"Test Run"
by, Lt. Raesene Hermedhie

As the appointed time for the wedding crept closer, Raesene's nerves began to get more strained. The stress of his new job was also beginning to wear upon him. And it would get worse. Soon he would have to deal with stacks of paperwork... or PADDwork. Whatever. It meant that he would soon have less time to unwind.

So he therefore headed to the Holodeck, and started up a small program. In it, he would be placed in command of the Saber-class cruiser Rhode Island. It was a strange ship, with its warp nacelles forward of the bridge. The class of ships was designed for scouting purposes and light combat situations. But the ship could be used for other missions.

The particular mission the computer had picked involved a scouting run on the Gorn border. Apparently, the reptilian creatures were beginning to make small moves. Maybe they were going to take advantage of the weakening of Federation forces by the Dominion. No matter. Raesene merely settled in and waited for the action to start.

*** Two Hours Later ***

Dierdren had searched the entire ship for Raesene. Finally, frustrated, she queried the computer for his location. Entering the Holodeck, she found a program running, and saw Raesene in the command chair. It appeared that the stress had finally caught up to him. For he was asleep.

Pausing the program, Dierdren went over to look at him, making sure that he was merely sleeping. But he seemed... peaceful. Smiling slightly, Dierdren moved to take him to his quarters.

He was surprisingly light for his strength. She closed down the program, and walked him to his quarters, where she placed him in an easy chair. "Sleep well, my love," she whispered. "Tomorrow, we shall be one." She then turned and went to her own quarters, to mull over the next set of events.

"Alone on Risa...Again" by:
Lieutenant (JG) Viara Rhys
Junior Science Officer
U.S.S. Galaxy

Viara sat in the hover chair, that she had beamed down to the planet on. She sat waiting for Ensign Stone and then she waited, and waited, and waited... Viara's mind began to wonder soon.

In Viara's mind she could see a young man sitting in a small Cafe' on one of Risa's most beautiful beaches. He too was alone, of course this was over 100 hundred years ago, but the memory was fresh.

The young man sat and waited for his lady love. Finally, a young waiter brings the man a PADD.

"Excuse me Sir, but I've been asked to deliver this to a Harin Rhys. You wouldn't happen to be him, would you?" Asked the waiter.

"Yes, I am Harin Rhys. What is it?" Asked Harin.

"I'm not sure, a woman sent it over the Comm. a few minutes ago." Said the waiter handing Harin the PADD.

"Thank You." Said Harin as he took the PADD and began to read it.

Suddenly, Viara's mind is brought back to this time as a Security Officer touches her shoulder.

"Excuse me, Ma'am." Said the Ensign.

"Yes Ensign, do you need something?" Asked Viara, still a little disorientated.

"Actually yes, apparently an Ensign Thorne is missing. At any rate I contacted the Galaxy and they refered me to you." Said the Ensign.

"I see." Was the only reply Viara offered.

"Apparently, you are the closet Level- V Sensor Technician. I was wondering if you could help me refine the Plantary Sensor Grid to help locate the Ensign?" Asked the Ensign.

"Well I..." Started Viara thinking she might miss Ensign Stone. "...well alright." Finished Viara, figuring Stone was not going to show anyway.

"Very well then, please follow me this way then." Said the Ensign as he led Viara in her hover chair to a nearby Sensor Control Center.

"Signing Off."
by Doctor Revija

Personal log. Stardate 49908.12. Unable to make the great distances by shuttlecraft, within the given time the Starship Galaxy was in the Risan system, I was forced to accept that i would not be able to see my family. Whether by fate of fortune, I have been able to arrange passage on a Risan cruiser travelling from Risa to the Bolarus.

Home. It has been four years since I have been able to see the temperate evirons of my own home planet, but more importantly the family I forced to return there when the Dominion war became to dangerous. My wife, Vitola, and daughter, Mitena: I have missed them so much. The saddest thing is that I have missed most of my daughter's life. No matter how much time I spend with her now, I have already missed some of the momentous steps in her life: her first word, her first tooth, and every other even a parent looks forward too. I have been content to know that she and my Vitola have been cared for by Adna, but my own flesh and blood probably doesn't even know me as her father. None of my medical knowledge can take that kind of discomfort away from a father.

Watching Doctor Gakor-Albrecht with her son only a few days earlier seemed to reinforce a longing to be reunited with my family. As such, I have decided to tender a request for an unrestricted leave of absence from Starfleet. The Dominion war now reduced to picking up the pieces, I need to look to my own family and pick of the pieces of my life.

The cruiser Reulaan is due to reach Bolarus in eight hours and I am looking forward to this long awaited event.

"Just a Dream"
by Ens. Brooke Ames, MD
and a sleeping
Lt. Tim O'Connell

Brooke, later that night, started dreaming of a time when her Mom and Dad were together and he was alive. She saw herself playing on a big rock somewhere in California. She recognized it as being the Sequoias and the trees seemed to be thousands of miles tall. They were all so happy then. This dream seemed to have no meaning but it did make her feel all fuzzy inside.

Brooke woke up, feeling next to her, a warm body. She realized that she had been dreaming. Tim stirred a little. Brooke just laid there and started thinking of her Mom. The last time she saw her, she had drank herself to a stupor. She had never quite learned how to deal with her husband, Brooke's father's death. Brooke hadn't talked to her since.

She knew eventually that she'd have to go see her and tell her about them being back together. Brooke was slightly afraid of the unknown but she would have to soon deal with whatever happens. She was definately going to do it alone before bringing Tim over.

Brooke snuggled close to Tim and fell back to sleep.

Glowfinger (Part 2)
by LCDR Endris Gakor-Albrecht
with a cameo by LCDR Matthew Albrecht

*** Risan Spy Program in progress, Holodeck, Palladium Arms Hotel ***

*** Easter Island ***

The jet carrying Houston Glowfinger, a few of his lackeys, and the hostage Jane Blonde banked towards a runway on a remote island in the Pacific ocean. Shaking off the effects of the knock out gas, Gakor tried to move so she could see out the window, but she was tied down with heavy leather straps. When the plane tilted in order to land, Endris could just peek out enough to see huge stone monoliths, shaped curiously like Horgo'hns. The Doctor realized they must be the ancient carved statues on Easter Island. The Plethora agent recalled just before Glowfinger caught her with his toxic bouquet, she overheard one of the missile sights was out of order. *The nukes must be hidden underneath those big stone tokens*, she theorized *if true, then places like Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt may hide other missile sites*.

She was correct. But this truth had not been verified yet.

The plane landed, scooting to a halt at the end of the short strip. Lumba ruffly hustled Jane out the door, restraining her with a pair of handcuffs and ankle irons. It was evident Matthew's villainous self wanted to keep her in easy reach for his own selfish reasons. "Move", Glowfinger demanded. "I want you to see resistance is futile. My plan is flawless!" the energy tycoon bragged.

Gakor was hauled into the missile control room on a tether. Lumba guided the Blonde from Plethora, making sure the spy would not be able to try anything fishy. Numerous columns pointed upward, marking where the missile shafts were located. A large computer panel controlled lines connecting to each weapon. Technicians opened several plates on the cabinet, exposing complex circuitry they then began repairing. Checking each capacitor and resistor, the obviously skilled techs found and replaced three components. But the device still failed until they went over to the fuse box and inserted a new fuse to replace one that had burnt out.

The device flared to life, demonstrating how easy it was for Glowfinger to get his fiendish scheme back on track. Houston whispered instructions to Lumba. Two burly guys lifted the Doctor off the deck and carried her to the adjacent hallway. Gakor submitted to the humiliation. The guard types moved her to the far end of the passageway, then locked her leg chains to the wall. However, the guards showed some mercy by unlocking the wrist manacles before abandoning her in the closet.

Gakor rubbed her wrists to restore normal circulation to them. Due to the accuracy of the Binar's enhancements, they really had became sore while the Tellarite spy was forced to wear them. Another unexpected boon had been when the malfunctioning control panel had forced Glowfinger's time table forward. His lackeys and himself had to depart immediately for Easter Island. Although they took the precaution of bringing Jane along with them, neither Lumba nor anyone else spared time to search her. Which meant she was still armed with surprises.

Reaching to the top of her head with her now freed hands, Gakor removed the tiara from atop her beehive. Taking off her ear rings, she opened a hinged compartment in the top. She removed a pair of contact lenses and put them in her eyes. Her vision changed enough to see the pattern of a single line lightly traced on the back of the jewelry. The prisoner pulled at the edge of the backing where the marker was, and a thin razor sharp wire emerged from the crown. She then shed the contacts so her vision returned to normal. The wire was encrusted with diamond dust to make it tough enough to cut any substance necessary. Next, the hoops on the bottom part of the ear rings were used. The physician affixed the circles of steel to the wire, using miniature clamps that had been connecting the hoops to the hinged compartment above it.

Protecting her hands using the handles constructed from the ear rings, Gakor sawed through the restraints anchoring her legs to the wall. It took several stokes to cut the restraints, since the wire saw only had a length of about a foot. When she was through separating herself from the leg irons, she made a conspicuous noise to lure the guard into the space. To escape, she strangled the brute with the wire. It was so thin the man never saw the metal and diamond necklace that completely severed his head. That gave Jane Blonde a moment to breathe freely. Thinking again, she replaced her dress with the guard's uniform, discarded the beehive wig, and concealed her more manageable hair under the now deceased guard's cap. The Doctor regretted taking a life under any circumstances. But this time, it was her job to save the world! The thugs had to be sacrificed to succeed in her mission and win this cat and mouse game with her spouse. Gakor carefully coiled the portable saw and put it in a pouch, for later use if needed.

Now she had to see what Matthew, in his new identity as Houston Glowfinger, was up to. The Tellarite trotted passed a transformer supplying power to the station. Of course, the electrical demands for a facility of this type must be immense. But then, Glowfinger was the world's leading expert on Nuclear power, explaining why things were brightly glowing despite the outrageous quantity of energy required to run this hideout. The despot did years of good work to reach the pinnacle of his career. Yet somewhere in the process he became a terrible foe. The agent of Plethora thought a while longer on this, finally deciding she couldn't waste more time mulling over when or how Houston went sour.

Silently creeping up on villain, she got within earshot. Just in time to hear him radio out a demand that all Nuclear Fissionable materials would be turned over to him or major cities would start having mushroom shaped clouds decorating their sky. Proof of his sincerity was given by exploding a bomb in an uninhabited area of Antarctica, and was verified by the major powers via their satellite. networks. Delivery arrangements for the ransom were appended to the message, after the victims had time to view the demonstration of the mad man's depravity.

A full day had elapsed since Jane Blonde had been deployed from London, and although she now knew who the villain was, she didn't know where the central control point. Nor had she risked her limited freedom by sticking close to Glowfinger long enough to hear the details of the 'payment' arrangements for his radioactive terrorism.

Something didn't add up. Where was Lumba? The chief henchwoman of the organization had always previously been at Glowfinger's side. The high paid assassin must be up to something of great importance to have left her accustomed position. Retreating down a corridor so she wouldn't be caught, Gakor's nose for food smelled raw ingredients behind a door. She walked closer and when she arrived there, it was locked. The solid oak barrier effectively cancelled the chances of finding out more concerning the food storage area. Endris sat her mind on picking the lock, and had almost triggered the tumblers to open when she heard voices approaching from the other side of the door. Plethora's operator bent down to the floor, appearing to polish the deck with a rag. Lumba soon emerged from the door, but dismissed the custodial worker as insignificant.

Which was good. Any second now, her escape could be discovered. Before the door slammed shut, Endris scampered through the narrow slit left after Lumba departed the area. A bunch of men were loading crates of food into the gaping maw of a whale. A whale? Surely not. Fortunately, there was enough labor going on that Gakor had an opportunity to belly up to the beast and learn more. The "hide" was metal. *Very clever. A submarine disguised as a whale*, the Doctor diagnosed. Someone would be sure to notice her shortly, especially with the shear number of workers littering the dock. Prudently, Jane Blonde reverted to spy mode and went into hiding.

Reasoning the stealth sub would soon transport Glowfinger and the rest of his tribe to the central hide out, Endris concealed her presence inside of a crate. She had to remove a few sacks of peaches and strawberries before she could slide into the container. Fortuitously, the trash bin was next to the crate she had selected. Anyone would know crates are usually not empty when they are shipped off. A new problem developed. Her stomach growled and she realized she hadn't eaten in some time. So the woman helped herself to some of the fresh fruit that happened to be in the box she hid within.

An hour later, workers had reached the last of the crates. The box containing Gakor was moved by forklift into the submarine. Meanwhile, Lumba had discovered Blonde had escaped. She was about to report this, when Glowfinger announced it was time to depart for the central control area. Lumba, himself, and other underlings boarded the private submarine whimsically christened the Jonah. The fishy disguised craft immediately set a course for the hidden lair of the luminous vi

llain. Since there was nothing she could do about the Plethora agent for now, Lumba held her tongue instead of informing her boss of the escape. It would be a full day before they reached their destination. One day before power shortages began despite conservation measures. The multiple threats would be certain to gain attention of the authorities who could grant the master mind's demands.

Well fed, the stow away chose to take a nap. The calming sea waves the sub "swam" through were relaxing and peaceful. Perhaps a vacation on Risa wasn't so bad after all.

*** The end for now. But this Jane Blonde story will conclude in Glowfinger (Part 3) ***

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

"Name In The List"

Suder finished his work. Delta shift was over. He'd have to continue to find the glitch in the EEH program. So far, there was no such luck. When he put his tools away,he left Engineering to two Junior Officers to handle. All the others he knew were off duty and on Risa.

He entered his quarters and just as he was about to take off his jacket, the computer console beeped. He left his jacket on but undone and strolled over to his console. He didn't need to call for the lights as the sun illuminated his quarters. The USS Galaxy was positioned just right that the sun shone over most quarters on the ship. Suder sat in his chair and tapped in a command code to allow access to his console.

"You have two new messages." the computer reported.

"Computer display messages." Suder ordered as he sat back in his chair and looked at the monitor.

An image of a young officer appeared. It was one of Suder's friends back from Starfleet HQ. He had met the Engineer a few months before he left the Engineering Corpe. "I hear your a Lieutenant now?" The Engineer began. "Well, you must be doing a good job. I know it sounds bad, but I know a couple of officers who had bets that you weren't going to make Lieutenant this fast. But the rest of us knew it was going to happen. But anyway, I thought I'd send you a message and let you know that we're all doing fine here. We're working on a couple of new projects round the clock. There's also a large list of ship building demands. We've got just about every free Engineer helping us build these ships. Hell, we've even got civilians from Earth and Vulcan helping us. We're really short handed, but I hear Engineers have been recalled from all over the Sector. Well, I've got to go now, you remember Ensign Kelson? It finally happened." the Ensign said with a large grin. "Send us a message soon to let us know your ok. See ya." The screen went blank as the computer prepared the second message.

The screen remained blank and as soon as Suder heard the first few words, his total attention was aimed at the message. "Hey, how are you enjoying your job?" That was the whole message. Short and simple.

"Computer, replay last message." Suder said. The same message repeated itself. Suder was full of disbelief at first. But then after a few minuutes of thinking, he was more happy.

The console beeped twice and Suder looked at the message display on the monitor. There was an incoming document. Suder opened the file and saw that it was a list of names. A very large list. It was a list of names of everyone who was involved in the war. A list of people who were injured, killed or missing in actions. It contained a list of people who had been part of the war, officially and non-officially. There were thousands of names, maybe even millions. He scrolled through the list looking at the names in alphabetical order. At last, he came across 'S'

His looking slowed as he looked at each individual name.
Daniel Sardon
Erik Sardoi' - USS Destiny - KIA
Dawn Sarn - Location Unknown - Status Unknown

He sat back in his chair with his eyes fixed to the name: Dawn Sarn. The most startling thing was, the computer did not know her location or status. Suder was positive that the message came from her, but it didn't make sense. Why all of a sudden, why she send a message. Suder thought that it could have been a prank. One of his friends playing a joke on him maybe. But Suder was sure that the message was from this person. Dawn had been one of best friends for a long time. When the war began, they were seperated and there was no contact since.

Most of Suder's friends had been kille din the war. But if there was a chance that another one of his friends had survived, then that would change one or two things. He checked the files of the computer. There was no evidence as to where the message was sent. It was not internal. The possibility that it was external was really high. All Suder could do now was wait for another message.

He ordered the computer to alert him the moment a message came for him. He headed off to the holodecka s they were empty. Everyone was on Risa, so why not take advantage of that? He reached the Holodeck and entered in the code for one of his most liked and enjoayble programs. He then entered the Holodeck...

"Baptism Of Fire"

by Reeto-Vaughn and the stolen and eminently corruptible Gandalf

***The Risian Jungle Canopy***

Two male cats. One sleek, dark, large. One tiny, grey, furry. They lay together side by side on the branch of a very tall tree, looking down.

Vaughn turned to his diminuitive companion.

"So... did you enjoy the climb?" he purred.

"Well yes I did, Vaughn, very much so!" replied the still-just-kitten enthusiastically.

"Gooood... soon you will no longer be only a kitten. Are you ready for the last stage of your training?"

"Of course of course of course!" mewled Gandalf.

"Tradition dictates... that you must hunt and slay something larger than yourself..."

"Oh," purred Gandalf... "Do I have to?"

"You are a cat," said Vaughn, "It is your duty and your birthright. We walk amongst the lessers... the humanoids, the rodents... as masters to be revered. You must cement that respect with a show of violence and terror."

Gandalf looked away, considering.

"I'll do it," he said.

"Good," replied Vaughn.

***The Risian Jungle Floor***

"This is Risa," explained Vaughn as they otherwise silently picked their way amongst the leaf matter and insects, "There are no outlandishly large predators such as to serve as prey for my kind... but you are a Terran cat and I'm sure we can find you something. Smell for their strength as I have taught you."

Gandalf paused, sniffing the air, the fallen leaves, the nearby creeping moulds.

"I have something!" he declared, "It smells like... rat."

"Excellent," purred Vaughn, "Then lead us."

Faster now they scampered silently between trees and over all manner of minor life.

"Closer... it's up ahead," mewled Gandalf with excitement.

Hopping and climbing up a fallen log the two cats came to a stop overlooking what was, from their point of view, a clearing. On the edge was a hole... and sat just outside the hole, chewing on the corpse of some kind of bird, was the largest rat Gandalf had ever seen.

"Risian Omnimasticator," said Vaughn, "Ugly name, ugly creature. It's yours..."

"But it... it's huge," said Gandalf, "I can't break its neck with a shake! It's three times the size of me!"

"Then you must use stealth and cunning, little one," said Vaughn, "You're a cat. Mayhap you have heard your pet Terran... Albrecht... talking of such concepts as 'honour' and 'bravery'. Well we as cats know that these are truly laughable ideals. All that matters is that you kill this rat. The method is... irrelevant. But it must be your own."

First Gandalf tried clawing loose a branch from the tree above the rat, but at the last minute it noticed the descending wood and hopped neatly out of the way, continuing its grisly meal.

Then he tried collecting up some Pavisova honey and using it to attract fire ants towards the rat... it worked, but the rat made mincemeat of the horde of two-inch insects as they got to it.

He attempted to use a clumsy thrown weapon but learnt the hard way that cats really can't throw things.

Then he had an idea. It was risky, and if he got it wrong, it would mean his death but... what was life as a mere kitten?

Carefully he selected a series of Pavisova spines and Ellen Weed leaves. Pushing the nail-shaped spines into the long, thin leaves he constructed for himself a rather brutal looking harness to go around his waist. At this point he discovered that he couldn't fasten it.

Rushing back to his mentor and examiner, he mewled, "Vaughn, Vaughn, help me put this on!"

With a brief look which might have been amusement or might have been respect, Vaughn fastened the harness around Gandalf. The kitten returned to a bluff looking out over the rat. It had nearly finished its meal... there was little flesh left on the bird's bones and exotic shreds of coloured plumage scattered the ground around it.

With a screaming wail, Gandalf leapt off the bluff and onto the rat. Paws outstretched, he landed on the thing's back. He felt painful pressure all along his body as the blunt ends of the spines pressed against him... but the sharp ends sunk into the rat. It screeched, and lurched up. Gandalf clung on, digging his already sharp claws into it's fur and fastening his wicked teeth on the rat's neck. It struggled, screeched and started capering about the clearing. Gandalf laboriously pulled the spikes up and crawled up the rat's head. It tossed and turned, and Gandalf had to dig in to keep hold. Finally he reached the thing's head, paws quite viciously gripping the rat's eyeballs. With a surging heave he flattened himself across the rat's head. The harness spikes sank into the rat's skull with surprisingly little resistance, and pierced its brain.

The rat slumped to the floor, dead. Gandalf was so shocked by the victory that he lost grip and went bowling across the clearing in a cute little bundle of grey fur and blood.

He stopped and uncurled himself. Vaughn stood there.

"Well done," said the Reeto uncharacteristically, "You've taken a big step today... you're a cat."

Gandalf purred contentedly.

"Angry and Alone"
by Lt Cmdr K'Eytyanna Samara,
Assistant Chief, Engineering

K'Eytyanna moved down the corridor with a black cloud hanging over her. At the moment, the words 'seriously pissed off' fitted very well.

Due to totally unforseen circumstances, Hunter had been pulled away to some god-forsaken mudball for a wedding between some distant third-cousin and something that looked like a mixture of an bulldog & a shitzu & a Vulcan. What was the universe coming to?

Entering Engineering, K'Eytyanna barked out some orders to the engineers, generally making their lives like hell.

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

Twenty minutes later..

Moving over to Lt Suder, she grabbed him and spoke,

"If I'm needed, I'll be in the Starboard Nacelle control room."

Suder quickly snapped off an enthusiastic 'Aye Aye, Sir' before realising that in Kay's current state, it was like to get his head inserted through a bulkhead.

She bared her teeth but stopped before doing anything. Growling, she spun around and headed away to solitude where she could pound something without people watching.

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

***Set before 'Name In The List'***

"Team"

Suder was up to his experienced head with trying to find the glitch in the EEH program. It was like looking for a small stone buried on a beach with no tricorder. From across Engineering, he heard an authoritive voice. It could only be one person. The one person he though was on Risa, or off duty. Suder turned his head slowly and glanced in the direction of the demanding voice. It was of course Lieutenant Commander K'Eytyanna Samara.

She walked across Engineering at a rather fast but steady pace. There was something weird about her this time. Suder had only bumped into her once or twice, and he never really bothered to notice the 'First Impression' Moving over to Lt Suder, she grabbed him and spoke, "If I'm needed, I'll be in the Starboard Nacelle control room."

This was the 'First Impression' Suder first noted the grabbing and then the statement. Suder wasn't used to the sort of attitude that Samara was well known for having, but there was something about her attitude. Suder couldn't explain it and just simply replied, "Aye, aye sir." Normally he would be defensive and make a stand. But he wasn't about to do that. He was too tired. Plus she was a higher ranking officer. Not to mention that they were on the same team. Besides, what was he going to stand up to, a simple statement about where she was going to be?

Suder didn't let her or anything else bother him. He wasn't in the mood. From what he heard about Samara, she needed some help about that attitude of hers. Suder's first thought here was to go to Ten-Forward or something in a large group when a lot of people were there, let her temper explode and then tell her straight forward. But then who was Suder to tell a higher ranking officer about their attitude? If he was going to do that to Samara, he would have no doubt done it to the major higher ranking officers in the other departments. Well, the ones he had met anyway.

As Samara stormed off, an Engineer strolled over to Suder and watched her leave too. "Isn't there anything that can be done about that?" the young officer asked.

"Why change the habbit of a life time?" Suder casually remarked. "If you have a problem Ensign, file a complaint." Suder said as he got back to work.

"Sir, you've been in Starfleet for sometime, you've seen a lot of action and you know the ropes, hell, you've been around longer than Commander Samara, and even though she is a Commander, we are on the same team, why do you let her talk that way?"

"Samara's had it rough." Suder simply replied.

"We all have." the ensign quietly shot back.

"Look, if things seem to get out f hand, I'll talk to her, if she gives you a hard time, talk to Commander Mercury."

"What if she runs into you again?"

"Then I'll talk to her myself." Suder said.

"Good luck with that." the Engineer said before walking off.

Suder shook his a little and then decided to take a break from his shift. Maybe he'd look into the personnel files and see why Samara was so temper-active. The first visual thought was that it was because she is Human, Bajoran and Klingon. Must have effected her childhood a lot. But anyway, first thing was first, a quick snack to eat.

“The Next Move”
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey

Deiran couldn’t hide his embarrassment. Walking in on the captain while he was with a naked Yeoman York. Deiran was just a pure shade of maroon. The suite was nice, Casey did notice this, he made sure he said nothing to his father as he strolled around the room, it was more like pacing.

Captain Price entered the parlor, dressed in his uniform and looking at Casey like he’d just killed Lee’s cat, if he’d had a cat. Deiran mouthed the word “sorry,” his father didn’t see it.

“Sorry to keep you waiting Admiral,” Lee said as he stood next to Tom Casey and Deiran. All three men were standing, it wasn’t the type of meeting that you sit and chew the fat, not by any means. Tom couldn’t sit at a time like this anyway.

“Not a problem, she’s a very pretty girl and I completely understand. This is Risa after all,” Admiral Casey replied, a slight laugh, followed by a grin appearing on Tom’s face.

Lee was silent at that, and turned a slight shade of red himself. Admiral Thomas Casey had that effect on people. A gruff, tough, all business and no nonsense kind of guy who wasn’t afraid to make a joke when the situation warranted it. His hair was perfect, a slight brownish gray, his eyes as green as emeralds, strong and unbending gleams seemed to shine from the pupils. His uniform perfect in every way, finely tailored. He knew how to present an image of success and the bearing of an Admiral. It was no wonder this man was the fourth most powerful man in Starfleet, it was also no surprise Deiran turned out as he did, living under the iron hand of such a man. The Captain kind of felt sorry for Deiran in a way.

“We don’t have a lot of time Lee, its good to see you. But there’s no time to catch up here, I’ll brief you quickly and then we’ll need to begin preparations. First off, I’ve been stowed away on your ship for the past two days, I stayed with my lovely daughter. I was here to meet a Boog, a Ferengi smuggler, who had information that was vital to my finding out who is behind the corrupt sections of Starfleet Command.” Admiral Casey grew intense at this, just the sound of the word “corrupt” made the man’s facial muscles tense.

“We ran into a Ferengi named Boog, I think it was a few months ago?” Captain Price replied and looked to Deiran for confirmation of the time frame.

Deiran shook his head yes at the captain, not saying a word.

“Deiran told me about this, I’m not really concerned about a spineless Ferengi, I just wanted his information which I received. The Romulans, the Orion Syndicate and several members of a corrupt Starfleet faction will be meeting at the Clarion Hotel on Nerinda Minor. It’s imperative that I be at the meeting or at least observe what takes place, I’ll need equipment for surveillance. I need your help Lee and I need help from some of your crew as well. It’s a dangerous mission, in fact it’s more dangerous than a war with the Dominion. This is hard ball and I need you to keep it quiet and give me some support behind the scenes,” Tom Casey was giving Lee the impassioned “I need you behind me” speech that Deiran heard his whole life.

Oh yes Deiran’s father had a speech for every occasion and Deiran had heard every one of them, albeit in a different incarnation every single time.

“We can have the Galaxy take you to Nerinda…” Lee was interrupted in mid sentence.

“Thank you Captain, but the Galaxy is a Starfleet vessel, it’ll attract too much attention.”

“What about a runabout ‘mate?” the Captain asked.

Tom was silent for a moment, smiled, “Nope, not unless it had a cloak on it.”

“Well then what will you need Admiral?” Deiran asked, somewhat upset, but still controlled. Lee looked at Deiran wondering why the Commander would speak that way to his father.

The fact was Deiran was just mad at his father, had been for a long time, he had even forgotten why. Maybe it was the animosity from his youth, the pressure he put on Deiran at the Academy, the expectations and demands that the Admiral put on his son since Deiran was five. Or a perfect reason could have been that his father chose this moment in time to ruin his vacation with Miran and Lara, it wasn’t really the time to be away from Miran, she was quite frisky lately. He liked it. Come to think of it there were a lot of reasons, all reasons Captain Price was not aware of at that moment.

Tom Casey gave an icy stare at Deiran, but said nothing. It was a fair question his son asked. “I’m thinking I’ll need help with surveillance equipment, a few officers for back-up, and access to whoever has a reliable civilian freighter or transport that we can hire to get to Nerinda Minor.”

Deiran began to think. He already knew that the appearance of his father meant that his vacation with Miran was shot. ‘I wonder if he knows about my Medal of Honor,’ he thought as he looked at Admiral Casey and then to Captain Price.

“Any suggestions Captain?” the Admiral asked, shining that famous Casey smile at the Aussie Captain.

"Morning on Risa"
By Ensign Tabbatha-Jade Morax

As the dawn crept across the ocean Tabbatha sat watching as some seagulls danced over the ocean, she had a warm feeling as she pushed her toes under neath the sand she smiled as she wiggled her toes and felt the tiny grains of sand fell in between them.

Tabbatha stood up dusted her self off picked up her sandals and began to walk along the edge of the ocean the waves washed over her feet the water was warm and the foam tickled at the bubbles remaining began to pop.

The sound of the sea filled the air, Tabbatha walk for a long time before turning around and realising how far she had gone. Signing she began to walk back

After the long walk back Tabbatha entered her room putting her shoes down at the door she walked in to the bath room. Turning the taps she tested the water.

Undressing and stepping in she felt the water rush over her body. Nothing felt better than a hot shower after a long walk she thought to herself.

After getting dressed Tabbatha began to feel hungry walking out of her room she made her way to the restaurant. Finding a table over looking the ocean Tabbatha sat down and picked up the menu.

"What can I get for you this wonderful morning" The waiter asked looking at Tabbatha

"I'll just have a regular breakfast and some tea please" Tabbatha said looking up with a friendly smile.

The waiter turned and walked away, a few minutes later he returned with a steaming hot plate and a hot pot of tea "Enjoy" the waiter said before picking up his tray and leaving Tabbatha to her breakfast.

Tabbatha picked up her knife and fork and began to "dig in" to her breakfast she had not realised how hungry she was. She finished her breakfast quicker that she should have and ordered herself another cup of Tea she was quiet happy to just sit there and watch the ocean for a while.

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

"Personnel"

Suder entered the Holodeck and looked around. It was the planet of Vedra II. So many memories here. He was only stationed here for a short time, but a lot had happened. The Jem'Hadar had set up a command base here, on this very planet. Suder's assignment was to find this base and destroy it. He was with an entire team. A team he had listened to. They talked a lot when they were off duty. Suder kept quiet, he perferred not to make personal friends with people he wasn't going to see after this mission and specially with people who might die.

Several seconds after Suder had entered the Holodeck, the program began. A squad of Starfleet Officers dressed in black uniforms ran across the Starfleet camp with their weapons loaded and aimed at the forests. There was no one there, but it was the general direction of the Jem'Hadar camp. Several miles in that direction. Suder ran towards the group and picke dup his own weapon. It was slightly different to the others. It was Betazoid disign, but it had passed approval. It was slightly smaller than standard Starfleet issue phaser rifles. It had a targeting scope on the top and the whole weapon was slightly longer than a phaser rifle. It was slightly heavier as well.

After walking through the forest, Suder and the team came up to a large mound. Beyond the mound was the Jem'Hadar camp. This was what Suder remembered most. This moment. The moment he had to face again to finally deal with the demons of the past. "All right, Charlie, Garkson to the left, Foren and Johnson to the right, Suder, I want you in that position to the far right flank. Carlie, your with me." the Commander ordered. The tema dispersed in the forest and each went to their designated areas. All in pairs apart from Suder. "Suder was led in the middle of two trees and some bushes. Plenty of cover for what he needed to do. The other officers were closer to the camp, but t hen their objective was different. The time came and the battle began.

Suder aimed his weapon at teh Jem'Hadar team that was heading for two of the Starfleet officers that had been spotted. He fired. Instead of a phaser beam, a pellat came shooting out of the barrel. The Jem'Hadar First was the first to fall. Suder aimed at the next, and then fired again. Another Jem'hadar went down. The Starfleet Commando Leader finished off the other three from his position. Suder aimed his weapon at a Jem'hadar in a tower of the camp. When Suder fired his weapon, the soldier fell out of the tower and crashed on the ground with a concearning thud.

"Sniper!" several of the Jem'Hadars snapped. Two to the West and East. Two center!" one of the Jem'Hadar had shouted. When Suder heard this, he was amazed that the Jem'Hadar knew where all of the officers were. The two officers that were ordered to head down to the base to plant explosives were the first to be killed. The female officer was shot by a Jem'hadar that was strategically hiding in a bunker. The male officer was ambushed by two Jem'hadar soldiers. They jumped off one of the small buildings that had been constructed years ago. The soldiers smashed the base of their weapons on the soldiers skull as they landed. The officer fell down and did not move again.

