"Mixing it Up..."
by Lt. AC Hewson
with Lt. (jg) George Prince
Lt. K'Eytyanna Samara
Lt. (jg) James Chen
Ensign Kares T'Vek (the native)
Dr. Cat Khatroweena
Lt. Hunter McKenzie
and Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga

AC sighed in relief as the turbo-lift doors opened. He placed the heavy case that he’d been carrying inside of the lift before stepping in, the doors hissing shut behind him. The case contained quite a large variety of liquor that AC had taken out of his private collection to use at the poker game. What was a poker game without some refreshments, after all?

As the lift made it’s way to Deck 11, AC took the PADD that was resting on top of the case and began to look over the program he’d designed for tonight. It wasn’t anything super fancy, but then again it didn’t need to be elaborate. AC would have liked to come up with a better design, but this spur of the moment idea to hold a poker game didn’t allow him time to come up with much else. The case seemed even heavier as AC picked it up and exited the lift.

***** Holodeck 2, fifteen minutes later *****

The program underwent a few last minute adjustments before the players arrived. AC had mulled over the idea of having music play in the background, but decided it might seem too distracting. Walking over to the bar, AC poured himself a drink and smiled as he looked at the final product.

The room was quite similar to what one would expect to find on a Galaxy Class Starship. The carpet was the same as that found throughout the ship, the walls the same gray color. The room was well lit, yet not enough to be uncomfortable to the eyes. A mini-bar near the right wall housed the liquor, as well as a few non-intoxicating beverages. A sleek, jet-black table served as the main attraction to the room. The table was round, large enough to seat ten people. Indentions in the tabletop served as cup-holders for those who wished to enjoy a drink while playing. With any luck, this would be an enjoyable experience.

“Cards!” AC reminded himself outloud. AC took out an unused pack of playing cards from the carrying case he had brought with him. “Good old Academy issued!” he said with a smile as he took the deck out of the small metal box. There was something magical about a new set of cards being played for the first time. He took a seat at the table and placed his drink in the cup-holder. After removing the jokers, he spread the cards out on the table and began to randomize them. This went on for a few minutes, as AC wanted to make sure they were correctly shuffled.

After another five minutes, the doors to the holodeck opened and Lt. (jg) George Prince stepped into the room.

“Hello there!” AC said, glad to see at least one person showed up, “I don’t believe we’ve met. Lt. AC Hewson.”

“Lt. (jg) George Prince, shuttle pilot.” George said as he sat down on the other side of the table.

“First one I guess?” George asked.

“Looks like. Hopefully a few more people will show up. Help yourself to a drink.” AC motioned with his hand towards the mini-bar.

“Ok, thanks.” George said as he got up.

“Be careful though,” AC called after him, “that’s stuff is for real; no synth-ahol in here.”

“That’s the way I like it,” George said as he sat down. Alan couldn’t help but notice a rather nasty scar on Prince’s right hand as the shuttle pilot lifted the glass to his lips.

“What’s the story behind that?” Alan pointed towards the blemish.

“Excuse me?”

“Your hand. I noticed that scar you’ve got there.”

“Oh this,” Prince said with a slight laugh, “I received this after trying to take on a Klingon in a fight one time. The bastard got me his knife.” Prince cupped his hand as he spoke. “I never did get rid of the scar, helps me to remember not to make any more obscene questions about a Klingon’s mother.”

“I got one of my own,” AC tapped the scar on the underside of his chin with his index finger. “I got this beauty after having one-too-many shots of Scotch. Passed right out and WHAM!” Alan hit the top of the table with his palm, “Landed chin first on a glass table. Smashed it, and my chin, to hell. I never got it removed to help me to remember never to get that drunk again.”

“So all those drinks over there belong to you I guess?”

“Yeah, I like to keep a collection of beverages. Mostly wine from earth, but quite a few exotic breeds as well.” As Alan finished his sentence, the doors once again opened and in stepped Ensign Keras T’Vek.

Of all the people on the ship, Alan hadn’t expected a Vulcan to show up for social hour.

“Ensign, welcome. I’m Lt. AC Hewson, and he is Lt. (jg) George Prince” Alan motioned for the science officer to take a seat.

“Greetings, Lieutenants.” T’Vek spoke in the monotone voice the Vulcans were famous for. Shortly after that Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga joined the party.

Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga had worked under AC for awhile in engineering, but Alan had never noticed how beautiful she really was. Taken off guard, he stumbled over his words. “Ensign M’Benga, glad you could join us.”

Small talk continued for a few minutes until George suddenly stood up.

“There’s something I gotta do real quick.” George said as he made his way towards the door. "I’ll be right back.”

“George! Where ya going, fella?” Be’Tran called after him. She got no response as the doors slid shut behind the shuttle pilot.

“So M’Benga, I don’t think I ever caught your first name?” AC asked, still trying to figure out where George had run off too. A look of confusion spread over M’Benga’s face.

“Uh…Be’Tran. We’ve been working together for awhile now, AC. I thought you would remember.”

Strike one.

“Of course, Be’Tran…of course,” AC trailed off. “I’m so sorry, I’ve just been so busy with all the repair work I’ve been doing lately on all these hull breaches…” he tried to recover.

*Oh Bravo…* his own voice echoed in his head, followed by a few dull claps.

Thankfully, George returned just in the nick of time to break up the icy silence that had formed while he was away.

“Sorry all, forgot to turn my oven off,” Prince said as he took his glass to the bar to freshen it up.

“An oven?” Kares asked, his right eyebrow making its way upwards. AC almost jumped at the sound of Kares’s voice. He had forgotten the Vulcan was still in the room.

“Yeah, I have an old-time oven that my mother gave me as a graduation gift,” Prince explained.

“I think the only thing my parents gave me when I graduated was a handshake and a ticket on the closest shuttle away from home,” AC joked.

The three other officers laughed as Kares sat back, his demeanor unchanged.

“Ok, the real fun can start,” Cat’s voice announced as she entered the room.

“What’s up, Doc?” Be’Tran said, smiling at Cat.

“How are you Cat? Ready to loose all your money tonight?” AC taunted his friend.

“Only to you, AC, only to you,” she returned with a smile.

“Dr.,” Kares voice caught Cat’s attention, “I wanted to thank you for working on my leg. It was excellent work.” Kares complimented Cat.

“Why thank you, Kares.” Cat purred.

“So, why don’t we go ahead and start?” George asked.

“Yeah, let’s get started,” Be’Tran seconded.

“Allrighty folks, the game is seven card stud,” AC dealt the cards.

“Hey, everyone!” Lt. (jg) James Chen said as the first round of betting began.

“James, glad you’re here. Sorry, we just started.” AC said as he raised six.

“You will have to wait until the next hand,” Kares told Chen.

“Not a problem. I’ll just go fix myself a drink.”

AC continued to call the bet whenever it came his way, but Be’Tran continued to raise everytime.

“You must have one hell of a hand right there,” AC said amazed that Be’Tran was betting so much since the first three cards hadn’t even been dealt yet.

“Oh, I didn’t know I had a choice,” she said, “Backgammon is really my game.” This comment started a rule by rule explanation of seven card stud by Ensign T’Vek. “Well I guess Kares is the man with all the answers,” Be’Tran said as Kares finished.

“That is quite unlogical, Be’Tran. I could not possibly have all the answers. One would have to be omniscient to have all the answers.” Kares said deadpan.

“Sorry I brought it up.”

“I wouldn’t trust her, Kares. She’s probably a card shark.” AC commented. “But be extra careful of that one.” AC pointed towards Cat. “I think she’s the one who’s gonna walk away with all our money tonight.”

“Me? Not hardly.” Cat said, frustrated with the cards she had.

After a few more rounds of betting, the time to lay down the cards came around. Kares had a pair of sixes, AC a pair of eights, George held nothing Ace high, and Cat had allready folded. Be’Tran put down her cards: two pair, eights and sixes.

“See, I told you,” AC told Kares as Be’Tran raked the winnings towards her with a smile. "Card shark through and through.”

A few hands later, with AC and Kares battling it out for first place, K'Eytyanna Samara joined the game.

“DAMNIT!” K’Eytyanna shouted as she lost her first hand of play to AC, who held a pair of aces. She got up from her chair and let loose a full power kick on the holographic bulkhead, denting it in.

“Remind me to let you win from now on,” AC said as he counted his chips.

“I have some Romulan Ale at my quarters if anyone would like some?” James suggested. The cards hadn’t been all that nice to James, and he figured he could use a drink.

“Oh, god yes!” Cat moaned from her seat. She too hadn’t faired too well.

“There’s a bottle over at the bar,” AC said as James got up.

“Here it is,” James’s voice was a little muffled as he was bent over behind the counter, gathering some glasses. As he sat back down, James passed out a shot glass to everyone at the table, just in case. James filled his glass, took a shout of the potent liquid, then repeated the action.

“Pass that bottle down this way,” AC said.

“Share and share alike,” James said as he handed the bottle to AC who sat to James’s left.

“2323,” AC checked the vintage on the Ale, “a very, very good year.” AC said before tossing back a shot.

“Down here,” Cat motioned.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a drunk Caitan before,” Lt. Hunter McKenzie, who had joined a little after K’Eytyanna, joked.

“And you won’t tonight,” Cat replied, taking another shot of the stuff before passing it back down to AC who did the same.

***** Later *****

“Time to make up my mind: Stand or fold?” AC thought outloud. AC had been in the lead most of the night, but Kares was still close behind. “I really wish I could read you, my friend,” AC told Kares who had a built in poker face. “Oh hell, I’m in.” AC called Kares’s bet of 28.

“Watch his eyebrows when he looks at his cards,” Be’Tran whispered in AC’s ear.

“It’s just hard to tell with this cold son of a…” AC began, but stopped as he noticed that Kares was looking at the two officers. It was that god damn hearing that Vulcans had.

***** ¼ of a bottle later *****

“Too bad this isn’t strip poker,” Hunter joked as he won the pot.

“I could go for that!” AC responded a large grin on his face.

“I am not aware with that form of poker,” Kares spoke.

“It’s a great game,” Cat laughed, “I think we’d all be wearing a little less clothing right now.”

“So this game is played in different attire?” Kares innocently asked.

“You could say that,” AC chuckled to himself.

“Would you like me to show you?” Be’Tran devilishly asked.

“Go for it,” James responded, doubting that Be’Tran would actually do it. To his surprise, and to everyone else’s, Be’Tran got up on the table and began to remove her uniform jacket.

Hunter whistled out loud, and received a punch in the arm from K’Eytyanna for it.

After her jacket was off, Be’Tran winked at Kares and sat back down in her chair, still wearing her gold turtleneck.

“I see,” Kares said aloud, once again raising an eyebrow.

***** Half a bottle of Romulan Ale Down *****

“This is one damn fine ship,” James said between hands. “And the finest captain in the fleet.”

“I have observed that Captain Price is a very capable captain,” Kares acknowledged.

“To the best ship in Starfleet!” James toasted, raising his glass.

“To the Galaxy,” the other officers echoed.

“And no more money to AC,” Cat laughed.

“I just treat it like charity.”

“A bloody rich charity if you ask me,” K’Eytyanna stated as she got up. “It’s been fun, but I better be running along. Thanks for the drinks, AC.”

“Sure thing K’Eytyanna, see you later.”

“I better be getting along, too,” Hunter said, following after K’Eytyanna.

“No surprise there,” Be’Tran commented as the couple left.

“Anyone want a drink?” AC asked as he got up from the table. He was on a bit of a loosing streak, so he decided to take a break for a hand.

“A glass of ice water, please.” Keras requested.

“A German beer or iced tea for me, thanks,” Be’Tran said.

As AC returned to the table, he tripped over his own feet (thanks to the Ale he had consumed) and spilled the drink all over Keras.

“Jesus, I’m sorry!” AC said, trying not to laugh at the look on Kares face as he looked down at his uniform.

“Excuse me,” Kares said as he got up to change.

“Kares, wait a minute!” AC called to the Vulcan as he made his way to the exit. “You can just step behind the counter and replicate a new set of clothes.” AC suggested.

“Acceptable,” Kares simply spoke as he went behind the counter, slowing taking off his wet uniform.

***** ¾ down, ¼ to go on the Ale *****

“You’re mad at me aren’t you?” AC asked Kares as the bet passed his way.

“I do not feel emotions, AC,” Kares explained, “So I do not harbor any hostile feelings towards you.”

“Come on, you’re real mad, aren’t you? I can tell.”

“Vulcans don’t have emotions, AC.” Be’Tran stated.

“You are mistaken, Be’Tran. Vulcans simply exercise control over their emotions.” Kares corrected the engineer.

“I’m surprised you came, Kares.” Cat changed the subject, “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I thought it would be a good way to meet some fellow officers; to “Mix it up with the natives” I believe the expression goes.” The whole table erupted in laughter. No one had ever heard the phrase “Mix it up with the natives” from a Vulcan before. After the laughter died down, AC passed the bottle of Ale to Kares.

“Come on, Kares. You have to have at least one shot.”

“An intoxicating beverage?” Kares glanced over at AC.

“Come on, go ahead,” James encouraged him.

Kares took the top off the bottle and took a whiff of the Ale. His head jerked back a tad as the strong fumes entered his nose.

“Very well,” Keras said as he poured himself a glass. He held the glass up in the air, making a quick estimate of how much was in the glass. Then, like an old pro, Kares tossed back the glass of Ale.

“Fascinating,” Kares uttered as he placed the glass back on the table.

‘The Journey’
By Ensign Aaron Sharp and Lt jg Ryak Sullax

Ensign Sharp sat at the helm of the Qul’etlh as they neared the planet Boreth.

“Approaching The Galaxy, General.” he announced.

“On screen.” Price replied, standing to his feet. The viewscreen came alive and showed the USS Galaxy in the distance, in orbit aroundthe planet. But something didn’t look quite right. Price’s eyesnarrowed slightly.

“Magnify.” he ordered. Suddenly, the Galaxy filled theviewscreen, the extensive damage plainly obvious.

“Struth!” Price exclaimed, his eyebrows shooting upwards,“What’s Casey done to my ship!” He sat back down with an audible whump.

**** Some time later ****

Aaron entered his cabin, glad to be back on ship. He checkedthrough his messages and noticed one of the Romulan science officers needed a pilot to take him to Romulus. Aaron spoke fluent Romulan but had neverhad the opportunity to go to the alien planet, so he put in anapplication for the position. It seemed like a good opportunity, and he was neverone to pass up good opportunities. After sending the message he lay down forsome much needed rest.

**** 4 hours later ****

Aaron was awakened by the sound of his com badge chirping. [Lt Sullax to Ensign Sharp.]"Ensign Sharp here sir."

[Ensign when you have some time could you come to my quarters. Iwould like to discuss our journey to Romulus. We will be leaving as soon as the Galaxy leaves Klingon space.]

"Aye sir, anything else?" Aaron asked.

[Yes Ensign, one more thing. I expect you to bring your ideas onthe best shuttle for the job and I assume you are capable of having therequest for the shuttle and the route plan filed by the time I wish to leave.]

"Aye sir."

[Be there soon, Sullax out.]

As soon as the conversation was finished Aaron put through arequest for a type 6 shuttlecraft, stating the purpose for the trip. Then hesent a message to Lieutenant Bancroft informing her that he would betaking Sullax to Romulas. With the formalities out of the way he headed up toSullax’squarters.

**** Lt jg Sullax’s quarters ****

Ryak entered his quarters and started packing his belongings and some scientific equipment for his journey to Romulus. A short time passed when he heard his door chime. Ryak answered his door to find Ensign Sharp there. Ryak quickly went over the plans and let the Ensign get ready for his trip.

**** Shuttle bay 3 ****

Aaron had the Shuttlecraft Bathurst ready for launch and was going over his final pre-launch checks when Lt Sullax arrived.

“Ensign, I trust everything is ready.”

“Yes sir. As soon as you have everything you need aboard we cango.” Aaron replied.

“Then let us not waste any further time. I have everything I need with me.”Ryak stated flatly.

“Aye sir,” Aaron acknowledged, “lifting off right away.Shuttlecraft Bathurst requesting permission to depart.”

The Ops officer on duty replied immediately.[Shuttlecraft Bathurst, you are cleared for departure. Goodluck.]

“Thanks Galaxy, Bathurst out.” And with that Aaron lifted thevessel off the bay floor and sent it gliding smoothly out the shuttlebaydoors. He punched in the course for Romulus and the tiny craft leapt awayat warp 2. Aaron leaned back and turned to face Ryak.

“Well sir, we’re away. ETA to Romulus, four days.”

Never too far from home
By: Lieutenant Mélissa Marie Boudreau

Melissa had finished her visit of San Francisco, and had travelled to China as well. It was time to go home. She didn't have that much time left to visit with her family. She hadn't even told them she was going to Earth. They would be surprised to see her.

Perhaps Melissa hadn't returned home earlier because she was dreading. She was scared that if she went back home and spent too much time with her friends and family, that she wouldn't want to go back to Starfleet, to the Galaxy. She was scared of what could happen to her and her friends out there in space. Even though she hadn't know Specialist Blake very long, Melissa mourned her death. She had watched Madison die and she didn't want to see anything like that ever again. That wasn't too much to ask was it?? Maybe it was when you lived and worked on a Galaxy class starship.

Starfleet Academy was very busy, as usual. Actually, it was probably a little busier than it had been just a couple of years before, when Melissa had attended. After all, the war with the Dominion took a lot of man-power, so Starfleet must be allowing more cadets into training. Melissa had visited some of her old friends and professors. She was happy to know that everything was almost all the same as usual on Earth.

Before going to a transporter station, she stopped at a computer terminal and checked for messages. There was one from AC back on the Galaxy. Melissa laughed as she found the request for alcohol very typical of her friend. She read through the rest of her messages and walked towards the transporters. Melissa had worn her uniform to visit the Academy. She was, after all, very proud of her rank and station. It also meant that she would be going home in her uniform though.

"Lieutenant?" The transporter operator woke her out of her daydream. "What is your destination?"

Melissa smiled. "Québec City. Duberger transport station."

No more than a few seconds later, Melissa was home. The civilian transporter operator looked surprised. Very few non-local peoople used the transporters there very often. It wasn't a tourist-oriented part of the city and the people tended to stay where they were. His eyes widened as he noticed the Starfleet uniform, not a common site in the remote area.

Melissa recognized Daniel immidiately. She had gone to school with him. "Bonjour Daniel. Comment ça va?? You have found a good job for yourself I see."

"Mon Dieu! Mélissa!! I see that you've decided to come back home for once! Your parents did not tell me to expect you!"

"That's because Maman et Papa don't know."

Daniel understood that she wanted to get home and didn't keep her much longer. Melissa walked outside and immediately felt right back at home. She'd never realized how nice Quebec smelled, how nice it was to see the green grass. You learned to appreciate much of nature when you live surrounded by Starfleet grey for a little while.

Melissa could tell that the people on the streets were talking about her as she walked towards her home. Those who didn't know her, wondered who this Starfleet officer could be, and those who knew her, were generally gossiping about her. She smiled at those who said hello and wondered how soon it would be before she would have hosts of old friends and other visitors at her house.

It was a very strange feeling to be back after so long. Melissa rounded the corner and caught sight of her house. The leaves of the maple trees in her yard rustled in the wind as if to welcome her. Her mother, Danica, saw Melissa through the window in her house and her jaw dropped. Almost immediately she called to her husband, and then ran out the door.

"Mélissa, Mélissa!! Ma fille... qu'est ce que tu fais ici?? Why didn't you warn me you were coming??" Her mother was nearly in tears. She was so happy to see her daughter again. Danica would never admit it, but she was always so worried about her daughter being in Starfleet... especially with the war with the Dominion.

Matthieu Boudreau came out of the house but a few seconds later. "Qu'est-ce qu'il y a Danica?" Then he spotted Melissa. "Mélissa! Quelle surprise ma chère!"

For minutes after that, the three stood outside, Danica talking almost non-stop about everything that was happening in the neighbourhood. Several neighbours had managed to see Melissa by now and were standing outside chatting. Their neighbourhood Starfleet pride and joy was back.

Finally, Melissa's mother ushered them inside. "I will make your favorite for supper darling! Oh, and I'll have to prepare some cake for tea. Goodness know, we'll probably have a croud of visitors this evening. I'm sure your friend will be glad to see you."

It was actually easier to come back home than Melissa had thought. She guessed that no matter how far away she would travel, no matter how many new worlds she visited, Melissa was never too far from home.

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

"Gifts"
by, Ensign Raesene Hermedhie

*** Aboard the Qul'leth ***

Raesene stood upon the transporter pad with the rest of the small group of Federation officers, waiting to be transferred to the Galaxy. His friend Qarg suddenly walked up and handed him a small bundle... that moved slightly.

"My friend, accept this small gift as an acknowledgement of your honor. May its companionship lead you down your path..." Then a small furry head poked out of the bundle. Raesene was still surprised, when the group was transported over to the Galaxy.

In the following weeks, Raesene learned much about the species, and also moved foreward into his new job as a Lieutenant Junior Grade.

Oops, we forgot to visit the Florist
by Lt jg Numa Tureen
with Lt. Endris Gakor

*** 4 days before Leaving Earth, M'Benga Arboretum ***

Numa was in awe of all the exotic plants. She stopped by a particularity fragrant yellow blossom and analyzed it with her tricorder. *Hum*, she thought, *rich*. Seeing nothing dangerous in the plant's protein matrix, she impulsively tasted one of the poppies. "Yumm!", she exclaimed aloud despite the lack of audience. "These are really good!"

Noticing an entire terrace filled with the fragerant blossoms, she collected a pound of them in her specimen container. *B'Tran did say I could have some flowers if I wanted*, she reasoned to herself.

A few minutes later, she heard a traditional Bantu dinner song calling her to Oinkus. Pulling herself away from the alluring yellow flowers, she headed towards the mansion to see what feast was set before the guests.

