"First time senior meeting"
by Lt jg Aaron Sharp

Aaron looked around the table at the staff assembled. This was his first time at a meeting of this sort, but with Lt Bancroft missing, that made him the next senior ranking helmsman. He listened closely to the ideas bandied around, and decided to speak after Dr Gakor finished.

"Sir, With all due respect to Ensign Scott, neither the maneuvering thrusters nor decompressing the shuttle bays would give us enough inertia to reach the planet for at least a decade at this range." He grinned. "Unless you think we have the time. I'm more inclined to agree with Dr Gakor. There *is* a possibility that we are in motion and our sensors are being deceived, but without sending out a shuttle to take a look, there's no way of telling. I'm in support of launching a probe, and seeing what telemetry it sends back to us. We should also calculate where our relative position would be if we were mobile, just in case. We wouldn't want to run in to anything." Aaron grinned again and leaned back in his chair. It wasn't the most amazing suggestion, but he felt better for contributing. Now all he could do was listen to the other officers input and wait for a decision from 'Commander Casey.

By Lieutenant jg Aaron Sharp
Acting Chief Helmsman, USS Galaxy

"Suggestion"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

K'Eytyanna listened to Lt Gakor's suggestion before quickly bringing up some old computer records as Lt jg Sharp replied. The records appeared and she skimmed them. Thumping the table without thinking, she spoke up without looking,

"Commander, I have one idea on how to fix this problem. Since the tractor beams are still online, we may be able to use them."

Deiran replied, "Lt, I don't see how that could work."

"Endris's idea gave me a clue. If we send out a shuttle, it can lock on a tractor beam to the planet while close to it. Then, if we lock a beam onto the shuttle and start reeling in, the effect of having a planet acting as an anchor will drag us towards them. Simple laws of physics. The problem is that it will probably destroy the shuttle and may end up bending the Galaxy out of shape a bit."

K'Eytyanna grinned,

"If that doesn't work, I'll have all the engineering staff go EVA and push."

Pushing her PADD over to Commander Casey, she sat back and waited.

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

"No problem Lt sharp it was just an Idea.. But I do have an Idea that my tell us if we are moving. I am not sure of what type of signal to use hear in space but it can be done Follow me.

I spend alot of time in the holodeck flying 20th centry planes, One of the things I blow up are submarines. Submarrines use sound to determine wear they are and how fast they are move called sonar. This sonar sends a loud beep or sound into the water when the sound hits an object it bounces off back in the direction it came from. Now can we send a signal from the difector dish that when it hits the planet will return a signal. With this we can determin our location and how fast and far we have flown. if we are moving at all. Just like Sonar we can get with in transporter range and beam our crew back."

Scott sits back and waits for a responce from Commnader casey or the engineers.

By Ensign Suder
Engineer
"Waiting"

Suder was still strolling around in circles. He was lost. Ever since he had found himself on this planet he was lost. But why? Why did Q bring him here. Of all places, why here? He straightened his uniform and looked down the street and saw a group of people heading his way. He found a dark corner between some steps leading to a building and some garbage. As the people walked by, he realized it was Captain Price, and several of the other crew members. He stood up to his full height and was about to join them when he saw something moving in the corner of his eye. A man was slowly following Price. He was ducking and weaving in between all the buildings, the cans of garbage and even the lamp posts. Suder watched him pass and then began following him. He tapped his chest and remembered he had no communicator. ~Typical!~ he thought. It seemed all he was doing now, was waiting for the Captain to notice this man following him...

Gangsta's Paradise
By: Ensign Lexana Ral
Assistant Security

She sat in the chair, her chin slumped upon her chest and gave the desk in front of her the filthiest look she could muster. When she looked up, Papa Jacko was regarding her with rather an amused look, a cigar against his lips, holding a match about an inch away from it's tip.

"You'll burn your fingers" Ral observed

Jacko looked down for a second, and lit the cigar, seconds before he singed himself. The match dropped into the ashtray with an audible ring. Jacko leaned back and took a long draw on the cigar, blowing blue rings of smoke into the air. "So.. " He began "How'd a broad like you end up with the Federation?"

Lexana gave him a withering look and wondered just how far she could shove that cigar up his left nostril. "On purpose" She said

"Your friends.. had better be fond of you. "

"I don't know why you bothered taking me as insurance. Captain Price thinks I'm a pain in the ass and Commander Sterner doesn't like me much either." She sniffed.

"You should have taken the Commander.. That was a bad choice. Personally if I were in your position, I would have observed more.. I sense you are angry with me.. possibly it is because I am"

"I'm not into HIS type.. besides.. You're hot"

"Your point being?" She wondered if maybe she did a quick spearhand technique on his neck, she could rip out his windpipe

"You didn't mention the Lt just then, did you"

"No.. I figured someone of your intelligence would favor high ranking officers.. however I guess your major decisions are made in your pants so .."

"You.. talk too much.. " Jacko took a drag on his cigar.. his light beer gut reflecting in the light of the Stogie "So.. what's with you and the Lt"

"I have no idea what"

"Cut the crap.."

"I'm in love with him" She shrugged "However he does not feel the same way. Believe me, you made a BIG mistake by taking me as your insurance"

His hand reached across the desk so fast Lex did not have time to flinch. She had no idea this was coming.. His intentions had been blank to her, almost as though something were blocking her. He grasped her throat, cutting off her air, she choked and his fingers dug deeper into her ivory neck, bruising and biting..

" I Never make mistakes.. REMEMBER THAT.. when your friends are gone.. you will remember that"

He released her and her head hit the table.. shocked at her own lack of observation and the lack of air, she let her head rest upon the mahogany for as long as she dared. She never altered her breathing or movement, but changed her senses to search about the room. Her sense of smell, picked up cherry cigar, cologne, brandy and sweat. Her eyes, semi closed only picked up the motion of "papa" as the cherry glow of the cigar brightened , then dimmed.. Her hearing.. she heard the sound of the "phone" several times.. and once the brittle noise of the "Projectile Weapons". She prayed to whatever pitying God that would take notice of a failiure such as herself and hoped that it was not her three friends who had received the bullets.

Two of Papa's toadies strolled in at one point and escorted her out of the room. She leaned heavily upon the arm of one of them, feigning weakness and also putting herself in a good position for a shoulder throw if the opportunity should arise. She tried to landmark theings she saw along the way. There was a large vase of flowers upon a table on the right, a worn patch in the carpet, the doors all looked the same. She wished she had more time to explore or observe possibilities for escape. Unfortunately beggars can't be choosers, so she did the best she could along the way.

"Where are we going?" She asked the less greasy of the two

"You're going to pay a visit to Madam D'Aglio"

"Should i take something... like a cake or something?"

"Why?"

"Never mind.. " she sighed "Ahh... I guess these large doors with heart- shaped knockers on them would indicate we are there?"

"Are you trying to piss me off?"

"Yea.. Is it working"

"Get in there. I suggest you don't give Madame any of your lip"

"Ah bite me" Lex remarked as she slid through the doors. She found herself in a lobby with what appeared to be a front desk and a bell. No one was at the desk so went back to the doors and opened them, hoping to make a run for it. Instead she was presented with the barrel of a gun, level with her eyes.

"Going somewhere?" Said grease-guard #2

"Just checking" she slammed the door, marched up to the desk and started ringing the bell. She rang it so loudly she didn't hear the secretary saying "I'm here " Till she yelled it at Lex

Ral looked slightly embarressed "Umm.. your bell it works"

"Yes.I know, thank you" The secretary said primly, her voice tinged with annoyance "Madame is aware you are coming. If you take a seat, she will be here shortly" She went back to her paperwork like an automaton.

Lex pulled a couple of faces at her and sat on a couch.

"Madame" arrived presently, smiling as though someone had added starch to her lipstick. She was a tall lady, of about 40 with raven hair cut to her neck and clad in a red dress which looked like it belonged in a museum. "Welcome to our House." She extended painted talons, Lex shook them gingerly

"If it's all the same to you I'd rather not be here. So if you don't mind just show me the exit and I'll be on my way.."

The talons tightened their grip "Oh no.. Papa insisted we make you our guest"

"Figures.." she sniffed

Madame proceeded to give Lex a tour of the "House". It didn't take the young ensing long to figure out exactly what kind of "House" it was. Certain paintings on the walls of certain rooms gave her a pretty good idea.

Madam's office itself was rather interesting.Oval in shape, it had a large desk with a communications unit and a "phone", and no windows. The layout of the Comm unit was unfamiliar to Lex, however she'd like a few minutes alone with it. Her opportunity arrived when the "phone" rang and Madame left on an errand, after locking the door firmly behind her. Lex sprang out of her chair and took a look at the Comm unit. Basic construction, primitive even, however she couldn't seem to find the "on" switch.

She rooted around in the filing cabinet and pulled out some personell files, seemingly on the staff that worked at the "house". She found one on the prim secretary, flicking through it she noticed she had been prescribed some medication. Lex wished Cat were there, she'd know what it was in an instant. The other files showed similar items, in varying dosages. It appeared to be some sort of sedative. There wasn't a file on Lex yet, however she was pretty certian that if she returned later there would be, and whatever the medication was, they were going to have to pump it into her stomach to make her take it.

She rummaged around the items in the desk drawer, there was a box of Cigars, lipstick, assorted writing impliments, a nailfile (which she pocketed- you never know when you may need it) and a lighter (which also went missing at that time).

By the time Madame came back, the office had been scoured and Lexana was sitting innocently in a chair looking as though butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
By Lt jg Anthony Mendenhall

"C'MON C'MON C'MON!" screamed Jack to "toad." He fired a burst of fire toward the oncoming car. The rough gangster was holding one of Jocko's latest ray gun. He watched as another of the five car attack force blow up from a well placed shot from Fed gunner.

"I'm driving as fast as I can. I'm a tech, not a racer!" It had been suicide in Demitri's opinion. There job had been to steal the newest phaser from Jocko's new R&D lab. Or at least, what was Jocko's R&D lab. All he was a scientist for the "RadRats." Nothing special. It was his job to make sure they got the new crystals, LiCu 521. They were the new super condutor crystals. He had been getting so close to the crystals structure.

RadRats was short for the Radical Rationalists. They were a group that hoped for eventual piece. They owned an island in the middle of Hadrionic Ocean, one of the five predicted locations that would be safe if a sudden nuclear war occurred. Before they could make their Utopia, they needed to be able to defend it. Jocko along with Heaters of the Southern continent possessed the kind of technology they needed.

A bullet passed through the windshield as Demitri "Toad" the Tech took a sharp left. He looked over at the passenger seat making sure that the box of the new phasers was securred. Behind he could see Jack's rear, and another box of phasers opened.

"Watch out Jack, there's a bump up ahead!" yelled Toad to Jack. It really didn't matter now, seconds before Jack had been shot. Right through the head. Only a fraction of a second of pain before he kicked the bucket.

When the car went over the bump, Jack fell off and spilled his crowned, and Mendenhall fell in.

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

This was great. Anthony had just died, was lost on a planet, and a car with a guy sticking out of the top firing a slug thrower was racing down the one way alley toward him.

*Gotta think fast, where can I go?* Just then Mendenhall saw it. A gateway to heaven. A fire escape ladder. Quickly rushing over towards, Anthony climbed up as the car raced toward him. He climbed up the ladder, and sighed, knowing he had made it. Just then, there was a creaking noise.

"Oh NOOOOOO!" *Thud* All the sudden he was on the moving car. Bullets flew past him, and he saw the car behind them hit the fallen down fire escape. He looked down and saw what appeared to be phaser.

Toad looked up and did a double take. "Who the heck are you!" He swerved a tight corner, avoiding the Fed car, and more phaser fire. Anthony just looked at him doubfounded.

"Look, I really don't care. Take one of those phas- er ray guns and start shooting anything that moves!"

"Why should I?"

"Because if you don't, we'll both be toast!"

Taleen shook her head as she looked around the sickbay. There had been a few patients throughout the shift. Minor injuries that were treated and released.

She had checked, double checked and triple checked the things that had been left behind and could find nothing of value to the problem. She had sent them to engineering to see if anyone there could find something.

The only problem all day was when she had been ready to leave and King showed up on her doorstep. She had sent him on home with another crew member, but the animals were not suppose to be roaming around on their own. Something strange was going on. Mouse had acted like they were old friends, but Taleen and Talon still had to introduce them.

Well everything was quiet, she entered the days activities into the computer and activated the EMH for Gamma shift. She was tired and couldn't wait to get home.

A few minutes later she entered her quarters. She replicated a sandwich and went into the bedroom. She expected Mouse to be asleep on the bed. No Mouse. She called, no Mouse. She looked through the room, under the bed and in the closet. No Mouse. She went into the next room and checked on the climbing wall. No Mouse. Thoroughly confused she headed out of the quarters and went to 10 forward. There were very few people, and No Mouse. Not knowing where else to look, she went back to her quarters. There was Mouse curled up on the bed, as if she had been there all the time. She picked the cat up. "Where have you been, you naughty girl." All she got was a yawn. I wish you could talk, and tell me what is going on. She gave Mouse a quick rub, which got a purr. Putting her down, she went to bed.

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

"The Biker Brawl of Sigma Iosha"
by Lieutenant (jg) James Chen
Security Officer
reviewed by Captain Price

As the trio of officers walked away from the building, Chen felt frustrated and more than a little angry. He couldn't believe that they had to leave Lex there. He considered turning around and getting her himself, but that would leave the captain and Commander Sterner alone on a world where chaos and lawlessness reigned. If anything happened to them, he'd be responsible. Besides, Lex could take care of herself. At least for now. He took several deep breaths and calmed himself. He was no good to the captain if he couldn't keep his mind on the job. Right now, they were trying to find transportation to head back to the warehouse. As they walked down the sidewalk, they all heard what sounded like music pumping from somewhere. They all exchanged glances and turned towards the sound of the music. As they approached, the music just got louder and louder. It sounded not unlike they were killing multiple cats in there. In stereo.

It was a bar, not too big, but large enough to hold a good amount of people. Parked outside was a long line of huge motorcycles. Chen guessed that there were maybe twenty, twenty-five in all. "Well," Commander Sterner said as he looked at the bikes. "Anybody here know how to hot-wire a motorcycle?"

Captain Price shook his head knelt down by one of the bikes. "Not unless one of us is an expert in old combustion engines, mate."

"Hey, baby," a voice behind them said. "You boys lookin' for a date?"

They all turned and faced a young woman, in her late twenties, standing on the sidewalk. Her clothes, if they could be construed as such, were barely large enough to shield her body from the cold. "I'm afraid I can't go all three of you at once, but one at a time wouldn't be so bad. Besides," she smiled, revealing yellowing teeth. "You guys are kinda cute."

Joerg's eyebrows raised. "Oh. Um, not right now, but thanks for the, uh, offer, I guess."

The woman rolled her eyes and walked into the doorway of a nearby building where three other women were standing. Price just shook his head. "Prostitution, gang warfare, madmen with nuclear weapons. This planet is in some serious need of help."

Chen shrugged. "They could use a visit from the Klingons. Well, if we can't steal the bikes, how do we get them?"

Sterner looked at the bar. "Well, I guess we'll just have to ask for them."

Chen nodded. "Great. Anybody bring an army?"

Price shrugged. "Just have to make do with what we can, Lieutenant."

The three men pushed inside, the music making their ears hurt. The smell of booze and sweat and probably urine permeated the entire area. Chen wrinkled his nose as they pushed their way inside. The bar was full of bikers who were dancing with large women and some hookers, several more were sprawled at tables or at the bar, drinking heavily. "Okay, gentlemen," Price said. "We have ten minutes. We need to get some keys. Split up and meet back here in ten."

The three men broke and walked through the bar. Chen forced his way through the bar, trying to avoid being trampled by the bikers who were all at least a foot taller than he was. He made his way to the bar and sat down on a stool next to a man who's head was resting on the bar. A puddle of drool expanded from his face about three inches. Chen scratched his chin and leaned close. With expert hands, he patted the man down, looking for keys. Finally, he found them in the man's jacket pocket. Chen liberated the keys from the pocket and looked at them. It said "Herzteiger-Donaldson" on the keys. Chen guessed that was the company that made the cycles. Chen smiled and dropped the keys in his own pocket and pushed off the bar stool.

As he made his way to the door, he was jostled by one of the dancing bikers. The biker spun instantly, looking down at Chen. "Hey," the man grumbled. "Watch where you're going."

Chen winced at the man's breath. "Sorry." He turned to go when he felt a meaty paw grab his shoulder.

"Don't walk away from me," the man said.

Chen shook his head. "Okay," Chen said and turned around, just as the man's other fist was flying towards his face. Chen ducked aside and punched the in the breadbasket. The man simply grunted and grabbed Chen's jacket. He tossed Chen back towards the bar, slamming him into the wood. Chen ignored the pain and grabbed a bottle as the man rushed forward. Chen ducked down and flipped the rushing man over his shoulder and behind the bar. Then, he smashed the bottle across another attacker's head. Before he knew it, Chen was in the middle of a full-fledged bar fight. The first man jumped up from behind the bar and Chen spun, kicking the man right in the nose. He stumbled back, blood fountaining from his nostrils.

Chen vaulted over the counter and landed both feet directly in the man's chest, knocking him into the wall. Chen jumped over the bar again and tried to push his way through the fray. He frowned. All the frustration he felt at these people, at having to leave Lex in the hands of those sex-obsessed psychopaths came boiling to the surface. He smiled. He waded into the crowd, fists and legs working at the larger men. One came at him, swinging fists the size of a turkey. Chen stepped aside and landed his own punch on the man's temple. The man's eyes glazed and Chen gripped the man's throat, wrapped his leg around the biker's and twisted. The man went down hard. Chen turned to the next attacking man, dropping to the ground as the man swung the leg he'd pulled off a table. Chen kicked up, hitting the man in the groin. The biker's face went red as he held the offended area. Then, someone broke a chair across his back, and the pain disappeared. Along with consciousness. Chen rolled away as the same man stomped on the ground where Chen's head should be. Chen jumped to his feet and the biker swung at him. The fist connected and knocked Chen back, knocking him over a table. Chen pushed himself to his feet and launched himself into the air and kneed the man in the face. He fell back onto another table, smashing it to pieces with his weight.

Chen shook his head, the adrenaline still rushing through him. Suddenly, he was knocked forward by somebody. He had never heard them coming. Chen spun and faced who had attacked him. He was a small man, just a little bigger than Chen, but much more wiry. He had brown hair and green eyes, yet his features suggested a person of Eastern descent. The look as a whole was more than a little unsettling. He wore dark clothes and his stance was confident as he eyed Chen. He was no biker.

Chen stepped back and launched forward with his attack. He jumped forward, kicking first his right leg, then his left at the man's stomach. The man expertly blocked both kicks and retaliated, throwing an elbow at Chen's temple. Chen ducked underneath and brought his knee up, hitting the man in the stomach hard. The man simply grunted, and slammed his elbow down on the nape of Chen's neck. Chen fell to the ground, his head hitting the wooden floor. Chen's vision went red around the edges, but he still grabbed the man's ankle and jerked, throwing him to the floor. The man hit the ground on his back and kicked at Chen's face. Chen jerked backward, the spun, kicking the other man's face. The man fell backwards, then launched up again at the same time as Chen and the two men faced each other again. Chen spun just in time to punch an attacking biker in the teeth. He was rewarded when he felt several teeth give. The man fell spitting blood. Then, two more rushed at him. Chen ran back and found a pool table nearby. He jumped to the table and grabbed one pool balls in each hand. The first man kept charging and Chen swung, connecting with the pool ball across the man's face. The man was knocked violently aside, blood flying from the large gash in his cheek. The next man froze. Chen just smiled and threw the other ball at him. The ball slammed into the man's forehead and he went down, senseless. Chen caught a glimpse of movement on his right and leapt off the pool table as the mystery man landed where Chen had been standing. "Who are you," Chen demanded. He knew the man was no biker, he had skills, pure and simple. But, his styles were completely different from any Chen had ever seen before. Of course, that would be expected when dealing with a style of martial arts that's only ever been practiced on one isolated planet. Unlike a lot of other styles which Chen had been trained to distinguish and defend himself against, he couldn't predict this one. That made this guy extremely dangerous.

The man nodded slightly. "I am Franco. Formerly Head Assassin for the Yakuza."

Chen opened his mouth to say something else when Franco launched himself at Chen, battle cry on his lips. Chen threw the pool ball, hitting Franco in the chest. Franco dropped to the ground in front of Chen, clutching at his chest. Chen turned away from the man and headed for the door. When he was within feet of the door, the first biker he had fought stood in front of him, broken bottle in hand.

"I'm gonna kill you, shorty," the biker said.

Chen just shrugged and the biker slashed at him with the bottle. Chen spun away danced back. The man brought the bottle around again. Chen caught the man's wrist, which proved to be a mistake as he continued to be pushed to his left by about two feet before the arm stopped its momentum. Then, the biker jerked forward, bringing Chen with him. Chen released the arm and rolled underneath the punch the man was throwing where Chen was supposed to be. He came up behind the biker and kneed him in the kidneys, then kicked his ankles. The man stumbled forward, losing his balance. Chen kicked his right between the shoulder blades and the man toppled forward, hitting the ground hard. Chen felt another hand grip his shoulder and he twisted around, grabbing the man's wrist and pulled backward, knocking the man to the ground. He punched the biker's face and looked up to see Captain Price and Commander Sterner heading towards him. They charged past, Joerg grabbing Chen's shoulder and pulling him along. Chen pushed himself to his feet and fell in step with the others as they rushed out of the bar.

They stumbled out into the cold air, breathing fresh air into their lungs as the battled raged on inside. "What the hell just happened in there," Sterner asked.

"I think I started a bar fight," Chen gasped. "But at least I got some keys." He reached into his pocket and retrieved...nothing. The keys were gone. Chen shook his head. "I don't know why I'm surprised."

Sterner chuckled as he pulled out his keys. "Come on, you can ride with me."

They located the bikes after several minutes of trial-and-error and they were getting ready to go when the doors swung open and the first biker came out. He roared at Chen. Chen looked up at the sky. He looked at the others. "Just a second."

Chen walked back onto the sidewalk and the man attacked, moving a little more cautiously now. Chen ducked under the first punch, and jumped into the air, kicking him under the chin. The man stumbled back. He spit several remnants of broken teeth on the ground and attacked again. Chen danced away from the blow and landed three of his own punches in rapid succession. The man backed off, then roared charging forward. Chen somersaulted over the man. When the biker spun, Chen grabbed a lid off of a trashcan and let the man come again. Chen swung the lid, catching the man on the temple. The man was knocked to the side. He looked dazed and blinked his eyes, trying to clear his head. Chen snorted in awe that the man was still standing. Chen grabbed the outer edge of the lid and threw it like a Frisbee, bouncing the metal lid off the man's nose. The man's head rocked back and he stood there for another second, staring blankly. Then, he fell back, hitting the ground with a loud thud. Chen took a deep breath and stretched his back where it had hit the bar. He leaned over the biker's unconscious body and found his keys. After a few more moments, he located the bike and got on.

