During his shift, Suder was working as hard as possible to get all the systems checked. He came across a plasma conduit on deck five that need replacing and had to go to engineering to get the replacement part. The turbolift doors opened and Suder walked down a corridor and into an open room. Engineering. There were several officers that seemed far to busy to even talk to. He walked up to an engineering station, that should have been his station on this shift he wasn't running around the whole ship. He sat down and began scanning the conduit on deck five just to make sure what replacement parts he need. He heard two officers talking about a meter away from him. He recognized Lieutenant Mercury and after a quick glance, Hewson. They were talking about the torpedoes that did not detonate. Suder had heard about it when several crew members passed by him earlier. He heard Mercury tap his communicator."Mercury to Ensign Nog. Please report to the entrance of Cargo Bay Two in ten minutes." the Chief engineer ordered. "Mercury out." Then Suder heard a name he did not expect to be called. "Mr. Suder," someone said. It was AC. Suder turned and took a padd that AC was holding out. "please conduct another diagnostic and recheck the results with this system report. If you find anything, Lieutenant Mercury and I will be in Cargo Bay Two." the officer finished. Suder nodded and glanced down at the padd and then back at AC."Aye sir." he said with a bit of a sigh. *As if I didn't have enough work to do already he thought. He looked at the padd and turned back to his station. "Computer, run a level two diagnostic on the torpedo subspace detonation systems." he said."Acknowledged" the computer replied. Suder sat back in his chair and looked at the padd in more detail. For two hours, Suder was sat at his console, and he had completely forgotten about the dream he had last night, and the fact that he had left his engineering kit on deck five by that plasma conduit. Suder just sat in his chair, eyes staring at the console in front of him. Waiting for it to respond, and then it did."The Level Two Diagnostic on the torpedo subspace detonation system has been completed." it said. Suder straightened his back and leaned forward slightly and looked at the screen on his station."Computer, display results." Suder said. A list of results came up and Suder read threw them all before sitting back in his chair thinking. He glanced at the screen puzzled when the computer displayed a picture of one of the torpedoes. He sat forward again and then stood up and looked around. Mercury was in the Cargo Bay. He rushed out of engineering after downloading the information from his engineering console and soon found himself outside Cargo Bay Two. There was an officer stood by the door looking at Suder."I have important information for Lieutenant Mercury." he said. The officer nodded and Suder walked in and saw Mercury in the middle of the room with an exposed torpedo. He walked up to his superior officer and handed out the padd."Sir, I've finished running the diagnostic like you told me, and everything checks out. I was looking at a display the torpedo when I noticed that one of the power nodes looked out of sinc. I thought I'd come and see what you had found." Suder reported."Good work Ensign. Give me a minute." Mercury said as he stepped over to Nog and AC. Suder, still stood at attention just looked directly in front of him.

Bluebells, Morning Glories and Tulips
by Casey Ti Miran

The encounter with Deiran really bothered Miran. He had said he still loved her but how could she know for sure? What if he was just saying that?

She reached her destination without meeting anyone that she knew. She moved through the arboredum. The Scarlett O'Hare Morning glories bloomed their deep purply red. Miran thought about the play on words. If one didn't know better, the flower could be Mourning glories reflecting the mood Miran was in.

The bluebells were the perfect shade that matched the color of Miran's mood. Miran always liked the way the bluebells hung on their stalks like ladies in waiting all in a row.

She passed the Love-lies-bleeding hanging from a basket about head level. Also known as Kiss-Me-Over-The-Garden-Gate, the wine red flowers draped down in long ropes.

Her last stop was the tulips. This section was her favorite but also reminder her the most of Deiran. He had some how found out about her love of purple tulips and used them to bribe her out on a date. He liked to surprise her occasionally by having a couple of tulips in a vase on the table.

She sat in the dirt among the tulips and let the tears flow that she had fought to keep back after her meeting with Deiran. She loved him so much, but it hurt so bad that he had betrayed her. She wanted to go back to him but how could she trust him again? Everytime he was away, she would be paranoid that we would be cheating on her again.

Maybe Dev could help. Miran hoped so.

"To Phase, or not to Phase"
Numa Taurean
USS Galaxy SO

The dark eyes of Numa were unblinking. She witnessed the spread of blazing torpedoes streak across the sheer blackness of space on a direct course of impact with the colossal vessel filling the view screen. She had stopped breathing, holding her breath in anticipation. Soon the vessel would explode, and it would all be over.

Then it happened. The fireballs made contact with the shields of the menacing Cardassian/Dominion ship. There was a slight ripple as the weapon phased through the unseen barrier like a hot knife through butter. Soon after the torpedoes made contact with the exterior hull of the ship and just as easily slipped through the all too visible shell of the ship.

"M'Benga to Taurean; Numes, what's going on?"

"Stand by," Numa said watching the main view screen.

Numa sucked in and continued to hold her breath. Her eyes widened. Something was wrong. She could just feel it. Too much time had passed. The reality was that only a few seconds had passed, but this was still too much time. There should be explosions all through the hulking monstrosity before them. There wasn't.

Numa exhaled as the fiery orbs exited the intended target. The torpedoes continued their flight without detonating. Without hesitation Numa scanned the area and recorded all the data. It was being sent directly to the Astrometrics lab, to the Cartography lab, and to the Science lab where Betta and Jack were.

"…you had better do everything in your power to assure that the torpedoes ARE ready by then Commander. That is a direct order." Pressman glanced around the bridge, letting his eyes pass by Taurean's and Sunder's on it's scan of the command deck, "And I am getting tired of having my orders questioned on this starship. Officers that can not carry out their orders have no business wearing that uniform. Now you know what needs to be done, so go and do it. I want solutions from here on out people, not questions." Pressman's tone was angry and frustrated which was understandable. Tugging on his black duty jacket, Pressman jerked his head at Commander Sterner, "The bridge is yours... for now Commander. Six hours. No more."

Numa gazed at the admiral with unblinking eyes. So dark were they this moment that they were almost the black of pure obsidian.

"Jack, data is being sent your way." Numa turned to Greer.

"What do you think about the torpedoes Numa?" Greer moved over to the science stations.

"Truthfully sir, I don't know where to begin." She replied honestly. "In theory they should have detonated just as the Admiral pointed out, but we don't really have a lot of information on the nature of the torpedoes."

"And that isn't making it easier to determine a reason for it either." Greer added before turning to the neighboring science station. "Mr. Nog, you don't have any ideas on the matter, do you?"

"No, sir."

"Matter, phased or not, still obeys the laws of physics. There has to be a perfectly logical explanation for why they simply passed through that ship. And we need to know why." Greer said as he rubbed his fingers against the stubble on his chin.

"Perhaps if we begin reviewing the ship's computer for information about the science behind phasing . . .computer logs, technical reports, that kind of thing."

"Aye sir." Numa said as she continued to coordinate matters from the primary science station.

"It might be an idea if we got Lieutenant Morris on that information search too. She's had a lot of experience in practical sciences." the Chief Science Officer said patting Taurean on the shoulder.

Numa perused the data that was flashing across her console. "Sir," she didn't look at Greer as she spoke, "I think I have something." " What is it, Taurean?"

"Take a look at this." Her tone was hushed as she pointed to an energy graph.

"Here, sir. Do you see it?"

Greer looked but wasn't able to see what she was pointing out. "It is the energy pattern of the torpedo. I see nothing unusual about it."

"Not now, but look when I magnify it." Numa's hand danced across the surface of the console and the image expanded. "Now do you see it? There is an energy spike in the trail as it passes through the shields first. And then again as it passes through the hull of the ship."

Erikson bit his lower lip seeing what the Benzite pointed out. "I see, but what could it mean?"

Numa was silent for a while. "Sir, what if…" She fell silent for a moment.

"Continue, please." Greer looked at the junior officer with a stern gaze.

"Well, sir. This is only speculation, but what if the torpedoes didn't phase through the ship or shields? What if the phasing abilities somehow merged with the energy signiture of the shields and then phased around the ship and not through the ship?"

Greer raised an eyebrow. "That would explain why they didn't detonate since the torpedoes scanners never locked onto their target points."

"I'll inform the others of my theory. It might be a long shot, but we have to make sure." Numa relayed her findings to the various Science labs.

"I agree. Meanwhile, continue looking for any other reasons why the torpedoes didn't act as they should have."

"Understood sir." Numa continued studying the various information pouring into her console.

Jack Locke looked around ten forward as he dried off the last glass. Sure he could use replicated glasses, but it just wasn't the same to him. Jack looked up at the chrono and saw that it was about 7 pm, ship's time. Sighing heavily to himself he once again surveyed ten forward and saw there were only about 3 people left.

"OK all, it's closing time..got to go pick up my daughter's recital tonight," Jack bellowed across the bar.

The few patrons hanging around made a few noises of disapproval but made their way out. Jack was not far behind them and as he entered the turbolift, he started thinking about the past few weeks since boarding the Galaxy from the starbase. The crew that he'd met thus far had been friendly and outgoing, but there weren't many he'd actually sat down and talked to.

Jack continued thinking to himself, about how Trish seemed to enjoy being aboard the ship. He smiled thinking about his little girl and how she'd grown up so well without a mother.

The turbolift stopped and he exited it right in front of the room where the recital was taking place. Jack eagerly entered the class and took a seat in the back, watching intently as children got ready and wondering what may lay ahead for him.

"Searching For Answers"
** by Ensign M'Benga;
additions by Lt. Erikson **

Betta was tired. She had been up for a full 24 hours, now, at least. She was still off duty until Gamma shift, but it didn't look like things were going to slow down enough for her; or Jack D'Auria, to get any rest.

She removed her uniform-jacket, and placed it over the back of a chair. Standing up straight, and rolling up the mustard-lined sleeves of her shirt, she stretched; and made a sultry moaning noise.

"Not now, Betta; we have to much to do." said Jack, calmly, from his console.

"When then." said M'Benga, teasingly, but in a half whisper. She could tell D'Auria was growing tired. He wasn't a Vulcan, and he needed a human's night's rest; even if he didn't want to admit it.

Be'Tran clasped her hands behind her neck, and stretched again. "Let's see what we've got." she said, looking over Jack's shoulder at the screen now receiving data from Lt. Taurean on the bridge.

Somehow the phase cloaked torpedoes had simply passed through the gigantic Frankenstein of Cardassian construction, without so much as annoying the behemoth.

Be'Tran couldn't understand it. They should have exploded.

"I do not understand." said D'Auria aloud. "Matter, phased or otherwise, reacts to certain laws and principal; and within those laws and principals. This should not have occurred!"

Be'Tran took a seat beside him. "I know, love; and we have to find out why it did."

Jack's comm badge beeped; ^ Taurean to Lab, Jack, come in.^

D'Auria tapped his badge; "Go ahead."

^Is Betta still down there with you?^

"Sure thing, Numes; wouldn't miss it!" was M'Benga's response, trying to sound up beat, despite her muscles aching.

^I've got a theory on why the torps didn't go off.^ began the Benzite, ^I'm sending you data on it right now.^

The console in front of D'Auria flared, and new information piled in from the bridge. Jack studied the information eagerly, nodding in apparent agreement with the context of the screen.

"What's your theory, Numa?" asked Be'tran, into the comm.

^OK, Jack, access Energy-graph 3-beta.^ she replied.

"Done." said D'Auria, matter-of-factly.

^Now, Betta, tell me what you see.^

Be'Tran leaned, again, over her lover's shoulder; and sunk in Numa's information.

The image magnified it's self, as Numa told it to do from the bridge. ^Only a theory of mine, you guys; but I'm working on the hypothesis that the phasing abilities interacted with the shield-power-signature of the vessel, and then phased around the ship, instead of through it.^

"A possibility." said D'Auria.

"We'll check it out." said Be'Tran, "Science Lab out." she closed the comm-channel.

Jack began comparing the theories of Lt. Taurean with the facts on hand. Running simulations on the lab computers, trying to prove Numa's theory.

Be'Tran, in the meantime, moved to another monitor; "Computer, access engineering scan-file M'Benga-Alpha-Beta-M'Benga." she requested.

*Working* said the computer. *File accessed*

"Transfer to workstation MSL-4."

*Transferring*... *Transfer Complete*

As requested, the contents of Be'Tran's personal diagnostic-enhancement file appeared on the screen. The file was a toy of sorts Betta had designed in reaction to not being allowed to enhance the Galaxy's sensors. It allowed her to run engineering scans on information filed in other departments, as long as she was working in that department at the time.

Using her program, she began analyzing all the data from the failed torpedo attack.

She analyzed, and reanalyzed the sensor data on the massive Battleship. There were no detectable defenses that could have protected the ship. "how could there have been, they didn't know we were coming." she said aloud.

"Betta, look at this." said Jack ,and she hurried over to Jack's console. "i've rechecked this twice. It's not a glitch, the computer is showing a discrepancy in the impact-ratio of the torpedoes launched with the specs on these things supplied from the bridge."

"Then there was something wrong with the torpedoes." said Be'Tran.

"And is not the cloaking technology?" asked Jack.

Be'Tran kissed him on the top of the head. "you keep working to prove Numa's theory. I'll run comparative sensor diagnostics on the torpedoes over here." she returned to her station.

While Be'Tran was working on her end; Jack began running several tests in an effort to test Lt. Taurean's theory.

In the logic of his Vulcan mindset, the result was as he had expected.

He left his chair, and approached Be'Tran's position. "I have concluded," he began dryly "that our torpedoes did, in fact, pass through the warship. Furthermore, if Numa's theory had been correct; the resonance with the sheild harmonics and could have caused the warship to temporarily phase as well.."

"So Numa's was incorrect?" asked Be'Tran.

"It would appear so." said Jack.

"Then we really have to figure this thing out." his lover replied. She looked over her data again. "There's definitely something not right here."

D'Auria was now glancing over Be'Tran's shoulder. "Indeed." he said. He almost always seemed to get "more Vulcan" when he was working.

Jack knew that if Numa's theory was wrong, and it was, according to his data; then something had to have malfunctioned within the torpedoes themselves. He reached over Be'tran's shoulder, and punched a couple of actuators, recalibrating a small portion of her data, and magnifying it.

"There," he said, "right there; that's indication of an electromagnetic signature. One not specific to this design-frame."

"You're right." said Be'Tran. "M'Benga to Taurean."

^Taurean here.^ Numa, still on the bridge, answered.

"We've located a discrepancy within the torpedoes themselves." Be'Tran said. "I'll send you the data for verification." she did so, without mentioning that Numa's theory had been proven wrong.

On the bridge, Taurean received the data, and began corroborating it. There was definitely a peculiar signature there. She checked it, and rechecked it. That had to have been the cause of the problem, but she couldn't tell where it was coming from.

Back in the science lab, Be'Tran and Jack were checking the same readings on Betta's special program.

"Hmmm." said Jack, softly. "Allow me a moment, love." he said to Betta, then took over running the scans. He cross-scanned each of the torpedoes, and began running magnifications.

"There!" said Be'Tran, "What is that... organic?"

"I do not know." said D'Auria, pressing the right controls to feed the information to the bridge. "Numa, verify this please, coming in now."

Numa looked at the information coming in to her. "Then I was wrong." she said softly, disappointed, but, still all business. "Got it, Jack."

"We wouldn't have it at all, if it weren't for this special scanning program that Be'Tran is running." said Jack. Betta whopped him on the shoulder.

"Stop braggin' on your lover; I'm just doing my part." she said, blushing a bit.

^Do you know what the source of the electromagnetic signature is yet, Jack?^ asked Numa from the bridge.

"Not as yet, will contact you when we know more." he replied.

On the bridge, Numa called Lieutenant Erikson over to the Science station. "Look, sir."

"What is it." he asked, approaching quickly.

"An unusual signature, sir; electromagnetic in nature." Numa answered.

"So they actually did pass through the hull of the Battle ship." said Erikson as he looked at the analysis to go with the graphic. "It was a good theory though Numa, just sometimes some of the best ones turn out to be wrong. What's the source of this signature?"

"Unknown, sir." she replied. "D'Auria and M'Benga are still working on it."

"Keep me informed." Greer said as he returned to the auxiliary science station.

Back in the science-lab; Be'Tran was deeply engrossed in her readings, Jack was pacing around behind her, his jacket now, too, off, and his blue sleeves rolled up.

Sweat beaded up on Betta's ridged forehead as she worked. She was anxious, nervous to find the solution to this problem.

On the Bridge, Numa was doing several scans of her own. She ran magnification checks; she tried to trace the signature to it's source. Nothing, until she recalibrated the scans from her original sheild hypothesis.

Then she found it. "Taurean to M'Benga!" she said into her comm, "I think I've got it."

^Send it through, Numes.^ came the husky voice of Be'Tran over the comm. Taurean did so, sending new data to the lab.

Be'Tran and Jack checked it over carefully. There was no mistake about it. This time Numa was right.

"M'Benga to Lieutenant Erikson," Be'tran said into her comm.

Erikson, still on the bridge, leaning on the tactical station next to MacKenzie; answered; "What is it, Ensign, any results?"

"Yes, sir." said Betta. "We've found the cause of the problem, though it wasn't easy. As a matter of fact, if Numa hadn't..."

"The Admiral has given us a very strict dead line Ensign," said Erikson as he interrupted Betta's assignment of credit for the discovery, "if you have something then please say so. I will personally congratulate everyone after we're done."

"Microparticles, sir." said D'Auria, "Somehow attached to the outside of the torpedoes themselves. It was these particles giving off the strange electromagnetic signature, and, thusly; in theory, distorting the signals. We have some preliminary data which suggests that they caused the torpedoes to pass through the warship."

^Thank you, you two.^ came Erikson's voice over the comm. ^Send your data to the Bridge for review.^

"Yes, sir;" said Be'Tran, "and, Lieutenant,"

^Yes.^

"It's really Lt. Taurean you should thank. She put us on to it." Be'Tran finished.

"Understood Ensign. Erikson out." Greer said as he tuned to Numa, who was sitting back comfortably in the science station chair; "Thank you, Lieutenant'." he said smiling as he resumed his position at Science Station Two.

Be'Tran never mentioned her self-designed data-analysis enhancement program.

"Well," said D'Auria, "that is done."

"But we're not finished yet." said Betta.

"What do you mean?"

"Remember what we started after Lieutenant Erikson left us alone in here?" she replied, "Well I have every intention of finishing it!"

She grabbed Jack almost violently, and kissed him hard, forcing him back against a lab-table.

Somehow, she didn't feel tired anymore !!

"Physics"
by Lieutenants Ronni Morris and Greer Erikson
USS Galaxy

Sitting at the console in her lab, Ronni still couldn't puzzle out the mystery. Why hadn't the phased torpedoes detonated? All of sudden, she sat up like a bolt and her fingers flew across the console. She pulled up some information from Starfleet records. Some of the files were encrypted, but considering the urgency of their mission, she decided to 'break into' them anyway. Within a few minutes, the files were up on her screen. It was bits and pieces of a mission log. She could have got more, but she was trying not to get caught:

*** Mission Log - USS Enterprise D ***

. . . ing bad. WARP Core trouble in . . . The Romula . . .

Anyon Beam to get atten . . . Followed . . . Chroniton fields. Flooded 10-For . . . .

Using a Molecular Phase Invert . . . to modify cloaking . . .

*** End Log ***

It wasn't much information, but it was a start. She remembered some research that she and Karen Davies-Jeppo had done at Utopia on the shield designs for the Galaxy. Karen had obtained some classified files from the Chief Engineer of the USS Enterprise. If she remembered correctly, the Romulans were testing a molecular phase inverter, but it had proved too unstable. Dependent upon the ambient radiation, the phasing didn't always work.

Tapping her fore finger against her lips, she followed through her thought process. "If phased matter encounters, non-phased matter it will frequently leave a trail of Chroniton particle. Combined with a cloaking device . . . .Oh my . . . . !" she said to the empty room. She quickly tapped her communicator, "Morris to Lt. Erikson"

["Erikson here."] came the reply from the Bridge.

"Do a quick scan of the area for chroniton particles. Especially on the path that the torpedoes took."

["OK, but why?"] he asked.

"Just following a hunch. We may have a more serious problem than we first thought. Let the Captain know. " she said hastily.

["Will do, Erikson out."]

Ronni went back to figuring out how to get the torpedoes to effect the Cardassian ship. "But of course, the anyon beam!!" she said slapping the console. She quickly pulled up a model that she had been working on. "If we can, " she said to the empty room as she tapped away at the model, "get the torpedoes to emit an anyon beam, we could get them through the shielding and have them track the Cardassian ship. Once they try to go to WARP, BOOM!" she said with a smile.

["Erikson to Lt. Morris"]

"Morris here."

["You were right. There is a strong stream of chroniton particles on the path of the torpedoes. It is also making us stand out to anyone looking for it. How did you know?"] he said.

"Come to my lab and we'll go over it." she said.

["On my way."] he said. ["Erikson out."]

Ronni was working on the schematics for a redesigned torpedo fitted with an explosive device that emitted anyon radiation as Erikson walked in.

He smiled his quiet smile and said, "So, what's up?"

"I think you might find this interesting." the Delphinian said as she handed him the teal-coloured PADD. "I was going through the ship's computer on incidents of phasing matter when I came across a computer log from several years back. Apparently two Starfleet officers where exposed to phase particles from an experimental Romulan device which caused them to be phased."

"This is interesting." Greer said as he read passed the information Ronni was describing. "If you call up the analysis that Ensigns D'Auria and M'Benga worked on, I think you'll find that these 'chroniton' particles did more than just follow the torpedoes."

Ronni walked over to the computer console on the workbench of her lab and recalled the data. "So it appear that were sufficient traces of the chronitons on the surface of the torpedo casing."

"I cannot say that I have ever heard of chronitons in the application of phase technologies before. No wonder no one recognized them immediately." he said as he stood beside Ronni.

"Well if there were sufficient chronitons left on the torpedo casing, then even when the sensors detected the target and turned off the phase generator . . . "

". . . then you would expect that they would remain phased. You're brilliant Ms. Morris." Greer said as he gave her a kiss and proceeded to the door. "Erikson to Sterner and Pressman. We might have an explanation for you. I'm on my way to the Bridge now"

"You owe me dinner." Ronni yelled out as Greer disappeared through the doors. Smiling, she returned to her console and thought about how to 'fix' the problem. "Morris to T'Vek, are you busy?" she said as she tapped her comm badge.

“Distinguished Flying Cross”
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey & Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft

Miran sat on Deiran’s lap. She was smiling and occasionally kissing her husband. As the kissing continued it grew more passionate. Deiran had been dreaming of this for days. Being this close to his wife, to love her again. To feel her in his arms again, her lips against his. To see her smile at him.

It was all a scam, a dream, a holographic image. But, it helped Deiran go on, to survive and work through the pain. It gave him hope. Something he needed at the moment.

“Excuse me,” he said and waited for the holographic Miran to slide off his lap. “Computer, save and end program.” And all the joy, the high it gave him, disappeared with the program. *Back to the real world*

“Let’s go Heidi. I’m going to visit a friend. You are ordered to keep it quiet. That’s not a request Miss Mason!” Deiran barked at her as he exited the holodeck where Heidi had been standing for the last hour. Heidi could see he meant business.

“Aye sir,” she replied, not wanting to upset her superior officer.

“If I hear someone gossiping about this, I’ll know who opened their mouth, got that?” Deiran replied.

“Aye sir. I’m just following orders sir,” Heidi replied, quite shyly, shocked that Deiran was so sharp with her.

“I know Heidi, I’m just tired of gossip. I don’t need anything else ruining my life at the moment, the last few days have been hell enough already. Follow me,” he smiled at her and started for the TL.

*** Bancroft Quarters ***

Deiran stood in the corridor across from Teb’s quarters. He waited for the corridor to be empty and then walked up to her door and rang.

“Come in!” he heard Teb say through the door.

The door opened, revealing the inside of Tebrianne’s quarters. Deiran turned to Heidi, “Wait here Ensign.” Heidi complied and stood watch outside the door.

“Hi Tebrianne,” he said simply. Giving her his charming smile. The Casey smile. “I wanted to apologize. You caught me at a bad time the other day. I haven’t been thinking straight. I am very sorry. I never meant to put any pressure on you or guilt. Please forgive me?” his expression changed at the end of his sentence, he desperately wanted her friendship back, it was visible in his eyes.

“What you did to me hurt a lot,” Tebrianne said. “I don’t know if I should, but I will accept your apology.”

“Thank you Teb. I know I hurt you. I seem to be doing that to everyone I love lately. Is it okay if we talk? It’d be nice to talk to someone who doesn’t want to poke me with a hypospray or analyze me. I have something to present to you.”

Deiran stopped and dug into his pant pocket. When his hand came back up he had a small velvet box in his hand.

“Can we stand? It may not be official in Starfleet, but it should still look official. For bravery and excellence beyond the call of duty, I present to you the highest honor a pilot can receive, the Distinguished Flying Cross. You earned this Lieutenant. I thought it was a shame that no one recognized your expert flying. I wanted you to know that I did, and appreciate your efforts in the Jawbreaker.”

Deiran put on his best Commander’s mask and pinned the medal on her tunic. “It looks good on ya Teb,” Deiran smiled again. He wasn’t just looking at the medal. Deep down he still had feelings for Tebrianne. He didn’t just “boff” her for the heck of it. Deiran wasn’t that kind of man.

It caused him a great amount of pain, but the night he spent with her was still beautiful to him. He loved Tebrianne. He’d be “in” love with her if he didn’t worship Miran with all his heart and have Lara to care for.

Teb smiled at him. “I don’t know what to say, Deiran,” she said. “Thank you. It means a lot to me to know that my efforts are appreciated around here. The helm department doesn’t get very much recognition for our efforts.” She tapped the cross with a black-lacquered nail and smiled. “Cheers.”

“You’re welcome, I hope you like it. I ummm I…” Deiran stopped, his stammering was embarrassing. He had no idea how to bring up what was on his mind. He desperately wanted Teb as a friend, a good friend. But, he had to salvage his marriage. He wanted to salvage his friendship with Teb. Talk about your rock in a hard place. “That’s a gift of friendship and for excellence Tebrianne. I know it’s not much, but it was just a way of showing you I didn’t forget or overlook what you did at Boreth. What happened between us…ummm…” again he stammered for the right words.

“It’s very nice, Deiran,” Teb said. “It’s an honor. As long as it isn’t against the regs, I’ll wear it on my dress uniform.”

“I’d be honored if you wore it on your dress uniform. The medal is a gesture of friendship. Nothing more. It’s from my heart as a friend. But, I also wanted you to know that I never meant to hurt you Tebrianne. In any way. With what you said yesterday and what happened between us, I just wanted you to know how I feel inside.

“What happe ned between us was beautiful, it was a beautiful night Teb. Wonderful actually. You’re so beautiful. But, I can’t hurt Miran like this. But, I don’t want you hurt either. Do you see it as a mistake? Did it mean anything to you?” he asked.

Teb looked up into Deiran’s eyes. “It meant a lot to me, Deiran,” she s

aid. “It was a very special night to me and I will remember it always. Fondly. I don’t think it was a mistake, but I know that it can’t go anywhere else with us because you have Miran. That’s where you belong, though. You should be with Miran.”

“I’m sorry Tebrianne. You are such a beautiful woman, tender and sweet and caring. I do see it. I’m not blind to what’s inside your heart. I do have feelings for you, I would never have made love to you if I didn’t. What I’m trying to say, is that what we shared wasn’t something cheap to me. It was one night but it was a wonderful night that I will cherish. Please know that?” Deiran spoke from his heart, as he said the words he put his hand and rested it against her cheek. He did care for her.

She touched his hand and smiled. “I do know that,” she said. “But, it’s something we need to put behind us. We had something very special that night, but you have a wife and daughter. We need to let whatever we had that night go and just be friends. If we try to make our relationship anything more, it’s only going to hurt your marriage and I couldn’t live with that.”

“Okay,” Deiran said, his hand still resting on her cheek. “I respect you very much for that. You’re a lovely, captivating woman Tebrianne Bancroft. Thank you for understanding. If you ever need me, I’ll be there for you okay? I mean that with all my heart. You have me as a friend for life. I still want us to be friends if that’s okay? Play guitar together, sing and even write. Maybe go camping again,” he smiled at her. “Okay? I don’t want what’s happened to sever our friendship.”

“Friends,” Teb said. She leaned toward Deiran, standing on her tip-toes, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You should probably get going before the warden comes in looking for you.”

“Don’t remind me,” Deiran said, tapping at the edge of the medical communicator. “I feel like a prisoner. Keep out of trouble, eh Teb?”

“How am I supposed to have any fun, mate?” she asked with a coy smile. “See you around, Deiran. And, it’s good to see you up and around.”

“It’s good to be up and around.”

Teb watched as Deiran stepped into the hall and his shadow emerged from across the corridor. Ensign Mason nodded as she fell into place behind Deiran.

Teb stepped back from the door, allowing it to close. She walked back into the living room, her mind muddied with what was had happened over the last couple days. She looked at the Distinguished Flying Cross pinned to her chest. She pulled the medal off and placed it on the table.

She sighed. Maybe she could get on with her life again. Maybe she could go on a date and not end up the conversation piece of Ten Forward. Maybe she could just get back to flying the ship and being the punked out chief helmsman of the USS Galaxy again.

Lt. Tebrianne, USS Galaxy, Chief Helmsman
tebrianne@elsinore.net
UIN# 2172851

"Tracking Down the Problem, Part II."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson and Ensign Keras T'Vek

The turbolift stopped only one deck away from where Lieutenant Erikson had gotten in on Deck Five. The doors of the carriage opened to reveal Lieutenant Mercury standing there, having just returned from Cargo Bay Two and waiting to get to the Bridge to deliver an engineering report to Admiral Pressman and Commander Sterner.

"Greer." David said as the scientist gave him a nod. "Bridge." The turbolift doors closed behind him and the two were taken to their desired location as the carriage continued on its way. "Have your people been having any luck?"

"It's starting to look that way David." Greer replied enthusiastically as the turbolift stooped and the doors opened to the Main Bridge.

Admiral Pressman stood up as soon as he noticed the two senior officers step onto the Bridge. "Follow me gentlemen." he instructed them as he started to proceed to the Observation Lounge.

"Lieutenant Thomas, you have the Conn." Joerg announced to the operations manager as he stood up and followed the Admiral.

The four officers arranged themselves around the black table which curved with the shape of the room. Commander Sterner sat where he would normally when he was acting as the Executive Officer, while Admiral Pressman, although the senior most ranking officer on the ship, presumptuously took the seat at the head of the table. Lieutenants Mercury and Erikson sat opposite each other to the end which was closest to the two command officers.

"Gentlemen," Pressman began, "I am hoping you have some answers for me. I want to know why those torpedoes did not detonate." he demanded and he gave Mercury and Erikson a quick and impatient glance.

David picked up his PADD and began to read out the findings of the Engineering team's analysis from the cargo bay. "Sirs, there is no technical problems we can detect in the remaining torpedoes or in the design specifications you gave us Admiral." he said as he placed the PADD back on the conference table. "With the assistance of Lieutenant Hewson and Ensign Nog, to be sure of our findings, we deconstructed one of the torpedoes and we came up with the same conclusion . . . they should have detonated inside the ship."

Pressman smiled for a moment of the reflection at the precision of the Starfleet Intelligence engineers who constructed the prototype weapons, but the smile was gone shortly thereafter as he realized that they were no closer to achieving their mission objective. "That still doesn't bring us very close to an answer does it Lieutenant?"

"No sir, but there was also no indication of any problems in the torpedo detonation systems on the ship either." the Chief Engineer added as he looked at Sterner.

Commander Sterner looked over at the Chief Science Officer who was seated across from Lieutenant Mercury. "Lieutenant Erikson, you said earlier over the comm channel that your department has a working theory."

