"Executive Decisions"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Casey
Acting XO

Casey exited the Ready Room. "I love command," he thought. He walked up the ramp and into the turbolift on his way to tell Sunder the good news.

He waited in silence as the TL carried him to his destination. He was thinking how Sunder would respond. Casey saw Sunder as a brusque, silent man. But maybe that was because he either didn’t like Casey or just had nothing to say to him.

*** CSO Office ***

Casey walked in uninvited and unannounced. After all Sunder was used to Casey doing that by now. He walked in and sat down in the chair in front of Sunder’s desk.

"Hello Commander, what can I do for you?" Sunder said as he gave Deiran a quick glance, he was reading reports.

"Well it’s not what you can do for me Commander, it’s what I can do for you," Casey returned in stoic tone. Not letting Sunder get the gist of his news.

Sunder looked at Casey with suspicion. No one in their right mind would not be on guard when Casey said a thing like that. His reputation for cunning and strategy proceeded him. And no one wanted to be on the other end of his cunning. He was lethal. Nice and lethal.

Casey sensed the suspicion and laughed, "Relax Ursa, I’m just here to inform you that you are now Acting Second Officer, of the USS Galaxy. Captain Price was given a few weeks of mandatory leave from Starfleet Command. Captain Sterner and I both agreed that you were the best man to fill my position until Lee returns."

"I don’t know if that’s good news or bad Deiran," Sunder replied.

"Well it better be good news, it’s effective immediately. You’ll take over Gamma shift so get some sleep." Deiran finished the sentence and stood up. "Have a good one Ursa," Casey said as he left Sunder’s office.

*** Casey Quarters, Deck 8 ***

Casey walked into his home and was met at the door by the most lovely lady he had ever known. Her hair was down, she knew how much he loved her hair free and flowing around her shoulders. The loving couple kissed passionately, embracing for a long while. They still acted like newlyweds even though they’d been married for almost two years.

They both walked to the couch, arm in arm, smiling at one another. Lara was at the foot of the couch playing with some blocks and a big stuffed toy that had been given to her weeks ago. When the pretty little girl saw her father her face lit up with great illumination.

Deiran went to his knees and put his face up close to hers in a playful gesture. He rubbed noses with Lara and both father and daughter laughed uproariously. He tickled her side and she let out a scream of joy. Lara loved her daddy. Deiran picked Lara up into his arms and sat on the couch next to Miran. Miran moved up close to Deiran and snuggled into his chest. Life didn’t get any better than this.

"What shall we have for dinner?" Deiran asked.

"I feel like something Bajoran," Miran replied as she listened to Deiran’s beating heart.

"I hope you do honey, you’re Bajoran," Casey laughed at his own stupid joke. Miran playfully gave him a slap to his stomach.

"Bajoran stuffed Ginah, sounds delicious," Casey replied. He had really become a conoiseur of Bajoran delicacy since he married Miran. He loved the food. But most of all he liked the cute little Bajoran ridges on Miran and Lara’s noses. He was enjoying life at this exact moment in time but he had to tell Miran that he would be working tirelessly for the next few weeks as acting XO with all the duties that came with the title. He wasn’t looking forward to her response.

"I’ll replicate dinner," Miran said as she started to get up.

"No babe, I’ll do it. You stay there," Deiran stood and set Lara next to the table so she could steady herself. Lara’s eyes never left her father.

Deiran went to the replicator. "Two Bajoran stuffed Ginah’s in blueberry marinade, with the normal side dishes for that particular dish," he turned back to Miran, "How about Tillarian nectar?" he asked.

Miran’s eyes lit up. The nectar of the planet Tillarr was famous for it’s sweet taste. It was non-alcoholic and contained zero calories It tasted like candy without the fattening ingredients. It would go well with dinner.

The food appeared a few seconds later and the Casey family sat down to eat.

"Hon, I am the Acting XO," Casey blurted out before taking a bite of his Ginah meat. "I have to go back on duty in two hours and work Beta shift." Casey finished telling Miran the news that went over like a lead anvil plopped down on the dinner table.

"Where’s Lee?" Miran asked, a frown visible on her beautiful face.

"He’s on leave. Starfleet figures the crew can oversee the shakedown cruises and he gets a few weeks of much needed rest. I’m sure he went kicking and screaming," Deiran laughed.

Miran was quiet. They both knew that she hated it when Deiran overworked himself and didn’t spend more time with her and Lara.

"I’ll stay up through Beta shift so we’ll be on the same sleeping schedule," Miran said simply.

Deiran was quiet now. He knew her objections to his working habits. But he was Starfleet and that made him happy. It was the life they both chose to lead. He had even encouraged her to unretire. But, she couldn’t let a nurse or a baby-sitter raise her child. Deiran loved her for it. She was a great woman and the best mother, next to his own, he had ever known.

The rest of the dinner was quite somber.

After dinner, Miran perked up and the family went back to the couch where Miran rested her head on Deiran’s shoulder as they talked and Lara sat on her daddy’s lap. He loved being close to his favorite girls.

*** Main Bridge ***

Casey arrived on the Bridge and was happy to take the XO’s seat next to Sterner. He orchestrated the last few details of undocking from Starbase 74. When it was time to leave, Sterner gave the order.

The Starbase Lieutenant Commander, Cassidy Lyle, was really getting on his nerves. A very petty, insincere little man, Casey thought. Deiran tried his best to ignore Lyle’s annoying voice. It wasn’t his accent either. Tebrianne had an English accent and he found hers to be quite charming.

No this man Lyle reminded him of a man named Reginald Barkley, one of the engineers aboard the Enterprise. He met Barkley, when Starfleet R & D was implementing his improvements to the Warp Drive of the Enterprise-E. He served as a project consultant during a respite from the Academy.

Deiran sat in silence as the Galaxy proceeded to leave Starbase 74. It was a beautiful thing to behold to any star traveling being who had the honor of experiencing it. Miran loved this part of her job when she was still in Starfleet.

It felt good to see stars and the wide expanse of space once again from the Bridge. He was proud that he assisted in preserving the Galaxy to even be fixed, much less back in Operation. He looked forward to get back into the fight with the Dominion.

He wanted to give them a beating. He also wanted to take some revenge on the Cardassians. He had been to Bajor months ago with Miran. She relived the horror of what she went through at their hands. And they would pay for hurting his love.

Deiran was a good man, but he believed in justice. And the Cardassians we’re going to get theirs as long as he was alive they would pay, and pay dearly. It was not a threat. Deiran never made threats. It was not in his character to do so. But, if he made a vow to repay a dishonor, you could bet with 200% accuracy he would make it happen.

Touch Casey or his family in a violent way and you’d sealed your death warrant. It wasn’t a joke. Without the morals of the UFP and those instilled into him by his parents; Deiran would have been one of the most dangerous men in the Alpha and Beta quadrants. But luckily for all, he was a man of impeccable character and honor.

The Galaxy was now clear of the Starbase infrastructure and was traveling at 3 quarters impulse. Sterner released him to oversee the low speed tests as the XO would be needed in overseeing all of the tests. He was going to be very busy in the coming weeks. But it was what Deiran lived for, a life of prestige in Starfleet.

*** Beta shift, Main Bridge ***

Casey entered the Bridge, looking forward to a busy shift. Feeling good and excited about what lay ahead he went to take over the shift from Captain Sterner.

"Lt. Commander Casey here to relieve you for Beta Shift sir," he said in a respectful tone.

"Aye Commander, the shift is all yours," Sterner replied.

Deiran had a smile on his face as he went to sit in the Captain’s chair.

A sound of flatulation came from his backside as he sat in the chair. The Bridge erupted in laughter. He did not join in the laughter. Casey was all business while on duty and this did not please him a single bit. He had the mind of putting Ronni on report as he turned around to glare at her.

Deiran’s proud ego was severely wounded. Ronni would pay. Attacks on Deiran’s ego was not something that went over well with him. Ronni had declared war. She would regret it. She never had proof he was the one who changed the setting on her replicator so the material would slowly evaporate into nothingness, and that there was only ten people on board who knew how to do it. He would wait awhile until he took his revenge on Ronni. Let her squirm like a caged animal until she was comfortable in her ridiculous pride. She would pay! Why was it he was the target of so many practical jokes when he was ruthless in revenge? He had command clearance when these people did not. He had no reservations in using that command clearance in his revengeful pranks. He shook his head in pity for them.

"Commander, the reports on the impulse engine diagnostic," said the beautiful Ensign Praskovya.

"Thank you Ensign," Deiran took the PADD from her. Trying not to notice her figure in the uniform.

"Why is it that all the women on this ship look good in their uniform? My gosh it’s tough keeping an eye on my job," Deiran thought.

He was glad that Miran let him look but not touch. Miran also knew about his sex symbol status among the ladies of the ship. She knew the depth of Deiran’s love and trusted him completely.

Beta shift was an adventure.

"No Replicator"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

Walking into her quarters, K'Eytyanna flopped down in the lounge and called out,

"Computer, one large tomato juice, 4 degrees celcius."

[ Working... replicator lockout active in these quarters. ]

"What the hell?? Who did this?"

[Unable to comply.]

Thinking, she snapped,

"Computer, play any messages waiting for me."

Once Deiran's message was read out, K'Eytyanna stormed over to the replicator and started belting the $&%*% out of it.

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

Five minutes later...

Searching around in her quarters, she managed to find the small skin regenerator that she kept for minor injuries and started work on fixing her hands after she took out her anger at Deiran on the replicator.

Grumbling, she walked back to the replicator and gave it another hard kick, permanently dinging in the terminal's exterior.

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

Four hours and a lot more kicks later...

K'Eytyanna had calmed down enough she thought so that she would immeadiatly launch herself at Deiran's throat, since murder of senior officers was looked on harshly by Starfleet, even when they deserved it.

"Computer, where the hell is Lt Cmdr Deiran Casey?"

[Lt Cmdr Casey is currently located in a turbolift heading towards Ten Forward.]

Rushing out of her quarters, she stormed along the corridors.

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

Deiran looked up as K'Eytyanna stormed into the bar. As she glared at him from across the room, he realised she had found out what he had done, and mentally prepared himself for a verbal onslaught.

She stopped in front of his table and snapped,

"Permission to speak frankly, sir."

Deiran smiled as he pushed out a chair for her, "Certainly, Lt. Sit down though."

Grumbling something quietly, she spat out, "You asshole. If you think I'm going to give in, you can wait forever."

Thumping her fist down hard on the table, she turned and left.

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

"Oops.. where have my clothes gone?"
by Ensign Jack D'Auria and Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

K'Eytyanna finished doing her stretches and was just heading to the replicator to get something for D'Akana and herself. Just after D'Akana's food arrived, the door chimed. Stopping, she called out,

"Who's there?"

A male voice called back, "Ensign Jack D'Auria from Science."

Softly mumbling her thoughts aloud, "Hmm... the vulcan guy. No big deal with him."

Putting D'Akana's dish down, she called out, "Enter."

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

Jack waited for a short while before the occupant called out to enter. Stepping through the door, he spoke,

"Hello, Lieutenant. I just came around.."

He stopped suddenly when he saw that Lt. Samara was kneeling down next to her targ, totally and unashamedly naked. He could easily see the typical Klingon back ridges and a nasty scar on her right shoulder. Quickly, she turned slightly so that he could not see her scar.

***earlier***

Jack stretched himself, before slowly turning and getting out of bed. Be'Tran was gone, off to her dutyshift. He was lucky that today, he was supposed to be free, otherwise he would be very, very late. After showering, breakfast and his morning meditations, he went to his quarters to get some material for his designs. He had a meeting with Lt. Knight from Engineering to give him an update on his progress. Jack however, had one stop to make before that meeting.

"Computer, location of Lt. Samara?"

[Lt. Samara is in her quarters.] "Is she alone?"

[Negative, also present is one Klingon targ.]

"Thank you, computer."

Jack just raised his eyebrows at the computer's answer. Sometimes, these things were a little too literal.

***now***

Jack got an eyeful of K'Eytyanna's body; keeping a straight face, he turned slightly to the side so that she was only visible if he turned his eyes completely to the side. K'Eytyanna stood up straight, purposefully walking in front of him, her arms crossed in front of her, not covering anything, with a grin on her face.

Suddenly, K'Eytyanna noticed that his ears were normal, not the pointed Vulcan ones.

Her human side whispered mentally, {I thought you were a Vulcan.}

"I was born and raised there, yes, but my parents are human, Lt.", answered Jack, trying not to look directly at her. The lieutenant was a very attractive woman; until only a very short while ago, Jack wouldn't even have noticed, determined not to get involved again with anyone. That was until he met Be'Tran.

'Damn these Klingon women', he thought to himself. He wondered if the temperature in the room had gone up.

"Jack, these are my quarters, I'm off duty, you can call me K'Eytyanna K'Eyt or Kay, okay? Rank makes me feel uncomfortable at anytime, especially off duty. Now, what is it you want to talk about? Oh, and if you're wondering if I'm gonna put anything on, don't coz I'm not. I'm off duty and being naked helps me relax."

Jack was indeed thinking of grabbing something and throwing it over her, so that she wouldn't distract him so much but before he could say or do something, he felt something nudging his feet. Looking down, he saw that it was D'Akana, rubbing his side against Jack's pants leg.

"Hello there, little one", he said, bending down, grateful he didn't have to look at K'Eyt for a moment. Scratching the targ's back, Jack answered.

"I wanted to express my gratitude to you because D'Akana saved my life during the attack by the Klingons, Lt. Sa.. K'Eyt."

"Jack, straighten up, you're gonna get stuck in that position", she said, her voice sounding amused. Jack slowly straightened himself, looking her straight in the face.

"Look, I'm sorry if my being naked offends you, but like I said, I feel more comfortable this way. I don't usually get visitors unannounced. Besides, I thought you were Vulcan and I wanted to see how you would react", she said, a wicked grin on her face.

"It doesn't offend me, however, I do find it illogical that being undressed makes one feel comfortable."

"Hmmm, maybe you should try it sometime, Jack. It can be very liberating. Anyway, no thanks are necessary. Besides, it seems D'Akana likes you. That is very unusual. Normally, she is very protective and anyone she doesn't know better watch out. Granted though, most of the time, he would only lick them to death unless they attacked. Do you have a pet?"

"No, I never understood the tendency people have for keeping an animal. You feed them, take care of them but get nothing in return."

"How about love, companionship, friendship? They give all that in return."

"I would not know, as I've said, I don't have any pets."

"Whatever. Listen, Jack, as I've said, you don't have to thank me. Tell you what, next time we're in Ten Forward, you buy me a drink. We can talk about all your adventures, your love life, whatever."

Jack raised an eyebrow at that and Samara laughed out loud. A very becoming and sensual laugh.

"Jack, I played poker with your collegeau Tevek. If a real Vulcan comes out to play and have some fun, why not you? And don't tell me you don't need some kick back time. You still owe Melissa a drink, remember?"

"Indeed, I do. Very well, K'Eytyanna, I will join you sometime."

"Make it soon, ensign, that's an order. I have a feeling that I'm gonna have to drag you there", she said grinning.

Before Jack could answer, his eyes fell upon K'Eyt's Bat'Leth and he walked over to examine it more closely.

"Fascinating. This weapon seems to be over 400 years old."

"Actually, 455 but how do you know that", she asked as she stood behind him.

Peering closely at the blade, Jack said, "The grips. They are made of wood. The shine on them is gone. Also, the markings on the blade are from that period. They are more expressive than those currently employed by the makers."

"You sure know your weapons well."

"I'm somewhat of an expert on weapons. I have a small collection of edged weapons myself."

"Really? What kind?"

"Japanese. I have an original Ninja-To which is the centerpiece of my collection. It's about 800 years old."

Jack seemed to be a little embarrassed, thought K'Eyt. She loved to tease and this poor guy was trying his best not to look. It was a pity though that he didn't blush, she thought, it would make him look even cuter.

"Know how to use it?"

"If you are referring to the fact that I am proficient in the use of the weapon, then the answer is yes."

"Good! It's settled then, you and I are gonna go to the holodeck to have some fun! I have a few great Klingon martial arts programs. I know you'll love them. I'll call you and make the arrangements."

Laughing out loud again at the expression on his face, K'Eyt clapped him on the shoulder.

"Loosen up, Jack. You've to get out and meet people. Make friends."

"Are you offering me your friendship?"

K'Eytyanna looked thoughtful for a moment,

"Yes, I am. Like I said, D'Akana has taken a liking to you. Not something easily accomplished. I trust his instincts. What do you say?"

"Very well. You make the arrangements and let me know. I'm looking forward to pitting your skills against mine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go. It was nice meeting you, K'Eytyanna."

Jack stroked D'Akana's back before turning to leave.

"Same here, Jack. By the way, never go skysurfing with Lt Comdr. Casey", she said with a wicked grin. Jack turned, standing in the open doorway, looking K'Eyt straight in the face, seemingly not bothered anymore by her nakedness.

"I prefer HALO's from 30,000 feet, 20 miles offshore", and walked o ut, leaving K'Eyt with a dumbfounded look on her face.

"What in Kahless' name is a HALO?"

Jack, meanwhile, had stepped in a turbolift, leaning back against the wall. Taking a deep breath, he decided to ask Betta if prancing around naked was some kind of Klingon thing. His studies hadn't prepared him for this. Of course, he and Betta didn't spend much time clothed when they were together. Straightening his uniform jacket, Jack got off the turbolift on his way to the science labs. It was time to get some work done.

"Setting it all up"

"As you can see, my designs incorporate small phaser modules along the stardrive and saucer section, all interconnected. These get their targeting and sensor data from a fully independent sensor system, using passive sensors. Naturally, data from the standard ship's sensors is continuously fed into the C-Defense computer, which, again is a standalone unit", D'Auria explained to Lt. Knight. Knight was watching a graphical representation of the Galaxy on an LCARS screen in Jack's lab, getting his first briefing on the new system.

"Why do you want a separate system of computers and sensors? The main computer has more then enough power to compute all of the data and the current sensors are quite able to scan for any parameters you incorporate." "True, however, I have calculated that a separate system has an advantage of approximately .458 seconds against the main computer under the most ideal of circumstances. From personal experience, I know that you never fight a battle under ideal circumstances. Also, it gives us the added flexibility of having more 'eyes searching the sky' as it were. It will require more personnel on the bridge and the placement of tactical stations for them to monitor the system."

Jack motioned the lieutenant over to another screen. Pulling up the image of a late 20th century battleship, he highlighted several sections.

"As you can see, the 20th century engineers had some specific ideas about the layout of their tactical systems. Here is the bridge", he said pointing to the large, sleek superstructure of the ship. Moving his finger lower to the center of the ship, Jack highlighted another section. "This was known as the Combat Information Center or CIC. From here, the tactical officers could control all weapons, scan for threats and counter them. My idea is to incorporate this data into my design, freeing up time for the bridge officers. When the enemy is attacking, one officer is not enough, especially when the advantage is three to one in their favor. Up till now, we have always taken on one ship at a time, while we were being fired upon by multiple ships. Now, however, we can take on one ship, while having the ability to destroy incoming torpedoes.

Ultimately, we must be able to track, scan and fire at multiple targets during combat, while deflecting their weapons fire aimed at us. This will require installing more phaser rings and torpedo launchers. But as I've said, that is something that will have to wait until the upgraded C-Defense is installed and working properly."

Knight was impressed, D'Auria had thought this whole thing through. "Ensign, I don't know if you're going to get permission to do all that you've just told me, but you can count on my support and that of Lt. Mercury. You'll be needing a lot help on this one, though. Get some input from Operations, Tactical and your own department. Anything you need from Engineering, you can contact me." "Thank you, sir. I'll get on it right away."

Knight made his exit and Jack went back to his designs. It promised to be a very busy time to come. The first thing he did was to compose a message to the department heads of the Tactical, Operations, Engineering and Science Departments. In it, he asked them for input on how to incorporate the designs into the current systems and if possible, assign at least one person to the design team he was trying to put together. Jack was going to do this one step at a time; he wanted to make sure the external defense system design was moving smoothly before he started on the internal defenses.

The next thing he did was to call up the specs to the current sensor system, the computer system and the weapons system. The most logical layout was the CIC type. However, Jack did not think that would be approved by the captain. It meant too much redesigning of the interior of the vessel, both on the saucer-section-bridge as on the battlebridge. However, he would incorporate it in the initial blueprints; a separate bridge and CIC was the most logical design, separating two of the most important functions. It had the added security of protecting one part if the other had been destroyed.

'The standard ship's sensors are always operating, so that is a dead giveaway to anyone out there. Cloaked vessels can easily track us that way, even out of visual range. They can also tell if they are being scanned. We will need passive sensors, sniffing instead of actively searching, for any sign of neutrino emissions from cloaks.'

Jack began compiling a list of parameters.

Passive/Active sensor capability requirements:

Detecting neutrino emissions
Detecting impulse engine exhaust and waste heat dispersion
Detecting warp field configurations
Detection of low-level scan and visual surveillance emissions
Detection of phaser- and disruptorfire and torpedo launches
Activating bridge and CIC alarm upon detection of enemy activity
Changing from passive to active upon detection of launch
Activating shields upon detection of launch
Tracking of enemy weapons fire, activating counter measures, including Close In Phaser Modules

Jack checked off his list. For now, he had everything he could think of regarding the parameters. Now, it was time to put together a team and see what they could come up with. In the meantime, he would get working on it by himself. It was a challenge and one thing Jack had never done was to turn away from a challenge.

"A Belated Date"
By Ensigns Be'Tran M'Benga and Jack D'Auria

Jack D'Auria was busy at work in the science-lab. He was comparing notes, and running diagnostics for his C-Defense project. Gamma-shift had ended an hour ago, and D'Auria was technicly off duty, that, however, had seemed to have slipped his mind. So had his date with Ensign M'Benga. They were scheduled to meet on the holodeck for a picnic dinner, as soon as they got off duty. A logical arrangement, as they both worked Gamma shift. But Jack was too engrossed in his work.

He was alone in the science-lab, as the door slid open behind his workstation. He paid it no heed, and continued reviewing several notes on 20th Century Naval Defense Systems. A tall figure approached Jack slowly, stealthily, from behind. Along-fingered, darkskinned hand reached out for him. The hand clasped around his face, covering his mouth. Jack attempted to turn, but was caught in the grip of a strong arm around his waist. The hand left his mouth, and was replaced by two full, red lips.

Jack responded readily to the kiss. And soon Be'Tran's arms were around his waist, and his around hers. She broke the passionate embrace after several seconds, and said, in a husky voice, "Now you know I'm not really mad." But... what are you doing still working? I've been waiting for nearly half an hour."

"I am terribly sorry, Betta." began Jack, softly, "I simply became too caught up in my work. This project has been occupying a great deal of my time lately..." "It didn't keep you occupied last night", Be'Tran remarked, stepping back from him, and wiping her lipstick from his mouth. She was clad in a small bathing suit, two piece; revealing a muscular, but very desirable figure. Her dark skin glistened in the lighting of the lab. Jack stared at her, as if for the first time. She was beautiful. She was incredible. He felt the feelings welling up in him again, the feelings that he only felt when he was with Betta. He loved her.

"Holodeck Four is ours for another hour. If I can get you out of here," she announced almost blandly, "I suppose I'll hafta go for the kicking-and-screaming approach."

Jack smiled, "Not at all", he said, putting aside a tool, and deactivating his viewing screen. Be'Tran grabbed his face in her hands and planted a fierce Klingon kiss on his lips.

"That's my Klingon side," she said, "This is from the rest of me" and with that she kissed him again, slower, softer, lovingly.

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

They left the lab together, and proceded to Be'Tran's quarters, where she gave Jack a bathing suit to put on. A pair of trunks, and a swim-jacket. The jacket was light-weight, made of a 20th Century knit material called terrycloth. When Jack was suitably dressed, they proceeded to the Holodeck; where Be'Tran had programmed her favorite setting (or, somehow, it had become her favorite): Betazed's Lake Elnara.

There was food waiting, and a bottle of non-synthetic Betazoid Red Champagne. Be'Tran had acquired it from Electra, with most of what was left of her father's cash-voucher, but she was sure it would be worth it. There was music playing, out of "nowhere", due to the holodeck's audio-system. It was soft Jazz; Lt. Ericson had suggested it.

"Dave Brubeck." said Be'Tran, when Jack inquired about the music. "Brubeck, I've heard of him." said D'Auria, "He's Jazz, I thought you only listened to Rock-n-Roll?"

Be'Tran, who was standing a few feet from her lover, half skipped up to him, and planted another fierce kiss on his ready lips. "You'll find, Imzadi, that I am just full of surprises!" she said, in her usual loud and boisterous way, using the Betazoid endearment meaning "My Beloved".

They sat down, close together, as if they feared to be too far apart and Be'Tran began serving up their food. She had prepared several things, by hand, loving to cook. There was Pizza, and a large salad, and several other goodies of Betta's own concoction. As they began their meal, Be'Tran shot Jack a quizzical glance. "This project of yours, this C-Defense. What is it?"

Jack gave Betta a broad smile. Not necessarily a Vulcan reaction, but, then again, he felt very un-Vulcan around Be'Tran. He was more than happy to describe his ideas for a new defense-sytem for the Galaxy; and here he went into a long catharsis of description:

"I'm designing, based on late 20th century work, an passive/active internal/external defense system. Using passive sensors to search for any indications of cloaked ships, we can then track them. It conducts its search, using a set of parameters, including neutron emissions and checks for enemy scans. As soon as it finds any indications of enemy activity in our vicinity, it sends this information to the tactical stations and the Combat Information Center.