He looked at the others and shrugged. "One of those days," he said as he started the bike. As the three drove away, the bar door opened again and Franco stepped out, holding his chest. His eyes were cold as steel as he watched the motorcycles accelerate down the street.

"Pulling an All-Nighter"
Lt.JG T'Zaq

"Murrrrrrgh." muttered T'Zaq sleepily as she downed another sip of the kelren tea. As the powerful stimulant entered her system, her eyes shot open and she jumped up in her seat with a sudden jolt of energy.

She refocused on the screen in front of her, glowing passively with tiny amber and lavendar characters representing the 31,457 communication protocols she had already searched without success. She rubbed her aching forehead and sighed heavily. There *had* to be some way to contact the away team. And time was of the essence! Someone had to be listening whenever the team was able to communicate.

The dim light played with the dancing shadows in the Comms Lab, making strange patterns that seemed to come to life in T'Zaq's overactive, slightly drugged imagination. She could make out the outline of her logic instructor at the Academy, a stubborn old Vulcan named Survak. His familiar words echoed through her memory...

"When one has exhausted all possibilities, one must approach the subject with a different perspective."

"That's it!" T'Zaq yelled, flinching as the sound of her own voice assaulted her ears. "I have to start thinking of this problem in a different way." she said to herself in a somewhat quieter tone. All along, she had been trying to scan all frequencies for anything relating to the away team. It had been tedious, exhaustive, and so far fruitless.

"Now," she pondered out loud, "if it were me down there, without any of my equipment, what sort of resources would I have available to get a message to the ship?"

She stared at the wall for a while in deep thought. The shadows changed shape again, the detail fleshing itself out as T'Zaq's imagination lent it life. Two figures sat hunched over what appeared to be a mess of wires attached to a piece of silverware and the remains of a Starfleet communicator. She could hear - no, feel! - some sort of electronic emanation from the device. Her nose tingled slightly.

"Fascinating..." she murmered. "It appears to be creating a magnetic field." She thought about this for a few seconds. "Electromagnetic transmission, *of course*! Why did I not think of this before?" Her hands flew over the console as she reset the scanners to monitor the electromagnetic frequencies from just above visible light all the way to where it dissolved into cosmic radiation.

Slowly she slid a finger over the tuning control, listening carefully as she scanned each frequency for any useful information. After a few minutes of static, a clear signal came through. It seemed to be some sort of music. In fact, it sounded a lot like the neo-Big Band fad that had been going around when she was a teenager. She listened to it for a moment, still in reminisce mode. Suddenly, the music stopped with a burst of static. A voice filtered faintly through.

"USS Galaxy. This is Lieutenant Commander Erikson. Please respond."

T'Zaq scrambled back to the console. "Computer, transmit on this frequency to location of this broadcast."

"Unable to comply." The computer calmly stated. "Origin of broadcast unknown."

"Locate it, computer!"

The message repeated. "USS Galaxy. This is Lieutenant Commander Erikson. Please respond."

The computer whirred and beeped away as it tried to locate the source of the transmission. T'Zaq sat in nervous silence, hoping it wasn't too late to reach the away team. This may be their only chance....

After a third try, apparently Greer gave up. The music turned back on again, then just as suddenly stopped, dissolving into the ear-piercing squeal of a radio data transmission.

"Computer, record that!" snapped T'Zaq. The message downloaded into an incomprehensible series of 1s and 0s. Apparently the file was encrypted. T'Zaq wasn't sure what to make of it all. "Computer, save and run message through all possible decryption sequences. Page me when finished."

She tapped her communicator. "T'Zaq to bridge. We have received a broadcast from Lt. Commander Erikson on the surface. The computer is decoding it now. I'll have the computer upload the file to the bridge science console when it is finished. T'Zaq out."

Finally finished, T'Zaq stretched her aching muscles and headed off to get some sleep.

=/\=
Lt.JG T'Zaq, Engineer USS Galaxy

"Checking on security teams"
by Security officers Ensign James Scott and
Ensign Neil Bolitho

Ensign Scott decided to do a check on security teams that were working. entering engineering as his first place to check he sees Ensign Bolitho. "Hello ensign how are you doing. I am Ensign James Scott. I was just making rounds of the ship. I want to welcome you aboard the Galaxy."

Bolitho who had been lounging against one of the consoles chatting to a rather attractive, engineer, snapped to attention upon spotting his senior officer walk into engineering.

"Uuhh Thank you Sir.....Uuhh... I doing fine" stammered Bolitho moving forward to greet Ensign Scott. The two terrans shook hands in the long standing human greeting. Bolitho continued "I've actually been aboard the Galaxy for a month Ensign Scott, I think the reason why we have never meet is that I have the graveyard shift(Gamma)."

That is probably very true. Along with the fact that I don't get out much any way. Hopfully Q will return the crew before to much time is up.

I don't know exactly what Q is up to but keep your eyes open for anything. If you come across something don't get over your head call for back up."

"I'm quite grateful that Q has left me and engineering alone Ensign. Touch wood" smiled Bolitho raising his hand and touching his head." I've read at the academy about Q pranks and judging by the mayhem he has caused here,what can one security officer do except perhaps entertain the omnipotent being. Anyway If I pick up anything out of the ordinary I will call for the cavalry!" replied Bolitho.

Very well Ensign I will be working my way up to the bridge. I Am going to go to the sience labs again see if I have to wake up Ensign Cronly again.

"Perhaps when this is over, Ensign we can get together in the Ten-Forward for a quite drink?" That would be ok. Well we had better get back to work.

Ensign Scott starts to turn away and head out of engineering. "O I almost forgot for some reason there are a bunch of familly pets running loose on the ship if you find them take them to the vetrinary clinic and put them in one of the holding cages they have that. We will sort out who they belong to latter."

Have a good patrol.

Ensign James Scott USS Galaxy Security

"Bar Brawl"
by Commander Joerg Sterner
Executive Officer, USS Galaxy

Captain Price, Commander Sterner and Lieutenant' Chen finally found something they could use to get back to the warehouse, a couple of motorcycles. That was the good thing, the bad one was that the rightful owners of the vehicles might have some objections that the three officers took their bikes.

Upon entering the bar, which the bikes were standing in front, Captain Price and Commander Sterner quietly observed the situation, while Lieutenant' Chen accidentally provoked a bar brawl. While the Lieutenant' was busily fighting the bikers, Joerg quickly turned to the Captain.

"Sir, I think that we couldn't have wished for a better distraction."

"I agree Commander. While the Lieutenant' keeps fighting those people, we could search the bar for the keys to the motorcycles." the Captain seemed to have the same thought.

"Yes sir. But we better hurry before those punks start to notice us too and want to fight us." Joerg added and was on his way to look for some keys.

While Chen was hitting, kicking, and head-butting his opponents, Price and Sterner checked the clothing of the most obviously unconscious visitors of that bar. Joerg knew that sooner or later someone in the bar would notice them searching the bodies and taking away the keys. However it took much longer than he'd expected before anyone took any notice of them.

Joerg was just searching the jacket of a brute looking guy of about 2 meters who was lying on the floor, when suddenly this very gentlemen opened his eyes, saw the Commander and demanded to know what he was doing.

"Wad ar yu doing wiz mi clos?" he angrily asked.

Joerg had only one chance to do the right thing and he used it.

"I'm a police officer. You are obviously unable to drive home in your current condition. I hereby order you to hand me your keys for your bike." Joerg said in an very serious voice, hoping his bluff would work.

The big bully seemed to have past experience with the police somehow, searched his pocket and handed Joerg the keys he wanted. At that very moment Joerg could almost hear the bully's brain get to work. It was an expression on his face that showed he was thinking that there was something wrong with the Commander. Then he realized.

"Hey, you ain't police. Papa Jacko pays all of them, and you ain't one of Papa's men, cause I know all of them." he said, and that was the last sentence he would say for the rest of the day.

Moments later he lay quietly back on the floor as Commander Sterner was rubbing his fist and went on to the next body to search. 'Watching those ancient gangster movies really does pay off!' he thought while looking for the next victim. But before he could reach the next one he saw that the Captain was about to be entered into the brawl. One man was holding him while the other was about to hit him in the stomach. Joerg quickly ran towards them and prevent the second from hitting the Captain with a quick combination of martial arts kicks and punches.

The other guy was so impressed by the performance that he released his victim and tried to save his friend. Moments later both of them were lying on the floor unconscious. Joerg quickly checked with the Captain, who indicated that he was alright.

"I'm fine Commander, but I think we should leave here now."

"I agree. I have collected most of the keys, so we should be on our way out of here." Joerg answered and helped the Captain regain his feet, since the guy holding him threw him to the floor before attacking Joerg.

The two quickly located Lieutenant' Chen and ran towards him. He himself noticed his superior officers and when they arrived at his position he joined them on their way out of the establishment.

When they all arrived where the bikes stood, Joerg wanted to hand over some of the keys he had collected just to find out he had only two keys left. Somehow he had lost the rest when he was fighting the two guy back there. Lieutenant' Chen seemed to have had a similiar problem, so he just ran back to the entrance of the bar and sent another bully to the floor to get his keys.

Finally all three had keys and already found the correct bike to use them. Before they drove away, Joerg kicked over the rest of the bikes to make sure the rest of the gang, if there were any left who could drive, would have a little delay to follow them.

Captain Price and Commander Sterner started their machines, but Lieutenant' Chen was the first to actually drive his bike. Driving the motorcycles was quite a challenge for the three officers, but after some minor complications they finally made it and they were on their way back to the warehouse.

"Captain, do you know in which direction the warehouse was located?" Joerg shouted over to his Captain, while they both were driving their vehicle.

"I guess so Commander. Just follow me." he shouted back.

Hoping he was right, Commander Sterner and Lieutenant' Chen followed him.

"Whoops, wrong cafe"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain's Log, supplemental.

Commander Sterner, Lieutenant jg Chen and myself have managed to acquire transportation for the time being in the way of three primitive motorcycles. It's early morning Christmas eve. The sun hasn't risen yet. I'm cold, sore and tired. We are also desperately lost.

"Sir." Commander Sterner called out over the rumble of the cruising motorcycles in a half yell so he'd be heard.

Captain Price glanced over at him. The Captain had done what the rest of the Galaxy crew members had done and taken the protective leather gear and goggles off of those they'd taken the motorbikes from. He was presently wearing a set of split round goggles, a long red scarf twisted about his neck, and a old, dark brown leather jacket with some sort of attaching eagle screaming across his back.

"What is it 'mate?" Lee called back over the wind noise.

"Maybe we should pull over and ask for directions sir." Joerg suggested.

Lee glanced over to Lieutenant' Chen who nodded in seeming agreement with the first officer's suggestion.

"Aye. There seems to be a fuel depot up ahead we can pull in there and ask." Lee pointed up ahead. To the side of the multi-lane road they were presently on was a large well lit complex with several dozen large trucks. Taking the next available exit, the three Starfleet officers rumbled to a halt at the truck stop, parking their bikes and finally killing the engines that seemed to drone on in a sort of ringing in the Captain's ears even as they walked away and towards what appeared to be a dinner of some sort.

"Interesting means of transportation wouldn't you say sir?" Commander Sterner commented removing the long black gloves from his hands ands looking back at the motorcycles.

"Indeed 'mate." Lee commented while adjusting the inseam of his pants. "Feels a lot like riding a horse in a way. Here, we should be able to find someone in here that will know the way back to the part of town where that warehouse is located."

The three officers entered the eatery through the double glass doors that were decorated in a frost like snow. Tinsel adorned the rim along with red and green flashing lights and a few card board cut outs of candy canes and Christmas ornaments here and there. When the three leather clad officer entered the establishment, everyone in the place seemed to grow silent and stare in the Captain's direction.

"I think they have noticed us Captain." Lieutenant' Chen whispered.

In a likewise quiet tone, Lee whispered back, "You have a gift for observation Lieutenant'." Summing up his courage, the Captain took in a deep breath and continued walking forward to the counter.

"G'day Ma'am." Lee greeted.

There was a older woman, probably in her late forties or early fifties. Rather large and round behind the counter. She seemed both surprised and scared at the same time. "What are you doing here? I, we,... already paid this months protection fees."

Lee glanced at Joerg and then back at the lady shaking his head. "No Ma'am, I think you misunderstand. I was just hoping to ask you for some directions back to town."

The lady glanced over, still in a frightened stare. Behind the counter was the kitchen where another older man appeared to reach for a large meat cleaver and remove his apron. Across the room, several large men wearing plaid shirts and blue jeans pushed their food aside and likewise began to get up from their booths.

"Yous leave Stella alone you hear? We already paid our dues to that biker gang of yours and part of the deal was you'd stay away from heres. Now git!" the burly meat cleaver wielding man demanded.

"You don't understand, we are not with any sort of 'biker gang'." Commander Sterner tried to explain.

"What do you mean? Your wearing their colors aren't ya? The Screamin' Eagles." One of the patrons pointed a finger at the Captain's leather jacket.

Lee glanced at the patch on the front of the jacket, a mini-version of the back. "Oh, the jacket. I can explain that. You see it's not actually mine. I'm just borrowing it..."

"Bullshit!" the meat cleaver guy yelled. "The Screamin' Eagles don't lend their clothes to nobody. No beat it before we dice you up and search you as tomorrow's luncheon special!"

Glancing over at Commander Sterner, Lee quickly said, "Maybe it would be best if we left 'mate."

"I couldn't agree with you more sir..." Joerg commented.

"Okay, we will be going..." Lee explained opening his hands in a show of peaceful intentions. "Sorry if we disturbed any of your meals.... Carry on..."

Slowly the Captain, Commander and Lieutenant' turned to leave the establishment. As they neared the door, Chen noticed a rack of road maps. One of which seemed to outline the entire local area. With out giving it much thought being from the 24th century, James took one of the maps and slid it into his jacket pocket as they left.

"Did yous see that!? That punk biker just stole a map with out paying for it." One of the patrons observed.

"Common, we can't let them punks get away with that." Another burly truck driver agreed. "Let me get to the cab and get my tire iron."

The Captain, Sterner and Chen all got outside and stood near their motorcycles preparing to leave. James seemed to be all smiles, despite the scrapes and bruises from the earlier brawl at the biker's bar.

"You seem to be in high spirits 'mate." Lee observed adjusting his goggles.

"Aye Captain, I acquired a road map of the immediate area while in there." Chen smiled unfolding the map.

"Bonzer work Lieutenant'." Lee smiled. "Now perhaps we can figure out how to get back to the warehouse."

For a few minutes the three men studied the road map. Hearing something out of the ordinary, Joerg happened to glance up and could see a congregation of angry truck drivers standing near by. All where holding various weapons. Baseball bats, tire irons, billy clubs. They didn't seem too happy.

"We've had just about enough of you biker punks comin' in here and hassling Stella and Stan. They are decent folks and they don't need the likes of you coming in and making a ruckus, taking whatever you like and causing trouble." One of the truckers said while clapping the tire iron in his opposite hand.

"Yeah, we are sick and tired of all this. All we want is a place where a man can make an honest living, and raise his family without having to deal with your drug pushing, whore peddlin', thieving, murderous lot." Another trucker added.

"Looks like we'll havta teach yous a lesson to make yous think twice about coming in here and polluting our neighborhood..." Yet a third trucker stated, each one getting more and more hostile in tone and manner.

Lee whispered, "Leaving now would be a good idea I think..."

"Agreed." Both Chen and Joerg said in unison, then as if on cue, all three jumped on the still warm motorcycles and kick-started them, speeding away in a wild burnout of dirt, mud and snow that showered the truck drivers in all of the muck.

"Why those son-of-a-bitches!" one of the fatter truckers declared scooping out a clot of mud out of his mouth.

"They's did that on purpose Henry!" another added. "They's makin' fun of us sure is."

"Humm... well we will see how much fun they make when they have my 18 wheeler running down their ass. Common Homer, let's git to the truck and teach these boys some country manners."

"Sounds right like fun to me... Let's go!"

"It seems we took a wrong turn in following this 'expressway' out of New Chicago Captain." James explained over the rumble. "If we head this way, we should be back in the city limits in about an hour."

"Aye. Good work 'mate. Looks like the sum is just starting to rise on the horizon." Lee commented.

Captain Price, Commander Sterner, Lieutenant' Chen each rode their black silhouetted motorcycles over the rise in the road and into the bluish gold sunrise. Unaware that two large diesel trucks were speeding this very moment to intercept them because of their mistaken identities.

*****

"How did this happen?" one of the white outfitted trauma nurses asked of Doctor Khan.

"She was caught in a cross fire on the street. She simply wasn't able to hit the ground quickly enough to get out of the way." Nilani explained.

"She's lost a lot of blood. I don't know if she's going to make it." The nurse commented.

"You need to administer 250 milliliters of Trioxine and another 50 ccs of Bypentzine to stimulate her blood reproduction." Doctor Khatroweena suggested.

"What?" the nurse seemed confused just as the trauma surgeon approached, "Trioxine? Bypentzine? What are those?"

The surgeon over heard the conversation, and seemed to jump right in. "Don't worry about it nurse, I can take over." The surgeon was a balding gentleman dressed in pale green scrubs. His eyes looked suspiciously at Doctor Kahn and Doctor Khatroweena. "Get six liters of blood here stat. We will transfuse the patient while I operate to repair the punctured lung. We'll need to get a chest tube asap."

"Yes Doctor Harper." The nurse acknowledged before leaving to get the blood.

"Are you two Doctors?" the surgeon asked putting more into the question than just the surface question.

Doctor Kahn glanced at Doctor Khatroweena for a moment before swallowing and nodding slowly. "Yes. From the Federation."

Doctor Harper seemed to have a knowing glint in his eye for a brief moment before turning his attention back to his patient. "You do realize you are breaking the prime directive by being here?"

Again Nilani was surprised by this back world surgeon. Dumbfounded she just gave a slight nod while watching Harper make an incision on Ensign Salt's chest.

"All Alone"
by Lieutenant Leslie Wilson
Counselor, USS Galaxy

The place the Galaxy crew had found was dark and dingy. It had a funny smell to it, and Lieutenant Leslie Wilson disliked it from the moment she saw it.

She took in a deep breath, and grimaced. The air reeked of something bad, and she couldn't quite place the smell. It was a raw stinch, that smelled like...

She turned at the sound of boots stomping on the ground. She turned back around, just a crewmember. She started to walk, as she did, she tried to think of a better place then this, but her mind just drew a blank.

Concentrate she ordered herself. Think of some other place you would like to be...

Her mind wandered, she could see the snow falling in New York, a seven foot tall Santa ringing his bell, fresh roasted chestnuts, the sweet smell of a baking ham, only the best, not replicated.

Then the stinch invaded her again, and she remembered where she was. This wasn't in the job discription, she thought in a bitter tone. All I signed up for was to help people, not to be stuck in some mucky gavern, with a strong, putrid smell.

She began to pace the room. Maybe if she did that, then it wouldn't be so bad, but it didn't help. Soon she grew tired, and needed to find a place to sit down, all she could see was the ground, and how nasty it looked.

She considered it for a moment, then decided not to. She leaned back against the wall. While others were talking with friends that had been transported also, Leslie realized no one else she knew was down here. She took a deep breath, and closed her eyes. A though came to mind. I wonder what's happening on the Galaxy? Then, it quickly faded.

Everything's going my way
By Lt jg Anthony Mendenhall
reviewed by Captain Price

*Wow, that was pretty cool looking* thought Anthony as he watched the flamming inferno that once was a car. He must have hit something inflammable. The black flames didn't stop to help their burning commrades.

Spreading his fire across the two remaining cars that were following him, Anthony pondered about his luck. *Things have got to get better. I mean, I've had enough bad luck for about 3 life times, and since I'm on my second...*

A Phaser burst flew past his head. "Hey, whoever you are, I don't think we're going to make it!"

"Shut up and fire you goof!"

"Goof?" Just then, bullets past from behind him. He was jerked as the car made a sharp turn into an alley. It sooned stopped, and Anthony watched the action going on beyond the corner. The two groups of cars screeched to a halt, and started to fire at each other.

"Who'd ever think the Icers would end up saving us. You were a pretty good shot there k-"

Anthony didn't think that stunning a native of the planet was following the Prime Directive very well, but hey, he had already caused enough trouble here. He dumped all the crystals out, and filled the box with the extra phaser. He didn't know if any were charged other than the ones on the seat, but it was worth carrying if they were. He lugged the two boxes out of the car, and run through the allet onto the other side.

He set them both down, and comtemplated what to do. He needed some kind of transportation. He had weapons. He also needed some currency to buy supplies. This was going to be a problem.

Heard an engine start up and saw a man in there, obviously waiting for something. He seemd nervous, and was staring down the street. He was in a sleek black car with a sun roof. It looked fast, and he hoped it was.

Yet, Anthony went and broke the Prime directive again. Twice now he had stunned someone from a planet. He carefully placed the boxes in the back seats, and kicked the limp body outside the car. Throught the mirror of the vehicle, he saw a man with a large sack running towards his car.

ZAP! *Dang, this is getting to be a bad habit.* He quickly ran over to the man, grabbed his sack, placed it in the front seat, and then got back in the car. He looked inside and preceived what he guessed was a large sum of paper currency.

"Just my day!" He had once been in a holo program that sude these old combustion engines, adn he was sure he knew how to use it. He switched the stick thingy to P for power, and stepped on one of the pedals.

"Hmm, something isn't right." The vehicle wasn't moving. "That's right, P is for Park, not power!" He qucikly experimented with the complicated controls, and started off to find someplace for food and nourishment.

Anthony assessed his situation. He had money, weapons, wheels, now he needed a map. *Now where can i find a map.* As luck would have it, there was a fuel depot ahead. He turned into it, and shoved some of the currency into his pockets.

"Now, how to work this refueler." He circled the car, and after acreful consdieration, he managed to refuel his automobile. He made note of the number on his refueling device, and managed to park within the designated parking area.

He walked in, and went up to the counter in the back. He felt uneasy not knowing how to handle the situation before hand. *Oh, if only these people weren't in the Dark Ages!*

He made his way up to the chashier and stood there. She looked at him. He looked at her and smiled out of nervousness. She frowned.

"Sorry buddy, I ain't no hooker!" She had a mean face on, and Anthony became afraid.

"No! No! I just came here to pay for the fuel I received from your refueling device!"

"You mean your paying for gas?" She looked annoyed now, rather then threating. Some people from some tables looked up at him, then to the door, then all was silent.

"Yes, I am, er 'Paying for Gas'." He didn't like being in situations like this. Some others started looking at something in the front near the door.

