were shot down. K'Vada was soon asleep and was awoken by Humans. The federation has boarded the ship they have come to rescue him he thought.

"Oh my god he's alive", Said the captain

"We better get him to sickbay NOW!!", said a lt. in a doctors uniform

[[Who are you and where's my father?]], Said little K'Vada

A klingon starfleet officer responded, [[We are from the federation, you are the only survivor, Your father must have Died]]

****24 years later****

"NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", Ensign K'Vada screamed before he realized where he was, Luckily he was in his quarters so nobody could see him. He decided he needed some food so he headed off to the mess hall for some Gagh.

Mendenhall walked toward what was the equivilent of ten foreward. He got something to drink and then headed back to his quarters. He circled around the ship for a while and then found his battered closet. He fixed the shelf he slept on and then shut himself inside.

He layed back and closed his eyes. He thought about the mission ahead. Without warning, he felt a sudden surge of fear. A clear and distinct feeling of death overwhelmed him. He couldn't move, only sit there be scared. It felt as the very jaws of death were pulling him into the mouth of hell itself. He started to panic. He started to shake vigorously. At that moment he only knew fearand death. He knew he would die. Then it left. He just sat there, breathing heavily. He could feel the bead of sweat pour down his face. He started to calm down, then finally decided to go to sleep. He sat there, remembering that horrible feeling as he drifted off into his dreams.

"Arrival at Boreth"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The Qul'etlh and the Galaxy had been traveling through Klingon space for over eighteen hours. Captain Price was pleased that the number of officer disputes that had erupted between the Federation crew and the Klingons had for the most part been minor 'establishing an order' types of incidents. Now that things were settling down, and the crews began to work with each other, Lee was sure that members from both crews would manage to learn something from each other.

"maH ghos Boreth HoD." The young Klingon, Mach, calls out from the Helm of the Qul'etlh.

Commander Dergaus glances over to Commander Sterner. In decent English, he translates the helmsman's words, "We approach Boreth."

"jIh jatlh tlhIngan la' ra'wI." Joerg replied to Dergaus flatly. (I speak Klingonese Commander.)

Dergaus' eyebrow raises in pleasant surprise. "That is good to know Sterner. You Federationers continue to surprise us with your hidden talents."

Joerg gave a slight nod.

"We should inform the General of this." Dergaus says, before turning to Mach, "tlhap maH vaj'bav gho Boreth."

The young Klingon nodded, and activated the controls of the Qul'etlh, taking the cloaked Klingon Bird of Prey into orbit around the planet Boreth.

Commander Sterner reached across his uniform and tapped his comm badge. "Sterner to Price."

A moment later the Captain's voice replied, ["Price here, go ahead Commander."]

"General," Joerg started awkwardly, knowing how much the Captain hates that address, but following his orders as instructed, "we have arrived at the planet Boreth. Dergaus has taken the Qul'etlh into orbit around the planet."

["On my way Commander. Price out."] the channel closed as Joerg glanced over to Commander Dergaus who was sitting in the central command chair of the Bird of Prey and had heard the entire conversation.

A few minutes later, Captain Price came onto the bridge of the Qul'etlh.

"Has the Galaxy taken up orbit as well?" Lee asked.

Joerg nodded, "Aye sir. We've put some distance between the ships but have remained cloaked to preserve our cover."

Lee nodded, "Good work Commander." The Captain then looked over to Dergaus, "Any ideas where we can begin looking for this group of warriors, the bej'mey?"

Dergaus nodded, "I believe we should begin at the monastery. There is a temple there near the caves of Kahless that my brother and grand father often spoke of. I believe we should start there."

"Agreed." Lee said firmly, "We should beam down at once with a small team of men."

Dergaus gave Captain Price a sideways glance, indicating he didn't think that was a good idea. "I do not know how the priests of the monastery would take to having a group of humans beaming down to our most sacred temple General. No offense."

Lee glanced at Dergaus and blinked his eyes, indicating he wasn't offended. "I understand that Dergaus, but your brother's message was addressed to me. He asked for my help. I can not turn my back on him because of matters such as these."

The warrior's eyes narrowed in keeping with a slight flaring of his large nostrils as he thought of what the General had said. He was correct, K'Ral had enlisted Captain's Price help on this matter, even though he was an outsider to the Klingon Empire. It was not his place to question his brothers wishes. "Very well, you may go General. But the landing party should be kept to a minimum. We do not wish to chase the bej'mey into hiding."

Lee nodded. "Commander Sterner, myself, and Ensign Rios will accompany you Dergaus."

The Klingon Commander nodded, "Mach and Yirok will also come. The six of us will transport down within the next twenty minutes. That shall give us a chance to change into more appropriate attire." Dergaus said, glancing at the Starfleet uniforms that Captain Price and Commander Sterner were wearing.

Lee looked down and realized Dergaus was speaking of them. He was about to say something when Dergaus held up a hand, "I will have Yirok get you appropriate clothing for a visit to the temple of Kahless. Come we shall go at once." He said, immediately getting up out of the command chair to lead the way.

Joerg waited for a moment and then glanced over to Mach, the young Klingon sitting at the helm, "Mach, inform Ensign Sharp to take your station before you come to join the landing party."

Mach nodded, "Yes Commander." He said with a little more respect before activating the communication channel. "Ensign Sharp, you are required to relieve me at the helm wIj jup."

A moment later a reply came, ["On my way Mach."] Aaron replied. Joerg gave a satisfied nod to see that the two officers were now apparently getting along after coming to blows just the day before.

"You may go Commander, I will meet you and the others in the transporter room when Ensign Sharp arrives to relieve me." Mach stated in pretty good English.

Joerg nodded, "See you in the transporter room then." Commander Sterner then turned to catch up with Captain Price and Commander Dergaus to change their clothes before transporting down to the temple of Kahless on the surface of Boreth.

*****

Captain Price, Commander Sterner, Ensign Rios, Yirok, Mach and Commander Dergaus all entered the Klingon transporter room and stood by to be sent down to the planet surface. Yirok had arranged to have the Captain and the rest o

f the away team outfitted in Klingon attire. There was still no mistaking that they were human, except for Ensign Rios who was a Klingon, but at least outfitted in Klingon clothing, they should draw less attention to themselves by the monastery priests.

"We are ready to beam down." Dergaus stated instead of questioned.

Lee gave a nod. "I believe so Commander."

"jol maH pa' chIrgh!" Dergaus commanded when the six of them were standing on the transporter pad.

Lieutenant Samara glared back from the transporter controls and began activating the panel to begin transporting Captain Price, Commander Sterner, Ensign Rios, Yirok , Mach and Commander Dergaus down to the temple of Kahless. With a flash of blue light, the Klingon transporter cycle began, dematerializing the six party members and sending them on their journey.

"Baths of Past and Present"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess

Lieutenant Kyle Sanchez sat across from Xala in a tropical cafe enviroment. The twosome were on a date on the planet Casandra Prime, one of the few member Federation worlds where the majority of the population did not wear clothing. Xala sipped a drink from a large pineapple-looking cup while examining Sanchez. He was a handsome and very muscular Human stellar cartographer. Much like Xala, Lieutenant Sanchez was free-spirited and loved to experience new things. He was a charming guy and Xala liked spending time with him, but there wasn't that special spark that she had with Ursa between them.

"Is something wrong?" Kyle asked. "You haven't touched your food."

"Yesterday was Terran Day in the lounge. I'm a little nausiated."

Kyle smiled. "Maybe a dip in the hot springs will make you feel better."

"You might be right," she said standing up from the table.

They walked together out of the open-air cafe and into a large area filled with small pools that flowed into each other. Steam rose from the pools as numerous holographic people lounged around in their birthday suits. Xala moved slowly into one of the smaller pools as Sanchez followed. She sunk down into the pool and let the hot water be absorbed by her hair. Kyle watched her every move. He was fasinated by the Ktarian, not to mention very attracted to her persona and body.

Xala sat in the hot pool as Lieutenant Sanchez attempted to make small talk at every point. It was not working. Xala could not stop thinking about Ursa Sunder and how she would rather be spending time with him. She felt guilty in a way, going on a date with Sanchez just to see if Ursa would have a problem with it.

"So I told the Bolian merchant that I was from Alpha Prime..." he continued to tell some story about dealing with a Bolian on Starbase 357. It did not hold Xala's attention for very long. She drifted in and out of paying attention to the Human. All Xala could see was the open grey night sky above the flowing pools. The hue of the sky reminded Xala of Ursa's stunning grey eyes.

She looked back at Sanchez and saw Sunder, a man she was in love with nearly six years ago. Xala was trapped in a dream, an experience that happened a long time ago in a place very far away. They were sitting together in a bathtub on Bolus 3 in Rinalia's penthouse apartment. Her feet were proped up on his broad shoulers as he caressed her smooth legs. They were sitting opposite each other in the bathtub of the steamy room. Scents of perfume and flowers filled the room.

"There's something I have to tell you," Sunder said rubbing her left leg.

She smiled and moved a soapy sponge along the outside of his legs. He was so tall that his legs extended far outside of the tub. Xala cleansed his hairy legs with sensuality and grace. It was hard for him to concentrate, esspecially since what he had to say was important.

"Go ahead," she said in passionate tone.

"I am not who you think I am, Ri. I work for Starfleet," he said with a gulp.

"You think I didn't know that, big man?" she questioned with a wink. "The way you talk, the way you walk, the way you make love. It's all very Starfleet. But I don't give a damn about that because I love you for who you are, not for what you do."

Ursa cracked a half-smiled. "You knew this entire time?"

Xala said nothing. She moved forward through the water in the tub with cat-like movements toward Ursa. Her chest pressed up againist his as they kissed each other passionately. Their souls were connected in the embrace.

"Xala?" Lieutenant Sanchez becokened.

The Ktarian woman came out of her dream of the past. She looked around and realized she was still in the holodeck on Casandra Prime with Kyle Sanchez. Xala shook her head and splashed some hot water in her face. Her body had become hot from sitting in the hot bath and thinking of her past love.

"I'm sorry Sanchez," she said with a tinge of guilt in her voice.

"You want to talk about what's on your mind?"

Alyssa was mad, she liked Lt. Commander Chanor but she felt he couldn't adapt to life on a Klingon vessel and that if he can't adapt then he shouldn't be aboard. Instead of voicing her opinion after he chewed her out she just replied "Yes sir" and Left when she was dismissed.

As Alyssa was walking back to her quarters Yirok came up to her. "Oinkus?" Yirok asked. "Maybe later I am not in the best of moods" Alyssa replied. "What's the Problem?" asked Yirok. "I just got yelled at by a superior officer because of our little fight" replied Alyssa. "Well then he's a weakling" replied Yirok. "Don't think that, Lt. Commander Chanor is a brave man, he just has trouble adapting to the Klingon Way of life" said Alyssa. "Well he'd better adapt and soon, I don't want to fight beside anyone who can't" said Yirok. "Don't worry about it, he'll give his full effort" replied Alyssa.

The Ship then goes in orbit of Boreth. "Are you going on the away team?" asked Yirok. "I don't think so" replied Alyssa. "Oinkus Later then" said Yirok. "yes later" replied Alyssa.

Alyssa then walked back to her Quarters. She decided to get some rest. You never know when we may be in battle thought Alyssa. Alyssa just hoped Ensign Sharp wouldn't come in drunk again.

"Admitting to Some of the Truth"
by Lt. Thomas and General Price

Chris had left the bridge of the Klingon ship and went straight to his quarters as he didn't feel like messing around. There would be no telling when or if the Price would pay him a visit. After all the 'general' was quite busy at the moment, having to consider all the possible implications of taking such actions, that they might have to do, before this was over.

He'd stopped what he was doing on more than one occasion since he'd entered his quarters while waiting to see if Price would pay him a visit to think about what he was considering on doing. This wasn't something that he was willing to tell just anyone, and he wasn't sure that telling the captain was the right thing to do now.

There were some serious issues that he was going to be delving into if he decided to tell the captain about things that would or could effect how the captain might treat him. He wonder how the Price might react to him if he knew, that he'd been forced to kill others both in self-defense, honor and border skirmishes that he was involved in, not a easy thing to talk about. No he'd never cold-blooded killed someone. Then he stopped himself from continuing down this road, he'd tell Price what he felt that he could say, if he came by to pay a visit.

** Lt. Thomas' bunk on the Qul'etlh **

Then he came, just as Thomas wanted and yet feared.

"General, I'm glad you could come sir." Chris explained, "Please come in."

This was it, Price had come by after all to see him, and listen to what he was intending to say to him. Now came the moment of truth could he bring himself to inform the 'general about things that he might be able to do, but with some risk involved.

"So," he began, "What is it you wanted to talk about 'mate?" Lee asked, looking into Lieutenant Thomas' eyes.

"As you know, I served with Starfleet Intelligence working undercover as Klingon, during my last stint with them. After some consideration, this what I want to talk to you about, I still have my contacts in the Klingon Empire and in particular with the Klingon house of Kel'Grack." Chris touched the house symbol which he worn at this very moment.

"I see Lieutenant." Captain Price said with interest, "Please go on 'mate."

"It is one reason why I haven't had any problems working with the Klingons currently serving on board this ship." Chris said. He paused briefly before continuing his story, that he was about ready to tell to Price.

Lee nodded. "I have noticed that you seem to be more comfortable on board this Klingon vessel than some other the other officers. No doubt a result of your experience on your previous assignments." the Captain speculated before asking, "Can you tell me any more about it Lieutenant?"

"Were to begin," Chris said, "I spent nearly a year living as Klingon in this house, and have occasionally checked in to see how they where doing. SI made arrangements to get me into the house, as a Klingon who was from another house which had recently been forced to leave and was dying out. Don't ask me the particulars of how they did that, but they did it anyway.

Living there provide to difficult and dangerous at times, unfortunately on more than a few occasions I was forced to defend myself and my honor. There were even a few times I was forced to kill my opponent. Only a few people know this, SI because of the de-briefing I underwent, my house and a few good friends. This was how I earned some of the honor and respect of the family.

I served on board several Klingon vessels while I was living with the house. Which earned me additional standing within and outside the house. I lived, slept and eat like a Klingon in just about every aspect possible." Chris said still facing the 'general'.

"That does explain why you are so comfortable here." Lee commented, "Perhaps you could help some of the others from the Galaxy fit in better by sharing what you know about Klingon culture?" he suggested.

"Please let me finish," Chris said, as he had on more part that he needed to add to this to help make a few things clearer and then he'd answer every question Price might have. He also figured he might mention some more about his life as Klingon.

"Then it happened, because I had proven myself as a loyal member of the family, the leader of the house Kr'far did something surprising. He arranged for me to marry his daughter, who I might add is a very beautiful women. This was quite a shock as you can image, considering I was already married to my wife Gwyen.

However I was left in a very difficult position. I did the only thing I could do, without destroying everything I had worked so hard for. One night I approached Kr'far and talked with about things, including telling him who I really was. He was very angry at first, err I mean he was so angry that he challenged me to combat. I fought him and proved my heart had become Klingon as beat him barely. He then calmed down. He asked me why?

I answered his questions that he asked, even through I was comprising my position, it didn't matter at that moment. He then finally the next came to see me, and ask me to marry his daughter anyway. I agreed this time around, so we then set out to inform his daughter. It took me nearly a week to handle this problem of talking with him about things. We were married two weeks later, and I was fully accepted into the house, both as my Klingon side and my human side.