"Yes sir. Using high resolution scans and particle signatures, we believe that the torpedoes are remaining phased and therefore immutable to ordinary matter."

"The Lieutenant over here has already determined that there was no problem with the torpedoes." he said as he directed his hand towards Mercury. "The phase generators switched off and the sensor identified the target successfully."

"Not if the torpedoes had become polarized they wouldn't. This has nothing to do with the actually mechanics of the torpedo, it is plain and simple physics." the scientist added.

"Why didn't you detect that before?" Commander Sterner added.

"It had to with the sensor modifications sir and the fact we weren't expecting to find this particular type of particles. Phasing technology isn't common in the Federation" Greer replied as he stood up and made his way to the display screen behind the Admiral's chair. "Our hypothesis is as follows," he said as he pulled up a diagram which explained the potential problem, "the torpedoes are moving to the designated coordinates. Once they pass through one side of the hull the sensor determine the firs objective is achieved and the phase generators shut down. The only problem is the torpedo casing is covered in chroniton particles which have become polarized."

"I remember reading something about an incident that sounds familiar to this situation." Joerg added as he repositioned himself to a more comfortable posture.

"Yes sir. Lieutenant Morris found a reference to an incident which occurred with some experimental Romulan technology on the Enterprise-D several years ago." Greer's reference to the late Galaxy-class vessel made the Admiral direct his eyes for a few moments but long enough to catch Sterner's attention. "Apparently these chroniton particles enveloped the two officers and caused them to fade out of our visual field and made them as immutable to matter as the phase cloak does with the Galaxy at this moments."

"The physics behind this theory is wonderfully detailed Lieutenant, and I am sure your department is having a field day, but what I want to know is how did they remedy the problem?" the Admiral demanded as he interrupted the facts and figures the Chief Science Officer was showing them. "We have a mission of the utmost importance which had implications to the security of the entire Alpha Quadrant."

"I do understand that Admiral." Greer simply replied as he switched off the console display. "They used an anyon beam to removed the chroniton particles."

"Lieutenant Mercury, what would be the chance of the enemy vessel detecting our ship if we used a confined anyon beam on the torpedoes?" the Acting Captain said as he turned to the Chief Engineer seated beside him.

David recalled the specs on the torpedoes with his engineering PADD. "The first problem would be to make it strong enough to de-phase the torpedo once it was inside the hull. If we made it too strong or too soon, we could cause detonation before it passes through the hull."

"That is not acceptable." the Admiral remarked as he heard the projected scenario. "Those torpedoes need to be detonated inside that ship. Without shielding or any other form of protection we might have a chance to destroying it with the reduced number of torpedoes we have now. If our timing is out even by a few tenths of a second we will miss the potential yield of the explosion and alert them to our presence."

Greer sat up straight in an attempt to try and get their attention. "Lieutenant Morris explored that possibility and it is likely that the anyon beam would need to be so strong that it would most likely cause parts of the Galaxy, primarily those regions around the particle emitters, to partially de-phase into normal space."

"And if we can't compensate for the problem quick enough, we risk being detected. I would like another possibility." Joerg said as he moved his eyes around the room, hoping that he didn't have to risk the ship anymore than was necessary to complete the mission.

"As I understand it sir, Lieutenant Morris and Ensign T'Vek are checking out the particulars of our polarization hypothesis. Perhaps they will be able to come up with something. Ensign T'Vek was one of the scientist behind the masking system for the runabout idea you had shut down sir," Greer pointed out to the Admiral, "and Lieutenant Morris has had a number of years experience in putting theoretical ideas into practical applications. I have full confidence in them but they will need the time sir."

Pressman tapped his fingers on the shiny surface of the table as he considered the extra delay to their objective. "You have three hours to come up with a solution." he said as he looked at Lieutenants Mercury and Erikson before he glanced back at Commander Sterner. "If you don't have a solution, then we'll have to use the anyon beam and manually depolarize those torpedoes. Dismissed."

*******

Ensign Keras T'Vek was reviewing the data that they were receiving from the sensors on the internal structure of the Warship. His ears distinctively noting the sound of the sleeping boy several feet behind him and of Ryak's fingers tapping at his terminal.

As he just finished putting the information together to from a layout of the Warship his communicator beeped, "Morris to T'Vek, are you busy?" came Lt. Morris's voice over his comm. Badge. She must have received his message concerning the new technique that Ensigns came up with.

"T'Vek here, no ma'am, I am not busy. How may I be of service?" he asked as he stood up and moved toward the door so that he would not disturb the sleeping figure.

"I need you to work on something. Can you come to my lab?" she asked.

"Yes Ma'am, I am in Stellar Cartography right now. On my way." he responded. Then turned to Ryak, "My apologies but I have been called away. I have finished working on the data that we gathered, my conclusions are displayed on my terminal. Fare well in you work." He said as he turned and exited the lab.

He walked down the corridor and arrived at Lt. Ronni Morris's lab. He entered and saw that she was tapping away at a computer terminal. "Greetings Lt. How may I be of assistance?" he asked as he stepped forward.

"No doubt you are aware that we are having problems with the torpedoes. We have discovered that the torpedoes are collecting chroniton particles which mask the torpedoes even after it has returned to normal phase. I want you to help me figure out a way to solve this." She said without looking up at him.

He quickly moved to a terminal and brought up the data, "Ma'am am if I am correct in stating that if single out the build up process then we should be able to reverse it repelling the chroniton particles. We must then determine the cause of the build up. Which is that the torpedoes are phased correct?"

"Yes, they collect the chroniton particles while in the phased state." She said looking up at him wondering where this was going.

Keras thought for a second then continued, "Since the data shows that the torpedo goes under a charged state while phased it is collecting the particles due to there opposite charge. We merely need to…" he was interrupted as Lt. Morris caught on to his line of thinking.

"Make the torpedoes charge the same as the chroniton particles and they would rapidly be repelled from the casing allowing the torpedo to revert to normal phase which will then allow detonation. Brilliant!" she said as she turned back to her terminal bringing up a list of equipment that could possible change the charge of the torpedo.

"Ensign T'Vek, take this list to Engineering and find out which piece of equipment will most easily fit into the torpedo casing while at the same time changing the charge." She said while handing him a PADD.

"Aye Ma'am. I am on my way." he said while accepting the PADD and exiting the lab. His ears picking up Lt. Morris contacting Erikson with the good news about the device.

He quickly made his way to the turbolift and was on his way to Main Engineering, PADD in hand. In a matter of seconds the turbolift came to a stop and he stepped out into the corridor. He quickly made his way towards Main Engineering.

When he arrived he quickly identified a Ensign that appeared not to be busy and he approached him, "Excuse me Ensign, I wish to know if you could help me determine something." Keras asked looking at the PADD.

"Sure, what can I do for you?" the Ensign replied.

"Could you tell me which one of the following devices would fit into a photon torpedo without requiring a large amount of space?" he asked while offering his PADD.

The Ensign looked over it then highlighted a device. "This one should fit the needs that you require. It is small and is used to clear complex pieces of machinery of charged particles. Hope I answered your question."

"Yes, thank you." Keras replied then moved over to a corner and contacted his CO, Greer Erikson.

"Ensign T'Vek to Lt. Erikson." He said into his comm badge.

["Lt. Erikson here, I hear that you and Lieutenant Morris have been able to come up with a plan Ensign."] the Chief Science Officer proposed as a deadline was apparent in his voice.

"We have been able to propose a device that will suit our needs. Who do you wish me to give the specifications to?" he asked while looking around Main Engineering.

["Give it to either David Mercury or Alan Hewson down in Engineering. They will know what to do with it."] replied his comm badge. ["And send a report to the Bridge so I can keep the Admiral up to speed on our progress. We don't have much more time."]

"Affirmative Sir. Ensign T'Vek out." He said then walked back to the Ensign.

"Can you tell me where ei ther Lieutenants Mercury or Hewson are located?" he asked.

"Yeah, I think Lieutenant Mercury is on the Bridge, but Lieutenant Hewson is right over there.' the Ensign pointed over to a discreet corner where AC was working.

He approached the Engineer and as soon as he was noticed handed AC the PADD and began to explain the problem "…This piece of equipment will give the torpedoes the same charge as the particles forcing them away. This done the torpedo will revert to our phase and detonate." He said finishing up his lengthy explanation.

AC nodded. "Like some kind of degaussing unit." the engineer remarked as he recalled basic particle physics.

"Yes sir. Lieutenant Erikson said that I should bring it to Main Engineering immediately for replication and implantation into the remaining torpedoes immediately."

Looking over the Vulcan's schematic he took note of what requried to be altered from the current design specifications. "Thank you Ensign." he said before turning to two engineers at the console behind him. "Let's get started."

His job was done and his shift ending, Keras decided he would wonder and merely observe the rest of the ship.

"Staff Meeting..."
by Lieutenant Devlynn Salshyar
Counsellor, USS Galaxy

Dev left sickbay after talking again with Cat regarding treatment of Commander Casey. As she stepped out the door of sickbay, her communicator chirped. She tapped it, "Counsellor Salshyar here."

"Dev, this is Karyn Dallas, the Chief Counsellor..."

"Yes, I know who you are Chief." She said.

"We're having a staff meeting in a half an hour in the Counselling Office, I would like you to be in attendance." The voice on the other end of the communication said.

"Yes ma'am, I'll be there." She said, "Dev out."

As she stepped into the Counselling Office, she looked around, the whole gang was there, as well as a few new faces. "Welcome Counsellor," Karyn said to her as she walked into the room.

"Thank you Karyn," she said. Dev had to keep reminding herself that she wasn't the Chief Counsellor on the Galaxy anymore. This was Karyn's department now.

Then leslie walked into the room. She hadn't seen her since she left the ship. Then it hit her. If Leslie was aboard the Galaxy, then *she* should be the Chief.

Dev approached her co-worker. "Greetings Leslie," she said, smiling.

"Hey Dev," Leslie replied. "What are you doing back on the Galaxy?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing, only in reverse. When did you leave?" She smiled.

Chirstyn LaChance

Taleen looked around the small apartment she had lived in until the Galaxy came into Starbase 74. "Well, it looks like the adventure begins," she told the yellow and white Kitten she had just caught. It seemed that Taleen's excitement had communicated itself to the Kitten, Mouse, and she had played catch me if you can, for the last 10 minutes. With the Mouse safely in her arms, she walked across the room to the waiting pet carrier. Placing Mouse into the pet carrier with her favorite toys, Taleen snapped the carrier shut. The only thing left was the pet carrier, a sack of garbage and her carryon bag. Everything else had already been picked up to be taken onboard. Putting the garbage into the garbage shute and opening the door, she picked up the carryon in one hand and the pet carrier in the other and went out, catching the door with her toe and pulling it closed.

She dropped off the keys at the desk and caught a transport to the dock the Galaxy was docked at. She entered the tube connecting the Galaxy with the dock. There she found an Ensign with a Padd on duty. "Ensign Taleen Cyndanian reporting on board," she told him. She sat the pet carrier on the floor and dug out her transfer papers and presented them.

The Ensign looked them over and consulted his Padd. He told her were her quarters were, then as she picked up the pet carrier he ask, "Can I see your pet."

Taleen held the carrier up higher, and a loud "Meow" came from inside. "I don't dare take her out here. I spent 10 minutes trying to catch her in a tiny apartment, I can't imagine trying to catch her here with all this room to run. Her name is Mouse, because she loves cheese."

He reaches a finger through the door and she purrs. He smiles and sends Taleen off to find her quarters.

She finally, after asking various people where she was going, found her quarters. Not too big but not too small. She finds that her belongings are already on board and she spends some time getting things put away, and setting up for the Kitten. Finishing that she grabs a bite to eat, and then sets out to explore her new home.

"Rattle and Hum"
By Lt. AC Hewson

“Time to go so soon? I was really starting to like it in here.” Lt. Alan Hewson, who had spent the last day and a half inside a minimum-security brig cell, said as Ensign Carol Salt de-activated the force field to his cell.

“Oh, don’t worry, AC. You still have three and a half days left in here. But it seems that an emergency situation has arisen, and Lt. Mercury was given authorization to get you out of here to assist him.” Ensign Salt informed the Assistant Chief Engineer as she filled out the release forms. “Put your thumb print here.” Carol said as she held the PADD out in front of AC.

“…will report back to the brig to serve the remaining time within an hour of summons…” AC read the conditions of his release as he zipped up his duty jacket. “Well, I guess we will have a chance to get to know each other better after all.” AC said as he placed his thumb on the PADD.

“Oh, I can’t wait for that.” Carol said dryly as AC made his way out of the brig.

***** Cargo Bay 2 *****

AC was more than grateful to be free from the brig, although it was on a limited basis. The charge had been “Striking a superior officer”, but AC was certain he was in there just because Derian wouldn’t (or couldn’t) face Alan man to man. The charge was unfounded as well, since both officers were off duty. Derian had even tried to retaliate, but was to stone drunk to get a punch off. In Alan’s opinion, fucking around your wife’s back was more unbecoming of an officer than hitting a fellow officer off duty. But then again, AC was not in a position to do anything about it.

Alan was surprised, to say the least, about all that had happened within the two day period that he had been out of the loop. David had filled AC in on all the happenings, which was quite a bit of information. Cloaking devices were rare in the Federation, but the Galaxy currently had its own phase-cloak along with a compliment of torpedoes (which had been labeled the ‘bad bitches’ by the Engineering staff) which took advantage of the same technology. It was an engineer’s dreamland with all this equipment to work on.

The ‘bad bitches’ were the problem at hand right now, however. For some reason, they had failed to explode when a salvo of the modified torpedoes were shot at the Dominion super-ship labeled “Battleship”. David had assigned AC and a Ferengi Ensign named Nog to examine one of the torpedoes to find out if there was any technical aspect which was preventing them from detonating.

“Let’s open this baby up,” AC said as Ensign Nog removed a torpedo key from his tool kit. Nog nodded in response as he inserted the key, followed by an access code which allowed access to the vital components within the torpedo’s casing. AC let a low whistle out as he viewed the equipment not normally found in a regulation Starfleet torpedo.

“Very impressive, isn’t it Lieutenant?” Nog asked as a classic Ferengi smile crept its way onto his face.

“I’ve never worked on an actual cloaking device before, let alone a phase-cloaking device. Sure, I’ve read all the blueprints and schematics…but I’ve never been this close to a real one. This technology is truly amazing.” AC said as he began scanning the equipment.

“Well then, where should we start?” Nog, still smiling broadly, asked.

***** One hour later *****

The torpedo was now spread out all over the floor of Cargo Bay Two, and the two engineers had reached a conclusion.

“You’re sure?” David asked as he read the final report.

“Nog and I went over every part three times each. Now, I’ve never dealt with anything like this before, I doubt any of us really has. I’m 99% sure that there is nothing wrong with the equipment, David.” AC truthfully told the Chief Engineer.

“Understood. I’ll inform the Admiral that we haven’t found anything wrong with the ‘bad bitches’.” David said with a smile. “In the meantime, I want you to report to Main Engineering. I’ll get back to you after I’ve talked to the Admiral.”

"Rescuing Illiyanna"
A collaboration by Lt Endris Gakor,
Lt Ronni Morris, Lt Nilani Kahn, and Lt Matthew Albrecht
reviewed by Captain Price

When the two doctors and Ronni arrived together at holodeck one, the doors would not open for them. Instead, the computer voiced, "Access limited to authorized personnel only, subject to voice-pattern recognition protocols." Gakor turned her head to regard Nilani, and snorted in mock-injury.

The Bajoran doctor replied, "Well, don’t look at me! This wasn’t my idea." Immediately the fast-sigh and pneumatic sound of the doors opening sounded, along with the flat, emotionless voice of the ship’s computer saying "Voice pattern recognition confirmed. Welcome doctor Kahn Nilani to program Kahn-Rescue1."

Lush green foliage crowding the arch prevented them from seeing more than a few feet into the simulation, and the women could already feel the humidity wash out of the jungle setting into the arch where they had stepped. Endris Gakor reached into the branchlets and scrub blocking them, and felt a trickle, or more accurately, a small river, of water run down her forearm from the large, flat leaves she was upturning.

The fronds, mostly green but peppered here and there with a beautiful tiger-striping of red and gold, hugged each woman like a lover as they passed through the barrier. Ronni gasped at a trio of Voles scavenging over the body of a dead companion. Finally, after making a ruckus of slapping noises and an exclamation or two- -such as the Tellarite’s favorite, "Snacks!"- - they broke out into a small clearing. Through the trees on the other side of the clearing, crowned by the late-evening golden glow of sunset, they could see a compound surrounded by some kind of fencing. Endris squinted against the beautiful glare, and nodded approval at what she saw.

Nilani’s eyes narrowed, too, but not in curiosity. She recognized the architecture of the compound all too well. The tallest trees were in motion, though the breeze that moved their tops did little to relieve the stifling humidity that oppressed the women, but Kahn Nilani did not feel it any more. She was consumed with recalled fear and newly nurtured hatred for the men who kept prisoners in such a place as this one.

A deep, guttural laugh sounded from the left, only a dozen feet away, followed by several metallic ‘snick-k’ sounds. Nilani recognized immediately the sound of Cardie energy rifles being activated. Both doctors turned toward the sound, Endris feeling a slight tinge of fear, accompanied by that thrill people develop after facing challenges on the holodeck a few times. In the controlled environment of the holodeck, subconscious feelings of excitement and stimulation are more likely to manifest as pleasure than in a similar situation in the real world, and the wild-haired young Tellarite felt it in spades.

There stood four Cardassian soldiers, one of whom stood ahead of the others as if accustomed to command. The two-meter plus warrior in black and gray armor was the one who had laughed. The rifles of all three of his thugs were aimed into the trees above the women’s heads, while their eyes focused on the pair’s every move. Nilani, perhaps mindless of the ‘danger,’ they represented, if only in effigy, hurled herself at the grinning, spoon-headed man. He did not move to dodge her, nor raise his arms to block her, he just fell over under her onslaught. She rained blows down upon his face which he neither blocked nor reacted to, other than to become battered and have his left cheekbone fractured badly. Her knuckles were not protected by the holodeck safeties, resulting in numerous lacerations and much swelling later on.

Ronni, with her well-honed talent for jury rigging, lobbed a rock at one of the guards. The Cardassian victim toppled over with a thud, pushing one of his fellows closer to Doctor Kahn.

The swine-lady at first watched in shock, then with growing recognition of the humor hidden in the situation. The pretty young woman she had come into the holodeck with was now beating the daylights out of a man who was, for all intents and purposes, a mannequin! Endris was, however, a woman with class, and refrained from voicing her comic observations to her friend. Nilani was obviously in a bad state to be assaulting a hologram with such relish, and Gakor would not mock her emotions. She stepped across the yards to reach down to her friend, under the watchful yet seemingly careless gaze of three rifle-wielding Cardies.

Matthew Albrecht’s voice came from somewhere behind her, "Gakes, Doctor Kahn, it’s a… pleasure… to meet you here." He walked through a giant fern-like plant with bright white seedpods suspended above it, squishing his boots into four centimeters of muck. Gakor glared, half-smiling, at her newly-arrived companion, who realized she expected an explanation. "Oh, yes, I see. I hadn’t gotten around to programming them for actually FINDING intruders. That part is left to be done… Doctor? Doctor Kahn?" he said loudly, bending over toward the woman who straddled the Cardassian body.

She stopped her beating, it having lost all appeal due to the Cardie bastard’s refusal to react. It wasn’t half as satisfying as it should have been. She dusted off her hands, oblivious to the pain in her fingers and across the backs of her palms. Standing up and stepping over him, she turned toward the security officer, "I’m fine, lieutenant. Thank you for your concern. Is the rest of your simulation as convincing as the sentries?" He couldn’t tell if she was joking with him, or at him. He was glad to see that she seemed to be sane, after all.

He beamed proudly, "I’m sure you will be impressed, doctor. I know quite a bit about the Cardassian legal system, and I’ve constructed a very convincing replica of a penal installation on Cardassia Prime. How familiar are you with the legal procedures your sister has been enduring every day since this began?" he asked, referring to the near-daily mental assault referred to as ‘prisoner briefings.’ A Cardassian official would most likely be visiting the Bajoran woman’s cell nearly every day, reading her offenses to her and explaining what sentence has been decided for her. Who knew what other emotional and psychological tortures they were also inflicting upon her, when such things were left to the creative devices of the facility’s senior officers.

"There's only one problem with that, Lieutenant. While your construction of the jail is accurate, Star Fleet Intelligence claims the prisoners were moved to the dilythium mining facility in the Ivoni rings."

"Wait", stammered the human. "That name sounds familiar."

"It should. I suspect an event of this magnitude would have been in security message traffic.", she said in an even tone.

"About a year ago a group of Cardassians hijacked a Horta Ambassador in transit to a Diplomatic mission at DS9. They apparently thought they could control the silicon creature to make tunnels at their biddi ng. My friend Major Kira was able to rescue the Ambassador with the help of the Defiant. In the process, the original compound and tunnels were destroyed."

Nilani paused her story, racking her brain for details in what Nerys had told her via subspace. Details that might now work to free her sister. Endris offered her a canteen of water in case the Bajoran wanted a drink, which Nilani gulped eagerly.

"However, with the war effort, they have mined new tunnels on the surface jungles. Cloaked Klingon recognizance ships monitored convoys of building materials, and other supplies heading to Ivoni. This including a passenger liner with Bajoran life readings."

Ronni looked a little worried. "If the Cardassians have already lost a facility on Ivoni, they are sure to have installed all types of detection grids. Who knows what covert technology they gleaned from the Dominion? Also, an operation that large would need manpower to extract the dilythium ore, so there are bound to be a larger group of prisoners somewhere down there."

Gakor was next to raise an objection. She had read something about the Ivoni system. "The Ivoni rings are smack-dab in the middle of a proto-nebular cloud. The 'rings' are actually planetoids, left over remnants from a supernova. The destroyed secondary star left its binary companion in tact. 4 inner planets also survived the destruction. I wonder what gases will hamper any approach to the world.", Endris said hesitantly. Under other circumstances, the Tellarite was sure Ronni would find the chance to study the phenomena fascinating, but as it was, she would have to settle on being content with no data.

Realizing the situation was looking progressively grim for Illiyanna, Doctor Kahn assumed her calm, reverent stance. Her faith in the prophets was strong. This encouraged the others to cheer up. "May the prophets guide us", she hoped aloud.

Realizing his tone was sounding too proud and full of himself, Albrecht amended, "Of course, it needs a lot of work. The four of us have to add a lot of detail to make it realistic. And if we are going to risk my life going down there, than I want the simulation to be as hard and as realistic as possible. Doctor Khan, you've been in one of their facilities, you'll be our primary source of intelligence on their actual prisoner handling procedures."

All of them discuss for a while, and they concluded the mining operations would somehow have to be stopped, and all non-Cardassian prisoners would be freed. Nilani provided an isolinear chip with data on her sister Illiyanna, as well as Gul Dalhon and his known associates. Easing the chip into the reader, the program soon was able to add both villains and victims to the scenario.

Gakor and the others decided to return to their quarters and rest.

*** Gakor's Quarters ***

Gakes was tired and hungry. She slammed her fist on the replicator when it stubbornly refused to produce her snack. Endris heard a clunk on the floor, and noticed the casing which held the enhancement module Electra gave her many moons ago had worked its way loose.

The Tellarite had never bothered to look into why the device made the food taste better. But now, with all the recent diversions she mired through, she paused to examine the fine metal casing. Etched beneath the surface, she found some alien runes!

Gakor called for the lights and examined the artifact more closely. The immunologist scanned the alien letters into the computer and asked for a diagnosis.

=Unable to comply. Runes do not match any known pattern, suggesting a mixture of unknown races constructed the message.=

Endris new of Captain Picard's admiration of professor Gallen, who had been killed while searching for links between alien DNA.

=Computer, assume at least some of the message are from the 'Preserver' race. Attempt to translate any matching patterns.=

=Negative result. No matches detected.=

"Snacks, what in Cuisine's name?" Endris exclaimed

=Please restate command=, the computer squawked annoyingly.

=Analyze artifact by chemical composition.= *Let's see if we can taste this thing*, Endris thought.

=Pattern match found. Two Iconian words and one phrase"=

=Results, please= Gakor prodded in a huff.

The words are "Food" and "Door". The disclaimer is "Made in Iconia. No Preserver-things added". Endris grimaced at the idea of ancient culinary humor. Like any archaeology buff, she knew the Iconians excelled at transport technology. It made sense that they would use it in their food synthesisers. But how could the device have such a low power threshold?.... Unless they coupled it some kind of power accumulator.

The Iconians were contemporaries of the T'Kon empire. I wonder if they ever snatched some goodies off one of the far flung T'Kon worlds. The mysterious supernova that destroyed them was never adequately explained, however, scattered items from their history were now being discovered. It wouldn't surprise Endris much if the two alien technologies were somehow amalgamated to form the food machine.

=Computer, scan Archaeology Digest article "Primary Analysis of T'Kon ruins on Delphi Ardu". Compare with sample.=

=That reference is not in the main data base. Please provide input chip.=

Endris looked in a drawer and found the PADD she had used to read the magazine. Linking it to the computer, the new information indicated one rune was of T'Kon origin. The rune meant 'power'.

Now that the Tellarite knew what the artifact was, she suspected a bit about what it could do. Bits and pieces amounted to a rough idea of how the machine worked. But it would take a tinkering genius like Ronni to get the device to function at its true potential. If this tiny device could generate transporter enhancements on a larger scale, perhaps there was a way to make a "Gateway" to Ivoni and take the Cardassians by surprise.

As much as she hated to loose the improvements to the food processor, she couldn't selfishly hog a discovery of this importance. Scooping up the valuable resource and the Padd with the rune translations, Gakor trotted off to find Ronni so they could see if the pair of them could make it work.

It was clear, with the simulation needing revisions to accomidate the Ivoni rings, and the need to cooridinate the alien technology with that of the Galaxy's, the rescue mission could procede. Except it would be delayed until after the Battleship she heard so much gossip about was destroyed. It was also possible Gakor and Ronni might have to remain behind to keep the gateway stable. Which ment it was time to recruit some voluenteers for the rescue mission.

**** Nilani's Quarters ****

I walked into my quarters picking up a dermal regenerator, it took less than a minute to fix my bleeding hands. I looked under my bed searching for things that I have had since I was a child. I found the leather bag and pulled it out, I opened the bag and pulled out a number of items.

The Last item was a Bajoran Phaser, it had a blood stain on the side of it that ran down into all the cracks. The holster also had a blood stain that had soaked into the leather, other items included dark clothing, a knife and equipment. I checked the power cell in the phaser, it was dead! I placed the pistol back in the holster and moved it over to a power output point, connecting the powercell to it. I moved back into the main area of my quarters, the door chimed.

"Enter!"

The door opened and Cat entered my quarters, she looked on the bed seeing the knife and other equipment.

["What the hell do you think your doing?"]

I started placing things back into the bag, picking up my own personel medkit and putting it in the same bag. I looked up from the bag and at Cat.

"How dare you tell me what I can and can't do! This is my sister we are talking about. I didn't know if she was alive up untill 3 months ago, but now that I do I will do anything to get her back! Even if it means me for her!"

["Do you think for a second that the Cardassian's will let you walk in and say 'Oh yes please do take her' I don't think so!"]

"Be reasonable, Cat. We think there are other prisoners in the camp with her. My presence on the rescue team will signal to my sister and the others that this is not an elaborate ruse on the part of the Cardassians. Also, I have help from fellow officers and I know how Dahrod thinks!"

Cat looked down for a second, her tail curled in apprehension.

["Are you sure I can't convince you to stay behind and let the professionals to do it"]

I picked up the knife and pulled it from it's shieth.

"I assure you, you cannot! While we are in process of rescuing Illiyanna, I may recall something unique about her that expidites the mission."

["Well then there is only one thing left. Good luck my Friend."]

"Reflections and Deceptions"
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

The long hours were taking their toll. Benedict had awakened at 2100 hrs or thereabouts and been on a full Gamma shift - seen the doctor, had dinner and gone running. Then after several hours of talking in Ten-Forward to the civilian technician Paul Raines, he had tried to sleep - but had been awakened after only a few minutes in response to the Red Alert Battle Stations.

He'd been running on adrenalin ever since. He'd been assigned to the Battle Bridge for the short duration of the first encounter with the Cardassian Battleship, and after the phase torpedoes failed and the Galaxy withdrew to find the solution, he'd been relieved.

He collapsed onto his bed with the kind of fatigue he'd experienced while running marathons. He was bone tired. His eyes were gritty and he felt like shit. But he couldn't sleep. He was still hyped up and his mind was still racing.

His next shift was due to start in three hours! He thought about taking a medication, but if he did that he'd be far worse on shift - and that he simply would not allow! He sighed with frustration and rubbed his eyes so hard they throbbed - bright stars exploding across his retinas. He rolled off the bed and unrolled his tatami mat. He stripped his sweat stained uniform off and knelt facing his fathers' watercolour tiger.

He summoned his kai and breathed deeply. He began the calming mantra and concentrated upon the meditative state of the void. He drifted. Slowly he relaxed and felt the fatigue melt away.

A montage of images slowly coalesced in his mind and presented them-selves before his inner sight. He was dispassionate in his appraisal, emotionless and separated from his being. He felt disconnected and saw himself kneeling on the black tatami, eyes closed and head bowed. The tiger of gold lay across his body and he could see its eyes and its kami spirit coiled within. He sensed its life and its thirst like a separate entity bonded to his skin. He knew the bond went far deeper than that.

He was in a state of peace. The intense fatigue had allowed this purity of state - and he allowed the images in his mind to take on textures and colour - in an effort to examine their significance.

He saw her again. The image was so clear. He wondered at the total attention to detail that the image represented. He was captured again by her eyes. They were in the turbo lift once more, and the moment of her glance was stretched into eternity. He could see the motes of golden colour close to the dark pools of her iris'; the tiny flecks of lighter brown in radiating lines; the reflection of the pain inside her. He traced the darker lines of long lashes half obscuring the upper lids. He fell headlong into those eyes and just kept on falling. The moments stretched to hours.

His breathing slowed. His heart beat slowed. The world disappeared. His world became two pools of deep brown with a myriad of unseen shades. There was nothing else in his consciousness. He floated in perfect peace - inside the void. His consciousness expanded and he saw his imagined hand reaching out into the space between them.

He brushed the strand of crimson aside with gentle fingers that grazed her cheek and traced the curve of her chin. He stood there immobile with his hand outstretched - simply touching her cheek with the palm of his hand. He stared into those beautiful eyes - unable to think a coherent thought.

It was truly a golden silence. No words needed to pass between them - none did.

He felt again the moment of total awareness that had come over him when she had stepped into the turbo lift after him.

[2345 hours] He came back slowly. His inner clock had registered the time and brought him into the harshness of reality. His heart rate increased and he felt invigorated. He stood and quickly showered; dressed in a clean uniform, strapped on his Kut'luch and pulled his hair into a ponytail. He looked at his image in the mirror.

Benedict shook his head to clear the images that still burned there. He thought about Lt. Commander Casey. He'd chanced to meet him in a turbo lift earlier - before the red alert had hit. Benedict had been on his way to the Tactical Office for his new posting to Alpha Shift. Benedict remembered Casey's expression. He'd tried to show strength - a perfect image of a perfect commander. It was a deception.

Anyone looking at him closely could tell, but Benedict surmised that Casey had lived with his own brand of perfection for so long that he failed to see when the mask slipped.

He'd thought that the fight in Ten-Forward that everyone was talking about between Casey and a man called Acey may have resulted in the injuries caused to the Lt Commander, but after meeting Casey it seemed unlikely. Casey looked the kind of man that could defend himself in a fight. He was strong - Benedict had felt it in his grip.

