"Reversed Orientation"
by Lt Cmdr K'Eytyanna Samara
-------------------------------------------

Hunter lay back on the bed, catching his breath from the exertion with K'Eytyanna. Leaning over, he kissed her and slowly sat up. Getting up, he retrieved his tunic from where it had landed on D'Akana and sat back down on the bed.

She smiled and slid over to him as he got dressed. When he had finished, he kissed her forehead as he spoke,

"I'll probably be gone for a few hours, then we can spend some more time together."

She nodded and sprawled herself out on the bed as he walked out into the corridor.

Jumping up as she suddenly remebered the meeting, she slipped into her uniform and raced out.

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

Racing into Engineering, she slid to a stop outside Lt Cmdr Mercury's office and stuck her head in.

"Chief, sorry about that. I won't ever miss a meeting again. "

David looked up and smiled,

"I assume you didn't see the message I left. The meeting has been postponned till tommorrow, due to the stress from the Iotian mission. I'll take that sorry as being for the pile of pottery I found in my office corner after I got back."

David could swear that for a few short moments, he thought she was blushing slightly as she mumbled, "Oops.."

"Its okay. You did a good job and I didn't come back to a destroyed ship."

She nodded and quickly scurried out of the office to do the adjustments she wanted to do plus pick up some equipment.

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

Heading back to Hunter's quarters, she entered carrying the equipment she had brought from Engineering and put it down near the door.

After putting D'Akana into the bathroom which she planned to leave untouched, K'Eytyanna double checked she had everything she needed.

Kneeling down, K'Eytyanna slipped off her uniform plus boots and put on the gravity boots. Activating them, she grinned and spoke,

"Computer, gradually lower gravity in Lt Cmdr Hunter MacKenzie's quarters to 0 G, excluding the bathroom."

K'Eytyanna felt the effects of gravity slowly lift and she closed her eyes, focusing on the zero-gravity lessons from her time in the Klingon Defense Forces and the Academy.

Picking up an apple, she threw it softly in the air and was reward by the sight of it hit the roof, staying there.

Moving to her equipment, she removed the tools she would need and started her work.

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

Hours later...

Deactivating her grav boots, she kicked off the roof and did a few spins as she floated to the floor. Making sure nothing that wasn't now secured to the roof would fall, K'Eytyanna grinned as she ordered,

"Computer, slowly restore gravity in Hunter's quarters."

Getting back into her uniform and clearing up all her equipment, K'Eytyanna left Hunter's quarters the way she had left it except for the fact that everything was now attached to the roof.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Arrival
by ENSIGN (I hate Admirals) Brenton Fox

Fox walked off the transporter pad, and adjusted his uniform. He hated being an ensign again. Every officer he worked under had a suspicion just because he used to be a Lieutenant Junior Grade. He hated how some Console Flying Admiral could decide who was at fault when a ship got destroyed, thanks to some Admiral he was an Ensign again when he should be a Full grade, no hate though. He'd show that Admiral, his carrer would last longer now anyway. That Admiral would retire before he could do anything to Fox again.

Fox walked into his quarters and openend his bag. He pulled out his uniforms and then his personal effects. This room would be decent one of these days. Standard operating procedure back on the Gettysberg was to report to sickbay and then to your department head. He decided that this was the way to do it.

Fox walked into sickbay. "Excuse me, I'm here to check in with the doctor and make sure that you've all got my medical records."

Ensign Keigan walked down the corridors, looking for something to occupy her time. There was just never enough for her to do...

Ruina didn't like free time.

She walked into ten forward, hoping to aquaint herself with some of the people there.

"I'd like a glass of water, please," she said to the bartender.

She sat down on a stool and sipped at the glass that he handed her.

Ruina found her gaze wandering around the room. It was mostly empty, with the low buzz of conversation making the atmosphere comfortable.

Ruina stared out the window, not really paying much attention to any of it.

"A penny for your thoughts," the bartender said.

Ruina looked up, startled, then smiled slightly.

"If you could give me something as valuable as that ancient Earth currency, I'd tell you my whole life story," she joked.

The bartender smiled and reached into his pocket.

Ruina stared dumfounded as the small copper coin was flipped onto the counter in front of her.

"Authentic?" she asked.

"No," the bartender said, "replicated. But I thought I'd better start backing the phrase. It was starting to get old."

Ruina picked up the coin and turned it in her hands.

"I saw this in a museum once," she said, "a real one. They said that at the time of the penny, in the late nineteen hundreds and early twentieth century, there was a popular saying that if you picked up a penny you found on the ground, you'd have good luck."

"Then keep it," the bartender said.

Ruina stared at him.

The bartender smiled and pulled out a small pouch full of replicated pennies.

"Go ahead, I think you need one more than I do," he said.

Ruina thanked him and picked up the penny.

"I'd better go," she said.

The bartender nodded and turned his attention to another officer, who was ordering a drink.

Ruina walked out of ten forward with a new bounce in her step...

...and with her hand fisted tightly around the penny.

Signing aboard from starbase
By: Ens. Timothy O'Connell
********************************

Waking up in Starbase 357's guest officer quarters he stirred and stretched standing up in the shorts and a Chicago Police t-shirt he had worn to bed the night before. He walked over to the replicator and ordered bacon and eggs with a large coffee .

The doorbell chimed as he was placing his dishes in the recycler, "come in" he responded.

"Ensign O'Connell" the figure of a quartermaster yeoman asked. He responded "that;s me what do you have?'

The Yeoman hands over his completed transfer orders to the Galaxy. and I need your thumbprint on this PADD to transport your stuff". O'Connel presses his thumb and turns away to gather his personal effects. "Sir?" the puzzled yeoman said "what is an Englewood Ranger".

O'Connel looked up and said ," huh?" He turned and looked at the yeoman and remembered his shirt and said oh... my shirt. "It's an unofficial nickname for officers in the Englewood area of Chicago." The Yeoman turned and left. O'Connel smiled and got dressed in his uniform

Later that day O'Connell walked over to the transporter pad to transport over to the Galaxy.

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

On Board the Galaxy

O'Connell walked to his quarters and set down his suitcases. He began the process of unpacking his gear. On his desk he placed his great great grand father's police badge and 9mm handgun. with holster and his full belt of equipment.

"Better get to sick bay" he thought.

By Lieutenant (jg) Suder
"Memories Of The Past And Then The Fututre Part I"

When Suder strolled into Ten Forward with Adrianna, he seemed fine. Happy. He was talking about something to do with engineering and then stopped all of a sudden. His eyes went empty, he stopped speaking and didn't move.

*He looked around and found himself in Ten Forward. Or, himself looking at himself in Ten Forward. He saw an image of him having dinner with Adrianna. They were in casual clothes and having a good time. Ten Forward was more than a little packed. There were lots of people. The doors continued to open and close. The Suder havin dinner saw something beyond Adrianna and pulled out a small device and pressed a button. Several conduits exploded and a blue wave expanded across the room. Everyone felt the impact of the wave and looked at each other as if not remembering anything at all. Suder stepped back as he saw himself pull out a phaser and fire it. The beam shot in front of the real Suder's face. He turned his head and saw the beam hitting Benedict T'Kal. He fell to the floor and after a minute or so, people began returning to them normal selves. They looked at Benedict and then one of the conduits he was next to. "He must have been caught in the blast" one of them said. "Somebody get a Doctor!" another ordered.*

Suder found himself still in Ten Forward, but he was stood up with Adrianna giving him a weird look. They were in their uniforms, and Ten Forward was not packed at all, so what was that all about?

"Something wrong?" Adrianna asked.

"No, course not." Suder assured her and continued to walk to a table.

Galaxy "Talking History"
Written By Lt. Commander Kahn Nilani
Chief Medical Officer, USS Galaxy

"Well, pull up a seat..... Oh by the way Ensign Elaithin, my sister Kahn Illiyana."

My sister nodded to the ensign.

"Where to start.... Ok Well I can only tell you what I saw. After I escaped from the prison camp I met up with the shakar resistance cell, I met with Kira and we became friends. Soon after that I was captured and had my first kill, I was also captured and the shakar came in and attacked while I was being transported. I then left the planet soon after and made my way to Earth, I'm sorry I just don't really want to get into really detailed info. For that You will have to talk to my sister, after all she has been living the occupation untill 2 months ago. Excuse me I must check up on something!"

I stood up and walked out of my quarters, a little upset and me thinking about the past. I walked into the TL and ordered for Sickbay, as the turbo lift took of I thought about recent events. The turbolift stopped and I walked out, as I entered sickbay my computer terminal flashed 'Incomming Subspace Message'. I nodded to cat who was standing there, I moved to my terminal and presses answer. The black screen was replaced by the Image of Kira.

"Hi Kira how are you?"

She looked a little upset, she took a breath and spoke.

["I thought you would want to know, that Jadzia has been killed!"]

I looked somewhat surprised, I knew Jadzia. I had never got to know her well but we had talked occasionally with kira over lunch or dinner.

"Oh.... was the symbiont saved?"

Kira just nodded

"But there is something else isn't there?"

Kira just looked and spoke

["The Celestrial Temple has gone, it vanished upon it's self. All of the orb's have gone black, it's as if the prophets have turned thier backs on us!"]

I just looked in utter amazment, scared and horrified of the news I had just recived.

"Kira... I have to go and think....... I'm sorry, i'll get in contact with you later!"

I turned the Computer off and just staired for about 5 min, before I could do anything. Once I thought out the next step I touched my com badge.

"Nilani to Endris, please report to my office imediatly!"

I closed the com and shouted

"CAT!"

Cat ran to my office door, and looked in. I offered her a seat and waited for endris.

"A Big Mistake."
by Lieutenant Commander Greer Erikson
Chief Science Officer, USS Galaxy
[with an extract from 'Collis o Heliconii' by Catullus]

" . . . the level of stupidity that goes in to an action like that just amazes me." Erikson said as he stormed out of the living area and in to his bedroom. "I think I better have a talk with 'Commander Sunder about crew gaining access to the quarters of higher ranking officers without their permission. I cannot believe that this kind of thing goes on here on the Galaxy."

Ronni strolled in to the bedroom and sat down on the bed while she watched Greer rummage through one of his drawers, looking for something he could not find, and losing his temper. "It was only a joke Greer." Ronni said as she saw the humor in Samara's practical joke.

Greer turned around and looked at her sternly. "Yeah. Well you and she may not have noticed but there is a war going on out there. Some one like her should have more sense than to do some thing stupid like that. As one of the senior engineering officer she should be setting a good example. This is just as senseless as those jokes you and Commander Casey played on each other."

"It was only a soapy substance. An hour cleaning it and the tank was fine. No soap." Ronni tried to reassure him with a smile.

"Try dangerous. What if the lathering effect had subsided by the time you got there. It would have been the same as putting carbon monoxide in the air and forcing a purely air-breather to inhale it." he remarked as he stopped searching the last out of three drawers. "Damn it. Where did I leave it?"

Morris stood up and walked to the doorway. "Call me when you're being a little more reasonable."

"Fine." he said as he closed the drawers and began to look through the table next to his bed. Ronni let herself out of his quarters. As soon as the door closed behind the Delphinian he slammed his fist against the wall. "Great going Greer." he said as he nursed his bleeding hand.

*******

"Please get me a dermal regenerator." Cat asked the nurse as she used a hypospray to inject Erikson in the arm. "How did you do this again?"

"An accident on the holodeck. I was playing hockey again and fell on the ice."

Khatroweena used the medical tricorder to scan the hand. Moving the small medical probe around his right hand as she tried to ascertain the extent of damage. "Don't lie Greer."

"I didn't lie. I hurt it playing hockey." he said as he tried to convince her.

"You're doing it again." Cat said as she slightly squeezed his hand.

"Oh!" he exclaimed as he jerked his hand away from the medical officer. "Are you a doctor or sadist Cat?"

"You know when you lie I can tell."

Erikson looked down at the biobed surface as he tried to figure out how to explain himself. He was not sure if she really could tell the when he was not truthful but he was not likely to take a chance. "Really?" he said as he lifted his head up and looked at her. "I found out that one of Ronni's . . . well someone Ronni was fond of some time ago is serving in Engineering. A guy by the name of Whitcolm."

"Lieutenant Whitcolm." Cat said as she ran the dermal regenerator over his hand. "Couldn't miss him. Big, hairy, . . . ."

"Like y . . ." he tried to get out. The Caitian could tell what he was about to say before he had a chance to finish the comment and squeezed his hand again. "Oh! Would you stop that. You're supposed to be relieving pain and not causing it doctor."

Cat smile so that the tip of her fangs were exposed. "So you're jealous. This is interesting."

Erikson looked ashamed. The honesty of the statement was so simple that he could not avoid the truth anymore. He was jealous and felt a little threatened. "Among other things that are going on I guess I am little 'disturbed' by his presence." he acknowledged. "Apparently he's some big sportsman and she seems to like that. The most I do is play some ancient sport no one really ever plays anymore."

Khatroweena placed her hand on his shoulder. "That still doesn't explain your hand Greer."

If Erikson had felt bad before then he felt even worse now. "I hit a wall in my quarters. I was frustrated, looking for something, and I was going on about some stupid stunt one of the officers in Engineering had pulled on Ronni."

"Thank you." she said to the nurse as she looked back at Greer. "Whitcolm?"

"No. Someone else. They broke into her quarters and put some soap-like substance in her bathing tank while she was out."

"Oh."

"I was in the middle of looking for something when I commented that I was going to make a report to Sunder about it," as soon as he mentioned the security chief's name, the Caitian removed her hand from his shoulder and looked momentarily distracted, "and then after she left I hit the wall."

"Well here's some medical advice from a friend. Hitting walls is dangerous to your health Greer. Don't do it again."

Greer stepped down from the biobed and smiled. "I understand. No walls."

"And Greer," she said as he prepared to walk away, "she loved you you know. Trust me."

The scientist did not need to think about it because he already knew it, especially the gift she had given him for Christmas. "I know. That's why she's already given me an indication she wants or has considered marriage." Cat's eyes widened. "You free later? AC and I are meeting in Ten Forward."

"Sure." she said, still in a little shock.

*******

Greer walked in to Ronni's lab to find that the Delphinian was not there. With a few strides he stood at her workbench where he picked up a PADD to leave her a message. After thinking about what he going to write he remembered a poem he had once studied. Tapping the PADD a few time as he began the message.

['Love, accompanied by thee, /Passes unreproved and free, /But without thee, not: /Where on earth, or in the sky, /Can you find a deity /With a fairer lot?' The words were written by someone from ancient Earth but the feelings are mine. I'm really sorry Ronni. Greer.]

["T'Shonra to Erikson."] the sound of the Vulcan's voice came over the ship's internal communications system. ["The starbase reports that they have the samples that you requested 'Commander. Do you have any further instructions as to their destination?"]

Erikson reached across his chest and tapped him communicator. "Acknowledged Ensign. I'll transport over to the starbase myself and collection them there."

["Understood sir. I shall inform the starbase to expect you. T'Shonra out."]

Placing the PADD down in an obvious place he turned around and walked out of the lab to report to Transport Room Three. Although he had requisitioned the sample several months earlier, he was to preoccupied to be excited about their arrival.

=/\= "Who Writes This Stuff?" =/\=
by Lieutenant Matthew Albrecht

It was night on the USS Galaxy. The officers' lounge was empty but for the two men fighting near the viewports that offered a view of the giant main deflector below. The lights were dim; only starlight illuminated the combatants. One figure was tall and slim, wearing commander's pips. The other was shorter, and more muscular. He wore lieutenant's pips. They rolled across the deck, knocking chairs out of their way in their violent movements. The taller man had the shorter in a chokehold.

"Lieutenant, submit now or die!!" shouted commander Joerg Sterner. His brown hair hung over his eyes, dripping with sweat from their battle. He grimaced with fury at the punk security officer who was attempting to thwart his plans. The ship's executive officer used his leverage to gain a momentary advantage. His opponent gasped for air around the strong arm that held him around the neck.

Matthew Albrecht arched his back and drove his elbows back and into the abdomen of his opponent, who released him and gulped air in large whooping breaths. *Great idea!* he chided himself, *get him to wrestle, because his strengths are Judo and Ji-jitsu, I thought!* The security officer had gambled that the First Officer would be less talented at grappling, but found that the situation was equally challenging as the boxing and kicking that had begun the fight. *Okay, now what?* he wondered. "Commander, I won't let you do this! Surrender to me and we'll start putting this crew back together again!" he negotiated.

A half-dozen paces away, Matthew's commbadge sounded again. "Lieutenant! The mutineers have captured Sickbay! We had fifteen loyal officers there. Reports indicate that Sterner's men are holding most of the medical staff. We don't even have an EMH..." A moment, and then, "Albrecht, are you there?"

Joerg made a show of holding his gut and wheezing, while he regained his feet. Albrecht circled around to get a better position in case the commander attacked again. Knowing the other man was a hell of a leap-kicker, he kept at least a chair between them. Suddenly, the mutinous XO took the chair from before him, and slid it across the floor toward Matthew with great force. Matthew leapt into the air to avoid being knocked down, but Joerg followed up with a flying leap kick. He caught the security officer a hard kick to the left shoulder, spinning him around and throwing him onto a table. Sterner landed on his feet a few feet away.

Matthew slid off the table and hit the deck hard. He was sore all over. Under the table, he could see his superior officer's legs. Joerg advanced upon Matthew's position while the lieutenant was recovering from the kick. Joerg's feet left the ground as he went over the table. Matthew, instinctively and desparately, propelled himself up into the underside of the table, forcing all his strength into flipping the table over. He struck Sterner from below. All Matthew heard was a loud, cracking sound and a yelp of pain. He didn't look over at his victim, though, because he had just reignited the pain in his already wounded shoulder. Sterner had hurt the shoulder quite badly when he kicked it, but Matthew throwing it into a hard, heavy tabletop had been a lousy follow-up. Flames of pain shot through him.

A moment later, Matthew had regained enough sense to find his phaser. Behind the small bar, he found the sidearm between two rows of clean glasses. Too sick of tricks to run risks, the security officer used the phaser to stun the XO before considering how to transport him to the brig. While he considered the compound fracture of Sterner's right leg, he heard footsteps enter the lounge.

Ursa said, "Good work, lieutenant. Do you think he's still going to attack you?" Matthew turned his head and smiled at his chief. Looking down, he realized he still had his phaser drawn.

"No, chief. I guess he's no threat," he agreed. Albrecht put the handheld weapon back on his hip, and brushed his hands together as if to remove dust.

Sunder lifted his own pistol, and grinned maliciously. "Albrecht, you have no idea what you're up against!" he spat, before firing the weapon at his second.

The holodeck flashed a brilliant amber, then shut down. Black and gold gridlines appeared, and Matthew put his hands to his face in frustration. "Who writes this stuff!!??" he demanded of no one in particular. It would be a few days before he felt up to tackling the mutiny scenario again, and when he did the cast members would shift--changing good guys to badguys and vise- versa. So, rather than rack his brains trying to figure out what he had learned, Matthew headed for Gakes' room to seek some personal attention for his wounded shoulder. Perhaps a little patented Gakor TLC was in order...

Subject: "Soon I will be on DS9 "
by Mike Marc
Ensign Tactical Officer

Mike left Ten forward and went to battle bridge it was time for his shift . All time he was on duty Mike though how he will meet soon his family. So when his shift was over Mike enter TL and after it he sad. "Computer , locate Hunter McKenzie " . "He is in his office." - replied computer.

After 2 minutes Mike came out from the Tl and came to Tactical Office. He press rings button and heart McKenzie voice "Who is it ?" . "Sir , Ensign Mike Marc , May I enter ? " - answer Mike . "Sure , come in ensign . " Doors opens and Mike entered to office. "So Ensign what do you want ? " asked McKenzie. "Sir , I want ask for permission to go to DS9 , I though we will on StarBase near 2 month so I can visit my family.". " Ok , I give you permission " - sad McKenzie. " Thanks Sir , and merry Christmas " - sad Mike with big smile on his face."Marry Christmas to you to Marc and good trip for you. ". "Thanks Sir."- replied Mike and came from the office.

15 minutes later . Mike took his bag from the flow and came from the quarter. He entered to TL and it moved to transport room one . When List stooped he came out and entered to transport room one.

" I need that you transport me to StarBase357 " - sad Marc to Chief Jensen.

"Ok , no problem Ensign " - replied Chief Jensen and make some preparation on the controls.

" Energise " - sad Marc and he dematerialised from the transport pad.

Mike Marc materialised on the main arcade of Starbase 357.

"Strong Arms & Radiant Smiles"
by Ensign Vernon Luck

The medical bay looked quite overwhelming. A huge area crammed with medical equipment, biobeds, and medical staff filling the spaces in between. A few patients were scattered around the biobeds in the area, suggesting that the last mission might have had a few injuries.

Vernon walked in, a little awe-struck. He had seen the Galaxy's medical bay in holo-images and pictures, but nothing was quite like the real thing, not even a hologramme.

As he approached, a fair-looking human woman approached him from his left; "Excuse me, may I help you sir?"

The Doctor paused, and gained his senses; "Sorry, yes you can. Or, moreso, I can help you. Doctor Luck."

The woman smiled; "I see. New officer."

"Exactly." Vernon replied.

The woman turned around, and headed towards a terminal without word. She began to tap at the console rapidly, seeming as if she had completely ignored the Doctor. Vernon approached, and curiously questioned; "...what are you doing?"

"Updating our records. Your set, Doctor." the woman replied, as she turned back to Luck. She smiled, almost radiantly.

Vernon nodded, a little nervous; "Thank you, ma'am."

The Doctor paused for a minute, looking away from the woman, before turning his attention back and inquiring; "Where is Doctor..."

"Kahn?" the woman finished.

"Yes. Doctor Kahn. I need to speak to..." Vernon started, before being interrupted by the woman.

The woman quickly replied; "She's busy right now, I'm afraid. It's like that. You'll have to talk to Doctor Khatroweena during your shift, she'll be your direct superior."

"Oh. She's the Caitian, correct?" Vernon asked.

"Yes." came a short reply.

"Is it true they purr, when they talk?" Vernon asked, again.

"Yes." came the echo.

Vernon produced a look of bewilderment, slightly disorientated by his first experience in his new working environment. He was lost for words, and simply stood there, silent, not knowing what to do.

The woman broke the silence; "My name is Crystal Smith, by the way, Medical Technician. I'm working Beta Shift as well."

"Nice to meet you, I look forward to working with you." Vernon responded, offering his hand.

The woman shook it, and offered; "If you like, I can show you around the facilities, let you get to grips with our current cases before our shift starts."

"That would be lovely." replied the Doctor.

With that, Crystal began to lead Vernon around the medical bay.

----------------

It was now a bit deeper into the day. Beta Shift was two hours in, and Vernon was busy working with his patients, getting to grips with his new job. It was certainly not the easiest profession to enter, but his years of training had psyched him up to this.

A small break in his schedule had come up, and the Doctor took a seat by the door.

He had still not spoken to his commander, instead waiting for the appropriate time. He certainly had enough time today to wait until the right moment.

He looked on at the busy environment. During beta shift, it was not as active as the hustle of alpha shift. It was the inbetween of the pressure-cooker environment, and the slow, dull hours that made the gamma shift.

Vernon took a deep breath, as he gazed around the futuristic scenery.

As he did, the doors opened. A security officer walked through the doors, and turned directly to the nearest blue uniform, which just happened to be Luck.

He asked; "Excuse me, I'm here to check in with the doctor and make sure that you've all got my medical records."

The Doctor looked up, and asked; "One moment, I'll check. What's the name, sir?"

"Ensign Brenton Fox, Doctor" came the reply. The officer cringed, if invisibly, on mention of his rank.

Vernon nodded, and turned around to the nearest console. He tapped it a few times, before replying; "We've got you on file, Mr. Fox. Though I'm going to have to give you a blood screening. Standard procedures, shouldn't take a minute."

"I know, I've had a few blood-screenings in my career, Doctor." replied the Ensign.

The Doctor smiled, as he began gathering his tools. He sterilised each piece of apparatus thoroughly, before turning back to the patient; "I'm going to have to ask you to stand still, Ensign."

