USS Galaxy
Ensign Milan Brynnu
Medical Officer

"Blue Skinned Klingons"

Milan was the newest member to the medical staff, and she had never dreamed that she would be so busy so soon. All about her were the mutilated bodies of the Galaxy's wounded and dead. She was applying a fresh autosuture to a young man's disruptor burns when her attention was drawn to the doors leading into her ward.

As the doors to Sickbay opened, Milan saw an Ensign stumble through carrying another Ensign over his shoulders. It looked as though he was about to say something when he fell to his knees. The security guard, who had escorted him, just stood their stupefied by the incident. It was obviouse that he was at a loss of what to do next. As the Ensign stumbled forward onto the deck, the Andorian that he had been carrying was also thrown forward into the medical facility. They both landed in a heap and lay umoving on the floor.

Dr. Khatroeena rushed over to Ensign Prince while quickly drawing her tricorder and scanning him 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.

A nurse called out form where she performed a similar scan over the prone Andorian. "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!"

Milan quickly finished working on her current patient and, grabbing her medical kit and tricorder, rushed toward the newest arrivals in Sickbay. She dropped to her knees beside the security officer and quickly ran her own tricorder scan across his body. No life signs. *Oh God, he's dead.* "Oh no you don't, Mister!" Dropping the tricorder, Milan reached into the med kit and pulled out a hypospray affixing a small spray cansister of cordrazine to its end. *20 milliliters of cordrazine.* She pushed the hypospray to Xavier's neck with a tell tale hiss as the medication rushed into his body.

"Xaev?" came quietly from the Terran Ensign.

Xavier's body convulsed and arched as his deprived lungs sucked in a rush of inhaled breath. "Prepare that plasma, now!"

Cat moved back to the Terran ensign as he was 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.

The rest of Cat's conversation with the ensign melted away as Cat moved with him into the secondary medical ward and only half noticed as a humming followed by the sparkling cone of someone materializing in Sickbay. More injured no doubt.

"Quick, nurse! Give me a hand with this man!" She looked down into the face of the Andorian. *He looks so peaceful and I don't even know your name.* For that matter, she hadn't even learned all the names of her medical staff yet.

The nurse and security officer rushed over to where Milan bent over Ensign Bishop. "Quickly, help me get him to a bio bed!" In a matter of seconds, Xavier was on a biobed surrounded by Milan's medical team. A quick scan showed that the cordrazine had stabilized Xavier's situation for the moment.

"In all my days I've never seen such abuse to a body. Didn't this man know that he needed medical attention?" Milan was talking more to herself than to anyone else nearby as she cut away the old bandages and autosutures. Within a short while, Ensign Xavier Bishop's wounds were closed up and on their way to a full recovery. His eyes fluttered open, and he looked into the sapphire blue eyes of Milan. "You're alive, Ensign. I want to know why you didn't get here sooner?"

Xavier smiled weakly and barely whispered, "Doctor, if I had come sooner then a whole lot more people would now be dead." He took several short breaths before continueing, "In my book, that is a sacrifice worth paying." He closed his eyes.

"Yes, well. You could have died if your partner hadn't have stumbled into my parlor when he did with you on his shoulders. Let's make sure that you don't ignore your wounds in the future if you want to live to see the future. Do we have an understanding?"

The Andorian continued to smile, "Yes, Doctor." Milan turned to check on another patient's progress and pretended not to hear Xavier's last remark. "So long as it does not interfere with my duties."

*Andorian's! Blue skinned Klingon's with a death wish just as strong!* Despite her anger she smiled at the security officer. Milan thought back on a conversation Cat had carried on Lt. Sulax. The conversation had centered around the Romulan's own near fatal wounds and ended with an apology from the wounded science officer after informing Cat of the importance of saving other's lives at the cost of his own. She couldn't help but laugh to her self at the Andorian's similar comment.

Dr. Khatroweena walked up behind Milan as she finished adjusting a fresh autosuture on Xavier. "How are you fairing, Milan?" Milan shot a quick glance in her direction and gave a smile. "I'm doing fine doctor, thank you for asking."

"What Next?"
Ensign Numa Taurean
USS Galaxy Science Officer

Numa stood in front of Muogh ready to fight to the death. They had only just begun when she had noticed the arrival of Lt. Albrecht and after a moment said, "Stay back, lieutenant. I want this Klingon, he's mine." It was obvious that Matthew was stunned. She hadn't a clue as to what he was thinking, but she caught a quick glimpse of the look on his face. It was one that she couldn't fathom. Was he concerned, afraid, perplexed? She couldn't tell. At the moment, Numa didn't have time to find seek out the answers to these new questions racing through her mind. At this point in time she was huntress, intent on killing her enemy? Matthew stood by and watched her.

The young benzite science officer had stopped using her left arm early on in the fight. It was apparent to her that if she were going to take Muogh down, she would have to be smarter than him because he had the upper hand with brute force. She'd have to surprise him if she were to win this battle. She continued to dodge away from the raging klingon warrior. He seemed to be wearing. The Galaxy shook, and shook a second time--Muogh smiled even more fiercely.

Again Numa feinted back as if in retreat, and Muogh lunged forward and off- balance. Numa saw her advantage and swept in, cutting his knife hand. He loosened his grip on his blade, and Numa decided it was time to end this battle. She reached out with her not-so-lifeless-after-all left hand and swiped his knife from him. A knife in both hands, she dodged behind him and put one edge to his neck as he regained his balance. He closed his eyes, now afraid she might not allow him his death with honor. She said, "The code, Muogh, son of Kru'Gh. Give me the code!" He began to slouch, as if in anguish with his hands going to his face. "If you give me the code, I will finish you. Isn't that what you want?"

That was indeed what the klingon warrior had wanted. Numa would have been too eager to oblige him with that simple request had he given her the answer that she had been seeking. Before Numa could act on his request, however, the gas attack went into full swing. The klingon slumped motionless in her arms. Numa could not murder a defenseless warrior in cold blood no matter how much she wanted to drive the bladed weapon deep into his chest. It wouldn't be 'honorable', as the klingons would say.

The fight was over and they had managed to stop the bomb. Matthew and Numa sat against the bulkhead in the halls outside the computer operations center. A strange crewman bandaged Lt. Albrecht's burnt hands. Numa sighed knowing that Albrecht's wounds weren't critical, but she also knew that there were too many others that were in severe conditions. Numa only hoped that Ensign Bishop and Ensign Prince weren't among those. When the crewman was done with Albrecht, he administered to Taurean's wounds.

She would make it a point to check in with Ensign Bishop and Ensign Prince when all the necessary repairs had been made. Right now though, there was still much work to be done, and she didn't have the luxury of resting just yet.

"It's been a pleasure working along side you, Lt. Albrecht." Numa smiled at the man sitting next to her. Matthew returned her smile. "I guess now that we have the computer core secured, duty calls me elsewhere. I'll leave the security work for you and your men now. I've had enough of fighting for one day." Again Numa smiled.

Numa was headed to main engineering now. She knew that they needed all the help they could muster with the repairs, and she would give them what help she could. Numa knew quite a bit about engineering, but why wouldn't she because her entire family were star fleet engineers. She had been the proverbial black sheep by entering into the science program at the academy.

It didn't take long for Numa to reach main engineering. There were people moving all about like bees in a hive. Orders were being shouted, and crewmen were seeing that they were carried out.

Numa looked around and saw someone that she recognized. It was Ensign D'Auria. He was a science officer on her shift. She walked over to where he was. It looked like he had been given a task of compiling information.

Numa learned that Lt. Mélissa Marie Boudreau was the Assistant Chief Engineering Officer when she asked one of the nearby engineering officers. She was pointed in the direction of where a small woman was standing. Numa walked over to where she was standing.

"Lt. Boudreau, I'm Ensign Numa Taurean. I hear that you are in need of some extra help for the various repairs." Numa paused for a moment. She didn't want to make any bad first impressions, and she didn't want to sound patronizing either. "You'll find that I can be of great help because I have extended knowledge with engineering. My entire family are engineers with Star-Fleet." Numa didn't know what to think because Lt. Boudreau just looked at her. She didn't say a word while Numa spoke, and that was making Numa feel all the more embarrassed for approaching the assistant chief of engineering.

I feel like an idiot now. Numa thought to herself, but there wasn't anything she could do now but wait for a reply from Lt. Boudreau. Numa looked back over to where Ensign D'Auria was working. She could only imagine that she would be next to him in just a few moments helping sort through the various incoming reports.

"No Honour in Sleeping (part1)
By: Lt. (jg) Ryak Sullax

Ryak awoke to the sound of more wounded coming into sickbay. Ryak could still feel the pain running through his body. Next to his bed was his blood soaked and torn. Ryak looked back at the doctors and saw that they needed beds. They were way too busy to notice him. Ryak slowly reached down and started putting on his uniform. The pain almost had Ryak pass out again but he got his torn uniform on. Ryak grabbed his padds and slowly left sick bay. Ryak picked an excellent time to leave. There was a major trauma that came in at the time he slipped through. Ryak checked the time and saw that it was almost time for his shift to start. Ryak made his way to the bridge. As people passed him they kept staring at him. Ryak knew he looked bad but his shift started in three minutes and he had to be on the bridge.

Ryak entered the turbolift and made his way to the bridge. The pain was starting to become tolerable. Well only when he was standing still. Ryak also knew that his blood had not been completely replaced due to his mild spells of dizziness. The doors opened to the bridge right as the time became 4pm. Ryak entered and went directly to the aft science station....

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

"Klingon Point of View"
by Ensign Xavier Bishop
Medical Research Station
Praxis

Toh'zuk sat on the cold grey stones leaning next to his discarded bat'leth. He pressed his back up against the wall watching his companion, Sivoll, slash and parry with his own weapon at an imaginary opponent. The abnormally small and lithe Klingon snorted at the other guards martial prowess. "Sivoll, you waste your time." the small Klingon growled.

Sivoll whirled on his smaller companion, "And what would you know of wasted time, P'tagh! All you do is dream of the lovely Tir'aal." The tall warrior through his head back and laughed. "Now that is a waste of time! She is only interested in true warriors not little children such as yourself." Toh'zuk was not a child. He was just small.

Toh'zuk grimaced at the insult and thought of reaching for his holstered pistol. But it was only a thought. The small Klingon knew Sivoll would cut him down before his fingers curled around the grip of his disruptor. No, he would wait and bide his time. There would come a time when Sivoll would be alone in one of the darkened corridors. Then he could use the shadows as a shield moving up silently with the practiced skill of a silent stalker to plunge his d'ktahg into the unsuspecting warriors back. Perhaps he would let Sivoll's death be a lingering one like the Jem'Hadar spread out on the tables in the laboratory. He smiled.

"You are blind and ignorant!" spat the small Klingon as he stood to his feet. "There is more to ruling a House than swinging a bat'leth and singing songs of honor."

Sivoll doubled over as his shoulders quaked from the warriors snorted laughter. "You! Rule a House!!!"

At that moment, the door leading from the laboratory hissed aside and two Klingons stepped from the billowing purple vapors which spilled into the corridor. Sivoll, still laughing, turned to see his two friends K'evid and R'eul. He pointed toward the small Klingon, "Mighty Toh'zuk has been entertaining me with grandiose stories of 'House Toh'zuk' and his wife Tir'aal!" Between further sobs of laughter he continued, "The lovely Tir'aal is going to give him many sons to battle for the honor of his family while he rules his mighty House!" K'evid and R'eul both joined Sivoll in laughter.

Toh'zuk stood stoicly and took the abuse from the three warriors. K'evid and R'eul would join Sivoll soon enough. He smiled.

Sivoll slapped his small companion on the back, "Come we will drink to the House of Toh'zuk." The two relieved guards walked through the doors and headed for the Hall of Feasting.

***** A Darkened Chamber *****

Azin'Kar was fully engrossed in the daily reports which scrolled across his PADD when the large wooden doors to his personal chambers were thrust aside. In one fluid motion, the tall white headed Klingon pulled his disruptor pistol from its holster and aimed toward the warrior standing in the open doorway, "Do that again Vess and I will kill you!"

Standing in the doorway was a huge barrel chested Klingon with a mane of black curly hair. Across his face was stretched a full toothy canine studded grin. "Come brother, it is only I." stated the square jawed klingon in a deep gravely voice. Despite being brothers, the only commonality between the two Klingon's was the ridged crest of their foreheads. Vess had a deep reddish brown complexion next to his brothers lighter coppery skin tone. Vess also had thick moustaches that tappered to fine points beneath his thick beard. Azin'Kar only had a thick well groomed gottie: no moustaches.

Azin'Kar thumbed the trigger of the disruptor and was gratifide with the jolt of the weapon as a blast hammered out of the barrel. The shot seared past Vess' face leaving a scortch across his cheek. The smile vanished and was instantly replaced with a scowl of rage as the shot thundered into the stone wall of the dark gothic corridor sending shards of debris to shower across the younger Klingon's back. Vess reached for his own pistol.

Azin'Kar smiled a ferol grin, "I am still your elder brother and Commander." The syllables were barely audible as they passed the coppery skinned Klingon's lips.

Vess stopped short of pulling his pistol. Several moments passed before he stood to his full height of 6'6" and through his head back in guffaws of gravely laughter, "You have made your point, Commander. Now come, the others expect you to drink with them."

The elder brother snorted and croaked, "Why should I drink with thieves and cowards." Vess looked at his brother in confusion and anger. It was Azin'Kar's turn to laugh. "Speak Brother." commanded Azin'Kar.

"You dishonor the men beneath your command!" roared Vess.

Still laughing Azin'Kar continued, "Brother, have you not payed attention to your duty post. We are warriors guarding scientists on an abandon shattered moon. We should be battling Jem'Hadar on the front lines not skulking around in the darkness of a forgotten complex like cowards babysitting scientists!" His voice had risen to a roar by the end of his tirade.

"You speak out of line, Commander!" Vess dropped his hand to his pistol. "The High Council chose us personally to safeguard these scientists!" He spit the last syllables between clenched teeth.

Azin'Kar was no longer smiling. "Brother, you are no fool!" He slowly stood from his seat and picked up his forgotten PADD and held it out to his younger brother and second in command. "Have you not gone over the roster." He through the PADD up into the air. "We are a joke!!" He slammed his hands onto his desk. "All the warriors in this command come from unknown House's, are suspect of being cowards, or are washouts fresh from Imperial Academy."

Vess's blood boiled in his veins, but he said nothing. He already knew everything his brother spoke and it was true. He simply could not accept those facts. "And us, Brother?! Why are we here? Our House, The House of Kor'diss, is not so weak as these others that surround us." The House Azin'Kar and Vess belonged too was not a large House, but it was a prominant one. Heroes filled its ranks, including both Azin'Kar and Vess. Yet here they were hidden away in the shadows of a shattered forgotten moon amongst all the warriors and outcasts of unimportant Houses. Weak Houses with no honor.

The Commander's thoughts pierced the silence that had fallen across the room as he softly voiced, "Because our family threatens the seat of one of the High Councilor's. So, we have been given a dishonorable post as babysitter to a bunch of scientists and washouts." Azin'Kar slumped back into his seat.

"Then it is our duty to bring honor to this rabble!" thundered Vess. "Come Brother, let us drink."

The elder Klingon sat behind his desk pondering his brother's request. Then without further thought he stood to his full height of nearly 7'. What the Hell. The scientists were near completion of their project and they would all be reasigned at the end of the week anyway. He afforded himself a smile as he thought. Perhaps we will be returned to the front lines of the war. The two brother's walked side by side down the darkened stone corridors of the gothic hospital toward the great Hall of Feasting laughing and retelling tales of great battles and personal conquests.

***** Hall of Feasting *****

The walls of the Great Hall of Feasting shook with seismic vibrations from Klingon music. Added to this was the sharp metalic clang of goblets being slammed together in ritual toasts amidst the raucous laughter of nearly three dozen warriors. In the center of the dank smoke filled room, several lovely Klingon warrior maidens danced and swayed to the rythm of the music.

Toh'zuk slapped his goblet down with a hollow metalic clang onto the surface of his table as one of the dancers moved across the floor toward him. Looking up from his blood wine, he stared through glassy eyes into the beautiful face of Tir'aal. A drunken grin split his face as she wove a spell of lustful seduction before him. *She will be mine!* A deep chuckle began to rise from his throat as he reached a gropping hand toward her undulating body. Then she was gone.

Toh'zuk's brow furrowed in confusion as he looked over to the other warriors sharing his table. M'Pok, Lorsig, Se'karr and Sivoll. *Ah, there she is.* Tir'aal was now dancing in front of M'Pok.

Tir'aal raised one long, shapely leg high into the air and dropped it across M'Pok's lap straddling him. The lithe warrior maiden pushed her pelvis into M'Pok and moved her hips in a circular motion to the blaring rythm of the music. Her breasts swayed hypnotically beneath the Klingon warriors wide oggling eyes. He smiled. Her eyes dilated with lust and her nostrils flared. M'Pok turned his grinning face toward his enviouse companions as he wrapped his muscle corded arm around her slender waist pulling her body closer to his. He placed his free, large callosed hand on Tir'aal's shapely thigh and slid it up and across her perfect body toward her full lust swolen breast. His harsh fetid breath blew hot against the bare skin of her neck as his nostrils flared at her womanly scent.

The warrior maiden turned her face into M'Pok's neck tickling it with her tongue. He groaned in ecstacy then yelped in suprised pain as Tir'aal bit hard into his neck. She lurched up from his lap striking him across the face with a visceouse backhand. M'Pok spilled backward out of his seat and sprawled on the cobbled floor alongside his chair amidst the guffaws of his companions. Toh'zuk's confusion turned to anger.

M'Pok wiped the blood from his mouth and smiled as he pushed himself up from the stone floor. His eyes glittered with wanton lust as he circled the abusive dancer in a warriors crouch. His yellowed canines glowed dully in the darkened light of the room as he lunged toward Tir'aal. She smiled back and lashed out with another lightning quick strike. This time M'Pok was ready. He grabbed her arm with one hand and through his free arm around her waist, lifting her from the floor and carrying her to a darkened alcove. She threw her dark head back and laughed through full, flushed lips while wrapping her legs around M'Pok's waist in a vice like lovers embrace.

Tir'aal looked down into M'Pok's lust filled face and smiled broadly showing her own pearly canines as the tall warrior pressed her against the stone wall. Grabbing his hair with her free hand she pulled his head back and brought her mouth down on his. He parted his lips and their tongues entwined in a fierce battle of passion.

Toh'zuk wrenched his d'khtaag from its sheath and flew from his seat toward M'Pok's back. "She is mine P'tagh!!" He stood in the center of the chamber looking at M'Pok who just laughed.

The tall warrior didn't even turn to face Toh'zuk. "Leave me little boy!! I will not dishonor my house by spilling your blood." The gathered Klingon's burst out in laughter at M'Pok's insult. Everyone knew that if the small Klingon were not drunk he wouldn't have even reacted the way he had.

Toh'zuk silently cursed himself as he stared blankly at M'Pok's broad muscular back. If he was not drunk he would have waited to kill M'Pok in some darkened corridor or alleyway with a quick fatal thrust from behind. That way the risk of losing his own life was diminished. But now he had to face his opponent in 'honorable' combat. He spat at the word 'honorable'. Toh'zuk did not believe in honor or the mythical Sto-Vo-Kor. He looked into the laughing eyes of Tir'aal. He smiled. This would all work out for the better he thought.

Because of his small stature Toh'zuk was believed to be weak and incapable of fighting a 'true' warrior. He used this facade to his advantage. Despite his size, he was still a Klingon who had been bread to conflict. When it came to fighting, he was just as capable of defending himself, if not better. His small size forced him to work harder than the average warrior.