This was why I was reluctant to join this away mission, because of the possibility that I just might run into members of my house, or my Klingon wife." Chris finished, having earlier placed his head in his hands at several moments, when he'd paused.

"Which brings up one request I have, now that I have told this. I would like permission to find her and if possible..... bring her into my life."

The Captain's normally calm demeanor winced noticeably as Chris went deeper into his story of his Klingon past with Starfleet Intelligence. He'd broken a number of regulations by violating his cover to the house of Kr'far, and a number of laws when he took on a second wife. But Captain Price knew what it was like to be under cover. How hard it is to say no at times like that. But now, Chris was asking to seek out his Klingon wife and , and, and what? Bring her to the Federation? Questions raced in the Captain's mind while he sat there and stared back at Chris silently. Would she even recognize him? He wondered. How would she react when she learned he was a Federation spy when they met and were married? And what of Kr'far? wouldn't honor demand that he stop Thomas from trying to take his daughter once the truth was learned that Chris was in fact a human and not a Klingon as he presented himself in the ceremony? It was a particularity sticky situation.

"I must say, this comes has a bit of a surprise Lieutenant..." Lee started awkwardly, "...and I'm not sure I am clear on what your intentions are in this matter,..." Lee said, looking into Chris' eyes, "...or that you are clear either. Where you altered as a Klingon when you married this woman?..." Lee beckoned for her name.

"Belira." Chris said in response.

"Where you altered to look like a Klingon when you met and married Belira?" Lee asked.

"Yes sir." Chris answered.

Lee nodded at the Lieutenant's confirmation. "Assuming you find Belira, and she accepts that you are a human, what do you expect to have her do? Leave the empire and return to the Federation with you?" the Captain asked.

Lt. Thomas hesitated to answer this question. "Assuming we can find Belira, I have already figured out how to handle this." Chris said. "However I do believe that she will come back with me, to the Federation as you put."

Captain Price shook his head. He liked Lieutenant Thomas. He was one of his best officers on board the Galaxy, but this, this was asking a lot of his senior officer. Still, he knew how sad and lonely Chris had been in his time on board the Galaxy. The death of his wife had left Chris in a bad state of mind. Lee could understand why he'd want to try and salvage what he once had with this Belira. "I can't make any promises Lieutenant." Lee finally said flatly, "We have a specific mission that needs to succeed if we are to save all of the Klingon people from these genetic mutations the High Council has planned. If we can do that, and along the way you can locate your wife, that would be okay by me. Of course locating her is one thing, convincing her that she really married a human that was an undercover operative for the Federation, and convincing her to return with you is an entirely different matter all together." Lee pointed out.

"I fully understand that the mission takes priority." Chris responded simply.

Lee nodded. "We will see what happens 'mate. Expect to take some heat from Starfleet over this for sure. But in the end, if you do find her and she agrees to return with you, then maybe it will all be worth it. Just don't be heart broken if she spits in your face once she learns the truth. Klingon's are funny that way when it comes to matters of the heart." Captain Price said in an almost knowing tone.

"You are speaking from experience Captain?" Chris asked curiously.

Getting up, Lee shook his head indicating he wasn't going to answer that, even before he spoke, "I'm not going to say anything about that 'mate. Suffice it to say, I know how Klingon women can react, so keep on your guard if you are fortunate enough to speak to Belira."

"I'll keep that in mind Captain." Chris said walking the Captain to the door, "Thank you for listening sir."

Lee smiled. "No worries 'mate. We will take it as it comes and see where it leads us. In the mean time, we have a mission to pull off."

"Aye General." Chris said as the cabin door opened to the corridor of the Bird of Prey.

"G'day Lieutenant." Lee smiled, exiting Chris' quarters. Lieutenant Thomas watched as the Captain walked down the corridor and disappeared out of view. Slowly a slight smile of hope crept on Chris' face. If he was fortunate, if he could find her, and if he could convince her that he still loved her after all of these years, then maybe, Belira could find it in her heart to be with him once again.

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

=/\= "Hailing an Old Friend" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

0500 hours, Lt Albrecht's apartment

The food materialized on a tray in the replicator. Matthew took the tray to his desk, and began assembling it. First, he lifted the waffle in his right hand, bending the saucer-shaped breakfast mainstay as if it were a taco shell. Into the depression he placed the two sausage links, slightly overlapping--clear sausage juices crept into the little square dimples of the waffle's surface. Upon the links, in the waffle taco, went the home fried potatoes and eggs, most of which fell free of the waffle taco and landed back on the tray. His breakfast super taco complete, the security officer proceeded to pour maple syrup onto his tray with his left hand, making a pool of the sweet caramel-colored stuff right in the middle of the tray, running out to all the edges in little rivulets. Then came the dunk...

The fantastic concoction lowered to the tray, a few stray bits of green pepper and onion fell off the taco, landing in the pool of syrup to become stuck like flies in amber. Soon the entire handful of food was stuck end-first into the sticky substance, before making the return trip to the lieutenant's mouth to be chewed up with eyes closed and smile spreading from ear to ear. Egg stuck to his cheeks, Matthew licked his lips in a futile attempt to restore cleanliness to his face.

This was Albrecht energy food. The perfect meal for the voracious student. He took the opportunity mealtime gave him to ponder the direction his research into Klingon history and law must take in order to bear fruit. Between bites, he considered the strange lack of data coming from more than a century before. Had there been some kind of great disaster that destroyed files and records? Had there been a major coup, leading to an entirely new form of government? There had been no mention of any such events in any of the historical records.

Matthew had been able to find documents created by Vulcans and Terrans regarding Federation contact with the aggressive aliens, containing precious bits of information on the Klingon system of law. It appeared that the Klingon High Council could do whatever it wished with regard to its people's civil rights. A Klingon's rights amounted to whatever his family could procure for its member's children. Klingons had many rights, however, each one was a priveledge given by the council and easily revoked.

The High Council employed public sentiment, conservativism, and intolerance to impose strict behavioral norms among its citizenry. But, its greatest power was also its greatest weakness; The political machines of the great Houses and far-flung outposts had always been balanced on a precarious beam. Many times in Klingon history, according to hints and anecdotes in the few records Matthew could unearth, threats of Klingon Civil war had influenced the High Council to change law or custom to suit the Klingon People's needs.

While the Federation's data on the Klingon Empire was more objective than a Klingon text could have been, it failed to spark the lieutenant's interest or fulfill his needs as actual Klingon texts would have. Matthew had to find a way to acquire some more useful and authentic information. Direct requests to Memory Alpha for further data could compromise the Galaxy's mission, so Albrecht had to come up with an alternate plan.

*Perhaps,* he considered, *I could have a friend outside of the Galaxy retrieve information for me from the Federation's data repository.* If he did that, there would be no record of a request from within Klingon space! But who to call?

He thought immediately of his friend Kavek from Starbase 117. The Vulcan legal archivist had been the closest thing to a best friend Matthew had had on that station. After long shifts of gathering data and doing research for Lieutenant Lutonis, the two men would steal down to the nearest off-duty club and talk about their shared interests -- Cardassian law and diplomacy. They dreamt up plans to travel to Cardassia Prime and forge a treaty, ending the Cardassian/Dominion Alliance and restoring peace, all based upon established Cardassian legal precedence.

He didn't know how much Kavek would know about Klingon law, but he was sure the Starbase could request virtually any piece of information it desired from Memory Alpha without an explaination.

**** Starbase 117, Legal Library ****

Lieutenant Kavek stood rigidly, his hands clasped behind his back. His black hair was cut severely short, causing him to appear more martial than a Vulcan ought. "Computer," he intoned. The systems chirped for him a split-second later, as he had programmed them to do.

"Let the training records of Cadets Sperling and Chevitz show that on this date they disregarded proper maintenance procedures in the library," instructed the archivist in a litany he had repeated for virtually every cadet that came to the JAG department on the Starbase. It only took one black mark to ensure that the cadets never left the library in less-than pristine condition again.

The computer replied with its customary warble, but then followed with a specific chirp to alert the lieutenant to an incoming message. Kavek walked to his large circulation desk, a semicircle topped with eight monitors and holographic mini-projectors. He stepped to his own personal monitor and activated it. His left eyebrow ascended when he saw the encryption level of the signal. Immediately he deactivated the terminal; security issues could not be handled with the efficient manners that sufficed before the war with the Dominion.

Kavek walked across the library space in long strides, showing no hint of excitement. He arrived at a secure viewing booth, where students went to have privacy and silence during their studies. Once inside, Kavek activated the terminal inside and entered his private codes. His head actually tilted to the right when he saw the name attached to the file. *So, Albrecht is now a Lieutenant. That is welcome news.* He opened the message.

The Vulcan read over his friend's request for surreptitious access to Memory Alpha's data stores. Matthew had included just enough detail to pique the Vulcan's curiosity, yet was circumspect enough to discourage the archivist from involving other officers in the matter. Thus interested, the Vulcan began formulating his data request in his mind, to avoid any mistake of phrasing that could result in a skewed selection of data. He theorized that the Galaxy's particular selection of Klingon historical data might have been limited due to some fluke in the data request by the ship's library computer.

He deleted the message, noting to himself that his return message must also be encrypted, and composed a confirmation message to send back to the newly promoted security officer. He planned to begin his data search immediately following his clean-up of the library facility.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

******** Oh Bugger ********
By Lt. Cmdr Paran Chanor

After Ensign Chen, Sharp and Lt. Idana had left, Lt. Samara began to speak to him off the record about his last tirade at the crew. She made some good points, and as far as Klingon culture went, she was perfectly right. Of course, that didn't necessarily make her right (or him right for that matter).

After the slamming of the door, Chanor sat back on his 'rock' and began a long list of profanities against the Klingons. Cursing them, their heritage, their damn honour and their stupid way of proving themselves to other Klingons. He didn't understand them, and certainly didn't want to understand them. One thing was sure though, he wasn't going to have any of this 'honour is everything' rubbish. In war, one does what one must, and if any Klingon thought otherwise, then he'd deal with it. Unarmed fights were pointless. If you wanted to fight someone, shoot them, not slug it out. Besides, he couldn't hold his own in an unarmed brawl anyway.

He sat back, continuing his cursing, before he received a page from Cmdr Sterner. Seems they had arrived at Boreth. Sterner informed him that himself, Captain Price, Ensign Rios, Dergaus, Mach and Yirok would be beaming down. Chanor immediately suggested he go as well, remembering 'Commander Sunder's remarks about protecting the Captain, but Sterner overrode him. Seems the fewer humans the better. Chanor tapped his badge and headed to the transporter room to therefore intercept Ensign Rios.

He found him on his way, and pulled him aside.

"Ensign, since I am unable to accompany you on this misson, the prime role of security down on the surface falls to you. You main aim is to protect the Captain and Commander Sterner down there. I don't want anything to happen to them."

Rios smiled back at him, "Nothing will happen 'Commander. I personally guarentee it. If anything comes along, we can deal with it."

"I hope so Ensign. Best of luck down there, and I'll see you later."

Rios headed off, and Chanor back to his quarters. He thought about stopping off at the Mess Hall, but then thought better of it. He'd only get into a brawl with some Klingons.

However, instead, he changed step, and started towards the bridge, to keep an eye on how things progressed from there. He just hoped no Klingons would take a dislike to him. Fingering his phaser, he headed off to the turbolift.

Lt. Cmdr. Paran
USS Galaxy

"Duty, respect, and other illusions"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
currently aboard the Qul'etlh

Joerg was near exhaustion. For the last few hours he spent running around the ship again and again. Those reassignments of the Galaxy's crew on the Klingon vessel were more difficult than he'd ever expected.

Most of the time the Klingons, whom he was assigning the Galaxy's crew to, refused at first to work with the Federationers. But after Joerg consulted the ship's Captain to convince them to work together with the Starfleet officers, not all of the trouble was over.

First there were those officers who at first wouldn't take orders from Klingons. This issue was fixed very quickly by Joerg himself, as he reminded them that they volunteered for that position and that he would throw them personally into the brig if they'd ever refuse to follow a direct order from a superior officer again.

Then there were the officers who refused to work outside their usual department. But since some stations were over manned and some did actually have only one person as the whole staff, Joerg had to reassign many from their usual occupation and transfer them to under manned stations.

And finally many of the Galaxy's officers were looking for recreational facilities on the Qul'etlh, but weren't able to find any. So they addressed him in search for holodecks and the like. Smilingly and truthfully he answered them that they were on a mission and not on some kind of holiday trip and that a Bird of Prey doesn't have such facilities to offer.

After all that has been cleared, Joerg thought that he must have spoken with each and every single person on the whole ship at least three times. But for what it was worth, the ship was now perfectly manned and the real mission could begin. Before he went back to the bridge to report his achievement to the Captain, both Captains to be precise, he went to the quarters assigned to himself and General Price.

When he arrived at their quarters, he was pleased to see that Captain Price wasn't present, so he could use their bed for some time alone. He put the PADD, he was carrying with him all the time, beside the bed and sat down. Then he laid back on the simple construction that represented the Klingon version of a bed. Although he liked it more comfortable, at that very moment he was pleased to have someplace to lay down after all. He closed his eyes and prayed that he wouldn't be disturbed for the next half hour.

Half an hour and some minutes later he slowly stood up and stretched. This short period of time had given him new energies for his duty on the ship. Although his back ached a little, he was happy to have found such a quite place on the ship. He grabbed the PADD he had left beside the bed and was on his way to the bridge to report his success.

Upon his arrival on the Klingon vessel's bridge, he noticed that Captain Price wasn't present, so he approached the Klingon captain, Commander Dergaus with his report.

"Captain, here are the final assignments throughout your ship." he said and handed him the PADD.

"And I'm sorry to have bothered you because of the troubles I have had with some of the crew." he also added.

"No problem Commander." he answered in descent english.

"I also thought that my crew needed to be reminded that we both, Federationer or Klingon, are on the same side now and that such a behavior will not be accepted by myself."

Joerg could only thank him by nodding.

"I also have instructed the crew that a command given to them by either the General or yourself should be considered an order directly from me for the rest of our trip. Thus disobeying you or Price would mean disobeying me and that would lead to some disciplinary actions from my side." he also added, putting much emotion in the word 'disciplinary'.

Joerg again nodded to thank him for the help. Then suddenly the Klingon at the helm reported in.

"maH ghos Boreth HoD." Mach called out.

***** Psis and Guys *****
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer),
USS Galaxy NCC-70637
& Tebrianne Bancroft, Lieutenant (Chief Helmsman)

***** Sickbay *****

Tebrianne sat calmly on one of the biobeds. Her breathing was steady and the pounding in her head had diminished. She took a slow look around sickbay. It seemed like the place was pretty busy. Nurses and doctors were helping other crewmen with injuries. She watched Dr. Bellen attending to the burn wounds of one of the ship's engineers. Tebrianne didn't recognize him. Must be a new transfer. It looked like he was going to live. Hopefully there was something they could do for her.

As Tebrianne turned back toward the rest of sickbay, Nurse Opel had returned.

"Doctor Khatroweena will be with you in a moment, Lieutenant," she said. "Would you care for anything to drink? Water? Tea? Something to help you relax?"

"No thank you," Teb said, her voice quiet but lacking the distance she'd felt earlier. "I'm fine."

