Science Officers get Drafted
Ensign Keras T’Vek
Science Officer
USS Galaxy

Ensign Keras caught Ryak as the Romulan fainted. Keras quickly placed Ryak on the deck. He took out his tricorder and did a quick scan, Ryak was still alive, but for how long? Keras placed the tricorder in his utility belt and scooped up the Romulan, who was surprising light considering his build.

Keras made a quick jog to the turbolift and entered, "Sickbay" he said as he made quick observations of Ryak. Soon the turbolift stopped and the doors opened revealing several wounded personnel making there way to Sickbay. Keras jogged past them and saw two security officers standing outside of Sickbay, Phaser Rifles at the ready.

He quickly entered into chaos as he stepped into Sickbay. Doctors were running around as more and more wounded arrived. He noticed that several EMHP had been activated. His eyes quickly took in his surroundings as he noticed a vacant bed. Keras walked over and placed Ryak into it. Keras glanced around looking for an available doctor who could attend to his friend, he noticed that one of the Holograms was approaching him.

"Are you wounded?" asked the hologram doctor.

Ensign Keras was puzzled for a second, glancing down at his uniform he noticed that much of the Romulan’s blood had soaked into his uniform. "No I am not, but he is." Keras gestured toward Ryak who still lay on the bed. The Hologram quickly moved past Keras and looked at the readout above the bed. "He has lost a lot of blood. Nurse! I will need a blood transfusion over here…"

Ensign Keras stepped back and watched as the Hologram began his work. Ryak will be in good care he thought, as turned around and left room. As he stepped out into the corridor one of the security officers saw his uniform and said, "You are science aren’t you?"

Keras turned and nodded accent, wondering what the officer wanted.

"Then you need to report to Security, we are short on staff and it’s been ordered that all non medical, engineering, and security members have to be assigned to teams and aid in repairs and the pick up of the gassed Klingons."

Keras saw the logic to that and quickly made his way to the turbolift, and upon entering said "Security". In a matter of seconds the doors opened revealing a new deck. He stepped out into the hallway and made his way to Security.

He could see up ahead that members of the crew were being assigned teams and heading out. Keras glanced around and did not see any Lt. Or Lt. JG. Then he noticed that an Ensign was sitting behind a desk apparently in command till the Head of Security returned. Ensign Keras walked up to him and said, "I am reporting in to be assigned to a security team.", in his cool monotone voice.

If you want something done right...
By: Lieutenant Melissa Marie Boudreau

It was time for Melissa to take things into her own hands. She'd reached the set of tools and found that there was nothing particularily useful in the set that would help her get rid of the Klingon without damaging the ship. Security still hadn't arrived and she knew that main engineering had a lot of work to do to keep the ship together.

Melissa looked around main engineering and saw the rest of the crew. She glanced over to Ensign Knight who was obviously eyeing a panel where extra phasors were kept. He turned to her and she nodded her approval.

"On the count of three," she mouthed to him. "One, two, three..."

Both of the engineers knew exactly what to do. Melissa stepped up from behind the bulkhead she was hiding behind. The Klingon had seen her come out to get the tools and so he was ready for her and didn't see Ensign Knight reach for the phasors. Unfortunately for Melissa, the Klingon had reasonable aim and she wasn't fast enough for him. As she tried to duck back behind the bulkhead, the Klingon fired his disruptor at her. The beam only grazed her arm but it was enough to send searing pain throughout the entire right side of her body.

Melissa started to feel rather weak. She knew she must be going into shock but she really didn't have time to worry about it. The wound wasn't too bad... at least it didn't look too bad to Melissa. She glanced over at Ensign Knight and saw that he was running over to her.

"I guess you must have got him." Melissa smiled.

Knight smiled back. "He was so busy watching you, I had time to get the phasor and shoot him. You should get to sickbay!"

"Don't worry, I'm all right. Get me the Medical Kit. I have to stay here and get the ship running." Knight looked unsure. "Now Ensign!"

[Casey to Engineering,] he called in a serious tone.

"Boudreau here sir." Melissa replied as she stood up.

[Melissa, do everything you can to ensure those shields hold, we're going to need them as strong as possible, use the available power we have to do it without effecting weapons systems,] Casey said to Melissa.

She turned to the rest of the engineers. "You heard the captain! Get to work on those shields!"

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

"Heros come in all ranks"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain's Log: Stardate 49806.22

The Qul'etlh has arrived at Qo'nos and has presently assumed orbit around the moon Praxis. The bej'mey warrior, Toqo has told the transport operator the coordinates of the hospital complex where these genetic experiments are alleged to be taking place. We are preparing to beam down to investigate.

*** Cargo bay transporter on board the Qul'etlh ***

Captain Price was checking his phaser and setting it to heavy stun while the away team assembled in the cargo bay. Lieutenant Morris and Doctor Kahn were checking their portable equipment they would use to take samples and conduct scans to verify genetic experimentation was what was happening in the abandoned Klingon complex on the splintered moon of Praxis. Across the way, Lee could see Ensigns Sharp, Chen and Hermedhie standing by. Raesene was examining a Klingon Mek'leth that Boral had handed him. Commander Dergaus entered along with Tamak and Toqo. They each were carrying Bat'leth.

"We are almost ready General." Commander Sterner approached the Captain, "Doctor Kahn and Lieutenant Morris have the portable laboratory equipment packed."

Lee turned and looked at his first officer, "Fair dinkum 'mate. We still need to wait for Lieutenant Thomas and Belira though. You brought a tricorder Commander?"

Joerg nodded, "Aye sir."

"Good. Set it to record mode. We can use it to capture whatever we find down on Praxis. It will serve as our proof when we bring these charges to the High Council's attention." Captain Price explained.

"We can expect the Klingons to raise an alarm as soon as we are discovered inside the complex." Sterner reminded.

Lee nodded. "All the more reason to make sure are ready when we go. We will need to move quickly, gather the evidence we need and get out in a matter of minutes. It won't take long for word to reach Qo'nos, and for the High Council to order reinforcements to Praxis once we have been discovered."

While he was speaking, Lieutenant Thomas and Belira, the female bej'mey warrior, entered the cargo bay. Both were carrying Bat'leth and had very serious expressions on their faces.

Dergaus, seeing the last of the away team enter, walked over to the General. "We are all here and ready to begin Price. Toqo has fed the coordinates into the transporter. If we can assemble on the cargo pad, we can all beam down and begin to expose the High Council's plans."

Lee nodded. "Let's do it 'mate." Stepping onto the large translucent cargo transporter pad, the Captain, all of the Klingons and Starfleet officers fell into formation.

"I believe I have located a secluded section for the beam in Captain." Lieutenant Samara explained from the transporter console, "Hopefully it will allow you to get in unnoticed."

Lee nodded. He wished that the Lieutenant could accompany them on this mission, but the Engineer had her hands full helping Numar getting the Qul'etlh back in order after the battle with the Klingon Battle Cruiser.

"Energize when ready Lieutenant." Lee called back.

K'Eytyanna nodded and then tapped the triangular controls on the Klingon panel before rotating the actuator to send the away team beaming down to Praxis. Lieutenant Samara watched for a moment until the transport completed, and then exited the transporter room to return to repairing the ship.

*****

The team materialized in what looked like an abandoned wing of the hospital complex. The air was still and dusty. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling and coated anything that lingered near by. The lighting was nearly nonexistent. Only a dim emergency lamp burned down the corridor that appeared to lead to another section of the hospital complex. What few objects there were in the corridor were covered in giant canvass tarps, which were likewise covered in an inch of dust and webbing.

"This area appears to be abandoned." Commander Sterner whispered quietly.

"Shhhhh!" hushed back Dergaus with a finger to his lips. The group fell silent for a long moment. Dergaus appeared to be listening to hear if anyone was approaching or was located near by. When his initial attempts didn't discern any useful noises, he and several of the other Klingon's began to sniff the air, using their primal warrior's senses to their fullest advantage.

"This way." Dergaus waved before he, Tamak and Toqo began marching down the hall quietly.

"Go, follow them." Lee whispered, "and keep on your toes 'mates."

The team walked for several hundred meters. They were indeed in an abandoned part of the hospital complex as Lieutenant Samara had informed them prior to transport. This Klingon hospital had most likely not been active for nearly a hundred years since the devastating explosion on the moon had caused all industrial mining to cease on the lunar surface, basically turning Praxis into a giant ghost town over night. This area of the hospital looked as if it hadn't been disturbed in all of that time and more.

They reached the end of the wing and paused at the corner. Light could be seen up ahead. Much more than the dim emergency lights that hung on the ends of the corridors.

Carefully, Dergaus peered around the corner. The Klingon warrior caught a glimpse of two other Klingon Warriors about twenty yards down the hall. They were carrying weapons and seemed to be just standing around and guarding the wing. Dergaus noticed they didn't seem to be paying much attention to their duty. They were lounging around and appeared to be occupying themselves with a game of skill along the far wall.

Dergaus carefully pulled back, and went to brief the others. "There are two warriors guarding the corridor a good twenty paces ahead. They are presently occupied in some sort of game. They are armed with disruptors and bat'leth. We must neutralize them quietly before they can raise an alarm."

Lee nodded. "Do you think we can get to their position without being detected?"

Dergaus shook his head. "No. There is nothing in the open corridor leading to their position. Even with their personal distractions, they would have to be blind to not notice our approach."

"Captain..." came a quiet voice from behind Price.

Lee turned and looked at Ensign Chen. "Ya 'mate?"

"Sir. Look. These air ducts appear to lead throughout the complex. It may be possible to use them to get past the guards up ahead and surprise them from the opposite side."

Lee stood up and examined the air duct. It was not very big, but it did seem just large enough for a man to navigate with care. "That's a long way to crawl through an air duct 'mate. Are you sure about this?"

"Aye sir. I think I can make it." Ensign Chen said with confidence. He was unshouldering his phaser riffle as he spoke.

"I'd like to go with him sir." Ensign Hermedhie added. "We can crawl past the two guards and then surprise them. Between the two of us, we should be able to take them out quietly."

Lee thought about it for a moment and then nodded. "Okay. But be careful. They are presently distracted with their game, but that could change at any moment."

"Don't worry sir. We won't let you down." Chen reassured.

Carefully grabbing the air vent grill, Chen gave it a slight tug. When it wouldn't yield to his pressure, the Ensign yanked much harder, causing the grill to pop of with a rusted scrapping noise that echoed through the air vent. Chen gritted his teeth, much as everyone on the away team did at that moment.

Dergaus carefully peered around the corner and could see that the two Klingon guards were still tossing latinum slips at the far wall. They hadn't noticed the sound. Looking back, Dergaus gave a nod, indicating the coast was clear.

"Help me up sir." Chen asked sliding his phaser riffle into the over head duct. Both Lee and Commander Sterner interlocked their hands and helped to boost the young Ensign up and into the duct. They watched as Chen crawled through the opening and deep into the air passage of the hospital's ventilation system. When he was far enough in, they likewise helped Raesene into the duct. Lee watched for a few minutes while his two crew members scurried through the tiny air passage and disappeared around a bend in the pipe.

"Let's close this up Commander." Lee finally said. Joerg helped the Captain raise the grill and snap it quietly in place before they walked to the corner where Dergaus and the others patiently waited for Ensign Chen and Hermedhie to crawl past the two guards and quietly take them out so they could proceed with the mission.

"Stand by with your weapons just in case they are detected." Captain Price whispered to Dergaus.

Dergaus nodded. "We already are. These are brave men you have serving with you Price. I hope their skill matches their courage."

Lee smiled slightly, "I don't think they will be letting us down my friend."

"We shall soon see." Dergaus commented while the away team waits on the two Ensigns. "We shall soon see."

"Antique Arm, New Shields"
Lieutenant David Mercury
Chief Of Engineering

Doctor Huntson quickly assessed the situation. David's condition was serious but not in the human sense. Besides for the missing hand David's upper arm, his elbow up to his shoulder, needs to be replaced. The damage was obvious, David had wires hanging out from every cut of his arm. "Lieutenant, without the use of sickbay I am not going to be able to repair the damage completely."

"Hey, Doc, just give me something that looks like a hand, I really don't care if it works right now, we'll fix it later." David seemed a little sacrastic but it was true, his place was in Main Engineering. Someone else could be his hands, they needed his experience.

"You got it... O.K. how are we going to do this?" the Doctor realized that David was right, he just needed to patch him up. A complete repair could be done at another time. The both of them quickly brainstormed about how to patch his arm up. The Doctor walked over to the replicator and asked to computer for a list of artificial limbs that could be replicated. The computer responded by stating that the database contained no information on replicating artificial limbs. The Doctor then asked about an old technology called robotics. He asked the computer if there was any data entries for robotic parts. The computer gladly answered with a replication of antique. A metal arm with what looked like a claw at the end of it.

"Doctor, what do you think you are doing with that thing!" The sight of this relic made David quiver.

"Do you want to go back to work?" David's facial expression changed and he motioned for the Doctor to continue. "I thought so." After two hours of connecting and testing and reconnecting the Doctor completed refitting the antique arm on David. "I'll right you are free to go, I am going to warn you that from time to time you might get some small shocks. I don't think that I wired everything correctly but at least you will be able to have some functionality with it. Good luck Lieutenant."

"Thanks Doc, I owe you one." David quickly left the Doctors quarters. The new addition to David's arm took a little getting used to.

The flashing lights still flooded the corridors. A sudden bang knocked David to the floor. "That felt like it pierced the hull." Emergency messages were now being broadcasted throughout the ship instructing the crew to proceed to designated areas of the ship. David picked up his pace and hurried towards Engineering. The corridors started to crowd with crew members.

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

Finally arriving in Main Engineering, the damage from the sniper was obvious. "Somebody talk to me what happened here?"

"David, its nice to have you back." Ensign Knight said as he noticed David walking into Engineering.

"Thanks, but what is going on?" David persisted.

"Reconfigure those shields Ensign, I'll inform the Lieutenant." Mellisa instructed the young Ensign. David's head turned to where Melissa was standing. Noticing that blood was dripping from her arm he quickly rushed over towards her.

"What happened?"

"I'm alright, we had a sniper." Melissa explained to David.

"A sniper... Are you sure you're alright?" Melissa reassured David that she was alright. "What is the status of the ship?"

"David, she is falling apart, piece by piece. Casey instructed us to keep the shields up at all cost. Redirect any power with the exception of weapons control."

"Is AC still on the bridge?" Melissa nodded her head yes. "What if we bring the metaphasic shields back on-line? We could route power from the warp core just as we did before."

"David, metaphasic won't be anymore effective against their weapons as our traditional shields.." Melissa corrected David.

"Your right....why if we..." David was interrupted.

"But they could stop their weapons from detecting the ship. If we turn the shields around... All ships emit particles, this enables the ship to be visible by sensors. A cloaking device will bend a sensors line of sight to prevent it from seeing these particles therefore making it invisible. Metaphasic shields protect us from intense heat, it basically repels certain 'excited' particles. If we flip the shields inside out and modify them to repell specific particles the Galaxy emits..." Melissa explained to David.

"I think the Klingons would still be able to see us with their ship's sensors but their torpedo might be confused. I like it! Melissa get Ensign Knight to help you configure the Metaphasic shielding. I am going to try and pump out every bit of power from these engines as I can." David smiled at his friend. "Good thinking Melissa, as soon as we are free from Klingon treats we have a date... in Sickbay!" David said as he lifted his 'new' antique arm.

"Your on, I'll bring the pain killers, you bring the doctors" Melissa replied as she held her own wounds.

"Mercury to the Bridge"

[Go ahead, David] Casey answered.

"Sir, I believe we have a way of fooling their torpedos. We need about 15 minutes to get it setup down here. I suggest targeting their disruptors first. This way hopefully if you disable their disruptors and the shield modifications work along with C-Defense, we should be in pretty good shape. The disruptors are the key. I don't know how much more she can take from them. Hull intergrity is failing." David said

[You have 10 minutes, Casey out.]

Dan Josephs

"After Effects"
by Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy

"Then I request permission to join the away team Captain." Lieutenant Thomas asked. Belira crossed her arms and turned, giving Chris an annoyed glance. She was still fuming.

Chris realized that this wasn't going to be easy to win her heart again. He'd managed to win it as Klingon, but he was a human now. Wait what I am thinking I am still who I was then, minus the Klingon features. He was just going to have to prove to Belira that he still cared about her, like before. He would also need time to explain things to her and help her understand.

