"Psycho Temper Tantrum"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara
partially quoted & paraphrased from "Clearing the way" by Cpt Price

Looking up from her console, K'Eytyanna blinked in surprise as a black uniformed officers walked into Main Enginneering with a squad of other similarily attired officers and called out,

"Everyone must clear this deck until further notice. Shut down any critical tests you are running and leave immediately."

Her Klingon side quickly snapped, { What kind of an asshole is that fool? There is no way in hell we are leaving here just on his orders, especially since I no idea who he is. }

Jumping up in anger, she stormed over to him and said, "Excuse me?"

Letting her Klingon side's anger boil over into atomic, she bellowed into the man's face as loud as she could,

"I DON'T CARE IF YOU ARE THE POPE! No one comes into Engineering and orders everyone to leave!"

Behind her, other engineers had moved into to support her. The man sneered at her and snapped,

"You will stand down LIEUTENANT... or when the Admiral hears of this you will spend the entirety of this mission relieved of duty!"

To her Klingon side's surprise, her Bajoran side mentally growled, {That's it.. this slimebag is going down!!!}

Letting out a Klingon growl, K'Eytyanna stepped forward and was about to smash the jerk's face through the bulkhead and all the way to Alpha Centauri when she saw her boss enter.

"It's okay Lieutenant Samara. They have clearance to be here." David confirmed.

Snarling angrily at the intruders, she moved back unwillingly.

"Sir, what is this all about?" K'Eytyanna asked. "Who are these men and what are they doing here?" Subconsciously, she clenched her fists very tight, keeping them ready to smash any of the black uniformed men in an instant.

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."

Crossed her arms in a defensive position, she growled again, deliberatly showing the SI people her sharp teeth. After David was able to negotiate with Harbright, the others headed out. Obviously still upset, she spoke to Lt Mercury,

"Sir, what exactly are we supposed to DO for the next couple of hours while these... PEOPLE are making modifications to OUR ship?"

"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?"

Grunting in displeasure, she replied,

"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. At that point, she turned and walked out.

As she left, she muttered,

"The next time I meet that bastard Harbright, I'm going to plaster him against a bulkhead and throw his worthless body out the nearest airlock."

Once she was outside, she smashed her fists into the nearest wall, and let out a loud angry scream. Giving the wall a kick for good measure, she headed back to Ten Forward.

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

Entering, K'Eytyanna looked around for Hunter, and then realised he was on duty at the Tac station on the bridge. She spotted Melissa talking to a man in a black SI uniform. Wisely deciding not to go over and beat the hell out of an Admiral, she headed over to the bar.

Door looked up and noticied a look of pure rage on her face.

"Lt, I hope you don't plan on attacking me again."

She shook her head, "No, I don't. If I decide to head over to that jerk in the black, hold me back for my career's sake. I'm liable to kill him at the moment, and Starfleet doesn't take kindly to that."

Smiling, he reached down and poured her a glass of Saurian brandy, handing it to her. She quickly downed it in a single gulp, and he refilled it for her.

"Try this. Do you want to talk about anything? I've noticed a few engineers on Alpha shift turning up here, and now Melissa and you. I assume you all got pushed out for awhile."

Nodding, K'Eytyanna downed the second one and replied,

"Nothing personal, but words don't help much with calming me. I'll see you around. I can't stand being in the same room with SI."

He shrugged as she turned and walked to the door. Stopping, she walked to the replicator and ordered something. As she turned towards Pressman, he saw that it looked like she was carrying a heavy duranium alloy rod, one that could easily crush a man's skull.

Gasping, he was about to head over and stop her when she turned to the door and walked out.

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

Storming in to her quarters, she dropped the rod while grabbing a vase that she kept near the doorway for emotional emergencies and sent it smashing against the far wall, enjoying the sound of it smashing.

D'Akana quickly scurried into his section, realising that K'Eytyanna was angry and wisely choosing discretion over valor.

Picking up the heavy rod, she smashed it against the bulkhead over and over until there was a large dinge in the wall and the rod was bent. Realising that her anger hadn't left much, she threw the bar across the room, where it landed on the lounge coffetable and destroyed it.

Changing quickly into some exercise gear, she spoke,

"Computer, are there any free holodecks? If there are, book one for me for an hour."

[Working.. Holodeck 3 is free and has now been booked for the next hour.]

Leaving the room in a destruction heap, she walked out as D'Akana poked his nose out into the room.

**********

Entering the blank holodeck, she ordered,

"Computer, new program K'Eytyanna-SI. Load Japanese dojo and add to program."

Quickly, the walls changed to resemble an authentic Japanese fighting hall. Smiling, she spoke,

"Now, add in five humans, uniform of Starfleet Intelligence, unarmed combat only, aggressive, hostile and arrogant bastards. Change facial likeness to randombly be that of Lt Harbright of SI, or Admiral Pressman, authorization K'Eytyanna-Alpha-Nine. Save and then run program at Level 9."

Quickly, the figures appeared with Harbright's face and charged at her. Smiling, she charged into combat and quickly started attacking with all the anger that she had directed at Harbright.

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

"Bed, Breakfast, and Afterward"
** By Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga & Ensign D'Auria **

Jack was sitting behind the desk in Be'Tran's quarters, going over the applications he had received about the team he was forming. He had a slight headache and hadn't been able to sleep, even after the hours he and Betta had spent together. Looking back at his faint reflection in the console, he kept thinking back at what had happened earlier.

{Several hours earlier}

The two lovers had gotten out of the tub and had retired to the bed. After a long, slow and passionate lovemaking session, they had snuggled into each other's arms and were now laying spoonstyle against each other. Jack kisses Be'Tran's neck, whispering softly to her.

"Tomorrow, how would you like to come to the holodeck with me? Around 1600? Dinner in a small Japanese restaurant near Tochimoto. It's beautiful there in spring. Then maybe a trip to some club. I think I can get one of those bands you like so much to perform."

Betta pushed back against Jack, purring like a satisfied kitten, "Mmmmmmm, sounds wonderful."

She suddenly turned around, wrapping her long arms and legs around him, giving him a quick kiss and looking him in the eyes.

"Jack, I was thinking, why don't we invite K'Eytyanna to come with us?"

Jack immediately became suspicious, he had learned to trust his instincts and they were sounding red alert signals now.

"Why?"

"Well, we could have a lot of fun, the three of us", she said, her voice sounding husky, letting the words trail out seductively. "Be'Tran, I do not believe that that would be a good idea. First of all, neither of us knows her very well, or how she is going to react to what I think it is you are suggesting."

Be'Tran recognized his demeanor, it was his Vulcan mindset. When he was in that mood, he could be the most stubborn person in the universe.

"Secondly, if you're proposing what I think it is you're proposing, don't count me in. I told you I don't mind if you have relationships aside from ours, but I am not that kind of person. I'm in love with you, not with anyone else. I do not need anyone else to join us. If you want to be with Lt. Samara, that is fine. I, however, will not join you."

Jack kissed her softly, reveling in the feel of her warm skin against his. "Betta, I know that nothing I've said will probably change your mind, but when you ask her, be careful of how you do it, okay? I don't want to hear that the two of you have gotten into some kind of fight to the death", he said with a wry chuckle. "Don't worry about it, Jack", she said running her fingers through his hair, smiling slightly. Be'Tran was determined to talk to Lt. Samara about this and who knows, if all went well, she might have another surprise for her lover tomorrow.

After Be'Tran had woken up, the two lovers had breakfast together in a silent but content way. Jack pulled Betta in his lap, quickly kissing her, then placing his toast against her lips. Giggling like a teenager, she took a bite, her fingers ruffling his hair. There was no need for talk, everything they were, everything they felt was visible in their eyes. Just before either of them left for their shifts, Jack took Betta into his arms, kissing her deeply, passionately as the door to her quarters slid open. He didn't care if anyone saw them. All he cared about was right there in his arms.

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

{Holodeck 3; The Next Night}

Be'Tran was swimming, nude, in the waters of a holodeck-generated Lake Elnara. Jack was late again, but Betta was getting used to it. She just hoped she wouldn't hafta go looking for him this time. She didn't feel like putting her clothing on, and some aboard the Galaxy might take a dim view of her prancing the halls nude.

There was a music program running. A strong, feminie singing voice filled the holodeck. Her name was Celine Dion, one of the most popular singers of the late 20th Century. Be'Tran had chosen it because it was romantic. She was feeling very romantic. And Jack D'Auria was late.

Jack was making his way slowly to the holodeck. As usual, he was trying not to let his emotions show, but he was feeling disgusted. Or, perhaps, disappointed was the better word. He reached the holodeck, and scanned the readout. He could see the Lake Elnara program was running, with music, and he knew Be'Tran would be inside.

Be'Tran was climbing out of the water, as D'Auria enterred. She spun quickly on one heel, and smiled, seeing her lovers face.

"Betta," said Jack, almost sternly, "You're running around naked again." then he glanced quickly around. "Where is she?"

"Who." said Be'Tran

"Lieutenant Samara." said Jack, "Did you ask her to join us?"

Be'Tran plopped her unclad form on a lounge seat near the water's edge;"Yes, I did." she answered, "But she... respectfully declined."

"Probably just as well." said Jack, and seated himself on the ground, next to Betta's chair. He looked downcast, and Be'Tran could sense he was tense. She leaned out of the chair, and began to massage his shoulders.

"What's wrong?"

Jack shook his head, but Betta crawled out of the chair and sat in front of him. She kissed him gently on the forehead, and took his face in her hands, then she kissed his lips.

"I can tell you're troubled; one-quarter-Betazoid, remember... Imzadi." she said sweetly.

Jack held her hands tightly, and kissed her long fingers. "Be'Tran," he said, "I love you."

"And I you," she said, "Now what's on that usually-logical-but-still-very-passionate mind of yours?"

"It's my project." Jack began, "I think I may have stepped on some toes here."

"Toes?"

"Yes, love. Like Lieutenant McKenzie's toes." said Jack, "That's why I thought it was for the best that K'Eytyanna didn't join us."

Be'Tran curled herself into his lap like a lonely puppy, and kissed him so hard he thought she might break a tooth (in either mouth). They fell backwards into the soft holodeck grass, then she spoke again.

"My love," she began, "Your project is a stroke of genious."

"Four-hundred-year-old genious."

"And you thought of how to apply it to 24th Century technology. Jack, I'm an engineer, as well as the one who loves you with all my heart; I know how much work it must've been for you; and still will be."

Jack sat up, with Be'Tran in his lap; "I just feel as if I'm getting stonewalled wherever I turn."

"Give it time." said Betta, "Anyone who can't see the benefits of your little gem just isn't studying all of it's facets yet. You'll see. Things have a way of working out. Like us getting together."

At that Jack took her face, and kissed it. She always seemed to know just what to say, and just how to say it. And she believed in him, even if, sometimes, he had trouble believing in himself. He loved this woman... with all his heart.

They spent hours in that holodeck; or at least it seemed like hours. They made love, and they made each other feel loved. Be'Tran fell asleep in Jack's arms, and he held her close; and spoke softly to her.

"As long as I've got you on my side, I think I can handle anything." he said; and then he realized, they hadn't missed K'Eytyanna... not one bit.

Ensign James McCloud looked up from his paper work to see his companion and loyal dog Cosmo jumping onto his desk.

"Cosmo! Get down from there ".

Surprised by his masters anger Cosmo lets out a loud bark and runs to the farthest corner of the room. Sighing James heaves himself out of his chair and walks to were the dog is laying. Seeing his master coming towards him he puts that sad puppy eye face that makes people do what ever that person wants.

" Ah.. sorry boy I didn't mean to yell at you like that. Its just that I have a lot of paper work to do today."

Cosmo lets out another yelp.

" Your right I do need a brake. I`m going to go down to the holodeck for a while you hold down the fort alright."

Cosmo acknowledges with a happy little growl.

" Now thats a nice boy" James says and rubs Cosmos fur. Cosmo loves that.

James quickly steps out of his quarters and makes his way to the turbo lift. The Turbo Lift brings James to the deck which the holodecks are located. Stepping out of the lift he makes his way to the only deck available, Holodeck 5. As James steps in he finds himself in a Klingon battle arena. Looking around he sees the very life like weapons of Klingon history hanging on the walls.

" Magnificent" James mumbles under his breathe .

" Choose your weapon" a loud voice bellows.

James looking around finds a large Bat`leth hanging on the wall to his side. James catches out of the corner of his eye a young klingon male step out from behind a rock. apparently trying to sneak up on James. Wielding the Bat`leth in his hand he swings his weapon Punchering his opponents skin. The Klingon apparently astonished yelped with pain.

"Die! " Bellows James and stabs the Klingon straight in his heart. With a surprised expression on his face the Klingon falls to the floor.

"Computer end program".

"Tour of the Shuttlebay"
By Lt.(jg) George Prince

George had stayed late at Shuttlebay 1 because he told a teacher tha he would give the students a tour of the Shuttlebay and a Shuttle. He was just setting the last safty codes in when an ensign walked in.

"George..the teacher with some students are here for the tour." The ensign said trying to sound cool. George got up from putting the last safty code in. "Ensign, next time just be yourself and everything will turn out right. You got that?" The Ensgin stood there moveing his head up and down. "Besides it is only one little rank. You willn't get fired." George said jokeing.

The teacher and the students were standing at the door to the Shuttlebay. "Hello, everyone I hope you like Shuttles. Now, come with me and I will show you what it looks like to be in a Shuttle." they walk in the Shuttlebay about 20 feet. "Here is the Shuttlebay all this does is hold the Shuttles in the ship so they don't fly. The reson we need Shuttles is so that we can go to a planet that the transporter willn't beam as down to." they moved on to the Shuttle that was sitting in the far right coner. "Each of you can step in the Shuttle and take a look around. In the front is the controls and in the back are more seats to hold more people." George walked over to the teacher as the kids looked around the Shuttle. "We are even now. You can get the kids out of here now." George said as he walked out of the Shuttlebay.

"First day of duty"
by Ensign John W. McQueen

******Outside Lt. Cmmander Sunder´s Office*****

John McQueen and Matthew Albrecht was heading toward Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder´s office. John had meet Sunder yesterday when he was reporting that he had come aboard the Galaxy. And now he will report to duty to him. They aproached Sunder´s office and John fixed his uniform. Matthew punched the keypad and then he heard Sunder´s vocie.

"Come in." The doors slide aside and John and Matthew entered the room.

"Ursa, I think you have meet our new officer. Ensign John W. McQueen." Matthew said.

"That´s correct Matthew. Hello Ensign and welcome aboard the USS Galaxy and to the security department." Sunder said and hold out his hand to McQueen. John took it.

"Thank you sir. It´s a plesure to be here."

"That´s okay Ensign. Now, Matthew here will make sure you meet your new colleages, and then he will show you to a place where you can work."

"Thank you sir."

John and Matthew went out form Sunder´s office and headed down the corridor.

{One hour later}

John sat in chear in the security department. On his desk laid a few padds whit various preports from the outher security officers.

*This is briliant! My first day as security officer, and I must do all the papper work.* He took up the next padd and began to read.

Last night he had going through diferent mesage, and he find one from an Ensgin Jack D'Auria. It was something about puting together a team for somekind of project. He turned to his computer terminal.

"Computer, display bio of Ensign Jack D'Auria." The computer answered whit a series of bips and then Jack D'Auria´s bio apered on the screen.

*Here it is. improved C-Defence defence system? Well it sounds funier than this.* He made a mesage to Jack D'Auria telling him he was intresting to join the team.

*****In McQueen´s quarters after Gamma shift*****

John was very tierd when he entered his quarters after Gamma shift had end. He went down to the replicatorin his room.

"Vulcan red wine. Year 2368. He ordered. The replicator bagan to play a most anoying tune.

"Computer, turn off my replicator." He said and the replicator stopp playing. He hit his combadge.

"McQueen to Enginnering."

"Lt. Samara her. What is it." A female voice answered.

"Have you pepole down there don´t fixed the replicators yet?" John said. He had bean informed by Lt. Albrecht about this joke some one in the crew was doing whit the replicators.

"No, but I think we will have the replicators up and working tomorrow."

"Okay, thanks. McQueen out." he ended the comunication, walked to a cabinet and took out a glass and a bottle of red human wine, and took place in one of the chears.

"Computer, play background music. Beethoven, symphony No. 5." He lean back and enjoy the music and drank his wine.

*This is a good thing to end the day whit*

"Betrayal"
by Lt. Ronni Morris
ACSO, USS Galaxy

As soon as her shift was over, Ronni decided to follow up on Miran's suggestion and talk with Tebrianne. Tebrianne was surely lonely and probably just needed a friend. Again Ronni mentally thanked Miran for her wonderful idea.

In the turbolift, Ronni asked, "Computer . . . "

[Breed Eep]

"Please locate Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft"

"Lt. Bancroft is currently in the Officer's lounge"

Ronni headed for the officer's lounge. When she got there, she noticed that Tebrianne was in the middle of a game of chess with Deiran. Refusing to let Deiran see her apologize for anything, she said against the wall with a clear view of the two. Ronni pulled out her PADD and started going over some of the reports that she needed to do. She also sent a quick message of love to Greer.

As she was working, she watched the game between Tebrianne and Deiran. Besides the game on the field ahead of them, they seemed to be playing a flirting game. Ronni had seen Deiran do this a hundred times before. What bothered her is that he hadn't done it since he married Miran. The more she watched, the more she realized that this was no longer a game. Ronni's blood started to boil.

As the two finished the game of chess, they got up and left. Apparently headed for the holodecks. Ronni followed cautiously. She didn't know why she followed them, but she really had to wanted to speak with Tebrianne. She also felt her duty to Miran.

Deiran and Tebrianne entered the holodeck. Ronni went over and checked the program that was running. It was a homemade music scenario. That relieved Ronni tremendously. Her feelings of anger subsided. "I'm just being foolish." she said to herself. She decided to wait for Tebrianne. She really wanted to apologize to her about Greer and maybe be her friend.

After almost an hour, the doors to the holodeck suddenly opened. Tebrianne was sitting there, naked and crying. Deiran rushed out, looking sad and scared. He had that sex smell about him. He was in such a hurry, that he almost ran into her. The doors to the holodeck closed immediately behind him. He was trapped between Ronni and the wall.

Ronni stepped toward him so that there was less than 2 cm between them. A look of pure hatred and betrayal filled her eyes. "You son of a bitch!" she said.

Deiran, never at a loss of words, "Ronni, let me explain . . . " he started.

Poking him in the chest, hard enough to bruise him, she growled, "I don't want to hear it. I have loved you like a brother for two and a half years now. How could you do this? How could you do this to Miran!"

He grabbed her arm and said, "Ronni, this is none of your business. This is between Miran and myself . . ."

"and apparently Tebrianne . . ." Ronni continued. She yanked her arm away from him, tears of anger and frustration filling her eyes and rolling down her cheeks.

"I'm . . . I'm sorry Ronni. I never meant for this to happen." he said dejectedly.

"Targ-shit!" Ronni spat. "You went into that holodeck knowing full well what would happen. You're a grown man. You are enough in control of yourself to keep your pecker in your pants! How could you do this to Miran and Lara?"

"Shut up! You don't know anything about it. Now leave me alone . . . ." he said. He pushed Ronni out of the way and headed for the turbolift.

Ronni let herself forward against the wall of the corridor, hot tears streaming. With a burst of frustration, she hit the wall. The alert panel shattered under her fist. Pushing herself upright, she ran to the one place she knew she would feel comfortable. Greer's arms.

Adjustments
By Ensign Anthony Mendenhall

Anthony was suprised at hpw he felt. After kicking himself tellign himself over and over again for blurting out crime, he felt almost better. Even though he could probably demoted, he really didn't feel scared or nervous.

After careful thinking and some pizza from the replicator, he made some conclusions about himself.

(1) He should have beat his stupid brother at 3D chess
(2) He shouldn't have pulled such a big prank
(3) His morale compass had an odd time to kick in
(4) He was unpradictable

After some more thought and a old 20th century caronated drink, he found the flaws. The first was his apparent stupidity. It was obvious he wouldbe traced by one of the bright crewmen onboard the Galaxy. His plans had been on an assumption that he wouldn't be caught. Mendenhall could have easily "framed" someone, but was to proud to think he would be caught.

Second, the Polina was too cute. If he had pick some cadet sercurity officer, he would be laughing right now instead of trying to evaluate his situation and himself. Actually, it wasn't becasue she was cute, it was because she was nice. Well, maybe her being cute did matter a little, but not enough to have him blab out his crime.

That reminded him about another promise he had made. His mother wanted him to go on a date. Seemed pretty simple to any normal person, but Mendenhall was far from normal. He figured he'd ask Polina. Heck, might as well shoot for the top. I mean, chances were he was going to be rejected, but he might as well try. But only ask her AFTER the stupid prank thing had blown itself out.

That left Mendenhall with only one thing to do. Wait and see what happened. Maybe the two engineers would just think him crazy and dismiss him. Who knows? This time though, he would learn from his mistakes.

"Cleaning Up"
by Tebrianne Bancroft

***

It was some time before Tebrianne could think clearly again. She'd spent the last thirty minutes berating herself for being so stupid to think that Deiran would stay with her. He had a wife and daughter to go to. She wiped away the last of her tears and rolled onto her knees.

On the floor, where she and Deiran had made love was a spot of blood. Using her underwear, Tebrianne wiped it up. The holodeck cycle might clean it up, but she didn't want to risk it. It wouldn't be good to find Romulan blood on the floor of the holodeck, it'd be too easy to trace it back to her.

Teb stood up and looked around the room. It was dark and cold. Only a half hour ago, it had been filled with the searing heat of hers and Deiran's passion. Using the underwear, she tried to clean herself up a little more. She was able to get some of the blood and other mess cleaned up from between her legs, but the sexual fluids of Deiran's first climax were still caked on her chest. She picked up her skirt and lace top and put them on. She slid into the sandals and looked around the room again. The holodecks would never quite be the same.

She started walking toward the doors. She was sore. She balled up her underwear, and tried to keep in concealed. The doors opened and Tebrianne stepped into the deserted corridor.

She quickly walked down toward the turbolifts. The wait for a lift seemed interminable, but finally one arrived. It was empty. Teb stepped inside and slumped against the back wall. "Deck 5."

The car started moving. Tebrianne's heart sank as the car came to a stop on deck 7. The doors opened and an ensign stepped into the car. He looked at her and smiled a knowing smile. Teb looked down at her feet. She could feel his eyes on her. Checking her out. Admiring her near-nakedness. Tebrianne could scream. She could feel the lustful emotions pouring off the man. It was a sickly sweet feeling that turned her stomach. Teb quickly tried to throw up one of the blocks she'd learned to shield herself from the onslaught of the man's lecherousness.

The door opened on deck five. Teb practically fell out of the turbolift and into the corridor. She quickly walked toward her quarters, nearly running as she rounded the last corner. Keying her entry code, she fell through the door into a heap on the other side.

"Teb," a voice called from the living area. "Is that you? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Tebrianne said softly, looking up to see Julia walking toward her. "What are you still doing here?"

"I thought you might want some company when you got back," she said. "Looks like I was right. You alright?"

"Yes," Teb said. "I'm doing fine. I already said that."

"Well," Jules said. "You look like a mess. What happened?"

"Nothing much," Teb lied.

"I don't believe you."

"Nothing happened, Jules. Nothing at all. Okay?"

"Okay," Jules said backing away. "Don't get so defensive. I guess I'll see you later then. Have a nice night, Tebrianne." Jules stepped over Teb towards the door.

Tebrianne sat up. "Look, Julia, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I mean, I can't really talk about it."

Julia nodded and turned back toward the door.

Teb squeezed her eyes shut as her stomach knotted up. "I had sex."

Julia stopped in her tracks and spun around. "What?? You?? I mean, you were just going out to have some fun... I didn't mean that much fun."

"One thing led to another..."

"I guess so," Julia said. "Come on into the living room and tell me all about it."

"I can't do that," Teb said. "It wouldn't be right."

"Come on, Teb," she said. "It's me. Julia. Your ex-roommate. The one that when we had a chance to see each other when we were living in the same quarters would stay up late with you and gab. So..."

Teb thought about it, and knew it would be wrong to say anything to Julia. Julia was making pleading faces and clasping her hands together.

"Alright," Teb finally said, giving in. "But you need to swear that none of this will ever leave this room."

"Promise!" Julia said as she crossed her heart.

The two women moved into the living room and sat on the couch. Teb turned to face Julia but before she could say anything, Julia cut her off. "Oh wow," she said. "I can't believe this."

"Well," Teb smiled weakly. "Believe it."

Julia got comfortable. "So, how did it start?"

"We were playing a game of chess and he was flirting with me like you wouldn't believe. We were talking about music and stuff and he asked me about the band. I started telling him about it, and all of a sudden I was telling him about all of the sex. We decided to leave and go to a holodeck to jam. He sang this really romantic song to me, and before I knew it, he was reaching to pull my shirt off. He stopped, and I put his hands back on it...and he pulled it off. I couldn't believe I did that."

"This is juicy," Jules said. "Who was it?"

"I can't tell that," Teb said.

"Come on, Tebrianne. It's not going to leave this room, right?"

Teb regarded her friend trying to figure out if she could say something. "It was Deiran Casey."

"Oh my god," Jules squealed. "You fucked Deiran Casey? THE Deiran Casey? The man that every woman I've talked to fantasizes about? You are going to be a legend, Girl. Oh my god. Isn't he married?"

Teb nodded. "That's why I can't say anything about it."

"I know," Jules said, nodding her head vigorously. "How big is he?" Teb indicated with her hands. "Oh my god. A stallion. What did you guys do?"

Teb felt her cheeks warming as her friend pried for details. "I gave him a...."

"A what?"

"I gave..." Teb looked at her sandals and then off toward the bedroom. "I sucked his..."

"Oh my god," Jules shouted. "You gave Deiran a--"

"Yes," Teb said quickly. "I did. Please don't shout, Jules. I don't want the whole ship to know about it."

"Okay," she said, crossing her heart again. "Spit or swallow, Teb?"

Teb swallowed hard, remembering the salty taste. "Swallowed the second and third times."

"And the first?"

"He...you know," she said, gesturing since she couldn't bring herself to say it. "On my chest."

"Oh, kinky." Jules squirmed in her seat trying to contain her excitement. "Did you guys do anything else kinky? Like did he--"

"No," Teb said. "That was it. I did him three times, and he did me,...down there...three times. After that, we fucked like a couple of bloody bunny rabbits."

"Bunny rabbits? Oh, Teb, you are goddess. The woman of this ship will bow at your feet."

"After that, he swore me to silence and then went back to his wife. I cried for a bit, tried to clean myself up, and came home. I lost my virginity, but I'm not sure how I feel about it."

"Did you enjoy it?"

"It was fantastic when we were there and making love," she said. "But, now it seems kind of empty. He was there with me, and then he went back to his wife."

"Well," Jules said, putting a hand on Teb's shoulder. "Maybe you should get some sleep. Let's get you in the shower and cleaned up."

"Okay," she said.

Half an hour later, Teb was sitting on the edge of her bed in a t-shirt. "Thanks, Jules. You're the best."

"That's what you've got friends for, Teb," she said, stifling a yawn. "Now, I need to get some sleep. See you tomorrow."

"G'night, Jules."

"Rebuttal"

Jack stood before the doors leading to Lt. McKenzies office. Straightening his tunic, he pressed the chime.

"Come."

Jack walked in purposefully, standing at attention in front of Lt. Hunter's desk.

"Sir, I am Ensign D'Auria."

"Ah yes, grinned Mac, The firebrand who wants to completely remodel the way we do things around here. Why don't you take a seat, Ensign?"

D'Auria sat down, keeping his back straight. Mac sat back in his chair, elbows resting on the armrests, fingers steepled.

"Sir, it has been brought to my attention that my actions have been interpreted as to be circumventing the chain of command. Also, that I am trying to change policy. I would like to apologize for the miscommunication and assure you that none of this was on my mind at the time I started my research. I did not mean to offend you in any way."

"That's quite alright, Mr. D'Auria. I've read your preliminary work. It's good, but not quite what we want here. You might want to think about sending it to the ASDB, though. I'm sure they would consider it. You did get my memo, didn't you." Mac asked.

"Yes, sir I did. I would like to discuss it and give you an in-depth review of my designs. I'm sure you will see that it is not what you think. As I told Lt. Erikson, this project can only work if all departments are involved."

Mac nodded, "Very well, Ensign. Proceed."

Jack handed over the PADD he was carrying before replying.

"As your first point, you mentioned the First Contact doctrine. We, the Galaxy, are not flying to uncharted regions of space. We are supposed to patrol the shipping lanes near the border with Cardassia, a world we're at war with. The chance of running into a new race in this sector is approximately 1,365,879.375 to 1. I submit that in such a case, the First Contact doctrine does not apply. Until such a time a treaty is signed or either side has been defeated, the First Contact procedure is moot, due to the fact that we will be actively scanning every particle in the sector to make sure no enemy ships get by us. To not do so, would be illogical and could cost a heavy toll."

Mac shook his head slightly as he listened. He couldn't believe what he had just heard from the Ensign.

"Mr. D'Auria, The First Contact doctrine and its associated texts, including the Prime Directive, are always in effect. I'm sure you are well aware of the number of documented first contact scenarios that have been documented even in so-called explored sectors. I mention Q as just one, But I'll concede that point for now. Please continue."

"As your second point, you stated that the TacOps center does most of the work that I have outlined. That is essentially a correct statement, Sir. However, one officer at the Tactical station on the bridge is not enough, in my opinion. I shall explain. The TacOps center gathers, compiles and sends the data to the bridge officer. He in turn has to quickly sort through a large amount of data, regarding offensive and defensive nature, while keeping an eye on sensors and a myriad of other tasks. It is easy to get distracted for a fraction of a second, especially in a combat situation."

Mac mentally restrained himself as he listened to the Ensign talk about the shortcomings of the Tactical officers, his tactical officers. He withheld his response as the Ensign continued.

"I would like to combine my answer to your last two points, sir and begin by asking you a question."

"Which would be, Ensign?"

"When in combat with multiple opponents, the current incarnation of the C-Defense fires at their weapons array when detected, correct?"

"No, The C-Defense is not a separate entity from the normal systems, merely an additional defensive subroutine. As with all the weaponry, the system will establish the most viable targeting solution unless overridden by the operator, based on the current alert status, of course. Currently only the 5 secondary phaser strips are tied directly to the C-defense. The two primary strips are used for Primary targeting, as they give us a 300 degree firing arc.

"During that time, the phaser ring that is firing at the weapons array of the enemy is not able to engage the larger targets, namely the ships, is that also correct?"

"Correct again, Ensign. But as I stated with the 5 strips located on the secondary hull we have more than ample firepower to disable most systems."

"Sir, during Commodore Soltak's Elementary Tactics and Maneuvers class, the one thing he kept hammering into our heads was to take advantage of the enemy's weakness. The Galaxy's C-Defense is an asset, but also a weakness."

"I disagree with you, ensign. I believe that during our last encounter, the current setup has proved its efficiency."

"I do not disagree with that, sir, I am only interested in making the setup better."

Hunter sat forward in his chair, " What was your position with the Fifth", asked Mac.

"Operations", replied DAuria

"Operations", repeated Mac, "Then you do not have the experience to tell me what my trained Tactical officers are able to accomplish on the bridge. My section doesn't heal people, it doesn't secure the hallways, Hell, it doesn't make sure that the engines work and it sure as Hell doesn't tell, in scientific terms, what color the inside of a Targ's ass is. My men and I are tactical officers. We make sure that the Captain of this ship has the best plans to available to resolve a possibly hostile situation. That means engaging an enemy. But it also means knowing when to run. Its not the hardware that wins an engagement, its the bioware. If it wasn't then we would be replaced by Tactical computers. Your problem, Ensign, is that you confuse knowledge with experience. Being in a War is a whole lot different than being in a battle."

"I understand, Sir and….."

Hunter held up his hand, silencing D'Auria as he continued, "As I stated in my memo to you, the Galaxy is not a warship. It is not designed for that. It would be dangerous to think that just by adding extra weapons or personnel or another computer or two that it immediately becomes a solution to any problem. As of right now, I feel that you fail to grasp the mission of the Galaxy and/or her capabilities. To that end I will not be assigning a member of my section to the design team until such time as there is a viable thesis , that is more viable to the Galaxy. It is my recommendation that you stick to the scientific aspects of the Galaxy and leave the Tactical ones to those that have the experience and training to handle them. That is all, Ensign. Dismissed."

Jack stood up, inclining his head towards the lieutenant, "Yes, sir, Thank you for your time", turned around and walked out. Mac tossed the PADD the ensign had handed him to the desk and sighed.

"I need a drink. He added as he stood and strode purposefully through the door.

Galaxy "Ten Forward"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
Chief Medical Officer

I sat in my office for a short time wondering about the next step. I looked at the blank cream wall of my office and I knew I needed out! I got up from my desk and chucked the Data PADD onto it. I walked out of my office and Sickbay and headed to the Turbolift, I entered the Turbolift and told the Computer I wanted Ten Forward!

After a short time the Turbolift stopped and I walked into Ten Forward, I found a dark and secluded spot in one of the Far corners. I sat down and within seconds a waiter was beside me.

["Excuse me ma'am! Would you like a drink?"]

I turned to look at him.

"Yes please, I will have a Bajoran Coffee."

the waiter walked off and I turned back to look at the stars!

"Destruction Comes"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
w/excerpts from "Betrayal" by Lt. Ronni Morris

The holodeck doors opened, Deiran exited quickly, looking from side to side. When he looked in front of him he was met by Ronni Morris. His eyes were still red from the tears he had shed and was still shedding. The pain inside him was unbearable. It would have been less painful to get his leg cut off at the knee.

Sharp, intense pains shot through his system. His muscles were tense. Why did I do this? How could I have just screwed up my life. How can I have feelings for Teb *and* Miran? I would choose Miran without a second thought. Will she have me now? Why would she? And then he broke down again.

No one would understand what happened, he knew that. He didn’t even know how he had allowed himself to make the biggest mistake in his life. "Oh my God, of all times to run into her!" he swore to himself. Fear was advertising itself on his face and a sign of ‘guilty’ was painted red on his forehead. Or so Deiran thought.

Ronni stepped toward him so that there was less than 2 cm between them. A look of pure hatred and betrayal filled her eyes. "You son of a bitch!" she said.

Deiran, never at a loss for words, "Ronni, let me explain . . . " he started, tears streaming down his face which she didn’t seem to notice.

Poking him in the chest, hard enough to bruise him, she growled, "I don't want to hear it. I have loved you like a brother for two and a half years now. How could you do this? How could you do this to Miran!"

Ronni continued. She yanked her arm away from him, tears of anger and frustration filling her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. Deiran cried out to her.

"I'm . . . I'm sorry Ronni. I never meant for this to happen. I don’t even know how it happened," he said dejectedly, confused, his remorse clearly shown.

"Targ-shit!" Ronni spat. "You went into that holodeck knowing full well what would happen. You're a grown man. You are enough in control of yourself to keep your pecker in your pants! How could you do this to Miran and Lara?"

She was right, Deiran Casey should have the strength to control his pecker, he thought. If I can command a Starship under impossible odds I should be able to keep my privates in my pants under impossible odds. "You don't know anything about it. Now leave me alone . . . ." he said, his face red with tears. He pushed Ronni out of the way and headed for the turbolift.

No one saw him all the way back to his quarters.

As he hurriedly, almost running, back to his quarters he inquired for Miran’s whereabouts. [Casey Ti- Miran is in holodeck 4.]

Tell her nothing, if she finds out I’ll just deny everything. She’ll trust me. She has too. I’ll never do it again. I love her, I love her with all my heart. Common Casey, land on your feet! You get out of jams all the time, you can get out of this one. He took his wrist and wiped tears from his eyes. He wouldn’t get out of this one. Ronni knew. How long could Tebrianne stay quiet?

The odds were against him he knew it. Deiran tapped his comm-badge. "Miran? When will you be home?" he asked, a bit rough, but not rude.