The talk that was circulating about Lt Bancroft and Dieran Casey had to be recent. He'd been around enough to know that that kind of talk dies off pretty fast once everyone was considered to know. The fact that Dieran Casey was supposed to be 'happily married' had been mentioned more than once - leading Benedict to surmise that this affair was relatively new.

Benedict had seen into Casey's eyes. For an instant there had been a connection - Benedict had seen inside the man, and found a shell of bravado holding up a fragile image of strength. Under ordinary circumstances Benedict knew that he would probably have taken an instant liking to Casey. He'd seen that he was no coward, and he sensed also that Casey had some of the same qualities as Benedict himself; a fierce devotion to duty, a sense of honour, and lack of fear in the face of danger.

But he was also a man willing to bring shame to a beautiful woman simply to satisfy his own ego - a woman that Benedict respected already - a woman that he just couldn't get out of his mind.

'Honour cannot be satisfied by bringing dishonour to another.' He thought. He turned away from his own refection and left to take up his position on the Bridge.

"Battle Stations"
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
And
Ensign John W McQueen
Security Officer
USS Galaxy

Benedict had finally drifted into sleep. The Red Alert klaxon dragged him to consciousness and dumped his system full of adrenalin in the same instant. He bolted out of bed and quickly pulled on his uniform. He was still strapping his Kut'luch to his thigh as he sprinted out of his quarters.

His secondary station during Alpha Shift was Damage Repair Crew. The Tactical Officers from Beta Shift would be heading to the secondary stations in the Battle Bridge as the Alpha Shift remained on the Bridge. If the alert had occurred on Beta Shift, it would be the Battle Bridg e he'd be running to now.

He was still tired, but the effects of the sake were gone with the medication he'd taken before he was able to sleep. His mind was fully occupied with tactical scenarios that may or may not be happening on the Bridge. It looked like they had found their quarry.

He drew his phaser from the security station and took up his position. Crewmen were running through the corridors taking up their own Battle Stations. He stood outside the Primary Sickbay on deck 12. A security officer and a Petty Officer arrived. Both men were unknown to him.

All they had to do was wait. The excitement was happening on the Bridge. He began a silent prayer that the kami of the ship would prevail. He looked across the corridor and saw the last man of the detail running up - his security uniform being hurriedly zipped up. The man already had a phaser rifle strapped across his shoulder, as he turned his head Benedict realised that it was Ensign John McQueen.

The man smiled a wicked grin of excitement and nodded at Benedict. The smile was infectious and the other two officers grinned too. The waiting was over.

The Galaxy was swooping at her prey like a hunting falcon at a fowl.

John gave Benedict a short smile and nodded a greeting to the group of officers.

"Ok people, let´s move. We have work that has to be done." He took the lead with Benedict on his right side. As they moved forward John began to prepare his phaser rifle for combat. They came to a turbo lift and entered it.

"Battle Bridge." John ordered. The lift started and John began to analyise the situation. They were in Cardassian/Dominon space and the most conceivable was that the Galaxy was fighting one or several Cardassian or Dominon battleships.

"What do you think this is about John?" asked the female security officer.

" It´s not the right time for that question. The ship is on red alert and we are responsible for the ships security if you have forgotten that. Focus your minds on the job not on asking questions, ok." John said with a grim look in his face. The female security officer seemed to follow John's orders.

Benedict pondered the change in status of his present assignment - they were headed for the Battle Bridge - the secondary nerve center of the Galaxy. Benedict knew that he was under orders from Security - perhaps there was something happening that he was so far unaware - there should be a Tactical Officer posted to the station when they arrived - he'd ask then. John McQueen seemed all business - and Benedict liked that.

The turbo lift stopped and the doors slide aside. John, Benedict and the two other officers stepped in to the Battle Bridge. John saw Ursa Sunder who now was the acting First Officer seated in the captains chair.

John gave Ursa a nod and proceeded to the to the battle bridge security station. Benedict took his place at the Tactical Station at the indication of Lt Commander Sunder. It seemed that Benedict was up for Tactical duty - he examined the station relays from the Bridge and set to work.

John and the female security officer made a few checks of the Galaxys' security and when John looked on the main screen he saw a huge Battleship several times bigger than the Galaxy. "My God!" he breathed.

Benedict simply smiled. He was taking instructions from Lt Hunter MacKenzie on the Bridge Station and bringing up Tactical Scenarios from the computers command and prediction database. The decision trees were lining up with the changes in the tactical situation, and to Benedicts practiced eye - it didn't look too promising so far.

Galaxy "And they keep rolling in Pt:2"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani
Chief Medcial Officer

A number of hours had past, and Ensign Suder was somewhat out of this reality. His brain activity was low but stable and his body functions were low, I had the nurse keep on top of his condition. I had been keeping data on him and there were signs of improvment but to when he would regain unconsiousness was to be seen. I had been sent a lot of data from Starfleet command that and the preperation of regaining my sister I was more than busy.

The door to sickbay opened up and an Ensign I had never seen before entered, she was wearing the uniform of a Medical officer which was strange because I hadn't been informed of more staff, unless it was amongst that data that had been sent to me.

"Ensign Taleen Cyndanian, reporting for duty Ma'am!" she said as she found tha CMO

I looked up from my padd and smiled.

"Welcome aboard, can I have your orders?"

She handed them over to me and I looked at them.

"They look complete, have you been to your quarters?"

"Yes Ma'am. They are bigger than I thought."

I laughed a little as I continued to look over Data on the Suder case. "They were to me when I first arrived, please follow me into my office!"

I handed the Data padd to a Nurse, the nurse took it and continued scaning suder. I walked out of the main sickbay and into my offfice Ensign Cyndanian followed me, we entered my office and I offered her the chair opposite. She sat down and I took my seat, I moved my temporary terminal into position and turned it on.

"Ahh yes, no wonder you were a surprise to me. I havn't had a chance to look over latest Assignment list. So let me introduce myself, My name is Kahn Nilani. I have been on this ship quiet sometime and I like to get to know my officers, so would you like to tell me a little about yourself?"

"I am 38 have a medical degrees from University of Cytherian, California Veternary School and University of California." Taleen paused as she took a deep breath.

"I worked for two years for Medical Exchanges Incorporated, before the program collapsed, that was when I learned my degree from Cytheria was no good on earth. I didn't have enough money to go to med school, so I went to vet school. Got married while working as a vet, and went back to Med school. My husband was killed and I continued on through med school and decided that remaining on Earth was too painful and joined Starfleet, and here I am. Is enough or do you need more?" she said.

A nurse ran into my office.

["Ma'am Suder is consious and talking!"]

I stood up in a hurry and motioned for the new doctor to follow.

"Hopes and fears"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Acting Captain, USS Galaxy

"Captain's Log: Stardate 49808.31

I have just come back from a meeting with Admiral Pressman and Lieutenants Mercury and Erikson. The two Lieutenants have explained to the Admiral and me what may have caused the newly devloped phased torpedoes from exploding on impact. [see Lieutenant Mercury's report for more details]

Now that we know what caused the torpedoes not to detonate, it's up to the Engineering department together with the specialists from SI to find a way to modify the remaining torpedoes, so that they may finally fulfill their destiny."

Joerg paused and thought about his last entry into the computer's log. 'Is that the right tone for a Captain's log, or am I becoming more and more like the Admiral and his god-complex?' he thought. Upon deciding that it was somewhat appropriate to reflect the Captain's current feelings and the situation he was in, he continued with the entry. The computer had stopped during the pause Joerg took to think over the situation, but continued the moment Joerg spoke again.

"While that should solve the problems that have yet to come, our current situation is yet unchanged. We are on pursuit of the six undetonated torpedoes. We hope that we'll reach and destroy them in time before anything happens with them. My major fear is that they might accidentally destroy a civilian ship or facility. Although they have a limited range, who knows what's out there right now?

The search and detection of the torpedoes is the most important task just ahead of us, but I have much confidence and trust in our ship and her crew that I'm certain we'll manage this crisis too."

Joerg closed the log entry and stood up from his chair at the desk in the Captain's ready room. He approached the door and stepped onto the bridge.

"What's our status Mr. Thomas? Have we detected the six missing children yet?" he asked sarcastically, waiting for a positive answer.

Dillon walked into ten forward and cast an idle glance around the room. To anyone that saw him enter it would have looked like a casual look but in that moment Dillon had taken in everyone in the room. It was always quiet at this time of night and tonight was no exception. There were only nine people in the room. Apart from the barkeeper, ensign Carter and Lieutenant Kaleth sat at the table nearest the door. Ensign Harris sat alone half way down the bar and next to him were three people that Dillon did not recognize. The there were the other two. Dillon knew the faces of all of the security crew, including the new ones and two of those were sitting at a table at the far end of the bar.

Ensigns Hayes and Wilson were deep in conversation and seemed oblivious to everyone else in the bar. They were on delta shift and for the last six hours beta shift had been on duty, but is a security officer ever 'off duty' Dillon pondered as he made his way to the bar. Dillon ordered an orange juice and chatted to the barkeeper for a few minutes before making his way to a table.

"Hello Jimmy. Did you have a good trip?"

Jimmy Harris had just been on leave and looked fit and tanned. He was a keen surfer and whenever he could he took the opportunity to stop off at a convenient planet to make use of the local surfing. He was a firm believer that nothing could beat the real thing and the only place to surf was in the sea. Three weeks of surfing and sunbathing had left him looking good.

"Dillon! It was absolutely fantastic. The surf was up the sun was brilliant and the girls were beautiful. What more can a man expect from life?"

"Sounds good to me. When did you get back?"

"Yesterday morning at 04:00. I'm still trying to get my sleep patterns back into synch"

Dillon sat down at the table and for the next half hour they talked. Harris did most of the talking with tales about the tides and his never ending search for the perfect 'curl'. Dillon also learned a lot about the local food and drink and half the female population of Waikida beach. At one point the conversation turned to Jimmy's journey home.

"So how did you get back? Did you use the transporter?"

"No. Shuttles and transport ships all the way back. It took me two weeks to get back" then in a slightly lower voice "I hope they're all right"

"I'm sure they will be. You needn't worry about that" Dillon knocked back the rest of his drink and stood up.

"Well Jimmy boy, you may not have to work tonight but I do. I'd better be off. See you later"

"See you Dillon." he replied as Dillon lifted the case from under the table and started to walk towards the door.

When he reached the corridor it was empty and as the door closed behind him he dumped the case on the floor rubbing his aching shoulder. The case was heavy and he had picked it up and carried it out as if it was empty. He hoped he hadn't damaged a muscle in the process. After a brief pause he picked it up in the other hand and, leaning heavily to one side, set of towards his quarters.

"Everything is as it appears"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Cargo Bay Two ***

Ambassador Tomalak was true to his word when he told Admiral Pressman that he would keep an eye on the special weapons in the lower holds of the Starship Galaxy. Having left the bridge, he and the Tactical specialist on this mission, a Ferengi Ensign named Nog, made their way to the converted bay. Nog quickly started working with the Galaxy scientists and engineers on diagnosing the problem with the weapons while Tomalak quietly stood back in the corner and watched the goings on with a vigilant eye. His hands were resting in the folds of the oversized metallic sleeves of the Romulan Uniform he wore. His expression neutral, while both his eyes and his ears took in all. Glancing across the cargo bay while working on disassembling one of the torpedoes, Ensign Nog couldn't help but think that Tomalak looked like a vulture the way he was quietly lurking in the back ground. But then again, that was better than having him bragging about Romulan engineering superiority.

"Nothing?" AC asked the Ferengi.

Nog shook his oversized head from side to side. "No sir. And I checked it three times. By all indications the portable phase cloak generator worked as designed. When the torpedo entered the target, the sensor detected it and shut the generator off. It should of came out of phase and detonated on impact with the next object it came into contact with.. a bulk head or wall or something. But it didn't. And I have no idea why!" Nog said in a frustrated tone.

Lieutenant Hewson reached out a hand and placed it on the Ensign's shoulder. "That's okay Nog. We have learned quite a bit here. Knowing that it wasn't a mechanical or electronic malfunction with the torpedo may help just as much as finding something wrong."

"I know sir." Nog started, "It just seems easier to find something wrong so we can fix it. Finding everything working as designed makes me feel...." Nog's voice trailed off as he looked down as if searching for the words.

"Helpless?" AC suggested.

Nog glanced up and swallowed slightly. "Exactly sir."

AC looked into the Ferengi's eyes and couldn't help but think there was more to the Ensign's feelings than just their work on these torpedoes.

Nog turned away and began replacing the parts they had disassembled to inspect. He was feeling this awful sort of deja vu. He remembered his experience with the Valiant. It was he who created the specialty torpedoes on that ship that were supposed to turn the battleship's antimatter supports into jelly. He was sure that everything on those torpedoes was correct too, yet the result was a total failure and the destruction of the Valiant. Nog was the picture of self doubt. "Maybe I should run the check again sir..."

"No, put it back together Ensign. I'll let Lieutenant Mercury know what we've discovered. Maybe the science group has found out something. Now that we know it wasn't a mechanical malfunction, that may help find the ultimate solution." AC explained.

Nog just let out a slight sigh and nodded. "You are right sir. I'll put it back together."

In the back of the room, Ambassador Tomalak's mouth curled barely. He knew that the Romulans had been testing this sort of phased technology for the last decade and were constantly experiencing set backs of this sort. Everything appearing to work as designed and still, failure. It was gratifying to see that the Federation was having similar problems.

*****

Admiral Pressman had left the bridge discouraged that the torpedoes hadn't simply worked the first time out. The improvements made to the phase cloaking device was working wonderfully so far on the Galaxy. He hoped that through this mission, these newest weapons could be proven in a combat situation. Now it was looking like that might not happen, and unless the engineers and scientists of the Galaxy could figure out a quick solution, the Galaxy would have to carry out it's mission with regular weaponry. Being cloaked, the Galaxy would still posses an advantage for the opening attack, but after that, it would simply become a slug fest with no guarantee the Galaxy would prevail, or be in any shape afterwards to return to Federation space. These thoughts ran through the Admiral's mind as he went to check in on Deiran Case y.

Glancing around the Med Lab, Pressman didn't see Deiran anywhere. "Excuse me nurse, where is Lieutenant Commander Casey?"

The nurse smiled at the Admiral politely, "Mr. Casey was released from medical on inactive duty status. You might try the 'Commander's quarters Admiral."

The news seemed to be agreeable with Pressman. "Thank you." He nodded before turning to leave.

A short time later, Pressman was outside of Casey's quarters. Pausing a moment, Pressman thought of what he wanted to say before pressing the door bell. There was no answer. Pressman activated the chime again, but still there was no answer. Thinking that Deiran was simply sleeping, or otherwise unwilling to answer the door, Pressman glanced upwards. "Computer, state location of Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey."

["Lieutenant Commander Deiran Casey is in Lieutenant Bancroft's quarters."] the computer responded dispassionately.

The Admiral's eyebrow raised slightly. "Humm, I guess the rumors are true..." he thought. Pressman glanced down the corridor and thought about going to Bancroft's quarters to speak to Deiran, but decided against it. What he wanted to say could keep until later. Besides in a short time, all of this might not matter. Instead, Pressman did an about face and headed back the opposite direction to his quarters. It would likely take Commander Sterner several hours to track down the six run away photon torpedoes and destroy them with the ship's phased weapons, and right around that time engineering should know something on why the torpedoes failed in the first place. That left the Admiral with a few hours to spare, and since Deiran was otherwise.... occupied at the moment, Pressman figured he'd get some rest while the opportunity existed. Turning on his heal, that's exactly what he did.

Spies on Ice, or Brits 0, Pig Skins 7
by Lt Endris Gakor
with Lt Felicia Khatroweena

***Previously, in 10 Forward ***

Endris and Mr. Lyle sat at a large round table. The Doctor ordered a spiced Breen Coddle fish and Tellarite spuds, with a mug of Rhomulan synthale. Her human companion selected Klingon Bregit lung and Gagh from the menu, with rakageno for a beverage.

*** Present ***

"On second thought", Lyle said pompously, "I'll have a fluted glass of Cinard". The Deniuban waiter amended the order on his Padd to allow the traditional Cardassian beverage.

"Snacks, Cassidy, why don't we share a Yorkshire Pie?", the Tellarite asked the Lt. Commander in a phoney British accent that mocked his upbringing.

The Lieutenant Commander, who imposed himself on the Galaxy like an ancient but disputed Boston Tea tax, failed to respond to the Tellarite's belligerent jest. The human merely pontificated and gestured to the waiter with a motion that boldly declared "Make it So". His magnanimous, haughty attitude made Endris think of Q. Could this be one of his many tricks hoisted on humanity?

Gakor toyed with the idea but quickly dismissed it. It was unlikely the demented godling would victimize a lowly Lt. such as herself. She had never heard of Q troubling Jurelle Tash, Doctor Bashir, the still but ancient Admiral McCoy, or any of the other numerous famous physicians that dotted Star Fleet's most prevalent duty posts.

Endris still speculated on why the man would use a hidden phaser to prompt a discussion. What factor did the Cardassian mega ship play in this little drama? Unless things were not what they seemed to be. A Tellarite's sense of smell is more accurate than their vision. It is possible due to her recent ordeals, Endris had just imagined the weapon. Perhaps the buffoon merely shared a Ferengi-like distaste for females in what was, (at least several centuries ago), male dominated roles.

Another possibility chewed at Endris' thoughts. A very disturbing one. Before the Voyager disappeared in the Badlands, there were rumors floating around Memory Beta that Cardassians had infiltrated the Marquee. This was hinted to being accomplished by surgically and chemically altering their physical structure, so that normal detection procedures would be ineffective. Before the intelligence could be confirmed or refuted, the Voyager had been presumed destroyed in a plasma storm. The investigations had apparently been dropped in the fruitless rush to discover facts on the fate of the Intrepid class vessel.

Because the Galaxy had been one of the major starships patrolling the Cardassian/Dominion allayed space, it would be logical for a spy to sneak on board. After his aborted attempt to access the Cargo Bay, the 'Brit' had kept a low profile, avoiding even the necessary routine medical exam. While a steaming plate full of food distracted Cassidy Lyle, Endris scanned him with her medical tricorder.

Unfortunately, the Britishman was not as docile as he initially appeared. Seeing the cuisine loving Tellarite was not partaking of her meal, the observer noticed her arms were no where close to her utensils.

"Blimey!", he said in a cockney accent as he grabbed the tricorder from the doctor's clutches. "What have we here?", he asked rhetorically.

Endris was glad for the densely populated lounge. If Lyle was indeed up to no good, there was little he could do about it in the presence of so many witnesses.

"You conveniently forgot to undergo a medical exam when you came aboard. Since I see deliberate reluctance on your part to follow regulations in this manner, I invoke my prerogative as a Medical Officer to compel you to a physical exam." Gakor said with a tinge of formal challenge.

Locked in his 'role' of a Star Fleet officer, the suspected spy couldn't very well slink off into the crowd. Especially since regulations explicitly dictated the necessity of these exams. He could hardly fault the Lieutenant for complying with standing fleet orders, even if her diligence was prompted by an unfortunate misunderstanding.

Lyle looked disgruntled, as if contemplating his chances of bolting when confronted directly. "Very well, Doctor", he spat in a condescending tone. "I'll go quietly", he claimed. But his body language conveyed a message in the opposite context.

The commotion of the argument attracted some attention. Matthew Albrecht had stopped for a meal after his shift, and couldn't help but notice his friend's confrontation with the Lt.Cmdr who had just been released from the brig. Wanting to defuse a hostile situation, the human offered to escort the Doctor and her reluctant patient to SickBay for a scrupulously detailed medical profile.

*** Sick Bay ***

Despite scrutinizing for chemical additives that might prove her hypothesis, Gakor could not find anything definitive. Which meant either she was correct and needed time to find proof, or she was "Putting her Eggs in one Basket", to use a Terran culinary proverb.

Fortunately, the Doctor had an alternative. Albrecht and his gold-shirted colleagues had departed, but Gakor had all sorts of medical gear to help her restrain uncooperative patients.

"Starvation! I see now why you wanted to give Sick Bay a wide berth."

Despite his unproven guilt or innocence, the Britishman looked up in feigned interest.

"Why? What have you found, Doctor?", the twit expelled.

"My monitors indicate you have Xenopolycephina. Unfortunately, the only cure is of Fabrini origin and can not be replicated. We will have to wait until we return to Federation space before I can let you out of quarantine. Otherwise, you corpuscle count could descend to lethal levels. This presumes, of course, that you don't want to die prematurely of an insidious disease."

For a nanosecond or two, Gakor wondered if the fuming human inconvenience should be subjected to her Teresi viral research. But no self-respecting medical practitioner would inflict such cruelty on a patient.

By the time the Tellarite had dismissed entertaining using Lyle as a sentient lab animal, the objecting officer had become more vocal than Deiran about demands for release from Sick Bay.

"I demand you release me, Lieutenant".

"Or what? You'll feed me to the Voles?", Gakor retorted. A twist of anger contorted the man's face with the mention of Cardie vermin. Reluctantly, the immunologist ordered the computer to initiate a stasis field. The crackling energy cooled the hot head into a suspended cryogenic state.

At that minute Doctor Khatroweena walked into Sickbay. "What's up Gakes?", she said imitating old Warner Brother's cartoons. She saw the monitor display, reading possible indications of Xenopolycephina.

"Mr Lyle here didn't want us to know of his suffering. I had to put him into stasis until we can get back to Federation space for the cure.", Gakor explained in a less than convincing manner.

"But these readings indicate only a 68% probability of the medical condition", Cat objected.

"Yes, but Cassidy was trying to run from here before I could correctly diagnose and treat his condition". Endris argued now that the game was afoot. She didn't mention her partially formed allegations that Lyle might be a spy.

"Wait a minute, Doctor", Cat challenged. Her tail twitched spasmodically as she rose to intimidate her friend. "Nilani mentioned the recent discovery of Tuskcan's memories. Perhaps the stress is distorting your perceptions. I suggest you talk more with a counselor about what's going on."

"You could be right", Endris conceded, as she proceeded to the intercom and place an appointment with the next available counselor. The Tellarite was not privy to the compromise the feline Doctor had reached between Dev, herself, and Lieutenant Commander Casey. Cat did not want to tolerate another 'discrepancy' that would draw attention to the loophole she had just been forced to deploy.

"As a friend", Endris, Cat said as her tail unbrissled, "I would be more than happy to explore Tuskcan's memories on an informal basis. But I am going to make sure you also see a therapist on a regular schedule from now on."

Gakor felt better to know that others were aware of her problems and would monitor her interests.

"Staff Meeting"
by the Counselling Staff
USS Galaxy

As Leslie was about to recount the tale of her leaving the Galaxy on leave of absence and the story behind it, they were collectively called to order by Chief Counsellor Dallas. Leslie pursed her lips slightly, and Dev smiled at her, "we'll talk about it later." She mouthed. The other woman nodded.

The young Terran woman began to speak. "I called you all here to discuss the direction in which I see this department moving." Dev smiled, hoping that Dallas' views were the same as her own.

"Firstly, I'm not here to preach at you," she nodded to each of the counsellors in turn. "I'd like to open the floor for introductions and then we'll have an open discussion before we move on to other matters. Is there anything that anyone would like to bring out?"

Each of the counsellors stood in turn and spoke their name, rank and position aboard the Starship. Devlynn was second to last, followed by Leslie Wilson. They both recognized some of their staff-mates, and many of them nodded greeting.

After the introduction a few of the counsellors revealed slight details about their cases, requesting information and suggestions from the other staff members. Everyone listened attentively.

Devlynn didn't speak of the Casey's Case, she felt it was too sensitive, and she knew where she was going with it.

The meeting continued on, with Karyn facilitating the discussions as the head of the department.

"Leslie," it was Karen that had spoken. Leslie looked at the Chief Counselor. Dallas seemed nice enough, but Leslie still wasn't used to the fact that she wasn't Chief Counselor.

"Yes?" Dallas and Leslie exchanged a brief glance.

"I want you and Lexana to start psychological evaluations of the crew. Everyone been under a lot of pressure with our current mission, but we need to be stronger, I want the evaluations started by 10:00 tomorrow..." She turned back to the rest of the Staff. "Now on to other matters."

When the meeting was over, Karyn asked that Dev and Leslie come back to her office.

When the doors closed she said, "I realize this could be a bit awkward at first. I realize you were both former Chief Counselors on the Galaxy, and it's hard to get used to not being in charge. I want us to be allies if not friends. I respect your position and your experience, I may call on it from time to time if I need help. It is my hope that we can work together to better serve the needs of this crew. I know I can count on you both to continue to make great strides in this department, while continuing to act in a manner befitting of a Starfleet officer. I look forward to working with you both."

Dev listened attentively to the other counsellor speak. Her choice of words intrigued her. She raised her eyebrow slightly as the other woman spoke. Several months ago Dev had entered her office on the Galaxy and found a personality profile of herself laying on her desk. Something that had been done by another member of her Staff. She grinned as she considered doing one for Karyn.

No, she said to herself. Experience will temper her vocabulary. When ceased her speech, Devlynn stood. Smiled and turned toward the door. She had an appointment with Deiran Casey and Miran in the holodeck in an hour, marriage counselling.

Just as she was about to step out the door Karyn turned and spoke, "Dev, if you could stay a moment, I'd like to get the specifics on the Casey situation." Leslie looked back at the mention of Deiran's last name. Dev could sense that she was asking questions in her mind. She mustn't have heard, she thought to herself.

"Sure thing Karyn." She said, stepping back inside the doors.

Karyn turned toward Leslie. "if you could just give us a moment, Counselor, we'll be right out. Besides," she continued. "I think there are a few people anxious to see you." Leslie nodded, looking forward to seeing her former staffmates again. And to catch up on the Deiran Casey saga.

"Thanks, Karyn. I think I'll do that." She left, ready to return to duty.

"So, said Karyn to Dev, "what are the specifics to the Casey situation?"

"Well, you know that Deiran cheated on Miran," Dev began, recounting the tail of Deiran's infidelity with Tebrianne Bancroft. Dev omitted the names of those included, since there was no need.

She left out the part about Deiran trying to kill himself, stating only that there had been an accident in the Casey quarters in which Deiran was hurt. She knew that if Karyn cross-referenced Dev's report with Cat's, she would come up with a correlation of facts.

Dev wasn't being deceitful toward her CO, what she was doing was protecting her further CO, the Second Officer of the USS Galaxy.

Karyn nodded when she had finished. "Thank you Dev," she paused. "I look forward to reading your report."

Chirstyn LaChance

By Ensign Suder

Engineer Suder opened his eyes and closed them again. The lights on the ceiling were far too bright for his liking. He opened them slowly again and adjusted his sight to deal with the lights. He felt the presence of someone near him. He couldn't feel any emotions or any thoughts, but he was self aware and knew someone was there. It was a nurse. He heard her tell someone that he had woken. He thought to himself and then realized the situation. The idea about the torpedoes was crazy. Power nodes? That wouldn't have made a difference. At least he tried his best. After a few seconds thinking about, the power nodes would have been fine once launched. He was just to eager to present the information. He turned his head and looked around the room. It was different. There were other beds, and a lot of equipment. These weren't his quarters. Slowly, he sat up and leant b ack on his elbows and shook off the sleep from his system. He saw he was in sickbay."Try not to move." came a soft order from behind Suder. He felt a hand on his shoulder gently pushing him back down flat on his back. He led back down and looked into the face of a beautiful women. She looked young, and very much like a Bajoran. Yes, it was unmistakable. The nose and the earring that came with her heritage. "Nice of you to wake up." the Lieutenant said. Suder looked at the light above him again and then back at the Bajoran."What am I doing here?" he asked slowly. "I thought you could tell me. You didn't turn up for your shift and a security officer found you. You were brought her and I ran a few scans. But I couldn't determine why you didn't wake up." the Doctor said."And your, a Doctor?" he asked. Suder was very dazed by the whole experience. He knew he was in sickbay and things were now starting to fall in place."That's right, I'm Lieutenant Khan Nilani." she replied."Suder, nice to meet you." he quietly introduced himself. Nilani began scanning him with a medical tricorder and then compared the readings with her old results."How do you feel?" she asked."I feel... I don't know what I feel. Where's Sanders?" he asked."Who?" Nilani replied as she closed up her tricorder."Lieutenant Sanders, um, operations officer." Suder quickly replied."Ensign, there's no one on this ship by that name." she replied. Suder eye's jumped wide open and he sat up despite the fact that Nilani asked him not to move again."But, she has to be, she was there, last night." Suder said not sure what was happening."Calm down, I'll look through the database." the Doctor said. Suder nodded and took quiet deep breaths. Nilan I looked through the crew manifest and found no one by that name. "I'm sorry, but there's no one here called Sanders." "But, but..." Suder glanced to his right and looked at the Bajoran Doctor. "What ship am I on?" he asked."The Galaxy. You've been here for a few weeks now. Don't you remember?" she asked."I remember, giving a diagnostic report to, the Chief Engineer, and I was working on systems around the ship. I remember going back to my quarters. And that's it." he said. The console near Nilani began beeping and she turned her attention to it. Suder stood up and leaned against the bed. His feet were a little numb, but he was strong enough to stand. "What is it?" he asked. Nilani leaned over the console and read the information and then stood up straight, turned around and looked at Suder."I'm reading a drop of neural activity around your ..." She met Suder's gaze and saw the confusion in his eyes. Or was it fear? Whatever it was, she was uncomfortable with it. "What am I thinking?" she asked. Suder opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. He titled his head and looked at Nilani. But sensed nothing. He couldn't feel her emotions or see her thoughts. A nurse walked by and he tried using his Betazoid abilities again, but still got nothing. He was overwhelmed and stumbled back slightly. He raised his hands and began rubbing his temples. He couldn't sense anything. He still felt the pain from his dream. Nilani saw something on his face that didn't look pleasant. He was, confused, angry and hurt. She stepped to her left and picked up a hypospray. "It's all right, it's just a side effect of he experience that you've had." she encouraged him, not really sure why he couldn't sense anything."The pain, it hurts." he said stumbling back until he bumped into a wall and slid down into a heap on the floor. He face had changed to a face of depression. Nilani walked over to him and hit him with the hypospray before he could object. The enzymes in the drug flooded his body and he feel into a state of unconsciousness. A nurse and Nilani carried him back to a bed. Suder looked so calm, at peace with the world and everyone around him. Nilani had never seen that in him before. She had seem him several times, and even when he was led there this morning, he looked unsettled. Nilani scanned him again and cross referenced the results again. His mind was in a complete state of unstability...

His shift over, the large man stormed his way through the hallways to the holodeck. Crew and civillians alike cleared out of his way as he furiously cut his way through them like a scythe through a fresh field of wheat. His face was crimson with anger that radiated off him in waves of heat.

In short, Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder of the USS GALAXY was severely pissed.

It wasn't enough that tinpot tyrant wanted to David the GALAXY against that Cardassian Goliath out there, but now he was throwing threats against Sunder's father like carelessly sown seeds of destruction. It was too much for the bullish security officer to handle. He and the admiral stared each other down for a good few minutes and then he exited the bridge. Sunder was relieved and disappointed at the same time. If the admiral had stayed, who knows where Sunder would have spent the next few months?

He managed to curtail his rage until the end of his shift and then took off for the nearest holodeck. He needed to blow off some steam and the holodeck was the safest place to do it.

He activated the deck upon entering, taking off his uniform tunic. He flexed his muscles in anticipation of the carnage that was about to ensue.

" Computer - lock holodeck doors on my authorization - Sunder pi one. " The computer chirped in mechanical acknowledgement. " I want two orion wrist-guards, 15 cms wide, 3cms thick. Attach one kargii wrist blade to the right one. "

" Acknowledged. " The computer replied, generating two holographic representations of the items Sunder requested. They were thick leather bands that extended from the wearer's wrists to his elbows, effectively covering his forearms in thick green leather. One had a wicked saw-tooth pair of blades that extended from below the wrist about 30 cms long with a metal collar ringing the wrist end of the guard. A hand-grip was attached to the collar allowing the fist to curl around the grip to better control the blade action.