"Alright. Anything else" She waited for his reply.

He placed a hundred denominated bill on the counter. "I hope this will be enough. And, I'd also like one of those chicken basket things."

"What are you doing here? I, we,... already paidthis months protection fees."

*Oh Grokspit, she's mistaking me for someone else.* Anthony didn't hear the Captain respond to the lady's question.

He was scared stiff, and the lady seemed just as scared. It didn't make sense.

From behind him he heard a gruff voice. "Yous leave Stella alone you hear? We already paid our dues to that biker gang of yours and part of the deal was you'd stay away from heres. Now git!"

*I'm not a biker, I'm not a gangster, just a lost Lt. on some planet that is traumatized for life because he died, and now is on some planet away from anyone he knows. Please spare me!* And yet again, Anthony missed the the reply that came from the Commander.

"What do you mean? Your wearing their colors aren't ya? The Screamin' Eagles." He wasn't the only one in the bar that had a blue coat on. Lots of people had blue on. It didn't make sense.

*Please don't kill me, Please don't kill me, Please don't kill me!* An observer would have thought that Mendenhall's ears didn't work properly.

"Bullshit!" the meat cleaver guy yelled. "The Screamin' Eagles don't lend their clothes to nobody. No beat it before we dice you up and search you as tomorrow's luncheon special!"

*Borrow, when did he say anything about borrowing. Were they talking to me? Someone else. Please be someone else!* No one had walked up behind him yet. He was too scared to turn around.

"-left 'mate." He heard the glorious sound. The aussie accent!

"I couldn't agree with you more sir..." Oh! It was the commander! Oh joy of joys!

He turned around in shock, wanting to call out, but he couldn't. The trauma he went through had taken it's toll. *CAPTAIN! IT"S SO GLAD TO HEAR YOU!*

"Okay, we will be going..." Lee explained opening his hands in a show of peaceful intentions. "Sorry if we disturbed any of your meals.... Carry on..."

*NO DON'T LEAVE!* he tried to walk over, but it wasn't wroking. *Oh, yes, my feet need to move. Move feet I command you!* He saw James pull a map out, and even in his state of disarray, knew it was a bad idea.

"Did yous see that!? That punk biker just stole a map with out paying for it."

"Common, we can't let them punks get away with that. Let me get to the cab and get my tire iron."

"Yeah, we are sick and tired of all this. All we want is a place where a man can make an honest living, and raise his family without having to deal with your drug pushing, whore peddlin', thieving, murderous lot." Another trucker added.

"Looks like we'll havta teach yous a lesson to make yous think twice about coming in here and polluting our neighborhood..."

"No wait!" shouted Anthony. But it was too late. His voice was muffled by the heated patrons. The gang of truck drivers started collecting hard blunt objects. One pushed Anthony down.

"They's did that on purpose Henry!" another added. "They's makin' fun of us sure is."

"Humm... well we will see how much fun they make when they have my 18 wheeler running down their ass. Common Homer, let's git to the truck and teach these boys some country manners."

He scrammbled back up and turned to the frighten lady. He palced a wad of bills on the counter. Each was marked in with a big 100 on it. She looked at him dumbfounded and pulled up the box of fried chicken.

"This should be enough." He looked behind him, and saw as most of the truck drivers entered their vehicles.

Mendenhall pointed toward the posse of drivers. "I need to you to get a hold of them. Tell to stop the bikers, but DON'T hurt them. Tell them they'll be paid well if they do."

She nodded back, and he ran and graabbed a map. He quickly ran back and placed the rest of his money on the counter and grabbed the box of chicken.

"Here's some more for the map, the help, and the map they took. Please forgive them, they didn't know what they were doing."

Stella loked a little dumbfounded as the strange man jerked forward suddenly, then backed out, and drove off behind the truck drivers. It took her a moment before she started toward the radio.

"Power Play"
by Lt. Cmdr. Ronni Morris and Lt. (JG) Ryak Sullax

Ronni signaled to Jennifer that it was alright for her to leave. With the human gone, Ronni sat back in the chair and sighed. "She's really nice, but I am sure glad to see you, Ryak."

The Romulan nodded as he approached her with the medical kit. "Please remove your hat and coat."

Ronni smiled, despite the pain, at the Romulan's brusque manner. She took off the hat and sat forward, with Lt. Sullax's help, and removed the coat. Ryak cut the blood soaked sleeve off. Ryak was beginning to become annoyed with the amount of pain he had seen and endured on this planet. He carefully examined the wound. "You are fortunate that the projectile passed through your arm." he said.

"Yeah, I feel real lucky." she said.

Ryak quickly cleaned up the wound and gave her a dose of the medicine marked as a local pain killer. Ryak was not sure how she'd react to the liquid but heck it had to work. He then did five stitches on each side of the wound. "This will need to be treated on the USS Galaxy, but you should be well enough off for now. You will need to keep your arm immobilized." he said.

"Wonderful. I'm just glad you're here. I would have had a hard time explaining my skin differences, not that you exactly fit in." she said with a half smile.

"So, what is our plan of action?" said the Romulan arranging the sling on the Delphinian's arm. Ryak had his bit of explaining himself to the locals and was not in the mood for this chit chat.

"Well, I need to get a big drink of water. Then we need to somehow contact the Galaxy. Greer is working at a "television" station that has some basic satellite contact. I think we should try to get a radio signal. It may reach farther."

"That is a reasonable suggestion. Do you know where a radio station might be located?" Ryak asked.

"Actually, in my tours of the city, I found two. But, more importantly, I know where their signal towers are, and that would be a better option. Are you with me?" she said sticking out her hand.

The Romulan looked down at her hand and then back at her. "Of course. You are my commanding officer." Ryak thought for a second and continued. "I have a portable computer that may help us send a message." Ryak adjusted the back pack.

Suddenly, out in the main room, the two Starfleet officers heard a tremendous crashing sound and then a spray of gun fire. Ronni grabbed the medical kit and said, "We need to distract them."

Ryak looked over at the medical cabinet and saw two glass bottles of liquid that could help him. He said, "I you will climb out the window behind you, I believe that I can 'distract' the invaders." Ronni nodded, and after checking to see if the alley was clear, climbed out the window.

Ryak took the two bottles and went to the door. The gun fire had stopped. Two women were yelling,

"Get out of here!" and "This is a place of rest!"

A man's voice said, "Shaddup ya dumb molls! We're lookin' fer a Fererationer who was seen commin in here."

One of the women said, "We turned him out. We told him we didn't want any gang trouble here. He left out the back door."

"That may be, but we're gonna check that out ourselves." said a different male voice.

The sound of desks and beds being tossed about then came from the main room. Ryak decided it was time to act. He carefully opened the door. He pulled off the stopper to the bottle of bleach. He then rolled the glass bottle out toward the center of the room. The liquid spilled out in a stream, and the bottle stopped about a meter out into the room and started to puddle. One of the men looked around and saw the half open door and noticed the strong smell. As he turned to fire, Ryak slammed down the bottle of ammonia into the puddle of bleach, and closed the door. The noxious fumes started to come under the door and then through the door as bullets followed. Ryak jumped out of the window and landed gracefully on a pile of rubbish.

Ronni, still trying to clean herself off, said, "I really wish they had decent waste disposal on this planet!" Ryak nodded. He gave off a look of disgust in the fact that he was covered in garbage. Ryak wondered if anything else could happen to him. Ryak's bandage on his face was beginning to reek so he ripped it of revealing a large scab and a busted nose. Ryak through down the bandage and the two officers went running down the alley.

Question
Lt Commander Casey Ti Miran

Miran felt funny sitting in on a senior staff briefing when she hadn't been considered a senior staff meeting in two years, since before Lara was born. She listened as everyone talked trying to not seem as out of place.

"Endris's idea gave me a clue. If we send out a shuttle, it can lock on a tractor beam to the planet while close to it. Then, if we lock a beam onto the shuttle and start reeling in, the effect of having a planet acting as an anchor will drag us towards them. Simple laws of physics. The problem is that it will probably destroy the shuttle and may end up bending the Galaxy out of shape a bit. If that doesn't work, I'll have all the engineering staff go EVA and push." Listening to K'Etyanna's idea, Miran had a question.

"Lt, are you sure that we could get the shuttle far enough into the planet's gravity well to be able to use it as an anchor instead of just reeling the shuttle back to the Galaxy, without having a pilot to guide it in?"

ICQ- #2773922 Nerys

"Reply to Question"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

"Lt, are you sure that we could get the shuttle far enough into the planet's gravity well to be able to use it as an anchor instead of just reeling the shuttle back to the Galaxy, without having a pilot to guide it in?"

Looking up as Lt Commander Casey Ti Miran spoke up, K'Eytyanna did a brief calcualtion,

"Basically, I think that the shuttle's survival rate is going to be somewhere from dead nothing to unbelievably impossible. It doesn't really matter about how far in we can get it. If needed, a collision would be acceptable as an anchor. The only need for the shuttle is to extend the tractor beam's range, Lt Commander. If we really push all power into the tractor and don't mind burning out every emitter plus modify the deflector dish to act as an emitter as well, leading it to burn out as well possibly, we may just be able to forget about using a shuttle and go direct. However, if needed, I volunteer for shuttle duty."

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

"I also voulunteer to fly the shuttle. We are limited on the number of engineers onboard right know. Samara may be more qualified to pilot a shuttle but more needed on the ship to calibrate the tractor beam and do the engineering stuff. In this case a security officer is more expendable than an engineer. And I am shuttle qualifed. However. I would recomend using a runabout. They have a heavyer mass and stronger haull.

Also while the galaxy is realing it self in. I could start scanning for the ships crew."

Ensign James Scott USS Galaxy Security

"Romulan Elves"
By: Sullar Sullax
USS Galaxy

Sullar sat in the large room filled with toys. He looked around to see that the other children were still avoiding him. Sullar stood up and walked over to them and sat down next to them.

"Jolan'Tru." Sullar said in a polite quiet manner.

The children looked at him and when his translator finished they all laughed. The children pointed at him and started to make fun of him. Sullar began to feel his stomach begin to ache. Sullar stood up an walked a few steps away. Out of the corner of his eye he could see a small greenish thing run behind the desk. Sullar began to follow it. Sullar slowly peaked around the desk to see an elf sitting there.

"Hello little boy." the elf said in Romulan.

"Hi." Sullar replied. Sullar had not been around other Romulan in a long time and knew that there were none on the ship. "How did you get here?"

"I was told to come and get you because Santa Claus needs help." the elf replied.

Sullar began to frown. "My father said that there is no Sana Caws."

"I do not see your father here." the elf stated.

"My father is fighting for the Empire." Sullar said as he stood up proud and strong.

This seemed to upset the elf. "You Romulan's are all alike I think it has to be some sort of programming."

Sullar looked confused. "Do you want to play?"

This seemed to spark some enthusiasm in the elf. "yes I do but not here."

"My father said that I must stay with the human lady until he returns."

"I was told to take you to your father."

Sullar was unsure about this but the elf couldn't be telling a lie. Doctor Cat said that Sana was good. "Ok." Sullar replied.

The elf made his way slowly to the door and opened it. Sullar followed.

"Ok, we have to sneak around." the elf said, "It is training for working for Santa."

Sullar became very excited. This was his big opportunity to see this fellow that helps little Romulan's out. The two of them slowly made their way down the corridor. They both stopped at a lift and the elf turned around and removed the Translator/communicator from Sullar' shirt and threw it away.

"I will not be able to understand the humans now." Sullar said with a very large sad face.

"Don't worry I will do all of the talking." the elf replied.

The lift doors opened and the two of them entered. After a few seconds the doors opened again to show an are of many lights and computers. Sullar peaked out of the lift to see a large blue light at the end of the room. The elf walked out and motioned for Sullar to follow. The two of them made it to the light without being noticed by the people that were working. Sullar was in awe. The large object reached to the roof. It gave off a very calming hum. The elf began to make his way up the steps. Sullar began to follow but found it very difficult to climb all of the stairs. When at the top the elf turned to Sullar and said, "Ok, Santa needs your help. This blue beast is evil and is stopping Santa from delivering all of his presents and I need your help to stop it. Do you think you can help?"

Sullar looked at the beast and then back at the elf. In his very newly developed Romulan arrogant tone he replied, "I am Romulan I am able to do anything."

The elf smiled and continued. "Ok take this and push the button on the side and stop the beast."

Sullar looked at the object and noticed it from his father, "This is a weapon. I will not hurt the bad monster. We should talk to it first."

The elf was caught off guard by this. "What are you human? The Romulan way is to fight then talk."

Sullar was about to fire when a man in a yellow uniform noticed them.

"Security to Engineering I have a what appears to be an elf and a young Romulan or Vulcan child and they seem to have a phaser pointed at the engine core." the officer said as he began to climb the ladder. "You two stop what you are doing!"

Sullar was startled and dropped the weapon. The elf looked at Sullar and said, "Pick it up and Fire! The beast must die!"

Sullar looked at the large man who was now at the top of the ladder. Sullar picked up the phaser and pointed it at the monster.

"Ok son put down the weapon." the engineer said.

Ryak didn't understand him. Sullar was getting very confused and could feel a tear run down his face.

"Listen Human." the elf said, "Let the boy do his job."

The engineer looked at the elf and said, "That cannot happen."

At that instant a small security team arrived on the landing. The elf looked around and could see that Sullar was very scared now. At that second there was a bright light and the two of them disappeared.

Chris Gagne
Lieutenant(jg) Ryak Sullax,Science Officer,USS Galaxy.
Contact at: i2qtnot2b@hotmail.com

"Staff Meeting"
by Lt. Thomas

** Senior Meeting **

Lt. Thomas sat quitely listening to the conversation unfold and the ideas start to pour out of people's heads about how to get the galaxy in orbit of the planet. Currently the standard mode of moving the ship wasn't an option so they were having to think of possible ways to accomplish things. With the current shortage in the number of senior staff available, he had been made the ship's acting executive officer. Something that was completely new to him, despite all of his training and talents, he'd never been in such a position as this.

That being the case he'd chosen to remain quite and listen mainly to what the others had to offer about their current problems. He very much wanted to evaluate what they had to say and what possibilities they might come up with before making any comments. He knew no matter how much he remained silent, Lt. Commander Casey the ship's acting captain would want his input. If for nothing else then to make sure things were feasible.

The first proposal was to use the a shuttle and the ship's tractor beam to pull the ship into orbit.

"Lt, are you sure that we could get the shuttle far enough into the planet's gravity well to be able to use it as an anchor instead of just reeling the shuttle back to the Galaxy, without having a pilot to guide it in?" Lt Commander Casey Ti Miran

"We could enhance the shuttle's power supply, by adding micro fusion generators." Lt. Thomas commented off-hand as he considered what that would involved in setting things up.

"Basically, I think that the shuttle's survival rate is going to be somewhere from dead nothing to unbelievably impossible. It doesn't really matter about how far in we can get it. If needed, a collision would be acceptable as an anchor. The only need for the shuttle is to extend the tractor beam's range, Lt Commander. If we really push all power into the tractor and don't mind burning out every emitter plus modify the deflector dish to act as an emitter as well, leading it to burn out as well possibly, we may just be able to forget about using a shuttle and go direct. However, if needed, I volunteer for shuttle duty." Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

"I agree, I don't think putting a shuttle between us and the planet is the solution, but without something out there to grab onto using the tractor beam would be pointless. We'd burn out the systems before we managed to overcome the initial inertia problem." Lt. Thomas pointed out. He really didn't want to rule things out, but this was a dead road. Something much simpler was going to be needed.

"I also volunteer to fly the shuttle. We are limited on the number of engineers onboard right know. Samara may be more qualified to pilot a shuttle but more needed on the ship to calibrate the tractor beam and do the engineering stuff. In this case a security officer is more expendable than an engineer. And I am shuttle qualified. However. I would recommend using a runabout. They have a heaver mass and stronger hull." Ensign James Scott

Lt. Thomas listened as both these officers volunteered to pilot a potentially doomed shuttle. Brave souls, but he'd thought of another possibility that would pose less danger to everyone involved. "Commander what I would recommend is to launch a series of shuttles placing them at key locations around the ship. Modifying the shuttles tractor beams, and having the galaxy's tractor beams ready as well. A 5 shuttle task force should be able to move the galaxy, by placing them in a v formation and locking on to the galaxy. We should be able to just pull the galaxy along and reach the planet." Lt. Thomas said. "However the plan isn't without risk, each shuttle will need to be manned by a trained pilot. We'll also have to establish a computer link with each shuttle, using the Galaxy as the main nerve center. With the lead shuttle providing the command and direction decisions."

"A similar tactic was used by the Enterprise - D, when they were exploring a nebula with dense matter, which turned out to be a form of life. They only used one shuttle, because of limited to room to maneuver and the Enterprise was capable of moving itself. Thus the reason for my modification on the tactic." Chris said, activating the monitor behind Commander Casey. He walked over to the monitor so he could better demonstrate his play, that he'd worked on, by building upon the plans that had been placed on the table so far. On the monitor appeared the Galaxy surrounded by 5 shuttles position in a tight V formation. one ship at the lead, with two on the side and two more behind them and position near the front of the warp nacelles.

"Well use the Runabout as the lead ship, with a two to three man crew. With the Commander's permission I'll take command of the runabout." Lt. Thomas said, as he pulled up each vehicle that would be used. "Then well position 2 of the type-9 cargo shuttles, one of the right and one on the left. With two of the ships Type-6 shuttles placed on the outside, in front of the warp nacelles." Lt. Thomas said, as he continued to lay out his proposal before the other officers in attendance.

"I believe that we can have the entire operation setup and underway in a few hours, Commander." Lt. Thomas said.

Christopher Patton

"No Witnesses"
by Franco
Former Head Assassin for the Yakuza

Franco watched the bikes drive off, scowling at the pain the pool ball had caused. The man he had fought was skilled. He had heard stories of the Federation, of their cleverness in bad situations, and the three officers had proven that fact. He was still particularly displeased with himself that he had allowed the leader to leave. The tall, white-headed gentleman had had the bearing of the leader, but Franco had chosen the man battling the other bikers. Perhaps it was because he wanted to test his skills or simply so he could take all three, whatever it was, it had cost him the one man who would be the most important.

The man had robbed him of the opportunity to reclaim his honor. He would pay for that.

***Three Months Ago***

Franco adjusted his position from his spot across the street from Papa Jacko's building, rubbing his eyes after looking through the binoculars for so long. After three hours of kneeling on the cold warehouse roof, nothing had occurred. Apparently Jacko had decided to attend a party instead of work late, as his sources had told him. He blew on his gloved fingers, trying desperately to keep them warm. Suddenly, the large doors to the office opened and Jacko entered, followed by his usual entourage of guards. About three that Franco could see. Franco smiled and reached into his bag, pulling out the long rope and grappling hook.

He took a step back and threw the hook, connecting it solidly to the edge of the roof. He wrapped his right and left hand around the cord, judging the distance between his vantage point and Jacko's office. He took a breath and stepped off the roof. The rope pulled on his hands, and he was swinging over the street, the air whistling in his ears. As he neared the window, he dropped his head and crashed through the glass. The window shattered all around him, and he felt several pieces catch in his clothes. He hit the floor with both feet and dropped, rolling across the carpet. He came up fast, pulling the small knife from its place in his belt and stabbed the first guard, who hadn't moved from his spot. He spun as the next guard started moving, kicking him in the throat. The man went down, his windpipe crushed. The third aimed his phaser and Franco made a slight move with his right hand and a throwing knife appeared, embedded in the guard's left eye. He stumbled back, the skin and area around the eye turning black from the poison the blade was coated in. His right eye stared blankly as he toppled to the ground. Franco turned to where Jacko was sitting at his desk, a pleased expression on his face. "Now that," he said. "Was very impressive. Who are you?"

"My name is Franco. I'm Chief Assassin for the Yakuza."

Jacko smiled. "Shit. Tito again? I thought I took care of him two years back on the docks. That little piece of garbage is still runnin' the Yakuza."

Franco nodded and stepped forward. "Enough talk."

Jacko still looked pleased. "My guards heard you. They'll be here any second."

"Your office is soundproofed. The only connection you have to them is through that intercom."

Jacko smiled again, then his hand leapt towards a drawer. The phaser was almost all the way out by the time Franco was on him, slamming the drawer closed on his hand and elbowing him in the face. Jacko yelped and pulled his hand away, angrily watching as Franco removed the phaser and tossed it away. Jacko was starting to look worried. But just a little. "Listen," he said. "Whatever Tito's payin' you, I'll double it."

Franco shook his head. "You can't buy a man's honor."

"Honor," Jacko spat the word out like it was poison. "Where'll honor get you? Dead, that's where. You go around with nothin' but honor and you ain't gonna last more'n a few hours out there on the streets. You wanna survive, you gotta have the juice. Without the juice you ain't nothin'. And you ain't got the juice."

Franco smiled. "Wrong. I got enough juice that I hold your life in my hands. That's the only juice I need."

Jacko smiled again. "Whatever you say, pal." Then Franco noticed Jacko's hand was in his jacket pocket. before he could move, Jacko pulled the trigger. Franco stumbled back, grabbing at his side where the bullet had hit. Jacko jumped forward hitting the button on the intercom. "Guards!"

Franco reached to his belt and pulled another knife, throwing it at Jacko, who just caught the move and dove underneath the desk. The doors slammed open and three more guards came, phasers aiming. Franco cursed and ran full speed for the rope still hanging near the window. He leapt out the window, grabbing the rope and effortlessly pulling himself up the last story using just his hands. He pulled himself to the roof and ran across its length, leaping off the edge and onto the roof of a nearby building, though the drop was about two stories. he hit the ground and tucked, rolling back to his feet and running to the fire escape. He was on the ground in less than a minute. He kicked in the door to the building and went inside, hiding in the darkness.

Three hours later, he was standing in Shadow City, hands folded on the desk, sitting across from Tito. Tito was scowling at Franco. "You missed the mark," Tito said, shaking his head.

Franco nodded. "I am sorry."

"You have been with me for nearly ten years now. For four of those, you have been my foremost assassin. You have never missed a mark. You became overconfident and lost your edge. You thought yourself to be infallible. We all did. You never should have failed, not the way you did. From your description, it sounds like a most pathetic performance. It makes me sick to think of it. You know the punishment."

Franco nodded as the towel, knife and bowl of ice was slid to him. Franco picked up the knife, held it over his little finger. His eyes were locked on Tito's. "Do it," Tito said. "And you may continue with us." Franco nodded, but his hand was trembling. Beads of sweat stood out on his forehead as he stared into Tito's eyes. Finally, Franco put the knife aside and hung his head in shame. "I cannot."

Tito simply nodded. "Leave us. You may not return until you've proven yourself worthy to join us again."

***Two Hours Ago***

Franco nodded as he listened to his friend's story. "Cantinii has one Fed, Jacko is bringing in four others?"