Another thing and most important, is the fact that it will be able to track, prioritize and counter any attack with torpedoes. It will incorporate a number of small phaser modules along the hull and if possible, micro-torpedo launchers. All of this, independent of the main computer."

Jack was really getting into it, his hands moving as he explained his ideas to Be'Tran. Jack was not someone who usually talked too much, but right now, he didn't care.

Be'Tran was riveted, she could see (and sense) Jack's devotion to his work. She admired him even more than she had before she saw this side of him. As an Engineer, she was fascinated.

"Jack," she said, smiling "That sounds briliant. You know some of that stuff is right in line with some of my original Academy-training." She took a long drink of champagne.

"I'd love to help. If there's any way I could." she said. "Of course, I would be more than happy to have your help", was his reply. "And... " and here she put on a wicked grin, "I'd be right there with you if you try to sneak out of one of our dates again", she laughed loudly. "Betta, I didn't try to..." began D'Auria. "I know! I know!" she said cheerfully, and leaned across their picnic blanket, and kissed him again.

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

After the meal, they danced to some of the soft Jazz Betta had programmed into the atmosphere of her lake-setting. And then they went for a swim. When there holodeck-time was up, they gatered their things (what wasn't replicated by the Holodeck to begin with), such as the champagne; and returned to Be'Tran's quarters. There she called for the computer to play more music. "Computer," she ordered loudly, " 'Counting Crows; Recovering The Satellites'!" she half shouted.

Jack raised an eyebrow as the music began, and Be'Tran leaped onto her bed, and began peeling off her bathing suit. As Adam Duritz's voice filled the room, he joined her; standing on the bed, and took her in his arms passionately. They kissed, and fell onto the mattress, laughing.

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

When Betta awoke, her head was pounding, from the Champagne; but she remembered every detail of the date with complete clarity. Jack was gone, and she got up from her bed and paced, stretching. As she passed her mirror, she noticed a series of red smears on her stomach. For a second she was frightened, and ran closer to the mirror.There, on her stomach, in the bold red strokes of her lipstick, were the words " 'Til later, Imzadi".

She howled with laughter. A goodbye note! "Jack D'Auria, you've got a vicious sense of humor; and you're learning how to use it."

Then she hurried to wash the lipstick off, and prepare for another day of duty.

"Confirmation."
Ensign Keras T’Vek & Lt. Greer Erikson
Science Officer, CSO - USS Galaxy

Ensign Keras T’Veks sensitive Vulcan hearing easily picked up the beep signaling a message. He slowly rose from his position on the floor of his cabin and made his way over to the Computer Console. In a matter of seconds he displayed a message from his CO, Lt. Greer Erikson.

"Hello Keras, I just received your message concerning your experiment. If you could meet me in my officer we would be able to discuss it in further detail. See you then." Then the image winked out replaced by the Star Fleet logo.

As Keras got dressed he brought forth from his memory every thing he new about the human. They had met briefly when he came onboard as is standard, he knew that he wrote articles for the Starfleet Science Journal and that he was considered an expert in his field. Besides the little rumors he had heard from the gossip that ran wild in the Labs he knew little.

He snuffed out the candles which were lit on his table and quenched the incense which he normally lit when in deep thought. Making sure to transfer the files pertaining to his experiment to a PADD so he could show his results to the CSO. He exited his cabin entering the corridor which was spotless, one could not tell that men had died on this very spot, but of course one could never. There had been a short service for the dead by the now Acting Captain, but he could tell from the feelings and emotions he observed while working in the labs that it would take some time to heal.

He slowly made his way to the turbolifts and in a short period of time he was standing in another corridor on his way to his CO’s office. The corridor was quite and empty, as he made his way to the office. It was like any other from the outside, nothing noticable or significant. He stood directly in front of the door and tapped a button, he could hear the signal inside signaling his arrival. "Enter." Was all that was said as the doors opened and Keras stepped inside.

The office was ordinary, nothing unusual. Lt. Greer Erikson sat behind a table looking over several PADD’s most likely containing lab reports and such. The Lt. looked up and smiled motioning him to take as seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. Then he tapped the PADD he was looking at and then set it down next to several others.

"Hello Ensign, I have looked over the data that you have sent me and I must admit I find it interesting. If your experiment bears fruit it would change Space Exploration for ever, not to mention its uses in several other fields." Said the Lt. while looking over the PADD that Keras had brought with him.

"I concur sir, I have gone as far as I can with the data which is available dealing with the matter. To continue I believe I would have to communicate with an Engineer to help further the project. I wished to get your confirmation before going to Engineering asking for input. I have already taken the liberty to look over several of the potential Engineers, sir." Said the Vulcan in his cool monotone voice.

The Lt. having just finished looking over the information looked up and said, "You are correct, the next logical step is to gather empirical data and compare them to the computer simulations. I am more than certain you understand that I need to discuss any potential risk to the ship that your tests may produce." Erikson said as he placed the PADD he was holding on the desk top and taking the PADD the Vulcan handed. "I do not believe that the Captain will be pleased if I authorise an experiment which puts the ship at risk, especially after spending so long under repair." he smiled.

"Computer simulations at both the starbase and the Galaxy do not suggest that the generation of the wormhole will pose a threat to the ship." simply stated. "I also believe that if they do produce effects not taken into consideration by the experimental variables, it will be a simple matter of shutting down the generator."

"Well then, I think we should get this list to Lieutenant Mercury and see what he thinks." the human said as he look at the list of engineers on the PADD. "I do not think he'll have a problem with assigning a small crew."

"I am sure that Commander Sterner will want to know about this proposal." the Vulcan added.

"Indeed. I'll also have to talk to Operations to see what times we can do this without disrupting ship functions too much. I'll also see if Lieutenant Morris can organise with quantum mechanics, that they give you some assistance."

"Thank you sir."

"Well Ensign," Greer said with a smile, "good luck."

T'Vek raised his eyebrow. "Luck has nothing to do with it sir."

"Love, Opportunity, Drink"
by Lieutenants Greer Erikson and Alan Clarence Hewson

The Ten Forward lounge was busy with officers not in duty during the Beta shift. Having finished his shift for the day, Greer Erikson had arranged to meet with his friend, Alan Hewson. Whilst he waited, Greer was hammering away at his new play, inspired by the series of events which were going on around him.

As he worked, the engineer approached from behind him, tapping his shoulder as he passed the younger man and sat down on the opposite side of the table. "I tell you buddy," Greer said as he placed the unfinished work beside his glass on the table, "I am in love." he said as he softened his voice.

AC leaned back into his chair and smiled. "I knew it was a big galaxy out there, many strange and wonderful thing to encounter, but I never thought anyone would ever want to put up with you. In that way at least."

Shaking his head, Greer grinned. "AC, you bastard." he said jokingly. "But you're right, I never though I would find someone I care about like this. She's . . . well you know Ronni, she's . . . amazing."

“And I thought I was the one you really loved,” AC laughed, signaling to a waiter. "Finding someone is one of the best feelings you can have in your life, Greer.” AC’s tone became serious as he leaned forward to talk to his friend. “Hold onto it and don't let it go, don’t ever let it go.”

"Huh?" Greer said as he pretended not to hear.

“I'm saying, make the most of the situation. If you really got something going for you, for godsake pursue it with all you got.”

"Huh?" Greer repeated, not sure that AC was aware that he was just being silly, "Is that assistant chief engineer Alan Hewson there or Dr. Hewson, relationship counselor." AC rolled his eyes. Greer just couldn't resist giving him a hard time though. "Sorry buddy, I just feel . . . well, I feel wonderful."

"I was serious though." AC said shaking his head at Greer. "You have to make the most of it."

"I plan to,” his companion said as he settled down a little. "So what's your news?"

“Two glasses of Melik Rose Juice, please.” AC said as the waiter approached the table.

“My news?” AC returned to the proposed question. “Here, take a look.” AC tossed a PADD to the Chief Science Officer. Greer, surprised by the flying object, almost fell out of his chair. After regaining his composer, he started to read the message that had been downloaded into the PADD.

“I can’t believe this! This is great, AC.” Greer’s eyes lit up as he finished scrolling through the letter.

“Did you ever meet Lt. Hutchcraft?” AC asked. Greer looked puzzled, not really sure what the former Chief Engineer of the Galaxy had to do with the message.

“Uh…yeah. Once or twice I think. Why do you ask?”

“Well, when I was supervising part of the repair work while we were at Starbase 74, Hutch dropped by for a visit….Thanks.” AC slipped the waiter a slip of latinum as he deliver the drinks.

“Anyway, Hutch and I had coffee and we started to talk about some things.” AC took a sip from his glass.

“What sort of ‘things’?”

“You know politics, career moves, and…” AC pointed the direction of the bar where some female crew member were sharing a drink, “fine women. Well, it looks like Hutch started dropping my name here and there once he got back to earth. I received this,” AC paused as Greer handed the PADD back, “last night.”

“The USS Fearless, NX-772301.” Greer repeated what he had read on the PADD.

“Yup, the Fearless. It’s pretty damn fast, but it is one small piece of shit: only eight decks.”

“It maybe small, but it’s brand new…it would have all the latest and greatest crap that the boys at the ship yard could put on there, right?” Greer asked, interested to see if Alan would take the Chief Engineer spot onboard the newly commissioned ship.

“Oh yeah, all new toys to play with. But,” Alan paused as he pressed his thumb against the PADD’s screen, officially declining the position of Chief Engineer on the Fearless, “I’ve got plenty to play with here.” As he finished speaking, AC tossed the PADD over his head, landing on a near by table with a clatter.

“Now, didn’t you just get finished telling me to ‘make the most of the situation’? I don’t see how you could tell me that, then throw away an opportunity like this.” Greer said, surprised by the “do as I say, not as I do” attitude that had possessed his friend.

“No, no.” AC corrected Greer. “Dr. Hewson, relationship counselor, told you to make the most of the situation. Lt. AC Hewson, engineer, is…a complete and total FOOL!” AC jumped from his chair and ran over to where the PADD had landed.

“WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING?!?” AC shook the PADD, acting like he had made the wrong choice. “HOW DO I UN-SEND THIS DAMN MESSAGE?? OH GOD! KILL ME NOW!!” AC stopped his little performance and smiled at Greer. “So, do I get to be in your next play?”

“After seeing that, how could I refuse?”

“Come now, Mr. Erikson, there’s something I must give you,” AC bowed, motioning for Greer to proceed towards the bar. “For you see,” AC said as he rested his left arm on Greer’s shoulder, “You have a girlfriend now. And I…” AC rubbed his chin with his right hand, “…have a beard. Damn, I forgot to shave this morning.” Greer smiled, not sure what AC planned on giving him as they stepped behind the bar.

“Do you know what this is?” AC pointed to a cabinet underneath the bar. “This is the the Holy of Hollies, the Holy Grail of Hewson, the…”

“It’s your stash.” Greer interrupted.

“You are correct sir. Now, I’m going to give you something that one else but myself possesses. A secret so dark and mysterious, that you will have to carry it with you to your death bed. I am going to give you…the access code.”

“I have heard the legends, but I did not know such a thing like this really existed.” Greer played up the part.

“You must never reveal to anyone what you see here today,” AC said as he punched in the access code to the cabinet: a string of twenty-two digits. The cabinet opened with a hiss to reveal a rather large create inside.

“Wow.” Greer said as he began to look through the assortment of bottles. “Not a bad collection.”

“Actually, I’ve filled these with urine. Just in case someone does manage to break into my little safe. To get to the real stuff, you’ve got to do this.” AC sat down on the floor crawling halfway into the now empty cabinet. Then he twisted so that he was looking up at the ceiling of the cabinet.

“There’s a small access panel in here,” the muffled voice of AC told his friend. “You have to place your thumb print on it, and at the same time you must hit this little button over here.” AC stretched his legs out as far as they would go, trying to touch a small piece of the baseboard which ran along the wall. “You’re taller than me, so it should be easier for you. Come on you son of a bitch!” AC said kicking his right leg out until he made contact will the wall. Greer could hear an audible ‘click’ come from the cabinet.

AC squirmed his was out of the small prison, then lifted the false bottom from the cabinet. Greer couldn’t help but laugh at all the precaution Alan had taken to guard his precious drinks.

“Hey, someone stole a bottle of my best Blood Wine a few months of go. I can’t prove it, but I’m sure it was K'Eytyanna. Ever since then, I’ve kept my stash hidden down here.”

“Poor Hewson.” Greer insincerely said.

“Poor Hewson.” AC repeated in the same tone. “Here, take this and use it when you and Ronni get together.” AC handed Greer a bottle of Crystal Water Wine from Delphi. “This is the best stuff I’ve ever had from Delphi, I’m not much on seafood myself. It’s got a great taste, plus it’s a natural aphrodisiac.” AC added with a wink.

“AC…Alan. I don’t know how to thank you. I mean, I know how much you care about these drinks…” Greer began.

“Greer, you’re my best friend. I’m so happy for you and Ronni…I had to give you this. I figured that you two will have dinner together quite often, so why not have an arsenal of beverages at your dispense? Jesus Christ, man! The two of you kept me alive when we were in the vortex. I owe you two everything I have.” AC spoke as he re-sealed the safe.

“Now, your turn.” AC said with a smile as Greer sat down on the floor and began the process of opening the safeguarded collection.

"Midnight Rendezvous and a Broken Heart"
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson & Lieutenant Tebrianne Bancroft

***

Lieutenant Erikson made his way promptly to the laboratory Ronni called home when she was working on experiments or simply trying to get away from all. Pressing the door panel, he discovered that she was not there yet and there was no sign of another soul in the room. Leaning against the desk, Greer crossed his arms and patiently waited, staring at a PADD that was simply sitting there. Before he really had the opportunity to read what was on the display, the lights in the laboratory decreased their intensity on their own volition.

"Great," he said to himself, "I thought engineering had fixed . . . " but he stopped when the music began, telling him what Ronni was up to. Although she sometimes seemed a little blazé at times, it was moments like this, that her affection and tenderness made appearances.

It had been some time since he had heard any Vulcan lyre. It was very different from the musical styles he had been brought up with, but after living with Vulcans for a couple of years, it grew on him. Whatever the intention it created a relaxing ambience to the otherwise quiet laboratory. As he listened carefully to the familiar melody, a familiar hum began as the replicator bay materialized two dishes of food. He wasn't entirely sure what it was, but he figured from the looks of things, it was some form of seafood, perhaps something indigenous to Delphi.

"My, my, Miss Morris, what have you been up to?" Greer said as the doors to the laboratory opened to reveal the woman in question.

"Good, I made it." Ronni said as she walked over to her companion. "What do you think?"

Greer smiled. "Everything's fine now." he said as he took her by the hand and drew Ronni closer towards.

Ronni smiled with some hesitation, "Greer, what about the food?" she asked as she stopped him for a moment.

"What about it?" he said jokingly before kissing her.

Ronni gently pushed Greer away. "Seriously, what about the food?"

Greer walked over to the replicator and removed the two plates of food. Turning around he noticed that Ronni had taken out a table cloth and placed it over the benchtop. "This is really nice Ronni." he said as he placed the meals down. "Thank you."

"I'm glad you like it."

Greer pulled Ronni into his arms. There was an awkward pause as they looked into each others eyes. The slight fear of being out of the privacy of their own quarters lingered in the air. He kissed her again. The dinner, the rest of the ship, the rest of the universe...they were all forgotten as the two lovers shared a moment of intimacy.

***

Tebrianne stepped into the turbolift. She glanced down at the PADD she held in her hands. It was the latest repair requests for the sensor array. 'Commander Lyle asked her to deliver them to Greer. She would have taken them to Chancellor Gowron to get away from that bloody git. Teb sighed as she leaned back against the back of the turbolift. Double shifts on the bridge weren't easy...but she managed.

"Computer, where is Lt. Erikson?"

[Lt. Erikson is in Science Lab 1.]

"Then let's go to Science Lab 1."

The trip was quick and uneventful. Teb stepped out of the lift on deck 6 and tried to figure out which end of the hall Lab 1 was in. She went to the right. She walked along the hallway glancing at the markings on the doors. Finally, at the end of the hall, she found Science Lab 1. Teb was going to hand Greer the report from Lyle and tell him exactly how she felt. This was it. She was going to do it.

The door slid open as Teb approached it. She stepped through the doorway and looked up from the PADD. Tebrianne's stomach clench when her eyes finally found Greer. He was standing in the center of the room, locked in a passionate embrace with Ronni Morris. Teb felt her body going numb. Her chest felt tight.

The PADD clattered to the floor, startling Greer and Ronni. They quickly broke their kiss and looked at the intruder.

Teb felt the hot tears welling in her eyes. Her vision blurred. Her thoughts raced in a jumble. "I'm sorry," she stammered. "I didn't realize--" She didn't know what to say or do. He was there kissing Ronni. "Oh god...."

Teb turned toward the door and nearly ran into the frame.

"Tebrianne," Greer called. "Wait!"

Teb stopped and turned. She kept her eyes focused on the floor and her arms wrapped around herself. 'Keep it together, Teb,' she told herself. The tears fell across her cheeks unchecked. 'Too bloody late.'

"What's the matter?" Greer asked, trying to get her to look at his eyes.

"Nothing," she said. "Everything is bloody peaches. That PADD has a report that 'Cmdr. Lyle wants you to look at. He wants you to realign the sensor array or some rubbish like that."

"Is everything okay, Teb?"

"Yes," she said, staring at her boots.

"C'mon Teb, it's me. Greer," he said. "Are you sure everything's fine?"

She looked into his eyes. Her eyes glistened from the tears. Tebrianne snuffled and scrubbed her hand across her nose. Her face was blotchy and contorted with her anguish. "No. Everything isn't fine. It's in the bloody waste unit, Greer. Do I look like I'm fine? I agreed to come down her and hand deliver that PADD to you so I could tell you that I love you. I love--."

Teb turned and ran. Greer and Ronni were calling her, but she kept running. She had to make it to her quarters before she lost it completely. The turbolift whooshed open. She wiped the tears away and stepped inside. She only had a little longer. She just had to get to her quarters. Only one deck. There was some bloke in the car already. Teb tried to look composed, but knew she was failing miserably. The petty officer tried to offer help, but she pushed him away.

"I'll be fine, mate," she snapped.

"Sorry, Lieutenant," he said, stepping away. "I just thought that--"

"Just forget it," she shouted. "I'll be fine. Leave me alone."

The doors opened and Teb pushed her way past the crewman. She ran down the corridor. As she rounded the corner right before her quarters, she nearly bowled Lt. Hunter over.

"Sorry." Tebrianne kept running.

Only two more doors, and Teb was home. She punched the keypad opened the door to her room. She fell through the door. The floodgates opened and the tears flowed. Teb collapsed back against the door. She slid down the surface, her body wracked with uncontrollable sobs. She hit the floor with a thud and buried her face in her hands. She moved her mouth to curse her own stupidity, but sobbing was the only sound she could make.

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

"Men are from Mars, children are from Romulus"
By: Lt (jg) Sullax and Lt (jg) Sharp

The three day journey to Romulan space went well. During those days Ryak said very little to Ensign Sharp. Ryak and Aaron took turns piloting the shuttle as the other slept. Ryak had time to do some tests with some of the systems aboard the shuttle.

"Sir." Sharp said in an exhilarated voice.

Ryak turned tohim from the back of the shuttle and replied as he walked to the front."What is it Ensign?"

"Sir we are entering the Romulan Neutral Zone." As Aaron spoke the computer at the second station started beeping. Ryak sat down and started typing away. As the computer started to call up information Ryak could see that there was a lot of ship activity in the near vicinity. Suddenly Red Alert sounded.

“Romulan Warbird decloaking.” Ensign Sharp stated, as he brought the shuttle to a complete stop. "Sir we are being hailed by the Warbird." The Warbird was huge compared to the size of the shuttle.

"On screen Ensign."

Onto the screen came an image of a Romulan officer. "I am Sub Commander S'Tark of the Romulan Warbird Ju‘ras. We will be escorting you to Romulus. Lower your shields and prepare to be beamed aboard. We will bring your shuttle aboard" The screen shut off.

Aaron looked over to Ryak."Sir?"

"Ok lower shields and we'll see how this goes." Ryak replied. The second the shields dropped Ryak and Aaron were beamed aboard the Warbird. They were standing in what was obviously the transporter room.Five Romulan guards were standing there with their weapons pointed atthe two of them. One of the guards walked over and snatched their communicators and phasers.

Ryak turned to Aaron and said, "Hopefully your Romulan isgood. No one will bother speaking to you in English."

One of the guards looked at Ryak and spoke in Romulan."Now, you and you human friend will come with us. Failure to comply withour orders will result in instant disciplinary measures."

Ryak responded with a comment befitting a Romulan soldier, "Your words mean nothing to me.You are only a small speck in the Romulan empire. Be warned I am Romulanand will fight with true honour."

The guard came up to Ryak and pushed himto get him moving. As the two of the walked through the corridors of thevessel the watched as other Romulans stared at the two of them. Ryak couldsee that Aaron was becoming very agitated by the whole ideal. As Ryak and Aaron arrived at the room where the Sub Commander was, two of the soldiers took Aaron in another direction. Ryak entered the room with the remaining three guards, and was greeted by the Sub Commander.

"Sullax," S'Tark said. "I will make this very short due topressing matters I must attend to. You will be taking Sullar T'Sell, of whom will be now known as Sullar Sullax, back with you. There are a few conditions. One. He must learn all that is needed to remain Romulan. We will supply you with enough material to have him educated as a Romulan citizen to the age of 15. Two. He must not lose any of his language.”

The SubCommander held up a Romulan Star Empire Communicator pin. “I have adapted this communicator to work on the Starfleet translation system. As long as he is wearing this Star Empire pin, all language will be translated into Romulan for him. Three. He must never become a Federation citizen unless he chooses to do so at age 15. Sullar Sullax is a citizen of the Romulan Star Empire. And finally, you must agree to raise him honourably in the tradition of the Romulan people, that you missed out on. Do you agree?"

Ryak took a deep breath and answered."Yes, I do agree on the terms stated."

“Very well,” S’tark said, “We arrive at Romulas in two hours. Your son will be delivered to you and you will immediately be returned to the Neutral Zone, from where you will be returned to your shuttle. Do you have any questions?”

Ryak shook his head in the negative.

“Good.Guards, escort our ‘guest’ to his quarters.” The guards complied, marching Ryak out of the room.

**** Sullax and Sharp’s Quarters, Romulan Warbird Ju’ras****

Ryak entered the room to find Ensign Sharp already there,seated on one of the chairs.“Are you alright, Ensign?” he asked, “What did they do to you?”

“I’m fine, sir,” Aaron replied, “They just spent ten minutes ‘interrogating’ me about you, although they called it‘necessary inquiries‘. They wanted to know everything about you.”

“And what did you tell them?”

“Basically nothing. I don’t even really know you, seeing we only met four days ago. There wasn’t anything I could tell them, even if I’d wanted to.” Ryak nodded, pleased. He sat down on another chair. All they could do now was wait.

**** Two hours later ****

The door to the room jerked open and a guard entered theroom. Addressing Ryak, he spoke. “You will come with me.“ Ryak stood and without saying a word left the room, Aaron followed behind. The guard led the two Starfleet officers to a transporterroom and indicated they should step onto the platform. As soon as they were in place, they were beamed to the planet’s surface.

**** Unspecified Military Centre on Romulus ****

As soon as the transporter beam released them, two more guards stepped up and ordered them to follow. Ryak and Aaron stepped off the pad and headed for the door. The two guards fell into place, one leading,one bringing up the rear.

“You’d think we were prisoners or something.” Aaron whispered to Ryak.

“No talking!” the guard at the back ordered. Aaron gave him a dirty look, but said nothing. Finally they arrived at their destination. A door slid open and the entered a room with a single desk, behind which sat an Anti-Centurion. The doors closed and they waited for the Romulan to look up. Finally he did, looking the pair over with distain.

“Ryak Sullax.” The Anti Centurion spat.

“I am he.” Ryak replied with equal venom.

“Sub Commander S’tark has explained our terms to you?”

“He has. And I have agreed to them.”

The Anti Centurion’slip curled up at this news.“Very well,” He said, “then we will deliver your son.” He pressed a buttonon his desk and a door at the back of the room slid open. A guard stepped through escorting a young Romulan boy. Ryak looked at the young boy and atear came to his eye. Sullar was so cute. Ryak had never seen a Romulan child so young. Ryak knelt down on one knee and opened his arms. And with some sort of cosmic bond Sullar ran over to Ryak and hugged him as if theyhad been together always.

"You must now leave!" the Anti Centurion ordered. Ryak,Sullar and Aaron were taken back to the transporter room, where they returned to the Ju’ras.

**** The neutral zone, Romulan/Federation border ****

The transporter pad in the shuttlecraft Bathurst sparkled as three figures materialised. Aaron quickly stepped over to the pilot’s chair and began running through diagnostics. The last thing they needed was any little ‘surprises’ from the Romulans.

Everything checked out okay,and he turned to inform Ryak.“Sir, everything is clear and we’re ready to go.“

Ryak flopped down in a chair next to his son. “Set a course for the Galaxy, Ensign, and engage. It’s time we went home.“

“Aye, sir” Aaron replied, and touched the appropriate controls. The tiny vessel shot off at warp factor two, finally heading home. Behind the shuttlecraft, undetected, a Warbird cruised,following them into Federation space. When the Commander of the vessel was satisfied that the Federationers were heading back to where they came from, he turned his craft around and headed back to Romulan space.