The Commander was the next to go. A well aimed shot by one of the enemy soldiers had hit the Command right in the face. He was thrown back and hit a tree. If the blast didn't kill him then the snapping of his neck would have. Suder continued to fire at any soldier he could see. Just like before, Suder heard a noise to his right. He turned to see a soldier heading for him.

Suder aimed his weapon at the soldier and fired, but nothing happened. He had run out of ammo. He assumed the Jem'hadar charging him had a problem with his weapon too as he didn't use it. Suder got to his feet and charged the Jem'Hadar troop. They collided and fell to the ground. With hands at each others' throat, they rolled through the bushes and down the hill. They banged into a tree and continued to fight each other. Punching and yelling every chance they got. Suder put his fingers into the soldiers eyes and pushed as hard as he could. With his free hand he grabbed the knife that every Jem'Hadar soldier had. The Jem'Hadar punched Suder off and as he got up Suder threw the knife. The Jem'Hadar seemed shocked at first and then looked down to see the knife ibedded in his chest. The soldier then fell to the ground and rolled own further. Suder climbed up through the bushes and grabbed his weapon. He changed the clip and looked around. The Starfleet team had been killed by now. Each one shot and beaten to death. Several soldiers were heading for Suder.

"Computer, freeze program." he ordered. Everything frooze. The movement of the trees, the movement of the Jem'Hadar, everything. Suder stood up and strolled down to the camp. Three Starfleet officers were led in front of the camp. Only one of them had been shot. The other two had been beaten to death. If the skulls hadn't been smashed, then they had been stabbed in most major organs.

It was a horrible sight, even for someone who had seen a lot of action. At that point, Suder just left the Holodeck and closed down the program. He was heading for Engineering and his only thoughts were for all the men and women who had died in this war. A lot fo people were killed on their ships or shot in battle. But a lot of people didn't think about the ones which died close up and personal. The ones who had been stabbed, hit, punched or kicked to deatch.

Suder entered Engineering and was greeted by Ensign Rine. She hadned out a data padd and Suder looked at it. "It's about Ensign Jamie Schumacher. He's got another shift off." the Ensign reported.

"Another one?" Suder asked, not expected the Ensign to repeat herself. She just nodded.

"He wasn't at the meeting either, which you no doubt noticed. He's been ill." Rine said.

"I'm sure sickbay could have done something about that, even for the aftermath of the illness."

"Well, it's not that we need him, there are only a few of us as everyone's on Risa, but we can handle everything." Rine said tryign to sound enthusiastic.

"That's not the point Ensign. A lot of work can be done to Engineering. Personally, I'd like to have this work done to Engineering before we leave. I'm sure Commander Mercury would like it done too. Report this to the Chief. I expect if Jamie Schumacher has another shift off he'll need a 'note' from Sickbay. Also, look up his personnel file, I know he was late arriving at the Galaxy and he's been either late for shifts or not shown up. Ill or not, look into his background."

Rine nodded and walked off. Suder was still bugged about several things. Now adding Ensign Jamie Schumacher to list didn't make things easier. The main things floating in his mind was the war and Commander Samara. With the reprimands that Suder had found out about her, he was surprised she had made it this far. But he had to give her a lto of credit. She had determination, and deep down, he could sense that she wasn't as aggressive and mean as everyone and she made herself out to be.

Suder strolled through Engineering and began looking through the regular reports that the Engineers from the last shift had submitted.

Jake T. Olson theroughly enjoyed the company of Ferengi, why he didn't really know. Due to cercomstance, Jake's life was devoted to salesmanship, and the species took it to a high art.

The Damion gaped when Jake told him how he thumbed a ride on a Klingon freighter on the price of a snowball.

"If I could, I'd steal your trade in a heartbeat!" The little Ferengi said. "But that's the problem with artists, you can't copy!"

"'Fraid that is too true, otherwise I wouldn't talk to you!" Jake grinned as he uttered his sing song answer. "Guess it pays to be be an artist with Lobes. The one side protects the other's backside!"

"Look at THAT!"

Jake turned, and that had to be the smallest swimsuit he had yet to see. She was a beauty! Obviously Risan, both males gaped. "Man, this is a PLANET!" The Ferengi had speech, although the Human couldn't utter a peep.

Ens. Jake T. Olson
USS GALAXY

Jake Olson had spent a very pleasant time, for him anyway. He headed back to the Galaxy, caught some ZZs and went to work. Jamie said hi/bye, barely catching the other on his way out again, dressed in uniform. Jake was careful not to wear any of his baubles to work, that may irritate a superior. That didn't stop him from getting questioned, he told the lady just to drop a note in his PC, he would tend to it just as soon as he got home. She spread the word, and the PC would be a very full machine by the end of the day, leaving Jake a very happy man.

"Time to Relax"
By: Lt Ryak Sullax
Acting Assistant Chief Science Officer
USS Galaxy

Ryak had enjoyed the time orbiting Risa. There was no way that he was taking his son down to the planet. There was way too much that could go wrong. Ryak knew that he was being overly cautious with Sullar but he needed to know that his son was very healthy before he could rest.

Ryak took Sullar down to his lab so that he could catch up on getting all of the info caught up that he had to and hopefully be able to work on his experiments. Sullar was looking much better and as a usual child he was very hyper. Ryak did his best to keep calm but he was about to snap at any moment. Ryak was feeling that Sullar was about ready to start his schooling in the holodeck again.

Ryak entered his lab and started up his lab. In a second Ryak was surrounded by space. It felt good to be back at work. Ryak began to organize all of the data recovered. Hours passed before Ryak was done. He noticed that Sullar was a sleep on the couch in the corner. Ryak picked up Sullar and headed back to their quarters.

Ryak placed his son into his bed and sat down on the couch in the living room. Ryak turned on some Classical Romulan works and began to scan his experiment padds. Which one to work on? Jem'Hadar cloaking devise detector or faster space travel. Ryak had no idea so he turned them over and began to mix them up. A couple seconds passed and Ryak flipped one over. A smile covered Ryak's face as he began to read the preliminaries to the padd.

Space Travel it was.

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

"THE Day Begins"
by, Lt. Raesene Hermedhie,
Acting Chief Tactical Officer,
U.S.S. Galaxy;
Nervous Groom

Raesene woke up early on this momentous day. He really could not remember much about the previous night. Something about a simulation. But that was about it.

But now he had to get ready for the largest event of his young life. He took a good, long shower, then exited, and quickly donned a tunic and set of breeches. Finally, he put on his half-plate armor, properly shined for the occasion.

Then he walked quickly down to the Holodeck, and opened the program that would serve as the backdrop for the ceremony. As the top of the castle formed, he found a place to sit, and awaited the guests and participants. The wedding was set to begin in four hours.

"Down Time."

Lt. Karyn Dallas
Chief Counselor

Ensign Michael McDowell
Engineering Officer

Julia Monsoon
NPC Karyn's personal aide

***Karyn's personal quarters***

"You're actually considering wearing that?" asked an incredulous Julia Monsoon.

Karyn stuck her tongue out at Julia playfully. She was holding a bright green bikini up to herself, while sitting in front of the mirror. "Are you saying you don't think I can pull this baby off?"

"No, not at all. You've always had a great figure. It's just that I've never seen you wear anything like it, that's all."

"Well, I think it's about time I learn to relax and let my hair down a bit. This is the first time I'll be able to take leave and I'm going to take advantage."

"Sounds like someone is looking for love, " said Julia in a sing-song voice, "It's about time you joined the rest of the crew."

"Need I remind you the complications shipboard romances cause? Please, the one thing I've learned is never to jump into romance unless you're prepared to live with the consequences...you know things like jealousy, affairs, babies...that sort of thing."

"And what would be so bad? Even the bloody Captain has someone! Just because you're the Chief Counselor doesn't mean you took a vow of celibacy. There's more to life than just work, you know."

"I know, I just need to get myself together, I'm not exactly prime girlfriend material right now. Gods, here's a perfect example. You know what I did? I gave some poor Ensign hives the other day. Hives! Oh, yeah, I'm really prepared to handle the emotional rollercoaster of a relationship." At this point, Karyn moved over to her closet to pick out an evening gown for her dinner with Endris later. She chose a straight midnight blue gown with a slit up the leg. Julia helped her find matching earrings and shoes.

As Julia helped Karyn brush her shiny red hair. Pulling Karyn's hair in a pony tail, Julia said, "Look, I know you're not interested in whirlwind romance, but have you considered the possibility he's not coming back for you?"

Karyn did not have to ask who she was referring to. Alan, her first true love had grown up in Guardian City with her under less than ideal circumstances, they'd fallen in love and he'd gone off to SFA apparently, to gain a career secure enough to support both of them. She saw him years later when she enrolled. He barely acknowledged her, he was drunk and appeared to have a new girlfriend every week. The last time she saw him, they'd had a huge fight and she hadn't seen him since, though his wild reputation was the talk of the Academy.

"Julia, I'm over him...at least I think so, it's not been easy but I've gotten on with my life. Can't I just have time to myself without being treated like I'm a lonely old maid? In case you haven't noticed, my schedule doesn't exactly lend itself to a relationship. Deiran Casey is a living, breathing example of what a career does to a relationship. They love each other but are still trying to overcome an enormous amount of obstacles. I'm not ready to risk getting my heart trampled on for a few good times and then those wonderfully awkward moments when it falls apart."

By this point, Karyn had dressed in the bikini and was putting the finishing touches to her hair while looking in the mirror. Julia reluctantly handed her the matching cover-up and towels. "Promise me you won't hide behind this thing all afternoon," she said referring to the cover-up, "the object here is to SHOW your figure not hide behind it."

"Thanks, I didn't know that, " said Karyn sarcastically. "listen I should be back up here by 0530 to get ready for dinner. I'm just going to take a quick swim and get a little sun. I have to at least show that I attempted to get a tan."

"Do you have any appointments tomorrow?," asked Julia, hating to spoil Karyn's good mood. "Not until the afternoon, I arranged to meet with Anna, Neil and James in a private meeting room on Risa, figured that would be the most relaxing place to have the group session."

"Ok, great, you can sleep in tomorrow."

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I've been tired a lot lately."

The two headed to the transporter room to beam to the planet. Julia was going to help Karyn into the water and also get her special flotation devices on that would help her swim with some control. Swimming was one of the few activities that gave her the freedom to move without difficulty.

***Risa, near a small natural spring, away from the main tourist attractions***

Karyn felt the warm water envelop her. She dove beneath the clear water and emerged completely refreshed. Her whole body relaxed and she was able to completely enjoy the moment. She swam several laps, getting the kinks out of her muscles.

"This is great, you should come in Jul."

"No thanks, Kar. You go ahead. I think I'm going to go grab a snack. Just beep me when you're ready to get out." Julia held a up a small com device that would alert her when Karyn needed her. Karyn had an identical water-proof one in her cleavage. (Julia's idea, not hers. The skimpy bikini had no place to clip it.)

"Ok, see you in a bit." When she left, Karyn decided to sit on a small ledge near the shallow end of the spring. She would enjoy the peace and quiet for a while and dangle her feet in the warm water.

A few moments later Karyn heard a rustling behind her. Smiling, she half turned, "Julia, I swear you'll forget your head one of these days. What di--" Karyn was not greeted by the short English brunette that was her personal aide. Instead she was greeted by a young blonde man in a pair of swimming trunks. At first she couldn't quite place him and then she remembered - Michael McDowell, he had come to the classrooms several months back to repair a burst plasma conduit. He had been very sweet then and they were supposed to have a drink but that was before all the complications in her life.

Michael glanced at her nervously. "Oh...um...I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you were here Karyn...I'll come back later." He turned to leave but Karyn called out, "No, wait Michael it's ok, there's plenty of room here for both of us." She patted a spot beside her on the ledge, "Come sit down."

The words caused Michael's heart to skip a beat. Did she really say what he thought she had said? He looked over his shoulder and saw Karyn inviting him to sit down. It was true alright. Michael turned and walked towards Karyn. He couldn't help staring at her. She was beautiful, ... simply breathtaking. The bikini, revealing far more then an average one, gave her a sexy and seductive look. She looked like a real femme fatale.

*Please, don't let this be a dream.* Michael thought.

Sitting beside Karyn, Michael tried to stop his heart from pounding. He hadn't expected to find anyone here -especially Karyn. He wanted to talk with her ever since she got back from Earth. He'd thought about her often enough. Now that the moment was here he just hoped he could keep his eyes away from her bikini long enough to carry on a civilized conversation.

Karyn tried to keep the embarrassment off her face. She had definitely intended for no one else to see the bikini, now that another man was looking at her, she realized just how revealing the suit was. Unfortunately, all her towels were out of her reach and there was no way she could get to them non-chalantly. She didn't want to appear rude and besides, he was really friendly and she wanted some company.

Recalling that Michael had been one of the hostages on Cardassia Prime, she asked with a warm smile, "How have you been?"

A simple question, and a good way to start a conversation. But it was not that simple for Michael to answer. The last few weeks had been difficult for him. The memories of the war, especially the events on Cardassia, kept coming back in the form of flashes or images. He even had experienced some nightmares. If Michael had to tell the truth then that's what he had to say. But it was hardly the answer Karyn was waiting for. She wouldn't be on Risa if she wanted to hear his war experiences.

"Well...like everyone I'm 'licking my wounds'; the war doesn't go away that easily." Michael answered as honestly as he could, "It's...um...a bit harder then I thought...but it's nothing to worry about."

"Do you want to talk about it? I realize the group counseling you've been involved in may be a little intimidating, perhaps you'd feel more comfortable talking one on one? I apologize for my attire, but this could open up a whole new path for me," said Karyn jokingly.

Karyn's reply surprised Michael. He totally underestimated her. It didn't make any difference if she was on the ship or on Risa. The counselor within her was always present and appeared whenever needed. However, there was something different about Karyn. The way she talked, the way she looked. It were all signs. Signs that told Michael that this was more then just a casual talk.

"Karyn, don't worry. It's not that bad...really." Michael said with a soft voice. Then a smile, although he knew damn well that he was not telling the truth, "And besides, we can't do a session here. We're on Risa and off duty, remember?"

"This doesn't have to be a session. I'm just a friend concerned about another friend. Besides, you may be a good liar, but you're not a good liar, Michael. Now tell me what's bothering you, it might help.

Michael looked at Karyn for a few seconds and then averted his eyes. "Yes...I lied. I just don't want you to worry about my problems. At least not know. This is not the time to talk about it." Michael said and took Karyn's hand, "You need to relax. You, of all people, deserved this shore leave."

Karyn smiled and she couldn't keep her heart from melting at the utter sincerity of this man. Here he was, just having gone through a difficult time emotionally, and he was worried about inconveniencing her. He had taken her hand and instantly she felt a jolt of electricity go through her. It was a feeling she had felt only once before, a feeling she thought she would never feel again. Her heart was pounding and suddenly, she was nervous and unsure of what to do next.

Again Michael felt his heart pounding. He never thought he would once hold Karyn's hand, except in his dreams. But this was as real as it could get. For a few seconds it looked if time stood still. Michael was experiencing a perfect moment with the perfect woman.

Karyn frantically searched Michael's eyes for any indication that he felt the same way. The rational part of her told her to use caution. Was she jumping to conclusions? Did he just view her as a friend that could give him guidance? She was wearing a damn bikini for gods sake, she was practically advertising seduction. What had she been thinking? There was still a part of her that knew even if he felt the same attraction that she felt for him, relationships with coworkers especially potential clients was a big breach in professional ethics... and yet...

"If you didn't come to talk about the war, I'm assuming you came here to swim for some R and R." said Karyn, hoping changing the subject would help her focus on Michael and what he was saying instead of the relatively unfamiliar, yet pleasant feelings.

It was not until Karyn broke the silence that Michael realized he was gazing at her bikini again. He couldn't ignore it, no matter how hard he tried. Michael's face reddened when he saw that Karyn noticed him staring.

"I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..." stammered Michael, not knowing what to say or where to look.

"Oh, um, it's okay. I did choose to wear this bikini and it is too revealing. I must apologize, I don't usually wear things like this." She felt her cheeks redden and she reached for a towel. Michael was stunned by her words. Since when was it alright to stare at her...well,...her breasts? Any other woman would have slapped him in the face.

As she was reaching for a towel, he touched her on the arm. "It's... alright?" Michael asked in disbelief, "No slap in the face?"

"No! Of course not. I could hardly hold you solely responsible for a reaction like that. No woman wearing an ensemble like this, could say she was prepared for a nice quiet dinner and friendly chat." She was about to reach for the towel again when he stopped her again.

"Yes, that's what I intended to do. After all, it's been a while since the last time I swam." Michael replied, "Would you care to join me?"

The words were out of her mouth before her brain had time to register what she was saying. "I'd love to." Karyn gently slid her body into the water. Martin offered his hand without a word and in moments they were enjoying the warm water.

The two chatted easily about their plans and what they had done so far on Risa. Michael was so easy to talk to, she found herself thinking she could tell him anything. It had been a long time since she'd felt this comfortable with a man. The two began laughing, swapping jokes and splashing each other.

At one point they began to chase each other and splash at the same time. Michael was inches from Karyn and continued to splash her, being careful not to get her in the face. Simultaneously, they both leaned forward to splash each other...but instead of Karyn's hands sending the current to his body, Karyn's hands land squarely on Michael's chest.

For a moment, time seemed to stop. Unsure of what to do or say next, Karyn chose to avert her eyes downward, hoping to melt into the spring, but unable to ignore what the simple contact did to her.

Before she could say or do anything, Michael placed his finger under her chin forcing her to look at him. Then, gently and in slow motion from Karyn's point of view, Michael placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled her toward him. The next thing she knew they were kissing. It was slow and very gentle, not filled with urgency as one might expect, but with a softness and sweetness of new experience.

Even as her mind screamed, *What the hell are you doing?!?* her body melted. Ultimately, it was Michael who broke the kiss. He wasn't sure what he was doing and he mentally chide himself for advantage.

The moments were packed with tension, which Karyn broke. "So much for staying friends, huh?" She fought a nervous laugh.

Michael thought, *So she isn't interested...I should have known. How could I take advantage of her like that.* He now feared he jeopardized their friendship. Would he ever look at her the same way, knowing she wasn't interested in him romantically?

"Look, I um...I'm sorry...it was my fault. It won't happen again, please forgive me. Why don't we forget the whole thing happened and go get that drink I promised you?

Karyn thought,*So he isn't interested,* trying to keep her dissappointment from showing she answered, "Sounds great, you're right let's just forget the whole thing."

Karyn turned her back as he got out of the water and wrapped a towel around himself, suddenly feeling as if staring at his bare chest would be a breach of privacy.

It wasn't too awkward as by that time, Julia had returned. Karyn gestured for her to help get her out of the water and into her chair. Julia did so, but managed to raise her eyes in question at the bare chested man that was toweling himself off.

Karyn introduced the two and then added, "We're going to go get a drink at the bar here. I'll be back."

Julia nodded wordlessly and watched as the two headed toward the bar.

When they were gone, Julia shook her head, suddenly glad she wasn't witness to whatever had occurred moments earlier....

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

"Time To See"

During the next shift in Engineering, it was still quiet. There was only four Engineers in the area. Suder had found out that everyone else was on Risa, with the exception of several Engineers that were on leave and on the ship. They obviously couldn't stand Engineering. Suder spent most of his time there. It was where he had to be. Besides, these 'kids' needed some supervision. Suder couldn't get ome thoughts out of his head. He rested his elbow on the console in front of him and he rested his head in his hand. He closed his eyes for a moment, just to try and clear his mind.

When he opened his eyes, his mind was clear. He looked at the Engineers that were working in the corner. He focused on them but something wasn't right. They were talking, but Suder couldn't make out the words. it were as if they were in slow motion. Suder stood up and stepped closer. It wasn't him, they were speaking slower and quieter.

"I assume you got the message?" a voice asked from behind him.

Suder turned around and saw the most unbelievable thing. It was a Vorta. Standing in the middle of Engineering. Suder recognised him, but couldn't remember his name.

"When are you going to tell them?" the Vorta asked as he walked around Engineering looking at the consoles and then the warp core.

Suder looked at the Engineers, they were still talking. They paid no attention to the Vorta or himself. "Who?" he asked.

"Captain Price, Commander Casey." the Vorta replied.

"I have no idea w-"

"What I'm talking about?" the Vorta interrupted. Then let's try and remember." the Vorta suggested.

Images passed through Suders mind. He saw each one and remembered the pain he once knew. Knew what the Vorta was talking about. Suder couldn't see Engineering, or the Vorta, he could just see these images. Lots of different images. "Remember." he head the voice of the Vorta.

"Sir?"

Suder jumped at the voice of one of the Engineers. He looked around. There was no Vorta, just the Engineers. Talking normally.

"Are you ok, Sir?" the Ensign asked.

"Yeah, I haven't slept much that's all." Suder replied realising that he must have just been swept into a sleep. He continued working and the Ensign walked back over to his station.

Suder shook his head a just focused on his work, it was obviously a dream. Nothing to pay attention to.

"Assembling the mission"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Boardwalk Resort, Risa ***

Captain Price had quickly put on some clothes after Admiral Thomas Casey and Commander Deiran Casey had unexpectedly transported down to Lee's resort suite on the 14th floor where he and Yeoman York were spending quality time together.

After hearing a bit of the Admiral's situation, Lee had suggested that they take the Galaxy to Nerinda Minor. However the Admiral didn't want to do that, or even take a Federation run-about to that system for fear of tipping off the Romulans and Orion syndicate that he was onto their secret meeting with the corrupt heads of Starfleet. After having his suggestion of using the Galaxy, or one of her run-abouts rejected, Lee decided to stop offering his assistance and simply ask what the Admiral wanted.

"I'm thinking I'll need help with surveillance equipment, a few officers for back-up, and access to whoever has a reliable civilian freighter or transport that we can hire to get to Nerinda Minor." Admiral Casey stated evenly in a commanding, 'take charge' tone. "Any suggestions Captain?"

Lee rubbed a hand over the edge of his beard, tugging gently on the end of his short whiskers. "Well, the equipment should be no problem Admiral. We likely have or can manufacture whatever you need here on the Galaxy. Most of the crew, however, are on shore leave, leaving us with a minimal staff to maintain the Galaxy in orbit. It will be tough, but I can probably get you a few officers for this mission to Nerinda Minor. As for the transportation, I'm sure a civilian ship can be hired on Risa to take your team to Nerinda Minor sir."

Admiral Casey nodded. "Excellent Captain. Will you be coming along as part of the team Lee?"

Captain Price stopped playing with his whiskers and shook his head. "I'm afraid that would be difficult sir. There is a wedding I need to attend to tomorrow between two of my crew members. I also have a commitment to give Zea Vicea Heero Brandis, Mother of the First House of Betazed, a tour of the Galaxy." Lee explained, but then added, "Of course I can cancel those plans if you wish me to sir."

Thomas shook his head. " Zea Vicea Heero Brandis? Lord no Captain. The woman would make enough fuss to let the entire quadrant know something was going on. You'd be best to stick with your plans to make everyone believe things are proceeding as usual. If it's okay, I'll take Deiran here. It will be like old times, aye son?"

Deiran feigned a smile, at least pretending to agree with his Father's comments, even if the though did make his stomach churn.

"If that's what you think is best Admiral. How many officers will you need to take with you on this mission 'mate?"

Thomas thought a minute. "It's basically a reconnaissance mission to gather information, so we won't need great numbers. At least not right away. I'd say a few good men should do the trick. Say six officers Captain." the Admiral explained.

Lee nodded. "I'll see if I can muster up that many from those remaining on the Galaxy Admiral."

"Remember Price, this is an undercover assignment, so keep the details of the mission of the highest confidence." Admiral Casey explained.

"Understood Admiral." Lee nodded.

Just then Yeoman York, now dressed, entered with a plate of fresh fruit she'd sliced up while the Captain and Admiral were talking with Commander Casey in the adjoining room. She smiled professionally as she carried the plate. Deiran was still a little red in the face from the earlier encounter, and refused to take any of the snacks when they were offered. Admiral Casey didn't seem the least bit affected at having barged into the Captain's suite earlier and interrupting their love making. He eagerly took some of the pineapple and began nibbling on it with a smile.

"Thank you my dear. So, then. I'll let you gather up the supplies, equipment and officers we will need to go to Nerinda Minor and stake out the Clairmont Hotel. Meanwhile, I'll beam down to Risa with Deiran and Alexa and see about hiring a civilian ship to take us there before the meeting tomorrow evening."

Lee nodded. "This is supposed to happen by tomorrow night?"

"That's right Captain, so I'll need to secure passage and have all the personnel and equipment ready by 23:00 tonight if we are going to leave to arrive at Nerinda Minor on time to set everything up and get into position to capture evidence of this meeting and who attends." Admiral Casey explained.

The news didn't seem to please Yeoman York, since it meant Captain Price would likely be departing to return to the Galaxy to carry out Admiral Casey's orders.

"Fair dinkum 'mate. I'll beam back up to the Galaxy to make the arrangements."

Finishing his fruit slice and smiling at the attractive Yeoman York, Admiral Casey took a step forward. "Deiran and I will beam up with you Captain. We will need to change into civilian clothing before beaming back down to search for a civilian transport to Nerinda Minor."

"Suit yourself Admiral." Lee acknowledged. He then stepped over to Yeoman York and put his arms around her waist. "Sorry 'mate. duty calls." he stated before giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Jamie looked a bit sad that Lee was going, but kept a stiff upper lip about it. "I guess I'll go and get some rail shooting in this afternoon then if you are going to be gone."

"No worries, I should be back later this evening." Lee then gave her a lingering kiss before pulling back and adding, "See you tonight."

Jamie then watched as Captain Price stepped over to where Admiral Casey and Deiran were standing, waiting for the transporter to beam them up.

"I'll contact the ship and. . ."

"Actually, Alexa is standing by Captain." Admiral Casey interrupted just as Lee was about to tap his communicator.

Captain Price stood by and watched, stepping in formation next to Deiran, just to the right of Admiral Casey. Thomas pulled out a small device and activated it, causing it to shine brightly. A moment later the transporter beam surrounded all three officers while Yeoman York watched a few meters away as they disappeared of the 14th floor suite of the Boardwalk Resort on Risa. Letting out a slight sigh, she turned and went to put the remaining fruit away.

****

On board the Galaxy, Admiral Casey, Captain Price and Commander Casey all materialized on Transporter pad 4. Cadet Alexa Casey was standing at the controls once again, smiling when she saw her father once again.

"Come on you two, we need to get changed into civilian clothes to secure passage on a ship heading to Nerinda Minor." Admiral Casey explained to Deiran and Alexa. "Captain Price will gather the equipment, supplies and officers we need to carry out this mission."

Alexa stepped forward and handed Captain Price a small padd. "My father had me prepare this list Captain. It's everything we need to take with us to Nerinda Minor. I've began assembling some of the things in cargo bay two."

Lee raised an eyebrow as he took the padd from Deiran's sister. "I'll be sure to put someone on gathering the rest of the supplies you'll need."

"Excellent." Admiral Casey stated. Then turning to Deiran and placing a fatherly hand on his shoulder, he added, "Well let's get going. There isn't much time. We have to get changed and back down to Risa if we are going to locate a ship to take us where we need to go."

"If we can even find a ship heading that way on such short notice. . ." Deiran added a bit skeptically.

"Well, I have an idea about that. . ." Admiral Casey stated knowingly as he and his two children exited transporter room 4.

Lee watched them walk down the corridor while he stood just outside of transporter room 4. He then tapped his comm badge. "Captain Price to Lieutenant Commander Samara."

A moment later, an agitated (but normal sounding) part Klingon, part Bajoran Chief Engineer responded, ["K'Eytyanna here. What do you want Captain?"]

"'Commander, I have a list of supplies and equipment I need assembled right away for a secret mission. Can I have you meet me in cargo bay two 'mate. I'll give you the details there."

["Give me a few minutes to close down this access panel in the Starboard Nacelle control room sir."] Lieutenant Commander Samara replied.

"Fair dinkum 'Commander. See you there in fifteen minutes. Price out."

****

Captain Price waited patiently in Cargo bay two for Lieutenant Commander Samara to arrive. When she finally did, she almost seemed glad to have some work to do to take her mind off whatever else it was that had been troubling her.

"You have a list you said Captain?"

Lee handed the padd to the Chief Engineer. "It looks like a third of the things are already assembled here. They have been checked off of the list."

K'Eytyanna scrolled through the list of items. "This looks like someone is planning to do some serious spying on someone."

Captain Price nodded. "It's going to be used to record a secret meeting that will be taking place. I'll need all of this equipment and supplies assembled by 23:00 'Commander. Think you can do that 'mate?"

K'Eytyanna nodded. "It will be a challenge sir, with the reduced staff presently on board, but I'll have it all ready to go."

"Bonzer 'Commander. That just leaves the task of finding half a dozen officers to accompany the Admiral. . ." Lee thought out loud. Smiling, he finished with, "Carry on 'mate. Contact me if you run into any trouble assembling the items."

K'Eytyanna nodded and watched as Captain Price prepared to exit cargo bay two.

Ensign Jamie Schumacher
USS Galaxy

Jamie was given some shore leave, Even if it wasn't given to him he was going to down any way.

Jamie ran into his room Jake wasn't here he must be on Duty or making snowballs Jamie didn't care he packed his stuff and was off he left a note "going to Risa, gonna have some fun."

Jamie," he left the room and went to the transporter and beamed down, He materialised on risa hell it was a hot place, there were lot's of con men and small shops selling all kinds of stuff, Jamie went into one of the bar's 'mental note, come here often' Jamie thought to him self as he seen the girls. Some walked up to him "hey I've never seen a Barjoran Before" asked one of them, Jamie joked "hey I've got to congratulate you on your hospitality" They talked for a while and it was getting late Jamie was drunk, then again so where the girls.

Then a girl asked him would you like to come round to mine? She was very nice probably the most beutiful girl there. "yeh that's fine by me" Jamie said and they left the bar holding hands.

Her house was in the mountians and hell was he tired. they finnaly got there about an hour after the bar encounter. Jamie colasped in the bed and by what she was saying and doing she was trying to suduce him Jamie was happy to play along.

End of part one

"The Search, Part 3"
Lt. Karyn Dallas, Chief Counselor
Also featuring: Ensign Han Jian-fu, Security Officer
Ensign Franklin Stone, Security Officer
Ensign John Thorne, NPC Science Officer
Ensign Michael McDowell, Engineering Officer
USS Galaxy

***A Bar on the Beach***

Jian and Franklin walk in off the street, they see officers from the Galaxy, the Tian An Men and several other Starfleet ships drinking and having a good time.

"Excuse me." Jian said loud enough to get everyones attention. "We're looking for Ensign John Thorne, from the USS Galaxy, has anyone seen him?" Jian looks around to see if anyone would answer.

Karyn and Michael had been enjoying their drinks and friendly conversation. She didn't really notice the two Security Officers until they mentioned a name.

"John Thorne?" asked Karyn concern etched in her features.

"Do you know him?" asked Jian, moving toward the red head in the wheelchair.

"Yes, I was treating him for a while for depression. He's missing?"

Jian went on to explain how John was supposed to report in an hour ago, then finding the communicator with the blood nearby. Karyn frowned, John was a quiet soul new to the ship. This was his first deep space assignment and he was feeling the strain. Karyn had encouraged him to meet others, but his shyness and uncertainty kept him from meeting too many people. He jokingly referred to himself as the 'outcast.'

Karyn's concern grew. She knew John was frustrated with himself, he wanted to prove his worth so much, thinking if he proved he had superior skills, it would gain him the friends he desired. Was it possible the strain had become too much? Was he capable of hurting himself? Anything was possible and as much as she wanted to believe John would never consider suicide, she couldn't discount the evidence thus far.

"I want to go with you," it wasn't really a question but an order. Softly she added, "If something's happened...if he's done something or is going to do something, I should be there." There were nodds of agreement from Stone and Jian.

"I obviously am not going to go traipsing around Risa dressed like this," she said looking down at her bikini. There were amused smirks from both Security Officers. "I'm going to beam up to change into something more appropriate, I'll meet you back here. Does anyone know if John's on any medication that could cause him to hallucinate or become disoriented?"

They shook their heads. "We've checked the local hospitals, so far nothing. We were just trying to find some of his friends, see if they knew anything."

"John didn't have many friends, he was a loner mostly. You would have been hard pressed to find anyone who knew him well enough to know his plans. While I'm changing, why don't you guys beam up and report the latest findings. This has gone beyond a simple search party and I for one would feel better knowing that someone on the ship knows where we are in case we get into trouble."

