"Friendship"
by Lieutenant Junior Grade Elaiithin Jii,
Meat Truck with Bombs

Elaiithin Jii placed a final small box into the cargo area of the independent freighter Auriga, docked in the Galaxy's Shuttle Bay Three. "That's the last of it, then." he said, turning to face Rotan Heratta. Rotan was clad in civilian clothes of Nausican design. "You certainly travel light."

"There did not seem to be much sense in carrying a lifetime's worth of items to me on what could be a temporary post." the larger man responded.

"I can see that. But things are important, Rotan. They're what we keep to remind us of all we have - and all we've lost."Jii responded.

"Your point does have merit."Rotan replied. At that, he drew a small dagger from his belt, with an elaborate crest. "Jii, I would...like you to have this. It is a family heirloom. If you are ever in need of aid from any Nausican, show them this, and they shall assist you, no questions asked."

Elaiithin took the small dagger from his partner - former partner, he corrected himself. Rotan was taking an extended leave of absence from the Galaxy, now that the war was over, to try to set things right on his homeworld. In response, Elaiithin's hand went to his ear, where he remeoved his family earring and placed it in the Nausican's large palm. "Then take this, as well."

Heratta reagrded the earring in his palm with a raised eyebrow. He knew what it meant to the spiritual young Bajoran. It was a symbol of Elaiithin's faith, as well as the only thing he possessed of his father's. "I accept." was all he replied.

Elaiithin turned, and pressed the button to close the cargo doors. "Are you sure you want to do this alone?''

"I have put much thought into it. Yes. Going back with a a load of Starfleet Security Officers would be noticed. I will follow the example you and the others have taught me. I will be....subtle." Heratta said, rolling his tongue around the unfamiliar word.

"Well, good. At least you learned something." Elaiithin responded with a wry grin. "I'll put those Nausican martial arts moves you taught me to good use. Prophets know I'll need them, with the CLA running around down on the planet."

"Yes, they are a difficulty. Be careful." the Nausican warned him.

"I will."Elaiithin confirmed. "You probably ought to be going. Captain Greyheart looks to be getting pretty impatient." he said, inclining his head towards the half-Caitian freighter pilot.

"Yes, he does." Rotan said. "Watch your back, Jii."

"You too, partner."

With that, the large Naussican ducked into the freighter. Within minutes, the modified Mississipi-class vessel lifted off, and departed through the bay's forcefeild.

"Just don't get killed out there." Elaiithin said to the empty bay, and turned on his heel to leave.

"Coming to terms"
By Lieutenant JG Jordan Arisa
Chief Helmsman
Ensign Shane Wolcott
Helmsman

and unauthorised appearances by,
Ensign D'Kas
Helmsman
Ensign V'ehlma M'aerikh
Helmsman

Teb hadn't really decorated the office, Jordan was most grateful for that. It was a surprisingly large room with a beautiful view of space, luckily the couldn't see Cardassia from that window. She had decided that once they returned to Earth she would get some fish for the office, they always had a calming affect.

"Computer, time." she asked as she tapped at her console.

"0659." the female voice responded.

Jordan smiled and looked around the room, she had set up three chairs in front of her desk. It was the first time she'd be meeting any of these people, she imagined they were about as nervous as her.

The chime sounded, apparently they were a punctual bunch.

"Come."

Shane was the first to arrive with V'ehlma at his side. They had become good friends after their joint adventure on a Klingon fighter ship. His hair was unruly as usual, and his uniform looked as though he'd slept in it. Shane wasn't the picture of the perfect officer, but he wore a smile that melted the hearts of all the females around. He also exuded a confidence and friendliness that was contagious by all near him.

"Look at you," the blond officer pointed a finger at the 'enormous' life holding belly of his new Chief Helmsman. "Beautiful mama is going to be a real mama soon. Awesome."

Shane could tell by the swollen belly that Jordan was with twins. This reminded him of his own twin sister. He missed her so much. She was a subject that he never mentioned to others.

"Ouch, what'd you do that for?" His question was directed at the blue skinned Klingon who had just slapped him on the back of the head.

"Don't you know that you never mention the size of a woman's belly even when she's with child." V'ehlma chided.

Jordan's eyes narrowed, she raised an eyebrow and gave Shane a look that would bring a Klingon to their knees. "Ensign Wolcott, I am a senior officer and expect to be treated as such. Aboard this ship you will address of me as Ma'am, sir or Lieutenant!" she turned her attention to V'ehlma and smiled, "Thank you for your assistance."

"Ouch, now what was that one for?"

"Because you deserve it." She giggled.

"Aww, Chief Mama, you saw that." Shane dropped into one of the seats. "I might have to press assault charges." He smiled at the Klingon woman.

"Oh, is that a challenge, human? I'll make sure to give you something to write a charge sheet on me for, and that's assuming you survive." V'ehlma placed both hands on her hips in a menacing stance. Her thick brows came to a furrow and one side of her mouth raised in a wicked half grin. Then she growled.

"Yikes, okay, you win this one."

Soon after the duet had entered, D'Kas entered. Shane had never seen a Caitian before.

"Far out, dude," was all that Shane could say.

Once they were all seated she regarded all of them. Wolcott had a rugged appearance about him, but there was a charm behind it all. D'Kas seemed like a strong man, he was only the second Caitian she had met, the first being Cat. Then there was M'aerikh, her mixture of Andorian and Klingon was intriguing and gave her quite a presence, she had magnificent hair.

"Thank you for coming." Jordan rose, starting the meeting. "I haven't had an opportunity to meet you yet, but as you probably know I am Lieutenant Arisa, the new chief helmsman. Before we start this meeting I would like to say a few words. Loosing Lieutenant Commander Bancroft was a terrible thing and I for one shall miss her dearly. Unfortunately, as with all wars the clearing up process has to begin immediately. The Dominion have wrecked havoc on Cardassia Prime. They need our help. Captain Price has not given us any orders yet, but if possible as well as your duty shifts I would like you to make yourselves available to fly any shuttles that may be needed." she sat backdown and picked up a padd. "Now that's over with, I have the new duty roster, I will be on Alpha Shift, Mr. Wolcott you're on Beta, Mr. D'Kas you're on Gamma and Ms. M'aerikh you're on Delta." she handed them each a copy of the roster. "Before we get on with any other business, I think it might be a good idea if we all say a bit about ourselves to introduce each other. I know it's a bit primary school, but it works. Mr. Wolcott."

"Ain't much to say about myself." Shane smiled standing to his feet. He cocked his head to one side. "I love the beach, and any of yall are welcome to come to my private beach anytime yall want. I'll teach yall to surf, dudes and dudettes."

Shane began to sit again before pausing halfway down. Then he stood again, "Oh, and um..., I can't wait to fly this ship." He stretched his arms out to mimic the wings of a bird. "Man, I've waited long enough to fly her, and when I do, watch out because it's surfin' time."

He turned to Jordan, "and Pretty Mama...um....ma'am, might I say that that roll of yours was awesome."

She nodded in his direction, "Thank you, but could we please delete the 'mama's' from your speech directed at me.

Jordan smiled, they seemed like nice people. "Okay, on to business. Now as Mr. Wolcott has kindly pointed out I am well into my second trimester and protocol states that I am relieved of duty when I enter my third trimester. At the end of this mission, this will come into effect, therefore, Mr. Wolcott will be acting Chief and your duty shifts will move up one, with Ensign Yin, a shuttle operations officer taking Delta shift. I will be returning to duty soon after the birth. Are there any questions?"

All Jordan received was shrugs and blank looks from them all, however all the while Mr. Wolcott kept a cheeky grin on his face. She couldn't help but smile, shrugging her own shoulders she smiled at them. "Okay, if there's nothing else, good luck everyone and please don't hesitate to contact me." she sat back down and tapped at a padd. "Dismissed ... Oh, and if anyone of you have an affinity for baby-sitting, let me know."

The officers smiles at the remark as 5they filed out, with a thumbs up from Shane.

--
Camilla Claudia Pretlove

"Deep Cover"
by Lt Commander Endris Gakor-Albrecht
with a cameo by Lt Commander Matthew Albrecht
reviewed/approved by Acting Captain Deiran Casey
with suggestions by Captain Price

*** Transporter Room ***

Endris had beamed up moments before. It was a scheduled rotation back to the ship that would allow the Tellarite time with her family. The Doctor was especially eager to see Adam, since the last time she had visited and the child spoke his first word.

Beyond that, there was trouble brewing on the surface. CLA disruptive attacks continued, despite the installation of shield generators to protect the perimeter of the complex. Cardassian fanatics merely slithered their way past the security patrols, and then bombed buildings and structures with home made devices, sometimes sacrificing their own lives to their idealism.

The doctor and her human husband, Matthew, had spent late night discussions on the planet about how to approach the situation. The plan to map the tunnels with gas would take too much time, unless a way to locate pockets of Cardassians was available. Delving into the subways had located 47 additional Cardassian survivors, bringing the population of 'New Icarian City' to nearly 130 Cardassian souls and approximately 40 Federation assistance personal.

A scary episode had just occurred last night. Endris, with her well known Tellarite cravings for food, had ventured to the restaurant late in the evening. Seeing mostly Federation patrons in the establishment, a CLA operative chose that sight for a bombing. No one had been killed, but the cloud of flower was spectacular, and for a moment, ghostly white forms haunted the camp, until they found the increasingly familiar CLA initials etched under the remnants of a stove. After that, security patrols were increased, and extra shield generators were installed, doubling the strength of the field protecting New Icarius.

Having been buried in sauce did not improve the Tellarite's belligerent disposition. After cleaning up, she returned to the ship, determined to argue through her latest scheme to protect innocents on this decimated world.

She spent nearly an hour with Adam and Matthew in their family's quarters, relaxing and gathering her arguments. Having interacted with Captain Price, she was sure Lee would capitulate to her points. However, she found that Deiran Casey was in command. *Nourishment! I hope he still doesn't bare a grudge over that Skunk incident.*, the Doctor thought. That had been months in the past, and the Commander had laughed it off as a joke at the time, which encouraged Endris to pursue implementing the plan she had developed with Matthew's security advice.

Putting on a fresh uniform (they were not practical on the planet due to desert conditions), Endris screwed up her courage and trotted off to the bridge, where the computer indicated her target was located.

*** Bridge ***

With the aid of functional turbo lifts the trip to the bridge was brief. Endris looked at Cardassia spinning below her. The planet's atmosphere was beginning to dissipate energy charges from the Breen and Dominion retailation force, and detailed scans shown on the viewscreen indicated the gradual rebuilding process was underway. Having taken command duty courses, Gakor also scanned the tactical display and saw the profiles of several Gator-class Cardassian ships approaching. It looked like surviving reminants of the Cardassian fleet had patched themselves up enough to straggle back home and help the reconstruction. Before the Doctor could confirm her analysis, Deiran Casey returned to the Center chair from strolling about the bridge checking on things.

Clearing her throat, the CMO approached and sat in the adjacent chair reserved for the CMO.

"Captain", she began traditionally. True, Deiran was only a Commander. But as acting Captain, he had assumed a higher role for the moment.

"Doctor", the human acknowledged. "I see you have returned from the planet. Did you enjoy your stay?"

Endris paused a moment for emphasis, before stating with conviction. "Cardassia is hardly as pleasant as Risa Sir, especially with continued terrorist attacks destroying our reconstruction efforts."

Sensing concern in the Doctor's normally placid healing tone, Deiran furrowed his brow and considered how to respond. A beat later, he said "Knowing you, Doctor, you undoubtedly have a plan to deal with the situation. But with all the chaos going on on the surface, I'm not sure I'm going to like it."

"Snacks Captain! Sometimes I think you know me better than I know myself," Gakor confessed. "This plan will appeal to your sense of detective in you, Sir. I think it's time the Galaxy sends a Cardassian down to the subways to perform some recon."

"How? Your plan to use Door did not fare well.", the human commented. "Just how do you expect to produce a cooperative Cardassian when those on the planet have been so belligerent?"

Endris smiled playfully, as if she was about to reel in a big fish for dinner. "I'm glad you asked. Here's what Matthew and I suggest we do......"

Deiran didn't know weather to be annoyed or amused at the suggestion posed by the CMO, but the idea was original and had the advantage of surprise. Warming to the plan, it took a while, but he grudgingly gave in to the Doctor. After all, the Captain was smart enough to make the Immunologist think she had to fight a bit for her voice to be implemented. Except for Cuisine, Tellarites were best known for their tendances to debate issues. The doctor's care and nurturing for her parents made Gakor more easier to deal with than testier members of her race, but sometimes, even the CMO liked a good verbal joust.

She was about to get another chance. It was time to query Doctor Lemur about the senior officer's decisions. The pretty doctor was dismissed after her audience, turned and smartly headed for Sick Bay. Inside the turbo lift, she contacted Matthew, who also journeyed down to medical after dropping Adam Delorbius at day care.

*** Sickbay, a few minutes later ***

"We won't lie to you, Doctor Lemur. This assignment is dangerous, but your keen observational skills and eclectic memory, and logical approach to things make you ideally suited for the task. Endris used several arguments before Commander Casey authorized this plan," Matthew began.

"What would I have to do if I accept the assignment?", the Vulcan Lieutenant queried, his facial features softened a bit when he heard the Commanding Officer had sanctioned what ever the ASEC and CMO were planning.

"Undoubtedly, you have heard stories by your crew mates that Cardassian natives have formed a liberation army that is carrying out terrorist attacks. They call themselves the CLA. So far, they have been content to blow up buildings and hamper our relief efforts on the planet. These stories are true. The terrorists appear to be hiding in what used to be Cardassia's mass transit subways." Matthew lectured. His part in this plan had been to make a security assessment and advised Gakor this method of attack just might work. It would sure be more reliable than if they selected a full blooded Cardassian to fill the order. But if it went astray somehow, it would only serve to fuel the CLA's paranoid anti-alien attitude. So he made sure as few failure modes were included in the plan as possible.

"I see.", Lemur responded with a brow raised, indicating interest. It was one habit he would have to break if he were to do this. The man continued shortly " I also helped science officers prepare discharge tanks of Saleniox gas. Logic suggests you are attempting to set up a charged particle field to map the subterranean warrens this disruptive influence is using to their advantage."

It had taken Endris three different explanations before she grasped the intricacies of Matthew's tunnel-mapping plan, despite medically knowing the effects of the gas. (Although this may have been a game between the newlyweds, since the last successful explanation was in the form of a Recipe!) Contrary, he Vulcan had diagnosed the method within minutes of being briefed. "Snacks!", exclaimed Gakor. "It is that kind of observational skill that made us consider you for this assignment. Since it presents a considerable risk, the mission is strictly voluntary." Lemur pondered the problem for a while and then replied that he would accept the search mission if other conditions did not make it logically too hazardous. Unlike other recon teams, this would be a solo assignment. But if all went well, the Cardassians would accept him as their own. And posing as a Cardassian, he could have traditional Cardassian weapons without raising suspecion.

"What will you do, then?", Lemur asked (despite having logically extrapolated several possible answers).

"In addition to reconstructing your apperance, I will implant an internal safety transponder under your right fore arm. If you are in physical danger, trigger it by slapping your arm, hard. The safety mechanism will feed your coordinates to the transporter for immediate retrieval." Gakor began the medical part of the explanation.

"The Cardassians are bound to have a few tricorders in their group," the Vulcan objected.