This trip was going to be most interesting, she'd already asked him to explain himself, to explain everything to her. Doing so would violate a number of his oaths, however he believed that he could do this and had too. However now wasn't the time or the place to talk about things.

*** Hallways ***

Chris found himself telling Belira just the basic about why he was there. He could have told her more, but he decided that first he needed to lay down a foundation. If he truly was going to tell her as much as he could about why he had been there, he had to give her some place to start from and the beginning in this case seemed most logical.

He told her the truth, on this level of information, because to his knowledge it would've been declassified or dismissed by now. Since it was just basic starting information. He knew this would take some time to convince her, that he was in love with her still after all the time that had passed between them.

*** Cargo bay transporter on board the Qul'etlh ***

Belira and him had been talking, but it was not something they wanted to share with the others, so the entered the cargo bay as warriors preparing to do battle with the enemy.

While he was speaking, Lieutenant Thomas and Belira, the female bej'mey warrior, entered the cargo bay. Both were carrying Bat'leth and had very serious expressions on their faces.

They were the last to arrive, they'd not intentionally been slow about getting there, they'd just had a lot to discuss.

When they arrived on the surface in the abandom medical building, something crossed his mind. He realized something that caught him off guard, before he and Belira had become husband and wife. Chris had served as her body guard, protector to her. He decided if anything, the best way to prove to her, that he loved her was to return to his original mission. That is too say that he was back in the role of guardian to her, but this time he suspected she'd be more opponent than most Klingons could handle. That left only question was he man enough to be able to prove to her that his love for her still runs deep. Only time could tell the future.

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.ussatlantis.com

"Bright Lights and Pretty Doctors"
By: Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer),
USS Galaxy NCC-70637
And Ryak Sullax, Lieutenant (jg) {Science Officer}

***** Sickbay *****

The first thing that came to Ryak's attention was pain. A dull throbbing pain in his ribs that seemed to get worse on every breath he took. Groaning, he used his arm to cover his eyes. Even with his eyes closed, the room was far too bright.

"Ryak, Ryak..." He turned his head and uncovered his eyes and the blurry form of Cat coalesced in front of his eyes. "Hello Ryak, good to see you awake. Didn't I tell you a hundred times not to run in the corridor with pointy objects? You'll stick yourself with them." Cat said a straight face.

Ryak looked up, "It wasn't me who had the pointy object. Ouch!" Ryak called out. Ryak was about to chuckle when the pain hit him again. His hand went to his wound, with a grimace look on his face.

"You should be here in Sickbay for a short while. While the Metropan continues in regenerating your ribs and the cell accelerator works on replacing some of the blood you lost. But upon a happier note, after that you'll be fine for your duties." Cat put her hand on Ryak's shoulder, "I heard what you did in the Sensor Room. You did a great job in keeping the sensors functioning. But don't you dare do anything like that again. Machines are that: Machines. You are a lot more. A lot more than anything on the Galaxy, you were very close to... Well, you know what I mean."

"Yes Cat, I know what you mean." Ryak was starting to get the picture that he had a friend aboard the Galaxy. But he did not want her to know he was ok with that. Ryak just responded with the smug Romulan tone he usually used which implied that of course people liked him he was superior.

"Yes, well, I'm sorry that I got a little carried away. But we have enough deaths on the Galaxy. I just don't want more, especially people doing it to themselves." Cat gave a small-embarrassed smile. "Especially a friend." Ryak went to sit up but Cat held his shoulder while shaking her head, "You stay there, maybe in a little while."

Ryak was feeling the pain all over his body. He also knew that he had to get back to work. As Ryak contemplated his situation he knew that Cat was in no way going to let him leave right know. So he gave in. "Cat, Your abilities as a doctor are very outstanding, but I have to get back to work.... That look you are giving me is understood. I am not going to leave until you say it is Ok. aefvadh."

"Thank-you Ryak." Cat responded as she caught the drift of what Ryak was getting at. "Is there anything I can get you to help you get some of your work done?"

"I do not wish to burden you any more. Please just have an Ensign from Science bring me my Padds on the conversion of the two labs."

"OK. Now rest." Cat said as she walked away from the bed.

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

"Clearing The Path"
by Ensigns James Chen and Raesene Hermedhie
with an excerpt from "Heros Come in All Ranks" by Captain Price

The team materialized in what looked like an abandoned wing of the hospital complex. The air was still and dusty. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling and coated anything that lingered near by. The lighting was nearly nonexistent.

Only a dim emergency lamp burned down the corridor that appeared to lead to another section of the hospital complex. What few objects there were in the corridor were covered in giant canvass tarps, which were likewise covered in an inch of dust and webbing.

"This area appears to be abandoned." Commander Sterner whispered quietly.

"Shhhhh!" hushed back Dergaus with a finger to his lips. The group fell silent for a long moment. Dergaus appeared to be listening to hear if anyone was approaching or was located near by. When his initial attempts didn't discern any useful noises, he and several of the other Klingon's began to sniff the air, using their primal warrior's senses to their fullest advantage.

"This way." Dergaus waved before he, Tamak and Toqo began marching down the hall quietly.

"Go, follow them." Lee whispered, "and keep on your toes 'mates." The team walked for several hundred meters. They were indeed in an abandoned part of the hospital complex as Lieutenant Samara had informed them prior to transport. This Klingon hospital had most likely not been active for nearly a hundred years since the devastating explosion on the moon had caused all industrial mining to cease on the lunar surface, basically turning Praxis into a giant ghost town over night. This area of the hospital looked as if it hadn't been disturbed in all of that time and more.

They reached the end of the wing and paused at the corner. Light could be seen up ahead. Much more than the dim emergency lights that hung on the ends of the corridors.

Carefully, Dergaus peered around the corner. The Klingon warrior caught a glimpse of two other Klingon Warriors about twenty yards down the hall. They were carrying weapons and seemed to be just standing around and guarding the wing. Dergaus noticed they didn't seem to be paying much attention to their duty. They were lounging around and appeared to be occupying themselves with a game of skill along the far wall.

Dergaus carefully pulled back, and went to brief the others. "There are two warriors guarding the corridor a good twenty paces ahead. They are presently occupied in some sort of game. They are armed with disruptors and bat'leth. We must neutralize them quietly before they can raise an alarm."

Lee nodded. "Do you think we can get to their position without being detected?"

Dergaus shook his head. "No. There is nothing in the open corridor leading to their position. Even with their personal distractions, they would have to be blind to not notice our approach."

As he listened to all this, Chen examined the are around him. Then he saw the possibility of getting to the Klingons.

"Captain..." he started.

Lee turned and looked at Ensign Chen. "Ya 'mate?"

"Sir. Look. These air ducts appear to lead throughout the complex.

It may be possible to use them to get past the guards up ahead and surprise them from the opposite side."

Lee stood up and examined the air duct. It was not very big, but it did seem just large enough for a man to navigate with care. "That's a long way to crawl through an air duct 'mate. Are you sure about this?"

"Aye sir. I think I can make it." Ensign Chen said with confidence. He was unshouldering his phaser rifle as he spoke.

"I'd like to go with him sir." Ensign Hermedhie added. "We can crawl past the two guards and then surprise them. Between the two of us, we should be able to take them out quietly."

Lee thought about it for a moment and then nodded. "Okay. But be careful. They are presently distracted with their game, but that could change at any moment."

"Don't worry sir. We won't let you down." Chen reassured.

Carefully grabbing the air vent grill, Chen gave it a slight tug. When it wouldn't yield to his pressure, the Ensign yanked much harder, causing the grill to pop of with a rusted scrapping noise that echoed through the air vent.

Chen gritted his teeth, much as everyone on the away team did at that moment.

Dergaus carefully peered around the corner and could see that the two Klingon guards were still tossing latinum slips at the far wall. They hadn't noticed the sound. Looking back, Dergaus gave a nod, indicating the coast was clear.

"Help me up, sir." Chen asked sliding his phaser riffle into the over head duct. Both Lee and Commander Sterner interlocked their hands and helped to boost the young Ensign up and into the duct. They watched as Chen crawled through the opening and deep into the air passage of the hospital's ventilation system. When he was far enough in, they likewise helped Raesene into the duct. Lee watched for a few minutes while his two crew members scurried through the tiny air passage and disappeared around a bend in the pipe.

Ensign Chen was starting to think maybe this wasn't such a good idea. As a matter of fact, that belief first entered his mind after, oh, the first fifteen yards of just using his arms to crawl down a very cramped air duct.

Ensign Hermedhie wasn't having such a great time, either. He found that being the rather large man that he was, that it made it even more difficult to squeeze through the ducts. Finally, they reached the end of the air duct. Chen crawled to one side while Hermedhie was on the other. They both felt a deep ache in their arms and chest. Hermedhie looked down into the dark, empty room. Light was shining in from the hall, but that was it. He could hear the Klingons laughing and the sound of latinum hitting the walls. Ensign Chen gripped the grill and started to push, but this one was on better than the last one. "Here," Ensign Hermedhie said as he grabbed the grill. Together they pushed until the grill popped off.

The two Ensigns then carefully lowered themselves into the room, making sure as to not make any overt noises. When they had done so, quite successfully, they made their way to the door. Raesene peeked around the corner, and found the two Klingons’ backs to them. Raesene then ducked back into the room, and motioned Chen over. He then quickly signed that he would take the one on the right, and Chen would deal with the one on the left.

Chen pointed to his rifle, then waved his hand over it, then he touched his ear, indicating the rifle's would be too noisy. Then he raised a fist and pointed at the Klingons.

Raesene nodded. Chen backed up to the other side and held up three fingers. He silently mouthed, Three...Two...One, while counting off fingers. Then he nodded and the two ensigns rushed the Klingons. Their faces were grim and determined as the two attacked. The Klingon on the left, Chen's, was fast and pulled his disruptor. Chen knew he'd never get there in time. Instead, he threw his rifle at the guard. The Klingon's instincts forced him to make a grab for the rifle, distracting him while Chen leapt into the air and connected solidly on the Klingon's chest with both feet.

Meanwhile, Raesene went at the other Klingon, as quickly as he could. However, the Klingon quickly drew his Mek'leth and swung it at Raesene. Raesene barely had time to raise his rifle to deflect it. The two weapons met with a mid-level tinking sound, and disarmed both men. The two then grabbed a hold of each other and began jockeying for a position of dominance. It appeared that they were evenly matched. But then, Raesene placed his right leg between his opponent's leg, then used it as leverage to throw his opponent's weight over his shoulder. When the Klingon began to stand up, Raesene wrapped his arms around his opponent's head, and twisted with all of his might. The Klingon's neck gave with a sickening crunch, and he slumped to the ground dead.

Chen’s Klingon fell back against the wall from the kick, dropping both weapons, and Chen came in fast with an elbow to the temple. The Klingon took the blow in stride and tried to knee Chen in the groin. Chen blocked the knee with his leg and felt the hole appendage go numb. He rammed the heel of his hand into the Klingon's nose and was rewarded with a wet crack, indicating a broken nose. Suddenly, the Klingon lashed out and Chen felt something sharp prick his side. He ignored the pain and, in several fluid motions, kneed the Klingon in the gut, slammed his head against the wall and brought his elbow down on the back of his head. The Klingon was down, but was still awake. So Chen kicked him in the face for good measure. He looked down at his side and found the Klingon's dagger imbedded in his side. He saw Raesene had finished with his guard. Chen gritted his teeth and pulled the knife out quickly. Raesene looked at the blood. "Are you okay?" Chen nodded and held his side.

"Nothing Doctor Kahn can't fix. Go get the others, I'll take care of this one. Oh, and give me the strap from your rifle."

Raesene picked up the phaser rifle, and gave its strap and jogged off to get the others while Chen tied the still-breathing Klingon up.

Raesene came jogging to the corner that talked before rounding the corner. "It's me, everybody." He stepped into the open and saw everyone with their phasers aimed where he was. When they made sure it was him, they lowered their phasers. "Okay, 'mate. Where's Ensign Chen?" Raesene nodded back down the hall. "Subduing the Klingons. We'd better hurry, he's been hurt." The away team ran down the corridor where Chen was finishing tying the Klingon. Price walked over. "Ensign Hermedhie says you're hurt. What's wrong?"

Chen pulled his bloody hand away from the wound. Doctor Kahn stepped over and had Chen open his jacket. She examined the wound. "That looks pretty bad, James. What happened?"

Raesene spoke up for him. "We had to fight the Klingons hand-to-hand. Apparently, this one pulled his knife and Chen didn't see it." Kahn sterilized the wound, injected a clotting agent and covered it with a bandage. "It's pretty deep, Ensign. Luckily it didn’t hit any internal organs. It’s messy, but not fatal."

Price studied Chen for a second. "Maybe you should stay here and watch the Klingons. That wound did look bad."

Chen closed his jacket and shook his head. "With all due respect, sir, I'd rather continue on. It's not as bad as it looks."

Raesene jumped in. "Sir, if he gets into any trouble out there, I could watch out for him if he gets any worse."

Price looked at the two ensigns proudly. These two were true warriors. He smiled. "All right, then. Let's not dally around here. We need to finish up."

Raesene said, "Yes, sir." The group then continued on their way to collect the evidence they needed.

"Dark Orb"
by Lt. Endris Gakor
reviewed by General Price and Lt. (jg) Alyssa Idana

*** Corridors, IKS Qul' etlh ***
*** Flashback :: 2 days ago ***

Images of General Price, Doctor Kahn, and the bej 'mey warrior Toqo wafered into being. Gakor recalled the strange way the prophets communicated with her when she viewed the orb at DS9, and concluded this must be an after-effect of the experience.

[Alaiyo the time of parting approaches], said the unsteady image of the alinear beings. [We must depart soon], they claimed as a group. "I do not understand what direction you wish to impart. Starvation! Why are you so cryptic?" [The linear one is confused.], said Toqo. [Let us endeavor to be concise], said a near clone of the CMO.

Balking no time for objections, the powerful 'Gods' of the Bajorian people continued to imprint the Orb vision to Gakor's mind. The alien who had assumed the form of Doctor Kahn looked a bit white, as if something terrible was about to occur.

Toqo walked down a corridor, uneffected by whatever was effecting the Bajoran. Something wasn't quite right. Gone was the orange glow of the power conduits, and the stoic Klingon architecture. Whatever the aliens were communicating, the actions were not in nearby space.

The mystery was soon cleared up when 'Toqo' walked past a Cardassian insignia for the camp of Etak Tor. *Snacks, this must be one of Gul Moret's dastardly schemes*, thought the Tellarite. (Moret was a commander who once visited Memory Beta during Endris's duties there. He had a reputation for being a one of the most cunning and shrewed Guls. There were even rumors tying him to the former Obsidian order.)

Meanwhile, the imitation bej 'mey turned back to the group and said "The samples should be in the lab beyond this passage". The prophet who assumed Price's form opened a door, and a surprised Gul Moret stood facing an unknown Vorta. *Why can't the prophets reveal these visions in linear logic?*, the doctor complained mutely.

[It is hungry for knowledge.], said the form of Moret with an undeniably Cardassian grimace.

Gakor restrained the impulse to pull her frizzy hair in frustration, and scowled, inhaling deeply from the dusty Qul' etlh's air. A sneezing like oink ensued to clear Endris' snout-like nose.

[Wegjan], Moret addressed the Vorta, [Here is our new ally.] The Cardassian Gul gestured to an unseen minion. A gloved hand reached out to touch a control, as a section of wall irised out from a hidden orifice.

Endris couldn't believe the woman who was standing there. It could have been her twin. Even the black leather harness was similar to her Klingon warrior's garb, and the Cleaver was undeniably of Tellarite origins.

[Moret, our bargain is struck], said the visionary Bacon Lady. Behind her, a tall Vulcan entered with a 50 decaliter container of Kytra Cell White and presented it to Wegjan and the eager Jem' Hadar that materialized as if transporting through the solidly shielded decks. [Let this be the first payment for the freedom of Tellar]. The sly Gul merely smiled at the Colonel through gritted teeth.

*The freedom of Tellar*, though Gakor *What in Cuisine's name is she talking about?*

[It is you but it is not], said one of the prophets.

The General's twin said [It is one who comes from another place].

"Are these things that have happened, things happening now, or things yet to come?" Gakor asked with a frustrated oink. She was starting to feel like Ebineezer Scrooge, and it wasn't even Christmas.

[Alaiyo, this is our way], said the one who looked like Nilnai.

[We are not linear.], commented General Price.

The alien vision momentarily faded, and Endris felt confused. She then trotted in to the mess decks for a constitution-restoring meal. The stubborn porcine woman decided to remain silent about this latest puzzling revelation from the Bajoran prophets, until something practical could be done about it.