[I’m landing my plane now hon, I’ll be home in ten minutes.] She said, her voice happy. She was definitely not aware of what just transpired between him and Ronni…yet.

The door of his quarters opened. "Take your time Miran, I was just wondering. I only have five hours till Alpha shift. D’tarna is watching Lara, I’m going to bed ok? Good night, see you tomorrow."

Deiran was abrupt, the guilt clearly getting to him. He said a quick hello to D’tarna, but never looked her straight in the eye. "I’m going to take a quick shower and go to bed. Thanks for watching Lara," he said as he hurried into the bathroom.

Bellen knew something was wrong but said nothing. Deiran was abrupt, distant. His words gruff, quick and his tone low.

Deiran turned on the sonic shower. Undressed and stepped inside. He looked at himself. And the pain was just too much to hold off any longer. It was like he could feel the pain Miran would feel when she found out. And it flowed down upon him like a dark eclipse. He fell to his knees and banged his head against the tile.

I have to get rid of this guilt! I can’t live like this. What was really scary was that it’d only been an hour since he left Tebrianne. And he already felt sick. Sick of himself, sick of his feelings, sick of the guilt. Sick of the whole situation.

He half wished that a Q would appear and offer to return things back as they were before in return for his life. I’d rather die than face Miran with this, he thought.

He finished his shower. The smell of his lovemaking with Teb washed off thoroughly. He put on his pajamas and started for the bed. He didn’t even look at Lara. The little girl reached out to her daddy for attention. Bellen noticed he didn’t even look at Lara. She knew that just being plain tired, he would give her a piggy back ride. But, he didn’t even look at her. Bellen also noticed he didn’t look at her either. Bellen could feel the tremendous pain inside him. It almost consumed her mind it was so strong. She had to sit down it overwhelmed her with such force. "Deiran…" she called out. He ignored her.

Deiran got into bed and tossed and turned for the rest of the night. Sleep was an impossible dream.

"Hook, Line and Sinker"
by Lieutenant (JG) Xavier Bishop
Security
USS Galaxy

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

Ten Forward was a flurry of activity as Xavier walked through the massive wooden doors leading into the lounge. Stopping just inside the doors, Xavier began to tap the PADD he was holding in his hand against his thigh as he scanned the room. *Ah, there they are.* Xavier navigated the crowd of gathered starfleet personel making his way to a table occupied by three Starfleet Officers: George Prince, Matthew Albrecht, and Numa Taurean. "All of Engineering must be in here." stated the Andorian Officer as he approached his friends.

"Considering they were run out of Engineering, that would be my guess too." replied Numa.

"Run out?" asked Xavier dropping his PADD onto the table and plopping himself down into an empty chair reserved for him.

"You mean you haven't heard?" questioned Matthew.

"Heard what?" countered Xavier.

George interjected. "We took on some SI Officers," he paused slightly as he hooked a thumb in the direction of Admiral Pressman's table, " and they ran our people out of engineering."

"Yeah." agreed Numa. "I heard they were installing sensitive equipment for use in some sort of mission."

"Took over Cargo Bay 2, also." added Matt.

"I wonder what they're up to?" asked Xavier to no one in particular.

"I know." stated Numa.

George, Matthew and Xavier all turned to face the serious Benzite officer. She leaned forward across the table and peered over her shoulder toward where Admiral Pressman was seated with Lieutenant Thomas in the back corner of Ten Forward. Then, turning back to her gathered friends, whispered conspirotously, "I heard the Cardassian's had some sort of secret weapon they were going to unleash against the Klingon Empire." She looked around the table at her gathered friends.

"I wonder if they got hold of some of those genetically altered Klingons." querried Xavier.

"No. Something much worse." confided Numa as she looked over her shoulder toward Admiral Pressman again. She turned back to the table and lifted her drink to her tendrilled mouth draining the beverage in one gulp.

"Yeah. So gone on." urged George after Numa sat back in her chair and lapsed into silence.

Matthew leaned closer into the table. "Well?"

"C'mon Numa. Spit it out." demanded Xavier. "You've told us this much."

"No, I really shouldn't. Besides, it was all just second hand scuttlebut." replied the wary Benzite. She looked into the apprehensive faces of her friends. After a moment of thought, her decission was made. "Oh, allright. Tribbles."

"Tribbles?" questioned George, Matt, and Xavier in unison.

"Tribbles." Numa brought an index finger up to her smiling lips, "Shhhhh. Hush, hush top secret stuff gentlemen." But the charade was over. Numa burst into laughter as she stared into the confused faces of her three friends. "Hook, line and sinker."

After a few moments George, Matt, and Xavier joined Numa in laughter.

Noting the time, Xavier picked up his PADD and pushed himself up from the table. "Well, it has been a pleasure being the butt end of a joke. But, I have some reports to file. So, if you will excuse me, I will see you," he turned to Numa and then George and Matthew, "lady and gentlemen in a couple of hours on the holodeck for our date with Pink Pigs and Klingons."

***** Deck 38, Corridor *****

The turbolift glided to a smooth stop and the doors swished silently aside. Xavier, who had been engrossed with the contents of his PADD, looked up and stepped into the familiar corridor of Deck 38. *Just like Matt said.* A little way down the corridor, two black uniformed SI Officers were standing to either side of Cargo Bay 2: a Bolian and an Andorian. *Tribbles.* Xavier chuckled and returned to his reading as he stepped off in the direction of the SecOps Center. However, as Xavier came abreast of the SI Officers guarding Cargo Bay 2, the Bolian guard thrust his leg out in front of Xavier who in turn immediatley tripped over it.

"WATCH WHERE YOUR GOING!!" Bellowed the Bolian SI Officer as Xavier staggered to regain his footing.

After performing his 'shuffle dance' for the amused SI Officers and regaining his footing, Xavier spun around and glared into the Bolians face. A hideous scar slashed down and across his left eye curving around his cheek toward the corner of his mouth. The eye which the scar bisected was a single white, seemingly lifeless, orb. Xavier smiled. *I know this man.* "I'll be a Son of a Bitch. Is that you Dehv'ott?"

A ferol grin split across the Bolian's marred face as he dropped a hand away from his phaser rifle and thrust it toward Xavier. "The one and only." he said as Xavier clasped his friends arm in a powerful warriors shake. "And, it's Lieutenant Dehv'ott to you, you piece of Lieutenant Junior Grade shit." laughed Dehv'ott.

Xavier laughed too. "So, what brings you SI types onto my ship?"

"Well Lieutenant," interjected a sultry voice, "we could tell you. But then, Lieutenant Dehv'ott here would be forced to kill you."

"Him?" Xavier turned and faced the Andorian SI Officer. *Whoa!! How could I not have noticed this sweet treat like her.* He laughed as he looked from the pretty smiling Andorian woman to his old Starfleet Academy Room Mate and friend. "Guess you didn't tell her, huh Lieutenant." Xavier emphasized Dehv'ott's rank.

"Tell me what, sir?" asked the Andorian SI Officer of Lieutenant Dehv'ott.

"Fuck you, Xaev." swore Dehv'ott.

"Go ahead Lieutenant, sir." laughed Xavier. "Tell her. I'm sure Lietenant...." he turned toward the Andorian woman. *Mercy! I love the way her lavender eyes sparkle.*

"Tavia." filled in the smiling woman.

"Tavia," continued Xavier, "would like to know how you kicked 'my' ass all over the Academy Campus." Xavier winked at Lieutenant Tavia. "As for me, I have to get to work." Xavier turned on his heals and proceeded to the SecOps Center.

"That was a sucker punch and you know it you little shit!" roared Dehv'ott as Xavier continued down the hallway.

"Yeah, yeah. Any time, any place Lieutenant." called back Xavier.

***** SecOps Center *****

Xavier stepped through the doors to the SecOps Center with a huge grin plastered on his face. "Hello Jaqui." said Xavier to the beuatiful Napean/Human Officer manning the central console.

Jaqui looked up from her work station and smiled. "Hello, Xaev."

"Hey Bishop, how's it going?" asked Lieutenant (jg) James Chen as he turned from the phaser locker. Situated on the work station next to him was a fully dismantled weapon which James was currently cleaning and inspecting.

"Doing fine, Chen. Just ran into an old Acedemy friend of mine in the hallway." answered Xavier. Both Jacqui and James looked at Xavier.

"No." stated Jacqui.

"You mean you know one of those guys?" querried James at the same time Jaqui voiced her statement.

"So, what are they doing here?" urged Ensign Jacqui Mancinni.

"Ready for the holo-exercise?" rumbled a deep unmistakable voice.

"Commander." Xavier turned toward the sound of Ursa's voice. "I thought you would be sleeping."

A knowing smile spread across the Commanders bearded face. "I wouldn't miss it for the world Mr. Bishop." He was referring to the holoprogram entitled Pink Pigs and Klingons.

Xavier smiled. *Neither would I.* "Yes, sir."

"He was just about to tell us why SI is here, sir." stated James from across the room.

"Yeah. His ex-roomie from the Academy is one of those SI Officers." added Jacqui.

"Well." began Xavier as he looked behind him to make sure the doors to SecOps were closed. Seeing that they were, he turned back to his companions and in a low conspiritous voice began his story. "My friend in SI was telling me that the Cardies have a secret weapon."

***** Deck 38 Corridor *****

"Sir, your not supposed to go in there." insisted the petite asian officer as she chased after Lieutenant Commander Cassidy Lyle.

"Nonsense, Ensign Okuda." stated Lyle matter of factly as he walked briskly down the corridor past Lieutenant Commander Sunder's office. "We can't get our work done till we have those parts now can we."

"But, sir." pleaded the pretty engineering officer.

Lyle silenced her with a raised hand and, wagging his index finger in her face, continued as if speaking to a young ignorant child. "Ta ta my deer lovely lady. I am a Commander in Star Fleet. You are about to see the privelages of rank at work."

Rounding the corner to Cargo Bay 2, Lieutenant Commander Cassidy Lyle marched purposefuly up to the doors and, ignoring the two SI guards, prepared to walk through. But, a tall, yet somewhat stocky Bolian stepped up and barked an order at the trollish Commander.

"Sorry, sir. This bay is secured."

Lieutenant Commander Lyle hurumphed and looked at the man barring his path. Lyle gazed into the Bolians face taking note of the hideous scar that marred the man's otherwise handsome features. The next thing Lyle noted were the gold Lieutenants pips on his black collar. His lips curled up in a hideous gesture of a smile. "I am Commander Lyle and you will step aside Lieutenant. That is an order."

"Sorry, sir." repeated the Bolian guard.

"Yes, so you've said." sighed the Commander. "Now step aside or be prepared to face charges of insubordination." Lyle's eyes flashed threateningly as he stared into Lieutenant Dehv'ott's scarred face. The Bolian remained where he was.

"Sorry, sir. Orders." replied Lieutenant Dehv'ott.

*I can't believe this. No one on this ship respects rank.* thought Lyle to himself. *This is embarassing.* He glanced over his shoulder toward Ensign Kimi Okuda. *She must think me some fluzy of a fop. I have to do something.*

"Sir." began Ensign Okuda.

"I said move, you neandrathol!" Commander Lyle grabbed hold of the Bolians shoulders as he thrust him aside. *Why is he smiling?* The Commander yelped at the painful impact which exploded across his shoulders. The next thing he knew he was sprawled on the deck in front of the Bolian guard. Lyle lost all control. Angrily, he pushed himself up from the deck and took a swing at Dehv'ott's face while shouting angrily, "You are under arres...." However, Lyles threat came to an abrupt sputtering halt as the wind was forcibly knocked from his lungs by a starfleet issue boot.

At the same moment, Ensign Okuda, wittnessing the attack by Lyle, stumbled back and slapped her com badge. "Security to Cargo Bay 2."

Lieutenant Commander Lyle found himself airborn as he was propelled into the bulkhead before sliding to a seated posture on the deck. He gasped painfully for breath while at the same time his eyes settled on the phaser that was pointed toward his head.

"You...you...," sputtered the terrified Lieutenant Commander Lyle, "You can't do this."

"Yes. I can, sir." stated Lieutenant Dehv'ott matter of factly.

***** SecOps Center *****

"Hook, line and sinker." laughed Xavier.

Kimi Okuda's terrified voice squawked over the SecOps com channel. "Security to Cargo Bay 2."

"What the Hell?!" began Chen.

"Let's go!!" commanded Ursa, grabbing a rifle from the wall locker.

Xavier, Chen and Mancinni each grabbed a rifle and raced down the corridor after their Commander. As Xavier rounded the corner, he saw his old Academy friend standing over the prone form of Lieutenant Commander Lyle. Off to the side Ensign Okuda and Lieutenant (jg) Tavia were talking.

"What is the meaning of this?" inquired Ursa in his deep commanding voice.

"Sir." Lieutenant Dehv'ott came to attention in front of Commander Ursa. "This man," he looked down at Lyle, "attempted to force his way into a secured area."

Lyle, seeing the commanding figure of Ursa, mustered up some courage and, pulling himself to his feet, pointed toward the scar faced Bolian. "Nonsense!" He turned to Commander Sunder. "I want this man arrested."

Ursa turned toward Lyle. "We'll get to that Commander." The large SecChief turned to Xavier and Chen. "Bishop. Chen. Escort Commander Lyle to SecOps and take his statement. Mancini. Take care of Ensign Okuda."

"Yes, sir." chimed all three security officers.

Ursa turned back to Lietenant Dehv'ott. "Now tell me what happened here, Lieutenant."

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

Chen's shift had proven relatively boring and his mind kept falling back to Brady and Lex. He went to Ten-Forward and saw Nilani sitting in a corner in the back. Chen went to the bar and got a glass of iced tea with mint leaves and walked over. He pointed at the chair across from her. "This seat taken?"

Nilani looked up and smiled politely. "No. Go ahead."

He sat down and looked at his drink. "James."

He looked up at Nilani. She looked concerned. "What's wrong?"

Chen sighed. He guessed that the reason he came here was to talk. He had to get this off his chest at some point. He liked Nilani and he had sat down. "I've been having some problems."

"Like what?"

"Well, it all started with this medal."

"Oh, the medal. I forgot to send a letter of congratulation. What started with it?"

Chen shrugged. "Well, it's just that me and Brady, the other guy that won the medal, don't exactly see eye-to-eye anymore. I mean before, we were best friends. It was always him and Lucas and me. The Three Musketeers they called us."

Nilani frowned. "Friends drift apart, James. It's a hard fact to accept, but we all change."

Chen nodded. He knew all about change. "To make matters worse, he's started to see alot of Lex. I mean, they really seem to be hitting it off."

Nilani smiled. "Ah. Jealousy. That can ruin a person's day quick. Besides, so what if he's seeing Lex? I thought you were just good friends."

Chen nodded. "Well, we are. But...I don't know. It's difficult to explain."

"You want to make things a little more serious?"

"No. Maybe. Hell, I don't know. Things have just happened so fast that I don't know what's going on."

Nilani clicked her tongue. "Confusion and jealousy. Why don't you just talk to Lex?"

"Because we're not exactly getting along great, either."

Nilani leaned forward. "You know how it sounds to me?" Chen shook his head. "Like maybe you need to swallow your pride and talk to her. If you don't want to fix things...Maybe you should stop and examine whether you really want that relationship. Friends or otherwise."

Chen looked up and studied Nilani. He looked at her in a whole new light. "I never knew that you were such an expert on relationships." Her eyes twinkled as she smiled at him.

"Then you should start paying attention. There's alot I can do."

Chen smiled back. "Thanks, doc." He stood up and walked out of Ten-Forward.

***Chen's Quarters***

Nilani was right. He had to fix things. He had to talk to Lex. But first, he needed a plan of action. He laid down on his bed and closed his eyes. He fell away slowly, thinking of what to do.

Then, he was standing in the corridors of an Excelsior Class ship and he immediately knew where he was. The Honorable.

He shook his head. "No. Not again." *Yessss*

He spun to face the voice and saw Ensign Jorge Gutierrez. He was bleeding from a wound in his side and a bad burn scarred his face. There was also a phaser burn on his chest. Where Chen had shot him nine years before. *You killed me, James.*

Chen shook his head and swallowed. "It was merciful. You were dying. It was all I could do!"

*What about me?*

Chen spun and faced the other voice. Lieutenant Rachel Mason. Her eyes bulged out of the sockets and her lips were blue. *Did I have to die?* The words came without her opening her mouth.

Chen stepped back. "What we did, we had to do. The ship would have been assimilated."

*You killed me!*

All of a sudden, he was surrounded by dozens of people, dozens of dead faces. Faces that shouldn't be staring at him. Into him. They kept walking towards him and he couldn't escape. "No!" He screamed. "I did what had to be done! WE DID WHAT WE HAD TO!"

He shot up quickly in bed, sweat dripping from his face. The dreams had started again. And he knew what caused it. Brady.

"Tears"
by Lt. Ronni Morris
ACSO, USS Galaxy

Greer was going over some additional reports and was getting some additional information for the visiting Admiral. The information he was asking for was obscure and seemingly unrelated. Security was high on this.

As he was adding in some notes, Ronni came running into the lab. "Ronni, what is . . . .Oofff!" he said as she ran up to him. Tears were streaming down her face.

Sinking to the floor next to Greer, Ronni put her head in his lap. He let her cry herself out, only gentle running his hand through her hair, trying to soothe her. When the tears finally stopped, Greer said, "What to talk about it?"

"I hate him! How could he?" she said vehemently.

"Who? What happened?" he asked. Ronni was never this emotional.

"I . . . .I can't say. . . . ." she said, suddenly halting.

"Why? I someone has done something to you . . ." he said getting upset.

"No. It's nothing like that. A friend of mine is going to be devastated when she finds out, and there is nothing I can do about it. Whether or not

I say something, she'll be hurt. No, he's right. It's none of my business." she said standing up and turning away from Greer.

He came up behind her and turned her toward him. He took her chin in his hand and brought it toward him. They kissed briefly and embraced. Ronni hugged Greer and wiped the tears out of her eyes.

"I'm sorry Greer. This whole thing really stinks." she said.

Suddenly the doors to the lab opened up. AC came in and said, "Is it true?"

Lt. Ronni Morris
Asst. Chief of Science, USS Galaxy

A little Drink
Counselor Daniels

Ensign Daniels wondered into Ten Forward and ordered a Jovian Sunspot, he sat at the bar for awhile, alone and feeling a little awkward.

Finally he picked up his glass and skimmed the room for someone to sit with. He spotted a tall Bajoran female sitting alone in the far corner.

Approaching her he asked some what sheepishly, "Mind if I sit down?"

"Blowouts"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Admiral Pressman and Lieutenant Thomas stepped out of the turbo lift and onto the Bridge.

Ensign Numa Taruean glanced over from Science station two. She had been running tests there when the lean Benzite saw the Admiral enter. She instinctively straightened up like a first year cadet and called out, "Admiral on the bridge!" Which caused tensions to immediately rise throughout the command crew.

Pressman just smiled wryly at the reactions, enjoying the prestige of his position. "As you were." He started, walking to the Captain's ready room with Lieutenant Thomas in tow, "Is Commander Sterner in the Captain's office?" he pointed.

Lieutenant' Sullax nodded from the Captain's chair. "Yes sir, the Commander is in there." the Romulan confirmed.

Pressman didn't bother thanking Ryak, instead just setting his jaw and barging into the ready room. Lieutenant Thomas followed and the doors swooshed closed.

"Admiral, can I help you sir?" Joerg glanced up from the desk and noticed Chris was with Pressman.

"I thought we could go over a few things before our arrival at the Cardassian boarder in six hours." Pressman explained glancing at the padds he was holding before picking one out and sliding it to the Commander.

"What is this sir?" Joerg asked glancing at the padd.

"Some changes in the duty assignments I'd like to have made when this mission gets underway." Pressman said matter of factly.

Joerg glanced at the list. The Admiral had rearranged almost every schedule for every department. Shifting people from gamma shift to beta, alpha to gamma, and beta back to alpha. It was difficult to figure out exactly who came from where. "Admiral, Captain Price normally lets the Department heads schedule their staff within their respective departments. Don't you think it would be better..."

"I'm not interested in what Captain Price does Commander. My job is to make sure this mission succeeds. To do that, I want the best people available at their posts when we proceed." The Admiral brow beat Sterner. His tone was firm.

"But sir, this will have a very disorienting effect on..." Joerg tried to explain but was interrupted by an incoming hail that seemed to annoy Admiral Pressman even further. Pressman glanced at Lieutenant Thomas who stood by silently and took everything in. "Excuse me Admiral." Joerg apologized and tapped his comm badge. "Sterner here, go ahead."

["Commander, we have a situation down here near Cargo Bay 2. Security has been dispatched."]

"Cargo bay 2?!" Admiral Pressman questioned, "What sort of situation?"

Joerg scowled his eyebrows at the Admiral for interrupting, "What sort of a situation?" he repeated into his comm badge.

["One of the Special Ops officers attacked Lieutenant Commander Lyle when he tried to enter the cargo bay to get some supplies. Lieutenant Commander Sunder from Security is handling it personally."]

"Don't your people know what 'off limits' means Commander?" Admiral Pressman jabbed.

Again Joerg just gave the Admiral a glance. "Be sure to have Ursa give me a full report soon as he has one. Sterner out." With a sharp snap of his finger, Joerg closed the channel and rose to his feet. The six foot three inch First officer towered over Pressman, even with his hands pressed against the Captain's desk while he leaned forward to address the Admiral.

"Security has the situation under control Admiral. And for the record, Lieutenant Commander Kyle is not one of my people. He's an engineer from Starbase 74 who was on board to help recertify the Galaxy fit for duty,... before we were recalled and Starfleet Intelligence came on board."

Pressman stepped closer to where Sterner was leaning over the desk. "You are on the boarder line of being insubordinate Commander. I won't tolerate officers that do not respect the chain of command." Pressman hissed in an implied threat.

Joerg straightened up, pulling back from his intimidating posture. A long moment of tense silence past before he looked over to Lieutenant Thomas and asked, "What are you doing here Chris?"

Thomas went to respond but Admiral Pressman jumped in. "The Lieutenant is going to be assisting me during the course of the mission COMMANDER. See to it that his duties, and that of the other officers on that padd, are rearranged. Are we on schedule to meet at the rendezvous point on time?"

Joerg was not happy at taking the Admiral's orders, but realized there was nothing he could really do about it. "We will be there, on time Admiral." Sterner said flatly.

"Good. I have some things to check on before I go to my quarters to get some rest. Be sure to contact me BEFORE we arrive at the rendezvous point. I want to be on the bridge when we arrive." Pressman commanded sharply.

"Yes Sir!" Joerg declared back, a hint of sarcasm seeping into the forced enthusiasm.

Pressman's eyes narrowed momentarily, but he didn't bother to say anything about it. "Come on Lieutenant, Let's see how things are proceeding in engineering."

Pressman turned to leave. Lieutenant Thomas paused for a moment to let the Admiral lead the way, something the Admiral seemed to excel at. Before doing an about face to follow Pressman, Chris saw Commander Sterner glance at him. Chris made a small Mona Lisa smile and winked at the Galaxy's First Officer and acting Captain before turning to catch up with Pressman.

Joerg sat back down behind the Captain's desk and sighed. "How do you put up with all of this Captain?" he asked of the empty room.

*****

*** Main Engineering ***

Lieutenant Mercury was working with the black uniformed Starfleet Intelligence engineers to install the mysterious device they had brought on board. David had guessed that it was some sort of high tech, state of the art spying equipment, meant to enhance the Galaxy's sensors to spy on the Cardassians across the boarder. But now that they were installing the equipment, he could tell that it was not any sort of sensor grid.

"Why are you hooking that into the main power grid like that?" the Chief Engineer asked, "How much power can this little thing use?"

Harbright smiled. "You'd be surprised Lieutenant."

"Call me David." Mercury said in a friendly tone, handing another coupling spreader to the SI engineer.

"Ken." Harbright replied with a nod.

David smiled. "So Ken, what exactly does this 'little black box' do anyway?"

The two engineers were busy working on the unit when Admiral Pressman and Lieutenant Thomas came walking into main engineering.

"How is it going?" Pressman said pointedly.

David noticed Harbright tighten up, like he was nervous or intimidated. "Everything is going fine sir. We should have the device on-line in a few hours."

"Good." Pressman replied, not being too interested in the details. "I'm going to get some rest before our rendezvous with the other ship. Inform me if you run into any difficulties that would jeopardize the mission."

"Will do Admiral." Harbright responded.

Pressman gave a slight nod and then turned to leave. Chris grabbed his arm to stop him. "Admiral, if you are going to be getting some rest, I'd like to remain here."

Pressman glanced at Thomas. "You should get some rest too Lieutenant. I know you just came off a duty shift not too long ago."

"I'm fine sir. I'd like to remain here and familiarize myself with this new equipment if it's okay." Chris explained.

"Suit yourself. I'll be in my quarters if I am needed." Pressman agreed, then turned and exited engineering.

David glanced over at Lieutenant Thomas. "How did you manage to allow Pressman to let you into engineering Chris? He ordered that the rest of the engineering staff be cleared from the deck while this unit was installed. Why did he let you in?""

"It's a long story Chief." Chris explained, "I think it has to do with my former Intelligence status and clearance."

"Well, welcome to the team." David greeted with a smile.

"Have you discovered what exactly this thing does yet Chief?" Thomas asked, "Is it some new type of sensor equipment or something like that?"

"No. That's what I thought at first. No, this is hooking into the main power grid. Way too much power for anything like that." Mercury explained.

"Humm, well then, what sort of things could require the sorts of power that this thing is hooked up to?" Thomas asked.

David began to thing about that. While he did, Harbright the SI Engineer let out a curse as the power line they'd connected began to burn up under the power surge. A flash of white sparks rained across the length of the line as it disintegrated before letting out a loud pop that caused the engineers to all jump out of the way.

"Ouch!" Harbright yelled, his hand slightly burned from the overheated cable. The engineering bay began to smell of burnt insulation from the smoke.

"That doesn't look like a good sign." Thomas commented.

"It's not. This power junction is not going to handle the power load this unit requires. We will have to reroute more lines and create a better junction capable of handling the power flow." Harbright explained.

"This thing uses THAT much power?" David declared.

Harbright removed his singed fingers from his mouth, waving them as if trying to shake off the pain from the minor burns. "Yes it does."

Lieutenant Thomas remained silent, but noticed the glint of realization that had formed on the Chief Engineer's face. He'd seen it a number of times in the past, when the senior staff of the Galaxy were meeting with the Captain and David would come up with an idea to get something to work, or figure something out. It was no wonder why David always lost at poker.

"Well, we can probably rig up a junction like that, but if you want to get it set up and functioning within the next six hours to meet the Admiral's dead line, we are going to need more help. I'll need to get some of the Galaxy engineers in here to set up and wire in the new heavy duty power junction and reroute power lines to the new circuits." David explained.

Harbright thought about it for a minute.

"Do you think we should contact the Admiral and let him know?" David asked.

Finally Harbright shook his head. "No, let him rest. As long as your people don't come near the unit and just put together the new power relay junction to handle the energy flow, I think we will be fine. We can erect a barrier around this area with a security shield to keep the unit hidden. That's how it was going to be once the unit was installed anyway."

"Great. I'll contact some of my staff and get them started." David said enthusiastically.

"Try to keep it to a minimum David. Pressman will be pissed enough as it is, so the fewer that are needed to get the relay set up the better." Harbright asked.

"I understand. Don't worry. We can probably have the relay set up and working before Pressman even knows about it." Lieutenant Mercury explained with a smile before turning to exit engineering.

"Wait up Lieutenant, I'll go with you." Lieutenant Thomas said, taking a few long strides to catch up with the Chief Engineer.

"Down The Dark Pit"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Casey woke up to see his beautiful wife laying next to him. Everything was quiet, peaceful, serene. Everything but him. He had it all. A brilliant career, a beautiful wife and daughter, few friends but at least he had Miran. He had fame, great looks. But what did they do for me? He asked himself.

I would trade it all just to stay with Miran, his heart cried out in a still, silent roar. Casey was now sitting at the side of his bed. He knew he had to get out of here, if he had to look into her face, those stunning eyes, he’d break down and his life would be over. He knew it would come. Just a matter of time. The very second after he made love to Teb was the moment his life had ended, in his mind.

Tebrianne was beautiful, he liked everything about her. They had much in common. Was it worth your marriage you piece of crap? He knew the answer to his own question. Nothing was worth losing Miran.

He remembered at the famous Jawbreaker Battle, when he had heard that deck 8 had several breaches, the largest being his section. His heart sank, thinking he’d lost his family. When he found out she and Lara were alive. It was like heaven had opened and shined down upon him.

That light was now gone. All he could see now was the wretched, dark pit of his soul. And he hated every bit of it, just the smell made him sick. And he was still sitting on the edge of his bed.

*** Main Bridge ***

Casey made his way to the Bridge and took his seat next to Sterner. They were just about ready to arrive back at Starbase 74. Just a light year away.

Of all the mornings to have a hot pink, yellow and lime green uniform. It didn’t go well for him that morning. It was like, for the first time in his life, he knew what hell was. The uniform, his own pit, the night before.

When he did change into the normal command uniform, he was directly behind Tebrianne. She was equally nervous and fidgety. He couldn’t even talk to her. It was amazing how one selfish, lust-crazed act could destroy so quickly and resolutely.

He’d destroyed himself, destroyed Miran when she found out, put Lara at risk and possibly destroying her childhood and scarred Teb. Hurting so many people was really getting to him. Sitting in the XO’s chair he was just an android, devoid of emotion. If he let out his emotion at this time, they’d lock him up with a counselor.

No, Deiran Casey just went through the routine of command. When Joerg was called to Cargo Bay 2, Deiran took his seat at Conn. Even sitting here meant nothing to him. His own filth and wretchedness was beginning to create a chasm. Pain and remorse was all he could feel. He couldn’t smile, laugh, all of his emotions had been paralyzed by the chasm. He even looked different. The luminescent shine was gone.

"Chief Mercury, report to Cargo Bay 2 immediately," he barked, sounding like the ship’s computer voice, only with a male tone.

When Joerg returned to the Bridge, the curiosity of their assignment did get to him. He followed Sterner into the Ready Room.

"Sir, what’s going on?" he asked.

Sterner had known Casey for a long time, they’d served together side by side at least a year. Both men mutually respected each other. A friendship developed over time. But Sterner had never seen Casey look this bad.

"I’m not sure I can tell you Commander," Sterner replied.

"Top Secret even to your XO? Sir, that’s not protocol. Not even SI can do that. The command staff must be aware of the mission. And the senior staff will be informed on a need to know basis," Casey replied, spouting off the Starfleet Procedural Manual for Commanders and Captains.

"I don’t think Admiral Pressman cares about the manual Deiran."

Oh, this was just what Casey needed today. The chasm turned into a canyon.

"Oh my god, not him? Pressman?" Casey swore.

"You about summed it up there Commander," Sterner laughed.

"Permission to go visit the Admiral, sir?" Casey said.

"Permission granted. If you get anything out of him Deiran, let me know," the Commander replied.

"Aye, I would be happy too," Casey said and then turned and headed for Pressman. This was the conflict he needed. This was the challenge. You’re meat Pressman.

The history of the Casey’s run-ins with Pressman was legendary. His grandfather was one of the jurors back in the late 2360’s when Starfleet Command investigated charges against Pressman, which was still classified. Then his father, Thomas Casey, has a rivalry going with Pressman. Even though Casey outranks Pressman, the men hate each other.

If this man intends to keep me in the dark, Starfleet Command will hear of it, and my father will have a field day with this man. Be careful Pressman.

Casey was walking down the corridor of deck 10 when he arrived at Ten Forward.

The black cloud that hovered over Casey was thick.

"Admiral Pressman," Deiran said in a half-hearted greeting as he stepped beside the man, who was at the bar.

Pressman turned to see Casey. "Lt. Commander Deiran Casey, ‘The Iceman," hero at Boreth…the most famous Casey of them all!" Pressman replied, mocking Deiran.

"Nice to see you again too, Admiral!" Deiran replied with mock sincerity. The hatred they both felt was clear.

"I understand you’re going to keep this ship’s XO in the dark? What’s going on Admiral?" Deiran asked, his manner furious but controlled. Casey didn’t need this one bit. He was already out of control. It was the worst day of his life, before he knew Pressman was on board. Now it was hell in space.

"I know you’re XO. But, I’m an Admiral," Pressman replied, and turned to face Casey. The conflict and tone of their voices was beginning to filter out. Everyone’s attention in Ten Forward couldn’t help but turn to them.

"Yes sir, that’s correct. Permission to speak freely sir?" Casey asked, his eyes flaming mad. Pressman’s didn’t look any better.

"Permission granted," Pressman shot back, standing to his feet. Both men eye to eye now.

"You’re an Admiral who has routinely broken the rules, and thrown Starfleet procedural out the decks! A man known for his temper and cruel demeanor. A petty man, who always holds a grudge and doesn’t have a friend in Starfleet to save his life. You should be the same rank as my father by now. Curious that your not. I wonder why?" Deiran stopped to catch his breath. "If you keep me in the dark Starfleet will know it. They’ll know you’re breaking command protocols. And I have witnesses who would be more than happy to spill their guts. You will not handle me like you do others. Let me in on this mission, Admiral. You outrank me, but I don’t need to remind you who my allies are!"

Casey was controlled, but still ember hot with anger.

Pressman looked like a volcano, as he stared down Casey. Round one, went to Casey. And the chasm in his soul enlarged. It was just the beginning.

Welcome to the Senior Staff
Ltjg. Karyn Dallas, Chief Counselor

Lt.jg Karyn Dallas still couldn't believe what had happened to her only a few minutes before. The day had started out like any other day. She entered her office an hour before her shift actually started to work on some reports she had wanted to give to Lt.. Parker. Many of the crew were still dealing with what had happened with the Klingons and had come to the counselors for help. When she entered her office, Lt. Parker was waiting for her.

"Hello ensign, could you come to my office for a moment?"

"Certainly sir." The two entered the office. Karyn didn't know what to expect. If this is about that SI guy whose foot I ran over, I'm not apologizing, thought Karyn. I warned that jerk what would happen if he got in my way. Fortunately, Erin didn't waste any time.

"Ensign, I'm leaving the Galaxy because I have some personal matters to attend to. These past few days I've been searching for a suitable replacement and I think I've found just the right person for the job."

"Sir, I think Lt. Ral would do a fine job but if you're asking my opinion of her as a fellow co-worker, I really haven't known her very long and..."

"I'm not talking about Lt.. Ral, Ensign. I'm talking about you." Karyn couldn't have been more surprised as she was at that moment. She wanted to be Chief Counselor more than anything but she hadn't counted on it this quickly.

"May I ask why you chose me, sir?"

"The Capt and I both felt that your background in education as well as in counseling made you extremely suited for this position. The Chief Counselor also runs the education dept, and who knows better than a fellow teacher how things should be run. I've also spoken to Deanna Troi who informed me of the things you accomplished while working under her on the Enterprise-D. You'd be in charge of this dept. as well as a member of the senior staff, you'd also be promoted to Lt.jg Of course, if you don't think you can handle it all, we could always find someone else."

Karyn had slowly begun to take it all in, it was a huge responsibility but she knew in her heart what she was going to do.

"Sir, with your permission I'd like to accept your offer."

"Very good." Erin then reached for the new pips she had replicated this morning, just in case Karyn had accepted. After securing them on her uniform Erin said,"I hereby promote you to the rank of Ltjg and formally relinquish my duties as Chief Counselor to you. Congratulations, Lt. and good luck.

"Same to you, sir." After Karyn she entered her soon to be vacant office and was about to return to her reports when Lex entered.

"Congrats, Lieutenant. Would you care to join me in Ten Forward for some coffee. My next appointment isn't for half an hour yet. Don't worry about those reports, I know the Chief Counselor personally and I don't think she'd mind."

"You little sneak, you knew all the time!! Why didn't you warn me?"

"And ruin the surprise? There's nothing I like better than a good surprise."