"Strange new orders"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Preliminary testing on the USS Galaxy was proceeding nicely. The mighty starship had successfully broken spacedock with Starbase 74 and had been running sub-light testing of it's repaired systems for the last day and a half. Everything was looked good in anticipation of high speed testing.

"Here is the report on the structural integrity field throughout the sub-light testing Commander." Lieutenant Taurean declared handing a padd to Sterner on the Bridge of the Galaxy.

Joerg reached up and took the data unit, glancing at the summary. "Looks like things are better then they were before Lieutenant'."

The Benzite smiled. "Yes sir. I believe it's the new lighter dermal plating. It's 20 percent stronger while being 30 percent lighter. A remarkable work of engineering."

"Well it's definitely within Starfleet tolerance levels. I think we can move on to the high speed testing and alignment of the warp nacelles now." Joerg nodded handing the padd back to the scientist. "'Commander Casey, inform engineering to prepare to begin warp testing within the half hour."

"Yes sir Commander." Deiran said rising out of his seat, "I'll see to it personally."

*****

Captain's Log, Stardate 49807.27 First officer Joerg Sterner reporting.

We have begun high speed warp testing of the Galaxy after a successful suite of sub-light tests. Chief Engineer Mercury is having his crew adjust the warp field integrity field to synchronize the output of the two primary nacelles for optimal efficiency. The replacement of several large outer hull panels on the starship has altered the alignment of the main propulsion units, but I have confidence that David will be able to bring things back within specifications in no time at all.

Joerg closed the log and glanced around the Captain's Ready room. He'd sat in it many a times, but always on the other side of the desk. It felt strange being on board the starship without having the General present, but at the same time it was a challenge as well.

Interrupting the Commander's thoughts, his comm badge chirped with a hail. Tapping it, Joerg asked, "Sterner here, what is it?"

["Sorry to interrupt Commander, but we have just received new orders to return to Starbase 74."] Lieutenant Commander Casey explained.

Furrowing his brow, Joerg asked, "Have you told them we haven't finished our certification testing yet 'Commander?"

["Yes sir. I did. They didn't care about that and ordered us to return to the Starbase as soon as possible."] Deiran explained.

"Who exactly sent these orders 'Commander?" Joerg asked.

["I asked the same question Commander."] Deiran admitted, ["They refused to elaborate other than saying we would be briefed upon arrival at Starbase 74. The message did contain the correct Starfleet encryption codes sir."]

"Very well. Set course for Starbase 74 'Commander. Inform Lieutenant Mercury of the change of plans. Have him manage best possible speed to the Starbase. He can tune the warp integrity field along the way." Commander Sterner ordered.

["Very good sir. I'll let the Chief know straight away. Casey out."]

The channel closed and Joerg could see the stars changing direction as the mighty Galaxy altered course to head back to Starbase 74. The Commander couldn't help but wonder what could have come up that would make Starfleet want to recall the Galaxy before she had finished systems testing to recertify her fit for active duty. While watching the stars rush past the observation window in the ready room, Joerg ran through the possible scenarios he could think of that would warrant the recall of the Galaxy from these post repair tests. None of them sounded too appealing.

*****

*** Spaceport V'rock, planet Vulcan ***

The passenger transport landed with a resounding jolt that rocked through the cabin shaking all of the occupants slightly.

It was enough to draw the Bolian cowboy out of his slumber with a startled hoot. "What is it?!" he declared still groggy from his nap.

"We've landed 'mate. We are on the planet Vulcan." Lee explained pointing towards the aisle, indicating he wanted to get up to get his things.

"Well if that don't beat all!" the Texan declared happily. "I must'ov slept through dang near the whole trip."

"At least someone did..." Captain Price said dryly, "Can you get up? I'd like to reclaim my bags before we exit the transport."

"Sure thing partner." Branus declared slowly rising his large rotund frame out of the aisle seat. "I guess it's time to get to work. Where you staying while here on Vulcan partner?" he asked.

"I'm visiting a sick friend. I will be staying at his villa outside of T'Pou City." Lee explained gathering his bags.

"Well, wish your fiend my best. Here... give him a pen compliments of Metz Industries."

Lee took the commercialized pen and glanced at the logo on the side. "Thanks 'mate. Good luck on your business meeting."

"Aw, luck has nothing to do with it partner. Them pointy eared weed eaters don't have a chance once I spin my magic charm. See ya around Starfleet." Branus declared sliding his ten gallon hat over his head, "And be sure to stay out of the Vulcan sun, it will kill you in this thin atmosphere, sure as shit."

"I'll keep that in mind 'mate. No worries." Lee said slinging his duffel bag over a shoulder and preparing to exit the transport. He was looking forward to seeing his former commanding officer, the distinguished Captain Shoak. While stepping off the transport and walking down the air lock, Lee wondered what the crew of the Galaxy were up to at that very moment. He smiled thinking they are probably conducting routine tests of all systems. Rather boring stuff really.

"Strain"
by Lt. Thomas

Personal log: Captain Price has left the ship in command of the first officer, as he has apparently decided to take a long over due vacation. The only question was wether this was his choice of the choice of those above him or the doctor's orders. Either way the captain is currently of the ship leaving an interesting number of people in different places of command. Something that should be interesting to see what happens and whether they can cooperate long enough to give the Galaxy her shake down, without having problems. The chain of command is effective, but sometimes things happen unexpectedly that place the chain of command theory in question or even disrupt it form time to time.

I can say that this will happen, but based upon the current situation anything is possible, or perhaps I am just over period for my own good these days. I have monitored several of my form SI buddies having their lives cut short before their time in recent weeks something that has me concerned especially they way they have died.

**End Log**

Thomas finished getting ready for his dinner date with Belira something he was looking forward to, he just hoped it would turn out well for the both of them. "Wisdom is highly priced for an individual to experience, but is free to those who listen." - Chris Patton

"Any place can be heaven, as long as you try and live" -- Yui Ikari

Christopher Patton
Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

Nothing Much
Casey Ti Miran

Miran patted the dirt around the flower bulb firmly and watered it. She had gotten permission to plant her favorite- purple tulips. Lara played in the dirt, giggling all the time.

Sometimes she wished she was once again sitting on the bridge, only taking materinty leave instead of resigning her commission to be a full time parent. Who would watch Lara if she didn't?

Well, hopefully she could con Deiran to watch Lara while she, herself went for sometime to herself and a holodeck. Just a little while to do some flying.

"Come on, my girl, let's go get something to eat." She swung Lara up, it wouldn't be too long before Miran wouldn't be able to lift her up, she was getting big.

The two went to Ten-Forward. Miran ordered a Chocolate Sundae and took a seat by the window so that they could watch the stars, hoping someone would come up and talk to them.

“Chain of Command…”
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Sliding the PADD to the “Completed ” stack. Mac reached to the final PADD for the day. Quickly scanning it he leaned back in his chair Mac quickly read the contents as a look of consternation began to move across his face.

Mac had to admit D’Auria had balls. To recommend major changes to a section without talking to the department head took a pair of large, brass ones. Taking the PADD Mac stood and exited the TacOps center and headed to Science to find Greer.

** Science Department **

Greer looked up from the desk as Mac walked through the doors. “Well, Well. What brings the Great tactical mind to the humble halls of science?”

“This,” stated Mac as he handed the PADD to the CSO. Greer, looking puzzled, took it and quickly scanned its contents, before setting it on the desk. He rubbed his chin as he looked at Mac.

“So where does an Ensign get the notion that he can start recommending changes to a Section without talking to the department head.” Snapped Mac, a little bit to sharply.

“Jeez! Greer. Most of those changes are already in effect and functioning as SOP. Are you aware of this “team” he wants to put together?”

Greer looked up from the display in the direction of the chief tactical officer.

"I was aware that Ensign D'Auria had made some proposals to Captain Price and Lieutenant Mercury regarding the C-Defense program a few weeks ago. It was my impression that there were no objections."

"That's fine Greer, I don’t have any problems with modifications to C-defense, hell it was David’s project to begin with, but I do mind major overhauls and policy rewrites" Mac said, "Also being told how to run my department chafes me a little, too."

Leaning back in his chair, the scientist tried to think about all references to the C-Defense project after the mission into Klingon space.

"All I can say is that I am sorry Mac. I do not recall any mention of making changes to the tactical department. Don't worry about it though, I'll speak to Jack and see where the breakdown in communications occurred. I am also certain that this was not an intentional challenge to your position." He said as he tried to reassure McKenzie.

Mac took a deep breath to calm himself. “Yeah. Your right, Greer. I guess were all a little on edge after the Klingon fiasco. After you talk to your man, send him to me, okay? I think he needs to have a crash course in Tactical operations. You might also want to mention the Mission statement that talks about the mission being Exploration first

Greer nodded, as a small grin played across his lips. Mac started for the door, stopping suddenly and turned and faced Greer. “One more thing, Bud.”

“What’s that?” asked the CSO quizzically

Mac smiled as he sat on the edge of Greer’s desk. “What are the rumors floating about concerning you and Lt Morris?”

Greer’s grin quickly faded. “I…umm…don’t know what you mean, Mac. Lt Morris is a trusted…”

“Save it, Greer!” interrupted Mac, smiling. “You know as well as I do that the rumor mill on this ship would put the Obsidian Order to shame. If you want to deny it that’s fine. I just wanted you to know that if it’s true...I'm happy for both of you.” Mac winked at the stunned CSO and spun on his heel and left the Science section.

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

Casey had just left the security office, with a very shocked Ursa Sunder in his wake.

Acting Second Officer? Him?

He couldn't begin to think of a reason why. After all, he'd never sought a command position. His natural predeliction on board a starship had always been security. The times on board the SHADOWFIRE had shown that, illuminating his choice of career paths at the Academy.

But Command?

He shook his head in amazement. Stranger things had happened... he remembered the Shendahl cargo vessel he'd impounded as it passed through Outpost 77 for re-supply. He'd walked in wearing a short-sleeved tunic, displaying the Orion Firebear Clan tattoo on his arm and the Shendahl had dropped to their knees in worshipful amazement. Apparently the image of a firebear had sacred implications on their planet - or at least a creature similar to it.

He doubted that Joerg was under any comparable circumstances.

He sighed deeply. The administrative animal inside of him was already figuring shift changes and doling out larger slices of responsibilities to the other members of the security squad. This, on top of all the new assessments he had to evaluate, was going to prove a new challenge.

Suddenly a memory of how they used to welcome new challenges back at the Academy. The old Alphabet Gauntlet trick. Of course.

He hastily dictated a message to the computer's intra-ship messaging system. Smiling he addressed it and sent it off to Joerg, Matthew, Casey and Cat. As an after-thought, he also appended Bishop's name. The Andorian deserved the invitation after the sterling service he'd recently displayed.

"Gentlemen ... and Lady, " he added. " In the finest tradition of the service in recognizing changes and new responsibilities ( and given that we may not have another chance to do this again ), you are all hereby invited to attend the honoured custom of attending The Alphabet Gauntlet. "

He cleared his throat and continued.

" Seeing as we have some time before we make it back to Spacedock, the event will be held in Ursa Sunder's quarters at 18:00 tomorrow night. All will be prepared - no items need to be brought. Oh, as a suggestion - make sure you've all eaten a hearty meal first."

He smiled. Of all people, Joerg would remember the Alphabet Gauntlet. Especially after he'd been caught in that ... tricky situation with the Bolian barmaid! Perhaps that story might surface during the course of the evening.

What the hell, he thought. What was the point of having a bit of extra rank if you couldn't blow off a bit of steam now and then...

"Baby-sitting Blues"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Acting Executive Officer’s Log: Stardate 49807.27

"I have worked two straight shifts, orchestrating the sub-light tests on the impulse engines. It appears according to the tests that everything is working within the set testing parameters. Commander Sterner has given us the go ahead to begin testing the warp engines.

"But, during the test I received a communiqué from Starbase 74, issuing new orders. At first I must admit I was skeptical. But they’re security and encryption codes did check out. So, as ordered, we’re testing the warp engines, nacelle proficiency and the WIF as we travel back to Starbase 74. I can’t say we’re thrilled. We want to get this testing done and get back into action. I seriously doubt Command would allow us back into action without the proper testing. Even in an emergency situation. But the tests have gone well, in fact efficiently and the crew has acted admirably under dire stress.

"I must say with the added responsibilities I am quite tired. I don’t remember the last time I relaxed since we left Spacedock. Even as Second Officer, I’d be required to assist the Commander in the overseeing of all testing. So, I am going home to rest, relax. I’m not even going to read my messages. They can wait until Alpha shift tomorrow. I haven’t had but four hours sleep per night. I am exhausted. And I admit it. My body is tired, and my brain is weary with exhaustion."

End log.

All the way back to his quarters, he was silent, somber, a walking zombie. When he did arrive home, he was met by Miran. The usual smile, the wonderful kiss and hug. But Miran was a bit excited.

"Deiran, would you watch Lara for me? Ronni and I want to go into the holodecks and go on some adventure. Anything fun. We’re not sure yet. Would you do that for me please?" She was very sweet.

Deiran knew he owed it to her. He wasn’t even sure he had the patience or the strength to watch Lara but, "Sure honey, I’ll be glad too. You go have fun with Ronni." He wanted to crack a joke about getting revenge and her being out of her quarters, but he was too tired even for that.

Miran put Lara in her father’s arms, gave him a loving kiss and was off to meet up with Ronni.

"Well, my angel it seems it’s you and me tonight. Your mommy needs some relaxation time and so do I. Would you like to see Aunt D’tarna? She misses you."

Deiran felt bad about this, but not too bad. Lara was a good child but he was just too tired. He was stuck. He had to be understanding to his wife, but he also had to watch out for his own well-being. The last thing he needed was a visit to hell, called sickbay. Cat would love to get her hands on him. No offense to Cat, but sickbay was the one place Deiran hated to go. You only got him there unconscious.

Deiran hailed D’tarna.

[Yes my brother?] she replied. They were still like brother and sister, after two years since their mind meld.

"D’tarna, I’ve been working really hard. I’m exhausted. And Miran needed some time away to have some fun with Ronni. Would you be kind enough to watch Lara?"

[Sure Deiran. I’ll be there in a few minutes.] D’tarna disconnected the comm.

A few minutes later, she arrived. D’tarna loved sitting with Lara. And there was no problem there. Deiran felt bad, but he needed time away too. Lara wouldn’t even notice he was gone, he laughed at the thought. She loved Bellen.

Deiran knew that he wasn’t in the mood for Ten Forward. Crowded, noisy, just not what he needed at the moment. The only nice place to relax, apart from the masses was the officer’s lounge. Maybe he’d try a stimulating game of 3-D chess, if another officer was there and willing to be beat by him. He couldn’t sleep.

Casey arrived at the officer’s lounge on deck 8. It was almost dark, as the lights were down. There were only two other officers in the lounge and they were clear across the other side of where he was. So, he sat down at his favorite table, the one with the 3-D chess board, by the window. He looked out the window and watched the stars streak by, it was soothing. He sat in his seat and just enjoyed the quiet.

Ideas and Overhauls
by Lt. Endris Gakor

*** Sickbay ***

Endris snorted when she saw the orders to perform diagnostics on all medical systems. She heard from Cat about the Klingon occupation' of sickbay. With the Galaxy patrolling Cardassian/Dominion space, hostilities were likely. Gakor began to muse about how to expand medical facilities on the ship without straining personnel.

When she checked her messages, she noticed a subspace packet from Jurelle Tash. The former CMO was now working on improving the Emergency Medical Hologram. Perhaps the message contained an updated version of the EMH program. Improving the behavior of 'Doctor Grinch' would do a lot to increase morale of the medical staff. Occasionally, the program needed to be online to assist during crises, and the grumpy algorithm had a tendency to get on everybody's nerves.

"Snacks!", said Endris. The Trill had indeed improved the holo-doc, but the installation procedure would take a couple of hours to initialize. First, Gakor issued computer commands to copy and achieve the old version of the EMH in case installation problems made it necessary to revert to the old software. While the high-tech machine was crunching away at the request, the Tellarite headed to Ten Forward for her daily feast.

*** 10 Forward ***

A young human Ensign in a science uniform was chatting with Angela Dana. The human was obviously uncomfortable speaking with the Deltan, despite the oath of celibacy required of all strong-pheromone species. Endris tried to place his name, but the man must have boarded during the immunologist's trip to the Qul' etlh. Perhaps this was the somewhat famous Jack D'Aura. People were talking about his innovative suggestions to improve the C-defense plan, even if the plan had first been engineering's baby.

Despite his discomfort, the human was obviously busy discussing how various items could mesh and contribute to the defense of the Galaxy with the bald female engineer. Endris made a mental note to talk to him later about how medical might contribute. She had noticed remarks about alternative activation tracks for the new EMH. Perhaps it could be configured to activate upon detecting an enemy vessel. Even posting an automatic note the 'portable Doctor' was started due to proximity of hostiles in the vicinity might be feasible given the enhancements.

If lives were in danger, this simple time saver might mean the difference between saving or loosing a patient. *Early spice makes recipes nice*, the cuisine lover recalled one of her favorite proverbs.

After finishing her lunch, the doctor returned to sickbay to check the status of the new software. Distracted from her normally fruitless research on the cause of the Teresi virus, Gakor was content that her latest idea would help her crewmates survive their next encounter with danger....

Galaxy: Pranks
By Ensign Anthony Mendenhall

It had been a while since he had been back home on Earth. Work had been usual. and need for a challendge was needed. That left him with only few alternatives: read, start a project, or pull some pranks.

He enjoyed reading, but Anthony had been doing that for a while. A project sounded fun, but he needed an idea for one first. That left only for option number three, Pranks.

Mendenhall replicated some Root Bear and cracked his fingers as his cat, Digit, purred beneath his feet. It had been a while since he had practiced his "computer intrusion" skills on somehting as big as the Galaxy. He knew he could pull it off spotless.

First things first. He was going to do a shipwide prank, focusing it primarily on one person, who would soon become a victim to the humorless human. Using the replicators sounded good to him. Nothing harmless like food poisoning. He already knew what to do. Also, he wanted it to be an engineer, so he could hear of his exploits.

His fingers hit the keys like that of a Yarrian Musician. Screeens appeared and dissapeared faster than one could blink.

Search>crewbios/engineering/ensignrank
Search>crewbios/engineering/ensignrank/[prank][practical joke]

Three names came up.

crewbios/commandbybassomegadeltafouronetwo/open:

The first was an Ensign that had jokes played on him. Scratch one. The second only had a minor incident that wasn"t even worth noting. Then he found who he was looking for.

Her name was Polina Praskovya. She looked cute, had been caught, and as the XO of the USS Gypsy put it: "A menace to morale and order. No discipline whatsoever. Uses her looks to her advantage."

Sounded perfect. Now the hard part. He was now installing a program that would be the core of the joke. The program made it so that any cups or plates being used would display a picture of a large, cute purple dinosaur holding hands with a Vorta, Jem'Hadar soldier, a romulan, a klingon, and a human.

It would then plays a high pitched annoying song: "I love you, you love me, we"re a great big family, with a great big hug and a kiss from me to you, won't you say you love me too!" Or at least something to that effect.

It would take a week to find the program, and it would move from port to port, so tracing it back to Mendenhall was all but impossible. On Polina's, it would constanly play the song.

The program for her sound system was different. He set the song as a default setting, and made it so everytime it was tried to turn off, the memory would be cleared, and the default would kick in with the song immediantly. It would take a while to figure it all out. From the computer skills she had, it would only take about two hours minimum to figure it out and stop it.

after that, he covered his tracks. Covered the cover of his tracks, and eventually covered the cover that covered the cover that covered the cover of the cover of his tracks. It would take a week non-stop to find it all.

After that he found aother intersting thing. A design crew was being assembled for the famous C-Defense plan. After submitting an application, he checked to see where Ensign Praskovya was.

[Ensign Praskovya is in Ten Foreward.] Perfect. He'd pay her a little visit before. It was freaky how much he was enjoying this all.

=/\= "...Better Left Unnamed" =/\=
by lt Matthew Albrecht
with Lt. Cmdr Ursa Sunder

The security officer traveled down the Galaxy's halls, PADD in hand, to meet his CO. The PADD was like a greeting card--when Matthew's doting grandmother wanted to give him a slip of latinum on his childhood birthdays, she would place it between the pages of a handmade paper card. She said it was an ancient family tradition. Carrying on the tradition with slight modification, Matthew had prepared the PADD to give to Ursa. One thought kept returning to him, curiosity eating at him like Hybsperian bacteriococcus eats at phaser energy cells. What the Hell was the Alphabet Gauntlet?

As he walked down the corridor, he watched the faces pass him by. Lots of new, fresh-faced ensigns crowded the deck, looking around as if lost in a strange city. Upon reflection, he supposed the Galaxy was like a city in space. He remembered his own first days aboard the giant starship. The passing ensigns straightened in respect when they saw Matthew's pips; They must have been straight out of the academy, he mused.

The quantity of new crewpersons reminded him of the losses they had taken at Boreth, in the so-called 'Jawbreaker Battle.' As usual, the ship-to-ship battles get glorified with exciting names. *Why not,* he wondered cynically, *starship combat is distanced from human suffering. A witness, from a distance, can forget about the lives being lost onboard the ship, in engineering and on decks that get spaced.* There would be no fancy name for the fight that took place on the decks of the Galaxy. For a moment, Matthew considered giving that bloody fight a name. Survivors could proudly say, 'I survived the battle of whatever' or 'I took out umpteen Klingon warriors in the something-or-other conflict.' Even worse, ensigns for years to come could boast, 'I tried that waddyacallit scenario on the Holodeck, and I figured out a way that nobody had to die.' Nope, he wouldn't name it. God help anyone who did.

******** Security ********

'Commander Sunder's door was open, and the large man was reclining in his giant, non-regulation chair reading reports. Upon seeing Matthew Albrecht stride in, Ursa let the PADD fall to his lap and smiled a conspiratorial smile. "How was it?" he asked slowly, as a man would perhaps ask a close friend about his honeymoon, or first time in a new personal vehicle, or first trip to Risa. Matthew smiled in return, appreciating the large man's insinuation.

"The trip was... worthwhile, sir," Matthew replied. "Most of us were able to stay out of jail while we were visiting." The larger man's eyes widened at that comment. He had not yet heard anything about run-ins with the law among the Cydonia's passengers. "Anything interesting happen while I've been gone?" The routine question was delivered without hope for a response.

The Chief of Security did have an answer, though. "Not much, other than a bunch of station pukes sticking their noses into every nook and cranny of security and the brig. They crawled all over like a swarm of Govaren Salt Beetles. That, and the captain's been relieved of duty," added the lt commander casually, though he exagerrated for effect.

Albrecht stuttered, "W-what? Over the whole Klingon thing? That just isn't fair! Is he in serious trouble?" Seeing Matthew's shocked and indignant face, Ursa busted out with a short, deep laugh. He pointed at Matthew as if to say, 'Got you!'

Matthew's face altered into a frown, and he narrowed one eye and regarded his CO. Ursa clarified, "No, no, just for a few weeks of mandatory R&R." The 'commander wiped moisture out of his eyes, "Far as I know, there's no meetings or hearings about the entire incident. Somebody's keeping it all under tight wraps."

Matthew took the other officer's joking as an indication that their meeting was an informal one. He sat in the chair opposite Sunder and chuckled a bit at himself. "Yeah, they tell me to forget all about it, too." Ursa followed the offhand remark with a 'you don't say?' look. Matthew waved off the subject, and the other man didn't force it.

"Alright, what can I do for you, then?" the bear of a man asked, with a note in his voice to suggest he had been doing things for people all day. The PADD he had been holding plopped up onto the desktop, leaving Ursa's large hands free to clasp together above a crossed leg.

Matthew looked in the 'commander's eyes, "I am reporting for duty as acting assistant security chief during lieutenant commander Paran Chanor's absence, sir." Still seated, the lieutenant had stiffened his posture as if standing at attention. He had also delivered the sentence in an overly-subordinate way. His CO smiled again at the mock formality.

"Well then, what the Hell are you doing here so early? You know that 'commander Chanor's shift was Gamma! Can't you punk kids tell time anymore?" he barked in his best drill-seargent voice. Matthew almost heard snare drums in the background.

Albrecht kept his seat, sensing that the 'commander had news for him. He asked, "What's up, chief? I think something's on your mind."

Ursa stood and placed his palms upon his desktop. He leaned over towards his new assistant. "It seems I'll be spending Gamma shift on the bridge for a few weeks, lieutenant. I'm going to be requiring a lot of you during this time. New security officers to train, quarterly performance reviews for the department are coming soon, and systems operation to check during the shakedown. You're going to have to WORK for that title you are borrowing from Chanor. I won't be able to pull double shifts the ENTIRE time we are without captain Price."

"There's more." Sunder said, clasping his hands together. "It seems that I've been harangued with the title of Acting Second Officer now that Joerg and company have been bumped upstairs, so to speak. So now it's not enough that I have to nursemaid an entire new crop of security officers, now I have to watch the rest of the bridge as well!"

From Sunder's attitude, Matthew didn't quite know how to respond. Was he pleased, or displeased? The thought reminded him of an Academy instructor whose secretary kept a little wooden cube on her desk, with little faces drawn on it. Whe the professor was in a poor mood, the face on the cube would show a frown. Variations on the happy face indicated a whole range of possible moods. Perhaps he should arrange a similar tradition on the Galaxy, he thought. "Well, that's ... great, right?"

