** by Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga **
after review by Ensign D'Auria & Lt. Mercury -:)

By the end of their shift, Be'Tran and Polina had completed their simulations. They were now aware that their idea might require more general power output than they had originally considered; but that did not deterr Betta. She felt she could compensate, and she felt the idea was ready for proposal.

As the Alpha shift came on, she noticed Lieutenan Mercury make his way into the Chief Engineer's office. "Now's our chance." she said softly to Polina.

"Yeah," said Polina yawning. "Our chance for what?"

"To propose our idea to Lieutenant Mercury."

"Oh, yeah." Polina yawned again, and put her head down on her console. She was tired.

Be'Tran patted her friend on the back, "Snooze away, sleepy-head." she said giggling. She then picked up a PADD, and proceded to Mercury's office.

**********

David Mercury was seated comfortably at his desk. He activated the desktop-viewer, and began skimming the duty-logs for Gamma-shift. He noticed the scheduling of several simulations for sensor reconfigurations.

He studdied the data carefully. 'Hmmmm, not bad.' he thought, then he noticed the names of the officers in charge of running the sims.

"Ensign Praskovya, and Ensign M'Benga." He hadn't had much of a chance to work with either of these two young ladies. He did recall though, that M'Benga was the one who helped Jack D'Auria remove a Klingon torpedo from the hull at the Science Lab. "Probably saved the ship." he said, again aloud.

At that instant, his door chime sounded. "Come in." was the Chief's response.

The door slid open to admit Ensign M'Benga. "Sir, Ensign M'Benga, may I speak to you for a moment?"

"M'Benga," replied Mercury, "That's funny, I was just thinking about you."

"Really, sir." Be'Tran seemed surprised, "And do you mind if I ask you what you were thinking?"

"Not at all," said David, "I was recalling when you and D'Auria removed that imbedded torpedo from the Science Lab. Good Work."

"Thank you, sir," said Betta, smiling, "I've recieved several... fringe benefits... from that, sir."

Mercury gestured to the chair infront of his desk. "Have a seat, Ensign; what did you need to see me about?"

"This, sir." said Betta, handing Mercury her PADD.

He took it, and skimmed over the data, as he had with the reports on his viewer. David could read faster than most, and remembered alot better than most speedreaders; so, naturally, it didn't take him long to read reports.

"Yes, Ensign," he said as he glanced over the PADD, "I've been reviewing the simulation data in the duty-logs; the simulations you and Praskovya have been working on this shift."

"Yes, sir." said Be'Tran, sitting herself in the chair opposite Mercury. "And?"

"And," responded Mercury, "I think you've got some good ideas here. You may have some problems with power-generation. If you could iron those bugs out, I think it could be a recommendable idea."

"Thank you, sir." said M'Benga.

"Ofcourse, even if you get the power-consumption problem streightend out," said the Chief, "I doubt if Admiral Pressman will aprove it. He's practicly put his name on every spark of aux-power we can generate."

"I understand, sir... it's just that."

"It's just that, sitting so close to these borders; you felt we needed a little bit of an extra warning if anyone came calling, is that it?" said Mercury.

"Yes, sir."

"Didn't the science-section propose something along the same lines, but with runabouts?" David put the PADD down, having absorbed the pertinent data.

"Yes, sir. Admiral Pressman didn't allow it." said Be'Tran

"And I'm sure he wont allow this." said David. Be'Tran half imagined she caught a look of disdain on the Chief Engineer's face. Or perhaps she sensed feelings that David wasn't trying to show openly.

"Ensign T'Vek is working with us." Be'Tran continued, "With his help, we should be able to cut down on the power consumption."

"Well," said Mercury, "I'll take it under advisement. You figure out your bugs, and I'll see if I can get the plan approved."

"Thank you, sir!" Betta said loudly, and very excitedly.

"Don't thank me yet." said Mercury, "I'd like to think we'd have a little extra warning out here. This is a very dangerous area of space; and I kinda feel like the 'Titanic' waiting for the iceberg." here Mercury grinned slightly, "An iceberg in the form of a Cardassian warship, or some Jem'Hadar fighters."

"My feelings exactly, sir." said M'Benga, trying not to sound too brown-nosy.

"As I said, I'll take it under advisement." said Mercury, "Now, your shift's over, so; dismissed. Go get some rest."

Betta left Mercury's office, feeling filled with confidence.

*** TEN FORWARD

Jack D'Auria enterred Ten Forward, and surveyed the surroundings. In second he saw what his heart was searching for; Be'Tran M'Benga.

She was sitting in a booth near the back of the lounge, sipping a steaming, frothy white drink. He made his way over to her casually.

Be'Tran looked up as Jack aproached. She knew he was there before she even saw him. There relationship was so intimate that she could "feel" his presence that way; maybe it was because she was part Betazoid. Maybe it was because Jack D'Auria was fatly becoming the center of Betta's universe.

He sat down across from her, without a word, and took her hand in his, and kissed it.

"Hello." he said, almost dryly.

"Hello." Betta giggled back. "What kind of day did you have."

"The usual, I suppose, sience the SI came aboard." replied Jack, "Admiral Pressman shot down Numa's idea before it even got off the ground."

"I know," said Be'Tran, "but not to worry, Polina and I cooked up a backup-plan."

"Yeah," said Jack, "T'Vek told me. Kind off the wall, don't you think?"

"Sure," said Be'Tran, "but most really good ideas usually are."

Jack smiled at her, all the feelings he had inside for her just dying to come out. He felt he jump up on the table, and sing out how much he loved her.

"Jack." said Be'Tran in a soft voice. He looked into her eyes, her bright green eyes. She seemed hesitant about something.

"What." he said, just as softly, hoping nothing was wrong; especially between them. Perhaps that was a selfish thought, but he felt he simply couldn't go on if he lost Betta.

"I was wondering," she began again, "how much do you like being with me?"

"Like being with you?" said Jack, "I don't 'like' being with you, Betta; I love it."

"Then you wouldn't mind being with me alot more often, would you?" she asked.

He classped both of her hands between his. "Of course not, but what do you mean?"

"I want you to be with me, al the time, Jack."

Jack sat speechless. Was this a marriage-proposal. He thought Betta didn't approve of marriage; because of her parents. Maybe something had changed her mind.

"How do you mean?" he asked, finally.

"I want you to move in with me." replied Be'Tran. Jack's mouth dropped open, slightly, but he quickly clapped it shut.

"Move in with you?" he repeated.

"Yes, or I could move in with you. It doesn't matter. I just want you there when I wake up. There when I go to sleep; or at least try to sleep." she ended her sentence with a giggle.

Jack didn't answer, "Look," said Betta, "I've already rearranged my quarters, so that there is more than enough room. I even requisitioned a double-bed. You could move in right away. Or I could move in with you."

"You want for us to live together, then?" asked Jack.

"Yes." said Betta, "You know how I feel about marriage. I don't want to get married. But at, the same time, I want to be with you. I think living together is the logical conclusion."

"Well," said Jack, "you present me with an interesting proposition. If I choose to live with you, where shall we live?" he was smiling wider, and Be'Tran guessed he was kidding.

"Oh, so that's the BIG QUESTION, huh?" she said, loudly, "Not whether or not to live with me, but where to do it."

"Not at all," said Jack, "there are several factors to be considered..."

Be'Tran slid quickly around the curved seat of the booth, so that she was face-to-face with Jack. She reached up and tickled his ears.

"They're getting pointy again." she said teasingly. "Now, come on; you said I should teach you how to please me. This will please me. C'mon, now hesitations. It's now or never, Jack D'Auria. This offer expires in 15 seconds."

Jack laughed in spite of himself, "I didn't know you were part Ferengi too." he said gestfully.

"Yep!" replied Betta, "I drive a helluva hard bargain, baby!"

"The I suppose I must respond before my time-limit expires." said Jack, "Alright, we'll try it. We'll see how it works out. I'll confess, Betta, when I'm not with you it has gotten so that I feel more alone than than I used to feel when I was truly alone."

Betta puckered her lips, and her eyes opened wide as D'Auria continued. "I was always very lonely in my youth; growing up. But I feel more lonely than I ever did then when we are not together."

"Gotta do something about it." said Be'Tran mock-flatly. "So when are you gonna move in?" at that moment her comm-badge beeped.

^Mercury to M'Benga^ came the Chief Engineer's voice.

Be'Tran tapped her badge, "Go ahead, sir."

^I thought you'd want to know right away.^ began David, and Be'Tran could tell bad news was coming. ^I suggested your proposal to Commander Sterner, and he bounced it off Pressman. Sorry, Ensign.^

"I understand, sir" she said, disapointedly.

^The Admiral, as I had assumed; has tapped just about every drop of aux-power we could spare. Naturally, he wouldn't aprove a plan that consumes this power. Good idead, though, M'Benga. I'm sorry. ^

Be'Tran slumped back in her chair.

^All the same,^ came Mercury's voice over the comm again, ^continue your work. Try to get the bugs out of the power-consumption ratio. That way we can impliment the plan if necessary. I doubt if even Admiral Pressman would refuse if it were a situation of shear survival. Mercury out.^

"He did it again." said Jack.

"The axe-man." Be'Tran half mumbled.

"Be not discouraged, Imzadi." said Jack. "You still have me."

"You're damned right," said Betta, "and if you were really serious a moment ago; I'm gonna have you alot more often."

"I was serious, Betta." he said, smiling, and staring into her emerald eyes. "We'll live together, if that is what you want."

And he took her face in his hands, and kissed her, long and passionately; giving not a damn for the populace of ten forward, several of whom were glancing there way.

"It may be cold in space," remarked a red-shirted Ensign, "but it sure is warm in here."

Dreams of Him
Casey Ti Miran

"I will always love you.
I will never leave you alone."
Miran stood at the edge of the Dance floor hearing the words of the song being played. It was the same song that Deiran had played for her, it was their song.

Deiran was dancing but not with her. It broke her heart to see him there. He was so beautiful but it wasn't with her he was dancing with. He was dancing with someone in a beautiful white lacy dress with sequins and pearls. A veil covered her face, and Miran didn't know who it was. No one would tell her who Deiran was with, who he had been with when breaking her heart.

"I don't want to lose you
I could never make it alone."
It wasn't fair that it was their song being played. It was salt in the wound. Deiran had left her alone, as all others had. She was always alone, so alone.

"Do not leave me, I loved you," Miran cried out. She could feel the tears flowing down her face. He had betrayed her. He lied to her. He didn't love her. Who was it that he loved, who was it that Deiran had given his love to, taken from her?

"Just like a knight in shining armor,
From a long time ago."
Deiran was her hero but he didn't want her any more. The song played on, no one noticed Miran. Always alone, always would she be. The only person you can count on was yourself. She couldn't trust anyone, there was no one for her.

Maybe loving again was a mistake. She shouldn't have given her heart. Everyone that she loved was taken from her. Her parents taken by the Cardassians, Rob taken away, now Deiran taken away by some nameless person. No one cared. Always alone.

It hurt so much, how could she ever get over him? One day he loved her, the next it was over. No, it couldn't be, she needed him. He completed her. Without him, she would never be whole again. The pain would never leave.

"I am the man who will fight for your honor
I'll be the hero that you're dreaming of."
No more. She died a little that day. Miran would never be the same. How could laughter be a part of her life? Deiran was everything.

But what about Lara? How could she grow up in a loveless life? How could anyone make her suffer for the sins of their parents? It was hard growing up without a parent. People thought you were different somehow because you came from a shattered home. It hurt to see parents with the children helping at school affairs, being at family pinics without a family. No one should ever grow up without both parents.

Miran cried, the sedative taking her lower into the darkness. The dreams left and finally she slept peacefully.

** by Ensign M'Benga & Ensign Praskovya **

Keras T'Vek was disappointed. He didn't let it show, but he was sorely disappointed. He left Ensign Praskovya behind and proceeded to exit the engineering section; only to bump into(literally) Ensign M'Benga: Polina's partner, of sorts, on Gamma shift.

"Hey, Keras; gotta look where you're goin', friend." was Be'Tran's cheery greeting. "Whoa, something's wrong. You know, Vulcan's may not be very emotional, but someitmes you guys are easy to read."

T'Vek shot her a calm, but serious glance; "Read?"

She tapped her ridged forehead, "1/4 Betazoid, remember."

Keras nodded. His level of aquiantence with Be'Tran M'Benga consisted entirely of one poker game, in which they had participated with Lieutenant Hewson; but somehow, the Vulcan got the impression that Be'Tran always acted more familiar with people than she really was.

He began to explain the situation, up to the point of Admiral Pressman's intervention; to M'Benga, as Polina stepped up beside them.

"A real downer, huh Betta? And to think that I was really getting into the idea of doing the mods. It's all quite fascinating." Praskovya stated as Keras finished his catharsis. With the take over of engineering and the SI officers running off the main engineers, Polina and Betta had way too much time on their hands.

"I'll say," said Be'Tran, "I would've loved to be in on reconfiguring the runabouts, and installing the holoprojectors. Not to mention flying one of the ships."

Polina looked at the Klingon woman when she mentioned that she woul love to fly one. Polina had no idea that her co worker and friend was a pilot as well as an engineer. The Orion's green eyes sparkled. She would definitely get Betta to help her learn to fly a shuttle more efficiently.

"You are apilot as well as an engineer?" asked Keras. He too was impressed with the vastness of this Ensigns knowledge and skills.

"Yep.", said Betta. then she got a thoughtful look on her face, and crossed the deck to a console. She lifted a PADD from the console, and began tapping in info.

"Yess!" she said, excitedly, but softly, then she handed Polina the PADD, and moved to a different console to take a seat.

Polina scanned the data displayed on the PADD, and exclaimed; "Betta, you're crazy!"

T'Vek's eye brow arched, but he remained silent. Polina began tapping at the PADD adding a few more modifications to those that B'Tran had offered.

"Maybe, maybe." said Be'Tran calmly, as she punched up the Galaxy specs on her console.

T'Vek took the PADD from Polina; "Hey!" she hollered, in mock-annoyance.

The Vulcan tossed her a quick look, then went into studying the content of the PADD. He raised an eyebrow, and lifted his gaze to fix on M'Benga, hard at work on some simulation involving the Galaxy's sensor-arrays. What he had seen displayed on the PADD was totally illogical and irrational, but to his amazement, it could theoretically work.

Be'Tran had always been facinated by Galaxy-class ships. Even with the new Sovereign-class out now, she found the Galaxy-class to be the most fasinating, and efficient StarShip design in the fleet. Perhaps the most fasinating thing about a Galaxy-class ship to Be'Tran (and perhaps this was due to the fact that she was an Engineer) was that, in the event of an Emergency, you could run the whole ship from Engineering; including transferring control of bridge-functions to the Engine room.

"If we could simply reconfigure a portion of the Galaxy's sensor-capabilities into a direct tie-in with an Engineering monitor, then rerout enough power from non-esential systems;" Betta began explaining aloud, "we could boost the sensor-gain to compensate for our disallowed runabout plan, wihtout anyone having to even leave the ship."

"Yes," said Polina, "but punching up additional sensors, and rerouting that much power would give us a thick signature. As far as Cardassian noses are concerned, we'd reek, Betta. But..."

M'Benga interrupted, "Not necessarily." She got up and crossed to another console. She called up the Galaxy's power-outlay specs. "I can reroute the necessary power from something non-essential, like this."

A puplish line, tracing powerflow through the Galaxy, highlighted itself on the screen-schematic. "Backup replicator waveguides." remarked T'Vek.

"Right," said Be'Tran, "Then we simply tie in two engineering monitors, or one monitor in engnineering, and one in the science-lab; to recieve the data, then feed it back to the bridge at the auxiliary mission-ops boards at the aft stations."

"You're right," said Polina, looking at the Galaxy schematic, overlayed with Betta's simulations, "but how would we mask our power-outlay. Or, as I previously put it, our stench to the nose of a Cardassian sensor-sweep?"

"By channelling the power through a back-up system," said Be'Tran, "It should mask most of the output upfront."

Keras looked contemplative for a moment, then; "We could set up the additional sensor output to scan in rotated bursts, and accompany these scans with a noise-ouptu from the subspace phase adjusters. This would cause anyone picking up the output from our enhanced sensors to think they were detecting loose subspace interference, instead of a direct sensor scan."

Be'Tran snapped her fingers, and pointed impressedly at T'Vek; "Smart.. and cute." she said with a wink. Polina let a giggle esacpe at this.

"OK," Praskovya then said, "but it'll need alot of work, and we'll hafta run loads of simulations to make sure we can boost the sensor-gain enough, and still cover it up. We'd better get to work."

"You run your simulation's ladies." said Keras, "I, in the meanwhile, shall return to the Science Lab, and present your preposal to Lieutenat Morris."

He turned and made for the turbolift, as the two Engineers wnet to work ontheir monitors, calling up data, and preparing their simulations.

"Back to work, people."

When Jack and Numa left Lt. Erikson's office, they didn't say a thing. Numa's face was creased with anger and disappointment while Jack kept his expression neutral. Even so, he was not happy; the science department had worked hard and raced against the clock to come up with a viable long range scan and stealth plan, only to have it discarded by the S. I. admiral.

"I cannot believe this! All our work and then he just orders us to stop! Who does he think he is, anyway", said Numa, fuming with anger. Jack had gone back to his console, his fingers flying over the board.

"He is an admiral in Starfleet Intelligence, as such, he is our superior officer. According to protocol, he can take over command, make 'suggestions' to the command staff of the ship and generally decide who does what and when." "Jack, you can't tell me you aren't angry about this at all. You're sitting there like it doesn't bother you at all."

Jack turned around in his chair, facing Numa and the other science officers.

"It is illogical, not to mention unproductive to get angry. The admiral's decision, in light of the current operational situation, however, is logical." "What do you mean", asked Manden.

"The Romulan warbird has departed, I am not detecting any sign of it on my sensors. Our power consumption is rapidly increasing. I have no idea as to what is causing it at this time, however, it is a logical assumption that we are going to be heading into Cardassian space soon. If that is the case, then the use of forward deployed surveillance units is not a viable option."

Numa looked thoughtful for a moment, digesting what D'Auria had just said and she had to admit that it made sense.

"So, like, what do we do then", asked Soleri. "I presume it would be best if we continued with our scheduled research, until our shifts are over."

Jack glanced questioningly at Numa, who nodded her consent. As the others went to back to their experiments, Numa took the Padds with their research and started uploading them into the computer. "Who knows when it might come in handy, Jack." "True enough."

Jack turned silent again, as he pulled up a list of running experiments and research that he was responsible for.

"So, Jack, how are things between you and Betta going?" "Quite well, actually, Lt." "Quite well? Jack, you two have been seeing each other practically every day since we came back from Earth! I'd say that qualifies as more then well", she said, grinning. Jack shifted uncomfortably in his chair, he was not used to talking about his private life, another Vulcan trait. Turning to face the Benzite, he considered his words carefully.

"Be'Tran and I have a very physical relationship. It is ….very rewarding in of itself. However, I ….feel a loss any time I am not near her. I have been alone most of my life, Numa and I have learned to cope with that, learned how to rely on only myself and nobody else. It is the logical conclusion one makes when in such a situation. Now, however, something has changed, I am ….not complete without her. It is like she is my other half. I've never felt like this before. And I know I couldn't bear to lose her."

Numa smiled slightly, normally, Jack wasn't the most talkative person around, satisfied with keeping to himself, fading in the background, but it was as if he had turned into the most talkative scribe in history. She could see that he was in love with her friend and that her opinion that if asked, Jack would only 'find it a logical step in their relationship' to move in with the outgoing engineer. Before she could say anything however, Jack got up, grabbed a toolkit, saying something about going to do a visual inspection of the rear sensor arrays and was gone from the lab. Numa decided not to tell either of them what they had told her; it would be best if they did so themselves. A sudden feeling of happiness mixed with sadness coursed through her veins. She was happy for her friends and saddened because it reminded her so much of her own love. With that thought, the Benzite turned back to her work.

Jack crawled along the Jefferys tube, inside the outer section of the rear of the saucer. As he reached the main junction there, he punched in a code, opening the small, sliding doors and dropped down the opening into the main aft sensor distribution node. Since it was his responsibility to make sure the sensor system worked, he had scheduled regular visual inspections of all key systems in conjunction with Engineering and Operations. And since it seemed they were going into Cardassian space, it was preferable to make sure that everything was working to specifications.

Actually, above the original specifications, since Jack had made some improvements to the system, giving it a slight increase of its capability. Its beam was narrower, giving the sensors a slightly longer range and a bit better resolution. As he ran his tricorder over the board, checking the isolinear chips and the distribution net, he thought back at his talk with Numa. A small smile lit up his face as he pictured Betta, wearing that bikini on the beach. And when they had gone to that club he had programmed and that 20th century alternative rock band she liked so much had played. He had planned it as a surprise and he would never forget the look on her face, so full of joy and love. She had kissed him then and he could have sworn he could feel it all the way down to his toes.

Jack could feel from the vibrations of the ship that she was under way again; accessing the LCARS panel, he accessed the sensor data and saw that his earlier assumptions were right. The Galaxy was invading Cardassian space. As he continued checking, he found a slight fluttering in the system, but couldn't easily locate the source. Tapping his commbadge, he hailed the bridge and talked to the operations officer there, asking her if it were possible to run a trace of the system. It only took a few minutes to locate the source; Jack sighed, this was going to take longer than he had planned. He would have to replace a power coupling whose inner wall had cracked slightly. In of itself, it was not a very dangerous problem and the sensors would still work okay, even if the coupling failed. However, that was under relative calm circumstances; under battle conditions, all systems were to be ready for anything and since he was already here, it would be a waste of manpower to contact engineering to send someone over to replace it.

With that thought, Jack got up and crawled back out of the Jefferys tube and went to the equipment room the section rated. It was easier to have one here, since this was the nexus of many key systems, making it easier then having to transport the necessary parts here. Back in the node, he started pulling away the grates covering the power coupling; it glowed with the energy flowing through it. Jack contacted the bridge again and had the ops officer reroute the powerflow. As soon as that was done, he waited a few seconds, checking his tricorder to make sure there was no residual power in the coupling, before setting to work. It would take several hours to recalibrate the system after the replacement, even though the removal of the coupling was a two-minute job, if he had a bad day. Wiping away the sweat from the heat, he set to work.

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

“No! We have to hit it here, here and here,” exclaimed Mac, pointing over the ensign’s shoulder at the simulation, as he watched the quantum torpedoes slam ineffectively in to the side of the Cardassian battleship. “If we don’t hit the braces exactly the damage will be insubstantial.”

Ensign Cruz nodded as he readjusted the parameters and restarted the scenario. As both he and Mac watched the events unfold Mac hoped that this was finally the one that would hold the answers. As they watched the full spread of Quantum torpedoes slam into the underside of the alien ship, explosions, large and ominous, erupted from the hull of the target.

Ensign Cruz let out a slight exclamation of success, as they watched the explosions subside moments before the ship completed it’s turn and began to fire on the Galaxy.

“Computer,” ordered Mac. “damage report for target vessel?”

“Working,” came the whirr-click generic response of the computer. “Damage to Cardassian vessel. Negligible.”

Mac stood up and pinched the bridge of his nose. This was the 97th scenario that he had ran trying to find some method to assault, what appeared to be an indestructible ship. Mac knew that the ship had a weakness. What worried him was that the Galaxy wouldn’t be able to exploit it. As he watched the computer run the 98th scenario. He wondered what the crew of the Valiant must’ve felt when they engaged the massive behemoth that floated invincibly on the screen before him. He was worried facing the “thing” in a fully capable Galaxy-class starship. As he looked Ensign Cruz, he placed his hand on his shoulder.

“Keep at it, Ensign.” Added Mac with a smile. “I’ll be on the bridge if I’m needed.”

Mac picked up the PADD and headed out of the Tac office. As the TurboLift headed to the bridge, Mac’s mind went unbidden to the upcoming battle. They had lost two many friends in the ‘Jawbreaker” battle. He wondered how many they would lose in this one. Even the Galaxy’s uncanny luck had to run out sometime.

** Main Bridge **

As Mac stepped onto the bridge he quickly glanced around and saw that Pressman was no where to be seen. Walking into the well he made his way to the Captain who was in conversation with Comdr. Sunder.

“Tell me you have good news, Mac,” chided Joerg. “I need some.”