"I'll remember that next time. Before we go, I'd like to check something first.

[ Computer, locate Dr. Khan.]

[ Dr. Khan is in Ten Forward.]

"Perfect, I've been worried about her lately. I think she could really use some friends right now.

"Agreed, let's go."

Lori

"New Assignment"
Lieutenant David Mercury
Chief of Engineering

David walked out of Engineering with Lieutenant Thomas close behind. "David." Thomas said. David spun his head around. "What are they installing?"

"I can't tell you what it is, but I can tell you what it isn't. This thing uses way to much power to be a sensor array, unless it is some sort of high intensity long range sensor. But I doubt it. The way they want us to build this new power junction it is almost like this thing is going to be drawing constant power from the ship. It scares me but I feel that the Lieutenant, I think he said Harbright, and I are connecting. My instincts tell me that he is just an Engineer like the rest of us. I am going to get some of my Engineers down here before the Admiral comes." David continued down the corridor to the Turbolift. "Computer located Lieutenant Boudreau"

"The Lieutenant is currently in Ten Forward." the computer replied. "Well then take me to deck 10" David instructed to computer.

*** Ten Forward ***

David entered Ten Forward and immediately noticed Melissa sitting at the bar, looking a little pissed off.

"What's wrong with you, you look like you are going to kill someone?" David asked Melissa as he walked towards her. She lifted her head to see who was talking to her.

"Well I tried kissing a little ass to see if I can get any information from Pressman but it didn't work, what about you aren't you supposed to be in Engineering working on that Top Secret installation with Pressman's special ops buddies?" Melissa answered.

"Well I have come looking for you. I need you in Engineering. We need to build a new power junction." David smiled, knowing that Melissa would feel more comfortable working in Engineering rather than sitting on her hands while someone messes with the Galaxy.

"Its about time, so what are they installing?" she questioned.

"I'm not exactly sure, something that takes a tremdous amount of power. Even if I did know I can tell you, at least not yet. I know that you don't like being in the dark and I know that we have grow accustom to confiding in each other but I have to go by the book with this one. Don't worry, if it comes down to the safety of this ship and its crew I won't hesitate to blow the lid on this thing."

"I trust you David, I don't like it but I trust you."

"Melissa I need you to get a hold of A.C. and K'Eytyanna and get them to Main Engineering as soon as possible. That's it. The four of us working together will build this junction in no time. I'll met you down there, I have to do something first." David explained. David walked out of Ten Forward and headed down the corridor. He quickly looked around to see if anyone was around. The corridor was empty.

"Computer initialize communication link Mercury Alpha Theta."

"Initialization complete, link is now secure and open." the computer chirped.

"Commander...?" David called

[Go ahead David, I am in my Ready Room.] the Commander responed.

"Sir, I convinced Lieutenant Harbright, the senior Engineer of Pressman's team, to allow me to recuit a small team of engineerings."

"What for?" Sterned asked

"Well it appears sir, that this thing they are installing requires a tremdous amount of power, so much so that it blew out the original relay connection and almost took of Harbright's arm. He wants us to build a new power junction to support this device." David explained

"Any ideas yet?"

"I am clueless, at first it appeared to be a senor relay but no sensor relay takes that much power, or at least no sensor relay that I have ever seen. I keep thinking about that Torpedo Rack and those Torpedo's with that strange device attached to them. It just doesn't make sense. Anything on your end?"

"Nothing, nothing at all. I don't like this. Alright Lieutenant thanks for keeping me advised, Sterner out."

David returned to the Turbolift and headed back down to Engineering.

*** Main Engineering ***

By the time David arrived a force field had been raise to shield anyone from viewing the installation. Things just keep getting stranger...

Dan Josephs

Galaxy "Counselor's Everywhere"
Written Lt. Kahn Nilani
U.s.s. Galaxy

I had watched Chen leave Ten Forward after his little chat to me, and It was Ironic that out of all people on the ship he had to come and see the one person that was not in a good mood. I saw the door open and Counselor Daniels walked through, he looked around and spotted me in the corner, he started to walk over to where I was sitting.

["Mind if I sit down?"]

I looked up at him and offered the seat oposite.

"So Counselor what brings you here?"

“S.I. and their secrets…”
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Mac strode to the bar in 10-Forward and motioned for Door.

“What can I get you Lt?” asked the half Cardassian barkeep.

“Saurian brandy,” replied Mac as he watched the Bartender reach for the synthheol, “No. The real stuff” added Mac.

As Door sat the bottle and glass in front of him he started to pour some into the glass. Mac held up his hand. “I’ll keep the bottle.” He added as he took it and the glass and moved to a far table. As he sat he poured opened the curved neck of the bottle and filled his glass. As he sat he sipped at the potent liquor and thought about the past week. He replayed the meeting with Ensign D’Auria over in his head, trying to find somehow that a compromise could be reached. Taking another sip he shook his head. He simply refused to turn over any of his people until he was sure that D’ Auria had a firm grasp of their responsibilities and operating procedures. As he started for another sip he was interrupted by the “chirp-cheep” of his combadge.

=/\= Bridge to Lt McKenzie.=/\=

“McKenzie here.” He replied his irritation evident in his voice.

=/\= Sir, this is Lt. Groom. Sorry to interrupt your time off, but I’m getting some rather odd power fluctuations both from cargo bay 2 and main engineering. I’m not really sure what to make of it. Can you advise?=/\=

“Hmmm. Contact Engineering and see if they have some sort of project. We don’t know about. I’m enroute to the bridge,” sighed Mac. “McKenzie out.”

Mac drained the last of his glass as he stood and walked over to the bar. Placing the amber glass bottle on countertop he winked at Door. “Keep this safe for me. I’ll be back for it, shortly.”

Door smiled as Mac walked through the exit.

Bridge

A short time later Mac stepped on to the bridge and made his way to the Tactical Arch. Placing his hand on Lt. Groom’s shoulder, he scanned the LCARS.

“What’cha got, Lt.” asked Mac of the senior Tac Officer.

The TacOfficer gave a smirk and scratched the back of his neck. ‘Well, sir I contacted Engineering and was answered by a Mr. Harbright of Starfleet intelligence. He said that all was in order and we were to disregard any and all readings we get concerning Cargo bay 2 and main Engineering, until further notice.”

“And…?” asked Mac.

“And nothing, Sir. He disconnected and hasn’t answered any more hails.”

“Humph,” frowned Mac, as he stepped to Captains Ready room. “Okay. Keep me informed. Let’s see if Commander Sterner knows anything, Shall we.”

As Mac stepped through the doors he saw that Jeorg was not having a good day. The commander was looking over a PADDS and frowning. He looked up as Mac entered.

“Commander,” stated Mac, as he entered. “We have a problem.”

“Just one, Mac,” grinned the Acting Captain. “That would be a change.”

“We’ve got major power fluctuations in main Engineering and in Cargo bay 2. All were getting is some S.I Toady spouting “need to know” and no answers. What’s going on, Sir?”

Jeorg leaned back in his chair and looked at Mac with a shrug. “I wish I knew, Mac. I know little more than you do. All I can say, Officially, is that S.I. has a free run. Monitor the fluctuations and if they become ship threatening, then we’ll take action. Until then just stay out of their way. Un-officially, watch everything that those spook bastards do. If they step over the line, I want to know about it. Clear?”

“Crystal.” replied Mac as he grinned and exited the ready room.

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

"Colleagues"
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer), USS Galaxy NCC-70637
w/ Dr. Endris Gakor
reviewed by Lt. Albrecht and Captain Price

***** Sickbay *****

[Transmission for Dr Khatroweena from Starfleet Medical.]

"Ok, I'll take it now."

Cat turned to the terminal screen on her desk. The Federation symbol blinked to be replaced by the Starfleet Medical symbol and that was replaced with the face of an old Efrosian. Cat was surprised to recognise her old supervisor from her honours at O'Neil L2 Medical Centre. You had to get past the cold exterior to see the good man. Considering his home world, it was only natural.

"Doctor Korinian. It is a surprise to hear from you. How can I help you?"

["Ms Khatroweena, I have here your request for information on Irumodic Syndrome and it's similarity to the Teresi Virus. But I have something also for you and your co-worker Ms Gakor with your study on the virus. But it would be best for all concerned if you do not openly talk about it."]

"Uh, thank you. Um, what is it that you have?" Cat was very intrigued on what it might be.

["Here at the Medical Centre, we have been doing our own studies of many degenerative neural vectors. Our long-term simulation of excretions from an invertebrate found on Alpha Cetti V causes degeneration in the neural sheath and inhibits ion exchange flow within the neurons. The chain of events is very similar to that of the Teresi Virus."] As the Efrosian spoke, his image shrunk and a computer simulation of the attack on a neuron began with scrolling information appearing all around the simulation.

"I don't understand, why the need for 'secrecy' then. This is incredible news, it's wonderful," Cat exclaimed. Then the DNA expert remembered Alpha Cetti V's proximity to the former Mutara Nebula, which 'disappeared' after a classified Federation experiment nearly a century before. If this had something to do with the mythical 'Genesis project', perhaps there was more going on here than could be discussed. However, her advisor provided a different explanation.

["Starfleet Intelligence is very concerned on the possibilities in the use of extractions from the invertebrate to induce hypnagogic states. We have been given access to this information so we can produce a blocker to inhibit the effects of any extractions from the invertebrate. You can see the concern if this was commonly known."] Cat watched, as more information appeared on the screen.

*Hum, this is also similar to the 'mind control slugs' the Enterprise-D encountered.* Cat's brain was racing to absorb the importance of the new information, speculating... but politeness dictated another tract. The contentious doctor wanted to insure disseminating this wouldn't jeopardize her mentor's research.

"Thank you Doctor Korinian. But you giving..." Cat began protesting, not wanting to get her old supervisor in trouble.

["Ms Khatroweena, I know you are very capable and you will you this information wisely. I would personally wish that Ms Gakor be the one to find the cure to the curse that is on her home world. Good-bye Ms Khatroweena."]

Cat sat back musing over the call. To most would see Doctor Koranian as cold and uncaring, as soon as you got to know him, you realised that like a Vulcan, he controlled his emotions. He seemed to be quite happy, if that call was anything to go by.

Cat studied the information, it was obvious that a lot of work was needed. The connection to the Teresi Virus was tenuous at best. But it was the best chance that Cat had seen in a long time. 'I wonder what Endris will say,' thought Cat.

Cat smiled as she downloaded the information packet into a PADD. "Computer what is the current location of Doctor Endris Gakor?"

[Doctor Gakor is currently in Ten-Forward.]

Cat gave a small snort of amusement, "Of course."

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

Endris was working through one of her huge 'snacks.' Absorbed in her meal, she didn't notice Cat move towards her table. Cat was amazed as she watched as Endris 'stored' almost as much food as Ursa. "Endris.", Cat whispered, not wanting to disrupt the feeding Tellarite.

Gakor looked up and stuffed another Denebian truffle into her mouth. She quickly swallowed it to greet Cat, "Hello Cat, please have a seat. You hungry? Try the Selenian mushrooms, they are delicious." Endris pointed to a plate of what looked like a stack of thick pancakes, they were all almost the same size as the plate.

"Thank you," said Cat, "But I'm not really hungry. Still, I wouldn't mind a glass of Caitalian Silver Milk if Electra has any in storage." A waiter moved off to process her beverage order, and returned with a long fluted glass for the semi-feline doctor.

"Endris, have a look at this!" Cat said in a tone that concealed her excitement while passing over the PADD. She took a long pull out of her glass while her college scanned the information.

Endris took the PADD, stuffing another truffle in her mouth with her other hand. Endris watched for a few seconds. "Very interesting, so?"

"Advance the time frame of the simulation forty-two hours." Endris looked at Cat, a bit confused, but she quickly made the suggested adjustments. As the simulation moved forward, Endris almost choked as the ramifications of what she saw finally hit her. "Starvation!", the woman exclaimed while loosing her appetite. "The molecular interactions on the myelin sheath is almost exactly like that of the Teresi Virus. Where did you get this?"

"I have some old contacts looking for anything that might help with your research on the Virus. O'Neil Medical is working on inhibitors for the reaction. Endris it's a big start."

Using the well-founded Tellarite belligerence, Gakor waved and shouted until several servile waiters came to clear the table. "Race you to the lab", Gakor said to Cat. The stout Tellarite was already sprinting for the door, and had the advantage of surprise.

However, Cat had longer legs and a more dextrous constitution. The two women spared for contention, but the Caitalian won by a 'nose', (or perhaps just a nostril).

*** Medical Lab ***

Gakes knew she would be absorbed hours on this project. It was the first solid lead into the Teresi virus in a long time, and one of the few things that might distract her from Oinkus. The pair of comrades created an infusion matrix and set the computer churning out inoculation prototypes extrapolating from the new data.

"While we wait for the computer to finish its computations", Endris said "I would like to discuss some ways I think medical could contribute to the C-Defense profile of the Galaxy." Cat smiled, mildly surprised Gakor would think of the crew when just presented with a tantalizing lead on the threatening virus. After a brief pause, the porcine Doctor continued: "For example, if we use the biofilters to identify the species of hostile races as they approach, weapons could be adjusted to be more effective..."

Getting into the act, the two Doctors soon had a list of other things they could do to preserve their patients in an emergency. "I think the modifications you started on the EMH will go a long way to help should we have casualties", Khatroweena said. "Maybe we could even use the extra holo emitters in the Cargo bays to run multiple EMH programs. That worked well the one time we did it before..."

"Let's ask Ensign D' Auria to drop by Sickbay", Gakor said with a consprital Tellarite snort. "I understand he is coordinating the project, and it looks like there are several positive contributions we can make to his efforts....."

*** 3 hours later ***

The medical lab was decorated with several Earth containers known colloquially as a 'PIZZA' boxes. Lt Albrecht had popped in and foisted the culinary treat on the two Doctors after hearing about the exciting new lead they had encountered. The round pies were still steaming in their rigorous corrugated restraints.

"I thought you said this information was secret", Gakor complained to Cat. "Which is exactly why security got wind of it", Matthew lied skillfully. Actually, he had got bored with his new duties of making schedules out for the 'visitors' traipsing around the ship, even though his orders were to give them a wide berth. He had to post and rotate extra guards, and assign quarters to the 'operatives'. The computer had told him where to find the Doctors, and he knew Gakes wouldn't object to a snack.

"That smells delicious", Cat had said moments earlier at the human's sudden appearance, hefting a slice coated with veggies before Endris could react. The immunologist had been studying the computer's report with growing frustration, but looked up after she heard Cat's comment. Instinctively, she sniffed the air when she got wind of an incomming snack. However, she was too caught up in her research to grab the Pizza immediately. "Close, so close, but we've yet to solve..." Endris trailed off while consoling herself with a big slice of pie.

Albrecht grabbed Gakor and gave her a hug of encouragement, seeing his amiga was considerably discouraged. A noticeable film of perspiration hinted at the Tellarite's distress, although anyone who did not know her well would have probably have dismissed it without concern. Not wanting to interrupt further, he then retreated out the door, just as mysteriously as he had arrived....

"Everything comes crashing down."
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Admiral Pressman had stopped into Ten Forward on his way to his quarters. He figured a warm drink would help him to relax before turning in to get some rest before the Galaxy reached the rendezvous point in just under five hours.

He'd settled down with a warm Saurian brandy and was looking out at the stars when Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey came charging in. It was obvious he was upset by the way he greeted the Admiral. Pressman was ready with a few pre chosen references to grind salt into Deiran's wounds.

Permission to speak freely sir?" Casey asked, his eyes flaming mad.

"Permission granted." Admiral Pressman shot back, placing his brandy down on the bar and standing to face the belligerent young officer.

Deiran went off, making unsupported allegations against the Admiral, threatening his superior officer in a childish, fool-hearty way. The other patrons in Ten Forward couldn't help but notice the fire that was in Deiran's eyes, or the venomous words he shot at the Admiral. This was not the Deiran Casey they all knew. The one that went out of his way to shmoose with the upper brass to earn his promotions. What Deiran was doing was the equivalent of career suicide, and Pressman knew it. A small smile began to form on his lips as the young, brash Lieutenant Commander finished making his threats with a pointed finger.

Casey was controlled, but still ember hot with anger. He stood there for a moment expecting the Admiral to shoot back with the same sort of hostile comments.

But he didn't.

The bastard was just smiling. He was red with anger too, but managed to maintain his cool, something Casey had been unable to do.

"You have some nerve coming in here and making idle threats son. What you said was hostile, unsupported and way, way out of line Mister." Pressman took a step forward and got right in the Lieutenant Commander's face, which was difficult given that Deiran stood a few inches taller than Pressman. "Just who the hell do you think you are?!... addressing an Admiral in such a manner? You are damn lucky that I don't have you scrubbing waste extractors for the remainder of this mission son."

"You gave me permission to speak freely Admiral, so I did." Deiran snapped back. He wasn't intimidated at all. Everyone watching wouldn't be surprised if Casey was going to punch the Admiral on the spot, he was holding himself with such rock solid rigidity.

"Permission to speak freely son,.. not stupidly. A man in your position should be able to tell the difference by now!" Pressman half shouted back. Raising a hand, he pointed a finger directly at Casey's chest as if he were going to poke him with it, though he never did. "For your information Mister, my authorization comes directly from the President of the Federation. You'd better damn well get with the program, or I'll have you busted down to Ensign so fast it'll make your head spin! Do I make myself clear Lieutenant Commander?!"

Casey laughed defiantly. "If you try it, my Father will see to it you never work for the President again Pressman."

Everyone was watching in Ten Forward when Pressman leaned forward and whispered something quietly so that only Deiran could hear. "Steal any Trilithium resin lately Deiran?" Pressman pulled back and smiled that 'cat swallowed the canary' grin of his. He reached for his brandy and tipped the rest down before letting out a satisfied sigh. He wiped his mouth on the back of his sleeve and began to exit the lounge.

Everyone could see that whatever the Admiral had said just hit Deiran like a ton of bricks. It had definitely taken the wind out of his sails, though anger still burned behind his eyes. "Admiral wait." Deiran called but the Admiral just continued walking in a cocky, "I just won" stride, forcing the young officer to follow him out of the ship's lounge.

"Wait up Admiral." Deiran said sternly, "You can't just walk away after saying something like that."

Pressman continued walking. "Oh I can't? Really?" he continued to walk.

Deiran reached out and grabbed the Admiral's arm, spinning him around to face him in the corridor. "Damn it Pressman, you are going to talk to me about what you meant by that comment or so help me!..."

Pressman continued to smirk at the unbalanced young officer. He so much reminded him of his Father whom Pressman also enjoyed toying with. In an odd way, this was a double treat for him. "Come to my quarters then Lieutenant Commander. And at least TRY to behave like a Starfleet officer." Pressman added.

The two men walked silently to where Pressman was staying on board the Galaxy. The tensions were rising the entire time while Deiran wondered how much Pressman knew. Between this new trump card Pressman apparently held over him, and the whole incident with Lieutenant Bancroft on the holodeck, Deiran was beginning to think he'd broken a mirror or something.

The two men entered the Admiral's quarters and the door slid closed. "Computer, music. Classical. Set volume to level 4." The Admiral Called out. It was standard SI procedure to have some sort of back ground noise to mask any conversations from prying ears.

Finally, Pressman turned to face Casey.

"What did you mean back there about Trilithium resin Admiral? I have no idea what you are..." Deiran started to deny in poor fashion.

"Oh don't insult me Casey. You and I both know EXACTLY what it is you and a group of Galaxy crew members took from the Tyrell complex. There is no use in denying it." Pressman said flatly.

Deiran's brain began to race. The Admiral was referring to when he and several others went on a ski trip, and the Android Mudd kidnapped Ronni Morris forcing them to acquire a supply of the highly explosive Trilithium resin to power the battery packs the androids required to survive. But that was impossible! Both he and Blair were disguised like their Admiral fathers, and Casey personally eliminated all computer traces that they were ever there. How could Pressman know?

"I assure you, I have no idea what you are talking about Admiral. And if this was true, I'm sure you'd have brought it to Starfleet by now." Casey bluffed, certain that he left no evidence that could be used against him or his shipmates.

Pressman just nodded smugly, like he knew something Deiran didn't. Then he did something that Deiran was never expecting in a million years. He agreed with him!

"Maybe you are right 'Commander." Pressman glanced over to the computer terminal, "Come here, I have something you might be interested in seeing."

Reluctantly, Deiran walked over to the Admiral's desk. He watched as Pressman activated the computer and a surveillance video began to play. Deiran rocked back unsteadily as he saw the images of Admiral Casey and Admiral Blair walking through the Top security Tyrell complex, stopping to key in their security access codes and continue with their inspection tour.

"Jee, you are right son. My mistake. That looks like Admiral Casey and Admiral Blair. I guess they were the ones that stole the resin. It's a shame too. Such lucrative careers both of these men had..." Pressman deactivated the video and sat on the desk facing Deiran, "...before their sons ruined them." He added pointedly.

"You couldn't have gotten that. It.. it must be a fraud." Deiran stuttered. He was so cocky and arrogant, he was certain that he didn't miss anything in wiping the Federation memory banks of that entire incident.

"You are a fool 'Commander!" Pressman said flatly. "Oh yes, you were quite thorough at deleting the computer records of the Tyrell complex, covering your tracks with the inspection orders and even blanking out the security monitors through out the complex. But your Casey cockiness never let you consider that the complex was already being watched by Starfleet Intelligence. That there were additional security monitors and audio recorders independent from the standard Federation systems." Pressman watched as Casey's eyes lit up at hearing this, "Yes, that is correct 'Commander, there is audio to go with this footage. Of course it is recorded separately and can be used to exonerate both of these Admirals and implicate the true criminals here, their sons. Or the video alone is more than enough proof to prosecute the Admirals."

"You can't do that Pressman. They had nothing to do with this!" Deiran declared emotionally.

"How can you say that?" Pressman began ticking off fingers on his hand, "I have missing Trilithium resin, I have an unauthorized, unscheduled inspection conducted by Admiral Casey and Admiral Blair, I have a video record of them touring the plant and punching in their top secret access codes... seems like an open and shut case. They will probably get twenty five years for treason." Pressman smiled.

"But they were not even there!" Deiran screamed. "Okay, you win! I did it. But we had no choice. Ronni had been kidnapped and Mudd was going to kill her if we didn't get the resin."

"So you took it upon yourself to break into a top secret Federation refinery, and steal the highly explosive resin compound just to help your friend?" Pressman asked prompting Deiran to go on.

"Yes! Okay, I said it. Now knock this off. You know all of the answers, why are you doing this Pressman! You had this information before, so why didn't you use it then?! I know you are out to ruin the Caseys. You always have been!"

"I'm glad you have such a high opinion of yourself 'Commander. But the truth is, the universe does not revolve around your family. I can care less about your family or even you. It was only by coincidence that I came across this information. But I won't hesitate to use it if you give me reason to. Either way, with or without the audio your Father's career will be ruined. If you admit to pulling off this breaking, Admiral Casey will still be held responsible because it was his top secret security access code that was used. There is no way you could have that unless the Admiral told it to you. That's enough to have him brought up on treason alone." Pressman paused for a long moment to let the seriousness of this whole pissing contest settle in on the Lieutenant Commander's shoulders. When he thought he'd waited long enough, he got to the point.

"Now as you've pointed out, I have had this information for some time. " Pressman laughed, "I'm in Section 31 for Christ's sake Deiran. It's not like I have problems with any of this you've done. Indeed, I found it to be quite an admiral job coming from a bunch of amateur field operatives. But there is more going on here that your family's personal pride, or the life of one of your crew mates. While your father has been polishing a seat at Starfleet Head Quarters with his ass all of these years, I've been out here in the field doing what it takes to insure the safety of the Federation. I'm working directly under the authority of the President and that means I am the law on this mission Mister. Now if you have a problem with that and can't follow orders and keep your arrogant mouth shut like a trained Starfleet Officer, you let me know right now! I'm not toying with you here son. Your wife and child... Lara is it?, your Father's career and retirement, your own career, years of hard labor in a penal camp. It's up to you which way you want to go. But this mission WILL succeed with or without the egotistical son of Admiral Casey. Cross me again Deiran, or so much as raise your voice around me, and everything you know and love will be gone! Do you understand Lieutenant Commander? Do you?!"

Deiran paused for a moment. He felt beaten and abused. His lack of sleep last night over the incident with Teb on the holodeck, avoiding Miran and Lara, now this lingering threat of ruining his career, his friends and his father was weighing heavily on the young Casey's shoulders. One can only be Superman for so long before everything comes crashing down.

"I understand sir." Deiran said dispassionately.

Pressman waited a moment, studying Casey. Deiran had lowered his head slightly, weary from the events over the last 24 hours.

"I have no reason or desire to ruin your career, your friends, or your father Deiran. Just do your duty, carry out your orders and follow the chain of command during this mission and everything will be okay." Pressman explained.

"Is that all sir?" Deiran asked in a small voice.

"That's it. Dismissed 'Commander." Pressman said in a semi civilized tone.

Deiran did a perfect about face, not looking at the Admiral and walked out of Pressman's quarters. When the door swooshed closed, Pressman continued to look out towards the door as if he was still looking at Deiran. "You have your mother's eyes." he said softly to himself. He then sat there and listened to the soft sounds of the classical music that played in the back ground.

Deiran?
Casey Ti Miran

["Miran? When will you be home?"]

"I am landing my plane now sweetie, I will be home in ten minutes." That was strange. He never usually bothered her when she went out on her own. He usually encouraged her to get out, knowing that she missed her independence at times.

Miran thought about but just dismissed it as he being tired. He was pulling himself too thin, into too many directions. If he wasn't careful, he would get sick from trying to do too much and not sleeping enough.

Deiran was already in bed when she got in. That surprised her. He always waited for her. She smiled down at him. He was so handsome. She laid down next to him.

*** She felt Deiran get up, but she rolled over to go back to sleep. Maybe now she could sleep now that he wasn't tossing and turning next to her. He had to have had nightmares, his sleep was so turbulent. When she had tried to calm him, he just pulled away. She had little to no sleep that night.

Couple of hours later, she rose. Deiran had seen to Lara, D'tarna was there when she went out to see about Lara.

"Deiran wanted to make sure Lara didn't wake you. She's been fed."

"Thank you, I appreciate the sleep. Has it seemed like Deiran has been acting funny or is it just me?" Miran knew that D'tarna would be honest.

"He was a little distant last night. He didn't tuck Lara in like usual, but I just passed it off as him being tired."

"Maybe that is it, he has been working too hard lately. Thank you again. Lara and I need to get to the arboretum."

"Have a good day," her friend advised as she walked out the door.

*** Even when Deiran was really tired, he usually took at least the time to tuck Lara in. It disturbed Miran greatly. What could she have done to make him upset?

She absently dug a hole, not paying attention to what she did. It bothered her. She wanted to make it better, but not knowing what she did wrong, she didn't know how to make it right.

She wished she could talk to someone, tell them what was bothering her and get some advise on what to do. It must have been something, Deiran didn't usually get this upset with her. He would get fustrated but never like this.

"Oh Deiran, what did I do?" she asked to no one but herself.

Requirem for Doctor Grinch
by Ensign Jack D'Auria
with Lt. Endris Gakor

*** Gakor's Quarters***

Jack had received a message from Doctor Gakor regarding some upgrades she was thinking about for sickbay. It seemed she wanted to know if somehow there was a way to integrate some systems with the proposed C-Defense upgrade.

'Seems like I'm running in all directions lately. Everybody has an idea or wants to know all about it. Maybe I should just post the whole thing on the message board', he said to himself as the stopped in front of Doctor Gakor's quarters. He rang the chime and was invited in.

"Doctor Gakor? I believe you wanted to see me?" "I'm glad you could fit me in, Ensign. I know you're very busy with this whole project of yours."

"It keeps me from being bored, Doctor."

With a slight smile, Endris replied, "Really? From what I hear, Ensign M'Benga manages to keep you quite busy."

Jack raised an eyebrow, keeping his face straight.

"About the modifications. What did you want to talk about, Doctor?" "Snacks! Are you always this right to the point?"

"I trained on Vulcan and am basically a fighter pilot, ma'am. Neither wastes time when it comes to doing things."

"Oh well, okay. But don't just stand there. Sit down", she said jovially. "Can I get you anything? A drink? Something to eat?"

"I'm fine, doctor, no, thank you."

Endris sat down opposite of D'Auria, as she started to talk about her idea. "Well, see, Sickbay just received the upgraded version of the EMH program. There is some mention in the files accompanying it about alternate activation tracks. I was thinking that maybe it could be set up in such a way that the EMH program is activated as soon as a hostile vessel is located. Besides that, Jurelle added a more pleasent profiles to the EMH templetes. I have a feeling Dr. Grinch is going to get a makeover!"

D'Auria looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "That would be a logical extension to the EMH's program. We had something similar on the Nimrod. We had a hard time keeping our medical personnel alive, so we gave the program the ability to switch itself on and off if necessary. We also had a link to the tactical computers so it was kept updated on all things that were going on. It really saved us a lot of time. Usually, medical personnel don't even think of the EMH when they are busy and in a crisis. I'll look into it and contact Operations about this."

"Thanks, Jack. Can I call you Jack?", the Tellarite asked shyly. Perhaps she was just distracted from the meal he saw on the table near by. Dishes and glasses littered the surface, and reminded him of desert cacti. The human's eyes expanded to take in Gakor's collosal tank of fish, swimming placidly as Selats playing in the mountain lowlands.

"Of course, Doctor. I do have some ideas I want to run by you regarding sickbay's role in the internal security protocols."

Gakor looked surprised, just what had this guy in mind?

"One part of the upgrades I'm working on is a DNA based security system that monitors who is supposed to be on board and who is not. It will, in theory, keep actions, like we witnessed with the Klingons, from happening. I was thinking that maybe it could also be of use to sickbay."

"In what way?"

"The computer will use DNA patterns of the crew and civilians onboard to check for intruders. If a DNA pattern is found that not matches any in the database, it automatically activates the security systems. I was thinking that it might also check to see if any of the crew were injured and if they were, where they are located so an emergency medical transport could automatically be activated. Or, if the transporter is down, alert the search teams and sickbay so they could get to these injured faster. It would save a lot of time, cutting down the need to search for casualties. I am in the process of writing up proposal. I was planning on sending it to you when it was finished, but since I am here already, I would like to hear your thoughts on it. Any advice you might have, any insights."

Endris looked thoughtful for a moment and then a huge grin brightened her face.

"Snacks!! That's an interesting proposal. Perhaps you could discuss it with Doctor Cat. Just yesterday, she came up with a new lead on the Teresi virus, and I've been consumed with medical research." The human could tell by her joyous snorting sounds that the Tellarite was excited. The prospect of discovering a cure for the virus that plagued her home world would be enought to make the most stoic Vulcan display a 'logical' smile.

The human digested this information with gusto, and gathered up the PADD he was using to take notes. Turning to leave, the human paused when he saw Gakor's Cleaver now prominately displayed near the exit. He had heard stories about the weapon from several of the crew who had accompanied the away team to the Qul' etlh. Even though she had given the original to her friend Korof, she had a duplicate made for display now that her crewmates knew of the award.

By this time, Endris had came up with a new idea. "And maybe, if we detect what species we are facing, weapons could be effectively tuned automatically to defend against hostile acts. Cutting down response time could save lives. We could even hook a detector up to the air filteration system, and have it knock out intruders with gas, similar to the solution which finally took care of the renagade Klingons."

Jack continued his voyage to the door, having several new pieces of information to consider for his plans to improve the ship's defensive capablities.

Recruiting
By: Lieutenant Mélissa Marie Boudreau

As soon as David Mercury left Ten Forward, Melissa sprung into action. 'Finally!! Something to do!' she thought.

"Computer, locate Lieutenants Hewson and Samara." Melissa had decided that it would be better to recruit the Galaxy's senior engineers in person. There would be less chance of extra rumors flying around that way. She may be curious about all of the SI business but she knew that it was important to keep it as low profile as possible.

"Lieutenant Hewson is in his quarters and Lieutenant Samara is in holodeck 3." The computer replied curtly.

Melissa started by going to AC's quarters. She signalled her arrival a couple of times before a very groggy engineer showed up at the door.

"Hi AC!" Melissa laughed. "Sorry to wake you!" AC had obviously been sleeping in preparation for his shift during the Gamma Shift. As such, he didn't have any idea about what had happened in the last few hours.

AC invited Melissa in. "So what's up?"

Melissa looked around. AC looked pretty good wearing only a pair of boxer shorts. Melissa shook all the stray thoughts from her mind and explained the situation in engineering to him.

"So, get ready and be in main engineering as soon as possible. I'm sure David will explain exactly what we have to do when we get there." Melissa said as she was leaving.

Next, she proceeded to Holodeck 3. She entered to find a Japanese-style hall and K'Eytyanna looking very "worked up". Melissa spotted a few holodeck humans lying on the ground and one approaching K'Eyt cautiously. Melissa laughed when she saw that the man looked like Lieutenant Harbright.

The man lunged towards Lieutenant Samara and she quickly added his form to those lying on the floor. At that, Melissa stopped the program. K'Eytyanna turned quickly and tried to calm herself when she noticed who it was that had interrupted her.

"Ease it K'Eyt! It's just me! We're needed in main engineering after all. It's just you, me, AC and David. Unfortunately, we won't get to know what's going on, but we have to privelege to help power whatever it is they are setting up."

At that, the two engineers left the holodeck and headed for Main Engineering.

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

"A Breath Taken"
By: Lt(jg)Ryak Sullax and Dr. Khatroweena

Ryak took a deep breath and put Sullar onto the ground. Sullar's grip became more intense as they entered sick bay. Ryak took a quick look around and saw Cat standing at a terminal working rather hard. Ryak's heart started to race. The doctor was very attractive and Ryak's mind started to race. All of a sudden Ryak felt something grab his leg tightly. Ryak looked down to see Sullar grasping his leg for dear life.

Sullar was terrified from all of the different life forms he was seeing. As well as the noises coming from all of the instruments. Sullar started to cry as one of the nurses came over and started to talk to Sullar. Ryak reached down and picked him up. Sullar grasped Ryak's neck and continued to cry.

Cat was looking excited as she was studying the terminal. She was busy transferring files from the terminal to a PADD. As she was waiting for the download to be completed she was still trying to work out what the 'Alphabet Gauntlet' was. Once it was complete, Ryak heard Cat inquire about where Dr Gakor was. Cat gave a small laugh as she found out that Endris was in Ten-Forward. As she turned to leave she saw Ryak with a young Romulan child.

As Cat approached Ryak's heart started pounding even harder. The only thing next to Sullar going through Ryak's mind was she is just a friend, she is just a friend.

"Well, well what do we have here." Cat said as she came over to Ryak.

"Ma'am, I mean Cat." Ryak said in a fake arrogant tone, "I have brought my son in for his medical."

"Really," she replied. Cat went over to Sullar and said, "So what is your name, young man?"

Sullar stopped crying on hid his head into Ryak's tunic. Ryak responded with a short burst, "His name is Sullar." At the same time putting Sullar on the ground and saying in Romulan, "Be true to you race and stand proud." Sullar took a few short breaths and attempted to say something but began to cry again.

Cat looked at Ryak, gave a small shake of her head and picked Sullar up. Sullar slowed down his crying and grasped Cat around the neck. "Come on, come with me," she said soothingly. Cat took Sullar over to a bed and sat him down. Ryak came over as well.

"Ok Ryak, let's get some minor stuff over with first." Cat said as she pulled out her medical scanner. "What is his name, age, and race."

"He is Romulan!" Ryak said in a tone insinuating she should know that, "He is 3 Terran years old and his name is Sullar Sullax." Ryak took a breath and passed her the Romulan Medical PADD he had received. "All is on this PADD."

Cat seemed to not even notice Ryak's behaviour as if she just expected it. She looked over the PADD and continued with her examination of Sullar and found nothing wrong. "Well, I must say, he seems to be a very healthy young man."

"Of course." Ryak replied.