*** Later, Inside the Cydonia, the trip back to the USS Galaxy ***

Conversation floated around the shuttle, but everyone seemed a bit weary from their excursions on Earth. Lieutenant Bordeaux rose and went back to the engine compartment when a whining sound protested the ships movement. It didn't take long to diagnose and cure the problem. Somehow, a few Tribbles had managed to fester near the ships warp coils. *How did those get there?* she thought. Humanely, she contained the hungry beasts inside a force field until a better solution could be found.

Meanwhile, in the passenger compartment, Mendenhall was telling a joke to lighten everyone's mood. Getting few laughs in response, Numa saw her chance to improve morale and opened the container of flowers, passing them to Gakor for inspection. The interim comedian continued to elicit few laughs in response to his lame jokes.

"Snacks alive!!! They smell delicious." Endris Gakor reached into the bag to pull forth the delicate looking snacks. She had never before thought about eating flowers. "What do you call them?", Endris asked innocently. "I don't know", the blue Lieutenant confessed. "I found them in the M'Benga arboretum. Hearing her surname called, the Ensign shuffled over and identified the Itonian Poppies. "Oh!," she exclaimed. "Those are one of my favorites", the dark-hued human replied, grabbing a handful.

Endris looked at Numa who was popping a few tiny puds into her mouth, and she decided to mimic her actions. The young doctor place a few pips into her mouth and as she bit down into the delicate buds a look of sweet contentment instantly settled on her porcine face. Her eyes shut as she savored the sweet flavor. "Mmmmm...these are indescribable." the Tellarite opened her eyes and reached for more.

"I made sure I brought plenty to go around. Here, try some." Numa held out her bag toward the rest of the crew and passengers of the shuttle, offering them some of the flowery snacks.

There was a sudden outbreak of laughter from Matthew's position. Turning, Numa looked over at where it came from. The security officer was laughing so hard that his face was turning a deep shade of purple. "What? Tony's jokes aren't THAT funny?" Numa exclaimed as she followed his pointing finger. Numa saw what had set Matthew off, and it was her turn to burst out chuckling. She turned to see Ensign M'Benga slide out of her seat with a solid thud. She too was laughing. Soon the whole cabin of the shuttle was echoing with the gayous sounds of hearty laughter.

Endris Gakor was sitting with each hand full of flowers. She had placed a few of the larger ones in her hair. Loose petals and pollen powdered the front of her clothing. Delicate flowery petals ranging the whole spectrum of colors protruded from between her moist lips. It was all Mei Xiao Yin could do to keep the shuttle flying straight as she wiped tears from her dark brown eyes.

Casey Ti Miran was doubled over trying her best to subdue her uncontrolled peels of laughter. Her petite daughter was also dancing. Gakor wondered where Numa had found these plants, and concluded the Benzite had visited an arboretum while she had been trapped in the past.

Lieutenant (jg) Chen dropped his book in a fit of amusement, looking considerably more relaxed than before leave. "Nutrients! Do you think these things could be dangerous? I feel so uninhibited.....", Gakor managed through bouts of laughing. She looked towards the replicator, thinking some solid food might alleviate the side effects of the delicious petals. But her feet had different ideas, and she was soon towering above Matthew Albrecht, who had collapsed in a fit of chortling into a chair.

The human's expression was priceless when Gakor planted a big wet sloppy kiss right on his lips and then sat in his lap! "Lieutenant Tureen," chuckle, "can you", gasp, " manage to", belch, "close that", extended pause, "container?", Albrecht said unannoyed by the pleasant distraction bouncing up and down his groin.

The young Benzite struggled to contain the raw pollen inside the sack, and the concentration in the Cydonia's air settled down enough that people stopped their uncontrolled laughing. Gakes thought all their problems were over, when suddenly strong human arms wrapped around her and pulled the Tellarite into a deep, passionate embrace.

"Starvation, Matthew! The gas has been extinguished!", she tickled. When the bout of smooching continued, Endris was surprised to hear the human reply "Quiet Bacon Bits, I'm in the middle of consuming a most delicious.... Snack", he said planting another suave but now unprotested kiss on the immunologist. (That is, if you don't consider squirming in delight a form of protest).

Numa sighed, running a tricorder over the erotic flowers. As she suspected, the pollen somehow produced gaseous Nitrous Oxide. "Fascinating", said the scientist. The others turned towards the Benzite, who concluded "this will make an interesting research project. I wonder how I didn't notice this before....", she said with a suspicious wink.

For the briefest moment, Endris considered and dismissed the idea that Numa deliberately planned the gas release. The young scientist seemed too methodical to potentially endanger the crew, so this must have been an oversight on her part. Something on the shuttle or in the crew must have produced an unexpected reaction, Gakor finally decided. And their was no way the Benzite could have known Gakor's part of the vacation had turned out so.... hectic.

"No harm done," Chided Matthew. Gakor decided the human had had his quota of mouth to mouth therapy for the day and returned to the replicator, breaking out an Oinkus of Gumbo for the passengers of the Cydonia. 15 minutes later, the shuttle was on its final approach to its mother ship... Shore Leave was over, and the shuttle's occupants disbanded to take their gear back to their homes, wondering where the Galaxy was going next....

"On The Rocks"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Deiran laid in his sleeping bag, looking up at the stars. He always made it a point to get the sky, the stars perfect in his simulations. Even now, as he did as a boy, he loved to stargaze. Deiran looked at his chronometer and saw it was time to begin the next day of festivities.

"Computer, change program to Vail 1B. Supply six snowboards," Casey commanded the holodeck computer.

A few seconds later, the ground turned into snow, the air turned frigid, the wind began to cool his skin as it whisked by him. The lagoon was gone as was the waterfall. They were now on the top of a mountain. In one of the most famous skiing resort areas in the galaxy, Vail, Colorado.

Everyone else was not prepared for the change in weather. And were freezing. They were startled from their sleep by cool air and the loud wail of a 20th century singer named Axel Rose, who was just beginning the vocals of, "Welcome To The Jungle."

Deiran was dressed in his snow gear. And yelled out, "Rise and shine campers! We have a mountain to conquer!"

Fifteen minutes later everyone was dressed and ready.

"First one down gets to catch dinner," Deiran said as he strapped his board to his feet and shoved off the mountain with a 10 foot leap off a small hill. He was hot-dogging like a crazy man.

Riding the side ridges, his board and body parallel to the ground almost. The snow seemed to caress his board, and Deiran treated his board quite harshly with jump after jump. He looked like a streak of lightening gone insane.

He had forgotten about the largest ramp of snow up ahead and wasn’t prepared when it came upon him. He recovered quickly and readied himself for the long descent that would come afterward.

Deiran’s board hit the ramp and his velocity catapulted him into the air. He did a complete 360 twist and a triple somersault and landed perfectly on the snow. It would’ve been a perfect 10 maneuver if he were in a contest.

When Deiran arrived at the end of the run. He slid to his left to stop. Unsnapped the board from his feet, stood it upright, leaning on it for support with his right forearm. He waited impatiently for the rest of his slowpoke party to end the run behind him. "You guys are slow!" Casey said jovially.

"Well we’re normal. And not completely insane like you!" Cat spat back in sarcasm.

"What a sweet complement Cat, thank you," he said deadpan.

Cat just rolled her eyes in response.

Deiran waited for James and Teb to end their run and join the team. Once everyone was gathered around Deiran began, "Okay to go again on the snowboards, we have to do some rock climbing." As Deiran said that the snow turned into red rocks and a huge mountain behind them. The Vail resort was gone. And the sky was a clear azure. A lone eagle was gliding above them.

"It’s the toughest rock climbing you’ll ever find. I hope you enjoy. I’m having lotsa fun and really happy you all decided to join me." The silence after that was deafening.

Deiran put his climbing gear on and started up the mountain first. He made the climb look simple. His strength showing as each movement was like precision at it’s finest. He went up the mountain quickly. There was no mistaking Deiran was in prime shape. His arms looked like the arms of a perfect piece of sculpture. His chest chiseled like Adonis. The ladies in the team couldn’t help but notice.

Casey strided the mountain and was waiting for everyone else for twenty minutes. He was used to waiting for people in these types of sporting events. Even when he wasn’t trying.

The whole day continued on like this. Snowboarding and then rock-climbing back up the mountain. By the end of the day everyone had a great workout. They stopped for lunch, and were back at the lagoon where they had spent the night before.

Since everyone knew she could fish, Kay was volunteered by the others to catch lunch.

Casey ate three large salmon and washed it down with a good old fashioned glass of lemonade.

Next on the agenda was windsurfing near Hawaii. Which was a blast. Casey’s legs were just as defined as his arms and chest. He was in better shape than he looked in his uniform. It was amazing what that uniform covered up.

To end the fun, Casey and the others went Hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro. The scenery there was breathtaking. But, consistent with Casey’s extremes, it was also dangerous to hang glide here.

Casey enjoyed himself as the wind carried him slowly down to the harbor down below the ridge where he and the others began. It was the perfect ending to a fun excursion in the holodecks.

Everyone was now standing on the beach. Casey spoke up, "I really had allot of fun with you all on this trip. I hope you’ll come and do this with me again some time. Thanks for being great companions."

The beach dissipated and the black-yellow grid of the holodeck appeared all around them.

All six of them exited the holodeck and headed back to the Galaxy.

But before heading back, Casey wanted to explore Starbase 74.

***** BLACKMAILED *****
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer),
USS Galaxy NCC-70637
w/ Dr. Khan Nilani, Lieutenant and
Cr. Karyn Dallas, Ensign and
Cr. Lexana Ral, Lieutenant (j.g.)

***** Sickbay *****

"Fine! Now who do I see," Nilani said in frustration and resignation.

"Like I said before, you go see a counsellor." Cat looked in concentration for a couple of seconds at Nilani.

"What?" Exclaimed Nilani in frustration.

"Come with me." Cat started to head out of Sickbay. Nilani hesitated for a couple of seconds and followed.

"I know the way to the Counsellor's Offices," the anger still apparent in Nilani's voice.

"Yeah, but I know you as well!" Cat returned. "Would you get there? That is the question."

***** Counsellor's Offices *****

"Yeah, Yeah! I know exactly what you mean. Cat definitely needs to slow down or she will burn out. You saw how she was in Sickbay." Ral and Karyn were discussing the recent 'chaos' in Sickbay. Ral was sitting on a desk swinging her feet, as usual, refusing to use a chair like everyone else.

"If I hadn't 'forced' her to take a break. I was sure she was close to exhaustion..." Karyn replied until the door bleeped saying someone was outside.

Almost in stereo, the two counsellors called out for the people outside to enter. Both looked at each other and gave small 'goofy' smiles of embarrassment. They both faced the door to see who was entering.

"Hello Nilani, Hello Cat!" called out Karyn as Nilani and Cat entered the offices. "What brings you guys in here?" asked Ral at the same time.

"Nilani has something to talk about," Cat responded.

"You're not my mother Cat and I can speak for myself," Nilani exclaimed.

"You're right! I'm here as the moral support," Cat leaned against a wall and crossed her arms. "OK Nilani!"

Ral slipped down off the desk and looked curious. It seemed unlike Nilani to be this brusque... especially not with Cat.

Nilani was silent for a couple of moments, what ever the problem was, it was causing her pain. Both the counsellors watched in concern.

"It started about a year ago. I, ah, received a letter..." Nilani went silent.

"What sort of letter?" asked Karyn softly. "What was in the letter?" Karyn felt the lump start to form in her stomach, which always preceded trouble or appeared when she had to swallow intense emotion. Deanna had affectionately referred to this as her "empathic sense." Outwardly, she was as cool as a cucumber.

"It was about my sister. She had been captured in the Occupation of Bajor. I thought she was dead, but this letter said she was alive."

"What was in the letter that makes you so despondent, Nilani?" asked Ral.

"The letter was from Cardassia. It came from a Gul Darod. He was one of the worst on Bajor and he sends me this letter to say that my sister is alive. She'll be returned if..." Nilani stopped, this was just getting to be too much for her. Memories were flooding back and old 'wounds' were beginning to open again.

"Blackmail!" asserted Ral. "Bastard! What's he want??"

Teary eyes looked up, "He wants me to stand trial for murder of his son. I accidentally killed him when I was escaping from the transport! He also writes in that if I do not return to Cardassia that he will kill my Sister!" She just managed to finish that sentence before bursting into tears.

Karyn looked a little shocked and Ral was scowling darkly... If The Cardie Bastard had been within range of her boot right then he'd be carrying certain parts of his anatomy home in a doggie bag...

"You should go see the Captain about this Nilani." Karyn suggested. "This has definite diplomatic implications." 'Damn,' thought Karyn. She hated the fact that she had to bring it up. Regs were regs and they had to abide by them. Ideally, she would have liked to counsel Nilani first before making her take such a big step. Talking about something like this to a counselor was hard enough but to talk about this without any counselling at all was going to be more difficult. It was this kind of save-the-world-now, heal emotional scars later that angered her. Not because she had to work harder, but because her patients had to work harder.

"I'm with Karyn. Come with me! We will both see the Captain together." Ral gently took Nilani's arm and the two of them headed out of the offices."

Karyn knew she needed to go with them. She trusted Lt. Ral's abilities completely but she had seen the look in Ral's eyes before. Hell, she'd even HAD that look before. It was important for them to stay objective. Getting angry would help no one. All she said was, "Permission to go with you Lt."

"What?" Ral looked puzzled, "Oh, yeah, come with me." Karyn looked at Nilani, saw how uncertain she looked and tried to offer her some comfort.

"Nilani, you have to remember - The whole of the Galaxy will be here for you. You don't have to be alone." Karyn told Nilani before she walked out the door. Nilani's only response was a small nod and the door closed. "I'll meet you there."

Karyn turned to Cat, "That has been eating her up inside for a long time, hasn't it!" She was going to speak to Ral and Nilani about future therapy for this after the talk with the Captain. This was bound to open up old wounds.

"Yeah, From before I came on board the Galaxy. Heck, I'll be here a year soon. No, the thing I am worried about is what Nilani is going to do. Nilani is an action person. She solves things by action, even if it isn't the totally right thing to do. Thanks for your time Karyn."

"That's all right Cat. Take care." She watched Cat go then left to catch up to Nilani and Ral. She wondered what Alan would say if he knew SHE had been the calm one this day. She laughed inwardly as she pictured his face and heard his laughter. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, preparing herself for what was to come.

****** 5 min Later ******

Nilani and Ral entered the bridge looking for the Captain.

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

***** Starbase 74 *****

Cat was jogging to get to the Holodeck, half hopping as she tried to get the zipper on her boot up. She was late to meet everybody for the 'Camping Trip.' As she was close to her destination, she slowed down, smoothed down her outfit and walked to meet everybody.

"Sorry everyone, couldn't find my boots," Cat tried to explain her 'tardiness.'

"Well good thing you found them. You'll need them," Deiran replied.

Deiran put his hand out, to bid entry and said, "Enter my domain."

The way Deiran put it, Cat added to his sentence in her mind. 'Said the spider to the fly!' That put Cat on her guard. Knowing Deiran, she was a little worried.

As the whole group walked in, they discovered themselves in an aeroplane hanger. Deiran talked that through their adventures they would be listening to old Rock and Roll. Deiran was talking about taking things to the extreme. For Deiran to consider something extreme, well...

As Cat was pondering what this mean they had in store, K'Eytyanna voiced the question that was everybody's mind. "Why are we in an aeroplane hangar?"

The Holodeck doors slammed shut and Deiran called out, "Well, it's the beginning of our funfest. No one can back out now. We're in here for a week," Deiran said, smiling. The smile did it, Deiran had something planned, something 'nasty.' "We're going skysurfing! Fun uh?"

Cat watched as K'Eytyanna and Tebrianne raced for the plane. Cat didn't feel too sure on this but she wasn't going to back away from this. 'Oh what the heck! I'm doing it!'

***** 3 miles up and a long way down *****

Cat had watched a couple of the others fly out of the plane as they skysurfed their way back to terra firma. She waited and looked down, while she knew she was in Holodeck, it didn't stop the feeling of her stomach drop out when she looked down. Cat felt a slight pressure on her shoulder and suddenly she was tumbling to the ground.

The spinning and a large dose of primal terror, she was out of control. Forcing her brain to remember she was in no real danger calmed herself a bit. The rushing wind and the 'falling' feeling rushed through her. After a little while, she was starting to enjoy the event. She shouted out a laugh to the wind and let the rush take her.

All too soon, the ground was getting closer and closer. Cat pulled the 'chute and glided to a good landing. She didn't quick make the perfect landing, her legs came out from under her and she landed a little hard on the rear. 'So much for a Cat always landing on her feet,' she quipped to herself.

As Cat was collecting the 'chute, she looked up at Deiran, the last to leave the plane. She thought that he was too low, he pulled the cord the 'chute came out and then snapped. Cat gasped, he was getting too close. He pulled the backup 'chute and it failed. Suddenly as Deiran got closer to the ground, his speed slowed and he landed softly on his feet. Angry at Deiran for pulling such a stupid stunt. 'Why do people use the Holodecks to 'kill' themselves?'

After Cat quickly checked her gear for the hike, she went after Deiran, "Deiran you're crazy!"

"Thanks Cat," he returned. Tebrianne continued on with the ribbing as they continued walking.

K'Eytyanna asked how far to the river. Deiran called back a total of twenty miles and over a mountain. 'I can feel my feet killing me now," Cat thought.

Deiran started to run up the mountain and as he passed Cat he picked her up and continued to run up the mountain.

"Will you put me down you ruddy great lug? This is totally undignified! Put me down. Deiran you're married!"

"C'mon Cat, I'd thought you'd enjoy being next to the great man." With Cat's protests, Deiran put her down. As he looked up the mountain, he began to laugh again.

"Why are you laughing so much Deiran?" Cat asked.

"I know what's coming," he replied and walked off and back up the mountain.

***** An hour later *****

The river looked peaceful, a nice blue. McCloud said, "This doesn't look so bad."

At that time, Deiran was getting the raft ready for the trip. He gave a laugh and headed over with his map. He pointed out all the rapids and whitewater that was part of the course.

Everybody boarded the raft and for a while it was a gentle trip. Just as Cat got lulled into a false sense of security, the raft hit the first of the whitewater. This was when the battle began. Fighting the rapids and keeping the raft off the rocks was an adventure in itself.

As the raft was doing one of it's slow three sixties, Cat looked a short distance up river. Something did not look right, a light spray seemed to slowly rise up from the water. 'What could it be? A Oh!' "Deiran where does the river go ahead of us?"

"It doesn't go anywhere. Just sit back and enjoy! We're all safe, this is just for fun. The safeties are on, and I wouldn't want any of you to be hurt. Just enjoy it!"

With in a few minutes, the raft was going over a waterfall and splashed into the water below. Cat spluttered a few times when she reached the surface. The water was cold, she was grateful that they were in a Holodeck and had the computer replicate some dry clothes and changed.

Fairly soon, the sky began to darken and the day had been busy. On her camp bed, she looked up at the glittering stars, wondering what was planned for tomorrow. Soon her eyes drew heavy and slept the sleep of the exhausted.

**By Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga **
** Lt. JG Numa Taurean **

Be'Tran and Numa arrived in New Orleans a little behind schedule, and they were naturally in a hurry. That didn't stop Be'Tran and Numa from shopping however. Betta had a couple more presents to get, and her father had given her a pretty well-stocked cash-voucher to get her through all of New Orleans' shopping courts unscathed. Numa, on the otherhand, still had some cash left over from her winnings in Vegas. Naturally, the two care free girls were riding around in style in the hot red miata convertible that was Numa's whenever they got the chance.

However, the Cydonia would be returning to the Galaxy soon, so the girls didn't have much time. They made sure that they were able to lunch at the infamous Sisko's restaurant, a great Cajun place that almost everybody in StarFleet tried when they visited New Orleans. The restaurant had earned popularity as Capt Sisko's name was becoming one of the most mentioned names throughout starfleet. After lunch, it was off to more shopping in the courts of New Orleans.

Their first stop was in a small Klingon shop, specializing in pet-things and children's toys. "What d'you have for, like, a Targ to play with?" Be'Tran asked the attendant, a short, chubby Klingon woman.

She disappeared into a back room and brought out a box of various chewy things, constructed of flexible, but very strong materials. It had to be strong for a Targ to get much more than one chew out of them.

Be'Tran rummaged the box, and selected a foot-long chewy that looked like a miniature bat'leth. "This One.", she said to the attendant, and handed her the cash-voucher. Numa had bought a stuffed Vole that Erikson's cat could play around with, and both of the young starfleet officers decided to pitch in and get a stuffed puppy with big button eyes for Lara.

"Who's that for?" asked Numa, as they stepped out into the street. She didn't know who the toy bat'leth was for.

"Lieutenant Samara," replied Be'Tran, "it's for her pet. D'Kana, I think she calls him." Be'Tran wasn't sure of the name, or the pronouciation, but she did know that she wanted to make a good impression on K'Eytyanna.

"He ought to enjoy chomping on it," said Numa, "but it doesn;t look too sturdy." she took the toy, and pulled and twisted on it. Maybe it was sturdier than it looked.

They continued through the shopping courts, in the gloomy, cloudy afternoon, until Be'Tran found the next spot to catch her interest. It was an antique store, like the one she had nearly ran into trouble in back near the shuttle-port.

The two young officers entered, and began to look around. Suddenly, from out of the back of the store, came an attendant (or, more likely, the store-owner). He was a tall, skinny Human, with long greyish hair, a half-grown beard, and a thin, weather-worn and pockmarked face. He looked to be about Be'Tran's father's age.

"Whadda y'want!?!" he bellowed.

"Well I was just..." began Be'Tran.

"Nope. Cant doer. Don't wanna!" said the man, "Now get out!" he went over to the door, and shoved it open, hard. "Get out! Get Out I said!"

Numa was getting a little ticked off. "Hey," she said, "We were just shopping. Your sign says 'Open' doesn't it?"

"Don't care!" the man bellowed again. He seemed drunk, or on some kindof narcotic, Numa thought. Be'Tran's senses were going wild. This man had more potential violence in him than any of the Klingons on board Galaxy had had, in her opinion.