“Well, its not coming from me.” Replied Mac, ominously, as he handed the PADD to the Acting Captain. As he looked over it, Mac cleared his throat. “I been over the Admiral’s plan from top to bottom…atlas what I know about it. It’s viable, but what worries me is its an all of nothing gamble. If the phase torpedo, doesn’t work. We just don’t have the firepower to take out this thing. Part of that is the drain on our primary power. That cloak drinks power like a Klingon drinks bloodwine. Also, according to the tactical data that the Ferengi brought, that thing is is twice our size and has the firepower of one, maybe more Sovereign–class vessels. The most we could hope for...and this is if we are extremely lucky…is to damage it‘s secondary power systems and atleast shut her down enough to give us an escape window…”

“Are you recommending retreat, Lt” Asked Admiral Pressman, as he stepped from the Captain’s Ready Room.

Mac stiffened at the tone of the Admirals voice. “No sir. I am merely stating our Tactical situation in plainest terms.”

As the Admiral moved into the well, he stopped and with a slightly raised voice,so everyone could here, addressed Mac. “Understand, Lt. that our mission is to destroy this battleship. Not damage, not slow and not to disable, but to utterly destroy it. The Phase Cloak and the Phase torpedo is our plan of action and it will be our plan.” Turning to face Sterner he suddenly, became very serious. “Captain, I don’t know what kind of crew you have on board, but so far I’ve seen ensigns questioning orders, unauthorized plans being developed and now I have a chief tactical officer that is saying that we should run from a battle before a single shot has been fired.” He glared at Mac with the last comment.

Mac bit his tongue as he glanced at Jeorg , hoping for some sort of response.

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

"Tunneling White"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

The lifesigns on the med monitor showed Deiran’s heartbeat getting weaker and then it went flatline. A long, white line streaming across the heartbeat monitor.

Deiran was gone.

Deiran saw a bright, luminescent light, blinding him in the distance. At first he thought it might be one of the Q playing tricks on him. He could hear voices all around him. It was like he was in a tunnel but instead of it being dark it was bright, blinding and pure white.

He continued walking to the source of the light, it seemed like it was taking an eternity to reach the light. Then as he reached the opening he was pulled back as if an explosion had thrown him back. He could see his body on the table, bloody and not breathing. He turned away in horror.

His thoughts turned to the love of his life, Miran. He loved her with all of his heart. He hated himself for hurting her. She was so fragile, so vulnerable and in many ways dependent on him. She had dealt with an almost insurmountable pain in her life. A pain given to her by Cardassians. Deiran had no love for Cardassia, even in death.

And as his thoughts turned to Miran the tunnel faded away and he was in a pit. Before him were Two Miran’s.

"I hate you Deiran Casey!" the Miran on the left screamed. Her clothing was black and torn. Her eyes were dark, her hair matted, her face was dirty, her eyes were glimpses into pure hatred.

Deiran put his head down. The woman had a right to hate him. What he had done was unforgivable. He wasn’t sure he could love anyone else though, she was the only woman for him. He was attracted to other women and except for Tebrianne never had any feelings for them.

The Miran on the right, dressed in pure white clothing, her beautiful eyes seemed to stare into him with love. Her hair was down, flowing past her shoulders. Her face bright and full of love. The picture of peace and compassion. The Miran he had known in life.

"I love you Deiran and always will love you. Lara loves you too," she said, her voice serene and full of hope.

"How can you Miran?" Deiran asked. "I can’t believe that I hurt you, I hate myself for hurting you. I can’t live with the guilt inside. It was tearing me apart."

"Let it go Deiran, our love is stronger than guilt," Miran said. Deiran could see the love in her eyes. How he wanted to see that same look in the real Miran’s eyes. If for just one second more in his life.

"I can’t. I hurt you Miran, I hate myself for hurting you. I don’t even know why it happened. Or why I wanted anyone but you," Deiran said, melancholy filling his voice as he spoke.

"You should hate yourself you piece of crud. Cheating on me! How dare you betray me!" the dark-clothed Miran spat out the words.

"What about Lara, Deiran? Does she not deserve a father to love her and love in return? She will need you as you needed your father," the Miran on the right said with wisdom.

Deiran did not respond and looked away.

"How could you commit suicide with your child in the room. What a coward!" the dark Miran shouted.

"I AM NOT A COWARD!" Deiran shouted back, a fierce anger rising within. "I am a great man."

"Correction, you were a great man," the dark Miran replied, laughing in his face.

Deiran Casey, the great Deiran Casey was gone. And dead at 24. He looked down at his lifeless body and then back to the pure Miran.

"Can you love me despite what I’ve done? I can’t live again without you?" he asked somberly.

"Yes Deiran. I still love you. Lara loves you too. Come back to us…" she said.

Deiran wanted to go to her and hug her, kiss her and cry on her shoulder and ask forgiveness. Deiran didn’t cry much and when he did you knew he was in pain. He was a strong man, proud and sturdy emotionally. But his heart was connected to Miran’s. He needed her in his life.

He wanted to be with her and her only. He looked over at her, she was smiling at him as she always used too. He missed that smile, that glow she had that seemed to light up the room. She was a vision of true beauty.

"You’ve lost me forever Deiran Casey, just give up and die. Be a quitter and a coward!" the dark Miran shouted.

Deiran’s anger began to build, he walked to her. Putting his nose to hers, pure anger spewing from his soul and he spoke, under control but clearly mad, "I will win I always win! I may be down, but not knocked out. I love you, Lara needs me and I love her. I will not be remembered as a coward and a quitter. I will be a legend!"

The dark Miran laughed in his face. "Some legend, an adulterer and a suicidal maniac!" she scoffed.

"Not anymore I’m not!" he countered. His spirit began to glow, the old Deiran was coming back. The proud, strong man everyone had known in life. He was changed, a new person with a new character, but his inner make-up, his personality was coming back. Deiran had always been a fighter. A pit bull in human form. So arrogant that he believed death couldn’t beat him. The world needed people who were good and undefeatable. To others it would seem over. But even when things looked as bad as they could possibly be, Deiran could always find a way. And he would again.

"I will win you back Miran," he said to the pure Miran. "We will raise our daughter together. I will always be faithful to you from now on for the rest of my life. I will devote myself to you. To our daughter. She needs me, I don’t want some other man raising my daughter. She is my flesh and blood, she is us. If I can be with you again I have something to live for."

"I don’t want to ever be alone. I do love you Deiran, I have forgiven you. And will love you for all time," she said.

The two Miran’s faded away and Deiran was surrounded by darkness. The light was gone and he could see nothing. And as quickly as the darkness appeared the light of sickbay appeared.

"Common Deiran, don’t die on me! Come back please! We all need you!" Cat said, as she held the tools to revive him in her hand.

The lifeline began to flick just a bit and then go down again. A couple of strong pulses and then flatline again. Repeating several times.

"Your friends are here, everyone who loves you want you to live! Don’t let us down Deiran, you never have before!" Cat said, she cared for Deiran as a friend and couldn’t bare to lose him.

"You can’t die Deiran!" Dev whispered telepathically.

There were others there, friends and crewmates. People who hated him and loved him, people who did not want to see him die. Deep inside, in their own way, they were asking for a miracle... to see him live.

Messages
Ensign Keras T’Vek
Science Officer
USS Galaxy

Ensign Keras T’Vek left the two engineers and made his way to his cabin, his thoughts running over the ideas they had come up with to strengthen the sensor output, he could only see one problem, the amount of energy required.

He noticed everyone appeared a little somber and sad, for those of the crew who had no control of there emotions. He stepped into an open turbolift with two other ensigns who did not take notice of his presence and were continuing a conversation,

"…he’s in sickbay. With all the rumors about what he did you have to wonder why he’s there." Said a short chubby human.

"I still cant believe Deiran Casey did that with her, since he’s married!" continued a average size human.

About then the turbolift came to a stop and Keras stepped out into the corridor leaving the two human gossips behind. He made his way to his cabin and entered, quickly heading over to a computer terminal. He sat down a began to create a message,

Greetings Lieutenant Morris,
I have been in contact with Ensign M'Benga and Ensign Praskovya concerning a new plan to increase the sensor range.

We believe that if we reconfigure a portion of the Galaxy's sensor-capabilities into a direct tie-in with two engineering monitors, or one monitor in engineering, and one in the science-lab; to receive the data, then feed it back to the bridge at the auxiliary mission-ops boards at the aft stations then reroute power from non-essential systems, backup replicator waveguides, we could boost the sensor-gain to compensate for our disallowed runabout plan. We could set up the additional sensor output to scan in rotated bursts, and accompany these scans with a noise-output from the subspace phase adjusters. This would cause anyone picking up the output from our enhanced sensors to think they were detecting loose subspace interference, instead of a direct sensor scan.

At the moment Ensign M’Benga and Ensign Praskovya are running simulations concerning this plan. If you find the plan acceptable then please bring this to Lt. Erikson. I would also like to ask for permission to work with Ensing M’Benga and Ensign Praskovya concerning this plan.

Sincerely,
Ensign T’Vek

When he was finished he sent the message on its way and got up and made his way to Ten-Forward, he had just got off shift a few minutes ago and decided he would head to Ten-Forward to get a drink.

His trip to Ten-Forward was uneventful and this time he was alone on the turbolift. He did not note anyone that he knew when he arrived at his Ten-Forward. He ordered a tall glass of water and sat down at a table near one of the windows so that he could look out onto the Cardassian Border.

He took slow sips of the drink wondering if the plan would be accepted or rejected, his mind playing with the pro’s and con’s of the plan.

Tactical Analysis Part I
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

******Holodeck 3******

Benedict T'Kal walked slowly to the centre of the grey and yellow grids of the Holodeck and paused in thought. In the last three weeks he had heard quite a lot regarding the battle with the two Vor'cha Class Klingon Attack Cruisers, and the unorthodox battle tactics of the then commanding officer, Lt. Commander Casey. He called it 'The Jawbreaker', and this was the first time that Benedict had had a chance to get into a Holosuite to examine the battle.

The two Vor'cha's the 'Bitas' and the 'Po'SuvwI' were in most respects the equal of the Galaxy Class in size and speed, although each ship was heavily armed with a massive disruptor cannon, multiple disruptors and photon torpedoes. They were also equipped with cloaking devices and deflector shields.

"Computer - set up new program: T'Kal Tactical Analysis Alpha. Set up holographic non solid reconstruction of USS Galaxy encounter with the 'Bitas' and the 'Po'Suvwl" at one to one hundred scale. Utilise all scan logs and sensor information for the duration of the battle. Begin at three minutes prior to contact with the Klingon ships. Project in real time." He paused, what else was there?

"Run sub-program entitled: Galaxy data, Analysis Alpha. Compile internal damage reports, internal sensor logs, deflector shield strengths, structural integrity field data, warp core energy out put and consumption rates for Galaxy systems, location and activities of Klingon boarders. Run this sub-program simultaneously and give summary reports upon verbal request while pausing main holographic routine. Run sub-program two entitled Galaxy Bridge Analysis Alpha. Compile bridge reports, logs and internal sensor recordings of the bridge of the Galaxy in one to one scale, non-solid hologram construction. Re-create the activities of all bridge crew during the battle with myself as an inactive observer. Allow cross over to this sub-program run real time on verbal request. Run initial analysis in one to two hundred scale on the main bridge view screen during sub-program two."

The battle should unfold in real time, giving Benedict the tactical eye view of every facet of the encounter. He would be able to look at the scene out side of the Galaxy to examine the spatial relationships during the "Jawbreaker" and witness the activities on the bridge to see how the command and control decisions were made in respect to the events as they occurred.

As a Tactical Officer, T'Kal had to know how this ship performed. Both the command structure and the crew response has an immense effect on any given tactical environment - the fact that the Galaxy faced off two Vor'cha Class ships while fighting a boarding action spoke highly of her crew.

With this knowledge in a first hand perspective, Benedict knew that he would be able to gauge the limits and abilities of the crew, and at the same time gather data that would be invaluable should the Galaxy ever find herself in such a position again.

Benedict waited several seconds, [Compiled. Programs ready.] Replied the computer.

"Run program T'Kal Tactical Analysis Alpha." The holodeck became the vast blackness of space with the Galaxy in the centre, orbiting the planet Boreth. T'Kal stood several meters away from the scene as it unfolded around him. The two Klingon war craft shimmered into existence, coming out of cloak.

"Report." Said Benedict. The scene froze.

[Galaxy deflector shields are down while transferring crew from the surface of Boreth. Transporter signatures are present from both Vor'cha Class vessels materialising at strategic locations on the Galaxy. Galaxy weapons are not powered and the ship is in standard orbital path around the Class M planet of Boreth.]

'So', Benedict thought, 'surprise attack from boarding parties in the middle of Gamma Watch. The Klingons were waiting for the Galaxy to transfer crew, knowing full well that her shields would be down. The transporter beams would have revealed the Vor'cha's to the sensors of the Galaxy at that point and they dropped out of cloak to engage. Surprise - an excellent tactical advantage. Good, solid strategy, and flawless timing. The Galaxy's in deep shit', he thought. But there was a much simpler strategy that would have been far more effective. All of this indicates forward planning and available resources of the highest order. The Klingon boarders were suicide troops - they had to be considering the fact that they were sabotaging the ships systems while the two Attack Cruisers were closing for the kill.

If the complete destruction of the Galaxy was their aim, why not just use four transported mines? One in Main Engineering to create a Warp Core breach, one in the Computer Core, one on the Bridge and one - hell one just for luck! It would have completely killed the Galaxy with no loss of life from the Klingons' perspective. The two ships could have disappeared under cloak and left Starfleet with little else but a mysterious cloud of floating debris.

No. The Klingons were either after something on board, or they wanted to capture the ship with disabling fire.

"Resume." The scenario began to play itself out. Benedict watched as the ships manoeuvred and exchanged fire. The Galaxy seemed to be alive. She danced in space and moved between disruptor blasts staying one step ahead of destruction. The pure skill involved was almost breath-taking.

"Cross to the Bridge" said Benedict and the scene shifted - he was standing just forward of the Command chair - he turned to see Lt. Commander Dieran Casey half out of his seat clutching the arm rests with a look of pure determination on his face, he turned to the Helmsman and ordered her to keep the Galaxy from being hit! This was Benedicts first look at the ships XO. He looked young, almost innocent - but Benedict could see that the mans blood was up - he'd seen that look in a mans' eyes many times. The determination to win regardless of cost.

'Tall order Commander', Benedict thought, and turned to see the woman operating the helm controls. She was hunched forward over her station, her hands playing the keys like a concert pianist, she was deep in concentration and her dark eyes were wide and un-focused. Benedict had seen that look too. He moved so that he could see her more clearly - the liquid brown eyes stared in such a way as to take in everything around her, but she was clearly in that inner world that Benedict had come to know as The Void. The same place Benedict went when he fought. To lose consciousness and simply do what is required. That was exactly what this beautiful woman was doing - following her orders, and accomplishing the impossible.

"Freeze program." The holodeck became silent and immobile. The girl froze.

Benedict reflected upon his choice of thought - yes, she was beautiful, her face was taught with stress, but it shone with strength. Her hair was slightly stringy with perspiration, and midnight black, yet had a blaze of red on her forelock. Her eyebrows told of her Vulcan or Romulan heritage, Benedict didn't know which. She was a study in still life - he could sense her pagh even now - he was caught up in the moment of her triumph, and for what seemed like minutes simply stared at the image before him, the Tactical analysis forgotten.

Tactical Analysis Part II
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

******Holodeck 3******

Benedict T'Kal stared at the girls face for several more seconds before realising what he was doing. He felt vaguely embarrassed - it seemed to him to be slightly voyeuristic and he turned away to examine the frozen scene before him. The holodeck was the still life of the bridge of the Galaxy during the final stages of the fight with the Vor'cha Class Klingon Attack Cruisers.

"Computer, cross back to exterior view and resume program." He said and the scene once again shifted to the exterior space view of the three ships. The Galaxy performed the spiral attack pattern of the 'Jaw Breaker' at Warp one.

"Computer, Report status of ship." The scene once again froze.

[The Galaxy is currently at Warp 0.998; all available power has been diverted to Engineering, Deflector Shields and Weapons. Structural Integrity Fields are presently at 42.678 %. All weapons are preparing to fire. Target lock is established on the 'Po'Suvwal'. Various firefights are continuing through out the ship, but no damage has been sustained through boarding action to sufficiently impair the current status of the Galaxy.]

"Computer, what is the percentage chance of Structural Integrity Field failure during the Galaxy's current tactical manoeuvre?"

[96.875% The Galaxy at this point is heavily damaged. Structural Integrity has fallen below specification for operations of this nature. This manoeuvre is also considered to be out-side the construction and design specifications of the Galaxy Class Starship.]

Benedict slowly shook his head in wonder. 'So Mr Casey has a move worked out ahead of time that is beyond the specs for the Galaxy - he does it not when she has the best chance to swing it, but when she's almost at her worst. A little over 3% chance to pull it off without tearing the ship into tiny pieces! What ever happened to respect for the life of your crew Mr Casey? Winning isn't everything!' But then he had won. And in Starfleet - winning IS everything!

"Computer, resume program."

The Galaxy's path resumed and she dropped to Impulse and opened fire while precisely at a point where the Vor'chas weapon arcs were ineffective. The fireworks display was blinding, and Benedict had to turn away, while cursing to himself - he'd forgotten to tone down the light levels.

The scene continued and the Galaxy was left by herself.

"Computer, end program. Transfer analysis data to my private terminal." The grey and yellow grid appeared once more, and Benedict walked out of the Holosuite. The image of a red forelock and dark eyes momentarily interrupting his thoughts.

Forever In My Heart
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

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

Benedict T'Kal walked in to Ten-Forward with his faded guitar case in hand. He smiled when a female ensign waved at him and called him over to her table. Cathy Page, was one of the newest crewmen aboard - she had transferred to the Galaxy at the same time as Benedict, but it had taken him several weeks to get organised with his shift rotation after coming off Starbase 74.

Cathy had befriended him fairly quickly. She was a Science Officer, and openly friendly. She was pretty, and smart. Benedict liked her, and she had asked him to come to Ten-Forward - and to bring his guitar. She wanted to hear him play.

He recognised some others from Gamma shift and some he hadn't seen before - it seemed that today was a day of confusion for many of the officers on his watch. The shift rotations had been changed without notice, leaving some officers to pull double shifts.

As he made his way through the throng around the bar, he glanced up at the Cardassian face of 'Door' the barkeep. He tried to catch the feeling of distaste before it manifested - Benedict had worked hard to submerge his feelings about Cardassians since his wifes' death at their hands. He did not hate them - how can you hate a snake for being a snake?

He was greeted by several other female ensigns - Jenna Beetman, from Life Sciences and Yasmine V'Lyes from Ops. Both were attractive blondes, and they greeted him warmly. They were friends of Cathy's and she explained that they had wanted to meet Benedict and hear him play.

Cathy touched his arm and smiled coyly at him as she suggested that he sit next to her. He did. Moments later a hostess was at his elbow asking him if he desired a drink. "Yes please," he replied, "Sake in a flask with two cups, served hot." He smiled at the girl and she nodded, "Thank you." He said.

"Cathy told us all about you, we've been dying to meet you." Said Jenna, she leaned toward him and crossed her long legs, they were bare and she wore sandals, mini skirt and ruffled blouse of a white material that shone faintly. She had deep blue eyes and a peaches and cream complexion. She was obviously flirting with him. Cathy reacted to her moving forward by reaching between them and grasping her drink from the low table. "I've warned you about Jenna," she said, and gave her a look as if to say 'Leave him alone - he's mine', "and this is Yasmine." She indicated the honey blonde opposite wearing her uniform and sipping on an Irish coffee.

Yasmine held out her hand and Benedict shook it, she gazed into his eyes for a brief moment while they touched. She giggled and took another sip of her coffee. She was left with a slight cream moustache and didn't notice until Jenna pointed it out rather blatantly. She blushed and wiped it away quickly.

They engaged in small talk until the drinks arrived, and Benedict poured two cups of the hot Sake. He offered one to Cathy and asked her to try it. She sipped at it and reacted to the hot fumes as it slid down her throat. She blinked her eyes and coughed but smiled at him. Benedict lifted the other cup and swallowed the contents in one gulp. He looked at her with a grin dancing on the edges of his lips, he raised one eyebrow. She looked into his violet coloured eyes and blushed furiously; she up-ended the cup into her mouth and swallowed to try to hide her reaction.

The two other women laughed at her discomfort. They too were taking in the impression of the man that sat across from them. He was absolutely gorgeous - when Cathy had told them he was easily as good or even better looking than the ships XO they hadn't believed her. But where Dieran Casey was light and boyish in appearance, Benedict T'Kal 'was dark, sultry and masculine. He was dark haired, almost blue black, and at the moment he wore it loose so that it cascaded over his shoulders. He was half Bajoran and the nose ridges were evident but seemed to accentuate the feline beauty of his face. His eyes were almond-shaped, with long lashes, and a piercing violet in colour. His lips were full and sensuous. He reclined with one long arm flung behind the deep chair and one leg drawn up to his chest. His hand rested negligently upon his raised knee and his hand was long fingered, the nails slightly longer than usual on his right hand.

He wore a red shirt of Orion silk, and in the light it flowed across his muscular body like liquid blood, tucked into black leather trousers and knee high boots with silver buckles. A belt of black and silver held a sheath tucked at his side, tied with a thong around his thigh. It held a Klingon blade with a dark haft - there was some kind of family crest upon it in gold.

Benedict laughed at their jokes, and talked animatedly with them about work, and the difficulties of the changes in shifts. Before too long, he was being bullied into playing for them, and he opened his guitar case and placed his prized 12-string guitar upon his knee. He held it across his body and looked around the room.

Some of the closest crewmembers were looking at him, and he plucked experimentally at the strings to make sure it was in tune. He glanced out the windows of Ten-Forward and saw the stars gliding past in painted colours. He smiled to himself as the perfect song came to mind. It was a very old instrumental.

As he closed his eyes and began to play the haunting melody of Painted Night, a hush came over the crowd in Ten-Forward. His hands moved and his fingers played and the classical strains of the music built in intensity and flowed from his fingers to his audience. Faster and faster his fingers moved, building intricate patterns within the music, counter tempos, soft swells, and intense cords. He lost himself in his music, and for the first time in a long while, Benedict knew that he was on his way to being whole again. His music was moving through him the way that it had years ago - pure and passionate.

He smiled and the face of Alayessa came into his mind - she was no longer dying in his arms. She was smiling warmly at him. For a time he sensed her with him, the way she used to be. Strong, fearless and alive. A great sense of peace descended upon Benedict and he surrounded himself in it - huddled in it like a cloak against the cold. The song finally came to an end, but he didn't want to stop playing - to ruin the moment with silence.

He shifted into an intricate version of Forever In My Heart - a graceful love song with a heart beat rhythm. His voice drifted on the winds of the song, lightly talking of the ache of loss - he sang with his heart in his hands, he sang with an impassioned plea for her memory to remain forever in his heart.

There was silence. The song ended and he opened his eyes. Cathy was staring at him with wide eyes, a tear slowly moved down her cheek. He dimly heard the applause from the crew in the lounge and he placed the guitar away in its case.

He smiled at Cathy and said, "Sorry but I have to go." He collected his guitar and hurriedly left.

Standard Procedure
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Benedict awoke to the beeping of the comm. A message was waiting for him. He sat up and glanced at the watercolor painting on his wall. The bold strokes of the brush - the exquisite textures - a masters' work done by his fathers hand many years ago. It was a traditional Japanese brush painting of a tiger. He thought of his fathers strong hands holding his own, his guidance in spirit and his words of wisdom.

"Do not hate your enemy", he would say, "respect him. Do not let hatred for an enemy consume your soul - for after you have killed him, you will be left with nothing!" - 'Now why that particular thought?' Benedict asked himself. His father had been referring to the Cardassians, and how his mother had felt about them. 'Oh.' He thought of Ten-Forward and the Cardassian serving there. He'd seen him the day before and must have been dwelling upon it.

He also thought of the impromptu concert - the one that he'd made a fool of himself in. He'd completely lost his self control. It had hit him with raw emotions so powerful that they had momentarily overwhelmed him. He'd left in one hell of a hurry.

'I must apologise to Cathy and her friends.' He thought. 'They must think me an idiot.' The comm signal caught his eye - it still wanted his attention.

"Computer read messages." He rolled off the bunk and stretched as a womans voice filled his cabin; [Ensign T'Kal, this is Dr Khatroweena from Medical. I have yet to process your fitness report. I know that you've been on board for a while but this is standard procedure. Please make a time to see me, either today or tomorrow. Thankyou.]

"Computer, send message to Dr Khatroweena, I will see you as soon as my duty shift is over today at 8am, if there is a problem with this please let me know. End message, please send."