His informant nodded. "Yes. And I hear Tito is attempting to arrange a meeting with the rest."

Franco smiled. "If I could get one Fed, and bring him to Tito without the others knowing, Tito would surely have use to find out what the person knows. By any means necessary."

The informant nodded. "And with the powers the Feds control, Jacko would surely not hold them long. Which means you may have a shot at four officers. Just getting one away would be difficult."

Franco grinned. "But I could do it. And if I brought him to Tito, he would have to welcome me back into the group. Brother, I thank you. This means a lot to me."

***Now***

Franco pulled up to the gas station and filled up his stolen motorcycle. The Feds were unaccustomed to the vehicles and it had been easy enough to track them, but he was unsure of their destination. If he was going to surprise them, he needed to know where they were headed. He got off the motorcycle and started for the station when the door opened and a man in an apron walked out. He carried a baseball bat in one hand, and he was glowering at Franco. "Goddammit," he said. "Why the hell are you here? Your buddies already left."

Franco cocked his head. "A tall, white-haired man, a younger handsome man and a short dark one, a little smaller than I?"

"Of course. They're your buddies, ain't they?"

"Where did they go?"

The man spit on the ground. "Go to hell." He swung the bat at Franco's head. Franco grabbed the bat when it was just inches from his head, stopping its progress entirely. He pulled the bat out of the man's hand and grabbed him by the throat, his fingers digging in where his windpipe would be. Small wells of blood formed where his fingernails dug into the man's flesh. Franco looked up and saw a woman standing in the doorway, she was very frightened.

"Where did they go," he asked the woman.

She shook her head. "I ain't sure. Down that way," she pointed down the way they'd come. One of them, the small man, stole a map, but another guy said they were friends and paid for the map. Some trucker friends of ours went to chase 'em down, but the guy had me call 'em off."

*The small man,* Franco thought. *He will die. There are two others to chose from.* He nodded. "How long ago?"

"'Bout ten minutes."

"Bring me one of the maps the small man took."

The woman went inside and pulled one of the maps out and tossed it at Franco.

Franco smiled at the man in his grasp, who was turning purple. "You should learn your manners." Franco released the man and kicked him in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. He raised the wooden bat over his head and smashed it onto the rock, breaking the bat into half, the half he was gripping was sharp and jagged. He raised it over his head and slammed it into the man's chest, pinning him to the ground. The man made a surprised face, then went limp. The woman in the doorway screamed and turned to go back inside. Franco was on her in an instant. He grabbed her by the hair and threw her inside. "No witnesses."

He came back out five minutes later and picked up the map. He looked at it with a smile and got on the bike. "Yes," he said to himself as he started the motor. "The small one will pay for his crimes."

Well my shift was almost over the Gamma shift was always the quietest. The majority of the senior crew members(what was left of them) worked on the typical Alpha and Beta shifts.Other than my meeting and chatting with Ensign Scott, it had been pretty quite, not that I minded quite with Q on the rampage. After Ensign Scott had left I had spent the remainder of my shift chatting with Ensign Miles Sorta about related topics like how the war was going with Dominion and the Cardassians, sport back on Earth etc,etc and that was about as much as a security officer and a engineer really had in common!

At 8.00 am exactly my relief, Ensign Carol Salt walked through the turbolift doors into engineering, followed by the alpha shift engineers

"Quite?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

"Very" was Bolitho's reply as he saunted past her handing her a security tricorder." Enjoy" and with that he was past her and into the Turbolift.

"Deck 20." Bolitho told the turbolift computer. Bolitho patted his growling stomach 'Im hungry, and I need a good old fashioned water shower' he thought to himself. He was busying fantasizing about a mouth watering traditional continental breakfast he was about to gorge upon, when the turbolift doors swung open. Bolitho had fully expected to perhaps meet his strarfleet colleagues on my way back to his quarters, but what stood in front of him had taken his breath away

Standing in front of Bolitho was a "Zulu warrior" judging by his appearance from the early 18th century on Earth complete with head dress,loin cloth, large cow hide shield and stabbing spear or assagai as it was called then.Bolitho's attention was drawn to the fact that there was blood dripping from his spear.

"Surprise!" Bolitho heard from behind him. Keeping my eye on the warrior in front of him Bolitho slowly moved putting his back against the corridor wall and quickly touched his comm badge " Bolitho to Scott ,intruder alert deck 20 section 1A,.... I think you know who it is so bring the cavalry!"

"Spoilsport" came Q's reply as he stepped out of the turbolift and moved forward until he was standing next to the Zulu warrior. "Hello Q, what took you so long?" replied Bolitho "Long!" replied the omnipotent being "don't you know that time had no meaning to a member of the Q continuum." "Yeah, right what ever you say Q" said Bolitho trying to act unconcerned. "Oh come on Bolitho I thought you would be interested in meeting one of your ancestors?" "A.....Ancestors? stammered Bolitho " now turning his attention completely to the 'Zulu warrior.' "That is what I said. Is he not a fine specimen of your human barbarity, I think I could make a new case with Picard about Human barbarity with your ancestors Bolitho! Oh by the way I plucked him straight out of a fight from your Earth's history, a battle what I think you humans called Blood river." "Blood ri.....Thanks for the history lesson Q, but you can return him to his own time now." "Now that would be a complete waste of my time, I brought him to meet you, whether he is friendly or not is entirely up to him" with that Q clicked his fingers and my ancestor started moving, his arms and legs first as if testing the ground upon which he was standing and then his eyes, first scanning his surroundings and then coming to rest upon me.

I mind hardly registered his first movement , instinctively I threw myself forward, as the asagaai whistled over my head, "Ohh goody a fight" exclaimed Q, rolling into a crouch I studied my opponent or should I say my ancestor as he turned round impassively to gaze at me. My lineage the "Zulu's" were a warrior race, they had at one stage conquered the entire Southern continent of Africa before the Europeans arrived early in the 18th Century. "This is going to end now Q" Bolitho reached for his phaser only to see it vanish from between his fingertips in bright flash of light. "Thats hardly fair Neil! 24th century technology versus 18th century guts and tenacity, its not what you would call a fair fight." proclaimed Q.

My attention turned back to my ancestor who was now beginning to move slowly towards me I could almost swear he was stalking me. 'Well was I not a trained security professional able to hold my own against Borg, Cardassian, Klingon, or any other potential dangerous species?' Bolitho moved into a standard Klingon Dar'Tragh level one defence and awaited his opponent/ancestor's next move. Bolitho did not have to wait long as his ancestor let out a blood curdling yell and charged at Bolitho, spear point leading the way, Bolitho stepping forward, calmly deflected the steel tipped spear with one arm with his other arm snapped out hitting a nerve point in the crook of his ancestor's arm. The spear dropped from his ancestors nervously fingers. All this happened within a split second, Bolitho was forced to smile it had been too easy, surely there was some.........

"WHAM" All colours of the spectrum flashed before Bolitho as he fought to stay conscious, staggering backwards trying to stay out of his ancestors quite lethal reach, Boitho finally leaned heavily against the corridor wall and tried to shake the cobwebs out of his head.At the same time remembering that this type of Zulu warrior always kept a wooden club or knobkerrie as it was called then on the inside of his shield, the shield can easily be inverted and the knobkerrie used as a bludgeoning weapon during close combat

"First blood to your ancestor" yelled Q. " I guess you humans have really become soft in the past 600 years?" "Not soft Q, just civilised!" scowled Bolitho. Q just scoffed at that. "Now I am really annoyed", Bolitho angrily glanced up at his ancestor who was concentrating solely on his numb arm waving it around like a stuffed chicken and advanced on him. Bolitho exploded into a whirlwind of action. Arms and legs were thrown at every angle towards the Zulu warrior, Neil gave his ancestor credit he did manage to partially block some of the blows that rained down on him with his shield, but that wasn't enough to stop the angered security officer.Within 10 second the Zulu warrior lay unconscious at his feet.

Bolitho looked up at Q who had a smirk on his face and quipped "Civilised?" That was the final straw, Bolitho furiously advanced on the omnipotent being. Q waved his hand indicating bye bye and disappeared along with his Ancestor in a bright white flash.

Bolitho sighed and tried to exhale some of his anger. He leaned heavily against the corridor wall and raised a hand up to his head. Drawing his hand away he noticed it was coated in blood. Raising his head to look at the roof and perhaps the heavens beyond, he said

"Well I guess im lucky that he didn't turn me into a bunny rabbit?"

Who the hell do you think you are?
By Ensign Ken Miller
And Civilian Tal'yana Lan

Ensign Miller couldn't believe his fortune, Q had gave him the greatest gift he had ever had. Q had somehow brought his girlfriend Susan aboard the ship from Earth. "Laz. How about today you show me some of the ship today?" Susan smiled. "You said you'd introduce me to some of the crew." She moved around to Miller and placed her chin on his shoulder. She made a puppy dog face. "Come on... please?"

"I suppose taking you down to ten-forward couldn't hurt..." Miller stroked his goatee. His face brightened up. "Yeah! Thats quite a good idea. Do you want to get changed first?"

"Changed? Into what? All my clothes are back on Earth! Or did you think I was sleeping nude for fun?" She made an accusatory stare which eventually disintegrated into a fit of laughter at the look on Miller's face.

"Haha. Come on lets go get a drink." Miller put his arm around her shoulders.

"I'll get clothes sorted out for you later on today."

Together they walked out of his quarters and headed towards ten-forward. It was quite a walk from his quarters, so they used the time to catch up on things. After a short trip in the turbolift, they arrived at Ten-forward. The bar area was pretty busy. "Come on, lets get a table first, before we order our drinks."

Miller helped Susan into her seat. "What do you want to drink?" he asked. "Hmmm... I'd really like some hot-chocolate. I don't know if you've noticed but your quarters are bloody cold! I need something to warm me up." she looked around, taking in the wonder of the the view out the viewports. "It's so.... so vast." she said in awe of the beauty of space. "I wonder what one is the Sol system?" She let out a breath.

"Emmm, well that one there is Bernards Star... I think. Which would make Sol one of the ones in that small cluster there. You see?" Susan nodded

"It is an awesome view... Sometimes I wish I could fly through space like a bird soars through the air." Miller looked wistful for a second. "Anyway I suppose I'd better go and get our drinks. "He smiled. I'll be back in a minute okay?"

Susan nodded and went back to staring out into space.

The queue at the bar had dissipated greatly since they had arrived and Miller got served instantly. "Yes sir... What can I get you?" the barman said, continuing to clean a glass wih a cloth. "Yes. I'd like a hot-chocolate and a glass of ...hmm whats the stongest stuff you've got?" The barman rummaged around underneath the bar for a moment before holding up a bottle of green liquid. It was almost full, obviously not all that popular then. "We have this, it's the strongest stuff we have."

"Okay, I'll have a glass of that and a hot-chocolate then." Miller smiled at the barman.

"I'll bring them over when they're ready." The barman continued to clean the glass.

"Okay, thanks. We're sitting over there, by the viewport." Miller pointed back at Susan. The barman nodded. And Miller walked back to sit beside Susan, who was still staring out into space.

"Susan. Susan!" Miller raised his voice a little louder than normal. This managed to rouse her out of her day-dream. "Huh? What? Oh, you're back. Wheres the drinks?"

"The barman said he'd bring them over when they were ready. Shouldn't take too long. I've been thinking... we'll have to take you up to sickbay soon for a physical." Miller looked concerned for a second. "Lord knows what travelling thousands of light-years instantaneously does to the body. Wouldn't hurt to get you checked out.

"Yeah I suppose I'll have to sooner or later. Better sooner than later!" She chuckled. The pair started talking.

The doors to ten-forward swoish open with their trademark hiss, and a young woman passes through, a smile on her face, for once. Her hair is held back in a tight braid, showing off in almost a sense of vanity those racial markings so well-known of the denizens of Trill. She's clothed in civilian attire, although perhaps a bit more flashy than typical... a black dress that falls nearly to the floor, showing off her figure while being simultaneously modest. She looks around, thinking to herself, ~The computer said the ensign was in here... now.. where is he...~

Miller saw Tal'yana Lan entering ten-forward and stood up, motioning for Tal'yana to come over. He spoke down to Susan. "Thats Tal'yana Lan I think I told you about her." Susan nodded. She remembered...

Eventually, Tal'yana's eyes meet with Ensign Miller's, and her smile broadens. She walks over slowly, giving Susan ample time to notice not only her civilian attire, but also time to inwardly seethe. The two women's gazes meet, and Tal'yana frowns for just a moment, just slightly, barely noticable.. but Susan sees it, and immediately misinterprets it as jealousy... thus beginning the relationship of miscommunication between the two.

Bringing back the original grin, Tal'yana walks over to the ensign, placing a friendly hand on his shoulder. Susan attempts to hold back the immediate surge of jealousy, and successfully contains it, for the time being. Tal'yana pulls a small cylindrical object out of some hidden pocket in her dress, handing it to Ken, "Here you go ensign. I must thank you... it's quite a nice program... I'll have to borrow it from you again."

You didn't have to bring it back so quickly... I said you could keep it as long as you wanted. I don't use the program much. Not enough action it bores me to be honest!

Tal'yana smiles, looking over at Susan, "Oh... I'd hate to intrude on this meeting here... we can always talk some other time..." She looks back at Ken, having thought that earlier he had mentioned something about a girl at home, although she never caught a name. She gives him subtle look, asking as to the nature of this 'meeting'.

Ken misses it almost completely, although again Susan sees the accusatory look, again misinterpreting it. Her fingers play at the edge of the table, as she tried to contain the urge to simply scream out at the woman encraoching on her space... it had been a rather hard couple of days as it was... it's not often that one gets teleported thousands of light-years across the galaxy without their permission. Having another woman encroach on her assumed territory didn't help lower her stress levels, by any means. She struggled some more to keep her composure, eventually winning the internal battle, and smiled aimiably at Tal'yana. "Oh... no... do sit down..." She cuts a glance to Ken, "We were just talking... feel free to join us."

Tal'yana smiled, sitting down at the circular table. In her mind, she had let the couple sit next to each other, sitting across from them... in the same light, Susan saw her positioning as a further encroachment, having sat between them.

Miller waited until Tal'yana had sat down before taking his seat again. "I'd better introduce Susan here." He motioned with his hand towards Susan. "Tal'yana meet Susan, shes my girlfriend from home." Miller could see that Tal'yana was about to say something. He cut her off with. "It was Q. He brought her here as a christmas present... He teleported her using his powers all the way from Earth to here." Miller then proceeded to tell Tal'yana the entire tale.

"So you see, I don't really think Q is such a bad guy after all... I think hes just misunderstood." Miller smiled thoughtfully.

Tal'yana shook her head. "But what about the captain? and the other members of the crew which he kidnapped?"

"Look, I don't know. All I know is that he was nice to me. He didn't seem like he would intentually hurt someone. But I hope the captain will be okay." He frowned at the thought.

"I better go to the bathroom before our drinks get here. It'll give you two a chance to get acquainted." Miller smiled at both women. Before practically running towards the bathroom.

Susan waits a full ten seconds after Ken has disappeared before her entire demeanor changes. She looks directly at Tal'yana. "And who the hell do you exactly think you are?"

Tal'yana blinks several times, staring at the woman who mere seconds before had appeared happy and cheerful, trying to rationalize this sudden change of emotion. She looks directly at the woman, and says the only thing that comes to her mind, a question: "What?"

Susan shakes her head, pleased now to finally have these pent up feelings out in the open, and says, "You know what I mean! Who the hell do you think you are, sneaking in on a man who is so obviously taken." She wipes back a lock of hair. "Look... I've been with Ken far too long to have some shameless hussy try to pull him away fom me..."

Tal'yana's eyes widen as she realizes exactly what was happening. A slight giggle escaped her as she marveled at the irony of this situation... here she had been upset, because she thought the Ensign had been cheating on his lady-friend at home, and said person was accusing her of enciting him to do exactly that. She clapped a hand over her mouth, but failed in the attempt to stifle the first part of the giggle. Susan's eyes flared in anger at the guesture, and she opened her mouth to speak.

Tal'yana put her other hand out, placing it over Susan's mouth. "Wait... you've made your accusation... now hear me out..." Susan wrenched her face away from the woman.

"No!" Susan yelled as she stood up, slamming her hands down on the table. Everyone nearby turned their gazes towards the two women... "No... you shut up and you listen _very_ close to what I'm going to say. You stay away from Ken... don't talk to him... don't touch him... don't even _think_ about him. He's not free for the taking, you understand me? No matter what you think, he's not going to just go after you whenever you shake your little tattooed toosh."

Tal'yana closed her eyes, standing up. She placed her hands on the table, and leaned over, until her nose was mere inches away from Susan's. "And you had better realize that you can't simply go around assuming every woman who makes you feel uncomfortable and unsure of your own self-image is going after your man. If you _must_ know, I was afraid that you were some civilian on this ship, and was going to remind him about a certain woman he has at home... however, after meeting her, a part of me wonders if he couldn't do for a little dalliance. I've seen a Tarq with a better disposition with yours... and have no desire to dine with a Tarq."

Tal'yana's eyes narrow, and she stands up. "I hope you have gained some sort of satisfaction from making a perfect ass out of yourself, Susan..." She smiles a look full of venom at Susan, and then turns around. Walking quickly, she leaves the lounge, in search of other, more sociable company.

Just then Miller came back from the bathroom. "Tal'yana? What's wrong?" She walked on past him for a few steps and then faltered. Without looking back at him, she simply said "Oh, nothing. Just got something to do." Before continuing her fast paced walk. She was furious with both Susan and herself. Susan for being an absolute bitch, and herself for allowing herself to be provoked. Miller merely shook his head. "Women... I don't think I'll ever understand them." Before walking back to Susan.

The end
By Ensign Ken Miller and civilian Tal'yana Lan

“All Good Ideas…”
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Deiran Casey
Acting Captain

Deiran sat in his chair, glanced at each officer. He leaned forward, putting his elbows on the edge of the table. He looked perplexed as he spoke, “Some very intriguing ideas everyone. Unfortunately the shuttles aren’t working either. I had it checked out before the meeting started. We have no warp capability, no shuttles are operational, no impulse engines. But, everything checks out. What does that tell you?”

Casey asked the staff but did not expect an answer.

“We’re stuck in the proverbial mud people. And I have reason to believe Q is holding the hose and letting the water seep onto the dirt. The only thing we have working is the tractor beam. And unless an asteroid comes by and is heading for orbit around Sigma Iota 2 we’re stuck here.”

Deiran turned to Miran and smiled.

“Starships don’t just freeze in space for no reason everyone. I have listened to your reports, your ideas. They’re all good ones by the way and under different circumstances I’d probably use a combination of Kay’s and Thomas’s idea with a bit of my own thrown in for good measure. Replicate some impulse thrusters and attach them to the hull by EVA. But that’s worst case scenario. We’ll exhaust all alternatives before we try it. And Kay in effect we’d be getting out and pushing,” Casey laughed at his own joke. He had to show he was calm and in control.

=/\= “Captain, Engineering just received a transmission from Commander Erikson. T’zaq has recorded the message.” =/\= The Bridge officer reported to Casey.

“Put it through please,” Casey commanded.

The message was put through to the observation lounge and played for the acting senior staff.

"USS Galaxy. This is Lieutenant Commander Erikson. Please respond. I repeat, This is Lieutenant Commander Erikson. USS Galaxy, please respond."

"USS Galaxy. This is Lieutenant Commander Erikson. Please respond."

“That’s it? I wish he would’ve given us his position. Kay, work with Numa and analyze that transmission. If we can establish communication then we’re one step closer to being able to move out of the mire Q has us in. Lucas, work with them also, make it a priority in Ops. Give them everything they need. Let’s try and set up a two way comm with Greer.”

Casey paused. He had nothing else to add really. His hands were tied. The Galaxy was motionless and powerless to propel itself forward or back. Like a piece of space dust motionless in the vacuum of space. Everything was operational but frozen and unusable at the moment.

“People you’re doing a good job. Keep it up, I need to speak with Q. In the meantime, let’s see if we can’t contact our people on Sigma. Once that’s done we can decide on our next course of action. We’ll get out of this one way or the other. Dismissed.”

The officers all stood up from their chairs. Casey motioned for Thomas to stay.

Once everyone was cleared out of the room, save his wife, he spoke to his friend.

“Chris, you have the Bridge. I think I have an idea of tricking Q into letting us move. But it involves me keeping it to myself. If anything happens, let me know. Kay is second officer, but don’t tell her yet,” Deiran laughed. “Seriously, it’s scary she’s the most senior officer on this ship after you and I. She’ll be working overtime on Greer’s transmission which leaves Benedict to take Gamma watch. Let Kay know she’ll be on Bridge duty next Gamma shift. But for now, I need to put my plan into action to get to Q.” Deiran looked to his wife, “Fortunately my dear that plan involves you.”

The couple said goodbye to Chris and headed for their quarters. Casey was praying that his friends were okay on Sigma. He hated the helpless feeling he felt in his gut.

Q wanted to do something nice for the Galaxy crew for Christmas. He was creating havoc. ‘How do you get to Q? What will drive him crazy?’

And then it hit Deiran like a falling star. Ignore him. Give credit for the havoc to someone or something else and hope he shows up to accept responsibility. Appeal to the omnipotent being’s ego. Casey knew about egos. Or they could just yell out his name and demand he appear. Either way would work.

"Power Play - II"
by Lt. Cmdr. Ronni Morris

Ronni and Ryak reached the end of the alley and looked out. To there left, a car pulled up, and all of the occupants, except for the driver, piled out of the car, wearing face masks. They ran into the building that the two Starfleet officers were standing next to.

The Delphinian said, "Those are gang members from a small gang on the outskirts of town. They have their headquarters in a burned out subway station. They must be robbing the place. I've got an idea." Ronni stepped out of the alleyway and stepped over to the passenger side of the car. The driver pulled out a gun and said, "Move it buddy." Ronni opened the door and said, "I need your vehicle." She pulled off her hat and gave a short yell of hypersonics and made an ugly face. That was enough for the driver. He jumped out of the car and away from the blue skinned monster.

Ronni slid over to the driver side and motioned for Ryak to come over, which he quickly did. "That was a most dangerous and foolish action." he said as he slid into the car. Ronni replaced her hat and said, "Sometimes you just need to take a leap of faith."

It took her about a minute to figure out how to get the vehicle moving. As they sped off, the gang came running out of the bank and fired at them. Ronni just laughed. The laugh though turned into a cough.

"I guess I am about to reach my limit again for how long I can be out of water." she said dryly.

The Romulan science officer looked at her and said, "It is most unwise to push yourself. We will need to get you to a body of water soon." Ronni just nodded.