Toh'zuk reached a small hand out and twirled M'Pok toward him. The muscular Klingon dropped Tir'aal and snatched his mek'leth from his belt yelling, "YOU GO TO FAR LITTLE MAN!!!!"

M'Pok lunged wildly at Toh'zuk and was taken by complete suprise as the small warrior sprang into a beautiful dance of death. The battle was short and visciouse. M'Pok lay lifeless on the floor with scores of slashes torn acorss his body. Standing triumphantly over his corpse was a small Klingon warrior. The room was silent. No one would ever question his ability to fight again.

He looked over to Tir'aal. "You are mine!" Her eyes blazed with fury.

The loud click of booted feet on hard stone floor drew everyone's attention. "You have defeated M'Pok in honorable combat." Toh'zuk also turned to witness Azin'Kar walking toward him. Vess stood within the ring of warriors encircling Toh'zuk and Azin'Kar, gripping his bat'leth. Toh'zuk smiled and looked up into the eyes of his commander who stood before him.

A sharp blow landed across Toh'zuk's face knocking him from his feet. In the shock of Azin'Kar's unexpected attack, Toh'zuk dropped his knife which clattered across the floor and slid away from him. From his prone position he looked up into the baleful eyes of Azin'Kar as he reached a large hand down and encircled the small warriors throat in a vice like grip and lifted him into the air. "You are a capable warrior, but you will not claim my daughter as some prize! Your House is not worthy to mix blood with ours! Do I make myself clear!"

Toh'zuk thrashed futilely in Azin'Kar's grip. Looking into the eyes of his commander he realized unless he complied with the order, Azin'Kar would kill him. He stopped thrashing and jerked his head in an affirmative gesture since he could not squeeze the syllables passed his crushed larynx.

***** Medical Laboratory *****

Mol'kihr placed the PADD containing his medical journal down and pushed himself away from his pristine desk. Before rising from his seat, the aged scientist rubbed his weary eyes and smiled at the thought of seeing Tir'aal dance in the Hall of Feasting. Already the rest of his colleague's had retreated there to watch the beautiful daughter of the complex's military commander. He stifled a yawn and rose to his feet and began walking toward the door leading into the main complex corridor. As he approached the door he paused for a moment, then turned back to the laboratory. *I better check on my patient.*

With an eager stride in his step he entered the ward containing the metal biobeds which supported the bisected bodies of Jem'Hadar soldiers: alive and dead. Mol'kihr stopped in the doorway and crossed his arms over his chest. *Now which bed was Lekran on. Oh, yes.* The scientist walked across the ward toward a secitioned off biobed and, drawing the curtain aside, stepped in. Stretched out on the bed was a Jem'Hadar soldier: or, what was left of him. His right arm and been amputated as had his lower torso.

"Hello, Lekran." Mol'kihr looked into the pain wracked face of the Jem'Hadar soldier and smiled impartially at his 'patient' before moving over to a medical console which was directly linked to the medical implements keeping the soldier alive.

Mol'kihr was still leaning over the console when two Klingon guards walked through the ward on their way to duty. A few moments later the two guards they replaced walked through the ward as well. At sight of the abnormally small warrior, Mol'kihr stopped working and looked up marveling at Toh'zuk's small stature of 5'2". *I wonder how he survived infancy?* He didn't ponder the question as his mind turned back to his experiment. He bent back over the console and studied the stream of data. *Now, what is our next step?*.

After several hours of fruitless research, Mol'kihr stepped away from the console and picked up his PADD. "Well, I'll see you in the morning Lekran." He turned and walked from the room.

He walked down the darkened corridor of the complex toward the great hall when a thought struck him. Pausing he lifted his PADD up and keyed in a few commands. *That's it!!* He turned on his heels and headed back toward the ward. He entered through the door and looked up from his PADD. Standing in front of him was a group of Klingon warriors and Starfleet Officers. "Who are you?"

Suddenly realizing this might be a Bej'mey raid, Mol'kihr yelled, "Alarm!! Alarm!!"

The Klingon computer system processed the scientist's command and responded with a thrumming intruder alarm. Mol'kihr turned to flee. It was not a cowardly act. The fate of the Klingon Empire rested on his shoulders and the only honorable thing to do was make a 'tactical withrdrawal' as quickly as possible: or so he reasoned. The High Council had entrusted him with the task of saving the entire Klingon Empire.

Look Both Ways Before Entering Turbolifts
Ensign Keras T’Vek
Science Officer
USS Galaxy

As the lights flickered over head the two security guards nodded appreciation for Keras’s aid in finding several gassed Klingon saboteurs. Keras only nodded as he watched the two men in gold uniforms carry two Klingons toward a turbolift. The ship had stopped rocking and swaying several minutes ago, Keras deduced that most likely the USS Galaxy had taken out the threats.

The corridor he stood in was dark and had visible signs of damage. Several panels lay on the corridor, revealing burnt out wiring and circuits. Keras took out his PADD and marked down the deck and the rooms closest to the damage, a order had been issued for the security teams to also record the internal damage and send it to Engineering. So far he had recorded several decks worth of damage, he decided that it would be best to now transmit the data to Engineering, so he could help somewhere else.

He walked over to a computer terminal that looked from the outside to have no visible damage. His fingers flew across the terminal, after several failed attempts Keras turned decided who would head down to Engineering and give the data in person, another reason being he could probably help out in engineering considering most of the sections were short handed.

The only noises in the corridor were the slight hiss of gas and his feet hitting the floor as he jogged towards the nearest turbolift. It opened quietly and he entered, "Engineering", he said in his flat monotone voice. He tucked the PADD in his utility belt alongside of his tricorder.

He could feel the turbolift get underway, his mind running through several different experiments he wished to try with Thoron Emmiters and Detectors. Then he was thrown violently toward the ceiling as the turbolift came to an abrupt stop and the lights went out. He lay on the floor of the turbolift, accessing his current condition. Pain shot out from his left leg when ever he move it, and as his hands ran over it he could easily feel the broken bone which had come through his skin, his bloody slowly oozing out.

He tapped his communicator quickly, awaiting the beep signaling its readiness, only to face complete silence. It must have been damaged in his fall he thought. His mind quickly raced through the best procedure to signal the distress he was in. Then the fact that several of the internal sensors were still down or not functioning correctly ran through his mind.

He pulled his body over to the turbolift doors, pain shooting up his broken leg. He placed both of his hands inside the groove of the door and attempted to push them apart, pain beginning to set in several places of his body. After a few minutes of trying he stopped and just laid down, his mind racing with all the possibilities and there chances.

His hands felt across the floor at he attempted to locate a panel of some sort so he could get at the circuitry and wiring inside the turbolift. His efforts were greeted be the quick removal of one of the bottom panels. His hands quickly brushed over the components hiding inside. After some quick rewiring and several failed attempts he had the emergency light back on.

His eyes quickly adjusted to the dim emergency lights. He peered inside the open floor panel, he quickly could make out several different items of interest, there was the manual pump for the doors, the gravity projector, and the emergency air filter in case the main system went down.

He placed both hands on the pump and attempted to move it, to no avail. His bloody hands slipped of the pump several times, finally he got a secure hold and attempted to open the door, to no avail. The door must be jammed or the connection between the manual and the door severed. He slowly withdrew his hands from the panel as he attempted to find a different avenue of escape.

Then his mind stopped and he looked at the gravity projector, his head quickly looked at the ceiling to get an estimate of the strength of the hatch which was above him. Then with quick determination he balled his fist up and slammed them repeatedly into the gravity projector.

The first sign of any damage was the lights went out, he must have damaged the hot-wiring he had done to get them on. Then slowly he could feel himself begin to float. With his good foot he kicked gingerly at the floor, propelling himself at the ceiling. His hands racing over the ceiling feeling for the hatch. His left hand brushed against it and in seconds he had it opened.

Holding on to the outside of the ceiling he pulled himself out. He lay on top of the turbolift, his head facing upward looking toward the top of the shaft. He glanced around himself and his surroundings. The turbolift had stopped just a few inched below the bottom of a deck door. He pulled himself toward the door, his leg leaving a bloody trail. He placed his hands on the outside of the door and quickly found a hand hold. With the last bit of strength in him he pushed them apart far enough for his slim build to squeeze through.

He lay on the cold corridor floor, staring upward at the ceiling. He could feel himself losing concionous, his mind fighting to remain awake. His eyes fluttered slightly and he could barely make out a shape above him. The shape was speaking but he could not make out what it was saying, most likely the loss of blood was affecting his senses. All he could say was, "Make…Ssure…th..at…this gets to…Engin…eering." His hand pulling out the PADD. Then his eyes closed.

"Currents"

"I don't know much about your engineering skills so I'll give you a task any science officer can do", lieutenant Boudreau said to D'Auria as she led him to a console. "You keep in contact with all the damage control and security teams and compile a list of all the damage they encounter." Nodding, he bend over the console and started downloading the damage reports. Turning his head, he saw another science officer come into engineering. It was Numa Taurean, the Benzite ensign he worked with. She didn't look alright, but then, most of the crew was injured in one way or another. Nodding to the approaching Benzite, he turned back to his task, wincing at the burning pain in his back.

"How are you doing?"

"About as good as you, from the look of things, Numa."

"Yes, well, when you run into a Klingon in a battle rage, you expect to get a bit bruised."

"Numa, you are not bruised, more like put through a wringer. You should be in sickbay."

"So should you. Your back looks like three day old roadkill."

"There are undoubtedly people with far worse injuries around. They have priority."

"Exactly my thinking, Jack. Excuse me a minute."

Numa turned to a passing engineering officer who pointed lt. Boudreau out to her.

"Got to go. Talk to you later, okay Jack?"

"Take care, Numa."

D'Auria called up a view of the power distribution throughout the ship. What he saw was disturbing to put it mildly. The engineers had restored life support, but still, a massive amount of energy was leaking out from the breached parts of the ship. It wasn't their fault. With so much damage to be repaired, they had to prioritize everything. Bypassing the computer protocols, he connected directly to the main computer and began rerouting the flow of energy. The first task was to shut off the power conduits in the breached sections, then rerouting the energy. The former was an easy task, the latter took more time. As soon as he had closed off one conduit, there was a build up of energy. On its own, it wasn't large, but with the shape the Galaxy was in, it could do some serious damage to the already strained systems. At first, Jack sent the excess energy to augment the SIF, but after lt. Boudreau and her team had sufficiently repaired it, it was not needed anymore. By that time, he had a lot more energy to work with.

He then started to send the flow through the various forcefields closing off the hull breaches. From there, it went directly to the shields, bringing the remaining generators to 130% strength. The next step was to reinitialize the internal sensors. Many were damaged, but with some fancy programming, he managed to get a number in all sections online, using the energy surplus he was cycling through the ship. Satisfied that his jury rigging of the system was holding up, he picked up the pad with the damage reports. Turning around, his vision blurred and everything seemed to spin around him. A hand steadied him before he fell to the deck.

"Easy, ensign."

The voice… female ….

"Lt. Boudreau, the… the damage reports so far", Jack said as he managed to stand up straight again. "I have them prioritized, the most urgent ones are in the first group."

"Thanks. You don't look so good." "So I have been told", he said deadpan.

Boudreau looked into his pale face, seeing the sweat on his forehead.

"Look, …. D'Auria…. Do you have a first name?"

"Jack, lt. Jack D'Auria."

"Melissa. Why don't you go to sickbay? You're in pretty bad shape; I am not a professional and even I can see it."

"Lt., I am fine. Just a momentary dizzy spell. There are still reports coming in. I've also been rerouting the excess energy from the damaged sections, to the shields and the internal sensors. We have now partial sensor capability all over the ship."

"I'm impressed. Now get your butt to sickbay, ensign. That's an order. I don't want you back here until you are healed. Understood?"

D'Auria lifted an eyebrow before responding, "What about you, lt.?"

"What about me", she said looking puzzled. Jack looked down to her arm. "That is just a minor injury. Your whole back burned off."

She reached behind him, touching the leg of his pants and brought it in front of his face. The palm was completely covered with blood.

"Go. Now. No discussions."

Jack again raised an eyebrow; then he turned around and walked toward the entrance of main engineering.

"Jack?"

He turned around, facing her once again.

"Thanks", she said smiling. Dipping his head slightly in acknowledgement, Jack turned around and headed for the nearest turbolift.

Ensign James McCloud
Helmsman USS Galaxy

Ensign James McCloud woke with a sudden jerk as his alarm woke him up two hours before his first duty shift. Looking around he sees that Cosmo has already finished the dog food he placed in front of him twelve hours ago. Gazing at Cosmos bed he sees that the alarm didn't wake him up.

"How dose that dog do it" James says. With a loud crash one of McClouds book fell to the ground directly in front of Cosmo. Cosmo unprepared for the loud crash wakes with a yelp. James cracks up and falls to the floor. Continuing to laugh stands up and walks to were the book fell. Reading the cover James discovers that it is one of his books on the Klingon planets and colonies.

James yawns and stretches as he makes his way to the shower . After a long hot shower he places his Star Fleet uniform .

Standing at the doorway he says to Cosmo, "Have a nice day you big mutt. And don't get into to much trouble. "The little puppy yelps as if replying to James Statement. James quickly makes his way down to the Ten Forward lounge for some breakfast. On his way he bumps into a child.

" Sorry sir " The child exclaims. "No need um..whats your name?" asks James. "The names Colby Camaron Torwyn". " all right have a good day Colby"

The Ten Forward Lounge seemed a little empty to James but he thought it was still early. Walking to the bar he looks for a bar tender. After about five minutes of waiting Hudson Dorffen came up to James

"What can I get you ensign"

" A romulan ale please"

With that the tender pours some liquid which James assumed to be ale and handed it to James. Taking a sip James walks over to a table and sits. In about an Half an our the ale was completely gone. Standing up from his seat James makes his way to the bridge for his shift.

It was the kind of scream that, while very brief, conveyed a sense of deep, animal terror. Maximillian bolted straight up in his bed in a cold sweat, as he often did, in the middle of his sleep. This had been a particularly vivid nightmare which was only fading because of his capacity to push back these horrible memories. He sat there completely still, every muscle tensed, and looking straight ahead into the darkness of his small room, his breathing shallow but quick. It was forgotten within a minute. He picked up the towel beside his bed, and wiped off his face. He looked at the time. Three hours left until his shift. He lay back down, readjusting his pillow, and closed his eyes. His mind now cleared, it was as if nothing had ever happened. Inside, he knew something had, and for that he felt some sorrow.

"Gassed"
Ensign V'ehlma M'aerikh
Helms(wo)man
USS Galaxy

The USS Galaxy shook violently from the impact of Klingon torpedoes and disruptors throwing Ensign V'ehlma M'aerikh from her feet. Somehow Ensign Yin, her companion in the turbolift, had managed to stay on her feet and reached a helping hand down to help V'ehlma back up.

Grasping the Asiatic Romulans hand, V'ehlma climbed back to her feet. "Thank you."

Ensign Yin smiled at V'ehlma and shook her head, "No, it's I who should be thankful. If you had not opened your apartment door when you did those two Klingons would surely have killed me."

V'ehlma smiled back, "Yes. Well, I'm sure if you had not been where you were when I stepped out of my apartment, I would also be dead." The turbolift came to a gentle stop as the doors swished open. V'ehlma turned and started to run out of the turbolift but stopped and looked back at Ensign Yin, "By the way, my name is V'ehlma."

"Nice to meet you V'ehlma. I'm Mei. Ensign Mei XiaoYin."

V'ehlma turned and ran out the doors toward the stellar cartography lab. As she ran, the ship shook from the impact of more direct hits from the klingon battle cruisers. Again V'ehlma was thrown from her feet, but it saved her life. Just before being thrown off her feet, she heard the distinctive "whumf" of a disruptor being discharged. The "projectile" from the weapon impacted with an LCARS station where V'ehlma had just been standing. *Oh, no! Not again.*

V'ehlma fell forward and used the momentum to roll into a crouched position. She brought her hand back and snapped it forward hurling her mek'leth at a Klingon warrior down the hall. The sword whistled through the air and thudded into the chest of the warrior with a dull thunk. The impact hurled the dead Klingon back several feet.

V'ehlma ran toward the dead Klingon and picked up his pistol before grasping the hilt or her mek'leth and pulling it from his body with a sickening slurping noise.

"Yeeeaaahhhhhgggg!!!!" V'ehlma jumped at the unexpected cry and turned to see a mad Klingon woman charging her with raised bat'leth. Behind the woman were two more warriors. They raised their rifles and fired.

Reacting out of instinct, V'ehlma threw herself backward toward the ground. The disruptor blasts passed harmlessly over her and impacted with the wall. At the same time she lifted her newly acquired pistol and discharged it into the charging Klingon woman. The blast thudded into her chest and hurtled her back into her two companions. At the same time, V'ehlma's back impacted with the floor knocking the wind from her. Still gasping for air, the young woman rolled into a defensive crouching posture. In the same movement, she cocked her sword arm back and raised her pistol up toward the charging warriors.

Right then a hissing noise imminated from the Galaxy's air recirculation vents and billowy clouds of vaporouse gas sprayed into the corridor. It's affects were instant. V'ehlma's whole body burned with fire, inside and out. Her vision blurred and she lost all motor coordination. Jerking with spasms and choking on the gas, she fell to the floor and passed out.

*** Sick Bay ***

V'ehlma's eyes snapped open and she screamed. Her entire body was on fire. She thrashed wildly as nurses and doctor's ran to her attention. A Bolian woman wearing the blue of medical, ran toward her yelling to other medical officers, "Strap her down, she is having a reaction to the gas!!"

Before the Bolian Doctor reached her, a large man with a thick beard leaped from the bed next to her and wrapped his huge hands around her thrashing arms. "It's ok, ensign." Ursa said with a gentleness unbecoming a giant such as him. Despite her agony, V'ehlma couldn't help but notice his bare, broad muscular chest. The muscles beneath the skin pulsed and pumped as he attempted to restrain her.

A male nurse reached her side and began strapping her legs and arms to the table. At the same time the Bolian officer reached out to V'ehlma's neck and the drug from the hypospray hissed into her neck. Just before passing out she saw another alien doctor with semi feline features run up, "What's going on, here?"

"The Mystery Of The Man"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
Acting Captain

Casey had been on duty for 20 straight hours and looked horrible. His mind was still sharp though and he made every decision needed to get the ship in shape.

But, it was taking a toll on him physically. He hadn’t eaten in almost 30 hours. His mouth was dry. He had literally worked himself to the brink of death. His head was healed, but blood was on his uniform from the cuts. And though the bruises were gone, he still felt the residual effects of those bruises. Casey was strong, he could hike for hundreds of miles, live off the land and feel great. He was a survivor, another Casey tradition. He could walk for miles on a broken leg using pain techniques taught to him by his martial arts instructor. He could do everything well. Another Casey family tradition.

There were times when Casey became tired of those family traditions, and other times he was proud of his family’s legacy. But, Deiran never knew when to quit. It wasn’t even in his vocabulary. He earned Miran’s hand in marriage because he loved her enough to pursue her at all costs. He was Second Officer of the Galaxy because he worked his butt off. He was the valedictorian of the class of 2372 at the Academy because he studied and worked himself to exhaustion. He was the leader of Red squadron for 3 years because he was the best and brightest at the Academy. Success was all he had known in life.

But, he paid a high cost for that success. He always had to beat himself. And the longer he lived the more difficult it became to beat himself. Melissa had stopped fencing with him because she never won. Greer hadn’t mentioned poker in awhile because Deiran never lost credits, maybe a hand or two but he always broke even at least. He saved the Galaxy from destruction along with the valiant determination of it’s crew.

