"Romulan's, here?"
By: Lt(jg) Ryak Sullax
Science Officer USS Galaxy

Ryak kept going over different tasks as the Galaxy headed for the Cardassian Border. Ryak noticed out of the corner of his eye that Commander Sterner had entered the bridge. Ryak stood and gave him back his seat. Ryak quickly informed him of the situation and headed back to the aft science station. As he made his way up he saw that Lt. Morris had taken her spot at the station so Ryak headed to the finally completed Astrometrics and Stellar Cartography lab. Once in the lab Ryak started to run some test on the systems.

Ryak watched as the border got closer and closer. The Galaxy was still not at any alert status. Ryak was getting concerned. The Galaxy arrived at the border and stopped. Ryak started to run test on all areas that the sensors could collect data from. the newly designed lab turned into a large 3D map all around Ryak. Ryak started to map all new bits of information he could. All of a sudden Ryak noticed something bigger than the Galaxy appear next to it. Ryak called up that location and noticed it was a Romulan Warbird. Ryak's heart started to race.

"Computer, current location of Sullar Sullax?"

"Sullar Sullax is in the Galaxy's day care facility."

"Computer notify any change in Sullar Sullax's location for as long as the Warbird is present."

Ryak was relieved for now. Ryak saw that Lt. Morris had assumed command of the bridge so Ryak save the data recorded and headed to bridge station.

The turbolift doors opened to the bridge and Ryak stepped on and went to the station. Once in place he started to do extensive scans of the area. Ryak felt uneasy being near the Cardassian Border with a Romulan Warbird. Ryak was determined to find any danger before it happened, if it did.

"Scientific Sneak"
by Lt. Ronni Morris

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?"

"Oh, well, let's see. Commander Tomalak of the Romulan Empire and a Ferenghi Ensign, Nog, were transported directly to the Bridge on Admiral Pressman's orders. We have been ordered to stand by with no weapons prepared and shields down next to a Romulan Warbird. Lt. Cmdr. Casey is still 'ill', and a staff meeting has been called. So, no, I would say that you haven't missed much." she said with a sly wink. Whispering, she added, "By the way, don't get your nose fixed, it looks cute just the way it is!"

Lieutenant Erikson rolled his eyes and said, "Thank you for the report Lieutenant Morris." He smiled and then headed for the Senior staff meeting.

Ronni watched him go and then turned back to the matter at hand. She turned to Lt. (Jg.) Sullax and said, "Lieutenant. I want you to continue scanning the region for any signs of other ships. Especially any ships that might be cloaked. If you happen to get a good 'look' at our visiting ship, that might be fortuitous, but please be discreet."

Turning back to the front she said, "Lt. Hermedhie, I want weapons and shields readied to be brought on-line in a moment's notice. Lt. Sharp, I want you to plot a course for Deep Space 9. If anything 'happens' I want an instant jump to WARP 1 toward Deep Space 9. Be ready until you are give other orders. Do you both understand?"

"Aye Sir!" they both responded as they set about their tasks.

"Ensign Makoko, " continued Lt. Morris, "I want all non-essential personnel and families ordered back to their quarters. If something happens, I want everyone prepared. In our current situation, I want us as ready as possible."

"Aye Sir." responded the dark skinned Ensign.

Ronni returned to the Command chair as everyone was busy with the tasks set before them. She did her best to do as her Command training had stated. She tried to look completely in control. She did her best to look like Captain Price. She hoped it was working. On the control pad build into the chair, she checked the status of all departments. She was concerned that so much of the ship's energy was being diverted to Engineering, but that was Admiral Pressman's doing, so she let it be. She just tracked the energy use and diverted some power from the secondary relays to weapons, shields, and engines. After a few minutes, she really started to relax a little. They were as ready as they could get without alerting their 'neighbors' but still ready for whatever was out there.

** by Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga **

Be'Tran exited the turbolift, clutching a large rectangular bundle in both arms. She had just left the ship's replication center, and was on her way to her quarters.

Suddenly, the figure of a woman rounded a bend in the corridor ahead. Be'Tran recognized her. It was Miran Casey. Be'Tran marvelled at how beautiful she was.

But now she looked sad, or angry, or both. And she seemed to be in a hurry. She passed Betta by without a word, a far cry from the cheery demeanor she had displayed on the shuttle-trip to Earth, when she and Be'Tran had become briefly aquainted.

Betta looked back at her as she walked away. The young Engineer could sense several emotions from the beautiful Bajoran, and they all came as a flood at once. Anger. Sadness. Betrayal.

Something was terribly wrong, but it probably wasn't Be'Tran's business. She continued on her way; wondering if the recent fight in ten-forward, between her CO, Lieutenant Hewson; and Miran's husband had anything to do with it.

Be'Tran reached her quarters, and struggled through the door with her bundle. Her quarters looked different. The furniture was rearranged, there seemed to be more room. And the bed was larger. It was now a "queen-size" rather than the single she had been using.

There was a fishbowl in one corner containing a large blue fish. It was of a Vulcan variety, very rare off the Vulcan homeworld.

She unwrapped her package, and held it up to a bare space on her wall, opposite the window that displayed an almost bleak StarField near the Cardassian border.

She looked long at the picture she had replicated. It bore a striking resemblance to the artwork displayed in Jack D'Auria's quarters.

Be'Tran's door-chim rang. "Come in." she said cheerily.

The door opened to admit Numa Taurean. She was carrying a small bundle of little plants in one arm. She looked at the picture in Be'Tran's arms, crinkled her nose; then giggled.

"It's for Jack." said Betta, almost apologeticly.

"These are for you." said Numa, "You said you were redecorating.". The Benzite handed Betta what turned out to be three rapidly maturing offspring of the Primroses Be'Tran had given her on Earth.

"I've been breeding them in the arboretum." said Numa, "Of course these haven't bloomed yet, so they can't sing; but when they do they ought to brighten the place up a bit." Numa had always thought Be'Tran's quarters curiously dark, for someone with such a sunny disposition.

She glanced around, taking note of the Klingon tapestries still on their wall-hangers; and of the few, yet impressive Klingon weapons hanging in their own honorable placements.

Be'Tran set the picture she was holding down, face to the wall; and accepted the buds gladly. Numa had prepared them in a self watering dish; and Be'Tran set them carefully down on a nearby table.

"Why all the redecorating, anyway, Betta?" asked the Benzite.

"Just making room, I guess." was Be'Tran's quiet response. She stood in the middle of the main room of her quarters. surveying it as if to see if there was anything she had left out, or left undone.

"I actually get kinda lonely in here sometimes." she confessed at length.

"Lonely, you?" said Numa, "I would think that lonliness would be the least of your problems. Especially with what's goin on between you and Jack, and everything."

"That's just it," said Be'Tran, "I'm lonely, or at least I feel lonely; or I feel like something very important is missing from me, if you understand, when he isn't around."

Numa understood all too well. This made her think of the emptyness of her own heart, and her own life; without the lover she had lost. "I think I know what you mean." she said aloud.

"Cool." said Be'Tran, "Then you'll understand why I intend to ask Jack D'Auria to move in here with me."

Numa seated herself in one of Betta's plush-covered chairs. "Maybe a good idea." she said.

"Of course, he might not want to move in here. He might want me to move in with him. Or keep living seperately; sharing only little fleeting moments." for a moment Be'Tran looked almost sad, "Whatever Jack wants." she said at length, "But I sure hope he'll considder 'joint accomidations'."

"Whatever happens, Betta; I hope things go well for you two." said Numa, "As for you and Jack living together, I bet he'll go for it. I mean I've seen you two together, and to me; it only seems... logical." Numa smiled, and let out a girlish giggle.

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

"Masques and Illusions"
Lt. Jg. Numa Taurean
SO USS Galaxy

Numa strolled down the corridor away from Betta's cabin. It seemed that Jack and Betta had really hit it off. Numa was happy for her friend. Numa was rubbing the smooth delicate blue skin of her bald head when the silence and reverie was intruded by a familiar voice sluicing through her com badge.

"Lt. Jg Taurean, your presence is requested on the bridge." Lt. Morris' voice was calm and soothing. It reminded her of the deep still waters of the saphirian oceans of her home world.

"On my way." Numa swallowed the last of her banana berry juice that she and Betta had been drinking during their visit. She still had the succulent ruby red grapefruit she had grabbed on her way out of Betta's quarters.

Once on the bridge, the Benzite science officer made her way to the back up science station. Lt. Jg Sullax was positioned on the main science station. Lt. Morris was in the command seat of the bridge, and Ensign Jack D'Aruia was also present. Numa looked over to Sullax and smiled cheerfully. No matter how tired or exhausted she was, she never let it show.

Numa had become expert at masking her own emotions. She thought more and more of Torel Jenkins lately. Her lover had met a horrible demise, and left her stranded and alone. She hurt so deeply, but she was determined to never allow herself to be so devastated. That's when she began to build walls around her soul. That is also when she began to experience sudden mood changes and emotional outbursts of differing personalities. For the most part she still had control of them, but the young science officer feared that some day these suppressed emotions would erupt in an unforeseen or unfavorable way. Numa was a strong person, and she knew she was stable enough to handle any situation that would come her way. She didn't need counselors to talk to her.

"I see that they have summoned you as well." Numa spoke to Sullax.

"That they did." Ryak replied wearily. The Romulan science officer stared at the view screen filled with the image of the Warbird only averting his eyes to look at the console in front of him.

Numa looked at the vision of majesty that Ryak was so enraptured with. She had never seen a Romulan Warbird before. It was magnificent. There was something unearthly and almost ethereal about it; like something out of folklore. Numa noticed that the shields of the USS Galaxy were still down, and weapons were still off line. She didn't like that considering that they were patrolling the Cardassian Federation borders.

Lt. Morris turned to Lt. Jg Sullax and said, "Lieutenant. I want you to continue scanning the region for any signs of other ships. Especially any ships that might be cloaked. If you happen to get a good 'look' at our visiting ship, that might be fortuitous, but please be discreet."

Turning back to the front she said, "Lt. Hermedhie, I want weapons and shields readied to be brought on-line in a moment's notice. Lt. Sharp, I want you to plot a course for Deep Space 9. If anything 'happens' I want an instant jump to WARP 1 toward Deep Space 9. Be ready until you are give other orders. Do you both understand?"

"Aye Sir!" they both responded as they set about their tasks.

"Ensign Makoko, " continued Lt. Morris, "I want all non-essential personnel and families ordered back to their quarters. If something happens, I want everyone prepared. In our current situation, I want us as ready as possible."

"Aye Sir." responded the dark skinned Ensign.

"Lt. Morris, might I make a proposal?" Numa stood tall and rigid as she addressed the Assistant Chief of Science. Where most officers soon lost the snap and pop of coming to attention when addressing superior officers while on duty, Numa was still very much like a first year cadet. It was Numa's dream to one day be the head of her own department, or even to be the commander of her own starship.

"Yes, Numa, what is it?" Rr'lonni Morris looked over at the blue skinned Benzite. Numa's facial tendrils quivered slightly in anticipation.

"Ma'am, I'd like to make a suggestion that we send out a few runabouts to scan the area and relay the information gathered back to the Galaxy."

"Please tell me more of why you think we would need to send out the runabouts." Rr'lonni's eyes were focused on Numa.

Before Numa could continue, T'amar spoke. "If I might extrapolate on that ma'am." Everyone turned toward the tall Tiburonian manning the tactical arch.

"Go on Ensign." Ordered Ronni.

"The runabouts would be our eyes." Started the Tiburonian. Numa allowed him to speak. "The pilots would fly them to the periphery of the Galaxy's own sensors and begin performing sensor sweeps beyond that point. They could then relay the information back to the Galaxy, thus increasing our knowledge of the surrounding region as well as increasing the range of our scans. They would be a valuable early warning device against any Dominion patrols giving us that edge that we might need to effectively get our weapons and shields online at the precise moment that we will need them."

Ronni looked back at the Benzite who still stood at attention in front of her. "That is a good proposal Lt. JgTaurean, but the Dominion would be able to scan them in return."

Numa smiled slightly before divulging her next idea. "We could mask their signatures. Make them appear to be something they are not."

Sullax, who had been listening intently with the conversation, interjected already knowing the direction in which Numa was headed. "This part of space has a substantial amount of debris. Perhaps we could 'mask' the runabout's to appear as nothing more than that." The Romulan's eyebrow raised as he looked at Numa for confirmation.

"We could do that." Began D'auria. "But if the Dominion does an in- depth scan of the debris, the runabouts will still be seen for what they truly are. The program for such an illusion would be rather simple to create."

"Yes." Agreed Numa. "However, what if we tie the 'masking' program directly into the shields. It's something that we wouldn't be able to do with a ship the size of the Galaxy, but the runabouts are small enough that it would be an easy thing to do."

"Of course." Ronni's eyes lit up. "We could have the 'mask' transmit false readings in the form of gaseous or meteorlogic anomalies. It would be nothing more than a façade. But it is workable."

"Two of a Kind"
by Lt. Chris Thomas

** Bridge **

Commander Tomalak and Admiral Pressman talked about a carbon copy pair. Chris was very firmiliar with Tomalak and his style of work, something that while many knew of, he knew more. He'd spent time living as Romulan, working with SI of course. His time there was a 180 degree opposite of his time with the Klingons, for starters he never had to get married. He was there operating, gathering information and executing plans and orders. Which included quitely disposing of some obstacles that got in the way of the objective or were the objective. Having these two men on this ship was dangerous, these two could get them killed without even brothering the Dominion.

Having these two in the same room, wasn't a good sign in his mind. They were both known for being a danger to anyone that got in their way. He realized just how dangerous the situation was, what ever mission they were on there was going to be a great risk to the crew of the Galaxy. Chris was well versied in the dangers Commander Tomalak posed to those that got in his way. He couldn't believe they were working together, but then if you think about war can make strange beffellows, well here's the best example in worse case setting. Thomas also had a more serious hunch about what was going here, and it terrified him. He would give the Admiral the benifit of doubt, but he figured that it was being misplaced. The equiptment and the arrival of the Romulans made it all to real what the stuff in engineering was, a cloak. The question was could the Galaxy really be designed to work or function using the device. From what he knew about the recent ship designs the Defiant class could handle cloaks, and rumors presisted the new soveriengs could be modified easly to operate with one. If this was the case, then having Tomalak on the ship would defiantly explain things.

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.

Chris held no love for the Lieutenant Commander, but his distrust and distaste of Admiral Pressman was much much greater than the friction that existed between him and Derian Casey. He knew that if the admiral heard the exact reason why Chief Operations Manager was unable to attend, Pressman would likely out right relieve the 'Commander of his position as acting XO and toss him in the brig.

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.

Lieutenant Thomas entered the observation, this was going to be interesting to see what happened. He then decided that after the mission debreffing, he'd go pay a visit on Lt. Commander Casey and inform him of what the current situation was and check in on him.

He took a seat and waited to see what the admiral had to say, but Thomas knew one thing he'd end his carear before he allowed the admiral to try some hair brain stunt, of course he figured Sterner felt the same way. Which was why he provided the commander with information about Pressman, that wasn't exactly open to just anyone. He figured that by giving the commander an edge to work with or at least even the playing field a bit, the commander would feel more secure about when and were to stand his ground against the admiral, something Chris knew all to well. He just hoped that he'd not need to use some other things he knew about the admiral.

Christopher Patton

"Revelations"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Acting Captain, USS Galaxy

Joerg was approaching the conference room. In his head various ideas formed what the Admiral was planning to do with the Galaxy, the equipment he brought with him, the Romulan Commander and the Cardassian border. So far nothing made any sense to him at all.

When the group arrived at the conference table, Joerg just was about to sit down at the seat reserved for the Captain, when the Admiral gestured that he should take the First Officer's seat instead. Joerg understood this action of the Admiral only partly. He knew that Pressman was in charge of the mission and that this senior staff meeting was to discuss the mission, at least Joerg hoped that this was what the meeting should be all about. However since the Admiral was in charge of successfully completing the mission it was also his responsibility to explain the details to the rest of the crew, that's why he had to sit at the Captain's chair for this meeting.

While Joerg and the other senior staff officers, who were currently on the bridge when the 'guests' arrived, were sitting or taking their seats, the Romulan Commander was standing next to Admiral Pressman. He was however not talking to the Admiral, but merely looking around the room. It almost seemed as if he has been before on a Galaxy-class starship and thus trying to remember the details and refreshing his memories. Overall he was acting very calmly and had not spoken a single word with anyone since he had beamed aboard the Galaxy.

The Ferengi Ensign on the other hand was full of life and whispered something to the Admiral. It seemed like the Ferengi was the only other person beside the Admiral in that room, who knew exactly what was going on and what the mission objective was. The Admiral and the Ensign chatted for a few moments, but not loud enough for the others in the room to hear.

Some minutes later all of the missing senior staff members have arrived and the Admiral stood up. Ensign Nog took one of the PADDs he was carrying around and stood attention next to the Romulan Commander, who still didn't say anything yet. Then the Admiral finally addressed the senior staff and thus started the meeting.

"Ladies and gentlemen. We have gathered here to discuss the upcoming mission. Since the mission's team is now complete I will be able to give you all the information you need to know." he started and pointed to both the Ensign and the Romulan Commander at the moment he was referring to completing his team.

When Joerg heard the last part of his speech he began again to wonder. '... all the information you need to know' is not exactly the kind of information that will shed light into the mystery of their mission he thought. He quickly looked around and saw that at least Lieutenant Thomas felt the same way as he did, judging from his expression on his face at that very moment.

"Ok, this is it. Several month ago Starfleet Intelligence learnt of a Cardassian plan to build a new and highly advanced starship, that could be used in the war against the Federation. When we were informed that the prototype of that new ship was being tested inside the Cardassian border we had but one choice, we had to gather all the information we could get and then destroy that ship." Pressman explained, but paused for a moment to study the reactions from the senior staff.

"To avoid any connection to SI, we sent a ship with Starfleet cadets in training, namely the Red Squadron, to do the mission for us. In case of failure we could deny any knowledge of that mission and tell the Cardassians that the cadets had done a terrible mistake during their training mission."

'Typical SI thinking.' Joerg just thought.

"The Red Squadron was using the Defiant-class warship Valiant on their mission. The Captain of the ship, 22 year old Tim Watters, was the best in his class. The other cadets were also only picked from the elite of Starfleet Academy." Pressman continued and the Ensign just stood even more at attention, when he heard the words the Admiral just said.

"The Valiant was able to find the Cardassian's new starship prototype and thus able to complete the first part of their mission, to gather data about the ship. However they failed to complete the second half, the destruction of that ship. What's even worse, the Valiant was destroyed during the fight and except for one all were killed in the incident. The sole survivor of the battle is Ensign Nog here. He was able to save some of the Valiant's data on the Cardassian starship, but that's all we got from the mission. Please Ensign." Pressman concluded his speech.

Nog smiled a bit and then went to the far wall behind the Admiral. He pressed a few buttons on the display and an image filled the screen. Everyone in the room looked with respect at the picture, but they couldn't see why that ship should pose a threat to the Federation. But before anyone could ask that question Nog pressed an additional button and a Galaxy-class starship appeared beside the starship. After that everyone in the room gasped and knew what they were looking at. The Cardassian starship was about four times the size of a Galaxy-class starship. No one dared to think about the firepower such a ship could have. But as if he had some telepathic abilities Ensign Nog just answered that yet unasked question.

"This new Cardassian ship, SI simply named it Battleship, is about four times the size of this vessel as you have seen on the screen and has also about four time the firepower. We found out that particular information ourselves moments before our vessel had been destroyed. However we do believe that it is possible that ..." the Ensign started to speak faster and faster and his voice began to whine, but he was suddenly interrupted by the Admiral.

"Thank you Ensign, I'll take it from here." he took over and Nog stood attention again.

"And this is were the Galaxy comes into play. Our mission is to complete the Valiant's mission and successfully destroy the prototype of that ship. Ensign Nog here will act as a tactical advisor to the mission, since he's the only one still alive to tell what that Battleship could do and what we can do against it. With the little information the Valiant provided us it should be no problem to do so now. However to accomplish that we had to make some modifications to the Galaxy." Pressman continued.

'Now that's the interesting part.' Joerg thought and hoped to at least hear the truth now.

"In order to reach the prototype deep inside Cardassian space we needed to install a cloaking device on the Galaxy." the Admiral added.

The moment the senior staff heard that information, they began to openly protest against such actions. But before they could bring forth any accusation, Pressman ordered them to shut up.

"Ladies and gentlemen. I know what you are trying to say, but I can assure you that the Treaty of Algeron does not apply here, since the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire are working together on this mission. To assure that, Commander Tomalak here is overseeing the whole operation himself and is acting as the Romulan Ambassador as long as he is on this ship." Pressman added, while introducing the Romulan, who himself nodded in approval.

"With the cloaking device installed and ready we can proceed to find and destroy the Battleship now." Pressman tried to conclude the senior staff meeting.

"Unless of course any of you have any questions." he quickly added, in the hope that no one would actually ask him anything.

'You bet I have.' Joerg thought.

"I do have one question sir." Joerg said

"If that Battleship has four time the firepower of the Galaxy, how on Earth can we have a chance to destroy it before we are also blown to pieces." Joerg angrily asked.

"I don't like that tone in your voice, but I'll try to explain it to you Mr. Sterner." Pressman answered sarcastically.

"You see the cloak currently installed on the Galaxy is phase-based. That means the Galaxy will not simply vanish, but she will phase out. In the out-phased status no weapons will do any harm to her." the Admiral added.

"Is that the same technology you used back on the Pegasus sir." Joerg asked another question, this time he was the one with the sarcastically voice.

"No, we were able to improve that prototype and now it's as safe as using a normal cloak." Pressman quickly answered, wondering where the Commander had that particular information from.

"Anything else?" he asked again.

"Yes, I do sir." Lieutenant McKenzie said.

"Go ahead Lieutenant."

"If we are phased out, our weapon systems will also be out of phase. So how do we destroy that Battleship if our weapons are useless sir?" Hunter asked.

"Good point Lieutenant. It took our scientists some time to find a solutions to that problem, but I'm glad to tell you that this will no problem at all. Starfleet Intelligence has developed a new kind of photon torpedo, which has his own internal phase generator. With this little device the torpedo is able to penetrate the ship's defense systems, like the shields, and once inside the ship itself it dephases and explodes on impact." Pressman explained.

"It will be like shooting ducks in a barrel." he also added and had the biggest evil smile on his face everyone has ever seen.

"I guess there are still some questions you want to ask?" Pressman then asked, hoping to start the mission, but he feared that there were still some things left to be discussed.

New friends
Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga and Lt.jg. Karyn Dallas

Be'Tran was in a turbo lift. she had two heavy bags of equipment she was moving to an auxiliary cargo-storage area. Orders of the SI officer who had all-but taken over engineering; much to the Galaxy engineering staff's dismay.

She didn't know what it was all about, nor did her new partner; Polina; but she knew; she just felt that trouble was going to come of it. And maybe trouble even Commander Sterner couldn't get the Galaxy out of.

The turbolift stopped, and she checked the deck-level indicator. Two short of her destination. She exhaled, tiredly, as the lift doors opened.

A man in a black uniform enterred the lift hurriedly. One of the SI agents. He placed himself close to Be'Tran and half mumbled an order of "Deck 10" to the lift-computer. He then shot Be'Tran a quick grin, as the lift started to move again.

Be'Tran sensed a forcefullness of presence from this man, and drew back from him. As the lift continued to climb, he turned to face her.

"You're in engineering," he said, "I've seen you there, during the graveyard shift. What's your name." he was smiling, a bit too sweetly, Betta thought.

"M'Benga," Be'Tran responded at length, trying to tap into the man's thought's via her semi-limited Betazoid skills.

"Right," the young SI offered, "B'Tan, or whatever; you're on, whatsisname's; Hewson's shift, right."

"Yes," she replied, "and it's Be'Tran, not B'Tan. I have a sister named B'Tan."

The SI smiled like a boy, "Is she as pretty as you?" he asked forwardly.

Be'Tran smiled, intent on having some fun; "Nope!" she responded vigourously.

The man slipped closer to Betta, and ptu his hand on the wall, virtually cutting off any avenue of escape for her, if he wanted to get grabby.