Past Nurse Opel, Tebrianne noticed Cat approaching from the Chief Medical Officer's office. She forced a smile. Tebrianne forced the thoughts of Cat and Greer out of her mind. It wasn't going to do her any good. She needed Cat's help, and didn't want to cause any problems. If she's the one Greer wanted to be with, so be it.

"Hello Tebrianne, What brings you from the lofty towers of the Bridge?" Cat asked with a smile.

Tebrianne returned with a quiet, "Cheers, Cat." Normally with a very exuberant personality, popping her gum at every opportunity. It wasn't half-obvious that something was wrong for Tebrianne.

Cat asked, her voice full of concern, "Tebrianne, What's wrong?"

Tebrianne swallowed, "I don't know, it was on the shift change. I was leaving the bridge, heading to my quarters, when I started feeling very strange. 'Commander Casey was in the command chair, and all of a sudden I was feeling this lustful desire for him. But they weren't my feelings. I think it was the yeoman standing next to him. And then a the whole thing went nova in my head." She began to massage her temples, the memories of the pain were bad enough.

Cat frowned a little, "Hmm, anything like this happen before?"

"No"

"Ok!" Cat pulled out her tricorder and began scanning Teb. Cat had considered a number of things that Tebrianne might be going through. The readings on the tricorder just confirmed them.

"There are elevated levels of Psilosynine in your brain and there is some activity suggestive of a latent paracortex. Teb, I would like your permission to run a test on you. It would take a while, half hour, at the most."

"Whoa, Cat, slow down. I'm a helmsman, not a doctor. What does that mean in English?"

"I may be wrong, but there is evidence to suggest that your vulcan ancestry is making itself felt. Teb, this sounds very much like the initial stages of psionic development. We won't know for certain until we do the neurographic scan."

"Uh...sure," Tebrianne said, a lump forming in the pit of her stomach. Psionic development?

"Come with me." Cat took Tebrianne from the main ward to one of the secondary theatre. Cat patted her hand on the main bio-bed under the sensor cluster, "Lay here and relax."

Tebrianne laid back on the bed and closed her eyes. Cat moved over to a terminal, quietly she ordered the beginning of a level four neurographic scan. Watching the life signs on the terminal, Cat could see that Tebrianne was still a little tense.

"Tebrianne, relax. Imagine you are in your favourite holoscene having fun. Imagine being with someone special."

Greer came to Tebrianne's mind. She was in another concert--rather a Holodeck sim--and he was really there. She smiled as her body relaxed.

For a few moments it was all real, but she heard Cat give the computer some quiet commands and reality reared its ugly head. Almost guiltily, she tried to forget about Greer. Cat caught the raise in tension in Tebrianne. "What's wrong? Feel any pain?"

"Nothing is wrong Cat!" Teb nearly squawked, trying desperately to cover up what she'd been thinking about. "I'm fine. Really. Fine." Cat wasn't buying it. "Uh, Cat? What do you to relax?"

Cat looked at Tebrianne, a little bemused at the question. "I dance or sometimes I play the guitar or lyre. Depends on how I feel."

"I've seen you around the holodecks a lot."

Cat gave a small smile, "Yes, I have a sim of one of the greatest castles built on Cait. The main ballroom is a tremendous place to dance."

Tebrianne could see a chance here, a slim chance to find out how Cat felt about Greer. She already knew the answer. "I've seen you there with Lt. Erickson a lot. You're lucky to have a guy like him."

"Greer is a good friend. But I can tell you, and don't you dare tell him, my feet don't think so. I have been trying to teach him to dance when we get a bit of free time. Other times were just having fun in his jazz club making 'terrible' music. You should come along when you get some free time. Should also start working on that band you suggested a while ago."

A moment of panic washed over Tebrianne. This wasn't going the way she'd hoped. "Thanks Cat, but no thanks. I wouldn't want to spoil anything."

"Spoil what? Oh, OH!" Cat finally saw the direction of this conversation. "Teb, you don't think that Greer and me..."

Tebrianne just closed her eyes.

"Teb, Greer and I are good friends. Nothing more. He's not my type."

Tebrianne looked at Cat, a little surprised at this revelation. "Oh," she said, nonchalantly. "What is your type?"

Cat leant back against some equipment and just looked at the floor. "It doesn't matter, Ursa already has his girl. Somebody I can't match." Cat grimaced and continued to look at the floor.

Teb was stuck between feeling elated because Greer wasn't attached and feeling sorry for Cat. Teb certainly sympathized for Cat; she knew what Cat was feeling.

"Anyway, it doesn't matter. I have my career, a guy would just get in the way." Cat returned to the terminal and made a few adjustments. "Hmmm, It would be a good idea for you to see a counselor. Your paracortex is showing signs of maturation. Definite signs of the initial stages of psionic development. You going to have to find someone to guide you in its development or things could get worse. I can give you something to counteract the Psilosynine; but that will be temporary. That's it, from here it's up to you."

"Thanks, Cat," Tebrianne said. "I'm not quite sure what to think of this whole thing. I guess it'll take a little time to get used to."

Cat moved over to help Teb off the bed. "If you need anything, contact me. You should also see someone who knows what they are doing. I think you should head to your quarters and rest and if anything like this happens again - contact Sickbay straight away."

Teb chewed her gum and popped a bubble; "I will Cat."

Ursa poked his head around the door, "Hello Cat, did you want to see me?"

Cat turned to answer, feeling unsure of what to do. "Uh, sure. I'll be ready in a few seconds."

"I'll be waiting here" he replied with a smile. And the door slid shut.

"Is there anything else, Cat?" asked Tebrianne.

"No, just take it easy" was the reply.

Teb looked at Cat; "Does he know? Maybe you should tell him?" Tebrianne turned to head out to her quarters as Cat began preparing herself for talk with Ursa.

"Neutrino Pulse"
Lieutenant David Mercury
Chief of Engineering
w/ Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

"I want Beta and Gamma shifts to implement the C-Defense and I want Alpha shift to join me over by the warp core. O.K.? Dismissed." David walked over to the warp core and took a quick glance at it. Sometimes you forget how beautiful it is. "Here is the deal, Lieutenant Commander Casey had a great idea. If we scan for neutrino particles we might be able to detect them even earlier. Anyone have any ideas about how to scan for them?"

"Sir, scanning for the particles is easy, we need to find a way to do it often enough that it is effective." a Ensign reminded David.

"Correct, what about something like sonar, I think if we implement an active sonar pulse that detects neutrino particles it might work." David thought off the top of his head.

"Sonar sir?"

"Sonar, it was a tactic used back on Earth in the late 20th century. Back them, they would send out signals in search of enemy ships. Once the signal found a ship it would bounce back the signal. With the returning signal they were able to determine speed, distance and size. At least this is what my Professor at the Academy told me." David tried to remember everything he could about what he learned.

"I am not quite sure about what they used back then but I think I can rig up something that has the same concept. Give me two hours." Ensign Knight had an idea, David could see it on his face.

"You got it! Take anyone you need. Report to me when you are done." David again dismissed his shift and started looking over the progress of everyone else.

***************3 Hours Later*******************

[Knight to Mercury]

"Go ahead"

"Sir, can you come to Science Lab II, you need to see this." Ensign Knight instructed.

"On my way."

***********Science Lab II*********************

"Sir, take a look at this?" Knight pointed to the display unit.

"It looks like you did, we are getting feed back. Wait... is that what it looks like?" They both looked intensely at the screen.

"The Qul'etlh, it is leaking neutrino particles." The Qul'etlh was first detected by the Galaxy because of the same leaking particles. After the initial confrontation everyone forgot about it.

"We need to contact them, they could be detected at any moment." David immediately tapped his comm badge. "Mercury to the Bridge"

[Casey here, go ahead David]

"Sir, your idea about detecting neutrino particles was brilliant and timing was incredible. Sir, we have detected a ship...the Qul'etlh. She is venting neutrino particles. We need to contact the Captain, they could be detected."

[David, we have been instructed not to communicate with the Qul'etlh at any time. Klingons could pick up our signal. We will just have to hope someone discovers it.]

"David I have an idea about how to communicate with them." Knight told David.

"Sir, hold on I think we have a way. Ensign please say that you can communicate with them." David pleaded.

"Not me sir, but Greer or AC or Ronni."

"I don't get it."

"The away team sir, we taught them how to use. . ." the young Ensign interrupted.

"Morse Code... your a genius... sir can you tell me if either Greer, AC or Ronni is on board the Qul'etlh?"

[Ronni is aboard the Qul'lethl.] Deiran was listening intently to what David was saying.

"Great, we can send a morse code signal over to the Qul'etlh. Other Klingon ships would just dismiss the signal as garbage but the Lieutenant hopefully will identify it and decode the message."

[Aye Lieutenant,] Casey turned to Greer, "Lt. Erikson send a morse code signal so that Ronni will pick it up. Let her know that the Qul'lethl is leaking neutrino particles from its cloak. Tell them its quite a substantial leak and they're easily detected."

[Good work David, have you found a way to detect any cloaked vessels at a regular interval?]

"Aye sir, we're setting our sensors to act like a sonar device that is specifically set to search for neutrino emissions," David replied.

[Good work, keep it working at all times, I'm guessing we could have company.]

Deiran knew to always think ahead and be prepared, and most important of all know your enemy and what he'll do beforehand.

Working
By: Lieutenant Melissa Marie Boudreau

As Melissa entered main engineering, she spotted David Mercury at a display panel. He didn't look incredibly excited by his work and Melissa couldn't blame him. The Galaxy was in top form and all that had to be done was general maintenance.

"Hi David!" Melissa exclaimed as she walked towards him. She wasn't in a particularily good mood but she could pretend for a little while.

"Oh, hi Melissa. How's it going?" he replied.

"Better than it looks like you are." She took the padd the chief engineer was working on out of his hands and smiled. "It's Beta Shift now. Don't give me that look. As your friend, I am ordering you to go and have some fun. Take some time on the holodeck or go to Ten Forward. It's my turn to work."

"But..." David tried to interject but Melissa was determined.

"But nothing... You don't trust me with your precious ship?"

"It's not that..."

Melissa laughed. "Of course not, so go have fun... and then get some rest. You look horrible!"

As David finally left main engineering, Melissa reviewed the information on the padd. She made a few notes and went into her office. She sat back and planned her work schedule for the shift. Melissa remembered the request that Deiran had made a little while back and laughed. Lieutenant Samara was going to have fun making up for her little prank when she got back. As she looked up a repair request schedule on her computer terminal, she put a request that the shower be ignored until K'Eytyanna got back.

Next, Melissa picked up a padd with David's C-defence proposal and studied the specs. If they were ever to make the modifications, she wanted to be prepared. She yawned and read on. Maybe Melissa would have to take up her own suggestion and go to the holodeck after work!

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

"Signals from the Dark"
by Lt. Ronni Morris
Science Officer, Qul'etlh

Ronni was going over the sensors again. There was steady repetitive signal that she was picking up, but she couldn't see the reason for it. It was a burst of vertiron particles. Suddenly she realized what it was. Morse code. From the Galaxy. It had to be serious if they were ignoring the Capt . . . err General's order for silence. She listened carefully to the static bursts of code. Cmdr. Sterner was getting ready to beam down to the planet. She called him over and said, "Commander, we're getting a coded signal from the Galaxy."

"What?! Don't they realize that we're under silence!" he said angrily.

"Sir, the message was sent in Morse code via vertiron particles. Even if someone was listening, I doubt they would notice it or understand it. They're saying that they can easily locate us because we are leaking neutrino particles." she said showing him the now translated message.

"Call down to Engineering and have them fix that. The last thing we need is for the locals to think we are going to attack them!" he said.

"Yes Sir!" she said. With that, the Commander turned and left the bridge for the transporter room.

Tapping her comm badge, she said, "Morris to Engineering."

"Samara here!" growled the Klingon/Bajoran/Human.

"The Galaxy sent us a message stating that we have a Neutrino leak. They said that we're light up like a parade. We need to fix it as soon as possible! " stated the Human/Delphinian.

"I'll take care of it! Samara out!!" she said closing the connection.

Ronni did another scan and found that the problem lay most likely in the cloaking device. Most likely, the only way to fix it will to turning it off and re-initializing it. That isn't what they needed. She did a search for any ships that were in the area. None were in the immediate vicinity, but there was one about 12 hours away. And it was a warship. ' Wonderful . . . .' she thought.

Turning to the Klingon sitting in the command chair, she said, "Sir, we have a little problem . . . ."

" In Deep Deep trouble"
By: Ensign Lexana Ral
Junior Counselor
USS Galaxy
Reviewed by: Lt Albrecht

Ral was bored... Ensign Chen had gone over to the Klingon vessel and she had succeeded in annoying most of the rest of the crew. Her counseling appointment had been cancelled and she had nothing to do. She went back to her quarters and watched three episodes of Southpark back to back. Suddenly she was posessed with a maniacal idea.. Maybe it was watching too much Southpark and Monty Python, maybe it was the caffeine.. Who knew.. Ral decided to plan a little surprise for James when he got back..

Twenty minutes later, Ral was opening the door to the Jeffries tube which ran behind Chen's quarters. She had "borrowed" a few things from Engineering and a few items of her own.. She giggled as she crawled down the Jeffries tube.. This was going to be funny.. She only hoped he wouldnt be TOO mad.

It was when she had accomplished her little mission and was backing out of the Jeffries tube that Lt Albrecht just happened to be in the corridoor. Albrecht wondered just what on earth Ensign Ral was doing. He decided to find out and cleared his throat just loudly enough to be heard.. Ral heard his and jerked her head up, hitting it on the top of the door frame. "OW!" She felt her heart sinking.. This was going to be bad. Albrecht folded his arms "Ensign Ral I presume??" Ral stood up, rubbing her head and wondering just how on she was going to explain this one. "Y..Yes sir.."

"Ms Ral , would you mind telling me exactly what you were doing in a jeffries tube with a microtool kit and ..whatever it is you have in that box?" Ral looked extremely worried. "Um....I...Gulty Sir.." She hung her head and stared at the floor...

Albrecht folded his arms... "Guilty of what?"

Ral licked her lips..Her throat was incredibly dry for some strange reason.. "I..Was setting something up for Ensign Chen sir.. For when He gets back.."

"A prank?"

"Yessir..Nothing dangerous..Just.. well I thought I'd give him something to do.. I mean"

"What exactly did you do ensign?" Albrecht took the box from her. Inside lay a few Data chips..A phial of replicated blood and a ?? "What is THIS??"

"It's a diocese listing.."

"DIOCESE??..Ms Ral.. why don't we go and see exactly WHAT you did??"

They walk to the door to Chen's quarters, Ral is feeling rather sick. This was a BAD idea. Her palms were sweaty. She could just see herself being demoted to MCPO or simply CPO3... Albrecht used the security override to open the doors..as soon as the doors opened, a holographic image appeared on the floor in the middle of the room. It appeared to be that of a corpse.

"Care to explain this Ms Ral?" Albrecht looked amused

"Sir..It's a dead bishop sir.."

"A WHAT?"

"Dead Bishop sir.. Monty Python sketch..Ancient Terran Humor" Ral Stared at the floor again. "I'm REALLY Sorry sir... This won't happen again..."

Albrecht smiled "Ensign.. If it doesn't involve a Targ..And doesn't involve getting Chen in trouble with the chief, I think I can let it go.. Now.. What is this Monty Python thing with Dead Bishops..?"