*** Present, Corridors, IKS Qul' etlh***

Endris was trotting towards the cargo bays and the transporter systems of the small Klingon bird of prey. She had packed her bags minutes before, and was rushing to join the away team, when she suddenly bent over in pain. Something had changed. Drastically.

Just then, Lieutenant junior grade Idana was traversing the corridor on her way to her bridge station when she noticed the Tellarite's distress.

"Are you okay, Doctor?", asked the young and pleasantly smiling Trill.

Only a few seconds before Alyssa stumbled upon her, Endris had felt a swift pain of nausea pass through her, and the marginally erect Tellarite collapsed into Idana's arms. Gakor was mumbling something incoherent about the vision she had two days before. "Must warn the General....", she gasped. For some reason, her neural activity levels were elevated, as if they had been stimulated by an intense energy wave. Endris' brain raced to synaptic overload, and her warning halted abruptly.

*** Two hours later, Sickbay ***

Korof was finally pleased with the readings over Gakor's bio bed. Cortical monitors showed her brain activity was slowing into a safe range for her Cuisine loving species. One of the nurses alerted him "Doctor, Endris is starting to respond to the medications", as the Tellarite regained consciousness.

"Don't move just yet," encouraged Korof. "You've just recovered from quite a shock." The doctors only response was a loud growl from her stomach, which was an involuntary plea for Oinkus.

"Nurse, please inform Lt. Idana that Endris has awakened, she was very distraught when she brought Gakor here for treatment. Let her know her friend is still recovering, but out of immediate danger."

"Certainly, Doctor", the nurse said while turning to the com panel.

10 minutes later, the Trill strolled into Sickbay with an 'I-got-to-see-this-for-myself" expression plastered on her face. "Gakor, its good to see you are healing", she said. "But before you fainted, you were saying something about warning the General"...

Endris frowned, trying to remember the events before she passed out. But a white haze seemed to prevent her from tapping into the information. "Snacks!", she groaned. "It would be easier to think on a full stomach."

Korof quickly approved a meal, and the nurse walked over to Endris with a food tray. Once this desire was sated, the Tellarite's color and clarity improved.

"It was probably a random hallucination", Endris lied, not wishing to reveal "her" involvement in the distribution of Kytra Cell White. The Doctor had still not fit all the pieces of this puzzle together, and there were too many ramification of rushing in blindly. But she also knew her duty to Star Fleet. "Wait- I have something to tell you", she said meekly with an extremely pregnant pause. "I had a vision from the prophets", Endris hesitantly confessed. "It was very disturbing, and I haven't sorted it out yet."

"Why don't you get some sleep and reflect on your vision. Maybe more will come to you while you recuperate.", suggested the Trill.

"Excellent advice," Gakor remarked, as Alyssa turned to exit. "Korof will update you on my progress. And thank you for expressing concern over my well being", Endris said in her most cheerful tone, from her position on the bed, the Tellarite could not tell if her mute friend heard her before the doors swished shut.

"Need a breathmint?"
By: Ensign Lexana Ral, Junior Counselor - USS Galaxy

Ral had not heard the raucus .. the Alert sirens.. she's been in her office, clearing up some reports..And she'd been SO tired.. she's dozed off..NOTHING had awakened her.. till *someone* had opened the door.. the sensation of living presence in the room had awakened her Betazoid half.. She sat up.. Saw a klingon with a disruptor and...She'd bolted for the door... Straight into the path of four more Klingons.. .. "Oh ****" She thought..

"Halt" Said one of them in a tone that suggested he'd been gargling with creosote..

"Not Bloody Likely!!" Ral Squeaked.. she bolted in the opposite direction as disruptor fire scorched the air where she'd just been.. She tapped her COMMBadge.. but for some reason.. it wasn't working.. "Ah **** .. ****...******* COMMBADGE!!"

Right then.. Ensign Ral *Really* wished she would run into Lt Albrecht.. much as she'd been trying to avoid security.. NOW would be a really good time to find some.. She wondered just what the hell was going on.. "I should NEVER have fallen asleep" she thought.. as a blast from a disruptor almost caught her on the rear.. "OW!!!"

However fast she might run.. Ral knew Klingons were faster.. She tried vainly to think of all the escape routes she knew.. But each Jeffries Tube panel took a while to open.. Corridoors flashed past her eyes.. the scent of burnt flesh reached her nostils.. she tried not to look..

Suddenly she cannoned into a surprised looking Klingon....He'd just shot someone.. and the last thing he expected was to have a terrified Counselor run into him.. He let out a grunt.. and.. a cloud of extremely bad breath.. Halitosis.. Ral remembered the term from her Medical class at the Academy..

"Um.. Breathmint?" Ral pulled a small container out of her jumpsuit..

The Klingon looked confused..

"Forget it!" Ral Kicked him somewhere painful.. hurt her foot in the process..then ran for it as he fell forward, doubled over in pain.. "OUCH.. my Bloody foot.. BASTARD" She kicks him in the nether regions as he's doubled over..and hurts her foot even more.. She would have punted him one again.. However, a blast of fire breaks her concentration and reminds her of the fact she may be fried any minute.. Swipes the disruptor from the Klingon (who's eyes are watering) and runs for the nearest Jeffries tube.. opening it.. she scoots inside.. sealing it from the inside.. and hides.. Cowering.. and hoping it would soon be over ..

"I..Can't believe I dated a Klingon.. It's weird.. I never noticed the breath thing before now.." Ral leaned her head back against the wall and wiped the salt-water from her brow.. meanwhile.. outside her hiding place..the fun continued..

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

"Of bullets and Klingons"
With contributions by Lt. Melissa Boudreau and Lt. MacKenzie

Ensign D'Auria was not a happy man. At

least as unhappy as a Vulcan-trained human could be. As he was moving covertly through the darkened corridors, trying to reach Engineering, this thought kept running through his mind. It had not been a good year for him. First, his previous posting was currently in drydock, undergoing extensive repairs after being nearly destroyed by the Cardassians and Jem'Hadar. Then his request for transfer to a fighter squadron had been issued and at the last instant changed into a post in the science department of the USS Galaxy. And now, the Klingons had boarded and were killing his crewmates. He was definitely not in a good mood; the darkened corridors and flashing lights reminded him of the last voyage of the USS Nimrod and the carnage that had occurred there.

::Earlier::

Jack was silently moving through the darkened building, the small smg moving from side to side in a wide arc, the red dot of the lasersight searching for targets. It was one of his favorite training programs; even though he had been warned not to carry any of his antique weapons during duty hours, it was permitted during his holodeck visits. The skill level had been activated to maximum with the computer instructed for random parameters. It kept the whole excersize interesting.

Suddenly, red alert claxons started blaring and the ship rocked violently, making D'Auria almost loose his balance. The next sound he heard was the whine of a transporter; ducking inside a darkened doorway, Jack saw three Klingon warriors materialize. This was not a good thing, supposed allies transporting aboard, weapons drawn while the ship shook under heavy fire. He immediately removed the clip with the holographic bullets, replacing it with a real one.

"Lan Nuqvam?" (What is this place?)

One of the Klingons pulled out a tricorder, scanning for lifesigns. D'Auria had been quickly moving into a concealed position, all the while keeping his eye on them. As the Klingon asked the question, Jack jumped up and aimed his MP5, the red dot of the laser centering on the Klingon's chest.

"qa' mev tlhIH jaH Sto-Vo-Kor." (The place where your souls will leave for Sto-vo-kor.)

The warriors quickly turned in his direction, opening fire, but not fast enough as D'Auria pulled the trigger and the armor piercing slugs penetrated the warriors chest. He was dead before his body hit the ground. Jack crouched low behind the holographic wall; the disruptor blasts screeched overhead. Pulling out his knife, he flipped forward in a roll, got up into a half crouch and threw the knife at the warrior on the left, just as he aimed his gun at the one on the right. One clutched at his throat, the knife fully embedded. Only a gurgling sound was heard as his body slumped to the floor. The other one managed to fire his disruptor at Jack, before his head exploded in a shower of pinkish blood. His last shot, however, caught D'Auria in his left shoulder, searing the skin. Surpressing a groan, he got up and went to check the bodies. Finding a strange device on them, he used his tricorder.

'Interesting, thoron emitters. They have been keeping up with Maquis tricks.' Taking one of the emitters and placing it on his chest, Jack quickly moved into the corridor. Even though he was assigned to the Science division, his skills could be better used in Engineering, if the pounding the Galaxy was taking was any indication.

::Now::

Jack had not seen one life Klingon warrior during his trek. The only thoron emissions he found were those of dead Klingons. The corridors were littered with the dead, both Starfleet and Klingon. The turbolifts had been out and he had been crawling through Jefferies tubes; now he was on the deck were his quarters were located. According to the tricorder, it was impossible to go through the tubes any lower on this side due to a massive hull breach. He had to go around or be stuck there.

Hearing a low groan, he found a crewmember laying in a pool of blood. He couldn't do anything for her, her injuries were too severe.

"D'Auria to transporter room 1, emergency medical beamout on deck 13." "Acknowledged", came the harried voice of the transporter chief; the next instant, her body dissolved in the transporter shimmer. A sudden sound startled him and the next instant, his back seemed to explode with pain. He rolled forward, wincing as his back hit the floor, straightened and turned. Two large Klingons advanced on him, D'k tahgs and disruptors at the ready. If he hadn't moved when he had heard the sound, there would have been a gaping hole in his chest; the disruptor blast had now only glanced over his back.

Fighting the pain, he brought the gun up, firing into the advancing Klingons. Then, he was thrown clear against the opposite wall, his body a mass of pain. A disruptor blast had hit an energy conduit in the wall, destroying it. Fighting to stay conscious, Jack managed to turn around on his back. The first thing he saw was one of the Klingons standing over him, his disruptor pistol aimed at his head, a feral grin on his face. Then, a small, dark projectile hurtled itself at the Klingon, knocking him over. Pushing himself up slowly and painfully, Jack saw what looked like a t'arg clawing at the warrior. With a scream, more of annoyance then of pain, he threw the animal off of him.

"That is no way to treat an animal, Klingon. Try it with somebody your own size", Jack said in an even, low voice. The Klingon leapt up and charged; Jack sidestepped, slashing his right knee hard into his opponent's stomach, doubling him over. At the same instant, his thumb and forefinger fastened on the man's throat and ripped out the adam's apple. The Klingon clutched at his throat, trying to breathe; he tried to get up, reaching for Jack with one hand, but it was no use. His companion, it turned out was already death, two small holes between his lower forehead ridge and nose. Suddenly, Jack felt something brush his leg; looking down, he spotted the animal that saved his life.

"Come here, little one", he said, wincing as he bend over, taking the t'arg into his hands. "What are you doing here? Your owner loose you?"

The animal grunted and wheezed, squirming in Jack's hands; then the ship jerked again and the t'arg wriggled loose, jumping to the floor and disappearing. Without further incident, D'Auria reached Engineering. As he left the Jefferies Tube, he noticed that engineering was not in very good shape, even considering that the ship was being attacked. At one end of main engineering, a security team was picking up a limp Klingon

A voice came up behind D'Auria and startled him. He thought he hadn't been noticed considering the chaos the room was in.

"Can I help you?"

The tone Lt. Boudreau used was not a happy one. Being shot in the arm never really put her in a good mood, and having the ship in such a state as it was, pleased her even less. She had a lot to do and babysit lost Ensigns was not on her list. Especially not ones dressed in baggy black jumpsuits, carrying strange equipment and sporting a scorched back. It looked as if someone had used a torch on it.

"I've come to lend a hand actually," the Science Officer stated. "What is our status, Lieutenant?" he asked as he moved to a console, calling up an outside view.

Melissa had no time to argue. "SIF is failing, we have major structural damage, sensors are erratic and life support will be non-existent in a few minutes if we don't get to work AND if those Klingons stop blowing the hell out of us."

Peering intently at the screen for a few seconds, Jack turned, seeing the female Lt. staring at his back. He guessed that it must be real bad if the look on her face was any indication. Willing the pain away, he looked her straight in the face and said, "I think I can help with that", before tapping his commbadge.

"Ensign D'Auria to the bridge."

"Lt. Hunter here!"

"I have a possible way to defeat the Klingon vessels attacking us, Sir."

"What? What is it?"

Jack allowed himself a rare (for him) smile before answering.

"The Nimrod Gambit, sir."

"Ensign, no time for that now. We're about to blow those Klingons out of our space. When this is finished, come and talk to me. MacKenzie out!"

Jack lifted an eyebrow and turned back to the lieutenant standing behind him.

"It seems that any tactical suggestions I have to contribute will have to wait till later. IF we make it till later. Lt., if you could point me to where you could use another pair of hands, I'll see if I can be of any use to you here."

"This way, Ensign."

"Blinding"
by Lt. Ronni Morris
IKS Qul' etlh

Numar passed gas as he bent over to climb into the access tunnel. He only made it into the tunnel due to the oil and sweat covering his rather large frame. Ronni turned back to the phaser collector's controls. She had thought that there had been another explosion, but she was glad to find out it was just the Klingon Engineer, again.

K'Eytyanna pulled herself out of a different access tunnel, followed by her two shadows. Yirok and Toqo scanned the area and when they decided it was safe, their eyes returned to their mistress. K'Eytyanna said, "I had to go down a different access tunnel just to get out of that pig's way. He has the whole section block by his greasy form. I swear he's the offspring of a Romulan and a drunk tribble." K'Eytyanna came over and asked, "How are repairs going?"

Ronni, finished connecting the Engineering department's replicator to the control panel. She slid out and said, "I'm almost done here. I just need to initialize the controls. This will modulate the phasers to be more effective against any other Klingon ships."

The Klingon woman smiled and said, "Good. Well, I'm going to get some sleep while I can. I have appreciated your help here, but I think you should get some sleep too." Ronni rubbed her eyes and got a smear of grease on her eyebrow. She looked up at the Klingon Starfleet engineer and just nodded.

K'Eytyanna turned and left. Her two love sick shadows followed after her.

Ronni sat at the seat in front of the controls and initialized the new phaser arrays. They hummed to life. She compared the read outs to the previous results. The phasers were at 115% efficiency. She thought that her mentor, Karen-Davies Jeppo would be proud of her.

An alarm on the safety run off valve for the torpedo bays sounded. Ronni wearily pushed herself up. If she had been more alert, she would have seen that the valve was leaking. As she approached it, the valve snapped off and shot out. It clipped her shoulder and spun her around. As she came fully around, she caught a flash of energy as the safety run off valve exploded.

Force fields appeared and contained the explosion. The energy was safely diverted to another area and vented from the ship. On the floor of the Engineering department laid the unconscious Delphinian. Blinded, burned, and bleeding.

"Doctors can be versatile too"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Price looked at the two Ensigns proudly. These two were true warriors. "All right, then. Let's not dally around here. We need to finish up." Lee smiled.

"Yes, sir." Raesene replied before the group continued on their way to collect the evidence they needed.

Dergaus, Toqo and Captain Price proceeded slowly ahead. Both Klingons had their weapons drawn and were in stalk mode like the trained warriors they were. Captain Price was using a tricorder to scan the immediate area ahead for life signs. Not far behind the Captain, Commander Sterner kept a vigilant eye open to make sure nothing happened to Price. Near Joerg, Tamak likewise was watching out for Dergaus.

"Looks like the coast is clear for the next forty meters 'mate." Lee commented softly.

Dergaus let out a low, primal growl, acknowledging the General's assessment. True enough, the rest of the corridor was unoccupied up to a special entry way leading to another section of the abandoned hospital. It was a pair of sealed doors, enclosed in an illuminated casing that framed the outer perimeter. An access panel sat mounted on the wall frame and appeared to have a palm activated scanner.

Captain Price scanned the entry way with his tricorder. "It looks like some sort of bio-safe entry portal. It probably leads to a decontamination room on the other side." Lee explained before scanning the palm reader, "It's coded and keyed to this palm reader." He added, snapping the tricorder shut with a hint of frustration.

"How can we gain entrance without triggering an alarm?" Dergaus asked exploring their options.

"I'm not sure 'mate." Lee said, turning aside and glancing back at the others, "Ideas anyone?"

Clearing her voice, Doctor Kahn stepped forward, which surprised nearly everyone present. "Excuse me, pardon me, excuse me, thank you..." the Doctor said stepping past the officers and warriors while working her way from the back of the pack to the front where the Captain and Dergaus were standing.

"You have something to contribute Doctor?" Captain Price asked.