The officer nodded, as the Doctor approached. He lifted his left-sleeve up, revealing a rather musculary arm, the definite sign of a security officer. He watched as the Doctor approached.

"Right..." Vernon murmured, as he finished putting together his tool. He took the Ensign's arm, and pressed the tool against it. The experience was painless for Brenton, who was quite used to injury.

Vernon removed the tool, and pulled out a capsule from it. He shook it around forcefully, and studied it closely. It was certainly blood. He looked to the Ensign; "You're clean, for now. If this changes, the rest of security will the first to know."

The Doctor grinned at his joke, charmingly. The Security Officer didn't seem to want to laugh, instead replying bluntly; "Thank you, Doctor."

"Not a problem." he replied.

With that, the Security Officer walked away, returning to his business.

Vernon walked towards a medical cabinet, and placed the capsule safely in storage. He closed the cabinet door, and looked around.

Finally, he muttered to himself; "Well, better find the Doctor..."

With that, he returned into the thick of sickbay.

meeting my boss
Ens. Timothy O'Connell
******************************

Finished with his welcome aboard physical exam O'Connell walked over to the turbolift, "deck 38."The turbo lift whirred and descended down the ship. He thought " good thing I read all those specs and information on the trip from earth." the lift stopped and he exited on the deck.

He walked past the cargo bays and stepped to the door to the security office. The doors hissed open and he walked in. The desk officer looked up and asked "May I help you ensign."

O'Connell replied, "I'm ensign Timothy O'Connell I've been assigned here." He handed over a copy of his orders and his personnel package. "Ok Mr. O'Connell you will report back here at 0745 for briefing... welcome to security. until then you are off duty."

"yes sir." O'Connell left the security office and went back to the turbo lift. " 10 foreword." The lift drove up and eventually dropped him off near the front doors of the 10 forward lounge.

Tim walked on to the bridge, he had never be

en on bored a Galaxy class ship before. He was kind of surprised that the bridge was not lager. After all, Galaxy class ships were the biggest in the fleet, it seemed right that the bridge would be large as well.

"Is there a problem Ensign?" Cmd. Sterner asked

"No sir, I just have never been aboard a Galaxy Class ship."

Sterner nodded and sat back down.

"Mr. Richeson," Lt. Hermedhie addressed, "as your first duty, go down to security and introduce your self. LtCmd.. McKenzie wants new personnel to know each other. After all we are the defense force of this ship."

Tim was satisfied with that "Your the boss." He turned back to the turbo lift and left.

A few minutes later Tim walked into security.

The Lt. spoke up, "You must be the newbe huh?"

"Some thing like that, so...... I have no clue why i'm here."

"Well its the Commanders idea since Tactical and security are the battle crew, I kinda see where he's coming from." The Lt. turned and introduced' "This is Beta shift, Ensigns, Valkyre and Ann Gartner."

Tim looked at Gartner, "I heard about you, when you fist came aboard. You really scared the shit out of that Lt. that welcomed you."

She was surprised that that incident had already gotten to Tim, "Word gets around on this ship huh?" She kept looking at him "Think maybe I could give you a scar or two?"

"I think that could be arranged....so we'll just have to see about that." Tim gave her a little wink and high tailed it out of there.

"Draeb"
by Tebrianne Bancroft

***

Captain's log. Stardate 50901.02.

We are patrolling the outer rim of the Gheston system. So far sensors haven't turned up a bloody thing. The ship's systems are operating at maximum efficiency again. 'Commander Prescott is working wonders--as usual. Tactical reports still indicate no sign of Draeb activity within several parsecs. It's getting too quiet. I don't like it.

Starfleet Command has ordered more ships into the system to fortify our position, as tenuous as it is. The Galaxy and the Lexington are patrolling further into sector 989. We haven't heard anything from them in a few days. I hope they're okay.

Morale is still high, despite our losses. People thought our war against the Dominion was bad--they had no idea about the Draeb. We've lost more people in the last year than in the entire Dominion War. It was a chilling site to see a Borg Cube annihilated by the Draeb Warship. I never thought the Federation would ever consider an alliance with the Borg. I never thought the Borg would accept.

The command chair swiveled toward the viewscreen. Captain Tebrianne Bancroft snapped off the log recorder and sighed a heavy sigh. She'd been doing that a lot recently. The most recent casualty report had been crushing. The USS Emerson had been vaporized by a Draeb scout. The scout ship had come out of nowhere. The Emerson never even got the chance to raise her shields. Teb stared hard at the PADD in her hand.

"See ya, Jules," she said softly, her finger brushing across her former Galaxy roommate's name.

The war had claimed so many people she knew. People she had gone to the academy with, served with, and even commanded. So many dead, and there still seemed like no way to stop the Draeb. Starfleet would find a way--they always did.

"Captain," said Ensign Alvarez from the tactical station. "Priority message coming in from Starfleet Command."

"I'll take it in my ready room," Teb said. She set the PADD on the armrest of her chair.

***

The Federation logo shifted into the hardened features of Admiral Lee Price.

"Admiral," Teb said, her face brightening at seeing her CO from the Galaxy.

"G'day, Captain," he said with a wry grin. "To think you used to be the wild young helmsman that would show up on the bridge with 'alf her head shaved."

Teb unconsciously ran a hand through her dark hair--its natural black color--pulled back into a ponytail. She gave the admiral a half-smile. "Well, I figured I'd better appear a little more respectable when commanding a starship, sir."

"Back on the Galaxy, we had a pool going on what color it really was," the General laughed. "If I remember correctly, McKenzie took the pot."

"Well, Mac was the eternal gambler, so I guess it makes sense he won."

"That is true. In any event, I'm sure you're aware that I didn't contact you to talk about hair color."

"No, sir, I imagine you wouldn't."

"As you are aware," the admiral said. "Things have been going downhill for the Federation for awhile--ever since we lost the Neihra sector. We need to generate a few victories out here or else..."

The words hung in the air. Neither Admiral Price nor Tebrianne had to say anything. Both knew full well what would happen to the Federation unless they started turning back the Draeb.

"I understand, Admiral."

Price ran a hand through his silver hair and continued, "I've sent the Sixth Fleet into the Neihra sector to take it back. Out of all the fleets, the Sixth has the greatest chance of pulling off a victory in that sector. With the new Apocalypse-class dreadnoughts and the Sovereigns, they pack the most wallop in any of our fleets.

"I've assigned the 14th as a backup, but they have instructions to only go in if they have a chance of saving the Sixth. We don't need to lose both fleets in there. Admiral Churchill has taken control of the fleet and has resumed control of the Atlantis-C. He'll command both the Sixth and the 14th from the Command Deck of the Atlantis."

Tebrianne nodded. She still had trouble believing that she was in command of a starship--let alone a Sovereign-class.

"Admiral, is the--"

"Yes, the Okinawa is participating with the Sixth fleet. Tebrianne, you and I both know that Captain T'Kal is a good captain, and an even better strategist. If anyone is going to make it out, we both know that Ben can do it."

Tebrianne nodded, any words stuck in her throat. She was scared for Ben, but she had to have faith in him. Even against the kinds of odds they were up against. She had to have faith in herself.

"The Saratoga, the Eclipse, and the Baker will join up with the Eighth fleet. While the Sixth and 14th move in to take the Neihra sector, the Eighth fleet will move in and take the Butaran sector. Our intelligence reports indicate that the Draeb don't have a lot of defense there yet. We've also learned that it is one of their largest re-fueling centers. There are very few systems in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants where Tri-Cortrium is found in abundance. We've learned that their ships use it as a primary source of fuel. If we can destroy all of their fuel dumps, we either force them to retreat or re-engineer to use a new fuel source."

Tebrianne checked a PADD and nodded. "We'll be able to rendezvous with the Eighth fleet in sixteen hours."

"That's good," Price said with a smile. "The attack will happen in twenty."

"It doesn't give us a big window," said Teb, "but we'll make it happen."

"No worries, 'mate," the General said.

"Cheers, Admiral," Tebrianne said.

Price broke into a grin. "Cheers, Captain."

The terminal went blank and Tebrianne let out another sigh. It was now or never.

***

"Approaching rendezvous point," Lt. Briggs announced from the conn. "Eighth fleet is standing by, Captain."

"On screen," Teb ordered.

The viewscreen shifted to display ship after ship. The Eighth fleet contained a hodge-podge of Federation ship designs. From ancient Constitution-class starships that had been around for over a century, to the newest Apocalypse dreadnoughts. The Saratoga would fit right in amongst the rest.

"Hail the Republic," Teb said.

"Aye, Captain," Alvarez said. He quickly opened a channel to the Eighth-fleet flagship.

The ocean of starships was replaced by a Trill man in his mid-thirties.

"Captain Bancroft," he said with a smile. "So good that you and the Saratoga could make it to the party."

"We wouldn't miss it for the universe, Captain Crix," Teb said with a smile. "Just give the word and we'll follow you into the lion's den."

"Well," Crix said. "You won't have long to wait. We're finishing up the last of our tactical analysis of our attack and then we'll be moving out. Is your crew ready?"

"Ready and willing," Teb said with a mock salute.

Crix returned the salute. "Be ready to move out within the hour, Saratoga. Captain Azra Crix out."

The channel closed and the viewscreen was once again an ocean of the Federation Eighth fleet.

***

The field of starships hung silently, waiting. It wouldn't be long before they engaged in a fight to once again try to reclaim Federation territory.

Time ticked by--second by second; minute by minute. Plans were made and evaluated. Men and women--some barely old enough to remember the war against the Dominion--waited in anticipation. The waiting was always the hardest part. Waiting to find out if you would be among the living in less than an hour.

One by one, the ships stretched out and disappeared in a flash of light. The time for the attack had come.

***

"No sign of activity yet," Alvarez called from the tactical station.

"Keep looking," Teb said cautiously. They were out there. She could feel them.

"The Ticonderoga is dropping back with shield trouble," 'Commander Gheamon, the Andorian operations officer said flatly.

Tebrianne still had trouble getting used to the way he spoke. How could anyone display such a complete lack of emotion in their voice--even more than a Vulcan. "Thank you, Gheamon," she said.

"Fighter wings Baker and Echo are moving to lead positions," Alvarez called. "Orders are coming in for us to take our position in the Delta position."

"Do it, Mr. Briggs," Teb said. It was time.

Teb's eyes were locked on the viewscreen. They were out there and close. She could feel it.

An explosion suddenly shook the fleet as a crimson beam sliced through the Bremerton. Ship's rolled out of the way--evading the debris. The Bremerton listed to the side as fires erupted all over the skin of the ship.

A green shaft of energy lanced out away from a Borg cube near the starboard flank. A shimmering vortex glowed green for a moment before the cloaking field dropped, revealing the scallop shaped Draeb warship. The Draeb ship banked hard and its weapon banks pulsed. The Borg Cube glowed brightly as the energy beam sliced through the outer hull.

=/\= We are the Borg. You will lower your shields and surrender your vessels to us. We will add your technological and biological distinctiveness to our--=/\=

The Borg Cube exploded in a shower of fire and plasma as another Draeb ship decloaked behind it and fired off a series of energy bursts.

"Mr. Alvarez," Tebrianne called out. "Return fire with quantum and photon torpedoes." Teb tapped a key on her console and opened a channel to engineering. "Mr. Prescott, are we ready with the Quadrium cannons?"

=/\= We're as ready as we'll ever be, Captain, =/\= John called through radiation induced static. =/\= Whenever you're ready, let're rip. =/\=

Teb nodded with satisfaction. It was now or never. She watched on the screen as a wave of Borg Cubes and Excelsior-class ships swarmed around a pair of Draeb fighters. Even with greater numbers, the Allied ships had a tremendous fight on their hands.

"Borg enhanced shielding is operating within parameters," Gheamon said. "We should be able to withstand a couple shots from them...but not many more than that."

"Well, let's just hope the Bremerton and Cube One of Ten bought us the time we need. Begin modulation series Omega. Fire up the Quadrium weapons. It's time to take back the Alpha Quadrant."

The Saratoga's weapons blazed as multi-colored energy blasts criss-crossed around the battlefield. The battle was going better than the Allies had hoped--but losses were mounting.

"We've got a Draeb ship coming around behind us, Captain."

"Target with aft weaponry," Teb called. "Give them everything we've got."

"I'm on it," Alvarez called. His hands flew furiously across the console.

A shower of sparks rained down from the ceiling as conduits blew. Tebrianne saw a body crash to the deckplates. Ensign Blaine. She gripped her chair to avoid being thrown to the deck.

"We've got another wave of Allied ships coming in, Captain," Gheamon called out, his stoicism cracking. "It's Battlegroup Polaris."

"Welcome them to the party," Tebrianne answered, gritting her teeth. "And tell them to join in the fun." The ship rocked again as another blast ripped into the hull. Indicator lights flashed on every console. Acrid smoke filled the air as panels and conduits sparked. A badly burned body crashed against the tactical arch, nearly knocking Alvarez off his feet.

The Saratoga spiraled away from the Draeb warship, its aft and starboard phasers blazing. The Draeb ship buckled under the barrage, but continued its deadly pursuit. It's black hull seemed to suck in the light, sucked in the life. Another round of phaser fire scored the hull.

Tebrianne's attention was pulled away from the viewscreen as the conn exploded in a fiery maelstrom. Briggs' lifeless body was hurled against a bulkhead and slid to the deck with a lifeless crunch. The Saratoga listed heavily as she suddenly found herself without a pilot.

Without hesitation, Tebrianne was across the bridge and sliding behind the damaged console. Vulcan muscles strained as she pushed a support beam off of the helm station. Miraculously, it was still operational.

Teb's fingers flew across the helm--just like old times. The ship responded to her commands, twisting and turning wildly in the melee. The Draeb on their tail suddenly found himself in front of the Saratoga and the target of the bigger ship's forward weapons array. Teb's fingers danced across the console as if she were playing a keyboard.

A part of Tebrianne's mind stopped momentarily to listen. In the roar of the battle as weapons discharged and ships exploded in brilliant pyrotechnic displays, a part of Tebrianne's mind stopped to find the music once more. Frantically, her fingers fed coordinates and speed changes to the ship...and the ship responded.

The ship twisted through a series of spirals, and the music was there. Tebrianne's lips twisted into a smile as the ship danced around the Draeb warships. The Saratoga rolled to starboard and dropped along the z-axis as a quantum torpedo shattered the Draeb ship above them. Tebrianne and her crew were finding the groove. Tebrianne grinned with the realization that the Federation may actually have a chance to win this--

The ship rocked violently and suddenly lights and alarms were going off all over the ship. The helm was sluggish--non-responsive. Teb tried to get the ship to move, but the maneuvering thrusters seemed out of alignment.

"We took a direct hit to deck 25," Gheamon called. "Engineering is a mess. I'm showing the preliminary signs of a core breach, Captain. And Structural Integrity is down to thirty-four percent."

"Alert engineering to jettison the warp core," Teb said. "Launch all log buoys."

Tebrianne stared hard at the viewscreen. She hadn't realized it but she was staring at a particular spot--a cluster of stars that shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance. With practiced grace, Tebrianne opened her mind into the void. There was something there...something tangible. She could feel it sitting there, waiting. An image flashed briefly through Tebrianne's mind.

"Mother of...." She fed a set of coordinates into the computer. "Alvarez, concentrate all fire at coordinates I'm feeding to you."

"But, Captain, there's nothing--"

"Just do it, Alvarez," Teb fought against the helm as she tried to evade another lance of Draeb weapons' fire. The deckplates buckled as another volley slammed into the Saratoga.

Tebrianne looked up at the viewscreen as Quadrium torpedoes flared away from the Saratoga into the vast emptiness of space. The space around the exploding weapons fire started to glow and shimmer with a cobalt brilliance. A long cylindrical ship ten-times the size of any ship the Federation had ever encountered wavered into view as pools of the irredescent Federation weapons exploded on its surface. Explosions ravaged the hull of the ship as it turned to return fire. As Tebrianne watched, other Federation ships began targetting their weapons on the monstrous ship.

Three Draeb ship's swung around in tight formation and moved in toward the Saratoga with their weapons blazing.

Teb tapped a key on the console in between evasive maneuvers. "Computer, send message to Captain Benedict T'Kal of the USS Okinawa. I love--"

***

The Saratoga twisted away from another salvo from the Draeb ship pursuing it, Quadrium weapons blazing against the small alien ship. The smaller ship's weapons lanced out, biting into the hull of the Federation ship. As the Saratoga banked away from another blast, hullplates scattered in her wake.

As she came around again, the Saratoga's weapons opened up on a seemingly empty area of space. The emptiness suddenly shimmered and a large cylindrical ship was left sitting in the middle of the battle. Showers of sparks and explosions rippled across the surface of the ship. It twisted slowly, unable to move fast enough to avoid the barrage. Other Federation and Borg ships turned their weapons on the Draeb mothership.

In a blinding flash, the cylinder blossomed in an explosion of plasma and debris that sent a shockwave rippling through the battlefield.

As their mothership spasmed in its last throes of death, three Draeb warship's converged on the Saratoga, their weapons blazing away at the beleaguered Federation starship. The barrage was more than the Saratoga could take. An explosion ripped apart the saucer and sent the remaining nacelle spinning wildly away from the rest of the hull that was quickly disintegrating. In the span of seconds, the Saratoga was gone.

***

Tebrianne Bancroft blinked in surprise and took a quick look around. Ben was sitting across from her, a look of concern on his face. They were sitting in Ten Forward. She opened her mouth to speak and closed it again. As a member of the Galaxy's crew, Teb had seen some pretty strange things in her life, but that was the strangest. One minute, she was talking to Ben...and then...

"What was I saying?"

"Are you alright," Ben asked, taking her hand.

"Yeah," she said. "I think so. What happened?"

"You were telling me about a gig you once had in London, and then you stopped in mid-sentence. You had this vacant look on your face for a second or two...then you gasped. Are you okay?"

"I think so," she said. "If I wasn't sitting here talking with you, I'd swear I just had the most vivid dream of my life. It was so real...so real. It was ten years from now. The Federation was at war with this alien species known as the Draeb. We were both captains, if you can believe that. I was in command of the USS Saratoga..."

"Small Steps"
by Lt. Cmdr. Ronni Morris
ACSO, USS Galaxy

Ronni shook her head as she left Greer's quarters. She didn't know if she was angry or amused. He seemed as angry as she had been at first. His usual calmness was always a soothing balm for her. If he was angry, she would give him some room before it got worse.

She had to agree with him about the pranks. They had gotten WAY out of hand before and had almost destroyed her friendship with Deiran. She felt bad about slapping him, he did deserve it. The foaming substance had been annoying. Not as annoying as some of the other pranks, but enough. Heck, even at his wedding reception on the holodeck, with everyone dressed in medieval Earth costumes, he told the Knights guarding the stand where the wedding party was sitting, that she was a witch (due to her blue skin), and had them chase her. She had ripped and ruined the beautiful dress when she tripped over a tent rope and slid into the mud.

She decided that she had better bury the hatchet, "Between his eyes!", she thought briefly, and went in search of her friend/adversary. When she found him, he was sitting at his desk in his quarters. Lara was playing on the floor, while Miran slept in the next room. Deiran was going over a bunch of reports, and obviously not enjoying it.

The two people spoke at length. Deiran proclaimed is innocence and said that he had hardly ever even spoken with Lt. Sumara, let alone plan a prank with her. Ronni decided that she would trust him, but decided to figure out why the Lieutenant had pulled a prank on her. Deiran said that it was to probably get both of them, knowing that our history of pranks is well know on the ship. Ronni gave him a quick hug and apologized for slapping him, "Not that you didn't deserve it." she said with a wink. Deiran said that to make up for the slap she had better be prepared for some heavy duty. He made Ronni sign an agreement to babysit Lara and/or the next Casey child for the next ten times that they asked, no matter what. Ronni signed. As she left, she gave Lara a big hug and a kiss and a little tickle. With the girl still laughing she left for her shift.

As the turbolift doors opened, she remembered some PADDs that she needed. They were in the lab attached to her quarters. She picked up the PADDs and headed for the bridge. She noticed that there was a recording on the PADD. She opened the file and read it:

['Love, accompanied by thee, /Passes unreproved and free, /But without thee, not: /Where on earth, or in the sky, /Can you find a deity /With a fairer lot?' The words were written by someone from ancient Earth but the feelings are mine. I'm really sorry Ronni. Greer.]

Ronni smiled and let the tears roll down her face. The ensign in the turbolift with her asked her if she was ok. Looking up she just nodded and said, "Yes Ensign. Thank you." He smiled at her and when the doors opened stepped off of the turbolift. By the time that she had reached the bridge, she had dried her eyes and was fully composed.

She stepped out onto the bridge and took over the Science station. As her shift went on, she sent a quick note to Greer, while the computer was running a diagnostic. She wrote,

[Greer - Come to my quarters 2200 hours to finish your apology. Plus, I will need you to either console me or celebrate with me. I didn't tell you before, but tonight is my final test for the Bridge Officer Command. If I pass, I can be assigned a regular shift to command the Galaxy. I didn't want to tell you because I was too nervous and I didn't want you to be nervous too. I'll see you tonight. With all my love, Ronni]

She sent the message and sat back and smiled. She was glad they were in orbit around the space station. It gave her time to relax and prepare herself for tonight.

Checking in
Ensign Brenton J Fox

Fox continued his trek along the large Galaxy-class starship USS Galaxy. He stepped into the security office. "Brenton Fox, Ensign, reporting for duty."

By Lieutenants (jg) Suder and Adrianna

They finally arrived at Ten Forward. The doors slid open and they strolled in and looked around. There was an empty space in the corner next to a window. They walked over to it and sat down. They ordered some drinks first, and decided they'd have a little chat before they had dinner.

"Some pretty exciting events later huh?" Suder asked.

"Yeah, the Dominion Battleship, Q, the Borg, Sigma II, who thought that so many things could happen in the space of a few months?" Adrianna asked.

"When it comes to Q, a lot can happen." Suder said.

"So what is this engineering project you talked to the Captain about?" Adrianna asked.

Suder took a sip of the hot coffee and cleared his throat. "I helped with the creation of the diagnostic program for the EH. I began work on an Engineering Program. If we installed holoemitters in key areas, Engineering, the Bridge, Sickbay, etc., then if we lost life support in those areas, or if there was some problems that we couldn't get to engineering, then we could use the program and it could help out."

"The same as the EMH only with Engineering." Adrianna concluded.

"Yeah." Suder replied sipping his drink again.

"So why did the Captain refuse?" she asked.

"I don't know, he didn't give me an answer. I thought about recommending it to Starfleet Engineering, but I wouldn't want to go over the Captains head." Suder replied. "But anyway, tell me a little about you?" Suder offered her a warm smile as he took a sip from his drink.

Adrianna considered for a second. "There's not much to tell really. I would be interested in seeing what you've come up with as far as the Holographic Engineer. I guess you would call that the EEH." Adrianna smiled mischievously.

"Very funny". Suder sounded a little too serious.

"No, really. I would love to get a look at the Holo program your using. What did you name him anyway, this Engineer Template?"

"The Engineer Template is not all you'd expect. We found the image in the database, but no information on who the person is. I have an idea, why don't we take dinner to the holodeck and I'll introduce you?" Suder asked.

"Sounds great." Adrianna replied.

They stopped by the replicators and grabbed some food and yet another drink before making their way down to one of the holodecks. They reached the entrance and Suder tapped in several commands. The door opened and they stepped in. It was the same bright room with light colored walls and bright conduits and consoles everywhere. The usual hologram was active and working on a console.

"Glad to see your back, after another adventure are we?" the man asked.

"That's not your template is it?" Adrianna asked.

"No, of course not." Suder replied.

The hologram turned around and looked at Adrianna. "Who are you?" he asked.

"Lieutenant Adrianna." She replied.

"Lieutenant? Oh, and I suppose you got promoted as well?" the image of Zimmerman asked Suder. He pointed to his new rank and looked at Adrianna.

"Computer, activate the Alpha Engineer Hologram." Suder commanded. In front of the two engineers, a hologram appeared from out of no where. Lieutenant Adrianna, this is Sophia." Suder said.

Adrianna, slightly surprised, looked at the hologram. "Hi." She said.