In about 15 minutes, they reached the radio tower. The two officers climbed out of the car. Ryak opened the back storage compartment. Inside he found a couple of guns and a metal box. When he opened the box, inside he found a bunch of tools. He handed one of the guns to Ronni and he took the other and the toolbox. The two officers looked around and saw that there was nobody around. They quickly climbed to the top of the radio tower. They got to work.

Within 20 minutes, they were able to get control of the backup radio signal. Ryak started to use Morse Code, an old Earth communications form that they still taught in certain classes at the academy. He tapped out a distress signal and a Federation code for contact. After about 30 minutes, he turned the transmitter to point another direction and tried again.

While up there, Ronni spotted a tower with what looked like a fat rocket on the top. While Ryak was sending the signal, Ronni climbed down to investigate the tower. She climbed up the "rocket" tower and got to the top. She climbed out to the "roof" of the object and looked inside. It was a holding container filled with water. It took about 20 seconds for her to strip and climb in. The water was wonderful . . . . .

Written By Ensign Suder
Directed By Commander Baxa
"Confusing Ends Or Begins? Part I"

Suder ran faster and faster. Looking back every now and then to see if the man was still chasing him. He didn't know who this man was or why he was chasing him, but he had the feeling if he didn't outrun this guy, he'd soon find out. But he wasn't sure if he could outrun this guy. He was sore and tired and didn't feel like running. He had lost the Captain and the others a while back and that's when he noticed this guy chasing him.

Suder took a quick left which led down into yet another street. His feet splashed in several puddles and as he took a right, he heard the man's heavy feet splash in the same puddles. Suder stopped running when he took another right that led down an alley way. A very dark alley way. He shook his head and began running again and after a hundred meter race down the alley way, he came face to face with a wall. This wasn't an alley way, it was a dead end.

Suder turned around and saw a tall dark figure standing in a shadow. The man had a black coat on and a dark coloured hat to match. Suder looked around for a way to escape but could find any. The only was out was over the wall, or throw the man. He didn't really mind which option he took.

"So why are you running?" the man asked lighting a cigarette.

"To get away from you." Suder quickly replied.

The man pulled the cigarette away from his mouth and laughed. "That's kinda funny. But let's cut to the chase. We know your from the Galaxy."

"News travels fast." Suder sarcastically replied.

"In this town, yeah. We also know that a small group of your people led by Captain Price is it, had a meeting with Papa Jacko, but what we don't know is what it was all about. Care to enlighten me?" the man asked.

Suder thought for a second and considered his answer. "I don't know who this Papa Jack is and I didn't know that they all had a meeting today." Suder said.

"It's Papa Jacko square! Now I'm a nice guy, on a good day, well, a very good day that is, and I'd like to go through at least one day without any bloodshed, you know what I'm sayin'." the man said putting a hand on the inside of his coat.

"I don't know anything, and I don't care that you don't believe me.! Suder said

"I believe you." the man said pulling his hand back out of his coat with nothing in it.

"No you don't, your just trying to gain my trust, my confidence, and vice versa so when I do tell you what you want to know, you'll just kill me anyway." Suder replied.

In less than a second, the man made a snap action and before Suder knew it, the man standing four meters away was holding a gun. "How did you know that? Have you been watching me over the past few years? What??" the man asked with a little tone of anger in his voice.

"I'm Betazoid, not that you'd know what that means." Suder snapped back.

"I'll find out later, right now, all I want to know is what you know." the man said forcing the issue.

"I don't know anything." Suder repeated.

The man pulled back slightly on the trigger and aimed for Suder's shoulder. "Tell me!"

"I'm telling you, you'll just have to shoot me." Suder said smiling slightly.

The shot echoed through the alley way. Smoke drifted out of the end of the gun. Suder felt himself falling through the smoke filled air. His left hand hit a garbage can over, His back splashed in a puddle. His head hit the floor hard. His right hand lifelessly fell on the ground.

"I'll do just that." the man said. He pulled the trigger again. The bullet hit Suder and blood dripped to the wet ground. The man finished his cigarette and then put his gun away and kicked Suders left foot. After there was no response, he walked off.

Suder was in that place again. Between life and hell. Did it matter that maybe he was dead? Did he have much to live for? But he couldn't be dead. He felt pain in his left shoulder and in the right of his waist.

*His eyes opened slowly and he saw the black clouds above. It looked like a storm was forming. Light flashed in between the big forming clouds. Drips of rain tapped against Suder's skin. He turned his head to his right and saw endless amounts of rocky land with buildings that lay in ruins. He looked to his right and saw the same thing. He stood up with no ease, amazed to be alive after being shot twice. But as he looked at his body, he saw no wounds. It began raining hard and he began making his way deep into the ruined city.*

To Be Continued...

"Doh!"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The sun was rising to the east, bathing the three motorcycle riding Starfleet officers in a bath of bluish white light. Captain Price' red scarf was billowing from his neck as the rush of cool morning air hit his face as he, Commander Sterner and Lieutenant' Chen grew closer to the city limits on the motorcycles they had acquired at the biker's gang hangout bar. All in all, it was the best part of the entire ordeal the Captain thought briefly, until his thought was interrupted by the over bearing sound of a diesel air horn directly behind them.

Joerg glanced over his shoulder, there were a number of large multi-wheel trucks following behind the three officers. And they appeared to be gaining. "Trouble sir."

Lee glanced in his rear view mirror. He could just make out the driver of the lead truck as being one of the men from the fuel depot they stopped at momentarily to get directions back to New Chicago. "Looks like those same 'mates from the dinner. They don't seem too happy either."

"I don't know if we can outrun them on these Captain." Lieutenant' Chen commented, "These machines appear to be designed for cruising not speed."

Again the air horns blasted, as if taunting the three small motorcycle riders. The huge trucks that were pursuing were large and powerful. The shear mass of one of those trucks alone would be enough to wipe out all three of the motorcycles the Galaxy crew were escaping on, and their riders.

"That's the city limits just up ahead 'mate." Lee pointed out. "When we get among the buildings, we can split up to divide our pursuer's numbers. With any luck, that should make it easier to loose them in the twisting streets of the city. These vehicles may not be fast enough to outrun those trucks, but they are more maneuverable. That should give us the advantage."

"Sounds reasonable Captain. But what if they don't split up and follow us?" Sterner asked over the rumble of the motorcycles and the taunting of the air horns from the approaching trucks.

"Then whoever they don't follow will be free to go directly to the warehouse and find out how Lieutenant Commander Erikson did with contacting the ship. That's where we all should head after we get rid of our trucker friends back there." Lee explained.

Joerg and James each gave a nod in acknowledgment. The lead diesel truck was closing rapidly. The sound of the roaring engine could be heard even over the rumble of the motorcycle engines themselves it was so close. When the crew past the first of the city buildings, Captain Price yelled out, "Do it 'mates!" and the three of them each split off down separate streets. The sudden move seemed to take the truckers by surprise, as the lead truck jammed on it's air brakes, and slid for several meters before swerving to follow Captain Price's bike. The other trucks each split up as well, some following Commander Sterner and some following Lieutenant' Chen. One of the Trucks was going too fast and was not able to slow down or turn quickly enough. It plowed into the side of a building and side swiped the wall before over turning in the middle of the road, dumping it's load of melons into the snow covered streets.

Captain Price twisted his right hand while down shifting his bike, causing the tail to kick out slightly on the slick pavement. Using his legs and feet as sort of out-riggers, Lee steadied the bike and accelerated away. Just a few hundred feet behind, the mammoth eighteen wheeler slid around the same corner, following in hot pursuit. "Crickey!" Lee declared to himself over the rumble of his motorcycle. Under dry conditions, his assessment would have been correct. The motorcycles should be able to out maneuver the large trucks on the city streets. But he'd forgotten about the snow that covered the road ways. On the two wheeled street bikes, the snow negated any advantage the bikes had over the larger, heavier eighteen wheel vehicles. He had to think of something, and quickly.

The truck was gaining and once again, Lee could hear the high pitched sound of the mighty diesel engine over his shoulder. Glancing back he could see the shiny chrome bumper of the truck nearing his motorcycle's rear tire. Then those blasted air horns. In the corner of his eye he could just get a glimpse of the laughing truck driver and his passenger inside the cab. Turning his attention forward, Captain Price needed to think and act quickly. Seeing a multi-story parking garage, Lee whipped his bike into a turn, causing it to slide in a semi controlled manner in the intended direction. The speed of the bike caused it to jump slightly as it hit the entrance ramp from the street, smashing through the wooden toll gate crossing designed to stop vehicles from entering until they've taken a parking ticket. The motorcycle engine screamed free for a moment while the bike was in the air, but soon the screeching sound of the rear tire contacting the pavement propelled the bike onward. Captain Price down shifted again and spun around in a 360 turn, before heading for the circular ascending ramp and racing up it. The tightness of the turn and the low hanging exhaust of the motorcycle did not go well together. A shower of sparks spewed out where the chrome pipes drug against the concrete ramp as Captain Price accelerated the bike up the coiling spiral ramp, climbing higher and higher up the multi-floor parking garage.

Behind, the truck skidded to a near stop before turning to follow into the garage. The massive diesel rig was too wide to fit through the narrow garage toll gate entrance, so it partially ran over the booth. It's occupant barely escaping in time to avoid being run down. In a shower of splintered wood, the husky eighteen wheeler negotiated the rising driveway. The apex of which was enough to upset the delicate linkage between cab and trailer, causing the huge rear section of the truck to jack knife while the cab section sped away after the escaping motorcycle. As the cab section turns to negotiate the spiral up ramp, the rear trailer smashes into a row of parked cars, demolishing everything in it's path. The truck down shifts and groans under the stress of the revving diesel engine. It slides on the tight spiral concrete up ramp and side swipes the tiled walls, lighting up the ramp in a shower of sparks. Stomping down on the pedal, the maniac trucker tightens his grip on the huge rig's steering wheel, "We're gonna get him Homer... Just you watch!"

Lee was glad that as they ascended the multi-level parking garage the roadway became much dryer than on the streets below. Leaning heavily to one side, he could feel the motorcycle growing hotter beneath him from the scraping exhaust system. His adrenaline was surging through his veins as he heard the horrendous sound of the big rig tearing it's way up behind him. Whatever they had done to tick off these truckers, one thing was certain... it wasn't a good stern talking to they were after any more. They were out for blood.

Captain Price continued up the spiral garage ramp. The closing diesel cab right behind his motorcycle, remodeling the side of the tiled concrete walls as it ascended. Yet, miraculously, the rig was still gaining on the nimble motorcycle. Upward Lee climbed. Two levels. Four. Six. Twelve. Until finally, he crashed through some wooden warning signage adorned with yellow and black with red and yellow flashing lights. Behind him only meters away the diesel rig closed and likewise began smashing through the signs stating that this was a construction zone.

Lee's eyes dilated as he came out of the reduced artificial lighting of the garage building's ramp to the brightness of the morning sunlight. In desperation, he spotted a hanging chain supporting the final warning sign which he leapt off his bike and grabbed hold of. The momentum of the motorcycle smashed through the hanging warning barrier, splintering it into a million pieces as the racing bike screamed through and off the edge of the unfinished parking garage, to the street thirteen stories below. The force and weight of the Captain's body grabbing hold of the hanging chain was enough to pull one side loose of it's anchor bolts, causing Price to swing way wide and gripping onto the chain for dear life. Just moments after he'd rounded the last corner and sent his bike plummeting over the side of the hi-rise garage, the steaming diesel rig came scraping it's way up, blasting it's air horns the whole time. The anticipation from the hunt was quickly erased on the trucker's faces as they realized they had made a fatal mistake in their greed for violence. The huge diesel blasted over the edge of the building, making a huge roaring sound as it went airborne and fell to the street thirteen floors below. Over the noise of the dual air horns, the racing diesel engine, the explosive crumbling of the shallow concrete barrier the truck easily plowed through, Lee could just make out the screams of the truckers within as the rig fell to an explosive and fiery death. "Doh!!!!!!"

Wincing in pain from slightly hyper extending his right shoulder, Lee slammed his back against the side of the building while dangling from the thin chain that was supporting all of his weight. Glancing down at the mushrooming fire ball that was once his pursuers, the Captain thought, "Oh this is fun..." His thoughts were soon refocused as the chain twisted and he could feel more than hear the tell tale signs of the last anchor bolts giving way. In desperation, Price kicked a leg over to swing towards the jagged opening the diesel rig had just crashed through. With difficulty, he managed to pull himself back up to solid ground, pausing for a moment to glance back down the thirteen floors at the wreckage on the street below. A ball of fire and twisted metal that was once the motorcycle he was riding, and the even bigger pile of smoking, flaming metal that was once the diesel rig.

Captain Price stood there with his hands on his hips, doubled over for several seconds while he tried to catch his breath. After three or four deep inhales, he straightened up, still favoring his right arm, and removed the split goggles from his face. There was a film of soot and dirt over the rest of his face, giving him an inverse raccoon look about his eyes where the goggles once were. Swallowing once, he turned to begin the long walk back down the thirteen floors of the unfinished parking garage when there was a sudden flash of light.

"P.O.W."
by Lt. Tebrianne Bancroft

***

Tebrianne's eyes opened hesitantly. She realized there were three men were standing over her when her eyes could finally focus. She tried to move away, but found she was being held in place somehow.

One of the men, a larger man with dark clothing, smiled at her.

"You are with the Federation," he said, in a voice that said he was a very eloquent speaker. "How many of you are there on the surface?"

"My name is Tebrianne Bancroft. Service number 778-B1-99012. Rank, lieutenant."

"I see," he said, nodding. He turned away, hands clasped behind his back. He walked a few paces and turned back to face Teb. "Why are you here?"

"Tebrianne Bancroft. 778-B1-99012. Lieutenant."

"Are you working for Papa Jacko or the Canteloni's?"

"Cantellini, Mr. Johnson."

"I am aware of that, Raymond. I just have a hard time saying that name...on principal. Ever since that incident over FibreTek. But, that's beside the point. We have our guest, Miss Bancroft, to attend to. Now, Lieutenant was it? Lieutenant Bancroft, I am a gentle man by nature, but I don't like to not get what I want. I haven't formed a multi-million dollar company by being a nice guy. And, I'm not all that averse to rattling a few cages to get what I want...and that goes for rattling the cages of women. I am a forward thinking man, you see. And that women's liberation movement a few years back really opened my eyes. I don't see why a woman should receive any special treatment when she is being insolent. Now, why don't you just cooperate? I would hate for Raymond to have to use his unique talents to persuade you to speak."

"Tebrianne Bancro--"

"--croft. 778-B1-99012. Lieutenant. Yes. We've been over this part. Now, I want some answers, Miss Bancroft. And I want them now. How many of you are there on this planet?"

"Tebrianne Bancroft. 77--"

A nod from Mr. Johnson sent Raymond's fist flying. It was the shock of being hit that stopped Tebrianne more that the blow itself. Her jaw stung and her ears rang. She looked up at Mr. Johnson with fear in her eyes.

"How many?" he asked quietly.

"I don't know," she said. She wanted to touch the now tender spot on her jaw and cheek, but couldn't move her arms. "It was about a hundred. We were spread out."

"There," he said with a smile. "That wasn't so bad, was it? Unfortunately, violence seems to be the only means for getting this kind of information out of people nowadays. Next question, are you working for Papa Jacko or Mr. Cantellini?" Mr. Johnson gave Raymond an annoyed look.

"I don't even know who those blokes are, sir," she said.

"Well, then you probably aren't. What about Tito? No, you probably don't even know who that 'bloke' is either." Mr. Johnson scratched his chin for a moment. "We will need access to your technology, Miss Bancroft. There is a corporate war going on and I don't intend to lose. I've built up a nice empire here, and I'm not about to lose it to a two-bit hood."

Mr. Johnson turned toward the third man, who had remained silent through Teb's ordeal. He had been watching her though. She was vaguely aware of it, but she'd seen him. He made her nervous, moreso than either Mr. Johnson or Raymond.

"There were others, but I was only able to see a few of them before they disappeared up the ladder," the man said. "Tito's men were up there."

"I see, Michael," Mr. Johnson said. "Well, Miss Bancroft seems like an intelligent woman. Questioning her will be slow. I think a neural tap will be much faster. See that Dr. Akagi is informed."

"Yes, sir," the man named Michael said. He looked at Teb and subconsciously rubbed his fingers across the chrome implant in his temple. "I will make him aware. I must point out though that the technology is not yet refined."

"Are you having difficulties with your implants, Mr. Verner?"

"No, sir," the man said. "It's just that--"

"If you are having no implants, then she should be fine. Advise Dr. Akagi, and take Miss Bancroft to her room."

"Yes sir," Verner said.

"And, Mr. Verner, see that she gets a change of clothing."

"Yes, sir," he said.

Michael Verner led Tebrianne out of the room and down a long hallway. After a number of twists and turns they finally arrived at a room. Verner swiped a card in a slot next to the door and it opened.

"This is where you'll be staying," he said.

"You don't like Mr. Johnson much, do you," Teb said.

"That's unimportant," Verner said. "I'm alive because of him. We'll leave it at that." He moved to a cabinet at the back of the room and swiped the card again. He glanced back at Teb, nodded, and pulled something out of the cabinet.

"Oh," she said. "I'm sorry I bloody asked."

He turned to her and tossed her a package. "Nothing to be sorry for," he said. "Remove your clothing and put that on."

"Excuse me?"

"Take off your clothes and put that on," he said. "If you want privacy, you can go behind that screen over there."

"Cheeky," Teb said. She took the package and disappeared behind the privacy screen. She opened the package and nearly gagged when she saw what it was. It was a flimsy cotton dress. They expected her to wear a dress?

"I'm not wearing this, mate," she said.

"It's that or nothing, Miss Bancroft," he said. "In any case, I will need that uniform you are wearing."

"Crikey, mate," Teb said. "This is insane."

"I don't make the rules," he said. "I just enforce them."

Teb started removing her duty jacket and tossed it over the screen. "And I bet you enjoy your work, don't you." She pulled off the turtleneck and tossed that over as well.

"Not particularly," Verner said. "I'm not enjoying this." He picked up the duty pants Teb had just tossed over the screen, and added, "And the boots, please."

"What? You want me running around hear bloody barefoot?"

"That's the idea," he said. "It will lessen the chances of your escaping."

"Oh," Teb said, nearly throwing the boots over the screen. "Brilliant."

"So far," he said. "It's worked. Now, I hate to do this, but I need the undergarments as well."

"Not on your life, mate," Teb snapped. "You can see right through this bloody dress. I'm not going to do it."

"You can give them to me," he said. "Or I can take them from you. It is a deterrent, not a sexual thing. I assure you."

"Oh bollocks," she said. Teb quickly stripped off the last of her clothing and replaced it with the flimsy white cotton dress Verner had given her. "There you go," she said stepping around the front of the screen. "I hope you're happy now."

"I'm not," he said. "I hate this part of my job. But it is my job. If it gets too cold in here, you can adjust the temperature from here," he said, indicating a thermostat. "Someone will bring food to you in a few hours. In the meantime, try to get some rest. Dr. Akagi will want to schedule you for surgery in a few hours."

"Surgery? For what exactly?" Teb crossed her arms across her breasts when she realized that they had become the focus of Verner's attention.

"For one of these," he said, indicating the neural implant on his temple. "It will allow Mr. Johnson to tap directly into your brain and get the information he needs. Usually, the implant is used to interface with our computers, but we have found a way to download the information from the brain. It's a long and involved process and the chances of it working aren't very good. We have more failed experiments than we have successes at this point, if that's any indication. Mr. Johnson is getting desperate. He knows Jacko's going to make a move soon, and he wants an edge. He thinks this will be it."

"I see," Teb said.

Verner turned to leave, but stopped. "You are a very smart woman, Miss Bancroft. I could tell that when Mr. Johnson was questioning you. Your sense of humor is very refreshing around here. Not many people have a sense of humor anymore. It's nice." He paused and looked at the door then back to Teb. "When this is all over, perhaps you would have dinner with me?"

"That's a very sweet thought, Mr. Verner," Teb said. "But, I've got someone special waiting for me."

"I see," he said, pulling his eyes away from her nearly exposed crotch. He quickly moved to the cabinet and grabbed a pair of underwear. "Here, put these on."

"Thank you," she said, taking them.

"I think I'd better leave now," he said. "But, I have a question before I go."

"What's that?"

"Is your hair natually green?"

"No," she said. "Black, but I dye it."

"Oh," he said with a confused look, and then glanced at her crotch again. "There too?"

"Excuse me," Teb said. "I'd prefer it if you wouldn't stare like that. And, yes, I did, but that's personal. I did it for Christmas, if you must know."

"I see," he said with a smile. "Well, Merry Christmas."

Teb watched him go. She looked down at the dress she wore and cursed silently to herself. A part of her wanted Benedict there so he could see her in the dress, but another part of her was scared of the thought of him seeing this much of her. Teb flopped onto the cot and let out another curse. She missed Ben. Teb wiped away the tear that rolled down her cheek, and sighed. She really missed Ben.

She was a prisoner, held captive by an unknown faction on the planet. No one knew where she was or that she was even alive. She was going to have to get out and get back to the others. She had to form a plan. Ben would know what to do...but he wasn't there. How the bloody hell was she supposed to figure it out? She was just a pilot.

An idea started to form...

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

=/\= "Leeches and Medicine Bags" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht
and Lt Felicia Khatroweena
w/ Lt Khan Nilani, Lt Cmdr David Mercury, Ensign Mike Marc

"...There, the tube's in. Thank you nurse," said doctor Harper. Two women moved purposely about the operating theatre, performing their duties in a practiced and efficient manner. When they could spare a moment, they stole glances at the two strange women that were invading their territory. They especially eyed the one with fur.

The nurse with raven-black hair paused long enough to hand Nilani and Cat cloth masks. Felicia turned it over in her hands, recalling the ancient method of preventing the communication of micro-organisms to patients undergoing invasive procedures. She found herself struck with fear for the ensign, whose life was in the hands of medicine only slightly more advanced than Leeches and Medicine Bags.

The surgeon, Doctor Harper, spoke again. His demeanor, and the odd way he seemed to know things about the StarFleet officers without being told, somehow reassured her. "Well, since you're doctors, perhaps you would like to scrub up and get involved here? I have a feeling we're going to be doing things a little differently than you're accustomed to..." he suggested. "That is, unless you need to return to your costume party...?" he added, looking at Cat and stressing his words for the nurses' benefit.

The ladies exchanged a look that said, 'you bet!' A moment later they were in the anteroom, abrading their hands vigorously under scalding water. *This is going to be like being back on Dronegar* realized the Caitian, who had been forced to practice a more 'rough-and-ready' kind of medicine during her wartime stay on that ill-fated planet. Despite the depredations, both medical officers shared a fierce determination to save the life of their wounded comrade after having been forced to merely monitor her weakening condition.

