OPPORTUNITY
Ensign Mohammed Kane
USS Galaxy

At last it was over. The entire situation with the USS St. Louis was now over and the Galaxy was on it's way to Starbase 357 and rest and relaxation. Mohammed was in his quarters where he had once again sent a letter home to his wife and family. He then sent one to his academy chum, Chris Reynolds, on board the USS Europe.

"Tuna sandwich and coffee, black with two sugars," Mohammed said into the replicator. Within seconds the replicator produced his meal. As he ate he thought about the decision that he had finally made. The decision to request a transfer to command. It would be hard giving up science but he had a taste of command at the academy plus he had admiration for Capt. Price and his handling of the St. Louis situation. He wanted to try command. Eventually he wanted to have his own command..his own vessel. Mohammed Kane ate his sandwich and sipped his coffee. He would approach Lt. Erickson and ask about his opportunity for a transfer to command.

=/\= Incoming message from New Johannesburg. =/\= The computer announced.

"Send it." Mohammed said. He sat at his desk and looked at the computer screen. The blank screen was replaced by the face of a very beautiful, dark skinned African woman. Her dark brown eyes sparkled as she smiled the most beautiful and sexiest smile he'd ever seen. Her hair was pulled into a tight ponytail and piled a top of her head. Seeing her filled him with so much love and desire. How he missed her. How he longed to hold her in his arms once again.

"Tashi," Mohammed sighed. A smile spread across his face. Then suddenly it was replaced by concern. Since he'd been onboard she had never sent a live message. "Tashi!? Is there something wrong? Mother? father? the children?"

Tashi giggled. The girlish giggle he loved. "No my husband. everyone is fine. I just wanted to...I just wanted to see your face and hear your voice."

Mohammed smiled. "Oh my lovely princess. You are so beautiful. How I miss you."

"And I miss you. How I wish we were together. You know I could get a shuttle and be on the Galaxy within a week."

"Oh that is so tempting but no. The children need you to be there with them instead of travelling around the universe." Mohammed pointed out.

"But your parents are here and more than willing to take care of them." Tashi replied.

"I know you want us to be together and I want us together but it is important that the children not be upheaved. We both agreed to that."

Tashi smiled ruefully, "I know. It's so hard being without you."

Mohammed smiled. He had an idea. "Tashi. We are heading to Starbase 357. Perhaps you could meet me there. I would love to see you. To hold you. To make love..."

"Mohammed Salassie Uhura!!! Watch you mouth. You don't know who's listening." Tashi laughed.

"I know the most beautiful woman in the entire universe and the woman I love is listening."

Tears rolled down her face. "Oh Mohammed...I love you so much. I have something to tell you." she paused before going on. "Mohammed...I've had this on my mind since you left...I started to tell you but I knew you would be torn between staying and going."

Mohammed felt his throat constrict. He had known there was something she hadn't been telling him. He swallowed and listened.

"Mohammed...my husband and father of my children..." she began to cry and smile. " I have something to tell you...I'm pregnant."

Mohammed blinked once, then twice and a third time. "You're what?" he mumbled.

Tashi smiled, "I'm pregnant. Mohammed you are going to be a father again."

Mohammed smiled. Tears rolled down his face and he cried out in laughter and joy in his native tongue. He touched the screen with his fingers. He could feel Tashi's soft, silky skin. "Oh my Tashi...my beautiful wife. My beautiful, beautiful wife. Whatever I have done in my life to deserve you I may never know but I am blessed."

"Mohammed. The doctors say it is a girl. I want to name her Malaika Nuru. What do you think?"

Mohammed smiled. Malaika was Swahili for angel. Nuru was Swahili for "in the daylight". Tashi was right. This baby was their angel in the daylight. "Malaika Nuru. It is a very lovely and appropriate name for such a wonderful gift."

Tashi smiled. "I love you."

"I love you too. Perhaps this is a good omen for me." Mohammed said.

"Really? For what?"

"I am going to request a transfer to command." Mohammed said.

"That's good to hear but I thought you loved science?" Tashi asked.

"I do but I want to try command. I want to have my own ship one day."

"But wouldn't your own command keep you...you away longer?"

"Yes, but as the captain of my own vessel. I could have my family with me."

"My husband. I will be with you no matter what you decide to do. I just want to be with you. In your arms. Especially when Malaika Nuru comes into our lives and the world."

"We will be together for that moment. I promise." Mohammed pledged.

"I have to go. I love you."

"I love you Tashi and you too Malaika Nuru." Mohammed said beaming proudly.

The message vanished and Mohammed rose to his feet. he was excited beyond belief. Another baby. A baby girl. He was far to excited. He had to speak with Lt. Erickson and soon. His life was bringing him great opportunities that he couldn't pass up even if he wanted too.

== Lt. Erickson's Office ==

Mohammed entered the office once he'd heard Lt. Erickson call him in. Mohammed stood at a stiff attention before relaxing. The Lieutenant asked what he wanted and Mohammed went on with his request.

First, I enjoy science greatly. I feel that I can contribute more as a member of command."

Lt. Erickson shook his head.

"So I would like to transfer from science to command." Mohammed said.

Lt. Erickson seemed to be thinking about what Mohammed had said. He hated losing a fine science officer like Mohammed but he would never stand in his way. Lt. Erickson stood up from behind his desk. If he wanted a transfer he would help him get one.

Mohammed waited for the Lieutenant to say something.

"Point of No Return"
by Lt. Commander Tebrianne Bancroft
& Ensign Julia "Jules" Reynolds

***

Julia Reynolds raced through the corridors of the Galaxy. She had to catch Tebrianne before she got to the holodeck. Once her former roommate was inside the confines of whichever program she intended to run--and judging from the guitar that was strapped to her back it was guaranteed to be loud.

"Teb," she called. Jules barrelled over a Bolian carrying a stack of PADDs. "I'm sorry," she said quickly helping the man to his feet.

"By Borix, girl, watch where you're going," he bellowed. "You could have killed me. And my PADDs are all mixed up now. I certainly hope to Biddex that my data is still valid when I get this mess sorted out..."

"Look," Jules stammered. "I said I was sorry. I was in a hurry. I've got to go. I've--" She took one look at the man--or at the veins pulsing in his neck--and realized explaining was useless. She turned on her heel and ran off in the direction she last saw Tebrianne going in.

It took another couple turns before she caught sight of the Galaxy's Chief Helmsman again. Fender guitar casually slung across her backside as she strolled through the corridor. Julia felt her breath catch when she saw Tebrianne. She hoped that Teb still wasn't mad over the Christmas Party. It had been the eggnog...and a frightful case of severe jealousy. She just hoped that she was willing to let the incident go. For her heart's sake, she hoped that Teb could forgive her.

"Teb!"

Raven hair swept over a shoulder as Tebrianne turned to look back behind her. Recognition filled her dark eyes when she caught sight of Julia. A smile. Julia let out a sigh of relief and quickly caught up.

"Hey there, girl," Jules said.

"Cheers, Jules. What are you doing racing through the halls like a Tellarite at a Food Fair?"

"I just wanted to catch up to you," Jules said. "We hardly ever get to see each other anymore, and I wanted to spend some time with my ex-bunkie."

Teb cocked her head to the side and smiled. "I'm heading to the holodeck to jam. Want to come along? I could teach you a few chords."

"That'd be great. I've always wanted to learn to play."

They started off down the corridor again. Conversation jumped from music to duty to the war and then to relationships. When Tebrianne mentioned how wonderful everything was with Ben, Jules felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She fought to remember what Raoul told her. Keep her as a friend. It'll hurt worse to not have her in your life at all, she told herself.

"You seeing anyone?"

"I've gone out with Kell off and on a couple times," Jules said. "I don't know. He's a nice guy and all, but I don't think he's really right for me."

"You may not be right for him," Teb said with a grin, "but I am sure you are perfect for him. Two breasts, two legs, and a heartbeat."

"Not to mention the other equipment necessary for the mutual coupling of men and women," Jules said while forming a triangle with her hands and placing them over her crotch. "God, he can be such a pig."

"No kidding," Teb said, rolling her eyes as they arrived at the holodeck. "Have the two of you--?"

"Hell no," Jules said emphatically. "He tries every time we go out, but I keep fending him off. Would you believe he told me I have perfect child bearing hips? Completely disgusting."

"Bloody chauvinist!" Teb stared open-mouthed at Julia. "And you keep going out with him."

"Of course," Julia said with a smile. "We use his holodeck time, so I don't have to use mine. And, that disco program he has is great. Last week, I learned a dance called the Funky Turkey or something like that. It's pretty wild."

"If you want, I can make you a copy of his program. I know a few blokes that might be able to get a crack at it. You wouldn't have to go out with 'Killer Whale' Kell anymore. He really calls himself the Killer Whale?"

Jules nodded as Teb tapped a couple keys on the holodeck interface. "The rumor is one of his instructors at the Academy gave him that nickname after they--you know... In the tactical operations simulator room. I think he made it up himself."

"Most likely," Teb said with a smile. "There. All set. After you," she added with a flourish.

They stepped into a small, empty club. Teb moved up to the stage and plugged her guitar into the amp.

"This is cool," Julia said as she looked around. "I don't think I've ever been in one of your programs."

"You've always been working when I have my holodeck time. If you could get more time off when I'm not on duty, I could give you a few lessons. We could hang out together. Ben's usually busy on Gamma shift so we could hang out and have late night chats like we used to."

"I'd like that," Jules said, feeling the knot forming in her stomach again.

"Any requests," Teb asked with a violent strum on the guitar.

"How about...'There's a Maquis in My Closet and He's Speaking Romulan.'"

"Molten Rebar," Teb grinned as she attacked the guitar with a vengeance.

Jules started dancing to the harsh chords of the song. They both started belting out the insane lyrics of the song. It lasted through the first chorus before they both broke into a fit of hysterics.

"Crikey," Teb said. "How long has it been?"

"About a year I think," Julia said, with a slight hint of wistfulness in her voice. The knot was tightening with the ferocity of a Jem'Hadar without his 'white.'

"About a year too long," Tebrianne said. "We've got to do this more often, Julia. I miss the time that we used to spend together...no matter how little time it was."

"Me too. Teb, I heard you're going to be going to Risa during shore leave..."

"How'd you--?"

"Raoul."

"Figures. I have to find out how he does that. I didn't tell him anything. Yeah, I'm going to Risa for a reunion gig with the PunkBrats. It's going to be smashing to see everyone again."

"I was wondering... I was wondering if you'd want a travelling companion for the trip there."

"You? Of course. That would be absolutely fab. We could catch up on everything that's been happening." Teb unslung the guitar and set it on the stage. "This is going to be so great, Jules. Just like old times."

"Yeah," Jules said. "And, I can be a PunkBrats groupie!"

"Backstage passes to every gig we have. And, I'll introduce you to my mates. They're wild...though, not as wild as me, mind you."

"It's good to have you back, Teb," Julia said.

"You too, Jules," Teb said with a giggle as she hugged Julia.

The knot that had been growing in Julia's stomach suddenly exploded as Tebrianne's body was pressed firmly against her own. Her head was spinning and the club walls seemed to sway back and forth in a pattern that defied every conceivable law of physics. She felt a tug as Tebrianne started to move away. Jules' eyes snapped open--looking up into the deep chocolate colored eyes. She felt dizzy and her heart thundered in her chest. She could feel the blood rushing in her ears. Tebrianne had to hear it. The chocolate colored eyes never wavered. Then Julia saw it. A hint of recognition. A dawning of realization and a wave of understanding.

They stood silently in each other's arms. The awkward moment stretched into what felt to be an eternity. She tilted her head slightly and leaned a little closer to Tebrianne. Teb didn't pull away. Head swimming, Jules stood at the very edge, looking over the cliff into the vast emptiness below. She had to move forward--there was no more going back. She was past the point of no return.

Julia Reynolds threw what little caution she was still clutching to the wind and closed the gap. Their lips brushed slightly and she swore she felt sparks. Eyes closing as their lips touched again. It was more than the brief touch from a moment before and quickly evolved into the kiss that had played over and over in her mind. The kiss that she had so desperately wanted to give Tebrianne the night she found out about Greer--even after the thing with Casey. What had become an all-consuming fire inside of her had finally been set free.

Julia felt her breath coming in gasps when they finally broke the kiss. She smiled at Tebrianne--whose face was centimeters from her own. They held each other tenderly.

"Wow," Teb said with a grin. "That was...unreal. I've never kissed a girl before."

"Neither have I," Julia said. "I love you, Tebrianne." The giant weight Julia had felt resting on her shoulders vanished. The knot in her stomach unraveled. "I love you with everything that I am. I don't know when it happened or how, but I love you."

"I-- I love Benedict, Jules. I can't love you too. I couldn't do that to him."

"But, what about that kiss? The feeling? You felt that, right? Please, tell me you felt it, Tebrianne. Please?"

"I'm sorry, Jules. I can't. My heart belongs to Benedict T'Kal."

"I feel like such a fool. I'm sorry, Tebrianne. I'll leave you alone. I didn't mean to-- I'll--" Julia started toward where the arch would be.

"Jules, wait." Teb moved next to her friend and took her hand. "Next to Ben--the man I love, you're my best friend in the universe, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. I do love you, but not in that way. Please tell me you'll still go to Risa with me."

Julia nodded and forced a smile. She wanted to crawl away, but couldn't. At least Teb wasn't mad. At least she hadn't completely shunned her. And it was a fantastic kiss. Benedict T'Kal was a very lucky guy. "I wouldn't miss you or your band for all the latinum on Ferenginar."

"Great. Now, let's go to Ten Forward and I'll buy you a drink or sundae or something."

"Okay," Jules said, her spirits starting to lift.

"Computer," Teb said. "End program." The club disappeared into the black and yellow grid of the holodeck. "Let's go."

"You go ahead," Jules said. "I need to be alone for a moment. I'll be along in just a minute."

"You sure? We don't have to go if you don't want to."

"No, I want to...I just need a moment."

"Okay," Teb said, putting a hand on Julia's shoulder. "I'll see you there."

Teb picked up the guitar from the stage and headed toward the door. Julia watched as she vanished through the door and out into the corridor. She stood silently for a moment staring at the yellow and black. Finally, with a heavy sigh, Julia Reynolds left the holodeck.

She walked down the corridor in silence. A nice big chocolate sundae in Ten Forward would cheer her up.

"Computer, end program."

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

The Tebrianne Bancroft Archive. Now Online!
http:/www.elsinore.net/tebrianne/
********************************************

"Good Morning"
by - Lt. Cmdr. David Mercury
Chief of Engineering
USS Galaxy

Rolling over David noticed that Jordan was already awake. Her eyes fixed on him. David pulled her in close.

"Good Morning," giving her a kiss on the lips.

"How'd you sleep?"

Feeling the warmth of her body, "Never better." David moved his hand through her hair. She was beautiful. He knew he had to get up and go to work but he didn't want to get out of bed. Where ever Jordan was he wanted to be. But he had to get to work. "I gotta get to Engineering though." David gave her another kiss and got out of bed. "Tonight, dinner, my place, I'm cooking."

Jordan smiled "Can't wait." David walked over to Jordan, who was still lying in bed and gave her a kiss goodbye.

******************Main Engineering***************

Alpha shift felt like it would never end. Reports were piling up on the Chief Engineer's desk. Lt. Cmdr. Samara was handling all of the repairs to the impulse engine but the Galaxy's problems didn't stop there. Presently David had four teams of five engineers each doing repairs thoughout the ship. Progress reports were also due for his department. Going down the list of his crew, David made notes about everyone. But one officer stood out. It was time she got what she deserved. Putting down his PADD, David signaled the computer. Responding with a beep, it was ready for his command. "Computer, Engineering crew modification autorization Lt. Cmdr. David Mercury 1-Delta-3-Alpha-7-7"

[Comfirmed Lt. Cmdr. David Mercury]

"Status change for Lt. Cmdr. Samara. New position, Assistant Chief of Engineering, USS Galaxy."

[Status changed confirmed]

David walked out of his office and headed towards the turbolift. Noticing A.C. entering Main Engineering David gave a nod and continued. Alpha shift was finally over. It was time now to get dinner ready.

Dan Josephs

"Messy Office"
by Lt. Commander Thomas
Chief Operations Officer

** Chief's Officer **

Lt. Commander Thomas entered his office, which was a total mess. He'd been so busy the past few days that he;d neglected his office and with the battle his office was a mess. He of course hadn't unpacked anything that he'd decided to put in his new office, so that didn't count.

He walked around his office for a few minutes straigten things up and purtting them back where they belong. He then started unpacking the few items he'd brought to put in the office. He was ready to make this office space into his own office, he placed up a few pictures of great men in history. Plato, Khaless, Abraham Lincoln and Captain James T. Kirk. Though he considered them great men of their times, he also would admit to anyone that there was a large selection of possible choices. He had just selected these people, because he found studying their past interesting and enjoyed reading about their accomplishments.

Chris worked for about twenty minutes putting up some items that where of inportance to him, including a picture of Gwyen. Until he found a reason to move on in life, she was still apart of his life. He would someday put to rest the ghost his past, as he was gaining rank and prestigous which would go far when he was ready to present his information. He would have to take a leave of abasence from the Galaxy so he could make the trip to Earth and personaly present his findings to Starfleet's Judge Advocate General's Office. Though he admitted to himself that paying a visit to JAG about this wasn't going to be easy.

He knew that while he could present the information anytime he was ready to do so, he needed to wait until he settled into the position of chief operations officer. Eventually he would be ready to present the information, but not now and defiantly not today. He still had to finish getting his officer organized and then he needed to review some ship information before days end.

Christopher Patton
ICQ # 11497863
Lt. Commander Christopher Thomas - USS Glaxay

Based on STAR TREK created by Gene Roddenberry
By Lieutenant (jg) Suder
Engineer

"Command Part II"

The USS Defender was sat just outside of the asteroid field. All the senior officers were on the bridge, trying to make head and tail of the situation. "There's something in the asteroid filed that is blocking our sensors, but I have a theory on how to scan past the field." Baxa said after anylysing the tactical information.

"Captain, I'm reading something strange, like a ship or something." Teleka announced from the helm. Suder got out of the command seat and made his way to the left of the helm console and looked at the view screen.

"How do you know it's a ship?" Suder asked.

"Well, I'm not getting a very good reading, I mean I can't scan what it is, but the two unidentified objects keep changing course."

"On screen." Suder commanded.

The view screen changed angle and a purple glow became visible in between the floating asteroids. It was obvious what it was.

"Shields up, ready quantom torpedoes, power to main phasers." Suder said as he sat back in his chair. The Jem'Hadar Warship was heading for the Defiant class ship, dodging and evading the asteroids passing near the hull of each ship. "How many ships are there?"

"I'm reading two different ships, at least, there are only two objects that are changing course, I can't get a fix on any other movements in the field." Baxa reported.

"They'll be in weapons range in seventeen seconds." announced Emma Houston now standing over the tactical station along side Baxa, the Bolian.

"I'm detecting two more ships, their decloaking!" David Bolt reported. "Confirmed. I'm reading two Romulan Warbirds." Emma confirmed the earlier report.

"That might change the Jem'Hadar's strategy." Suder said.

Without warning the ship shook as if someone had grabbed the small ship and through it at teh asteroid field. Several conduits on the bridge exploded and smoke filled the air.

"Report!" Suder ordered.

"We've been fired upon by the lead Warbird." Emma replied.

"Helm, full impulse, take us into the asteroid!" Suder yelled as the ship shook again.

"The second Warbird is closing in for a close assault, and the two Jem'Hadar Warships are closing in from above us." David read off the sensor readings.

"Evasive maneouvers. Bring us about to attack the Jem'Hadar Warships, and somebody try and hail the Warbirds." Suder ordered.

"The asteroids are preventing us from contacting anyone. Targeting system is offline." Baxa said.

"Then fire them manually. Target the weapons on the Warbirds, and the engines of the Warships, fire at will." Suder commanded. The bridge errupted like a nuclear explosion, except, there was no bright white light. Just a red flame that engulfed the bridge.

The Defender began spinning out of control and a direct hit to the underside of the hull changed the flipping direction of the ship. The spinning Defiant class vessel span through the asteroid field helplessly...

To be continued...

“And So It Begins…..”
Lt. (jg) Benedict T’Kal
Tactical Officer

Ens. Cathy Page
NPC Science Officer
USS Galaxy

“So. What was this little favor?” Benedict settled back into the soft seat and swirled the tall glass of Denebian whiskey and ice. It was a mellow blend and appealed to Benedict’s tastes more than Earth blends. It was a hybrid agricultural stock that had a complex set of tastes. He sipped the dark amber liquid.