"I was going to name her something else, Kim, Dawn, maybe, but she appeared with the name." Suder said.

"So your the Engineer hologram?" Adrianna asked.

"That's correct. I have extensive detailed files on all aspects of engineering. What to do in all situations." Sophia replied.

"That's... interesting. But do you think it's realistic to assume that you could cope with ANY situation that might come up? No offense." Adrianna asked in a neutral tone.

With no hesitation, Sophia responded. "Yes, actually I think I can. I have the collective knowledge of several thousand of Starfleet's finest Engineer's. All of there history is part of my database. Sophia offered Adrianna a small smile, attempting humility but failing.

Turning to Suder Adrianna smiled. "Well, she's certainly got spunk. Necessary for any Engineer who's not going to let there Captain push them around. We both know that Captain's always expect miracles."

Suder smiled back, seeming a little nervous. "I think that she's pretty much ready for action. I have done a lot of refinement work over the last few months, on my own time."

"Well, lets get main Engineering set up with a series of Holo-emitter's. The Captain shouldn't have a problem with us taking the experiment THAT far." Adrianna seemed dead serious.

Suder thought for a moment. "All right. Let's do it. First we'll set up the emitters, and then run some test simulations. I'll take full responsibility if anything happens." Suder said.

"We could set up some spec's while we eat, figure out where to place them in Engineering." Adrianna said.

Suder opened up the bag of food and got all of it out. They began eating while looking at a diagram of Engineering. Locating and marking the best possible place for the holo-emitters, Suder stopped and swallowed the last piece of food from the Earth created hotdog. "You know, I've never met anyone so determined, ambitious, someone like me." Suder smiled. "Thanks for all your help, if I never told you about any of this, it would probably still be here in twenty years, or some other guy would have created it," he said blushing slightly. Not like him.

"Ethan, that's the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a long time." Taking her napkin, she leaned close and dabbed a spot of mustard from the edge of his mouth. "This has been a lot of fun." Adrianna smiled warmly as she finished the last of her own hot-dog.

"For a change, I can't wait to get to work." Turning back toward the Image of Sophia, she smiled. "Even if she is a bit curvy for an Engineer..."

Ensign Tim Richeson
Tactical USS Galaxy

Tim stood at his post, he was starting to get a little bored. The ship had gone through a very uneventful day. The Galaxy was still at star base and Tim saw no reason why they needed him on duty. He would much rather be exploring his new ship then standing for 8 hours on the bridge of a docked ship.

"Beta shift dismissed" sterner told the bridge crew.

"Finally" Tim was relived

With a half smile Sterner asked "Having fun on your new ship Tim?"

"Ohhh yeah, cant wait for tomorrow." Tim laughed "See you later Sir." Tim walked on to the turbo lift, " I need a sandwich, deck nine mess hall."

Tim walked over to a replicater, "Chicken dairy sandwich." he ordered

"Chicken.. dairy?" a voice asked

Tim turned around and saw a young ensign standing behind him. "Yeah, its kind of like a chicken salad, just with dairy." he said with a smile "Want one?"

"No that's all right, I'm not one for milk. So did you just transfer here?"

"Yeah fresh form SFA, glad to see me go. My names Tim what about you?"

"Asking the girls name" the ensign said with a smile, "very smooth."

"It usually helps. Come on lets sit down, I've been standing all shift." Tim leads over to a near by table "So do I get a answer?"

She smiled "I need a question first."

"What's your name? I already told so its your turn."

"Ahh I see how this is, you offer me chicken with milk, ask me to sit, then ask my name. Right?"

Tim laughed "There you go, I'm glad we can communicate so easily."

With a mischievous smile " Ruina, Ruina Keigan."

Tim stood up "Thank you Runia,"

She asked with a puzzled look on her face, "Where are you going?"

He turned back and gave her a flirty smile

Ruina still had that puzzled look on her face "What the hell just happend?" she asked her self

Tim walked out of the mess hall and thought to him self Well that caught her interest.

Ruina was still baffled by Tim's sudden exit when she returned to her quarters later that evening.

"He left," she said to herself, "he just got up and left!"

That was a new one for the books.

She had been thinking about it all evening, and the more she puzzled over it, the more confusing it got.

"I should really start using my abilities more often," she grumbled, going through her drawers.

She had an appointment in the morning with Astrid...

"Salt," she reminded herself, "Salt..."

'And it also might help if I could figure out where I set her file...!' she thought, frustratedly rummaging through another drawer.

She saw the PADD that held the Betazoid death count, and tossed it aside without a second thought.

Ruina stopped.

'Did I...' she wondered, looking at the PADD on the pile of junk on her bed.

Yes, there it was.

Ruina smiled.

Maybe a little distraction wasn't so bad after all...

"Paperwork, Holo-emitters, and a Slice of Pie on the Side"
by Lt. AC Hewson
Assistant Chief Engineer

“You know T’Zaq, paperwork is a pain the ass.” AC said with a weary smile as T’Zaq handed the Assistant Chief a PADD. At first Alan considered placing the PADD on his ‘to do’ stack, but decided to go ahead and scan over it since the Romulan/Vulcan engineer remained standing in front of his desk.

“Indeed,” T’Zaq in a rather neutral tone. Ever since she came aboard, AC had had a hard time reading this particular woman. Her evensong blue eyes always seemed to be scanning her surroundings, looking for anything of interest, but nothing specific. AC continued to scan through her progress-report on her current assignment of identifying and correcting corrupted data structures in the computer systems. It was a rather monotonous job, but she hadn’t complained about it.

“An ice-skater?” T’Zaq asked as she studied a pair of ice-skates draped over a chair in the corner.

“Sort of…” AC smiled at the thought of the skates that Greer had given him for Christmas. These were top of the line hand-made skates that the Chief Science Officer had managed to obtain through a Ferengi trader on Starbase 74. Strangely enough, AC had ordered a dozen hockey sticks for his friend through the same tradesman. “Commander Erikson and I have been playing a bit of hockey in the holodeck lately. Check that: he’s been playing and I’ve been trying not to fall on my ass.” AC accessed his computer terminal while he spoke, checking the time of his holodeck reservation.

“Well, T’Zaq,” AC spoke as he handed the PADD back to the Lieutenant, “it all looks good. If there’s anything else?”

“Actually Alan, I didn’t put it in the report, but it appears from the partially deleted system access files that someone has been doing quite a bit of mischief. It appears we have a prankster, or pranksters, on board.”

“Any indication of whom it might be?” AC asked, aware of practical (and not-so-practical) jokes that had been occurring on the Galaxy for the past year.

“Whoever has been doing all of this has covered their tracks pretty well, but it is quite hard to make sure that everything is 100% clean. If I run a few more data sweeps and reconstruct some of these fragments, I could probably narrow it down to a handful of suspects. But I would say we’re looking at the work of an engineer or someone else with a keen understanding of the computer systems. Do you think I should contact security about this?” The now seated engineer asked.

“I don’t know…they haven’t talked to us about any tampering that the data suggests has been going on, so I guess they’re not too concerned about it. But you can deal with this matter however you see fit.”

“All right then, I guess I’m back to work.” T’Zaq said as she got up.

“T’Zaq,” AC called after her as she walked through the doors, “remind me to buy you lunch sometime.”

***** ¾ of the way through the ‘To Do’ stack*****

“So are we still on for the main event?” Lt. Commander Greer Erikson asked as his image popped up on Alan’s computer console.

“We sure are, and I think I may give you a run for your money tonight, pal. That double hat-trick you had last game was pure luck.” AC smiled as he leaned back in his chair.

“I’m sorry, what did you say? I was distracted there for a minute…it almost looks like you’re working.” Greer said, his voice full of disbelief.

“I’ve got you fooled just like the rest. All of these PADDs you see strewn all over my desk actually contain my strategy that I’ve been forming to utterly destroy you on the ice tonight. We’ll just see how many goals you will score against Ike Insakinberg. Personally, I bet you’ll only have four…five at the most.” AC stopped for a moment and blinked a few times. “That’s funny…the only goal I remember scoring is on that empty net after you pulled your goalie.”

“Wait, wasn’t when that loose puck hit you in the head and it rolled in the goal?”

“Oh yeah…it all kinda got blurry after that.”

“Seriously though, you’ve been improving. I mean you are just an engineer: my expectations of you aren’t that high.” Greer smiled.

“How very true…how about loser buys dinner?” AC asked as a window popped up in the corner of his screen, indicating another incoming transmission.

“I’ll have Vulcan Rentar soup and a slice of coconut pie.”

“Great, I’ll call that order in to Ten-Forward. Well, I’ve got someone else on the line…Holodeck 3, 16:00. Hewson out.” AC closed the channel, sat up straight in his chair, and opened the waiting transmission.”

“AC, a shipment of holo-emitters was just transported aboard from Starbase 357. They are sitting in Cargo Bay 4 right now; do you want me to have them moved to Main Engineering?” Chief Jensen asked.

“Hmm…I’m not finding any request for holo-emitters.” AC said as he scanned the list of supplies that engineering was to receive from the Starbase. It took David and Alan two days worth of work to determine what they needed/wanted before they submitted their list. “Who requested them?”

“Hang on a second,” the Chief tapped some buttons off screen. “Lieutenant’ Suder put in a request for four dozen holo-emitters.”

“Well, I didn’t approve of it, and I don’t think Mercury did either. Just hold them there for now…I’ll see what ‘The Boot’ wants to do about it. Take care Tom.”

Alan sighed aloud. While he wasn’t certain what Suder was planning, he didn’t like the fact that he hadn’t heard about it. David hadn’t brought it up, and AC had a suspicion that Suder might have jumped the gun on this particular project.

After finishing the last of the reports, Alan quickly filled out a message to David concerning the holo-emitters, sent it, and headed to the Holodeck for a little pre-game warm-up.

Back
By Lt jg Anthony Mendenhall

Oh the joys of being injured! Rehab, pyshical therapy, and enough counseloring apointments to make him sick. His left leg dragged a bit when he walked, and he sometimes lost his balance. He had another week before he would get to work again.

The puzzeling thing to the counselors on the Star Base was that Anthony didn't seemed to phased about loosing his leg. A loss of a limb usually resulted in SOME kind of stress to the patient. Mendenhall just shrugged it off and wished he could get back to his usual duties.

This also puzzeled Anthony as he lay swinging in his hammock. He looked over to his cat and smiled. Digit was on his bed alseep. Anthony started thinking about why he really didn't care so much for his leg.

After careful thought, he knew what it was. Death. He had died a while back, and ever since then, death really wasn't that scary. And since he knew what to excpect after death (which he really couldn't describe) the leg didn't matter.

He had only mentioned it dying once during his counseling, and he could still she the reaction of the counselor in his mind after telling her that he had died, literally. As he started trying to remember back about dying, he started remembering the mission and what had happened.

Then he remembered Lt. T'Zaq and the wat she had helped him with his idea. He remembered she had been promoted (luckily Mendnehall himself hadn't, he hated promotions).

Well, he decided that it would a good idea to give her a present. *Now what to give her?* He wobbily managed to get out of the hammock only to trip over his Biosyn leg.

This was going to be another long long day.

“Candles.”
By Counsellor Aidan Delhaye, Ensign

****

The cake was no cake at all, a small sponge creation housed in a floral paper wrapper. It was of the home-made, Fanny Cradock school of cookery, light and golden brown with a white, powdery glaze crowning it’s top. A candle burning proudly from there up, pink and white candy-cane swirls to a pathetic little flame.

Aidan Delhaye celebrated his birthday, again.

This informal ritual was celebrated every year just before Aidan climbed into bed. He would light the flame, watch it burn for a while, and the blow it out. He’d never eat the cake. The point of the little ritual was more than enough to gain the feeling of self-pity he enjoyed - eating the cake, getting fat and feeling sorry for yourself then was just daft.

He really should stop this. Now I am a man, I put away childish things and all that nonsense. He was an officer now, like his brother and therefore needed to be alert, self confident, dignified. The problem was that Aidan already was all of those things. The reason for the birthday cake ritual was more than just that.

Hopeless romantic he was, Aidan didn’t have anyone to share the things he was, with.

Okay, stop it – stop it right now. How was he supposed to help anyone when he couldn’t help himself? He had heard the expression ‘even counsellors need counselling’, but it didn’t apply to him. That’s what lots of people said though, wasn’t it? But this time it really was true. He didn’t need counselling, at least not the sort of counselling that a professional delivered.

A sigh, and then he blew out the candle.

****

Okay, thought Aidan, examining the PADD in his lap and leaning back on the couch himself. Who is the lucky first patient of my illustrious career?

Could a career be illustrious when it hadn’t even begun?

He sighed. One Miss Kate Mittell would be due any minute now. Someone by the name of Lexana Ral had been her previous officer, but according to records he had pulled up, Counsellor Ral had transferred to security. Maybe he should contact her, talk to her about this Kate woman.

He got up in preparation for the appointment. Aidan entered the adjoining washroom to splash some cool water on his face.

He looked at his water-streaked reflection in the mirror. He looked young, too young to be charged with the welfare of other people’s mental well being. He was clean shaven – as always – with soft pale skin and thin brownish hair. He looked more like every mother’s pride and joy than junior counsellor on a starship.

Well, at least he was now one of them. He could never go back to being the other.

Aidan waited for Mittell to arrive.

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP, Good morning Ensign.

Tim sat up in his bed, barely awake. "That's a matter of opinion computer. Ahhhh....." Tim walked over to the replicator "Cold milk." he laughed for a minute "Milk huh?" It made him think of last night, with Runia. He knew that with him just standing up and leaving it had to spark a little interest. "Now what to do about that? Computer, locate Ensign Keigan."

"Ensign Keigan is in her quarters." The computer answered in its cold voice.

Good she's probably still sleeping, he thought. He picked up a PADD and started a recording:

"Good morning, I hope you slept well. So did my little stunt get you a little interested? I sure hope it did. So, why don't you meet me in Ten Forward same time?

"Computer, send this message to Ensign Keigans's quarters, and set it as the wake up message."

"Unable to comply, authorization code required." The computer informed in that same cold voice.

"Ok no problem, this is how you get passed it............."

5 minutes later

Once again in that cold voice, "Message sent."

"Thank you compter." Tim hurried and got ready for his shift with another smile on his face.

As it turned out, Astrid Salt was not as easy a patient as Ruina had expected.

Ruina sighed as she looked up from her notes to look at the stubborn woman again. It was the morning, it was early, and Ensign Salt was not being as responsive as Ruina had hoped. After all, the woman had scheduled the appointment herself...

"Are you reading my mind or something?" Astrid asked in annoyance.

Ruina stared at her. She had had just about enough...

"No," she replied, her tone tight, but civil, "I would never do that. I consider it disrespectful and an invasion of privacy. I was raised on Earth, you know."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Astrid asked, "you're still a Betazoid."

Ruina clenched her teeth.

"Ensign Salt," Ruina said, keeping her voice deliberately level, "I understand that you feel threatened by me. Many people are uncomfortable with telepathic beings because they assume that they are reading their thougts, which, to humans, are very private. I understand this. I grew up among people who were uncomfortable with me because I could read their thoughts. And though you may not believe me, I am not reading your mind. I respect your privacy as a person, and as my patient, and I would not break that kind of trust with you. But, we seem to have a problem. And it involves trust. Now, I don't know what kinds of predjudices you may hold against Betazoids, and I'm not even sure that predjudice is the real issue here, but if you don't feel that you can be open with me simply because of my race, I will consider it a legitimate concern and recommend you to someone else."

She paused, considering Astrid's open-mouthed expression, then continued.

"However," Ruina said, "this might all be because I'm new, and you aren't familiar with me, or because you yourself are feeling insecire and are trying to cover it up... or both, and these are issues that we can deal with. I would be more than happy to try and counsel you out of any personal predjudices, but right now, I think both you and I think it's important that we work on your dreams. And if you don't feel, for whatever reason, that you can do that with me, then, like I said, I will willingly, and without hurt feelings, send you to someone else. I mean, if everyone was meant to get along with everyone else, what would we need counselors for?"

She smiled at her own little joke.

"So," she said, after giving Astrid a moment to consider her words, "what'll it be? And, if you need more time, I'll understand, and we can always do this later... but in the meantime, I would suggest you get counselling from someone you trust..."

"No," Astrid said, "I don't think that's necessary. I think you and I can get along just fine."

Ruina scrutinized her face. Astrid genuinely meant it.

And, to Ruina's delite, there was a measure of respect on Astrid's wary features.

"Great," Ruina said, smiling warmly, "I'm glad to hear it. Now, let's talk dreams..."

"My Last Stand"
By Ensign Anna Gartner
co-starring Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder

"FALL BACK TO ENGINEERING! FALL BACK TO ENGINEERING!!" Gartner screeched at the top of her lungs to the remaining security team around her while firing up the corridor at the ever advancing enemy.

Another security officer stood beside and her fired repeatedly to help in covering the rest of the team. He yelled to her. "I just lost communication with team 3! They're taking the ship deck by deck!"

Suddenly an energy beam struck him in the chest, blasting right through his protective vest, killing him instantly. Gartner glanced down at his body and the hole burned directly into him for a second before determining that he was dead before hurrying to engineering, firing as she retreated.

At engineering she had only five members left to her team not including the handful of engineering personnel all ready there. All the console readouts

and controls to the heart of the ship flashed and dimmed. She ordered her team to guard the entrances to engineering.

Gartner moved quickly to Chief Engineer who was hurrying from console to console trying to bring order to the chaotic situation that was swirling about in engineering. Gartner asked. "Chief, I hope you have some good news because I sure don't have any."

He answered but never took his eyes off the control table as he quickly worked. "Sorry. That virus they introduced into the main computer and sub systems is dug in deep and is blocking all commands inputs. I can't do anything about it."

"They nearly taken control of the entire ship, we might be the last ones still fighting Chief." Gartner said following him as he checked another control panel. "Can you access the self destruct protocols?"

"Honestly? No." he answered. "I never seen a computer virus like this. I don't have the time to figure out how to work around it."

There was a sudden eruption of weapon fire, Gartner and the chief engineer turned in time to see two security officers guarding one entrance to engineering fall under a hail of energy bolts. Then they saw them, Jem'Hadar soldiers charging over the two bodies of the slain security officers.

Gartner shouted raising her rifle. "KILL THEM!!"

The remaining security officers and every armed engineer opened fired as the Jem'Hadar continued to pour in. They killed Jem'Hadar after Jem'Hadar but they continue to rush forward to attack the Federation personnel, overwhelming them. They were entering engineering faster than they could be killed.

Gartner fired her phaser rifle point blank at one then ducked under the fist of another Jem'Hadar soldier a second later. She then stood up again, ramming the butt of her weapon into his face.

Soon there was now only Anna and two others left as they were being pushed back towards the warp core. Gartner noticed there were fewer Jem'Hadar entering into engineering now but they were still heavily outnumbered.

Under a hail of more energy bolts from the Jem'Hadar the last two people with her fell. With little choice she ducked inside the warp core area and behind the matter & anti-matter reaction chamber for shelter.

Peering out she took aim and fire repeatedly killing several charging Jem'Hadar, then realized they were not firing back. Only when they stopped rushing at Gartner did the answer why came to her.

"Oh, you don't what to hit the matter & anti-matter reaction chamber, eh?" she said aloud. "So you do have some brains after all!"

For a moment there was a Mexican stand off as more Jem'Hadar gathered just outside of the warp core area. She was expecting them to charge again when they have the numbers to do it then a figure came into her view. It was a Vorta. He took a few steps towards her. She thought of killing him but it looked like he wanted to say something, so she held her fire.

"Don't come any closer or I will kill you!" she warned to the shape-shifter lap dog.

"I don't doubt it but you should know that you're the last one left." The Vorta said. "Your captain and others are either captured or dead. If you surrender now, I promise that you'll be well treated."

Gartner looked at him for a moment then smiled. "Sure but why do you want our ship for?"

"The battle is over human." the Vorta announced. "We broke the back of your fleet and it'll only be a matter of time before the Klingon and the Romulan Empire will fall too. We would like to take this vessel as a trophy to be brought back to Cardassia and to be a lesson that even the mighty Federation can't resist us."

Gartner listened then stood up lowering her rifle slightly. "Thanks! I needed to know that!" she grinned. "By the way... Like to see hell? Let me show you!"

The Vorta watched her closely and froze at madness that flashed across her eyes. Only then he realized what was going to happen but he was too late. Gartner levelled her rifle directly at the reaction chamber and fired at long focused burst on the highest setting possible, level 16.

"Stop her!!" the Vorta commanded.

Three Jem'Hadar rushed forward taking aim and fired striking Anna repeatedly but her phaser blast all ready pierced the reaction chamber protective shielding and the core itself. A blinding white flash of a warp core breach erupted and it engulfed the entire engineering section and soon a tenth of a second later the entire ship.

The only thing was left 2 seconds later was Gartner's maddening laughter.

Lt. Commander Ursa Sunder just chuckled slightly as he walked from the corner of the holodeck. The program deactivated when Anna destroyed the ship. If Anna haven't destroyed the ship, it would have ended when the Jem'Hadar had shot her.

He approached Anna who was laying flat on her back still giggling. Although the safety protocols were still in place, he had the Jem'Hadar weapons able to deliver enough force to simulated an actual hit. He likes to make the battle realistically as possible without actually shutting the safeties off.

"And what is so funny Ensign?" the huge man demanded.

Gartner stopped to look at him. "I always wanted to die with a bang."

Sunder started to reach down offering a hand when Gartner placed both of her hands on the floor, at either side of her head and executed a kick up back onto her feet. Now standing before him, Sunder looked down at this tiny person, possibly one of smallest he had on his security force. He stood at 6' 4" and broad shouldered while Anna stood at 5' 3" and looked like a stiff breeze could blow her over but she proved capable of looking after herself. So far in his holo-battles she fought with a backbone of a Klingon with no fear. However that might be a source of concern, she could be TOO fearless.

"You handled that no win situation well but do you care to tell me why you waited so long before deciding to destroy the ship?" he asked.

Gartner nearly had to crank her neck to lookup at his face. "The Dominion only a made a handful of attempts in taking over our ships and I wanted to know why they wanted ours now."

"So you risked the ship of being captured to satisfy your curiosity??"

The ensign never blinked. "Yes."

"You know tactics, have the ability of being a leader and you sure can fight but I have to warn that you're risking it all with your actions and behavior." Sunder said. "These holodeck scenarios are not meant to be a game."

Anna resisted from rolling her eyes and nearly failed. "Okay-okay, I promise to blow up the ship next time without asking the enemy why they want to take it."

"That's slightly better." Sunder grunted. "Now since that's out of the way, I can tell you now that you'll be able to report for security duties tomorrow."

Gartner suddenly jumped up in the air yelling aloud. "Yahooo!!" she then caught herself, then stood at attention. "Ahem! I mean, thank you sir!!"

Sunder just politely grinned. "That's all right Ensign. However I'll be monitoring you closely, more so than anyone else under my command. Both myself and Counsellor Dallas agreed to work you in slowly not to overwhelm you."

Gartner gave a shrug. "That's okay, it'll be more than I was doing before I arrived. Even doing paper pushing is better than nothing." Then that look came, Sunder watched as he could see the whites completely around her eyes.

* So this is 'The Look' that I heard so much about. * Sunder thought silently. He had to wonder what is now rolling around in her head. The counsellor told him she's not dangerous when this happens but her behavior does become quite 'warped'.

Then she smiled, inhumanly. "So, when do I get a phaser?"

Sunder spoke in his strongest commanding tone on to snap her out of it. His voice boomed. "Ensign, that'll be enough!"

The little ensign immediately looked down then a moment later back up. Her eyes and facial expression now normal. "Sorry... Be thankful that you didn't meet me back when they pulled me off 119."

"I read your files." Sunder said softly. "You came a long way since then and we'll make sure that you'll make it the rest of the way."

Gartner smiled. "Thank you."

"Care for a drink in Ten Forward?" Sunder offered. "Me and a group of us wish to welcome you back to Starfleet."

"Sure.. But I suck in a social gathering."

"At least try. Dallas will be there."

Gartner's eyes dart slightly, thinking for a moment. "Okay."

Sunder nodded and lead the way while Gartner followed him out. She studied his huge bodily frame from behind and found herself unable to resist.

