"Tales of Noble Deeds"
By Ensign Xavier Bishop
Security
USS Galaxy

Xavier sat back in his chair silently rocking back and forth in a rythmic motion while bouncing his steepled fingers against his pursed lips. This was a subconscious action the Andorian usually reserved for when he was deep in thought: such as now. Xavier had returned to his quarters on deck two of the Galaxy after completing the security simulation in the holodeck and taken a nice long hot shower. He enjoyed showers because the drumming of the water beating on his abused body after a rigorous work out, such as the security drill in the holodeck, helped to massage and relieve the tension built up in his corded muscles.

Arrayed on the surface of the desk in front of him were several blue grey PADDS along with a wadded up towel which he had meticulously dried his antennae and scruffed his thick white hair dry with after getting out of the shower. There was also a holoimage of his family and a small cup filled to the brim with simmering hot tea set on the desk. The desk also had a personal work console and computer built into it. Xavier stopped rocking in his chair and leaned forward to idly pick up the spicy concoction and take a sip from it. He winced slightly at the bitter sweet taste but disregarded it as the warm liquid slid down his throat. He set the cup back down on the desk and reached for one of the PADDs and looked at it: Chief Petty Officer Xian. Each PADD contained the updated, personal bio and service record of the individual's that had participated in the Xavier Omega 2 simulation. Xavier had updated them to be sent for individual evaluation by Lieutenant Commander Sunder and Lieutenant Albrecht.

Lieutenant Commander Sunder had ordered an increase in the holodeck drills, putting an emphesis on boarding Klingon vessels and repelling Klingon boarders from the Galaxy. Why? The Klingons were currently Federation allies. Or were they? But, they had entered Klingon space accompanied by a Klingon vessel so the alliance must still stand. The questions continued to scroll through Xaviers thoughts. But, without all the pieces to the puzzle, Xavier simply couldn't answer his own questions. Being an Ensign didn't help matters either; as, he only recieved what information was deemed essential for him to carry out his duties. Ah, well. Xavier smiled. At least the holo simulations promised an adventerouse time while the Galaxy was in Klingon space.

Xavier pushed any further thoughts from his mind and set the PADD back down on the desk. He then pushed himself up from his chair and finished getting dressed in preperation for the casual meeting in Ten Forward.

*****Ten Forward 1 Hour Later*****

As Xavier walked into Ten Forward, he noticed, Chief Xian and the others seated around one of the larger tables near a viewport. Yeoman Ayers was half standing half leaning over the table while he boistrously recalled the magnificent accounting the group had made of themselves in battle against the simulated Klingons. The young man pointed his hand out toward his captivated audience using the gesture to emmulate the firing of a phaser and to add to the drama of the events that took place in the holo deck. Xavier couldn't help but smile as the excited youth's jovial voice dominated the room.

"...I kept firing and they kept falling. Fzzoom! Fzzoom!" Ayers fired his invisible phaser with one hand while brushing his thick red hair from his eyes with the other. "Man! They were dropping everywhere! I tell ya, we really kicked some Klingon a..." Michael was quickly interupted by a scowling Chief Xian.

"Yeoman Ayers," Xian began in his low dangerous tone. "I will not tell you again to refrain from using fowl language in the pressence of Star Fleet Officers and women." Xian turned his baleful glaze on Michael and smiled ever so slightly. "You did fire that phaser over and over again at that charging, Bat'leth wielding Klingon woman. However, as I recall, she cut you down with that primitive weapon. You had a phaser: a ranged weapon. She had a Bat'leth: a melee weapon. Yet, she still managed to close the distance and cut you down with it." Xian fell silent and picked up his drink among the raucous laughter of Yeoman's Arizmenderis, Raesetti, and Tarvin as well as other Ten Forward patrons who had been captivated by Michael's recanting of the holodeck scenario.

Ayers' face flushed with embarassment and anger, however, he quickly composed himself and put on a cocky half grin. "Yeah, well. We still stomped those cranial neandrothol's anyway." Saying that he dropped back into his seat and fell silent.

Tarvin, still convulsing with snorted squeels of laughter, slapped Michael a heavy blow on the back nearly throwing him across the table. "At least you got to fire your weapon my friend. I was simply an improvised sheath for a Klingon mek'leth." He snorted. "But we did succeed despite your heroic efforts to silence that Klingon Banshee." The group once again burst out in peels of laughter.

Xavier approached the table and slid into a chair which had been reserved for him. "I'm glad to see all of you are enjoying yourselves." He Dropped the PADD's on the table in front of the assembled security detail. "These are the updated reports on each of your performances in the simulation." Everyone reached for a PADD. "They will be turned into Lieutenant Commander Sunder and Lieutenant Albrecht for individual evaluation." Xavier then turned to Yeoman Ayers and Tarvin. "You two are to report for an extra duty shift."

Tarvin and Ayers both looked at Xavier with suprised looks and both blurted out in unison, "But we just got off shift."

A slight smile played at the corners of Xavier's face as he replied. "Yes, but you also died in the simulation. From now on, anyone who does not live through these scenarios," Xavier held up one of the PADD's for emphasis, "will be pulling double shifts. And, before you say anything else, Raesetti was not killed in the simulation. She was wounded." He let his words sink in before he continued, "Also," the Andorian Ensign turned to Michael, "you will get a regulation haircut before your next shift." The smile broadened into a mischeviouse grin, "That way no more Klingon's can sneak up on you."

The group at the table burst out in laughter, once again at the cost of Michael's pride.

"Respectfully Yours."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson
(Klingon poem by Gennie Summer)

Chief Science Officer's Log. Stardate 49805.30

The sensor readings Lieutenant' Sullax reported seems to have originated from the Klingon vessel, Qul'etlh. It appears that at that time, they had not yet repaired the leaking neutrino particles they were emanating. Just prior to instructing Lieutenant' Sullax to repeat the coded message, using vertiron particles, the leaking seems to have stopped. We have assumed that the message has been received and the problem rectified. Lieutenant' Sullax believes that the unusual emission detected by the ships sensors were more than likely an interaction between the leaked vertiron particles and the targeting scanner during transport from the Klingon vessel. Based on the evidence he has shown me, I would have to make the same conclusion as he did. At present, Lieutenant' Sullax and Ensign Taurean have begun to overseeing the sensor calibrations specified in the "C-defense" file sent by Lieutenant McKenzie not long ago.

**** Boreth ****

Rematerialising in front of the majestic Monastery of Kahless the Unforgettable, the group of officers saw an ancient Klingon building, covered by snow amidst the peaks of a towering mountain range.

"This temple is nearly eight hundred years old." Greer said as he looked at his tricorder and scanned the surrounding environment.

"That means when the Klingons were building this temple," Leslie remarked, "Humans hadn't circumnavigated Earth or even begun the to experience the Industrial Revolution."

The away team made their way to the large temple doors. Lieutenant Albrecht pushed open the mighty wooden doors to reveal a rustic interior, dimly lit by several primitive, fire-driven lamps. As they entered, the group was approached by an unarmed Klingon dressed in dark coloured robes.

"Why are you here?" he said bluntly.

"I am Lieutenant Greer Erikson, Chief Scientist and Second Officer of the USS Galaxy. We . . ."

"A scientist, second in command of a starship." the Klingon mused to himself. "The Federation must be desperate for command officers." he said with an almost jovial tone.

Greer had an acerbic remark on the tip of his tongue, once again recalling that comment he had heard several times during his career, but declined. "My colleagues and I represent some of the many officers from the USS Galaxy. We are here to pay our respects to the fallen warriors, our allies that have joined the Black Fleet in Sto-Vo-Kor." the scientist said.

"I am Divok, son of Torin and a cleric to this temple." the Klingon announced. "We welcome you to this sacred place."

"The honour is ours, Divok. May I introduce the Galaxy's Chief Helmsman Lieutenant Tebrianne Bancroft, Chief Counselor Leslie Wilson, Assistant Chief Engineer Lieutenant Alan Hewson, Medical Officer Dr. D'tarna Bellen, and Security Officer Lieutenant Matthew Albrecht." Greer said, extending his hand to identify his companions to the cleric.

"You have spoken well of our warriors and honour them with your presence." Divok said as his eyes became enlarged and teeth bared in a smile. Greer assumed that this was the 'warrior glare' he had heard about. "May you proceed with honour. Qapla'."

"Thank you." he said with a nod as Divok stepped aside, allowing them entrance into the temple itself.

**** Several hours later ****

"Isn't it magnificent." Dr. Bellen said admiring the ancient artefact. "The Klingon woman over there told me that it carries the blood of Kahless himself.."

"That would make it a very significant religious artefact in Klingon culture." Greer said as he removed his tricorder. "The weapon itself is some thirteen hundred years old. A fine example of Klingon weaponry from the pre-Imperial era."

"You ferengan Ha'DIbaH! Remove yourself your unworthy presence from the Knife or be prepared to die." one of the larger Klingons said as he pushed the stunned Greer away from the artefact, throwing him hard to the floor and sending the tricorder hurling to his left.

It took Greer several seconds to comprehend what had just happened. "I'm not sure what I've done to offend you. I was merely analysing that artefact and mean't no disrespect." he said as he slowly sat back up. "I have an amateur interest in archaeology and I was hoping to know more about its origins.."

"jaH. There is no dishonour in seeking information Karnal." an older cleric said, as he gestured for the guard to back down. "You must realize Lieutenant, the Knife of Kirom is one of our most sacred items. As far as the guard knew, you could have been a Dominion infiltrator attempting to steal it. He was simply doing his duty."

"Apology accepted. At least now you know he isn't negligent in his duties." Greer remarked as he massaged the shoulder that took most of the impact from his fall. No matter what anyone says, or what Holodeck programs may lead people to think, the Klingon people are generally much stronger than Humans. Greer just found out how true that was. "Forgive me for asking cleric, if you are so worried about this artefact being stolen, why have it displayed as it is now?"

"We live in uncertain times Federationer." the elderly Klingon replied, helping the scientist up fro the ground. "My people need to reassert themselves of their proud and glorious heritage, and the Knife of Kirom is capable of doing this. People from all over the Empire travel here to see it and to remind themselves that they are Klingons. Although there is always the risk that the Knife could be stolen or destroyed in an attempt to demoralize my people, we Klingons have never been afraid of death and have always been able to take the risk."

"I can imagine that to die whilst protecting it would be quite an honourable and worthy death." Greer said with a curious smile.

"The honour would not be in protecting the Knife itself, but what it stands for. It is difficult for non-Klingons to understand."

**** That same evening ****

As Erikson, Bancroft, Hewson, Albrecht, Wilson, and Bellen sat around the smoky fire as one of the Klingons visitors, obviously not a cleric, stood up and began to walk around the fireside. "jej tajwIj, jej mInwIj je . . . Heghbej muqaDbogh Hoch. tlhIngan SuvwI' jIH . . . 'ej reH jIghobrup . . . vay' vIqaDmeH jImImQo' . . . qaD vIlajmeH jIloSbe'. may' vItIvqu' net Sov. reH jIcharghpu'mo'." he said with an almost lyrical tone.

Greer leaned discretely over to AC. "What is he actually saying?"

"I guess you never took much Klingon at the Academy then." he replied as Greer shrugged his shoulders, his very limited Klingon making him ignorant to either the purpose or meaning of what the man had just said. "It is a poem about glory and honour. It . . . "

"You," Divok interrupted, as he looked at the engineer, "you understand Klingon? This verse was not meant to be whispered like some small and weakly mammal, but to be told out loud like a warrior. Speak up and tell your comrades about it out loud."

AC stood up and did as he was invited to do. "My blade is sharp as is my eye, and all who challenge me will die. I am a Klingon warrior and, ready for battle do I stand, to challenge I don't hesitate, nor to accept one do I wait. I glory in battle for you see. I always gain the victory!"

"Qapla'," the Klingons said with a reserved smile, "you did it justice and spoke it with the honour it deserves."

"I was merely speaking it, High Cleric, the author deserves the credit." AC said as he grabbed a cup full of bloodwine and sat down.

"I'm curious High Cleric." Leslie asked, catching the attention of the elderly Klingon. "How did your people come to be so far from Qo'noS, to established a monastery here on Boreth?"

"The ancient texts record that the greatest warrior that ever lived, Kahless, promised to return to our people one day. Before leaving Qo'noS for Sto-Vo-Kor, he pointed to a distant point of light and said 'look for me on that point of light'. Once we developed the ability to travel through space, we did just that."

"And you have been waiting ever since." Bellen added.

"Yes." one of the other clerics replied. "And so we have."

***** Ungraceful Surrender *****
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer), USS Galaxy NCC-70637
& Xala, Ten-Forward Hostess

***** Sickbay *****

"Thanks Cat, I think I know what to do now." Ursa 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 Caitian to her own thoughts.

Cat watched Ursa leave the theatre. The threatened flood of tears finally broke through. She wanted to be held by Ursa, to have his arms around her. To be close to him, to just be with him. Now that would be forever be denied to her. Another woman, the woman he loves will have what Cat desired.

Time had gone by, as Cat sat in the corner of the theatre, hugging her knees and crying. Soon, there were no more tears. She looked at her reflection in the surface of one of the terminals; glad her green sclera wouldn't show the redness that would have shown in most humanoids. That did nothing to fill in the huge hole that she felt in her gut.

Running through her mind was part of an old saying, 'If you love something; then let it be free.' He was free and happy, that was the most important thing. She tried to find solace in that; it failed to wipe away the pain.

Xala came to mind and with it, anger and frustration. She did not deserve Ursa but if she is his choice, then Cat was going to make sure that Xala did nothing to hurt him. Cat felt the rise of anger in herself. With it she had made her decision.

Closing the feelings of anger, deep inside of her; she returned to the main ward. To help in the attending of the patients in Sickbay.

***** Little while later *****

The last of the patients had been attended to and now it was for Xala. As Cat left Sickbay, the rest of the medical staff began discussing their notes on Cat. What ever happened in the theatre certainly had affected her.

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

Cat walked past the sliding doors and scanned the room. Xala wasn't in here. She noticed Door taking up his position at the bar.

Moving over the bar, trying to hide her anger, "Hudson, Where is she?"

Door looked at Cat, her anger obvious, "Xala?"

"Yes! Xala, who else do you think I mean?" Cat forced her anger down, "Yes Hudson, I am looking for her," Cat asked more quietly.

Door turned to indicate the staff offices behind, "She is just getting ready from the gym, should be out in a minute."

Cat thanked him and tried a friendly smile. Door could only see a snarl on Cat's face.

As Cat thanked Door, the door to the back of Ten-Forward opened and Xala walked through. Cat walked up to her. "Xala we need to talk!" Cat whispered forcefully, and continued to walk into the offices behind Xala.

"Cat, you shouldn't go in there!" Xala protested and turned to follow her in.

Cat looked around; there was nobody else in the room. She turned to face Xala.

"You would've invited me in here anyway. Because we need to talk. Privately!" exclaimed Cat.

"Let me guess?" asked Xala. "Ursa?"

"Yes, Ursa! You've won your little competition. He loves you Xala and I won't stand in the way of his happiness."

"Thank you Cat. Your graciousness is so kind." Xala replied sarcastically.

Cat growled a little at the sarcasm, "But remember this, if you hurt him..."

With a raised sculptured eyebrow, "You'll do what? Give me a cold? You won't do anything! You're not that kind of person. If you were, you wouldn't be a doctor in Starfleet. So don't try and threaten me, it just won't work."

"Don't bet on it Xala. I'll be watching you closer than any Orion Syndicate could. If you hurt him, you'll wish you were back in the prison colony." was Cat's cold reply.

"If that's it doctor? I have a lounge to look after and you have a Sickbay to administer. If you please?" Xala indicated the door. "I would appreciate in future, you not barging in to people's offices like that. It's not polite."

Cat scowled at Xala, "Just you remember..."

"Doctor Khatroweena, you are beginning to repeat yourself. Why don't you have a drink or maybe proscribe yourself a somnetic inducer, it will help you sleep. You really are too tense." interrupted Xala and headed out.

Cat stormed out of the offices and began her return to Sickbay.

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

"A Long Sleep"
By Ensign George Prince

"Ensign Prince report to Shuttle Bay 1." A vioce came out of no where. Ensign George looked around and found he was in Ten Forward. He quickly finished his drink and head to the Shuttle Bay. Right when Ensign George walked out of Ten Forward he found himself in the Shuttle Bay. Looking around he saw that know one was there. "Where is everyone?" Ensign George yelled as the room around him became black. "Oh, I get it now this is just a dream. I will just jump that might wake me up." said Ensgin George right before he jumped. "I am not waking up what do I do now? Someone has got to know that I am still a sleep." he said while sitting on the floor of his dream.