Sunder exhaled loudly. "That's what they say, but I go where I serve, and I serve where I go. " He replied, quoting an old 'fleet adage." But rest assured that I'll be keeping more than my eye on this department as well! This isn't just a full-time job, it's an epiphanic vocation! How will you ever manage without my divine guidance?" He joked.

Matthew stood up, "We'll manage. A part-time security chief and an acting assistant chief... It's not fair for the enemy, if you ask me! Maybe we ought to tie our left arms behind our backs to keep it fair, eh?" He smiled at his joke, hoping to lighten the situation. He even held one arm behind him to illustrate his jest. Ursa nodded, wanting to share the sentiment and appreciating the lieutenant's confidence. The truth was, they had several experienced and talented officers like Bishop, Trabuco, and a few others.

Albrecht raised his PADD and extended it to Sunder. "Turn it on, and access the main file." The chief did so, and his eyebrows lifted in the center while he examined the image. Matthew explained, "It's a polar bear. One of the most dangerous critters on Earth. Ever hunt one?"

Ursa mouthed the word 'bear' and shook his head slowly side to side. He noticed the wind and snow in the image of a polar bear striding across a barren landscape and diving into ice-cold water. "How big is it?" he wanted to know immediately.

Matthew tilted his head, considering. "I don't know, really. Probably nearly half-a-ton. Say, four hundred kilos?" Seeing the 'commander's interest, he continued. "Holoprogram was written by a real arctic survival expert who works for my family. Nobody knows this environment better than he does. And he knows animals."

The 'commander watched footage of dogsled teams racing after one of the giant white bears, attempting to run it down. "When do we try it out, Matthew?"

"Good Game, Sir"
by Lieutenant (jg) Xavier Bishop
Security
USS Galaxy

***** Deck 8, Officers Lounge *****

Xavier sat in the secluded darkness of the Officer's Lounge going over a small pile of PADDS when his privacy was interupted. The doors leading into the lounge swished aside granting a young Starfleet Officer access to the darkened solitude of the Lounge. The young man walked across the room and, pulling up a cushioned chair, sat down at the 3-D chess table.

*Commander Casey.* Xavier smiled as Casey stared at the disarayed pieces before him. The previous chess players had tired of their game and withdrawn from the table leaving their game unfinished and untouched. Now, Deiran was playing out the game in his head. Xavier had already done the same thing earlier. It only took a moment before the young hero of the "Jaw Breaker Battle" finished his solitair game of chess and rearanged the pieces back into order.

Gathering up his PADD's in one hand and his drink in the other, Xavier pushed himself up from his seat and strode silently across the room toward the chess board. "Mind if I join you, sir?"

Casey looked up at the Andorian Officer and smiled, "Only if you promise to be a challenging opponent."

Xavier smiled and sat down across from Commander Casey, "I'm an opponent you'll never forget, sir."

"Good." replied the young Commander.

The only other occupant of the Officer's Lounge also got up from where she was seated and walked quietly across the dimly lit lounge toward the chess table. "Mind if I watch?"

"Not at all Lieutenant Ral." said a smiling Casey.

Xavier stood and reached for another cusioned chair, "Here. Let me get you a seat, ma'am."

"Yes, of course Lieutenant." said Lexana chuckling as she slid into the chair which Xavier offered her.

Xavier and Deiran sat in silence as the game quickly evolved into a battle of wits. The two warriors formulated and reformulated tactics as they consistantly pushed each other into the defensive. Lexana looked back and forth from each man and couldn't help but notice the slight smile playing at the corner's of either man's mouths. These men were winner's. Losing was not in their vocabularies.

Deiran was a tactful player and, like Xavier, was not above sacrificing pieces to achieve a victory. The contest of tactics went on in silence for several more minutes before Commander Casey was finally drawn into Xavier's trap. "Check Mate, sir."

Deiran's expression was blank as he stared at the board. "Superb game Lieutenant? Care to try your luck again."

Xavier slowly pushed himself up from the table and gathered his belongings, "Sorry, sir. My shift will be beginning in just a couple of hours and I need to get some sleep."

"Of course." stated Casey as he too stood and stretched his hand across the table.

Xavier set his drink down and reached across the table clasping the Commander's hand in a firm hand shake. "Good game, sir."

Casey smiled, "Yes Lieutenant, it was...enlightening." He fell silent for a brief second. "I would like to play again sometime when I am not so tired." His smile broadened into a full fledged grin. "You won't be so lucky then Mr. Bishop."

"Yes, sir. Anytime." Xavier released the Commander's grip and turned to leave. He took a couple of steps then turned back toward Dieran grinning, "By the way, sir. I don't believe in luck: only expierience."

***** Deck 8, Corridor *****

Xavier walked out of the Officer's Lounge and began moving down the corridor toward the turbolift. However, he stopped short of the turbolift doors as Lexana called out. "Excuse me. Lieutenant?"

Xavier turned, "Yes."

"I don't know if you know who I am. But..." she trailed off as she was interupted by a soft chuckle from Xavier. She looked at him for a few moments before chuckling herself. "Ok. I do know you know who I am."

"Yes, ma'am. You're my councelor." said Xavier smiling. Lexana's smile broadened as she read Xavier's surface thoughts. Amusement. Embarassment. Suprise. Xavier didn't know. He wasn't a telepath. "And a pretty one, if I might be so bold."

"Yes, well." She changed the topic of discussion. "You are overdue for an appointment and I expect to see you in my office today."

"To discuss?" Xavier questioned.

"Anything you want to talk about."

Xavier liked the way her green eyes sparkled. *That's what friends are for.* Instead Xavier said, "Yes, ma'am."

Lexana and Xavier began walking toward the turbolift when she spoke again, "By the way Casey nearly beat the socks off of you. Or, so you thought for a brief moment."

Xavier turned to look into her smiling face. "You think it was luck, too, then."

"Oh, no. Your thoughts came through loud and clear. You knew you were going to win." she smiled again. "You took advantage of his fatigue."

Xavier laughed as the two entered into the turbolift. "True opponents alwasy take advantage of an adversaries weakness." The two laughed together as the doors shut behind them. "Besides, I would have expected nothing less from him if the tables were turned."

Lexana looked at her companion, "Yes. Always exploit an adversaries weakness." Thinking back on the game between Dieran and Xavier, Lexana shuddered. These two men were lethal. So were several other people she knew on the ship. But, not like these two. They were ruthless.

***** Xavier's Quarters *****

Xavier walked from his replicator with iced drink in hand and slid into the comforting folds of his sofa. "Computer."

"Yes." chirruped an emotionless, feminine computer's voice.

"Play messages."

"Gentlemen ... and Lady. In the finest tradition of the service in recognizing changes and new responsibilities ( and given that we may not have another chance to do this again ), you are all hereby invited to attend the honoured custom of attending The Alphabet Gauntlet. "

The sound of Ursa's clearing throat reverberated through Xavier's quarters.

" Seeing as we have some time before we make it back to Spacedock, the event will be held in Ursa Sunder's quarters at 18:00 tomorrow night. All will be prepared - no items need to be brought. Oh, as a suggestion - make sure you've all eaten a hearty meal first."

"End Message." chirruped the computer.

*Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.* Xavier pulled a hearty chug from his drink and set the half full glss down on the table next to him. He looked at the PADD sitting next to his glass for a few moments before reaching for it. *Ursa's new training exercise.* Xavier activated the PADD. *Pink Pigs and Klingons. That's a funny title for a holosuite exercise.* Following the title of the exercise were a list of 'volunteers' from several crew sections that would be participating in the exercise. *A busy day indeed.* smiled Xavier.

"Hope and Failure"
by Lt. Ronni Morris and Casey Miran
USS Galaxy

Ronni went into Ten-Forward. She was tired, frustrated, and sad. He shift was to start in about an hour and she really didn't feel like going. At a table near the corner sat Miran and Lara. They were sharing a Chocolate sundae. Lara was trying to wear her share.

The Delphinian was going to just sit at the bar, but Miran waved her over. Ronni dragged herself over to the table and sat down.

"Ronni, what is wrong? You look frightful." said the Bajoran. Lara cooed and tried again to pull the spoon away from her mother and into her mouth. She was a little impatient.

"I feel awful. I hadn't said anything to you yet, but things have been getting serious between Greer, Lt. Erikson, and I lately." she said. Right then the waiter walked up. Ronni ordered a Gorn Fizz and a plate of cheese fries.

"I set up a romantic dinner for Greer and I in Science Lab 1. I had music playing, my mother's best recipe for Delphinian swordfish, and perfect mood lighting. It was wonderful." she said.

"Well, then why are you so upset?" said Miran. "Did he not like it?"

"No, just the opposite, he loved it. We were kissing though when Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft came in. Apparently she had feelings for Greer. In fact she was going to tell him so last night. Well, she dropped her PADD, and ran off in tears. Greer ran after her. I figured it was best to clean up and go home. So I did. I returned to my quarters, turned off the door chime, climbed into my tank and tried to sleep. It didn't work."

"Well, did Greer contact you this morning?" Miran said while wiping Lara's face.

"I don't know. He had to be on the Bridge for Alpha shift and I had the door chime turned off. Miran, I would never have expressed my feelings to Greer if I had know that Tebrianne was interested in him. She is so nice. I feel horrible. And guilty. I mean polygamy is still practiced on my world, but I don't know if I want to share Greer right now. Is that bad?"

"No actually, it is normal. I think the next step is to talk to Greer. And then, you should speak with Tebrianne. She is a good woman and probably needs a friend right now." said the Bajoran.

Ronni sat back and took a deep drink of her Gorn Fizz. Miran made a lot of sense. She sat forward and said, "I'll do it. I need to go on shift now, but I'll take care of it right afterward." Coming around the side of the table, she gave Miran a hug, and Lara a kiss on the top of her head. And turned to leave. Looking back, she said, "Thanks Miran. For everything. By the way, please tell Deiran that if he'll stop the practical jokes, so will I. He started this round and I consider us even. Bye!"

With that, Ronni left Ten-Forward and headed for the Bridge in much better spirits.

"An Innocent Game"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft & Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Tebrianne watched the stars going by through the window of her quarters. She'd been doing that for the last seven hours. Staring. She didn't know what to do.

She had missed her bridge shift that morning, but Ensign M'aerikh had been able to cover for her. After the previous evening, Teb was in no condition to face the rest of the alpha shift crew--especially not Greer--on the bridge.

She felt so stupid. What had she been thinking? She looked at the chronometer and saw it was getting late. A rumbling in her stomach told her it was really late and she needed some food. Teb sat up in her chair and pulled her terrycloth robe tighter around her.

Teb padded her way over to the replicator. She stared at the machine for a moment. Maybe she wasn't really hungry.

The door chimed. Teb stared at the replicator. The door chimed again.

"What do you want?" Teb called.

"It's Julia, Tebrianne," the voice of Tebrianne's former bunkmate said from beyond the door. "Is everything okay in there?"

Teb wandered over near the door. "Everything's fine, Julia."

"Can I come in, Teb?"

"I'm a little busy right now, Jules."

"Too busy to visit with an old friend?"

Teb keyed the door and it slid open. Julia stepped in and the smile quickly disappeared. "Are you okay, Tebrianne? You look like hell."

"Thanks, Jules."

"No," Julia said. "I mean it. What's the matter?"

"Nothing important," Teb said, flopping down into the couch. "Have a seat."

Julia sat down next to Teb and took a moment to stare. "I had a really rough night last night, okay?"

"Want to talk about it?"

"Not really?"

"Look, Teb, I'm not a counselor or anything like that, but I am your friend. We lived together for a long time."

"We never saw each other."

"Yeah, but you don't have a bonding experience like sitting around on a day off listening to Molten Rebar and not become good friends."

Teb smiled.

Julia pushed Teb's forelock out of her face. "Talk to me, Tebrianne."

Teb thought for a long moment. She had to tell someone and Julia was the closest person she had to a best friend.

"I've had the hugest crush on Greer Erikson since I was an ensign," Teb began. "But, you know how I am with guys. I could never tell him. Last night, I went to tell him how I felt and he was with Ronni Morris."

"Oh no, Teb."

Julia hugged Teb and the tears came again. The whole story came out in a torrent, with Teb speaking through the tears and sobs. For the next hour there was a lot of hugging and crying as she and Julia talked.

"I think I know what you need to do," Julia finally said. "You need to get out of these quarters and be around people."

"No, Julia, I--"

"Teb, you need to get out. You need to get over Greer and you're never going to do that sitting around here. Go to Ten Forward and make some new friends. There may be some cute guys there...maybe someone to fill that gap."

"Jules, I don't want--"

"I know you don't, Teb...but you need to keep your options open. You are a beautiful young woman, Tebrianne. There are a lot of handsome, virile men on the ship that would flip to go out with you."

"I know, but--"

"But nothing," Julia said with a tone that closed the subject. "You go get dressed and get yourself to Ten Forward. Will you do this for me, Teb? And for you?"

"I don't know--"

"Teb?"

Teb looked at the look on Julia's face. She couldn't say no. She would go to Ten Forward, have a bite to eat and a drink...and then she'd come back. Julia didn't say how long she had to stay there. "Okay."

"Great," Julia said pulling at Teb's robe. "Now get into that bathroom and get cleaned up."

"Okay," Teb yelped. "I'm going."

***

Tebrianne looked at herself in the mirror. Passable, she thought.

"You look great, Tebrianne," Julia said from behind her. "That top is a nice touch."

"Nice touch?" Teb squawked. "You can see right through it! Everyone's going to be staring at my breasts all night."

"That's where most men usually look anyway," Julia laughed. "You'll just be giving them a little more to look at."

Teb took another look at the lace top she wore. It sure doesn't leave a whole lot to the imagination, Teb thought. Fortunately, it covered enough to where it wasn't considered indecent. It covered as much as that bikini top she was wearing while windsurfing.

The entire outfit had been Julia's idea. The lace shirt was the most over the top, but Teb wouldn't get too warm while wearing it. The spandex skirt was tight-fitting and showed off the curve of Tebrianne's hips. Julia had convinced Teb to not wear the tights she'd pulled out.

"You've got nice long legs, Teb," she had said. "And you've got a great tan after that little holodeck vacation. The guys in Ten Forward will go nuts."

Teb reluctantly agreed.

She looked in the mirror again. "Jules, could you hand me my boots? They're next to the couch."

"Nope," Julia said walking toward the replicator.

She ordered something that Teb couldn't hear. She returned carrying a pair of brown leather sandals. Teb looked at them and raised an eyebrow.

"Sandals, Teb," Julia said. "You'll love 'em."

"But, I like my bloody boots, Julia," Teb said. "Why are you making me change the way I dress?"

"I'm not, Teb," she said. "I'm just helping you find alternatives. You going to keep the belly button ring?"

"I was thinking about it," Teb said, eyeing Julia.

Her ex-roommate shook her head.

"What?"

"I think you look better without it."

"Okay, okay," Teb said. "I'll get rid of it. I suppose next you want to get rid of the tattoos."

"No, not at all. I like the them, especially the one on your ankle."

"I got that one when my band performed in Dublin."

"Very nice," Julia said. "What is it?"

"I don't really know," Teb said. "Just some pattern I liked."

"I see. Okay, get those sandals on, I'll grab a dermal regenerator for that belly button of yours."

In ten minutes, Tebrianne was ready to head out.

"Now don't do anything I wouldn't do," Julia called.

***

Teb walked into Ten Forward. It was crowded. She could feel eyes on her--on her shirt. She found a table in the corner and sat down. The room was very crowded--almost too much so.

"Something to drink for you, Lieutenant," a voice asked. It was Raoul.

"Hi, Raoul," she said, smiling. "I'd like a lager. And, please call me Tebrianne."

"Very well," he said. "One lager, coming up, Tebrianne."

She watched Raoul disappear behind the counter.

"This seat taken?"

She looked up at the speaker. He was tall with dark brown hair and blue eyes. Teb guessed he was security. The gold collar said he was in either security or engineering.

"No," Teb said. She watched him sit.

"Buy you a drink?"

"Sure."

"You don't talk much Lieutenant..."

"Bancroft. Tebrianne Bancroft."

He held out his hand. "Ensign Kelso Detroit. But you can call me Kelso, or Kell."

Tebrianne took it and shook hands with him. She was getting some pretty strange vibes off him.

"May I call you Tebrianne?"

"Yeah,

" she said. "I'm off duty."

"Something wrong?"

"No," she said. "Sorry about that. Just thinking."

Raoul returned with her beer. "Kelso's picking this one up, Raoul."

The ensign placed his thumbprint on the PADD. Raoul nodded to Kell and turned toward another waiting table.

"It's crowded here tonight," Kell said.

"Yeah," Teb said. "More crowded than I've ever seen it."

"You like clubbing?"

"What?"

"Clubbing," he said. "You know, going to nightclubs."

"Yeah," she said. "My band used to play the club scene in London."

"Cool," he said. "I've got a great holodeck program. It's a bunch of nightclubs. I've got one of this club in Seattle. We could get out of this place and go somewhere a little more intimate. I could set it so we're the only patrons. Do you like dancing?"

"Look, Kell," Tebrianne said, getting up from the table. "You're a sweet guy, and I really appreciate the offer, but I don't think tonight is the right night."

"Yeah," he said, trying to shrug it off. As Teb pushed her way through to the exit, she could hear him calling after her. "Can I call you?"

***

Teb leaned back against the wall of the turbolift. That didn't quite work according to plan.

"Deck Eight," she said.

The lift changed direction and sped up two levels. Teb stepped out and walked down the hall until she reached the officer's lounge. It was pretty much deserted, except for Deiran Casey playing a game of solitaire 3D Chess.

"Hey there, 'Commander," she said. "Mind if I sit here?"

Casey looked up to see his friend Teb. A smile appeared on his face, "By all means Teb. Please have a seat. It would be nice to have an opponent. I keep stalemating myself," Casey laughed.

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

"It is so"
by Lt. AC Hewson
Assit. Chief Engineer

Three years ago Tretred Maylar, a miner on Altos VI, discovered a magnificent nugget of pure tronzsite logged deep within the cave that he had spent so many days in. Tronzsite was a common metal on Altos VI, much like gold was on Earth, but it still was a valuable material. Maylar smiled to himself as he slid the nugget into the collection bin. His family would eat tonight.

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

AC looked down at his wedding ring as he slowly turned it around his finger. *What is this material? Tronzsite was it? I wish I could remember.* He continued to finger the piece of jewelry for awhile longer until his interest shifted to his now empty glass of apple juice. God knew AC loved his wines and ales so much more than a simple glass of juice, but Alan had felt a drinking mood coming on. It was three hours before his shift, and he had no intention of showing up tanked out. So apple juice it was.

Ten-Forward was crowded even in this late part of Beta shift. AC scanned around for a waiter. By his calculations, he would have to wait another hour and a half before any one of them noticed the lone Lieutenant at the corner table. *If I make this quick, perhaps no one will take my table* AC thought to himself as he prepared to make a dash to the bar for a refill.

“Apple juice,” AC told the barkeep, pointing at his empty glass. Usually Alan would engage in conversation with the bartender, but he was anxious to get back to his table before anyone else did. A moment later, the bartender came back with a full glass of the flavorful juice.

“Thank you,” AC said as he turned away from the bar, just in time to see three specialists take his table. “Damn,” he muttered to himself as he turned back around. Placing his left arm on the bar top, he leaned to the side trying to get comfortable.

Sipping the drink occasionally, AC looked around the room. He found it mildly fascinating to watch people while in Ten-Forward. There were so many moods represented in this lounge: people in love, friends out for a drink, couples arguing, officers who decided to take a break from their duties. And then there were those like AC, who simply stood alone, watching the crowd.

The large, wooden doors to Ten-Forward happened to swish open as AC glanced in their direction. Two men were walking out, but stopped in their tracks as Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft proceeded into the lounge. By the looks on their face, they were interested in what they saw. Teb offered a slight, nervous smile as she passed them. The two officers exchanged glances before nodding their heads in agreement. Laughing, they continued on their way out.

Alan had to admit that Teb looked amazing. He couldn’t decide what he liked the best: Her lacy top or the tight fitting skirt. *Get hold of yourself for godsake. You’re not a sex crazed cadet anymore.* He wanted to go over to her, to talk with her. But the two had rarely spoken since AC returned from the undercover mission at Kal-Dixas.

“So, you married?” Teb had asked months ago. It was a valid question since AC still wore his ring. It had been exactly one year since his wife had died, his precious Mary, and the question had put him over the edge.

*Asshole, you had to run out and leave Teb there, didn’t you? Couldn’t you have been a man for once? Couldn’t you have stayed awhile longer? Asshole.*

After that, the two had never really spoken. Teb apologized for mentioning it; she had no way of knowing what had happened to Mary. But she had nothing to apologize for; AC was the one who had made a dick of himself.

“She doesn’t look like she wants to talk anyway,” AC tried to convince himself.

*What the hell is your problem man! Go over there, talk to her. Explain things to her. You love her, don’t you?”*

AC was sure his heart had stopped beating for a moment. *You do love her.* The apple juice tasted bitter as he finished the glass. *Answer me. Do you love her or not?*

“Yes,” AC silently admitted to himself. The ring slid of his finger and into a pocket as he approached her table. But as he crossed the room, a rather tall Ensign sat down at her table.

A thin smile of self-pity etched at the corner of his lips. *That’s what you get for waiting. Go have yourself a real drink.*

“Amen.”

Galaxy: "Transmission's From Starfleet"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
Chief Medical Officer
U.S.S. Galaxy

I was in sickbay when the Computer in my office Came to life.

"Incomming Message From Starfleet Command!"

I walked into my office. "Computer Display Message!"

The computer screen flashed for a second and then displayed the contense of the message.

Dear Lt. Kahn Nilani

We have recived the message that you sent in refrence to your sister and her status on Cardassia, We would like to give our regret in this situation and we would like to assure you that all posibility's in retrieving your sister are being explored.

Starfleet Command

I looked at the message and I couldn't belive the junk I was reading. I picked up the terminal and through it across the room, the terminal hit the wall and broke in two. The loud noise concerned the Nurse who was on Duty, Anara walked into my office.

["Bad news?"]

I looked up with a tear in my eye.

"You could say that!"

["Want to talk about it?"]

I looked at the broken Terminal for a second and nodded

"Starfleet Command have replied to the letter I sent them concerning my sister. They said basically that there is nothing they can do at this point in time!"

["What! Why!"]

::I looked at Anara:: "The didn't say!"

["Well look they will think of something, they always do."]

"Yeah I suppose so." I replied

A couple of seconds past and I Anara walked over and placed her hand on me. She then preyed to the prophets. She finished, looked and walked out of my office!

I looked at the terminal and pressed my comm badge

::taps comm badge:: "Sickbay to Engineering. I would like someone to come up and fix my Terminal. It is broken and I need it to fill in some reports for Starfleet Medical."

["Ok Sickbay we will send someone up!"]

"Thank you. Nilani Out!"

I placed my comm badge on my desk and waited for someone to come up and fix my terminal.

"A Friend."
by Ensign John W. McQueen

*****McQueen´s quarters*****

McQueen had just get up from a good time of sleep. And was geting ready to start working. He looked on the chronometer, it was two hours to Gamma shift began. He had last night going through the bios on his fellow officers in the security department. And he had been impressive about the experience the other officer had.

He made a last look at his duty uniform to see it he had forgot something.

*No I don´t have forgot something.* He exited his quarters and made his way to Ten-Forward. He entered and look around.

*Not a single security officer here to talk whit.* He thought and made his way to the bar disk.

"One glass of Vulcan red wine." He said to the bartender.

"Hello Ensign, mind if I sit down?"

He heard a woice behind him. He look back. "Lieutenant Albrecht... No not a all. Please join me."

The Lieutenant took the cheer next to McQueen. The Bartender gave McQueen his glass of wine and McQueen taste a little on it.

"Do you allways drink wine before your shift Ensign?" Albrecht asked with a smile.

"Yes I do. It helps me clear my minds?"

"Well, don´t drink to mutch. I don´t whant to see my fellow officers drunk when they are working." Albrecht smiled.

"Yes, I think so. And the captain will not be so happy about it." McQueen replied.

"You can say so, Ensign."

"Please, we are not on duty yet. Call me John, okay?"

"Okay, John. Call me Matthew."

"Okay." McQueen drank up the last of the wine and looked on the chronometer behind the bar disk.

"Looks like it´s time to work now." He said.

"Yes, let´s go. I gues Lt. Commander Sunder whants to see you before Gamma shift begins."

"You right, let´s go."

"Thoughts of a Commander"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Acting Captain, USS Galaxy

The order to return to the spacedock immediately just came in, when Joerg received another message from his old friend and now Second Officer, Ursa Sunder. In his message he invited Joerg to an 'Alphabet Gauntlet'.

Joerg was reminded of the good old days back at the Academy, when he was the victim of one such party of Ursa's. It was quite a tricky situation back then, however he remembered quite few things that had happened. All he could remember was that the party was quite fun and that he had more friends on the following day, but what caused that he wasn't sure back then and he wasn't now.

The message stated that the party should take place on the next day at 1800 hours. Obviously Ursa hadn't been informed of their ordered return to the starbase, so as far as Joerg was concerned, he probably won't be able to attend the party. He quickly wrote a note to inform Ursa of the change of plans, but also added that he would come, if anything turned out fine. Some strange voice on his head however told him that it would be some kind of miracle if there wasn't more behind the order to return to the base.