He began babbling on, mostly about himself; but Be'Tran paid no attention. She was deep in his mind. And there was only one image there visible to her abilities.

She saw herself, her uniform-jacket and sweater gone, leaning against the wall of the turbolift, breathing heavily and smiling anxiously.

She also saw the young SI, leaning into her, taking her breasts in his hands, grinning, and squeezing so hard, that had the vision been real; it probably would have really hurt.

Without thinking, Be'Tran bit her lower lip, hard, in reaction to the intensity of the mans thoughts. He caught note, and his confidence spilled over.

He inched himself even closer to Betta, forcing her to push the small grav-sled she was using to transport the equipment into the far wall of the turbolift.

Suddenly, the lift stopped; deck 10, the door opened to admit a beautiful red-haired young woman. For a moment Karyn Dallas thought she was interrupting something, but Be'Tran's wide eyed expression told her otherwise.

Karyn entered the turbolift, and took a position beside Betta, and facing the forward young SI agent. "Deck 10," she said, "Anyone getting off?" She recognized the agent as the one she'd "accidentally" ran over after he got an attitude with her. Ok, so it wasn't the most professional thing to do, but somehow she doubted that anyone would blame her.

The agent looked at the lift level-indicator sheepishly. "Uh... yeah." he said, looking dumbfounded. He was probably late for duty, and the Admiral was probably gonna chew his butt. He scampered hurriedly out of the lift, shooting Karyn a nervous glance she didn't quite appreciate.

The lift-door closed, and after Karyn indicated her destination to the control-unit; it resumed it's ascent.

Be'Tran put a hand to her throat nervously. "Whew!" she exhaled, as if she had just had a narrow escape.

"Something wrong, ensign?" asked Karyn.

"What's with those SI guys?" said Be'Tran, breathing hard, "He mustv'e been in prison or something."

"What do you mean?"

"I tapped into his mind," responded M'Benga, "all he had on it was ripping of my top, and frankly, squeezing my boobs off."

Karyn smiled a bit in spite of herself. "You must be Ensign M'Benga." she said.

"Yeah," said Be'Tran, "How'd you know?"

"I'm Counselor Dallas, Karyn Dallas." said Karyn, extending a hand. Be'Tran took it and shook it gently. Karyn was glad to finally meet this cheerful young woman, whom she heard so many good things about.

"Well, I am M'Benga, Be'Tran M'Benga. But, how'd you know; are you Betazoid?"

"No." said Karyn, "It's just that I was just promoted to the senior Counselling staff, and I've been looking over the personel-records, in case I take on any additional case-loads. Trying to be prepared, y'know." She had a sweet smile, and Be'Tran found her soft voice unusually comforting.

Be'Tran grinned friendly, as Karyn continued; "You look Klingon, you're not Counselor K'Elana because K'Elana and I have already met, and your uniform is Yellow. You mentioned tapping into that man's mind; which only a Betazoid, or another telepath would say. And, your seem very open with your use of, well, slang-references. I just remembered the biographical info I've read, and combined it with the scuttlebutt I've heard on the ship; and I came up with Ensign M'Benga. I appreciate your honesty, so many people try to sugarcoat their thoughts and feelings because they think I will be embarrassed or think less of them. Knowing when to be tactful is a good skill, but I like openess, especially with my friends."

Be'Tran was impressed, but, still; she couldn't help but ask; "Scuttlebutt?"

"Let's just say your reputation has proceeded you." said Karyn, "But, not to worry; I don't spread gossip, It's just necessary to listen in sometimes if you want to know what may be bringing patients to your door. I'm not Betazoid, so I gotta make up the deficits where I can."

The turbolift stopped, and the door slid open. The two young women stepped out together, Be'Tran coaxing her gravsled. They began walking up the corridor together; continuing their conversation. Karyn made a mental note that as soon as she had some free time she'd like to get together and talk more with her. For now, duty called.

"Stealth anyone?"

Jack finished sending Doctor Kathroweena a message about his talk with doctor Gakor about the proposed upgrades to sickbay. He hoped she would contact him soon, as would Comdr. Sunder. At least, then he could start work on the upgrades. He moved his chair to another console, checking the performance of the sensor arrays. So close to the Cardassian border, it was of the utmost importance that nothing went wrong with it. All the shift changes Admiral Pressman had invoked were not doing the different departments any good. People were on edge, the rumors were flying, in short, the whole situation was explosive enough as it was, without them sitting near the Cardassian border.

Jack downloaded some information on a Padd about sensor performance Lt. Morris had requested and went on his way to the bridge. Once there, he saw that Lt. Sullax was already there and nodded a greeting to him, then proceeded to Lt. Morris, handing her the pad. A few moments later, Lt. Taurean entered the bridge, as Lt. Morris began issuing orders. Numa came up with an idea of using the runabouts and shuttles as an EAW system.

"Lt. Morris, might I make a proposal?"

"Yes, Numa, what is it?"

"Ma'am, I'd like to make a suggestion that we send out a few runabouts to scan the area and relay the information gathered back to the Galaxy."

"Please tell me more of why you think we would need to send out the runabouts."

"If I might extrapolate on that ma'am", spoke up the Tiburonian tactical officer..

"Go on Ensign."

"The runabouts would be our eyes. The pilots would fly them to the periphery of the Galaxy's own sensors and begin performing sensor sweeps beyond that point. They could then relay the information back to the Galaxy, thus increasing our knowledge of the surrounding region as well as increasing the range of our scans. They would be a valuable early warning device against any Dominion patrols giving us that edge that we might need to effectively get our weapons and shields online at the precise moment that we will need them."

"That is a good proposal Lt. Jg. Taurean, but the Dominion would be able to scan them in return."

"We could mask their signatures. Make them appear to be something they are not."

"This part of space has a substantial amount of debris. Perhaps we could 'mask' the runabout's to appear as nothing more than that", said Sullax.

Jack was about to go back the science labs, as Numa explained her ideas. It was very interesting and his mind immediately went into overdrive, thinking of ways to implement Numa's idea.

"We could do that." Began D'auria. "But if the Dominion does an in-depth scan of the debris, the runabouts will still be seen for what they truly are. The program for such an illusion would be rather simple to create."

"Yes." Agreed Numa. "However, what if we tie the 'masking' program directly into the shields. It's something that we wouldn't be able to do with a ship the size of the Galaxy, but the runabouts are small enough that it would be an easy thing to do."

"Of course." Ronni's eyes lit up. "We could have the 'mask' transmit false readings in the form of gaseous or meteorlogic anomalies. It would be nothing more than a façade. But it is workable."

"With your permission, Lt. Morris, I would like to get on it right away", Jack said.

"Very well, ensign. Get on it right away. Lt. Taurean, you assist Mr. D'Auria. Keep me appraised of your progress."

"Aye, Lt.", said Jack and Numa almost simultaneously, the both of them walking to the turbolift.

Don’t want to be left out…
Ensign Keras T’Vek
Science Officer
USS Galaxy

Keras stood up from his position on the floor and dressed. He had just woken up and had decided to complete several Vulcan rituals that put the mind and body at ease. He walked over to the replicator and ordered a glass of water, this time he was not greeted by some sort of human love song involving a purple reptile. Instead a orange substance appeared and splashed all over the interior of the replicator, none of it landing on him.

He walked over to the computer terminal before leaving and notified Engineering that his replicator was damaged and then left his cabin. On his way to the Science Labs he overheard that a Romulan Warbird had decloaked recently near the vicinity of the Galaxy, also beaming over a Romulan.

Besides this nothing else mentionable occurred and Keras made his way to the Science Labs. When he arrived he noted that it was vacant for some reason. This seamed in Err since the SI Admiral, Pressman, had ordered a swap of shifts that should have had several of "better" science officers on this shift.

After logging on to his terminal he asked the computer in his monotone voice the location of; Lt. Morris, Lt. Sullax, Lt. Taurean, and Ensign D’Auria.

=/\= They are currently located on the bridge. =/\=

Interesting he thought, and decided after checking his terminal for any messages he would head to the bridge and offer his services. His hands flew across the terminal and he soon found out that no messages were waiting for him. With this he stood up and left the now vacant Science Lab.

He quickly walked down the corridor at a moderate pace and soon found himself at the turbolift. He entered and told the computer his destination, the Bridge. Within a matter of seconds he was on his way. The doors opened and revealed the Bridge, he noticed quickly that Lt. Morris was sitting in the Captains seat, Lt. Sullax operating the rear Science terminal.

With normal Vulcan bravado he walked directly toward Lt. Morris and reported in,

"Ensign Keras T’Vek reporting. I noted that most of the Science Staff was located on the bridge and decided that due to the time available to me I would report in offering my services to aid the goal of the current mission." He said in his monotone voice, waiting for her response.

"I'm Back!!"
by Lt. Devlynn Salshyar
Counsellor, USS Galaxy

It had only been three month since Dev walked down these corridores last, but it seemed like it was ages ago. Her tour on Kal-Dixas showed her how much simpler the Starfleet life was than the life of a negotiator. During the crisis on Kal-Dixas and the proceeding battle, she was a pivotal part. That was too much for her. Her Betazoid senses came in handing while working with the conflicting factions, but working with the crew of the Galaxy was where she belonged. She knew that.

What had originally began as a promotion, quickly turned out to be a nightmare. Devlynn was not cut out to be the Federation Liaison to another government. Her job was counselling. Plain and simple.

She had been on the Galaxy for a few days, getting her things in order. She had yet to report for duty, despite her wishes. It was felt that after her ordeal on Kal-Dixas that a few days, at least, would be required before active duty could be resumed. She had to agree.

It had been three months since she had seen Colby face to face. Her son. She missed him. He had been sent to Betazed to school, but after she left, he had snuck away from his keepers and hid on the Galaxy for a number of days. It was eventually settled that Miran would take him. Since she had Lara, he would make a wonderful playmate for the little half-bajoran. However, Colby had since been transferred off the Galaxy to Dantos III.

She hadn't even had time to visit Miran, or Deiran. She wanted to get down to Engineering too, to see her friends down there. She had met with her Commanding Officer on her second day on the ship. Commanding Officer, that was a strange concept to Dev. Especially on the Galaxy. She had been the Chief for so long, the thought of being a subordinate counsellor was alien to her.

Karyn seemed like a nice enough person. Devlynn's first impression of Karyn Dallas was that she was a strong person. Having never faced real adversity in her life, Dev held in the highest regard those who could be strong enough to live through and even excell in those circumstances.

Dev wasn't lucky enough to get her old office back. She had to settle for Leslie's old office. It was nice enough but it was stuck at the end of a long hallway, and the door had a high pitched swoosh when it opened.

She was arranging her personal effects (for the seventh time) in her quarters when Karyn paged her through the comm system. "Dallas to Salshyar," Dev heard break through the silence in her quarters.

"Lt. Devlynn Salshyar, here. What can I do for you, ma'am?"

Her superior was quick in filling her in on the recent events which had transpired between the Caseys, not to mention Teb Bancroft. Dev was a little shocked, but immediately held back her disbelief, thinking immediately of ways to approach the subject with Deiran.

"I want you to talk to Commander Casey, Dev."

"Will do, Chief." Dev said as she snatched a PADD from her table. Finally, an assigment. It was good to be back. She knew that working with Deiran wasn't going to be easy. But she was able to bring him out of his shell when he had cold feet about marrying Miran, so hopefully she could do it again.

"Please let me know as soon as you've talked to him. I need to report back as soon as I can to Commander Sterner. I know I don't have to tell you what would happen if Admiral Pressman got a hold of this. I'll leave Casey in your capable hands, Lieutenant."

"I'll let you know as soon as I know something. Salshyar out." She stepped out through the doors of her quarters, her long blue dress fluttering behind her.

=/\= "Observations" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

'Commander Sunder's question struck Albrecht by surprise. Matthew had been trying to hang onto the belief that Admiral Pressman, while possibly unorthadox in his methods, was working for the same goals as everyone else on the Galaxy. He had placed security officers in key areas of the ship in response to the disorder brought along with the SI officers; But, although he had ordered his team to monitor the Starfleet Intelligence officers' activities, Matthew had really wanted to believe that they were on the same team.

Now, Ursa had expressed outright distrust of the Admiral and his intentions. So, as far as Albrecht was concerned, he now had orders to spy on Pressman's people. Chen and Bishop seemed to be taking the 'commander's question in stride, the Andorian's demeanor typically purposeful. Was Matthew the only one who felt uncomfortable with their new roles as spies in a plot against other Starfleet officers?

Apprehensions aside, Matthew never hesitated to follow Sunder's orders. The lieutenant hadn't served under many officers in his short career, but Ursa had some special characteristic, perhaps a charisma, that inspired a particularly strong loyalty in him. Matthew would get as deep into the SI officers' business as he was asked to, and do a fine job of it, as well. Besides, something inside him had already prompted him to launch his own quiet investigation of the recently added passengers.

Matthew hoped James and Xavier had more to tell than he did, since his information was scetchy at best. "'Commander, I have six officers observing the Intelligence officers, discreetly. Trabuco, Mulich, Sanchez and three of the newer ensigns. Unfortunately, I didn't have them in place until all the excitement had already passed," he qualified. Ursa seemed pleased at the idea, however, despite the short duration of the operation.

The Security Chief pressed for more details, "Lieutenant, good thinking. Is the Admiral aware of the operation? What have you come up with so far?" Though the giant man did not hurry the questions or appear excited, Matthew could tell he had the man's full attention.

He replied, "The ensigns are stationed in plain sight of guest quarters, engineering, and cargo bay two. Best place to hide, sir," he commented with a smile. "The officers have tricorders running constantly, feeding their data into security subdirectories of the ship's computer. But here's the gist of what we've been able to determine."

Matthew counted off points on four fingers as he spoke them, "First, with the exception of trips to and from cargo bay two, the black-suited officers have kept to engineering trying to get their gizmo in order. Second, the Admiral, after we began observing deck eight and long after his Ten-Forward scene with 'commander Casey, had only been to his quarters once, and he went alone, staying approximately three hours. Third, none of the officers appear to be equipped with any suspicious equipment. I have examined the tricorder logs thoroughly, and aside from some components retrieved from the cargo bay, they appear to be equipped just as you and I. That would mean; Type one phasers, commbadges, and one or two of them with tricorders or a handful of engineering tools."

Some curious eyes lit up, so Matthew added clarification, "The 'components' appear to be curious in design, but I'm no engineer. The level of scan we performed would be incapable of delivering enough detail to reproduce any of the items carried, but if any engineers wanted to have a look, they're welcome to. Fourth point, the guards posted to cargo bay two have rotated once since they arrived. The first pair were replaced by two of the others about an hour before I placed our officers nearby. They have not been releived since. If they keep to the same schedule, they will be releived in approximately three hours." Albrecht put his hands behind his back to indicate the end of his report.

Ursa turned to Bishop to ask for his input, when Matthew remembered a detail he had picked up from Angela Dana. "Oh, 'commander, there was another thing..." When Ursa turned back with eyebrows raised, Matthew continued, "I heard a rumor, unsubstantiated, that the Admiral had commanded a vessel, the USS Pegasus, that may have been equipped with a cloaking device. I stress the unofficial nature of the rumor, and only suggest it in light of the goings on in engineering, sir."

Sunder frowned slightly, "Right, we'll dismiss rumor for now, and concentrate on hard facts. Since we don't know what those spooks are assembling in engineering, we'll keep open to ANY ideas that come up with regard to the admiral's plan. Time will tell, we just want to speed up the clock a little," he joked.

Both men turned their attention to Bishop, to hear his report...

Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

Max focused on his Engineering task. His time off had done him little good. He had visited Betazed alone and had what would have seemed to anyone else to be a placid, enjoyable time. His thoughts were clouded though.

That was why this technical job seemed so soothing to him compared to his relaxing time off... He had something to focus on. *I should have gone Taarg racing in the Glass Valleys of Ken'rak 4... Nothing like the thought of tearing your limbs off on an obsidian spike or being eaten by a testy mount to keep your mind busy.*

As he effortlessly calibrated the internal damping matrix in the antimatter reaction chamber, he almost wished the work he was responsible for on the Galaxy was more difficult to him, not giving his tortured mind a chance to wander.

He paused momentarily, then continued his work like an automaton. His traumatic memories from the Chimarea had been coming back to him more often, escaping his nightmares and infringing on the territory of his conscious mind. He had not taken any suggestions to talk to a counsellor. He had has his psych evaluations, and wasn't about to go through that again.

He moved on to the memory banks check. The test was mathematically fascinating, as the massive array of memory elements of the ships computer could never be tested conclusively in its entirety. It was almost comparable to measuring the position of an electron... As he made the mental comparison, Max thought *and we all know how much of a pain in the ass that is...*

It was strange to him how he could remain so outwardly jovial (a relative term, in Max's case, as he was always at least somewhat subdued) as well as think about anything but his powerfully negative experience. He had avoided any deep conversations as well as making new friends so far, as he was afraid of his past few years seeming artificially blank to anyone he talked to.

He shifted his thinking to ways of downplaying the events which transpired on the Chimaera, as it was only a matter of time before someone asked about it. Cardassian space was near, as was the end of Max's shift. *I need a Rigelean Ale or six.* Max sighed as he finished his job for the day. *Too bad it's all synthahol.*

Marc-Julien Objois
aka
Maximillan Jensen

Sunder looked at the small group of officers he had gathered together. They sat there huddled around the table with conspirators' airs, as if the ever-vigilant Starfleet Intelligence could already sense their lack of trust.

He'd listened to Bishop and Chen and then Albrecht had just brought them up to speed on his covert activities with the other officers on his shift. Sunder's eyebrows jumped at the mention of the PEGASUS.

Chen saw his reaction and took advantage of the opportunity to ask what he knew about the missing ship.

" I had a friend on board her when she vanished. I was always curious to know what happened to her. " He explained hastily.

" Me too, lieutenant. " Sunder said. " In fact, the entire mission was covered up by Starfleet Intelligence for some reason. Even though this is still in the arena of rumour, and out of the area of hard facts, it's still difficult to dismiss. After all, I don't know if Pressman was involved or not, but it's an odd coincidence that those two names should appear now, don't you think? "

Nods of agreement were shared around the table. " This is starting to stink more and more. " Bishop observed.

" The information we're gathering from Albrecht's teams is starting to play off though. We'll keep them at it until further notice. " Sunder pulled out another PADD. " In the meantime, here's another resource we may want to consider using. "

" I was sent a document written by Jack D'Auria - I'm sure you know him. He proposes a complete overhaul of the security system by adding more computer checks to the already-installed systems we have in place. It's thoroughly intrusive and intends to cover all our security bases, so to speak. " He passed around the PADD containing the summation of details starting with Albrecht, seated to his left.

Xavier Bishop piped up. " Sir, I'm a little bit nervous about this whole thing. SI is suppoed to be on our side, after all. "

" Don't blame you. " Sunder replied reflexively. He'd been ike that. It would take months before it would be completely implemented and the GALAXY would be in drydock for a hell of an extended period. maybe it's a change-over for a completely new design of ship, bu it wouldn't fit on the GALAXY. Some of the minor changes - maybe, but let's look at them from the point of a minor maskirovka, as the Russians would say. "

Just then, Sunder's comm badge signalled.

" Sunder: are you there? " It was the voice of Joerg Sterner. " His informality indicated that something was up.

" Ya, boss. " Sunder replied back in kind, wondering what it could be. Looks of puzzlement went around the table faster than a rogue comet. Sterner requested for Greer Erickson's release from the holding cells to attend a briefing - to which he was also ordered to attend.

He looked over at the officers around the conference table. " Well, our little clandestine info-gathering session may turn out to be premature. " Sunder said. The other officers had heard the conversation.

" Be sure to share, sir. " Chen said appreciatively.

Sunder grabbed an extra PADD on his way out. " We'll see if it's worth sharing first! " Sunder grunted on his way out. " Mind the shop - I'll be back in a few. "

"The A-Team arrivies"
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

"They're holding position, Captain. Their shields are lowered and weapon systems off-line…," stated Mac, matter of factly, "…at the moment." He added suspiciously.

Mac's report helped to calm the Acting Captain, but he still appeared "unhappy".

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."

"Pompous ass…," muttered Mac, under his breath.

"Did you say something Lt.?" asked Pressman.

"Yes, sir. I said it's a D'deridex-class."

"Humph." Grunted the Admiral, suspiciously, "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 their coordinates and have them beamed directly to the bridge."

Mac glanced at Sterner quickly. Seeking acknowledgement. When it came he responded to the Admiral. "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.

"Energize!" ordered the Admiral with a hint of anticipation

As the conversion beam solidified Mac was amazed at what stood in its place. There stood a Romulan commander in full metallic thread uniform, his face oozing with superiority and aloofness, as all Romulans must be trained to do. The Warbird commander, although unusual was in no way as strange as the small Starfleet officer that immediately stepped to in front of Pressman with military precision that would do any drill team proud.

Head held high, the Ferengi bellowed with the pride and vigor of a Klingon Warrior, "Ensign Nog reporting as ordered Admiral!"

"At ease, Ensign," added Pressman as the Ferengi immediately snapped to parade rest. Mac rolled his eyes. S.I., Romulans and now a Ferengi. Maybe we should just give up now and go home." he thought to himself.

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

As Pressman motioned the two "visitors" to the conference room he motioned for Ensign Hermedhie to take over the Tactical arch. He watched as the Admiral and both aliens made their way into the conference room

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."

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 . Mac filed in along with Lieutenant Thomas. As they took their respective seats they waited for the rest of the Galaxy's senior staff to assemble for the briefing. Mac glanced again at the aloof Romulan commander and stocky Ferengi. "I hope this isn't or last line of defense." He thought as he waited for answers to unfold.

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

"Real Romulans"
by Tebrianne Bancroft

***

"Commander Sterner to all senior staff. There is a briefing in the executive conference room in ten minutes. Please report immediately. Sterner out."

"Oh crikey," Teb muttered under her breath. She set her guitar down on the table and zipped up her duty tunic. A quick check in the mirror told her that she was presentable enough for a staff meeting.

She took a deep breath and left her quarters. Time to face the wolves, she thought as she walked down the corridor.

Teb tried to put the events of the last couple days out of her mind. Her growing mental disciplines helped somewhat, but not nearly enough to make her feel comfortable in the presence of others.

"Bridge," she ordered the turbolift.

The car whisked her away toward the command center of the Galaxy.

***

Teb stepped off the lift and onto the bridge. Hanging silently in space waited a Romulan Warbird. Teb felt her jaw go slack.

"Oh bloody...," she stared wide-eyed at the monstrous, green starship.

Teb shook herself out of her stupor and headed toward the conference room. It was difficult to pull her eyes away from the viewscreen, but she managed when the doors to the conference room closed behind her.

The look of surprise when she saw the Warbird was nothing compared to her reaction when Teb saw the man seated at the other end of the table.

"Tomalak." It came out as a barely-audible whisper. She couldn't take her eyes off of him as she moved to her seat. Seeing him sitting there, aloof and so sure of himself, was awe-inspiring. Power and confidence radiated from the man.

He was attractive, in a strange sort of way. Perhaps it was the power. Maybe the reputation. Maybe it was because he was so Romulan.

"That's my seat, Lieutenant Bancroft," said 'Commander Sunder.

"Oh," she said looking up at him, breaking her near stare from Tomalak. "Sorry about that, 'Commander."

Teb slid down a seat and tried not to glance at Greer across the table from her. She couldn't look at him--not after everything that had happened.

She had read the daily report on the PADD she had brought with her six times before the meeting started. She sighed with relief that she wouldn't have to read the bloody thing a seventh.

Languages
By Ensign Anthony Mendenhall
Engineer

Security hadn't called, so they must not know about the replicator prank. The model was going along fine, but Anthony needed a break. After reading some old 21st century literature, he decided to do something constructive.

"Hey Digit, how about some German?" He hand't practiced in a while. Walking over to his desk and ordered the computer to start the program.

"Beginnen Sie Deutschen 6 Programm Mendenhall."

A small face appeared on the moniter on his desk. "Hallo. "

He smiled at traditional Bavarian man. "Hallo."

"Wie sind Sie heute? ",

"Fein und Sie?"

"Ich bin gut. Sachen sind heute hectic gewesen. Wie ist das Wetter in Deutschland?"