Ensign George Prince
USS Galaxy
Helmsman

By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer), USS Galaxy NCC-70637
And a lot of Lt Commander Casey's Post 'DESTINY'

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

Cat had intended to just head for Sickbay, but she wanted a drink. Cat slid on to the stool as Door came over and asked what she wanted.

"Just a Brandy and Milk, Hudson, Thanks"

Door put down the glass he was polishing and poured the drink. "Here you go Felicia."

"Thanks." Cat sipped. Both hands clutching the glass, she just watched the small currents in the liquid, as they swirled around.

She didn't hear Casey sit next to her, "Hello Doctor, may I join you?"

Cat looked around, a little surprised at Deiran just appearing next to her. Not wanting anyone to know how she felt, she put on her happy doctor face and with more confidence than she felt, "Certainly Captain, have a seat."

Cat noticed in the corner of her eye, Xala moving over to Deiran. The two locked eyes for a split second. Xala got Deiran's order and went off to fill it.

Cat took a sip of her drink, "How is Miran and Lara?"

"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," responded Deiran.

'Too much of a workaholic, Deiran. If you don't slowdown, you'll burn out within a decade,' Cat thought to herself. Cat had read Deiran's meteoric rise in his file. But if he kept going like this, it would be more like a shooting star.

'The flame that burns twice as brightly, burns for half as long. And you my friend have burned the brightest,' Cat could not remember where she heard that one from, but it was very appropriate.

Cat looked at Deiran, she had heard over the ship's grapevine that he had injured himself in the Holodeck. Supposedly, nothing dangerous; but...

"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's mind dredged up the possibilities that can come from a 'simple sprain' if not caught.

"Sickbay and I don't get along Cat. End of story!" There was a finality in Deiran's voice. Cat heard also the slight tinge of fear. What ever that caused it, Deiran was deathly afraid of Sickbay. 'Dammit, he is so egotistical, that he won't admit to it.'

A doctor has to be a diplomat. Know when to stay calm and know when to loose your temper. If she was going to get anything out of him, this was the time. Letting some of the frustration she was feeling through, "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 could see Deiran was hesitating, it wasn't much. 'He's on the back foot. If I can get him to admit it. It be half the battle won.'

Xala came up and served Deiran's order, "Thank you Xala."

"Your welcome Captain, enjoy your dinner," she returned and moved to serve another customer.

When Deiran faced Cat again, she could see that he had time to regain his composure. "How are you and Ursa doing?" he asked.

Cat just looked in to her glass. It was amazing how words can be so painful. The pain she felt when she was shot on Dronegar was nothing compared to the ripping out of her gut that she felt now. It was only because she was in doctor mode that stopped her from loosing it. 'How much does he know?'

"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."

Cat looked at him; she blinked away the beginning of tears in her eyes, hoping he hadn't caught it. Deiran was running, running scared. Trying to end the conversation didn't work, so now he is changing the direction. 'Won't work Deiran!'

"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 made sure Deiran knew she was serious.

Deiran looked unsure, "Thank you Cat, but I'm fine."

"Just remember what I said, Deiran." On that, Cat finished her drink and left, letting him eat his dinner in peace. 'I just hope he does think about it,' she asked herself.

***** Ensign Medenhall's Quarters *****

Moving through the corridors, Cat called in to Sickbay. "Khatroweena to Sickbay: What's the situation there?"

["This is Opel: Cat, everything is quiet here. No problems looming on the horizon."]

"Good! I'll be back in about fifteen minutes. Just keeping a promise. Cat out!"

Cat asked the computer to open the door to Ensign Medenhall's Quarters. As she walked through, she felt a rubbing against her legs and heard the purring.

Looking down, "So you're Digit. Hey!" Cat bent down to pick up the purring feline. She moved over to the bed and sat down. Digit moved around Cat's lap to find a comfortable position and started to purr, eyes half closed.

As to a cat's ever changing want, after a few minutes of Cat stroking Digit, Digit got up and jumped off Cat's lap. Digit moved over to his bowl with tail held high. At the bowl, began a mewing.

"Obviously, you want me to feed you?" smiled Cat. Now what was it, Greer fed Jasey. Ah... "Computer, Feline Supplement 49 and water."

With a sparkle of blue lights and a low whine, the food and water appeared on the replicator. Cat bent over and transferred the contents to the bowl and returned the waste to be reprocessed by the replicator. Scratching Digit, behind the head as Digit ate, Cat felt the purring from the Cat. "I'll see you later, Digit. You be good."

Cat left Medenhall's room and began returning to Sickbay.

***** Sickbay *****

Cat fell into the huge chair behind the C M O's desk. As she looked around the office, she saw the report she was working on before Tebrianne walked in. That reminded her of the 'blackmail' on poor Nilani. Cat rubbed her eyes, not sure what to do. She shouldn't have looked, now she had, she had to do something for Nilani.

Cat just let her body relax, as best as she could. Today, so far had been very emotional. Cat hoped it wouldn't get any worse.

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

"Following the hooded Klingon"
by Commander Joerg Sterner

"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.

Although at first it seemed that the hooded Klingon was gone, Joerg had no difficulties tracking him. The Klingon was moving very fast and therefore was easily to track on the tricorder.

Joerg was just about to start to run himself when he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Commander Dergaus' hand which was preventing him from running after the hooded Klingon.

"We don't want to rise any more suspicion, do we Commander?" he asked and removed his hand from the Sterner's shoulder.

"He is right Commander. You still have that Klingon on your tricorder, so why should we expose ourselves anymore than we already have by running through the most sacred halls of the Klingon Empire." the General added.

"You are right sir, but I have a bad feeling about this Klingon. I would feel much better if we already had found him." Joerg replied and checked his tricorder again.

The group continued their walk beside the huge walls, which were barely illuminated by the few fireplaces. Joerg somehow liked the atmosphere, it was very similar to his favorite holoprogram, although this felt much more real than the simulations.

While Joerg lead the whole group, Captain Price and Commander Dergaus were following him closely. Behind them were Yirok and Mach, who were very impressed by the Temple structures, especially Mach, who had never been to Boreth before. Right behind them was Ensign Rios, who was also impressed by the Temple, but who focused his main thoughts on his duty as Security Officer.

Following the long and dimmed hallways through the Temple, Ensign Rios finally dared to ask a questions he wanted to ask for quite a time.

"What or who is this bej'mey?" he asked quietly, but each member of the group could hear him.

Had he known what this little question could do to such warriors like Dergaus, Yirok and Mach, perhaps he would have reconsidered, but he wanted to know more about Klingon tradition. Yirok was the first to respond.

"The bej'mey are the perfect Klingon warriors, their courage and honor is legendary." he began emotionally, but Mach interrupted him.

"Every Klingon has heard about their bravery and heroic deeds. There are a huge number of songs just to their honor." he continued with pride.

"They are something like you Humans would call knights, brave and noble warriors, who did honorable and good deeds for the people." Commander Dergaus added, looking at Commander Sterner while making that statement.

"I have also heard some stories about their bravery." Joerg added.

"Isn't it true that even the children are being told stories about the brave and courageous deeds of the bej'mey?" he then asked.

"Yes, true indeed. To us these people are considered legends. No one can defeat the bej'mey." Dergaus explained, not without a tone of satisfaction in his voice.

Ensign Rios nodded his thanks to the Klingons and was very pleased with that answers. If he was lucky, he soon would meet a Klingon legend. But before that would happen, they had to find that hooded Klingon. Joerg was still leading the way and again began to walk faster. This time he had his reasons.

"I can't believe it!" he exclaimed.

"What is it Commander?" Price asked.

"Sir, I had him on the tricorder, but then he was suddenly gone, only to reappear quite a large distant from the last point where I saw him." Joerg explained.

"There is nothing unbelievable Commander. There are many hidden passageways here in this Temple. My guess is that he knows his way around here better than we do and therefore was able to trick you." Dergaus gave a try to explain the situation.

"Fair dinkum. But you are still able to track him, aren't you 'mate?" General Price asked.

"Yes sir, but the signal is very faint and will be gone soon unless we either find one of that passageways or we move faster." Joerg replied.

"Considering that we are out of the most populated areas of the Temple, I suggest we take the second alternative." Dergaus suggested.

"Aye, let's move." Price also added.

The team started to increase their speed. Joerg tried to make out short cuts, but since there was no telling if it wasn't a dead end at first, he decided to choose the most direct way to the hooded Klingon.

Finally they made it off of the Temple grounds. Joerg continued to lead them, but this time the whole team started to run. They wanted to get that Klingon no matter what cost. After a short time of running, which was a good training for all of the away team, Joerg noticed that the Klingon had stopped. HE informed the rest of the team of his findings and they started to walk again.

Some moments later all six where approaching a small building, not much larger than a hut. Joerg stopped and scanned the building.

"Our 'friend' is definitely in there, along with three other Klingons." he informed the rest of the team.

"Six versus four. I think we have the better cards." Ensign Rios exclaimed.

"But before we storm in that building, let's not forget why we followed that Klingon in the first place. We need to know why he followed us. We need those Klingons alive." Price reminded them.

"Ok, set your phasers to heavy stun and only shoot if necessary." Joerg also added.

After that they approached the building. Joerg still scanning to make sure they surprise the Klingons and not the other way around. He noticed that the Klingon they were following stood in the center of the building, while the other three were gathered around him. With that information he was sure they had the element of surprise on their side.

Yirok and Mach were standing ready at the door. Joerg and Rios were just beside them and the two Captains were the last of the team. Joerg gave to signal to begin, a quick nod. Mach quickly opened the door and Yirok stormed inside, shortly followed by Rios, Joerg and Mach. Dergaus and Price stood at the door and watched.

The moment the team entered the room, the hooded Klingon turned in surprise, the hood already removed. To the astonishment of the whole away team the Klingon they were following all the time turned out to be a woman, and a very beautiful one too.

With that action, the element of surprise was gone. The other three Klingons, one of them was an old man sitting on a chair and the other two were Klingon warriors, started to act. The warriors and the female Klingon started to pull out weapons, bat'leths and mek'leths, and began to attack the away team. The old man on the other hand just sat there and coughed uncontrollably.

After their shock was gone, Yirok, Mach and Rios began to defend themselves with their own weapons against the attackers. Joerg knowing that an honorable fight meant everything to a Klingon, stood back and just watched them fight. Captain Price and Commander Dergaus also just stood outside the door and hoped that their side would win.

After a short fight in that small house, the crew of the Qul'etlh and the Galaxy were victorious. They managed to disarm all three Klingons. After that, Commander Dergaus and Captain Price entered the hut. Dergaus grabbed the female Klingon and demanded to be informed why they have been watched by her.

"You are from the house Kras?" she only replied.

"Yes, that's true, but that wasn't the answer I wanted from you." he shouted.

"I knew one of your family members, his name was K'Ral."

"You knew my brother? Tell me more about this." Dergaus demanded.

But this time the woman kept her mouth shut.

"I need to find the bej'mey, only they can prove that my brother is innocent." he shouted again.

Astonishing enough the old Klingon suddenly began to speak.

"You mustn't seek no more. You have found the bej'mey." he mumbled.

"What do you mean old man? Where are the noble warriors of the bej'mey?" Dergaus asked him again.

"You are seeing them in front of you. We are all that is left of the bej'mey." came the saddened answer.

Dergaus and the other Klingons from the away team couldn't believe what they just heard. Those four Klingons, one of them an old man, were the legends from their childhood tales.

A run in with an "Ally"
By Ensign Mendenhall

Mendenhall woke up from his nap. He decided he needed to head to engineering. He didn't know how all those Klingons were able to work so long. Then again, rembering back at the Academy studying, he saw how they could. He kicked open the door from the closet. It was starting to grow on him. A Klingon that was passing by noticed him and looked at him strangely. Mendenhall smiled and walked past him. He felt a sudden grip on his shoulder. "Is there any reason why your staying in the disruptor cabinet that I keep up?" the klingon questioned him emphasizing the worg "I." Mendenhall turned around slowly and looked into the beastly klingon's face. "There my quarters," he said calmly. "Why?" the klingon protested. "Because I don't like the idea of co-ed quarters." he said starting to raise his voice.

The next thing Mendenhall felt was a sharp pain in his jaw. He couldn't tell whether he had been slapped, uppercutted, or kicked in the jaw, all he knew was it hurt. The klingon answered in a sharp reply "You should be glad to be able to sleep with your women." he said in joking manner. Mendenhall felt his fist tighten and his anger raged. He didn't like talk like that, and if he said another word, I'll kill him, just plain and simple kill him.

As the Klingon started spewing out another dirty comment about the female's of his species, Mendenhall gave him a left cross. The Klingon looked at him stunned. "You better be able to finish something you start Human." As the Klingon warrior pounced toward him, Mendenhall started to panic a bit. As if in slow motion he saw the klingon, he remembered his days when the wrestlting coach begge him on the team. As the hulky beast lunged at him, Mendenhall crouched, then flipped the overgrown beast over his back. The Klingon landed with a loud thud.

Mendenhall landed with his knee baring down on the klingon's chest. As he saw the air get knocked out of the klingon's chest, he felt a large pain in his knee. He forgot about the hard armor they wore. Once the klingon pulled out his knife, Mendenhall realized he was in it over his head. In an almost instive action out of fear, he kicked the knife across the floor, but that put him in a comprimisable position. As they brawled Mendenhall didn't know that his arm could bend that way, and thought it probably shouldn't. He could feel the blood drip down his face as he was pressed against the floor.

As the Klingon laughed, a sudden bust of energy came over Mendenhall. He really didn't realize what he done, but the next thing he knew, he had his knee against the klingon's throat. He pressed harder as he yelled in an almost soft voice to the Klingon. "If you ever ever threaten me again, or speak of the women of my crew like that again, I'll kill you, I'll straight kill you!" He held his knee there, and as the Klingon started to pass out, he beat his head up and down into the floor. He spat out the blood from his mouth onto the monsters face and walked off toward engineering. He knew the klingon would be alright. He had nothign toward the Klingons as a race, he would have bashed anyone's head who tlaked that way, even the Captain.

He saw the knife he had kicked across the floor and picked it up. He threw it into one of the trash ducts. He figured that was the best way to insult him from what he had read about their race.

As he entered engineering Lt. Samara looked about as happy as she did. She looked at him in a frustrated manner, then asked him curiously "What happened to you?" "Got in a fight with one of our so called Allies." "Who won?" she questioned. He smiled, trying not to show his bloody lip. Lt. Samara managed a smile. "I need you to find out what is wrong with the secondary IPS systems, something's wrong with them, but I can't find out why." Mendenhall nodded and grabbed a bag of tools as he walked toward the secondary IPS system.

"Of legends"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain Price glanced at the Klingon warriors that were being held by Yirok and Ensign Rios. One of them was massaging his wrist where Rios had disarmed him of his short sword mek'leth. Dergaus was holding the woman, now free of her hood, by the shoulders. When the old gray hared Klingon wheezed and declared that these four warriors were all that remained of the fabled bej'mey, Dergaus released the girl with a slight shove in disbelief.

"You are the bej'mey?" Dergaus asked in astonishment, eyes widening in surprise before narrowing sharply. Dergaus withdrew his d'k tahg and shoved it against the woman's throat, causing her to raise up onto her toes under the pressure from the razor sharp blade. "You lie to confuse us woman! I should cut your tongue out for your deceit!"

Lee jumped forward and pulled on Dergaus' forearm, but the powerful Klingon easily shook free from the General's grasp. His forearm was as round as the average human's thigh.

"Kill me if you must Dergaus, but I speak the truth. I know your brother, K'Ral. That is why I recognized you in the temple." The Klingon woman said in a calm but somewhat anxious tone.

Lee could see the d'k tahg was pressed against the woman's throat with enough force to whiten the surrounding skin. He doubted if even stunning Dergaus would be sufficient to prevent the warrior from twisting his blade and severing the girl's throat. Looking at Commander Sterner, he saw he was already prepared to use his weapon, if needed, on the mighty Klingon. Captain Price raised up a hand to indicate Sterner should hold his fire.

From the back of the room, the old Klingon was beginning to cough and hack something fierce. He struggled to catch his wind between mucus-gurgling gasps. "If you harm her you will be the one that is dishonored brave warrior." He managed between coughs.