"So Ryak, how are you doing?" Cat asked as she brought the scanner over to him to see if his wounds healed completely.

Ryak was still in pain from the wounds but he had no time to let them heal the way he was supposed to. But Ryak responded with a befitting line, "I am perfectly fine doctor. I came for my son that is it."

Cat just looked at him insinuating that she wasn't going to buy his stupidity and do the scan anyway. "Well obviously you didn't follow my advice on staying inactive for a while to allow the wounds to heal. But they seem to be doing OK. You need to relax to let them heal properly." Cat took a deep breath and said, "Sullar is perfectly healthy. No problems for him to stay on board but please keep him from being as stubborn as his father." Cat gave Ryak a smile.

At this time Sullar had grabbed Cat's hand and pointed at Ryak and said in his newest possible attempt at Romulan, "Father, home please."

Ryak looked over at Sullar and saw that he was rubbing his eyes. Cat looked puzzled so Ryak explained what he said. Ryak then picked up Sullar and turned to Cat and said, "I have today and tomorrow off." Ryak took a deep breath again and continued, "If you wish to see my son you are welcome to do so. If you wish to come and eat dinner I would expect that Sullar would enjoy it a lot."

"I would be very happy to have dinner with you and Sullar. Thank you." Cat returned with a smile. "It would be a pleasure." Cat was very happy, so far his time on the Galaxy, Ryak been a loner. It was good to see him opening up.

Ryak then nodded and headed for his quarters.

"Raesene's New Job"
by, Lt. (j.g.) Raesene Hermedhie

Raesene was still a little surprised from his experiences. And from his promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade. And there was a saying that he had heard once, "With each promotion comes new responsibilities." That had certainly been true in his case. He now was in charge of helping the newer members of Tactical to learn the ropes. And to top it all off, StarFleet R&D wished to find out what his sword was made of. He had already started working on making them a dagger of the material. He knew that it would take time, but as he had the ability to make weapons, he chose to take it. He had just finished with his creation, now all he needed was some way to deliver it. This plagued his mind for quite a while, before he decided to send it via regular mail courier. He knew of no other way. However, he still was yearning for something. He did not know what, but it was there. Perhaps after he had time to think about it, he would realize what it was...

"The Black Book of SI Operations"
by Lt. Thomas, Commander Sterner

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.

Chris knew the best place to keep ones' enemies especially snakes like Pressman was close to you, closer than you allowed your friends to get. Pressman deserved no less treatment than that, he was just like any SI agent ruthless, cold and deadly.

**Cargo Bay 2**

"Wait up Lieutenant, I'll go with you." Lieutenant Thomas said, taking a few long strides to catch up with the Chief Engineer.

Thomas spent a few minutes talking with Chief, before excusing himself. Which happened to be convenient as the Chief needed to pay a visit to 10-Forward. This would all him to pay a brief call on Commander Sterner, as he needed to give him the reports for ops form the previous day. Something that he'd forget to turn over the commander as he was up until a few hours ago handling ops more or less. He needed to stop by his quarters pick up the reports that he needed to run over to the Commander, and needed to make a few other quick arrangements and searches. He didn't trust Pressman and while he still had some things active to protect himself, he thought his days of operating in the Dark were over, however with Pressman onboard that had changed everything.

He was going to be walking a very narrow line, between working with Eric Pressman and trying to ensure the safety of the ship. Pressman had a bad reputation about causing things to go up in a puff of smoke. The Galaxy wasn't going to be his latest project, but Chris realized how tight of a rope he'd be walking on this mission. He also knew that mentioning Belira was onboard the ship and that she'd been told information that she really needed to know, had to say the least caught Mr. Pressman off guard. Which Thomas planned to use to his advantage.

Chris dreaded doing this, he'd feared returning to the Klingon empire, but that fear was more of concern for things. His fear now was working with Pressman, who wasn't known for his personality among officers.

** Thomas's Quarters **

Chris entered his quarters, locked the door behind him and headed to grab the reports. He also retrieved something form his closet, namely a tricorder and scanned his quarters. He was relieved not to find his room bugged by non-standard monitoring equipment. Which was a relief to him, but he also suspected the admiral wouldn't be bold enough to bug his room for now. While he probably knew Thomas was on the ship, before boarding the ship as most of Starfleet Intelligence knew it as it was pretty common Knowledge. The Admiral was surprised, but probably more so that I chose to look him up and talk with him.

Chris stopped in the middle of his tracks, he needed to make a decision about what he could tell Joerg about Eric Pressman. He thought long and hard about this, while Joerg could access what information was allowed to be common knowledge about the man, there were secrets and rumors that just didn't exist in the open. I'll be walking a fine line between both sides of this mission, my duty and loyalty to the ship and Starfleet, and my old loyalty and respect for those officers that work in or with Starfleet Intelligence and its various subsections. While this wasn't a really new experience, it was as he was doing this between Federation and Federation. He knew Pressman could hang him out to dry, but he also could hang Pressman out or at least some of his associates who might decide to finish the job themselves. Chris also knew that Pressman wouldn't be afraid to involve his family in a war between them. Chris wouldn't avoid it either, but that was were the difference would possibly come into play. Admiral Eric Pressman had no heart, while Chris had developed one in his time away from SI. Though he figured that since he'd really already loss two of the most important people in his life, there wasn't much more Pressman could do to make it painful. Chris walked over to a mirror and looked into the mirror, trying to see who was looking back at him. The person he saw was a combination of his past and his present, but was that enough to do what needed to be done.

He considered the possible outcomes and decided that he'd have to play SI once more, the old saying seemed to apply every time he thought he was done with his past. Once you've been in SI you're a member of for life, whether in the field, at a desk or not directly working in SI, you're always a member. He walked into his quarters accessed a door hidden away, thumb though some of the information, found what he was looking for, retrieved the padd and resecured the storage area. He double checked his security measures which included a nice virus that would wipe out everything in there, while totally lost it was a necessary precaution given the information. While most of it was truly out of date the information wasn't exactly to be considered public knowledge. He was risking a lot, to provide Joerg with at least some information about Pressman, perhaps the information will if anything ensure the commander remains alive and is able to command the ship in some efficient and orderly manner without Pressman telling him what buttons to push and when to push them.

He activated his normal security measures before preparing to leave. Chris reviewed his quarters one last time and left to deliver the information to the Commander, who was acting as the ships captain. He knew why and who had conveniently arranged for the captain's timely vacation. Eric Pressman had practically admitted to it in his own manner and fashion. THis wasn't something that Chris could or would tell Joerg, as it wouldn't be necessary he hoped. He knew if Price had remained on the ship, Eric would be pressed to provide some explanations, with only a commander in charge of the galaxy the admiral had free run of the ship. A scary thought to say the lease, but something that at the moment was true. Chris also had his assumptions that while there might be one other person who could match pressman and stand toe to toe with him, didn't have the guts to put everything on the line. Deiran Casey despite his flaws and Chris' on distaste of him, he was a good officers and a good man. He just had family ties something that could and would hinder someone who wanted or needed to stand toe to toe with a determined or ranking SI officer. While Deiran had family connections, namely his father, Eric Pressman had for all the time Chris knew of the man, operated with a shroud of mystery around him and with far reaching connections to ensure he remained an officer and not a prisoner. Chris might have considered bringing Lt. Commander Casey into the mess under other circumstances, he couldn't do that.

** Turbolift **

"Computer locate, Commander Sterner." Chris said. He figured he was in his quarters, but wasn't totally sure about that, however he hoped that was where he was.

"Commander Sterner is in his quarters." the computer responded.

'Good' Chris thought to himself.

** Commander Sterner's quarters **

Joerg was lying on his bed in his quarters. The past few hours were the single most terrible ones in his whole Starfleet career so far. He thought about the possibility that Captain Price's leave of absence and Admiral Pressman's arrival and "seizure" of the Galaxy were more than just coincidences. So far he had found evidence that it was the case, but after careful consideration, Joerg came to the conclusion that he was the prefect victim for the Admiral's little game.

Outside the quarters Chris pressed the buzzer, he just hoped the commander wasn't totally asleep.

Joerg was astonished. Who wanted to see him at the particular time. So he just asked "Who is there?"

"Lt. Thomas sir, I have the ops reports." Chris said. Knowing full well he could've just sent them to the commander. He hoped the commander would realize there was another reason for his visit. He hoped the commander would connect this with the wink he'd given him in the captain's ready room earlier in the day.

Now even more puzzled with that answer, Joerg simply decided to see what Lieutenant Thomas wanted from him. He stood up from the bed and turned his attention to the door and the soon to be entering Lieutenant.

"Enter." he then simply said.

Chris entered the commander's quarters, not letting himself get distracted as he was here for a very specific reason and could linger here to long. While he wasn't followed by anyone, he didn't plan to leave anything to chance this was going to be a fast visit, deliver the reports go over them and then return to engineering.

"Commander," Chris said after the door closed. "I brought the operations reports for your review and information." Chris said handing the first padd to the commander, and then handing him the second padd, which was displaying what information Chris knew and had about Eric Pressman.

Joerg took the two PADDs and looked at the first one. It contained the data Lieutenant Thomas came to bring him, all the data he promised to bring him in fact. That left another unanswered question and it could be seen on Joerg's face what he would say next. Chris exactly knew what Joerg was about to say, so he just began to explain himself.

"Commander I believe you'll find the second of particular interest, sir." Chris said, adding "It has some interesting data about how operations on the ship are performing after the repairs and upgrades to the ship."

Seeing that this could lead to some interesting news and that there was even the slightest chance that his room was monitored by some of the Admiral's specialists, Joerg didn't say anything to Chris.

"Computer, play Mozart 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik'." he stated.

{Unable to comply. Please restate your command.} the computerized voiced replied.

Joerg, knowing what caused the misunderstanding, that he ordered the computer to play the music in German, just shook his head.

"Computer, play something from Mozart." he then ordered, not knowing the correct english name at the moment.

The computer acknowledged the order and the music began to play. Joerg then nodded to Chris, signaling him that they could now speak more freely. Of course he knew that Chris, being a former SI agent, was fully aware of such tactics to hinder someone from listening to their conversation.

"Commander permission to speak freely?" Chris asked.

"Of course, go ahead Lieutenant." Joerg simply answered.

"Commander you should be aware of a few things, you know I served in Starfleet Intelligence that sort of news gets around the ship, and is even in most crew bios from officers that have left the intelligence agency. I just wanted you to know, that I know Pressman's reputation and I felt it would be best if someone keep an one him, namely myself. I have dealt with men like him on previous occasions while I was in SI and believe me, his kind are ruthless and if they know of something you did in your crew that they could use against to get your cooperation they will. If you don't have something your past they can invent something or use your family against to get what they want or need. I should know, I learned the way of these tactics, while I was in the group." Chris said, then added, "Joerg, Admiral Eric Pressman isn't a man to be toyed or trifled with, but the information I have given you based upon what I remember will at least allow you to know a) how dangerous he is and what he's capable of doing and b) How and when to stand your ground against him or in other words; when and where to chose your battles with him." Chris said. The information was nothing more than what he recalled about the man, and his personally notes about him. Well not exactly true, as some of the information was from his deceased friend Suvak.

"I don't know why you are coming to me with this, Chris. As far as I can say this could just be a trick from the Admiral to lure me into a trap, so that he could throw me into the brig for high treason and take over the ship himself for the mission he is planning." Joerg also spoke his thoughts freely.

"I know, you have your doubts about me right now commander, as you saw me tailing the Admiral like an admiral's aide. I only ask that you trust me and my decisions." Chris said, "I believe that we can over come the remaining problems that I have noted in my operations report, but adding a few key command sequences and adding a few additions root and directory commands to quickly restore the operations of the ship to a more regulated power usage and data operation."

"That is of course a very good idea Lieutenant. However I still have my doubts about your connection to the Admiral. I will read the information you gave me here, but I hope that you and I are doing the right thing about the Admiral and his mission. Because if we do not and this comes out, we will both be history in terms of out Starfleet careers. I trust you for now, but be sure not to endanger this trust." Joerg stated, both as the man, who was in command of the ship, and the man, who thinks what was best and what Captain Price would do.

"Thank you commander." Chris said, leaving Joerg to read the reports. The end of the reports provided the best way to clean the padd's memory storage. Something that needed more work on ensuring that it took place correctly.

While Thomas left his quarters, Joerg slowly walked towards his desk, the PADDs in his hand, reading the one he just received. Once at the table he sat down, but still kept reading the second PADD. There were so much interesting information, that his eyes couldn't stop reading. After he had finished studying the PADD, the data within was completely wiped out and thus lost forever. Joerg knew that he had at least a small chance to stand again the Admiral.

Meanwhile Chris returned to engineering meeting up with the Chief and the other officers that he'd selected to help with the installation.

"Chief if you could use anther set of hands, I'll be more than glad to help." Chris needed some sleep something the Admiral had recommended, but Chris had worked on undercover with having no sleep for several days. While he wasn't as young and trained as he used to be, he knew what limits he could push his body. He decided that while the chief and company started to get things set up, he needed to do something. He found a quite out of the way corner and worked on his meditation techniques. Focusing his mind, body and soul for the road ahead. Then decided that he should go get some sleep and be ready for a full day of activity.

"Chief I'd like to help, but I really need to get some sleep. I'll be back in a couple of hours, but if you need me before then just give me a call and I'll come down as soon as I can." Lt. Thomas said. He then made his way to his quarters and to bed something that he needed to do, as he was worn down and was surely to have a busy day.

" Damn... I suppose that means the Gauntlet's off. " Sunder muttered to himself, when the GALAXY returned to drydock at Starbase 74. " Ah well, there'll be time enough to christen new occasions. "

" What's that, sir? " One of the new security ensigns asked, hearing her commander talk to himself. "

" Nothing to worry about, Ensign. Keep your eye on that console. " The ensign turned her head back to the monitoring station in the security section of the ship. Sunder was running an assessment drill, simulating a brig-transfer drill. The simulation was all electronically crafted, thus freeing up the holodecks for other departments' uses. All the ensign had to do was watch for fluctuations in the general status of the prisoner and it's escorts and react accordingly. It was a simple simulation - with one extra bonus feature.

The participant wasn't aware it was false.

The supposed distance between the officer and her subjects contributed to the reality of the situation. The images on the console, along with all the electronic data were conveniently faked by the computer, locking out all other sympathetic systems and supplying the console with false signals. Only Sunder ( or the attending officer in charge of the simulation ) had the proper access to allow the console to restore its normal operating procedures.

It was a brutal test. The prisoner was to escape its escort, usually wounding at least one in the process. The console officer was to then set a series of lock-outs, erect force-fields, or activate the intruder defence system while simultaneously tracking the prisoner's whereabouts.

The console officer was then expected to coordinate actions with other security officers ( transmissions also supplied courtesy of the sinister computer ) while keeping the officer of the watch ( the testing officer ) detailed with significant updates who would ostensibly relay information to other security teams. Supposedly the information she was receiving was being supplied by the testing officer and officers elsewhere, just to maintain the reality of the scenario.

Personally, Sunder loved administering this test. It was probably one of the most entertaining scenarios he had developed; almost like a security version of the Kobyashi Maru sequence. The prisoner was expected to get away and cause as much mayhem as he could in his wake. The test was to see how innovative the candidate was and to evaluate her adaptibility.

Taking his mind off the struggling young ensign for a brief moment, he took the opportunity to update the security roster. He mumbled the occasional " tracking subject to deck " - whatever number the fake prisoner was escaping to in the simulation - every now and then. Sunder knew the general routine well enough by now that he could recite the pattern with the least amount of attention.

The next candidates for the simulation were George Prince and John McQueen. He needed to get their evaluations completed. As their roster assignments were posted, he had to assign their testing times as well. With the unexpected stop at Starbase 74, Sunder felt sure that he could take advantage of the momentary lull to assign them around that time. The appropriation of his new duties meant that he had to cut a few corners to get the bulk of his administrative work done. A man with a foot in two worlds.

At that moment, something caught his eye on the active security console. The security bypasses on the cargo locks were being activated. He touched the status indicator to check on the contents being loaded aboard. To his surprise the indicator panel registered a data-barrier pattern, locking him out of the inventory listing.

" That's not right. " He mumbled.

" Sir? " The harried-looking ensign asked. " What is it? Is he making for the shuttle bay? It doesn't look right to me either but that's what all the signs point to. " She shouted.

" Hmm? " Sunder replied, distracted by the inventory lock-out. " Oh, no ensign. It doesn't look right. Keep your attention on his path though. I'll check with localized teams on the shuttle deck to keep an eye out. " He said, keeping up the pretense and annoyed with his lack of focus.

" Aye sir. " The officer said, returning her attention to the console, frantically setting various traps and obstacles.

Sunder activated a priority system over-ride using his security access clearance. He hardly had to, as the computer always took his clearance level into account. But an over-ride always requested formal recognition of his access level. This only added to his growing puzzlement. It usually meant that there was an external user entering new data - in this case, an encrypted cargo manifest - into the inventory database.

They were taking on sensitive cargo and he hadn't been informed.

While hardly offended, Sunder's curiousity grew even more and more. Routine called for Security's attention whenever unusual cargo was being loaded. If it was valuable or dangerous, then a standard security detail was mandatory. If it was dangerous, he needed to know about the cargo contents right away. The security of this ship was paramount in his responsibilities ... and his responsibilities had just increased dramatically with the introduction of his new temporary duties.

Still, it was hardly a life-or-death situation. He'd check it out, eventually. But he had to wait for the scrambled ensign to complete her scenario. Along with his growing puzzlement, he had impatience to contend with. He was so tempted to activate the overkill switch and set the scenario level to impossible - but quick - proportions to end the scenario. However, he managed to resist the impulse and continued to play along with the scenario until its conclusion.

The ensign was good, he had to admit. Every time the computer arranged for the prisoner to slip through the net of security teams she had established in one zone, there was a force-field blocking his access to secure stations. Sunder's station was registering her as a far more accomplished coordinator than he had anticipated. Her reflexes were superior than he had her figured for, and her creativity was amazing. However, the computer's own programmed imagination eventually overtook the young officer and the automated prisoner managed to escape by jerry-rigging a stolen communicator to a jeffries tube access consuit and slipping down to a cargo deck transporter. He beamed himself to a shuttle bay while distracting the ensign's sensors with the open jeffries tube access-way closing and shutting at random intervals. By the time the ensign had noticed the shuttle bay doors were open, her prisoner had propelled himself out into the open. An escaping shuttlecraft was now the Bridge's problem. The exercise was over.

" Simulation complete. " The computer's soulless voice reported. " Proficiency score generating. "

" Simulation? Simulation!? " The ensign shouted. Sunder always hated this part - when the participant's accelerated adrenaline level was now at par with her shock at being duped. They reacted in either two ways: stunned amazement, or explosive anger. Fortunately for the candidate, Sunder's patience level was a match for either reactions. " I busted my hump, fried my brain all for a damned test ?? Sir?? " She added as a forced afterthought. Sunder waited a few minutes before replying.

" Yes. " Was all he said.

He turned back to the matter of the ensign's score. He pulled up the computer's analysis of her actions and examined them cursorly. It merely re-affirmed what he had observed throughout the simulation. The ensign was a great improvisor; her reactions and tactical imagination were fairly high.

" You have a great habit for double-checking your information. " He started. " Usually that's a strong sign of a competent officer, but in a crisis situation you don't normally have the time to check yourself. Sometimes you just have to be sure that you've made the right decision and move on to to the next step. Security decisions mostly rely on gut and and instinct rather than factual understanding of the situation. "

" A simulation... this was all a test! Sir, with all due respect, but I'm not not in the damned academy any more! I'm a serving officer on board the USS GALAXY and this was ... " She sputtered, trying to find the right words. " offensive! " She finally managed.

" Offensive? " Sunder replied. his eyebrows raising slightly. The corners of his mouth quirked in a slight smile. " Offensive... I like that, Ensign. It's actually the most honest reaction I've had so far. "

" Sir, this wasn't right. I believed that this was real. " She started again. " I don't think that this was an honest evaluation of my skills. "

" Good. " Sunder said. " Then I programmed the simulation correctly. Look Ensign, I don't care what you think about the way I conducted this appraisal. It's my department and I call the shots around here. In other words, I decide what the ground rules are. For the record though, this test was sanctioned and approved by Starfleet Training Protocols, and the blind testing standards are an excellent method for determining proficiency. " He took a deep breath before continuing in a less severe tone. " The point of the exercise is to give me a good idea what your skills are in a crisis situation. You're new on board and I need to see what you can do. You're angry and your'e just coming down off a fairly tense alert situation. I understand that. "

Sunder's speech started to have an effect on her. She started to calm down. " I understand sir, and I'm beginning to see your point. I may not agree with your method, but I can appreciate your reasoning. "

" Again, a very honest answer. Listen ensign, I'm not justifying my reasons to you. But, it's not as if crisis situation happen every day around here. Are you interested in your score? "

The officer's eyes lit up. " Very much sir. "

" Even if you don't agree with the testing methods? " Sunder teased. " I can always re-evaluate you on the job over the course of - say, six months? "

" The score will be fine, sir. " She answered with a note of conciliation in her voice.

" I thought you'd say that. " Sunder answered and detailed the computer's analysis with her.

**********

An hour or so later, Sunder stood on the bridge, filling in at the security station for one of the junior officers on break. He couldn't help but notice that Ensign Praskovya was there too, throwing brief, smiling glances his way. He liked the new ensign. Since she'd come on board, he'd found that she had an effervescent personality that no-one could resist. It had even managed to penetrate his gruff exterior, which he had gone at great lengths to hide. He knew all about Orion female pheromones. After all, he'd gone through adolescence with Orion females all around him.

That Lyle chap was there also, oozing his way from one station to the next. Sunder had been briefly introduced to the man when he had come on board and he had found it hard to respect him as a fellow-officer. Sometimes Sunder thought that the Ferengi philosophers he'd read about were right in stating that the Human and Ferengi psyches weren't as detached as the Terrans liked to believe. Lyle radiated all the qualities of an Orion slave-trader in his behaviour. Sunder had shaken his hand in greeting, but found that he had to wash it later on.

His treatment of women under his rank was frankly, disturbing. Sunder had stood up for Praskovya - though fairly confident she could stand up for herself - when Lyle had tried his best to intimidate the young officer. While assuring him a slight degree of personal satisfaction, he found himself wanting to be as far away from the man as he possibly could. The security officer's return provided that excuse. Despite himself, he couldn't help but smile a brief farewell at Polina before he left the bridge.

*********

" He was just about to tell us why SI is on board, sir. " Chen asked Bishop. Sunder raised his eyes at the statement, but restrained himself from getting any more involved in the conversation than that. He wasn't one to push himself into conversations, but this was different. Even with his new temporary elevation in rank, he wasn't able to find out what had been transported on board and was forced to listen to scuttlebutt with the rest of the general rank and file on board the GALAXY. He'd even heard that there was something going on with Deiran Casey, but hadn't been able to find out what.

Chen and Bishop had bumped up their places on the evaluation schedule. This sort of things happened all the time in Security. The more experienced officers usually pulled prerogative and moved themselves up on lists to get their testing out of the way faster. It was normally overlooked but officially discouraged. Sunder liked to keep things flexible and a little bit of competition among the team was good to keep spirits fresh. He knew when to step in and when to give his officers free reign.

He listened to Bishop's scavenged gossip as intently as the other officers, but managed to feign detached interest. Something about Cardassian secret weapons. He scowled - that wouldn't make sense with the Cardassian Empire's current R&D status. More likely it was Founder technology. He'd have to have a long conversation with Joerg - perhaps he could shed some light on the situation. He chuckled inwardly, it was a pity the two of them hardly drank. It'd be easier to get him drunk and spill some beans.

" Hook, line, and sinker. " Bishop finished with a flashing white smile. Sunder grimaced silently as he realized that the others had been taken - not himself though. He never placed stock in free-floating gossip! He was about to open his mouth and chastise the others for doing so when a security alarm went off.

" Security to Cargo Bay 2. "

" What the hell? " Began Chen.

" Belay that hell-raising Chen. " Sunder said as he reached for a phaser rifle. " Let's go. " He said to the others. Now maybe he'd get a chance to see what was going on in Cargo Bay 2.

Within minutes, the four officers reached the cargo bay to see Lt. Commander Lyle sprawled on the floor with two SI officers standing above him.

Normally, Sunder didn't like SI officers. They kept tabs on their fellow officers, worked on secret agendas, and answered to a select few. That alone earned them his distrust. He never knew when an SI man was speaking his own mind or from some carefully prepared script adopted for whatever purpose at hand. Still, even he couldn't find fault with one of them throwing Lyle around a couple of times; hell, he wanted to do that himself. Instead, he ordered Lyle to confinement; he could deal with him later and in the meantime keep him away from the less fortunate female officers on board, noticing Kimi Okuda's presence as a sure trigger.

He looked at the Bolian SI lieutenant. " Now tell me what happened here. " He demanded, fixing the officer with a straight look and ignoring Lyle's protests.

" Very simple, commander. The lieutenant-commander demanded entry into a secure area. He tried to shove me aside and we prevented his access. "

" Is that everything, or are there any details you're leaving out Lieutenant? " Sunder asked him matter-of-factly.

" No sir. " The bolian fixed Sunder with an equally solid stare. His look told Sunder something else. I'm working under someone else's orders. You can't touch me.

Sunder didn't like that look.

" Did he assault you? " Sunder asked again.

" Not to any great deal of success ... sir. "

" Do you want to press charges? " Sunder asked, knowing full well the answer.

" No sir. "

" Very well lieutenant. You will be required to make a statement nonetheless as I will be making an entry into my log of the incident. "

At this the bolian's face cracked a bit. Again... as Sunder knew it would.

" I'll... I'll have to check with my superior on that sir. "

" Understandable. What's your name, lieutenant? "

" I can't tell you that sir. " The bolian replied.

" That's fine, lieutenant. I understand that you already know one of my officers. I was just hoping to get the correct spelling from you, that's all. " The bolian's face started to fall. " I'll be hearing from your superior soon, I trust. " The last was not a request.

Sunder turned away from the cargo bay and headed to the turbo-lift.

It was definitely time to talk to Joerg.

********* Sunder stood at the doorway of the captain's ready room. He signalled for entry.

" Come. " Came a tired, but familiar voice that Ursa knew too well from his days at the academy. He walked through the doorway to see Joerg Sterner sitting at the captain's desk.

Ursa strode through the door and up to the desk.

" Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder reporting, as ordered, sir! " He stood ram-rod straight with mock seriousness draping his actions. He couldn't maintain the facade for long. Eventually a slight smile cracked his grim face and he took a chair and moved up to the desk. " Sorry, but it's awfully odd to see you in a captain's seat. "

" Just as odd to see you as a second officer. " Joerg shot back. " At least you didn't have to change uniforms. "

" Ah, well, I look better in gold. I think it's the beard - you know, the old foreboding image thing? If offsets my darker side. " Sterner was the only person that Sunder felt completely comfortable with. He'd known Joerg probably longer than enyone else in Starfleet, but the expression in Joerg's face was totally new to him.

" Ursa, what happened outside the cargo bay? " Joerg asked, changing topics.

" Pretty minor really. Our Lt. Commander Lyle decided that the term 'restricted access' didn't apply to him and tried to muscle his way into the cargo bay. He pushed one of the SI guards and discovered that he wasn't a lower-ranked female officer who he could shove around. "

Joerg winced. " Any injuries? "

" Just to Lyle's pride. I think he was trying to show off in front of Kimi Okuda. "

" Hmmm... good taste, poor judgement call. " Ursa nodded in agreement. " What about the SI guard? "

" Name of Deh'vott. A bolian. He's okay; it'd probably take more than a wet stringbag like Lyle to move him though. He was rather stiff on questioning though. You know: tight-lipped and vise-minded. "

" Like all his types. " Joerg observed. " How'd you get his name? That must have taken some creative questioning on your part. "

" Actually, it turns out that Bishop knows him. Went through the academy or something. His eyes goggled when I told him I knew his name. I guess he wasn't figuring on meeting some of his old cronies, especially here. "

Joerg smiled tiredly. Just like Ursa to come up with some piece of gossip. " That's somethng, at least. "

" Joerg, what's up? I mean, the gossip around this ship is ricocheting off the decks like wild phaser fire. If we don't tell someone something soon, morale on this ship is going to plummet. "

Sterner leaned back in his chair, heavily. " I know, but I have my orders Ursa. What I do know, I can't divulge, and what I do know couldn't fill a test tube. They're keeping us in the dark on this one. "

Sunder thought for a minute. " Who's the big knob on this one? " He asked.

Joerg halted before answering right away. " Pressman. " If he couldn't tell the security chief/second officer, who could he tell? Sunder sat bolt upright in his chair.

" Pressman? " He was obviously startled. " That tinpot? "

" You know him? " Sterner asked.

" Only by reputation - luckily. Though I don't know him personally and I hope he doesn't know me. He was the mad dog who got called into question for using non-Starfleet intelligence operatives. "

Joerg's interest overtook his tiredness for the moment. " What do you mean? Tell me more. "

" Pressman's operatives were mostly outside races - either non-aligned or sometimes other powers. He'd used nausicaans, tholians, and even a cardassian or two - at least according to the stories I was told. He was criticized for often neglecting to verify the validity of his information. He was out of the game for a while, but I guess he managed to wheedle his way back in again. "

Joerg whistled. " How did you come about this? "

" He also used orions on occasion. "

" Your father? "

" Yes. " Sunder replied. " But when he got pulled, he tried to remove his network as well, meaning that it became open season most of the rogues. He tried to ambush Kengar once or twice, and when that failed he went after the entire SHADOWFIRE. That's why Kengar doesn't like to enter Federation space unless he can help it. I don't know if Pressman has the same power he used to , but he's a shady son of a bitch to mess with. Whatever he's involved with on this ship Joerg, it's probably pretty dirty. "

" Just what I need. " Joerg muttered. " Take it from me Ursa, you don't want command. "

" Is that an order, captain? " ursa japed.

" No. Just a recommendation from a very tired man. "

" Look Joerg, I don't like the idea of this bugger being on board. I'll keep a low profile, but I'll keep an eye on him. Anything I can find out - including the cargo bay - I'll make sure you're in on it. "

" Don't piss this man off Ursa. He's an admiral and a member of SI. Who knows what he's capable of? "

" Sound advice my friend. But you're the captain of this ship and I'm the chief of security. We above all other people are directly responsible for the safety and well-being of this ship. It's our prime responsibility. If this man in any way threatens those two conditions, it's our duty to stop him above all others. "

Joerg considered Sunder's words. " Keep your nose clean and me informed. But don't stick your neck out too much; I might not be able to protect you. "

" That's what you said about the groundskeeper's daughter back in San Francisco and I still managed to come through okay, right? " He joked. " I'll send a formal copy of the incident report to you in the morning. Keep it for Pressman. "

" Where are you going to start? Sterner asked.

" Probably with Bishop. Let's see what he can tell me about this bolian SI operative Get some sleep Joerg - you look like hell. "

" You would too - if you were wearing red. Really isn't your colour, you know. " He shot back.

" Go to hell, captain. Pleasant dreams. " Ursa joked.

With that in his wake, Ursa started back to the Security Operations centre to see what he could dredge out of Bishop.

"Stranger and stranger"
By Lt (jg) Sharp

Aaron was jogging through the corridors of the Galaxy, intent on keeping in peak physical condition. Normally he would use a holodeck or just jog around the gym, but today he felt like something different. The front of his shirt was wet with sweat and his breathing heavy, but rhythmic. He was deep in thought as he ran. Thinking about their last mission, the death of Mach, the young Klingon helmsman, thinking about the death of his wife and daughter. Although he’d managed to overcome most of the pain, he found he still wasn’t able to go into Ten-Forward. He used to meet her there most days after his shift ended, and they would talk and joke and just enjoy each other’s company. It hurt to think about. He needed to overcome this last hurdle. His councillor back on Earth had told him that. He should really talk to a councillor about it now, but hadn’t. He was in the cargo bay area now, corridors passing by on the left and the right. He decided to go to Ten-Forward after his next shift. He’d work up the nerve and face the pain like a man. It wouldn’t be easy, but he’d do it. He rounded a corner to see two officers in all black uniforms, carrying phaser rifles guarding cargo bay 2. That’s odd, he thought. Coming to a stop and getting his breath back, Aaron wandered up to the bay doors, intent on going in and having a look around but before he could proceed any further, the two black clad officers blocked his path.

“Sorry sir,” one spoke, “This is a restricted area.” He didn’t look like he was in a very good mood.

“I was just curious as to what’s going on.” Aaron said, again making towards the doors. Suddenly he was facing the wrong end of the two phaser rifles.

“Like I said, sir, this area is restricted.” Aaron quickly backed off.

“Hey, no problem, mate, I get the idea.” He backed off cautiously , then turned and continued jogging down the corridor. What on earth is going on? He thought to himself.

"Black Clouds"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Everything came crashing down on top of Casey after his encounter with Pressman. He hated that man. And it wasn’t over between them. Somewhere down the road Pressman would regret blackmailing him and his father.

Pressman had the upper hand at the moment. Round two went to Pressman. It was best to display the better part of valor and tone his distaste for Pressman down and just do his job. But, he would do what he could to protect his family’s name now. And the lives on board the Galaxy.

What he did at Tyrell was for the good of his fellow crew-mate. He was blackmailed into stealing the T-resin, as was Troy and the rest of the team. If he remembered correctly, Sterner was part of the team that went to Tyrell. They didn’t have a choice. They could have upheld Federation law and let a very cherished member of the Galaxy crew die, or they could give in to blackmail. Casey, Blair and the others chose to save the life of their crew-mate. He was not ashamed of what he did. He was ashamed that he didn’t take SI into account and would never make that mistake again.

Mistakes. It seemed Deiran was full of them lately. His own searing wretchedness was cutting his insides with each breath. I hate myself, he would say over and over to himself. The guilt was becoming Deiran’s prison.

I can’t let my family pay for something I’ve done. I’m human, after all these years I am finally human. Not only have I lost, I’ve been destroyed in one moment of weakness. Oh my God!!! Help me. Help me. No one heard his silent plea. Who would help him? Everyone hated him anyway. He had Miran, D’tarna, Ronni, Lara and Teb. Ronni would probably never speak to him again. D’tarna would respond like Ronni did. Lara was too young to know what was going on. He didn’t know what Teb was feeling. And his beloved Miran would hate him for the rest of his life.

How could I have done this to her? His heart broke again. Each time he thought about his betrayal, his heart grew darker. The rage inside him, was targeted at no other but himself. Two days ago he thought that no one was better than him. I’m the lowest piece of scum.

His inner turmoil was grinding at his soul. The unspeakable pain within him was too overwhelming. I love you so much Miran! He would cry inside him. I love you Miran!

The clouds of ebony were resting above him like a sinister, flesh eating flock of ravens. They held him in their grip like a ball and chain burdened the imprisoned peasant. His soul was writhing and gnawing for freedom from this never-ending torment. It all seemed like centuries. When in fact he only lived with it for no less than 30 hours.

When backed into a corner, do the honorable thing. Deiran remembered a quote from an English author of the 19th and 20th centuries, E.V. Lucas, "The art of life is to show your hand. There is no diplomacy like candor. You may lose by it now and then, but it will be a loss well gained if you do. Nothing is so boring as having to keep up a deception."

Deiran entered the TL. He didn’t notice anyone, or anything. His thoughts consumed his attention. One thing about Deiran, he was a fighter. Thoughts of suicide plagued him. He was not a coward. He would face the consequences with as much honor as he possibly could. That’s all he could do anymore anyway. He was an empty shell, void of purpose, void of love, void of truth. All he had was honor. Do the honorable thing you piece of crap. Do the honorable thing.

He would swallow his pride. All of his mistakes would be revealed. Miran would know of his betrayal of vows. His father would know of Tyrell. He would expose himself, so no one could use these things against him. It was the only way out. Honor, Duty and Country, was an old motto of ancient America. It was apropos now.