"Sounds good," answered Ensign Stone, "we'll meet you at Devalle Covein ten minutes."

As the two moved to beam back to the ship, Karyn suddenly remembered Michael back at the bar waiting for her. She regrettfully would have to take a rain check. She rolled back over to the table. Concern was etched on Michael's face.

"Is there a problem?"

"Not really," Karyn lied. She didn't want to alarm anyone unneccessarily. Until she knew more, she wanted to keep a low profile. "there's a Science Officer missing, he was supposed to report to the ship a while ago and he never showed, he's probably just having too much fun here and lost track of time."

"Oh," said Michael, clearly disappointed, "perhaps we can meet for dinner then? In Ten-Forward? Say 20:00?"

"Sounds like a great idea," answered Karyn, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice. "See you then."

As Karyn transported up to the Galaxy, she wondered what she would wear for her dinner with Michael.

***USS Galaxy***

Karyn quickly changed into a turquoise sundress and sandals. With Julia's help, she tied her still damp hair into a ponytail. Thankfully, Julia did not press her for information about the man who had apparently had enjoyed a "swim" with her.

Grabbing her medical tricorder and reluctantly her phaser (it couldn't hurt.), she then called up John's medical records. Nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary, but she downloaded it to a PADD for future reference. She also decided to bring a medkit, complete with a hypospray filled with alight sedative, just in case John had been hurt.

She headed to the transporter room, hoping by this point John had been found sleeping on the beach somewhere and the search wasn't needed. Some how she doubted they'd be that lucky.

***Risa, Devalle Cove***

"Ok, guys, assuming we got the thumbs up from the bridge, where should we start?"

"While we were on the Galaxy I had the bridge run some scans of the cove, they detected a residual weapons signature, from a type three distrupter, those are used by Romulans, Breen, and Klingons, it's not likely to be Romulans or Breen, and I've never met a Klingon who would shoot an unarmed human." Jian looked at Stone to see if he wanted to add anything.

"There are others who've been known to buy that type of distrupter on the black market, like the Orion Syndicate, and the Ferengi." Stone said.

"Just because you detected weapons signature it doesn't meen he was shot." Lieutenant Dallas said.

"I know, but it could explain the blood." Jian said.

"If he was shot the weapons signature will be stronger around the blood." Ensign Stone said taking out his tricorder, he started to scan the dried blood, Ensign Stone nods at the others.

Jian takes out his tricorder, "Then there should be a slight Ion trail leading to approximatly where the weapon was fired from." Jian started to walk in a strait line towards the edge of the cliff and stoped about twenty feet away from the blood where Ensign Stone and Lieutenant Dallas were located, "This is it."

Ensign Stone looked along the path Jian followed, "We should be able to tell what the damage level that distrupter was set at." He started scanning the weapon signature, "It looks like it was around energy index 860."

"That's just a little over setting six, if he's still alive he needs medical attention now." Jian hits his comm badge, "Ensign Han to the Galaxy."

"Galaxy here." A voice says.

"I need to know what ships are currently in orbit or on the surface.

"There are six Starfleet ships, one Vulcan science vessel, approximatly 53 Federation Civilian ships and 10 non-Federation civilian ships, there is over 140 small craft on the planets surface."

"Do any of the craft belong to Klingons, Romulans, Breen or Ferengi?" Jian asks.

"There's two Ferengi craft on the surface, both are presently at the main space port."

"Thank you, Ensign Han out." Han turns to the others

"That's where we're going then?" Ensign Stone asks.

"Yes." Jian said

Stone nodded. "You realize of course that we have no jurisdiction to search a Ferengi national's private ship, yes?"

Jian nodded in reply. "I know. But we may be able to get some information at the site at least."

"True" said Stone. "I suggest you and Lieutenant Dallas go on ahead. I shall attempt to use the Galaxy's sensors to obtain more information. If we can use them to document some tangable proof, then it will give us the leagle means to board the vessel."

"Alright. Keep in touch." Said Jian as he and Dallas moved off.

Stone tapped his own commbadge and spoke up. "Stone to Galaxy. One to beam up...and please locate a Level- V Sensor Technician. Have them meet me in the Sensor Control Center."

Moments later, Stone's body was envelloped in the transporter affect, leaving the cove deserted once more.

"Sensor Control Center" by:
Lieutenant (JG) Viara Rhys
Junior Science Officer

Ensign Jake Olson
Junior Science Officer

Viara is led into the Sensor Control Center on Risa's surface. The young Security Officer leads her over to the main Sensor Grid Controls. Standing at the Controls is a young Ensign, in a Science uniform.

"Ensign, what's the status?" Asked Viara as she moved her hover-chair over to the controls.

"Sensors are picking up an odd reading, it isn't of type standard to this planet Sir, it is indicative of large radiation pulse.

"Hmm, I see." Was the only reply Viara offered as she began to think.

"Let's re-modulate the Sensor Grid. Set the Sensor to search for any humanoids without movement. Odds are that Ensign Thorne is injured and unable to move." Said Viara as she began adjusting the Sensor Controls.

"There are several nonmoving humanoids on this planet as the beaches are peppered. Is there anything more specific I can look for so we can narrow the odds?" Nonstandard answer but right, Viara noticed.

"You'll need to re-align the Planetary Satellite to the Northern Axis of the Planet." Said Viara as she began to write new algorithms to begin the scan.

"I've re-aligned the satalite, but if we're going to pick up something as small as a life-form, we're gonna need more power." Jake's fingers were moving over controls.

"I'm going to allocate Secondary Power Supplies to the Satelitte. Let me know when it's in place." Said Viara as she brought Power Supply on-line.

"Satalite is in place. Search will commence at your order."

"Dreams"

Lt Tim O'Connell

(The Late) Ens. Kale Danal

A sleeping
Brooke Ames MD

The mists of dreams invaded his mind, Tim was walking around his hotel room, but yet he was still in bed arm cuddled up with Brooke, THis was too wierd, "that's it no more nachos before bed." He grumbled looking around.

Kale slowly came into view, it was if he was uncloaking like a ship in the night. "Tim" he said then had his smile that always made everyone smile back.

Tim looked at him, "Hey Kale, I thought you were...." Now he was confused.

Kale smiled then looked down at the bed, Tim looked at Kale and he was floating inchs above the floor dressed in a white dress uniform. "I am, but you aren't." he said his voice was like music, that gave a mezmerizing rthym.

"Well that's a good thing to know, Then what are you doing here?" he asked, "last I saw you, was floating out the shuttlebay, last I talked to you, you were getting ready for an away mission."

Kale smiled, "I'm on an away mission to end all mission of all time, I came cause of you. You are needing something, reasurance maybe" he said as he cast another smile.

"Reassurance?" He looked down at the sleeping figure of Brooke, "Neil thinks I'm moving too fast."

Kale reached over and placed his hand on Tim forhead, "Here you are worried about what you will become, where you end up and if you'll be happy. Am I right?".

Tim nodded, "exactly, I love her dag, Like Neil loves Elaine. She was my first love."

Kale smiled, "Do you what answers that can be said, or do you want to know what your future holds?" he asked, Kale's eyes swriled like the black holes.

Tim looked at him, "what do you see in our future?"

"Tim, I can't tell you that. Do you trust my words and me?" He asked looking at Tim.

"I always have." Tim looked at his late friend, "I always have."

Kale nodded, "Then listen and and hear my words, turst in your heart to be your guide." he said.

"Trust my heart, see where it guides me." Tim nodded, "I know where it guides me." He smiled, "you should visit Elaine now."

Kale smiled, "no, I came only for you. heed these words, trust your heart and it shall be, for you stand on the edge of eternity" Kale said and started to fade away.

"Thanks Kale." Tim smiled, "I will."

Kale gave a final smile then the essence that was him faded away leaving on the echos of himself behind.

Tim's dreams changed from confusion to a peace of one who has made a decision.

"The Lydia"
Mr. Shtik
Science Officer

There is a similar feel to every kind of ship. The feeling of being surrounded by a hard working crew operating in sync with the intent of making their ship the most efficient in the fleet, that was what gave a ship it's soul. This ship had all of those familiar characteristics, however it also held a variety of all new sensations. The solid roll of the wooden planks under his feet, the slap of the rigging bouncing overhead and the slap of the sails interacting with the wind all made it clear to Lt. Shtik that he was no longer aboard a starship.

He was in the position of captain aboard the Lydia, Captain Horatio Hornblower's ship from the novel "Beat to Quarters". Ilith had put together the program based on her discovery of the novel he had been reading. He was quite impressed with the attention to detail that she had been able to incorporate into the holonovel.

The sudden explosion of a broadside brought his attention to the ship they were pulling alongside in the dark night. The huge ship of the line towered over the relatively small frigate Shtik stood on. The Lydia had blasted grapeshot across the deck of the larger ship, crushing many of her crew to a bloody pulp. Ensign Han, in the persona of Lieutenant Bush, Hornblower's first officer, lead the crew in a charge of the Spanish ship. Shtik, overseeing the action from the Lydia's quarterdeck, noticed two of his small cutters circling the ship of the line to attack from the rear as well.

Shtik quickly analyzed their placement within the story. Chapter 6, he concluded, the capture of the Natividad. He strode toward the fray, knowing it would be over quickly. The Spanish were overtaken within seconds by Lieutenant Bush's (Ensign Han's) overwhelming surprise attack.

"Impressive display, Ensign." Shtik nodded to the security officer as he boarded the Natividad.

"Thank you, Captain." Jian-fu smiled back. "What are we going to do now?"

"You are going to turn this vessel over to me, senors." A dirty, chubby Spaniard appeared. His gaudy dress identified him as El Supremo, the insane Spanish rebel who Hornblower had been assigned to strike an alliance with. Before him, held at sword point, was Ilith in the role of Lady Barbara Wellesley.

"This is not logical." Shtik's eyebrow rose, "In the novel, El Supremo was not present during the attack on the Natividad. Further, Lady Wellesley did not appear until chapter 8."

"Poetic licence, I had to change the story line a little bit or you wouldn't have any surprises." Ilith smiled.

"Enough prattle!" El Supremo bellowed, "You will now turn this ship over to me or I will kill the lady!"

"Eck! Save me!" Ilith declared melodramatically.

"It is impossible to use such intimidation on me since there is obviously no chance of real physical damage being inflicted during a holosimulation." Shtik stated.

"Computer, disengage safety protocols." Ilith smiled. "You better save me now, lover."

"Enough! I kill her now!" El Supremo began to lunge toward his captive.

"Computer, end program." Shtik called out quickly.

"Unable to comply." The computer responded dispassionately, "Holodeck privileges have been rented to Lieutenant Ilith. All command functions can only be access through her vocal controls." Ilith smiled broadly.

"What evil demon is that!" El Supremo was suddenly distracted by the computer voice out of nowhere. As he searched the heavens for its source, Shtik grabbed Ilith, pulled her away, and knocked El Supremo to the deck.

"Ilith, you must reinitiate the safety protocols at once." Shtik told her.

"Shtik, you saved my life. You do care about me." Her large eyes shed a tear as she smiled up at the Vulcan. Shtik grabbed both sides of her face and forced her to look into his eyes.

"We can discuss this later. Right now you must stop this program."

Suddenly, Shtik was distracted by the blur of El Supremo's blade as it swung behind the deltan woman. Looking back into Ilith's eyes, he could see the life drain out of them as her severed body fell to his feet. With his fingers still placed alongside her face, he tried to retrieve her katra, but he wasn't fast enough for the alien spirit.

"Turn this ship over to me now or you will die next, senor." El Supremo declared, pointing his sword at Shtik. Still holding the severed head of his former roommate, Shtik strode up to the angry dictator.

"I have no desire to participate in this ridiculous charade. I will gladly let you pursue what ever flights of fancy you so wish, for you are not real." El Supremo became outraged.

"How dare you speak that way to El Supremo! I shall have your head as well, Englishman!" The Spaniard screamed as he swung his sword toward the Vulcan. Shtik quickly threw the lifeless object in his hands into the stomach of the short vil

lain. After all, it would be illogical to assign it some sort of emotional attachment at this point. El Supremo fell to the deck and began sputtering and swearing profusely. Shtik took this opportunity to depart.

"Lydias!" He called, trying to remember the correct commands for this period. "Disembark the Natividad and prepare to make way!"

"Returning Clown"
Lt.(jg) Timothy Richeson
Tactical Officer USS Galaxy

Parts by, Lt. Yazron Beq and Captain Price

NRPG: this takes place before Cap. Price leaves the ship, sorry for not posting before this.....LONG story.

"USS Galaxy, This is Runabout Amazon, requesting clearance to land." Lt. Richeson sat in the pilots seat. He couldn't help but stare at huge ship. It had been 4 months since he had seen his home, and he more then welcomed the opportunity to see the ship from the outside.

=/\=USS Amazon, clearance for Main Shuttle bay in 30 seconds, drop to 4000kph. Welcome home Lieutenant.=/\=

"Acknowledge Galaxy." It had been a long time since Tim had piloted a Runabout, but still maneuvered the small craft with ease. Turning the ship to port and then straightening it, the small craft landed on the mammoth Galaxy.

Tim stood up after turning off the main power and opening the hatch. It felt good to be home, and he couldn't ask for a better place to meet up with the Galaxy but the planet he had grown up on. What surprised him was to see his friend there to greet him.

Yaz smiled as Tim stepped off the runabout. "Well look who came back to us." He said sarcastically, giving Tim a friendly pat on the back. "I thought you'd left for good!"

"Yeah... seems like Price got desperate, YOU got promoted!" Tim said with a smile on his face as he extended his hand to embrace his friend. "So how's Ruina?"

Beq's faced change to a serious stare. "She was transferred to the USS Crimson Tide last month."

Richeson nodded a bit. He knew he had made a major error when he ended the relationship before he left, but he couldn't go back in time now. "Remind me to send her my regards later."

"I'll do that. Ahh, Tim? Why is that box on the Runabout moving?" Yaz moved a bit so he could get a better look inside.

"OH! Ashes is in there." Lt. Richeson said with a smile. His 15 pound cat just barely fit in the small animal transport. Tim was about ready to jettison him into space with all the racket he was making on the trip back. "Yaz, can you take him to my new quarters? I have to report to Captain Price. THANKS!" Tim didn't wait for a answer before he bolted for the exit, disappearing behind the bulkhead.

"No problem." Yaz said to the empty shuttle bay. "I'll just make your bed while I'm there." He smiled and lifted up the animal transport. "Looks like your gonna see these new quarters first."

***Meanwhile, Ready Room***

Captain Price sat in his office when the door chime sang out.

"Come in 'mate. It's open." Lee called out.

The door swished open and Lieutenant' Timothy Richeson came walking in with a smile on his face. "You wished to see me Captain?" Tim said coming to a stop at attention just before the Captain's desk.

Lee leaned back in his chair and regarded Mister Richeson for a moment. "Aye 'mate. It's good to 'ave you back on board the Galaxy."

"I'm glad to be back sir." Tim said with a smile. "I missed being here." he added.

"Well 'mate, I'm sure glad we have your talents. With Lieutenant Commander Hunter McKenzie taking a leave of absence, that leaves us a bit short handed in the Tactical department. Lieutenant Raesene Hermedhie is serving as acting Chief of Tactical in the interim, and could very well end up with the job permanently depending on Hunter; so I suggest you treat him well."

"Don't worry Captain. I'm looking forward to getting back in the swing of things sir." Tim smiled.

"Well I won't keep you then. Report to Lieutenant Hermedhie for your duty assignment. With our current on leave status, there really won't be a lot to do in the way of Tactical while we orbit Risa. It should give you time to settle in and get unpacked 'mate. I'm sure you can squeeze a day or two down on Risa if you play your cards right with Raesene." Lee winked.

"I'll keep that in mind sir. It's good to be back on board the Galaxy Captain." Tim added.

"Dismissed Lieutenant'." Lee smiled, then watched as Lieutenant' Richeson exited his ready room office.

"Oaths, family and old friends"

Lt Tim O'Connell
Ens Brooke Ames

Tim stirred in bed next to a warm figure, he unconciously hugged her close and smiled. He felt her warmth next to him and felt like it was how it was meant to be forever. still in a fog Tim reached over and caressed her face he then gave her a kiss, a warm gentle kiss.

Brooke woke up with a smile. "Good mornin`." She loved waking up with him. She cuddled with him, her hand resting on his chest. "Did you sleep well?"

"I slept wonderful, but then with you next to me I always sleep wonderful."

"How sweet, Tim. I don't know if it is because I am here with you or because I am back home but I slept like a baby."

Tim put his hand on hers, "well Rocky, I know it's for hte both of us because we are here, that and I am so completely in love with you." he gently kissed her again his second hand holding the side of her face, his kiss went from gentle to sensual.

Brooke turned over, her bare chest resting on his, and kissed him. "And I with you. I don't know what I was thinking when I let you go."

Tim began to caress her shoulders and down to her chest, "neither do I. Waht was I thinking."

"We weren't but it really doesn't matter, we have each other now." She kissed his lips tenderly and then set her kisses on his neck and working her way down to his chest and back up again. "Have I told you how sexy you are right now?"

Tim looked at her naked body his hands continue their caressing, "I'm only half as sexy as you." he began to kiss down her chest leaving a trail of kisses down.

He aroused her again with his kisses and she could feel herself being drawn to him again. She couldn't help herself where Tim was concerned. Just the feel of his hands holding her, touching her, caused her body to tremble with excitement.

As she did him, the fire that had ignited those years ago was burning again and could never be quenched. "I love you Rocky." he whispered.

Once they had achieved the height of ecstacy, Brooke kissed him one more time and whispered in his ear, "You're incredible."

Tim chuckled, "I am only incredible because I am totally and completely in love with my partner." He kissed her, "you are amazing too." He cocked his head, "how did you get so good?" he had a smile, knowing he didn't care how many men she had in her past.

She never had any sexual partners in her life. In fact, she had never gotten farther than the second date. But being the only woman paramedic had its advantages. Men talked and bragged all the time. She knew what they liked and disliked. "I paid attention to first hand information." She smiled at him. "It's amazing what you pick up in the field." She rolled off to his side.

Tim raised an eyebrow, "Brooke, honest truth, has there been anyone you were with besides me." He took her hands, "I don't care if there was I just want to know."

"After we broke up, I tried dating a few guys but whenever they got too close, I always ran away from the relationship. They never even gotten to first base." She turned and looked him straight in the eyes. "You're the only one I have slept with." She laid back down. "I'm glad that I waited to give myself to the only man I ever really loved.

Tim's head hit the pillow, "oh boy, I feel like such a bimbo now. You waited for love, I wasn't so proper as you."

Brooke didn't know what to say to that. "I didn't mean to make you feel bad. It's different with men than it is for women I think. We look at sex differently, that's all. Maybe in time, I might had found someone but at the time, I wasn't ready back then."

"Maybe I was just a fool, thinking with my dick instead of my heart." He kissed her gently, "it's ok Brooke, Once I was in a serious relationship I am very faithful." He hugged her close, "I just had to grow up I guess."

"So was Eshar a serious relationship or was she just another one of your conquests?" She was trying to understand what they had together, him and Eshar.

Tim tried to think back to what he had with his wife, "Honestly it started as just 2 people who were in the same area, kind of a strangers in the night thing, but then she transferred to the Galaxy and I kept seeing her and something clicked. It got serious fast, very fast. Next thing we got married on shoreleave, Neil was my best man Elaine was maid of honor."

"I'm sorry, I had no right. I really made a mess of things." She had been kicking herself a lot when she found out he had been married.

"No, you have a right to know, we're together now and rather seriously. So you had a right to ask."

She sighs and puts the pillow over her face. In a muffled voice, "Then why do I feel so terrible?"

Tim puts his hand on her back, "Don't Brooke, I love you now, I always cared for you and now I want you in my life forever. Remember when we were geting serious and we first read about the Klingon oath?"

She takes face out of the pillow. "I think so."

"I kinda liked that information and we talked about taking it,"

"We talked about it but never did. So what, are you saying, you want us to take the oath?"

Tim took her hand in his, "I want to, do you?"

"Um, yeah, sure. Right here, right now?"

"We could right now, but are you sure about this?"

"I'm sure that I love you and I'm sure that I want to spend my whole life with you so yes, I'm sure."

Tim smiled, "I love you too, now we'll still have a wedding and all, this is for us."

"I understand." She was happy that he wanted to do this.

Tim took her hand in his and held it, "do you remember the ceremony?"

Her hands were trembling. "Yes, I do."

He held her trembling hand in his, "jIH Dok."

And then she replied, "maj dok."

His reply completed the ceremony, "Tlinghan jIH"

The oath taken Tim leaned over and kissed her, a long passionate kiss on the lips, "under Klingon law you are now my mate."

She smiled softly. "You're stuck with me now no matter what."

Tim grinned, "Now I have to defend your honor with my life," He took her in to his arms, "I think we better get up now. Or I'll stay in bed with you forever."

"That wouldn't be so bad...to stay here in bed with me all day." She joked with him.

"Did I say it would be bad?" He kissed her and caressed her body softly.

"No. Okay, let's get up then, if we must. She got up an reluctently got dressed. "So, we're going to see your Dad?"

Tim got up and began to dress, "yea,we are. What do you think uniforms? for a police station I think yea, you?"

She crinkled her nose at him. "Okay, sure. Uniforms it is."

"Don't worry Brooke we will wear Civillian clothing for the rest of the time here I promise." He wrapped his arms around her barely dressed body and kissed her.

"I trust you." She kissed him in return. "You didn't tell him that we were coming, right?

"Nope, I didn't tell him a thing." He began to put his uniform on, looking at her he smiled, "you look sexy in uniform."

"You think?" She straightened her uniform. "And you look sexy in anything."

"I know you do and thank you Dr." He took her hand, "I guess it's the fact that they don't bother to allow for baggy clothing in the 24th century."

She laughed at his comment. "That's okay, I hate really baggy clothes anyway."

They left the room and took a taxicab to the Area 4 headquarters on Belmont and western.

==019 district and area 4 station==

The desk seargent is preforming his duties filing information processing one criminal who apparantly robbed a convenience store before realizing that there was no money in the register.

He looked at the 2 officers, "Can I help you two, he said with out looking up."

"Sgt O'Connell Area 4."

"Through there." He gestured with a thumb and buzzed them through the barrier. Tim turned to Brooke and smiled, "that's one thing I miss, the warmth."

"I never had to worry about that with the paramedics. Sometimes, I think, they were too happy."

Tim smiled, "too cheerful, I'd agree." They walked in to the bullpen, for all the advances of the 24th century it still looked the same as he'd seen in old 20th century television shows with few exceptions, they wandered around until they spotted his father's desk.

Brooke felt a little nervous. She took a breath, hoping the reception was a good one. After the way Neil flipped out, she had no idea how it would go.

An older version of Tim was bringing back a handcuffed prisoner, "Sit here." he growled then turned back, "Tim?"

"Hey dad, what's up."

His father approached the two of them, "Brooke?, that you?"

"In the flesh. It's been a long time." She said with a little bit of nervousness in her voice.

"Too long. What brings you by?"

"Do we need a reason to visit you?" She looked over to Tim.

Tim looked back at her then to his father, "We're here because we wnated to visit home and..."

"you're seeing each other again?"

"Well, actually we...I mean, yeah, you could say that." She felt a lump form in her throat and her heart rate go up. She couldn't tell what he thought about it.

An impassive stare at the 2 of them, "well....." Then broke in to a grin, "about damned time."

She let out another breath. She smiled. "I thinks so." She took hold of Tim's hand.

Tim squeezed her hand, "we're on leave teh war is over." HE smiled, "we're home for a bit. We do ahve to go back."

Richard O'Connell turned to Brooke, "how did you two meet?"

She smiled at Tim. "We bumped into each other, literally."

TIm chuckled, "that's one way to put it."

"Anyway, we got to talking and now we're together." She gave him the very short version. "I can assure you that I'm not letting him get away again."

"Good, I thought he was a damned fool the first time."

"Dad..."

"It's true." A quick subject change, "did you tell your mom Tim?"

Tim smiled, "we do love to suprise."

"We haven't seen anyone yet but you. We'd thought you should be the first to know."

Tim chuckled, "Well that and we got in late." Tim's dad gestures him aside and they talk privately for a few seconds, Then they walk back. "Tomorrow you two are coming over for dinner, any objections." his tone said don't have any.

"None from me. It'll be really nice to see everyone and catch up." Brooke wondered what they said to each other but didn't pry.

A bright grin, "and I can warn everyone to expect you two back together." He chuckled, "Besides I'm sure you kids have plans tonight."

Brooke had no idea what they were planning. "Maybe you could hold off telling them. I think it would be more fun if you just told them that he was bringing a friend and leave it like that."

A crafty grin, "I like that, I'll say it's a good friend, they'll expect Neil or somthing."

"Thanks dad we'll see you tomorrow then." The two turned to leave the police station. As they walked out in to the bright sunshine, Tim took Brooke's hand in his and they walked to the train system.

"Well that went well. I didn't know what to expect." She felt better about things but she still had to get through the dinner with the rest of the family.

Tim chuckled, "what did you expect a 'get brooke' party."

"Do you blame me? I practically got crucified by Neil and he is just a friend. This is your family we're talking about...blood."

Tim chuckled, "Well we're together now and they will be happy for us." He wrapped her in his arms and gave her a warm long sensual kiss.

"You're right. I'm being silly."

Tim smiled, "your sexy when your being silly."

"Thanks." She gives him a short, sweet kiss. "So, now where to?"

Tim kisses her back, "well, I don't know today let's spend the day in and relax. We'll have a nice afternoon poolside and in our room," he wrapped her in his arms and gave her another kiss.

"Sounds good to me." As they continued to walk, she heard a familiar voice coming up behind her. "Brooke? Brooke Ames?"

She turned around to see an old paramedic friend. "I thought that was you but I wasn't sure. Last I heard you joined Starfleet. The uniform looks good on you."

"Thanks Jim." Glances over at Tim. "I'm sorry, I'm being rude. This is Tim, Tim O'Con..."

"O'Connell." Jim added. "I remember the name. That's all we heard when...I'm sorry Tim. Sometimes I have a big mouth."

Tim smiled, "no biggie Jim, how have you been?"

"I've been good." Jim turned back to Brooke. "What brings you to this part of town?"

"We were just visiting his dad." She studied him for a second. "I see you took my advice. The goatee looks good."

Jim strokes it. "Well thank you Ms. Ames or is it Dr. Ames now?"

Brooke laughs. "Yes, it's Doctor now. It's really great to see you."

"Same here. Look, I have to go. My partner is waiting."

He whispers in her ear, "Are you and Tim back together?"

Brooke nods. Jim puts his hand out to Tim. "Well Tim, you take care of Brooke. She deserves some happiness." Jim hugs Brooke, "And you stay out of trouble. I wish I could visit with you more but duty calls."

Brooke smiled, "Me? Trouble? Never."

Tim smiles and shakes his hand, "I'll try and keep her out of trouble, no promises though." He thought for a second, "and don't worry I'll take care of her."

"Bye Jim." Brooke watches Jim as he leaves. "He hasn't changed a bit. He's still a terrible conversationalist."

Tim looked at her, "so I see." He put his arm around her shoulder protectively, "how did he know my name?"

"Well, Jim and I were partners and when we broke up, I kind of used him as a sounding board. I guess I talked a lot about us."

Tim grinned, "and he didn't break my jaw, such restraint." They boarded the tram and sat back.

"Nah, Jim's not like that. Now if we met up with Zack, you'd have something to worry about."

The tram stopped at their stop and they got out Tim smiled, "I think I'll wait to meet Zack." The walked in to the hotel and took the elevator to their room, "So, shall I order us a snack?"

"Yes, good idea. I'm just going to freshen up a bit."

Tim chuckled, "you are already fresh," He walked over and ordered strawberries and whipped cream with a bottle of a good champagne, it was delivered with rapid speed and he waited for Brooke to return.

Brooke walked out wearing her bra and matching panties with a white terry robe that she left open. This was her idea of being comfortable. "Oh, strawberries and champaigne. What's the occasion?"

Tim poured 2 glasses, "well for the most beautiful and sexy woman I have ever seen I wanted to do something special," he picked up a strawberry and dipped it in the whipped cream. He gently placed it on her lips and smiled.

Brooke had a weakness when it came to strawberries. There was something very sensual about them. She steadied his hand, taking a bite of the strawberry and then another, afterwards, sucking the cream off his fingertips in a very sensual and seductive way.

This seemed so natural to be here with her like this he continued to feed her the berries, his eyes betrayed his passion for her, the fire that had been taken down to an ember began to burn again. Brooke leaned over him to get the glass of champaigne, her half-covered breast taunting him. Tim handed her her glass and let her snuggle in next to him. He kissed her softly but with passion and his hand slipped under her robe caressing her smooth skin. She stayed snuggled close to him, enjoying the closeness and his hand on her skin. His touch was exciting to her, leaving her wanting more from him. Tim's hands slipped her robe off her shoulders and he began to kiss her shoulders and neck, "I love you Brooke." He whispered.

She whispered back, "I love you more than life itself." She kissed him back, this time with the same passion as him. She softly said to him, "Are you planning to stay in that or what?" She smiled with a seductive look.

Tim smiled and began to pull his uniform off his body as if it was on fire, soon he was before her in his shorts. He let her robe drop to the floor and he scooped her up in his arms, "you are so beautiful, I can only offer you my heart."

Brooke playfully said, "right now, it's not your heart I want. She kissed him, leaving no doubt in his mind what she yearned for and desired from him.

Tim laid her on the bed and contineued his kissing and caressing this time with the fire he had for her in his very soul. Soon, Brooke was upon him, kissing his lips and neck, once in a while, playfully nibbling on his earlobes. Tim enjoyed her kisses and returned them with kisses of his own, his hands fumbled with her bra something he never got the hang of removing. Brooke smiled at his endeavors, this time, unknown to Tim, her bra opened from the front. As she exposed herself to him, she continued to kiss him, as she awaited his next move. Tim began to caress and kiss her exposed self and then he with the intense fire in his soul made intense and passionate love to Brooke. Brooke laid there after, her breathing rapid from the intensity of their love making, content.

Tim reached over and interlaced his fingers with hers, "Y'know what, I think I have an idea what to do for the rest of the day."

As Brooke's breathing slows down, she answers, "You do, what?"

He smiled, "Just spend the rest of the day together, I believe I said something about a hot tub?"

"After making love to each other, a hot tub sounds really nice."

Tim sat up, "I agree, let's get on our swimsuits."

"Okay." Brooke got up, bearing all. She slipped on a string bikini that didn't leave much to the imagination.

Tim sat up and smiled, "Are you sure you don't jut want to stay here because all I have to say is wow." he grabbed his swim trunks and pulled them on.

"You are just dying for me to say yes, aren't you? Where is your sense of adventure? Live a little." She laughed.

Tim slipped on a robe and walked over to her and wrapped her in his arms, "we'll go hot tubbing then. Never let it be said I'm not adventerous..." HE got a wicked smile, "in public that is."

"Hot tubbing? You call that adventurous?" She was having fun teasing him.

"Who said aiyhting about wearing suits." He gave her a wicked grin.

"I like the way you think. Then, the hot tub it is." She returned a wicked grin.

Tim looked at her with a mock serious expression, "Ensign Ames, you are going to get us in so much trouble." He hugged her, "that's one of the reasons I love you."

"Hey, it was your idea. I'm just doing my duties as your, um, what would I call myself?" She laughed at herself.

Tim cocked his head and thought, "According to Klingon custome you are my mate. But I suppose girlfriend, lover, or the one I love more then life it'self."

"That's a very nice way of putting it. I love you too." She gave him a kiss softly on the lips.

Tim kissed her back softly but he put some more passion on it. "I suppose I can't call you my mate can I?" he smiled as he said it.

"I don't see why not." She smiled, "It will eventually happen even if I have to wait a few years to make it official. I'm in this for life so I guess you can call us life mates."

Tim began foreplay as a klingon warrior he growled and sniffed behind her ear. With a wicked smile he nipped her cheek with his teeth, "you will make an excellent mate." he said grinning.

Rubbing her cheek, "I'm glad we are not Klingon. I had to fix up a pair of Klingon lovebirds one time and it was not pretty. But thank you for the compliment, so will you."

TIm put his arm around her shoulder as they walked out clad in robes, "well that's why I didn't draw blood, so throwing furniture is out?"

"Yeah, I think so. But if you want to throw clothes, that's okay."

"Only off your body my love." He kissed her again, "only off your body."

"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way."

They walked in to the hot tub area and Tim fired up the tub and slipped off his robe, he looked at the tub and climbed in. "Join me my dear."

"I would love to." She also slipped off her robe and slowly got in, right into the arms of the man she loves.