Aloud she said. "Fee-fi-fo-fum!!"

Sunder stopped just short of the doors leading out of the holodeck and he looked back questioningly at Gartner. She just grinned and gave an innocent shrug saying. "Sorry. It slipped out."

The large man could only quietly chuckle again as he moved on through the opening doors with the small ensign still in tow, realizing that things around will be even more livelier on the Galaxy from now on.

Ruina groaned and rolled out of bed. After her five am session, she had hoped to get a little more sleep.

But no, her seven am reminder was right on time.

"Good morning," the computer said.

Ruina sat up, confused that the annoying female voice had changed.

"What the..." she muttered.

"...I hope you slept well..."

Ruina thought she recognized the voice.

"Computer," she said, "what in the..."

"So did my little stunt get you a little interested?" the computer continued.

Ruina groaned.

"Tim. I knew it!" she exclaimed, pulling the covers back over her head.

"...I sure hope it did. So, why don't you meet me in Ten Forward some time?"

Ruina peeked out.

"Why, you sneaky little..." she laughed.

The computer stopped for a moment, then started to replay the message.

"Computer, end wake-up call," Ruina said.

She rolled out of bed, a mishevious little smile on her face.

Oh, there had to be some devious little way to get back at him...

"Hot apple cider, warm," she instructed the Replicator.

She sat back on her bed and tried to think of a way to... reciprocate his thoughtful wake-up call.

"Computer," she said, "at the end of Tim..."

Shoot! She didn't even know his last name.

She walked over to her bedside table.

"Computer," she said, looking at her screen, "display pictures of all personell with the first name of Tim or Timothy..."

There were many photos to sift through, but Ruina finally found the right one.

"Computer," Ruina started again with a smile, "at the end of Ensign Tim Richeson's next shift, please post this message."

There was a little BEEP of acknowlegement, then Ruina continued.

"Ensign Richeson, there is a package waiting in Ten Forward. Please go to the nearest replicator in Ten Forward and say 'Oh what a fool I am.' You should recieve the package. Computer, end message."

There was another BEEP of compliance, and then Ruina quickly got dressed and headed to Ten Forward.

"Computer," she said again at the replicator, "set code 'Oh what a fool I am' to deliver a cup of warm milk... and on the side of the cup, I want the message 'I'd be happy to meet you anytime' typed out. Did you get all that?"

"Command has been recieved," the computer said.

Ruina grinned and headed back to her quarters.

This was going to be an interesting day.

" Gathering...places."
By Ensign Slan A. Quince

" So far so good " Slan said aloud to no one in particular. It was raining and raining hard. He swore he was soaked to the bone. Kasperov was here, but where exactly he wasn't sure. Slan looked down at his right arm, * yup..still their...*. In his last meeting with Kasperov he managed to cut him a little, it wouldn't happen this time. Hearing footsteps from behind he slowly put away his katana under his trench coat and returned to the main street.

He looked up at the street sign ' first and pike' is what it read. He knew that Alexi was getting closer, the "buzz" was getting stronger. So strong that he was given a split second to dodge the huge claymore that came slicing down at him in the rain from behind. Slan made his way for cover as he pulled out his katana. He turned to face his attacker. "Your going to have to try harder to sneak up on me than that Alexi " he laid the sarcasm on thick now, knowing that this would just infuriate his opponent. Alexi lowered his sword just enough to be even with Slan's chest, ready to thrust. Slan held his katana with both hands in a defensive posture.

The rain had become almost blinding, neither man wavering. Both holding their ground, yet no action. " You know Quince, their can be only one !" and with that Alexi lunged. Slan side stepped the incoming thrust, sending Alexi stumbling into the street. " Your getting rusty Alexi " Slan gave a half cocked smile and headed into the street after Alexi. By the time he reached Alexi, he was already on his feet and ready for a second go.

Slan stood their with his sword at his side in an almost 'come get me' posture. That's all the bait that Alexi needed. This time he came at Slan with a little better angle. Slan's katana surged in the direction of the on coming blade, meeting in the middle they came together with a definite clang. Spark's flew from the blades. Slan used his foot on Alexi's chest to push away and gather for another attack.

This time it was Slan who was on the offensive. He brought the katana with both hands in a thrust. He could hear and feel the katana hit bone. The look on Alexis eye were one of shock and disbelief. Slan pushed it in farther, now he could here Alexi exhale as he pushed the Japanese sword deeper into his chest. As quickly as he had thrust the katana inward, he retracted it even faster, cause Alexi to slump to his knees.

There one stood and one on his knees, the street light the only illumination the rain still coming down in sheets. Alexi looked up at Slan, who was now directly over him. " Well Quince, if your going to do it.....get it over with." to Slan it almost sounded as though Alexi was begging him not to take his life...and head.

Slan raised the katana above his head with both hand's. " It took me awhile but I finally got ya..." the sword came swiftly down " their can only be one!". And with that the katana connected with the doomed party's neck. He completely severed the man's neck. He knew what was next.

Alexis body lifted of the ground bye a few feet. What only could be classified as lightning surged through both Slan's and Alexis bodys. Slan immediately dropped his katana and to his knee's the electricity taking control for the moment. It got stronger as windows in cars and shops on the streets exploded with great force. For in those few moment's even the rain had stopped.

And then it went dark, not even the street light had survived. Slan was in the middle of the street on his knees. He faintly remembers that it was raining even harder and that he really needed to get out of the middle of the street. Standing he placed the katana under his trench coat. He ducked into an ally near the now closed Pikes Place market.

" Computer end and save program Quince Alpha seven". The murky surrounding's of the alley turned into the black and yellow grid. Now he was standing in a puddle of water. Grabbing the towel he brought with him next to the arch he started to make his way to the door.

" Computer what level have I reached..." he asked it. [ You have passed level three]. * Not too bad for having the program for the last seven years*. As he made his way out of the holodeck, he couldn't help but chuckle as he dried his hair with his towel and still dripping wet as he made his way back to his quarter's.

"Drip, Drip, Pour"
by Lt Cmdr K'Eytyanna

Samara
----------------------------

K'Eytyanna walked into her quarters and grinned as she sat down at her terminal,

"Now, for AC. Computer, access holographic system, authorization K'Eytyanna-Alpha-Alpha-Delta."

Once the system opened, K'Eytyanna added in a voice-recognition subroutine into the system to match the voice print of AC Hewson.

Finishing, she thought aloud for a second,

"Now what would be funny? I've got it.. Computer, generate a small rain cloud set to pour holographic rain and add it into VR Sub-Hewson, no lightning or thunder."

[Working... Done.]

"No, all I have to do is get it to follow him."

Typing in the neccessary code, K'Eytyanna was about to close it when she stopped and put in a small message along with a deactivation code of 'Very funny'.

"Computer, close channel to holographic system."

5 more minutes to go, That's what Tim had been telling himself for the last 4 hours. But finally the good Commander said in that stern voice "Beta Shift dismissed."

Tim walked quietly over to the turbo lift, but that same cold voice started to talk to him again.

"Ensign Richeson, there is package waiting in Ten Forward. Please go to the nearest replicator in Ten Forward and say 'Oh what a fool I am.'

"Ruina!!!" Tim shook his head and continued to listen,

"You should receive the package."

By now the entire bridge was looking at him.

"Oh, ahhh, don't ask" Tim said with a embarrassed look on his face, he turned to the turbo lift again, but suddenly turned back. "By the way, I wi...... Oh to hell with you guys!" Ever one on the bridge was just nodding there head in sarcastic manor.

Tim picked up a PADD be fore he left. Tim thought to himself, What the hell is going to come out of that replicater? "Computer, Deck three." In a few seconds he was in his quarters. He started a recording on the PADD.

"Oh what a fool I am." Instantly 'Oh what a fool I am' appeared across the screen of the PADD. "Computer, do you know what masking tape is?"

15 minutes later

Tim walked into Ten Forward and walked over to the replicater. Over the Terminal, being sure not to cover up the actual replicater, he stuck the PADD on. Tim walked over and sat down at a near by table.

A few Minutes later a older ensign walked over to the replicater, he looked at the PADD in amazement "What the hell is that doing there?" he asked himself. "Oh what a fool I am?" As the ensign said that Tim ducked out of fear, then when nothing happened he got even more worried. The older ensign had torn the PADD of the wall and walked away.

"What's she trying to pull?" Tim asked himself aloud, then he realized that there was something in the replicater, a glass with writing on it.

Tim picked up the glass and looked at the writing.....'I'd be happy to meet you anytime' surprised Tim looked around the room in amazement.............

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

***** Sickbay *****

Cat was sure that Nilani took all of the reports that she was supposed to work on and give them to Cat. Maybe it wasn’t true, but it sure felt like that. Cat felt like she lived in her office at times, doing all the paperwork. She sighed and continued with her report to the Captain on the general health status of the ship. She scanned through her previous comments to try and get back the train of thought.

“Computer: Continue report. In Summary, the general health of the crew is good, no major problems. Another thing; it’s that time again. There has been an increase in the number of pregnancies on the ship. With two notables of Lt Commander Casey-Ti and Doctor Endris. Both should be due in about twelve to fifteen weeks.” Cat sighed, “Computer: Append all necessary files to report and send to the captain.”

Cat rested back in her chair, her hand idly rubbed her abdomen. Her thoughts drifting to the idea of her having children. Certainly Q’s cruel ‘joke’ had whetted her desire for children. Her ‘creators’ denied her that. Who ever were the planners of the Caitian/Human Hybrid that was she had destroyed the chance of her producing children.

But Cat had another option, one that had come to mind more and more. One that she could do. She knew enough to be able to fix the defect within some of her eggs. Take some of Ursa’s genetic material...

Cat thought about it for a few minutes and almost by it’s own volition, she heard herself call out, “Khatroweena to Sunder: Ursa, we need to discuss some of the results of physicals done on your department. I know we are both busy currently. I was wondering if we could discuss things in my quarters, maybe a working dinner to get more out of the way.”

=/\=Hello Cat. I’ll have to get back to you on that one. Got a few things to do. I’ll contact you before the end of the day. Sunder out.=/\=

Cat smiled, then she grimaced in horror at what she was thinking. ‘How could she do something like that to Ursa? No, she wouldn’t do anything like that to him. Maybe if she asked, he wouldn’t mind. Cat! Snap out of it. You really don’t have the time to really have a family.’

Cat looked up at Dr Luck, the newest member of Medical. She was feeling guilty in not having a proper talk to him earlier, but time seemed to go by so quickly. “Dr Luck, Vernon,” she called from her door.

“Yes, Dr Khatroweena?” Vernon returned as he approached her office.

“You got a little free time?. I must seem a little cold in not introducing my self earlier than this. But time seemed so short.”

“Course not, Dr Khatroweena. I understand. I heard a little of what happened. It’s understandable. Yes I have some free time.”

“Please come in,” Cat moved away from the door to allow him in. “Please, not many people call me Doctor. My friends call me Cat. No I’m hoping a little to find out a little about you, the things that don’t end up on personnel files. That sort of stuff. Please have a seat.”

Vernon went to sit down, when Nilani’s voice came from her office, “CAT.”

Cat looked up in the air in mock frustration, “Our slave mistress calls! Looks like we’ll try and have this talk some other time, why don’t we try tomorrow. What do you say?”

Vernon gave an amused smile. “If time permits, we’ll try tomorrow.”

Cat let Vernon exit out first and headed off to Nilani’s office.

"I skipped Oinkus for this!"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain Price sat back in his ready room chair and browsed over a Commanding Officer's report from Deep Space Nine on his computer monitor. Earlier in the week, the Captain had heard from his close friend and colleague, Captain Rixx of the USS Thomas Paine, that Starfleet Command was looking at the USS Galaxy as the possible source for several senior promotions and reassignments. It was the first time Lee had ever really stopped to absorb the impact the Dominion war and reams of causality reports had amounted to for the Federation. People were dying. Good men and women officers throughout the fleet were loosing their lives at an alarming rate. And now, Starfleet Command was turning to even the youngest officers in the fleet; officers that had been Ensigns less than three years ago; to hold senior positions and shore up those Starships and Outpost stations that had suffered such high casualties. It made the Captain wonder if he had become complacent.

In an attempt to rectify the situation, Lee had remembered hearing that several Starships and Deep Space Outposts had had great success with switching to a four shift duty rotation, which allowed more officers to serve in key positions with more overlap from the senior ranking officers that found it easier to 'pull a double' shift with the reduced hours. Knowing the significance of Deep Space Nine, Lee immediately began searching their records for references about the four shift schedule.

Both Captain Sisco and (then) Major Kira had wonderful things to say about the shorter shifts and the effect it had on the crew of Deep Space Nine. There were more than a few references to "Delta shift" and how it became the one most difficult shift to fill. Leaning back, Lee rubbed his eyes a moment, tired of all the reading of boring CO logs. What he needed was a break. And he knew just the thing.

Rising out of his chair, Lee deactivated the computer terminal and headed out of his ready room. When he began walking across the bridge heading to the turbo-lift, he glanced over and was surprised to see Doctor Endris Gakor sitting in the Captain's chair. The Galaxy was still in orbit of Starbase 357 and on light duty status until the rest of the crew returned from shore leave by 0800 hours tomorrow morning, but still, he had expected to see Commander Sterner in command.

"G'Day Doctor. Keeping the chair warm for Commander Sterner this afternoon?" Lee asked.

The Doctor crinkled her Tellarite nose in a sort of smile. "Actually Joerg asked that I cover his shift." The Doctor explained enthusiastically, "I've been in Command training for several months now and the Commander figured that since we are simply in orbit around Starbase 357 anyway for the next 20 hours it would be good experience for me."

Lee nodded with a grin. "Not exactly a glamorous assignment 'mate."

"I'm not complaining sir. Just having the chance to command a Starship is glamorous enough. I skipped Oinkus for this!" Gakor smiled with wide eyes.

That surprised even Captain Price. "You don't say. If you like, I can have something brought up to snack on 'mate. Wouldn't want you dying of starvation on one of your first commands." Lee smiled.

"That's okay Captain." the Doctor declared holding up a silver wrapped piece of food, "I brought some power rations along to munch on."

"That's what we like on the Galaxy, officers that think ahead. Well 'mate, I see you 'ave things under control. I am going to the holodeck for a spell if I'm needed. G'day Doctor. No worries."

"G'Day Captain." Gakor nodded and watched as the Captain exited the bridge and Endris glanced out over the Beta shift command crew and Starbase 357 which the Galaxy circled in a slow orbit.

"Work With No Hope Of Fun"
By: Lt(jg) Ryak Sullax
S.O. USS Galaxy

Ryak finished up in his lab and headed off to pick up Sullar. His little run in with Cat had put Ryak in a very bad mood. As Sullar jumped into Ryak's arms the bad mood vanished and the two of them headed home.

As they entered their quarters Ryak noticed the gifts that were dropped off by Ensign Kalln sitting on the table. Ryak new that it was that time where he'd have to open them up. Ryak sat Sullar down on the couch and grabbed the two gifts.

Sullar watched as his father brought over the nicely wrapped box. Ryak sat the gift on Sullar's lap and said, "Ok Sullar this is a gift from Mr. Kalln. The next time you see him you will thank him for this gift."

"Yes Father. Why did he give us gifts?"

"He is practicing the human custom of Christmas Sullar."

"I understand father."

The two of them opened their gift to see what they were. Ryak received a book with the texts of Enocin (a Romulan philosopher)and Sullar received a smurf toy. Sullar took the toy and ran into the bedroom to play. Ryak placed his book on the table and sent a thank-you message to Ensign Kalln.

Ryak put Sullar to bed and turned on a bit of Romulan music and began to read his book.

"Ensign Brooks to Lt Sullax." Ryak heard the womans voice over the comm system.

Ryak tapped his comm badge and replied, "What is it Ensign."

"Sir, I was in astrometrics catching up some of the things we were working on last shift and I seem to be picking up something spectacular you may wish to see sir." Ensign Brooks said in a very nervous voice.

"What is it."

"Sir, We seem to be picking up an uncharted Polaric supernova near the edge of Tzencathy space. The data has been sent to your lab sir."

Ryak's heart started to race. "I am on my way." Ryak entered the bedroom to see that Sullar was sleeping. "Computer notify me when Sullar is awake."

"Acknowledged." the computer replied.

Ryak made his way down to the lab. As he entered he could see that his lab assistant were working at the supernova.

"Sir," Brooks said as he entered. Ryak nodded and headed over to the main control. Ryak called up the main system and turned the lab into it usual replica of space. Ryak called up the area of space that the supernova occurred.

"Bridge this is Lt Sullax I need use of the main sensor array for a bit to get some readings from Tzencathy space."

"This is the bridge, You may have use of the array Lieutenant. Bridge out."

Ryak tied into the main array and began to collect some more in depth data. Ryak was very excited about this. He has always wanted to see one of these up close.

"Sullax to Erikson."

"Erikson here."

"Sir I would like to request that the Galaxy go check out a Supernova at the edge of Tzencathy space sir. I am aware we are needed else where but this is a very rare opportunity and I think it would be a great investment of our time."

"I will see what I can do Ryak but I do not believe it to be possible."

"Understood sir. Thank-you for your time, Sullax out."

Ryak began to scan the data base to see if there were any Federation ships in that area as of yet and found none. Ryak sat in his seat waiting now for the main sensor array to collect all the data it could.

Ryak stood up and turned to Ensign Brooks, "If you are here when the information is collected let me know I will be in my quarters."

"Aye sir." She said as she continued her work.

Ryak went back to his quarters and back to his book.

Chris Gagne
AKA:
Lieutenant(jg) Ryak Sullax,Science Officer,USS Galaxy.
Contact at: i2qtnot2b@hotmail.com
ICQ: 25686024

“Many Joyous Occasions”
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey
& Lt. Commander Tebrianne Bancroft
w/ excerpts by Lt. Commander Casey Ti Miran

Casey was leaning back in his chair and reading one of the many PADDs covering his desk. His Chief Ops position left him more paper work than he wanted. It became a nuisance after awhile. After almost a year and a half as Chief Ops he was used to it. That didn’t mean he liked the paper work.

Sitting in the chair he began thinking about his promotion. He could remember his first day on the Galaxy as an Ensign. His first diagnostic as he manned the Ops station on the bridge for the first time. The first time Miran sat next to him at helm. He remembered getting nervous when she sat next to him every day and finally asking her out on a date.

He could remember everything that had happened over the last two years of his life since he graduated from the Academy.

He unclipped his pips and smiled at the third gold pip. “My God… a Commander. I’ve almost made it Dad. You’ll get off my back now,” Deiran said out loud to no one, clearly hiding some pinned up anger.

‘It’s time to give the Admiral a call.’

Deiran turned his desk console so it faced him. “Computer, establish subspace link to the office of Admiral Thomas Casey, Head of Starfleet Strategic and Tactical Operations,” Casey waited only ten seconds before the link was established.

Deiran saw his father appear on the screen. Both Casey’s smiled at each other.

“Deiran, my boy, how is life treating you?” Thomas Casey asked.

“Well Dad, besides these three pips on my collar life is good,” Deiran wanted to burst out laughing and put the pips in his father’s face. He didn’ t do that. Casey was 24 and still showed respect to his father.

“What the…? You got promoted?” Thomas Casey looked quite surprised.

“Yes, Lee told me a few days ago.”

“That means you’re a Commander before I was…” his father’s voice trailed off as he contemplated the implications of this. His son beat him at something for the first time in his life.

Thomas Casey was promoted to Commander at the age of twenty-eight. Deiran would be turning twenty-five in a few months. Deiran could not hide his joy. The feeling of it, the exhilaration of finally sticking it to his father really felt good. He loved his father, but he earned Commander on his own.

“I won’t hold it against ya Dad, just remember who holds the record now for the quickest to get to Commander in the Casey family. How’s Mom?”

“She’s fine,” Thomas replied. Deiran could see the Starfleet seal behind his father, and the Federation flag was in perfect position behind him. It was clear he was in his office and not at home. The background looked extremely official just like his father required. Thomas Casey was still stunned, his son’s promotion caught him off guard. Deiran could see he was a bit distracted with thoughts.

“Anything wrong Dad?” Deiran asked, puzzled.

“No Deiran. I’m proud of you. Maybe I should give you some slack from now on or you’ll lord this over me forever,” his father laughed.

“I’m all for slack,” Deiran laughed.

“Well Commander, I just received an important message from DS9. I’ll have to get back to you later this evening. I’ll call you from the house. Bye Deiran.”

The screen shifted to the Federation seal. “That was quick. But typical of him, work comes first… always.”

That was something Deiran wouldn’t do. Lara and Miran came first, he’d find a way to balance career and family. He could do it. His family was worth more than he could give. After the affair he realized how important they both were to him. Those two girls were his life, well besides Starfleet. But they were at the top of the list.

Deiran accessed his messages. He saw that Ensign Slan Quince had recently arrived at the station and was officially on board.

“Computer record message. Ensign Quince, welcome aboard the Galaxy. Let’s meet in Ten Forward in ten minutes. End message. Computer send message to Ensign Slan Quince immediately, notify him of the message through his communicator.”

*** Ten Forward ***

Deiran ran a few errands before arriving, on time, to meet the new Ensign in his department. Deiran was leaning against the bar, laughing it up with Door who was telling a joke.

The young Ensign walked up to the bar and asked for Commander Casey. Deiran turned to face the Ensign and quickly shook the man’s hand. “Nice to meet you Ensign. Welcome to the Galaxy’s Ops department. You’re a welcome addition. Have you settled in yet? Taken the medical check-up?” Deiran asked.

“I have my quarters but haven’t been to sickbay yet sir,” the young Trill Ensign replied.

“That should be priority one. Doctor Khatroweena will be on your hide if you ’re not there quick Slan,” Deiran laughed as he thought of Cat chasing the poor Ensign all over the ship.

“Let me buy you a drink Quince, order anything you want.”

Deiran turned for a second to say something to Door and didn’t hear the Ensign’s order.

“I’m assigning you to Alpha shift back-up. That position is also my assistant when you’re not at Ops on the Bridge. It’s just typical paper work, the normal stuff like collecting reports, etc. Nothing too bad.” Deiran finished the last sip of his drink and set the glass down on the bar. “Excuse me Ensign I have another appointment. It’s good to have you aboard, be sure to make the Galaxy your home, she’s a good ship. Don’t forget to go to sickbay. You report for Alpha shift tomorrow morning at 0730.”

Deiran shook the Ensign’s hand and walked out of Ten Forward.

Deiran’s next destination was the Bridge. He always checked in at the end of Alpha shift just to make sure he wasn’t needed. Joerg usually chatted with him for a bit but never assigned him anything. The two men had become friends over the last two years and served well together. Deiran and Lee had been planning a surprise birthday party for him. ‘I hope he doesn’t expect anything yet,’ Deiran said to himself as he exited the turbolift and walked down the ramp and to the command well.

Deiran caught a glance of a Mohawk at helm. ‘I wonder where Tebrianne is. Who in the world is that?'

“Anything you need done Commander?” Deiran asked as he sat next to Joerg, taking the Counselor’s chair, Counselor Dallas wasn’t around at the moment as Alpha shift was just about over.

“No Deiran, thank you. Re-supply seems to be going well Commander,” Sterner smiled back. “Welcome to the ranks Commander,” Joerg put emphasis on Commander and smiled again. The two men shook hands as Sterner congratulated Casey.

“Thank you sir,” Deiran smiled back.

“You have every right to call me Joerg now, we’re the same rank,” Sterner laughed.

Deiran didn’t say anything. Joerg would always get respect from Casey. Sterner earned Casey’s respect and he would never call the man anything but sir or Commander on duty.

“Commander, Station 357 has finished stocking Cargo Bay 3. They are requesting we dock to load a new compliment of quantum and photon torpedoes.”

“’Commander Bancroft, begin docking sequence,” Sterner asked.

Deiran’s jaw went to the floor when he saw Tebrianne turn around, smacking her gum and acknowledging Sterner’s request.

“Oh… my… God…” Deiran said in a low whisper that no one heard but him. His eyes were bulging out, he couldn’t hide his shock.

‘All her beautiful hair is gone!!!’ Casey yelled in his subconscious.