For a tense moment, the room fell silent. Dergaus held the blade to the woman's throat and looked into her eyes. They had a fire in them. A silent dignity. Dergaus knew he could end her life with a single stroke of his blade. But more importantly, the woman knew it too. Yet still she stood there proudly, resolute in her honesty. Her eyes never wavered once. Finally, Dergaus looked away, removing the blade. "There is no honor in killing a helpless woman." He said looking down at his belt while sheathing the blade.

The tensions in the room eased up considerably while the woman rubbed a hand across her throat. There was a slight line left from the blade, but it was quickly beginning to fade under her touch. For all of Dergaus' roughness, he had been careful in the placement and withdrawal of the weapon from her delicate throat. A testament to his skill as a warrior.

"You are a wise man." The old one managed with a scratchy voice.

Dergaus stepped over to face the gray Klingon. He was sitting in a wooden chair and wrapped up in a blanket to keep from catching cold. Captain Price placed a hand on the Klingon woman's shoulder. His eyes beckoned as if to ask if she were all right. When she finished checking her throat, she gave a silent nod and a weak smile over the human's concern. Lee and Commander Sterner then both stepped over to where Dergaus and the others were. Ensign Rios and Yirok were each holding the other two bej'mey warriors by their arms in a restraining hold. They struggled slightly, but the fight appeared to be gone from them for the most part after being dishonored by being so easily disarmed.

"There is no need to hold these men. They will not try to harm you now that they know you are honorable men." The gray Klingon creaked.

Captain Price gave Ensign Rios a nod, indicating he could release the warrior he was holding. The Klingon turned and faced Kornan, giving him a complimentary glance as if to congratulate him on his prowess as a warrior. Lee glanced at Dergaus who reluctantly grunted to Yirok to likewise release the other warrior that attacked them. "How can you be the bej'mey?" Dergaus asked still not believing. "The bej'mey are mighty warriors. Protectors of all that is good in the Klingon people. Our legends tell of mighty deeds and great battles won by the bej'mey. How are you to expect me to believe that you are they?"

The old Klingon began to laugh, but his humor quickly turned into a deep coughing session as his eyes watered and for a moment it was thought he would fall out of his chair. To all present it was obvious that this Klingon was both very old, and very sick. "You confuse folk lore from fact son."

"I am not your son." Dergaus shot back stubbornly, folding his arms.

"I am sorry. Brave warrior. I stand corrected..." he said as if preparing to say more before another coughing fit over took him.

From the back, the Klingon woman pushed by Dergaus, turning sideways. She was indeed an attractive woman, and though her robes did much to conceal her beauty, it was still evident none the less. "Let me by. Korgh is ill."

It was a simple statement. Not overly filled with compassion or concern. Something a nurse might say to shush back visitors and gain access to a patient. But the effect it had on Dergaus, Yirok, Mach, even Ensign Rios, was one of awe and bewilderment.

"This is the Korgh the Great?" Dergaus asked out of sheer disbelief.

"It is, and he is very old and very ill." The Klingon woman explained attending to the old man's needs and offering him a hot cup of herbal tea to soothe his congestion.

Glancing around the room, Lee and Joerg could see in the eyes of the Klingons that some how this old man must have played a significant part in their childhood legends of the bej'mey. "Korgh?" the General asked of Ensign Rios.

Kornan looked at the Captain and gave a partial explanation, "Korgh the Great was one of the seven forgers of the bej'mey Captain. There is a song sung in his honor about the battle at the Canyon K'mpoc."

His coughing quieted thanks to the hot tea, the grayed Korgh injects, "That was nearly eighty years ago my warrior friend. Those were good days..." the old man's stare grew glassy and distant while he remembered, "We were young, strong men then. The seven forgers. We were the bej'mey. We watched over the Empire and guarded that which made us Klingon."

Dergaus glanced at Mach, Rios and Yirok. The rotund Klingon shrugged his shoulders in doubt. "I seek to help my brother, K'Ral from the house of Kras. He left instructions on a holochip to seek out the bej'mey if anything should happen to him. I have come."

Raising a hand, the old Klingon indicated Dergaus would have to wait a moment. Patting his chest, and then taking another drink of the hot tea the woman offered, he was able to continue in a raspy voice. "Your brother has been captured by the High Council."

"I know this." Dergaus interrupted, "He has been taken to Rura Penthe. He told me of the High Council's plans, and these genetic experiments. We need to learn where these experiments are being conducted so we can obtain proof that K'Ral speaks the truth before he goes to trial." Dergaus explains in a powerful warrior's tone.

"Your brother was most thorough in briefing you my friend." Korgh began with a slight wheeze, "I have been rude and my strength is fading quickly. Please, let Belira introduce you to the bej'mey like she did with your brother."

Korgh took the cup from the Klingon woman with both hands, which trembled slightly with age. She placed a kind, gentle hand on his cheek, which made Korgh smile. She then stood up and faced Dergaus and the rest of the away team. "We are what remains of the bej'mey. I am Belira. This is Toqo, and Boral. And of course, you have heard of Korgh the Great."

Dergaus, Captain Price and the others glanced at the four Klingons in the room. The two warriors looked young. Mach, the youngest member of the Qul'etlh's crew, thought that they were not much older than himself. And he was correct. Korgh the Great looked too old and feeble to stand up, let alone wield a bat'leth as in the song of the Canyon K'mpoc. And this woman, Belira, she seemed quite beautiful and possessed some skill with a mek'leth, but still, she was just a woman. Far from what anyone had pictured or imagined the mighty bej'mey would look like.

Seeing Dergaus hesitate in his thoughts, Captain Price stepped forward. He was fascinated by the Klingon woman's beauty, and her name in particular, though he couldn't quite remember where he'd heard that Klingon name before. "G'day ma'am. Name's Price. Captain Lee Price. I am a close friend of K'Ral. This here is Commander Joerg Sterner my first officer, and Ensign Kornan Rios from the USS Galaxy."

Belira nodded to each of the Federation officers one by one as Captain Price introduced them. When he saw Dergaus was still standing there pondering the difference between legends and reality, he gave the warrior a slight nudge with his shoulder, prompting him out of his thoughts.

"Oh." He started, "I am Commander Dergaus, Captain of the Qul'etlh. This is Yirok, my first officer and Mach, the ships pilot. We have come to help prevent the High Council from carrying out these plans and to try and save my brother, and all of the bej'mey from being disposed of by the High Council."

"Your help will be welcome my friends." Korgh wheezed, "Welcome to the bej'mey."

The Klingons present glanced around at each other not believing what they were hearing. Just like that, they had become members of the mystical group the bej'mey. No ceremonies, no tests of courage and honor, no pain stick initiations, nothing but the word of a sickly old man saying they were bej'mey.

Belira regained everyone's attention. "Toqo, you said you know where these experiments are taking place?" she questioned of the young warrior.

Toqo looked at her, "That is right Belira," he began and then looked at the faces of the others in the room, "I was with the rest of the bej'mey when we searched for it. It is hidden in one of the abandoned hospitals on Praxis. I can take you to it." Toqo added in an assured tone looking at Commander Dergaus.

"Yes, you must go Toqo." a wheezy voice croaked from behind them, "You all must go. Even you Belira."

The Klingon woman looked worriedly at Korgh the Great. Not out of fear but out of worry for the old man's health. "I can not leave you here alone Korgh. You are not well. You are old and need help. Who will care for you if I were to leave?"

"I will be fine Belira. You coddle me to much. I am a warrior. I have fought leagues of men set to destroy that which we hold dear. I think I can manage to get my own tea." He said sarcastically. The man looked wrinkled and old. His face was gray and drooping, but a fire radiated out from his eyes. The pridefull radiance of a Klingon warrior. On wobbly legs, Korgh began to rise, standing slightly hunched before the away team and the surviving bej'mey warriors. "You see. I can still move woman. Not with the grace I had in my youth, but certainly enough to make do." Walking in an odd sort of half shuffle, half limp, Korgh the Great stepped over to Belira and brushed the back of his arthritic hand across the beautiful Klingon woman's face, "You must go with them my flower. The bej'mey numbers have dwindled to we few in this room. All of the Klingon Empire calls out for our help in this dark, dark time. You must go."

Belira cupped Korgh's hand against her face. She looked at him with the eyes of a beloved child. It was easy to tell the amount of admiration and respect Korgh commanded of this fine woman. "You are sure you will be all right?"

Smiling weakly, Korgh extended his arms and gave Belira a hug. "Yes child. I will be fine. Now go. Toqo and Boral will accompany you. Together with K'Ral's brother Dergaus and his human friend here, you shall save our people from this new wej'oy'nem. It is why we are bej'mey."

They held for a moment before Belira pulled away. Tears made her cheek glisten in the dim lighting of the tiny shack. "I will do as you wish Korgh. Try to keep warm and dry." She said, pulling his robes up around his neck and adjusting his wrapping like a mother would to a beloved child.

"Go Belira. There isn't enough time to waist on such unimportant matters. I will be fine." Korgh wheezed. Patting his mouth, he turned to Toqo, "Lead them to this place. Show them the things they need to see to stop this terrible mutation from ever happening Toqo. The fate of the Empire rests in your hands."

Straightening somewhat, Toqo said proudly, "We will not let the Empire down Korgh. We will succeed."

Korgh the Great gave a slight smile and then began another coughing fit. Extending a hand, he waved the others off, indicating he was all right. "Go warriors. Go save the Empire."

Grabbing their weapons, and a few satchels and bags, the remaining members of the bej'mey gathered their things. Captain Price, Sterner, Dergaus and the others quickly stood in formation in preparation for transport. Activating his communicator, Commander Dergaus ordered, "jol maH juH."

Belira adjusted the strap of the satchel she slung over her shoulder while glancing at the old Klingon. Lee could see from where he stood that she was still crying. The tears flowed down her lovely high cheek bones and disappeared into her hooded cloak. It was at that moment that the Captain realized where he'd heard the name Belira before. A shimmering field of blue stasis energy enveloped the away team as the high pitched Klingon transporters locked onto the party and began to beam them up to the Qul'etlh. Lee's eyes were transfixed onto the woman wondering if this could possibly be the same person whom he though it was. It was only a matter of time before they would soon find out.

“simple pleasures”
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Mac strode into HoloDeck 4 and stood in contemplation in the middle of the green-lined room.

“Computer. Display Klingon homeworld, equivalent of a temperate forest and populate with about ...umm...lets say a half dozen voles.” Mac watched as the green lines were replaced by a low grassed forest populated with short stout trees and rocky outcroppings.

A slight breeze blew hot wind into Mac’s face as he chuckled. “Looks just like the Klingons” mused Mac, “Computer, initiate site to site transport, authorization McKenzie Beta 64. Beam Occupant of Lt Samara’s quarters directly to this location. Energize!”

The air shimmered in front of Mac as D’Akana, K’Eytyanna’s pet Targ, materialized onto the Holodeck. The beast immediately raised its hackles as it took in its new environment, raising its snout to test the steadily blowing wind. Mac stood silent as he let the Targ make his own decisions about his location. After a few minutes of sniffing, D’Akana turned and recognizing Mac cleared the 7 foot distance and one leap, knocking Mac to the ground.

“Okay, Okay! I missed you too! Now, get off me you big oaf!” exclaimed Mac as he finally managed to extricate from the Tar’s excessive slobbering attack. As D’Akana, rolled to his feet he suddenly became rigid as his highly developed senses picked up movement to his right. Mac grinned as centuries of instinctual breeding took over and the Targ began to stalk its prey.

“You go ahead and have fun. I’ve got a couple of hours so enjoy.” Yelled Mac as the Targ bounded after the fleeing Vole. As hunter and hunted disappeared into the woodline, Mac'’ thoughts turned unbidden to D’Akana’s master. It seemed that no matter what occurred he never got to spend much time with K’Eytyanna. Sure the time they spent was great, but a couple of weeks with no Jem’Hadar or Breen interruptions, would be great. Maybe he could talk her into taking a week and spending it on Risa or even one of the Klingon colonies after this mission. Maybe even...”

Mac’s musing was interrupted as the dead body of a vole was dropped into his lap. Mac looked at D’Akana, who sat, head tilted before him and back to the Vole carcass. “What am I supposed to do with this?” asked Mac.

As if in response the Targ stood and trotted a short distance toward where he had captured the rat like Vole. Turning he looked at Mac, then to the woodline and then back at Mac, before taking another few short steps as if waiting for Mac’s response. Mac grinned finally understanding what the beast wanted.

“Computer create a Earth style compound bow, circa late 20th Century and 20 arrows w/quiver.”

As they materialized, Mac Slipped the quiver over his shoulder and he walked over to where D’Akana stood impatiently. As Mac reached to scratch the animals head he lowered his voice, “lets get ‘em, bud” he said as they both rushed Hooting and growling into the woods....

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

"Transformation"
Lieutenant David Mercury
Chief of Engineering

The engineering crew of the Galaxy had been at work for hours straight. Parts seemed to be lying everywhere, Main Engineering was a mess. People where walking around in what looked like chaos. The sensor panel adjacent to the Warp core had been completely gutted. Weapons control had wires ans chips hanging from every panel. The place had looked like it was shot up by a phaser. Fortunate for David this was organized chaos. Everyone had a job and everyone was getting it done.

"Ensign Knight, report?" David was rubbing his eyes from exhaustion. Even after Melissa had order him to get some rest, David still felt drained from this ordeal.

"Sir, we are about 75% complete on the sensors and 95% on the weapons control." Charles quickly reported back to David.

"What seems to be the hold up, we should have had this complete hours ago?" David was concerned that this was taking way too long. Something was obviously not working as planned.

"Sir, well we have been getting responses and improvements from every department on the ship. Security, Science, Tactical,.. here this is a list of everyone," the young Ensign handed David a PADD. "Sir it appears everyone liked your idea on the new tactics. You should send it to Starfleet Commmand sir."

"I think we have bigger problems at hand, Sport. But thanks for the compliment. See that we complete the changes by the end of Alpha shift. I am going to go over the responses." David walked away and slowly moved towards his console near the warp core. David quickly skimmed the PADD. Some of these ideas are incredible. David re-read Lieutenant McKenzie's idea about targeting the torpedo banks instead of the actually torpedos. "Sport, come here for a second." Charles walked over to where David was standing. "This is Lieutenant McKenzie's idea about targeting, implement it. It looks like it could work, I am going to the simulator to double check his numbers but go ahead and change it anyway. Have him come down here if you have any questions. You have five hours to complete everything report to me when you are done, your in charge."

Dan Josephs

"On the Bridge"
by Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy

** Qul'etlh **

With the captain, Price, Sterner and others on the planet of Boreth, Christopher suddenly found himself in charge of the Qul'etlh. He figured he was in charge a various number of reasons, besides being Lt. and being at ops on the bridge. He also had so far managed to avoid any fights with the Klingons serving onboard the ship, because of a number of reasons. To which he could not really single out one or two particular reasons other than perhaps his knowledge about the people he was serving with.

The missing senior officers, were currently on the planet below checking out something that Chris only knew a little about their mission. He knew his orders without having to be told them, keep the ship cloaked and in orbit of Boreth. There would be no contact from them until they'd completed their mission, this was to prevent uninvited guest.

He wonder what they would find on the planet, and if it would be useful to them. Of course he hoped they'd find the people and not just some information. He, just like the rest of the crew would have to wait and see what they'd managed to dig up on Boreth.

** Later **

He'd remained in command of the bridge since coming to the bridge, when the away team transported to the surface. He felt that he needed to be on the bridge, while they were on the surface. Well that and it really hadn't been that long since they'd transported to the surface.

Now they were returning the ship, with those they were seeking.

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

=/\= "To Be Found" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

The lieutenant had just received orders to report to Transporter room one a moment before. He made a quick stop at Main Security for some equipment before heading down to the planet's surface. He was excited, it had been a while since his last away mission, and the mystery involving the altered records from Memory Alpha added a dash of intrigue to the trip. *'A little spice makes the meal'* he thought, mentally quoting a noted Tellarite philosopher. Upon reaching his department's HQ, the security officer snatched up a security-style tricorder, an extra power clip for his phaser, and a PADD. He wondered for a moment if he would be the only one not wearing an edged weapon, as he had heard several tales of the costumes Galaxy crewmen and women took with them when leaving for the Qul'Etlh. He dismissed this thought quickly, for he was not travelling to Boreth with a handful of eager young ensigns with too many hours of Bat'leth training; rather, he was joining a group of experienced officers--the pride of the Galaxy.