*********** hospital ER foyer ************

He wore a fedora and a charcoal pinstriped suit. In his lapel was a white carnation. Matthew walked through the emergency services department of New Chicago General Hospital as if he belonged there. He actually enjoyed wearing the local clothing, though he noticed a wide assortment of attire around him. People were wearing clothing from several distinct periods of Earth history, and none seemed to be concerned about the anachronistic image they projected. A few yards from where he was passing, a young male with long spikey purple hair and safety pins impaled through his cheeks was standing beside a water cooler with a woman who could have passed for one of the Andrews sisters of the early twentieth century. He touched to brim of hat in salutation to the woman.

The ER was bustling with activity, though the staff seemed accustomed to the fray. Matthew looked around for inspiration, he needed to find something--anything that might help them out in their present situation. *Surely there must be a research laboratory or the like around here somewhere...* he reasoned. *But where to look?* He noticed a helpful looking young lady behind a counter who was watching him cross the room in her general direction. Altering his course only slightly, he headed straight for her.

The counter was nondescript, but resting upon it was a small plaque that read 'Information Services.' It seemed to Matthew that everything around him was labeled, for the woman, too, bore a label. On a small plastic badge over her left breast was the name 'Dolores.' Before he could attempt a charming greeting, Dolores beat him to it; "Hello, sugar. What can I do for you?" she asked him through brightly-painted red lips.

Pretending not to be caught unprepared, he replied, "Well, miss, I'm looking for something..." He stuffed his hands in his pockets like he had seen others do on this crazy planet. He decided that he liked pockets on his trousers.

She interrupted him during his pause. "It's Dolores, Sugar! And I think I know what you are looking for," she said in a comically conspiratorial aside. "You're one of Cantinii's lieutenants, aint'cha?" She smacked some chewing gum while she waited for his confirmation.

The Starfleet lieutenant nodded slowly, "Something like that, yes." *Well,* he qualified to himself, *I AM a lieutenant*. The information services woman nodded knowingly, and started to move from her position behind the countertop.

"Well then, you'll want to follow me," she stated matter-of-factly. He fell into step behind her, observing the woman's odd style of locomotion. She seemed to gyrate as she walked, and looked over her shoulder to see if he was watching. "Put yer tongue back in your head, Sugar," she said teasingly. Matthew moved up alongside her, so she would stop smirking at him.

They moved through two sets of swinging doors, the second one marked with the legend 'Hospital Personnel Only,' and into a quiet area where Dolores paused with her hand on the knob of a door that bore a plaque reading 'Property Room.' Turning back to face him, she said conversationally, "I can always tell one of Cantinii's men, you have a certain look."

*********** nearby, in a supply closet ************

Chief engineer David Mercury sat on an upturned five-gallon plastic bucket, with his back to a collection of mops, brooms, and bits of railing and bed parts. At his feet was a collection of small electronic devices, all gutted, their parts sorted into similar piles. He held a soldering iron in one hand and a circuit board in another, while his tongue stuck out between his lips. His brow was furrowed with concentration. His mission was to assemble something helpful from whatever he could scrounge up.

The closet door opened again, allowing Mike Marc to slip in quietly carrying garments slung over his left arm. "Here, I brought uniforms. The 'orderlies' all seem to wear this type of clothing," he explained. The scrubs were salmon-colored, with light blue undershirts. Mike made a face of distaste at the color combination, "Absolutely awful, I think."

"Thanks," offered the lieutenant commander, paying little attention to the helpful tactical officer. The ensign changed his outer garments to better fit in before heading out on another supply-gathering run.

While he was still changing, Matthew Albrecht entered the closet as well, causing the space to become even more crowded than before. He was holding a plastic bin of some kind, with 'PROPERTY ROOM' stenciled on one side. Ensign Marc offered the security officer a set of scrubs, which he took with a smile and slung over his shoulder.

Mercury looked up, "What've you got, Matthew? We don't have much time here to help out the docs..." he commented, trying to get a look at what was in the basket. He hoped for something more advanced than what he had already acquired--anything closer to the twenty-fourth century had the potential to contain emmitters or receptors that could be tuned to assist the doctors in improving ensign Salt's condition.

Albrecht put the basket down on the floor near Mercury's feet, and took from it a sheet of paper with some hand-written comments on it. "According to this list," said Matthew, "these are personal items carried on the person of one 'Lefty Cassini' who checked into the emergency room last night, and didn't survive."

Mike's eyes opened wide. Like the others in the room, he was interested in what loot sat in the basket. He began examining items as Matthew read the list, "One wallet, containing: Six hundred, forty-five dollars. Four credit cards. Assorted photos. New Chicago Driver's license. One condom. Miscellaneous notes. One keycard." Mike looked at the keycard Matthew had mentioned, turning it around. The word 'Oksmyx' was printed on one face of the card.

Matthew continued, "Other personal items: Car keys. One wedding ring, gold. One nine-milimeter semi-automatic pistol. One cellular telephone. One Vaterman fountain pen. One laser-pointer. One pager," he concluded. Mike rifled through all of this, occasionally wrinkling his forehead in perplexity over some strange item. Albrecht commented, "There were a few other items I picked up from the property room, like that two-way radio and that funny little hand-held computer. I don't know what you can do with all these things, though..." he said skeptically, but Mercury was already ripping the cell phone apart greedily.

******** back in the operating theatre ********

It wasn't long before the Starfleet doctors were up to their elbows in Astrid's chest. Years of indirect manipulation of internal body structure gave way almost instinctively to manual manipulation of lung and muscle tissues. Doctor Harper refreshed doctors Kahn and Khatroweena on the various techniques of stitching that they had learned about at the Academy, and soon they were actively engaged in a struggle to control internal bleeding.

Salt's blood pressure had been greatly improved by the transfusion of fresh blood, but the patient was far from out-of-the-woods. The doctors engaged in a constant stream of banter, with doctor Harper more often than not listening rather than speaking; "The delay at the warehouse resulted in severe cellular degredation... Immune reaction to local biotoxins... Wish we had a tissue stimulator... This nervous tissue could use some dihaxiphine..."

Doctor Harper sent his nurses off to get more supplies, and said in a low voice, "Once we get her stabilized, I would very much like to accompany you to your starship's sickbay." The casual comment earned him a wide-eyed glare from his guests.

"I'm sure we have been able to cover the bleeding. But..." Cat shook her head. "We must have a small bleeder somewhere. Just can't find it. It's veinal blood, but we've covered all those bleeders."

Nilani looked at the X-Ray on the lightboard. "It has to be an vein, but which one." Her frustration was obvious. Back on the Galaxy, she would be working with far more information than here. It was almost like working blind. Poking around inside a person's chest was dangerous, this just made things hundreds of time worse.

Doctor Harper looked at Cat, "It lodged close to the heart. What about the possibility of it nicking it?" With Cat's help, the two doctors moved Astrid's lung and exposed the beating heart. His fingers lightly felt the heart, his eyes closed in concentration, as he tried to imagine what his tactile senses were telling him. "Ahh, there! I can feel it. On the great cardiac vein."

Nilani and Cat looked at him. All three knew that if it was large enough for him to feel, then Astrid was in a bad position. Nilani spoke first, "There should've been more bleeding."

Doctor Harper looked at Nilani, "Not always. Action of the heart could have caused a slight cut to expand. The bullet nicking along the vein was only a beginning. Chances are small, but it appears to be what has happened."

"You found it fairly quick." Cat commented.

Doctor Harper snorted half in embarrassment and in disgust. "I seen far to many wounds like this one. I really wish that something that could be done to stop all the banging of heads between the gangs. All it causes is... THIS." He looked at the two StarFleet doctors, "We're going to have to connect her to a blood/lung machine and decrease her metabolism rate. Give us the time to stitch it." He turned to the nurses, "Prepare OR4, NOW!"

A nurse came in, "Doctor Harper! There is some guys here who say they have to talk to Doctor Khan." Through the doors, they could see David, Matthew and Mike waiting. With David arguing with another nurse.

"I'll go see him!" Nilani moved out of the ER room. "Yes Commander?"

David turned towards Nilani. "Doctor Khan, I've been able to increase the power of a laser emitter to make a primitive laser scalpel. It should help in the cauterisation of blood vessels."

"By the Prophets. David, you don't know how important this is right now. Certainly they helped us here. This will make a great difference." She took the pen-shaped device connected to the cell-phone.

David pointed out the controls, "You use the panel to control the laser beam. You've got maybe three minutes of power. I know it's not much, but it's all I can give."

Nilani shook her head, "David, it is far by enough. You've just saved Astrid a lot of trouble." She rushed into the ER. She gave the pen to a nurse, "Sterilise this. Be careful." She looked at Cat and Harper. "David just gave us a laser scalpel. It's primitive, I'll control the power. Cat you control it. With it we should be able to close the 'tear' within a couple of minutes."

With the two nurses watching over Astrid, the three doctors, quickly planned the operation. Harper used the X-Ray and hastily drawn sketches to describe the location of the bleeder. Cat and Nilani began discussing power levels and beam widths. Doctor Harper listened to the quiet argument between the two doctors. He answered their questions as best he could, he was a little surprised at the speed that such an important operation was being planned.

Soon the three doctors were ready, Nilani called out a stern "NOW!" and a nurse started a stopwatch. The nurse called out every five seconds, calling out the elapsed time. Harper shocked Astrid's heart into acquiescence. Cat slowly manipulated the heart and almost immediately saw the bleeder. "I see it."

A bright red dot appeared on the heart and Cat moved it to the beginning of the 'tear.' "Right, point 1."

Nilani adjusted the power levels, the dot grew in intensity. Suddenly a quick stream of steam appeared as fluids evaporated as the vein was 'spot welded.' The nurse continually called out the time. Cat called out when the scalpel was in the right spot. A stream of steam and the flow of blood decreased every time as Nilani controlled the laser.

"Two minutes fifty."

"Almost there! Last one." Cat called out.

"We're taking too long!" Doctor Harper called out. As Cat finished the last point, Harper used the pads and soon Astrid's heart began it's rhythmic beat to the sighs of the doctors.

"Three minutes five."

"Astrid is out of danger now. The bleeding has stopped and it looks like it is holding. Ok, close her up." Nilani ordered.

"We'll have to regenerate the incision when we get to the ship." Cat watched as Doctor Harper began the process of sewing the wound with surgeon's silk. "Now all we can do is wait."

Cat went with the nurses as she was transferred to a recovery room. As Astrid was wheeled by, Matthew fell in behind, silent, hoping that Astrid was going to be alright. He saw the look on the doctor's faces. He knew that Astrid was out of danger, but things were still delicate. Mike stayed with Matthew.

Nilani turned to Harper. "Cat will be able to watch over Astrid. It's best she stay here anyway. We have to go back and contact our own people." Nilani looked down at the floor then back at him. I'll talk to our captain about your request. Thank you, doctor. David?"

David looked at Nilani, "Yes."

"We should go off and find some place to stay. Then contact the rest. Doctor, Thank the Prophets you were here."

Harper watched as the two officers headed out. He turned to follow the path that lead to the recovery room.

************ recovery room ***********

Astrid was covered in tubes and wires, oxygen, monitors and IV bottles were filling the room. Cat sat in a seat watching. Matthew and Mike watched, the room was silent, except the pinging of the monitors. Doctor Harper came in looked on at Astrid for a few moments. Cat turned to Harper as she stood up, she looked at him properly for the first time. She tried to work out how to 'interrogate' a man that just helped her save a friend.

Harper saw the 'confusion' on Cat's face. He took the initiative, "So how did a Caitian get lost in New Chicago."

Matthew, Mike and Cat looked at Harper in surprise. Cat mouth fell open, "How?"

Harper ordered out the nurse of the room, she looked surprised herself at being ordered out. "Don't worry Iris. She is in good hands."

Ever the security officer, Matthew asked suspiciously, "Yes doctor, How did you know that?"

Harper sighed, "My name is Geoffrey Harper, my parents were Steven and Valerie Harper. They were doctors on the starship Discovery, Oberth exploration vessel under the command of Captain Ronan. I had an uncle for my first six years of my life who was a Caitian."

A stunned silence fell on the room. Words failed all three of the officers. Harper continued on, "Not quite the answer you expected."

Matthew was the first to find his vocal cords, "It certainly wasn't. How did you end up on this..."

"Godforsaken planet?" finished Harper.

"Not my choice of words, but," Matthew shrugged, "yes!"

"The Discovery was sent here to try and 'fix' the original problem caused by the Horizon and the Enterprise." Harper paused in thought for a few moments. "I supposed you could say, they failed. They compounded the problem. But it wasn't Ronan's fault, he didn't expect the treachery of the Oksmyx family."

Mike asked, "What was the mission?"

"They were to try and teach 'us' about the different ways to govern our people, about democracy and equalities. Try and stop all the gangs from ruling. Captain Ronan went to the most powerful of the families, the Oksmyx. Convince them, it would help convincing the rest of the planet. But the Oksmyx, all they saw was the potential for more power. More powerful weapons, the chance to rule the whole planet. In their greed, the Oksmyx killed many of the crew and stole all the information they could. The ship was destroyed and those of the crew who survived tried to make a life here. The information, the files of an exploration vessel, everything. They took what they wanted to learn, only that would give them more power. Soon the information was all over the planet, just like the Discovery's mission, except no one was there to 'teach.' Those who had any idea on how to use the knowledge were forced to help increase the power of the gangs. If you didn't you were killed."

Harper took a deep breath, "My parents taught me about the Federation, about all the planets and all the races and species. All the great wonders, of the peace on the worlds, the places of learning, universities. All those things like that. Nothing like that is here. Nothing! No museums, no galleries. This planet is in a continual war. A war of all the gangs and families against each other. If something isn't done soon, then it will destroy itself. It's already tired once, next time it'll probably be successful. We've already gone through a world war. About a hundred miles from New Chicago is about twenty square miles of radioactivity. Where a silo had been taken out be a nuke. Places like that and worse cover the planet."

Harper sat down, he was shivering, not cold, but a spiritual coolness. "My parents died, only a couple of days after when they gave me my 'degree.' We had a big party, some of the crew who had survived were there. It was one of the greatest days of my life. I could see it in my parents, they were so proud of me. I was a little part of Sigma Iotia that could be at peace. That their mission was not a complete failure. Two days later, they were walking home from shopping when two gangs clashed over territory. Two hundred people died in the fighting, most of them were people who were unlucky enough to live in the buildings or walk down the street at the wrong time. My parents were two of them."

"When I realised that you were from the Federation, I thought you were here to help. To stop the madness of this place. Then I saw the truth in your eyes, how that none of you carried any form of equipment. No tricorders, no communicators, no phasers. You were just as lost as my parents." Suddenly he stopped, the aura of defeat seemed to wash away from him as he stood. "I have my rounds. I will look on you in an hour of so."

The three officers watched as the Iotian doctor left for his duties. Cat looked at Mike and Matthew, her mouth open in stunned amazement and just shook her head.

Matthew swallowed and tried to moisten his mouth. Mike spoke up, "Sigma Iotia 2 was totally restricted to StarFleet personnel almost half a century ago. I suppose they put that in place, when the Discovery didn't report back."

"Don't you think they would've investigated?" asked Cat.

"You'd think so," returned Matthew.

"I don't know about you guys, this sounds a little like sweeping the dirt under the carpet and hoping the problem just goes away. Obviously, StarFleet has decided to wash it's hands of this planet. Even though it's the cause of the trouble." Cat was mad, StarFleet screwed up and now put the mess in the TOO HARD basket. That made her angry.

Her tail flicked from side to side.

"Lets consider getting back to the ship. With the Galaxy, we could do a lot more to help this planet, than being 'lost' down here." Commented Matthew.

"Oh... Shut Up! You're too level headed for my good." Cat snapped. More calmly she continued, "You're right, as usual. It just makes my blood boil, that all."

Doctor on Deck
by Lt Endris Gakor, temporary CMO
reviewed by Captain Price

Endris was surprised at the senor staff meeting. She had known that crew was missing from their posts, but the Tellarite hadn't realized the overall depth of the shortages. She had several hours before her next shift, so she headed off to the holodeck.

Not for recreation, but to finish something she had started nearly a year before. -Computer, load final test for Command Duty Officer training, setting, random Star Fleet Vessel-

-Program Complete. You may enter when ready.-

**************HOLODECK***************
*** Bridge, USS Challenger, simulation date 2344 ***

Kleep Kleep Kleep went the Red Alert klaxon. "Captain, we are surrounded by 10 Tholian Emerald class cruisers and 5 Nausiccan raiders.", informed Sulak. Despite his dry Vulcan tone, he seemed nervous and emotional.

"Tactical, Report".

"The ship has sustained major damage. Lt Commander Blask in Engineering reports having to jettison the port nacelle 5 minutes ago to prevent a Warp Core breach."

The tall female Deltan paused when she noticed Captain Gakor was deep in thought. Too bad their Saurian engineer hadn't brought any of the famous Brandy with him from his home world, it would go a long way to calm things down around here.

*Snacks!*, thought Gakor, *damn experimental engine designs.* The technology was newer than the Ambassador class, and in some instances, could be more nimble than the Enterprise C. Theorists proposed a new vessel design named the Galaxy class, but the first of that line was still on the drawing boards.

A panel near ops exploded, leaving a vile smell in Endris's nostrils, rousing the Captain from her thoughts. "Starvation!", she cursed loudly.

"Shields are at 27%, but climbing slowly. Our new Xenon torpedos are malfunctioning, but the standard photon torps and phasers are available."

"Sir!", Evona said suddenly, dropping out of 'report' mode. "The lead Nausiccan raider is hailing us".

"On screen", she commanded without hesitation.

A burly enforcer type glared at the Tellarite.

"This is Commander Diacon of the Nausiccan Task force. We demand you surrender your cargo at once. Our scans show you are carrying spare dilthyium crystals. If you share them with us, we might be inclined to release you unscathed.", the Nausiccan lied, (but not quite convincingly).

"On what grounds?, this is Federation space", Gakor argued directly. "Tellar control is dispatching the Algeron at this moment".

The Nausiccan grimaced a bit at the mention of the Dreadnought, but almost instantly regained his composure. After all, he had a distinct tactical advantage for the time being.

"Your claim to this region of space is disputed by the Nausiccan and Tholian alliance.", said the angry alien. "We will give you three minutes to consider these terms. Besides, we outnumber and outgun you, if we decide not to show mercy, we could simply blast your shields down to nothing, and take what we want."

"Very well. I will take your advice and chew on it.", Gakor said with a frown. Endris quickly made a chopping motion at her throat, and the screen went blank. "Punch up the fleet data on a Tholian Emerald class cruiser. Do they have the Tholian's unique 'Web' weapon?"

"According to this, Ambassador Riker indicated the web casters have been redesigned for this newer, smaller ship."

"I do not see how the design of the Tholian ships can help us", Sulak objected. "We should consider self destructing. If the enemy gains our dilthyium reserves the results would be less than... Fascinating", he finished with a raised brow.

"Lieutenant, the Challenger's design requires 5 minutes to build up to destruct levels. They have given us 3. I argued against this precaution, but the fleet considered it 'intrinsic' to the types of missions this ship was originally designed to be deployed on.", she explained in a huff.

-Computer, establish link with Evert Soong in the science lab-

"Doctor Soong", Endris began. "We are surrounded by enemy ships. Ten Emerald class Tholian cruisers are at the outer edge of the sphere, and 5 well armed Nausiccan are a bit closer to us."

"I understand you did some classified research in the Dramudeas system with a captured Tholian vessel. Are there any weaknesses we can exploit? I plan to get home with our crew and cargo in tact....", she said rapidly without a cuisine based joke.

"The Tholians use Ditisconiaum in their hull plates. I have a theory that an inverse burst of Chroniton particles could disrupt them... simultaneously."

"Causing there 'web' pods to expand, tangling all our enemies up until reinforcements arrive.", Gakor reasoned.

"Engineering, I need you to set our emitter dish to scatter chronoton particles. If this works, the Tholian's weapons will rupture and foil all our enemies, at least long enough for reenforcements to reach us. Be ready for my command in 60 seconds!"

Blask scaled his eyes back and griped over the intercom "Captain! It will take at least 85 seconds to re configure the bonny lass", he said with an accent he picked up at the academy, "she weren't built for this type of thing, don't cha know?"

"Get to work, mate", Endris encouraged with a smile. Perfect! We even have a five second safety margin....

*** Later ***

"Captain, Commander Diacon is hailing us again! He says our time is up and is demanding a response!"

"Then in Cuisine's name, lets give him a recipe to remember. Establish link with Diacon and Engineering."

"Commander, you want our dilthyium for your Snacks, hun? We have something else prepared for you.....Mr Blask, add your ingredients now, please!"

"What???", the Nausiccan stammered in surprise. "Fire on them! Destroy that puny gnat!"

Sulak studied the consoles carefully. "It's working!", he said with non-Vulcan excitement. The Tholian's weapons lattices are joining, forming a net out of... Uht Oh" (Apparently Blask wasn't the only one to pick up 'off world' idioms at the academy)

"What is it, Lieutenant?"

"Diacon's ship had time to launch a Nova Probe, with our weakened shields...", the Vulcan droned on with gruesome details, which were apparently 'fascinating'.

"Blask, divert all power to the shields, including life support! We are about to be hit...."

*** Hours Later ***

"Nutrients! What happened?", Endris screamed.

"Captain, the Algeron arrived in time to extend its shields around us. But life support was down long enough for us to lose consciousness."

"What about the enemy ships?"

"With the need to rescue us, the alliance ships slipped off in the commotion. They launched probes on their way out, but we managed to shoot down all but one of them. The 'canisters' apparently contained some form of gas, since they exploded with very little effort."

"Where did the last canister go?"

"It dispersed the gas on the colony moon Tellar V. No adverse effects have been detected at this time."

**************** End of Test Program ****************

Back in the holodeck, Gakor was feeling this scenario was a bit close to home. With a nasty twist, the computer had pitted her against the hostiles that attacked her home and inflicted the Teresi virus on the colony. At least she managed to save the Challenger and scare off the enemy fleet.

-Computer. Tabulate score.-

Ingenuity 84%
Cooperation 91%
Negotiation 78%
Completing Objective 69%

Average 80.5%, Passing Nominal

-Computer, save transcript and forward to Lt Commander Cassey and Lt Thomas. Also deposit copies for Captain Price and Commander Sunder-

Working.....

"Blood Red"

Kalln fled from the warehouse, leaving bodies strewn across the floor and blood running in rivers. He had succumbed to the rage that lurked in the psyche of every Gnalish Elt. A bygone relic from their days as the soldiers of a power unknown and forgotten; a kind of mental appendix. The rage that one should never, ever, give in to. Kalln could already feel the red mist creeping into the corners of his eyes, as he sought to exit the ramshackle building, to hide himself from the eyes of any civilised being that might see what he had done.

