This Sure ain't Risa
by Endris Gakor
and Matthew Albrecht

*** Stellar Cartography *** [a day or two ago... ]

Matthew walked in to the Stellar Chartography lab, a chamber he rarely saw the interior of. In fact, he had never been in the SC lab of the Galaxy at all--only the Galactic Map chamber of starbase 117. He could see the constellations of Cardassian space and saw their position and the movements of Cardassian vessels plotted on the chamber-wide screen. The view shifted just as he entered the room, causing a mild bout of involuntary vertigo.

"Hello, Lieutenant, what can I do for you?", asked Technician Elik. Like many scientists and engineers that Matthew had met, this one had a sort of hermetic appearance. The Bajoran looked a bit disgruntled in his uniform, as if he was not sleeping well. Perhaps he was disturbed by the general unrest among the crew--switched shifts, altered duty assignments, and black-suited SI operatives breathing down their necks making many crewmembers nervous and tense.

Despite the added stress, perhaps by some kind twist of kismet, only two serious fights had broken out. The one between Commander Lyle and the Bolian SI lieutenant, and the one between AC and Dieran Casey in Ten-Forward. According to reports, Casey had been drunk at the time. If someone were to ask his legal opinion, he would be tempted to release AC on the technicality. Then again, there were many extenuating circumstances surrounding that whole affair--to use a poorly chosen phrase.

His thoughts were broken by the need to reply to the greeting. "Thank you, Mr. Elik. I'm looking for information to finish a holo program set in the Ivoni rings. I though you might be able to locate additional data for me not in the main computer banks."

"I see", Darain Elik replied. "Unfortunately, it is nearly time for services." The security officer recalled Dr. Kahn had created a replica of a traditional Bajoran shrine on the holodeck and held regular prayer sessions. Not wanting to disrupt the man's cultural beliefs, Albrecht said "I understand completely. Please enjoy the ceremony. I will leave a Padd outlining the requirements of my search for you to work on after you return." The Bajoran turned to go, lifting his uniform like one of the functionary djaras.

Matthew did not want to make Elik late for the ritual, but couldn't resist tossing in another helpful hint. "By the way, you may want to try replicator entry 7 Beta 2. My Tellarite friend Gakor programmed-in a mean Hasperad." The Bajoran displayed a broad smile as he left through the door on his way to the holodeck encounter.

Albrecht had typed the little he knew about Ivoni on the Padd. The supernova of one of the suns had created an asteroid belt. Only the inner 4 planets and the smaller of the 2 binary suns had escaped damage. A nebulous cloud filled the sky for parsects around. Gakes had kindly provided some magazine articles that had material on the system. And he had dredged up old security reports about the Horta Ambassador and the Cardassian mining operation that had been closed down there.

The Terrain was reported as being much like Janus V, the homeworld of the first Silicon life forms to join the Federation. *Too bad we don't have a Horta on board. Their abilities to tunnel through solids would enable them to dig nifty escape tunnels.* he thought. His mind pictured a brilliant orange Horta, decorated with dark brown silicon splotches that looked like giant pieces of pepperoni. His stomach grumbled as he whispered "Starvation!" a bit louder than he intended.

Ryak's young son, Sullar, shifted on the couch he was sleeping on, but didn't quite wake. Before the noise of his grumbling tummy could disrupt the child's sleep, Albrecht decided to head for the lounge and a bite to eat.

*** 10 Forward ***

Matthew entered to a minor bout of pandemonium! Gakes was there, staring down Luietenant Commander Cassidy Lyle. Apparently, the bureaucratic menace had refused to take a regulation physical, and the Doctor was not going to let him get away with it.

Without the lobes of a Ferengi, Albrecht couldn't hear distinctly over the noise. But he was able to get the jest of Endris' remarks. "Then, on my authority as a Medical Officer, I demand you come to Sickbay", he heard, or words to that effect.

Lyle looked like he might cause trouble, so Matthew flexed his own authority to provide a security escort for the Doctor and her reluctant patient. He enjoyed the opportunity to get a few digs in at the Starbase 74 officer, who had made a general nuisance of himself and making the female crew uncomfortable during his time onboard. *Why is he still aboard, anyway?* he wondered. Albrecht dropped the two off at their destination, then went to the holodeck to work on the group project.

*** HoloDeck 3 ***

Darain Elik was a man of his word. The specs for the Ivoni system had been downloaded into a program for Matthew's use. *Kahn-rescue 2, the improved version* he mused. Between Endris, Nilani, and himself, a reasonable facsimile of the Cardassian prison camp, its occupants, and unique properties was emerging.

A dim sun appeared to limp through the sky, and the orbit of asteroids made the scene look eerie. Grey Cardassian bedrock formed the dusty and desolate surface of the world, sparsely populated with plants except for a jungle region around the equator. It reminded Albrecht of holos of the Guardian's world, and for a minute he actually mentally conjured a stone Torus with a misty aperture. Phalanxes of guards patrolled the amazonian mid section. It took a while, but as expected, Albrecht found where the computer had simulated the entrance to the tunnels.

After a couple of hours of work, the assistant Security chief was satisfied the program was difficult enough to provide a realistic picture of their success. "Okay", he said to the program. "Let's see if this Puppy works. Begin program." Several tries later, the Cardassians still managed to capture the away team. It was going to take a group effort to find a way to defeat this challenge.

"Computer, End Program and Save" he ordered, walking through the blank yellow and black chamber and back to his office.

"Pleading For Mercy"
by Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft and Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

***

Tebrianne stepped up to Deiran's quarters and rang the buzzer. Deiran's muffled voice bid her welcome from behind the door, and she stepped through as it opened.

"Teb?" Deiran said, getting up off the couch. "Hello Teb, what a pleasant surprise! I didn't expect you to drop by for a visit. I'm glad to see you, please have a seat. Can I get you something to drink or a snack?” he was trying to be the perfect host.

"Deiran," Teb began. "I need to talk to you about the charges against AC."

“Oh that!” Deiran’s demeanor changed when he heard Teb bring it up.

“Deiran, I'd like for you to drop the charges against AC.”

“Why Teb? I'm completely within my rights. The man attacked me. Why is everyone so concerned about AC? He’s going to have to pay this time. I can't have people thinking they can slug me and get away with it Teb,” Deiran replied. He was upset that so many were taking an interest in AC and his release from the Brig.

“Do you really believe people think that because AC hit you, it’s open season on Deiran Casey?” Teb looked hard into his eyes. “Get serious Deiran. You both were off-duty. You were drunk and AC was upset. It happens. Why do you have to put him through this? Just let him off.”

“Yes I do think that Teb, few people on this ship like me. And that number has doubled since a few days ago,” he didn't have to say anything more as Teb knew what he meant by that. “I have to put him through this because he hasn't apologized and I'm not about to let him think he can hit me anytime he wants!”

Deiran wasn't happy talking about AC. He was following regulations, why couldn't people see that?

“Why do you care Teb? Why is it important to you?” the words came out more harsh than Casey intended. But he didn't back down. He and AC were enemies, why show mercy to an enemy? Especially one who made him look like a fool in front of the entire ship.

Tebrianne’s eyes narrowed and her lip curled in anger. She gave Deiran a withering look that had no effect on the man. “Because I want to see if you are as cold and callous as you appear. I want to see if you have the heart that you alluded to the other night. I want to see if you are more than just the arrogant wanker you appear to be.”

Tebrianne took a step closer to Deiran so he could see the venom in her eyes. “Let me put it a different way, Deiran.” The music was gone from Tebrianne’s voice. Tone and timbre had given way to a harsh edge that could cut like the sharpest Klingon d’k tahg, a weapon with which Deiran Casey was intimately familiar. “You drop your charges against AC, and I won't tell Commander Sterner or Admiral Pressman you tried to kill yourself.”

Deiran’s fire shifted from his heart to his eyes. The power of the man’s muscles could be seen in his bulging veins. No one blackmailed Deiran Casey. Tebrianne saw his anger, knew she had struck a cord inside him. She stood her ground.

He wanted to hurt her, strike back with words that would rip her open and tear her heart out. If he had not spent the night with her a few nights ago he would have. But, she was more than just another woman to him. She meant something to him, even though she just hurt him with the words she spoke. Deiran would not return the favor. He experienced too much pain in recent days and didn't desire for her to feel the same.

“Why would you do that? Betray me like that Teb?” Deiran asked softly, almost a whisper. He made sure Teb saw the hurt in his eyes, that she'd put there. But there was a gentleness to the words he spoke.

Teb allowed her own eyes to soften with Deiran’s words. She saw the anger flash in his eyes, quickly replaced by pain. He made sure she saw the pain. Her anger flared again at Deiran’s manipulations, but Teb kept it contained.

“Why should you deserve mercy when AC deserves none?” Tebrianne whispered. “All I asked was for you to let AC off for hitting you, and you got upset that I'd even consider asking. You say that the number of people that don't like you has doubled in the last couple days, right? If that bothers you so much, do something that might make them like you again. Show them that you have a heart and can forgive AC for hitting you. Don't crucify a man for a moment of indiscretion.”

*Everyone seems to be crucifying me for one moment of indiscretion, why not AC?* he thought better of voicing his thoughts. He knew he could have Tebrianne in the corner whimpering for mercy if he wanted. But, he cared for Teb. He was torn by guilt, by hatred and by passion.

“Teb, there’s three people on this ship and five people in the entire Universe who could get me to relent when I'm determined to do something. I'll tell you who they are. Miran, Lara, who can't speak yet and you. My mother and Alexa being the other two.”

He stopped, smiling at Tebrianne. =/\= “Mr. Albrecht, I'm dropping all charges on Lt. Hewson. Let him out of the Brig. Let him know if the bastard ever hits me again I won't be so generous. Casey out. =/\= The Comm was disconnected and he looked Teb in the eyes.

“Is that to your liking?” he asked her, flashing his charming, dashing Casey smile. “It’s done Teb. Official, he’s probably already out by now. But let me ask this question? Why? Why did you ask this of me? You were willing to blackmail and hurt me in doing it? Why?” Deiran asked. In between the words his smile turned to a painful expression. Clearly crushed that Teb would think of hurting him.

“I didn't want to blackmail you, Deiran,” she said, looking down at the tops of her boots. “I don't know if I could have when it came down to it, but I had to try to get AC out of the brig. When you said no and jumped down my throat, all I could think of was trying to find some leverage to get you to budge. All I could think of was your suicide. I apologize for that, but I needed something to crack through your stubborn exterior.” Teb forced a smile and moved toward the door. She paused before exiting and turned back toward Deiran. “Thank you, Deiran. I didn't want to hurt you. You're one of my mates. But I care a lot for AC…I have for some time. What I didn't know was that he had feelings for me too. I've got to dash, they'll need me on the bridge in a few. I really hate working gamma shift.”

Deiran smiled at Teb as she walked for the door. He always let his feelings rule when it came to the women in his life. If he had been playing poker with Teb or even his own mother he'd strike for the kill and win. But, in everyday life he let his guard down and he was putty in their hands. Tebrianne had him figured out, just as Miran and Lara did before the Mess. He hated it!!!! He was a softy deep down, Teb knew it, Miran knew it and so did his mother, sister and his daughter.

“I can understand that, I'm not commanding gamma!” Deiran replied with a sly, flirtatious grin.

Teb smiled at Deiran and stepped through the door. A passing ensign stared at her as she passed him giggling. “Sorry mate,” she said. “I just got Deiran to let AC go. I'm a bit giddy right now.”

The man nodded and hustled down the corridor. Teb stepped into the turbolift.

“Bridge, you wonderful computer, you,” she said.

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

New Friend
Chief Counselor Dallas
Bartender Jack Locke

After the Staff Meeting, Karyn returned to her paperwork, hoping to put a dent in it before her appointment with Dr. Gakor, who had been under a lot of stress due to her recent uncovered memories as well as other stresses relating to her job. Karyn was glad she could be there to help Endris. There were times Karyn sometimes found herself in need for someone to talk to when she was stressed.

As she reviewed the reports, she found herself reviewing what had happened in the staff meeting. All in all it went well, the new counselor, Leslie Wilson, seemed like a nice person and she was looking forward to working with her. Currently, she and Lexana were working on the psych profiles Karyn had asked to be done on the crew.

After a couple of hours, she soon heard her stomach growling and decided it was time for a lunch break in Ten-Forward.

When she entered Ten-Foward, she immediately recognized Jack Locke, the new bartender on board. She had read his personell file. She liked to be familiar with all the new crew. He was busy with another officer at the moment so she waited patiently while thinking of what she wanted for lunch. After a few moments, he came to her table to take her order.

"And what can I get you today ma'am?"

"Please call me Karyn, ma'am is so formal." Karyn said with a smile.

"Nice to meet you Karyn, my name's Jack. What would you like?"

"I'd like a grilled cheese with lemonade, please."

"Coming right up!" Karyn laughed. She liked Jack, he seemed very outgoing and friendly. He returned a few minutes later with her food.

"Mmm, she said with delight, "this smells wonderful! Would you care to join me?"

"Sure. Business seems to have slowed down anyway."

"I haven't seen you in here before. Where do you work?"

"I'm the Chief Counselor. Life has been hectic since SI showed up. I haven't had much time to come here lately."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. This ship's been buzzing with all the recent activity. My daughter Trish is fascinated by it all."

"Ah, yes I've heard many wonderful things about her. She is doing quite well in school and her teacher says she seems well adjusted to her new surroundings. Maybe we could all get together sometime, I'd love to meet her."

"Yes, I'd like that."

The conversation continued as she ate. He reminded her so much of Alan. Both were easy-going and down-to-earth. He seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say. Karyn could also sense there were some things he was reluctant to talk of. She could see it in his eyes.

Karyn was not going to force him to talk. If he wanted her to know, he would tell her in his own way. Karyn knew all too well there were things you just couldn't let go. Yeah, like Alan, thought Karyn. She still wore the promise ring he gave her the day he left. She just couldn't take off. If she did, it would mean it was over and she just couldn't face that.

She finished eating and put her dishes in the trash receptacle. As she was leaving she said, "Thanks for the company, Jack. I really enjoyed talking to you. Maybe I'll see you at your daughter's next recital."

"Sounds great." said Jack.

Karyn left Ten Forward, in a great mood. She was glad she decided to take a break. She had just met a new friend, one she hoped to see again sometime.

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

She needed some time to balance out all of the thoughts in her head. The only way to do that was to work up a good sweat. Full Delphinians can't sweat, but Ronni and her siblings were only half Delphinian. They sweated all too normally. Dressed in her pink leotard and black tights, she entered the gym and got to work on the balance beam routine K'arta had created for her. She had yet to complete it successfully. Now, she was thinking about Greer, phased torpedoes, and a little of all. Some sweat would work that out for her. She got to work.

Sweat dripped onto the balance beam, right between her hands. Bending sideways from the handstand, Ronni did the splits onto the beam. She arched her back and leapt to her toes. Holding for a second, she took a deep breath and launched herself forward. Cartwheel, back flip, stick. She wobbled slightly, but regained her balance. Preparing for the dismount, she raised her right knee almost to her chest, and both arms over her head. Step, walk over, forward flip, . . . . . slip. Her left foot slipped off of the beam. She fell with the whole weight of her body on her right clavicle, before she fell to the floor. There was a loud snap.

"Arrg!" she cried though clinched teeth. The room was spinning.

An Ensign from Engineering came running up. "Do you need help?" he said.

"Uhn. Yes, actually. Just help me stand." she said as sweat and tears rolled down her face.

"Can I walk you to sickbay?" he said helpfully.

"No, thank you. I can make it. Thank you." she said with as much of a smile as she could muster. He nodded and watched her as she headed for the door.

Ronni headed straight for sickbay. She felt like she was going to throw up. She held her right arm up against her, and cradled it with her left. She almost wished she had accepted the Ensign's assistance.

She entered into sickbay and saw Lt. Endris Gakor. "Endris, I had a little accident." she said as she fainted dead away.

"A Relaxing Calm after a Tempest of Days"
by Doctor Endris Gakor
with Chief Counselor Karyn Dallas
and guest victim Lt. Matthew Albrecht

*** Lobby, Counselling Office ***

Endris walked in to the reception area of the Counselling decks. Ens Zrama was shuffling Padds at the desk, looking a trifle miffed at having to preform such a pedestrian task. Gakor was certain Bruce would rather be plying his Betazoid telepathic talents to assist patients. Thinking a moment, the Tellarite pulled a Betazed Alpfruit from one of her voluminous pockets. Since she was off-duty, Gakes had taken the opportunity to relax in a azure Tholian Silk robe. The cut was a bit alluring, and the young Betazoid did more than one double-take as Gakor was admitted to the office.

The Alpfruit sat on the desk, shifting color and texture of its skin from pale silver-grey to blue, and all colors of the spectrum in between. Leave it to a Tellarite to find the edible offspring of the plant used to create traditional gift boxes. When Endris was shuffling her hooves into Karyn's office, the man grabbed the juicy treat with a big smile. Maybe his day wouldn't be so boring after all.

*** Counselling Suite ***

The aperture of Karyn's office opened to a big surprise. Mozart's symphony #40 in G tooted out of the speaker, and a male harem of a sultan's stature was pampering the Counselor on a wide velvet divan! A burly hunk in a G-String presented a basket of peeled grapes to the spoiled human. "What in Cuisine's name?" Endris said, obviously exasperated by the unexpected surprise.

"I knew you needed to relax, Gakor. Isn't this integrated holo technology wonderful?", the counselor explained as a construct offered her more of the peeled grapes. "Actually, its a bit spooky", Endris replied recalling the reason for General Order 4 (forbidding contact with Talos 4) that had been recently declassified. Intentionally venturing into a holodeck was one thing, but seeing holographs spring into being where they weren't expected was something quite different.

The wave of enuics parted, revealing a full sized Tellarite mud bath! "Still, it can't hurt to follow your suggestion", Endris said plunging into the troff of warm slop after disrobing. "Ahhhhhh! Invigorating!", she exclaimed. "I want you to enjoy yourself and relax", the Counselor soothed. "How have you adjusted to remembering your brother Tuskcan?"

"It has been difficult.", Endris confessed. After swallowing a gulp of air, she elaborated "I find myself denting punching bags at the gym. And I've sent platoons of holographic attackers to their holo graves."

"Those are excellent ways to deal with anger", the Counsellor said, wheeling her mobility chair towards the mud bath. Her attendants pursued her with long plumed fans that brushed and tickled her lightly with their feathered ends. "However, they are only temporary at best. They don't deal with the root of the problem. If you had to use one word to describe how you feel now, what would it be?"

The Tellarite paused wiggling in the mud for a bit and racked her brain before replying "Feasastied". "I see." The Counselor fibbed, consulting a Tellarite dictionary to determine the exact meaning of the term. "So you feel at once exhausted, depleted, and in need of proper nourishment."

"Yes Counselor", Endris smiled, pleased that Karyn had the gumption to ask such a personal question. "Has this negatively impacted your work in any way?", the human asked, determined to help now that Gakor was loosening up.

"In one case. Lieutenant Commander Cassidy Lyle from Star Base 74. He refused his physical when he came aboard. It took a confrontation to lure him to sickbay, where I discovered he was afflicted by Xenopolycephina. I had to put him in stasis, since the cure can not be replicated. We have to return to Federation space before he can be healed."

This appeared to worry the human Counselor a bit, and she fidgeted in her wheelchair. "I understand. How could you have handled the situation better?", she finally asked.

"Well, the Commander was quite belligerent. For a moment, I suspected he might be an alien in disguise, because of his poor attitude and boarish behavior. Perhaps I should have used a treatment once employed by Admiral Mc Coy on the wife of the Teer of Akaar."

"Which was?", the Counselor frowned. Her medical history courses did not cover the depth that a doctor's might. The Counselling program focused on psychology and healing mental impairments instead."

"A right cross."

Karyn tried to suppress a smile as best she could and was only partially successful. She had heard about Lt. Com. Lyle before and if what she had heard were true, she couldn't really blame her for decking him. As a counselor she couldn't condone violence. Still, this was an interesting situation. Karyn knew Endris wasn't the sort of person who would usually resort to such tactics. It appeared this was just another example of how this was affecting her.

"You would think to repair the situation by escalating violence?", queried the human, more curious about the new transformation than shocked. It was normal for those dealing with pain and anger to lash out at others when they felt helpless in other situations. Added to the other stresses of late, it was no wonder the immunologist was on edge.

"Snacks!", Gakor expelled. "I never thought of it that way!".

"Let's approach the problem from a different angle. You placed a difficult patient in stasis to preserve their health. This is a good thing, since he will survive to heal later. That only leaves us with a Tellarite who is Feasastied. As a Doctor, what would you prescribe?"

"Oinkus, prepared from scratch!", she said immediately. "But first, how good are these holographic floosies at Shiatsu? I could use a good massage." Gakor said rising from the bath and towelling off, then dressing. The computer accommodated her request, as one of the burly hunks pinched and teased her flesh as the music changed to Beethoven's booming Fifth. "Bum Bum Bum Bum", Gakor hummed as she melted into the massage table.