"I believe so sir." Nilani explained while reaching into her medical kit, "The scanner reads the pattern off of the palm of the person who touches the scan receptacle. It is possible that the last person that accessed the entryway left a palm print on the scanner's surface."

"Like a fingerprint?" Lee asked.

"Exactly." Doctor Kahn commented removing a hypospray from her bag and adjusting it, "If I can chemically activate the natural oils left behind by the last imprint, we may be able to trick the scanner into admitting us."

Captain Price glanced at Dergaus. Both men seemed impressed with the Bajoran's resourcefulness. They watched as the Doctor used the hypospray to mist the surface of the palm scanner. Slowly a dark black image of a perfect palm print appeared. "I think that should do it Captain. It will either work, or it won't I am afraid..." Doctor Kahn explained stowing the hypospray back in her bag, "It's the best I can do."

"Fair Dinkum 'mate. Let's find out." Lee replied, activating the reader.

A bright, neon green light illuminated and scanned the palm reader from top to bottom. A long moment past before the doors hissed open. A steady outward flow of pressurized air began to blow out of the opening, keeping contaminant bacteria out in the corridor.

"It worked!" Toqo declared with a smile that showed the bej'mey warrior's canines.

Lee gave a wry grin. "Nice work Doctor. Let's go."

Dergaus, Doctor Kahn, Toqo and then Captain Price entered the room. It was as the Captain expected, a white walled decontamination chamber that lead to an inner scrub room. A few meters into the room, the hiss of a gaseous decontamination aerosol system billowed the team along with an ultra-violet decontamination bath to kill any wanton germs they might be carrying into the biogenetic laboratory deep with in the secret complex.

Everyone jumped when the gas began to flow and the purple lights began to decontaminate the away team. "It's okay." Doctor Kahn reassured, "It's just a standard decontamination bath. Nothing to worry about."

The Klingons present growled slightly at the Doctor's explanation and care free attitude towards the startling bath of billowy gas and light. But it was more a sort of nervous tension than anything more. They were ready and waiting for a fight. These sudden surprises had them all on edge.

After a moment, the decontamination bath stopped and a green light activated at the opposing doors. Pressing the actuator, the doors hissed open allowing the team to pass into the inner laboratory corridors.

Lee reopened his tricorder with a snap of his wrist. Scanning he began to pick up life signs. "This way." He pointed.

Slowly the team worked their way through the biogenetic clean room halls. They past through several doors that lead to various corridors. All were lined with pristine white walls and a sterile clean floor. Nothing like the dank, dusty, abandoned hospital corridors outside this inner sanctuary. No, this secret laboratory was well maintained, and definitely in use.

"Through here." Lee pointed reading his tricorder.

Dergaus and Toqo lead the way, securing the next room. Doctor Kahn followed along with the others. When they entered, Dergaus found a large container sitting on a lab bench. It appeared to be open, and looked like someone had just been using it.

Doctor Kahn stepped over and inspected the substance. "This looks like genetic gel. A lot of it." She pulled out her medical tricorder and made a quick scan. "Confirmed Captain. It is genetic gel. Of a very high grade." A concerned look made it's way onto the Doctor's face. She turned and looked at Captain Price, "If I didn't know better, I'd have to say this came from the Federation Captain."

"Are you sure Doctor?" Lee questioned.

"I can't be certain, but genetic gel of this quality is not readily available just anywhere. There is a high probability that this was manufactured in the Federation. How the Klingon's got it is anyone's guess." Nilani explained.

Lee turned and looked at Commander Sterner. "Are you getting this 'mate?"

Joerg nodded, "Every word sir." Sterner replied while holding his own tricorder and recording their findings.

"Come, we may discover more up through here." Dergaus suggested while pointing to the next passageway.

Lee nodded. "I am getting strange life signs up ahead... Not Klingon... I'm not even sure if they are really life signs at all. Doctor?" Captain Price gestured, tilting his tricorder so Kahn could see.

"It's something Captain. What, I can't say."

"Let's find out." Dergaus said flatly, stiffening his grip on his disruptor and pressing forward. Toqo repositioned his hands on his Bat'leth and followed.

The party continued into the next chamber. Tensions were high. Everyone was expecting the worse and preparing to fight for their lives at any moment. What was about to happen, none of them could have prepared for.

The next room was much like the others. White walled and sterile. Only this one's floor was not pristine. Dark pools of red and green fluid stained it. There were numerous benches throughout the well lit room which was a good fifty meters across.

Carefully, as if sensing something was terribly wrong in this room, Dergaus and Toqo proceeded at a cautious pace. Captain Price and Doctor Kahn were close behind when they approached the first of the laboratory tables.

Upon it was a Jem'Hadar soldier. Or what passed for the remains of one. The man had been dissected and disemboweled. Literally turned inside out under whatever sort of examination the Klingon scientists had put him through. Doctor Kahn gasped at the sight. She was a Doctor. A trained professional. But even she wasn't prepared to see such a graphic corpse. She clutched onto Captain Price momentarily until she got over her initial shock.

Toqo's eyes widened when he saw the Jem'Hadar. The Young bej'mey had never seen the inside of the enemy before. He'd often dreamed of glorious battles and defeating the Jem'Hadar in the war with the Dominion, but had never actually seen one in person.

"Come." Dergaus said, not wishing to comment or dally on the dissected soldier. The Commander proceeded, walking through the room.

The next bench was like the last. Another dead Jem'Hadar. This one missing it's head, it's nervous system hooked up to an array of monitoring and sensory equipment. An artificial recessitator keeping the bodily functions going in the name of research.

"Doctor, is this what we were reading?" Lee asked dryly.

Kahn scanned the headless Jem'Hadar body and shook her head. "No Captain. This doesn't register as being alive at all."

Lee glanced around at the many tables occupying the lab. Breaking formation, he walked away from the group and headed to a random table. Commander Sterner was quick to follow, using the tricorder to record everything they had observed.

When he came to the next table, he circled around to have a look. This one had the torso of a Jem'Hadar also. It was severed at the stomach line, it's internal organs exposed with only the jagged tail of his broken spine jutting out. A myriad of wires and tubes circled from the monitoring consoles into the soldier's abdomen area. He was missing one arm where his carcass was split down the side to make it easier for the Klingon scientists to study the Jem'Hadar's physiology. His head was turned away and hanging back, as if he were twisted and contorted from the massive pain he must have experienced. Instinctively, Lee reached out to touch the soldier. The overwhelming need to confirm that this was real and not some horrible nightmare. When he touched the Jem'Hadar's chest, the soldier twisted violently and latched onto the Captain's wrist with his good arm.

Lee's eyes widened from the sudden fright. He tried to jerk his hand back, but the death grip of the pained soldier held tight. Slowly he turned his head to face Captain Price. His eyes were dark with circles, filled with indescribable pain and torment. The soldier's lips quivered. With obvious pain, the Jem'Hadar struggled to get the breath to speak. He was trembling when he mumbled a single word.

"Mmmm....Mercy....?"

It was a pleading tone. A tormented soul reaching out and asking for a peaceful release from the pain and agony of continual torment.

Lee couldn't move. He was transfixed on the soldier's eyes. They looked tired and sad. Not filled with hatred and loathing the General had grown accustomed to thanks to the war with the Dominion. It was a lot easier thinking of the Jem'Hadar as beasts. Savage animals that needed to be destroyed than it was to hold this soldier's hand and listen to his plea for mercy. It was something the Captain would never forget.

Sterner had drawn his weapon when the Jem'Hadar grabbed the Captain, but had since lowered it upon realizing that Lee wasn't in any real danger. The Commander was catching everything on his tricorder that the team saw.

Toqo was startled even more so than the Captain. He had fully expected all of these Jem'Hadar were long since dead. To suddenly discover this one was alive had given the teenaged bej'mey warrior the creeps. He held tightly onto his Bat'leth and began reevaluating each of the tables around the laboratory.

Dergaus shuffled back as well, but like the Captain, the Klingon warrior soon recovered and wasn't scared off by the instinct to run. Instead he had listened to the Jem'Hadar's plea. For nearly a year the younger brother of K'Ral had been fighting the Jem'Hadar in battle. But like Captain Price, this tormented soldier's desperate request had touched the Klingon. Dergaus removed his d'k tahg and held it up, activating the side blades with an audible pop of metal on metal.

Lee glanced at the warrior and slowly nodded before returning his gaze to the pained Jem'Hadar soldier. The dark eyes of the Jem'Hadar welled up slightly when he nodded in thanks. The soldier then turned his head away, stretching his neck slightly, giving Dergaus a clean shot for delivering the lethal blow.

Which Dergaus did with precision. The Klingon warrior had killed in total, thirty two Jem'Hadar in battle. But this soldier, this victim, was not one Dergaus would be singing songs about. The warrior would have preferred to be cutting the throats of those that would think of doing this to another living being. Killing in honorable combat was one matter for the Klingon people. Torturing and tormenting their prisoners was completely another.

After a long moment, Captain Price turned to Doctor Kahn. "Doctor, what is your assessment of these... subjects 'mate?"

Doctor Kahn glanced around. "They all appear to have been dissected in one fashion or another. Judging from what we have seen, I would say that these men were all alive when the 'studies' began. They don't appear to have been intentionally tortured if that's what you mean Captain. I'd have to say someone has been conducting physiological testing on these Jem'Hadar for some unknown purpose."

Lee nodded then glanced at Sterner.

"Got it sir." Joerg replied knowingly.

"Right. Let's move out 'mates."

Dergaus and Toqo started moving towards the nearest exit. Captain Price and Doctor Kahn began to follow.

Suddenly, behind the away team, a Klingon scientist entered the laboratory. He was busy reading a chart and didn't immediately notice the away team. But once he'd walked for a few meters, he glanced up and saw Ensigns Chen and Hermedhie at the rear of the team.

"'Iv tIhIH naDev?!" (who you here?!)

Chen and Hermedhie immediately glanced back at the rather thin, older Klingon scientist, as did the rest of the away team.

The Klingon suddenly realized what was happening and yelled while turning to run out the way he came in, "GHUM! GHUM!" (alarm! alarm!)

The voice activated computer system began playing a thrumming intruder alert alarm as the scientist began to scurry out the rear of the laboratory near Ensigns Chen and Hermedhie.

"Stop him 'mates!" Lee called back.

"It is too late." Dergaus spat out, "He's already activated the alarm. We must prepare for the warriors the Empire will send to oppose us!"

Next to Dergaus, son of Kras, Toqo the young Bej'mey warrior swallowed noticeably.

"Look sharp 'mates. The time for finesse has past. Let's find the evidence we need and get off this rock."

Commander Sterner nodded, pulling his phaser while still holding the tricorder that was recording everything the away team had experienced. Behind the first officer, Lieutenant Thomas readied his Bat'leth and took a step forward, just in front of the female bej'mey warrior. Behind Belira, Boral, the other young bej'mey likewise readied his met'leth's and didn't look any more ready for battle than Toqo. Next to them, Ensign Sharp and Doctor Kahn likewise braced themselves for what was about to happen.

Lee quickly checked his tricorder, "Multiple life signs moving this way directly ahead." He snapped the tricorder shut and got ready for whatever was about to burst through the door.

Galaxy "The darker side of War"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
U.S.S. Galaxy

I had been following the Away team for some time now, not saying anything or doing much. The Away team was made up of mainly all males except for me and one Bej'mey warriors, I felt that if I said anything I would be intruding on the somewhat Male pride.

We finally reached a security door to the lab, Captain Price and the Away Team sttod there scratching there heads at what to do next, I looked and sighed and pushed my way through most of the tall away team members.

"Excuse me, pardon me, excuse me, thank you... opps sorry."

On my way through the away team I recived looks of shock from most of the members.

["You have something to contribute Doctor?"] the Captain asked.

"Yes sir I do!" I looked through my medical kit and found the hypospray and vial I was looking for, I looked at the captain again.

"The scanner reads the pattern off of the palm of the person who touches the scan receptacle ok!. Then it is possible that the last person that accessed the entryway left a palm print on the scanner's surface."

["Like a fingerprint?"] the Captain asked.

"Exactly!"

I pulled out the hypospray and checked to make sure it worked.

"If I can chemically activate the natural oils left behind by the last imprint, we may be able to trick the scanner into admitting us."

I started working on the scanner, lightly spraying the contence of the vial all over the scanner. Slowly the palm print appeared on the scanner!

"I think that should do it Captain. It will either work, or it won't I am afraid..." I placed the hypospray back into my bag. "Captain, It's the best I can do."

["Fair Dinkum 'mate. Let's find out."]

Captain Price replied, activating the reader.

A bright, neon green light illuminated and scanned the palm reader from top to bottom. A long moment past before the doors hissed open. A steady outward flow of pressurized air began to blow out of the opening, keeping contaminant bacteria out in the corridor.

["It worked!"] one of the bej'mey warrior shouted.

The Captain looked at me and grined.

["Nice work Doctor. Let's go."]

Dergaus, Toqo, Captain Price and my self entered the room. It was what I knew it would look like, It was a standard genetics lab. A white walled decontamination chamber that lead to an inner scrub room. A few meters into the room, the hiss of a gaseous decontamination aerosol system billowed the team along with an ultra-violet decontamination bath to kill any wanton germs they might be carrying into the biogenetic laboratory deep with in the secret complex.

It was funny watching everyone jump when the gas began to flow and the purple lights began to decontaminate the away team. I laughed a little bit!

"It's okay." Doctor Kahn reassured, "It's just a standard decontamination bath. Nothing to worry about."

The Klingons present growled slightly at My explanation and care free attitude towards the startling bath of billowy gas and light. But it was more a sort of nervous tension than anything more. They were ready and waiting for a fight. These sudden surprises had them all on edge.

After a moment, the decontamination bath stopped and a green light activated at the opposing doors. Pressing the actuator, the doors hissed open allowing the team to pass into the inner laboratory corridors.

The Captain reopened his tricorder with a snap of his wrist. Scanning he began to pick up life signs.

["This way."] He pointed.

We slowly worked our way through the biogenetic clean room halls, Passing through several doors that lead to various corridors. All were lined with pristine white walls and a sterile clean floor. Nothing like the dank, dusty, abandoned hospital corridors outside this inner sanctuary. No, this secret laboratory was well maintained, and definitely in use.

["Through here."] Lee pointed reading his tricorder.

Dergaus and Toqo lead the way, securing the next room. I slowly followed along with the remaining member of the Away team. When they entered, Dergaus found a large container sitting on a lab bench. It appeared to be open, and looked like someone had just been using it.

I moved over and looked at the substance.

"This looks like genetic gel. A lot of it."

I opened my medical tricorder and made a quick scan.

"Confirmed Captain. It is genetic gel. Of a very high quality." I thought for a second, I turned and looked at Captain Price.

"If I didn't know better, I'd have to say this came from the Federation Captain."

["Are you sure Doctor?"] The Captain asked.

"I can't be certain, but genetic gel of this quality is not readily available just anywhere. There is a high probability that this was manufactured in the Federation. How the Klingon's got it is anyone's guess." I concluded.

I watched as the captain turned and looked at Commander Sterner.

["Are you getting this 'mate?"]

["Every word sir."] Sterner replied while holding his own tricorder and recording their findings.

["Come, we may discover more up through here."] Dergaus suggested.

["I am getting strange life signs up ahead... Not Klingon... I'm not even sure if they are really life signs at all. Doctor?"] Captain Price spoke.

I turned around and moved over to the Captain. I looked at his tricorder

"It's something Captain. What, I can't say."

["Let's find out."] Dergaus said flatly, stiffening his grip on his disruptor and pressing forward. Toqo repositioned his hands on his Bat'leth and followed.

We walked into the next chamber. Everyone was expecting the worse and preparing to fight for their lives at any moment! What was about to happen, none of them could have prepared for.

The next room was much like the others. White walled and sterile. Only this one's floor was not pristine. Dark pools of red and green fluid stained it. And it had the smell of death.

I watch as Dergaus and Toqo proceeded at a cautious pace. the Captain and I were close behind when we approached the first of the laboratory tables.

Upon it was a Jem'Hadar soldier. Or what passed for the remains of one. The man had been dissected and disemboweled. Literally turned inside out under whatever sort of examination the Klingon scientists had put him through. I looked and quickly turned around and bent over throwing up all over the floor. I held onto the Captain untill I was over it. I stood up and looked over to Toqo's. His eyes were like saucers.

"Come." Dergaus said, not wishing to comment or dally on the dissected soldier. I watched as the Commander proceeded, walking through the room.