"I will also install a micro implant to mask your bio signatures. Sufficent memory emgrams will be implanted for you to remember your 'life' as a Cardassian. Their scans should report what their eyes do. To them, you will be another Cardassian. However, you will have to act more 'emotional' than normal so they won't suspect you. I have seen your interaction with the medical staff. I believe you have the 'guts' to pull this off, or I would not have recommended you for this assignment."

Lemur though a few more minutes, then told both Commanders. "If you are both convinced I am the best person for this job, logic dictates I should accept the assignment.", he said in Vulcan mode. "In a lighter note, I have observed emotional reactions of the crew to the situation we face. I am not sure thanking you is the correct response. Most of those who have been planet side return morosely after seeing the volume of destruction. However, being given an opportunity to rectify this is definitely an honor." The Vulcan paused and gathered his 'acting' ability into an emotional like burst. "Thank you, Chief!", he said with pleasant inflection.

Gakor reviewed the amount of paperwork that had accumulated during her trip planet side, and thought better of performing the surgery herself. The needed skills were well inside the parameter's Doctor Bellen accelled towards. D'Tara was soon busy re-designing Lemur's face and memories, while Endris tackled the backlog of paper work. Collapsing on to the Desk, she called 10 Forward and requested a yoeman bring her a home cooked meal.

*** Surgery Suite ***

Gul Mout rose off the table and viewed his new continence in the mirror. "Intriguing!", he allowed.

The 'Gul' took items from the replicator, including a Cardassian communication device that had a scrambled circuit back to his Federation friends, a tricorder, and a case of micro-transponders that would allow the transporter to hone in on the coordinates for beaming in gas canisters. He also chose Cardassian garments that looked like they had survived a war, and a somewhat crumpled phaser of Cardassian design.

It was time to introduce Doctor Lemur to Captain Casey. He should their deep cover operative before his departure. After all, Deiran had approved Lemur's effort to infiltrate the CLA meetings and gather intelligence. With luck, Lemur's actions as Mout would blunt the worst of the attacks. Endris accompainied him to the bridge, pleased to see the results were excellent. The meeting with the commander did not take long. Gakor returned to Medical, while Lemure (aka Mout) was beamed passed the mouth of the subways at the edge of accurate transporter range. It was necessary to inform Transporter Chief Jensen of the plan in case immediate retrieval was needed, and also so the human would not be alarmed to see an armed Cardassian requesting transport. For now, only a few knew of this effort. It was far easier not to jeaporidize the plan that way.

Satsified with the results, Endris walked into the CMO's office and taped a message for the Medical staff. Since the relief effort was medical-intensive, she wanted to hold a meeting of the Medical staff.

To: All Doctors and Nursing staff, USS Galaxy
Re: Staff Meeting

Please free your schedules for a meeting of the entire medical staff, to be held in 2 days at 1500. We will be discussing the progress of our medical relief efforts on Cardassian Prime and what can be done to improve the reconstruction of the war torn planet.

Sincerely,

Lt Commander Endris Gakor-Albrecht, CMO.

Endris sent the message, alerting those of her staff on the planet of the new message. Of course, Lemur would be exempt from the meeting. For security reasons, the Vulcan's undercover assignment would not be addressed, Only senior officers would be cleared for the information until after the debriefing.

"Beach Bum"
by Ensign Shane Montgomery Wolcott

"Shane, you can't keep doing this."

"What do you mean?" Shane looked at the beautiful woman sitting next to him. She had long sun-gold hair and glowing skin. Her smile was as contagious as Shane's and her blue eyes were mirrors of his.

The night sky was sprinkled with glittering stars, and the splashing of the waves upon the sandy beach was calming and soothing.

"Shane, Shane, my little baby bro. Why do you keep hanging on like this?" Sabina Wolcott placed one of her hands on her twin brothers shoulder.

"Aww, Sabina, why do you have to say something like that? I miss you." Shane head was bowed. He was drawing pictures in the sand in front of his crossed legs. Shane wore a bright blue tank top and a pair of Hawaiian swim trunks of vibrant colored flowers and plants.

"Look, baby bro, I miss you too, but you can't keep seeing me like this." A tear fell from her sapphire eye and rolled down her smooth cheek. Sabina bowed her head.

Shane jerked his head up. "No! Don't even suggest such a thing. You won't be forgotten, sis. How can you sit there and say such harsh words." Shane reached up and grabbed his sister with both hands. He drew her in with his burly arms and hugged her tightly. He wasn't going to lose her; not a second time.

"Shane, you programed me this way. I can't help it." Sabina clung to her brother and she sobbed.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there. If only I had done like daddy wanted......"

Sabina pulled away from him and looked him squarely in the eyes, "Don't be foolish, if you'd have been there, then you would be gone too." Sabina rose to her feet and turned away from him.

"Shane, where ever I am, I'm glad to know that you are safe and sound." Shane stood.

"For once I'm glad that you and dad never got along. I'm glad that you're life is the beach here. I'm glad that you'll never join Star Fleet."

Shane's mouth went dry. How had this programed hologram of his sister become so real? Shane just looked at her. She was so much like his real sister. He didn't have the courage to let her know that he had joined Star Fleet.

Sabina turned to face her younger brother; her twin brother. The waves are good now. Let's go surfing." With that, Sabina grabbed her surf board and ran towards the warm tropical waters.

Shane forgot all his worries and grabbed his board. He was with his sister now.

******** LATER ********

Shane entered Ten Forward. It was quiet. There wasn't many people there at this time. In one of the darkened recesses of the tavern Shane saw the mammoth Chief of Security, Ursa Sunder. The lizard scientist was sitting with him, and they looked as though they were in a deep discussion. Ursa looked like Shane felt; rotten.

"What can I get for you?" Door was wiping a glass down with a cloth. He smiled, and it was a warm smile.

"Oh, give me a Sprite or 7-Up with tropical punch." Shane didn't feel like smiling, but he forced one.

"You want to talk about it?" Shane looked up at the Cardassian bartender. He wasn't a full Cardie, and Shane couldn't help but see how handsome he was. He'd never really thought of Cardies being handsome. Shane hated the Cardies, but he liked this fellow. He smiled up at him genuinely this time.

"Now that's better." Door replied returning him with a wink.

"Nah, dude, it's just been one of those days." Shane looked over his shoulder towards Ursa and Kalln and motioned with a nod. "Besides, I think I'm doing better than them. They both look like they're depressing one another."

Door placed the concoction of soda and punch on the bar in front of Shane. "Better not drink that down too fast. I don't want to have to drag you back to your room," the bartender joked.

"Yeah, right. Say, have you ever been surfing?"

"Once or twice. Why?" Door knew that this officer wasn't going to talk about what was on his mind. He'd seen enough people to know how they acted. Heck, with as much talking he'd done, Door felt he could qualify as a counselor. Right now the lad looked as though he needed a friend, so Door was at his disposal.

"Well, dude, I know this great beach....."

"Home"
By Lt(jg) Yazron Beq
Tactical Officer

***Deck 9, Family Residential Apartment 11***

Yaz sat at the viewport, and beheld the universe before him, infinite, beautiful. He seemed to be the most decorative object in the room, the new "home" of his family still had to receive their belongings and furnishings, a barren landscape in this universe Yaz now looked at. He thought of his family, and smiled, he was a father, a husband and in now peaceful times, a time where exploration would once again be leading part of his life, it was all he could ever have hoped for. He saw his son as a symbol for peace, one which was strong, and now rested in the same room as his mother.

"Starfleet." Yaz whispered. "The ideal, to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilisations and to boldly go where no-one has gone before." He remembered the words of one of his academy professors.

Yet what was exploration without danger? Wasn't that why he had become a tactical officer? But what need is a tactical officer, on a ship with many, when there is no war? Perhaps it was time to revert to another field where he had knowledge, perhaps back to a helm officer as he had been on the Victory?

The console behind him on the non-descript desk chirped, a new message. He turned and called it up.

TO: Yazron Beq

I am checking up on you, honey, just like I always do. I am en-route to Bajor to a diplomacy conference. And I thought you would like to know, that I survived the battle, in fact I am currently acting-Captain of the Trill Cruiser Heiarta due to the deaths of the Captain and First Mate.

Please write back,

Mom

SIGNED: Jes Fal

Yaz smiled, his world really was all he needed, then it hit him, did he really need Starfleet? Would he not rather be unconnected to enjoy the peace while it lasted? Yaz mentally scolded himself. "You made a commitment and you are going to keep it." He said out loud.

He replied to his mothers message:

TO: Jes Fal

Hi mom!

I made it through too! Lorraine is alright and the other news is going to make you feel really old - YOU'RE A GRANDMOTHER!!! His name is Keiran and he was born as the fighting died away. He, like you, is a symbol of peace, it may be in different ways, but you still have SOMETHING in common.

Well I hope to see you soon!

Yaz

SIGNED: Yazron Beq

He tapped the send button. He had been up for almost 26 hours, and his eyes were starting to itch.

"Bedtime." He said to himself. He stood up and briefly took in his new home, bare, but perfect in his mind, everything was now. After so many deaths, so much destruction, the war was officially over. With a tired smile still on his face, he walked into the sleeping quarters, separate from Lorraine and the baby, where Keiran was going to sleep once he was put in a room by himself. He was afraid he would awake either of them, so he went in this room instead, and collapsed on the bed, exhausted. After a few minutes his head started to spin lightly, and he was taken by sleep, to dream of this new-found peace and happiness. Perfection.

"By Any Means Neccessary."

By Lt. jg (don't know the meaning of the word surrender) Anna Gartner,
Security Officer

**Cardassia Prime - Capital Building**

Of all the structures on Cardassia, the capital building, once the seat of power for the Cardassian Empire and then the Dominion survived the war intact. Now it's serving as the centre for the reconstruction of their shattered world and the co-ordination for the humanitarian efforts with the USS Galaxy and the other Federation ships in orbit.

In the main hall a large landing party materialized in the familiar blue glow of transporter beams. There were 24 people in the group, made-up of Federation engineers, science and security personnel.

Anna Gartner slowly stepped from the main group to study the interior of the massive buildings architecture, which unlike the rest of Cardassia was almost undamaged. However she noticed a few blast marks from disruptor and plasma bolts. She heard a group of Cardassians and a Starfleet bajoran of all people managed to capture the building and the shape-shifter during the uprising on their world.

With the current threat of the CLA and the Federation being their primary target, additional security was being stationed to protect their people but unfortunately it was stretching their manpower thinly across the planet.

Right now the capital building could be a very tempting target for the CLA considering it's housing nearly a hundred Federation personnel who are working side by side with what remained of the Cardassian authority in helping to rebuild their world.

Anna continued to study the various structural designs of the main hall when the landing party was approached by a female Federation commander and two Cardassians. She then noticed the Federation commander was also an bajoran.

"Welcome to Cardassia Prime or what's left of it." One of the Cardassians said, greeting them politely, although sombrely.

"Glad that Captain Price could spare the extra help. We're having a lot of problems with the installation computer mainframe." The bajoran commander said. "It's seemed to have developed… a hiccup."

"A hiccup?" A science officer in the group said aloud. Curious by the choice of words to describe a computer malfunction.

"You'll have to see it to believe it." The second Cardassian answered.

After a few moments the landing party was broke into groups, assigned different tasks to look after in the building, including a large team of engineers and scientists to handle the odd computer problem.

Anna found herself and the rest of the security team from the landing party now following the bajoran commander. They were soon lead to the command centre which displayed the entire planet on two huge 3 dimensional screens. Around the room, consoles were being operated by a mixture of Cardassian and Federation officers.

She studied the view screens again and saw areas marked off in shades of green, yellow and red. Green showed areas on the planet that remained basically undamaged, yellow for moderate damaged and red for severe damaged. 65 percent of the planet was shaded in red with only a few places peppered in green.

"Damn." Anna murmured to herself. She never knew the damage was so wide spread.

"The damage cover on that screen only to our infrastructure and not the casualties that the population has suffered." A voice announced behind her.

Anna turned to see another Cardassian but unlike the others in the command centre, he worn a civilian uniform. He looked tired, like he gone a few days without any sleep and the strain from what happened to his world was wearing heavily on him but he managed a friendly smile.

"The name is Garak and I see you met have Commander Kira." The Cardassian said.

"Sorry." The bajoran woman said. "So many people have been running through here I given up on proper introductions and settled on being just called 'commander.'"

"It's okay." Anna replied. "All things considering, we got more things to worry about than using correct etiquette. What's our job?"

Kira punched up a small display on the console monitor, showing a floor plan to the building. "When we stormed this place we blasted through a few interior reinforced doors, so we're vulnerable to attack."

"I thought the outside of this place was so solidly built that'll take the weapons from a starship to blast their way in." Anna commented.

"We got in." Garak said. "Just because the Jem'Hadar opened the right door at the right moment. So don't believe that any place is totally secured."

Kira nodded pointing to different areas on the map. "I want two teams stationed here - here and here. I want you all working closely with the Cardassian soldiers also guarding the building. Considering the situation of the growing threat from the CLA, we must clearly show that we are liberators and not their new oppressors."

Anna and the rest of the security teams nodded then left for their assigned duties, Kira sat back down in exhaustion.

"You know Garak," She said. "I'll be glad to be back in my old uniform soon and being referred to as colonel."

"I don't know, I have become use to that Starfleet uniform." Garak commented. "It has a certain style to it, not to say that bajorans are not fine tailors too."

Kira tugged her uniform sleeve and she had to admit that the Starfleet uniform was quite comfortable.

"So, what are you going to do?" Kira asked Garak. "The Defiant will be leaving back to DS9 in a few days. I feel like I'm running out on you."

"Don't worry about me." The Cardassian assured her. "I'll do my part in trying to help in rebuilding my world commander and not have the CLA destroying what's left of it."

"What I have seen so far Garak, it won't be easy. They're terrorist and we both had plenty experience in that one field. If they can successfully win over public support they'll have an endless recruitment from the local population." Kira shook her head. "It'll be a bloody mess if the CLA isn't stopped soon."

"If the CLA dives off the Federation, the humanitarian aid will dry up and tens of thousands more will die needlessly and what will sprout from Cardassia Prime will be worse than before." Garak shuddered slightly, as if he was all ready envisioning it occurring now. "I can't allow that to happen!"

Kira now saw the intensity on Garak's face, a mixture of fear and anger. "What are you going to do?"

"Whatever it takes. The senseless killings must stop."

"How are you going to stop them?" Kira asked but she all ready knew his answer.

And Garak never hesitated in his reply. "By any means necessary."

Visitng hours....

Lt(jg) TIm O'connell
special guest star Lt(jg) Lexana Ral
with her full approval.

Tim scanned the next padd piled up, letters from home, these things can add up if you let them. He was reading when he heard another knock and a musical betazoid voice said, "up for another visitor ?"

Tim looked up and saw Lex walk in, "hey stranger, how are you feeling?" he asked.

She looked at him, "I'm fine, damned Naussican herbs... how are you?" She asked giving him a look that said, and not physically either.

Tim looked away, "I'm fine, It's taking time..."

She looked over at him and said, "I'm sorry about Eshar Tim, I realy liked her." Lex patted his shoulder, "I'm also sorry I kicked your ass.."

Tim raised an eyebrow, "first off it's ok, it wasn't you and second of all you didn't kick my ass you suprised me... I would have kicked your butt in the end."

Lex rolled her eyes, "whatever Tim, when you're better we'll test that again. " She walked out of the area turning only to give Tim a grin and then a gesture he had taught her once, it was a Talarian insulting gesture.