[Message sent.]

"Computer what's the time?"

[21.35 hours] 'Two and half hours until shift.' He thought, 'Good!'

Benedict yawned again and walked over to his tatami roll, he kicked it out and knelt facing the watercolour of the tiger. He cleared his mind and prepared for a new day.

"Casey Crisis"
by Lt. Devlynn Salshyar
Counsellor, USS Galaxy

Dev had expected Deiran to be emotional when she was ordered to take his case, but she never expected to find the Chief of Operations on board the USS Galaxy face down in a pool of his own blood when she entered his family's quarters.

She had been conversing with the Doctor assigned to the Commander for some time, discussing his case and the current situation with Tebrianne Bancroft.

He had regained consciousness only once, to make a request. He requested to be left to die. Dr. Khatroweena wasn't about to lose this patient, not now, not ever. Dev could sense the drive her both her thoughts and her voice.

She went back to those few moments while walking toward the Casey quarters. Had she moved a little quicker. Has she not stopped along the way to greet the various crew members on the USS Galaxy, she might have been able to prevent Deiran from doing what he did.

This would most certain jeopardize his presence in Starfleet. She felt that this would require a bit of cover up on the part of her and the Doctor.

Dev was sitting on a chair in Sickbay, waiting to hear from the Doctor regarding Deiran, when she suddenly thought of the Casey's young daughter, Lara. She stood up and walked into the Doctor's Office, the Doctor followed her in.

"Are you okay Dev? You look a little white?"

She was about to respond, requesting that Nilani excuse her so she could get Lara, when Kahn spoke, "Computer, lock onto Lara Casey and beam her to Med Bay 2." The young child appeared on the desk in front of her. Immediately she bashed her rattle on the desk.

Dev looked at Nilani and smiled, "you read my mind Doctor."

Dev readched over and picked up the young child, balancing her on her hip, "you a lot bigger than I remember. I've been gone from the Galaxy for too long." She smiled at the Doctor and walked back into the main area of Sickbay.

The doctors were flying around the form that was Deiran Casey as it laid on the table. Cat was working like a madwoman to get blood donors for the fading officer.

Dev couldn't believe that Deiran Casey, the man who had to be the most stubborn man on the whole ship would give up on life like this. Even considering the circumstances. She had admired Casey for his strength of will and presence of mind, however now that all seemed to be slipping away as he lay, vulnerable, on the Doctor's table.

"He'll hate it in here when he wakes up," Dev commented to herself. Deiran's loathing for Sickbay, Doctors and Psychological professional was well known to herself, and many other people on board the ship.

Cat flipped her head back from the table, "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."

That request immediately baffled Dev. Sure, there were many people who cared for Deiran Casey, but she figured that the last thing that he would want would be for people to see him in this fragile state. But Devlynn did as the doctor ordered.

Devlynn, with Lara, returned to the Doctor's Office and started contacting members of the crew from around the ship requesting their presence in Sickby.

It only took a short time before members of the Galaxy crew started to gather in Sickbay, Cat noticed quickly that there was a problem with having all these people here for support. Humaniod lifeforms take up space. Space that Sickbay is not overwhlemed with.

He would slip away and then come back to them, Cat worked her magic on his seemingly lifeless form, using hyposprays and other devices that were unknown to Dev herself.

"Your friends are here, everyone who loves you want you to live! Don’t let us down Deiran, you never have before!" Cat said Dev could sense Cat cared for Deiran, like a true friend, and just as much as anyone else wanted to see his stubborn face prouncing around the ship again.

"You can’t die Deiran!" Dev whispered telepathically. She hoped that he could sense her thought.

Chirstyn LaChance

"Emotions"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Sickbay ***

Admiral Pressman walked into sickbay with a haggard stride. The medical unit was a fury of activity. Medical personnel were rallying around the ICU unit, working on Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey. Pressman stood in the center of the entranceway to the medical ward in a commanding fashion, though his attention was transfixed on the work being done in the adjoining room.

"I am type O doctor." Pressman announced.

Doctor Khatroweena glanced over, surprised to see the Admiral of all people standing in her sickbay during the chaos. "Thank you Admiral, please sit down, the nurses will begin taking the plasma."

Cat nodded to Nurse Taggart. Christina gave Pressman a kind smile before motioning to the bio bed a few meters from where the trauma team was working on Deiran. "This way Admiral. If you could roll up your sleeve?"

Pressman gave a solemn nod and began rolling up the sleeve of his black special operations uniform. Sitting on the bio bed, Pressman seemed concerned with the Lieutenant Commander's condition. Christina watched as the Admiral uncovered his well defined arm. He has a rugged look to him. A squared, well defined jaw line that made him a handsome figure of a man. Christina smiled while reaching for the IV line to the plasma extractor and fitting it with a fresh receptor pad. In a way, the Admiral reminded her of Lieutenant Commander Casey. They both had well defined jaw lines. "The Lieutenant Commander is quite lucky that you were on board Admiral. Doctor Khatroweena had me run a search on the Galaxy crew members, and other than a half Bolian officer, there are no other O types on board."

Pressman watched as the nurse wrapped the apparatus around his arm. "I'm just glad I can help nurse." Glancing over at the young officer, he added, "How is the 'Commander doing?"

Christina finished strapping the armband around the Admiral's forearm. "He's lost a lot of blood. He was slipping into and out of consciousness for a while. Doctor Khatroweena said he seems to have lost the will to live..."

"What happened to him nurse?" Pressman asked with a touch of humanity in his voice.

"We are not sure of the details Admiral. He's suffered a puncture wound to the abdomen. That's all I know." Nurse Taggart explained. "There, just lay back and relax. This should take about fifteen minutes."

Admiral Pressman gave a serious nod and then did as the nurse instructed. His eyes never leaving Deiran. Guilt riddling his conscious. 'He didn't do this because of me?' Pressman thought. 'Did I let my feud with Tom go too far?'

The trauma team was still working on the Lieutenant Commander feverishly. Slowly, others had began to gather in sickbay, wanting to check in on the 'Commander. Counselor Salshyar was doing her best to give the medical team the room they needed to work, while keeping Deiran's friends and crew mates out of their way.

Pressman looked on. Practically ignored as he laid on the bio bed feeding his precious O type plasma into the machine. 'If he dies, Allison will never forgive me.' Pressman thought. 'How can anyone ever get over the loss of their son?...'

*****

*** Main Engineering ***

Having activated the phase cloaking device and verified that all things were working as expected, Lieutenant Mercury and Ensign Nog exited the security area around the cloaking unit. Walking over to the main situation monitor in the engineering control room, David checked the status of the Galaxy's other systems. Ensign Nog stepped over to the small view screen to the side of the control room and punched up the Galaxy's main view screen display.

"Making yourself at home Ensign?" Lieutenant Samara growled at the Ferengi.

K'Eytyanna's tone startled Nog, causing him to jump slightly, but he did so out of suddenness rather than from fear. "Yes sir. I like to see where the ship is going and what lays ahead."

The part Bajoran, part Klingon officer leaned over and glanced at the small view screen. Warping stars zipped past the other wise empty screen. "Looks like smooth cruising Ensign. Nothing to worry about."

"Who said anything about being worried!" Nog snapped back. "I simply like to see where the ship is going, OKAY?" Nog spat back then closed his mouth as if he wished he hadn't of said anything at all. "Sir."

The Ferengi's out burst caused Lieutenant Mercury to glance away from the master situation monitor and look where Nog and K'Eytyanna were standing near the monitor. K'Eytyanna's eyes briefly caught the Chief Engineer's before a big Klingon smile formed on her face.

"It is good to know where one is going Ensign. Carry on. I have work to do." She said giving the Ferengi's shoulder a firm, friendly squeeze. She then turned to go about her business.

David watched out of the corner of his eye without moving. He continued punching up the various systems on the Galaxy to give everything a once over inspection before leaving to go check out the photon torpedoes in cargo bay 2. Slowly, Nog stepped over to where the Chief was standing.

"I just like to see where we are going..." Nog explained.

David nodded. "No need to explain Ensign. I like to keep an eye on that myself now and again."

"I mean, it's not like I am scared or anything sir. I.. I just wanted you to know that." Nog explained awkwardly. His tone doing a noble job at hiding what he was truly feeling.

"Lieutenant Samara has that effect sometimes Ensign. She's a bit rough around the edges but a damn fine engineer. That's why she's her on board the Galaxy." David explained, knowing full well that was not what the Ensign was probably referring to.

Nog glanced back at the departing engineer with a confused look on his face, but then decided to go along with the Chief. "Yes sir. I will keep that in mind."

"Well everything looks in order here. Why don't we go down and have a look at those photon torpedoes Ensign?" Lieutenant Mercury asked.

"That would be fine sir." Nog said, turning to exit the engineering department.

While walking out, Lieutenant Mercury paused at the view screen, causing Nog to also stop and turn around. "What is it sir?"

Nog came to the Chief Engineer's side and could see a pair of Jem'Hadar patrol ships flying towards the Galaxy on a collision course. His eyes widened. It was amazing how much Jem'Hadar ships resembled cock roaches.

"What have we here?" Lieutenant Mercury asked of no one in particular as he watched the two Dominion ships approach.

Galaxy: Changes
By Ensign Anthony Mendenhall

Engineering was back to normal. Well, not quite. The area where the SI people were working had been sealed off. Occasionally someone would walk through and everyone would stare at the person. Other than that, things were just as boring as ever.

He turned around and saw Lt. Mercury and a Ferangi Ensign walk by. The ensign looked like he had just come out of boot camp. Lt. K'Eytyanna's looked like she was going to start a skirmish, but Lt. Mercury intervined before anything could happen.

It all really didn't make sense. Some Admiral had come aboard and taken over the ship. SI was building something in engineering that couldn't be seen. And whatever it was it was consuming lots of energy. They had met with a Romulan Warbird. And right now they were heading toward who knows where with shields down. Mendenhall wished he was at the bridge right now so he might have some clue of what was going on. But then again he hated having to do diagnostics up at the engineering station. He rather just be fixing things.

Even with all the confusion, some things were going his way. His little prank had been all but forgotten when the SI came aboard. Chances were if he did get caught, nothing too serious could happen to him. He had really just blown it up into something it wasn't. He was having delusions of grandure.

Things were just getting crazy. His sister was in Star Fleet academy. His brother was going to high school. His sister was married to his best friend. What was with this? There must be a conspiracy against him.

Then there was that Orion/Romulan ensign, Polina. He had known her what, a whole five minutes

Anthony started to chuckle to himself at what he was thinking. For some reason going deep in Cardassian space without shields, half their power being consumed, and having no idea what was going on was amusing to him.

Then he muttered something. "Life's an adventure. And as I recall adventures and disasters are synonyms."

"A Friend in Need . . . "
by Lt. Ronni Morris
ACSO, USS Galaxy

Ronni turned to Greer and said, "You know what? Ensign Jack D'Auria used to be stationed at a listening post on the boarder of Cardassian/Dominion space. We should get him working on creating the list of known Cardassian materials for the sensor sweep."

"Good idea!" responded Lt. Erikson.

Sending a message to the Science officer to report to Science Lab 3 to create a list of known Cardassian materials and to integrate them into the new sensor array, they then went to work to find additional power to increase the sensors.

Greer, looking over the ship's power grid and said, "If we divert power from the secondary power relays and shut down some of the auxiliary labs and storage bays, we could use the main deflecter disk to increase the sensor's efficiency."

"Agreed, but that also makes us bright beacon to be found ourselves. But, if we use the secondary phaser banks, we can do a broad band scan with a lower energy output." she said with a smile.

"But, do you think that the Captain and the Admiral will give up one of the phaser banks for a sensor?" he said raising his eye brow. Ronni thought, 'Too horribly Vulcan for a human!'

She said, "Well, you're probably right. Let's start on switching the power relays and getting this set up." Opening a hatch under the Science Console, Ronni pulled out a tool kit and headed for the turbolift. As she passed behind Greer, she gave him a friendly little pinch. The look of shock on his face was priceless. She gave him a little wave as the turbolift doors closed.

Ronni headed down five levels and started to open the access tunnel she needed. She saw two security officers headed for the turbolift. The Bolian said, "Yeah. They found Casey stabbed in his quarters. We need to go check for clues. I'll bet you it was his wife." was the last thing she hear as the door to the turbolift closed.

Panic stricken, Ronni dropped the tool kit and headed for sickbay. Two security officers were standing outside the door. They tried to step in front of her, but she shoved the one on the left and said, "Medical emergency! Out of my way!" to the one on the right. She entered sickbay and quickly found Deiran. He was laying on a table, and he looked very pale. Looking out into sickbay, she saw that Admiral Pressman was giving blood. 'Why are they taking his blood when they can replicate it?' she thought. Then she saw Miran asleep on one of the biobeds. Her monitor showed that she was in a stressed, but asleep condition.

Ronni ran up to the unconscious Deiran. His vital signs looked bad. Dev was bent over him, just looking at him and stroking his hand. The Delphinian came up to his side and said, "Deiran. What happened to you?" Looking at him, she saw that the injury to his abdomen was being healed with a dermal regenerator, but it still looked red and puckered.

She cupped the right side of his face and brushed back his hair. A tear rolled down her cheek as she watched his vitals dip lower. She moved out of the way as Cat worked on him. Still brushing back his hair, she quietly started to hum a Delphinian lullaby. With the hub of activity surrounding her, Ronni could only see the face of her friend and hear the song. The melody, sometimes reaching into the hypersonic frequencies (Delphinians having adapted to speaking underwater), was both soothing and haunting. A strangely fitting tune for the situation.

"Passing"
by Commander Joerg Sterner & Lieutenant Commander Ursa Sunder

The doors of the turbo lift had just closed, when Joerg realized what he just heard. Deiran Casey, his First Officer for that mission and friend for a long time now, has been injured. He didn't know anything more detailed about that case, but Doctor Khatroweena sounded very seriously when she told him about the emergency. She also asked for blood donations, a sign that Deiran has lost a lot of blood, which lead Joerg to the conclusion that Deiran's injury was not some kind a scratch.

When his mind was refocused on the Galaxy and her current mission he still thought about Deiran, but this time from a more professional point of view. With Deiran unfit for duty, Joerg had to select a new First Officer. The only obvious choice was Lieutenant Commander Ursa Sunder, his old friend from the Academy, who was currently Second Officer. This would of course lead to another new problem, who would take Ursa's place, when he was First Officer, but that didn't matter at that point. Joerg decided to solve that problem later, with the help of his new First Officer. He tapped his comm badge to contact Ursa.

"Sterner to Sunder."

["Sunder here."] he replied, so quickly that Joerg suspected him to have just waited for his call.

"Ursa, I need to speak to you. Please come to the bridge." Joerg asked, but didn't yet tell him why he wanted him to see.

["Alright, I'm on my way. Sunder out."] he just answered and the comm link went dead.

Joerg sat back in his chair and waited for his new First Officer to arrive. Right, he didn't ask him if he wanted the position yet, but he knew Ursa well enough so that he was sure he would gladly take the position.

*****Security Office********

Sunder knew the man too well. It had happened a little too earlier than he had anticipated, but sure enough - there it was. The inevitable road that he knew he would be forced to walk down eventually.

" I'll be damned if I wear red. " He growled to no-one in particular. Those around knew that something was up, even if they didn't hear the conversation they heard the chief grumbling to himself again.

Of course, that was one of the signs that usually idicated a big change was about to land itself flat in the middle of security once more. Ursa put his hands on his knees and stood up in that abrupt manner that all big men seemed to possess.

There were still a few things that needed attending to. Tomalak for one - He needed to change the security detail who'd been watching the wiley Romulan. Checking the duty roster, he selected Lieutenant Chen to head the two-man unit. Ensign Foxtrot would accompany Chen. He didn't know too much about Chen - other than his service record - and hadn't had the time to evaluate his proficiency rating. Pairing him up with a more senior officer seemed a prudent thing to do.

Of course, it was the last thing to do in security for a while, he thought regretfully.

He assigned the duty list and left a message for Albrecht. Matthew was in for one hell of a surprise.

TO: Lt. Matthew Albrecht
FROM: Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder

* Don't change the butt-imprint in my seat while I'm gone.
Any Questions, call me. I'll be on the bridge for God knows how long.*

- Ursa Sunder -

END MESSAGE

It had been only a few minutes since Joerg talked to Ursa on the comm system, but the Chief of Security had already reached deck 1 and stepped out of the lift onto the bridge. Joerg turned to see who has entered the bridge and was happy and surprised to see that it was his friend Ursa. Joerg stood up, while Ursa walked down the ramp leading down to the command well.

Ursa saw on Joerg's face that he was relieved to see him there. He also noticed some kind of fear on the acting Captain's face, the fear that he might lose one of his friends.

"Ursa, good to see you here." Joerg began and Ursa nodded in acknowledgment.

"As you certainly have heard, the Galaxy's current First Officer Deiran Casey was injured and is unable to fulfill his duties as Executive Officer at the moment. Because of that I'm offering you this position for the duration of Lieutenant Commander Casey's absence of duty. What do you say Ursa?"

" As if I don't have anything else to do, Joerg. " Ursa said sotto voce. " But I go where I serve, and I serve where I go, right? "

" Damned depressing outlook on life, what? " Joerg replied under his breath. " Chair too comfortable down there? " He said with a slight smile.

" Yes. " Sunder said point-blank, ignoring the jibe. " Joerg, as long as I don't have to wear red, I'll be happy to take the position. " Sunder said, restraining a smile of his own. After all, this was a promotion of sorts.

"That's good to hear, I'm glad you accepted my offer." Joerg happily answered.

"Take your seat Ursa." he then offered.

Ursa walked over to the command chair and wanted to sit down at the First Officer's chair, but Joerg interrupted him.

"No, take the Captain's chair. I have to take a look at Deiran's current situation. You'll be in command for now." he announced smilingly.

" Twist the screw in harder, Captain. " Sunder said grimly. " If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were loving this. "

" Didn't I tell you to stay away from command? "

Joerg turned to leave the command well and walk up to the turbo lift, when suddenly he was warned by the tactical officer.

"Sir, two Jem'Hadar ship on patrol detected!"

Joerg turned around to face the view screen.

"On screen, maximum magnification." he quickly ordered before Ursa could say anything.

The screen flickered a bit and then showed the bridge crew the requested image of two Jem'Hadar ships.

"What's their course?" Joerg asked.

"They are heading directly for us sir. I believe they might have detected us." the tactical officer reported.

"I don't think so. We keep our course and speed." Joerg ordered.

"But sir, we are on collision course with those ships." Lieutenant' Sharp interrupted.

"You heard me, we'll keep this course and speed. That's an order." Joerg announced.

"Aye sir." Aaron just responded.

Joerg was still standing at the center of the command well. Everyone on the bridge was either looking at him or trying to figure out why he just had given that order. Even Ursa had some doubts about that order, but knew of Joerg's qualities as commanding officer, so he knew that he had his reasons, although he seemed to be the only one to understand them.

The ships on the view screen became bigger and bigger and the tensions on the bridge began to rise. Everyone on the bridge was doubting Joerg's ability to command the Galaxy at that point, but no one dared to openly challenge his authority.

"Collision with the Jem'Hadar ships in 30 seconds." Lieutenant' Sharp announced dryly.

"Hold course and speed." Joerg ordered again.

"20 seconds."

"10 seconds."

"Contact now!"

At that moment the Jem'Hadar ships reached the Galaxy and quietly passed through the phased ship. The Galaxy and the Dominion ships didn't meet in the same space, so there was never the chance of a collision.

Joerg turned smiling to the bridge crew, who was celebrating the unique experience they just had.

"See, I was right.There is a small difference between being cloaking and phased and we all just witnessed that difference first hand." he announced smilingly.

Of course he had never before experienced that kind of thing, but he had listened to Admiral Pressman's explanations and he had studied the reports on the Pegasus. From that knowledge he knew what would happen when a phased ship meets another non-phased ship.

Joerg then tried to finish the steps he wanted to make just prior to that special encounter. Before he reached the turbo lift door, he turned to Ursa and nodded to him.

"I'm off to visit 'Commander Casey, so the Galaxy is all yours now Ursa. Be careful and call me if you should accidentally find the Battleship." Joerg told him with a huge smile on his face.

" Why? Afraid it'll fire something through us? " Sunder countered. " No problem - I'd say this is the most secure ship in the quadrant right now. Bloody phantom ship ... " Sunder muttered as Joerg turned away.

After that Joerg turned around and entered the lift.

"Sickbay." were the last words the bridge crew heard him say, before he was gone.

Sunder looked around the bridge. It seemed wrong - no, he was out of place. The pace was different here on the bridge. Things had to be decided at a split second's notice but for greater stakes. Still, it was an exciting prospect that he should be sitting in the chair where all decisions rested.

It had been a knee-jerk reaction of Sunder's to avoid anything that resembled command. He was content to wear the gold and black uniform of Security. This was his job and he was good at it. He had enough merits in his past to justify his career. He was proud of what he had become and he didn't need a starship to prove it. Over time, it had just become to habit.

" Status? " He heard himself say, forcing himself into command mode.

" Jem H'adar ships are proceeding on their course. No sign that they've detected us, Commander. " The helmsman replied. Sunder tried to remember his name. " Our heading is still into Cardassian space, velocity at warp three. "

" Excellent. " Sunder replied. " Tactical: keep the sensors peeled for that Cardassian battleship. You might want to calibrate them for vertron emissions. The plasma conduits on their warp nacelles have a tendency to emit vertron particles whenever they flush their coolant nodes. Even when they're still, their warp signature can still be braodcast up to about 20 light-years, believe it or not. It's faint, but it can still show up. "

" Aye-aye sir. " Lieutenant Sharp replied with a sense of restrained shock.

Sunder sensed the man's surprise with a sense of amusement. That's right, Sunder thought, I know something other than holding cells and hand-grips.

Maybe command wasn't so bad after all...

"Another day like this and I'm resigning Starfleet!"
by Ensign Christopher I. Campbell
security officer, USS Galaxy

Christopher sighed. It was one of those days. For every hour that passed it got worse. First he'd been assigned to stand quard with Ensign Mulich outside of 'Commander Casey's quarters for eight hours.

*At least we didn't kill each other,* he thought. Then thinking about it for a while, he added to himself: *well, it wouldn't look good in my service record, anyhow.*

Then Astrid Salt was in a bad mood. Christopher didn't know why. He'd heard her murmur something about Lt. Albrecht over-sizing something. When Astrid was in a bad mood being around her wasn't very rewarding, Chris had discovered.

Never the less, they were sitting at a table in Ten-Forward.

And now...just to make things even worse, now she was gawking at this fairly new bajoran Tactical officer, an Ensign T'Kal, playing some instrument in front of some people. Chris could swear she was starring at him just to make him jealous. And it was working, too.

"Show-off..." Chris muttered, loud enough for Astrid to hear. She hushed him and returned her attention to the Bajoran.

"Oh, c'mon! How hard can it be to play an instrument, anyway?" Now Chris was getting in a bad mood too.

Astrid ignored him and continued to listen to the song. Most of the Ten-Forward guest were doing the same. Why not? He was a good guitar player and a more then descent singer.

"Youre not falling for that... that cheap casanova style!?!"

"Will you be quiet, Chris!" She spit at him like an irritated cat.

"Fine! I'll be quiet! I'll just sit here for myself real quiet while you and all other women slobber all over that... that..." he gestured at the guitar-playing ensign. "...that... yeah, that's just what I'll do!"

*Good one, Chris!* he thought to himself. *She'll realize she's behaving like an immature highschool girl and ask me to forgive her. Come crawling back. Yeah...* he leaned back in his chair victorious.

"Good." She simply answered, sounding more then a little irritated and once again turned to look at the Bajoran.

Christopher, realizing the battle was lost, sulkily signaled a waiter over. He made a big thing of whispering his order just to annoy Astrid. She gave him an irritated look.

When the waiter came with his order, a cold glass of rootbeer. Chris took the glas in his hand. "But YOU still like me don't you?" he asked it.

The waiter opened his mouth to say that Chris probably had had enough to drink. Then shut it agian realizing all he was drinking was rootbeer.

Chris' commbadge chirped. [Albrecht to Campbell.]

[Campbell here, sir.]

[Will you please come to my office. I want a full report on your guardshift.] The Acting Security Chief sounded concerned.

[What? The one outside 'Commander Casey's quarter's, sir?]

[How many guardshifts have you been assigned to, Ensign?] Albrecht replied sarcasticly.