Sunder always preferred to use a single pair of blades as opposed to a pair on his other hand as well. He liked to grapple with his opponents, using his bearish arms and iron grip to their fullest.

" Computer: begin program Sunder Hunt Two - dusk setting, jungle envrionment, maximum difficulty setting. " He snarled.

The room shifted into a dense rain-forest with thick, giant-boled trees laced with dark mossy-green vines. The earth beneath his feet was fairly solid, yet mushy in certain places to hide possible threats. Sunder remembered to stay clear of those - marsh vipers and the like were fairly common at this time of the year on the Homeworld.

It all rushed back to him at once. The Ritual Hunt, the smells, the sounds of life threatening to end other life. Life simplified to its basic equation: kill or be killed. It was truth, bold and simple. Danger lurked in every corner? and Sunder smiled ferally.

He stepped forward cautiously, seeing the rustling of some nearby bushes in the encroaching twilight. Sunder waved his blade before him in a torus-like fashion, testing the weight of the kargii the computer had generated for him. Two eyes peered from within the foliage as he stepped forward.

Sunder looked carefully - a buchkit? If it was, then?

Without stopping to think any more, he whirled the kargii around in a savage arc that caught the other buchkit leaping at him from behind in the side of its thickly-muscled neck. Sunder lept aside in a grace that belied his size as giant catlike animal flew towards him. Purple blood spurted out of the buchkit's major artery, bitten open by the saw-edge of the kargii blade. The animal hit the soggy jungle earth with a resounding thud as its life-force ebbed out of its throat. The hulk lay there twitching, wondering what had just happened.

He turned to face the other buchkit that had distracted him by noisily laying in wait ahead. He had been away for so long that he had almost forgotten how the buchkit hunted. Always in pairs, with the female distracting the prey while the male attacked stealthily from the rear. Now, with the smell of her mate's blood in the air she attacked Ursa, charging him with her 12 cm tusks fully exposed.

With her head hunched into her back, Sunder had no chance of striking the female's throat. Her speed was incredible. An on-rushing juggernaut, she let out a deafening howl as she rushed him. Her head twisted left and right in jerky, snappish motions as she brought her tusks to bear on her target.

The she-beast ran at him diagonally, preventing Sunder from anticipating her path and dodging accordingly in the enclosed area. Ignoring the buchkit's bellowing roar, he jumped up at an overhanging tree branch and pulled himself up and over the animal as it charged past under him. Sunder flipped over the branch and landed behind the creatuire, leaping at its back.

His kargii raked the buchkit's back in great purple furrows. It howled again, though this time in pain as it turned to face its elusive foe.

The turn was all the opening Sunder needed. As it switched facing, its neck became vulnerable for a split-second. He flicked the kargii out, its jagged teeth sinking into the bear-cat's neck pumping out more purple fluid in a steady stream that covered Sunder's chest from shoulder to navel.

The creature still remained on its feet though, its wound not as deep as its mate's. It completed its turn and its mighty legs propelled it towards Sunder who was caught off-balance by his reach to sever the buchkit's carotid. The two out-stetched claws landed squarely on the security officer's chest forcing even his bulk to yield before the mammoth weight of the animal's.

Sunder found himself pressed under 180 kgs of shaggy fur, tusks and claws. Even with the holodeck's safeties activated, he could still feel his ribcage threatening to crack under the tremendous weight. The buchkit's wound was fairly severe and its blood-loss would soon mean that it was dead on its feet, but it still opened its mouth intending to rip the life out of its foe before it too succumbed to the gaping hole in its neck.

Sunder threw his leather covered left wrist up into the animal's maw, protecting his throat. His chest suffered from the buchkit's claws as they scratched and raked at his skin. The arm with the kargii was still free though and with a heaving grunt punched it deep into the chest of the buchkit, finding the heart and stilling it once and for all. He managed to bring his legs under the creture and kicked it off him. For a brief moment he allowed himself the luxury of a few quick deep breaths before the computer threw the next creatures at him.

The air tasted sweet - free of animal stink and sweat. Although it was an atmospheric illusion created by the ship's environmental system, Sunder could swear he smelled juniker blossoms in the air. A steady and unexpected breeze blew through the rain forest, taking away the smell of the blood he had spilled. Almost on cue, the corpses of the two buchkits disappeared in a cloud of holographic static. Sunder turned and contrinued down the ritual hunt trail.

The struggle between man and beast was a universal constant in Sunder's mind. The fight for dominance reduced the complications, cleared away all the fuzzy grey borders and put things back into black and white perspective for him.

This was such a time.

The ship faced two obvious threats - one external and one internal: the Cardassian battleship and the political machinations of Admiral Pressman. Unfortunately, dealing with these two threats wasn't as simple as taking a knife and slitting their throats. But Sunder knew that the next action he had to take to reduce the danger both of these foes presented to the GALAXY would have to be just as severe. Pressman especially.

He acted out of instinct against Pressman on the bridge earlier. He let his temper get the better of him. Luckily for him, so had the admiral.

He thought more about this: Sunder's over-riding concern had been the safety of the GALAXY. The admiral's had been to destroy the cardassian battleship at all costs - including the GALAXY.

Why?

What was it about the new cardassian ship that had the admiral's obsession, he wondered. There would be no point in sacrificing the GALAXY if Starfleet learned nothing about the battleship. As for a new threat, even though its size dwarfed many of the front-line warships of the Federation, it was only, after all, one ship.

He paused to lean his forehead against a giant tree.

Something wasn't right. It didn't make sense to be so obsessed with the destruction of one ship!

He picked up his feet and started to run down the trail, controlling his breathing to conserve his strength for the next encounter.

There was something missing out of all this, like a tiny elusive piece of an elaborate jigsaw puzzle. He knew it as sure as he knew the path of the ritual trail. Something he was overlooking...

A batrachian nightmare suddenly sprung out of the trees to his left. Without a cry or even as much of a shaking of tree branches, a grey-black blur fired itself straight at the security officer who stumbled backwards against the blow. Reeling, he gathered up his senses and looked around for his foe who had somehow disappeared just as silently as it had attacked.

Not even a plant seemed disturbed as Sunder turned around in a wild attempt to find his enemy. A shadow-wing - it had to be, he reasoned. A gargoyle-like animal, vaguely anthropoidal, it used its vestigial wings to camoflage itself and as its primary weapon to bludgeon its prey into submission. It felt like being smacked by a massive tree branch and it could hide itself even in plain sight.

In plain sight... a thought struck him just as solidly as the shadow-wing had seconds earlier. But another solid blow to the side of his head stopped him from pursuing his line of thought and he whirled around again to see if he could spot his enemy. Blood trickled into his eyes, stinging them as he remembered Harken's advice on how to combat the shadow-wing.

He dropped to the ground and waited... the shadow-wing was virtually blind, relying on its keen sense of smell to help it find its prey. Sunder's scent remained in the same general area and the shadow-wing naturally assumed that it's prey would be standing in the same area. It flew out of the jungle at where it estimated its intended victim to be standing, but found only Sunder's outstretched kargii blade waiting for it. It stopped suddenly, nearly ripping Sunder's arm out of it's socket as it impacted upon the blade, impaling itself in a gruesome end.

Sunder rolled and twisted away from the falling carcass, pulling his ripping blade out at the same time in a flurry of graceful movement. He smiled grimly at his victory and at the conclusion of the train of thought the holographic shadow-wing's attack had brought.

He knew what his next course of action had to be.

" Computer: end program. " He settled back, the simulation had brought a sense of calm, as if the explosive animal instinct within him had boiled over. His temper had subsided and calmness brought realization.

Tomalak.

It had to be him... somehow Tomalak's involvement was more than just an official observer. Pressman and the Romulan Commander-turned Ambassador had a separate agenda that they weren't sharing with the general rank and file.

Sunder's discussion with Tomalak about the comparative merits of the Federation and the Romulan Empire now had more meaning than he originally thought.

This mission was a test; a test of Starfleet's abilities, its will to overcome stacked odds. In a Darwinian sense, the Romulan Empire was setting its new ally up to determine if it was worthy enough to fight alongside. Sunder was amazed to see a facet of basic animal behaviour writ large.

Now he knew why Pressman deemed it so important for the GALAXY to defeat this new battleship. The state of alliance between the two governments depended upon it and in a time of war, no price was too high to cement an alliance against a powerful adversary like the Dominion.

Pressman had distracted Sunder away from this fact, making him think that this was a Starfleet issue when all the time, it was a diplomatic matter of the highest regard. No wonder Tomalak had been so interested in seeing the incorporation of the phase-cloak technology in action. Would the Federation succeed where possibly the Romulans had failed, Sunder wondered.

He grabbed his previously discarded tunic and threw it over his sweat-soaked shoulder. It was time for a shower, but then it was time to find Ambassador Tomalak and finish his conversation with him.

"Alternate methods Part I"
by Ensign Jack D`Auria

Jack and Betta lay next to each other on the floor in the main science lab. They had just 'finished what they had started' after Erikson had left. Jack had wrapped his arm around Betta as she laid her head on his chest, her long hair splayed out like a blanket. She was dozing, not quite asleep; both of them had been working multiple shifts and this had been the longest time they had had together in days. Jack's mind however, was somewhere else entirely. He was thinking of the huge Cardassian battleship they were following, the threat it represented. He was also thinking of the phase-cloaking device currently installed on the Galaxy that made it possible for them to do this covertly. Being a man who would look for pragmatic solutions, he was already making up multiple scenarios for the use of the cloaking device.

Right now, they were on the lookout for the 6 torpedoes, that didn't detonate as they were supposed to. They had found the problem, or at least what looked like the problem, but there were other ways of dealing with an enemy ship.

'The phase-cloak essentially places our molecules a fraction out of phase with the rest of the universe, making anything within its field, essentially intangible. Those two Jem'Hadar fighters just passed right through us without noticing us at all. Shields cannot hold a vessel equipped with this cloak. Torpedoes equipped with the phase-cloak, when they were properly configured could penetrate any shield configuration.'

Betta shifted a bit, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she snuggled up closer to Jack. He looked down, brushing the mad tangle of hair away from her face. She looked so peaceful, so serene. He would do anything he could to protect her, Jack thought as he placed a soft kiss on her ridged forehead.

Then it hit him……

'Torpedoes equipped with the phase-cloak, when they were properly configured could penetrate any shield configuration. But who said that it had to be torpedoes?' Jack's mind was running at warp speed now, the thought taking shape in his head. 'If the problem with the torpedoes is not solved and even if it is… Yes, it could work!'

D'Auria shook Betta awake, they had to get up anyway, someone just might want to use the lab at any moment, even if most of the science department had been shut down to add their power to the modified sensors.

"Mmmmmm, Jack", said Be'Tran in a sleepy voice. "Come on, Betta, we can't hang out here forever. What if someone comes in?" "Let them. Maybe it'll give them some ideas."

Be'Tran put her arms around his neck, pulling Jack toward her, kissing him softly. Even so, he managed to stand up, pulling her with him.

"Be'Tran." Betta was now fully awake and looked Jack in the eyes. He had used 'that voice' as she called it, the dispassionate tone, devoid of emotion like a Vulcan. Every time he spoke like that, it reminded her of who he was. Jack may look human, be human, born of human parents, but essentially, he was a Vulcan. Most of the time, he hid his emotions very well and if it hadn't been for the absence of the pointed ears, he could easily be mistaken for one.

"Be'Tran, we've got to go, or at least get dressed. Our latest shift is almost over and our replacements could be here any minute." "Well, at least we get to go off duty now." Betta had an impish grin on her face, "Your place or mine, lover? Or maybe we could find a nice holodeck setting?"

Jack managed to untangle himself from her arms and started to get his uniform back together, putting it on quickly. "Not tonight, Betta. There are a few things that I have to attend to first." Jack was almost finished, closing the overshirt; Betta had crossed her arms in front of her, looking at him with a frown on her face, her eyes conveying the hurt she felt. Jack suddenly felt like a jerk and walked over to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. As soon as they touched, he felt as if he was holding a pulsing power conduit. Her nude body was so warm and supple… He couldn't help himself, kissing her gently. Then the kiss turned more passionate, more ferocious. Finally, the two lovers seperated, breathless.

"Wow, that was some kiss, Jack", Be'Tran managed to get out, her voice hoarse as she gulped for air. Jack looked much the same at this moment. "Yeah." Betta smiled suddenly and tweaked is nose, just on the edge of being painful.

"Okay, I'll behave myself tonight. Do whatever it is that you'll have to do, Jack. But if you change your mind…." She let the sentence hang in the air as she walked to where her uniform lay strewn across the floor and consoles. Jack smiled as he watched her go, her back turned to him. She was gorgeous and he felt like the luckiest man in the world. On impulse, he walked up behind her, hugging her tightly as he kissed her in the neck. Before she could do or say anything, he was gone.

In the corridor, he tapped his commbadge, "Ensign D'Auria to comdr. Sterner." "Sterner here, ensign. What is it", came the gruff reply. It was obvious that the acting captain was either tired or in a bad mood and considering what had been happening lately, it was just possible that it was a combination of the two.

"Sir, I have an idea that I would like to propose to you. It is something that we could use in case we don't manage to solve the problem with the special torpedoes."

The line went dead for a few moments, the commander obviously trying to decide if this pup was well worth listening to.

"Very well, ensign. Captain's ready room, in ten minutes. Sterner out."

Ensign Jack D'Aria, science officer, USS Galaxy

By Ensign Suder

Engineer Suder awoke to find himself in sickbay again. This time there was no nurse. No Doctor. Just him and his thoughts. For the few minutes that he was alone, he tried to piece together what it was that had happened recently. He could remember fixing things around the ship, hadnign a report to someone. He had forgotten what ship he was on againand thought he should find out. He sat up and looked across the sickbay and saw someone walk out. The doors slid shut and Suder thought for a moment. That person looked familiar. Sure he had only just seen the back of her head and her hair, but he still knew her. He got to his feet and ran out of sickbay. The person was just walking down the corridor. He jogged down after her and watched her take a left into a room. The doors slid shut behind her and opened as he approached. He looked at the women who was with someone. Some guy he didn't know. She laughed as she saw him and walked towards him with a hypospray in hand. Suder shook his head. It was Sanders. He took a step back hoping he would find himself back in the corridor, but the doors wouldn't open. The man in the room quickly grabbed hold of Suder and the female Lieutenant injected him with the hypospray... He sat up in less than a heartbeat giving Nilani a quick scare. She jumped back and almost dropped the hypospray she was holding. Suder glanced around quickly. He was in sickbay. And had just had a dream. The more he slept, the more he felt uncomfortable. He could remember a little more each time he woke from his slumber. He looked at Nilani."Sorry." he said as he saw she was startled. A small smile almost crept on to her face, but she hid it and walked back up to the bio-bed."How are you feeling?" she asked."Better." he lied with a bit of a smile. He still couldn't sense anything from her. It was scary for him, but he showed nothing to support that. "Um, what ship am I on?" he asked confused about everything."The USS Galaxy." the Doctor replied. "That's not right." Suder stated."Why, where should you be?" she asked."I don't know. I should be, on another ship. The, USS Lakota." the Betazoid explained."Why?" Nilani asked. Suder led back down and closed his eyes tightly trying to force the images and memories into his mind."I don't know, maybe it'll come back to me." he said resting his mind and his eyes. He was still pretty tired."Tell me if you remember anything, I'll be here." Nilani said. Suder gave a slight nod and a very quiet mumble of a 'yes'.

*****TWO HOURS LATER*****

Suder's mind was at ease and even as he opened his eyes, he could remember what was happening. The Battleship. The undetonated torpedoes. The new project he was going to work on. The women he saw in his dreams. The dreams he had had over the past few days. Everything was clear. He sat up and looked around. He thought it was empty until he saw Khan Nilani stroll out of her office and notice Suder. She approached him with a smile and a medical tricorder and stood by him."How are you now?" she asked."I feel a lot better, a little uncomfortable, confused." he replied."That's understandable. So do you remember anything?" she asked."A lot of things, everything.""Do you remember what happened earlier?" Nilani asked."Yes. I can remember everything. Is there anyone onboard that has gone through a great deal of pain over the past few days or weeks?" he asked."Yes, actually there has been, Derian Casey. His wife-""Yes, that's it!" Suder snapped now remembering him."What?" Nilani asked."I remember he passed outside my quarters the first time I experienced bad dreams. There were bad thoughts, regret, guilt, pain, anger, almost every bad feeling and thought that there could be. I had also dreamt about, um, Lieutenant Sanders, who is onboard the Lakota. I guess his experiences mixed with mine creating a sistuation that I couldn't handle.""I'm still not sure why you've lost your empathic abilities?" Nilani said as if questioning herself."It's the bad thoughts that were passed on from Derian. The experience of all the emotions inpacted on me a great deal and I was unable to close my mind before I was 'injured' you might call it. My abilities will return soon, I hope." Suder said sounding sure of himslef. Suder was a lot more confident now. He felt better, but still disturbed that he couldn't sense peoples thoughts. Nilani had released Suder from the confinements of sickbay, but ordered him to unactive duty for a few days, at least until his empathic abilities return. He strolled down a corridor somewhere on the ship. He wasn't sure where he was, he just went to his quarters, threw on some black clothes and thought he'd stroll around the ship. He giggled to himself as he walked along. The thought that Sanders would cheat on him like that. His wife was respectfull, honest and very committed. Although it was only a theory that Derian's recent experience had passed on the impression that Sanders was cheating on him. But it fit the facts. For all he knew, the Sanders represented someone he had seen a few days ago, Tebrianne Bancroft. As soon as the Galaxy was out of this mess, he was going to contact his wife, just to see how she was doing. He came up to a turning that led to a turbolift or he could carry on straight down the corridor which led to engineering. He took a left and strolled into the turbolift. Suder stepped off the turbolift and began heading for the holodeck. The best thing for him now, was to rest. No one was in the corridor. Obviously, everyone was at their stations due to the battleship. At first, he wanted to help with the torpedo problem, but was ordered to relax. So he saw this as an oppitunity to work on his new project. He tapped in a few commands into the panel on the wall at the holodeck entrance and the doors slid open reveiling a room with lots of lights and consoles. He stepped in and looked around. There were two holograms active. The image of Doctor Zimmerman, and the image of his wife. Lieutenant Donna Rachel Sanders. For once since he left the Lakota, he felt at ease and just slipped into the program.

by, Lt. (j.g.) Raesene Hermedhie

Lt. (j.g.) Hermedhie was standing in a bright, open field. He did not know how he got there, but he was there. He wondered as to why he was in such a strange place. Then, suddenly the light flared to such a level, that he had to avert his eyes. When the sudden brilliance died down, there was a human form standing in front of him. Quickly getting over his momentary shock, Raesene asked, "Who or what are you?" The person walked forward, just enough to show that it was a male human. The man said, "I am a human from Earth's late 20th, early 21st Century. As to who we are, well that does not really matter. Now as to why we are here... We are here to inform you of your real mission in this time period."

Raesene frowned and replied, "Which is..." "The Lord's mission. You see, I am but an agent of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is through His and our eternal Father that I have any power at all. And he has given me a mission. A mission to begin the replenishment of the known Universe with awesome amounts of those with powers in his gifts. Those gifts are psionic abilities of great potential. I was given the duty of selecting the seven best humans that I could find on the world of Aebrynnis and take them to Earth or some Federation outpost. Obviously, I picked you as one of them. I will be meeting with the others in the future, one or two at a time..."

"This is all well and good, but what is our mission?"

"To strive for good and to defeat evil. To allow the small or large amounts of psionic abilities in your blood mingle to eventually create a few as strong as the original ones on Earth. For they will be needed in the years to come..."

Raesene thought, ~This is good. But will I ever get home?~

The man smiled and said, "Do not worry. Each and every one of the 7 will eventually get back to Aebrynnis. Though some of you may not survive to see it personally, but your bodies will be returned. As for your spirits, for being taken into one of the Lord's missions, and in some cases following his strictures, you will be personally guided to Paradise when your mission here is done."

Then after finishing his semi-long speech, the man waved his hands, and Raesene faded back into unconscious thought...

"Rest"
by Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga

Be'Tran left the science lab, and returned to her quarters. She looked around at what appeared to be a hugely spacious room sience she had rearranged it on the anticipation of Jack D'Auria moving in with her.

Soon, they would be together every night; she thought. Unless he had to work!

She giggled to herself. "Go to it, honey; and all my hopes." she said aloud. She knew Jack had a plan. He was on to something.

She plopped onto her bed, and suddenly realized how tired she was.

Between working and lovemaking, she was exausted. She rolled off the bed.

"Computer, music."

*Specify*

"Ummm, lemme see..." she rubbed her head-ridges, deep in thought. "Jazz, Earth Jazz; I need to relax."

The computer began rattling off every "Earth Jazz" title in it's memory.

"Late 20th Century." Betta interrupted. "Bob James, 'Lucky Seven'. Random track order for 2-hour duration."

The computer complied. Soon Betta's quarters were filled with the soothing keyboard-tones of Bob James.

Jazz relaxed her. She slipped out of her uniform, and wandered towards her sonic shower. She deactivated the sonic-pulse generator, and orderd the computer to activate the hot water dispenser instead. After adjusting the temperature to the right setting, she climbed in, and allowed the water to furtherly relax her tired muscles.

She stayed in the shower for over 20 minutes. When she made it back to her quarters, the selections 4th track, "Big Stone City" was playing.

Be'Tran eased herself into bed, and curling up under her blankets; she kissed the air infront of her lips.

"Imzadi." she said aloud, "Feel my kiss in your mind. And your heart." and the totally exausted young Klingon/Human/Betazoid engnineer drifted off into a piecefull sleep. The face of Ensign D'Auria smiling at her in her dreams.

"Back In The Routine"
by Lieutenant Leslie Wilson
Counselor, USS Galaxy

It was a trying time on the USS Galaxy. The Captain was on leave, leaving Admiral Pressmen in charge. Nobody liked Pressmen very much, Leslie Wilson included. She walked briskly down the hallway, trying to get back into the routine of life on the Galaxy.

She had taken her leave of absence...god, it had to have been four months ago or more, she thought.

When she had been asked to return home to help with arrangments for her father. Her father, her sweet father, had suffured a massive heart attack. It had been a bitter time in the family. No one knew if he would pull through. When things took a turn for the worst, Leslie had been tempted to go straight to Starfleet in San Francisco, and hand over her resignation, but her father had begged her, pleaded with her not to. Then, he had pulled through. When it was clear that things were going to be ok, Leslie had taken a transport that would take her to the next stop of the Galaxy.

She knew she wouldn't be Chief Counselor when she returned, but that didn't matter. Her job was to help people, it didn't matter if she was a Chief Counselor, or a Staff Counselor. The point was, she didn't care, as long as she could get the job done. While at home Leslie had lost a lot of weight, bringing herself down to 101 lbs.

Now she was settling into her old routine, she felt compelled to work out, but time wouldn't permit it. She felt energized, ready to work. It felt wierd having a junior grade lieutenant, being the Chief Counselor when she was a full lieutenant, but she wouldn't let that get in the way of her work.

She had her medal, her medal, which she, Lieutenant Commander Casey, and Commander Sterner had all recived for stopping a pair of Breen from destroying the ship. The medal felt hollow though. When the Breen had set the phaser to overload, she seemed to lose her inner thoughts, just to focus on getting that phaser out of the ship and destroyed. Then, afterwards, the victory had felt hollow. The life of a Breen had been lost, and all because he wouldn't be reasoned with, for some reason it left a shallow hole in the pit of her stomach. A life had been lost that didn't have to be lost.

As she approached the lounge, she wondered what would happen, who she would see, who she knew, who she didn't know. She took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

"Finally a Break"
by Ensign William Foxtrot
Security

Will laid in bed loking up at the ceiling wondering why he couldnt sleep. He hadnt slept since Tomalak came on board and Will was assigned to guard him. Then his mind wandered to the hulking mass he saw on the main viewer. It was huge but he did not fear it. This ship and her crew were the best in starfleet. Then his heart sank a little at hearing the torpedos didnt detonate. Man the Chief knew to be careful but the damn over confident Admiral didnt want to listen. Then went to thinking what would he have done if the admiral had ordered him to take the chief to the brig.

"Hell no I wouldnt go against the Chief of Security" Will said aloud.

He then got out of bed and grabbed his uniform jacket. He put it on leaving it unzipped. If he couldnt sleep he was going to go get a drink.

****Ten-Forward****

Will walked in and saw tthat the bar was moderately crowded but not to crowded. He pulled out a padd that was displaying the last letter from his parents on it.

"What will it be?" the bartender asked.

"I will take some scotch." will answered.

The bartender brought him his drink and nodded. Will nodded back in thanks. He started thinking about his parents. Since there was a communications blackout no new letters could come thru. He wondered what they were up to. There last letter said they were planning to move back to Scottland. Will smiled and sipped his drink. Damn Synthahol, Kills the whole purpose of drinking will thought. Thats when it caught Wills attention, something he hated more than Cardassains, it was gossip. Will couldnt help two other crew members talking about Lt. Commander Casey. He didnt know the guy personally and knew nothing on the situation and didnt really want to know unless it came from his mouth. He calmly sipped at his scotch trying to ignore them. But he couldnt, he felt his grip tighten around his glass.

"I dont mean to be rude but could you guys talk about something that is your business instead of Gossiping."Will forced out thru half grittting teeth.

"I really dont think its any of your business what we are talking about so mind your own!" One of the men said.

Will's grip on his tightened as turned to face them. He looked at the man and women officer with eyes of anger and fire.

"Excuse me, How can you tell me to mind my own business when you are talking about something has no way near involving you!" Will said with spite.

"You just dont give up do you, go sit somewhere else and leave us alone or i am going to have to remove you!" The man said trying to look macho in front of his date.

"What the hell, did you threaten me?" Will asked. His so tight now that the glass shattered in his hand.

"OH CRAP!" The guy said shielding his face.

"EEEEEEEEEEEE" the woman shrilled.

Will just stood up and headed for the door. He saw that everyone was looking at him and the room went silent. Will hated it when others got in others business and would change everything to make it jucier or better. He walked out the door and left ten-forward.

As Will walked down the hall he picked the few splinters of glass out of his hand. It wasnt bleeding bad enough to bother sickbay with so he headed for the gym. He decided he would work his frustration out.

****Gymnasium****

Will walked in and removed his jacket and shirt so he wouldnt sweet a puddle in it. He couldnt help but look at his Tatoos on his arms. On the right arm was a Black Dragon, wings spread and its foot claws holding a yin-yang symbol. On his left arm was a Silver dragon with a Claymore and Ninja-to crossed underneath it. The Name Foxtrot was written in between the swords. He also Had a Tatoo on his back.

Will went straight to the free weights and set it on 200lbs. He started to lift the weights using all his anger to lift the weights. He lifted for an hour and set the weights down he started to go threw his martial arts forms. The door quickly opened and an officer walked in.

***** Lack of Patients / Patience *****
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena,
Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer),
USS Galaxy NCC-70637
With additions by Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

***** Outside of Deiran Casey's Quarters *****

Cat was leaning against the door to Deiran's quarters. Her arms were crossed and the fingers on her right hand were tapping a slow tattoo on her left arm as she waited for him to return to his quarters. She was still fuming a little from the conversation she had with Deiran only a few moments before.

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

Cat was at Deiran's door, she had already pressed the doorbell a number of times, when she realized that there was no security guard outside his quarters.

She gave her badge an annoyed tap, "Doctor Khatroweena to Deiran Casey." A few seconds later, Deiran's voiced returned, [Yes Cat] His voice had the Casey ring back in it.

"Deiran, Where are you?" Cat asked, trying to hide her annoyance.

[Cat check my medical transponder, it's why you put it on me isn't it? If you look on you're medical tricorder, you'll see I'm in corridor 18, section 5, on my way to Ten Forward to eat dinner. I was getting cabin fever in my quarters Cat! You can' t imprison me ok? Heidi is right next to me! You know where I'm at all the time with this stupid thing you strapped to my heart and neck!!!] Deiran hated being treated like a child. The whole thing was getting to him. He needed freedom.

"Hmmph, I would like you back here in your quarters. I would like to do a check-up on you."

[Cat, I am going to have dinner. How about a little later? Give me an hour please?] Cat could hear the smile in his voice.

"Deiran, You were supposed to stay in your quarters."

[Cat, I can't stay cooped up in there. I have to move around... I need space, I need a life, I'm going nuts in there all by myself!]

"Deiran, I want to see you in your quarters within five minutes. I hope I am understood."

[Cat, I need...]

"Deiran, I'm not asking you."

[I'll be there...] Casey sighed loud enough so Cat heard it. He continued [I'll return for the check up okay Cat, but I'm coming back to Ten Forward for dinner. You don't enjoy eating alone do you?] Deiran made his point and heard Cat say...

"Cat out."

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

That was ten minutes ago and still not a sign of Deiran. "Doctor Khatroweena to Ensign Maison."

[Umm, Yes Doctor.]

"Exactly where is Mr. Casey, Ensign?"

[He's with me.]

"And where are you?"

[We're in the turbo lift. We'll be there in a short moment.]

Cat waited a couple more minutes and finally sighted both Deiran and Ensign Mason coming down the corridor.

Deiran was wearing his patented smile, but Cat knew him well enough. It was more than likely he was annoyed at having to return to his quarters. "Hello Cat. We're going to have to stop meeting like this!"

"Deiran, In. I'll talk to you in a few minutes." Cat was not happy, she indicated for him to enter his quarters.

As Cat watched Deiran enter his quarters, she turned to face the Ensign. "Ensign. I am not happy with this whole thing. You were here to make sure that Lt. Commander Casey was restricted to quarters. Now just in case you misunderstood your orders, while you are on-duty, he is restricted to quarters. I don't care what he says or orders. He is not to leave his quarters until either Counselor Salshyar or I say so. Am I understood?" Cat made sure she enunciated each word, her voice had a tinge of coldness.

"Yes Ma'am. It won't happen again." Heidi Mason assured Cat.

"Make sure that all the rest of the those assigned to this duty know this."

"Yes Ma'am."

Cat just gave a small nod and turned to enter Deiran's quarters. Deiran was sitting in a comfortable armchair and indicated for Cat to sit in another. Cat looked around, it was the first time Cat had entered the Casey quarters. As Cat looked around, she saw all the small touches that showed the feminine touches, obviously from Miran.

Cat sighed and looked at Deiran. She didn't sit down, she just pulled out her tricorder and scanned Deiran.

"Cat, I'm healthy. Nothing is wrong with me. I'm fine!" exclaimed Deiran.

"Uh, huh. Exactly where did you get your doctorate, Doctor Casey."

Deiran looked at Cat surprised, he hadn't seen Cat this touchy, "Hey Cat, what's wrong?"

Cat glanced at Deiran and then returned to her tricorder. "You are the second officer of this ship. And when an officer of this vessel does not follow an order that you have given... Well, think about it."

Deiran gave a small smile, "That's different Cat. I'm responsible for everybody on this vessel. When I give an order, it has to be followed for the safety of the ship itself."

"Deiran, I am responsible for every person on this ship as well. When they're healthy, my job is to make sure they stay that way. But if a person is injured, especially if that injury inhibits them from doing their job. Then they come under the command of Medical. You are under my 'command' and until you have been cleared back to duty, I expect you to follow orders."

"Come on Cat. Don't be serious. What’s killing me is being imprisoned in my quarters!" Deiran raised his voice at Cat, clearly tired of doing nothing. "I feel fine. Anyway," Deiran indicated the life signs/communicator badge, "If anything goes wrong, this will let you know."