Tim laughed, and replied with the gesture and said, "see you around."

“Don't Leave”
Casey Ti Miran
Commander Deiran Casey

Deiran awoke when his wife cried out. She groaned again, tossing to her other side. She was having a nightmare. He could see her fear, her body writhing frantically, it broke his heart to see it and he couldn't just let her continue in the dark vision.

"Miran, wake up!" She awakened, her eyes wild with the fear left from the nightmare. "Its okay sweetie, you were just having a nightmare." He gently brushed the hair from her forehead and ran his fingers through her hair. She relaxed and cuddled closer to him.

"You are really here," she whispered as though he hadn't been with her in a long time. She cupped her hand around his cheek and brought his face closer to her and kissed him.

Deiran smiled at her after the kiss, her lips tasted so sweet.

“What was the nightmare about darling? Maybe if you talk about it you can deal with it better ok? Tell me what it was about,” he brought her closer to him and wrapped himself around her. He wanted to help her feel safe and secure as she retold what happened in the nightmare.

"You were not there," she didn't go further, but instead kissed him again, her right hand slid across his skin. She then began to kiss his bare skin, descending from his neck to his chest, then his torso and below his waist.

This was quite surprising to Deiran. Usually he was the aggressor, the initiator of their intimate moments. But, Miran was controlling things this time. He had to admit he liked this side of Miran.

He could see her need when he looked into her eyes. She had looked up at him and smiled. With the war, their fighting, the nightmare she had, it seemed that Miran needed to express her love to Deiran in this way.

It was exciting, he laid back and let Miran do what she wanted. They connected in a variety of ways. Each time they were intimate their love grew stronger. Miran finished and undressed. She laid on top of him and they kissed passionately. Playfully rolling around in the bed, touching, kissing, nibbling, tickling.

Deiran loved foreplay. She had pleased him, now it was his turn to please her. Deiran took in her beautiful body, gently pushing her backward so she laid flat. He took his hands and began to lightly trace his fingers against her skin. Then moving to her form, he began to kiss her and touch her all over her body, from her forehead to the tips of her toes. He paid detailed attention to her every wish and part.

She let out her pleasure, sighing and moaning each time she felt her husbands loving touch. They continued this for awhile, Deiran displayed his love physically but in a way where his emotions were sensed by Miran. She could feel his love, a palpable reality rising from the depths of his heart.

They became one. To their minds and bodies it lasted for awhile, but to their emotional soul it was an eternity. The fighting, the worry, the stress, it all disappeared in those moments. Each time they made love the past seemed to fade away until it no longer existed in their memory.

They were lovers for a lifetime, nothing would ever change that.

*** The next morning ***

Something smelled good. Deiran reached for Miran only to find her spot empty. He opened his eyes more, took off the covers and set his feet on the floor. He rubbed his eyes and could pick out the smell of coffee. Hearing laughter from the main room, he got up and tied a robe around himself.

Lara was playing as Miran prepared them something to eat. She had laid out waffles on three plates. There was a bowl of sliced strawberries in front of his usual spot with a large bowl of what he guessed was black raspberries, since they were preferred by Miran and Lara, sitting in between the other two spots. A third bowl sat in the middle of the table filled with whipped cream.

Strawberry waffles with whip cream. She had made him his favorite breakfast.

“Good morning!” Deiran said, his eyes all lit up as he saw the strawberries, waffles and whip cream. He walked over to Miran and gently embraced her from behind, ”Thank you babe,” he whispered in her ear and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

He then walked over to Lara, kissed her on the cheek, “Good morning angel, how's daddy's girl?” Deiran asked.

“Da! Wahf-talls, see?” Lara asked, she couldn't say waffles very well, but the smile was too charming and cute to resist.

“Yes angel, good uh?” Deiran replied, returning his daughter's breathtaking smile.

Lara giggled as Deiran made funny faces at her.

“Do you need help honey?” Deiran asked.

"Go ahead and eat."

Deiran waited for Miran to sit and then started on the waffles. He covered four waffles with as much strawberries as he could and then covered the mound with whip cream. “Boy this is yum!” he said, his eyes looking like his daughter's as he began to devour the meal.

"So what is going on today?" Miran asked, hoping that he would say that he was going to spend the day with her and Lara.

“It's a busy day. I have to try and talk Sunder into helping with the CLA problem. Coordinate the relief effort on the surface. Oversee the repairs on the ship, read reports, check in with the new senior staff members. The list goes on. I also have to see about breaking down a wall…” Miran frowned a little and sighed, but Deiran didn't notice. He had retreated into his own thoughts.

"Deiran?"

“What?" he saw her expression and realized what had happened. "I was thinking about Dad. I talked with him yesterday. He was not himself. To be honest I don't think it was him. He was just so strange. I actually saw fear in his eyes. He wanted me to leave something very important alone. Didn't care about justice or Federation morality, just my safety and his career. It was weird, I've never seen him like that Miran,” Deiran could not hide his concern from his wife.

"What is going on?"

“Unfortunately, hon, it's classified right now. I wish I could talk about it,” Deiran stopped and changed the subject. “I am glad this war is over. Did you know that the war had been going on for most of our marriage hon? I was thinking about that yesterday. Our Three year anniversary is coming soon,” Deiran smiled, letting her know he remembered. “I have plans for our anniversary, but I'm not gonna tell ya. You'll have to be surprised. It will be something romantic and memorable, that I can say,” Deiran smiled at her and winked.

Lara was still giggling and eating and not really paying attention to her parent's conversation. She was quite clean considering what she was eating, just some whip cream on her nose and some black raspberries on her bib.

“I was so tired last night. Did you sleep well last night?” Deiran asked, hoping that their talk and his comforting presence helped her sleep, he prayed her nightmares would not return.

"Well," she smiled widely at him, eyes sparkling.

“Man these are good waffles, replicated or not, they're still delicious. Thank you baby, it was sweet of you,” he leaned over to Miran and kissed her.

"Really?"

“Yes, I love ‘em. Good recipe. Look at Lara!” Deiran stopped and leaned over the table, taking a napkin and wiping the whip cream from her nose. “Hey you, this stuff goes in your mouth,” he said and then tickled her nose after he cleaned it. There was no doubt that Lara and Deiran loved each other. Deiran gave his ladies all the attention he could. It was mornings like this that made him realize how blessed he was, it felt good to be here, to have his family at breakfast.

For the first time in a long time the past seemed to be fading into a distant memory. Deiran prayed it stayed that way. He was happy with his life and loved his family more than anything.

He finished the last bite of his waffles, set the fork on the plate, wiped his mouth and stood to leave for the start of alpha shift. He went to Miran and started to give her a good-bye kiss…

"Do not go, please? Take the shift off to spend with Lara and me? Please? Surely you have earned one shift off," Miran's eyes pooled like Puppy dog eyes. She knew what he couldn't resist.

Those beautiful green eyes were totally indomitable. “Oh Miran,” he said in a sigh. He looked at the table, she had made his favorite breakfast, she was being so sweet. The nightmare last night was on his mind. He looked at her, then at Lara. Lara's little blue eyes looked just like her mother's.

The inner battle began, a struggle between duty and family. He looked at his ladies again, their eyes pleading for him to be with them.

“I have to meet with Sunder,” he protested.

“Please?” Miran asked. “Preeze?” Lara repeated.

That was the clincher, what man could resist that?

“Okay, I'll reschedule my meeting with Sunder for Beta shift. Ronni needs the practice working with Alpha anyway. I need time to think about SI too. What did you have planned? Anything special?” he asked. Knowing that she probably knew exactly what she wanted the family to do.

Deiran looked down and saw Lara was finished, he removed her bib, wiped her face with a napkin and swept her up into his arms. “What does Daddy's angel want to do today?” he asked her, tickling her and enjoying the resulting squeal.

He then looked at Miran and wondered what she wanted to do.

"I do not care as long as you are with us."

All's Fair in Love and War?
LtJg Lexana Ral
Security

Lex left sickbay after visiting her friend, she'd been keeping a tight lid on her emotions since her outburst earlier that day. She hadn't taken the news of Cat's untimely death well at all and had wrecked part of sickbay. There weren't that many people she could call friends in the world- Lex found it hard to make them these days. Cat had been a good friend, someone she trusted and a well loved member of the crew. LtJg Ral knew she hadn't been the only one to shed tears for Cat. She would miss her terribly and deep in her heart there would always bee that memory of her friend preserved forever where neither war, nor time nor pain could touch. She'd thrown herself back into duty- there was so much to do down on the planet, it helped keep her mind off how she was truly feeling.

She wondered what LtCdr Sunder was feeling- the great thundercloud of a man must be feeling far more pain than she, although he'd never show it on the outside. She wished she could do something to help, but showing pity or being one of the multitudes of faces offering their condolences wouldn't ease the pain he felt, if anything it would anger him. She'd heard a rumor that he'd resigned, she hoped it was just a rumor. Still.. back to work.. LtCdr Albrecht had come up with some scenarios as a refresher for her. With the CLA running rampant there was always the chance of a bomb scare. Lex entered the controlled environment on deck 38 and began the test. She had to diffuse the bomb in the time allotted- not normally a hard task for her, but her mind was not on the job. The bomb itself, a crude item, wasn't the problem. She could have done it in her sleep (well.. almost). She kept thinking about what Ursa was going through, and what she'd do if she lost James.

They hadn't seen much of each other lately, with the situation on Cardassia, everyone was working overtime- there had to be at least one security officer accompanying each medical team. The problems of riots and terrorism had been hindering the medical assistance no end. She'd been hiding her emotions especially after the incident with the Nausicaan Steroids- she'd been hiding from James too since then, ashamed of her own actions and not wanting to have to face him and explain. The fact was she was now terrified of losing him- not only would she be losing her best friend but also the person she loved most. She stared at the flashing *bomb* in front of her. "Not today" She muttered.

"Make A decision Lex.." The voice over the comm came

"Yea..." She muttered, answering an entirely different question than the one intended

The timer clicked down.. 3..2....1.. BANG, the room filled with white smoke

"DAAAAHHH" she dropped the microtool and yelped

"Lt? "

"Damnit.. I was distracted.."

"By What?"

"Um..." She looked around for an excuse, finding none she merely pulled off her goggles and left. "Screw this" She muttered and headed for the assignment board to see who she was accompanying planetside. She read the assignment and her face fell "My path in life is strewn with cow-pats from the Devil's Own satanic herd.. " She muttered and stormed off to join the group.

"Sick Animals"
by Lt Cmdr K'Eytyanna Samara,
Assistant Chief, Engineering - USS Galaxy

K'Eytyanna gave one of the consoles a hard kick.

Despite what she had been taught and told that it didn't help, swearing and assaulting inanimate objects made her feel better. According to some rumors, a few of the ensigns in Engineering were very happy that she did it to objects instead of them.

She was still quite furious at the senior officers, especially Deiran Casey, about the 'don't let K'Eytyanna beam down to Cardassia on threat of court-martial'.

At least she still had the repairs on the Galaxy to do after all those battles. If anyone higher in the chain of command listened to her opinion, the Galaxy would be currently leading a planetary sterilization procedure on Cardassia and every single one of their colonies.

In fact, the only decent news that she had heard was that the Kemptor system, especially planet XI, had been totally devestated with no survivors found.

Thinking for a few seconds, she realised that there probably would be a 'don't let K'Eytyanna near the photon torpedos either' order.

A chirping sound came from her combadge and she tapped it as she started a diagnostic on the ODN link,

"K'Eytyanna here."

[This is Ensign Danna from Sickbay. Commander, the computer has been registering some unusual readings on your pet targ.]

"Hmm.. he hasn't been eating much recently, so I will bring him in now as my shift is just about to finish."

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

Ten minutes....

K'Eytyanna gave the Sickbay door a kick, hoping it would open quicker, as she carried D'Akana into Sickbay.

Quickly, she yelled, "Where's the vet?"

D'Akana groaned and left a green puddle of goo at the door as K'Eytyanna headed towards a bio-bed.

"Returning to the Norm"
By: Ensign Kale Danal
Security Officer
USS Galaxy

Kale watched Elaine leave his quarters, standing up he straightend his uniform. There was a time and place for everything, now wasn't the time to work him his mentle state.

In time he would release it, until then he would keep it and draw strength from it. Turning to the doors he glanced into the mirror and his eyes didn't seem the glassed over looks that they once were, but he placed the ever present smile on and walked out.

Heading down the corridor he spoke to members of the crew as he walked, entering the lift. "Deck 38" he said.

Kale knew that it was stupid that he even thought he could do it with Elaine, pardon the word but she is very limited on betaziod cantras. The lift doors opened and he walked out, walking down the corridor he came to the main security station.

"Good Morning, Ensign" the officer on duty said.

"Morning, whats on my duty for today" Kale said picking up his duty padd.

"You'll love is, its going to be in your elament" the officer replied. "Really, cool" Kale said reading the padd.

"Seeya later, Lt. I've better get started" Kale said walking down the corridor to the security computer room.

"Morning People" Kale said walking in looking at his team.

"Morning" came from the three junior cadets standing before him.

"At ease, today we are bring the new security grid up to date with the lastest changes. Cadet Neron, you are to bring updating the security manifest. Cadet Banks, you are in change of making the link unbreakable between all departments. Get some one from Science if need be and last but not least Cadet V'Hal you will be with me, we are going to start upgranding the security measures on this deck, once we are done we'll intergrate them thoughout the ship" Kale said.

Kale clapped his hands together, "Let get busy" he said moving over to the main console with V'Hal.

"In The Shadow of Death"
Dr Roman O'Neil, ACMO

***TEN-FORWARD***

Roman ate his meal in ten-forward and at times gazed out the windows at Cardassia Prime, rotating on it's axis. *Cassdahr would be in the night meridian by now.* He took a sip of his coffee and winced. His right shoulder, where he had been shot, still bothered him. He opened the little medi-pouch he had and cursed silently when he saw that he had no more of the painkiller. It meant another trip to the office when he felt more like going back to his quarters for a long, hopefully restful sleep.

Lieutenant Chen had saved his butt twice in the run of a day and he wasn't sure how to repay the man.

As he got up, he was surprised to see his son walking through the doors. "What do you think you're doing strolling around the ship, where's your mother?"

Mikey stared at his feet. "Mom's sleeping. I was bored so I thought I might come up here, maybe make some friends." His eyes went wide as he watched a Sabre class starship pass by the huge windows, it weaved between other vessels until Mikey could no longer see it.

Roman sighed. He could take his son with him to Sickbay then back home but if Mikey could find even one friend here, he'd be happy. Maybe he'll come back here afterwards. "Okay, You can stay. Don't get into any trouble and be home in an hour."

Mikey's face beamed with excitement. "Thank's Dad." He darted toward the windows to watch the various starships, shuttlecraft and runabouts maneuvring above Cardassia Prime.

***SICKBAY***

Roman nodded at his colleagues as he made his way to the medicine cabinet. His attention wavered and alarm bells went off as he took notice of a code blue in progress. A Romulan child was not responding. An I.V. was hooked up between the boy and an adult of the same species, wearing a Starfleet science uniform.

The ACMO went over to see if he could help.

"Doctor, Sullar's pulse is way too weak."

"Damn it. I know that but we have to get things done here or he is not going to make it at all."

A nurse made her way over to the very scared Ryak and gave him a shot. "This will help you relax."

"We've lost his pulse again Doctor!" was all Ryak could hear as his eyes closed and he fell asleep.