Matthew was pleased to see he wasn't the last one to arrive in transporter room one; Counselor Wilson was already there, traveling lightly with no phasers, no tricorders, and especially no Klingon daggers! He thought he could detect a glint of excitement in her eyes, however, despite her apparent professional detachment. *Of course,* he realized, *she sees the way the crew is reacting to this Klingon environment. She's doing her best to calm the situation down by being cool-headed and professional, 'though she may be feeling the same as everyone else,* he reasoned. He nodded to her in greeting, appreciating the skills a succesful Chief Counselor must master in order to look out for her crew.

Lieutenant Bancroft, the chief of Helm, had also arrived before the security officer. Her hair was vibrant, as usual, and she carried herself with her customary devil-may-care demeanor. She smiled at Matthew when she caught his eyes, something at which she was quite talented. Matthew returned her smile, saying, "Mr Bancroft, good to see you. Say, when can I take you up on that 'rock-n-roll' singing lesson?" he queried, making conversation.

She let out a small laugh, and answered in her fascinating accent, similar in some ways to the captain's, "Now, that would be tellin' luv! No, actually I hope to arrange another jam session soon. You goin' to join up, mate?" Her happy-go-lucky behavior was so totally convincing, Matthew had no idea of the confusing times the young woman was experiencing.

While chatting with the young Vulcan/Romulan woman, awaiting the arrival of the remainder of the away team, Matthew considered their situation; Here they were, aboard the USS Galaxy, the premier Galaxy class starship, acting covertly to stop a terrible conspiracy against an entire race. The Galaxy's crew was entering into a thrilling, and frightening situation in which they were terribly outnumbered, seriously under-informed, and totally unwelcome. This was high adventure at its finest! And, unlike most of the adventures the Galaxy got itself into, the ship's officers were actually able to enjoy their roles for a bit. *Certainly,* he thought grimly, *this respite won't last.* His revelry crashed to the floor of his mind, as images of starship battles and bloody hand-to-hand combat with giant Klingon warriors filled his mind's eye. Matthew loved adventure, but killing was another matter entirely. Unlike so many of his compatriots, this human did not consider his heart to be Klingon. No, combat was, for him, a last resort to be prevented whenever possible, in favor of diplomacy and negotiation--besides, his Tellarite education left him in good stead for both arguments and negotiations.

*** Later, on Boreth ***

The half-dozen officers had been visiting the monastery for over an hour when Matthew saw it. The cabinet was tucked away in a shadowy alcove, beside a curtain leading to some dark passageway. It was apparently hand-made, and quite old, carved out of some deep striated earthtone and gold wood, looking something like tiger's eye. Matthew held up his tricorder, directing its sensors to perform an intense sweep of the crystal-fronted furnishing. He looked closely at the tiny display, rechecking the odd reading he received.

A deep, cheerful voice erupted from the large Klingon High Cleric behind him. "Security officer Al'Brek," he began, giving Matthew's name Klingon-sounding intonations, "have you any tales of COURAGE to tell?! Perhaps some glorious BATTLE to recount for us this evening around the fire?!" Each question came from the mad-eyed warrior-priest like an iron ball from a cannon, crashing against Matthew's veneer of aggressiveness he had carefully erected for this trip. A tiny voice inside the security officer began shouting that the Klingons would see through him, sensing his deception. They would know that his battles, his combat, were not marked by superhuman courage or skill. They would find his tales to be lifeless and unimpressive, and they would turn their backs upon him--he would make a poor example of the men and women of the Galaxy.

He shook off the doubts, re-forging his big, tough, security grunt image for the Klingon he was speaking to. "Divok, I would very much like to recall a tale to entertain our warriors tonight! However, I am not a storyteller by trade," he prevaricated. "I'm sure there will be others more suited to thrilling us all tonight." Matthew looked around, searching for an inspiration to end this conversation quickly.

Divok the cleric said, "Nonsense, my friend. We shall honor those who died fighting alongside you in your battles, won and lost!" The big man looked at Matthew's tricorder and over to the cabinet he had been inspecting. "Do you want to see the tomes?" He saw Matthew's eager reluctance, and reassured him, "Do not worry, they are reproductions. The originals were lost over a hundred years ago! I only ask that you take care with this ornate case, it was made by clerics four hundred of your standard years ago, and I would like to see it last another four centuries," he finished reverently. The High Cleric slapped the human on the back, hard, before walking away to see to the other members of the away team. None of the other Klingons paid any attention to the security officer.

Albrecht looked at his tricorder a third time, and blinked. He shook his head in disbelief. Setting the tricorder down, he reached out to the bookshelf. With a careful pulling motion, the second pane of crystal, framed by rare alien wood, swung down to rest on it's clever hinges. The shelf was crowded by twelve books, dusty and worn-looking despite the caretaker's contention that they were merely copies of the originals. He removed half of the books, from the right edge of the shelf and placed them atop the cabinet. He felt around the back of the shelf, running his fingers all around the edges and across the shelf bottom. He sighed, and drummed his fingers upon the wood while his palm sat upon the front edge of the shelf. He opened his eyes wide, and tried lifting the shelf. It moved slightly, and he moved the rest of the volumes off the shelf, looking around to ensure he was unobserved.

Quickly, to remain covert, he swung the shelf up to reveal a cavity behind containing a leather-bound book that appeared truly ancient. He grasped it and gently lifted it free, noticing that it looked alot like the other texts. This much older book had shown up on his tricorder scan, thrilling him after his disappointment in the contemporary nature of the books that dominated the front shelves of the cabinet. Matthew could only assume the caretaker was not aware of the hidden book, and that since it was supposedly missing for a century and a half it may contain whatever facts the conspirators were hiding.

He brought it and another book to the bench in the same alcove, and began scanning page after page with his tricorder. He took no time to read the pages, as the tricorder needed only a split second to record a clear image of each two-page spread--besides, he would have to await a translation before it would make any sense to him. The book was made of sturdy stuff, the flipping seemed to pose no danger to the yellowing pages.

The second, reproduced book he kept open on his lap while he scanned the centuries-old book lying next to him on the bench. Whenever a local would stroll by, he would turn his attention to the book on his lap, ignoring the seemingly forgotten one next to his knee. No one seemed remotely interested in his activities.

The security guard was over halfway through when it became clear that his party was moving on. There was conversation about some historic artifact in the next chamber. The party had consistently stayed together, and he didn't want to draw any additional attention, so Matthew slipped the 'lost' book back into its hiding space and quickly, carefully replaced the other books. He had succesfully scanned nearly three-quarters of the text before stopping, he hoped it would be enough. The lieutenant slapped his palms together, and casually strode off to join the rest of his away team.

As the group opened the large wooden doors to the chamber of the Knife of Kirom, a sudden draft moved the curtains in the shadowy alcove, revealing the boots of the Klingon warrior standing silently behind the cloth...

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"Sniff, Sniff, Dead Vole"
by D'Akana T'Mok

Walking over to the water bowl, D'Akana took a sip before deciding that his owner was missing. Moving into K'Eytyanna's bedroom, he looked around for. Whimpering, he headed back out,

{ Owner gone. Where owner. Owner hiding. }

His senses realised that something very disturbing was happening. The room started changing colours and he screeched.

Suddenly, he was left standing in a grassy forest. The soft dirt beneath his feet was nice, but so different to a very short while ago. A steady wind brushed over his fur, and he sniffed, picking up the scent of a forest where there had previously only been an artifical smell.

Looking down as he stepped around, D'Akana examined his new enviorment.

{Me lost. New dirt. New smells.}

Turning around, he picked up the sight of the person who had been looking after him while owner was away. Smiling, he pounced, clearing the distance quickly and start licking away happily.

After a few moments, D'Akana was nudged aside and quickly righted himself. A quick moving shape to the right caught his attention, and he spun around.

A few short words pounced into D'Akana's small brain, {Vole! Food! Attack!}

Charging headlong after the fleeing rodent, D'Akana ran as fast as possible. Slipping between trees, through very high grass, through some fairly large hollow tree trunks.

Finally, the vole made a fatal mistake and discovered a very high dead-end made of rocks, one that the vole could not get through. D'Akana screeched to a halt and the pair faced off each other. Bravely yet stupidly, the vole decided a frontal assault would be best. As it charged, D'Akana lowered his head and let it impale itself. After it had stopped thrashing, he flicked it off his front horn. Giving it a few hard stamps, he picked it up in his teeth and bounded back to Hunter.

{Fun. Maybe human like fun too.}

Dropping the dead carcass into Hunter's lap, D'Akana sat down on his haunches. After the human said something that D'Akana had no clue about, D'Akana stood and walked towards the forest. Stopping, he looked from Hunter to the forest and back. Hoping that would work, he stepped forward a bit.

Finally, Hunter realised and a strange object appeared. Used to things appearing and disappearing out of thin air, mainly being his food back at home, D'Akana ignored it. Hunter reached down and scratched his head, before the pair of them raced into the forest to hunt.

Galaxy "Darkness be Thy Friend"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
Chief Medical Officer
U.S.S. Galaxy

It was late! The away team had been down on the surface for a while and I was dead tired. I had told Endris to mind the store for a little while while I took a nap. My quarters were somewhat dark but there was a good comm speaker in it, so any emergancy I would hear. I layed on the top of my bed and fell asleep!

**** Short Time Later ****

["Come on get moving!"]

I heard as I woke up laying in a corner. I stood up looking at my surroundings. They were different, some how I was back on Bajor when the cardassians were in charge. I moved into a dark place and checked my clothes, they were dirty and slightly slightly damaged. I quickly moved to a better view spot, making sure that no one could see me when.

["Hey You!"]

I looked behind me and standing there was a Cardassian Guard.

["Get back to work!"]

I kept my head slightly down as I started to walk past him. At the right moment I turned and struck him from behind. The cardassian guard hit the ground with a thud! I started to run for the remaining trees when I was hit by a cardassian phaser set on stun. Within seconds I was down and out.

**** Unknown time later ****

["Is she waking?"]

["Yes she is about to come out of it"]

["Good! I need to ask her some questions"]

I opened my eye's to see to Cardassian's, One was a Gul the other must have been his number 1. The Gul looked familar to me but I wasn't sure!

["Ahh good to see our little Bajoran is awake."]

I just looked at the Gul.

["So tell me, Why did you hit that guard?"]

I thought for a second and didn't answer!

["Look I do not want to hurt you but If you force me I will do it."]

I thought again thinking of what to say. Eventually I just smiled at the Cardassian

The cardassian just looked for a second then hit me across the face.

["Take her to the Drewar Prison Camp!"]

The guards came in. Locked my hands behind my back and forced me out the door! I walked to a light shuttle, the shuttle took off and headed to the prison camp. Once it reached the Camp the shuttle landed and the Guards forced me out. They lead me into a main hall where all the appropriet paper work wasa filled out, once that was finished they then took me down a hall and into a cell block. I was thown into a cell where 20 - 30 more Bajorans were waiting.

Soon after we were ordered out, the guards moved everyone that was in the cell down to a small little area. I looked around and recognised two faces, My parents were there!!! Once we were in the little area the Cardassian Guards pulled out a whole group of people, my parents were among that group. The Gul's number 1 walked out into the area and pulled out his Phaser pistol.

["The Cardassian goverment has ordered that anyone that is caught acting against it's people will be exicuted. And if that person cannot be found then there family shall be used as an example to the rest of you! The following prisoners are to be exicuted for crimes other family members have commited!"]

After a short time lots of names were listed amongst them were my parents and my sister. As the guard moved over to her The Gul's aid called out.

["No not her, I want her my self. She would make a great servant."]

The Gaurd then let her go, moved back and fired on the group of people. My parents were struck down by the cardassian Guard. I shouted! I started to move forward as another guard opened fire on me. I was hit straight on he chest, I remember falling to the ground.

Suddenly I was awake on the floor of my quarters. I had fallen from the top bunk. I got up of the ground and walked to sickbay. As I walked in with a little blood on my head Endris walked over.

["What happened?"]

I looked at Endris.

"Oh I feel out of my bed while I was asleep."

Endris laughed a little bit!

["Let me guess, The bed retracted when you were asleep?"]

"No I fell out. I don't know how and I don't want to know! Now what is wrong with me?"

Endris looked on the Tricorder and spoke up.

["Nothing much, Slight cut to the forehead a couple of cracked ribs and a sprained wrist."]

I looked over to Anara. The nurse just looked and just nodded her head! Endris finsihed working on me.

["Ok your fine now."]

"Good, and thank you."

I hoped off the bed and moved to Anara. She looked at me and asked me to follow her to a quiet place.

["You have been given a message by the prophets! I can see it in your eyes."]

I looked and noded.

"Yes I have. It just happened, I don't really want to share it at the moment."

["Ok. Look if you need to talk please come to me."]

I just looked and answered.

"We all have our dark secrets. This is one of mine!"

I left it at that and walked out.

"An Explanation."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson

Lieutenant Erikson continued to explore the Klingon monastery without using his tricorder too much. He felt the bruise forming where the Klingon guard had over-reacted and knocked him to the floor. His shoulder, where he hit the stone floor, felt just as sore. Adorning the wall in one of the main chambers was the image of a Klingon who one of the clerics explained was Kahless the Unforgettable. During the last few hours, Erikson had heard many tales about the great Klingon warrior.

The half-dozen officers from the Galaxy had dispersed around the monastery. Lieutenant Albrecht had disappeared into one of the antechambers, Lieutenant Hewson was talking to a pair of Klingon warriors in Klingon, and both Doctor Bellen and Counselor Wilson was admiring some of the fine examples of Klingon art from the last eight centuries. Erikson noticed Lieutenant Bancroft talking to a Klingon woman near a large fireplace in the main chamber. Although the Klingons seemed to understand she was half-Vulcan, they never inquired about her dual heritage, perhaps assuming that she was half-Human due to her atypical behaviour.

"So what do you think of our monastery Erikson?" Divok asked.

"You have some fine examples of items with sociological and religious significance, records which go back some eight centuries, original copies of some of the earliest copies of the sacred texts from your people. All in all, a wealth of Klingon culture and history."

"True, but it seemed you fail to see the qa' behind what it means to be Klingon and how they relate to this sanctuary." the young cleric concluded. "You speak more like a Vulcan. Analytic."

Greer smiled as he thought about events from some years ago. "Acting like a Vulcan is not something that I was ever accused of being when I was studying there."

"Vulcans are an unusual species."

"Relatively speaking." Greer agreed. "But I think I understand more about your people than I did before arriving here. I never knew that the Klingon people had such a rich religious heritage. For instance, I cannot seem to find any examples of a god or gods, even though there was references to them in some of the ancient records."

"Ancient warriors battled against the old Klingon gods and slew them because they were decadent."

"I see. Then might I enquire as to what a Fek'lehr is? Is it a demon or a god?"

Divok moved closer to Greer and lowered the tone of his voice. "It is generally considered bad luck to speak of the Fek'lehr out loud, Erikson. It is the guardian of Gre'thor, a place where dishonoured Klingons go when they die."

"Instead of joining the Black Fleet in Sto-Vo-Kor?"

"Yes. They are not worthy to join their warrior ancestors and are condemned to spend eternity with the Fek'lehr in Gre'thor. It is to prevent them from bringing their dishonour to Sto-Vo-Kor."

Greer took a moment to consider what Divok had told him. "Honour is very important to your people isn't it Divok?" he said in a very sober tone, trying to understand.

"Honour is apart of what makes a Klingon what he is. Kahless killed his own brother, Molor, to protect the honour of his family from his tyrannical brother. He lived his life by example, he lived it with honour, and we so the same. A Klingon without honour is nothing more than a shadow in our society and may as well be dead."

"When society considers a Klingons to be dishonoured, what happens to their families? So they ignore them to?"

"No. There family estates are confiscated and their property is seized. Their family is dishonoured by their actions and that house ceases to exist."

"With all due respect Divok, doesn't that seem a little extreme?" the scientist remarked. "The crimes of the individual are passed onto the family regardless of the fact that they had nothing to do with the dishonour."

"How can someone possess something that is not there. A shadow does not have honour and cannot produce, or belong, to something which it lacks." the cleric said cryptically. "If a warrior is without honour, then he and his family never had honour to begin with. It is just as only a warrior with honour can produce children that have honour, because there is something there to begin with."

Greer looked at Divok as he thought about what the young cleric had said. It seemed to be a severe way of punishing a disgraced individual, especially since he had been brought up believing that an individual should be judged on their own merits, not that of their family or the history of their species. Although he disagreed with the Klingon concept of honour, Greer had also been brought up with the fundamental respect of the free choice to believe, deciding to respect the Klingons centuries old concept of honour that Divok maintained. "I guess there are still many things I do not understand about Klingons culture Divok."

The Klingon simply gave a nod in silent agreement and the two continued to stand near the small open fireplace in one of the antechambers of the monastery.