Cathy Page was curled up on the seat opposite. They were both off duty and she was wearing a tight fitting sheath of aquamarine stretch-knit wool that revealed a great deal of thigh and bared her shoulders entirely. Her matching shoes were pushed under the table and she stretched out her toes and gave Benedict one of her best smiles. She knew that she looked spectacular in her choice of dress – her hair was long and pale blonde and her blue eyes held his with a steady gaze.

A moment of panic hit her. She was about to take a step into oblivion – it would be too late to go back after this. But it was momentary – a brief spark of conscience that died a very fast death under the boot heels of her desires.

“I’m running a series of data captures on problems associated with hybrid genetics..” She made her voice sound a little sad. Cathy couldn’t believe her luck when she’d found out about Casey’s baby. It was perfect. She sighed and reached forward to put her cocktail glass on the table. “I have been working on it for a long time. The First Officer’s tragedy has only made me more dedicated in trying to track down the cure for EIS – that was the cause – did you know that?” She asked. Her voice was soft and full of concern. Sometimes she amazed herself at her natural talents – she should have been an actress!

Benedict looked deeply into the glass in his hand and shook his head. “No. Nilani didn’t go into details and I didn’t ask. It’s a very private matter – the Casey’s grief is not something I wish to discuss.” His voice carried a note of finality and Cathy knew that it somehow effected him.

She knew that he was a very deep person – he felt emotion for others that just confounded her. She could count on that to her own advantage – in some ways she knew that he was gullible – he trusted far too readily. She would have to educate him on that!

“Well.” She continued in a low voice. “EIS is a genetic reaction only found in hybrid mixes between species that are otherwise compatible. Like Human and Bajoran..” She paused to give her next words a little emphasis as Benedict looked at her directly, “ or Bajoran and Romulan..” She saw the recognition flash into his eyes.

He seemed to consider her words seriously before saying, ‘Go on..” in a low voice.

“I’m doing a series of genetic studies on the Galaxy. There are many couples here – people like you Ben – who have hybrid genes that would be able to help me. I’m not saying that I can cure EIS – because it’s a fact of interracial genetics that just can’t be avoided. But at least we might find the genetic tags that may give us more of an idea of who may be more susceptible to it.” She put emotion in to her words – this time it wasn’t false – she was talking about the possibility of having a child too. “I’d like your help Ben.” She finished with that simple plea.

He nodded. “I’ll do what ever I can Cathy – what do you need?” His violet eyes held hers and she seemed to fall into them. ‘Soon.’ She told herself. ‘Soon.’

She smiled and said, “Okay – I’ll have to come to your quarters a little later. The genetic sampling routine tends to knock you around a bit – and so it’s best to do it just before you intend to sleep. Is that okay? You’ll be alone?” The last thing she needed was to find out that Bancroft was going to be there!

“Yes – Tebrianne is on Alpha. Shouldn’t I be in a lab or something?” He asked.

“No need.” She replied – a little too quickly but she smiled at him and said, “There’s a single injection and a single genetic sample to take – that’s all. I have a specialised kit to do it and it takes a minute or two – no more.” She smiled encouragingly.

Benedict shrugged. He was a Tactical Officer – not a Science Officer and so the puzzles that Cathy Page tried to solve with her work were something that held a great deal of mystery for him. If he could help her in this – perhaps the Casey’s tragedy would spur more of an effort to do this. It was certainly important. Nilani had confided her own worry over the same genetic traits – and Benedict had been awake for hours the previous night thinking about Tebrianne.

He nodded once, firmly. “Then I will be available.”

Cathy Page grinned at him. “I knew you wouldn’t let me down.” She looked at her chronometer. “Well – thanks for the drink – I’ve got to go – I’m having dinner with a really cute guy from Security.” She slipped on her shoes and twirled in front of him. “How do I look?” She asked.

“Beautiful.” He replied. “He’s a lucky guy.” He smiled genuinely at her. She was beautiful – but there was an edge to her that he really didn’t care for. Like many Earth women, she was missing an element of spirit that gave her a certain falseness. He wondered which of the Security Officers she had decided to snare. For a week or so at least..

Cathy blushed at his compliment. She walked away with a definite sway of her hips, but as she cast her glance over her shoulder she saw that he was staring into his drink. A flash of annoyance marred her perfect face for a moment and she disappeared through the doors of Ten Forward.

*** Later ***

Cathy Page sat on the edge of Benedicts’ bed and looked at his beautiful face as he slept. She brushed a lock of raven hair away from his cheek and brushed her hand down his neck. He was unconscious. The first injection had done that within thirty seconds. She leaned forward and kissed him on the lips – she wanted him to kiss her back – but he was totally unresponsive. She sighed and reached into her small case.

The injector was cool in her hand. The nano-probes inside it would have finished their work by the time he awoke. The drug that put him under also wiped out his short term memory. The last few hours would be erased – including her presence here.

She applied the instrument to the base of his throat. Her finger trembled on the trigger and she took it away again. Her hand was shaking. He looked so peaceful laying there – completely at her mercy. She started crying. Tears fell down her cheeks unbidden and she had an urge to just pack up her case and run. It was a moment of real truth. This man would never love her. She was too shallow for that. God – even she realized it!

He wanted something else. He wanted Tebrianne Bancroft. It would all be so simple if she wasn’t around. That was another possibility of course. But subtlty was needed here. She knew that he would never be hers – not unless she used the thing in her hands.

A moment of self hatred hit her. She stood up and walked around his room. A covered canvas caught her eye and she couldn’t resist raising it and taking a look. The feeling of pure hot rage hit her as she saw the subject. It was an oil painting – a close up face that was only half painted, but the sketching in charcoal was finished. Her eyes were – beautiful. He had captured something of her obviously. She took one step back and felt the hard metal in her hands and looked at it.

She glared back at those eyes and squeezed the hard cylinder in her fist. “You bitch..” she spat. “You’re not taking him!” She strode over to Benedict’s sleeping form and pressed the injector into his throat and pulled the trigger. She did it quickly, in the heat of her anger and the hissing sounded so satisfying. It took only a second.

She gasped and stood back. Several thousand tiny probes were even now creating their final handiwork within his body. They would be dead by morning – flushed by the bodies natural functions. She still had the last part of her plan to take care of.

She reached for the case and fumbled with it – she was shaking heavily now at the enormity of what she was doing.

Several minutes later she walked out of Benedicts’ quarters with the genetic samples she would need. She made her way directly to her lab and secured them in a cryofield. She spent the next three hours sitting and staring at the small vials and tried to calm down. She cried the whole time – and all she could see were those damned dark eyes staring at her accusingly!

"Of Prophets and Nausicaans"
by Ensigns Elaiithin Jii and Rotan Heratta, Security, USS Galaxy

In the quarters he shared with Rotan Heratta, his now fellow security officer, Elaiithin Jii was kneeled in front of a small dias he maintained.

What he was doing, precisely, was offering up his daily prayer to the Prophets.

As a Starfleet Officer, Elaiithin was aware that the Prophets that resided in the Celestial Temple, or, as the humans called it, the Wormhole, were simply nonlinear entities. But...as a Bajoran, to him they were very much more. The Prophets were a guiding force to the Bajoran people, Religious icons on a scale with the being known as "Jesus Christ" back on Earth.

"May the Prophets keep an guide you..."

The sound of a being entering the room - the notable Ensign Rotan Heratta, interrupted Jii's prayers.

Rotan stopped, at first unsure of what exactly his roommate might be doing.

"Don't let me interupt..whatever it is you are doing." Rotan offered in his usual deep baritone voice.

"It's no interuption. I was just offering a prayer to the Prophets. Its been a while and.." Elaiithin shrugged.

"Ah..a religious ceremony. I understand." Rotan rubbed his shoulder as he replied. "It has been a while for me as well. In fact..I no longer practice in the faiths of my people. I believe that it is a waste of energy. However, please continue."

Rotan moved to the rooms small workstation and seated himself, intent not to interupt his friends private ceremony.

Elaiithin returned to his prayers, speaking quietly to himself, and occasionally lighting or snuffing a candle on the dias. After fifteen minutes or so, he went and joined his friend at the workstation.

"You don't beleive in a higher power?" he asked of Rotan.

The Nausicaan's eyebrows raised as he looked up from whatever he had been reading. "Eh?"

"You said earlier that you beleived the faiths of your people were a waste of energy. Why?" Elaiithin asked him.

"I could easily ask why you still have faith in your gods, after all that has occured to your planet." Rotan shot back.

"We beleive that the Prophets have a reason for all that happens. And while they are a guiding and protective force to the Bajorans, they do not excercise control over us."

"What do you mean by that?" "Well, while the Prophets have the ability to control and change events, they are not so much dieties, but..... patron saints." Elaiithin said, searching for the right way to phrase it. "And you never answered my question."

"The beliefs of my people focus around war. Our gods would be considered violent and unforgiving by the standards of most cultures." Rotan spoke slowly, being careful how he phrased his words. "I chose not to endorse those beliefs, because I hoped to take our people in new directions..of growth." Rotan stood from the workstation as he said the last. Displayed on the LCARS monitor was a series of messages from Nausicaa III.

"It would appear that our talk on this subject is well timed. A popular religious movement on my world,..the Ok'Takar has siezed control of the government." Rotan faned open his facial fangs in a sign of obvious frustration.

"Seized control? I take it that the changeover of your goverment is a bad thing?" Elaiithin stated, rather obviously.

"With this particular sect, yes."

"What kinds of changes will this mean for your people? I'm sorry, but I'm not very familiar with Nausicaan government." Jii inquired.

"It will mean drastic changes. The Ok'Takar are fanatics, who believe that the only way their twisted god will rise to total power is through dark acts called the Ways of Blood. Ok'Takar warrior-priests are willing to die at the Command of their high leaders." Rotan seemed almost distant as he contimplated what this change would mean. He was however, glad to have his friend here at the time of recieving such a message.

"Hmm.. since the Romulan Withdrawal from Nausicaa, your people have largely been neutral parties. Do you think this will affect thier political allegiances?"

" I am not certain." Rotan stated slowly.

"So, any word from friends or family? What do you think that this will mean for them?" Elaiithin asked. His friend was clearly troubled. Jii couold understand that..he'd been on leave from the Academy when Kai Winn had attempted to take over the Bajoran Provisional Goverment. That would have been a disaster for Bajor.

"I have no family that would be affected." Rotan offered in a neutral tone. To change the subject he continued. "A large percentage of our people have endorsed the Ok'Takar movement. A massive buildup of the military- religious structure has begun. It can only mean one thing, that my people are no longer that concerned about..the Federation. I may find myself recalled to my homeworld soon." Jii let out a breath. "We'll try to avoid that, if we can, Partner. Do you think we should let the Captain, or at least Commander Sunder know?"

"Yes..." Rotan started "Yes..they should be informed...." The large Nausicaan turned then, to look out the viewports, on the stars that had seemed to hold so much promise.....

To Be Continued.....

Coming Onboard
By Lara Spier
Doctor, USS Galaxy

~~ Docking Ports Starbase 357 ~~

Lara Spier stood on the Docking Platform that the Galaxy was due to arrive at in a few minuets. She couldnt wait to get onboard and start he new assignment. She had checked the Manifest for the Galaxy a few days before and learned that one of her old friends was also serving onboard the galaxy.

" Miss, you asked for the time that the Galaxy would be arriving" a voice from behind shouted.

" Yes that was me" she calls out to the young Customs officer. The officer quickly hands her the PADD containing the scheduled arrivals for all the Starships comming to the Starbase. Scanning down the list she looks at the entry for the Galaxy. According to this it wouldnt be arriving for another 20 minuets Federation Standard Time. She quickly looks at her Cronometer .

" I quess I have enough time to get a quick drink."

Desciding this she moves along to the Starbases Bar titled " The Rokanda". She quietly takes a seat in at the Bar and waits till the Tender walks by

" What can I get ya" the tender mumbles.

" Ill take a Beer". She replies.

The Tender moves to the Back of the bar and gets her the order. Lara takes it without comment and sips it. The next 20 minuets went on like this , until she look at her chronometer and walks twoards the Docking Platform. As she arrives she sees the Galaxy pull into the Docking port and begins to head twoards the Airlock.

=/\= "An Exercise in Optimism" =/\=
by Lt Matthew Albrecht
a Meat Truck by any other name…

It was oh-four-hundred hours, and although he hadn’t been on active duty in two days, Matthew Albrecht was still in his duty uniform. This was out of the ordinary for the young officer, who practically stripped his uniform off on his way out of Security on most days. Now, two days relieved of duty and he was wearing a clean, if not crisply pressed, Security officer’s uniform. Had any of his friends been around to notice, they would surely have said something to him about it. But, his friends were not around. Endris was comatose. Gary was in another ward of Sickbay and begibbing a long series of rehabilitative procedures, which would probably take him off the ship for quite some time. James Chen was gone, having left the ship unexpectedly a while back. And Ursa was surely working at least double shifts while Matthew loafed around sticking close to his child or his fiance and their doctors.

The truth of the matter was that while wearing the uniform, Matthew felt insulated from the frightening events that surrounded him.

A man in Starfleet uniform is strong. A man in Starfleet uniform is brave. A man in Starfleet uniform is cool under pressure. A man in Starfleet uniform is protected by the talisman of his clothing against fear. As long as he wore his uniform, he felt sure that he could hold out against the bleak depression that had discovered and courted him for the past forty-eight hours. Since Gakor and their son, still unnamed, were split up in Sickbay. This depression was new to him. Lieutenant Matthew Albrecht had been in frightening, even terrible situations before; but he had never in his life been a victim to any sort of depression, least of all the sort of depression that could paralyze a person. But when it appeared to him, like an emotional blanket, he recognized it immediately.

Of course, even such a mighty ward as the arrowhead logo on his chest was not enough to protect a person from himself. So, Matthew found another way to cope. He would cloak himself in cheer and show that image to others. That’s how he came to be outside the door to Trabuco’s room, accompanied by nurse Opel and a rather involved-looking portable incubation contraption.

Albrecht called out as he came through the door, "Knock knock, ensign!"

Gary was sitting up in bed, turning his head to look at the door. On a tray in front of him was a monitor displaying his favorite weightlifting periodical, "Astrofigure." Seeing his best friend, Gary smiled the small smile he allowed himself - even though it was somewhat painful. He lifted a hand about ten inches off the bed in greeting and croaked, "hello, m’thew."

The younger security officer’s face and arms were exposed to view, and that portion of his body was layered in artificial skins and slowly regenerating natural tissue. The burns he had received from the Jem’Hadar polaron rifle were incredibly resistant to the treatments modern medicine prescribed for most burn victims. In Gary’s case, the key to successful healing was going to be time, patience, and lots of honest work.

Albrecht moved the incubator to the side of Gary’s bed. "Well, Trabuco my friend, since you wouldn’t come to the nursery, I decided to bring it to you," he teased. He wore a smile of his own, and his eyes even managed a real smile of their own. After all, he was still incredibly proud to be a daddy. The child, whose name he and Gakor would have to determine together *when* she came out of her coma, was terribly weak. But the little trooper seemed to have some indefinable internal strength that kept him alive. It was as if he were waiting for some help that was already on its way, and he just had to hold on a little while.

Nevertheless, lieutenant Matthew Albrecht was a proud father and wanted to show his son to the world, or at least, the ship. Of course, Sickbay would be the limit of the infant’s tour for the time being. "Gary Trabuco, may I introduce you to baby Albrecht?" The infant was lying on his back in the chamber, his reddish skin surrounded by a delicate tracery of white down-like fur. He had a wrinkly face and an upturned nose. (Whether the nose would be more human-like or more snout-like was still indeterminate). The little fellow had his little hands in fists, and was holding them up as if he were grasping weights and bench-pressing.

Trabuco said, in a whisper, "He’s gonna be so strong, Matt…" The injured ensign was looking into the incubator with soft eyes, wishing he could hold the child. He shook his head from side to side, when he realized that Matthew must also want to hold his child.

Albrecht didn’t respond to his friend’s use of the nickname ‘Matt,’ which he disliked. He knew that his friend expelled considerable energy communicating vocally, and understood that he would conserve his stamina wherever he could. Matthew also knew that it was his job to hold up the majority of the conversation. "Yeah, he’s going to be a big man, Gary. And," he added, looking his friend in the eye, "He’ll have you as a coach, eh?"

The two friends kept up the mostly one-sided conversation for nearly a half- hour before nurse Opel insisted that her patients were both too tired to continue their visit. She started rolling the incubator out of the room before Matthew had even stood from his chair. "Well, my friend. I had better go check on Gakor. She’s probably woken up and is regaling the main operating theatre with the tale of how she’s cured Teresi once and for all!" he declared proudly.

Gary waved without energy until Albrecht turned his back to him and left the room. Off to see his fiance, the lieutenant lost his smile again, trudged through the corridor dejectedly following his child’s temporary home as it was pushed along smoothly by the dedicated nurse. Again, he made mental thanks for the superior medical department on the Galaxy, knowing that they would ensure the safety of his loved ones. But for how long would he have to wait until he could hold his son, and put him into the arms of his mother?

"Vacation"
by Lt. Commander Tebrianne Bancroft
and Ensign Julia Reynolds [NPC of Tebrianne Bancroft]

***

** Ten Forward, USS Galaxy **

Teb sipped at the cranberry tea and listened to Jules talking about the conduit meltdown during the skirmish with the St. Louis.

"That must have been awful," Teb said as she nibbled at one of the crackers Raoul had brought over. "You're lucky to have gotten out of there alive."

"Well, I just kept my head about me, and I made it out. I thought I was going to be stuck in that jeffries tube for days, though. But, I made it out."

Raoul brought another cranberry tea over for Teb and some strange Bajoran concoction for Julia. Teb couldn't help but notice the eye contact that was going on between Julia and Raoul. As the Alpha Centauran bartender moved away, Teb leaned in close to her friend. "Is there something going on between you and Raoul?"

"No," Jules said, taking a sip of her drink. "Why do you ask?"

"Just the way you two are acting."

"Oh it's nothing. He's been helping me sort through some things in my mind. Trying to get information out of me without saying anything. You know?"

"I know all about that with him. I don't see why he didn't go into counselling. I hate going to counsellors, but for some reason, Raoul can always find a way to get me to talk through things with him."

"Exactly."

"Crikey, I almost forgot. Tomorrow, I'm heading for Risa, and I was wondering if you would be interested in coming along?"

Jules nearly choked on her Druhaum Sunrise. Did she hear Tebrianne right? "Risa?"

"Yes," Teb said. "My band is having a reunion and we're doing a few gigs on Risa. I can't ask Ben to go with me, and I'd really like to have a friend there. I mean, someone that supports my career in Starfleet. The band wasn't all that excited when I chose to join the Academy. And, it'll give us a chance to catch up."

Jules could barely contain the giggles that were threatening to overwhelm her. It was almost like the holodeck the other day. She knew she wasn't going to try to kiss Teb again--as much as she wanted to. "That would be great," she said. "I've never been to Risa before. And, it will get me out of a date with Kell."

"You're still going out with Kell?"

"Not really. He's okay until he tries to get me back to his quarters. I usually pull the early shift in the morning excuse on him. Anyway, it gives me a great excuse to miss his Disco Music through the Centuries holonovel. Did you realize there was a disco revival back in 2269? And, some guy actually tried to bring disco music to Vulcan? Last week, he got so drunk he tried showing me his--you know," Julia said, dropping her eyes crotchward. "Now, I'm baffled why they call him Killer Whale."

They both started laughing, drawing attention from around Ten Forward.

"So does he still want you to have his baby?"

"Me and half the beta shift engineering team. What a letch. He actually told me that I was at the top of his list because I had such nice long blonde hair and blue eyes. I cut my hair the next day--but, it didn't help. Day after that, he told me that he could forgive the hair because the hips were perfect. I can't win."

"Maybe you should start carrying around a Type-7 Spanner," Teb said. "Then, next time he gets too close, tell him that you always fancied the works of Herman Melville and that Captain Ahab was always your favorite character--especially the way he went hunting for that whale. Then, you take a few practice swings with the spanner."

"I'll think about it, but I think it will only encourage him." Jules smiled at Teb. It was wonderful to be able to sit and talk to her again. And, soon they would be in a shuttle and on their way to Risa--just like the old times. "This is going to be great, Teb. My first PunkBrats concert."

"And, you're going to have to catch me up on all the ship's gossip on the way."

"You got it, as long as you spill on what's happening in the Federation music scene."

Teb smiled and glanced at the chron across the room. "Crikey, Ben's going to be coming off shift soon. I'd better get out there. I haven't even told him yet. By the way, we're going to a Flight Control Conference...not Risa."

"But--"

"As far as Ben knows, we're going to a Conference."

"Got it. So, does this mean you want me to request a transfer to Helm?"

"Only if you want to...I mean you're more than qualified."