Roman jumped into action. "Cardio stimulator, 5cc of cordrozine, stat!" The nurse quickly went about following the orders. The other attending physician bowed to his assistant chief's authority.

"BP is 60/75, Doctor." Reported a grim faced nurse.

The situation was getting very grave. "He's lost a lot of blood, internal bleeding--Bring an iseo-pump over here now! I need to clean up the torn arteries. Bring the para-lungs online, we got to help him breathe. Clear his passageway, it has to be open. How's the blood supply?"

"No more than a pint, Doctor."

"Cordial stimulator, quickly, he'll stroke." Roman placed the round device on the boy's forehead.

A nurse brought over the iseo-pump, attaching it to the connection outlet on the surgical bed. "Iseo-pump online."

Roman quickly programmed the pump. That should do it. All of a sudden, a warning light came on. An isolenear chip was faulty and power distribution was haphazard. He torn the cover off and it crashed to the floor. A quick scan showed the bad chip. "Get me an L56."

"Where?..." The nurse wasn't sure where she would find one.

A senior nurse spoke up. "Replicator!" She ran over to the replicator unit, removed the panel. She was back in a few seconds with the L56 chip. Roman inserted it into the pump's power system and it came to life; the warning light went out.

Finally, one of the nurses monitoring Sullar's vitals, smiled. "He's stabilized but his BP is still low."

"Give him cordrozine , 2cc every half hour; keep the pump activated only until sutures have held. He'll have to be kept on the para-lungs until he's strong enough to breath on his own. Remember, this boy is still in critical condition so monitor him closely. He looked over at the other doctor, a little green behind the ears perhaps, but he reacted fast enough.

Now it was wait and see how young Sullar fares over the next twelve hours..

"For Hope"
By Lieutenant JG Jordan Arisa

"CLA?" Jordan repeated as she conversed with Ensign Yin at the helm.

"Yes, apparently they're causing havoc. They detest the Federation being there." she sighed as she pushed her black hair behind her Romulan ears.

"Don't they understand that we're just here to help. They're on our team, we help our friends, even if they used to be our enemies." she sighed and tapped at the helm, the entire thing was such a damned mess. The whole planet seemed intent on destroying itself from the inside out. No one could see past their own faces, then again they had all been guilty of that more than once. "Has Mr. Loomis returned from shoreleave yet?" she recalled that he had not attended the staff meeting they had had earlier.

"He returned last night, the doctors say the new arm works like a dream. Oh any by the way." she said reaching into her back pocket and pulling out a padd. "Engineering finally got around to doing a re-haul on the Cydonia."

Jordan sighed with relief. "Thank God, I never thought she'd be properly operational. I bet Lieutenant Commander Casey Ti was happy." she smiled.

"Ecstatic. I better get back to the shuttlebay." Yin did a mock salute then exited the bridge. Jordan checked the time, she better contact the orphanage.

Getting up out of her chair in the usual awkward fashion she walked over to the Operations console and called up the Gul Ziyal Evek Orphanage. A battered looking cardassian woman filled the screen. Her hair was a steel grey and her face was extremely wrinkled from stress. However, her eyes were much younger than her face.

"Can I help you?" she asked in a hoarse voice.

"Yes, I'm Lieutenant Jordan Arisa from the USS Galaxy. My husband and I would like to adopt one of the children you have at the moment." Jordan smiled at the woman.

"That would be welcome." she agreed. "Please come and visit. Ulani out."

Jordan smiled, she was so glad David had agreed to this. A symbol for the new time of peace and their family, she hoped the brave new world they were entering would not turn to ashes because of the vigilante CLA. She understood that they wanted their independence, but the Dominion had ravaged their world. It was so hard for some to swallow their pride.

She placed a hand on her swollen belly and returned to the helm. Jordan thought back to the meeting they had had that morning. V'elhma and D'Kas had been very quiet throughout the meeting. She hadn't a chance to really get to know them at all. Jordan was new at this whole head of department routine but she really wanted to know these people.

"Computer begin message:

To: Ensign M'aerikh and Ensign D'Kas

Ensigns, I would be most grateful if you would join me for dinner this evening so that we can discuss things. I suggest 2100 in my office. Please contact me if there is a problem with this.

Jordan
Lieutenant JG Arisa
End."

--
Camilla Claudia Pretlove

"Reconciliation"
by Lt. Cmdr. Ronni Morris (Reviewed by Captain Price)
CSO, USS Galaxy (Acting First Officer)

It was Beta Shift a Ronni sat in "The Big Chair". So what if they were just in orbit. She shifted her backside a little to make the chair more comfortable. Bigger backsides than hers obviously sat here normally . . . .

She signed off on the various status reports coming in on the ship's repairs and the relief efforts on the planet. Neither situation was real good. The ship could be repaired, but it was going to take longer, not being in a space dock. Plus, getting parts was taking an almost constant stream of transport ships coming into the system. The congestion in the system was horrible. Ronni had even called in some favors to have a Ferengi Alliance ship bring some parts.

The relief effort was not going well. Eight Federation officers had been killed so far either through accidents or attacks by the CLA. The rescue crews were bringing up totals of millions of dead. The medical teams were working around the clock, in hellish conditions. It was too much like the battle at Dronegar. She was secretly glad to be up here.

She thought, "What we need is for the Cardassians to feel more on control of their situation. That is why the Cardssian Liberation Army is up in arms. They think we are trying to take over."

She stood up and looked at Lt. Hermedie. He was the tactical officer on duty. He was going through diagnostics of the tactical systems. Ronni had seen him in the gym, and here on the bridge, but that was about all. She said, "Lieutenant Hermedie, I'll be in the ready room. You're in charge out here. Call me right away if anything comes up."

In the ready room, she sat at the Captain's desk, in awe. She faced the console and started to do some research. In situations like what was happening on Cardassia right now, there will be a power struggle. Different factions will fight for control. For now though, the different factions had a "common enemy". The Federation.

"What we need to do is to find those who might be behind the factions, and bring them together now." she said to herself. "But who is there? Most of the planet's systems are offline, so we will need to use logic."

She tapped out a list of qualities and/or personality types that they would need to look for:

A leader. Possible professions: Politician, teacher, student Creative: Possible professions: Teacher, artist, student, system engineer Motivated: Almost anyone, but most likely a little know or moderately know person.

"It's not likely to be anyone from the Obsidian Order. They are too secretive for open revolt, and politicians and military leaders are too likely to be blamed for the current situation. So in all likelihood, they are looking for a teacher or artist, someone who has felt thwarted or confined by the older order. They want the trappings of the old Cardassia, but with them in power."

She sighed heavily and said, "Not much to go on, but at least it's a start." She forwarded her information to the Counseling Department head, Lt. Dallas, along with a request to do a Personality Profile of some of these faction heads. She sent an order for some "quiet" planetside research to be done and a report filed with her.

"There. At least it is a positive step toward helping the Cardassians to realize we are there to help." she said. With the request sent, she returned to the Bridge and continued her watch.

"Sucker"

Kalln 'n' Tim O'COnnell

***USS Galaxy***

'Sucker!' came a voice that O'Connell recognised.

He halfheartedly turned in his bed to find the enormous grinning form of Kalln behind him.

Tim sighed.

"Kalln, you scared the living hell out of me" Tim looked at the Elt.

'Just popping in to see how you're getting on. Apparently you've had quite a few visitors.'

Tim grinned, "yea security had a detachement, Sciences, represented by you, Lt TZaq from engineering stopped by.." he finished dryly, "If I'dve known I was this loved I would have gotten a building dropped on me a while back.

He looked over at him, "so what brings you to sickbay?"

'You, er, you haven't seen Anna anywhere have you?'

Tim smiled at the concern from the elt, "no Kalln I haven't did you check with Cmdr Albricht? She's probably on the planet," Tim looked at him, "so did you hear about Neil and Elaine?"

'Through the vine, yes. I also heard about Eshar,' Kalln's eyes grew much, much larger, huge black pools absorbing light, 'Take what joy you can from our friends.'

Tim's eyes got big, "I am trying Kalln, I really am." He looked away for a second then continued, "it was a shock." He smiled at the Elt. "Everyone has been offering their sympathys and condolances. It gets pretty bloody tiring after a while."

'Then I'll try not to cramp you with sentimentality. Look me up if ever you feel like a put-down.'

Kalln smiled, 'Anyway, must dash. Have to find Anna. See you around.'

Tim waved to the retreating lizard and smiled at his concern, "whod've thought it, those two were made for each other." He remarked hoping Kalln's hearing didn't catch that one.

"A Security Officer Meets Her Match"
by Lt. JG Elaine O'Hare
and Ensign Eric Zander, MD.

Eric Zander sighed as he sat at the duty doctor’s desk and sipped his raktajino. The warm liquid filled his insides and helped to energize his weary systems, but did little for the foul mood he was in. The relief efforts on Cardassia Prime had been a strain on everyone, but most especially for the Galaxy’s medical staff. As if that wasn’t enough, the bloody Cards were actually attacking them as they worked!

Zander leaned back as he stared blankly at the Data PADD in his hand. It was his turn to be rotated up to the ship, to tend to the Starfleet personnel that still needed medical treatment, and Eric couldn’t have been more pissed about it. Sure the surface of Cardassia was just a bit too warm for his tastes, and the constant fear of walking into a phaser beam fired at you from a small child’s hand didn’t appeal to the Doctor either, but the crew of the Galaxy were in good hands here. They didn’t need him up here; they needed him down on the surface, doing what he does best.

Still, Eric couldn’t deny the rest up here was needed. The past several hours had gone by quickly for Zander, mostly doing rounds and writing reports on the status of the injured crew. He was happy to be able to release several people during this shift, cautioning them to take it easy for a few more days before resuming full duties. He was just about to finish up his last report when a young woman interrupted his train of thought.

O'Hare walked into the medical bay, gave a passing smirk at O'Connell and proceeded to find this new doctor of hers. Scowling, part of her was upset that she wouldn't be in the comforts of a female doctor. "Another male....just bloody wonderful." O'Hare muttered sourly to herself.

Strutting up to the door, she walked in and leaned up against a bulkhead in a non-chalant manner. Her right fist was balled up on her hip and her left foot rested over her right. "Hi." Elaine stated plainly. "I'm here for my checkup."

Placing the PADD to one side, Eric eyed the redheaded woman for a moment before responding. “Really? That’s good. Now, mind telling me who the hell you are?” Zander eyed the pips on her collar and added an un-enthused “Ma’am” to the end of his sentence. Ensign Zander didn’t take well to protocol, or to ranks either, especially in his sickbay. Besides, this woman’s attitude grated on him, something that was difficult to do. Zander reminded himself silently that he had better watch himself here. A new ship and no friends was no way to go through life.

O'Hare coughed for a moment as she lowered her gaze. "Who the hell am I....Ma'am? What kind of crap is that?" Elaine's voice was steadily rising. Rising from her relaxed state, she arched her back. Smirking, she stated. "Nice bed side manner Ensign. I'm Lt. O'Hare. I'm here for my second trimester check up, and I'd like it over with as soon as possible." Her voice lowered into a hiss, leaning over his desk, she looked him straight in the eye. "Before I feel an urge to do something I'm not allowed to do." Leaning back, she raised her head, and her eyebrows, waiting for a response. Crossing her arms across her chest, her actions dared him to do or say something.

Zander slowly rose from his seat…and kept rising. Towering over O’Hare and his full height, the Doctor smiled. “O’Hare, yes. I remember reading your medical records. I can see why I was assigned to you now, with that wonderful personality of yours. Security, right?” Eric sighed and turned, not waiting for a response. “This way then. Lets see how the little bugger is doing, eh?”

"Little bugger. What kind of doctor are you?" O'Hare asked with a curious expression. Following the extremely tall doctor, Zander stopped abruptly and O'Hare, whose mind was elsewhere, smacked right into him.

"Whoops, sorry." Elaine looked up and meekly smiled.

Eric turned and looked at Elaine, as a scientist would look at a specimen through a microscope. Without saying a word Zander pointed to an empty biobed, giving O’Hare a ‘shoo’ motion towards it. Sighing, he picked up a tricorder and began to run his exam, centering his readings first on the fetus and then on the information the biobed monitors were supplying. “You need to gain some weight Lieutenant.” Eric remarked in an off hand manner.

Elaine shook her head and rolled her eyes and she hoisted herself up on the biobed. Watching him with a smirk, her eyes followed his tricorder. "Huh?" O'Hare asked.

Doctor Zander glanced at O’Hare, arching an eyebrow. “Weight, Lieutenant. You need some more weight. You are too thin. I’m amazed you haven’t passed out by now. Remember, the baby is taking its nourishment from you.”

"Well Duh doc. I've been eating, taking my supplements, exercising. All the 'medical' stuff I need to do to ensure my....our baby is fine. What does the supreme doctor being recommend?" O'Hare kept his gaze.

Snapping the tricorder closed, Zander leaned in slightly as he spoke. “Well, DUH Lieutenant. How about increasing your diet slightly and cutting back on your duties? You’re expending too much of your stored reserves. You need to cut back on your security duties a bit sooner than was anticipated. Think you can handle that?” Eric was beginning to dislike this woman and her cavalier attitude towards the new life that she carried. Zander had actually been looking forward to meeting the Lieutenant, to surrounding himself with the joy an expectant mother brings, instead of the death that had been his daily duty for several months now. But as with so many other officers, she was taking her pregnancy far too lightly in his opinion.

Elaine had had ENOUGH of this smart-ass doctor. Leaning forward, she scowled. "I take care of this baby very well DOCTOR." As she said the last part of her sentence, she moved her head back and forth. "Other than sitting on my rump for the next six months, I'm already on restricted duty. If you could read, you would have seen that in my information...." Picking up the PADD, she stated "On this little thing called a PADD." Slamming the PADD down on the biobed, O'Hare hopped off of the bed in a quick, stealthy manner.

"And just for your information. I regard this life inside me with a great, undying love." Elaine hoped back up on the biobed and regarded him for a moment. "Why are you so stand offish?"

Zander opened his mouth to answer, but paused and stopped himself instead. Taking a deep breath, Eric rubbed his eyes and wondered exactly why he was being so stand offish. It wasn’t like him.

~That’s a lie Zander.~ he thought to himself. ~It’s exactly like you~ Eric Zander had done nothing but alienate people since his graduation from Starfleet Medical…since his diagnosis. For several years now, the naturally friendly personality that was Eric Zander had been buried under a cold exterior. An exterior that had been exposed to war, death and hatred.

Waving his hand at O’Hare Zander said “Never mind…you wouldn’t understand, and I don’t have the energy to explain. Look…I’m sorry. Really.”

"Try me." Elaine leaned back on the bed, studding the doctor.

Zander smiled a real smile this time with just a bit of sadness mixed in, and shook his head. “Maybe some other time Lieutenant.” This woman wasn’t so bad after all…Eric was beginning to see how her demeanor was something of a shield for her. He regretted his earlier attitude towards her, but there wasn’t anything that could be done now. The damage was already done. “As far as your exam goes, your perfectly healthy, though you do need to add a bit of weight.”

Taking the PADD, Zander began to tap in a few commands. “I’m ordering your caloric intake raised by ten percent. I’ll want to see you again in one month, to see how this goes. Okay?”

Nodding her head, Elaine eased gently off the biobed. "That's fine Doctor. I'll see you in a month."

Turning on her heel, she looked over her shoulder. "Thanks for the personality clash Zander. You sport a very good nasty attitude. Take it from someone who has the same skills in that department. See ya."