"Said I don't care what the goddamn sign says!!" he shouted, his voice growing nasal, and shrill, as if he were in a panic.

Numa's skin flushed a darker shade of blue. Her nostrils flared and her facial tentacles began to quiver. Betta already felt the anger building within the refined form of her companion. Numa balled her hands into fists and placed them upon her hips. Her eyes deepened a shade or two. She opened her mouth to say something, but it was Betta that spoke instead.

"But... we just wanted to..." Be'Tran began.

"Get OUT !!" the man screamed, and grabbed a surprised Be'Tran by the shoulders, tossing her into a nearby-shelf. The weight of her body caused the shelf to collapse. Luckily it was a small shelf, and she barely managed to scramble away before it came tumbling to the floor of the shop. The contents of the shelf skittered across the floor. Numa was shocked as was her Klingon companion.

"Now y'gotta pay for that!!" bellowed the surly store-owner. He was pointing a gnarled finger in the direction of the broken merchandise.

"Like hell she does!" said Numa, "You just threw her into it. Your the one tearing up your own store like a rabid targ, not us."

Be'Tran scrambled to her feet. "You pataQ! What's the matter with you!" Both women moved closer together. Betta was as menacing looking as any full blood Klingon. Her eyes were full of fire and rage. Her nostrils flared and Numa swore that she saw smoke bellowing from them. Her skin turned a bright burnished orangish brown, and Numa didn't need her friends empathic abilities to know that Betta was fuming mad.

"Nothin's th'matter w'me!!" said the man, "JUST GET OUT !!"

"C'mon, Betta," said Numa, "I wouldn't do business with this idiot if he were the biggest and last flower-merchant in the Alpha-quadrant."

"I'm not a flower-merchant, ugly, I'm a book-dealer. Now get out before I kill you."

Be'Tran got her temper up this time, "You watch it with the threats, mister. We're StarFleet officers. You could get yourself into alot of trouble."

Numa squared her shoulders. She thought of her near death experience with a Klingon that had drove a sharp bladed weapon into her chest. She also recounted the memory of killing him before he had destroyed the galaxy. She had killed him in defense of the ship and her friends. She now pictured this barbaric merchant in his place. Numa would gladly plunge a knife into the black heart of this beast, and what shocked the Benzite more was that she would do it just to see him die. No one had ever called her 'ugly' to her face. Numa was royally pissed.

"Bullshit !!" he screamed, and kicked a box through one of his own windows, shattering the glass. The jeweled pellets sprayed out into the street, catching several people's attention, including a StarFleet officer who happened to be walking by the store.

"GET OUT. Don't got nothin' y'want. Nerver did. Never will." the man was raving now, "GET OUT ! GET OUT ! "

Be'Tran was sensing a feeling from this man she had never sensed before. Total psychotic rage. "C'mon, Numa." she said quietly, and the two slipped out into the street. The man stalked after them like a demon possessed maniac from those ancient thriller movies.

The Starfleet officer in the street came up at this point. He was tall, and bearded, with bright blue eyes. His uniform-color was red, and he wore a commander's pips. He was very handsome.

"Problem, ladies?" he asked of the two young officers while keeping his eyes on the store owner.

"I think, maybe so, sir." said Numa. She too, as well as Betta, didn't let their eyes stray from their stalker.

The out-of-control store-owner was standing on his threshold, and screaming profanity into the street. The Commander stepped up to him, and put his hand on the man's shoulder.

"What's going on here, mister." asked the commander.

The man pointed at the two women, and bellowed; "I told'em to leave! Told 'em to leave!"

Be'Tran stepped in, "We were just shopping, sir." she said to the commander. "He started yelling at us and threatening us as soon as we walked in there."

"Bullshit !" the man screamed. The commander pushed him against the woodwork of his doorway.

"Look... mister," said the officer, "I'm much more inclined to believe two attractive young women with their arms full of shopping bags; than a foulmouth who smells like he bathes in pig dung!" here the commander gave the man a gentle, but stil forceful shove back into his store.

"Now, knock it off, or I'll have city security shut you up. Got It!" the commander was firm, and obviously good at handling a situation. The noisy man shut up. And skulked back into his store, where he started to pick up the broken glass.

The commander made his way back out into the street, and up to the two young officers. "Sorry about that, ladies." he said, in a charming tone, "It takes all kinds to make a universe." he smiled, and his blue eyes flashed.

"Thank you, sir." said Be'Tran and Numa, almost in unison.

Something about the way they said "sir" caught the commander's attention. "You two wouldn't happen to be StarFleet officers, would you?"

"Yes, sir." said Numa.

"I'm Ensign M'Benga, and this is En... excuse me, Lt.-jg Taurean." said Be'Tran.

"Well pleased to meet you both," said the commander, "On leave I guess?" he smiled aprovingly, "Which ship."

"The Galaxy." said Numa, proudly. Her eyes scintilated to the words she spoke. B'tran smiled and her face beamed like a beacon. Both young ladies were very proud of their ship.

"Well, the Galaxy, " the commander repeated, "From all the scuttlebut I've heard you people deserve a rest. I'm Commander..." but then a female voice up the street called out and the commander tuned towards it nervously.

"If she catches me talking to two such lovely young ladies," said the commander, "I have a sneaking suspition our dinner tonight will be off." and with that he started up th street towards the woman, who also appeared to be wearing a StarFleet Uniform. "Nice meeting you ladies." he called back jovially.

The two young officers were awe-struck, at first, but more greatful. They had no idea why that store-owner was so wild-tempered, but they were glad that that Commander came along when he did, or they would probably have had to fight the man to get away from him.

They continued on with their shopping spree. Moving into a bit of a better district. Be'Tran picked up two more presents. Both for Counselor Ral. She had met Ral her first day on the Galaxy, and they had become, Betta thought, friends.

Lexana was still unconcious in sickbay when the Cydonia had left for Earth. Be'Tran was, to admit it, a bit worried about her; but she had confidence that Cat, and the rest of the medical team would pull her through. So she got Lex a couple of presents hoping to cheer her up.

One was a book; a book of biographical info, and pictures about a 20th Century comedy-troop called "Monty Python". The other was a parrott. A beautiful, blue feathered parrott.

Numa was quite taken with the parrott, talking to it, and trying to get it to talk back all the way back to their hotel. Once there, the exausted girls plopped down on their beds, shoes and all, and readied themselves to sleep their last night before they retuned to the Galaxy.

Be'Tran was looking forward to walking the decks of the mighty Starship again. The parrott sqwacked a loud noise.

"Oh, be quiet." said Numa giggling, "You wont talk for me, so hush." she fell back on her bed, smiling.

Suddenly, Be'Tran sat up, as if struck by something. She shot a wide-eyed look in Numa's direction. "Numa, I know who that was."

"Who what was." Numa had all but forgotten the incident at the shop.

Be'Tran was bug-eyed, "That Commander."

Numa's eyes widened too. "Well you obviously think he was someone important, not just a plain ol' commander."

"I think so." said the excited Klingon, "Think about him." and here Be'Tran went into a detailed description of the tall, bearded officer who had rescued them from the irate store-owner. Numa seemed to catch on.

"Wow!", she said, "You don't mean..."

Be'Tran knodded. "Wow !", said Numa, "I wonder if it was..."

And she fell back on her bed, ready to drift off.

"Heroes"
by Lieutenant (jg) James Chen
Security Officer

Chen looked at himself in the mirror and fingered the extra pip on his collar. It was strange, being a lieutenant again, junior grade or not. He hated dress uniforms, as did most other Starfleet officers. He pulled at the collar, which seemed to be constricting tighter and tighter around his neck. He closed his eyes. He didn’t want to go to this thing. Nothing good could come of it, medal or not.

He heard the door chime. "Come in."

The doors slid open and Lieutenant Ral came in. He turned and smiled at her. "Hey, kid. How are you?"

"Just fine. But, I wish you’d stop calling me kid. You’re just eight years older."

"Sure, kid. What’re you all dressed up for?"

She looked at her own dress uniform and smiled. "Guess who’s going to your honorary dinner on the Starbase?"

His smile faded quickly and he nodded. "Ah. You know, I’d kind of rather you didn’t go."

"Sure, you wouldn’t think that I’d miss my boy being awarded the Starfleet Medal of Honor, did you? Why? What’s wrong?"

"Nothing, I just…I don’t know. It’s nothing." He smiled again but it came out forced. Which it was. "Just watch out for those admirals. They’re a slick bunch."

"How many admirals do you know?"

"I’ve dealt with them before. A lot of them are more concerned with politics and helping their own career than watching out for the Federation. Including most of the ones that are going to be at that dinner."

She was still curious what he was so withdrawn about. "James, what’s the matter?"

He looked her in the eyes, then the floor again. That worried her. For as long as she’d known James Chen, he’d never failed to make eye contact with anybody he’d met. He shook his head and walked away. "It’s not important. Forget about it."

"I will not. I’m your friend, James. Tell me what’s going on."

He turned back to her. His voice rose with every word. "I said it’s nothing! Just forget it, understand?"

"Don’t talk to me like that. I’m just trying to help."

He turned around. "Well, help some place else."

There was a pause. "Fine. I think I will." He listened to her stalk out and he closed his eyes. This was going to be a very long night.

***Main Assembly Hall, Starbase 74***

Chen walked into the assembly room and looked around. There were several tables lined throughout the whole room. Several officers were already milling about. Chen found where he was supposed to be sitting on the stage and walked over. Not only was this an awards ceremony, it was also a memorial service for Lieutenant Lucas Carter and a dinner for the press, all at the same time. He took a seat and watched as several other people filed in.

He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at Lieutenant John Brady. He was just over six feet tall and had well-groomed dark brown hair. He was widely known as a ladies’ man. He flashed white teeth at Chen. "Hey there, Jimmy."

Chen looked up at Brady, then back at the table. "John."

Brady sat down next to Chen, in his assigned place. On Chen’s other side there was an empty chair, signifying that Lucas wasn’t there. Once everybody was in and seated, the waiters served dinner, baked chicken with steamed vegetables. Chen watched as Brady tore voraciously into his. When he was done, Brady looked concerned. "What’s the matter, Jimmy? Not hungry? You should eat, you know. This stuff isn’t replicated. They shipped in the birds and the cooks to handle this."

Chen shook his head. "Lost my appetite."

Brady shrugged and sipped at his wine. Finally, Admiral Jack Peterson stood up at the podium and cleared his throat. The noise was carried electronically throughout the entire room and all eyes turned to him. Chen could feel the cameras turn on. Behind Peterson, a holographic image turned on. It was of a Borg cube. Peterson took a deep breath.

"Nine years ago, one of our best and most respected officers was captured by the Borg."

A picture of Jean-Luc Picard appeared. "After being assimilated, the Borg gained full knowledge of our tactical procedures and technical abilities. Using this knowledge, they planned to conquer the earth and crush the Federation. Five hours before the Borg arrived at Wolf 359, they encountered an Excelsior class ship named the USS Honorable." A picture of the Honorable floated into view. "The Borg, still unsure of all tactics used by the Federation, decided to go one better and assimilate an entire vessel. Then, using the ship’s full capability and memory, they would know all that the Federation knew. They weren’t counting, however, on three courageous security officers." Chen looked up and saw a picture of himself, Lucas and Brady. All three were in uniform and were grinning happily. Chen smiled sadly at the picture. *The Three Musketeers.* He looked at Brady, who was smiling at the picture, also.

Peterson paused for effect. "These three men were very courageous indeed. I’ m sure you’re all familiar with what happened on board the Honorable, but for those of you who don’t, Captain Javall will tell us exactly what went on."

Chen smiled slightly. Javall, being a Vulcan wouldn’t resort to theatrics like Peterson. He could count on at least one serious officer tonight. Javall, a tall, dark Vulcan walked to the podium and nodded at Peterson. Peterson sat down and Javall started talking immediately. "Approximately five point three hours before the incident at Wolf 359, the Honorable was on course to join the armada stationed at earth. However, we were too far away and were taken by surprise by the Borg ship. A brief fight ensued, and we were damaged by the Borg ship. At that time, my science officer informed me that she had noticed several transporter signals take place aboard the Honorable. The Borg ship turned and was once again on course to Wolf 359. Exactly three point twelve minutes later, all power to the bridge was cut and we were effectively removed from any contact with the rest of the ship.

He looked at Chen and Brady. "After the Borg were defeated, officers Chen, Brady and Carter informed me of the events on board the ship. Chen, Brady and Carter along with five other security officers, formed a team to sweep the ship of the Borg. The Borg, apparently completely unconcerned with assimilating the crew, instead murdered all officers they came in contact with. Reports were odd in that these three Borg used tactics completely different from that they use presently. Reports said that they would take cover when fired upon, use hit and run tactics and other fighting methods completely alien to the Borg. Brady, Chen and Carter, being the only ones left of their team, discovered the entire Borg team were in Engineering, attempting to access the main computer after killing all of the engineers. The three officers rigged an engineering console near where the warp core was, to blow, causing a massive explosion which destroyed Main Engineering, but stopped the Borg from assimilating the ship. Lieutenant Carter was injured in the attempt and broke his spinal cord in several places, irreparably destroying his spine and paralyzing him from the navel down. The three were decorated for their actions with the Starfleet Citation for Conspicuous Gallantry." He turned to Peterson and stepped down.

Peterson, carrying two small boxes, stepped to the podium. "And now, we decorate these officers with one of Starfleet’s highest decorations: The Starfleet Medal of Honor." He opened the first box. "Lieutenant Junior Grade James Chen." Chen stood and Peterson placed the medal around his neck. Chen stood at attention and nodded at Peterson as he shook his hand. Peterson looked at Brady. "Lieutenant Full Grade John Brady." Brady stood and Peterson repeated the process. Peterson turned to the crowd. "And we posthumously award this medal to Lieutenant Full Grade Lucas Carter, who died recently under tragic circumstances." Chen closed his eyes as Peterson handed Lucas’ medal to his mother. *I can’t feel my legs!*

Chen’s eyes snapped open as Peterson stepped back up to the podium. "And now, a few word from these heroes."

Peterson stepped aside and motioned to Chen to take the podium as the crowd clapped. Chen stood up at the podium and gripped the edges tightly. The noise died down and Chen looked out over the people. He swallowed and took a deep breath. "Lucas Carter was a fine man and a good officer. He deserved this more than anyone." Chen looked down, then back up a second later. "Thank you."

He stepped aside as Brady strode to the podium. Brady smiled. He motioned at Chen. "Jimmy. I taught him everything he knows." There were chuckles as Brady got out his notes. He composed himself and looked back up. "Wolf 359 was a tragedy by anybody’s standards. A lot of good people died. I’m no hero. I’m just a man who did his job. I did what anybody else would have done and I have no regrets. Period. What happened on the Honorable was just a case of a group of officers who did their jobs. I thank you for the medal, and it is something I will always treasure, as well as the friendship of James Chen, and the memory of Lucas Carter. And I promise you, that I will continue doing my job to the best of my abilities. As I always have. Thank you."

The crowd clapped and cheered as Brady waved at them all. Peterson stepped up to the podium one more time. "And now, during this dark time when the Dominion threatens all that is good, we can trust that these two heroes, now again on the same ship, will battle them to the last." Chen was startled by Peterson’s words. Serving on the same ship? Then that meant…"Yes, that’s right," Peterson said as if he had read Chen’s mind. "Lieutenant Brady has been transferred aboard the Galaxy, one of the fleet’s finest ships, where Lieutenant Chen has been serving for several months now. Together, these fine young officers may help to win this war once and for all. Thank you."

Again the crowd cheered. Chen hated every second he was there. Brady wrapped an arm around Chen’s shoulders. "Come on, let’s go mix with the little people. Chen and Brady both stepped down off the stage and started mingling with the crowd, who were all talking and shaking hands. Chen and Brady were forced to pose for picture after picture with everybody who wanted a piece of Starfleet’s newest heroes.

Finally, after half an hour of putting up with these problems, the crowd started to thin. "Hey, Jimmy," Brady said. "Why don’t the two of us go and get a drink like old times."

Chen shook his head. "Sorry, John. I’ve filled my quota for drinking this week, and I feel like getting some rest."

"You sure? I met a fine young lady today. I’m sure we can find you a date."

Chen looked at Brady. "You already met a woman? Who?"

As Brady opened his mouth to speak, a voice sounded behind them. "A fine speech, Lieutenant Brady. Yours wasn’t so bad either, Lieutenant Chen."

They both turned in record time. Lieutenant Commander Jacoby was standing, drink in hand, with a smile on his face. "You really seem to be enjoying this, Brady."

Brady shrugged. "We both paid our dues. James and I earned this honor."

Jacoby nodded. "Funny how you didn’t mention Lucas just now. Didn’t Lieutenant Carter earn this honor?"

"Of course," Chen broke in. "He was a good man."

"I didn’t ask you, Lieutenant." His eyes never left Brady’s. "What about it Brady? Carter didn’t earn it."

"Of course he did. I just forgot to mention him."

Jacoby took a sip of his drink. "That’s odd, seeing as how this was also a memorial service."

Brady stepped forward. "What are you implying, Jacoby."

Jacoby took a step forward. "You tell me, John."

They stood there for several seconds, staring each other in the eye. Then, Brady smiled. "Some other time, Jacoby. Not even you can ruin this evening."

Jacoby stayed where he was. "I’ll find out what really happened, Brady, rest assured. Then I’ll nail you," his eyes turned to Chen. "Both of you. Have a nice day." He turned and walked away. Chen released a breath that he had been holding and rubbed the corners of his eyes. "You know Jacoby, too."

Brady nodded and patted Chen on the back. "Yeah. It’s not a very pleasant conversation. Damn IA rat."

"He knows something."

Brady snorted. "He wouldn’t know his ass if it walked up and introduced itself to him."

"You’re underestimating him."

"Bull. I know his kind, all holier-than-thou. He’s nothing more than a brief nuisance. We can deal with him." Brady sighed and shook his head, as if he was coming out of a dream. "Well, you want to go with me and my lady friend to get a drink."

"Who is this woman?"

He pointed her out. "That’s her over there. Hell of a looker, huh?"

Chen followed Brady’s finger and saw her. Lex. She was talking with a pair of admirals and looked bored to tears. Chen snorted. He couldn’t believe his luck. "How’d you meet her?"

"She was walking down the corridor on Deck…17 or 18 somewhere. She said some guy had just treated her like garbage. She didn’t say who, though. His loss, huh?"

Chen sighed and nodded. "No, I can’t go. I’d like to get some rest, John."

"Suit yourself, kid. Look forward to serving with you again."

Chen just nodded and walked out the door.

Back Home
Casey Ti Miran

All too soon it was time to go home. Miran and Lara said their good byes and left to catch their transport back to the Galaxy. Kateli had promised than when Lara got old enough there would be a palimero waiting for her.

The trip home was fun, but it became all the better when the shuttle landed. If she didn't have Lara, she would have ran out the shuttle and into Deiran's embrace like a teenager in the throes of first love. Still she went to Deiran's embrace, not running with Lara.

Deiran swung Lara up into his arms. She giggled with glee. Arm in arm they strode to their quarters, their true home, not the temporary one.

Bobbie met them at the door, chattering all the while. It was like she had been abandoned and abused at the amount of chattering she gave her humans. Miran leaned down and grabbed the pet.

"Yes, we are home. I promise," she said nuzzling the animal. "Deiran did you feed her?" Deiran did the mock innocence thing, looking every which way but at her. He smiled at her.

"Of course, I feed the weasel. I didn't want you to be upset. I'm glad you're home."

"I know," she replied kissing her husband. "So, what did you do while we were gone?"

"Do I have answer that?" Deiran laughed. It was good to be home.

"Battleship"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain's Personal Log: Stardate 49807.20

After spending several weeks in spacedock at Starbase 74, the USS Galaxy is once again back in one piece after the skirmish in Klingon space. The order to recall those officers on shore leave has been made, the last of the crew should be on board within the hour. I am looking forward to taking the Galaxy out of spacedock and back into the great vastness of space.

Lee deactivated his computer terminal and swiveled in his chair to face the observation window near his desk. Looking out he could see the last of the engineering crews clearing away their equipment, in preparation to depressurize the spacedock hangar to open the outer bay doors and allow the Galaxy to depart. While looking out the portal and babying a mug of Bajoran coffee, the Captain heard the entrance chime to his office.

"Come in." he called out, still looking out the portal.

Doctor Kahn Nilani stepped through the door. She was wearing her hair up in a bun and carrying a data padd. She sounded very serious. "Captain I need to talk to you."

Lee glanced over at the Chief Medical Doctor upon hearing her tone. Nilani was standing at attention and looked like whatever it was she had come to discuss was both urgent and worrisome. Pivoting to face front, the Captain placed down his mug and motioned to one of the chairs in front of his desk. "Please, take a seat Doctor."

Nilani shook her head negatively. "No Captain, if it's all the same I prefer to stand sir."

The Doctor's comment got a raise out of one of Lee's eyebrows. Nilani had always been comfortable around the Captain in the past. Whatever this was about must be very important to have her this up tight. "As you wish 'mate. What is this all about Doctor?"

"Sir, Starfleet Command has issued orders that one of our crew members take a mandatory leave of absence to get some much needed R&R." Doctor Kahn explained.

Lee looked surprised. It didn't sound like the sort of information that would make the Doctor uncomfortable to talk about. Most officers would be glad to be ordered to take a vacation. "I see. Well I'm sure whomever this officer is will be glad to do as ordered and take some time off Doctor."

Turning the padd around, Doctor Kahn handed it to Captain Price. "That is good to hear sir. The orders are for you Captain."

Lee took the padd and looked at it with a hint of surprise on his face. Now it was making sense why Doctor Kahn was a little uncomfortable, she was basically relieving the Captain of his duty. "For me? There must be some sort of mistake..."

"No sir. Starfleet wants you to take some time off from command. You haven't taken a days leave since well before the war between the Federation and Dominion began."