"Wenig, das, aber in den meisten Fällen ist es bewölkt und regnerisch ist, gewesen ziemlich warm während dieser Zeit des Jahres."

"Wirklich. Ich bin dort nicht in wann gewesen. Hat sie gewesen heiß oder Kälte in den meisten Fällen. Vom Jahr, das ist."

"Es ist dieses Jahr ziemlich kalt gewesen. Sogar für Winter war es unterhalb des Durchschnittes."

" Computer, Ende Programm."

The conversation had gotten boring. Weather really didn't matter in a starship. Mendenhall decided he still had a knack for languages and stopped.

He started thinking about Polina as he practiced his French.

"Ordinateur, Français 3 de programme de début."

"Bonjour."

"Bonjour."

"Comment allez vous aujourd'hui?"

"Je suis très bien. Juste pensant à une fille mignonne d'Orion Romulan."

"L'ampèreheure, est elle mignonne? "

"Oui. Il est difficile de cesser de penser à elle."

"Vous pouvez l'impressionner avec votre français."

"Ya, trop mauvais les traducteurs universels donnerait un coup de pied dedans. Cela abîme l'effet."

"Je vois. Choclates Éprouvé? Fleurs?"

"Qui vous a programmé?"

"Vous naturellement."

"Programme de fin d'ordinateur."

Great, now a program he designed was giving him advice on how to get a girl. He'd ask her out after this mission was over. Or after he was out of the brig, whichever came first.

"I'm going to ten forward Digit, see you soon." He made sure Digit was alright, then headed toward the turbolift.

"Deck ten." He felt the acceleration under his feet. When he got there, he was greeted my a surprise.

"Maybe I should be studying Romulan." He sat down gawking at the giant green battleship.

"Senior meeting"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The senior staff of the Starship Galaxy had gathered in the executive conference room where they were finally being briefed on some of the details of this classified mission.

Admiral Pressman had introduced the Romulan Commander Tomalak who was acting as the Romulan Ambassador for the duration of this joint mission between their two governments against the Cardassian-Dominion Alliance. The majestic Ambassador seemed to be remaining extra quiet throughout the Admiral's briefing, watching the other staff members of the Galaxy's command staff as if studying them. It was welcomed news when the Federation learned that the Romulan Star Empire was joining the Federation in the fight over the Alpha Quadrant from the Dominion, but having a former enemy on board the ship and sitting just a few meters away took some getting used to.

"I guess there are still some questions you want to ask?" Pressman tossed out. He was sure that the crew of the Galaxy would be eager to find out more of this mission, especially after being kept in the dark up to now.

Lieutenant Erikson didn't disappoint. He was wearing a white butterfly bandage across the bridge of his nose where AC had struck him earlier in Ten Forward. It didn't look too bad, giving the Chief Scientist a somewhat "rugged" look.

"Admiral, even with special high yield weapons, how is the Galaxy going to stand a chance against a ship like that?" Greer asked.

"You needn't worry about that Lieutenant Erikson is it?" Pressman half asked double checking the padd he had in front of him and nodding when he was sure he had it right, "These torpedoes will be phased when they are launched and will remain phased as they pass through the battleship's outer defense grid. The internal phase generators are programmed to allow the photon torpedoes to actually penetrate the outer hull surfaces traveling through the armor and exploding once inside the actual vessel. Effectively bypassing all known traditional defensive systems."

There was a glint of pride in the Admiral's eye as he spoke. It was apparent that he was proud of this new weapon technology break through.

"Can you tell us more about this battleship we are looking for Admiral?" Lieutenant Mercury asked.

Pressman turned and glanced at the Chief Engineer of the Galaxy. "Actually, I will let Ensign Nog fill you in on the details. The Ensign is the only one present that has actually seen this ship up close. Ensign?" Pressman signaled for Nog to take over.

The Ferengi stood up with a very serious expression on his face. Giving a firm tug on his duty jacket, he took a few steps over to the wall display, extending an silver pointing device to highlight his briefing. The monitor snapped to life with an animated image of the Cardassian battleship rotating through the three primary axis orientations.

"This is what the battleship looks like. As you can see it is quite an impressive work of engineering and design. The image of the Galaxy class starship superimposed in the lower right corner will give you a feel for the size of this ship." Nog was very no nonsense in his manner at addressing the Galaxy staff. He didn't seem nervous as much as he seemed determined to get through this mission. "The ship is loaded with multiple weapons arrays along both of these axis as well as the main batteries here, here and here. They are both powerful and very accurate. Even with the nimbleness of the Defiant class Valiant, we were unable to avoid their fire."

Nog paused, pointing to the under belly of the battleship. "In our initial, unsuccessful attempt at destroying this ship, we tried to attack these superstructures which are made out of a weak Cardassian alloy. Unfortunately our assault was ineffective, which left the Valiant vulnerable and virtually defenseless to the armor and weaponry of this massive ship."

Nogs voice went down in tone when he thought of the crew members and friends he'd lost on the USS Valiant. Weakly he smiled, in a half friendly, half worried expression that showed the points to his sharpened teeth, but the quiver of his lip told the tale that this was not a threatening person. Nog was about to go on, but the Admiral could sense, as could the others in the room, that the Ensign was getting emotional about the mission, so Pressman interrupted.

"That will not be a worry on this mission." He said looking at Nog directly, and then turning to Commander Sterner and the rest of the senior staff, "The phase cloak will make us invulnerable and the new photon torpedoes will be unstoppable. The Cardassians will never know what hit them. Lieutenant Mercury, what is the status of the phase cloaking device? Has it been installed and is it ready to be activated?"

David glanced over at the Admiral. Up until two minutes ago, the Chief Engineer was struggling to find out what it was they were installing in the main engineering section of the ship. He'd suspected it was a cloaking device, but only just now was he certain of it. "Yes sir. Lieutenant Harbright said it is fully installed and ready to be tested. The security screen has already been erected around the unit."

"Good. I want you to go down and have Harbright activate the unit. Once we are certain it is functioning we set course for the heart of Cardassian space." Pressman glanced around at the members present at the meeting before adding, "I shouldn't have to remind any of you that this mission is a top secret classified operation. The Galaxy will be operating under total communications black out once we cross over into Cardassian space. No transmissions come in or out, is that understood?"

Nods circled the room, causing Pressman to let out a satisfied little grunt. "Good. Then if there isn't anything else?"

"Actually Admiral, I was thinking that it might be a wise precaution to assign a couple of security officers to help escort Ambassador Tomalak while he's on board the Galaxy." Lieutenant Commander Sunder commented which caused a few heads to turn including the Romulan Commander's. Pressman looked like he was about to scold the Chief of Security, but Ursa just continued on. "I realize that the Ambassador is working with us on this join mission, but there are several members on board the Galaxy that might not be as understanding. Having a couple of Security available may help to dissuade any sort of unpleasant outbreaks of violence... for the Ambassador's protection."

Ursa was no longer looking at Pressman and his eyes had caught Tomalak's. The Ambassador stared back with an almost amused look as he openly smiled. "Why 'Commander you are concerned for my well being. How touching." Tomalak's tone was condescending and sarcastic all rolled up into one. "I assure you, I am merely an observer here to bare witness to the fact that these illegal technologies are only used against the Cardassian-Dominion Alliance. Your security precautions, though most unnecessary will be welcomed." Tomalak bowed slightly, his hands concealed in the bulbous arms of his metallic Romulan uniform.

Pressman nodded. "Very well. 'Commander, see to it that some men are assigned to protect the ambassador. Lieutenant Thomas will see to it that both of our guests are assigned quarters for their stay on board the Galaxy."

"Admiral,?" Nog injected causing Pressman to turn and look at the young Ensign, "If it is okay sir, I would like to help assist with the configuring of the photo torpedoes."

Pressman glanced at the eager Ferengi and then nodded. "Okay Ensign. But first I want you to accompany Lieutenant Mercury to Engineering and help Lieutenant Harbright bring the phase cloaking device on-line. When that is done and we are underway, Harbright can take you to help configure the torpedoes."

"Thank you Admiral." Nog said with a smile. He was still all business and serious, but it appeared to please him that he was going to be allowed to help out and not just be an observer like Ambassador Tomalak. Of everyone on board the USS Galaxy, no one wanted to see this battleship found and destroyed more than Nog. Not even the Admiral.

"That's it then." Pressman finally said standing up. "Lieutenant Mercury, get the cloak on-line. When it's functioning, we cross over into Cardassian space and start looking for this battleship. Dismissed."

Slowly the senior staff began to rise from their seats and head out of the room. Relieved in knowing at least some of the details of this mysterious mission.

"The End?"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Deiran couldn’t get Lara to stop crying. He picked up his acoustic guitar and sang a sweet lullaby to her, it calmed her. She went back to smiling and cooing at her father. Her father didn’t know what a smile was anymore. He just looked at her and Lara’s smiles disappeared, even as young as she was, she could sense her father’s despair.

{What do you have to live for? You’ve lost everything…}

The darkness in his mind and being was beginning to close in on him. All he saw was his failure now. He couldn’t see the many triumph’s, the successes. All he saw was ruin. His confidence shattered with guilt and remorse.

{Give Pressman what he wants, he’ll get you soon anyway…}

Fame wasn’t enough anymore, excellence wasn’t enough anymore. All he wanted was Miran’s love once again. That’s all he needed. She was everything to him even if his actions said otherwise. Deep inside, he was consumed by love for Miran. Without her, he was empty and desolate.

{She can never love you again Deiran…}

That thought was the clincher. It was true. He knew she could never love him again. She returned his ring, left him on his knees. The Beginning Is The End Is The Beginning. The beginning of the last part of his young life.

Deiran took Lara in his arms, kissed her gently. "Never forget I love you my angel," he whispered in her ear.

He put her down in her crib to nap. Once she had fallen into dreamland, Deiran walked to his desk. Behind the desk was a wall display of his combat weapons, most importantly his d’k’tahg. He took the weapon in his hand and walked over to the viewport.

As he looked out at the stars, he put the blade to his gut. "I love you Miran," he whispered and shoved the knife into his frail flesh and fell to the floor.

*** Deck 18, Corridor Of Section 14, 3 minutes later ***

Counselor Salshyar walked down the hall, stopped and looked at Ensign Campbell.

"Hi Chris, I’m here to question Commander Casey," she said with a smile.

"Go on in Counselor, we were expecting you."

Dev entered the quarters, the door shutting a few seconds after she entered. At first she didn’t see Deiran. "Deiran?" she called out.

Dev saw the crib and walked over to see Lara was sound asleep. Dev looked in the bathroom, passing the bedroom. The bedroom was pitch dark, the bathroom light the only source of illumination in the room. "Deiran?" she called into the bathroom, seeing no one. She turned and noticed a dark figure on the floor.

"Oh my god!" Dev yelled. She ran to Deiran and knelt into a pool of blood.

"Salshyar to Transporter chief," she said, her voice almost in a panic. "Two for emergency transport to sickbay, NOW!" She yelled. In a few seconds, Dev and Deiran’s body were enveloped with the blue beam and disappeared.

They reappeared in sickbay. Deiran was unconscious. Two male nurses quickly moved Deiran to the bio-bed. Cat was the doctor on duty. Her face horrified to see Deiran bleeding so profusely. She barked out orders and began patching the man up.

"What happened Dev?" Cat asked.

"I don’t know Cat," Dev replied, still in shock. Worry on her face.

Cat looked the same as Dev.

"Hurry!" Cat yelled to her nurses, she could feel Deiran slipping away.

“Shifting shifts”
By Lieutenant Jg Aaron Sharp

Aaron finally arrived back at his quarters, coming to a halt right in front of his door. His fitness level was a little down, and he was breathing heavily. The jog had been very good, apart from the little ‘incident’ with the SI guards. He entered his room and grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat from his face. On his desktop console he noticed the ‘message received’ light flashing, so he went over to read it.

“What!” he exclaimed, “Alpha shift!” He’d just recently gotten used to Beta shift and now they were changing him over to Alpha. Curtesy of one Admiral Pressman. Aaron had never heard of him, but he bet he had something to do with the SI down at cargo bay 2. Unusual to take the Chief Helmsman of Alpha, he thought. Now he had to get what little sleep he could. He had only come off Beta shift a few hours ago, which meant his first shot at Alpha was in, he checked the chronometer, just over five hours. Not a lot of time, he thought as he headed to bed, better take what sleep I can get.

**** Four and a half hours later ****

Aaron jumped up as the alarm went off, and headed straight into the sonic shower. Five minutes later he was climbing into his uniform and trying to stop yawning. As soon as he was ready he headed out the door. He was running fifteen minutes early, but he didn’t mind, as the last thing he wanted to do was be late for Alpha shift. He entered the turbolift and said, “Bridge”. There was a petty officer already in the lift and as it moved off he turned to Aaron.

“Hey, Lieutenant, are the rumours true?”

“What rumours are those?” Aaron asked.

“About Lieutenant Bancroft and Commander Casey.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, mate.”

“C’mon sir, everyone’s talking about it. You’re in the Helm department. Did they sleep together or not?”

“Computer, hold lift!” Aaron turned to face the petty officer as the lift came to a stop, his face darkening. “I don’t know what you’re saying, mister, but I’ll tell you this. Lieutenant Bancroft is my superior officer and I will not have people slandering her when I’m around!”

“But sir…”

“No buts, mate! Were you there when this allegedly took place?”

“Well, no..”

“That’s ‘No sir’, mister!”

“No sir!” The petty officer was starting to sweat under Aaron’s onslaught. He brought himself to attention and eyes front.

“Did Lieutenant Bancroft or Commander Casey confide any of this information to you?”

“No sir!”

“Then I’ll thank you to keep your mouth shut! If I hear that you’re spreading these ‘rumours’ around, you can consider yourself on report for sedition! Do I make myself clear?”

“Sir! Yes sir!”

“Good. Computer, resume.” The lift moved off again and the two men stood in dead silence until the doors opened at the petty officers stop, who made a very quick exit.

As soon as the doors closed, Aaron spoke out. “Computer, send a message. To all staff in the Navigation's department, from Lieutenant’ Sharp. It has come to my attention that there is a rumour circulating through the crew regarding Lieutenant Bancroft. I don’t know if these rumours are true or not and frankly, I don’t care. Lieutenant Bancroft’s personal life is her own, and as members of her department we need to be supporting her, not fuelling the fire. I was under the impression that we are officers and gentlemen. I hope that I am correct. Please do your best to end these speculations. Thank you for your cooperation. Computer, end message and send to all staff in the Nav department.” When the doors next opened, it was to let Aaron out onto the bridge. He made his way over to helm and relieved the officer there.

**** Three hours later ****

A light started flashing on the Helm console, and Aaron tapped it in acknowledgment. “Approaching the border of Cardassian space, Commander.” Aaron announced.

“Take us out of warp, Lieutenant, and head to the proper coordinates at half impulse.” Joerg acknowledged.

“Aye, Captain.” Aaron’s hands swept across the flight console as he spoke, bringing the mighty vessel to sub light speeds. Sterner opened a channel to Admiral Pressman and informed him of their status. Within a few minutes the Admiral was on the bridge.

“We have reached the designated coordinates sir.” Aaron called back to Commander Sterner.

“Full stop.” the command came back. From the Admiral. Aaron glanced around in confusion. He hadn’t heard Commander Sterner relinquish command to the Admiral, and protocol stated the Commanding Officer gave the orders, regardless of rank. Sterner nodded an ok at him, though he didn’t look very happy about it, and Aaron brought the Galaxy to a halt.

“Hold position here, Lieutenant’ until you receive orders to do otherwise.” Pressman stated to the young Lieutenant. “Now we sit and wait.”

“Lieutenant McKenzie, raise shields.” Joerg ordered.

“Belay that order, Lieutenant!” the Admiral barked. Sterner stood and began arguing with the Admiral. In the end, though, Sterner reluctantly gave way to Pressman’s authority, although he obviously wasn’t happy about it. He sat back down in the Captain’s chair, and they waited for the mystery ship to appear. Several minutes passed but they felt like hours. Aaron fidgeted at his station running diagnostics unnecessarily, then running them again. Anything to keep himself busy with an Admiral standing behind him. He felt like Pressman was standing right behind him, watching him work, waiting for him to make a mistake so he could jump down his throat. Aaron fidgeted some more. Suddenly Lieutenant Morris called out from the science station, making him jump in his seat. “Massive neutrino surge off the port bow! They are bearing down right on top of us!”

Aaron sat upright in his seat, embarrassed at having jumped. Fortunately, no one seemed to have noticed due to Ronni’s announcement. He still couldn’t help going slightly red, though.

“Neutrino particles? A cloaked ship here?” McKenzie exclaimed in disbelief.

"It’s all right. It’s who we’ve been waiting for.” Pressman stated. With no further warning a Romulan Bird of Prey materialised on the viewscreen.

“Status report!” Sterner quickly ordered. Hunter supplied the required information to Sterner, who turned to the Admiral. “You could have said SOMETHING sir…”

“Perhaps, Commander.” He replied smugly, “They should be hailing us.”

A short conversation ensued at the rear of the bridge and then the hum of a transporter beam filled the room. Within seconds the Commander from the Romulan Warbird and a Starfleet Ensign were standing on the bridge. Within a minute of their arrival they were headed to the conference room for a meeting with the senior staff. As Commander Sterner headed off he called out, “Lieutenant Morris, the bridge is yours.”

Ronni moved over to the command chair and sat down. Soon Lieutenant Erikson entered the bridge and had a short conversation with Lieutenant Morris. Then he headed for the conference room. As the doors closed on him, Lt Morris began issuing orders.

“Lieutenant,” she said to Sullax, “I want you to continue scanning the region for any signs of other ships. Especially any ships that might be cloaked. If you get a ‘look’ at our visiting ship, that might be fortuitous, but please be discreet. Lt Hermedhie, I want weapons and shields ready to be brought on-line in a moment’s notice. Lt Sharp, I want you to plot a course for Deep Space Nine. If anything ‘happens’ I want an instant jump to warp 1 toward Deep Space Nine. Be ready until you are given other orders. Do you both understand?”

“Aye sir.” they both responded as they set about their tasks. Lt Morris continued issuing orders. Aaron was glad to have something constructive to do, even if it didn’t take long to plot the course. He could do it in his sleep. He looked at several alternative routes, just in case something totally unexpected happened, then it was back to fidgeting with diagnostics.

Lieutenant Jg Aaron Sharp
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

"Secrets revealed”
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Mac listened intently to the briefing , but found it hard to believe…Ferengi tactical advisors, Romulan ambassadors and Phased Cloaking devices. Mac was still amazed that Starfleet would send in a shipload of Cadets into a war zone. He mentally corrected himself, not Starfleet…S.I. “What else can happen on this mission?’ he thought, as he listened to the Admiral’s answer to Jeorg’s question about the Phased Cloak.

“"I don't like that tone in your voice, but I'll try to explain it to you Mr. Sterner." Pressman answered sarcastically.

"You see the cloak currently installed on the Galaxy is phase-based. That means the Galaxy will not simply vanish, but she will phase out. In the out-phased status no weapons will do any harm to her." The Admiral added.

"Is that the same technology you used back on the Pegasus sir." Joerg asked another question, this time he was the one with the sarcastically voice.

"No, we were able to improve that prototype and now it's as safe as using a normal cloak." Pressman quickly answered, wondering where the Commander had that particular information from.

"Anything else?" he asked again.

“Yes, I do sir,” Piped Mac.

"Go ahead Lieutenant."

"If we are phased out, our weapon systems will also be out of phase. So how do we destroy that Battleship if our weapons are useless sir?" Hunter asked.

"Good point Lieutenant. It took our scientists some time to find a solutions to that problem, but I'm glad to tell you that this will be no problem at all. Starfleet Intelligence has developed a new kind of photon torpedo, which has his own internal phase generator. With this little device the torpedo is able to penetrate the ship's defense systems, like the shields, and once inside the ship itself it dephases and explodes on impact." Pressman explained. "It will be like shooting ducks in a barrel." he also added as the biggest evil smile, Mac had ever seen played across the Admiral’s face.

"I guess there are still some questions you want to ask?" Pressman added.

“Yes Sir, I have one more,” Mac added, the look of annoyance visible on Pressman’s face.

“Yes , Lt.” he replied sharply

Mac scratched the side of his chin, a habit he picked up whenever he broached a sensitive subject area. “Sir, I’m no engineer, but from what I understand about Cloaking devices, they require an enormous amount of energy. I assume that this “Phased Cloak” requires even more. From a tactical standpoint we’re looking at a drop in our offensive/defensive capability of at least 10 to 15 percent based on the power drain alone. This will transfer to a loss of efficiency when it comes time to engage the enemy. The Klingons faced this kind of problem when they first fitted their non cloak ships with Cloaking devices, Only be redesigning their ships were they able to solve this problem. The Galaxy is very efficient, but only in its current configuration. A cloaking device changes its tactical profile drastically. Not all of it good.

Wouldn’t it make more sense to send in a ship that has a greater power dividend, and a better offensive tactical profile, such as the Defiant-class that you sent in before…” Mac waited before finishing, “…just with an “experienced” crew this time.”

Mac watched as Pressman’s face hardened at the comment about the cadet filled “Red Squadron.” As he visibly stiffened, a slight sneer temporarily played across his lips. Pressman regained his composure. Mac mentally chalked up the names of “Red squadron” another set of names that Pressman will eventually have to answer for, as he waited for the Admiral’s answer.

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

Galaxy "A Cry For Help"
Casey Ti Miran
Kahn Nilani

Miran ran through the hall. She didn't know where she was going nor really cared. Deiran had lied to her. He betrayed her. How could he do this to her and Lara? He said he loved them. Suddenly she hit something solid and was knocked down. She wiped her tears to see who she had hit. It was Dr Kahn

"I am sorry, so sorry. I was not paying attention." Miran tried to fight the tears, but the evidence was already there. There was no point in trying to hide it. She hated crying in front of people, but it hurt just too much

"Miran? What's wrong?"

"Deiran," was all she got out before the sobbing began again. Nilani cradled her.

"Shh... Its okay, Let's go somewhere where you can tell me about it. Here come on lets head Med Bay 2."

***** 2 min later *****

Sitting on the couch, Miran choked out the story between sobs. She told Nilani all about Deiran's affair and the fight they had. The distraught Bajoran told her about throwing the wedding ring at Deiran. She poured out all of her heart ache and grief.

"Shhh look your upset, you need some time out to think things over!" Nilani replyed

Miran watched as Nilani sat up and walked over to a bio bed and placed some sheats over it, She turned around and walked back over to the crying Bajoran.

"You need some rest and your exhausted. Come on your going to sleep here the night."

Miran looked at the bed and looked at Nilani, she could tell her friend was serious. She stood up and walked with her over to the Bio bed, sat on it and layed down still crying, Nilani moved the sheets over to cover her.

"Look after some rest well will talk about this."

Miran felt something cold at my neck it was a hypospray, I heard the hiss and fell asleep.

"Holodreams, Holoschemes"
Written by all of the Science Dept.
USS Galaxy
LtJg Numa Taurean
Lt Erickson
Ensign D'auria
LtJg Sullax
Lt Morris
Ensign T'Vek

The lithe form of the young Benzite science officer raced down the hall towards the science lab located on deck five of the Galaxy. Trailing her was her partner and friend, Jack D'auria.

"Wait up, Numa." Jack was breathless. "We're not in a race here, and the science lab will be there when we get there."

"I know, but I want to hurry." Numa giggled impishly. "We have so much to do and so little time to do it. That's why I'm in a hurry, and that's why you should be in a hurry as well."

"Okay, okay. You win. I'll race you." Jack picked up speed and passed the blue skinned female. A deep-throated laughter rumbled from deep within his chest as he flew past the surprised Benzite. Hanging out with Be'Tran was having an effect on him.

"Wait, that's not fair", cried Numa.

The race was on. Both laughed like children playing a simple game of red rover, freeze tag, or chase. In no time at all, their objective was in view. Numa poured on the speed and began sprinting. Her long legs quickly closed the gap between the dark headed science officer and herself. Then, without a look behind her, Numa overtook Jack and reached the door of the science lab just seconds ahead of Jack. He grinned, thinking that he really should be getting back to his training. His "training sessions" with Betta were a lot more enjoyable.