But Casey was deluding himself that he could go further. That he would not allow Captain Price to see a broken, shattered and battered ship when he returned. The crew may hate him, but this ship was going to be as in good a shape as possible when the captain returned. If Casey had to do the repairs himself he would.

He was a man driven, a man who never ran out of gas, who never quit. Whether it was trivial and small or substantial like Commanding the Galaxy against overwhelming odds. He even kept an air of invincibility on purpose. And would never let it down, no one truly saw through the vale he had erected. A man driven to beat himself, to outdo the last thing he did and make it better.

People hated him for always winning, for doing everything with exceptional precision and talent. He was the best and he knew it. But, Casey was becoming tired of the whole image. He wanted to just stop chasing his tail and become normal. But, his past, his family tradition, his own self image erected a wall that prevented him from doing this. And so he was stuck in a vicious circle.

So Casey wasn’t all smiles, his life wasn’t perfect. He was a man trapped with absolutely no chance of escape or freedom. This was his life. A life that he enjoyed for the most part. But a life that kept him apart from others, that made him despised, hated. He always thought that was unfair. He wasn’t all talk. He did the things he talked about and did them well. Casey had a heart, a compassionate manner. He was a good man, a man of honor and trustworthiness. And unfortunately those things were overlooked and all people saw when they looked at him was the arrogance and egotism.

But he sat in his chair content to sit there reading reports until the Galaxy was back in orbit around Boreth. Casey was so adamant about following the orders of his Captain he’d give his life to follow a trivial order. Not because he didn’t think or was a fanatic, but because he never allowed himself to look like a failure, that he could not carry out an order.

There were times where he disobeyed an order when he believed it to be morally superior to do so. But, otherwise he would follow his Captain’s orders, and do it with excellence. Excellence. A word that controlled Casey’s life.

He was no different from his family. Reading the family biography was like reading a fantasy, written by someone with an elaborate imagination. But, it was all true. Casey was just part of the long tradition. Tradition. Another word that controlled his life.

And so Casey read the reports that came his way with a religious fervor. He caught up quick to, do to his speed reading abilities and impeccable memory and soon he had enough time to wait for the incoming reports. It was becoming monotonous.

He sat in the ‘Chair’ and pondered how his life would change after the Federation learned of what he did here at Boreth. He had made a name for himself as a cadet at the Academy when he introduced some brilliant models for new warp engines that allowed a ship to travel faster and with greater efficiency. That model became reality and was part of every warp engine in the Federation now. His records at the Academy still had not been broken. It didn’t seem like his star could be brighter.

But Deiran never new what enough meant. It wasn’t greed, it was drive. He would never stop driving himself and those around him until his ultimate goal had been accomplished. To be the one Casey who made all the other Casey’s pale in comparison to him, and then he would stop. Then he would be content and only then.

Casey was a man of love and passion, a man of great heart and empathy. A man misunderstood. He had come to realize that was his lot in life. He was blessed. He had the most gorgeous wife any man could want, he had the sweetest, most precious daughter. He had fine parents, perfect health. But, no one understood who he was, why he was Deiran Casey. Why he never quit, why he always cheated death. Why he always won. And that was the one thing in his life that had eluded him.

Pretty soon the reports stopped coming. The ship was being fixed, the crew was working hard. He was proud of their commitment. They were fine people.

*** Casey’s Temp Quarters ***

"Miran to Dr. Khatroweena," Miran’s voice sounded concerned. Lara was asleep and Miran was spending some quiet time reading a novel by a Bajoran author. She missed Deiran though and knew he’d be on the Bridge until he collapsed.

[Yes Miran, what can I do for you?] Cat replied, sounding distracted and removed.

"I’m concerned about Deiran, he’s pushing himself to the brink of collapse. Could you order him to go off duty and rest please Cat?" Miran was almost begging. She knew her husband was human, though some people wondered to the contrary.

[I will do that Miran. Is there anything else?] Cat asked.

"When I saw him he had blood on his shirt. He did first aid on himself and has not been checked by a doctor. Please have someone check him out?" Miran was a good wife. "And don’t tell him I contacted you, okay?"

[Sure Miran, Deiran will be home very shortly. Cat out.]

"What am I going to do about that stubborn man?" Cat asked out loud as she tended to a patient in sickbay. "Klingons can’t kill him, but he just may kill himself!"

*** Main Bridge ***

"Captain Casey, the Galaxy is ready to go to warp. The SIF is at 98% and we can establish orbit around Boreth," AC said from Engineering. There was no need for an engineering officer on the Bridge now that the battle was over.

"Good work Lieutenant, you did it in six hours, 53 minutes and 27 seconds. Good work, Casey out," Deiran cut the comm.

"Teb take us back to Boreth and establish orbit around the planet," Deiran gave the command with a smile on his face. He knew the repairs could be made sooner. If you expect the best, you get the best was what his father always said. He was right.

"Lt. Commander Deiran Casey! Captain your required to leave duty and get some rest. You look horrible!" Cat said as she stomped down the ramp.

"I’m fine Cat," Deiran retorted.

"Deiran as long as I’ve known you, you never tell the truth about what you’re feeling. You could be having a heart attack, get your leg swiped off by a bat’leth and break every bone in your body, all at the same time and you’d say, ‘I’m fine’."

"I will relieve you of duty for a day if I have to! That’s not a threat but a promise!" Cat pulled out a medical tricorder and checked Casey for any internal injuries. He was a bit fatigued, but nothing serious. She didn’t feel like fighting with him to go to sickbay that was for sure. "Now go to your wife and daughter. The ship will be here tomorrow and so will that chair. So go!"

"Cat your timing is perfect. I was just leaving. We can establish orbit around Boreth and that’s what I was waiting for, now I can sleep comfortably."

Deiran stood up from the command chair and walked to the turbolift. He waited for Cat to enter first and then followed behind. Greer took over for Casey as he had left for sleep 5 hours ago and returned just a few minutes before Cat arrived on the Bridge.

"Thanks for your concern Cat," he told her after the TL doors shut. "Deck 5," he said as Cat smiled and he smiled. They really did respect each other, even though the other didn’t admit it. Well they hadn’t admitted it yet.

"Surprises everywhere"
by Commander Joerg Sterner and Ensign Aaron Sharp

The group was joined again. The remaining Klingon warriors of the Bej'mey were leading, followed almost immediately by Commander Dergaus and Captain Price. Both first officers were again behind their captains and made sure that nothing would happen to them. The rest of the away team was at the rear of the group. While slowly walking through the corridors, yet impatiently searching for the needed evidence since the remaining time for that was somewhat limited, the group passed many other, smaller laboratories. All of them were either long abandoned, which could be easily told from the outside by the condition of the doors, or recently used, but yet also abandoned. It seemed that the few Klingons, who were able to escape the slaughter at the first lab earlier, have warned the scientists and evacuated all the labs before the away team could reach them. Joerg, who was still recording everything they came across with his tricorder, suggested that they should enter one of the recently abandoned labs, so that they perhaps find a computer terminal were they could access the information they were looking for. Both Captain Price and Commander Dergaus agreed to this proposal and at the next obviously abandoned lab the whole group entered. The Bej'mey warriors were the first to enter with their weapons ready to strike and attack any opposition they might encounter. But to everyone's relief, the room was just as empty as the tricorder had shown. After the Bej'mey warriors gave their approval that everything was safe, the rest of the away team entered, one person at a time, the lab. This particular lab was much smaller than the one they were in when they were attacked by the Klingons. It only had one single table, where some medical equipment was lying. The room was so small, that the away team was barely able to move once everyone was inside the room. "I suggest that someone should guard the entrance to this room." Captain Price announced, looking at his security officers. Ensigns Chen and Sharp instantly nodded and were on their way out of the room again. Commander Dergaus just looked at his people and two of them also left the room. With enough space to walk around the room again, Joerg started to approach the computer terminal at the far wall. Some of the remaining members of the away team approached the table. It looked exactly like the other ones they had seen before, but yet there was a major detail missing here. All the equipment and tools for the 'research' where there, including some streams of blood, but the most important part was missing, the body of the poor victim.

While this puzzled some of the away team's members, Joerg just finished to connect his tricorder to the computer terminal. Although he was not that familiar with Klingon computer systems, he knew what he was looking for and where to find it.

Meanwhile, Sharp and Chen took up positions outside the door alongside the Klingons, each facing opposite directions down the corridor, phasers at the ready. Aaron checked the timer on his tricorder. Eleven minutes, thirteen seconds until the bomb went off. “Mate, it’s quiet.” commented Aaron. “Too quiet,” Ensign Chen replied, “I don’t like it, I don’t like it at all.” Both Ensigns gripped their phasers a little tighter as for seemingly no reason, the hairs on the backs of their necks stood up.

Inside the lab, Joerg finally found what they were looking for. It wasn't the hard evidence they were looking for, but enough to present to the High Council. He found files and reports about experiments conducted by the scientists of that facility with captured Jem'Hadar warriors. The usage of those results was only mildly mentioned, the reports only stated that the experiments were going well and that the Klingon Empire would soon have regained it’s rightful position in the Alpha quadrant. After Joerg had gained all the info he was looking for, he nodded to both Captain Price and Commander Dergaus to indicate that they were ready to leave the place. Again they left the lab single file and met with their guards outside on the corridor. "I'm just wondering what happened to that body on the table." Captain Price said half loud, but everyone could hear it and partly shared that thought. Joerg was still recording with and checking his tricorder, when suddenly out of nowhere battle cries could be heard. They were so close, that the away team should have seen the persons responsible, but yet they didn't. Moments later they saw the reason why. Unexpectedly and out of nowhere three Klingon warriors decloaked!

They all where wielding Bat'leths and instantly attacked the group. Boral, the teenage Bej'mey, who was standing almost next to the nearest Klingon as he decloaked, was not able to react in time and was instantly slaughtered by the first strike from that Klingon. The others reacted immediately and raised their weapons in defence. Only then did Joerg and some of the others notice the difference in those Klingons. 'They almost look like a cross between a Klingon and a Jem'Hadar.' Joerg thought and the instant he realised how stupid his thought was, he knew what he was looking at. "These are the result of the genetic experiments." he shouted at the Captain, to gain his attention while the others were fighting. Lee just nodded sadly. That's exactly what he was thinking too. The scientists at that facility had succeeded in their experiments and produced a Klingon-Jem'Hadar hybrid. Joerg pulled out his phaser, but was unable to aim at any of the three hybrids, since they all were engaged in close hand-to-hand combat. Joerg somehow got the feeling that this battle may not turn out so well as the one before, as he looked at the strength and speed of the hybrid's attacks. One of the hybrids had attacked Ensign Sharp and he had only barely managed to jump out of the way of it’s swinging Bat'leth. Out of nowhere Ensign Chen came flying through the air and kicked the Bat’leth from the hybrid’s hands, then followed through with a kick to the side of it’s head. A normal man would have been knocked unconscious. The hybrid barely noticed, smashing a fist into the back of Chen’s head and knocking him to the ground. Aaron leapt forward to attack, only to be swatted down like a fly. The hybrid put all it’s attention on Ensign Sharp and picked him up from behind in a bear hug. Aaron had dropped his phaser, so he swung his fists around but couldn’t reach the monster Klingon. He felt his ribs starting to crack under it’s vice-like grip. If he didn’t do something quickly he’d be crushed to death. There was no way Joerg or anyone else could get a clear shot off without hitting Ensign Sharp as well. Chen was getting up groggily from the blow he suffered and didn’t have enough time to do anything before Aaron was killed. Everyone else was occupied with the other two hybrid’s. Aaron only had one chance. He reached into his uniform to where his hidden phaser was. He couldn’t pull it out because of the grip the Klingon had on him so he did the only thing he could think of. He pressed down on the trigger with the phaser still in it’s holster. An orange beam of energy shot out through the back of his uniform, igniting it , and burning into the hybrid’s head. The monster immediately dropped him and fell to the floor. Aaron rolled over to extinguish the flames on the back of his uniform and pulled the phaser out. It was set to kill. He looked over at the downed Klingon hybrid. There was a blackened mark on the side of it’s head where the phaser had hit it, but amazingly, it was still alive, and groaned although it did nothing else. No time to worry about this one now, Aaron thought, there’s two more to deal with. He jumped up and turned to join the rest of the battle.

Commander Joerg Sterner
Ensign Aaron Sharp

Ensign Darrian Moray moved cautiously into the lower level detention area of the USS Galaxy, his prisoners walking stifly in front of him. Two other Ensign's were stationed within the room, armed with phaser rifles. They guarded the Klingon's already in custody. Darrian himself was armed with the Warriors own captured disruptors, one in each hand.

Ensign Moray: Got a few more for you Harrison, these too were found near hydroponic's.

Ensign Harrison: Getting mighty crowded in there.

Ensign Moray: Im sure Lt. Mckenzie won't mind. It looks like these will be the last.

Ensign Harrison moves up to the security console, ready to axcess the controls to the main brig. As he does so, Ensign McKnight moves to cover a cover position, raising his rifle toward the Klingon's in custody.

Ensign McKnight: (In fluent Klingon, he speaks to those in the brig). All right, stand back away from the axcess.

Ensign Moray senses what is to come an instand before it actually happens. The two Klingon prisoners dirrectly in front of him pivot, timing there attack with the lowering of the force field grid. At the same time, the three Klingons within the cell surge forward.

Mcknight, firing short controled bursts takes two of the Klingon prisoners in the chest, droping them. Harrison, from behind the security console fires a third shot, striking the last Klingon warrior squarely in the head, downing him as well.

The Klingons on Ensign Moray move with lightning speed, but Moray is faster still. His battle hardened Angosian reflexes allow him to actually get off a shot with one of the disruptors, downing the first Klingon even before he could react. The second Warrior however, dives low, raping his arms arround Moray's legs in a tackle that takes them both to the deck. Moray, hitting the deck hard looses his grip on the disruptors. Moray is able to push the Klingon of him, as they both scurry to their feet.

Ensign Mcknight: All right, hold it right there!!

Ensign Moray: I've got this Mcknight. All right Klingon, lets see what your made of.

Darrian makes eye contact with the Klingon, matching his anger with the savage fury burning within the Klingons blood. The Klingon warrior starts his move, but even before he can do more than begin it, Morays iron grip is locked arround his throat. The Klingon aborts, instead reaching with both hands to break the grip of the Angosian. Even with both hands, the Klingon is unsucessful, and after a few seconds drops to one knee.

Ensign Moray: This is vaulted Klingon strength, Im not Impressed.

Darrian releases the Klingon, who drops gasping for breath.

Ensign Mcknight: (again in fluent Klingon) Better get into that cell before you really make him mad....

"No taunts, just death"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The away team proceeded with care, but also with haste. The alarm was still sounding throughout the abandoned hospital complex they were investigating on the deserted moon of Praxis. Already a couple dozen Klingon guards had rushed them, but they were not the best of warriors and had been forced to withdraw.

Captain Price had ordered Ensign Sharp to plant a detonation device back in the experimental laboratory where they had discovered the Jem'Hadar P.O.W.s that were being experimented on by the Klingon scientists. There was presently only fifteen minutes remaining.

One by one the team checked out the different labs. It was hard to do a thorough job, since they didn't know when the Klingon guards would return to make another assault on the invading team of Federation Officers and Klingon bej'mey warriors. They were moving quickly to cover as much ground as possible in the time remaining. Hoping they could locate the proof they would need to expose the High Council in this diabolical plan of theirs to mutate the Klingon people as they did once before.

"I'm just wondering what happened to that body on the table." Captain Price mumbled his thoughts. In the haste to move from room to room quickly, Lee assumed he had overlooked something and did a double take when he saw what he thought was not right. He quickly dismissed it though, since there were other labs that needed to be checked out.

But then the battle cries of Klingon warriors were heard near by. They sounded fierce and ferocious, much more so than the lax guards they had faced before. Captain Price and the others instantly turned to locate their charging adversaries, but were puzzled when they couldn't see anyone approaching... at least not at first until the barely visible shimmer of a personal, chameleon-like cloak could be detected by the naked eye.

At first Captain Price thought they were being attacked by Jem'Hadar soldiers shouting Klingon war cries. He had battled the Jem'Hadar soldiers long enough in the war with the Dominion to see how their foot soldiers use their native cloaking ability to it's fullest advantage in battle. But when he readied his own weapon, his eyes grew wide when he realized these were not Jem'Hadar, they were Klingon Warriors. But unlike any he had ever seen before.

"These are the result of the genetic experiments!" Commander Sterner shouted back while engaging the speedy and powerful Klingon-Jem'Hadar Hybrid warrior.

Lee was too busy to try and answer. He cursed under his breath at the speed in which these hybrid warriors moved. The lead one had sent his Bat'leth through the young bej'mey warrior, Boral's, stomach and moved past him without even slowing down. The Captain watched Boral fall to the ground, not having time to do anything but react as the hybrid warrior approached. Lee trained his hand phaser on the Klingon and fired point blank. The red beam struck the hybrid square in the chest, slowing him down only slightly, even with it's heavy stun setting. Lee could see the odd bumps that lined the jaw bone of this Klingon. They looked like the bumps normally on a Jem'Hadar. At the base of it's neck, a ribbed, light colored sack seemed to protrude and expand slightly, almost like the venom sack of a snake.

Lee continued to fire, but the heavy stun setting was not going to get the job done. Moving his thumb, he went to adjust the setting to a higher level, but the warrior was too quick. Fighting against the phaser beam that was burrowing into his chest, the Klingon swung his bat'leth and knocked it out of the Captain's hand, leaving a long gash across Lee's right hand which momentarily turned to a river of red blood. Captain Price winced in pain, instinctively raising it slightly while moving to his left defensively. As quick as he could, he reached across his body with his left hand and fumbled for the d'k tahg his friend K'Ral had given him so many years earlier. Awkwardly, and with little grace, Lee staggered to his left, shuffling his legs under him to move out of the way of the aggressive attacking Klingon. Lee's fingers finally found the d'k tahg and withdrew it, presenting it in front of him in a defensive fashion. It was a pitiful sight. To see a human coddling his bleeding right hand and trying to fend off a bat'leth wielding warrior with nothing but a knife, but that was all the Captain had at his disposal. Given the circumstances, it would almost be expected that the Klingon warrior would taunt his disadvantage opponent, but this was not a typical Klingon Warrior. This was a fierce, brutal animal hybrid. A genetically engineered predator created in a laboratory. He wasn't interested in the joys of battle. He wasn't driven by the need to bring honor and glory to his house. This freak of science was bread to do but one thing... kill and kill well.

The bat'leth came crashing down. Captain Price parried with his d'k tahg and barely caught the edge of the razor sharp bat'leth with the side blades of the knife. Pushing with all of his strength of his left hand, aided by his blood soaked right, Lee managed to side step the attack and send the bat'leth's point driving into the ground where he once was standing rather than through his skull. Pivoting quickly, Captain Price throws a powerful side kick down into the hybrid warrior's knee with enough force to snap a human's leg in two. But the genetically superior Klingon hybrid took the blow as if it were but a small glancing tap. Any other warrior would gloat at their superiority. This one roared like a hungry tiger as he turned his blade and swung towards the Captain's mid-section. Lee's eyes widened at the realization that this was the end.

The blades met with a flash of sparks. Dergaus' bat'leth barely able to stop the death blow before it continued through to slice General Price in two. The strength of the blow came as a surprise to the son of Kras. Even for Dergaus' bulk, the hybrid warrior's blow staggered him backwards, sending his shoulder into the Captain he just protected and sending Price to the ground. The two Klingon's exchanged blows bat'leth to bat'leth. They struck with such intensity that the blades continued to resonate in a tuning fork-like tone between each strike and parry. Dergaus was a fine warrior, but even he seemed to be no match for the strength of the hybrid warrior. Each blow seemed to cause the Captain's friend to yield ever so slightly. To stagger back step after step. Were the battle to progress, there was little doubt what the outcome would be. These Klingon - Jem'Hadar hybrid soldiers would defeat the away team if they weren't disposed of, and soon.