Lee shook his head slightly, "But this isn't a good time Doctor, the Galaxy is breaking dock today and will need to be shaken down. We have orders to return to boarder patrol as soon as we are certified operational."

"Commander Sterner can handle that sir. As you can see, this isn't a request and it's not negotiable. Starfleet wants you to take a breather Lee." Doctor Kahn explained, he tone a little more compassionate than before, like she was sorry to have to inform him of this, but also like she agreed with the decision.

Lee placed the padd down and leaned back in his chair silent for a long moment. He looked at the padd, then into the distance of his ready room before speaking, his eyes slowly finding the Doctor's. "This is because of our last mission. Taking the ship into the Klingon Empire without informing Starfleet Command, isn't it Doctor?"

Doctor Kahn shook her head. "Officially it's because of your long tour of duty without taking any time off Captain. Between you and I, you are probably right."

"Well, it looks like I have little choice but to comply with the order or be relieved of command permanently." Lee relented.

"Unfortunately so Captain." Nilani agreed.

"Very well. Have Commander Sterner sent in so I may inform him of the change in command. I will begin making arrangements to take this leave of absence Starfleet insists that I need." Lee explained.

"Very good Captain. I'll inform the Commander at once. I'm sorry Lee."

Captain Price raised his hand, "No worries Doctor. It's not your fault 'mate."

Doctor Kahn smiled slightly, glad the Captain was not angry with her for carrying out her duty. "Try to have fun on your vacation Lee. You certainly have earned it."

"Thank you Doctor. Dismissed."

Nilani nodded before turning to exit the Captain's ready room.

*****

Captain's Log: Stardate 49807.20

I have received orders from Starfleet Command to take a mandatory leave of absence from my duties on board the USS Galaxy. Commander Joerg Sterner will be placed in command of the Galaxy in my absence and shall oversee the initial repair shakedown certifications before taking the Galaxy back to the boarders of Federation space to resume patrol duty. I have briefed the Commander and have every confidence in his ability to command the Galaxy.

Lee finished the recording and then glanced around his quarters. He was wearing comfortable civilian clothing including tan shorts, a white shirt and rawhide vest and had dawned an Australian cowboy hat which was bent up on one side. Grabbing his bags, he gave his quarters one last look before exiting to head for the Galaxy's transporter room.

When he arrived, Commander Sterner was there waiting.

"G'day Commander. Come to see your Captain off the ship 'mate?"

"Aye Captain." Joerg said reaching to help Lee with one of his heavier bags. Walking to the transporter pad, he talked while placing them down on the receptor plates. "Have you decided where you are going to go for your four week leave sir?"

Lee nodded. "I gave that some thought. It would of been nice to go back to earth to see home for a change, or even to spend a few weeks on Risa basking in the sun on the white sand beaches, but I've decided to go to the planet Vulcan and visit Captain Shoak. I hear he is not doing well and it may be my last chance to spend any time with him."

Joerg gave a nod without saying anything. Lee noticed the Commander's expression and asked about it. "Something on your mind Commander?"

Joerg looked at the Captain and smiled. "I was just thinking sir. Even when ordered to take a leave, you still are thinking of others."

"I was ordered to take some R&R 'mate. So that's what I'm doing. I can take a break from the Galaxy and spend time with my sick friend. There is nothing Starfleet can do about that." Lee winked.

"Well sir, we will miss you. Wish Captain Shoak our best and the Galaxy will be here when you get back." Sterner relayed.

"I know she'll be in good hands Commander." Lee said shaking his first officers hand.

They exchanged glances before Joerg stepped off the transporter and allowed the transport operator to ready the cycle.

"Coordinates are laid in sir."

Lee gave a wry smile and then nodded, "Energize."

The transport cycle began with the humming of the charging transport platforms. Before the stasis field kicked in, Lee whipped his first officer a quick wink, his smile widening slightly before the Captain's molecules were disassembled and he was sent to Starbase 74 where he was to catch a transport leaving for Vulcan.

Sterner watched the Captain fade away and then decided to return to the bridge. He was in command of the Starship now, and had to see to the successful deployment of the Galaxy from spacedock, evaluate the repairs to get the Galaxy certified for space duty before resuming boarder patrol along the Federation shipping lanes along the Cardassian boarders. He was in command of the Galaxy, and had a full plate of things to do.

** By Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga **
** After review by Cpt. Price **

Captain Price was in his ready room, sipping something hot out of a clear mug, and gazing out at the impressive StarBase where the Galaxy had just spent the better part of several weeks under extensive repairs.

He was still thinking about everything that had happened in the Klingon Empire; but most of all, now, now that the danger was really over; he thought of his friend. K'Ral. the Valiant K'Ral of the House of Kras.

He cast his eyes on the dakh'tag displayed in his quarters, and raised his mug to it. "Good bye, again, old friend." he said.

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

On the bridge, Ursa Sunder was behind the tactical arch, running las minute weapons-checks. Everything seemed functional. "Now, if we can just keep'er in one piece this time..." said Sunder.

At that moment, the turbolift door nearest the tactical station opened, and Ensign M'Benga half stumbled onto the bridge, carrying what appeared to be a small rolled up carpet.

"Ensign, what the hell ?" asked Sunder.

"Sorry, sir." said Be'Tran, "it's a present for the Captain."

"Uh-hu," Sunder sounded questioning, as he walked over to the eager young M'Benga. "What sort of present?"

"It's a tapestry," said Be'Tran, "My mother made it a long time ago. I wanted the captain to have it."

Sunder felt the corner of the tapestry. The material was soft, and the weave fine, and delicate. There was a Klingon lable on one end, but it was partially obscured by the Ensign's hand.

"If your mother made it for you, it must be important." said Ursa, "Why are you giving it away, even to our captain."

Be'Tran smiled at the big security-chief, "First of all, sir, I didn't say she made it for me. She just made them. And as for why I'm giving it away, I like to give things where I think they'll be most needed or wanted." she started towards the readyroom, assuming the captain to be in.

"Lemme know something you want, Mr. Sunder, sir," she called back, "and I'll get it for you on my next leave."

"Deal !" hollered Sunder, so that the other bridge-officers turned to look in his direction. "But I'll come up with a stumper." and with that, he turned back to his work.

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

The readyroom's door-chime went off. Lee was sitting behind his desk, finishing his last drop of coffee. "Come in." he said cheerfully.

The door slid open to admit Ensign M'Benga and her tapestry. "Hello, sir." she said, sounding almost nervous.

"Hey," said Lee, "Ensign M'Benga. What ya got there, mate?"

Be'Tran ballenced the tapestry on one end on the readyroom floor. "It's a present, for you sir."

"A present?" Lee asked. He knew M'Benga had been giving presents to all her friends aboard the Galaxy sience she got back from Earth. Somehow he found it refrshing to be considdered in that number.

"Well, let's have a look at it." he said.

"Of course." said Be'Tran, and she handed Price the tapestry.

He looked at the lable, and shot M'Benga a quick glance; then he removed the elastic wrapper that held the tapestry in it's loose roll. As he unfurled the tapestry to his feet, the coat of arms of the Klingon House of Kras came suddenly into view.

Lee gazed long at that crest, and at the mural of various bold Klingon events (some probably a tour-de-force of the artist, Lee guessed) surrounding it.

"I hope I'm not being to bold sir, " Be'Tran began, "but a lot of different people on board told me about your friend, K'Ral. How he died and everything. I figured my mother made a tapestry for just about every house in the Klingon Empire..."

"your mother made this?" asked Lee, impressed.

"Yessir." said Be'Tran, "And we, that is me, my father, and my mother; we all wanted you to have it, sir."

Lee laid the tapestry over the back of the couch at the far end of his readyroom. He stepped back to admire the gift.

"Ensign," he said at last, "I'm honored to have it."

Be'Tran damn-near jumped for joy. Somewhere inside she had feared that this might be too much coming from someone as unaquainted with Cpt. Price as she was. Of course, she was wrong.

"But are y'really sure y'want to part with it, mate?" asked the Captain, "I mean, it's a beautiful work. If your mother made it it really belongs in your family."

"Perhaps, sir." replied M'Benga, "But from what little I know of your relationship with K'Ral, if you don't mind my saying so; I think it belongs with someone who was like family to him."

Lee was openly touched. "Thank you Ensign." he said, "I'll keep it with honor." and at that, he clapped a reassuring hand on Be'Tran's shoulder. "Good to have you back." he added.

"Thank you sir." she replied, "It's good to back. Now, if you'll excuse me, I don't mean to gift-give and run, but I have some duties to attend to in Engineering before we pull out of port."

"Oh, by all means, 'gift-give and run'," laughed Lee," can't keep the engines waiting, they'll get lonesome for you mate, and some day they'll never forgive you for your sad desertion.", the captain was in an openly good mood.

"Spoken like a true engineer, sir." said Be'Tran.

"Well, I've got my credentials, mate." said Lee, "now off you go, before Mr. Hewson puts you on report."

"Yes,sir!" said Betta.

"Oh, and, Be'Tran," said Lee, surprising her with the use of her first name, "Thanks again."

"My pleasure sir." she replied.

"And thank your parents for me." added Price as she reached the opening door.

"I will, sir." she said, and exited onto the bridge. Suddenly she felt an overwhelming sense of closure. She had been feeling terrible about everything that had happened to the Galaxy, and her crew, because of the Klingons; "Her People", she had said.

Seeing the joy on Captain Price's face, and how the treachery of a certain group of Klingons had not stained his feelings for one Klingon friend, she was content. She could find peace in her warrior-heritage again. And she smiled.

And Commander Sunder caught her. "I assume the captain liked his present?" Ursa asked, "All went well, I mean."

"Yes, sir !" said Be'Tran M'benga proudly, and left the bridge with a spring in her step.

~ David Lyles ~
a.k.a. Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga
Engineering, USS Galaxy
e-mail; burgoyne48@hotmail.com
or; sa_3_16@yahoo.com

"Changes"
Lieutenant David Mercury
Chief of Engineering

Ensign D'Auria had left David's office several hours ago but what he told David still occupied his mind. "Automated Defense System... humm, Computer, I need all information about 20th Century Naval Warefare." The computer quickly responded. David skimmed over the information until he found exactly what Ensign D'Auria was talking about.

In the late 1900's a new tactic in warefare was born. Automated tactics. Large naval ships were built, equipped with massive radar systems call AEGIS. This radar had the capability to target and track multiple objects in the sky. Everything was automated, from tracking to firing missiles to a last attempt with a rapid fire machine gun. The key to this system was the radar capability to track targets through jamming signals. This technique was called CCM or Counter Counter Measures. If a radar can't be jammed then a ememy target would never sneak up on a naval ship. The concept did have faults. The heat generated from this massive radar attracted a lot of attention, making it an easy target for a submarine. But for the most part this tactic was very efficient and quite effective.

David jotted down some notes on his PADD. After a couple minutes of collecting his thoughts he called for Ensign Knight to come into his office.

"Sir, you sent for me?" the young Ensign and close friend of David walked into his office and sat down across from him. "When myself and Lieutenant Boudreau were injuried and recovering in sickbay you did a fine job of assisting Lieutenant Hewson in getting the Galaxy back in working conditions. I have talked to the Captain and we both feel you have earned yourslef another pin on your collar. Congradulation Lieutenant JG Knight. Wear it well." David stood up and walked around his desk to give his friends a handshake.

"It has been a pleasure working under you sir, this is a direct reflection of your leadership David." David pulled his friend in close and gave him a hug. "Just like old times, Sport" David said as he walked back towards his chair. "O.K. we have business to talk about. Ensign D'Auria came up with a brilliant plan but it has some major steps to overcome. I am assigning you to help the Ensign evaluate and assess the possibility of implementing this new technology or I should say old technology on the Galaxy. Please report to him for background information immediately, dismissed Lieutenant JG Knight." David dismissed his friend and went back to jotting notes down on his PADD.

Dan Josephs

"Reunion" cowritten by Ensigns D'Auria and M'Benga

Jack was busy in one of the holodecks; the room was turned into a three-dimensional rendition of space. In it was a large representation of a Galaxy-class starship, surrounded by a number of Dominion/Cardassian, Klingon and Romulan ships. All were firing weapons at the Starfleet vessel. He seemed to be floating in space, a Padd in his hands, checking the validity of his ideas. Gamma shift had ended 4 hours ago; Jack had immediately come here.

A Bird of Prey managed to get into a 4 o'clock low position, firing disruptors and torpedoes. The upgraded C-Defense tried to lock on but couldn't; the placement of the automated phasers was not ideal. The torpedoes struck the shields, weakening them further, allowing the disruptor fire to penetrate and hit the nacelle.

"Computer, freeze simulation." The battle froze in midair, as if some god-like creature had just waved his hands. "Move weapons emplacement Beta 5 six percent to the rear, add 2 more emplacements between Beta 4 and 5 on equidistant intervals along the saucer section. Mirror these changes along the opposite side of the saucer section."

The computer immediately responded; Jack looked at the new configuration. It made for a better 'kill-zone' against any enemy weapons. Now to see if it did as well in the simulation. "Computer, resume simulation, starting from Grid Alpha, random attack pattern, full weapons." Immediately, the scene jumped back to the beginning and the sneak attack began again.

Just as the scene shifted, the computerized voice spoke again, "Shuttlecraft Cydonia approaching the docking port." "Is ensign M'Benga onboard the shuttle", he asked. "Affirmative." "Computer, save current program."

He didn't even wait for the computer's response as he strode quickly out of the holodeck to his quarters.

When the Cydonia docked with the Galaxy, she was still at the starbase, but basically ready to pull out. All the repairs (at least those whose damaged spots could've been viewed from outside the ship) seemed to have been completed ahead of schedule.

"How'd they do it without us?" Be'Tran M'Benga asked jovially of Lieutenant Boudreau as they disembarked into the Galaxy shuttle-bay. M'Benga had been sensing all kinds of mixed emotions from within the shuttle-bay. Everybody, it seemed, had had a good time; but some of the vacationers, especially Dr. Gakor and Lieutenant Albrecht, seemed to have a lot on their minds.

Betta couldn't help but wonder if they had had any adventures while away, just as she and Numa Taurean had done in New Orleans. Numa was unloading things from the back of the shuttle, when she came across Be'Tran's gift for the captain. "Here, Betta," she called, "you better be careful with this."

Be'Tran walked over to her and picked up the tapestry, but her mind was wandering. "What's wrong", asked Numa, "I thought you said you'd be glad to be back?"

"Oh," replied Be'Tran, "I am, I really am, Numa." But Be'Tran was thinking of Jack D'Auria. He wasn't in the shuttle-bay. Maybe she had come on too strong in her letter. Maybe the dress-uniform part had been a bit much. Maybe he just wasn't interested.

** Ensign D'Auria's Quarters **

Luckily Jack had been off duty when the computer had signaled him that the Cydonia, with it's cargo of passengers including Ensign M'Benga, had returned.

He hurried to his closet, and began rummaging through his clothing. His closet ended up looking very disarrayed and "illogical", but for some reason he didn't seem to care. He pulled out his dress-uniform, and thought of Be'Tran's letter; her last words in it: "Love, Be'Tran".

** The Corridor, Near Be'Tran's Quarters **

Numa had helped, along with James Chen, get all of Be'Tran's stuff back to her quarters. Numa had a fair share of trappings herself, and it was all the three officers could do to get them through the halls and turbolifts of the Galaxy without either knocking someone over, or loosing grip on their loads.

"Boy," said Chen, "Did you two leave ANYTHING on Earth?" "Nope," giggled Numa, "Not a thing."

Be'Tran took her belongings from amongst their loads, and saying a quick "so long" to Numa and Jim, she proceeded to load everything into her quarters.

Mentally she went over the list. Lexana's Parrott (still squawking occasionally), Numa took her plants on with her, the Captain's tapestry. Where was Jack's present? She searched franticly for it, then remembered that she had put it in her shoulderbag.

She groped into the bag, and produced the small cylindrical stone. She removed it from it's wrappings, and as soon as her flesh touched it, it began to sing. She placed it on a nearby table, and the music stopped.

** Shuttle-Bay **

Jack D'Auria burst into the shuttle-bay, and ran head-on into Lieutenant Boudreau.

"Jack, what the hell?" she looked him over confusedly, then laughed. "Well, well", she said. "A one man welcoming committee. Why the dress uniform?" "I will explain another time, Lieutenant," Jack replied, "where is Ensign M'Benga." "M'Benga," said Melissa, "Oh, she went back to her quarters I suppose."

And Jack was off at a run, not paying any attention to Boudreau's shout of "hey!".

** Ensign M'Benga's Quarters **

Be'Tran was back in her uniform, and out of her worn vacation-clothes. She straightened the jacket and gazed at her self in the mirror. It would be better if she presented the Captain's present in uniform, she thought. Her door chime rang. She wondered at who it could be. 'It couldn't be Jack', she thought.

But it was. When M'Benga opened the door, there was Jack D'Auria, out of breath, and in his dress uniform.

"Welcome... welcome back aboard..." he was really winded.

"Jack!" Be'Tran threw her arms around him, giving him a very strong embrace, which did him no good in his winded condition. He whimpered.

"Oops, sorry", said Be'Tran, putting her hands on his shoulders and stepping back to admire the rumpled dress uniform. "You're not fully recovered yet, are you?" "Yes, I am", replied D'Auria, "I am simply winded from attempting to catch up with you."

And Be'Tran laughed and invited D'Auria into her quarters. He accepted, and sat himself down in one of Be'Tran's deep, plushy chairs.

Jack took instant notice of the quarters decorations. It looked like a cross between a Klingon museum, and a 20th Century teenage girl's bedroom. He couldn't help wondering how the bedroom was decorated.

"Jack," began Be'Tan, "I don't want you to think I'm too forward or anything, but all the time I was on Earth, I couldn't stop thinking about you." "It is logical," said D'Auria, "After all, as you mentioned in your letter, when an experience such as we had is shared, there is a bond that forms." Jack was silent for a moment, then continued, "I thought about you too, Betta." The smile that crossed her face could light up the room.

"Good," said Be'Tran, a seductive expression crossing her face, "because I have something for you." D'Auria raised an eyebrow.

Be'Tran went over to the table where she had put Jack's present, now rewrapped in it's dull brown wrappings. The parrot squawked, but neither of them seemed to notice.

She knelt down in front of Jack, and handed him the present, gingerly. He accepted it in one hand, and Be'Tran noticed that it was the hand that had been severely damaged enough to reveal it's cybernetic construction in the science-lab. Quickly, she gripped the hand, now holding the wrapped stone, and squeezed. "OK?" she asked sweetly.

"Yes it has been repaired, and is now fully functional." said D'Auria, then he leaned closer to her. "As i promised I will now explain what you saw in the lab", he began. "No-no," said Be'Tran, "Not necessary. There'll be time for that later. Presents first. Unwrap it." She pushed his hand, containing the gift, up towards his chest, and, Jack half-perceived, his heart.

D'Auria took the little package and unwrapped it. It contained what appeared to be a single, smooth, cylindrical stone; gray in color, with brown and bluish speckles. He removed it completely from the wrapper, placing it as he did so in his other hand. The stone began to "sing". It made a light, soft musical sound. Like a tiny wind instrument blowing a soothing melodious tone. Jack half-imagined he could hear a distant quartet of strings accompanying the stone; or was it in the stone it's self. D'Auria looked up at Be'Tran, in wonder.

"It's an Elanin Singing Stone." she said, in answer to the unasked question.

"I was aware of their existence, but…", Jack began."My father had one," said Be'Tran, "he let me have it. To give as a present."

"To me?" questioned D'Auria, a look of wonder on his face.

"Yes, to you." answered Be'Tran, "Though I thought about not giving it to you when you didn't show up in the shuttle bay." she seemed teasing.

"Well, it took me some time to find my dress uniform. You did request I appear in full dress, as I recall; though I do not see the logic..."

"Really," said Be'Tran, "I wouldn't've cared if you'd shown up undressed. I'm just so damn glad you're alright."

Jack was taken aback for a moment. He sometimes didn't know whether or not to take M'Benga seriously. Her "undressed" remark fell squarely into this category. "Thank you." he said at length. "Thank you?" Be'Tran repeated, questioningly. "Yes," said Jack, "Thank you for the stone. And for your concern over my well being. I believe it would be logical for me to leave now." He got up and started for her door.

"Leave?" she asked, sounding disappointed.

"Yes," said D'Auria, "you probably have a great deal of unpacking to do."

"Not really."

The door opened, and D'Auria prepared to leave. Be'Tran stood up and managed to block his path of exit. "Maybe you'd like to help me", she said, as the door slid shut, closing the two Ensigns together in M'Benga's cluttered quarters. Jack looked into her eyes, seeing the wanting, the needing there. But most importantly, he saw her feelings for him plainly displayed. Idly, he wondered if she could see the same thing in his eyes.

Bringing his artificial right hand up to her cheek, he softly began caressing it, as his eyes wandered over her face. Be'Tran leaned into the lifelike appendage, her own hand closing over it as her eyes closed.

"Betta", he said in a whisper, his voice cracking slightly, "are ….are you sure…"

Before he could finish, she placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. The two looked each other in the eyes, their faces drawn together. As their lips met, the whole universe seemed to disappear; there was only them.

** By Ensign Jack D'Auria **
** with the full approval of **
** Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga **

Jack quietly got up out of the warm bed and made his way to the living room. Just before he entered, he turned around and looked at the woman sleeping peacefully there, her brow ridges faintly illuminated by the small light by the bed. Turning around, he walked over to the couch and sat down, steepling his fingers and resting them against his chin.

Random thoughts ran through his head; she had completely turned his orderly, logical life upside down, this wisp of a girl. A soft shuffling sound made him look up; Be'Tran had woken and gotten up when she hadn't found him next to her. She walked over, the starlight bathing her body with an almost hypnotizing glow; kneeling in front of him, she took Jack's hands in hers, placing a soft kiss on them.

"What's wrong?"

Jack looked at her for a long time, before answering.