"And the winner is the beautiful and vivacious Numa Taurean", the Benzite giggled with glee.

"Not fair, you were holding back", Jack said with a grin.

The door of the lab slid open and both science officers crossed the thresh hold into an entirely new environment. It was a place filled with all forms of scientific apparatus. To the normal person, the science labs of the Galaxy would be foreboding, but to the well trained start fleet officers such as Numa and Jack, it was a second home. Once inside, the duo became new people discarding their frolicsome nature and donning a professional demeanor.

"Now where to begin", Numa spoke more to herself than to anyone that was present in the lab.

There were presently three other science officers in the lab. They were Ensign's Manden, Soleri, and Talbot. The trio of officers was hurriedly finishing up a lab experiment.

" Lt. jg. Taurean." The andorian ran her hand through thick luxurious hair. The inflection of her voice was that of bewilderment. It was obvious that she didn't expect anyone to burst into the lab that was being used for an ongoing experiment especially Numa Taurean who was in charge of the botanical department.

"Ensign Soleri", Numa replied with bug eyes. She smiled broadly flashing pearly white teeth and quivering facial antennae and giggled. It was quite a comical looking expression, and Jack couldn't help but laugh. "Why so shocked, Sendi. Don't you like us?" Numa joked.

"Uh...no, ma'am. I mean...yes, ma'am. I mean".

Sendi was fumbling for words. "I didn't mean...well frankly, I wasn't expecting to see anyone else." The young Andorian once again brushed a forelock from her face.

Numa crossed the seemingly vast expanse of floor space heading towards the main LCARS station. She tapped the console gently then began to hum a few notes of an Andorian ballad. Ensign Sendi Soleri looked up from her notes at the humming Benzite.

"I didn't know you knew any of the Andorian ballads." The Andorian woman was impressed.

"There are a great many things that you don't know about me, Ensign." Numa smiled politely.

"Ensign Soleri, we have much work to do. If you would please help me."

Jack was already in the process of writing up a program. His hands were racing across the console in front of him in a blaze. It was clear to Numa that this man's passion was his work. He was one of the best when it came to programming and computer systems. Numa was sure that the only other equal to his experience was Lt. Morris. Numa was a little disappointed that the Delphinian woman wasn't here to lend her knowledge of mathematics and advanced computer science skills but she was needed elsewhere at the moment. Numa began to bark out orders and filled the junior officers in on what needed to be done.

"Ensign D'Auria will help you with a

ll that you need to know." Numa turned to her colleague. "Let's get started."

Jack nodded and turned to the threesome standing before him.

"Very well, Manden, I want a complete sensor scan of the surrounding sectors. Map every gaseous anomaly, every debris field, every asteroid field. Pay particular attention to any type of radiation, any type of particles present. Soleri and Talbot, you two cross-reference everything Manden finds. Collate anything that can be used to mask a shuttle or runabout in one of the surrounding sectors enemy scans. Divide it according to these grids", said Jack as he handed them a pad with the coordinates of the patrol sectors.

"Masking shuttles and runabouts? Why would we want to do that", asked Talbot.

"In case you haven't noticed, we're near the Cardassian border. That S. I. admiral has ordered us to lower shields. So we are left with sensors only", Numa answered.

"Lt. Taurean has, therefore, come up with a plan to enhance our surveillance capability", Jack continued.

"By using the shuttles and runabouts as forward sensor arrays", Manden replied, smiling.

"Exactly, Ensign."

Numa noted that Manden was a tall and handsome Benzite. His skin was slightly darker and more mottled in appearance than hers. His tendrils also quivered in anticipation of the task that had been set before him.

Numa looked at the three officers, making pushing movements with her hands; "Come on, come on, get to work all. We have a lot to do and not much time, people."

Jack sat down behind a console, pulling up the schematics of the Galaxy's shuttles and runabouts. Numa leaned over him, watching the screen.

"I think we can indeed modify the shields to form a masking field. All we need now is the right frequency modulation and the right 'ingredients' and then we're in business." "Think you can handle that, ensign?"

Jack turned his head, smiling slightly at the Benzite officer, "If not, I'm sure you will be more then happy to help me, would you not, lieutenant?"

Numa winked at Ensign D'Auria. "You can count on that."

***MEANWHILE ON THE BRIDGE***

Lt. Morris had informed Ensign Keras T'Vek on the Science Departments plan to extend the sensor range by using the runabouts. Keras quickly picked up the plan and headed over to the Science Console where Lt. jg. Sullax was working diligently.

"Greetings Lt. jg. Sullax. I am happy that you survived our encounter with the Klingons", Keras said referring to their last meeting when the ship had been boarded.

"Am I correct in understanding that you are attempting to figure out how to "hide" the shuttles while at the same time be able to receive reliable data from there sensors?" Keras asked while his eyes quickly looked over the calculations and references that Ryak was scanning through.

"I am also glad that I survived our last encounter with the Klingons."

Smiling slightly at the joke he made but noticed that Keras had taken it for it's face value and continued, "You are correct in your observation, at the moment I am reviewing several references to aid us in our attempts. "

Ryak's hands danced across the LCAR's display showing images and references much faster then humans would normally read but acceptable for the Romulan and Vulcan.

Keras sat down at the terminal next to Ryak's and also began to review files and references, deciding that it was the most efficient method at the moment. After a short period of time Ryak nudged Keras's hand immediately getting his attention.

"Keras, look at this. It is a reference to the Defiant and the holo-imaging it can use to project images into space do you think it is possible we could use that to mask or visually hide the runabouts?" Ryak asked while he quickly began to read more in-depth data on the subject.

Keras quickly brought up the reference on his computer and began to read.

"You are correct, but we would have to place holoprojectors on the runabouts. By the time we had installed the minimal amount of projectors required to adequately hide runabouts their purpose may be moot due to lack of time, but it appears that it is the most logical and only course of action apparent. I will contact Engineering to determine the exact amount of holo projectors we can acquire and how long it will require to properly install them."

Lt. Morris smiled. She loved it when the junior officers got a chance to shine!

As Keras left for Engineering, Lt. Sullax contacted the science lab, "Lt. Sullax to Lt. Taurean."

"Taurean here. What can I do for you, sir", she said in a teasing voice.

" Ensign T'Vek and I have found a way to visually disguise the shuttles."

D'Auria looked up at Numa as Sullax started to explain their idea. As he was listening, Jack added the modifications to the model on his console. There were many factors to consider; energy consumption, compatibility with whatever means of masking technology they would be using, the environmental conditions that could do more harm then good. There were dozens, if not more things that had the potential to cause conflicts in the systems and it was their job to weed them out.

Manden, Soleri and Talbot were quite busy cataloguing their finds, routing the answers to Jack's console; he uploaded the information into his database, adding it to the four shuttle models on his screen. As his fingers danced over the console, various configurations leaped over the 4 small screens, a multi- colored indicator running beside it.

The indicator showed the level of concealment and what it would take to really find the craft. In addition, it gave a rudimentary assessment of possible system conflicts with the various combinations. Often, it became a trade-off, in this case, concealment opposite of operational capability. The best they would be able to do in the alloted time would not guarantee complete stealth, but as is often the case, adequate is acceptable, although perfection is preferred. However, perfection takes time, a luxury they didn't have.

Then, the voice of Lt. Morris came over the comm system.

"Lt. Taurean, Ensign D'Auria, stand down, I repeat, stand down your research on the masking system."

"Stand down? But, Lt., we're close to solving the problem and-"

"Numa, I've got my orders. Stand down now. Morris out."

Numa's pale blue skin flushed a darker shade and her eyes boiled with fury. Why would her ideas being blocked. She understood orders, and she knew that it wasn't Lt. Morris that had decided to cancel the experiment. It had come from higher. Still, Numa was going to take this matter up with Erickson.

Numa turned to the scientists in the room. All had stopped what they had been doing. "Save all data and take a break. This isn't over yet. Jack, we need to take our results to Lt Erikson."

Numa and Jack gathered their PADD's and headed for the Lt. Erikson's office.

"Real Work"
By: Lt (jg) Ryak Sullax
S.O. USS Galaxy

As Ryak worked away scanning the area he noticed that Lt. Erikson had entered the bridge and was talking to Lt. Morris. Ryak noticed that Lt. Erikson left the bridge. A few seconds passed and onto the bridge came Ensign D'Auria. Ryak noticed him nod at him so he returned the nod and continued working. Ryak saw the bridge doors open yet again as another science officer entered. This time it was Lt (jg) Taurean. Ryak watched as she entered and smiled at him. Ryak nodded and looked back at his terminal.

"I see that they have summoned you as well." Numa said.

Ryak didn't expect her to come over to him. "That they did." Ryak replied wearily. Ryak looked at the view screen that was now filled with the image of the Warbird.

Lt. Morris called back to Ryak. "Lieutenant. I want you to continue scanning the region for any signs of other ships. Especially any ships that might be cloaked. If you happen to get a good 'look' at our visiting ship, that might be fortuitous, but please be discreet."

Ryak just looked back at his screen considering he had just did the scan of the visiting vessel. At this moment though Ryak just saved the data to his padd as to not allow the Romulan vessel to notice any of the info in the computer be they to scan the Galaxy.

Morris started to call out orders to the bridge staff as Numa started to walk towards her. "Lt. Morris, might I make a proposal?"

Ryak listened to the idea's set out by Numa. Ryak grew intrigued by the suggestions. Ryak got to thinking as she talked. Then he was hit with an idea to help. "This part of space has a substantial amount of debris. Perhaps we could 'mask' the runabout's to appear as nothing more than that." Ryak looked at Numa to see if this seemed valid to her.

At this point D'Auria joined in. "We could do that. But if the Dominion does an in depth scan of the debris, the runabouts will still be seen for what they are. The program for such an illusion would be rather simple to create."

"Yes." Numa agreed, "However, what if we tied the 'masking' program directly into the shields."

Ryak listened to the rest of her conversation as he check the idea on his terminal. After a couple more seconds Ryak noticed Jack and Numa leave the bridge. After a few more seconds Ryak noticed Ensign T'Vek enter the bridge and head over to Lt Morris. Ryak heard Lt Morris inform T'Vek about the situation. As the conversation ended Ryak could hear T'Vek make his way towards him.

"Greetings Lt (jg) Sullax, I am happy that you survived our encounter with the Klingon's," Keras said referring to there last meeting when the ship had been boarded, "Am I correct in understanding that you are attempting to figure out how to 'hide' the shuttles while at the same time being able to receive reliable data from their sensors?"

"I am also glad that I survived our last encounter with the Klingon's," Ryak smiling slightly at the joke he made but noticing that Keras had taken it for it's face value and continued, "You are correct in your observation, at the moment I am reviewing several references to aid us in our attempts." Ryak's hands danced across the LCAR's display showing images and references much faster then humans would normally read but acceptable for the Romulan and Vulcan.

Keras sat down at the terminal next to Ryak and also began to review files and references. After a short period of time Ryak nudged Keras's hand immediately getting his attention.

"Keras, look at this. It is a reference to the Defiant and the holo-imaging it can use to project images into space do you think it is possible we could use that to mask or visually hide the runabouts?" Ryak asked as he quickly began to read more in depth data on the subject.

Keras quickly brought up the reference on his computer and began to read, "You are correct, but we would have to place holoprojectors on the runabouts. By the time we had installed the minimal amount of projectors required to adequately hide the runabouts there purpose may be moot due to lack of time, but it appears that it is the most logical and only course of action apparent. I will contact Engineering to determine the exact amount of holo projectors we can acquire and how long it will require to properly install them."

Ryak turned back to his screen and thought about alternatives. Time was not on their side. This quickest way to get anything done was to get the Romulan's to help with their cloaked ship. But that was not an option in his mind. Ryak quickly dismissed it and looked at the info he received from the Warbird.

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

"Dying friends"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Elsewhere on the Planet Vulcan ***

The giant pale orange sun was setting in the distance. When it sank below the jagged mountains to the north of the Fountains of Shoruk, it cast a dry, warm glow. Tiny flecks of dust and silicii glistened in the thin atmosphere under the beams of light that filtered across the plains of the planet Vulcan. Captain Price paused for a moment to admire the gentle pastel colors that glistened on the horizon. It looked like a painting. He only wished he could catch his breath in the thin Vulcan atmosphere.

Lee ascended the long, somewhat remote stone path that lead to the isolated home of his former mentor and friend, Captain Shoak. He'd purposely packed light knowing that this journey laid ahead of him, but he still wished he could have simply beamed into his friend's home rather than take the hike from where the transport had landed back near the city center.

Finally, Captain Price arrived. His former Captain's home looked the same as he remembered. Possibly a little more colorful and vivid than before, but basically the same. Lee walked past the two brass statues that decorated the entrance way and knocked on the giant wooden door. Quietly he stood by waiting for an answer.

The heavy door finally opened. The Lovely Tei-Sue, Captain Shoak's Vulcan wife, stood in the doorway.

"Captain Price. This is unexpected." Tei-Sue responded.

Lee smiled at his former Commanding Officer's consort while removing his hat. Sweat from the hot Vulcan sun glistened on his skin as he wiped his brow. "G'day ma'am. I was hoping to see Captain Shoak."

Tei-Sue paused for a moment before opening the door to allow Price to enter with his things. "Please come in Captain. I am afraid my husband is not feeling well."

Lee entered the cool home. It was elegantly decorated in an older Vulcan decor. Simple but also beautiful at the same time. Captain Shoak had always had a fondness for older things.

"How is he doing if I might ask?"

Tei-Sue closed the door to keep out the heat. She then turned and looked at Captain Price. Dispassionately with all of the flat logic of a Vulcan she replied, "He is dying."

Lee knew in his heart that was the final stages of Bendii Syndrome. The Vulcan disease that attacked the mind and broke down all emotional and psychological barriers within Vulcans. There was no cure. No antidotes to stop the disease from progressing. One of the rigors of age, even in this century.

"May I see him?" Lee asked.

Tei-Sue nodded. "You may, but he will not likely recognize you. Follow me please."

The slender Vulcan proceeded to walk through the entrance hall and into the corridors of the house. "You can bring your things. I will show you to your room where you can freshen up before seeing my husband."

"Fair dinkum." Lee nodded adjusting his grip on his bags before following Captain Shoak's wife through the house. He was looking forward to seeing his former Captain and mentor. Given his condition, he was no longer upset at being forced to take a leave of absence from the USS Galaxy now that he'd get a chance to visit with his dying friend. A chance he wouldn't of otherwise had, given the war between the Federation and the Dominion.

Who has the answer?
Ensign Keras T’Vek
Science Officer
USS Galaxy

Ensign Keras T’Vek tapped his communicator,

=/\= Ensign T’Vek to Lt. Mercury. =/\=, Keras said in his monotone voice. It did not take long for him to receive a response.

=/\= This is Lt. Mercury, how can I help you? =/\= was the response from the Chief Engineer.

=/\= I require information, specifically the amount of Holo Projectors currently in stock on the Galaxy, and how long it would take to install several onto the exterior of a Runabout. =/\= Keras said while glancing over at Ryak.

There was a slight pause then a response,

=/\= I can not tell you off hand but if you send someone down here I would be more then happy to have one of the Engineers around here find out for you. =/\=

=/\= I am on my way, T’Vek out. =/\= was his reply.

With that he stood and said to Ryak who was contacting Ensign D’Auria and Lt. jg. Taurean explaining to them what he had found out about there theory.

"Sir, I am on my way to confer with Engineering about the Holo Projectors. I will report in with my findings as soon as I am done." With that he turned and headed to the turbolift, quickly covering the distance.

He was alone as the turbolift sped off towards its destination, Engineering. His mind bringing up all the information he knew on the most likely candidates that he would be discussing the plans with. Soon the doors opened revealing the stark corridor and he made his way towards Engineering.

"Smegging Hell"
LtJg Lexana Ral
Counselor
USS Galaxy

LtJg Ral was sulking... She was feeling.. intensly frustrated.. not only about the situation with James and John and the Honorable, but now there was a frikking Warbird parked outside the Galaxy. Even though she was 1/2 Romulan, Lex felt a deep hatred for them... Hell they'd attacked the ship her parents had been on. Killed her mother's husband.. but then her mother had gone and got knocked up by one of them.. and the result?.. Lex picked up a mirror from her desk drawer.. and stared at herself....

She wondered if her 1/2 sister had any idea she even existed. She'd often thought about telling her... she'd looked up the starfleet files... every shred of information about her.. Lex had absorbed it.. Still lacking the courage to contact her.. to tell her her mother was alive... and that she had a sister.. She brought up the file again.. the face on the console looked surprisingly like Lex's.. without the impish Romulan features... it was softer, seemingly calm.. Commander Melanna Lathe, USS Miranda.. Lex simply stared at it.. before switching the console off... and flinging the mirror across the room. It smashed against a far wall, before sliding down and embedding itself in the carpet..

Now the senior staff were in a bloody meeting.. Lex had no frikking idea why the Romulans were here. She only hoped it had nothing to do with her. she slunk out of her office.. Still steaming about Brady being so evasive ealier... She headed back for her quarters...

Flinging herself on the bed.. she dimmed the lights and closed her eyes for a minute.. Something caught her attention.. there was a figure in the corner of the room..

"What the Fu..?" Lex sat up suddenly.. She realised what it was she'd seen and hit herself around the back of the head.. "Dumb..."

It was the holo image of Kryten , the android from a 20th century comedy series. A present from Lt Albrecht. She'd put the damned thing on auto ealier.. and forgotten to switch it off before going to work. It stood in the corner of her room.. staring at the wall...Doing nothing... Lex wondered how it could spend so much time.. doing so little.. she sat up in bed, her head propped upon one hand, her auburn curls falling onto the sheets.. after a moment or two spent drumming her fingers onto the mattress she slid off the bed..and headed for the unfortunate hologram... She'd had one of her ideas...

Thirty minutes later.. she sat at a table.. Kryten sat on the other side..

"Now.." Lex crooned "What is Admiral Pressman?"

"A ...Starfleet" Kryten began

"Neeee.. WRONG" Lex smiled.. twizzling with the holo-emitter as she did so..

" Try again.."

Kryten looked as worried as a hologram could do.. "A...s..." Lex opened her mouth.. "A" she smiled "A SM..." She grinned encouragingly..

"Smm..eeee"

"Sme.. " She nodded..a wicked grin pursed upon the bow-like lips.."Sme?"

"SMEEEEEHEEEE" Kryten interjected..

"No.." Lex said patiently.. "The vowel sound is "E" as in "Egg" "

"Sme?" Kryten began again.. fighting against the programming that forced him to be politically correct..and polite

Lex's musical voice began again.. "Now.. repeat after me.... Admiral Pressman. is.. a..."

One hour later.. Lex's determination and programming had paid off. She knew she was going to get in a LOT of trouble for this.. but she couldn't resist the fun.. the Holo Kryten was now fully reprogrammed.. With ..interesting results.. With an impish grin.. Lex copied the program and had it sent to Lt Albrecht's quarters.. and Casey's.. remembering how much Casey "LOVED" Pressman.. and unaware of the tragic actions that had recently taken place there..She hoped he'd get a kick out of some weird looking dude with a British accent saying "Admiral Pressman is a Smeghead"....

As an afterthought.. she sent a copy to LtJg Chen's quarters.. It was a sad attempt to get them talking again.. Lex knew it.. but she couldn't go on like this.. it had been a really bad experience.. what made it worse was that James had gone on vacation to earth before she'd had the chance to tell him how she really felt.. then had come the awards ceremony.. and he'd so obviously been embarressed to have her there.. and that had hurt..

Lex was a tough kid but.. "KID" the word echoed in her mind.. it burned ...

James always referred to her as "KID".. well she wasn't.. she was a grown woman.. .. and.. She stopped herself.. then why did she not allow herself to get truly close to Brady? He was a great guy.. everyone said they made a cute couple..But that wasn't the point...There was something he wasn't telling her.. and it had to do with James..

She closed her eyes for a moment... Why was she dating Brady? To get back at James? no..that was lame...why? because Brady had asked her.. Simply.. that was the truth of the matter..John Brady had asked her and James.. had.. well..he'd..implied he thought of her as a kid.. and so the thought got back to John... He'd swept her of her feet.. Dazzled her.. romanced her.. yet why did she still feel wary? Something was wrong.. Lex felt it inside her.. she felt sick..

There was no one she could turn to... She felt totally alone...A tear slid down the cool cheek..it dropped onto a tendril of deep red hair..and helter- skeltered down the curl before dripping onto her neck.Right then.. Lexana really wished she had an older sister.. her hand drifted over the "transmit" button.. it would only take a moment to inform the smug Commander Lathe she had a sister.. a 1/2 Romulan sister no less..Lex wondered exactly what effect that would have upon the seemingly smug counselor...Then her ivory fingers drifted away from the button and held her forehead...

"Smegging hell.." She said to the world in general

LtJg Lexana Ral
Counselor/Resident Weirdo
USS Galaxy

"Like a toy soldier"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Wouldn't it make more sense to send in a ship that has a greater power dividend, and a better offensive tactical profile, such as the Defiant-class that you sent in before..." Mac waited before finishing, "...just with an 'experienced' crew this time?"

Lieutenant McKenzie's comment caused the Admiral to physically shift in his chair. What was even more noticeable was the way the Ferengi Ensign, Nog, reacted to Hunter's comments. For a moment it looked like the former Chief Engineer of the USS Valiant was going to jump out of his seat.

Pressman froze him with a glance, causing the Ferengi to fold his arms and let out a dissatisfied hurumph at the Lieutenant's 'observations' about Red Squad and the Valiant.

When Pressman was sure the emotionally charged Ensign was not going to do anything rash over the comments about his dead friends on the squad, his eyes returned to Hunter's.

"First Lieutenant, let me make one thing clear. Starfleet Intelligence never intended for the Valiant to do anything more than gather technical data on the Cardassian's military buildup. It was acting Captain Tim Watters that ordered the attack against the Cardassian battleship that lead to the Valiant's destruction. Granted a more experienced Commander would have seen that and followed orders. But the Captain was killed in an attack and Watters made his own command decision to try and exploit a weakness in the enemy's defenses. So don't use that tone with me Mister." Pressman pointed before continuing on with his speal.

"Second, The Defiant-class is a military escort vessel. It was never designed to do anything other than run in escort of a fleet of starships. She's small, maneuverable and powerful, but she is not equipt with the sensitive pallets of long range sensor devices like the more rounded Galaxy Class starships are. It took the Valiant eight months to locate this Battleship behind Cardassian lines with her limited sensory equipment. I do not intend to take that long to carry out this mission. Using the Galaxy's superior sensors, we should be able to locate this enemy ship light years earlier than a Defiant-class starship ever could." Pressman paused before continuing, counting off the reasons on his fingers.

"Third, the Galaxy has been patrolling this region of space along the Federation shipping lanes for the last several months. She and her crew are most familiar with the Cardassian-Dominion Alliance boarder tactics and ship configurations than any other starship in the quadrant. Her presence has come to be expected by the other side, so having her in the area will not raise any undo suspicions." Pressman lowered his hand seeing that he'd answered Lieutenant McKenzie's question to the Tactical Officer's satisfaction. Finally, he looked at the others in the conference room.

"Very well. You have your orders. Let's get underway and get them carried out. Dismissed." Pressman said, rising from his chair.

Ensign Nog was still giving the Galaxy's Chief Tactical officer hard looks over his 'inexperienced' comment about Red Squad. The Ferengi knew what he said was essentially true, but he didn't like the implication the Lieutenant was making, inferring that a more experienced crew could have succeeded were they manning the Valiant. Nog was there, he knew that wasn't true. There were no officers in all of Starfleet that could have done a better job than Red Squad did under Captain Watters. The Cardassian Battleship was simply too big and powerful for conventional ship to ship warfare. Even a Galaxy class ship didn't stand a chance without the specialty equipment Starfleet Intelligence had equipt her with.

The senior officers filed out of the conference room. Nog was still giving Hunter one of his 'prune face' frowns when he walked by. David seemed to pick up on the young Ensign's mood.

"Ensign Nog, why don't you accompany me to engineering? We can assist Lieutenant Harbright at bringing this phase cloak on-line?" Lieutenant Mercury asked in a friendly tone, hoping to shake Nog out of his sullen mood.