Deiran just couldn’t believe that such a beautiful woman would shave her head like that. Deiran saw hair on a woman as being extremely important. He had never liked Deltans and hated his wife’s short hair, although he never dared tell her. But Miran new. Some guys just liked long hair on a woman.

“Looks like Alpha shift is over everyone…” Sterner said as the Beta shift crew arrived to take over for Alpha shift.

By shear chance Tebrianne and Deiran missed the turbolift as everyone got on board before them.

Deiran stood next to Teb and wondered how to start a conversation with her. ‘She’ll snap my head off if I as much as say hello to her. Iceman go for it! What the heck…’

“Hi Tebrianne, how is everything?” Deiran asked, a bit hesitant and unsure at how Teb would respond.

"Hello, Commander," Tebrianne said, casting a brief glance in Deiran's direction. "Everything is fine. Thank you."

The turbolift arrived and both of them stepped inside. It went a few decks before Deiran spoke up.

“Stop please,” Deiran commanded the Turbolift. He then turned to Tebrianne.

“Teb I want to apologize for what I did at the Christmas party. I didn’t even think before I asked you up on stage. I’m sorry, it was insensitive of me and I sincerely regret embarrassing you. I won’t give you any excuses. I was wrong, my mind was elsewhere that night but that’s no excuse. I should have considered your feelings. Can you forgive me and be my friend again? I really miss you.”

He did miss her. Despite what anyone thought of him, including Tebrianne, Teb was important to him, even as a friend. He just wanted her friendship.

Tebrianne regarded Deiran for a long moment before answering. "What you did that night was bloody rotten, Deiran. And, humiliation is a more accurate description of how I felt up there." Tebrianne looked into Deiran's eyes--it was one of those looks that went straight to the core of a person's being. She watched him for another moment, gauging her words. "I'll forgive you for what you did. But if you ever do that again, I swear I'll feed you that damn guitar..."

Deiran smiled. One of the things he liked about Teb was her spunk. The girl was tough. He could feel her peering inside his soul as she gazed at him. He knew what she was doing. “Thank you Tebrianne. If you feed me the guitar I’ ll deserve it, but trust me I won’t do that again.” Deiran shifted the conversation to Teb’s hair,”The Mohawk is definitely you Teb, very punk, ver-eeeee Tebrianne Bancroft. It'll take some getting used too though,” Deiran smiled at her. He wanted to feel how closely she shaved it but thought better of asking.

Her hand went absently to the side of her shaven head. She gave him a coy smile and said, "You hate it, don't you?"

“Deck 8,” Deiran said and the turbolift started again. He smiled shyly but didn’t say anything in response. He couldn’t hurt her feelings again. His wife chopped her hair off and he hated it. Tebrianne shaved her head…he couldn’t deny that he hated it so he said nothing. Teb always knew when he lied anyway.

“Do you think we can play guitar together soon, when you have some time? I just finished a holo-program where I give a concert in front of 100,000 screaming fans. Sound fun?” Deiran asked.

"A concert in front of a hundred thousand screaming holographic projections is nothing--especially when you've performed in front of a live crowd that big. But, it sounds fun. With the whole Iotian thing, I haven't had a chance to play much lately. I've also got all of the gigs that my band did in holo-programs. I don't think they're quite up your alley though. I don't picture you crooning to a hundred thousand slam dancing punk fans."

“Well, I like late 20th century punk rock. The Grunge thing. Most of that music has been my inspiration. I do have a wild side. As long as I’m playing guitar with you it doesn’t matter really. I would just like the chance to perform with you.”

The turbolift stopped at deck 8 and Deiran said goodbye to Tebrianne. She didn’t get a chance to respond to him before the TL doors shut.

*** Casey’s Quarters ***

Deiran walked in and saw candle’s lit at the dining table and smelled baby back ribs. He didn’t hear Lara yell ‘dada’ when he entered. He knew something was up. Seconds after he entered he was met by his beautiful wife. She glided over to him and gave him a loving kiss. Nothing better than being greeted by the most beautiful woman he had ever known as he walked in the door.

"Hi honey," he greeted when he saw her.

"Dinner's ready. Why don’t you quickly change and come sit? I need to talk to you. Ronni has Lara so we are alone."

That was one of the most favorite things Deiran liked hearing from his wife. ‘We are alone.’ Erotic thoughts ran through his head as he held her in his arms. He went into the bedroom and quickly changed and returned to the living room and walked her over to the dining table.

“Everything looks wonderful. Thank you my darling, this is just a beautiful surprise.”

Deiran was so famished he just started eating. He took the first baby back rib in his hands and began his assault on the meat. He did do it with dignity however, he was just hungry. He remembered the last time she fixed him baby-back ribs. ‘What a great dinner that was.’ He thought as he continued eating the ribs. He finished the ribs and delved into the baby carrots and corn.

“Boy this is good. You’re not eating hon,” Deiran said noticing Miran twirling her fork all over her plate and not eating anything.

"Deiran, I have something I need to tell you." Miran looked down at her food. Deiran became serious and set his fork down giving Miran his complete attention.

"Honey, what is it? Is something wrong? Something happen?" She looked back up at him with a sly grin. Deiran’s insides were turning inside out. Miran didn’t usually act like this with him and that scared him to death. He didn’ t know what was going on.

"You are going to be a father again. I am pregnant." Miran seemed unsure and nervous as she said the words.

Deiran sat there for a second. Shocked to say the least. That explained the baby back ribs and baby carrots, he should have known better. He then jumped out of his chair, swept her up into his arms and shouted with glee.

“Miran!!! Is it true? Could I be anymore blessed? I’m so happy!” Deiran was so excited he didn’t know what to say. He just picked her up off the ground and kissed her all over her face. Then he stopped and kissed her passionately on the lips.

“Thank you Miran, once again you bring joy to my life. Every single day with you is a joyous occasion.”

He carried her over to the couch. Deiran sat down and he kept Miran in his arms. She sat on his lap and they talked for hours about the new baby. Deiran could not have been happier if Miran gave him all the Gold pressed latinum in the universe. A new baby was priceless to him. In Deiran’s mind, Miran showed him how much she loved him by having his baby after all that had happened between them. Deiran’s eyes and face was luminous with joy at the thought of being a father again.

"Brushing Up"
By Ensign Siara Cencillion,
Xenologist, U.S.S. Galaxy

Taking special care to glance down the corridor both ways, she stepped forward and continued on her way. She breathed in deeply and reached up to her cheek to scratch an annoying itch. Her auburn her was tucked neatly into a bun and she walked slowly and calmly. Her thought, on the other hand betrayed her outward composure.

A jumble of half finished sentences cascaded through her mind and she soon found that before she could finish one thought, another rose up to confuse her further, and she walked down the corridor thinking of everything and of nothing simultaneously.

The days activities had come to a close and she realized with great hesitation that the next day might be even more strenuous. She came to a stop, pressed the button for the turbolift and boarded the lift when the doors had opened all without realizing. She wondered, in retrospect, if the process had become so routine that she didn't even have to think about it anymore.

She shrugged the thought off. it was obvious that she was tired and what she really needed was a warm bath and a nice hot cup of raktajino. She smiled slightly as she leaned back against the wall of the turbolift car. Suddenly, it came to a stop and she opened her eyes, as the doors hissed open, admitting the entrance of another officer. It was not her stop.

She glanced at him as he entered. He was extremely tall with a nice tan complexion and full, luscious lips. He nodded at her and stood in the space in front of her with his hands held tightly behind his back. She traced down his back with her eyes until they rested on the two large mounds on his buttocks. She smiled amidst her exhaustion and felt the uncontrollable urge to reach forward and pinch his perfectly tight derriere.

She resisted, of course, to weak to combat the urges she felt growing within. The turbolift stopped once again and she exited, but not before she "accidently" brushed the back of her hand along his supple butt. She smiled back at him as she exited and noticed the smirk on his face. The doors closed just as he winked at her and she smirked at the thought of finding him again on the ship somewhere and actually acting upon all of the naughty thoughts and fantasies his muscular frame had planted in her mind.

She turned to go down the corridor and spotted the door. It seemed so far and no matter how many steps she took it appeared as if the door was getting farther and farther away. She sighed as she finally reached it, and leaned on the wall outside of her quarters for an eternity. Finally, when she felt she had enough strength to step away from the wall, she pressed the controls on the door and it swished open with a hiss.

Siara stepped into the quarters and glanced around for her roommate. She was not present and Siara wondered where the other woman might have been. The thought must have been to superfluous to hang on to because it slipped her mind the moment it went unanswered. She went to the bathroom and slowly began to remove her tunic. She slipped her pants off and dropped the rest of her clothing into a pile on the ground.

She slipped into the sonic showers and closed her eyes and leaned against the wall as she bathed. She smiled, allowing the water to flow into her hair and in her face. It was cool and refreshing. Slowly, she let her hands glide over her bare skin, her tight stomach and supple breasts. She bathed slowly and thoroughly, gaining pleasure form her ministrations, and relaxation from the full body massage she gave herself.

The sonic showers turned off and she stepped out, reaching for her robe. Slowly, she slipped it on and exited the bathroom. She immediately went to the monitor and turned it on. It was time for her to match a name with the face and the butt she had brushed up against.

Ensign Siara Cencillion, Science Officer, U.S.S. Galaxy

Ruina jumped in shock when she saw the other woman in her quarter. Then she laughed to herself about being so edgy. After all, it was only her new roommate.

Ruina walked into the quarters, eyeing her new roommate curiously, more than a little intrigued when she saw the picture of a tan man on her screen.

"Hi," she said, "I'm Ruina. I know this is going to sound... forward, but I can't help but be curious. Is that man... oh, I shouldn't ask..."

She flushed, embarrassed.

What could her new roommate possibly think of her now?

Ensign Tim Richeson
Tactical

"Computer activate message." Tim instructed the computer

a middle aged Lt. appeared on the screen. "Ahh Ensign Richeson?"

"Yeah that's me."

"Yes Ensign we have a 'package' for you we can beam it abroad immediately, if you like."

"That would be great."

"We will transport it to your 2nd transporter room, starbase out."

"Ok Ash. for once maybe you can get here."

Tim walked out of his room and walked over to the turbo lift. A young ensign was in there already, he gave her a littl nod. and told the computer where he wanted to go. The other ensign stoped first getting off with a slight bump. No biggy he thought.

Tim walked into the Transporter room and saw a small cage on the pad. He smiled and picked up the cage.

"Sup Ashes?" Ashes was Tims white and grey cat.

"Hippety Hoppity in Holodecks"
by Lt Cmdr K'Eytyanna Samara
idea authorized by Lt Cmdr Sunder
------------------------------------------------

Crawling down the Jefferies Tube, K'Eytyanna reached the access panel she planned to work from and opened up her Engineering kit.

Connecting her tricorder, she brought up the holographic program list and searched for the Security programs, flagging them as she went on.

Activating her tricorder's voice system, she ordered,

"Computer, insert program K'Eytyanna-Sec-189 into holodeck and activate."

Using her tricorder, she sent the list to the program and waited for it to do all the modifications. A few minutes later, it returned with a list of 'bug-fixes' that would restore the programs to original status.

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

Ensign Heidi Mason from Security walked upto Holodeck 3 and ordered it to run one of the hand-to-hand combat training programs.

[Working.. Program now running.]

Entering, she stopped suddenly when she saw a group of 3 rabbits hop around the corner. Each of them was dressed like a Jem'Hdar warrior would be, had they been rabbits.

"Computer, freeze program and explain why there are rabbits here."

[Working.. no rabbits are currently running in this program.]

Mason groaned and procceed to try some other programs, hoping it wasn't permanent.

Tapping her combadge, she spoke,

"Ensign Mason to Lt Cmdr Sunder. Sir, for some unknown reason, the opponents in lots of the Security programs have become harmless Terran rabbits."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Chirp Chirp"
by Lt Cmdr K'Eytyanna Samara
-------------------------------------------

K'Eytyanna stormed into her quarters and gave the bulkhead a hard kick as she growled angrily,

"Damn $*%(^^ Deiran Casey. Spoil sport. That prank in the ready room was a good one."

After a brief temper tantrum resulting in the destruction of eight vases and a poly-duranium table top, K'Eytyanna had calmed down enough to think.

"Now how I can do a new prank that only Cpt Price will find? Communications!!"

Moving over to her computer terminal, K'Eytyanna started to hack into the communications subsystem.

After half an hour, she had adjusted the system to call Captain Price's combadge with a fake call at random intervals while he was off-duty.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject : What are you doing here ?
by Ensign Mike Marc
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Mike was in bar when he hert that his transport will fly in 5 minutes. Mike stood and went to the transport. Near entrance security officer checked him and Mike entered to the transport.

" Sorry , may I ask you ? " - asked Mike pretty woman that stood near window.

" Sure , why not ? " - replied woman.

"How long we will fly to DS9 "

" I think near 4 hours " - answered woman with a smile.

"Oh I think I finally get some rest " - sad Mike with a big smile on his face. - "And thanks ."

" No problem. " - sad woman and went to the end of the ship.

" Oh I don't heart what is you name , can you repair it " - sad Mike

" Sonya and you funny man ? " - replied Sonya

" Mike , maybe you want to set next to me ? "

"Why , not I like you " - replied Sonya and came to Mike. Mike and Sonya went to their place and talked all the way to DS9

Four hours late.

" Sonya, look in to window " - sad Mike and pointed his hand to the window.

" Cool , you know It will be my first time aboard DS9 " - sad Sonya and looked in to window.

Transport came to dock and stopped. Mike and Sonya came out from the ship."So see you later Mike . " - sad Sonya "How I will found you " - answered Mike " You can found me in sickbay , I will work their " - answered Sonya and went to the TL. Mike took his bag and went to TL. "Computer , Where is quater of the Miss Marc ". " Deck 5 , quater number 435 ." - answered computer. Mike came to TL and Lift moved to deck 5 . When Lift stooped Mike came out from it and went to mother quarter.

Mike pressed button on communicate pad near door and hear women voice from the pad . " Who is their ? " " Mam it is tactical officer. " - sad Mike with a smile on his face. "Come in "- sad woman and doors opened. Mike steeped in to and sow his mother. "What are you doing here ? "- sad Ekaterina and Mike sow amazement on her face. Mike come to mother and gave her a big hug. "Mom I missed you very much " sad Mike and hert voice from the room " Mom who is that ? ". "Come here Olechka I have a big surprise for you." - sad Ekaterina.

Small girl came out from the room and when sow Mike she immediately jumped on Mike. " Mike I so glad that you came . " - screamed Olya . " I'm glad too " sad Mike and kissed Olya. "But maybe you let me sit I'm so tired . " - sad Mike and put his bag. " Mom , I will go to take shower and after we will talk , ok .". "Sure , my dear . "

10 minutes later

Mike enter to main room and sat to the table and begin talked with his family

"Don't look back"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Holodeck Three ***

The thunderous roar of galloping hooves drummed on an open polo field filled the spring day air. Captain Price was riding a black and white horse and leading the pack driving for a goal in the final seconds of the game. Glancing quickly over his shoulder, Lee could see he had a good four to five horse lead over the closest competitor. All he needed to do was continue driving and make the shot. Child's play for someone who had been playing polo since he was a boy. Finally Lee was going to beat Captain Rixx' home team holo-program.

Turning his eyes front, the Captain was shocked to see an defender suddenly there in front of him. Jerking on the reins to avoid a collision, Lee's horse turned too sharply and lost it's footing, crashing to the ground and sending Captain Price tumbling through the grass and dirt until he stopped flat on his back and watched the other horses swerve to avoid trampling him. Spitting out the bits of loose grass and dirt from between his teeth, Lee glanced at the goal he had been advancing on just in time to see a defending player knock the polo ball clear with his mallet just as the ending game buzzer sounded. Victory had escaped the Captain once again. The best he could manage on Rixx' program was a one to one tie.

Lee managed to rise to his feet and walk around the field. The holodeck riders were tending to their horses, each side a bit upset at not winning, but glad for the tie.

Lee's comm badge sounded. Reaching across his chest he tapped it. "Price here. Go ahead 'mate."

The Captain's hail was met with a scratchy few seconds of garbled static and then nothing, causing Lee's brow to furrow. "What the devil?" he said removing his badge to examine it, "I wonder if I damaged it in the fall?"

Tapping the badge Lee activated it. "Price to bridge. Do you read me?"

A moment later, Doctor Gakor responded. ["Gakor here Captain. What can I do for you sir?"]

With a surprised look on his face the Captain responded, "Nothing Doctor. Just a small communications glitch with my comm badge. It must he the holodeck. No worries." Lee explained closing the channel and then forming a fist around the shiny gold and silver communications device.

*How did that defender just appear out of no where?* Lee thought glancing around. *One moment I looked back and had a several horse lead, and then suddenly a defender conveniently appears before me when I turn back around...* Lee tapped a finger onto his chin a couple of times, then in a decisive tone called out, "Computer, arch."

Magically the programming archway appeared a few paces away from mid field. Lee stepped up to it and activated the monitor. "Computer, play back recorded trace of the last game. Start from the end and play backwards, high speed."

The computer acknowledged the Captain's request with a chirping sound and the monitor immediately started showing the players walking their horses backwards onto the field, replacing their saddles, galloping them backwards through their 'cool down' trots after the game until finally Lee got to see from a different perspective the nasty spill he had just taken. It was no wonder why his muscles ached. Finally he reached the point where he stole the polo ball away and began his charge across midfield with a six horse lead over the rest of the pack. It was a classic break away.

"Computer, switch observation point to directly behind the home team's goal viewing the entire field." Lee requested. The play back of the recorded game shifted accordingly. Now Lee was watching an image of himself charging directly towards the goal.

"Computer, switch to slow motion, one quarter speed."

The computer chirped and again the play back altered. Now the Captain's spotted horse was charging in slow motion as Lee slowly swung his polo mallet over had preparing to hammer down on the ball.

"Computer freeze playback." Lee ordered. When the computer complied he added, "Switch observation point to over head. Pull back until the full field is visible with all players."

The monitor switched to a high over head position.

"Computer, superimpose sequential numbers over each player to track their movements and positions."

Two sets of colored numbers appeared overlaying each image on the monitor. One set was green for the home team, the other blue for the visiting team.

"Computer, begin playback, forward from this point, one eighth speed."

Slowly the monitor began the play back as Lee watched himself turn to glance over his shoulder. Looking at the playing field he could see that there were no defending horses in front of his path. The Captain watched and as the image of himself turned his neck, one of the defending players magically teleported from a position well behind him to just in front of him. Evidently it was programmed to only "cheat" like this when a player turned their head to look behind them, effectively hiding the deception from the unsuspecting sap.

"Crickey! That bloody Bolian!" Lee fumed. "His program cheats!" Lee was at first outraged, thinking of the many hours and more than a few bruises he'd received trying to beat the "Home Team" program. But then he smiled and shook his head. This was just like Rixx. He was always finding a way to cheat the system. Lee should have known something was up with the program when he was given the chip over a year ago. *Next time I see Rixx, I'll have to give him a piece of my mind over this.* Lee thought.

"Computer end program."

The holo-deck returned to black and yellow. Smiling a satisfied grin at having figured out Captain Rixx' trickery, Lee turned to exit the grid and proceeded to the nearest turbolift.

When he stepped inside, his comm badge went off again, spewing more of the garbled static it transmitted before. Lee pulled the badge out of his pocket and tapped it a few times, trying to clear up the transmission. Within a few moments it had stopped. "Computer, please identify source of recent transmission to my comm badge."

["Last transmission to comm badge Robert Edward Lee Price, Captain was initiated at 18:34 hours by Captain Price contacting Lieutenant Gakor on the Bridge."] the computer responded in a dispassionate feminine voice.

"Hummm. It must be damaged then." Lee nodded. Pausing a moment, Lee called "Maintenance." And the turbolift began to move.

Just a second later, the Captain's comm badge chirped again.

["Captain, it's Lieutenant Commander Casey."]

Tapping the annoying gold communicator as it laid in his hand Lee responded, "Go ahead 'mate."

["Sir, I think there is something you should see if you have a minute."] Deiran explained in a concerned tone. The Captain could hear a baby crying in the background, indicating Casey was most probably hailing from his personal quarters.

With his curiosity peaked, Lee raised an eyebrow. "Where are you located Commander?"

["I'm in my quarters sir. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I could meet you in your ready room if you'd prefer."] Deiran explained in a staccato bouncing voice that indicated, even over the comm channel, that he was busy rocking little Lara in his arms.

"That's okay 'mate. I'm on my way up. See you in a few minutes. Price out." Lee replied, and then ordered, "Halt. New destination, deck seven."

The turbolift responded and started towards the Residential Apartments where the Casey's quarters where located.

A Belated X-Mas Present
By: Lt. jg Anthony Mendenhall &
Lt. T'Zaq

Anthony looked over the small cube like device he was tinkering with. It used to be one of his old prankster devices, but he was turning it into something different. He took out the complex devices that allowed it to move, and upgraded the imaging and auditory matrixes. He also had made a case that made it look more attractive.

After eyeing his new creation, he got the replicated wrapping paper off the desk and neatly wrapped up the semi translucent cube in the nice red wrapping. He carefully used a bonding strip and tied the best bow he could.

"Well Digit, how does it look?" He waited for the cat's response. The newly four legged cat made an almost chuckling noise and went back to sleep on the bed.

"Alright, the bow isn't perfect. I hope she likes it." After making sure his hair was alirght he went off to Lt. T'Zaq's quarters.

He was giving her a gift to thank her for helping him out on the idea to disarm the platforms. It never went through, but she had stilll put the effort into helping him, and in his datapad, that ment a lot.

He also thought he might kinda have a crush on her. He wasn't sure if he did though, because he never in his "pathetic life" (quote his sister) had a crush on any female. The whole concept of romance and things of that nature eluded his understnading.

He hobbled over to the door to T'Zaq's quarters and pressed the doorbell. He thought in his mind what to say. *Hello Lt. Hello Lt. T'Zaq. Hello T'Zaq. Hello. Merry Belated Christmas.*

The door flooshed open. "Hello," said Anthony, "Merry Christmas." He held up the small present

T'Zaq arched an eyebrow as she accepted the gift, her expression registering surprise and a little confusion. "Wasn't Christmas over several weeks ago?"

"Oh, yea, well I kinda slept all through Christmas in Sickbay. My leg and all. Congradulations on the promotion."

"Thank you," answered T'Zaq. The two awkwardly stared at each other for a few seconds.

"Well, aren't you going to open it?" asked Mendenhall?

"Oh, yes." T'Zaq carefully tore off the wrapping paper and looked at her new gift.

"It's a little holoprojector. You can download scenes, people, or objects from a holodeck program in that slot there. After you select it, the cube projects it." Anthony pointed to one side. "All you have to do is press the left side over there."

T'Zaq pressed it and a small image of Santa on a sleigh appeared. Waves of snow flowed pass in a repeating pattern as the lead animal's nose glowed red.

"Thank you 'Lieutenant." T'Zaq pressed the side again so that the image disappeared. She was still a little puzzled by the tradition of gifts at Christmas time, but she appreciated the time and work that he had obviously put into the little device. And it was such a clever bit of engineering too. Besides being a modular decoration, it could easily function as a copy of herself, or any sort of interesting trickery! This definitely had possibilities.

"Your welcome." *Alright, here we go, c'mon, you can do it.* The words stumbled out of his mouth.

"And I was thinking, maybe if you um, wanted, we could catch a holonovel or something?" He shruged waiting for a reply. He hoped his cheeks weren't blushing as hot as they felt.

Without hesitation, she replied "Lieutenant', I would be honored."

"How about 0900 tommorow?"

"That would be excellent." T'Zaq paused for a moment, not sure what to say next... "So, until then?"

"Yes, until then." He smiled widely. "And call me Anthony."

"Thank you again for the gift, Anthony. I will enjoy it very much."

"You're welcome again." He smiled at her once more and hobbled out to the corridor as fast as his leg would allow.

"Homecomings" By:
Cadet- IV Viara Rhys

Featuring:
Lt.Commander Christopher Thomas
Ensign Mark Mulich
Nurse Hali Munroe

The Runabout Mai Ting slowly landed in the Main Shuttle Bay of the U.S.S. Galaxy; the four crew members were definitely happy to be home.