"Recuperation"
by, Lt. Raesene Hermedhie

Light is not something that darkness likes. And so, in order to assist in the removal of the dark spirits that surrounded his former life, Raesene slept with the lights all the way on. This did not cuase him any trouble in the beginning, as he was still exhausted and weak. But that is how everyone starts out, now isn't it?

For two days he slept on and off, until he finally was sufficiently recuperated to get up and work out. He quickly sent off a message to CTO MacKenzie, stating that he was ready for the tests to come about. He only needed to await the superior officer's reply...

"Dinner Time"
By: Ensign Kale Danal
Security Officer
USS Galaxy
With an Apperence by Flo from Alice

Kale walked down the corridor with his thoughts in tow, his was tried and he was ready for this day to end. He finsihed the daily report of his duty, he then walked down the corridor heading for the lift. Entering the lift, "Deck 10" he said rubbing his eyes.

Rolling his head from side to side he streched his tried his body, as the doors opened he walked out. Heading down the corridor he walked into tenforward, walking over to a quite table in the corner and sat down.

A waitress walked over to him, she was chewing gum and snapping it to beat fifty.

"What can I get you, Sugar?" she asked.

Kale looked up at her name tag, "Flo, I would like the mixed furit salad, tuna on rye, hold the mayo and I would like root beer to drink" Kale said to her.

"Hey, that sounds pretty good, sweetie. I'll be right back, honey" the waitress said.

"Thanks" Kale said watching her walk away. Kale sat there pondering his thoughts, he was finally starting to feel better about himself and coming from a betaziod that was a good thing.

Flo walked back over to him with his food, "Here is you dinner....and I'm your dessert" she said laughing with a texes accent.

Kale looked at her funny, "I'm sure that you are, but could I have something that sweet?" he asked her turning on the charm.

"My, my, my, you are a slick talker. Enjoy your dinner" She said turning and walking away.

Kale heard her talking to another waiter, "Mel, kiss my grits" Flo yelled. Kale snickered and turned back to his dinner, taking a sip of his root beer he sighed.

"Perfection"
By Lt(jg) Yazron Beq
Tactical Officer

Reviewed by Captain Price

***Beq Family Quarters***

Yaz sat on the end of his bed, content with his life, he had another day leave to enjoy before he made his decision on a transfer or just staying put. He would talk to Lucas and Lorraine about that later, just now he could think of nothing better to do than brush up on his musical skills, it always made him happy, and he would be amazed if it made him any happier. He smiled as he had been for the past 24 hours.

"Computer, are any holo-decks free?" He inquired.

['Negative.']

Yaz grinned wider as he thought of an idea, which would drop tension levels on the whole ship. He didn't really mind if he got in trouble for it, he was already in trouble with this Maquis thing, which he no longer cared about either. In fact, some would say this new care-free attitude was a dangerous one.

Yaz grabbed his flute case, and hopped up onto the desk. He opened the Jeffries tube access above it, and pulled himself up, closing the panel behind him.

***Some Time later, Jeffries tube Intersection Gamma 342***

Yaz sat at the intersection, and just thought for a few moments. How could life be any better? How could he have better friends to stand by him? Was this really perfection?

Then he took out his flute, and gave it a blow to warm it up. Then called the computer. "Play backing music, Goodbye Alpha." He put his flute to his mouth and began to play, closing his eyes.

Yaz had chosen this point on purpose, the air vents were connected to this intersection, and he calculated that he would be heard throughout a lot of the ship, and even the Bridge would get a faint note or two.

After a few minutes the music stopped. "Computer begin backing Hero Alpha." The Computer complied and Yaz prepared for the low notes he used in this song. They needed a lot of air. He began to play the famous song sung be Mariah Carey, and his mind began to wander over his life, how he had played as a child, how he had worked hard at the Academy, how he had met Lorraine. how he had betrayed Starfleet, how he had come aboard the Galaxy, how he had met Lucas, how he had got married, how he had become a father, it all came back, good and bad. And he was content, he lived in perfection.

"The Enemy Within"
by Lt. jg Numa Taurean

NRPG: This is a continuation of Blayne's story.

Mathias Blayne was back aboard the Galaxy. It seemed that his rotation was done for now. It was time to rest, and to recruit. He remembered the look of defeat on the Cardassian's old wrinkled face as he pulled the trigger of his Phaser. He relished it. He wished that the old woman hadn't have pushed the heathen child behind her because he would have loved to have seen the look on the cretins face when she died.

Mathias didn't waste time. He went to his quarters and showered. He quickly dressed in a set of casual clothes, and then he left to locate Ensign Warrick. He'd heard through the grape vine that he had beaten some of the local Cardassian prisoners being held in custody. Mathias only wished that the Cardies in the brig would be killed. In time, they would be. Right now, however, Blayne would have to wait patiently. Being a predator, he knew that he couldn't act to hastily. He needed to plan. He needed to be methodical. This was especially so since he knew all to well the cunning and prowess of several officers in his own division.

First there was his Chief, Lt. Comdr. Sunder. He was an ogre in his eyes; big and burly with a storm brewing underneath his calm and cool exterior. Mathias didn't want to cross paths with this man. He only hoped that he could be swayed to his cause. He doubted it would be so since Sunder had a since of honor and loyalty. Sunder was quiet and a man of few words. This made him potentially the most dangerous of men.

After Sunder was the his assistant Chief, Lt. Comdr. Albrecht. This man would be a problem. Mathias Blayne had worked under him several times, and frankly, he didn't like the man. He was too by the book. Also, with a new wife and child, Blayne couldn't count on him. His loyalties were with his wife and child. How he could have married such an ugly woman was beyond the young security guard. Nevertheless, his wife was a very compassionate woman who felt it was her duty to save every living soul that had a hurt or a bruise. This included Cardassians, therefore, Blayne had no intentions of enlisting this man. He would have to be dealt with. Why? It would be merely for the wanton pleasure to cause pain to this man.

Lt. Chen and Lt. jg Bishop were two other officers that Mathias Blayne would have to look out for. Both of these officers were completely loyal to Sunder and Albrecht. It was pitiful how these two officers emulated their superiors. It was enough to make Blayne vomit. He'd seen how these two operated. They were ruthless and didn't budge one bit when it came to disciplinary actions. In fact, it was Lt. Chen that put Ensign Warrick on report for his overbearing tactic during the interrogation of Farib.

Many of the other officers in security were unknown to Blayne. He would be wary of Lt. jg. Lexana Ral. Even though the woman had a reputation for her Irish temper, he also knew that she had been a counselor. As such, she probably wouldn't understand the full scope of his cause.

Another hot head that might work in favor of his cause was Lt. jg Elaine O'Hare. He'd heard that she was a vixen that often acted before calculating the ramifications of her actions. This was a fault that he might be able to exploit, but he wouldn't be too hasty in recruiting this woman.

Mathias Blayne stopped just outside the quarters of Ensign Warrick.

Ensign Warrick would be the first to join Blaine's rebellion. He would be beneficial in recruiting the small force that would be used to purge and purify Cardassia. This was just the beginning.

"Dottering to the extreme!" By Lt.(jg)'s O'Hare and Bolitho (Lovesick puppies)

Bolitho nervously paced up and down the living room of their quarters eagerly glancing at the door willing it to open and admit Elaine.

Elaine had gone for her second trimester check-up, what that actually meant Neil didn't have a clue. All he knew Elaine had been gone a very long time. Initially they, Neil and Elaine had agreed to both of them going to see the Doctor. Elaine had arrived from her duty shift, taken one look at Bolitho and declared unequivocal that she was going by her self.

Neil could hardly blame her. She had herself and the baby to look after, a nervous rambling wrung out security officer would have only made things worse. Bolitho had however tried to argue his case, but the Irish Volcano that was soon to be his wife and mother of his child shot him down with a single venomous glare. Bolitho on the receiving end of the glare summed up the day that Elaine had, had and raised his hands in surrender and said

" Whatever you say dear!" Followed up by a hopefully convincing look of adoration on his face.

The doors whisked open, admitting his beloved. Bolitho sprang forward, leaping over one of the couches in the living room intercepting Elaine before she could head off to the bedroom.

" And?" Asked Neil a little nervously

Elaine leaned her head back and stared at Neil a little incredulously. A half smile graced her face as she shook her head. "I'm fine. The doctor said I just need to gain a little weight, that's all." She leaned in and quickly kissed Neil on the cheek and turned to head into the bedroom.

"Gain weight?" Repeated Neil looking a little dazed. " I knew something was wrong!" Bolitho smacked his forehead with his hand. "So how much do you have to gain?"

Taking his hand in hers, O'Hare grimaced and looked up at the ceiling. "Fifteen pounds be next month. I have no idea how I"m going to do that."

Bolitho gaped at Elaine....."15 Pounds!" He stammered out. Wide eyed. mouth hanging open, Bolitho turned momentarily before turning back to Elaine and running his eyes up and down Elaine's curvy body.

" How?....Wait a minute, wait just a minute. Your now in your fourth month right? The baby when its born won't even weigh 15 pounds.... are you kidding with me" Asked Neil extremely uncertain.

Yeah, it sucks. I'm going to start to resemble a beached betazoid sea sloth."

Neil had watched her reaction carefully. The one thing that had not changed in all the years was that females were still touchy about things like weight and age. Neil knew he still had to be careful.

"Ok.." Said Neil nodding and scratched his head at the same time. " Why don't you change into something comfortable while I fix dinner."

Nodding, Elaine walked into the bedroom and requested some light jazz from the computer. After a long day, the melody's helped her relax. In the bedroom, Elaine started to change clothes. Where ever O'Hare tossed them, they stayed for the moment. She liked seeing how far she could wing her uniform, especially after a tough day like the one she had just had. Pulling her hair free from the bun on top of her head, she shook her head.

"And the worse part is....the doctor. I thought I had the worst attitude on this ship. He puts me to shame!" O'Hare called out to Bolitho.

Snickering, she recalled how she followed his eyes as he stood up before her. Elaine thought that Zander would never stop rising until his head hit the ceiling of the sick bay.

Bolitho entered the bedroom. and furrowed his brow " Huh he didn't happen to try force some of his attitude onto you did he?" Asked Neil very quietly his eyes narrowing and flashing protectively.

Keeping her back to Neil, O'Hare busied herself with getting dressed. All Elaine had gracing her self was a white camisole and matching small shorts. "No...I have enough of that to go around the entire ship."

She was swaying to the slow tempo of the music that filled the bedroom. Raising her arms and interlacing her fingers, she stretched and moved her torso to the rhythm of the slow jazz. Half stepping over to the bed, she let herself fall onto it as she stretched with one hand, attempting to reach a ponytail holder that was on the other nightstand.

Neil eyes widened as he watched Elaine sway provocatively to the music in front of him. Smiling he moved in on the bed, kneeling on the bed he pushed Elaine's loose hair away from her neck and kissed her there gently before reaching over and grabbing the ponytail holder and offering it to her.

" Here you go..." Neil's eyes were drawn to the slight bump covering her stomach.

"...Tubbs" Grinned Neil mischievously.

Elaine shot him a look. "Hey." Wrapping her arms around his neck, she proceeded to tighten her grip around his neck and drew Neil close to her. Kissing him on his neck, she leaned back and returned the grin he had given her a few seconds ago. Rolling out from underneath Neil, Elaine stood up, straightened her shorts, and started to head out of their bedroom.

Neil sat back on the bed and frowned slightly before following Elaine out of the bedroom.

"Honey, how about London Broil Steak with steamed veggies?" Asked Neil heading over to the replicator.

"Yeah, that's fine." Elaine replied. Plopping down on the couch, she grabbed the PADD that held the latest romance novel she was reading. Swinging her legs up, she relaxed them on the couch as her eyes began to dart back and forth, absorbing the recreational reading.

Bolitho hesitated on his way to the replictor before turning and heading back to towards the couch where Elaine was comfortable propped up absorbed in her fictional reading. Neil smiled slightly to himself and glanced over at his padd, which held '101 things you didn't no about married life!'

On his way Neil picked up two large cushions from the other couch and held them before him like armour as he kneeled next to Elaine. Checking to make sure Elaine was totally absorbed in the land of fictional romance. Neil gently pushed her complying body forward and wedged the cushions in behind her back.

"Thanks....." Elaine stated softly, never moving her eyes from the PADD. Wiggling a bit, she made herself comfortable.

Neil gave him self a slow nod, satisfied he stood up and headed over to the replicator, where he ordered the ' additional ' minerals and supplements he had prescribed for Elaine, over and above what she was already taking with her food.

Tablets and glass of water in hand, Neil headed back to Elaine.Offering up the tablets and water, Neil waited to see if there would be any reaction, silently hoping that she was to engrossed in the PADD.

Still looking at the PADD, O'Hare took the pills and sipped the water with no regard for Bolitho, who just stood there amazed at her non-reaction to him. Inwardly, Elaine wandered how long he was going to keep this up. As she read the information, she had to outwardly smirk. This was boring her to no end.

Neil stared down in absolute amazement at Elaine. ' Enough is enough!" Growled Neil outloud reaching over he plucked the PADD out of Elaine's hands and calmly waited for Elaine's unwavering stare to lock onto his own.

"Who are you and what have you done with my Elaine?"

"Nothing." Inwardly she grinned, he was so easy to get riled. Outwardly, her face still had the dead pan expression that had made Neil growl. Stretching out her legs on the couch, she leaned over and picked the PADD out of Neil's hand and continued to read, obliviously acting like she didn't have a care in the world. "I was reading that, thank you very much."

Flabbergasted Neil watched Elaine lean back into the couch and resume her reading. " Food be damned!" Snapped Bolitho plucking the padd out of Elaine's hands again and hurling it across the room where it shattered into the wall.

"jlplH!"(I am suspicious) growled out Bolitho bearing his teeth. If it wasn't for Elaine's pregnant state Bolitho would have dived onto the couch with Elaine. As it was he pinned her arms down and began kissing her softly on her face, her neck avoiding her lips.

"blbergh!'(Are you irritable) Growled Neil softly in her ear.

"Neil!" Elaine giggled, trying to squirm out of his grasp. "Stop it!!" O'Hare giggled loudly and still tried desperately to get him away from her. Moving her legs around to the side of the couch, with all her might, she was able to slide up into a sitting position. "Let go of me and I'm no way irritable!"

Pulling away from his kisses on her neck, O'Hare stood up and looked mischievously at Bolitho. Neil had stood up, cradling O'Hare in his arms. From the look on her face, the male security officer was able to deduct without to much effort, what the female officer was thinking.

"blqab!"(You are bad) Snarled Bolitho pulling back from Elaine, before breaking into a wry smile and letting go of Elaine arms. " bl 'lh!" (You are beautiful)

"What?" Elaine's eyes grew wide and an innocent look crossed her face. "I have NO idea what you're talking about Bolitho." Smiling wildly, Elaine sashayed over to the broken PADD. Bending at the waist, she proceeded to pick up the shattered remains of what was left of her romance novel. "Figures, I have to marry someone with a defiant streak."

"Defiant!" Splurted out Neil. " Well two can play that game Elaine" Laughed Neil.

Elaine stood up and turned around. Her eyebrows knitted. "What game Neil?"

Bolitho advanced on Elaine keeping his face totally impassive as he stopping right in front of her and stared deeply into her eyes for a few seconds, before springing forward and enveloping the women he loved in a warm embrace followed quickly by a long passionate kiss.