"Alone, but yet so crowded"
by Lt. jg Erin G. Parker, Counselor

Erin's days on the Galaxy seemed to be getting longer and longer each hour. With Lt. Wilson on the Klingon vessel, Erin had no one to really talk to as of late. She had become good friends with Door, but it seemed that the Ten Forward Waiter had a crush on the young counselor.

Erin's appointments with the civilians on the Galaxy had increased. Counselor Parker was also helping out with counseling the Medical and Science officers and those appointments were even starting to increase. The Junior Counselors just couldn't keep up, all except for Ensign Ral, the newest Jr. Counselor. Erin saw herself in Ensign Ral. A few years ago. Erin hadn't become close with Ensign Ral, infact Erin hadn't talked at all with the newest recruit. But what Erin had saw in the reports and rumors of Ral, Erin knew here instincts were correct.

It was almost 1800 hours. Counselor Parker had worked through her breaks and somtime past her time off, but that was expected in Starfleet and Erin didn't mind. She loved counseling others. She loved listening to their problems and issues, even if there wasn't a problem, it was nice to her about people's accomplishments and lives.

Erin left the Counseling Offices and headed for her quarters. The Galaxy corridors were busiling with officers and people, but yet it wasn't as crowded as it was before the Klingon mission, but yet it was. Erin's mind was going so fast. Almost all of the senior staff had gone over to the Klingon vessel on the the Klingon home world. If the mission had somehow failed, the entire senior staff would be lost along with a few junior officers. It just didn't make sense. There were good officers in charge of the Galaxy, but still something was up. Erin's mind was very contradictory and she couldn't make any sense of it all.

Maybe a good nights sleep would help resolve things.

-Noah
aka Lieutenant jg Erin Parker, Counselor, USS Galaxy

By Dianne Heppel
AKA Alyssa Idana
Science Officer USS Galaxy

Alyssa was monitoring the Fluctuious readings on the Science console for at least one half hour, nothing changed it still remained blinking on and off every two minutes. then Rroni Morris came on to the bridge, "There is an anomalous reading on the sensors if you can continue to analyze it" said Alyssa. "No problem" the delphinian replied.

Just as Alyssa was leaving the Bridge she heard Commander Deragus call for beam up in Klingonese. I guess they found who they were looking for" thought Alyssa as she headed back for her quarters.

Along the way she passed the disrupter Closet where Ensign Mendenhall is staying. While walking by she almost tripped over a rather large Klingon that was on the Floor Unconscious, "Must be an unlucky spot' thought Alyssa as she continued on her way.

nIQtlq Soj {River of Food}
by Qel Endris Gakor, IKS Qul' elth

***Sickbay***

Surprisingly, I had just healed Doctor Kahn of a wound. She claimed to have fallen from her bunk, but her normal placid disposition seemed a bit disturbed.

Nurse Anara hastily returned the dermal regenerator to the shelf, as Gakor asked the CMO some questions, finding Nilani had a vision from the prophets. Knowing how unsettling Orb experiences or visitations can be, Endris thought her superior might be concealing a secrete.

"Nilani", reminded the Tellarite, "falls can be dangerous. I want you to wear this cortical monitor, and get some rest." Since Doctors tend to make poor patients, Gakor asked her new friend Korof to escort the chief medic to her quarters and see that she stayed there long enough to heal properly.

Korof soon returned, after Nilani dropped off to sleep. "Oinkus?", he asked Gahgfully. Endris smiled, and seeing there were no problems at the moment, accompanied the Klingon to the mess hall.

*** Mess Decks ***

News of the discovery of the bel'jemy refuges spread over the chamber of Oinkus faster than jam on toast. The legendary Korugh was one of those located! Boisterous merriment was in progress. Obviously, a time of healing was in progress between the hastily joined crews.

Gakor decided it was time to honor Klingon traditions and perform something akin to the "Rites of Accension", canonized on the holy planet Boreth which we currently orbited. Earlier that day, I had surmised the plan with Korof and he agreed to translate my words to the portion of the crew who did not speak Klingoneese.

"Dahjaj jIh leng nIQtlg Soj", Gakor stated loudly from atop a bench.

"Today I travel the River of Food", her Klingon compatriot translated briskly in remarkably fluent standard.

"WiJ tIq vutmey 'e' net boch je' SuvwI'", Endris paused to douce her throat with some blood wine to relieve the pain from pronouncing the harsh Klingon syllables. Meanwhile, Korof explained to the rest the Tellarite had said "My heart cooks that which feeds Warriors".

Resuming her foray into Klingon rituals, Endris said "WiJ Soj 'etlh leH reH teH." Korof grinned at the term "Soj 'etlh", but quickly decided a "food sword" must be the impressive and honorable Cleaver the Immunologist welded so well. After working this out, he smiled and told the others "My cleaver will always be true".

"Qo' 'IwK nIs Say' wIj bej", Gakor finished to a chorus of vigorously banging steins. One might think the Klingons were composing another glorious opera from the commotion. Together, the whole assembly of the regular Qul' etlh crew chanted "No wound shall need cleansed on my watch".

Was that Ensign Idana she 'spotted' in the crowd? Endris had been meaning to speak to the Trill for some time. The doctor found the long-lived joint species often found insights others missed, and data base entries for the mutation virus were notably sparse. It was possible Alyssa had heard rumors of events in the distant past that could shed light on the medical mystery. Before Gakor could further compose her thoughts, noise and cheers brought her back to the present.

Smiles flew around the room, with requests and answers for baudy songs. Tales of honor were told late into the night, as the warriors waited to see what their trip to Boreth held in store for them next...

"Listen to Me"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess

"Are you who I'm supposed to report to?" Xala asked while moving in the counseling offices of the USS Galaxy. They were nicely decorated with pastel touches of color and many beautiful flowers that appeared to be holographic since they were so wonderful.

"Excuse me?" Counselor Parker replied.

"Let me start over. My name is Xala. As part of probabtion from the New Zealand Penal Colony and my terms of working here on the Galaxy, I am required to see an onboard counselor at least once a week. I usally see Counselor Zrama, but he was transfered to the Qul'Etlh. So like I said before, are you who I'm supposed to report to?" Xala asked.

Erin looked around with a puzzled look on her face. Bruce Zrama had not informed her that she would be taking over any of his patients. She slightly smiled and examined the Ktarian standing before her. She was wearing a skin tight brown body suit with matching animal print gloves and boots. It was like nothing Erin had ever seen in her life.

"Well, I am free right now if you wish."

Xala nodded and sat down on the couch. She didn't feel that meeting weekly with a counselor was benefical. It was more of a chore for the Ktarian woman more than anything. Counselor Erin Parker sat down across from the lounge hostess in a plush and very comfrontable-looking chair. She picked up a PADD and accessed the onboard bio of Xala.

"This is rather unorthadox," Erin began. "I have not had a chance to fully study your profile and background. Is there something that has been happening in your life aboard the ship that you want to tell me about?" the counselor asked.

"I could talk about my love life," Xala said blankly.

Counselor Parker just smiled.

"I'm in a relationship with a Starfleet Security Officer who I met six years ago while he was doing intelligence work in the pirate operation I was working for. He was supposed to arrest me, but I already knew he worked for Starfleet. That didn't matter anyway because we were in love, but then I was kidnapped and I thought he had been killed. Now six years later, we met each other again. There was another officer aboard the ship who wanted him, but he chose me over her and now we are trying to work out our relationship. It's rather simplier than it sounds."

Erin just smiled again. "I bet," she said in a supportive tone. "What about work?"

"Work is very boring for me. I have many good skills that I could be putting to use and I just feel like I'm being wasted serving drinks and shrimp cocktails all day long in the lounge. I tried planning a new menu, but no one wanted to try something new. I tried planning theme days with speical foods and drinks, but people got sick. I even tried planning a talent show, but then half of the ship was transfered to the Klingon vessel. I've been reasessing my situation and I've been thinking about enlisting in Starfleet."

"That is a very big step. Are you sure you want to take it?" she asked.

"Not exactly. I think it might be benefical to me, but I think I might feel very out of place. Most of the people on this ship got their training at Starfleet Academy. I got most of my training from working in the Orion Syndicate. Where they learned computer operations from a simulation, I learned it from breaking into the Bolian monatary computer," Xala said.

"I have found that differences are what make Starfleet truly what it is," Erin said with a bright glint in her eye.

Xala paused and took that tidbit of wisdom in. She was absolutely right. Starfleet was composed of people from various and vastly opposing backgrounds. If a Klingon and a Vulcan can serve on the same ship, can't an ex-con?

"To new destinations
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Qul'etlh transporter room ***

The away team rematerialized on the platform of the Bird of Prey's transporter. Standing with them the three bej'mey members.

"Welcome back to the Qul'etlh gentlemen." Lieutenant K'Eytyanna Samara greeted from the transporter controls.

Dergaus glanced at the part Klingon Engineer and just grunted while stepping off the transporter pad and leading the way for the others. Mach and Yirok followed, the portly Klingon pausing for a moment to smile at the beautiful Starfleet Engineer. K'Eytyanna watched indifferently, glancing down as if checking the controls to avoid having to talk to the fat Klingon any longer than necessary. When he past, her eyes came back up to glance at the Captain and the rest of the away team.

"We will be leaving orbit Lieutenant." Captain Price explained while stepping off the transport pad, "These warriors are going to take us to the hospital where these genetic experiments are taking place."

Samara glanced at the Klingon woman and the two warriors that were just stepping down off the transporter. She thought they looked awfully young. "I understand General." K'Eytyanna replied turning her eyes back on the Captain, "And where will we be heading sir?"

"Praxis." Toqo said proudly, before Captain Price could answer. The young Klingon stood boldly and took a couple steps up to the transporter to stand near the Captain and Lieutenant Samara. He was smiling much the same way Yirok, the rotund Klingon, had been a moment before.

Lee nodded, "Toqo is correct. We are heading for Praxis Lieutenant."

With a slight nod, K'Eytyanna took a step back and began to excuse herself, "I should be getting to the engine room then sir. Numar will be needing my help to keep the ship operating at top efficiency."

Lee could tell from K'Eytyanna's manner and Toqo's warrior like posturing that she wanted to have nothing to do with the young man. The situation caused the Captain to smile inwardly. It was strange how he could see so clearly that the Lieutenant was not interested in Toqo, and yet, the young man was blinded by his own desires. Even these proud, honorable people were still vulnerable to the throws of passion and love. Toqo reminded the Captain of a puppy dog the way he was standing and tensioning his muscles for K'Eytyanna. It was all he could do not to laugh. "That's a good idea 'mate. We will be heading for the bridge. G'day."

Lee turned and motioned to the door where Dergaus and the rest of the Qul'etlh crew members had exited. Commander Sterner, Ensign Rios and Boral started towards the exit. The Captain placed a hand on Toqo and nudged him to the door, regaining the warrior's attention from his infatuation with Lieutenant Samara. When Toqo started moving towards the exit, Lee glanced at Belira. "Coming ma'am?" the Captain asked.

Belira was glancing around the transporter room. When the Captain called to her, she glanced at him. Her eyes were warm and beautiful. They had a depth to them. Old eyes, that indicated she had an old soul. She gave a slight jog of her head and glided towards the exit.

Captain Price followed her. Lieutenant Samara was right behind, but promptly turned to go the other way down the corridor in order to get to the Qul'etlh's engine room. While they walked, Captain Price was worrying about what was going to happen when they reached the bridge and relieved Lieutenant Thomas. Belira's presence was going to be a definite shock to Chris.

On the Bridge of the Qul'etlh, Commander Dergaus, and Mach had already entered. Lieutenant Thomas swiveled in the command chair to face the towering Klingon.

"jIh DaH Son tlhIH." Dergaus boomed. (I now relieve you.)

Chris stood from the command chair and stepped to the side. "tlhIH ghaj ghomquv." (you have command.)

Down in front of the bridge, the young Klingon Warrior Mach was likewise relieving Ensign Sharp. Unlike their earlier encounters, both Sharp and Mach had now developed a mutual respect for one and other, the switch was made without difficulty.

Lieutenant Thomas stood to one side. He'd been relieved of command, but didn't want to leave the bridge until Captain Price had returned. So Chris just stood there resting his hands behind his back and watching.

"DoD He vaD Praxis." Dergaus commanded.

Mach was already laying in the proper coordinates before Commander Dergaus had given the order. A benefit of having been on the away team. "Course laid in Captain."

"chu'!" Dergaus ordered.

The engines on the Qul'etlh came to life and propelled the Klingon bird of prey out from under the belly of the USS Galaxy and out of orbit from the planet Boreth. The ship was still cloaked in order to keep their presence a secret from unsuspecting eyes on this covert mission deep in the Klingon Empire.

Commander Sterner was the first to enter the bridge. He saw Lieutenant Thomas standing there, hands folded behind his back, simply observing. "Hi Lieutenant." Sterner greeted over Chris' shoulder.

"Everything go all right I take it sir?" Chris asked.

Joerg nodded, "Extremely so. If you will excuse me, I need to contact the Galaxy and let them know our plans before we get out of range."

Chris watched as the Galaxy's First Officer made his way to the communications console and proceeded to contact the ship. Ensign Sharp, who had also been relieved, stepped over to the Lieutenant. "Care to join me in the mess hall sir?" Aaron asked.

Chris glanced around, and then slowly nodded. "Sure, things seem to be under control here."

Turning around, Chris patted Aaron on the back as if to compliment him on a good shift. The Ensign had shown great promise as a pilot operating a Klingon warship, which in and of itself was a great accomplishment since Klingon instrumentation was not exactly the same as Starfleet.

The two began to exit the bridge when everything seemed to start moving in slow motion. Chris could hear Aaron was talking in a jovial tone, though he was no longer listening to the Ensign's words. Down the corridor, Chris could see Captain Price walking towards the bridge, and next to him was a Klingon woman wearing a cloak. Chris could hear his foot steps, the intake of his own breath, the beating of his heart as he looked closer and could see that it was not just a Klingon woman, but it was Belira, his wife from several years earlier. Chris' eyes quickly darted to look at the General's. Holding the gaze, Chris could read in the Captain's face that he knew exactly who this was he was escorting, without having to utter a word.

"Captain, er, I mean General. Welcome back sir!" Ensign Sharp greeted.

"G'day Ensign. It's good to be back." Lee said with a smile, only momentarily glancing at Aaron before returning his eyes to Lieutenant Thomas.

"The Lieutenant and I were about to get something to eat in the mess hall sir. We'd be honored if you'd join us." Aaron offered. The young Ensign was not quite the suck up that Deiran Casey was at that rank, but he was certainly working on it.

Lee shook his head, never taking his eyes off of Chris. "I'm afraid I have things to attend to Ensign, but thank you." raising an eyebrow, Lee turned to his side slightly, facing Belira. "But perhaps our guests would like to take you up on the generous offer. We are a good days journey away from Praxis."

Belira looked at the Captain and then back at her two fellow bej'mey friends, Toqo and Boral. They seemed to like the idea of getting some food. Looking back and glancing at the Lieutenant and then Ensign Sharp, Belira nodded, "If we would not be imposing."

Chris just kept staring at Belira without saying a word. He was unable to believe he was actually standing in front of his lost love. He had so much to tell her, so much explaining to do, but he didn't know where or how to begin. At the moment, he was still in shock.

Seeing the opportunity as a way to curry favor with the Captain, Ensign Sharp displayed more of those Casey like tendencies, "We would be honored General. Come, I can show you the way to the mess hall."

"I know the way human." Toqo declared proudly, "I have been on a Klingon Bird of Prey before."

Aaron smiled. He was actually getting used to the way Klingon's did things. "That's extraordinary. Come, you can tell me about it in the mess hall. My name is Aaron by the way. Ensign Aaron Sharp..." the Ensign explained walking down the corridor past the General.

Lieutenant Thomas stood there gazing at Belira, even as Ensign Sharp and the two other Klingon Warrior's began walking down the corridor. She was every bit as beautiful as he'd remembered. Maybe more so. The years had been very kind to her.

Sensing the Lieutenant's gaze, Belira looked back at the Lieutenant. Brushing a hand across her cheek self consciously, she wondered what this human was staring at. "Is there something wrong Lieutenant?"

Chris was shaken out of his thoughts. "No!... No. Everything is fine..." the Lieutenant's voice trailed off.

"Well, we should be going, the others will be missing us if we delay." Belira commented, motioning to the loud bunch with Ensign Sharp that were just disappearing down the end of the corridor.

"Please,... after you." Chris motioned with his hand.