[No, only Casey's, sir. Ehm... may I ask why?]

[Durign your shift, Ensign, 'Commander Casey was seriously injured. We're trying to figure out what happened.]

This was strange. Chris hadn't noticed anything.

[I'm on my way, sir.] Chris replied curtly.

[Acknowledged. Ensign Mulich will report as well. Albrecht out.]

Chris tasted his rootbeer and left Astrid in Ten-Forward gawking at the Bajoran Ensign heading for the Security Chief's office to report to Lt. Albrecht.

"Bugs In The Sky"
Lieutenant David Mercury
Chief of Engineering

David accompanied by Ensign Nog walked out of Main Engineering and headed for Cargo Bay 2. While walking out, David paused at the view screen, causing Nog to also stop and turn around. "What is it sir?"

Nog came to the Chief Engineer's side and could see a pair of Jem'Hadar patrol ships flying towards the Galaxy on a collision course. His eyes widened. It was amazing how much Jem'Hadar ships resembled cock roaches.

"What have we here?" David asked of no one in particular as he watched the two Dominion ships approach. "Mercury to the Bridge"

[Go ahead Lieutenant...] Commander Sterner replied

"Do you see those bugs coming at us?"

[I am assuming that you mean the Jem'Hadar ships... yes we have been tracking them. Why?]

"Well it just seems that they are heading right for us," David commented.

[We knew but we are holding course, this will be the phased cloak's first test. We'll know in two minutes if this thing really works! Standby Lieutenant.]

David turned away from the view screen and look back towards Nog who was himself staring at the screen. The young Ensign seemed very tense. "So Nog how did you end up on the Valiant?"

"Its a long story sir, lets just say I was in the wrong place at the wrong time." Nog seemed relucant to talk about the situation. David sensed this but was curious what happened so he continued.

"I don't mean to pry but what happened out there?"

"Red Squad, Red Squad is what happened." Nog lowered his head. "A mistake, a deadly mistake" Guilt had now fallen upon Nog's face. He squeezed his fist tight.

"What kind of mistake?" David asked.

"Sir, let me put it this way. The Galaxy is a far superior ship then the Valiant in all ways. Yet I am still... bothered as to what the future holds when we find this Battleship." David could sense that Nog really meant scared. Of all thing this put doubt in David's mind. 'If this ship is really as powerful as Nog and the Admiral said this cloaking device better work or...' David thought. They both returned their focus to the view screen. The Jem'Hadar ships grew closer. The moment of truth was nearing.

Dan Josephs

=/\= "Stamp of Approval" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

*I love you, you love me, we’re a hap-py fam-ily* he thought as he reached for the steaming cup of klah. He loved this drink, but the inane song running through his head made it difficult to enjoy. The music no longer played whenever he ordered something from a replicator, but still, he imagined the silly ditty nevertheless. *With a great big hug and a kiss from me to you... Arggghhh!* He could hardly bear it. He grimaced and shook his fist at the silent replicator. Having satisfied his anger, he returned to Chanor’s desk. *Won’t you say you love me too?*

Matthew picked up the last PADD from the pile of ‘in’ PADDs, admiring the six PADDs in the ‘out’ pile. As Alpha shift Second, he had processed more reports than this when ‘commander Sunder had a day off, but somehow it was different with Ursa on the Bridge as First Officer. The important reports had always waited for the big cheese until his next shift; Under the current situation, everything had to be ‘business as usual.’ So, he got to really run things for the first time.

He scanned the information on the device, noting that a new crewman from StarBase 74 spent an entire shift inventorying the weapons lockers on a single deck. It was obvious the young man had had no idea where to find the weapons caches on the Galaxy. "Computer, make an appointment for me to speak with the security officer who oriented crewman Richard West. Seven hundred hours tomorrow." The computer acknowledged with a trilling sound, and Matthew put his stamp of approval on the crewman’s report. At least the weapons all checked out in good condition on that deck.

He took a long sip of the klah, an herbal beverage from a colony world he had discovered when Gakor had taken him to a simulated restaurant on the holodeck several months before. She hadn’t liked the drink, which is a rare thing indeed. Before diving into more work, Albrecht decided to make plans for some of his off-duty time. "Computer, message for doctor Endris Gakor: Gakes, after my next double shift and yours, I suggest we engage in a protest oinkus. We must stand up for our right to get less sleep than we ought for the sake of good food! I haven’t had a decent dinner in, oh, a day. So, is it a date?" he paused, tossing the PADD onto the others, which spilled out across the surface of the desk in a clattering rush to its edges. "I suggest we avoid the holodecks, as they will be quite crowded. There is a little place, hardly anyone knows it, with a beautiful aquarium and a fantastic chef... I believe you know the establishment to which I refer. Your call, my dear swineykins. What’ll it be?" He wrapped up, "Computer, end message and send."

Matthew picked up the PADDs and stacked them neatly, carrying them out to the center of security to be distributed to the officers returning from their stations. Jacqui was at the console, monitoring the department’s personnel. "Any news, Jacqui?" he asked her. Of course there wasn’t, else she would have reported it. The ‘threat board’ was virtually inactive, with little dim points representing guests and their reported positions. Matthew wondered about the Ferengi ensign, Nog. He hadn’t even been aware that any Ferengi were joining Starfleet, and he felt a rush of pride at the amazing combination of peoples that made up their great organization. He hoped to meet the young man, and see what kind of person he was.

The duty officer replied, "No, sir. Nothing new to report." Her hand traveled up to her hair, to push it out of her face as she looked up. She added, "I’ve also been keeping my eye on the internal sensor systems, as you asked. There has been no unauthorized access to the system," she reported. She smiled a thin smile, her lips together.

"It's good to see things calming down a bit." He took a good look at the woman’s console, then thanked her. "We have to be cautious, there are at least three parties aboard that may be interested in what the others are up to. Thanks again," he concluded, walking back to Chanor’s office. Once inside, he asked the computer to close the door.

With the doors closed, the office seemed smaller, and disconnected from the rest of the ship. The near-silence was a surprise, though the engine noise kept the silence from being too 'loud.' He stretched his hands out and gripped the far edge of the desk to stretch the muscles in his arms. He had only been in the office for a few hours, and he already felt stiff from inaction. He promised himself he'd get out and walk a deck or two before he took a midday break.

"Computer, display logs from tricorder data dumps to main computer in directory Albrecht Niner Niner." The terminal on the desk began displaying several mode options and tricorder channels to inspect. Touching the screen, he brought up all logs of the Romulan Ambassador. The individual reports indicated no unusual behavior from the man, other than an excessive superiority complex normal to all senior Romulan officers. Matthew wondered how an infamous starship captain ends up an Ambassador onboard the USS Galaxy. Pressman must have been in a hard spot to allow the Romulans to supply Tomalok as their representative; Under more normal circumstances, virtually any other choice would be preferable.

After a few moments of looking at the Romulan’s vitals, he became bored and decided to conclude his first shift report. He also wanted to look over the newest duty roster, and see how he could take the sting out of the admiral’s reorganization. What was the point of the constant interference in each department? He certainly did not know.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

***** Deiran's Dead? *****
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer),
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

***** Sickbay *****

Cat was furious with Deiran, she felt powerless, but kept on working. While Deiran's attempt at suicide had caused serious damage to himself, the silver lining in the cloud was the weapon that Deiran had used. The sharp edge of the dak'taj left the edges of the cuts clean, it was a relatively 'easy' to repair. But now, it was totally up to Deiran and Cat was worried that Deiran was going to make the 'wrong' decision. "No Deiran, damn you. I won't let you die!"

"He's given up? Deiran Casey give up?" Cat heard Dev say.

'He's got to be convinced to make the right decision!' "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."

Cat immediately turned back to her patient, he still needed their blood.

"I'm type O doctor." Cat turned to see Admiral Pressman next to her, offering to help in getting the blood needed. Cat saw this as an example of the whole of the Galaxy, many of the crew didn't like Deiran, but none of them would want him to die. Cat gave a small smile as the thought of Deiran having Pressman's blood in him. 'He'll go ballistic when he comes round.' Almost at the same time, the thought crossed her mind, 'If he comes round!'

"Thank you Admiral, please sit down, the nurses will begin taking the plasma." Cat watched for a couple of seconds, as the nurses began the blood processing and transfusion.

Cat watched with morbid fascination as the spikes and valleys on the bio-monitors began to become smaller and smaller. 'Flatlining, Damn, him!'

"De-Fib unit, Neural Stimulator. Now! Five milligrams of Vasokin, follow with ten cee-cees of Cordrazine." Cat ordered.

"Neural activity diminishing," called out Leah.

"Increase the stimulation to cerebrum, don't let them fall below..."

Cat felt a cold wind awash through her body. Cat couldn't work out where it came from; she ignored it and returned to fight for Deiran's life.

The bio-monitors suddenly came to life, a few pulses showing a reluctant heart starting again. People watched - Casey was going to make it... The last few pulses from the bio-monitors sounded more like a death knell and again the bio-monitors went silent.

"Your friends are here, everyone who loves you want you to live! Don't let us down Deiran, you never have before!" 'Come on Deiran, come on!' Cat urged Deiran to survive.

"Neural activity up twenty seven percent, cerebrum is at self-sustaining level. I think we've got him."

Cat watched the monitors, staying silent. She looked at Deiran's face, she wasn't sure, but she thought she saw his eyes flicker. Cat stared at Deiran, hoping to see that flicker again.

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

"Deiran or Aries?"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

The last thing Deiran remembered was a dark pit, but now his eyes looked up at Cat and Dev and of all people Pressman. He could see Chris and Ronni. Commander Sterner was there and a few others. The two he wanted to see were conspicuously absent, Miran and Teb were nowhere in sight. Wishful thinking.

"He’s alive!" Cat said with a pinch of enthusiasm. She had saved Deiran’s life.

"You can’t get rid of me that easily," Deiran replied, and started coughing, a severe amount of pain began to spread throughout his body. He was feeling the effects of having a hole in his gut.

"Cat patch me up please and get me the hell out of this nightmare!" he replied, his nerves already on edge from being in sickbay.

"You’re welcome Deiran," Cat smiled. She knew Deiran would thank her eventually.

Deiran was tough. In death he began to live again. His determination was back. He still was full of guilt. But with time that would subside. He had one goal and that was to make things right with Miran, make sure he and Teb would be friends and thank everyone for saving his life.

Pressman stood up and walked over to him, "Glad to see you alive Commander, hurry up and get better, we need you on this mission," he turned and exited sickbay. That was as much as he was going to get from Pressman.

*Thanks a lot Pressman, saving my life so you can continue to blackmail me?* Deiran didn’t say anything in response. He did need to get back to duty. He knew how much fun Sunder was having and wanted to deny him more fun.

"You’ll need to rest Deiran, a few days to let the repaired kidney and lung heal. You’re not going anywhere for awhile," Cat smiled. She leaned down and whispered in his ear, "I’m glad you’re back."

Deiran smiled. A smile that told her thank you.

The pain was excruciating, his entire body felt like Swiss cheese. As he laid on the bio bed he could only think of Miran and Lara. "Where’s Miran? Lara?" he asked with concern.

"Miran’s sleeping and Lara is playing with Nilani," Cat giggled.

"Cat I have two requests. First may I see my daughter? Second, get me out of here please?!"

Everyone present knew it was going to happen sooner or later. Deiran hated sickbay. "Get me out of here!" Deiran tried to struggle, but the pain was severe and his strength was low, due to the loss of blood he sustained.

"Deiran stop!" Cat pleaded. "You have to let your body heal, it can’t heal if you’re not here!"

"Get me in a med room then but out of this place!" he yelled.

Nilani walked out to see what all the noise was about. Lara in her arms.

Deiran stopped, still again. He looked at his daughter. "Lara, my angel!" he whispered but everyone heard him.

Nilani walked over to Deiran. Let Lara touch her father’s face. Seeing his daughter, the guilt of what he’d done showed in tears. He almost lost the chance of seeing her grow up and being a father to her through all the important moments in her life. He would never let remorse get to him again. Lara meant too much to him to lose her.

"Cat, I can’t control myself much longer, get me out of here!" Deiran said brusquely.

He then kissed Lara on the cheek. A gentle, loving fatherly kiss. Deiran laid back on the bed. Too weak to do much more than complain.

"Okay Deiran, I’ll transfer you out of here," Cat replied.

"I would like to see Miran, please let me see her?" Deiran asked, pain could be heard in his voice. His love for her was stronger than ever before.

Deiran was a man who had shown weakness. A man who had hit rock bottom faster than a black day on Wall Street. But he was still Deiran Casey, that fact would never change. And Deiran Casey was the most determined man in the universe. If he wanted something, heaven itself couldn’t tear it away from him. There was really nothing that could stop him now.

He was still guilt-ridden and sad for what he had done. But he was a man of honor, he still did have character. His will and bravery had saved the lives of the crew twice before, he had gotten them out of jams before. This time they helped him. He was grateful.

He knew that whatever he set out to do he would do, accomplishment was his middle name. Success, he would never know failure again, well at least not in the near future. One of Deiran’s favorite mythological characters was Aries, The God Of War. Deiran saw himself like Aries. Strong and warlike, intelligent and crafty but without the evil. And now that he had beaten death, identified with Aries even more.

*** Medical Bay 3 ***

Deiran was happy to be out of sickbay. He could handle a plain room with a bio bed in it. But sickbay drove him crazy. He slept for a few hours, but that’s all Cat could get him to do.

Lara was sitting next to Deiran on the bed. Both father and daughter were smiling and happy. Deiran was hiding his pain. Always the warrior, his gruff exterior showing through like the sun. He was macho, he wouldn’t admit the pain to anyone. He felt that if Cat patched him up he could go back to the Bridge now. Of course he couldn’t fight Cat’s stubbornness. She was just as ornery as he was and intent on keeping him here until he was completely healed. She would be with him until he was healed. Always thinking of her patient first.

Dev entered, happy to see Deiran alive and awake.

"Hello Deiran. How are you feeling? Strong enough to talk?" Dev asked.

"Hi Dev, good to see you. I feel great!" he replied, lying through his teeth.

Tuskcan
By Lt Endris Gakor
with Lt. (jg) Karyn Dallas

*** Chief Counselor's Office ***

Karyn watched with concern as Dr. Gakor vented her feelings. Karyn knew the Tellarite was stressed the moment she entered her office. Karyn knew the crew had been feeling on edge lately with the SI officers onboard. At first, she thought the stress was work related and she asked Endris to recount the events of the day in which Karyn would act as a "sounding board." After some coaxing, Endris told her what she knew of Casey's injury. Karyn assured her that Endris was not violating anyone's confidentiality and that it was important for her to know of any injuries, so she counsel families who might want help. She then told Karyn of her research of the Teresi virus and how she needed to test the Romulan Ambassador's blood, to see if it contained a substance that could possibly cure the virus. Endris had been near sobs as she talked, and was now expressing emotion that she just couldn't keep inside.

Endris sat on the floor and cried, rocking back and forth like a small child. The stress of dealing with dead ends on her Teresi research had broken her. Karyn was happy that at least she was on hand to deal with the Tellarite's distress. Something more appeared to be going on here besides just a simple reaction to stress.

"Ingredients!", Gakor wailed, wobbling faster as if soothing an infant to sleep.

Karyn handed her distressed client a mug of Leola root tea. Sniffing the beverage offered to her, a small smile erupted from Endris, who promptly consumed the liquid. The calming but mild tranquilizer permitted her client to relax.

"Tuskcan, Tuskcan why did you have to die?" Gakor groaned, shivering with obvious anger. Consulting her terminal, Karyn scanned Gakor's file for any significant others named Tuskcan, but there was no entry present. The human knew of only a few reasons such data would be suppressed. Certainly, the Doctor had convenient access to medical files. Which probably indicated that they were dealing with a repressed memory that was not recorded to protect the patient. If this was true, the Doctor might be in a high degree of danger depending on the violence of the surpressed events.

"Endris," said the psychologist with a disarming smile, "I want you to tell me everything you remember about Tuskcan. Who was he?" she asked in an assertive manner that encouraged a response.

"My brother... strange, for some reason I hardly remember him. He died when the Tholian/Nausiccan alliance attack inflicted the Teresi virus on my homeworld."

"Very good, Endris. I will be able to help you more if you can supply details. Take your time. We could even try hypnosis if you want." Karyn cooed in the manner of professional therapists. Endris decided if hypnosis was the best method for treating her ailment, she would concent to the procedure. Minutes later, she was 'under', and began recalling the events of Tuskcan's short life.

"It began in 2344. Tellar had reached a population crisis a decade before, and a class L moon of Tellar V was being colonised. My family had been founding members of the society. Few were selected for this honor, but the deciding factor had been Jorkan, (my father)'s farming skills. Image the elation of the colonists when a Tuskcan was born! Once every other century or so, a Tellarite will be born with tusks to accompany his swine like nose. Ever since the great Nogar swine trial, arguments issued on both sides that Tellarites descended from pigs.

But a birth with the rare recessive trait of tusks is always an omen for change. Children born with this feature are always named with the title of Tuskcan, to honor their rarity. Although domesticated swine rarely have tusks, it is common for wild and untamed porcine species, so Tellarites born with tusks were considered arguments for both sides of the debate. They are often taken and trained by diplomats to be leaders of our people once they are old enough to prepare their first Oinkus by themselves.

One day near the end of 2344, I awoke to the smell of carnage and smoke, which was irritating my sensitive nose. Tuskcan was crying! Swiftly, I threw off the covers and ran to my brother's room. Both of my parents had left on colony duties. New fields were being processed, and they trusted me (a mere teen ager at the time) to care for the child.

A missile had shattered the roof above the crib. Falling burning debris threatened to crush Tuskcan. Suddenly, his cries ceased. A muffled sound indicated his breathing had stopped! My brother, the inspiration for his people, was choking!

I grabbed Tuskcan and pulled him from the incinerating house. Placing him on the ground, I attempted to resuscitate him in vain. Fortunately, all the colonists received basic first aid training in school because of the hazardous nature of exploring new worlds. For what seemed like hours, I thumped on his tiny chest and attempted to bellow air into his developing lungs. Tuskcan expired in my arms!

I collapsed to the ground, crying for the lost child and the dying around me. It would be a few years before the insidious nature of Teresi was discovered, but for now the toll of battle was only a few hundred. Luckily, the colony was still small. Another missile rendered me unconscious. The next I remember, I was in a hospital on Tellar Prime, screaming in distress from my burns and the memories of my brother's much too young demise.

Days passed and still I could not dismiss the effects of the carnage or my brother's cruel slaying. A Vulcan consultant was brought in to try healing me. Although too many years have passed for me to recall his name, the tall logician spread his fingers in submission, lowering them to my face. I still remember the surprisingly icy touch like it was yesterday.

The doctor intoned one word: "Forget". The pain was vanquished until the incident with the Rhomulan ambassador ruptured the walls blocking out....."

Gakor stopped recounting her tale, sniffing food that roused her from the hypnotic trance. Soon, she took a bite of the replicated snack Karyn had made for her earlier. "Hasperat!", she said with a smile. "Waaater please", she gurgled while chewing the spicy concoction. The memories of Tuskcan, now brought to the surface, emerged with full intensity, but the comforting water made it possible for Gakor to retain her usual composure.

Counselor Dallas was glad to see Endris had resumed eating. Since the founding of the Towers of Cuisine, the world's entire belief set was infiltrated with scenes of consuming nourishment. "Well, Endris. Now that memories of your brother have returned, you can see why Doctors at that time didn't enter the information into Federation computer banks."

"If I had learned this prematurely, I wouldn't have had the resources of a Galaxy class starship or friends to assist me", Endris contributed, with renewed appreciation for the emergency medical teams that had rescued the survivors. Karyn knew how difficult it was for Endris to recall all this, expressing this pain, while beneficial in the long run, was bound to cause some difficulties at first. Endris needed time to deal with these memories without any added stress.

Karyn resumed trying to help her patient. "I want you to rest for at least 8 hours, on my authority as Chief Counselor. You have just encountered a startling revelation, and the pain is bound to linger for a while. Try to remember and cherish things in Tuskcan's life, rather than focusing on what happened to him." It sounded so corny to her at times, while remembering good times eases the pain, it's hard to forget the feelings of loss and anger. She silently made a promise to herself to use cliches as little as possible.

The counselor escorted Gakor back to her personal quarters, knowing a familiar setting would help the Tellarite relax. With a sedating hypo, the cuisine loving immunologist was nestled safely in her bed. Karyn decided the best way to deal with this problem was to gain as much information as she could. She would do whatever it took to help her fellow crewmember.

Karyn returned to her office, reviewing treatments for patients with suppressed memories. Vulcans, logical as they were had authorized 47 papers on the subject alone, more than any other known sentient species. This was going to take a while......

First Time on the Bridge
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Benedict T'Kal strode out of his stateroom with a spring in his step. His uniform was immaculate, his comm badge shined, and the Kut'luch at his hip was polished so that the K'Tal Family Crest glittered golden under the lighting in the corridors. He was on his way to the Bridge. At last!

He would be ten minutes early for his first watch - Benedict didn't want to seem too eagre and wet behind the ears to the rest of the Bridge crew. The extra time would allow him a smooth transition with the Tactical Officer from Beta shift. He knew that Lt. Commander Casey was the XO and commander of the Gamma shift, but he'd been informed that Mister Casey was currently in sickbay.

He'd actually hoped to watch the XO, and gauge a measure of the man. Scuttlebutt had reached him in Ten-Forward that said that the Lt. Commander had taken ill suddenly. It had reached him hand-in-hand with the gossip about his affair with the Assistant Chief Helmsman. The very same helmsman with the dark eyes and red blaze - well, he could see why the Lt. Commander would be attracted to her. She was not only beautiful, but they had shared a stunning victory together - one of those rare events that tended to bring people together. They had faced death together, and laughed in its face! Benedict knew how powerful that experience could be between two people. It had been the same with Benedict and his half Klingon wife Ayalessa.

So they had shared an intimate time together. It happened. Lt Casey was married - happily so everyone said. He remembered staring at the image of Lt Bancroft in the holosuite - he'd heard her name mentioned. She had eyes that could melt any mans heart. At the thought, he could clearly see her - as if her face was burned into his mind - he could see her strength. It was that quality about her that captured his attention - and that had only been a holographic image!

It had obviously done the same to Dieran Casey. He couldn't understand why everyone had to get involved in what was obviously a private thing between the Lt Commander and the Acting Chief Helmsman. He had told the ensign who took it upon himself to tell Benedict about the affair to keep his mouth shut. Benedict remembered the expression on the mans' face when he had looked into his eyes and grasped his shoulder - hard enough to get his point across; the man had taken the lesson about discretion and honour to heart. Benedict would not abide that kind of talk!

Loose talk killed careers. After Lt. Commander Casey's victory, he didn't need ugly rumours to destroy his reputation. Not to mention Lt. Tebrienne Bancrofts' career - and from what he had witnessed in the holosuite re-construction of the "Jawbreaker" battle, she was definitely one of the best pilots in Starfleet. If not for her skill that day, the crew and the ship would not be here to discuss such matters! Benedict knew from first hand experience what could happen when people took it upon themselves to be judge and jury over events that did not concern them.

He was only glad that he had learned of the Lt. Commanders interest in the woman.

He stepped into the turbo lift. "Bridge" he said. He was so pre-occupied that the rest of the trip to the bridge seemed to disappear. He still couldn't get her face out of his mind - but then he didn't try very hard.

He thought back to yesterday morning - well, a Gamma shift morning. He had spent breakfast with Cathy, apologising for his behaviour - running out on her in Ten-Forward. He knew that she was interested in him - she was giving him all the signals. But it wouldn't be fair on her - he didn't feel the same way. It had been a long time since he had felt an attraction to a woman that he wouldn't automatically compare to Ayalessa. Even the thought of the comparison was enough to make him feel guilty - as if he was defiling her memory.

Cathy had understood, she accepted that they would only be friends. He could tell that she was disappointed, but he had made it clear to her that he was unwilling to enter into casual relationships. He needed more than that. Maybe some day he would feel different, but it was definitely too soon for anything that resembled true intimacy between them.

So far he hadn't met another woman with Ayalessa's strength of spirit - and yet he immediately thought back to a pair of dark eyes. He shook his head as if to erase the memory just as the doors of the lift opened and the computer voice said, [Bridge].

Benedict automatically straightened his uniform and snapped out of his reverie, he stepped out onto the command centre of the Galaxy and stopped. He took in the crew working at their stations; the main view screen and its images of Doppler shifted stars sliding by the vessel during warp speed. Some heads turned to look his way, and for a moment he felt self-conscious. The Science Officer smiled at him, that knowing grin of the first impression of the bridge.