He was only partially successful. Nog was no longer brooding at Lieutenant McKenzie, but he was still as serious as if he were getting ready to take the entrance exam to the Academy all over again. 'High strung' didn't quite do justice to describe the Ensign's demeanor. "That would be prudent sir."

David smiled in a half chuckle at Nog's flat comment. "Okay Ensign. Let's get going them." Lieutenant Mercury then lead the way across the bridge and to the turbolift. The Ferengi had to take very long strides to keep up with the Chief Engineer. Nog was carrying himself in such a ridged fashion that he looked like a toy soldier marching along side Lieutenant Mercury. From the command well, Lieutenant Morris couldn't help but smile at the humor of the Ensign's stride.

Commander Sterner and Admiral Pressman made their way down into the command well where Ronni was now standing. Lieutenant Thomas and Lieutenant Commander Sunder exited the conference room along with "Ambassador" Tomalak. Chris asked for the Ambassador to accompany him so he could show him to is quarters.

"Anything to report Lieutenant?" Joerg asked standing near the Delphinian practical sciences officer.

"No Commander. Ensign T'Vek has come up with a way to possibly extend the Galaxy's sensor range by using a series of runabouts, but other than that...." Ronni began but was interrupted by the Admiral.

"No runabouts Lieutenant." Pressman said flatly. "We will use just the sensor pallets the Galaxy is already equipt with, adjusted for our specific needs. Once the mission is underway we can't be worried about being detected because of a network of shuttle craft, the communications they will generate or attention they will draw to our position."

"Admiral, Ensign T'Vek had planned on using holographic projectors to help hide the presence of..."

"I said no Lieutenant. That is the end of it." Pressman said flatly.

Ronni nodded her head slightly, "As you wish sir." she then handed the padd she was holding back to Commander Sterner, effectively turning the bridge back over to him before turning to leave the command well.

"Oh Lieutenant..." Pressman stopped Rr'lonii in her tracks as she pivoted to glance back over her shoulder, "Don't go too far. The sensory grid of the Galaxy's primary sensor array will need to be recalibrated to scan for Cardassian ships. You and Lieutenant Erikson should get on that right away."

Ronni forced a cordial smile. "It will be my pleasure sir."

Lieutenant McKenzie returned to his station at the rear of the bridge. Slowly Ambassador Tomalak was being escorted from the conference room across the bridge to the turbolift in the back. The Romulan Ambassador seemed to be sauntering and taking his time. Marveled at the sights of the Galaxy class starship. Tomalak appeared to be genuinely amused at being an honored guest aboard a vessel that he'd spent much of his career trying to capture by force.

"In coming hail from the Warbird Commander." Lieutenant' Sharp called out from the Galaxy's helm.

Sterner was about to respond to Aaron's comment when the Admiral swore.

"Damn it Tomalak, don't your crew know the meaning of complete radio silence?!" Pressman was obviously furious. "Order them to stop transmitting and get rid of them."

Tomalak smiled in a condescending grin that all Romulans seemed to master at an early age, yet Tomalak was a master of. "Of course Admiral. If you can open a channel, I can guarantee that there will be no further transgressions on the order of total communications black out."

Pressman turned to Commander Sterner. "Open a channel." He said in a frustrated but consigned tone.

Sterner turned his head to Aaron and gave a silent nod. The Lieutenant' quickly had the Romulan Sub-Commander on the main view screen. He seemed surprised to see the bridge crew and a somewhat annoyed Commander Tomalak staring back at him.

["Commander!... I wanted to verify that everything is proceeding as planned. No word was received when you beamed over and we feared the worse..."]

"Silence!" Tomalak scolded. "I have arrived safely Sub-Commander. The mission will proceed as planned. Now take the ship and return to Romulus and maintain full communications silence at all times. Is that clear?"

The Sub-Commander drew an arm across his chest in the traditional manner. ["Understood Commander. We will do as ordered."]

The channel then closed, returning the image of the stars and hovering Warbird. A moment later the Romulan ship powered up it's impulse engines and began to pull away, spinning around towards Romulan space before her image wavered into nothingness as the Romulan cloaking device activated.

"We could sure use one of those..." Lieutenant' Sharp commented while watching the Warbird disappear.

The comment brought a half smile to Admiral Pressman's face as he prepared to take a seat in the First Officer's chair besides where Sterner had already taken his place in the Captain's seat.

Thomas, Sunder and the Ambassador entered the turbolift and exited the bridge to show Tomalak to his quarters.

"Soon as Lieutenant Mercury gives the word Commander, activate the cloaking device." Pressman ordered, gaining the attention of several of the command crew around the bridge that were not privy to the senior staff meeting.

"Yes sir." Joerg replied.

"Once the cloak is activated, set course for Cardassia Prime. Warp factor two." Pressman added, speaking to Commander Sterner, but looking at Lieutenant' Sharp who had turned around when he over heard Pressman's 'cloaking device' comment. The Admiral was smiling.

"A bad supprise."
by Ensign John W. McQueen

McQueen had just get up from bed and dressed him in his duty uniform. Has he was clear hem walked to his working desk and took seat in his chair.

"Computer, activate LCARS terminal. Athurization McQueen 64-GE."

[LCARS treminal is now activated.]

"Computer, display new messages."

[There are no new messages.]

McQueen turned his chear and looked out from the window. He saw something green out there but he could´t see what it was. He turned to the treminal again.

"Computer, display latest sensor scan results." The computer answered with a series of bipps and the sensor results came up.

*What! A Romulan Warbird!* McQueen tapped his comm badge.

"McQueen to Albrecht." He said.

"Albrecht here. What is it John?"

"I just wondering what the hell a Romulan Warbird do 50 km from our ship?"

"It look like the Romulans are working with Amiral Pressman. He beamed over one Romulan commander and one Fergeni Ensign to the brige not long ago. Sunder is on a meeting the Admiral had set up." *Great! just what I need right now. Romulans! This was a really bad supprice.*

"Hum... Looks like we finaly going to know what this mission is about."

"Yes. Look, I got to stop now. Maybe we talk a little more after the shift?"

"Be my guest. Let´s say Teen-Forward right after the shift?"

"Sounds good to me. Albrecht out." McQueen got up from the chear and headed to the Security Department.

****Security Department****

McQueen entered Security Deprament and went to his working place. He nodded to Ensign Campbell who just had finished his shift.

"Hi Chris. Any chance to have a little holodeck traning some day."

"Don´t know. I send a message when I know, okay."

"Good, see you tomorrow." McQueen finished and Chris went out from the room. He logged in to the terminal and began to do some rutine tests on the security systems. Then he made some more advanced tests on the security system. McQueen's computer talents where stile exelent. His fingers danced on the panel as he did the tests.

****3 hours later****

McQueen just finished the final test of the security system. He bagin to thinking on what to do next. Then he got an idea. *Way don´t make a holodeck program for security traning.* He knew he must have Sunder's premission to work on the idea.

"Computer, send a message. To Lt. Commander Sunder from Ensign McQueen:

Sir. I have an idea about makeing a holodeck program for security traning. And I´m now asking for your premission to make the program. My idea is that the program will simulate diferent situations, sutch as folowing and capture intruders, Defend the ship from enemys trying to board the ship, and more. If you whant more information please contact me.

Ensign John William McQueen. Computer, end and send message."

After sending the message he began to write down his ideas about the program on his treminal. When he finished his notes he downloaded them to a padd. He looked at the chronometer as the download whent on.

*Time to quit.* He took the padd, turned off his terminal and whent for his meting whit Lt. Albrecht.

Ensign John William McQueen
Security Officer, USS Galaxy

Sunder kept to the left side of the Romulan commander as they entered the turbolift. He'd never met a Romulan before and was a little bit un-nerved by the similarity they had to the Vulcans. Studying them in holos and on computer screens was one thing, but to actually see on up close was another. The effect was worsened by seeing the vulcanoid ... smile.

" You'll be staying on Deck Eight Commander. " Sunder said as politely as possible. Despite the political state of relations between their respective governments, it was clear that the commander was to be treated with the respect a visiting foreign dignitary was due. " You'll find your quarters to be a bit more spacious than what you're used to on a standard Dederix-class Warbird so you should be quite comfortable. "

" Thank you Antecenturi - forgive me, Lieutenant Commander. Sunder, was it? " The Romulan inquired.

" Yes sir. " Sunder replied.

" I'm sure the arrangements will be quite satisfactory, though what I am used to would be quite unknown to you. I haven't been on a Dederix-class warship for quite some time. "

Sunder digested this bit of intelligence while ignoring Tomalak's sense of superiority. Did this mean that the warbird that had decloaked and left the viciintity was not a Dederix? The Romulan had all the logical manners of his Vulcan cousins but was tinged with a smug attitude that Sunder would have suspected from racism... as if humans were on a sub-level of development compared to the Romulan people.

" Really? " Sunder said. " Well, perhaps our people should conduct these joint operations more often. There is much to be gained when two races share. The Federation is a result of the cooperative efforts of over a hundred different races. We are much stronger as a result. The recent shift in politics could be a start to something great. " The lift doors closed behind them. " Deck Eight. " Sunder commanded.

" Perhaps there is an argument there. " Tomalak conceded, with an expression that indicated otherwise. " But it wouldn't be carried by me. I believe you are much weaker than you think with all your differences. An entity built on stifling compromise will eventually collapse under the pressures of a hundred different forces. "

" The Federation has endured all manners of threatening forces for over three hundred years - external and otherwise Commander. " Sunder stated solidly. " Including the Romulan Empire, I might add."

" True, Mister Sunder, but three hundred years is such a short time compared to the length of time the Romulan Empire has ... endured, as you put it. We have a more centralized philosophy and a greater deal of patience. "

" Not long enough to come looking for allies. " Countered the security commander.

Tomalak's eyes narrowed as he looked at Sunder with a new appreciation. It seemed the hulking giant was a lot shrewder than he appeared. Chris Thomas remained silent, watching the two debators with an observer's keen interest. He looked a little alarmed at Tomalak's expression.

A thin smile started to creep its way across the Romulan's face. " You surprise me Mister Sunder. I wouldn't have thought that interstellar politics would fall within the realm of responsibility for a Starfleet Security officer. "

" I think that if you take the time to study the Federation a lot more closely, you'll find that we're full of all sorts of surprises. " Sunder retorted with a hidden sense of victory.

The turbo-lift came to a stop and the trio exited into the hallway. Sunder stretched out his arm, politely gesturing for the Commander to lead the way down the hallway. Tomalak graciously nodded his head in thanks.

" What security preparations have you in mind for my stay, Lieutenant Commander? " The Romulan asked, obviously changing the subject.

" You'll be given full visitor's privileges, Commander. You will have access to the comm-system with which to contact select members of the crew, namely the senior staff and the visiting officers, like Admiral Pressman. You'll also be admitted for replicator usage for meals and personal items. However your access to the ship will be restricted to public areas only. Sensitive areas like the Bridge, and others, will require an officer's permission for your presence, obviously. "

" Obviously. " Tomalak agreed courteously. '

" You'll be accompanied by two security officers whenever you are not in the presence of an accompanying officer. This is for your own protection Commander. I'm sure that you would agree that if the situation was reversed, there would be a few Romulan crewmembers who would have an outstanding grievance or two against a Starfleet officer. "

Tomalak chuckled slightly. " I believe I understand you, Mister Sunder. Can I assume that these security officers will be as trustworthy as forget similar grievances against the Romulan Star Empire? "

" I will personally select your escorts, Commander. My officers are as trustworthy as you would expect your own personal escorts to be. " Sunder said with a degree of pride.

Tomalak stopped to fix the security chief with a measuring gaze.

" Yes... yes, I believe you, Lieutenant Commander Sunder. I'm a man who relies on his instincts and I trust what mine are telling me about you. Are you a man of your word, Mister Sunder? "

" Yes Commander Tomalak... my word is my bond. " Sunder replied, his eyes hooding darkly with the seriousness of his answer.

" Then we will get along most famously. " He stepped back and stood at a doorway with two security officers in front of it. " My quarters, I imagine? " Sunder simply nodded his head.

" Well then, thank you for our discussion. It was quite ... illuminating. Until we see each other again, gentlemen. " Tomalak nodded his head and stepped through the doorway.

Sunder stepped back. Lieutenant Thomas turned to face Sunder.

" Wow. " Was all he managed to say.

"After the meeting"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Acting Captain, USS Galaxy

The senior staff meeting was over. All the people who attended it slowly left the executive conference room to enter the bridge. When the Romulan Commander entered the bridge, he could see the two security officers who just entered via the turbo lift on the other side.

Lieutenant Commander Sunder wanted them to look after the Romulan guest, but Tomalak and everyone else from the senior staff meeting knew exactly why the guard were to escort him. They were to prevent the Ambassador, as he was called while on board the ship, from any harm, but also take care that the Romulan didn't accidentally walk into the wrong room to put it mildly. Commander Tomalak nodded in agreement to the two security officers to show them his gratitude for doing their job.

The senior staff then quickly, but not very quietly left the bridge and to resume their positions throughout the ship. While some of them stayed on the bridge for a while, the rest used the turbo lift to get to their destination. While on the lift, and outside of hearing range, they discussed the things they had just heard.

Admiral Pressman and Ensign Nog were still discussing some details, while Joerg sat down in the Captain's chair and waited for the things to come. Meanwhile Commander Tomalak approached the two guards and they all waited together for the lift to return. The moment the lift arrived again on the bridge, Joerg jumped up from his seat and addressed the security officers.

"I want you to take care of our 'guest' here. He has diplomatic status and I want you to treat him like that. Please escort him to his quarters and stand guard there." he ordered.

The two guards just replied with a quick "Aye, sir." and then all three of them went inside the turbo lift and moment later were on their way down. Joerg knew that this would be a hard time for him and his crew, but the sooner the mission was over the sooner they would get rid of their 'guests' again.

On their way down, the two security officers looked straight ahead. Commander Tomalak wondered what they were staring at, but since he already had contact with the Federation many times before he somewhat got used to their behavior. The only thing that bothered him was the meeting he just came from. Why the Federationers had to discuss everything and ask such stupid questions was still a mystery to him. In the Romulan Star Empire such behavior would not be tolerated, since explanations are not required, only obedience. That was the success of the Romulan Star Empire.

While he still was wondering about the strange protocols the Federation had, the lift arrived at its destination deck. The first guard stepped outside to clear the way and then allowed the Ambassador to leave the lift. After that the second guard also left the lift and started to lead the way to the living quarters of Tomalak for the rest of their mission.

While they were walking through the corridors of the ship, Tomalak looked around and recognized most of the rooms they came across. But since most of those door were only living quarters for diplomatic personal he was quite disappointed. He had studied the blue prints of the Galaxy-class starships some time ago and wanted to refresh his memory inside the actual ship. However he very much doubted that his escort would let him onto the battle bridge or main engineering. However he was thrilled that he was walking on the actual ship and was not inside some fancy holosimulation.

Suddenly the first security guard stopped and pointed towards a door.

"This is your quarter 'Ambassador'." he said and one could easily hear his sarcastically pronunciation of the last word.

Tomalak seemed to ignore that insult and approached the door. The room opened in front of him and he entered it. He was wondering what kind of comfort he would have there, but before looking any further he turned to face his escort.

"Is this really the best you have? I can believe that you want me to live inside this, this ..." he said.

"I'm sorry sir, but all the ambassadorially quarters are completely the same. You can see for yourself." the security guard offered, but Tomalak had gone further into the room.

He continued to say "I can't believe it." and "Admiral Pressman will not be pleased if he hears about this." until the two security guards pressed the button and closed the door.

Inside the room Tomalak was pleased. Another triumph for the Romulan Star Empire was at hand, he thought. With the destruction of that Battleship by the Federation, the Romulan Empire could only benefit. What these benefits may be, he didn't even dare to think at that moment.

"Confused"
Ensign Daniels

Ensign Tobias Daniels stared out his window, looking at the large Romulan ship, 'Its a lot bigger in real life.' he thought dully.

He had never met another Romulan, and being half Romulan that really depressed him, though he couldn't explain why. He wasn't exactly brought up to be this big proud of his own race guy. To tell the truth he was brought up to help out his mother fed the cats.

So why should this bother him? He tired to talk to his wife about it but she was too busy preparing some files to get the message that he needed someone to talk to. He then tired to contact his mother, that was a waste of time. All she did was remind him that he was brought up to be human and that one of her animals just had a litter of 4.

Finally he trudged down to ten-forward, ready to get something to calm him. Returning to the scene of the fight he remembered what he had reported to Counselor Dallas.

Pushing those thoughts away he ordered a drink and sat down at a table. It had been easy to act 'human' when thats all he was around, but this ship was a whole new ball park. Which should he act like, "And why," He whispered to himself, "should I try to be something I'm not."

***** "Nosey." *****
by Assistant Chief Medical Officer Fleece "Cat" Khatroweena
w/ Chief Science Officer Greer Erikson

Doctor Khatroweena headed towards Lieutenant Erikson's quarters on Deck Eight just as he was returning from the Bridge. He didn't look too happy, but she wasn't entirely sure if it had been the senior staff meeting or irritation from his nose. Now within an audible range, he look over at her standing in front of his quarters. "What brings you here Cat?" he said as he continued to stride towards her.

"I came down to talk to you as soon as I could. We have been running some experiments on the Teresi virus and the chances look good on finding a cure. But when I heard what happened in Ten-Forward . . . how did it happen?"

Although he seemed unimpressed before her question, he looked more so now. "I think it's best if we talk in my quarters." The doors swished open and the two of them went in.

"Cat, you might have noticed that Ronni and I have been a little close." Greer started as soon as they were in the confines of the living room.

"I've noticed that you and Ronni have been working a lot and late as well." Cat's tail just lazily flicked from side to side.

Greer grimaced a little and rubbed his nose in slight frustration, giving a small grimace of pain. "Ronni and I are, well . . . Ronni and I love each other and . . ."

"That's wonderful, Greer! I'm happy for you and Ronni." Cat reached over and hugged Greer, "That's wonderful!"

Greer smiled embarrassingly as Cat hugged him and mumbled "Thanks."

Cat sat back smiling, "For someone in love, you don't look happy?"

Greer just looked at her. He was getting tired of explaining the events that led up to his broken nose, but he knew, like Counselor Dallas, he could trust Cat. Afterall, she was bound by a doctor's oath to privacy. "Ronni and I were together when . . ." Greer took a huge breath and sighed, "Teb caught us kissing and she was very upset."

"Why would . . . Oh No, Oh my!" Cat began as she remembered the talk she had with Tebrianne prior to the Klingons attacking the Galaxy some weeks earlier. Cat looked horrified, "Poor Teb! Oh God, she hadn't told you had she. Oh no."

Greer looked a little incredulous, "You knew that Teb loved me! Why didn't you say something? I mean I totally blind, but you knew?"

Cat looked a little guilty, "I didn't say anything, because I wasn't one hundred percent sure. Teb was in Sickbay when we had a small talk about you. Her body was betraying her thoughts. You were important to her. What could I say? I wish I had now. I feel like it's my fault."

"It's not anyone's fault." Greer said with resignation in his voice. "I tried blaming myself for this one and let me tell you something . . . it doesn't work and it doesn't make everything go away. It's just a series of unfortunate events."

"What's all this to do with what happened in Ten-Forward?" Cat inquired.

"To cut a really long story short," he said, " AC was mad at Deiran and I followed him to Ten Forward. I simply got in the way."

"AC must have been very angry to hit you." Cat looked closely at Greer and tried to smile. "I'm surprised you haven't got two wonderful shiners to go with that nose," Cat was trying to change the subject. "Let me have a look!" Cat pulled out her tricorder and looked at Greer's nose. "Everything looks alright, no permanent damage. You'll should have your 'perfect and handsome nose back within a few days."

"Between you, me, and the furniture," Greer sighed, "I think this entire ship is going nuts." he said cryptically as he referred to his friends and Starfleet Intelligence.

"I think I'm beginning to understand what you mean." Cat said with a smiled which exposed her feline teeth. "Anyway Greer, I have to get back to those cultures. But if you need anybody to talk to... Well, you can always find me." Cat smiled and put a hand on Greer's shoulder.

"Thanks Cat."

Cat turned around and prepared to leave Greer's quarters, still feeling a little responsible for what had happened. Perhaps if she had said something earlier, things may have turned out differently.

"Faded Dreams"
a story by
Ensign Polina Praskovya
Engineering
and Ensign Keras T'Vek
Science.

Ensign Keras T’Vek rounded the corner of an intersection in a corridor not watching where he was going. He was so intent on reading the notes that flashed across his PADD that he didn't see Polin Praskovya, the lovliest Orion female on the Galaxy. As a result, he ran right into the Ensign causing her to drop several PADD's that she herself was toting. They scittered across the floor in chaotic fashion. Both officers stood there for an instant gaping at each other until Keras noticed that the Engineer had dropped her elcetronic parcels.

Keras quickly stooped down and picked up the PADD’s and handed them back to the green skinned beauty.

"Are you Ensign T’Vek? Lt. Mercury assigned me to help you with your problem dealing with holo-projectors. At the moment the SI guys are using Engineering so we will have to go somewhere else."

Polina wondered why he had not gone ga-ga over her yet. Then her green eyes locked onto the two pointed ears on the sides of his head and she immediately realized he was Vulcan, this should be different she thought.

"I understand. If you wish, we may head to one of the Science Labs to discuss the problem at hand." He then began to walk toward a turbolift as she immediately fell into step with him and he continued, "At the moment how many Holo-Projectors do you believe there are in stock?" He asked in his monotone voice.

"We have plenty to do what you have proposed. I should be able to jerry rig anything else." Polina was looking at a pad and furiously punching in data as they walked. "It shouldn't take long to realign and reconfigure the holoimaging devices so long as you only intend to set one image. Of course, if you are planning on using variable images or constantly shifting images, then that is where we would need more time and resources."

"Am I correct in understanding that will adequately "mask" four runabouts, and if not do you have any suggestions to get that many Runabouts "masked"?" he asked as they stepped into a open turbolift. He had noticed that many of the male crew members that they had passed had stared at her but she had taken no notice.

Polina continued inputing data as Keras gave her the specs. "Yes, we can feasibly shadow four runabouts." She stopped and looked at Keras for a moment. "However, remember that although we are able to mask the runabouts, they will still be putting off radiation and their signals can be easily traced unless you have already taken that into account." Polina began to walk again. Keras followed beside her.

"We have been working on that angle." Keras raised an eyebrow in Vulcan manner.

"We might be able to use carrier waves and natural 'noise' to mask the signals, but any sort of indepth scan would be able to detect the runabouts."

The two officers neared a turboliflt.

As the turbolift came to a stop and the doors opened revealing a empty corridor they proceeded forward and Keras continued, " How long do you believe it will take for the proper instillation of the holo-projectors? The Science Department would be able to help install them if it would speed up the instillation."

"It wouldn't take long at all. Yes, someone one from science should be present since it will be your programming that will be downloaded into the runabouts. We engineers will be able to work with what you give us, but you and your team will need to work out the scientific portion of the instillation."

"That should be acceptable, please let me contact one of my senior officers with this information." He said and tapped his communicator,

=/\= Ensign T’Vek to Lt. jg. Sullax. I have found the information, we can adequately "mask" four runabouts and time it will take will be no more than two hours.=/\= Keras said while looking at Ensign Praskovya.

=/\= Affirmative Ensign, but Admiral Pressman has denied the use of Runabouts, sorry. Sullax out. =/\= was his superiors reply.

Polina looked in disbelief. "Wow, that was short. I was looking forward to this."

Keras once again raised an eye brow but said nothing.

"Well, look, if you decide to continue this project, please let me know. I'll be more than happy to modify the runabouts. In truth, this plan of yours is most facinating." Polina smiled at the Vulcan.

"You have your orders."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson
Chief Science Officer

In his office, Lieutenant Erikson began preparing another report on sensor efficiency. He realised that the phase cloak would protect them from anything that occupied space normal in Cardassian space but he wasn't about to get into the habit of taking the chance, especially with this new and amazingly larger Cardassian battleship out there.

["Morris to Erikson."] Ronni's voice said as it came over the ship's comm system.

Greer smiled to himself as he tapped him comm badge. "Go a head Ronni."

["The Admiral has ordered us to recalibrate the primary sensor array to scan for Cardassian vessels. He would like you to report to the Bridge as soon as possible."]