No matter how much others would hate him, he would do what he could to salvage his honor. It’s all he would have left anyway. He couldn’t even imagine his life without Miran. How can I live knowing she hates me? Help me God!

*** Casey quarters ***

Miran and Lara were in the arboretum. He only had a half hour until Beta shift began. He had to make this quick. Deiran used his programming expertise awhile back to design and write a encryption-decryption code. No one in the quadrants would be able to decipher it quickly. It would take at least a year. But, he had a year. He was only worried about the safety of his secrets in the present.

He sat down at his desk, turned on his terminal and began. He typed the message.

"Dear father,

"What I am about to tell you could be damaging to both of us. But it is my fault and I will take full responsibility for my actions.

"A year or so ago, one of my crew-mates was kidnapped by a man named Mudd. He blackmailed me and my crew-mates into stealing Trilithium resin from Tyrell complex. I made a cosmetic mask and impersonated you. There was no other way to get into the complex. I hacked your command clearance, knowing you would never give it to me.

"We faked an inspection. And then stole the T-resin and left the complex. No one was hurt, a few guards knocked out maybe. The crew-mate was rescued, she would’ve died if we hadn’t stolen the T-resin. There was no other course of action.

"I am ashamed of myself, Father. The last few days have been the worst of my life.

"I tell you this because one of our worst enemies has this information and is using it to blackmail me and you. He has threatened to have me sent to a penal colony for 20 years and you accused of treason. He’s using this information to keep me in check and won’t use it if I play along and kiss his rear. Unfortunately, I have no other recourse but to follow his instructions. At least at the present time.

"I thought I covered my tracks. I erased all the databases, video of our visit and even changed the records to account for the disappearance of the T-resin we removed from the complex. But SI was there and observed us. They have audio and video of our ‘visit.’ Needless to say I do a darn good impression of you.

"I doubt Starfleet would reprimand me for saving the life of a valuable officer, especially while being blackmailed by Mudd. Pressman knows this. He knows I didn’t have any other options. In fact, the jerk would have done the same thing under the circumstances.

"I suggest you get something on him quick, with our ‘sources’ to keep him at our table eating scraps. In fact, I’m sure there are many cases we could expose him for. I have done some research on him. The man has a long history of blackmail and betrayal. One of these enemies must have something on him. I suggest we find it. Rally his enemies against him and crush him. It effects all Casey’s and even Allen’s.

"I am sorry Dad, I did what I thought was right to save a friend. There’s not a Starfleet officer who wouldn’t have done the same. My deepest apologies. I am already tearing myself apart inside, nothing can change the fact that in one single act I could destroy my family and my heritage. It’s destroying my soul, sir."

Deiran put his name to it, encrypted it, making sure it was totally secure so even SI couldn’t break it. SI couldn't break this code anyway, the only one who could was Deiran. He sent the message and then erased the decryption program as a precaution. He covered his tracks extremely well. He was playing for keeps. He knew his father would repay Pressman. Soon, Pressman’s ruthlessness would catch up to him. No one more than Thomas Casey would like to see Pressman’s destruction. Deiran was sure his father would find a way.

It was time for Beta shift.

*** 8 hours later ***

Deiran’s shift was uneventful. En route to a rendezvous point, a few tests, reports galore. But all in all quite slow. Which was fine with Casey because his inner turmoil couldn’t have handled much more.

He wanted Beta shift to go on forever but it did not.

He handed Gamma shift over to Sunder and left the Bridge. He was exhausted. He hadn’t slept in over two days. His mind was mush. His heart, dark ashes of contrition.

He was a broken, defeated man.

I want all of this just to go away. I can’t break Miran’s heart. I need her now more than ever. I love you Miran. The cry of his heart was the undying love he felt for Miran. He had cheated yes, but it was weakness. He had been beating himself up the second he realized what had happened.

He had been a victim of lust and passion. Weak, he hated weakness. How could I have been weak? What the hell was I thinking? Why didn’t I stop myself? Could I have stopped?

He could have stopped. He had chances to restrain himself. But he didn’t.

Miran had done nothing to warrant his cheating on her. She was a loving, faithful wife and friend and a great mother. She was even a wonderful lover. But you cheated on her you scum!

He knew that he had to reveal the truth to her. But, his fear of losing her stopped him. As far as she was concerned nothing had changed between them. But, it would. She would never trust him again. He had no legitimate reason to sleep with Tebrianne. He did love her, a love buried. But, he just wanted her body. She was a very good lover, if he had to tell the truth he would say it was a great time. He did love Teb.

But, his guilt caused him to hate what he did, to hate himself.

He went to Ten Forward. It was crowded with officers from Beta shift. Deiran went up to Electra, rested his elbows on the bar and glared at Electra. His guilt, his torment, clearly visible in the mirrors of his soul.

"What can I get for you Commander?" she asked.

"Saurian Brandy…none of that synthenol junk either. The real thing. I want a double too!" Deiran said rudely.

Electra didn’t appreciate his tone. "You’ve never ordered alcohol, what’s wrong with you?" Electra was more concerned than anything. Deiran hated alcohol.

"Nothing damn you! Just give me the whole bottle!" Deiran shouted at her, ripping the bottle from her hand and taking the glass. Then he walked over to his usual table, sitting so he could watch the stars streak by the window.

He poured his first glass full of the drink. And downed it with a few gulps. His face showed he hated it. But he poured another glass. In a matter of hours, the bottle was empty and Deiran was stone drunk, passed out on the table.

"Standing By"
by Lt. Ronni Morris & Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
ACSO, USS Galaxy

Water sloshed over the sides of her sleep tank. Her schedule was messed up and she was dealing with a lot of stress. That stupid Admiral Pressman had changed the schedule so that her normal shift, Beta, was working the Alpha shift. What was he trying to do? See how sleepy he could make all of us?

Finally, she got up. Ronni got a bowl of hot oatmeal with apple chunks in it from the replicator and a glass of orange juice. It reminded her of being at her grandmother's home in Astoria, Oregon. She really wanted to return.

After returning the dishes to the replicator, she got dressed in her uniform and headed down to Ten-Forward. Deiran sat at the bar next to a bottle of Saurian brandy. "Deiran NEVER drinks!" thought Ronni. From the way he looked, he was in a foul mood. She was still hurt by what he had done, but she just couldn't hate him. He really did remind her of her dead brother Mysk. Tough and rigid on the exterior, a softy on the inside.

She watched him walk to his table and she followed him. He barely looked over at her, but she could tell he was surprised.

"So, are you here to kick me while I'm down?" he grumbled. He really looked like hell. And felt even worse than he looked.

"No. Do you want me to?" she said with a half smile.

"I really don't want any company right now," he said quietly. His face softening a little. He was lying through his teeth, he definitely didn’t want the bottle for company.

"I understand. I'll leave you alone. But I want you to promise me three things . . . " she said.

"Ronni, I don't think . . ." he started and was interrupted..

"Hush. First of all, promise me you won't do anything rash. If you feel like doing something, think about it again. Just say, 'What would Captain Price do in this situation?'"

Deiran shrugged his shoulders, he shrugged back tears. Open up to her you piece of crud! She can help. He kept his mouth shut though and listened.

"Second, don't lie or hide things from Miran. She's not stupid and she deserves the best. That's you!" she said nudging him with her shoulder.

He just said, "Ha!" he said setting the glass on the table hard and began pouring more brandy into his glass.

"Finally, promise you'll forgive me for being an ass. I set myself up as judge and jury. I may hate what you did, but I love and respect you. You were my first friend on board the USS Galaxy and I would hate to lose you." She smiled a big smile and put her arm over his shoulder. She gave him a kiss on the ear and whispered, "Go see Miran now. The longer you wait, the worse it will be."

Deiran sat there, his eyes red. Still he kept his tears back. He wanted to cry on Ronni’s shoulder, but his pride kept him from showing emotion in such a public place.

She got up and left Ten Forward. She felt better now than she had in the last few days. It was a pity that Deiran did not. His fear kept his butt in the chair, and his hand pouring the bottle’s contents in his glass of sorrows.

"Tour of the Shuttlebay part 2"
By Lt.(jg) George Prince
Shuttle Pilot
USS Galaxy

George sat in Ten Forward finishing his drink. He looked around and saw the teacher looking right at him. George was about to leave when the teacher steped in fornt of him.

"Where do you think you are going? I want to talk to you now." said the teacher as he sat down at one of the tables.

"I am heading to my quaters to get some sleep." The teacher sat there and gave George a look until he sat down. As George sat down he looked around to see if anyone was looking at him.

"The tour could have gone better. The photo I have of you just might make it's way to the Price's desk. You wouldn't want that to happen. Now would you." the teacher passes the photo over to George. George picks it up. The photo is of him dressed up like a Klingon.

"Ha ha ha... you were using this as black male." George grabs the teacher by the back of his neck and pulls him closer to him. "This is from one of my mission when I was on Deep Space Ten. Next time you try to black male me use something better then a photo of me on a mission." George gets up and starts to walk.

"I got the photo from a friend on Deep Space Ten. I guess it is useless." the teacher said in disapointment.

"The tour was on the house next make an apointment with me." George walked out of Ten Fourward and headed to his quaters.

"No Thought"
by Lt. AC Hewson

Julia Reynolds was a mixture of emotions as she walked the corridors of the Galaxy. While she was extremely happy that Tebrianne had lost her virginity, Jules was equally stunned to find out that Deiran Casey was the man who had participated in this step of her friend’s life. Deiran was the object of many dreams and fantasies by the female population of the Galaxy. But he was a married man, so their fantasies could never turn into reality. Teb had disregarded this rule, however, as she had made love to Casey in the holodeck.

Julia wasn’t upset with Casey; who could have resisted Tebrianne in the outfit she had worn? One would have to be a robot to ignore a body like hers.

The urge to sleep had been pushed away due to the thoughts running through Julia’s mind. Teb was her closest friend, and Julia had promised that she wouldn’t tell about Teb’s brief fling with the Lt. Commander. But she would surely burst if she didn’t tell someone.

***** Deck 17 *****

AC leaned against the wall right next to the turbolift entrance, images of Tebrianne running through his mind. He smiled broadly as he pictured Teb and himself walking down the ‘Dreamscape Beach’ on Risa, the wind running through the different colors in her hair. He shoved the image aside and straightened up as he heard the turbolift slow to a stop.

***** Inside the Turbolift, 1 minute before *****

“Oh god, Sam! You won’t believe this!” Jules excitedly began as she stepped into the lift with Lt. Samantha Broyles.

“What’s got you so riled up?” Sam asked in her high-pitched, almost whiny voice.

“You won’t believe this!” Julia repeated herself in her excited state.

“For godsake, what is it?” Sam was becoming excited as well. She knew all to well that Julia always acted like this when she stumbled upon some juicy gossip.

“Before I start, you have to promise me that you won’t tell anyone…and I mean anyone!”

“Ok, I swear. Cross my heart and that whole bit. Now tell me before you explode!”

“Tebrianna scored with the most desired man on this ship!”

“You don’t me that she got it on with…” Sam’s jaw dropped at the picture that her friend was suggesting.

“YES! Tebrianne fucked Deiran Casey!” Jules exclaimed as the doors to the lift suddenly swished open.

***** AC *****

“…rianne fucked Deiran Casey!” AC heard as the doors slid open to reveal Julia Reynolds and another female officer. The words shot through his mind at Warp 10.

*Maybe she didn’t say Tebrianne…I could have heard it wrong.* AC paused for a moment as he glanced at the two women inside the lift.

*But not likely.*

AC only had a split second to decide what to do. He could keep his cool and see if he could get any information/conformation from Jules, or he could turn and run back to his quarters and weep like a baby. His better judgment led him to take the former.

“Ladies,” he said as entered the lift, flashing a false smile.

“Hey AC.” Jules acknowledged him, looking at him from the corner of her eye as he stated his destination. She wasn’t completely sure if he had heard any of the conversation when the doors had opened.

Sam smiled broadly at AC.

“So what is this I heard you saying about Casey,” AC asked, trying not to sound too interested.

“I really can’t tell you, AC. I promised that I wouldn’t.” Jules told him, though she had already broken her promise to Teb by telling Sam.

“Deiran Casey banged it up with the Chief Helmsman,” Sam broke into the conversation, “Tebrianne Bancroft.”

“Really.” AC’s voice grew stone cold. “Really.”

“SAM! You promised you wouldn’t tell!” Julia stared at Sam.

“Oh, AC won’t say anything, will you AC?” Sam winked at Alan. As hard as he tried, AC couldn’t muster a smile.

“No…no.” AC stammered as he tried to compose himself. “I won’t tell.”

***** Deck 8 *****

Greer held Ronni tightly, trying to figure out what had upset her so much. She had burst into the lab, a mess of tears and frustration. But as Ronni began to quite down, AC entered the room.

“Is any of this true?” AC asked Greer in his frustrated state of mind. Greer looked at his friend with questioning eyes.

“What?” Greer was now frustrated as well. “What the hell is going?”

Ronni lifted her eyes and looked directly at Alan.

*He knows*

“Did Deiran have an affair with Tebrianne?” AC blurted out, all common sense having left him a long time ago. “DID HE?” AC shouted.

“AC…Alan calm down. Tell me slowly what you’ve…” Greer tried to help Alan get ahold of himself.

“Damnit Greer! That filthy bastard better not have done anything to her. I swear I’ll…” AC once again began to shout.

“SHUT UP FOR A MINUTE!” Greer, a man who had great control of his emotions, shouted back. “Just…relax. Everyone relax. Let’s figure out what is going on here.” The logical side of Greer kicked in.

Holding her arm, Greer led Ronni over towards his chair behind the desk in his office. Greer took a seat on the edge of the desk, while AC stood and paced the confines of the office.

“I don’t know what the hell is going on, Greer. I heard these rumors that Casey had sex with Tebrianne…I don’t know if they’re true or not. You know I don’t like Deiran, but I know he’s got more honor than to have a cheap fling behind his wife’s back!” Alan said, almost civilized. But as he mentioned Deiran’s wife, AC noticed that tears began running down Ronni’s face again.

“JESUS CHRIST! It’s true, isn’t it Ronni?” The anger in AC’s voice rose as he gripped the doorframe.

Greer, who had been holding Ronni’s hand the whole time, looked down at the woman he loved. After a few sniffles, Ronni slowly nodded her head.

“DAMN HIM!” AC yelled as he turned on his heels and headed out of the lab.

“AC, WAIT!” Greer shouted after him. “DON’T DO SOMETHING YOU’LL REGRET!” Greer wanted to go after his friend, but he didn’t want to leave Ronni alone. Before he could say anything else, Ronni gave his hand a good squeeze.

“Go, Greer.” She simply said. Greer nodded and sprinted out of the room.

***** Turbolift *****

“Computer, locate Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey.” AC barked.

“Lieutenant Commander Casey is currently in Ten-Forward.”

“Deck 10.”

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

Deiran’s head felt like it weighed a hundred tons as he came too. Saurian Brandy was a rather unforgiving drink, especially to Deiran who wasn’t accustomed to drinking large amounts of liquor. He was somehow able to stand as the world came into a blurry haze around him. Stumbling across the room, he made his way towards the exit.

Using the walls for support, Deiran proceeded down the corridor. He had made it a few meters when he heard a voice call after him.

“Casey, you bastard!” AC shouted after him.

*Shit. He is about the last person I want to deal with right now…* Deiran thought as he slowly turned to face the engineer.

“AC, what the hell do you want?” Deiran mumbled.

“I just want to kill you, you son of a BITCH!” AC’s fist made contact with Deiran’s right cheek with the last word of his sentence.

Deiran was a very strong, very fit man. Under normal circumstances, the blow wouldn’t have fazed him. But the amount of alcohol in his system, along with the fact that AC was enraged beyond belief, caused Deiran to stumble back. He grabbed at the wall for support, hoping to get a counter strike off.

“AC!” Greer’s voice drew both of the officers’ attention away from the fight brewing at hand. The chief science officer seized the moment and stepped in-between AC and Deiran. Casey tried to lunge at Alan, but his reflexes were to distorted to get past Greer.

“Both of you calm down! AC back off for a minute!”

“Fuck you!” AC yelled out, palm smashing Greer directly in the nose. AC’s emotions had taken full control of him.

Greer cursed as he clutched at his nose, blood rushing down his face. He looked up into AC’s eyes, not with anger, but with disappointment. AC stood horrified at what he had done, then quickly ran away.

***** Lt. Hewson’s Quarters *****

It had been a few hours since the skirmish, and AC was feeling sick to his stomach. He lay sprawled out naked on his bed, cursing himself. The thoughts of court-martial and demotion flooded his head.

By attacking a superior officer, he had damned himself to punishment.

*No, that’s two superior officers. Check that: Two superior officers and my best friend.*

Why had he done this? Was it out of anger that Deiran had cheated on his wife? Had he done it to defend Tebrianne’s honor? No, he had done it out of selfishness. He wanted Teb to love him, to hold her tight. But Deiran was the one that she had been intimate with, and AC wanted to kill him for it.

The door chime interrupted his self-torture. AC was positive that Deiran would send some boys from security down to pick him up and haul him off to the brig. It looked like that they had arrived. He grabbed a pair of boxers and made his way through the darkness. To his surprise, Melissa greeted him at the door.

“Get ready and be in main engineering as soon as possible. I'm sure David will explain exactly what we have to do when we get there." Melissa told him as she stepped inside the doorway. She turned to exit, but hesitated for a moment. “Are you allright, AC?”

He glanced at her, a worried smile on his face. “We’ll see Melissa, we’ll see.”

"To Work Early"
By: Lt (jg) Ryak Sullax

Ryak walked out of sickbay and headed to his quarters. On his way he signed Sullar up for day care. As they both arrived to their quarters Ryak put Sullar back on his own feet. The doors opened to Ryak's quarters.

"Computer Lights."

As the lights turned on Ryak noticed that the crates had been placed in his quarters. Ryak took Sullar over to the bed and got him changed into some pj's and tucked him in. Sullar fell asleep rather quickly. Ryak made his way over to his desk and turned on his terminal. Onto the screen came a message that Ryak had to be on duty tomorrow. Ryak quickly sent a message to Cat stating that he would like to reschedule the dinner to 4pm the day after next due to a shift in his day off. Ryak sent the message and turned off his terminal.

Ryak made his way over to the crates and opened one of them up. Inside he found many recipes for Romulan dishes, as well as many educational books, padds and programs to bring him up Romulan. Also in the crates he found some personal effects of Sullar's and his mothers. Ryak turned and opened the second crate. Inside he came across six bottles of genuine Romulan Ale, some more bottles of Romulan Citrus Juice and some rare Romulan Preserves. Also in the crate was some clothes and Romulan Music programs. Ryak closed the crate and joined Sullar in bed.

Thirty minuted before the alarm went off Sullar woke Ryak up. Ryak got him some breakfast and got them both showered and dressed. Ryak had thirty minutes to get to duty. Ryak picked up Sullar and some of his toys and took him to the day care. As Ryak dropped Sullar off, Sullar started to cry. Ryak walked back over to Sullar and gave him a hug. Sullar's crying slowed as he grasped Ryak's neck. Ryak told Sullar that all would be fine and he would be back soon. Ryak left the day care with the sound of Sullar's crying in the background. Ryak felt a tear run down his cheek as he entered the nearest turbolift. The doors shut and the sound was gone. Ryak had the impulse to run back to him but couldn't.

"Computer, where is Ryak Sullax supposed to be."

"Lt. Sullax has duty on the bridge."

"Computer Bridge."

The doors opened to the bridge and Ryak went directly over to the science station. The second he arrived in his position Commander Sterner said, "Lt. Sullax you have the bridge I will be in the ready room if you need me."

"Aye sir." Ryak replied in disbelief. Ryak walked down to the Captain's chair and sat down. As he made his way there he tapped his com badge and said, "Ensign Taruean to the bridge science station."

Ryak sat down in the large seat and took a very deep breath. This was a first for him on a ship this big. Ryak started doing some routine tasks while sitting in the big chair. There really wasn't much for him to do.

Fifteen minutes passed when Ryak heard from Ensign Taruean, "Admiral on the bridge!"

Ryak felt his heart stop as he looked over. Ryak noticed the black SI uniform. He was very aware of it. Ryak remembered meeting the Admiral on several different occasions.

"As you were." Admiral Pressman said as he walked to the Captain's ready room with Lt Thomas following, "Is Commander Sterner in the Captain's office?" as he pointed to it.

All that Ryak could do as he responded, "Yes sir, the Commander is in there."

Ryak didn't get a response at all. The Admiral just finished his trek into the office. Ryak looked around the bridge to see that everybody was still looking towards the ready room.

"Ok everyone back to work." Ryak stated as he started to call up info on his chairs terminal.

Several minutes passed before the Admiral left the ready room and left the bridge. Shortly after Lt Thomas was to follow. Ryak just kept working until the Acting Captain was to return.

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

"A good show in Ten-Forward"
by Ensign Christopher I. Campbell

Christopher was sitting in Ten-Forward enjoying a rootbeer and the company of security officer Salt. The place was packed.

"Did you ever have old Sneezy in the Academy?" Astrid asked.

Chris tried to remember a time before he served aboard the S.I. vessel The Serpent. He'd been young and full of dreams and ambitions. He liked to talk to Astrid. It made him remeber those days when Starfleet's ideals were a reality to him. When he still thought they were actually trying to uphold them throughout the galaxy.

He smiled as he remembered. "Yeah, I had Sneezy. The most boring class that semester too."

Astrid laughed. (He'd never thought about what a beautiful laugh it really was.) "And he could never say more then a few words without sneezing. Did I tell you about the time he took us on a field trip to..."

Chris smiled to himself. Right now he was content. By just sitting here lilstening to Astrid's voice. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been content. Since his departure from S.I. he hadn't believed in what he was doing, what Starfleet was doing. He knew it was hypocrisy. He'd been on a S.I. ship. He knew. And waking up every day, puting on his unifrom and doing something he didn't believe in made contentnes feel very distant. Very distant.

"...but I said: No way! Who do you think..." Astrid paused. "Chris? Are you listening to me?"

"Huh?" Chris had been staring at her the hole time while in deep thought. "I'm sorry, I was thinking."

"You think a lot don't you?" She paused and laid her hand on his. "Chris? The other night..."

“Casey, you bastard!” someone shouted loudly. Chris and Astrid looked up. It was Alan Hewson, the Chief Engineer. He looked enraged, totally out of control.

The 'Casey, you bastard'-shout was obviously refering to Lt. Commander Deiran Casey. He was sitting at a table not far away with an empty bottle in front of him.

Everybody in Ten-Forward froze and turned their heads. This looked like a good show and no-one wanted to miss it.

“AC, what the hell do you want?” Casey mumbled. Even though he mumbled the sound was easily carried through the silent room to their table.

“I just want to kill you, you son of a BITCH!” Hewson said before striking the drunk Operations Manager over his jaw.

Casey staggered backwards. Just before it got really serious, Lt. Greer Erikson stepped between them. Casey tried to lunge at Alan, but his reflexes were to distorted to get past Greer.

“Both of you calm down! AC back off for a minute!” The Chief Science officer said.

“Fuck you!” Hewson yelled out, palm smashing Greer directly in the nose. Greer cursed as he clutched at his nose, blood rushing down his face.

Hewson froze, horrified at what he had done, then quickly turned and ran away.

Casey sat down again and some officer wearing the medical-blue uniform approached Lt. Erikson. People starting talking again, now even louder then before.

Astrid and Chris looked at each other. "I wonder what that was about?" the lovely blond security officer said. She loved rumors. "See you later, right?" She said as she stod up and gave him a quick kiss. In a hurry she left Ten-Forward. Probably to find one of her 'sources' Chris concluded.

Chris looked over at Casey's table again. He had NEVER seen Casey like that before. Where was his self-confedence, his cockyness his 'No-one-can-beat-me' attitude? Chris shrugged his shoulders and returned to his rootbeer.

"Arrival"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Things were a challenge for the First officer of the USS Galaxy. Commander Joerg Sterner was acting Captain of the premier Galaxy Class Starship in Captain Price' absence. What was to be a routine recertification tour had turned into something much, much more.

The Galaxy was entertaining the ever charming Admiral Erik Pressman and a hand full of black uniformed Special Operations officers courtesy of Starfleet Intelligence. The ship was presently on route to the boarder of Cardassian space.

Admiral Pressman had quickly endeared himself to several of the Galaxy's crew members, Commander Sterner included. Spouting orders and making it clear that he was in Command of this secret mission by order of the President, Pressman had told the crew, including the command staff, little else.

What Joerg knew for certain was this. The orders the Admiral had shown him were indeed genuine. He knew that a dozen photon torpedoes of a unknown configuration had been transported into Cargo Bay 2 according to Lieutenant Mercury, the ship's Chief Engineering officer, and were presently under strict guard by the black clad Special Ops Officers. He also knew that some strange device was being installed in main engineering that was so top secret, Pressman insisted that the entire deck be cleared of non essential personnel. The only thing he had heard about this device was that it seemed to need an incredible amount of power to operate.

Presently the Admiral had retired to his quarters. Joerg was thankful for that. He was a little on edge lately with Pressman charging in wherever he wanted to change schedules around or bark orders. If the Commander didn't know better, he'd of suspected that Pressman was doing this just to keep everyone off balance. But he'd have no reason to do that.

Curiosity had gotten the better of Sterner. He decided if Pressman wasn't going to fill him in on this mission or their objectives at the moment, that the least he could do is find out more about the man. After all, the Admiral seemed to have learned a great deal about the Galaxy's crew before he'd come on board. Joerg figured it would be nice to know something of the Admiral as well. It might make understanding or even dealing with him, much easier.

Pulling up the Admiral's Starfleet record, Commander Sterner read through it. Pressman had started his Starfleet career as a young man and early on looked to have a normal run of the mill service record. Scrolling through the file, Joerg soon came across the entries where Pressman joined Starfleet Intelligence and as expected received many blanked out portions flashing with a red "classified" tag where the detail text should be.

But one entry caught his eye. It was an incident that happened while on board the USS Enterprise-D. The entire record was classified, so Sterner couldn't get any information from Pressman's file, but the Stardate was listed. Jotting it down, Joerg smiled, "More than one way to dig up information." He mused.

Closing Pressman's file, the Commander called up the ship's logs of the Starship Enterprise, cross referencing entries in and around the stardate he'd just noted on Pressman's record.

Joerg's eyes dilated as he began scanning through the record. It seems that this incident was related to an earlier one when Pressman was Captain of the Starship Pegasus. That ship was thought destroyed from a warp core breach, but this incident on board the USS Enterprise-D was a salvage operation. Evidently the Pegasus contained some sort of top secret equipment that the Federation didn't want to get into the hands of the Romulans. Further in the file Sterner finally found what he was looking for. Captain Picard described the unit as a phase-cloaking device that Pressman and Starfleet Intelligence had developed counter to the Treaty of Algeron made with the Romulan Star Empire not to develop such technologies. Captain Picard had Admiral Pressman arrested for violating that Treaty when it became known to him. But it seems the incident disappeared into obscurity much like the Pegasus fiasco from earlier in Pressman's career.

"Either this guy has got a guardian angel, or someone, maybe the President, is totally behind his every move." Commander Sterner stated to himself, "Not someone to be messed with."

*****

Commander Sterner continued to read up on Pressman, but was interrupted when a hail came in.

["Commander, some sort of a fight broke out in Ten Forward sir."] Door said in his distinguished Cardassian voice.

A look of dread formed on Joerg's face. "Not another altercation with those Special Ops officers?!"

["No sir. Basically Lieutenant Hewson got angry with 'Commander Casey and punched him. Then Lieutenant Erikson tried to stop AC, and he punched him too. Security has just arrived, but I thought you might want to know."]

"Thanks Door." Sterner replied. "Have them all confined to their quarters until we can get to the bottom of this. I'll contact Counselor Dallas and have her send someone to straighten this all out."

["Very good Commander. I'm sure these officers will appreciate that. Some Saurian Brandy may have contributed to the incident I'm afraid. Hate for these fellas to get into trouble over all of this."] Door half pleaded.

"It wasn't your fault Door. We will see what happens when security and the counselors know more. Sterner out."

Joerg closed the channel and then reactivated it. "Sterner to Counselor Dallas."

A moment later the Counselor responded, ["Dallas here. What can I do for you Commander?"]

"There seems to have been a fight in Ten Forward between Lieutenants Hewson, Erikson and Lieutenant Commander Casey. Security is there now. I'm having the three of them confined to their quarters. Do you think you can send someone to go talk to each of these Officers and find out what this is all about? Work with security on this, but I'd like to have a Counselor's opinion as well since it's not like these Officers to get involved in fisty cuffs like this."

["I'll say. That's more of the sort of thing Ensigns or enlisted crew members do, not Lieutenants or Commanders."] Karyn commented, ["I'll have someone there immediately Commander."]

"Good. I'd like to keep this quiet if possible. Admiral Pressman is currently resting. I'd like to avoid any embarrassment if at all possible Karyn. That's the last thing I need right now is to get lectured about discipline and the chain of command Pressman."

["I fully understand sir. I'll get to the bottom of this and have a full report as quickly and quietly as humanly possible. Counselor Dallas out."]

The channel closed and Joerg leaned back in the Captain's chair and let out a sigh. Looking out the ready room observation window he was wondering what else could happen to complicate his life.

The doors swooshed open, and Lieutenant Mercury stepped inside.

"Commander?" David asked, realizing he should have rang before entering.

Joerg pivoted around to face the Chief Engineer. "It's all right David. I was just taking a break. Hewson, Erikson and Casey got into some sort of fight in Ten Forward..." he explained, "just what I need with Admiral Pressman breathing down my neck."

"That doesn't seem like them sir." David said surprised. After a pause, he continued, "I might have some good news for you." David smiled weakly. "I think I've figured out what that device is we are installing in main engineering."

Joerg looked up at David, "A cloaking device?" he asked.

David nodded. "That's right. How did you know that? Did Pressman say something?"

"No, not directly. I was checking over his record and came across an incident that happened on the Enterprise-D. When I checked it out, that's when I found out." Sterner explained.

"Doesn't this raise the same issues as before sir? If we install a functioning cloaking device, wont that violate the Treaty of Algeron with the Romulans?" the Chief Engineer asked.

Sterner nodded. "Most definitely. But reading through the Admiral's record, he's done this repeatedly in the past and has never so much as been scolded harshly for it. Though it's difficult to see that under all of the missing classified pieces of his record. I do know one thing, Admiral Pressman's orders are from the President of the Federation. I verified them."

"But we can't just allow him to violate the Treaty sir... that wouldn't be right." Lieutenant Mercury explained.

"I tend to agree David. But I still think we should wait before confronting the Admiral with this. At least until we find out what this is all about." Joerg stated.

David nodded. "Good idea. Are you sure he's ever going to tell us? I mean, he's kept us in the dark this far. What's to prevent him from keeping us in the dark throughout the mission?"

"Nothing really. But the Admiral did say he would brief us after we arrive at the rendezvous point and meet up with the rest of the SI team going on this mission. I can find nothing in his record that would indicate he won't keep his word. What there is of it that's available to read that is." Joerg said nodding his head to the computer terminal sarcastically.

"Very good sir. How soon before we arrive at the Cardassian boarder?" David asked.

"Just a couple of hours now. Hopefully we will know more then."

"Sounds good. I'll keep my ears pealed and see what else I can learn from that Harbright fellow. He's an okay guy once you get to know him." David explained with surprised sincerity.

"Good work Lieutenant. Thanks for the update. Believe me, yours is the best news I've heard in the last couple of hours. Dismissed."

David nodded and then turned to exit the Captain's ready room.

*****

"Approaching the boarder of Cardassian space Commander." Lieutenant' Sharp called back from the Helm.

"Take us out of warp Lieutenant and head to the proper coordinates at half impulse." Commander Sterner ordered from the Command chair of the USS Galaxy bridge.

"Aye Captain." Aaron called back. Tapping the controls the warping stars slowed as the starship dropped out of warp and proceeded at sub-light speeds.

Joerg reached across his uniform and activated his comm badge. "Commander Sterner to Admiral Pressman."

["Pressman here Commander."] came a gruff response.

"We are approaching the rendezvous point Admiral."

["I'm on my way Commander. Pressman out."] the Admiral responded with out so much as a 'thank you' for the courtesy wake up call.

Sterner pressed his lips together, dreading having the Admiral back on the bridge.

Pressman came stepping off the turbo lift a short time later. He was wearing his black uniform and took up position near Lieutenant McKenzie at the Tactical station. Commander Sterner supposed it was because the Admiral wanted to look down upon the bridge crew in the command well, but didn't say anything other than nod to acknowledge the Admiral's presence.

"We have reached the designated coordinates sir." Lieutenant' Sharp called out.

Commander Sterner went to order a full stop, but Admiral Pressman beat him to it.

"Full stop." He said flatly and with authority. Joerg turned around and glanced at the Admiral who just stood there with his hands resting at his sides.

Joerg faced front. Aaron was glancing back, wondering if he should listen to the Admiral's order or wait for Sterner. Joerg just gave a displeased nod to Sharp, letting him know it was okay to do as the Admiral ordered. Tapping the controls, Lieutenant' Sharp brings the ship to a dead stop in space.

"Hold position here Lieutenant' until you receive orders to do otherwise. Now we sit and wait." Admiral Pressman ordered.

Joerg nodded, in agreement, then called back, "Lieutenant McKenzie, raise shields."

Mac was about to activate the Galaxy's defense systems when the Admiral took a step closer, "Belay that order Lieutenant."

Sterner rose to his feet while spinning around to face the Admiral. "Sir, the Galaxy has spent the last several months patrolling this area of space. We are right on the boarder of Cardassian space. Any of their patrols can happen by and be on us in a moment's notice. It would be ill advised to have our defenses down if that were to happen."

Pressman blinked, "I am well aware of that Commander. Hold position and keep the shields lowered." He said flatly without offering any sort of explanation.

"Might I point out that Starfleet regulations state..." Sterner began.

"Don't quote regulations to me Commander. I gave a direct order and I expect it to be carried out. Now keep those shields down!" Pressman blurted out. He then must have realized his tone was getting hostile from the pin drop silence that befell the command crew on the bridge. Taking the steps to go down into the Command well, Pressman approached Sterner in a more face to face manner.

"Commander, you need to trust me on this. I realize the risks involved but we must keep our shields lowered to signal the other ship that everything is all right. Besides, without our shields, our power signature will be reduced to the Cardassians scanners. And I have confidence in your crew to be able to detect any approaching enemy ships from the Dominion." Pressman's voice was softer, and more even keeled.

Reluctantly Joerg gave the Admiral a nod. "Very well Admiral. But I still think it is a risky thing to do."

Joerg sat back into the Command chair while the Admiral stood there and glanced out the view screen. "Now we wait for the other ship to meet up with us. It should be along any minute now..." Pressman's voice trailed off while the crew of the USS Galaxy waited at the edge of Cardassian space for a mysterious ship to appear with the final members of the Starfleet Intelligence team.

"At the right place at the wrong time"
by Ensign James McCloud
Helmsman USS Galaxy

Alot of things had been happening on the Galaxy and James always seemed to be there for the arguments. He had been walking to a holodeck when Ronni and Casey had been fighting and heard pretty much every thing. Then he was at the Ten Foward lounge when AC went nuts. He had put pretty much everything together and wasnt about to tell anyone he knew becouse if he did who knows what would happen.Teb was a good officer and James like mostly everyone who new was pissed off at Casey. James couldnt belive that anyone good do such a thing.

James had just left Ten Foward and was thinking about going and comforting Tebrainne but about ten feet from her quarters he turned back.* I cant do this* James then headed to his quaters to sort things out before he did anything.The past couple days had been a good example of being in the right place at the wrong time.

"Preparing for Arrival"
by Lt. Ronni Morris
ACSO, USS Galaxy

Ronni continued to run the final power consumption tallies that she had been ordered to compile. It was an easy enough task, just a strange one. But the order had been waiting for her at the Science Station on the Bridge when she took over.