Ral sighed inwardly.. "Thank you Sir!" she grinned "Well.. I know how James loves mysteries..So I thought I'd give him one to solve.. If he guesses who the murderer is, he wins a prize.."

"What kind of prize?"

"I remove the Virus I put into his replicator and it stops replicating only Gagh.."

"Holodeck Simulations"
Ensign Xavier Bishop
Security Officer
USS Galaxy

The USS Galaxy rocked violently throwing the group of security officers from their feet as they ran at port arms down the corridors of deck 6. Without hesitation, the security team picked themselves up from the deck, reformed in their two columns of three and continued the race down the corridor toward transporter room 3. As Xavier steadied himself from the motion of the ship, he was suddenly glad that Lieutenant Commander Sunder had ordered these holodeck exercises. The simulated battle between the Galaxy and the Klingon Battle Cruiser [Heart of the Targ] had been locked in a deadly game of cat and mouse for the last several minutes. Unfortunately, in this particular scenario, the Federation ship was being ruthlessly mauled by the Klingon Battle Cruiser [Heart of the Targ].

The security team rounded the corner and quickly moved through the doors to the transporter room and onto the transporter pad. Ensign Xavier Bishop, along with 5 other security personnel, were arrayed in a circular formation on the transporter pad as the USS Galaxy rocked violenty once more from the impact of torpedo's. Gaining his footing, Xavier checked the setting of his phasor rifle and the placement of his slightly curved dueling daggers one last time before looking into the apprehensive, sweat drenched faces of each of the men arrayed about him. The only combat veteran among them was Chief Petty Officer Xian who had served in the Federation Marine Corp before transfering to Star Fleet Security aboard the Galaxy. The rest of the group were Yeomen, straight out of Star Fleet Boot Camp. *This mission is suicide and every man here knows it.* , Xavier thought to himself. Yeoman Tarvin, a heavily muscled if somewhat porcine Tellarite, stared into Xavier's eyes with his own fear glazed eyes. All Xavier could do was smile back at him in a futile attempt to placate his fears. *God, I hope I don't look as terrified as I feel.* Yeoman Tarvin let out a porcine grunt and looked away, bolstered by Xavier's apparent lack of fear.

Several groups of Federation Security Officers had been assigned the suicidal task of boarding the Klingon vessel and rendering variouse key areas within the Battle Cruiser inoperative. Ensign Bishop's squad had been assigned the mission of destroying the forward torpedo bay.

Xavier looked from his Yeomen to where the Transporter Chief was busily reviewing a stream of data that was scrolling across his work consol. *I sure hope he waits till the Klingon vessel's shields are down, or at least has a hole punched in them, before he beams us aboard.* Just as the thought crossed his mind the Transporter Chief looked up toward his charges with a triumphant smile, "Good luck Omega 2." Omega 2 was the groups call sign for the mission.

Xavier felt his stomach lurch and a wave of nausea nearly overwhelmed him as the Transporter Room of the Galaxy was replaced with the dark, smoke filled Forward Torpedo Room of the [Heart of the Targ].

Before Xavier had time to react, Chief Petty Officer Xian was already firing short controlled bursts from his phasor. His first shot slammed into the chest of a Klingon technician, hurling him away from his console to slam up against the bulkhead and slide lifeless to the floor: he remained in a seated position. The second shot ripped across another control panel which blew up in the face of a second Klingon who could do nothing but clutch at his blinded eyes with clawed fingers as the blood ran in rivulets between them. A third shot from Xian's phasor silenced the agonizing scream of the warrior.

Xavier heard a whirring noise slice through the air and quickly dropped to one knee while bringing his phasor up to a firing position. Standing in a darkened section of the room and almost completely obscured by the hazy smoke was a huge Klingon warrior, *My God!, he could pass for a Klingon version of Ursa.* The Andorian heard a meaty thunk behind him and was nearly deafened by the squeeling scream of Yeoman Tarvin. The Ursa Klingon smiled and Xavier pulled the trigger of his phasor. The shot took the Klingon full in the face and the sight of the Klingon's face bubbling and melting away from the skull before the heat shattered it was sickening. The Ursa Klingon dropped with a heavy thud to the floor.

Xavier turned back toward where Tarvin had screamed. Yeoman Angelita Arizmenderis looked at her commanding officer and shook her head. Tarvin lay motionless on the deck with a wickedly curved knife prodruding from his chest. *Damn!*

Chief Petty Officer Xian, followed by Yeoman Michael Ayers had already moved into the room where they were placing demolition charges in key areas. The Catian, Yeoman Raesetti, had taken up a guard position behind one of the destroyed terminals where she could keep an eye on the main entrance into the room.

Xavier looked over to where Xian was activating his last demolition charge. "How long do we have, Xian?"

The slender Chinaman looked over toward Ensign Bishop then turned toward where Yeoman Ayer's had dissapeared behind a row of torpedo's and in his heavily but understandable accent he called out, "Ayers?! You set?"

Yeoman Ayer's popped up from behind the row of torpedo's and, from behind a mask of thick red hair that had fallen into his sparkling green eyes, a cocky, face splitting grin slashed across his features as he excitedly replied, "Yes, sir!"

At that very moment an explosion ripped across the room from the main entrance hurling both Xian and Xavier from their feet. Phasor and disruptor fire flashed out all across the room while the screams of the wounded and dying along with the acrid and coppery odor of burned flesh and spilled blood filled the air. Two disruptor blasts hammered and ripped into Yeoman Raesetti's upper torso throwing her heavily to the deck. Xavier, looked to his left and saw a female Klingon lunge across the room with raised Bat'hlet toward where Yeoman Ayer's was firing from behind the cover of the torpedos. Xavier raised his phasor from his prone position to assist Ayer's when it was savagely kicked from his grasp. Rolling over he became accutely aware of his own delimma as he stared directly up into the face of a Bat'hlet wielding Klingon bent on splitting his skull. With one fluid motion, the Andorian security officer kicked up into the groin of the Klingon warrior and nearly burst out laughing at the cross-eyed expression of pain that exploded across the Klingon's face. A split second later a phasor blast burned into the Klingon's chest hurling him away from the prone Andorian.

Xavier leapt to his feet just in time to see two more Klingons moving to engage the Federation Boarder's in hand-to-hand melee. A ferrol grin spread slowly across his face and his eyes flashed with the cunning of a cornered targ. *So be it.* The battered, blue skinned Andorian pulled out his curved dueling daggers and moved toward the two Klingons who, themselves wore wicked, fang filled smiles. "[Today is a good day for you to die!]" Xavier spit the harsh Klingon syllables out as he exploded in a whirlwind of flailing, slashing daggers. A look of suprise enveloped the Klingon's as the mad Andorian moved on them with the deadly grace of a dancer. The first Klingon stumbled back clutching at the lifes blood which flowed unabated from the open gash sliced across his throat. He attempted to say something but it came out as a harsh blood bubbling croak as blood spewed and frothed from his mouth. Xavier did not watch him die as he moved forward to the second Klingon. However, this one was not to be so easily fooled after watching the ignoble death of his companion. With speed that suprised Xavier, the Klingon perried and blocked the Andorian's most lethal blows with his d'k tahg.

Andorian and Klingon circled each other parrying each others attacks. "[You fight with the heart of a Klingon, I am honored to slay you Federationer.]" the Klingon complimented. The whine of a phasor pierced the air and the Klingon seemingly jerked to attention. His wide eyes slowly lost focus and rolled back into his head as his lifeless body slumped to the floor.

All the attacking Klingons lay dead or unconciouse on the deck of their ship. "Sir." Xian croaked in a horse whisper. "We have 10 seconds to evacuate this room." Xavier turned to his Chief Petty Officer who was leaning agains a computer console in a seated position. A large piece of shrapnel from the explosion was embedded in his abdomen. Xavier raced over to him, "Hang on it's almost over." Xavier's hand shot up to his com badge, "Six to beam up. Now!" He scanned the room. Yeoman Arizmenderis was the only other member of the boarding pary who he could tell was still living and that was only because he saw her getting to her hands and knees. Tarvin, Ayers, and Raesetti all lay motionless among the bodies of the Klingons.

Xavier's stomach dropped and a wave of nausea enveloped him as he was beamed from the Torpedo Room. The image faded to be replaced by the holodeck reserved for security training. All six security personnel sat on the deck of the holodeck gulping in deap breaths of air after the exertion of the simulation. Xavier stood and moved to the computer consol of the holodeck arch.

"Computer, save results of exercise Bishop Omega 2 and send them to be reviewed and evaluated by Lieutenant Commander Sunder and Lieutenant Albrecht."

The computer responded in its synthatsized voice, "Request confirmed."

Xavier turned back to the assembled team, "Now, go get showered and refreshed and meet me in Ten Forward in one hour. That is an order." He turned on his heels and exited the holodeck.

“Spare ribs”
by Ensign Aaron Sharp

Aaron exited Lt Commander Chanor’s quarters and continued on towards sickbay. It was obvious to him that Chanor didn’t understand Klingons all that well, the way he’d just been chewed out. Captain Price didn’t seem to have a problem when he’d hit Mach on the bridge, and his fight in the mess hall had won him the Klingons respect, something he didn’t think he’d get any other way. In any case, the fight had been unavoidable. Had he backed out, Mach would have attacked him anyway and he would have been labelled a coward. The good thing about it was that now he wouldn’t have to prove himself anymore, and that meant hopefully no more cracked ribs. He pulled a face at the pain. At least they felt cracked. Aaron reached sickbay and knocked at the door.

“Come in!” came the muffled reply. He opened the door and walked in. Dr Kahn was there and upon seeing him asked,

“What can I do for you, Ensign.”

“Ma’am, um, my rib cage hurts.”

“Come on.” Kahn said, waving her hand and heading off to a biobed. A nurse was there testing some equipment.

“Okay, Ensign, lay on the bed.” Kahn said. Aaron did as he was told and Dr Kahn began running a medical tricorder over him.

“Well Ensign, you’ve banged yourself up really well. You have three broken ribs on your right side and a cracked sternum.” Kahn picked up a bone knitter and placed it over the damaged ribs. His chest tingled when she activated it. “What happened?” she inquired.

“Um, I sort of got into a fight.” Aaron answered, slightly embarrassed.

“Well you see!” Kahn exclaimed, “That’s what happens when you get into a fight with a Klingon. Trust me on that one, I’ve been hurt myself play fighting with Kornan.”

“Well, I won’t get into any more fights, Ma’am.” Aaron promised.

“Good.” Kahn said, removing the knitter, “I’m going to have to report this to the Captain. Now go on, get out of here.” She smiled as she spoke. Aaron left sickbay with the pain in his ribs gone, but with a dull, tingly ache that would remain for a few days. He headed back to his quarters until he was required for bridge duty.

**** Some time later ****

Aaron was reading one of the PADD’s he’d brought with him when his comm badge chirruped.

[Ensign Sharp, you are required to relieve me at the helm, wlj jup.] It was Mach. He’s called me early, he must be going on an away team, Aaron thought as he reached up and tapped his badge.

“On my way, Mach.” he answered, and tapped the badge again to close the channel. He stood up and headed for the bridge.

**** 5 minutes later ****

Aaron entered the bridge and walked over to the helm. “You’re relieved.” he grinned at Mach, remembering the first time he’d said that to the Klingon warrior. Mach grinned back, as well as a Klingon could grin.

“My friend, I have been honoured by Captain Dergaus. He has asked that I accompany him to Boreth. You are required to take the rest of my shift.”

“Mach, you’re leaving your post in good hands. I’ll treat this ship as you would.”

“That is what I’m afraid of!” Mach roared with laughter at his own joke.

“No,” he continued, “I know that you will honour both this ship and me. After I return from the planet below, who knows what glory lies ahead of us. Together we shall see victory! They will sing songs of our victories for centuries to come, both in my Empire and your Federation!” Mach proclaimed excitedly. Aaron just smiled.

“Mach, you’d better get to the transporter room, or you won’t be going anywhere.”

“Of course,” Mach replied, thoughts of victory still in his eyes. And with that, he turned and marched out the door. Aaron turned to his duty station and began running diagnostics.

Ensign Aaron Sharp
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

Being Intimate
Dr. Felicia Khatroweena
Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder

***** Sickbay *****

Ursa walked into Sickbay. There was a lot of activity, he had a quick look around and couldn't see Cat. Stopping one of the nurses, he asked, "Where is Dr Khatroweena? She asked to see me." He asked brusquely.

Jenna turned and indicated the secondary theatre, yaking no offence at Sunder's tone. She knew of the man well enough and ignored it. "She is busy doing a scan at the moment; you'll find her in there."

Ursa nodded his head in thanks and headed off to the theatre.

As he approached the door slid open and he looked in to see Cat talking to Tebrianne, "Hello Cat, did you want to see me?"

Cat looked at Ursa, "Uh, sure. I'll be ready in a few seconds."

"I'll be waiting here" he replied with a smile. And the door slid shut. Ursa looked around at Sickbay.

The door slid open after a while and Lieutenant Tebrianne Bancroft walked out, "Hello Commander."

Ursa returned the greeting and watched her leave Sickbay. After a minute or so, the door slid open again and Cat appeared. "Ursa, please come in."

Hiding his concern, Ursa asked, "You all right? You sounded a little worried over the comm."

Cat moved across away from the door and leant on to the biobed, she sighed heavily and turned to face Ursa.

Ursa moved over to Cat, she looked miserable, to try and help her. Cat held her hand up to stop him from moving over to her. "What's wrong?"

"Ursa, I..." A long silence ensued as Cat continued to look for words. She looked away, wrestling with an inner demon in an effort to tell Sunder how she truly felt. After what seemed an eternity, she bit back the words she really wanted to say.

" I'm worried about you. " She said, managing to recover her composure, adopting the guise of a concerned friend. " I feel like I've been privileged to become fairly close to you - probably closer than you've allowed anyone to get to you in the past. "

The dark man nodded somberly. " Yes... yes, I'd say you were right in that respect - save for one. " He added with a slight glint in his brooding eyes.

Cat ignored the knife blade twisting in her gut and continued. " Yes, well that's what I want to ask about. Are you alright with this new ... relationship? You're a very intimate person and very comfortable with your own company. Xala's ... fast - not meaning to assign any negative connatation to the word. " She finished awkwardly.

Sunder exhaled heavily, as if after taking a heavy burden off his shoulders. " Thanks for your concern. You're very perceptive Cat. It's true: I really haven't got a penchant for developing friendships - or relationships, for that matter. "

" What is it about Xala that - I mean, why her? " She managed, curiosity tinged with frustration. " You're so different from each other - worlds apart. "

Sunder paused for a moment. " I think that's it. Xala was the first woman who managed to pierce through all that. She's like my opposite number. Somebody who sees life vastly different than me, yet can still manage to convey that perception to me without alienating me in the process. "

" So what's the problem? Why do you seem so hesitant? It's not like you to be unsure of yourself. "

Sunder looked at the Catian with a new degree of respect. " You know, you really should have considered psychology. You're very good at getting people to open up. " He chuckled.

" It actually was one of my minors at the Academy. I've always been pretty good at reading people's moods- think of me as an instinctive psychologist. " She smiled, her green eyes brightening slightly for the first time in the day. If only this man knew the effect he had on her. " But it doesn't take a genius to notice you've been out of sorts lately. I heard that you cracked down on Security pretty hard and that Xala was seen with Kyle Sanchez on the holodeck - and I DO mean 'seen'. " She said with an arched eyebrow.