Karyn longed for a massage herself. Sitting in her chair all day long took a toll on her muscles and joints. Every night she usually had her personal assistant stretch her out right before she got in bed. Since she'd been promoted, she'd had little time to devote to herself. It was a sacrifice she was willing to make because she loved her job.

"Please don't hesitate to talk to me if you ever need an ear. It doesn't have to be anything formal, we could just go have a drink together."

"Thanks, Karyn." Endris said sincerely. After the man finished soothing Endris's muscle tension, the Doctor excused herself and headed out to fix a meal from scratch.

But where should she go? The woman had many choices. Her quarters? 10 Forward? No. She wanted something special. A picnic in the Arboretum? That had possibilities which made her hesitate for a moment. Then the immunologist got a playful idea.

=Computer, where is Lt Matthew Albrecht?=

=Muffin is located in the security office= *Muffin? since when does the computer substitute nicknames when responding to commands?*, Gakor thought.

=Since I reprogrammed it to recognise your voice and alter its response=, the computer chided in Albrecht's voice after a clairvoyant seeming 5-second delay.

=Computer, reset responses to normal parameters.= Gakor did not want to stop to explain her creative friend's prank of reprogramming its responses every time someone noted the discrepancy.

=Anticipated, Gakes. Unable to comply. Reset restricted to Muffin's voice print only= The computer responded in Matthew's voice. Gakor vowed to corral him later and change it back before the rest of the crew started teasing her about it. *This is bound to start rumors if too many people notice*, Endris imagined. Meanwhile, she thought about what she had learned from the machine and smiled. Perfect. He was on duty and would not be off for a half hour. Gakor turned and headed to his quarters. There was more than one way to prepare a retaliatory surprise.

*** Albrecht's Quarters ***

Gakor paused at the entrance to Matthew's quarters, remembering the 'acting' the infuriating human had pounced on her back on Earth. She realised she hadn't visited here since he had moved to bigger quarters after his last promotion. Endris tapped in the code he used to use in his old apartment, and the doors slid open. *Thank goodness for small favors*, she though as she preceded into the unknown.

A wall length holovid of the Alaskan Tundra and the Albrecht estates poised above an art-deco couch. There was a small, 1 gallon fish bowl containing a pair of goldfish, which solved the riddle of where he kept the cat fish before slipping it into the mammoth tank in Gake's own room.

Endris moved over to the replicator and dialed up fixings for cajun Earth delicacies, recalling from memory the recipe she donated to Shamus Sisco. While she was merging the ingredients into a feast, the Tellarite noticed a Horgon on a shelf above an assortment of Tellarite trinkets. *Jemajeron*? Endris could not resist, replicating appropriate attire and tools. She changed into the Risan robe and placed steaming plates of food on a Japanese table with ceremonial green tea. Her robe was modified a bit for personal preferences, blue Tholian silk cut to show a bit of bacony cleavage, and a ornate fan hand-painted with Chinese designs.

=Computer, when does Albrecht's shift end?=

=Lieutenant Albrecht's shift is complete in 3 minutes.= The computer responded in its normal manner and voice. Apparently, the human security agent had flagged the machine to reset after Gakor's first set of exchanges with the device.

=Computer, initiate site to site transport, 2 minute delay. Bring Matthew Albrecht to this location.=

=Working. 2 minute delay set.=

=On second thought, Cancel Transporter command. Contact Ens Gary Trabuco.= Site to site transport was a dangerous procedure. Endris did not want to risk her friend arriving in a scrambled state.

At the academy, Gakor had studied centuries old tales of alien abductions. This led her to the transporter idea. But now that she thought better of it, she conspired with Gary and Ensign Salt to have him 'arrested and confined to quarters' under the presumption he wasn't getting enough rest.

Trabuco and Salt were 2 humans that were stoic enough to act like Vulcans. Once they agreed to participate, Gakor knew they would drop off their human package and depart in silence.

She wondered what other 'fantasy games' Lt. Albrecht would like to play. Growing up on Tellar, he would probably enjoy some culinary ones. Sink the Sausage, perhaps? Taste the Tuna? Polish the Salami? Baste the Bush? The possibilities were fascinating enough to make Endris salivate!

Matthew arrived under escort. "Gakes?" he stammered. "What are you doing in that skimpy outfit?" Without rising to the bate, she steered him to the Jemajeron table, digging into him with the Risan massage technique. "Quiet, Muffin, or I may have to eat you!", Endris teased.

"I might like that, Doctor", Albrecht moaned. As the massage continued, the Horgon slid off the shelf and broke on the floor, unnoticed in their passion. Tekka music crescendoed in the background as Gakor discovered a particularly sensitive zone on Matthew's body. The mood was spoiled a bit with a sudden eruption of white sauce, but the pair managed to waddle through the relaxing experience without further incidents.

Endris and Matthew cleaned up and enjoyed the Oinkus and tea ceremony Gakor had labored over. Both seemed considerably more relaxed before the festivities. "Starvation!", Endris said glancing at the chronometer. "It's time for Nilani's meeting! She wants you to come, so we can hear about your progress with the holo program."

The 2 got up from the comfy couch and headed out to meet with the rest of the rescue team. Before they got to the meeting hall, Gakor recalled she had to go to sickbay to spring Ens D'Auria. Albrecht continued to the meeting, while Gakor vered off to Sick Bay.

"Iced Mocha"
By: LtJg Lexana Ral
Junior Counselor
USS Galaxy
Reviewed by Capt Price
and Lt Albrecht.

Lex was sitting in Ten Fore with Ensign David Lister from the Counseling Dept and LtJg Theresa Gilliam from Engineering. She was staring into a cup of iced mocha and not really doing very much else.

Ensign Lister was talking excitedly to Theresa. "Someone has a crush!" Theresa mocked.

Lister picked up his coffee cup " I do NOT" he sniffed

Lex looked up sharply "Then why do you keep talking about him?" she asked with a half-raised eyebrow

"Well... if a man like .. that walks into here wearing skintight leather trousers.. I'm sorry but!.. I mean you don't often get to see a..."

"Yes.. thank you Dave.." LtJg Ral smiled and took a sip of her drink

LtJg Gilliam was laughing out loud.. she banged her fist on the table "You're such a player. Who was it last week?"

Lister gave a smug little grin "Ensign Kwor"

Lexana choked violently on her iced mocha, causing Theresa to erupt into more giggles..

"Wait.. Wait.. he was dating that girl from" She argued

Ensign Lister smiled "WAS Lexana, WAS."

"You're kidding me?" she said with a mouthfull of ice LtJg Gilliam nudged her in the ribs.. "You wait.. He'll be after Casey next"

"Now THERE'S a challenge!" Lister's eyes brightened

"Give it up Dave" Lex snorted. "You couldn't get a date with T'Kal or Casey"

Lister sighed "Well.. one challenge at a time.. I have mine for the moment"

"You're not serious?" Gilliam exlclaimed

"Indeed I am... I can't get the image of his muscles rippling underneath those skintight leather pants out of my mind.. I wonder what he looks like without.."

"SO!" Lex interrupted "Are we ordering dinner or what?"

"Good timing.." Theresa whispered

"But those purple eyes .. Oh Lex.. COME ON.. Don't tell me you aren't mesmerised by them?"

"Actually..no"

"You know Dave.. darling.. there's only "one" man for Lex" Theresa purred

"Yea..one at a time!" Lister cackled

"Oh SHUT UP" LtJg Ral glared at them

There was an uneasy pause untill Ensign Lister appeared to pick up something..

"Ah.. Lex?" Lister hissed

"Yah?"

Lister nodded his head across the room.. LtJg Ral looked up and saw Lt Brady coming into tenFore.. He appeared to be looking for someone. Lex remembered the fight they'd had before and really didn't want to get into another arguement right then.. "See you guys later" She hissed and ducked out of the exit on the opposite side. "She was walking backwards, half running, when she went plowing into Lt Albrecht and trampled one of his feet. Albrecht leaned heavily against a wall and tried not to cuss.

"OW" He said after a second..

"Oh Crap.... Sorry Lt. .I"

"Ms Ral.. where are you off to in such a hurry , and looking in the wrong direction I might add?"

"Is your foot allright?'

"Lex?"

"I'm.. avoiding someone.. I didn't break it did I?"

"No.. And who might you be avoiding my friend?" Albrecht smiled as the aching in his foot was beginning to wear off

"Personal .. Sir" Lex looked behind her, then looked pleadingly back at Lt Albrecht

"Ahh.. I see. Well seeing as I didn't see you.. I guess I can't tell anyone you trod on my foot now can I?" he said with a sympathetic grin

It took Lex a moment to work this out.. "THANK YOU!" She beamed at him and resisted the urge to give him a hug.

"Well? What are you waiting for?"

Lex didn't need a second urging.. she pegged it down the corridoor, and safely installed herself in the Counseling Offices.. Only to find LtJg Dallas smiling at her and awaiting an explanation as to just why she'd missed the Counseling Staff meeting ealier.

"Rage"
by Ensign William Foxtrot
Security

He felt the fire build up inside of him. A feeling he knew all to well. A feeling that his father helped control. It engulfed him and burned the away at his soul. He knew his Rage was coming back. He Beagn to furiously lift the weights. His mind wandered off into a zone. Back to the kids who made fun and started rumors about him. The thought he truly didnt know who his parents were. Then the thought that did it, the thought that he is still alone. What made it worse it was by his own doing he was alone. He knew that in his quest to the best, he couldnt be slowed down by anything, or anyone. It took over he threw the weights down and punched the wall. His worst enemy had returned.

He stopped and went to both knees and began to meditate to control this feeling. He kneeled there concentrating on things that made him happy. The only thing that was there was his fighting and reading. After an hour he finally surpressed the rage. He opened his eyes and looked at his Tatoos his reminders of who he is to his Mother and Father. Who and What he is to this ship. He stood up.

"God your Pathetic William!" He said aloud.

He grabbed his shirt and jacket and headed for his quarters. When he arrived he cleaned himself up and prepared himself for duty. He went to his console and prepared a message:

To The couseling department,

I am in need of a Listening ear and some advice. Please get in contact with me and let me know when I can get an appointment.

Ensign William Foxtrot

"Computer send message."William stated

[Your message has been sent to the Couseling Department] The computer answered in the drab and uncomforting voice.

"I better hurry and get to the cargo bay and meet back up with the Ambassador and Chen" William stated as he zipped up his jacket.

He left his quaters and ran for the turbolift to go to the Cargo Bay. He felt a little reassured that someone will finally listen, but also listen to see if he was crazy. He smiled at that thought. He entered the Turbolift and said his destination. The turbolift stared to head the to the cargo bay.

He arrived and went to the cargo bay doors and took up a position and waited for them to come out. While he waited he had a little fun having a staring Contest with the SI guards.

"True to form"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

On the main view screen of the USS Galaxy, the image of the lurking Cardassian built Dominion Battleship hovered in space.

"Closing within weapons range Admiral." Lieutenant Sharp relayed.

Pressman parsed his lips for a second, savoring the moment. "Sound battle stations Commander." He reminded Joerg.

For the second time in so many hours, Commander Sterner pressed the Red Alert button on the armrest of the command seat. The red klaxon began to warble in the back ground almost immediately. "Battle stations. All hands, battle stations, this is not a drill." Joerg repeated into the comm system. His voice echoed through out the ship as the crew made their way to their assigned stations and safe areas designated for just such times.

"Forward torpedo room reports the weapons are armed and loaded Admiral." Lieutenant Thomas relayed from the Operations station near the front of the bridge.

Pressman gave his chin a slight jog indicating he was pleased things were all set. "Be sure you record all of this Lieutenant. Starfleet Command will definitely want to review the logs."

"Aye sir." Chris responded. The Galaxy's sensors had been recording all movements the Battleship made anyway. But Chris double checked, just to be certain.

"Lock forward torpedoes on target. Stand by to jam all communications upon impact." Pressman reminded.

Behind the command well, Lieutenant McKenzie called out, Torpedoes locked sir."

Pressman's eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at the gigantic enemy battleship. Finally he gave the order. "Fire."

*****

*** Cargo bay two ***

Having just finished the modifications to the remaining eight torpedoes, Lieutenants Mercury, Erikson, and Ensign Nog were all gathered around the small view screen near the rear of the bay. Nog, as he always liked to do, had punched up the Galaxy's forward view screen display so the busy Engineers could keep apprised of what was happening. When the red alert klaxon began wailing away, the Ferengi and the other Starfleet officers, including the SI operatives, Lieutenant Chen and Ensign Foxtrot from Security, and Ambassador Tomalak, began paying more attention to the tiny wall monitor. Currently the engineers were gathered around the screen. Ambassador Tomalak, finally expressing more than casual interest in the going ons in the Cargo bay, extracted his butt from the seat near the far wall where he'd been sitting for nearly six hours. The security officers accompanied the Romulan Warbird Commander and stood by watching the display with the others.

"Looks like we are closing for the assault." Erikson commented.

The short Ferengi nodded slightly. Being smaller than the others, he managed to get closest to the screen without too much trouble. Nog stared up into the monitor with hopeful eyes. "Now we find out if our work was for nothing or not." He commented.

A spread of ghostly looking phased torpedoes sped away from the USS Galaxy on course for the target. Just as before, the full round of torpedoes flew true to course, striking the target. But unlike before, this time they behaved as designed.

Six multi-colored explosions erupted from within the massive battleship. Large, circular blast rings radiated outward from the focal point of the internal explosions. It was an odd sight. Normally a photon torpedo punched a physical hole through the outer hull and defenses of a ship, allowing a large backwash of the matter anti-matter explosion to plume outward like a flame. But these explosions looked different. There was no weakened outer hull bulk heads or violated shields to allow the blast to kick back out of. Instead the explosion distributed itself through out the enemy ship, causing the outer hull to ripple and buckle in large circular rings, not unlike underground demolitions testing. The hull darkened, and in spots stress cracks ripped outward from the expanding blast.

A cheer roared through not only the Cargo bay, but it seemed, the entire starship Galaxy. The new phased torpedoes worked, though the damage this first round had done to the huge Dominion battleship hadn't destroyed her, it was merely a matter of hitting her a few more times before she would be destroyed. Lieutenant Chen was smiling widely, showing off his pearly white teeth. He glanced over at the Romulan Ambassador who was watching with interest the unique circular explosions that radiated outward from the enemy target. "So what do you think of Federation ingenuity now Ambassador?"

Tomalak was not as emotionally charged as the rest of the Galaxy crew, or Ensign Nog in particular who seemed to be jumping up and down triumphantly, but he did seem to have a slight grin on his face. "I appear to owe your people an apology Centurion." Tomalak began in a sincere tone, "It appears that you have succeeded where we have failed all of these years. Though I find that difficult to understand or accept. Still, the results are undeniable. It is a major accomplishment that you should all be very proud of." He smiled diplomatically.

Chen was smiling even wider now. Not only because the weapons worked and the Galaxy would soon be home, but also because he got to be there and hear Tomalak eat crow.

["Good work everyone. Admiral Pressman wants another full spread loaded up into the forward tubes ASAP."] Commander Sterner's voice sang out over the communications network.

Lieutenant Mercury tapped in. "I'll have my men load them right up sir. We just finished modifying the last of the phased weapons."

Almost magically, the cargo bay doors opened and a dozen crewmen from Engineering entered with anti-grav units in hand to grab another six torpedoes for immediate loading. The Starfleet Intelligence officers guarding the special weapons were a bit more relaxed this time since they had already screened all of these Galaxy crew members for access, plus now that the technology was proven it would only be a matter of time before the target was destroyed and they could all go home. The Engineers began fastening their anti-grav units to the torpedo casings and readying them for transport.

Ambassador Tomalak turned to head to the exit. "Well, as you pointed out earlier Centurion, now that we know these weapons actually do what they are designed to do, I should follow them from here to the launch tubes to verify they are in fact used as our governments have agreed."

Lieutenant Chen was still smiling over the imminent victory and the fact that the Galaxy scientists and engineers had one upped the Romulan government's research and development effort. "As you wish Ambassador." Chen nodded to Ensign Foxtrot who turned to accompany them to the forward torpedo tubes after one quick glance at the view screen where the Battleship was still showing signs of internal explosions.

The dozen officers from engineering quickly latched onto the six torpedo casings with their anti-grav units, and began guiding them out into the main corridor on a cushion of air, two crewman to each torpedo. It was true they were loaded with special phase cloaking equipment, but no one forgot that they were also massive matter / anti-matter warheads as well, even if their payload was slightly reduced from a regular torpedo.

Tomalak marched in step with the string of engineers that were guiding the weapons along. He walked with long deliberate steps in keeping with his rather large build. His arms resting comfortably inside the large sleeves of his metallic Romulan uniform which was a habit of his.

"So Ambassador, how do you suppose your government is going to take the news that the Federation was able to overcome the problem that your people were unable to solve on their own?" Lieutenant' Chen asked with a hint of smugness in his tone. With what he and Foxtrot had to put up with the last several days from the Romulan Ambassador about Romulan superiority, he figured Tomalak had it coming.

The Lieutenant's tone was not lost on the Ambassador. Tomalak glanced sideways at the security officer with hollowed cheeks before answering. "Actually I think they will be quite pleased." The Romulan glanced forward down the long corridor the engineers where neatly lined up in while transporting the weapons in a uniform line to the forward launch tubes. Abruptly the Ambassador stopped, startling Lieutenant Chen and Foxtrot. Tomalak glanced behind them, as if he'd forgotten something.

"What's the matter Ambassador, have you forgotten something in the cargo bay?" Ensign Foxtrot asked glancing back.

Tomalak smiled. "No. Not at all."

Neither security guard was quick enough to spot the small phaser the Romulan Ambassador had concealed in his sleeve. With a slight, fluid movement, he withdrew his hand with the weapon and fired point blank at Foxtrot and then Chen, striking each officer squarely in the chest and dropping them both in an instant. With the no nonsense expression of a heartless Romulan operative, Tomalak turned on his heal and began firing on the dozen unsuspecting engineers that had their backs to the Ambassador while going about the business of quickly transporting the phased photon torpedoes to the forward torpedo tubes for immediate launch. Tomalak stood by as cool as a cucumber as he picked off each of the twelve men and women from the rear forward, much like a hunter picking off a flock of birds by aiming at the rear and working forward to the leader. In the end, fourteen men and women laid on the floor of the Galaxy's deck, unconscious from the heavy stun setting the Romulan had the mercy to use. An evil smile curled onto the corners of Tomalak's mouth as he took a few steps forward and rubbed a wanting hand over the black casing of one of the special photon torpedoes and smiled. "I believe they will be quite pleased indeed." The Romulan smiled before activating a tiny device on his uniform. Within a second the Romulan Ambassador and the six hovering photon torpedoes dematerialized off of the decks of the USS Galaxy.

*****

The explosions had begun to subside on the Dominion battleship. Lieutenant Thomas had noted that the ship had suffered considerable internal damage, however none of the main systems had been adversely affected. Main power was still on-line, as well as weapons and shields which were now raised. Chris had done as the Admiral had ordered and began jamming the battleship's transmissions so she couldn't call for assistance. This deep in Cardassian space, that was the last thing the Galaxy needed.

"They've raised shields sir." Hunter called out from tactical. "Still no indication that they know we are here though."

Pressman nodded. His eyes were bright while he licked his lips... the taste of victory so near. "Good Lieutenant. Let's keep them in our sights. As soon as another round of phased torpedoes are loaded we will hit them again."

Spirits were high on the bridge. The new weapons had worked, but the reduced payload of the weapons seemed to have less effect on the relatively defenseless target than was initially anticipated. Still it was apparent that this sort of phased weapon technology had a definite advantage over conventional weapons. The phased torpedo casing rendered traditional shielding and armor obsolete. It was just a matter of increasing the payload or in this case, hitting the battleship with more phased torpedoes.

Several minutes past and the Admiral began to grow impatient. "What is taking so long for your people to load up another round of torpedoes Commander?" Pressman turned to Sterner and asked in a rather annoyed tone.

Joerg shook his head not knowing the answer. The crew of the Galaxy were normally very efficient at battle time drills like loading up spreads of torpedoes. It was not like them to be this slow, even with the extended distance these torpedoes had to travel to get loaded. Reaching across his chest, Joerg tapped his comm badge. "Sterner to Mercury. David, what's taking so long with getting the torpedoes loaded in the forward tubes?"

A moment later the Chief Engineer replied in a puzzled voice, ["I don't know sir. The torpedoes left here nearly five minutes ago. They should have been loaded by now."]

Upon hearing the Chief's response Sterner, McKenzie, Pressman, all had a puzzled look on their faces. Then almost at the same instant, Pressman and Lieutenant Thomas' face hardened in realization. Chris hit his comm badge first. "Lieutenant Thomas to Lieutenant' Chen. Please respond." A moment went by, then two before Chris repeated, "Lieutenant' respond immediately." Nothing.

Realizing why Chris wanted to speak to Lieutenant' Chen, since he and Foxtrot were guarding Romulan Ambassador Tomalak, Sterner asked, "Computer, state location of Ambassador Tomalak."

["Ambassador Tomalak is no longer on board the Galaxy."] came the dispassionate female voice of the computer system.