"I'll think about it...and that can also be my excuse for going with you to the conference."

"Fab," Teb said with a grin. "Now, I've got to go before he falls asleep or something. Be ready for the trip tomorrow, okay?"

Teb quickly slugged down the last of her tea, just catching Jules nod as she raced out of Ten Forward.

Jules sighed wistfully as she watched Tebrianne's fleeting form depart from the room. Her heart was thumping heavily against her chest. She glanced over at the bar where Raoul mouthed "Well?" as he wiped down a damp spot on the surface of the counter.

Jules showed him a toothy smile and an upturned thumb. She was going to Risa.

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

The Tebrianne Bancroft Archive. Now Online!
http:/www.elsinore.net/tebrianne/
******************************************************

"First Scan."

Lt. Commander Kahn Nilani
Chief Medical Officer
(Restricted Duties)

Captain Robert Edward Lee Price
Commanding Officer

Lt. (jg) Benedict T’Kal
Tactical Officer

Lt. Felicia Khatroweena
Acting Chief Medical Officer
USS Galaxy

Nilani walked down the hall heading towards Ben's quarters. She was dressed casually - being off duty she had chosen a loose fitting two piece suit of light blue cotton. Her hair was down and loosely held away from her hazel eyes with a floral scarf of Bajoran T'Yeir silk. She wore her family earring.

She was worried about her pregnancy after what she had seen a few days ago, and had requested a check up as soon as she had calmed down. Cat had put her off until things settled down in Medical - she had been quite explicit - Nilani had nothing to worry about! This would be a perfectly normal pregnancy!

She still felt uneasy - but her own senses told her that she was only reacting to the Casey's tragedy - she had used a tricorder every night and had not found anything amiss. It was normal procedure to have a first trimester examination in an official capacity - and Cat had confirmed that she could do it today.

Normally the husband was present - but Nilani's case - she had Benedict to fill in the role. She figured that he may as well be there right from the start - well as close to the start... she smiled to herself. The brief image of his violet eyes came to her mind - and she put 'those' thoughts firmly out of her mind!

Joerg Sterner was barely gone! They had been lovers for quite a while - it had been good - but never a really serious affair for either of them. She admitted that she loved him - but their careers had always taken precedence. Nilani knew that it had been an affair of convenience. Things had changed when she had found out that she was having his child. How could she tell him? What would he say? She knew that he was not prepared for it - she couldn't force him into any kind of decision.

He was in a new command. Nilani wasn't prepared to make him choose - because she knew that he was a good man - and he'd do the 'right' thing - which really wasn't the right thing at all. The last few days had given her ample time to think about all of this. She didn't want marriage. She did want the life that was growing within her. The decision was entirely hers to take. She could raise children quite well on her own - and nothing would interfere with her career, or Joergs. If he wanted to be a part of it later - then he would get the chance - but not as a husband. The truth was plain. Neither of them would want that!

Nilani reached Bens' door and pressed the chime. It had been a while since she had ventured into junior officers quarters.

"Come In!" Ben's voice called.

The door to Bens quarters opened to reveal him sitting at his small table - kneeling upon a flat cushion and holding a brush above a sheet of white material. He seemed to be painting something - and he smiled as he saw her.

He was dressed in a black robe - not quite Bajoran style - she couldn't place it - but it was a shiny material that seemed to have designs of birds etched in dull black - so that the light displayed the pattern as he moved. His hair was loose and glossy black, laying in straight bangs over his shoulders. He wore his family caste Bajoran earring in his right ear.

In a smooth motion he stood and placed his brush on a pallet. "Hello." He said. "I wasn't expecting you.." He motioned for her to enter. "Please - come in."

She stepped through the door and briefly glanced at the Lieutenants quarters. It was very neat and tastefully decorated. A mixture of Bajoran and human - Japanese at a guess. On one wall a very large sword hung on a leather sling, and below it another curved longsword was placed upon a standing rack, with a watercolor painting of a Tiger behind it.

His guitar stood against another wall, and an unfinished painting was draped by a cloth on a tripod. It seemed that Benedict T'Kal was quite an artist - she couldn't see the work in progress though.

"Would you care for some tea? " He asked her. He indicated a small pottery tea pot standing upon the table. She shook her head and smiled.

"Ben, I was wondering if you could come to sickbay with me?" Nilani spoke softly. She continued when she saw the brief flash of concern. "It's time for my first scan - and I thought - well, if you could..."

Benedict's face lit up with a wide smile. "I would love to." He immediately replied.

Nilani laughed slightly at his instant eagerness. He motioned for her to sit and said, "I'll just change - it won't take a second okay?" He disappeared into his bedroom area, and few moments later after a brief scuffle that Nilani tried hard not to peek at, he walked back dressed in an off-duty uniform.

They walked out of his quarters and headed towards the sickbay. Nilani felt as though everyone's eyes were looking at them. She was feeling self-conscious about being with Benedict - and she noticed for the first time that he seemed to totally ignore the looks he was getting from almost every female they passed. Nilani, on the other hand was getting raised eyebrows - and not a few envious stares.

They entered the turbo lift together and Nilani was the first to speak. "Sickbay, priority clearance Command Override Beta 59 Zulu!"

Benedict raised his eyebrow and looked at her quizzically - she had used her command clearance to make the trip a private one. She just shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

The turbo lift by-passed all other user inputs, and stopped at the correct deck. Benedict was the first out of the lift, quickly followed by Nilani. As Nilani got to the door to Sickbay she took a deep breath, and walked in. This was going to be official - and so hiding her 'state' was now no longer possible. Several nurses were going to know - and the rumor mill would quickly follow - regardless of any admonition to keep it quiet!

They entered and Cat turned to look at the Bajoran couple. She smiled and approached them.

"Hi Cat. Are we on time?" She smiled at her work colleague who was looking at Benedict, and obviously wondering why he was with Nilani. Benedict just smiled at her and nodded a greeting.

Cat nodded, "Just a few minutes early. Umm, Take a seat on the bed." Cat indicated the central bed and moved around to prepare the sensors.

Nilani walked over to the Bio bed and lay down on it. Benedict stood close to the bed as Cat tapped the sensor controls. The scan began and Cat switched the monitors to show a detailed image on a screen close to the bed.

As the image began to clarify, Nilani held out her hand in Benedicts' direction and he took it. He smiled down at her and squeezed her hand in reassurance. Together they watched the image form on the screen.

"Well! No obvious problems." Cat's eyes widened and she couldn't help herself grin. "The erm..well..." Cat depressed a few more controls, the screen changed, adding another dimension. Readouts appeared next to the image, showing the health of the babies. Cat nodded and purred, "Nilani you're having twins?..."

Captain Price walked through the main doors to Sickbay and looked around to find Cat - he smiled and took a step toward her before he recognized the scene..

"Doctor I was wondering if I might get some...." Lee stopped in his tracks and saw Nilani laying on the biobed. Next to her Lieutenant T’Kal was holding her hand and watching the monitor while Doctor Khatroweena examined her abdomen with the medical probe. Everyone was smiling happily. "Well what do we 'ave here?" He asked.

Cat continued her work, speaking back over her shoulder to the Captain who's voice she'd recognized. "It's a baby examination silly."

Captain Price placed his hands on his hips grudgingly. "That was a rhetorical question doctor. I know a baby when I see one - and I see two! I'm a Captain, not an idiot."

Doctor Khatroweena laughed at the Captain's joke. Nilani glanced at the monitor and then looked up from her biobed into Benedict's eyes. The two looked so much in love, it was no wonder that the Captain would jump to conclusions...

"Well, I guess congratulations are in order 'mate." Lee said resting a hand on Lieutenant T'Kal's back.

Benedict glanced at the Captain. He didn't know what to say, but knew now was not the time to say anything. "Congratulations?" He cast a glance at Nilani and saw the look in her eyes. "Yes sir. They are definitely in order." Benedict repeated with the skill of a diplomat. He knew that she wouldn't want the Captain knowing who the father was. If she wanted to say something, Benedict figured it was her business. He was just honored that Nilani had asked him to come for the scan. If the Doctor wished to share the lineage of her unborn children, that was something private for her to disclose. It wasn't his place. He was merely an honored guest.

Lee smiled. "So, how do things look Doctor?" The Captain asked of Cat.

"Everything appears to be normal. Nilani has a healthy set of twins..." Cat paused glancing at her patient, "Did you want to know their sex Nilani?"

The question raised everyone's eyebrows, including the Captain. There was some sort of primeval curiosity about such things that seemed to pull a string on every living being. Lee raised his eyebrow waiting for Nilani's answer as she glanced at Benedict inquisitively as if looking for guidance.

Benedict smiled. He could see the two tiny forms on the imager - it really wasn't up to him. But the curiosity was a true test of his patience! He tried hard to keep his face neutral.

Nilani looked at the Captain..he looked expectant. Cat was just smiling - at this resolution the fetuses were too small to tell. Nilani thought about keeping it a surprise - but the suspense was killing her too! She just looked once at Cat and nodded.

Cat looked like she'd just swallowed a canary.."One of each Nilani...a boy and a girl - and they are both beautifully perfect!"

Based on STAR TREK created by Gene Roddenberry
By Lieutenant (jg) Suder
Engineer

"Command... Part III"

Smoke was still rising out of the helm and plasma was venting from a disabled conduit. Some of the bridge crew were lying on the floor or sprawled across their consoles. Suder checked the pulse of the science officer, David Bolt. He was alive, just. He tapped his communicator and moved to the next unconsious officer. "Bridge to Engineering, what's our status?" he asked.

=/\= Not good Captain, the warp drive is offline, aswell as the impulse engines. Weapons are disabled. We;re helpless. =/\= Sanders replied from Engineering.

"Get the impulse engines back online, that's your main priority!" Suder ordered.

"Captain, I've got shields up, I'm not sure how long they'll last though. I can also get one or two shots off with the phaser array before it is completely burnt out." Baxa reported from the tactical station.

"Then they have to count 100%. But with one or two shots, we'd never do enough damage against those ships." Suder said, probably to himself. "What about the tractor beam and transporters?" he asked.

"Transporters and tractor beams are online." Houston replied from a station that was hard to see through the smoke.

"Have we got any thrusters?" Suder asked.

"I can give you thrusters at 57 percent effectivness." Teleka said from the helm.

"That'll have to do. Helm, plot a course through the asteroid with thrusters until our impulse engines are back online. Tactical, target the asteroids with the tractor beam and throw them at the enemy ships. If the ships come close enough and there's enough damage to the shields, then beam over several quantom torpedoes and detonate them." Suder said.

"Already done." Baxa replied.

"Course laid in." Teleka replied.

"Engage." Suder said.

"Romulan Warbirds closing in." Houston reported.

As the Defender flew through the asteroid, the tractor beam was engaged at every asteroid that flew by changing the course and trajectory of the asteroid rocks passing by. One of the Romulan Warbirds managed to fly past the first three but a rather large and bulky asteroid flew into the command section of the ship. The neck line snapped and the bridge was obliterated as the asteroid continued on it's course. The rest of the ship drifted forward until colliding with another asteroid. The second one broke off the attack and made it's way out of the asteroid field. The three Jem'Hadar vessels were now in weapons range of the Defender again and opened fire willingly.

"Shields have failed!" Baxa yelled over the shaking and explosions all over the ship. Parts of the ceilign colapsed and several more conduits exploded. "Hull breaches on decks 2 through to 3. Hull integrity is failing." Houston reported.

"Captain, I've scanned the asteroids, there's an unusual compound in them, that's what interfering with our sensors, but the compound is extremly lets say, viloent if there was a reactiopn with a phaser blast." Baxa read off the information.

"Make it so. Target the asteroid closest to the nearest Warship and fire!" Suder said.

The Defender flew by several asteroids and as the three Warships behind them closed in, two phaser blast came heading their way. Each one made contact with an asteroid and exploded. A green explosion engulfed the asteroid and several others. One large explosion then ripped apart the rest of the asteroid field and the three Warships. The Defender was almost out of the asteroid field, but the explosion caught up with them first. The crew were thrown to the floor as the flames covered the ship. A quarter of the inside of the ship was exposed to the flames through the hull breaches, it was like pouring salt into an exposed wound.

Minutes later....

"Report!" Houston asked lifting a chair and some debris off of her. There was a moment of silence, but Baxa replied.

"The ships have been destroyed, and we're crippled. There's still one Romulan Warbird ot there, and..." Baxa stopped and looked at the information panel to confirm what he was seeing.

"And?" Suder asked kicking a bulkhead off of himself.

"I'm reading that station ahead. It appears to be a mining station, and a construction yard." Baxa said.

"Didn't the explosion take it out?" Teleka asked.

"No, the explosion only ignited 2 percent of the asteroid field." Baxa replied.

"Begin repairs, get everyone on repair duty, we need to get this ship up and running, and then report back to Starfleet." Suder said.

"But Captain, if that shipyard becomes functional, the Dominion will have an advantage over the Federation." Houston objected.

"Let me rephrase that Commander, We'll get the ship up and running, tell Starfleet about it, and then make an attack run onit. I need a valunter." Suder said.

"I'll do it." David Bolt replied.

"Good, I need you to take a shuttle and get out of this asteroid field and send a message. Now wen need to make sure that your not detected, otherwise the Romulan Warbird flying around out there might come after you, so just use thruster and drift through the asteroid field." Suder explained. Bolt got up and got straight to work.

"Captain, I've found a weakspot in that station. If we can get a direct hit on the mining core and the power generator that is giving power to the rest of the shipyard, then it should cause an explosion big enough to take out the moon." Baxa said.

"I'll remind you or moon is smaller than Earths." Suder joked. "It's still pretty big." Baxa replied. They smiled at the private joke that had gone on for years, and was not worth explaining because no one else would understand.

"Your priorty is to get weapons back online, get Engineering to start work on the warp drive." Suder said.

"You intending on using the warp drive in this field?" Emma Houston asked.

"Maybe. The impulse engines have taken heavy damage, they may not be online for another few days. However, if we can make the shots and escape on impulse power, very well, if not, then we'll have to go to warp and hope for the best. Also, if the weapons can't be brought online, depending on what Starfleet says, then we may have to destroy the station by alternative methods." Suder explained.

"I always did think you were crazy when it came to warp and other objects." Teleka replied.

"Let's just say it's a final option if everything else fails." Suder said.

“Family Reunion”
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey & Cadet Alexa Casey(NPC of Deiran Casey)

The Captain had asked Casey to dock the Galaxy at Starbase 357. A routine procedure but something that was still an honor. When a Galaxy class vessel docked at a Starbase, everyone on the Starbase knew about it and watched.

Casey performed well.

The last two days were the most heartbreaking of Deiran’s life. His wife was still in sickbay regaining her strength. He had been sleeping in sickbay with her, sleeping was a relative word in this case. He wasn’t getting much sleep.

“Starbase Ops reports docking clamps are locked sir,” reported Lt. Commander Thomas.

“Good, thank you ‘Commander,” Deiran replied. There was a strange seriousness to his voice, he looked like Iceman, but didn’t sound like it.

Casey entered the Ready Room and waited for the Captain to look up at him from his work. The Captain’s desk was covered with PADD’s, he looked quite busy.

“Yes Deiran?” Lee asked in a moderate voice.

“Captain, the Galaxy has docked. Sir, may I be excused from the Bridge for an hour to welcome my sister on board the ship?” Casey asked with utmost respect and dignity in his voice.

“Aye Commander, since we’re docked at the Starbase we won’t need but a skeleton crew on board ‘mate. Give all non-essential crewmembers leave until further notice. If we need them, we can call them back to duty.”

“Aye sir. I’ve put all essential personnel on a 4 shift rotation sir, they’ ll work in tandem with the Engineering repair crews from the Starbase. Should be just a week of repairs sir. I believe Mr. Mercury wanted to also use this opportunity for a routine deuterium storage upgrade as well sir,” Casey informed Lee, it wasn’t hard to notice the change in Commander Casey. He was like a robot going through the motions, like he was on auto-pilot.

“Sounds good then ‘mate. Enjoy your leave Deiran,” Lee replied with a smile.

“Thank you sir, you too.”

Deiran turned to exit and was stopped by Lee, “Deiran say hello to your sister for me would you?” Lee smiled, his voice friendly.

Deiran’s face cracked, his teeth could be seen a little bit, but it couldn’t be called a smile. “I’ll do that sir, she’ll be happy you remembered her sir,” Casey replied and stepped out of the office, the doors closing behind him leaving the Captain to sift through his PADD’s again.

Deiran walked back onto the Bridge. “Mr. Thomas establish a ship-wide comm please,” it took a few seconds for the Chief Ops officer to get Casey connected to the intercom of the Galaxy, “This is Commander Casey, all non-essential personnel has leave until further notice. Your Department Chief should have rosters set up to designate essential and non-essential personnel. Please enjoy your short vacation. Casey out,” Deiran disconnected the transmission and entered the left lift, when everyone else was packing into the right lift except for Security personnel assigned to guard the Bridge.

Solitude. It was a word that Casey had come to embrace in the last few days. His grief had come in the form of quiet reflection and then intense periods of rage. He hoped that his sister could help. He was clearly wrought with sorrow and self-pity. He had circles around his eyes, he walked slow. It just didn’t seem like the same man in any way.

“Deck 6,” Deiran said. There was no excitement in his voice. Completely Bland.

*** Transporter Room 1 ***

The Galaxy was such a big ship that the transporters were used for passengers transferring on board the ship. The exit/entryways were used for assigned personnel. That was how it was done at 357. It was different at every Starbase, depending on the facility’s CO.

“Starbase reports Cadet Casey is cleared to beam aboard Commander,” Chief Jensen informed the man.

“Energize Mr. Jensen,” Casey said in a faked upbeat tone. Casey just couldn’ t get his son’s eyes out of his head. He kept seeing Dalane’s eyes closing over and over again, like some recurring nightmare. The touch of the little one’s fingers flexing on his thumb was still felt. The memory of his son’s last breath etched in the man’s memory.

A few seconds later the low hum of the transporter began, then came the usual blue haze and 20 seconds later the solid form of his little sister was standing before him. Her shoulder bag slumped on her back. She was wearing the warmest smile he’d seen in a very long time. She had come at just the right time.

Alexa Casey dropped her bag on the floor and jumped into her brother’s arms. “Deiran!” she screamed with excitement and smothered him with sisterly kisses.

Deiran returned her loving embrace with one of his own, squeezing her tight. He had missed her. She had been such a part of his life for so long.

Deiran let her down, her feet had been off the floor, and walked over to get her bags.

“Hey I can do that!” she protested, smiling.

“I know you can, so can I,” he replied with his own half-smile. That was Alex’s first clue. Something was wrong, Deiran never did anything half way.

“Welcome aboard Cadet!” Chief Jensen said in greeting and held out his hand to her.

The Chief was overwhelmed by the young woman’s beauty. She wore her hair long and free, wavy curls gave it some playful bounce. It was a golden blonde with a few light brown highlights. Her blue eyes looked almost like Deiran’s except hers were a bit darker. She had the most beautiful smile Jensen had ever seen illuminating a woman’s face. The Chief was mesmerized by the young woman. Her lips were dark cherry, her skin a perfect shade of peach. The cadet’s uniform showed her figure off quite well, there wasn’t an ounce of fat on her body. Muscular, trim and a figure like an hourglass.

Alexa held out her hand and smiled beautifully, “Hello Chief, a pleasure to meet you sir,” she replied, her face radiating like a sun. She was a very bright, happy young lady. She made the Chief feel very special and comfortable. She had an amazing effect on people.

“Let’s get you settled in okay?” Deiran suggested as he walked to the door.

“Sure,” she said and turned to Chief Jensen, “Nice to meet you Mr. Jensen, hope to see you around the ship sometime. Have a good day,” she said. There was a cheerfulness to her voice. She wasn’t an airhead, she just made you see a happy, content person. She brightened up a room. You wanted to like this woman, not just because she was drop dead gorgeous but because she had a friendly personality that made you feel comfortable when she was around.

The two Casey siblings exited the transporter room and headed to the lift. A quick trip up two decks and they were on Deck 8.

“What’s wrong Deiran? Aren’t you happy to see me?” Alex asked, a bit saddened by Deiran’s mien.

Deiran stopped walking, his sister’s bags slung over his shoulder. He turned to her and looked into her eyes, “I need you now more than I ever have Alex, but lets not talk about it here please?” he replied. Dark, gray clouds seemed to hover above Casey’s head as they continued down the corridor.

“Okay Deiran,” Alex said simply and they continued walking side by side.

They arrived and Deiran opened her door. “Here you go, you’re about 15 doors from our quarters. I wanted you close,” Deiran said as he walked in the small quarters and into where the bed was.

“I’ll put your bags on the bed,” he called out to her.