Benedict moved toward the tactical arch and he nodded to Ensign Hermedhie, the Tactical Officer on duty. He smiled in greeting. The Ensign went on to explain that the ship was on course for Cardassia Prime at warp three. Benedict's face showed no reaction to the news. They had passed through two Dominion ships several hours ago and were currently in phased cloak state.

Benedict had read the briefings on the tactical doctrine planned for this mission, and was uneasy as to the effectiveness of the weapons being stored in the torpedo bays. He nodded to Hermedhie and ran his own diagnostic routine as a prelude to logging his shift on the monitors and tactical logs. They were travelling without shields - in the same manner as the Romulan and Klingon ships under cloak - the immense power drain on the systems and the cloaking field itself prevented deflector shield operation.

He knew that the Galaxy under the new cloaking system was not as vulnerable as either of the Romulan or Klingon ships. The Galaxy was a phantom ship, unseen and untouchable while phased.

The most interesting section of the briefing was the news that they were hunting a Cardassian super-ship. They were out to kill it. The very thought of the mission parameters allowed Benedict a slight smile. He was looking forward to it. He just hoped that the Prophets had seen fit to allow them to find their quarry on his watch.

It took several minutes of conversation about the tactical situation before Benedict realised that the Gamma shift Helmsman had a blaze of red hair. He caught a glimpse of her as she settled into her seat and took up her helm station.

She seemed sad. He glanced her way many times - just to see if he could glimpse her eyes, but she never looked past her console or the bridge screens. It seemed that the rest of Gamma watch took their places around her without any obvious interaction.

During the shift, he watched the rest of the crew between sensor sweeps and the few systems checks he was responsible for performing. They were stealing glances her way, but not intruding on her space. Sometimes they looked away from her when she turned, in an effort to appear busy on other things.

He knew what their behaviour meant. He'd had it done to him often enough. They all knew about her affair with the XO, and that he was in sickbay, but not why he was there. It was serious - he knew that, or the medical section would not have posted the notice for a rare blood type to help him. Blood loss. That usually only meant one thing. Sharp Object Trauma.

There could be no one to openly console her in fear of breaching some kind of unwritten law. She would be left alone to suffer, her place being away from Casey, as his wife would no doubt be there now. Benedict hoped that there was someone she could turn to.

In the meanwhile she suffered in silence on the bridge, and Benedict watched over her.

"Cuiraecen's Bolt"
by, Lt. (j.g.) Raesene Hermedhie

Raesene was standing in the Holodeck, watching the sea wash onto the shores of Seaharrow. He had done this everyday after his return from the Qul'lelth. This ritual was done so that he would never forget his past. The life that had been torn from him so violently. He was so enraptured, that he did not notice the storm rolling in, out of the east. Then from the storm came a massive surge of electricity came shooting from the cloud, striking Raesene full in the back, knocking him out. But he was not dead... merely badly injured. The massive energy spike caused several alert systems to go off, indicating that for some reason security protocals had gone down in the holodeck.

"Recalibrations Online."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson
Chief Science Officer

Lieutenant Morris and Ensign D'Auria stood at the configuration panel for the primary sensor array as Lieutenant Erikson went over the revised schematics for the modifications he and Morris had worked on earlier. "Erikson to Taurean." Greer said as he reached across and tapped his comm badge. "Numa, have you completed that mineralogical analysis that D'Auria passed onto you?"

["I'm actually on my way to you with it now sir."]

"Understood. Erikson out." Greer said as he watched as the two science officers worked on the sensor array access panel. "It might be an idea to make the most of our time in Cardassian space by running long range sensor scans of planets and so forth." he remarked to Ronni as she handed Jack an isolinear chip.

"I was thinking that myself." Ronni said as she turned to him. "What did Pressman think of sacrificing a phaser bank for increased efficiency of the sensor recalibrations?"

Greer looked at Ronni with the same expression he had after talking to the intelligence officer about the runabout masking system. "Let's just say he wasn't too keen on the idea of losing an entire phaser bank."

"I'm suprised," the assistant science chief said genuinely as she stood with her hands on her hips, "he was quite confident that this phase cloak of his will keep us well protected inside Cardassian space. What's one less phaser bank if we won't even need to use them?"

"I used that same argument when I spoke with him." Greer frowned as he recalled the Admiral's self-assured comments. "I figured as much though. Personally I just think he doesn't think much of us regular officers."

"How are we going with the power rerouting?" Ronni asked.

"We've already shut down some of the auxiliary labs on Deck Five and most of the unused storage bays on Decks Four and Thirty-nine. As for the deflector dish, Engineering will have that done as soon as possible. They expect to be finished in a little over an hour."

Rubbing her chin, the Delphinian thought about the changes and how they would alter the original efficiency. "I guess it won't be as effective, but it should still do the job nicely."

"The current modifications should be approximately seventy-nine percent of the output expected from shutting down the secondary phaser banks, sirs." Jack added as he replaced another isolinear chip.

Greer smiled in response to the Vulcan tone in the voice of the Human science officer. "I spoke to Lieutenant Mercury. He's looked at the design specification Admiral Pressman has released to him and he doesn't feel that the emissions will show through the phase cloak. To be sure though, he's going to alter the modulation of the warp field by a few percent to dampen the extra power carried by the EPS grid to the sensor array."

"That sounds like it should work." Ronni said as she nodded her head in agreement.

The doors opened as Lieutenant' Taurean entered the room. "Lieutenant', your analysis please." the chief scientist said as he noticed the Benzite.

"Using the information from Ensign D'Auria and sensor readings taken during our own engagements with enemy forces over the last few months," Numa said as she handed him the PADD she had been carrying, "I managed to isolate the list of minerals and alloys used specifically in Cardassian and Dominion fleet designs."

"Good work Lieutenant'." Erikson said as he looked at the PADD display. "I was talking with Lieutenant Morris just before about using the sensor to update our records on Cardassian space. Perhaps you could coordinate with astrometrics and make sure that they are using this rare opportunity to the best of their abilities."

"Aye sir." she said with a nod. "I'll also speak with Lieutenant' Sullax about facilitating the link with Stellar Cartography so the information automatically updates the database." she added before leaving.

Lieutenant Erikson walked back over to Morris and D'Auria, handing the Delphinian the PADD with Numa's analysis. "Here's the mineralogical analysis from Taurean."

Ronni looked over the list. "The sensors shouldn't have much trouble locking onto this small range of materials. I'll start entering them in as soon as we've finished reconfiguring the isolinear chips."

Greer gave he a nod. "I'll start preparing the recalibrations from the secondary access panel and then finish them on the Bridge once the parameters are set."

["Sterner to Erikson. Admiral Pressman wants an update on the sensor modifications. How much longer before they are completed Lieutenant?"]

"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."

["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."]

*** An hour and a half later ***

Having explained the situation with the scientists whose laboratories had been shut down due to a redirection of power, Greer stood patiently in the turbolift as it proceeded to the Main Bridge. ["Morris to Erikson. The hardware modifications to the primary sensor array should be available shortly."] Ronni's voice reported as the turbolift doors opened.

"Understood. Erikson out." Greer said as he reached across his chest and tapped the comm badge, passing Lieutenant McKenzie at the tactical station. "Preparing to bring sensor modifications online," the scientist announced as he pressed a button on the duty console, "now."

"Status?" Admiral Pressman said as he stood and turned to the Science Station Two.

"Sensor modifications appear to be functioning within design specifications. Recalibrating sensor resolution and initializing targeting parameters now." Lieutenant Erikson said as he pressed a combination of buttons linked to the sensor systems. "Beginning initial scan of current region for Cardassian and Dominion vessels." he said as he began to monitor the input and output flow. A few moments after recalibrating the sensors the tactical station made a small alerting sound as it caught the chief tactical officer's attention. "Sensor modifications appear to be successful." Greer said with a smile as four small graphics appeared on the display in front of him.

"Detecting a small convoy of vessels." Hunter explained as the sensors accurately located the minerals it had been designed to look for. "One Cardassian Galor-class warship and three Jem'Hadar attack vessels at bearing one-zero-three mark two-five." he said as he read the information in front of him. "There is no indication that are aware of us."

"Ofcourse not." Pressman said with satisfaction as he sat back down in the Executive Officer's chair. "The phase cloak will keep us well hidden before they can even know who or what has hit them."

"Fantasies and terrors"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The doors to the Ambassador's quarters suddenly swooshed open, interrupting the silence in the corridor and raising the attention of the two security officers who were standing watch.

Tomalak flashed his diplomatic 'Mona Lisa' smile.

"I would like to take a walk and tour this fine starship if it is permitted." The Romulan requested in a some what assertive tone.

Lieutenant' Chen and Ensign Foxtrot each stepped forward from either side of the Ambassador's quarters. They had been resting with their backs to the wall for the last hour while Tomalak was inside his quarters freshening up. William glanced over to Lieutenant' Chen since he was the senior officer watching Tomalak.

Jim nodded. "Of course Ambassador. We would be honored to accompany you on a tour." The Lieutenant' nodded in a diplomatic fashion. Chen knew what Chief Sunder had told him. His orders were to escort the Romulan wherever he wanted to go. The security officers 'official' assignment was to act as body guards for the Ambassador to insure that no trouble broke out from the thousand crew members and civilians on board that were not exactly used to having a Romulan Warbird Commander on board walking about of their own free accord. Unofficially, Ursa was quite specific as to why they were escorting the Romulan. To keep an eye on him and make sure he isn't up to no good. It was one of the things about Lieutenant Commander Sunder. He was open and honest and didn't hold back exactly how he felt about things or people. Chen knew from his tone, the Chief didn't trust Tomalak any further than he could throw him. "But he is a diplomatic dignitary on this mission" Sunder had said, "and he will be treated as such. Understand Lieutenant'?" Chen's lips pressed together firmly as he remembered the Chief's words. *all too well* he thought.

Tomalak glanced curiously at the Asian Lieutenant'. He raised his eyebrow slightly, though it was hard to really tell given his pronounced Romulan forehead. It looked like the Lieutenant's response was unexpected by the Ambassador. Still he gave a solemn nod.

"This way Ambassador." Ensign Foxtrot motioned with his hand.

Tomalak slowly stepped into the corridor and began walking the direction indicated. His steel and bronze colored Romulan uniform making his shoulders look incredibly wide. Given Tomalak's height, he made for an impressive figure of a Romulan diplomat.

"I must admit, this is an unexpected treat being able to walk the decks of a Galaxy Class starship. It is something I have looked forward to doing for a very long time." Tomalak declared to no one in particular though both officers heard the Ambassador talking just a step or two ahead of their vigilant guard.

"The Galaxy is a fine ship Ambassador," Chen replied out of courtesy if nothing else, "I think you will be pleased with your tour."

"Oh there is no doubt about that centurion." Tomalak readily admitted, "The Romulan Star Empire has had intelligence reports, full blue prints and specifications on the Galaxy Class for quite some time. But there is a world of difference between studying technical schematics and engineering white papers and actually walking the decks of such a fine work of craftsmanship. One doesn't get an appreciation of the beauty and precision of such ships by looking at surveillance recordings and reading reports." Tomalak paused at a cross corridor and reached out with one of his arms, placing it on the bulk head and gently patting it with his hand. "No, it's not the same as actually being on one of these ships." He said with a satisfied grin like he was living out one of his life long fantasies right at that very moment.

Chen nodded. "This way Ambassador, the..."

"Yes," Tomalak interrupted, "the turbolifts are located over this way. Your Captain's quarters are located down this corridor here. And if memory serves correctly, this corridor leads to the secondary command center, or 'Battle Bridge' as your blue prints refer to it as. If it is permitted, I would like to start the tour on deck 5 in the Science labs. We can then work our way down through the ship's decks."

Ensign Foxtrot was impressed with the Ambassador's knowledge of the Galaxy. Having just been on board the Starship for a short time himself, Will had a feeling this Romulan knew his way around the ship as well as he did. For some reason, that knowledge was not very comforting to the security officer.

"As you wish Ambassador. Please, lead the way." Chen agreed, likewise impressed that Tomalak was not merely boasting of his knowledge of the Galaxy Class starship.

Tomalak had a self satisfied smile on his face, not unlike a child in a candy store. Turning he began walking down the Galaxy's corridors slowly making his way to the turbolift at the end of the hall. When they approached, the lift doors opened and two Officers stepped out, both shocked to see the towering Romulan Commander walking towards them with two security guards in close tow. Moving aside to give the Romulan a wide birth, the two officers stared as Tomalak, Chen and Foxtrot strolled past and entered the turbolift. Tomalak ordering "Deck 5, science labs." Before the doors swooshed shut.

*****

*** Cargo Bay 2 ***

After the Chief and Ensign Nog watched the two Jem'Hadar 'bugs' pass right through the Galaxy, both men headed down to Cargo Bay 2 to work on the special photon torpedoes Admiral Pressman had stored there.

Nog was unusually quiet after having admitted to Lieutenant Mercury that he was uneasy about facing this Battleship again after barely escaping from it the first time. The Ferengi was busy making adjustments to one of the photon torpedoes.

"What does this do?" Lieutenant Mercury asked one of the SI engineers that was working in the cargo bays on the torpedoes.

He was a bald fellow that, unlike Lieutenant Harbright in main engineering, looked more like a Marine than an engineer. "That's none of your concern Lieutenant."

David's facial expression tightened. "Well it is of concern to me seeing how it's reduced the workable payload space inside of the torpedo casing. There is barely enough room remaining to hold three quarters of a standard compliment of anti-matter in the remaining space." Lieutenant Mercury explained trying to reason with this black outfitted Special Ops grunt.

Snapping the cover of the torpedo closed, the hulking bald SI agent responded. "That is correct Lieutenant. But it will be more than enough to get the job done."

A worried look exploded on Nogs face. "Did you say only three quarters of a standard charge Chief?"

David nodded slowly, still eyeing the rude burly SI officer. They were standing close enough to where David realized he also had bad breath.

"But,.. but,... but that won't be enough to destroy the battleship we are going after." Nog explained with wide eyes. Tiny drips of perspiration had started to form on the Ferengi's bulbous forehead.

"Rest assured ENSIGN, it will be more than enough. Remember, these are not standard weapons. They are designed to fly right through conventionally phased matter, and explode from the inside of the target vessel. Park one of these babies near the main warp core and kerploowey! One toasted Dominion battleship." The bald officer laughed as if taking humor out of destroying anything to do with the Dominion.

Nog nervously glanced over at the Chief Engineer of the Galaxy. Lieutenant Mercury shrugged his shoulders. By all accounts and what he knew of this new phase cloaking technology, the SI officer was right. If these torpedoes work as well as the phase cloaking device was doing for the Galaxy as demonstrated on the two Jem'Hadar 'bugs' they just flew right through, this plan really should work. Still David wondered why he felt uneasy then about this mission. The Galaxy was virtually invulnerable while phased, and these weapons should be more than enough to destroy the intended target. Then why the lump in his stomach? David glanced at the nervous Ferengi, Nog. Was his uneasiness a result of the Ensign's own fear from the Valiant's prior unsuccessful attempt to destroy the battleship?

"Are you nearly finished with that Ensign?" Lieutenant Mercury asked Nog.

The Ensign nodded. "Yes sir. I just need to close this up."

A moment later Nog had closed up the torpedo and glanced over at the Chief Engineer. He was talking to someone on his communicator, so Nog just stood by and listened in waiting for instructions.

["...on-line and scanning now. We've already picked up a small convoy of Cardassian ships with the modified sensors."] Lieutenant Erikson explained.

"Great work Greer." David paused glancing at Nog before adding, "If it's okay, I am going to send Ensign Nog up there to help you monitor the sensors. He's the one most familiar with the exact warp signature we are looking for. I'm sure he can be of help."

["That would be great. Have him report to the bridge. I can put him to work."] Greer acknowledged.

"He's on his way. Keep me informed of any late breaking news. Mercury out." David closed the channel and turned to Nog. "Why don't you go to the Bridge Ensign and report to Lieutenant Erikson. He's the Galaxy's Chief Science Officer. You can help him and his men search for this battleship since you are the Tactical Advisor on this mission. I can handle things down here."

Nog straightened up in official fashion. "As you wish sir." Nog continued to stand there for a long time before David realized what he was waiting for.

"Dismissed Ensign." Lieutenant Mercury said, rolling his eyes slightly.

Nog turned and marched out of cargo bay two on his way to the Bridge of the starship.

"Erikson to D'Auria."

Jack twisted himself inside the tight confines of the junction node, so he could tap his badge.

"D'Auria here, Sir."

"Jack, how is the work going?"

"Almost finished, Sir. The recalibration took a bit longer than I expected, but I am all but finished. Estimating another 15 minutes."

"Good, when you're finished, report to science lab 3. We have need of your knowledge of Cardassian ships, Ensign."

Jack raised an eyebrow at that, while answering in the affirmative. About 12 minutes later, he climbed out of the junction node into the Jefferys tube and began his crawl out. Checking his old-fashioned watch as he entered the nearest turbolift, he saw that his shift had ended two hours ago. Apart from a brief visit to Ten Forward, he hadn't been off duty for over ten hours now. Not that he minded, it was just like the old days.

'You're getting old, D'Auria. It's been almost 8 months since your last assignment', he scolded himself. He allowed himself a small smile as the thought of what Betta would say, had she heard him thinking of himself as old. Ah, Betta, there was a nice thought. He couldn't help but feel like he was walking on air these past few weeks. Who would have thought that disarming a sharp torpedo would have led to this. She wanted him to move in with her; Jack still couldn't believe his luck. He would gladly kill himself if she asked him to, that much he was sure. However, there was still a lot that needed to be done. He almost groaned as he contemplated all the paperwork the both of them had to go through just to get permission to share quarters. 'That is something for a later time', he thought as he exited the turbolift and walked into science lab 3.

"Right on schedule, I see, Jack", said Lt. Morris, smiling at the stoic officer.

"Jack, you were stationed aboard a listening station on the Cardassian border, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Okay, I guess you know engineering came up with a way

to enhance our sensor capabilities. What we want to do is to use the sensors to locate elements that are unique to Cardassian and Dominion warships. Things like minerals and metals used in their hulls, energy signatures we don't know about, anything. Can you give us any input", asked Erikson.

Jack looked thoughtful for a moment, then walked over to a console and sat down, punching up a screen. His fingers flew over the console, searching the Federation Database for anything he could remember from his previous postings. Having been into pitched battle with the Dominion on many occasions, he had gotten an intimate look at their capabilities and had found ways to beat them many times.

"The Cardassians use the standard Duranium alloy for their hulls. However, its composition also consists of several other alloys, unique to their design culture. Since it is not my field of expertise, I am searching for all the files containing data regarding your query."

"Great, then we can ask Lt. Taurean to research them and find what we're looking for", said Erikson happily, smiling at Ronni.

"May I also recommend calibrating the sensors to scan for a random subharmonic flux in the 400 Thetra-hertz band? Kelden-class Cardassian cruisers emit one at regular intervals due to their unique engine layout. The warp and impulse engines are integrated into each other as one huge assembly. An apt analogy would be to envision it as stirring a cup of tea and clanging the spoon against the sides. It will be picked up much earlier then the vessel itself."

"Really? How come it was never relayed to Tactical", asked Lt. Morris.

"I don't recall if it was, Lt. It was something someone on the USS Damocles discovered. I don't know if it was ever relayed to Command, I only know we used to modify our sensors to listen for the flux."

Jack downloaded the retrieved information onto a Padd and handed it to Lt. Morris, who promptly left the lab to find Numa who was currently in the main science lab. Erikson watched her go and only after the doors had been closed for several seconds, did he turn around.

"Well, Mr. D'Auria, I think you have earned your break. However, since we're rather understaffed at the moment and you're our resident specialist on the sensors, I would like it if you could give us a hand with the modifications."

"Of course, sir", said Jack as he stood up. Grabbing toolkits, tricorders and several other implements and supplies, loading them on a gravsled, the two men set to work.

Ensign Jack D'Auria, science officer, USS Galaxy

Out of Phase
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

The sensor logs played out the drama in technical terms - terms that Benedict T'Kal was intimately familiar with. Trajectories, arcs of approach, relative velocities, sensor echo, power consumption and usage ratios, weapon status and shield strength, warp field dynamics under stress - techno babble that only a Starfleet Tactical Officer could decipher with any intent or understanding.

Convergent Field Dynamics should have played a key role in the matter-antimatter interactions, but there was none at all. Altered Phase State Theory was something that T'Kal had read about - but he thought that the Federation was a long way off perfecting the actual Phase Re-alignment Field Generation System. Nicknamed the Interphase Cloak.

The data scrolling across the tactical console on the Bridge of the Galaxy clearly indicated otherwise. It was obviously one hell of a big secret. The damned thing actually worked. THAT was interesting!

He had done some tactical advanced theory involving what they used to call 'Not-There-Yet Physics' - or what Starfleet Academy called 'Tactical Treaties on Futuristic Weapons & Defensive Systems'.

Basically the more advanced students of tactical theory were put together to wage war against foes of the Federation that were supposed to have far in advanced weaponry and defensive capability. Of course these races were particularly devilish creations of Professor Anthony Marks and his crew of theoretical technicians. Benedict was almost always chosen by the Professor to play the role of 'alien' when it came to teaching cadets valuable lessons in humility.

Benedict remembered a discussion on Advanced Field Theory that speculated upon the very foundations of the working PRFGS - or Interphase Cloaking Generator.

It looked like they had gone one step further to add the capabilities of the Romulan Cloaking Device to the design. Benedict couldn't believe that the Federation would sign a treaty with the Romulan Star Empire that prevented the use of such advanced designs by Starfleet. 'I bet there are a few Admirals that are champing their teeth at the bit to use this technology' Benedict thought to himself.

His fingers idly strayed across the console, replaying aspects of the first real test of the Phase Cloak by the Galaxy. She had flown right through two Dominion ships.

One thing was apparent to Ensign Benedict T'Kal. The Commanding Officers of the Galaxy had balls. Big brass ones! No wonder the Command Chair was so wide - it needed to be!

He thought back to the Dominion encounter and made some annotations to his notes. He called up data references from his personal terminal - his Starfleet Academy Tactical database and patched them to the scenario he was constructing. The design specifications in the Tactical Database concerning the Cardassian Battleship were loaded in too. He double-checked several references to his old treaties on N-T-Y Tactics. He had brainstormed with three of the other Starfleet Cadets in his advanced class to solve tactical problems using phased ships. Their results had impressed the Academy Command staff during the last year of his Academy Training.

They had wiped the board with their 'Phasic Warfare Tactics'. One of their ideas just might work. He found the references and included them in the account. They would have to be modified for the Phasic Field Dynamics of this working model - but the basic premise would still hold true. The Interphase field was extended out from the ship inside of the warp field. The warp field of the Galaxy affected normal space so that the ship could move at warp, the Interphase field effected the matter of the ship itself to shift it out-of-phase with the normal space around it.

The generation of another warp field inside the Interphase field, with a slightly higher energy state in the warp core would allow the laws of Convergent Field Dynamics to take effect. What-ever was inside the warp field at the instant it was generated would drastically drop its energy state - resulting in it dropping out of the Interphase Field.

Benedict smiled. The Cardassian ship was in for the last surprise of its very short career! He looked up from his terminal as his eyes scanned the Bridge. He caught a flash of red in the periphery of his vision once again, and momentarily looked in her direction. She was staring into the middle distance, thinking her own thoughts, fingers making course corrections that must have been felt rather than seen. Her hands were shaking ever-so-slightly. Benedict sighed softly to himself and went back to his work. He wanted to reach out to her, but on the Bridge, there was only Duty to the Galaxy. He prayed silently for the life of the Lt Commander. For the sake of the man, his family and the girl sitting at her station in so much pain.

He examined the tactical spread before him, and added another touch of data. 'It should work,' he thought to himself. He called up the small craft inventory of the Galaxy and displayed the specs of the Type 7 Shuttle: two 1,250 millicochrane warp engines. It had its own warp fields. It could carry twelve photon torpedos stacked end-on when the passenger section was cleared.

The anti-matter/matter packets held within the torpedo casings could be brought together with a single linked fuse to the warp core of the shuttlecraft. Benedict ran a computer model of the resultant force shell created by the anti-matter expansion. The resultant energy transfer and matter collapse would eat every molecule of matter within at least one hundred and fifty meters - the fusion shell expansion after that would melt and burn everything for another two hundred meters. The model depended upon standard atmosphere feeding the fusion burn. Of course the oxygen deprivation would kill just as effectively as the fusion blast. Benedict could image Cardassians screaming for air moments before they incinerated.