Joerg took the PADD with the order to return to Starbase 74 and looked it over again. The strange thing was that no one seems to be responsible for that order, although the correct Starfleet encryption code was used. If he didn't know better he would have thought that this could be a trap to lure the Galaxy and her crew somewhere. On the other hand perhaps there was some important mission to carry out and the Galaxy was the only ship within reach to carry out the orders.

But Joerg wanted to have at least some kind of insurance that it wasn't a trap, he wanted to speak with someone in charge. He activated the terminal in front of him and chose a secure channel back to the starbase. Once the Starfleet logo has disappeared, a female face appeared on the screen.

["This is Lieutenant Harris of the Starbase 74. What can I do for you?"] she asked.

"This is Commander Joerg Sterner, acting Captain of the USS Galaxy. I have received orders to return to the starbase immediately. We received these orders with the correct encryption codes, but I can only assume this to be an error." Joerg told her.

["Why's that Commander?"]

"We are currently running tests to get our ship certified again. We are not yet finished with our tests. So you see those orders can't be for us." Joerg replied.

["No those orders were correct, sir."] the Lieutenant answered.

"But this can't be. Whose authorized those orders." Joerg wanted to know.

["I can't tell you that. The person that gave this order will brief you on your mission as soon as you and your crew get back here. I'm sorry sir, but I only following orders."]

"Damn. I hate not knowing what or who to expect." Joerg stated, not directly into the screen, but still hearable for the Lieutenant.

["I understand you, but I can assure you those orders are top priority and have to be carried out as soon as possible."] Lieutenant Harris tried to make the Commander understand.

"Obviously I'll have to believe that. Thanks for your time anyway. Galaxy out." Joerg replied, partly frustrated.

After that he leaned back in the chair and stared at the ceiling. The voice in his head still was there and it was telling him nothing new. Something was up and he would find out sooner or later, in case of those orders he'd expect to find our later.

"That's the question of the day Lieutenant."
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

It didn't take very long for the Galaxy to return to Starbase 74. Because of the nature of their shake down testing of the recent repairs, Sterner wisely made sure the Galaxy didn't get too far away from the Starbase. Not that he didn't have complete confidence in Lieutenant Mercury or his team of engineers. Indeed, these 'miracle workers' had managed to certify most all major systems on board the Starship, including realigning the warp integrity field under less than ideal conditions, namely heading back to the Starbase.

"Approaching Starbase 74 sir." Ensign M'aerikh called out.

Joerg glanced up at the view screen. "Take us out of warp Ensign."

"Aye sir." V'ehlma acknowledged tapping the controls on the helm console. Her nemesis, Lieutenant Commander Cassidy Lyle, was busy running the last of the system checks on the flight control console. The Starbase 74 engineer was being quiet and performing his duty to the best of his ability. He was looking forward to returning to Starbase 74 where he'd be back on familiar territory.

"Incoming hail from the Starbase Commander." Lieutenant McKenzie called out from the tactical arch, "We have been ordered to assume orbit around the Station and stand by."

Commander Sterner glanced at Lieutenant Commander Casey with a questioning glance before looking back at the screen. "Do as Lieutenant McKenzie said Ensign, take us into orbit around the Starbase."

"Aye sir." Ensign M'aerikh replied.

As the Galaxy slipped into an even orbit around the huge Starbase, Deiran turned to Sterner, "They are not exactly being forth coming about these new orders, are they sir?"

Joerg shook his head, "No, but hopefully we will learn more shortly."

Several minutes past before Hunter received another transmission. "Sir, I have received another message from Starbase 74. It's coded Captain's eyes only."

Casey looked at Joerg. They both seemed surprised at this. "I'll take it in the ready room Lieutenant, Deiran, you have the bridge."

Commander Sterner rose up and exited the bridge, stepping into the Captain's ready room. The door slid shut behind him.

"I wonder what this is all about?" Casey said moving from the first officers chair into the center command station.

["Patch the message through Lieutenant"] came Sterner's voice over the communications

system. Mac thumbed the controls sending the encrypted message into the Captain's office.

"I don't know 'Commander. Definitely not the same old routine though." Hunter commented after routing the message.

Several more minutes past before Commander Sterner exited the ready room. Everyone on the bridge looked at the Commanding Officer, trying to read what was happening off his face. Joerg looked concerned and deep in thought. "Deiran, you have the bridge. Have Lieutenant Mercury report to Cargo bay 2 immediately. I'll meet him there." Commander Sterner said, never once slowing down as he entered the turbo lift. "You have your orders."

Casey managed a "Yes sir." just before the doors to the turbo lift slid shut. Reaching across his uniform, he tapped his badge, "Lieutenant Mercury, This is Lieutenant Commander Casey. Please report immediately to Cargo bay 2. Commander Sterner will meet you there."

["Mercury here sir. I'm on my way."] the Chief Engineer replied.

*****

Commander Sterner arrived at cargo bay 2 before David. There were only two other people on hand in the large cargo bay. Ensign Salt from security, who seemed surprised to see the Commander enter, and Specialist Sang who was busy inventorying the cargo hold.

"Commander!" the pretty security officer declared straightening up from her relaxed stance like a first year cadet, "Is there a problem sir?" she asked now rigidly standing at the ready.

"That remains to be seen Ensign. Has Lieutenant Mercury arrived yet?" Joerg asked giving a nod to Specialist Sang so he could continue his work.

"No sir. All has been quiet in here for the last three hours. I was just talking with the Specialist here... to pass the time. I didn't mean to..." Astrid began to explain.

Joerg waved her off interrupting. "It's all right Ensign. There is no problem."

Ensign Salt let out a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted was to have some sort of spot inspection and be cited for not being at her post. Watch duty over the cargo bay was one of the worst assignments in security. She was grateful that Peter had been there during her shift doing inventory, or she'd have had to spend the whole time guarding an empty cargo bay by her self. Talk about a boring assignment.

"Specialist." Sterner called, beckoning him over with a wiggle of his finger.

"Yes sir. How can I help you Commander?" Peter asked humbly.

"Can I get you to take a break from your inventory and ask that you operate the cargo bay transporter?" Sterner asked.

Specialist Sang smiled, "It would be my pleasure sir. Anything to break up the monotony of scanning empty cargo containers into the computer."

While Peter stepped over to the control panel, Lieutenant Mercury came walking into the bay. Ensign Salt, now more alert, turned to challenge whoever it was entering the restricted area. When she saw it was Lieutenant Mercury, she nodded and stepped aside. "Commander Sterner has been expecting you sir."

David gave the lovely security officer a smile, then stepped past. "You asked for me sir?"

Joerg smiled. "Yes Lieutenant. Or more correctly, Starfleet did. I just received orders to report to this cargo bay along with the Chief Engineer and prepare to beam on board some equipment and personnel."

"What sort of equipment sir?" David asked rubbing a curious hand over his chin.

"That's the question of the day Lieutenant." Sterner said whimsically. "The orders seemed to be purposely terse and coded. I'm hoping to find out more when we beam the stuff and personnel over. At least that's what the message said, that we'd learn more once everything was secure... whatever that means."

Lieutenant Mercury gave a nod. He was anxious to find out what sort of equipment they would be bringing onto the Galaxy, and what this was all about.

"I believe this is ready sir." Specialist Sang called out.

"Here, punch in these coordinates and energize." Sterner explained handing a padd to Peter.

The crewman looked over the information and keyed in the correct numbers before activating the large cargo bay transporter. Sterner, Mercury, Salt and Sang watched as a massive stasis field of pale blue enveloped the pads and began to materialize hand full of men and a number of equipment crates. When the cycle completed, there were five men all dressed in black Starfleet uniforms. The type worn by the Special Operations division of Starfleet Intelligence.

The lead member was holding a data padd. He stepped down off of the cargo bay transporter followed by the others.

"Secure these boxes over there." He pointed. His voice was commanding and no-nonsense. The only distinguishing marking on his all black uniform was the glint of the gold bars that dawned his collar. Admiral's bars. "Be careful to leave the tool boxes where they will be easily accessed. You and you, secure this cargo bay." Pausing, the Admiral glanced at Sterner, Mercury, and then saw Ensign Salt and Specialist Sang. "What are these two doing here Commander? You are each dismissed."

David glanced at Joerg and just raised his eyebrows. He didn't know who this guy was, but he certainly liked to bark out the orders.

"Sir." Commander Sterner started carefully, "Specialist Sang is presently inventorying this cargo hold. Ensign Salt is assigned security detail to this area."

"Not any more Commander. We can secure this cargo bay ourselves until all of the equipment is safely on board and the Galaxy is under way. The inventory count will have to wait. There are more pressing matters at the moment."

If Ensign Salt wasn't nervous before, she certainly was now. She'd never seen a Special Ops uniform before, but she did recognize the three pip'd Admiral bars on this person's uniform. Specialist Sang was likewise standing at attention, though he did glance at the Commander to see if it was okay to leave as ordered.

Joerg gave a slight bob of his head, dismissing the two officers. "Report to your departments for reassignment. That will be all."

Turning on their heals, the two 'unwanted' crew members exited the cargo bay.

"Sir, may I please ask what this is all about?" Commander Sterner asked in a civilized but some what annoyed tone.

The Admiral waited until the two Galaxy crew members had exited, and two of his own Black uniformed men took up positions guarding the entrance to the bay. He then turned to face the Commanding Officer of the USS Galaxy.

"My name is Admiral Erik Pressman Commander. I am working for Starfleet Intelligence and have orders to use the Galaxy to carry out a top secret mission. I have been assured to have the full use and cooperation of every member on board this vessel by the President of the Federation himself. You do recognize that signature don't you Commander?" Pressman declared in a not so civilized but still professional tone.

Joerg took the data padd and glanced at it. It indeed had the signature of the President of the Federation on it. "Yes sir. I do."

"Good." Pressman declared a little more positively. "I have another group of engineers that need to be transported to the Galaxy along with two more loads of equipment before we can get underway." Pressman explained walking over to where his men were starting to unload the equipment off the cargo bay transporter.

"What exactly is all of this equipment Admiral, if I may ask?" Lieutenant Mercury inquired.

Pressman glanced over at David. "You are Lieutenant David Mercury, Chief Engineer on board this ship. This is all classified equipment Lieutenant of a very sensitive nature. That information will be given out on a need to know basis. The team of engineers that will be beaming on board shortly will look after this equipment. I want you to give them clear unobstructed access to all of the Galaxy's systems. The fewer people that know about this the better."

David looked at Commander Sterner. The Chief took a lot of pride in the Galaxy. He knew the ship like the back of his own hand and didn't take very kindly to having others fiddling with his baby. "Sir, I really must object to allowing this. Until we know what exactly this equipment is and does, allowing it to be installed on the Galaxy could be damaging to the ship's systems or even dangerous to the crew. I'd much rather prefer to oversee this installation..."

"Lieutenant, you will do as you are ordered or I shall relieve you of duty. Is that clear?" Pressman stated venomously.

The statement had stopped David in his tracks. His eyes diverted away from Commander Sterner's and back to Admiral Pressman's. "Perfectly clear sir..." he acknowledged in a low, controlled monotone.

"Good. Now Commander, I have been ordered to lead this mission as the Field Admiral. We have a specific assignment and mission to complete and I intend to carry that out for Starfleet and the President. I would prefer to leave command of this starship under your leadership, but understand, I will not tolerate insubordination and if deemed necessary, I will assume command of the vessel and crew to carry out our objective. I command the mission, you command the Galaxy. Do we understand each other?"

Joerg nodded reluctantly, he couldn't help but wonder what Captain Price would do in this situation, or if his absence was more than just coincidental timing. "I believe I understand Admiral. What exactly are our orders for this mission?"

Admiral Pressman leaned back onto his rear leg as if evaluating Commander Sterner's sincerity. After a long moment of evaluation, he explained, "As I informed Lieutenant Mercury, this mission is classified top secret. You will be informed of our objectives and goals when the time is right, not before."

Joerg was a seasoned Commanding officer, but wasn't successful at masking his displeasure at being kept in the dark. "Very well. Might I inquire what our immediate orders are Admiral?"

Pressman nodded, "We will beam over the team of engineers and the rest of the equipment. Then we will set course for the following coordinates, where we will stand by for the rest of the team to meet us." the Admiral explained handing a padd to Sterner.

Joerg glanced at the coordinates. They were easily recognizable. "This is just outside of Cardassian space."

"That is correct Commander. Once the rest of the team beams onto the Galaxy, we will set course for Cardassian space. I can tell you more at that time." Pressman explained.

"Sir, this equipment you are beaming onto the Galaxy, am I correct in assuming you intend to hook it into the Galaxy's systems?" Joerg asked.

"That is correct Commander." Pressman confirmed.

"Sir, it will not take very long to reach these coordinates. The Galaxy has been patrolling along these shipping lanes for the past few months. We know the area well. Are you certain this equipment will be installed in time? Because Lieutenant Mercury here does know the Galaxy better than anyone else on board the ship. His assistance could make a big difference Admiral."

Pressman shook his head, "No Commander. The Starfleet Intelligence engineers can handle the installation. There shouldn't be any unforeseen problems."

"Shouldn't be Admiral? Those orders come from the President of the Federation. Are you saying you are willing to risk delaying on this assignment by placing the installation of this equipment into the hands of someone who doesn't know the Galaxy as well as Lieutenant Mercury?, Sir?" Joerg countered.

The Admiral paused and thought about what the Commander had said. Finally he agreed. "Very well, Lieutenant Mercury may remain and assist the engineers in installing the equipment." Pressman turned to face David, "Lieutenant, you do realize that this is sensitive classified equipment you will be dealing with, which means you must keep this all confidential, even from your fellow officers. To do otherwise would put the Federation at jeopardy not to mention put yourself at risk of prosecution for treason."

David nodded, "I understand Admiral. I've dealt with classified materials before sir."

"Very well, let's get the rest of the equipment and engineers beamed on board and get underway. We have a rendezvous to make. You can man the transporter Lieutenant. Commander, return to the bridge and lay in a course to the specified coordinates. I'll let you know when the rest of the equipment is secured."

"Aye sir." Sterner nodded.

"Dismissed Commander." Pressman said in a more civilized tone than he initially had.

Joerg turned and walked out of Cargo Bay 2, past the phaser riffle toting Special Ops officers and made his way to the main corridor.

Lieutenant Mercury prepared the transporter and began beaming the additional equipment and personnel onto the Galaxy.

** By Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga **
** After review by Ensign Jack D'Auria
and Lt. K'Eytyanna Samara **

Be'Tran and Jack were imersed in warm, splashing water in Be'Tran's quarters. They had both had a hard work-day, and they wanted to relax.

Of course, relaxaton, for Betta, basicly consisited of lovemaking with her new boyfriend, and now D'Auria was tired. His mind raced back to his encounter with the naked Lt. Samara in her quarters.

As Jack was reflecting back on this, with a thin smile on his face, Be'Tran suddenly extracted her equally naked form from the tub, and strolled casually into the outer chamber of her quarters, and to a replicator.

"Betazoid Champagne", she said to the food slot, "two glasses, non-synth, cold." she had reconfigured her replicators to produce real alchohol.

The food-slot complied, and soon Betta was strolling back to the tub smiling; and carrying two frosty glasses of the very intoxicating red Betazoid Champagne.

D'Auria stared up at her. She was tall, and muscular, yet beautifully shapely. Her wet body glistned in the light of the batharea, as she was wet, and still dripping of bubble-bath.

Jack sat up and took one of the glasses, as Be'Tran deftly climbed back into the tub. "Hey," she said, "You're destracted, I can tell. What's up, lover?"

"Betta," began Jack, "I was wondering... well... do all Klingon women just casually run around naked."

Be'Tran laughed, "Well, I just can't answer that one. I don't know all Klingon women. Do you have a problem with my nudity?"

"No, no!" said Jack hurriedly, "It's just that, well..."

Be'Tran was fuzzled, Jack was confused about something; but she wasn't telepath enough to tell what it was.

"As for me, I'm just, well, free somehow." said Betta, "probably got it from my Betazoid side actually; y'know, Betazoids are nudists at heart, like their wedding ceremony. My oldest sister had a Betazoid wedding, and EVERYBODY was naked!" she was giggling.

"No, Betta," said Jack, "well, I was thinking more of Lieutenant Samara."

"K'Eytyanna?" Be'Tran seemed surprised, "Now why would you be thinking of K'Eytyanna, while you're sitting in a tub with me?" she asked, mock-jealously.

"Well," said D'Auria, "I had cause to go to Lt. Samara's quarters yesterday, when I was off duty; not a social call, I assure you..."

"It's OK," said Betta, "please continue."

"Well, to mkae a long story short; she was naked..."

"Nude?"

"Yes, nude," replied Jack," for the entire duration of my time in her quarters; and she made no effort to cover herself."

Be'Tran laughed loudly; "Well, It's not some Klingon culture-thing, or anything like that, Jack, I can assure you. I like to go around like that cause It's comfortable; gets hot in Africa y'know. As for K'Eytyanna, well, maybe she's just doomed to get interestinger and interestinger." Betta was now giggling.

" 'Interestinger'?" said Jack, obviously questioning Betta's grammar.

"More interesting, whatever, lover." said Be'Tran. "But, take comfort, you're not likely to see every Klingon on this ship suddenly prancing the halls in

the nude." she laughed again, and leaned forward to give Jack a wet, wine-laden kiss; spilling the rest of her champagne in the bath-water.

***************************** {Ten Forward, the next day}

K'Eytyanna was sitting at a table near the rear of the lounge, talking to two engineering techs about recent repairs made during her shift. She was satisfyed with the work, but still enjoyed keeping the techs on their toes.

Be'Tran enterred the lounge, in her uniform as she was on duty, but on break. She was there for the purpose of seeking out K'Eytyanna, and after a quick glance around the room, she spotted her, just as the techs were leaving.

She approached K'Eytyanna's table confidently. "Mind if I join you, Lieutenant?"

K'Eytyanna looked up from her drink, "Guess not." she said quietly.

Be'Tran sat down, happy, a big smile splitting her face from cheek to cheek. "So." she began.

"So..." said K'Eytyanna, "shouldn't you be on duty right now?"

"Break." replied Betta. "So," she began again, "Jack tells me he had a rather, um, intimate encounter with you recently."

"Jack?" K'Eytyanna seemed surprised, "You mean Ensign D'Auria, what exactly did he tell you, Ensign?" K'Eyt's temper seemed to be getting up.

Be'Tran smiled gently,"He said he caught you in your quarters, running around naked."

"Why in hell did he deside to tell you that!?" asked K'Eytyanna

"Because he wondered if it was a Klingon-culture thing, or something, as he's already seen me run around like that alot."

K'Eytyanna shot her a curious glance,"Not in the Engine room, I suppose?"

"No."

"Good," said K'Eytyanna, "I doubt that A.C. would take a light view of that."

"Ensign D'Auria and I've been 'seing each other' pretty regularly sience I got back from Earth." Be'Tran began to explain.

K'Eytyanna's eyes widened, "I get it," she was almost laughing," You're jealous, aren't you."

"No." said Betta, reassuringly.

"Well let me put your mind at ease, Ensign." said Samara, "We didn't have an 'intimate encounter', I just said I wanted to be his friend."

"No, no," said Be'Tran, "You miss-understand, K'Eytyanna; when I said 'intimate encounter' before, that was just the only thing I could think of to open the conversation."

"Well if you're not jealous, why are you here?" asked K'Eytyanna.

Be'Tran shuffled in her seat, "Well, you know I've been trying to get to know you and every thing. I just wondered, well, Jack and I have a holodeck-date scheduled. I wondered if you would like to join us."

"I don't think so." said K'Eytyanna.

"C'mon, Lieutenant, It'll be fun."

"I said no!" said K'Eyt, growing annoyed.

Be'Tran put up her hands, defensively, "OK, OK, K'Eyty; that's cool. I just thought because..."

"You thought because your boyfriend caught me with my clothes off I was interested in hoping in bed with the both of you; you have a very cavalier way of looking at things, M'Benga." said Samara.

"Yep," said Betta, unashamedly, "I guess I do."

K'Eytyanna drained her drink. "You wanna be my friend, M'Benga, invite me into your quarters to show me that weapon-collection I know you have; not into a menage-a-tois with Ensign D'Auria. Good night, Ensign." with that K'Eytyanna stood up quickly, and strode with a proud strut out of ten-forward.

"Oops." said Be'Tran aloud, but to no one in particular.

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

"Newton's Third Principle of Motion."
by Ensign Jack D'Auria and Lieutenant Greer Erikson.

Jack had been summoned to Lieutenant Erikson's office, just as he was about to go to his quarters for a well deserved rest after working overtime on the C-Defense. Entering the office, he moved toward the desk, standing at attention.

"You wished to see me, sir?"

"Yes, Jack." Erikson said as he extended his hand in an offer for the young science officer to take a seat."Do you know who came to see me a little while ago?"

"No, sir. Since I was not here to witness who entered your office, I am not able to say who it was."

Erikson leaned over his desk, resting on his arms as he looked the stoic officer over. "It was Lieutenant Hunter McKenzie from Tactical. He is, to say the least, miffed at what he calls 'policy rewrites and telling him how to run his department.'" Greer said as he tried to remember how Mac had put it.

"I was not aware, sir, that I had made any recommendations or rewrote any policy. I merely sent out an inquiry to the heads of the Tactical, Security, Operations, Science and Engineering departments, asking them to go over the proposed modifications and if they would be so kind as to give their thoughts on the subject. Also, if they were willing to supply members for the design team. That way, we can have input from all sections."

"And that is a very good idea Jack, but he feels that you have overstepped the chain of command."

"I was not aware that I did, sir. I came to you first. Did you not say that you had secured the go-ahead from the captain to put out a proposal? If I misunderstood, I will personally apologize to Lieutenant McKenzie. It was not my intention to tell him how to do his work. As far as I know, Captain Price will have to approve the plan BEFORE it is implemented."

Erikson sat back, as he studied the man in front of him. "That might well be true, but the fact still remains, he is not impressed. I think he said something about giving you a crash tac course, to remind you that we as scientists are here for exploration first, and combat second."

"With all due respect sir, I have had a crash course in tactical operations. As far as I know, Lieutenant McKenzie did not serve in the Fifth Fleet for over a year. I did and I can assure you, knowledge of tactical operations was something you learned very quickly if you wanted to survive. As for our Mission statement, I believe that in times of war, the sequence should be reversed. It is this sort of thinking that could get us all killed. It is the same illogical thinking that places civilians on starships and doesn't have the sense to pull them off in times of war. I have seen too many deaths in my short career in Starfleet, sir, to find the logic in this kind of wishful thinking. I am only trying to strengthen our survivability."

"Although we are in a state of war, we are trying to uphold our ideals and maintain morale. Starfleet may have initially been instituted to protect the Federation, but it has grown to become much more. Defense is now only one of the principles behind it and we should never forget that the pursuit of knowledge is still to be done." Erikson tried to explain. "As for Starfleet Command having not evacuated civilians from starbases and starships, I'm sure you remember the Antwerp Conference some time back, the power outages, well I would think that was a clear message that no one in the Federation is safe from the effects of this conflict. Not even Earth."

Usually, D'Auria was the perfect example of Vulcan calm, but right now, he spoke with a passion in his voice that surprised Erikson. "Lieutenant Erikson, I understand the Lieutenant's feelings and am sorry if my work has caused you problems with him."

"No Jack, there were no problems." Greer said reassuredly. "This is just a case of Newton's Third Principle of Motion . . ."

". . . for every action," Jack said as he began to complete the sentence, "there is an equal but opposite reaction."

"Exactly, but in this instance we have the action of one department affecting another department. This is why they created Operations." Greer explained. "Maybe you should just go talk with Lieutenant McKenzie and tell him what you've told me. I am sure he will see this was simply a break down in communications and the whole thing will blow over."

"Yes sir." Jack said, a little calmer again. "Is there anything else sir?"

"Not unless you want to tell me how you'd like this department run." Greer joked. "No, there is nothing else. Just keep up the good work on C-Defense and make sure everyone that needs to know, does know."

"Understood, sir."

First day of Duty
Tobias S'Rith Daniels

Tobias woke up to the high pitched screams of his wife, Callie, he shot up in bed, "Whats wrong!"

"Get this _thing_ off me!" She screamed, pointing to the snake-like creature that wrapped around her head. Tobias quickly removed it and wrapped it around his arm. "I...hate...sneaks." She growled calming down, a little.

"Its not a snake," Tobias answered insulted, "its a Glass Snake, their really leg less lizards from the Ahguidae family."

"Ahgu..what?"

"Ahguidae family." He said and slipped out of the bed, "it basicly means he has ear openings and movable eyelids."

"Oh whoppie."

Tobias rolled his eyes and walked over to a stack of glass boxes on near the kitchen, "You know, we've been here for awhile, settled in and such, its about time to report to duty." He opened a box and fished out a cricket. "Here you go girl."

Callie settled into the covers, "yeah, yeah."

Tobias took out another cricket to feed his praying mantis, "Well I'm going to report today...to Counselor...Ral, yeah Ral."

"I have night shift," Callie yawned, "So I'll check in tonight."

"Good idea." Tobias flashed her a smile and went to go get dressed.

***

Tobias checked his uniform before punching the door chime to the Counselor's office. "Come." she answered.

"Hi," Tobias walked in, "I'm Ensign Daniels...the new counselor, and I'm just reporting for--"

"Whats that on your shoulder." Ral interputted.