Once finished, she sent the information to the Admiral. A few moments later, Commander Sterner came onto the bridge. He didn't look happy and a few moments later, the obvious source of his frustration appeared on the bridge. Since she was the first to see him, she announced "Admiral on the bridge". Most Admirals asked for that honor to be forgone, but he seemed to enjoy it.

The Admiral took a place behind the helmsman as they came out of WARP. Commander Sterner and the Admiral were having a spirited conversation. Ronni was just glad to be where she was. When she heard that the order for the shields to be raised was delayed, she immediately took all non-critical scanners off line ( much to the annoyance of some of the Science personnel in their labs ) and focused them to scanning the region for incoming ships and for possible WARP signatures from cloaked ships. It wasn't going to be a fun shift.

"Oh Honey"
Casey Ti Miran

Deiran wasn't home when she arrived back. That wasn't unusual. He was never home. What was strange was what happened next.

The door chimed. She went over to answer it to find Deiran being supported by a Security Officer.

"Ma'am. Commander Casey is confined to quarters for fighting. He is to remain until the matter has been resolved." The security officer helped Deiran to the couch and left. Deiran was dead drunk, just barely able to retain consciousness. He reeked of what ever he got drunk off of.

"Oh, honey, what happened to you?" but there was no answer, he was out again. She threw a blanket over him and brushed the hair from his eyes. She kissed him lightly on the forehead.

After going into the bedroom, she sat on the edge of the bed. She cried. She cried until she was sick. Whatever she did wrong, it was tearing her marriage apart.

"Questions and Suffering"
by "JACK D'AURIA" [jack_dauria@usa.net]

Since reading the many posts being done about the affair between Lt. Comdr Casey and Lt. Bancroft, it is my opinion that it would detract from them if I made any mention of it in my post. That is why I have redone it in such a way that D'Auria will see Lt. Hewson going to the science lab. I am sending this to you, for your approval/disapproval. If approved, would you, Capt. Price, be so kind as to post the log?

Thank you and again, my apologies. I do hope this in no way weakens my chances of one day writing a joint log with any of you.

D'Auria left the main science lab, stepping into the nearby turbolift to go to his meeting with Lt. McKenzie. He was carrying several Padds which he had to bring to his quarters, so that was to be his first stop. As the doors were closing, he could see AC Hewson entering the main lab, his face a tight mask.

'Curious. Wonder what is the matter.'

Upon reaching his quarters, Jack put the Padds on his desk then left again. As he left the turbolift, Jack walked straight into Betta and a gorgeous Orion female, make that an Orion/Vulcan or Orion/Romulan female, judging from her Pointed ears. Strangely, her Orion pheromones didn't seem to have any effect on him just then.

"Whoa, Jack! Where are you off to in such a rush?"

"Sorry, Be'Tran, I have a few things I need to attend to. What are you doing here?"

Betta's green eyes looked deep into his, almost as if she could see into his soul. In a way she could, what with her Betazoid blood. Jack saw in her eyes the knowledge that something was bothering him; she would wait till later to ask him about it.

"Just some engineering stuff, absolutely boring", she said in a seductive voice as her fingers crept up his arm.

"Be'Tran, why don't you introduce me to this handsome fellow", said the striking greenskinned girl next to her.

"Polina, where are your manners, can't you see I'm busy?"

"Any busier and they'll have you two in the brig for indecent exposure", Polina grinned.

Jack raised an eyebrow, only now becoming aware of Betta's hand running along his arm and how close she was standing to him, so close he could feel her body heat. He should pay better attention to his surroundings, not so long ago, it could have cost him his life.

"Polina Praskyova, this is Jack D'Auria, science officer. Jack, meet Polina, my new partner."

Jack nodded politely as he said, "Pleasure to meet you, ensign", his voice sounding more like a senior officer addressing a raw cadet, authoritative and clipped.

"Ooh, the pleasure is All mine, I can assure you", she coed seductively.

"Did you hear we took on some kind of secret cargo and some S.I. people, Jack?"

"S. I.? I've had dealings with them before."

"Yeah, we're not supposed to go to Engineering until they give us the word", volunteered Polina.

"Fascinating. They usually keep very much to themselves. Only in extraordinary circumstances will they board standard Fleet ships."

Jack was silent for a moment, then looked at the two women in front of him.

"I suggest you start checking all systems as soon as possible. Whatever is going to happen, we will be going into harm's way, more so then during our recent excursion."

At that, their eyes widened, realizing what Jack was saying.

"Be'Tran, I have to go."

"Don't forget about tonight, Jack."

"I won't, I promise", he said as he started walking away, but M'Benga had other plans. Holding onto his arm, she pulled him to her, turning him around and kissed him hard, then quickly released him, grabbing Polina by the wrist and dragging her into the waiting turbolift, giggling. Jack stood there for a few seconds, composing himself. Then he got moving again, walking towards Lt. Hunter's office.

"Rumors"
by Tebrianne Bancroft

***

"Gamma shift," Tebrianne grumbled. "I'm the bloody Chief Helmsman and they've reassigned me to bloody gamma shift? And as the backup no less. It's the worst. Being left off the schedule would be better than backup gamma."

"It's not that bad," Julia said. She was staring at a PADD with Deiran's file on it. Jules didn't care about the data, all she was interested in was the picture. "So, do you think you'll have his baby now?"

"Whose b--" Teb started. "Deiran's? No, I'm not going to have his baby."

"You used protection?"

"No," Teb said, rolling her eyes. "We didn't use any protection or anything. But I'm not getting pregnant."

"How do you know?"

"Because," Teb said, looking at Jules. "Because I can't have children."

"You can't?"

"No," Teb said, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "I can't have children. I'm infertile...or at least that's what the doctors tell me. It's part of my mixed heritage. Half-breeds typically can't have children. Look, can we change the subject?"

"Sure," Jules said, holding up her hands defensively. "So, do you think he'll leave his wife and declare his undying love for you?"

"I don't know," Teb said with a sigh. "He loves Miran a lot. He said he loves me, but he's got a wife and a kid...and they mean the world to him. I don't think so."

"So, what if his wife kicks him out for this? I mean, Bajorans aren't all that big on adultery, you know."

"I don't know, Jules," Teb said, exasperated. "I don't know what I feel right now. Deiran was my first and it was wonderful. If he comes back to me, then maybe. I don't know. It really hurt when he just ran out of the holodeck. I can't say until the moment's here."

"Well, if you don't take him," Jules said, guarding her words carefully. "Can I?"

Teb looked at Julia and smiled. "What are you blathering about?"

"If Casey's wife kicks him out, and you don't take him into your bed, can I take him into mine? Would you mind?"

"I don't know."

"But, would it bother you if I had sex with Deiran? I mean, if you chose not to. That is, ..."

"Deiran is a grown man. He can sleep with whoever he wants. If he wants me, that's fine. But, I don't want to spend the rest of my life waiting for a married man to leave his wife because we had one night of wonderfully, torrid sex."

"Ooh," Julia cooed. "Wonderfully, torrid."

Teb sent the new schedule out to the rest of the Helm department. She grumbled silently over the decisions Pressman thrust onto her department.

"What an bleeding idiot," Teb mumbled. "Gamma shift? I piloted the ship through the 'Jawbreaker Battle' and this is how they thank me. 'Thank you so much, Teb. You handled the ship like an expert. As our way of showing you our thanks, we'd like you to take the backup helm position on gamma shift.'"

"You're exaggerating, Teb," Jules said, staring at the image of Deiran Casey. "How big did you say it was again?"

"I'm going to Ten Forward," Teb said. "Why don't you salivate in your own quarters, Jules." Teb shot a playful smile at her friend and danced out of the way of a flying sandal.

***

Ten Forward was buzzing with activity when Teb got there. All the tables were full, but a spot by the bar was still available. Sliding her way through the crowd, she took the stool at the end of the bar. She ensured she wouldn't make the same mistake as the other night. Tebrianne wore a pair of denim overalls, a T-shirt, and the pair of sandals from the other night. With the bib of her overalls up, her navel was covered except for what the too-short T-shirt couldn't cover. Door approached as she sat down.

"A lager, Door," she said.

"One lager," he said with a smile. "Coming right up."

While she waited for the bartender to return with her drink, Teb took the opportunity to look around. Several animated conversations were going on around her. From the sound of it, everyone was talking about a fight of some sort. She heard her beer clunk against the bar as Door set it in front of her. She turned back as he was moving away.

"Door," she called. He turned and she motioned him closer. "What's everyone talking about?"

"You mean you haven't heard?"

Teb shook her head. Why did all the good stuff happen when she wasn't around. "What happened?"

"A fight," he said with a grin.

"Oh," she said, and took a slug of her beer. "Is that all..."

"Between Lt. Hewson, Lt. Erikson, and Lt. Commander Casey."

"What?" she said, almost spitting out a mouthful of her drink. "When? What happened?"

"Well, Casey was nearly passed out from a bottle of Saurian Brandy he'd consumed, and Hewson came in shouting and carrying all. I believe he was calling 'Cmdr. Casey a bastard and a few other choice words. Lt. Erikson kinda got stuck in the middle of it and Hewson popped him a good one."

"Crikey."

"You can say that again?"

Casey drinking? What had she done? She'd ruined him...destroyed his life. It was all her fault. But why would AC hit Deiran?

"Door, why did the fight start?"

"No one knows," he said. "That's the big mystery."

Teb nodded, and Door wandered back down to the other end of the bar. Teb took another drink and noticed a group of ensigns pointing in her direction and talking excitedly. The noise level in the room had gone up a few decibels since she'd arrived. Teb slammed back the last of her beer and got up to leave.

She started toward the exit when her ears picked up a piece of conversation that nearly stopped her in her tracks.

"...dressed like a teasing temptress. They went off to the holodeck and did it like little bunnies. I went in their afterwards, and you could still smell it. And they didn't even clean up after themselves. I heard they did some kinky stuff in there...you know bondage and all that. I hear she let him do her up the...up the rear, you know?? She's a real...oh, shhh shhh, here she comes..."

Teb smiled at the group of women as she walked by, trying her hardest to contain the anger and pain inside of herself. She wanted to cry again, but she couldn't in public. It would be like saying, "Hey there, I'm guilty."

Once outside, she ran for the turbolift, nearly bowling over a black-uniformed bloke with a razorcut. He gave her a low whistle as the doors closed.

The floodgates opened and she was crying again. She slammed the wall with balled fists, letting out the anger and rage. Why was someone out to get her? What had she done to deserve this? She wiped her eyes as the doors opened and someone stepped in. All she saw were his boots, she didn't dare look up.

"Rough night?"

"You could say that," she said.

"Is it true what they said?"

"About what?"

"You and Casey?"

She looked up at the man in front of her. He was wearing a black uniform and wearing an admiral's insignia. Pressman.

"I don't know," she said, looking away.

"Oh, come now, Lieutenant," he said. "Surely you would know if you had sex with 'the most desirable man on the ship' now, wouldn't you? Did you? I'm not trying to pry? I'm just trying to get to the bridge, and thought I would be conversational. It's not a regular character trait of mine, you know. Usually, I'm a hard, cold, unfeeling man. I just wanted to know a little bit about the men and women of this ship. That's all. So, was he as good as they say?"

"I don't know what you mean, Admiral," she said.

"Please," he said with a slick grin. "Call me Erik. Was he?"

"I don't know," she said.

"What do you mean you don't know? He did fuck you, didn't he? Was he as good as they say?"

She was crying again. "I don't know. I don't know how good he is?"

"Okay," he said. "Did he fuck you?"

"Yes," she said, wiping away more tears.

"Was he as good as they say?"

"I don't know?"

"You don't know or you're not going to tell me?"

"I don't know," she shouted. "He was my first. I don't know about any others."

"I see," he said. "I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I didn't mean to upset you. I just figured I might need a little more leverage. In case I need to bury him farther than I already can."

The doors opened and Tebrianne ran from the lift like she a galactic class sprinter.

"...and cheating on his wife as well. Oh what a tangled web..."

Teb through herself into her quarters and set the lock. She collapsed on the couch, tears flowing like the Geathen'na Falls on Pacifica. It was going to be a long mission.

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

Polina Praskovya
engineering
"A Little Frown"

Polina was stunned at what she heard. Anthony had just admitted to sabotaging the replicators of the ship. Namely hers since she had been the center of his harmless prank. Just as quickly as he confessed, the young ensign excused himself and left a shocked Polina a Betta sitting in silence.

"Wow. I can't believe what I just heard." Polina didn't even look at Betta as she spoke.

"To tell the truth, I didn't know he had that much knowledge of computer programming." Betta's voice was almost a whisper.

"Nor did I." Polina turned to her friend. "And I may have just helped in getting him into trouble. I wanted so much to impress Commander Sunder that I didn't even think of what the consequences might lead to." Polina looked to Betta for some sort of moral support as well as advice.

"I don't know what to tell you." Betta sensed the confusion and genuine concern that Polina was exhibiting. "Ensign Mendenhall did enter and unauthorized program into the ships computer. I, as well as most anyone else knows that Commander Sunder wouldn't allow for such a thing to go unpunished."

"Ohhh. What have I done?" Polina frowned. "I've got to go see him. I have to talk him into going to Commander Sunder and turn himself in."

"That would probably be a very good start." Betta agreed.

The young Orion took one last swig of her cream soda and stood to her feet.

"Wish me luck, Betta. I'm off to see Ensign Mendenhall."

"Good luck. Let me know how things turn out."

"I will. I'll see you back in engineering. That's if they ever let us back in to do our jobs." Polina chuckled as did Betta.

As Polina turned to walk out of Ten Forward, Betta reached for her arm. Betta's touch was soothing, and Polina turned and smiled at her friend.

"What is it, Betta?"

"I was just leaving too. It doesn't look like much is happening here. I'll walk with you. Besides, you look like you could use some company."

On there way to see Ensign Mendenhall, the lovely engineering duo ran into a strikingly handsome star fleet officer. Polina saw by the blue of his uniform that he was either from science or medical department. It took only a split second to realize that this man was the one that Betta was in love with.

"Whoa, Jack! Where are you off to in such a rush?" Betta inquired.

"Sorry, Be'Tran," Jack began, "I have a few things I need to attend to. What are you doing here?"

"Just some engineering stuff, absolutely boring", Betta's voice was seductivly soft and low. Polina could swear that she heard a low growl from deep within Bettas throat, but it was so low that she wasn't sure.

"Be'Tran, why don't you introduce me to this handsome fellow." Polina had heard a little gossip about this dashing casanova from everyone else but Betta. Now that she had seen the man in person, she understood why Betta was so infatuated with him. He was simply gorgeous.

"Polina, where are your manners, can't you see I'm busy?" Polina's eyes sparked devilishly. She could tell that her friend would rather be alone with her boy friend. Polina was amused by the whole situation.

"Any busier and they'll have you two in the brig for indecent exposure", Polina grinned.

With a slight sigh Betta introduced her friend to Jack. "Polina Praskyova, this is Jack D'Auria, science officer. Jack, meet Polina, my new partner."

"Pleasure to meet you, ensign"

"Ooh, the pleasure is All mine, I can assure you"

They spoke a little of what was happening aboard the USS Galaxy, then they departed company. Betta didn't really want to leave him, but duty called him elsewhere at the moment. The young women reluctantly turned away from the science officer and continued their journey towards Anthonly's quarters.

=/\= "Pips and Smirks" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

Lieutenant Albrecht strode down the hallway determinedly. Directly behind him were ensigns Sanchez and Faulkner, each with a serious look on his or her face. They rounded the last bend leading to cargo bay 2, and spotted the two SI officers, dressed all in black. One of the black-suited pair turned toward them, a look of suspicious curiosity on his face.

Matthew lifted one hand, extended it to his side, and made a small wave. The two security officers halted, and took up positions on either side of the hall. He approached the entrance to the cargo bay, and the intelligence officer with the large round eyes and rugged complexion raised a hand, palm outward. "Hold it there, lieutenant. Access to the cargo bay is denied to non-intelligence personnel by order of Admiral Pressman," he pointed out, as if Matthew was not aware of the events aboard the Galaxy.

Matthew came right up to the other man's hand, and noticing the flat-finished pips on the all black collar, said, "Lieutenant, I am informing you of our decision to post security in this corridor. A security presence in the area will prevent further instances similar to the one between your officer and Starbase seventy-four's 'commander Lyle." The other lieutenant seemed about to object, but Albrecht pressed on, "Two security officers will remain in this corridor at all times, and you may call upon them to resolve any disputes between you and any officers of this ship."

The second SI officer, a frail-looking man with grayish skin and sunken eyes that gave him a tired, hungry look, interjected. "Lieutenant, this is unnecessary. I insist you remove these officers from the area. This is a matter of Federation security!" His matt pips indicated he was also a lieutenant. Matthew figured that a posting to Starfleet Intelligence tended to lead to early promotion and a superior attitude. *Pips and smirks handed out at the first meeting,* he imagined. The little man continued, "We will be more than capable of handling any Galaxy crewmembers that step out of line."

Albrecht stood straighter, and tilted his head as if explaining something terribly simple to a child. "Lieutenant, it will be unacceptable for you or your fellow officers to engage in maintaining discipline and order on board the Galaxy. As guests you are entitled to our protection, and we will not stand by and allow non-security personnel to discipline our people," he explained firmly. "Following the appropriate regulations for matters of shipboard security, you will contact my officers if you observe any misconduct."

The first intelligence officer responded, "The admiral is not going to like this, lieutenant. Why not save yourself the trouble and send those junior officers back to their normal duties, eh?" He appeared smug, dropping the admiral's authority so casually.

Matthew smiled, "Ensigns Sanchez and Faulkner will remain far enough from the doors to deny them a view of the cargo bay's contents. The admiral should have nothing to concern himself with," he bluffed. Certainly the admiral was likely to send the ensigns away as soon as he saw them in the hall. The important thing was that the Galaxy's security department took some control back from the SI invaders. "However, if he chooses to argue the point, I'm sure he and 'commander Sterner will work out another solution. The admiral is, no doubt, aware of the chain of command on board a starship."

Finally, the intelligence men looked at each other and shrugged slightly. "They had better stay right where they are, or you'll be getting that misconduct call before you know it, lieutenant," one of them declared. Satisfied with the black-suited officer's unintentional recognition of his authority, Matthew excused himself with a friendly smile and marched past his people. He gave Sanchez a wink as he passed, thinking of the lecture he had given a few minutes before in his quarters...

**** Earlier, Lt Albrecht's Quarters ****

"Shouldn't we have some music on, to fool the spy devices?" asked Gary Trabuco. He enjoyed a good mystery, and in the holonovels the characters were always fooling sophisticated listening devices.

Matthew looked around the room at the faces of his assembled team. Sanchez, Faulkner, Trabuco, Mulich and Mantego sat on cushions and chair arms around his living space. Ensign DeBois was standing before a shelf looking carefully at the Cardassian Blade of Decision prominently displayed there. The confusion and nervous energy that infected the entire ship was evidenced on the faces in his room. He replied, "Gary, if SI is willing to bug the rooms of every lieutenant on board, then we are in serious trouble. And, I doubt a little music would be able to fool even the weakest tricorder."

DeBois spoke up, "Then why are we meeting in your room, sir, instead of in security?" She was new in the department, and was proving to be quite curious and outspoken. She moved her attention to a powdered wig nearby, another momento of Matthew's legal interests.

The lieutenant replied, "I may be confident, but I'm not naive, ensign. SI surely has access to recording systems in main security, and I would just as soon they did not listen to our briefing."

Sanchez pitched in, "Then we are plotting against the suspicious bastards, lieutenant?" The hot-headed young woman's tone suggested she held mixed feelings about the intruders. Did she resent the black-clad officers as much as most of the crew seemed to?

The acting assistant security chief shook his head, "No, definitely not." The gathered ensigns perked up at this surprise turn of events. Matthew crossed his arms and frowned, "The point is, these guys may be up to no good, or they may be up to something very good. Perhaps they are going to save the quadrant, and we'll be the ones to help them do it. WE DON'T KNOW. What I do know is that their presence aboard is disruptive, and that's the issue I want to correct."

"I want to begin by cautioning you all about gossip. You all know from your training what gossip can do to a sensitive mission. But consider this; If SI is really up to something shady, do you want them alert to the suspicions of the crew, or lulled into a sense of security and trust? Believe me, they know every rumor on board right now."

DeBois and Trabuco nodded agreement. Faulkner's eyes lit up as he recalled a particularly juicy bit of gossip he had picked up prior to his shift, and he asked, "Even the one about 'commander--"

"Stow it, ensign. You are totally missing the point of this discussion!" The interrupted man looked chagrined. Matthew continued, "Second, we need to reestablish some control here. Starfleet Intelligence may be able to march onboard and start ordering people around, but we are still the ones responsible for security here. Tonight we take back our job. Wherever there are black jumpsuits, WE'LL be there. Anyone gets out of line, WE'LL handle it."

Sanchez snorted, "Fat chance they'll wait for one of us to get there before breaking an arm or two!" She didn't believe the intelligence officers would even notice their presence.

Albrecht countered, "Actually, Sanchez, I plan on informing them of their appropriate behavior while onboard our ship. If they attempt to usurp authority from us again, they will hear about it from me."

Gary proclaimed, "ALRIGHT, MATTHEW!" He pumped a fist in the air and made a 'woof'ing sound. "Now, shouldn't we spy on them a little?" Mulich and Mantego voiced agreement with this idea.

Matthew shook his head again, "No, Gary. We are not intelligence officers, we don't have their broad authority to circumvent the personal rights of others." A chuckle from Sanchez. "However, in the interest of gathering as much data as possible for ensuring the security of the ship, you will each be equipped with a security tricorder, which you will leave on at all times. The ship's computer will gather the collected data for review by myself and 'commander Sunder." He smiled at the idea.

Sanchez spoke out again, "It won't be bad to have a record of any conversations we have with them if there is ever a problem, either. We'll have a complete record of our actions."

"Yet another reason to avoid gossiping, especially on duty, people," he pointed out. "Alright, we're all clear on this. Gary, you and Montego will be covering the passage leading into the temporary quarters on deck eight..."

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC70637

By Ensign Anthony Mendenhall

"There," said Anthony. He had just purged any traces of the little program he had put into the replicators. He had made sure that he hadn't left anything that would lead back to him. He was pretty confident that he had done it perfect, but you never knew until you got caught.

He flopped onto his hammock started thinking. He should probably turn himself in, but he didn't have the guts too. Besides, he hadn't been caught. At least, not yet.

And then there was Ensign Praskovya. He was thinking about her more than he had any other girl in his life. He knew he didn't have the nerve to ask her out. *I've actually seen her for a whole, what, three minutes in person and I'm always thinking about her.* He wanted to get to know her better, but fear kept him in check.

Anthony decided to start doing something. After a while he decided to start making models of ships. He would program the ship and then replicate it. He flopped out of his hammock and started to bring up pictures of the Excelsior Class ships, and started on his new project.

Lt. jg Numa Taurean
SO USS Galaxy
"Short and Sweet"

"Why don't you go get a little relaxation, Numa?"

The young Benzite's fingers where clicking across the secondary science console aboard the bridge when interrupted by the voice of the assistant chief science officer. She reached up with delicate fingers and rubbed the blue skin of her bald head. Looking at Lt. Morris she flashed a frail smile.

"Thank you, Lt Morris. I think I will take a short break if you don't mind."

The Delphinian could tell that Numa was exhausted. All the changes in the duty roster were having an affect on the lithe science officer, Lt. jg Taurean. She had already been flopped from Alpha shift to Beta shift, then to Gamma shift and then back to Alpha shift. She was exhausted.

Numa left the bridge and headed towards ten forward. She would grab something to eat, and then she would go to her quarters for a short nap.

Within the confines of Ten Forward, Numa had run into her friend Xavier Bishop. They laughed a little, and she was able to tell them a little gossip about the secret weapon, Tribbles. Of course she had fabricated the whole story on the spot remembering how the tribbles were used to identify a klingon terrorist that had sabotaged the grains of a star base. She didn't believe it when they bought into her story hook line and sinker. Shortly after the story, Xavier Bishop had to leave.

Welcome to the Senior Staff-part 2
Chief Counselor Dallas and Counselor Daniels

Karyn entered Ten Forward with Lex hoping to speak with Nilani = privately. Lex had informed Karyn of her recent message from Starfleet regarding her sister. Both women had been extremely worried about her lately. To Karyn, Nilani had seemed like a very private person and she didn't want to force her to talk if she wasn't ready. Lex ordered them both coffee and sat to face Karyn.

"Come on Kar, this is supposed to be a happy celebration. You're staring into space like you're catatonic. Hello? Galaxy to Dallas, come in please. Karyn's only response was to put a hand up to stop Ral from continuing. Finally Karyn asked, "Isn't that the new counselor speaking with Nilani?"

"Yeah, that's Counselor Daniels. He reported to me a few days ago. You were with a patient and Erin had left to run errands. Have you met him?"

"Not yet but I'll go over in a minute. Nilani seems to be enjoying herself. It'd be good for her to meet new faces and get her mind off things." Karyn decided to switch gears.

"Lex, I'd like to have a dept. meeting as soon as everyone is free. I'd like to get to know everyone a little better so that we're all more familiar with each other. I'd also like to use this opportunity as a way to pool all our info that we've gathered since we've been counseling the crew. I want everyone to have a chance to give their input. In case, I'm not there when Counselor K'Elana reports in, please let her of the meeting and tell her to contact me if there's a certain time that would work for her."

"I'll do that as soon as I see her." She said getting up to go to her first appointment.

"Thanks, Lex." As she watched her go, Karyn decided it was time to meet Counselor Daniels and check on Nilani. She strode over and both of them turned to see who had come to greet them.

"May I sit with you?"

"A day at the Helm"
Ensign V'ehlma M'aerikh
with input from everyone (and a few not) mentioned in the story
Helms(wo)man, USS Galaxy

*** Field Tests

*This is it*. The words kept singing through V'ehlma's head as she stepped from the turbolift onto the bridge of the USS Galaxy. Not even Lieutenant Commander Cassidy Lyle could spoil this moment. V'ehlma looked over at the secondary flight control system along the back wall. Sure enough the cadaver was there searching for 'gremlins'. Today Ensign Kimi Okuda was the unfortunate soul working with the pompous ass. *Better her than me.* smiled V'ehlma. She truned and strutted down the ramp into the bridge well and walked over to take her position at the helm controls. She smiled as she slid down into the seat thinking to herself, *This is MY baby today*. The USS Galaxy. She ran her hands over the console caressing it lovingly. *Today I am in charge of flying this baby.* For reasons unknown to V'ehlma, Lieutenant Bancroft had taken the day off leaving her in charge of the helm. Up till now she had only monitored one of the back up flight control systems along the back wall of the bridge. Not today.

For the last day and a half the crew of the Galaxy had been running preliminary sub-light testing of the ships repaired systems: courtesy of Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey and 'his' Jawbreaker Battle. *Funny how Teb's part in the battle is never mentioned. She's the one who flew this baby during the turbulant encounter and kept our butt's from being fried. But does anyone ever mention that. Noooo. Instead everyone gowses over Casey's 'heroism'. Teb is the true hero.*

However, V'ehlma admitted to the fact Deiran's maneuver helped save the day. But not without cost to the ships systems. Casey put such a strain on the ships systems during the melee that it blew many of them out . Flight control was no exception. Fortunately the damage was insubstantial to begin with. However it was progressive and by the time they reached Starbase 74, the flight control was infested with 'gremlins'. Yeah. Casey's tactic was good but the Galaxy class starship just wasn't ment to be placed under that kind of stress. The USS Galaxy was no exception to the rule and her blown systems were testimony to the fact. 'Casey's' Jawbreaker would definitely be remembered but V'ehlma doubted it would ever be used as suggested battle tactics for a Galaxy Class vessel: at least not until significant technological breakthroughs had been implemented in the structural design of the ship.

In any event, this led to repairs which led to field testing. So far these tests had been proceeding admirably. V'ehlma's smile broadened. Today the high speed testing would begin and she was in charge of the helm. *My baby.*

"Here is the report on the structural integrity field throughout the sub- light testing Commander." The voice of Lieutenant Taurean snapped V'ehlma back to reality.

"Looks like things are better than they were before Lieutenant." came Commander Sterner's reply.

V'ehlma didn't turn from her position to observe the conversation going on bet

ween Joerg or Numa but she was deffinitely eavesdropping. You never knew when a good tidbit of gossip might arise.

"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." Numa continued her conversation with the Commander.

"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." V'ehlma's smile broadened at Commander Sterner's observation of Numa's report. "Commander Casey, inform engineering to prepare to begin warp testing within the half hour."

"Yes sir, Commander." V'ehlma, hearing Lieutenant Commander Casey rise from his seat, glanced over her shoulder. "I'll see to it personally." She watched as the doors to the turbolift closed behind him. *I can't understand how he consistantly pulls double shifts.*

*** Returning Starbase 74

Lieutenant McKenzie's voice cut through the silence that had fallen over the bridge during the past several minutes. "Incoming hail from Starbase 74, Commander."

"On view screen, Lieutenant." ordered Lieutenant Commander Casey as he stood from the command chair tugging the bottom of his blouse to straighten out the imaginary wrinkles.

"Aye, sir."

Almost immediatley the view screen was filled with the pleasant image of a Starfleet Lieutenant. ["Good morning, sir. This is Lieutenant Harris of Starbase 74."] said the woman conversationaly.

"Good morning, Lieutenant." returned Commander Casey in an equally pleasant tone. "And to what do we owe the honor of this call?" questioned Dieran with a friendly smile.

["You are to return to Starbase 74 by the quickest possible means, sir."] answered Lieutenant Harris sweetly.

Although V'ehlma couldn't see Deiran, she imagined him setting his jaw and clasping his hands behind his back. "We haven't finished our preliminary testings yet, Lieutenant."

["Yes, sir. One moment, please, sir."] The woman's hands flashed across her console. ["I have sent the orders, sir. You are to return to Starbase 74, sir."]

Deiran turned slightly to face Hunter. "Recieving message now, sir." Hunter moved his hands across the display console double checking the encryption codes. "It checks out, sir."

Deiran turned back to the viewscreen. "Who sent these orders, Lieutenant?"

["I'm sorry sir, I am not at liberty to discuss this matter any further."]

"Then please let me speak to someone who can." demanded Casey politely.

Lieutenant Harris paused briefly looking over her shoulder before returning her attention to Deiran. ["I'm sorry sir, I only follow orders. However, you will be briefed once you arrive back at Starbase 74."]

"I understand Lieutenant." consoled Casey. "However, I still insist on speaking with someone else."

Lieutenant Harris looked over her shoulder again then stepped out of the viewscreen to be replaced by a tall dark man whose bright eyes flashed with anger. ["This is Captain Williams, Commander! You have have been issued your orders and I'm sure you have verified the encryption. Now please comply with those orders."]

"Yes, sir." It was obvious to Deiran that no more information was forthcoming from Captain Williams or Lieutenant Harris. "Good day, sir."

["And to you, Commander."] replied Captain Williams.

Without warning the transmission was cut and the viewscreen was immediatley replaced by the infinite black starfield. Casey returned to the command seat and, after sitting down, hailed Commander Sterner. After a brief subdued conversation, Casey stood and walked up behind V'ehlma. *At least he isn't repulsive like Lyle.*

"Lay in a course for Starbase 74, Ensign. Bearing 137 mark 025." ordered Casey.

"Aye, aye, sir." V'ehlma's fingers were already flying across the console before Casey finished the course heading. She already knew what it was.

"Engage."

*** Arriving Starbase 74

V'ehlma looked down at her console and noted the Galaxy's position in regards to Starbase 74. "Approaching Starbase 74 sir." she called out to Commander Sterner. At the same time the image of the Starbase filled the main viewscreen of the bridge.

"Take us out of warp Ensign." commanded Sterner.

"Aye sir." acknowledged V'ehlma as she began tapping commands into her console. She glanced around the bridge and noticed Lieutenant Commander Cassidy Lyle. *I hope he is finished with this cruise.* She smiled slightly at her own thoughts. Aside from having a God complex and being a major sexist, Lyle was realy nothing more than an arrogant ass. In any event at least he was out of her hair for the time being as he was busy searching for 'gremlins' in the flight control console. *Poor Kimi.*

"Incoming hail from the Starbase Commander." Lieutenant McKenzie's voice cut across V'ehlma's thoughts. Quickly she returned to her present duties. "We have been ordered to assume orbit around the Station and stand by."

"Do as Lieutenant McKenzie said Ensign, take us into orbit around the Starbase." ordered Commander Sterner.

"Aye sir." Again V'ehlma's fingers walked across her display console as she tapped in new commands.

As she finished programming in the new coordinates, the Galaxy moved smoothly into an even orbit around the huge cylindrical Starbase. She heard Dieran question Commander Sterner. "They are not exactly being forth coming about these new orders, are they sir?"

"No, but hopefully we will learn more shortly." replied Commander Sterner.

After several minutes of orbiting Starbase 74, Lieutenant McKenzie spoke up. "Sir, I have received another message from Starbase 74. It's coded Captain's eyes only."

"I'll take it in the ready room Lieutenant, Deiran, you have the bridge." Commander Sterner rose from the command chair and entered into the Captain's Readyroom.

"I wonder what this is all about?" V'ehlma heard Deiran ask to no one in particular as he moved from the first officers chair into the command station.

"I don't know 'Commander." replied Lieutenant McKenzie to Deiran's question after patching the message through to Commander Sterner's office. "Definitely not the same old routine though."

After another several minutes passed, V'ehlma heard the Readyroom doors swish aside. Turning in her chair she saw Commander Sterner exit. She tried to read what was on his mind by looking into his eyes, but to no avail. *Sure wish I had empathic abilities right now.* Aside from being deep in thought, the only thing she could see in his face was concern. *Something is definitely happening.*

"Deiran, you have the bridge." said Commander Sterner as he moved for the turbolift. "Have Lieutenant Mercury report to Cargo bay 2 immediately. I'll meet him there." He entered the turbolift and turned around. "You have your orders."

As the doors began to slide shut, Lieutenant Casey rushed with his response. "Yes sir." In the same moment he reached up and tapped his com 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."] came the Chief Engineer's reply over Deiran's com badge.

When Commander Sterner returned he proceeded immediately to his Readyroom. Lieutenant Mercury joined him shortly afterward. V'ehlma began to turn her attention back to her console when her eyes settled on Lieutenant Thomas, the Operations Officer sitting across from her. *What is he up to?* The Lieutenant's fingers flashed across his console in an unending dance. *He is up to something.* Once Alpha Shift came to an end, Lieutenant Thomas stood from his position and exited the bridge. He never spoke a word during that time. *He is definitely up to something.*

*** Beta Shift

A short time later, V'ehlma was distracted by the turbolift doors opening onto the bridge. Glancing over her shoulder she noticed Lieutenant (jg) Sullax enter and proceed directly to the Science station. However, just as he stepped in front of his duty station, Commander Sterner spoke up. "Lt. Sullax you have the bridge I will be in the ready room if you need me."

"Aye sir." replied the Romulan Science Officer as he performed a military precission about face and began to march stoicly to the command chair. On his way he tapped his com badge. "Ensign Taurean to the bridge science station." Then, he sat down in the chair.

The bridge again fell into silence as the officers went about their varied tasks. "Admiral on the bridge!" V'ehlma nearly jumped out of her seat at Numa's outburst.

However, before she could make a fool of herself, Admiral Pressman spoke up. "As you were." V'ehlma looked over in his direction and noticed him walking toward the Captain's Readyroom followed closely by Lieutenant Thomas. "Is Commander Sterner in the Captain's office?" he asked on his way to the Readyroom.

"Yes sir, the Commander is in there." responded Lieutenant Sullax. But, the Admiral and Lieutenant Thomas were already walking through the door. V'ehlma looked from the Readyroom doors to Sullax and realized the entire bridge staff was doing the same thing she was. She quickly turned her attention back to her console as Lieutenant (jg) Sullax ordered, "Ok everyone back to work." He too quickly found something to do as he began tapping commands into the command chair's terminal.