"I don't want anything to go wrong. You had your guts sliced open, there was major trauma damage to the kidney and to your intestines. We can only do so much in healing you. For internal injuries, like the ones you have suffered, you have to rest. That is the best cure of them all."

"I have confidence in your abilities Cat. I know you've done the best you can do. So, that means I'm not in danger," Deiran smiled at her, doing his best to pour on the charm.

Cat gave a small sigh and shook her head slightly. "Nice try Deiran. Flattery will get you nowhere." Cat flipped the tricorder closed. "Well you're healing as expected. That's a good thing. Deiran, do you think you could just stay in your quarters. You can have any visitors you want, as long as you relax and stay in your quarters. Ok?"

"Sure Cat, I could do that. But I’ll be your first patient in your career to die of boredom!" Deiran said with a smile, and a slightly raised voice.

"Good. You don't, I'll put you back into Med Bay 3." Deiran's smile fell at that. "Oh, yes. I'd like you to think about dropping any charges on AC," Cat said to Deiran.

"I can't do that Cat. He struck a superior officer. Things like that cannot be allowed to happen on a ship. You have to follow regulations or things get chaotic. And besides if I did that, everyone would think it’s okay to hit me and at the moment that’s not acceptable. I’ll let him off eventually Cat, but I’m going to let him stew," Deiran said with a smile.

"Deiran, passions were flaring. AC was angry, because of his concern for both Miran and Teb. I'm sure you would do the same to any guy who did something like that to good friends."

"Something like what? What did I do? I hurt Miran, and I tear myself up about that every second since it happened. Tebrianne and I parted as friends. What we did was consensual. We had one moment of indiscretion!!!! Yes if someone did anything with my wife I’d kill them with a smile on my face. I did nothing to Teb that warranted AC’s attack on me. She and I are still friends. Plain simple fact is that he had no right to hit me. And if I was sober at the time, he’d be one of your patients! What’s with this sympathy for AC? He hit a superior officer, Cat. No one’s sympathetic for me and Miran. Let him go, but keep me here behind these invisible bars! Thanks allot!"

Deiran didn’t like Cat’s implication. He may have misunderstood. But, he just snapped. He was cranky for being imprisoned, cranky that he couldn’t be on the Bridge to destroy the Battleship and heartbroken that Miran and Lara weren’t there to keep him company. He was a man flooded with pain. And it spat out at Cat.

"Right, good. You'll follow what I say and you'll be on duty a lot quicker. I'll look in on you tomorrow."

Deiran watched as Cat exited through the door.

Cat turned to look at Heidi. "Just make sure he stays in his quarters."

When he saw that Cat had gone and the door shut. He picked up a decorative vase and threw it at the wall in anger. Deiran’s frustrations were venting.

"Time to Rest"
By: Lt(jg) Ryak Sullax
S.O. USS Galaxy

"I will be pleased to help you." Keras said as he turned to hisconsole and began to use several techniques so that the Warship wouldnot detect the in-depth scans as he began to receive the data. He raised one eyebrow as he looked over the information, thevessel was using a massive energy source but he was unable to detect forwhat, most likely the Cardassians are not being efficient in there use of energy he thought as he looked at the chart, then he glanced up to see several objects flying towards the Warship. "Sir, you may wish to see this." He said showing no emotion to the fact that several fast moving projectiles had just been fired and were on there way.

"Interesting." Was Ryak's reply as they watched the projectiles fly right through the Warship as if it was not event there.

"Erikson to Ensign T'Vek." Lieutenant Erikson said. "Keras, we have to get as much data on the vessel as possible. You know the drill . . . electromagnetic scans, spectrographic analyses, and the such. Lieutenant Taurean is already making the data available from the science labs on Deck Five where Ensigns D'Auria and M'Benga are currently working on a subspace profile."

["Yes sir."] the Vulcan replied is a typically stoic tone. [" I also believe that Lieutenant' Sullax is busy between Astrometrics and Stellar Cartography."]

"Understood. We only have a few hours and we need all the information we can get. Erikson out." Ensign Keras T'Vek was reviewing the data that they were receiving from the sensors on the internal structure of the Warship. His ears distinctively noting the sound of the sleeping boy several feetbehind him and of Ryak's fingers tapping at his terminal.

As he just finished putting the information together to from alayout of the Warship his communicator beeped, "Morris to T'Vek, are you busy?" came Lt. Morris's voice over his comm. Badge. She must have received his message concerning the new technique that Ensigns came upwith.

"T'Vek here, no ma'am, I am not busy. How may I be of service?"he asked as he stood up and moved toward the door so that he wouldnot disturb the sleeping figure.

"I need you to work on something. Can you come to my lab?" she asked.

"Yes Ma'am, I am in Stellar Cartography right now. On my way." he responded. Then turned to Ryak, "My apologies but I have been called away. I have finished working on the data that we gathered, my conclusions are displayed on my terminal. Fare well in you work." He said as he turned and exited the lab.

Ryak kept himself busy for about ten minutes after T'Vek had left before Sullar started to wake up. Ryak called Sullar over to him and placed his son on his lap. Sullar who was still in mid wake up rested his head on Ryak's shoulder and quietly watched as Ryak finished compiling the data on his screen. Ryak shut down the lab and headed for Ten Forward for breakfast.

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

by Ensign Jonathan Lucas Brandis w/ Lt. Bancroft
Operations Officer USS Galaxy

Gamma shift had gone on way too long for Jonathan's tastes. Nothing much to do really, except re-route the lateral power grid to the stellar cartography lab. Probably some science officer with way too much time on his hands, taking advantage of the drop in power usage that always came with gamma shift.

The great thing about gamma shift was his fellow gamma shift helm officer, Lieutenant Bancroft. She seemed to make the time fly by. His attempts to strike up a conversation were addressed cordially, but he could sense that something plagued her mind. He wanted to help her, but when he brought the subject up, she immediately made a course correction, effectively changing the topic. Being the understanding person that he is, Jonathan took a hint and just let the issue drop.

"So, what else can you pilot, or are starships your specialty?" Jonathan asked, keeping an eye on his panel.

"Well, I can pilot just about anything air and space." She said in a humble and professional manner.

"Really, well, have you ever tried piloting a BetaWave Aircraft?" The slightly cocky Ensign replied.

"BetaWave aircraft? What is it?" The young lieutenant inquired. "I've don't think I've ever heard of it before."

"It's a personal aircraft that's based on airwave fronts. It's really just a big flying wing about five meter in width and with a fifty foot wing span. You control it's flight path with a telepathic brain wave retinal control..."

"You mean, you think which way you want to go and it takes you there." She stated earnestly and curiously, leaving Jonathan wondering if it was a question.

"Yeah, pretty much. Only problem for beginners is that if your scared of heights and you think about falling, you will...and fast. I can program the holodeck, if you would like to try it out sometime."

It'd give me the chance to get my mind back on track, Teb thought. And, it sounded like it might be a lot of fun.

"I'd like that," she said. "I'm not one to pass up the chance to fly any aircraft I've never flown before."

Well, finally, I’ve met someone outside my department, wonder if Dieran knows Teb, Jonathan thought. Then, he felt a sudden craving for a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. Ten more minutes till, gamma shift ended.

“Teb,” he said, starting to get her attention. “Would you like to grab a bite in Ten-Forward? I’m in feeling starved and unless you have other plans, I’d appreciate the company.”

Teb chewed her lower lip for a moment as she debated the offer. She really didn't want to be the cause of anymore gossip on the ship. She glanced at Jonathan and smiled. At least he wasn't married. "Sure," she said. "I'd like that. I could use a bite to eat."

“It’ll give you a chance to wow me with the story of your life.” He said.

****Twenty Minutes Later In Ten Forward****

Finding a table at the forward most part of the ship, Jonathan waited for Teb to show up. She'd wanted to change into something more comfortable and told him to go ahead and grab a table. He didn't wait long though, she showed up soon after, and wowed Jonathan, epitomizing the opposite of what he'd seen only moment's before. She wore a metallic blue blouse with a strip of silver going down the side that hugged her body and didn't leave much to the imagination. Her pants looked as if they were made of wet paint--but upon closer inspection Jonathan could tell they were form-fitting vinyl. As Teb stepped closer, Jonathan couldn't help but notice her belly button was showing. Cute, he thought.

Taking in a deep breath, as he looked her top to bottom, Jonathan looked her in the eye and let out a sigh of, "Vov."

"Is that good or bad?" Teb asked.

"Well, it's...definitely not bad." He grinned, and thought he noticed a tinge of red in her cheek.

But, with her walking into Ten-Forward, suddenly he felt the attention of a group of female Ensigns at the end of the bar. Yeah, well I guess they're just jealous, he thought jokingly. Teb noticed too and quickly shrugged the thought away taking the vacant seat across from Jonathan.

“So, is this your first assignment, Jonathan?” Teb asked.

“Am I that obvious?” He asked, trying not to sound too wet behind the ears.

“Yes,” she said, flashing a smile at Jonathan. “But, don’t worry, I’ll hold it against you. So, how’d you get into the Academy at such a young age?”

“Haha!” Jonathan couldn’t help but laugh.

“What?” Teb wondered at the sudden outburst.

"Nothing," He said, still chuckling. "Oh, and call me Lucas, please, Jonathan reminds me of my father. I keep wanting to look and see..."

Door had approached the table as Lucas and Tebrianne were talking. He flipped out his Order PADD, trying to look as professional as he could. "May I take your order?" he asked, his Bajoran earring contrasting with his Cardassian features.

"Um...sure, I'll have a bacon biscuit, sausage, ham, some pancakes, and a grape Nehi."

"And for you?" he asked, moving his attention to the lady in blue.

"I'd like a toasted bagel and cream cheese, please Door," Teb said, trying to remember what it was she liked for breakfast. "And half a grapefruit. Oh, and a tall glass of Altair water with a slice of orange."

Door jotted the orders and gave them both a smile. "Very well," he said. "I'll have those right out to you."

"So," Lucas said. "Where were you?"

"I believe you were speaking, matey."

"Oh, good, then it's your turn." Lucas shifted the conversation.

Teb pushed her red forelock out of her face. "Where should I start?"

"Wherever you'd like," Lucas said with a smile.

"Right," she said. "Okay, I was born on a small colony world near the Romulan boarder. The Romulans attacked the planet and the Federation arrived in time to save us. I returned to earth and was raised by the family of the captain of the ship that saved us. I grew up in London. When I was thirteen, my mates and I, we started a band. We were the PunkBrats. It was really wild. I still play every once in awhile. I jam a bit in the holodeck, or my quarters. A group of us were thinking of starting up a band on the ship, but we haven't had the time with the war--"

Door approached the table and set Lucas and Teb's meals before them. "Here we are," he said. "If there is anything else I can get you, just let me know."

"Gees, you really do tell all. A band? Neat... I play some instruments myself. Not very well, but I don't think I'd ever join a band, any way." Lucas said, swearing he saw a star sparkle in her eyes. She almost reminded him of...

"Why not?" Teb asked, halting his train.

Trying to find an excuse, "Well...I'm just a song writer really." He said with some finality.

"I'd love to hear a song of yours sometime, Lucas." Teb just didn't catch on.

"So, how's next week for trying out the Beta Wave?" Lucas asked, changing the subject yet again.

The conversation continued for another half hour, and in between bites and laughter, a genuine warmth developed between Lucas and Teb. A friendship, he hoped would continue.

Ensign Brandis

ICQ$ 15584849

The Replicator Lexicons
by Lt. Endris Gakor

*** Science Lab ***

Gakor entered the science lab, huffing and puffing due to a massive load of Padds she was carrying. Due to radio silence imposed by Admiral Pressman's mission, the Tellarite couldn't merely establish a subspace com link to Memory Beta to retrieve archived information. She had browsed back issues of Archaeology Digest, and found several tresties on Iconian and T'Kon ruins. Once scanned into the main data base, these helped her learn how the alien food synthesizer functioned. Already, she had translated 40% of the runes scripted on the back of the metal casing.

Before venturing to the lab, she had contacted the Counselling office for an appointment. Ensign Zrama was working the 'reception' desk. The Betazoid promised to place her request on the schedule, but explained the staff was quite busy with the influx created by the visiting "Okadi", better known as "Pestering ones".

"Snacks!", she said as one of the Padds slid off the stack towards the floor. Ensign Raen, a Trill scientist Gakor barely knew, captured it before it broke on the deck, displaying the dexterity of many lifetimes. Endris wondered how many hosts Kareel had previously hosted. However, she was not the type to pry. If the Trill chose to disclose the information, the immunologist would be happy to chat about it.

Ensign T'Shonra flexed her Vulcan logic muscles against the vexing alien runes. It seemed that Numa, Ronni, and the senior scientists were busy on other projects. But the Tellarite welcomed the help of the Ensigns. She was surprised to learn T'Shonra had studied the discipline of Khonar. Obviously, she had left before taking the formal vows of silence, solitude, and contemplation that marked the end of the training. Still, the copperglobin crew woman wore an aura of serenity unsurpassed by even the multi-lived Trill.

=Computer, analyze sample Alpha 5 against Digest articles just loaded. Download results to my Padd when complete=

=Working=. The machine indicated as it internally churned.

=Partial translation of T'Kon alphabetic runes as follows=

[To] activate power {missing} attach {garbled} cable to {unknown}. Capacitance will [build] {smudged} 10 akons.

Caution: Do not connect the lead to {garbled} or else fatal shock [could occur].

=Translation of Iconian glyphs as follows=

Recipe Maker {garbled}+

Portal [snatches] ingredients {unknown} Tellar. Improved food door. [To magnify] scale for larger [meals], adjust [settings] as follows {garbled} {garbled} dial with {unknown}. Also {blank} black button on panel {smudged}. Maximum {garbled} [is] 60 kiloprangs [and] {smudged} decreases with {unknown}.

Made in Iconia. No Preserver-things added.

The scientists, along with the doctor, looked down at the Padd with interest. Gakor did not know what to think. Could the ancient Iconian machine actually snatch raw items through minute portals to Tellar? It would certainly explain the "chef's" passion for good food! She had to get this new information to Ronni. If she or one of the engineers could get the power switch to activate, the 'battery' could store an enormous amount of energy. It might even be enough to boost the sensors to even greater performance.

Endris turned, and Kareel had brought her a plate of milk and cookies. "My third host, Lavon, just loved these", she confessed. "Have any of your previous hosts studied linguistics?", Gakor inquired.

"No, but Morela could not resist solving puzzles of all types, and excelled at math". Several lifetimes of experience gave the Trill a hint at what Endris was aiming for.

"I do not see the relevance of your question to the study at hand", the Vulcan said in an even tone.

"Ensign, I was trying to determine if Ensign Raen had additional skills to assist our analysis of the artifact. She has mentioned 3 hosts, and all bring new talents to a Trill's being."

"Actually, Kareel is my 6th host. There were a few I forgot to mention", Raen said with a tinge of protest. By then, Vulcan logic had spurned a response from the stoic T'Shonra.

"I comprehend your meaning. In this case, might I comment that during my studies of Khonar, I reviewed ancient Vulcan, Bajoran, Fabrini religious texts, as well as a smattering of Ferengi profiteering leaflets. This venture into linguistic studies might help, No?"

"Thank you, Ensign. I commend your willingness and enthusiasm. However, I think its time to expand our circle. We have translated enough to get a good idea that the power switch accumlates in a battery."

"How did you jump to such an illogical conclusion?", asked the Vulcan.

"The mention of capacitance suggests storage. Also, the ruins of Delphi Ardu consisted of a huge power accumulator, indicating the T'Kons were adept at producing and storing vast quanities of energy."

"I comprehend your meaning. Your additional 'hobby' of archeology, allowed you to learn more about the T'Kon than what was written on the artifact. A brillant inference given the minimal amount of data."

"In any case, we need Ronni's ablity to improvise and possibly some engineering expertice to make this gaget work at its full potential."

"A logical recipe, in light of the facts", T'Shorna said.

"While the computer futher works on translating the images and glyphs, I have something to check on." Gakor said, trotting out the door. Poking her long snout back in the door, she said "but I will return shortly. Please continue the project in my abscence."

With that, the Tellarite walked to the Counselling office to see what was causing the delay. It had been a full day since her conf rontation with Cassidy Lyle. And Doctor Khatroweena would be sure to follow up and assert herself if Gakor skipped her appointment for Counselling.

"Vengeance shall be mine."
by Lieutenant Greer Erikson

It was now only two and a half hours away from the Admiral's six hour deadline and the Ten Forward lounge still had a few patrons drifting in and out room. Mostly off-duty officers and civilians trying to relax, they were hounded by image of the Dominion vessel which could be seen through the large observation windows. It was both an awesome and frightening sight to behold, receiving regular glances from those in the room.

"A Balso tonic please." Greer requested from Locke, the bartender on duty, who had pulled out a bottle that it seemed he had spent some time searching for. "Thanks." he said as he took the glass.

Looking around Ten Forward he noticed that, seated by himself, was Ensign Nog. It seemed the Ensign did little else except stare out of the windows and twirling his glass around. "Have they finished the torpedo modification yet Lieutenant Erikson?" he said eagerly as his sensitive Ferengi hearing picked up the rhythm of Erikson's footfalls behind him.

Erikson stopped for a moment in amazement before he continued to walk over. "That was quite impressive Ensign." he remarked, now standing beside the mission specialist.

"Not with lobes like these." Nog explained as he pointed to his large ears on either side of his head.

Greer smiled. "I see your point." Looking around the room, and then back at the table where he and AC usually sat, he pointed to one of the chairs. "Is this seat taken?"

"I would prefer to sit alone sir." the Ferengi said as he continued to stare out of the observation windows.

"Then you picked a hell of a place to try and do so." Greer said as he sat down despite the engineer's wishes. Nog glanced over to see what the commotion with the chair was before he looked back at the 'scenic' view provided by the extreme forward position of the Ten Forward lounge. "Anyway, this is my table. " the Human remarked as he placed his glass on the table.

"I'm sorry." the Ferengi said, confused by the remark.

"Nothing. I just usually sit here with a friend when we meet in Ten Forward. It generally is a nice view." Greer explained. Looking at the young officer he noticed an expression that seemed to recognise. His behaviour had been a little similar to the reaction he himself had after losing a shuttlecraft his first real command position. "You know watching a ship be destroyed or people you serve with die is one of the hardest parts of wearing this uniform."

"How could you . . ." Nog began to huff. Looking at the surface of the table he shook his head several times. "Only three of us managed to get away from that. We barely got to the escape pods before we could only watch the Valiant as it exploded . . . people still on it." he recalled as he closed his eyes, reliving the incident in his mind's eye. "Then it started to target the escape pods as well."

"Someone once told me that we cannot blame ourselves when we've done everything that we possibly could do." Greer said as he recalled a similar conversation he had with Captain Price. "We can do everything possible and still, the situation remains the same and people still die."

Wiping the veil of perspiration which lightly covered his brow, Nog once again opened his eyes. "But they were brave . . . inside Dominion territory for eight months and without any support from Starfleet. They should have been the ones to survive."

"If you'd stayed behind you would have died like the rest of the crew and Starfleet would never had found out about the Battleship. How many starships do you think it would to take out a single one of those battleships without the advantage of the phase cloak?" Greer said in an attempt to remind him of the value of the information Nog had brought back with the handful of Valiant survivors. "If you and the others hadn't managed to get back to Federation space many more people would have died after the Dominion manufactured more of them. The Valiant would have only been the beginning."

"But they were Red Squad. They were supposed to be invincible." Nog tried to point out as if that was supposed to mean something to the Human, speaking out aloud of the Red Squad motto. It seemed to change the look of guilt in his face before it returned to disappointment.

"A lot of good people have died during this war." Lieutenant Erikson said as he thought about the casualty report which held the names of his friends, the most recent of which was Ina. "As difficult as this is to accept, if anyone was responsible for the deaths of those people and the loss of the Valiant, it was her Captain."

"Captain Watters is . . . was a good man sir." Nog replied immediately with the sound of admiration to the young commanding officer.

"Perhaps so, but as you said yourself, he was not a good Captain. Ultimately the responsibility of a starship and her crew falls on the shoulders of the commanding officer. If Watters had followed his orders and not tried to take on a vessel which was far superior to his own, then the Valiant might have survived. This is one of the few points you will ever hear me agree with Admiral Pressman on without any argument. Even some of the most experienced captains in Starfleet know when they are outmatched. That's one of the things experience teaches you . . . limitations."

"It won't matter soon anyway." Ensign Nog hissed as if he was trying to threaten the Dominion vessel on the other side of the observation window. "Once the torpedo modifications are complete I can watch as they get what's coming to them and the Valiant is avenged."

Greer understood that Nog was upset, but he was not sure how he could relate to the Ferengi officer in such a way that made sense to him. "Satisfaction is not guaranteed." he said softly for the Ensign to hear, recalling a similar comment some years earlier by a merchant from Ferenginar.

It took only a couple of seconds for Nog to respond to Erikson's seemingly meaningless remark. "The nineteenth Rule of Acquisition." he said as years of exposure to the Ferengi code of conduct came through. He seemed to consider the comment for a few moments before he looked back at the Battleship. "But some one has to see that they pay for what they did to the Valiant," he hissed at the ship again, "and make them pay for what they did to that crew."

Greer stood up and looked down at Nog. "It won't make things any better Ensign." All he could do was pat Nog a few times on the shoulder as he tried to provide comfort in some small way. "I'll see you on the Bridge in a couple of hours."

*******

Main Engineering busy with engineers who were racing around to meet the Admiral's deadline which was now only four hours away. The 'degaussing device' developed by Ensign T'Vek and Lieutenant Morris was the best hope they had of removing the chroniton problem they were experiencing before the Admiral has the ship emit anyon particles to neutralize the problem. The possibility of exposing the presence of the USS Galaxy to a fully functional Battleship was not something that had sat comfortably with Lieutenant Mercury.

"We've got three an a half hours to go." David said to Mélissa and AC, both of whom were coordinating the replication of the small units.

"We will have the first two units incorporated into the 'bad bitches' shortly." Hewson said as he used the colloquial reference that seemed to gain popularity in Engineering. "The other four should be ready and installed within the next hour and a half."

Placing the PADD with her copy of the modifications down on the engineering console in front of her, Mélissa glanced over at the two intelligence officers guarding the phase cloak. "Do you think the modifications will work?" she asked, lowering her voice.

"There was no technical problem with them and this chroniton effect that Science Department came up with seems to be the only working explanation as to why they failed to explode."

"It better because we aren't going to get a chance to field test these things either." AC pointed out as he handed David the interface component for one of the degaussing units.

"Agreed." David looked at the small component. "It might have been a little overly cautious, but I think it was a good idea to include a triple redundancy on all components in this device."

"Well we had to pull out some of the anti-matter storage units but it should be enough in case any of the components fail." Boudreau pointed out as she looked at the report from the engineering crew in Cargo Bay Two. "Otherwise there just wouldn't have been enough room for the unit."

David looked at the design specifications of the torpedoes once again as he tried to determine the distance they could travel on the reduced energy reserves. "At least it will limit the range of each weapon. I don't think Pressman is going to like having to track down these things again." he said as he finished his calculations.

["Samara to Mercury. We've . . . hey,"] she growled before she began her report to her commanding officer, ["get these anti-matter storage units out of my way before I throw them at you!"] Samara yelled, presumably at one of the other engineers. Mélissa turned her head away as she tried not to laugh at the typically Samara-esque reaction which seemed just funnier from Engineering. ["Ah, we've just finished installing the third unit Lieutenant and we're going to make a start on the fourth one right now."]

"Is everything all right up there K'Eytyanna?" the Chief Engineer asked, curious at the cause of Samara's distress.

["I can't stand these intelligence people standing around me . . . that's all. It's hard enough to do this kind of surgery on a normal torpedo."] the engineer explained as she likened the installation of the medium-sized device with requiring the precision of a medical procedure. ["It's worse than having a lecturer at the Academy watch you answer every question on a those engineering finals."]

"Well you only have to put up with it for a little while. Keep me up to date on your progress. Mercury out." David said as he reached over and tapped his comm badge.

"The Change"
Ti Miran

The introduction to "On my Own" is soothing music, soft, and tender, kind of depressing. Miran loved to listen to the oboes- they were so pretty to listen to.

She sat on the cliff overlooking the country expanse below her. Miran fingered the knife in her hands. Someone came in now they might mistake what she was about to do for something she wanted but was too scared of.

She also alone and living inside her head. Miran dreamed about the man she loved, wishing he was there with her there. She wished he was there to comfort her, hold her in his strong embrace, to love her once again.

"In the rain the pavement shines like silver," the song went on.

She had seen him with her always; he was supposed to be a part of her future, but he abandoned her in this hell she was now living. The rain was her tears for him- cried for the love he had given to someone else. The pavement is the face shiny with the spilt tears.

The River was life made special by him but now its just a river, no longer special without him. Everything is cold and dreary without him.

Their was no one to turn to, to talk to, no one to help her broken heart. Friends were few and far between.

She had heard the rumors of who he had slept with. She didn't trust them because of the rumors going around that Miran herself was the one that had atabbed Deiran and it had been no accident.

She raised the knife and struck. She cried. It was an Indian tradition she had found that she was doing. She cut her hair for the grief. In a small part of her heart, Miran was doing it for revenge because Deiran had loved her hair. He had hurt her, now it was time to repay the favor.

Miran opened her fist curled around the hair and watched as the wind caught it. The hair danced in the wind currents. She cried again as she reached up to touch the now short hair.

After a while of just sitting on the cliff reflecting, she left the holodeck. She needed to see a barber about getting her hair to look presentable and not ruggedly cut.

"Lock and load"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The deadline was approaching. Admiral Pressman had given the Scientists and Engineers of the Starship Galaxy six hours to come up with a solution to the phased torpedo problem or they would have to resort to more traditional tactics to take out the Dominion Battleship. Now the time was drawing near.

Commander Sterner and the rest of the Galaxy's command crew had successfully hunted down and destroyed the rogue torpedoes from the initial attack against the Battleship. The six wayward torpedoes past right through the intended target before streaking off in six separate directions, roughly following the fanning spread pattern they were initially launched in. It had taken nearly five hours to track down and destroy each of the torpedoes with the Galaxy's phased weapons. Fortunately the Cardassian built Dominion Battleship was still in the same general area. Thanks the Galaxy being phased as well as the torpedoes, the Federation starship had not given up it's advantage of surprise. As far as anyone could tell, they were still unnoticed by the Cardassians.

Pressman glanced at himself in the mirror, activating the water spout and letting it run a moment. Scooping some of the cool water up in his hands he washed his face, letting the water drip off as he gawked at himself in the mirror. His eyes pierced into his very soul in a serious expression. Finally he straightened and turned of the tap. Grabbing a towel, he patted his face before straightening his all black uniform and turning to exit his quarters. In a determined gaunt, the Admiral made it to the turbolift where he ordered it to the Bridge.

When he arrived the doors swooshed open and Pressman exited. Commander Sterner was waiting in the command chair.

"Status report on the torpedoes Commander." Pressman said in a no nonsense tone.

"Lieutenants Mercury and Erikson expect to have the modifications complete in the next few minutes Admiral. Of the fourteen remaining torpedoes, ten have been fitted with the modifications. We expect the remaining four to be finished in the next few minutes." Joerg explained.

Pressman walked down into the command well and stood beside Sterner. "Very good Commander. I knew the crew of the Galaxy would find a solution."

"It's not a solution Admiral until we have tested it and see that it works. We think this should do it, but as we have seen, until it's shown to work we can't be certain of anything." Commander Sterner pointed out.

"That's part of the reason we are here Commander, to prove this technology." Pressman returned. "What of the Battleship? Is she still within range?"

Joerg glanced over to Lieutenant Thomas at the Operations station next to the helm. "Lieutenant Thomas has been tracking her movements Admiral. Lieutenant?"

Chris tapped his controls, "She's still in the same general area Admiral. It will take us a few minutes to return within weapons range from our present location."

"Good." Pressman said in a satisfied tone. "Okay, have your people load six of the torpedoes into the forward tubes Commander. Set an intercept course for the Battleship to get us into position to fire. Lieutenant, be ready to jam the enemies communications just after we launch the first round of torpedoes. If they work, and explode inside the target, we don't want them sending out any distress signals to the rest of the fleet."

"Aye Admiral, standing by with jamming signal." Lieutenant Thomas returned.

"Laying in new course and heading sir." Lieutenant' Sharp acknowledged.

Joerg tapped his communicator. "This is Commander Sterner to Lieutenant Mercury. The Admiral wants six of the finished torpedoes loaded into the forward tubes. We are going in."

*****

*** Cargo Bay 2 ***

Ensign Nog, Lieutenants Mercury, Erikson and Hewson are all finishing up the modifications to the phased photon torpedoes. Lurking quietly in the back of the cargo bay, the Romulan Ambassador, Tomalak is sitting with his back to the wall. His hands resting comfortably in the over sized arms of his Romulan uniform like some kind of Monk or something, while he watches with the eyes of a Hawk the every movement taking place in the hold. Near the Ambassador, two Starfleet security officers lounge near by watching the Ambassador watch the crew of the Galaxy. It was almost an amusing sight.

["This is Commander Sterner to Lieutenant Mercury. The Admiral wants six of the finished torpedoes loaded into the forward tubes. We are going in."] came an announcement over Lieutenant Mercury's comm badge.

David reached over and tapped it. "Understood Commander. I'll have six sent over right away. Mercury out."

Nog glanced over to Lieutenants Hewson and Erikson and swallowed slightly. "I guess this is it."

AC smiled, "Don't worry Nog, I think we got it right this time."

Erikson added, "We will find out real soon at any rate."

Glancing at the torpedo that the Ferengi was currently working on, Nog then glanced back at the two men, "That's what I'm afraid of. This had better work or we are all going to have a really bad day."

"Enough chit chat you guys," David interrupted, "We still have to get the rest of these torpedoes configured. The Admiral will be needing the rest of them loaded up after this initial round blows the crap out of that battleship out there." Lieutenant Mercury smiled. "Have you seen the anti-grabs? I have some men on their way over to hand deliver these babies to the forward torpedo room."

Lieutenant Erikson pointed towards the entrance way to the cargo hold. "I think they are all stacked over there."

Within a short time, several crewmen from Engineering arrived to handle the six warheads that were to be brought to the forward torpedo room. Using the anti-grabs, each torpedo casing was easily guided on a cushion of air by two crew members each.

Lieutenant Chen standing near the Romulan Ambassador leaned closer to Tomalak. "Did you want to follow the torpedoes to the launch tubes Ambassador?" Chen knew the reason Tomalak wanted to be in the Cargo bay was because Admiral Pressman had authorized selected engineers and scientist to work on the problem of the non-exploding torpedoes. Tomalak insisted that his Government would want the work to be supervised to insure that this technology was not being used for some other purpose. It seemed to follow that the Ambassador might want to follow the weapons to the actual launch tubes to verify they are in fact being used for the agreed upon purpose.

Tomalak just shook his head. "Not at this time Centurion. I still do not have faith that these weapons are any better now than they were before. As stated, my people have been working with this sort of technology for over a decade and have not proved successful." The Romulan's tone was once again condescending, "I will remain here until I have proof that these weapons are anything other than a failed Federation experiment."

Chen shrugged his shoulders and leaned back against the wall. "Suit yourself Ambassador. I hope that you are wrong and that these weapons do exactly what they are designed to do. That way we all get to go home."

Ambassador Tomalak glanced over at the Asian security officer. "Oh believe me Centurion when I say, I too hope that these weapons work as designed." Glancing back at the cargo bay and the men and women busy working there Tomalak added, "That would make everything so much simpler." He smiled.

"Getting to the Bottom of Things"
by Tebrianne Bancroft, with additions by AC Hewson

***

"Hey Raoul," Teb said, flopping down in front of the bar. "Just a lager, please.

"You got it," the bartender said.

"Door's got you working pretty hard there," she said with a smile.