Tobias paused and put a hand on his shoulder, nothing, he put a hand on his other shoulder,"Oh...its just a cockroach." He smiled and held his hand out for the Counselor to see, she took a small step back, "I must of put it in the wrong box." He mumbled, a little embarssed, shoving the cockroach in his pocket he put his hand forward, "anyway its nice to met you sir."

"Just my luck"
by Ensign Christopher I. Campbell

"...I'm telling you. They beamed right in to cargo bay two." Ensign Salt said motioning wildly with her hands.

"This is a joke, right?" Ensign Campbell leaned back in his chair in Ten-Forward. He had been paying very close attention to Security Offcier Astrid Salt these last few seconds. Not (only) because she was a good-looking security officer, but mainly because of what she was saying.

She shook her head. "No! Five Starfleet Intelligence Agents..." Realizing she was talking pretty loud, she looked over her shoulder and continued; "Five Starfleet Intelligence Agents beamed in to cargo bay two during my shift. And Commander sterner was there." Astrid saw the look of disbelief in Christopher's face. "You recognized the uniforms I described to you, didn't you?"

Chris had to admitt that Astrid's description of the mysterious, and so far widely unknown guests, did make them to S.I. people. He should know, he'd worked in S.I. just a month or so before. And left them because of the way they worked.

"Just my luck" Christopher mumbled and finsihed his glas of rootbeer.

*I didn't transfer back to the Galaxy to work with S.I. people again.* He thought. *Not even on Starfleet's flagship can I avoid them.*

Astrid gave her fellow security officer a troubled look. "What's the matter, Chris?" She said reaching out her hand to touch his.

"Nothing. It's just...It's nothing. I just hope they'll leave soon. Real soon." Christopher looked up at Astrid. "So, can I get you more to drink?"

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

Mac sat at his desk in the darkness of his quarters, a short silk kimono hung haphazardly around him as he stared at the viewscreen before him. As he rubbed his eyes he glanced at the desk chronometer…

“0300 hrs! Geez,” he muttered as he brought up another page of the document he was studying. He had been at work on the document in preparation for his meeting with Ensign D’Auria. He wanted to make sure that there was no stone unturned when they discussed his “project.” The Ensign was on the right track, but he was proceeding in the wrong direction. Mac had looked over his bio and seen that he had spent time in the 5th and on a DMZ listening post.

“Probably hasn’t had much contact with the “diplomatic” side of Starfleet,” mused Mac as he recollected his thoughts, “Computer restart entry.” He added

“Working.” Came the generic voice of Starfleet

“In reference to your outline for capabilities of the improved C-defense system the following redundant and/or problematic difficulties exist. Most occur from the deviation from the stated mission of Exploration and Diplomacy being first and foremost in the Galaxy’s design. I will endeavor to detail these problems below.

Point one. As stated in the First Contact doctrine, “…all actions must be taken to appear non-threatening until such time as violent contact is unavoidable…” This often prohibits the scan, either passive and/or active of encountered vessels. Some races may take it as a sign of aggression to be even passively scanned. The Galaxy’s sensors all always working passively, until such time as we detect the need for a more detailed scan. The Tactical station has the ability to increase, decrease or stop the scans, altogether. This includes the enhancing of the sensors by the use of probes and/or sensor drones. Also, appearing to be bristling with weapons may intimidate or enrage a less developed species and make First Contact procedures more difficult.

Point two. Most of your mission requirements are already met by the current systems employed on the Galaxy. Although, you are obviously not familiar with it, all tactical data acquired from sensors and other sources are routed through the Tactical Operations center. TacOps then relays that information, in turn, to the bridge tactical station for dissemination into a more manageable form. The TacOps center is manned 24/7, during all states of alert and is regulated to entry by Command level officers and active duty Tac Officers. I would be more than happy to supply you with any non-classified, pertinent information that would be assistance, as well as a tour of TacOps.

Point three. The original C-defense that was designed by Lt Mercury and then later modified by both of us was designed to level the playing field against cloaked ships. This problem, even with information gained from the cloaking device onboard the USS Defiant, continues to be complex. The majority of the problem is that at sublight or low warp speeds a cloaked ship is for all practical purposes, undetectable. Only when it begins to maneuver at a high rate of speed does it become more readily detectable. Most of the time it is only due to faulty equipment that allows us to detect a cloaked vessel.

It was to this end that C-Defense was redesigned to target weapons rather than the ship itself, relying on ship specifications, known tactics and weapon load outs. This information allows the Galaxy to fire during the “cloak-in/cloak-out” phase giving us a small window of opportunity to disable the attacker’s weapons prior to an attack.

Point four. The Galaxy is not a warship. It was not intended to be and will never become a warship. It was, as were all Federation starships, designed to accomplish a specific mission profile i.e. Exploration/Diplomacy. It is the same with the Akira, the Oberth and even the Sovereign class of vessels. In a “normal” fleet battle we would be implemented with several Miranda and even Steamrunner or Sabre class vessels to act as support vessels. We are not designed to engage in a slugfest with superior numbers. Only in dire circumstances, such as the “Jaw-breaker” battle are we to fight against superior enemies. It is the ingenuity and training of the crew and not the hardware of the ship that carries the day.

In closing, You present some vary valid points, but a possible lack of expertise created some flaws in your thesis. You are on your right track and perhaps a new ship design is what is called for and not a generic upgrading of weapons and sensors. Feel free to contact me for further information on this matter.

“Computer end entry and send.” Asked Mac as he leaned back and rubbed his eyes. A sound from the door to the bedroom coaught his attention.

“I rolled over and you weren’t there I was worried?” said K’Eyt sleepily as she leaned against the doorway, a loose robe held around her..

I have this whole C-defense thing with D’Auria on my mind. I couldn’t sleep…still can’t.” he added as he smiled at the Klingon-Bajoran-Human

“Can’t sleep, huh. Can you do anything…else?” she asked huskily as she let the robe fall to the floor.

Outside Mac’s Quarters Ensign Vo’lar looked over his PADD as he strolled down the semi deserted hallway. Stopping he thought his enhanced Vulcan hearing heard a loud thump followed by the sound of muffled laughter. Shaking his head, he continued on.

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

"A Unexpected Return"
by Lt. Thomas

** Bridge **

The Galaxy had been ordered to return to Starbase 74 for some reason as ship wasn't fully tested for flight certification. Something that even in these times Starfleet ahead to strictly to ensure the safety of the crew and the ability to complete any missions given to a ship. Which raised some interesting theories why they'd been recalled so soon and the fact that the captain wouldn't be available struck Chris as odd as well. He knew that Commander Strener was a capable officer and would have no problem being in command of any mission given to the Galaxy. He worked the reasons why the ship would be recalled to the Starbase under such circumstances and only a very few possibilities crossed his mind, none to his liking.

He maintained his position at ops monitoring all the transporter activity and such, wondering what exactly was going on in cargo bay 2, as it seemed odd that they'd need to beam a bunch of stuff onboard. He then considered why they need to do this and added it with the other information that he'd observered so far and added in his own reason's as to why they'd been recalled and came up with a startling revelation about the limited possibilities and just what they could be and it brought back some internal thoughts. If he only knew was down in the cargo bay, besides the Commander Sterner and Lieutenant Mercury who had been ordered to report there. He knew the transporters in the cargo bay had been used so it was just a simple matter of accessing the information that transporter records to see who had just been transporter over to the ship. He checked the transporter logs, which was easily done and nothing usual about the ops officer checking transporter logs.

He then had to run a couple of cross referencing verifications to check on the transporter signatures, as they were as unique as anything to each humanoid. They could be duplicated, but that was tricky and wasn't advisable under any condition as the computer might just thinking your suppose to be someone you're night and you'd end up looking like them anyway. Eric Pressman the logs reported after his checks against information available, then he noted something else about the information that he'd accessed, something that immediately caught his attention besides the name and the rank of admiral. He was working with Starfleet Intelligence and in Chris' use of his knowledge about getting this information he noted something that just sent him rocking back. The coded information that the Galaxy had received now made more sense than it had at the time, something was going down and it involved the Galaxy.

Now the issue was to do with the information that he'd learned, while it was generally common knowledge and anyone could've done without causing to much hassle. However what he knew about this wasn't general knowledge as his information came from what he knew about the organization of Starfleet Intelligence and the fact that he'd been given some very classified information from his mentor Suvak. The information while not relevant to what was happening here, did have some information that with some common sense could be used to reach some other decisions. However in this case his knowledge about Pressman came form his time in Starfleet Intelligence. He debated telling Lt. Commander Casey about what he'd learned, but decided against it, for a number of reasons. He then decided against it, however he would briefly mention it to Commander Sterner if time permitted.

Christopher Patton
Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

Broken Terminals
By Ensign Anthony Mendenhall

Engineering wasn't very exciting. Since most work had been done at the Star Base, nothing else really needed fixing except for small things. So when he was ordered to fix Lt. Nilani's terminal, he didn't realize what he was getting into.

When he reached sickbay, he walked over to Nilani's office and saw the terminal broken in two. He smiled at the CMO and said: "Heard you broke your terminal?"

"Yes." Anthony sensed something was the matter. He picked up the two pieces and started thinking about how to fix it. At first didn't feel brave enough to say anything, but then he spoke up as he started to repair it. But then the small dent in the wall concerened him. CMO's didn't just start throwing equipment around he room.

"Anything the matter Lieutenant?" He picked out a replacement part from his bag. He didn't look up in the fear of getting shocked by the broken machinery.

"No, I'm fine ensign." Her voice hinted otherwise.

"Are you sure ma'am?" He pulled his finger back from a small shock of unprotected circuitry.

"Actually there is." She wondered why this ensign was asking so many questions.

"Mind if I ask what it is?" He hadn't looked up at her for the entire conversation. A small spark shot out, and Mendenhall stuck his finger in his mouth, but then went back to work.

Kahn didn't know why, but she told her story to the engineer. "Well, the Cardassians have my sister and they want to exchange me for her. I just got a transmisson from Star Fleet that their trying everything they can to help."

He stopped what he was doing and just stood there for a few seconds. He bit his lower lip and looked up at her. He could tell she was close to tears.

In a compassionant voice he said: "Sorry, know how you feel."

"Really? You've had the Cardassians asking to exchange you for your sisters freedom?" She said it in a joking voice and they both smiled.

"No, but I have had a friend that was a POW." He was almost finished the terminal when he started his story. "During the Klingon/Federation war a while back Greg, my friend, got captured on a cammando mission. I got word from command that said the were doing everything they could."

He finished the repair, but kept on acting like he was still doing something. "Well, three months latter, turns out they do a prisoner exchange. They planted a bomb in another POW's stomach."

"So what happened?"

"Blew off one of Greg's leg. The second he got a prosthetic switched to SI. He's a commader now and works on prisoner freeing and stuff. Maybe he can help. I can give him a message." He handed the fixed equipment to her, smiled, and started to walk off.

"Thanks. It would mean alot. By the way, what's your name?"

He turned around and tried to make his title sound important. "Ensign Anthony Mendenhall." Then he walked out. As he did so, he heard Nilani order a ractigeno. Shortly after he heard that annoying song he had programmed all replicators to play. When he entered engineering, he was chuckling.

"Frustrated"
Lieutenant David Mercury
Chief of Engineering

Sterner exitted the Cargo bay leaving David the only Galaxy crew member still present. The Admiral's crew worked fast. They carried the original equipment off the transporter pad and placed it in an open area. They quickly openned the boxes and began organizing the pieces.

"Lieutenant, beam up the remaining members of my crew and the rest of the equipment," the Admiral barked.

"Aye sir." David walked over to the transporter console and started the transporter. Four more Special Ops personnel arrived on the transporter pad in cargo bay 2. They quickly joined the others. The Admiral nodded to David to start transporting the remaining equipment. Several bulky boxes appeared on the transporter pad. The officers in the black uniforms ignored to equipment on the pad and continued to assemble the original equipment.

*That was quick thinking on the Commander's part to get the Admiral to let me oversee the installation. What are they building? Who the hell do they think they are coming aboard this ship and pushing us a side!* David said to himself. David cirlced around the four officers assembling this top secret equipment. Admiral Pressman was visibly tense. He kept looking at David and pacing back and forth. *This looks like a photon torpedo rack. Why would they be building a photon torpedo rack? Better question why is it classsified. Wait, this is a different configuration. What is that device connected to? OK there is your power generator, power conduits, relays... what is that device?* David stopped walking and started to stare at the torpedo rack. *This configuration looks like it can hold about a dozen torpedos. What is wrong with what we got?* David started pacing again. He noticed a cargo box off to the side, behind the Admiral. From the looks of it, it looked like the Admiral was guarding it. *What is in that box? What is going on?* David stopped and started to stare at the four officers again.

"Lieutenant... LIEUTENANT!" David was too busy staring at the equipment that he didn't notice the Admirl attempting to talk to him.

"Yes.. Yes sir!" David replied after being startled by the Admiral.

"There is one more thing you have to transport, here is the cooridinates." David grabbed the PADD from the Admiral's hand and walked over to the transport console again and punched in the cooridinates. The next thing David noticed was twelve photon torpedos sitting on the transporter pad. David mouth dropped. He was baffled. *What kind of mission is this!* "Lieutenant, contact your Commander and tell him that we are ready to proceed. I want you then to report immediately down to Main Engineering and oversee this installation." Pressman said.

"Sir, when will I be informed what you are installing? David asked. The Admiral just looked and David and turned away. *Great, what does that mean? You're just a bundle of joy Admiral! I need to tell the Commander about the torpedo rack they assembled and about the twelve photon torpedos sitting on the pad.*

David left Cargo Bay 2 and headed towards the turbolift. He was following the four Special Ops officers. They seemed to be carrying the mysterious box that was sitting behind the Admiral in the cargo bay. The men entered the Turbolift. David could have easily squeezed in but decided that he should just wait. "I'll catch up," he told the officers. David waited outside the Turbolift. "Mercury to Sterner"

[Go ahead Lieutenant]

"Where are you sir?" David asked.

[In my ready room, why?]

"Be right there." David quickly made his way up to the Captain's ready room.

*** Captain's Ready Room ***

"Sir, what is going on?" David asked the Commander.

"Your guess is as good as mine, why what is wrong?"

"I just witnessed those Special Ops officers assemble a Photon Torpedo Rack, not just any rack this is a configuration I have never seen before. Then I transported twleve torpedos but again they were different, Each one seemed to have this device that I have never seen before." David said. The Commander was baffled, speechless. "Sir, there is something else, I transported this cargo box, which I guess contains some sort of classified equipment. The Admiral seemed to be guarding it himself. He instructed me to inform you that we are ready to proceed and told me to report to Engineering and oversee the installation. Now the four officers are on there way down to Main Engineering with that box that the Admiral was watching." David finished.

"Alright, here is the deal, we must keep this between us, any leaks and we could have bigger problems then that mysterious box and those torpedos. You keep a good eye on those Special Ops and I will keep my eye on the Admiral. One more thing David, I want you to set up a secure communication line between me and you. This way we can communicate without any worry of someone listening. Good luck, Lieutenant."

David left the Captain Ready Room and proceed down to Engineering.

Dan Josephs

"Home at Last"
By Lt (jg) Ryak Sullax

As the shuttle finished landing Ryak put his sleeping son into his arms and went onto the flight deck. Ryak looked around to see one of the cargo bay techs working away in the corner. Ryak walked over to him and asked for the two crates to be taken to his quarters.

As Ryak and Sullar left the shuttle bay Ryak though that he'd go to his quarters and put Sullar to bed. This wasn't quite what the proud new father really wanted to do. Well he had one really good friend that he wanted to see, Kat. Ryak tried to tap his com badge but it didn't work. Sullar was to peacefull and Ryak didn't want to wake his 3 year old yet. Well Sullar had to have his coming on board physical. So Ryak made his way to sick bay. Half way to sick bay Sullar woke up. His eyes very wide he took on all of the sights. Sullar had never seen so many different types of people. Sullar's grip around Ryak's neck got tighter the further they went. As they appraoched sick bay Ryak took a deep breath and entered. Hoping that Kat was there.

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

What is going on?
By: Lieutenant Mélissa Marie Boudreau

Melissa was glad to be back on the Galaxy. This beautiful piece of engineering was her home now. She was lucky to have two great homes.

Melissa was working in engineering, working on adjusting the engines with David and the rest of the engineering crew when they were approaching Starbase 74. She was as confused as everyone else about why they had to go back. Orders were orders and she knew Starfleet must have a good reason.

David was standing by a panel near the warp core. Melissa was approaching him with a report on her PADD when she heard his commbadge chirp.

[Lieutenant Mercury, This is Lieutenant Commander Casey. Please report immediately to Cargo bay 2. Commander Sterner will meet you there.]

"Mercury here sir. I'm on my way." the Chief Engineer replied.

"What's going on David?" Melissa asked.

"I don't know. Maybe we have some cargo to transport or something. It's probably just some important supplies that we have to get somewhere quickly or something like that. You're in charge 'till I get back." With that, David left for the cargo bay.

Melissa's curiosity was starting to get the better of her. She couldn't stand not knowing why it was so important that they get back to Starbase and why the Chief Engineer was called to Cargo Bay 2 so suddenly. 'Oh well!' she thought. 'David will be back soon and he'll tell me what's going on.'

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

"Prank Number 2"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara
reviewed by Lt Commander Deiran Casey

Walking to the replicator, she ordered a drink before remebering it was locked out. Yelling a vile curse in Klingon about Deiran, she headed to her computer console, determined to get revenge.

Slipping into the chair, she brought up the list of her hidden hacking programs.

Selecting the right one for the job, she quickly sent it on its way through the computer system to the replicator in Deiran's quarters.

Within mere seconds, it had established an untraceable virtual connection and was ready for input.

A few minutes later, K'Eytyanna had finished with her programming updates and closed the connection. The hacking program quickly removed all trace of the virtual connection it had created.

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

Beta Shift...

Deiran stretched and called out, "Computer, replicate a uniform for me."

Pulling out the pile of clothes that appeared, he gasped and did a double-take. In his hands was a standard Starfleet Command uniform with boots. However, the colour scheme had been distinctly changed.

Putting them down, he said, "Very funny, Computer. Replicate a Command uniform for me, with the correct colours."

The same scheme appeared a second time, and a third and the fourth time. Running a diagnostic, he found that the diagnostic display panel was going through an endless loop of displaying 3 cartoon figures poking each other in the eye, hitting each other on the head and causing trouble.

Looking up, he realised it must either be Ronni or K'Eytyanna. Quickly, he discounted Ronni since she had told Miran that they were even.

Realising he would have to leave now or be late for duty, Deiran decided to just ignore the scheme.

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

Walking onto the bridge, Deiran ignroed the sniggers and muttered comments. Walking over to Hunter, he spoke softly,

"When you next see Lt Samara, please tell her to fix what she did to my replicator and that I am not very amused."

Hunter suppressed a grin and replied,

"Certainly, Lt Commander. However, I believe lime green, hot pink and canary yellow suits u."

Deiran gave him an icy look before turning away.

"If I am needed, I wil be in the Captain's Ready Room for a short while."

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

Five minutes later..

Deiran walked out onto the bridge, glad that K'Eytyanna had only played with his replicator and that he was back in a standard Command uniform.

{ I do not want to find out what the Admiral thinks about practical jokes.}

Turning to Hunter, he spoke,

"Aren't you supposed to be off-duty?"

"Yes, sir. I was just finishing up some checks."

Deiran smiled as Hunter walked to the turbolift, "Have a good rest."

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

"From Gremlins to Trolls"
a story by Ensign Polina Praskovya
engineering

Polina loved her new position aboard the USS Galaxy. The people she met and worked with were very colorful and diverse. The Orion had found her place among the stars.

Polina's delicate fingers danced across the console in front of her. She was busy orchestrating a symphony of diagnostics. She had performed her duties again and again not because she loved the repetition, but because it was what she had been ordered to do. She did love her job though. Several times she had been sent to the Bridge with reports and to run tests on the Engineering station located there.

On one occasion, both Polina and M'Benga had been sent to do a few minor adjustments to some of the couplings and circuits. A few of the isolinear chips had been reported as bad and needed changing.

When the doors to the bridge had slid open, the two young engineers exited the turbo lift and entered the hustle and bustle of the hubbub of the USS Galaxy. Polina smiled. Her eyes sparked with electricity. Without even glancing at her friend and coworker, the Orion spoke.

"You know, M'Benga, it never ceases to amaze me. Each time I come to the bridge I feel such awe." Polina had instinctively grabbed onto Betta's arm as if to steady herself. The Klingon sensed the genuine awe-inspiring emotions in her friend.

"I know exactly what you mean." The dark skinned beauty was smiling too. Her canines flashed brightly under the artificial light of the bridge.

"May I help you?" It was Lt. Commander Deiran Casey that spoke. His voice was deep and authoritative. Polina was surprised at the maturity of the voice that came from such a youthful looking man. In her opinion, the voice just didn't match the image.

"Commander, sir," Polina returned a flirtatious smile of her own at Deiran who was most obviously flirting with her, "Ensign M'Benga and I are here to change out a few isolinear chips and to reroute a few of the couplings."

"By all means, ladies, do what it is that you do best."

"Well, sir, what I do best wouldn't be advisable here on the bridge, so if you'll excuse me, I think I'll just do my job." Polina winked wickedly at Deiran whom she swore had turned a deeper shade of red. Polina had heard about this particular Commander. He loved to flirt with all of the women, and he had the reputation as being a ladies man. She understood why when she saw the man. Most women would be drawn to him. Polina also knew that he had met his match with her because she too had a reputation as being one of the most desirable women in Star Fleet. She was already being called the Green Goddess of the Galaxy.

"By the way, sir, nice threads." Ensign M'Benga had to stifle a giggle at the neon wardrobe that the Lt. Commander was sporting. "Is this a new change in uniform policy, sir?" This time Ensign M'Benga couldn't help but chuckle.

This time Deiran's face flushed red with anger. M'Benga could sense this with her empathic abilities. He didn't like being made the butt end of a joke. Still, he was patient and he would have his revenge. He didn't take his frustration out on the wrong people, instead, he played along with it.

"I'm sorry, sir, I don't mean to laugh at you, but if you could just see yourself through the eyes of everyone else…" she paused to compose her self, "I'm sorry, sir."

Deiran smiled his charming smile. "Ladies, I blame you not for being amused. It's my pleasure to bring such glee to the lives of two of the loveliest women aboard the Galaxy. Who knows, if I continue to get such compliments, there might be a change in uniform policies. Just remember, I get to choose the color schemes and designs next time." With that, Casey made his way to the Captains ready room.

"Good day Ladies." Lieutenant Commander Lyle spouted as he slithered to a halt in front of Polina and M'Benga. His placid skin was pale and slick with a slimy sheen of fluid that Polina hoped was sweat. "I don't believe I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance." His breath was rank like that of a dead rat caught in a sewer pipe. The smell was more than likely caused by his teeth which were worse than any Klingon or Ferangi. They were yellowed and appeared to be rotten. The cadaver's eyes sparkled from the pits of his sockets like some ravenous vole seeking to quench his hunger. Polina and M'Benga were his prey. Before either of the ladies could react to the repulsive sight before them, Commander Lyle snatched their hands in his skeletal talons and brought them to his lipless mouth.

"Oh gag a maggot to the tenth degree, I'm going to be sick." The revulsion on Polina's face was not masked. She was too aware of the effects that the pheromones that green skinned Orion's exuded had on men: even the hideously ugly ones, and she was going to make sure that this slug knew exactly how she felt about him. They might think her cruel, but Polina learned long ago that the direct approach was the best way to handle most undesirable males that would cling to her.

A trio of muffled chuckles emanated from the tactical operations console where Lieutenant Commander Sunder was having a private discussion with Lieutenant McKenzie and Ensign T'amar. "Mr. Lyle, I think you have work to attend to." It was an order which Commander Sunder enjoyed giving.

Betta didn't say a word, but the look on her face was just as shocking as Polina's.

Lt. Commander Lyle didn't seem to pay any attention to the looks he received. It was obvious that he was quite aware of his own physical appearance and the effect that it had on others. In fact, M'Benga sensed that he enjoyed the reactions that his repellent visage had on others.

"Yes. Well we must get to work ladies." Lyle stepped to the side motioning the two engineers toward the auxiliary flight control console along the back wall of the bridge. "Gremlins have been at work." Lyle drank in every curve of the two engineers' bodies as they moved passed him toward the console.

The two engineers passed by Ensign M'aerikh. She looked at them and smiled. "Welcome to hell. I'm glad you could make it because I was about to kill him."

"V'ehlma, you can keep your men to yourself." M'Benga joked with her blue skinned friend. Both women laughed.

Lyle didn't hear the exchange of words that had gone on between them.

Polina and Betta were working close to where the three men were talking, and Polina couldn't help but overhear a portion of the conversation that was taking place. It was apparent that Ursa Sunder wasn't too thrilled about the recent incidents with the replicators. Someone aboard the Galaxy had been implementing unauthorized programs into the replicator systems. These little programs seemed harmless, but Ursa didn't like having someone using the Galaxy's computer system as a tool in a lavish prank.

Polina looked at the burly Lt. Commander. "Sir, if I may interrupt, I'm close to discovering who wrote the program." Ursa looked at the Orion and smiled. Polina hoped that she hadn't over stepped her bounds with this man. She knew so little about him, but she was deeply attracted to him. She hadn't spoken to him since she had seen him at Ten Forward, and she saw this as an opportunity to converse with him again.