Alexa walked in and was taking in her new home. She had a large window where she could see the stars if they were moving and the Starbase currently. She knew her brother better than anyone else. She knew in normal circumstances he would be more enthusiastic about seeing her again. It had been a long time since they’d seen each other in person. Almost two years.

“You’ve changed Deiran. You’re a man, a Commander, you have an air of leadership that I didn’t recognize the last time we saw each other. It’s a good change. But, there’s something wrong and I can see it in your eyes and feel it in the air. Please if something’s wrong, let me know? Let me help?” she pleaded with him.

He sat down on the couch, his head down.

“Deiran please tell me what’s wrong?” Alexa begged.

Deiran looked up at her, his eyes red with silent tears, “I lost my son. He lived for only a short time. A problem with his immune system. Something called EIS,” Deiran wiped away the tears, “I haven’t been able to tell Miran. The baby had to be delivered C-section. Miran died twice,” Deiran explained. He stood up and walked over to her.

Alexa had tears in her eyes too. Tears streaking down her cheeks. Her eyes went from cheery and sparkling to as dark as Deiran’s. She couldn’t say anything. She just hugged her brother. The seconds turned to minutes as they held each other. It was the first hug Deiran had received since losing Dalane. He didn’t mind weeping in front of his sister, she was weeping just as much as he was.

They did regain their composure and tried to catch up on everything that happened.

“Let’s go to Ten Fore okay? I want to check out the local hot spot,” Alex replied. She was still wiping her tears. “I’m hungry. It’ll do you good to get out anyway. Then will go visit Miran,” Alex suggested.

“Okay, sounds fine. I’m glad you’re here Alex, I’ve really missed you,” Deiran replied and gave her a peck on the cheek.

Alexa smiled. It was good to have her brother back in her life. “Not as much as I missed you and our talks. I still haven’t found anyone who gives better advice,” she replied playfully. Trying to cheer him up was more difficult than it used to be.

"Disturbing News All Around"
by Ensign Julia Reynolds [NPC of Tebrianne Bancroft]

*** ***

** Ten Forward, USS Galaxy **

Jules finished off the last of her drink and ordered another. She was off-duty and it was only synthehol. Of course, it wouldn't be long and she'd be drinking the real stuff on Risa. Sitting back in one of the night clubs, sipping a Efrosian Moonrise, and watching Tebrianne and the PunkBrats performing...what could be better? Her thoughts quickly turned to the holodeck the other day. It had all seemed so real. THe smells...the sounds...the way Teb moved and responded. The way she felt when they touched--and then the kiss. If holoprograms could really be that real, then Jules could see how people could get caught up in a holoprogram...especially someone with as lonely an existence as hers.

Jules fought the urge to go back to the holodeck and call the program up again. Not that it would do any good. Even the holographic Tebrianne was Ben's. The kiss in the holodeck would probably be the closest she ever got to the real thing.

"I tell you, she said dating," a voice behind Jules said. "She said that they had a date this evening as well."

"No," another voice said. "That can't be. Isn't he in a pretty serious relationship with Commander Bancroft?"

"That's what I thought," the first voice said again. "But, she knows things that only someone who is intimately familiar with Benedict T'Kal would know. Can you imagine it? Oh, so very lucky..."

The voices vanished into the Ten Forward crowd before Julia could get a good look at the speakers. Was Ben...? Why would he even consider cheating on Teb? They were so much in love? Why would he throw that away? And, for whom? She had to warn Teb.

Jules spun out of her chair and started toward the door. Her momentum was quickly stopped by a passing waitress. Plates and glasses tumbled to the floor as the two women crumpled in a heap next to the table.

"I'm sorry," Julia said, helping the woman to her feet. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

They both stood motionless for a moment--eyes transfixed on the bloody handprint on the waitress' arm.

"You're bleeding," the woman said.

"So I am," Jules said, her brow furrowing. She was in shock. That had to be it. She had to tell Tebrianne about Benedict...she had to save her best friend's feelings. She had to save Tebrianne from the agony of finding out through the rumormill. "I'd better get to sickbay, hadn't I? I'm very sorry about the mess."

"That's find," the woman said. "Please go. I'd hate to see you drop dead of blood loss right there. And, besides, you're just making more of a mess."

"Yeah," Jules said, glancing at her hand. It didn't hurt. The blood dripped up into the sleeve of her duty jacket. She could feel her head starting to spin. The room was swaying. "If anyone is looking for me, I'll be in sickbay."

***

Julia wandered into Sickbay, her hand held out in front of her.

"Oh my," said one of the nurses.

Diamond. Or was it Pearl? Jules couldn't remember what her name was. Jules? Jewels? She stifled a giggle. "Our names are similar," she said. "I'm Jewels."

"You're in shock," the nurse said.

"Not really," Julia said. "I happen to meet people with similar names all the time. Emerald? No, Opal. Right? You're name is Opal. And, mine is Jewels. Our names are alike."

"Kristen Opel and you've lost a lot of blood there, Ensign," Opel said. "Let me get the dermal regenerator on your hand, and we'll get you all fixed up."

It was only a few minutes while the nurse fixed up Julia's hand. Jules started looking around the room--lots of white. Pretty bland. Pretty boring. Perhaps there was something more exciting across the hall--

Julia's breath caught in her throat. Benedict and Khan Nilani in the room across the way. Holding hands? They were both smiling and looking very happy.

"What's going on over there," Jules asked, indicating the couple across the hall.

"Dr. Khan is pregnant."

It took every bit of self-control that Julia Reynolds possessed to remain seated on the biobed and from going into a fit of hysterics. Dr. Khan pregnant. And, Benedict T'Kal standing there holding her hand like a proud...father? Tebrianne would be crushed. Jules couldn't say anything to her. Not now. Not with the trip to Risa. Jules couldn't do that to Teb. She couldn't break this type of news to her...

"They look very happy," Jules said.

"Don't they?" Opel said with a smile. "In light of everything else that's been happening recently, it's nice to have a little joy in the midst of tragedy."

Julia wanted to shake the woman and scream that there was no joy in what Benedict T'Kal and Khan Nilani were doing. They were going to hurt Tebrianne badly. Teb didn't deserve that. "I'll be there for you, Teb," Jules said softly to herself.

"What?"

"Nothing," she said. "I just remembered something I need to do down in engineering." Jules flexed her hand twice and smiled at Opel. "All better. Thanks."

"Sure thing," the nurse said. "Before I let you go, though, I'll need a little information. Could you tell me what happened with your hand...?"

Julia started answering Opel's questions, her eyes never leaving Nilani and Benedict. As she continued to tell the tale of her injury, the words continued to repeat in her mind: I'll be there for you, Tebrianne. You won't be alone in this.

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

The Tebrianne Bancroft Archive. Now Online!
http:/www.elsinore.net/tebrianne/
******************************************************

"Stellar Cartography Work Overload, Part 1"
By: Lt Ryak Sullax
S.O. USS Galaxy

The battle was over and the ship was trying to get everything back in order. Ryak had been rather busy lately. His lab was damaged with many of the holo-emitters off line and the Stellar Cartography department was so back logged with having to enter all data by hand. He had been trying to get his son's Romulan Education Program running in a more Terran friendly way but with no avail. Ryak was also trying to find a sitter for his son while he is on shift. Ryak was not having an easy time.

Ryak sat on the floor in his lab trying to get one of the emitters on line. He pulled out a repair kit and began trying to recalibrate one of the emitters. Ryak was not getting it. For some reason this emitter was just not as it should be. Ryak was beginning to get mad. He could use different powers of space to get a job done but when it came to repairing a holo-emitter he was next to useless.

Ryak thought he'd take a break from getting his lab up and running. He got up from the floor and headed to the main Stellar Cartography lab. As Ryak entered he noticed people were working away at getting the data into the computer. Ryak noticed that there was no one of real importance in the lab at this time. Ryak sat down at terminal and called up the labs records. Ryak noticed that at this rate they would just get further and further behind. Ryak knew that he had to get all of this information entered before they reached Starbase. Once there the engineers would have them shut the lab down until all repairs were done.

Ryak tapped into the comm system and said, "All Stellar Cartography personnel please report to the lab as soon as possible. Lt Sullax out."

Ryak had a bit of time before he had the entire department in the lab so he quickly figured out what he wanted everyone working on. Ten minutes passed before Ryak noticed all of the people had entered the lab.

Ryak had everyone gather around and then he began, "As you all know, Stellar Cartography is experiencing a major back log in getting the data into the computers. I am aware that all of you are working at you peak efficiency. This is still very inadequate. As of now we are all working on this problem until it is corrected. We have until the ship reaches the space station to get the information entered. I want all personnel to grab a terminal and get to work. I want everyone to work in teams so that the information can be entered much more quickly. Now pair off and get to it. All questions or problems can be addressed to either myself or Ensign Conklin. Any questions... Good get to work people."

Ryak turned to the Bolian Ensign and said, "Ensign, I guess this is our first real encounter. I want you to give the teams these padds. Each padd holds some of the data that needs to be entered. There are 12 teams and 73 padds. You and I will be entering in data as well. So hand these out and meet me at the main terminal." Ryak handed all but ten padds to Conklin and headed over to the terminal to begin the data entry.

Chris Gagne
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Lieutenant Ryak Sullax,Science Officer,USS Galaxy.
Contact at: i2qtnot2b@hotmail.com
ICQ: 25686024

Family reunited
by
Ens. Tim O'Connell Seurity
Ens. Lexana Ral Security

Tim O'Connell had left 10 foreward and was on his way to his quarters to pick up a book and find a place to relax when he saw Lex walking toward the door first, he jogged a bit faster to catch up to the half romulan and grabbed her arm, "Lex, uhh Neil wants to be left alone for about 18 hours, needs his beauty sleep. I don't know about you but I'm hungry, care to join me for some food. I guess 10-f has a decent meal tonight?"

"Lazy bastard." She muttered "Um, sure that sounds great Tim. Mind if my work comes too?" She nodded at the stack of PADDs she was carrying.

"Homework?"

"Kinda.. Here, hold these for a sec would you."

She dumped the entire armload into his arms, slipped through the door and jumped on Neil's bed a few times just for the hell of it. Neil, being half asleep and rather hungover didn't know what was going on so he tried to hide under the blankets. He started yelling for Tim just as Lex finished her bouncing and jumped off. She doubled over in laughter and staggered out of the door. "That was fun." She announced to Ensign O'Connell who was thinking that Neil was probably going to kill him. He had specifically asked that Lex be kept away from him, and there she was bouncing up and down on the bed while he was trying to sleep. It was a good thing she hadn't actually jumped on his head or something. Probably would have ended up with a trip to sickbay. She picked up her stack of PADDs and they headed off for Ten Fore.

"I hear Door has a special tonight, any idea what it is?"

"Something Irish I think."

"Ahhh.. so that's why you're so eager to head over there. I've never eaten Irish food, but it can't be worse than scottish. My Aunt tried to make me eat haggis once." "Once?" He asked with a grimace "Once." She replied "I guess she didn't like having to get people in to scrape it off the walls"

Tim had to chuckle at the image of Lex trying to eat Haggis. "Don't worry Irish food does not involve internal organs, just a lot of meat and potatos." He was looking through the padds Lex had dropped in his hands, "hostage negotiation, Ordanance disposal, Tactics and strategy.... Someone's trying to become a negotiatior huh?" The two walked in to10 foreward . "Maybe" She said with a smile "I'm trying my hand at a couple of things. Always helps to have some specialty subjects." "What else are you studying?" "Bomb disposal." She said with a sniff "Okay.." He replied wondering how one makes a shift from counselor to a security bomb-disposal. However, he knew Lex didn't have to have reasons for doing things half the time. Ten fore was busy, a lot pf people were wearing green for some reason. Green? Alarm bells started flashing in Ensign Ral's head.. "Wait!!" she hissed as Tim was about to step in. "Hunh?" "Just a sec.." Lex looked around for signs of Electra, her mind gently reaching out to see if any Orions were around. She didn't pick up any openly hostile thoughts towards her so figured the hostess wasn't around. "It's ok.. we can go in."

"What was that about?" He asked as they took a seat

"Electra.. We..er don't get on." She said, her face breaking into a sudden grin as Door appeared "Hullo Door." She beamed "Why's it so busy?"

Tim chuckled, "It's st Patrick's day so do you feel like a few non green pints and I'll tell you of my foray in to counseling all 30 minutes of it." Lex's eyes got big at the thought of Tim, who's diplomacy skills were unfavorably compared to a borg cube as a counselor. "You a counselor, what happened"

Tim replied, "well, on my first day in the counseling track, they had that holgraphic patient who would have many different problems to judge your empathy skills, I actually called mine a perverted bastard who should be shot. 2 minutes later I was being switched from Counseling to security, so, how do you go from counselor to bomb disposal stud, negotiatior, and all around security goddess?"

She giggled "You called him a perverted bastard? I spent hours with that damned thing. It was suicidal at one point. I simply said "You haven't got the guts to do it" and walked out. I got a C- for that assignment" She turned to Door "Margarita please?" Door nodded, turning to O'Connel, "A Guinness stout none of that green crap"

"Well, you know how I ended up in security." She said "I guess I wasn't cut out for counseling. Sometimes I wanted to take things into my own hands. I could passively listen to someone's problems. I wanted to find the cause and deal with it."

Tim nodded, "I do have to agree with one thing, We would have been one hell of a team, my tact and your logic. Well at least you didn't have to take that damed Kobiashi Maru, a pain in the ass that was. I personally committed the only actual act of mutiny during the simulator on record from the academy." He saw her expression and continued, " Never call me a coward. The captain did so I shot him and took control of the ship, then did a Dr Strangelove suicide run. Quite fun. Could be worst though My roomate isn't boinking a lizard, he may want to kill him but I haven't walked in on that.

Lex took a long gulp of her Margarita which had just arrived "Thank you for reminding me of that" "Sorry.." "Is ok.. I have to get over it. Just don't mention Lizard or chicken for the rest of the evening ok?"

"Fine with me."

"So what's Irish food like? You guys got any weird customs like the Scots?"

Tim chuckled at Lex's look he thought damn she is really cute, "no nothing too wierd it's a lot of meat and potatos with beer. No wierd slogans or body parts, considering my damned roomate actually eats Gagh, now that's disgusting. Now do you want some Irish stew, or some corned beef?"

Lex was studying a PADD in depth.. Half her mind picked up his question "Hmmm.. What would you suggest Tim?" She sat up suddenly "Oh hey.. no green beer.."

"Hey.. I woulnda even drink that stuff." He replied with a grin

"Ok.. good.. why don't you pick something as long as it's not Gakh or Horse" There was a silence "Just kidding" Lex looked up from her PADD with a wicked grin "Irishstew was it?"

"Yup, Door 2 stews and I'll have a margarita" He called to the bartender and sat back. So Lex, what do you like to do for fun?"

"Um....." She paused "Depends what you call fun... Do you mean what makes me laugh or what I do to relax. If you're on about the former- I guess, playing a few pranks, watching something funny- I love 2oth century Humor, did you ever hear of Monty Python? Um.. the latter? I guess horseriding, martial arts of course, allthough that's hardly relaxing."

Tim laughed "Monty Python huh, My favorite bit was the SuicideHighlander regiment. I did love Holy Grail and of course th bureau of silly walks was a riot." Now for the time of the evening he hated, time to go for it "uhh Lex, you wouldn't be interested in going out some time like to start a relationship or just date?"

Lex had been staring at a PADD. Her eyes didn't move something in her brain clicked "I'm blind" She thought. She blinked "I.. Er.. " Ms loudmouth, it seemed was having a problem finding words "I'm flattered.. I'd love to.. .. But.. I can't" She watched as his face fell. She really hated herself right then. For hurting her friend and for being blind to what he was feeling towards her. She should have picked up on it sooner, but she'd been so busy studying all the time. This was going to ruin one of the best friendships she'd had in her life. And she didn't know what to do. "Tim, you're a good friend and a great person to work with. I'd trust you with my life if it came down to it. But I love someone very, very deeply and now matter where he may be right now I could never cheat on him. I feel guilty about even going out as friends most of the time. Because I don't know where he is, or if he's being tortured while I'm laughing and having a good time."

Tim shook his head, "Chen huh, Neil mentioned him but still said I should try if I wanted to and I did, don't worry I've been rejected before and a lot worse then the way you did it. As far as I'm concerned I tried failed and the matter is dropped, so, " he thought of a good change, "Anna said you moved out where ya been staying?"

Lex ingnored the question and reached out and touched his face "You're good guy Tim.. I know the lucky girl is going to some your way soon.. Trust me." There was an awkward pause in the conversation, 'uhh yea I haven't been back since.. I er....Saw Anna and.."

"Ok.. I don't need the details Lex.. certain images I don't want in my head." He shook his head. "So what are your plans for leave, Neil and I are heading out for a little R&R"

She smiled a secret little smile "Promise not to tell?" She whispered "On my honor.."

"I'm taking my 3rd Dan...

" Tim looked blank "IN Tae Kwan Do.." Her eyes glowed "I'm kinda scared about it, that I will mess up, so I'm not telling anyone about it.. But I'm excited at the same time.."

Tim Cracked a smile "good luck and don' t break a leg, or mine." He patted her hand, "and as for that other thing, It's forgotten and thanks for what you said," He smiled, "now I did have some holodeck time reserved, what do you want to do,"

Lexana paused, curling her aurburn hair around her finger.. "Umm.." She said.. all of a sudden she was literally "picked up" by a tall blond woman who was taller than Tim.. Lex squealed, then noticed who it was.. she turned around and hugged the blond woman "Rosie!!!!!" Tim sat aghast.. "Hey there cuz.." the Amazon said "Hoo're yae doin?" "Oh my God!! I thought you were on Vulcan!!" "Nae.. bunch a borin old farts.. All thae want to do is be quiet.. Sex every seven years?? Fuck Dat.." "I'm So Glad to see you!!" Lex's whole face was aglow.. she turned to Tim "Um.. Tim.. Meet my cousin.. By Adoption.. Rosie Bragg"

Tim looked at the large woman who just picked up Lex and extended his hand, "Tim O'Connell Lex's co worker and partner in crime. damn glad to meet ya." Rosie grasped his hand in a vice-like handshake "Glad to meet yae handsome" she grinned Lex interjected "I'm not responsible for her.." "Hell Yae not.. Ya tart." "I'm not a tart.." "Thae Hell yer not.." Rosie grinned "Oh screw you.." Lex took a swig of her margarita.. Tim looked at the two women, "So Rosie what the hell was a party animal like you doing on the planet that fun forgot. I partner with a vulcan, a whole planet.. " he shakes his head, "Jesus, dull as hell the lot of them. " Rosie laughed out loud.. I see you're not up to me Ensign Lex sighed "Ignore her Tim."

Tim raised his eyebrow in a very vulcan gesture, "I see well I thought we could go harass my roomate he;s recovering from a hangover, fuzzy duck with bloodwine and all. It'll be more fun to wake him up the old fashioned way

Lex murmured in the negative. But Rosie was more than entusistic.

Tim Stood up and then replied, "let;s go bug him then"

"How to confuse a Vulcan"

By Ensign Kelt,
Flight Control Officer,
USS Galaxy
&
Captain Price
CO USS Galaxy

-- Ensign Kelt's quarters --

IIt was a rare occasion that Kelt found himself stuck in writing his reports, but here was one at last. After witnessing the Galaxy's encounter with the StLouis, Kelt proceeded in writing up his observations. But, while processing these observations in his official report, he ran into some peculiar questions. Logically working through some of them, inevitably led to more. In the end, there were only questions left that had unlogical answers only.

What it all came down to was that Captain Price, for all Kelt knew a very wise and respected captain, made illogical decisions either based on foolishness or emotional behavior. A few years ago, Kelt would have let it at that. However, with his self-proclaimed quest to understand humans and their behavior he felt a need to understand these decisions by the captain.

Dismissing the possibility of a foolish decision, it was almost certain the captain had made an emotional one. As an illustrious Vulcan had once said: "An emotional decision is not always an illogical one." As a result, there could be logic to emotion. If there was logic to this particular series of events, Kelt was very interested in discovering it.

Realizing he was only a junior officer, Kelt decided to use a diplomatic approach. Entering the captain's ready room and questioning his command decisions could be viewed as insubordination. Seeing the captain, and asking him for advice on understanding those command decisions, was therefore the preferred approach. Kelt took his padd, and exited his quarters.

-- Captain's ready room --

The door chimed, and Captain Price responded with a simple "Enter."

Kelt enters the ready room and sees the Captain sitting at his desk reviewing something on his computer monitor. Behind him, the stars could be seen streaking past the observation window as the USS Galaxy heads back to Starbase 357 at a reduced warp one.