Pressman stared blankly at the view screen as he sat down in the XO chair, stunned by this news.

"Computer, state locations of Lieutenant Chen and Ensign Foxtrot." Lieutenant Thomas called out from the Operations station.

["Both officers are on deck 25."] the computer replied.

"Something has happened." Joerg declared.

"Tomalak has stolen the phase torpedoes." a stunned Pressman explained dispassionately while still staring off in the distance.

Glancing over at Chris who was sitting at the edge of the Operations station seat, Joerg jogged his chin indicating Lieutenant Thomas should go and check it out. On his way up the command ramp and to the turbolift, Sterner could just make out Thomas contacting security and instructing them to meet him on deck 25 near the forward torpedo room.

Commander Sterner tapped his communicator again, "David, we think something has happened to the last load of torpedoes. How many are there remaining?"

["Two sir.] Lieutenant Mercury replied flatly.

The answer sent a shudder down the Commander's spine and the Admiral's as well as they each made eye contact. For a long moment they stared at each other before Joerg responded to the open channel. "I want you and the remaining officers to arm yourselves and personally escort the weapons to the forward torpedo launchers. See to it that they arrive and are loaded up. Understand Lieutenant?"

["Will do Commander. Mercury out."]

Commander Sterner closed the channel then sat back down in the Command chair next to Admiral Pressman. The Admiral seemed rather distant and some what devastated over this turn of events. Joerg understood why. Being betrayed by someone like Tomalak was enough to ruin anyone's day. But Sterner had the lives of over one thousand men women and children in his hands in the way of the Galaxy's crew. They were well behind enemy lines, and still had a battleship to destroy before they could go home. "Admiral, I suggest we make these last two phased torpedoes count." He said plainly.

Pressman nodded, still contemplating how he was going to explain this to Starfleet Command.

"Sir." Sterner said more briskly, gaining the Admiral's attention, "Sir I suggest we target the battleship's main reactor with the remaining torpedoes. That's our best chance of destroying her."

Pressman shook his head from side to side. "Negative Commander." Turning, the Admiral stared Joerg straight in the eye, "That won't work. There is no guarantee that the torpedoes will penetrate deeply enough to damage the reactor core." After a pause Pressman continued, "We should target their warp engines and their primary weapons array. That will keep them from getting away, and give us a fighting chance at destroying them with conventional weapons."

Joerg glanced around the bridge of the Galaxy at the faces of the command crew. They seemed to be hanging on every word spoken. In the distance, the enemy battleship seemed to float in space as if taunting the crew to come after it. "Then I take it you intend to destroy the target at all costs Admiral?"

Pressman nodded one time. "That is correct Commander. Those are our orders and the President's wishes."

Commander Sterner pressed his lips together firmly. He had to respect that. For all of his brashness and off handed techniques, Pressman was always one to follow orders and the chain of command. His assessment of the effectiveness of the phased torpedoes made sense as well. The tactic of taking away the enemies ability to flee and attack with main weapons was likewise sound advice. The Admiral was not a stupid man. "You heard the Admiral." Joerg confirmed to the crew, "I want phasers fully charged and set at the ready. Load aft photon torpedo tubes with quantum torpedoes and prepare to load forward tubes with the same after the special weapons are launched. When the signal is given, we will deactivate the phase cloak and begin our conventional attack of the enemy target. Is that clear everyone?"

Joerg glanced around the bridge and could see that everyone was ready to carry out their duty. With a nod of mutual respect from Admiral Pressman, Joerg cocked his head a bit to one side, "Well then, let's do it 'mates." he declared in his best impression of the General he could muster.

The Morning After The Night Before
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Gamma Shift. Benedict stood at the tactical arch and watched the various readings cascade across the displays. The tactical data base interfaced with the sensors and the ships tactical defense systems to show various scenarios that fulfilled the current ships orders. If the Commander altered his instructions to helm or tactical, the computer would automatically up-date the scenario editor to show decision trees relating to the new instructions.

In Starfleet vessels, the variables in a combat situation were so vast, that the computer had to be used to simplify the process of combat - basically the Commander gave an order, and the computer worked out the details and flew the ship. Starfleet Officers only gave basic instructions through their consoles and the computer did the rest.

As the Tactical Officer on the Bridge, it was Benedicts job to choose from the list of decisions that the computer could be given from the tactical scenarios presented to him from the vast data base. Benedict and the rest of the tactical officers designed scenarios for situations, evaluated them, and included them in the decision process for the computer, should that scenario ever be encountered.

Basically they planned ahead.

That was fine for starship combat. Real life was much harder. Benedict thought through his current tactical scenario, and as he did so, his eyes wandered once again to the patch of red hair and the dark wavy locks of the woman sitting at the helm station. She was relaxed - her movements were fluid on the helm controls and Benedict noted that every-so-often she smiled to herself.

It made him smile too. It seemed that her present circumstances were settling down. She was no longer the main topic of conversation in the crew lounge. That was good. Benedict sighed and returned his gaze to the tactical arch. He was just dreaming. He realised that even considering asking her out to dinner was a fools' errand. She was a superior officer. She was a superb pilot. She was beautiful. She'd had Dieran Casey - a Lt Commander. What would she want with an Ensign like Benedict?

He thought back to breakfast with Cathy. She'd dropped in on him in his cabin this morning wanting to talk. They had shared a private meal instead of going to Ten Forward. It seemed that Cathy had heard a couple of Science squibs giggling about his evening meal with Betta. It seemed the gossips were targeting Benedict and the beautiful engineer for some of the same. Cathy had asked him if it was true. Had he been with Be'Tran M'Benga? After he had given her the cold shoulder?

Benedict had made it quite plain to her that no - he had not done anything with the woman, he did not intend to do anything, and she likewise was not interested in a romantic liaison - she was very much in love with a man called Jack D'Auria thank you very much - and he was interested only in friendship. They had a great time in Ten Forward because he found her interesting, charming, beautiful and terrific company.

He went on to tell her that he was looking forward to meeting Mr D'Auria - in fact he had every intention of inviting them around for dinner at the earliest opportunity. And as far as Benedict was concerned he hadn't given Cathy the 'cold shoulder' as she intimated. He had simply said that he didn't have casual relationships - with anybody!

The whole incident had made him uneasy - he was going to see if he could catch up with either Betta or D'Auria as soon as he could. To Benedict's mind it would be better to meet Jack first. If he was the kind of man that Betta said he was, then he would see through the gossip and realise facts for what they were.

He found that he trusted Betta's judgement - even though he had known her for a very short time.

Cathy had been upset. He realised how much she had invested in him emotionally, and it made him feel guilty. He had explained it to her. He didn't feel as if he had led her on at any time - why couldn't women realise that he wanted to be friends first - a lover IF something developed which was worth while! She had left crying.

For Benedict there had to be something more transcendent than sex. He shared a part of himself - a very private part at that! Benedict believed that sharing this intimacy with a person had to be founded on mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual need. Above all Benedict respected his own need - a need to be important in someone else's life, not just as an excuse to enjoy physical niceties.

Life was too short and precious to be wasted. He looked up once more and looked straight into the eyes of Tebrianne Bancroft. He'd expected to see her back as usual, but she had turned to reply to a question by the Shift Commander. It caught him by surprise and he stopped. He couldn't help it. He felt like a small animal caught in a trap for an instant. He smiled self-consciously and she smiled back - the lyrics of his song jumped out at him. She looked away and he was able to busy himself with the tactical displays.

'No way' he thought to himself, 'keep dreaming T'Kal'.

"Dinner's end" by Linda Shelton [shelton6316b@olynet.com]

Taleen is just finishing her leasurly dinner when the battle stations warning blares throughout the ship. Jumping up she makes a dash to sick bay and checks in with whomever is there.

Ensign Taleen Cyndanian, Medical Staff, USS Galaxy
ICQ # 14035112, Nickname - Karilla

Giri
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Benedict strode into his stateroom and peeled off his uniform. He threw the red and black material across his bed and stripped naked. He stared into his mirror for a second, seeing the glowing gold of the tiger wrapped around his body. He saw the reflection in his own eyes and looked away quickly.

He moved into the shower and ran it cold - ice cold. He stood leaning against the wall with the icy water pouring down his body and closed his eyes. The chill seeped into his muscles to the bone and after a few minutes he was shivering. He concentrated upon the sensation of cold, and let it move through his body bringing clarity to his mind.

He meditated upon the void and sought peace in its cold embrace. The chill was shut out. Sensation was removed. Sound vanished.

He sank to his knees in the running water and knelt unmoving, head bowed. The memories came flooding back.

He was standing in darkness; two of the Night Tigers moved to his left and dropped out of sight - totally silent in the whipping wind and far off thunder as it rolled across the plain from the hills behind him. Benedict surveyed the compound below.

It was a small garrison of Cardassian soldiers stationed in an old Bajoran temple. Benedict had chosen to attack this place as an example to the Cardassians that they may not befoul a Bajoran holy place without consequences. There were forty Cardassians here. There were also several Bajoran prisoners - all women by the intelligence the Resistance had gathered.

Benedict and the Night Tigers knew what the Cardassians did to women prisoners. The sky rumbled and a lightning bolt flickered in the low hills to the west. Benedict; standing on a slight out-cropping of rock above the compound was lit briefly by the flash. His upper body was bare, his face blackened by paint so only his violet eyes showed. The golden tiger tattoo blazed with the light - it leapt and moved with the lightning strike.

The ten Night Tigers gathered in the depression below and behind him saw the tiger flare - its eyes alive and its teeth flashing white out of the darkness. Benedicts' blade gleamed in his hand and his long hair whipped wild by the wind. They could feel his pagh - Tikaru was strong tonight! They exchanged knowing looks and nodded - The Prophets were with them - the night would belong to them!

They saw him leap as if diving over the cliff face, curling and twisting in the air as he vanished below them. They followed quickly but Tikaru was already gone - melted into the darkness below.

Benedict landed lightly twenty feet below the ledge - right behind two Cardassian sentries. His vibroblade flashed as he twisted between them; blood sprayed as a head rolled to the ground and the other collapsed upon the blade as it entered through his back and showed silver as it slid out his chest. Benedicts' hand clamped over the sentry's mouth preventing a cry. The Cardassian shuddered as the blade twisted and he died. Benedict lowered him silently to the ground. He flicked the blade clearing the blood

Benedict moved into the shadows. He watched as the other sentries were taken in twos by the other Night Tigers. The comlink embedded in his ear clicked the code for 'clear'.

Below he saw Neimen and Suder move across a clear space; they took refuge in the shadows beside the doorway. Benedict ran forward and stooped by the force field wall waiting for the signal. A second team was laying explosives in a small power rely station a kilometre away. It would take thirty seconds for the back-up generator to replace the field - enough time for the team to slip inside. They waited. Benedict sheathed his blade and took a hand phaser in each hand. The work inside the building had to be hard and fast.

Lon Suder grinned at Benedict in the darkness. The facial camouflage made him look wild, and his eyes were like two cold pits. Lon was a new member of the Night Tigers - he had joined the small band of Bajoran warriors a month ago. He was a Marqui, and had joined them to enlist their aid in the growing troubles over the impending treaty between the Cardassians and the Federation.

Benedict was being persuaded to join them by Alayessa; she was being drawn into the arguments put forward by Suder - it seemed he was very persuasive. They were close to the end - Benedict could feel it. They would win at last. The Cardassians were showing the signs of withdrawal. They just needed to be pushed a little more.

Suder insisted that a group as renowned as the Night Tigers would bring influence to the Marqui, and would bring Bajoran favor upon the rebel cabal. Tikaru's support would bring Bajoran support. The Cardassians would also take the threat of the Marqui more seriously as Tikaru's name preceded him, and would become a banner for a large sector of popular support.

Alayessa pressured him to follow his warrior spirit and make his name even more feared amongst their enemies. She would not allow him to forget where he found her. In a pit of her own filth, half-drowning on Cardassian effluent, chained like an animal. She still burned with rage and he was powerless to curb that flame within her. He loved her desperately, and if she really forced the issue, he knew he would follow her. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her.

He looked over his shoulder and saw her crouching close to the force field wall - a phaser in her hand and her Bat'leth slung across her shoulders. She wore black body paint across her shoulders and face - her long hair pulled back severely and her body clad in black leather body armour. She was in her element now. She was looking at him, and she smiled and nodded - the silent reassurance in the communication between them needed no words. The seconds ticked by.

Benedict glanced back at Lon Suder; he didn't totally trust the man. He was cold. Even the other Night Tigers felt the man had no heart. Benedict's band had all lost someone - some of them had lost most of their families - they were all devoted to Tikaru. They were all fighting for their people - for life - for the promise of hope - if not for their children, then for the children that would be born in freedom. Suder was fighting because he enjoyed it. He killed because he loved it.

Two weeks ago he'd slit the throat of a Cardassian and watched him slowly bleed to death - he'd also made the Cardassians small daughter watch the spectacle. He had cut the girls eyelids off, so that she was forced to watch. Just before the Cardassian Prefect had died he watched as Lon Suder had strangled the girl - she had been about six years old. Benedict had learned of the act of brutality from a Bajoran woman who had cowered away from the assassin, believing him to be one of Tikaru's Tigers.

Benedict had been restrained from killing Suder by Alayessa. She had demanded he let the issue go, as the Cardassians were guilty of far more brutal acts. Benedict had raged at her over the issue. He did not countenance the murder of children - not for any cause!

Some of the other Night Tigers were not so sympathetic of the Cardassian killings. But Benedict's word was law - there would be no more child killings. Benedict resented the mans presence in the group - he was prevented from acting on his desire to get rid of him by Alayessa. She had argued that Suder was the way into the Marqui - without him they would not be able to keep up the fight. It was important to her.

Benedict looked at the man now. He was smiling and testing the keen edge of a combat knife with his thumb and waiting like the rest of them for the power to fail. He nodded to Benedict - he knew Benedicts distaste of him, and he envied Benedict. He wanted what Benedict had - loyal followers and a feared name.

The power failed - and the force field fluttered and dropped. All fifteen Night Tigers struck at once. Neimen bypassed the door electronics and Benedict went in first followed by Suder and Alayessa.

Benedict rolled sideways as he sensed movement in the periphery of his vision and fired by pure instinct - the phaser beams lanced out and sliced a Cardassian sentry - the beams were set on seven and the energy vaporised three quarters of his chest cavity before he could scream. Another Cardassian entered the small room and staggered as Alayessa's Bat'leth ripped his left arm off at the elbow and slammed into his throat - lifting him bodily off his feet. She cast the Cardassian off her blade with a casual flick of her powerful arms and he stared in disbelief as his life gushed out the jagged rent in his throat while he lay sprawled at her feet.

They could here sporadic firing from outside as the other buildings were being invaded. Benedict and the four with him were headed for the prisoner compound deeper within the temple. They moved through corridors of stone, passing through several rooms, killing Cardassians as they found them.

They came to a larger space occupied by a large golden disc set upon a raised dais of stone. Arches and stone columns lined all four walls. There were two Cardassians crouched beneath the disc and they opened fire with disruptor rifles shattering the door and a section of wall as Benedict and Alayessa dived through. Lon Suder opened fire with his phaser rifle and provided covering fire until Benedict reached the side wall.

Neimen ran in and was cut down almost immediately by returning fire. The Disruptors were set to maximum - their effects on a human body were frightening. Neimen exploded and his flesh, blood and bone splashed over the walls, floor and ceiling. Benedict was covered in blood as he broke cover and fired at the Cardassians. One went down, and the other dived for cover. Alayessa rushed the remaining Cardassian.

It was a mistake. The soldier was a veteran. He knew exactly what he was doing. He rolled and brought up his weapon as Alayessa made her rush. His feral grin and shout of exultation clearly showed that he knew he had her - point blank range. Benedict saw it in her face, saw it in the way she tried to shift sideways, saw his life about to end with his love.

Lon Suders combat knife was flying already - Benedict was blocked by the large golden disc and couldn't get a shot, Suder was behind it also and he didn't see him throw the blade. By the time Benedict cleared the obstacle he saw the haft of the knife sticking out of the Cardassians forehead. Alayessas Bat'leth took his head a split second later.

Both Benedict and Alayessa turned to look at Suder. Benedict nodded his thanks and Alayessa grinned and shouted at the dead Cardassian officer. She kicked his head away from her with savage glee.

The water beat down upon him as he pulled away the curtains of memory. It was cold and he was shivering. He stopped the water and climbed out of the shower. As the water ran from his body he looked once again at his image in the mirror. It had been a long time ago.

Benedict had been cast back in time - it had taken him several hours to remember where he'd seen the face. The young engineer was a lot like his older brother. Seeing him momentarily in the corridor had not triggered the recollection until much later. He had known Ethan Suder's brother Lon. He had despised him. But he owed him. It was a debt of obligation. It had been the obligation that had drawn him into the Marqui.

Because of Suders' brother he had lost Alayessa. But that could not really be blamed solely upon the man. He had saved her life first. Benedict had owed him - and Lon had known it. He'd used it!

Benedict hoped that the young engineer was not like his brother. He wondered if the younger Suder knew what had happened to Lon. He wasn't going to upset the young man with tales of his brother - but still - Benedict owed a debt. Giri.

He would have to talk to ensign Suder.

"The action begins"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Acting Captain, USS Galaxy

Joerg was sitting on the Captain's chair and was waiting. Waiting for a signal from Engineering or Tactical that the two remaining phased torpedoes have been loaded and were operational. Waiting to finally give the order to attack and destroy the Battleship. And waiting if the Galaxy was able to destroy such a huge ship without being eliminated herself.

Joerg thought that this feeling wasn't uncommon at that very moment on the bridge or somewhere else on the ship. For all the people aboard the Galaxy knew that at that very moment their destiny was about to be decided. No more 'hide and seek'. The moment the last phased torpedo was fired upon the Battleship, the Galaxy would decloak and attack with conventional weapons. From that moment on she was vulnerable to all the weapons the Battleship has still left and at that moment the Galaxy would be able to detect.

No doubt the Cardassians would send reinforcement once they detected them on long range sensors. Should that happen, they could only pray that they could destroy the ship before the reinforcement has arrived. The Galaxy certainly wouldn't stand a chance against the Battleship and a group of Cardassian and Dominion ships at the same time.

That was the bitter truth, but as far as Joerg could interpret the looks on the bridge crew's faces, they had to succeed. If not for themselves, they would do it for the safety of the Federation and their families. At that moment Joerg knew exactly how Captain Price felt in such situations and he too was proud to have such a great crew.

Another thing that puzzled him was the missing torpedoes and the also gone Ambassador Tomalak. While the disappearance of Tomalak didn't really bother him very much, the combination of those disappearances did worry him. If the Romulan Ambassador had stolen the six phased torpedoes there was no telling what he'll do with them. The only thing that he was happy about all this was that not he would be held responsible but Admiral Pressman, since it was him he brought the Ambassador on board the ship in the first place.

Before he could finish that thought the comm system came to life.

["Mercury to bridge."]

"Sterner here. Are the preparations complete?"

["Yes sir. The last two torpedoes are armed and loaded."]

"Great. Thanks Lieutenant." and with that Joerg closed the channel.

Joerg stood up and turned to Lieutenant McKenzie.

"This is it. Now we'll see how much this ship could take." Joerg said to Hunter.

"Target their warp engines and their primary weapons array." Admiral Pressman again stated, to make sure there was no mistake, since they couldn't afford to lose another torpedo.

"Target locked, ready to fire on your mark sir." Lieutenant McKenzie announced.

Pressman stared at the view screen and then ordered, "Fire!". Hunter pressed the button and the two torpedoes left the Galaxy's bays. Everyone on the bridge was waiting for the next things to happen. Everyone was quiet, if it wasn't for the sounds from the computers and the red alert klaxon, one could have heard the proverbial pin falling on the floor.

Then the torpedoes hit their targets. Lieutenant McKenzie was the first to report in.

"Sir, we have destroyed one of their warp nacelles and the primary weapons array. They are dead in space and unable to defend themselves except for the lateral arrays." Hunter pointed out.

"Well, let's see how good this ship really is. Prepare to disengage the phased cloak and to fire photon torpedoes and phasers at that ship." Pressman ordered and sat down beside Joerg, who already was seated again.

"Ready." Lieutenant McKenzie replied.

"Do it 'mate." Joerg ordered, doing his Captain Price impersonation for the second time that day.

The Galaxy shimmered and flickered and suddenly was plain visible again. The Battleship's crew instantly reacted to the new situation and started to fire upon the, compared to them, tiny ship. Fortunately the Galaxy's shields were already up again, so the first attack wave of the Battleship didn't hit them very hard. In return the Galaxy fired their phasers and a volley of photon torpedoes back on the Battleship. Although all the weapons the Galaxy fired upon the Cardassian ship hit, the effects they had on the ship itself was very minimal.

Sitting in the Captain's chair Joerg began to wonder if that ship was stoppable with only their conventional weapons and if it was how long it would take them to do so.

Computer Voice "Current time is 0500 it is time to wake up." James roles over after at the point the computer becomes annoying and he has to get up. "Computer Lights on and kill the racket" James gets up and begins getting ready for duty.