O'Hare let her arms come up around Neil's shoulders as she stretched up to play with the hair at the base of his neck. After he kissed her, she looked up at him and studied him for a moment. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

Bolitho was still staring down at Elaine in his embrace trying to figure out just how had he gotten so lucky to end up with someone as wonderful as her. In response to her question Bolitho shook his head and dead-panned. " Not a clue!" Before gently scooping up the pregnant mother to be and carrying her back to the bedroom!

Looking at him with a very serious expression, Elaine quipped. "One of these times, would you mind if I just walked back to the bedroom?"

" Yep... I would mind!' Grinned Neil back." Besides we have to fatten you up a bit so no unnecessary exercise..... except ....except this!"

O'Hare threw her head back and laughed heartily. Saying nothing, she straightened her back and kissed Bolitho as the two entered the room.

Late Breakfast
by Lt Comdr Endris Gakor-Albrecht, CMO
and Ens Roman O'Neil, ACMO

*** Sick Bay ***

Roman felt exhausted. It had been one of those days. He had remained in Sickbay to monitor young Sullar, who managed to survive surgery but was still in critical condition. The human moved to the Replicator for some coffee. Taking a sip, he noticed the Galaxy's system prepared the beverage hotter than he was accustomed to, and he sat it aside to cool. After that, he noticed his tunic was soiled and cleaned up in the sonic shower reserved for medics.

He downed the last of his coffee, which cooled enough to be palatable. He looked at his chronometer. It was still early. The staff meeting wasn't to begin till 1500 hours. He went over to the bio-bed where Lara Spier laid. She had saved him when he had been shot now she was injured. He left her to sleep, deciding he should see the CMO before the others file in.

Meanwhile, inside the CMO office, more than fish were swimming. Endris was going to actually have to take her break before continuing. She was so tired she felt like she could fall asleep right on the desk. Progress had been made on the paperwork backlog. The only way to catch up on this much was to forgo her regular custom of Oinkus.

Noticing this, Roman replicated a platter of blueberry muffins and assorted pastries, pausing to arrange them appetizingly on the tray. He also placed a hot mug of Raktigeno for his boss. O'Neil hadn't known Endris long, but he had bumped in to Tellarites before and new their passion for Cuisine.

He knocked on the glass partition. Flaunting the Muffins with a big smile.

["Oh, come in Dr. O'Neil." Gakor had been busy getting ready for the meeting with her staff Eyeing the taste treats, she did pause enough for a snack. "How are you feeling?" She was not to pleased to hear that her ACMO was nearly killed by a CLA member.] *I wonder if someone told Doctor O'Neil about Muffin and Dumpling.*, Gakor wondered. The nicknames had stuck long before Roman's liberation from an escape pod.

"Not to bad." He lied. The wound still ached, which was common with disrupter hits. "Dr. Spier is in stable condition though it could have gone worse. What happened to us is going to be all to familiar. I really don't know how we're expected to treat these poor bastards if we keep getting sniped at." Roman rubbed his shoulder. "The Vulcan doctor..."

["Lemur?"]

"Yeh, Lemur. I haven't seen him for a while. Is he planetside?"

[Gakor guarded her words carefully. "He's on assignment. I will be discussing security procedures and safety protocols with the staff in general. I too am concerned with these attacks."]

"I see you have installed shield generators around New Icaris. Have they seemed to have helped?"

["Unfortunately, it is too early to tell if the generators ward off attacks. Half of the problem is we have found more survivors than initially estimated. Cutting down on rough housing would be a full time task. If you don't mind, doctor, I have to rest before the meeting, but thank you for the Muffins!] Her tired moan betrayed aches both were feeling.]

The human hurmpted and turned "In that case Commander, may I take the liberty of leaving you to rest?"

["Certainly Roman. Oh, I meant to tell you, the left replicator prepares beverages that are a few degrees hotter than the rest, even if you state a temperature. I've been meaning to have engineering look at it, but they have bigger repairs to complete. The drinks are fine as long as you let them cool first.]

*Oh! Now she tells me, after I nearly singe my tongue. Leave it to a Tellarite to find a peculiarity in a food slot.* "All right then, I think I'll go visit my family." The human was off at a rapid clip

*** CMO's Office ***

One of the advantages of the CMO's office was that the door could be locked with a "Do Not Disturb" code. During their last upgrades, engineering had installed holo-emitters in the room. She pulled a sheet over the window, and set the chronometer to wake her at 14:15.

"Computer, play some Spice Jungle Tellarite Jazz, volume 1/4."

Sudden inspiration dawned an the CMO activated Doctor Grinch. Leaving the program longer than normal did seem to have a positive effect on the simulation. Almost if the adaptive algorthium were human, he seemed to be developing a softer disposition.

"Please state the nature of the Medical Emergency", he opened.

"Doctor, please reference declassified records on the Cardassian relief effort."

"Oh my," said Grinch in dismay. "Why do you have me treating bumps and bruises when there's so much to do?"

"I have thought of a way you can greatly assist. Do your programs contain information on Chiropractic care and Muscle Tissue Relaxation?"

"Certainly. I am versed in Risian Massage, Tellarite Mud Baths, and both Argelian and Bajoran rites of relaxation. Just to name a few."

"The crew is pretty banged up. When they rotate to the ship for rest, I want them to have the option of visiting you for a medical-based relaxation massage. If you would like, I can copy your matrix into the Holodeck and send notices out to the crew so they would know."

"That would be acceptable. You appear to be very tense Doctor Gakor. How would you like to be the Ginny Pig for my first massage?"

"I thought you would never ask (she said with a wink) reclining on the couch. You seem to be developing a pleasant personality, Mister Grinch. Perhaps while you are active, you could devise a subroutine to pick a name that is more in keeping with how you wish to be seen. By the way, please log in your program that your presence is requested at the staff meeting today at 15:00. I forgot to leave a message for you about it."