Turning, Belira began walking back the way the others had gone. Chris glanced at Captain Price for a moment when he and Belira past and began walking down the corridor towards the mess hall. Lee could see that Mr. Thomas was still in shock, but could also read that he was grateful for this opportunity, no matter how awkward it felt at the moment. The Captain watched while Chris and Belira walked down the corridor together. He wondered exactly how Chris was going to break the news to her that he was actually her husband, thought to be both a Klingon and dead. It was sure to be an interesting discovery for the young warrior maiden.

*****

*** Klingon Battlecruise Bitas ***

"We approach Boreth Captain." the Klingon pilot calls back.

Pivoting in the command chair, the plasma scarred Klingon Commander, Kang, looks with maniacal eyes. "maH wa'Dich naDev?!" Kang snaps back, asking if the Bitas is the first warship to arrive.

"Yes Captain. The QeH and Po'SuvwI' have not arrived yet." The warrior relays, before adding, "Should we activate the cloaking device sir?"

"Qo'. ChaH leH legh maH paw wa'Dich." Kang says defiantly. (No. they can see we arrive first)

Not questioning Kang's orders, the Klingon pilot brings the giant Klingon Vor'cha class Battlecruiser into orbit around the planet Boreth.

With narrowing eyes, the bald Klingon hisses under his breath, "When K'nera and Larg arrive, we can learn all there is to know about this Federation vessel Galaxy...."

"Afterthoughts" by Lt. jg Erin G. Parker, Counselor, USS Galaxy

Xala had left the counselor's office and Counselor Parker was left to think about what Xala had said to the counselor in her session. Xala was a complex person, not in a bad way, but in a very good way. Xala expressed an interest in Starfleet. Afterall, she had the will power and stamia to do anything. The few times Erin had seen Xala in Ten Forward, she knew that this woman serving as the Ship's Ten Forward Hostess wouldn't be happy for long. The job of the lounge hostess wasn't much more than keeping up the bar and lounge and Erin could see in Xala eyes that she longed for more. Erin didn't need to be telepathic to read it was on Xala mind also.

Erin's patient's past was something that anyone would have to deal with. Afterall, Xala was an ex-con. At first impression, she was a straight forward, get-to-the-point, compassionate woman. Counselor Parker wanted to learn more about this individual. Counselor Zarma had never spoken with Erin on his patient, the lovely civilian Xala. And now Erin knew why. It was too hard to put into words this woman that came into the lives of the crew of the USS Galaxy. Therefore, how was Erin going to write up a weekly report on this individual? She did not know. But she had to write something.

It came into Erin's mind to speak with Captain Price about Xala upon the completion of the Klingon mission and his return to the Galaxy. The Galaxy had, for some time, been without a Morale Officer. Why couldn't Xala move into this position? It wasn't unheard of. Erin would pursue that idea when the Klingon mission was complete. Now was time to write up her session during the day.

-Noah
aka Lieutenant jg Erin Parker, Counselor, USS Galaxy

"Precautionary Measures"
By Ensign Aaron Sharp

Aaron was sitting at the helm on the Qul' etlh when he heard the report regarding the excessive neutrino leak. An idea began to formulate in his mind. He swivelled around and addressed Lieutenant Thomas, who was seated in the command chair.

"Sir, in light of the neutrino particles we are emmitting, I recommend, as a precautionary measure, that we change orbit and bring the Qul' etlh directly under the belly of the Galaxy. This should cause anyone scanning the area to think the particles are coming directly from the Galaxy herself, and help us to remain unobserved. This won't hide us if someone is specifically trying to find us, but it should fool anyone else."

"Sounds like a wise precaution," Thomas replied, "go ahead and adjust our orbit, Ensign." Aaron swivelled back to his panel and made the necessary adjustments.

Had the Bird of Prey not been cloaked, an outside observer would have seen the vessel slowly and gracefully curve around from it's previous orbit and slide underneath the USS Galaxy, locking into a syncronous orbit with the Federation vessel, with no more than a hundred meters to spare between the two ships. But of course the Qul' etlh was cloaked and nobody saw anything.

"New orbit achieved and locked." Ensign Sharp announced.

**** Some time later ****

The bridge doors opened and Dergaus and Mach entered. "[I now relieve you!]" Dergaus boomed at Lieutenant Thomas, seemingly quite happy to take command back from the Starfleet officer. As Thomas released command back to Dergaus, Mach approached Ensign Sharp. "[You are relieved.]" the Klingon warrior pronounced. Aaron stood and stepped to one side as Mach slipped into the chair. Dergaus ordered a new course set for Praxis, of all places. What on earth are we going there for? aaron wondered. Some seven or eight decades ago, that particular Klingon moon had exploded and been partly destroyed due to overmining. As a result, the Khitomer peace talks had come about and a new era of peace hed opened up between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. Immediatly following this, trade agreements opened up and many Federation companies began operating between the two superpowers. Aarons great, great grandfather was involved in supplying mining equipment to the Empire. He had visited Praxis and several other mining operations and was appalled at the outdated machinery and lack of safety procedures that were in place. In fact, he'd been suprised there hadn't been more accidents like Praxis. As time passed, the Klingon Empire provided a lot of business to Aaron's family as they updated Empire facilities with modern equipment. Even now, Aaron's father had several large contracts in the Empire. In a tight spot, Aaron had contacts he could call on. Hopefully, he wouldn't have to. Collecting his thoughts, Aaron stepped up to where Commander Sterner and Lieutenant Thomas were talking. Addressing the Lieutenant he asked, "Care to join me in the mess hall, sir?" Chris looked around and then slowly nodded.

"Sure, things seem to be under control here." He gave Aaron a pat on the back and the pair exited the bridge.

"Y'know, it's not that difficult to pilot this vessel," Aaron joked, "the Klingons like to keep their controls simple, probably gives 'em more time to concentrate on shooting things!" Aaron laughed at himself but Chris didn't seem to be listening, instead he was staring with glazed eyes down the corridor. Aaron followed his gaze and saw Captain Price with a Klingon woman and two Klingon men, who had obviously just come aboard. Aaron smiled a broad grin.

"Captain, er, I mean, General. Welcome back, sir!"

"G'day, Ensign. It's good to be back." Price said with a smile and a cursory glance.

"The Lieutenant and I," Aaron continued, "were about to get something to eat in the mess hall, sir. We'd be honoured if you'd join us."

The Captain shook his head and answered without looking. "I'm afraid I have things to attend to, Ensign, but thank you." Aaron wondered if he'd done something to offend Price. He sure hoped not. Captain Price turned to the Klingon woman and continued speaking. "But perhaps our guests would like to take you up on the generous offer. We are a good days journey away from Praxis."

The Klingon woman glanced at her two companions, then spoke for them all. "If we would not be imposing."

Hoping to make up for however he'd upset the Captain, Aaron laid it on thick. "We would be honoured, General. Come, I can show you the way to the mess hall."

"I know the way, Human." one of the Klingon men declared, "I have been on a Klingon Bird of Prey before."

Aaron smiled, knowing he was pressing the right buttons. "That's extraordinary. Come, you can tell me about it in the mess hall. My name is Aaron,by the way. Ensign Aaron Sharp," he explained as he walked off down the corridor, the two Klingon men following. "I'm a helmsman from the USS Galaxy, temporarally assigned to the Qul' etlh."

"I am Toqo." the first Klingon announced.

"And I am Boral." said the second. "we are Bej' mey!"

"Bej' mey?" Aaron asked, surprised, "This should be an interesting conversation."

"Fight the Fear"
by Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft

***

Tebrianne watched as Molra walked away. She couldn't help feeling nervous about being there. On a Klingon world. In a Klingon temple. It wasn't that she didn't like Klingons...it was the feeling that they would hate and despise her for her heritage. She didn't think she looked all that Romulan, but what if they could tell? Would they start a fight? Or just let it go? They were Klingons...of course they'd fight.

Teb swept a shock of black hair away from her eyes, and turned back down the corridor. Greer was standing at the end of it. She felt her heart skip a beat as he stood there, bathed in shadow except for a swath of light cast across his face by a torch on the wall. Tebrianne had to force herself to not sigh audibly.

Greer was the reason she was here. The chance to spend time with Greer overrode any fear she might have had about spending time with a bunch of Klingons. If it came down to it, she'd probably even eat gagh if she thought it'd impress him. Tebrianne shivered at the thought.

Greer brushed his fingers across a carving in the wall and said something to the Klingon he was talking to. The Klingon nodded and let out a low rumbling laugh. Tebrianne sighed wistfully.

"What is wrong?" a commanding v

oice next to Teb bellowed. She nearly jumped out of her boots.

"Nothing," she stammered. "Nothing is wrong. I'm just looking around."

"You were staring off into space," he said. Tebrianne turned to see a Klingon in robes made of coarse fabric. "Are you ill?"

"No, matey," she said. "I feel fine."

"Why are you here?"

"I'm with the Federation ship Galaxy."

"I know that," the Klingon grumbled. "But, why are you _here_."

"You mean here on the planet?"

The Klingon nodded. "And in the temple."

"We came to pay our respects to those--"

"Why are _you_ here though?"

"We came to--"

"You are Vulcan and Romulan if I my eyes see clear."

Tebrianne was starting to get more nervous. "Yes."

"Do not concern yourself with the prejudices we have against the Romulans," he said. "At least not in this place. We have more tolerance here. And you are Federation. Our ally."

"Okay."

"You still fail to answer me."

"Look, matey, I already told you, I'm here with others to pay respect to--"

"Who do you have to pay resepct to, Federation?"

"I--I don't," Tebrianne looked at her feet. "I don't have anyone."

"Then why are you here?"

Tebrianne stared hard at the tops of her boots.

"It is him, isn't it? The scientist?"

Tebrianne looked up at the Klingon in alarm. Was it that obvious?

"I do see clear." Tebrianne caught the hint of a smile in his dark features.

"Yes," she said. "I came here because Greer is here. But, he asked me if I wanted to come here. I didn't just follow him. I'm not like that."

"I understand," the Klingon said. "You love him."

"I guess-- I don't know. Maybe."

The Klingon looked her over for a moment. "He does not know what you feel for him."

"No," Tebrianne hissed. "And he won't if I have anything to do with it."

"Why not," the Klingon asked, his voice a little louder than Teb would have preferred.

"Because," she said. "I don't want him to know."

"Again, I ask, why not?"

"Because," she said. "I would rather have it the way it is--me not knowing--than finding out that he doesn't want anything to do with me. I don't think I could handle that."

"If you want to live in the cloud of your own ignorance, that is your choice Federation."

Tebrianne looked at him. She wasn't ignorant. She was just scared. Scared of losing the perfect relationship she'd built up in her mind. Scared of how Greer would react. Scared of what would come next. "I'm not ignorant," she said. "I'm just scared is all."

"Scared," he said, threatening to bring down the ceiling with his laugh. "You would make a poor Klingon."

"I know," she said. "I don't really like blood wine all that much. But then again, I don't like Romulan Ale, either. Just give me a good lager, and I'm happy."

The Klingon looked down at her and smiled. "Embrace your fears, Federation. Do not fear the unknown. If he is worthy of your love, it will be."

"But," she said, biting her lip. "What if I'm not worthy of his?" Tebrianne looked down the hall at Greer. The Klingon was gone, and he was studying another frieze.

"Where your spine is weak...your heart is strong. You have no need to fear your worthiness. Follow what you feel. Do not dwell on what might not be. Give your heart to him, Federation. If that is what you want."

"I--" Tebrianne turned back to the Klingon.

He was gone.

Tebrianne shrugged and started toward Greer. "Hi," she said, taking the spot the Klingon Greer had been talking to had vacated. "Amazing piece of work." It was one of Kahless' battles, or something like that from what Tebrianne could tell. He held a dagger high above his head. It looked like the one that Greer was looking at earlier.

"It is," he said, still marvelling at the artwork.

"I used to hang out at one of the museums in London," she said. "Very different from Klingon work. My band played a benefit concert for the museum once. It was a blast."

"That sounds like fun," Greer said, glancing at Teb. She felt her stomach tighten, and quickly looked back at the wall.

"Do you suppose the Klingons would disapprove if we held a concert for them? We've got quite a selection of musical talent on the Galaxy."

Greer nodded and laughed.

"Hey," Teb said. "Cat tells me that you've got a great program of a New Orleans pub. You know, the smoky kind with a band playing jazz and all that." Oh, god, Tebrianne thought as her stomach tied itself in a not. Here goes nothing.

Specialist Madison Blake
Science Officer
U.S.S. Galaxy

Madison stood in the Stellar Cartography Lab. Madison continued her charting of the Galaxy's path.

*What's happened to me? There was a time when I'd be the one on the bridge, not down in a lab running unimportant tests, or hypothesis. I can't believe they convinced me to do this, I should've at least gotten the rank of Ensign.* Thought Madison to herself, sulking in self pity.

The Circular Screen revealed an anomaly, along the Galaxy's flight path, Madison barely noticed.

"Computer, magnify screen at 320 mark 14." Ordered Madison.

The Computer magnifies the co-ordinates, revealing a mass.

"What kind of mass is that?" Said Madison to herself.

"Wait I've seen this before, computer location of Lt. Erikson?" Asked Madison.

"Lieutenant Erikson is currently located on the bridge." Replied the Computer.

Blake quickly adjusted her Civilian Jump Suit, and walked out of Stellar Cartography. She soon entered a turbolift.

"Bridge" Ordered Blake.

Madison soon stepped onto the bridge, and approached Lt. Erikson.

"Excuse me, Lieutenant. May I speak with you?" Said Madison.

"Yes, I'll be right there." Replied the Lieutenant.

The Lieutenant walks over to Blake, as she stands next to the Auxillary Science Station.

"Lieutenant you better look at this." Said Blake as she pulled up the co-ordinates of the mass.

"What is it, Blake?" Asked the Lieutenant unsure of what it was.

"The mass appears to be quantum filament, only because I was using thermal scanners was I able to detect it. As you can see we will intercept it in 12.5 minutes." Said Blake pointing at the Science Station terminal.

"Helm, change course around co-ordinates 320 mark 14. Good job Ms. Blake." Said the Lieutenant.

"Thank You, sir. Sir, with your permission I'd like stay on the Bridge, I'd like to run some tests on our sensors, concerning Steller Phenomenon." Said Blake, hoping the Lieutenant would allow her to work the auxillary Science Station.

Madison Blake
U.S.S. Galaxy
b_ragland@yahoo.com
ICQ #: 6596038

" A pain in the rear"
By: Ensign lexana Ral,
Junior Counselor

Ral had been trying very hard to stay out of trouble since Lt Albrecht had caught her backing our of a Jeffires Tube with a toolkit and a box of props. He had gone easy on her that time and she knew that another stunt like that would probably get her suspended or stuck in the Brig. She had decided to take out her boredom in other ways. The Holdeck had been available, and she's spent an hour or so reprogramming her Holo-Horse, Spock. She'd finally managed to stop him from biting her ass whenever she tightened the cinch strap however there was still the general evil equine mind to contend with. And even a 1/2 Betazoid couldn't figure out the mind of a hologram.. She began to think that maybe he was a little "Too" realistic at times.

She had managed to get them going on a pleasant ride with no bruises so far. This time she had used a different scenario, she'd picked a holo- mock up of the snowy river area of Australia. She'd been there, once, as a child and fond memories still lingered. The sound of Spock's hooves thudding on the dust seemed almost hypnotic. The warm sun shone on her back and she felt, for the first time in ages, completely relaxed. It was as though she could shut out all the random thoughts and emotions drifting around the ship from the crew.

Spock broke into a trot. Ral silenty cursed herself for letting the reins go slack.. Too much daydreaming. She turned him off the track and into the brush. There was a narrow path, leading into the cool shade under the eucalyptus trees. Peppermint blossoms scented the air.,some broke off, gilding the black hore and dusting Ral's uniform. Spock took a sneaky bite off a nearby bush, got pollen up his nose, and sneezed violently. Ral laughed "serves you right, you glutton.. walk on.." They slowly wound their way down to the river..it was clamer here, deep, dark pools circulated by dragonflies. A silver kangaroo looked up at the pair from across the water. Startled for a moment, it froze, water dripping from its whiskers, before darting back into the scrub.