The model did not include the sudden appearance of a shuttlecraft travelling at high impulse speeds with a warp core at critical. E = mc squared.

He smiled. Death would be very fast. It would be inescapable. All it took was nanosecond timing and a slight adjustment to the Type 7 Warp Field. He thought back to the fly-through of the Dominion ships - and the big brass balls of the Command staff!

Siblings
by Lt. Endris Gakor
with Lt. Nilani Kahn

*** Gakor's Quarters ***

Endris woke after serene sleep. For the longest time, she didn't dream of her deceased brother, Tuskcan. But after talking to Counselor Dallas, the memories of the young little cherub had returned! Without the sedatives, however, Gakor probably wouldn't have rested as well.

The memory of Tuskcan's tragic death had been suppressed by a compassionate Vulcan healer's mind touch. Until the stress caused by her recent Teresi discoveries, and her unsettling encounter with Commander Tomalak brought the suppressed memories to the surface.

Gakor felt the need to talk with someone who faced similar circumstances. Then she remembered the perils faced by Lieutenant Kahn's sister, who was being held by Cardassian militants. *Starvation*, Endris thought. Dressing and quickly munching a replicated breakfast, the Tellarite was soon heading towards Med Bay 2, where the computer indicated the CMO was working.

*** Med Bay 2 ***

Lara Casey was playing in a crib. Seeing a toddler after just recalling the events surrounding Tuskcan's murder, Gakes couldn't resist the impulse to play with the charming infant. When Doctor Kahn entered a few minutes latter, she found the youngster and Endris deeply engaged in a game of "Peek-a-Boo"!

The Bajoran recalled her days in the resistance movement and decided a harmless prank might be fun. Stealthily, she positioned herself where the child had been moments earlier. When Endris next lowered the blanket, expecting to see Lara's face, Nilani was staring back at her! "Endris, I hope your rest was good," Doctor Kahn said meekly. "Counselor Dallas told me she had to inforce rest, and suggested I talk with you about what happened, although she didn't reveal any private details of your discussion."

"Oh, yes", Endris began in a rush. Now that memories flooded back like a torrent, she was eager to share about her brother and her pride in him. "I once had a brother named Tuskcan. He was killed under unusual conditions when he was merely an infant, no older than Lara here," she said with a pointing gesture that prompted the child to shake her brightly colored rattle. The two Doctors continued to watch the child play, blissfully ignorant of her mother sleeping nearby under sedation and her father recuperating in Sick Bay.

"What happened that you never choose to talk about him?", Nilani said with the growing tone of compassion noticed in her deeply reverent race.

"It was nearly a disaster. The memories were deeply suppressed by a Vulcan mind touch, since his demise was triggered by the attack which also inflicted the Teresi virus on the survivors. I was caring for the baby at the time. Tuskcan died in my arms, despite my efforts to revive him. He was the first Tellarite in several centuries to be born with tusks, a special symbol to my people, and thus was special to all those on my home world. The recent stress of my research and the sneaky actions of the intelligence community prompted the memories to surface, including the trauma of his untimely death." Endris said with an uncomfortable grimace.

Gakor's stomach contracted with a hungry growl, prompting Doctor Kahn to contemplate fixing a snack. Having just eaten, the Tellarite waved her off from the machine, not needing to gorge herself at the moment.

"Nilani, you rarely talk about your family. Why don't you tell me more about your sister? I was serious yesterday about Ronni, yourself and I teaming up to try to find a way to rescue her. Personal details will give the computer a basis to finding a feasible way to save her.... For example, I'm not even sure what your sister's name is.", Endris expelled with a soft snort. The talking "therapy" recommended by the counselor took the stinging pain of Tuskcan's death away. Gakor wanted to give Doctor Kahn a chance to apply the same healing principles in regards to her sister.

"Where do I start..... I was the eldest of two children. Born in Drewar Prison Camp to my mother and father, my parents were members of the local town council before the Cardassian's arrived. So they were kept in a high security prison. The paranoid spoon heads wouldn't allow them to work with the others, fearing they might stir up trouble. So one day I was forced out of the cell with a number of other children and were moved to another section of the prison.

We were ordered into the main court yard, so we pushed into this desolate burned out space. My parents and my sister were standing there with another 30 - 40 prisoners. These Bajorans had been brutalized more than the rest of the camp, and hollow eyes betrayed the fact that they were over worked and under nourished." Gakor gasped at this last atrocity. How could any civilized race deprive another of food? It seemed more torturous to her than the other despicable acts she was hearing.

Nilani stopped to wipe her eyes, in the grip of the most painful memories. "The Cardassians..... aimed their weapons and ruthlessly fired! I turned and cried on a Vedic's shoulder as I saw my parents get shot. There was another round of Disruptor fire as they finished off the ones that were still alive. We were then forced away, I had seen my parents killed right in front of my eyes." Gakor passed Nilani a tissue, and the Bajoran physician continued after erasing her tears.

"I had learned to accept there deaths over my life, but I got a letter some 3 - 4 months ago stating that they had my sister Illiyana. When I heard this wanted her safe, the ironic thing is that the person holding her is Gul Dahrod. I killed his son in self defense while they were herding me and some other Bajorans towards the 'killing pits.' The letter it said that if I don't come alone that he will kill her! By the prophets, Endris! I have to get her back!"

Nilani was quiet upset and looked like she could take on the whole Cardassian Defence force with her bare hands!

"Snacks!", Endris shrilled, hoping a familiar expletive would calm her friend. "Your friends will help you out, I can assure you!", Gakor replied. "We have the resources of one of Star Fleets finest vessels to help us create a rescue plan. Why don't we go to the holodeck later, after Miran wakes up to care for Lara? We can start on a program that simulates the holding area and Illiyanna's behavior, as well as her jailors."

Endris paused, racking her brain for other ways to help. "A picture or holo image of your sister would help, even if it's an old one. Also, if you could make a list of mannerisms for both your sister and the Gul, it would enrich the simulation", the immunologist added. Greater detail would allow the computer to predict the results with improved accuracy, and would better the chances of any rescue attempt. Nilani looked hopeful, not wanting to get out a holocube of her sister out in years because of the painful memories involved. It would take a bit of rummaging around in her old trunk before she found one, if it even still functioned after languishing so long without use.

Gakor wished she had something to remember her brother by, but all his personal belongings had been destroyed by the fires. And now, decades later, the only thing she had of Tuskcan's was a hand full of memories. Perhaps some family friends had something of the child's, and kept it safe while Gakors memories were suppressed. When they returned to Federation space, the Tellarite planned to place a few queries on the subject.

"Were there any other conditions of release?", Endris said, knowing without a Klingon-like code of honor, the aggressive Cardassians sometimes left loopholes in their logic. Exploiting this weakness was how she was able to defeat Gul Moret and rescue the captive Ambassador. Doctor Kahn looked a bit relieved and sprouted a whimsical smile, obviously deep in thought about potential ways to free Illiyanna.

Before the 2 doctors could plan more, the distinct smell of a soiled diaper passed through Endris' cuisine-honed nose. Her next Oinkus would be slightly delayed while she cured the problem. Gakor scooped up Lara, cleaning her and wrapping her in a fresh set of swaddling clothes. The child gleefully cooed as she realized her parents would likely appear soon to care for her. Turning the child over to the watchful gaze of Doctor Kahn, the omni-hungry Tellarite hoofed off towards the lounge and another tasty snack.

While in route to 10 Foreward, Endris asked the computer if she had any messages. Lieutenant Albrecht had proposed a protest Oinkus in her quarters, as he felt the holodecks would be all booked up.

-/\-Computer, compose response-/\-

Muffin:

Since you want to Oinkus in a protest environment, I would like your input in a new Holodeck program. Ronni, Nilani, and I will be working on a simulation to help rescue Illiyanna Kahn from the Drewar Cardassian prison camp. What better place for a protest? I bet the food is.... appropriately dismal! Also, a security assessment of the facility might add to our rescue effort.

Reserving a holodeck shouldn't be a problem, as the CMO has already cleared time for the project!

Chow,
Gakes

-/\-Compile message and send-/\- The machine beeped and signalled its cooperation, just as Gakor reached the doors of the lounge.

Golden Silence
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy
(Reviewed by Lt. T Bancroft)

0805. The turbo lift door slid open and Benedict T'Kal stepped into its confined space. His head down and deep in thought, he stared fixedly at the PADD in his hands. He began the centring ritual and forced his muscles to relax. The breath moved into his chest slowly and he concentrated upon the energy building in his abdomen. He felt the wave of calmness reaching out through his limbs.

"Hold please," a voice called from the bridge. A figure slipped through the closing doors and into the now-departing car. A shock of red flashed through his peripheral vision.

"Deck 12." He said to the computer. His first shift on the Bridge was over. He had an appointment with Dr Khatroweena. It was possibly the worst time to have an appointment in sickbay. He went through the tactical scenario once again. He didn't think that he had missed anything. He felt relaxed enough, and calm enough.

He looked up. She was staring at her right hand, examining her nails. She was exhibiting as much concentration on them as he had on his PADD. The stripe of red hair hung across her eyes, and he could see the points of her Romulan ears peeking through her black curly hair. She leaned against the turbo lift wall, legs crossed. She raised her hand to her mouth and bit the tip of her thumb. Her fingers drummed on the side of the lift. She sighed.

The trip seemed to be taking forever.

He waited in the aching silence. She finally glanced upward. Straight into his eyes. She still had her hand half covering her mouth. Her posture was closed in - like she was huddling herself against a cold wind. Her eyes were as deep as he'd seen them on the holodeck - but he was taken aback by their haunted look.

He smiled at her, a reassuring smile. He held eye contact for just a moment. She looked away again without her facial expression changing at all.

[Deck 12] the computer said as the turbo lift came to a stop. As the doors opened, Benedict stepped out.

"Fixing Things"
by Lieutenant (jg) James Chen
Security Officer

The meeting with Sunder had been cut off a little prematurely, before Chen could throw in his two cents, which was just as well. He had little to offer other than rumors and simple speculation. He left the office and headed for his quarters. He had to straighten things out. He knew simply acting the way he was was having an effect on not only his social life, but his job, too. If he was going to be able to start pushing this to the side, he had to confront his past, and his present. "Computer: What is the current location of Lieutenant Lexana Ral?"

[Lieutenant Junior Grade Ral is in holodeck four.]

*So much for taking care of that one first.* He stood and left his quarters. He walked to Lieutenant Brady's quarters and pressed the doorbell. "Enter," came Brady's voice from inside. Chen stepped through and saw Brady at his desk, reassembling a phaser. He looked up and saw Chen, and his eyes immediately went cold. Apparently Chen's words had bothered him. "What is it, Lieutenant?"

Chen snorted as he stepped in closer. "What? No more 'Jimmy'? I'm not your favorite person any more?"

"Shit, kid, you're barely a fly to me, any more. Whatever we had is gone after I've seen the pathetic asshole you've turned into. You know what you're doing to Lex? She's been wandering around this ship acting like she's got a stick up her ass over you. I can't even cheer her up any more. I never thought a woman as good looking as her could get so damn upset."

Chen nodded at the harsh words. "Well, she's a smart lady. She's not those brain-dead bimbos you're so used to seducing. She's got brains."

Brady finished assembling the phaser and set it on the desk in front of him. He leaned back and smirked at Chen as he put his feet on the desk. "Yeah, well, in three weeks, I've gotten closer than you have in twice that time. I hear you took off for earth when she was injured in sickbay. Some good friend."

"I had alot on my mind. You weren't there then."

Brady rolled his eyes. "So what're you here for? Want to beg my forgiveness? Sorry, bud, those words you said can't be taken back."

"Go to hell. The day I apologize to you is the day Klingons sleep with Tribbles. I came here to tell you that it's over. I'm not keeping my mouth shut."

"What are you talking about?"

Chen walked right over to Brady and pointed at him, his face contorted with rage. "You know damn well. Stop playing the innocent little bastard and straighten up. I'm telling Lex the second I leave here. And then, when we're off this little mission, I'm going to the Admiralty. I'm putting a stop to it, here and now. You best get your story straight."

Brady was on his feet and in Chen's face in a second. "Now you listen to me, you little shit! You go to the Admiralty and you could toss away your career, your freedom, maybe. You come in here, acting all high and mighty like you're the only one with a conscience and half a brain. What happened back there had to be done! If we hadn't done it, the Borg would've taken over. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. There was no other way."

"Bullshit. You know how many times I've run over the whole thing in my mind? How many times I've run computer programs to see what the computer would have done? There were other ways!"

"Goddamn it, Chen. Don't you have any brains?! We saved the ship!"

"We killed thirty-one people!"

Brady swallowed and backed off. He looked at his feet, then back up. "Don't you think I realize that? Do you think you're the only with a conscience around here? I live with what we did every day of my life. But, I've learned to deal with it. Why can't you?"

Chen took a deep breath to calm himself. "Because Lucas died trying to keep from telling anybody that secret. He killed himself because he couldn't live with the guilt any longer. And I'm not about to go around here like nothing happened. It's a dishonor to his memory."

Brady exploded. "Fuck you, Chen! You smug, self-righteous son of a bitch. Who in the hell do you think you are? You will screw us both over if you go ahead with this. And I'm not going to let you ruin me."

Chen nodded. "Well you're just going to have to stop me, then."

He turned on his heel and headed for the door when he felt the phaser press against the back of his head. He stopped dead in his tracks and turned around. Brady was standing there, rigid, his eyes a mix of anger, fear and sorrow. "I'm not going to let you do it. I'm not."

Chen's vision blurred as he looked at his former friend. "Than you push that button. You push it and security is going to be all over this place in thirty seconds. Even the phaser on its lowest setting would set off security alarms. I'm going, John. Do what you've got to do."

He turned again and walked out, all the time expecting to hear the whine of the phaser, though it never came. Back in his quarters, Lieutenant John Brady collapsed onto his knees. He leaned forward and his head touched the ground as he wept.

Chen walked out with every intention of straightening this out with Lex when his comm badge chirped. [Sunder to Chen]

He tapped the Starfleet delta. "Chen here."

[Lieutenant, can I see you for a moment in my office?]

*Damn it! Not now!* "Aye, sir. I'm on my way." This couldn't have happened at a more inopportune moment. Chen gathered himself as he walked and shifted into his work mode. *Time to go to work.*

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

Ryak finished up on the bridge and headed to the Day Care. He knew that he was going to be working very late and he had to see Sullar. As the doors to the day care opened Sullar saw Ryak enter and he jumped to his feet and ran over to Ryak and gave him a big hug. Ryak picked Sullar up and hugged him back. Ryak knew that Sullar wasn't going to stay here all night alone. Ryak took a look around to see that the day care was very busy. Ryak took Sullar back to his quarters and got him cleaned up and then grabbed his Star Empire blanket, wrapped him in it grabbed a blanket and headed to the Astrometric/Stellar Cartography lab.

Ryak and Sullar (who was now asleep) entered the dark lab. Ryak turned the system on and as it started up the room was lit with a soft glow. Ryak walked over to a couch on the far side of the lab and place Sullar on it. Sullar tossed for a bit then fell back to sleep. Ryak walked over to the main interface and turned the terminal so that he could work and watch Sullar at the same time.

Ryak noticed that he had a lot of work a head of him. The computer had a lot of new material in it that he had to sort through and ensure it is all charted correctly. Ryak started to go over all of the new data from the other side of the border. The systems was working quite well together. The whole lab was light up. It was as if ryak was floating in space. All Ryak had to do was point on his screen and he was there. All the information on that spot would come up and he'd know all he could. As for the cataloging of new data. That was much more work.

As Ryak worked he noticed some new data that caught his eye. A convoy of some sort. Ryak called up the information and converted it into his system. Onto the screen came one Cardassian Galor-class warship and three Jem'Hadar attack vessels at bearing one-zero-three mark two-five. Ryak thought that this would be a great test of his system.

"Computer, chart course of convoy and inform me of any unpredictable outcomes."

The computer drew many multi coloured lines across space on what course the vessels were headed. As time passed the lines became less and less. Ryak watched to see how well the system would work as he entered the rest of his data.

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

"The Wait"
by Lt. Thomas & Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

** Sickbay **

Chris has spoken to Dev for several minutes, she only told him that she'd found Deiran injured in his quarters. They spent most of the time talking about other things, though their concern was about Deiran. Chris wasn't exactly fond of the man, but he was a fellow officer that was hurt and that was something that meant more than personal grudges. He took no pleasure in seeing a fellow officer get injured for any reason, no matter who it was.

Then there was something else that was gnawing at him, he'd been hearing rumors that Deiran had engaged in an extra marital affair. He'd pleasured Lt. Teb Bancroft or so the rumors said, but they'd spread across the ship. Chris couldn't say they were true or not, but he probably knew better than anyone what Deiran, and could speculate as to what Miran, was going through. He decided that once he could get to see Deiran and give him a debriefing on what was happening with the ship, he'd take the chance to talk with him about his own experience.

Several friends of Deiran’s had shown up in sickbay to find out what the news about his condition was, Chris already knew he'd have to come back tomorrow and talk with him. He waited for a while longer, but had to leave eventually. He needed to make a stop in engineering and see what was happening down their and then he was going to turn in for the night.

** Thomas' quarters **

Chris entered his quarters tired, and haunted by his past once again. He found himself trying to escape his past more often these days than he liked and it was starting to really get annoying. First the Klingons, then Pressman, next Tomalak and now this. Why was his life a string that seemed to be going in a circular pattern, oh yeah and lets not forget the return of Dev. He began to think he his past had some how managed to curse him, but then he really didn't believe that sort of nonsense. He was fully aware that his past could come to light, but he had control over just how much came up and when.

He knew what Deiran was feeling right now, as he'd been in the same boat, both being injured and having cheated. He couldn't believe that Deiran had cheated on his wife, been then again who'd every think he'd either. He'd never planned on it, nor did it occur to him that it might happen. Now there were some very distinct differences between him and Deiran Casey's actions. He had been working undercover for Starfleet when it happened, and now she was here. He stopped himself from continuing down this path, the differences were that when he got back to be with his wife Gwyen she was dead. A result of an explosion at a Starbase, which was covered up and dusted under the rug nice and neatly.

He had spent several nights asking himself what he would've said to her, about his time living as Klingon. Would he have mentioned anything about Belira to Gwyen or would have forgotten that part of the mission. He had originally planned to never mention it, because as far as he saw it, the marriage to be lira was part

of mission. However she meant more than just part of the mission, they'd shared some good times and enjoyed each other on many occasions. Chris stopped himself from bothering to go any farther, what had happened was part of his past. He had parts of his past that he wasn't found of, but he was about ready to let them dormant his life. He full well what he did, and what the risk were, both emotional and to the mission. He'd also spent one night a week before he left talking with her about the possible things that could happen. One of which, besides death or being labeled a spy/traitor was the possibility of having to become involved and take a wife. He also told her that he loved her, and that no one could ever replace her. He'd been undercover before a spent a major time among the Romulans and told her the same thing, but the mission with the Romulans as different. Chris decided that no matter how he felt about Casey, Deiran needed someone that knew first hand what he was going through. No counselor, not even Dev could fully understand what Deiran was experiencing at this moment. Chris as suspected knew how Deiran had become injured, but wouldn't share this knowledge, to do so would cause problems.

He moved to get himself some water before heading to bed. What was he going to do, Deiran and he weren't anything near being friends, they were co-workers and that's about as far as it went. They'd spoken once or twice in 10-forward shortly after his marriage to Miran. Tomorrow was another day, and he'd go see Deiran and talk with him then. Chris found his bed and feel fast asleep he'd deal with life tomorrow.

** following day **

Chris woke form a peaceful night, like the ones he'd enjoyed on Romulus. He enjoyed those night so much, he slept with 3 weapons within reach 2 energy weapons and a Klingon dagger, as he was know ones fool. He knew the risk there were much higher then he'd know before in his small 2 week assignments. He was going to be a Romulan for nearly a year not something easily done if you died.

Chris woke up, with some coffee and checked his messages to which he found none. Not a big surprise, he was the complete opposite of Deiran Casey in many ways, especially after his wife's death and yet they were alike. He found himself now able to count things that he and Deiran had in common and it was scary. He decided his first this morning would be to see Deiran and the Admiral could wait like a good little boy.

He left his quarters and headed off to see Deiran Casey.

** Med Bay 3 **

Lt. Thomas had first checked to make sure no one was in with Deiran at the time, and then entered. He really didn't feel like sharing anything with the crew, as it was telling Deiran would be tough. He looked around as he entered the room, he knew something about injuries, unfortunate effect of living field duty with SI. He wasn't however fond sickbays or doctors, well except cute ones.

He saw Deiran laying there in the bed, he looked awful.

"Lt. Commander Casey." Chris said, as he moved to speak with the commander. "I have been ordered to debrief you about a senior officers meeting held yesterday, in regards to the mission."

“I’ve been looking forward to that Lieutenant. What the heck is going on around here?” he asked, and groaned as he was moving to a new position in the bed.

Chris looked at Deiran unsure how to approach the matter, then decided to just wing it. "Permission to speak freely, sir?"

“Sure Chris, as long as it’s respectful. The last thing I need is a fight right now,” Deiran smiled at Chris, Deiran had a strange way of using his sense of humor to state the obvious.

"While this is what I was suppose to do, I didn't come by here to talk about this, I came by because I was concerned about you. You are a fellow officer and my commander, but beyond that you've done something I can relate to." Chris said. He was trying his hardest to get through this initial part of talking.

“You can relate to being stuck in a hospital bed when you want to get back to work to get your mind off the chaos that is your life uh?” Deiran was ornery and sarcastic.

"Deiran I have heard the rumors about you and Teb." Chris said pulling a chair he knew he was going need it for this discussion. "I am not here to pass judgment on you, lord knows that I have no room to talk." Chris said, trying to avoid letting his own feelings block him from continuing past this first part. "See I know first hand what you're going through right now, Deiran."

“I feel like swiss cheese,” he said. Hesitant to even mention what he’d done, still riddled with guilt.

"Yes, I know the pain, both from the wound, nasty wound you got there, a Klingon dagger if I am not mistaking." Chris said.

“Yep, I was practicing my moves, still a bit drunk, I’m ashamed to say. And I tripped and fell right on the knife,” Deiran replied quite embarrassed.

"I also know the pain of cheating on someone you love. I was ..." Chris stopped, wondering if he had the courage himself to share this with other people. "I was living as a Klingon when it happened to me, I was happily married to Gwyn and she'd been given her first posting at a Starbase. Well the plan was for me to get assigned there as well, I'd put the paper work in and him comes guess who knocking on my door. Starfleet Intelligence, they wanted me back for another mission, which would send me to live among the Klingons as one of them. I accepted, " Chris paused as he thought back to the decision

Deiran didn’t say a word. His face grew dark, his eyes full of remorse. “I can’t believe I did it Chris. I love Miran so much. I never wanted to hurt her, our marriage was great. She’s still the only woman I love. But, she hates me now. I don’t blame her,” Casey’s voice trailed off as he began cussing himself out for his actions. Shocked that he was sharing this with Chris Thomas of all people.

Chris could hear and feel the pain Deiran was going through. He was surprised that he off all people was here sharing his own experience with this matter, but then again perhaps it was his own guilt that had gotten to him.

“I know, you never intended to do anything to hurt her. I always promised myself that I’d never let myself get into such a situation, but it happened. I was working for SI, but that didn’t matter. You blame yourself, and that’s what is tearing you up right now. Until you forgive yourself enough you won’t be able to face her and talk with her about this.” Chris said, bowing his head.”

“How do I do that? I can’t even look at her in the eye, much less forgive myself. I hate myself, I hate myself Chris. Her whole life has been nothing but pain and all I did was add to it!” Deiran’s voice was melancholy as he spoke. You could hear the pain in his heart as he spoke.

“I never got to see my wife, when I returned from the Klingon Empire, she’d been killed. I felt bad for weeks, and worse I still had to face her family, no one ever knew what I’d done. I loved my wife more than anything, and that alone lead me to see her family and never say anything about what I’d done. Belira was gone from my life, but I couldn’t forget her no matter how hard I tried, so I chose to live with it as a part of me, then as a curse.” Chris stopped, he was depressing himself at this rate, they’d both be lying in sickbay.

“How did you go on with the guilt? All I feel is guilt, my conscious is plagued by it every day. It never goes away no matter what I try! My mind is on nothing but the pain I caused her. I love her, I worship her, she’s my life. How in the world could I do such a thing to her?” Deiran was still beating himself up. His anger was clear in his voice, not directed at Chris, but at himself.