" I think that was Rin - I mean, Xala's way of making me jealous. " Sunder replied.

" Did it work? " Cat asked, half-hoping that it didn't.

Sunder smiled wryly. " I think it did. I wanted to break Sanchez pretty much like a twig the next time I saw him in the hallway. "

" So, like I asked: what's the problem? "

Sunder sighed. This was hard for the somber giant. He wasn't used to this level of intimate communication. He'd repressed so much during his life - his parents' savage murders, the butchering of the HERMES crew, the savage life-style he was brought up in subsequently: all contributed to the hardening of the man who became Ursa Sunder. The loss of the woman he loved was the final nail on the lid.

But that was the problem. Sunder could see it clearly now. He'd rigidified in the space of time he'd been apart from Xala. He'd grown hard, perhaps too hard that the process of opening himself up again might prove too painful. He'd tried it before and he'd lost her. The truth was: he was scared.

A tear started to swell up in Cat's eye as she listened to Sunder relate this. She understood this man a lot better now. Despite his dark brooding, his stilled temper that threatened to explode at any moment, the image of the grim giant was a facade. Beneath his calloused exterior, Sunder was a man of deep sensitivity. His carefully crafted image was an illusion designed to protect himself from the possibility of relationships.

Sunder's self-imposed loneliness was a simple, yet powerful self-defence mechanism. There was no way that Xala could know this. So much had happened to Sunder in the past five or six years that he wasn't the same man. He'd hammered a door in place, separating the inner Sunder away from the world.

Felicia came to a solid conclusion. She loved this man, but she had a responsibility to see him happy above all other wishes for him. He deserved this shot at happiness, long denied him by cruel time.

" Seems to me you need to tell somebody else this. " she said, with a tear beginning to form in her eye. " Ursa, be happy and make a choice. If you really love her, then let yourself go. This isn't a time to be pig-headed, or stoic, or whatever you call it. " She said, waving a hand carelessly, dismissing these as irrelevancies.

" As a doctor, one of the things I hate most is when a patient waits too long before seeing me, letting his condition grow worse as if delaying treatment would make it better. ' If I ignore it, it'll go away ' - I hate that type of thinking! " She paused, gathering steam for the rest of her lecture. " I think that's what you're doing here. Trust me, confront it, tell her what you told me and everything will become crystal clear to you. And that way I don't have to treat Kyle Sanchez for any holodeck training accidents in the future. " She added with a forced smile.

Sunder scratched his head. For a moment Cat thought she saw a trace of the confused child Ursa used to be. His face picked up the outline of a smile. As he stood up, he leaned over and placed a surprisingly gentle kiss on Cat's forehead.

" Thanks Cat, I think I know what to do now. " He got up to leave sickbay. Before he exited, he turned around. " It's never been easy for me to talk about matters like these, but I don't think I could have come to a better person - I mean, friend. " With another smile he left the Caitan to her own thoughts.

The tear that threatened to emerge earlier finally released itself to join a few more of its fellows as they slid down the doctor's cheeks.

"Weightlifting"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess

Door and Xala were alone in the gymnasium of the USS Galaxy. The partly Cardassion barman was lying on his back lifting a large metallic bar up and down. Xala stood above him and spotted him. It was not necessary since the magical bar increased and decreased resistance upon the user's actions and requests. Small beads of sweat began to trickle down the sides of the face. Unlike most Federation citizens, he had small forehead ridges that forced his perspiration in another direction.

"...and after dinner we just sat in the hot baths and talked," Xala said completing her story of how her date with Lieutenant Kyle Sanchez had gone.

"So does it look like there will be a second date?" Door questioned while pushing up on the bar. His pecs were enlarged slightly more than usual. Xala noticed that Door had a great physique while spotting him, but that was nothing new.

"Perhaps. It looks like the Lieutenant and I will just be friends, though. Going out with Kyle assured me of how much I want to be with Ursa again. I'm going to focus all of my energy toward him now," she said easing the bar upward.

"All of your energy?"

"Well, almost all of my energy," she said with a smile. "I still can't stop thinking about what the future holds for me. But after the past couple of weeks I know that I do not want to be a bar wench aboard this ship for the rest of my life. I want something more than this semi-charmed kind of life."

Door completed his last repetition and stood up. The two lounge workers moved over to the standing cycles. Xala placed her feet on the pedals and began to push. Hudson did the same while pondering everything Xala had said. He was surprised she was being so open. Usually Xala spoke of superficial things that did not concern Door, but this time was different. They both pushed their legs forward on the cycle machines.

Xala look over at Door and smiled. He was wearing a tight green outfit that outlined his muscular body, but she was not smiling about his physique. She was smiling at the fact that Door was someone she could trust, even though the Cardassion slash Betazoid could not be trusted with Electra's accounts.

"Door, what would you think about me enlisting in Starfleet?" she asked.

The bartender simply chuckled. "Seriously?"

"Yes, I think I would make a damn fine officer," the Ktarian said asserting a deep tone and forcefulness in her voice as she stepped harder into the machine.

"What would you do?" he asked, not letting his telepathy do all the work.

"I don't know. I haven't thought about that really, but I do have many skills that could be useful to Starfleet. I've been the commander of my own ship, I am well versed in computer operations, I was a member of civilian security on the Ktarian homeworld, I did great intel for the syndicate, and I know how to make one hell of a Sumarian Sunset now."

"What I just heard you say was that you commanded a pirate ship, hacked into many computer systems and worked as an operative for the Orion Syndicate. Those skills don't look too good on an application to Starfleet Academy."

"I wouldn't attend Starfleet Academy. I would enlist and stay right here aboard the Galaxy. All I would have to do is take a few tests via subspace," she replied.

"Wouldn't you need Captain Price's authorization?" he queried.

"Yes, but with a glowing recommendation from the Chief of Security on his desk, that would be easy as pie, my friend."

"You really are serious about this," Door said bemused.

"Of course I am. My future is at stake here."

They continued to pump their legs into toneness while chatting about the qualities of a good Starfleet officer. Xala had only pondered becoming a member of Starfleet in her mind, but now that she had actually said it out loud it sounded like a pretty good plan of action. She could stay aboard the Galaxy working in the security department and spend more time with Ursa. Although that might complicate things further. Xala stepped off of the cycle machine.

"Maybe I'll just keep working in the lounge," she thought to herself.

"Hall of Courage"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** The Klingon Battlecruiser Birtas ***

Kang sat in silence on the darkened bridge of the Birtas. The engines from the Battlecruiser rumbled under the stress the Commander was placing on them. He wanted to arrive at Boreth first, ahead of the QeH and Po'SuvwI'. The plasma scared warrior knew that the first to arrive would automatically be placed in charge over the later arrivals.

"Dun nom!" Kang barks through leathery lips, urging the helmsman to make the ship go faster.

"We are going at one hundred and four percent on the main reactors la' ra'wI Kang." The pilot called back, "We are going as fast as we can with the cloaking device activated."

"waj tlhe'vaj So'!" Kang demanded slamming his fists onto the arms of his chair.

Around the bridge, officers scrambled to do as Kang ordered and deactivate the cloaking device. When they did, the Vor'cha class Battlecruiser immediately increased in speed.

Kang stared out the main view screen silently. A very slight smile curling on his cracked lips.

*****

*** Temple of Kahless, Boreth ***

The away team materialized in a clearing on the central courtyard of the Temple grounds. There were lots of Klingons in the area, but most all of them paid the new arrivals much attention. With the war going on with the Dominion, it was a more and more common thing to have travelers come and visit the temple of Kahless. Some to say their good-byes to loved ones that had been killed, others to help insure a good place in Sto-Vo-Kor.

Captain Price was grateful for the anonymity. It would allow them to move about the Temple grounds relatively unnoticed as long as they didn't do anything out of place for visitors of Boreth.

Dergaus pointed, "There. We should go inside there and visit the hall of courage." The Klingon stated.

Yirok, the burly, somewhat rounded Klingon, hiked up his belt, and belly, and set off to follow Dergaus. Young Mach likewise fell into step. Rios, Sterner and Captain Price were quick to follow. Each looked quite impressive in their Klingon attire.

Walking across the courtyard, the team came to the entranceway of one of the buildings that enclosed the perimeter of the yard. Above the massive doors was a plaque carved in stone that read, "vaS toDuj" or Hall of Courage. They all entered.

Inside was a series of benches for sitting. Around the room were large metal fire pits that all glowed a deep red-orange and provided the only illumination in the hall. Scattered across the room, Klingons sat and meditated with their thoughts. In the front of the hall, a large statue of Kahless stood, holding a Bat'leth in both hands and elevated above his head while he stared upward into the sky. The building they were in was not open, but the ceiling was raised and high enough that with the darkness and only the illumination from the flames of the fire pits, that it may have well been. Small flecks seemed to catch the occasional light beam on the ceiling, making an almost twinkling effect, like they were stars.

"Come, we must pay our respects." Dergaus motioned to the others. Proudly he walked down the center aisle towards Kahless' statue and the decorated counter that lined the forward wall of the room. Yirok and Mach followed just behind Dergaus. Captain Price and Commander Sterner followed, while Ensign Rios took up the rear, just in case there was danger. While walking down the lengthy aisle way, Lee squinted to help his eyes adjust to the low light levels and incense smoke. He could make out what looked like a passage way to the right of the statue display area and counter. It was draped off with a heavy cloth that matched the wall hangings around the front of the hall, but he could tell it was really a passageway to some other room or corridor in the building.

While Captain Price was glaring ahead, Commander Sterner was scanning the faces of the Klingons they walked past. Most were in deep meditation. Some chanting or humming to themselves and rocking slightly. Others sat in silence and paid the away team no mind at all. Still others gave a slight, curious glance, but then soon looked away. But there was one set of eyes that seemed to grab Joerg's attention. They seemed to have locked onto the away team and followed them slowly as they walked across the hall. The Commander could see the hooded Klingon's head turn and track them when they made their way to the front. Because of the dim lighting, Sterner couldn't make out the person's face, but could tell that whoever it was, he was definitely watching them.

Behind Sterner, Ensign Rios glanced about. None of the people present made any sort of moves to get up or approach the away team, but Kornan kept watching anyway.

Dergaus stopped, removed several slips of latinum and deposited it into a decorated container that sat on the counter. The metal pieces made a low thud sound when they landed, indicating that the container was quite full with deposits from the day already. From a near by bench, an elderly voice called out, piercing through the low, repetitive chants the others were making around the hall.

"tlho' tlhIH yoH wa'." (thank you brave one.)

Dergaus and the rest turned and saw an old Klingon wearing the robes of a holy man. He looked very old from his whitened hair and wrinkled skin. Silently he nodded, giving his approval for the party to take up seats and find their faith in the hall of courage. Dergaus returned the nod and moved to one of the benches and sat down. Yirok, Mach, and the rest all followed, huddling up somewhat to allow them to speak in whispers. Joerg glanced over his shoulder and could see that the hooded Klingon was still watching them, but was remaining way across the other side of the hall.

"Okay 'mate. What do we do now?" Lee whispered softly to Dergaus.

The Klingon glanced back at the Captain and shrugged his shoulders. "I do not know. My brother would spend much time in this monastery. Too much to be contemplating Sto-Vo-Kor. Somewhere here... the bej'mey must be lurking." He said, looking around.

Lee glanced around slowly. All he saw was Klingons far off in thought or deep in prayer. He then noticed Joerg looking in one direction. "See something 'mate?" he whispered.

Sterner nodded slightly. "That Klingon, over in the far corner. He's been watching us since we entered. Carefully, but I noticed his head track us when we walked across the aisle way."

"The one with the hood?" Lee asked, being careful not to look obvious as he glanced over at the Klingon."

"Aye." Joerg said.

"Maybe we should go over and confront him." Ensign Rios suggested with a quiet forcefulness only a Klingon can muster.

"I do not believe that would be a good idea in this place lagh. To interrupt ones prayers would be a great insult. You would be better off back handing a warrior than starting something in this place." Yirok commented in a sagely, but lowered tone. "At least that way the odds would be even."

While the away team was discussing matters, Joerg saw that the hooded Klingon was rising up to leave. It appeared that whoever it was, was still watching them, even as he exited the hall of courage.

"He's leaving." Commander Sterner quickly said.

"Come, we will follow him 'mates." Lee said, rising up and leading the way. Sterner and Ensign Rios fell in behind, while Dergaus, Yirok and young Mach gave each other glances, trying to figure out how they had suddenly found themselves in the rear. Dergaus just shook his head and quickened his pace to catch up.

They exited the hall of courage and stopped just outside. It took a moment for their eyes to adjust to the brightness of the late afternoon sun. By the time they had, the Klingon had disappeared.

"Where did he go?" Lee asked no one in particular.

Commander Sterner reached into his Klingon outfit and removed a tricorder. With a flip of the wrist, he snapped it open and activated it. A slight humming was heard from the device while Dergaus, Yirok and Mach caught up and stood by, grunting in Klingon fashion over the delay.

"This way." Joerg pointed, and began to walk off following the readings. Captain Price, Dergaus, Yirok and Mach followed. Ensign Rios again took up the rear to cover the away teams tail.

"Boreth"
by: Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

Lt. Thomas arrived on the bridge of the Qul'etlh just as the away team was transporting to the planet surface.

Here he was on board a Klingon vessel once more, with several of its occupants being Klingons, he felt almost at home aboard this ship. He was surprised how easy, he'd slipped back into the role. It was too easy, he thought. Once he'd nearly lost himself to being and living as someone he wasn't, but it was easy to allow it to happen. However in this case, several of the members of the crew were from the Galaxy and he had matured since he'd last been a Klingon.

He'd done something that, could come back to haunt him. He'd told captain Price some information about him, information that through not classified it was still information that could be used against him. However there was a lot more that someone with a real talent for digging up dirt might be able to use against him. Of course he'd never willing or openly admit to some of things that he'd done. Even if Starfleet intelligence was aware of them, because they might not be so willing to admit to what some of their operatives were required to do as part of the mission.

In this case however the information that he'd provided wasn't to damaging or at least that was what he thought.

It just dawned on him as he took his position onboard the Klingon vessel, if there was time he might be able to make a side trip to retrieve a few things of value. Of course doing so would mean a trip to Starfleet Intelligence and another round of debriefing session. This time however he felt that he could more readily handle this, but that would only be if the opportunity presented itself, as the general said, and he knew the mission came first above all else. That included the possibility that someone might perish on this mission, that would be the cost of the mission. Not a new concept to him or probably some of those on the ship, but it's not something that you can easily accept. Hopefully things wouldn't be as tough as that, he didn't really want to go through some of those times that he'd been through.

He stood at his post, waiting for any orders from the captain.

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

"Wrong jungle"
by Ensign Ilo Makoko
Operations Officer
USS Galaxy

"Computer end program Jungle1!" said Ilo with a tone of annoyance in his voice. It was nice to be in the jungle again, but what a jungle that was! He just wanted to relax a bit in a familiar surroundings after double shift, maybe even a hunt for a while, but this holodeck jungle wasn't what he was looking for. He saw so many different kinds of plants and animals there that he felt like he was in a zoo and not at home.