While Dergaus struggled with the powerful hybrid warrior, Lee crawled over to where his phaser had fallen. He was cradling his throbbing hand now. His duty jacket sleeve was soaked in blood from the gash on his hand. The pain was intense, but the Captain remained focused. He could see that Ensigns Sharp and Chen where busy with one of the Klingon hybrid warriors, and having as rough of a time as he and Dergaus were. He could only wonder what or where the third one was located as he reached with his good hand to take the hand phaser from the floor. Thumbing the controls, he set it on a higher setting. Half way through the red scale. Enough to kill a human or normal Klingon with a single burst. Looking at his injured hand, Lee could see he was starting to tremble from the sudden blood loss and pain. He took a quick, deep breath and clenched his jaw tightly, releasing his breath slowly through his teeth with a low hiss. Carefully he aimed the phaser with his off hand. Dergaus was tiring, but the hybrid seemed to be unaffected by fatigue. The Captain waited for an opening to take his shot. When an upward blow of his bat'leth sent Dergaus reeling backwards, leaving the savage Klingon hybrid standing alone and readying for the kill, Lee fired his weapon again scoring a direct hit. This time, the higher setting seemed to anger the hybrid into a rage, which the Captain thought was impossible. The beam continued to radiate off the hybrid as he stopped his attack on Dergaus and turned to charge Captain Price who was laying on the floor only leaning up enough to fire his weapon. The screaming Klingon hybrid came running, and prepared to impale the Captain once again, raising his bat'leth upwards. Lee continued to fire, and wondered if these weapons would be effective against these genetically bread monsters even on their stiffest settings. The hybrid paused at the foot of Captain Price and prepared to raise his bat'leth to skewer the General once and for all. Lee took his injured hand and pressed it against the butt of the phaser to help steady his left hand which was growing tired from holding the trigger down for so long. The high pitched hum of the red beam was still singing but didn't appear to be doing anything but anger this beast further. Again Lee thought he was about to meet his fate when from behind the hybrid he saw a flash of silver and the was sprayed with a sudden splatter of blood.

From behind the distracted generic hybrid, Dergaus had attacked with his own bat'leth, winding up and putting everything he had into the blow horizontally across the hybrid's neck. Dergaus skill was high with a bat'leth. His blow landed perfectly and sliced the head off the genetic warrior with a snap. The head toppled to the ground while the warrior's body involuntarily stood there and trembled for a moment, taking two small staggering steps backwards before going limp and crumpling to the floor in a heap.

Lee stopped firing, noticing that his phaser emitter was on the verge of automatic thermal shutdown. Dergaus stepped over to the Captain, reached his hand down to help him up and said, "He was very rude to have turned his back like that."

Lee gave a slight grin, "He wasn't much for conversation either 'mate." He added, getting to his feet and looking around for the other Klingon Jem'Hadar Hybrid that Lieutenant Thomas, Belira and Commander Sterner were presently keeping busy while Doctor Kahn appeared to be doing something in her bag.

"They need help." Lee motioned with his bloody and wounded hand.

Dergaus nodded, then turned to go aid the others.

"To Sickbay and back"
By: Lieutenant Mélissa Marie Boudreau

As the Ensign spoke, Melissa started to feel faint. She was tired and the loss of blood was getting to her. Of course, she wouldn't let anyone know it... not quite yet.

"Lt. Boudreau, I'm Ensign Numa Taurean. I hear that you are in need of some extra help for the various repairs."

The young woman stated her case and Melissa was just too busy to argue. "Why don't you join one of the teams repairing a hull breach? They'll find something for you to do. Just ask Ensign D'Auria which team needs the most help."

A few moments later, Melissa went to check how the Science Officer was faring and noticed that he was looking about as faint as she felt. "Easy, ensign."

"Lt. Boudreau, the… the damage reports so far", Jack said as he managed to stand up straight again. "I have them prioritized, the most urgent ones are in the first group."

"Thanks. You don't look so good."

"So I have been told", he said deadpan.

Once Melissa noticed how ill the Jack looked, she convinced him to go to Sickbay. Luckily, she outranked him and didn't need to use too much persuasion... she just didn't have the energy.

Eventually, Ensign Hewson returned to engineering. Since he was back, she decided that it was time to stop putting off her trip to Sickbay. She was stubborn, but not stupid.

Melissa walked over to David. "Hey you! I'm taking you up on that date offer. Off to Sickbay we go!"

The chief engineer didn't have time to protest because Melissa dragged him out of Main Engineering.

Once they were in Sickbay, the doctors repaired her arm. It felt really sore and they ordered her to get some rest. As much as she hated leaving Main Engineering when there were crucial repairs to be done, she went to her quarters and got a few hours of sleep.

As soon as she could, Melissa got up and put a fresh uniform on. She was heading back to Main Engineering and no one was going to stop her.

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

"Who counsels the counselor?"-pt. 2
By Ensigns Ral and Dallas
Reviewed by Lt Albrecht

Karyn had been anxious, too anxious to pretend nothing was happening. She had been tired of just sitting in her office with the door locked like some whiney kid. Briefly she went over what had occurred in her head. Where was Ensign Ral? What was going on? Karyn had decided decided to try and get Lexana on the com.

"Ensign Dallas to Ensign Ral", she said after she had heard the com chirp to life.

"Ensign Ral here, she whispered,"what do you want?" The chaotic sounds had died down some by then but Lexana wanted to wait a few minutes before she risked getting fried again.

"Where are you?," she asked, trying not to sound too frightened. It had been an interesting few minutes to say the least as the ship had rocked and jerked. It was times like those when Karyn was grateful she wasn't empathic.

"I'm in a Jefferies tube near my office trying to figure out what the hell the Klingons are trying to do to us!" Karyn had quickly asked the computer if there were any Klingons near Lexana's present location. Most of the life forms she discovered were registering just barely. She told this to Ensign Ral and agreed to meet her outside the tube.

0nce outside in the corridor, Karyn had been shocked at what she saw. Years of training had taught her to keep her emotions in check. Inwardly she shuddered as she had looked at the injured scattered throughout the halls. She moved with a more determined air about her as professionalism took over. When she had reached her destination she knocked on the panel to alert Ral it was safe to come out. Ral had crawled out slowly at first then more confidently. Ensign Dallas had offered her hand to help her co-worker out.

"God, do you think they could make those things a little bigger?", Lex had said ,"My neck is killing me!"

"I understand what you mean." She did. Once on an evacuation drill, she had been forced to crawl on her stomach through a Jefferies tube with her students. She managed to keep her cool but everyone single curse word known to man had flashed through her mind.

"Hi, my name is Karyn, I'm the new counselor on board. I think we met briefly a few weeks ago at the party for the new crew." Karyn smiles.. despite the situation..

"Thanx you.. I thought I would have to hide in there forever" Ral smiled as she had filled Karyn in on what had happened to her. Karyn smiled when she mentioned the breath mint. Karyn liked Lexana instantly. They both shared the same kind of no nosense manner and dry sense of humor.

"So what should we do now?, Karyn had asked.. "force them to kiss and make up?"

"It's a thought," Ral said Jokingly.. "although.. I don't think the klingons know how much of a put off bad breath can be.. Maybe we should just wait.. we're not exactly a SWAT team.." Ral turned towards the replicator " Dutch courage?"

"Hunh?" Said Karyn

Ral handed her a large glass of brandy.. "Here.. you might feel better..or maybe not.."

Ral downed two herself then had made sure the door was locked.. they had both waited.. quiet and scared.. eventually, there had been a polite knock at the door.. after the doorchime had chirped twice..

"Lexana?"

Ral jumped up.. At other times.. she would have been scared of hearing THAT voice say her name.. but this time she simply grinned at Karyn and headed for the door.. "Lt Albrecht??" ::she restained herself from running up and giving the Lt a big hug

"Ladies.. were we hiding?" Albrecht smiled "I'm pleased to inform you both.. the klingon threat has been wiped out.."

Ral shrugged "thank you Lt...We were..fine.. weren't we Karyn?"

"Yup..Kinda.."

Albrecht folded his arms.. "Why don't you both report to sickbay... Ms Ral.. You are bleeding.. Ms Dallas.. you have burns.. "

" Oh I'm fine.. Lt" Ral swayed..

"You're not fooling anyone you know.." Albrecht had scowled..

"I feel happy.." Ral Breathed..

"You're delirious... Report to sickbay.." Albrecht had taken her by the arm and marched her halfway there.. "Ms Dallas.. that arm needs seeing too.. Please accompany me.."

" I never wanted this Job.. I wanted to be a lumberjack.." Ral had protested..

"Lex.. shhh..People will think you're nuts" Albrecht had warned on the way to sickbay..He was thinking that everyone already DID think Ensign Ral was nuts...

However, by the time they reached there Ral had recited the ENTIRE monty python Lumberjack song.and severely freaked out Ensign Dallas..Needless to say.. Lt Albrecht's nerves were on end...

=/\=Ensign Karyn Dallas=/\=
=/\=Ensign Lexana Ral=/\=
Reviewed by: :Lt Mathew Albrecht

"Eleven against three’s not very fair, Captain. I think we need more men."
By Ensign James Chen and Ensign Aaron Sharp

Chen had never seen anything move like that hybrid. He had barely seen the damn thing move before he was on the ground. He shook his head and looked up at the scene before him. Two more of the hybrids were engaged in close combat with the others. Unfortunately, strength in numbers didn't seem to matter much to the hybrids as they fought the away team.

Chen pushed himself to his feet and saw Dergaus deliver the final death blow to one of the hybrids. Ensign Sharp was already heading towards another Klingon that Toqo, Lieutenant Thomas and Belira were fighting. The hybrid swung his Bat'leth like there was no tomorrow and everyone were giving their all trying to avoid the lethal weapon. Toqo was naturally more aggressive, swinging his own Bat'leth against the hybrid's and not faring very well. Chen gritted his teeth against the throbbing of his head as the hybrid kicked Toqo into Thomas and Belira, sending the three of them sprawling to the ground. That left Sharp and Sterner. Chen knew the folly of his previous attack had been trying to go toe-to-toe with the superior fighter. Agility was the key. He leaped into the air and caught the warrior on the side of the head, nearly knocking him over. The warrior turned to face Chen, a fiery look in his eyes. Letting out a roar the hybrid swung it’s Bat'leth at Chen’s legs. Chen leapt into the air as the weapon sliced through where he had just stood, but was unable to parry the next blow due to the hybrid’s incredible speed. Without even slowing down the monster brought the Bat’leth back up and slammed the blunt side into Chen’s armpit. Chen felt his whole arm go numb as the force of the blow knocked him into the wall and onto the ground.

Aaron had drawn his D’k tahg and leapt onto the hybrid’s back, bringing the blade down as hard as he could. The steel went about halfway through it’s armor and into it’s back, enraging the unnatural creature. It spun around and tried to grab hold of Ensign Sharp, who was hanging on for dear life, but wasn’t quite able to reach him. Aaron had drawn it’s attention away from Ensign Chen and was now wondering how to get it’s attention off himself when the massive hybrid slammed him into the wall, throwing him off and knocking him out. His last conscious thought was about the bomb. He hoped the Captain remembered their time limit. Then it went dark.

Chen shook the webs out of his head and moved at the hybrid as he slammed Ensign Sharp against the wall. He watched the young man slide down the wall to the ground, unconscious. The hybrid turned to the Ensign and raised his bat’leth. Chen knew that Sharp had saved his life, and he figured it was about time to return the favor. He stood up and started walking to the Klingon.

"Hey, you over-sized piece of veq! Why don't you try someone that's still awake!" The hybrid spun, enraged at Chen. He roared and came forward, swinging the bat'leth. Chen wasn't there anymore. He was behind the Klingon, now and he kicked the back of his knee. The hybrid's leg buckled, but he swung the bat'leth around behind him, slicing Chen's thigh.

Chen yelped and fell over. The hybrid was already up on his feet when Toqo stabbed his bat'leth into the hybrid's side. The hybrid spun and started fighting Toqo and the others, who joined the battle now. Chen watched them fighting and pushed himself up. The other hybrid that Commander Sterner had knocked cold reached up and grabbed his ankle.

Chen looked down and saw the hybrid begin to pull him towards him. Chen looked near his head and saw a D’k Tahg lying there. He reached for the weapon, but he was just inches away. He pulled hard against the hybrid’s grip, but couldn’t pull free. He heard a loud CLANG! He turned to see Ensign Sharp standing over the unconscious hybrid, a large metal pipe in his hand. He looked pale and probably had a mild concussion, but he had saved Chen aga in. He smiled at Chen. "Now, we’re even."

Chen nodded and pried his foot out of the hybrid’s hand. "Fine with me. Let’ s go take care of the other one."

He started walking towards the battle, then winced in pain as his slashed leg protested. Sharp looked over. "You okay? That cut looks bad."

Chen nodded, then realized that the wound in his side had opened back up. He took a deep breath and fought to stand up straight. "Hey, I’m just fine. Let ’s go." As they jogged to join the battle, Chen wondered how long he had until he passed out from blood loss.

"The Struggle"
by Lt. Ronni Morris
IKS Qul' etlh

Ronni painfully woke up on the floor of Engineering. The smell of her burned flesh seared her nose. She tried to tap her communicator, but she realized that she couldn't use her right arm. Her right collar bone was sticking 5 cm. up. Fortunately, it hadn't broken through the skin.

Achingly, she sat up. The burst valve lay next to her. Fortunately, the ship had sealed the leak and contained most of the contamination. With her left hand, she tenderly touched her face. The blood had caked on her face, a testament that she had been unconscious for more than an hour. Her left eye was swollen shut and what was left of her uniform was caked with coolant.

Slowly, Ronni pushed herself up. She rested against the disrupter controls and took a deep breath. She had to couch and wince. "Great!" she said in a hoarse whisper, "Broken ribs too." With an [Umph], she pushed herself in the direction of the door. The doors swooshed open and she limped through.

'I must look like Quasimodo' she thought. She waited for the turbolift and almost fell into it when the doors opened. She said in a scratchy whisper, "Sickbay."

[Cannot comply. Request not understood] said the computer.

"Sickbay!!" she yelled as much as she could. It came out as a dry cackle, but the turbolift started to move.

When she reached the deck where sickbay was, she lurched her way down the corridor. With the last of her strength, she fell into sickbay and promptly collapsed.

"Klingon-What Hybrids?"
by, Ensign Raesene Hermedhie

As the hybrids decloaked, Ens. Hermedhie swung into action. As he saw that Ens. Sharp and Comdr. Sterner were engaging one of the hybrids, and Capt. Price and the Klingon Commander were fighting a second, Raesene drew his sword and charged into the fray with the final hybrid. Togo and Raesene took turns exchanging blows with the monster. Then the beast knocked Togo into Lt. Thomas and Belira. It then backhanded Raesene, who lost his sword, and skidded to a stop next to the wall. Raesene then spent the next minute trying to shake some sense back into his head. Noting Ensigns Sharp and Chen were engaged in trying to subdue the hybrid, with very little effect. Raesene searched for and grabbed his sword. Looking up, he saw that Ens. Sharp was standing a little bit woozy, and Chen was bleeding from a gash in his thigh, and that his side wound had reopened. He signaled, trying to get their attention. He had a plan, but Raesene needed their help to carry it out...

=/\= "It's a Klingon Roundup" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

"Okay," began the young security lieutenant, "Now what do we do with all these STARVING Klingons?" He stood with two other security officers in the cargo bay's control room. Large transparisteel windows overlooked the warehouse space below, and touchpanels lined the wall below the windows for controlling the disposition of the materials normally kept there. From this vantage, the assembled team could see that most of the facility's stock had been moved away before the Klingons had begun to arrive from the various internment facilities of the Galaxy. What remained in the bay could be risked, however Matthew doubted they had anything to fear from these prisoners. Not all the Klingons were reacting as poorly as those that were grasping their guts and hunched over in the cargo bay below, however; Reports had come in from some officers of violent prisoners requiring subduing. Fortunately, the Galaxy's security forces were equal to the task.

Walking about among the prisoners was a security team, armed with tricorders. They moved slowly from Klingon warrior to Klingon warrior, removing personal items from each one as they went. The gold-shirted men and women were collecting weapons, chemicals, and any other items that might be used by a desperate warrior intent on suicide. Matthew found it ironic that they were now expending this kind of manpower to prevent harm from befalling their prisoners, after the attempts the boarders had made to cripple the ship and murder her crew. Such crimes were 'commander Casey's exact reasons for wanting them kept alive. He had admonished the lieutenant to make "Every effort" to see that 'his' prisoners remained secure. As much as Matthew felt anger and hatred for the boarders' actions, he was doing his best to see that the Klingons did survive long enough to be held accountable for their cowardly actions.

Mulich looked over at Albrecht, mouth agape. "Are they starving, lieutenant?" he asked in disbelief, since the group had certainly looked healthy enough when they were killing off his crewmates. For a moment he thought he had missed out on an important bit of intelligence regarding his prisoners.

Matthew smiled and shook his head, "No, Mulich. It's an expression I picked up on Tellar-it means 'miserable,' at least in this context," he explained. Then, with a chuckle, "In fact, I doubt any of them would take a bite of Gagh for all the latinum in the Alpha quadrant the way they feel now!" Unconsciously he flexed his burned and bandaged hands. The burns on his face and hands had happened during security's assault on deck ten. Vestiges of disrupter blasts that came very close to killing him, instead flowing around him like waves of heat in a blast furnace.

There remained 22 Klingons in custody on the other side of the transparisteel, not to mention several more in the care of Sickbay. The entire group, at least those that had regained consciousness so far, was feeling terrible from the after-effects of the eleamine gas. Gastrointestinal distress, muscular cramping, and dizziness were the principal complaints. While medical attention had been given to the most injured of the prisoners, only minimal attempts had been made to alleviate the horrible discomfort each one felt. There were security advantages to the boarders' suffering, and a shortage of nurses and doctors to treat minor, transient maladies. After all, he reasoned, they brought it upon themselves.

He looked over the systems and panels of the control room, double-checking the measures they had taken to secure the invaders. Primarily, the cargo bay was rather sturdy to begin with, and shouldn't be easily broken out of since all the exits were physically secured--even the Jeffrie's tubes. Secondary measures included the energy barriers around the great chamber, and internal sensors trained upon the Klingons. A third line of defense was an ingenious idea ensign Taureen had given him. The Klingons' thoron radiation emitters had been redesigned to instead emit a particular frequency, easily tracked by internal sensors all over the ship.

Then there was the last line of defense, one Matthew had dismissed, locked away inside his mind as soon as he had heard it. In the event the prisoners were able to threaten the ship--and this was, of course, impossible--the cargo bay's external access doors could be blown, rushing its occupants out into the vacuum of space. Such an unimaginable act had actually been performed during the crisis, and having heard the circumstances Matthew supported the decision to do so. His opinion on the matter was redundant anyway, since not a single crewmember he had heard discuss it held the opinion that it was wrong.

Satisfied, Matthew turned away from the scene below. "Okay Mulich, you're in charge here. I want to know the status of our prisoners as soon as they begin to feel better. If so much as a single laugh comes out of one of those bastards, I want to hear about it," he admonished. The ensign nodded affirmatively, as did Braedy who would be stationed to help the older ensign. "Otherwise, just use your heads. I'm glad to see you both still have them!" he joked.

"Aye, sir. You won't catch us lying down on this job. Though I think we're likely to be busier keeping angry officers OUT of the cargo bay than keeping ill Klingons IN it!" countered the ever-joking Mulich.