"G'Day Ensign Kelt. Please, 'ave a seat 'mate."

At the captain's invitation, Kelt sat down on the chair on the opposite side of the captain's desk. Still holding his padd, Kelt replies: "Thank you, captain."

Pointing at the computer monitor before deactivating in to give the Vulcan his full attention, Captain Price commented, "Just reviewing the crew manifest. Several officers are due for promotions when we reach Starbase 357, yourself included. I just wanted to get a head start on the paper work. So. What can I do for you Mister Kelt?"

Looking his usual unemotional self, Kelt began: "Captain, I have encountered a problem in writing up my latest report. As you may recall, I was one of the officers on the battle bridge, during the encounter of the USS Galaxy with the USS StLouis. In addition to simply recording my observations I have decided to include my analyses of the events in my report as well. It is with this analyses that I have a problem."

Lee regarded the Vulcan momentarily. The Captain had spent the better part of his Starfleet career learning from a Vulcan commanding officer. He new them well. Their total logic. Their lack of emotional inhibitions that lead to what was often perceived as bluntness. But he knew Vulcans well enough to know that their emotional control was at best a practiced art form. Vulcans did have emotions, and did feel the same things humans did. The Vulcans had just become masters at controlling and concealing these feelings to themselves. "A tactical analysis I take. Understandable Mister Kelt. It's not often the premier Galaxy class starship looses a fight."

"The orders from Starfleet Command were to prevent the USS StLouis from entering the Kenda system. The Galaxy failed in doing so. This is odd, since the Galaxy has proven to be very capable of battle, and according to my analyses the USS StLouis did not perform much better as was to be expected. There were some critical decisions made during the battle, that contributed to our failure. Using evasive pattern zeta-6 is one, firing a spread of six, un targeted torpedoes is another. But most of all, almost all of the decisions made during the battle did not seem to be focused on stopping the USS St louis, but rather on reassuring their passage. I have narrowed down the possible explanations to two: you have acted illogically and without thinking, resulting in what would best be described as foolish actions. Since you are a respected Starfleet captain, I estimate that this is a very unlikely option. The other option is that you have been inspired by emotion rather than logic. If this is the case, I am very curious how your line of reasoning then was, as this is a line of reasoning I am not used to myself." Kelt explained, laying down the paddy with the information on the desk.

"Why did you not follow orders as we easily capable of doing, sir? If you chose not to follow orders, you apparently followed another set of goals, could explain to me which goals those were?"

Lee steepled his fingers for a moment thinking of the right words to use to make Kelt understand.

"Vulcan's believe in the practice of ritual suicide do they not?" Lee asked.

Kelt's eyebrow raised curiously. "Yes sir. Under certain circumstances, the taking of one's own life is considered an appropriate course of action. I fail to see how this is relevant to my question about your actions earlier Captain."

Lee smiled warmly. "Is that logical? Taking one's own life?"

"It would be dependant on the situation sir. Under the right set of circumstances, the taking of one's own life could be considered the logical course of action. Old age, disease, certain intelligence operations where national security could be compromised..." Kelt began in a Vulcan drone.

"So what you are saying is that the circumstances that lead to a course of action ultimately determine if the chosen action was logical or not. For example, if you were to right now commit suicide, that would be illogical, but were you suffering from an uncurable disease that made you a burden to your family, then suicide becomes a logical course of action?" Lee asked.

"Exactly sir." Kelt agreed.

"As Captain of this starship, I am responsible for the lives of every man, woman and child on board. That is a great responsibility and one I do not take lightly 'mate. The Galaxy was ordered to stop the USS St.Louis from reaching the Kenda system by any means necessary. I proceeded on an attack strategy that included taking away the ship's ability to transport to the planet. Unfortunately, the St.Louis was able to disable the Galaxy before we were able to knock out their planetary landing capabilities as well. However, casualties on board both vessels were kept to a minimum." Lee paused for a moment as his expression grew serious. "Let me ask you this, if a Vulcan was suffering from an uncurable disease that was causing him to be a burden to his family, and he chose to commit suicide, would that be a logical decision?"

Kelt nodded resolutely. "Yes Captain. It would."

"And if a cure was discovered just a few weeks after this Vulcan committed suicide, which would have cured his disease completely, was it still a logical decision 'mate?"

The hint of enlightenment glistened in Kelt's eyes. "Yes sir, it would. The Vulcan would have made the logical decision based on the available data at the time."

"That's correct 'mate. Now applying that line of thought to the Galaxy's battle, we had succeeded to destroy the St.Louis transporter capabilities and were preparing to take out the landing gear when we were disabled. What is your tactical analysis of the battle up to that point? Were we proceeding logically along a course of action that would accomplish our goals set by Starfleet, and at the same time preserve life on board both starships?"

"Up to the point when the St.Louis disabled our engines, yes sir. That could be interpreted as a logical, though some what unconventional course of action." Kelt agreed, but then added, "It is after that point that I am having trouble understanding."

"You need to try and turn it about and look at it from the other's perspective Mister Kelt." Lee explained. "If you were in command of the St.Louis and had just disabled the USS Galaxy, and a full spread of photon torpedoes were locked on and launched at your unshielded aft quarter, what would you logically do?"

Kelt thought of it for a moment. "As commander, I would order the ship to evade the incoming torpedoes, altering course to position the shields in a more favorable position to withstand the detonations."

"And given the distance between the St.Louis and Galaxy by the time we were able to launch the torpedoes, what do you calculate the odds of successfully avoiding the locked torpedoes to be?"

Kelt checked the padd for the appropriate data, "It would be highly unlikely for the vessel to evade all six torpedoes. The maneuverability of the Intrepid class starship does not exeed that of a torpedo. And the minimal distance compromised the entire situation." Kelt explained.

Lee smiled slightly. "And given the star spread of torpedoes we fired at the USS St.Louis, were the ship to have tried to evade the incomming photons, what would the chances have been of her escaping?"

"There is a very high probability that the St.Louis would have been struck be at least one of the torpedoes causing an undeterminate amount of damage to that vessel. Possibly destroying her." Kelt calculated in his Vulcan head.

"Finally, what are the odds of successfully maintaining course through the eye of a photon torpedo spread and not having a proximity detonation Mister Kelt?"

Kelt's expression soured in an annoyed fashion. "The odds of doing so are less than twenty thousand in one, given the distance and class of the two vessels. Especially if a computer lock has been acquired."

Lee steepled his fingers again. "Then I put it to you Ensign, that it was the USS St.Louis that acted illogically during the battle. Riding out the spread of photon torpedoes had the lowest odds of survival for that vessel, especially with the aft shields completely destroyed. Is that the course of action you'd have ordered if you were in command of the USS St.Louis under those conditions 'mate?"

"I must admit, I would not have Captain. Evading the torpedoes and positioning the ship to have the shields in a more advantageous angle would have been an better option with better chances of succeeding."

Lee paused for a long moment before finishing with Mister Kelt. "A wise Captain once told me that every good command decision is made with a touch of emotion Mister Kelt. It is something I have found to be very true in my experiences in command of the Galaxy. That commanding officer was Captain Shoak. A Vulcan. He died of Bendii Syndrome last year. Ritual suicide would definitely have been a logical option in the Captain's case, but for whatever personal and emotional reasons, Shoak chose life over death. It may of may not be logical Mister Kelt, depending on your interpretation or the available data from then or now. But it was a personal decision that deserves respect and understanding, no matter how the ultimate outcome is viewed." Lee paused, "Was it an emotional decision? Yes. Was it a logical decision? Yes. All command decisions usually are. That doesn't make them any easier to make. Or live with. In this case, things worked out well. I can live with saving thousands of lives of Starfleet and Ocero refugees, and I can live with failing to stop the St.Louis from reaching Kenda II. Were the Galaxy successful at stopping the St.Louis, I don't think I could honestly say that 'mate. In the end, I guess it comes down to a matter of hope. Be that deciding to take one's own life ritualistically, or confronting a fellow starship. We are out here to seek out new life 'mate. Not destroy it. As long as we all hold on to that thing called hope, I think the universe will be a better place."

Kelt thought for a moment. "Yet at the time of the battle, you could not know about the effect Kenda's atmosphere had on the disease. You disabled their transporters, yes, but eventually they did land. The fact that the result of our failure was very positive indeed does not hide the fact that we indeed failed where we were certainly not expected to do so. My estimation is that you allowed the StLouis to escape by not taking full action against the ship, while making it appear the StLouis either got lucky, or got the better of us. In doing so, I take it you placed a trust in the StLouis' captain and her crew. A trust, that was in the justified."

Lee smiled. "At the time of the battle, I hadn't expected to loose either Mister Kelt. Our next action would have been to disable the St.Louis landing capability. It's a circular argument. My intent was to carry out Starfleet's orders at stopping the St.Louis without undue loss of life. In the end, the Galaxy failed to do that, which I take responsibility for. Going into a fight assuming you are automatically going to win isn't very logical. Even in the most overwhelming miss matches, both participants have a chance. Granted a small one. In this case, the St.Louis bested the Galaxy. I can live with that. But saying that I allowed the St.Louis to escape is both illogical and inaccurate. You can question my tactics Mister Kelt, for in the end I am only human. But I put it to you that it is illogical to make accusations that this Starfleet Captain didn't try to carry out the mission of stopping the St.Louis. The facts prove that 'mate. If there is nothing more?"

Lee glanced at Kelt who just shook his head and held a puzzled expression. Figuring out humans was a life long quest for Vulcans. It seemed apparent that he wasn't going to solve that mystery today.

"Very well, dismissed Ensign."

Captain Price watched as the Ensign turned on his heal and walked out of his ready room. Kelt was a good officer, Lee was glad to have him on his crew. Returning to the pile of reports on his desk, Lee began reviewing the manifest and approving Starfleet promotions.

"And suddenly everything got a whole lot more confusing"

By Ensign Gordall Kalln -sometimes working Science officer and
Ensign Neil Bolitho-jilted and getting over a hangover Security officer

***USS Galaxy, Junior Officer's Quarters***

Exiting his quarters Neil stifled a yawn, he couldn't still be tired could he? He had slept for a straight 14 hours .....14 hours of alcohol induced sleep, Neil reminded himself again. 'I won't be doing that in a hurry again!'

"Computer locate Ensign Gordall Kalln?"

~Science Officer Kalln is currently in Ten-Forward~

Neil smiled to himself at set a course for the nearest turbolift "Does Kalln ever do any work on this ship?" mumbled Neil to himself.

***A few moments later, Ten-Forward***

Neil entered the Officer's Lounge quietly. The seven-foot frame of Gordall Kalln stood out from the rest of the bar's patrons as he looked uncomfortable on his seat by the bar, sipping a large blue concoction of Door's. Kalln was surrounded by some of his colleagues and the sound of laughter drifted across the room to Neil.

Neil hesitated before moving across to take an empty seat at a table out of sight of Kalln wondering how he should approach the Gnalish Elt.

"Feeling better now Neil!" questioned Door arriving at the table with a steaming mug of tea.

"Umm, you read my mind Door, Thanks" replied Neil

"You're welcome," smiled back Door, Neil still couldn't get use to the idea of a Cardassian aboard the ship, shaking his head he activated the hand held padd with the latest duty shifts on.

Anna had been transfered to Alpha shift, while he had been transfered back into active duty on Gamma shift. 'So much for remaining partners' Thought Neil, angry at being split up.

"Neil may I join you?" came Kalln's voice from behind suddenly.

Neil turned around and gazed up into Kalln's black bottomless eyes. Neil sighed and pushed away his annoyance at reading the new duty roster and indicated Kalln to take a seat opposite him.

Kalln traipsed around the table, slumped into his seat and stared at Neil through his fingers.

'Are you okay now Neil?'

Neil stared back at Kalln, finally taking a deep breath. "I'm fine Kalln, thank you for asking!"

'Well, you don't look too good.'

'Oh,' replied Neil, 'Thanks a lot. I appreciate your kind words.'

'That's fine,' said Kalln, who was too happy to war with sarcasm, 'So you're content for Anna and I, to, well, you know?'

Neil took a sip from his tea and peered over the cup at Kalln searching for the right thing to say.

"Umm, Kalln..." started Neil clearing his throat. "Um. If you make Anna happy, then, I won't stand in the way of your, your - happiness!" he said through slightly clenched teeth.

Kalln turned his head slightly to the side as if pondering Neil's words. Abruptly the Gnalish Elt stood, and with a slight nod of his gargantuan head, said "Thank you Neil. I know Anna is extremely fond of you. Hell, I am too, and I'm glad we can put this behind us."

"Kalln!" spat out Neil a little snappishly, halting the large lizard in his tracks, "I need to know. Do you... love her?"

Kalln seemed a little off-put by Neil's tone but gave the answer he had been trying to give Anna: 'Love her? No, no. Gnalish Elt don't _do_ love.'

Neil stood up from his chair very slowly and pointed to the seat that Kalln had just vacated, "Sit down!" Neil's tone brokered that he would not take no for an answer.

Kalln felt himself drifting back to his seat before he caught himself. This was not going the way he had hoped it would, Humans were always getting het up and emotional about things.

"Kalln, I want you to tell me how you feel about Anna."

'How I feel?' asked Kalln with surprise, instinctively sitting, 'Well... the funny thing is, I'm four times what she is.'

'Huh?'

'I'm four times her weight, four times her age, four times her IQ, four times as fast, four times as strong.'

'Oh,' said Neil.

'But she, well, she seems like so much more than me. Like I'm only a little part of the world and she's all the rest of it. Do you know what I mean? It's the weirdest feeling.'

Neil looked all misty, 'Yes, I do.'

'And, even weirder, you know about my people's, um, let's say psychological problems?'

'Yes,' said Neil. They seemed to be getting along a little better now.

'Well when I'm around Anna I don't feel it any more. I can breathe easier. You probably don't have any idea of the mental strength it takes to get up in the morning rather than just kill myself.'

Neil looked a little shocked.

'Yes, well it is alleviated somewhat when I'm around her. You could say she... brightens the mood. But like no other does.'

Neil had to close his mouth, before it bounced of the table He was no counsellor or psychartrist, but everything, all the feelings Kalln was experincing pointed to one thing and one thing only.

"Love!" said Neil aloud.

"Excuse me?" asked Kalln

Neil paused wondering what in the hell was he was doing. Here was a golden opportunity to end it, once and for all.

"Kalln," he said, speaking slowly, "What you just described to me, every human feels when they fall for someone. Kalln, you have fallen for Anna, you have learned the human emotion of love."

Neil couldn't believe what he had just done, couldn't believe what he had just said. How stupid can you be? Neil finished off his tea and banged the cup down on the table, startling Kalln as he mused over Neil's words.

"Kalln you may be 4 times my age but you still have a lot to learn about humans!" Neil stood up, suddenly very angry with himself.

"Kalln I suggest you tell Anna how you feel about her, I believe she will reciprocate your feelings. I, I have to go, I will see you later."

Neil turned and left Kalln sitting at the table staring at the empty tea cup.

Kalln sat alone at his table, pondering what his friend-not friend- friend had told him. Love had never been a particular interest of his, despite all the time he spent around infatuated humanoids. Gnalish Tarn "did" love, they mated for life and wrote poetry and other silliness like that.

Door walked over to the solitary lizard. Kalln and Door had got on very well, considering the emnity between their people.

'Anything the matter?' asked the concerned barkeep. He knew better than to try and read Kalln's mind. The Zea Toa had tried, and regretted it.

'That young man,' remarked Kalln of the departing Neil Bolitho, 'Is far too melodramatic.'

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

Meetings
By Koll Enro, Science Officer USS Galaxy
and Lara Spier, Medicall Officer USS Galaxy

Ten-Forward-USS Galaxy

Koll entered the rather Large Ten-Forward, he had decided to get a drink before hearding to the Starbase. Looking to the left he sees a crowded Bar, many people hadnt gon to the Starbase yet it seamed. Seeing the bar was too crowded he looks to the right, there was no empty seats there ethier. Looking more closly he thinks to himself

" Might as well ask to sit with someone."

Deciding this he moves slowly twoards an occupied table. " Mind if I sit here" he asks a young women who was currently sitting there.

" Not at all..." came the reply

" Koll Enro, science officer, and you are......"

" Names Lara Spier, Medical Doctor"

" Nice to meet you Lara" he replies taking the seat adjacent to hers.

" You new here" he asks.

" Yeah, just got here an hour ago.'

"Well , shouldnt you be getting settled at your new quarters"

" Heck no Im going to do that later"

Out form behing the people fill bar a waitress comes carring a drink. She carfully places the drink next to Lara and asks Koll what he wants " One Romulan Ale". he replies and the waitress walks away to get his order.

" So did you have any assignments before this" He asks

" Nope this is my first assignment".

" Were you from" he says in an questioning voice

" Utopia Colony" The waitress comes back with his drink and sets it down. " Will thir be anything else" the waitress asks. They quickly reply "No"

****

Three hours later Enros quarters

The two moved into Kolls quaters quitley. A few moments earlier he had asked if she wanted to see some of his work. Picking up a small sculpture for a night table Koll hands it to Lara.

" This is my newest work, I started it about a month ago"

" Its magnifincent"

" Keep it.."

" Really" she yells out.

After this there is an arkward moment as the tension rises throught the room . Over the past few hours they had gotten to know each other rather well, and there was a faint attraction between the two. Koll leans twoards Lara and there lips touch resulting in a Kiss. After a few moments the kiss stop and they pull away from each other quickly

" Wow, that was.." Lara begins to say but is cut off by Koll saying " A surprize".

" I know this great Holo-novel would you like to..uh attened it with me in lets say and Hour".Koll asks

" Sounds great, what should I were."

" Dont worry about that I`ll supply the costumes"

Lara moves slowly twoards the door and waves good bye. Once shes gone Koll falls to his bed and sighs.

Misery
Casey Ti Miran
Commander Deiran Casey, XO

Images, feelings came back to Miran as she awakened. She remembered the pain and the fear that something was wrong with the baby. She remembered begging Cat to help her and her baby and then Deiran rocking her back to sleep. Turning her head, she found Dr Kahn next to her, eyes rimmed with red.

"Deiran?" Miran asked weakly. Nilani pointed and Miran turned her head to the other side, seeing Deiran asleep. She turned back to the doctor. "What happened?"

"There were complications with your pregnancy. Cat had to do a caesarian," pausing Nilani took Miran's hand into her own. "Miran, I'm sorry, your son died."

"Prophets no," Miran cried out. Her world seemed to crumble. She and Deiran had been looking forward to the birth of their child. The baby was a result of their love blooming fresh anew. Fresh pain washed over her while the hot tears spilled down her cheeks.

She had awakened Deiran with her cry. He knew by her tears that Nilani had told her of their son. Deiran took his wife into his embrace and cradled her into his chest. She wept for the son she never got to hold, would never see take his first step, would never see grow up.

This was the moment Deiran dreaded. He was torn in two. Be strong for her? Or show her his own pain. Their son died in his arms. Thankfully, Miran was spared that pain. Dalane was a beautiful baby. A token of their love.

No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t stop the tears. He did not weep, but the tears flowed quietly down his cheeks. Miran’s sobs broke his heart. What could he say? What was there to say? He had no answers to give her. No remedy for the anguish that permeated her being and his. The only cure he knew of was time. They both needed time.

Deiran loved Miran with every part of his being. His soul cried out to her as he held her in his arms. She was the woman of his dreams. The joy of his life. He would do anything for her. But he knew Miran well enough to know that she would retreat inside herself. He knew what would come. He knew how Miran handled pain.

Deiran could hear her low moans, “No, no… no! By the prophets! No! I want my son back!” she was in misery.

Deiran began rocking her back and forth like he would little Lara when he consoled her or was putting her down for a nap. But, there was a different love. He didn’t say anything to her. He just held her close, his hands on her head stroking her hair and doing his best to express his love to her. They stayed like this for a very long time. They lost track of time.

Holding Miran close to him made him feel better. He wasn’t alone in his sorrow anymore. But, it wasn’t any comfort to see the love of his life in agony. His heart broke again. It had broken many times in the last few days. If he did not have Miran and Lara, his heart would have been irreparable.

He had lost hope. The pain sucking him dry.

Miran cried until she started hiccuping. She hurt from the top of her head to her toes and not just physically. Finally her tears stopped but still she clung to Deiran. He whispered soothing words trying to calm her down.

*** A few hours later ***

Cat and Nilani suggested bed rest for Miran. Deiran had spent three days in sickbay. He hated sickbay, now more than ever. It seemed that all the terrible times in his life took place in sickbay. Sorrow’s casket, was what he called sickbay now.