"Understood. I'll meet you there shortly. Erikson out." he said as he reach across his chest and tapped his comm badge again. Looking at the desktop display. "Computer, list materials commonly used by the Cardassian Union or The Dominion, and describe those which can be detected by the ship's long range sensors."

["Processing request."] the computer replied stoically as Lieutenant' Taurean and Ensign D'Auria entered his office.

"After all that work we did." Numa said heatedly as she placed down a small stack of PADDs on his desk. "Simulations, projections, brainstorming . . ."

Greer looked up from the computer analysis on Cardassian and Dominion materials and at the Benzite. "Calm down Lieutenant'. Now, what is the matter." he said, not sure why she was uncharacteristically angry.

"Lieutenant Morris just informed us that Admiral Pressman want us to stand down our research into setting up a masking system for the runabouts as we discussed earlier. He can't do that can he?"

Greer leaned back into his chair and took a deep breath. "I'm afraid he can and it appears that he has."

"Eventhough we put in all this work and are just starting to get somewhere?" Jack said as he placed his own stack of PADDs on the Lieutenant's desk. "This is all of the data we have on the project. Perhaps the Admiral would care to look at it before he dismisses the idea." the science officer reasoned.

"I'm sure the Admiral doesn't simply want to discard this research like that," Greer said as he tried to determine why he had just started to portray the Admiral in a better light, "but this apparently is not the right time to proceed with this research."

"After everything we did to get something together that might help us." Numa said as she looked at the work of the science department being left to stand on the corner of a desk. "And you're going to let this happen sir?

"As much as I wish it were possible, there is nothing I can do. I have my orders and you have yours." Greer said matter-of-factly as he acknowledged the chain of command. "Look, everything will make sense with time. You can continue to simulate, and I emphasize the word simulate, the masking system but you cannot go a head with the field trials." he said as he tried to reach a compromise.

"So that's it." Numa said as she resigned herself to the chair opposite the chief scientist and looking at Jack who was still standing.

Greer could not help but look at the two scientist as he recalled being in a similar situation a countless number of times in the past. It was discouraging to see this in his officers, but what could he do? Thinking for a few moments, he came up with an idea which, in some small way, might make it less discouraging. "I'll see if I can talk to the Admiral about this matter myself." he said as he changed his tone to a less formal one. "No promises though. Until that time, no modifying runabouts and certainly no field tests. Am I clear?"

"Yes sir." Jack and Numa said in unison as they left the office at least with some hope of this project coming to fruition.

"First Engineering, now Science?" he said under his breath as he returned to the display on his desk. "Computer, download database search to this PADD." he said as he grabbed his own analysis and several of the PADDs that Numa and Jack had brought down with them. "Here goes nothing." he said less than hopeful.

*** Bridge ***

Erikson exited the turbolift with the small pile of PADDs under his arms which he had brought from his office to the Bridge. Placing them down next to Ronni at the aft science station, he removed two specific PADDs and proceeded to stand next to the Admiral.

"Excuse me sir." he said trying not to aggrivate the man before he had even began to discuss the matter at hand.

"Lieutenant Erikson." he said as he rudely continued to look at the main viewscreen.

"Sir, I have some data which you may wish to look at. I think you might find quite interesting, possibly a back up in case the phase cloak fails."

Pressman looked incredulously at the chief scientist. "Mr. Erikson, the phase cloak will not fail and I do not have the time to look at data right now. Starfleet Intelligence has gone over every detail with a fine comb to remove any problems, so as much as I appreciate your input, the discussion is over." he said before turning back and fixating on the viewscreen.

'How could the Admiral summarily dismiss an idea without even looking at the available evidence? Was he that arrogant?' Greer thought to himself. Extending his hand with one of the PADDs, he once again tried to discuss the masking system with the Admiral. "Well then sir, might I ask you to reconsider dispensing the runabout . . . "

"As I told your assistant chief, the runabout idea is to be abandoned. There is no room for discussion on the matter." the Admiral said as he tried to put an immediate stop to this seemingly tiring conversation. "Now, you and Lieutenant Morris have some work to do on the primary sensor array, don't you?"

The Lieutenant took a few moment to consider the next few words that came out of his mouth. Greer could feel an ascerbic remark forming on the tip of his tongue, but looking to Pressman's left, he received an understanding glance from Commander Sterner. "Aye sir." Erikson simply replied and made his way back to where Ronni was standing. Despite the Admiral's attitude, there was still a mission to complete.

"Don't worry about it." Ronni said as he almost threw the PADD on top of the other PADDS that he had brought up with him. "At least you tried."

"Here's a list of materials specific to Cardassian and Dominion vessels." he said as he tried to change to topic as if nothing had transpired. Stopping for a moment, he looked up at the Delphinian. "Don't worry, I'll be alright." he said as he mustered up a smile. "Let's get these recalibrations done."

Galaxy "Sound asleep" Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani Chief Medical Officer

I sat in Med Lab 2 lights down and watching the unmoving body of Miran, I had checked her a couple of times but I had put enough sedative in her to keep her asleep for 12 hours. I looked at the chronometer on the wall and yawned, I picked up my padd and continued to read. I picked up a padd and remembered I could not access my database from here, I stood up and walked out of Med lab 2 and walked down the corridor to Sickbay. I entered to a busy hive of activity!

"Report!"

Cat looked kept working as she started to speak.

["Lt. Commander Derian Casey. Was found in his quarters with massive blood loss"]

"Who brought him in?"

["Dev and chris found him. The beamed him straight here!"]

I looked on, it was clear that they had everything in hand.

"Well cat becareful with you, he is 3rd in command and has some high ranking friends. I just don't know what I am going to tell his wife!"

["Where is Ti?"]

"Sound asleep in Med Bay 2, I sedated her! she was exhausted and tired there was nothing more I could do."

["Ok!"] Cat replyed

I moved into my office and picked up the pile of data padds, I stood up and waved for Dev to follow me into the other room. I watched as Dev stood up and walked to the access part of my office, I typed on a keypad next to the door and gained access to Med Bay 2. We entered Medbay and moved over to the Observation office.

"Are you of Dev? you look a little white!"

I thought for a second and remembered about lara!

"Computer Lock onto Lara Casey and beam her to Med Bay 2!"

The pattern of lara appeared on the desk.

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

***** Sickbay *****

[Incoming Emergency Medical Transport] the computer called out in Sickbay. Cat spun around to watch near the centre of the ward for such events. The blue sparkling form of someone lying on the ground, another bends over them.

The forms coalesced and solidified to form Deiran and Dev. Cat stood stunned for a couple of seconds as she saw the blood covering Deiran; but the doctor within her took over and her only concern was what was best for her patient. Two male nurses moved him quickly and gently to a bio-bed. Cat was already calling out orders.

"I want supplies of Type O plasma..." Cat was already studying the read-outs from the tricorder. "Lost a lot of blood, deep trauma, upper intestinal artery has been cut, damage to the right kidney..."

Cat continued to call out orders and began to work on Deiran to save his life.

"What happened Dev?" Cat asked Dev.

"I don't know Cat," was Dev's shocked response.

"Hurry!" Cat yelled to her nurses, she could feel Deiran slipping away. "Where is that cellular regenerator?"

"Report!" came from the doorways as Nilani walked in.

Cat continued to work on Deiran as she called back to Nilani, over her shoulder, "Deiran was found with his stomach slit open."

"Well Cat, be careful with him. He is third in command and has some high-ranking friends. I just don't know what I am going to tell his wife!" Nilani advised Cat.

"Where is Ti?"

"Sound asleep in Med Bay 2, I sedated her! She was exhausted and tired, there was nothing more I could do."

"Ok!" Cat replied. Cat quickly looked up when she saw Dev and Nilani move to observation office.

Cat was going to put Deiran under; she had the hypo against Deiran's neck when his eyes flickered open. His mouth opened and quiet whispers were the only sound heard. Cat leaned to put his ear next to try and hear Deiran's words.

"Cat," Deiran gave a small sigh, "Cat please... Cat let me die..."

Cat had a hard look on her face, anger and worry causing her anxiety. "Damn you Deiran Casey, if you think I'm going... This is one time you are not going to get your own way."

Deiran just closed his eyes, Cat could see on his face that he just wanted to die.

"I will not let you win this one. You going to come out of this one, ALIVE!"

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

A Bad end to a new Beginning
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
Star Base 74

Ensign Benedict T'Kal stood to attention in the middle of Commander Vennings office. He was a little over six three, with jet-black hair pulled back in a regulation pony tail. Benedict was well muscled, and his every movement spoke of his almost unnatural grace. He was half-human on his Japanese father's side, and half Bajoran on his mothers. He had his mothers violet coloured eyes, and his fathers inscrutable expressions. At this moment his eyes were focused upon the Starfleet Insignia upon the far wall. He was relaxed, and inwardly calm. The fifty-six year old Commander of Starbase 74 paced agitatedly before him and scowled. His thinly veiled contempt for the young Ensign showed in every expression.

The Commander stopped directly in front of T'Kal and stared into his almond shaped, violet coloured eyes. T'Kal refused to meet his gaze, and in so doing pre-empted yet another accusation of insubordination. Venning was clearly angry, his temples were visibly throbbing and his face was red. He stared at T'Kal for at least ten seconds without saying a word.

"Lt. Shawe has placed you on report for insubordination - again!. As a Tactical Officer aboard this Starbase Ensign, that kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable. I will not have you carrying on as if this was the Maquis." He spat the word with pure hatred. Everyone on the Starbase knew that the Commander had lost his eldest son in a Marqui raid. Benedict T'Kal had been a member of the Marqui for nine months prior to his joining Starfleet. It was noted on his personnel docket. And Ensign Benedict T'Kal was proud of his service against the oppressors of his people.

He had served in the Bajoran Resistance from the age of seventeen after his parents had been taken by the Cardassians and killed. He had done his duty. The short period of service with the Marqui had ended after his wife Alayessa had died. He had always argued within the Marqui against raids on Federation bases, and would only undertake missions against the Cardassians. After Alayessas death he had looked into his own heart and discovered that he was lost in a conflict that had become meaningless. He was no longer fighting for his peoples freedom, and he had been fighting for so long that he found it difficult to relate to a time where he had known peace.

His fathers wisdom had come to him then. To know the arts of war and peace were the duty of a Samurai - to be able to put either one aside when the time came was the mark of a true warrior. He had done so, and returned to his home, Bajor.

Benedict had found a measure of peace. But he desired to serve something greater than himself. He wanted to make a difference. He joined Starfleet. He was honest about his involvement in the Marqui, and thanks to assistance from the Bajoran government his application was accepted.

That was the source of all of his present woes. Three months and eight days ago he had arrived at Starbase 74 for his first posting assignment out of Starfleet Academy. Forty minutes after arrival he stood in almost the same spot he was standing now, and learned that the Commander hated the Marqui with a passion. The man had been holding his service record at the time. He was less than delighted at T'Kals arrival at the Starbase.

The word went out that T'Kal was fair game. The other cadets and enlisted officers gave him a wide berth, he was trouble and anyone fraternising with the Marqui T'Kal caught some of it. The junior officers like Lt Shawe had taken to making T'Kals life hell. Shawe had tried everything he could to make Benedict strike him, to no avail.

Benedict had held firm to his vow of service. He did exactly what they told him to do with no complaint. He remained impassive in the face of everything they tried. He seemed undaunted, an island of calm in a sea of hate.

It had finally reached the stage where most officers were beginning to give up out of a sense of failure. Ensigns who worked with T'Kal asked questions about his treatment, and were clearly on the verge of open sympathy. It was this fact that brought Benedict to Commander Vennings office on this occasion.

"Your time here T'Kal has been a waste of Starfleet training and an insult to my command. I don't like you Mister, and I don't like what you represent! I'm putting you up for transfer. If I have my way, and I will, I'll see you sent to a shit-hole at the very end of the universe." His voice had climbed in a vicious rage and he moved back behind his desk. Benedict was impassive. His calmness grated on Vennings nerves, usually young Ensigns shook in their boots at seeing the Commander like this.

"Thank you sir." Said Benedict. He sounded sincere. He was - any place would be better than here. He took his duty to Starfleet in the same manner as his father had taken his duty to the Bajoran Resistance - he would serve to the best of his ability. He would serve as a Samurai - with devotion to duty and honour. Nothing would make him dishonour his wife's name - T'Kal. He wore it with pride.

His simple, sincere reply made Commander Venning ball his fist in rage and slam it down hard. The desk shook with the blow and a PADD dropped to the floor. The grey haired Commanding officer of Starbase 74 was speechless in his anger. He dropped into his chair and looked away from the young man.

He seemed to recognise the futility of his actions in the face of T'Kals calm demeanour, he bit back another remark. "You are removed from duty Ensign, effective immediately. A charge of insubordination to a superior officer will be entered upon your record. Get out!"

Commander Venning turned his back on T'Kals salute, and the Ensign turned smartly on his heel and left the Commanders office.

As he walked through the administrative centre he received a shy glance from one of the female ensigns. He smiled at her and her face flushed, but she broke out in a wide smile. She watched him walk to the turbo lift, but by then Benedict's mind was on other things. She sighed and looked to her working partner, who had also been covertly watching the handsome ensign glide past her station.

A Turn of Providence
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
Star Base 74

Benedict knelt on the rough woven mat of the tatami. His eyes were closed, back erect, and arms resting on his thighs. He breathed deeply from his lower belly into his chest, centring himself. His conscious mind was calm and relaxed, nothing existing but the smooth inhale/exhale of his meditation technique.

His thoughts took flight after his pulse and respiration dropped to five beats a minute and three breaths. He was totally calm. He felt her presence with him. Alayessa would be sitting across from him, as she always did when he meditated. He could hear the sounds of her breathing, feel her 'pagh' - her strength emanating from her, lending him energy, suffusing his being with her inner light. 'Alayessa my love. I miss you. I celebrate this day in your memory.'

Benedict T'Kals' half Klingon wife was dead. She had been for five years now. He remembered her laughter, and her spirit. He touched her strength with his mind and he smiled as he remembered her impatience with learning meditation, the way she moved when they had made love, the depth of her passion for life and the way she determined to live it.

He still loved her. She was gone. The memory of this day, five years ago came into his mind as he knew it would. The pain was dulled by time, but it came back refreshed on the anniversary of her death. He remembered the warmth of her blood on his hands as he held her, dying in his arms. The look of tenderness that came over her as she looked into his eyes and held on to him. She was dying in the way that she had lived. Violently. The Klingon way. He had held her face in his hands and stared into her eyes to watch the passing of her soul to So-Vo-Kor. When they had clouded with death he had put his head back and screamed such a cry of despair and grief that even now the memory of that sound haunted him.

Benedict felt the tears course down his cheeks as he grieved once again. But he could still feel her presence, and her warmth. He could even feel her smile as she silently scoffed at his display of emotion. You should be happy for me, she would say, I celebrate my death.

Time passed with each slow heartbeat and eventually Benedict smiled once again, knowing that it was time to put aside the memory, but not her spirit. He was suffused with a warm glow and with the increase in metabolic rate he began to move.

His eyes still closed, he exhaled deeply and started the first kata. Slow movements, but with total precision he began his regimen. Alone in his quarters he practiced his hand to hand combat style and was once again at peace in his soul.

Later…

[Ensign T'Kal report to Lt Commander Tawnell ] The abrupt command sounded in his quarters dragging him away from his shower. He responded with an affirmative and got dressed. He smiled as he looked at his image in the wall mirror. He was officially relieved of duty until further notice, and so he chose to wear his off duty attire. The tailored jacket of pale pastel colours, shot through with silver thread (real silver) was clasped at the throat by a silver chain. His shirt was dark Orion silk that seemed to flow like liquid on his bronzed skin. He wore his hair tied back in a pony tail, clasped with a silver ring and pin of Bajoran style.

Benedict was indeed handsome, he had to admit it to himself - his violet coloured, almond shaped eyes were clear and direct, his hair was black and glossy and when worn loose fell to his shoulders. He stood 6'3" inches tall and was half human Japanese and half Bajoran by blood.

His mother had given him her striking eyes and strong cheekbones as well as the tell-tale Bajoran nose ridges, but his father was responsible for his strength and height, and dark good looks.

He walked with a fluid grace that set him apart from others, and he always seemed to be sure of himself. He exuded confidence and calmness, and women seemed to be drawn to his aura - his spiritual strength. He added the last touch to his appearance with a small chain and earring of Bajoran tradition. He left his quarters and proceeded to the Command Centre.

The dark look he received from Lt. Commander Tawnell at his choice of dress allowed Benedict a small touch of satisfaction. The Lt. Commander did not comment however, simply choosing to overlook the statement rather than pursue regulation dress codes. The Lt. Commander was a reasonable fellow in Benedicts eyes. He was a decent officer, but in the face of Benedicts troubles on the Starbase, he had pointedly ignored what he knew was happening. No doubt in order to secure some measure of his own safety against the wrath of his CO.

Tawnell handed the Ensign a PADD without saying a word. He waited until T'Kal had read the order form - and waited for the inevitable reaction.

Benedict T'Kals face broke out in a huge grin. He looked up at the Lt, Commander and said, "Is this for real sir?"

"Yes Ensign, it is. The Base Commander placed you on the transfer list. We've received word that the USS Galaxy is putting in to the station for repairs with extensive battle damage and casualties. She's short on personnel and has requested replacement crew complement while in dry dock." Tawnell couldn't help but smile.

" Captain Price has rather a high standing in Starfleet - his request for personnel has to be considered a priority. The Commander has no option but to transfer you to the USS Galaxy as soon as she docks." He looked a little rueful as he said, "Commander Venning couldn't bring himself to deliver these orders himself. I think he had a different posting in mind for you."

"Yes sir. Thankyou sir." Tawnell looked into T'Kals eyes, he shifted uncomfortably for a moment before continuing, "Ensign, I haven't been totally blind to what's been happening to you here. I know that certain facts about you have caused difficulty. I also know that you haven't deserved the treatment given by some of the officers under my command."

The Lt. Commander seated himself behind his desk and grabbed a mug of coffee. Benedict stood at ease - apart from the casual dress he now appeared to be offering some resp

ect for Tawnell. "I have taken the liberty of forwarding your personnel jacket to the Galaxy. Unfortunately Commander Venning has not had the opportunity to peruse the copy that I have made available to Captain Price. I will make sure that this copy, " he held up a PADD that was sitting on his cluttered desk, " is available for the Commanders comments. It will then be duly filed… and forgotten."

Benedict looked at Tawnell and smiled. His gut instinct about this officer had been right. He was a decent man. At least he would do something to help undo some of the wrongs that had been committed under his command. Benedict came to attention and saluted the Lt. Commander. "Thank you Sir!" A momentary pang of guilt passed through Benedicts mind at his choice of uniform.

"Carry on Ensign." He returned the salute with a nod, and took a sip of his now cold coffee as Ensign Benedict T'Kal spun on his heel rather smartly and exited his office. 'The kids okay.' He thought. 'Price is a good man. He'll get a fair break on the Galaxy, and I hope that I may have salvaged a good officers career. He's a damned good Tactical Officer.' He put the PADD in his bottom drawer and poured himself another coffee.

New Home
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Three weeks. He'd been on the Galaxy now for three whole weeks! So far it was just honest hard work with no shit duty! Benedict was assigned to a repair crew until his real duty assignment was allocated. He didn't mind. It gave him a great opportunity to study the ship, its layout and its crew. But he hadn't had time to get into a holodeck. The tactical scenarios kept running through his head, but he didn't want to spoil it. He needed to experience it!

He settled back with his head on the pillow and drifted close to sleep. He was bone tired from a long shift of crawling through Jeffries Tubes assisting where he could.

His mind drifted back to his first day…

Benedict had entered the long walk. Past quarters and offices, past workstations and corridors full of Starfleet officers. Starbase 74. He carried his kit bag and his guitar in its faded case. He wore his uniform crisp and sharp. He felt good. Actually he felt better than he had in months. 'The Long Walk' they called it - leaving your present post for a new one; having to pass through the corridors one last time, saying goodbye. Benedict walked with a purposeful stride, full of buoyancy and positive energy. 'Long Walk alright' he thought to himself - 'I can't wait to get out of here!'

Some of the ensigns he passed smiled at him. Some waved. Some glared. He hadn't found any real friends here. He was avoided for the most part. He was a pariah. It was true that some of the women had made advances to him during his stay here, but they were always insincere - none of them wanted anything resembling commitment, and they simply had nothing in common. So he was left alone.

Benedict hoped that all this would end. He wanted to belong somewhere again. The Galaxy looked like a good place to start. She was the first Galaxy Class Starship - he had looked her up on the LCARS system. She was a beautiful ship. She was his ship!

As she had slid into her space dock he had watched her from 'Aft 74' the off-duty recreation bar on the Starbase. The ship was scorched, scarred and had several hull breaches; evidence of the battle that she had fought so recently. Reports had been sketchy at best, but the scuttlebutt was that a Lt Commander had commanded the ship during the fight. Three ships against one, she had been out-gunned.

Benedict thought about that again as he entered the outer docking ring and presented his orders to the Lt. who stood guard. The man nodded and admitted him through the security lock to the docking bay of the USS Galaxy.

As he passed through the egress tunnel he could see engineers working on the outer hull - seeming like insects crawling across the skin of the ship. He reflected again on her beauty. She was big. Biggest ship he'd ever seen up close.

He passed a Lt in the red uniform of Operations staff - the same as his, and she gave him an appreciative glance and smiled a welcome. She walked past him and said, "Welcome aboard Ensign". He caught her backward look as he too looked over his shoulder. She smiled at getting caught, and Benedict kept on walking. The hull was getting closer and he shifted his kit bag more comfortably on his shoulder.

A Security Officer staffed the gangway portal on board the USS Galaxy; an Ensign who watched everyone and everything that passed his post. Benedict recognised the mark of experience in the young officer. He presented his order PADD and waited for the scrutiny to pass.

"Welcome aboard Ensign T'Kal. We've been expecting you. Please make your way to the Galaxy's Security Office for your clearances and stateroom allocation." He smiled, but somehow Benedict caught the hint of sadness in his eyes. The young mans thoughts were written on his face; 'replacement crew'- and Benedict felt it too. It passed between them silently. Someone died to give Benedict his berth on this beautiful ship - there is always a price to be paid. Benedict promised the spirit of the ship that he too was willing to pay the price.

He made his way to the Security Office. The crew was busy at work everywhere that he passed. The damage was extensive, but like any good warrior she would heal. He entered the Office to see a large bearded man passing a PADD to a Security Ensign and turning to face him.

Benedict stood to attention and saluted crisply." Sir. Ensign Benedict T'Kal. Tactical Officer reporting for duty."

"Welcome aboard Ensign. I'm Chief of Security, Lt. Commander Sunder" He shook hands and turned to another ensign who seemed engrossed in the information scrolling across a PADD. "Ensign Salt"

"Yes sir?" she turned to him and asked. She gave Benedict an appraising look before giving Sunder her full attention.

"Escort Ensign T'Kal here to Lt. MacKenzie after you show him his quarters - I believe that he's still in Ten-Forward", he indicated that Benedict was to follow her and nodded a curt farewell.

The ensign smiled, "A pleasure sir." She moved off, and once out into the corridors she fell into step beside T'Kal. She tapped on her PADD and consulted the stateroom allocation of Ensign B. T'Kal. As they stepped into a turbo lift she said "Deck 19".

The lift accelerated. She stood across from him and seemed engrossed in the floor, suddenly embarrassed to be in the confined space alone with him. Benedict smiled to himself, he was used to this, he seemed to intimidate people sometimes, and he was apprehensive about meeting his new CO. His tension radiated from him, and he began a calming meditation to centre himself. Ensign Salt looked up and glanced at his face. He smiled warmly at her. She responded rather shyly and pointed at his guitar case.

"I think that someone said there was a band starting up." She volunteered.

"I've never played with anyone else. I don't think I could." Benedict replied, "I don't think I'll have much time for my music - the ship would seem to need every available hand at the moment, and I have to bring myself up to speed." He was really looking forward to doing what he was trained for, and the incident with the three Klingon ships still gripped his interest - he wanted to see it for himself!