Once ready he heads down to the Main Janitorial room. Neglecting to check his message. As he gets his cleaning cart ready to start the daily Cleaning and polishing that keeps a starship clean Another Ensign enters.

"James what are you doing hear."

"Good Morning John, Well I am on the Cleaning Roster this week."

"What you haven't checked the billet board this morning."

James gets a curious look on his face. "No I haven't it hasn't changed since I came aboard. I will check it this afternoon."

John Shakes his head. "I think you better go check it"

James sighs "Alright I will be right. back."

Looking at the board He does a double take when he sees his name listed for having been promoted from Janitor to Security.

Thinking to him self *I don't believe it My billet has opened. I Didn't figure it would open for months.*

There is a note Report Security at 0800. With a big grin on his face and almost Mowing down a few people in the hall he makes for his quarters to change from the coveralls to his duty uniform. At exactly 0755 James enters Security.

James knocks on the office door. When Told to enter He steps in Salutes the figure at the Desk.

"SIR. Ensign James Scott reporting for duty Sir."

***

Ensign James Scott USS Galaxy Security

" Computer: location of Ambassador Tomalak? " Sunder queried as he strode down the corridor. He had a few questions for the romulan advisor.

" Ambassador Tomalak is currently in Engineering. " The computer dutifully responded.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

The romulans' decision to enter had been heralded as the best news of recent. The cooperation of the two governments had been seen as a new weapon, more advantageous than the most explosive torpedo, phaser or anything else the boffins at Starfleet could have come up with. Diplomatic overtures with the romulans in war-time even hinted at the promise of positive cooperation in the eventual peace that was sure to follow - well, for the most optimistic of analysts, that is. And now, Tomalak was on board the GALAXY with a gift of a new weapon wrapped up in technology to use against the Cardasssian Empire's newest symbol of their alliance with the Dominion.

The enemy of my enemy is my weapon.

But Sunder knew how romulans thought and how they perceived their Federation neighbours. The romulans left Vulcan and embraced the spirit of war rather than the soothing comfort of logic. Both were warlike races, lost in the passion of martial conflict, but the romulans controlled their emotions instead of suppressing them and learned all the many faces of war.

To them warfare was a science rather than the battle-lust that gripped the Klingons. It was a careful process of advancement based on the many faces of war: deception, intelligence, mastery of technology, tactics, ars strategicas maximus - the art of the grand strategy.

Klingons regarded romulans as having no honour - which wasn't true. The romulans understood honour, but to them it just was a consideration that didn't figure into the great equation. Honour was something left out of the battlefield and reserved only for their own kind. Honour to an enemy was ludicrous and the romulans had no allies.

The enemy of my enemy is alone.

Sunder mentally cudgelled himself for not spotting it sooner. Why would the romulans risk giving the Federation advanced technology, unless they knew they were going to get something out of it themselves in the end? Sunder knew that the cloaking device on board the USS DEFIANT was restricted by the romulans for use in the gamma quadrant only - a proper example of how sensitive they were about giving away their technology. The same had to apply here.

They had had cloaking technology for hundreds of years, and only in the last couple of years - decades after the Federation already knew how to duplicate the technology - were they prepared to give it up. Why were they ready to give phase technology away so readily?

The GALAXY wasn't meant to come back after its encounter with the Cardassian battleship.

His pace quickened into a run, bolting down the corridor to the nearest turbolift. As soon as he spotted one, he cleared it of its occupants, forgetting to excuse himself.

" Engineering - Deck 25 - emergency speed. " He commanded. The turbo-lift accelerated immediately, as if sensing it's occupant's haste.

He checked his phaser, setting it for stun. He felt sure that the ambassador would cooperate, but he wanted to make sure. Although he relished the opportunity to forgo its use and bring the romulan into the security deck by the scruff of his neck.

The door slipped open and he stepped out...

Engineering was filled with men and women strewn about the deck, hopefully unconscious. The weapons alert was sounding off, indicating that an energy weapon had been discharged on the deck. Moreover, Sunder saw that the phase torpedo casings were empty ... and there was no sign of Tomalak.

He was too late.

" Damn! " He swore out loud. " Sunder to Bridge. "

" Sterner here. What is it Ursa? "

" I'm on Deck 25. The entire staff are unconscious and so are Tomalak's security detail. " He knelt down to quickly examine Chen.

" Are they alright? " Sterner asked.

" They look like they're just stunned and I'm betting the rest of the crew down hee are okay too. There's a weapons discharge alert - looks like Tomalak had a disruptor on him. "

" I thought security was supposed to look after that, Mr. Sunder? " Came Admiral Pressman's voice over the channel. Sunder scowled but ignored the sarcasm otherwise.

" There are empty torpedo casings. It looks like Admiral Pressman's guest has flown the coop and taken our eggs with him. Probably a low-signal transporter. if so. there's a Romulan ship in the area, it would be best to advise tactical to scan for a romulan cloaked vessle in the area. I thought we were alone on this one admiral? " Sunder said.

Pressman's silence indicated that the security officer had scored a hit. Sterner's voice came back on the channel.

" Commander, you'd better get defensive stations ready. "

" We're going in anyway? " Sunder asked incredulously.

" We have our orders, Mister Sunder. Get a move on. "

" Aye. " Ursa replied. There was still something wrong that he couldn't put a finger on though. " Sir - you'd better get a relief crew down here in the meantime. I'll get medical down here to take care of the wounded. "

" Copy that Sunder. "

He signalled for sickbay.

" Sunder to sickbay. "

" Sickbay - go ahead. "

" Medical emergency in engineering. Multiple phaser blasts - looks like heavy stun setting. About thirteen casualties plus. " He couldn't belive that Tomalak was that good a shot.

" Affirmative, Commander. "

He checked the various stations with a quick overview to check for any signs of obvious sabotage. The wily romulan was obviously capable of more than what everyone had figured on. Seeing nothing he waited until the medical staff could arrive, keeping an eye on the engineering staff, trying to make them as comfortable as possible and ensuring that there were no obvious or major reactions to the disruptor blast.

The enemy of my enemy is my tool.

Three precepts of romulan warfare that applied in this case. But he had a nagging itch at the back of his head. A suspicion that he couldn't voice out loud, that he could only keep to himself until the proper time. He stopped a nearby med-tech.

" Your medical tricorder crewman, do you have any further need of it? "

" Uhh, not at this time sir. "

" I'd like to borrow it, if I could? "

" Sure sir - you'll have to let the CMO know about it though. " He handed over his medical tricorder and returned to transporting with the patients and other medical staff.

Sunder took the tricorder - he knew how to basically operate the unit. Just like everyone else, he'd taken rudimentary training on the unit at the academy. At least he knew how to determine who was human, and who was romulan.

Pressman.

He'd set the scan from a discrete distance when he got back to the bridge. And then he'd see just how alone the romulan had left this enemy.

"I Can't Let You Go"
by Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga
after aproval by Ensign D'Auria,
and review by Cpt. Price

Ensign M'Benga was sitting with Numa Taurean in the 10-Forward lounge. They were having drinks and jokes, laughing merrily.

With their second round of drinks, they tunred their topic to more serious matters. Be'Tran told Numa about her impromptu visit to Deiran Casey's quarters, and how she wanted to help get his marrriage to Miran back on track.

"Do you really think you ought to interfere?" asked Numa.

"Well," said Betta, "I do want to help. Remember, I talked to Miran a couple of times on the Caledonia."

Numa took a deep drought of her drink, something cold in a frosted mug. "That doesn't actually make you a marriage counselor, Betta. I mean, you don't even approve of marriage!"

"For me." responded Be'Tran, "But it means alot to Commander Casey. And, from what I could tell about Miran in the shuttle; it means alot to her too. Or, at least it did then."

Be'Tran played her finger around the edge of her mug. Her thoughts wandered to Jack. She hadn't seen him in two days. He had walked out of the science lab, and off onto another plan. One that would no doubt save the Galaxy from some dangers, if implemented (or at least, so much was her faith in Jack's ideas); but it had left her all alone, without him, for two whole days... and nights.

She had dined with Benedict T'Kal. She had even rejected the idea of sleeping with him, to be loyal to Jack. Her thoughts on monogamy, at least, were changing; maybe her thoughts on marriage were to.

If she could help save the Casey's marriage; which once had been filled with love and trust, maybe she would more respect the institution it's self.

"Well," said Numa, breaking Betta's concentration on her own thoughts, "It's your choice, my friend. But, I dunno, I think I'd leave it up to the Counseling staff."

"Maybe you're right." said Be'Tran, her thoughts wandering back to Jack D'Auria.

She could picture him in her mind. His youthful, handsome face. His strong physique. His eyes. Those eyes, everytime Be'Tran looked into them, she felt her life was starting over fresh.

Suddenly an image intered her mind. It made her sit up streight, staring out. Numa looked behind her suddenly, as if she expected to see a Jem Hadar warrior behind her.

But it wasn't there that Be'Tran's gaze was fixed. It was within her own thoughts and feelings. She suddenly saw an image of Jack. A collage of images really. Some she didn't understand. She saw a plane; and old Terran attack-aircraft. She saw Jack. He was in the craft, or seemed to be.

She saw the craft appear to go down. She saw Jack again. This time he was lying on the floor of a room she recognized as very real and very close to home. A holodeck. The black/gold grid of the blank holodeck was unmistakable. Jack was in the holodeck.

He was lying on the floor, as if asleep; but he was not sleeping. Be'Tran saw blood. Blood! His blood! It was coming from his face... or rather his nose. There seemed to be so much of it.

Be'Tran stood up suddenly. "What is it?" asked Numa, excitedly.

"Jack..." Be'Tran answered, her voice barely above a whisper. She rushed from the table, toppling it slightly, and sending Numa's drink into her lap.

"Hey!" Numa called out. But the tall Klingon was gone from 10-Forward in a flash. "What the hell." Numa said aloud to herself, trying to clean spilled drink from her uniform.

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

Be'Tran rushed down the corridor from 10-Forward, and tried the nearest turbolift. The doors did not respond, and she knew the liftcarriage was in use. Almost in a panic, with the image of a bleeding Jack D'Auria emblazoned in her mind; she ran on.

Nearly knocking down two red-shirted officers, and a lieutenant in a blue tunic; she found a turbolift. The doors gave way, and she plunged into the car.

"Holodeck... holodeck," damn, her Betazoid link with Jack D'Auria hadn't given her clairvoyance enough to see the number of the holodeck Jack was in.

"Computer. Current location of Ensign Jack D'Auria." she asked, her voice a desperate squeek.

*Ensign D'Auria is in Holodeck 4* responded the ever-reliable Galaxy computer.

"Thank you," Betta replied, then she ordered the lift to Holodeck 4.

All during the ride in the turbolift, she could not get the picture of Jack out of her mind. Lying on the holodeck floor, bloodied. Something deep inside her told her this was not a holodeck accident. She knew that Jack had flirted with the holodeck failsafes in the past. But there was something more terrifying about this image. Something she was almost afraid to face... but she had to. For Jack!

The lift stopped, and the doors opened. She bounded out of them like a woman posessed. Had anyone been in the passage outside the holodeck, they would most likely have recoiled in fear of the sight of her. She was on fire with desperation. Her angziety over Jack had awakened her Klingon blood, and she was wild.

She glaned around hastily, then proceded to the holodeck entrance. She checked the holodeck readout to confirm that no program was running. She hit the opening stud on the doors control pannel.

The holodeck opened for her. The doors groaning open on their massive hydraulics, all too slow for the desperate Be'Tran M'Benga. She squeezed in between them when they were half-open.

On the floor was Jack D'Auria, lying with a pool of blood around his head. Betta rushed to his side, and knelt down beside him. She radeled him in her strong arms, to find that he was concious.

He looked up at her. "Betta?" he said weekly.

"Yes, yes!" she exclaimed, "It's me Imzadi. I'm here. I'll help you.", tears suddenly filled her eyes. What could have happened to him. Her tears fell on his face, and he blinked his eyes rappidly.

"Betta... Betta." He slipped into unconciousness.

Be'Tran immediately held him closer to her, the blood from his nose staining the front of her uniform. She cried, and whispered to him; "I wont loose you, Jack. I wont let you go. I can't let you go."

She tapped her commbadge. "Ensign M'Benga to sickbay. Medical emergency!" her voice cracked through her tears; she sounded hoarse.

"Gakor here, what's the emergency?" came the Tellerite's firm voice over the comm.

"It's... it's Jack."

"M'Benga. What's wrong?!" Endris was growing impatient. If there was a medical emergency, she wanted to get in there and correct the situation.

"We're in holodeck 4. I just found him." replied Be'Tran.

"Who?"

"Jack, Jack D'Auria. He's had some kind of accident. He's bleeding from his nose, and from one ear, I think; or both ears."

"Alright, M'Benga," responded Gakor, "Stay calm; I'm sending a trauma-team down."

"Nooo!" Be'Tran wailed, holding Jack's unconcious form closer to her. "That'll take to long! Please, beam us to sickbay... Please!"

Be'Tran seemed so distraught, Gakor didn't know what else to do. She ordered the transport, and began preparing her equipment... including something to relax the desperate M'Benga.

~ David Lyles ~
a.k.a. Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga
Engineering, USS Galaxy
e-mail; burgoyne48@hotmail.com
or; sa_3_16@yahoo.com

"Romulans and Bad Days"
by Lieutenant (jg) James Chen
Security Officer

The Romulan moved fast. Chen barely noticed the weapon before Tomalak fired. He had been moving to stop him, but it was too late. Chen shook his head as he pushed himself up into a sitting position against the wall. Foxtrot and several others were still unconscious. And it was his fault. "Computer. Where's Ambassador Tomalak?"

*Ambassador Tomalak is no longer on board the Galaxy.*

Chen slapped the wall angrily and winced from the pain in his chest. As he took a breath, he felt a sharp pain. He gingerly felt it and found he had a broken rib. He closed his eyes as he heard several people running to his location. By the time they arrived, he was blacking out again.

He awoke in Sickbay. A nurse was looking him over when he came to. She saw him wake up and smiled at him. He groaned. "What's the news?"

She started checking his vitals. "A high-powered phaser wound. You've got some burns and a broken rib. You were pretty close when he fired that thing."

Chen shook his head. "Can I go?"

The nurse shrugged. "Well, one of the doctors will have to approve it, but I don't see why not."

The nurse went and got one of the doctors, who cleared him to leave Sickbay, but told him he was off-duty for a while. Chen was more than happy to oblige. Since he was ordered to watch Tomalak, he had been forced to pull a double-shift. He could use some sleep. But first... "Computer, what's the location of Lieutenant Lexana Ral?"

*Lieutenant Junior Grade Ral is currently in her office.*

Chen nodded as he walked down the corridor. He approached the doors to her office and tapped the door chime. "Yes?"

He took a deep breath and stepped inside. "Hi, Lex."

She looked up, surprised. She composed herself and stood up from her desk. "James. What are you doing here?"

He smiled at her and shrugged. "I was in the neighborhood and...Well, I came for a reason, Lex. I've been acting like a jerk recently and I'm sorry. Ever since they gave me that medal, things have been all wrong."

"What's the matter? I would've thought that you'd be happy for getting this medal. I mean, I was at the ceremony. What you did on the Honorable was truly incredible."

Chen sat down on the chair across from Lex. He took a deep breath and looked back up. His eyes were pained and haunted. "Okay, you want to know what happened. I'll tell you. It's something that nobody but me, John and Lucas have ever known."

She leaned forward. "Are you telling me this as a counselor or a friend?"

He shook his head. "Neither. I'm telling you. Lexana Ral. Not the counselor, not my friend. Just you. Make your own decisions when I'm done. When we get back I'm going to go to Command with this. Do you want to know first?"

She nodded. "Yes. Tell me."

Chen sighed and rubbed his eyes. He looked back up. "Okay. Here goes."

To Be Continued...

(Don't you just hate those?)

"It gets more interesting"
USS Galaxy, Secruity Ensign Talen Valkyre

Talen's shoes made a soft clicking noise against the floor as he walked down the hallway. He was going to his quarters when he recived the transmission that security is to report to Deck 25. Talen almost broke into a dash as he ran to the Turbo lift. The doors slid open with a small swoosh and closed almost immediatly when he was in.

"Deck 25"

The lift started up as he stood there and check his phaser. Set on medium stun, he having just finished a program at the Holodeck. Before having a chance to change the setting the doors opened revealing a site. A dozen if not more Engineering officers lay stunned on the ground. Quickly Talen checked each one to make sure they were at least breathing. He noticed some other officers attending to other people.

While they did not give him any orders he preceded to do a little investigating. He looked around examining each of the marks on the bodys. Tomalak had taken about 5 of them by suprise as he noticed the burns on their backs. When the other rushed him he simply had to pull the trigger. Talen fingered his Phaser, how he would love to find out what this...Tomalak could do in combat face to face with him. He walked up to the Forward Torpedo Launcher Room doors and they slide open quickly. The Engineers all turned around and looked at him. He walked in and looked around. One of the engineer's asked him

"Where are the torpedo's?"

Talen's eyebrow arched.

"Torpedos?"

"Yes a group of officers where bringing a some special torpedo's here"

A frown came over Talen's features.

"They where ambushed by a Romulan named Tomalak. He took the torpedo's"

Some of the engineer's gasped, other's had looks of horror over their face. Talen walked out of the Torpedo Room with no more words said. In the corridor he found that many of the people where awake or had been taken to sick bay.

"This is getting better by the minute" he mumbled to himself.

Girding For War
Ensign Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Benedict leaned over the View Table in the Tactical Office and watched the small symbolic images taking shape - the Galaxy was moving on an intercept course after launching her spread of phased torpedoes.

The display changed and the sensor range circles clarified as the Galaxy dropped out of cloak - they were registering on the Cardassian Battleships sensor array. The phased torpedoes had bitten deep - scored hits on their warp nacelle and weapons systems, but not enough to kill her.

Benedict ran the schematics on a side screen and matched the images to several tactical trees moving across the computers interface - the Battleship had lost 60% of her combat firepower - but still had more than enough to take the Galaxy. The sensor scans matched up with another sub-routine of tactical data and the computer showed him a revised image of the Cardassian ships arcs of fire.

The lateral arrays were still functioning, but Benedict saw that a revised intercept path would cut a further 30% from its ability to bear on the Galaxy. He transferred the data directly to Lt Hunter on the Bridge and to Helm Control.

=/\= "The Workout" =/\=
by Matthew Albrecht

~~~~~~~~~~ GYM 0400 hours ~~~~~~~~~~

Gary Trabuco grasped the bar lightly, ready to lend his strength in the event that his partner were to lose control of the heavy weight. His attention was elsewhere, though. Two young ensigns were running past, both women wearing close-fitting clothing that inspired his imagination. The small track circled the gym, allowing him to watch them for most of their short circuit. When they passed behind some tall mechanically-assisted full-body workout equipment, he blinked, allowing his eyes' natural moisturizing abilities to prevent dehydration and eventual blindness. The two ladies reappeared a moment later, and he resumed his unblinking stare. A wolf-like whistle escaped him, low enough that only Matthew and a few nearby men heard. At the next bench, a muscular Bolian crewmember nodded agreement. A Vulcan man, jumping rope briskly nearby in his spotless workout suit, snorted quietly with disdain for the barbaric spectacle Gary was making of himself.

The bar began to wobble, catching the young security ensign's attention. "Whoa there, Matthew. How many reps was that?" he asked, lifting the weight up and onto the rack above his friend's head. He noticed perspiration streaming down the lieutenant's forehead and onto the resilient floor beneath the bench.

His friend replied, "Well, I could probably tell you it was... four hundred... and you wouldn't know the difference," he tried to exclaim, but only managed to state. "Your neck nearly fractured... the way you turned it around so far to watch those girls!" Matthew reached for a towel, and wiped his face. His mouth hung open for maximum airflow.

Gary tapped the panel attached to the weightlifting bench. It beeped and trilled, while Trabuco frowned, "Got your heartrate up too high on that one, buddy. Better watch it next time. You're starving your muscles for air. They're not going to grow stronger if you starve them!" He was the expert of the two, making up for his various faults with an encyclopedic knowledge of body-building. Months before, he had adopted his friend Matthew Albrecht as his first pupil. He considered himself the master, and Albrecht his apprentice.

Matthew grunted between breaths. "I keep telling you, I don't want them to get bigger. I enjoy the fitness, but I don't want to look like your 'Arnold Schwartzkoff!'" The assistant security chief was proud of his new build, but didn't want to jeopardize his diving. "I keep telling you, Gary, you never see mesomorph championship divers."

Gary looked stricken, "And I keep tellin' you... it's Schwartzenegger! Schwartzenegger!" Gary's personal goal was to achieve the level of physical sculpture his hero had when starring in Gary's favorite two-dee movie, 'Conan the Barbarian.' He added, "Besides, you're too old to be a champion diver, so what does it matter? At least you won't be a flabby old man now that I'm lookin' out for you."

"Ha!" Matthew countered, dismissing the ensign's comments with a word. "I was in fine diving shape when I came to the Galaxy. AND, you should know that seventeen years ago, a fifty year-old Terran woman held the Federation Brotherhood Games diving medal for three successive years."

While Matthew lectured, Gary twirled his finger in the air and mock-whistled, rolling his eyes. He was rewarded for his sarcasm with a sweaty towel in the face. They added some weight to the bar, and switched places, so Matthew could spot his friend for a while.