"That was one of the most boring trips I've ever had." Said Viara as she looked at the handsome Lt.Commander Thomas.

"Yeah, but at least the funeral services were nice." Said Chris as the Runabout touched down.

"I suppose, but I can think of some other things that were even nicer." Said Viara as she smiled and lead Christopher off the Runabout. The couple was then followed by Hali and Mark; both of whom seemed rather irritated by the Cadet and Lieutenant's behavior.

"Those two are so disgusting." Said Hali in a flat tone as she watched them walk out of the shuttlebay.

"Tell me about it, but at least they don't have to listen to your mouth." Said Mark.

"At least I can put my words together to make sentences, you Neanderthal." Said Hali as she walked out of the Shuttlebay.

*******Lt.Commander Thomas' Quarters*******

We see Viara and Chris locked in a steamy embrace as they kiss deeply. Viara then pulls back and speaks.

"I've got to report into Commander Erikson." Said Viara as she wrapped her arms around Chris' neck.

"Well you know, I could order you to stay." Said Chris with a wide, devilish grin.

"I'm sure you could, but Mr. Erickson is my C.O. But don't fret, we can always re-enact Dropia Beach tonight." Said Viara as she picked up her back pack.

"Dropia Beach!!! Really? Hmmmmmm, well then you better be meeting me in Ten Forward at 1900. I don't know how long I can last." Said Chris as he pulled Viara close.

"I think I can arrange that." Said Viara as she and Chris again kissed.

"Yum! I can't wait." Said Chris as Viara turned and walked out the door.

*******Science Lab One*******

Viara walks in and approaches Lt.Commander Erickson. "Reporting in, sir." Said Viara to her superior.

"Nice to see you back Cadet. If you don't mind I could use you on the Secondary Science Station." Said the Commander as he motioned to the Auxillary Science Station.

"My pleasure." Said Viara as she sat at the station, almost beaming from her previous week's experiences.

Lt.Commander Thomas then walks onto the Bridge. Both Viara and Chris look at each other; sizing one another up and down. Chris then proceeds to the OPs Station, releaving Ensign Loris.

"Something you'd like to share?" Whispered Commander Erickson into Viara's ear; obviously seeing their exchange.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Said Viara with a wide smirk as she went back to her scans and database analysis.

"Hmmm?" Responded the Command with a raised eye brow.

*******Ten Forward * 5 Hours Later*******

Viara walks into the lounge in one of her long, silky, rather tight gowns. Her spots were visible all the way up her leg to where her gown's slit ended. Viara approached Chris.

"So, do you feel like connecting the dots?" Said Viara quietly into Chris' ear, as she smiled widely.

"My word...I love re-enacting Dropia Beach!!!" Responded the Commander.

" It's all about the balls"
By Ensign Slan Adrian Quince

Slan made his way back to his quarters after his work out. Toweling his hair in entire way. And gaining the looks of crew members as he walked by, dripping wet from head to toe. Quince rounded the corner making his way into his quarters. As he walked in he called for the lights and they winked on in an instant.

Throwing his towel toward his bed, he made his way to the back of his quarters to get a dry duty uniform. Once on he made his way back out to the main part of his quarters.* Surprising...I don't have a roommate...strike that..yet* he thought to himself as went over to retrieve his comm badge that was hidden inside his, London Fog trench coat, one that had been with him almost as long as his Katana. Which he now replaced it on his work station.

" Computer, release do not disturb lockout on my comm badge, authorization Quice-beta-tango-seven." he tapped at his comm badge once.

[ Lockout overridden] the computer droned back.

" Computer, messages.." Slan asked as he made his way to the replicator. As far as he was concerned it was time for some more grub, before heading to environmental control to re-adjust a misaligned cooling junction.

[ Two messages..one priority]

*Well, wonder what that's all about*. " Computer play priority message, authorization Quince-theta-bravo". As he listened to the incoming message he grabbed up another bowl of tomato soup, and a glass of Altar water.

[ Slan, I hope this gets to you before you ship out. I have a lead on that 'thing' you wanted me to find....both of them, pricey but high quality none the less ]

This grabbed Slan's attention * both of them..?* he questioned in his mind. He started to eat his soup as the message continued.

[ price is a little steep, but as far a frengi go he's not too bright. But then again I'm not sure what your fixation with all this is but at least you can put an end to this search]. Slan just sat their, it wasn't a 'fixation' it was something he had been working on that had nearly consumed most of his off duty ours as well as spanned a life time or two.

But to him it was more like a hobby, yeah he spent allot of time at it...but it was fun. Something to keep him occupied. It was a collection that only needed a few more thing's to make it complete. And it was all near completion even the program that he made for it was ready to go. He could easily replicate those items that he needed but that wasn't the point, he wanted the originals.

He now came to realize that he missed most of the message,*Damn*. " Computer replay message, time index 23104.02 and play till end." The computer beep in reply as the part his missed replayed [ meet me at the bar on '375 I'll be their for fifteen minutes. ] Quince looked at the chronometer on his work console, * Damn he'll only be their for a few more minutes*. With that Slan dropped his spoon into the half devoured bowl of soup, and made his way out of his quarters...forgetting to fasten on his comm badge.

As he bolted out of his quarters nearly knocking over a young yeoman in the process. As he rounded the corner to the gangway located on his deck he started to run in a dead sprint. In his estimation he would arrive as the man would be leaving. If this guy really did have a bead on this stuff, he needed to get all the information now...before they left.

*** Star base***

Slan had been told twice to slow down, by senior officers as he made his way to the bar in which his man was supposed to be. He tapped as his comm badge to check the time. That's when he noticed that it wasn't their. * Hopefully this won't take very long.*

Quince made his way into the bar, scanning for the man who hopefully had his merchindise. After his second look around the bar, a man who wasn't sitting at the bar was now there. He couldn't miss his Bolian 'partner'. He walked up to the bar and sat next to the man and ordered a drink. " I'll have a scotch on the rocks " then he turned to the Bolian " and you sir?". The Bolian shook his head and refused. He just stared at the Ensign.

" Took your sweet time...eh..Quince " the bolian snarled at the young Ensign, though they had known each other for 'several' years. " Well I've managed to track down one of the items on your list "

Quince took his drink that was now in front of him and took a large swallow, letting the scotch warm his insides on the way down. " Well how can we get our hand's on it? I don't have allot of time...I need to get back to my ship as soon as F'n possible, hopefully Commander Casey doesn't notice I'm gone." ( That's all I need. Listed AWOL before we ship out).

The Bolian scanned the room " See the Nausiccan in the corner?".

" Sure do whats he got to do with anything?" Slan asked as he looked carefully over his shoulder. so's not to draw attention to himself. Quince went back to sipping his drink, finishing it he ordered another.

" Well the big guy is the Ferengi's 'partner' so to speak. We have to go through him to get to the big eared fellow." They both turned in their stool and stood as if it was something they had practiced it over and over. " This time " Quince added as he tugged on the bottom of his uniform jacket as they made their way to the corner of the bar " Let me do the talking."

The bolian just shook his head " Whatever, every time I let you talk . We end up getting in a fight. Let me do the talking this time." Quince shook his head at the bolians comments, then shot him the look of " who me" and continued towards the corner of the bar.

As they closed in on the corner of the bar the Nausiccan came out to meet them. The smell form the dirty beast was starting to make Quince's eye's water. Hopefully they could get this deal over with, and soon. " Excuse me, their but we need to talk to you boss ". The big creature looked them both over, shook his head no and walked back to were he was standing. This aggravated Slan almost to a boiling point ( Don't walk away from me, you sorry excuse for a throw rug).

Quince reached out to grab onto the shoulder of the 'throw rug'. In turn the Nausiccan turned with such force, Slan swore his arm was going to be detached from his shoulder. The bolian took a step back and drew a dagger. When the door mat saw the knife he quickly turned his attention towards the blue guy with the knife. Seizing the bolian by the neck, he dropped his knife.

During all of this commotion a rather small Ferengi made his way out to see what all the excitement was. " What is all this commotion Tark?" asked the slimy little merchant. The Nausicann stopped and released the bolian causing him to drop to the floor. He tried to pick himself up from the floor rubbing his neck as he did so. " Nice, you fat piece of slime". The over grown hair ball snarled in his general direction. Rubbing his shoulder, Quince stepped forward to talk to the Ferengi trader.

" So you must be Daemon Telkar " Quince asked tugging once again at the bottom of his uniform jacket ( Hate this damn things, they ride up to easy). Telkar didn't more from were he was standing, another Nausicann made his way out of the door that was directly behind Telkar.

" What do you want ?" asked the little frengi. Quince made his way closer to the little slim ball. " What I want, is something you have..." Quince said leaning over and getting right in the face of Telkar.

" I have many things that many want .." Telkar turned and motioned for them to follow him into the room that he had come out of.

The boilan, Quince and the two smelly rugs made their way into the room. Once inside Slan took a mental inventory of everyone in the room. ( Too many to just try to make off with it, be cool Slan. Get this thing and go). Slan stood their for a moment, noticing that all eye's in the room were locked on him.

" What...?" he asked trying not to sound to nervous at the fact that everyone was staring at him. It was his bolian friend that spoke first " Have you looked in the mirror lately their, Slan." It was at this point that Quince was becoming quite nervous.

" No...why.." Slan made his way over to a mirror that was in the corner of the room. As he gazed in he now knew why people were starring at him....his spots were glowing. " What the hell is that..." he said more to himself that the people that occupied the room. He ran his hand's over his spot's ( This can't be happening, why are my spots glowing?). Right now he had bigger fish to fry.

He turned his attention to the frengi " Alright, I'm sure by now that you know that I and my partner here collect rare 'thing's'. And I happen to know that you have an item that I have been looking for..and quite some time at that.." he paused letting it sink into the ferngi that he was still here on business and not a social call.

Telkar looked at the trill with an eye of suspect " Are you sure your not with the federation trade commission?" he asked. A ferngi had to cover his ass too.

" No I'm not. But you do have what I need. It's a ball of sorts, covered in leather. I think you know the one." Slan tried to be as intimidating as possible. It was a little hard though with the smelly carpets breathing on your neck. Telkar made his way back to a case that sat on the table, were undoubtedly he was sitting at one point.

Opening the case, Telkar pulled out a clear square case. It's base was lighted to show off the contents of the clear cube. It was so close that Slan could taste it. Now he had to haggle about latinum, something he hated doing, Had this been a few years ago he would have killed Telkar to get what he wanted. But now he was a starfleet officer, he really didn't need a homicide on his service record, though no one would shed a tear over this ferngi.

Telkar brought it over so Quince could get a better look. ( That's it!) Slan thought to himself. " Good you have it...now what's the price?" he asked trying to step closer, all the while keeping a close eye on the Nausicanns, it was time like these he wished he'd worn his trench coat.

The ferengi trader made his way back to the table and sat down motioning for Slan and his partner to take a seat.

Quince was starting to get impatient, he had been gone for a while now. Hopefully no one had noticed that he wasn't on board. " Let me see the ball " Quince asked as he reached out his hand. Telkar handed the small clear cube to Quince. He took it in his hands and inspected it carefully then looked up at the ferengi.

" How in the hell did you get this...its terran to begin with, from the late 20th century?" he asked. The ferengi twitched in his seat " I have my ways..trill" he finished that sentence in a overly sarcastic tone. Slan tried not to admire it to much, if Telkar caught on that he reallt wanted it he'd surely jack the price. " So what are we looking at price wise?"

It must have taken Telkar two whole minutes to respond to Quince's last question. He even shifted in his seat a few times " Five bars...no strip's...bars of gold pressed latinum..and that's final." Hopefully he did see Slan wince. He had the latinum to back it but that's all he had. And he still had two more items that he needed.

" That's pretty steep.." Slan paused " how bout three bars and my friend here, gives up his ceremonial dagger." that's when he got kicked under the table by his partner. Quince resisted the temptation to lay his partner out on the table. He shot him a "trust me" look. The ferengi regarded the two for a moment " Let's see this dagger..." Telkar asked.The bolian didn't move. Slan jabbed him in the ribs. The bolian nearly jumped out of his seat, then reached in and pulled out his dagger.

He leaned over to wisper in Quince's ear " My wife gave me that, I lose it and she'll kill me you fool." Slan did all he could not to start grinning from ear to ear. The ferengi looked over the dagger for quite some time.

" Ok deal..." Telkar finally spoke up. Slan looked over at his partner who was now fuming. Once again he jabbed him in the ribs to produce the latinum.

**** Slan's quarters*****

Slan sat at his desk admiring his recent acquisition. He set the ball on a stand opposite his katana display. Underneath the ball it read, " Mark McGuire record setting 75th home run ball".

He sat back at his desk and put his hands behind his head. He leaned back and stared at the ball. ( one down, two to go)

Galaxy: Ensign Cencillion, Ensign Keigan

Siara glanced at the woman as she hovered over her shoulder and thought amoment about what she was going to say. She reached forward and glanced at the monitor again.

"Ensign Keigan," she said with a smile, "you are a Betazoid, are you not? You must know the value of privacy we non-telepaths harbor. But," she added, "this may be one of those rare occasions where the act may be overlooked. Take a look at this man," she said as she moved out of the way slightly.

"I... encountered him on a turbolift. We exchanged a few glances and a much welcomed touch. Do you think it would be... moronic of me to follow up on such a superficial encounter... from a counselor's prospective, of course."

Ruina scrutinized the picture for a moment.

"Well, as long as the responses are reciprocated..." she said.

She smiled slightly.

"I don't see any reason why not... handsom fellow..."

Her thoughts turned to Tim.

She blushed, and cleared her throat.

"Well, best of luck," she said, turning toward the Replicator to get some cider.

Siara's eyes kept returning to the man's exquisite visage and she stared at him for another moment. "I think I'm going to bed," she said after a moment. "The tan-skinned man can wait." She stood up slowly and tappedthe monitor off. "Maybe I'll look for him tomorrow... he did have a really nice butt, though."

Ruina blew on her cider as whisps of steam floated into the air.

"Go for it," she said, retiring into a chair.

She pulled out a PADD and began reviewing her notes on her meeting that morning with Astrid Salt.

"Brilliant Algorithms and a choice assignment"
by Commander Deiran Casey & Captain Robert E. Lee Price
USS GALAXY

Deiran watched as Miran left to go spend some time with Ronni. Deiran was baby-sitter for the evening. If he couldn't spend time with Miran, his little princess was the next best thing.

"Okay Lara, come with daddy while he purges the security logs and then we'll play, ok princess?" Deiran said as he picked up Lara like she weighed 3 ounces.

Sitting down at his desk he accessed all security logs and protocols that he had programmed into the main computer core. Any override of sec protocols, and discrepancies, accessing the holodeck security measures...if it dealt with the safety of the crew or the safety of the ship and Starfleet regs Casey's program caught it and he knew about it. The ship was well policed by Casey alpha alpha one.

Casey had to purge the file that logged the illegalities of the crew every month or so. The Captain was quite specific in what he wanted Deiran to program into the ship's security matrix.

Deiran looked over the file and saw discrepancies.

"Why would Ronni override her own security protocol? Joerg would never service his own replicator. What the...? Where did this worm come from?" Casey realized that someone was tampering with people's sec codes, computer security calls and even infiltrated the main computer matrix with worms. Deiran never missed a thing.

'Like this would fool me,' Casey laughed. As he sat and read through the file quickly, Lara was getting restless. She squirmed and wined, moaned.

"Okay princess, I'll put you down but be careful don't break your Mom's new vase this time ok?" Deiran set Lara down on the floor gently. The little girl grew bright eyed and started making her way to her toys.

"Computer trace this worm, break it down so that you can identify the programmer's signature." Deiran knew that many programmer's had a certain way of programming, and sometimes even put their initials or something in the programming.

[Negative, no noticeable signatures in specified program.]

"Computer trace the worm's origin then please. Where was it first introduced into the ship's matrix?" Casey asked.

[Define search parameters...]

"Search all easily accessible systems, including PADD's, desk consoles anything to give the first appearance of this worm." [Searching...]

Deiran waited while the computer made it's search.

[This program came from a console in engineering. Author is unknown.] The computer replied a few minutes later.

"From which console did it derive? Command Security code Casey delta, gamma, two five eight," Casey asked. The author programmed the computer to not give the name of the owner, hoping whoever looked for the worm would think the author was just unknown and even if they wanted further information they would need command level security access codes. Unfortunately for the author Casey had that kind of authority.

[Lieutenant Commander K'Eytyanna Samara.]

"So she erased the fact she wrote it but didn't think anyone would trace it back to where it first appeared in the ship's computer core. Ah Kay, you didn't exactly dot all your I's this time, or cross your t's. Such a shame that the crew thinks they can do this and get away with it." Casey shook his head, wondering when the crew would realize that the ship's Operational security was priority one and that they may be good at hiding their illegal actions, but not good enough.

Deiran wasn't a rat fink. He had played tricks himself, but he never hid and he never erased official records in a Starfleet database. Unfortunately Kay Samara did and he had an obligation to his Captain and his specific orders to notify Lee if anyone broke sec protocols or turned off the holodeck safety protocols or purposely deleted any Starfleet computer records for any reason. Captain Price was specific when he asked Deiran to first write the program over a year ago. The program was separate from the main database so even if you erased your tracks on the core, it still showed up in Casey alpha alpha one.

Deiran quickly established a comm link to the Captain, "Captain, Commander Casey here sir."

["Go ahead 'mate."]

"Sir, I think there is something you should see if you have a minute." Deiran explained in a concerned tone. Just as he spoke those words he heard a shriek come from Lara as she tripped and fell. Deiran rushed over to his daughter and picked her up. Giving her a kiss, and rubbing the little scrape on the girl's knee. She would be okay.

["Where are you located Commander?"]

"I'm in my quarters sir. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I could meet you in your ready room if you'd prefer?" Deiran explained in a staccato bouncing voice that indicated, even over the comm channel, that he was busy rocking little Lara in his arms.

["That's okay 'mate. I'm on my way up. See you in a few minutes. Price out."]

*** Casey quarters, deck 8 ***

Deiran heard the door chime and knew who it was.

"Come in Captain," Deiran called out.

The doors opened and in walked Lee Price. He was adorned in his polo uniform. Lee was carrying his polo helmet and riding crop neatly tucked under his arm. It was a uniform he had seen the Captain wear countless times during his leisure time on the holodeck.

"Please make yourself at home sir. I'm sorry to have bothered you."

Lara still had tears in her eyes from her fall.

"No worries Commander." Lee smiled. "What is the little Jane-a-roo crying about 'mate?"

"She was running and tripped, it gave her a bit of a rug burn," Deiran showed the Captain as Lara was still in his arms and he could take Lara's leg in his hand and hold it out to the man to show the small scrape on the girl's knee.

Lee looked at the small scrape and made a pouting face for Lara. "Did you fall down?" Taking his hand, the Captain held out his thumb and pinky and wiggled it from side to side in a spiraling circle until he touched Lara's tummy and began to gently tickle her and hummed in a silly tone. "There you go lil'mate. All better." the Captain smiled.

Lara was no longer thinking of her scrape and was now smiling and hiding her face in her daddy's shoulder; turning away from the silly man.

Deiran smiled too. He never really knew how good the Captain could be around small children. Knowing that the Captain's time was important, Deiran shifted the conversation away from his daughter. "I believe Kay Samara has been playing pranks and deleting Starfleet computer records sir. She also introduced a worm into the system. It's quite complicated, but I think it was done as part of a prank. You told me last year to make sure ship security and operational protocols were beefed up, especially on the holodeck safeties. I have been keeping an eye on things. But this is the first time a discrepancy like this has been discovered. If it wasn't for Casey alpha alpha one, no other security algorithm in the matrix would have found this sir." Deiran explained while walking over to his desk and showing the Captain his computer monitor while he continued to gently bounce Lara upon his hip.

"She hid her tracks pretty well actually, just forgot about the Casey factor." Deiran smiled, "I think sometimes people forget I'm the Chief Ops officer on this ship."

"What exactly am I looking at 'mate?" the Captain asked glancing at the screen.

"Casey alpha alpha one is a program I wrote to monitor all security override requests made of the computer. Each time anyone accesses the computer and requests an override, my program logs the information. Time, access terminal id, user identification, voice print verification if audio requested, process identification for the request, etcetera, etcetera. That's all the program does really is log the request and saves the encrypted entry in the custom database I designed. If the override request is to disengage the holodeck safeties, the program sends out a notification to myself, you and Commander Sterner." Deiran explained.

"Yes, I remember asking you to write that program to combat all of the holodeck related injuries several members of the crew were constantly getting." Lee nodded.

"Kay included." Deiran nodded, "So other than that, my program simply logs the request. Since it logs the request before access is granted to the user, or any programs can be run by them, into my separate database, we are assured of having a complete listing of entries here. About once a month I need to go in and purge the logfiles or they grow too large to manage. When I do that I scan through them to see if I notice anything unusual. This time I did."

Captain Price watched as Deiran turned sideways to bend down and reach past the Captain and hit the keypad. Even holding his daughter and bending his knees in a partial squat to reach the terminal, Casey was still taller than Captain Price. Tapping the keypad, several line entries were shaded in yellow highlight to point them out.

Lee examined the entries Deiran had selected. "A repair order for Lieutenant Commander Morris' replicator?, a sensor scan of the Captain's ready room?, an invasive diagnostic routine targeted at the replicator systems to produce nothing but boots?, an inquiry about Tryvasium tri-nitro phosphate?, another intrusive program aimed at the replicators to produce Tryvasium tri-nitro phosphate for food requested by Trill?, a zero gravity request in Lieutenant Commander MacKenzie's quarters?, a holographic program of a 'cloud' to follow Lieutenant Hewson?, another invasive program aimed at the holodeck to produce rabbits?...." The Captain stopped reading the list of entries all initiated with Lieutenant Commander K'Eytyanna Samara's authorization id, voice print or retna codes. "This is quite an impressive list of pranks 'mate. But what made you flag these?"

"Well sir, whenever I come across stuff like this, I cross reference it with the main computer to verify it's logged there before I delete this database file to free space." Deiran paused and looked Captain Price right in the eye, "Only for these entries, there is no matching records in the Galaxy's databanks sir."

Lee's expression soured at hearing this. "No entries for these? You mean K'Eyt deleted official computer access-log entries from the Starfleet databanks?" the Captain paused, "That's a court marshal offense 'mate."

Deiran nodded. "I'm aware of that Captain. That's why I contacted you." Pausing just long enough to check on Lara who was now finally falling to sleep in his arms, Deiran looked at the Captain and continued, "Sir, most all of these entries appear to be simple practical jokes on the crew. I recognize a good portion of them myself. I don't think Kay meant anything more than to get a good laugh. With the Dominion war going on, I don't think that is a bad thing."

Lee listened to the Commander and nodded. "I agree 'mate. But tampering with the official ship's access-logs is a very serious offense. Starfleet doesn't look lightly upon breaches of security protocol and hacking of this type. What we have here is more than enough to have K'Eytyanna court marshaled, stripped of her rank and discharged from her service in Starfleet. Unless they decide it was an act of treason, in which case her punishment would be much worse."

Casey's expression tightened in a remorseful sort of way. He felt bad for Kay whom he liked as a colleague and friend. Were it up to Deiran he'd be happy to overlook the bad use of judgment and handle the problem internally without involving Starfleet Command or holding a court marshal that would surely cost Lieutenant Commander K'Eytyanna Samara her career in Starfleet. But that wasn't Deiran's call. It was up to the Captain to decide.

Just then, the Captain's comm badge hailed. Lee tapped it only to receive more screechy static and then silence. "Damned communicator." Lee swore while tapping it a few times with his finger, "I think I damaged it on the holo-deck."

With a knowing shake of his head, Deiran tapped the keypad of his computer terminal and scrolled down a few more entries. Lee read the line out loud. "an invasive program aimed at the communication systems to hail Captain Price at random intervals while on Beta or Gamma shifts..."

Captain Price straightened and looked at Deiran.

Deiran thought *That did it Kay, you've just pissed off the Captain and ended your career!* Only the Captain began to laugh. It really helped to relieve some of the tension that had just mounted in the room.