"Keeps me out of trouble," he said. "Speaking of trouble...how are you doing?"

"Not bad," Teb said, taking the beverage he offered her. "All things considered that is."

"Well, your name isn't as prominent in the gossip columns anymore."

Tebrianne took a gulp of the beer. "That's a relief."

"No," he said. "The big topic of conversation is the fight."

"What fight?"

"The Deiran Casey, AC Hewson slugfest," Raoul said as he wiped out a mug. "Word has it that now that Casey's up and around, he filed charges against AC for striking a superior officer."

"That's silly, Raoul," Teb said. "Deiran wouldn't do something like that. He was drunk and AC was upset over something. Why would he put AC in the brig? They were off-duty besides."

"I just calls 'em like I sees 'em, Teb," Raoul said with a grin. "And, that's the way I see it. I won't speculate as to why AC Hewson was bent out of shape and took it upon himself to straighten Mr. Casey out...though I do have my suspicions..."

"Like what?"

Raoul slid another beer down the bar to Tebrianne and smiled. "I am afraid I am unable to reveal that information at the current time. I'm a bartender, Teb. I only listen to the gossip...I don't perpetuate it. Perhaps as it moves out of the realm of rumor and speculation, I will be able to de-classify the information for your eyes only, my dear."

"Cheers, Raoul," Teb smiled. "You're the best. And, now perhaps I will see if I can find anything out from AC."

"See you later, Rock Star."

Teb flashed a smile as she slid off the barstool and headed for the door.

***

“…so then Jake and I bailed out of the holo-suit in about a nano-second.” Nog finished his story with a loud round of laughter that was echoed by Alan. The two officers were slowly making their way towards engineering, engaging in story swapping.

“The Ambassador from Telron V caught in a holosuit with a Dabo girl!” AC laughed again at the thought of a high-ranked official caught in a rather compromising situation. Though as he thought about the anecdote, it seemed a little less funny with the events that had occurred within the past few days.

***

As Teb approached main engineering, she noticed AC walking toward her. He was engaged in a rather animated conversation with Nog. They looked up and noticed her approach.

"Hey there, AC, Nog."

"Ma'am," Nog said with a nod of his head.

"AC, can I talk to you for a moment?"

“Excuse me Ensign,” AC said as walked up beside Teb.

They walked down the corridor a short distance and Teb turned to face AC. It had been awhile since she'd spoken to him. She considered him a friend, but things had gotten so screwy that she barely saw anything outside of Greer, her duty, and the time she'd spent in the holodeck.

"I hear you cold-cocked 'Commander Casey," she said.

“I…yeah, I guess I did.” AC smiled as he remembered the feeling of his fist making contact with Deiran’s face. The next few moments were rather awkward, as AC wasn't sure what Teb had on her mind.

“Probably wasn't the best idea though…I just got sprung from the brig. It seems Mr. Casey doesn't like having his personal space invaded.” AC offered a slight smile, which quickly faded as he thought of the wording he had used.

Tebrianne returned the smile. "Would you like to grab a bite to eat? I could use something. Ten Forward's always good."

"Actually," AC said. He turned toward the Ferengi ensign. "We've got a little bit more work to do here. I should be finished in a couple hours. Would that work for you?."

"That'll be great," Teb said. "I'll meet you there in a couple hours then."

"See you then," AC said, and he and Nog disappeared down the corridor headed toward main engineering.

Teb sighed as she watched the two engineers leaving. Finding out what happened with AC would have to wait. She couldn't help but wonder what would cause the normally mild tempered engineer slug the acting executive officer of the ship. If Tebrianne had anything to say about it, AC would soon be telling her what possessed him to the point of striking Deiran Casey. In the end, it would be up to AC whether or not he said anything.

***

"There you are," Teb said as AC approached the table. "Hope you don't mind that I ordered a beer while I waited. Door threatened to throw me out if I didn't buy something."

AC grinned as he took the seat across from her. "Sorry it took so long," he said. "They're running us ragged down there trying to figure out what's going on with the phased torpedoes."

"Not a problem," Teb said. "I took the time to write some more on a song I've been working on. It took me bloody forever to find a seat in here. I can't believe how popular Ten Forward is these days," Teb said with a grin. "Maybe they're all hoping for a re-match."

"Well," AC said. "I don't think my career could handle it."

They found a table near the back of the bar. Door stopped by and took AC's drink order.

"Why'd you do it, AC?" Teb asked. "Hitting Deiran I mean."

AC stared at the table for a moment before looking up at Tebrianne. "Well...," he began.

A heavy hand dropping onto his shoulder stopped AC in mid sentence. "I'm afraid you're going to have to come with us, Lieutenant," said the man attached to the hand. Teb noticed he was a security officer...a few more trips to the gym and the bloke could give 'Commander Sunder a run for his money.

"Wait a second, matey," Teb said, standing up. "We're enjoying a nice private moment here. Can't you give us a half hour?"

"I'm sorry, Lieutenant Bancroft," he said, allowing his eyes to roam over Teb's body. She felt her skin crawl as the man gave her a thin smile. What was she, the ship tart? "We have our orders. Lt. Hewson needs to go back to the brig. He performed his duty, and now he goes home."

"Just give us--"

"I'm sorry, Lieutenant," the man nearly growled. "Lt. Hewson struck a senior officer. 'Commander Casey pressed charges and now the lieutenant will spend the next week in the brig. Rules are rules."

"But--"

"It's okay, Teb," AC said, holding out a hand to help calm Tebrianne down. "I'll be okay."

"Can AC at least have a visitor for a little while?"

"Half hour, Lieutenant," the guard said. "That's all."

***

Teb sat on the bunk in AC's cell while AC leaned against the wall.

"I can't believe they've got you locked up in here like some kind of criminal," Teb said.

"I struck a superior officer, Teb," AC said. "I made my bed, and now I've got to lie in it."

"You're just going to sit here and take this? You both were off duty. And he was drunk and disorderly in a public place." Teb stared at AC with incredulity. "I can't bloody believe this."

AC stared at the wall, afraid to look at Tebrianne. He knew if he looked her in the eyes, he wouldn't be able to hid his feelings. He wouldn't be able to avoid telling her why he'd gone to Ten Forward that night. He had to just take the charges they'd stuck on him...at least in front of Teb. He couldn't let her know. "I wish there was something I could do, Teb, but there's not. It's a system. I struck a superior officer, and here I am. In a week, I'll be a free man again."

"AC," Teb said, moving in front of him. "You don't belong in here. It was a misunderstanding. A moment's indiscretion. You don't deserve to be locked up, or have a formal reprimand placed in your record over this. It's ludicrous." Why wouldn't he look at her? Had he given up too? Why did he have so much spark to crack Deiran Casey in the jaw, but when they lock him up it's all gone? "Are you just going to give up?"

"I'm not giving up," AC said, glancing briefly at Teb. "There's just nothing I can do."

"You went into Ten Forward and punched Deiran Casey. There must have been a reason for it. There had to be a good reason, right? Or else you wouldn't have done it, right? There has to be a reason why you shouldn't be in here. Why'd you go to Ten Forward and hit Deiran Casey?"

AC flinched at her words. How could he get out of it? How could he get away from saying anything? "It's not important."

"Yes it is," Teb argued back at him.

"No it's not," AC nearly shouted, regretting the words immediately.

"Fine," Teb turned away and moved toward the exit. "Guard," she called.

"I wanted to kill Deiran Casey because he was the one who was intimate with you and not me," AC said in a rush.

Teb stopped dead in her tracks. She turned to face AC. He was looking at her, his eyes found hers. "Oh my god," she said quietly. "You--? You did that because you wanted to be--?" Tebrianne couldn't find the words to say what she felt. She flung her arms around AC and hugged him tight. Tears stained the shoulders of AC's uniform as they fell unchecked down Tebrianne's cheeks. Tebrianne kissed a stunned AC Hewson on the cheek. "That is the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me," she said. "And done."

"What's the ruckus," the guard said, coming around the corner.

"Nothing," Teb said. "Could you let me out?"

"Your half hour isn't up yet."

"I know. Now, open this thing up."

"Teb," AC said. "You're leaving already? But, I thought--?"

"Don't worry, AC," Teb said with a grin. "I'll be back, but I've got to see about getting you out of here first."

Lt. Tebrianne, USS Galaxy, Chief Helmsman
tebrianne@elsinore.net
UIN# 2172851

"Off-Time"
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy
And
Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga
Engineer
USS Galaxy

The gym was fairly crowded, as Benedict made his way to the weights he smiled and nodded to those he recognised. He wore a dark green body suit, striped with slashes of gold, and his hair hung loose about his shoulders.

It was time for a touch of R&R, and Benedict liked spending his Off-Time in the company of others. As he scanned the faces in the large room, he noticed the range of emotions spread before him. Some were pushing their bodies hard, showing a dedication to their fitness, while others were chatting amiably while walking or lifting - the relaxed atmosphere suited Benedict perfectly.

He'd just finished his 10 km run in the Arboretum and was warm enough tocommence his weights regimen. He found a computer press being vacated by a dark skinned woman of obvious Klingon and Terran heritage - she smiled and nodded to Benedict as he walked up to the equipment. She was tall, just over 6 feet, and her skin was ebony dark. She had light green eyes, arched eyebrows and full lips, her raven hair was very long and straight, and she had it tied back with an intricate braid of her own hair.

She was beautiful. Her body lithe and muscular, showed that she took care of it - Benedict noticed that she was covered in a sheen of perspiration from her exercise and she positively glowed. She was rubbing her face with a small towel and said, "I've just finished - it's all yours." She glanced at his muscular physique in the tight fitting suit and moved a couple of paces away to allow him access to the press.

"Thanks." Said Benedict. He held out his hand, "Benedict T'Kal. Tactical." He introduced himself.

"Be'Tran M'Benga. Engineering." Her grip was strong and for a moment Benedict compared her to Alayessa in the way she stood and frankly appraised him. She was direct, and she held his eye contact with no embarrassment what so ever. She dropped her towel next to her gym bag and took up a drinking flask. She drank deeply.

Benedict climbed into the bench press and programmed his weight routine.She stood watching him as he made his first few repetitions.

"K'Tal." She said, "That's a Klingon name isn't it?" she asked. Her voice was husky, with a sultry quality that made the sounds roll off her tongue like liquid. He liked the sound of her.

"Yes." He replied, still lifting in a steady rhythm, the computer added several kilos in the second stage and he adjusted accordingly.

"You don't look Klingon." She observed. She took another drink and stood there watching him. His muscles moved easily beneath the stretched material, his arms showing the signs of extensive exercise - he was still breathing gently. He lifted five reps before answering.

"That's right." He continued for another three reps and the computer added more weight, his lift rate slowed slightly. "It was my wife's maiden name." He stopped lifting as the computer chirped his rest break. He sat up for the 30 seconds between sets. "She died." He said simply and looked at Be'Tran. "It is the name of a true warrior of House K'Tal, and I wear it with pride." He said in fluent Klingon." She died in battle, and she sits in So-Vo-Kor." He said this quietly, and with sadness in his voice.

Be'Tran nodded. The computer chirped again, and Benedict laid down and commenced his lifting. She was quiet for a few seconds, digesting his words. He seemed to be deep in thought and concentrating on his weights program. She could see the look in his violet colored eyes; they were totally calm, and the deep intense color seemed to shine. His movements were fluid, and she noticed that his lifting program increased once again, but his speed did not slacken. He was fit - and strong!

Benedict thought back to the running track such a short time ago - the dull ache of Alayessa's loss was still there, but the intensity of the feelings had passed once again into memory. He still berated himself over the loss of certain memories - he couldn't seem to remember the exact blue of her eyes, and that bothered him more than anything!

M'Benga watched him with a frank openness that amused him. Benedict respected honesty above all things - and Klingons had a reputation of being direct. He smiled at her. Her question about his name had evoked a guarded response in him - after all, they always led inevitably to questions about Benedicts past. He'd been a Maquis.

"What was her name?" Be'Tran asked suddenly.

Benedict looked at her surprised. She was smiling a warm, friendly smile. He stopped his lifting.

"Alayessa." he said softly, as if the name was hard for him to utter aloud.

"A beautiful name," said Be'Tran, "and, I'll bet she was as beautiful as her name."

"More." he replied continuing his lifting once again.

Be'Tran's Betazoid powers were working. She sensed a confusion of emotions from this man. Love, loss, sadness... and hope. Not despair. There was life in Benedict K'Tal.

She reached out a hand to stop him in mid-lift. "Please, tell me about her."

Benedict considered the question for a second and stopped the computer press. He sat up and glanced around the gym. No-one was close to them. He looked at her again and saw only friendly interest in those green eyes.

He felt the warmth of her gaze and he decided to take a chance. He took a deep breath - preparing himself for the possibility of rejection and spoke in a soft voice.

"We were together for a little over two years. I rescued her from a Cardassian prison - we were part of the Bajoran Resistance. Alayessa and I fell in love in the midst of some terrible times. We were married for seven months. She was the best thing that ever happened to me." He grabbed his own towel and mopped his face - he'd started to sweat and he didn't think that it was all on account of the exercise.

"We'd hoped to have a child - we wanted a son. She was a strong woman, and so full of life. I'd never felt a life as strong as hers before. We were side by side for over a year before she forced me to realise that I was in love with her." He smiled at that thought - Alayessa had literally forced him! "She almost killed me the first time…."

Be'Tran laughed at Benedicts' admission, and Benedict felt a rapport with her that wished to share his memories of his love. He shook his head smiling - a little embarrassed with his own openness.

"After the Cardassians left Bajor we were drawn into the Marqui. Alayessa wanted to continue to fight the Cardassians, and I had an obligation. I guess I followed her as much as she followed me." He looked at Be'Tran for her reaction, but she was still showing a rapt attention to his story. There were no recriminations in her eyes.

Be'Tran listened as Benedict talked about her. She sat on a bench across from him, riveted. K'Tal spoke as only someone speaking from his heart could. Betta looked into his eyes, and saw the dim shadow of sadness; but also the strength of a warrior. The will of both Human and Klingon. When he finished, Be'Tran took another drink of her water, and stood.

Benedict tried to return to his lifting. Betta looked down at the floor of the gym. "What happened."

"What?" asked K'Tal.

"To Alayessa. What happened?"

"We were part of a raid into a Cardassian Supply Station. During the fighting a Cardassian soldier shot at me - he hit Alyessa instead. She killed him though. She died in my arms. It took all the fight out of me after that. I went back to Bajor and ended up in Starfleet." Be'Tran tossed her water bottle over her shoulder. She stepped a long stride to the lift-table, and grabbed Benedict by the wrists.

She lifted his muscular body onto his feet with no shortage of effort. "My friend," she began, boisterously. "You do need a drink."

She released her hold on him, and made for the gym door. "C'mon. Now, or never! I'll let you sample some of my 'secret stash' I talked Electra into hiding under the bar for me. real German beer. No synth." she grinned broadly. "You up to it?" she asked. "Offer expires in exactly 10 seconds!"

K'Tal, drying his neck with a towel, tossed it aside, and followed the vibrant M'Benga. He watched her move through the crowded gym, glancing back at him playfully. He laughed and they made their way to the turbo lifts.

"I'm not going out in public dressed like this!" Benedict indicated his sweat stained exercise suit. "I'll meet you there in ten minutes. I'll smell a little better too!"

They stepped into the lift and she leaned against the wall smiling at him.

He felt comfortable with her, and for a moment he thought about Tebrianne Bancroft. He smiled to himself and shook his head again, wondering at this strange attraction for the Chief Helmsman - it confounded him totally - he usually wasn't like this! He had developed a wall that he could use to keep women out - he was always friendly, and hell - he enjoyed the company of women immensely - but he always locked a sacred part of himself away.

It seemed to him that the dark eyed girl had shattered that wall the first time he had looked straight into her eyes. It was as if she held some kind of key. He looked up at Be'Tran and saw that she was staring at him. He met her eyes and grinned. She had a strange expression in her eyes - a probing expression.

Betta could sense his emotions from across the car. Benedict was thinking of someone who evoked strong feelings within him. She could also sense his confusion. When he looked at her she saw the violet of his eyes - an intense color that seemed to warm her at a glance. She could sense his feelings of attraction, and she knew that they were real - not focussed as they had been on a foundation of sadness. She smiled back at him, feeling her own reaction to this man. He was dark, sultry and very good looking - different in many ways from Jack, she felt a tinge of guilt as she thought of him. 'But still….' she let the thoughts hang there.

[Deck 19] the computer said, as the doors opened. Benedict stepped out backwards and waved at Be'Tran, "I'll see you in ten." He said and disappeared as the doors swooshed closed.

Betta sighed and thought furiously of Jack's face. After all - she shouldn't be thinking these kinds of thoughts for another man. But those eyes……

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

Benedict walked into the busy lounge area wearing tight black leather jeans, black scaled Rapa Lizard boots and a white long sleeved silk shirt with high collar and golden Bajoran neck pin and crimson sash around his waist. His Kut'luch was strapped to his thigh in the usual place. He wore Bajoran style earring and his hair loose - draped darkly over his shoulders.

He stopped and looked around for Be'Tran. He noticed several females looking his way and he smiled at them - still looking for the dark skinned Engineer. He walked a little further into the room and saw Tebrianne Bancroft sitting at a table with another ensign.

She was deep in conversation and didn't notice him, but he could see how relaxed she seemed, and her body language didn't show the stress of the previous few days. She wore skin-tight clothing - metallic blue and silver and Benedict thought she looked beautiful.

He turned away and saw Be'Tran sitting at a small table near the windows. She had changed clothes too, and wore a richly patterned pants suit of gold and brown shades and the colors complemented her chocolate skin. Her hair was loose and unadorned and she wore golden bracelets on each wrist. She was looking straight at him, and he knew that she had seen him staring at Tebrianne.

He walked over to the table and dropped into the sofa seat next to her. Be'Tran smiled warmly in greeting and grabbed his arm "You have to try this" she indicated to a pair of large mugs sitting on the table. They were chilled, as the metal mugs were dripping with condensation, and the contents foamed white over the lip.

Benedict reached for one, and Be'Tran grabbed the other. She chinked the mugs together and grinned mischievously - "Skoal!" she said and drank a deep draught of the foaming liquor.

Benedict drank in the same enthusiastic fashion and found the taste totally refreshing, slightly bitter but very, very good. He was impressed. He grinned back at her and said, "This is beer? It tastes great!" He finished the mug quickly as he found the beverage just what he needed after the exercise.

"Have you ever tried sake?" he asked her.

"No." she said, she was pleased that he'd found her 'private stash' to be pleasurable, "What is it?"

"Rice wine. Fermented rice served hot. It's a Terran Japanese specialty.It doesn't lose out in replication, but I prefer the real thing. When I drink I like to drink the real stuff!" He relaxed back into the comfortable sofa seat and looked across the room to the bar. He caught the eye of a waitress and signaled for her to come over. He could also see Tebrianne from where he sat, and he watched the blaze of red hair move in and out of the light as she talked.

Betta saw him looking once again at Lt Bancroft. She could sense his feelings and knew without a doubt whom it was that he was attracted to. It wasn't her. She felt a pang of disappointment for a moment. The looks that she was getting from most of the women in Ten-Forward told her that Benedict was definitely on the ships wanted list as far as the single officers were concerned - and some of the married ones she noticed. He certainly looked good - and he was friendly - if slightly distanced.

Benedict realised that he'd been looking a little too long at the couple across the way and brought his attention once again to the attractive Be'Tran. She was looking at him once again with those piercingly intuitive green eyes and smiling.

"What?" he asked self-consciously.

"I'm hurt." She said playfully. " You have eyes for another woman. Aren't I gorgeous enough as a companion - witty and charming enough to keep your attention?" She giggled and he could see the laughter in her eyes.

"No. It's not that." He said, he seemed at a loss for a moment. He shrugged helplessly. "I'm sorry Be'Tran."

"Call me Betta. You like her? Tebrianne?" she asked in a low voice - conspiratorially. She leaned closer to him, almost nestling into his arm, which was flung over the sofa back. Her hand rested lightly upon his thigh. She could smell his cologne, it was spicy and rich with undertones.

She was only inches from his face and looking into those beautiful violet eyes.

Benedict blushed. He felt the heat hit his cheeks and got even more embarrassed. He was decidedly uncomfortable that this woman had seen straight through him in only moments! He fumbled for words.

"I can sense these things." She said quietly, "I'm part Betazoid. Didn't I tell you?" she was clearly amused at his discomfort.

Benedicts' mental walls slammed into place at the mention of her Betazoid abilities. He felt even more embarrassed and moved away from her slightly.

Betta felt his change in attitude and quickly said, " I'm only a little bit Betazoid - I can't read minds or anything - I just get feelings about things - especially when they're strong emotions." She smiled warmly at him and squeezed his thigh, "Don't worry. I don't really think you need to be a mind reader to see that you're interested in her. I saw you looking at her when you came in."

The waitress arrived at the table at that moment and Betta relaxed close to Benedict, they were touching slightly and she put everything into projecting warmth and comfort through her eyes. It seemed to work, and Benedict relaxed slightly.

He turned to the smiling waitress and ordered two flasks of sake. To Bettas surprise he also ordered Klingon Gagh, Spiced Blood Crab, a Sea weed salad, Teriyaki Chicken and boiled rice. The woman took the order while staring at Benedicts face the whole time - she walked away without asking Betta if she wanted anything.

"You don't mind sharing do you?" she asked.

"Not at all." He replied - glad of the change in subject." I ordered enough for two." He turned in the seat and looked at Betta directly.

She was very close, her perfume was light with a musk scent that appealed to him, and her hand on his thigh was warm, she was unconsciously scratching her dark painted nails along the leather seam of his pants. Her long raven hair draped across her chest as she turned to look at him. They exchanged eye contact and there was no denying the attraction between the two of them. He could see it in her eyes - as she could see it in his. She was beautiful, and this close, she was extremely sexy. There was silence for a few seconds and then the moment passed. He smiled.

"Did you order the Gagh for me or you?" she asked throatily. Her voice was low and musical. "For me." He replied. " I like it. It's better fresh of course, and the Blood Crab is much better when its' served still alive - but the taste is one I've learned to enjoy. I didn't mean to presume - do you like it?" he asked.

"Yes. It just surprised me that a non-Klingon would order it that's all." She laughed.

"I was married to one remember?" The words came out with mirth, but the instant they were said Benedict turned somber. He regretted saying them.

Betta picked up on it straight away and playfully punched him in the arm.

It was playful, but it hurt never the less. He grabbed her hand before she was able to pull away and squeezed her fingers hard - it was an instant response that was almost subconscious on Benedict's part. Betta grinned as Benedict let her go. He could see the responses that Alayessa had trained into him - the woman had Klingon blood and he had simply reacted automatically. A part of him wanted to continue with the play - but he knew that it would change quickly into something he did not want.

The situation awoke a submerged part of him that drew him to this woman - and he realised that if anything hap pened between them, it would just be a parody of his loss for Alayessa. He saw Bettas eyes were alight with how she felt, and he reached out once again and took her hand - this time with a great gentleness. "I'm sorry." He said. " I didn't mean to do that." He smiled wryly at her.

"Alayessa and I used to play that way - I guess" he lost the words to say for a moment.

"Don't apologize," she replied, her voice was thick and she squeezed his hand slightly, "I think that you miss her a great deal - it was my fault, not yours. You know something?" she asked.

"What?" he replied, he was still holding her hand, and she was not moving away, and he noticed that a couple of ensigns in science uniforms were staring at them and whispering between themselves several tables away.

"You didn't answer my question." She leaned even closer, "About Tebrianne."

Betta was so close to him that the moment she mentioned the name she was able to sense his emotions, his eyes flicked in Tebriannes direction andshe grinned.

"No, I didn't." he said, in a low voice.

The waitress arrived with their meal, and they parted to eat. Both set towith gusto, and they spent over an hour talking about work, about the present mission, and about their pasts.

Benedict knew without a doubt that he had found a friend in Be'Tran M'Benga.

She was so easy to talk to, and she knew how to respond to his moods. He had no doubt that that quality was due to her Betazoid abilities, but he grew accustomed to it quickly. He liked Betta. There seemed to be an edge of sexual attraction between them that was delightful - but he knew that it wasn't likely to be going anywhere. Betta told him about her new roommate, Jack D'Auria and that she loved him.

"Benedict," Betta began, "I've gotta tell you. I used to be scared about monogamous relationships. My parents - well, my father has always lead me to believe that he and my mother would've been happier if they'd never married. Just lived together..."

Benedict caught a great of seriousness in her eyes all of a sudden. "Go on." he said, almost timidly.

"Well. I'm very much in love with Jack." she continued. "I can feel that you find me attractive. You want me. Maybe because I am part Klingon. Maybe just because you find me attractive."

"I do. What are you trying to say?"

"If you want to make love to me... if you ask me, I will not refuse. But it will not be love. I love Jack."

Benedict looked away from her and smiled. Suddenly, he felt that he had let his feelings for Alayessa draw him closer to this other Klingon woman than he normally would have.

"You're a beautiful man, Benedict K'Tal." she continued. "You excite me. You arouse me. I could have sex with you, but is that what you want?"

She looked deep into his eyes, trying to feel out his mind. His thoughts turned to Tebrianne. She was laughing at something across the room. Benedict looked back at Betta, and she was smiling.

"No. Not that it wouldn't be…." He let the words fade and laughed a little. "I need more than that. I always have. I've never been very casual about my relationships. With me, it's all or nothing."

"Your choice..." she said, softly.

"I'm comfortable around you, Betta." said Benedict. "I certainly don't want to hurt you, or what you have with Jack."

Be'Tran put two fingers on his lips. "Shhh," she said, "I know what you're feeling; your loss, your feelings for Tebrianne. Indulge in them. And know this, I'll always be there for you... as a friend."

She couldn't believe herself. She'd never said that to a man before. Not since she was 14 years old. Her hormones were racing, but she couldn't get the thought of Jack D'Auria out of her mind. She loved him. She could care for Benedict too, but not in the same way. Her feelings for Jack were too deep. "All because of an imbedded Klingon torpedo." she said aloud, and when she realized she had said it out loud, she laughed.

"What?" asked Benedict, dumbfounded at this obvious reference to an event he knew nothing about.

"I'll tell you sometime. Right now, I gotta go."

Benedict looked disappointed. "Duty calls." she said, and rose from the table. She cast a glance over at Tebrianne. A plan was forming in her mind, not unlike the plan that Numa Taurean was hatching with V'Ehlma Maerikh and Xavier Bishop.

"Finish your Blood-Crab." she said, smiling beautifully, and walked away from Benedict K'Tal with a sway in her hips that made his eyes water.

"Jack D'Auria," said Benedict, to himself, "you are a very lucky man." Then he glanced over at Tebrianne again. She certainly was lovely. He helped himself to another flask of sake and attacked the Blood Crab. 'Pity you arn't alive.' he thought as he ripped its razor claw away to get to the white meat, 'It tastes better when you have to fight for it!'

Solitary Soul
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

The darkness curled about him as a shroud, the vastness of space stretched infinitely and the stars like painted streaks moved behind the Galaxy as she travelled at warp speed. It was 0304 hrs. Benedict couldn't sleep. He sat and silently watched the stars burn into his retinas. He never tired of this sight.

He was due to start Alpha shift on the Battle Bridge at 0800 hrs. Sleep seemed to evade him, and the more he searched for it the harder it was to find. He was coming to terms with a fact of life. It was time. Time to let her go.

His dinner with Betta several hours ago had brought the truth to him completely. He'd responded to her on a primal level, and he realised that she had been similarly attracted to him. He had enjoyed her company immensely and knew that tonight was not the last time he would be spending time with her. He was taken by her warmth and her compassion. She had so many of Alayessa's traits that it had confronted him with an afterimage of his dead wife in the flesh. He realised that she was truly gone, and Betta had helped him with that. She was a kind and beautiful lady.

Benedict thanked his Karma and the Prophets for the chance to be her friend and to share her spirit. She had helped him to heal a little. Perhaps even a lot.

He'd been alone for so long now that it seemed that this was all there was to his life - his duty to Starfleet, his duty to his past, and his duty to his future. The last of which seemed a hollow duty. He served it out of necessity - and moved forward out of sheer inertia. He had felt alone for such a long time that he had come to terms with it. As far as he was concerned he was a solitary soul - he reached for his beloved guitar in the darkness and shifted so that he could play the instrument.

The music came naturally to him. After so many years of loving devotion to it, his hands moved with a will of their own and he made the sounds as they came to mind with no struggle for the right pitch or tone. He sought the void within his music and fell into it easily. His fingers caressed the strings lovingly and he played.

He saw her eyes.

Notes fell together in a stream of cadence that held a forlorn sadness - each one dropped into the darkness with its own ripple of effect, combining to bring harmonies and counter-points to the new song being brought forth.

Benedict began to sing in a low whispered voice that drifted into the notes effortlessly. His voice was rich and strong, and the ballad came together as if a spirit not his own was guiding him.

"Standing alone in an endless crowd
The sound in my ears all too loud
Endless voices, nameless faces
Echoed thoughts in hollow places

Standing small amongst the rest
Judging life by its unkindness
Laughing without and crying within
Nobody sees the pain that I'm in

I stand alone
A Solitary Soul
I stand alone
I stand alone

My soul stands high upon a hill
The thousand steps are weathered still
With lantern held in tight clenched fist
I turn to light the way

Standing alone in an endless crowd
I tread my life without a sound
A voice I hear, a face I see
Raven hair and eyes so bright
Is she the one to set me free?

[ Flamenco instrumental picks up tempo and changes tone ]

Her hand so soft it touches mine
The burning soul and heart desire
The dark eyed girl who comes for me
Her heart the key to set me free

I stood alone for an age it seems
Walking the world of waking dreams
Never seeing, never hearing
The cries of loneliness all around

I stood alone
A Solitary Soul
I stood alone
I stood alone

Walking the way with head bent down
With eyes firm fixed upon the ground
I heard the heart that cried aloud
Standing alone in an endless crowd

Her hand takes mine and leads me on
My eyes unbound that I may see
The winding steps before me still
She turns to light the way

Now I look toward the ground
So far below my feet
At the thousand steps of loneliness
That others have to meet
I cry aloud and laugh within

Once long ago, an age it seems to me
I stood so small upon the ground
In loneliness so tightly bound
I stand alone, I said I am
A Solitary Soul

Oh Dark eyed girl come set me free
Lift my head so I may see
I stood alone, a Solitary Soul
And now my love, come make me whole
I do not want to stand alone

No longer alone
Never alone
A Solitary Soul

Oh Come to me and set me free"

The music rippled to a halt, and Benedict rested his chin against the cool wood of the instrument. He saw in his minds-eye the dark eyes that seemed to consume him. No matter how hard he had tried to put the images aside, they would not obey. It left him feeling confused and out of his depth. He didn't know what to do. He felt so stupid. He couldn't even talk to her.

At that moment he felt desperately alone, and for the first time in years, he silently wept.

***

"Solitary Soul" is an original: Copyright Benedict T'Kal

"Past or Present"
by Lt. Commander Deiran Casey & Ensign Jonathan "Lucas" Brandis

"Dinner?" Was all the message from Casey said.

He was always direct and to the point. So, Lucas found himself in Ten Forward a little early. Taking a seat at the bar, he waited to be waited on. A quiet hum of conversation surrounded him. Not too many people in the lounge, but enough. The expanse that was the enemy could be seen through the view port. Impressive, yes, frightening, maybe, exciting, definitely. Lucas started for the table, where earlier he'd eaten with Teb; it had become his favorite.

Just as he sat down, Deiran came in and not far behind him was a very dedicated security officer. Standing to catch his attention, Deiran quickly saw him and dodging a few tables made his way to Lucas' table.