The next bench was like the last. Another dead Jem'Hadar. This one missing it's head, it's nervous system hooked up to an array of monitoring and sensory equipment. There was artificial resperator keeping the bodily functions going. I had my medical tricorder out scanning for at least a sign of life.

"No one deserves this!" I commented

["Doctor, is this what we were reading?"] The Captain asked dryly.

I moved over and scanned the headless Jem'Hadar body and shook her head.

"No Captain. This doesn't register as being alive at all."

I looked as the Captain glanced around at the many tables occupying the lab. Breaking formation, he walked away from the group and headed to a random table. Commander Sterner was quick to follow, using the tricorder to record everything they had observed.

The Captain moved the next table, he circled around to have a look. This one had the torso of a Jem'Hadar also. It was severed at the stomach line, it's internal organs exposed with only the jagged tail of his broken spine jutting out. A myriad of wires and tubes circled from the monitoring consoles into the soldier's abdomen area. He was missing one arm where his carcass was split down the side to make it easier for the Klingon scientists to study the Jem'Hadar's physiology. His head was turned away and hanging back, as if he were twisted and contorted from the massive pain he must have experienced. I watched as the Captain reached out to touch the soldier. When he touched the Jem'Hadar's chest, the soldier twisted violently and latched onto the Captain's wrist with his good arm.

I watched as the Captains eyes widened from the sudden fright. He tried to jerk his hand back, but the death grip of the pained soldier held tight. Slowly he turned his head to face Captain Price. I quickly moved over and started scanning. His eyes were dark with circles, filled with indescribable pain and torment. The soldier's lips quivered. With obvious pain, the Jem'Hadar struggled to get the breath to speak. He was trembling when he mumbled a single word.

["Mmmm....Mercy....?"]

It was a cry that I had only heard once before. The cry that people let out when they know the end is near, It is a cry that is permanatly etched into your mind. And no matter what species you are it is the same.

I looked over to Commander Sterner, he had drawn his weapon when the Jem'Hadar grabbed the Captain. But I think he lowered it upon realizing that the Captain wasn't in any real danger. The Commander was catching everything on his tricorder that the team saw.

I noticed that Dergaus shuffled back as well, but like the Captain, the Klingon warrior soon recovered and wasn't scared off by the instinct to run. Instead he had listened to the Jem'Hadar's plea. To my surprise a klingon was touched by another's suffering. The soldier's desperate request had reached into all of us and pulled our soul's up for us to see. Dergaus removed his d'k tahg and held it up, activating the side blades with an audible pop of metal on metal.

I looked and knew what was going to happen, I turned my back on and waited for the following. I waited for the sound of air rushing into the throat of another being. I was not disapointed for a second later the dreadful sound was all that could be heard in the room.

After a long moment, Captain Price voice pulled me back to reality.

["Doctor, what is your assessment of these... subjects 'mate?"]

I turned and looked around.

"They all appear to have been dissected in one fashion or another. Judging from what we have seen, I would say that these men were all alive when the 'studies' began. They don't appear to have been intentionally tortured if that's what you mean Captain. I'd have to say someone has been conducting physiological testing on these Jem'Hadar for some unknown purpose."

The Captain nodded then glanced at Sterner.

["Got it sir."] Joerg replied knowingly.

["Right. Let's move out 'mates."]

Dergaus and Toqo started moving towards the nearest exit. Captain Price and I slowly followed

Suddenly, behind the away team, a Klingon scientist entered the laboratory. He was busy reading a chart and didn't immediately notice the away team. But once he'd walked for a few meters, he glanced up and saw Ensigns Chen and Hermedhie at the rear of the team.

["'Iv tIhIH naDev?!"]

Chen and Hermedhie immediately glanced back at the rather thin, older Klingon scientist, as did the rest of the away team.

The Klingon suddenly realized what was happening and yelled while turning to run out the way he came in,

["GHUM! GHUM!"] (alarm! alarm!)

The voice activated computer system began playing a thrumming intruder alert alarm as the scientist began to scurry out the rear of the laboratory near Ensigns Chen and Hermedhie.

["Stop him 'mates!"] The Captain called.

["It is too late."] Dergaus spat out, ["He's already activated the alarm. We must prepare for the warriors the Empire will send to oppose us!"]

Next to Dergaus, son of Kras, Toqo the young Bej'mey warrior swallowed noticeably.

["Look sharp 'mates. The time for finesse has past. Let's find the evidence we need and get off this rock."]

Commander Sterner nodded, pulling his phaser while still holding the tricorder that was recording everything the away team had experienced. Behind the first officer, Lieutenant Thomas readied his Bat'leth and took a step forward, just in front of the female bej'mey warrior. Behind Belira, Boral, the other young bej'mey likewise readied his met'leth's and didn't look any more ready for battle than Toqo. Next to me Ensign Sharp braced for what was about to happen.

The Captain quickly checked his tricorder.

["Multiple life signs moving this way directly ahead."]

I pulled out my Phaser and stood ready, the doors opened and I fired!

"Who counsels the counselor?"
by Ensign Karyn Dallas
USS Galaxy

Karyn Dallas had been in her office, located next to Ensign Ral's, when the alert klaxons had sounded. For about ten seconds, fear gripped her. This experience wasn't exactly new to her, she had experienced this kind of crisis situation on the Enterprise-D. That had been different, she had been a crewman then. It wasn't her place to try and be a hero, just a teacher trying to get her students to safety. She was a Starfleet officer now and she didn't have the luxury to just sit back and wait to be told what to do. Karyn quickly turned her wheelchair up to the highest speed, and "ran" to Ensign Ral's office. When she entered, she smelled smoke, as if a weapon had just been fired. Oh God, what was she going to do now? Where was Ensign Ral? She decided it was best to hide where she was. She couldn't risk being spotted by whoever it was that was on board. She quickly went back to her office and locked the door. She felt like a coward. It was a feeling she had felt few times in her life. She was about to contact the bridge but thought better of it. Whatever they could do, they were doing. Her job was to stay calm and oh yeah, stay alive. Welcome aboard the Galaxy, thought Karyn....

"A Son?"
By: Lt.(jg) Ryak Sullax

After Cat walk away from the bed Ryak closed his eyes and tried to ignore the pain. About twenty minutes passed before one of the science lab technicians dropped off Ryak's padds and left. Ryak saw that there was a message on one of them. Ryak typed up the message.

Onto the screen came the Romulan Star Empire Crest. Ryak looked puzzled as he started the message. The screen changed to an image of a Romulan Officer.

In Romulan "I am Subcommander S'Tark. This message is for a Ryak Sullax of the Federation. This message is to inform Sullax that he has 6 Terran weeks to retrieve his son, Sular T'Sel. After that time the child will be taken to the state education center."

Ryak just about lost grip of his padd. His heart started to race and he started to feel nauseous.

"The child of Centurian Sella S'Tark has been requested by the mother to be placed with his father. Centurian S'Tark died in battle against a Jem'Hadar fleet. Her death was honourable and her wishes must be followed. The child of three must be placed with his father before the end of the third week. Even though it is against our better judgement the child will be placed with his father under strict guidelines. The child must never forget his Romulan heritage. Ryak Sullax must return to Romulus as soon as possible. End Transmission."

Ryak just stared at the padd. He didn't think that he could have a son. He remembered his time on Romulus and remembered that it was possible but really. Ryak placed his padd on the desk and pulled over the desk computer.

"Computer, I need a requisition form for a shuttle or runabout to go to Romulus."

"Accessing."

Onto the screen came the form. Ryak filled out the form asking for the shuttle as soon as this mission was over.

"Computer attach a request for leave onto the present form."

Onto the screen came the request for leave. Ryak filled it out leaving nothing out. He wrote exactly what was going on and why he needed the short leave. Ryak was glad that there was and alliance between the Federation and the Romulan Empire.

"Computer attach them together and send them to Captain Price's and Lt. Erikson's mail boxes."

"Messages sent."

Ryak put down his padds and fell a sleep.

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

"The Jawbreaker"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
Acting Captain

Teb flew the Galaxy with great precision. The shields had increased to 40%. Life support was still off-line. Weapons were operational. And two Klingon Battlecruisers were silent and still in the ebony of space.

"Casey to Engineering," Deiran tapped his comm badge hurriedly.

[Boudreau here sir.]

"What’s the status on Life Support Melissa?" Casey wondered.

[All available personnel are working on it sir, estimate Life Support will be back on-line in… 8 minutes.] Melissa was guesstimating as she had no idea if they could even restore Life Support.

"Good, keep me informed," Casey replied and discontinued the comm. Deiran acted like he would be around for awhile. It didn’t seem like Casey knew of death or defeat. He never acted differently. All eyes were on him, what would he do? How would he react?

One thing was for sure, the crew could take solace in Casey’s past record. He never lost! He would never let them down. They would see tomorrow, he guaranteed it. But, none of them would bet on it. Everyone thought the odds were astronomical.

"Think happy thoughts people," Casey laughed. People wondered if he’d lost it with that comment. How could he be laughing when everyone was facing death? Because Casey wasn’t facing death, he was facing victory and he knew it. Casey was arrogant and egotistical but he knew how to win and how to come out on top.

"Jawbreaker is loaded sir. Ready to initiate the pattern," Teb said from the Helm. He was just waiting for that.

"Do it Lieutenant! Everyone hold on!" Casey said as the ship went to Warp One.

The Galaxy left Warp turned abruptly in an almost impossible maneuver. It had never been done in the history of Starfleet. In fact, the maneuver would cause designers of the Galaxy-class to disbelieve it was possible until their dying day.

A quick 90 degree turn and the Galaxy was underneath the hull of the Po’SuvwI.

"Fire!" Casey shouted in the heat of the moment! The Galaxy let all of it’s firepower stream at the Klingon ship. The Galaxy turned to it’s port and was underneath the Bitas.

"Establish a comm with the Bitas!" Casey said to St. John. "Never underestimate your opponent Kang, enjoy Sto’Vo’Kor!" Casey said as the Galaxy released another barrage of immense firepower at the Bitas.

Both discharges took place underneath the Battlecruisers, the weakest part of the ship. As this was happening the crew was still in total shock at the maneuver that had just been pulled off. To dodge the torpedo’s coming at them Casey had Teb fly in a corkscrew pattern at warp one and twisting until the Galaxy was underneath both of the hulls of the Klingons. A maneuver Kirk himself would’ve been impressed by. No one would’ve believed it was possible if it wasn’t recorded for all eyes and history to see.

As the Galaxy turned to Starboard and just a few paces away from the Battlecruisers, the two ships exploded in a great display of bright light and mangled debris. The Galaxy came through the explosion intact and in desperate need of repair. But, that was the good thing. They needed repair and not a mass funeral. The Galaxy would live to fight another day, despite the odds. Casey had done it along with a brilliant crew who fought with their hearts and kept their fear in check.

Casey wondered if the crew trusted him and that was why they did their job instead of fearing death.

As the two Klingon ships exploded, the Bridge crew of the Galaxy erupted in jubilation. Pearl white smiles were seen throughout the Bridge. They were victorious! It took just seconds and the Jawbreaker was not only a success but would go down in history as one of the most brilliant maneuvers ever seen. Few people would be able to describe it, much less try it again.

After battle comes the reality of loss.

Casey smiled but did not shout or show too much excitement. He had done his job but too many died today, his thoughts were on them. He turned to face the tactical arch, "Damage and Status report Mr. Mackenzie?"

"Shields are at 35%. SIF is intact and holding at 50%. Warp engines are at 61 %. Decks 8, 10, 15, 17 have repaired the breaches, loss of life on those decks unknown. Life Support is still off-line. 63 deaths have been reported and confirmed. 145 injured."

The ship was in bad shape, it resembled an aerodynamic piece of swiss cheese. The crew wasn’t much better as everyone had at least a cut or a bruise of some kind.

"Are there any other enemies chasing us Mac?" Casey asked.

"No sir. Nothing on sensors."

"Have our guests been put to bed?" Casey asked Torricle sarcastically.

"Yes sir, Lt. Albrecht reports all the Klingon boarders are either dead or unconscious from the agent released into the ship’s atmosphere sir," the young muscular Ensign replied.

Casey walked to the nearby medical locker, taking a dermal regenerator and applied it to the three cuts and one bruise on his head. As he held the regenerator to his forehead he spoke again, "Good work everyone. You are all true warriors and I’m proud to call you friend. I’ll fight with you anywhere. Take us to yellow alert. Melissa take all power necessary and redirect it to Life Support, the battle is over. The auxiliary power from weapons should restore Life Support."

Casey could not hide his sorrow. Not just for the ones who died under his command, but for his precious Miran and his daughter Lara.

"You have the Bridge, Mac," Deiran said as he headed to the Ready Room.

The Bridge could see and feel Casey’s pain. The Ready Room doors shut behind him and he immediately fell to the floor. Tears streamed down his cheeks, he put both hands to his face and wept for his family.

A few minutes later his mourning was interrupted by a comm signal from his badge.

[Casey Ti Miran to the Captain.]

Casey wiped his tears, smiling as he tapped his badge and replied, "Miran your alive! How? Honey I can’t leave the Bridge, come to me!"

[Are you okay Deiran?] Miran asked, concern could be heard in her voice.

"Yes honey, I’m fine. What about you? How did you survive the hull breach on deck 8?"

[When you left and the Klingons boarded the Galaxy I used the Jeffrey Tubes to get to the Arboretum. What would the Klingons want with plants? I figured it was the safest place for Lara and I to be.]

Casey laughed, partly at his wife and partly because she was alive and he was overjoyed. "That’s my girl! Hurry to me Miran!"

[Life Support has been restored to all decks.] The Computer voice interrupted.

Casey stood to his feet. Miran cut the transmission and was on her way to be with Deiran. Deiran walked over to the view port and looked out into the expanse of space. He watched some debris from the Bitas and Po’SuvwI float by. It was a bulkhead from the looks of it.

"This battle never had to happen Kang, we would have been better off if you gave your life against the Jem’Hadar in a valiant effort, but instead you allowed hatred to cloud your judgment. And thus did not die with honor. Besides you should never interrupt Deiran Casey while he’s engaged in an intimate moment," Casey said out loud as he looked out at the debris field, showing a slight smile at his own joke.

Casey had no remorse for his enemy. He did what had to be done. Casey’s only concern was Captain Price’s response to the battle-scarred Galaxy when he returned. At least there was a Galaxy to return to.

Deiran walked to the desk, sat down and started recording his log.

"Acting Captain Casey’s log, Stardate 49806.25. While in orbit of the planet Boreth, the Galaxy encountered Commander Kang of the Klingon Battlecruiser, Bitas. He also had the Po’SuvwI and QeH at his disposal. I tried my best to dissuade him from attacking or attempting a take over of the ship. He would not stand down despite my repeated attempts of controlling the situation. He sent boarders that transported through our shields during Gamma shift. I did all I could but I believe the man was mad. All the Klingon ships were regrettably destroyed in self-defense. They did fire first. I did not see any reason to submit to their demands of surrender since we are allies. I had no further recourse but to protect the Galaxy, and the lives of her crew. We were successful, but at a high cost. 63 dead, not including the Klingon boarders. 145 injured and the ship is in need of serious repair. I in no way wanted to fight our allies, but unfortunately they left me no choice. I am sorry they are dead and that they died without honor. End log."

Casey sat back in his chair and waited impatiently to embrace his wife. He couldn’t even imagine life without her. Thankfully he would not live that hell. As the doors to the ready room opened and she entered, Lara in her arms.

Deiran jumped out of the chair and ran to her. He kissed her, embraced her and smothered Lara as he did. He stopped and took Lara in his arms and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank God your both alive!" he said as he hugged and kissed Miran again. Lara smiled at her father and giggled. Which turned out to be the only thing that could melt the Iceman.

"Blue Skinned Friend"
Ensign George Prince
Ensign Xavier Bishop
Helmsman & Security
USS Galaxy

Xavier!! Inky blackness shrowded the blue skinned warrior. Xavier!! A sharp unpleasant tingly sensation ripped through the shrowd. "Damn you..." The shrowd began to flutter with a gentle rocking motion, "...Xavier!!" A distant noise invaded the serenity of the inky shrowd. "Don't you die on me you blue skinned Bastard!!!" Dizziness. Inky blackness turned to hazy blue. Thunderous hooves beating in rythm to rushing water.

PAIN!!!