At full speed, he crashed all three hundred pounds of his mass into the boarded-up window. There was a wrenching smash, and the balled-up lizard creature burst through into the streets outside. Not stopping to look where he was going, he swarmed up the outside of the building across the alley like a giant insect, digging rock-hard talons into the stonework. He reached the top of the roof and sprinted across it, his instincts telling him simply to keep moving. Kalln knew that he could not keep control of himself for long, that soon he would kill, and kill again, and not be able to prevent it. He had to remove himself as far as possible, to try and ensure that none of the Galaxy crew on the planet would be caught in his one-beast crossfire. Bent over so that his backbone was horizontal, his legs propelled him along at a whistling speed, crunching the fresh snow. Intuitively, his secondary brain caused his to leap into the air, and he arced over the gap between two buildings and landed with a thump. Not pausing, he sprinted off into the cold night.

***

The frosty breath of the man hung in the air as he spoke, creating a menacing halo about his dark head. His voice had a strong Jamaican influence, though where that came from in this world of imitations was anyone's guess.

'You shouldn' be ort at night, ya know.'

The man and three others had surrounded a huddled figure, who was pressed back against the wall of the murky alley that they were in. Several dustbins and a few crates provided a suitably bleak backdrop to this scene. The protagonists were black men, clad in blue, presumably more of Jacko's boys. Their quarry was a rag-clad female of indeterminate ethnic origin, who whimpered occasionally. The one who spoke did so again.

'Nasty tings com out at night. Dat's right.'

Behind the man, who laughed wickedly causing yet another cloud of white frosty breath, a dark shape flashed downwards without a sound. Totally oblivious, the man continued his tirade.

'Nasty tings like Jacko's boys, y'know? Cos Jacko's boys are- hguuurch!'

This last was said with some shock as the bulky man looked down to find five sharp points projecting from his chest. Behaving in an appropriate fashion, he died almost instantly, not being helped much by the hand withdrawing from his torso with a small load of internal organs. The man collapsed in a slippery mess, as his three companions turned to face the dark shape that squatted behind them, blood dripping from one extended claw. Red eyes gleamed in the dark. Blood red eyes, though with such a lot of it around they didn't really make the full impact they had been designed for. Eyes that seemed that they were fulfilling their full potential, whereas before they had been simply black shadows, with the light dimmed. They were eyes that, despite being upstaged, still communicated their intent very well. The men, fearless as extras always were, drew their guns heedless of the potential danger. Before they fired, there was a movement, too fast for the human eye to properly make out, and one of the men screamed, the front of his head, often referred to as a face for those who still have them, disintegrated into a fleshy mess. Before the other two could react to this, there was a brief rush of wind, and the sensation of stabbing, and another man collapsed screaming. The fourth gangsta backed away, dropping his gun and raising his hands in a form of surrender.

'Ey, mon, you no want to kill me. I am not worth it, see?'

If the silhouette with the glowing eyes agreed, it gave no sign as such, except for a barely perceptible hiss, like you might expect to hear in ancient Egypt. The man continued to back away, and the shadow shape kept pace with him. If you listened very clearly, beyond the stumbling footsteps of the retreating gangsta, and the quiet whimperings of the bedraggled victim, you could hear the sound of bone on stone as the claws of the creature clicked against the ground. There was a blur of motion, and both shadow and gangsta were gone.

The dirt-smeared, nameless female victim of the proceedings picked herself up and scuttled away into the darkness.

Tim Fletcher for:
Ensign Gordall Kalln, Science Officer, USS Galaxy

By Ensign Suder
Engineer
"Confusing Ends Or Beginnings? Part II"

**Suder stumbled into a building and looked around the small hallway. He stepped into the front room and felt his heart drop to his feet. He recognized this place. He was on Betazed, in one of his old friends house. The walls were black from phaser fights and orbital explosions that hit near here. Tables and furniture had been thrown around and tossed to the floor while the windows and the glass in the cabinets and mirrors had all been smashed. The room was a wreck. Suder knelt down and picked up a burnt photograph. Half of it was completely black, but the rest of it had one of his old friends. Ensign Karlson. He served with Karlson at Starfleet Headquarters before being reassigned to the Malinche. Suder stood up and walked out of the room when it hit him. He wasn't supposed to be here. The last thing he remembered before waking up outside was being down on that planet talking to that man. He remembered the conversation, he remembered the entire day. Pain hit his shoulder and waist that made him fall into the wall in the hallway. He grabbed his waist with both hands and looked at them. He was bleeding.**

A tall, black, strong man put Suder's body down on the couch in the big room. A women came along and looked at his wounds before running off to get something.

"Do you think he'll live?" the black man asked.

"I hope so, we could use every hand possible." the women replied.

**After a moment, the pain was gone, and the blood was gone from his hands. Suder continued to walk down the hallway thinking about the planet he was on before finding himself here. He couldn't remember the name of it. Not only that, but he couldn't remember how he got on the planet and why he was there.**

The women came back with a small case and placed it on the wooden floor and opened it. She took off Suder's jacket and got a good look at the bullet wound. She grabbed a needle and injected it near the bleeding wound.

**Suder fell to the floor in pain. He clutched his shoulder. What was happening. He took off his jacket and looked at the wound. He had been shot. He remembered that.**

The black man was leaning over the couch holding the light in place while the women did her work. She grabbed some powder and crushed it in her right hand for a few seconds before dropping some on the wound and then pressing down on it.

**Suder found himself in between realities. Behind the dark hallway, the scorched walls and the burnt furniture, he could see a bright light and someone moving back and forth in the way of it. Was this hell? Was it the afterlife he was raised to believe in? Was this real?**

The women grabbed some more powder and put it on the second wound on Suders body.

**Despite the pain, Suder got up and began limping his way to the nearest exit, which happened to be a hole in the wall from an explosion from the outside. He jumped out of the hole and looked around. The storm had settled but the wind had kicked up slightly. But then, everything went silent. The pain in Suder stopped. He looked around. Saw nothing moving. Heard nothing, not even the wind. This couldn't be right. He saw a small red light in the sky and turned his attention to it. After a few seconds, the light got bigger, and his worst thoughts became true. It was an Excelsior class ship falling into orbit. A quarter of the saucer section had been ripped away, obviously from an attack. The engineering hull was battered and shaking to pieces. The left warp nacelle didn't even exist. The right warp nacelle was no better. It was there, but had no power running through it. Throughout the hull, there were black scorch marks and hull breaches where torpedoes had ripped their way into the hull and exploded or phasers had destroyed the integrity in several sections. The registry was:

US- akota
N-----------

The ship seemed to pick up speed as it tumbled down through he skies towards the surface. The flames around the destroyed part of the saucer section became larger and small explosions ripped out of the hull as the hull integrity was at it's worst. The ship must have been a couple of hundred meters away before it hit the ground. It was a devastating sight. The saucer section smashed into the rocky terrain causing a massive explosion to rip the hull to pieces sending millions of flying debris spinning in the air. The engineering hull hit a building destroying itself and the big house in another explosion. The right warp nacelle slammed into the rocky surface and what was left of the ship disappeared in one big explosion that sent Suder flying back. He hit the wall behind him hard**

"He's awake" the black man stated running into the room to check on him. Suder was trying to sit up but couldn't.

The women came running in and sat on the bed and held Suder down and looked at him as he began to panic. "Calm down, hey, listen to me, everything's all right!" she yelled.

Suder relaxed after exerting all of his energy and looked around after his sight focused. He found himself lying in a bed with bandages around his shoulder and waist. "What, what happened?" he asked.

"Some guy unloaded a couple of rounds into in the alleyway." the black man said.

"You should relax, your in no condition to start roaming around." the women said.

"How long have I been here?" he asked.

"A few hours." the women replied.

Suder was confused. What he was experiencing must have been a dream. Betazed, the Lakota crashing, but how could only a few minutes of action taken a few hours. Well, that would be one of those questions that could never be answered. "I have to go help my friends." he said.

"We'll help them when you get your strength back." the black man said.

Suder nodded.

"Who are you anyway?" the women asked placing a wet cloth over his head.

"Suder." he replied briefly.

"Well I'm Kelly, and this is Rocko." Kelly said.

"It's a pleasure." Suder said.

Rocko laughed and strolled out of the room for one reason or another.

"Look, get some rest, and then you can tell us what's happening, and then we'll go help your friends." Kelly said.

Suder just nodded and closed his eyes...

To Be Continued...

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

Chen glanced in his rearview mirror and gunned the engine of the motorcycle. The two trucks were barreling down on him, their headlights illuminating him as they closed in. Chen cursed and pushed the cycle's engine to its limit. Still the trucks closed in as Chen sped through the abandoned streets. He took a deep breath and turned down the first street at the last second, going full speed. The trucks zoomed by, their brakes already trying to stop them. Chen's bike slid out from under him as he tried to keep it under control, but to no avail. He toppled off the bike, rolling across the street. He finally came to a stop. He coughed and pushed himself to his feet, only to be overcome by a wave of dizziness. He stumbled and dropped to the ground again. He shook his head and waited for the world to stop spinning. He heard the sounds of the two trucks roar closer as they backed up. Chen swallowed the bile building in the back of his throat and pushed himself back to his feet.

He pulled the motorcycle off its side and straddled it. He accelerated down the street even as the truckers were turning down the road after him.

***Meanwhile***

Franco came to a halt just outside the city limits and looked at the road. There were several separate skid marks where it looked like the cycles had split up. It also looked as if several other vehicles, probably the truckers the woman had talked about, took off after them in the different directions. Franco scratched his chin. "Which to go for," he asked himself. He sighed and gunned the engine, veering to the right. With any luck, it'd be either the leader or the small one. If it was the leader, Franco would take the man and find the small one later. If it was the small one, then he would exact his vengeance and fine the leader. If it was the other, then he would take that man and track down both the small one and the leader. Any way it went, Franco would fulfill his goals.

Chen roared down the road, taking as many twists and turns as possible without crashing the bike again. But, the truckers were smarter than they looked and kept up with him at every turn, closing in every minute. Chen thought he could hear them hoot and holler over the roar of the engines. Chen realized that he wouldn't be able to lose the bikers and the only way to stay alive was to face them on his terms. Chen continued down the street until he found what he was looking for. Chen veered off to the left into the narrow alleyway between buildings. The bike just barely scraped through and the trucks stopped when they saw where Chen had gone. Their headlights illuminated the alleyway, shining in Chen's eyes. Chen turned off the motorcycle and got off the bike, sliding off backwards, as their was nor room to simply get off. He walked slowly to the front of the alleyway. He stood there as the two truckers emerged from their trucks. One carried a tire iron, the other a bat. The one with tire iron smiled. "You just bought yourself a whole mess o' trouble, boy."

Chen smiled and reached into his jacket pocket. "Now listen, punks. I'm carrying here, so you best just back off, get me?"

The one with bat snorted. "You ain't got no gun."

Chen looked serious. "Try me. One of you will have to take the first step, and he's the one that'll die. So, which one wants to see if I'm lying?"

They looked at each other. "Well," the one with the tire iron said. "Go give it a shot, Bill."

"Uh-uh. He does have a gun, I'm a dead man.I ain't ready to die yet, Charlie."

"Don't be stupid, Bill. He don't got a gun."

Bill looked nervous, but ready to move. Chen smiled. "You ready to tempt fate, Bill? 'Cause I'm more than ready to accommodate."

Bill shook his head. "Hell with this. The little creep just stole a map. I'm out of here." Bill turned and walked off, leaving Charlie to gawk after him as he stepped into his truck and drove off.

Charlie just shook his head. "Fine. I'll take care of the runt myself," he said to nobody in particular. He stepped forward and Chen just sighed. Charlie smiled when no gunshot sounded and walked closer, his confidence bolstered. Suddenly, the outline of a man appeared behind Charlie. Charlie saw the shadow from behind him and started to turn, only to be met by a hard right. Charlie's head snapped around and he fell to the ground, out cold. Chen squinted at the light and the man standing in front of him. He was too slim to be either Price or Sterner. "Who are you," Chen asked.

The man just shrugged, then the hand moved. Chen just caught the glint of light on the blade and dodged to the side, the blade cutting the air where he had been standing. The man's hand started moving again. Chen scowled. He couldn't stay in the alley forever, dodging the knives. Nobody was that good. He jumped up onto the seat of his motorcycle and leaped forward, grabbing hold of the bottom rail of a fire escape. He pulled himself up even as the second knife struck the wall where he had been dangling just seconds before. He charged up the stairs, hoping to find some free space to fight in. He finally climbed the ladder to the roof and turned around, waiting for the man to appear. A cold sweat broke out across his forehead even as the snow started coming down again. He licked his lips. Still the man didn't show. Then, he heard the crunch of a shoe on snow. Chen spun just as another knife whipped by, inches from his face. Chen charged as hard as he could towards his assailant, who was about fifteen feet away. Chen covered the distance in a few seconds. Franco threw another knife. Chen saw it coming and leaped into the air, somersaulting over the knife and coming down with both feet on Franco's chest. Franco yelped and dropped onto his back, Chen fell backwards, too. Both jumped to their feet at the same time, Franco using his inertia to throw a punch that grazed Chen's jaw. Chen's head snapped back and he flipped away, even as Franco was throwing another punch that met nothing but air. Chen came back up and took his stance. Franco followed suit. Chen squinted at Franco's face, then recognized the man. "You again," he said. "What do you want?"

Franco smiled. It made shivers run down Chen's spine. "Your death. Then, I want your leader."

"You'll have to go through me first."

Franco nodded. "That's the plan." He executed a forward kick aimed at Chen's stomach. Chen spun away and connected with a hard elbow to Franco's temple. Franco reacted instinctively, ducking down and connecting with a solid right to Chen's kidneys, then his own elbow into the back of Chen's head. Chen stumbled forward, rolled away and came to his feet. The exchange lasted only two seconds. Chen jumped forward, kicking out with first his right leg, then his left. Franco ducked the right leg, but was caught by the left and was knocked down. He came up again, dropping to one knee as Chen tried a snap kick. Franco reached up fast, grabbing Chen's ankle with his left hand, slamming his right into Chen's upper thigh. Chen's leg went numb from the blow. Franco released the ankle and came up hard first punching Chen's temple, then following through the punch with an elbow to the same place. Chen's head snapped around even as Franco jumped up and slammed his knee hard into Chen's neck. Chen fell to the ground, head spinning. He just moved out of the way as Franco stomped the ground where his head was. Franco kicked at Chen's midsection as he tried to get up. Chen caught the leg, rolled and Franco went down. Chen kept rolling until he was on Franco's knees, then brought his hand down into the man's groin. Franco's face went red as Chen got up.

Franco pushed himself back to his feet, recovering quickly. He feinted with his right, then came in fast, stepping on Chen's toes hard, then ramming his palm into Chen's nose. Chen's eyes watered as he felt the bone break. Franco grabbed Chen by the throat, his hand a claw. Chen felt Franco's hand close on his windpipe and start to squeeze. Chen opened his mouth, trying vainly to pull air into his lungs. Franco held him tight and started backing him up, to the edge of the roof. Chen looked into Franco's eyes and saw nothing. Nothing but the cold stare of those who's souls, if they can be called such, have already been damned. The eyes of a murderer. Chen punched Franco twice in the face, but his strength was already going. Franco kept walking, seemingly ignorant of the pain. Chen grabbed Franco's chin, then his hair at the base of his skull and started to twist, hoping to break his neck. Franco twisted his hand and a wave of pain shot through Chen. They were just inches from the roof. Finally, Chen gripped Franco's wrist and launched himself back and down. Franco was unprepared for the move and Chen got his legs under him, vaulting Franco over him. Franco screamed as he went over the edge. So did Chen. His move had sent him over the edge, too. He was gripping the ledge with one hand. He looked down and saw Franco dangling in a similar position from a windowsill. He let go with his left hand and reached up, grabbing Chen's ankle. He then let go with his right hand. "You idiot," Chen yelled. "You'll kill us both!"

"If honor demands it. I will have died doing what I set out to do." As he was saying this, Franco reached into the small pouch on his belt and pulled out another knife. He stabbed forward at Chen's leg with it. Chen saw the movement and kicked out, throwing Franco off him. He still felt the nick of the blade as it scratched his leg. Franco's left hand slipped off Chen's leg and he fell, no sound coming from his throat as he fell the six stories to the ground. He tried twisting at the last second to land on his feet, but it was no use and he struck the pavement on his chest. Chen's hand was trembling as he tried to hold on to the ledge. He swung his right hand up, grabbing the ledge. He started to pull himself up, but his fingers were numbed from the cold, and his grip slipped. He fell backwards, feeling the rush of air as he tumbled through space. His hands flew out wildly, snatching at anything that would stop his progress. Suddenly, he found it. A small out crop of stone from the building that Chen grabbed with his right hand. He snapped to a halt for a brief second, then fell the remaining two stories. He hit the ground hard, but with both feet. He fell forwards, falling off the sidewalk. He lied there for several minutes, trying to remember how to breathe.

Finally, after a brief blackout, he came to and shakily rose to his feet. Training had taken over at the last second and he had nailed a textbook landing, but his left leg felt like it was on fire. He was lucky he hadn't broke both legs. His right arm wasn't so lucky. He tried to move it, only to be struck with a sudden jolt of pain. He stifled a startled yelp. He held the arm close to his body protectively. He looked to his side and saw Franco lying there, blood slowly coming out of his mouth, eyes staring blankly. Chen swallowed and limped to Franco's stolen motorcycle he had parked several blocks down. Chen winced each time he put weight on the leg. He tested the bones with his hand, but couldn't find any breaks. Chen leaned against a car and pulled up his pants leg. He saw the small bloody scratch where the throwing knife had nicked him. The skin around it was blackened. Poison.

Chen cursed. The assassin had poisoned him with the blade. Hopefully, he could get back to the others before it got any worse. He stepped forward and got on the bike. He wondered idly somewhere in the back of his mind how long he could go before passing out.

"It Had to Happen"
by Tal'yana Lan

She wiped the sweat from off of her forehead with a practiced stroke, and looked down at the ivory keys that had so daunted her today. Something was off... the seventh system simply wasn't working right.

~I should know this peice without a hitch... it's not this hard...~ She sighs, and looks up. Her heart nearly jumps into her throat when she realizes that she's not alone in the holodeck.

The man grins at her, an almost savage, yet keen grin. He's answered with Tal'yana's trademark scowl, which is immediately accompanied by her inquisitive, "I set the holodeck protocol to privacy... how'd you get in here."

The man smiles widely and looks around, "Why... I simply..." He snaps his fingers, and is immediately dressed in a Santa Suit, at which Tal'yana's eyes grew about three times larger, "...wished it."

Q smiles, his now distended belly flopping back and forth as he begins to walk toward the young woman. As she rises, as if to bolt, he shakes his head. "Now... why is it that every time I show up, you people either run like frightened rabbits, or snap at me like rabid dogs? I'd love for once to have someone just say, 'Hey there, Q! How's omnipotence treating you lately?' But, no... always with the disrespect..."

Tal'yana rolls her eyes, laughing. "Perhaps it's because you refuse to use doors like everyone else..."

Q smiles, and snaps his fingers... he disappears, only to walk through the arch of the holodeck as the door opened. "Is this better?"

Tal'yana merely shrugs, crossing her arms as she leans against the table. "I guess it has to be... you mind telling me what you want?"

Q appeared directly behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder. His overly-large midsection bounced up against her, nearly knocking her forward. "Why... what every jolly Santa wants, miss... to fill people with joy and delight.. to give them their heart's desires... to fulfill their every wish!" He smiles at her, "Now... is that such a bad thing?"

Tal'yana smiled... she'd always heard of this guy as being evil, heartless, cruel. Q was merely an eccentric fool... granted, an omnipotent fool and not one to upset, but a fool nonetheless. "Perhaps so... but have you considered that you might be doing things completely wrong?"

Q stopped in his tracks, a few words frozen on his tongue. "How so?" His grin widened... a silly mortal about to explain to _him_ what he should be doing... this should at least be good for a laugh, as mortals often were.

"Quite simple really," Tal'yana began, sitting on the piano bench. She tapped the area of the bench next to her, "Sit down... and lose the getup... you're far more fetching in a Starfleet Uniform..." At this, Q grinned, and switched back to the uniform...

"Okay, now... look at all the gifts you've given... I've only seen a few... but from what I've seen, you've stopped this ship from moving, you've sent the crew to God knows what location, and you've essentially caused this crew nothing but grief. Hardly the best way to spread Christmas cheer..." Q opens his mouth to speak in response, his answer most likely rudely funny, but she puts a finger against his lips, silencing him, "Shh... I wasn't finished yet..." Q's eyebrow raised, an almost exact duplica of the Vulcan expression of confusion. However, he remained silent.

"You may have given people what they desire... but sometimes what a person wants is _not_ the best thing for them. Have you considered that."

Q grinned, and looked at her, "Yes... I have." He leaned really close to her, "It was exactly what I understood. You people are too uptight, and only think about things that would make life simpler for you... you're so stuck on yourselves that you never stoop to help out the poor sap who's stuck under your feet."

He tweaked Tal'yana's nose, illiciting a reaction of disgust from her, and smiled again. "Perhaps that's why I'm doing this... perhaps not... but you intrigue me. Perhaps I should have another talk with you later... when you're more inclined to ask for a gift from me..."

With that, the man simply disappeared. Tal'yana shook her head. "Strange, strange days..."

=/\= "Night in the City" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht

*** Before sunup, Christmas Eve ***

The bright yellow sedan cruised down Fremont street, its driver carrying on a one-sided conversation. His taxi license identified him as Rajid Raheem, though he looked italian. While he spoke, his right hand moved expressively, leaving a trail of smoke from the cigarette he held and occasionally drew upon. With a heavy, sing-song accent, he said, "So I said to Louie, 'DePalma, you have to be giving me the number five car tonight! I will not drive my fares around on Christmas eve morning in a car that smells of human excreement!'"

Matthew nodded absently, while watching other motor vehicles pass him. The cabby's incessant dialog didn't bother the security officer. On the contrary, hearing the mundane details of Rajid's life was actually quite informative. His attention had been grabbed a few minutes before when Mr. Raheem described what cab-driving had been like during the last World War. Apparently, even during the fighting in New Chicago, most cabs were allowed safe passage through the streets--for a small fee, of course. Getting honest fares was a different story, however.

As their course took them from the hospital into the darker parts of New Chicago, Matthew was fascinated to see all the elaborate Christmas decorations. Atop a nearby building, green lights had been arranged conically, to resemble a Christmas tree. Elaborate store window settings featured manequins in elf-wear. And, as they moved into more run-down neighborhoods, billboards advertised alcoholic beverages and various personal entertainment services all favored by Saint Nick, who appeared to be a generally lascivious person.