Ral smiled to herself, letting the reigns go loose for a moment, she leaned back in the saddle and lay back on Spock's quarters, closing her eyes. Spock waded out into a pool and plunged his nose into the icy water. Ral wondered idly if Holo-Horses could get colic from drinking ice-water. Probably not, she thought. Spock waded deeper into the pool, before coming out the other side and making a beeline for some inviting looking shrub. Ral sat up and pulled on the reigns.. "HEY!" Spock's ears went back in protest, he turned his head around and glared at Ral, looking as decidedly evil as a horse could. "Is not dinner time" Ral told him. They walked on slowly, Ral broke off a leaf of Eucalyptus and crushed it beneath her fingers, the scent of menthol floated up to her nose and she took a deep breath. Spock swished his tail, he was obviously thinkin up some evil horsey plan.

Later on, as the moved uphill, the trees became sparser. The hillside was littered by mountain ash and the grass hissed dryly in the hot breeze. The wind burned Ral's cheeks and a sudden hot blast made her eyes water. Spock's mane glinted in the sunlight as they wove between the trees, his muscles moving smoothly under the ebony coat. The fresh air appeared to be doing Ral some good, her head seemed clearer and that weight that had been on her shoulders seemed to be lifting slightly.

She had had a lot of things on her mind recently, the next week would be full of exams and tests, results of her extra curricular courses. Strings of data seemed to run before her eyes, even in her sleep. Maybe a bit of fresh air was just what she needed before hitting the Datapads again.Her shoulders relaxed and she began to succumb to the hypnotic sounds of birds, hooves and the gentle hiss of the wind in the trees.

Spock, being the evil minded little sod he'd been programmed to be, took advantage of her lapse of concentration. He tensed his muscles, gathered his hindquarters underneath him, then let fly with an enormous cat-jump , followed by a succession of bucks.. Ral, of course was almost sent into orbit...she sailed through the air,,and landed on her rear in a prickly bush... Ral went red..then white.. Spock galloped off into the distance.. "You *******.. ******* horse!!.. I am going to have your ***** cut off!! Don't stop runnin!! Cos when I get a hold of you I'm gonna.. grrr.. wait a minute..doh.. This is the holodeck... Computer..End Program."

The outback vanished and was replaced by the black and yellow grid of the Holodeck. Ral was sitting on the floor in a heap. Her butt felt bruised despite the fact it was a hologram she'd landed in.. Even with the safety protocols..It hurt like hell.. Ral got up slowly.. and made her way to sickbay for about the hundredth time..She was beginning to think she lived there..

Ensign Lexana Ral
Junior Counselor
USS Galaxy

"Meditations"
by Ensign James Chen
Security Officer

He had been meditating for roughly three hours now. He had taken off the tunic for his exercise uniform and was kneeling in the middle of his room. He had practiced for an hour before, testing out new moves that had just recently come to him. In his mind, he saw Beijing again. He saw the city, he saw the training grounds at Master Kwan's temple. After an hour of meditating, he could feel his blood coursing through his veins and he found he was able to feel the excitement around him. After two hours, he felt like he was outside of his body, walking in the training gardens again. Could feel the breeze. After the third hour things got weird.

Suddenly, he was bombarded with images of Master Kwan. In a span of a few short minutes, he could hear and remember everything that his mentor had told him. And then, something else. Finally, his eyes snapped open. He fell on his side and curled into a ball. Something had pulled him from his meditation. He looked at his hands and found them shaking. Some kind of vision had forced him back into consciousness. Violently. He slowly calmed his breathing and stood up.

He toweled himself off. He had been sweating profusely through the entire episode. He changed into his uniform and headed out of his room. As he walked by officers, Klingon and human alike, he thought of the different methods he knew to kill each and every one of them. He paused when he finally realized it. Chen found all of this very disturbing. What had caused these changes in him? He started to walk again and found himself going a little faster. Something was definitely wrong. When he arrived at his station, another officer was there. The other officer started to make small talk. "So how about this business with the Bej'mey?"

"What's that?"

"Where you been? In a cave. The Captain, I mean General, went down to the planet. You know. The Klingon monks?"

Chen found that he didn't like this other guy's tone. "Don't talk down to me."

The officer looked around. "What? What did I say?"

"You know damn well. Don't push me again, got it?"

The officer swallowed. Chen's eyes burned into him. "Yeah. Yeah, sure."

Chen smiled. "Good." For once, Chen wasn't surprised by his actions. In fact, he was feeling pretty damn good.

"Raesene Hermedhie"
by, Ensign Raesene Hermedhie

Raesene was heading back to his quarters to mull over the events of the day, including the arrival of the bej'mey. Along the way, he passed the large Klingon he had managed to deck earlier. This time the Klingon passed with a lot of room between them, and with some measure of respect. In fact, many of the Klingons had been treating him much better since the "fight." When he reached his quarters, he settled down to think. After thirty minutes of thinking, he dozed off, and he began to dream. In this dream, he began rememberind some of the events of his life. The ones from his life on Aebrynnis.

**** 18 years earlier ****

A very young Raesene was playing on the hills outside the walls of the city of Seaharrow in the springtime. Suddenly, three grey-skinned humanoids swept out of the north and raced towards the small boy. Suddenly, a gigantic man appeared. He was holdign a spear that seemed to be radiating lightning bolts. This man struck down the three humanoids very quickly, then strode over to the frightened youth, picked him up, and calmed him. When the boy was sufficiently calmed, the man said, "Now child, I wish you to go and tell the people what you have seen. I am Cuiraécen, god of battle and storms. You will be the first of my chosen warriors." After being put through many days of ridicule, his story was verified by several priests of Haelyn, and he began the long training as a paladin of this new diety. Then the scene shifted.

**** 5 years later ****

This time, the scene was of the town of Tariene. The town was under siege by the man known as the Black Prince. Because of the severity of the situation, even trainees were needed to help the relief column. They were led by one of the heroes of Deismaar, Vaesil Boeruine, the first Arch Duke of Boeruine. The battle was fierce, and the side of good was winnign the field. Then Vaesil and the Black Prince squared off, and fought it out. The Black Prince, a very skilled swordsman cut him down. Then an interesting thing happened. The slaying of the general caused by a piercing through the heart, threw off huge amounts of power. This power was absorbed by the Black Prince, adn his skin noticably became harder. The scene again changed.

**** 5 years afterwards ****

The scene was again of Seaharrow. This time it was showing the "graduation" of Raesene as the first paladin of Cuiraécen. He then was commissioned to go out into the world and to work for the good of the people of Anuire. Soon thereafter, he met some new friends. Their names were Wilhem Redbedtehr, Sigmund Tjorkil, Drago Mornoi, Rashid ibn Corina, and Ekila el-Deyír. So the group of people, each from a different human culture of Cerilia. Their adventures included the defeat of several units of the Adurian Empires, and the destruction of some of the Spiderlord's units. Then they came to the site of the Battle of Deismaar. Here, several flashes of light occurred, and they were torn apart from each other, and flung to other worlds.

**** Present Day ****

Raesene woke up in a cold sweat. He was momentarily disoriented, but soon got his bearings. He thought, ~I have got to quit having these dreams. They drive me nuts.~ Then after a few minutes, ~Maybe I should try to find out what happened to my companions...~

Madison Blake
Science Officer
U.S.S. Galaxy

*I can't believe we almost hit the quantum filament, good thing we adjusted course. Now, here we are at Boreth and I'm working the Science Station. I can't believe I'm already working on the bridge.* Thought Madison to herself.

Madison scans the surface and moves over to the Mission Ops Station. The Mission Ops station shows the Away Team's position, Communication Frequencies and Life Signs around them.

*Hummmm, not many life signs around them, I hope everything is as it should.* Thought Madison, moving back to Science II.

*I better go, Stellar Cartography can wait.* Thought Madison as she exited the bridge and entered the turbolift.

"Deck 10, Forward Section." Ordered Madison.

Madison walks onto the deck and soon entered Ten Forward and she takes a seat with a view of the planet.

"Breaking and Entering"
By Civilian Xala
Ten Forward Lounge Hostess
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

Outside of holodeck four, a crime was taking place. Xala was interfacing with the terminal and breaking into a program that was only to be used by the security personnel aboard the Galaxy. She was leaning up to the wall wearing a very tight black rubber body suit and large boots. Her hair was swept up out of her face. Xala looked like she was headed to the gym, rather than the holodeck. After a minute or two of bypassing simple security codes, the holodeck doors zoomed open with a large roaring sound.

Xala moved silently from a well lit corridor of the Galaxy into a dark corridor of the Galaxy hidden inside of the holodeck. The red hue of the alert lights gleamed from within the darkness. There was a very onminous feeling in the holodeck simulation. The Ktarian woman was secretly running the drill program that Lieutenant Commander Sunder used to train the security personnel.

The plot of the simulation was fairly simple: An unknown intruder had beamed aboard the Galaxy and was wreaking havoc on the ship's systems. It was up to you to stop the intruder from doing any more damage. Xala took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the lack of light. Suddenly she saw something run in a flury in a distant corridor. The Ktarian imediantly ripped open a nearby weapon locker, removed a heavy duty phaser rifle, and went forth chasing the shadow.

She started to think about how much trouble she could get in for accessing this program. Her only intention was to get just a taste of the training security officers go through to see if it was really a path she wanted to take her life down. Xala had to focus on the task at hand. She had to see if she could complete the mission and a mind filled only with her objective at hand would help her achieve that.

Xala stopped running. The chase was meaningless. There was another way to win this game and running through the corridors like a freak was not the correct strategy. She briskly entered a turbolift and was destined for the bridge. It only took a few seconds before she arrived at the hub of the ship, which was manned by only a few holo-people.

"What are you doing here?" one of the officers questioned.

The Ktarian shoved him out of the way and went to a nearby console. The projection was only getting in her way from the task at hand. Upon looking at the console, Xala could see the intruder had taken internal sensors offline. Quickly, she raised the shields to maximum strength so the intruder would not be able to leave. Right after she raised the shields, a power flucuation occured in engineering and they imediantly went offline.

"Damn," she said under her breath.

She tried a different path. Xala used the external sensors to locate the vessel the intruder might have used to beam aboard the Galaxy. Luckily, she found a small type XIII Starfleet personal shuttle that was not registered to the Galaxy. It was odd that the intruder came from a Starfleet vessel, but that's what the sensors indicated. Xala did not think twice before locking onto the shuttle with the phaser array and firing, blasting the little ship away into space in millions of pieces.

"You," she said pulling the officer she shoved away toward her. "Watch this console. As soon as the correct transporter frequency appears, I want you to contact me and beam whatever is at the other end of that frequency to transporter room two. Place a level one containment field around the transporter pad. Understand?"

"I think so," he said with hesitation in his voice.

She let go of the grip she had on the front of his uniform and reentered the turbolift. The next destination was engineering. Xala lunged out of the turbolift and started running down the corridor. She stood directly in front of the enterance to engineering. The Ktarian could smell the intruder on the other side of that door. Xala moved forward with a forcefulness in her step.

Of course the holo-intruder was standing near the anti-matter core furiously tapping the adjacent console. Xala raised her phaser rifle and pointed it directly at his back. Then a thought occured in her mind. She did not want to take out the unusually tall intruder by shooting him in the back. That was just, well, that was just spineless. So the Ktarian lounge hostess walked up right behind him and lodged the rifle in the back of his neck.

The intruder fell forward on the console. Xala continued to beat him in the back of the neck. She let out all of her rage in the momentums. The intruder used the moments inbetween the beatings to tap the console one last time. Out of nowhere, the anti-matter core began to descend. The intruder had begun the ejection sequence of the warp core.

Xala looked up in amazement as the flashing blue core got shorter and shorter. Once the end of the core passed by, the intruder lept over the console and onto the free-falling power unit. He traveled downward until the safety door shut behind him. It was one of the strangest things she had seen.

"What in the hell?" Xala asked herself.

She moved over to a wall console and watched a graphical interface of the ship. The core could be seen falling through many levels of the ship. Xala assumed the intruder would fall into space with the core and die. She thought she had won the simulation.

"Hello?" a voice boomed. "I locked onto that frequency like you said."

"What? That's perfect timing," she replied scarcastically to the officer.

Xala exited engineering and moved through the corridors until she reached transporter room two. Upon entering the transporter room, the Ktarian saw a very strange sight. It was Ursa Sunder standing on the pad and behind the level one forcefield.

"Ursa?"

"I see you were meddling in holo-programs that don't belong to you," he said with a bright smile while wearing a villianous green robe. Xala couldn't see the intruder's face before, but now she realized it was Ursa. "Your hacking abilities are not as good as you believe, Rin. I was worried when I first spotted someone accessing confidential security programs, but as soon as I saw that you were the one, I had to come down here and take on the role of intruder."

"How sweet," Xala said stepping up to the transporter pad.

"And as far as I am concerned, you passed the drill. Most people are not willing to destroy the Starfleet shuttle in this simulation, but containment is the first priority in an extreme intruder situation. Although you would have gotton more points if you would have simply disabled the shuttle transporter system."

"Well, I guess I like fireworks. So was ejecting the warp core your personal little improvisation?" the Ktarian questioned.

"Of course," Sunder said coming closer to the forcefield.

They stood looking at each for a few moments. Ursa was waiting for Xala to turn off the forcefield, but he could tell she was playing games with him. The Human could tell by the look in the Ktarian's eyes what was going to happen next. They slowly leaned forward. Ursa had to bend down because he was so much taller than her. Their lips, and only their lips, were almost touching. A slight buzzing sensation from the forcefield tingled their entire bodies. The safties had been on in the holodeck, so the field could cause no harm to either of them. The two stood there and continued the forcefield kiss.

"Returning to the Ship."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson

It had been three hours ago that Greer Erikson had been discussing the finer details of Klingon customs with the cleric Divok. Sitting near the warmth of an open fireplace, there he continued to sit, looking intensely into the fire and lost in thought.

"So what does the scientist think about." the cleric said as he approached the Human. "Experiments, data, his next discovery . . ."

"Actually, I'm thinking about the war." Greer replied to the inquiry. "I never expected that when I entered the Academy nine years ago, I would be here and now, serving on a starship in the middle of a war against an advisary such as the Dominion."

"They are a formidable force but they lack honour or spirit."

"At least we can say that you and I agree on something."

"And it is because of that our two people will be victorious." Divok added. "I hear from your engineer that you are preparing to return to your vessel."

"When two of my colleagues return." Greer said as he looked up at the Klingon. "As much as I have enjoyed being here, immersed in your rich heritage, I should return to the ship. I'm not sure if my commanding officer would appreciate that I did not turn up for duty."

"And neither should he tolerate such a poor attitude from an officer." the cleric added. "Die with honour Erikson."

"I don't intend it soon," he mused, "but thank you. May you find your death equally with honour." he said as he extended his hand in a gesture of friendship.

Not unfamiliar this the Human concept, Divok did the same and they shared an old-fashioned handshake. "Qapla'."

"I thought I'd find you here." Tebrianne said as she and Doctor Bellen entered the main chamber of the monastery.

"Ready?" he said as he turned to the pair of them.

"Whenever you are." Doctor Bellen replied.

"Erikson to Galaxy." he said as he reached across his chest to tap his communicator badge. "Three to beam up."

*** Captain's Ready Room ***

"One Bajoran coffee, cream, two sugars and one macchiato, hot, two sugars." 'Commander Casey said as he stood in front of the replicator. "So, was all of that reading worth while?"

"I'm sorry?" Greer replied as his attention was turned away from the view of the planet in the viewport.

"You told me that you had been putting in a lot of hours into reading about Klingon culture, Klingon-Federation relations, and so forth. I was wondering if it came to good use." Deiran explained.

"Most definitely. I have to admit there are still a number of aspects regarding Klingon culture that escapes my understanding, but overall it was a very enlightening experience. I had no idea that the Klingons were such a highly ritualized and spiritual people. The clerics in the monastery were most helpful and I received the impression that they were pleased that we were there."

"So they don't suspect anything about our real intentions in coming here?"

"If they were, they weren't showing any signs of it to us. I didn't notice any military there. All the Klingons appeared to be civilians or of a religious vocation." the scientist said as he unfolded his arms and massaged the bruise on his right upper arm. "Lieutenants Albrecht and Hewson are remaining at the monastery but should be back in a few hours. I'll make sure I find out if they noticed anything unusual."

The Lieutenant Commander nodded as he acknowledged the acting second officer's report. "I see that you decided to take on a few of the Klingon physical rituals as well." Deiran commented, observing Erikson's body language.

"Oh this." Greer said as he glanced at his arm. "This is just the result of a misunderstanding between an overzealous guard who had decided I was getting a little too close to an artefact they kept in the monastery. I guess my curiosity got the better of me."

"Perhaps you should have had Doctor Bellen look at that when you were on the planet surface. I understand that she was with you on Boreth."