Quickly, Lucas stood as Deiran reached the table and snapped to attention. "Ex-Cadet Jonathan Lucas Brandis reporting, Sir. Quarters are in order and awaiting inspection, Sir." He stated in his old cadet way.

Deiran smiled. "Suck in that chest Cadet. Straighten up your back. Hup Hup!" Deiran grew serious and stared at Lucas. "At ease Cadet!" Deiran couldn’t hold in his laughter anymore and roared. He gave Lucas a hug and faked a punch to the stomach. Both laughing, they sat down and started to reminisce.

"It’s been a long time Lucas. I see you made it through the Academy. How have you been?" Deiran asked, looking around for a waiter. He caught one’s attention and started over their way.

"I'm getting by..." was all he could get out before the waiter arrived.

"Hello, gentlemen, what'll you have?" A friendly waitress asked, flashing a smile at Deiran.

"Lobster tail, a halibut filet cooked well, a baked potato and a tall glass of grape juice please…" Deiran replied with his order.

"...and for you?" She inquired, turning to Lucas.

"I'll have a plate of your finest replicated bor'ai and a vintage grape Nehi." Lucas said flashing back his own trillion dollar smile.

"Coming right up." She said, turning to retrieve the order.

"I’m sorry about Betazed." Deiran said, after the waitress had gone. "We’ll get it back. Darn Cardies!" Deiran was a bit grouchy from his earlier encounter with Cat. Normally he would never have used Cardie.

"Yeah, I know..." Lucas said absent-mindedly looking down at the table before him. "So, when do I meet the rest of the clan? I can't wait to see the lucky girl who finally bagged 'The Great Deiran Casey'."

It was almost instantaneous. He was definitely thinking of something to say, which Lucas had learned from experience meant either an excuse or a lie was on the horizon.

"I wish you could meet Miran and Lara. But, ummm… they’re busy at the moment. When they have time I’ll introduce them to you," Deiran wasn’t about to divulge info about his marriage. This was a man who knew him at the Academy. Deiran was BMOC. The most popular and most dynamic Cadet throughout his time there. Which was why he was Red Squad leader three years in a row and graduated First in his class. He had a rep to uphold. Typical of Casey to worry about his rep more than open up to an old friend.

Sensing the inevitable wall that Casey placed between friendship and his personal feelings, Lucas moved on. "Awesome, isn't it? Something just looks so cold, like there's no purpose except winning. The Borg definitely had some say in it's construction."

"The bigger they are, the easier they fall. I’ve never let the odds stop me. This ship and it’s crew are more than capable of destroying that ship. It’s a matter of determination," replied Casey. Making sure some of the nearby officers could hear him.

"Determination, yeah, I remember 'The Casey Determination', too. As I recall you were on hiatus with Dawn, and determined to get a date with Leslie Wilson, too. Damn, she was hot, though. I told you it couldn't work, but, 'The Casey Determination' what can I say? You've always been The Man."

"She’s here Lucas. I jog with her sometimes. She just got back from leave. She still has those long beautiful black tresses that drove me crazy at the Academy," Deiran smiled.

Staring at him dead on, thinking he's got to be kidding...Nope, he wasn't. "Your wife has got to be the most drop dead gorgeous girl in the Galaxy, for you to pass that up." Was all he could reply.

"I’m totally in love with my wife. The last thing I need right now is to look at another woman. Besides Miran IS the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on," Deiran boasted.

"If you say so, but there's quite a bit of competition for that position. Oh, which reminds me, remember Risa with Cadet Christopher Lyons? The Imperial Resort, where I used just a little bit of skill to secure our Penthouse Suite." Seeing Deiran giving a sly smile that definitely recalled the occurrence was all Lucas needed to continue. "We changed our names and made fake ID's. Haha! I still think they remember you as Leonardo. What was the name Chris chose? Romeo, I think. I don't even remember mine, after all these years though."

"Jack Dawson." Deiran stated, with a familiar laugh. "The contest was too much fun, though."

"Yeah, so who won first place?" Lucas said with an air of superiority and perfection.

"Just remember, you'd never have won without me." Deiran said leaning forward.

"Oh, your so full of it. You know I didn't even need your help, remember the twins? They put me over the top. Chris couldn't even believe I won."

"Oh man the twins! I remember them! I’ll never forget those two girls. They didn’t have Miran’s beautiful body but they were very enthusiastic," Deiran laughed.

"So, really now, when do I get to see the little women?" Lucas asked, wondering if he should go further.

"I’m sorry Lucas, that’s not the most popular subject at the moment. Give me some time, work out the problems and I’ll introduce you to her okay?" Deiran said. Cl early sad to have to reveal the truth to his old friend.

Not the surprise, he wanted to hear. His best friend from the Academy having family troubles. Lucas couldn't help but wonder if Casey would ever drop the thought that he was Superman and had to be. Even though, as Son of the First House, Lucas felt the same at times and he had to admit the thought crossed his mind more than once.

"I remember trying to get into your ever prestigious Red Squad, but after hearing about the hazing you gave; there was no way." Lucas saw Deiran sit up in remembrance.

"Oh man I remember that! I loved that week. Red squad always had the best hazers!!! I personally was responsible for 50 first year cadets leaving the Academy during that week. Couldn’t take my hazing!" Deiran replied with pride.

"Only you would be proud of that." Lucas said, with a laugh.

"We had some fun times. Fun times. You remember Professor Salak? That man gave me headaches! The toughest prof I had. He hated me, well if he had emotions he would’ve hated me. My least favorite professor at the Academy. You know if it wasn’t for me being so tough on you, who knows if you would’ve survived," Deiran laughed, kidding with Lucas.

"Yeah, right, if it wasn't for me, you'd have never made it through Advanced Algorithm Structures in Artificial Intelligence Programming."

Lucas shot back, cocking his eye brows in the Vulcan way. "And speaking of Salak, I wonder if he ever found out you were the one who programmed his replicator to make Ghack. That was cruel. I hope your not still up to that old trick."

"No, of course not." Deiran said with an awkward smirk.

Deiran was just finishing his dinner when he realized how long they’d been talking about old times. "Lucas I hate to, but I promised Dev I’d be back in my quarters in an hour and a half. Dev and Cat have me imprisoned in my quarters. Besides it’s close to Gamma. As your CO, don’t be late," Deiran laughed, "I’ve been gone for two hours now. Dev will check up on me. We’ll get together again. Hopefully soon you can meet my family. Enjoy Gamma shift, Kid!" Deiran stood up and shook Lucas’ hand and left Ten Forward.

"Don't worry, I always keep things running and don't call me that!" Lucas shot back, standing, and exiting the lounge himself.

=/\= "Take It Where You Find It" =/\=
by Matthew Albrecht

"Assistant Security Chief's Log," he began, reciting the stardate for his second-ever official department log entry. He had posted a log the day before, since 'commander Sunder had been called to the Bridge as acting first officer. Although he continued to take an active role in the department against Matthew's assertions that he should not, he did allow his second to perform the routine and more mundane chores during his absence. And those included the logs.

He sipped his water, and continued. "To those forced to listen to this record, please forgive my lack of polish." He smiled, wondering if making an apology in your log was itself a sign of his inexperience. Matthew shifted in the seat at Chanor's desk, and reached out to adjust the holo of his parents that sat at the edge of it. In the photo, one of the family cats curled around his mother's feet. "The department is running fairly smoothly, our staff now becoming comfortable in the new shifts assigned by the admiral. Average shift length is fourteen hours, due to increased readiness status owing to our situation," he explained.

"The Galaxy is even now deep in Cardassian space, and maintaining sensor contact with the 'Battleship' we came to tackle... I have caught a few glimpses of it; It is mammoth. Despite the danger of cruising through hostile space, and the presence of a half-dozen Starfleet Intelligence personell, spirits are high once more." He recalled the positive tone the last time he was in ten-forward; Some of the crew was actually excited by the ship's latest adventure.

Deciding the holo looked better at the rightmost corner of the desk, Albrecht moved it back. Perhaps he was fidgeting, he thought, and deliberately put his hands in his lap. "Speaking of S.I.; With several of their number called away to work on solving their technical difficulties, the Intelligence team has been forced to accept help from our lowly security officers. One of my people is currently partnered with one of their people at both the entrance to Main Engineering, and at cargo bay two. This turn of events has provided myself and others with great ironic joy. Well, you gotta take your pleasure where you find it, my father always says," he added nostalgically.

Matthew pursed his lips, considering what further information should be imparted to the ship's computer. "Computer, end log." Standing, the security officer looked again at the desktop. He reached out and moved the holo one more time. *I hope they're okay* he thought, and considered how lucky he was to be allowed to participate in some small way in Tellar's defense. He imagined what harm could be done to his home if this giant Cardassian warship was allowed to move into Federation space. A small shudder involuntarily crept up his spine and tingled his face, causing him to grimace.

"Computer," he said with his face pointed up toward the ceiling, "what is on my agenda for the next thirty minutes?" He seemed to recall some minor administrative duties awaited him.

The anonymous female voice replied, "You have a scheduling request from crewman Dolen, and month-end safety reviews to sign off."

Matthew requested a playback of the crewman's message. In it he said, "Chief Sunder, I would like to request relief from Beta shift tomorrow. It is my wife's birthday, and we had plans to celebrate before her Gamma shift in lab three. As you know, before the admiral's schedule adjustments I was assigned to Gamma shift. I can make up the time whenever necessary. Thank you for your consideration, sir." The crewman's tone was soft and insecure. He was probably aware that with the current situation, enlisted personell often got the short end of the stick.

The lieutenant approved the crewman's request, rescheduling an ensign to cover for him. The ensign might not be too happy about it, but Matthew knew the young lady was new to the ship and hadn't yet made many good friends; She wasn't likely to have plans, and could use the opportunity to meet more of the department's staff. Then he saw to the safety reviews and handled a few upcoming details as well.

With all the official business out of the way, he sat down to his side project. "Computer," he prompted as he turned the viewer to get a clear look at its face. "Display three-dimensional map of Cardassian mining facility on KlaKKDor three. Overlay with assumed operational security features as may have existed before the siege." The computer complied, and volumes of data scrolled across the monitor. The mining facility on KlaKKDor three was liberated in the first Federation-Cardassian war, after a lengthy battle. The survivors found there turned out to be slave labor, working away at ferreting out endless tons of ore, in narrow veins reaching deep below the surface of the planet. It remained the best-understood and documented facility of its kind, and some experts speculated that few features would change from mine to mine.

He spent an hour refining his understanding of Cardassian penal labor camps, and transferring his findings into the holodeck program he was developing. Khan Nilani would soon have a chance to look it over, and give him her opinion of its accuracy. He intended to surprise her with his preparations.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

Killing Time
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Benedict had a little time to kill. He'd just pulled Alpha Shift duty and was due for some training time. He'd booked a holodeck before shift and headed to it as soon as he walked out of the Bridge. He was on edge. He needed to get rid of his frustration and hone up his skills at the same time. It had been a while since he faced a real opponent, and as Benedict refused to train with others, it left him little option but the holodecks.

As a general rule, Benedict did not like the things. They made him uneasy. A holodeck fooled the senses by creating a realistic but false environment using force field and holographic technology mixed with liberal doses of transporter technology. It created the perfect imaginary environment - including realistic people using computer-generated algorithms with randomizers to produce realistic AI frames.

In short, a totally false environment tailored to the desires of the programmer. To Benedict this was a trap. A person would be tempted to spend more and more time inside a desired environment rather than with the infinite variety provided by nature. He'd seen it happen. Holographic fever. Denial of reality.

Benedict used the machines for work, for training when he needed to but hardly ever for recreational purposes. Benedict loved to be with real people. The only times he'd been in a holodeck for recreation was when he accompanied other Starfleet officers as a means of sharing an experience.

He knew also that others had been tempted to remove the holodeck automatic safety parameters to include a greater danger element to their adventures. Benedict thought this practise totally foolish. Risking life was adventurous enough in Starfleet, without resorting to proving oneself to holographic images. Getting killed by a hologram was the height of stupidity.

As he made his way along the corridors he mused over the training he would be taking. Hand to hand combat needed opponents, but Benedicts' style was far too dangerous to practise with real crew members. He didn't need to put his practise partners in sickbay to prove anything, but he needed to keep his edge. So he relented and used the holodeck.

He entered the Holodeck and locked the doors. "Computer provide status of override functions and failsafe for holodeck safety protocols?"

[Holodeck function nominal. Failsafe active. Override systems nominal.] The computer replied.

"Computer provide me with T'Kal Weapons Selection Alpha One One." A replica of Benedicts' vibroblade katana and wakisashi appeared on the floor in front of him. He picked them up. "Computer provide me with a training gi, black, full coverage." A replica of a training uniform appeared. He dressed quickly in the black cloth and slid the two swords into the sash. He commenced his warm up exercises.

Ten minutes later he was warm and ready for his training. "Computer. Access Security Training Jujitsu Level 10. Provide 3 human opponents armed with random hand to hand weapons. Replace opponents as required. Start Program."

The scene changed into a large circular arena covered in sand. Benedict was at the centre and three white clad opponents appeared at equal distances away from him on all sides. He slipped effortlessly into the void and waited for them to come to him.

This was the maximum difficulty setting available for the security program, and all three opponents approached in such a way as to give themselves maximum fighting space while making it difficult for Benedict to face any single opponent. He stood in the centre and analysed the attack pattern on a subconscious level.

The opponent on his left carried a staff - he twirled it before him like a shield, it blurred with speed and whistled as he moved it to and fro. The weapon gave him greater reach than Benedicts' sword and he was maximising his weapons reach by covering as much space as possible. The opponent directly behind Benedict was hefting a pair of sai. They were designed to fight bladed weapons such as the sword, and the tines allowed for weapon disarm manoeuvres as well as the chance to snap a blade. The third opponent moving in on the right carried a length of chain stretched between his hands, the weighted end dangled in his left hand and a five foot length whistled in circular arcs from his right.

They moved together and Benedict sensed the dynamic of the engagement and moved a split second before the first attack came. As Benedict had known it would, the chain streaked out to wrap his legs - it found only air as Benedict leaped straight up and in the same fluid motion drew his blade. He somersaulted over the chain, landing close to the attacker as the staff wielder moved in for a head-shot. Benedicts' blade sliced the air and the opponent dived backwards to avoid the cut.

The staff came down at the same time as Benedicts' wakisashi left its' scabbard in a left handed parry with the short blade. They connected and Benedict spun beneath the heavy staff, the vibroblade slicing cleanly through the weapon. The staff opponent however took the two remaining pieces and wielded them as two short staffs.

Benedict rolled away from the flurry of blows catching two on the long blade and cutting more staff away as he did so. He came to his feet in time to parry the sai strike aimed at his right kidney. He withdrew his blade in time to avoid the inevitable counter with the second sai in a blade trap that would have disarmed him.

He struck swiftly with his left foot, stamping downward as he cut diagonally with the short blade to the opponents' face. As the sai came up to block the cut, Benedicts' instep struck the exposed knee of his sai wielding opponent. The leg snapped with a crack and the man went down - Benedicts' long blade took his head before he hit the ground. He dived backwards and landed on his feet in time to block several blows from the short stick attacks of the staff wielder. Benedicts' long blade dropped to the level of the man's knees as he cut with the short blade across his shoulders. Benedict continued his spin, glancing a blow away from his own face with the short blade and flicking the long blade in a windmill action that caught the staff wielder across the stomach. His blade bit through the body and sliced him open to the spine.

Benedict stopped his movement facing the chain wielder who had gained some distance for his chain. It whistled toward Benedict's head and he ducked beneath the strike. Benedict noticed two other opponents appearing to his right and behind. One had a Klingon bat'leth, the other had a long sword.

As the chain was twirled in a high arc to come back at him, Benedict took a short, sharp step toward the man. He threw his weight to the left and dipped his long blade - as the chain came down harmlessly to his right, the blade rose straight up parallel to the mans' body. It severed both arms at the wrist and Benedict continued his step and spin behind the opponent slicing across the back of the mans' neck with his short blade. It dropped the opponent between his new foes as they came toward him.

The man with the sword twirled it in arcs of silver as he approached. Benedict moved to his right placing one attacker behind the other as he too moved in for the kill. Both blades struck in a flurry of lightning strikes and sparks and Benedict was forced to move to his left, as the other opponent closed in. The bat'leth whistled as it came at him and Benedicts sword slammed into the ground as both blades made contact. The bat'leth parted cleanly as the vibroblade took it edge on, re-enforced by the blade embedded in the ground. Benedicts' short blade sliced the man's arm inside the elbow but he twisted violently away in time to avoid the loss of the arm. As he twisted away his foot came up and caught Benedict in the opposite direction. Benedicts reflexes allowed him to avoid the main thrust of the kick but he was thrown off his feet.

The vibroblade katana was left embedded in the ground. Benedict rolled away and parried several blows from the other kata na with his short blade. The bat'leth wielder moved toward him from the left and in a split second Benedict spun and threw the short blade as he avoided another blow from the katana. The wakisashi embedded itself to the hilt in the man's throat and he gargled on blood as he went down.

The katana came at him in a classic priest robe cut that he avoided by moving to the man's right. Benedict's left hand blurred as he caught the blade by the haft just under the man's hands - his right hand came down on the back of the blade and continued the thrust of the man's attack. As his left hand trapped the haft, his right hand continued the circular movement of the blade and guided it between the man's knees. As he ripped the sword away from the man's hands with his left the blade sliced deeply between the man's legs and up through his belly. Benedict was left with the blade in his hands and his opponent was left on his knees with his cartoid artery sliced open, his groin in a bloody mess, and his entrails spilling out into his hands.

"Computer. Halt program." The three new opponents froze in place. "Remove all weapons and instigate open hand attacks." The weapons vanished. "Start program."

The three men moved in on Benedict and he waited for the attacks to come. He still had the edge!

"A Prison Of Pain"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

It was an hour after Cat left.

Deiran had paced his quarters like a hungry lion ever since he threw the vase at the door. It seemed that he would go nuts and Cat didn’t care. He did the only thing he knew to do. Relax as best he could. He removed his guitar from it’s case, sat on his couch and began playing.

He did not sing, he just played. His hands moved along the strings effortlessly, the harmony, the melody seemed to enchant him with each note. It had a healing effect. It allowed him to express his pain, in a prison of pain.

He played for several hours. Never getting tired and playing his favorite songs and working on songs he was writing.

He set the guitar down and surveyed his quarters. Miran’s touch was still evident. Her spirit and personality brightened the rooms. She had made it a home. And the more he stared at the decorations and personal touches, the more it stung him that he was alone.

Alone. It was a word that Deiran had always thought he could handle. But he had lived with Miran for over 2 years now and she had brightened up his life and made him forget the loneliness he had known in the past.

He couldn’t imagine a life without Miran.

He leaned back and processed all of his memories. At the moment, being in his quarters, his memories was all he had. Cat wouldn’t let him go back to the holodecks. His mind acted like a video tape machine in reverse. He replayed the last time he had made love to Miran over and over again then his last vacation with her, seeing Miran walk into the Ready Room with Lara after he thought he’d lost them at Boreth, or the time he went dancing with her at Catherine’s Palace. And all the other memories, from the birth of Lara and their Wedding. And then their first date:

The rays of the sun shined down on the city of Venice. There were gusts of wind over the marina, which caused small ripples of water to crash against the sea wall near the Palazzo Ducale. Deiran and Miran were walking toward the Hotel Gritti Palace. They both had sun glasses on to shield their eyes from the brightness of the sun. The San Marco Arcade was swamped with venetian natives, tourists, people feeding pigeons in the square. It was during the Venezia Carnival, and the natives were dressed in elaborate costumes.

Deiran wore a 24th century midnight blue suit, his medium length blonde hair held behind his neck loosely with a leather strap, his bangs hung down above his left eye. Ti Miran, was wearing a long-sleeved purple silk blouse, black pants, one Bajoran ring, her blonde hair was up in a French twist. They looked perfect together.

"Isn’t this city beautiful?" Deiran asked Miran.

"Absolutely stunning," she responded, her voice just barely audible. Deiran could see she was nervous.

"I made this program so I could observe the architecture, Venice has some of the best designs in the galaxy!"

Ti Miran could see in Deiran’s eyes his passion for architecture, his eyes brightened when he talked about it, especially when he was surrounded by such a gorgeous setting.

"Here we are," Casey said, as he opened the door. When they were inside they were met with an exquisite hotel lobby that looked like it was from a fairy tale, the kind where anything was possible. Michaelangelo-style paintings covered the ceilings, the walls were decorated with art collected through the ages by the Doge’s of Venice. The main color of the decor was gold, but not even that color could outshine the brilliance of the room.

Deiran led Miran through the lobby and to the Ristorante Club del Doge. The maitre’d met them and seated them at a table on the terrace, it gave the perfect view to the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica de San Giogio Maggiore across the bay.

"We hope you enjoy your meal, your waiter will be with you shortly," the maitre’d said to them, he spoke in perfectly accented Italian, which Miran could hear. Deiran didn’t speak Italian, but had reworked the holodeck translator so that Miran heard the Italian, Deiran could hear the translation in his ear. Deiran thought the language gave the program more ambiance.

The waiter gave them two menu’s, and left to give them time to choose their meal. Each picked up a menu, "I’m sorry I can’t recommend anything, the food is so good, it’s hard narrowing the items down to just one," Deiran laughed. Miran could only muster a shy smile at his comment. She was absolutely terrified that he’d see her shaking.

They ordered and began to get to know one another. Miran was quiet and listened to Deiran talk about his warp drive experiments, his wishes of becoming a Captain, maybe the youngest ever. He talked about his family, he told Miran that his sister was getting married in four months. Deiran stopped, noticing that he’d been talking for twenty minutes and Miran hadn’t said a word. "I’m sorry, please tell me about yourself, I seem to be monopolizing the conversation?"

"No, I was enjoying what you were saying, please continue," Miran thought her nerves were going to explode. She wanted to stay and be with Deiran, but her emotions were just terrorizing her. She didn’t know if it would stop.

Deiran just stared at Miran. "Please, don’t do that," she begged.

"I’m sorry, I’m just entranced by your beauty, I can’t help but be mesmerized by your eyes and the glow of your face," Deiran said, completely enchanted with his date. (His eyes teared up as he remembered that with a fondness. He continued reliving the memory in his head.)

Miran turned a deep crimson, and shot out of her chair. Deiran’s quick, athletic reflexes allowed him to catch her by the wrist, he did not hurt her, he just stopped her. He stood to his feet, looked into her eyes and pleaded, "Please don’t go!"

Miran broke out in tears.

"What have I done?" he asked himself. He didn’t know what to do but pull her close to him and let her cry. It was several minutes before he felt she would be able to answer if he asked a question.

"What’s wrong Miran?" he asked the question as sincerely as his heart possibly could. She pulled her head from his chest, her voice mangled underneath her tears, "I was suppose to be married this week."

Deiran’s mouth dropped open. He wasn’t expecting that, "What happened?" he asked with compassion. Before she could answer, Deiran asked the holodeck for a handkerchief, so he could wipe her tears. As he wiped her tears she tried to explain. (He remembered the softness of her skin, blotting her tears away. It was the first time Miran opened up to him. Something she never did until that point. He remembered her as always being quiet.)

"I requested an assignment to the Voyager so I could serve with my fiancée, Robert Stephin. He was my only friend and family…though his family took me in and made me a part of theirs." There was a long pause as Miran began to cry again at the thought of loosing a second family.

"My sister and brothers died at Hutet Labor Camp on Cardassia IV, the prison camp where we were held by the Cardassians. I was made to watch…" Deiran began hearing Miran switch between Standard and Cardassian as she relived the memories, the horror of her ordeal,"…as my parents were shot," Deiran’s heart seemed to sink to his feet when he heard that and his heart went out to her, he wouldn’t feel sorry for her, but he could be sensitive, tender to her feelings. It was strange hearing Standard in one ear and Cardassian in another, it took only milliseconds for Deiran to translate the words, "I had a friend in prison camp, but she died too. Anyone I love or get close to seems to be ripped away from me…" She couldn’t continue, as she began to cry again.

(As Deiran remembered those words verbatim he began to sob. He wiped his tears, happy no one was around to see. Deiran continued his recollection.)

She put her head against Deiran’s chest and sobbed. "Let it out Miran, you need to let all the pain escape your soul, your spirit needs to heal."

Miran didn’t realize it at first, but the more she cried and expressed her pain and heartache, she began to feel a little better, almost as if she could go on. Miran looked up at Deiran, he wiped her tears away from her cheeks, "Thank you Deiran for being there for me, I just could not handle it anymore. You are very sweet."

"Don’t worry, Deiran Casey isn’t going anywhere and I will never leave you, or die on you. I’m a member of one of the luckiest families in Starfleet!" Miran smiled at Deiran, it was all she could allow herself at that moment. She felt safe in Deiran’s arms and knew that she could trust him.

**I meant those words Miran, I will never leave you!**

They finished dinner and Miran did begin to open up a little. After their dinner, which Miran devoured, her tastebuds couldn’t get enough of the delectable spices in the food. Deiran and Miran left Gritti Palace and started east along the walkway near the sea wall.

Miran looked out into the marina and asked Deiran what the building across the bay was, Deiran was happy to tell her, "That is the basilica San Giorgio Maggiore, it was built between 1565 and 1610 and designed by Andrea Palladio. Ancient history says, ’it can be said that the history of Venice begins and ends with the basilica of San Giogio Maggiore."

Indeed it was a beautiful structure. The whitewalled entrance, etched in an antiquitous Roman, 14-15th Century architecture pleased the eye. The statuesque tower, almost a reddish-beige in color, dominated the surrounding waterfront. The intricate handiwork of the carver, the delicate texture of the outlying curves and angles told the story of the architect and of the Basilica. Witness to all of Venetian history, it was the grandest church Deiran had ever seen, at least in Italy. It resembled the Roman temples and there was just a touch of Greek influence. It combined the best of old and new of ancient earth.

Deiran and Miran toured the city, Deiran continued to tell her about the buildings of the city, he showed her his favorites. When it was time to go Miran commented, "We should come back and take a ride in those boats, what are they called?"

"They’re called gondolas, the bigger ones are vaporetto’s. There’s a quote by a Terran author named Henry James, ’The only way to care for Venice as she deserves is to give her a chance to touch you often—to linger and remain and return.’"

Deiran told the holodeck computer to show the arch and exit, as the doors hissed open, Miran turned to take another look at Venice, "Mr. James was a brilliant man."

The flashback ended. All he had left at the moment was the memories. But they served as a blessing and a curse. The more he remembered the more it hurt to not have her next to him, cuddled in each other’s arms.

He blamed it all on his own stupidity for hurting her and being imprisoned in quarters without Miran. He missed his daughter. It was a cruel thing to have a man’s family ripped from him, and Deiran knew it was his fault. Everything that was happening had been put into motion by his own weakness and indiscretion.

Deiran put his hands over his eyes and remained still for a long while. Hating himself for hurting her

[The time is 1845, dinner appointment with Lucas in 15 minutes.] the computer tore him away from the sorrow and back to reality.

=/\= "Casey to Dev," =/\=

=/\= "Yes Deiran, what can I do for you?" =/\=

=/\= "Dev, I’m going crazy, please let me meet an old friend for dinner in Ten Forward? Please?" =/\=

=/\= "One hour thirty minutes to the exact second and no more. I’ll tell Ensign Mason to make sure you go nowhere else. From your quarters to Ten Forward and back. Understand?" =/\=

=/\= "Yes, thank you Dev. See you tomorrow morning. I’ve been thinking allot about things and I know what’s going on inside Miran. I’m looking forward to being with her. Casey out" =/\=

Deiran headed to the mirror, made sure he looked presentable. He needed to change his tunic. He went to the replicator, "Ops tunic, Deiran Casey," he commanded. Seconds later a brand new red tunic appeared. He put it on, zipped it up, put on his Lt. Commander pips and re-styled his hair and started for the door. Happy to be leaving his prison of painful memories.

"Teaming Up"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey & Lt. Chris Thomas

Deiran entered his quarters, removed his boots and plopped down on the couch. He spent awhile talking with his old friend Lucas Brandis and he even ate dinner. He made sure that alcohol was nowhere near his lips much less in his system. He had a simple glass of grape juice.

Dev and Cat were keeping tabs on him wherever he went. It was driving him crazy. But, he knew if he didn't comply he wouldn't get back to duty.

As he was just beginning to relax, the doorbell rang.

"Enter!" he called out.

The doors swished open to reveal Chris Thomas.

"Hi Chris, come on in, have a seat. What's the condition of the ship? What's going on?" Deiran paused, "I hate not knowing what's happening!"

Chris faced Deiran, handing him the latest Ops report about what was happening. "Sir the Galaxy's attempt to destroy the enemy vessel has failed and they are currently working on the issue why the new torpedoes failed to function." Chris said.

"What are the initial findings? It could be two possibilities, either a malfunction in the phase inverter or a polarization of the torp itself. A heavy concentration of chroniton particles. If that is what it is, they'd need to use a wide dispersal anyon beam." Deiran had allot of time to read up on phase cloaks the last two days. He was well aware of problems and solutions. Reciting his hypothesis was like sugar to his system, being cooped up in his quarters was getting to him. He longed for duty again. It was visible on his face and in his voice.

"I will suggest it, to the Chief, but until our findings are conclusive it's only speculation. There is however the possibility that the Dominion has found a way to defeat the phased cloak technology." Chris said, speculative. "The tension on the ship is rising as a result of failing to destroy the enemy ship."

"Understandable. It's also low because of Pressman. And the fact the crew is being kept in the dark. Tell Sterner I would suggest a morale booster of his choosing. I'm sure he can come up with something interesting," Deiran smiled. "A disheartened crew i s a dead crew eventually Chris, my Dad taught me that one."

"I was wondering if you'd like to play a game of chess, since you seem to be limited in your options. I also understand you're a decent player of the game." Chris said, grinning. He was trying to lighten the mood, as he knew that Deiran was feeling confined and then he was still dealing with Miran leaving him alone.

"Hey sounds good Chris, I'm getting tired of playing by myself," Deiran laughed. He and Chris walked over to the dining room table where the 3-D chess board was set up. "Have a seat," Deiran motioned for Chris to take the seat across from the table.

"How are you doing Deiran, and don't give me some polished act, remember I've been in your shoes when it comes to this matter."

"Well honestly, I'm doing horrible Chris. I'm tired of being stuck in my quarters. I miss Lara, I miss…" he paused, his heart breaking, "Miran. I miss the Bridge too. I want back on duty. I'm like a caged lion who sees his prey but can't get to it. I want to rip off this medical transponder. I've been staring at the battleship and Miran's hologram simultaneously. That should tell you something," Casey replied. There was nothing jovial in his tone. He was completely serious and honest. But still trying to keep an air of strength about him.

He would not let anyone see him weak again, not for a long while.

Chris took a deep breath before he said anything else. "Deiran I think we need to do something about your current condition. If you weren't still recovering we'd go to the holodeck I have an excellent work out program. Klingon is the theme of the training program, but it'd probably kill you."

Chris made the first move in their game of chess.

"Chris, I can handle any Klingon training program in existence." Deiran stopped and studied the board after Chris's first move. Deiran countered with a brilliant move. "You know I owe Bishop a beating in 3-D chess," Deiran said after he took his hand off the chess piece. Deiran never forgot he'd lost one game to Xavier Bishop, when Deiran was exhausted a week earlier. He'd committed adultery, committed suicide, been punched, imprisoned; but he still had the time to think of getting revenge in a game of 3-D chess. He was obsessed with winning.

Chris thought about things and he made a decision that would effect both of them. "Deiran I know this may sound odd coming from me, but you really seem like you could use a friend and I'd like to help." Chris said.