"I didn't know that you were interested in security measures, Ensign." Ursa looked Polina straight in the eyes. It made her feel uncomfortable. This man seemed gentle, but he commanded so much power and strength beneath his calm demeanor.

"I'm not interested in security measures, sir, but it seems that my replicator plays this annoying tune more than the others, and each time that I try to circumvent it, it starts over again. It's apparent to me that who ever decided to pull such a lavish prank has centered his or her attention on me." Polina walked closer to the trio of men and leaned against one of the consoles. Her long black hair had been coiled atop her head in an elegant bun that showed her pointed ears that were her Romulan heritage. Polina was indeed a strikingly beautiful woman. "I've been so busy with all the repairs and diagnostics going on that I haven't had ample time to filter through the many routines and sub routines of the program that is infecting the systems of the replicators."

"I'm impressed, Ensign. There is definitely more to you than meets the eye." Ursa's gaze didn't waver one bit. Polina enjoyed the way that he was looking at her.

At that instant, Lt. Commander Lyle placed his slinky little fingers on Polina's shoulder. She shuddered at the thought and without thinking she spun on her heals and blurted, "Get your hands off of me and keep them off!! If you ever so much as look at me, I'll turn you in for sexual harassment and conduct unbecoming an officer. Do you under stand me, sir?" There was venom in Polina's voice.

"Look here, Ensign," The voice of the troll known as Lyle was sharp and jagged, "I'll make you regret every word that you've said if you don't do as I tell you. I'm a Lt. Commander, if you haven't noticed, and I'll do what ever I damn well please."

"Not on my watch you will." Polina was surprised to see Ursa come to her defense. "You'll apologize to Ensign Praskovya this instant. And I'll have you know that if you dare threaten any other crew of the Galaxy again, I'll have you thrown in the brig. Do I make myself clear, Lt. Commander?"

Polina smiled.

"That troll has made a big mistake if Lt. Commander Sunder is mad at him." McKenzie was saying.

T'amar looked at McKenzie and replied, "Indeed he has."

A few moments later Lt. Commander Deiran Casey walked out of the Captain's ready room. His uniform was the correct colors.

"Did I miss anything?" Deiran could tell by the expressions and mood of the bridge personnel that something had just gone down.

After a quick rundown of events that transpired, Ursa Sunder and T'amar left the bridge. Polina stayed to finish her work without any incidents from Lt. Commander Lyle.

"I didn't know that you had such fire in you. I'm proud of you, Polina." M'Benga was impressed with the way that Polina had handled herself.

"Yeah, Thanks." Polina smiled. She paused in her work and looked over at Betta and V'ehlma who had been working close to them. "If it is Hell that we are going to be in this day, it's going to be my Hell. That troll has messed with the wrong demon." The three ladies of the Galaxy laughed.

"An Innocent Game: Part II"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft & Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

***

Tebrianne Bancroft took a seat across from Deiran Casey at the Officer's Lounge table.

A smile appeared on his face, "By all means Teb. Please have a seat. It would be nice to have an opponent. I keep stalemating myself," Casey laughed.

Teb tried to laugh at his joke. It came out short and flat, and probably insincere.

It seemed to Casey she was feeling low. He could see it in her eyes. But maybe that was because she was tired like himself.

"Missed you on Alpha shift Teb. Are you feeling better?" he asked.

"I'm doing better now," she said. "I had a rough night. About an hour ago, Julia Reynolds, my former roommate, told me to get dressed and go be with people. Ten Forward was too crowded, and here I am."

"I’m glad to see you’re out and about. I’ll give you the first move," He said after he set up the last piece and the game could begin. It was at that moment he noticed what she was wearing. He was doing his best to not stare, but she wasn’t leaving much to his imagination. He realized when they went windsurfing, that Teb had a great body. And she was showing it off tonight. Which didn’t seem like Teb.

This chess game was going to be difficult, his concentration wouldn’t be on the game.

Teb studied the board for a moment. She never really liked chess all that well, and even less in three dimensions. She made her opening move with a shrug. It was as good as any.

A few moves had been made, and he was still attempting to evade staring at Teb’s breasts. "I enjoyed the duet we did awhile back. You have a wonderful voice." Deiran tried to get his mind on the conversation and not Teb.

"Thank you," she said. "I've been singing since I was really young. I love it. Usually when I'm feeling alone, I'll go to the holodeck and sing."

"I sing, but don’t do it often. I play the guitar as often as possible. It’s one of my favorite things to do off duty." He wanted to bring up playing lullabies for Lara, but for some strange reason he didn’t mention it. His body movements began to suggest his attraction to Teb.

Teb wasn't sure, but Deiran seemed 'interested.' He was smiling and laughing.

He kept looking at her. Looking at her chest, just like Jules said. He was trying not to, but wasn't doing a very good job of it. Deiran's flirtations were starting to get to her. She was getting excited with his attention and the way he was looking at her body was stirring up strange feelings. Even though Tebrianne had never had sex, she knew what it felt like to be aroused...and she was feeling it with Deiran looking at her.

Something inside of her thrilled at the feeling of his eyes watching her, roaming over her near-nakedness. It felt dirty in a way...but, it felt so wild, so bold. Nervous energy filled Tebrianne and she couldn't concentrate on the game. She was fidgeting, unable to keep herself still. Deiran was watching, despite himself as she moved. Teb caught his eyes widen as he watched her chest. She realized that as she was moving, she was giving him an eyeful. Her excitement grew as her body started to tingle under his watchful gaze. She was aroused, there was no doubt, but without peeking under the table she couldn't tell if Deiran was too.

Teb seemed nervous. She was shifting in her seat. And every time she shifted Deiran caught a glimpse of her "best features." It was almost nerve-racking. What was happening? "How long did you have your band Teb? What was that like?" he asked. Trying to calm her down, so she’d sit still and her lace top would cover the essentials of her upper torso more effectively. Several times Deiran wanted to cover his eyes, but he never did. The view was spectacular.

"We were together for about three years, and then I joined Starfleet," she said. "It was great. You know the stories you hear about rock and roll stars? The 'Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n Roll?' It's all true. I never did the drugs. They weren't my thing."

Teb's breathing was shallow. The way Deiran was looking at her, she couldn't tell him she was a virgin. She couldn't tell him she'd never been with a man.

He would think she was just a baby, or a kid. He was interested, and she couldn't risk losing that interest--not after losing Greer. She was scared. She'd never lied to anyone before, not like she was going to lie to Deiran.

He was definitely interested, she couldn't risk losing that...it could be her last chance. If she needed to stretch the truth, and claim someone else’s story as her own...that was the price she would pay to avoid the pain of loneliness.

"You wouldn't believe the sex," she continued. "We were all pretty young. I mean I was thirteen when we started the band...and our parents trusted us on the road. No chaperones or any of that rubbish. We were all pretty wild...and we had a lot of fun."

Deiran was listening intently. The seedy, bawdiness of it all was interesting to him. He wasn’t watching where his hand was going, keeping eye contact on Tebrianne. As he listened, he accidentally spilled his Bajoran coffee. His nerves were beginning to show. He could feel his arousal. Trying to ignore it, he excused himself and leaned down to pick up the cup that had fallen to the floor.

He noticed Teb’s legs. The skin looked soft, the skirt she wore hugging her hips. He liked what he saw, her body seemed to be calling out to him, wanting him, like a sweet aroma or a spell cast to entangle. Deiran was getting into dangerous territory and was way too tired to notice. As he picked up the coffee cup, Teb wiped up the coffee on the table.

"Sorry about that Teb," he said, returning upright in his seat. "Please continue." Deiran never took his eyes off of Teb. Underneath the table and above it.

Teb told him all about the gigs, and the sex afterwards. She inserted herself into the stories as a willing participant. She made it sound like she was a wildchild. She told him the story of the time when Arial, the keyboardist, had sex with some bloke on the plane to Cork. She just never mentioned Arial, and let him believe it was her story. She talked for nearly an hour about "her" sexual adventures as a rock and roll star. She probably sounded like some sex-starved tart, but from the looks of it Deiran liked what he was hearing.

Deiran listened to all her tales. The sex, the drugs and the rock and roll. It was quite disconcerting. And the talk of sex only made it worse on Deiran. Now he was squirming in his seat. Teb even smelled nice. The whole situation was getting to him. Deiran was a good judge of emotions and he could see Teb was attracted to him. He started feeling something for her. The strange thing was he didn’t shake the thoughts away, but entertained them. Embracing them. Did she want him? Was she feeling the same way as he was?

"That's 'mate, Deiran," she said.

"What?!?" Deiran checked the board. Thinking she said something entirely different, the board was his assurance. He couldn't have lost. "Did she say let’s mate?" he thought. Deiran forgot she could sense feelings. In fact, he was beyond caring.

"No," Teb smiled. "You just put me into checkmate."

"Oh, well it was a good game anyway. I’m having fun," he said. Getting a perfect glance at her again. He wanted to scream, it was torture. His imagination began eating at him with each glance of her bare breasts through the lace top. Now he was wanting to see more. To touch them, to touch her.

"I don't know about you," Teb said with a smile. "But, I'm up for some rock and roll. Want to grab a holodeck and jam like last time?"

"I would love to Tebrianne," he replied.

"Let's go," Teb said, leading the way out of the lounge.

Deiran followed Teb out of the lounge. As he walked behind her, he had a perfect view of her rear end. Her skirt hugged her body. He could see the shape of her hips and figure up close, for the first time tonight. He watched her walk and lusted after what he saw. What he saw was everything he liked in a woman, Tebrianne had a body like Miran and other women he had been attracted to in the past. All he could see now was Tebrianne’s backside. He was in deep.

***

Arriving at holodeck one, the black and yellow grid was in the background. Teb and Deiran were standing next to each other. The sexual tension building each second. Both of them were flirting now. Not even hiding their attraction to one another. But they weren’t voicing it either.

"So, what setting would be good for a bloody rockin' jam session?" Teb asked.

Deiran loved Teb’s accent. It turned him on, he smiled and replied, "I wrote a love song a few months back. Would you like to hear it?" he asked.

"I'd love to hear it," she said with a smile. She watched him as he spoke, watching his lips move. She wanted him to kiss and touch her. She was certain that Deiran was interested and that tonight could be her night. The voice screaming in the back of her mind didn't register...it was probably just urging her on. She didn't realize it was trying to tell her about Deiran's wife and child. Her mind was a fog and full of the desire she felt for Deiran.

"Computer, run Casey alpha 34," he commanded.

The black and yellow background turned into a beautifully decorated chamber, candles illuminating the room. There was a piano to the side of them. Deiran sat down at the piano bench. He knew the room was romantic, the candle light reflecting off the walls, the beauty of the room itself. The mere ambiance was enough to break down right there and surrender to what both of them felt in the air, in their bodies. And Deiran was going to sing a love song to add to the tension.

Deiran never checked himself. He went with what he felt. "This song’s entitled, ’Forever In Your Eyes.’ Hope you like it." Then he began the intro. It was beautiful. Deiran’s fingers delicately touching the keys. His voice was passionate and romantic. The words to the song would take any woman’s breath away. No woman could’ve resisted it. Romance and desire permeated every last inch of the holodeck.

Tebrianne watched Deiran as he started to play. She closed her eyes and let the music take her. His voice, rising and falling with the music, was dreamy. Teb started to move with the music, swaying slowly as the song pulled at her. She opened her eyes again and watched him, his mouth, his hands. She smiled at him as he played his song just for her.

As he sang the words, he looked into Tebrianne’s eyes. Then his eyes unabashedly perused her body. He knew she saw him looking and he didn’t care. She had captured him. He wondered if she was thinking the same thing he was. Did she want him as much as he wanted her?

Deiran finished the song. He stood up from the bench, looked into Teb’s eyes, "What did you think?" he asked her. His heart was beating faster, speeding up with every second he smelled her perfume, the scent of her hair. There was no way he could hide his arousal now, she was standing right in front of him. And he wasn’t blushing, he wanted her to see.

"I loved it," she said, practically out of breath. "It was beautiful."

"Thank you," he said, smiling at the thought that she indeed liked it. He respected her talent.

Tebrianne's heart pounded in her chest, her breath short and erratic. He was looking at her body, at the rising and falling of her chest. His eyes roamed over her body, taking in every detail. She couldn't help letting herself observe his body.

Her eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw the bulge in his pants. She figured he probably saw her eyes widening as she stared with a grin on her face. The responses her body had been giving while Deiran looked at her body paled in comparison to the new sensations as she stared at his-- She couldn't bring herself to even think it. Say it, Tebrianne, she scolded herself. She couldn't say it. But, she couldn't stop looking either. She looked up at Deiran, her eyes smoldering with her desire. She was closer than she'd ever been in her life. Her heart beat out the thunderous rhythm of her fears and desires. Every fiber of her being was screaming for Deiran to take her.

Deiran needed her. He wanted to touch her, to feel his lips on hers, on her breasts. His hands were screaming to explore her body. He couldn’t hold back any longer and he gently pulled her to him. He leaned to the left and kissed her neck in a sensuous, erotic way. Reaching his hands behind her, he started to remove her top. But, he stopped, hesitant to force himself on her.

Teb felt Deiran's gentle touch as he took her top and started to pull it up, but then he let go. She opened her eyes and looked into his. His desire burned like a sun. "It's okay," she whispered, taking his hands and pulling them back.

Deiran was surprised that she put his hands back where he had them. She did want him. His mind could only think of making love to her now. He just wanted her. His lust, stabbing at his heart. The dirty, unthinkable thoughts were plaguing him. He couldn’t resist her, her advances, her willingness to take him. He couldn’t stop himself now, he didn’t want to stop. He was going to make love to her. She wanted it, he wanted it and the world around them disappeared. All the stress, the pain, the everyday mundane things just dissipated into nothingness in their minds.

All they could see or sense now, was each other’s skin, the unbridled passion in their touch, the singularity of their mind. Both souls concentrating on partaking of their dark appetites.

Deiran took off Teb’s top. Then slowly removed her skirt and undergarments. Her breasts were big enough to fit in his hand, firm and tantalizing. He was relieved to finally get to feel them.

Tebrianne reached up and took the zipper of Deiran's duty jacket. She pulled it free and pushed the jacket off of his shoulders. It fell to the floor in a heap. She looked up into his eyes as she tugged his tunic free of his pants and started pushing it up his chest. Deiran helped her out by pulling it over his head. Tebrianne ran her hands over his chest, her fingers lightly touching the hard, smooth muscles.

Tentatively, Tebrianne reached for the clasp at the front of his trousers. Her mind was a foggy lust-ridden mess. She couldn't think straight. With a twist, the fly popped open. Teb's heart thundered in her chest as she let the pants fall to the floor. She looked up into his eyes again, the lust painfully clear. She ran her hand over the bulge in Deiran's underwear. She could feel its warmth against her palm as it throbbed with Deiran's arousal.

Deiran stopped her a moment as he pulled his boots and socks off. Tebrianne took the moment to take off her sandals. She looked at Deiran through the mass of red hair hanging in front of her eyes. He was standing in front of her in a pair of black and red bikini briefs. Teb looked over his body in the dim light. Tebrianne pressed herself into Deiran's arms. She couldn't believe the only thing separating her from him was the slim fabric of his underwear.

In a bold move that nearly frightened her out of her skin, Tebrianne took hold of his shorts and pulled them down to his ankles. She looked up and found herself staring at what Deiran had been hiding behind that pair of underwear. It was huge! And that was supposed to fit inside of her?!? What did he plan to do, split her in two? She continued to stare in wonder at Deiran's 'Deiran,' and it stared back at her. Without realizing what was happening, a few giggles escaped.

"What is it?" Deiran asked, puzzled and a bit nervous.

"I'm sorry, Deiran," she said quickly and apologetically. Her mind raced to find a way to explain her giggles to him without mentioning it was her first time. "It's just that I've never seen one this....big before." This big? This live. This close. This real.

Tebrianne stood up to where she could look at Deiran again. She moved in close until he was pressing against her belly. He was letting off enough heat to power the ship for a week or so.

They kissed for the first time. Tebrianne’s lips were like sweet honeycombs, her skin like alabaster, her breasts brushing against his bare chest were invigorating to his senses, her very touch sent pleasure through his body. They were fulfilling the other’s desire.

Tebrianne's body was on fire. It burned like a sun going nova. She felt tingling where she'd never felt tingling before. Her mind reeled as they kissed. Their tongues danced as their bodies intertwined. Tebrianne rubbed her body against his to put out the fire.

Tebrianne slid to her knees in front of Deiran. She had no idea what she was supposed to do other than what she had seen in that really bad flatscreen before she joined the Academy. She knew that the goal was to give the man, Deiran in this case, pleasure. With a gulp, Tebrianne closed her eyes and tried to reach her goal. What she lacked in skill, she tried to make up in effort. She just hoped he didn't realize she was a complete green novice at this.

The first time around resulted in a sticky mess all over Tebrianne's front side. It felt wonderful, and warm. And all gooey. Deiran took his turn with her and she nearly exploded. Her body writhed in ecstasy. When he finished, she lay panting on the floor with a broad smile plastered across her face. They took turns pleasuring each other...first Tebrianne, then Deiran.

He laid her down on the floor. It was happening at an alarmingly fast rate, but it was slow and erotic to their minds, as if their desire alone was slowing time.

Deiran stroked her hair, he explored her entire body, stimulating and taking the time to pay her beautiful form the attention it deserved, using his hands, his mouth, his lips, and eventually his whole body. He moved back to her neck, kissing her gently and slow, moving to her cheeks, then using butterfly kisses on her face, eyelids. He kissed her again on the lips. It was the deepest most passionate kiss they had shared. There was no turning back now.

Tebrianne was not his wife, he had gone too far. Both of them were naked. He couldn’t believe he allowed himself to get caught up in his own passions. But, he didn’t care anymore. Tebrianne was here, waiting for him, wanting him. Every piece of him begged for her. He was married, and his mind was in a fog, full of dazed and confused thoughts, rationale had taken a break and he had forgotten who, what or where he was. The only thing he knew-- he wanted this woman before him. They would spend a beautiful moment in time together.

But he was married, to the most beautiful, kind, caring woman he had ever known. The woman who had given him a daughter. Deiran could not live with himself if he hurt her in any way. Miran was his world. He was surprised to see that he had enough room in his heart for Tebrianne.

But it was too late.

He moved so that Tebrianne was underneath him. Deiran was poised, ready to take the final step. He looked into her eyes, and silently asked if she was ready for what would come next.

"Yes," Tebrianne said softly in an almost moan. She closed her eyes and waited for the magic moment. The bliss she expected never came. Instead of pleasure, she felt a sharp, intense pain. She bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut even harder.

A sudden gasp of pain told Deiran that everything wasn't right. He stopped, concerned he’d hurt her somehow. "I’m sorry, are you okay?" Deiran was terrified he’d hurt her, not knowing she was a virgin.

"I'm fine," she said through clenched teeth. "You just took me by surprise is all." She let herself calm a little. "I'm just not used to having that much in me," she lied. She was starting to get used to it...slowly.

"Teb are you sure?" he asked.

She nodded. More gentle this time, taking great care in his movements as to not hurt her further, Deiran started to make love to her. Tebrianne wrapped her legs around him as his thrusts became more passionate. Two bodies became one. The verve of spirit and lust acted out to it’s final conclusion. They made love, totally oblivious to everything but the act they were engaged in. They made love again a few more times and then rested in each other’s arms.

He kissed her and then pulled back from her lips. "What the hell am I doing?" he shrieked. It hit him like a one ton weight what had just happened. He just committed adultery, he had cheated on his love. And panic set in. Playing with his mind, his thoughts were rambled. Guilt casting it’s burdensome shadow on his naked, exposed form. For the first time in his life he knew what fear was. A fear of losing the only real good thing he had ever had in his life. Miran and Lara. He couldn’t put them aside, brush and push them away. Their feelings mattered. But so did Tebrianne’s.

Deiran took Teb’s top and her skirt and covered her.

"Teb, I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. Please forgive me? Please? Oh God! I am sorry for what I’ve done. I was in a blur, a fog of ignorance and denial. My lust and feelings for you, my fatigue. It all just caved in on me. You were hard to resist." A few tears began to moisten his eyes. He stood up and started putting his uniform back on.

"Please Teb, tell no one. I can’t ruin my marriage. I need Miran, I love her. And I love you. I am confused. How can one heart love two?" Deiran’s confusion and pain came to the surface. And his red, moist eyes turned into tears. He didn’t talk after that for a long while. His life crumbled before him.

Inside him, was a cry of heartache, his insides wrenching with a fierce torment. He had been introduced to fear.

He had never known that feeling, of outright terror in his whole life. He couldn’t lose Miran. And so Deiran had stalemated himself, bringing his emotions to the precipice of chaos and remorse. He was human after all.

Tebrianne watched Deiran quietly trying to figure out how she should feel. She was feeling mostly numb. Deiran had just loved her like no man had ever been willing to, but she couldn't have him. He had a wife and child to care for and love. She looked up at him, standing over her in his uniform. She clutched her clothing tighter to her chest and smiled at him.

"I won't tell anyone, Deiran," she said softly. "I know how much Miran and Lara mean to you and I don't want to break up your marriage." Tonight can be a mistake, she said to herself. A glorious, blissful mistake. "What we did here tonight was wonderful, Deiran. I will never forget it, and it will always be special to me."

"Are you sure you'll be all right?" he asked, broken and at the same time truly concerned for Teb.

"Of course I will," she said, forcing a smile. "I'm a big girl, Deiran. You go on home to your wife."

"Okay," Deiran said. He gave her a loving hug and a kiss on her cheek, not really trusting himself to do otherwise.

Tebrianne watched the doors of the holodeck close behind Deiran as he walked out into the corridor. She wrapped her arms around her knees and stared at the piano. And then the tears came.

Lt. Tebrianne, USS Galaxy, Chief Helmsman
[salinger@elsinore.net]
UIN# 2172851

"Clearing the way"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Main Engineering, USS Galaxy ***

Lieutenant David Mercury had just left the bridge after speaking to Commander Sterner in the Captain's Ready Room. He had hoped Joerg would be able to fill him in about these Starfleet Intelligence officers that beamed a bunch of secret equipment on board the Galaxy. Maybe share more of the mission details and what they were ultimately preparing to do. Unfortunately, the Commander seemed to be just as much in the dark over this assignment as David. And they were the "lucky ones" that Admiral Pressman had at least spoken to, however minimally. "On a need to know basis..." David thought as he rounded the corridor to enter main engineering, "I wonder who thought up that line?..."

"I DON'T CARE IF YOU ARE THE POPE! No one comes into Engineering and orders everyone to leave!" K'Eytyanna bellows venomously.

David looks and can see a number of the Galaxy on-duty officers standing in the middle of Engineering, a few meters in front of the warp core. They looked like a line of union workers keeping the black outfitted Special Ops officers from going any further.

"You will stand down LIEUTENANT... or when the Admiral hears of this you will spend the entirety of this mission relieved of duty!" the black uniformed SI engineer sneered.

K'Eytyanna let out a Klingon growl, but hesitated from shoving her palm into the mans face when her eyes caught Chief Engineer Mercury entering.

"It's okay Lieutenant Samara. They have clearance to be here." David confirmed.

The part Klingon, part Bajoran officer looked back at the black clad officers and gave a reluctant snarl before stepping aside. The others that had assembled behind Samara likewise began to part out of the way upon hearing their department head authorize these stranger's actions. "I probably should have let them know before I went to talk to Joerg" David thought.

"Sir, what is this all about?" K'Eytyanna asked. "Who are these men and what are they doing here?" It was obvious from the Lieutenant's tone that she was not happy to have strangers, pushy strangers at that, in her engineering department working on the ship.

David sighed. "They are with Starfleet Intelligence Kay, they have some sort of sensitive equipment to install for our present mission. It's all classified I'm afraid, so I can't really go into any more details then that."

"We need to vacate all of main engineering." The SI engineer declared after he and the others had walked past the galaxy officers to place down their tools.

K'Eytyanna crossed her arms and let out another angry growl. David could tell she was really getting pissed off at this guys attitude. He took a couple of steps over to face the Starfleet Intelligence Engineer. "Look... mister?...." Mercury beckoned, not seeing any sort of rank or insignia of any kind on the officers all black outfit. It was kind of erie.

"Harbright, Lieutenant Harbright." The goteed officer informed.

"Look Lieutenant Harbright, is it really necessary to clear all of engineering to do whatever you are going to do? There are over a dozen officers stationed in here tending to the Galaxy's systems." Mercury asked.

"Admiral's orders Lieutenant. This equipment is strictly off limits to all non-cleared personnel. I was instructed to secure engineering and clear the deck before we can begin work. You may stay Lieutenant Mercury, but the others will have to leave." Harbright explained.

David gave a displeased sigh. Glancing around, he was thinking of all of the systems that would be going unmanned while this equipment was installed. It was true that the Galaxy's automated systems could run themselves for long periods of time without technical intervention, but it wasn't something Mercury liked to do. In his mind, it was always better having a living, breathing, reasoning officer monitoring the systems. "Can you at least give me an idea on how long it will take to do... whatever it is you plan on doing in here Lieutenant? I will need to reschedule my officers accordingly. Is this going to take a long time? How long do you need to have engineering cleared for?"

Harbright walked away from Lieutenant Mercury and began unstacking the crates of tools off of the anti-grav cart while he spoke. Some would of thought that to be rude, but David wasn't offended. Indeed the mans willingness to move the heavy crates himself made the Chief more at ease that beneath that black Starfleet Intelligence uniform, this guy was just an engineer at heart.