"She has been a busy one hasn't she 'mate?"

"Yes sir. Yes sir, she has." Deiran laughed with the Captain. "If you like, I can undo all of these programs and subroutines Kay has running. My computer access as second officer is higher than hers and I have all the process ids in the logfile sir."

Lee removed his riding crop from under his arm and gently tapped it in the palm of his hand while he thought. "No 'mate. I think it would be better if Lieutenant Commander Samara took care of that."

Deiran's expression dropped slightly, taking the Captain's words as meaning formal charges were going to be brought. "I understand Captain." Casey said in a down trot done, "It will likely end her career in Starfleet if we bring her up on these charges sir." he reminded.

"Not what I 'ave in mind 'mate." Lee reassured, "No, I have something much better in store for the 'Commander. Something I'm sure she won't soon forget."

Deiran returned the Captain's some what devious smile.

"In the mean time, just lower Lieutenant Commander Samara's computer access to level alpha-2. That should allow her to delete any of the running programs she's currently got going on the computer, but will prevent her from starting any more." Captain Price ordered.

"Consider it done sir. Alpha-2? That will leave Kay with lower computer access then even most of the non-commissioned crewman on board. Most of them are granted Alpha-4. From a Theta-12 to an Alpha-2, that's going to drive her nuts!"

"Not nearly as much as her newest assignment will 'mate." Lee smiled tapping his whip in his palm in an evil fashion.

*****

*** Main Engineering **

"'Commander, can I have a word with you for a second?" Lieutenant Hewson asked of Samara.

The part Klingon, part Bajoran K'Eytyanna Samara responded, "Of course AC."

Hewson frowned slightly at K'Eytyanna's address, but didn't pay it much mind. She'd been doing that a lot recently, ever since she received her promotion to Lieutenant Commander. A slight grin found a resting place on AC's face as he remembered that *he* was still her superior, regardless of rank, since he held the position of Assistant Chief Engineer. "Your being moved to Alpha shift for a while to carry out a special assignment. Lieutenant' Adrianna will be filling in on Gamma shift. Mendenhall will the attending Chief Engineer of Gamma in your absence."

Lieutenant Commander Samara raised her Klingon eyebrows. "Sounds important. What is it?"

Suppressing a smile, AC handed K'Eyt a padd with her new orders. "Full cleansing, bio-decontamination, and microscopic inspection of the waist extractors on the Galaxy."

K'Eytyanna's expression was immediately one of shock and disgust. Scrubbing the sewage system of a Starship was not exactly anyone's idea of a 'choice assignment'. "Wha.. What,... Which one sir?"

AC smiled in a sort of smirk. "Says there all of them. A full metallurgy analysis needs to be done as well according to the order.... With a hand scanner."

K'Eytyanna looked at the padd in disbelief. AC wasn't pulling her leg. That's what it said. Not believing the order she straightened up and offered to hand it back to the Lieutenant, "Nice try Alan...."

AC waved off the padd. "It's not a joke I'm afraid K'Eyt. The order came from the Captain himself. Your security access code has been lowered to alpha-2 as well." Hewson paused and rubbed a hand across the back of his neck in a boyish fashion, "I don't know what you did to piss off the Captain, but if I were you, I'd try to figure it out and correct it.... *'Commander*." Hewson put a little emphasis on "Commander" in a sort of taunt as he walked away leaving K'Eytyanna standing in the middle of Engineering, alone gazing at her new assignment orders signed by Captain Price.

In a fit of rage, she howled at the ceiling while she clenched her fists in a warrior's fashion.

***** Coming Round *****
By Dr. Felicia Khatroweena, Lieutenant (Assistant Chief Medical Officer),
USS Galaxy NCC-70637
w/Aaron Sharp, Lieutenant (jg), Helmsman

***** Sickbay *****

The blurriness seemed to swim and change in Aaron's eyes. It got lighter. The thing that surprised Aaron the most was the blurriness in his ears and nose. He didn't think you could get blurry sounds or smells, but it was happening anyway.

An ethereal, far-away voice was calling him. 'Towards the light,' thought Aaron. He moves towards the bright blurry ball of light. 'I'm dead! That's got to be it. Ball of light, called by voices. The stories of dying all contain these. The Galaxy must not have got there in time.'

The closer he got to the light, the more he could discern the voice and what it was saying, suddenly he realized there was two voices.

"Increased Alpha activity, total increase in all brain functions. He's definitely coming all the way this time," came from the light. "Good!" the other voice said. "The combination of the concussion and oxygen deprivation was not a good combination."

'What? I didn't think angels talked like that. Certainly not like a doctor.' Aaron was confused.

"Hello Aaron. Aaron?" Suddenly he felt a pressure against his neck and heard a hiss. He realized that his thoughts had been blurry too.

'They don't have hypos in heaven, do they?' he thought to himself as the blurriness in his senses just started to vanish.

"Not that I have ever heard of, Aaron," a familiar voice responded.

"Urrrgh, ugh. What happened?" Aaron's tongue felt like it was a hundred tons and it tasted like an old sock. "Could I have something to drink?"

The blurry form soon resolved into Cat, "Sure, Christine, could you get a glass for him."

"Yeah sure," as Christine moved off to fetch the water.

"So Aaron, tell me a little of what happened?"

"What happened..." Aaron had to think as the cobwebs hadn't quite cleared. "Uh, yeah, we were on the Chekote, at the last orbital platform, and I was attaching the anti-matter mines when one accidently activated. I was beamed back to the runabout but we didn't get our shields up in time. I was knocked out and when I came to everything was total chaos." Suddenly, another memory surfaced.

"Oh, no, Ensign Villamonte was killed! What have I done?"

"Aaron, that wasn't your fault. Nobody could have forseen that."

"But I was in command..."

"It doesn't matter. Sooner or later, in this line of work, these things happen. I know for a fact that Captain Price has seen his fair share of crewmen lost under his command. He doesn't like it but he doesn't let it take over his life either."

Aaron pondered that for a moment. It made sense. It didn't feel right, but it made sense. He leaned over and picked up his drink.

Cat was watching the tricorder and the biobed sensors. She was happy at Aaron's recovery.

Aaron took a few sips of the water. It felt so good going down his throat. He was starting to feel a lot better. 'Well, being alive is feeling a lot better than being dead,' he mused.

Cat closed off her tricorder, "You were lucky Aaron. From what I had heard, their had been a total systems failure to the shuttle. The hull was still airtight. The sensors had a little trouble in finding the shuttle, because of the amount of high-energy particles. Anyway, you and the Chief were gotten off safely. Few bruises, a concussion and a broken arm. That was about it. We were the most worried about you. You've been in a light coma for the last few days. But everything is fine and your arm is healing well. You should be able to leave tomorrow, I give orders for light duties for a week or so and then back to full duties. But seeing we are heading for Starbase 357, this will be a great time for you to recuperate. Oh by the way, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

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

By Lieutenant Dr. Felicia Khatroweena and Lieutenant jg Aaron Sharp

Great,' Sunder muttered, 'I suppose I'll have to ask Mr. Kalln for a demonstration after all. So much for self-improvement.'

Suddenly he turned at a very slight sound behind him. His cover blown, Kalln stepped out from behind the holographic pillar he had cunningly made for himself.

' You're doing quite well, actually Commander. '

'How the hell did you get in here?' demanded the red-faced Security Chief, caught flat-footed.

'Well the Force Rod gives off a rather unique energy signature, so finding you wasn't hard. Getting in was a tad more difficult, but still no major challenge.'

' But I triple-locked the...'

' Yes, yes. I was there when they invented these doors, and I'll be here when they invent the next lot. So do you want to know how to use this thing or not? '

Sunder had forgotten that the giant lizard was older than he appeared. Obviously he had picked up a few more tricks in his day than he cared to reveal. By-passing a few standard door security locks would be simple fare for a creature of his experience. Mentally shrugging off his momentary surprise, he focused on the force rod.

" Seeing as you're here... I have to admit to a fair sense of curiousity about the device. Obviously it has more to it than what I've managed to uncover. "

" True. It's a complex device, but my people find it to be very handy in a pinch. Imagine a comparison to a Swiss Army Knife of the 20th century of your own home-world, if you like. More than just a weapon... a tool for all occasions. "

" I guessed as much. " Sunder replied. " But I have to confess that I haven't been able to discover any of its other functions. "

" Relax commander. Unlike the Swiss Army Knife, it takes a while to master the force rod in all its capacities. It takes my kind years before anyone can be considered a master. "

Sunder uttered a sigh of relief. " That's good to know. I was under the impression that you were expecting me to carry this into a boarding action or risk upsetting your feelings! "

Kalln let out a shrill laugh - or his race's approximation of one. " No, Commander. I gave this to you because I felt it would fit your character. The force rod is an enigmatic weapon and its mastery is elusive. But it makes an excellent challenge to a driven man - like yourself. "

" It's a wonderful gift, Mr. Kalln. I just wish that I had have thought of something to give you in return. "

" The joy is in the giving, commander. Your appreciation is enough. If you like, I would be willing to guide you through the initial steps of basic utilization. After that, the weapon is yours to discover for yourself. Everyone's usage of the rod is personalized. "

Sunder considered. " How long is the initial period? "

" I would say about two years. "

Sunder tried to look nonplussed. " Long enough, I'd say. " He hefted the weapon onto his shoulder. " Where do we begin? "

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

After a demanding workout, Sunder made his way through the GALAXY's corridors back to his quarters. He absent-mindedly rubbed his shoulders and forgotten, sore muscles. Kalln was a patient, but hard taskmaster. He made allowances for Sunder's state of ignorance, but he was falling into the role of teacher - one who makes expectations for his students. Sunder had thought his student days long past. Still, humility was good for the soul.

There were a number of details he had neglected in the past little while. The holoprograms needed re-calibration for the new personel they had picked up at Starbase 357 recently. Ensigns O'Connel, Bolitho, Fox, and Gartner were all overdue for appraisals.

There was the matter of Anna Gartner. He'd briefly spoken with her after looking at her personality profile, believing it necessary to at least meet the new security officer that had all the Starfleet psychologists and counselors in an uproar. Strangely enough though, he didn't get the same impression her psych profile was trying to project. Gartner's behaviour was consistent with her past, but he believed her to be more stable than people were giving her credit for. Still, he conceded, he had only met her briefly and time would be the ultimate witness. He'd need to keep a careful eye on her.

Cat.

Felicia was another area he'd been neglecting. He took small comfort from the fact that she was probably feeling pretty guilty herself. Career officers had to make allowances though. The added stress of keeping their relationship a secret didn't help, but both him and Cat had strong feelings in this regard.

He walked into his quarters, dropping the force rod on the bed and depositing his work-out clothes into the recycler. Turning on the sonic shower, he thought of what sort of a date he could arrange for Cat and himself that would make up for lost time. A few moments later he allowed himself a quiet smile and composed a message to Felicia. She'd definitely appreciate the nature of the date, he thought and mentally patted himself on the back for his ingenuity.

Just then the computer interrupted his mirthful reverie and his comm-badge signalled.

" Ensign Mason to Lt Cmdr Sunder. "

" Sunder here. What's up Mason? "

" Sir, for some unknown reason, the opponents in lots of the Security programs have become harmless Terran rabbits."

" I beg your pardon? " Sunder replied incredulously.

" I said... "

" I heard what you said, Ensign. " He snapped. " Very well, begin a level 2 diagnostic of the computer files. I'll be there in a few moments. " He thought, knowing that this was the act of a prank-minded saboteur more than a computer glitch. Sunder was sure he'd find whoever it was, and when he did...

He began to scroll down the security core, checking for basic transactional entries. The hacker would try to access the matrix through the most non-invasive method in an attempt to seem as inconspicuous as possible. He selected the ones with a similar entry signature for later examination; gather and then sow, as his father had taught him.

But just then, a wide-spectrum analysis program surged through the matrix, disrupting all his efforts and scarttering his collecting data! Sunder made a quick examination of the program. He wrinkled his nose in distaste - hardly subtle, the program obviously relied on it's authoritative weight as opposed to any dextrous programming.

But its direction was heading obviously in the same one as his. Sunder concluded that one of the command personell must be checking into the same matter as him. He tagged along, keeping his data presence unseen and made copies of the same information the larger program was uncovering.

Casey. As the program's parameters grew larger, the signature of the program's originator became easier to detect. Only the Chief Ops officer would have

the sweeping authority and weight to crash through the security system like a bull in a china shop!! Of course, Casey believed himself to be a man for all seasons; a renaissance man par excellence. Sunder saw no reason to alert him to his presence. In fact, Casey's higher level of access would probably find more answers more quickly than Sunder's skill could. Besides, he had a date with Cat in a little while ( with any luck ) and the idea of staying behind even later held no attraction.

Sunder patiently observed Casey's findings. There were obviously more infractions than he had known. He wagged a mental finger of reproach at himself. Obviously he had to keep a closer eye on computer tampering. Computer security was a dull, but necessary part of his responsibilities. He'd have to discuss the matter with Mathew. He had a lot of imagination in this area. Perhaps it could beincorporated into his duties when he officially took the rank of Assistant Chief. He deserved it by God and by now.

It was Samara? The identity of the perpetrator was now clear. He began to make a list of charges, but saw that Casey had reduced the engineer's computer clearance and had assigned her menial duties. He exited the system undetectably, reasoning that he was not needed here. Obviously Casey had determined a punishment to fit the crime. Still, he was a concerned about the flagrant disregard for Starfleet protocols. He decided that security would be keeping a much closer eye on Samara's activities in the future...

Everything seemed wrapped up. He had a solid idea of what would be on tomorrow's security meeting agenda though. No damage had been done and it might have even seemed ... mirthful... in the light of the current situation. All odds and ends were neatly wrapped up.

But that was thinking for tomorrow. For now, he was looking forward to a pleasant and enjoyable evening.

"The New Lieutenant"
by Lieutenant James Chen
Security Officer

Chen rotated his arms, trying to work the stiffness out of both of them. The dislocated one still ached and the one he was shot in still hurt like hell, no matter what the doctors said. They suggested a possible infection from sitting in a garbage pile shortly after the wound being inflicted. They also said they were able to remove the bullet completely. He was wearing his gray training uniform as he silently stretched in his solitary quarters. He practiced for about an hour, fighting numerous unseen opponents. He battled with them back and forth. He thought of the Yakuza assassin he had fell off the building in Sigma Iotia II with and who had poisoned him. He thought about the big bruiser who had jumped him when he tried to save Lex from the brothel. Mostly he thought about how sloppy he had been. Except for helping Albrecht at the warehouse with Cantinii's goons, he hadn't done very much good. It was a pathetic excuse for a performance.

Sweat dripped from his hair as he went through his exercises, replayed every fight in his mind while trying to keep in tune with his workout. Finally, he ceased the practicing and stood straight, arms at his sides. He bowed his head and stepped back. He spread a blanket out on the ground and sat on it. He closed his eyes and started concentrating. Slowly, he felt the tension melt away as he moved deeper into his meditation. An hour later, he opened his eyes and the room appeared before him. He took a deep breath and got to his feet. He folded up the blanket and set in a corner of his room. He looked at the shelf containing the different effects he had obtained over the years. There was the old engagement ring he had given Liz sitting in a small transparent case. He wasn't sure why he had kept it, exactly.

There were several trophies he had won during martial arts tournaments over his life. There was the katana he had made himself nearly two years ago. And finally, the last thing on the shelf was the open velvet box containing the broken remnants of the Medal of Honor he was awarded, and which was promptly taken away. He shook his head. Almost all of them were reminders of past glories and past failures. He looked the trinkets over and then picked up the katana. He felt the balance of the weapon. He had studied Japanese swordmaking for weeks before he had started making the sword. He had done it on one of his leaves on earth. It had taken him three weeks before it was all properly molded into the right weapon, a weapon which was a part of him. It was more than just a sword or a tool, it was like his own blood.

He smiled and slid the sword back into its scabbard and replaced it on the stand. Something about his brush with death put things into perspective. He looked at the ring and picked it up. He opened the case and pulled the ring out. He took the case to the replicator, set it down and pressed a button. Instantly, the case glowed and then faded away. He set the ring in the same place, pressed the same button and watched the cycle repeat itself. He had had to barter with a Ferengi for half an hour before he could buy the ring, and now he was destroying it. And he felt good about it.

He smiled and started for the shower when the door chime rang. Chen frowned. "Yes?"

The door slid open and Lieutenant Commander Sunder walked in. "Lieutenant." He eyed Chen's appearance. "Been working out?"

"Well, I spent too much time in sickbay. I had to work some of the kinks out."

Sunder smiled. "I understand."

"If you don't mind my asking, sir, what brings you to my humble abode?"

Sunder shrugged. "Well, I just came by to drop this off." He walked over to a nearby table and set a small, metallic bead on the table. Chen cocked an eyebrow and walked over. He picked it up and looked at it.

He asked, "What is it?"

"Well, unless I miss my guess, it's a promotion. Congratulations, Lieutenant Chen."

"A promotion? What for?"

"Well, I'd suppose it's in your report. You need me to read it to you? You did a lot down on the planet, Lieutenant. I'd think you'd be a little happier."

"I'm just surprised, is all, sir."

Sunder smiled. "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You earned it."

Chen nodded. "Maybe."

"Well, I've got to be going. I'll see you later."

Chen nodded as Sunder left. "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." The doors slid shut. Chen walked over to the table in the corner and sat down, setting the pip down on the table in front of him. He looked hard at the thing, and all the significance it carried for such a small piece of metal.He had never been promoted past Lieutenant Junior Grade and he had always figured that he would never reach Full Grade rank. Especially after coming forward about the incident on the Honorable.

On the table next to the pip was a box containing a pair of odd-looking weapons he had received from Kalln. He smiled at the weapons. He still wasn't sure how they were supposed to be used. He picked up the box and walked over to the wall, where he had hung a pair of metal studs in the wall. He took the weapons and set them onto the studs. Looking at them, he thought they looked not unlike a pair of sais, but then again, they could be like phasers or something. He shook his head and walked to the shower to clean up.

"There's a lot going on, you know"
by Ensign Kalln, Science Department

Kalln was generally content, for the few months after Christmas. His presents had apparently gone down rather well; it seemed like half the correspondence on the ship had mentioned him. He had got over his behaviour on Sigma Iotia II, with a little help from a couple of counsellors, and he was feeling well with the world, ready for whatever new challenges life decided to half-arsedly fastball in his direction.

It seemed like at Starbase 357 half the crew had swapped. There were a whole bunch of newbies on board. Cadets, Ensigns, all fresh in or fresh our of the academy. The traditional gaggles of gorgeously fit women roaming the ship. Good job Kalln wasn't in mating season. Given a normal enviroment and chemical conditions, that wouldn't be for a good century yet.

He had started up a rigorous training course with Ursa Sunder on the use of the Gnalish Force Rod, and the big chap was coming along nicely. Soon he'd be ready to take on the odd computer opponent, though he was a long way off the fancy take-on-a-whole-mortal-army stuff.

Vaughn seemed to be getting well involved with all the other pets on the ship. They kept having secret underground meetings or something like that, and the feline had mentioned something about a Targ called D'Akana. Kalln just left the cat to his own devices. He was sure that after Vaughn got into serious trouble doing such things on the Enoch years ago, he wouldn't be trying to take over the ship aain.

His various science programmes were all nearing completion, targets being met, things going smoothly. Erikson had pretty much left him to get on with things, though Ronni was keeping tabs on him. The science department seemed to like him.

Everything was calm

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

"Battleship: Prelude"
by, Lt. (j.g.) Raesene Hermedhie
-------------------------------------

Having some down time, Lt. Hermedhie decided to start the novel "Battleship." The text is as follows:

José Martinez looked around the Capitol Building, where just minutes earlier he had taken the oath of office. He was proud to have been the first elected governor of the recently admitted state of Puerto Rico. But, he also realized that he had a long road ahead of him. He watched, as a crisp 51-star American flag was unfurled above the Governor's Mansion.

On that same day, halfway around the world, the small territory of American Samoa became the state of Eastern Samoa, after the consent of the government of nearby Western Samoa. Two days later, Tau Jennings was elected governor of an 82 square mile group of islands. The following July 4, the new 52-star flag was raised over all American properties. Neither governor even dreamed that the country would be torn by warfare in less than three years.

Over two years later, a strange idea was hatched between a group of friends at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. This search though at first thought unlikely, would have a major role in the coming actions. They decided that they would begin to search the country for old battleship hulls, so that maybe they could get the nation some building materials. After graduating they split up. Ensign Mark Nelson, one of that group went to the Northwest and near Point Roberts on Boundary Bay, he discovered what looked like a small battleship. He estimated that it was around 800 feet long, had a faded 1 on the bow, and has three turrets with three 12-in. guns in each. After walking around the vessel, Ens. Nelson realized that he had discovered the World War II large cruiser Alaska (CB-1). He also realized that Washington would not want to have any part of this old warship. Peru however would love to have a warship of this caliber. He had visited Peru during a foreign exchange program in the fourth grade. He immediately called the one person in the group who had been ordered to report to Vice Admiral Asa Choguill, one of the few remaining officers who still wanted to see the battleships sail again. Ensign William Bolitho was about to take off on the road to glory.

Ensign Jehoshaphat Choguill, the son of the Vice-Adm., unknowingly crossed into a small installation near Somesville, Maine. He didn't notice two flags flapping in the breeze over the abandoned base. First he came across a large hull, which he identified as that of a Montana-class battleship. But, then he came across a battleship floating in Somes Sound. The battleship looked strange to him. Instead of three turrets, there were four, and instead of three guns in each, there were two. The guns appeared to be 15-in. ones. It was more compact and streamlined than any American battleship ever built that was known of. He was in fact looking at was a battleship that had been given to the U.S. following World War II. If he had just looked on the bow or stern, he would have realized what it was. For painted on the bow and stern were faded white circles with black swastikas in the middle.

Ensign Obadiah Villanueve wandered onto another base near Ophir, Oregon. He quickly discovered three Alaska-class battlecruiser hulls. He then stumbled onto another of the secrets of the CIA, a huge battleship, which although set up like an American battleship, had much larger guns. It had 9 18.1-in. guns. If Ens. Villanueve had looked at the bow, he would have noticed the gold flowers situated there. It had also been given to the U.S. after World War II.

~Warships floating untended?~ Raesene thought. ~Most curious.~

"The Galaxy Opens"
By Ensign Jordan Arisa
Helmsman

"Jordan stop pacing!" Riana said from the helm of the little shuttle.

The tall woman stopped and turned to face her Trill friend. They had known each other for only four years, but Jordan felt that Riana knew her better than anyone. The two smiled at each other, Riana understood how nervous she was, Jordan was a perfectionist, she wanted everything to be right.

"I know, I'm just nervous. The Galaxy is a big ship and I'm a green ensign. If I won't to get anywhere, I have to make a splash!" She sat back down in her seat, moving her long black hair out of the way.

"Ahh, c'mon girl. You'll be great, just don't be worried. I'm sure you're going to make lots of friends. But you have to promise to keep in touch." Riana made a mock angry face, then it cracked as Jordan leaned over and hugged her best friend.

"I promise, and I promise to be cool, calm and relaxed." Jordan smiled, then turning her head looked out the viewscreen. Her breath was taken away by the sight she saw. There hung the majestic Galaxy, her lights light up the velvet starscape behind her.

"They're ready for you. Good luck babe." Riana smiled, momentarily the years that were behind her disappeared.

"Thank you, here I go." Jordan picked up her bag, then looked at Riana for approval. The trill woman responded by activating the transporter....

Seconds later Jordan appeared inside the transporter room of the USS Galaxy. She breathed in, then lowered her gaze. Her dark eyes met those of Lieutenant Sharp. At least that who she hoped it was.

"Ensign Arisa, welcome aboard the Galaxy." Jordan smiled at her superior, as her long legs moved off the transporter padd.

"Thank you, I'm glad to be aboard. Lieutenant Sharp I presume?" she asked hesitantly, her eyebrows raising is response.

"Yes. Your mother has sent forward all your musical things. They're in your quarters. You're on your own for the moment, but that may change." Jordan nodded, internally smiling, her mother still felt that she was her little baby. "Lieutenant Commander Bancroft wants to see you, she's in her office." she smiled in thanks and turned to leave, but Sharp stopped her. "Here's a schematic of the ship, your quarters and Bancroft's office are highlighted, just in case."