Erikson nodded. "She was, but after what I had read in the cultural database, I thought it was inappropriate to have her take a look at my arm in front of the Klingons. I think it has something to do with respect or rank or appearance . . . something like that."

"Alright. Then get down to Sickbay and have that arm looked at, but remember you're on duty in a few hours."

Greer stood up as he placed his mug on the desk. "I haven't forgotten. See you in the morning Deiran."

"A Dream, Now Reality"
by Lt. Chris Thomas

Chris had just left the bridge of the Klingon ship, as the captain and three guest were preparing to into the bridge. One of those in his company completely blew his mind away, he couldn't believe that it was her. This was a total shock to his system.

He followed along as they headed of for the mess hall. A trillion thoughts ran through his head all streaming past him at light speed. He was going to be unfocused for a while, something to be expected. He walked behind the others and next to Belria, he couldn't keep his eyes off of her, as the thoughts of what to say and do keep rushing to the forefront. He would have to comfort here it was something he wanted. He would if at all possible and at all cost work to keep her from slipping through his fingers. Of course that was assuming she didn't kill him first, before he could explain. Which meant that he would for the sake of his life have to be honest with her about everything. He had little to loose now and a lot to gain, as if he could convince her that he still had feelings for her. He was still in love with he after all this time, even being married. He was going to be facing danger everywhere he looked if he told her, yes he would tell her. He also decided that he would have to take this one step at a time or else he'd never win her heart again.

They moved through the halls of the Klingon ship, my god she's not changed a bit since I last saw here. Of course I have changed a lot as I am now longer a Klingon in appearance, however my heart still beats as a Klingon. How

in the world am I going to get along here. I could never have imaged that we'd cross paths again, I figured that she'd have remarried, but judging by appearance I would say that she hasn't.

Thomas, Berlia, and the others entered the mess hall. He knew that eventually he would have to talk with her, but obviously what he said here would have to be limited, unless he could put some distances between them and the others. He wondered if Price had fully realized who she was and what this might mean for him.

** Mess Hall **

If I do convince her that I still love her, then what. Do I try and convince her to return to the Federation and Galaxy, or do I leave Starfleet and the Federation and return join her here in the Klingon Empire. Perhaps a compromise, I know that if she accepts me, we'd have to return to the empire someday. I would be expected to rule the house most likely, but that's still several years away. Unfortunately that would mean having to give up Starfleet. Both were trade offs..... 'Wait what in the world are you thinking, one step at time me boy, one step at a time.' They all ordered some food and sent down to have their meal together, Lt. Thomas had distance him and Belria a little bit away from the others. "Belria allow me to introduce myself, Lt. Christopher Thomas." Chris said. Then he made his move, leaning in close to her, such that only she would be able to hear what he was going to say "There is something we need to talk about." then he added something that he used to call her in a low whisper.

It was her turn to be caught off guard.

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

Sunder broke off the kiss abruptly, suddenly remembering why he came to find Xala. Electric tingles ran across his beard causing it to spike as he pulled out of the force field. Xala caught his awkward body language and looked askance at him.

" You've got something to say to me, don't you? "

Ursa refused to smile. Mixing emotional states of mind wasn't on his list of pleasantries.

" You were always good at that, as I remember. Yes, I do. I'm ... distressed. " He said, carefully selecting his choice of words from among the myriad of possibilities that were on his mind. " Sanchez has been avoiding me - and for good reason. Scuttlebut travels faster than warp speed on this ship, but not fast enough for his tastes. He only just found out that you and I were... are something of an item. He also just apologized to me a few hours ago and assured me that he won't be seeing you again. "

" Sounds like someone else made up his mind for him. " She prodded, teasingly.

" Damn it, this is no longer a game! " He suddenly exploded, taking Xala by surprise. As long as she had known Ursa, he never lost his temper unless something was seriously bothering him. She settled back and let him rant, dissipating his anger like a freak thunderstorm that had arisen without warning.

" I've been up all night giving this some serious thought. I had a long talk with Cat... "

" Oh REALLY? " Xala interrupted, letting some of her temper flare a bit. "

" Let me finish: I had a long talk with Cat - the only person I've been able to talk to about this sort of thing since I knew you were on board. " He paused. " I'm not letting you go this time. I've got you back and I'm keeping you in clear sight. "

" You mean... " Xala started.

" No more games... no more thinking... you and I - together - as simple as that. " He finished for her. She deactivated the forcefield and melted into his arms. He kissed the top of her head and stroked her hair as she nestled herself into the familiar part under his his chin.

They stood that way for a few minutes, not daring to break the spell of the moment by speaking. It was perfect. All of Sunder's second thoughts and worries were erased by the burning love that consumed the pair of lovers. It was paradise - a paradise that could only last a few seconds. Sunder swallowed bitterly as the other reason why he came down to find her materialized in the back of his mind like a loathesome spectre. Xala couldn't help but notice the slight shift in his body langauage, indicating that something else was on his mind.

" What's wrong lover? You feel tense. " She asked quizzically.

" I wanted to find you before anyone else does. You impressed me - of course you always did. I wish some of my officers had your resourcefulness. " He paused and took a deep breath.

" But... " Xala prompted.

" Yes, there's a 'but'. Hacking into Starfleet procedural files is a criminal dereliction of protocol on board the GALAXY. I have to tell you - if you're thinking about making a go of a career in Starfleet, this probably wasn't the right way to go about it. " As he spoke, he knew he'd have to talk to Casey on this one. She really hadn't caused any harm. Perhaps they could still keep it fairly quiet. He still had to take her in, but he didn't want to damage Rin's chances of getting into Starfleet. She needed this break, and he didn't want to be the one who messed it up for her.

Xala backed away from the security chief. " You don't mean you're going to bust me? " She asked incredulously.

" I have to, love. I told you that your hacking skills were good, but not that good. You tripped several flags that would have been recorded on the main security logs. If I hadn't have arrived, you'd probably get Heidi Mason down here with her whipcord ready to do some damage. "

" I can handle Mason. " She replied, sulking. She held out her wrists in the traditional 'cuff position. " I suppose this isn't going to look good on my Starfleet application. You'd better take me in then, officer. I'm not going to go silently any other day. "

" Look Rin, I haven't got a choice in the matter. You got caught where you weren't supposed to be. I have to take you to the brig for at least detainment. If I didn't, I'd be deliberately avoiding my duty. "

" ... And we know how important that is to you, don't we? " She said icily.

" I don't have a choice. " He paused. " You're mad now, but you'll understand later. If I made an exception for you, then I'd have to resign. You broke ship's regs and I enforce them. Even if I didn't love you... "

He broke off as he realized she was suddenly staring at him.

" What? " He asked.

" What did you just say? " She demanded breathlessly.

" I said that even if I didn't love you, I'd still... "

He was cut short as the slim K'tarian lept at him, forcing him to fall to the ground in surprise. She covered his face with kisses and then just embraced him, pinning him to the floor in his green robe.

Sunder was instantly aware that there were other people in the holodeck with them. He looked up through Xala's reddish-chestnut hair to see Heidi Mason and another officer looking down at him with grins on their faces.

" Mason. Baerl. " He said gruffly, trying to retain a sense of dignity in the mass of tangled limbs and hair. " Can I help you? "

Mason, normally a deadpan sort of person, desperately tried to retain her own sense of dignity about the situation - and failed miserably.

" Some - somebody activated a security flag in one of the - the restricted simulation files sir. " She managed through guffaws. " We came down t - to investigate, but it looks like you've got everything well in hand. Excuse us, please! " She finished as she and Baerl hastily made their way out of the exit.

Sunder stood up, carefully disentangling himself from Xala.

" A-hem. " He finally said, breaking the silence. Xala's expression changed back to her familiar playful one. " Ah... "

" Well lover, it looks like you're going to have to lock me up. " She purred. " Come on then - incarcerate me. "

For some reason, Xala didn't seem to mind going to the brig for once in her life.

Excercise
By: Lieutenant Melissa Marie Boudreau

It was the end of another beta shift and Melissa had been working for many hours. She was tired and felt her muscles starting to knot up. Once the Gamma shift crew had taken over, Melissa returned to her quarters.

After eating a little dinner, Melissa decided that it was time to get some excercise. She was in shape, but not as in shape as she'd like to be. Instead of running, or weight lifting, or even fencing as usual, she decided to go swimming. She booked a holodeck and headed over.

Melissa arrived at holodeck 2 and started up a program that she hadn't used in a long time. It was a public pool from her home-town of Québec City. After changing, she entered the huge space with the pool in the middle. The engineering officer considered programming other pool users but decided against it. She'd rather have the place quiet.

The lieutenant dived into the olympic sized pool and went straight to the bottom. She came back up to the surface and took in a deep breath. 'At least, the water isn't too cold,' she thought.

As she swam through the water, Melissa found that this was the most relaxed she'd been in a long time. She decided she would have to come swimming more often. Maybe, she would plan a pool party some day. She imagined many of her friends splashing through the water and tanning... Of course she would have to program an outside pool.

Melissa laughed to herself and began some synchronized swimming excercises.

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

"What songs are made of"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** On board the Qul'etlh ***

The cloaked Klingon Bird of Prey continued it's course to the heart of Klingon space. Their destination was a small moon in orbit of Qo'nos, the Klingon home world, better known as Praxis.

Commander Dergaus had left the bridge to share a meal with Captain Price. Not wishing to pass up a meal, Yirok, the hearty round Klingon, decided that the trip to Praxis would not require his personal attention either. That left Commander Sterner in charge of the Qul'etlh.

"What is our present speed and estimated time of arrival Mach?" Sterner asked from the Command chair.

Checking his instruments, the young warrior called out in a strong Klingon voice, "Our velocity is warp 4. We should arrive at Praxis in fourteen hours at the present speed sir."

Joerg gave Mach a nod and bit of a satisfied grunt in acknowledgment. When he did the thought struck him how easy it was to understand the simplicity of basic Klingon behavior. Here, he'd only been living and serving among the Klingons for a couple days, and already, he was capable of expressing several different emotions with a single grunt.

Turning his head, Sterner glanced at the sensor station. Lieutenant Morris was operating it and keeping a look out for any signs of ships.

"Anything Lieutenant?" Joerg inquired.

Ronni glanced over at the Commander, "Just normal traffic sir. Looks like we are leaking neutrino particles again. I've informed Lieutenant Samara about it already. There is also a group of Battlecruisers up ahead, but they are heading away from Qo'nos. Probably headed for the front lines near Cardassian space." Lieutenant Morris explained.

"Let's have a look." Joerg said, reaching for the command periscope and pulling down the long cylindrical unit. Folding the handles down, he adjusted the eye piece and twisted the controls into focus. "Yes, you appear to be correct." Sterner agreed watching the warships angle off in the distance. "Nothing to worry about there."

Satisfied, Commander Sterner folded the handles upwards on the periscope and slid the unit out of his way.

*****

*** on board the Bitas in orbit of Boreth ***

Kang sits in the command chair on the bridge of the Vor'cha class Battlecruiser with steepled fingers. His head bend slightly forward while he peers upwards through wicked eyes. His skin a twisted mass of burnt flesh. A constant reminder of the hatred he harbors for all things dealing with the Federation.

"ja'!" Kang calls in a forceful tone.

One of the warriors scrambles to deliver the report that Kang had just called for. "qaH, several members of the Galaxy have beamed up to the ship. However there are still a few more on the surface and in the temples."

Kang's fingers tighten into a double fist while his muscles contract in his forearms under the pressure of his grasp. "Has anyone transported down since?" he asked in what sounded like a forced, civilized tone.

"No qaH. Very few members of the Galaxy's crew have visited the temples and since the last transport, no new members have revisited the surface."

Kang's eyes narrowed. "They say they come to pay their respects. A Galaxy Class warship. Over one thousand of their human warriors on board and yet only a hand full, a token number of their kind, bother to beam down to the surface. Very strange."

A double tone interrupts the Commander's thought. Checking the panel on his command chair, he sees it's an incoming transmission from the Po'SuvwI'. A small hint of a smile twists onto his face as he activates the view screen.

["Qupla!"] Captain Larg greets. He doesn't appear to be very happy.

"Qupla." Kang responds, "Glad the Po'SuvwI' could join under the Bitas flag." He reminded.

The commend brought a snarl to the Captain's face, but he knew the Klingon way. ["Why do you not remain cloaked?"] he scolded, ["Your desire to take charge has weakened our ability to survey this Federation ship."]

Kang just smiled defiantly. "That is not so. Boreth is a sacred place Larg. Many Klingons come and visit each day. If we are to observe this Federation warship, we must send our people down to the surface and also watch their people. Would you risk a transport while cloaked and light up the sky with neutrino particles so intense the entire sector could see?!"

Larg gave a disapproving grunt, indicating it was not something he would wish to do. ["Very well, we will remain cloaked while your people beam to Boreth and see what these Federation humans are up to. Po'SuvwI' out."]

Kang smiled inwardly. "Send down a dozen men to search the temples and discover what these Federation warriors have been up to." He ordered.

"Yes qaH." The warrior responded and then went to carry out the Commander's orders.

*****

*** Mess hall, on board the Qul'etlh ***

".... and so she broke the bottle over the back of his head and declared, 'You have never lasted that long you Pu'tok!' maha ha ha ha ha !" Yirok laughed boisterously at the conclusion of his tale.

Captain Price gave a smile in the large Klingon's direction. He was a pleasant fellow. Loud, but pleasant. He also seemed to have a bit of a sexist edge to him. More so than a lot of the Klingons Lee had come to known, but he supposed it was because of the man's huge girth. It was unlikely that he was very successful at attracting any mates with his weight. Glancing over, Lee could see that Dergaus didn't seem to be enjoying himself as much as the other Klingons about the table.

"What's the matter 'mate? Blood wine not to your liking?" the Captain asked taking a sip from his own cup.

Dergaus was shaken out of his deep thoughts and looked at Price. "I was just wondering what was happening to my brother K'Ral at this very moment...." He paused, "I hope he knows we are doing everything in our power to clear him of these false charges and restore his honor."

Lee nodded. He had heard about 'The alien's graveyard', Rura Penthe. It was an icy, mining

encampment on a remote asteroid. The very thought made the Captain want to shutter, but he tried to maintain a strong front for Dergaus. "Your brother is a resourceful man 'mate. Heck, he's part of this bej'mey." Lee pointed out, "He will be able to take care of himself until we finish what we've started here."

Dergaus shook his head. "This is true, he is bej'mey," He began and then looked at Lee with renewed interest, "but then so was that old man on Boreth, and the woman and two young warriors we brought aboard. There was a time when I thought of the bej'mey as if they were gods. Now..."

"And now you are disappointed to learn that they are just common folk like yourself?" Lee finished.

Dergaus nodded, "Aye."

"Common folk that have a belief in doing what is right?" Lee started, "Common folk that have honor? Common folk that are willing to oppose the popular government leaders to insure that the interest of their people is not violated no matter what the cost is to them personally? Common folk like you and your brother?"

"You do not understand." Dergaus replied, "The tales I remember of the bej'mey made them out to be legends. They fought in great, hopeless battles and always managed to come out victorious because of their dedication and purity of heart. They were the pinnacle of honor and good in the Klingon people."

"And isn't your brother all of those things 'mate?" Lee asked with a serious tone.

Dergaus shakes his head, "When I think of K'Ral, I think of the brother I grew up with. The arguments and fights. The competition between us. I think of the things he used to do to put me in my place and remind me he was the older brother. I do not see a legendary warrior." he admitted.

With a sagely nod, Captain Price tilted his head while breaking a piece of steamed bread. (about the only thing on the Klingon menu he thought he could stomach) "There you have it 'mate. That's your answer."

Dergaus gave the Captain a double take, "Answer to what?"

Swallowing a dollop of the bread, Lee washes it down with a swallow of Bloodwine before responding. "K'Ral. What he's doing right now."

Dergaus gave the Captain a puzzling stare.

Lee smiled, "He's probably working the mines thinking there's no way that scrawny brother of his could ever acquire a Klingon warship, raise a small group of warriors and take matters into his own hands to lead a bej'mey offensive and stop the High Council from subjecting the Klingon population to these genetic mutations. Sounds like the stuff legends are made of... not something his skinny brother could do."

Dergaus listened the Captain Price recite all that they had already done. It was indeed an impressive list of accomplishments. "You do make what we have done sound significant General. Reminiscent of the songs of battles past."

Getting up, Lee slapped Dergaus heartily on the back. "This song isn't over my friend. Let's make sure we give it a happy ending suitable for a bej'mey warrior!" Raising his cup, he finished with "Qupla!" and all around the mess hall drank to the toast.