Tim held her close to him and smiled, "so we'll see my folks tomorrow, when do we want to tell your mom about us?"

"Would you be too upset if I went to see her alone? I really have no idea how she is doing or what condition she is in. I think it would be best." Brooke got real serious.

Tim looked at her, "That's a good idea, Go alone if she's doing ok we can always make another trip." He began to massaged her shoulders, "I'll find something to do, maybe have impure thoughts about a certian young sexy doctor."

She broke into a smile. "I'm glad you see it my way. Who knows, things might be okay and I'm worrying about nothing."

Tim began to plant small kisses on the back of her neck, "I always see things your way."

"That's good. And I think that I can see things your way once in awhile." She hung her head forward, just enjoying the attention Tim was giving to the nape of her neck.

Continuing his kissing he gently began to caress her under the water, "I love you Brooke Ames and always will."

"I know you do but just keep reminding me." She closed her eyes, just going with the feeling.

Tim continued to just enjoy the sensations of her with him enjoying this time with her, feeling as if they had a connection taht was made at birth. He felt a stirring for her in his soul, a fire that could never be quenched.

She leaned back, resting against Tim while her hands caressed his legs. She also was feeling a fire within her, ignited by the one she wanted to spend eternity with.

Tim was getting excited again, "are you thinking what I'm thinking?" he whispered in her ear.

"I think so." She turned, facing him and gave him a tender yet demanding kiss.

Tim returned her kiss, caressing her cheek down her neck and down her chest, "We are in agreement, but not here." he said calmly, "I'd hate to get arrested in the 18th district, I know too many people."

"Look at it this way, if you get arrested, you have an allie in the department." She smiled but she knew he was right. Besides, it would be more private back at the hotel.

Tim gently traced a pattern on her exposed midsection, "we best be getting out then?"

Feigning a pout, "If we must, we must. Let's go then."

Tim got out and dried himself off he pulled his robe on and helped Brooke in to hers, "Why don't we order room service, watch a crappy action film or 2 and just enjoy being togehter."

"I think that I can handle that. It's not hard considering the company I'll be in." She kissed him, this time short but tender.

Tim kissed her back, "and maybe we won't change," They walked in to the room.

"So, what crappy movie did you have in mind?" She asked as she jumped on the bed.

Tim rummaged through the collection, "Here's one, Dark justice. The gripping story of a man and his vengance for the death of his wife or girlfriend or something."

"Sounds intriging. Hey, I'm easy." She laughed, "That sounded bad."

"As long as you are only easy for me. Which I know you are." He plugged in the movie and jumped on the bed next to her. The film was appropriately lousy.

She grabs Tim and pulls him down on the bed, "Food, I need food" Brooke laughed and joked. "How about something to eat? Let's live a little.

Tim stopped the film and got up, "Let's just change clothing first. This swimsuit is a bit wet. Something more comfortable to watch crap in."

"The movie is not that bad." She changed into shorts and a tank top.

Tim changed in to a loose pair of sweat pants and a t shirt, "you flatter this film, but as long as you are by my side I'll enjoy it."

"I'll always be there by your side. Even when there is a crappy movie playing."

Tim chuckled then kissed her, "told you it was crappy." They nestled in to watch the film unfold.

Brooke didn't really care how bad the movie was, she liked being with Tim. "Did you call room service?"

"Yes dear, they'll transport it up." Just then the food was beamed on to their bed, a plate of snacks and 6 ice cold beers. "I got a mixture of snack treats."

"And real beer. You are way too good to me." She kissed him on the cheek.

Tim opened 2 beers, "you deserve it."

"It's a....date, I guess." he smiled, "Or an evening beteween friend if you prefer."

Tim took a large drink, "replicated beer is a sin." He smiled.

'You know what a bigger sin this is? This movie. I know, I know, I said that it wasn't that bad but I can admit when I'm wrong."

"That was awful. But what did you expect it was an action film."

"No, not all of them are bad. There are some good ones out there."

Tim looked mock offended, "well ok Dr Ames you pick the next film."

"Okay, let's see. We can watch, nah, boring. Okay, we can watch, forget it, too bloody. Okay, I have it, how about..." She tries to think of a good one, "Okay, I give." She sits back on the bed, defeated.

Tim snuck up behind her and began to plant small kisses on her neck.

She laughs at the feeling, "You're giving me the chills doing that?"

He continued to kiss and tehn he moved up to her ears kissing and nibbling on her lobes.

"Are you having fun? I mean, keep it up and I won't be responsible for my actions."

He didn't answer and kept up his attentions to her neck and ears. His hands wrapped around her waist.

Brooke turned and playfully attacked him. She pushed him back on the bed and sat on him, holding onto his wrists. "You are making me crazy."

Tim put up a valient but obviously inefficent struggle, "take advantage of me."

"I'm tempted but I think that I'll just torture you for awhile." They wrestled, both falling off the bed onto the floor, laughing.

Glowfinger (Part 3)
by LCDR Endris Gakor-Albrecht
with a predictable demise of Matthew Albrecht

*** Submarine Jonah disguised as a Whale, Earth coordinates un plotted, Risan Holodeck ***

Endris could not see much in her hiding place inside the crate of fruit. If not for a knot hole in the wooden surface, she wouldn't have been able to see out at all! The submarine trudged along the bottom of the sea, when the Plethora agent caught a glare of an arch shaped span of international orange. It must have been something the periscope saw!, she realized. There weren't that many orange bridges on Earth, in present day or in the 1970's which this program was based itself on. The Tellarite might has well have been viewing the Golden Gate bridge from the window of Star Fleet Academy!

Shortly after entering the bay, the disguised submarine lurched to a halt. It would have to in such shallow waters. Jane Blonde heard a gurgling sound as a tank filled with enough water for the Jonah to surface. As not to jeopardize her hidden presence, Gakor remand stoically silent as the food crates were removed from the hull. Fortunately, she was inside one of the last crates loaded. Blonde was up and out of her concealing fruit box after the noise of the dock workers died down.

Curious. The salt air was quite nippy. Peering out a small, nearly boarded up window, Gakor confirmed she had seen the Golden Gate bridge before. It was there big as life, after all. Gulls swooped at the opening. Further investigation showed there were greenish metal bars on the other side of the glass, and not boards as the Doctor originally though.

It was obvious that Glowfinger and his power mad slaves were hiding somewhere in the warrens that imprisoned them. If she stumbled on them before she could summon assistance, her mission would fail and power shortages would cripple almost every large metropolis on Earth!

But the Archeology loving Doctor had read about this place. The "inescapable" prison island. She was on Alcatraz. Or rather, in tunnels the desperados had created below the incarceration facility. The "whale" explained how Glowfinger and company got inside without attracting the scrutiny of the national park service. However, a nuclear generator should betray them by emitting radioactivity. Why didn't it? Perhaps it was on low power mode.

Endris thought she got away scot free, when she hear Matthew's voice say "Miss Blonde. How courteous for you to join us.". Then the would be nuclear thief turned to Lumba and a trio of guards. "Kill her! Now!", Gakor's loving spouse demanded.

The Tellarite was already running for the nearest exit, as Lumba and the others maneuvered to get a clear shot at the departing heroine. Thinking a moment, Gakor toppled the crate of fruit, and the peaches she had been eating rolled out, tripping the pursuit. By this time, the spy climbed up a ladder and clumsily bumped into a Park Ranger. "Sorry, Mr Everhard", Endris excused herself. "I seem to have gotten lost from my tour", she said with well feigned distress. Dick Everhard calmly pointed out a cluster of departing tourists. With a smile, Gakor gallivanted over, loosing herself in a the mob of people.

Lumba was not to be out done, however. She caught up to the fringe of the crowd. Gakor made it to the dock where boats took visitors to the mainland. One had just taken off 2 minutes ago, and was still a few yards from the pier. Eyeing Lumba's near capture, Gakor jumped and barely caught the sides of the departing yaught. Other passengers helped hall her off the sides of the boat, as Lumba shook her firsts in frustration and shouted obscenities at her departing prey.

The Nubian shrugged her shoulders, and returned to tell her boss of Blonde's escape. "Fortify our position here. You better pray she doesn't find reenforcements in the city and usurp our plans."

Gulping at her grim possible fate, Lumba began filing her nails, applying polish made from the oils of highly toxic blowfish. Then she slid the thick metal blast shields down, which made them impervious from points higher in the island. Lumba did not seal the submarine's escape route, leaving a way out in case it was needed. Then she joined Glowfinger at the control panel, which showed all missile sites were functioning cleanly.

*** Meanwhile In San Francisco ***

Jane Blonde took a cable car down to Union Square, then proceeded to the Museum of Modern Art. Behind an authentic Picasso, she placed a written note for someone from Plethora to meet her. The curator noticed her unusual interest in the priceless masterpiece, and hauled her to the security office. Which was where agent W-2 was entrenched. The functionary relayed her amazing story back to Plethora HQ.

Then he told Gakor she should proceed to the Folsom Street Fair and spend $20 at the spanking booth.

The Folsom Street Fair was not your normal county fair. Everywhere you looked, there were people in stout leather harnesses. Boys or Girls being lead around on chains. Others in straight jackets musing about art. Vendors of floggers, hoods, paddles, and other assorted toys. It was one of the largest outdoor events in California. And it always attracted a kinky crowd. (The computer did appear tolouse up on its facts, however. The first fair started somewhere in the early 1980's. The holodeck must have decided Gakor's fleeting interest in fetishes was more important than historical accuracy. At least where this point was concerned.)

At Folsom and 10th street, Endris found the infamous spanking booth. A long line stretched quite far down the boulevard, and agent Blonde thought it would not be worth it to be spanked. However, she followed through with the charitable donation As whacks landed on her rump, she felt the proprietor of the booth slide her a card, unnoticed by the spectators.

Her eyes went wide as she read the instructions.

*** Later, Back on Alcatraz ***

A large ship off loaded a boat. Most of the occupants were dressed as Indians. Including Endris, the squaw with surprises. A film crew followed. The director negotiated for several minutes with representatives from the National Park Service, producing appropriate documents to being a film project. United Artists had worked hard to make a documentary about the Indian occupation that once held the entire Island hostage. But the Indians were all disguised Plethora agents with a sprinkling of tourists to keep things interesting.

The 'Indians' used fake war cries and drum calls to get let Glowfinger know he had company. As expected, hearing the uproar made him investigate, breaking his impregnable seal to do so. Lumba was selected to scout out the opposition. Seeing Gakor among the Indians, she became red with revenge and attempted to kill her rival.

She snuck up on her, and had about wrung Blonde's neck with her toxic fingernail cocktail. But Gakor sensed the enemy approach, and used her bra to slingshot a pair of grenades back to her female foe. Dodging out of the way of the two explosive party favors, Lumba tripped, raking her poison nails across her face in the process. Lumba had time to distort her mouth in an unearthly grimace before the fast acting venom did its job. Already in motion, the grenades continued, and took out another three of the villain's goon squad.

There was a brief war of attrition between Glowfinger's henchmen and the Plethora Indians. Eventually, the battle turned to favor the side of Good. Endris reached the control console area. Glowfinger, eyes mad with power, saw an imperfection claw its way into his dastardly scheme. Slinking away from Endris like a snake, he crossed a metal bridge and attempted to climb the reactor in order to escape.

Endris surveyed the dials, and saw one that was almost dialed shut. Experimentally, she opened it further. The brightness in the room increased, blinding everyone who stared into the glare. Gakes correctly assumed this controlled the reactor rods. Shutting her eyes, she irised it fully open. Light increased as energy nearing the amount of a small warp core was produced. Impressive for this era of technology. Houston Glowfinger screamed as the knife sharp energy cut away his sight. Unable to maintain a grip on his climb, he toppled downward and was swallowed by the glowing pulse of nuclear radiation. For a while, a single hand seemed to pulse with energy. Until a luminescent middle finger was the sole remains of Houston Glowfinger above the puddle. The severed digit poked itself arrogantly out of the pool of light, shining as if in promise its owner would return. Finally, even that melted with his evil dreams. It reminded Jane Blonde of the story about Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake. Only there was no coming back from a Nuclear Meltdown.

Endris quickly toggled the dial shut. The dampening rods did their job and slowed the reaction to a manageable level before it could burst in explosion.

With the two head villains gone, the rest of Glowfinger's crew was swiftly mopped up. The Indians (who turned out to be Nuclear Technicians), shut the reactor down permanently, then made arrangements for the fuel rods to be returned to their proper locations. No cities would experience brown outs due to Blonde's swift intervention. Dick Everhard and a few other Park Service employees vowed to wall off the Jonah's escape route once the sub helped return the missing Uranium and Plutonium.

Jane Blonde had finished another assignment. It was time to sample the renowned cuisine of San Francisco.....

=/\= "Early to bed, early to Risa" =/\=
by Lt Cmdr Matthew Albrecht

*** The wee hours of Gamma shift ***

Lieutenant commander Matthew Albrecht rubbed his tired, stinging eyes. Oh-one hundred hours, and he was still poring over the schedules and assignments for the remainder of the Galaxy’s stay in orbit of Risa, the pleasure planet. *Pleasure planet?* he groused silently, *then why the hell am I up here while my wife is down there?* But he knew why, and it was entirely his own choice. While Ursa was away on family business, the erstwhile assistant chief was determined to make a good impression. The next four weeks were going to pass with clockwork efficiency, he vowed.

Finally, he confirmed commander Casey’s personnel choices for the skeleton crew to secure the starship while in orbit with a quick authorization code. Had commander Sunder been aboard, Ursa wouldn’t have wasted the effort to second guess the XO’s plan. An insistent mental voice had been nagging at Matthew to beef up the security schedule; but he realized that it was nothing but an urge to err on the side of caution at the expense of his staff. The department needed shore leave desperately, especially after the losses suffered over and on Cardassia. A fifth and final review of the roster confirmed that all the shore leave requests had been fulfilled better than adequately and those requesting to stay aboard were still awarded ample leisure time planetside.

Having satisfied his compulsions in Main Security, Matthew made ready to beam back to the surface and the Palladium Arms hotel where his wife and son were no doubt sleeping soundly. He paused to post the Security schedule for review by his staff, with a brief message explaining the chief’s temporary absence. On his way out he passed ensign McIlvaney. "Good night, Macky!" he called out with false cheer.

The ‘goldshirt’ looked up from his console. "’Night, ‘commander."

*** Risa, Palladium Arms hotel ***

‘Commander Albrecht materialized in a posh red-carpeted annex of the hotel’s grand lobby. Even at that extremely late hour, dozens of guests milled about the vast space. A few even danced to the music of the string trio near one of the hotel’s premier bars. A tall Bolian in the Black and Green tuxedo uniform of a junior concierge stepped toward him with a broad grin.

"Good evening, ‘commander Albrecht. May I help you in any way?" the blue man asked. Matthew couldn’t remember having met the fellow before, and was impressed at the level of preparedness the hotel continued to meet. Sensing the officer’s curiosity, the man added, "My name is Flibberdeejibbit, but if you prefer you may simply call me ‘concierge’."

Albrecht smiled back, tiredly. "Thank you so much mister Deejibbit. Um, What I could really use is a big bouquet of flowers for my wife. She’s been awfully slighted today, and I don’t know if tomorrow will be any better."

The amiable Bolian nodded knowingly. "Your wife is the lovely Tellarite lady, is she not?" Answered with a nod, Flibberdeejibbit grinned. "Then, I know just the buds to charm her. Something edible, I think, don’t you?"

The ‘commander sighed with relief. "Yes, that’s perfect. You certainly know your flowers," he complimented.

"Not at all," the tuxedoed man answered. "I know WIVES." They shared a brief laugh before Flibberdeejibbit continued, "Well, assuming you want the real thing, I should have the arrangement complete in about twenty minutes. Would you care to have it delivered to your suite, or do you want to take it up yourself?"

"Hr-rm." Matthew thought for a moment. "I’d better take it up with me. ‘Safer that way," he joked. They agreed to meet at the nearby bar. He made his way past the handful of dancing guests, and selected a stool.

Seated next to him was a Bajoran woman wearing a Starfleet communicator pin. She was in civilian clothing, so Matthew couldn’t tell in which branch she operated. The lanky woman with short-cropped pure white hair looked to him and stuck out a hand. "Lieutenant Giara, USS Kittyhawk. You?" She had apparently been drinking alcohol. The idea sounded good.

He introduced himself as well, shaking the offered hand. "Lieutenant commander Albrecht. USS Galaxy. Wasn’t the Kittyhawk in the fleet destroyed by the Breen weeks ago?" he asked conversationally. He signalled the bartender who arrived bright-eyed and eager to please. "Tom Collins, please."

Giara straightened up proudly. "She WAS damaged by the Breen after their thrice-be-damned energy dampener weapon shut down our defensive systems. But, you haven’t seen Possum until you’ve seen Captain Chen play Possum." She paused to gulp from her drink, which appeared to be mostly bourbon. She continued, "The captain evacuated the lowermost decks after a coolant leak early in the battle. When the beam struck us, she had engineering whip up an unsynchronized subspace field from our shuttles and fooled the Breen into thinking the underside of the ‘Hawk was completely gone!"

"Damn!" Matthew was impressed. "Who could pull that off? Lemme guess, you’re an engineer."

A huge intoxicated grin split her face. "Good guess, Goldshirt!" She lifted her glass in a toast, "To captain Chen, and to you, ‘commander Albrit." He ignored her mispronunciation. She slugged some more booze, and added, "And to the engineers that didn’t survive. Alice. Gabby. Chief Milton. Fixin’ a bigger ship these days, I’d guess. Shoulda seen ‘em fly outta the hold when the shuttle bay decompressed. I’ll never forget the sounds they made."

He looked her over, and noted the bittersweet authority in her posture. Hard-earned status did not hang comfortably upon the shoulders of the young woman with the empty glass in her hand. A few moments of silence passed. Matthew didn’t speak until the barkeep had filled up the woman’s glass. She sipped, and he stated, "So, they made you chief."

Her head lowered. "Gave me a medal, too." She drank some more. . .

GALAXY
=SALES AND WEIGHT=

Jake Olson thought he was doing really well, he was praised for a good job in science and the snowballs were flying off his hands. But he got a note from sickbay asking him to come in.

Jake walked in to sickbay, not knowing why he was there. He found out. He was loosing weight at a scary rate. He waited for the doctor with some trepidation. So he wasn't eating alot, so?

"Union: The Father Calls"
By Ensign Lorraine Beq (NPC of Yazron Beq)
Lt. Yazron Beq

***Beq Residence***

[Incoming Transmission for Ensign Lorraine Beq.]

Lorraine looked up from the report she was reading, and raised an eyebrow. "Who would be calling at this time of night?" She asked herself. It was 0200 and she had stayed up alone, letting Yaz and Keiran turn in for some well deserved rest.

She walked over to the console and turned on the viewer. A gasp escaped her lips, quickly followed by a joyful, glowing smile. "Daddy?!" She felt tears build up in her eyes and begin to meander down her face.

"Lorraine." The ageing man on the screen stated, tears of his own joy apparent. "I've missed you! So has your grandmother!"

Lorraine wanted to hug him. 'The Dominion have gone?' She asked her father, re-establishing the family link that had lain dormant in both of their minds far too long.

'Yes we are saved!' He assured her, 'Your grandmother and I have already arranged passage to meet with you, and your mother is on her way here in order to accompany us.'

Lorraine wiped some of the tears away, but only to have them replaced with more. She was overjoyed that once more her family would be united, to stand strong, and with the new members the would be stronger and closer than ever. 'You have missed much father.' She said and opened her mind to him, let him read her thoughts.

The silence in her mind was a sign that he was reading her. 'You and Yaz are Imzadi, and I am a Grandfather!' Lorraine could feel the obvious excitement of her father pulsate through her mind.

"Yes, and I want us all to be together, now that we can." She said out loud, and sniffed. "Together we stood, divided we almost fell, and together again we shall stand strong." She promised herself and her father.

Her father smiled to her mentally. 'That we shall pookie.' Lorraine could feel him read her more. 'You know the zea toa?!' he exclaimed.

Lorraine smiled. "Not only do I know him, but he is your grandchild's Godfather!'

The grey-haired man on the screen seemed overjoyed as his jaw fell an inch or so. "We have much to catch up on, princess." He said intimately. "But we must now part so we can be closer once more."

"Very well." Loraine said, her tears were now coming under control. "Little Princess out." She smiled before the screen flicked back the the UFP insignia, and Lorraine sat for a moment, looking at the symbol. It represented peace, unification, both of which had just become dominant in her life.

"So papa is coming."

Lorraine turned around, startled. She had thought herself alone in the room, but had been too occupied with the re-union to notice anyone enter. There behind her stood her Imzadi, proud and tall. "Yes." Lorraine said, hugging him. "We shall all be together now." She could hear his heart as her head rested on Yaz's chest.

"All." Yaz confirmed. "My mother and father arrive tomorrow, they are taking leave on Risa, and wish to have a family vacation." He stroked Lorraine's soft brown hair. "Our houses merged shall unite now." He used the old Trill saying for the first family get together after a wedding.

Lorraine just held him, her husband, friend and confidant. "Realta is on leave with a guy she met, perhaps we can meet her down there?"

Yaz nodded. "I'm sure we could."

Intimate Moments and Sad Good-byes
USS GALAXY
Commander Casey Ti Miran & Commander Deiran Casey

"We do not want to be late," Miran swung the bag to her shoulder, looking behind her, not knowing what really to expect. Deiran had already returned to the Galaxy, back to his duties. He had wanted to be here, but duty had called and he was expected to answer, family leaving or not. People always said that Starfleet was a lonely life and she understood all too well. Deiran wasn't around a lot, but now she wouldn't be there for him at all.

Moira carried a second bag with items to keep Lara occupied on the trip, which wasn't too long, but long enough that Lara would be fidgety. The temporary nanny had become a full time one, at least for the time being. Miran appreciated the younger woman's company, something that she hadn't had too much with everyone being busy. Lara loved Moira and it seemed that Moira had developed her own affection for the child.

Miran sighed as she thought back a couple of days, back when she told Deiran about their child...

**Flashback**

Deiran and Miran's day and evening together had passed. It was a beautiful moment that seemed as if time had frozen when they were experiencing their love, it went by too quickly for both of them however and as the arduous experiences passed they returned to the real world. They laid out in the open air, in each other's arms, they were warm, relaxed. The scene was paradise. The sound of the waterfall gently crashing against the surface of the lagoon, the birds singing in tranquility, the sun shining its rays through the trees, the gentle mist that hovered above the ground. Deiran thought only holodecks could be this way, it had been so long since he was allowed to relax.

It was so important to feel his wife, not just physically but emotionally, she had returned to him after such a long while, he could feel her heart, her soul once again. They were both healing from the tragedy of losing their son. A tragedy that would never go away, but time was healing their pain.

Miran snuggled closer to him, she felt safe with him, feeling the closeness of his embrace.

"Deiran, I have something important to talk to you about?" she said softly into his ear.

“Yes my love,” Casey replied, giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek.

“I do not know if this will make you happy or not…” she paused, a bit scared at what she was about to tell him and what it would mean for their family and to their love.

“I will listen,” he smiled at her and gave her his full attention.

“I am pregnant again!” she said, not able to hide a shy smile, for she was happy that she might again be able to give him a child, but she was so absolutely terrified of losing this child too.

Deiran's eyes shined like the rays of the sun that peaked through the treetops. He stood, picked Miran up to her feet and twirled her around in celebration. They still had not put on their clothes, the two of them were laughing and a sense of joy filled them as the prospect of another child invigorated their hearts.

It would not last.

"Put me down before I get sick!" Miran squealed. Even while being able to fly at fast speeds and perform aerobatics, she had a tendency to get motion sickness on the ground.

“Is the baby okay?” he asked, Deiran calmed down, letting Miran's feet touch the ground again.

"It is too early to tell for sure. Doctor Bellen wants me to spend the pregnancy on Earth in case something happens. Dr. Gakor has approved her recommendation. I leave in three days."

Deiran was silent. The news could not have been more devastating. Miran could see it in his eyes and as his eyes became watery, though tears didn't flow. She looked down at the ground, almost as if she was ashamed of telling him the news.

“Miran what will I do? I need you honey, I need to see you, I need to hear your voice… to feel you close. To make love to you. You are my everything! What will I do without you Miran?” he asked her, a destitution taking hold of his spirit as he thought of five months being away from the only woman he ever loved.

"Its not that long of a time, it will pass before you know it. Besides, you are always busy being the Galaxy's first officer. You also will be able to talk to me via subspace. Lara and I will be staying with Momma Stephin and your mother has already agreed to be my attending doctor while I am on Earth." She didn't cry, though she fought it. She was trying to be strong, trying not to worry Deiran any more if she was distraught.

"Lara's going, too?" he asked almost like a whine.

"Dearest, you are too busy to be a single parent. You always work two shifts. It is not fair to Lara to be in daycare so much. There are still four Stephin children at home, she will have a lot of fun."

In that one moment his whole world sank into a dark pit. The serenity of pure joy had come to him when he heard Miran was pregnant again and now that she was leaving him for 5 months destroyed him. He could not hide the pain, he would be alone. He would miss a large part of Lara’s formative years. The whole situation made him angry, but he would not show Miran his anger, he wasn’t angry at her anyway, but at life at the fact in the 24th century mankind had not evolved enough to handle simple birth complications.

Deiran gave Miran a hug, he stayed silent and they dressed. Deiran really couldn’t talk. All he could think about was the loneliness he would endure for 5 months.

***Present (But sort of flashbacks)***

Deiran had made sure he was there to see Miran off. The shuttle was standing by, all his family’s belongings packed and stored on the shuttle, it was time for them to embark and return to Earth. Deiran wasn’t doing well. It could be seen in his face, his eyes. He didn’t want his girls to leave him.

"Deiran!" Miran threw her arms around his neck. "I am surprised!" She kissed him. "I thought you were away on a mission?"

“How could I miss you leaving when I don't want you to go? Isn’t there another way Miran? Maybe I can have all the necessary medical equipment sent here for you? Have one of the best medical specialists transferred to the Galaxy to take care of you. I don’t want you to leave,” he said, almost begging. He was strong, his voice didn’t waver but he did not want to see Miran and Lara leave.

"Deiran, it is for the best. You know it. I will come back with a beautiful baby for you to spoil. You know where to reach me and I expect you to talk to us. I love you, my love."

Lara was playing with a little doll, one of the dolls he had given her. Deiran knelt down and put out his arms for her to come to him. The little princess didn’t need to be asked twice, she rushed to her father.

Deiran hugged his little girl. He did not want to let go. Lara didn’t understand, but she put her little arms around her father’s neck. “I love you princess, you be good for mommy okay?” he said, one lone tear residing in his eye. It did not fall. Lara patted Deiran on the cheek, “I love Da,” she said in her sweet voice. Deiran kissed her all over her face and smiled.

He stood up and went to Miran. He leaned down and squeezed Miran. He held her as tight as humanly possible. He did not want to let her go either. He wanted to hold onto her forever, stay right in the shuttle bay so she could not leave him. He needed her, he needed her close by, he needed her voice, the smell of her soft skin and hair, Lara’s chattering. He was standing there, Miran in his arms, trying to think of a way to get out of this.

"It is better this way, my love."

“I know darling, but I never know what to do in situations I cannot control. I don’t like those situations. I need you, please don’t go,” he said and embraced her even tighter. “I love you!” he told her, all of his emotion expressed in those three words.

“I love you,” Miran said and let him go, she walked to the shuttle, Lara in her arms and the shuttle ramp closed.

Deiran stood in the bay, Miran readied the shuttle and precisely as she always had, maneuvered the shuttle out into space. Deiran stood there and watched the shuttle, this was the most alone he had ever been in his life. He did not know how he would get through these months. It would bring Deiran to a long, lonely dark path of despair. His family was everything to him.

Life had been good on the Galaxy. Miran thought about her years aboard as the shuttle headed out from Risa, the Galaxy frames within the window.

She saw the Wind Dancer that she and K'arta had programmed into the program that they had written and invited Deiran, D'Tarna, Jensen, and K'arta's last moment surprise to her - Captain Price. The look on Deiran's face had been absolutely priceless when she had came out riding the palomino, firing her weapon. She could still hear in her mind the "Voices in the Dark," "Ah-hem. So, did I ever tell you the one about the Bajoran and the Klingon? No? Well, here we go then-" and the gunshot that interrupted the voice. The second voice had ended the show with saying innocently, "Did I do that?" How she missed her Klingon friend.

Skiing had been quite a trip, literally. That was how she met Ronni and had starting to come closer to Deiran, both in physical attraction and spiritual connection.

Miran thought of the Purple tulips and roses that Deiran showered her with when they were dating. Then of the tragedy that nearly occurred when she turned his proposal down.

There was that time where she had been stuck on Bajor in the past, when she had found out she had another brother, one that had not died in the Cardassian prison camp. It was very shortly after that she found out that she was pregnant, that she hadn't been suffering allergies on Bajor, simply that joy of forthcoming parenthood.

One of the items that Miran had taken from the quarters that she shared with her family was that of a glass bear. It had been a gift from Ronni when she was in labor with Lara.

Or course, not every time was good. There was finding out that Deiran had an affair and their break up. She had even used her Unmarried name during that time. He had hurt her so badly then. When they had finally resolved their issues, the death of their son nearly tore them apart again.

Miran would miss the Galaxy and her husband, that much was sure. Deiran was right, 5 months was a long time.

"Call of Duty" by:
Lieutenant(JG) Viara Rhys
Junior Science Officer
U.S.S. Galaxy

Viara sat in the Sensor Control Center, when suddenly her Comm Badge chirped to life. Viara hit her Badge.

"Rhys here, what is it now?" Asked Viara, rather annoyed.

"Lieutenant, this is sickbay. We've gone over the last scan of your spine. As far as we're concerned you are to return to duty." Came the Doctor's reply.

"Understood, any idea what my orders are?" Asked Viara.

"Unknown Lieutenant, you better beam up to the ship and meet with your Commanding Officer." Replied the Doctor over the Comm Line.

"Understood, Rhys out." Said Viara as she hit her Comm Badge.

******Shortly on board the U.S.S. Galaxy******

Viara sits in her chair, uniform on. She moves the chair down the corridors to Lt.Commander Morris' Office. As Viara approaches the door she hits the door's chime. No reply is given.

"Computer, what is the location of Lt.Commander Morris?" Asked Viara as turned her chair about.

"Lt.Commander Morris is on the Planet's surface." Replied the Computer in her cool tone.

"Great, just great. I returned for nothing! Well, at least I can help the skeleton crew up-date the Sensor Systems. Maybe, I can convince them to do it right this time." Said Viara as she moved the chair toward Science Lab I.

"Cupid's Puppet"
by Michael McDowell
Engineering Officer
USS Galaxy

NRPG: This takes place a few hours after "The search - Part 3" by Lt. Karyn Dallas, Chief Counselor

Reviewed and approved by Lt. Suder, Engineering Officer

*** Main Engineering, Team meeting ***

"Hmm,...I don't get this. That glitch is still there, although I tried a variety of algorithms." Suder said while parsing one of the algorithms he had just keyed in but didn't solve the problem. "Have any bright ideas on this one Michael?"

The question of Suder was meant to involve Michael in his attempts to straighten out the hiccup in the EEH. It had been two hours now since Michael joined him but he hadn't said much. His was somewhere else with his thoughts, that much was clear.

Michael didn't hear a single word of Suder's question. His mind had slipped in daydream-mode again, taking him back to the afternoon he spend on Risa. In had become one of the happiest and saddest afternoons in Michael's life. Happy because of the delightful moments with Karyn and their first kiss. Sad because of the finding that Karyn wasn't interested him romantically. He thought Karyn shared his feelings. How could he have been so wrong?

The memory of the kiss tormented his mind as Michael realized that it probably would be the last one as well. It proved to be a grave mistake to kiss Karyn. He had no right to kiss her! What was he thinking! All these thoughts converged into one question that Michael kept asking himself over and over again, *Why?*

The only positive side of the whole affair was that Karyn had agreed to have dinner with him this evening. Michael had asked her mainly because it would give him the chance to apologize for his recent behaviour. And of course, he hoped that taking Karyn out to dinner would somehow change things for the better.

Suder shook his head. This was the fifth time in only two hours that Michael was daydreaming again...or was it the sixth time?

"Earth calling Michael,..." Suder said, while trying to get Michael's attention by waving his hand before his eyes, "Hellooo, anybody out there?"

Michael snapped out of his daydream when he noticed a vague object moving in front of his eyes. He instinctively stepped backward.

Suder crossed his arms and smiled slightly, although there was nothing funny about a crewmember not paying attention. "Ah,...glad you're back. What was it this time? Earth? Home? Maybe Risa?"