Even though every crewmember was tired and bruised, these two still had the spirit and enthusiasm to finish the job. The same characteristics had won them a spot on the USS Galaxy in the first place. Matthew was proud to serve with men and women of the calibre he found all over the ship.

He took his PADD from the counter and headed out of the control room. As he walked, he scrolled down his to-do list. Klingon prisoners, check--all prisoners were accounted for, and 'commander Casey had approved the measures they had taken. Brig prisoners, check--with the exception of Ensign Prince who was still with Bishop and Specialist Blake, killed by a Klingon boarder. Security sweeps, check--mop-up teams had gathered all the stray Klingons, as well as a few of the Galaxy's crew unlucky enough to have suffered the effects of the eleamine gas. Unfortunately, some of the Klingon-hybrids aboard were suffering far worse from the gas than the full-blooded Klingons had. Review damage reports, check. The last two items on his checklist would be performed simultaneously; He was to check on injured security officers as well as report department status to his chief. *Well,* he thought, *nothing like killing two birds with one stone!*

The lieutenant tucked his PADD under his arm, and continued on to Sickbay to visit 'commander Sunder and a few good men and women. He wondered how much the SecChief had already learned of the day's events...and if he was as upset as Matthew was with the death toll. One thing was sure, however; Along with the terrible losses, there were also heroes to recognize. Sunder would hear about both.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security officer
USS Galaxy NCC 70637

"A Gathering of Warriors"
by Ensign Xavier Bishop
Medical Research Station
Praxis

***** The Great Hall of Feasting *****

Toh'zuk still thrashed his legs weakly in Azin'Kar's grip: his feet dangling several inches off the dark flaggons of the stone floor. The small Klingon had already agreed to comply with his Commander's order to stay away from his daughter. However, the tall white headed Klingon still held Toh'zuk in the air. The small warrior new he was surely destined to die when the blueish gray lights of the complex dimmed even further and the low base thrumming of the intruder alarm sounded. Toh'zuk was forgotten as Azin'Kar released him from his grip to fall unceremoniously to the sticky wine and blood stained floor.

*Finally!!* Azin'Kar slapped the Imperial Crest of his House's emblem which doubled as his com badge. "Location!! Numbers!!" thundered the huge commander into the com unit.

"Twelve. Laboratory." came the short reply across Azin'Kar's com link.

Azin'Kar turned toward his brother. "Come! We battle!" The huge white headed commander moved hastily toward the door exiting the Feasting Hall followed closely by his younger brother and nearly three dozen other warriors. "We attack in two groups."

"Yes, Commander." answered Vess to his brothers command. Without another word, Vess and half the gathered warriors turned and bolted down the corridor. No one needed any further orders because Azin'Kar's tactical forsight had seen the possibility of such an incident occuring. He had personally drilled his warriors on how to proceed with entrapping the invaders within the laboratory and killing them.

After watching his brother dissapear around a corner he turned to his remaining enterauge of men and women. He smiled. The eyes of his gathered warriors sparkled and gleemed with the predatory lust of anticipated battle and fang filled smiles split across their faces. Fingers clenched and unclenched around the grips of melee weapons and disruptors. All except for Toh'zuk. He stood back away from the group and clung to the shadows of the corridor rubbing at his throat. Azin'Kar did not miss the murderous glint in the small warrior's eyes. *How pathetic!*

"Toh'zuk!! You have point!" the white headed commanders voice boomed.

Toh'zuk gritted his teeth and stepped forward cursing himself. He should not have slain M'Pok in 'honorable' combat. Now he had become noticed. Pulling his disruptor from its holster, the small Klingon stepped forward amidst the gibes and snickers of his fellow warriors. "Yes!"

"I am no longer afraid for the mighty Toh'zuk, slayer of M'Pok leads the way!!" thundered Sivoll in gest. The gathered warriors burst out in laughter.

"You had better catch your tongue before it runs away Sivoll", laughed a stout dark skinned warrior. "Or Toh'zuk's woman will surley split your skull and spit on your corpse." All eyes turned to the beautiful warrior maiden Tir'aal, daughter of Azin'Kar, as the laughter escalated.

Tir'all lunged across the group of warriors grabbing the stout Lorsig's tunic in a clenched fist. With her other hand she pressed the sharp blade of her her mek'leth against the fat role of his throat. Her eyes burned with fury and she smiled venomously as she watched a trickle of blood stream down his neck, "I think I will ripp your tongue out and watch your blood bubble from your mouth as you attempt to beg my forgiveness, P'tagh!!!" Again the laughter increased.

Se'karr, a heavily muscled warrior, bellowed between sobs of laughter, "Have pitty on Fat Lorsig, Tir'aal. It is dishonor enough for him to know you are more man than he is!!!!"

In all the commotion, no one even noticed Toh'zuk as he glided back into the concealing shadows of the corridor with practiced ease. Using the darkness as a shield, he moved silently passed the group of gathered warriors down the hall toward the Laboratory: an unseen dark shadow against a curtain of blackness. Azin'Karr smiled at the skill with which the warrior moved unseen through the ranks of the other Klingons. *He would make a fine assassin one day.*

Azin'Karr thumbed the trigger of his pistol and fired into the air. All laughter stopped as the young warriors turned toward their commander. "We go!!" He spun on his heals and was gone.

The gathered warriors had to run to catch up to the small Toh'zuk and their Commander, Azin'Kar.

***** Laboratory Rear Entrance *****

The synchronized clop of boots hammered against the stone floor as the Klingon warriors ran down the darkened corridor as a single entity. As the group neared the final intersection of the corridor, Vess held up his hand and looked over his shoulder to his assembled warriors. His gaze moved across the young teenaged men and women, finally coming to settle on the tallest warrior of the group. "In'Jal!"

The gangly warrior looked into the scarred face of his commander. He knew without being told that his duty was to scout the corridor ahead and draw fire from any concealed snipers. "Yes." He leveled his rifle and boldly stepped into the corridor. Aside from the crumpled bodies of K'evid and R'eul, there were no enemy guards. "It is clear."

The troupe of warriors fanned out along the walls and moved down the corridor with In'Jal in the lead. As the young warrior neared the entrance to the laboratory he noticed that the body of R'eul was bound and gagged. "R'eul!?"

The bound Klingon turned his head toward the gangly youth who ran toward him. As In'Jal closed the gap seperating them, he dropped down next to him and, drawing his d'ktahg, laughed. "You should be dead, but you are bound and trussed like a pig waiting to be cooked!" R'eul's eyes widened as he looked from his friends face to the brandished knife. The side blades 'snicked' into position as In'Jal depressed a small button near the cross guard of the weapon.

Vess stepped around In'Jal as he cut the cords which bound R'eul and tapped his com badge. "We are ready brother."

***** Even Heroes Die *****

The doors hissed open and, as one, the Klingon warriors surged into the Laboratory yelling battle cries and brandishing their weapons. For a short critical moment, the warriors were blinded as they moved from the darkness of the corridor into the brightness of the controled laboratory environment. In that moment, the whine of a single phasor cut through the air and impacted with the lead warrior hurling him from his feet. The klingons fired blindly as they rushed to engage the intruders.

A tall human warrior stood and charged among the hail of phaser and disruptor fire to engage in melee combat with the Klingons. The human stood in the center of a circle of warriors brandishing a long heavy bladed sword with which he was very skilled with. With a mighty sweep of the weapon, Ensign Hermedhie sliced across a group of several warriors who went down in a spray of blood. In'Jal was among them. R'eul, wittnessing the carnage and ease that his companions fell to these intruders, turned and ran.

Vess did not witness any of this. As soon as he entered the laboratory he, followed by six of his best warriors, banked off to the left and used a row of several large tanks as cover to maneuver into a flanking position. From here they would launch a suprise attack into the unsuspecting away team. Vess smiled in anticipation as the small group readied themselves for the attack. All of a sudden, a large bat'leth wielding Klingon hurtled into the group of warriors, a battle cry ringing from his lips. Tamak cut the first two warriors down before they could even defend themselves and engaged two others. Following on the heels of Tamak was Ensign James Chen.

Vess stood casually behind his warriors gripping his bat'leth and wittnessing the slaughter of his men. Tamak quickly dispatched his two adversaries and rushed toward Vess who smiled and crouched into a fighting stance bringing his weapon into a guarded position across his body. The battle was short but furious. In the end Vess overpowered Tamak and with three quick strikes with his weapon, the young Tamak lay dead at his feet.

"Hey!"

Vess turned to Chen. *Impressive.* The human had killed his opponents rather quickly. "What is your name?"

A short conversation ensued before the Star Fleet Officer launched himself at Vess with a pair of raised mek'leths. Vess stepped forward and parried the lighting quick blows and slashed at the humans face with a follow up counterstrike with his bat'leth. In a complicated maneuver, James evaded the attack and performed a back flip kick catching Vess under the chin with his feet. Vess staggered bach rubbing at his jaw.

*P'tagh!* Vess smiled, *This warrior does me honor.* The angered Klingon lunged forward in a whirlwind of strikes and parries. Vess was further suprised that James parried most of them but was glad to see the warrior trip over his feet and fall to his knees before him. Vess brought his weapon up to finish the battle. As the bat'leth sliced through the air to crush the humans skull, James rolled out of the way. Before Vess could recover, James had disarmed him.

Vess stepped back and smiled as the human tossed his weapons aside and motioned him forward. As Vess attacked, he was again amazed at the prowess of the man. James danced around the warrior in a tornado of lethal strikes. The dance abruptly ended as James sumersolted through the air and wrapped his arms about the Klingons neck. As James came down behind the warrior, he used the weight of his own body to snap Vess' neck.

***** Unsung Songs *****

Azin'Kar rushed through the open doors into the brightly lit confines of the Laboratory. He lifted his pistol and fired blindly at a hulking form which lumbered toward them. Dergaus easily evaded the blast. The heavy Bej'mey warrior charged with raised bat'leth toward the white haired Klingon, but instead he plowed into the ranks of onrushing warriors which surged around their Commander.

Lorsig stepped in front of the huge bulk of Dergaus missenterpreting the Bej'mey's prodigious girth as an inability to fight effectively: thus, an easy target. Dergaus proved the inexpierienced Lorsig wrong as he instructed the stout warrior with a lethal demonstration of bat'leth tactics. Lorsig new immediately he was outmatched , but put up a valiant fight. Dergaus ended the lesson with a slash across the warriors throat, dropping the man where he stood.

As his vision cleared, Azin'Kar saw a young Klingon cutting a swath of destruction through his men. He raised his pistol and centered his sights on the chest of the young Toqo and began to thumb the trigger. He never fired the shot. A heavy impact thudded into his body and blackness washed over him.

Tir'aal screamed as her father fell to the floor and rushed to his side. *He is alive!* "Sivoll, we must get him to safety!"

Sivoll quickly ran to his fallen commander and with the help of Se'karr they lifted the prostrate body of Azin'Kar and, among the confusion of battling Klingon's, fled the room. Tir'aal also followed leaving the carnage of the laboratory behind them. Toh'zuk, who had hidden just outside of the laboratory within the confines of the shadows since the beginning of the battle, fell into step behind Tir'aal and the two other warriors carrying Azin'Kar.

Galaxy "Doctor's arn't ment to fight!!"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
Chief Medical Officer

The Klingon warriors rushed through the door! I hadn't hesitated opening fire on them but unlike the others my had phaser was only set for a heavy stun!

Suddenlt with lightening speed a klingon warrior had moved beside me hitting me and making me drop the phaser, then with the speed of lightning he hit me again forcing me to the ground. I got straight off my back by sort of jumping and landing on my feet, with grace and speed I leg sweeped the klingon forcing him to the ground. I then picked up my phaser and a Bath'let and aimed at the downed klingon, I fired sending the klingon into a sleep that will last some 48 hours.

I dodged another klingon attempting to skewer me. I spun and came around with a closed fist hitting the klingon in the jaw, nothing happened! The klingon just stood a laughed

["Pathetic Bajoran!"]

He was slightly opened so kneed him in the groin area, the klingon bent at the waist in alot of pain. I then shot him with the phaser!

I looked around at the battle and noticed that the Captain was injured and we had lost pne of our klingon friends. Suddenly from beside me there was movement, it was a speed that looked so fast that you couldn't tell. The movement stopped and there was a rush of air! I looked behind me to see a Klingon who had just missed me, I don't know how but thank the prophets he did! I reached into my medical baj and pulled out a hypo ducking underneith his missed swing and pressing the hypo to his skin. With in seconds the klingon was fast asleep on the ground!

"We must fall back into a more secure position!" I shouted

["We can't if we go back we will be trapped!"] A voice called out!

I looked for a second and noticed more klingon warriors entering the room, I reached into my bag and pulled out a short samuri sword that Kornan had given to me before we left. The sword was just short enough to fit into the bag that had all the medical and other equipment in! Suddenly there was a flash and a strong pain in my left arm, I looked and noticed a 4 inch laceration in my arm. I dropped the Klingon sword and brought up my own one.

"A New Breed"
by Lt. Thomas

Lt. Thomas remained close to Belira he didn't want anything to happen to her, yet he maintained his distance to give her plenty of room to fight the enemy. He found playing this role difficult, but he found it necessary if he was every going to prove, that he was still in love with her, then he'd have to do it in a number of ways.

*** ***

The fight with the hybrid Klingons, had come to an end. He was impressed with the skills and pure rage displayed by them. He was however displeased with the actions of two Ensigns who seem to have gotten caught up in the drive for personal glory and stupidity. If not for the fact they had a mission to complete he'd have stopped to chat with them about their actions, of course if he were truly Klingon he'd probably do more than talk. However this wasn't the place of the time for that, but he would make certain to note their actions to the captain.

He'd seen to many young officers and warriors die for various reason, all usually having to do with how they went about accomplishing things or in most cases failing. However he really didn't have the time to deal with it, he quickly moved to the captain's side.

"Captain, these must be the first generation of the new Klingon warriors, what we see here is nothing more than a Klingon or anyone for that matter, being turned into Killing machines."

Price nodded.

With that Lt. Thomas returned to see how Belira was doing.

Christopher Patton
Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

"Sleeping Beauty"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Elsewhere in Praxis facility ***

"Put him over there!" Tir'aal bellowed emotionally to Sivoll.

The Klingon warrior was struggling to carry the groggy body of Azin'Kar, Tir'aal's father. He'd been hit over the head with a large pipe by one of the invading warriors raiding the secret Klingon research facility. "He is coming around."

Sivoll barely managed to place the warrior down than the female came over and forcefully pushed him away with a shove of her right hand, "Get back! Give him room you fool!" she snapped with savage emotion over her injured father. Kneeling down by his side, she took his hand and held it in hers, placing it up against her cheek. "Father. Azin'Kar, speak to me. The intruders, they are still here."

The pain throbbed through Azin'Kar's skull. A strange ringing sensation filled his head making it difficult to hear. A deep, sick feeling nauseated his belly. He struggled to open his eyes and gazed, wearily at his daughter. "Da Ha'DIbaH SuvwI." He managed before giving in to the pain.

Tir'aal held onto her fathers hand even as he passed out. Her face couldn't conceal the surprise over her fathers request.

"The animal warriors? We can not let them out. They have not been conditioned and are only a few days old!" Sivoll protested.

Rage filled Tir'aal. Rage over Sivoll's disrespect. Rage over her injured father. Rage over these invaders that would dare to attack a research facility under her house protection. "Shut up Sivoll! You are not in command here! My father said to release them. You are to carry out that duty!"

"But how will we control them once they destroy the enemy?! They have not been programmed yet to..."

"SILENCE!" Tir'aal screamed raising to her feet and getting into Sivoll's face. She grabbed his uniform with both hands and pulled him within a centimeter of her own. "You will do as you have been ordered or I will kill you where you stand!" Shoving him away, Tir'aal bent her knees slightly, readying for a possible fight like any trained warrior would do, before adding, "Go now, do what you have been ordered to, or draw your weapon so that I may kill you for your insubordination!"

Sivoll bared his teeth while evaluating the daughter of Azin'Kar. She had great beauty, but also great skill. With a low, reluctant grunt, Sivoll turned and went to carry out the orders, commenting, "They will be the death of us all Tir'aal. You, like your father, are a fool."

"Just release the animal warriors Sivoll. You will live longer that way." Tir'aal growled.

*****

Things were deteriorating rapidly for the away team. After the initial onslaught of a few dozen Klingon warriors, who had withdrawn, presumably to regroup, the party had come across something they were not expecting to find. Several Klingon-Jem'Hadar hybrid warriors, that attacked in savage fashion.

Captain Price was panting from the vigorous battle. The away team had barely been able to defeat these genetically engineered super soldiers. Three laid dead at their feet, and one unconscious, but for how long, no one could be certain. Lee glanced around the room and saw that the others were as tired from the fight as he was. Each were busy trying to catch their second wind, when Doctor Kahn pointed her samurai sword at the lab entrance. "Here come some more warriors!" she yelled.

Lee cursed under his breath, "Crickey that!" Quickly scrambling, he grabbed the severed head of one of the hybrid warriors and knelt near the body of the unconscious one while tapping his badge. "Price to Qul'etlh. Get us the hell out of here NOW! Emergency beam out, wide beam." The Captain called out the order loudly enough to let everyone in the room know what was happening. Instinctively they all withdrew back towards the Captain, ignoring the advancing warriors they could here charging down the corridor screaming their battle cries as they approached their position.

*****

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

Lieutenant K'Eytyanna Samara smacked her head on the bottom of the control panel she had her head buried in when the Captain's distress signal came through to her comm badge. She winced in pain, but upon listening to the Captain's order, and his tone, she quickly ignored her immediate discomfort. Rolling backwards to quickly extract herself from to octopus of fiber optics and cables she was trying to bypass, K'Eytyanna came to her feet in a bounce and quickly rushed to the opposite side of the engine room.

"Standby Captain, I'll have you out of there in a minute." K'Eytyanna replied through her comm badge. She reached the panel and began redirecting the cargo bay transporter controls to her station.

["We 'aven't got a minute Lieutenant..."] Captain Price's voice responded over the channel. In the background, Samara could hear the sounds of the on rushing Klingon guards screaming their battle cries and shoving different pieces of lab equipment out of their advancing path.

Double tapping the triangular, Klingon controls, K'Eytyanna moves the actuator horizontally to initiate the transport.

*****

Panic was beginning to set into the creases of the Captain's face. He was beginning to wonder if he'd made the right decision to evacuate the away team. If K'Eytyanna didn't get them out of there in the next few seconds, it would be too late, the wave of attacking Klingons would be upon them. Lee and the rest of the away team watched as the Klingon guards crashed through the far entrance of the lab, tumbling over the various pieces of equipment there. They were yelling and screaming loudly as they advanced.

Indecision filled the thoughts of the party members closest to the on rushing warriors. Their battle instincts were to rush to meet the attackers, or to seek cover between the different rows of tables and equipment. But with the Qul'etlh trying to lock onto them, they knew that leaving the group would mean putting everyone in jeopardy.

Fortunately, K'Eytyanna came through. A shimmering field of blue light enveloped the away team and beamed them all back up to the cargo bay of the Qul'etlh.

The on rushing warriors stopped when they saw the team beam out. Smiles filled their faces, as one warrior declared, "Look! they run from us! They cower in the presence of true warriors!"

*****

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

The away team rematerialized back in the cargo bay of the Klingon bird of prey. Captain Price was still crouched down, straddling the unconscious hybrid warrior and holding the severed head of another under his arm.

"We made it." Ensign Sharp declared in a tone that everyone on the transporter padd was sharing in at that moment. A feeling of relief swept over the officers and warriors in the room. That and regret over the death of those that had been killed.