"Chris, I'll be honest with you. I do need friends. But few people can handle my personality. I'm egotistical and some would say a downright SOB. I'm not about to change who I am. What they fail to realize is that deep down I'm very nice guy, friendly. I like joking and using my ego to keep people off guard. Get past the ego and I'd be the best friend anyone could have. I would like us to be friends," Deiran said as he made another brilliant move on the chess board. The way Chris looked, the move was so risky it took him by surprise.

"I was also thinking about something. Eric Pressman is a danger to us and to the Federation, he puts his own agenda ahead of anyone's safety. I think it's time that we arranged a little welcome home party for Mr. Pressman when we get back to the Federation." Chris said, in a guarded tone. Making his next move, though he was thinking more about how to deal with Pressman and the threat he posed to everyone.

"I agree. As long as he's on board we're all in danger. He should've been retired a long time ago. He has lots of friends and even more enemies. I'd like nothing more than seeing him buried. But, I'd thank him for saving my life first," Deiran smiled the famous Casey smile. Deiran was ruthless with his enemies. He would have saved Pressman's life if the situation was reversed and still blackmailed him.

"Chris, there are times to forgive and times to bury. At the moment, forgiveness is not an option. If we don't deal with this man, more and more lives will be lost by his recklessness. Plus, he's blackmailing me and my father. And I'm not about to let someone do that to my family. So, if we can help each other and take him down in the process, I'm willing to listen to any ideas. My father is already getting some damaging information on him. But, I haven't received anything from him because of comm silence."

"He is dangerous to everyone and I agree that he needs to be put out to the pasture for everyone's sake, but there are a few things you should know about him before we go down this path. Besides my own knowledge of the man, I have access to all the files that Suvak ever accumulated during his life time. Most are coded, in a manner that only I can uncoded, but even then it's not easy and requires great attention to detail, and time. I have never bothered to really look through what I have, as the only information that I am interested in right now out of his files is who's responsible for my wife's death." Chris said, as he made another move.

Deiran leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table, his mind adeptly concentrating on two things at once, "I’m sure my father has contacts who could get the files on your wife’s murder opened. We can kill two birds with one stone eh?" Deiran said the words and then moved his piece, surrounding Chris’s Queen on the second level with three pawns.

"The problem is that as I have delved deeper into who's responsible I find a web of intrigue and clutter that makes finding a single person responsible. Yet I know that this is one or a few people who are directly responsible and are to blame for her death and the subsequential cover up of what truly happened." Chris continued. He was reluctant to mention what he knew about Pressman, as it would certainly place him in danger.

"My family has contacts all over the UFP who could easily narrow it down my friend. When we get back to Federation space I’ll contact my father and see what we can do," Deiran’s voice had a sincere quality to it. He wanted to help Thomas as he had helped him.

After thinking about how to address the issue, he came up with an idea that would probably work for the best. "Deiran, I have reason to believe that Pressman's authority comes not from Starfleet Intelligence, but from one of the many secret operations conducted under the catch phrase 'black Ops' I have a few ideas in mind, but I can't be more for specific right now." Chris said.

"Understood, then when it’s time, and at your discretion will be fine," Deiran replied as he moved his chess piece. Then he smiled and looked up at Chris, "Check mate!"

Charge of the Galaxy
By Ensign Anthony Mendenhall

Anthony had just finsihed his shift on the bridge as the last cloaked torpedeo hit was destroyed by the Galaxy. As he recorded a letter for his little sister, a particular poem that he had once read came to his mind.

"Computer, Display 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' by Lord Triston Alfred"

On his desk the poem appeared on the small screen. He read it out almost in a trans.

The Charge of the Light Brigade

Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
"Forward, the Light Brigade!
"Charge for the guns!" he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.

"Forward, the Light Brigade!"
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Someone had blunder'd:
Their's not to make reply,
Their's not to reason why,
Their's but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.

Flash'd all their sabres bare,
Flash'd as they turn'd in air,
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army, while
All the world wonder'd:
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro' the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reel'd from the sabre stroke
Shatter'd and sunder'd.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro' the jaws of Death
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.

When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wondered.
Honor the charge they made,
Honor the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred.

The resemblence between the poem and the situation the Galaxy was errie. Were they goingt o make a wild charge? Was the Galaxy going to end up like six hundred? As Mendenhall walked out of his quarters to see if he could help in engineering in any way, he recited a line of the poem, but with a slight twist.

"Their's not to make reply,
Their's not to reason why,
Their's but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death
Flew the Galaxy."

"The Grouping together of Minds"
Written By Lt. Kahn Nilani Chief Medical Officer
with Lt. Endris Gakor

After the Suder incident I walked back into my office and started thinking about the rescue of my sister. In my mind we weren't nearly prepared enough, I picked up the crew manifest and started reading through candidates for the mission.

I found a number of people to add to the current list.

Ens Benedict T’Kal
Ens Elizabeth Statham
Ens Astrid Salt

I opened up my terminal and added an Encryption that we had already discussed.

Dear Endris I belive we need to get together and work out this plan of ours. Get a meeting organised with the other officers involved and meet in my quarters in 2 hours. Also get in contact with Ensign's Benedict (Tactical), Statham(Science) and Salt(Security). This is a High priority meeting.

From Kahn Nilani

I pressed the Send button and leaned back in my chair. I then stood up and walked out of my office and to my quarters.

**** 30min later ****

I had pulled up all information on every Cardassian structure that I could remember and that was on record. I moved to my bed and rechecked everything, everything was in order.

By this time, the terminal beeped, indicating a message had arrived. I rushed over, thinking Endris had probably responded to my earlier request. Sure enough, the Doctor had provided some suggestions of her own.

She had worked with Ensign Kareel Raen while translating the runes that might prove a key factor in the plan. Endris recommended the Trill, whose previous hosts granted various perspectives and insights that could only assist the project.

The Tellarite also suggested Lt. (jg) Sharp's demolition skills might be of considerable use. Likewise, the strength and logic of Vulcans was also a smart choice, so Ensign T'Vek from Science was on Gakor's list.

And not to leave anyone out, she suggested an engineer with excellent trouble shooting skills might be needed to circumvent any high-tech barriers the Cardassians erected around Ivoni. Gakor remembered her friend K'Eytyanna Samara. The Klingon's distaste of Cardassians was well known, and she was one of the most clever people around. Endris recalled she had been able to smuggle her pet Targ aboard the Galaxy during the Doctor's first few days on the ship. The technical wizardry in such a feat was admirable. Gakor would have to ask her if she was available.

It turned out these personnel were free to participate. It would be a good thing to have variety on the team. Matthew Albrecht continued to enrich the holodeck 'rehearsal' scenario, but he wasn't quite satisfied with it yet. Nilani's meeting would be a 'gathering of the tribes' for the team to strategise ways to pull off saving Illiyanna and the other prisoners in the camp. The holo program would definitely help practice basic strategies the team came up with.

Before Gakor could attend the meeting, she had to venture to the Counselling Office. Karyn had contacted the Tellarite a few minutes ago, saying an appointment had cancelled and she now had an opening to see her.

"Day's end."

Taleen walked out of sickbay. Deciding she needed some exercise, she headed to her quarters for a change of clothes.

Feeding the Kitten, she picked up her equipment and headed for the gym. She hoped she would find an empty area to play handball At least it was a singles game, and since she didn't really know anyone yet, that was ok.

She played for a while then went back to her quarters to change again and headed for 10 forward for some dinner, the view and maybe some talk. Or at least to listen and people watch. She found an empty table and ordered a steak, med rare, with baked potato and a large lemonade. As she waited for her food, she looked around. No one here she knew so far, but in time, maybe.

Ensign Taleen Cyndanian, Medical Staff, USS Galaxy
ICQ # 14035112, Nickname - Karilla

"A Compassionate Friend"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey & Ensign Be’Tran M’Benga

Ensign M'Benga had just gotten off duty. She was on her way to 10-Forward, as Jack was working late again. She wanted to stop off and have drinks with Numa, before heading home.

As she rounded a bend in the corridor, she noticed a security guard standing outside of the doorway to someone's quarters. It was the Casey quarters, shared by Deiran and his wife, Miran.

Be'Tran had heard they were having troubles; and heard that it had something to do with Lieutenant Bancroft the Chief Helmswoman. She also knew that her on shift-CO, AC Hewson had clocked an inebriated Commander Casey in 10-Forward a few days ago. What this had to do with Deiran and Miran's problems, she didn't know; but she felt they were somehow connected.

She also knew that Commander Casey; always known for his strength, had lain near death only days ago in sickbay; why, she didn't know. Nor did she know why a security guard was posted outside his door.

As she passed the doorway, her Betazoid senses went off like an overloaded phaser. She sensed pain, loneliness, guilt...

She stopped, and turned towards the door. The guard gave her a stern look, but she was determined to proceed. "Commander Casey's quarters?"

"Yes..." said the guard.

Be'Tran, still sensing the confusion of feelings inside the room, turned to face her. "Is he in?"

"Yes." said the Security officer. "If he weren't in there, I wouldn't be out here." Betta wondered at this remark, assuming Commander Casey to be in some kind of danger. Was it the SI? She knew he did not get on at all well with Admiral Pressman, but why would he need a security guard for that?

"Can I see him?" she asked the guard. "I need to talk to him." Of course, Betta didn't really need to talk to Deiran, not in a professional sense, anyway; but she felt, somehow, that he needed to talk, if it were his feelings she was sensing on the other side of that door.

"I don't see any harm in it. He's already had a visit from Lt. Thomas, and Ensign Brandis." said Casey's shadow, "I'm sure one more wouldn't hurt."

"Thanks." said Be'Tran, and rang the doorchime. The dashing voice of Deiran Casey sounded from the other side.

Deiran was expecting possibly Counselor Salshyar, or Cat. He didn't expect the tall, lithe form of the Engineering officer he barely knew. He remembered K'Ey Samara had suggested inviting her onto the Holodeck with them, during the down-time after the mission into Klingon space; but she had already left for a vacation on Earth.

The first thing that jumped into Deiran's mind at that point wa s Miran. She had been on that shuttle. Maybe M'Benga had gotten to know her, and Miran had sent her...

"Commander Casey," Be'Tran began softly, "I don't mean to intrude, but I sensed you were in pain."

Deiran had forgotten M'Benga was part Betazoid. "What do you mean?" he asked, trying not to sound annoyed with her.

"I was passing your quarters, and I sensed allot of pain. I felt you might need someone to talk to." she replied.

Deiran looked at the beautiful woman before him, at first he panicked. He couldn’t think or move. He wasn’t exactly used to any other Betazoids but Dev.

"Yes you can trust me. I’m just reaching out to help, as a friend."

Deiran looked at Betta. He walked over to her and stared deep into her eyes. He read her very soul in that moment. He stood back a few steps and motioned with his hand to a seat in the living room. "Have a seat Miss M’Benga, I must admit I’m lonely."

"Then Miran... excuse me sir, your wife isn't here with you?" Be'Tran had heard this as well. Now she knew it was true.

"No she isn’t," Deiran replied sullenly. "Do you know my wife Be’Tran?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. "We were on the Caldonia together, on leave to Earth prior to this mission." suddenly Be'Tran remembered the night, when she was redecorating her quarters. She had passed Miran in the hall, and the beautiful Bajoran had been in tears.

"I miss her very much. I’ve wanted to tell her for days how sorry I am that I’ve hurt her. I haven’t been dealing with that guilt well at all. Being stuck here in my quarters doesn’t help it any. The fact is I love my wife with all my heart. I need her, besides Starfleet, she is my life. She completes me. I don’t think she can ever forgive me for what I’ve done," Deiran put his head down. His emotions melancholy, but you could feel a strength from him. It was tangible. It was Casey with guilt and strength at the same time. The true paradox that he was.

He looked up at Betta. "I’ve learned my lesson. You know the rumors. I’m not going to sit here and deny them. But, I will say it was one time. A moment of weakness. The last time I saw Tebrianne she kissed me on the cheek. Does that sound like a horrid affair to you?"

"Not at all." the tall Engineer replied. "Friends kiss each other. I've kissed Numa on the cheek, and hugged her tight, because she's my best friend. I feel your pain. When you speak of Miran I can feel the love you have for her. When you speak of Tebrianne Bancroft, there is regret, and pain; no animosity, but no love. At least not in the romantic sense."

It was plain to see that Deiran could trust this woman. She could feel his thoughts, his pain, everything he was feeling. He really didn’t have to talk. But Deiran was the kind of man who had to vent.

"I need Miran. I need her so much. I don’t think I could live without her," Deiran spoke from his heart. There were no tears, the features of his face conveyed the pain inside. His tears had dried up, all that was left was the suffering. Crystal clear to all who looked upon him.

Something about this last statement awakened a curiosity in Betta; but she approached it cautiously. "I want to help, if I can." she said, moving closer to Casey, "I want to help you, and Miran; I want to help you heal."

"Healing seems galaxies away," he replied softly.

"I know." she said, placing a friendly hand on his broad, muscular shoulder. Being this close to Deiran Casey, she realized, full well, his power to attract. She found him exotic, and charming, even in his current state. "I'll do whatever I can." she said aloud.

"Can you bring Miran back to me?" Casey asked in a childlike way, hoping something Betta tried would work.

Be'Tran smiled at him, softly. "I don't know. But I'd be happy to try. Would you like me to talk to her?"

Deiran smiled at the sweet woman before him, "Would you Be’Tran? I’m willing to get help from anywhere at the moment. The more women who talk to her the

better. Thank you so much Be’Tran, I hear people call you Betta?"

Betta smiled.

"You wouldn’t be willing to talk to Cat and Dev to get me out of here would you? This room is quite lonely with all the memories Miran left behind, her personality is here and it just…" Deiran stopped. "I’m kidding. What’s going on in Engineering? From what I heard the torp’s fired but didn’t detonate when they phased through the battleship’s hull. I think it’s a polarization problem. A wide dispersal anyon beam would help in controlling the torpedo’s de-polarize and destroy the battleship. Nothing’s indestructible, I know that first hand," Deiran said as he stood up to get Betta something to drink.

"What would you like Betta?" Deiran asked, showing his charming Casey smile.

"Iced tea." she responded jovially. Deiran gave the replicator his order. He suddenly remembered all the times he'd ordered things for Miran from that replicator. His powerful shoulders drooped as he thought of her again. As he thought of the prospect of life without her.

Be'Tran could sense his sadness, but also his powerful will to go on. His need for his old life back. She took the Tea from him, and seated herself at a table.

"Have you tried talking to Miran?" she asked, feeling a bit nosy.

"Of course," said Casey, "She said she hated me, and that the next time we talked it would be with Dev... Counselor Salshyar." he suddenly realized that Betta probably didn’t know Devlyn, who had just returned to the Galaxy (at Starbase 74) after a period of absence.

"Well," said Be'Tran, stopping to sip her tea. "Just right..." she continued, in reference to the drink, "That acknowledges that she's willing to talk."

Be'Tran put down her drink, and paced around. She suddenly felt she had been doing allot of that lately. "Commander... Deiran, I want to help. I'll do whatever I can. I know from your feelings that you and Miran belong together. She must feel the same way. You wouldn't feel so strongly for her if she hadn't returned your love in kind." Betta moved towards the door.

"Where are you going?" asked Casey.

Be'Tran gestured to the chronometer on the wall. "I've got to meet Numa, or she'll wonder what the hell became of me."

Casey looked disappointed. He didn't want to keep M'Benga there just to ease his loneliness, but he didn't want to be alone either. What he wanted was Miran and Lara... back in his arms again.

Be'Tran sensed another flash of anguish. "I've gotta be going. I hope I made you feel a little better?"

"Yes thank you Be’Tran," said Deiran, "You sure you can't stay a while longer?"

"Hey!" said Be'Tran, "Maybe you could join me and Numes for dinner?"

"I doubt Cat or Dev would let me out of here for that."

"Well," said the tall engineer, "Think about it, bring one of them along. I'm sure I'll scare up Jack from his work; it'll be a dinner party. You can tell the concerned members of our medical staff that it'll be good for you. And it will, I know, I'm an engineer!"

Deiran smiled, "I wish I could but I had dinner a few hours ago Betta. Besides, what does being an engineer have to do with it?" he asked, sounding almost cheerful.

"I fix things!" she responded.

"What about you and Numa coming by again for another glass of Iced Tea?" Deiran asked politely. Not wanting to be lonely anymore.

"Sure, that would be great," she replied and was gone from the room with a giggle.

Casey slumped back into his couch when M'Benga left. Everything he had heard about her was true. She was cheerful, almost to a fault. But she sure had brought a little light into his imposed exile for a while.

** hope she comes back, she’s a sweet woman.** He picked up his PADD and began reading the last news articles that came through the subspace wire. Completely bored to death once again.

By Ensign Suder

Engineer Suder left his quarters with a padd in hand. He had been up all night working on his new project and wasn't even tired, and he thought that maybe during a break, he might do a little more work. He relaxed for a moment while walking down the corridor and looked up and saw Benedict heading down the corridor heading his way. From the looks of things, he had just come from the gym. Suder stopped in his tracks and looked down at the padd he was holding, tapped it a couple of times to bring up some more information and then took a left. He had heard a lot about Benedict and didn't want to get involved in any argument of fight or something with the man. Suder arrived in engineering, no smile on his face as usual. A couple of people saw him enter, but nothing more. People were either too busy or too tired to turn their attention from their consoles. He sat down and logged on at a station and read the recent files on the situation at hand. A sat back in his chair and carry on reading the files when he heard a calm gentle voice directed at him."Suder" the voice whispered. Suder looked to the side of the information display panel and saw a reflection of his wife. He turned in a heartbeat to discover that there was no one there. He took a deep breath and got back to work. He would have to make several checks around the ship, but apart from that he was going to be working in Engineering, which made a change.

"Demons"
By Ensign Jack D'Auria, with additions proposed by Captain Price.

Jack was leaning against the wall of the turbolift. He had just been to a meeting with Comdr. Sterner to propose an idea he had.

***Earlier***

D'Auria entered the bridge and upon seeing Lt. Erikson at the main science station, walked over to him. "Sir, with your permission, I have contacted Comdr. Sterner about an idea I have. I hope I have not overstepped my authority by not running it through you first." "Still trying to impress us, Ensign", said Erikson, grinning. "I'll let it slide this time, Jack. I'll expect a full report on it, whether or not it the admiral will go for it." With that, the lieutenant turned his head fractionally, his eyes locking onto the back of Pressman's head. "Good luck, Ensign, you'll need it."

The lieutenant had been right, he could have used all the luck in the universe. The meeting with Comdr. Sterner went as well as can be expected, up until the moment the Comdr. called in Pressman and Jack had a chance to pitch his idea to the admiral.

"Look Ensign, I appreciate your sharing your grand idea, but let me tell you something. I orders are to test the phase cloak the phased torpedoes. Not to fly the Galaxy through the Cardassians' shields and depositing a few anti-matter bombs in their hull. We can do it easily, but it's too risky. I am not authorizing it, at least, not now. Dismissed."

Commander Sterner glanced apologetically towards D'Auria, who turned smartly around, walking through the opening doors of the ready room. As he again entered the bridge, he shook his head at the questioning glance of his immediate superior and proceeded towards the turbolift. Where he was now. His good mood had evaporated like snow before the sun; Jack knew that right now, he wouldn't be able to go to his quarters to get some rest. He would only toss and turn. And he didn't want to disturb Betta, she needed her rest and it wouldn't be fair to dump his mood on her. For the umpteenth time, he cursed her Betazoid side; no matter how much he loved her, sometimes, it unnerved him the way she was able to sense his moods. Not that he hated it as much as that he didn't want her to worry about him.

Jack had decided to go to the science labs and see if he could get some work done, maybe finally get working on the proposal for sickbay and security. He still had to contact Dr. Khathroweena about them. The science lab was deserted, most of the experiments shut down on admiral Pressman's order so he had the energy reserves for the cloaking device. D'Auria went to the computer sciences lab, his personal domain and called up the schematics again, as well as all the info he had gathered so far. He had been working for a grand total of 5 minutes when his face grew hard; staring straight ahead, his eyes blank, not seeing anything. His lips moved, the words almost inaudible. The Padd in his right hand was being crushed like an oldfashioned tin can, the plasteel showering the floor as sparks flew from the crushed housing. Jack D'Auria was angry.

His breathing rose slightly as he methodically turned his head to look at the remnants of the Padd he was holding. Like a robot, he turned back to the console, shutting it off, got up, walked to the reclamator and threw the Padd into it. Resting his back against the wall, D'Auria tried his mental excersizes to clear the fog of anger and rage that consumed him. An ordinary Vulcan would have said that it was illogical to display such emotions because of rejection or failure or for any reason. An ordinary Vulcan would not even succumb to it. But Jack was not an ordinary Vulcan, he was a human, raised on Vulcan. Although he had the discipline and held to it with an iron will, sometimes, it got too much for him to handle. Like now; Pressman's condescending tone and looks his way had somehow grated him more then ever. But it wasn't Pressman's attitude alone, no, that would never do.

Jack drew his breath shakily, his whole body trembling as he closed his eyes. He had closed himself off so long, buried his emotions so deep. Now they were fighting to come out, in the worst possible way. It wasn't just Pressman, it was everything, from the moment he had lost his arm when the Cardassians and Romulans killed his colleagues on the listening post, all the way through the constant battles with the Dominion when he was on the Nimrod, concluding with his time here on the Galaxy. He had fought silently, effectively and efficiently, using everything available, from ship's weapons to the knife he kept secreted in his left boot. He had seen his comrades die next to him as they fought hand to hand with the enemy; he had killed with his bare hands, without feeling remorse, without feeling anything.

A true Vulcan. Grief? Grief is illogical and a waste of time. They are dead, grief will not change that. He had lived by that for all this time. How many were the time that his partner's blood and brains had not stained his uniform, how many times had he not cradled the dying form of a comrade in his arms? When it had been over, the survivors had cried, screamed, shouted or done anything else that was 'illogical and unproductive'.

^How can you be such a cold Son of a bitch, D'Auria? She was your friend, for God's sake!^

The words spoken in anger and grief, the remnants of an away team to a Cardassian supply station going back home. There were only three survivors, but they had finished the mission, destroying the station. That was all that mattered to him. Everything else was unimportant. He could remember his words as plain as if he had just said them; 'We all knew that this was going to be a dangerous mission, that is why the captain asked for volunteers. We all knew the risks.'

No, his anger was not aimed at Pressman, even though he had just pulled the last straw. His anger, his grief, his loathing, it was all centered on one person, on himself, on Jack D'Auria, ice cold bastard extraordinair.

Just then, the doors to the science lab opened and a few of the junior science officers walked in, babbling loudly. "Did you see that? She was practically all over him!"

"Yeah, and they were enjoying themselves, you could see that", said a female voice laughing. "Wonder what Jack is gonna say about that."

"Not much he can say about that. Have you seen that man? He is absolutely gorgeous! Those eyes, that voice. I heard him sing the other night. I tell you, I thought I had died and gone to heaven."

"Well, Jack is not half bad himself. A little stiff, but God, he is handsome! If M'Benga doesn't want him, I would take him in a heartbeat."

The chatter of the three officers raged on, but Jack had tuned out, the only thought in his head being that Betta was seeing someone else. His rage grew, not a flaming hot rage, the kind that explodes and with a roar and quickly fizzles, but the ice-like kind, cold, calculated, with the precision of a Swiss watch. His breathing and trembling slowed, an eerie calm settling over him. Only once before in his life had this happened to him. It had cost the lives of a Cardassian platoon on Duriandra II. Jack slipped out of his lab and went to the nearest holodeck. It was time to get rid of the demons, lest he kill the first person he met.

"Computer, run D'Auria Lambda-4."

In a moment, the yellow-on-black room turned into an aircraft hangar, Jack's uniform now an old fashioned flightsuit. He walked to the flightline.

"Hey Ghost, thought you'd never show up. We have to be in the air in 5 minutes, man." "Weather pattern", Jack said as he handed his backseater the updated weather report.

The two men quickly checked the Strike Eagle out, its hardpoints loaded with bombs and missiles and then strapped in. Jack moved the throttle to full military at the beginning of the runway, keeping the brakes locked as the engines screamed to live. Then, with a sudden shift, he pushed them fully past the cutoff while engaging afterburners, dumping fuel directly into the intermix chamber. The huge, heavily laden fighter jumped and in seconds they were airborne, streaking towards their target.

"Feet dry in ten minutes, Ghostrider."

"Affirmative, time to hit the deck, Slider", Jack said, his voice cold.

"Are you nuts, every time you say that, we end up flying 10 feet off the goddamn ground at night! YOU ARE NUUUUTTTTSSSSSS!"

His RWO's voice changed pitch as the F15-E dove for the ground in the dark night with a roar. Jack had designed this program with floating parameters. The first part of it was standard, mission briefing, flightline inspection and take off and flight. But as soon as the coast was detected, the computer would take over and change the parameters at any time. So far, Jack had been intercepted during the descent, had crashed by a sudden heavy downdraft, exploded in midair when a stray sausage sized bullet from a ZSU-23 anti-aircraft gun hit one of his bombs. Not this time, this time he was going to do it right.

As the aircraft streaked low over the water of the river, it's exhaust emissions cooking the water like an unlimited class speedboat, Jack checked the infrared display of his surroundings. The sound of his engines was being amplified by the virtual wall of the forest, but since he was past Mach 1, the wall of sound was way past him. Banking left into a sharp turn, he came upon the target, a medium sized airbase.

"Getting ready for bomb run. IP set in computer. Let'er rip, Ghostrider!"

Without saying a word, D'Auria did just that, centering the plane on the middle of the lighted runway, rows of combat aircraft on either side. Jamming the throttle to maximum, they went in. One minute, it was a peaceful night, the next, it was total chaos. The ground shook as if hit by the hammer of an angry god. Those not thrown to the ground watched in awe as huge chunks of concrete were lifted bodily from the tarmac, raining down on the fighters parked on the ramp, causing them to blow up in huge fireballs.

"Coming up on AA-site!"

"Maverick launched", was Jack's reply; the aircraft shook as right behind them, the anti-air craft gun exploded, the shockwave hitting them. Making a right turn, so tight, that the blood in one's body immediately went to the lower body, he placed the fighter back in line with the base, bathed in the red glow of doom and dove back in. They weren't finished yet. This time, the hangars, underground fuel depots and barracks were the targets. The Durandals plowed into the concrete ground several feel, their hardened noses trying to dig deep enough to penetrate the fuel tanks. Within moments, they exploded, throwing millions of gallons of jp-4 into the air and blanketing the area, consuming everything.

The aircraft immediately banked hard right again, out of the target zone; it wasn't over yet, the computer had so

mething up its electronic sleeve. And Jack was right; less then 20 seconds after exiting ground zero, the air in front of them was alight with tracers.

"Goddamn!!! Another Zeus! They got a roving Zeus here!"

"Find their Radar frequency and jam it, then fire a Harm down their path."

"Can't do, man, they running strictly optical!"

D'Auria banked the aircraft hard trying to get out of the path of the huge shells. He could feel the plane shake under the impacts.

"Port engine fire. Shutting down systems, activating fire suppression systems. Slider, find us a safe path."

"Copy that. Just keep us airborne", his wizzo said, but then his eyes grew wide.

"SA-15 on our twelve! Those bastards set us up!!!!!"

Jack could see the horizon flash brightly as the lock-on and launch warning tones screamed through the cockpit. Whoever was manning that Sam emplacement, knew what they were doing; let the Zeus herd the target into the basket, then light up the firecontrol- and tracking radar, launch the missiles as the radar painted the target and send the data to the onboard computers. At this distance, only a miracle could save you from a SA-15. And they only had one engine left, with 6 of the fast missiles coming their way. The last thing Jack remembered was Slider screaming for them to eject.

When he awoke, Jack was almost not able to move, his head throbbing with an intense pain. These damn headaches had been coming and going the last few weeks with an increasing rapidity. As he sat up slowly, he noticed the black and yellow grid of the holodeck. Then his memory began to come back to him. They had ejected, but Slider had been caught in the fireball when the Eagle had been hit by the first missile and had burned alive. Jack had landed hard, tumbling through the trees like a rag doll, his body hit by hard branches. Then the hunt; the soldiers had tracked him, intent on finding their enemy and making him pay for the destruction of their base. He had welcomed it with relish, turning the table around; instead of being the prey, he had become the hunter. He had gone back to Duriandra II, taking them out one by one, venting his rage, in his eyes killing the demon in himself. He relished feeling their lifeforce ebbing out of them, seeing only his own face silently screaming for help, for mercy as the blade descended and slowly sawed through the soft cartilage. Excorsizing the demon in himself. Now, he felt strangely empty, cleansed. And for the first time in his life, Jack D'Auria wept; hot tears spilling from his eyes as he recalled every face, every name of those that he had seen die at his side. He cried until he could cry no more, grieving for every one of them. After an interminable length of time, Jack got up and walked unsteadily to the doors; as they slid open, he dragged a hand over his face and was surprised to see it coated in blood. Walking back in, he ordered the computer to display a mirror. Looking into the reflective surface, his breathing caught in his throat. His right ear and his nose were oozing blood and the veins in his forehead were clearly visible, pounding in time with the almost unbearable pain in his head. Whatever it was, it was far from over.

"Memories"
by Lieutenant Leslie Wilson with additions by Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

It had been a very long day, but what else was new on board the USS Galaxy. Leslie walked into her quarters, tired, she was barely able to keep her eyes from closing. She discarded the uniform jacket, just keeping the shirt, and placed her commbadge on the table.

She walked to the replicator. "Beer," she said in a gruff, unhappy tone. The replicator whirled, and the glass of beer appeared.

Leslie took it in her hands, and quickly gulped it down in three sips. She ordered another before walking over to her desk.

"Display log book, Wilson, Leslie, Lieutenant." she ordered.

"Working," came the flat reply.

A long list of logs popped up on the screen. Leslie selected one dated a month ago. Instantly her mothers smiling face popped onto the computer screen.

"How's my darling girl?" the image asked.

"Terrible," Leslie replied to the recorded image, taking another sip from the beer.

The computer image continued. "Your father is doing better, the doctor says that he could have another minor stroke, but the possibility of that is one in a million." Her mother smiled. "Kyle just returned from another tour of duty aboard a freighter, he came out ahead this time, brought in a good size stash of cargo. I just wish he would settle down, maybe join Starfleet like you did. But enough about your wild and crazy older brother."

"Only by two minutes," Leslie sneered at the monitor. Her mother must have read across time, because she laughed.

"I have to go dear, write back. I love you."

The message winked out. Leslie looked around, anger flooded her senses. She should be home, helping her parents, then she realized something. The Galaxy was her home, and she couldn't just leave this family. She had already done so once, she didn't want to again. Her request for a transfer to Starbase 001 to be closer to her family, had been denied, but she had put in for that right before she took the leave of absence.

As she stood up, a memory suddenly came to mind.

She was on a dirt road. She and Kyle were running up to a house. Grandma's house. As they neared the backdoor and the kitchen, the sweet smell of sugar cookies assaulted them. They both plowed into the house.

Kyle slipped and fell on a section of the floor. Grandma had told him not to run. She had been mopping. He just laughed, and brushed his arm.

Her quarters came back to her. She gazed out the window at the stars. They moved by, and a sadness overcame her. Why couldn't it be those care free days again, why not like.

Another memory suddenly popped into her head. She was sitting in a classroom, and some loud Cadet was next to her, and he just wouldn't shut up. Deiran Casey was a loud and annoying person back then. He knew he owned the Academy. He was talking loudly to someone. She tapped him on the shoulder. "Cadet Casey!" she barked, so loud that he saluted mockingly. Then he reddened.

"What?!" he shot back. His facial expression changed when he realized it was Leslie.

"I am trying to listen to the lesson. Please shut up!" She said it so loud, and so strong, that he fell quiet, and remained silent the rest of the class. Only because he wanted a date with her and no other reason.

Her quarters returned. She sighed. How she would love to have her life back then, be her life right now. She ordered another beer.