He talked Cat into letting him take care of Miran at home. There she could finish recuperating in her own bed. Hopefully her own bed, being familiar, would help her regain her strength. Deiran wanted his Miran back. He desperately wanted her to begin the healing process. Counselors weren’t even in the equation at the moment. He couldn’t even express his pain. His soul was silent and dark. Miran’s soul resembled his.

Lara was in the nursery. So Deiran just had to get Miran home. Miran was still weak enough that she could barely stand, not to mention being overwhelmed with sorrow and misery. Deiran didn’t make her walk.

“That’s okay darling, I’ll carry you,” he whispered to her. He gave her a passionate, loving kiss and took her frail body in his arms and carried her out of sickbay.

People couldn’t help but stare. The rumor mill of the Galaxy hadn’t taken long to spread the news of the Casey’s loss. Deiran ignored the looks, he ignored them all. He kept on walking until he arrived at the lift.

‘I’ll carry you,’ he said deep within. He would do anything for this woman. She was his life. ‘I’ll carry you to the ends of eternity.’

Now that Miran was with him and awake, Deiran’s reaction was to care for her and Lara. Put all the pain deep down in a dark pit, and be strong for his family. Carry them on his shoulders. Mostly because he wasn’t ready to deal with the pain of losing his son. He would never ignore Dalane’s memory, but he didn’t think he could go on if he recognized the cancerous sorrow attached to his being. So he struggled on in a prison of his own making. Afraid to face his own misery.

He finally arrived at their quarters and gently, lovingly placed Miran on their bed. He got her blanket and covered her up. He did his best to make her comfortable. Once she was resting, he kissed her on the lips softly. “I love you,” he whispered to her. He placed his hand on her cheek and watched her sleep.

A half hour later he left to pick up Lara. It was in the middle of Gamma shift now. Alexa was asleep.

It didn’t take long to get Lara. He held the little angel in his arms. She smiled at him and the people who passed them by. Deiran would playfully tickle her. He loved hearing his princess giggle. It helped him. That sweet smile and soothing sound of her laughter helped him. He needed that. He longed to hear her mother laugh. He longed to just smile himself.

When they returned to their home, he set Lara down on the couch. Deiran got her a glass of milk from the replicator and some carrot sticks. She always liked a snack when she got home. Lara was a well behaved child. She sat there on the couch, eating her carrot sticks and drinking her milk, illuminating the room with her smile. Deiran stood some distance away and watched her with fatherly pride. He imagined Dalane next to her with a bottle. That image made him melancholy. He picked up his guitar. His music the last and only solace that remained in his life.

He sat at his desk and began playing a song. He played it with passion. An intensity and sorrow in his voice. It was a way to let him mourn. His way of dealing with the pain that seemed to tear him apart.

“Don’t Cry”
Copyright by Guns N' Roses, this version is acoustic and soft

Talk to me softly
There's something in your eyes
Don't hang your head in sorrow
And please don't cry
I know how you feel inside I've
I've been there before
Somethin's changin' inside you
And don't you know

Don't you cry tonight
I still love you baby
Don't you cry tonight
Don't you cry tonight
There's a heaven above you baby
And don't you cry tonight

Give me a whisper
And give me a sigh
Give me a kiss before you tell me goodbye
Don't you take it so hard now
And please don't take it so bad
I'll still be thinkin' of you
And the times we had...baby

And don't you cry tonight
Don't you cry tonight
Don't you cry tonight
There's a heaven above you baby
And don't you cry tonight

And please remember that I never lied
And please remember
How I felt inside now honey
You gotta make it
But you'll be alright now sugar
You'll feel better tomorrow
Come the morning light now baby

And don't you cry tonight
An don't you cry tonight
An don't you cry tonight
There's a heaven above you baby
And don't you cry
Don't you ever cry
Don't you cry tonight
Baby maybe someday
Don't you cry
Don't you ever cry
Don't you cry
Tonight

His voice filled the room. The emotion in him flowed through his voice. The sound of the strings being played, each note seemed to help. It was a song for Miran. He knew she would hear. He knew she would know his love for her in those words. It was all he could. There was nothing left to say. Nothing to say. Don’t cry.

"Passages"
by Lt. Cmdr. Ronni Morris
ACSO, USS Galaxy

Ronni had cried on and off for over three hours before she could go out in public. 'Why am I crying more for a new born child than I did for my own brother?' she thought. 'Deiran and Miran's baby only lived a few hours. Why should that bother me more than if he had lived 100 years?'

At the Starbase, she oversaw the transportation of the Science Department's equipment requests. The Specialist on duty had almost forgotten a crate of Xyrillian Star Mites for a project by Lt. Sullax, and then tried to say that they had never been requested. By the time that Ronni had finished dressing him down for incompetence, the man looked as green as a seasick Orion.

She decided to blow off some tension by going shopping at the Starbase's Promenade. At the local tailor's shop, she ordered two new dresses made. The first was a blood red evening dress after the Klingon fashion. The second was a Risian design that was a neon yellow. It was slit down the front to the navel and the skirt was a side slit mini skirt. 'That should get some attention.' she thought.

In a back corner of the Promenade, she found a small boutique that sold specialty items. There she found a holoimager music box. When you touched the activator, a holo image appeared of a small boy walking back and forth trying to touch a rainbow that was just out of reach. The tag on the music box said that the song was called "Rainbow" as sung by Kermit the Frog in the 20th Century holofilm "The Muppet Movie".

'I don't know why a frog would be singing, or what a muppet is, but the music box is exquisite.' she thought. She spent most of her remaining latnium on the music box and had it wrapped up. She put it into her shoulder bag, along with her various PADDs and holochips, and headed back for the ship.

As she approached the docking bay, a scruffy man bumped into her and almost knocked her over. He half excused himself and went on, scarcely looking at her, but looking over his shoulder instead. About thirty seconds later a group of worried security agents hurried past the area. With a shake of her head, Ronni entered the docking bay and entered the ship.

She walked past her quarters to the quarters next door. It was the Casey residence. She signaled the door, but nobody was there. She then went down to sickbay. Miran was asleep, but her face was still wet with tears. Ronni signed the little card on the box and left the box next to her bed.

Returning to her quarters, she set her bag down next to the door and went in and took a shower. She then put on her neon yellow mini dress and went in search of Greer and/or a good time.

She never noticed the extra package in her satchel and it's softly flashing light.

"Homecoming Part I"
by Lieutenant James Chen
Security Officer

Chen strode down the corridors of Starbase 357, traveling case slung over his shoulder. He walked through the doors to the transporter room, saw Commander Payne and the transporter tech standing there. Payne smiled at Chen. Chen smiled back and nodded. "Commander. I didn't know you'd be here."

Payne nodded and took Chen by the elbow and led him towards a corner of the room. He held up a small box, just a little larger than his palm. "Got you a present."

Chen took the box opened it up and looked at the contents. He silently closed the box. "Thanks. Really."

"You did a good job. Besides, I don't think anybody but you should see those. Sure you don't want to stick around? We still have a lot to do."

Chen shook his head. "No. I belong on my ship."

Payne nodded. "I understand. Take care, James."

Chen smiled again. "Yes, sir."

***Transporter Room 2, USS Galaxy***

Chen materialized on the platform, box in hand. Standing near the controls was the tech and another officer, holding a small stack of padds. The officer smiled as Chen stepped off. "Lieutenant James Chen?"

Chen nodded. The officer handed him his padd. "That contains your new quarters. Report to Lieutenant Commander Sunder for duty when you get settled."

Chen nodded again, suppressing the urge to say, "I know." Instead, he simply took the padd and headed out. He found his new quarters easily enough. He went in, dropping his case. He took a deep breath, looking around the room. It was just like every other set of Starfleet quarters there was. Still, it was somehow comforting to be back in one. He walked over to the table in the corner and set down the box Payne had given him. He reached into his pocket and removed another, smaller box covered with velvet. He opened it and looked inside, a smile playing at his lips. He slipped the box back into his pocket and went out.

He ended up next outside the security station. He walked through the doors and headed to Lieutenant Commander Sunder's office. He hit the door chime. He heard the deep, booming voice from behind the door, "Yes?"

Chen walked in. Sunder stood up when he saw him. "Lieutenant. I wasn't expecting you for another two weeks."

Chen shrugged as the two men shook hands. Sunder's hand enveloped Chen's. "I wasn't expecting to be back for two weeks. But, turns out my old boss has some influential friends and he got me a ride on a supply ship heading down this way. It got me here a lot faster than a runabout."

"Well, I'm glad to have you back. I've been making some arrangements, but since you just popped in, I haven't finished them all yet. But, I was going to put you back on your old shift. Gamma."

"I'm ready to start when you need me."

"Well, it's good to see you're ready to start so soon. But, why don't you take a day to get back into the swing of things. You've got a whole other shift to get used to."

"I heard about that. Delta Shift, right?"

Sunder nodded. "That's right. Starfleet thought this might be easier on everybody. If nothing else, we don't have such long hours any more."

Chen smiled and scratched his cheek. Sunder noticed the dark discoloration just starting at Chen's wrist. Chen caught the glance and quickly slipped his hand in his pocket. "Well," he said. "I should be going. There's something else I need to take care of."

Chen turned to go. "Lieutenant." Chen turned back to Sunder. Sunder paused. He took a deep breath, then finally, "It's good to have you back."

Chen smiled. "It's good to be back, sir." He turned and left.

"Never Trust a Dabo Girl"
by Ensign K'antoS Brody

****Holding Cell 4, Starbase 357************

Kan hit the cell floor with a resounding "smack". He began to feel for the bed and heaved himself upon it. His chest felt as if it was on fire and his head was catching, a typical side effect of a phaser blast on heavy stun. Slowly he leaned back against the wall and used his sleeve to wipe sweat from his brow.

" I see that we are awake, Ensign," the Trill Security officer said with a smug smile on her lips. " Have we recovered from our nasty little encounter with the Dabo Girl?"

Kan slowly focused on the female in her early twenties. Her brown hair was pulled back and fastend into a bun. Kan thought the way her spots carefully framed her face was rather attractive. He gave her a rather dissarming smile.

" Yes, I have recovered rather well thank you Lieutenant, alas, I can tell that you are still suffering from a bad case of frigidness. Perhaps I could warm that cold, lonely heart of yours," Kan said, his voice overflowing with sarcasam.

The Lieutenants smile quickly morphed into a frown, her eyes narrowing as a hint of dispise for the impetuous young Klingon in her holding cell. She forced herself over to the forcefield control panel and keyed in her access code, hesitating slightly before she deactivated the field. " It seems charges won't be brought up on you for assaulting Ms. Olace, she departed the station over two hours ago onboard a Tellarite transport."

" Along with twenty bars of my latinum, and no telling what else," Kan's said rolling his eyes and slowly getting up. He stumbled a few steps before he regained his composure and strode out of the cell. He thought he new most of the scams used by the best thieves around, hell he had served with a good deal of them, but that Dabo Girl just took him to school.

He replayed the scenario in his head as he inventoried the belongings scattered out on a table from his carry bag. He had met Vittoria Olace while having a drink at the stations local bar. She was a Dabo Girl by trade, looking for work. It was her jade colored eyes that drove Kan completely wild, and so after a few Ferengi Black Holes they went back to his station guest quarters. Things were fine until he went to use the head, and when he came out she had a hold of his combadge and a phaser. She immediatley hit him with a stun blast that only shook the cobwebs out of his head. As he knelt on the floor trying to regain his knees, she tapped the badge and started crying out for help. Kan got back up only to be knocked into the wall by heavy stun blast, and thats when he blacked out. He was thinking how foolish he was when he noticed he gold wrist chronometer was missing, "Shit! The little tribble stole my chrono!" he said.

The Lieutenant giggled softly, " I guess that will teach you to trust a Dabo girl, eh?" She grabbed two PADDS and hand them over to Kan. "This PADD here is a copy of my report that will be forwarded to your Commanding officer on board the Galaxy when it arrives. This PADD is a copy of your orders and your pass onto the Galaxy, seeing how Ms. Olace also stole your old PADD. Would you like to file charges against Ms. Olace? I am sure I can have a warrant for her arrest on the charges of assault and theft prepared in about two days," she said while the smile on her face continued to grow.

Kan grabbed his bag and adjusted his uniform. "No, that won't be neccessary," he said heading out the door of the Holding area. When he stepped out onto the main deck he turned and gave the still grinning Lieutenant a lazy salute and called out, " You could go and fuck a plasma conduit for me, if that isn't too much trouble." He winked and the door closed shut while the angry Trill came storming towards it.

When she opened it again, the Klingon was gone. "Filthy little PetaQ!" she called out down the empty corridor.

**************Docking Port - Starbase 357, Two hours later*********

Wearing a fresh uniform and clean shaven, K'antoS ran his hand through his bleached white hair and watched the U.S.S. Galaxy begin it's docking procedures. "*The curves of her body had been sculpted by the gods themselves. Yet even in all her majesty, one could see the excitement that awaited those who followed her dangerous heart and her charm was an addictive poison,.......*", Kan thought to himself as he pulled out his orders, ready to proceed onto the next chapter in his life.

Meetings Part2
by Koll Enro+
Lara Spier

***** Holosuite 8, Starbae 357******

Lara walked down the dimly lit corridor of the Starbase, her heart was beating fast, she like Koll alot even though they had only known each other for not even a day. Walking carlessly down the corridor she nearly ran into Koll who was waiting for her.

" I am so sorry". she blurts out

" No problem" came the reply. Koll found himself staring at Lara, she was bueatiful but he couldnt work up the nerve to tell her. He liked her alot, she was nice, charming, and easy to get along with. " well lets get started". he says.

The two step into the Holosuite. " Computer, Start promgram Druids 59" Koll calls out. He had chosen to show Lara this program because the scenery throught the game was magnificent.The program flashes on and the two begin the game. The object of the game was to basicly save the Druids, an acient race of earth worshipers from Earth around the time othe Greeks.They played the game for a few hours. Then they decided to stop playing during the corse of the third level.

" Computer save and exit" Lara orders the computer.

" Why dont you come back to my quarters , I could.. show you some of my ..work." Koll asks.

" Sounds..um...great"

" Lets go then" **** Kolls quarters****

"How you liking the game so far" Koll inquired.

" Im loving it..., Ive got to tell you the truth".

" Uh... Go ahead".

" I um... Like you ....alot."

"Wow" Koll says falling to his bed." I kinda like you too.

" Really" Lara bends down and kisses Koll

" Yep" Koll replies returning the Kiss.

Koll pulls Lara close to him still kissing her . The slowly remove each others clothes and make love. After the brief session of Love making they fall asleep in each others arms, and they sleep good.

"Happy to be Back."
by Lieutenant Commander Greer Erikson, Chief Science Officer, USS Galaxy

Looking through the forward display he could see the Galaxy-class starship not too far away. No doubt the USS Galaxy had detected the shuttlecraft and was awaiting a signal. Accessing the navigational console he opened a channel to his ship. "Shuttlecraft Yeager to USS Galaxy. Requesting permission ot dock."

Waiting for a minute the shuttlecraft communications systems detected the reply. ["USS Galaxy to Shuttlecraft Yeager. Permission to dock is denied. We have another Shuttlecraft departing. Please await signal."]

"Understood Galaxy. Awaiting your signal." he said before closing the channel. A few more minutes past and he did not see any craft depart from the shuttlebays. "Computer, establish a link with the USS Galaxy central computer."

["Link established."] the shuttlecraft computer reported.

Using the console in front of him he used the link to access messages, communiqués, and personal correspondence which he had been unable to access from Altine. The were the usual communiqués: departmental updates that Lieutenant Commander Morris had kindly prepared whilst acting as the senior scientist, duty logs, engineering reports for one of the science laboratories, messages from friends and family. As he waited for permission to dock he accessed some of them.

["USS Galaxy to Shuttlecraft Yeager. Permission to dock is granted."] the shuttlebay duty officer replayed.

"Beginning docking procedure." Greer said as he altered the attitude and speed of the shuttlecraft, heading towards the shuttlebay.

It had been a few months but he was glad to see that his piloting skills had not gotten too rusty. Landing the shuttlecraft gently on the Main Shuttlebay floor he powered the small craft down and opened up the door in the aft section.

Standing up, he grabbed his bag and walked out of the Yeager which he had been cooped up in for the last day. Even though he spent most of it at warp speed, Altine was far enough away at warp one.

Erikson walked in to the turbolift. "Deck Eight." he said as he looked forward to returning to his own bed and eventually to his duties the next day.

Katra

by Lt Endris Gakor
with Lt Matthew Albrecht,
and various others
reviewed by the Casey Family, and Captain Price

*** Sick Bay ***

Incubators 2 and 3 were no longer occupied. Matthew Albrecht, vetted in a sterile medical gown, was holding Adam up so that Gakor could see him. The tiny baby was no longer a blue color, and no longer required a respirator to breathe, however, he was still in intensive care. Grinning proudly, Matthew was the image of a preening father.

Gakor had been in a comma after her blood loss nearly 3 days, and Muffin had been steadfast by her side during the recovery. He had been placed off duty due to the family emergency, but shuffled between his future wife and improving son. He looked disheveled and had rings under his eyes, and had eaten only a greasy hamburger during his last 'break'. Minutes before Endris regained consciousness, Dalane Casey had been born, living only a few hours, and then expired. According to medical reports, which Gakor accessed out of habit, the child's Bajoran mother had died during the Cesarean, but thank the Towers of Cuisine, the Doctor's medical comrades had been able to resuscitate her.

Endris saw Counselor Dallas rush in to comfort Deiran on the loss of his son. It would be hard for Gakor to recall a man who looked so anguished as the XO at this moment. Fortunately, Miran and Lara were both mercifully asleep when the baby drew his last breath. Thinking quickly, the recovering Immunologist motioned Muffin to her side, dangling her hands in front of Adam Delorbius Albrecht.

Gakor agreed that the first and last names would be human, but the middle name would be of Tellarite origin. Endris picked Delorbius because it meant "Lion's Strength", in Tellarite. Gakor hoped her son would grow up to be honest, brave, and courageous. "Honey", she whispered, there's something I'd like you to consider", Gakor said in her serious not-to-be-fussed with tone. "The Casey family has just lost a child, but by some miracle, our son has survived."

Matthew wondered where this was going, but so far the only things Gakor was recounting were facts. Endris gasped as the infuser unit delivered a dose of pain medication. She was still not fully healed from her accident, and was easily tired after even minor excursions. The Tellarite smiled when her husband-to-be promised they would visit the Food Court once they got back to Star Base 357. "Yes, Pumpkin, this is true…"

"Would you consider", Gakor began, still whispering so the grieving XO could not here them, "Naming the Casey's as the God parents to our son?", she finished bluntly. Her eyes pleaded that she seriously wanted this. "That is a wonderful sentiment Gakes," Albrecht confirmed. "But I think we should give them time to grieve before we honor them with our request." The proud father straightened out his spine, holding his crying son so that Endris could spoon replicated baby food into his mouth. The security officer was once again amazed at how soon a Tellarite (well, half-Tellarite) child could eat baby food. Even a child as challenged by life as Adam could still eat apple sauce only days after being born!

"Snacks!, Adam sure shuts up fast once he has Oinkus!", Gakor remarked, looking more cheerful than she had in days. Endris was full of questions, since she had been medicated and unconscious for a while. "Did Captain Price come to see the new babies?".

"Yes", Albrecht replied. "And he said the Tellarite government will be awarding you the Medicus Cleaviuns for the cure you discovered for the Teresi virus. The surviving colonists have been treated with the formula and are responding well." "When did Adam's condition improve?" she asked almost absently while she stared at the cherubic face of her little boy. Matthew got a strange look on his face, as if something mysterious had occurred and she had reminded him of the circumstances with her question.

"Dear", the security officer swallowed. "Our son began to improve the moment Dalane Casey was put in incubation next to him". Could two babies, born under similar circumstances, somehow joined their wills so that one survived when the other was lost? *Two at risk but one survives,* Gakes recalled part of her last orb flashback that she experienced when Adam was conceived. Could the nebulous prophets have been speaking of the current situation?

"Muffin, please bring Doctor Lemur over here without drawing attention". With tremendous effort, Gakor craned her head to the room the diminished Casey family. Her human 'soulmate' had already gone to search for the Vulcan physician. He saw Counselor Dallas was still talking to Deiran, who was holding a silent vigil at the incubator that had been his son's brief residence on the Galaxy. Captain Price entered, apparently discretely alerted of the death by the compassionate bridge staff. He went to his Number One officer and studied the man for a moment, not knowing what words to say.

Eventually, Deiran was the first to speak. But only two words emerged before a stream of tears. "Gone... Why?", he questioned understandably. The Captain of the Galaxy was speechless. After an extended pause, he finally answered, "I don't know mate", he said in his most solemn and supportive voice, placing a hand on the other man's shoulder as a tangible show of support.