~~~~~~~~~~ On duty ~~~~~~~~~~~

He spoke rhetorically to the air, "Counseling department wants to do a psych review of the ENTIRE crew??" With everything that was going on aboard the premier Galaxy class starship, he supposed it made sense to evaluate the mental state of the personnel; however, he could think of few things less convenient. His first thought was of the reports he would have to file to assist the counsellors. The second thing to occur to him was that he hadn't spoken to a counsellor since he transferred to the Galaxy. Heck, ensign Ral was the only counsellor he seemed to regularly interract with, and she wasn't even the one assigned to Security officers!

Mistakingly assuming that his question was directed at her, Heather Sanchez replied to him from her locker a few feet away. "The chief was informed a week ago. Only NOW they're requesting departmental records," the lovely and tough young officer clarified. She had a tendancy to leave her jumpsuit halfway unzipped. She looked good in gold, and knew it. Her forcefulness was somehow appealing to the mild-mannered lieutenant. He remembered how they had not gotten along very well at all when he first joined the team. He tore his attention away, to begin compiling his data packet for the men and women of the counselling department.

His comm badge chirped while he tapped away at his console. 'Commander Casey's voice came out of the unit with an irritated and commanding tone, "Mr. Albrecht, I'm dropping all charges on Lt. Hewson. Let him out of the Brig. Let him know if the bastard ever hits me again I won't be so generous. Casey out." The Second officer signed off the channel without giving Matthew a chance to respond, apparently trusting the subordinate to do as ordered without further instruction. Matthew was taken aback by the lieutenant sudden commander's change of heart.

Sanchez dropped the belt she was strapping low across her hips, she was so surprised. She said, "Did he just say what I thought he just said? The 'Iceman'?"

Albrecht felt the same way. "If he did, I want verification and a record. Computer?" he called out, and received the beeping reply. "Computer, replay the personal message I just received." The computer responded affirmative, and replayed the message.

"Mr. Albrecht, I'm dropping all charges on Lt. Hewson. Let him out of the Brig. Let him know if the bastard ever hits me again I won't be so generous. Casey out."

*Well,* he thought, *I wasn't imagining it.* "Computer, authenticate the origin of that message, and append the message and the authentication code to lieutenant Hewson's internment records." The computer reported the identity of Deiran Casey as the sender of the message, and promptly fulfilled its orders. Matthew looked at Sanchez and said, "Well, this whole situation becomes more and more interesting every day!" He headed for the brig, to release AC. He would then contact Ursa to determine if he wished to pursue charges against the lieutenant without Casey's support. He hoped the 'commander would agree with Casey on this occasion.

Lt Matthew Albrecht
Security Officer
USS Galaxy NCC-70637

"Sanitarium"
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey

Looking out into the dark, foreboding expanse of space. A huge battleship was engulfed in flames. Intact and dead in space… but alive. The Galaxy had done considerable damage to it’s hull. But even then it stood like a defiant behemoth in the night, protecting it’s territory and clinging to life.

Deiran held his gaze on the dying ship. He hoped it was dying. His eyes were intense as he looked upon it, his hatred for the Dominion evident in his eyes. The war had gone on too long. Much too long. Deiran had lost way too many friends and it effected him, more than he wanted to admit.

He was standing to the left of his bed, his face reflecting back at him from the 2 layer 9 inch thick glass as he watched the battle from his Quarter’s viewport.

He turned away. If he watched anymore his desire to go to the Bridge would be overwhelming and that wouldn’t go over well with Cat and Dev. But he desperately wanted to get involved but knew he could not. He was a caged animal. And it was driving him crazy.

Thus his quarters had become a sanitarium.

The only thing that seemed to calm him, taking his mind off his problems, was music.

He had replicated a new electric guitar. One of his own design. The quality of the sound was unmatched. It had the best of today’s technology with the simple styling of yester-year.

"Computer search musical database for a band called Metallica. A song entitled, ‘Sanitarium.’ Take out the lead guitar and play the rest of the piece so I can play along."

The computer complied and the music began. But it wasn’t loud enough. "Computer turn music up to level 9," he asked, knowing it would be quite loud. The walls were soundproof, but still the bass noise reached the guard outside his quarters.

The door opened from outside. Astrid Salt shocked by the darkness in the room and the noise level that was berating her ears. "My lord, what is that? Are you okay Commander?" Ensign Salt asked.

"Yes, sit down and enjoy Astrid. Let me play a bit for you," Deiran smiled.

Deiran stood up and kicked in right on cue to the music. Deiran’s fingers moved along the neck like wind through the leaves of trees, effortless and natural. The sound, although very cool to Deiran drove Astrid crazy.

The music took over, Deiran had played the piece before. All his passion, all his frustration, his pain, his problems and his sorrow flooded from his soul as he played each note.

And then mercifully for Astrid it ended. Any guitar player would have loved the classic song, but few in the 24th century understood or liked the piece. It was still music for a rebellious spirit. Music that fueled emotion with each note.

"Commander, that music is for particular tastes. Certainly not for me, but you seemed to play it well. I’ll be outside," Salt replied as politely as she could, her head pounding.

All Deiran did was smile.

Time to lighten things up a bit. "Computer, search for the song ,’Sorrows And Tears’ by the early 24th century band Teylar."

[Searching…musical selection has been found.] the computer had allot of songs to file through.

"Play at sound level 7," Deiran asked.

This music was more ethereal. More introspective. It was like seeing a rainbow colored nebula, but hearing it instead of seeing it. Strictly an interpretive piece, performed with 24th century instruments. It was modern with a touch of classical influence from ancient Earth. It was best described as "haunting" and perfect for the space traveler.

Deiran listened to Mozart. Tchaikovsky. Beethoven, Dvorak. All his favorite pieces. He even replicated a flamenco guitar and played a few of the classics. He even played Greensleeves.

He then listened to some Klingon Opera, "Kahless’s War Song." And his other favorite Klingon piece "The Hunt."

Then he went back to the 20th century rock songs he enjoyed so much. They’d been forgotten over the centuries, but were still fun and spoke of life and went perfectly with what he was feeling.

He started listening to entire albums. Third Eye Blind. Mariah Carey. Charlie Parker. B.B. King. Jonny Lang. The Cutting Edge.

He sang the words to "How’s It Going To Be" and played it on his acoustic.

I’m only pretty sure that I can’t take anymore
Before you take a swing.
I wonder, what are we fighting for
When I say out loud, I want to get out of this
I wonder is there anything I’m going to miss

How’s it going to be
When you don’t know me
How’s it going to be
When you’re sure I’m not there

How’s it going to be
When there is no one talk to
How’s it going to be
‘Cause I don’t care
How’s it going to be

When we used to laugh
There’s a shouting match
Sharp as a thumbnail scratch
A silence I can’t ignore

Like… The hammocks and the doorways
We used to spend time in
Swing empty
Don’t see lightning last fall
When it was always about to hit me
I guess that’s how it’s going to be

Want to get back in it again
The soft dive of oblivion
(words and music by Stephan Jenkins & Kevin Cadogan)

It was a strange melody, but mimicked Deiran’s thoughts and pain. A song of break-up and separation.

Deiran knew the measure of his loss. His only escape was hope.

A few hours from now he’d be in the same room with the love of his life. He hoped Dev could help them somehow. But, he just wanted Miran to look at him again, to speak to him. To touch him. To love him again.

He put aside his acoustic guitar and walked to his bed. Getting dressed in his night clothes and then laid on the bed. His head hit the pillow. The feeling of loneliness gnawing at him. Miran wasn’t beside him. He couldn’t roll over and snuggle up beside her. She wasn’t around to cuddle with him for warmth. Her breathing gone, the smell of her hair absent. And the only time the bed moved was when he moved. All the signs of loneliness were there, he felt them all. Each little thing cut him, shredding his soul. He did fall asleep. But he received no rest, his repose full of tormenting nightmares of somber loss.

*Sitting in her quarters Dallas stood in front of the mirrorr, trying to get a diffucult headpiece in , a look of concetration on her face.."

"Ahh there , I finnally have it. Perfect!" Dallas thought.

The headpiece sparkled in the light, part of it was on her forhead then wrapped in her hair and then she had put her hair up. Dallas then went and chose an outfit (She never wears a uniform) Dallas chose a light golden brown outfit , it was a pair of silk pants, a shortsleveve shirt, that then had a long, coat typ ,it was something you wore with an outfit. and then she chose a pair of , black highheals. Once Dallas was ready she then went over to the replicator, and orderd some breakfeast.

Councelor Dallas Walker
USS Galaxy

After eating a nice breakfeast, Dallas went and looked in the mirror..she never really did like her silver eyes, and as a little girl had gotten teased cause of them, and not to mention the white streaks of hair that she has...sigh.. she had gotten from the shock of Zeph dying.

Would she ever find love again? who knowes.. she hopes she would someday.

The hairpiece sparkled in the light, as Dallas moved around her quarters, and went looking for her shoes..

"Damn , can never find them when you want them..there they are" Dallas said to herself.

As she put on her highheals , she thought..

"I feel old , but I am only 35"...That is why she needed to be around people , she loved being around people. And she loved helping people too. She wanted to meet some more of the crew , one of the things one of he Betazd teachers had taught her , was to always get to know the crew.

A bright and wlecoming smile on her face Dallas headed out of her quarters , she had a pad in her hand and decied that Sickbay would be her first stop and headed in that direction....

USS Galaxy
Councelor Dallas Walker

Times Past
by Lt Endris Gakor

*** Science Lab ***

Endris looked down at the alien artifact that contained remnants of the T'Kon and Iconian empires. It was becoming apparent that the Iconian food machine worked by opening a minute 'sieve' in space, grabbing raw ingredients for any recipe off of Tellar or one of its colonies, then assembling them at the present location. There was a section of the glyphs that discussed adjusting for larger feasts, which Gakor assumed would require a bigger 'sieve' or hole to pull the food through.

But she couldn't find any material that told her how to change the 'destination' of the portal. It seemed it was permanently fixed on Tellar and their famous Cuisine. *Snacks*, Endris thought. *If we can't change the spacial coordinates of the gateway's terminus, making the orifice larger would not be much help.

Ronni had stopped by earlier, and had done the preliminary work on the interface to the transporter. Copying the tablets into the computers memory, Endris decided to venture down to Cargo Bay 1. Medical supplies were stored there, and it was at the far end of the corridor from the bay SI was using as their private domain.

Endris could duck in, test the transporter, and come out minutes later with a cart of supplies for Sick Bay. The diagnostic cycle did not take much energy, and would not be noticed unless something out of the ordinary occured. Endris could take the time to upgrade the biofilter in the transporter. Since this Cargo bay was dedicated to medical storage, the doctor had the necessary codes to access the device. Those nosy SI goons wouldn't even suspect her real reason for visiting the deck was to access the transporter. Not one of them would think of using it for more than a routine diagnostic in deep space.

*** Cargo Bay 1 ***

It didn't take much time for Gakor to plug in the isolinear chips into the proper sockets. Ronni had thought ahead and color coded them. 10 minutes after walking into the bay, Endris was ready to test the apparatus to see if it functioned as expected.

*If anyone looks at the Transporter logs, they will notice it has been used*, Endris thought. *I probably need some way to cover my experiments. Perhaps something in the cargo manifest....* It took a while. "Snacks!", she said in dismay. At least she had a plan. There was a consignment of biohazardous Xenite on board to be used in emergencies. One of the containers indicated the potential for micro fractures was developing.

Endris could run her test for about 5 minutes, and then energize the Transporter to make a temporary containment field. She didn't want to risk beaming the container into space, the unique properties of the Xenite might foil the device that hid them. (Of course, Gakor had not been told of the cloaking field, but upon visually sighting the enemy Behemoth, she deduced they were concealed by a screen of some sort). The need to keep Xenite gas from infecting the atmosphere would be an obvious reason to use the transporter.

Two minutes later Gakor energised the machine in diagnostic mode. A small window-like aperture hovered above the Transporter Pad. It looked like home! In fact, the dome over the colony looked like it was newly minted, fresh from the factories of Tellar Prime. Hadn't Ronni mumbled something about Chronton particles? It wouldn't be the first time Gakor had an encounter with prior historical events. Could she be seeing the past?

Then she saw something that stopped her cold. A teen aged Tellarite was pushing a stroller, but the baby had tusks! There was only one born with tusks in the last few centuries. She was seeing her brother Tuskcan before the surprise attack on the colony! That meant Endris was actually seeing her younger self. Thinking a minute, the older Gakor whispered a warning. "Endris, run! Tell Practor Vons to energize the Planetary Defense Grid. There may still be time..."

Far away in a future yet to unravel, Endris saw a young snout point skyward. "Moogie, is that you? Snacks! It's not time for a Game. Come on, Tuskcan, time for Oinkus!" The young Tellarite dismissed the warning as a prank. Then she calmly carted her brother off for a meal! At that moment, the window enlarged, as if something beyond were tempting Endris to enter. Would she be able to change the past? Whispering a warning of mysterious origins was one thing. To actually physically attempt to alter the past often proved itself disastrous, causing entire worlds to cease to exist in their current forms.

Before Gakor could jump through the aperture, it shrank with amazing speed. Endris's meal-honed nose detected smoke and smelled fried components! Apparently, the Iconian artifact was not meant to be used in conjunction with Chronoton particles.

An alarm was going off! The fire suppression system had activated when the interface board shorted out. Endris stared at the control panel and pulled out the extra gear, stuffing it on the cart under her supplies. Then she rolled the broken container of Xenite onto the Pad, erecting a containment field around it with the undamaged portions of the controls. By the time security and engineering sent a team to inspect the damage, Gakor had removed all evidence of her experiment.

"I came in to get supplies and perform a routine upgrade to the bio filters. A container of Xenite fell down and broke open. I used the Transporter to erect an emergency containment field before the gas could spread. Some of the Xenite sprinkled about and damaged the lighting circuitry. This started a brief electrical fire. After the fire was extinguished, the lights came back on. As you can see, I have completed gathering supplies for Sickbay, and the containment shield is firmly in place", Gakor finished dictating Ensign Trabruco her official statement.

"Why didn't you simply beam the container into space?", the security officer inquired.

"While I'm not privy to all our current mission's parameters, I know we are deep in Cardassian space. There is a small chance that jettisoning a container overboard might alert the Cardassians or the Dominion to our presence. The decompression of space might have ignited the volatile gas."

=Trabruco to Security Office=

=Lt Albrecht here=

=Sir we have a broken container of Xenite in a containment field in Cargo Bay 1. Doctor Gakor used the Transporter to shield the container and prevent release of the gas. Frankly, the solution is temporary at best. We need to find an efficent way to disapate the gas without it exploding or spreading through the ship.=

=I will contact the bridge. By now, I've heard reports our attack on the Battleship was only partially sucessful. Perhaps we can deliberately detonate the canister in the path of the oncoming foe. Who knows? Gakor might have stumbled onto a winning strategy. Albrecht out.=

Endris decided a hasty retreat was in order, and pushed the cart out the door heading for Sick Bay.

"Getting to Know you"
**Councelor Dallas Walker**

Walking along and reading a data pad at the sametime (A bad habit she did) she ran into an officer pushing a cart..

"Ohhh ,I am so sorry, clumsy me didnt watch were I was going." Dallas said

"Thats no problem , I am Lt Endris Gakor". Gakor said holding out a hand "dont belive we have meet yet."

"I am Councelor Dallas Walker, please to meet you Lt." Dallas said with a bright smile. "And please call me Dallas , I was on my way to sickbay, could you point me in the right direction?"

"I was headed there myself, lets go together." Gakor said

They both headed twords sickbay..

USS Galaxy
Councelor Dallas Walker

"The real battle"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Cargo Bay 2 - USS Galaxy ***

With mouth a gap showing his sharp, pointy teeth, the Ferengi Ensign watched the engineering monitor in anticipation. The Galaxy maneuvered to within striking distance of the Dominion Battleship once again, readying to fire the last two remaining phased photon torpedoes.

"We should be in range now..." Nog said in an uneasy tone. On the screen that he, Lieutenants Erikson and Mercury watched, the huge enemy ship seemed to grow larger and larger as they approached.

"The Captain is probably taking us in closer to insure we hit the target with our last two special torpedoes." Greer reassured the nervous Ensign.

A thin film of sweat had once again formed on the bulbous forehead of the Ferengi tactical advisor. His eyes seemed glued to the view screen like a child watching a terrifying horror show. Too frightened to look away yet compelled to watch at the same time.

"There, we are firing." David pointed out.

True enough, Nog and the others watched with anticipation as the last two ghostly torpedoes rushed towards the helpless Battleship. The first one impacted with one of the ship's side mounted warp nacelles, causing it to mushroom and explode brilliantly from the internal detonation of the phased torpedo's payload. The second torpedo destroyed the enemy vessel's forward weapons array, causing the entire circular turret section to blow free from the ship and flip head over heal like a tossed coin into the vastness of open space.

A fist formed on Nog's hand as he yanked down at the air. "Ya!"

David and Erikson both smiled, sharing the Ensign's excitement. They had managed to take away warp drive from the enemy and eliminate it's biggest battery of weapons, though the battleship's lateral and aft arrays were still intact. However she was beginning to show signs of weakening. Small flashes of light from the internal explosions could still be seen through the many circular stress cracks in the battleship's hull from the initial attack. And now, with the exploded warp nacelle spewing sparks and plasm into space, the Cardassian built Dominion battleship was beginning to look merely mortal.

"Come." Lieutenant Mercury said placing a hand on Ensign Nog's shoulder, "We should be getting to Main Engineering. The real battle is about to begin."

The Ferengi glanced over his shoulder at David and gave his huge head a nod. "Lead the way Chief. I'm right behind you."

"I should be getting to the bridge myself." Greer commented.

David made momentary eye contact and smiled. "See you when this is all over. Maybe you can buy me a drink in Ten Forward..."

Erikson smiled but Nog was the next to reply. "When this is all over I'll buy everyone a drink." He said in a sincere tone that didn't seem to suit a Ferengi, but just the same was every bit real under the circumstances.

"Let's go. We have work to do before then. See you when it's all over guys." Greer commented before the officers departed Cargo Bay 2 to go their separate ways.

*****

*** Bridge - USS Galaxy ***

"Weapons are ready and standing by sir." McKenzie reminded after the last two phased torpedoes had been launched.

Joerg nodded. "Reload forward tubes with quantum torpedoes Lieutenant. Bring us to course heading 241. Lock aft torpedoes on target. Ensign Brandis, prepare to deactivate phase cloaking device and bring shields on-line on my order."

The young Operations officer that had assumed the Operations Console when Lieutenant Thomas left the bridge to check out the incident with Tomalak and the missing phased torpedoes on deck 25 tapped the controls. "Ready to deactivate phase unit and bring shields on-line sir."

Admiral Pressman sat back quietly, still stunned over the recent turn of events. The Romulans had managed to broadside the seasoned Starfleet Intelligence Officer and it wasn't something that Pressman was accustomed to. He'd been played like a fiddle. Manipulated into doing exactly what the Romulans wanted him to do in order to steal the technology that they had been unable to develop through more than a decade of research and development. He could imagine Tomalak's smug face as the Romulan Ambassador laughed with his fellow countrymen at the gullibility of the Federation. At Pressman's sides, his hands formed tight fists at the very thought.

Commander Sterner glanced over at the Admiral, but quickly could tell he was not going to be assuming command of the battle. The different emotions were apparent on Pressman's face. Betrayal, rage, anger. Joerg felt sorry for the man, but didn't have time to nurse feed Pressman's wounds. No, Joerg had a battle to win and a starship to protect from a damaged but still superior enemy. Concentrating on the task at hand, Sterner shifted his weight in the Command chair of the mighty starship Galaxy ready to take charge of the ship and the crew to insure victory.

"Mister Brandis, deactivate phase cloaking device and bring shields on-line. Mister McKenzie, fire aft quantum torpedoes." Commander Sterner said evenly.

The turbolift doors swooshed open masked by the wailing sound of the red alert klaxon. Lieutenant Erikson stepped off the lift and made his way to Science Station One just as Hunter launched the full spread of quantum torpedoes at the battleship. The colorful weapons screamed towards the target and exploded upon contact with the behemoth battleship's shields. A brilliant flash of white light erupted from the resulting blast which faded to reveal only minor damage had been caused to the weakened battleship.

"Their shields are holding Captain but weakening. Man that thing is a big mother!" Hunter reported from the tactical arch.

"Thank you for your colorful commentary Lieutenant." Commander Sterner said dryly, "Reload aft torpedoes and ready forward tubes and phasers. Lieutenant' Sharp, bring us around for another pass."

"Aye Captain." Aaron replied from the helm while executing a very sharp 180 degree turn while gripping the helm console to steady himself.

"She's trying to turn away Captain..." Lieutenant Erikson pointed out from the Science Station.

"Lieutenant' Sharp match her. We don't want to let them turn on us to position their lateral weapons arrays to fire." Sterner ordered.