A bit startled Michael answered, "Er, no...no. It was nothing this time. I'm sorry, it won't happen again."

"Yeah, you said the same last time," Suder commented, "Without result. What is it with you? Something wrong?"

Not intending to tell Suder anything about Karyn Michael quickly thought of a little joke. "Of course there's nothing wrong with me!" Michael replied and smiled, "It's just that I have a little glitch in my system that causes me to go off line every now and then. Now, let's see if we can do anything about the EEH."

Suder uncrossed his arms and looked back at the console. "Did you want to finish your shift early today?" Suder asked, not expecting a reply, just hinting that he had an idea. Not that he used his mental abilities, a lot of people would be able to read him like a book. Suder hadn't probed Michael's mind. The last time Suder did that was a couple of months back when they were questioning someone.

Michael didn't answered Suder's question afraid that he would find out about Karyn and him,...and most of all his blunder. The only thing Michael did was to concentrate on malfunctioning EEH.

"Duty before pleasure"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** USS Galaxy ***

Captain Price exited cargo bay 2 where he'd left Lieutenant Commander Samara with the list of items to assemble for Ambassador Casey's mission to Nerinda Minor. The next order of business was to locate six officers on board the ship that could be spared from the already skeleton crew to travel with the Admiral and offer support to the surveillance mission. Captain Price had a good idea where he could begin, heading down to the science laboratories on deck 12.

Captain Price waited and stepped into the turbolift when it arrived. He was surprised to see Security Officer, Ensign Stone already in the lift.

"Going up sir?" Franklin asked.

"G'Day Ensign. Aye. Deck 12 'mate." Lee nodded.

The lift's doors swished shut and the elevator began to move. Stone smiled, feeling compelled to say something to the Captain during the long ride from one end of the starship to the other.

"Everything is real quiet on the ship with everyone gone. It's like midnight watch all day long sir."

Lee nodded. "Aye. Most of the 'mates have taken advantage of their shore leave and are on the planet or visiting their near by relatives." The Captain then glanced at the Ensign and asked, "Why aren't you on leave 'mate?"

"Low man on the totem pole sir." Stone said glancing ahead. He then added, "Not that it would matter anyway. Risa is not my idea of a fun place to take shore leave. Way too tourist y for me sir."

Lee nodded while thinking a moment. "Ensign, would you mind accompanying me to science lab 1?"

Franklin glanced over at the Captain, not understanding why he wanted him to tag along, but eagerly agreeing to. It's not often that an Ensign gets to accompany the Captain of the starship anywhere. "Certainly sir."

The lift arrived as the doors opened with a swish. Captain Price smiled, "Bonzer 'mate, follow me then." he then stepped off the lift and proceeded to walk down the corridor, Ensign Stone right on his heals.

Entering the main science lab on the deck, Lee glanced around as if looking for someone in particular. He noticed Lieutenant' Rhys sitting in her wheelchair working on some culture samples near one of the many benches in the lab. Smiling from across the room, he continued scanning until he saw Lieutenant Sullax busy working on an experiment at a neighboring work bench. The Romulan was wearing eye goggles and adding a liquid to a boiling beaker with the utmost precision. The scientist was so into his work, he hadn't noticed the Captain and Ensign Stone enter.

Lee stepped over to Ryak and made him self noticeable.

"Captain." Lieutenant Sullax stated as Lee moved into his line of view. Straightening, he noticed a security officer standing next to him and automatically thought the worse. "Is there something. . . wrong sir?"

Lee glanced over to Ensign Stone, who was standing at full military attention, just as they teach straight out of the Academy. The Captain shook his head. "No worries 'mate. The Ensign is here simply to listen in."

Ryak seemed to be a little apprehensive still, but was glad it wasn't sad news about his son or any other awkward hardship that seemed to be following him lately. "I see sir. In that case, what can I do for you Captain?"

"Well 'mate, I need to assemble a small team of officers to go on a secret surveillance mission. I was hoping you'd be willing to join in as part of that team." Lee explained.

When the Captain spoke, just a few meters away from where Lieutenant' Viara Rhys sat in her chair, the Trill listened in to what was being said with great interest.

"A surveillance mission Captain?" Sullax inquired.

"Aye. You'll be observing and recording the members of a meeting, capturing their identities and everything that is discussed. The team needs to be put together straight away, as you'll be departing tonight during midnight watch in order to make the destination on time." Captain Price explained. He then turned to Ensign Stone, "I'd like you to go along too 'mate. Unless you 'ave other plans?"

Stone smiled. "You can count me in Captain."

Ryak nodded. "I will be honored to join as well Captain. I will need to make arrangements to have my son, Sullar, looked after while I am away."

"I understand 'mate. Why don't you see to it now?" Lee stated, then glancing over to Stone, he realized the Ensign might also have personal matters to attend to on such short notice. "In fact, why don't the both of you go and make whatever arrangements you need to and meet me in cargo bay 2 at 22:00 for your briefing? I'll go ahead and make the arrangements to clear your duty schedules on board the Galaxy."

Ensign Stone and Lieutenant Sullax both nodded their understanding of their orders.

"Fair dinkum 'mates. See you at 22:00 then. Dismissed."

Sullax and Stone both left the science lab to go tend to their personal affairs in the next several hours before they would be briefed for their mission in Cargo bay 2 at 22:00.

Captain Price turned to leave the lab just after they left. That was when Lieutenant' Rhys called out.

"Captain?. . ."

Lee stopped and smiled at the Trill science officer. "G'Day Lieutenant'. What can I do for you 'mate?"

"Captain, I'd like to be part of the surveillance team." Viara stated evenly. The normally energetic scientist seemed a little down as she sat in her wheelchair when she spoke.

Lee regarded Rhys for a moment. He hadn't thought of including her on the team, but what was puzzling him was why not? She was an excellent officer, and her skills as a scientist and experience at capturing data using a variety of special systems made her an ideal candidate, for the same reasons why Lieutenant Sullax had been chosen. Then why didn't he consider Viara Rhys? Was he some how subconsciously allowing her current handicap to exclude her as a candidate? The thought troubled Lee.

"I don't know Lieutenant'." Lee stated, "The mission calls for a small team of officers that need to be able to perform whatever tasks are required of them."

Viara let out a depressed sigh. "In other words, there is no room on the team for a gimp like me? Is that right sir?"

Lee understood the Lieutenant's anger and frustration. He tried to console her, "Gimp is rather harsh don't you think Lieutenant'? Isn't the term 'physically challenged' more appropriate?"

Viara just gave the Captain an icy stare and a pouty lip when she gazed up at him. "It's how I feel sir." she resigned.

Captain Price thought about the mission, to observe and capture / record the secret meeting on Nerinda Minor. It would be important that all members of the team get into position and assemble their equipment on time, but once done, the actual operation of the various recording devices and sensors would be a relatively simple task. Certainly nothing someone confined into a wheelchair couldn't perform. Steak outs had always been about sitting and waiting. Lee could think of no one more used to doing that then Lieutenant' Viara Rhys.

"Then stop pouting and go make whatever arrangements you need to Lieutenant'. You can meet me in Cargo Bay 2 at 22:00 with the others."

"Sir?" Viara asked glancing up with a surprised look.

"Your on the team 'mate. Now stop feeling sorry for yourself and go get ready." Lee smiled, "That's an order Lieutenant'."

Viara nodded, suppressing a smile, "Aye Captain. Thank you sir."

Lee then watched as Lieutenant' Rhys wheeled out of the science lab to go put her affairs in order before reporting for the briefing in cargo bay 2 at 22:00 this evening.

The Captain then proceeded to exit the science lab himself. His next destination, sickbay. The corridors between the stardrive section and the saucer section of the Galaxy were completely vacant. Normally there is a lot of foot traffic through this corridor which linked the upper and lower halves of the ship along with two of the busiest destinations on the starship, Sickbay and the science labs. But with the majority of the crew on leave, the place looked like a literal ghost town today.

Lee walked into sickbay and immediately was greeted by the Emergency Medical Hologram.

"Please state the nature of the medical emergency."

Lee stopped in front of the Zimmberman program. "No emergency today 'mate. Where is everyone?"

"In case you hadn't heard, they are all taking leave on Risa. Meanwhile I am expected to remain on-line and serve as a receptionist of all things, notifying the on-call Doctors if any emergencies should report in." the EMH replied in a rather sarcastic manner.

"I see." Lee nodded. "And have there been any medical emergencies 'mate?"

The Holo-Doc's expression soured in disgust. "Not one. I have been organizing the medical supplies just to have something to do."

"Well, are any medical personnel still on board the Galaxy 'mate?"

"I believe Doctor Lemur and Doctor Harper are still on board. Doctor Bellen is currently on-call and sun tanning on the beach on Risa. I would be happy to interrupt her roasting of flesh if you like Captain. . ." the EMH stated about to open a channel.

"No that won't be necessary Doctor." Lee stopped him. "I can go speak to Doctor Lemur thank you."

The EMH had a disappointed look on his face since he wouldn't be permitted to interrupt Doctor Bellen's sun bathing session. He only hoped she'd taken his advice and coated her skin with the sun blocking agents he prescribed. "Oh, very well. I suppose I can return to my tidying up of the medical supplies in the mean time."

"Bonzer 'mate. You seem to have things under control Doctor. G'day."

The EMH forced a brief smile (and not a very good one) before returning to his work as the Captain left.

****

*** Doctor Lemur's quarters ***

"I would be honored to participate in this assignment Captain." Lemur stated in a stoic Vulcan tone.

"Bonzer 'mate. Then be sure to meet me in cargo bay 2 at 22:00 for a full briefing on your mission. In the meantime you can get your affairs in order while I make arrangements to clear your duty schedule on board the Galaxy."

"I will be on time Captain." Lemur nodded. He then showed Captain Price out of his quarters before sitting down to his meditations.

Lee was doing great. He just about had a full team assembled, and still had another 8 hours to go before the briefing at 22:00. There was still a chance he could return to Risa and spend a few hours rail shooting with Yeoman York on the marina docks on the boardwalk.

But it wasn't going to happen, not today, as his communicator sounded with a hail.

["Captain, you asked to be informed when Vicea Heero Brandis' shuttle arrived. It's here sir. The Zea will be on board the Galaxy shortly. Her entourage is asking for permission to beam on board to see to the arrangements for Her Royal Highness' arrival."] Lieutenant' Richeson explained.

Lee tapped his comm badge to activate it so he could respond. "Very well Lieutenant'. Have them beamed directly to the Main Shuttle Bay. We will have the Zea's shuttle dock there."

["I'll relay the message and make the arrangements Captain."] Tim replied.

"Very good 'mate. Let everyone know, dress uniforms will be required when the Zea arrives on the Galaxy."

["I'm sure the crew will be 'happy' to hear that sir. I'll be sure to pass it on. Are you sure there isn't something I can do to be dismissed from the arrival ceremony Sir? I've been to a Betazoid one before. They are long, boring affairs."] Richeson asked half jokingly.

"Well 'mate, today might just be your lucky day then." Lee explained. "Take care of the arrangements for the Zea's people and let the crew know about the dress uniforms and we will talk when I arrive on the bridge Lieutenant'. Captain Price out."

Lee closed the channel with a tap of his badge, then proceeded to walk through the empty halls of the Galaxy on his way to the bridge. He too was cringing at the thought of having to dawn his dress uniform to give the Mother of the First house of Betazed a grand tour of the USS Galaxy. But sometimes, duty has to come before pleasure.

NRPG: Takes place at roughly 15:00

"Masters of Ceremony"

Her Royal Highness
Vicea Heero Brandis, Zea
Mother of the First House

Zaria Kier Troy
Daughter of the 5th House

Captain Robert Edward Lee Price
Commanding Officer
USS Galaxy

Commander Deiran Casey
First Officer
USS Galaxy

* * * * * Galaxy Main Shuttle Bay * * * * *

The setting took all of fifteen minutes to lay out for Zea Vicea Heero's arrival. An enterage of about 25 men and women had beamed aboard to set up the welcoming to the Galaxy; they were known as `The Attendants of the Zea" and usually, if not always, traveled with the Zea. The Attendants had retrofitted the entire Main Shuttle Bay with traditional Betazoid welcome ceremony attire, a mixture of various religious icons and flags hung high from the ceiling. In the center of the bay, the Royal Seal of the First House was prominently displayed on the floor. It consisted of a gold cross with a silver strip winding it's way around it. Behind the cross, fire jutted out encircling the seal completely. A long red carpet was laid out by the Attendants of the Zea, ending in the center of the shuttle bay, just before the Royal Seal.

While normally this was left to the Protocol Officer of the Star Fleet vessel, Zea Vicea Heero had decided not to tip off the Operations Department, knowing it was headed by her soon to be surprised son.

=BGG Star-Flyer Arial on final approach, Galaxy.=

The sound of the Zea's shuttle pilot came through on the PA system of the shuttle bay.

The Attendants took their places on either side of the triple wide red carpet. Placing their hands on the ceremonial swords at their sides, they turned facing each other across the carpet in one swift flowing motion that was echoed all the way down the line.

The Star-Fly was by all accounts an elegant craft. It was on of the few shuttles actually capable of warp 9.9999 due to the sharp warp field shape of it's outer hull. True, it could only be maintained for about 10 minutes before a breach, but it was still a marvel of modern engineering. The sleek design was mostly aesthetically pleasing. Looking something like a sharp metallic arrowhead, the dark color of the hull reflected varying colors of either dark purple, black, or blue, depending on how the light struck it.

This tip of the craft made it's way passed the environmental seal of blue light, protecting the bay from the vacuum of space. Slowly, gracefully, it turned a smooth 90 degree angle and landed perpendicular to the red carpet, right over the Royal Seal of the First House.

"Attention!" A Star Fleet shuttle ops officer called out. The sound of the traditional navy whistle rang out as the doors of the shuttle slid up and a plank was extended out to the carpet before the shuttle.

The Attendants, who lined the rug, immediately and cooperatively brought their swords out of their sheaths. Holding the blades high above the carpet, the Attendants were solid in their stance. Then from the lighted recesses of the Star-Flyer, several bodyguards filed out into the shuttle bay wearing a traditional black coverall suite with protective armor breast plates of silver. Their ranks were noted on the sharply pointed silver helmet each of them wore which shined in unison with their silver boots. They formed a semi-circle around the door of the Star-Flyer.

Then, the shuttle bay was deadly quite. A trumpet sounded in the background and resonated seemingly passed the stasis field of the bay doors that lead to space. With a sharp quick decrescendo the trumpets halted their call and the Empress-Queen of the Betazed Empire stepped out onto the plank.

The Attendant nearest the Captain, who stood at the opposite end of the red carpet, began to call out each of the titles of the Zea, after which a ceremonial gong was hit three times, and the Zea took three steps forward.

Casey remembered the ceremony from a more formal event on Betazed it lasted about three hours as they called out each of the titles of the Zea, followed by three gongs, and three steps forward. He'd been assured this wouldn't last as long, since they were only going to state the Zea's most prominent titles.

"Her Royal Highness Vicea Heero Brandis..." The Attendant called out boldly, followed by three gong chimes, three steps forward onto the carpet.

"Zea and Mother of the First House..." Followed once again with the three successive chimes, three more steps.

"Queen of the Betazed Empire..." Three more.

"Ruler of the Temples of Perithia..."

"Blessed Empress of Kinkadia..." The pattern refused to end.

"Holder of Zed's Chalic..."

"Keeper of the Majestic Vessels of Trinitron..." The Zea was half way down the VIP carpet and smiled at the curiosities of those around her.

"Hope of the RaRazed..."

"Holy Leader of the SuSej..." Closer the Zea approached.

"High Master of DoiZateb..."

"Mother of the Houses of Betazed..."

"Beloved of Her Peoples!" The Attendant finished with pride in his voice. You could tell he enjoyed his position.

Finally, Zea Vicea was in front of the Captain and before he could say a word replied, "Robert, you don't mind if I call you that now do you, Captain? Great."

Captain Price shifted uncomfortably in his dress white uniform. He'd already told Zea Vicea Heero Brandis that he preferred to be called "Lee", but the woman seemed oblivious to his personal wishes. *She* preferred Robert, a name that his mother had also constantly used despite the young boy's protests. Lee decided to bite his tongue for now. It seemed the Mother of the first house had moved on anyway.

"I spy! Deiran!" Zea Vicea called out loudly, fondly to her son's old friend. "Deiran Casey, I demand to know where you've been hiding yourself. The women on Betazed are absolutely screaming mad since you left."

“Good to see you Vicea, it has been much too long,” he bowed in respect, ” the ladies on Betazed should know that I’ve been fighting a war to keep them safe and beautiful Madame, otherwise I’d try to ease their suffering by allowing them my presence,” Deiran smiled. He liked this woman, the one person he knew more egotistical than himself. He was genuinely glad to see her.

Zea Vicea enjoyed Casey’s little joke and patted him on the stomach. “Rock solid as always,” she grinned seductively and turned to the Captain.

"Why Robert," Zea Vicea said looking right at the Captain. "This male hunk of meat here has wowed so many women, broken hearts all over the quadrant! But there's one here that I'll thank you to keep your hands off."

Casey smiled, she was right, before he met Miran he was a heart breaker.

Zea Vicea looked back behind her, realizing that Zaria hadn't come out yet. "You'll have to watch your eyes, Casey, this beauty is unmatched, just ask your Captain!" She chuckled, and turned to face the Star-Flyer. "Zaria, dear, come out and join us the ceremonies are over!"

“Do not worry Vicea, I am married now and have a daughter. Rest assured I will treat the lady with respect and dignity she has nothing to fear from my charms,” he replied politely.

Captain Price cleared his voice in a subtle way to try and gain the Vicea's attention as he spoke. It had been a long arrival ceremony, and he really wanted to get out of his dress uniform and back to Yeoman York on Risa. "Your Royal Highness, perhaps it would be best in we moved to a more suitable location where you may visit in comfort?"

The Vicea simply ignored Captain Price all together. An annoying trait of her personality.

"Married!" The Zea paused, took a step back as if the shock were just too much to bear. "Well, I will just have to meet the woman who sattled a stallion like you to a wedding ring. It's really quite a feat. Is the darling child aboard as well?"

“My apologies Vicea, but Miran has returned to Earth for a time, and my daughter Lara has gone with her,” Casey said, he wasn’t able to hide his sorrow.

"Well, I'll make a point of seeing the Princess, sometime when I’m on Earth. I assume she has no Great Godmother?" Hints were never subtle where the Empress-Queen of Betazed was concerned.

“She does now Mam,” Casey smiled. He wasn’t about to let his daughter pass up a chance like that.

"Wonderful." Turning her attention to the Captain. "Now, Robert, shall we see this grand ship of yours. Why I've not seen such a large vessel in all my years, first hand that is. Come now, lead the way," Zea Vicea stated, taking the Captain's arm. "Zaria, you can go on up to Lucas' Quarters. I'm sure Deiran can let you in there, right Deiran?"

“I would be honored to do so Vicea,” he replied with his diamond smile then turned to the Captain. “Sir be careful, Vicea is quite charming and who knows how her overwhelming beauty and charm will overtake you,” he played with the Zea, as he was expected to do.

“Now Deiran! Don’t scare poor Robert, he’s already nervous,” Zea Vicea laughed. “I have missed your playful charms Deiran you must come and see me more often and bring this woman who captured the wildest of stallions, I must meet her.” Then she changed the subject back to the Captain.

"Excellent. Now, Captain is the warp core of this ship lucent in it's matrix or ..." Zea Vicea Heero Brandis was full of energy as she seemed to be leading the General out of the shuttle bay.

"Reality Interrupts"
by Lt. Cmdr. Ronni Morris and Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Warm currents pushed past her as a myriad of life flashed by. A school of Po'la fish, colored orange and red and yellow, parted as she swam through them. She slept for two nights on the ocean floor of Risa. The pure joy of the freedom of not having to sleep in a plasteel sleep tank was bliss.

The darkness itself was comforting. It is sometimes hard to find a place on the USS Galaxy that was not always lit. Ronni's eyes were used to light, but she preferred the dark. The Risan seas were how Ronni imagined the womb must be for babies. Warm, dark, safe.

Suddenly she heard a chime in her ear. She had made an ear piece communicator for her time underwater. Well, it wasn't like she had someplace to attach the communicator to . . . .

The communicator was designed to pick up her voice underwater. She tapped the module and said, "Morris here."

The Captain's voice sounded in the earpiece. ["Ronni, I need you to cut short your vacation. I need you to be on Bridge duty for the next while. Beam up and I'll explain."]

Ronni grimaced and said, "Aye Captain. On my way. Morris out."

She called up to the Transporter Operator on duty and asked him to beam her directly from her present location to her quarters. Since that was against protocol, she had to make it an order and give authorization. She didn't want to appear in the transporter room déshabillé. As soon as she arrived in her quarters, she quickly showered ( to get rid of the salt water), and dressed in her uniform. Already she was missing Risa.

After brushing her hair and putting on her headband, she headed for the Captain's Ready Room. Once there, she signaled the door. When the door opened, there was the Captain in his dress uniform. She stopped mid-step and asked, "Am I wearing the wrong uniform sir?"

The Captain smiled, "You're fine 'mate. I have to give a tour of the ship." He tugged and the small skirt of the uniform and grunted with disgust. "This isn't how I want to spend my holiday."

Ronni thought, "Me neither!" She said, "How can I help you Sir?"

Lee looked at Ronni, "Admiral Casey is on board and he is leading a surveillance mission. The team is assembled, but I would like you on the Bridge in case there is trouble and we need to back them up."

Ronni nodded, "Will do Sir. Anything else?"

"Yes, mate. Convince Starfleet to redesign our dress uniforms, and stop dignitaries from showing up during my holidays!!" Lee said with a half grin.

Questions asked and answered

Lt Tim O'Connell
Ens. Brooke Ames MD.

==Chicago Il 31st and Wentworth ave==

Tim walked with Brooke along the same street where they first met. They stopped and looked at the crumbled sidewalk and Tim smiled, "remember when we first met here."

"How could I forget. I hadn't been with the paramedic program for more than a month."

"yea, 5 months later I asked you out for breakfast." He was facing her now holding her hand in his, "and when we started seeing each other again I knew right there I never want to be apart from you." Tim took a deep breath and removed a small package, "I guess what I'm trying to ask you is a simple question....." In the middle of the street he sinks to one knee and opens the package revealing a simple diamond ring, "...Brook Ames, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you so will you marry me?" He asked as he slipped the ring on her finger.

Brooke was probably speechless for the first time in her life. She just kept looking at the ring as the tears started to flow. It was very unexpected. "Oh Tim, are you sure? I mean, yes, I'll marry you." Tim stood up and wrapped her in a hug, people had started to stare at the two of them and when people figure it out applause begin to flow from the citizens, holding her close he smiled, "You have just made me the happiest guy in the entire quadrant."

"I love you so much." She kissed him, her eyes still wet with tears. With a serious look, she needed to ask, "Are you sure that you are ready for this final step?"

Tim took a deep breath, "I love you so very much I am very ready for this. I don't ever want to be with out you, not ever, I wouldn't ask you if I wasn't ready, that's why I brought you here."

She looks again at the ring. "I guess I am still feeling a little overwhelmed. I had no idea. I am so happy right now."

Tim smiled, "Again I'm sorry, I just wanted to surpise you I should have given you more warning." He kissed her, "forgive me?"

So many thoughts and feelings was running through her mind. "There is nothing to forgive."

"What's on your mind Brooke?"

"It's nothing bad, I promise. I just didn't think that you were going to propose this quickly especially with the conversation between us on Risa."

Tim smiled, "I wasn't planning on it untill I spoke to my dad and he told me, that you don't get a second chance too often don't screw it up." They walked along the street hand in hand, "and right there I decided that I was ready to make this committment with you."

"Remind me to thank your dad. Everyone on the ship are going to be blown away when you tell them our news."

Tim chuckled, "I can see Neil's face now. He'll shit."

"Ah, let him. Right now, I feel like climbing the highest mountain top and announcing our engagement."

Tim laughed, "if you want to announce it on the Galaxy just tell Astrid Salt, the entire ship will know in 2 hours and that's if she stops for a coffee."

"I wouldn't give her the pleasure. It's our news and we should be the one to tell everyone."

"we will I think though I will restrain Neil first, can you get me a restraint field from sickbay first?" Tim then kissed her again, "I think we'll tell everyone we meet back on Risa. Even though people will know trust me they will."

"I'll get you one as soon as we get back on the ship." She laughs. "So, my future husband, what have you got planned now?"

"Hmm, well Mrs O'Connel, I don't know....dinner, and then a few phone calls."

"Dinner sounds good." She looks at her ring. "I love it."

"I love you." he said softly.

This proposal was such a surprise. She couldn't stop admiring it. She remembered something that made her smile...their conversation in the hotel the first day they arrived. This was definately one of those special occasions to wear the lingerie she brought.

Tim smiled at her. They walked back to the main city shuttle and are soon whisked back to the down town. They are soon seated at a fancy restraunt Tim ordered the finest bottle of champagne in the restraunt and they pour 2 glasses.

Brooke sat, looking at Tim with a smile. She just couldn't take her eyes off him. She was afraid that she'd find this all to be a dream.

Tim smiled as they sipped champagne, he reached over and caressed her cheek, "we'll get married on the Galaxy as soon as possible." They ordered their meal and Tim gave her a wicked smile, "so is tonight a specal occasion?"

"I would say so. A very special occasion." She was still in shock. Then it dawned on her what he had just said. "As soon as possible? I did hear that right, didn't I."

"You did, I love you and I want you to be my wife but we'll get back to the ship and do it as soon as possible."

" I just hope that Neil is happy about our news. He wasn't exactly jumping for joy about us getting back together not that it matters to me."

The food was delivered, "uhh Brooke, he'll be happy, because I'm happy." Tim began to nibble, "besides, I'm not marrying Neil, and unless you ain't telling me something you aren't either."

She laughs, "Me and Neil? I don't think so, he's not my type. Besides, I'd be crazy to even look at another guy when I already have the best."

Tim looked down and smiled, "stop it, you're going to get me quite an ego if you're not careful Mrs. O'Connell." He hesitated, "Or whatever name you want to use."

"Your last name is fine. Mrs. Brooke O'Connell, sounds good, don't you think?" She smiled. "Unless you want to be called Mr. Tim Ames?" She grinned.

Tim grinned as they ate, "wouldn't that be Dr. Brooke O'Connell." He reached over and took her hand in his. "I'd take being Tim Ames as long as you were there for the ceremony."

"Dr. Brooke O'Connell works much better than Tim Ames. Just sounds as if it was meant to be that way."

Tim smiled, "I like it, but I'm biased." Their meal finished Tim got her a single rose from a vendor and they walked back to the hotel along the street, "This has been nice." He said, "we'll see a few more places before we go back."

Brooke loved the rose he gave her. "Okay. You know, it almost seems as if I never left. Things haven't changed that much really."

"It hasn't, actually we could go to San Franscisco next and visit my uncle." In the middle of the large street Tim swept his future wife in his arms and gave her a long passionate kiss.

She was surprised but pleasantly. "Wow, you really know how to sweep a woman off her feet."

Tim smiled as they headed in to the elevator, "I can still suprise now and then. You got anymore suprises in store for me."

"I don't think that I can top yours. You are a very hard act to follow."

They walked in to the hotel suite they share, "we're not in competition, you've been suprising me ever since you walkd in to my life again. I love you and want you in my life forever and that you said yes is the greatest gift you can give me unless you have a baby on the way."

"Slow down there champ. We're not even married yet. A child will come in time." She loved the fact that he was eager to begin their lives. "I want a family as much as you but not this minute. I want to enjoy you without sharing you for awhile with anyone else."

Tim kissed her softly, "I know, let's share each other." They walked over to the couch and sat down, "So, who are you gonna invite?"

"Invite? I'm just getting used to the proposal. I haven't had a chance to take all this in."

Tim kissed her, "well my fiancee, I love saying that, what do you say we, just relax and celebrate our togetherness."

"What do you have in mind?" Brooke could see a gleam in his eyes.

Tim smiled, "I believe when we first checked in you said something about a special occasion..."

"I did? Hmmm, I don't remember that. Are you sure?" She teased. "Refresh my memory."

Tim gave her a long and passionate kiss, his hands began to caress her body, "hows that for a reminder."

"I think its coming back to me. Oh yes, now I remember. You, like want me to put it on now?" She kissed him, teasing him.

Tim kissed her back, "oh yea." He smiled.

She kissed him one more time and then went to a drawer, pulling out a box. "I think you'll like this one."

Tim smiled, "well I'm sure I will."

She disappeared into the restroom. She put on a white stretch-lace negligee, one that conformed to every curve of her body, stopping at the waist and matching panties. She was pleased with the view in the mirror. The door swung open, revealing Brooke standing there in a very sexy pose."

Tim's mouth hit the floor, he stood up, "wow." he said softly. he got up and walked over to her, his eyes roamed her freely, she was amazingly beautiful and just the vision of her before him was beginning to arouse him.

She could tell that he liked it. She walked around behind him and whispered in his ear. "You like?" She was going to tease him for a while.

His breathing was getting a little heavier and he was having a hard time keeping his mind clear or his eyes off her. "oh yea I do."

She then faced him again, taking her finger and running it down his chest, again, just teasing him. Kissing him, "I'm glad." She started taunting him as she walked away from him.

Tim smiled and followed her, "Dr Ames, have I ever told you my plans for this evening?"

"No, you haven't." She laid on the bed, on her side, head resting on her hand. "Enlighten me."

Tim climbed on the bed and began whispering every detail of how he wanted to pleasure her tonight and for ever. his hands had began to caress her softly during his recitation.

She smiled at what he was telling her. "Why Mr. O'Connell, I do think I'm blushing."

"Any objections, soon to be Mrs O'Connell?"

"Why no Mr. O'Connell. None that I can think of." She was intrigued.

Tim began to remove his clothing, His eyes shined with both happiness at being here with the woman he loved and desire for her. Finally before her in his shorts he crawled over and took her in to his arms, he gave her a long deep and very passionate kiss.

The thoughts of what he whispered to her made her very excited. Each kiss getting more passionate than the last. She anticipated his next move.

He undressed her slowly kissing and savoring the feelof the newly exposed skin with his lips and hands. His excitement made his hands tremble as he slipped his shorts off allowign her to see all of him.

His nakedness aroused her just as before. He felt so good to her. She savored every feeling that ran through her body.

He couldn't wait anymore, their fires burned in unison and they expressed their passions together as one, their lovemaking was firey and intense as they sealed their eternal love for each other.

Brooke was on cloud nine. Tonight was definately the best night. She felt so much love for her husband to be. She laid in his arms. "Well, my negligee didn't stay on long."

Tim smiled, "sorry I'll try and keep it on longer next time."

"That's okay. As long as it comes off quickly, I know that I still excite you." She turned to him and softly spoke. "That was intense. The only thing we are missing is the cigarettes."

Tim smiled, "It was rather intense, but when I'm with you I get intense. But it's because I can't get enough of you."

She gets an impish grin and jokes. "Want to go for round two?"

Tim kissed her gently and began to caress her under the blankets, "I think I could rise to the occasion."

She laughed. "I bet." She looked at him for an indication that he was kidding.

He wasn't, a good joke aside he couldn't get enough of Brooke.

She could see a fire in his eyes and it was evident that he still wanted her.

Tim looked at her and kissed her again, longer, "so you up for an encore."

"What do you think?" She started to kiss him. "Does that answer your question?"

"I wonder if it gets better each time?" he asked as he began to caress and kiss her body.

"I'll let you know." They disappear under the covers. "Oh Tim!"

Later.........

Tim popped back up catching his breath, "well it does get better each time" he flopped back, "I think I saw stars there." He had an irrevrent grin on his face.

She was breathing rapidly herself. "I think you are right." Trying to catch her breath. "I think I need to start working out more."

"Well we exerted ourself a bit tonight, I think from now on we pace ourself, more foreplay."

"Yeah." Brooke got up. "I'm going to take a shower."

Tim sat up and slid his feet to the side, "may I join you my fiancee?"

"Why not. Come along stud." Stepping into the shower, "And behave yourself."

Tim smiled and climbed in behind her, "well with you, I will try but no promises."

She jokes, "Careful, my hands are registered and I know how to use them."

Tim began to wash her hair slowly and gently, "I just love doing this, washing you, it's one of the best things about showering with you."

"Pretty soon, I'm going to forget how to do it myself but I am not complaing."

Tim turned his attentions to washing and caressing her slick flesh, "well you can practice on me." he grinned while he enjoyed the fell of her and the closeness.

They took their usual shower together. Brooke wrapped a towel around her after drying off and fell back onto the bed. "I am exhausted."

Tim grinned and flopped next to her, "A lot of changes for one day eh?"