The massage relaxed Gakor to sleep, rubbing away tension as only a skilled practitioner knew how. The music eased off, and EMH dimmed the lights before sitting silently at the CMO's big desk to leave the boss rest without the wailings of her toddling son.

~~~~~~~~~~

*** O'Neil Family Quarters ***

Roman entered his quarters, only to quickly move his head as something whizzed by him. It banged against the closed door. He bent down and picked it. Some kind of ball. He looked quizzically at both Angie and Mikey.

"It's a baseball Dad." Mikey exclaimed.

They were both wearing hats and shirts with some kind of mish mash logo and a stylized Daran Disrupters written across it.

"What's this."

"The Disrupters are playing the the Cestus Comets for the Quadrant Series. I was just getting Mikey into the spirit of things, after all it is the home team." Angie winked at him.

He hadn't been 'home' on Daran V for 21 years. Baseball, some nostalgic game played 400 years before they were even born. Leave it to Angie to get a little strange.

"You shouldn't be throwing things around our quarters, you might break something."

"None of it is ours, remember, we lost our belongings..." She came over and gave him a hug around the waist and a kiss."

Roman noticed the computer monitor had been left on. It was some graduation image, all the people were wearing blue, police blue.

She came up behind him. "Got nostagic."

"That explains baseball. I have a meeting in a few hours, I'm grabbing a quick sonic shower." He headed to the bedroom, pulling off his duty jacket and teal shirt.

Mikey went over to the computer, the image was still on the screen. He noticed a face among all the faces. "Mom, that's you, kinda."

She gave him a smile. "Yes, it's me, along time ago." She was to add before I became a boring housewife, but thought better of it. It seemed Roman's career was taking off again, being promoted to assistant chief, while she stayed right where she always was. If it hadn't been for that officer mentioning the upcoming Quadrant Series championship, she would never have fully realized what she had let slip past her. Baseball, a job. In this day and age, one didn't work for payment but enjoyment and she certainly felt the need for it right now.

Roman reappeared, in a fresh uniform. She couldn't remember when he wore casual clothes. "Let's go to ten-forward for a bite."

"Can I get some Betazoid ice-cream?" Whined Mikey, still holding the baseball.

"Sure, why not." Roman didn't notice his wife's distraction or would he approve of her thoughts.

They left for ten-forward, the baseball left beside the image of the Class of 2360 still on the computer screen.

"Let's get on with it."
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

It was a long, boring trip to sector 001. There was just so much Andorian blues one could listen to before it all started to sound the same. Captain Price had wished he hadn't been so hasty in following Admiral Braggits' orders to leave the Galaxy at once. Some company could have made the two day trip much easier. Lee wondered what Yeoman York was up to even as he made preparations to reenter the Earth's atmosphere and land at Starfleet Headquarters.

There was a small group of people waiting there to greet him when he stepped off the Yosemite.

"Fleet Captain Price? It is an honor to finally have this opportunity to meet you sir. I have been following your career." The taller, thinner gentleman explained. He was wearing what looked like a federation uniform, though it was styled a bit differently than others he'd seen. The base color of his tunic was still blue however, indicating whoever this was, he was some sort of scientist.

"G'day 'mate. I'm not sure if I should be flattered or concerned about your interest in my career." Lee replied wryly.

"Definitely flattered Captain." the man smiled. "I am Alexander Baker. I'm with the Temporal Authorities and will be leading the investigation into your latest encounter through the time space continuum."

Lee gave a nod as he shook the tall man's hand. He then glanced at the shorter, rounder gentleman wearing red.

"This is my associate, Mister Wintermute. He will also be assisting with the questioning." Baker explained.

"Fair dinkum. Where do we go from here then 'mate?"

"Right this way Captain. Please excuse the security officers. They are merely a formality. No need to concern yourself with them."

Captain Price glanced at the two towering gold uniformed officers, each with type two phasers attached to their belts as he walked by. "If you say so. . . ."

Lee was lead across the Starfleet Headquarters campus. It was a sprawling complex made up of several large buildings and what seemed like an unending flow of traffic, both foot and shuttles, everywhere he looked. It wasn't the first time he'd been at Starfleet Headquarters, but it was the first time he'd been there for an investigation into something that occurred under his command. It made the Captain a little apprehensive, though he hid it well.

The three men and two security officers came to a multistory building. It appeared to be somewhat square, almost like a cube.

"Here we are. Follow me please." Baker said as he stood in front of the retina scanner to gain clearance to enter. The door slid open and they entered the air conditioned interior.

Quietly they walked through the sterile Starfleet building's corridors until they finally reached the debriefing room. At least that's what Baker called it. The whole time Wintermute still hadn't uttered a word. He just stared at Captain Price and occasionally blinked his eyes and smiled when Lee noticed him staring.

"Have a seat Captain Price. Can I get you anything? A beverage? Coffee? Water?" Baker asked.

"I'm fine 'mate. Let's get on with it." Captain Price explained sitting down where he had been asked.

"Right down to business. I like that about you Captain. Okay, I'll have Mister Wintermute hook you up and we will be ready to begin our questioning. Wintermute?" Baker said looking at his shorter, dark hared companion.

With a slight smile, the silent officer wearing red began hooking up a series of wires to the Captain's finger tips. Lee thought it was odd that he hadn't uttered a word, but figured that was part of the Temporal Authorities "game" or something. Glancing around the white room, he noticed nothing of interest except for the large picture mirror lining the back wall where he could see his own reflection quite clearly with the bright lighting of the room.

*****

In a darkened room, a pair of gentlemen stand by watching Captain Price get wired up to the various recording devices used by the Temporal Authorities. One of them is wearing an Admiral's uniform and smiling. "We got the bastard now. This will prove to be his down fall." Braggits declared.

"I wouldn't be too sure Admiral. Price is like a cat. The man has nine lives." The other officer stated out of the shadows.

Admiral Braggits let out a "Hurmph." "At the very least this unauthorized excursion into the past will cost him his rank. I'd rather have his command taken away of course, since I don't think he's fit for commanding a starship. Starfleet doesn't have room for loose canons that don't follow orders."

"Well, you could be right there Admiral. Though unless the Temporal Authorities can detect any anomalies in the timeline as a result of his actions to warrant such a reprimand, then that just leaves the unauthorized incursion. . . ."

"They will find something." Admiral Braggits said with stern conviction in his voice. "That's what they get paid for."

“Big Brother”
By Lt. Commander Hunter McKenzie
Chief Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy
w/ additions by Commander Deiran Casey

Mac scanned the PADD representing Marc’s score on the Simulations. He had scored well above the high standards that Mac had implemented. He had several hours before Hermedhie was scheduled and he needed to talk to Commander...umm...Captain Casey, anyway. He was still being bothered by the increased effectiveness of the CLA...and the latest readings from the Galaxy ’s sensors didn’t help one bit. As he entered the bridge, he nodded to Hermedhie and headed straight to the ready room...

“Enter,” Came the authoritative voice of the Acting Captain.

“Captain, got a minute?” answered Mac as he entered.

“Sure Mac,” answered Casey, motioning to an open chair. “What’s up?”

As Mac sat, he scratched his cheek, as he was want to do when nervous, “I’m not really sure. It has to do with this whole CLA thing. Something just isn’ t right.”

“Well they are a thorn in the side of the reclamation,” agreed Casey, he shut off the files he was looking through and gave his full attention to Mac.

“It’s not just that.” Interrupted Mac, “they seem to be better equipped, better motivated...more surgical in their strikes. According to the historical data, they have never had this kind of proficiency.

“Of course they have never been almost exterminated either,” added Casey, none to bluntly.

Mac nodded, but let the barb go. “That’s not all, though. Watch this. Computer run Tac Analysis and the Captains terminal.”

Casey watched as a 3-D extended representation of Cardassia appeared on the screen. Casey glanced at Mac and waited silently.

“Computer display locations of all shadow team Intel satellites on day 0,” ordered Mac. “We are counting day 0 as the final day of the war, after the signing. As you can see almost all of the satellites are dormant or inoperable.”

”Yes,” Casey said in acknowledgement and was secretly wondering where this was all going.

Mac grinned, liking the fact that Casey was completely in the dark. “Computer display 0+5,” as the new display came up Casey saw that the satellites were now active and in a different location. “Now as you can see. 5 days after the end of the war and one day prior to the first CLA attack...all shadow team sats are online.

“Yes, its normal right now. We have been using them. They help us coordinate relief efforts.”

Mac held up a finger... “But. Watch this. Computer display first CLA attacks. And isolate satellites A7, D3, J6 and H4.

Casey watched intently as the display showed the first 4 attacks by the CLA, what amazed Casey was the location of the 4 sats that Mac had isolated. They all appeared to be directly over each site.

“This isn’t just coincidence your thinking, am I right?” asked Casey, as the wheels began to spin in his mind.

Mac grinned. “Computer display day 0+7, 0+9, 0+10 and 0+11.” Casey watched as the computer displayed each CLA attack and as expected...there was a corresponding satellite above each location.”

“What’s your gut analysis, Mac?” Casey asked, knowing enough about Mac to be able to trust the man’s instincts.

Mac retook his seat. “Well one, whoever is behind the CLA, is having real-time Intel before, during and after each attack. They know the site better than we do. Secondly, this isn’t just some run of the mill Cardassian running these. Those satellites are state of the art. Someone would have to be well trained to not only run them, but to interpret what they showed...

“Obsidian Order?” asked Casey.

Mac shrugged, “…Or Tal’Shiar or the Ferengi Data brokers or Yridians... Hell, it could be anyone? I wouldn’t even put it past SI! I just don’t know. But whoever it is. As long as they have that access...we are behind the 8 ball.

Mac watched as Casey drummed his fingers on the table... still looking at the display.

“Mac, can you Ronni and Albrecht try and figure out who’s behind the CLA? Maybe we can show them our true intentions if we get to their leader,” Casey said. “I’m tired of the casualties we’re receiving down there. They will stop when we make peace with the CLA.”

“I’ll do my best, sir.” Hunter stood to leave, was half way to the door and turned around, “One more thing, Captain,” asked Mac as he rose from his seat, “I want to reinstate Beq...”

“Hmmm, I would need a good reason Mac,” Casey said, drinking a sip of his coffee.

Mac started to say because its my right as his CO, but held his tongue. “On the grounds that he performed beyond exceptional during the last battle, flying with the Klingons and all, and the fact that I believe he learned his lesson.”

“There hasn’t been any findings yet in the investigation?”

“Not as of yet...and we can’t afford to just sit on a good man, like Beq.”

“I agree Mac, I’ll reinstate him to temporary duty on the grounds that you vouch for him and write a report on his conduct. The final word will come from Captain Price when he returns. Fair enough?” Casey was being fair or at least trying.

Mac nodded, turned on his heel, and headed out. He had things to do...and contacting Beq was just one.

Lt. Commander Hunter McKenzie, Chief Tactical Officer (CTO), USS GALAXY.

"Beach Ball"
by Kalln and Shane, dudes

***USS Galaxy, Ten-Forward***

After watching Sunder leave, Kalln got up and headed for the bar. Standing there was a very strange looking individual indeed.

'Like, hey reptile dude,' called the scruffy haired Shane Wolcott.

He'd never seen a Gnalish Elt. It turned its head sideways and looked at the helm officer with one eye. Shane had been wanting to meet this unique individual if for nothing more than to say he 'knew' him. Besides, he'd heard Lt. jg Numa Taurean talk about her scientific colleague.

'Well, I can't say as I have ever described myself as a "dude", but I suppose you could use the honorific. Listen, you haven't seen a little blonde security officer called Anna Gartner around have you? She's about so high and cute.'

Shane had seen quite a few 'little blonde security officers', however, he didn't know many of their names, 'Uh, yeah, sure dude.'

'Have you seen her _recently_?'

'Sorry, iguana dude, sir. I don't know where she is now. I just saw her working when I was in the shuttle bay a while back.'

Shane scratched his chin. He needed a shave badly. How long had it been since he'd shaved and showered? This thought brought him back to V'ehlma M'aerick. She was a stunning woman.

'Humph. I don't know where she could have got to.'

There was movement behind the two conversing officers. They brought their attention in the direction of the distraction. It was Door.

'Gentlemen, can I be of service?'

'Oh, hey dude, I'll have another one of these punch spritzes.'

That's what he called his Sprite and Punch mixture. 'And, dude, get one for my scaly bud here.'

Shane reached up and slapped the Gnalish Elt on his massively broad shoulder. Shane didn't really know how to interact with this alien officer. He only hoped that he wasn't insulting him in some fashion or cultural manner. Interacial studies and customs wasn't one of his strong points. Shane just decided to be himself and take his cues from his new pal. He wondered if he'd ever been surfing before.

Kalln's gaze slowly panned across to look at the hand which was touching his shoulder.

Shane held his breath.

Kalln looked slowly up at him. There was no way Shane could guess what the expression meant on their first meeting, but the timing was bad. Shane hurridly withdrew his arm.

Kalln laughed, and slapped Shane on the back.

'Oof!' said the beach boy.

'Got you,' winked Kalln.

Shane smiled, and looked around. In the distance he caught a glimpse of a young child and a medical officer. He assumed that they were father and son. The youngster was so alive with wonder and awe. At the moment, he was staring at the large vessels that littered the space outside of the panoramic windows of Ten Forward.

'Amusing isn't it?' remarked Kalln, 'The little one hasn't learnt how awful that expanse is.'

'Whoah, dude, where do you get off?' asked Shane.

'Oh, just my genes talking,' said Kalln with another smile, 'Look, I'll see you around, okay? I have to go and find Anna.'

'Uh, yeah dude, sure. See you.'

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

Medical Staff Meeting
by LCDR Endris Gakor-Albrecht, CMO

*** 14:45, Medical Conference Room ***

The meeting was slated to start in 15 minutes. Gakor had a meal and a quick shower after her nap. Then checked the agenda she had worked out on a PADD. Following Roman's eariler offer of refreshments, she placed trays of finger sandwhiches and pitchers of juice on the table, with serving cups.

The staff started to drift in. The EMH walked into the area, about the same time Doctor O'Neil walked in the door. The Tellarite looked at her assistant. *Good! It looks like the rest break helped both of us*, she thought.

A few minutes before 3, the last of the staff drifted in. Some, of course, were excused. Doctor Lemur (for his covert mission), and Doctor Spier, who was too ill to come.

Endris began the meeting with aplomb. First, she announced her idea about having the EMH-massage/relaxation program to raise the sagging morale of those who had been drained by their depressing duties on the planet. Second, she declared her intentions to press for shore leave (for the entire crew) after the completion of the Cardassian reconstruction.

These two ideas raised applause from the staff, who clearly liked the concepts. Then she voiced a carefully worded statement of further good news. "A few Cardassian ships survived the war. These have now returned. Negotations are underway for a joint reconstruction team. We are also looking into possible options for defusing CLA rebels." Endris didn't elaboration on the 'options' being considered. Briefly, she wondered how Lemur was doing on his task.

"That concludes my announcements", Gakor said. "I would like to discuss what progress we are making on the planet." Others began speaking, and the CMO soon detected an emerging pattern. There were more survivors than initally thought, but they seemed to be scattered in small pockets of people or lone individuals rather than large groups.

Then the discussion turned to the topic of repelling CLA actions, and a suggestion was made that all camps try installing perimeter force fields. Endris agreed to ask Captain Casey if Cardassians from the starships might lend a hand in calming things down. They were firsthand witnesses to the end of the war, after all. This reassurance might help placate some of the more dissatisfied residents in the town.

The discussions continued for awhile, until it was time to adjorn.

"On The Verge of Fishing"
by Lt. Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy
Chief Operations Officer/ now on leave

Also by:
Mr. Shtik -- Science Officer
Yarzon Beq - Tactical Officer
Shane Montgomery Wolcott -- Shuttle Pilot
David Mercury - Engineering Officer

** Some Time ago **

Lt. Commander Thomas and his fellow companions on this trip had been on the Galaxy helping with the preparations for assisting the survivors that were still alive on Cardassian Prime. A great number of people had perished in the final hours of the war with the Dominion, who'd ordered the termination of the Cardassian people from their own homeworld. This was considered barbaric by everyone who fight in the war, but if the Cardassian's hadn't turned against the Dominion the cost would've been much higher.

Now he was having to leave the Galaxy in order to avoid being transferred to a Starfleet Intelligence ship by mistake. It was no mistake, they wanted him out of the way and the best place for him to be was under they're control. He suspected that they would likely try and arrive at a solution for his death. He knew they'd try and kill him as soon as they got the chance to do so, but he was for the moment out of their reach.

** **

Lt. Commander Thomas's Personal Log: Stardate several hours after the cease fire with the Dominion. With the war over now, it would appear that Starfleet Intelligence was coming for him and would stop at nothing to make sure he was out of the picture.

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

Chris stopped at his quarters to pack his bags and those that he would need to for his fishing trip. The question that he would have to answer was what to take with him for this trip. Actually that wasn't a problem he'd been ready to make such a trip for a while now. While he didn't have some things packed he was prepared and knew what he was going to take with him.

Supplies, information, codes and other black ops stuff that would be useful for this trip. Then a thought occurred to him if he asked a few of the crewmembers on the galaxy to accompany him on his fishing trip things would go better. However they'd have to understand there was some risk involved and he would diligently work to keep their involvement to a minimal unless they chose to get more involved.

He would have to figure out who to ask to join him, so now who to ask. He needed to ask some people that could help him on the mission, watch his back, crack systems, help him understand what they've been researching and most importantly to help get him in. The possibilities of what help he would need started to roll through his head, but one thing stopped him from selecting too many people, the risk involved. He would have to limit the size of the team to a few people, maybe 3 or 4 people. No more than 4 people and himself for this sort of fishing trip, given the risk involved.

"Computer I need a list of the current Galaxy crew Manifest, crossed referenced with their available leave time, experience in covert operations, " Chris continued to list off criteria and established the search parameters that he wanted established.

"The search will take approximately 2 hours, seventeen minutes with current available resources."

Chris didn't have that kind of time, he would have to make us of his position to speed up the process. "Computer label the search as a number 1 priority."

"Authorization required." The computer said.

"Authorization Delta Seven Delta Operations," Lt. Commander Christopher Thomas.

"Acknowledged search will take thirty seven minutes to complete, accuracy will not be 100%." The computer stated.

"Proceed." Chris said, he wasn't going to change the settings now, if the accuracy wasn't completely 100% he could live with it and do a little personnel check to make sure that listings were good. He was very particular about the people he'd want on this mission.

Chris went to finishing packing, while the computer worked on the search request. he would make use of the time get everything packed in it's place, file his flight plan. Though it wouldn't be used as much as one would expect, but he needed to make sure that everything about his fishing trip appeared to be a vacation and nothing else.

** 37 Minutes Later **

"Search completed."

"Display search results." Lt. Commander Thomas ordered.

Chris sat down at his desk to read the list of people that he might ask to join him. There were thirty seven people that meet his initial standard criteria for candidates. When the secondary search run was placed in, there were only seven candidates onboard the ship.

Captain Price
Commander Casey
Lt. Commander Thomas
Lt. Commander David Mercury
Lt. Shtik -- Science Officer
Lt. (jg) Yarzon Beq - Tactical Officer
Ensign Shane Montgomery Wolcott -- Shuttle Pilot

His name came up in the search, because he forget to pull it from the list. One minor flaw with his rushed search, now he didn't have to be a genius to figure out who he would be asking to join him on this fishing trip. He would just have to track them down and ask them if they'd like to join him on this fishing trip.

However he knew they'd want to know what they were getting themselves into, before they'd likely agree to come with him. So he'd have to come up with something basic to get them onboard a shuttlecraft, then once away from the ship and underway he could give them more information.

Now he would have locate them, which he hopped wouldn't take long to get done.

** Engineering **

Lt. Commander Thomas entered main engineering, where the computer had told him he'd find Lt. Commander David Mercury.

Chris scanned the room looking for the chief, there were a lot of engineers on duty at the moment. Then he finally spotted who he was looking for and headed that way to talk with him.

"Ah Lt. Commander Mercury, glad to see you again. I hope everything is going well?"

"As well as can be expected I guess. What brings you to Engineering 'Commander?"

"I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining me and few other members of the galaxy on a fishing expedition?"

David heard what Thomas said but the question sounded really strange. A fishing trip... who would go on a fishing trip now. "I'm not exactly sure what..." David was cut short by Thomas.