***** Deck 10 *****

Ensign Prince knelt next to Xavier administering the last of his hyposprays. He then slapped his friend hard across the face. "Xavier!!" Blood continued to flow from the bat'leth wound despite the additional autosutures George had applied. The Andorian's life blood continued pooling on the deck. "Xavier!!!" Prince slapped the Andorian again and shook him. "Don't you die on me you blue skinned Bastard!!!"

Xavier groaned and his eyes fluttered open then closed again.

Prince slapped his com badge with his bloody hand. "Transporter Room 1!! Deck 10 emergency beam out!! Four to sick bay!!"

George cradled his friends unconciouse body in his arms as his com badge tweeked to life. "Sorry, no can do. I can't beam you through the containment field protecting Deck 10 from a hull breach. You'll have to use the turbolifts."

"Damn!!!" George looked down at Xavier. "C'mon. Don't you die on me."

George looked over his shoulder toward Neg'Pug. She had just finished applying an autosuture to Braedy's ruined chest and was now applying one to her own injured leg. The dusky skinned woman leaned back against the bulkhead of the ship and slapped her com badge. "Neg'Pug to Security."

"This is Security." replied Jacqui's staticky voice over the com badge.

Neg grunted slightly from her wound while leaning her head back against the wall, "Deck 10 main phaser array secured." Rolling her head to the side and looking toward George, she disconnected the transmission. "We need to get to Sick Bay."

"Yeah." George's reply was clipped and dripping with sarcasm. He looked back down at Xavier and shook him, "C'mon Xaev. Wake up, I have to get you to sickbay." Prince smiled at his own actions, "Never mind. I will wake you up later."

George pulled himself off the floor and as gently as he could he lifted Xavier across his shoulders in a "fireman's" carry. Xavier gave a slight groan of retaliation, despite George's attempt at comfort. The Helmsman turned back to Neg, who was still in a seated posture against the bulkhead. "Well, you coming?"

Neg looked at George then to her shattered leg, "Sorry, have to sit this one out. Besides," she motioned toward the Klingons with her rifle, "someone has to keep an eye on them."

"I'll be back. I promise."

Neg smiled at him weakly. "Yeah." She placed a hand on Braedy's tunic to reasure herself that the other woman was still alive. She was. "You just hurry back."

George turned and stumbled down the corridor toward the nearest turbolift nearly falling to the deck when a searing pain ripped through his side. Clenching his teeth against the pain, he continued staggering forward until he came to the ruined module that was once the turbolift. Too weak to even curse, he just stood their gaping at the wreckage before a thought occured to him.

Ensign Prince reached into his cargo pocket and retrieved a PADD he had taken earlier from the SecOps Center during his first fire fight with the Klingon Boarders. Shifting Xavier's weight on his back and adjusting his grip, George began to key the PADD. A map of the USS Galaxy appeared and he began keying in more commands. *Jeffries Tube.* He keyed in a few more commands. *Access Portals...* His fingers flew across the PADD as he smiled. *...in relation to Deck 12 Sickbay.* His smile broadened as the results of his search scrolled across the data screen. "Never thought I'd be using this again."

According to the map a Jeffries access portal was nearby. It would be tough, but George could carry, drag, or pull his friend throught the tight confines of the Jeffries Tube to Deck 12 and Sickbay. It was the only chance his friend had. George shifted Xavier's weight and staggered toward the nearest Jeffries Tube. "You hang in there buddy. I'll take care of you."

***** Deck 12 'Sickbay' Several Minutes Later *****

George kicked the grate out of the wall and slid out of the Jeffries Tube onto Deck 12. Sweat streamed down his face and drenched his blood stained uniform as he pulled Xavier from the tunnel and positioned him across his shoulders.

Ensign George Prince stumbled down the main hall of the USS Galaxy toward the two security guards standing to either side of the entrance into Sick Bay. Every few feet he would stagger and fall to his knees from the weight of his unconciouse friend. Each time he fell he wanted to stay down but the agonizing pain which jolted through his body reminded him consistantly of Xavier. Through deep gasping breaths of air, George would lift himself from the floor and continue his arduouse task toward Sick Bay.

Upon seeing the two Star Fleet Officers, the security detail guarding Sick Bay ran to assist Ensign Prince. Prince just glowered at them, "Get the Hell back."

"But sir?" started one of them.

Prince cut him off as he spit through clenched teet, "Albrecht told me to get him to Sickbay." He staggered forward a few more steps before reaching into his back pocket and handing a PADD to one of the guards. "There are two more wounded on Deck 10 at the main phaser array. Get a security detail there." The guard took the PADD, looked at it and slapped his com badge.

The guards conversation was lost as Prince staggered forward. Tears began to stream down his face as he stumbled forward and addressed his next statement to Xavier, "You better not die you Bastard. I'll get you through this. You hear me, Xaev?"

As the doors to Sickbay opened, Prince fell to his knees. The remaining security guard, who had escorted him, just stood their stupified by the incident. Prince fell forward onto the deck and pitched Xavier into the medical facility. Xavier and Prince both lay unconciouse on the Deck of Sickbay.

"Victories and Losses"
by Ensign James Chen
Security Officer

The doors opened in front of the away team and Klingons started pouring in. Dr. Kahn fired first and a Klingon went down. After that, pure chaos ensued. Chen ducked for cover behind a large metal barrel marked TOXIC in Klingon. He leaned out and fired into several Klingons heading in. Several others took cover and returned fire. Suddenly, Tamak sat down hard next to him, his disruptor out and grin on his face. "Today is a good day to die, eh qo’hom?"

Chen leaned out again and fired into the growing crowd of Klingons. "You know, I really wish you’d stop calling me qo’hom. It’s getting old."

Tamak grinned even wider. "Ha! You fight fiercely for a qo’hom." He got on his knees and fired over the barrel. Several Klingons went down. Chen adjusted his phaser for the widest range he could to keep the power up for a killing shot. He stood and pressed the firing stud. Four Klingons went down in one swoop. That kind of shooting would be useful if it didn’t drain the energy packs. He quickly reloaded and adjusted back to normal range. He fired at a nearby Klingon.

He heard Tamak growl a Klingon obscenity. He looked over to ask what was up, but before he could open his mouth, Tamak said, "Cover me," and was up. Chen launched several mad volleys at the Klingons taking aim at Tamak. He ran over behind several large tanks off to the right. He couldn’t see what the Klingon was doing. So he did the only thing that he felt the opportunity afforded him. He ran after him. He got up and charged from the barrel. Disruptor fire lanced into the wall and floor around him, and he kept going until he was behind the cover of the tanks.

When he got there, he saw a scene of even more complete chaos. There were about six Klingons with bat’let and mek’leth gleaming in the light. The area was a complete blind spot from where Chen was. There was very little room from where you entered, which was why only a few Klingons were there. If they had continued this way, they would’ve been able to jump the away team, taking them by surprise. Tamak was currently wading into these warriors with his bat’let. Two already lay dead on the ground. Chen didn’t want to risk a phaser shot with Tamak in there, so he rushed the closest Klingon. The Klingon saw him and attacked with his bat’let. Chen blocked the blow with his rifle and broke the warrior’s nose with the barrel. The next Klingon knocked the rifle from his hands. Chen ducked underneath the Klingon ’s bat’let and kicked him in the kneecap. The Klingon yelped and dropped to his good knee. Chen kneed him in the face and snatched up the Klingon’s dagger.

Tamak had already taken two more out and rushed the warrior that had been standing in the back. The Klingon warrior stood at ease with a grin on his face. His bat’let was held at a casual readiness. He was large, broad-shouldered and looked older than the others. His face was scarred and Chen got some seriously bad vibes off the guy. But then, the remaining Klingon attacked. He was better than his predecessors and he moved fast. Chen was forced to fight him with only the knife against a bat’let. He dodged the bat’let and slashed at the warrior. The Klingon jumped back and slashed at Chen face. Chen jerked his head back and counter-attacked with the mek’leth. He slashed the Klingon’s face, but the warrior barely noticed. He stabbed at Chen, which Chen sidestepped and backhanded the Klingon for his efforts.

He used this chance to glance at Tamak, who didn’t look to be doing all that well with the older warrior. That was as long as he could look. Chen had learned a long time ago that when dealing with a stronger opponent, always have more patience, and always act like you’re barely giving him your attention. This combination will always deeply disturb your opponent, and he will grow impatient and angry. The Klingon was good, but not good enough and he soon made a mistake. Chen smiled when the Klingon made a clumsy lunge at Chen’s midsection. Chen spun away and reversed the knife in his hand. He brought the dagger down onto the base of the Klingon’s skull, severing his spinal cord. The Klingon went down like a sack of potatoes.

He looked up at Tamak. He was definitely outclassed and the older warrior knocked the bat’let from his hands. He stabbed Tamak in the side, stomach and chest in quick succession. Then he kicked Tamak in the hip, knocking him to the ground. "Hey!" Chen yelled as he rushed to Tamak’s assistance. Chen leaned down as he ran and picked up another mek’leth. The older warrior looked up and smiled as Chen approached. He casually took a few steps back and prepared. Chen stopped a few feet from the warrior and got into a defensive position. "What is your name?" The Klingon asked. His voice was raspy and it sounded like he gargled broken glass on a regular basis.

"Why should you care?"

"I would like to add your name to the ones that adorn my family spear." He grinned. "It is tradition, you understand."

Chen was just about getting tired of all these smiling Klingons. "The name’s Chen. Remember it in hell." He launched forward with an attack. The Klingon was fast, as fast as Chen. He blocked the attack and kicked out. Chen sidestepped and rammed his knife up to stab the Klingon’s leg. The Klingon saw the move and barely evaded the strike. The Klingon jumped forward and struck at Chen’s face. Chen back-flipped to avoid the blow and caught the Klingon under the jaw with both feet in the same move. The Klingon stepped back and rubbed his chin.

Then the guy really lost it.

He started a series of slashes, lunges and kicks that Chen had never seen applied to the bat’let before. By the time the Klingon was out of fresh moves, Chen was bruised and cut in several places. That’s it, thought Chen. Time to take that damn thing away from him. He let his arms dangle as if he was exhausted, then stabbed at the Klingon. He tripped on his own to feet and ended up on his knees in front of the Klingon. The Klingon brought his bat’let up, then sent it flashing down on Chen’s head.

Or so he thought.

At the last second, Chen rolled away and the bat’let rammed into the floor. Chen was on his feet in a second and he brought his foot down on the top of the bat’let, knocking it out of the Klingon’s hands. The Klingon, surprised, stepped back. Chen kicked away the weapon and pointed both mek’leths at him. Chen looked the Klingon in the eyes. Then he threw his daggers away. The Klingon was surprised for an instant, then Chen put his fists up. The Klingon nodded and attacked.

The Klingon was definitely a master with the bat’let, but when it came to his fists, he wasn’t quite as good. Chen snapped his neck after five minutes of brutal fighting. When he looked down at the Klingon, he wished that he had asked the Klingon his name. It would’ve at least been polite.

Suddenly, he heard the whine of a disruptor behind him. He spun in time to see the first Klingon he had fought go down, a disruptor in his hand. Chen looked around and saw Tamak drop the still-warm disruptor. Chen kneeled next to the quickly-fading Klingon. He was bleeding badly from his wounds. Tamak smiled and coughed up blood. "Today is a good day to die."

Chen knew there was nothing that could be done for the Klingon. He nodded and gripped the Klingon’s hand. "None better."

"It was a good battle, eh?"

Chen smiled. "Oh, yeah. One of the top ten in my list."

Tamak was breathing harder and harder. "You fought with honor, James Chen. I call you friend. If only you and I could share a barrel of blood wine when we returned."

"It would be an honor to have done so with you."

He closed his eyes and nodded. "What is it you humans say, ‘likewise’?" He felt the Klingon go limp as he died. Chen wasn’t all too sure as to what Klingon death rituals were other than screaming at the top of you lungs, so he decided to leave that up to Tamak’s crewmates. He stood up and was aware that a battle was still in progress. He jogged over and grabbed his phaser. Time to finish it.

Keep Working...
By: Lieutenant Mélissa Marie Boudreau

Melissa led Ensign D'Auria to a panel on one side of main engineering. "I don't know much about your engineering skills so I'll give you a task any science officer can do." Under normal circumstances, she might have laughed at that but she didn't have the heart. The Science Officer showed neither a smile or a frown. She gave him a task of compiling damage reports that were coming in from security teams and everyone else all over the ship.

A short time later, Melissa and David, with the help of power from other systems, had finished restoring the life support system. David got up and called to a nearby officer. "Ensign Prescott... make sure that a team is placed on making the repairs to life support a little more permanent... as soon as possible!" Between the two of them, Melissa and David had two good arms and had managed a half-decent repair considering the circumstances. Of course, you didn't take life support systems for granted.

Melissa frowned. One thing down, many to go... "David, how about you take the shields, and I'll take the structural integrity field. If we're going to get this ship moving again, those will be important."

Lieutenant Mercury nodded and walked away, dishing out orders as he went. Neither of them wanted to go to sickbay quite yet. Before turning to the SIF, Melissa leaned against the nearest bulkhead to rest. She closed her eyes and listened to the roar of activity in main engineering. Her thoughts started to turn to Specialist Blake just as Melissa noticed the Klingon. The engineer shook herself. If she was going to be okay, she would have to keep working... don't stop.

Melissa looked down at her arm and noticed that the blood had soaked through her bandage. She picked up another and wrapped it around her arm. Too bad she didn't have time to deal with a tissue regenerator. She could deal with that later. At least it was her right arm that was hurt. She was glad she was left handed.

'Oh well,' she thought. 'I'm an engineer. Finding work shouldn't be too hard... especially after a fight. Even the security officers can rest a little. The doctors and engineers are the ones that have to keep going just as much as during the fight... at least for a little while!'

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

By Dianne Heppel
Given Permission to play Belira member of the Bej'hemy

Belira and the man who claimed to be her husband Lt. Thomas came into the Transporter room to beam down to Praxis. They both Volunteered for the mission though Belira suspected the only reason Lt. Thomas volunteered was to play bodyguard to her. This infuriated Belira even more. "Just who does this guy think he is" thought Belira. "Stupid me, he thinks he's my husband" thought Belira infuriated even more by that thought.

Finally with their arrival the Away team beams down. "Well this area is certainly abandoned" thought Belira. The away team walked for a while, finally they came to a door that was protected by a palm scanner. Just then the Bajoran doctor came up with a plan. She enacted her plan and the door opened.

They stepped into what was definitely a Genetic laboratory. After a few minutes of walking they found a container of genetic Jell. After five minutes of listening to Dr. Kahn talk about how it most likely was created in the Federation Belira had enough. She was itching for a fight. "Well considering the fact that the Federation and Klingon Empire are allies most likely had something to do with it" said Belira making no attempt to disguise the annoyance in her voice.

"It is possible" said Dr. Kahn.

They walked to the next room. The room was much like the others besides the fact that the floor was covered with green and red blood. Being a Klingon this didn't phase her. Unfortuently it phased the Bajoran Doctor since she turned around an regurgitated, holding on to Captain Price for support. "Charming" thought Belira. They noticed the bodies of various Jem'hadar dissected on laboratory tables. Captain Price went over and touched one of them on the Chest. Everybody was shocked when the soldier grabbed the Captain and cried out for mercy. Finally Commander Deragus killed the soldier.

They were about to leave when a Klingon Scientist discovered them and rang the alarm. Captain Price sent two of his Security Officers after him. Everyone realized it was too late and that they had to face the Warriors that the High Concil sent after them.

Lt. Thomas stepped in front of her, this annoyed Belira.

***** A doctor's work is never done *****
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer), USS Galaxy NCC-70637

***** Sickbay *****

"What have we got?" Cat called out as she rushed over. She had given up on Surgery, Leah, D'Tarna and Julian were dealing with the emergency cases as needed. She felt like she was in twelve places at the same time, seemed everybody needed something from her. Cat knew it wasn't true, in all this apparent chaos, someone had to give it order or it would all fall apart. Like some conductor controlling hundreds of instruments, it could be a chaotic cacophony or a melodic orchestral. She glanced down at the PADD that was continually being updated by Damage Control and her own entries, she was a little dismayed at the wounded and dead found so far. Hopefully with the other medical personnel creating 'aid stations' in other areas of the ship more people were going to get out of this alive.

Watching the doors swish open, Cat watched as a Terran crewmember carried in an Andorian. Cat rushed over, fast drawing her tricorder and scanning as she arrived. "Got a disruptor wound in the side, relatively clean. No danger! Blood cell regen and a temporary bandage until someone can look at him. Three cee-cees of Asinolyathin to deal with the pain.