"Too many. You are just so full of surprises. Don't ever stop. It helps keep the relation interesting."

"Well with that neglige you now have, you have a few suprises in you too." He leaned over and kissed her again, a long warm kiss.

"Well I try to keep up my end of this relationship." Brooke gets up and straightens out the sheets.

Tim smiled, he sat up and tugged her towel off, he then kissed her again and began to caress her, "you are so beautiful." he whispered.

"Thanks. I'm really tired." She climbed into the bed.

Tim snuggled in close to her and held her next to him. He kissed her neck softly and gently, "I love you Rocky." he whispered.

"I love you too...stud." She smiled. "I think that I just found a nickname for you."

Tim snickered, " A good one, but I'm only a stud because I'm with a woman who excites me." He gently caressed her under the blankets, "and you definately excite me."

"I can tell." She kissed him. "Goodnight...Stud."

"Good night Vixen." He was smiling in the darkness. "Oh and Brooke, Don't call me stud in front of Lex Ral, I'd never live it down."

She grinned, "Oh, okay. I'll try not to...not!"

"She's the one who died Casey's urine blue.....please don't."

She starts to giggle which turns to a full laugh. "I'm sorry. I won't but that is funny. I like her style."

Tim laughed, enjoying the way she shakes when she laughs. "Yea, that's another reason we're hiding out on earth, Casey's revenge will be nasty, and I'm staying out of the cross fire." He wrapped her close to him.

"Well don't worry. You have a Doctor here to fix anything he might do to you."

Tim smiled and pointed at his chest, "I seem to be injured, can you make it better?"

She kissed his chest. "Is that better"

"Much," He then kissed her neck and shoulders, "I have a few more places that need you to make it better."

"Oh shucks, look at the time. Better be going to sleep."

Tim sighed, "so a third time is out?, shucks." he said with a mock dissapointed tone in his voice and a twinkle in his eyes.

"Hey, too much of a good thing isn't always good. Besides, if you wear me out tonight, I won't have any energy for tomorrow."

Tim smiled, "You are a good thing."

"Okay, bad analogy. Now how about some sleep?"

Tim drew her to him and let her rest her head on his chest, "Good night Rocky." he said softly then closed his eyes falling fast asleep.

Brooke laid there awake until Tim fell asleep. With the lull of his breathing, she fell also asleep.

"Knowing True Happiness"
By Anna Gartner and Gordall Kalln

Kalln felt relaxed as he sat in the giant bathtub surrounded up to his shoulders by water and bubble bath soap in the private room in one of the many Risa Pleasure Resorts. He had a crown of soap suds on top of his head and was surrounded by two dozens burning candles scattered about the darkened room with sultry music playing in the background. It wasn't doing much for him but it certainly put the small blonde behind him in a playful mood. His nose dipped ever so slightly into the water.

"Enjoying yourself Kalln?" Anna purred as she rubbed his back with a face cloth. Her damp hair hung loosely about her shoulders in coiling strands.

"Strangely, yes. I may not understand why you are burning all of these candles while turning off the lights in the room but I find this bubble bath unusually relaxing."

"You're acting like you never been in a bathtub before?"

"In the day and age of sonic showers?" Kalln snorted softly. "It's not like I've never... submersed before. But I must admit that unguents and such are not popular on Gnala. Besides, we're lizards. We don't sweat."

"When you talk like that, you make it sound that you're better than us." Anna replied incredulously.

"We are." Kalln answered with a smile, "Stronger, smarter and faster, remember. I'm not bragging, just saying it how it is."

"Ya." Anna growled playfully, slapping Kalln's back. "Must feel important being superior to little people like us."

"No. Sometimes I envy you because unlike me, you don't have have to take drugs every morning to keep from killing yourself. Just living is a struggle... I suppose that makes the rest seem somewhat inconsequential..."

He paused for a long time, "And every once in a while... I touch on complete happiness."

Anna slowly wrapped her arms about him and rested her head on his shoulder. "You told me about that, your dependence on those drugs was a gift from your ancient masters to control your people."

Kalln quietly nodded as she held him. He remembered when Anna came close to death, he had wondered if he could possible live a day without her. He could never imagine one person could make such a difference in somebody's life but somehow Anna help to fill the void in him, to feel a bit more complete.

"Kalln?" Anna whispered softly. "I'm curious, what makes you happy?"

"Being with friends and especially with you." Kalln grinned and reached behind with a soap covered hand, lightly touching Anna's nose and leaving a spot of froth on the end of it.

"But you said 'complete happiness', it sounded something more." Anna giggled wiping the soap away.

For a moment, Kalln looked embarrassed to admit it. "Our private moments together... When you act silly just to make me laugh, or when I see you happy and your joy seems to rub off on me. And of course our most... intimate moments."

He lifted his nose out of the water and craned backwards. They stared at each other for a few moments, until Anna leant forward and gently kissed him on the snout. She giggled again. "You mean when we give each other the 'happy'?"

"The 'happy?'" Kalln's forehead creased "Oh, your code word for sex!"

With a sly grin, Anna sloshed around in front of him and wrapped her arms about his long neck. "Going on a hundred years and you're still figuring us humans out?"

"That's a fallacy," he protested, "I just had all you Terrans down pat when you come along and disprove everything..."

"Good, then I know I'm keeping you on your toes." Anna purred softly as she gently kissed him, pressing herself against his hard scaly chest. Anna felt his powerful arms wrapping around her body to cradle her in the water. Kalln nuzzled his snout into Anna's shoulder and licked her collarbone up to the curve of her neck with his long tongue.

"Lets go to bed." Anna suggested breathlessly. "We can finish everything in there."

Kalln nuzzled the side of her face, murmuring, "I'm naked. You're... practically. Why not just stay here...?"

"Unlike you, I can't breathe under water." Anna murmured back.

"Don't worry. I will be careful not to drown you." Kalln replied slyly before completely slipping under the soapy water before her.

She watched the top of his head disappear into the soapy suds and soon Anna tilted her head back with a blissful smile before letting out a long moan. Anna couldn't see what Kalln was doing to her but she sure can FEEL it! She grabbed both sides of the tub and held on for dear life as she splashed and jerked about.

Anna appreciated Kalln's incredible constitution and considering how horny she was feeling, Kalln was going to need it tonight.

A Wedding in Iowa
by LCDR Endris Gakor, CMO
(with a quote from LCDR Matthew Albrecht)

*** Palladium Arms Hotel ***

Gakor fell in to bed exhausted after her Holodeck excursion. Matthew carried her across the threshold, but then disappeared again to parts unknown. Adam woke up in the middle of the night needing his diaper changed, and the Tellarite noticed her husband had still not returned. "Snacks! Perhaps killing him on the Holodeck scared Daddy away, Adam", she said. The child calmed down once a dry diaper was in place. The soiled one went into the Risan disposal unit. Still tired from her adventure, the doctor rubbed her eyes and went back to bed. It was 3am, after all.

Morning sun poured in through the windows, waking the room's 2 occupants. Endris leaned over to the intercom and ordered a lavish Oinkus for breakfast. Soon, Adam and she had consumed the platters of waffles and other treats the staff had rushed to their suite. Gakes became concerned. The Albrecht family had agreed to spend leave time on Risa together. But Endris had only seen her husband for a few hours since beaming down to the pleasure planet.

*There has to be some clue about where Matthew ran off to so suddenly*, the adult thought. Adam was not so patient. "Dad-e", "Dad-e", he demanded, using a rather large rattle from Tellar for emphasis. Knowing the pleas would not soon be answered, Gakor ignored them while scouring the room for clues. Her nose drew her to a box of chocolates the Acting Chief of Security had brought to appease his family. A haphazardly folded gold uniform was under the box. Ever the detective, Gakes picked up the shirt and a PADD slid out from beneath it.

She turned the PADD on to see if any useful information was on it. The diagnosis was so grim she nearly dropped the device when the contents were read. The Doctor's fingers trembled as she checked to make sure her first perusal was correct.

Incredibly, the screen read: "I'll be away for 8 days, so please understand if you try and reach me and I don't reply. Going to a Wedding in Iowa!" and then was signed by the disappearing Mr Albrecht himself.

*Iowa? That's on Earth! What's that human doing traipsing around planet hopping without his family?* her train of thought went. Adequate chastisement for this latest trespass could wait. Endris went over to calm her child, and then used the intercom to make arrangements for his care. With the post-war influx of tourists, there were a few dozen children Adam's age for the tyke to play with.

Risan functionaries quickly gathered up Adam and carted him off to the playground.

Meanwhile, a devious plan was forming in the Tellarite's pretty skull. "Cuisine!", she proclaimed to the rafters. Minutes later, she requested to be beamed back to the Galaxy. There were a few details she wanted to check on.

Clearing things with the transporter operator, Gakor arrived in her vacation robes, but headed for the CMO's duty office. Everything looked in order, as she worked on phrasing an order for the ship's computer.

She refreshed her knowledge of Earth. And found out Iowa's farmlands churn out a high percentage of Corn. A fact which was perfect for her purposes.

=/\=This is Lt Commander Endris Gakor-Albrecht=/\=, she began. =/\=Code Alpha Baker 3 Foxtrot Lima.=/\=, the porcine Doctor ordered up the procedure to enter dietary restrictions for the crew which were restricted to the senor medical staff. =/\=For 7 consecutive work days after Lt Commander Matthew Albrecht returns from Shore Leave, all Replicator requests he makes for food should produce a steaming plate of fresh Iowa Corn.=/\=

=/\=State Compelling Medical Reason for Dietary Restriction=/\= The computer demanded.

=/\=Commander Albrecht needs more Fiber.=/\= Gakor dished after fumbling a few moments. Moral fiber is fiber. Period. Endris would never use such a flimsy excuse for another member of the crew, but then family is always intimate. Muffin would find some way to retaliate for this latest love game. That would have to wait until after he wormed his way back into the Doctor's good graces.

*I hope this teaches him a lesson*, she thought closing the computer down. *Leaving his family and warping of to Earth!* It might take Matthew a while to figure out who restricted his diet. But thinking of Cuisine would only assist bringing him back into the fold! It was his wife's native passion, after all. No matter how long he extended his leave, the security man's return would activate the revenge of Corn Hooves!

With that, Gakor hooved it back to the Transporter Room, mentioning her medical experiments were proceeding as planed. That way, no one would be curious. The prank she had pulled only altered instructions in the computer. Any replicator that identified her man's voice would feed him corn. After a week, that might get monotonous but it wouldn't harm her priceless Muffin in the slightest. Who knows? It might even lead to his reformation!

*** Risa ***

Endris was mad with her spouse, but not so much she would consider infidelity. The Horg'hn the couple had purchased stayed in their hotel suite. Presently, it was decorating a space beside a lamp. However, an indulgent massage and tropical beverage soon boosted her spirits. Her tissues relaxed as the oils began to kneed into her like dough.

Glancing at the tourist briefings, she noticed a beach on the other side of the planet was holding a Luaha. Besides the roast suckling, they would be sure to have a supply of juicy, succulent corn for the guests to sink their teeth into. Endris tapped her name on the PADD, alerting the Risans of her intent to attend the lush Oinkus. Matthew might not be on hand, but she would be sure to indulge herself. Adam would be well looked after while his Mommy played.

Gakor savored her plan to get her straying hubby back on track and ordered another Pina Colada. Sighing deeply, the rubbing and stoking took on a new pattern of pampering....

"Preparations"
by Ensign Franklin Stone

Stone walked out of the science lab, closely followed by this Lieutenant Sullax. They nodded to each other and went their separate ways in opposite directions. Stone wasn't at all certain he wanted to leave...his first instinct had been to try and talk to Lieutenant Rhys and explain to her his absence from their planned meeting. But the Captain was still in there, no doubt talking to her now.

The Ensign sighed as he entered the turbolift and commanded the computer to take him to the nearest location to his quarters. The ride was swift, but it was enough time for Franklin to realize that he was troubled by something. For some reason he kept thinking of Viara...and now with this mission taking him off the Galaxy all together, he might never get the chance to explain himself to her.

~Perhapes it's for the best~ he thought to himself as he walked into his quarters and began to gather together some small items that might come in handy on the mission. Stone hadn't actually made many friends in the five years since he had left Mar Beta Prime, and that seemed to suit the young officer best. It allowed him to keep his emotional and spiritual balance in check, and allowed him uninterrupted concentration on his work. Sure it was a bit lonely, but then again so was the eight months he had spent in the Tomed Desert during his Mar-Do training. Solitude was to be embraced, not shunned.

So why was he regretting in leaving the ship for this mission?

Stone shook his head and stuffed his small duffel bag with the items he had gathered together. A Tricorder, a type 1 phaser, several spare PADDs and a few energy cells for the various devices. Zipping the bag up, he tossed it at the door where it landed with a loud clang. He then proceeded to his terminal where he sent a message to both Ensign Han and Lieutenant Dallas explaining his absence from the search for Ensign Thorne. With that done Stone proceeded to his small corner of the shared common room where he had set up a meditation shrine.

The shrine was a solid piece of carved stone, from the Matet Mountains on Mar Beta Prime. It weighed close to a ton and supported on a small anti-grav platform to keep it from straining the floor too much. The ship's Quartermaster had apparently balked at receiving this thing from the Thunderchild until he realized it was tagged as a "religious item" and therefore protected under Starfleet regulations. Stone was grateful that he could bring this shrine with him from assignment to assignment...it was a piece of home, and it comforted him when his center was lost.

Stone knelt down on the rough stone shelf and clasped his hands together. He took a deep cleansing breath and began to recite the mantra he had first been taught all those years ago at the Mar-Do Monastery. His mind turned inwards, seeking the peace he had acquired back then. Of course, life was much simpler then too, but he still had several hours before needing to report to the cargo bay. He needed to order his mind to his duties once more.

**Several Hours Later – Cargo Bay 2**

Stone's footsteps could be heard echoing through the corridor as he walked towards Cargo Bay 2 and the briefing that the Captain had promised. His stride held purpose and his demeanor was once again as placid as a frozen lake. His Zen-like calm had once again taken control, and Franklin was focused on the mission at hand.

**To be continued**

A Holiday on Risa
by Darian McGee
and Tabbatha-Jade Morax

***USS Galaxy***

Darian McGee woke up early the next morning, around 0830 hours. He was free from duty for the moment, with shoreleave just waiting for him, and the lovely Tabbatha-Jade Morax, whom he had met the night before in Ten-Forward.

The two had spent three hours just talking, before deciding that they would spend shoreleave on Risa together. He was to pick her up at 1030 hours, and he had alot to get done before then.

First up, his sonic shower. By the time he finished that, and sat down to breakfast, it was 0915 hours. After breakfast, at 0945, he worked out in his quarters for fifteen minutes. After drying and cooling down, and packing a bag for the pleasure planet of Risa, it was 1010 hours. Changing into a grey t-shirt, and matching grey pants, Darian left his quarters at 1020 hours. After his hellos in the hallway, he arrived at her quarters at exactly 1030 hours.

Ringing her chime, a voice called out for him to come in. Entering, Darian saw no sign of Tabbatha. "Hello," he called out.

"I'm in the bathroom," her voice responded, "I'll be out in a sec, go ahead and sit on the couch."

"Ok," he responded, making his way over to a very comfortable looking couch. Easing himself down, he relaxed while waiting for her to finish up. A few moments later she emerged from the bathroom wearing shorts, and a blue t-shirt.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Let's go," Darian responded, picking up her bag from beside the door. She looped her arm through his, and they started out of her quarters and down the hall.

"I have been looking forward to this" Tabbatha said as they walked along the coridor towards the transporter room.

'So have I" Darian said with a boyish smile across his face

Stepping on the platform Tabbatha and Darian looked at each other, they looked like two children who were about to see the sea for the first time. The transporter kicked in Tabbatha felt the tingle all over her body as the disappeared and reapeared on Risa.

It was a warm day the air was humid and you could smell the ocean in the air. Tabbatha could hear the seagulls a slight breeze brushed across the sand. Looking over to Darian, Tabbatha held out her hand "Shall we go then?" She said smilling.

Taking Tabbatha's hand, the two started walking along one of the beach shores. The sand was warm all over Darians feet, he couldn't believe that he was walking down the beach with the most beautiful woman in the world to him.

"Why don't we go for a swim?" he suggested.

***

Around 40 minutes later, Darian and Tabbatha, both having changed into swimming attire, were in a cold spring, enjoying the cool water, each others company, and the warm sun.

"I'm glad we did this," Tabbatha said.

"So am I."

After about twenty more minutes, the two got out of the spring, spread out towels, and layed down next to each other, letting the sun dry them off.

They just lay there in the sand watching the sun set

A REQUEST FOR LEAVE
Lt. jg Mohammed Uhura
Asst. Ops Chief
USS Galaxy

*** Earlier ***

[Captain Price is currently in his quarters. ] The ship's computer informed Mohammed Uhura. He had been looking for the Captain Price all over the ship. He was amazed at how hard it was to find a person on a ship that was all but deserted. Most of the crew had gone to Risa to relax and refresh themselves. He was in desperate need to get back home to Earth to be with his wife while she delivers their third child. He had been just missing the captain. He just missed him in shuttle bay 2 and in the science lab. He had headed to sickbay, where he was informed that the captain was heading but all he found was a 'moody' EMH doctor. Finally he used his brain and asked the computer to locate the captain.

Tapping his comm badge, Lt. Uhura called the captain. =/\="Capt. Price this is Lt. Uhura."=/\=

=/\= Price here, go ahead Lieutenant. =/\=

=/\= Captain, I need to speak to you on a very urgent personal matter=/\= Mohammed said.

=/\= What is the problem, 'mate?=/\=

=/\=Can I see you now sir and I will explain everything?=/\=

=/\=Okay 'mate, but I am a bit pressed for time.=/\=

=/\= It won't take long, sir.=/\=

=/\= I'll be waiting, Lieutenant. Price out. =/\=

Mohammed made his way to the turbo lift and requested the captain's quarters. As the lift made it's way all he could think about was his beautiful wife having their baby and he not being there to be with her. "Hold on Tashi," He said to himself. "Hold on."

Mohammed stood in front of Captain Price's quarters and pressed the chime button. He heard the Australian accented voice of Capt. Price call out enter. Mohammed took a deep breath and walked in. He paused as he entered. The captain's quarters was very nice. It was comfortable and large. It was warmly decorated with various objects de art and momentos of the captain's home land of Australia. Being the captain of your own ship apparently had it's benefits. He couldn't help but wonder why the captain didn't have anyone to share all this with. He began to wonder about the captain's personal life and then quickly put it out of his mind. The captain's personal life was no concern of his. "G'day Lieutenant." Capt. Lee Price entered the living room buttoning up the tunic of his white dress uniform. "Make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you Captain." Mohammed wondered why the captain was in his dress uniform but he didn't want to be nosy in the captain's business. Capt. Price looked at Lt. Uhura and smiled.

"We have an important member of the first family of Betazed coming and I have to give them a tour of the Galaxy." He explained.

"Oh? I was unaware of this. What I have to say can wait." Mohammed lied. Evidently the captain was very busy and had no time for a request from one of his subordinate officers.

Capt. Price's smile remained. "Lieutenant, you have something to say to me that is important enough for you to come to my quarters. So? Tell me Lieutenant, what is on your mind?"

Mohammed took a seat on an overstuffed chair while Capt. Price took a chair across from him. "Well, sir, you know that I am very happy to be here and that I have enjoyed my experience here and that the Galaxy is the best ship in the fleet."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. I appreciate that and I'm sure the people on Utopia Planetia appreciate your kind words about the Galaxy. But I know you didn't come here to talk about how much you like it here." Price' s smile didn't falter.

"Ummm...No sir." Mohammed didn't know why he was so nervous. "Sir...I am having a baby."

Price's eyebrows shot up and a quizzical expression crossed his face as his smile melted into a snicker. " I beg your pardon, Lieutenant. Did you say you are having a baby?"

Mohammed nodded. "Yes, sir. A baby."

Price nodded. "I see. Lt. Uhura, is there something you need to tell me about yourself?"

Mohammed looked confused. "Captain?"

Price tried to keep a straight face. "You are a male Terran aren't you?"

"Of course. What does all this have to do with anything?" Mohammed asked, trying not to sound as annoyed as he felt.

"Well...you are amazing, Lieutenant. You are the first Terran male to ever give birth." Price replied.

Mohammed blinked. At first he was certain the captain had lost his mind then he realized what he had said and felt embarrassed. "No. No. I'm not having the baby. My wife is. She is pregnant."

Price giggled. "I understand. I was just joking. Yes, I remember you telling me that your wife was pregnant with your third child back on Earth."

Mohammed smiled with amazement. How could he have remembered that information, it was so long ago. But that was what made him such a good captain. He knew about his crew and cared about them and their families.

"How can I help you, mate?"

"Captain, my wife is about to give birth to our third child any day now. And you see." Mohammed stood up and began pacing as he spoke. "I promised her that I would be there when the baby was born. Captain...."

Price stood up and faced the African Lieutenant and smiled. "You want to go home and be with her and your family."

"Yes sir. I know that this comes at a bad time and that right after being made Asst. Ops Chief this is rather inconvienent and if you say no I will understand...."

"Lt. Uhura," Price interrupted. "Your request for leave is approved."

Mohammed stopped. He wasn't sure about what he heard. "Sir?"

"Your request for leave is approved. Go, Lieutenant. Go home to your family and that lovely wife of yours." Price said.

Mohammed beamed. "Thank you. Thank you, Captain."

"No problem Lieutenant." Capt. Price said.

" Captain, I will need..."

"A runabout will be made ready for you Lieutenant. " Price said anticipating the request.

"Thank you, Captain. Thank you very much." Mohammed headed to the door when Capt. Price stopped him. Mohammed turned around.

"Mohammed, you have a good and safe trip and I hope everything goes well for you and your family. No worries, mate." Price said.

"Thank you again. Thank you very much." Mohammed said as he left the captain's quarter. He was floating on cloud nine. He had to quickly get his belongings together and be on his way. Soon he would be home. Soon he would be with his beloved wife and his new baby. He just could not wait.

To be continued......

"The Search Part 4"
Ensign Han Jian-fu, Security Officer
Also featuring: Lt. Karyn Dallas, Chief Counselor
Ensign John Thorne, NPC Science Officer
USS Galaxy

***Risa's Main Space Port***

Jian and Lieutenant Dallas were heading down the street towards the Main Space Port, where they learned two Ferengi ships were moured. They passed through the shopping district and made there way through the Space Port Security who were more than happy to let two Starfleet officers pass without question.

Jian went over to one of the Port workers, "Do you know where the two Ferengi ships are docked."

"One's in bay twelve, the others in bay fifty." The worker says.

"Opposite sides of the Port, do you know when they're schedualed for departure?" Han asked.

"The one in fifty should be leaving in thirty minutes, the other's leaving tomorrow mourning." The worker walks towards his service vehicle, "I'm going to bay forty seven now, I'll give you a lift."

"Thank you." Han bows slightly and after helping Lieutenant Dallas get into the small vehicle they take off.

Up until this point, Karyn had let Jian do all the talking. It had been her experience most men were only willing to talk to men in a situation like this. The only acknowledgement the worker had given Karyn at this point was a smirk. He cocked his head as if to say, 'This broad with you?' Jian gave a slight nod, the only indication that he understood what the worker meant. Jian didn't know Karyn very well, but he had the feeling if she knew what was going on, he wouldn't be able to keep her from "responding" in her own unique way.

Karyn still wasn't comfortable with just walking up to a couple of Ferengi ships and snooping around for any trace of Ensign Thorne, though if they were going to find him, this looked to be the most likely direction to head. At least she wasn't in uniform like the Ensign. If they did run into trouble, it wouldn't necessarily go over well if the parties responsible for the dissappearance saw a Starfleet Officer was on the trail. With any luck, anyone passing by would think the Ensign was on the planet with his civilian companion and they were dropping off one more medical supply (the medkit she'd brought with her.)

She whispered to Ensign Han, once they were aboard the service vehicle and her chair was stowed away in the back. "We shouldn't move too quickly, we don't want to arouse too much suspicion right away. We don't have any concrete evidence, so if we go in there with guns blazing and we're wrong, Captain Price not to mention SFC will have our asses in a sling." Jian nodded his understanding. Still he couldn't just sit there and not follow up a lead, Ensign Thorne's life was at stake.

The driver stopped just three bays away from number fifty where the Ferengi ship was.

Han helped Lieutenant Dallas out of the vehicle.

"I'll go ahead, you catch up." Han said to the Lieutenant and started running towards bay fifty. Karyn was about to utter a loud protest but thought better of it. They were too close to the Ferengi ships to risk blowing their cover. He was too far away now for her to reach, she would have to catch up later like he suggested. He was too damn eager in her opinion. At this point, she had no idea what mental or physical state Thorne was in, or if the Ferengi were to blame. If for some reason he was hallucinating or trying to hurt himself which was still a possibility (as there were many pleasure drugs available that the lesser seen natives tried to sell tourists.), what was Han going to do? She had the damn medkit, IF he found Thorne injured how was he supposed to treat him? Using her annoyance to propel her forward, she headed toward the shuttlebay to see what the hell he was up to.

As he approached he saw one of the Ferengi at the open door to the bay, the Ferengi turned around and looked back inside the bay, "I'll be back in few minutes, we still have a container at customs." Han then ducked inside the Bay next to the Ferengis and waited, he watched from a dark corner as the Ferengi left on a cargo mover.

Han then ran over to the Ferengis bay and checked the door, it was locked, he looked around for a minute then he climbed up the wall and layed down on the roof, he looked out and saw Lieutenant Dallas comming towards the bay, she saw him on the roof so he made a signal to her to hide in the other bay, she looked puzzled but hid any way. *Hopefully,* thought Karyn, *he's found something to go on, perhaps overheard a conversation or something to link them to Ensign Thorne. She waited patiently for Han to give a signal for her to come out.

Just then the Ferengi came back with his cargo container, after unloading it onto a grav lift he pushed it towards the door, he stopped and unlocked the double door, he then pushed the cargo container through, as the door was closing Han flipped off the top of the roof and while holding on to the ledge of the roof he held the door open with his foot.

"What the hell is he doing?" said Karyn aloud to no one in particular. * Well, there's no way in hell I can do THAT.* Royally annoyed at this point, Karyn considered her options. There was no way Han could go undetected in that bay for long and if his current actions were any indication, she knew he was not likely to last half as long as someone with calmer demeanor. The place was most certainly covered with guards, especially around the Ensign, if he was even still alive. It was a big assumption and she just hoped Han made sure he had all the facts before he went rocking the boat. She had a feeling something was not right with the whole thing. If he was going to leave her stranded like this, she could at least organize backup, should "superman" find himself in over his head. At least no one had detected her.

*** Han pushed the door back open and jumped down, he walked inside hiding behind things and staying in the shadows.

He started to make his way to the Ferengi ship, he saw two armed Nausicaans at the door, he walked some more around the ship to see if there was another way in but he couldn't find one, as he started to make his way back around to the cargo door a Ferengi had managed to get behind him, the Ferengi smiled thinking he'd gone unnoticed, he raised his phaser and fired, but Han did notice, as the beam flashed towards him he leaned sideways, the beam hit a small cargo container knocking it onto the ground.

Jian turned aroud grabing a small piece of metal that was nearby and threw it right at the Ferengi, the metal went right into the Ferengi's heart killing him instantly, then Han was shot.

***An Unknown Amount Of Time Later***

Han found himself lying on the metal floor of a brig, he saw the nausicaans from earlier standing outside of the cell, he felt someone grab him from behind, he spun around ready to kill but stopped when he saw it was Ensign Thorne, the Ensign had a bandage around his back that had turned from white to red.

Han noticed the Ensign was struggling to sit back up, Han was O.K though, his uniform absorbed most of the blast, Han looked down at his own chest to see if his communicator was there,but it was missing, so he walked over to the force field.

"Let us go." Han said to the Nausicaans.

The two ugly beasts looked at each other and laughed.

Han then ran back to Ensign Thorne to see if he could help him.

"I need a doctor." Thorne said, "I can barely move."

Han looked back at the Nausicaans then back at Thorne, "Why did they shoot you?" Han asked Thorne.

"I heard them talking, they've built a Trilithium Torpedo, they're going to destroy the ship." Thorne said.

Thorne started to say something but Han couldn't understand him, then Thorne stopped breathing, Han tried to revive him but it was too late.

Han heard talking behind him, it was in the Ferengi language and he couldn't understand it.

The Nausicaans lowered the force field and walked in, "The Captain wants to see you." they grabbed Hans shoulders they lifted him up and carried towards the open field, before they could leave Han raised his legs and kicked the two Nausicaans in the head.

One of the Nausicaans fell down and the other lunged towards him, Jian jumped up and spun around once and put his hand right through the Nausicaans neck, pulling it's throat right out, the Nausicaan fell down dead, the other one got up and ran toward the open cell but Han turned on the force field and pulled the controls right off the wall, then he saw the Nausicaans left their distrupters on the table and he grabed them both and after changing the settings to stun he ran out.

***The Bridge of the Ferengi Ship***

After meeting no Ferengi in the rest of the ship he went to the bridge, there were four Ferengi sitting at different consols, they all stoped and looked at Han holding two distruptors.

Han saw they were still orbiting Risa.

"Every one move away from your consols and stand over there." He pointed at an empty wall, he walked over to the conn station and looked over the controls, then with one hand he kept a distrupter on the Ferengi and with the other he took the ship back to the port and they landed.

"Move, the Risan Security Force should be here any minute now." At least he hoped they would. He had still not found his combadge, but was a little afraid to turn his back on the Ferengi. Han followed the Ferengi off the ship.

***Few minutes later***

Four Risan Security Officers were waiting for them, "Arrest these people, there's also a Nausicaan inside."

After being questioned for a while one of the Risan Security Officers came out with Han's comm badge.

"I'm sure everything's in order now, you can go." The officer who was questioning him said. Jian was about to beam up to the ship, when he saw Karyn coming toward him...she did NOT look happy to see him.

GALAXY
=SCIENCE SECTION=
=Ens. Jake Olson=

Jake Olson was as usual minding his own business doing his work. He was running tricorder checks, his hands skillful at the task and his mind far off in the hills. This time, it wasn't pleasant daydreaming that occupied his thoughts.

Star Fleet Accadamy taught him how to work together with people of alien species. However, Jake was not prepared for couples of different species. His mind was flat out blown by the idea that Kalln was hooked up with a human woman. He was an enormous reptile, looked vagely like T-Rex. She was typical human.

While Jake Olson was able to keep yap shut, he couldn't help but wonder how they got along. How did they.....

Oh God, no one prepared him for coming accross something like this. Back home there were no aliens. Only humans, and homosexuality was considered strange. Jake Olson wanted to run and jump into a snowball that would take all his mind's resources. Tricorders he knew inside out and they left one with too much room to think disterbing thoughts. As it was, Jake had trouble looking at the lizard, now he found out that he was, well, with a human female, Good God!

Based on STAR TREk created by gene Roddenberry
Post written by Lieutenant Suder
Engineer

"Relaxation..."

It was shift change agan. Suder had taken his work to his quarters. Due to the shortage of Engineers on the Galaxy, Suder was going to be working in a few hours.

He was in his quarters. Sat back in his chair at his console, feet up on the console. He had a data padd in his hands and an apple in the other. He had a little bowl of food snacks on his console. He would probably work on the EEH problem and then take a stroll down to Ten-Forward. He had music on. Nice and quiet. He was listening to songs from Earth's history. Nothing heavy like rock. Wasn't his sort of music. For one moment in time, Suder was relaxed. This was the first time he had been relaxed n ages. He couldn't remember the last time he had relaxed. When he first came aboard the USS Galaxy, he was straight to work. Then he had met Adrianna and before he had a chance to relax with her or by himself, the Galaxy went into battle with another Starfleet vessel which ended with Adrianna's death. Around the same time Suder had found a link that was part of a puzzle. A puzzle that would explain what happened to his parents. Suder had then found out about his brother Lon, who he discovered had been killed in the Delta Quadrant a couple of years ago on the starship Voyager. Then there was the war. For two years straight, there was nothing but the war. War. That word had a whole new meaning now. Suder had been in his fair share of fights and battles, but the war with the Dominion had put him up to the front lines, up close and personal with the Jem'Hadar, cardassians, Vorta and the Breen. But he was a soldier then. They all were. Every Starfleet Officer had become a soldier the moment the war first broke out. Suder remembered reading the report on how the Dominion maybe attacking the Federation soon. Hours later, word across the galaxy was Deep Space Nine had been captured by the Jem'hadar and Vorta, retaken by the Cardassians, and in now in the hands of them both, the Dominion.