"Trying sir, but it's difficult. The battleship is able to turn very quickly..." Lieutenant' Sharp explained from the helm.

"They have a lock on us... firing Captain!" Hunter declared.

The Galaxy lurched under the phaser fire from the Battleship's lateral weapons array. Fortunately the shields absorbed most of the energy from the blast.

"Shields are holding sir. Down to 86 percent. Minor Casualties reported on decks 7, 10 and 14. Structural integrity field is holding steady." Ensign Brandis reported from the Operations station.

"Inform Medical to set up triage facilities as needed." Joerg instructed.

"Aye Captain." Brandis replied before hailing sickbay of the injuries and the Commander's orders.

Sighing under his breath, Joerg glanced at the view screen, "No one said this was going to be easy." Pausing the Commander then declared more loudly, "So let's get on with it... Lieutenant McKenzie, fire at will."

"Not Letting This Go That Easily"
By Ensign William Foxtrot
Security

Will awoke and sat up with a start. He grabbed at his chest and winced. He noticed he was in sickbay and saw Medical officers running around preparing for something big. He also heard the sound that made his adrenaline pump, the red alert Klaxon. Will stood up and remembered the face as Tomalak shot his phaser at Will and that infuriated him.

Then like a light went off in his head he mumbled. "Oh Shit!"

Will darted towards the door not caring about his own health. He then noticed a voice.

"Hey wait we havent checked you out yet!" One of the nurses shouted.

"I am fine!" Will yelled back as he ran thru the door. He had no love for sickbay.

Running down the hall Will asked the computer. "Computer Location of Lt. Albrecht?"

[Lt. Albrecht is in the Security office] the computer answered.

Will on his way to the security office couldnt gert the thought out of his head that something was missing. He automatically that there was a Romulan Warbird out there. Where else could he have gone. But he couldnt understand how he was able to sneak a weapon on board. Then will coughed his still bothered him a little. He then reached the office and went in. There was Albrecht and Sanchez Talking. They Both looked surprised to see the Ensign Come running in.

"Sir, Something big is up and we are in for more trouble then that Battleship out there!" Will said with the anger in his voice.

"Explain yourself Ensign and why are you not in sickbay" Lt. Albrecht asked.

"Sir, Tomalak was able to sneak a weapon thru all of are security. He then stunned a bunch of us, stole are phased torpedos and then beamed off the ship. Sir, something is just not right i tell you. Ontop of that we got that big Mother out there trying to destroy us." Will explained as he opened a weapons locker and fastened a phaser to his belt and Grabbed a phaser rifle.

Lt.Albrecht rubbed his chin for a sec."Maybe We should go check up on the Bridge. You two come with me!" He ordered as he stood up.

Will threw him a phaser and a rifle and smiled. "Now it is time to do our job!" he said as they left office and headed for the bridge.

Ensign Scott waits for order. The figure behind the desk tells him that his assignment is posted on the board. "Aye sir." The Ensign starts to introduce him self but from the the looks of the officer at the Duty desk he decides against it. He is best to take his post.

Walking over to the Duty roster. Scott sess that he is assigned roving patrol on deck 14. Scott Grabs his phasor and begins his watch.

Entering the turbo lift Deck 14.

Scott thinks to him self. *I wonder how long it takes to get a bridge assignment.* Well I better not get to excited that will go to the higher ranking Officer. Heck I Still have to prove my self to the Chief security officer let alone my shift Supervisor.*

The turbo lift stops on deck 14.

Beginning the patrol.

When the Red Alert Klaxon goes off. Scott quickly moves to the Security weapons lock and takes a phasor rifle.

Well hopefully it is something simple and I don't have to deal with Intruders.

Continuing to walking down the Deck. Scott sees an unsecured Jefferys tub. "Under red alert that should be secured." Quickly moving to secure it Scott Sticks his head into the Tub to see if any one is working. Seeing that no one is in the tub he shuts and secures the hatch.

As he turns to start back down the hall the ships is rocked violently and he and every one else is thrown against the bulk head. The lights flick has feels the crushing blow of a beam that breaks loose from the overhead. He slams down on the deck as the beam rushes forward. Fighting for consciousness Scott looks down the hall seeing several people lying on the deck. The Corridor is spinning and the ringing in his head is unbelievable.

James Lies on the deck unable to move. He gets a look back down the corridor and sees a crewmen lying under the beam that struck him the beam is laying straight across the crewmen's hips. James tries to get up but is unable to the only thing he can do is hold his head.

Taping his combadge. "Ensign James Scott..., To..., Bridge.

Bridgggge... Therree was...., an explostionnnnn on deck 14. I can I can see at least 15 injured in..., on deck 14 sector 32 section 10. I have one person traped under a structure beam. Request assistance. "

James Crawls over to the crewmen. Seeing that it is a Ltcmder. He checks to see if he is still alive. Seeing that he is. Scott sighs. "Sir you are going...., To be..., alright."

Seeing no obvious bleeding James moves to the next person. This is a medical technician and he is unconscious. Grabbing the Technicians med kit James Scans him to make sure he is ok. He sees several people starting to get up and check people. James Crawls to the next person.

This is a Cmder starting to sit up. "Sir are you ok." "Yes I believe so. Just a second you have some blood on your head. James Bandages it up. The Cmder looks at him. Don't you talk to me about blood let me take a look at your head. James turns his head the cmder feels around. Son you aren't moving any where till med teams get hear. The back of your head feels like mush." "But siir."

The Cmder takes the med kit. "I will continue check on people you stay put till a med team arrives. I will check back on you in a minute." In no condition to argue James waits for med teams.

Ensign James Scott USS Galaxy Security

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

***** Sickbay *****

"We've got wounded coming in!" Kirsten had put her head around the doorframe to call out to Cat, sitting at her desk. Cat scrambled from her seat and rushed to catch up to her.

"What is it?" Cat called out to Kirsten, picking up her equipment and starting to make preparations.

"Phaser shots in Engineering. Heavy Stun - thirteen casualties."

Cat watched as Nilani, Endris and Taleen were rushing out of offices, Med Bays or through the external doors, making their own preparations.

The nurses were preparing triage, waiting for the injured to come in. Soon the wounded crew was being rushed in. The 'worst' casualties were going through to the doctors first. The worst they had was a slight wound to the head as the stunned crewmember hit the floor too hard.

Cat had yet to talk to the new doctor on the Galaxy. The initial shakedown on all systems had kept her busy and then with the emergency with Deiran had made things more hectic. It was interesting, they had seen each other almost everyday since they had left Starbase 74, they had barely had exchanged more than a few words. Neither could seem to find the time to speak. Cat was feeling guilty in not greeting Taleen properly.

Cat returned back to her final 'patient.' The engineering officer was already showing signs of coming around. Cat watched the female ensign hand cover her eyes and groan.

"Welcome back to the living, Ensign." Cat quipped.

"Ooh, I wish I had died. My head is killing me, my back, Ow!" Grimacing, she tried to sit up, she decided against it and fell back on to the bed. "Doc, do you think I could just rest her for a few minutes."

"That would be fine. You would hit fairly hard, heavy stun setting. You'll be on light duties for the next few days. Stay here until you feel ready to head out and spend the rest of the day just resting. Everything will be fine."

The female ensign used her arm to cover her eyes and just tried to rest. Cat looked around; the other doctors were already beginning the process of cleaning up.

Endris stopped and was talking on the comm. Medical emergency from the Holodeck. "Damn well hope, it's not another case of them removing the safeties. Cat watched as Endris began to prepare for the new casualties coming in. Cat waited, prepared to give Endris any help if she needed.

Suddenly, the ship seemed to lurch to the side and Jenna was a little off balance and landed on her rear. Cat spun and looked up, as if to see what was happening in the bridge. Some thrumming sounds, as the Galaxy seemed to shake a couple of times. Cat was no tactical officer, but she had been in enough ship combats - the Galaxy had taken some hits and close if she was right. More injuries were going to be coming in.

Cat looked around and saw Nilani talking on the comm, she walked back into the main ward. "Alright people, we've got more coming in. Minor injuries coming in from seven, ten and fourteen. We're back in business. Let's get going."

"Musings of a Romulan Commander"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Acting Captain, USS Galaxy
with minor continuity additions by Captain Price

The fight with the Battleship was on. The Galaxy, being smaller and maneuverable than the huge Cardassian ship, tried to evade the attacks from the Battleship and succeeded most of the time. The Battleship itself doesn't seem to take any damage at all from the numerous attacks the Galaxy had launched so far.

In such a situation Joerg began to realize another possibility he had so far left aside. Commander Tomalak, who took nearly all of the remaining phased torpedoes, could still be around in a conventional cloaked ship. 'Conventional' he thought again, 'it looks like the Admiral and his technical equipment start to show some influence on me.'

However the question for him was, what the Romulan 'Ambassador' would do with the stolen prototypes. While these thoughts could be interesting when there is no action around, at that very moment he decided to pay more attention to the ongoing battle, than speculating on things that were irrelevant at the moment, unless the Romulans were up to attack the Federation ship too. In that case the Galaxy would be doomed, Joerg thought.

********* Romulan Warbird, cargo bay *********

Commander Tomalak took a last, good look at the six torpedoes before he was about to go back to the bridge. He had again demonstrated how easily those fools from the Federation could be tricked. The proof for that would soon become the subject for various tests and studies, since the Romulan scientists were so far unable to construct such phased torpedoes.

Thanks to the skillful and clever crew of the USS Galaxy, the Romulan Star Empire would soon be in possession of the most powerful and yet unstoppable weapon throughout the entire Alpha quadrant, if not throughout the whole galaxy itself. Tomalak was filled with joy and pride about his successful mission, or at least of the part he had completed yet.

The next steps would be to return with his trophy back to Romulus, to provide their best scientists with the technology from the Federation. Although this phase has to be completed very quickly, he didn't doubt that the brilliant minds back on his home world would have any difficulties to duplicate the mechanism that made the torpedoes work, so that they could equip their own weapons with that technology.

Now, all Tomalak was concerned with was the safe return to Romulus. Once they would return back home, it would be out of his hands anyway. The Romulan Commander smiled thinking of how his government would praise this accomplishment. Their covert plan had been executed perfectly right under SI's noses. Tomalak was sure to be highly decorated. All that remained now was for the USS Galaxy to be destroyed by the unbeatable Dominion Battleship. That would insure total success of the Romulan plan.

Tomalak then turned and exited the heavily guarded cargo bay. Although he was almost certain the torpedoes couldn't be stolen on his ship, he had placed four heavily armed and armored security guard just outside the door. They had the order to shoot anyone except the Commander on sight, if that person should come within half a meter of the door. Of course that included also the security guards themselves.

With a somewhat satanically smile on his face, he slowly approached the lift that would bring him back the main bridge. On his way there he again began to imagine how much the Romulan Star Empire would gain from his deeds and what he could expect from them in return. 'This could mean that the Romulan Star Empire would retake its rightful place as the leading force in the Alpha quadrant.' he kept saying to himself.

Upon arriving at the bridge, the Sub-Commander quickly stood up from the Commander's chair and stood attention. Tomalak didn't even bother to acknowledge that, but he asked something instead.

"How's the fight between the Federation vessel and that Battleship going?"

"Sir, it looks like the Galaxy isn't able to inflict enough damage to the ship to destroy it." the Romulan at the tactical station reported.

"I believe without any assistance the Galaxy will be destroyed soon." the Sub-Commander also added.

"... which of course we can't give them." Tomalak also added, laughing lightly. That was precisely what this plan called for. Yet another Federation Starship destroyed by this unbeatable Dominion Battleship. All hands lost. The Federation none the wiser about these prototype phased weapons.

"Show me the battle on the view screen and magnify it." he ordered.

The picture changed and the two battling ships could be seen as clearly as they were only a few hundred meters away. The Galaxy just took another hit and the

Battleship still looked very intact, as intact as a ship without one warp nacelle could look. After he had seen enough, Tomalak turned to the helmsman.

"Set course for Romulus." he ordered.

"Course laid in sir." the Romulan at that station replied.

"Maximum warp now!" Tomalak quickly answered and the ship started to move away.

Pleased with the even better than expected outcome, Tomalak sat down on his chair and leaned back. 'This will be a day long to remember in the history books of many generations to come. The day the Romulan Star Empire began to regain the power and status they deserved in the Alpha quadrant. The rebirth of the Tal'Shar.' he thought and put on a mild smile again.

"So Much for a Good Rest"
By: Lt(jg) Ryak Sullax
S.O. USS Galaxy

Ryak held Sullar's hand as they both entered Ten Forward for breakfast. Sullar was allowed to choose a table. They sat down next to the window. Sullar was full of energy and started to ask as many questions as he could. Ryak listened closely as Sullar talked. Sullar talked in a Romulan dialect that Ryak was not to familiar with but tried his best to keep up. After there food arrived Ryak got Sullar to calm down and eat his food. After every bite Sullar was up with another question on why Ryak was living and working with inferior life forms. Ryak tried his best to over come Sullar's ignorance but he to felt the same way when it came down to it. Ryak was getting very tired. The time he had been awake so far on this mission was one of the longest yet. As Ryak ate his meal and listened to his son go on with the questions he watch out the window towards the battleship. Ryak all of a sudden felt that something was going to go wrong. Ryak grabbed Sullar and headed to the Astrometrics/Stellar Cartography lab. As Ryak approached the lab red alert was sounded. Ryak quickly ran Sullar to the Day Care. Sullar was scared. His crying was getting louder and louder as they approached the Day Care. Ryak dropped off his son and gave him a big hug. The care taker had to pry Sullar from Ryak's neck. Ryak ran back to the lab with Sullar crying in the back ground.

As Ryak entered lab he said, "Computer activate lab."

The lab activated and left the room looking as if Ryak was in space. "Computer, display all anomalies that would represent a cloaked vessel."

"There are no such anomalies."

Ryak started to scan every bit of space in transporter range. All of a sudden Ryak picked up a slight glitch that lasted a fraction of a second. "Computer show me the area that the anomaly occurred."

The lab went into a major shift and came to the area of the anomaly. There was nothing there. Ryak started to access any bit of info he could on finding a cloaked ship. Nothing worked. Ryak remembered his experiments on finding cloaked Jem'Hadar soldiers. Ryak quickly downloaded his experiment into the labs data base.

Ryak noticed that the Galaxy was engaging the Battleship. As he looked over to the right of the lab he could see the massive vessel and the dwarfed Galaxy. Ryak tried to get his experiment to show any bit of cloaked anything out there. It wasn't working. As Ryak slowly scanned the area of space he was in he noticed a silhouette of a Romulan Warbird and then it was gone. Ryak was so excited the his experiment had worked in some way. At least he knew he was on track. Now for the question. Was the War Bird still here or not. Ryak was not going to give up. "Computer compile an on going summary of my work an send it to the bridge Science station Att'n Lt Erikson."

"Compiling data."

Ryak went back to trying to locate the War Bird.

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

"Chaos"
by Councelor Walker

As Gakor and Walker headed to sickbay ,they chatted abit..

Gakor: Do you like it here on the Galaxy?

Walker: *Smiling* Yes I do ,its a huge ship ,though alot biger than what I am used to serveing on.

Garkor: What other typ ships did you serve on?

Walker: I served on a Mirinda-class and a Nebula-class starship.*Smiling* but I'll eventually find everything.

Gakor: *Smiling* I am sure you will.

*And at that they stepped into sickbay it was very chaotic at the moment, and Gakor immedatly went to work, Dallas felt kind of usless at the moment , but she saw an a young women standing besides a bio bed, and walked over to talk with her..*

USS Galaxy
Councelor Walker

"Waking Up"
by, Lt. (j.g.) Raesene Hermedhie

Raesene woke up slowly. Shaking his head a few times to clear it, he looked around him. ~Sickbay? Why am I in Sickbay?~ he thought. Then in a rush it all came back to him. As did the pain. He had a splitting headache that seemed to throb in tune to some unknown drummer. He put his head back down and tried to clear it. He laid there for a short time, before someone came to check on him.

Working in Sickbay by Linda Shelton [shelton6316b@olynet.com]

As Taleen made her way around the sickbay she noticed that Lt Hermedhie was awake. She checked his vitals and ran the tricorder over him again, "Well Lt, it looks like you are a lucky one. I'll give you something for the headache and they you can be released. I want you to go to your quarters and take it easy the rest of the day. If the headache isn't better tomorrow, come back."

She gave him his shot and moved away to the next bed.

So far she had been watching over the minor injuries, with the more experienced Doctors taking care of the worst injuries. It was thrilling being a part of a team like this and having top of the line equipment to work with. I

It had been a long day, and looked to be a longer one, but Taleen wouldn't have traded it for anything. She felt as if she had came home after a very long trip.

Ensign Taleen Cyndanian, Medical Staff, USS Galaxy
ICQ # 14035112, Nickname - Karilla

"Into the Jaws of Hell"
By Ensign Anthony Mendenhall
with excerts from "The Real Battle"

It was fun being on the bridge while a battle was going on. While Anthony was expecting someone to releive him soon on the bridge (being a battle and all) he might just get to get a front row seat of the action.

The recent events of the dissapearing ambassador worried the young Ensign. The new experiment torpedoes had been stolen by someone, and that kind of power in the enemy's hands didn't make him feel at ease.

"Weapons are ready and standing by sir." McKenzie stated. Anthony looked behind him at the large viewscreen. Small explosions could be seen from where the torpedoes had done damage to the massive ship. For a moment, Mendenhall marveled at the engineering masterpiece and almost felt sorry to destroy it. Of course, that was only for about .7 seconds. Then he wondered how big a "boom" this ship would make.

Commander Sterner nodded. "Reload forward tubes with quantum torpedoes Lieutenant. Bring us to course heading 241. Lock aft torpedoes on target. Ensign Brandis, prepare to deactivate phase cloaking device and bring shields on-line on my order."

"Ready to deactivate phase unit and bring shields on-line sir." With that comment, the poem, The Charge of the Light Brigade, came into his mind.

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.

As the Galaxy manuevered, everyone leaned from the inertia. "Lieutenant' Sharp match her. We don't want to let them turn on us to position their lateral weapons arrays to fire." ordered Sterner.

"Trying sir, but it's difficult. The battleship is able to turn very quickly..."

Hunter called out. "They have a lock on us... firing Captain!"

The ship rocked from the explosion. From the Ops station, Ensign Brandis reported: "Shields are holding sir. Down to 86 percent. Minor Casualties reported on decks 7, 10 and 14. Structural integrity field is holding steady."

Well, it looked like it was into the Jaws of death and into the mouth of hell for the Galaxy. Maybe they would turn out better than the six-hundred.

"Undecided"
by Ensign Talen Valkyre

Talen left the Forward Torpedo room as other security officers came down. He noticed things seemed to be in hand and noted that there were few people not in sick bay. He ask the commanding officer there if they needed him any more. He told him not at the moment and he would call him if he was needed. With this Talen walked towards the Turbo lift. The doors opened and he stepped into the nice carpeted turbo lift.

"Living Quarters" he said in a voice audible only enough for the computer to hear it.

With that the turbo lift when to it's destination and the doors opened. Talen walked down the hall feeling more exhilirated then tired. When he entered his quarters, his white husky came bounding up and lightly nipping at his fingers.

"Whoa boy!" he exclaimed as the pure white husky nearly knocked him on his bed. The dog started going and circles and jumping up at Talen.

"Hey, I wasn't gone that long was I?" he asked the dog. Suprisingly the dog replied with a bark.

"You'll have to get used to it." he said as he sat on his bed. The dog layed down by his legs wanting him to pet it. Talen sighed as he petted his dog. A shudder rocked the ship.

"What in the hell?" he asked out loud

He decided he was going back down to the Forward Torpedo room...just in case. As he was heading out a differant thought hit him. But the Chief of Security might have a differant assignment. Another shudder rocked the ship, nearly knocking Talen from his feet.

*What to do?* he thought.

An Arm with a Swelled Head.
By Ensign Jack D'Auria
with minor changes by Lt. Gakor

Jack slowly regained consciousness, his senses gradually becoming sharper. As he finally managed to open his eyes, the strong light caused him to quickly close them again as the pain shot through his skull like a hot poker.

Easy does it, Jack, came a familiar voice. Rapidly blinking his eyelids, Jack again tried to look; his vision was a bit woozy but finally, he managed it. He then also found the source of the familiar voice.

Dr. Gakor.

Snacks, Jack, you gave us quite a scare. Now lay still, you're not well yet.

The doctor used her medical tricorder, scanning Jack carefully. When she was satisfied that she had all the information she needed, she closed the device and placed it on a nearby cart.

Ensign, how long have you been having these headaches?

Jacks eyebrows jumped up at the direct question, he still was a little unclear as to what had happened that had landed him in sickbay, again. His head was still throbbing, only now it was a dull ache, hovering around the edges. Not debilitating, just very annoying and distracting.

A couple of weeks, Doctor.

The Tellarite looked thoughtful before continuing, then placed a hand on his shoulder.

Jack, I ran every scan I could think of, I couldn't find anything; there was nothing in your medical files. At first, I was baffled. Until I reread your file. Then it hit me, your artificial arm. How do you mean?