“Deiran what I am saying is that I am here for you man, I know exactly what your feeling and going through. I know that you talked with Dev, but no one, not even a counselor can truly know first hand what your feeling. I however do, not that I am proud to say it, but I know what you’re going through. I am more than willing to help, anyway I can, no questions asked.” Chris said.

Deiran was speechless at first. Throughout his life he really couldn’t trust his friends, much less his enemies. But he wasn’t one to hold a grudge. It seemed like a few minutes before he spoke, “Thank you Chris, I appreciate it. If I can get rid of the guilt, then maybe I can forgive myself. I don’t think I ever will until Miran can forgive me. If she can,” he stopped, the pain of losing Miran was beginning to get to him again. “Thank you Chris, I appreciate you reaching out to help. I do mean it.” His voice was almost barely audible as he spoke those words.

Chris thought about it, and decided to mention it, “Deiran I know how you got that injury my friend, but don’t worry I am not going to say. You made a mistake, and you were under great pressure and you shouldn’t suffer for that.” Chris said. “I know Pressman, would use it to ensure his victory, and that’s not something I’d be to happy to see. Eric Pressman’s crazy, that’s why I got close to him as soon as I knew he was onboard.” Chris grinned, giving Deiran the impression he hated the man, without saying it.

Deiran’s facial features portrayed a look of “Oh my God” bewilderment. *No one can know that* “I think you misunderstand Chris. It really was an accident.” He paused so Chris would know he was changing the subject, “I have no love for Pressman, donated blood or no donated blood. He’s a danger to this crew and just as bad as Tomalak. My father has had a rivalry with him for awhile. Pressman’s and Casey’s have no love for each other whatsoever. We need to watch out for each other’s backside, not just us Chris. The whole crew. We’re pretty screwed my friend. Especially without Lee here.”

"Agreed Pressman is a danger, and Tomalak isn't a welcomed site I might add. I provided Sterner with some advice and information about him, so he would know when and were to stand his ground. We need him in command of the ship, not in the brig." Chris said, "Deiran I can try and talk with Miran, but you need to stay here and recover. I will keep you updated on the Pressman matter." Chris said, handing him the padd that had everything Thomas wrote up on the mission debriefing, "This will help. I'll be back later."

Chris exited the room, he had reconciled with Deiran or at least it was a start, but his memories came back to haunt him. He still was alone and hadn't fulfilled his promise to himself and to Gwyn.

Christopher Patton

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

***** Sickbay *****

Cat flopped into her chair. She felt tired, so very tired. Fatigue, anxiety and concern all grouped together to make her depleted, depleted of all energy. Being so near the end of Gamma, she had hardly any sleep and then Deiran came in. 'Oh boy!'

She swung her chair in small arcs and rested her head back on the chair. Trying to just gather her thoughts, Cat just looked around her office. Just gazing around, she saw on her terminal she had an appointment in less than half-hour. "I just don't need that right now!" she exclaimed to herself.

Even though Nilani was only a couple rooms away, Cat called out "Khatroweena to Khan."

[Yes Cat, what is it?]

"Nilani, I have a medical coming soon. Name's Benedict T'Kal. Should be here in about half-hour. Could you take it? I really just don't feel like it right now."

[Sure Cat. No problem. You look after yourself.]

"I'll be fine in a couple of hours. I just need..."

[Cat you've been up all hours. You've had to work on a friend, back from death. Look, take some hours off and get some sleep.]

"Thanks Nilani. Look I'm sorry to do this to you!"

[Get that rest Cat! Now get lost.]

Cat flopped her head back and looked at the ceiling. Trying to relax, she closed her eyes, trying to let the tension flow out and away.

She slipped into the timelessness of half consciousness...

A baby's cry invades the void and Cat feels the rock and the hard ground underneath her. Cat gets up to help the young Dronegarian who cried out. She felt the kernel of anger within her against those who released the virus. And what kept her moving was the determination of the Dronegarians to live.

Cat opened her eyes and for a few seconds, she was totally disorientated. 'What the...' Sickbay greeted her eyes and she looked around confused. The last few hours returned and she crashed back down into her seat. Looking out, she saw Lara being taken so Deiran could see his daughter.

"You're lucky you've got a daddy, little one," Cat whispered.

Cat was trying to work out what could've happened in his quarters. The wounds and the information that she had could only lead her to one conclusion. It wasn't one that she liked. It was obvious to anyone that Deiran had attempted suicide. Obvious except for one fact - Deiran just was not the type. He would always face the challenge in his own way. He didn't always choose the smartest way, but he never ran away.

Cat moved out to the food replicator, "Raktijino and coffee, double-strong, double-sweet." Cat watched as two large mugs appeared in the replicator. "Same mug you stupid machine!"

"Please restate request."

"I want the raktijino and the coffee in the same mug." Cat watched as the two mugs dematerialised and a single mug materialised. Cat grabbed the mug and sipped, even with the double dose of sugar, the bitterness was overpowering. But Cat knew it would do its job.

Cat heard Lara cry out for a couple of seconds as she was being passed to Deiran. Cat looked at him. She tried to calm a storm of anger inside of her. How could he have done something so selfish? Even think of leaving Miran and Lara, how could he? Lara was in his quarters when he attempted it. Cat could only shake her head. When she first came on the Galaxy, her first mission was to help the Dronegar, fighting for everything, fighting for their very lives, fighting for what little the war had left them. But Deiran, he had his career, Miran and Lara - Why did he do it? Why did he want to end it all?

Deiran hugged his daughter, he seemed to have felt Cat's stare on him. He turned and looked at Cat. His smile had some of the old Casey cockiness in it. It only fuelled the anger inside.

Cat stopped, in her mind, she was pushing down the anger, confusion and frustration. She pushed the black amorphous blob down and in its place, calmness rushed in. She was a doctor, he was her patient! He needs friends to get him back to being healthy and she intended to be there.

"Discouragement"
LtJg. Numa Taurean
USS Galaxy
Science

The science lab was empty. It was cold and alien. The slab tables and counters were platforms from which menacing twisted metal apparatus erupted like skeletal hands groping unseen victims. Erie glass constructions filled with viscous fluids and bubbling concoctions also made their home amidst the tangled metal appendages. The ominous glow of flashing lights were merely the eyes of carrion rats waiting for their next meal.

Numa stood in silence. The lights were dim, and for the fist time Numa felt useless. She had run several ideas by the CO of the Science Department, but at every turn Admiral Pressman was shooting them down. She was discouraged.

Numa hated this Admiral. She'd never even met him, but she loathed him like she had never loathed anyone before. She thought of the Klingon that she had skewered through the heart during the battle that ensued not long ago. She wished that it had been this Admiral that she had killed. Anger boiled beneath the calm exterior of this Benzite officer.

There was a whoosh sound from behind the slender figure of the pale blue female officer. Numa didn't even turn to acknowledge the presence of the individual behind her. She stood unmoving like a statue and just as silent.

"Numa?" The voice belonged to Lt. Morris.

"Yes, ma'am." Her voice was a whisper that shattered the silence. It was calm and soothing but at the same time icy and cold. Numa turned slowly and gazed at her superior with fathomless blue eyes. Her face was smooth and without lines.

Lt. Morris stood silent for a moment. She had been captured by the hypnotic stare of Numa. It was like looking into some abysmal place where there was no escape. Ronni felt chills run down her spine. She felt cold.

"Are you alright?" The dark haired woman blinked to break the spell of Numa's gaze. Her voice was full of concern.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm fine." Numa smiled. "I just got here, and I haven't had time to get the lab up and running yet."

"Very well."

The illumination of the lab increased, and Lt. Morris walked over to the main LCARS console with Numa at her side. Morris had a PADD in her hands, and Numa was sure that it was her next assignment. She was afraid to even touch thinking that the Pressman curse was just around the corner waiting to banish her newest task. She hated that monster.

"This is a list of alloys and minerals that D'Auria has compiled for us. I would like for you to go over it enter them into the computer. These are the things that we will be scanning for as soon as the Sensors are online." Numa took the PADD from Lt. Morris as she spoke.

"Very well. I will input the data. In addition, since we know so little about the planets in this system, I think that it would be an opportune time to gather all the geological information of the various planets of this area as well. We would be able to use the compiled data to determine which planets have the required minerals and metals for the constuction of the ships used by the Dominion and Cardassians." Numa was already punching the buttons of the LCAR's station.

"Then you have your work." Morris smiled at Benzite and patted her back. She was glad to have such a hard working officer on the science team.

"Ma'am. We could also use the cartography lab. We could send all the new information that we gather about the area to update what we already know about this area. Since we are now at odds with the Cardassians, any information we can muster is of benefit." Numa was already getting wrapped up in her work again. Discouragement was quickly fading.

"I'm sure that Sullax would appreciate that, Numa." Lt. Morris turned to leave. She had to finish her work on the Sensor Arrays.

As the doors shut behind Lt. Morris' departure, Numa tapped her comm badge. "Ensign Takahashi and Ensign Whitlock, you are needed at the main science lab. The two officers arrived in a matter of minutes.

"Ensign Takahashi reporting as ordered, ma'am." The asian science officer spoke for herself as well as the young man standing at her side.

"Good. We have some work that needs to be done. Ensign Takahashi, I'd like for you to begin scans of the surrounding areas. Gather as much information as you can of the planets and asteroids in the area. Begin to catalog all the minerals and metals that you find, and send all information to the cartography lab."

"Yes ma'am." The oriental woman pushed her slick black hair to the one side. Her dark eyes began scanning the information that was popping up at her console. Her fingers flew across her station as she began the tedious task of cataloguing.

"Ensign Whitlock," Numa turned handing the PADD that Lt. Morris had given her to him. "I want you to continue to download all this information into the main computer and make sure that the Sensors are set to scan for these materials. Also, download any files that contain anything that Star Fleet knows of the minerals and metals used in Cardassian construction."

Later during the shift, Numa received a call from Erickson.

"Erikson to Taurean." Greer said as he reached across and tapped his comm badge. "Numa, have you completed that mineralogical analysis that D'Auria passed onto you?"

"I'm actually on my way to you with it now sir." Numa grabbed a PADD and downloaded all the information that she had gathered. She turned to the two Ensigns, "Keep working. I'll be back in a few moments."

"Understood. Erikson out." Greer said as he watched as the two science officers worked on the sensor array access panel. "It might be an idea to make the most of our time in Cardassian space by running long range sensor scans of planets and so forth." he remarked to Ronni as she handed Jack an isolinear chip.

"I was thinking that myself." Ronni said as she turned to him.

"Babysitting Tomalak"
By Lt.(jg) James Chen
and Ensign William Foxtrot

Foxtrot and Chen arrived at Sunder's office at the same time. Sunder looked up and Chen smiled at his superior officer. "I heard you were on way up to command. Slumming?"

Sunder grunted. "I'm not leaving just yet. Albrecht is going to take command, but I wanted to brief you two on this assignment, first."

Will frowned."What type of job is it, sir?"

Sunder sat on the corner of his desk. "I've selected the two of you to guard Ambassador Tomalak."

Will shifted noticeably. Chen looked down at his feet."I know this isn't exactly a dream job, but we need to watch the man. There are more than a few members of the crew that are...hostile to Romulans. Also I would like to gather a little information."

Will cocked an eyebrow."Sir?"

"I'm sorry, ensign. Lieutenant Chen knows what I'm talking about. I'd like to gather a little intelligence on just what SI is doing here. Normally, I wouldn't tell you this, but I'm going by your record that you're a trustworthy officer. Don't disappoint me, Mr. Foxtrot. Tomalak is as good a person to study as any. I want daily reports on your findings. Good luck."

They nodded and turned to leave. "Oh, Chen, one more thing." Chen turned and Will stepped out the door. "He's a diplomatic dignitary and should be treated as such. Understood, Lieutenant?"

Both Chen and Foxtrot nodded at Sunder and walked out.

After receiving their orders the security officers are in the turbolift heading for Ambassador Tomalak's quarters. Neither man looking to excited about it.

"I'd rather take on the dominion right now!" Will said sarcastically.

"It's our job, Ensign." Chen replied, though he understood wills feelings.

"Sorry,sir." Foxtrot answered quickly. "Just what I always wanted to become, an Ambassadorial Babysitter." He added mumbling.

Chen quickly replied with,"Ensign!". He then turned his head and let a large smile loose.

Then with a swoosh the turbolift doors opened up and the security men stepped out and began down the hallway. As they reached the door Chen relieved the first security detail.

"You two can go now." Chen informed them.

"Good luck you two!" one of the relieved men said.

"Why?" Foxtrot quickly asked.

"You guys will see, Trust us." They chimed together as they went around the corner of the hallway.

Chen then reached out and hit the pad to alert Ambassador Tomalak to the door. The doors opened and there stood Tomalak in his high and mighty Romulan attitude.

"Yes, What do you two want and where is my so called security guards at?" Tomalak asked with disgust.

"I am Lt. Junior Grade James Chen and this is Ensign William Foxtrot. We are your security guards now." James introduced.

"Am I supposed to act happy or feel safer now! Starfleet security, Hmmph" Tomalak added with the intent of insult. He had been open to the idea of Starfleet security, but the officers that guarded him last were less than stellar officers. He had no tolerance for such shoddy behavior.

With that the doors closed. Chen and Will both took their positions on each side of the door.

"I know what those two meant now!" Will quietly said to Chen.

"I think we are in for one hell of a ride!" Chen quietly responded.

After a couple of hours the door opens and Tomalak steps out.

"I would like to take a tour of your fine ship." Tomalak commanded. The hours of inactivity seemed to have let him regain his cool and he seemed genuinely fascinated by the ship.

"Of course Ambassador. We would be honored to accompany you on a tour." He glanced at Will.

Will took the lead, reacting quickly. "This way, sir." Will led the way with Tomalak in the middle and Chen bringing up the rear. Several times, the Romulan stopped and commented on pieces of equipment that they had improved upon or knew the workings of in detail. But, he also seemed appreciative of Starfleets' ship and very enthusiastic to see these things in person.

They had toured several different area of the ship and Tomalak decided he was thirsty. They reached Ten-Forward and entered into a quite busy day here. Will and Chen carefully scanned the crowds of people for any threat. They saw none except for the glares of various people in the bar. They led Tomalak over to a Table in the corner as to see the surrounding area.

"Here is a table, sir." Chen said pointing at the table.

"I want some Romulan ale, Ensign." Tomalak asked. "Or the closest thing you have to it."

"Yes,sir." Will replied and went over to the bar.

While at the bar he waited for the drinks and scanned the area. He Looked over at Chen listening to Tomalak speak. He noticed Chen roll his eyes. Will turned around and smiled. He got the drink and returned to the Table.

Tomalak went to ask the two men questions of the ship and other devices as he drank his drink.

Then It happened. One of the Civilian patrons stood up and began walking over to the table. Chen nodded his head in the man's direction to let Foxtrot know. Will nodded.

"You stinking pile of crap!" He exclaimed.

Chen stepped forward. "I am sorry sir but please return to your table. The Ambassador doesn't want to be disturbed."

With that the man just swung at Chen. Chen quickly dodged the punch and restrained him without doing any other actions of harm. Then one of the civilians decided to go after Chen. Foxtrot quickly stepped forward and quickly dispatched the attack with a quick kick to the gut.

Chen hit his comm badge. "Chen to security. Send two men to Ten forward."

[Aye, sir, on our way.] Came the answer.

The whole time neither one noticed the smile of amusement on Tomalak's face. The other two security officers came and collected the two civilians.

"Well, that certainly was...Interesting. I hope it does not become a habit." Tomalak stood with his drink. "Come, gentlemen. Let us retire to a more private area of this tavern."

Will led Tomalak to a nearby table and Tomalak took a seat while Chen and Will stood behind him. They exchanged glances. One hell of a day.

"Unofficial Counseling Part 1"
By Lt jg Aaron Sharp and Lt Tebrianne Bancroft

Alpha shift had finally come to an end, and what a shift it had been. Romulans, Ferengi, phased cloaking devices, Jem' Hadar warships, he thought it would never end! Aaron exited the bridge and headed for his quarters. When he arrived, he showered, freshened up and put on some civilian clothes.

"Computer, what is Tebrianne Bancroft's current location?" he queried.

=/\= Lieutenant Bancroft is currently in the Gymnasium.=/\=

"Then it's off to the Gym I go." Aaron walked briskly out the door and made his way to the correct deck. He paused momentarily at the doors, to think about what he was going to say, then walked in. Looking around, he spotted Tebrianne in the middle of a fairly intense workout. He thought about coming back at another time, but decided if he didn't speak to her now, it wasn't likely he'd speak to her later. He straightened up and walked over to her. Teb looked up as he neared her but didn't stop exercising, so he waited patiently for her to finish her reps.

*****

Tebrianne looked up at Lieutenant Sharp's approach. When he stopped next to her, she figured she was the reason he was there. She put the barbell she'd been hefting back onto the bench and wiped her face with a towel.

"Cheers, Aaron," she said. "What can I do for you?"

“Actually, I was wondering if I could do anything for you.?Aaron replied. Her tone became a little more guarded.

“What exactly do you mean??she asked, sitting up.

“Ma‘am, we're both off duty now. Do you mind if I call you Teb?"

“Go right ahead, Aaron."

“Thanks."Aaron took a deep breath. Well, here goes, he thought. “Teb, I've noticed you haven't been yourself the last couple of days. There’s a pretty nasty rumour going around about you, and before you interrupt," he lifted his hands, palms out, “the person who told me got a good dressing down." Aaron smiled. “I don't think he'll be saying too much more about it. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that you have my full support. I'm not interested in your private affairs. They're not my business. But I won't stand for people degrading the people I work with. This might be one of the largest ships in the fleet, but it’s still only a small community. Unfortunately, gossip spreads like wildfire. Some I can understand, if it relates to a mission, or events elsewhere, but when it becomes personal, I think people need to just shut up and mind their own affairs. One day the shoe could be on the other foot, and I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate the gossip then." He took a breath and continued. “We're a family. We have to stick together or we've got nothing. If you have a problem that you want to talk about then my door is open. If you don't want to talk about it then that’s fine too. But whatever the situation, I'm one hundred percent behind you. And that’s basically what I wanted to tell you. You‘re not alone. I‘ve been there and I know what the pain feels like." Aaron opened his arms in a ‘that’s all I've got' expression, and waited for Tebrianne’s reaction.

A moment of panic welled up in Tebrianne as she listened to Aaron talking about herself and Deiran. It was a relief to know that he'd stood up for her and gave the other bloke hell for it. She smiled at Aaron.

"Thank you, Aaron," she said with a smile. "It means a lot to know that I have your support. It's a comfort to know that I've got someone in my corner, so to speak."

"You're welcome." Aaron said. Then a thought popped into his head. "Actually, you probably could do something for me."

"Oh really. What would that be?"

"Well, As I said, I know what the pain feels like. In fact, I still carry a lot of it with me. If you don't mind, I really need to talk about it myself."

"But I'm not a counselor."

"I know, but I need to talk to someone who's not looking at it from a professional point of view, someone who can just listen." Aaron paused before continuing. "Perhaps over dinner?"

Tebrianne looked at him for a moment, unsure of what to say. He seemed genuinely interested in talking, and not trying to take advantage--not like that Kell bloke from Ten Forward. Teb felt like she could trust Aaron. She smiled at him.

"Okay then," she said. "Dinner it is. When were you thinking, Aaron?"

"Oh, say 1900 hours? That would give us both some time to get ready."

"Okay. 1900 hours. Where are we eating?"

"Well if you don't have any objections, how about my quarters? My roommate is on duty right now."

Teb thought about it for a second.

"Alright. I'll see you in a little while."

"Bonzer!" Aaron grinned, "I'll go and whip up something special to eat!"

And with that he turned around and headed back to his room.

**** 1900 hours. Lieutenant jg Sharp's quarters. ****

The door chimed and Aaron called out, "Come in!" Tebrianne entered and looked around. Aaron wasn't there, or he was somewhere else in the quarters, so she decided to look around the front area while she waited for him to appear. It was the first time she had been to Aaron's quarters...the first time she'd been to anyone's quarters other than her own. As her gaze shifted around the room, she noticed an old electric guitar in a plastisteel display cabinet. Fender Stratocaster. Her eyes lit up and she walked up to it. It was a little battered, but still in good condition. The body was a vintage white with a maple neck and it was obviously at least a couple of hundred years old. Four if she remembered correctly. As she stared in awe at the musical treasure, Aaron walked in from the adjoining room.

"Oh, Teb. Right on time I see." He noticed Teb admiring the antique instrument and moved over beside her.

"You like it?" he asked.

"Very much." Teb replied, not taking her eyes off it.

"It's an antique Fender Stratocaster, almost four hundred years old. It belonged to my great, great, great, great, etc, etc, grandfather. It's been in the family since the late twentieth century, and has been passed down the line to me. It's quite an heirloom. Occasionally I even play it, but mostly I use an identical one I replicated. Don't want to get this one damaged."

"I'd imagine not," she said. "I've got one from the late twentieth too. I've also got a Fender from the Heat Blisters, they were a band during the 2070's. We should get together sometime and..." The image of herself and Deiran entering the holodeck for their jam session the other night flashed before her. What was supposed to be two people rocking out turned into passionate sex. She looked up at Aaron with a hint of panic in her eyes. "...and jam," she finished. Quickly changing the subject, Teb said, "So, what's for dinner?"

A grin crossed Aaron's face. "Ahhh, I'm glad you asked. If you would please make your way to the table, you are about to have a new experience in culinary delights." He smiled again and walked to the replicator.

As Tebrianne sat down he spoke to the device. "Aaron's menu number three. For two people."

The replicator hummed and a tray with several dishes appeared. Aaron picked it up and brought it to the table. With a flourish he opened a napkin and passed it to Tebrianne before opening one for himself.

"First up," he said, placing a bowl in front of her, "Pumpkin soup. Followed by chicken strogonoff with a special Australian side dish." He lifted the lid on another bowl, revealing what looked like small fat worms, white in colour with dark heads. "Witchety grubs! Yum."

Tebrianne had never seen the dish before, let alone heard of it. "Witchety grubs?" she questioned, "What are they?"

"They're a native animal of Australia, Earth. The Aboriginals used to eat them for food. Raw. But don't worry, these are cooked. They're kinda like Klingon gagh, only from Earth. And they're delicious."

Tebrianne felt her stomach do a somersault. Like gagh? She could only hope the expression on her face didn't give away how she felt about Klingon foods.

"So how did you like Alpha shift?" Tebrianne asked between mouthfuls of soup.

"I've never had a busier shift in my life. It seemed like everything happened at once. First a Romulan Warbird materializes in front of us, then the Romulan commander beams directly to the bridge with a Ferengi Starfleet ensign, then it turns out Admiral Pressman's installed a phase cloaking device to the Galaxy which we're using now, then Commander Casey ends up in sickbay in critical condition, then two jem' hadar warships pass directly THROUGH the Galaxy's phase cloak, then..."

"WHAT?!?" Tebrianne interrupted. "Go back a second! What did you just say?"

"I just said two Jem'hadar warships.."

"Before that. About 'Commander Casey!"

"Casey? He's in sickbay. Dunno what happened."

"I've have to go," she said. Tebrianne leapt to her feet and rushed to the door. As it slid open she turned quickly and called back to Aaron, "I'm sorry, I'll be back."

Then she was gone. Aaron stared at the door in stunned surprise.

"What did I say?" he asked no one in particular.

Sighing, he looked out the window and popped a witchity grub in his mouth.

Lt. Tebrianne, USS Galaxy, Chief Helmsman
tebrianne@elsinore.net
UIN# 2172851

Doctors Appointment
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

When the doors to sickbay slid aside Benedict T'Kal stopped. The Primary Sickbay area was crowded. He looked around for a nurse and spotted an efficient looking ensign in medical blues moving at the periphery of the throng. He reached out and tapped her elbow.

"Excuse me ensign?" he smiled at her, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I have an appointment for my medical - Dr Khatroweena requested me to drop in after my shift." The nurse looked harried, and slightly annoyed at the intrusion.

"Dr Cat is busy. Considering the circumstances I don't think she will want to see you at the moment - we've been busy" - she made a shrugging movement toward the crowd in the medical area.

Benedict nodded, he could see a woman in counselling uniform holding a small baby girl who was sleepy in her arms. The collection of Starfleet officers were standing around, some deep in introspection, others making personal contact and talking in low hushed tones. Benedict knew that they were friends and family of the Lt. Commander.