"If we can talk in private 'Commander." Chris said, leading the chief off to the side of engineering and away from the traffic that was active in the room. He wanted to keep things as low key as possible and that meant taking some precautions.

"Of course 'Commander." David said, joining the him in corner of engineering.

"I have been given the opportunity to take a few officers with me on a fishing trip to get away from everything that is happening here. We'll be making a few stops to check on some unusual happenings at a few starbases while we visit a complete of fishing holes. There are some other details which I can't discuss right now, because of the nature of the fishing trip." Chris said.

"Exactly what fish are we expecting to catch here 'Commander?"

"I can only tell you at the moment that the trip will be dangerous, but could have a great reward potential. I also am hopping to avoid being transferred from the Galaxy by mistake. I know this is much to gone on given the current dilemma with the war against the Dominion, but I really could use your help." Chris said.

David starting thinking about the 'Commander's proposal. Since Jordan and the babies went back to Earth, David hasn't been the same. All he could think about was his family and how far away they were. This fishing trip might be a great way to keep him distracted from worrying about them. "'Commander I think I will take you up on that offer. Anything special I need to pack?"

Chris looked at David for a moment, thinking about what he might need. "Standard clothing, a few dark outfits would be handy, some engineering gadgetry for unlocking the doors to catch the fish." Chris said. Then he added a little more useful hint about what David should consider bringing to the party, "I would seriously recommend that you bring along anything you might need for undercover work and by passing systems." He whispered to David.

"Meet me and the rest of the team in main shuttlebay in thirty minutes. We have to depart the Galaxy post haste if we're to be successful on our fishing trip and our beloved captain to remain in good standings." Lt. Commander Thomas said putting the emphasis on the issue of time.

"Understood." David said with a smile.

** Science lab **

Lt. Commander Thomas entered the science lab, where the computer had told him he'd find Lt. Shtik working out a computer model for a theoretical sensor upgrade.

"I have been given the opportunity to take a few officers with me on a fishing trip to get away from everything that is happening here. We'll be making a few stops to check on some unusual happenings at a few starbases while we visit a couple of fishing holes." Chris said.

"Having been raised on a desert planet, I am afraid I would be little help on a fishing expedition. Also, being Vulcan, I have no need for recreational activities. However, I do appreciate the gesture." Shtik returned to his work. Chris put his hand on the Vulcan's shoulder in order to hold onto his attention.

"We'll be fishing for salmon." Thomas arched an eyebrow. Shtik turned suddenly at the reference. 'Salmon' was a code word used by Starfleet Intelligence when communicating with the Vulcan intelligence agency, the V'Shar. It meant that they were pursuing an objective that Vulcan investigators would share an interest in. In this case, Lt. Commander Thomas was signifying that he was aware of Shtik's connection to the Vulcan service.

"There are some other details which I can't discuss right now, because of the nature of the fishing trip. I can only tell you at the moment that the trip will be dangerous, but could have a great reward potential. I also am hopping to avoid being transferred from the Galaxy by mistake. I know this isn't much to gone on given the current dilemma with the war against the Dominion, but I really could use your help." Chris said.

Shtik took a moment to consider the situation. Looking at the face of his shipmate, he could see the sincerity and dedication in his eyes. "It does appear that neither my skill as an astrophysics scientist nor as a sensor technician are of particular use in the relief efforts on Cardassia." Shtik returned the arched eyebrow. "It would be logical to assume that the most beneficial use of my time would be a sabbatical to study marine biology."

"Welcome aboard Mr. Shtik" Lt. Commander Thomas said, then added "Meet me and the rest of the team in main shuttlebay in thirty minutes. We have to depart the Galaxy post haste if we're to be successful on our fishing trip and our beloved captain to remain in good standings." Lt. Commander Thomas said putting the emphasis on the issue of time.

"Understood."

** Firing control **

Lt. Commander Thomas entered firing control, where the computer had told him he'd find Lt. (jg) Yarzon Beq.

Yaz had been re-instated to duty, and his short period of leave had ended, so now he was back to work, and had been given the task of running a diagnostic on all firing systems. Yaz turned as he heard someone else enter the small control room. He recognized the officer as Lt. Commander Thomas, Chief Operations Officer.

"Can I help you sir?" Yaz asked.

"I have been given the opportunity to take a few officers with me on a fishing trip to get away from everything that is happening here. We'll be making a few stops to check on some unusual happenings at a few starbases while we visit a complete of fishing holes. There are some other details which I can't discuss right now, because of the nature of the fishing trip." Chris said.

Yaz's eyebrows raised. "This doesn't sound like a fishing trip, sir. Could you give me a bit more detail?"

"I can only tell you at the moment that the trip will be dangerous, but could have a great reward potential. I also am hopping to avoid being transferred from the Galaxy by mistake. I know this is much to gone on given the current dilemma with the war against the Dominion, but I really could use your help." Chris said.

Yaz was faced with yet another dilemma, he now had a family to look after, but this could have great potential and further re-instating faith in his abilities. He decided to address these concerns to the officer before him. "You may be aware, sir, that I have recently become a father, and I now have a child to look after." He paused for a moment. "However, I realize that this mission could be interesting, and that very likely you have chosen myself for a reason." He thought about a solution for a few seconds. "My mother is currently on Bajor, if I could get Lorraine and Keiran a shuttle, Lorraine is a capable pilot and could meet with my mother, or she could stay here, and I would get someone to check up on her." He looked up at the officer. "I agree to coming on this mission." Yaz stated finally.

"Great welcome aboard, I am sure that we'll have a good old time." Chris said.

Yaz would have to discuss with Lorraine what she and Keiran wanted to do, but he already had an idea, Lucas would be happy to look after them he was sure.

Chris added as he started to "Meet me and the rest of the team in main shuttlebay in thirty minutes. We have to depart the Galaxy post haste if we're to be successful on our fishing trip and our beloved captain to remain in good standings." Lt. Commander Thomas said putting the emphasis on the issue of time.

"Understood."

** Main Shuttle Bay **

Lt. Commander Thomas entered main shuttle bay, where the computer had told him he'd find Ensign Shane Montgomery Wolcott.

Noticing the young ruffian doing some maintenance on one of the shuttles, Thomas approached him with his offer.

"Excuse me, Ensign Wolcott. I have been given the opportunity to take a few officers with me on a fishing trip to get away from everything that is happening here. We'll be making a few stops to check on some unusual happenings at a few starbases while we visit a complete of fishing holes. There are some other details which I can't discuss right now, because of the nature of the fishing trip." Chris said.

Shane looked at this officer that stood before him. He'd only seen him a few times while he was on the Main Bridge, however, the two had never spoken with one another before. Shane knew there was something brewing, but he didn't know what. He wasn't as naive as many thought him to be.

"Sure, dude. I'd love ta go fishin'." Shane really did love fishing, and he only hoped that there would be some genuine fishing during this little escapade.

"Let me guess. You need a chauffeur, right." Shane grinned from ear to ear as he leaned against the disassembled shuttle he was working on. His hands were greasy and filthy from his tinkerings with the shuttles systems; his hair as unruly as ever.

"Is there anything else I should know?" Shane was fishing for some information of his own though he doubted that he'd find anything.

"I can only tell you at the moment that the trip will be dangerous, but could have a great reward potential. I also am hopping to avoid being transferred from the Galaxy by mistake. I know this is much to gone on given the current dilemma with the war against the Dominion, but I really could use your help." Chris said.

That was more like it. Shane was needed for his flight skills. Cool, maybe this meant that he'd get to do some real maneuvering.

"If you'll excuse me, Ensign Wolcott, I have others that I need to speak with." With that, Thomas turned and left the surfer to finish his work and prepare for the trip. "Oh and meet me and the rest of the team in main shuttlebay in thirty minutes. We have to depart the Galaxy post haste if we're to be successful on our fishing trip and our beloved captain to remain in good standings." Lt. Commander Thomas said putting the emphasis on the issue of time.

"Understood."

Shane didn't finish what he was working on. He passed off the rest of the maintenance to Ensign Yin. She was glad to take up his slack, as she put it with a smile.

Shane rushed back to his quarters and grabbed a few clothes and took a quick shower. Anything else he needed, he'd have replicated on the shuttle. Shane ventured back to the main shuttlebay to join the others.

** 20 Minutes Later **

Chris was waiting in the main shuttlebay for the others to join him. He wanted to get the fishing trip underway

Christopher Patton
ICQ # 11497863

Lt. Shtik
Science Officer
"Just a few odds and ends"

Following his meeting with Lt. Commander Thomas, Shtik returned to his quarters. Knowing that the senior officer was in a hurry to get going Shtik quickly sat at his personal console and put in the proper request for his research sabbatical. After sending copies off to Lt. Commander Morris and Acting Captain Casey, Shtik began to quickly put together some civilian clothes. Shtik then pulled out a dufflebag he had brought with him when he had returned to the Galaxy. Carefully opening the satchel, he opened an additional compartment hidden in the lining on the bottom of the bag. From there, he pulled out a number of innocent looking items: a belt, a pair of gloves, a tricorder, and several small kits. Shtik carefully replaced these items back in their hidden compartment and piled the prearranged clothes on top of the secret access. When everything was packed, Shtik slung the bag over his shoulder and headed for the door.

As the door opened before him, Shtik stopped and turned back to his quarters. He returned to the computer console and picked up a nearby PADD.

"Computer, download most recent editions of the following books: 'Wilson's guide to Marine Life' by Jonah Wilson, 'Aquatic Ecosystems' by Bo Linth, 'Sea-life of Earth' by Brian Howell and copy the most current periodicals on the subject of marine biology."

"Acknowledged." The computer stated as it transferred the proper reading material to the PADD. Once the information was transferred, Shtik left his quarters and headed toward the shuttlebay.

Based on STAR TREK created by Gene Roddenberry
Writen by Lieutenant Suder
Engineer

"Deck 18"

Suder stood near the wreckage reading the damage report list handed to him by an Ensign he didn't really know. He had only just met the young Engineer who didn't look over sixteen. Suder finished reading the padd and looked at the Ensign.

"Is this accurate?" he asked.

"To the letter." the boy replied.

"Very well, make sure Commander Mecury gets this updated report, and seal off this section of the deck. I've seen people wondering through this section, it's no place for anyone right now." Suder ordered.

The boy took the data padd that told David Mecury what section had to be sealed off. The Ensign smiled at his new and brief assignment before walking off and running once he thought Suder and the rest of the Engineering staff could no longer see him.

"Deck 18." Suder mumbled to himself. "Must be my lucky number." he continued...

"Deep Cover II"
by Lt Cmdr Matthew Albrecht
with NPCs Blayne Matthias
and Doctor Lemur aka Gul Mout

*** Shelter Delta, Icarian City ***

Three security officers gathered next to the shield generator, a device as large as a workbee pod that hummed like an old-style laundry machine. It was sunk a meter into the sandy ground, situated directly between two half-collapsed brick walls that offered it some protection from lased weapons that would cut right through the invisible barrier that surrounded New Icaria. The shorter officer, 'commander Albrecht, patted the side of the machine. "Well, Mason, what is your assessment of our tactical situation?"

Heidi Mason grimaced at the question. "It's a mistake to let this thing lull us into a false sense of security. There are too many ways for a small force like the CLA to get in despite the force shield." She was, of course, referring to the limitations of the force barrier. It was necessarily semi-permeable; Air, most gasses, lased beam weapons and non-ballistic objects (like people) passed right through it. Of course, feedback sensors reported the movements of people and things through the barrier, allowing the city a measure of protection against intruders. More solid physical barriers could be constructed, at much greater energy levels, that would completely seal in the city, but the energy requirements and the expected political backlash made that option impractical. "And, from my point of view, monitoring the shield is just another drain on our manpower. . . Sir," she added quickly.

Ensign Blayne grunted disapprovingly. "When a Cardie crosses the perimeter, he acquires a trace amount of residual shield energy. He can easily be traced by our sensors for up to thirty minutes after crossing. A security tricorder will pick up an intruder at forty meters," he informed the other two as his hand caressed the device on his hip. His even tone concealed the ensign's excitement at the prospect of hunting down Cardassian intruders, innocent or not. "I think this will be a boon, 'commander."

"That leaves the tunnels," Albrecht grumped. He wondered silently what progress the Vulcan, Lemur, was having in his undercover mission to infiltrate the CLA. *It won't be safe to contact him for a couple of days,* he decided. The medical officer made a convincing Gul, with a stern demeanor that suggested experience with leadership in the Cardassian style. But, he didn't want to jeopardize the man's cover by making unnecessary clandestine communications.

*** A tunnel ***

Lemur, now in his identity as Gul Mout, continued his trek through the various tunnels and passages that criss-crossed beneath the destruction that was Icarian City. He had passed two concealed sentry stations so far, both of them occupied. But, on neither occasion was he confronted or challenged. He reasoned that the guards either believed he was also CLA, or they were allowing him further into their demesnes before springing a trap upon him. Logic dictated that it would do no good to speculate further.

Soon he came upon a stone set at the intersection of his passage and a smaller, perpendicular accessway. The accessway was in terrible disrepair. He paused to examine the stone, and noted that it was scarred in the same way as stones he had seen at every intersection since his journey began. He hadn't recognized the similarity, however, until the third stone. Fortunately, he had been making a point of looking for markers the whole time, and vividly remembered the details of each stone. They were, he determined, landmarks of a sort, to guide the CLA operatives that regularly traveled these labyrinthine byways.

Applying his growing store of knowledge regarding the stones, he decided that the CLA headquarters was more likely at the other end of the meter-high accessway. But, how to move through it? He noticed that the debris and dust appeared undisturbed upon its floor, but he believed that it must be used often. Further inspection revealed a channel that ran the length of the passage ceiling. It was metal, and he discovered, it was recently lubricated.

Soon, his exploration turned up some nylon webbing behind a pile of rocks and crumbled plascrete. He separated out a single piece, which was fashioned into a harness, and featured a metal hook at the top. Unhesitatingly, he wormed his way into the small hammock. He climbed up onto the edge of the passage, then fastened his hook into the channel. It settled in with a solid-sounding 'click', and he lifted up his legs from the debris-strewn bottom. Carefully he rearranged the mess, so that no trace remained to indicate his having been there. Smoothly, he propelled himself down the accessway, and into the sanctum of the enemy.

To be continued. . .

“The Nuisance”
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey

It had been a memorable day. Deiran had spent the entire day with his ladies. He played and wrestled with Lara, very gently of course. He spent an hour kissing and talking with Miran as Lara took her afternoon nap and then they all went horseback riding.

Deiran had Lara strapped to his back as he and Miran rode atop the horses Deiran had programmed into this Bajor holodeck program. They were riding in the Jirec valley near Miran’s birthplace.

As Deiran was riding up ahead of Miran, the holodeck arch appeared to his right. Deiran stopped the horse and looked at the arch as if it were his worst enemy. “What the? Who is bothering me here?” he asked, out loud.

Ronni strode into the program and looked at Deiran.

“Now isn’t that just the cutest sight. Daddy and daughter riding horses together,” she smiled.

Miran rode up to where Deiran had stopped and looked at Ronni. “Hello Ronni,” Miran said in a soft voice.

“Hi Miran,” Ronni replied and turned to Casey. “Captain, I’m sorry to bother you and your family but there’s been a serious bombing on Cardassia. Two of our security officers were killed, one was wounded. Here’s the information,” Ronni handed him a PADD.

Deiran leaned down to take the PADD and then read the information. He was still on the horse, and Lara was giggling and shifting her positions in the baby backpack.

“How are they doing this? What’s happening to our sensors? This needs to stop. We have to do something,” Casey said as he dismounted from the holographic horse. He unclasped the backpack and handed Lara to Miran who had also dismounted her horse.

“I’m sorry darling, I have to call a senior staff meeting. I loved our day, we’ll spend more time together tonight okay?” Deiran said and kissed Miran on the cheek, then kissed Lara on the forehead.

Ronni leaned over to Miran’s ear, “Sorry Miran, I had no choice,” she whispered.

Miran nodded but frowned. They at least got 5 hours together without interruption.

Deiran walked out of the holodeck, stopping and waving one last time to Miran and Lara and blowing a kiss to them. Then he proceeded down the corridor on his way, with Ronni by his side, to the Observation Lounge.

As the acting Captain and the acting first officer stepped onto the turbolift, Casey tapped his commbadge and spoke. “Captain Casey here, all senior staff report to the Observation Lounge in five minutes. Casey out,” Casey wasn’t going to waste any time. If he hurried he could get back to Miran and Lara. He smiled as he thought about it.

“You’re becoming quite the family man Deiran,” Ronni said.

“Yep, and I love every minute of it,” he smiled.

*** Observation Lounge, ten minutes later ***

“My apologies everyone for calling you here without more notice. We have the beginnings of a serious problem on the surface of Cardassia. I needed to call this meeting because most of the supplies we’ve beamed down to the surface have been destroyed. Our away teams are in danger.” Casey stopped and looked around the table.

“Who is representing security in this meeting?” Casey asked. He had read Sunder’s resignation and wanted to speak with the man about staying on, but didn’t see Albrecht.

“I am sir,” Ursa Sunder replied as he walked into the Lounge and found his usual seat.

“Glad you could join us Mr. Sunder,” Casey smiled. Without missing a beat Casey continued the meeting. “From what I’ve been told the away teams have injuries, we don’t have the replacements for those injured crewmembers. A few of the nurses, I understand have also been injured in these CLA terrorist strikes. So it appears we’ll have to step up security. Mr. Sunder, I need you to add an additional two officers to every away team we send to the surface.”

“Captain, we’re barely able to support the relief effort now with two security officers detailed on each individual team. We’re strapped for men sir,” Sunder replied.

“Aye, I know ‘Commander. I understand the situation, but safety is priority. Take all available crew you can get, take them from Ops or Tactical. But, we ’ll need four guards on every away team.” Casey turned to Lucas, “Lt. Brandis, assign as many Ops officers as you can to Sunder’s department on a temp basis until these attacks die down. Mac, we’ll need members of Tactical to take part as well. We just need to work together here, all departments will do what they can. The ship is at full capacity now from the transfers, the ones who are fit for duty should be put to work in the relief effort.”

The senior staff acknowledged Casey’s request with nods and ayes. “Good, from the reports the bombs the CLA are building and setting off are getting bigger and more powerful with each attack. It seems they grow stronger with each ‘victory.’ I don’t understand the Cardassian mind very well right now. Tom can you fill us in on what you think is happening in the minds of the leaders of CLA?” Casey asked the acting Chief Counselor.

“Aye sir, the Cardassian people are a proud people. They almost border on separatism. But as I’ve analyzed their attacks and behavior, it’s clearly a pattern of extremism taken far beyond the real scope of the situation. They do not see us helping their wounded or rebuilding their cities and homes, they only see Federation officers on their home planet. Therein lies the CLA ’s problem with us, they don’t like that we’re even down there. I doubt they ’ll stop these attacks until we leave.”

“Thank you Mr. Miles,” Casey said and turned to David Mercury.

“David is there anything you or science,” Casey looked from David to Ryak ,” can do about maybe finding these bombs and terrorist weapons before they injure others? Anything we can modify or change or build even to save as many of our people from danger as possible?”

“I’ll look into it Captain,” David replied. Ryak nodded his acceptance of the request Casey made and looked at Ronni.

“When you send your people down to the surface, make sure they are aware of how dangerous it is down there right now and how all personnel should be on their toes, we need all the information we can get about the CLA as well. They are quite a threatening force, all Galaxy personnel is to be cautious and adhere to the normal operating procedures of this planetary condition. Thanks everyone, dismissed,” Casey said with a smile and stood up.

“Ursa could you remain please?” Casey asked before the Thundercloud could escape him.

“Yes sir?” Ursa replied, turning to face Casey.

“Ursa, can I delete your resignation?” Casey asked with a smile.

“I am back until we deal with the CLA at least,” Sunder replied.

“Thanks Ursa,” Casey said, smiling at the man who was just an inch taller than he was. He took the PADD with Ursa’s resignation and deleted it from the computer. “You’ll have to write another resignation my friend,” Casey said. He put out his hand and shook Ursa’s, “Glad to have you back ‘Commander.”

To be continued…