"What now General?" Commander Sterner asked reaching to help Captain Price to his feet. It was the first time Joerg had noticed the injury to the Captain's hand. "You should get that looked at sir."

Lee nodded to Joerg. "Aye." Then turning to face Commander Dergaus, he added, "We need to set course to Qo'nos. No doubt the High Council knows we are here and will be coming after us. Let's come after them instead."

Dergaus swelled with pride. They had already done and been through so much. It was the sort of things great songs were written about. "I will have us in orbit in less than ten minutes General. Sharp, you are with me."

Ensign Sharp looked at the Captain and then fell in step with Commander Dergaus as they headed for the bridge of the Qul'etlh.

Lieutenant Thomas stepped over to where the Captain was standing with Commander Sterner. Jerking his head slightly at the unconscious hybrid, Chris asked, "What are we going to do with Sleeping Beauty there Captain?"

Lee Glanced at the Klingon - Jem'Hadar genetically engineered hybrid warrior. He then reached and held the severed head of the other one in both hands and glanced at it for a long moment before looking back at Lieutenant Thomas. "I think it's time we paid a visit to the High Council and asked them what the hell they think they are doing behind the Klingon people's back."

Everyone in the cargo bay gave a nod to Lee's comment.

"To Qo'nos"

Lieutenant Thomas stepped over to where the Captain was standing with Commander Sterner. Jerking his head slightly at the unconscious hybrid, Chris asked, "What are we going to do with Sleeping Beauty there Captain?"

Lee Glanced at the Klingon - Jem'Hadar genetically engineered hybrid warrior. He then reached and held the severed head of the other one in both hands and glanced at it for a long moment before looking back at Lieutenant Thomas. "I think it's time we paid a visit to the High Council and asked them what the hell they think they are doing behind the Klingon people's back."

Lt. Thomas looked around at the crew that had been on the away team with them, everyone of them were exhausted both physically and probably mentally. He knew that he certainly was, even when he was peak physically condition from living as Klingon this kind of battle would've worn him out. Now that he was a little older and not training at that level any more. Today's fight had certainly wore him down and he was looking forward to the mission being over, but he still faced on guaranteed battle before everything was said and done and that was with Belira. He was going to have to explain a lot of things to her, that he'd still not gotten to do the interruptions of the mission.

He knew that the mission had to come first and he readily accepted that being the case. He knew that Belira also more than likely believed this, because of her current status. He just wonder what was going to happen when the mission was out of the way and they could really talk about things. He knew her, better than most did, of course a lot could change in the time that they'd been apart, but he suspected that if he could get past the first few layers of hate and angry towards him. He could really explain himself to her and what he still felt for her. Then they'd have something to work with and build on, but that was a lot of ifs and things could change in an instant.

They were still on this mission, they'd barely made it back alive, if she'd been killed. He'd never be able to forgive himself. He just wondered what how he'd react if something did happen to her, and the thoughts that jumped to mind scared him to death.

He returned to the bridge to resume his post, but the thoughts of what if, keep running through his mind all the way to the bridge. They would be at Qu'nos in less than 10 minutes and he would have to be fully focused on the mission. He stopped about two-thirds of the way to the bridge and forced his mental discipline to help him focus on the mission that they still had to complete and to allow his mind to be focused. He finally had his thoughts under control a few minutes later, and he guessed they were now less 6 minutes away from the Klingon homeworld. With his mind at least semi-focused on the mission more than his personally life, he continued his way to the bridge. Once the mission was over and they were victorious he would then allow himself to contemplate things and to talk with Belira about them.

He wondered how many Klingons had already been exposed to the new genetic engineering, there was no guarantee that the scientist hadn't already used their work on a larger group of Klingons. He just hoped that the only ones that had received the treatment where the ones that they'd dealt with on Praxis and none existed elsewhere for everyone's sake he prayed this would be the case.

Lt. Thomas entered the bridge and assumed his post. Time was short, and they'd know the outcome of their work soon enough. He just hoped that it was for the good of everyone involved.

Christopher Patton
Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

Mendenhall opened his eyes again. There was the same scene he had seen for the past day or so. his locker had fallen over during the attack, and he no one had lifted it up. He was stuck. The air was hot and stuffy now, which really got to him.

He looked over and saw a PADD laying on the door that was now the floor. Menden-hall got an idea. He wedged the small rectangular device under the metal cabinet. With much effort and several smashed fingers, he finally was able to lift the large bulky thing up about a few inches and use the PADD, his shoe, and part of a rack to prop it up. Carefully sliding out, he made his way free of the small prison. Feeling around his face over the large cut he had, he deemed it survivable and decided to grab something to eat and drink, then head over to engineering.

He ran into the mess hall and managed to get some food that didn’t move. Not that he didn’t like moving food, he had eaten many bugs and other things on the farm often, he just wanted to have something that wouldn’t crawl down his stomach. He found the least toxicat-ing drink (which happened to be plain water) and rushed over to engineering still stuffing a grub like thing in his mouth.

Fixing his collar, he entered engineering seeing the Lieutenant’s feet stick out from the inside of a large hole. She slid out and looked at the battered Ensign. She was drenched in sweat and had wondered why he hadn’t come sooner.

"You alright?" she snapped at him. The Klingon woman’s hands were covered with hot black grease.

"Yes Sir. Sorry for not coming sooner, my, er, quarters collapsed on me during the battle." Something like that. She grunted back and threw him a bag of tools.

"The power inverter over there is off sequence, fix it." With that she slid back into the hole leaving only her feet to be exposed. He caught the bag, and started over to the power inverter to sequence it back on track.

"Our Home and Native Land"
By: Lieutenant Mélissa Marie Boudreau

Melissa entered engineering as if it was just another day of work. After taking her much needed visit to Sickbay, she had gone to her quarters to try to sleep. Of course, after the all the extraoridinary events of the last few days, Melissa was tired... she also couldn't sleep.

All she could think about was home. Melissa loved being an engineer, especially in Starfleet. It was her dream job. She got to see many, many worlds and meet hundreds of new people, not to mention learn a host of new skills. Still, her thoughts wandered to the open skies and the maple trees. She was very close to her family and had never been so far from them for so long.

Without her friends on the Galaxy, she didn't know what she would do. Since Melissa had watched Specialist Blake die, she had been filled with a fear that her friends would leave her.

Melissa walked through Main Engineering and watched everyone at work. She spotted AC speaking to an Specialist. "What's the news AC? How is the ship?"

"Well, Melissa the shields are up to 80% and the structural integrity field is up to 75%. Impulse drive is completely repaired- there wasn't much damage to that- and warp drive shouldn't take too long to get in decent working order. Hull breaches are being repaired as quickly as we can but the work is slow considering the amount of material we have to replicate and the size of the work teams we need. We have some computer specialists working on double-checking all of the software."

"Good work. I'll be in my office if you need me. Let me know when David gets back."

Melissa walked towards her office, spotting Ensign Jensen on her way. He seemed busy so she didn't bother him. She sat down at her desk and before she began to okay reports, she brought out a small old-fashioned book that her family had sent her less than a month before. Melissa opened it to a page with a message from her mother and out fell a small red maple leaf.

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

by Counselor Erin Parker

Counselor Parker had been hiding out from the Klingon warriors. One part of training that she had missed was combat. She did not want to be a fighter, she was a healer and a helper. The only problem with being a counselor on a starship was that when there were times of war and battle, she could not help. Erin had received some education in pre-medicine and knew she could help out in sickbay.

She tried to make her was through the jefferies tubes to deck ten where sickbay was located. After some time she was able to make it through the small tunnels that made up the backbone of the USS Galaxy. Erin had read the Galaxy's scematics when boarding the ship, but never knew she would have to trace her memory now. But she was able to accomplish the task that she layed out before herself.

She soon arrived in sickbay to find it was bussling with patients, doctors, and nurses. She spotted one of the staff physicians and asked, "Counselor Erin Parker reporting. I have some emergency medical training. How can I help?"

-Noah
jgkrok@jgkrokil.com
aka Lieutenant jg Erin Parker,
Chief Counselor, USS Galaxy

A week ago...

He walked quickly in his usual precise, purposeful gait, face devoid of expression save for his air of competence. He arrived in Engineering. He momentarily scanned the room and found his target. Distracted by another ensign, Lt. Boudreau didn't notice him approaching.

It started at his eyes. They brightened noticeably, then wrinkles formed at their corners. It gradually crept down, tugging at the corners of his mouth slowly, almost as if it was reluctant to move. Eventually, the smile blossomed, taking with it his generally grim air.

"... not quite right: you need to adjust the emitter band like this," she was saying to Ensign Mendenhall.

"Thank you, sir," he replied before walking away.

By then she had started to turn around. He spoke with his light English accent. "Ensign Jensen reporting for duty sir," his smile now showing a bit of a smirk.

She looked pleasantly surprised. "At ease, Ensign... Max?" She looked over her Academy friend. He seemed to have visibly aged since she had last seen him.

Max had been one of the senior cadets in her very first Quad at the Academy. You get to know your Quad-mates very well at the Academy and the two of them had always gotten along.

He turned his head lightly to the side while angling his arms outwards. "In the flesh! ... What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing, you just look different... And stop that!"

"Ah of course, I'll just turn my empathy off then." He made a key turning motion to the side of his head. "'Click!' There. Better?"

"You goof! I guess you haven't changed enough."

Standing as he always did, arms in front with one hand around the opposite wrist, he made an affirming gesture, nodding his head slightly while closing both eyes briefly.

"We should get caught up sometime," she said in a friendly tone. Melissa hadn't imagined that she would ever see Max again. It was just one of those things.

Even as he replied, he seemed momentarily uncomfortable. "All right."

Unfortunately, there had been no time for catching up, due to the unfortunate events which had fallen upon the Galaxy and her crew.

Max paused his work on the damaged computer relays to wipe the sweat from his brow. Yes; he was going to have to get caught up.

James McCloud step out of the Turbolift as it came to a halt. The deck that he stopped on was the bridge. It took James a few seconds to get used to all the noise on the bridge. Some engieneers running around doing mior repairs. James quickly sat down at the helmand took off were the last helmsman left. Their wasnt much to see at the moment. And the Galaxy wasnt going anywere at the moment all it was doing was sitting in orbit waiting for the repairs to finish. On his side was Christopher Kell Thomas,the assistant chief of Operations.

The two engaged in minor conversation for the next 6 hours , nothing of much importance was talked about . Out of the side of his eyes James saw something he couldnt belive. A young med officer had just walked in and was heading twoards the captain. James could only make out some of the coversation. Then the young med officer turned and faced him. It was Christina Bridges her blod hair worn down.

Christina had been his girlfriend at the academy but was forced to break up with him. James quickly stood up and walked to her."Christina?'. "Thats right how did you...James?" "Thats right Ive missed you so much." The just stood their and hugged each other like it was the end of the world..........

"Little Presents Part I"
by D'Akana T'Mok
direct quote from "The Mystery of the Man" (Lt Cmdr Deiran Casey)

Sniff, sniff.. tinkle, tinkle, tinkle...

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

Walking along the passageway, having left a distinct damp spot on the carpet in one of the Galaxy's many lounge areas, D'Akana toddled along with happiness. At heart, his small brain just loved new experiences and new places, exploring being in his blood.

To his joy, nobody had come along and dragged him back to the quarters he was normally kept in. After a very short while of walking down the corridor, he stopped outside one of the doors and left a little present in front of it.

Looking around for any signs of new places, D'Akana grinned and headed over to one of the entryways to the long dark tunnels that crisscrossed the ship. Butting his way in, he entered the Jefferies Tube. As he did, he felt a slight pull on his neck so he pushed himself forward harder.

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

Later...

"I will relieve you of duty for a day if I have to! That’s not a threat but a promise!" Cat pulled out a medical tricorder and checked Casey for any internal injuries. He was a bit fatigued, but nothing serious. She didn’t feel like fighting with him to go to sickbay that was for sure.

"Now go to your wife and daughter. The ship will be here tomorrow and so will that chair. So go!"

"Cat your timing is perfect. I was just leaving. We can establish orbit around Boreth and that’s what I was waiting for, now I can sleep comfortably."

Deiran stood up from the command chair and walked to the turbolift. He waited for Cat to enter first and then followed behind. Greer took over for Casey as he had left for sleep 5 hours ago and returned just a few minutes before Cat arrived on the Bridge.

"Thanks for your concern Cat," he told her after the TL doors shut. "Deck 5," he said as Cat smiled and he smiled. They really did respect each other, even though the other didn’t admit it. Well they hadn’t admitted it yet.

The turbolift arrived at Deck 5, and Deiran left after saying good night to Cat. Walking along the corridor, he picked up a strong unpleasent acrid smell. Stopping, he sniffed the air and noticed that his left shoe was on a section of the carpet that had a distinct yellowish tinge to it. Walking to a panel, he pulled out a tricorder and quickly ran a scan, which revealed that it was some form of harmless nitrogren-based organic liquid. However, due to the time difference since it arrived there, there was no definite way to tell exactly what it was, just that it wasn't blood.

Realising that he need rest more then to find out how it got there, he tapped his combadge,

"Lt Commander Deiran Casey to Enviormental, when you have time, do a check for organic liquid spills on Deck 5. Casey out."

Moving along, Deiran rubbed his tired eyes and forced himself not to yawn, since it wasn't in his nature to yawn in public, as he headed to the temporary quarters his family was assigned to.

'At least I can see how Miran and Lara are going.'

Suddenly, his right foot slipped out from under him as he reached the door. Twisting, he managed to roll so he didn't cause any injury. Looking around after checking his foot wasn't hurt, he saw that a small steaming brown mound, now complete with a footprint, was in front of the door. Running the tricorder over it, he grumbled as it displayed the results. The door wooshed open and Miran looked out to see her husband on his back. Smiling, she fought the urge to break out laughing as Deiran's face went red from annoyance.

Looking around, she grinned and pointed to a small scrap of leather near a Jefferies Tube entrance which she recognised, "I guess Lt Samara's targ is out having fun."d

Tapping his combadge, he snapped, "Casey to Security, I want that damn targ of Lt Samara's found and thrown in the brig. Do whatever u have to find it, short of kill setting. While you are at it, tell Enviormental to start cleaning up Deck 5. Casey out."

Miran helped Deiran up, dodging the remains of the present.

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

"Ow...."
By:Ensign Lexana Ral
Junior Counselor
USS Galaxy

Ral lay back on the biobed.. the blood had already soaked her uniform.. it lay damp and warm against her skin.. By this stage, she'd lost so much blood she was in a state of enemia.. her pale skin had paled further..till it was almost blue/green. the veins in her face showed through..sweat beaded her forehead, sticking strands of dark red hair to her face.. Ral felt cold.. very cold...

She was lying in a river.. the dark, cold waters flowing over her body.. freezing her.. every movement was painfull. .the water pressed down upon her shoulders.. freezing them..sending a steel rod of cold down her spine..she couldn't move. the water built up to her nose.. her face.. lapping around her cheeks.. she choked as the dark ice-water filled her lungs like a cold fire.. She faught to wake up..to drag herself out of the poison mire of the river.. but it seemed she was being pinned down.. She screamed.... Forcing her eyelids open.. tearing them apart... She saw the blurred vision of Cat's gentle face.. then a numbness crept over her as she felt the cool hiss of a hypospray in her neck.

Ral couldn't wake up. She knew she was dreaming.. like she should be aneasthesized.. yet she could feel the pain.. as each nerve was repaired.. each cell of her skin regrown.. as the Jello- like clot of ruby blood was torn off her wound so it could be repaired.. sh felt every second of pain. Something had gone wrong with the anaesthetic... she was unconscious.. yet she could feel it.. she wanted to scream in pain.. yet her muscles would not obey..she felt a cold numbness on every limb.. yet she could still feel the sticky warm blood as it pulsed from her wound every time her heart pumped.. it was like a small wave.. her heart pumped in her head.. "thud..thud...thud" and each time it did.. a fresh wave had flowed from the wound..

Of course Cat had been quick in her duties.. Attending to each patient in her caring, timeless way.. never giving in to tiredness.. working ceaselessly.. Ral remembered Cat.. and that she knew Cat had problems of her own, yet kept working to help others.. then she remembered a random quote "Physician.. Heal thyself".And wondered if Cat knew it too.. She wishes she were conscious.. and able to help her friends with their problems..

However.. if she were conscious.. she would be able to scream.. or move.. or twist away from the pain. .the Dermal replicator worked well enough.. yet it HURT like HELL .. normally folks were given something for the pain.. yet in Ral's case.. the *something* had caused more trouble than it was worth.. Ral tried her meditations.. she wondered how long the reparation process was going to take...Each time her heart beat.. she felt a new wave of pain flow through her. and.. for a moment.. she saw herself.. lying on the biobed.. in a slick pool of red... seeing her cold frame.. frozen in ruby ice.. then she had shot back to her mortal form.. forcing herself to breathe.. each breath filled with pain and fear.. wondering when she would wake up...

BY:Ensign Ral
=/\=Junior Counselor=/\=
USS Galaxy
Reviewed by: Dr Khatroweena

Sunder grumbled as one of the attending nurses turned him over for the humiliating daily ritual of the sonic scrub. Even though humanity had progressed to the point where it could move a mountain of metal alloys millions of miles through space, it still hadn't managed to perfect a medical bed that would keep its users hygenically sound. Or, Sunder thought with a martyr's bent, perhaps it was the deliberate intention of the cadre of medical personell who conspired to keep its patients on a subservient - and therefore, more manageable, level by forcing them to go through the process of daily cleansing by a second party. The latter explanation sounded more reasonable to Sunder, who pulled the sheet up over him protectively after the nurse had finished her work.

" There we go Commander! That wasn't so bad now, was it? " The nurse asked sweetly, yet rhetorically. She packed up her bits 'n' pieces and left before the surly Security Chief had a chance to respond. Obviously she knew what his answer was going to be.

" You try having your privates sonically buzzed by a portable egg-beater! " He shouted after her as she left hurriedly. Some of the other patients who smiled at his comment quickly removed the expression off their faces when the commander looked their way.

Sunder was not a happy patient.

Of course, he'd never liked sickbay. The antiseptic smell, the stark, whiteness of the walls only disrupted by LCARS panels, and the various instruments of bodily agitation strewn around the room all contributed to a general sense of ill ease to the place. It was certainly uncomfortable and Sunder had never voluntarily stayed in it for too long.

Right now, the area was far from its fastidious former state. The Klingon boarders had made their mark felt even here, though Sunder was glad to see that the idea of posting security to sickbay had prevented its capture - otherwise he wouldn't have been here to appreciate his own foresightedness. Just this once, he allowed himself a slight pat on the back. After all, there was nothing else to in this place.

" Not even a decent book... " he grumbled to himself. Not that he would have been in any state to concentrate on a book. He was antsy. With very little news filtering down here and with the relegation of computer efforts to higher priorities and more demanding systems, Sunder's mind was entering into a vegetative state without any sort of stimulation.

He had learned that the Klingon disruptor that had sent him in here in the first place had actually destroyed one of his kidneys, forcing his body into systolic and renal shock. It was a miracle that Felicia had actually managed to perform emergency surgery with all the chaos in sickbay. Sunder didn't even know who had brought him down to sickbay! All he knew when he woke up was that he had a new kidney growing in a very tender right side.

" Damn it! " He shouted out loud to nobody in particular, silently wishing that someone would hear his unspoken plea and bring him some word of what was happening outside the sterile walls of sickbay.

By Dianne Heppel
AKA Belira

Belira is surprised when the Hybrids came out. Both her and the human Lt. Thomas were fighting one. This Hybrid was more then enough for the two of them to deal with. She noticed how Lt. thomas would not leave her side. "Hmm probably still trying to protect me" thought Belira with a bit of anger. Belira turned the anger she had for Lt. Thomas towards the Hybrid she was fighting.