The other nurse called out, "Phaser wound, right thigh and a disruptor blast to the right shoulder. Massive sharp trauma to the right side - batlh'etlh I think."

Cat moved over, "OK, this one gets priority. Andorian blood plasma now, we got major blood loss. Move him now!"

"Xaev?" came quietly from the Terran.

Cat moved back to the Terran ensign being shifted to the secondary ward, his eyes half open. "You rest, your friend will be all right. He is in good hands, you let us worry about him."

"Don't... Bastard Die" he called out, his voice was barely above a whisper.

"Rest ensign, you'll be fine. I promise you, your friend won't die. The doctors are caring for him now."

A nurse came up with the hypo and Cat just gave a quick nod. A hiss came from the side of the ensign's neck. The curtains of unconsciousness that had so recently split closed on him again. He fell into an undisturbed sleep as the drug slowly dulled his pain.

Cat looked around and for a few seconds realised she could grab a few seconds rest. As she entered a few more entries into the PADD to keep track of the chaos in Sickbay. A humming and blue sparkling appeared in Sickbay. More injured were arriving. "No rest for the wicked!" she thought to herself.

The Galaxy seemed to stop lurching about as it had been for a while. "Hopefully the battle is over." As Cat looked around, she could see that her job wouldn't be finished for a couple of days at least. "I wonder if the bridge knows how much of an easy job they've got?" she idly considered as she rushed over to the new injured.

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

"Battle lust"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Biogenetic laboratory, on Praxis ***

The alarm had been sounded and the away team prepared for the onslaught of Klingon Warriors that were expected to rush the large laboratory from both entrances.

They didn't have to wait long. Both doors at either end of the laboratory burst open and several Klingon warriors stormed the lab. The older Klingon scientist that sounded the alarm scurried off in cowardly fashion, making it out the back entrance just moments before the Klingon guards came running in. Ensigns Chen, Hermedhie, Doctor Kahn and Tamak took the Klingons that were attacking from the rear.

Dergaus, and Toqo rushed forward to confront the frontal assault of the warriors entering just ahead of the away team. Captain Price glanced around the laboratory quickly. It was a large open room, a good forty meters across with nothing in the way of barriers other than the examination tables and scientific equipment scattered at each station about the lab. Grabbing his phaser, Lee moved to the side and took up position of partial cover behind one of the lab tables. Commander Sterner followed the Captain, paying less attention to his tricorder recording than he was previously.

The Klingons that entered were armed with disruptors and hand weapons. They rushed in and immediately began to fire. Up front Dergaus let out a warrior's battle cry while rushing forward and side stepping the blast. Besides him the young bej'mey warrior, Toqo, likewise stormed the guards. One was about to shoot the teen aged Klingon when Captain Price fired his own phaser, dropping the guard before he got off a shot.

"How many do you think there are sir?" Commander Sterner asked while crouching near the Captain and readying his own weapon.

"I don't know 'mate. But I think we will find out shortly." Lee quickly replied while watching the battle develop up ahead. He watched and was amazed at how quickly Klingons were to switch from using ranged weapons to entering melee combat. It was something he never quite understood, but suspected it had something to do with the warrior mentality and honorable combat. What he did know was once Dergaus and Toqo had closed the gap and engaged the guards with their Bat'leth, the Klingons likewise switched to hand to hand melee combat. That, and with the Commander and bej'mey warrior fighting in front of them, there was no way he was going to be able to safely use his phaser.

"Maybe we should have the Qul'etlh beam us out Captain." Sterner suggested. He was a good first officer, and it was obvious that it was the away teams safety he was concerned with, not the rigors of battle.

Lee shook his head. "No 'mate. We need to get the proof we need to expose the High Council's plans. Without that, all of this has been for nothing." The Captain adjusted his pack carefully. He didn't like the idea of going into combat while carrying such a sensitive package, but could see little choice. Dergaus, Toqo, Boral, Thomas, Belira had all joined the fight making disruptors and phasers useless unless one simply wanted to shoot everybody in the room.

Rising up, Lee slid the pack off his back and looked as if he was preparing to join the fray.

"Captain, as first officer I must insist that..." Joerg started but was stopped by a raised hand from the Captain as he walked past and approached Ensign Sharp. Commander Sterner looked puzzled, but quickly followed to listen.

"Ensign." Captain Price called.

Aaron was getting ready to switch to hand weapons and join the fight when he heard the Captain address him. Glancing up from the bat'leth he was holding, Ensign Sharp replied, "Yes Captain?"

"If I recall correctly from your personnel records, you've studied explosives and were certified on pyrotechnics on board the Enterprise?" Price asked quickly.

With a confused expression, Aaron nodded, "Yes sir, but I don't..."

"Here." Lee said, thrusting the back pack into the Ensign's hands, "Inside you will find an explosive device, a thoron generator and a portable holographic emitter. I have an assignment for you. I want you to plant this explosive with a twenty minute delay, and conceal it with the thoron generator and holographic emitter. Understand 'mate?"

Ensign Sharp nodded slowly, taking the pack that the Captain thrust into his arms. "I believe I do sir. But what about these Klingons?"

"The Commander and I will make sure they don't bother you 'mate. Just find a quiet spot and set it up." Lee explained.

Aaron glanced around at the carnage that was taking place. Dozens of warriors were fighting several meters in front and several meters behind them. The sound of metal swords clashing, bones cracking and labored blows being exchanged surrounded them for every angle. All that was missing was some exciting, epic back ground music and the Ensign would think he was part of some sort of television show. "A quiet spot.... Right sir." Ensign Sharp started to turn to do as the Captain ordered when a thought stopped him in his tracks. Looking back at Captain Price he asked, "Sir, just how large of an explosion are we talking about here if I might ask?"

Lee reached for the Ensign's bat'leth and took it for himself since he would be needing it and Aaron had his arms full with the pack full of explosives. "Once you set it up 'mate, in twenty minutes there won't be a building here."

"I see sir. Thank you." was all Aaron managed to say before turning, and even more carefully then before, walking with the pack the Captain had handed him.

Joerg watched Ensign Sharp gingerly walk away with the pack before turning to look into the Captain's eyes. "No building sir?" the Commander asked in a tone making it more of a statement. Sterner then smiled, indicating the Captain didn't need to answer that.

Lee nodded, and then took the bat'leth he'd taken from Ensign Sharp and prepared to join the battle.

Klingons live for battle. It is bread into them from their youth. The glory of it. The honor and respect earned by two warriors clashing in hand to hand combat. It was something they trained their whole lives for. Yet some battles were more glorious than others. Some fights more just. These Klingon guards were fine warriors, but they were delegated to guarding a laboratory on an abandoned ghost town of a moon about the Klingon home world. Had their houses been more prestigious, and their skills superior, they would be commanding their own warships, or fighting on the battle front against the Dominion. Needless to say, even with the greater numbers, these guards were no match for the away team.

In full three dozen Klingon warriors had attacked the away team on two fronts. But in the end, all laid dead or wounded except for those last few that saw that the battle did not go well and chose to retreat to regroup. When the last of the warriors withdrew from the lab, a jubilant war cry echoed through the laboratory from the Klingon warriors on the away team.

"They run those cowards!" Toqo boasts. "Those that out numbered us by so many!"

"We have fought well." Dergaus commented clapping the young warrior on the back, "But our mission is not complete yet young warrior. They withdraw, but still, we are trapped in this room. We can count on them regrouping and coming at us again."

"Then we should pursue and kill them all while they run!" Toqo declares with blood lust bursting from his eyes. He raises his bat'leth over head and prepares to go after the fleeing warriors.

Dergaus reaches out with one of his massive hands and catches the rear of the bej'mey's cloak, pulling him back. "Patients my warrior friend. Haste has been the death of many a fine warrior. They may be trying to bait us with their withdrawl."

Toqo's nostrils were flaring. The young warrior had never experienced the adrenaline rush of a Klingon Warrior and was not experienced and controlling the killer animal instincts that were a part of all Klingons. "Then we should rush them and find out!"

"NO." Dergaus raised his voice. "Our greatest strength is in our numbers. Together we are strong, separate we become weak. When we attack, it will be as a unit. Now control your battle lust like a Klingon warrior! It makes you strong, but it can unbalance you if not controlled..."

Toqo panted a few more times. His eyes were wide and wild. His nostrils bellowed in sync with his cheeks. A thin film of sweat and blood (from his enemies) glistened on his face. Finally, standing there with his stained Bat'leth just a foot away from Dergaus, the warrior began to calm down.

"That's it, breath deeply. Control the lust for battle. Taste it. Savor it. Control it." Dergaus instructed. Finally he smiled and placed a mentoring hand on the warrior's shoulder. "You are a fine warrior Toqo. You honor the bej'mey."

The comment brought a slight smile to Toqo's face while he continued to cool down and manage his warrior's rage. This was the thing that inspired their songs. Compared to this, the ritual hunt was nothing. This is what it meant to be Klingon. To be a warrior.

Captain Price glanced around. He'd done all right through out the fight. A few rips and tears on his uniform, and a minor cut across his upper arm, but other wise, he was okay. Lee glanced around and could see that Doctor Kahn, Ensigns Chen and Hermedhie were still standing. Over to the side, he could see Lieutenant Thomas and Belira seemed to be arguing about something, but both appeared to be well. Joerg had fought by the Captain's side through out the battle. Though winded, the Commander was still in perfect health. Then Lee saw that the Klingon Tamak had been killed in the battle. It was a tragic loss.

Lee's eyes then found Ensign Sharp's. "Did you plant it 'mate?"

Aaron nodded, "Aye sir, eighteen minutes remaining."

Dergaus had stepped over to where the Captain and the others were gathering. "We should get moving, they will be back as soon as they have a chance to regroup."

Lee nodded, "Aye, we are running out of time. We need proof that these scientists are conducting biogenetic experiments on these Jem'Hadar in order to mutate the Klingon people. So far we have only got circumstantial indications."

"Perhaps deeper in this compound we will find the proof which we seek." Dergaus suggested.

Lee nodded, "Sounds like a plan. Let's do it 'mate." He then motioned towards the forward exit. Slowly the away team began moving again, exiting this laboratory and moving to the corridors beyond that lead deeper into the complex.

"Lab"
by: Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy

They had company coming, and they all knew the guest coming where not going to be to friendly to them. Of course, him and the others from the Klingon ship and the Galaxy were for all proposes the intruders here.

Lt. Thomas stepped in front of her, this annoyed Belira.

Chris quickly changed his mind and moved to be standing next to her, he didn't now how long this would work as if enemies were coming, it was likely they'd end up having to fight in a different formation. However he still wasn't going to let her out of sight, as he still loved her. The only thing that he could do was attempt to prove it, answer all of her questions and then let her decide. If she didn't believe him or couldn't forgive him, then so be it as there wasn't anything he could do to force her to love him nor would he.

They waited for the enemy to come and do battle with them. Chris's thoughts turned to his training that he'd received before leaving Earth and then to the life he lived as a Klingon. He ready himself for combat, as Klingon warrior.

'Today is a good day to die.' Thomas thought to himself.

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.ussatlantis.com

His eyelids cracked open - painfully, and through dry vocal chords he uttered the first thing that came to his mind:

" Urrghh... "

Despite the searing pain in his side, he managed to sit himself up and look around to try and figure out what had happened. The last thing he remembered was being in Atmospheric Controls and then blacking out.

The gas jets, he recalled suddenly! He pushed himself up even further, trying to make his way off the diagnostic bed...

Diagnostic bed? He was in sickbay. Disoriented, he soon found there were supportive arms suddenly wrapping themselves around him, gently forcing him back on to the bed.

" No thank you, Mr. Sunder sir. We spent too long a spell on you for you to go knocking yerself about. " A rustic-tinged accent emerged from some amorphous shape to his left. Gradually it took solid form and changed into a Starfleet medical nurse who he didn't recognize. The man must have come on board after Sunder's last visit to sickbay. " Just lie yerself back there and let yer body heal itself. Your kidney's still new enough to be disturbed by bodily movement and agitation."

" Kidney? Where's Doctor Khatroweena? " He croaked, knowing that she must have had a hand in his healing.

" Too busy with other ministrations to attend to one already healing, if he's smart enough to let himself lie down for a while. " The nurse said in that curious accent of his. " I'll let her know you was asking after her, but I'll not guarantee she'll be here quick-like. " Satisfied that her patient was not about to move from the table, she left him there to his thoughts and moved to other patients.

As his vision began to clear, Sunder was disturbed by what he saw. Sickbay looked like it had been radically decorated by chaotic applications of a welding phaser-torch. Scorch marks could be seen everywhere on the wall-panels. Wounded filled up diagnostic beds and makeshift cots in all the rooms. Shelving units had been upturned and used as what looked like barricades, at least to his tactical eye.

People bustled around him tending to wounded and even wounded Klingons. That was an encouraging sight, at least. If the Klingon prisoners were being tended to then it looked like the GALAXY's crew had everything in hand. The absence of the sounds of fighting also indicated that the action was contained - all while he was on his back, he thought guiltily.

His uniform looked nowhere to be in sight. Disappointed, he called out to the Sickbay's computer:

" Computer: this is Lieutenant Commander Ursa Sunder - contact main security operations through this comm location. "

" Unable to comply. Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder is no longer on active duty under the orders of the attending physician on duty. "

" Let me guess... Felicia Khatroweena? " He offered expectedly.

" Correct. " The computer answered, with only a trace of smugness that Sunder could swear to detect in its voice.

He lay back in frustrated impotence. It was bad enough that the Klingons had come and gone while he had been on his back, but worse that no-one colud tell him what was going on! He ground his teeth in annoyance and waited impatiently for someone to arrive and fill him in on the recent events...

"Fight in the Lab"
by, Ensign Raesene Hermedhie

As soon as Raesene saw the Klingon scientist, he attempted to stop him form alerting the rest of the defenders. He didn't manage to reach him in time. As soon as the alarm was sounded, Raesene prepared for the Klingon onslaught, by drawing his two-handed sword. He thought, ~No offense to the Klingons, but I am much more comfortable using my own weapons.~

Then the Klingons began swarming into the lab. The first Klingon fell to a phaser shot from Dr. Kahn. then Raesene rushed into close range. The first Klingon he engaged swung his Bat'leth chest high. Raesene ducked underneath the swing, and disembowled the Klingon. The next warrior swung his blade in a diagonal slash. Raesene blocked the blow with his sword, then elbowed the Klingon in the face, and then slashed the warrior across the throat. All told in the fight, Raesene dispatched ten of the Klingons. When they had retreated, he merely wiped off the blood on his blade, and returned it to its sheath. Then, he followed the group as they continued deep into the complex.

"The Reckoning"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
Acting Captain

The battle was over. Deiran would never admit it to anyone, even Miran, but he was exhausted. He was in good shape, his body felt fine. It was his mind that was tired. The stress, the tension, all of it seemed to close in on him.

He must have held Miran in his arms for hours. He was so happy she and Lara were alive. But, Deiran had work to do and Miran left him so he could get the ship in order.

The fact was that the Galaxy would be spending some time at a Space Station for awhile. She was badly damaged. In two months she would be as good as new. But right now he had to think of getting the ship back in orbit around Boreth. Those were Captain Price’s orders and he would carry them out at all costs. Deiran was proud of what he and the crew of the Galaxy accomplished. They took on impossible odds and made history.

He was grateful to the Galaxy crew for having some trust in him, even if they didn’t like him. He did not let them down. They were alive.

Deiran left the Ready Room and went back to the Bridge. There were important decisions to be made now, decisions only he could make. Once he was done he was going home.

It took awhile to sink into his exhausted brain, but he realized his home had a huge hole in it.

"Robert, please assign my family new, temp quarters. Mac have all available personnel from every department go on two rotating shifts until we are in full operating condition. Coordinate all functions with Engineering. We’ll need every available person who can pick up a tool to get to work. Twelve hours of repair duty, twelve hours of rest."

"Aye Captain, will do," Mac replied. "Captain, I can give you 2 residential apartments on deck 5," St. John stated and turned back around to the Ops console.

The Casey’s would be living on deck 5, section 20. Casey only cared about the comfort of his family not himself. He didn’t spend much time there anyway. He loved Miran so much, she put up with so much. He was a workaholic, despite his attempts at slowing down it just wasn’t in his character and Miran still loved him. Although, he had taken time to spend with her and Lara more frequently than in the past.

Deiran loved this life. He needed Starfleet as much as Starfleet needed him. Deiran knew that when Starfleet learned of what happened here that his name would be well known. A young Lt. Commander, second officer of the 4th Fleet’s flagship, takes on 3 Klingon warships, pulls off an impossible maneuver and keeps his ship intact while destroying all assailants involved.