V'ehlma's attention was then distracted by Lieutenant Commander Lyle. "Come on Ensign. We need to retrieve some equipment from Cargo Bay 2."

"I don't think we're allowed near there, sir." came the petite asian's reply.

"Nonsense, lass. We'll be just a moment." V'ehlma cringed as Lyle put an arm around the startled ensign. *Poor woman. I aught to shoot her and put her out of her misery.* It was quite obvious to V'ehlma that Lieutenant Commander's warning of a little while ago had gone unheaded by the cadaverous Cassidy.

V'ehlma smiled in rememberance of the incident. Ensign's Praskovya and M'Benga had entered the bridge and after a colorful altercation with Deiran, the two woman had been accosted by the lecherous credent known as Cassidy. Cassidy had been overwhelmed by Polina's phermones and came on to her accordingly. V'ehlma began to chuckle. Polina was as repulsed by Lyle as most everyone else was. Maybe more so. Polina voiced her opinion of Cassidy and the situation escalated into Lyle's threatening the young ensign. At that point Lieutenant Commander Sunder had stepped in and warned Lyle to mind his manners and act like a Starfleet Officer. *Oh well. Lyle is what Lyle is.* V'ehlma watched as the troll led Kimi from the bridge. *He'll get his one of these days.*

After an undetermined amount of time (V'ehlma was finding it difficult to judge the passage of time), Admiral Pressman walked from the Readyroom and left the bridge. He was shortly followed by Lieutenant Thomas.

The doors leading into the bridge from the turbolift swished open and V'ehlma turned her head. *About time. This has been one eventful shift and a half.* Lieutenant (jg) Sharp walked toward the helm. "I'll take it from here V'ehlma."

"She's all yours, sir." She jumped up a little too quickly and raced through the turbolift doors. "Deck 2." *What a day.* She smiled. *And lots of gossip.*

"The Border"
by Lt. Thomas

** Lt. Thomas's quarters **

Chris had entered his quarters after having a long day working with Eric Pressman. He was wore out from having pulled his shift on the bridge and then spending several hours running around the ship both working with Mr. Pressman and advising Commander Sterner about his opponent. Chris was very aware of things going on, and what was happening, he wasn't too happy with it, as he knew the Pressman was here to accomplish a mission. If Suvak was still alive he might be able to get a hint of what the mission was, but with his passing most of Chris's contacts were unreachable expect in dire emergencies. This wasn't one of them, as he felt that he could handle whatever was thrown his way, and he had friends on the ship who might be helpful if needed.

"Computer alert me when we are 40 minutes away from the cardassian border." Chris said as he found his bed. He'd not seen much Belira today, but then that was to be expected they'd agreed that this was a test to see if and where things would go. Chris wanted to be able to remarry her, but they were starting out friends. He'd learned the an old friend was back on the ship, but hadn't seen her, of course given the work on the ship and spending time with Belira he wasn't surprised.

Chris headed for bed he'd need his sleep for the up coming mission. Keeping track of what Pressman was going to do wasn't going to be easy and he'd need his strength to handle it or else something dreadful might happen. He wondered as he nodded off, 'could he truly play the role of a Starfleet Intelligence officer again and more to the point do it as he'd done in the past'. I better darn well be up to this, because lives are at stake here. Pressman's focus is on his mission, his objective and dam the rest us of if we die as it'll be our own fault in his opinion. Chris focused his thoughts on what he'd gotten himself into, and said to himself as he drifted off to sleep. "You have no one to protect you this time Chris."

** T - 40 minutes to Cardassian border **

The computer alarm went off in Chris's room, trying to awaken the sleeping Thomas. He finally stirred after about 10 minutes of refusing to get up, given the limited time he'd slept. However he started moving about, and getting out of bed, making his first stop for a cup of coffee. He went and grabbed a quick shower and then dressed for work. He wasn't sure about things, but he felt that he needed to be on the bridge when they reached the border. He finished getting ready, before heading off for the bridge. He needed to speak with someone later today or as soon as time permitted him to speak with her.

He entered the hallway, noting the people moving about weren't the usual people he'd see on his way to the bridge at this time in the morning. Of course that's right Admiral Pressman had pretty much rearranged every ones schedule to make sure that the people he'd be dealing with weren't on the bridge on in his way. He'd shuffled the schedule for a number of reasons, some of which Chris knew, suspected or guess as to why they changes. It hadn't been that long since he'd been out of Starfleet Intelligence that he knew some of the tricks of the trade and a few more things. Chris found himself debating a few things that had come to mind as he entered the turbolift. He knew something else was going on around him, but he didn't know what and he really wasn't to concerned or interested in what it was, unless it some how involved Mr. Pressman. His thoughts and focus was on the admiral, and he'd have plenty of time to catch up on ship gossip and such another day when the lives of fellow officers hang in the balance.

*** Bridge ***

Lt. Thomas entered the bridge, and noted the admiral was already on the bridge. He'd spent to much time getting to the bridge as he should have been here before the admiral. The bridge seemed to be alive with the tension that filled the air, he could easier tell that the bridge crew wasn't happy with the admiral for some reason. He soon noted why this was probably the case, as he stepped over to the rear ops station on the aft section of the bridge. The shields where down, well that is to say they were not active. This was obviously why the crew was tense, as they were right now sitting on the edge of enemy space without their shield up and active. Given the potential the Dominion may have the resources and or the technology to deploy a ship with a cloak it makes sitting on the edge very dangerous. However based upon current information that Thomas knew off, the Dominion hadn't even shown any interest in the technology, other than how to see through it and defeat it.

Thomas didn't do much of anything but observe what was happening on the bridge and being alert to respond as needed and where, he was still an officer of this ship. If he was needed to do something on the bridge because of something happening, he was ready for it, but the question was why can a high ranking officer be dumb and still get away with crazy stunts.The only thing that he or anyone apparently on the bridge do, was to wait and see who showed up first Pressman's associates of the Dominion. If it was the latter, and they survived, Chris would recommend to Sterner that this was one of those times to throw his weight around and have Mr. Pressman arrested on charges of treason. Of course that would mean having a lot of things go right, and then have things go wrong. The only thing they could do at the moment was to sit tight and wait for whoever happened to come along.

Christopher Patton
Lt. Christopher Thomas - USS Galaxy - AES

"Shadows"
TO Ensign T'amar
USS Galaxy

A ring of braziers lit up the central portion of the gothic chamber. Within the ring, a man sat cross legged on the grey stone floor, meditating: his eyes closed and his hands stretched out, palms upward, and resting on his knees. On the floor in front of him was an ancient earth weapon. The weapon appeared to be a gardening sickle with a length of weighted chain attached to the handle. This particular weapon was masterfully crafted to the personal desires of its owner.

At the edge of the circle, the man faced an ornate warriors shrine composed of a raised dias upon which was an elegant throne crafted of ivory and jewels. Sitting upon the royal blue cushions of the throne was the most beautiful woman in all of God's creation. Her name was S'onja. Her features were soft and elegant. The slight ridge wich bisected her forehead and ran down the length of her bald head was perfect. Her fanned ears were perfect. Her transluscent emerald eyes were perfect. A silk robe with elegant flowers and birds of paradise draped around her perfect body. She is perfection.

The back of the ivory throne fluted upward into an elegant cross embossed with swirling celtic patterns. Large smooth jewels graced each point of the cross. The cross symbolized christianity. God is my keeper. He is my Lord.

Soft shadows danced across the corded muscles of the man's upper torso causing the tattoo of the coiled dragon to appear to writhe and dance on his left pectoral muscle. The shadows also accented the man's baldness as well as his large fanned ears. There was no mistaking his racial species. He was a Tiburonian from the world of Tiburon. Although, he had not been raised there.

Beyond, the lighted circle gave way to shadows wich gave way to pitch blackness. Only within the lighted circle did T'amar's world exist. A figure stepped out of the darkness into T'amar's world. The exocutioner. He didn't see it as much as sense it. It is time to begin. T'amar opened his eyes and reached down for his kusarigama, the sickled weapon. He pushed himself up in a fluid motion and turned toward the figure which had destroyed his life. T'amar stared into the eyes of his nemisis. He stared into the souless eyes of a Cardassian. Forgive your enemies, they know not what they do.

Cardassian and Tiburonian advanced on each other with cat like grace. They circled performing their cultural dances of death: their kata's. Then they struck. The two combatants became whirlwinds of motion as they danced their lethal dance. Arms, hands, legs, feet, weapons. They were masters at the dance. They were intimate partners of the dance. They were lovers embracing the dance. As quickly as it began, it was near completion. With a series of beutifully coreographed movements, T'amar crouched over the prone form of the Cardassian. Forgive your enemies. Scared eyes. Forgive your enemies. Pleading eyes. Forgive your enemies. Souless eyes.

It was over. God wept for his child. Perhaps God will Forgive me.

"End program." the computer complied. T'amar walked from the holodeck and didn't look back as the simulated blood spilled from the Cardassian's slit throat. Before he reached the holodeck arch, the room reverted back to its primary appearance: a black room with yellow checkerboard lines.

*** Bridge ***

T'amar stepped up to the tactical arch. "Reporting for duty, sir."

Hunter McKenzie turned and faced the Tiburonian. "Your the new officer." It was a statement not an observation. Hunter's hand snaked out and T'amar grasped it in a firm hand shake. "Welcome aboard ensign."

"Thank you sir."

"Damage Control"
Chief Counselor Karyn Dallas

"May I sit with you?" Karyn asked as she approached the table where Counselor Daniels and the ship's CMO sat. Both turned to look at the CCNS. Nilani nodded and Tobias answered,"Hello Counselor," said Daniels as he moved himself and his drink over so that she could move closer. "Hello Ensign, Doctor" she said nodding in Nilani's direction. "I'm glad you two have met. What's up?"

"Well, said Nilani with mock annoyance,"I just finished repairing that SI officer's foot you ran over. He wasn't too happy about it you know."

"Oh yeah, sorry about that, but he was in my way. It was an accident." Karyn said sweetly. The look on Karyn's face told the officers differently. Nilani tried to hold back a laugh and was only partially successful. Tobias sat there looking totally amused.

"Yeah, well the next time you have an 'accident', please be kind enough to clean up after youself. I have a dept. to run."

"Speaking of departments,said Karyn,"Tobias, I'd like to have a dept. meeting sometime soon. Normally I'd just schedule one, but there has been an increased number of appointments since our last mission. Please take a look at your schedule and let me know when you have some free time."

"Will do,ma'am,"said Tobias getting up to return to his office. After he left, Karyn turned to Nilani.

"How are you holding up?"

"I believe the phrase is "as well as to be expected"

"Doctor, I won't say I know what you're going through, because I don't. I want you to know that I'm here for you, day or night. If you just want to talk as friends, that's ok."

"Thank you, Counselor. I appreciate it." Karyn squeezed Nilani's arm, then turned to leave Ten Forward. Nilani watched wondering if things could get any worse.

**********

Karyn's office.......

Karyn had just finished reading the reports from the night before when she heard her comm beep.

["Sterner to Counselor Dallas."]

["Dallas here. What can I do for you, Commander?"] After hearing what the Commander had to say about the recent brawl in Ten Forward, Karyn commented,

[That's more the sort of thing Ensigns or enlisted crewmembers would do, not Lieutenants and Commanders. I'll have someone there immediately Commander."]

She then listened as Com. Sterner explained the importance of keeping the incident as quiet as possible. She promised him she'd do her best and send someone down.

When she finished with Sterner, she immediately switched gears. ["Dallas to Daniels."]

[ Daniels here,ma'am]

Karyn quickly explained what she knew of the incident. ["Please go to them and find out their versions of what happened. After they've cooled down and you've reported back, I'll talk to them so I can make my formal report. Inform me if there is anyone who will not cooperate or if I can be of assistance. Please let me know as soon as you've ascertained what's happened.]

[Aye, ma'am. Right away]

[Dallas out.] Karyn sighed, wondering what in the world had caused everyone to be in such a bad mood.

=/\= "Dropping By" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

Matthew exited the turbolift on deck eight, home to the temporary quarters assigned to the visitors from Starfleet Intelligence. In only a moment he arrived at the point in the corridor where Trabuco and Montego stood silently at attention. Gary turned his attention to the arrival of his friend and smiled a crooked smile. Matthew arrived at Gary's side and Mantego crossed the few feet to join them. The lieutenant stuffed his hands into his jumpsuit pockets in a relaxed manner. The other two picked up on the man's mood and relaxed as well.

He inhaled deeply and looked at the Admiral's door a dozen paces away. "...So, any developments?" He looked into the eyes of his officers.

Neither seemed excited by their time in the hall, but both appeared content to remain at their posts. Matthew had been as worried about boredom as he was about potential trouble. He had reasoned that posting personnel in the corridor near the temporary quarters could easily bear no fruit and only serve to bore his people. The other possiblity was that some officer or other might choose to visit some SI people in their quarters and make a scene, and all sorts of accusations. That kind of excitement could be just as bad as the boredom. Matthew had heard that 'commander Casey's public denouncement of Admiral Pressman was a sight not to miss, both for its extreme volume and venom, and for the spectacle of Deiran Casey losing his cool. *More fuel for the fire of rumors* he figured, recalling the great number of rumors that plagued the Galaxy all of a sudden.

The young miss Montego responded, "No incidents, lieutenant Albrecht. The admiral has entered and exited his quarters once since we arrived, sir." She spoke with a simplicity and serious conviction Matthew had learned to associate with Vulcans, though she was clearly of Terran origin--perhaps a Pacific Islander. She was absolutely huge, over six feet and with giant biceps. Matthew wondered if she was Gary's type, as both obviously enjoyed lifting weights.

Matthew asked her, "Was the admiral accompanied by anyone, ensign?"

She seemed pleased that he was asking her directly, and tried to impress, "No, sir. The admiral was unaccompanied. I have tricorder data of the admiral's arrival and departure, sir." The lieutenant was amused by the thought of how he must look, under six feet tall and a good sixty pounds lighter than the ensign who addressed him as 'sir' repeatedly.

"Thank you for the report, Montego. We should be arriving at the Cardassian border within minutes. Hang in there, we should have more information about this mission soon." Matthew nodded to his friend and to Montego, and headed away.

After Matthew disappeared from view, she let out a giggle. Gary found the image of the large Samoan woman giggling to be priceless. When she laughed, he felt as if he was seeing a delicate young girl rather than a large, frighteningly strong security officer. "What's so funny, Rose?" he asked, her soft laughter threatening to infect him as well.

She smiled, "Nothing, Gary. It's just that the lieutenant is such a cute little man!"

Perhaps a little jealously, Gary retorted, "Hey, when I got to him he was really tiny! He owes his body to MY training." Gary was, indeed, proud of the help he had been to his friend. "He's nothing but a SWIMMER for goodness' sake!"

Rose Montego squinted and smiled at Gary, pleased at his reaction to her innocent comment. She ran her eyes approvingly over Trabuco's rather impressive musculature. "After our shift, why don't you show me where you work out, Gary?" she offered.

**** Outside Main Engineering ****

Ensigns DeBois and Mulich stood on either side of the doors leading to Main Engineering. Had the Starfleet Intelligence team been larger, they would probably have posted a guard of their own. Since they had not, lieutenant Albrecht had done them the service of supplying security for them. The two ensigns passed the time discussing results of the last Starfleet Academy Marathon. The award had apparently gone to an Edoan for the first time ever, and there was some controversy regarding the officials.

A black-jumpsuited woman exited engineering, and they stood silently at attention while she passed. Once she was out of sight, Mulich checked his tricorder for any suspicious tidbits, which of course there were not. Mulich's female partner immediately launched into a discussion of the Andorian Athletics, a newly founded baseball team that had recently visited StarBase 74. Mulich replaced his tricorder on his hip and turned back to the other ensign...

**** Greer Erikson's Quarters ****

As he approached Greer's door, Matthew wondered when he would have time to accompany Gary to the holodeck for a workout. Matthew hadn't worked out since before his trip to Earth, and he thought he felt a softening around his middle. Gakor had complimented him before the trip on his improved physique--under Gary's tutelage Matthew had developed a 'six-pack' of solid muscle and serious arm and leg definition. The lieutenant flexed his biceps and felt the muscle there to see how it was doing, much to the entertainment of a pair of engineers walking past. They must have found his self- examination humorous.

He arrived at the door, and ceased his palpations. Activating the chime, he wondered how Greer's mood would be. Matthew didn't know all the details of the fight in ten-forward, but he gathered Greer had shown up with the intention of preventing violence. Erikson's voice came out, "Come," and the door swished aside. Matthew nodded in greeting and entered his new friend's room. Greer's nose and eyes were bruised, giving him a masked appearance. Obviously a medical officer had applied some care to the affected area, but the visible evidence would last a bit longer.

The chief science officer lifted one corner of his mouth in a half-hearted smile by way of greeting. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Matthew? Your people have already restricted me to my quarters so you're duplicating your effort." Greer's wound-related nasal twang made it difficult for Matthew to catch the man's sarcasm. The security officer decided to give the benefit of the doubt.

He said, "I came to see how you are, and just to talk in general." When Greer only grunted in response, Matthew decided to carry the conversation for a few minutes. They chatted about their conclusions regarding the Klingon incident. Matthew enquired after Ronni and the rumors of a relationship between the two science officers. Greer explained how he and Ronni had been great friends for the longest time, and how things had suddenly evolved after their experiences in the Vortex. Something about his new relationship seemed to bother the CSO, though, but Matthew sensed that he should not pry further.

After the standard small talk between friends, Matthew brought up more timely matters. "So, since you and I are seasoned conspiracy hunters now; What do you think about the Starfleet Intelligence situation here?" Greer's expression soured, as Matthew's did whenever the subject came up. Matthew attempted to clarify, "I don't mean what gossip have you heard, rather, what do you KNOW?"

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

"Ozzie and… Harriet?"
USS GALAXY
Lt.Commander Deiran Casey & Casey Ti- Miran

Deiran found himself slouching on the couch in his quarters. His beautiful wife was standing over him, her hand brushing his hair out of his eyes. Her touch was so gentle, so loving. I don't want to lose that touch! Her serene gentleness. For the first time in two days he saw into Miran's eyes. The guilt inside him enveloped his soul and he broke down. He didn't care about the sledge hammer bashing against his skull because of the alcohol he'd consumed the night before.

Miran had walked to the replicator to get him some coffee and turned to see him crying. Deiran was a strong man, he could remain strong and still show his emotions. The turmoil he felt was much too intense and he could not hold back the tears. Miran was stunned. She brought the coffee to him and set it on the fiberglass table in front of him.

"Tell me what is wrong honey," she pleaded.

Before she could sit down next to him, Deiran went to his knees, clutching her with his hands. His hands lovingly embracing her waist, his tears soaking her blouse.

"Shh.. Its okay Deiran, what is wrong my love?" she asked, now concerned more than ever for him and her marriage.

"Oh Miran," he said, barely able to get the words out. Deiran was a broken man. His life had crumbled before him. His work and his pride had caught up to him. He thought he could rule the world, work as much as he wanted, told himself his body could handle it. I’m in great shape, strong, have the energy of 100 men. Delusions of grandeur. He was human and this fact hit him like the broadside of a truck slamming into an oncoming train.

"Miran please hold me. Please just hold me. I need to feel your love, just one last time," he said, tightening his embrace around her waist.

Miran just let him hold her.

"Miran I have to tell you something," Deiran began…still on his knees. I am willing to beg, plead…anything my love.

"Yes what Deiran?" she asked, a look of fear taking shape on her features.

"I have made the worst mistake of my life. The past two days have been a flaming hell for me. I can't think, breathe, walk…anything. My life is you, Lara and Starfleet. I never wanted anything else. I am lucky to have you as my wife. And love you so much!" The tears came again, he didn't wipe them away and continued, "I thought I was invincible, that I was perfect. But, I'm not. Miran I can't live without you. Your my life. We're one. Without you I am incomplete, a shell, empty of life. But I have wronged you and I hate myself, the wretched piece of crud you see before you. Worthless, degenerate, horrid! My life is ruined!" His emotions flowed from his lips like a poison. He knew this would forever change their relationship. She'll never be able to love me anymore. She'll hate me. Leave and take our daughter with her.

"Deiran, what happened? Please just tell me?" she pleaded, tears forming in her eyes now. Something was horribly wrong.

Deiran was a nightmarish sight to behold. The guilt and pain in his soul eating him from within. He didn’t look like hell, he resembled it's inhabitants. All to alive, but the mirror image.

"I slept with another woman. I don't even know how I allowed it to happen. I was exhausted, my inhibitions were gone. I wasn't thinking straight. In one idiotic second I destroyed my life. Miran I’m so-" Deiran didn't get to finish. Miran heard enough. The pain on her face told Deiran all he needed to know. It tore him apart to see her heartache. It was visible, tangible in the air. He had crushed her heart with those words. Just as he had crushed his own heart with the action.

She backed away from him, shaking her head. "No, please tell me its not true. You said you loved me, how could you?" Tears flowed down her cheeks. What should she have done as not to drive him away? She twisted at the ring that was supposed to be a symbol of his devotion.

"Miran," he pleaded and begged. He lost it when he watched her tugging at the ring. His only way out was death, he couldn’t live without her. He needed her. Had to be with her. God no!!! I need her!!!

"Shut up. You lied to me, you lied." She was sobbing now. "You promised me you would always love me, always be faithful to me. I loved you." She threw her wedding ring at him. Then she turned and fled from their quarters, in a flood of silver tears.

"I do love you Miran! With all my heart!" he pleaded and ran after her, saying the words so she’d hear them. He meant them.

Deiran couldn't run after her he was confined to his quarters. He stood at the door and watched her run down the corridor. He could hear her sobs.

"Miran! Don't leave me!" he yelled after her, sobbing uncontrollably. He fell to his knees overcome with sorrow.

The two security guards looked down at the acting XO. Deiran didn't see their reactions. But, they could feel the man's pain.

One of the gold was Ensign Chris Campbell.

"Sir, may I help you up?" he asked, holding his hand out for Deiran to take it.

Deiran couldn't talk, but took the guard's hand and stood to his feet. The hangover still banging in his head. Deiran patted Chris on the shoulder, looked into Chris's soul, tears flowing from Deiran's guilt-ridden eyes and then turned, walking back inside his quarters. The door shut behind Casey and he fell to his knees again, sobbing.

He had never loved a woman more than Miran. He cared for Teb, but knew they made a mistake. He cared for Teb deeply, their friendship seemingly destroyed now. But, nothing was worth losing the love of his life. One mistake cost him everything he held dear.

As Deiran was sobbing, Lara began to cry also. She was in her crib and disturbed by the noises around her. Deiran pulled himself up and sluggishly walked over to her. He picked her up, and he cried with her. Making no effort to calm her.

But after a minute he stopped, pulled himself together. He picked up a cloth and wiped Lara's tears. "I’m sorry my angel," he said and kissed Lara on the cheek. He held her tight in his arms repeating himself over and over.

He had no one to turn to. He knew that rumors were starting. Teb was going to need someone. Miran would need someone. His feelings didn't matter anymore. I'm the man, the rogue, the crap on the shoe. No one will care about me. Should they? How in the world could you screw up your life? You selfish b*****d!

Deiran wanted alcohol, anything to wipe the thoughts of guilt from his soul. But, he couldn't get alcohol from the replicator and even if he could, Lara needed him. He was stuck.

What will this do to my career? You selfish jerk! Worry about your marriage first.

Selfishness. That's what got him into this mess in the first place. Deiran began to examine himself. Can Miran find it in her heart to love me anyway? Can Tebrianne forgive me? *Can you forgive yourself?* his psyche seemed to whisper in his own thoughts.

If he lost Miran, he'd lose Lara. With Pressman blackmailing him and the chance that his father couldn’t find a way out for them. His career in Starfleet could be over. He would be left desolate. His reason for living was gone. If he didn’t have Miran and Lara, didn’t have Starfleet, why live? Those were the only things that meant anything to him.

He hated Pressman. A man deprived of honor. A man who believed the end justifies the means, screw everyone as long as the mission is successful. Are you any different? You stole that T-resin… you stole! You thought you had a good reason, the ends justifies the means. You're no different than that jack ass. You're as bad, if not worse than Pressman. You should hate yourself just as much as you hate him.

I do.

Deiran put Lara down on the floor and gave her a toy to play with and her big stuffed bear. He then sat back down on the couch, put his hands over his face. Too hurt to cry anymore.

The Observer
Ensign Keras T’Vek
Science Officer
USS GALAXY

***SOME TIME BEFORE THE EXCITEMENT BEGAN***

Ensign Keras T’Vek rose slowly from his bed and began his daily ritual. He lit the incense and took a quick shower and dressed. When attempting to order a glass of water from the replicator he was greeted by a some sort of human song involving love. He stepped back and after the song ended he sent a message to Engineering requesting his replicator to be fixed.

After organizing his thoughts, quenching the lit incense, and drinking a tall glass of water he left his cabin and was on his way to the Science Labs. On his way he brought forth what he new was going on around the ship, they had just left the Space Dock and he was aware that some SI was onboard.

During his trip to the Science Labs, he overheard in the turbolift that the SI had ordered Engineering cleared and a new schedule. A new schedule, he would have to check with Greer on where he was being posted he thought as he arrived at the Science Labs.

He exited the turbolift and stepped onto the corridor and his eyes immediately noticed an attractive female, Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft. She was wearing a rather revealing outfit and seemed a little downcast. He placed it in the back of his mind as she walked past him and he continued on his way without any further thought on the subject.

He arrived shortly at the Science Labs without any more notable events occurring. He quickly noticed who was stationed at the labs and quickly made his way to his post. He wished to test his experiment further, he could do nothing till Lt. Greer contacted OPs and was able to a lot his some time with Sensor Array and Warp Nacelles, of course he would also have to wait for the Lt. to respond to his request on contacting Engineering to discuss the designs and tech. needed for the task.

***A SHIFT LATER***

He exited the Science Labs and decided to make his way to the Holo Deck, he had taken some time and created a program to allow him to work with his experiments. Nothing notable occurred as he made his way to the turbolift or during the ensuing ride to the Holo Deck.

As he stepped into the corridor he brushed into a flustered Deiran Casey, as soon as his hand brushed against Deirans he was overwhelmed with a flood of images and emotions, most if not all Vulcans possessing touch-telepathy. Normally Keras’s Vulcan training would not allow this to happen but the sheer strenght and raw power of the emotions overwhelmed his unprepared defenses. The Lt. Commander did not slow down as he made his way into the open turbolift and was gone.

Keras stood there for a second, still reeling from the raw emotion that had hit him. He organized the images and emotions till he had a picture of what the Lt. Commander was thinking. He then noticed that things where still going on around him and what he had thought were mere seconds had actually turned into minutes.

He collected himself and decided to for go the experiment in the Holo Deck, instead deciding to head to Ten-Forward and collect his thoughts while getting something to eat. He had no intention of being forced to listen to the music that continued to play when he used the replicator.

Nothing note worthy happened while he made his way to Ten-Forward, he happened to see several of the SI’s in there black uniforms walking down the corridors and several other people he was able to put names with due to the poker game he had played, but that was all.

Ten-Forward was subdued when he entered, he noticed several officers talking and chatting amongst themselves, no one he knew well enough to initiate or participate in conversation with though.

Keras walked up to the bar and after receiving the bartenders attention ordered a glass of water. The Bartender, Door, returned with a tall glass of water with a slice Lemon floating on top of it. Keras looked at it and then said to Door,

"Door, you have switched my drink with someone else’s." He said in his cool voice.

"No I haven’t. You come in here everyday and order the same thing, a glass of water. Today I decided to give you something different. Try it you may like it." Door said and turned to go wait on another officer who just stepped in. Not allowing Keras to respond.

He looked at the drink then picked it up and headed over to a corner table that was usually vacant and sat down, taking a cautious sip of the drink. It was to his liking he decided after several sips. He then began to play the images over in his mind that he received from the Lt. Commander while looking out onto the stars that whizzed by.

***SEVERAL HOURS LATER & A FEW DRINKS MORE***

Keras took the final sip of the drink in front of him. He then looked up to see the Deiran Casey walk into Ten-Forward and approach the bar, apparently ordering some sort of alcoholic beverage. Keras watched as the Lt. Commander made his way to an empty table and sit down and begin drinking the beverage.

Keras continued to watch as the Lt. Commander continued to drink. He was clearly becoming intoxicated and then finally his head hit the table with a thud. Keras merely got up and ordered another water as he looked out the window wondering the follies of man…

***SHORT TIME LATER***

Keras turned slightly as he heard the drunken Casey get to his feet and stumble forward knocking into several tables and bystanders. He steadying himself on a wall as he made his way to the exit. Keras decided that it was illogical for the Lt. Commander to proceed in his condition and decided to go attempt to get Casey to go to Sickbay to receive treatment.

Deiran made it a little down the corridor when Keras stepped onto the corridor, leaving Ten-Forward. As he turned to follow the Lt. Commander an angry AC flew past Keras heading toward Casey.

"Casey, you bastard!" AC shouted.

Deiran slowly turned to face the engineer. "AC, what the hell do you want?" Deiran mumbled.

"I just want to kill you, you son of a BITCH!" AC’s fist made contact with Deiran’s right cheek with the last word of his sentence. Deiran was a very strong, very fit man. Under normal circumstances, the blow wouldn’t have fazed him. But the amount of alcohol in his system, along with the fact that AC was enraged beyond belief, caused Deiran to stumble back.

"AC!" Greer’s voice drew everyone’s attention away from the fight brewing at hand. The chief science officer seized the moment and stepped in-between AC and Deiran. Casey tried to lunge at Alan, but his reflexes were too distorted to get past Greer. "Both of you calm down! AC back off for a minute!" "Fuck you!" AC yelled out, palm smashing Greer directly in the nose. Greer cursed as he clutched at his nose, blood rushing down his face. He looked up into AC’s eyes, not with anger, but with disappointment. AC stood horrified at what he had done, then quickly ran away.

Keras immediately went into action notifying security and medical, while rushing to his wounded CO’s aid. Soon security and medical arrived and Keras stood back and headed to his quarters after answering several questions concerning what he saw.

His way to his quarters was uneventful and routine compared to the last events. Upon arriving at his quarters he soon found out that no one had stopped by to fix his replicator and he would be forced to live with the human love song when ever he ordered something, quite disturbing.

Keras sat on the floor and meditated after stripping and placing himself into his robes. The faint smell of incense still in the air as Keras’s thoughts went to a higher plane.

"A peak into a tormented soul"
by Ensign Christopher I. Campbell

Due to the recent fight in Ten-Forward, Christopher was assigned to stand guard at Lt. Commander Casey's quarters during his shift. Standing guard with him was Ensign Mark Mulich.

It was a little tense between the two security officers. During 'the Void'-mission the two of them had been assigned to investigate Ensign Enquist mysterious disappearance on Station Beta 2 and Christopher, then a Cadet, had reported Mulich to the Chief of Security, at the time; Lt. Sterner for neglecting his duties.

"So..." Christopher started in an attempt to break the (quite thick) ice after an hour or so of silence. "What about that newly founded baseball team the Andorian Athletics? Hear they're pretty good."

Mulich looked at him with distaste. "Shut up."

Silence.

Once again Chris turned towards him. "Look. I'm really sorry about things happening the way they happened. Sorry. It's just..."

Ensign Mulich cut him of. "What part didn't you understand? Shut or up? Now leave me alone."

Silence.

Suddenly, just as Chris was debating with himself whether to leave Starfleet or not (You stand still outside someone's quarter's for six hours and see how fun it is), the door swooshed open and Ti Miran ran by sobbing.

"I do love you Miran! With all my heart!" he pleaded and tried to run after her. Chris and Ensign Mulich stepped in front of him. Casey stood at the door and watched her run down the corridor. Chris could hear her sobs as she ran away.

"Miran! Don't leave me!" he yelled after her, sobbing uncontrollably. Chris had never heard a yell more filled of pain and need and fear. The 'Commander fell to his knees overcome with sorrow.

The two security guards looked down at the acting XO. Chris felt sorry for the man. Between what he'd seen and heard and Astrid Salt's gossip to fill in the blanks, Christopher had a pretty good picture of what was going on. It seemed to Christopher that whatever he had done he was suffering a whole lot for it now.

"Sir, may I help you up?" he asked, holding his hand out for Deiran to take it.

Casey took it and came to his feet. He patted the security officer on the shoulder and looked at him. Chris met his stare. It felt as if the 'Commander could see deep within him. In return, Christopher saw through Casey's watery eyes and peaked inte his tormented soul. Agony. Pain. Remorse. Suffering.

Suddenly Casey turned and slowly walked back into his quarters. Chris hadn't ever seen anyone that tormented.

"What a pathetic sight." Ensign Mulich said with contempt after the door closed.

Chris looked over at him, thinking he wasn't sorry about reporting him and destroying his carrier after all. "Shut up."

"Things that make you go "Hmm??" "
LtJg Lexana Ral
Counselor
USS Galaxy

Lex sat at her desk, resting her feet upon the table.. she leaned back in the chair and enjoyed the feel of her auburn locks tickling her back.. She smiled to herself.. She was happy for Karyn, of all the people, Karyn deserved promotion to head counselor. Besides, Lex smirked to herself, it meant less responsibility fell upon her shoulders and she could continue with her normal pranks and activities...

She swung back on the legs of the chair, subconsciously seeing just how far she could lean back without tipping the chair up.. The door chimed just as Lex's Chair reached the point of no-return...

"Argh! Bloody Hell!"

Brady rushed in through the door "Lex? Are you all right? Where are you?"

Counselor Ral dragged herself up from the floor, using her desk to pull herself up "I'm here.. OW.... "

"What on earth were you doing?" Brady asked as he helped her to her feet "Swinging on your chair?"

"No.." Ral lied

"Liar" Brady said with a grin "I'll tell Cat what you were up to.. she'll have no sympathy"

"You wouldn't..."

"Would too.." Brady tried to keep a straight face

Lexana ducked under his arm and tickled him... "Tell Cat and die..."

"Hey... stop that.. Lex.. it's not funny" Brady squirmed

"Make me.. Wuss"

"Wuss is it? right" Brady laughed tickling Ral unmercifully "You'll pay for that.."

Ral giggled hysterically and fell onto the sofa, curled up into a ball. Brady sat down beside her and they both stared at each other for a moment, before Ral looked away and stared at the floor, her laughter gone.

"What's wrong?"

"Im worried about James. " Ral looked up "He hasn't been the same since that awards ceremony. I know I must have annoyed him somehow, it just seemed so unlike him though. I don't know... John, what did happen on the Honorable? Is that what's haunting him.. both of you?"

"It's nothing that concerns you Lex.. " Brady tried to shrug it off "Hey... you're making me jealous... I thought we could spend some time together and your mind is elsewhere"

"I can't help it... And it is my problem." Ral said she wanted to add that she cared about James and how he was feeling.. but realised it wouldn't help the situation. She settled for saying "I'm a counselor.. and he's a member of crew... If something is wrong, it's my duty to find out what and try to help"

"Lex.. Believe me. James Chen is a grown man and can sort out his own problems." Brady replied shortly "Besides.. there are other counselors on board. If he needs to talk to someone I'm sure he will. "

" Yea... I guess... But I still want to know what happened... "

"Curiosity killed the cat" Brady grinned and started to tickle Ral again

"I'm serious... Stop it!"

"Hey.. Lex chill out" He looked surprised

"I will not! Every time I ask you about anything to do with the Honorable, you always shrug me off. I'm not a kid you know... What happened? Why can't you tell me?"

"Look.. I can't talk now.. I just stopped in to say "Hi".. I'll see you later maybe.." Brady got up in rather a hurry, leaving a rather cross looking LtJg Ral sitting on her sofa.

Sunder knew what to do...

" Officers Albrecht, Chen, and Bishop: report to the CSO's office immediately." He said, tagging his communicator. He'd learned a few interesting things about Admiral Pressman and his boys in the last couple of hours. Most importantly about the contents in the cargo bay.