Just then some Ensign got thrown by one of the hybrids into her and Lt. Thomas knocking them both down.

"Darn idiot Human" thought Belira as she got up.

Finally all three hybrids were taken care of, one being beheaded by Commander Deragus.

"Just as more Kling'Hadars were coming in the away team was beamed back to the Quet'leh.

Captain Price agreed that they should confront the High council now.

The Quet'leth set a course for Quonos.

"Back To Having Fun"
By Ensign George Prince
Helmsman/Shuttle Polit

George woke up seeing everyone in sickbay running around as quickly as they could. Then he saw Xavier laying down asleep. George got up and picked up the PADD he carryed in to sickbay. He stood there and start typeing a message for Bishop. The message said Hey Bishop when I woke up I saw you asleep. Thats way I wrote you this message. I left sickbay to go to the brig. I no what you are think why you do a dumm thing like that. The reason is because it is time for me to sit for my crime. See you in the brig Ensign George.

After typeing the message down George put the PADD next to Xavier and left sick bay. On his way to the brig George said to himself "Wait a minute no one is going to be there and Bishop is out cold. I am going to go to my quaters take a shower and get drunk. I can get drunk on my way to the brig. Maybe I will pick up a book to read in the brig."

George head to his quaters and took a quick show. As he got out he picked up the glass he was drinking that morning. Before he took a drink George saw something fun floating in it. "Wait a minute that isn't dust." said George as he scaned the glass with a tricorder. "Oh, well time to go to the brig." George took the book that was laying on his bed and left for the brig.

More Struggles
By Lt. Endris Gakor
reviewed by Lt. Ronni Morris
temporarily assigned to the IKS Qul' etlh

*** Mess Decks ***

"For the woman who threatened to put Tribbles in our soup", pronounced Yirok, producing a decorated serving tray. Lifting the lid, Gakor saw a Delphian sponge cake and a fresh rack of bregit lung. The feast also included Klingon potatoes in R'tak sauce and several other veggies.

"Wow!", Endris exclaimed with large eyes, and an eager smack of lips. "I didn't know you could cook". Korof and Endris sat down and had just deployed their first joint attack on the food when they were interrupted by a panic-sounding nurse Keena.

-/\-Anara calm down, what is wrong?-/\-, Endris questioned flatly.

-/\-Ronni just stumbled into sickbay and collapsed! Major trauma from burns. Her left eye is swollen shut, and she has suffered major blood loss. Several broken ribs, and....-/\-

The list of injuries went on for slightly longer, and Endris got progressively agitated by the severity of her friends injuries. The fact that it aborted her Oinkus also proved an irritant.

-/\-Stabilize her and make sure she is not dehydrated. I will be there in a couple of minutes. Gakor out.-/\-

Gakor out was correct. She didn't even pause to finish her meal, meekly closing the lid and hefting the entire serving tray. Both Korof and the nourishment accompanied her forced march to sickbay.

*** Sick Bay ***

Anara was doing a splended job in the absence of senior staff. She managed to move Lt. Morris onto a biobed and had engaged the hydration unit. The innovative nurse had even improvised an IV drip, as the circulatory machine become a casualty during the failed attempt to repair the cloaking device.

"Good, her fluid balance is correct.", the Tellarite concentrated on the reports from the diagnostic devices. After a brief moment the doctor concluded it was best for the scientist to rest before addressing her broken bones. Much of Ronni's strength had leached out on her courageous struggle to reach Sickbay.

Korof pressed a hypospray into Endris' hand, and nurse Keena set up the bone knitter and the synth skin apparatuses for future use. The immunologist took a final glance at the gauges before adjusting the hypospray to deliver 15cc's of J'kolaZ'Q, the strongest available pain medication in the Qul 'etlh's medical bay that was compatible with Ronni's physiology.

"This should reduce the pain and swelling," Gakor explained to her patient. "Rest and recoup your strength, and don't strain yourself by talking. You had a near brush with death. I'd be surprised if the experience doesn't give you nightmares." Then Endris recalled Ronni's excursion to the Vortex. *If you haven't already had a few I'd be surprised*, thought the immunologist.

Lieutenant Morris remained motionless on the biobed, breathing easier now that she was absorbing pain medications and fluids. Satisfied that her friend was now out of danger, Gakor turned back to the dish of food. "When you are fully healed, I have a special treat for you," Gakor promised, showing the Delphinian a generous wedge of the sponge cake.

Ronni was as comfortable as possible given her multiple injuries. But inside, she struggled with the idea of revealing the secrete of her troubling dreams. Despite doctor's orders, the spunky woman mustered her voice to speak. "Gakes", she said hoarsely, "I have a confession to make.", the Doctor turned to face the unexpected summons.

Losing her inner battle, Ronni smiled up at Gakor and whispered "I hate sponge cake.", then she promptly closed her eyes to rest.

"Coffee break."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson

Lieutenant Erikson got to see the damage done by the Klingon attack as he walked down the corridors on Deck Eight. Well past his own quarters was a hull breach the size of a small Terran horse. Where the bulkhead usually covered the surface, all he could see was space, a containment field in place and supported by makeshift repairs by the engineering crew at the end of the corridor.

Standing in front of the door to his quarters, Greer held his breath slightly as he pressed the small access button on the control panel to his right, causing the doors to open and reveal his darkened living area.

"Computer, lights." he said as he took a step inside the door.

The lights flickered a few times due to some minor problems with the power regulation on that deck. Having a quick look around he noticed that very little had changed in his room, despite a hull breach only several hundred meters away, except a few book that had been knocked out of his bookshelf. Looking at them somewhat amazed for several moments, he decided to walk over to them and place them in their usual positions, not far from where they fell. As he kneeled down to pick up the books, his feline rushed over to him as she did when she was excited to see him.

"Hello cat." Greer said as he picked her up and scratched he behind the ears several times. "Life is a bit rough on you isn't it?" he asked her rhetorically. Instead of staying around him very long, Jasey leaped back out of his hands and move urgently in front of the replicator.

"Feline supplement forty-nine." he said as he followed more slowly behind her. The replicator failed to respond. "Computer, what is the status of the replicator systems on Deck Eight?"

["Replicator systems have been taken off-line by Engineering."] the stoice female voice replied.

"Sorry Jasey. It appears that the replicators are not working at the moments." Oblivious to what he was saying, or trying her hardest not to pay attention to him, Jasey continued to pace around in front of the replicator in a very insistent way.

Sitting down in a chair, Greer rubbed his temples as he tried to massage away the last twenty-four hours or so. No matter how many times the USS Galaxy ended up in an armed conflict, he was never going to get used to it.

["Bancroft to Erikson. Hi Greer . . . I was kind of wondering if you wanted to get something to eat, or maybe a coffee, in Ten Forward. "]

Thinking for a few moments on the offer, he reached across his chest and tapped his communicator. "See you there soon Tebrianne. Erikson out." It would be a while before he could really relax enough to get a decent night sleep. Standing up he look over at Jasey who was now cleaning herself. "You behave yourself."

Looking up at him, Jasey gave him a meow and resumed her task. Greer smiled his little companion and turned to leave his quarters.

"Sickbay and Away Team"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

Rushing into Sickbay, K'Eytyanna grabbed one of the Klingons and asked where Ronni was.

Noticing Ronni was asleep, she set up the small playing unit on a table nearby and aimed its speakers towards the sleeping Delphinian. Adjusting the volume so it was very soft, she put in the sound-disc and pressed play.

The soft, peaceful sound of the ocean waves crashing against the islands on the planet Delphi.

Turning, K'Eytyanna strode out of Sickbay, determined to make life hell for the poor Klingon who had been on duty at the time and failed to save Ronni from harm.

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

Later after Engineering was cleaned and another Klingon was sent to Sickbay with broken ribs and nose...

"Stupid damn Klingon crap! This console is completely rubbish" Picking up a laser scalpel, she started reconnecting a burnt out circuit while pushing fibre optics away when her combadge chirped.

Jerking, she smashed her head into the roof of the console access. Rolling out quickly as she let out a string of vulgar Klingon words, she sprang up and rushed over to the main console.

As she redirected the cargo transporters and reset them for quantum resolution so as not to kill the away team, "Standby Captain, I'll have you out of there in a minute."

["We 'aven't got a minute Lieutenant..."] Over the channel, she heard the sound of what sounded like crazed Klingons.

Finishing, she double tapped the initiator controls and activated the transport sequence.

Thinking for a moment, she decided that the captain wouldn't be too happy if she beamed down a live 'hot' torpedo on a short timer. Instead, she reset the resolution and console.

Over the still open channel, she heard Captain Price say,

"I think it's time we paid a visit to the High Council and asked them what the hell they think they are doing behind the Klingon people's back."

Pick up a padd, she typed in a short message to Captain Price, requesting to be on the away team to visit the High Council chambers. Finishing, she ordered the computer to upload it and send it to Captain Price.

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

"Ode to Blue"
Ensign Numa Taurean
USS Galaxy Science Officer

It had been a long day. Numa had spent long hours helping out the engineering teams with the hull breaches on deck eight. She was ready for a quick breather now.

She wondered how Xavier Bishop was doing. She hadn't the time to go check up on him. Now that she was done with the breaches, she'd have to make the time. "Computer, where is the location of Ensign Bishop?" The voice of the computer chimed in, "Ensign Bishop is in Sickbay." She picked up her pace a little, and was on her way to cheer up a friend.

Numa wasn't prepared for the sight that assaulted her as the doors to sick bay slid open. It seemed like everyone was centered on one bio-bed with a single occupant. It was a blue skinned wailing banshee with antennae. Her white mane of hair was flailing violently, and she was snapping at anyone with sharp canine teeth if they were unlucky enough to venture into biting distance. Her eyes were a deep violet and burning with an inhuman heat. Luckily she had already been strapped down for if she hadn't have been, there is no telling what kind of damage that this exotic woman of klingon and andorian heritage could reek. Numa could only wonder what kind of tantrums this woman threw in front of her parents. Only one thought came to mind and that was that Numa was glad she was not the mother of such a child.

There was a Bolian Doctor already on the scene. She quickly injected a sedative into the blue female, and as quickly as the whole scene began, it was ended. Everything began to slow down again, and the unnecessary people moved away to attend to other tasks.

"What's going on here?" She heard Dr Khatroweena call out.

The bald blue female, a bolian, made a quick scan of her patient before answering. "I was afraid something like this was going to happen." She looked at Dr. Khatroween. "This ensign is having a reaction to the gas used to sedate the Klingons. It is harmless to them, however a few andorians have allergic reactions to this same gas. It appears that Ensign V'ehlma M'aerikh has had such a reaction."

"It isn't serious, is it, Milan?" The feline doctor asked.

"No ma'am. It was just something that was overlooked in all the bustle." Milan was already administering what Numa could only guess was a counter to the agent in V'ehlma's system.

I wonder if Bishop has met this lovely 'andorian' woman yet. Numa smiled at the thought. Already she was devising a way to introduce these two together.

Numa scanned the area for her friend. There he was. He seemed like he was sleeping. Numa went over to him. She noticed Prince hovering over the body of the andorian security officer.

"How is he doing, Prince?" She asked. She stepped up to Xavier and took his hand in hers.

"He's going to be fine." Well, I've got to go. I've got to return to the brig.

Chuckling, Numa patted him on the back. "I'll let Xaev know that you went there on your own, and that we didn't have to call a security escort." Prince smiled at this and replied, "I don't think we have enough man power right now to call for an escort." Again Numa laughed. It was good to hear a little humor now that the danger had passed.

Milan stepped up to check on Ensign Bishop. She ran a few scans. "You don't have to worry, Ensign…?" She was waiting for Numa to fill in the gap. "Numa Taurean."

"…Taurean. He's going to be quite sore for the next few days, but I'm sure he'll be fit for duty as soon as his blood has been replaced." Milan looked up at Numa. "It looks like you could also use a little medical treatment for that gash on your shoulder and arm."

"I could use a little attention whenever you find the time, doctor, but the wounds are only superficial. Attend to the more needy first."

Milan smiled. "Look, Ensign Taurean, I'm the doctor, and I'll say which patients are more in need." With that, Milan Brynnu applied the necessary treatment.

Xavier's eyes fluttered opened and there was an exchange of words between him and the bald and blue skinned doctor.

"Waking Up"
Ensign V'ehlma M'aerikh
Helms(wo)man, USS Galaxy

"Uhnnnhh." *Where am I?* V'ehlma slowly opened her eyes but slammed them shut when the brightness of the room flooded them. "Uhnnnh." *What happened?* She reached a hand up to shield her eyes from the light and opened them once again. When the haziness of her vission cleared, she twisted and sat upright in the biobed. *Sickbay.* It was full of patients in variouse stages of healing. "Oh yeah." Klingons had attacked the ship. She was fighting for her life. Then nothing.

V'ehlma stood up from the bed and nearly fell when her legs buckled under her. She instinctively reached out and grabbed the bed for support. "Are you alright?" Dr. Khatroweena asked as she came rushing up to help V'ehlma.

"Mmmhhh." She nodded her head and rubbed at her eyes. "I'm just a little giddy."

"Perhaps you should lay back down." suggested Dr. Khatroweena.

"No. No, I need to get out of your way so you have more room for your other patients." V'ehlma stood away from the bed more sure of her strength. "What happened to me, Dr. Khatroweena?"

"Please, just call me Cat. You suffered from a harsh allergic reaction to a chemical known as eleamine gas."

V'ehlma jerked her head up. "YOU MEAN I WAS GASSED?!" She looked into Kat's eyes as the Doctor took a step back from her angry patient.

"Not intensionally." V'ehlma turned her head toward the area where the deep base voice came from. A huge bearded man wearing a medical patient's gown stood over the bed of an Andorian. Next to the Security Chief was a slender security officer who was holding the arm of the Andorian who lay in the bed. The Andorian didn't look good.

V'ehlma's eyes seethed with anger. *MY OWN CREW MATES GASSED ME!*

"The intent was to knock the Klingon invaders out. Which, by the way, worked." The slender security officer said. "We knew the attack would affect our own Klingon crewmembers but we had no idea it would affect some of our hybrid crewmembers so harshly. For that ensign, we apologize."

"I'm, sorry." whispered V'ehlma. She should not have over reacted the way she had. If she were in command she would have done the same thing. She turned back to Cat, "I'm sorry. Can I go?"

"Yes." answered Cat.

V'ehlma picked up her mek'leth and walked out of sickbay and to the nearest turbolift. With a hiss the doors opened and she stepped in. "Deck 10."

*** Ten Forward ***

V'ehlma stepped into the darkened somewhat subdued atmosphere of Ten Forward and walked across the room to a secluded table. She sat for a while wathcing a group of engineers work on a gutted LCARS console in an attempt to reestablish lighting in the Ten Forward lounge when she noticed a waiter with a broad smile walking toward her. "And how can I help you this fine morning, Ensign?"

*Fine morning my ass!* Instead she smiled pleasantly, "Smothered steak with mushroom gravy on top of a heaping mound of wild rice along with two buttered rolls and a platter of steaming, buttered brocholi. For a drink I would like a large glass of iced Andorian tea."

The waiter tapped at his PADD with practiced speed at V'ehlma's hurried order. "Be right back, ma'am." He said with that ever-full smile on his face and turned to attend to his guests order.

The scene: Lower Level detention area, USS Galaxy.

Ensign's Harrison, McKnight, and Moray have finished the Klingon roundup and returned their prisoners to the Brig. At the moment, Ensign Harrison is maning the securtiy console in the center of the room.

Ensign Harrison: (looking toward the brig a little nerviously) Moray, Im reading an energy drop in the strength of the forcefield. It looks like power allocation prioritys are getting tossed out the door for the repairs on deck 10. So far Im reading only a 2.1% drop..but it could get worse.

Darrian walks over to stand right in front of the large brig's axcess portal, looking within to the Klingon warriors. Searching, he finds the Warrior who he had delt with earilyer, making eye contact.

Ensign Moray: I don't think we'll have any problems, to conserve power though... why don't you turn off the grid.

Ensign McKnight: (with a puzzled look) Turn off the grid? But that will leave the..

Ensign Moray: I would'nt worry about that...(Still maintaining the eye contact).

Ensign Harrison starts to smile as he reaches down to the control consoles display and deactivates the power grid. The audible sound of the forcefields hum ends abruptly, casting the small room into an odd kind of silence.

Ensign Moray (tapping his comm badge once) Ensign Moray to Lt. Albrecht.....

"Visiting the Great Hall"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Qul'etlh ***

Captain Price handed a padd to Doctor Kahn just when she finished tending to his hand to close the injury.

"What is this?" she asked surprised.

Lee gave his chin a slight jog, "Your orders Lieutenant. I'm leaving you in command of the Qul'etlh when we beam down to Qo'nos." the Captain said in an even, serious tone.

Nilani didn't know what to say. She was hardly expecting to be left in command, let alone on a Klingon Bird of Prey that she knew very little about. "Captain... don't you think that someone else might be better..."

Lee cut off the Doctor, "No Lieutenant. You are the ranking officer on board once the away team beams down. I would leave Lieutenant Morris in command," Captain Price explained glancing at Ronni's bunk, "...but with the seriousness of her injuries, I doubt doing anything other than recovering is a good idea."

Slowly, Doctor Kahn nodded. "Yes, she should recover, but it will take time. What about the Klingons Captain? Surly one of them would be more qualified..."

"No Lieutenant. Most of the Klingon crew on board will be coming down to First City, except for Numar who will stay to help repair the Qul'etlh. That leaves just Federation officers, so as ranking officer, I'm leaving you in charge."

"I understand Captain. I hope everything turns out well for you down there." Kahn finally agreed.

"Aye. Me too 'mate. G'Day Doctor." Lee closed turning to exit the medical lab on board the Qul'etlh to head for the transporters.

*****

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

A lean Klingon Warrior walks quickly through the halls of the High Council building on the Klingon home world of Qo'nos. In his hand he carries a small, jagged edged padd. Judging by the speed in which he navigates the halls and corridors of the great hall, the information contained on the device is of the highest urgency.

He comes to the huge carved doors of the Great Hall of the High Council, and grabbing the oversize brass rings, he opens the mighty doors hurrying inside.

They are all here this day. All of the High Councilmen. But the messenger doesn't head for any of them. He heads for the throne, where Chancellor Gowron sits.

With eyes that appear annoyed at the interruption, the Leader of the Klingon Empire stares at the lean Klingon with widening eyes. "Why do you barge in on a Council meeting Potas?"

Bowing, the courier from Klingon Intelligence offers the angular data padd he carries. "News that requires the High Council's immediate attention your eminence."

Gowron reaches out and takes the padd, reading it quickly. His wide eyes growing even larger before narrowing. "Those incompetent fools! They were ordered to observe the Federation Starship, not attack."

"There is more your excellency." Potas reminded, still leaned over in a deep bow.

Gowron continued to read, then stopped, lowering the padd and looking out into the distance with wild eyes. The anger boiling inside while his fist tightened. "I know where your bej'mey are located Korux." Gowron said in a monotone drawl. Turning he looked full upon the aged Councilman. "They are here. On Praxis. They have found the laboratory because of your inability to find and exterminate them...."

The droopy eyed, gray hared Klingon shifted uncomfortably. "That can not be... I... We... We should dispatch reinforcements at once Chancellor!"

Gowron throws the data padd at Korux in disgust. "Do that, for all the good it will do. These bej'mey are like rodents. Kill one, and three more appear in their place. But now,... now they have become more than a minor annoyance. They have the Federation involved." Gowron got out of his chair and stepped over to the first councilman's chair, leaning very close to the old man's face, "The ships you sent to watch the Galaxy... they attacked, and still failed to destroy the Federation ship!"