Suder slapped hsi hands together. That woke him up from his slight daze. He was supposed to be relaxing, but he wasn't relaxed. He put the data padd down and stopped the music playing. He then strolle dout of his quarters and made his way to Ten-Forward.

"Vacation"
Lieutenant James Chen
Security Officer

Chen worked through his exercises, ducking and weaving and punching numerous invisible foes. He'd thought about using the holodeck for practice, but his shoulder still hurt and he didn't want to aggravate it too badly. He could feel the blood coursing through his body as he practiced. Sweat glistened on his naked torso. The scars on his body stood out brightly against his skin. He practiced for a solid hour before finally slowing the speed and ferocity of his movements. He practiced for another thirty minutes, moving slower, his actions more deliberate. Finally, he was done. It always felt good to work out the kinks after a long period of inactivity. He went into the shower and cleaned up, feeling refreshed. After that, he pulled out his traveling bag and started packing. He and Lex had a vacation planned down to Risa.

As he packed, he came across the small, velvet box Commander Payne had given him several weeks ago. It contained the data tapes of his week-long period of torture and captivity. He didn't know how many times he'd watched those tapes. He frowned. Next to the box was the picture of Lex and himself, taken on one of Lex's sailing simulations. It was covered in grime, but you could clearly make out their faces together. That was a good day.

Chen leaned down and picked up the box. He walked over to the replicator and set the box down. He pressed a button and watched as the box disappeared, the matter being broken down, never to be recreated again. He'd focused on that time for too long. Now it was time to look forward, to something else. He walked back into his bedroom and looked down at the picture of Lex. He smiled and closed the drawer. He started repacking, feeling better than he had in a long time.

"A family affair"

Lt Tim O'Connell
VAdm David O'Connell
Ens Brook Ames

The tram sped to San Francisco. Tim held Brooke's hand the one now carrying a ring with a sparkling Tamarian diamond ring. "So you remember Dave right?" He smiled.

"You mean good ole Uncle Dave? It's been awhile. When was the last time you talked to him?"

"After the accident I called." Tim smiled, "He doesnt' know about you though."

"Accident. I didn't know."

"Actually my accident, I should have been more specific." They were in uniform again. A visit to headquarters necessitated it. "That's the last time I spoke, he has no clue we're even back together. This will floor him."

"Oh, I see. I think it will especially when he finds that I joined Starfleet myself. This should be fun." She smiled back.

Tim chuckled, "It should be fun." The tram settled down and they departed the station waking in to Starfleet headquarters.

Brooke didn't know why but she was kind of nervous. The fact that she was in Starfleet and an officer herself may have had something to do with it. Afterall, he is an Admiral which means there is a new respect between them. "This is definately going to be interesting."

Tim smirked at her nerves, "It's ok Dave is not your typical admiral." They took the lift to his 6th floor office. They got off and walked in. The first thing they saw was the aide, a Lt Commander who put up with a lot from his admiral. "Is he in." Tim asked.

"Right through there." A thumb gesture.

They walked in to the office and saw an older gentleman in teh duty uniform of a vice admiral He was apparantly cursing out a console and ignoring the 2 officers standing in front of him.

Brooke was never one for patience. She stood there, with her hands clasped behind her, waiting. She cleared her throat, trying to get his attention.

Tim chuckled and spoke, "Hey Dave, don't you pay attention to you damned door."

The head jerked up, "Well damn, Tim and who is this." he walked over and looked, "Brooke Ames?, When did you graduate?"

"I just recently graduated, first in my class even." She stood before him straight and tall, an unconscious habit from Starfleet Academy training.

"I would expect no less from anyone I know." He gave her a mock official look, "and will you relax, You don't need to stand at attention." He chuckled then looked at her hand, "Who gave you this rock?" he asked.

"I didn't realize I was." She smiled, "Oh, from a very handsome man that I love very much. In fact, I think you know him."

Dave looked around then at Tim and then back, he knew but he decided to play dumb, "Neil?" HE asked tongue planted firmly in cheek.

"Very good. You're right." She laughs as she jokes back with him.

Tim looked at her, "something you haven't told me?"

"I don't think so." She snaps her fingers, "Oh, that's right, you gave it to me."

Tim chuckled, "That's right I did." That got the admiral's full attention,"You two are getting what??"

Still smiling, "Hey, don't look at me. He's the one who proposed. All I did was say yes."

Dave chuckled, "Well good for you two, I guess I'll be heading to the Galaxy for a wedding eh?"

"Most definately. Of course, we haven't set a date but I'm sure it will be soon."

Tim smiled, "don't worry we'll get you a shuttle and an invitation." They talked for a bit. Dave turned to Brooke, "so how do you like Starfleet life."

"I haven't had any complaints yet. I was surprised though to get sent on a mission as soon as I came aboard. It was quite an experience."

Tim rememebred that mission which is also what brought them together, Dave picked up a padd, "I read about it."

"You did?" She was surprised to see that Starfleet kept up with all of the missions. "I'm sure I'll see more action the longer I am in Starfleet."

Tim chuckled, "I'm sure you will."

Brooke looked over at Tim and then back to the Admiral. "As soon as we figure out when the wedding is, we'll let you know."

Dave grinned, "I know you will. I'll know anyway." He chuckled, "at leat I hope so."

Brooke smiled, "I guess you like to keep a close eye on Tim here, don't you?"

"Someone has to. Well now that;s your job too."

"Don't worry, he's not getting out of my sight."

Dave smiled, "good someone has to watch my brother's kid."

"Well, he is in good hands." She returned his smile. "Anyway, how can he not be, he has his own personal doctor.

Tim wisely didn't say a thing. He just kept a neutral expression on his face throught this whole discussion.

"Maybe we should be going. I think we have taken up enough of your time. I'm looking forward to seeing you there at the wedding." Brooke looked over at Tim, waiting for him to say something.

"Dave a pleasure as always." Tim shook hands with his uncle and smiled, "I'll make sure you get an invitation personally."

Dave chuckled," of course. Brooke a pleasure as always." This time a hug for her.

"Thank you. It was nice seeing you too."

With that they left the office and took the turbolift out and down to the floor, "do you wanna go to the cadet lounge?" he asked with a smile, "show off the pips."

"Sure. Just don't get too big of a head or we not be able to fit you through the door of the ariel tram." She kidded.

Tim smiled, "well considering this is rather nice to be back I'll try. We do have to get back to our hotel soon." They walked in to the lounge and sat at a table.

Brooke looks around. "See anyone to show them off to?" She smiled at Tim, teasing him a bit. "It would be a shame to leave."

Tim gently caressed her cheek, "if we were to go to a hotel or something I'd leave if not let's have dinner and a drink."

"Then let's have that drink and dinner. Something different."

Tim snickered, "are you saying we don't eat?"

Brooke took a few seconds to process what he just said. "Um, no. I'm saying that...oh heck, you know what I mean." She got flustered for the first time in a long time.

Tim actually laughed, "Ah my love, the woman I intend to make my bride I have never seen you this flustered before." He gestured to the waiter. "you want to just order dinner ?"

"And you'll never see it again either." She cracked a small smile. As the waiter comes up, "Yes, dinner is fine. Coming to think about it, an iced tea sounds good too."

After the steak sandwiches were ordered along with 2 iced teas were delivered Tim chuckled, "but you look so sexy flustered."

"I look sexy anytime or at least, that's what you've told me." She gave him a flirtatous smile. "Or has that consensus changed?"

"You look sexy no matter what you do or say." He reached over and caressed her cheek again. "I love you Brooke."

"That's because I'm just so lovable." She added, "So are you. That's what makes us so good together."

Tim leande in and whispered, "that and the sex is amazing."

"Definately amazing." She laughed, "Like I said, we're meant for each other."

Tim smiled and their food was delivered, "I know it's a cliche' we're meant for each other you complete me yada yada, but I just feel so comfortable with you, it's like we never broke up." He smiled as tehir meal was consumed, "I have to call Neil tonight. Care to guess his reactions?"

"Let me see. He'll probably give you the 'I thought you were going to take it slow' lecture and how we are 'running into marriage so soon after your wife's death', so on and so on. I know he's protective of you but really."

Tim chuckled, "he is to protective of me, but he'll be my best man. That much is decided."

"Maybe we should wait until we get back to the ship so I can sedate him when you tell him. Better yet, I can paralyze his vocal cords so that he can't talk, just listen." She thinks about it for a second or two. "I know he means well and all."

"No we have to tell him before we get back, if we don't he'll be more peeved." He sighed, "but y'know what I don't care what he thinks I am going to marry you."

"Oh okay, tell him. Just make sure I'm sitting next to you when you do. In this way, he only has to give the boring lecture once."

"Yes dear." Tim smiled, "It's like we're already married."

She gave him an odd look, "And what do you mean by that?"

Tim sighed, "I was trying a joke and failed miserabley." He smiled, "sorry."

"Good. For a minute there I wasn't sure what to think."

"I suppose for a bad joke there are penalties arent' there?" He chuckled.

"I suppose. Don't worry about it. Just don't give up your job to be a commedian."

"True I won't." He gently kissed her on the lips.

"Shall we blow this joint or do you want to stay longer?"

"Let's get out of here." Tim smiled.

"I'm right behind you." Brooke got up and followed Tim.

They were out and back to the tram when their hand holding caught the attention of a cadet on patrol duty. He called out to them.

"Hold it. Name and Class" Tim and Brooke turned and faced the cadet.

"I'm sorry cadet I didn't hear you." He had a smirk on his face.

"You two name and class NOW."

Tim snickered, "I'm quite sorry." he tapped his collar, "I don't have a class."

Brooke just stood there, watching a smug Tim enjoy this opportunity to show off. She didn't say one word.

The cadet looked at Tim and repeated, "What is your name and class."

Tim rolled his eyes, "I'm sorry cadet my pips didn't hear you." Again he tapped the 2 solid pips indicating his rank of Lt. The cadet's eyes got wide and he snapped to attention.

"S-S-sorry sir,"

Tim smiled, "It's ok, you did a good job there."

"Sir?"

"You stopped and questioned us professionally take off and carry on."

"Yes sir, thank you sir." The cadet walked off with speed. Tim turned to Brooke, "I hate to pull rank but he had to learn."

Brooke broke out laughing. "I hate to see you when you make Lt. Commander. I feel pity for anyone who tries to do that again."

"This is the first time I've had rank that entitled me to more then a pitying look. But I hate getting rank heavy. That cadet did a good job just needs to learn a little thing called uniform recognition."

"I'm sure he's learned his lesson. He's probably back at his living quarters, studying up on it now." She was still laughing when they entered the tram. Other Starfleet personnel gave her some funny looks. "Gee, no sense of humor."

Tim looked at her and they were laughing, "none at all, something about all the cadets." He hugged her close to him, "but y'know what I'm happy you're marrying me."

"I'm glad too. Now all you have to do is convince you-know-who." Brooke didn't know why she felt such a need for Neil's approval. Maybe because it was Tim's best friend.

Tim smiled, "He barks good, but if he's convinced I'm happy he'll be happy for me, and I'm happy." Still holding her close he gave her a long and rather passionate kiss.

Brooke felt a little consciencous so she was glad that they were getting off soon.

They got off and took a cab to the hotel. Getting out they headed in to the room. Tim rotated his neck and unzipped his uniform jacket. "that was a lot of travel for one day."

"I'll have to agree but worth it." She collasped onto the couch. "I enjoyed myself though."

Tim sat down and let her rest her head on his lap, "so did I." He smiled, "it was rather fun." he began to stroke her hair as he laid there.

"I was just thinking how much stuff there is to do before we get married. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. And getting your family to the ship."

Tim kissed her on the lips, "we'll do it don't worry." Another kiss. "We will I promise."

"I know." She yawns. "So what is on the agenda tomorrow?"

Tim gently stroked her face, "us together, a nice relaxing day. For sure Dinner with my family."

"Oh, that's right, I almost forgot. It should be an interesting day tomorrow."

"Considering the last discussion we were together now we're engaged, they'll know for sure now."

"And when are you plannig to let Neil know?"

"I'll call him tonight." Tim smiled, "He'll be happy I know he will."

"You hope you know. I bet that he will be upset at first."

"Just suprised I bet." Tim kissed her again this time more passionate.

"Oh surprised is putting it mildly but I think we've already had this conversation. The day I think has finally caught up with me."

Tim helped her sit up and began to rub her shoulders. "it has."

She loved it. It was just what the doctor ordered. "A little towards the left, ah, that's better. I think I'm going to have your hands cloned." She closes her eyes, relaxed and starting to doze off.

Tim began to kiss her neck gently with small butterfly kisses. "no cloning my hands."

In a very relaxed and soft voice, "Oh, too bad. Why not?"

"Because they would just sit there and do nothing." Continuing his small kisses, his hands bagan to caress her softly.

Brooke leaned back against him, reaching above and back, put her hand at his neck and pulled him to her lips. "Okay, no cloning your hands. Copies aren't as good as the original anyway."

Tim continued to kiss her while he opened her uniform jacket and began to slip it off. "Like I'd never clone you."

"I wouldn't want you to. I enjoy being with you too much. Anyway, I'm too selfish to share you even with myself."

Tim chuckled as he continued his kissing, "2 Brookes might be fun actually." He grinned.

"We're not talking a secret fantasy of yours, are we?" She turned to him and kissed him.

Tim kissed her back and caressed her cheek, "not to secret."

She smiled and whispered into his ear. "I already have my fantasy...you." Tim continued his kissing and began to undress her, "You are my fantasy too, unless you count the one with the twins." he grinned to show he was teasing her.

She playfully hit him, "You're bad."

"But that's one of the reasons you love me."

"Oh yeah. You're right about that." She kissed him softly then the kiss grew more passionate with each one. "I don't know about you but I think it's getting a little hot in here, don't you think?"

"Oh yea." He whispered, "a little too hot." he slipped her jacket off and picked her up in his arms, "Let's cool down a bit." He whisperered.

"And how do you plan to do that?"

Another kiss a long and very passionate kiss, "I think nudity is required."

Her face lighted up, "Ah, yes. Good idea. That should do it." She held onto his uniform, holding him near and kissed him, "Do you need some help maybe?"

"Help would be a nice thing." his eyes twinkled.

"Yes, a very nice thing." She obliged in between kisses.

Tim assisted her out of her uniform leaving a trail around teh bed Finally in their natural state they faced each other Tim caressed her soft skin and looked at her firm body, "you are so beautiful." he whispered.

"So are you." Things heated up between them. "It's definately not getting cool in here. You are just too hot."

"Well then we may have to let the fire take control." he whispered to her and then they collapesed on the bed together their passions a burning fire that united them.

Brooke laid there content and happy. "I love you."

Tim took his hand and took her hand in to his, "I am so lucky to have you." He brought her hand to his and kissed it.

"I feel the same way. Promise me that it will always be like this even when we are married. I want to always be this happy."

"When we are married we will be as happy as this if not more because we will be together for eternity." He wrapped her in his arms.

"Eternity...I love the sound of it." She kissed him and then sidled up beside him and closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his body.

Tim kissed her softly, "Eternal love us forever," He caressed her cheek gently, wanna get married at city hall today?"

"I don't think so. It just doesn't seem right. Besides, Neil would never talk to you again." She knew it was going to be hard enough when he tells him.

"Too Cliche' eh a quickie wedding with an Elvis impersonator and all." Tim chuckled. "I better tell him tonight."

"Yes you better." She sighed, "We could always not tell him and then when we see him, we can flash the ring and surprise him. He's not going to be happy at first anyway."

"He'd kill me." Tim chuckled, "I'll call him tonight and let him know he will not be pissed if we tell him." He thought, "no I better tell him myself."

"You're right. Have fun." She hoped that she was wrong about his reaction for Tim's sake.

Tim sat up and grabbed a robe, "better get it over with."

"Yep, you better. I wish you luck." Brooke robes and disappears into the bathroom.

Tim took a breath. "ok."

"The news"
by Lt's O'Connell and Bolitho.
Security and shuttle ops.

Neil entered his quarters, and stopped and leaned against the nerest wall as he scanned his surroundings. They should have been alive with the sounds of joy, mother and daughter playing, instead, it was quite very quite and "Lights" barked Neil suddenly hating the darkness that was surrounding him. The Computer chirped, Incoming call from Lt. Tim O'Connell on Earth. Bolitho sat down at the console and hit the receive button as Tim's visage appeared on the screen in front of him. "Neil, hows it going?" Bolitho forced a smile onto his face." Good Tim and how are you and Brooek doing on Earth?" Replied Neil.

Tim looked at his friend, "we;re doing fine, everyone says hello, I'm engaged, and the city is just as I rememebr it. The Red Lion is still standing after our little escapades there."

Neil nodded before glaring back at the screen." Back up O'Connel repeat that engaged thing?"

Tim smiled, "well I suppose you are the first to know, Brooke and I are engaged."

Bolitho leaned back in his seat, sudenly felling very tired , a small smile crossed his face as he said " Warp 10 Tim?"

"We took the oath too."

Neil's eyebrows shot up and he sat up straight in his seat." You took the Klingon oath of bethroal?" Asked Neil incredously.

"Everything but biting the cheek and breaking ribs." Tim smiled.

A wry smile broke on Bolitho's face. It ain't consumated until both your blood has been spilt Tim" Sighed Neil. " So you went ahead and did it anyway O'Connell!" Bolitho stared at Tim for a few seconds. " Is this what you want Tim?"

Tim looked at his friend, "Neil, I haven't been more sure of anything." He chuckled, "I suppose I'll have to tell Brooke we have to bleed together, she'll love that."

" Oh yeah I can see any number of medical arguments coming into that." Smiled Neil shaking his head slightly. Neil looked across the screen and stared long and hard at his friend. " I'm happy for you Tim." Nodded Neil " Give my congratulations to Brooke."

"I will, and I'll bring back pictures of earth," he changed topic, "hows Elaine and Gillian doing?"

" Their both fine" Lied Neil not wanting to spoil Tim's happiness. Elaine will be happy Tim annoyed that she hasn't met Brooke, but happy for you!"

Tim shook his head, "Bolitho, I know when you are lying, what's up." Zefphram: Bolitho frowned, knowing full well he couldn't lie to Tim." Nothings up Tim, just a little tired pulling double shifts with most of the people on Risa." Grinned Neil trying to his the fact that he was lying.

Tim knew his friend was full of it, but didn't push it, "you'd tell me if somthing was wrong with my god daughter right?" he asked.

" Yeah ..." Coughed Neil. ".... sure Tim I wouldn't do that to you!"

Tim raised an eyebrow, "ok sure." his voice said you are lying, but he'd deal with it when he got back. "So you feel up to standing for another O'Connell wedding?"

"When?" Barked Neil thankful that the sunject had been changed, knowing full well he hadn't duped Tim.

"This one will be when we get back and we make plans, we're going to be engaged for a while, no rushing off to a casino. We want to have a nice ceremony."

" That sounds great Tim, a long engagement is probably for the best, lets you get to know the perosn you intend spending the rest of your life with."

Tim cocked his head at that comment, "yea I know, besides I want my friends and relatives to be here, Dave may come on board for the ceremony, he said you owe him some latinum anyway."

" In his dreams!" Laughed Neil. " Uncle Dave always trying to pull a fast

Tim smiled, "you doubt the word of a vice admiral?"

" When his surname is O'Connel you better believe it!"

"well thank you very much I think he said something about transferring you to a Klingon bird of prey?"

"In command?" Ventured Neil grinning evily.

"No sewer scrubber first class." Tim said finishing their old joke.

Zefphram: Neil smiled it felt good to laugh, he really did miss O'Connell. " When will the happy couple be back?"

"A few days, oh and I got a couple new holoprograms, one we get to take command of an Imperail Star Destroyer and one based on an old Comic, Judge Dredd."

" I am the law!" Growled Bolitho trying to imitate the infamous law man. Neil's smile fell away. " Let me know ok!"

"No problem pal, we'll have to bring order to the streets, and tell Lainey when we get back Brooke and I are having you two over for dinner."

" Sounds like a plan, so you two up for some baby sitting?"

"I think I have ways to convince her." Tim grinned one male to another.

" Before you know she will be brody as well pal." Smiled Neil

"If' I'm lucky." Tim chuckled, "we're gonna wait untill AFTER we're married for that."

"Sensible thinking Tim. Well I'm gonna hit the sack, I'm beat thanks for the call Tim and the good news.Give Brooke my congratulations ok?"

"I will and Tell the spud the good news."

"Count on it, cheers Tim!"

"Cheers Neil."

“Risean Vice, Pure Paradise”
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey

The Three Casey’s beamed down to Risa. No one really knew Admiral Casey was even in the Risean system much less expected to see him on the beaches of the Risa paradise. He was wearing a metallic blue suit, very cool in the hot sun, he wore wire-rimmed sunglasses, leather shoes, no socks and a hat. Not the most stylish ensemble but at least he could blend in, which was the whole point anyway.

Deiran Casey of course was never really good at blending, he stood out. Not because he was strange or weird but because women just couldn’t take their eyes off him. Women of all races and types were giving him the eye. Deiran was gracious and smiled, said hello and was friendly, asked around about civvy transportation. But for the most part he was thinking of Miran, who was half way to Earth by now.

“You should really try and enjoy your work,” Alexa said, her skimpy bikini bottom wrapped with a sarong, most of the men at the bar took notice of the buxom, shapely blonde that Deiran knew only as “Alex, sis or sunshine.”

“Enjoy gallivanting around on one of Dad’s glory missions? Please!” Deiran shot back.

“What’s wrong with you Dee? You haven’t been happy to see Dad at all…” she asked and was interrupted by an evil look from her brother.

“He cost me the last bit of time I had with Miran, and he’s costing me some much needed R & R. I won’t see Miran and Lara for five months Alex, I miss ‘em already and they’ve only been gone for a day. The last place I want to be is here, especially with all these women around topless, it’s not healthy for a married man. Believe me,” he replied and took a sip of his strawberry-pineapple-coconut shake.

Admiral Casey walked up to the bar and joined his children, “You two are not doing much work, we don’t have all day to find transport to Nerinda Minor,” he complained and ordered a drink.

“There are hundreds of civilian transports on Risa every day Dad, just ask around you can have a transport in an hour,” Deiran shot back and slammed the glass down on the bamboo bar.

Deiran walked away, not looking back at his sister and father. He was miserable, there was no denying that. The last thing on his mind was his father’s quests or saving the Federation. He could only think of his family. He needed them so much, they made his life complete. They were all he had, in his mind. He thought Alex would be with JL all the time, Ronni would be busy with some dumb experiment, D’Tarna had the graveyard shift and he hardly ever saw her. Mac was gone, Cat was dead. Who did he have now?

He was alone and it ate him up. In reality, he wasn’t alone he just felt like it.

“Do you know what’s wrong with him?” Tom asked his little girl, motioning behind him as his back was turned away from Deiran.

“Yes, he resents you for wasting his last few days alone with Miran and Lara. He’s upset about the way you’re handling this and he’s just upset at you. He always is and you know why,” Alexa said bluntly.

“Aye, he’s a Starfleet brat who resents the tradition and the expectation. I did when I was his age, and so did his grandfather. There’s nothing I can do,” Tom replied.

“You can do whatever you want I thought? You’re an Admiral,” Alexa said non-chalantly.

Alexa walked off and caught up to her brother.

Tom sat on the barstool and looked out onto the beach and waves crashing against the shore. Sun and scantily clad women in his eyes. ‘Those two always gang up on me,’ he thought as he watched his two kids walk together.

Deiran noticed this beautiful Orion slave girl sitting on a beach chair and rubbing a Ferengi’s ears. It wasn’t exactly something you could miss since the Ferengi wasn’t hiding his pleasure. It seemed the woman had a gifted hand. The Orion female was hard to miss, she was beautiful, long black hair, a body to die for and extremely kissable lips. Deiran instantly thought of his wife, her body was better than this woman’s and Casey was willing to bet this Orion hadn’t had two children and Miran still was better.

“Alex, wait,” Deiran said and put out his arm to stop her in his tracks. “That’s Boog, the Ferengi Dad met a few days ago. Go and get Dad, hurry,” Deiran said and sent Alexa running to her father, attracting lots of attention on the way. He recognized Boog from the communication files from a few months ago.

It was just two minutes later that the entire Casey clan was standing a few yards behind the stupid Ferengi known as Boog. He was laying on the beach chair, mouth open, moaning and dribbling slobber down his mouth and onto his green jacket.

“This is disgusting, will one of you do something please?” Alexa said, making a face that said ,”eeeeeeewwwwwww.”

“That should be against the law to do that to a Ferengi in public!” Deiran replied.

“He has a transport, who better to take us? I’ll talk to him about it,” Tom suggested and started to walk toward the Ferengi. Deiran stopped him.

“Dad who knows what those Ferengi are up to, think would you?” Deiran said.

“I’m not scared of a Ferengi, calm down son, it’ll be okay. Remember we’re Casey’s,” his father smiled, tongue-in-cheek at that comment.

“I’m not scared of a Ferengi either, but you never know who their friends are,” Deiran replied matter of fact.

Tom Casey waved off his son’s warnings and walked to where the Ferengi was getting Oo-mox performed on him by his Orion Slave girl.

Boog was startled to see a tall, slightly graying man standing above him. The Orion slave girl looked up at Tom Casey and smiled and licked her lips. “Hoo-mahn, what are you doing here?” he asked, slobber coming from the ends of his mouth and spit projecting itself from his tongue as he said the words.

“Where is your brother?” Admiral Casey asked, getting right to the point.

“He’s on our ship, hoo-mahn,” Boog replied, the spit still flying from his mouth, his attention caught a fly flying around his face and he seemed quite fascinated by it.

“I want to talk to Daimon Moog, I will need to negotiate the fee for his ship to transport us to a location we’ll reveal when we speak to him in private,” Tom told the dufus.

“What’s in it for me?” Boog asked, still watching that fly.

“You get to live another day you fool, now do it!” Deiran insisted, taking the Ferengi by the left ear and twisting. He did it so he could vent some of his anger somewhere, it was beginning to get to him.

“Okay, okay, okay,” the little fool squealed.

Deiran took Boog and lifted him up by the ear, “Transport us to the ship now, we don’t have all day,” Deiran shouted, the Ferengi was clearly afraid and his ear wasn’t exactly getting Oo-mox performed on it now.

“How many?” he asked, spitting still.

“Just the two of us and yourself, get a move on!” Deiran commanded. Intimidation was a good tactic with Ferengi.

“Alexa, return to the ship and get things ready, you know what to do,” Tom told his daughter.

Then thirty seconds later the Ferengi freighter’s transporter enveloped Admiral Casey, Deiran and Boog…

*** The Latinum Prince ***

They materialized in a yellow-gold haze of molecules, becoming solid soon after and realizing they were on the bridge. At the head seat was Daimon Moog.

“What do you want?” the Daimon asked, his voice squeaky and he was somewhat wrinkled, he looked to be the equivalent of middle age for a Ferengi, but he was well dressed much more than Boog was and Moog didn’t have all the drool on his coat. It was clear Moog was the brains in the family.

“Is that any way to greet a prospective customer?” Tom asked with a smile.

“It is when I don’t need customers, especially Starfleet one’s,” Moog replied, he squinted his eyes at the Admiral as if to say, I know what you’ re up to.

“Right now we’re civilians, on leave, dressed in civilians clothes. We need transport to Nerinda Minor and we need to leave in 6 hours. We have to be there 24 hours after the time we leave. You must be on time.”

“How much are you willing to pay?” Daimon Moog asked, his voice going up one octave as he thought of the latinum he could make.

“Four bars of gold pressed latinum. Two now and two when we arrive. If you get us there on time as we request we’ll give you an extra bar of latinum,” TJ Casey presented the offer.

“How many passengers?” the greedy Daimon inquired.

“Nine passengers altogether, some equipment but nothing like cargo or anything. Light, small baggage we can carry ourselves. We’ll want your best accommodations as well,” Tom replied.

Daimon Moog laughed, “You take me for a fool? Nine passengers and you offer me just five bars of latinum? No deal, that is too cheap, can’t make a profit with that,” Daimon Moog folded his arms and gave Tom and Deiran an offended look.

“You greedy little…” Deiran started to go for the Daimon like a butcher after a cold rack of lamb. His father stopped him.

“Okay, we’ll give you nine bars then and a bonus if you get us to Nerinda Minor on time, is that satisfactory?” Tom asked, and whispered to Deiran to stand down.

“Nope, can’t do it for less than 15 bars, no further negotiations!” Moog shouted back.

“What? Are you out of your mind?” Tom shouted back, this time it was Deiran who held his father back.

“Listen Moog, we both know what you did during the war. You were selling Ketrycel Whyte to the Dominion, or at least smuggling it to them, wherever you got it, it was a violation of the trade agreement between the Alpha quadrant powers and the Ferengi Alliance. You’d get your merchant license revoked if someone were to find out about that and if you stick to that price the Grand Nagus just might hear about it. Now are you sure you want to make the price 15 bars?” Deiran replied.

“You have no proof!” Daimon Moog shouted back.

“The hell I don’t! I still have a container full of the stuff we took from this very ship!” Deiran was bluffing there. His father looked at him like ‘What?’

“Okay, twelve bars then, but that’s it! No lower or you can find someone else to be your chauffeur,” Moog said spitefully.

“Pleasure doing business with you Moog, I’ll be sure to come back to you over and over for all my business needs, you’re a bargain!” Deiran laughed.

“We’ll meet you here at 2330 hours. Don’t be late Moog!” Tom demanded.

Moog waved his hand to signal the First Officer to have the guests transported back down to the surface of Risa.

Once the two Casey men were back on the planet they arranged transport to the Galaxy and began preparations to make it to Nerinda Minor on time.

"Decadence"
by Lt. T'Zaq

They say there's always a party going on somewhere on Risa, and this was no exception to the rule. The loud music had drawn quite a crowd of partygoers to the beachside bungalow dance hut. And like every party, it had its different personality types. There were the wallflowers who stood to the edge, just watching the dancers while nursing a drink... there were the uncomfortable-looking men on the edge who were only dancing because their dates had dragged them there. And then there were the ones in the middle of the action, just showing off and having the time of their lives.

Needless to say, T'Zaq was one of the latter. With her multicolored ethnic-print wraparound skirt over her swimsuit, she fit right in. Shoes weren't even necessary. She moved as if one with the music, not caring what kind of strangers she bumped into. After all, that was what most of the people were trying to do anyway. Risa was like a huge single's club.

As the night wore on, T'Zaq moved toward the outside to get a drink. Even Vulcans got tired of wildly dancing, after a couple of hours. Still breathing hard, she picked up an ice-cool sparkling Altair water and found herself a place to stand near the wall.

The massive yellow Orion man standing next to her smiled amiably. "Hey, sexy."

T'Zaq took a long draught of her drink, an awkward silence ensuing before she swallowed and replied with a laconic "Hi."

"You really should try a _real_ drink," he replied, motioning to his glass. "Want a sip?"

T'Zaq sniffed at the fizzing orange liquid and staggered back dizzily, eyes burning. "Oh my... I hope you won't be terribly offended if I decline?"

He shrugged and took a sip, apparently unaffected by the potent drink. "Your loss. Oh, by the way, my name's Nigel."

"I'm T'Zaq." She inclined her head politely, as Vulcans tend to do.

The two made small talk for a while before wandering out into the warm tropical night.

"Hey, I've got quite a collection of archaic literature from 8 different planets, back on my ship." Nigel gestured in the direction of the spaceport. "It's landed right over there. Care to see?"

She knew it was a stupid idea from the start. Maybe it was just the lateness of the hour, or something in the air. Whatever it was, T'Zaq ended up going back to his ship with him.

Nigel's collection of old books was indeed impressive, as were certain... other personal qualities T'Zaq soon discovered.

------

The next thing she knew, the rays of the Risan sun were filtering through the skylight and shining on her face. She sat up abruptly, startled at finding herself in such a strange place. A sleepy moan issued from somewhere in the blankets beside her. She looked down, a little surprised to see Nigel there, and even more surprised to find that they were stil handcuffed together.

"Owww, careful how you jerk that." He grinned wickedly, and in one swift motion wrestled T'Zaq over on top of him.

~_What_ have I gotten myself into?~ was her only thought.

"So alone?" By Lt. Neil Bolitho security officer

The empty corridor echoed with the sound of a single persons footsteps. Neil Bolitho trudged into view making his way down the empty corridor that on any other day would have had a multitude of people moving back and forth between their quarters and their duty assignments.

Neil however didn't even notice the lack of people as he continued his security sweep, well if thats what you want to call it, Neil was merely going through the motions and following what had almost become second nature to the security officer.

Bolitho's thoughts, in fact his entire being was centred on what was going on in his personal life, Elaine .......wasn't well in his opinion, she seemed to be really down, what with all that had gone on before,with Danal's death, the premature birth of Gillian, the possibility that their daughter may have some permanent debilitating effects due to her early birth had hit them hard, very hard, especially Elaine.