Ilo went to his quarters to calm himself down. He had to make a program that will be able to relax him from time to time, but he was never good at making holodeck programs. He always managed to do something wrong when he tried to make them. He decided to take a shower and then to go to Ten Forward to see is there any news. He finished with a showering, dressed himself, and - got an idea.

"Computer can you tell me are there any crew members that are currently onboard who are known to make holodeck programs in their free time."

"Ensign Vulcar is known by taking interest in producing holodeck programs." Replied computer's voice.

"Hmmm... Computer send a following message to Ensign Vulcar. 'Ensign Vulcar, I'd like to meet with you because I have an idea about a holodeck program. I don't know how to turn it into a real thing, and I've heard that you might be able to help me with that. I suggest that we meet at the Ten Forward as soon it is convenient to you. Thank you. Ensign Ilo Makoko' Well, that's it! Now we just have to wait and see if Ensign Vulcar is willing to help." With that he strolled down to the Ten Forward to see what's going on.

"Back to the Bridge"
By Lt (jg) Ryak Sullax

Ryak finished his ale and headed for the bridge. He had 10 minutes before his shift started. Ryak's was a bit anxious considering he hadn't been on the bridge in a while. As the doors of the lift opened to the bridge Ryak step out cautiously and headed over to the aft science station.

Ryak took a deep breath and started calling up any info that happened to be in sensor range. Ryak started to read the anomalies and calculating the amount of particles in space. All of the stuff he just dreamed of doing. So far Klingon space was much the same as all other space around.

A glitch on the screen caught Ryak's eye. He was aware of the amount of cloaked activity in the area and he figured on some disturbances but nothing like this. The anomaly would only appear for a split millisecond and vanish. Ryak wouldn't have noticed but he was bored and thought he'd get creative with the sensor calibrations. Ryak did a few more minor adjustment to the sensors but to no avail. Ryak watched as the anomaly got closer and closer to the Galaxy. It was still too far away to be any threat but who knows what this could be.

"Sullax to Erikson."

"Erikson here."

"Sir I need your expertise on the bridge right now."

"What is it Ryak?"

"Sir I am not sure...I have picked up an anomalous reading but it seems too constant to be random. I guess that is how to say it."

"I am on my way. Erikson out."

Ryak tried to calculate all possible information from the reading for when Erikson got there.

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

"Live Aid"
by Lt. A.C. Hewson

Sitting in a cramped little Jefferies tube on Deck 9, section Alpha was one Lt. Alan Hewson. The ODN relay conduit before him commanded all of the Assistant Chief Engineer’s attention. The boys and girls in the Plasma Dynamics laboratory pushed one of their experiments over the edge the night before, causing a power serge to rip through this section. Despite the failsafes, enough energy was allowed through the ODN conduit to do a decent amount of damage. Ensign Okuda had been the poor soul who discovered the damaged conduit, and received a few minor plasma burns for her trouble.

While he worked, Alan began to run through David’s “C-Defense” plan in his mind. The idea of C-Defense was in itself a simple plan; the advantages it would provide were substantial however. By running part of the phaser grid through the sensors, a sort of involuntary reflex would be made. Similar to the connection between a fly’s eye nerves and its wings which allows it to dodge a swatting hand without thinking, the phasers would lock on and fire at any incoming torpedoes in the same fashion.

The downside to C-Defense was the fact that it hadn’t been tested in live situations, just controlled simulations. A.C. did not want to see three Klingon Birds of Prey baring down on the Galaxy just to find out that C-Defense wouldn’t operate correctly. Alan trusted David with his life, but blind faith in anything or anyone could get you killed. That’s why Alan was going to Ten-Forward after his shift to catch some dinner and go over every single calculation and situation that C-Defense had to offer. He owed that much to the crew, and to himself.

*****Ten-Forward, End of Gamma Shift*****

The specs of C-Defense scrolled down the screen as A.C. munched on some Telkaruan krokrons. A krokron yielded the shape, color, and texture of a Terran carrot, but the taste was entirely different. The candy like flavor slowly turned into a strong, spicy blend. It was an acquired taste, and it had become one of Alan’s favorite dishes.

“Writing down your reasons for hating Deiran?” Greer said as he sat down in the chair across the table from his friend.

“Yeah, I’m getting it ready for next weeks news letter.” Alan said without looking up. “I’m surprised that you’re down here Greer, I thought second officers had their own private lounge.” A.C. said, giving the CSO a hard time about his temporary promotion while the captain was away.

“Oh, we do. I just like to stoop down every now and check on the little people. But please, no personal autographs.” Alan put down the PADD and laughed.

“Here,” A.C. said, pulling another PADD out of nowhere, “put your autograph on this. It’s my report on that ODN conduit on Deck 9 that you asked for.”

Greer read through the report and placed his thumb on keypad, approving the report.

“So, what are you really working on there?” Greer asked as he put the PADD back on the table.

“It’s David’s C-Defense plan. I assume that Casey already filled you in on it. Probably took the credit for it too that arrogant little…” he trailed off, not wanting to get going on his new captain.

“Yeah,” Greer chuckled, “yeah he told me about it.”

“I’m just going over the calculations again, just to make sure this thing will work.” A.C. put the PADD down once again and looked up at his friend. “Hey, you want to go catch a quick game of pool down in the holodeck? We haven’t played in awhile.” The two officers hadn’t really done much together since their mission in fluidic space. They both had needed time to recover.

“Sounds like a good idea to me. Let me just finish my meal here and…” the chirping of his communicator cut off Greer.

[Sullax to Erikson.]

Greer put down his fork and tapped his badge. “Erikson here.”

[Sir I need your expertise on the bridge right now.]

“What is it Ryak?” he sighed.

[Sir I am not sure...I have picked up an anomalous reading but it seems too constant to be random. I guess that is how to say it.]

“I am on my way. Erikson out.” He stood up from the table and placed his napkin on his plate. “Well, that figures. Guess I’ll have to take a raincheck on that game of pool, buddy.”

Alyssa was talking to Yirok for a while when he got a call to join the Away Team going to Boreth. "I have to go, I'll see you later" said Yirok. Alyssa then went up to the Bridge to take her post. Rronni Morris was at the science Station. "Sir, I thought you may want to get some rest" said Alyssa. "Your Right Lt, if you need me I will be in my quarters" said Lt. Commander Morris. Alyssa then took her place a the Science Station. Alyssa was rather bored so she decided to be creative with the Sensor Calibration. She noticed some kind of anomaly. It would flash into view in two second intervals and whatever it was it was heading toward them. Alyssa tried to analyze it more but Couldn't.

"Destiny"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
Acting Captain of the USS Galaxy

Deiran pulled two consecutive shifts on the Bridge. He only spent two of those sixteen hours in the Ready Room. And even in there, he worked on reports. The fact was Deiran was tired. He knew Miran wouldn’t be happy that he worked so long, but he was in command and had responsibilities. He’d make it up to her.

He needed rest. He’d probably get five or six hours at the most. Before he rested, he needed something to eat. He knew Miran was asleep. He hadn’t seen her all day. He was very sorry for that. But, Mac would have Beta shift and Greer would have Gamma shift tomorrow, so he’d be with her then. Of course if there was an emergency he would be called to the Bridge immediately.

Casey was adjusting to command quite well. It was his destiny, a life he was born to live. Few, except his father, understood this. Some lived dreams, others, those who were chosen for greatness lived destinies.

Casey had toned down his personality for the sake of the Galaxy crew. A man could not command without the respect of those under him, Deiran knew this to be true.

He walked into Ten Forward and looked around the room. He saw AC, Cat, Door and Xala a few Petty officers but for the most part Ten Forward was empty and quiet. The perfect atmosphere for someone who was exhausted.

Casey walked over to Cat. "Hello Doctor, may I join you?"

"Certainly Captain, have a seat," Cat purred in her usual tone.

Xala came to take Casey’s order. "I’ll have Steak and Lobster and some apple juice with a peeled orange please Xala," Casey asked, smiling at the waitress. It was just a friendly smile, nothing more.

"How is Miran and Lara?" Cat asked.

"She’s fine. I have been on the Bridge all day and haven’t seen her. She won’t be happy about it. We just took a vacation several months ago, but I’m just a workaholic."

"I heard you injured your leg a couple of weeks ago and treated it yourself?" Cat asked in a sharp tone.

"Yes I did, it was a slight sprain of the muscle, nothing dangerous," Casey replied.

"Yes Deiran but it could have been dangerous. Why didn’t you come to sickbay and have me look at it like everyone else?" Cat asked, visibly upset at Deiran.

"Sickbay and I don’t get along Cat. End of story!" Deiran replied, he raised his voice at the end.

"No it’s not, you have a phobia of sickbay and its not healthy! What’s wrong? What happened to you that has you so spooked Deiran?" Cat asked, concerned and frustrated with Casey. She glared at him, waiting for an explanation.

Casey was silent. Xala returned with Casey’s dinner. "Thank you Xala," Casey told the Ktarian.

"Your welcome Captain, enjoy your dinner," Xala said before leaving.

"How are you and Ursa doing?" Casey asked, changing the subject.

Cat said nothing in reply.

"See Cat, we all have our issues. Things we’re not willing to reveal, pasts that haunt us, or feelings we can’t express, sacrifices made for the good of others. A plethora of feelings, emotions, moods and issues never to be resolved. It’s part of life," Casey told her, seeing the hurt in Cat’s eyes when he mentioned Ursa. He didn’t know the whole story but could tell it was a sore spot with Cat, just as sickbay was one with Casey.

"You may not realize this, but I’m going to help you Deiran Casey. Changing the subject, bringing up subjects that turn the conversation to me won’t make your problem go away. Your hiding something serious inside and I’m going to help you with it!" Cat was resolute.

Now Deiran was silent.

"Thank you Cat, but I’m fine."

*** Gymnasium- 0130 hours ***

Deiran couldn’t sleep after dinner. He tossed and turned and kept waking Miran up. So he decided to come and get a good workout that would make him tired enough to just fall asleep.

Normal people in his position would have gone to sickbay for a sedative, he was in command after all and those in command needed their sleep. But Deiran had always avoided sickbay and was content in avoiding it for the rest of his life.

Deiran started with his stretching exercises. After that he went to the weights. Then cycling, ran 5 miles and did his usual 1,000 push-ups and 750 crunches. Unfortunately it didn’t tire him out. He was wide awake afterward.

So he went to the holodecks for some good ol’ fashioned brawling.

Deiran respected the Klingons for their fighting ability and their adherence to honor. He enjoyed fighting them. He had created a holodeck program that was easy to modify, it was set on Kronos.

Deiran walked into a Klingon Bar, it was called the Qo’O’Nok. He didn’t care what it meant. But he was there to fight. He wasn’t in any Klingon attire, but still in his white jump suit that he always worked out in.

Two Klingons came at him and slapped him across the jaw. Deiran made sure the safeties were on as he had to be a good example. There was no blood but he felt the blow. Deiran growled, "You better be able to back that up you Q’pak!" Deiran insulted the Klingon.

The Klingon swung at him. Deiran ducked and kneed the huge beast in the crotch. He put his fists together and swung at the Klingon’s chest. It was a blow that sent the Klingon backward and on his butt.

The other Klingon went for Deiran’s neck, a chokehold. Deiran took the Klingon’s arm and flipped him completely over onto his back. The Klingon was now looking at Deiran, his back on the ground. Deiran took his hand and shoved it into the Klingon’s throat. A move he learned from his martial arts training at the Academy. It killed the Klingon, it’s still body disappeared as Deiran started for the other Klingon who he had knocked on his butt earlier.

"You can fight human, but can you use a bat’leth?" the huge Klingon spit out.

"Well your gut will soon find out!" Deiran returned.

A bat’leth appeared in Deiran’s hand and he lunged at the Klingon like a cheetah would chase a gazelle. One quick blow to the knee, the Klingon was down. He couldn’t move well. The hunter always goes after the legs of its prey, making it easier to kill. If it can’t run, it can’t escape. To a normal warrior this tactic would be dishonorable. But, if the Klingon had his chance and this wasn’t the holodeck the same Klingon would impale Deiran in the back and not think twice about it.

Deiran kept the bat’leth in his opponent’s kneecap. He arched the palm of his hand and jammed it into the Klingon’s nose in one powerful, quick movement. The Klingon’s nose cartilage was knocked completely into the back of his skull. Few men had the strength to do that to a Klingon. But Deiran was one of those few.

People didn’t realize how dangerous and calculating Deiran was. They saw him as a arrogant, egotistical officer who was a daddy’s boy. But he wasn’t just talk. He backed up his talk and arrogance with the real thing. He was at a point in his life where he didn’t care what others thought of him as long as he did his duty. If his record was clean and he had the eyes of Starfleet Command watching his every move, then he was fine.

"Computer, what level was this set at?" he inquired.

[Casey program T-Alpha Nine was set at Expert level 10.]

"Geesh even the toughest level is getting easy for me," he remarked to as he exited the holodeck.

*** Casey’s Quarters- 0230 hours ***

Deiran got into bed. He thought Miran was asleep and tried to be extra careful in not waking her. He laid his head on the pillow and closed his eyes.

A few seconds passed and he felt the touch of a soft hand and delicate fingers against his chest. He opened his eyes to see the face of the his beautiful wife.

"You can’t sleep either babe?" he asked in a whisper.

"No, I was just waiting for you to get back. Where did you go?" Miran asked.

"I had a good work out and then went to the holodecks and fought with a few Klingons. I’m still not tired. My mind is just racing honey. It’s on maximum and won’t slow down. I have too much on my mind," he said.

"That’s to be expected," she said in a simple one line response.

"I’m sorry I wasn’t with you today," Deiran was concerned at how she felt.

"I know you love me, quality is better than quantity," Miran said, a smile on her face. She moved her body closer to his and pressed her soft lips against his. The kiss lasted for eternity until it turned into all out passion.

*** Main Bridge- USS Galaxy ***

The Bridge was dark, one single light shined on his face. Miran, Greer, Captain Price, Sterner and Cat were standing next to him.

"This is the chosen one," Greer replied.

"The one prophesied to save Bajor and help the Emissary," Miran stated. "Is he willing?" Sterner asked the others.

"Will he sacrifice himself for the good of the Galaxy?" Cat asked.

"He is strong," Price told everyone.

"What is this about? Are you guys flipping out on me?" Deiran replied. Not understanding what he was experiencing.

"He does not know us," Greer said to the others rather stoically.

"No I don’t! What do you mean save the Galaxy? Save Bajor?" Deiran asked.

"We have chosen you to protect Bajor and assist the Emissary," Tebrianne stated.

"Why? I didn’t ask for this, I’m not even Bajoran?" Deiran replied.

"You have the heart of a Bajoran and you are married to a Bajoran. You have a half-Bajoran daughter. You are Bajoran," Miran told him, as she stood in front of him.

"Who are you people?" Deiran asked impatiently.

"We are the prophets and you are the chosen one," Tebrianne said.

"Why me?" Deiran asked.

"You are the chosen one," Price replied as if it were clear as a sunny day to Deiran what had just taken place in his life.

"Well that helps, thanks," Deiran said sarcastically.

"In your heart you have what we need to save Bajor and the Galaxy. That is why you are the chosen one," Greer said to Deiran.

"What do you expect of me?" Deiran asked.

"You will know when the time comes," Miran said.