Korux was taken aback by the accusations, "I swear Chancellor, their orders were to observe and report, nothing more!"

Gowron's eyes narrowed, as if he were trying to sum up the old warrior to determine if he was telling the truth.

"I swear Chancellor. Had I given orders to destroy the Federation vessel, more ships would have been dispatched." Korux looked worried, but didn't appear to be lying.

"We waist time arguing about things that have already happened." Gowron straightened and slowly walked back to his chair. "Out of incompetence or insubordination doesn't matter. We must destroy the bej'mey that are currently on, or have been to Praxis. The Empire must never learn of what they see there."

Keying in new orders onto the padd, Gowron hands it back to the messenger who accepts it. "Go, deliver this message immediately."

"By your leave Chancellor." Potas saluted with an arm across his chest before turning on his heel and quickly walking out of the Great Hall.

The massive carved doors shut behind the lean messenger with a loud thud that seemed to resonate through the outer halls of the High Council Building. As he always does, Potas activated the padd and began to read the Chancellor's orders. An over curiosity streak that the Intelligence Officer had never learned to break. Just when he was a few meters away from the Great Hall, and was about to recall the Chancellor's orders, he noticed something moving in front of him.

He glanced up.

"G'day 'mate. I'll take that." Captain Price reached out and snatched the data padd out of the skinny Klingon messenger's hands.

Potas was about to protest, to call out, but the massive fist of Dergaus came whizzing across his jaw, sending the lanky Klingon flying to the floor unconscious.

Lee turned the padd around and read the Klingon text. It said simple to eliminate the bej'mey on Praxis. Handing the padd to Dergaus, who read it and passed it on, he said, "Let's go let the Chancellor know the bej'mey would like to have a word with him about the new policy of genetic tampering with the Klingon people's physiology, shall we?"

Commander Sterner and Yirok each grabbed one of the over sized brass handles of the massive wooden doors and yanked them open. Captain Price and Dergaus were the first two to step into the Great Hall, followed by all the others. Ensigns Hermedhie and Mendenhall were the last two to enter. They took up positions to guard the only entrance to the Great Hall from probable visitors to the 'closed door meeting'.

Gowron was addressing the other High Council members when the party broke in. He looked annoyed at the interruption at first. But when he saw who it was, his eyes grew wild and wide. He rose to his feet.

"What is the meaning of this?!" he hissed.

Captain Price and Dergaus continued to walk down the length of the long, red carpeted entrance way. When he was just around ten meters from the throne, Lee reached into the bag he was carrying and extracted the severed head of the Klingon-Jem'Hadar warrior they had fought on Praxis. Rolling it to Gowron's feet like one would throw a bowling ball. The head came tumbling down the carpet, coming to a stop just a foot away from where Gowron was standing.

Reaching down, Gowron picked up the severed head and looked at it. Looked at it for the first time.

"That is the head of a genetically mutated Klingon 'mate. According to our scientist's analysis, he was just barely over four days old."

Gowron continued to look at the head. The ridges on it's forehead. The Jem'Hadar like nobs on it's jaw and temples. The venom like sacks that rested on it's throat. Finally he discarded the head, dropping it to the floor. "Who are you to come in here and interrupt the Klingon High Council?!"

Captain Price, Dergaus, Toqo, Commander Sterner and the rest all came to a stop in the area before the High Council. Captain Price was directly facing Gowron.

"I am Captain Lee Price, of the Federation Starship USS Galaxy." Lee stated proudly.

Gowron's eyes narrowed. "This is not a Federation matter Price. You should not have gotten involved in the internal affairs of the Klingon Empire."

"When innocent men and women are subjected to genetic experiments and mutations against their free will; When an entire race of people are altered to serve the will of an elite few; When documents are altered and history rewritten to cover the shame and dishonor of your forefathers; When any one messes with those that I call friends, I make it my business Chancellor. What you are doing is wrong! It is just as wrong now as it was back when your predecessors released the wej'oy'nem on the Klingon people. They will not stand for it Gowron. The bej'mey will not stand for it. The Federation will not stand for it." Captain Price stated.

"We of the bej'mey know of the High Council's plans." Dergaus began, "How you intend to mutate our people to make us more like Jem'Hadar. More like these..." the Klingon pointed at the head of the hybrid with obvious disgust, "animal warriors that have no honor or idea what it means to be Klingon! And despite the High Council's attempts at covering the past with the So'vanvIt, the people still know. They have been told by their fathers and mothers. And they by theirs. They tell of the truth in their songs and children's stories. Of the bej'mey, and how we fight to protect our people from men like you that would so easily mutate an entire race just to retain your status and power."

Gowron stood silent until Dergaus had finished. He then stepped off of the throne and approached the confrontational party of warriors and Federation officers. "You know nothing of the reasons why decisions are made." Gowron's eyes opened fully on the word 'why', which seemed to add emphasis to his speech. That or made him look like the mad man the bej'mey expected him of being. "We are loosing this war with the Dominion. Our projections forecast defeat within the next ten months time. Our people are dying in this war against an enemy that can create legions of soldiers in a matter of days. This... change, to our people is merely a matter of evolution. Only the strong survive, that should be obvious if you call yourselves warriors! The Klingon people must change or they will all die."

Toqo, the young bej'mey stepped forward, "It is better to dye as we are, as Klingon Warriors with a sense of honor, than to die as a putagh like that DEAD animal there." The warrior spit at the severed head.

From the back of the Great Hall, Ensign Mendenhall called out, "Guards are coming Captain."

The comment brought a smile to Chancellor Gowron's face. "Your time with the High Council is coming to an end Price. Soon you all will be staying at Rura Penthe for Treason."

"Is that where you send all Klingon Warriors that speak the truth Gowron? Klingons like my brother K'Ral of the house of Kras?" Dergaus growled in a challenging tone.

Gowron's eyes found the Klingon's and gazed into them. "Your brother was a fool Dergaus. Anyone that stands opposed to the High Council is a traitor and deserves to die."

"You may be right Gowron." Captain Price commented, gaining the Chancellor's attention, "But even if you are able to execute the bej'mey warriors, the Klingon Warriors, and the Federation officers here that oppose this genetic mutation you have planned for your people, you will not be able to execute the truth. You will not be able to prevent letting all Klingon's know of the dishonor your forefathers perpetrated with the wej'oy'nem. Of the So'vanvIt plan to rewrite history to hide your fathers misdeeds. Doesn't the dishonor of ones father follow the family line for seven generations? When the Klingon people learn of this, they will be upset over the news that a group of dishonored cowards have been leading them for the last century."

"You have no proof Price. Accusations without proof are little more than threats. Threats to the High Council have been dealt with before." Gowron bit back.

"I assure you, we have all of the proof we need. And more importantly, the Federation has the proof as well. You may succeed at killing the lot of us, but even the Klingon Empire will not be able to quiet the entire Federation of Planets 'mate."

Gowron grew annoyed at the Captain's care free attitude. "There was no time to get any proof to the Federation, Price! You and this group of treasonous fools just came from Praxis a few minutes earlier, and the Galaxy... She is light years away here."

"Fair dinkum 'mate. But you forget what got us involved in all of this. You see, K'Ral is my friend. He sent Dergaus with a holo-chip that contains the entire history of the wej'oy'nem. It's what convinced me to come with Dergaus to find the bej'mey and get the proof we need. Proof like that dead hybrid warrior there. Proof like the recordings Commander Sterner took while exploring the facility on Praxis. Information that has already been transmitted to the Galaxy via subspace. Now, you could kill us, but if that were to happen, I am afraid that all of that incriminating evidence would have to be made public knowledge per my last orders when I sent them."

Gowron was growing angry at the Captain's words, but realized everything he was saying was more than possible. "What do you want Price? Why have you come here? This is not your fight!"

Lee's eyes grew narrow this time, "What you are doing is wrong Gowron. It was wrong before, and it is wrong now. I want the bej'mey you are holding released. Their family names and lands restored. I want these experiments to stop. And I want the High Council to abandon any future attempts to genetically alter the Klingon people, repeating the mistakes of your ancestors. Don't you understand? We are allies in this war. Even if you moved forward with these mutations, the resulting 'three years of pain' would incapacitate the entire Empire, weakening our positions against the Dominion rather than strengthening it. You have been listening to your scientists too closely 'mate, and haven't been taking your lessons from history, the real history, of your world."

"Release my brother Gowron. Release all of the innocent Klingons you and the High Council have persecuted for our belief in the abominations of actions such as these genetic experiments. Abandon these experiments, and release those that have cried out against them, that is all that we ask."

Gowron considered it for a moment, rubbing a hand to his chin. Glancing around the tables on either side of the High Council, the warriors there had remained amazingly quiet throughout the confrontations. As he glanced around at their faces, he could see they were nodding their agreement to the bargain.

"You will suppress this information. Protect the wej'oy'nem and the High Council's involvement?" Gowron asked.

"I will see to it. But as Dergaus pointed out, the people, they already know, and they will be watching. They are all bej'mey Gowron." Lee stated.

"Then we will agree." Gowron turned to Dergaus and with wide eyes and a slightly twisted expression added, "Unfortunately, your brother K'Ral had a terrible accident while in the mines of Rura Penthe. He has been killed I am informed. We were just making the arrangements to have his body returned to the house of Kras."

The news hurt Dergaus. Even as a strong warrior, he had a deep love for his older brother, and wasn't afraid to let his feeling show.

Lee put a hand on Dergaus back and consoled him with a slight rub. "You will restore the family names, their honor and possessions, clearing them of all of these charges of treason."

Gowron's grin relaxed and his eyes found the Captain's. "That will be done, Price. Now go. Before I change my mind."

Lee gave the Chancellor a nod, and then activated his comm badge. "Price to Qul'etlh. Beam us up 'mate. It's all over. The bej'mey have finished their business here. Time to return home."

A few moments later, the shimmering blue field of the Qul'etlh's transporter beam surrounded the away team and beamed them out of the Great Hall and back on board the Qul'etlh.

"Welcome back General." The transporter operator greeted.

"Nice to be back 'mate. Notify the bridge to set course back to Boreth to meet with the Galaxy." Price instructed.

"Aye sir." The operator said while the away team exited the cargo bay transporter for other areas of the ship.

By:Ensign Lexana Ral
Junior Counselor
USS Galaxy

Ral had drifted back into the sleep..the burning pain of the Dermal Replicator had ceased.. now she was left in her drug-induced sleep. Part of her was awake, thinking over what had happened.. she didn't know how she'd become injured.. only that she'd been in the Jeffries tube.. then out of it.. then.. Lt Albrecht had taken her to sickbay.. she remembered the pulsing of her blood flowing from the wound.. the red stickiness of her uniform as it had been peeled away from her flesh.. then the pain of an anaesthesia gone wrong...

Now she was dreaming...She didn't know where she was, everything about her was dark. Like a blind person she fumbled around.. trying to get some idea of her surroundings. An eerie, red glow filled the room. She could hear breathing...Someone was behind her..very close. She could feel hot breath on the back of her neck, but she was too afraid to turn around. She heard the sound of a knife being drawn out of its sheath.. She shivered, she was too afraid to run away. Her muscles wouldn't obey her. She was frozen to the ground.

The knife blade pricked her flesh, she felt it pierce the ivory skin and a small trickle of blood ran down her neck, curling its way down her chest, leaving a dark streak against her pale complexion. the knife scraped around her neck, cutting just deep enough to draw blood.

"I have to move." Ral thought.

With a sudden effort she broke away from her tormentor and staggered forward. It semed like the floor had been turned to something resembling taffy. It was hard to pick her feet up. Looking down, she saw that the surface was not solid. It was as though she was standing in some kind of mire. She lifted another foot , it dripped with goo as she placed it, once agin in front of her. She sound of footsteps sloshing behind her reminded her the some dumb twit wanted to carve her up. She was scared yes, terrified in fact, yet part of her (probably the Romulan part) was rather ticked at the idea that someone felt they had the right to cut slices off her.

She moved forward again, there had to be some solid ground or something, somewhere. It seemed the ground shook beneath her, Ral fought to keep her balance. She heard a large splash behind her. Her attacker, it seemed, had not been so lucky.

"Bloody Ape." Ral thought "I hope he drowns"

The room appeared to be opening up in front of her, she could see trees ahead, grass, or something like it. She waded through the ick and used a branch to pull herself up onto solid ground. She was able to get a view of her tormentor from wheere she was standing, he was spashing around, trying to get up. From this distance, it was hard to tell exactly what her looked like, however, once he had pulled himself up, it was obvious that he was Klingon. Ral thought that it would be logical he was a Klingon, as they seemed to have had it in for her of late. The Klingon yelled something intelligable at her and came after her. "Piss off!" Ral yelled back "Oh ****" She turned and ran deeper into the trees... The Klingon was moving faster now. He shouldn't have been able to catch up with her that fast, but somehow he had. Well, after all, this was a dream and anything can happen. He was only a few feet behing her now, Ral grabbed a branch and let it swing back at him. He let out a yell of pain and stopped in his tracks.

Curious now, Ral turned around to see what had happened. The branch had hit him in the face and it appeared to be stuck there. Ral wondered why, then the Klingon broke off a large twig. It appeared the branch had stuck him one in the eye. The twig was currently sticking out of his right eyeball, and ooze was dribbling down the side of his face. He was cussing at her in Klingon.. loudly.. He tried to pull the twig out... There was a juicy "shlup" sound as he succeeded in doing so... however he also succeeded in pulling out his eyeball. It sat happily on the end of the twig as the klingon stared in amazement with his good eye.

Ral thought it looked like some gory kind of lollipop and wondered idly if the Klingon was going to eat it. "Ich" she said..

The Klingon was still staring in wonder that he'd managed to pull out his own eye. Then he suddenly realised exactly how much pain he was in and let out a large roar. Ral didn't wait to see if he was going to try and put the eye back in, she ran for it....

She stopped in a small clearing, and leaned against a tree to catch her breath. "I think I'm dreaming" she breathed "But I don't know..But maybe if I get killed in a dream..I won't wake up.. This is NOT a good situation. Come on Lexana.. there has to be a solution.. "

Someone was whistling a tune... Ral knew it was familiar.. it took a a second to figure out where it was from. She often watch 20th century films when she was bored.. this song was from "Nightmare on Elm Street" the whislting changed to singing... "One...Two..Freddy's coming for you.... Three...Four..Better lock your door... Five...Six.. Get a crucifix.."

"Bloody Hell!" Ral said "You Klingon bastard.. why don't you piss off and leave methe **** alone.?" She looked around.. desperately trying to see if he was there..in the trees..hiding

"Lexana... do you like games?" The voice seemed to be coming from everywhere "How about... Find the lady? I bet I can find you... And when I do..." There was a sound like someone running their nails down a chalk board..

"Bugger OFF!" Ral felt extremely sick.. she knew what happened to lone women in 20th Century horror movies... they got dead..

"Do you like horror movies?" The voice was nearer now

" Not particularly" Ral had hefted a branch and fully intended to clobber this sad dude with it when she got the chance..

"I'm watching one now.."

"No you're not you hairy freak! You''re in a God Damned forest.. what the hell are you on about?" "Do you have a boyfriend Lexana?" Closer...

"No... Wait! I know what you're doing !!You Pillock! If you think reciting lines from "Scream" is going to scare me you've got another thing coming"

"I'm watching you Lexana.."

"Yeah.. well you better be cos the first chance I get I'm going to whack some sense into you.. Get over here!" Ral held the branch like a baseball bat. She wondered just how the hell she could get herself into such a situation. She knew she was dreaming...But normally she could control her dreams.. This one, it appeared had run wild. She figured it must have had something to do with the drugs she was given in sickbay.. She concentrated harder.. If she could change the dream till she woke up.. she'd be fine..

"GOT YOU!" her tormentor leaped in front of her.. brandishing his... Finger nails.. which were in fact, knives. He was Klingon in physiology.. yet had Freddy Krueger's fingernails..

Ral screamed and jumped back. He clicked his nails at her. "What shall we play first?"

"How about... Kick the luser?" Ral suggested

"How about.. SKIN THE CAT??! " He tried to jump her.. but Ral stumbled backwards and landed on the floor. she lay there looking helpless for a moment.. then she concentrated.. REALLY hard..to think of someone to save her.. All of a sudden a small boy in an orange coat appeared. He looked rather cartoonish.. He said something

"Mffmfmfmf?"

"Kenny?" Ral couldn't believe she'd just imagined someone from "Southpark"

The Klingon-Krueger turned around.. There was a muffled squawk and Kenny lay on the floor in a pool of blood..minus his head..

"Oh my god! Freddy Krueger killed Kenny!" Ral shrieked "You BASTARD!"

"You're next"

"Bite me"

"If you insist" He clicked his nails again..

Ral concentrated harder.. there had to be someone..Someone brave...with someweapon or something...

"Shaggerific" Said a British voice

"Not YOU! I wanted James Bond not Austin Powers.." Ral grumbled..

Austin Powers vanished in a puff of smoke.. "Cool" Thought Ral.. "I'm gettin the hang of this..Now..."

Suddenly, a masked man appeared. He was wearing a black cape and looked rather dashing.. He also had a sword. "Die you Dog!" He yelled at the Klingon..He thrust the sword at him, however it was parried by the Klingon's nails.

"Zorro?" Ral said "This'll work... sweet."

Zorro did a backslash with his sword and cut off the Klingon's arm at the shoulder. Blood fountained from it.. The Klingon looked cross.

"You bastard." he said "That hurt!"

"You will die like the scum you are!" Zorro held his sword in front of his face then he lunged forward again. He made a "Z" mark on the Klingon's chest. "You will die wearing the mark of Zorro!"

"What a prick" Ral thought.. "Oh well, as long as he gets the Job done.."

"You fairy!" Yelled the klingon "Just for that, I'm going to kill you!"

Zorro lunged again and cut off one of the Klingon's legs in a wonderful display of swordmanship... More blood stained the floor.. "Die scum!"

The Klingon was hopping on one leg now.. "You Ponce.. look at you with your poncy sword.. bet you can't kill me. Come on.. Try it"

Zorro shrugged and sliced off his other arm.. This time it went flying through the air and landed near Ral. "Hey.. watch where you're throwing that stuff!" she said

"Sorry!" Zorry yelled.. "Do you yield.. you Klingon dog?

"Bugger off! You ponce!" The Klingon now had no arms and only one leg

"Very well" Zorro cut off his other leg... The bleeding torso of the Klingon hit the ground with a wet thud.

"You Bastard! Come over here.. I'm not done yet... " The klingon said

Zorro stood over him "Now look.. you have no arms.. and no legs.. how are you going to defend yourself dog?" He then cut off the Klingon's head and it rolled a few feet away down the slope. However, the Klingon was still talking..

"You Fairy! Get over here.. I'll bite your feet off!" He yelled.. Zorro ignored him and went to see Ral

"Are you alright madam?" He asked, helping her up

"Just peachy" She replied "I'd be even better if I could wake up"

Zorro smiled and said "You know sleeping beauty was awakened by a kiss" he leaned forward..smiling..

"You have something stuck in your teeth" Ral replied smoothly "I'm not sure but it looks like spinach.."

Zorro looked stumped and pressed his lips together, running his tongue along his teeth. He stared at the floor... wait a minute.. there was nothing stuck in his teeth.. what was she talking about?

He looked up.. however, Ral had disappeared. "How convenient" Thought Zorro sadly as he vanished "Ah well.. That's life. Bloody women."

By:Ensign Lexana Ral
Junior Counselor and Resident Weirdo
USS Galaxy
With the help of:
John Cleese, Micheal Palin, Eric Idle and the other one.