"One or two hours I think. Three tops. It is not a very complicated modification Lieutenant." Harbright admitted.

"I see. Well that's not too bad..." David said glancing at K'Eytyanna and then back at Harbright, "After this equipment is installed, you will allow my officers back into engineering to perform their duties?"

Harbright opened one of the crates and took out one of the tools. Taking a cloth he began polishing it lightly while looking back at the Chief. "Yes Lieutenant. There will be officers posted to guard the installed unit, and only cleared personnel will be allowed to operate or otherwise work on it, but your people can go about their duty in the rest of engineering AFTER it has been installed and secured."

David nodded. "Very well. Okay people, let's clear the deck. Everyone out." Lieutenant Mercury clapped his hands to hasten the pseudo evacuation. The officers in Engineering were used to evacuation drills from their practice in warp core breach preparedness training, so they were quick to clear the area. All except for K'Eytyanna.

"Sir, what exactly are we supposed to DO for the next couple of hours while these... PEOPLE are making modifications to OUR ship?" Lieutenant Samara's tone rose and fell with each accented word, just loud enough to let Harbright and the other Starfleet Intelligence officers hear her displeasure and annoyance. They seemed to be ignoring K'Eytyanna, which only angered her further.

"Just relax Lieutenant." David said, placing a finger onto K'Eytyanna's chin and lifting her head towards his to gain her attention. When she was looking into the Chief's eyes and not over his shoulder at the Starfleet Intelligence officers, he continued. "Go to your quarters. Go to Ten Forward. Go to the holodeck. I don't care but you can't stay here. Be sure to keep your comm badge handy and I'll hail you when they have finished here and it's time to resume your shift. Okay K'Eytyanna?"

Lieutenant Samara let out a feral grunt of displeasure, but she knew the Chief was right. She was still angry and territorial over the encounter with the SI engineers, but there were worse things then having a couple of hours of off time in the middle of the day. Like the brig for instance. "I will go. But hail me the minute we have been cleared to return to duty, I have lots to get done before my shift ends."

"Will do K'Eytyanna. Thanks for understanding." David smiled. He watched as Lieutenant Samara turned and exited main engineering, leaving himself and the three SI engineers.

David walked over to where Harbright was laying out his tools. He was being meticulous with every piece, polishing it with great care and pride. "A fine set of tools you have there Lieutenant." David commented.

Harbright smiled, "Thank you Lieutenant. I have had them for a long time."

"Well you take excellent care of them. They should last forever with that sort of attention." David smiled, rubbing his hands together. "So, what exactly is the plan for installing this equipment?"

*****

*** Ten Forward, USS Galaxy ***

Admiral Pressman strolled into the Galaxy's lounge in a casual manner. If one looked at the man, they would probably assume he knew his way around a Galaxy Class Starship by the way he moved. But first they would have to see past the stark black uniform he was wearing. When the Admiral entered, more than a few heads turned to have a look.

"Look there." the pert blonde security officer began, "That's one of the SI guys now."

Christopher turned to glance over his shoulder at who Astrid had pointed at. When the Admiral turned to head towards the bar, they could finally see who it was.

"That's not just one of them, that is..."

"...That is Admiral Erik Pressman." Ensign Campbell finished, interrupting Ensign Salt's statement.

Astrid looked at Chris, a little surprised. "That is right, how did you know that? Do you know the Admiral?"

Chris turned back around to face Astrid. He cradled his drink in both hands, looking at the glass. "I know of him. He is one of the big wigs in Starfleet Intelligence. He was working in Special Operations I think. Someone warned me about him once."

"Warned you?" Ensign Salt asked in a lower tone while leaning closer into the table. Her duty jacket was partly unzipped, giving Campbell a pleasant view, "What do you mean?"

Chris smiled slightly, distracted by the lovely woman before him. He didn't linger though, so doubted she noticed him checking her out before his eyes met hers. "It's nothing. Forget about it." He said taking a swallow from his drink.

"Forget about it? You can't do that to me... I love gossip!" she smiled. "Please, tell me. I won't tell anyone..., I swear."

"Really it's no big deal. I was just warned that Pressman has got a short fuse and that he wasn't someone that you should cross. That's all. I never even worked with him while I was stationed at SI." Campbell explained.

Glancing at the Admiral, Ensign Salt watched while Door handed him a cup of coffee. "Well, he certainly had an attitude in the cargo bay. I think whatever your friend told you was probably right." She nodded.

Chris reached his hand forward and took Astrid's in his own, squeezing gently. "That was then, this is now. Let's not talk about it okay?"

Ensign Salt smiled warmly at Christopher.

*****

"I can't say I have ever seen a uniform like that before Admiral." The Cardassian bartender greeted.

"Special Operations." Pressman said simply.

Door gave a nod. "We don't get to see much of you folks around here on the Galaxy. Might I ask what brings you to these parts?" he said in a friendly, jovial tone like any good bartender would.

"No, you may not. Give me a cup of coffee please." Pressman pointed at the replicator.

Door smiled and gave the Admiral a nod. He was used to all types coming into Ten Forward. It seemed the higher the rank, the more they had on their minds, which made for really boring conversations.

"Here you go Admiral. Enjoy."

Pressman took the cup and let out a half grunt as a sort of 'thank you' before walking away from the bar to find a seat in the corner of the lounge. Sitting down, he took a sip of his coffee before taking out a data padd and examining it's contents.

Waiting 'till Beta Shift
By: Lieutenant Melissa Marie Boudreau
Assistant Chief Engineer

Melissa stood open-mouthed at the black uniformed officers that were pouring into engineering. One of the officers, apparently a Lieutenant of some kind quickly looked around and assessed the situation. He addressed no one in particular, speaking to the room as if he was supreme. "Everyone must clear this deck until further notice. Shut down any critical tests you are running and leave immediately."

Before Melissa could so much as blink, the rest of the engineers lined up behind Lieutenant Samara who was obviously not happy. "Excuse me?" she said.

The strangely uniformed officer didn't even have time to respond before K'Eytyanna figuratively burst. "I DON'T CARE IF YOU ARE THE POPE! No one comes into Engineering and orders everyone to leave!" Melissa decided to sit back and let her friend take care of this one. She would probably be a much more intimidating "adversary" than the young, slim Assistant Chief Engineer.

"You will stand down LIEUTENANT... or when the Admiral hears of this you will spend the entirety of this mission relieved of duty!" the black uniforme SI engineer sneered.

K'Eytyanna let out a Klingon growl. Melissa was about to step in when the Chief Engineer entered the room. She was relieved. He could solve the problem.

"It's okay Lieutenant Samara. They have clearance to be here." David confirmed.

Melissa was surprised. That wasn't at all what she expected. A few moments later, she led the rest of the engineering crew out of main engineering. Only K'Eyt didn't yet follow. Melissa smiled sympathetically. "If any of you have any repair tasks to get to anywhere else around the ship, please do so. Otherwise, take a little time off."

She figured that by the time her shift, Beta Shift, came around, the engineers would be let back into their domain. It was disturbing to have no control over the ship, knowing that someone else will have to take care of it for you. 'If David wasn't in there, I don't think I could feel safe,' she thought. Until she could go back, Melissa decided to go to Ten Forward. She could use a little friendly atmosphere.

As Melissa entered Ten Forward, she caught a glimse of another black uniform. 'Not here too,' she thought! Luckily, the officer looked like he wasn't there for anything more than some refreshments. Then Melissa noticed his rank. 'That must be the Admiral Lieutenant Harbright was speaking of.'

Melissa's curiosity was once again getting the best of her. She decided that a little "sucking up" and volunteering might be in order. She ordered a chocolate milkshake from Door and approached the Admiral, who appeared to be reading a PADD.

"Good afternoon Admiral." Pressman looked up suspiciously. "I'm Lieutenant Melissa Boudreau... Assistant Chief Engineer." Upon hearing her title, the Admiral prepared himself to be badgered by complaints about his team taking over engineering. He was about to be surprised.

"I see that you're not regular Starfleet," she said, commenting about his uniform. The Admiral didn't comment. "Well, I just thought I would let you know that if you need anything, information or help with what you're doing in engineering, I'd be glad to lend a hand." 'If only to get a chance to figure out what's going on,' she thought.

The Admiral put his PADD down on the table. "Thank you Lieutenant," he said in a sharp tone. "I'm sure my team of engineers is capable enough to complete their mission."

"Of course," Melissa replied. "I didn't mean to imply... I just meant that if you need someone that knows the Galaxy better than someone who has just 'seen the specs', you can come to me." She forced a smile.

Pressman picked up his PADD and began to read again. Obviously ending the conversation there. Melissa turned around and found her own table. 'Ouch!' she thought. 'Cool attitude there. At least he doesn't hit on me like Lt. Commander Lyle does.' She thought about the Starfleet engineer she'd had to work with when she got back from Earth. 'Now there was a real creep!'

Amelie aka
Lt. Melissa Marie Boudreau
Assistant Chief Engineer
USS Galaxy

"Haunting faces"
by Ensign Christopher I. Campbell

Total darkness. Then a face appeared in front of him. Ensign Campbell recognized that face. It was Lt. Commander Cerxes, his former CO on the Serpent.

"You can't get away, ensign." Cerxes voice was hollow. "Once an S.I., always an S.I. Not that we want you. You could hardly follow orders."

"No... No..." Chris mumbled and turned over.

As the Lt. Commander's face floated of to the left of him a new face appeared. His former friend on the Serpent, ensign Lucas Hart.

"I always new you were a quiter, Chris. Not man enough for S.I., huh?" He frowned. "You're a disgrace Chris. I'm ashamed I ever knew you!"

"No...Come back, Lucas!" Christopher moaned, tossing. "I don't want to be a disgrace, Lucas! Come back!"

A new face took Lucas Harts place. Admiral Pressman. Although Chris had never met him it was obviously his face. Pressman frowned. "Starfleet doesn't need people like you. You have NO value, what so ever."

"No... please. Give me a chance." Christopher was tossing from side to side now, cold sweat breaking out on his face and back.

"Why did you hesitate to follow orders? You're a bad officer. And a bad officer has no value for the Fleet. No value!"

"NOOOOOOO!" he screamed. "Please...."

The scream awoke Astrid. "Chris..." She mumbled, to tired to turn to him. "What's the matter."

Suddenly, all three faces were in front of him. The Lt. Commander, Lucas and Admiral Pressman. Cerxes shaking his head, Lucas giving him an angry stare and Admiral Pressman saying; "A disgrace, son. No value!"

Chris was tossing heavily now. Astrid sat up. "Chris? Chris?" She reached out and touched his arms. "Chris?" She started shaking him.

Cerxes, Lucas and Pressman reached out their arms, that suddenly came to existence in the darkness. They started shaking him. They were all saying in chorus; "No value. No value. No value. Wake up Chris and realize it. You have no value. Wake up... wake up. Wake up."

Chris sat up, suddenly awake. He was breathing heavily. Where was he?

"Are you alright?" Someone asked.

Chris jumped. Then he remebered; he was in Astrid Salt's quarters. One thing had led to another and...

"I'm fine, Astrid." Chris said calming down. "Just a bad dream, that's all. Sorry."

"No, it's ok, Chris." She said touching his shoulder. "C'mon, let's go back to sleep." She said cuddling up to him.

"Sure." He put an arm around her and lay down again. But he didn't close his eyes. He'd had enough dreams for one night. He lay there for the few hours remaining of the night listening to the breathing of the beautiful blond security officer.

"At least there's something positive happening on this ship..." He thought looking over at her face.

Crud
By Ensign Anthony Mendenhall

Everything seemed to normal on Beta shift. That is, until the SI people came in. Anthony wasn't doing anything constructive, just runing some diagnostics. He didn't notice anytihng until another engineer turned around.

Other engineers had been created a small "wall" in front of the black uniformed officers. Mendenhall had seen them once at Utopia Planitia. There had been a bomb threat and for a couple of days the construction facility had been swarming with them.

"I DON'T CARE IF YOU ARE THE POPE! No one comes into Engineering and orders everyone to leave!" Leave it to good old Klingon agression to leap into a situation. Anthony admired the nerve K'Eytyanna showed.

It wasn't until Lt. Mercury cleared everything did Mendenhall feel partially eased about the situations. Within a few minutes everyone was cleared of Main engineering.

"At least I get this shift off." Mendenhall thought about what to do in his extra free time. Since he had no social life whatsoever, and really no friends, there wasn't much to do. He had spent all of last week thinking about some haor brained idea. He thought if a very low powered shield coudl be generated around the mains ones it could detonate torpedoes premature and cause less damage. Only problem was it wasn't very economical. It took 10% of the power, but only delivered half the power the normal ones worked. If he pressed it hard enough, he might have gotten a project going, but like his grade school report card had said "does not work efficently with others."

After some thought he decided to pay a visit to ten foreward. *Heck, might as well speak to someone, haven't done that in a while.*

Apperantly, most everyone had the same idea. With all of engineering off duty, it was packed. He went up to the bar and ordered a Root Beer. He started off toward an empty table, but was intecepted by a group of Security officers. He turned around to see another table, but three specialists took it. Another table waited at his right, but yet again was foiled by some cadets.

"Rats!" He sipped his Root Beer and turned to his left. He saw the lovely lady he had pulled the replicator prank on. Then she spoke to him.

"Want to join us Ensign?" Next to her was sitting a half human/half klingon woman. She gave a cute little wink. *Crud.* Mendenhall wanted to see how his prank was going, but didn"t want any conversation. He sat down and sipped his drink again. "Ensign Mendenhall. Thanks for the invatation."

"I'm Polina, this is M'Benga, we were talking about those replicator pranks. Have any idea who did it?" *Crud* Of course he didn't have any idea of who it was, he KNEW who did it. "Nope, no idea."

"My replicator plays this annoying tune, and each time that I try to circumvent it, it starts over again. Who ever decided to pull such a lavish prank has centered his or her attention on me. Any idea how to fix it?" Polina was getting upset that he was only looking at her and not starring at any specific part of her.

*Crud.* Well or course he did. Polina seemed so nice, he felt bad. It wasn't her looks, he could control his hormones, it was that stupid thing in the back of his head that made him feel guilty for pulling it on her.

"Crud."

"What was that?" asked M'Benga.

"Yea. It's in the default settings. No matter how hard you try to go around it, it'll keep on comming up. Reinstall the software and everything will be fine. The other program that's messing up them up is switching from port to port. Should be in numbers1500-1700 right now."

"How do you know?" Polina looked at him funny. It didn't seem right to her. He was supposed to be listening to every word she spoke, not the opposite.

"I did it. I didn't have an idea of who it was, I knew who it was. Tell Lt. Cmdr Sunder and he'll think your some superbrain goddess. I mean, you are kind of cute." *CRUD!* "Well, gota check on my cat. Worst that can happen is me being demoted to cadet. Oh well, see you round." With that he casualy walked away.

Polina looked toward her empathic friend in disbelief. "He was telling the truth, right?"

She made a weird face. "I sensed he was."

Along his way to his quarters, he was mentally hitting himself. *IDIOT,IDIOT,IDIOT. CRUD,CRUD,CRUD! Of all the people I had to pull a prank on it had to be someone so nice! CRUD CRUD CRUD CRUD CRUD*

When he entered his quarters, he saw that Digit had missed the litter box.

"Crud."

"A Unexpected Return"
by Lt. Thomas
with additions by Captain Price

** Bridge **

The Galaxy had been ordered to return to Starbase 74 for some reason as ship wasn't fully tested for flight certification. Something that even in these times Starfleet adhered to strictly to ensure the safety of the crew and the ability to complete any missions given to a ship. Which raised some interesting theories why they'd been recalled so soon and the fact that the captain wouldn't be available struck Chris as odd as well. He knew that Commander Sterner was a capable officer and would have no problem being in command of any mission given to the Galaxy. He worked the reasons why the ship would be recalled to the Starbase under such circumstances and only a very few possibilities crossed his mind, none to his liking.

He maintained his position at Ops monitoring all the transporter activity and such, wondering what exactly was going on in cargo bay 2, as it seemed odd that they'd need to beam a bunch of stuff onboard. He then considered why they need to do this and added it with the other information that he'd observed so far and added in his own reason's as to why they'd been recalled and came up with a startling revelation about the limited possibilities and just what they could be and it brought back some internal thoughts. If he only knew what was down in the cargo bay, besides the Commander Sterner and Lieutenant Mercury who had been ordered to report there. He knew the transporters in the cargo bay had been used so it was just a simple matter of accessing the information that transporter records to see who had just been transporter over to the ship. He checked the transporter logs, which was easily done and nothing usual about the Ops officer checking transporter logs.

He then had to run a couple of cross referencing verifications to check on the transporter signatures, as they were as unique as anything to each humanoid. They could be duplicated, but that was tricky and wasn't advisable under any condition as the computer might just think you're suppose to be someone you're not and you'd end up looking like them anyway. Eric Pressman the logs reported after his checks against information available, then he noted something else about the information that he'd accessed, something that immediately caught his attention besides the name and the rank of Admiral. He was working with Starfleet Intelligence and in Chris' use of his knowledge about getting this information he noted something that just sent him rocking back. The coded information that the Galaxy had received now made more sense than it had at the time, something was going down and it involved the Galaxy.

Now the issue was to do with the information that he'd learned, while it was generally common knowledge and anyone could've done without causing to much hassle. However what he knew about this wasn't general knowledge as his information came from what he knew about the organization of Starfleet Intelligence and the fact that he'd been given some very classified information from his mentor Suvak. The information while not relevant to what was happening here, did have some information that with some common sense could be used to reach some other decisions. However in this case his knowledge about Pressman came from his time in Starfleet Intelligence. He debated telling Lt. Commander Casey about what he'd learned, but decided against it, for a number of reasons. He then decided he would briefly mention it to Commander Sterner if time permitted.

Admiral Eric Pressman was onboard the ship, that wasn't something that wouldn't go unnoticed by those who knew the mans reputation. He wasn't exactly a man to be trifled with, however a question that lingered in Thomas' mind was how he'd managed to get this current assignment, given what he'd learned about the man and his previous actions. Chris decided that for the sake of the crews safety someone should keep an eye on this fellow. With that he decided that he'd be the person best suited for this assignment.

*** Later ***

Chris' shift on the bridge was up and he noted before leaving his post, where the Admiral was at the moment, 10-forward. Guess I should pay my respects to Mr. Pressman, now that I am off duty. With that Lt. Thomas headed of the bridge for 10-Forward to say hello to the Admiral. He also knew a few other things were going on, and the question was why.

** 10-Forward **

Lt. Thomas entered the lounge and noticed Mr. Pressman sitting in a corner of the lounge where nobody was around him. He also noticed the uniform, not surprising after all Eric had a flair for the dramatic and this was no exception obviously. Chris Thomas wasted little time in making his way over to see the Admiral, he wanted nothing to do with him, but his time in SI and what his mentor and friends had passed along to him about certain people in or associated with SI, would make your skin claw. Pressman was one of them, for several reasons, but this didn't stop Chris from doing this, as it was something that needed to be done. Once he finished his chat with the Admiral, he'd need to contact Sterner and give him some information about the man that they were going to be dealing with.

"Admiral Eric Pressman, I presume." Lt. Thomas said.

"Yes."

"Lt. Thomas." Chris said, handing the Admiral a padd with several notations on it, that explained who he was. With that he waited to see what the Admiral's reaction and response would be.

Pressman deactivated his own padd and looked at the one Chris had handed him. After scrolling through some of the information, he lowered the padd and looked up at the Lieutenant. "So you are the one." The Admiral said in a respectful tone, "I'm sorry Lieutenant, I didn't recognize you like this..."

The Admiral paused for effect. Chris knew exactly what Pressman had meant. He was referring to not being surgically altered to look like a Klingon, K'Gar. Chris pressed his lips together slightly, forming a thin line.

"Please Lieutenant have a seat." Pressman motioned with his open hand to the adjoining chair, "Can I get you anything?"

Chris pulled out a chair and sat down carefully. "No thank you sir. I am fine."

Now Pressman put on the neutral expression and gave Lieutenant Thomas the once over. He could tell the Admiral was trying to see similarities between his true appearance and that of the Klingon K'Gar. After a moment, Pressman asked, "So Lieutenant, how is the mediocrity of serving aboard a Starship treating you?"

"It took a while to readjust and fit back in, but I have friends here now sir. At least it's honest work." Chris said evenly.

Pressman nodded, "I suppose you are right." Leaning back, the Admiral glanced around Ten Forward. There were a few people in the lounge, but none of them were paying any extraordinary attention to the Admiral. A few glances maybe at the uniform, but that was all. "So Lieutenant, I don't get the impression that this is a social visit. From what I remember from your operations file, you are typically the introverted, strong silent type. So what is it? I have a lot of things on my plate to take care of."

Chris wasn't particularly comfortable with knowing Pressman had already been familiar with his operations file. It made the Lieutenant wonder what business it would be of his? Maybe he checked out the records of every officer on board the Galaxy before taking this assignment? he wondered. "I was hoping you could tell me exactly what it is you are doing here sir?" Lieutenant Thomas said evenly. He was dead serious.

The Admiral smiled dryly, "Worried that I chose the Galaxy just as some underhanded plan to convince you to return to Intelligence Lieutenant? Don't flatter yourself." Pressman said picking up his cup of coffee by the handle, but pausing before taking a sip, "Not that we wouldn't love to have you back. You were one of our best operatives."

Chris watched the Admiral take a sip. "If not that, then why sir? You know my clearance level."

"The mission has nothing to do with you Chris. I chose the Galaxy for a number of reasons. Her recent experience in this area of space, the fact it's a Galaxy Class Starship. A few other reasons I won't go into." Pressman trailed off.

"And the fact that Captain Price is currently on leave sir? Is that one of the reasons?" Chris said in a tone that was boarder line of insubordination, though he kept his voice quiet enough not to be heard by the others. Chris was an experienced field operative, he was constantly aware of such things.

Pressman formed a small smile. "I don't know what you are talking about Lieutenant. It was my understanding that Captain Price took leave on his own accord."

"Liar." Chris hissed back without hesitation or fear of reprisal.

Leaning forward, Pressman lowered his voice while he spoke to Thomas, his eyes were scanning the room, but his words were for Chris alone, "It's better that he's gone. The man is a nuisance. Anyone that can't follow orders is a disgrace to Starfleet and has no value as a commanding officer. Not like you Chris. You have always been a good field operative that got the job done. You followed orders without question no matter what they were. We could use more men like you Chris."

Pressman leaned back in his chair after expressing his opinion of the Lieutenant. He was sincere in his admiration for Thomas. Chris got the impression that if he wanted back in to SI, all he'd have to do is say so and it would happen.

Which was the last thing he wanted.

"I'm not the same person I was then Admiral." Chris said flatly with no emotion at all.

"Of course not," Pressman smiled cradling his cup, "you are a human now!"

"That's not what I mean sir." Chris paused for a long moment. His instincts were warning him not to say anything, but his emotions got the better of him. "She's here."

"Who's here?" Pressman asked not understanding.

"Belira." Chris said evenly.

"Belira?" Pressman said with a questioning expression.

"Belira of the house of K'Gar." Chris explained.

Pressman nearly choked on his coffee. "She's on board THIS ship? How can that be?" The Admiral paused, placing his cup down and patting his mouth with the napkin before placing it back down deliberately. It appeared he was thinking of just the right thing to say before looking back at Lieutenant Thomas. "She doesn't know about you does she? About K'Gar?"

Chris nodded. "She's my wife Admiral. K'Gar married her and I am K'Gar."

"How could Price allow a Klingon civilian on board the Galaxy? Unless..." Pressman's eyes narrow, "...you told him?"

"I did sir. He knows about my assignment in the Klingon Empire, and my under cover persona of K'Gar. I had to tell him, it was the only way he would permit my wife to come on board the Galaxy." Chris explained.

"Do you realize what you've done? I could have you court marshaled for disclosing this classified information." Pressman said in a disturbed, threatening tone. Something he excelled at.

"Yes sir I know that. But I thought you should know. She is my wife. I love her sir. Isn't that worth the risk?" Chris reasoned evenly. His sincerity evident in his tone.

Pressman looked around Ten Forward again. Finally he turned to Chris. "I guess you are right Lieutenant... You are not the same man you were before. You will keep this to yourself I trust?"

"I will sir. Only Captain Price and Belira know. Even then, they don't know everything. Only what was relevant." Chris explained.

"I need to go and see Commander Sterner, Lieutenant." Pressman began to get up, "If you will excuse me, I do have a lot to accomplish in a relatively short period of time."

Chris rose to his feet as well, "I was hoping I could assist you Admiral. If you can use an extra hand..."

Pressman regarded Lieutenant Thomas. 'K'Gar' as he was more commonly referred to years earlier. The Admiral knew that Chris didn't know the whole truth about his mission with Starfleet Intelligence back then. That he was working for Suvak, who in turn got his orders from Pressman. But there was no need for Chris to know that for reasons exactly like this. No matter how much discipline or dedication field operatives have, sooner or later they talk. Invariably to a loved one as in this case. It was the reason the "need to know" methodology existed in the first place.

The Admiral was sure he didn't fully trust Chris in light of this revelation. But he also knew two other things. One, that Chris was the best under cover operative he'd ever had under his command. The other was the old adage, "keep your friends close and your enemies even closer."

"Very well Lieutenant. Tag along if you like. So long as you follow orders and keep your mouth shut, your help will be put to good use."

"Thank you Admiral. I'll do my best sir." Chris nodded then turned to walk out of Ten Forward with Admiral Pressman.