Meanwhile, Doctor Lemur had entered Gakor's recovery area to attend her needs. Matthew wandered outside to give them privacy, but also stayed clear of the others in Sickbay. He walked over to the replicator and fixed himself a small meal, taking advantage of a table the staff had brought in for the long-term visitors to eat on.

Gakor began her conversation with the Vulcan in a traditional manner, by laying a logical foundation for her outlandish seeming hypothesis. Both Mothers had been exposed to Bajoran orb experiences, both babies were partially human hybrids born by Caesarian procedures (with the same attending physician), and both had struggled to survive. In addition, the Tellarite and Bajoran mothers had needed medical care to recover from their problem pregnancies. The two infants were born days apart, but placed in incubators that were physically near each other. And Adam's condition began to improve when the Casey infant had arrived next to him. Compassion and logic dictated the congruities might at least have encouraged one of the pair to survive.

Could this be a case of spontaneous Katra transfer? True, none were documented from non-Vulcan species, but during her travels throughout space and time, Gakor had seen stranger things happen. Lemur considered a minute, mentally sifting through the data her friend had proposed. "This is possible, but not likely". Lifting an eyebrow, the Vulcan continued. "Perhaps the will and spirit of Dalane was transferred to Adam."

The Vulcan frowned, as if he was dealing with unaccustomed emotions. "It would be both cruel and illogical to inform the Casey's that the essence of their son survived his physical death unless we have proof", Lemur stated with a near grin. Endris was not Betazoid, but sensed the man was proud of his 'logical' conclusions.

"I will join the scientific team studying the remains", he said with dispassion. "If the conclusion can be verified, I will inform you, then you can decide what to do with the information.", the Vulcan stated. "It might also help if I could observe Adam in private. Perhaps Matthew and yourself could use what is colloquially called a 'baby sitter'."

Gakor beamed at the mental image of a stoic Vulcan changing diapers, comforting and feeding a hungry child. "That would be 'acceptable,' when Cat clears Adam medically, you may begin your ministrations", Endris finally decided. "And if you have time later, I would welcome you at Oinkus with our family."

Seeing Lemur exiting with a purposeful gait, Lt Albrecht returned bearing a tray with an extra large healthy salad. Endris sniffed the food and smiled. Her chef-"Meat Truck"-in-training had spiced the Greens with flavorful Torka! The first bite was delicious, and things improved from there....

Meanwhile, Captain Price had finished his visit with the XO, and poked his head in the door of Gakor's recovery room. It was strange how Endris seemed to quietly dominate the chamber, despite her near scrape with death. The senior officer of the ship was rarely prouder of his officers than when they valiantly survived the face of adversity. The cure for Teresi was quite an illusive achievement, and Captain Price had been considering placing a commendation in Gakor's file. It was not every day that a member of his staff discovers a cure for over 200,000 people at risk to their own life.

But as proved by his recent decisions with the St Louis, the General was a brilliant Tactician as well. He knew the couple wanted to be alone for some 'family time'. "Bonzer job, Mate", he congratulated briefly before exiting Sickbay and returning to other pursuits.....

*** An Hour and a Half Later ***

Matthew had put Adam back in the incubator so that Gakor could rest. The security officer had then retired to a bunk that had been set up for his convience in near the nursery. While Muffin was lost in slumber, Doctor Lemur returned with a less than logical sad face. Endris immediately knew the news was not pleasant, and would bet a months supply of Snacks that Dalane's Katra had somehow been lost, despite the slim hope that it could have survived or transferred to the other baby.

"I grieve with Thee", the Vulcan stated formally, extending his fingers in a ritual manner. The race of touch telepaths did not ordinarily do this, except in times of mourning or great loss. "The EIS syndrome damaged Dalane's neural pathways before his untimely death. There is no way his essence could have been transferred to your son."

"It is fortunate that we have told no one else about the hypothesis. By the towers of Cuisine, I hope the Casey's never realize the similarities in the births of the two babies and draw the same conclusion.", Endris stated with a heavy sigh. "Nourishment! Some burdens are too harmful to be remembered." Gakor wailed as tears came like a sudden monsoon. Her son was born ill, and another child had died. And the emotions welled up by the fact she had discovered the cure for Teresi fought her from the other side. It was definately a difficult time for the Immunologist.

The Vulcan man studied the Tellarite in silence for some minutes, until the crying dried up and the pain medication eased her into a gentle sleep. *Would the passion of the Cuisine loving race ever cause her to blurt out this secret?* the Vulcan meditated. He knew himself well, and there was no chance that Lemur would leave the crushing news out. There was one way to make sure this misfortune would never occur. It would be quick and painless for both.

After a moments pause, Lemur reached for Endris's temples, dismissing the faint purple bruises that marked where the cortical monitors had been attached. He then purposefully intoned a single word. "Forget". In his rush to prevent the crisis, Lemur had not thought to check Gakor's file.

The Vulcan breathed deeply, considering his next move. Suddenly, he looked up Gakor's medical file, thinking to enter some notes. He discovered that years ago, a mind healer had suppressed the pain related to her brother Tuskcan's death. The memories eventually resurfaced! This would not do at all. The point of intimate removal was to make sure the knowledge would not cause trouble in the future.

The doctor did not hesitate, but reversed his first 'human' course of action. Using chemical extraction techniques, Lemur made certain that the neurons that held "Dalane's data" were permanently erased. It was easy to locate and deaden the most recent of the Tellarite's memories that held the potential informational bombshell.

Turning to leave in silence, Doctor Lemur contemplated more about recent turns of events. *The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few,* he thought to himself. Although she was fast asleep, Endris inexplicably mumbled "or the one" at a volume so soft the departing Vulcan almost missed it....

"Visiting Hours"
By Ensign Tim Richeson And
Ensign Mike Marc Tactical Officers

***Sick Bay, Before Delta Shift, a few hours after the battle with the St.Louis ***

Ensign Marc had not been in Sickbay since that battle. And he was not looking forward to it. It was going around the ship that there were many injuries. And seeing your crew mates injured was a hard thing for many people, including Mike.

As he suspected, there were many people on the bio beds. Hope fully he could talk to Cat quickly. "Hi Cat How are you last time?”

Cat turned around from helping her last patient, “Hello Mike.” Cats face showed her concern when she saw that he was rubbing his temples. “You ok?”

"I have huge headache. Do you have something? Because it will be my Shift soon and I don't want that something distort to my work."

Cat looked thoughtful for a few seconds, “Well, I don't want you to a bad job and I suppose neither do you,” Cat said with a smile. Cat placed her hand on Mike's chest and sat him down on a chair. She attached a small device on his temple. She pressed a couple of buttons and it beeped in reply. “Well, you sit here for a few minutes. This will soothe the pain. Ill come back in a few minutes to see how things went. Just relax.”

"No I don't mind waiting here." Mike lied, "Please don't take to long, I do need to get back to Tactical."

Cat purred a bit, "I won't take more then a few minutes." She walked out of sight wagging her tail.

As soon as she left Mike heard a voice: "Tactical? How bad is the damage?" He turned his head and saw injured man. "Not so bad but we loose our battle.. I'm from Tactical and you ? " said Mike and came to man.

The man's eyes widened a bit. "And....." he said getting a bit annoyed

"Our impulse drive is out of order and few damage in battle bridge. And you know about the crew injuries."

"Yeah, well, Name is Tim, Ensign Tim Richeson. Whata bout you?" Tim was really looking for some company, since he had awoke, all he's been able to do was watch the ceiling. And the creepy part was that a Lieutenant something, he didn't catch the name, had died in the bed next to him. So another tactical officer company was more then welcomed. Even if it was only for a few minutes.

"I'm Mike , Ensign Mike Marc. I didn't see you ? How long you served on USS Galaxy ? " - Mike have huge head ahec but he understand that\ Tim needs some company because he was injured once.And steel remembered how is boring here.

Tim gave a sigh, "Since we left Star base 357. It's been a hell of a first mission. Whata 'bout you? You been aboard long?" He asked

"It is my second mission on USS Galaxy . During my first mission I was on Lotia 1 with another crew member."

"Ohh.. I see. So what are you here for? You don't look sick or hurt."

"I have huge sick so I wait for Cat to remove this device" - said Mike and showed to TIm device on his temple. And Cat in this time cat came to Mike.

She pressed a control on the device, it beeped again. “Well, Mike! That's it. If the headache comes back, you come back here.” Mike just nodded. “Thank you Cat.”

“That's ok.” Cat returned. “Well you better head off to your shift.” Cat turned around to Tim. “You need anything, Tim?”

Tim raised his eyebrows, trying to mimic Ruina, "Actually, you could take off these restraints I promise not to scratch...." he said with a mischievous smile.

The doctor shook her head and walked away.

"Wait! Common Cat.... Damn it!"

"Annabel Lee"

By Ensign Anna Gartner - the way over stressed Security Officer
edited by
Ensign Gordall Kalln - the occasionally working Science Officer

***USS Galaxy, Anna Gartner's Quarters***

Annabel Lee
by Edgar Allan Poe

It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea:
But we loved with a love that was more than love--
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her high-born kinsman came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went on envying her and me--
Yes!--that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud by night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we--
Of many far wiser than we--
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling--my darling--my life and my bride,
In the sepulchre there by the sea,
In her tomb by the sounding sea.

Anna Gartner dropped the data PADD from her hand onto the table after reading the poem gasping aloud. "WHAT THE..."

***

Ensign Kalln, not sure whether by instinct or foresight, looked up in time to see Gartner storming into Ten Forward. He could almost imagine the marching drums as she blazed a path for his table. A data PADD was clutched tightly in her hand.

Studying the angry frown on Gartner's face, Kalln knew he was in trouble but mused silently, *Well, she's not armed, that's a good sign.*

When she reached Kalln's table she held the PADD before his large snout.

"Is this a sick joke?" she demanded

"Ah, you looked up the poem."

The Gnalish Elt gave her a toothy smile showing bars of white sharp teeth. Normally he avoided this particular action, he found it tended to make people nervous. But Anna seemed entirely comfortable around him. Smile - and everything else.

"Yes!" Gartner growled, "It's about a guy's dead wife! What were you trying to do!?"

"Be morbid," Kalln's smile widened.

Gartner paused staring blankly then she gave him a feline smile, "Oh, really? Think you're good at being morbid?"

"I have a certain familiarity with the subject."

The female Ensign leaned across the table to Kalln, whispering seductively: "Well, I can do better."

Just hearing the sound of her voice, Kalln was surprised by the happiness it brought him. He recalled the conversation he had with Neil Bolitho not long ago where the young security Ensign had told him that the feelings he held for Anna were love. The idea was impossible, he knew that. His species was genetically grown to be warriors. Love, or capacity for love, was just not encoded in his brain, but he couldn't deny that what he felt for her was a unique feeling, unlike anything else. So strong that it actually helped to make his days bearable. Impossible or not, Kalln had to ask himself, did he love her?

So far he had no answer.

"Is that a promise?" the huge humanoid reptile chuckled to the enticing threat "I certainly hope so."

"Sometime, someplace, when you least expect it," Gartner slowly teased, "I will strike."

"Hmmmm..." Kalln pondered over what she said, "Can it be sooner rather than later?"

Gartner smiled slyly and walked around the table, taking a seat next to Kalln before snuggling up against his rather large side. Though he crouched when standing, there was still an awful lot of him. 350 pounds, and most of his body structure was light for its size.

"Maybe it could," she said.

Kalln wrapped a couple of arms about Gartner's shoulder, as she placed a hand to his, interlacing their fingers together, his huge scaly hand, long fingers and sheathed claws nearly engulfing hers.

Kalln gazed down at her, his black pools of his large dark eyes staring into Gartner's smaller blue ones. With two hands still free he reached up with one and gently touched the side of her face, gently caressing her cheek with the soft underside of his palm and fingers.

"Anna..." Kalln started, and stopped.

He wanted to talk to her about how he felt, what he had told Neil, but immediately decided against it. He still found it hard to believe that he could actually love someone, it was impossible for his species. However, he felt the need to explore this more, maybe even speak to a counsellor, though what they would know about the inside of his head was doubtful. He had thoroughly confused them during the court-martial.

He suddenly noticed that Anna was waiting rather patiently for him to finish what he had started to say. Kalln needed to say something honest to her about his feelings.

"Anna, you... you make me happy."

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

Tilo T'ilis
By Ensign Jordan Arisa, Helm Officer
and Ensign Tilo T'ilis, Science Officer NPC
USS Galaxy

Jordan looked around her quarters, she had just been informed that she would be having a new officer share her quarters. She was glad, when David wasn't there, the large rooms did seem rather lonely. Besides, she didn't have enough objects to decorate them properly. Despite Taya's many contributions.

She had a date with David this evening, she packed a little bag, presuming that she wouldn't be returning home that night. Jordan couldn't believe it, David was everything she had ever been looking for in a man. She was in love with him, no doubt about it.

A holo image of David lay on her work desk, he had a serious look on his face all trussed up in his uniform. However, he still looked gorgeous. She smiled as she removed her eyes from the picture and went back to writing up her weekly report.

Suddenly the doors to her quarters hissed open. Jordan leapt up, then relaxed when she realised that it must be the new officer, Ensign Tilo T'ilis, a Bajoran woman with an apparently turbulent history.

T'ilis sighed as she entered her new quarters, the journey from Earth had been long and tiresome. The baby was kicking much more than usual, and the children missed their father, but there was nothing T'ilis could do about that, she was just thankful that Pal had stopped breast feeding. She hoped that her new roommate would be nice and understanding.

Jordan smiled as the Asian looking woman entered, T'ilis long black hair was disheveled and from the look of her she was heavily pregnant. On one arm she carried some bags and on the other a small half bajoran boy. Behind her was a Bajoran/Cardassian girl carrying a few bags and then behind her was a yeoman carrying a sleeping Bajoran girl. Jordan rushed up to the yeoman and scooped up the little girl.

T'ilis smiled at the young woman as she took Jayia from the yeoman's arms and dismissed him.

"Thanks." T'ilis smiled as she laid Pal down on the sofa next to Mila who had jumped right on.

"You must be Tilo T'ilis, I'm Jordan Arisa." Jordan extended her hand, switching the girl to the other hip.

"Nice to meet you Jordan, let me take her." T'ilis held her little daughter in her arms. "I better introduce you to everyone, this little girl here Tilo Jayia, this is Mila Tren." she said pointing to the Cardassian on the sofa. "This little guy is Pal Emilio Sierra Sanchez, and this is Leseya Consuela Sierra Sanchez." she said patting her stomach. "I have three other daughters on Earth at Zefram Cochrane High School, Gark Naprem, Dejal Tren and Iliana Tren." T'ilis smiled once again at Jordan, but she could see the confusion on her face. "I have to go report to my SO, and get these guys to the nursery and Mila to the school. Then maybe we can have dinner and I'll explain a few things." T'ilis said hopefully.

"That would be great, but we'll have to postpone it until tomorrow, I have a date this evening, with my boyfriend David."

"Okay then, I better not keep you. I won't wait up." she laughed.

"Thanks, it's been great to meet you. See you tomorrow." Jordan smiled as she walked out the door. A hundred thoughts as to what had happened to T'ilis swam around her head. She presumed that it must be another tragedy of the occupation, but that did not explain Jayia, or Naprem or her half human children, or the child she was carrying. Jordan tried to push the thoughts out of her mind as she rang the chime.

"Come in!" she heard David's muffled voice.

Jordan entered and moved into her lover's arms. David kissed her passionately. He could be so tender, God she loved him. "Excuse my attire, I didn't have time to change." she said flopping down on the sofa and removing her jacket. "So mi Amour, what's on the menu tonight?"

--
Camilla Claudia Pretlove

=AES=USS Galaxy=AES=
Ensign Jordan Arisa
Helm Officer
USS Galaxy
=AES=USS Galaxy=AES=

Great day.
by Ensign Mike Marc
Tactical officer.

Mike enter to his quarter and immediately took some pads with his holoprograms that he made few weeks ago and also in academy.He run out from his quarter and run to holosute.

"Computer What holodesk is free now ? " - asked Mike when he came out from the lift.

"Holodesk 1 is free now " - replied computer

"Computer , reserve it for Mike Marc for 3 hour "

[Holodesk 1 reserve for Ensign Mike Marc]

"Ok doki " - thought Mike and enter to Holosuite.

"Computer, upload program Marc 3 from my padd "

[Program is downloaded]

"Computer run program Marc 3 "

When computer run Mike's program. Mike appears. Near the river. The sky was blue and all was perfect.

"Something missing here " - thought Mike - "What ii might be ? ". "I know ! "- screamed Mike and some birds fly from another side of the river.

"Computer , Add some cows on the other side of the river. And make old road near the beach and make that two time's in one hour some people with fish walk on it . " - said Mike

After it Mikes did some more changes in this program. When he finished his work. He stood in perfect Ukraine beach from his childhood. There are many thing from Ukraine were in this program.For Mike it was surprise because he didn't thought that he would make such good program for such small period of the time.Mike left holosuite and began wait for Ulya to come.It was 5.15 and she must come here in 15 minutes.

++ 20 minutes later ++

Mike sow Ulya in the moment she came from the TL.

" You look grate now " - said Mike and kissed Ulya.

" Oh thanks, so where is your surprise ? " - asked Ulya.

"Follow me , my dear " - and Ulya and Mike entered the holosuite 1.

"Close you eyes " - said Mike and Ulya closed her Ise . After it Mike took Ulya hand and them entered to Holosuite.

" Now you can open they ? "

Ulya opened her Eyes and Mike sow that is was good surprise for her.

" It's beautiful , I can't say more ,that is my answer to you " said Ulya and gave to Mike deep kiss to his lips.

" Wow " - said Mike and kissed back Ulya

++After some time++

"So what do you want to make now " - Has ask Mike keeping for a hand Ulya

"I don't know dear , maybe we will go to my qourter and I will show you the end of the show ? " - replied Ulya with wild smile.

" What show ? " - asked Mike with surprise on the his face

" You stupid man. " - said Ulya laughing and sat on the Mike

"Ok ok let's go ." - said Mike and has risen Ulya from the grass.

Mike and Ulya went holosuite and went to Ulya quorter. Mike left the Ulya only after 3 hour and went to Ten-Forvard.Because he needed to take some food before his shift. "It was great day " - thought Mike and in his brain appears face of the Ulya.

"Dead?"
By Ensign Yazron Beq
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Lt(jg) Jonathan Lucas Brandis
Operations Officer
USS Galaxy

***Beq's Quarters***

Yaz was waiting on the arrival of Lucas as he looked out of the viewport in his quarters. He had received a reply to his request to the Captain and the wedding was again on. He had told Lorraine and she had been 'over the moon' as the Terran saying went. He had been excited - but Lorraine...! She had went to tell her friend Realta Kelsh who she had met while working on upgrading the communications lab.

He had also sent a message to Lucas asking him if he would care to join Yaz for a workout. He had replied in the positive so now Yaz sat here.

The room around him was very old fashioned containing ancient furniture from many cultures. A pine-wood Terran nineteenth century drinks cabinet sat in the far corner of the living area with decorative drinks glasses. In the centre of the room was a metallic Betazoid coffee table from the Rule of Merlis, upon which sat standard Starfleet issue mugs and drinks dispenser and the table upon which the console lay and where Yaz was currently sitting looking over the console and out of the window was a genuine Bajoran carved J'Kay wood antique from before the Cardassian occupation which his mother had given him as an engagement present to feed his deep love for history and culture.

The door chime rang and Yaz went to the door and opened it. His outfit consisted of a pair of black shorts which reached half-way down his thighs with his trill tattoo emerging from the bottom, and a red, loose-fitting T-shirt.

"Welcome to my humble domain, Your Royal Highness." Yaz said with a wide Cheshire Cat style grin. "Please do enter." He bowed low.

"That's wearing pretty old now, Yaz." Lucas said, entering the Trill's, let's face it, humble abode. "Wow, that's a Secoo from the Rule of Merlis, cerca 2000, if I memory serves."

"Well, as a matter of fact, 2001." Yaz boasted modestly, if that was possible.

"Okay, you ready?" Lucas stated, motioning for the door, somewhat exaggerated. He wore a shimmering gold towel around his neck was garbed in the usual snug black tunic that covered him from the neck down. The darkness lifting at his waist where a gold coloured belt made it's way seemlessly.

"You know something, Lucas. You really have a flair for the dramatic. I mean were not going to anything formal." The entire get up looked more like a costume to Yazron than what someone would generally consider 'work out clothing'. But, after the past few months onboard, he'd grown accustomed to the somewhat flashy dress that the Prince wore from time to time.

"Very funny, Yaz. But, some of us aren't getting married and want to look presentable." Lucas smirked.

"Yeah, well, my finely chiselled form speaks for itself."