"Very soon you will be in a critical situation and it is the beginning of the Ta’lar Vai," Price explained.

"I am not familiar with that term," Deiran said.

"Your Journey," Cat said.

"Soon you will begin the Ta’lar Vai, the journey to be the chosen one."

*** Casey Quarters ***

Deiran shifted from his subconscious and back to reality. He was laying in bed, Miran’s arm was draped across his chest, her body snuggled close to his as she slept.

Deiran had a vision with the prophets of Bajor and had no idea what it meant. He passed it off and went back to sleep.

jaj Qeh {Day of Anger}
by Lt. Endris Gakor, Doctor
with Lt. K'Eytyanna Samara, Engineer
and Lt. Ronni Morris, Scientist
-all temporarially assigned to the IKS Qul'etlh

***Engineering***

Gakor was talking rapidly to her friend K'Eytyanna, who had performed miracles on the Engineering decks. "Then, I threatened to put Tribbles in their soup", she finished.

Lieutenant Samara gave Endris a speculative glare, amazed the woman had the Gromba to deliver such a vicious insult. "And?", she prompted tersely.

"They cracked up laughing. I always thought Klingons had a sense of humor!" Gakor wondered what was going through the Engineer's head. Probably something like the Tellarite could have started a riot on the mess decks. "But I also told the Galaxy crew they were acting like Targs. Our two crews seem unusually tense, and I want them to cooperate. We will never reach battle if we wound each other here."

*That's not the way Klingons think*, passed through Samara's cranium. "Endris, you may wear the garb of a warrior, but you don't have their...tenacity", she finished curtly. She preceded to lecture her friend, pointing out the trouble she might have inadvertently caused.

"tlhIH Do' thaH Qa' legh tlhIH Soj Oinkus", snarled the Klingon as if she were peaved.

Endris recoiled at the image of becoming an inadvertant feast for the Klingon natives. And the familar Tellarite word only emphasized her point. She hoped K'Eytyanna would give her advice to avoid arguments in the future.

Of course, that was one of the reasons the doctor came to Engineering in the first place. Her "heart" might be Klingon, but her "spine" certainly wasn't. And she wanted to see if Lt. Samara could scrounge up some kind of padding to make a mattress. This seemed to only further irritate Endris' compadre, who seemed in a stew.

"Conditions here are intolerable!", K'Eytyanna claimed "I've already dug 4 voles out of the conduits, and several critical systems are off line. The cloaking device is leaking neutrinos as well! In addition, many of the Qul'etlh crew are little more than insubordinate P'Teq."

"'Ij be'nI jIh Qa' neH Say' lIj 'Iw", Gakor said soothingly. "We're all frustrated.", Endris said shifting into standard. "Calling people whelps is just as bad as threatening them with Tribbles."

*What's this about cleaning up my blood*, thought the Klingon engineer. "Exactly what I DON't want to do, Loootenant", Endris emphasised jocularly while idly cleaning her Ginsu. K'Eytyanna could have sworn the Tellarite somewhere picked up Betazed telepathic talents.

This provoked what would have been an "eyebrow on stun" maneuver had the Lieutenant been of Vulcan descent. K'Eytyanna digested this advice for a minute, and then turned to spur a party of Klingons on to their next task. "I'll think about it, ghaH 'Iv D'pla", recognizing Gakor choice of Klingon medical insignia. She also gave the immunologist a canister of plasti-foam to solve the problem that first propelled her visit.

With a frustrated, tired sounding oink, Endris turned and quite confidently strode back to her quarters. She left herself a mental note to talk with Counselor Wilson about the aggression levels of the crew. Why, there was even a condition in medical circles popularly called the "Spock effect". This descibes a tendancy found in many individuals of mixed heritage. It applies when they try to prove themselves in the context of each culture of their lineage, and become confused or angery with the results.

***Quarters***

"jIh Qa' neH Suv naQ wo'", the doctor exclaimed.

"So my new roomie doesn't want to fight the whole Empire. Although this is a good thing, given her Tellarite disposition I suspect she would rather EAT it instead.", theorized the smiling Scientist.

"Ronni!", Endris brightened. "I brought foam to make mattresses. There should be enough for two!", she said cheerfully. Her disposition continued to 'unsour' as the Delphinian related the tale of how she served up a Vole lunch for an unruly Klingon.

"It's been rather interesting here. I'm by no means an expert on Klingon culture, I just love their opera. The drama and intensity are fascinating. In the Opera, "Dust of Blood", the warrior woman Zatara gives an arrogant and petty nobleman a meal of Voles. He doesn't know what it is and thinks it the best meal in the world. Unfortunately, Voles are toxic for Klingons, and he died a slow dishonorable death. Zatara then was able to take back her family's honor. That is why the other Klingons laughed so hard."

The two Starfleet officers laughed over the story. Gakor plunged into discussing Lt. Morris' recent away mission to the vortex, but was soon satisfied the ACSO suffered no long term affects from the mission. Ronni didn't want to share the dreams she had been having.

"It has been a trying day", both remarked at once with duel sighs. After that, both turned into their bunks for some sleep. Ronni activated her aqua sleeping bag and climbed inside. As soon as it was sealed, it finished filling with water until she was complete encased in liquid. Gakor watched in fascination as Ronni took a deep 'breath' of the water and the liquid seeped into the Delphinians neck gills.

The peaceful expression on her face reminded Endris of how Spines looked when dining on Fish Flakes. She knew the Albrechts were renowned for tending cats. The immunologist giggled at the idea of her fish swimming around with bells on chased by a bunch of gill-endowed mice. Perhaps when this mission was over, she would ask Ronni for a Delphinian fish to add to her aquarium.

Gakes didn't want to think of the hassles involved in locating Fish. After the tank ruptured during a Jem 'Hadar attacked in the Argonii system, the Tellarite had spent months filling out permits to replace her collection. She was still waiting for a MudFish from Tellar, ironically one of the most difficult species to obtain. Perhaps the Klingons would choose to add a unique piscado to her eclectic tank. But as she was learning, one has to be careful when questioning the warrior race. When she returned to the Galaxy, she would have to ask Matthew for legal advice to expedite these imports.

Ronni turned and smiled and waved. Gakor waved back and then rolled over to go to sleep. Ronni finally dozed off and into the nightmares.

Galaxy "The Start of Something New"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
U.S.S. Galaxy

The Sickbay was as I liked it. Everything was in a good order as Endris entered Sickbay.

["Ma'am"]

"Morning Lt. How are you?"

["Oh a little stiff from these Klingon beds!"]

I smiled a little.

"Lt. Could you please go and run the diagonostic on the DNA tracing machine!"

["Nilani. How are you liking the CMO's position?"]

I stopped for a second and thought about it.

"Well I would be lying if I said that it is an easy job. But I am finding it an interesting job."

["I was just wondering"]

I continued to work on getting the Diagnostic tools ito proper working order. I turned to where Endris was working.

"You know Lt. There are times where you just have to had everything to the prophets. And I have a feeling that soon we are going to have to do that."

Endris just looked at me.

"Klingons and Anuireans"
by Ensign Raesene Hermedhie,
Currently aboard the Qul’letlh

Ensign Hermedhie was still getting settled in, when they reached the planet Boreth. He really did not mind the hard, steel bunks, for on his own world, he had had to put up with much worse. Like having very poisonous snakes crawl into your tent, and then waking up to find them on your chest...

He was sitting in the messhall, trying to colelct his thoughts, when a big, mean-looking Klingon walked in, and looked around. When he spotted Raesene, he stalked over to him. Then in rather brusque Klingonese, he stated, "So, does the Federation dog plan to sit in here doing nothing while the great Klingons save you?"

Raesene smiled at that. Then, in perfect Klingon, he replied, "So you call me a dog? I have been called much worse than that. I have received death threats since I was just 3 years old. I was singled out, because my name was the same as a very evil man, called the Black Prince. And as for saving me, it will most likely be I, who will save you."

The Klingon was visibly surprised at the use of his own language, but replied, "You do not have the guts to save even yourself! For you are but a puny human, who has no idea about honor, or battle."

"That is most certainly untrue. First, of all I am hardly 'puny.'" Reaesne stands up, showing his large size and very strong muscles. "As for having, no concept of honor or battle, I am but one of many paladins who serve our god of battle and storms. I myself, am a survivor of at least twenty battles, and numerous skirmishes. And all of those, I did with honor and courage. Perhaps, you would like to hear of the battles I have been in? Which one, do you want ot know of? Tariene? Seaharrow? Or, perhaps, the one battle I managed to miss? The great Battle of Deismaar? There are more action in those than in any I have taken a part in during my tenure with the Federation!"

"None of these battles can possibly be as great as those of the Klingon Empire! So, spin your tale of this 'Deismaar,' and we shall see how pathetic it really was."

"When you have learned of this, you will no longer think it pathetic... The Battle of Deismaar was the culmination of the two-year long War of the Shadow. The Shadow that we were fighting was the great, and evil god Azrai, and his Adurian, goblin, gnoll, orog, and elven legions. He had also managed to sway the Vos to his side. On the side of righteousness, were the Anuirean, Rjuven, Basarji, Brecht, and Masetian armies, as well as those of the dwarven nations. The two-year long war had been going badly for the side of good. Their dieties then had them assemble on the slopes of the great Mount Deismaar for the final battle. Then the forces of darkness arrived to do battle. The battle raged for three days and nights, and the Cerilian armies were beign defeated, when Azrai revealed himself as being evil. This drove most of his elven allies to switch to the side of good. However, still the battle's tide could not be turned. Then, the gods of the Cerilians manifested their entire essences onto Deismaar. Andurias, Brenna, Basaia, Reynir, Vorynn, and Masela all did battle with Azrai. In destroying him, they sacrificed their existences. This huge release of energy caused the mountain to explode. In its place, there is now a strait called Aerele. It is claimed that because of this battle, the survivors had some of the essence of their patron dieties. I myself find this hard to believe, but it is as it may be." With that, Raesene concluded his tale.

The Klingon stated, "That is a good story, but it still does not exclude you from being a dog!"

Raesene just looked askance at him. "You rreally want to pick a fight, don't you?" Then he shrugged, and smashed the Klingon in the temple with a wicked right cross. The Klingon was knocked across the table, where he laid motionless. Raesen looked down at his fist, and muttered, "Must be the rings..." He shrugged agian, and walked away.

"Perplexing."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson

The computer had completed the several hour analysis, searching for identification traces on Deep Space Station K-7 and comparing them with the visual records in the database. There was no doubt that the Klingon the computer had identified as Koloth was indeed the same Klingon seen on Deep Space Nine. The discrepancy could not be explained as being due to the quality of the computer image or the level of holo-imaging, and therefore, had to be due to another causal factor not yet truly apparent to the chief science officer.

"Computer, is there any record of Koloth participating in any kind of mission, or any mention of him undergoing some kind of cosmetic surgery?"

["That information is not available."]

"Alright," Greer said as he rubbed his chin, "search database for all Klingons of that period who have and extended biographical information covering approximately eighty to one hundred years. Show any discrepancies between any visual records in the database."

["Accessing . . . ,"] the computer replied in its usually stoic voice, ["search complete."]

"Display results." he said as he tapped the computer console. "I guess I may as well start at the top of the list. Computer, access biographical information for Krol." The computer replied with a single beep as the biographical information appeared. After several minutes he noticed something mentioned in the Klingon's biography. He stopped for a few minutes, as if he were trying to remember something he had once read. "Computer, access medical database and describe the condition Qu'maq'a Syndrome."

["Qu'maq'a Syndrome. An incurable Klingon skin disorder similar to a subset of Human cutaneous lupus erythematosus. First characterized in 2343. Characterized by a swelling of the area around the eyes, mouth, and ears."]

"Computer, analyse search results and remove any Klingons diagnosed with Qu'maq'a Syndrome, or any other condition which may give rise to similar results found in personal research file Erikson-alpha-zero-two." the scientist said as he watched two of the seventeen candidates disappear. Looking at the significantly shorter list, he recognized one of the names from earlier research. "Computer, access biographical file for the Commander Kor. Audible readout."

["Kor, Klingon Commander. Military governor of the planet Organia in 2267. Present at the institution of the Organian Peace Treaty between the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire. Conferred the title of Dahar master of the Klingon Empire after an extensive series of . . ."]

"Computer, stop. Analyse this visual and any from the Organian Peace Treaty. Are the parameters of the discrepancy that conform to those found in the visual recordings of Koloth from Deep Space Station K-7 and Deep Space Nine?"

["Affirmative. Analysis of visual records from the planet Organia in 2267 and those taken in 2356 conform to the personal research file Erikson-alpha-two-zero."]

"Computer, are there any other visual discrepancies which conform to that particular pattern?"

["Affirmative. Analysis of visual records indicate five matches which conform to the pattern described in personal research file Erikson-alpha-two-zero."]

"Can any of these discrepancies be accounted for using information in the biographies?" he asked as he looked intensely at the computer screen. "Say a medical condition not previously filtered for, facial scarring from a battle . . ." he said as he grasped for straws.

["Negative. No matches found."]

Greer stared at the computer console in front of him. Although he was initially looking for more information of Klingon society, culture, and history, he managed to get something which left him perplexed.

["Hewson to Erikson."] the engineer's voice came over the ship's comm system as Greer drank some of his coffee.

"Go ahead AC."

["I was checking to see if you were still free to meet in Ten Forward."]

Greer sighed slightly. "Well I'm not getting anywhere with what I'm working on. I'll see you at there soon. I have to finish a few things first."

["Sure. See you there. Hewson out."]

Still looking at the console screen for a few more minutes, Greer finally decided to pause his search and join his friend in Ten Forward before returning to duty. "Computer, save database search."

The computer simply responded with several whirls and the the computer console went blank.

"Elsewhere"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** aboard the Klingon Vor'cha Battlecruiser, Bitas ***

Kang grunted impatiently as he sat in the command seat of the sleek Klingon warship. The Bitas was rushing towards the sacred planet Boreth under orders of the High Council to observe a Federation Starship there. But Kang had other plans. His thoughts drifted to the recent war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. A hand touches his twisted, leathery face, hardened by scar tissue from a ruptured plasma conduit that spattered his head and scorched his skin. It was the same battle that gave him this horrible scar that took the life of his father and two brothers. All because of a dishonorable Federation tactic. Kang was bitter with rage. He longed for a chance to gain his revenge on the Federation.

"'chay nI'?" Kang spat out venomously to the flight officer.

Checking the readouts on the triangular shaped monitor, the helmsman answered, "Less than one hour to Boreth Captain."

Kang's eyes narrowed. A hint of a smile curled onto his lips, exposing the discolored, pointed teeth beneath. "We must arrive at Boreth ahead of the QeH and Po'SuvwI'. Then K'nera and Larg will have to follow my orders." Kang restated to the bridge crew.

"Commander." The helmsman called back.

Kang gave a grunt, beckoning the warrior to continue.

"Incoming message from the Po'SuvwI'."

"On jIH." Kang replied sharply.

The forward view screen snapped to life with the image of the bridge of the K'Tinga class Battlecruiser Po'SuvwI'. Captain Larg sat in the command chair in his usual arrogant manner.

"maH paw bIng wa' rep." Larg declared smugly while crossing his arms in mocking defiance. (we arrive in under one hour.)