Sunder's access to the security systems on board the ship had allowed him conduct routine system checks for maintenance purposes. As the system hadn't been reconfigured to disallow routine checks from such a high clearance level, like Sundr's, there was no reason for his access to be denied. Besides, it wasn't as if he was attempting to download the sensitive cargo inventory - he just wanted a look.

He covered his tracks with a few tricks specific to the GALAXY's system. Computer systems were Sunder's playground and he'd taken special care to blaze routes in the starship's vast LCARS system of his own. They were personally crafted by Sunder for just such an occasion, or in the event that the ship was ever taken by an unfriendly force. On another computer system, Sunder's skill was purely textbook. But computer security on the GALAXY was his his native ground; no-one could hope to find the small digital nooks and crannies he had created in the computer's positronic pathways.

He also knew Pressman's kind. They were everywhere and not just in the Federation. The Romulans, the Klingons, the Tholians - each race had their own version of Pressman, whatever his shape. He was a universal evil that existed in a parasitic form, preying on the weakness and fears of his own race for his own ends.

Disguised as a servant of the state, Pressman's activities truly served only one cause: his own, and Sunder was determined not to let his spoor taint the GALAXY. He'd seen crews and ships ripped apart because they were not prepared for the political machinations that people like Pressman were capable of. Joerg was a good man, a great commander, but he always thought the best of people. In defence of his friend, Ursa had no wish to see him involved in the dirty politics Pressman spread around.

To this end, Sunder was going to assemble a conspiracy of his own. SI always thought they were one step ahead of the rest of Starfleet - he was prepared to let them think that way, in order to find out if what they were doing constituted a threat the ship, its crew, and her commander.

Within minutes, the small group of officers he had summoned were assembled. He sat them around a conference table and ensured that their privacy was secure.

" Gentlemen, we need to find out what's going on here, and I want to know what you've picked up about our SI friends since they've been on board. "

The other officers looked at each other nervously, wondering which one was going to be the first to respond...

"Security measures?"
Reviewed by Ursa Sunder

To: Lt. Comdr. Sunder, Chief of Security
Regarding: upgrade of internal security systems.

Sir, as recent events have shown, the matter of better security systems is of utmost importance. To that end, I have started, with Lieutenant Greer's permission, an evaluation of said systems. The goal of this evaluation is to find ways to expand these systems, so as to help the security department attain the highest possible efficiency. In no way is this supposed to be considered a criticism. I am sending you some of the ideas I have come up with to further enhance the security department's capabilities and would appreciate it greatly if you see fit to comment on them. Any and all criticism, ideas and insights are most welcome, as you and your staff have the best insight in the procedures and protocols of the Security Department.

Ensign Jack D'Auria, Science Division

Proposed upgrades and/or additions to the security systems:

1. Upgrading the main security computer with the ability to continuously scan the whole vessel on basis of DNA prints. Using the DNA samples of all crewmember and civilian personnel in the medical database, this system will allow immediate recognisition of any non-authorized persons on board. This will activate the automated defense system, consisting of either low-level phasers, forcefields, gas, transporter activation to the brig/transporter buffer or combination thereof against said intruders. When the vessel is in drydock or starbase, the system will scan all incoming personnel, either permanent, maintenance or departing to make sure that their DNA is in the computer. This will help ascertain that these persons are authorized to be here.

2. Anti-masking protocols: these will scan for all matter of known methods used to confuse the internal sensors, like thoron emissions. The moment such emissions are detected, the protocol will pinpoint the source, sending an activation impulse to the security computer, activating countermeasures and alerting the Security Department.

3. Search and Rescue: because of the use of DNA as the basis of the system, it is well suited for Search and Rescue activities. During crisis situations, ie. Battle, the system scans for any DNA signatures that give off weakening lifesigns. Depending on the degree of the strength of the lifesign (a matter for which the Medical department is most suited to provide information) and the availability, either search teams will be dispatched or emergency medical transport procedures will be activated.

These are only ideas at the moment; any and all insights and criticisms are welcomed. I will gladly supply you with any and all answers to your questions.

Jack finished the message and send it off to Lt. Comdr. Sunder's console. Now all he had to do was wait for word from the Security chief. Jack sat back in his darkened quarters; when he needed to think, he always turned down the lights. The events of the last few days had been following each other up with alarming frequency and Jack didn't like it one bit. He had worked with S. I. before, or rather, they had been stationed on his previous ship. Jack didn't relish those memories. Wherever they showed up, there was trouble to follow. Big trouble. Jack got up, going to the replicator and getting a cup of tea. His head had been hurting all day, a dull throbbing in the back of his head. Jack had been having these pains more and more for the last few weeks. Maybe his life was finally catching up to him.

Jack had a date with Betta; he was looking forward to it, but right now, he felt like his head would burst. Jack accessed his console; uploading a custom built program, he accessed her replicator, ordering it to make a dozen white roses. With that done, he sent her a message.

"Imzadi, I'm terribly sorry but I am not feeling quite myself tonight. Don't worry, it's nothing serious, just a headache. I know, it sounds cliche, but it's true. I'm afraid our date has to be postponed. I promise I will make it up to you.

Love, Jack."

Jack closed his terminal and went to bed; as he was standing in front of it, a sudden spike of pain bore through his skull, making him wobble on his legs and sprawling him on the bed. He lay there panting for a while until the pain subsided. Slowly, he crawled under the covers, not even bothering to take off the uniform and in a few seconds, was sound asleep. Many hours later, he woke up, feeling two arms wrapped around him and soft warm breathing on his cheek. Carefully looking to his side, he saw Betta lying next to him, her head tucked in his shoulder. A feeling of intense happiness raced through him; his headache was gone and the woman he loved had come to check up on him, to make sure he was all right. Giving her a soft kiss on her ridged forehead, he lay back, drawing her body closer and went back to sleep.

"Going over to check things out"
Counselor Daniels

Tobias sat down on his bed and closed his eyes, Callie sat sprawled on the couch watching some talk show filmed on Vulcan on the holoviewer. "When Love Turns Illogical." She laughed at the title, "This should be intresting, but I bet it can't beat the, My Daughter Expranced Pon Farr with my Husband."

"Thats great." Tobias sighed and rubbed his eyes, "Computer dim lights, and reduce the simlation Ultra Violets by 50%"

"Hard day?"

"Are you kidding?"

"Ah, no no, Cracker down, down! Dumb duck."

"Leave Cracker alone, he just wants some attention, come here boy." Tobias sat up and watched the diapered duck waddle his way, before anything happened his com badge beaped.

[Dallas to Daniels]

"Daniels here ma'am."

[There has been a fight in ten-forward with Lt. Commander Casey and Hewson] she added some details about the fight and asked him to go down to get their versions of the fight.

"Aye ma'am, and ma'am?"

[Yes?]

"Maybe Counselor K'Elana can interview one of them, as not to take sides, then we can compare notes."

[Good idea.]

"I'll contact her, Daniels out."

"Where are you off to love." Callie asked, eyes glued on the screen.

"Duty calls," Tobias grinned, "sounds like they had a fight."

"Oh and I missed it! Bloody shame." She said in her English accent, Tobias wondered why she didn't have a Russian one, oh well. "Don't forget we're going out for dinner tonight." She called as he left.

Walking down the halls he contacted K'Elana, "Ensign, there was a fight in ten forward today and Mr. Hewson was involed, I was wondering if you could go down to his cabin and get his view on the siutation?"

[on my way.] Came the reply.

Tobias had reached, Ensign Campbell and Ensign Mulich were standing guard at the door, slipping past the 'guards' Tobias entered the cabin, "Commander Casey?" he approached the man who was sitting at his desk, looking sad and defeated, "Hi, Counselor Daniels, I was wondering if you were in the mood to tell us what the fight was about exactly?"

"Unexpected Visitors."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson

Admidst the soft and soulful sounds of Andorian blues playing in the background, Greer sat quietly at his desk reviewing the latest departmental reports and catching up on his much neglected personal correspondence. Although he loved to have the company of Ronni, or any one of his friends, there were times where he enjoyed simply being alone.

"Computer, begin recording Chief Science Officer's Personal Log. Stardate 49808.5. Today has been a crowning achievement to the last two weeks, which have been rather interesting," Greer stopped and thought about his choice of words, "actually they have become a near disaster. Not only does the USS Galaxy seem to be under the control of Starfleet Intelligence. After a discussion with Commander Sterner, it seems he knows as much as I do about their presence here, or at least that is all I need to know. Considering the kind of man I have come to know since I arrived on the ship, I am choosing to dismiss the latter. Several officers within my own department are also more than curious and have been attempting to see whether or not I know more than what I have been telling them. It seems they find it hard to believe that a senior officer on this ship could be as much in the dark as they are. To add to the air of mystery, there have been a reshuffling of officer duty assignments during their respective shift, and as if it weren't bad enough that the officers of this vessel don't know what's going on, they have also disrupted the fine working relationship that existed. People suffering from shift lag is the most obvious symptom, and I have seen it quite often on the Bridge during the Alpha shift these days."

Greer took the last sip of coffee from his cup. "My personal life seems to have taken an added level of complexity. Tebrianne Bancroft, some one I have known for more than a year and care about like a sister, declared that she had feelings for me that were not platonic. Unfortunately, and although I am not a counselor, it is my opinion, that in light of my relationship with Ronni she is beginning to exhibit some self-destructive behaviour. Ronni is caught between telling her closest friend that her husband may have had a brief affair with another woman. I cannot understand how Deiran could have done this, but there has been a change in his behaviour not long after my incident with Tebrianne."

Moving his cup away, towards the edge of the table, Greer looked up at the observation windows in his quarters. "After some of this information began to circulate throughout the ship, Alan, one of my closest friends, went beserk. He and Deiran have never been more than tolerant to each other, but this time they were trying to engage each other in physical contact. As a friend, and a lack of action from the security officers in Ten Forward, I could not stand by and allow this to happen. The result," Greer said as he gripped the bridge of his nose, "was a bloody nose. I have been involved in fights with friends in the past, but I still cannot believe that Alan did that. I am not confident to say that I know why he was so high strung but I think that whatever has been going down in Engineering may also have been adding to the problem. As for Deiran," his mind turned to the uncoordinated form in Ten Forward, "getting drunk is something I never thought I'd see in him."

A brief bought of laughter came over the scientist as he thought about everything that happened. "To make that situation much more pleasant," his said with a sarcastic tone, "Deiran, Alan, and I have all been confined to quarters. It is suffice to say that I am not impressed by this entire situation." as Greer finished the sentence, the door chime to his quarters sounded. "Computer, end log." Looking at the door he stood up and started to make his way to face whoever it was. "Come."

The door opened and Matthew Albrecht stood there. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Matthew? Your people have already restricted me to my quarters so you're duplicating your effort." he said, sore and looking like he had been hit by a Klingon warrior, not sure whether this was an official or unofficial visit.

"I came to see how you are, and just to talk in general." Greer made some noise and moved to one side of the doorway, no longer blocking Matthew from entering his quarters. The two officers went into the living area of his quarters and took seats opposite from each other and began to talk about a variety of issues - personal and otherwise.

"So, since you and I are seasoned conspiracy hunters now; What do you think about the Starfleet Intelligence situation here?" Greer's expression change to reflect how many times people made the assumption that he, as a senior officer, knew what was going on. "I don't mean what gossip have you heard, rather, what do you KNOW?"

"It is classified." Greer smiled at Matthew. "You know I can't tell you anything."

The security officer's eyes lit up in excitement as the prospect of finding out what was going on. "So you DO know something Greer." he said as he pushed the subject.

"Actually," he said, pausing for effect, "I don't have a clue. What I do know is that I enjoyed that biography on Tennessee Williams you brought back." Greer said as he happily changed the subject. "A most intriguing figure with some great screen work. I may just have to do one of his plays here on the Galaxy."

"I'm glad you liked it. I heard you ran an acting troupe here . . . " Matthew began to say as he was interrupted by the door chime.

Erikson looked over at the door, once again unsure of who it might be this time. "Come." The door slid open to revealed the chief counselor standing behind them. "Counselor." he said, both he and Matthew standing up.

"Lieutenant Erikson," Karyn said with a reassuring smile, "I think we need to have a talk."

Galaxy "Cardassian's and Counselors"
Written By Doctor Kahn Nilani and Counselor Tobias

The Cousleor looked at me after a while and finally asked the question I knew was comming up.

"You seem a little down, wanna talk about it?" Tobias asked, moaning inwardly at saying the lame 'do you wanna talk about it?' line.

I looked out the port with a single tear running down my face.

"The Cardassians want me to stand trial for the death of the son of Gul Daorod, and if I don't they will kill my sister, who's been impriosend since The Occupation of Banjor."

I replyed after a few minutes of silence. I bit my lip, angry for telling a total stanger.

"Oh..." Tobias replied, "Did you actually kill Daorod's son?"

I looked at him on the verge of bursting out in tears and nodded a Yes.

Tobias looked a little shocked, You could quite obviusly see that it was not what he expected me to say. I looked down at my cup and proceded to tell the story.

I started to cry as I started the story.

"We were running in a forest to try and get away from a Cardassian base we had attacked, and as I ran through the bushes some dived on me taking me to the ground. The Cardassian pulled out a knife and held it to my neck, I just layed there for a while knowing either I was going to be killed or sent to a Max security prison. ::stops to wipe tears away:: The guard ordered me up and told me to start walking back to the base, I followed his orders and as we were walking something came over me. I faked triping and when he moved to pick me up, I knocked out the knife grabed it and killed him by sticking the knife into his neck!"

I looked for a while crying silently

"I didn't know who he was. All he was to me was another Cardassian nothing more nothing less, untill I found out who I had killed. And the thing is I killed him in what I consder Cold blood, althou many people don't. And to top things off when I was captured again a short time later they didn't know ::raises voice:: So why now!"

Tobias still looked like he didn't know what to say he sat for a second and decided it was time to change the subject. It was then when another Counselor walked up!

Damage Control-pt 2
Chief Counselor Dallas

Karyn stepped out of the TL, and saw Counselor Daniels approaching her. He walked briskly toward her, not eager to share this news, but at the same time eager let someone else help to carry the burden.

"Ensign, what have you got?"

"It appears Lt. Hewson heard a pretty damaging rumor about Lt. Bancroft and Lt. Commander Casey, ma'am." Karyn gestured for him to move closer, so as not to be heard by passing crewmembers.

"What sort of rumor, Ensign?"

"Lt. Hewson heard that Lt. Commander Casey and Lt. Bancroft slept together from a crew member talking to Lt Bancroft's roomate. He then went to confront Lt. Erikson and Lt. Morris about it and that's when she confirmed the rumor. Apparently, Lt. Hewson and Bancroft are good friends and in a fit of anger, Hewson left to find Lt. Commander Casey. Lt. Erikson tried to stop Hewson from fighting and in the process, Lt. Hewson accidentally hit Lt. Erikson instead."

"I see," said Karyn not entirely surprised. She had felt a recent buzz in the air. She expected a lot of this was due to the recent arrival of the SI officers. It appeared this was a great deal more than just an average bar fight. "Have you talked to anyone else?"

"I've talked to Lt. Morris and Lt. Erikson. Both are extremely surprised by all this. Lt. Erikson informed me of a recent incident. It seems Lt. Bancroft has had strong feelings for him, for quite a while. She was going to admit these feelings to him but unbeknowst to her, he and Lt Morris had been seeing him. She saw them kissing.

Karyn nodded as if pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together. There was one more person she needed to inquire about. "What about Lt. Commander Casey?"

"I was unable to talk to him. He was somewhat...inebriated. Security took him directly to his quarters."

"I understand. Thank you for help, Tobias. I'll let you know if there's anything else you can do."

"Aye, ma'am."

With that finished, Tobias headed for his office.

Karyn decided she would let someone else deal with Casey. Someone whom he already had established a relationship with. She was reminded of the new counselor that had come onboard. Devlynn Salshyar, former CCNS, had worked with the Caseys before.

[Dallas to Salshyar.]

[Salshyar, here. What can I do for you, ma'am?]

Karyn quickly filled her in on what had happened and asked her to talk to Casey as soon as he was sober.

[Please let me know as soon as you've talked to him. I need to report back as soon as I can to Comm. Sterner. I know I don't have to tell you what would happen if Adml. Pressman got a hold of this. I'll leave Casey in your capable hands, Lt.]

[I'll let you know as soon as I know something. Salshyar out.]

There was one more stop Karyn needed to make before returning to her office.

*****

(5 min later)

Karyn buzzed Lt. Erikson's quarters and waited for a response. A few seconds later she entered.

"So, been in any bar fights lately?"

"Little surprises"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Several minutes had past on the Bridge of the USS Galaxy. The Starship was holding position on the boarder between Federation and Cardassian space. Admiral Pressman had insisted that the protective shields that guard the Starship from enemy attack remain lowered as a signal to whomever it was that was supposed to meet up with the Galaxy before proceeding on with the mission.

Commander Sterner was growing nervous. He wasn't exaggerating when he said the USS Galaxy had been patrolling this area of space for months and knew it well. Joerg knew it was only a matter of time before a Dominion ship came by and spotted the Galaxy dead in space with her shields down. Glancing towards the Science station, the acting Captain could see Lieutenant Morris actively checking the ship's sensors to give the crew as much early warning as possible. Joerg was glad that neither the Dominion nor the Cardassians ever used cloaking devices. If that were the case, he'd be forced to object to keeping the defenses down, Admiral's covert signals or not.

Tensions were high. It was so quiet on the bridge, you could hear each person breathing.

"MASSIVE neutrino surge off the port bow!" declared Lieutenant Rr'lonii Morris. The Delphinian's eyes were nearly as big as her voice as she bellowed out the warning. "They are baring down right on top of us!"

"Neutrino particles? A cloaked ship here?!" Lieutenant McKenzie responded in disbelief.

Commander Sterner glanced over to Lieutenant Thomas. Chris seemed as surprised as everyone else, but remained calm and just shrugged his shoulders at Joerg indicating he had no additional insights over this than the Commander did. Joerg was about to order the shields to be raised when he saw the Admiral raise his hand.

"It's all right. It's who we have been waiting for." Pressman said matter of factly.

The command crew turned to face the main view screen just in time to see a gigantic metallic green Romulan Warbird waver and decloak a few thousand kilometers off the Galaxy's port bow. The huge Romulan ship dwarfed the Galaxy Class Starship as it hung in space, bobbing slightly until it's inertia dampeners could stabilize her on an even keel. Much like Admiral Pressman in person, the Romulan's like to make dramatic entrances.

"Status report?" Sterner ordered quickly.

Hunter checked the tactical displays. "They are holding position Captain. Their shields are lowered and weapons systems are off-line at the moment."

The Lieutenant's report helped to calm the First Officer, but he still didn't like not knowing what to expect. This 'need to know' crap was getting really old, really fast. With obvious annoyance, Joerg turned and looked directly at Admiral Pressman. "You could have said SOMETHING sir..."

The Admiral gave a slight nod. "Perhaps Commander." Then changing the subject he added, "They should be hailing us."

McKenzie nodded, "They are sir. They say they have two standing by for immediate transport."

Pressman smiled. "Good. Have your transporter room lock on to there coordinates and have them beamed directly to the bridge."

Hunter glanced at Sterner quickly. Joerg blinked his eyes in agreement before the Lieutenant responded, "Aye Admiral. It's should just be a moment."

True to his word, the transporter room informed the Chief Tactical Officer that they were ready to beam the two men over from the Warbird a few seconds later.

"They are ready to transport Admiral." Hunter relayed.

Taking a step to the side, Admiral Pressman turned to face the area near the lower command well where the members from the Romulan ship would materialize. The rest of the command crew likewise turned to watch, curious who was coming on board in such a mysterious fashion.

"Energize." Pressman said with a hint of anticipation.

The transport cycle began with the high pitched sound. Soon the pale blue stasis field formed followed by the sparkles of billions of matter molecules reconstituting themselves in the energy to matter conversion beam. When the cycle was finished two men stood on left of the main view screen, just in front of the Captain's ready room.

One was a rather tall Romulan. He wore a Romulan uniform, dark gray with wide shoulders and a sort of metallic silver threading woven through out. From the Tactical arch where Lieutenant Thomas was standing, Chris could recognize that it was the Warbird Commander, Tomalak. Tomalak had a neutral expression on his face but somehow managed to ooze superiority and aloofness even more so than Admiral Pressman. The Romulan stood there with his hands comfortably held behind his back, as if he was completely at ease.

Next to Tomalak stood a contrastingly short Starfleet officer. The moment the transport cycle had completed, the Ensign, who was holding a metallic attaché of some kind in his right hand, took two ridged steps forward before stomping his foot down hard, standing at perfect attention for Pressman.

Head held high, the Ferengi bellowed with the pride and vigor of a Klingon Warrior, "Ensign Nog reporting as ordered Admiral!"

Around the bridge the command crew are even more confused with the arrival of these two men. "At ease Ensign." Pressman greeted. The Ferengi immediately widened his stance and placed his arms behind his back like a first year cadet, not in the relaxed, almost defiant manner in which the reserved Romulan Commander was standing. To say Nog was enthusiastic about this assignment would be an understatement.

Pressman took a step toward the new arrivals while glancing over to Commander Sterner. "You wanted to know what this is all about Commander, let's go if you want to be briefed. Assemble the senior staff in the conference room in ten minutes."

Joerg wasn't going to hesitate on replying to that one. "Yes sir!" he said with genuine enthusiasm. He was happy they were finally going to learn what was going on.

Pressman motioned for Ensign Nog and the Romulan Commander to enter the conference room. Before the Admiral started in himself, Lieutenant Thomas quickly walked down the command ramp, meeting the Admiral near the entrance. "Sir..." Chris vied for Pressman's ear.

The Admiral stopped and turned to face Chris. "Yes Lieutenant?"

"Lieutenant Commander Casey is..., not feeling well sir. I believe he is in his quarters resting and will be unable to attend the meeting." Chris lied. He had heard about Deiran drinking himself into a stooper in Ten Forward and then getting in some kind of brawl with some other officers. There wasn't anything he could do about them, but Deiran was his commanding officer and the Chief Operations Manager. Chris felt it was his duty to cover for him. He knew from what he'd heard that showing up to a senior level meeting plastered was not something one got away with with Admiral Pressman.

Pressman paused for a moment as if he were trying to figure out if Lieutenant Thomas was telling the truth or not. It was difficult to do. Years of undercover training and field work had made the Lieutenant and excellent liar. It was ironic in this case, since everything Chris has said was the honest truth. "That's too bad Lieutenant. As Assistant Operations Officer, you can take the 'Commanders place. Just be sure to brief Casey when he's feeling up to doing his duty."

"Yes sir." Chris acknowledged. Pressman then entered the conference room. Lieutenant Thomas turned and looked over at Commander Sterner. Without actually saying anything, Joerg lipped the word "thanks". Chris smiled before entering the Conference room with the Admiral and the two guests.

When the doors closed, Sterner turned and activated his comm badge. "Commander Sterner to all senior staff. There is a briefing in the executive conference room in ten minutes. Please report immediately. Sterner out."

Joerg hit the badge again. "Sunder are you there?"

["Ya Boss, I'm on my way."] Ursa replied.

Under other circumstances, Joerg would probably have smiled at the Chief Security Officer's comment, but command was keeping his mind focused at the moment. "Ursa, what is the story with the fight in Ten Forward?"

["From what I can tell, AC came into the lounge, had some words with 'Commander Casey who was drunk at the time, and started a fight. Lieutenant Greer tried to break it up and received a busted nose for his troubles. The counselors might get more to the bottom of things than that, but there are a number of witnesses, so in a nut shell, that's what happened."] Sunder explained.

"Okay Chief. Have Lieutenant Greer released from general quarters so he can attend the senior briefing." Sterner ordered.

["No problem sir. What about Casey?"] Sunder asked.

"Is he still inebriated?" Joerg asked. He was so focused on getting matters straightened away he didn't even notice that the command crew on the bridge at the time were listening closely to the entire conversation. Though they were *pretending* not to be listening.

["Drunk as a skunk sir. Saurian Brandy according to Door."] Ursa said matter of factly.

"Okay. Tell your men to keep him in his quarters until he's sobered up. We can let counseling deal with that problem, once he's clear minded again." Sterner ordered.

["Right O Commander. And AC? Should I have him placed in the brig sir? a number of witnesses have said he started the whole thing."] Ursa asked.

Joerg thought for a second. "Has he given you any trouble since he was taken into custody by your men?"

["No sir. He's pretty much been well behaved since knocking out Commander Casey and busting Lieutenant Erikson's nose. He's not saying what it was all about though. But it seems the fight has subsided for now."]

"Very well. Have him remain in his quarters then. I still want to get to the bottom of this. But if he's not being disruptive, relieved from duty and confined to quarters will be good for the moment. Thanks 'Commander. See you in a few." Joerg got ready to close the channel.

["In a few sir. Sunder out."] Ursa replied before terminating the channel to place a few of his own before the senior staff meeting.

Glancing at the Conference room, Commander Sterner grabbed the bottom of his duty tunic and gave it a gentle tug while standing up. "Lieutenant Morris, the bridge is yours." He then walked towards the conference room along with Lieutenant McKenzie to take their seats with Lieutenant Thomas, Admiral Pressman, Ensign Nog and the Romulan Commander Tomalak waiting for the rest of the Galaxy's senior staff to assemble for the briefing. Joerg was hopeful that they were finally going to get to the bottom of this cloak and dagger mission and learn what was going on. Though he wasn't holding his breath on that hope.

"Discretion."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson

Matthew left the room and Greer invited Counselor Dallas to take a seat. "Can I get you anything?"

"Some water please." she replied. "I'm sure you know why I am here."

"Water, chilled." Greer said as the replicator almost instantly produced the requested beverage. Handing it to the counselor, he sat down. "So where should I begin." Greer remarked as he leaned back into his chair.

Karyn gathered he was uncomfortable from the way in which he was seated, but she couldn't tell whether it was talking to a counselor or whether it was because of everything that had happened in the last few days. "Try from the beginning. It is always the best place to start."

"Alright. Lieutenant Morris and I began a relationship in the last month or so. It had been building up over some time and well . . . one thing led to another. Anyway, after having gone through a number of late nights, in an attempt to have the reports finished on the repairs, Ronni thought she might suprise me with a dinner at the end of her shift." Greer smiled as he thought about the guesture. "As the night progressed, Lieutenant Bancroft came by to report some problems with the sensor array and she realised that Ronni and I were more than just friends. There and then, she said something about feelings she had and ran off. We both tried to stop her and talk with her, but she kept on going. Everything after that is somewhat sketchy and you would be best to talk to AC or Deiran."

Counselor Dallas, who had been patiently listening, placed her glass on the table to one side of her. "So how did you manage to be Ten Forward at the time of the altercation?"

"A day or so later, Ronni came back quite upset. She didn't want to talk about it and I respected her decision. While we were talking, Lieutenant Hewson came in and demanded to know about something that happened between Deiran and Tebrianne. The rest you know." he said as readjusted his posture. "I have known both of them for some time now, and I have never seen either of them like that." Greer said as the door chime sounded again. "Come." The door opened and one of the security officers who had escorted him from Ten Forward was standing there. "Is there a problem Ensign?"

"No sir. I just recieved word from 'Commander Sunder that you are no longer confined to general quarters." McQueen replied. "Your presence is required on the Bridge Lieutenant."

"Understood Ensign." Greer turned around to Karyn. "I'm sure this will have helped shed a little light on what happened."

Counselor Dallas stood up and made her way to the door. "I'll will be as discrete as possible and keep this information to those that really need to know. There is no sense in making this situation any more uncomfortable than it already is."

"Thank you." Erikson said as the pair of them made their way for the turbolift at the end of the corridor.

After a few moments, the turbolift traversed the eight decks and the doors opened to reveal the Bridge. Lieutenant Erikson walked out onto the Bridge to discover Ronni seated in the command chair. She gave him a smile, which he returned, but his eyes were quickly distracted to the image of a Romulan warbird on the main viewer. "Did I miss much?"

Of Cats and Counselors
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
By Ilana .N. (K'Elana) And Vicktory King (Tobias)

Tobias sat at his desk and pulled a string up and down for his cat,Cherry, the calico quickly dived for it and almost flew off the desk. He contiued to do this until he noticed a person enter the counsling office, "Hi." He greeted.

"Hello." She said, checking out the place, she had a Klingon plate and deep eyes that seemed to drown out the rest of her face, "I'm Counsler K'Elana, and this is my first day." She smiled, making herself look even less Klingon.

Tobias stood up from his desk, holding the cat in his arms,

"Really? Me too," He out reached his hand, "Ensign Daniels." They shook.

"Where's the chief counselor?" K'Elana asked.

He shrugged, "I'm not sure, she's out I guess." He pointed to an empty desk, "That just came in half an hour ago, I think its for you."

"We don't get our own office?"

Again he shrugged, "Guess not until we prove our worth, so tell me K'Elana, what made you want to be a counselor?"

"My mother is a counselor," KElana said, with a certain amount of pride in her voice. "My father thinks I should become a warrior, and serve the Klingon empire. He thinks that my empathic abilities can be very heplful in battle. I disagree with him. But then again, my father and I disagree on everything." She smiled, and glanced at the cat. She wanted to ask what was it's name, but decided to leave the question for later. Work first, fun later. She remembered her cat, Shila. To bad she had to leave the kitten behind when she moved to the academy. Her mother barely tolerated the poor thing, but still kept Shila with her.

"May I sit down?" K'Elana asked cassualy.

"Of course."

K'Elana sat, and took a better look around the office, "What about your dad, do you two get along?"

"I never met my father, so I wouldn't know." Tobias grinned.

Cherry started to paw a can of soda, boredly, Tobias reached up to pet, the sudden movement caused her to turn around and spill the dark liquid all over her soft coat. She screamed and started to run over the floor.

"Cherry!" Tobias dived for her.

K'Elana dropped from her chair and scouped the cat up, she smiled and pet her nose, "Cute."

"Sorry." Tobias reached for the cat, "She seems to like you."

"I love cats..." K'Elana scratched under the cat's chin, making it purr. For a moment there it seemed K'Elana would purr too. She sat down with the cat in her hands relaxing. She sat that way for a few minutes, that sudenly lowered the cat to the floor and got up.

"Well," she sighed. "No point in wasting time. I will see you later, but for now, I better find the counselor." She smiled at Tobias, and quickly left.

Once out, she stopped for a moment. She shouldn't have left the way she did. I bit rude wasn't it? "Computer, location the chief counselor," she said.

"10 forward," was the computer's reply. And that was exaxctly where K'Elana headed.

"Who's Sticking their Paws in my Broth?"
By Lt. Endris Gakor with Lt Matthew Albrecht
reviewed by Captain Price

*** 5 years previously, Star Fleet Academy, Earth ***

No one on the Galaxy, save herself and her former instructors, knew that Angela Dana had once wanted to be a helm officer. At least in her Freshman year at the academy. Deltan navigation prowess was well known, second only to that of the Medusians. And in simulations, the engineer did well.

Except for Admiral Pressman's simulation of the USS Pegasus. In that program, the Deltan was a Lieutenant and the helmswoman of the Star Ship. Try as she might, the Pegasus was still scrapped, no matter what diversion or counter measure she tried against the attacking Rhomulans. The scenario was even worse than the Kobishi Maru, in which Dana managed to salvage the rescue ship with skillful piloting.

The best she could do with the Pegasus simulation was bid enough time to abandon the ship. The young ensign was intrigued by the rich details surrounding the holodeck training program, and wondered if there was a way to change the parameters of the test.

At lunch, she bumped into a Senior Cadet, Enda Vaks, a Trill engineer. The Trill seemed interested in the puzzle facing the bald headed freshman. In fact, she looked into the parameters of the program. And located a section that emulated a cloaking device.

Armed with the new information, Cadet Dana repeated the examination with a spectacular passing grade. She was so impressed by the engineer's ability to diagnose the problem that she switched her area of specialization. 4 years after she entered, the Ensign graduated with honors in engineering, and drew a berth on the USS Galaxy.

Not once did she wonder what a simulation of a Federation ship was doing with a cloaking device. Perhaps it was just to stretch the creative talents of the Cadets. But she did grow to loath scenarios authored by Pressman, and she wondered how someone with such a sadistic streak could rise to the rank of Admiral.

*** Present, USS Galaxy Sickbay ***

Meanwhile, Doctor Gakor was working on medical records. The intelligence agents who came aboard had dutifully filed medical records, in case of emergencies. Admiral Pressman's record showed a stern man, prone to stress and ill-tempered humor. Obviously, the man was not one to be crossed. With that kind of attitude, he had to have friends to maintain his position. Something was nagging the back of her brain. Suddenly, she exclaimed "Starvation!", and glared at the terminal.

She couldn't quite put a finger on it, but something was subtly different. Several of the crew seemed nervous around the visitors, and Commander Lyle from the Star Base had earned the term of endearment "Bonehead" from several of the crew. Perhaps a chat with her pal Albrecht would help calm her nerves.

-/\-Gakor to Lt. Albrecht-/\-

-/\-Gakes, what's on the menu today?-/\- the human joked. Endris could tell the strain of so many obnoxious visitors was getting to him.

-/\-I've noticed the crew has been tense lately, and I wondered if you would be interested meeting me in 10-Foreword to discuss it.-/\-

-/\-Nourishment! I suspect you just want an extra meal-/\- Albrecht jabbed. But he conceded some extra grub right now couldn't hurt and agreed to the rondez-vous.

*** 10 Forward ***

Ensign Dana was tense, setting at a table arrayed with a delicious variety of snacks, and a huge tankard of Rhomulan Ale. As a black-clad SI agent entered the room and ordered some grub from Door. Endris waltzed into the lounge, and yelled "Angela!" in the traditional Tellarite manner of Oinkus. "Just the woman I wanted to see".

Gakor walked over to the table and helped herself to the smorgasboard. "Deltan Klac pie! I haven't had this in ages!", she said with a smile. Soon, Lt. Albrecht joined the pair of women.

"Angela, I noticed you've been unusually tense lately", the Doctor began. "I hope this has nothing to do with the elevated pheromone levels you survived eariler."

"I will certainly answer questions", the engineer replied sincerely.

*Snacks!*, thought Gakor, *where do I begin?*

"What seems to be the cause of your distress?" the doctor inquired.

The Deltan began to shift uncomfortably in her chair, and took a big gulp of ale to relax. The Intelligence operatives were not her favorite people in the world, you might guess. "It's just I've heard rumors that Admiral Pressman.....", she began transitively.

Matthew decided to help. "Confidentially, and off the record, Admiral Pressman IS on the Galaxy". Several of the senior engineers and the bridge crew already knew this, but he didn't want to expand the circle too much. Having to make security arrangements for the 'visitors' had put him in a bad mood.

Gakor snorted in surprise when she turned to Matthew to begin her response.

"I hear you are well versed in legal matters. How much do you know about the Treaty of Algeron?"

"What everyone else does. It was a pact between the Federation and the Rhomulans. Star Fleet agreed not to develop cloaking technology. To my knowledge, we have never violated the agreement."

"Except when we were on the Pegasus", Dana began.

"You were on the Pegasus? When? This is not in your file.", Gakor said in surprise.

"It was only a simulation at the academy. I was a Lieutenant and the Chief Helmsman of the Pegasus. Captain Pressman lost the ship while testing a prototype cloaking device. The few dispora who survived the incident mostly left the fleet. If not for the intervention of a clever engineer, I may have never managed to pass the simulation and complete the academy. The author of the scenario was listed as Admiral Pressman, hence my growing apprehension when I heard...."

"SNACKS!", remarked Endris and Albrecht at the same time. With their long association, they were starting to think alike at times. "Pressman was involved?"

Just then, Gakor's medical tricorder beeped, signaling that a new batch of Teresi tests had completed in the lab. Excusing herself, the Tellarite shuffled off to complete her research.

Albrecht just shuttered in dismay. His friend had a way of sticking her hooves in everything. If she had the temperament to be malicious, they would be in a great deal of trouble now. Matthew thanked the Deltan for being so cooperative, and then sauntered out the door to continue his investigation....