The ensign grinned at his enthusiasm to start work. I'll play with you she thought to herself, He's gorgeous, just wait till the girls get a load of those eyes! And that smile…The turbo lift doors opened [Deck 19] the computer chimed, and she quickly walked ahead of T'Kal.

After his gear was stowed in his small cabin (which he would have to share when other crew arrived), he was escorted to Ten-Forward; the recreational lounge where the computer had confirmed Lt. Hunter MacKenzie was located.

As the doors to the lounge opened, Benedict almost walked into a blue uniformed Lt who had her face turned away, busily talking to another crewman. She stopped abruptly to avoid a collision, but Benedicts reflexes took him out of the way before she had stopped. She turned to him with an apologetic expression, and for the first time Benedict realised that the female officer had long black furry ears - and a tail!

She smiled, said "Sorry!" and continued walking out - her conversation interrupted only momentarily. Ensign Salt was still walking across the open lounge and he moved to catch up, the image of the twitching tail making him smile - he'd never seen a Caitan before (at least that's what his memory of Federation Species seemed to indicate that she was!).

Ensign Salt stopped before a red haired man sitting alone at a corner table, and said something that Benedict didn't catch as he arrived. The man stood and straightened his uniform and extended a hand in welcome. "Lt. Hunter MacKenzie." He introduced himself, "Welcome aboard the Galaxy Ensign T'Kal." He indicated a seat across the table." Sit down - I'm off duty at the moment, and now is as good a time as any to talk with you."

"Thankyou sir." Benedict stood stiffly at attention, and then relaxed at the offered seat, and sat.

"As you can guess Ensign, we're a little busy at the moment. We'll be staying at Starbase 74 for the repairs and there's a hell of a lot of work to be done. I'm assigning you to assist with general repair work until we get under-way. I'll let you know your duty assignment in Tactical as soon as I get all of my replacements organised.

"The Galaxy is a damned fine ship Ensign. She demands our best. In my department you'll find that I demand as much from my staff as I do from my self - and as I'm an avowed workaholic you'll learn that I'm a hard task master. But I'm a fair one. The Captain's the same."

Benedicts smiled as he remembered those words! The work had been hard all right - but Benedict loved every bloody second of it! He turned over in his bunk - his body feeling the pleasant ache of hard exercise. Three weeks had flown by. With his assignment on Gamma shift repairs he'd not really had a chance to meet very many of the galaxy's crew (he'd spent most of the time in the ships innards). He wondered when Lt MacKenzie would inform him of his Tactical assignment.

The cabin was dark, and he was alone. He'd had it to himself since he arrived on board, and was pleased at the turn of events. It allowed him his privacy - to be with his own thoughts. Not once had anyone raised his past at him. He had caught no averted looks, no casual remarks, no taunting.

At last - he was home!

"Many Breakdowns"
by Lt. Endris Gakor, Doctor
with Lt Albrecht, Lt Kahn, and Lt (jg) Dallas and a smattering of others

*** Med Lab 1 ***

"Starvation!", Gakor exclaimed, startling several technicians. Gakor was examining a slide representation of the latest Teresi simulations under and old-fashioned microscope. One of the last samples indicated possibilities of success, or at least long-term remission of the syndrome. Gakor slammed her hands on the table, knocking over a beaker of hyper saline solution. Her hoof-shaped feet clomped the ground to emphasize her frustration. The salty liquid formed a film of goo on the counter, smearing the slide to the point it interrupted the exam. Using a Vulcan stress reduction technique, the immunologist calmed her mind and determined her method of continuing.

The next step would be incubation testing with live viral samples. Except for one problem. The computer indicated the blood rhyazome was extremely rare, and existed only in full-blooded Rhomulans. Endris knew no hybrids of mixed parentage that would host the needed chromosome structure.

And recently, when Ryak Sullax brought his son aboard, the family had been examined for any health anomalies. The highlighted structure was not present in either gentleman's blood stream. Disappointment filled Doctor Gakor. Instinctively at times of stress, the Tellarite's stomach growled incessantly for Oinkus. Her plans to cure her home world momentarily dashed, she strolled off to the lounge for a meal fit for Henry the Eighth, (not to mention the First through Seventh incarnations).

*** 10 Foreward ***

Gakor entered the lounge graciously and looked around the noisy chamber. She noticed Xaiver Bishop and Matthew Albrecht conversing near the corner, under some tall Risian trees brought from the arboretum. Apparently, either Electra or Door was trying to spice up the place. It seemed ever since the Intelligence Operatives had boarded the Galaxy, the whole crew had a bout of the doldrums. To stoic and independent to complain, the Doctor had been meaning to discuss this observation with one of the counsellors, but had never gotten around to it.

"Xav! Muffin!", she cried. Matthew looked a bit uncomfortable when Gakes used the nickname, but recovered quickly and blew the Doctor a kiss, extending an invitation for her to join them. "Gentleman", the lady greeted as she approached, her eyes bulging as she noticed the two were attacking an entire side of venison with all the trimmings by themselves. At a nearby table, Commander Sunder was wrapping remnants of a haunch and some colorful spicy Orion side dishes. As usual, Endris gave the Chief of Security a wide berth. Given his unique upbringing, he was probably one of the few people in the crew that could chow down as much as the cuisine efficiando. Trying to look discrete, Ursa turned and took his edible package back to his office to resume his vast array of projects.

"Uggg!", Xavier exclaimed while wrestling off a particularly attached joint. "This stuff is good, but a bit tough", he commented. Albrecht grinned as Gakor effortlessly pulled off a portion of meat, salivating at the scent of food.

The Denibian waiter, who always seemed present but no one quite knew, plopped a tankard of Guiness in front of the Doctor without asking. Endris wondered if the man was a disguised member of the El Aurian dispora, who all were long lived, mysterious, and observant almost to the point of being telepathic.

On a few occasions, she had met El Aurians while at the research complex Memory Beta. Guinian, the former bar tender of the Enterprise D, had even made a pit stop there to inquire about drink recipes, of all things! Of course, it may have been the close-mouthed woman was just trying to be polite while she garnered other information from the collection of knowledge stored there. Tellar's relationship with cuisine wasn't exactly a well kept secrete, after all.

Relaxing with familiar company and food, Gakor made a comment to her companions about the tantalizing piece of research. At an adjacent table, Endris turned when she caught a whiff of Delcarian Flambe, and her less sensitive hearing picked up a rumor about a Ferengi Ensign and a Rhomulan Ambassador boarding the Galaxy as part of Admiral Pressman's classified mission.

"Matthew, is this true?", Gakor said in her most placating tone. "When anyone boards this vessel, they should file medical reports. I just heard some of the off-duty bridge crew mumble something about an Ensign with big ears and a Rhomulan commander beaming directly to the bridge." Not for the first time, the porcine doctor wished that junior officers were briefed more on their mission. Perhaps she could quiz Lt Morris later. Gakor had become friends with the outgoing scientist when they were on the Qul' etlh. Not only that, Endris knew that Ronni had been studying some of the same Command Duty scenarios that the Tellarite was also learning. Perhaps they could team up in the holodeck later and tackle one of the more difficult problems together.

Returning from her speculation about her former room mate, she glared at her best human friend until he consented to the Doctor's compelling medical argument. "I'm in the dark here myself, Gakes, but I saw two security guards were pulled for a special assignment. Sunder didn't spill any more about it. However, numerous crew sighted a Rhomulan cruiser decloak near us. Admiral Pressman's tendency to use aliens in his operations is well known, so there may have been a Rhomulan or two beam in for whatever he has planned."

Endris positively beaming, and didn't even follow up to ask which security agents would be escorting the 'theoretical' Rhomulan observer. But if she had to pick 2 men trustworthy to guard anyone in the universe, her two dates for the meal would be excellent candidates. Excusing herself from the table, she trotted off towards Sick Bay.

Perhaps the CMO could persuade the Admiral to disclose medical records for the Rhomulan. If the rhyazome was indicated, there might be a way yet to cure......

*** Sick Bay ***

Endris arrived and saw Cat working at full tilt on the suspine form of Deiran Casey. The Commander looked pale, and bright red blood dripped from his laserated wrists. One glance at her comrade was enough to tell Gakor it would not be approprate to disrupt Cat's rhytim if the patient was to survive the procedure. Giving the nurses a smile of encouragement, she proceded into the CMO's office without disrupting Cat's progress.

"Nilani, you look exhausted, have you been sleeping well?", Endris remarked with a bright smile that failed to cheer the Bajoran. *It must be the Cardassians holding her sister hostage*, the Tellarite doctor theorized. "You know, even though we worked together for more than a year, I never hear you talk of family. Perhaps some time we could discuss it."

Doctor Kahn looked like she was going to begin praying for deliverance, but smiled at the extended kindness. Endris tried another ploy to lift her friend and commanding officer's spirits. "Did I ever tell you about the time a group of us on Memory Beta rescued Ambassador Nollox from Gul Moret?"

My senior looked up at the mention of someone being able to foil a Cardassian operation and save a kidnapped victim. "Perhaps, if we program a simulation on the Holodeck, we could figure out a way to save your sister.", Endris thought the command decisions involved in such a difficult task wouldn't hurt her trajectory towards the bridge. They talked for a while after that, although Nilnai still didn't want to disclose many personal details.

After the CMO seemed in a better mood, Gakor broached the subject of the 'guests' who beamed to the bridge. Having been at the senior staff meeting, Nilani did mention Commander Tomalak and Ensign Nog by name. "Come to think of it, they didn't supply medical records. Since no other Ferengi are aboard, we may need data on him in case something unexpected happens. At least there are other Rhomulans and Vulcanoids aboard", Doctor Kahn said professionally. Even after all this time, the Bajoran didn't chat about the security arrangements for the Ambassador.

Nilani promised to try to get medical files on the two visitors, when their conversation was interrupted by a screeching beep.

-/\-"Personal Mobility Chair 105 Alpha 6, assigned to Karyn Dallas, needs immediate assistance. Mechanical failure is emanate. Chair and occupant are now in the Chief Counselor's office-/\- the computer squawked menacingly. It looked like Gakor was going to visit the counselor sooner than expected, but not for the stressful reasons she initially anticipated. Grabbing the indicated parts to repair the medical device and a bio-tricorder (in case the chair tipped over when the part expired), Endris ran through the corridors of the ship as fast as her short legs could carry her.

*** Corridors ***

Rounding a passage way, Endris looked down the hall and saw a Vulcanoid smiling. *Starvation! That must be Commander Tomalak!*, the Tellarite surmised. Instantly, she tried to get within Tricorder range of the 'Ambassador', but was stopped by the current Captain, Commander Sterner. Apparently, the two had just finished a conversation about selecting his attendants. "What are you doing here, Doctor Gakor?", he challenged in a icy but civil tone that told Endris he was not pleased (or baffled) by her presence.

"Our guest neglected to provide medical information when he boarded. I would like to do a quick scan of him to insure he is in good health. After all, if a Rhomulan dignitary were to die in our care, I don't think his fellows would be pleased."

"All right, your tricorder looks like a standard model", he inspected and returned the device. "One minute only", he conceded "and I will be watching. Even though you are trustworthy, Doctor, the Ambassador's safety is my concern. The anamosity between Rhomulans and the Federation is long standing, so I hope this causes no rift between us", he finished diplomatically.

The doctor frowned a bit and considered arguing patient privacy statutes, but she her greater need to know if this humanoid contained the profile of the potential cure won out.

The med tricorder whizzed, rapidly giving a through prognosis. No major diseases were indicated, but a bright green coppergloban cluster was outlined. The one that contained the potential cure for several thousand suffering Tellarites. "Snacks, Commander, you appear to be in good health", she stated assertively. The expression of intrigue on her face managed to disconcert his arrogant Rhomulan exterior, however.

The CO relaxed considerably as Endris retreated down the corridor, silently speculating how she could obtain a blood sample from Tomalak without raising suspicion. A few twists and turns later, she arrived and chimed the door at the main Counselling office. As her friend Matthew assured her during their last feast, gaurds were sure to monitor the alien's presence during his stay.

*** Chief Counselor's Office ***

"Come", welcomed Karyn's pleasant voice.

When she saw Gakor enter with the part needed to fix her chair, the Counselor smiled with a broad grin. "I see you noticed my problem and are going to attend to it. That was very thoughtful, Endris", she said in a soft tone.

Endris labored a few minutes and got the mobility device functioning again. Pausing to wipe perspiration off her fur, the Tellarite snorted and confessed her frustration to the head of the counselling department.

"The Rhomulan Ambassador may contain a substance in his blood stream that could cure Teresi", she sobbed. "But I can't get close enough to get a plasma sample." Gakor was showing all the classic signs of stress, and Ms Dallas didn't quite know what to do with her unexpected patient.

Soothingly, the compasionate counsellor moved her now fixed chair to the replicator, thinking a Snack might calm the Doctor a bit. Gakor did cheer a bit at the attempt, but there was more work to be done if Endris was to be comfortable with her duties....

=/\= "Getting Things Straight" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

"...and make the appropriate changes in our behavior. USS Galaxy Security Department, end message," he finished. Matthew inhaled deeply through his nostrils, eyes closed, before exhaling fully and falling back in his chair. Chanor's chair, actually. "Computer, send message to lieutenant commander Sunder for amendment and approval before distributing to all security personnel." The room was dark, and he faced the wall with his back to the desk.

Matthew was furious, at himself and his people, for their unforgivable behavior. It had become clear to him mere hours earlier...

**** Sickbay ****

Lieutenant Albrecht passed through the doors of sickbay, appearing anxious and nervous. He hadn't even yet seen through the mass of medical personnel swarming around the primary bio bed. His eyes quickly took in the scene around the nurses and doctors; In the center of sickbay, upon the no-pile carpet, settled a rather large puddle of fresh blood. Red blood, humanoid blood. Dr. Khatroweena was at the center of the commotion, fine, normally gorgeous fur-covered face contorted with concern over her patient.

He had come at the insistence of his hungriest friend, the eternally frustrating Endris Gakor. She had sounded cold and business-like, nothing like her normal self. Then again, she had been growing ever so slightly more cold these past few weeks. Anyway, she had insisted he rush to sickbay immediately, with no explanation.

Gakor was not to be seen through the crowd, but when a young nurse moved to get extra plasma for the doctor, Matthew caught a glimpse of the body on the bed. It was 'commander Deiran Casey. His abdomen appeared to be the center of surgery, and judging by the blood at the beam-in site, the 'commander had suffered a major gut-wound. Matthew reached out and caught the arm of a medical assistant who, face dripping with stress-induced sweat, appeared to be leaving the pack to their work.

Nurse Aivas looked at his hand clutching her duty tunic, as if it were a disembodied appendage that clung to her of its own accord. Then she looked up, her sky blue eyes weary and sad. He let go, and patted her arm as if to erase his physical intrusion. He began, "Nurse, I'm here to investigate this incident." It was true, after all. He assigned himself the investigation right then and there. Gakor must have intended to keep the ship's internal network from catching onto this fact through errant comm traffic.

She set her lips in a thin, bare smile. "Of course, lieutenant. I'm nurse Aivas. What would you like to know?" she replied to his unspoken question. He remembered her from the Klingon capture of Sickbay, a month before. She had been brave, he thought. She looked over at the replicator, and Matthew motioned for them to make their way to it. She obviously wanted to use it while they talked, he surmised.

"When did lieutenant commander Casey arrive here, and what do you know of the events leading to his arrival here?" he asked, in a standard manner used with willing eye-witnesses. Getting straight to the important questions was key to getting reliable testimony from some witnesses. Weaker ones sometimes needed kid-glove handling, but his impression of the nurse was that she would resent coddling.

She looked at the replicator, back at the hustle of people at the bio bed, and spoke, "Computer, four sipper bottles of water, three degrees below room temperature, on a platter." The replicator whirred, and she looked at Matthew, "He arrived about six minutes ago. Lieutenant Salshyar was with him, and blood was everywhere. The counselor said it was an accident." She lifted the tray out of the replicator, and moved toward the busy medical staff. She continued, "We’ve had to compensate for high blood-alcohol content… If you ask me, a man as smart as Deiran Casey should know better than to play with knives when drinking."

His tricorder was recording the entire interview. Out of habit, he glanced at the indicator lights to be sure it was functioning correctly. It was. He watched her drink from one of the bottles, and another nurse was grabbing a bottle for a quick sip while he worked. A little morbidly disappointed by the tame nature of the incident, Matthew said, "Nurse Aivas, one more question; Was Casey conscious? Did he say anything...?"

She closed her eyes a moment, withdrawing the tip of the bottle from her mouth and licking her lips. "Yes, he came to just after we administered the first liter of plasma. He was only alert for a moment, and he whispered something to the doctor. She reacted angrily, whatever he said did not go over well with Cat, let me tell you!" she added with a hint of the mirth and camaraderie that sickbay must enjoy when not in crisis. But just a hint.

Cat continued to battle to save the life of the ship's XO, her vehement shouts declaring her determination to keep the man alive at any cost. Matthew watched with surprise as Admiral Pressman arrived to donate his rare type of plasma for the Iceman's surgery. The security officer was surprised at the duration of the procedure. Soon, Deiran's closest loved ones began to arrive, to give their support to the man who needed it so terribly.

He stayed until the Chief Operations Officer was stable, and collected more details. Though irritated by the security officer’s timing, they all realized the urgency of determining what had transpired. Soon, he became satisfied that nurse Aivas’s report of the incident was the standard. The security officers assigned to Casey’s quarters had nothing to report that contradicted the facts as they had been presented.

**** Security ****

Facing the wall of Chanor’s office, Albrecht reached a hand up to his hairline to rub his forehead. He felt anger and guilt, two emotions that congregate together frequently. He heard a boot scuffle the floor behind him, near the door.

"I couldn’t help but overhear, Matthew. You don’t need to yell in departmental memos, you know. It’s unseemly," the feminine voice informed him. He was flooded with mixed emotions. Astrid Salt was his friend, yet she was also a prime perpetrator of the behavior he was so angered by. This was one of those times he understood the officers who never fraternized with their subordinates.

Still, he stared at the wall. He didn’t know what expression to wear for this conversation. He replied, "Astrid, this has got to stop. What happened to Casey was--" She cut him off.

"Matthew, you can’t believe that a little harmless gossip was responsible for commander Casey!? Everyone ‘dishes’ on the Galaxy, it breaks the ice!" she declared. She stood with her fists upon her hips, framed in the light streaming through the doorway. Her expression, seeming to belie her stance, was plaintive, even hurt.

The lieutenant didn’t see her, he continued to believe she had only one view of the subject. "Ensign," he addressed her, subconsciously changing tone since he was about to lecture, "gossip has run rampant on this ship for the past few days, and now it has finally matched its reputation for causing trouble. One officer lies in Sickbay, having nearly died either directly or indirectly due to idle speculation and our almost morbid fascination with the troubles of others. Perhaps more important are the feelings of the other people involved. I’m not claiming innocence, I’ve engaged in much speculation over the Intelligence presence aboard. Just because THAT gossip hasn’t YET hurt anyone, doesn’t make it all right. I’m serious about this, ensign," he finished, his anger and guilt apparent in the force of his last sentence.

She crossed her arms, refusing to feel at fault for the lieutenant commander’s injury. "Casey got drunk after screwing around on his wife and fell on his knife, I don’t see where that is anybody’s fault! That man has been a wreck lately, and it didn’t take any ‘water-cooler talk’ to cause that!"

Then he turned. Matthew placed his palms flat on the desk and stood, glaring at the ensign. "Has it occurred to you that ‘commander Deiran Casey does not normally drink? That cruel gossip may have driven him to drink a little too heavily in ten-forward? And now he's lying on a biobed..." he paused to catch his breath and calm himself as his voice had begun to crack. "He's lying in Sickbay recovering from an extremely painful gut wound. And here YOU are... calling him a 'wreck.' Continuing to circulate dangerous rumors, and ignoring the many times he has preserved the lives of you and everyone else on board! I hope that if I should ever be near death, you find something kind to say about me," he added in a low voice. The guilt he felt for allowing the scuttlebut to continue among his subordinates all channeled into his anger at his friend Astrid. He only felt worse for taking it out on her.

"You should not have even heard about his accident, and you can be sure I’m going to find out where you learned of this! Let me make this clear to you, and you can repeat THIS all you want. We are security officers. We are privy to things on a starship that others are not, and we are expected to handle them confidentially. Under NO circumstances are we to engage in the spread of careless speculation that can lead to a break in security, or in harm to a crewmember’s body, mind, or career. I have heard the gossip, ensign, and the things that are being said of some of our fellow officers could result in the destruction of careers, of marriages, and of morale. And, I do believe, such talk HAS resulted in something tragic already."

Ensign Astrid Salt, Matthew’s friend, stood shocked. She had never witnessed him this angry before. She looked down, and nodded, mollified.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

"To Debrief the XO"
by Lt. Thomas

Sunder, Tomalak and he entered the turbolift for their trip to deck 8. Which was where the ambassador would be housed for the duration of this mission. Chris wasn't thrilled about him being onboard, but at least he now knew why he was here, probably more so than some knew. He was familiar with the ambassador, he'd seen both federation documents that'd been collected on him and other Key Romulan personnel. He'd also read documents and information about him in Romulan databanks, not exactly your every day run of the mill information. Though he'd compared it against Federation knowledge and found it to be interesting on various points. His worst fears had come true, he'd gone back to the Klingon Empire and did work there, under some interesting circumstances. Then here he is now, with a Romulan onboard the ship and this brought back some memories. He was happy for one thing he'd never been ordered to assassinate this Romulan and there was no outstanding orders, especially now with the Romulans being allies against the Dominion.

** Deck 8 **

They stepped out of the turbolift and onto deck 8. This is where the Ambassador would be staying, he and Sunder had been jabbering about things, that interested not the least. He considered the debate pointless, he'd heard it before and knew what was behind the thoughts. The Romulan philosophies were much different, however he would be the first to admit that if the Romulans and the Federation were to spend some time together, working and such there might just be a chance.

"Admiral these are your quarters." Sunder said to the ambassador.

When the ambassador finally went into his quarters to rest and they were free to talk. "If you'll excuse me, Mr. Sunder I need to check on Lt. Commander Casey and give him a run down on the meeting."

** Near Casey's Quarters **

Lt. Thomas head come directly from seeing the ambassador to his quarters to inform Mr. Casey of what had transpired in the past few hours, and what had been relayed to those officers in attendance about their mission and was going on now. Chris found himself nearing the Casey's quarters when realized something he'd forgotten to take the chance to grill Pressman about their mission. Oh well I'll get the time to do that in the near future, if I believe it really will serve a purpose. I don't want to end the remote possibility of returning to Starfleet Intelligence someday.

Chris walked down the hall and didn't see any security officers standing out font of the door. Chris knew full well that Derian was still confined to quarters and security had been posted outside his quarters. However they were not there now, and given what he knew they should have been. This was just out of place, he wasted little time getting to the door which was closed and locked. No surprise he thought to himself, and pressed the door chime, he waited for a brief period upon not getting a response he over rode the door to check and see what was happening.

He made a brief search, for Derian who wasn't there, which raised a question where was he.

"Computer locate Lt. Commander Derian Casey." Chris said as he returned to the hallway.

"Lt. Commander Casey is in sickbay." the computer responded.

Chris headed off for sickbay, he might not like the guy, but he wasn't about ready to let Pressman use this or anything else as leverage again Captain Sterner. As he walked towards sickbay, and using turbolifts to get there, it dawned on him that every time he'd come to sickbay more or less it was generally to get a physical or new face. He rarely visited sickbay, ether because he was to chicken to let them run any test or just didn't like doctors. He wasn't sure which, maybe it was neither and it was something entirely different.

** Sickbay **

Chris entered sickbay, he didn't see the commander anywhere as entered and looked around. He then saw Dev sitting down in a corner. He knew she was back onboard the ship, but hadn't been able to talk with her, as the Pressman business had keep him focused on those things. He wondered why she was here, but didn't see any reason to disturb her and continued his look around, when he didn't see Derian. He wondered if the computer had malfunctioned and told him the wrong location.

"Computer locate Lt. Commander Derian Casey." Chris said. He was sure he'd get the same answer and that's what he got from the computer.

Then Chris decided to go talk with Dev and see if she'd seen Derain.