Kang's expression grew angry as he gripped the arms of his chair until his knuckles went white in an attempt to control his anger. "maH leH legh 'Iv paw wa'Dich Larg!" (we can see who arrives first Larg!)

Larg smiled at the view screen and laughed. Arms still crossed. His long, black mane billowing free under his jovial warriors laughter. "maH leH legh." (we can see.) he said heartily before deactivating the transmission.

Kang made a fist and pounded it onto the arm of his chair. "nom Do!" (more speed!) he bellowed in a tone that made the entire bridge crew cower in fear.

*****

*** First City, Qo'noS. ***

Behind closed doors in the Great Hall of the High Council Building, several High council members speak.

"How goes the search for these traitorous rebels that call themselves bej'mey?" asks one Councilman from the far left hand table.

Korux turns to see who called out the question. His grayed head stops and sees it is Voral. Furrowing his bushy brow, Korux explains, "Most of the criminals have been gathered up and sent to prison camps awaiting execution. Interrogations on those members claiming to be of the bej'mey indicate only a few more of their disloyal group remain unfound."

"Every effort must be made to locate the final members before we can go forward with our plan." Another councilman injects.

Korux glances over and sees Ga'rod, fourth Councilman, had spoken. "Our ships are scouring the Empire for these dissidents as we speak. They will be found. And when they are, they will join the others in facing their executions together."

Ga'rod's eyes narrow, a look of doubt begins to form on his face. "We must be sure that no bej'mey escape. It takes but one voice to trigger a rebellion and expose the High Council's deeds..."

"Silence!" Korux bellows, gaining the immediate attention of all of the Council members present in the closed doors meeting. "It takes more than accusations to expose the So'vanvIt. These bej'mey will need proof, which will be impossible for them to obtain. The Klingon people will not stand for such accusations without evidence to back up the bej'mey claims. Following the So'vanvIt, all such evidence was erased from the Klingon Empire. All records altered. Literature confiscated and rewritten to conceal the wej'oy'nem. Our children taught the sacredness of lut Qo'ja pagh tlhIngan. These bej'mey will be found and punished for questioning the will of the High Council. Their miniature revolt squashed before it even has a chance to begin."

"I hope you are right Korux." Ga'rod replies slowly, "Because if the bej'mey faction succeeds at exposing the wej'oy'nem, or our current plans to alter Klingon physiology, the Klingon people will revolt, and that will be the death of the Empire."

Korux nods sadly. "lu'." The grayed and wrinkled warrior agrees. "But be it defeat at the hands of the Dominion, or revolution from our Klingon brothers, I see little choice in the matter. The bej'mey must be stopped. It is the only hope the Empire has of surviving. We will see to it that they are all found, and punished for their crimes."

Several nods circle the room in the Great Hall, all present in agreement on what must be done to save the Empire from defeat and civil collapse. All agree the bej'mey must be destroyed.

“An ounce of prevention...”
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Mac rubbed his eyes as he leaned back in the chair. As he looked at the chronometer on the table he saw that he was way into gamma shift and still had a lot of work to do. As he bent back over the desk he saw stared intently at the simulation he had running on the screen. He had received a copy of Lt Mercury’s “C-defense” plan and had set about analyzing it for implementation. Mac smiled, the plan had merits, a lot of them, but it also had some shortcomings.

“Computer. Record addition to “C-defense” file and forward with the following recommendations.” Mac waited as the computer acknowledged the request.

__________

“Upon receipt of the file titled “C-defense” I conducted a series of analysis and have attached the following findings and recommendations.

1. Against a single small craft, such as a K’Vort class Bird of Prey, I agree with Lt. Mercury’s findings. However, I feel that having one phaser array dedicated to this protocol is sufficient. Tying all the phasers into one program, in my opinion , is not recommended.

2. Against several craft or a larger craft, such as a Vor’cha class or (God forbid) a Negh’Var warship, I believe that the sheer number of torpedoes that would be launched after completing decloaking, per KDF doctrine, would render the C-defense inadequate. This would be due to the extra seconds that the sensors would require to identify and lock on to the large amount of incoming weapons.

3. In lieu of the above findings I believe that targeting the individual launchers as the ship decloaks is a much more viable solution. By implementing Lt. Mercury’s detection protocol in concert with the weapons array I believe that we should be able to attack these selected points quickly enough, thus allowing the Galaxy time to modify it’s response profile as needed.

4. The targeting, while although tricky, can be, I believe, accomplished in the following manner. Using the extensive Tactical database (one of the advantages of fighting an “Ally.”) we can use the sensors, equipped with Lt Mercury’s enhanced capabilities, to estimate the facing and course of an attacking cloaked ship. Once that information is obtained we merely allow the computer to fire at the approximate location where the launchers should be. Since the ship would still be in the “decloaking” phase we should be able to utilize the few seconds that it takes for them to re-appear. This being is a “new” tactic with surprise and a little luck we should be able disable the launcher seconds before a torpedo launch.

I will be contacting Lt. Mercury, at the earliest opportunity, to assist in this implementation.

Signed,
Lt Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy.”

_____________

Mac sighed as he finished. He was sure that he might ruffle some feathers with his recommendations, but if there was a Tactical mistake made, it was his career in trouble and no one else’s.

“Computer. End report and send a copy to Acting Captain Casey along with copies to both Ops and Science.”

Mac stood as the computer acted upon his request. As he again glanced at the chronometer he saw that he still had time to feed D’Akana and get some much needed sleep. Atleast, three hours worth.

Lt. Hunter McKenzie, Chief Tactical Officer, USS GALAXY
Capt. Robert Spenser, USS TITAN
CPL. Nickolas Mancini, 18th SF Regiment,
Major M’Alz, Regimental Aide de Camp, 18th SF Regiment
ICQ # 6728583

Files and Tribulations"
by Lt. Ronni Morris
w / additions by Captain Price

Ronni woke up and it took a moment to realize where she was. She had a pounding headache and felt stifled. She had her aqua sleeping bag reabsorb the water and she opened it. Climbing out, she dried off and got dressed. Endris was sleeping peacefully. Ronni pulled her hair back with a head band.

She went down to sickbay. She spoke briefly with the nurse there and got a hypospray full of something to stop the headache. She thanked the nurse and went to the mess hall. Being 0300, there was nobody there. She ordered a double cup of rachtaccino and took it to the bridge.

The science station was empty, so she sat down. She decided that since the cloak was being fixed, she would do some research that may address their real problem.

She accessed the computer systems on Boreth. She did a cross reference of wej'oy'nem and bej'mey. Nothing came up, but she noticed that a systems tag was activated. She hurried and started another search but logged in as the systems administrator. She followed the tag back through the systems. The warning tag was set to alarm if someone did a search for this particular combination. She could not delete the tag, but she was able to modify to source of the tag. With a sigh at the near disaster, she began her search again. This time she masked her location and set it to look like someone was accessing the file from some clerk's office.

She continued and found very little information. What was interesting was the lack of information in some areas. Little or no research was done on the causes or effects of the wej'oy'nem. It was just accepted. The Klingon opera, "The Years of Pain" describes the effect of it on three generations of the Toral family, but it never goes into the cause.

The bej'mey are listed as heroes (or sometimes secretive conspirators), but there is no concrete evidence of there existence. Suddenly, looking in some two hundred year old records, she found the original maps for the 'temple' on Boreth. She had the computer overlay the original map with the current. There were many differences. A fire 82 years ago had damaged the Northern wing of the building. It hadn't been rebuilt, but converted into housing for those visiting the temple. But, one interesting thing was the appearance of some tunnels and passageways. They were apparently originally meant for the maintenance people, but on the new map, they don't show up at all.

She looked over at a flashing light on the console. Three ships were approaching their location at a high rate of speed. The Captain . . . err General needed to be alerted. Transmitted via the clerk's office, she signaled the General.

"General, this is Ronni. I have an old, old map of the temple that may be useful for you. I found it in some ancient archives." she explained.

["Bonzer job Lieutenant."] Captain Price replied over the communicator, ["We are following a lead now, but if it doesn't pan out, I'll want to have a look at that map of yours. It might give us an idea where to find what we are looking for."]

Ronni nodded, "Shall I transmit the data down to you General?"

["Negative Lieutenant."] Lee replied, ["I don't want to leave a channel open that long. Why don't you prepare a data padd, and if this lead doesn't go anywhere, we can find a safe place where you can beam it down to us."]

"Can do sir." Ronni replied, "Lieutenant Morris out."

The Delphinian Practical Sciences Officer then turned to go and locate a suitable data padd to download the information into.

=/\= "It's Not What You Say..." =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

*** StarBase 117 ***

Kavek, the Vulcan Archivist of Starbase 117, pored through the data he received from Memory Alpha. Standing at his elevated desk in his windowless and spartanly decorated quarters, the Vulcan was comfortably dressed in his long, heavy meditation robes. His short, almost spiky hair gave him a harsh appearance, despite his peaceful and friendly personality (if a Vulcan can be said to have a personality, especially a friendly one). The lighting was bright; The officer liked his illumination, and found it relaxed him. He had been standing at his desk for fourteen hours straight, having skipped a sleep period to work on his special project for his friend, Matthew Albrecht, who was a newly promoted lieutenant, no longer an ensign as he had been when the two had last seen each other.

The data he had requested from Memory Alpha came in soon after his request, and took little time to receive. There was a very small amount of information that fit the profile Matthew had requested. Kavek had been studying the results intently, and in the course of reading document after document, he had found some strange anamolies and anacronisms which suggested the data had been tampered with. Kavek was fluent in over twelve dialects of Klingon, and was a decorated scholar in the field of interplanetary linguistic history. He had never before found the kind of contradictions he was finding during his study of this Klingon governmental documents.

After his first seven hours, the Vulcan had constructed a program to aid him in finding the sort of mysterious things he had found through more laborious searching. With the help of his program, unimaginatively named 'Kavek Linguistic Study Program 3,' he succesfully discovered evidence of tampering in every single document exceeding ninety years of age! What he had discovered was a mismatch of dialects within the oldest documents. At first he began to doubt the popular knowledge of historical Klingonese, but found the errors to be consistent regardless of the age of the documents.

Approximately two hundred and forty years before, Q'Onos's dominant dialect had been different. The popular form of Klingon in use by the High Council differed from modern Klingon in several key ways, due to the different balance of power among the houses at the time. Most people are unaware of the passage of dialects into and out of favor, but linguists can use key language shifts to track the origins of literary works. The documents he found from that time period contained subtle rewrites of many passages which were apparent when one considered word usage. It became obvious to Kavek that a vast campaign to falsify Klingon history had been initiated nearly one hundred years ago.

Kavek mused that had he been born Human, he would be incredibly tempted to speculate on Albrecht's reasons for wanting this information, and what events were transpiring in Klingon space where the Galaxy was traveling while Kavek executed this research. Because Kavek had been fortunate enough to be born Vulcan, he felt no desire to theorize upon the Galaxy's mission. Instead, he merely attempted to determine what information had been changed in the old records. What, exactly, are the mysterious changes covering up? And who had perpetrated this drastic historical revision? Kavek's cynical side even began wondering if the perpetrators were still around, guarding against the discovery of their misdeeds.

*Another three hours before my shift starts,* he thought, noticing the time. *I'll give myself two more hours on this, and then send my findings to Matthew.* The Vulcan then set about studying some of the oldest documents, to determine what had been changed, and perhaps find clues to the nature of the original data.

*** USS Galaxy, hours later ***

The Galaxy was in orbit about the planet Boreth, with the Bird of Prey containing the Captain and several others from the Galaxy's crew also orbiting, though under the protective cover of its cloaking device. Much speculation had been circulating among the security staff regarding the happenings aboard Commander Dergaus's ship. It seemed as if the security non- coms deeply envied the officers that had been allowed over to the Klingon warship. Each of them tried to out-do the others in their graphic descriptions of the kinds of violence the Klingons were perpetrating upon the StarFleet officers that had gone to the Qul'Etlh. Matthew believed the Galaxy's officers would have come up with more clever, less violent alternatives to proving their merit by fighting the Klingons hand to hand. Of course, Matthew had little understanding of the Klingon way.

He was returning to his room after a single shift, thankful that he didn't have to pull a double shift so soon after the last one. Sunder had made it clear, however, that at any time he could call extra personnel on duty if he felt the need, and Matthew knew he would be the first one called to help out in a tight spot. It made him proud to feel appreciated by his commander.

Upon entering his quarters, Albrecht went straight to his terminal to see if he had received any messages. He was anxiously awaiting Kavek's findings on the data he had requested. His first message was from his parents, who were probably concerned that he had not written them on his normal day. He set that message aside, knowing that he couldn't send a return message to them until their return from Klingon space. The second message was an encrypted message from StarBase 117, and the security officer excitedly spoke his password to the computer to release the encryption and obtain access to the secrets within the message. The contents were large, though not nearly as large as he had hoped. Accompanying the documents and other data was a video message from his friend.

On the screen came the image of the stoic-looking Vulcan Archivist. He stood in the image, his hands behind him and an unreadable look upon his face. He spoke, "Greetings, Lieutenant Albrecht. I am pleased by your successes. I am certain you have earned your new rank through diligence, rather than through feeding your commander a few of your famous Denver omelettes," joked the pointy-eared man in his Vulcan-deadpan manner. The two friends had shared a few interests, including an enjoyment of good food. He continued, "You have presented me with a fascinating puzzle, Matthew. Perhaps I have discovered a few things you may not have anticipated."

One corner of the terminal's screen turned black, and a Klingon document appeared there, or at least the first page of one. "Observe this document, an inter-branch record of medical legislation presented to the High Council over two hundred standard years ago," he began, while the document started turning pages rapidly, until settling on the fortieth page. A large block of text there had been highlighted for the security officer's benefit. "Matthew, the language used here is anacronistic. In fact, several of these Klingon terms had never been applied in this manner before--and would not be used this way for at least fifty years."

Matthew furrowed his brow, determined to follow the Vulcan's train of logic, no matter how convoluted. There was a quality to Kavek's voice as he droned on, that suggested that he was excited by his discoveries. The message had continued, "...in this document also. The pattern of changes and corrections I have shown you in these three files repeats in every document, every data file I could find that met your criteria. The Klingons, as you know, are not known for their subtlety. However, these historical revisions are done with much greater care than might be expected from a race who takes on their challenges head-first, as you say." The Vulcan went on for several minutes, touching on several key linguistic details to support his point.

Albrecht was shocked, he hadn't imagined that his strange lack of data on the Klingon's governmental and legal systems would turn into a revelation of a conspiracy! Kavek concluded his message, "I have been unable to determine the goal of these changes. What information was edited is beyond speculation, as the revisions are made to documents covering virtually every aspect of Klingon existence. There was another matter that caught my attention," he wrapped up in an ominous tone, "Among the data I requested was some anthropological information obtained over a century ago by Starfleet Intelligence. When that data arrived, it was garbled. The images and text were indecipherable. I will continue to make attempts to retrieve the data, however, I do not calculate the odds of success as significant."

The message ended, and the security officer set about sorting the new data into his existing collection of documents. He wished there was another person aboard he could share his findings with. He had not told Gary, Astrid, or Gakes about his discoveries yet. He had a sense that something about the missing data made his findings more than just interesting. He believed that what he had found could well be dangerous--as dangerous as the High Council's current malicious plans. If he only had someone he could trust, who was intelligent enough to help him determine what was being covered up, and who was doing the covering!

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637