Jack tried to sit up, but a sharp bolt of pain made him sag back onto the biobed, a sharp intake of breath showing the discomfort.

Will you just lay back and rest for a while? Good. As I was saying, your arm is causing the pains your suffering from.

DAuria pushed a hand against his face, as if trying to physically push the throbbing away. I'm not sure I understand

Jack, your arm was designed to be not just a replacement for your real arm, but in fact to be everything your real arm was and more. It is connected to your cerebral cortex, just like a real arms nerves would be, sending and receiving impulses instantaneously.

Gakor walked over to a nearby wall console and pulled up a schematic of the human body to show him her findings. The body had a model of the artificial arm with its myriad of connections highlighted. Jack managed to sit up slowly as he followed the doctors explanation.

The problem that is causing your headaches, Jack, is the neural connection. Somehow, the main connection has been damaged, causing fluctuations in the neural energy that feel like someone is drilling a hole in your skull with a blunt spoon. As the connection degrades, the fluctuations increase, intensifying the pressures on your brain.

Gakor turned back to Jack, crossing her arms over her chest. Bottomline, Jack, if we don't go in and repair the neural connector, the symptoms will get worse. Today, you were found bleeding from your ears and nose; the pressure on your brain is increasing incrementally.

I see, doctor, when do you want to start the procedure?

Endris was a bit taken aback by D'Auria's direct and calm response; looking away uncomfortably, she answered. That's where we have a problem, ensign. Your arm is an experimental model, we don't know anything about it. I've checked the databanks, we have absolutely zilch about it, save some notes by Professor Salavek of the Vulcan Science Institute. I'm not even sure if we have the right equipment. We need to get you back to Vulcan as soon as possible; they are the only ones who can help you right now.

Gakor turned back to Jack, placing a comforting hand on his arm; Jack, we have to hurry because the problem will become worse. In a few weeks, the discharges will be so severe that it is quite possible that you will become comatose.

That is not all, is it, Doctor?

No, it is quite possible that your brain will be hit so hard, it simply explodes. I'm sorry, Jack, she said softly.

I understand, doctor. I think I have a way of stretching that possibility for some time.

Jack rolled up his sleeve and opened up a small panel on his arm, showing an advanced console. His fingers flew over the miniature LCARS display. When he was finished, Jack closed it off and pulled down his sleeve, any indication of it being an artificial limb gone when the small console was closed off. Endris noticed that the movements of the right arm had considerably slowed.

What did you do?

I rerouted the main connection through the other connections. It has cut down efficiency by approximately 60 percent. As you can see, my arm is not as functional as before. This will slow the buildup of neural energy enough not to cause any debilitating stress.

Very well, for now, I guess that'll do. I'm putting you on light duty for now, until we get back to the Federation.

Thank you, doctor.

Jack noticed the thoughtful look on Gakors face; Something else bothering you, Doctor?

Jack, we are supposed to attend a meeting with Dr. Khan.

The Ivoni problem?

Yes. In your current condition, you're not going to do us any good. I'm sorry.

Jack stood up, standing straight and crossing his arms in front of him, the right one moving sluggishly. Doctor, I gave my word to help. I am going.

He held up a hand, silencing any objections; Doctor, please. You said so yourself, it will take a few weeks before my condition becomes life threatening enough to make me completely useless. With the minor adjustments I just made, I have stretched that time by at least a week or two. When the mission is a go, I will readjust the settings back to normal. I doubt that the mission will take more then a few hours, so Ill be quite safe from any neural discharges.

Jacks eyes pleaded with her; Gakor finally gave in, nodding her head slightly. Very well, Jack. But I'm also adding a neural blocker to the deal.

Gakor walked to a tray, retrieving a small circular object and placing it behind Jacks right ear. This will remove any excess energy from your system. No matter what happens, you're to wear it at all times, understood?

Yes, doctor, thank you.

Don't thank me, if it wasn't for Be'Tran, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now.

Jacks eyes widened at the mention of Betta's name. Betta? Where is she, he asked his voice quivering slightly. Gakor nodded towards the other side of the sickbay. She is resting now, she was completely overwrought when she found you. I guess you and her have a mental bond, no?

Jack walked slowly over to where the woman he loved lay on the biobed. She was sleeping, her face not casting a peaceful glow as usual, but carrying a worried frown. He reached out a hand, tracing the back of his fingers softly over her skin.

I'm sorry, Imzadi, I'm sorry for everything, he thought at her; Betta stirred and suddenly, her eyes opened wide, the beautiful green eyes filled with fear and desperation. As she caught sight of him, she nearly jumped off the biobed, wrapping her arms tightly around Jack and crushing him against her, her chest heaving with pent-up emotions.

Jack! Oh God, Jack! I thought Id lost you!

Ssshhh, its okay, don't worry.

Their thoughts flew from one to the other as they comforted each other, holding each other tightly. Never had Betta been so frightened in her life as when she had found Jack lying on the floor of the Holodeck. She still didn't know what had happened, or what he was doing in there; but here he was, holding her in his strong arms again.

"Jack, precious; are you alright?" she asked, her voice quivering.

"Yes, Betta; I'll be just fine." He lied. Perhaps she couldn't sense that he was being overly optimistic (to say the least) because she was so flooded with happiness, perhaps D'Auria actually believed he was recovered, just to be holding her.

One way or the other, she noticed that his way of holding her seemed different. He wasn't holding her as tightly as usual. His right arm seemed week, it didn't wrap around her with the same intensity as it had before. Was there something wrong with it?

'No. Don't worry him with explanations. Not now.' she thought, 'He'll tell you when he's ready. Just hold him and be glad he's still here to hold.'

Be'Tran did as she told herself. A smile slowly crossing her lips.

"Well, we had best head out for the meeting, Jack", was all Endris said as she turned towards the door.

"The Great Rescue Machine"
edited by Lt Gakor
with Lt Kahn, Lt Albrecht, Lt Morris, Lt Samara,
Ens T'Vek, Ens T'Kal, and Ens D'Auria,
plus a few NPC's

*** Med Lab 1 ***

Lt Nilani Kahn looked a bit teary eyed at the gathered assembly. She hadn't realized how many people had chosen to help with her rescue plans. Pausing a minute at the lecturn, she looked a bit like an academy instructor rather than the CMO of the Galaxy.

"As you know, Gul Dahrod is holding my sister, and other Bajoran nationals and Federation citizens, at the Ivoni dilythium mining facility. We are here to discuss how we can free the prisoners and cripple the Cardassian's war machine at the same time. Lt Matthew Albrecht has been completed a security assessment of the facility and has devised a Holodeck program to allow us to practice strategies. Lt Samara and Ens D'Auria have excellent engineering and computer skills. The will allow us to bypass technical hazards the Dominion and their Cardassian allies have managed to plant."

Ensign Kevas T'Vek rose his hand like a timid cadet at a lecture. "Madam Facilitator", he addressed, "Wouldn't it be logical to assume a detention facility has an intruder control system?"

"I am sure they do, but I have spoke with Dr. Khatroweena on the subject. With her expertise in DNA research, she has come up with a way to mask our bio signatures to match those of Cardassian norms for a single hour. That should buy us enough time to bypass the online and manual backup systems. Plus, we will be taking one or more portable phaser damping field along to act as temporary shielding."

Lt K'Eytyanna Samara frowned in protest, thinking a few minutes would not be long enough to diagnose and hamper a Cardassian computer network. She looked at Ronni, but the Delphian did not return the glance. It was obvious that she and possibly other members of the team had other assignments.

After a few minutes, the Bajoran Doctor continued directing the rescue attempt. "Our primary objective is to rescue the prisoners. Once my sister Illiyanna sees me, she will assure the others this is not an elaborate ruse on the part of their captors. The secondary objective will be to destroy the mining operations, so the dilythium can not be used to fuel our enemies war efforts. Lt (jg) Aaron Sharp has experience with demolition operations, and has agreed to accompany us."

From the back of the chamber, Aaron raised his hand. "How large an operation is this? If I am to construct an explosive to decimate the complex, I need more information."

"And you shall have it," Lt Kahn said graciously, gesturing to Gakor, who energized the view screen behind the lecturn. A 'movie briefing' appeared, narrated in the Tellarite's voice.

"This is the Ivoni system. It used to be a binary star group. However, the larger star novaed some time ago, destroying all but its smaller twin and the 4 inner worlds. It left behind a gaseous nebular cloud and an asteroid belt surrounding the undamaged planets in the core of the system."

Gakor cleared her throat and continued.

"About a year ago, Nilani's friends at DS9 successfully shut down mining operators and freed a kidnapped Hortan Ambassador. With the Dominion war effort, intelligence has noticed Cardassian convoys have rebuilt the facility. The new mines have been dug in the equator region of the planet, with terran similar to the Amazon basin of Earth. Tunnels in the old base, which was destroyed, penetrated 2 miles towards the center of the globe. We estimate the dilythium layer is about 2 and a quarter's miles deep."

Albrecht and Benedict flexed their gym-honed muscles, and looked ready to gut any Cardassian challengers with a carving knife. Gakor didn't have much contact with Ensign T'Kal, but she had spotting him more than once using the Hasperad recipes the Tellarite installed. Endris paused a moment as the level of testosterone dipped and ended the distraction.

"If they have followed standard Cardassian patterns, we can expect the prisoners to be housed in small underground 'pockets', kept separated from one another to prevent cooperation. They are probably as close to the dilythium reserves as practical, deep beneath the surface, to make it more difficult for them to escape. Our information on Cardassians indicates they have several prisoners chained in lines, working individual veins of ore under the presence of an overseer. If one of the prisoners inflicts bodily injury to himself to escape duty, the rest are punished. The prisoners are badly outmatched in any contest, having only picks and shovels against Cardassian phaser riffles."

Endris nearly choked on the next sentence, indicating it was disturbing to her. "Also, the Cardassians and their Dominion allies have been known to use intentional malnutrition as a crowd management tool for their slaves. We can also expect to face regular patrols of armed guards and a beefed up security system."

"Fortunately, we have been able to determine one weakness. The facility has a single power core, a huge stationary warp generator pumping hundreds of Tetrawatts of energy. This was built in a cavity 5 miles deep. If we can get to the generator and disrupt the flow of power to the complex, the systems the Cardassians use to restrain the prisoners will simultaneously fail."

"Gakes, if there's only one generator, its bound to be well guarded", Albrecht pointed out.

K'Eytyanna responded to the question. "In a generator that massive, no one would be able to be in proximity of the warp core while it was online. The radiation would be deadly to all humanoid forms within minutes of exposure. It's more likely they have a entire garrison of guards in or near the control room. A better question is how we are going to get anywhere near the planet. They could be hiding a whole armada inside that dust cloud!"

Ronni smiled at Endris, knowing it was time to reveal their trump card. "Lt Gakor has discovered an Iconian document. As you know, the Iconians had superior transporter technology, earning them the reputation of 'Demons of Air and Darkness'. Endris has presently deciphered about 65% of the text, which explains a bit about their long-distance gateway technology. I have begun simulations according to her translations. We should be able to modify our transporters to allow us to materialize anywhere we want on Ivoni's surface. However, the gateway technology is hard to keep stable with Federation transporters. Between Gakor and myself, we can expect to hold a portal open to the planet for at most an hour and a half."

The team debated for a while, and came up with a plan. Endris and Ronni would stay behind to operate the modified transporters. They would also have to distract Admiral Pressman and the SI operatives from hindering the mission from afar. Lt Kahn would head the search team, materializing in the tunnels near the mines. She would have a long range tricorder to find the prisoners quickly. Also, most of the team would be with her to disable the Cardassian guards. Lt Samara, Ens D'Aura, Ens Salt, and Lt. jg Sharp would attack the generator, knocking out the force fields, computers, and security systems, then rig it to explode after both teams escape.

"Will we be able to communicate with the three separate units? What if their is a problem with the transporter on this end? We are going to be a great distance from the Galaxy if this works.", a Trill Ensign remarked.

"I hadn't thought of that angle. Ensign Raen, isn't it?"

The Trill nodded she was correct. "One of my hosts was stationed at an old communication station on Trill. Perhaps Lt Morris, K'Eytyanna, and myself can jury rig some kind of silent vibrating device we could send a pulse oriented code through. We don't need the noise of verbal communication alerting Cardassians."

"That's very insightful and logical, Ensign. I would like to assist in this project if Dr. Kahn approves.", said the Vulcan ensign. "Mr T'Vek, I think your suggestion has merit. If the science department has no objection, you may precede to help with the device.", Nilani said smoothly.

"Not only that," Benedict spoke, "Once the Cardassians detect our infiltration unit, they will call for backup. Since we will not have a ship in orbit to assist operations, we need to make a portable device to jam Cardassian Transmissions. If a message gets out and reinforcements arrive, none of us may make it home."

"Good idea, Ensign", K'Eytyanna smiled. "I have something I made for another project in engineering that might work for that. I should be able to alter it to jam transmissions in a blanket radius within a couple of hours or so. We can encrypt our own communicators to bypass the jamming effect. That way, they won't be able to talk to each other or call in ships from their fleet."

"Jamming communication transmissions is one thing - what we really need to do is jam transporter signals." Benedict looked around at the group and continued, "This is a base, their security will be able to pin-point the small team rather quickly, what we need is to set up a transporter jamming signal using a reversed polarity field from a transporter booster. The Marqui used similar tactics to carry out operations - the booster prevents a site-to-site lock by a transporter beam by scrambling its carrier wave frequency." He looked meaningfully at the engineer, "We need three portable units. One for the power station team, one for the infiltration team, and one for the gate site - the last one will have to be modified to allow for the Iconian frequency boost - it should also help stabilise the gate on that end."

Benedict smiled, "We still have those sensor scramblers that the Klingons wore when they boarded the Galaxy a short time ago - another Marqui trick. They won't be looking for the radiation spectrum of Marqui raiders this far into their territory. As for explosives, all we need is two phasers rigged to overload and a com badge - I'll show you how to do it - signal the comm badge and the phasers discharge."

"Ideally we want to set up a Warp Core Breach - the dilithium crystals will respond to the fusion and multiply the blast all through the mining facility - potentially wiping out the whole complex - AND the dilithium. There's no use in leaving it for them to re-build." He looked worried for a second, the concern in his expression evident as he turned to Nilani Kahn, "I have some experience with this type of operation - and the one thing that disturbs me is that the Cardassians may have prisoners outside of the holding pens. Particularly female prisoners." He said looking into the doctors eyes, "We need to know where the commanders quarters are, and his senior officers. We have a time limit to run to - a very strict one." Benedict then turned to Albrecht and stated, "Also, if the simulation you've been working on has the plans for the facility - I'd like to add my knowledge of Cardassian tactics - and prison facilities."

"Those are good points, Ensign T'Kal.", Lietenant Samara countered with a raised eyebrow. "However, the device you decribe would be too bulky to be easily moved. We would have to install and guard it. It would be easier to build a circut that scrambles the anular confinement beam into the special communicators. We already need an encryption mechacnism to block comm lines, so both devices could work in tandem. This would have the same effect on transporters as the larger boosters. Plus we wouldn't have to station a guard behind to prevent the jammer from being switched off. Even the radiation emitter could be incorporated to conceal us, so one armband would preform all the functions we need."

"And if Cat's 'medicine' works as planed, their sensors will be lulled into thinking the team is composed of Cardassians, which should hamper their means of tracking us. They will be limited to visual means only. Perhaps Benedict could drop by engineering if he has time, and lend a hand creating the device.", Endris contributed for both to consider.

A few more suggestions followed, some being adopted and others dismissed. Finally, Nilani stood and adjusted her uniform. "Well", Doctor Kahn summarized. "It looks like we have a good plan. Please don't discuss the details with others on the ship. We don't want them to confiscate the Iconian information Endris has before we can accomplish the rescue, or have another string of rampant rumors floating around to complicate things. I have authorized voice-print access to all of the rescue team to program Kahn-rescue-2. Please use it to practice your assignments."

With that, Nilani banged the gavel down on the podium, and the assembly broke up to their various activities.

"A Tale of Two Warships"
by Lt. Endris Gakor
with additions by Captain Price

*** Federation Starship, USS Galaxy ***

*** Cargo Bay 1 ***

K'Eytyanna Samara looked in dismay at the Transporter in Cargo Bay 1. *Endris may have contained the Xenite, but she sure pulled the guts out of this thing to do it.* She looked at the notes Gakor and Ronni had compiled and then smiled. A plan was forming. One that would even the odds with that Cardassian destroyer outside.

Ronni had configured circutry merging the Iconian device to the transporter. Gakor claimed her test opened a window to Tellar, which was the original target of the food machine. She didn't know how to adjust the artifact to open portals to other locations.

Between the work done by Gakor and Lt Morris, the engineer was getting an idea. Some of the Iconian components looked remarkably familar, although quite a bit smaller that ones she was used to. Endris said one of the instructions said to twist a dial, but the Tellarite had no way to tell which one. But the engineer had isolated the Hiesenberg rheostat, or its Iconian equivelant.

Endris and Ronni walked into the Cargo Bay. The Doctor needed supplies for the Triage area being erected in the holodeck. The Delphian scientist had retooled the circut board from Gakor's test notes. She was sure that she had figured out more about how the artifact worked. If her assumptions were correct, the main part of creating a gateway to Ivoni was complete.

"Gakor, didn't you say there was some text about a black button?"

"Yes, but the pictoglyph that indicated what to do with it was smudged. I don't know if it needs to be pushed in or pulled out. The concequences of being wrong could be hazardous."

"Well, I've managed to get a trickle of power out of the T'Kon battery. But I nearly got shocked when I attached the wiring. And if this is the button in the notes, it definately needs to be pressed to close the power circut", she said shoving a finger down on the black dot.

Ronni smiled as the device hummed, obviously building up to full capacity. "Bingo!", Samara yelled. Gakor looked down at what had once been a part of her replicator. "Well there go my Snacks!", she joked. "I don't supose you have figured out the targeting systems, have you?"

"Not yet. The polarity and the components are... unique."

Ronni steped up to the console and looked at the controls. "Didn't you say Electra gave this to you after a bargin?", she asked the immunologist.

"Yes, but she claimed she didn't know the original location where the part came from."

"Interesting. Do you have your medical tricorder?", she asked lifting a small sliver of green organic materal from the artifact.

Endris took the hint, and discovered the plant life was Orion P'ls moss. Under the moss, Ronni found more runes that previous investigation did not uncover. "Look! More glyphs! Perhaps they..."

Gakor used the translator program she had saved. "Target window [by] moving [the red] lever. Attach 5 plang clamps to {smudged} distributor [point] Beta", she read after the computer rendered meaning to the drawings.

Ronni moved the red lever, and a small portal appeared. A three-dimentional globe appeared once Gakor pinched what looked like a bunch of spagettii ends poking from a common connection point at the lower base of the artifact. The globe displayed constellations and other glactic features, and clearly was part of the navigation system used to select coordinates. "What do you think those bright pink dots are?", Gakor said.

"If these dimmer dots are stars and constellations, then the pink dots must be us and the Cardassian Dreadnaught outside."

"Good. Try matching the orange hash marks over the larger dot. If the viewscreen shows part of that Cardie monster, I'm going to beam out the Xenite. Iconian technology can bypass conventional shielding. With any luck, we'll blow up a critical system on our foe. At least we can hope to damage something minor, but if we wound the beast, it will be easier to kill.", Gakor said with conviction.

****

*** Dominion Battleship 'Hammer of Doom' ***

*** Bridge ***

"Peyuneg, the ghost ship that attacked us has just decloaked, it's a Federation starship", said a nervous Glin. "They are firing all weapons!"

"Raise the shields. And notify central command." the angry looking Vorta commanded.

"Energizing defense grids. Shields intact. Subspace message traffic has been jammed!", the Jem'Hadar responded.

"Charge weapon systems and return fire!", the Vorat Commander ordered emotionally.

"Done Commander. Enemy shields fluctuating. Now at 83%", the Glin replied with growing esteam related to Battle lust.

*** Stellar Chartography ***

A female Cardassian Technician scrutinized the charts of the region of space the Hammer was patroling. A 2 meter gash appeared in midair above the navigation computer. Kibed Zaelle wondered why she saw a Tellarite and a Delphian, as well as a Klingon face on the other side of the gap.

Suddenly, a cargo container proceded through the hole, which promptly closed as if sealed with a zipper. The blue container decended on the navigation computer as fast as gravity could pull it. An odor of gas barely had time to travel to her nose before the Xenite which had mysterously transited to the middle of the ship detonated, blasting the link from the star charts to the bridge that allowed the giant ship to steer.

Seconds later, the ceiling collapsed, snuffing out Zaelle's short life. The Cardassian didn't even have time to realize the ship was now effectively rudderless, overshooting its turn due to enertia and momentum.

"Always On Deck 14"
Lieutenant Leslie Wilson
Counselor, USS Galaxy

****DECK 14****

The Galaxy rocked, and Leslie was thrown to the ground. Her head impacted with the deck, an impacat that made her head throbb. This is the part I didn't miss, she thought with a curse under her breath. It always seemd to happen on Deck 14. It was like the Galaxy had a sign painted on it's hull that said: "FIRE ON DECK 14. WE DON'T MIND." Blood trickled down the side of her head. She ignored it. Lurching to her feet, she rushed to an ensign that had fallen.