Christopher Patton

"Phase O typed"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The turbolift ride to deck 36 was very quiet. Lieutenant Mercury stood there patiently watching the decks flash by the status monitor while staring quietly at the doors. Besides him a very stiff Ferengi with a serious expression waited impatiently for the lift to reach it's destination - Main Engineering.

Finally the doors swooshed open and the two Starfleet Officers walked out. Well, David walked while Nog sort of marched.

The Lieutenant and Ensign walked into main engineering on the Galaxy class starship. David could see that Nog, though still reserved and almost brooding in demeanor, still appreciated the awe of the main power center of the Galaxy. Nog had been on board two different Defiant Class starships before, but this was the first time he'd ever been in a Galaxy class engine room. It was..., bigger.

David gave a slight smile at seeing the sparkle in the Ferengi's eyes. He was still sullen, but at least he had an appreciation for a fine ship like the Galaxy. "Common, this way Ensign."

Nog looked over at the Lieutenant and gave a nod, still taking in the sights around the engineering deck. The Galaxy's normal crew had been allowed back into the engineering department to carry out their duty, however a section had been curtained off with a security barrier. Two Special Operations Officers stood guard allowing entrance past the curtained doorway to only those persons authorized by Admiral Pressman. Nog gave an apprehensive swallow as they approached the some what intimidating black clad officers. Their five o'clock shadows seemed to give them a sinister appearance.

When they approached, Lieutenant Harbright exited the secure area and saw Lieutenant Mercury and Ensign Nog approaching. "It's okay McHenry, they are both cleared for access."

The SI officer took a step back, giving the Lieutenant and Ensign room to move past.

David paused at the entrance to introduce Harbright to Nog. "Thanks Lieutenant. Lieutenant Harbright, allow me to introduce Ensign Nog. Admiral Pressman's tactical advisor on this mission."

The goteed SI engineer rubbed a hand across his chin looking over the first Ferengi Starfleet Officer in the Federation. Nog stood at attention so erect, David could of sworn he had clicked his heals together.

"Pleased to meet you Lieutenant sir." Nog said with the enthusiasm of a boot camp cadet.

Harbright smiled. "The picture of enthusiasm I see. No wonder Admiral Pressman speaks highly of you Ensign."

"Thank you sir. I try my best sir." Nog replied, still serious with eyes forward and stiff as a board.

"Relax Ensign. We are just a bunch of Engineers down here, in spite of what it might look like." Harbright gave a wink.

David smiled slightly. "Admiral Pressman wants the device brought on-line."

"About time. It's been ready for nearly an hour now thanks to the efforts of your men Chief. Common, let's switch the sucker on." Harbright motioned for the two officers to follow into the secured area where the phase cloaking device unit was located.

Activating the controls Lieutenant Harbright went through the power up sequence, pausing long enough to instruct both Lieutenant Mercury and Ensign Nog on what was happening. It wasn't exactly enough to explain to someone, even an engineer, how the phase cloak worked, but more than enough to operate the unit once it was installed.

"That just about does it. Ready to enter phased state." Harbright confirmed.

Lieutenant Mercury reached across his chest and tapped his comm badge to inform the Bridge they were ready to phase the ship.

*****

Several minutes had past since the senior staff meeting was held by Pressman. The Admiral sat quietly in the XO's seat besides a likewise quiet Commander Sterner. Glancing around the bridge, it was apparent that the meeting was on the minds of the entire command crew. Lieutenant' Sharp waited patiently to see this cloaking device activate on a Federation starship before setting a course for Cardassia Prime in the heart of Cardassian-Dominion controlled space.

["Lieutenant Mercury to bridge."] came a hail.

Sterner thumbed the comm unit on the arm of his chair. "Sterner here Lieutenant go ahead."

["We are ready to activate the phase cloaking device sir."] David relayed.

Joerg looked over at Admiral Pressman waiting for him to acknowledge his earlier order. The Admiral nodded. "Proceed Commander."

"Go ahead and activate it Lieutenant." Sterner relayed.

["Aye sir. Activating phase cloak now."]

Sitting in the dead of space on the boarder of the Federation and Cardassian space, the Starship Galaxy hovers motionless. Then slowly a glitter of power appears to envelope the ship, slowly dissolving it in a bath of glitter that phases out until there is nothing left but open space.

Inside the ship, on the Bridge, nothing appears to have changed other than the momentary glint of light that rolled across the main view screen as the phase cloaking device activated and took the Galaxy to another phased state of matter.

"Power consumption has increased by sixty percent Commander." Ensign Trinker responded in his Benzite tone.

Admiral Pressman nodded glancing over to Commander Sterner. "That's normal Commander. It takes a large amount of energy to maintain the phased cloaking field around the ship."

"Chief, how is it looking?" Joerg asked.

["Everything is looking good Commander. The ship is now phased. We are ready to proceed anytime you are sir."] Lieutenant Mercury explained over the comm channel.

"Thanks Chief. Bridge out." Joerg closed the channel and then glanced over to the helm and Lieutenant' Sharp. "Aaron, I believe the Admiral had you lay in our new course?"

"Aye sir. Cardassia Prime, warp three. Plotted and laid in sir." Lieutenant' Sharp replied from the helm station next to Trinker at Ops.

"Engage." Commander Sterner ordered.

Aaron activated the flight controls and the crew watched as the USS Galaxy was thrust into warp. The field of stars streaking by while the ship heads across the boarder and into Cardassian space. It would only be a matter of time now before they located this Cardassian built Dominion battleship and attempted to destroy it like the USS Valiant had tried before.

"How are the modifications coming to the sensor grid Commander?" Admiral Pressman asked.

Joerg glanced at Pressman and then activated a channel. "Sterner to Erikson. Admiral Pressman wants an update on the sensor modifications. How much longer before they are completed Lieutenant?"

A moment later Greer responded, "Lieutenant Morris and myself are still working on it Commander. We should have the major modifications finished with in the next two hours. Then it will just be a matter of recalibrating and reprogramming the system to scan for the requested elements."

Joerg nodded. "Good, it will take us a good day to reach Cardassia Prime at warp three. Make sure everything is up to speed by then. Sterner out."

The channel closed. Joerg glanced at Admiral Pressman who was staring out the main view portal. The Commander was sure he over heard the conversation, so saw no reason to repeat it. Pressman seemed to be elsewhere with his thoughts.

A few minutes past before a incoming hail raised Sterner's attention.

["Dr. Khatroweena to the Bridge."] Cat's voice sounded urgent, even worried. Enough so to draw the Admiral out of his thoughts and listen.

Joerg immediately thumbed the controls. "Sterner here Doctor. What is it?"

["Commander, we have a medical emergency here in sickbay. We are in need of type O plasma. The Galaxy's blood bank is very low on that rare type. I was hoping to get volunteers to donate their blood if there are any on board that match sir. It could mean the difference between life and death."] Felicia explained quickly.

"Who has been injured Doctor?" Joerg couldn't help but ask. That morbid curiosity that is present in all humanoids and is so difficult to contain.

["Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey sir."] Doctor Khatroweena replied.

Joerg glanced around the bridge. He was surprised to see that Admiral Pressman had a similar reaction as the rest of the bridge crew that knew and worked with 'the Iceman' for years. That seemed a little odd, since Joerg was under the impression that Pressman and Casey didn't like each other.

"I will see what I can do Doctor. Sterner out." Joerg closed the channel and turned to the Admiral who was already getting out of his chair. "Admiral?" Joerg questioned.

"I'm heading to sickbay Commander." Pressman said matter of factly, but with a somber concerned edge.

"Sir?" Commander Sterner questioned.

"The Doctor said type O. That would be me Commander. If you will excuse me..." Pressman turned and began walking up the ramp leading out of the command well and to the turbolift at the rear of the bridge. When he entered he stood there and stared out at the main view screen before ordering "Sickbay." The doors slid closed.

Sunder read Albrecht's report with an unpleasant distaste in his mouth. He'd known that Casey was having some problems, but he didn't think that it was bad enough for him to wind up in sickbay. Another realization came with the report; one that set his stomach bubbling with worry-induced acid.

Lieutenant Commander Ursa Sunder was now second-in-command of the USS GALAXY.

Woe betide them all, he thought grimly. This was the last thing he wanted. Well, to be in command was actually the very last thing he wanted, but the thought of spending more time on the bridge was unsettling. He'd avoided it as much as he possibly could - claiming that his security duties were taking precedece. But with Casey in sickbay that left the XO's position gapingly vacant.

He could never have foreseen this. All he wanted to do was be in charge of a security squadron! It was all he had trained for, all he wanted to be. He liked things to remain as uncomplicated as possible but this threw a definite wrinkle in his life.

Sunder didn't fear command. He was completely used to the rigours of duty, administration, difficult decisions, and the like. Having the responsibility of a thousand-plus men and women, all races of the the Federation on board the ship wasn't a concern either. It was his direct duty to protect them, giving his life and the life of his officers in doing so, if he must. No, Sunder and command had more than a healthy respect for each other.

It was the rules.

The rules like the Prime Directive or First Contact Protocol that so conveniently got in the way when it came to saving peoples' lives. The terms of the Cardassian-Federation Accord that provoked so many of the Maquis to stand and fight for their homes, even going against the Federation before the Dominion finally put an end to the internal bickering. Sunder was completely sympathetic to the colonists' plight; truth is, he'd been considering joining them for a while.

No, the rules that bound a captain's hands when he tried to do the right thing weren't for Sunder. He was afraid of the time when such a moment came, because he didn't know if he had the strength to refuse to do the 'right thing'. Condemning someone to death because he had to accede to political considerations was one of his worst nightmares.

He sighed and put the report back down on the desk. He'd be getting a call from Joerg soon - he knew it, just as sure as he knew the tall Austrian's habits by now. He didn't like to sit on things and sooner or later, he'd have to sit in that blasted chair on the bridge and start thinking about ways that he could bend rules and regulations.

Pressman was another evil that he'd be forced to deal with. Until now, he was content to continue his secret intelligence-gathering campaign against that sanctimonious bastard. Things had changed and Sunder would be on the front end of receiving information - information that he wouldn't be allowed to share - secrecy - another aspect of command he didn't like.

Sunder would have to set his house in order before he started to get swept up in the hunt for this new Cardassian battleship. More duties would have to get spread around, and some of those drills for the new officers would have to wait until things died down. Phase-cloaking, Cardassian battleships and Ferengi engineers. Things were getting much more complicated than simply scanning for intruders.

The Cardassian battleship had caught his attention though. From his clandestine sources in ex-Obsidian Order contact circles, he knew that the Cardassian economy had received an incredible boost from the Dominion. The damage done by the Klingon Invasion had never fully healed, being one of the prime motivators pushing the Cardassians into the Dominion sphere of influence. For all the economic support they had received though, very little of it actually reached the Cardassian people, knowing the militaristic habits of the Cardassian government. The reports he received indicated that the people were still starving, living like the ragged refugees they had turned the Bajorans into. Medical care was at a premium and children were starving for the sake of this dreadnought. That was the Cardassian order of things.

He desperately wanted to see this thing put down; this great technological beast bent on the destruction of the Federation at the cost of its own people, it seemed. It was fueled by the suffering of one race, dedicated to the death of another. He wanted to destroy it.

If that meant taking a stint in the command chair and dealing with soul-less bastards like Pressman, then so be it. He was prepared to suffer a bit of discomfort if it meant that he had a crack at this new behemoth. If there was a race he had a grudge against, it was the Cardassians. He could never forget The HERMES - the sight of his dead and butchered parents... he shuddered. It had been a scene he hadn't thought about in years.

His communicator signaled, breaking his thoughts and sending him back to the present. He knew who this was going to be and he already had his answer prepared in his head.

"Death Comes Quickly"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
w/ excerpts from "Phase O-typed" by Captain Price

"Damn you, Deiran! Don’t die on me, don’t give up!" Cat screamed, as she did her best to put his kidney and lung back together. His gut looked like an empty bowl. Blood spewing everywhere. It was a gruesome sight to behold even if you were a doctor.

All Cat cared about was keeping him alive, she didn’t even seem to notice the blood. Just the fact he was losing too much. She opened a comm to the Bridge

["Dr. Khatroweena to the Bridge."] Cat's voice sounded urgent, even worried. Enough so to draw the Admiral out of his thoughts and listen.

Joerg immediately thumbed the controls. "Sterner here Doctor. What is it?"

["Commander, we have a medical emergency here in sickbay. We are in need of type O plasma. The Galaxy's blood bank is very low on that rare type. I was hoping to get volunteers to donate their blood if there are any on board that match sir. It could mean the difference between life and death."] Felicia explained quickly.

"Who has been injured Doctor?" Joerg couldn't help but ask. That morbid curiosity that is present in all humanoids and is so difficult to contain.

["Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey sir."] Doctor Khatroweena replied.

Joerg glanced around the bridge. He was surprised to see that Admiral Pressman had a similar reaction as the rest of the bridge crew that knew and worked with 'the Iceman' for years. That seemed a little odd, since Joerg was under the impression that Pressman and Casey didn't like each other.

"I will see what I can do Doctor. Sterner out." Joerg closed the channel and turned to the Admiral who was already getting out of his chair. "Admiral?" Joerg questioned.

"I'm heading to sickbay Commander." Pressman said matter of factly, but with a somber concerned edge.

"Sir?" Commander Sterner questioned.

"The Doctor said type O. That would be me Commander. If you will excuse me..." Pressman turned and began walking up the ramp leading out of the command well and to the turbolift at the rear of the bridge. When he entered he stood there and stared out at the main view screen before ordering "Sickbay." The doors slid closed.

"I’m not sure if I can save him, Commander. But the O type plasma will help give him a chance," Cat said before she disconnected the comm-link.

Nurses were frantically getting tools for Cat. Sickbay looked like Grand Central Station at noon in 1880. Everyone trying to save the Iceman. He was a cocky, arrogant SOB, but he was part of the family. A man seemingly void of human frailties until recently. He had helped the crew and the ship get out of more scrapes than they could count. He never asked for anything but a chance to lead and have a brilliant career. Maybe even become a hero.

A career that now seemed over. Deiran didn’t have the will to live anymore. Without Miran, without Starfleet, Casey was an empty shell of a man. With no reason to live.

Deiran was entering and then quickly leaving consciousness. For a brief time, conscious and eyes open he looked at Cat, took her arm with his hand and spoke, his voice barely audible, "Please Cat, let me die…nothing left to live for…" and then he lost consciousness again.

Cat couldn’t believe what she was hearing from the Iceman, twice now he asked to die. Was this even him? What was wrong?

"No Deiran, damn you. I won’t let you die!" Cat said, doing her best to keep the man in one piece. A few tears leaving her eyes, falling down her cheeks. Dev was nearby and heard what Deiran said. Felt what he felt inside.

"He’s given up? Deiran Casey give up?" Dev wondered out loud.

Cat turned to Dev. "Dev, get the people who love him here, their presence may help him to want to fight and live. He needs all the help he can get. He needs their support, he needs their love."

No one had ever seen Casey like this. No one had ever seen the man so broken and beaten. To everyone Deiran Casey was a rock of confidence and sheer courage. Brilliant and strong. Somehow he’d lost it. And the only way he could get it back was if he knew others still loved him, if it was possible.

Just as Cat finished her sentence, Admiral Pressman strode into sickbay. "I’m type O doctor." Even in this situation the Admiral had a commanding presence.

"Thank you Admiral, please sit down, the nurses will begin taking the plasma."

The Admiral sat down next to the bio-bed Casey was on. The Admiral was even shocked at how serious the wound was. He was soon hooked up to the plasma machine and it began extracting the plasma, scanning it, cleaning it and then feeding it to Casey’s system. Now he had the blood. But, did he have the love?

"Kindness"
by Lt.jg George Prince
Shuttle Pilot
USS Galaxy

George didn't like to be in the dark about anything. When the SI personal came on the Galaxy he stayed in the Shuttlebay. As he sat there doing nothing at the moment he want to check up on the Galaxy heading. George found out that he was being lock out.

After a few mintues he decide to scan some shuttles and find problems. Prince was look for anything that wasn't perfect. He ran a cross one that was dust all over.

"I can clean this to past the time." George said to himself. After cleaning the shuttle an Ensign walk into the Shuttlebay.

"George I have some news for you. Everyone on the ship has been talking about it. Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey is in Sickbay." the Ensign leaves without another word.

"Maybe I can go check and see how he is doing." George left the Shuttlebay and headed for his quaters. When he reached his quaters he picked up a get well card. Prince left for Sickbay find everyone in a rush to help Deiran. George left the card with a nurse and to make sure he got.

George was not going to go out of his way for the Lt. Commander. He real didn't know the guy. So, he left right away to find out what is going on with the rest of the ship.

Drink 'N Dive
Lt. Lexana Ral
Ensign Daniels

Lex was really depressed.. listening to the Holo Kryten's boring monotone didn't exactly help matters. She was 1/2 tempted to go to sickbay and try and welch some prozac or something, but then she'd have to explain her actions to Cat or Nilani and she really didn't want to have to do that. After mauling a few pillows and staring blankly at the wall for an hour or so, she decided to go to TenFore.. who knows.. there might be another barfight, and free entertainment was always good.

Ten Forward was rather quiet.. Lex noted. She wondered exactly what Electra had thought of the barfight. LtJg Ral tried to avoid the Orion hostess whenever possible, as she figured that her Romulan side might accidently start an arguement, or put her foot in her mouth and end up making her presence very unwelcome. For Lex, that would be total social death. Not being able to be in Scuttlebutt central.. where all the ship's rumors and gossip circulated freely would put her severely out of the loop.. and would certainly make her job a whole lot harder.

She looked around for an empty table.. and saw counselor Daniels nursing a drink and staring out of a window. She walked up and smiled. "May I sit here?" She asked with a grin.

Tobias looked surprised "Lt Ral. What can I do for you?"

"Please.. we're off duty, call me Lexana. " Lex curled up in a seat

"Actually.. I was hoping for some distraction.. It makes me kinda uneasy that there's a Warbird out there" She turned to a waitress and ordered a Margarita for herself, Tobias downed his drink and ordered a refill.

"That bad hunh?" Lex asked, leaning her chin on her hand

"Yup" Ensign Daniels blinked slightly as the drink took away some of the lining at the back of his throat

"In that case. the next one's on me. Consider it, therapy"

Tobias smiled, "Thanks..." He paused, "What about the Warbird makes you uneasy?"

"Romulans killed my father well, my mothers husband." she shrugged

"Then my mother got knocked up by a Romulan. She had an arguement with him about something.. I don't know what. But he beat the crap out of her. She managed to get out shortly after that. Luckily for me"

"Yeah, I guess Romulans can be pretty bruttal." He said quietly.

"You tell me, I mean your Romulan after all."

"Half, and I don't know anything about them, really."

"Yeah?" Lexana straightened in her chair, "So am I."

Tobias cocked an eyebrow, something he learned to do from his mothers Vulcan boyfriend, the movment used to drive her crazy, "Looks like we have a lot in common."

"Yeah, did you know your father? Or was your mother Romulan?"

"My father, the sperm, thats how I refer to him." He smiled, "Gods, I hate symbolic, you can't get drunk the right way with them." He took a large drink and felt a sharp pain in his forehead, "I stand corecected."

"You know what I hate about being half Romulan?" She asked, "The constant anger, they say the Klingons have it bad, nothing compared."

"Tell me about it, I was so bad when I was a kid my mother made me take this medican, Aria'C'thia, its like a tranquilizer, anyway I've been takeing it ever since, could get in trouble if a medical officer found out." Normally he wouldn't open his big mouth, but the effect of his drinks was beginning to set in, making him more talktive. "So, Lexana do you want to find something to do? A holodeck maybe, or I could just shut up and leave you alone."

Lex stirred her Margarita thoughtfully for a second. "Y'know, that sounds like fun. I could do with a laugh, anything to take my mind off THAT" She gestured with her head in the approximate direction of the warbird. "I wonder what they want"

"I have no idea." Tobias replied "Tell me, do you like airplanes?"

"Errrrr.." She wrinkled up her face "I'm not entirely sure"

"Well, how about jumping out of them?"

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"Only if your parachute doesn't open"

She thought for a minute and eventually said "Sounds great, I'd love to try it."

Thirty minutes later, they were in Holosuite 4... in a plane.. at about 8000 feet. The door was open and Tobias was leaning out. Lex had pinned herself against the far wall and was holding onto a small ledge as hard as she could. She was much paler than usual... and very, very quiet. She almost jumped right out then when Tobias turned around and yelled something over the noise of the engines.

"Wha?"

"I said.. We're almost high enough..."

"Oh .. great.." She sqeaked

"Now.. you remember what I said right? If it's all twisted.. it's called a Roman Candle.. so you Cut the parachute.. and engage the Anti Gravity Boots..Right?"

"Ye.."

"Now, what do you do if it doesn't open?"

"Engage the anti gravity boots?"

"Great.. You're going to do fine Lexana.. This is fun!" Tobias smiled Lex gave a weak smile. She wondered what you did if the Anti-Gravity boots failed..

"Alright.. come one, you come up and hold onto the doorframe here"

Lex reluctantly did so... She really hoped James wouldn't see her like this..

Her knuckles were white...

"Anytime you're ready Lex" Tobias said patiently

Ms Ral gave him a look that said it would be a cold day in hell before she was ready to jump.. However, she wasn't going to admit that.. she closed her eyes.. and let go.. immediately plummeting down....

The last thing Ensign Daniels heard was "Oh Fuuuuuuuu..."

"But she's supposed to count" He mused for a second before jumping out.

"Nightmare on Galaxy"
By: Ensign William Foxtrot
Security

[personal log]

I just finished my shift. Routine rounds and paperwork , nothing to exciting. There is alot of activity in the medical section, Lt.Cdr Deiran Casey is there hurt. Of course rumors are flying all over the ship. My hopes and prayers go out to him. I am still keeping to myself really havent met anyone yet but i am to busy trying to make a good impression.

[end entry]

"I need to get some sleep." I said walking over to my bed. I laid down looking out into the sea of space . "Computer, Music, classical mid 19th century" and with that command the room filled with the sweet sound of violins and flutes . My eyes grew heavy and finally i drifted off.

I awoke with sudden hearing the blair of red alert. I jumped up and headed for my post. My door opened and an unspeakable horror i saw The coridor was filled with blast point burns and bodies of the crew and Cardassians. How could i have slept thru all this. I opened up a storage locker and got a phaser. I felt the anger build within me.

"Computer, Current location of the Captain?" I said running down the corridor heading to the security station. [Captain is currently on the bridge] the computer answered back in the melatone voice. It gave me no comfort in this time of confusion.

I reached the security station it was a mess of bodies and destructionThe monster named rage grew stronger within me. I found a phaser rifle and prepared myself to head to the bridge. I Finally reached the bridge. The turbolift door opens to the scene of the bridge crew on there Knees with Cardassiens pointing phasers at them.

The Creature of anger and hate awoke and i opened fire on the bastards. I hit two of them before others over powered my rifle from my hands.

I was not about to give up! I kept on fighting taking all the training i knew and used it against them.

They Beat me and bound me.

"For your bravery and Loyalty we will let you live......." He said as he nodded.

At that moment they opened fire on the bridge crew.

"Nooooooooooooooo................" I yelled

"We will let you live with the knowledge that you killed your captain and crew." He said with a Wry smile of Triumph.

I awoke startledand drenched in sweat. I went and washed my face off. I looked in the mirror and said "It was only a dream William nothing more.".

I change my uniform and headed to ten forward. I entered and went straight to a window seat.

The waitress walked by and i ordered a bloodwyne. She brought it to me and i began to sip it. Thinking to myself could this have been a warning of something to come. Is my rashness and temper going to get others killed. I guess i will make an appointment with a counselor. I have a better idea.

I stood up and headed for the holodecks.

"Computer load Klingon Battle Arena." I ordered.

[Enter when ready] it answered back emotionless.

I entered and said "Computer surrond me with 5 Cardassien Warriors!"

They appeared all around me and with that came the words "program start"

The test began they swarmed me and i fought like an klingon champion. The Hollas and cheers from the simulated Klingons only fueled me.

The fight must of went on for an hour and i stood victorios. "I knew it was a dream! It means nothing, Cardies beating me!" I said leaving the holodeck to go and get cleaned up with a big smile.

Personal note to self meet some others.