"Thank you very much." Jordan couldn't help smiling again, Sharp was being so benevolent towards her. Gratefully she took the padd and started her exploration of the ship.

**Somewhere near Bancroft's office**

Jordan stood staring at the padd that Sharp had so kindly given her. Of course at the Academy they had had to memorise the schematics of all the classes of starship, but things looked so different when you were actually there.

The tall singer's brow was furrowed, she held her hand loosely next to her head and put her weight on one leg. If anyone on the ship had known her they would have recognised this stance instantly. It was one she always adopted when she was confused and/or deep in thought.

If her father Cameron had been there he would have laughed. Jordan was never one to admit defeat, she would work it out no matter how long it took. Jordan laughed in spite of herself, standing there staring at the padd would not get her to Bancroft's office any quicker. However, she was so deep in thought she did not hear the footsteps approaching her.

"Excuse me, you look lost?" a deep voice said from behind her.

Jordan whirled around and was quite surprised when her eye level only put her staring at his chin. She raised her gaze, slightly surprised, with the heels on her boots she stood at least 6ft. The face that greeted her was amazingly handsome, with dazzling blue eyes, but there was something not quite right about them. She couldn't figure it out.

The uniform he wore indicated that he was either in security or engineering and he had the pips of a Lieutenant Commander. He gave her a sheepish smile, prompting a response.

"Oh yes, sorry I just arrived. I'm Jordan Arisa." she held out her hand, which he shook. Jordan smiled, his hands were strong and warm.

"Lieutenant Commander Mercury, what were you trying to find?" Jordan shook her head, remembering what she was doing.

"Lieutenant Commander Bancroft's office." she said, feeling more than slightly embarrassed.

"Deck below this, take that turbolift, then turn left walk about 20 metres and you're there." Jordan smiled gratefully, second time in less than an hour.

"Thanks." she walked backwards and into the turbolift, still taken aback.

**Bancroft's office**

Mercury's directions had been perfect, exact to the metre. However, Jordan lingered outside the office, trying to recall Bancroft's crew biography. Her superior was also an excellent musician, at least they had some other common ground, apart from flight control.

Ensign Arisa took a deep breath, straightened her uniform, then pressed the chime, awaiting a response.

--
Camilla Claudia Pretlove
AKA Ensign Jordan Arisa
Helm Officer - USS Galaxy

"A Gnalish, a security officer and a bottle of brown stuff"
by Ensign Gordall Kalln, Science Officer and
Ensign Neil Bolitho, Security Officer.

Bolitho found his way to ten-forward, where he was surprised to note the absence of the giant lizard-like Ensign Kalln. Then he felt a sharp tap on his shoulder. He span, ready to defend himself, to find himself looking directly into the black pools that were Kalln's eyes.

'Hey,' said Kalln in a jocular fashion, 'Calm down Neil. Here I am as promised.'

'Sorry, Gordall force of habit,' smiled back Neil, 'I can call you Gordall, can't I?,' waiting for the giant lizard to reply.

'Well actually, I'd prefer it if you called me Kalln. It's the practice amongst my people. It's not that we're weird like Bajorans or anything, we just rarely see our relatives so we use the family name.'

'Fine. Kalln it is then. Shall we find somewhere to sit?' indicated Bolitho to the crowded lounge.

Kalln nodded and began threading his way through the crowded lounge towards an empty booth he had spotted. Bolitho following watched and admired as the large lizard dodged with apparent ease the crowded ten-forward.

Gordall Kalln, thought Bolitho, A Gnalish Elt was indeed an unusual crew member aboard the Galaxy. Bolitho was consistently amazed all the time, at the different types of species that being aboard a starship allowed him to meet, thinking of Dr Khatroweena as one of many examples.

Sitting down opposite Kalln, Bolitho opened a small carryall bag, and placed three bottles in front of him on the table.

'I wasn't quite sure what to bring so I bought all three.'

'The first one,' said Bolitho indicating to a squarish bottle filled with brown liquid, 'Is a bottle of Chivas Regal, an Earth scotch whiskey from the late 21st century,' Bolitho licked his lips, 'Very good!'

'The next two bottles are both Klingon, a bottle of Bloodwine and Maparian ale with a hint of Pazafer. But then you would know my fondness for anything Klingon, wouldn't you?' said Bolitho gazing across the table at Kalln, 'Which would you prefer?'

Kalln leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin.

'Well,' he said, 'As you may well have heard recently, my people are a genetically engineered warrior race. Cliched, I know, but that's just who we are. Like Jem'Hadar gone AWOL. This history of ours has left us with a fair few carryover features, as it were, including a rather powerful toxin neutralising system. That's the sad thing about Klingons, you know. All those kilos of redundant organs and things, and they're always drunk. But anyway, alcohol has a slightly less than intoxicating effect on a Gnalish Elt. Apart from that though, I'll have a splash of the whiskey. I've always found Bloodwine to be a little coarse.'

Neil reached into the carryall again and pulled out two whiskey tumblers and placed them on the table. As he opened the bottle of whiskey he glanced up at the surprised look on Kalln's face.

'Hey it helps to be prepared and this whiskey needs to be drunk out of the correct glassware not some replicated rubbish!'

'Um, how about "Ay Laddie!" Will that do?'

Neil smiled at Kalln's response and poured two rather large helpings of the brown liquid and pushed one across the table to Kalln.

Lifting his glass to a toast, he said 'To new friends discovered.'

Neil took a small sip from his glass to savour the taste and watched in total surprise as Kalln tilted the glass back and the contents disappeared down his rather wide throat. Neil immediately began choking on his whiskey as it went down the wrong tube in surprise to Kalln's reaction. Kalln, is return, began to laugh, a deep, rumbling noise that Neil could swear he could feel through his feet as well as his ears. He poured another generous helping in Kalln's glass

'To friends where ever they are.'

Neil joined Kalln in emptying his glass. Neil filled the two glasses again and leaned on the table

'So how did you know I wanted a Klingon Mek'Leth?'

Kalln leaned forward in an equally conspiratorial fashion and whispered:

'You know how it is, you look at the crew bios, talk to their friends, rustle up a little info out of Porky in the corner there-'

He motioned ever so slightly towards Hitchcock who was either sucking up or spewing out gossip. It was hard to tell. Kalln leaned even closer to Neil, and, in a voice you could barely make out, said:

'And you must promise to tell NO-ONE about this, but I had a little help from my cat.'

He leaned back in his chair and looked suspiciously from side to side.

'Your cat?' said Neil in amazement 'How does......,' said Neil quite loudly, but catching the concerned glance from Kalln leaned forward and whispered, 'How did your cat know that I collect Klingon weapons?'

Neil was begining to think that the whiskey was having a strange effect on Kalln and as such poured a smaller quantity into Kalln's empty glass. Kalln smiled, a horrendously broad grin, and gently pried the bottle out of Neil's hand and properly filled first Neil's glass and then his own.

'Don't get soft on me now, Neil. You're supposed to be the tough security officer remember, and I'm just with the science department. Anyway, I'm sure if you haven't met Vaughn, that's my cat, already, you will soon. Then you'll see what I'm on about.'

Kalln poured more of the precious "brown stuff" into the two empty glasses.

"When that's finished Kalln,' said Neil, 'You will have to try some of this Klingon Maparian ale. It's really-'

'Klingons. Bah!' rumbled Kalln

'I take it you don't like Klingons, then?' slurred Neil, obviously feeling the effects of the whiskey.

'Klingons are alright, I suppose, just arrogant, violent and as treacherous as Romulans, which is ironic when you look at it. They're rude, they smell _terrible_ and they'll pick a fight with you as soon as look at you.'

'Oh come Kalln how can you say Klingons and Romulans in the same breath? Now I agree with what you think of Romulans, but Klingons, well for the most they are an honourable race!'

Neil paused, seeing the look of skepticism on Kalln's face, but continued nonetheless:

'Each race has their own culture; theirs just happens to include a love of violence! You have to admit that if it wasn't for the Klingons the Dominion would have kicked our butts.'

Kalln contined with his skeptical look, but replied:

'Look, I tell you what. Why don't we meet in a holodeck tomorrow, and I'll show you what I mean. Get K'Eytyanna along if you can find her, I'm sure we can make a demonstration of her. Right now I think she has it coming. Okay by you?'

'I'd love to but tomorrow I've been assigned a baby sitting job and not with just some visiting earth dignitaries either,' laughed Neil.

Kalln looked confused, 'Baby sitting?'

'I'll tell you about it later, but if I don't get to bed now I don't think I will be able to get up tomorrow,' standing, Neil swayed a little, 'Wow, strong breeze in here.'

Kalln stood, placed his hand on Neil's shoulder, and smiled.

'I think I had better see you to your quarters, I wouldn't want my dear friend Sunder to find you staggering around the ship.'

'Aye, aye sir,' smiled Neil giving a mock salute.

Kalln carefully walked the man out of ten-forward and into the ship's nest of corridors and turbolifts.

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

"The End" by:
Cadet- IV Viara Rhys
Science Officer
U.S.S. Galaxy

Featuring:
Lt.Commander Christopher Thomas
Alpha Shift Operations Manager
U.S.S. Galaxy

Lt.Commander Greer Erickson
Chief Science Officer
U.S.S. Galaxy

The Night had been wonderful, dinner was good, the ambiance better, and Chris well...he was great. But that was then and this is now and now is time for work. Both Viara and Chris stepped onto the Bridge to start their Alpha Shift Duties.

*******A Short Time Later*******

Viara sat at the Science Console at the Secondary Bridge Station next to her C.O.; Lt.Commander Greer Erickson. She worked the Console as she had many times before.

*Scan Anomaly, Analyze Anomaly, Scan Anomaly Again, Analyze Anomaly Again. My word this is getting old. And to think all I wanted to do was get some Field Experience...I bet Chris is doing something a wee bit more interesting.* Thought Viara as she rubbed her chin.

Viara stopped rubbing her chin and looked at her hand, *Hmmmm, Milos sneaking up on me. Over 20 years and I still use her mannerisms. How good it is to know somethings never change.* Thought Viara to herself as she began her scans again.

"Excuse me Cadet, but you have a Communique from Starfleet Academy." Said Greer as he leaned in and whispered into Viara's ear. Chris turned slightly to see the Commander lean in; obviously wondering what was going on.

"Thank You Sir. I'll take it here if that's ok with you." Said Viara as she loaded the Communique.

"No problem." Said Greer as he went back to work.

A Picture of a Star Fleet Commander appeared on Viara's screen; it was Commander Donald Kiln, her Command Instructor.

"Computer play Communique." Ordered Viara as she minimized her scan read-outs and looked at the monitor with the Commander's face on it.

"Greetings Cadet, I've got some good news for you. In light of recent progress reports from your Field Instructors and their Recommendations; you are now eligable for Early Graduation." Stated the Commander with a wide grin.

Viara thought there must be a catch as she looked at the recording of one of her most difficult instructors.

"However, you must successfully complete the following Holo-Scenarios:
1.) Kobayashi Maru Scenario: Revised Edition 2374.
2.) Space Operations Scenario: Original Copy 2371.
3.) Security Manuvuers Scenario: Revised Edition 2373.
4.) Astro - Anomaly Analysis: Original Copy 2369.
5.) Star Ship Tactics: Revised Edition 2374 - 2375.

I expect to have those test results on my desk by weeks end Cadet. Good luck Cadet, and Congratulations." Said the Commander as the screen went blank.

Viara turned from her Console to see Greer smirking widely, obviously over-hearing the Communique.

"Sir, if you don't mind, I'd like to..." Started Viara as she stood.

"Permission Granted Cadet, or is that Ensign now?" Said Greer in a sarcastic tone. Chris again turned slightly and grinned widely.

"Give me a couple hours." Said Viara as she smiled and walked toward the Turbo Lift. Chris just nodded as he heard Viara's responce.

Chris then got up and met Viara as the Turbo Lift door opened. "Good Luck, Cadet." Is all Chris said as he continued to Mission Ops and Viara stepped into the Turbo Lift.

*****4 Short Hours Later*****

Viara stands outside of Holo Deck 4. She leans against the wall; obivously exhausted.

*DAMN IT!!!!! I've aced the Space Operations, Security Manuvuers, Astro Anomaly Analysis, and even Star Ship Tactics...WHY CAN'T I BEAT THAT DAMN KOBAYASHI MARU!!!!!!* Thought Viara to herself as she wiped sweat from her brow.

*Hmmmmm, wait a minute.* Thought Viara as she hit the Holo-Deck controls.

"Computer give me run down of Kobayashi Maru" Order Viara as looked at the monitor showing the small freight vessel.

The Monitor showed a small Bolian Freighter and 4 Jem Hadar Fighter vessels swarming it; trying to slowly but surely destroy it. The Computer then show's a Defiant Class Ship close in (Viara's Ship).

"Computer, load program at this point in the Scenario." Ordered Viara as she glanced once more at the monitor and entered the holodeck.

"Computer continue Scenario." Said Viara as she took the Command Seat.

The holodeck shook violently, smoke rising from the deck as the Jem Hadar began to focus on the Defiant Class Vessel.

"Helm Evasive Manuvuers- Gamma Two. Tactical Get a lock on the Ship off our port!" Said Viara as she looked at the Command Monitors.

The Ship spun in a tight roll as it headed for the damaged Freighter and the Pulsed Phasers hit the Dominion Fighter.

"Engineering Report." Ordered Viara as she looked over the Ops Officer's shoulder.

"Sir, we've lost Warp Capability and Shields are at 58%." Said the Engineering Officer.

"Understood. Ops modulate Shields to Random Frequencies, Engineering I want Shields back upto 70% in the next 5 minutes, understood?" Said Viara as she approached the Science Officer.

"Aye Sir." Was the only responce from both of the Officers.

"What are you doing, Ensign?" Asked Viara as she looked at the Science Officer's Monitor; haunched over.

"I'm monitoring the Jem Hadar's plasma trails... Their trails are highly concentrated. Probably due to their highly powered warp systems." Said the Ensign.

Viara just stood erect *I've got it!! I haven't been able to defeat them because I've been acting like a Command Officer! Only thing is I'm not one; I'm a Science Officer!* Viara turned and took the Command Chair once again.

"Conn turn us about. Science feed Tactical the highest concentration of their Plasma Trail. Their intense plasma trail is like leaking gas! Tactical fire a Quantum Torpedo once you've got the coordinates." Said Viara as she looked at the main viewer.

The Defiant Vessel fired a Quantum Torpedo at seemingly nothing; then it happened. A blazing trail followed behind a Jem Hadar Fighter until it passed through the shields- DESTROYING the VESSEL!

"Good job! Lock onto those other Fighter's and begin launching Quantum Torpedoes!" Said Viara.

"Too late sir! The Jem Hadar have closed their Plasma Vents. They're not leaking any more." Said the Science Ensign.

"DAMN IT!!! He

lm get us as close to the Bolian Freighter as possible. Engineering: I want you to to modify the transporter's energy signature to our shield harmonics." Said Viara as she looked through a Tactical Databse.

"Sir? Doing that would allow us to beam out through our own shields...why would we..." Started the Engineering Lieutenant.

"We're not beaming anything out...we're beaming those Bolians IN!" Said Viara as the Engineering Officer complied with her orders.

"Notify me when your modifications are on line!" Said Viara as she walked over to the Tactical Officer.

"Where are they Commander?" Asked Viara of the Tactical Officer.

"They've re-grouped and blocked any chance of returning to Federation Space!" Said the Tactical Commander.

"We can't run anyway...we have to fight." Said Viara as she turned to the main viewer.

"Sir, modifications are now on line." Said the Engineering Officer.

"Understood, Lieutenant." Said Viara as she hit her Comm Badge. "Transporter Room, Chief start beaming people out as fast as you can!" Said Viara as she walked over to the Science Station.

"Ensign, use the Ramscoop to collect the Plasma Residue from the fighter's trails. I want at least 85% viscousity Plasma, understood?" Said Viara as she placed her hand on the back of the Ensign's seat.

"That should be easy, Sir. I'll release some of ours to that collected as well." Said the Ensign as the yellow energy began to congragate around the Ramscoop.

"Chief have you gotten everyone off the Bolian Frieghter, yet?" Asked Viara, again hitting her Comm Badge.

"No sir, there's 10 more people on board. They seem to have gotten shields back up and stopped our beam outs." Said the Chief.

"DAMN IT!! They must think the Jem Hadar are beaming people out. They have no sensors. Ops, try hailing them." Ordered Viara.

"No responce, sir." Replied the Ops Officer.

"Damn! Tactical Report!" Said Viara as she took the Command Seat again.

"Jem Hadar are leading in the cavalry...they're 6 ship's coming our way!" Said Tactical.

"MY WORD!! Tactical, fire on the Bolian Ship. I want their shields down NOW!" Ordered Viara as she approached the Science Ensign.

"What's the word, Ensign?" Said Viara.

"I've filled both Ramscoops with 97% vicousity Plasma, Sir. I awaiting further orders." Said the Ensign.

"Well done, Ensign. I trust you left enough Plasma for our escape?" Said Viara as she looked at the view screen. Phasers bombarding the Bolian shields.

"Aye sir." Replied the Ensign.

"Tactical Report on Bolian Shields?" Asked Viara.

"Their Shields are down." Said the Commander.

"Understood... Chief continue beam outs." Said Viara as she hit her badge.

"Aye, sir." Replied the Chief.

"Tactical, time until the Jem Hadar Fleet Intercepts us?" Asked Viara.

"4 Minutes Sir." Replied Tactical.

"OPs, I want three tri-colbalt device attached to the Bolian's hull, ASAP!" Said Viara as she looked at the Operations Officer.

"Uhh Sir? Three Tri-cobalt devices are enough to destroy half this system...." Started the Ops Officer.

"I realize that Lieutenant, but none of these Planets are inhabited...the only thing we need to worry about is the backlash." Said VIara.

"Understood Sir. I'm on it." Said the Lieutenant as we see her remote control the devices into position on the Bolian Freighter's hull.

"Captain, all of the Bolians are on board." Said the Transporter Chief over the Comm Line.

"Understood. Ops, are the Bolian's cargo still on board their ship?" Asked Viara.

"Yes sir" Replied the Ops Officer.

"Good then take us out of here. Go to 145 mark 7, maximum impulse, make them split up! I want some after us and some headed toward the Freighter." Said Viara as she sat in the Big Chair.

"Sir 3 ships are following us. The other 3 are headed for the Bolian ship. How'd you know they all wouldn't..." Started the Tactical Commander.

"Simple Commander, they were attacking the ship slowly. Obviously they didn't want to destroy it's contents. They want something on that ship." Said Viara.

"Hmmmm, I see." Replied the Commander.

"Sir the 3 ships have reached the Bolian Freighter." Said the Ops Officer.

"Understood. Active Tri-Cobalt Devices, NOW!" Said Viara.

A white explosion erupts from the Bolian Freighter and invelopes the Jem Hadar Fighters. A white wave slowly hits Viara's ship shaking it rather violently. Panels erupt outward and sparks fly. Smoke fills the bridge.

"Report." Said Viara as she stood.

"Shields down to 65% sir." Reported the Engineering Officer.

"Weapons and Tactical are on-line" Said the Tactical Commander.

"Good and the Ramscoop?...Ensign, are you alright?" Said Viara as she approached the Science Ensign and touched his shoulder.

"uhhhh!" Said Viara as she stepped back from the dead Ensign (his face having shrapnel in it).

"Get him out of here, now Commander!" Said Viara as she took the Science Station.

"Tactical time until intercept?" Asked Viara as she looked at the Ramscoops Condition.

"30 Seconds, Sir." Replied the Ensign who replaced the Tactical Commander.

"Good...these Ramscoops are damaged...we can't hold the Plasma for much longer." Said Viara.

"Helm bring us to full stop and bring us about. Engineering route all available power to shields. Tactical time to intercept?" Continued Viara.

"20 Seconds." Replied the Young Ensign..."no sir, I uhhh...I mean 17." Stuttered the Ensign.

"Ensign concentrate...just focus on their descent." Ordered Viara as she set up to release the viscous Plasma.

"five, four, three, two, one." Counted down the Ensign; obviously focusing more than before.

As the Ensign hit one, Yellow gas inveloped the Jem Hadar's Ships, their hulls exploding with bright yellow light; being toren back like the peel of an onion. The Defiant Vessel reels back from the force.

"Report?" Said Viara she picks herself up from the ground.

"Shields and Weapons, even the Warp Core is Off-Line. Helm Control is at 47%. We 1 quarter impulse." Replied the Engineering Lieutenant as the other Bridge Officers began to rise up from the ground.

"And the Jem Hadar?" Asked Viara.

"All ship's have been destroyed, sir." Said the Tactical Ensign.

"Casualties?" Asked Viara as she straightened out her uniform.

"15 reported, Sir." Replied the Ops Officer.

*****A Short While Later*****

Viara stands at the holodeck monitor. She looks at her results as computed by the Computer:

Space Operations: 99.38%
Security manuvuers: 95.19%
Astro-Anomaly Analysis: 99.99%
Star Ship Tactics/Procedures: 98.73%
Kobayashi Maru- Revised Version: 90.52%

"MY WORD!!! I DID IT!!! I BEAT THE DAMN THING!!!" Said Viara as she sent the results to her Commander.

Ensign Tim Richeson Tactical officer And
Ensign Ruina Keigan

Tim walked into Ten Forward. Ruina was already sitting at a table near the forward windows. She looked up and saw him enter. Tim walked over to the bar and got a drink. As he walked over to Ruina he thought about the glass that she ahd programed for him the other day. It was a good joke, he had to admit.

"Helloooo......." Tim said happily

"Hi!" she said with a smile

Tim sat down next to her and set his glass down "Sorry I'm late, the 'new addition' thought it would be funny to hide his 'cat ball' and play with my baseball."

Ruina laughed

"So, they say you have a new room mate. How's it going?"

"Oh that's a long story. I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm the one that needs counseling."

"What'd you do?"

She told him, Tim thought it was pretty funny but Ruina was still very embarrassed. They talked for awhile and ate, they didn't even realized that the room was almost empty "Computer, time?" Ruina asked

"The Time is 0024 hours."

"Wow," she said with a astonished look on her face "Does it seem that late to you?"

"Hell no seems like we jus' got here a few minutes ago, oh well right?"

"Yeah, so lets go meet this cat of yours."

Tim nodded then stood up and led the way, in the turbo lift Ruina noticed he was staring at her. She smiled then laughed to her self. She looked at him and drew closer to him only to be interrupted by the lift doors opening. As they walked into Tim's quarters they saw in a flash a huge white and gray fuzz ball run across the room. Tim looked at Ruina and with a serious look on his face he said

"He says nice to meet you."

"That's a HUGE cat!"

"Fifteen pounds of almost 100% blubber, he's....intresting."

"How old is he?" She got down on her knees and put her hand out to try and call Ashes "Here kitty."

"Like....seven? yeah seven, he's an oldie, but he gets around like he's normal size and young."

Ashes waddled over to Ruina and rubbed agenst her. "He's so cute!" She stood back up to see Tim on his couch, she walked over and sat by him. Soon followed Ash. he jumped up on Tim's lap.

"Well I think you made a friend." Tim said looking at Ashes. He turned to the lovely ensign next to him "Maybe you should come and visit him every once in awhile." Tim and Ruina smiled

"I don't think I should make a special trip just to see a cat, do you?" With a playful look on her face she said "Well I guess I could visit Ashes when I come to see you."

"I think that can be arranged." Tim leaned forward and lightly kissed her. Ruina rolled over on top of him and kept kissing for a minute, then she stood up and said, "I better go......"

"NOW??" Tim asked with a stunned look on his face

"Its just for tonight don't get all mad.... she walked over to the door but Ashes followed.

"Ash, she'll come see you tomorrow....I hope" as he stood up he gave her another flirty smile. He bent over to pick up the large cat when Ruina gave his butt a little pinch....

"You know, she was right you do have a nice ass." she gave it a tender little slap and left. Tim took a few steps.

"Who said....... ohhh well.