"True, it's just no one's paying attention." Lucas chuckled as they made their way out of the Beq quarters.

***Deck 12 Gymnasium***

They walked into the Gym. It was empty and the lights had been dimmed.

"Computer, lights." Yaz instructed.

There was a beep in response and the lights brightened to their normal glare.

"So, what do you want to do, then?" Yaz asked Lucas.

Lucas was disappointed, he had hoped there would be someone else here, more importantly female!

"Well I thought maybe a couple of laps to warm up and then some circuit training." He replied.

"Sounds good to me." Yaz said.

"What, nothing to make it more 'interesting' today?" Lucas asked with fake concern on his face.

"Ha ha, very funny." Yaz said sarcastically.

They walked over to the bench in the corner and threw down their towels and began jogging.

"You look a little pre-occupied," Yaz looked a little concerned, "Is everything all right?"

"Yeah, it's nothing." Lucas said.

"You sure?"

"Yeah!" Lucas almost shouted, "Let's just get on with this."

Yaz decided he had better leave this alone - for the time being anyway! Lucas was touched by Yaz's concern, but he didn't want to talk about this at the moment.

As they were nearing the end of there jog the door opened. A woman with blond hair and green eyes entered. The slight ridges on her forehead, which were barely detectable, showed the Klingon blood in her. Lucas's mood seemed to have improved, and Yaz guessed what had been on his mind. Everyone was recently being 'hooked up' or having children - apart from him.

"I thought you were engaged?" Yaz whispered.

"Oh, that's just one of those formal things. Remember," He said, a smile coming to his face, "I've not heard from her or her family since the occupation."

As the women realised they were there she said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realise there was anyone here."

"Not at all, we have just started, care to join us?" Lucas asked. Yaz was no empath but he knew what was running through his mind right now - the exact same that had went through his when him and Loraine had first met that day at the academy.

"Sure, just hope you guys are in the mood for a challenge. Were pretty tough when it comes to physical conditioning." The blonde Klingon smiled lightly. "I'm Kt'ai and this is Leava." She finished, gesturing towards her not-so-talkative partner.

"Well, hello, I'm..." Lucas started only to be cut off.

"We know who you are, Lt. Brandis. Word gets around as some Terrans say." Kt'ai responded.

"Okay, well, call me Lucas, please, we are off duty." Lucas grinned. It was a pleasure to actually be out and about so to speak and he was going to enjoy it. "So, shall we..." Lucas said, leading the way to the Pro-gravity weights.

"So, what weight level should be start at this time?" Yazron asked Lucas.

"Oh, I dunno. Why don't we let the ladies decide? Leava?"

The somewhat petite human female was not the toughest looking person in the world. The brown hair and 5' 6'' body didn't look like it weighted much more than 120 pounds. Gripping the bar like a professional, she thought for a moment and then spoke, "Let's start and 250 and work our way up to 350 with six sets of six."

"Er, sure," Lucas was no weakling, but 350 standard pounds was pretty intense. Something didn't quite seem right about this bunch. Kt'ai jumped right in and started her sets, finishing in less than five minutes. 'No,' Lucas thought to himself 'This is not going to be fun at all.'

***** Ensign Beq's Quarters ******

Every muscle on Lucas' body was throbbing. Laying face down on the floor of Yaz's quarters, he hadn't the strength to continue to his a few decks a way. Yaz had faired slightly better, but only slightly. He'd managed to make it to the living room couch.

"You.....Dead?" Yaz asked between pants.

"Not.....Sure."

Yaz, with a lot of effort pushed himself of the couch. "Computer, water and stimulant Beq Gamma, 2 glasses."

The computer chirped and two glasses appeared. Yaz took one and took a sip before picking up the other and taking it over to Lucas. He sat down next to him on the floor. "Take a sip of this, it helps." Yaz said as Lucas took the glass. Lucas took a gulp and then mustered the strength to sit up.

"So, how did you find that?" Yaz smiled.

Lucas just gave him a look in return.

"Well, the real reason I asked you here was to inform you that the wedding has been re-scheduled. It will be in two days time." Yaz said. "This time, though, we've compromised a bit more and everything is prepared."

"Glad to hear it.That list of demands looked pretty extensive." Lucas said. "How did you get around them?"

"My mother has taught ne a few tricks of diplomacy, and it would seem that they work." Yaz's smile broadened. "She'll be arriving tommorrow for the wedding."

"Well, I'd better get started on this party!" Lucas exclaimed.

"Yeah, what's it gonna be like?" Yaz asked.

"You'll find out soon enough." Lucas said with a sly smile.

They both felt a lot better now and Lucas had finnally gained enough strength to get up.

"I'll see you tommorrow then." Lucas said as he walked rather slowly towards the door.

"Take it easy - your not used to tat much exercise!" Yaz called after him.

Lucas turned and smiled before the door closed behind him. ~That Yaz is some wierd guy!~ he thought before heading back to his quarters to collapse again.

______________________________________________________________
Ensign Yazron Beq, Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

“Heartbreak”
USS GALAXY
Lt. Commander Casey Ti Miran, Shuttle Ops
Commander Deiran Casey, XO
Captain Lee Price

Miran lay looking at the wall. Since Deiran brought her home, she had laid there. She hadn't spoken in more than monosyllabic replies to Deiran. The physical pain couldn't compare to the hurt she felt for losing her son.

Deiran had been living in silence. His efforts to get her to talk to him hadn't worked. He'd tried everything.

“Miran the funeral is in an hour, please get ready?” Deiran asked. He was very gentle, his tone was respectful and he spoke in a voice loud enough so she'd hear. He'd already dressed Lara in a pretty black dress that Alexa replicated for her.

Miran didn't respond. She didn't look up at him. She just laid there, gazing at the wall. She was in her nightgown. The sadness on her face told the story. Miran didn't want to go.

She owed it to her son to say good-bye to him. She had to go. “Miran, honey, do you need help?” he asked.

She didn't respond.

Deiran walked over to her and knelt down so he could be at eye level with her. He could see the overwhelming flood of grief. She was so wrought with sorrow, the poor woman couldn't even speak. He hated to see her this way. He wanted her to smile, to light up his life again. But he couldn't smile either.

He knew what he had to do. It would be horrible for her. But she had to say good-bye. A mother couldn't not go to her baby son's funeral. It was best for her, for him and for Lara. She needed closure, the funeral would be that closure.

“Okay Miran, I'll help you,” he told her and gave her a kiss.

Deiran walked over to the closet and picked out a nice black dress, a stylish hat with a veil that would cover her face. He picked out a pair of flats, black flats. He didn't think she could handle high heels. Then he went to her dresser and picked out all the undergarments she would need, even black hosiery. The only thing he couldn't do was put make up on her. She didn't really need make up, her face held a natural beauty that at the moment was twisted into a face full of gray. He returned to her side of the bed.

He helped her to stand. He held her arms up and gently removed the nightgown. She was standing there unclothed and completely in a daze. She just stood there staring straight ahead. Deiran's heart broke for her again, but he held strong this time and continued. He pulled her in under the sonic shower so that she would be clean. Guiding her back into the bedroom, he put on her bra, underwear, then her slip. The dress was difficult to put on. He helped her to sit on the bed and began putting the black hose on her. Deiran had to use all of his strength to get through this without breaking down. This was killing him. Her pain was so devastating that it seemed to carry itself over to Deiran so he was not only dealing with his own pain, but Miran's as well.

He did the best he could. He loved Miran with all his heart, there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her. He'd sacrifice his own life to see her gorgeous smile once more.

Miran was now dressed. Deiran wasn't a hair stylist, he combed her hair straight and made it look the best he could. Her hair was beautiful. Deiran set her brush next to her night stand and kneeled down to put Miran's shoes on her feet. Once the shoes were on he put on the hat and made sure the dark lace veil looked presentable as it hung over her eyes. He retrieved a pair of sunglasses, dark black ones, and put them on her. He knew she would cry, the grief would burst forth from her like it hadn't done before, the sunglasses would hide the red. He hoped it would begin the healing process deep within her, she needed to vent her emotions.

Miran was dressed. Deiran did a very good job under the circumstances. She looked stylish and beautiful. Despite the clouds that seemed to storm above her. The still quietness in the room was difficult to take.

Deiran was dressed in his finest suit, it was made of a shiny black material. He couldn't handle wearing the white of his dress uniform. Besides this wasn't an official ship function. The crew had been invited. Deiran wasn't sure how many would show or who would show for that matter.

Alexa arrived. Alexa was also in a black dress. She looked beautiful. She also had a black hat on, but was wearing high heels. Her hair was down and curled. She picked up Lara and waited for Deiran to help Miran walk out the door.

Miran leaned on her husband the entire way to the holodeck. Her arm around his waist, her head leaning against his arm as she walked slow.

*** Holodeck Three ***

The holodeck had been set in a green meadow. The sky was blue and sunny. White flowers surrounded either side of the miniature coffin. Deiran had set up a slight breeze for the program. Included some beautiful cherry blossoms in the distance and programmed some birds into the scene, they were chirping and singing. The birds would be the only music.

When she saw it, Miran sobbed. Deiran held her tighter as she buried her face into his chest. He led her over to the row of seats in front of the coffin and gently helped her into one of the seats. He gently rocked her as her crying tapered off, finally ending. He tried to keep the Iceman demeanor, but it was hard, especially with Miran like this. He fought to remain strong for Miran; he kept going for her. It took all his strength. He didn't have much left.

Well-wishers filed by giving their condolences, but Miran just stared ahead at the casket, thinking of her son lying there and the fact she had never held him or saw him. It hurt her that she could not protect her child. She wished she had died instead of her son.

Captain Price waited patiently with the rest of the guests paying their respects to the Casey’s. Eventually he made his way up to face the couple.

Both Miran and Deiran looked sad over their loss. They had both wanted a son, and now there seemed to be a huge void in their lives. Lee's heart went out to them.

"It is a tough thing to loose someone you love," Lee nodded while looking at the couple. "Nothing seems as if it is going to make it better. There is probably nothing that will, less one thing."

Deiran looked at his teary eyed wife and then at the Captain, "What is that sir?"

"Time," Price said evenly. "Only time will make the hurt fade, if you are fortunate. Though it never really heals completely. Hope helps too," Lee swallowed. "You are both young and healthy. You 'ave each other and your lovely daughter. Perhaps, in time and with some hope, you can try again."

Miran was sobbing as she buried her face in Deiran's chest. The Commander took up the slack, "Thank you for coming sir." Deiran said while shaking the Captain's hand.

Lee placed his other hand on Deiran's shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. Words escaped him that moment. What do you say to a man and his wife after they lost their only son? With a nod, Captain Price moved on and allowed the rest of the attendees their chance to give their condolences to the Casey’s.

Deiran controlled himself during the Captain's words. But, it was time for him to stand in front of the crew and say good-bye to Dalane.

“Thank you all for coming. I don't have anything prepared. No speeches. I will miss you Dalane,” he said as he looked at the small casket in front of him, “We will never forget you. You will always be apart of us. This is not good-bye. I believe we will see each other again… someday. You were a fighter. You survived longer than the doctors said you could. You held out as long as your little body could. I can't find the words for how proud you made me. I love you with all my heart my son. You will never leave my memory and there will not be a day, not a second will pass in my life that my thoughts don't turn to you. I love you Dalane, rest in peace my son,” Deiran couldn't hold in his sorrow any longer. The Iceman exterior melted and the entire Galaxy crew saw the real Deiran. The family man, the father, the husband. They saw him as he truly was, the mask had been removed. Not even Captain Price had seen this side of the man.

Deiran saw Miran shudder and pull her arms around herself. Alexa tried to comfort her but Miran pulled away not wanting to be consoled.

Deiran arranged for a special shuttle from Starbase 357. He asked Lucas, Hunter Mackenzie, Chris Thomas and Greer Erikson to be the pallbearers. They carried the small casket to the cargo bay, placed it on the shuttle.

Deiran supporting Miran, Lara and Alexa followed behind the casket with friends behind them. No music was played. Deiran wanted silence. On this day he did not want solace. He would grieve in his own way.

The shuttle lifted out of the Galaxy's main shuttle bay and began it's trek back to Earth where Dalane would be buried within the family burial grounds in Ireland.

"Lying In Bed..."

Lt. Cmdr. Tebrianne Bancroft
Chief Helm Officer

Lt. (jg) Benedict T'Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

***

Tebrianne stretched out along the length of Benedict's body. She was still tingling all over. Flesh against flesh. It would be the last time she'd feel that for a week. Propping herself up on an elbow, she peeked through raven locks at Ben as he ran his finger over her belly button ring.

"I've got a conference I need to go to once we're settled at the starbase," She said. "Flight control thing that I really shouldn't miss. It's on Telenes IV. I have no idea why they chose that bloody dirtball -- they don't even have established trade routes with the Federation."

She hated lying to Ben the way she was, but she couldn't perform with him in the audience. She knew she couldn't. She'd freeze up as soon as she got out there if she knew he was there. "Anyway," she continued. "I'll be gone for about a week. Jules is going with me. It'll give us a chance to catch up. She's interested in transferring to flight control, you know?" She kissed his shoulder and ran a finger across the golden tiger emblazoned on his body.

Benedict turned his head to gaze into her dark chocolate eyes. He brushed a strand of her long hair that now draped silkily across the pillows away from her eyes and caressed her cheek. "We haven't spent that much time together lately - not since my shift change. I spend most of my shift either waiting to see you, or staring at your back when your on Command duty." He said quietly. "I treasure the time we do get together - and this is our first shore leave in months." He sighed rather heavily - he wanted to tell her that he didn't want her to go. But duty was duty. She was Head of the Flight Control Department - if he asked her to spend the time with him instead it would be detrimental to her duty to the Galaxy. He knew that 'he' would never do that - so he couldn't very well ask it of her.

She had to go. She wouldn't have made the arrangements otherwise. One thing he did know was thet Tebrianne felt the same way about spending time with him as he did about spending it with her! He grinned and said, "I'll miss you - but I guess I'll have enough to keep me occupied for a week. I was going to arrange a short trip to either Bajor or Earth - I might just take the opportunity to go anyway." He cast her a sidelong glance - then chuckled. "It will certainly be less of a strain than Q'onoS!"

"Crikey," she said with a shudder, "I still can't believe you convinced me to wear that Klingon armor. You do realize how bad those bloody metal plates chafe, don't you?"

Benedict pulled her into his arms and laid her head on his chest. He could stay with her like this until every star in the galaxy died as far as he was concerned - he casually stroked her back and listened to the music of her heart beating against his ribs. He had been thinking more and more about asking her to share quarters lately. Perhaps when she got back he would ask her - perhaps. He was still unsure - they were so close - yet in so many things they were worlds apart! What would happen to her sense of individuality and freedom if they became live-in lovers? Would she rebel against losing a part of it? Would she then rebel against him?

There was a war on - and he'd sworn that he wasn't going to push the relationship past a certain point - but that was like trying to stop a comet falling into a sun with nothing more than a few hardy breaths.. falling in love with the woman in his arms had been the easiest thing in the world - stopping that inevitable slide into life-long commitment was impossible. He wanted to marry her - Prophets he'd say his vows and sing the wedding song right now if he had a choice! He glanced over at the small wooden box sitting atop a shelf close to his bed. It held his mothers' Betrothal Bracelet.

A dizzying moment washed over him - and he almost asked her..he wanted to.. would she?

But war takes many choices - and duty even more. Duty - the paramount aspiration of the Warrior! It was duty that stayed his tongue. Duty that had brought them together - and now duty that would briefly take them apart. For Benedict it was a matter of honor.

She moved slightly and made herself more comfortable. He wrapped both arms around her and said "I love you" into the raven darkness of her hair.

“Could There Ever Be A Reason?”
Lt. (jg) Benedict T’Kal
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

Benedict was dressed in a formal white Kimono. It was the traditional color of mourning for the Japanese – of which his fathers’ ancestry descended. It was crisp and pristine white – the only color being the black and gold scabbard of his short bladed Japanese Tanto that was stuck in his belt. His raven dark hair was pulled severely back into a long ponytail – the flash of silver blazing across his left forelock. His golden family earring the only jewelry.

He had thought about the ship-wide invitation to attend the funeral of Delane Casey with doubt. He did not wish to offend with his presence at such a moment – but would his absence be considered an even greater offence? Where was the thin line of honor in this?

Usually Benedict had no questions in regard to where his honor lay. It was a wide road that he walked with steadfast assurance and dedication – but there were times where that road trickled down to a winding path no wider than the soles of his feet.

He sat alone in his holodeck creation of the Jen’Tavere Temple of The Prophets. He had been spending more time in here as time had gone by on the Galaxy. He remembered his initial feelings of falseness associated with the unreality of a holodeck. It seemed that now his thoughts were focussed more on the purpose rather than the reality – which seemed to make it’s own reality. He brushed his fingers along the smooth stone of the bench – worn by what seemed to be thousands of days of contemplation.

His thoughts seemed so jumbled lately – since the Mind Meld with Tebrianne. He had visions of her in his dreams and sometimes in his waking hours – scenes which he knew were hers – he knew her fears and her aspirations. It seemed that his mind was continually presenting him with new images and new flashes of thought that brought them either into focus or shed a new light on differing perspectives.

He bowed his head in sorrow. There were certain images that had come to his mind during dressing for the funeral that had made him come here to search for answers. It was man’s destiny to search for those answers – and a spiritual unity called to all – Benedict was not immune to that call.

His strong beliefs in a Guiding Mind – and the Prophets of the Celestial Temple sometimes warred within him. His father had been a Christian – a believer and follower of The Christ of Earth – his mother a believer in the Prophets. Benedict trod the line between both beliefs – and internally – he knew that there was only one answer.

It was times like this that made him think more of those questions. Could there ever be a reason for the suffering he saw every day? Deiran and Miran Casey were suffering now for the loss of their son. Benedict was confounded by that thought – he knew that The Christ belief held that sin was a reason for punishment – and Deiran had sinned. But what of Miran? Was she to suffer for his sin? In that suffering lay the additional suffering of their daughter Lara who would live while her brother had not – what guilt would that hold for her?

He found it so hard to reconcile a God that was said to be loving and forgiving – who would allow such suffering for the innocent.

The visions that had assailed him this morning had brought their own grief. He felt a tear drop onto his hand that was held in his lap. It was something from Tebriannes memories – distant yet how they impacted today on this day of mourning! Benedict felt a kindred empathy for Deiran Casey who had lost his only son – for Benedict knew with utter certainty that he would never realize his own wishes for a son.

He loved Tebrianne with every fiber of his being – but they would never have a family that was blessed with children. She had been told that it was impossible a long time ago because of her mixed heritage. It was an issue that neither of them had discussed – why discuss something that had no immediate ramifications? Tebrianne hadn’t even thought about it – and Benedict could imagine her shying away from such contemplation – as she always did when she didn’t want to face something – such as the possibility that she could find her own dreams a reality.

Benedict hadn’t discussed it because he’d just assumed.. but that was his own failure. He wanted children. It was a part of him – he could not deny those dreams. He venerated family – life – and the sanctity of marriage in a loving relationship. He had to face a decision in light of his new-found knowledge. Last night he had almost asked Tebrianne to marry him.

This morning – in light of the realization that to stay with her would destroy his most precious dream he wondered again if there could ever be a reason? He knew that he couldn’t face not being with her – he would have to face his own denial. There was a reason – there had to be!

Nilani had asked him to be the God-Father of her children – twins! There was a certain continuity in events - a grand design that a reasoning mind could sometimes perceive – but more often than not go ignorant of. Was this Benedict’s sign that he would be blessed by children but not of his blood? It could be taken that way – in which case was he being given an indication that Tebrianne was the right choice?

Tebrianne was his soul mate. There was choice – but no option. He would swallow his own desires and give Nilanis’ children the benefits of his wish to be a father. He had intended to tell Tebrianne about it – but events had conspired against him – last night just hadn’t been the right time – and this morning he knew that he needed more time to sort out how he would face this. The week that she was to be gone on her conference would serve to give him that time. It seemed to be another blessing – he felt at odds with his usual centredness. He was missing an element of balance – and he felt that something was happening outside of his awareness that would affect him greatly – he just couldn’t see it.

He felt like a wind of desolation was blowing across his soul. Her dark loving eyes had drawn him to her – and the vision of them always brought him a measure of peace. He said a silent prayer to the Prophets – seeking their hidden truths. He prayed for guidance and enlightenment.

After a moment of bringing his mind into focus on his physical body – he was able to envelope himself in calmness. It was time to go to the Casey’s service for Delane. He stood and said, “Computer – end program.”

The scene vanished abruptly and Benedict walked out of the holodeck. A few minutes later he joined the line of crew filing into the largest of the Galaxy’s holodecks.