He felt out of place - intruding on this scene. He said a silent prayer to the Prophets for the safe delivery of the man's soul. Just as he was turning to leave a woman's voice reached him.

"Ensign T'Kal?" Benedict turned to see a Bajoran woman in medical uniform and the pips of a Lieutenant - she looked tired and drawn.

"Yes?" he replied. She took a step toward him and in a low voice said, "Dr Khatroweena has asked me to handle her case load this morning - I've been expecting you." She smiled at Benedicts look of discomfort, "Come into the secondary unit - it won't take long." She motioned to the doors. He followed her into an empty unit and stood at ease as she moved to collect a PADD and a medical tricorder.

"It's been extremely hectic all night." She said, "Can you remove your tunic? I'll need a blood sample."

Benedict looked at the Bajoran doctor and hesitated." May I ask your name?" he said in fluid Bajoran. The doctor turned back to him at the formality in the question and the gentleness in the voice.

She saw the man standing before her move gracefully in her direction and extend his right hand with an open palm. She was surprised by his graceful approach, but nothing in his manner showed any ill intent. He seemed to radiate an inner calm, and his eyes transfixed her with the depth of their colour. They were deep violet -and clear as ice.

For the first time she realised that he was possibly the most striking man she had ever seen. He had a quality about him that made her heart race. She hadn't had time to answer his simple question before he had taken her left ear in his palm in the ritual Bajoran greeting. He stood so close that if she breathed deeper her chest would have touched his. She could see the slight moisture on his lips, the long lashes of his beautiful eyes and the strength in his jaw-line. For a moment she lost the ability to speak. His hand was warm and dry, and he looked into her eyes as if he was examining her very soul.

"I am Khan Nilani." She replied in Bajoran. She reached upward to take his own ear in her hand - the ritual feeling of the pagh. She could sense the aura surrounding him now - touching him, she felt like an electric charge was surging through her fingers.

She remembered touching the pagh of a Prylar once when she was young, it felt stronger than that of the holy one. Her eyes widened slightly.

"I am T'Kal Benedict" he whispered. "I ask that what you see will be kept in your heart alone." He was very serious - she could see that he was searching her eyes for something, and seemed satisfied that he either did, or did not find it. "I must trust you doctor. I must ask you to keep a secret."

She could only stand still as he moved silently away and turned his back to her.

In one fluid movement his tunic was pulled over his head revealing a strong back and defined muscles. The light seemed to catch the shifting of his body and as he dropped his arms she realised what she was looking at. Golden metal reflected the room lighting in yellow and black. The animal etched across his torso and wrapped about his body stretched and moved as he did, its face turned toward her was fierce, eyes of jet black, mouth wide with blood red tongue and white fangs. Its lower body disappeared into T'Kals uniform trousers. The tiger image was done in what seemed like pure gold - not yellow colour, but metal inlaid into the skin.

Khan Nilani had served with the Bajoran Resistance for a short time. Her breath caught in her throat and she shivered - the cold wind blew through her at the sight of the tattoo. The name came to her like a bolt from the past. "Tikaru" she whispered, the sound leaving her mouth without conscious violition.

Benedict turned to face her and dropped his tunic on the biobed. His chest rippled with muscle and two golden cats paws dug into his upper shoulder and lower chest as if the animal was physically climbing his body. When she met his eyes they were darker than before. They stood facing each other for several seconds.

Nilani didn't know what to say. His very name brought back images and memories from her past that she had buried. Tikaru. The Golden Tiger. A name all resistance fighters knew. It was a name that struck fear into the Cardassians - it was a name they used to frighten their children. In Cardassian it was a synonym for death.

Benedict saw the expression in her eyes and dropped his head - he looked away.

"Mixed Emotions."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson Chief Science Officer
with additions by Captain Price

Lieutenant Erikson sat at the science console and continued to monitor the data stream from the modified sensors. Detecting several Cardassian and Dominion vessels from time to time without the Galaxy being exposed almost seemed to justify the arrogance that Admiral Pressman showed. This justification still did not seem to remove the tense feelings he seemed to be able produce in other officers. It was certainly something the chief scientist felt circulate through several members of his own department.

"Ensign Nog reporting for duty sir." the young Ferengi said as he stood at attention. He was certainly not what one could expect from a typical Ferengi, apparently investing his faith in a Starfleet uniform and taking each task so very seriously. Very different from the Ferengi he remembered from the spaceport Kal-Dixas who had an unwavering devotion to profit and latinum.

Greer turned to his right to look at the short but rigid form standing there. "Ah yes, I have been expecting you." he said, remembering that David had contacted him a few minutes earlier saying he would be sending the Mission's Tactical Advisor up to the Bridge.

"The chief engineer, Lieutenant Mercury, said that I should report to you here on the Bridge," Nog replied, "to assist in scanning for the target vessel."

"Then you might want to take Science Station Two to my right," drawing his attention to the neighboring console, "and begin scanning for the Battleship. These two consoles are directly linked to the sensor modifications so you should be able to pick it up from there."

Ensign Nog did as Lieutenant Erikson suggested and stood in front of the auxiliary science station. Although there was a seat just sitting there beside him, the Ferengi continued to stand as if he was uneasy about something, they only sound emanating was from the beeps and whirls from the two science stations. Over the next few hours this scene did not change as they both kept a watchful eye on the sensors, a certain awkwardness as they continued to search for this elusive Battleship.

"Mr. Nog," Greer said as one of them finally broke the silence, "I am somewhat curious as to this ship the Valiant encountered. Since you are the only to have seen it, I have to ask, is it as large as the Admiral led us to believe?"

The young Ensign hung his head and the rigidity of his posture relaxed for a moment as his body language hinted ever so slightly that his thoughts were bothering him. "Yes sir, it is enormous." he recalled as he answered the Chief Scientist's question.

"I am not familiar with the complete circumstances of the incident, but if I remember correctly, the USS Valiant was a Defiant-class vessel. That particular vessel is an escort ship, substantially smaller than a Galaxy-class starship." Erikson said as he rubbed his chin, recalling details he had read during the senior staff meeting. "I cannot understand why the Captain didn't order the ship to fall back to Federation space when you obtained the surveillance data. Surely it should have been obvious that it was no match for something of that magnitude."

Nog whipped his head around to face the Lieutenant. His large ears helped to exaggerate the movement, but his eyes blared back at Greer. "Captain Watters was a great man sir. He was the leader of Red Squad and kept the Valiant alive and well for eight months behind enemy lines to carry out Starfleet's mission and locate the battleship. While he was a good leader of Red Squad, in the end he was not a very good Captain. He wore the rank of Captain, but he was really only a Cadet. The whole Valiant crew was...." Nog paused, his eyes growing watery and his voice starting to waver from the overwhelming emotions he was experiencing, "It does not matter now. They were Red Squad, and now they are all dead." the Ferengi huffed. It seemed that Greer's suspicions that he was bothered by the mention of the Valiant incident was confirmed somewhat as he began to detect a hint of anger in Nog's voice. "Now I really need to concentrate on the display sir. So I do not miss anything."

"Of course." Greer said simply. Realizing that he had hit a nerve with the engineer, he backed off from the topic of the USS Valiant and the mission. Once again the only sounds emanating from the two science stations were from the beeps and whirls as they continued to monitor the sensor data in silence. The word Nog used, 'dead' seemed to imprint itself on the mind of Lieutenant Erikson as it made him recall a particular event he had avoided, consciously or unconsciously, for the last few weeks - the causality list.

*** Deck 08, Room 2133 ***

Lieutenant Erikson took a break after spending the last few hours with Ensign Nog quietly on the Bridge and returned to his quarters. Although he didn't want to look at the list of dead, missing, and wounded officers, how could he ignore that one day he would have to. Even though he had that realization, it did not take away the apprehension he felt as strolled into his quarters. "Computer, access ship's database and group the Starfleet causality lists for the last five weeks."

The computer quickly compiled the list and an on screen prompt indicated that it was ready to be viewed from that screen. As his eyes ran down the list Greer recognized several acquaintances, a few people he had even worked with back on Earth that had been reassigned to other starships, but he tried not to respond at the shock of one name in particular. In some ways he now felt justified in having forgot to check. The room suddenly went much quieter than before as he lifted his hand to cover his mouth.

After some time, fixating at the console screen, the chief scientist managed to maintain some restraint and kept his emotions under control. Standing up he walked over to the observation windows and looked out into enemy space as he thought deeply about that one particular name. "Computer, begin recording personal log." Greer said as he shut his eyes, trying to force out the beginning of some tears. "I realized that I had put off checking the casualty list each week. In some ways it made the reality of this war a little less realistic. Each time I checked it, I often found myself seeing the names of people I had either served with at one time or another, an acquaintance I met somewhere, and occasionally even someone I attended the Academy with. Their are simply too many names." Greer continued as he walked over to the replicator to get a glass of chilled water.

"I guess it began about four years ago when Setok died. He had been assigned to the Odyssey as a medical officer and it was something that he seemed to be proud of . . . I mean, I know Vulcans don't express emotions, but after some time you tend to see little quirks in their behavior. How did he describe it when he found his assignment," Greer paused as he tried to remember his deceased friend's words, ". . . satisfactory. I remember hearing for nearly two years about the kind of research they had been doing. I must admit I was a little envious since I was still studying on Vulcan whilst he was serving on a starship . . . but that wasn't particularly logical in his opinion as we each chose a different path. Of course, that ended when a Jem'Hadar vessel took out the whole ship as it was returning from an inspection in the Gamma Quadrant."

Taking a sip of his water, Greer sat down in a chair which looked to the direction of his bookcase. "Then there was Jon. I guess you could call him the clown of the group . . . he had us all confined to quarters for the entire weekend once, during our third year at the Academy. When he got his assignment on the Farragut he was not to thrilled about being a part of the team that assisted in removing all traces of the Enterprise-D crash at Veridian III. I guess he was still restless and couldn't just settle down like the rest of us. He always managed to find trouble if it was looming around though. I realize that this talent of his had nothing to do with it, but they found trouble in the form of the Klingons, or perhaps it was the other way around and the Klingons found them. It seemed at that particular point in time they didn't tolerate Federation interference and destroyed the Farragut near the Lembatta Cluster. Apparently she was there providing support in an attempt to save the lives of a Cardassian government in exile."

Erikson looked a picture take at Mackinac Island, back in their last year at the Academy. "I guess in hindsight, it would have been useful to have given the Klingons our blessings, even help them to prevent any Dominion support. I guess hindsight allows us to do that though . . . make different decisions, take a different view point . . . no, I don't really mean that. At the time it probably was the right thing to do." he remarked upon reflection. "But now, Ina is gone too. The USS Honshu was reported destroyed with all hands five weeks ago. It's funny, but in some ways Ronni reminds me of her. Both are open and very passionate women. Maybe that's why I feel so comfortable around Ronni. I'm sure if they had been given the chance, I think they could have become good friends. Now, there is only Frank and I left." Greer stated as he placed the PADD down on the desk. "Computer, end personal log."

"Will you join me for a Romulan Ale centurion?"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Ten Forward ***

"Must you just stand there centurion? You seem so out of place when you do so." Ambassador Tomalak asks Ensign Foxtrot who is standing near the Romulan's table in Ten Forward while Lieutenant' Chen stands near the entrance to the lounge.

William looks at the Ambassador and then glances over to Chen who is leaning against the bulk head at the entrance, watching all the patrons with a vigilant eye. Pointing at the chair next to the Ambassador, Will raises his eye brows in a sort of body language equivalent of "can I sit with him?" Lieutenant Chen gives a decisive nod, causing the Ensign to relax a bit.

"I'd be happy to join you Ambassador." Will smiled, sliding out the chair and sitting down.

Tomalak smiled. The exchange and indecisiveness not lost on the seasoned Warbird Commander, but he was on board the Galaxy to verify these covert technologies were used as they were intended, not to cause trouble. "Excellent. Come, join me in a drink centurion."

William put a hand out, stopping Tomalak from filling a glass with Romulan Ale. "Something from the replicator perhaps Ambassador, I am on duty sir."

Tomalak's smile faded to a grin as he shook his head. "Suit yourself centurion. I do not know how you can stand that synthohol."

"Or I how you can stomach Romulan Ale." Ensign Foxtrot said candidly.

Tomalak emptied his glass with a sigh. He regarded Ensign Foxtrot for a moment before reaching to refill his own glass. While pouring, Electra stepped over and asked if she could bring something for William. A short time later she returned with his drink, smiling at the two men before tending to the other tables.

Tomalak watched as she left before returning to his conversation with Ensign Foxtrot. "I imagine your crew is most curious over this mission and all of the secrecy centurion."

Will turned his head slightly, "Perhaps Ambassador. I'm not really in a position to say."

"Oh come now centurion. I have eyes and ears which are far more sensitive than you humans. I can see and hear. Like over there..." Tomalak pointed to a table across the lounge where a group of Starfleet officers where sitting at. The gesture caught Lieutenant' Chen's attention, causing him to look there too, but he quickly dismissed it as just a conversation gesture. "...those officers are right now speculating on what we are doing here in Cardassian space. The one on the right thinks we are here to negotiate a peace treaty. The woman thinks it is some sort of rescue mission. It's all rather humorous I think."

Will turned his head back around to face Tomalak. "Why do you say that Ambassador?"

"Because, on a Romulan ship there is none of this sort of speculation. Romulans are creatures of duty. We do as we are told and do not question orders or speculate as to WHY something is to be done. It is simply enough to carry out our duty and make it so. You humans can learn a lot from us." Tomalak said sipping his drink.

"Humans are not like that Ambassador. We are inquisitive by nature. We have a thirst for knowledge that makes us want to reach out and learn all that we can. It drives us to learn and become better than we were before." William smiled, "Maybe it is you that could learn something from us Ambassador."

"I must admit, " Tomalak said placing his drink back down and leaning back in his chair to reflect on the Ensign's comments, "your Federation has done an extraordinary job developing this phase cloak technology behind closed doors and in conflict with existing treaties and promises not to do so." He stabbed back in a condescending and sarcastic tone, "I think that alone is more than enough justification why my government wanted this mission to be a classified join venture." He said with a more lighter inflection of voice.

Ensign Foxtrot didn't know what to say in response to that. "Are you saying it was the Romulans that insisted this mission be classified?"

Tomalak nodded. "My people are very sensitive of these illegal technologies and how they are used centurion. That is why my people insisted that the extra security measures would be taken to minimize the crews exposure to these technologies. The fewer persons that know how these devices work, the better."

"So the communications black out, the security screens and Special Operations guards in main Engineering and Cargo Bay 2, they were all the Empire's idea and not Starfleet's?" Will asked trying to understand it all.

"That is correct centurion. Though Starfleet Command was more than agreeable to our concerns. That is why I was sent here. Starfleet voiced objections, but my people insisted since there is no doubt where my loyalties have and always will be." He smiled.

William leaned back in his chair. "That explains a lot Ambassador." His expression then soured a bit as he thought of it, "Not that it is going to help very much, seeing how I can't tell anyone of it..."

Tomalak smiled once again. "Information is both a blessing and a curse my friend. I am surprised you humans haven't figured that out yet in your quest to obtain more of it."

"More blessings or more curses?" Will asked in a whimsical tone.

Tomalak smiled. "Both."

Finishing his drink, the Ambassador began to rise. "I think I would like to continue our tour of the ship if you are fully rested centurion?"

William rose to his feet as well. "Absolutely Ambassador. I believe we left off at deck 12?"

"We can skip the rest of that deck centurion. I have seen my fill of science laboratories for today. We can resume the tour on deck 13. I am curious to see your minor shuttle bay facilities and how they compare to our own." Tomalak commented.

"As you wish Ambassador. If you'll lead the way sir?" William motioned with an open hand.

Tomalak slipped his hands into the large sleeves of his Romulan uniform and walked out of Ten Forward. Ensign Foxtrot and Lieutenant' Chen followed just a step behind.

The volume of chatter throughout Ten Forward seemed to increase exponentially when they left.

Nightmares Continue, Although Awake.
Ti Miran

Miran woke up to a contented cooing. Lara was sitting on a blanket with one of the nurses. She just laid there a moment watching the two play. Lara meant so much to her. Deiran did too, that's why it was so hard to accept his betrayal. Finally, she stretched out. The nurse looked over at her and left the room only to return with Dr Kahn.

"Feeling better? You were stressed and hysterical so I thought it best to make you sleep."

"Thank you for taking care of Lara." Miran scooped up her daughter and held her tight, kissing her cheek.

"My pleasure," the doctor smiled. "She's been good."

"I also have some bad news for you. Deiran's been hurt in an accident." Miran almost dropped Lara at the shock. Nilani must have been able to sense her distress. "He's okay, don't worry. Dr Khatroweena performed the surgery. He'll be in sickbay several more days recuperating. Do you want to see him?"

Miran's head spun. Deiran hurt? What had happened? She wanted to run to him, but the betrayel fed her anger and she never wanted to see him again.

"Is he asleep?"

"I think so but I can wake him for you."

"No," she interrupted, almost too quickly. "No, please don't disturb him. Let him sleep. Would you watch Lara for a moment while I go see him?" Nilani took the toddler from Miran's arms. She went into the main bay where Deiran lay. As Nilani said, he was asleep.

He was so pale, but still the site of him stirred something deep inside her. This was the man that promised to keep her safe, to love her forever. This was the father of her beloved child. She wished with all her heart that this was just a nightmare- that she would wake up, Deiran next to her and everything all was right. But it was so frightningly real. She didn't know how much longer she could keep going. It was so hard.

"I loved you," she whispered. She lightly kissed his forehead. He stirred but she was gone before he woke up. Unless someone told him, he would never know that she had visited.

"A Heart of Glass"
by Lt. Ronni Morris and Casey Miran
USS Galaxy

Almost as if on a hunch or a whim, Ronni did a search, and added to the sensor sweep list of materials that are commonly used in Dominion craft. She didn't want some hybrid Cardassian/Dominion to slip past their sensor sweeps because she had been negligent. This took her clear into Gamma Shift. She should be asleep, but she was just too wired.

She finished updating the information, got up and stretched until her back popped. She decided she had better check in on Deiran. She checked an experiment she was running on crystal growth on various biological agents, and left the lab.

She entered sickbay. This time of night, the lights were muted and the room quiet. She was about to check in on Deiran, when Miran came rushing out of the room. She collided right into Ronni and knocked her to the floor.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, she extended her hand to help the blue skinned Science Officer up. "I'm so sorry Ronni. I . . . . I have to go . . . I'm sorry. . . "

Ronni held onto her hand. "Miran." She looked at the Bajoran until they were looking at each other eye to eye. "You did nothing wrong. The feelings you are feeling right now are normal. You have every right to be sad, mad, frustrated, confused, and betrayed. You were. But that doesn't mean that you should give up what you have."

Miran pulled back, "I didn't give up. He did!" she said angrily.

Ronni looked down at the floor and then back at Miran. She was really hurting for her friends. What Deiran had done was wrong, but he still loved Miran. Ronni knew that.

"What are you going to do?" asked the Delphinian.

"I . . .I don't know." Miran said softly.

"What about Lara?" Ronni added.

Miran looked up with a face full of confusion. "I . . . I don't know." she said.

Ronni went up and hugged Miran. Both women were crying. After a couple of minutes, Ronni said, "Look at us, a couple of babies. C'mon, let's go to my place for a late dinner."

Miran looked up and said quietly, "That would be nice."

Back in Ronni's quarters, Miran took all of the PADDs and clothing off of the table as Ronni replicated dinner. Bajoran Hysic fish, with tubers, rice and assorted Bajoran vegetables. For dessert, Bajoran Crom Crom cakes. Ronni topped it off with a bottle of real Delphinian Qw'ica wine.

Miran looked at the food and gave a half smile. The two friends sat down and had a quiet dinner. They recounted different adventures together and on different posts. The conversation shifted from jokes to relationships. Miran told of Deiran's funny way of hogging the blanket. Ronni shyly told of her feelings for Greer. It was a good and healing time for both.

Time on my hands…
Ensign Keras T’Vek
Science Officer
USS Galaxy

Ensign Keras T'Vek finished his drink and watched the Romulan with his escort leave Ten-Forward, his mind slightly piqued. He had slowly picked up an interest on Romulan Culture and its relation to the Vulcan Society and the potential for progress. Now and then in his off time when he was not working he would read a few declassified reports concerning Ambassador Spock and his continuing work with the Romulan Underground that was attempting to bring the two cultures together.

He stood up and nodded at Door, the bartender, as he left the room and made his way down the corridor, a safe distance from the Ambassador. He had no intention of falling him but since they were heading in the same direction he decided to observe the Ambassadors actions, nothing unusual.

Soon he was forced to end his observations due to the fact that they were heading in an opposite direction, he heading towards the turbolift. He was alone in the turbolift as he planned his day, his shift starting in a few minutes.

Soon the doors opened revealing a corridor and Keras stepped out making his way to the Science Labs. He had not heard a reply from Lt. Morris concerning his message on his Comm. Badge so he added into his list of "To Do" to check his computer messages in case she replied that way.

When he arrived at the Science

Labs he quickly noted who was present and made his way to his section of the lab. He quickly could tell that he had no messages, she had yet to reply. Peculiar he thought but patience was more logical so he checked the duty roster to see if the CSO had assigned him to complete any task or anything that he could aid in, to no avail, nothing was posted.

He could not work on his Lab since he was still waiting for permission from the CSO so that he could contact engineering with some of his idea’s since he had carried his plans as far as he could take them alone. He also required some access to the sensor array to receive detailed information from a blackhole to further his studies.

It appeared he had nothing to do, quite unusual. He decide that he would work on some paper work, maybe there were forms that would require his attention. He checked, nope, not a single PADD decorated his desk.

Peculiar, he thought, as he sat down at his desk wondering what needed to be done. Nothing what so ever, he was free. This was perplexing, he normally never had free time while on shift, since he would be aiding someone or working on his lab.

As he sat at his desk his mind began to go over the events of the day and he remembered that Deiran Casey was supposedly in sickbay due to unknown cause. For some reason this was bothering him, a small wrinkle on the great bed spread of his mind.

He had yet done anything supportive like the rest of the crew for Deiran Casey, and this bothered him. Perplexing, he thought. Then his mind came up with a proper human response. He had received one when he had been injured in a small accident on Earth from his CO-Workers, a Fruit Basket.

He quickly went to work, his hands flying over the computer terminal bringing up references and other images to aid him in construction. In a matter of minutes a brightly covered basket with clear red paper lay on his desk, containing various fruit and items of interest.

Then he remembered the most important part of this human gift, the get well card. He quickly replicated a proper card and wrote in common Vulcan manner,

Dear Lt. Commander Deiran Casey,

We at the Science Department have become aware of your plight and wished to offer this token as a gift to further your rehabilitation.

Get well soon.

Sincerely,
Science Department.

He then signed his name, he glanced up and noticed that his work and not gone unnoticed, several other Science Officers were looking at him with quizzical expressions on there faces.

"This is a gift to the Lt. Commander who is in Sick Bay, I wished to give this to him as a gift from the Science Department. If you would sign this it would help further that goal." He said while looking at the other officers.

They quickly came over and in a matter of minutes he held a card containing most of the signatures of the Science Department. He quickly turned around and made his way to the CSO office, which had remained quiet the entire time he had been at the Science Labs.

He waited outside of the doors for the signal which soon followed, "Enter." Said the CSO, the doors opening revealing the inside of his office. Keras quickly stepped in holding onto the card,

"Sir, I have replicated a fruit basket for the Lt. Commander for a get well gift from the department. I would further that goal if you would sign." He said while holding out the card awaiting a response from his Commander.

"More and More Stars"
By: Lt (jg) Ryak Sullax
S.O. USS Galaxy

Ryak worked hard at getting the information the Galaxy had collected catalogued and set into its place. The time passed without a notice. Ryak noticed Sullar was still asleep in the couch. Ryak looked over to the small moving specks. He tapped in something on his padd and space around him shot into a trans warp state and the area focused in on come into view. As everything cleared up Ryak remembered that he was still tracking the enemy ships. Ryak quickly returned to his work. As he progressed Ryak began to feel himself getting tired. The work had to be done. Ryak was going to get it done if it took him to his next shift or unless Sullar was to awake.

Ryak found something while he entered the data. It was like a small singularity at the edge of the sensors reading. Ryak's first impulse was to launch a probe but he soon clicked that he was in enemy space and that would not be good. Ryak called up the area he was entering and watched it become clearer as he entered more data.

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