Talk about history being made. The only thing Casey was concerned about was that they were allies. Casey knew he did everything he could to placate Kang. He would do what was necessary to make sure the High Council knew that he was acting in self-defense. He in no way wanted to fight with allies. Deiran was much too honorable for that.

Ensign Torricle, handed him a PADD from security and medical. "Here sir, updated reports of casualties and damage."

"Thank you Ensign," Casey said as he took the PADD and sat at the Command chair. As he perused the names, his heart sank. So many good people gave their lives. People he knew, friends. Men and women he would miss.

Deiran knew death, fighting a war does that. But, he had never lost anyone while commanding. This was his first time. He thought it would be easier. But, he truly put the blame on himself. He could not control time and space, or what would blow up or injuries to any one officer or crewmember. He should’ve been able too in his thinking, he was the Captain after all. But, life isn’t that way. Even mankind can’t control certain forces of the universe. But, still these people were his responsibility. It hurt more than he thought it would.

He could not ignore it, just deal with it and try to move on and not forget them. He downloaded their names into his log. He would remember every one of them. He would think of something proper to do in their memory later.

It was time for a senior staff meeting. He wanted to meet with everyone face to face.

Still sitting in the command chair he spoke, "Mac call a senior staff meeting, 30 minutes. This includes Dr. Khatroweena. If she protests, remind her that all doctors have been called to duty and she is ordered to attend. I want to meet with her, have David attend also. I want a report from every one of the departments."

"Aye sir, David is badly injured Captain," Mac replied.

"What about Melissa?" Casey asked.

"I’m sure she’ll be glad to attend," Mac smiled.

Casey looked over the Ops data as he talked with Mac. No one knew the extent of Melissa’s injuries. And she was too stubborn to tell anyone.

Casey was different than Captain Price. He wasn’t as lenient. He was compassionate, fair, totally professional. But the one main difference is that Price was more lenient. Price still received the best his crew had to offer. Casey expected a lot from those under him but no more than they were capable of giving. Price’s leniency was a big reason why Casey respected the Captain. A respect that grew with this recent experience.

A few minutes later Mac reported, "Captain, many of the senior officers are injured and in sickbay. ‘Commander Sunder, Lt. Mercury, Lt. Boudreau. Cat refuses to leave her patients. Shall I wait to call the meeting until a more convenient time?" Mac asked, expecting a different answer than the one that was coming.

"Aye, I didn’t realize the senior staff was so beat up," Casey smiled. "Tell them all to rest up and regain their strength. I’ll just read the reports that come on PADD. It’s just easier meeting face to face. No senior staff meeting Mac, keep the reports coming. Also, let Lt. Albrecht know that the Klingons are to be contained, we’ll extradite them to Earth for trial."

As Casey continued looking over reports, validating and approving repairs left and right, he wanted to stop and go to the holodecks. He could imagine being on a sunny beach on Risa, Miran laying next to him in that hot pink bikini he liked so much, the crashing of the waves, the soft sand underneath him. What he would not give to see Miran in that bikini at this exact moment. Man did he need that right now.

But, instead he was stuck with a pile of PADD’s for the next few hours. He’d rather pick up a isolinear hydrospanner and get to work on repairing the damage to the ship. The one drawback of command was that you couldn’t join the fray, you had to give orders and orchestrate the operation.

"AC how long until we can make it back to Boreth?" Casey asked.

"It’ll take a while Captain. The SIF is very unstable. We’ll need to stabilize it, repair it, boost power to it and we should be able to make it back to Boreth," AC replied.

"Estimated time to repair it?" Casey asked in a no nonsense manner.

"With the double shifts sir, it should take ten hours," AC replied and went back to work.

"AC do what you have to, but get it fixed sooner than that. I want us in orbit around Boreth before Captain Price returns. No excuses!"

"Aye Captain," AC said knowing that Casey always expected the impossible.

As AC finished, Casey was handed more PADD’s and they kept coming like a tidal wave. It was going to be a long day. A day of reckoning and daydreams of hot pink bikini’s and warm summer breezes.

"I have fallen and I cannot get up."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson

Reports came to the Bridge from all over the Galaxy-class vessel. Her cargo bays and holodecks had been converted into triage units by the medical department to cope with the dead and injured. Engineers were situated all over the ship repairing damaged systems with operations and science officers dispatched to assist them. Tactical and security were scouring the ship to contain any remaining Klingons and guarding those they had already captured.

"The forward and starboard sensor arrays are running at minimal levels." Lieutenant Erikson said as he moved between the two aft science stations, alternating with Ensign Soleri.

"Try it now Greer." Lieutenant Hewson suggested.

"Power is increasing to the forward and starboard sensor arrays. Aft sensors have dropped down six percent and . . . the port sensors just went off-line."

"Status please gentlemen." 'Commander Casey said after he returned again from the Ready Room.

"Damage control teams are reporting to decks eight, ten, fifteen, and seventeen to deal with the hull breaches on those decks. Structural fields are holding." AC said as he tapped on the Engineering console a few times. "Main Engineering is dispatching emergency engineering crews to deal with all damaged primary systems."

"That last disrupter blast from the Bitas took out most of the primary sensor systems. We are currently running on secondary systems now." Greer reported.

"Well try and get them back on-line as soon as possible." Deiran said with a sense of earnestness in his tone. "I don't want to be caught blind in Klingon territory after having just been forced to engage three Klingon vessels."

"I don't think we're in any shape to withstand another assault 'Commander." AC stated as he ran some preliminary stress calculations through the computer database.

"Understood sir." Erikson said as he turned back to his station and tapping away at the console. "I'll try and have them reconfigured as soon as possible."

The next few hours were a true test of patience. Like a never-ending game of Stratagema, as soon as one sensor pallets was reconfigured another would go down. Eliminating that there was no programming error, Ensign Soleri removed the access panel underneath Science Station Two and began to test the individual isolinear chips in an attempt to trace the problem there.

"Any luck down there Ensign?" he asked the Andorian who was now sitting under Science Station Two and reconfiguring isolinear chips.

"Some of the isolinear chips have been burned out, sir." she replied. "Perhaps now you might want to give it a try."

"Computer, reinitialize primary sensor systems." he said as he gave the computer a few moments to initialize his request.

["Unable to reinitialized sensor systems."] the computer said without any disappointment or irritations ["Sensor systems are off-line."]

"Then reinitialize secondary sensor systems." he said whilst the computer whirled as it reinitialized the auxiliary systems. "Computer, what is the difference in sensor function?"

["Forward sensors are functioning at fifteen percent. Aft sensors are functioning at thirty-seven percent. Port sensors are functioning at twenty-three percent. Starboard sensors are functioning at forty-eight percent. Main sensor array is now functioning at forty-five percent of normal."]

"So, all sensors functioning within normal parameters?"

["Affirmative."]

Erikson sighed in relief. "Deiran, we now have limited sensor capabilities from all sensors pallets." he said as he received a nod from the Engineering console as AC confirmed the computer readouts. "They are still running on auxiliary systems, but we should be aware of any ships before they are in standard weapons range."

"A pleasure to hear Greer." Casey said as he sat back down in the commanding officer's chair.

"Nice work Ensign." he said to the blue-skinned scientist.

"Thanks you sir." she said as she managed to keep herself from smiling with some satisfaction. "All in a day's work."

Erikson smiled as he extended his hand and helped Soleri from underneath the second science station. Once again standing, she began running sensor diagnostics and waiting for Engineering to repair the damage which was preventing primary sensor functions. Meanwhile, the Lieutenant began about reorganizing his department to comply with the two shift rotation that was currently being implemented across each department. The two of them busily at work at their respective consoles.

Dev maH may' mIgh {Lead us to battle evil}
by Lt. Endris Gakor, IKS Qul' etlh

*** Sickbay ***

"yay!", Endris and Korof heard over the auditory pickup link with Nilani's tricorder. Earlier, the pair had heard indications of heavy resistance inside the hospital complex, so it was good to listen to Dergaus's distinctive voice declare victory.

Gakor bent down to the computer screen and scanned the results of the relayed tricorder data, trying to find patterns the smaller machines didn't have the capacity to analyze. She wished her roommate Ronni was here, the Delphinian scientist was a whiz at these types of computations. But for now the Tellarite and her Klingon friend labored the best they could on their own.

"There", said Korof, pointing to a section of data Endris had overlooked. "These reports indicate over 83% of the Jem' Hadar 'patients' have shown signs of midroptic reflex damage." Further analysis discovered the indications were too minor for tricorders to uncover these facts. The larger computers on the Qul' etlh were able to snoop this out from inferences to other data the tricorders were sending.

*Snacks*, thought Gakor, *deliberate tampering with their optic nerves could be significant*. However, her only verbal comment was "the optic nerve is one of the key points in the nervous system". Endris recalled an article on 'brain washing' she had once read in the Federation Journal of Medical Science. It seems Romulans had once captured Lt La Forge of the USS Enterprise and programmed his visor to relay false information to his brain through Geordi's optic pathways and thereby control his actions.

Could the dishonorable Klingons be researching something similar? Or perhaps there was another reason they were focusing their studies in that area.

The auditory sensor relayed the away team was planning to move further into the complex, as Gakor racked her brain for a way to get a message to the team without distracting them. More than once since boarding the Qul' etlh, she had heard the slogan "vaj may' wa' ngeb ViQn'os leH HoH maH", which translated "in battle one false step can kill us". The simplest solution would be to use a communicator, but the noise may alert the hostile Klingons to the location of the away team.

"Computer", the doctor addressed the Klingon machine. "Relay results of the statistical analysis of tricorder information to PADD 1506-Alpha and activate the vibratory circuit. Highlight the item about the Optic Nerve damage." In an emergency, Star Fleet issue PADDs could be used like an old silent pager. Gakor just hoped the inventory information was correct about the id of the PADD Nilani had taken with her.

Meanwhile, Korof was watching Endris' valiant efforts to get a silent message to her colleges. Just then a thought occurred to him and he tapped the Klingon version of a comm badge.

-/\- Korof to Numar -/\-, he addressed. -/\- Is the class one probe been equipped yet? -/\-

Gakor looked shocked at the surprise. Why would the Klingon doctor be asking the chief engineer to tinker with a probe while lives were at risk? The mystery was soon solved.

-/\- The Forlamyazetizine gas has been stored in the canister with a proximity fuse and can be used to assist the away team if needed. -/\-

*Knock out gas?*, Gakes thought, *I wonder what our Klingon allies will think of the idea*. Quickly, she supplemented the information on the PADD, telling Doctor Kahn a probe was full of gas and could be used for a distraction if the away team got in too much danger.

Korof smiled, his large warrior canines gleaming in amusement. "When fighting a dishonorable opponent, it is sometimes necessary to be sneaky, rather than direct and confrontational", he explained in standard. Gakor wondered when the Klingon came to this decision, which might involve gassing his CO to temporary la-la land if the device needed to be deployed.

"You have much Gromba", Gakor said with a hungry smile. It looks like we have done all we can do here for now, would you like to join me for Oinkus?

“NOW it’s getting interesting”
by Ensign Aaron Sharp

Aaron sat in the infirmary on the Qul’etlh as Doctor Kahn finished bandaging his hands. Mach’s D’k tahg sat on the table next to him. Aaron had been silent, mourning since Mach died, but now he chose to speak.

“Doctor, I’d like to take responsibility for Mach’s body when we get back to the Galaxy.” He spoke in a quiet voice.

Kahn looked over at him. “That’s fine, Ensign. We’ll keep the body in a stasis field until you require it.” Aaron nodded in asscention. When Kahn finished with the bandages he stood, picked up Mach’s knife, and headed for the mess hall.

**** Mess Hall ****

Aaron finished off the last of his Gah and wiped his mouth across the back of his sleeve. His conversation with Doctor Gakor had proven quite helpful. She had managed to bring him somewhat out of his despair and he felt he could carry out his duties without any problems. Apart from the damn bandages his hands were wrapped in of course. His communicator sounded and he gingerly tapped it with his hand. “Sharp here.”

[Ensign Sharp, you’re to report for away team duty in two hours.] It was Commander Sterner.

“Aye sir, two hours.” He cut the connection and made his way to his quarters to prepare himself. Once there he picked up his tricorder and type II phaser. He secured Mach’s D’k tahg to his waist and ensured the type I phaser was safely snuggled under his armpit. Then he sat down to wait until it was time to leave.

**** Biogenetic laboratory, Praxis ****

Everything exploded all at once. At least that’s what it seemed like. The away team had the unfortunate bad luck of being discovered, though if you thought about it, it was pure luck they hadn’t been discovered up until now. Everything was happening at once. Captain Price was barking orders, weapons were being drawn and discharged and Klingons were pouring into the room from two direction like a flood. Aaron pulled his own phaser a fired off a shot at the nearest attacker, putting him out of action. Then Dergaus and Toqo were too close to the enemy to safely shoot past, so Aaron picked up a dropped Bat’leth and was about to join the fray when he heard Price call him.

“Ensign.”

Aaron looked around. “Yes, Captain?”

“If I recall correctly from your personnel records, you’ve studied explosives and were certified on pyrotechnics on board the Enterprise?” Price asked.

Aaron couldn’t see the relevancy in the question. “Yes sir, but I don’t...”

“Here.” Price continued, “Inside you will find an explosive device, a thoron generator and a portable holographic emitter. I have an assignment for you. I want you to plant this explosive with a twenty minute delay, and conceal it with the thoron generator and holographic emitter. Understand ‘mate?”

“I believe I do sir.” Aaron replied, “But what about these Klingons?”

“The Commander and I will make sure they don’t bother you ‘mate. Just find a quiet spot and set it up.”

Aaron looked at the fighting going on all around the room. But the Captain was deadly serious and there was no time to argue. “A quiet spot.... Right sir.” He started to move away from the battle when a thought occurred to him. “Sir,” he asked Price, “just how large of an explosion are we talking about here if I might ask?”

Price relieved Aaron of the Bat’leth he held, looked him in the eye and said, “Once you set it up ‘mate, in twenty minutes there won’t be a building here.”

Aaron swallowed. “I see sir. Thank you.” He turned again and cradling the pack in his arms like a small baby he very carefully moved the the ‘quiet spot’ he had selected. He crouched down and crawled underneath a workbench that had several body parts on top of it (Which he’d ignored as best he could) and began removing the components from the pack. The explosive was small, a mark IV Bayon/Roget device with a timer attached. The damage it could do, however, was far more than one would think upon first seeing it. The Bayon/Roget series were favourites amongst terrorists and assassins, and Aaron didn’t even want to think about how Captain Price had got ahold of one. It certainly wasn’t standard Starfleet issue. Under the circumstances, though, he was glad Price DID have it, as it was perfect for this situation. He pulled out the thoron generator and holographic emitter. Nothing unusual about these. Aaron first attached the thoron emitter to the small bomb and made sure it wouldn’t come loose. Then, he connected the holographic emitter to it’s side. A little bit of fiddling with the bombs internal circuitry and the three devices were linked. Now if anybody messed around trying to deactivate it, it would detonate instantly. No second chances. He gently placed the package

against the wall, next to one of the workbenches legs, and set the timer for twenty minutes, then pressed the activate button.

20:00
19:59
19:58
19:57

Ensign Sharp watched the countdown for a few seconds to make sure there were no problems, then synchronised his tricorder with the unit. He activated the thoron generator and holographic emitter and watched as the bomb faded from view. It was virtually impossible to detect, and apart from the countdown ticking over on his tricorder screen, there was no way to tell it was there. Aaron smiled and whispered, “This is for you, Mach.” Then he slipped out from under the bench. The fighting was all over by this time.

Captain Price caught his eyes and asked, “Did you plant it ‘mate?”

Aaron nodded. “Aye sir,” He checked his tricorder, “eighteen minutes remaining.”

Dergaus spoke up. “We should get moving, they will be back as soon as they have a chance to regroup.”

Price nodded his agreement, “Aye, we are running out of time. We need proof that these scientists are conducting biogenetic experiments an these Jem’Hadar in order to mutate the Klingon people. So far we have only got circumstantial indications.”

“Perhaps deeper in this compound we will find the proof which we seek.” Dergaus said.

Again, Price nodded. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s do it mate.” He signalled the rest of the away team and they all moved out into the corridor. Aaron checked his tricorder again. Whatever proof they were going to find, they were going to have to find fast. They only had sixteen minutes left.

Ensign Aaron Sharp
Helmsman, USS Galaxy