"What's wrong? I don't know, I really don't know." Jack became silent again, holding her hands in his. "I think it's because….because I am afraid of …..of what we are starting here." At her questioning look, he hastened to continue.

"Be'Tran… Betta, when you were away, you were on my mind the whole time. I was ….. saddened … that you hadn't even said goodbye. When I received your letter, however, I cannot remember ever feeling like that." "Then what are you worried about, Jack?"

He looked at her for a long time, making a decision, before he continued to speak.

"My parents are scientists, working on Vulcan. They have been, before I was born. For all I know, they are still there." "You don't know if your parents are still on Vulcan", she asked incredulously, but he held up his hand, silencing her. "They were not what you might call model human parents. I guess you could not even call them model Vulcan parents. Science is their live. They never had any time for me, I grew up taking care of myself. If either spoke two sentences in a week to me, I was lucky. At first, I couldn't understand why they were like this, maybe I had done something. It was only later that I understood, that to them, science is the most important thing.

When I told them that I had applied to the Vulcan Science Academy, do you know what they said?"

Be'Tran shook her head, not believing any parent could be so unfeeling.

"Good, son, can you get me the sixth volume of Professor Ga'A'Rek's Inverse subspace mechanics? They weren't even at my graduation. I suppose I was lucky, they didn't say a word when I told them I had been accepted by Starfleet Academy. Neither of them even came to the terminal to say goodbye when I left for Earth. When I went home on medical leave after loosing my arm, it was as if I had never left, never been away. They just ignored me."

Be'Tran wanted to say something, anything, but she couldn't make herself speak; it was as if something was lodged in her throat. "At the Academy, I kept myself busy with my studies, until my third year. I kept mostly to myself. But then, a second year cadet seemed to be displaying some interest in me. I didn't think much of it at the time, relying on my Vulcan mindset. Finally, she managed to seduce me. I fell in love, at least, I thought I had. All was great for a week. Then, she said she couldn't see me anymore, giving me some lame excuse. Later, my roommate told me that she had made a bet with a few other second year students that she could get me into bed before the semester was over. She won. I vowed then, never to let a woman back into my heart. And here you are. I can't stop thinking about you."

Jack caressed her cheek, using his thumb to remove the tears that rolled down. "I want to know if this is only a one night stand, as the vernacular states. Do not lie to me, Betta, be honest with me."

Taking a deep breath, Be'Tran stood up, walking towards the window, looking out into the expanse of the starbase, her arms wrapped around her.

"Jack, I care for you. A lot. I was hoping you would come, so I could tell you, show you. But there is something I have to tell you too. Something you may not like to hear." She held up her hand, motioning for him to be quiet. "I am not a monogamous person, Jack. I mean, sexually. I like to experiment with different things, different people. Romantically, that is different. I stick with one person, until one of us moves on. What I mean is, I care for you a great deal, I want to spend time with you, but there will be times when I ….when I see someone I'm sexually attracted to. Then I'll just follow my feelings; it has nothing to do with romance. Many people don't like that side of me, Jack. It turns them off."

When there was no response, Be'Tran hugged herself tighter, the tears still running down her face. Her chest felt heavy. Suddenly, two strong arms wrapped themselves around her; Jack placed his head in the crook of her shoulder.

"Promise me two things, Betta. One, that you don't flaunt it in my face. Two, teach me what you like. I want to make you happy, that's all I care about. And three, if there ever is someone else, tell me, so I'll know what to do." Her voice barely above a whisper, she asked, "What will you do then?" "I'll fight for you."

The tears were flowing now, as Be'Tran whirled around, her arms encircling Jack. She pulled him to her, kissing him passionately, her fears drained out of her by his words.

Scientific Mumbo Jumbo
Ensign Keras T’Vek
Science Officer
USS Galaxy

Ensign Keras T’Vek left the holodeck in stride. The poker game had been quite stimulating, giving him a chance to meet several of the crew. His thoughts wondering what he would do with the small amount of winnings he had been able to come away from the table with, he would donate it to the Vulcan Science Academy to help further research in his field. Yes that would be the most logical thing to do.

He turned a bend in the corridor and headed toward a turbolift so that he could return to his quarters, he had some small amount of time left to return to his quarters and hopefully rid himself of the Alcoholic order which followed him since AC had tripped and spilled several drinks all over him. He deduced that the smell was quite potent due to the looks he received from several of the passing crewmen.

Soon he arrived at his cabin, the only light coming from a few candles which he had set on a coffee table. He changed and washed himself, then after slipping into a new uniform he checked for any messages. One, it was from the Science Labs of the Starbase that the Galaxy had just recently left. He fingers tapped the console and soon he was downloading the findings of his simulation, it had worked.

Since his graduation from the Academy he had become increasingly interested in the use of worm-holes as a source of travel. Obviously several problems arise when faced with this idea. Only the Bajoran Wormhole is stable enough to use a source of transportation. For some time it had been believed that if one traveled through a worm-hole there would be a time differential that varied from Wormhole to Wormhole. Also it was known that natural Wormholes jumped around making them unreliable for use.

One day while researching for his thesis he came across a foot note referring to an earlier occasion where a wormhole could be created with the use of an improperly balanced warp-drive system. At the moment he had placed it in the back of his mind, preferring to finish his thesis. Then while working for Starfleet on Scientific Research his thoughts brought him back to that referral. He spent most of his time on Earth researching and collaborating his ideas.

He had used his limited recourses on Earth to test a few of his theories, 95% of them destroying the vessel which attempted to create the artificial wormhole. Then in his final months at the facility he had been able to design the necessities and a plausible "unbalanced" warp-drive which created a wormhole but left the ship intact.

From there he worked quickly attempting to build a stable wormhole, 98% of his designs created a unstable wormhole destroying the vessel as it passed through the wormhole. Finally he created a simulation which created a stable artificial wormhole. Allowing the safe passage of the vessel. It was this simulation that he ran through the high powered Star Base computers, and it had succeeded.

That was he realized that he would have to determine a way of being able to direct the other opening. Otherwise its use would be moot do to the reason you could not choose a destination. He had several ideas on having two different Star Ships create a wormhole at the same time with the same variables. Hopefully the two would connect allowing one Starship to move instantly to the location of the other vessel. To even begin and scientific theories on it though he would have to collect data. Up to this point is had been merely the usage of dozens of different labs and known phenomena, now he would have to collect data. Also up to this point he had not involved anyone else into his experiments, and he was beginning to wonder if he would have to get some help. He would definitely need an engineer who designed warp engines to help create a feasible warp nacelle that followed his requirements. Also he would need to enlist the aid of a fellow Astro or Quantum Physicist. Not to mention he would have to run his ideas by the CSO, Lt. Greer Erikson.

He tapped the terminal again and encrypted the data with a personal key and stored it in his files. Then he left his cabin to go head to the labs. He quickly arrived at his destination without any delay or notable events.

The lab was back to its original quality, not even the slightest hint that any damage had occurred. Has he began his daily routine his mind ran through several different people that would be eligible and suit his needs for the lab. He hoped that he could get a fellow science officer interested because he realized that if he received no help it would lengthen his experiment and he would probably have to involve people he did not know.

The shift when by quickly without any major interruptions and he was soon on his way back to his quarters. His mind not even noticing the events around him, rather running over the details and the many equations he used. He had no wish to walk up to Lt. Erickson only to be turned away because of a simple error in his calculations. In this he decided he had little worry since he had several different computers check in his calculations.

Soon he arrived back at his cabin and when immediately to the console and sent out a message to the CSO requesting a meeting to discuss an experiment that he wished to attempt and if possible involve a Engineer and if possible a Quantum or/and Astro Physicist. Then he ended the small message and waited for a response…

"Taking It To Extremes" by Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft

***

Tebrianne's dreams drifted in and out through the night. Her dreams started with her and Greer doing things that would make her blush if she were awake. As the night progressed and her dreaming went deeper, the dreams changed. They were dreams of the Extreme. Dreams of falling through the atmosphere with only a parachute and a windboard to see her safely to the ground. Dropping over a hundred story waterfall. Climbing a rock wall that disappeared into the clouds high above.

Tebrianne was about ready to leap off of the mountain on which she stood. She paused to listen to the wind whipping her forelock around. Her dreams had turned from the usual, Greer Erikson, to the unusual, something that wasn't Greer Erikson. Deiran Casey's Extreme Shore Leave invaded her sleeping world. Her subconscious. She turned away from the top of the mountain from where she stood and Deiran was there. He was better at this stuff than she was. He was better than everyone. He made her look like she was clueless. It wasn't his fault...he was just too good.

"It's okay Teb," he said, his face shifting in and out of focus. "It's not like I try to be good at everything. It's a gift. And a curse. I just want to be normal. I just want to be liked. But, I want to do the right thing."

Teb concentrated on making him stay in focus. Her surroundings shifted and became a clearing in some woods. She could hear a lightly bubbling brook somewhere in the distance.

"I like you, Deiran," she said. "Even if you do everything better than me. It gives me something to strive for."

"I don't think you'll ever catch me, Teb," he said. "But you are more than welcome to try."

"I don't know," she said, looking down at her feet. She dug one bare foot into the soft dirt, drawing a circle. She noticed a tattoo of spiked wire circling her ankle. With a start, Teb realized she was naked. She quickly covered herself. Deiran didn't appear to notice. "I don't have what it takes. You are good at everything. You have a beautiful wife and daughter. What do I have? I'm alone. I have myself. I've been trying to attract Greer since I first met him, and he doesn't give me the time of day." Tebrianne glanced down and saw that she was wearing a dress--she was, however, still barefoot.

"You are a beautiful, young woman, Teb," he said. "You can attract any man you want."

"What about Greer?" she asked as the spikes dug deeper into her ankle.

"What about Greer?" he replied.

"What about him? He's the one I want."

"Okay," he said. "You can attract any man you want, except Greer."

The wire circling her ankle bit into flesh and drew green droplets of blood.

"But, Greer is all I want."

"I'm sorry, Tebrianne," he said. "But, you just can't have him."

Teb looked deep into Deiran's eyes. He was wrong. He had to be. But, Deiran was never wrong. "What about you?" she asked quietly.

"What about me?"

"I can't have Greer," she said, barely above a whisper. "Can I have you?"

"Oooh," Deiran said, pinching up his face. "I was afraid you'd ask that. I mean, it is very understandable since I'm the most desirable man you've ever met, but I've got Miran. I love Miran more than anything else in life."

Thin droplets of blood dripped down her ankle.

"Would you sacrifice your career for her?"

"That's a tough question," he said, scratching the side of his head. "I believe I would."

"What's wrong with me, Deiran?"

"Well, Teb, I think you have a pretty severe problem with your own self-esteem. You are a wonderful person, but you don't give yourself credit."

Emerald streaks lined the top of Tebrianne's foot, pooling around the bottom.

"Neither does anyone else. I mean, after the 'Jawbreaker Battle', how many people said 'Bonzer flying, Teb. Great job. Cheers, Teb. That fancy flying of yours pulled our arses out of the fire that time. Good show.' None. The victory was your victory. Tebrianne Bancroft, bastard child of a Vulcan woman dead for eighteen years, was a nobody."

"You weren't a nobody, Teb--"

"Then why does everyone forget about me? Why am I always alone? Why don't I have anyone loving me? Why don't I have any friends? What's wrong with me?"

The ground soaked in the murky green fluid as it drained from Tebrianne's body. She looked at Deiran with tearful eyes--the eyes of a soul lost in a void.

Deiran reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm your friend, Tebrianne. I don't forget about you."

"I want someone to love me, Deiran," Tebrianne sobbed. "I want someone--"

"I can't love you, Tebrianne. I love Miran."

"Everyone already has someone else. Where is someone for me?"

"Well," Deiran said, chewing his lip. "What do you want me to do? Leave Miran for you? That's a little selfish, don't you think?"

"Maybe it is," Teb said. "But, maybe it's time for me. Maybe it's time for me to have something good happen to me."

"Do you love me?"

Tebrianne felt weak. The spikes had opened gashes that let the blood flow freely across the ground She felt cold. "I love... I love Greer, Deiran, but he doesn't love me. You told me that. You're never wrong."

"I know," he said with pride. "But, that doesn't mean you have to fall in love with the next man you see. I mean I understand how you would logically find me attractive. If things were different, who knows? But, I can't love you, Teb. Only one to a customer."

"Are you saying I shouldn't fall in love with you, Deiran? I mean, you're a bloody beautiful man. You're smart, intelligent, in great shape, a fine officer--"

"--and married," he said. "Don't forget I'm married."

"You can't love me too?"

"That would be a little unrealistic, don't you think Tebrianne," he said, cocking his head to the side. "I mean, really. Think about it. Let's start with the basics. The very foundation of Self-Esteem 101. Before you look for someone else to love you, shouldn't you love yourself first?"

She stared at him. Her mouth slightly open. "I love my music. And, I love what's happening with my career. I love Starfleet. I think I've got a pretty good body--"

"You've got a beautiful body, Teb," Deiran said. "Except for maybe the belly button ring and the tattoos. But, that's beside the point. You need to love who you are before you can expect anyone else to love you."

"And if I said I love myself, would someone love me then? Would you love me?"

"You can say it all you want, but you would need to show me that you love yourself."

"Oh." Teb dropped her head, and watched the blood as it drained through her ankle. It was funny, as she stood in the small river of her own blood, she never realized she had that much blood before. "I do love myself, Deiran. Really, I do. It's just that-- It's just that I haven't had a whole lot of reasons to love myself recently."

"Any you think if Greer loves you, or I love you, or someone else loves you, that will give you a reason to start loving yourself again?"

Her answer was barely audible. A strong breeze would have carried the sound away before it even reached Deiran Casey's ears. "Yes."

Casey watched her for a moment. He looked at the pool of blood she stood in. He looked at the sadness in her face. He looked into her eyes, she could feel his stare burning deep into herself. She winced under his scrutiny. A glance up at his face showed her his conflict. They were suddenly standing on the bridge. The blood has soaked into the carpet turning it a vibrant green.

"If I do this," he said, looking hard into her eyes. "You will love yourself."

She couldn't look him in the eyes. "Yes."

His hand brushed her chin as he moved close. He took the zipper at the front of the long, thin translucent dress she wore and pulled it. The dress parted and fell away, leaving her standing naked before him. He cupped her breasts and leaned into her. She could feel his breath on her neck. It was cold--chilling to the touch. She hadn't expected that, but accepted it. Tebrianne shivered as Deiran's hands began to slide down to her hips.

"Welcome to the jungle," he whispered to her and then covered her mouth with his. His breath filled her lungs and the bitter cold filled her, freezing her from the inside out.

***

Tebrianne bolted upright in her sleeping bag. Music blared through her tent and she heard a voice shouting from outside.

"Rise and shine campers! We have a mountain to conquer!"

Teb scrambled to the opening the tent completely forgetting about the pajamas she wore. Snow covered the ground, blanketing the campsite in white. Casey was standing in the center of the camp holding what looked like a short surfboard.

"Oh crikey," she muttered.

Tebrianne crawled back to her pack and started pulling out clothing that looked like it might keep her warm. She pulled on a pair of spandex tights and her boots. None of the tops she'd brought would cover up her now-freezing navel. She threw on a top and shrugged her way into her leather jacket. It'd be better than nothing.

Teb unzipped the tent and stepped into the snow. The air outside felt warmer than in the tent. She stamped her feet into the snow, trying to get the circulation in her feet going again. Deiran gave Teb a smile as she approached and handed her a snowboard. She thanked him and tucked the board under her arm.

Deiran seemed odd for some reason, but Teb couldn't place it. There was something about him that seemed different. Something that was connected with the dream she woke up from. From the dream she couldn't remember. No matter, she thought.

"First one down gets to catch dinner," Casey called as he kicked himself off down the slope. He was truly insane.

Teb stepped into her own board and followed him. She glided along the snow and ice, arms held away from her sides for balance. Teb hopped over moguls, keeping control out of desperation. She kept flirting with the snow. Teasing it by almost falling over, but righting herself at the last second. Trees and shrubs whooshed by as she sped down the mountain. She pushed out with her legs, propelling herself away from a clump of trees and back onto Deiran's trail.

Ahead of her, Deiran almost fell. He looked surprised by the sudden appearance of a ramp. With a slight wobble, he launched himself off the ramp like a photon torpedo.

Teb skipped around a tree and aimed herself toward the ramp Deiran had taken. She rocketed across the snow and over another series of moguls. She slid past Cat and slipped her way around another tree. She watched James hit the ramp ahead of her. She closed her eyes for a moment and said a silent prayer to whatever greater being might have happened to be listening.

Teb felt the ramp underneath her as she pitched forward. And then she was in the air. Teb tucked everything in and felt her body soaring over the rest of the world. She opened her eyes and hooted and hollered as she flew. She didn't dare try any tricks though...not if she wanted to be in one piece when she hit the ground again. Slowly, gravity started to reassert itself and Teb was headed down. With a hard thump, Teb hit the ground. She wasn't about to try anything slick like Deiran had...she was just happy she lived through the ordeal. She managed to stay upright. Success.

In the small celebration that followed Tebrianne's successful landing, she forgot to watch for trees and shrubs that might pop up in the trail ahead of her. She didn't have a chance to cry out in fright as she realized she was in trouble. Thinking fast, Teb snapped her board to the left and found herself half buried in a bank of snow.

Teb brushed the snow off her jacket and out of her hair. She took a couple deep breaths, letting the cold air fill her lungs. The cold worked its way to Teb's bones. She quickly checked to make sure nothing was broken, and hopped back onto her board. With a healthy push, Teb was gliding down the mountain once again.

It was another couple minutes before she saw the others waiting at the base of mountain. James was just ahead of her, so she decided to just follow him in. Teb kicked up a flurry of snow as she brought her board to a stop.

"Cheers, guys," she said.

"Okay to go again on the snowboards," Deiran said, "we have to do some rock climbing." The snow and cold disappeared and was replaced by a clear blue sky and heat that quickly warmed Tebrianne's chilled body.

"It’s the toughest rock climbing you’ll ever find. I hope you enjoy. I’m having lotsa fun and really happy you all decided to join me." No one said a word.

Tebrianne stripped off her jacket and dropped it on a rock next to where she discarded the snowboard. Her shirt was still wet from her fall, but was drying pretty quick. She looked at her tights and realized she was going to roast on the way up with them on. Of course, taking them off wasn't an option...at least, not in front of everyone.

Tebrianne excused herself behind a large rock and changed into a pair of spandex shorts and climbing shoes. She pulled her top off, deciding to just make the climb in the sports top she wore underneath. She'd probably get a pretty good tan on the way up.

Teb came out from behind the rock and her breath caught. She knew she was staring. She couldn't help it. She didn't care. Deiran had pulled off his shirt and was climbing. Teb watched him for a good minute before she started moving again. If she hadn't been hopelessly in love with Greer, and Deiran hadn't been happily married to Miran, she would have thrown herself at his feet.

Yeah, right, she thought. She couldn't even tell Greer how she felt about him, and she expected herself to throw herself at Deiran like some tart.

Grumbling about her own stupidity, Teb began her ascent. Tebrianne got the hang of climbing quick enough. The rest of the day was spent snowboarding down and then climbing back up. After the first couple times up, she handled it like a pro. At least she only almost fell three times...and she'd only almost taken someone else with her once. After the first time around, Teb decided to just deal with the cold and stopped changing her clothes back and forth. It was cold going down, but it was a great motivator.

***

The scene changed again from the breathtaking view from the top of the mountain to the sandy beaches of Hawaii. The crystal blue water was amazing. It was so clear. So amazing. She spent the first half hour just staring at the water and the holographic surfers.

Tebrianne bought a bikini from a beach shop. It was purple and red and went perfectly with her hair. She found a changing room and discarded her clothing and slipped into her new purchase. It covered the appropriate parts, and did little else. Teb felt her face reddening as she looked in the mirror. She was about to step out of the little changing hut and stand in front of her friends a few threads shy of naked. She wrapped a towel around herself, and cursed a few times as she opened the door.

Deiran was in a pair of swim trunks when Teb returned. She was staring again. And he saw her staring. Teb could feel that her breathing had gotten more shallow as she stood their watching him. She could feel the thunderous pounding of her heart in her chest. Did he smile at her? What was she thinking? Tebrianne quickly started thinking of Greer.

After much coaxing, she let the towel fall away. It was a good ten minutes before she could unfold her arms from in front of her breasts. She'd never exposed that much cleavage in front of anyone before. She'd never exposed that much of her self. Period. It was another ten minutes before she was comfortable enough for her blushing to fade.

Teb walked next to Deiran as they made their way down to the water. A holographic woman passed them and gave Deiran a big smile. Teb did a double take and realized the woman wasn't wearing a top. Teb wondered what was going through Deiran's mind when he programmed the simulation. Teb caught Deiran's glance at the topless woman and then the glance and raised eyebrow he gave her top.

"Not on your bloody life," she said, wishing she had a free hand to cover herself again. Like bloody hell she was going to bare her breasts to anyone. He belted out a loud laugh, and ran for the water. With a silent curse, Teb followed him into the surf.

They paddled their way away from shore and soon the entire gang was up on their boards, surfing in the wind. The waves crashed and Teb followed them--most of the time right back into the water. It was fun though. On more than one occasion, Tebrianne's wild side screamed to get out. To be daring and different. To be bold and do something that the normal Tebrianne Bancroft would never do. A part of her mind urged her to pull the top off and surf right past Deiran Casey. That would show him. It would show them all that she wasn't just a coward who couldn't take risks. But, the logical side of her mind won, and she just enjoyed herself windsurfing.

The next stop was to Rio de Janeiro for some hang-gliding. Teb had pulled on her shorts, but kept the bikini top. A pair of sandals replaced her boots. The fun stayed the same. She soared through the sky with ease. She knew this part of things --flying-- even though she'd never hang-glided in her life.

As the day drew to a close, Tebrianne steered her hang-glider toward the ground. She followed Deiran into the harbor where they'd started. She brought herself down right next to Deiran, giggling with the adrenaline rush.