Eventually, they arrived in front of the old warehouse. Once he recognized it from a distance, Matthew became distracted from mentally practicing the report he intended to give the captain. When the taxi halted, he looked out the window and gawked at what he saw by the limited illumination of the street lights; Bullet holes marred up the face of the building. Several windows were busted out. The large doors to the main floor of the warehouse stood ajar.

The lieutenant opened his door and stood between it and the cab. He reached into the inside coat pocket of the suit and pulled out Lefty's wallet. "Here's twenty dollars, Rajid. Can you hang on a few minutes while I look around inside?" he asked. The driver answered affirmatively, and Matthew closed his car door and headed for the black opening. He reached into his coat and withdrew Lefty's semi-auto, and passed through the opening.

Thankfully, it was too dark to make out the details. There were several bodies, badly dismembered. They had apparently been gangsters, but not the suit-wearing kind. Rather, the bodies were dressed in some kind of nylon exercise wear, or some kind of colorful jumpsuit. The nearest body sported heavy gold chains and dark sunglasses. Near the hand of the gruesomely murdered man was a pistol that had apparently fallen from its owner's hand.

*No sign of the others,* he noted, realizing the Galaxy crew must have cleared out in a hurry when the attack occured. *But to where?* It came to him right away, *The safe!* The lieutenant moved into the small room where the safe was bolted down. He wanted to see if he could find evidence that the crew had fled into it, and to make sure they had not been followed. When he entered the correct room, he discovered that some illumination was filtering through a series of small louvered windows near the ceiling. It was more than enough light to see that the safe was again locked. He could also clearly tell that many, many pairs of shoes and boots had passed through the room and up to the safe.

**** ten minutes later ****

The room was fully swept; Fortunately Matthew had located a broom in the basement near the partially functional furnace. Now that the crew's trail was obscured, Matthew had little time left before he needed to rejoin the team at the hospital. Rajid had promised to return in fifteen minutes, and Albrecht wanted to be at the curb when the yellow sedan drove up.

But his mission to report to the other Galaxy crew had failed. He didn't know how to reach any of them, other than going into the safe and searching the underground tunnels alone to find them. That idea had little appeal for him, so he dismissed it. If the tunnels were so simple to search, the crew would have abandoned them immediately. *But,* he thought, *somebody is bound to return here to look for clues...*

Moving quickly, Matthew searched the wrecked bodies in the warehouse. He eventually found a green felt-tipped marker. Moving to the wall across from the safe, where the incoming streetlight illuminated a large patch, he started to spell out a simple message. To protect the message from prying eyes, INCLUDING eyes that might have knowledge of Federation languages other than Standard, Matthew wrote the message in Cardassian. He could only write so much, because the pen began to run dry.

The message read: "New Chicago General Hospital, Room 517. Patient recovering. Have met descendant of USS Discovery"

"Hail to the Chief"
Ensign Jonathan "Lucas" Brandis
USS Galaxy
Acting Chief of Operations

At the ripe bold age of Seventy-Four, Ensign Jonathan Lucas Brandis was a relatively mature fellow. But, this was a once in a life time thing. How many times in Starfleet history had a fresh out of the Academy Ensign, gotten the chance to serve as Chief of Operations. 'Okay, okay,' Lucas thought, 'Acting Chief of Operations.' But, it was still quite an accomplishment. No not the fact that the crew had disappeared leaving him as ranking officer. The fact that Deiran Casey, Acting Captain Extraordinair, had allowed him the opportunity to Head the Department. He could have just as easily assigned a senior officer from another department, someone with more command expierence. This simple twist of fate had made Lucas want to do better than his contemporaries in the other departments.

Walking into the Operations Department conference room, Lucas thought it was time to call in a conference of his own. "Computer." Lucas commanded, because, quite frankly, he felt like commanding. The slightly audible click of acknowledgement was all he needed to continue,

"Send out notice of conference meeting in twenty minutes to Operations Department, Division Heads only. Computer send following message to Lt. Samara, Engineering, and Lt. Jg. Numa Taurean, Science Department:

From Acting Chief of Operations,

I have reserved Holodeck 7 for a Think Tank, scheduled for 1500 hours, in order to analyze the transmission we received from 'Commander Erikson. The purpose is to establish communications with the planet and stranded crew members. Your unique perspectives in your fields will more than likely prove invaluable to the mission of establishing communications and so you presence is requested and required.

(Acting) Cheif Operations Officer,

Ensign Brandis

End message, computer."

Looking around "his" conference room, Lucas got the insane notion of delivering a 'Command' speech, but over came the urge, at least until the Division Head meeting.

****Operations Department Meeting****

Looking around the conference room, Lucas could sense a little resentment from the rest of the Ensigns gathered around him, but resolved to continue moving forward with the meeting.

"I suppose your wondering exactly why I called a meeting. Well, I get straight to the point; I need full cooperation from each of you in order to accomplish this mission. We've got a bunch of stranded crew down there and the ideas I heard in a department meeting, didn't exactly bring me very much closer. I couldn't come up with very many ideas myself while at the meeting. But, a transmission was recieved from the away team and we now have the task of finding a way to message them back. What I want are more than just ideas, each of you will be assigned a duty station and I want stituation reports filed every half hour. If Q decides to place a pile of dung in a corridor out side Stellar Cartography, we need to know. Basically, we have to be one step ahead of Q."

"Sir," Ensign Jii spoke up. "What exactly was the out come of the Senior Staff meeting?"

"We established our present sitution." Lucas managed to put out after a brief pause. Hell, he really didn't think it had accomplished anything, except to analize the communication Lt. Commander Erikson had made.

"Basically, nothing." The Ensign was no fool.

"Yeah, pretty much." Lucas gave in. "But, I want to know what Q's doing on a moment by moment basis, get together with security and see what he's done in the past as well. Report anything out of the ordinary. I'll be taking Alpha shift on the Bridge, and if any emergencies should occur. That's pretty much it, your assignments are posted."

"Sir, would half the crew disappearing count as 'out of the ordinary?'" Ensign Jii inquired.

" Dismissed." Lucas said, making it seem clear that he wasn't amused, although as a matter of fact he was.

As the Division Heads cleared the Ops Conference room, Lucas sat and waited. As soon as they had gone, he stood. Looked out the Observation Port and said, "Computer, who's da man!"

=Please qualify statement.= The rather confused computer responded.

"Never Mind," Lucas chuckled.

Flying Melons
By Lt jg Anthony Mendenhall

He was that close. That close to the captain. Anthony hated when he did stupid things. Driving behind a bunch of angry truck drivers wasn't one of the things he enjoyed, but then again, he had little choice. He hoped that the message he had given to "Stella" had gotten through. Although the waving bat tipped him that it hadn't.

As he closed up behind the primitive automotive machine, he checked his map. They were approaching the city limits, and he could barely make out three motorcycles. "Alright! I almost got them!" As he started to near the disgruntled driver, the trio of bikers split up!

One of the truck ran into a building, spilling melons all over the road. It almost seemed as if guts were flying through the air. A large splatter of red melon inards hit his windshield.

Mendenhall swereved blind, trying to find out if the primitive vehicle had some kind of utility to clean off the red slush. Not taking the time to figure out, he rolled down the window, and rubbed s spot clean.

He mamged to follow the truck while popping the trunk, making a continous left turn, and had his ahzzard lights blinking the whole time. He just couldn't understand why these humans hadn't invented something to clean off the windshield. By now it had frozen solid, and it looked as if he had run over several people.

Then they started up a strange structure where it seemed that many other antique automobiles were stored. He drove through a pile of wooden splinters where a gate used to be. He couldn't imagine a truck making it up anything like this. But somehow it was.

He climbed higher and higher, spiraling upward and upward. He heard something scraping, and the lines on the sides of the walls indicated that it was the truck. He kept on cimbing, two levels, four, then six, up to twelve levels. He heard a loud explosion, stopped to a screaching halt. In front of him was the Captain!

"Oh Joy of Joys!"

"Acting Second Officer Part I"
by Lt K'Eytyanna Samara

K'Eytyanna's combadge chirped and Chris Thomas's voice spoke, [Lt Thomas to Lt Samara.]

She tapped it as she read her PADD, "K'Eytyanna here. What's up?"

[I've got some good news and bad news. Firstly, since the senior officers are gone, you are now acting Second Officer, according to Deiran.]

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

Chris smiled as he spoke, "I've got some good news and bad news. Firstly, since the senior officers are gone, you are now acting Second Officer, according to Deiran."

Suddenly, the sound of a stack of PADDs falling off a desk followed by the sound of one PADD spontaneously striking a bulkhead with enough force to destroy it came over the combadge.

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

"What the hell??? Has he gone completely mad? I CAN'T be second officer. I've got no experience at all."

[Lt, Starfleet regs say that you are second officer until the others come back. Just follow the regs and you will be fine.]

"But.. but.. I've got a lot of work to do."

[Benedict is taking command for this Gamma shift. The one after is earmarked for you though. Consider this an incentive, K'Eytyanna. Take it up with Cmdr Casey if you want. Chris out.]

K'Eytyanna bellowed in anger and gave the desk a hard wack, crunching a section of it.

"Computer, replicate something incredibly valuable, something that can be destroyed and slap an image of Deiran Casey on it. Make that two items."

As the computer worked, K'Eytyanna gave the pile of PADD's a vicious kick, destroying a few more. Finally, two vases appeared and K'Eytyanna quickly turned one into shards with the help of the wall.

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

The sound of crashing came from the Chief Engineer's Office, and Ensign Benjamin Franklin Pierce whisered softly, "Hey Trapper, do you think we should check on the Lt?"

Ensign John Francis Xavier McIntyre laughed, "Only if you wanted to get your head bitten off, Hawkeye. I'll bet you on it that she will do something threatening." "Your on. 50 credits." The men shook on it before Pierce headed to the office.

Sticking his head in, Pierce asked,

"Umm, are you alright, Lt?"

A deep angry scream followed by another vase destined for destruction came as a reply.

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

Ten Forward Blues
Lt. (jg) Benedict T’Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Benedict stood by the Tactical Arch scanning the system – the Galaxy was still motionless. He didn’t even recognise the presence of T’amar as the broad shouldered Tiburonian placed a hand on his shoulder.

Benedict turned to look into the man’s green eyes – he nodded and his fingers tightened ever so slightly on Benedicts’ shoulder. “My watch.” Was all he said. The words were quiet, and said in a manner that relayed his concern.

Benedict had arranged T’amar to relieve his watch for the commencement of Beta Shift. He was usually on Gamma, but with Hermedhie and Marc gone it left Tactical short handed. Benedict had made the changes with a return to duty at midnight in mind. They would share watches in rotation. Groom was due to return to the Tac Center at midnight too – he was being replaced by an ensign from security for Beta shift.

The last thing Benedict wanted was to be replaced at Tactical – he needed to be there in case something happened. However he also knew that the last thing he wanted was to be fuzzy headed when something important did happen. T’amar was a good officer.

T’amar leaned close to Benedict’s ear and said, “If anything happens I’ll call you back to the bridge. I know about the missing crew.” He didn’t need to say anything else. His eyes were understanding. T’amar was a friendly sort – and a bit of a romantic. He knew about Benedicts’ interest in Tebrianne, and for some reason it had seemed to appeal to him that the two people had developed a meaningful relationship.

Benedict simply nodded. It had been a thoroughly boring watch – nothing was happening and the frustration level on the bridge was climbing by the hour. Benedict had spent what seemed like hours waiting for something to happen that just hadn’t. His mind kept thinking of Tebrianne and her plight. The uncertainty was killing him.

Benedict turned the tactical station over to the other tactical officer and glanced around the Bridge. Other officers were being replaced also, and Benedict moved into the turbo lift. He was deep in thought. By the time the turbo lift stopped at deck 19 he was feeling the inner anger of the frustration. He entered the loneliness of his quarters and headed straight into the sonic shower.

He changed into his off-duty clothing. Black leather jeans, white sleeveless, lace-up shirt and patterned waistcoat. He picked up his reptile leather boots, and stopped. He looked at the shiny patterns of scales that shone in the light and remembered the jovial gift dispensing reptilian Starfleet Officer, Kalln. He tossed the boots back into his cabinet and chose black leather calf boots instead. Pity, the reptile boots had been his favorite.

His room was claustrophobic – he looked at the wrapped gift sitting on the shelf and thought of Tebrianne. Where was she? What was she facing? What was she doing? Was she safe? If anything happened to her he would never forgive himself! He’d left her – walked out and left her, and now she was gone! He sat on his bed and sighed. His eyes caught the dull black shape of his guitar case.

It called to him in a primal way. He knew that when-ever he felt particularly strongly about anything on an emotional level – he sought release in his music. His father had been the one that instilled the inscrutable mannerisms that usually ruled his way of thinking. His mother had given him the music. Martin Tikaru had been the warrior with the spirit of a dragon, and Tatyana had been the beauty of life, music and spirituality.

Benedict’s soul was part Japanese and part Bajoran. His Japanese soul had loved his former wife Alayessa with all the passion that came with the spirit of the warrior – but Tebrianne called to his Bajoran heart. The musical heart that was so close to his mothers’ and was grounded in her gentleness of spirit. He finally understood the bond that had tied his parents together. It was a healing bond that bound their very spirits into one – complemented and intensified into an enduring love that outlived their very existence.

Benedict knew that their love would live forever – for it was remembered in his own heart, and someday it would be passed down to his children, and deeply within his heart of secret hearts, Benedict could already see the dark eyes and pointed ears of his children.

He looked up at the ceiling of his room and called out, “Q.” He stood and clenched his fists by his side and snarled the beings’ name again. There was nothing in reply. No flash of light, and nothing that would herald the presence of the omnipotent Q.

“Q – “, still nothing, “Q, I swear, if anything happens to her I’ll find a way to kill you.” He spat the words and felt empty inside. Futility and uselessness did not come easily to Benedict.

He knew that spending the next six hours in his room would be devoid of any kind of sleep, or rest. It was a cage of loneliness. Funny – but Tebrianne had never stayed here, but her presence was here none the less. He picked up a small black stud earring that she had lost weeks ago. The polished onyx stone shone as he rolled it between his fingers. He had meant to give it back to her, but had left it on his bedside table.

He placed it in his ear, and felt a little comfort. It was silly really – but it was a reminder of her, and his chest hurt like hell. He almost couldn’t breathe but in sudden decision, he stood and grabbed his guitar case. He headed out the door and strode into a close turbo lift. “Ten Forward.” He said.

The place was crowded. Buzzing with conversation and full of officers in uniform and casual clothing – more uniforms than not – as some obviously expected to be called back to duty stations. Several turned in Benedicts’ direction as he strode in. He was striking – tall, dark and extremely handsome, and he moved with the grace of a panther. It was obvious by the look on his face that he wasn’t particularly happy, but the guitar in his hands gave away his intentions.

This wouldn’t be the first time that Benedict had played in Ten Forward – usually late at night, when the crowd was smaller, but the mood was on him now, and he had to give free rein to it.

Several female officers watched him as he moved through the crowd, looking for Door. The Cardassian had been the most unlikely of individuals for Benedict to find a mutual respect. The barkeep, even though born to the Cardassian race - Bajors’ oppressors, was a believer in the Prophets, and wore the earrings to mark his respect.

Door saw the tall Bajoran and pointed to Raoul, who had also seen Benedict entering the place. He moved over to him and clasped his arm. “Any word?” he asked.

“Nothing yet.” Replied Benedict, “Can I sing?” He looked into Raouls’ dark eyes and the man nodded.

“I’ll get you a drink.” He said. “You might want to speak to Tal’yana.” He nodded to the far end of the bar, at a statuesque beauty perched on a bar stool talking to three males. Benedict could see her Trill markings running across her neck and shoulders. “She’s running the entertainment now.”

“Okay.” Benedict nodded to Raoul and the man went back behind the bar. He already had a drink organized, and he passed it over. It was whiskey, smooth and real – not synthetics. Benedict knew that it was Raouls way of communicating his feelings. Benedict knew that the man had a more than friendly respect for Tebrianne, and knew that the two were good friends. He liked him, and he saluted him with the glass and downed the drink in one gulp. It burned when it hit his belly, but it was good stuff.

Benedict placed the empty glass on the bar and shouldered his way through the throng toward the Trill. He wondered if she was joined, he’d never met a Trill before – although he’d seen them before. The three Ensigns looked up at him, and one of them grimaced as Benedict stepped up. The other two smiled and moved slightly away – Benedict was imposing close up, and his bearing now was not exactly jovial. His violet colored eyes were darker than usual, his face serious.

Conversation stopped, and the woman named Tal’yana turned in his direction. Benedict regarded her for a moment and indicated his guitar. “Raoul tells me that you look after the entertainment. I’d like to play a little.” It didn’t actually sound like a request, “If you don’t mind that is.” Benedict tried to put a little levity into his tone, but he saw that his mood had struck a bad impression almost straight away. Her eyes narrowed slightly and she smiled a little cooly.

“I’ll only mind if you don’t play well.” She replied. The three ensigns smiled and looked at each other. One of them smothered a smirk with his drink while another turned away to the bar.

“Then I won’t disappoint you.” He replied. He looked up and saw Raoul as he leaned over the bar and handed him another drink. “Thanks.” He said as he took it. He saluted the woman sitting before him and drank it down.

Raoul said, “He’s good Tal.” And moved away. The simple statement seemed to carry some weight with the Trill woman and she nodded. “Be my guest.” She said indicating the small stage.

Benedict looked into her eyes and smiled, he sighed and said, “Thank you.” For a moment he was about to say more, but instead turned away and moved off – leaving her to shrug her shoulders and resume her conversation.

He saw Cathy. The blonde science officer was with several others, and she moved over to him. She leaned close to him and smiled – her pale blue eyes shining as she said, “Hi – I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

He kissed her cheek in brotherly fashion – a calculated message that she didn’t fail to notice. “Last we talked, you didn’t want to be friends.” He replied.

She smiled and looked self-consciously into her drink, “I hear you have a thing going with someone.” She looked up at him, “Someone who’s been around.” The way she implied the last word struck Benedict like a slap in the face – also calculated on her part.

She immediately saw the hurt register in his eyes, and she blushed in embarrassment. Benedict glared at her – this was no time to have this discussion with her and he felt angry. “Leave me alone Catherine. Tebrianne doesn’t deserve that – just leave us both alone.” He turned his back on her.

She reached out quickly and grabbed the back of his waistcoat and stopped him. He turned on her, and his eyes were blazing violet, she looked into them and faltered. His presence almost struck her physically and she had to swallow to get past the lump in her throat. She said, “Sorry, I’m sorry Benedict. I didn’t mean that..I..I just..” she faltered to a close and just looked at him. A tear welled in her eye, “I’m just jealous I guess.” She tossed her long hair out of her eyes. “Where is she?” She asked.

Benedict turned fully to face her, “She’s missing. She’s one of the lucky few that Q decided to abduct.” She could hear the bitterness in his voice and she was immediately sorry for the caustic remarks she had made. She placed her hand on his arm.

“Oh I’m sorry Ben. I didn’t realize.” He nodded to her, and again turned away, leaving her standing there staring at his back.

He walked to the stage and picked up the sound system pick-up and placed it on the base of his 12-string guitar. The cordless system relayed the music from the instrument into the Ten-Forward speakers and also picked up his own voice through a comm-patch he placed on his waistcoat.

Several of the crew who had heard him play before came over and sat around the stage. By the time he had sat on the stool and arranged his guitar he had a gathering audience and he spoke.

“It’s Christmas Eve. “He said. “Many of us are lucky enough to have family aboard, some have close friends, others are just getting to know us all. Tonight we all share a common bond. It is a time of sharing, friendships and family.” He looked around at the nodding faces, some with smiles, others in darker moods.

“Tonight I find myself sitting here with you because the person I want to be with the most is not here. She’s one of this ships’ family that has been taken by Q. Some of you will have the same thoughts as I at this moment. I choose to believe that they are all safe and will be coming home soon. So while we are gathered here, I’d like to sing a few songs.”

He was greeted by several cheers and clapping hands. He saw a female ensign crying on the shoulder of one of the ships’ Counselors. Cathy was staring at him. He looked away from her and started to play. His fingers finding the right notes as he let his mind drift.

The song was difficult, even for Benedicts’ skills – the cascading notes built in intensity as he warmed up with a classical flamenco piece called “Fire of My Heart”. He sang it with passion – and his voice was strong. He usually felt uncomfortable singing in front of large crowds, but tonight he felt a kinship with these people – they were his family now. He shared his pain and sang about love, and about life.

By the time he had reached the seventh song, he was light headed and soaked through with his efforts. Raoul had brought him a drink and said, “Tal’yana tells me to tell you that you’re passably talented.” He grinned and as he went away, Benedict caught the woman’s eyes and she smiled at him. He smiled back – feeling a little better now, and she obviously understanding some of his earlier mood.

Benedict finished his playing and stood the guitar against the stool. A sign that he might be back, and moved over to the bar. He accepted another drink from Door who smiled at him and raced away to serve another. Benedict sat down and leaned against the bar and sipped his drink. He stared into the rippling amber liquid and thought about a pair of dark eyes that were always in his mind.

"Computer Problems"
By: Lt (jg) Ryak Sullax

Ryak finished up sending in that direction and turn the antenna again. Ryak was beginning to get bored with this act and wanted things to go faster. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a red light flashing on one of the cased in computer back up terminals on the roof. Ryak moved over to it and tried to get access to it. Ryak noticed that the computer had set off a timer to when an alarm would go off. Ryak opened up his back pack and pulled out the computer and the modified communication device. Ryak set up the computer and turned it on. He began to rewire the communication device to the computer and to the terminal.

The timer counted down and down. Ryak was beginning to get very anxious as the timer reached ten seconds. Ryak tried his connection. NINE. Something wasn't right. EIGHT. Ryak did some more rewiring. SEVEN SIX FIVE. As his hands moved faster and faster the time seemed to as well. FOUR THREE. Ryak hooked it back up and tried again. TWO ONE. The computer was locked in and the timer stopped. Ryak took a deep breath and sat back in the chair.

Ryak looked around to see what Lt. Commander Morris was up to. Ryak couldn't see her. Ryak stood up and walked around the roof to see if he could see where she may be. A little way away Ryak noticed her swimming in a reservoir of water on a roof.

Ryak turned as he heard his portable computer beeped. As Ryak walked over to it he noticed that it was letting him know that he was almost out of power. Ryak looked around but there was nothing for him to use. Ryak quickly searched through his pack to see if there was anything in there. All he found was a long cable with a prong at the end. Ryak connected it to the computer and looked around again. There was no where for him to place it.

"COMMANDER!" Ryak yelled over to her. "WE SEEM TO HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM OF WHICH YOU MAY WISH TO LOOK AT!"

"I'LL BE RIGHT THERE!" she yelled back.

Ryak searched around but nothing seemed to match the prong. Ryak was beginning to wonder if the prong was actually used for power so he tried to find another way for power until the Commander arrived to assist.