He wore gold, security. His eyes were closed, his chest barely rising and falling. His breath was strained. He needed to be helped. She picked him up, and started to run. The ship rocked again, this time Leslie was thrown hard into the wall. She clung to the ensign, and he didn't take any of the blow.

She pressed forward, saw a Medical team, and gave the ensign to him. "Can you help him?" she asked.

The young medical nurse looked at her. "We will try Lieutenant."

With a curt nod, she headed back into the froy, trying to pull any other people out. Time seemed to slow down as she did this. After pulling out three more people, the medical team looked at her, and her injuries for the first time. The left side of her head was covered in blood, most of it hers. Her uniform was blooded, the pant legs ripped. She had to take the sleeves off her uniform to make a bandage. Her hands were cut in six diffrent spots. In short, she was one bleeding counselor.

But she had seen past the blood, made sure it didn't effect her duty. She was about to go back again, when the same nurse grabbed her arm. She flinched. Her arm hurt bad.

"Counselor, we should treat those wounds."

"Not right now," she replied. "I have people to get out of that mess."

"Counselor, please. Those wounds are severe. If we don't see to them, you could faint from loss of blood."

"That is my desision ensign, and I will have my wounds treated once these people have been helped."

He didn't reply. But at that moment, everything went black, and she toppled into his arms. Behind her stood another nurse, an empty hypo in hand.

"Get her on a stretcher. Have her moved to sickbay," the nurse said.

The other nodded, and carried Leslie over to a stretcher. A few moments later she was being carried to sickbay.

"Bombs bursting in air"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The USS Galaxy turned to make another pass at the Dominion battleship. The hulking enemy ship moved in a crab like fashion, trying desperately to pivot around fast enough to target it's lateral weapon banks at the Federation starship. Occasionally they were succeeding. The Galaxy was rocking violently with each enemy blow.

"Shields down to 64 percent, weakened but holding sir!" Ensign Brandis reported as he clutched the Operations console to steady himself after the last round of deflected fire.

"Are forward torpedoes loaded and ready Mac?" Sterner inquired quickly while watching the Galaxy fly into position to fire.

"Aye sir. Locked and loaded." Hunter returned.

"Fire forward torpedoes. Sharp, after the torpedoes are away, bank us 90 to positive zenith. When we are clear, Mac, you hit them with the aft torpedoes." Commander Sterner directed.

"Yes sir." Aaron responded from the helm, keying in the new course and waiting to engage.

"Torpedoes away Captain." Hunter declared as a spread of photon torpedoes shot out from the Galaxy's forward launcher tubes.

Joerg watched with anticipation as the torpedoes hit there mark like the dozens of torpedoes launched before. In another brilliant explosion of white discharging matter and anti-matter, they exploded on contact with the robust Cardassian built Dominion designed battleship's shields.

"Enemy shields are still holding Commander, but they are weakening. Now down to 42 percent from observed optimal." Lieutenant McKenzie called out from tactical, "Standing by with aft torpedoes."

"Lieutenant', take us up." Joerg ordered.

Besides Commander Sterner, Admiral Pressman sat by silently still brooding over the Romulans theft of six of the special phased photon torpedoes. Pressman's distant eyes made it appear he was oblivious to the battle and the going ons around him. The sound of the red alert klaxon wailing away. The rush of Starfleet personnel performing their battle time duties about the bridge. The violent rocking and occasional dimming of ship wide illumination as the Galaxy's power grid wavered under the shields dissipation of power that all available energy had been given priority to. Pressman seemed unaware of any of it, or if he was, he appeared to not care at all. Sterner wondered if the Admiral wasn't secretly hoping the Galaxy would fail in defeating the battleship. If she were destroyed, then Pressman would not have to explain to Starfleet Command and the President how the Romulans deceived Starfleet Intelligence and himself personally.

At the Helm, Lieutenant' Sharp activated the new heading, forcing the mighty Starship into a ninety degree climb directly over the enemy battleship. It was such a fluidic, swift movement that the ship's internal inertia dampeners couldn't fully compensate for the redirection of motion. Everyone on the ship felt a slight "pulling" as their body weight grew a little heavier in the full impulse climb.

"I have weapons lock sir." Hunter reported as the Galaxy sped upward on the zenith angle away from the enemy ship.

"Let them have it Mac." Joerg confirmed.

McKenzie activated the launch controls at the tactical arch. "Torpedoes away."

Again four glimmering red streaks of light zoomed through space towards the battleship. These rained downward on the battleship like fiery meteors striking a planet. Another huge explosion accompanied the impact.

"Bring us around for another pass Lieutenant'. Ready all phaser banks and get more torpedoes loaded fore and aft." Commander Sterner was directing the battle evenly like a seasoned Captain.

"Reloading all tubes. Phasers are on-line and fully charged sir." Hunter reported.

"Coming around Commander." Lieutenant' Sharp informed.

Joerg watched as the Galaxy closed the distance between the two ships. The battleship was still limping along, trying desperately to rotate and turn it's still functioning weapons to face the Federation Starship. Aaron was doing his best to plot a course counter to the enemies movements. It was a sort of dueling ballet in space.

"We are not going to make it sir. The enemy is turning too quickly." Aaron informed.

"Maintain course and speed Lieutenant'. Everyone brace yourself for the attack." Sterner ordered.

"Within optimal weapons range sir." Hunter relayed to the Captain.

Joerg eyes narrowed slightly, "Fire all phaser banks."

In a brilliant display, the many banks of phasers about the Galaxy Class starship lit up in a spectacular light show. The pure energy beams scored direct hits on the battleship that was more than twice the size of the USS Galaxy. When the Federation starship made it's strifling run and began to pass by the Dominion Battleship, the enemy vessel returned fire scoring numerous hits to the Galaxy. In the rear of the bridge, one of the Engineering control panels erupted in a shower of sparks from the power overload of the attack. Ensign Suder quickly grabbed a portable fire suppression unit and extinguished the fire before trying to bypass the systems to the neighboring console.

"Damage report." Sterner inquired.

Ensign Brandis checked his displays. "More casualties on all decks. Power grids 23 through 46 are off-line, bypassing to secondary systems now. Minor hull breach on deck 6, automatic containment fields are in place. Shield strength down to 48 percent and weakening."

"Divert all available power to the shields Lieutenant'. Mac, get those torpedoes loaded as quickly as possible." Sterner directed.

"Aye Captain, but it will take some time. We have depleted our supply of photon torpedoes stored in the near by torpedo rooms." McKenzie explained, "It will take an extra 30 to 60 seconds between loads."

Joerg glanced back at the tactical station with a surprised look on his face. "Have we used that many torpedoes already Lieutenant?"

Hunter nodded, "Aye sir. She's one tough nut to crack Commander. But we haven't given up just yet." He smiled.

Joerg gave a nod turning back to face the main view screen. "That's what I like to hear Mac. Do the best you can."

Watching the battleship on screen, she was once again trying to turn around on her own, crab like axis to face her lateral weapons array towards the Galaxy. Then, all of the sudden, she stopped tuning and began to list to one side. Her own momentum carrying her around in an uncontrolled fashion.

"What's going on?" Sterner asked.

"I'm registering a large explosion inside the battleship sir. They appear to have lost lateral mobility." Lieutenant McKenzie reported checking the tactical station's scanners.

"Humm, it could be a trick. Erikson can you confirm using the ships sensors?" Joerg asked.

Greer tapped the controls of science station one. Just a few feet away, Ensign Suder was busy finishing the rerouting of the erupted Engineering console to the opposite panel. "Confirmed sir. It almost looks like a Xenite explosion. I doubt they would detonate a grenade on their own vessel as a ruse." The Chief Science Officer pointed out.

"Well, however it happened, let's try to take advantage of the opportunity. Lieutenant' Sharp get us in position where their weapons can't reach us. Lieutenant McKenzie let's get those torpedoes loaded as soon as possible."

Simultaneously both officers replied "Yes sir." to the Commander's orders.

Pressman just sat quietly and stared on.

*****

*** Main Engineering, USS Galaxy ***

Activity was jumping in the power center of the Galaxy. Engineers were busy monitoring the ship's systems. In the center of the main deck the mighty warp core glowed brilliantly at a rapid pulse rate in keeping with the massive amounts of power the Galaxy was using in maintain structural integrity, shield and weapons strength.

Lieutenant Mercury was busy at the master situation monitor inspecting all the flashing green, yellow and red lights about the Galaxy's deck by deck schematic. "Damn, we just got everything working after the Jaw Breaker battle and now this!..." David punched up some displays to get a more detailed readout on the red areas. Slightly behind him and to one side, an open mouthed Ferengi looks on intently at the situation monitor. His spike-like teeth glistened nearly as much as his perspiring forehead. "When this is all over with, I think I definitely deserve a long vacation!" Mercury declared in a light hearted tone.

Ensign Nog wasn't in the mood for humor. The one-time member of Red Squad looked apprehensive and tense. Not frightened per say, but very nervous and no nonsense. "There is a hull breach on deck 6." He pointed.

"I see it." David said calmly, "Automatic force fields are already in place there. No I'm more concerned with power grids 23 through 46 being shorted out. I've taken them off-line. We need to bypass them right away." The Chief Engineer turned to the others on the deck, "Lieutenant Boudreau, take a pair of Engineers to deck 21 and rig up a bypass for the overloaded power relays in the connecting junctions here, here, and here. You'll need to crawl through the access Jeffrey's tubes to reach them."

Mélissa nodded, "You'll have to kill power to the that entire section for us to access it."

David smiled, "I already have taken the entire grid off-line."

The Ferengi Engineer looked like he was watching a ping pong ball tournament. His head was tuning back and forth as each officer spoke. His short height made him almost unnoticed as he listened to the assignments being made.

"What's powering the weapons systems then? Grids 30 to 39 power the forward and lateral arrays." Mélissa inquired.

Turning his head towards the distant security screen that enclosed the top secret phase cloaking device, Lieutenant Mercury jogged his chin, "I've redirected the power through the new power grid we cobbled together for the cloak."

Nog's eyes widened slightly, realizing that meant engaging the phase cloak would not be possible until the repairs to the Galaxy's damaged power grids could be manually bypassed. The excitement have given the Ferengi a dry mouth. That and the fact that he'd left it gapping open throughout the last several minutes.

"I'll get on it right away." Lieutenant Boudreau agreed now that she understood the assignment and the seriousness of it.

As the Assistant Chief Engineer turned to leave, Ensign Nog piped up, "Lieutenant!..." the Ferengi waited until Boudreau turned and glanced down at his nervously anxious face.

"Yes Ensign?" Mélissa replied quickly.

"If it's okay ma'am, I'd like to come help with the repairs to the power grids. I am familiar with bypassing junctions and can move through the Jeffrey's tubes very easily because of my size."

Mélissa glanced an eye to Lieutenant Mercury. The Chief nodded silently, indicating it would be a good idea.

Mélissa smiled, "Okay Ensign, come with me. We will gather the tools we need and head to deck 21."

Nog finally closed his mouth for a moment swallowing dryly. "Great let's get going."

Lieutenant Mercury watched as Lieutenant Boudreau and Ensign Nog began to walk away. David smiled at the way the Ferengi officer was taking long, ridged steps to try and keep up with the Assistant Chief Engineer.

“All or Nothing”
by Lt. Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Sighing under his breath, Joerg glanced at the view screen, "No one said this was going to be easy." Pausing the Commander then declared more loudly, "So let's get on with it... Lieutenant McKenzie, fire at will."

Aye, Sir!, Firing at will.” Answered Mac, as his fingers danced over the tactical arch. As he monitored the path of the newly launched Quantum torpedoes he quickly keyed in the command codes to initiate the C-defense system. The system would remain on standby until the presence of a decloaking ship is identified.

“If Tomalak is still in the area, I’ll be damned if I let him get a free shot at us.” Mused Mac as he watched the impact of the torpedoes on the injured Battleship, “Battleship shields down to 55% but still steady, Captain. Secondary explosions still active in nacelle area and forward weapons array.”

“Keep it up, Lt. We can’t afford to lose the upper hand.” Responded Pressman.

“I believe we lost that the moment we deactivated the phase cloak, sir” added Mac grimly, without looking up from the TacDisplay. “Now it’s pretty much fair all the way around.”

Mac watched as the sensors registered direct hits on the Galaxy’s number 4 and number 5 shields. The jolt that followed told everyone else. “Number 4 shield to 60%, reinforcing. SIF still intact. Minor damage to decks 12 and 16.”

As he spoke he watched as the latest Battle Damage Assessment filtered in from the TacOps center. With a slight grin he fed the info directly into the latest attack profile, sending a quick mental thank you to Ensign T’Kal.

Setting of another salvo of torpedoes Mac called to the Captain. “Sir. It appears that we have weakened the forward shields enough that a overrun with a firing of a full alpha strike of Torps and phasers directly at the command center will take her out of the fight all at once...” Mac braced himself as another jolt bounced through the Galaxy.

“I sense a but, Lt.” added Jeorg.

“Yes sir. The but is that it will require an almost direct assault. The good news is the Forward array was lost in the first salvo. The bad news is…both of the side arrays will be able to fire as we approach.”

“Chance of success? Asked the acting Captain.

“62%, but the chances of us winning a prolonged battle are even less. I believe it’s our best, if not our only chance, Captain.” Added Mac solemnly.

Jeorg looked stared at Mac as the weight of command settled firmly on his shoulders. He then glanced at Sunder and then at Pressman …the decision clawing its bitter way to his lips.

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

"Trapped"
by Ensign Talen Valkyre

As Talen was standing there deciding a shudder shook the ship again. This one caused a panel in his room to literally explode as a shock wave threw him, back first, against the wall. Landing on his butt King, his husky, ran over to him. Talen groaned as he got to his feet. Fire covered his room as he hopelessly attempted to put it out with a small unit in his room. Knowing what the procedure for uncontroleble fires was he knew he and King had to get out. But, literally a wall of flame seperated him and his dog from the flames

"Damn, maybe I should transfer away from this deck" he muttered currently he was at Deck 14. He searched for a opening in the fire. Finding none he knew he was trapped. King started to get uncomfortable, the explosion had surprised him, now he saw the impending threat of the fire. King started circling around then King seeing his opening, jumped onto a desk and leaped over the fire. King stood their waiting for Talen to repeat the action.

"Go for Help boy!" Talen shouted over the crackle of the fire that continued to close in. King whined and sat down continuingly waiting for his master. Talen made a motion with his hand and King, after a little heisetation on leaving his master, dashed out of the room.

"Go on boy" he mumbled. He leaned against the wall he had smacked against just minutes ago. He began to feel light headed and thought something about the fume hoods not working. Then he dropped to his knees and blacked out.

"More trouble"
by "Lt. Erikson" [rclav1@student.monash.edu.au]

Erikson repeated the analysis on the xeonite explosion to confirm his initial report. The explosion was definitely not a ruse. Whilst the Galaxy-class starship continued to damage the Dominion superclass starship, Greer was continuing to monitor data from the damage done to the Battleship.

As he worked, the science console displayed a small blip on the sensor readout for only a short moment, but even amungst the excitment on the Bridge, it was long enough to catch the Chief Science Officer's eye. "Sir, I'm believe I'm detecting a ship."

"Tomalak's warbird?" Sterner asked as Admiral Pressman looked on eagerly, the Bridge shaking for a bried instant as the Dominion vessel fired on them.

"Minor damage to starboard shields." Ensign Suder said from the Engineering station.

Looking at the data readout, Greer shook his head. "Unlikely sir. The sensor modifications were only really designed to pick up vessel with Cardassian and Dominion fleet specifications. At this distance I would have to speculate that we are looking at an enemy vessel."

Pressman moved closer to the tactical arch as Joerg gave the damaged Battleship on the viewscreen a quick glance before ordering another volley of quantum torpedoes. "Estimated time to intercept." the intelligence officer said as watched the aft stations.

Greer looked back at the science station display. Tapping his console a few times he swung his chair back to the command area. "Assuming they have detected us, I would say we have forty minutes. At this range I would say it was unlikely they picked us up, however, the Battleship may have been able to send out a distress signal"

"Is there any indication they were able to send out a signal of any kind?" the acting captain asked as he heard the chief scientist's report.

Lieutenant Erikson recalled the sensor logs from the time the battle commenced. "Nothing on any subspace band." he replied. "But sir, I should also point out that it only appeared for a moment and with the sensors recalibrated to be so sensitive, it is possible we are merely picking up trace elements or even space debris from an earlier battle."

"Just keep an eye on those sensors Lieutenant."

"Aye sir." Erikson replied.

"It's Hard Being a Dog on a Starship"
By Ensign Be'Tran M'Benga
& Ensign Taylen Valkyre (and King)

Be'Tran M'Benga was on deck 14, hurrying for a turbolift. She didn't know where Jack D'Auria was, or exatcly what was going on. He had been released from sickbay shortly before the battle with the Warship started.

Now the battle seemed to be going full steam. Another shudder to the ship and Betta was thrown against a wall... hard!

She was dazed for a moment, but tough enough to get back to her feet, and continue on. She had to get to engineering. That was her station during red alert.

Be'Tran rounded a corner in the corridor when another shot from the Warship hit and rocked the vessel violently. This time she caught herself, stpping her impact with the corridor wall with her outstretched hands. The impact still took the wind out of her.

She thought she was hallucinating. To her left, and farther up the corridor she saw a dog. A beautiful white dog with a shining, healthy coat. The dog had a look of fear on his face, as much as possible for a canine; and Be'Tran's Betazoid senses told her something was wrong.

The dog was barking and turning around in circles, as if he wanted her to follow him. She knelt down and called to the dog. "Here, c'mere. Where'd you come form?'

The beautiful dog just kept barking. Finally he trotted up to Be'Tran, closing the gap in a couple of steps, and put her wrist in his mouth, ever so gently.

Betta could sense his anxiety. This dog wanted her to follow him, and as far as the dog was concerned, it was an emergency. "On a StarShip, where there's a pet, there's a master." Be'Tran mused aloud.

"OK, boy, OK... lead the way." she said, gesturing for the dog to go on, and she would follow. The animal complied, and soon Betta was running down the corridors of deck 14 in hot pursuit.

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

When King reached his master's quarters, the snoke was pouring out, and the door was jammed halfway open.

"Damn!" Be'Tran shouted in excitement. she tne hit her comm-badge. "M'Benga to damage-control, we have a fire... deck 14, crew quarters!"

She tried to squeeze through the doorway. She could, but the fire on the other side was raging too heavily. King tried to enter the room, but Betta held hm back. "Wait here." she said firmly to him.

She went to the door accross the corridor, and tapped the doorbuzzer. No Answer. Using security emergency clearence. she opened the door, and rushed in. Soon she found what she wanted. She took a blanket off the bed inside, and drenched it in water in the bathroom sink.

She returned to Taylen Valkyre's fire-swept quarters with the blanket draped over her head. Be'Tran passed into the room, and into the fire.

The heat was almost unbareable. She stumbled through the smoke. "Hello!" she called, "Is anybody there."

Suddenly, King was at her side. The dog grabbed her wrist again, and began to lead. As soon as she showed him she was following, he released her, and deftly picked his way through the fire. Be'Tran followed as best she could.

Soon King was standing over his master's unconcious form, barking and howeling. Be'Tran reached Valkyre. She checked his pulse, and a look of relife crosed her face as she found it.

"This your master, boy?" she asked the dog. He barked a deep bark in response. "He's gonna be alright." she said, 'If I can get us all three outta here.' she thought.

Pulling the blanket up over her head tighter, she reached down, and with her Klingon strength; lifted Valkyre into a Fireman's Carry over her broad shoulders. King barked, and jumped. The fire was raging round them now. The dog took off out of the room, the same way he had come in. Be'Tran followed.

King led her expertly. At the threshold, she let the blanket fall, and carried Valkyre into the room she had broken into to get the blanket. King followed loyaly.

"M'Benga to sickbay. Medical emergency... deck 14." she called into her comm.

Valkyre began to stir. King barked a high bark, and leapt up on the bed where Be'Tran had set his master. The big dog began licking Talen's face. Be'Tran couldn't help but smile.

"Hey there King..." said Talen, "Your alright." he coughed and wheezed from the smoke he had breathed into his lungs; but he stil made the effort to sit up and pat the dog.

"Hey, you better lie down, there." said Be'Tran.

Talen looked up at her, and extended a hand and, coughing. "Talen Valkyre,I owe you one."

"Not me!" said Be'Tran, forgetting to introduce herself, "Him!" she pointed to King, who was panting and looking selfsatisfied.

Talen nuzzled the dog's neck. "I knew you'd get me outta there boy."

"Now, both of you, get some rest." said Betta.

"Wait, miss... who are you?" asked Talen.

"My names Be'Tran M'Benga, and I've gotta try to put out that fire!" and with that she was out in the hall again, to await the emergency temas; both structural and medical.

Talen watched her leave then layed back with King and fell asleep