"That was amazing," she said.

As everyone else gathered around, exhausted faces turning toward Deiran, he kicked at a clump of sand. He looked into the sky and then at everyone. "I really had allot of fun with you all on this trip. I hope you’ll come and do this with me again some time. Thanks for being great companions."

Paradise disappeared and the holodeck grid appeared around them. Teb sighed contentedly and started toward the door. As they walked down the hallway, Teb leaned in to Deiran. "Great vacation, Deiran. I had a blast. And, if you ever do this again, count me in."

***

Teb beamed back to the Galaxy. She didn't really feel relaxed, but she did feel energized. As she made her way back to her quarters, she stopped by Greer's quarters. She reached out toward the door chime, and stopped herself.

"Coward," she said softly as she turned back down the hall and headed toward her own quarters.

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

** By Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga **

Jack D'Auria was sleeping soundly in Ensign M'Benga's quarters. It was their second time to be together, and they had made love all night.

Quietly, the undressed form of the tall, muscular Be'Tran appeared in the doorway to the bedroom. She looked down at the sleeping science-officer and smiled sweetly.

"I'll never hurt you." she whispered to her sleeping lover. Then she kissed the first two finers of her left hand and held them over her heart. Her Klingon heart was beating hard, and passion was welling up in her again. But she was late for duty as it was.

"Imzadi..." she said faintly to the sleeping Jack, and tuned away from the bedroom. She hurried into the main area of her quarters, and took up her uniform from the pile of clothing on the floor. Some were his, some were hers; and at first she grabbed the wrong boots.

She corrected the error, and scrambled into her uniform. Leaving her quarters without her boots on. She started up the corridor, pulling on her boots as she went, when a nearby turbolift door opened suddenly.

Lieutenant K'Eytyanna Samara stepped quickly out of the lift and noticed the slightly disheveled Ensign.

"Lieutenant." Be'Tran was obviously surprised, "Good morning."

"Hello." said K'Eytyanna, calmly, "Running a little late?"

"Yes, ma'am." said Betta.

"Well, you'd better hurry. Just because A.C. won some money out of that cash voucher of yours at the poker game doesn't mean he's going to be overly generous if your late for duty." K'Eytyanna actually semed more cheerful than usual.

"I understand, Lieutenant." said Be'Tran, still a bit surprised. Then the two officers parted company.

As Be'Tran was about to enter the turbolift, K'Eytyanna turned from up the corridor, and called out; "By-the-way, M'Benga. Thanks for the toy, for D'Akana, I mean. He really loves it."

"My pleasure, K'Eyty." said Be'Tran, waiting until the lift-door was almost closed before tossing in the nickname, incase Samara might get a little pissed. K'Eytyanna's friendship was still on Be'Tran's priority-list, but things seemed to be moving so fast for her lately.

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

Be'Tran stepped out of the turbo-lift with a bounce in her step. She was almost immediately confronted by A.C. Hewson.

"Good morning, Ensign, running a little late?" he asked. That was just what K'Eytyanna had said.

"Yes, sir; sorry, sir." Be'Tran oppologized.

"Well," said Hewson, in a seemingly good mood. "No harm done. We're really moving smoothly down here anyway; looks like the repair-crews did a bang-up job getting her back on her feet."

"Then I'm not in trouble?" Be'Tran asked.

Hewson sighed and smiled. "No." he said at length, "Just don't make a general habit of it."

"No sir !" said Betta jovially, and hurried off to her duties.

Her first day back on active duty sience she retuned from Earth was basicly uneventful. The repairs (in the Engineering section, anyway) seemed just as well-done as A.C. had said. Her job, that day, consisted of performing routine diagnostics, until she was sent to confer with Lieutenat Treudeux on a minor pattern-buffer problem in transporter room three.

Be'Tran's skill with transporter components had become widely known aboard the Galaxy during the repairs made before the ship had docked at the starbase.

When her duty-shift was over Be'Tran retuned to her quarters. All day long she had been thinking of Jack D'Auria. She was begining to feel like she was really in love.

She had been with lots of men in her young life, but no one made her feel like Jack. She really felt something when they were together; and she couldn't deny that every ember in her Klingon heart had been ignited when he had said he'd fight for her.

Be'Tran was in love. That meant something. And it was something she would fight to hold onto. 'Who knows', she mused to herself, as she retuned to her quarters,'A guy like Jack might even make me loose my fear of "The Vows", but that'll take time.'

But her quarters were empty. She half expected to see Jack D'Auria, standing in the doorway of the bedroom, waiting for her. But, no, he had to go on duty too.

There was a smell of insence in the air of Be'Tran's quarters, and a message on her monitor.

Be'Tran
Had to go.
See you tonight.
Jack.
Oh, by the way;
I wasn't exactly sound asleep this morning:
... Imzadi

Be'Tran smiled softly at the message-screen. A small tear rolling down her soft, dark cheek.

"A new opportunity"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Acting Captain, USS Galaxy

After the Captain disappeared from the transporter platform, Joerg turned and left the transporter room. He was on his way back to the bridge. While he was walking towards the turbo lift he thought his situation over.

He was in command of one of the finest ship of the United Federation of Planets. He had been in command of the ship before, but this would certainly be different, because the Captain was away for several weeks and Joerg was in command of the ship during his absence.

While he was thinking his situation over, he suddenly noticed that he was standing inside the turbo lift, but hasn't stated his destination yet, so the lift wasn't moving.

"Bridge." he quickly said and the lift began to move.

He then resumed his thoughts. He knew that the job as Captain of a starship wasn't an easy one, but he gained enough experience during his time as Chief of Security and then First Officer to be prepared for the task ahead. At that moment he thought of the work that needed to be done, to take the Galaxy out of the spacedock and test and reconfigure all her systems. It was a boring and time consuming work, but worth every single second, because then the whole crew could be sure that everything was alright and they could depend on the ship.

The lift suddenly stopped and the doors opened onto the bridge. Joerg stepped out, as he had done many times before when taking command during either Beta or Gamma shift, and walked down towards the Captain's chair. Before he sat down, he turned to Lieutenant Thomas at the Ops station.

"Lieutenant, I want you to inform all department heads, that as soon as we clear the spacedock, they can start to run their tests on the various systems of the Galaxy. But be sure to tell them to keep up with their schedule, so that we won't run out of energy if everyone starts their tests at once." Joerg addressed Thomas.

"Aye sir." came the quick reply.

"And inform 'Commander Casey to meet me in the Captain's ready room in ten minutes." Joerg then quickly added.

Lieutenant Thomas nodded and started to act as ordered. Joerg then turned and approached the door of the Captain's ready room and entered. It was a strange feeling, that this was now his office, at least for the next few weeks. He sat down behind the desk and pressed a few buttons to record his first log as acting Captain of the Galaxy.

Captain's Log: Stardate 49807.21 - Acting Captain Joerg Sterner

This is my first entry as acting Captain of the USS Galaxy after Captain Price took his leave of absence. The repairs and preparations on the Galaxy are complete. In a matter of hours the Galaxy will have left Starbase 74 and conducted systems checks and tests to get her certified again.

Joerg pressed the button again to close the log. His thoughts at that very moment were with his Captain and he thought how Lee was feeling that another officer was in command of his ship, the Galaxy at that very moment. Joerg imagined him standing at the starbase, looking a last time at his ship, before boarding his transport.

After his thoughts were focused on his duty on the Galaxy again, Joerg looked at the desk and found reality in the form of various PADDs lying there. 'I have to complete at least some of those before 'Commander Casey arrives' he though and began busily to work.

--

Joerg Sterner - Technical University of Vienna, Austria

"The Temp XO"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Deiran had a beautiful night with Miran. Spending most of the time just talking and cuddling in each others arms. Deiran also played with his daughter and read her an ancient story, a fairy tale from ancient Earth.

It was during that story, that Lt. Samara paid the Casey’s a visit. And it was about time too. He was beginning to hate cold showers, he much preferred the sonic shower.

Kay fixed the shower quickly. And he played mind games with her. He knew that he was getting to Kay, wearing her down. And it was time to take his revenge.

Kay was quite liberal. He knew she would not mind the joke he had played on Ronni weeks ago. Although, the men in Ten Forward at the time had a ball and thanked him for the show. No he wouldn’t do this to Kay. It had to be something that would make her go crazy. Something that would twist her nerves to the point where they snapped.

But, not too much that she’d need psychiatric evaluation. Casey wasn’t that mean.

Casey used his command codes to access the main computer core. All replication in her quarters was terminated. And he was the only one who could remove the lock out. She could try everything in the world, but the only thing that would get her replicator to work was Deiran Casey. All the hacking and engineering tricks in the book, which he knew about as did Kay, would not work.

He recorded a message, "Hi Kay, your replicator isn’t working, what a shame." And then sent it. She would know who did this, but would have no idea how to counteract the lock. She would have to come to Casey to get her replicator back on-line. And then he would really have her. He laughed loudly as he thought of what would come next. He was sitting at his desk, and drew looks from Miran and even Lara, as his cackle penetrated the entire room.

He then started on his departmental reports. He was speed reading them when he received a comm from Lieutenant Thomas.

[Thomas to Commander Casey.]

"Casey here Chris. What’s up?" Deiran asked, his attention still on the PADD he held in his hand.

[Sir, Captain Sterner has requested you meet him in the Ready Room in ten minutes.]

"Aye Thomas, tell the Captain I’ll be there in five. Casey out." He had no idea what was going on. But, if Sterner was the acting Captain. That meant he was the acting XO. Which was probably why Sterner wanted to talk to him. Again Lee Price was off the ship. It was becoming a routine lately. He was starting to miss his Captain. He prayed that it wasn’t a permanent thing, that Starfleet just felt that Lee needed some leave.

Come to think of it, when was the last time Captain Price had leave?

Deiran put down his PADD. Got up from his desk and walked over to his wife. Miran was sitting on the couch, her legs folded under her as she sat. She was reading some news or something and still keeping an eye on Lara. She was becoming very good at being a mother. She was truly a natural. Miran watched Lara like a spy on surveillance duty. She couldn’t get away with anything.

"I have to go meet with the Captain, hon. I’m not sure how long I’ll be. I should be back in time for dinner," he was now in front of

Miran, he leaned down and kissed her on the lips. As he walked towards the door he gave Lara a gentle, loving pat on the head and left the room.

*** Turbolift ***

Deiran was thinking about what Captain Sterner wanted when the doors to the turbolift opened. He was met by Ensign M’Benga, who was smiling at him. Next to her was Ensign Praskovya and then his old pal Greer.

"Hello Betta, Greer. Good to see you both," he said genuinely. And then he turned to the other female Ensign, an Orion no less. He knew her name, as he knew everyone’s name on board. But had never formally met her.

"Lt. Commander Deiran Casey, Chief Ops and Second Officer, nice to finally meet you Miss Praskovya," Deiran said, holding his hand out in a friendly gesture of introduction. He flashed his famous Casey smile and was charming, debonair and dashing as usual.

"A pleasure I’m sure Commander," Polina replied. Deiran noticed her smile and her eyes sparkle at him.

It was the usual response he received from beautiful women. He was getting used to it.

The TL arrived at the Bridge and they all exited. Greer nodded to Deiran and proceeded to the Science station. Betta had a report to deliver and Deiran didn’t know why Polina was there.

He said a polite "good day ladies," and walked to the Ready Room.

Pressing the door chime, Deiran stood and waited to be admitted into the Captain’s presence.

"Come," was Sterner’s reply. He didn’t seem to look like he expected Deiran so soon after requesting Casey to meet with him.

Everyone knew Casey was always early. And Sterner had gotten used to this. It was one of the reasons Deiran always had his work done and why he had come up through the ranks so quickly.

"You wanted to see me sir?" Casey said and stood at attention. Exactly as he would have if Sterner was Captain Price. He respected the Commander in the same manner. He had the pleasure of fighting beside the man, and knew he was a fine leader of men.

"Shower Repairs"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara
reviewed by Deiran and Miran

Picking up an engineering kit, K'Eytyanna headed into a turbolift.

Arriving shortly outside the Casey quarters, she tapped the door panel and waited. A few moments later, the door was opened by Miran

"Hello, Lieutenant. What is this visit about?"

"Your husband pulled rank and left orders for me to fix the adjustments to the shower."

The sound of laughter came from the lounge where Deiran was reading to Lara. Miran shrugged and whispered to K'Eyt before going to do something else,

"Just watch out for him later on."

Grumbling something nasty in Spanish about Deiran after Miran walked away, K'Eytyanna headed to the empty bathroom, putting down her toolkit.

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

Five minutes later..

K'Eytyanna disconnected the isolinear chip eraser and connected the Flash ROM upgrade unit, quickly setting it to rewrite the correct code into the shower unit.

Finishing within a few moments, she packed up all her equipment and headed out into the lounge room.

"Your shower is fixed now. If there is nothing else Lt Commander, I will return to Engineering."

Deiran turned and spoke,

"You are dismissed, Lieutenant, and thank you. One more thing Lieutenant," Deiran said and paused to make sure he made eye contact with the engineer.

"Watch your back!"

Turning, K'Eytyanna left without any comment. Deiran cackled as he watched Kay leave his quarters. Part of the fun of revenge was the mind game.

Lt K'Eytyanna Samara, USS Galaxy - Engineer/Shuttle Pilot
D'Akana T'Mok (NPC), USS Galaxy - Pet

"Promotion? What promotion?"
By Lieutenant jg Aaron Sharp and Lieutenant Tebrianne Bancroft

***

The Shuttlecraft Bathurst slowly slid between the doors of shuttle bay 3 and set down gently on the floor. The tractor beams guiding the craft disengaged and the seal on the shuttle’s door cracked open with a hiss. Ensign Sharp quickly disembarked the vessel, not waiting for his passengers, and exited the bay. The trip to Romulus had been most interesting and had opened his eyes to many Romulan ways. Now he was looking forward to getting back to ‘normal’ duty. So far he'd spent more time away from the Galaxy than on it since being posted there, and although he'd made several good friendships while on the Qul’etlh, he still hardly knew the people in his own department. That was about to change, he decided. He entered his quarters, stripped off his uniform and jumped straight into the sonic shower. As soon as he was clean he shaved and put on a new uniform.

“Computer, start log.” he called out. “Ensign Sharp’s personal log, Stardate, Thursday.” He grinned at his little joke. He was in one of those moods. “I've just returned from Romulus, where I took Lieutenant Ryak Sullax to pick up his son. Now, having returned to the Galaxy, it is my intention to explore strange new areas of the ship, to seek out new life and new friendships, to boldly go where no man in his right mind has gone before,” He struck a pose as he spoke, balled fists on hips, gazing up and into the distance, “I'm on my way to report back in to Lieutenant Bancroft. Computer, end log.” The computer bleeped back at him and he marched out of his room and up the corridor.

****Tebrianne Bancroft’s office ****

The door chime chirruped. "Come in," Tebrianne said as she set down the PADD she'd been reviewing. The door whisked open and Aaron strode in. “Aaron, I see you're back.”

“Yes Ma'am, and reporting for duty.” He clicked his heels together and snapped off a salute.

Tebrianne grinned. “Crikey mate, what've you been drinking?”

“Depends on what day it is,” Aaron replied, looking up at the ceiling and placing a hand on his chin, “let’s see, Fridays and Saturdays is usually blood wine, Sundays, I don't drink at all, Mondays and Tuesdays, Romulan ale, ‘cept I've just been to Romulus so I might have messed up my schedule a bit.”

“Alright, I get the idea,” Teb laughed, “I take it your trip went well, then?”

“As well as could be expected. A couple’a hairy moments, but nothing overly exciting. I'm really looking forward to getting back into gear on the Galaxy. What shift am I pulling?”

“I'm putting you on Beta shift,” Tebrianne said. "I'll move Ensign M'aerikh to the backup Alpha shift slot. We're due to leave spacedock this afternoon for a little shakedown after the repairs. All the normal post-repair rubbish. Should be fairly boring stuff.”

“Ah, well, that’s what makes the exciting stuff so exciting. Is there anything else I should be aware of, Ma'am?”

“No, I think that just about covers it. You're dismissed, Lieutenant'.”

“Ensign.”

“Excuse me?” Tebrianne asked. She looked at Aaron quizzically.

“You called me ‘Lieutenant’, Ma'am. My rank is Ensign.”

“Aaron, as far as I'm aware, you've been promoted to Lieutenant junior grade. Didn't you receive your new pip?”

Now it was Aaron’s turn to have a quizzical look. “No. There was nothing in my messages or anywhere else to indicate anything of the sort.”

“Okay, let's see if the computer can shed any light on this," Tebrianne said, leaning over to her console. She closed down the report she had been working on. “Computer, what is the current rank of helmsman Aaron Sharp of the USS Galaxy, NCC-70637?”

[Helmsman Aaron Sharp currently holds the rank of Ensign.]

Tebrianne's expression changed to one of confusion. “Computer, did Captain Price recommend Aaron Sharp for promotion to lieutenant junior grade, as of the end of our last mission?”

[Affirmative.]

“Computer, did Aaron Sharp receive his promotion to lieutenant junior grade?”

[Affirmative.]

“What is helmsman Sharp’s current rank?”

[Helmsman Aaron Sharp currently holds the rank of ensign.]

“Oh bloody hell,” Tebrainne cursed. “What in blazes is going on here?”

[Please restate the question,] the computer asked.

“Obviously some sort of glitch in the system” Aaron commented.

“You can say that again,” Teb said as she pushed her crimson forelock out of her eyes. “But don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this yet. I didn't grow up reading Sherlock Holmes for nothing. Computer, display Ensign Aaron Sharp’s service record.”

On the screen of her terminal, Aaron’s details appeared. There was no mention of promotion.

“Computer,” Teb continued. “Display Lieutenant junior grade Aaron Sharp’s service record.”

A new record appeared. The picture of the officer was definitely NOT the man standing in front of her right now. It was nothing like him. But, the record DID show a recent promotion to Lieutenant, junior grade…from petty officer, 2nd class?

“Well, there’s our problem,” Tebrainne pointed out to Aaron. “Looks like your promotion went to Aaron Sharpe, with an E, a technician on the USS Adelaide. I guess you‘re not the only Sharp in Starfleet.”

“I always knew I had a popular name,” Aaron said, “but this is ridiculous. I wonder if that other Aaron died, if Captain Price would hold a memorial service for me.“ He grinned. “Just imagine them trying to shoot me into the nearest star.“ Aaron went into dramatics. “Hey, what are you doing? We're burying you! But I'm not dead! According to your service record you are, so lie down and shut up so we can get on with it!“ He broke off in peels of laughter.

Teb got up from her desk and went over to the replicator. She realized she was smiling...and almost laughing. It had been awhile...at least since the trip in the holodeck with Casey and the gang. Teb quickly forced her mind back to what she was doing, and away from the image of Deiran in Hawaii. “One lieutenant junior grade pip,” she said. She smiled again as she thought of the lunch she'd had with Greer before the trip...it gave her hope that something might work between them. Teb cursed herself silently for daydreaming again. It was better to not think about Greer or Deiran while she was working.

The pip phased into existence on the replicator tray. Teb picked it up and walked back to Aaron. “Ensign Sharp, on behalf of Starfleet Command and all your crewmates on the Galaxy, I'd like to present you with your promotion to lieutenant junior grade. Congratulations Aaron.” Teb smiled as she fixed the pip to Aaron's collar. “Posthumously, of course.” They both broke up laughing.

***

Lieutenant jg Aaron Sharp
Lieutenant Tebrianne Bancroft

"Reflections"
By: Lt Jg Lexana Ral
Junior Counselor

Lexana was currently sitting in Ten Foreward, nursing a coffee which had long-since gone cold. He rested her head on her hand and stared at the table. She had a lot on her mind and was unsure how to deal with most of it. One of the things which weighed most heavily upon her was the recent incident with Nilani. Her eyes narrowed at the thought that some bastard had seen fit to blackmail Kahn. It wasn't fair. LtJg Ral would dearly like to have gotten her hands in the "Gul XXXX" who was threatening the Galaxy's CMO, she'd be able to practice some of the moves James had shown her. One in particular sprang to mind, the "groin rip". It wasn't a very friendly move, however, Ral felt that "Gul XXXX" fully deserved to be on the receiving end of it. Then there was Cat, working herself to near exhaustion and having so many problems of her own. Lexana wished she could help but she didn't know how. Maybe she would go and talk to Lt Erikson, he was a good friend of Cat's and might have some ideas.

She sighed and switched head-rest hands. She really didn't feel too good inside right then, and she hadn't been feeling "right" since that fight with James a few days ago. They'd hardly spoken since.

Part of her was still fuming about it. She'd always thought of him as a good friend, maybe more (although she hadn't told him and certainly had no intention of doing so right now), however he'd seemed to be so embarressed at the prospect of her being at the awards ceremony. That he'd seen her as some dumb kid and thought he'd have to babysit her and protect her from the admirals. Ral knew she was young, however she'd always been able to take care of herself and she certainly wasn't new to the party scene. She was still sore about it and it had been a while ago now. However, the counselor part of her told her there had been something more, some other reason he'd been so on edge that night and had yelled at her. Her instincts told her to go talk to him, to be there as a friend and support him through whatever it was he was going through. However, her tempor had gotten the better of her this time and she was just too damned stubborn for her own good at times (this being one of them). A momvent in front of her caught her eye, she looked up to see the handsome face of Lt Brady grinning at her from across the table. "Hey," She smiled, her reflections broken for a moment "How long have you been sitting there?"

"Long enough." He replied "what's up?"

"Stuff.." She shrugged "I thought you were working?"

"I finished my shift over an hour ago.. Lex how long have you been sitting here?" He flashed her another smile. He'd often remarked about her ability to simply lose herself for hours on end. It was as though her mind took a vacation from her body. He'd even called her a Space Cadet once, and had been thrown into the pool on the holodeck as a result.

"Umm..." she replied "Long enough..."

Brady leaned back in his seat and smiled "Well, since we're both here, would you care to stay and have dinner with me? Or are you off to the Holodeck to get thrown of that evil minded holo-horse?"

Ral pretended to consider it for a moment, At least, to Brady it appeared she was pretending. After a moment she gave him an impish grin and said "Actually, I'm still kinda bruised from the last time I went horseriding. I'd love to stay." She caught a glimpse of James walking into Ten Fore out of the corner of her eye. Brady waved him over and asked him to join them both. However, he seemed to be in a rush and came up with an excuse about filing some report, before leaving.

"I wonder what's up with him?" Brady mused

"I think it's me." Ral said quietly "I don't think I'm his favorite person right now"

"Departure"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

"Woooo Weeee!" exclaimed a rather odd looking Bolian who stepped through the transport door.

Captain Price glanced over and saw the unusually tall man remove his Texas style ten gallon hat and run a hand over the ridge of his skull.

"My, aren't you one handsome filly of a lady darlin'."

The comment put a crooked grin on the Captain's face as he finished placing his bags in the over head compartment and settled down into his seat near the portal. Straightening his shorts and loosely fastening his seat harness, Lee made himself comfortable before calling up the daily FNBs (Federation News Bulletins) on the LCARS before him.

"Excuse me, pardon me ma'am. So sorry. My that is a purty dress ma'am. Ah here we are. Looks like you and me are gonna be partners on this little coach ride mister."

Lee glanced over at the Bolian. He was already stowing his carry on bags as he spoke. "G'day 'mate. Make yourself comfortable."

"Why I intend to. Names Branus. Branus Metz of Metz industries. You've heard of Metz?" The Bolian said pushing the brim of his hat back onto his head with a single finger.

"Can't says that I have 'mate." Lee admitted with a slight shake of his head, "What does Metz Industries do?"

"Power supplies son! Damn, don't that beat all." The Texan said glancing around and pointing a thumb at the Captain, "He doesn't know about Metz." He said to a near by passenger, "Where have you been boy? Under a rock or sumthin'?"

Lee smiled weakly, "Actually I have been away for some time. This is the first leave I've had in over a year."

Branus sat down. His large frame compressed the seat cushions while he fidgeted to get comfortable. "Leave you say?... humm, tight hair cut, clean shaven..." the Bolian said snapping his fingers, "You are one of them Starfleet types aren't you?"

Lee's smile widened. "Yes I am. That is very impressive that you could tell that. I'm not exactly dressed in uniform."

"I knew it!" he said slapping a hand enthusiastically to his knee. "I could tell the moment I laid eyes on you. I said, Branus, now there is a Starfleet professional. I can always tell just by looking at ya. So what is it you do for this Starfleet? One of them computer gurus? Or no, maybe an Engineer...?"

"Actually I am the Captain of a starship."

"Now don't that beat all! A Captain. Shit, no wonder you look all regulation like. The Captain of a starship. And you are taking a leave and going to Vulcan?"

"That's right. I have a friend there that is not feeling well that I wish to spend time with." Lee explained.

"That sounds about right for someone from Starfleet. Me, I'm going to Vulcan on business. Seems those pointy head buggers use power cells too and I mean to sell them a heap of em."

Lee just smiled politely at the Texas Bolian and tried to return to reading his news reports.

"Yes, the damn Ferengi think they have the pointy eared bastards locked into buying their cells from them, but the Vulcans are a logical sort of consumer. I'm sure once I let them know what greedy little twits dem little Dumbo eared peddlers are, the pointy heads will see things my way. The trick is knowing how to talk to them people. They don't think like you or I do. No sir Jim Bob, yous gots to use a totally different approach when dealing with out worlder scum if you wants ta make a sale. Yes indeed. There was this one time when I was dealing with them wrinkle nosed earring lovers in the Gamma Quadrant..."

"I'm trying to read 'mate." Lee interrupted with a neutral look. He could tell that this transport was not going to be very pleasant with this gabby Bolian going on and on about his dealing and making his bigoted comments.

"Oh well la tee da. I'm sorry I wouldn't want to bore such an important Starfleet Captain! I suppose you'd rather be back on your ship right now, charting space and collecting dust samples from the outer reaches." Branus said sarcastically.

Lee's expression grew serious as he thought about it for a moment before responding. "Yes, you are probably right mate. But seeing that isn't an option, I would like to read through some of these news items if that is all right with you."

Branus let out a hurumph and adjusted his seat leaning way back. Tilting his ten gallon hat over his face in preparation for a nap.

The last of the passengers boarded the transport before the ship got underway. Lee looked out the portal near his seat and could see Starbase 74 as they pulled away. He hoped that Commander Sterner would be able to guide the Galaxy out of spacedock without incident and that the system testing of all systems would pass with flying colors so the Galaxy could be certified fit for service and resume it's mission of protecting the Federation shipping lanes from Dominion attack.

When the Starbase grew smaller and finally could no longer be seen, the Bolian in the seat besides the Captain began snoring loudly. Lee shook his head and really wished he could be back home on board the Galaxy. Anywhere but on this transport next to this strange Bolian.

"Unexpected Surprises"
by Lt. Ronni Morris and Lt. Greer Erikson
USS Galaxy

The Galaxy-class starship was now repaired, the Captain was away on leave, and Commander Sterner was now the acting commanding officer. Things had almost returned to normal. Making the most of the reports that needed to be compiled on the new and repaired systems, Lieutenants Morris and Erikson were spending as much time as they could together.

Although their relationship had been developing over the last few weeks, since that night in the holodeck, Ronni had respected Greer's wishes to keep their love a private affair. Greer had confided in Alan, and he was almost certain that Ronni would have told Miran by now. Except for some curious glances and conversation from Cat, it seemed that no one on the ship was aware of them.

Although the privacy was initially to prevent gossip, a common thing on a starship, and something that any relationship could do without, this seemed to only heighten the moments they were able to spend together. Dinner while discussing departmental reports was becoming the usual excuse and often took the priority over poker games and other things.

"Do you have the report for the lateral sensor array?" Greer asked as he replaced his glass on the table. "I don't seem to be able to find it."

Ronni scrounged through the pile of PADDs sitting beside her on the couch. "Ensign D'Auria has checked them out and says that they are alright." she said as she read the summary out aloud. Looking up from the report, she said, "I guess that takes care of the sensor arrays."

"Taurean, T'Vek, and Idana have been through most of the laboratories." Greer said as he looked at his PADD. "According to Taurean, the hydroponics and botany laboratories are looking better than before. Greer looked up at Ronni, "I'd say that she's going to enjoy working in them." he smiled. "T'Vek says that the astrophysics laboratories are . . . operating satisfactorily."

"Vulcans." Ronni remarked, shaking her head, as if the one word said everything she was thinking.

"There's something very honest and refreshing about Vulcans. After you live on Vulcan, it becomes difficult to understand why people euphimise their statements beyond the point of being polite." he explained. "For instance, if we'd both been honest with each other and said exactly what we'd thought, we wouldn't have waited so long to be together." Ronni smiled. Although she was somewhat of an extrovert, this Delphinian was as vulnerable as any person, showing a side of her that he rarely ever saw. "Oh, did I tell you about the project that T'Vek is working on?"

"About three times now." the assistant chief science officer said as she pretended to strain her mind trying to remember the exact number of times. "Sounds interesting though, assuming he can get past the kind of engineering it would take to produce that kind of energy."

"Perhaps." Greer pondered. "He's checked the calculations by several computer systems and they seem to confirm his conclusion. I guess we'll have to wait for the data his experiments generate before we can be certain."

"You know as well as I do that what works in theory does not always work in practice."

After dinner, Ronni took her pile of PADDs and went over to the couch. She compiled information and caught up on the various reports that were due. She was glad that Greer considered this as much a priority as she did. After tonight, the Science Department would be fully up to date and ready for whatever else was to happen.

Several times during the evening, Ronni looked up to see Greer staring at her. It still made her blush. She had to keep drinking because her throat kept going dry. While reading reports, she fell asleep on the couch.

Next thing she knew, she heard the door chime. As she opened her eyes, she was about to say 'Come in!', when she realized that she was in Greer's quarters. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up, knocking PADDs all over the floor. The door chimed again. Greer came rushing out of the shower with a towel wrapped loosely around him.

At the door was Tebrianne. She said, "Greer I was wondering if . . . ". She froze as she saw Ronni standing up from the couch. She looked from Ronni to Greer and back again.

"Gaining Momentum"
by Tebrianne Bancroft

***

Tebrianne woke up early and shut off the alarm. A glance at the chronometer told her that she was early. Tebrianne crawled out of bed and padded her way to the bathroom. A warm shower would feel great. She pulled off her pajamas and climbed under the water. She couldn't figure out why anyone would want to stop taking showers with real water.

Her thoughts drifted to the dreams she'd had of Greer during the night. Heat rose to her cheeks as she started remembering more of the details. She couldn't stand it anymore...she had to say something to him. Teb climbed out of the shower and started drying off. As she started to dress in her uniform, a plan started forming in her head.

On her way to the bridge, Teb would stop at Greer's quarters and walk with him to the bridge.

***

Teb rang the chime and waited. She kept repeating 'I will not be a coward' over and over in her mind.

The door opened and Greer was standing there in a towel. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came. She tried again. "Greer I was wondering if...." Teb stopped in her tracks when she saw Ronni Morris standing up from the couch. Teb looked between Ronni and Greer. Teb felt her chest tighten and a lump forming in her throat.

Before she could get any farther in her panicking, the logical side of her mind kicked into overdrive. Lt. Morris is still in her uniform, it told her. Greer is just getting ready for work, it added. They were both probably working on something for the science department and fell asleep. There's probably nothing going on here at all. Greer's all yours. All you have to do is find the courage to tell him you love him.

"...I'm sorry," Teb stammered. "I didn't realize you were... I mean, I was just stopping by to see if you wanted to wander up to the bridge with me, Greer, but you're not quite ready, are you?"

"This probably looks pretty bad, doesn't it Teb," he said with a smile. "We were working late last night, and Ronni fell asleep on the couch." It was the truth. She had fallen asleep while reading a stack of PADDs. Greer was just happy he didn't have to start lying to cover-up his and Ronni's relationship. "Why don't you go ahead without me," he added. "I'd hate for Commander Sterner to be upset with you because you were late on his first day as Acting Captain."

"You're probably right," Teb said. "I'll just head on up to the bridge then. I'll see you in a bit, Greer. Cheers, guys."

Teb stepped out into the hall as Greer and Ronni said their goodbyes.

Greer and Ronni were the Chief Science Officer and Assistant Chief Science Officer, working late as a team was part of the job. Nothing to worry about, and Teb would just have to find a different time to tell Greer.

Maybe he was free during Beta shift?

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

=/\= "Inventory of a Duffel Bag" =/\=
by Lt. Matthew Albrecht

Matthew sat on the edge of his bed, staring distantly off into the space beyond his bulkhead. Between his feet rested his duffel bag, containing a few gifts for some friends on the ship. He felt a touch of shame, because buying gifts was the farthest thing from his mind on the trip. Only after hearing about the fantastic gifts his shipmates were toting back to the Galaxy did he realize there were people aboard who might appreciate a surprise when he returned. At the station before they disembarked for home, he went frantically into the various shops to look for unique, one-of-a-kind items to present to his friends.

Some of his friends had been on the trip to Earth, so he concentrated on finding things for his friends who couldn't get away from the Galaxy. Bringing his eyes to focus on the bag, he rifled through the contents.

For his best friend Gary, who had been to Earth many times, he had found a fascinating gift. A large, old-fashioned style book, with real paper pages. It was titled 'Mr Universe--Giants among men when the Earth _was_ the Universe.' Gary's fascination with body-building was well-known on the Galaxy, and this choice of gift had earned a few laughs on board the Cydonia.

Matthew discovered that his friend Astrid Salt was harder to shop for. She had many interests that he knew of, but none translated into easy gifts to find in such a touristy place. Again, he resorted to the bookseller to finally find the right gift. She was a student of military strategy and history, as well as a fairly talented amateur drummer. He found an interesting ancient French history book. Translated to Standard, the title was 'The Drummer's Napoleon.' It was an autobiographical look at the French Leader from an infantry drummer's point of view. Matthew feared it would be terribly dull, but whether it was or not, she would certainly never forget the gift.

For Ensign Ral, he brought a bizarre-looking hologram. When activated in a properly-equipped area, an 'Android' appeared, who was rather sarcastic and performed menial duties such as 'vacuuming.' He seemed to be designed for humor's sake. He was called 'Smegging Good Android, Kryton.' Matthew had no idea what a Kryton was, or Smegging, for that matter; But the clerk in the novelty store claimed that it was a collector's item, and perfect for fans of English humor.

For Greer Erickson, who Matthew was fairly certain enjoyed theatre, he had found a biography of sorts. 'The Essential Tennessee Williams' by Raphe Toulane. Apparently, according to the bookseller, the man was a historically important playwrite. The big selling point for Matthew was that recordings of rare two-dee interviews were included with the text--a sure-fire bonus. He hoped Greer would like it when he saw it. Matthew figured that lieutenant Erickson was probably upset over the Klingon history cover-up, and hoped the gift would help get the man's mind off of it.

Lastly, the bag contained an iso chip with a holoprogram on it. It was for Ursa and Xavier. Matthew didn't know what the two men would like from a novelty shop or bookstore, but he did know something he could get from home that would never be the same created on the ship. He had convinced Degruiss to hand over one of the Gozarian's favorite personal holoprograms. The plot of the program included a pony-express style dogsled race and a hunt for a wild Polar bear that was terrorizing small, northern Alaska towns. The setting was severe, difficult, and challenging enough to entertain both men. Also, he was looking forward to teaching the others a thing or two about handling a sled. Degruiss had programmed it, so the realism could not be beat.

That gift, he would deliver first. He was about to head to Security to tell Ursa that he was ready to take on the assistant security chief duties immediately. After that, he would tell Ursa all about their date with the Earth's Arctic Circle.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

"Duties and responsibilities"
by Commander Joerg Sterner - Acting Captain
and Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey - Acting Executive Officer

Lieutenant Commander Casey entered the ready room and Joerg looked up. It appeared to him that he was proud to serve with him, a little jealous of Joerg's current position and yet somewhat glad that he hasn't have to be the Captain of the Galaxy so soon again. Summarized, he was just happy with the current situation as it was in Joerg's point of view.

"I'm sorry to have bothered you 'Commander, but I have some important news for you." Joerg began.

"You may or may not be aware that Captain Price has left the ship to take some well earned vacation." he continued.

"During this time he left me in command of this vessel, which means that the position of First Officer is temporarily available. I thought of you, not only because you are already Second Officer, but because during our time aboard the Galaxy I have come to respect both you and your work. What do you say?" Joerg explained and waited for an answer.

"I'm greatly honored sir. And accept the position," Deiran paused. "I have the sincerest respect for you also Captain," Deiran said honestly. It was the truth.

"That's good to hear. I'm glad you accepted the position, although it's only for a few weeks." Joerg exclaimed happily.

"That brings us to another problem, your position is now vacant too. Do you have any suggestions who might take over your position as Second Officer?"

"I believe 'Commander Sunder would fill the position nicely sir. He acted beyond the call of duty during the Jawbreaker battle and he's tough. He's also one of the ranking officers on board sir."

"I agree and am glad you think the same way. After you leave, please inform him of his new position please." Joerg instructed Deiran.

Deiran didn't quite know how to bring this up, so he just blurted it out like usual, "Sir, would it be rude of me if I asked to be on a first name basis with you sir, when not in front of the other officers? We have known each other for a long time, I consider you a friend."

"Not rude at all, Deiran." Joerg answered honestly.

He himself wanted to do that step for a long time, but either didn't find the time or the right place to do so.

"I wanted to ask you the same thing for a long time, but I wasn't really able to do so. So thank you for bringing this up." Joerg added.

"I really glad to hear that Joerg." Deiran replied.

"With that taken care of, I will now brief you on our current assignment." Joerg continued to focus their conversation back to their task ahead.

"After we have cleared the starbase, we are to conduct various tests and system checks to get our ship certified again. After that, we will go back to the Cardassian border patrolling. I hope this won't turn out the same way our last expedition went." Joerg explained and Deiran could only nod in agreement.

"I agree Captain. Although, I think the crew is ready to patrol. They're getting restless being cooped up on this Starbase," Deiran replied and laughed. He knew it was an understatement. He and Joerg were still on duty and Casey still called him Captain. Deiran was all business while on duty. Deiran would use Joerg's name off duty.

"So if there isn't anything else you want to know Deiran, you are dismissed. But be sure to report back on the bridge once we start our series of tests in about 2 hours." Joerg announced.

"Aye sir, I'll be there promptly," Deiran Casey said and went back to the bridge via the ready room's door. After the door closed behind him Joerg was back in the reports that needed to be checked before the Galaxy could leave the spacedock.

"Message from a friend"
by Lt.(jg) George Prince
Shuttle Polit
USS Galaxy

George laying in bed thinking about the card game at Hewson. "That hand came down to the high card." George said to himself. George gets out of bed and check the small oven laying on the table. "Hey, I want to no how you got turned on. I don't even use you but yet you turn yourself on. I am lucky that you didn't start a fire. Trying to get me in a mess." George sits down in front of his computer after moveing the oven.

"Hey, I got a message form Ed my roommate." said George as he looks over the messages.

"George how are doing? Good job I heard you got promoted. They should have made you go back home you fool. I got the holodeck program you wanted. I attach it to this message so you can use it. This program isn't your style it's about spies and a time machine. I say it is better to have couple people use this progarm its more fun that way. I talk to you later I have to go now." said Ed in his message.

"Well the game is in and I wounder if anyone is using the holodeck. Well I better find out what the time is." said George as he got dressed and head out the door.

"A Chance"
by Lt. Thomas

Chris sat across the table from Belira talking to her about everything that had transpired since that first day they meet to the day he left. He'd walked her through just about all of the details that were relevant to their situation leaving them to wonder what the other was thinking. He had decided that she needed to know everything that she wanted to know about what happened and why. He was being as truthful as possible to address her questions and concerns.

"Belira I know this is tough, next to impossible for you to accept, but i do truly still love you, as I did when we were married, I truly wish you'd at least stay onboard the Galaxy for a while to allow me the time to show that despite my appearance, I am still the man you married. I am only asking you to give me a chance to really show that to you." Thomas said sincerely. He was more sincerely about this than almost anything in his life.

She sat silently across from him thinking long and hard about things before even opening her mouth. This wasn't just a decision she could make without thinking a little bit about things, as she'd be leaving the Klingon Empire to be with him or at least to get to know him again. That was asking a lot of her, and he'd done a good job of giving her answers to the questions she'd asked him only a few minutes ago.

"I know that I am asking you to give up a lot and to take a serious chance on me, but I am being honest when I say that I want you back in my life, with me as my wife." Thomas said. Chris was trying to give her a reason to at least give him a chance.

"I don't know. You have answered my questions about everything that I wanted to know and I believe that your answers were more honest than I expected, but I am still trying to understand some very inner questions that I have." Belira said looking long and hard at Chris as she thought about what her decision was going to be, and why she was going to make this decision.

She wasn't sure where to start with what she had to say to him, but she decided that she'd just say it and let it be for now. "I have decide to remain on the galaxy for a while, you'll have to prove what your saying to me is true. If and only if I am convinced that you truly are an honorable man and love me will I consider furthering our relationship towards what it was before your apparently death."

This was more than Chris expected while it didn't come to want he truly wanted, he'd already realized that it would take some time for them to get back in synch if possible. He wasn't sure what else he expected, everything had more or less go as he expected.

"Thank you for giving me the chance to prove to you that I am the man that you married regardless of my appearance." Chris said.

They started to depart and go their own ways, when Chris turned around, "Dinner this evening my quarters."

"Sounds good." Belira said, as she headed off in her direction.

-----

Christopher Patton
Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

Gremlins & Glitches
Ensign V'ehlma M'aerikh
Helms(wo)man, USS Galaxy

"Bidweep!" V'ehlma groaned and turned over in her bed. "Bidweep!" *It can't be time to get up yet.* She burried her head beneath her pillow. "Bidweep!" *Please, just a few more minutes. Is that too much to ask?* "Bidweep!" The muffled call of the chronometer alarm continued its noisy intrusion on V'ehlma's sleep.

Groaning she pulled herself from her bed. "Lights." The room was immediately bathed in a soft luminous glow. As she stood from her bed her mind wandered back to the routine of the last several weeks.

V'ehlma had been assisting starbase technicians with running routine diagnostics on the flight control systems of the USS Galaxy. Once the routine tests were performed, it was time to run them again. "Have to make sure we have all the gremlins and glitches worked out." At least that is what the tall lanky pin headed Englishman by the name of Lyle, would say. V'ehlma was sick to death of running the same continuous loop of diagnostic tests day in and day out. And, she was sick of Lieutenant Commander Cassidy Lyle, Starbase 74's leading flight control technician.

V'ehlma pushed the thoughts of Lyle out of her mind. *Thank God all the Starbase Techies are supposed to be off the ship now.* Within minutes, V'ehlma was dressed and walking down the corridor to the turbolift. As she came to a stop in front of the lift doors, they swished silently aside. V'ehlma looked up and smiled at the lifts occupants, "Hello Commander Casey. Lieutenant Bancroft."

Casey's eyes sparkled with mischief as he smiled, "Good Morning Ensign."

Tebrianne also smiled as V'ehlma stepped into the turbolift, "Good morning, Ensign M'aerikh."

*** Bridge ***

The turbolift doors slid open and the commander and two helms(wo)men stepped onto the bridge. V'ehlma let out an audible groan as she looked across the bridge toward her duty station. "Oh, God no. Not today."

A face splitting grin settled across Commander Dieran Casey's face as he caught V'ehlma's words of distress. "It's going to be a lovely day ladies." Clasping his hands behind his back, Dieran strutted off toward the Captain's ready room to attend to some business with Acting Captain Sterner. V'ehlma pretended not to hear Dieran's remark.

Instead, she glowered at Dieran's back as he walked away from her. *That Son of a Bitch knew. That's why his eyes sparkled like they did.* When the door of the ready room closed behind Dieran, V'ehlma turned to look back toward her duty station.

Tebrianne looked over at her friend, "What is it V'ehlma?"

V'ehlma liked the way Teb's brogue accented the syllables of her name. "I hate that man."

Tebrianne looked over toward the backup flight control station along the back wall and winced when she saw who V'ehlma was referring to: Lieutenant Commander Cassidy Lyle of Starbase 74. As if on que, the tall lanky man looked up. Even from the distance that separated them, V'ehlma could see his beady eyes: which gleamed from near hollow sockets set beneath a bristling brow of wild wiry hair. Shiver bumps raced down the backs of both V'ehlma and Teb as a cadaverous grin cracked across Lyle's pinched, pock marked face revealing a near endless maw of large cafine stained teeth.

"Oh, I see your point, mate." was all Teb had time to say.

The smiling man quickly closed the distance between himself and the two women. "Ahhh. If it isn't the lovely Ensign M'aerikh." He looked over at Teb. "And an equally lovely, Lietenant Bancroft." Lyle's taloned hands snaked out and grasped both Teb's and V'ehlma's hands in a vice like grip drawing them up to his near lipless mouth, as he kissed them in turn.

*I'm going to be sick.* V'ehlma held back the urge to upchuck all over the deck of the bridge.

"Yes...um...well, I'll be getting to work now." stated a pale faced Teb in her brogue accent as she retrieved her 'blessed' hand from Lyle's claw like embrace.

"Yes of course." Lyle released Teb's hand and turned a smiling face back toward V'ehlma. "Come, my dear, we have much work to do today."

V'ehlma jerked her hand away from Lyle's grip and replied, "Aye, sir." She strode past the tall Englishman toward her duty station. "I thought your crew of technicians had been recalled to the base." She glanced behind her. The urge to upchuck washed over her again.

"Yes they have." Lyle did not hide the fact he was watching V'ehlmas shapely posterior as she walked toward the other side of the bridge.

V'ehlma stopped and turned toward the Englishman. His beady eyes moved up her body until his eyes locked with hers. He smiled. "I volunteered to remain aboard for the duration of the shake down cruise."

*No! This can't be happening to me!*

Lieutenant Commander Lyle stepped passed V'ehlma, "Now come along, lass. We have to make sure we have all the gremlins and glitches out of the flight control systems."

V'ehlma groaned and mumbled under her breath. "I'm going to hate this cruise."

"Returned Waste"
by Lt. AC Hewson

“Who do you think, ensign?” AC asked Ensign Miles Sota as the Assistant Chief Engineer leaned back in his chair, staring at the turbolift doors.

“Sir?” The puzzled ensign asked.

“It’s,” AC paused to take a quick glance at the ship’s chronometer, “it’s 00:17. Who do you think will show up first: Ensign M'Benga or Ensign Kartain?”

“I’d have to put my money on Kartain. He’s almost always on time.” Sota replied.

“So you’d really bet on Kartain showing up first, huh?” AC said, a small grin forming.

“Yeah. Why do you ask?”

“The Lieutenant made himself a nice little increase to his bank account playing poker a few nights ago. I think he’s in a betting mood, Miles.” Ensign Whipper joined in on the conversation.

“Oh, I see.” Miles suspiciously said, glancing down at AC.

“So, would you care to make a wager on this little opportunity?” AC dared Sota.

“Sure, I’m game. What do you want to make it: two, maybe three slips of latinum?”

“No, no. I’ve got a better idea.” AC swiveled his seat around to face his opponent. “Somehow I overlooked assigning anyone to waste extraction duty this week.” AC’s grin grew wider.

“So…” Miles motioned for Hewson to continue.

“So… whoever loses our little bet gets the dirty duty for the next seven days.” AC leaned back again in his chair, feeling the luck that he had felt at the poker game return to him.

“Let me get this straight: If Kartain walks in before Betta, even if it’s by half a second, you have to crawl around in the shit holes for a whole week.” Miles smiled at the idea of having AC walking around in slop.

AC nodded his head in response. “But, you do realize that you get the unpleasant duty of manually unclogging K'Eytyanna’s Targ’s droppings, along with god knows what else that makes its home down there, if you lose.

Sota extended his hand. “Deal.”

“Deal.” AC reached up and shook on the bet, then silently prayed that this wouldn’t make him look like a total ass. Miles took a seat on the edge of the island; his gaze fixed on the doors to the lift. Alan stretched out his legs, crossing the right one over the left at the ankles.

00:20

Warp engine hum.

00:21

Warp engine hum mixed with the rapping of AC’s fingers against a console.

00:21.28

A cough.

00:22

The sound of the turbolift drew everyone’s attention towards the back of Main Engineering.

AC leaned forward, taking a deep breath. This was it, this was the money on the line right here. The turbolift came to a stop with a slight beep, the doors swishing back.

Miles crossed his fingers.

From the depths of the turbo car stepped one Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga.

Miles looked back over towards AC, mouthing the words “Screw you” to his superior officer. AC simply smiled as he approached Betta.

“Good morning, Ensign.” AC started, trying to remain serious. “Running a little late?”

“Yes, sir.” Betta said, looking down at her uniform. She had left her quarters in such haste that she managed to zip her jacket up only halfway. “Sorry, sir.” She added as she tugged at the zipper.

“Well,” AC’s smile finally broke through, “No harm done I suppose. We’re moving along pretty smoothly down here, anyway.” AC raised his voice a little as he turned to look at all the officers who had stopped working to observe the betting match. Alan motioned with his head slightly, trying to get the crew back on task.

“Then I’m not in trouble?” Betta asked.

“No, but please don’t make a habit of it. You know what the penalty is for excessive tardiness, don’t you?”

“Waste extraction?”

“Quite correct, ensign.”

“Oh shut up!” Miles voice grumbled in the background.

“Well, I believe that you need to run some final tests on the transporter system?” AC hinted.

“Yes, sir. I’ll get right on it.”

AC smiled to himself as Betta walked away. It hadn’t been to long ago that he was the one showing up late for duty, Hutchcraft giving him the similar warning. Shaking his head, AC made his way towards his office.

A few moments after the doors to AC’s office closed, the turbolift once again opened. This time Ensign Kartain stepped out.

“Hey, Dom! Did the Lieutenant notice that I was late?” Bahlin nervously asked as he sat down at his station. Before Dom could answer, a sanitation glove went flying through the air, nailing Kartain in the back of the head.

“Hey!” the surprised ensign yelled, “What was that for?”

"Reporting to Duty"
by Ensign John W. McQueen.

Ensign John William McQueen had just entered the USS Galaxy from the shuttlebay for the first time. He had bean transfered to the Galaxy from USS Birmingham to serve as a security officer on board the ship. He didt know where he was suppose to go. He went down the corridor and stopped an officer to ask him about the way.

"Excuse me, but can you please tell me where I can find the Chief of Security?"

"I dont know." The officer answered.

McQueen let the officer go. So the first officer I see on this ship dosent know where the Chief of Security is, McQueen thinked.

"Computer, locate the Chief of Security."

"The Chief of Security is curetly on deck 9 in the Mess Hall." The computer answeded. McQueen went down the corridor and to the turbolift.

"Deck 9." He sad and the turbolift begain to move up. A few seconds later the turbolift stopped on deck 9. The turbolifts doors opened and he went out and down the corridor to the Mess Hall.

Well inside the Mess Hall he begain to seach for the Chief of Security. He saw a man sitting alone near one of the tables. It was the onely man in the entire Mess Hall that had and security officers uniform.

"Hello. I supose you are the Chief of Security on this ship?" McQueen asked the man.

"Yes I am. And who are you?"

"Ensign John William McQueen, sir."

"Ah, the new security officer. Welcome aboard the Galaxy, I Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder." They both shake hand with each other.

"Please join me Ensign." Sunder ponited to a cheer. McQueen sat down and they begin to talk.

"So, what do you think about the ship so far?" Sunder ansked him.

"Impressive so far."

"I see. Okay, I will infom the captain about you. You may start working tomorow, I dont know yet what shift you will work in but I let you know it tomorow."

"Thank you sir." McQueen stand up and went to the door.

"And on more thing Ensign. You will find you quarters on deck 5."

"Thank you sir."

"Dead Bishops, Hurt Friends and One Bad Day"
by Lieutenant (jg) James Chen
Security Officer

Chen was sitting at the desk in his room, staring at the holographic apparition lying on his floor. He was resting his head against his fist and was just staring at it. He had gotten one of the engineers to fix the replicator, but they still couldn't figure out how to get rid of the bishop. For the last hour he'd been in that position. He was miserable about the way he had treated Lex, but if only she knew...

No, nobody could know. Period. Chen's eyes trailed down to the rectangular black velvet box that contained his medal. He flipped open the lid and looked at it. The medal, with the seal of the Federation, gleamed up at him, even in the dim lighting. His mind went back to Ral. He sighed. "Computer, increase lighting by seventy percent." The light automatically came up. "Computer, what is the location of Lieutenant Lexana Ral?"

*Lieutenant Junior Grade Ral is currently in Ten-Forward*

Chen got up and picked up his duty jacket where it was draped over a chair and walked out the door. Along the way, he tried to formulate what he was going to say. Nothing came out right. Finally, he reached Ten-Forward and walked through the doors. There he saw Lex sitting with Brady. He silently cursed as he looked at her. She looked upset, but her mood was brightening significantly. He almost laughed out loud at the walking stupidity that is James Chen.

He started to turn when Brady caught his eye and waved him to their table. Chen considered just walking away, but he didn't want to do something like that to Lex. He marshaled his courage and strode over. John stood up and smiled while Lex looked down at her drink. "Hey, Jimmy. We were about to have some dinner. Care to join us?"

Chen looked at Lex. She looked up and was a little surprised Brady had asked Chen to stay. Chen shook his head and looked back at Brady. "No. I, uh, I got some reports I have to file. I was just stopping in for a drink. You two have fun, though." Chen looked at Lex a second longer and left, feeling tired and very much like the biggest jerk on the Galaxy. Which he was.

He headed straight for his quarters, mentally replaying what he should have done. He should have ignored Brady and talked to Lex, apologize for everything he'd said. Tell her the truth. But, he didn't have the guts. He just walked away and now Lex probably thought he was even madder at her. When he got back to his quarters, he changed into his gray training clothes and headed for the holodeck.

Once there, he warmed up with silent katas, then moved on to basic fighting. After about a half-hour of battling four opponents at the same time, he stopped the program and changed it to the beaches of San Francisco. He silently ran down the beach, the sun on his back, and listened to the water roll in. He listened to the gulls and breathed in the salty sea air. Normally, it helped relax him. Not this time. He kicked the sand in frustration and stopped the program.

He went to his deck ad headed for his quarters when he saw Brady coming the opposite way. He looked up. "Jimmy. I wanted to talk to you."

Chen kept going as he walked past Brady. "What is it?"

"You never told me you knew Lex."

They walked into Chen quarters and Brady stopped and looked at the holographic bishop. "What the hell is that?"

Chen grabbed a towel and wiped his forehead. "What's it look like? It's a dead bishop. Besides, what does it matter that I know Lex?"

"She says you guys are pretty close."

Chen shrugged. "I guess you could say that."

"She also say that you're mad at her and treat her like a kid."

"If you of all people came down here to give me a lecture, skip it. I'm not the same punk kid that you knew on the Honorable. I've been in Starfleet eight years now, not counting my academy years."

"Yeah, and I've been in Starfleet three years longer than that, so I think you should show me a little respect."

"You spent two of those three years as the aide to Admiral Franklin back on earth."

"So what are you mad at Lex for?"

Chen snorted and sat down at his desk. "I'm not mad at Lex."

"Okay, I suspected this. What are you mad at me for?"

Chen coldly regarded Brady. He nodded. "Okay. You want to know?" Brady nodded. "Since I saw you again, you've done nothing but smile and tell people the glorified version of what happened. If you could get away with it, you'd wear that medal at all times. Have you forgotten what happened?"

"How could I ever forget what happened? How could anybody who was ever there forget?"

"Did you forget what we did, then?"

"What we did saved the ship. The Borg would have taken the Honorable if not for what we did."

"Maybe, maybe not. But I think maybe you should show the dead a little respect."

Brady looked at Chen. "Go to hell. Look at what your idea for respect is. You've tossed away a great girl because you can't put what happened out of your head. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and stay the hell away from Lex. You'll just make her miserable." He turned on his heel and walked out the door. Chen shook his head and rubbed his eyes. Maybe he was right.

This was going to be one hell of a day.

"Gremlins and glitches - The Galaxy departs"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Bridge USS Galaxy ***

The USS Galaxy was still in spacedock at Starbase 74. Most of the depressurization had been completed of the gigantic hangar bay and it was nearly time to open the outer doors and prepare to take the Galaxy out into the vastness of space.

Commander Sterner had participated in dozens of docking and undocking simulations in the holodeck. They were required training for all command level personnel. But this would be the first time he was the Commanding Officer of a real starship executing this maneuver. Needless to say, after spending so many weeks in spacedock getting repaired, the last thing Joerg wanted was to scratch the ship.

"Let's look sharp people. R&R is over, it's time to buckle down and get back to work." Sterner reminded. Glancing over the padd he was examining, he could see that Lieutenant Commander Lyle was admiring Ensign M'aerikh as she walked away. The engineer was from Starbase 74 and had volunteered to remain on board the Galaxy during the shake down flight testing. Joerg was beginning to realize why that was.

"Now come along, lass. We have to make sure we have all the gremlins and glitches out of the flight control systems." The lanky Lyle ordered in his English accent.

Sterner shook his head while watching V'ehlma forcibly yank the console cover off of the back of the Helm console. She prepared to hook up the diagnostic equipment Lieutenant Commander Lyle had brought along. It was obvious that she wasn't happy about working with the Starbase 74 Engineer.

"Incoming signal from Spacedock control Captain." Lieutenant Bancroft called back, "The space hangar is completely depressurized. They are ready to open the outer doors."

Joerg nodded. "Tell them we are ready. They can open the hangar doors whenever they are ready."

"Aye sir." Tebrianne replied, keying in the proper sequence.

The bridge crew watched as the massive hanger doors that had sealed the mighty starship in began to open. Beyond their gray and white girders, a vast field of black open space twinkled in the distance. Everyone paused momentarily to watch the giant docking target of the hanger bay doors disappear to leave an unobstructed view of the final frontier.

"That's better I think." Commander Sterner smiled.

"I agree Captain." Lieutenant Commander Casey commented with a smile, "I was getting claustrophobic being in spacedock so long."

Joerg gave a nod. "Prepare to release mooring clamps Lieutenant Thomas."

Chris nodded, "Standing by sir."

Ensign M'aerikh continued connecting the test equipment to the back of Lieutenant Bancroft's console. Lieutenant Commander Lyle watched, but was most impressed with the way the Galaxy crew were working together as a team. It wasn't anything like working on the Starbase with the rest of the technical engineers. He watched closely.

The massive hanger bay doors finally snapped into their fully open positions.

"Doors are fully open Captain." Lieutenant Thomas relayed, "Ready to release mooring clamps on your order."

Joerg looked around the bridge before sitting in the command chair. "Let's get to it Chris. Release mooring clamps."

Lieutenant Thomas activated the controls to disengage the magnetic mooring clamps that were holding the Galaxy attached to the docking portal of the Starbase. "Mooring clamps disengaged Captain."

"Good." Sterner started, "Lieutenant Bancroft, maneuvering thrusters only. Put some distance between the Galaxy and the docking harness."

"Aye sir." Tebrianne replied, "activating maneuvering thrusters now."

Slowly the majestic starship began to ascend and move towards the open hangar bay doors.

"Lieutenant Hunter, give me a quick sensor sweep of the immediate area. Are there any ships lurking about the Starbase?" Sterner asked.

Mac fingered the controls of the tactical arch before glancing up, "Just one Excelsior class starship orbiting the station sir."

"Distance?" Joerg asked.

"2 kilometers to our starboard Commander." Hunter answered.

"Very good. Lieutenant Bancroft, take us out, course 245 mark 7, one quarter impulse." Commander Sterner ordered.

"You can't do that!" Lieutenant Commander Kyle protested. His outburst had caused the entire bridge crew to look at the thin Starbase engineer as if he's grown a third eye on his forehead. "That is against Starfleet regulation 14379, thrusters only while operating in or about a Federation Starbase docking facility."

Deiran took a finger and began scratching behind his ear with it while looking around at the illuminated ceiling panels of the Galaxy's bridge and whistling some sort of a tune that relayed the implied message of "I'm not listening to you".

"Lieutenant," Joerg called out to Bancroft, "carry out my prior order."

Kyle turned ashen at being ignored. Ensign M'aerikh suppressed a grin as she returned to hooking up the test equipment to the flight control console of the Helm. The Lieutenant Commander felt awkward having everyone staring at him so he turned and looked at Lieutenant Bancroft, seeing if she was going to do as ordered, even though it was in violation of Starfleet regulations.

Tebrianne blew a giant purple bubble with her chewing gum and let it make a defiant "pop" sound. Sucking it back in and chewing feverishly, she gave Lieutenant Commander Kyle a devious grin and then called back, "Aye Captain, one quarter impulse. Course laid in sir."

"Engage." Sterner called out in anticipation.

The impulse engines of the Galaxy came to life and sent the starship screaming out of the giant spacedock hangar and out into open space. The elongated cone shaped Starbase 74 grew smaller and smaller in the background as the Galaxy began to stretch her wings and put distance between herself and her resting place for the last several week.

"Take us to three quarters impulse Lieutenant. 'Commander Casey, you may begin overseeing the low speed systems testing that needs to be performed before we start on the high speed warp tests to align the nacelles output." Commander Sterner ordered.

"Three quarters impulse. Yes Captain." Tebrianne replied.

"Will do sir." Deiran replied, getting up out of the XO chair to get started.

Lieutenant Commander Kyle just stood there dumbfounded. He was not used to being ignored, yet this crew seemed to have a total disregard for Starfleet regulations. The engineer stood there with his thin lipped mouth just gaping while the rest of the Galaxy command crew went about their business.

"If you are done just standing around SIR, we do have tests to run." Ensign M'aerikh reminded, "This equipment is all hooked up and ready to begin."

Kyle glanced over at V'ehlma. He slammed his mouth shut and paused for a moment thinking that he wasn't the master of this domain, not like back on the Starbase. No, here he was a passenger on a mighty starship who had a specific assignment to fulfill. "Yes,... yes quite. Well let's get started finding those gremlins and glitches lass."

*****

"Expected Surprises"
by Lt. Ronni Morris

Ronni finished her sandwich and wiped the crumbs off of the console. She was finishing the 'justification' that the bonehead Lt. Cmdr. Lyle is demanding concerning the modifications that she made to the shields during the Vortex crisis. 'I wonder if we could jettison HIM into the Vortex?' she thought.

When she finished the report, she completed the systems analysis that the Science Department needed to submit of the new systems. Greer just needed to review and sign off on it. Looking at the chronometer she jumped. She had to be on the Bridge in 45 minutes to start Beta Shift and she had to do three things.

First of all, she sent a message to Greer to meet her here in her lab at 00:15 to go over the reports. She hated doing it so late, but with her working Beta Shift, they tended to do things late in the evening.

Second, she activated her program that would play two minutes after Greer entered the room. The lights would lower to 40% and some Vulcan Lyre music would play. It was one or Greer's favorites. Then a meal for two would appear. Ronni figured she could be down here by 00:18 and surprise him.

Finally, she replicated another surprise. She hurried to the bridge with her 'gift' under her arm. When she got there, she cautiously looked out from the turbolift. Cmdr. Sterner was sitting in the Captain's chair, Lt. Cmdr. "Bonehead" Lyle was bugging Greer at the Science station, and everyone else was in place. Most importantly, Deiran Casey wasn't there yet.

Ronni went up to Joerg and whispered, "Commander, I need a favor. I have a 'special' seat cushion for Lt. Cmdr. Casey. Could I hurry and change it before he gets here?"

Cmdr. Sterner stood up and said with a smile, "As long as it doesn't mess up my Bridge or interrupt the schedule, go ahead."

Ronni giggled and quickly replaced the Captain's chair seat cushion. She handed the other to Cmdr. Sterner who walked into the ready room, put it under his desk, and returned and stood in front of the seat.

Ronni quickly went to the Science station as everyone else tried to figure out what had just happened. Greer suppressed a smile and said, "I got your message. I'm going to go take a nap, but I'll be there to go over the reports. Thanks for finishing them for me."

Deiran exited the turbolift and very crisply went down the ramp to face Cmdr. Sterner. The rest of the Bridge crew were changing shifts. The Alpha shift crew were hesitant to leave because they wanted to see what Ronni had done. Deiran said, "Lt. Cmdr. Casey reporting to take over the Bridge for Beta Shift!" He was very professional.

Cmdr. Sterner said with a half smile, gesturing toward the Captain's chair, and said, "The Bridge is yours." With that he slowly headed for the ready room.

With a smug smile of satisfaction, Lt. Cmdr. Deiran Casey turned and sat in the Captain's chair.

*> BERRAATTTT <<* flatuated the Captain's chair.

Ronni and the rest of the crew on the bridge broke into riotous laughter and Deiran blushed furiously. Lt. Cmdr. Lyle turned and said very loudly to Ronni, "Hey, that is NOT approved Starfleet equipment. That seat needs to be replaced immediately!" Deiran jumped up and glowered at Ronni. Cmdr. Sterner quickly came out with the proper seat cushion and put it in place. He took the other with him and went into the ready room chuckling to himself.

Deiran pointedly ignored Ronni for the rest of the shift. By the end, Ronni was getting rather nervous. 'Well it serves him right for making my dress disintegrate in Ten-Forward.' she thought. Still, when the shift was over, she quickly turned the Science station over to her replacement and headed for the lab to avoid Deiran and meet Greer.