It had got to the stage where Elaine spent more time in their quarters, then she did anywhere else, rarely did she visit the baby and then it was only at Bolitho's insistence. He was really starting to get worried about Elaine. He had earlier this morning stopped by Karyn's office to discuss Elaine's behaviour with the chief counsellor but as luck would have it, she was down on Risa with the rest of the Galaxy's crew

'I suppose even counsellors need some time off?' Mused Bolitho to himself shrugging his shoulders.

Bolitho had continued his prowling his thoughts jumbled, If Tim or even Anna was aboard he could have talked to them, but they were away enjoying some time with their prospective partners. Neil once he had found out that Commander Albrecht was aboard, made a beeline for the security office, narrowly missing the ACSO as he beamed back down to Risa be with his wife and child. Bolitho had once before approached Matthew Albrecht to discuss things of a personal nature with the ACSO.

Bolitho continued his musings and inadvertently found himself outside sickbay, for the tenth time that hour. Neil found himself being drawn here more and more often. Entering sickbay, Bolitho retraced his steps to the neonatal nursery where Gillian lay...tiny, small..... vulnerable.

'It wasn't fair! ' Echoed the thought in his mind It was a thought Neil had every time he saw Gillian." How could it happen to someone who was just starting life?" Neil clenched his teeth and wished he knew who he could direct that question to. That and his ......pent up anger.

'If only he could change places with her!' Neil knew he would never be able to stop torturing himself with this guilt he felt. Wondering if it was somehow his fault, something he had done to have Gillian end up in this predicament.

Bolitho looked on into the cot at his daughter, hoping praying that things would work themselves out!

"Briefing in Cargo bay 2"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The Captain was tired and uncomfortable still wearing his dress uniform after taking Zea Vicea Heero Brandis on a full tour of the USS Galaxy. All he wanted to do was get out of his uniform, crawl into bed and snuggle with his girl friend, Yeoman York, on Risa. Which was exactly what he intended to do, right after he briefed the crew members that would be going with Admiral Casey on the covert surveillance mission. He walked into Cargo bay 2 at exactly 22:00 to find everyone there standing by.

"G'day 'mates. Glad everyone is here on time." Lee nodded. "Let's get to it then. You have each been selected to accompany Admiral Thomas Casey on a surveillance mission on Nerinda Minor. This is a classified assignment, so everything discussed should be held in the strictest confidence understand?"

Lee paused long enough to see everyone nod in the cargo bay before he proceeded with the briefing.

"Fair dinkum. Admiral Casey has learned of a secret meeting taking place at the Clairmont Hotel on Nerinda Minor. Your assignment will be to go there and get in place with your equipment in order to record the meeting and capture the identities of all those that participate in it for possible prosecution by the Starfleet Authorities. I've had Lieutenant Commander Samara gather all of the sensory and recording equipment Admiral Casey asked for. It's packaged in these cases over here." Lee turned and pointed to several small aluminum colored travel containers that looked like luggage cases but were actually padded equipment boxes for the delicate instrumentation.

Lee then glanced over to Commander Casey who was standing by and appeared to have his thoughts elsewhere when the Captain called his name, though he immediately snapped back into focus.

"Commander?"

"Thank you Captain. We've arranged for transport on board a Ferengi merchant ship to get to Nerinda Minor unnoticed. This secret and unauthorized meeting we will be recording, is taking place by some unknown faction within Starfleet Command and from what we know, involves the Romulans and the Orion Syndicate. That is why we need to proceed with the utmost caution to avoid alerting anyone of our presence there." the First officer explained.

The six volunteers for the mission, Lieutenants Sullax, Rhys & Richeson, Doctor Lemur, and Ensigns Stone & Okuda each reacted to the news of who the meeting was between. Even though they had been allies in the Dominion War, there still was no great trust of the Romulans in the Federation. And the Orion Syndicate were simply a group of mobsters, smugglers and killers. Definite bad news people. To discover they were meeting with some corrupt Starfleet Officials just accented the reasons why this mission was so critical and important to keep a secret. If any of those that were involved found out, they would likely be killed to keep them silent, and their underworld meeting a secret from the authorities.

"My son is right." Admiral Casey said taking a few steps forward to assume command of the briefing. "These men and organizations are ruthless. Any mistakes on our part and it could spell disaster for the entire team. So I trust no one will mess up knowing what the stakes are. We will be transporting on board the Latinum Prince with our equipment. The Ferengi ship will get us to Nerinda Minor in the next 16 hours. That should give us a few hours to get into place at the Clairmont Hotel to set up and test our surveillance equipment before the meeting takes place." The Admiral explained, pausing for dramatic effect like he often does, "We have no idea what this meeting is about, or who called it, or why. That is why it is so important that we succeed in this. We need to learn what is going on, and who the players are that are involved. The data we record during this mission may become crucial evidence at bringing those responsible into custody. So do your jobs well, and handle all of the collected data as if it were evidence in a criminal investigation, because in essence, that is exactly what it is." Another long dramatic pause from the Admiral before he added, "Any questions?"

Lieutenant' Richeson looked at the Admiral and asked, "What exactly do you want us to do sir?"

"Your job will be to set up the surveillance equipment to effectively 'bug' the meeting location so we can record the proceedings for later playback as evidence. It will be equally important to not only listen in to what is being discussed at this meeting, but to also positively identify all of the people in attendance. Audibly, visually, and through DNA scans. If we are going to later be able to prove our case, we will need all three forms of recorded data to present as evidence. But the most important thing is to not tip our hand to let our suspects know they are being recorded. If they find out, it will be a very bad bad thing."

"So then we just set up the bugs, then sit back and record the meeting and ID the people. That's it?" Viara asked from her wheelchair.

"Exactly Lieutenant." the Admiral nodded, a bit surprised that Captain Price had selected a handicapped crew member to be part of this away team mission. "When the meeting ends, we will hopefully know more about what is going on, and who is involved. Once we do, your part of the mission is over and we will be returning to the Galaxy to decide how to proceed based on the collected data."

"Sounds pretty simple." Ensign Stone nodded.

"It is 'mate." Lee responded, "Just do as the Admiral says and don't let the bad guys know you are watching them and you should be back on board the Galaxy in no time. You heard who is involved. If they find out, they won't think twice of murdering the whole team for trying to implicate them in this under world meeting of theirs, whatever it is all about."

Admiral Casey nodded at the Captain's warning. "Well gentlemen and Ladies, we are pressed for time. The Latinum Prince is standing by to receive us. If you'll each take a case and move to the cargo bay transporter, we can beam over and get under way."

Everyone began doing at the Admiral ordered, grabbing one of the aluminum equipment cases and stepping onto the large cargo transporter pad. Captain Price stood by along with Lieutenant Commander Samara as the last of the team stood on the pad waiting. Commander Deiran Casey, Cadet Alexa Casey and their father, Admiral Thomas Casey were the last to step onto the transporter, just after Lieutenant' Rhys managed to get her hover-chair into position. Standing tall and proud to have his two children at his sides, Thomas Casey called out, "Energize!"

K'Eytyanna activated the controls sending the nine crew members from the Galaxy over to the Latinum Prince. The Ferengi merchant vessel immediately set course for the near by Nerinda system, warping out of the Risan system.

"Can't live with 'em"
Ensign Han Jian-fu &
Lieutenant Shtik

Ensign Han entered the Risan Bar and quickly glanced around. Although the place was crowded, the only familiar face he saw was Lt. Shtik from the science department. The vulcan was sitting alone at a table sipping on a root beer float. If he had belonged to any other race, the Ensign would have thought he was mopping. The security officer decided to approach the science officer.

"Greetings, sir. Do you mind if I join you?" Jian-fu asked politely. Shtik had only met the new security officer in passing on the ship. But he liked the human. The young Asian's calm, logical approach to difficult situations was well appreciated by the Vulcan. Shtik nodded his acceptance.

~ That is odd ~ Jian thought to himself looking at the drink Shtik was nursing. "Is that a root beer float?" Jian-fu asked. "I didn't think they would appeal much to Vulcans."

"I was raised on the Mars Colony." Shtik answered, "I remember being quite fond of them as a youth. I hadn't had one in quite some time."

"Ah yes, It's common to return to some kind of childhood memory during times of distress." Ensign Han, knowing a direct approach wouldn't work, decided to try to bait the Vulcan into saying what was wrong with him.

"I am Vulcan. I do not experience distress."

"You certainly seem distracted."

"Perhaps." Shtik stated and both officers were quiet for a long moment. "I have been experiencing emotional turmoil from my roommate."

"You have roommate?"

"A young Deltan woman was forced to share my bungalow while we are on the planet."

"Ah, Deltan." Jian-fu smiled knowingly. "I take it Vulcans do not fall within their vow of celibacy."

"It would appear. I am afraid she is going to continue to pursue me despite my reluctance to participate in a sexual relationship with her. Now she has rented out a personal holosuite in order to force me into revealing my romantic nature."

"Why don't you simply not go with her?" Jian-fu asked.

"Unfortunately, I find myself not trusting her actions and I am afraid of what she might do if I do not accompany her as much as possible." Shtik said.

"It sounds to me like you need a security officer to go with you, sir."

"I am quite capable of taking care of myself, Ensign." Shtik's eyebrow arched.

"I'm sure you are quite capable physically, sir, but you are battling emotions and as you are a Vulcan... Well, I would gladly offer my assistance.. I mean no disrespect in offering." Ensign Han performed a small short bow and smiled at Shtik.

Shtik contemplated his fellow officer for a long moment. He might be the perfect person to work as a buffer between him and Ilith. Cool and detached, yet still human enough to understand the emotional mess he found himself in.

"You're assistance would be greatly appreciated." Shtik replied with a polite vulcan nod. "If you are free, would you please meet me at the central holodeck plaza downtown in two hours. She has reserved holodeck number 14."

A scantaly clad Risan waitress walked over to the table, Han saw that the Lieutenant had finished his float. "Aldebaran Whiskey, and another Root Beer Float for the Lieutenant." Jian turned back to the Lieutenant, "I'll be there."

Galaxy
=sickbay=

Jake was in sickbay getting a treatment for his vitimin defeciency he was born with when a young security officer walked into the neonatal unit. As Jake was finished, Jake followed.

"Exuse me," Olson said softly as to not spook the man rather than wake the baby.

"Yes?" Bolitho turned and saw a scrawny, white haired kid in an Ensign's uniform.

"You have a strong little girl there. I've seen her a couple times, she's a fighter."

"How would you know?" Bolitho challanged.

"I was just like her 22 years ago." Jake smiled. "I was sick alot, but to survive, you have to assert. As she's still there, she's asserting herself. My mom made a recording when I was in neonatal, her voice singing."

"Briefings"
By: Lt. Ryak Sullax
Acting Assistant Chief Science Officer
USS Galaxy
with excerpts from Captain Price

Ryak was working hard on trying to get a new form of fuel to stabilize at extreme heat. Ryak was not sure if this was going to even be considered fuel yet but he needed to find a substitute for his experiment.

Entering the main science lab on the deck, Lee glanced around as if looking for someone in particular. He noticed Lieutenant' Rhys sitting in her wheel chair working on some culture samples near one of the many benches in the lab. Smiling from across the room, he continued scanning until he saw Lieutenant Sullax busy working on an experiment at a neighboring work bench. The Romulan was wearing eye goggles and adding a liquid to a boiling beaker with the utmost precision. The scientist was so into his work, he hadn't noticed the Captain and Ensign Stone enter.

Lee stepped over to Ryak and made him self noticeable.

"Captain." Lieutenant Sullax stated as Lee moved into his line of view. Straightening, he noticed a security officer standing next to him and automatically thought the worse. "Is there something. . . wrong sir?"

Lee glanced over to Ensign Stone, who was standing at full military attention, just as they teach straight out of the Academy. The Captain shook his head. "No worries 'mate. The Ensign is here simply to listen in."

Ryak seemed to be a little apprehensive still, but was glad it wasn't sad news about his son or any other awkward hardship that seemed to be following him lately. "I see sir. In that case, what can I do for you Captain?"

"Well 'mate, I need to assemble a small team of officers to go on a secret surveillance mission. I was hoping you'd be willing to join in as part of that team." Lee explained.

When the Captain spoke, just a few meters away from where Lieutenant' Viara Rhys sat in her chair, the Trill listened in to what was being said with great interest.

"A surveillance mission Captain?" Sullax inquired.

"Aye. You'll be observing and recording the members of a meeting, capturing their identities and everything that is discussed. The team needs to be put together straight away, as you'll be departing tonight during midnight watch in order to make the destination on time." Captain Price explained. He then turned to Ensign Stone, "I'd like you to go along too 'mate. Unless you 'ave other plans?"

Stone smiled. "You can count me in Captain."

Ryak nodded. "I will be honoured to join as well Captain. I will need to make arrangements to have my son, Sullar, looked after while I am away."

"I understand 'mate. Why don't you see to it now?" Lee stated, then glancing over to Stone, he realized the Ensign might also have personal matters to attend to on such short notice. "In fact, why don't the both of you go and make whatever arrangements you need to and meet me in cargo bay 2 at 22:00 for your briefing? I'll go ahead and make the arrangements to clear your duty schedules on board the Galaxy."

Ensign Stone and Lieutenant Sullax both nodded their understanding of their orders. "Fair dinkum 'mates. See you at 22:00 then. Dismissed."

Sullax and Stone both left the science lab to go tend to their personal affairs in the next several hours before they would be briefed for their mission in Cargo bay 2 at 22:00.

As Ryak walked with the Ensign he noticed that the Ensign was going to be going off in his own direction so Ryak nodded and carried on to his quarters.

Ryak walked into his quarters and grabbed his pack. He walked over to the desk and put his tricorder into it and removed his phaser from his safe. As he did this he tried to think of anything else he might need and put them into his pack as well. Ryak picked up Sullar and made his way to the extended stay Daycare.

"Father what is happening?" Sullar asked in his native tongue.

"I must attend a mission Sullar, you will be fine." Ryak replied as they walked into the Daycare. "I will be back soon and you will begin classes when I return."

Ryak could see that Sullar was happy about school but it didn't stay long. As Ryak put his son onto the floor Ryak could see that Sullar was doing his best not to cry. "You are a good son Sullar. I will return soon. Jolan' Tru Sullar."

"Aefvadh, father."

Ryak turned and headed off to the cargo bay. As Ryak entered he noticed that everyone was there. Ryak stood and listened to the briefing and realized that he was chosen for a reason. Romulan's! Ryak listened carefully to what was being said and carefully planned his actions. Ferengi! Ryak hated them. He had no patience and no tolerance of their behaviour. Ryak was not going to enjoy this at all. The only thing that made him feel better about it was the chance at getting the Assistant Chief Science Officer position. Ryak was going to do his best to impress the Admiral and the Commander.

Ryak made his way onto the transporter padd and watched as it materialized.

"Remembering a Flower"
Lt. Cmdr. David Mercury
Chief Engineer
USS Galaxy

Main Engineering was mostly empty but David noticed a few officers walk in. Checking the time he realized that is was already Gamma shift. He had been sitting in his office since the beginning of Alpha shift. The worst part about being chief was that there was just so much adminstrative work. David needed to set the duty shifts which had been completely screwed up with the so many sudden requests to transfer from one shift to another. After entering the last entry on the PADD, he placed it on his desk and straighted the pile up. It was time to go home.

The door swished behind him as he left his office. Gamma shift was already busy at work. The ship was for the most part in great condition. The Captain wanted a couple of test run on the deflector dish and the impulse engines. As for the rest of the work it was just day to day maintainence.

The turbolift stopped on Deck 10 to let two Ensigns on. David hadn't planned on stopping for a drink but for some reason he just decided to get out. The corridor was quite busy for this time of night. "Just a drink," he said to himself, "then its hom+e to bed." The doors openned, there were two people sitting at the bar and three more couples sitting near the windows. David went straight to the bar. Taking a seat near the end, David ordered a drink. Something suddenly caught him by surprise. It was a smell. Something that he has smelt in years. It spun him into a flashback.

****

It was the night before the shuttle accident. His family had been on vacation and they w ere packing their belongings to get the shuttle the next day. Everyone was exhausted. His mother was sitting on the couch outside on the porch and his father was busy packing in the other room. David joined his mother outisde. It was summer and the flowers were in full bloom. The sky was red, the sun was beginning to set. This was the best time of the day. There was a steady wind the was blowing the scent of the flowers towards them. The smell got stronger. David's mother commented on how the flowers reminded her of her father. Her father used to bring home fresh flowers everyday. Her mother used to place them on the dinner table before each meal. The room always seemed a little more friendlier with flowers.

****

Keeping his eyes closed he could picture his mother. He face was so bright with life.

"'Commander... 'Commander you drink." the bartender called.

"Sorry... thanks." David openned his eyes and took his drink. He took a sip and then spun around on the stool. The smell got stronger. There was a vase resting on the table in front of him. Three beautiful lilies layed inside. He closed his eyes again but this time a different image appeared. She was beautiful and he was in love. It was time to go home and see Jordan.

Dan Josephs

Sickbay shuffle
By Lt Lexana Ral
Jnr Meatruck
Starring Lt Bolitho.. :)~

Lex was sitting on a biobed swinging her legs as Hali ran the tricorder over her and gave her a gentle smile. "Absolutely not Lt.. You are 100% not pregnant."

Lexana gave a little sigh of relief, pregnancy seemed to be in fashion on the Galaxy. Much as she loved James and would one day like to try and have children- neither of them was at a point in their lives when it would be a good idea. Being a security officer wasn't exactly a job where long life expectancy was part of the contract. Raising a child when there was a strong prospect that either mum or dad wouldn't come back from the away team mission was something selfish- she didn't want either herself or Chen to have to explain where the other was to questioning eyes a few years down the line. There was also the issue of the two of them being different species- not physically that different like (she shuddered a little at the memory) Kalln and Anna. However, Lex was already a hybrid and it was a wonder she'd survived the first few days of life. If she did have a child its prospects of survival weren't that good. It would be even more of a mixture than she was. She found it hard to fit in sometimes and wished she was accepted with one part of her natural family or the other. But she was not by either, and she'd never wish that kind of pain on anyone, least of all her own child.

She slipped off the bed "So what is it then? Why am I... filling out?" She gestured to her hips and chest- she'd already had a merry dance that morning trying to get her top zipped up. Lex was naturally curvy, however her new *additions* were making her feel decidedly awkward, almost as though she could knock people over with them if she went around a corner too fast. "And I keep throwing up too- every little thing sets me off. Casey walked past me the other day and just the smell of his cologne made me hurl."

Halle frowned "I'd like to run some tests, maybe see what Dr Gakor thinks."

"You're not going to keep me penned up in here are you?" The half Romulan scowled

"No, I don't see any reason why we should. We'll let you know the test results as soon as we have anything. But if anything gets worse, you're to report back here immediately."

"Yes Ma'am" She flashed her a smile before slipping out of the cubicle. She saw an old friend looking sad and thoughtfull. She felt a wave of frustration and bitterness emanating from him- "Not fair" seemed to hang in the air. She waited a moment before silently moving to his side and giving his arm a gentle squeeze. Bolitho turned in surprise and felt a friendly kiss upon the cheek. Looking down he saw a pair of dark green eyes framed by the auburn locks which could belong to only one person.

"How're you holding up?" The clipped british accent asked

He didn't reply but let his gaze drift back to the tiny child. Lex followed his glance. "She's beautiful. So tiny...." There was a slight flicker across Lex's brow. Neil picked it up but said nothing. She frowned again. "Life isn't fair sometimes." She murmured sadly. She took a deep breath and gave his hand a final squeeze "You know, if you need a friend/punching bag, I'm here. Who knows, maybe we could get Cdr Albrecht drunk again.." she smiled "Now *THERE*'s a memory." She noticed a faint smile cross Neil's face. "I.. er should be going. I have to pack. James and I are going to spend some time together on Risa.. and you.. go get some sun.. go tan your hide or I'll do it for you!"

Bolitho smiled openly this time- not exactly a heartfelt smile, but a smile nonetheless. "Hey Trouble.." He called after her "Hear about Tim?"

"What he do now?"

"Getting married."

Lex's face was a picture.. "That was fast.. did you think that was fast? I thought that was fast.. Damn.." She blinked and shook her head. Sometimes she had to rattle her half-Romulan brain to get things to sink in. "He moves faster than a Klingon on Speed...."

"You realize we have a reputation to uphold.."

Ral looked up sharply "I'd expect nothing less... What ever shall we do to him?"

"I'm sure we can come up with something.." The familiar smile again

"Me too.. Hey.. I have to go. But, COMM me if you need me ok? Am always here for you. Give my love to Laney." Lex gave her friend a final hug and sped out of the door in a rush to get out of the clutches of sickbay.

By Lt Chen and Lt Ral....Security Swashbucklers

Chen loaded up the remains of the things he was going to take down planetside into his bag. He wore loose-fitting civilian clothes and a light jacket. After he closed up his bag, he pause at the mirror on the wall and inspected his nose. It was still sore, but not too bad. It's not like it could get any more crooked. His eyebrows were also growing back quite nicely. He smiled at his reflection. "Hey, there handsome." He chuckled and walked out.

The corridors were mostly deserted. Nearly everybody had left. Chen had considered staying aboard himself, but he had an old friend living on Risa, and he thought it might be fun to meet him again. He and Lex decided to have some fun. It had been a long time since either one had had a real shore leave. He was looking forward to blowing off a little steam.

He was totally unprepared for the bear-like hug he received as Lex jumped from around a corner she gave a little squeal of delight as of here!" she said excitedly.

"This is going to be so much fun." She noticed the slight grimace of pain on his face and released her hold a little. "Sorry." She murmured. "Forgot about the ribs." She gave an impish smile and kissed him on the cheek "Eyebrows look good tho."

Lt Ral had certainly been full of herself the past couple of days. She'd been feeling a little nauseated of late though- it seemed the slightest strong smell could set her off. she found it hard to be around crewmembers who wore overpowering colognes in particular. It past her in the corridoor to send her racing to the ladies and losing her lunch. Lex wasn't overly concerned- being a ex-counselor she put it down to nerves. It was quite possibly an adverse reaction to her anticipating the Commander's response to her little prank at the party. Getting off the ship would be just what the Dr ordered, so to speak.

"So.. Tell me about your friend on Risa." She said with a smile as they took their seats on the shuttle. "You always have.. interesting friends." Lex fumbled not to put her foot in her mouth on this one, especially after what had happened with Lt Brady, even though it seemed like a decade ago. She'd been engaging her mouth without putting her brain in gear rather a lot lately it would seem

Chen smiled. "Ah. Well, this one I met on earth when I was about sixteen. He lived in the neighborhood and we'd hang out every so often. He own this antique shop down on Risa, I hear."

"What's he like?"

"He's kind of...different. Right up your alley."

Lex pinched his arm. Chen laughed. He put his arm around Lex. "Just out for him," he said. He has a tendency for getting into trouble. He nearly got me killed one time on a sudden excursion we took to Hong Kong."

"How?"

Chen shrugged. "It involved an illegal card game. Some guys with some relatively unsavory backgrounds were there. He cheated."

"What's his name?"

"Burke. Carl Burke."

Lex smiled. "And here I thought you were a priest in your childhood."

Chen chuckled. "I was. I've just become more decadent the older I get."

The two reached the transporter and beamed down to Risa. The planet was just as Chen had thought it'd be. Bright, colorful and full of too many people. Many of them half-naked. The two made their way through the throng, making their way to a hotel. After they were checked in, they left their bags in their room and headed out. They went to the shopping district and began browsing through the stores. Chen was chagrined to see some of the objects sitting out on display. The couple spent several hours going through the shops, when they came to the shop Chen had been looking for. The large sign above the door read: OLD-TYME ANTIQUES. In smaller letters underneath it read: No Credit. Cash Transactions Only.

Chen smiled and shook his head as they went inside. The store had a musty, old smell which only antique shops had. There were many different artifacts from different worlds on display, all over the store. Chen walked over to the counter with Lex beside him. A young Bajoran girl of about seventeen was behind the counter. She looked up at Chen with a smile. "Can I help you."

Chen nodded. "Is Mr. Burke in?"

"Do you have an appointment?"

Chen shook his head. An appointment. "Just tell him it's the Shanghai Kid."

The girl frowned, but went into the back. Lex looked at him. "The Shanghai Kid?"

Chen shrugged. "It's some name he came up with. I don't know why or how, it's just what he called me all the time."

There was a brief pause, then a man came out of the back. He was tall, well-dressed and a bright smile was fixed on his face. "Kid," he shouted. He held out his hand. Chen took it, his own smile on his face. "How ya doin', kid?"

Chen shrugged. "No complaints. I heard you opened an antique shop here."

"You thought that was a lie, didn't you?"

Chen nodded. "Yeah. Somehow, I just never envisioned you settling down anywhere."

Burke frowned. "Well, I wouldn't have thought so, either. Then, I came here one day and discovered the finer points of this planet." His eyes fell on Lex. He smiled even wider. "Speaking of which."

Chen smiled. "Carl, I'd like you to meet Lieutenant Lexana Ral. Lex, this is--"

Burke took Lex's hand and kissed it. "The name's Carl. Some call me the Gangster of Love."

Chen shook his head. "Hands off, Casanova. She's with me."

Lex grinned, rather enjoying the attention "It's a pleasure to meet you.. James has told me a little about you.."

"None of it is true of course.." Burke interjected with a smile

"Uh hunh.." She replied in an amused tone "Ooohhhh.." Her eye fell upon a rather ornate knife sitting on the counter. James sighed inwardly. It seemed Lex had the attention span of a goldfish of late, he hoped it wasn't a permanent affliction. She picked the knife up and turned it in her hands "This is beautiful, where's it from?" Burke took it from her with some concern and placed it back on its stand

"It's extremely old, we're still tracing its history. Is there anything in particular I can interest you in?"

Lex wrinkled her nose "No no.. I'm just.. browsing. Don't let me interrupt you two.. I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do." She noticed James' concerned look and gave him a light kiss on the cheek "Don't worry.. I promise not to break anything. I just want to look around your friend's shop. You know I love antiques.." She gave them both an impish smile and vanished behind a life sized mannekin covered with antique armor. There was a clinking sound and the mannequin rocked a little before Lex's face appeared back around it and steadied it with her hands "Oops.."

She walked in between shelves of objects, some possibly ancient, others probably rip-offs, knocked up at the back of the shop. Her hand paused and traced a design on an ancient ream of fabric. James and Carl were still talking, normally she would have stayed and contributed to the conversatio- intent on picking up any tid-bits. But her newly aqquired general "blonde-ness" made her feel awkward. she didn't want to say something completely idiotic and mortify James in front of his friend. She absently picked up a small puzzle-box and fiddled with the mechanism, her mind half on James and half observing the goings on in the street.

Carl looked over at Lex. He smiled at Chen. "You really lucked out, man. Starfleet's been getting a better quality of women since I last saw one."

Chen smiled. "She's great. So, what's living on a pleasure planet like?"

Carl made a face and shook his hand. "Tourists. Nothing but tourists. Remember Beijing during the tourist season? How everybody was always getting in the way? That's how it is here. All the time. But the women! Dear Lord, the women!"

Chen laughed. "How's business?"

Carl shrugged. "So-so. Hey!" He snapped his fingers. "I got something for you."

Chen frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I got a gift for you. I picked this little baby up on Alpha Colari almost a year ago. When I saw it, I thought of you, but I didn't know where the hell you were. You know how hard it is to get information from Starfleet concerning its' officers in wartime?"

Chen shrugged. "Don't know. I'm guessing it was pretty hard."

"Damn right. Anyway." He turned and walked quickly into the back. Lex made a face and walked back over to Chen.

She leaned in close. "I kind of like him."

Chen looked over at her. "Oh, really? You do?"

She nodded, a smile playing at her lips. "Maybe you two could share me."

He paused, looking serious. Finally he shook his head. "Nah. He can have you."

Before she could reply, Carl walked in, a small statue in his hand. He handed it to Chen. It looked sort of like a bird. It was black as Obsidian and was just barely larger than his own hand. "What is it," Chen asked.

Carl smiled. "Remember that book you liked so much? The Maltese Falcon. Like that."

Chen chuckled. "Well," he said. "Thanks."

Lex smiled at the bird. "I like it."

Chen nodded. "It's great, Carl. Thanks."

Carl waved his hands. "No problem. Hey, why don't you guys come down here around six? I'll take you both to dinner?"

Chen looked at Lex. "Well?"

She shrugged. "Sure. I can think of plenty to do to kill time."

Chen smiled. He looked back at Carl. "Six it is. I'll see you then."

The two walked out of the shop, arm in arm. Chen carried the bird in his hand, watching it. Across the street, two men sat, watching the shop. One was a large, bald-headed man. The other was smaller and looked not unlike a weasel. The big man looked over. "What do you think?"

The small man watched Chen and Lex walk. "Follow them."

Lex was enjoying the feel of Risan soil underneath her bare feet. She went barefoot whenever possible, however, on a starship it wasn't allowed. She leaned her cheek on James' shoulder for a moment as they weaved between the stands of merchandise in the bazaar. The scent of spices and exotic foodstuffs mingled tantalisingly upon the gentle breeze. One could find prety much anything on Risa, for a price. However, some things money couldn't buy- not even on Risa. Right then Lex was happier than she'd been In a long while. She watched James' face, his expression seemed to be softer than of late, as though a shadow was gone, a weight lifted off his shoulders. Her eyes flickered slightly as something passed across her consciousness. It clouded her vision for just a second before her attention snapped back to Chen. He was poring over an antique painting- ink upon silk, an expression of curiosity flickering over his features. Lex followed his gaze downward. The painting rested against the stall contained in a protective field. Her green eyes lit up for a moment and she stole a kiss whilst he was preoccupied with what he saw. He looked up for a second, his eyes shining, a surprised look on his face.

"Sorry.." She shrugged "Couldn't resist..." she brushed the slight touch of lip-tint off his cheek. They weren't normally nauseatingly affectionate in public- their quiet conversations and shared glances conveyed all that needed to be said in public view. However, Lex was feeling rather mischevious and light of heart "So... what's stolen your handsome gaze from me..?"

"This.." he gestured in a hushed tone "It's a copy of a painting almost 1000 years old..The Poet Lin Bu.. the original painting was lost- it was last seen in the Cleveland Museum of Art.. but that was around 500 years ago."

Lex leaned forward, her eyes intent on the gentle colors swirled and blended by hand-held brush- the peach and greys blended with the sharper charcoals of the outlines, such skill couldn't be replicated by any machine.., a strand of auburn hair touched the forcefield and fizzled gently before she drew it back, the scent of burned feathers in the air. she sniffed her singed hair "It's beautiful." She said after a moment. "James, you have such a good eye for beauty. I'd never have seen it. I wonder how much they're.. " She paused and frowned..

"What?"

"Look behind you.. there's Pop and the Weasel.."

James' face turned ever so slightly so not to be obvious and he caught the weasel in his periferal vision. He took Lex's hand and the pair vanished into a side alley. The larger of the two shady individuals followed only to be confronted be a street filled with billowing sheets- red, blue, ochre all flapping in the wind. No sign of the two security officers. He took out an almost antique hand-held communicator, no doubt stolen from some federation person a decade ago and reprogrammed. "Sir.. I lost 'em.. Heat trail should be good.. Want to send in the dogs?"

The other man's voice came over the static. *Yes,* he replied. *I want to know where to find them. We cannot let the bird get away. Not this time.* The big man turned away and left.

Chen and Lex watched the man leave from their hiding place. Chen turned to Lex. "Did you catch any of that," he whispered.

She shook her head. "Probably just a couple of muggers."

Chen looked off in the direction the man had left, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Yeah," he said. "Probably." Something about it still bothered him.

Lex touched his shoulder. "Come on," she said. "I've got another present for you to unwrap at the hotel. We've got a few hours before six."

Chen paused, still looking towards the direction of the big man, but a smile had crept onto his face. "Gee, I don't know. I think I'd rather get into a fight."

Lex frowned, then reared back and kicked Chen straight in the ass. He sighed. "Well," he said. "If you insist." The half Romulan sighed slightly and slipped behind an ochre sheet which whipped gently around her ankles. She winked at him "Just remember who has the hotel Key love.."

"Momma did what?"
by Ens. Brooke Ames, MD

Brooke left the hotel while Tim was on the phone to Neil. When she got there, Brooke didn't know what to expect. She knocked on the door which was answered by a rather distinguished gentleman. She had never seen him before.

"Excuse me but I'm looking for Mrs. Deela Ames."

The man laughed, "Well, well, well, Brooke. How are you?" Brooke looked at this gentleman very strangely. "You don't remember me, do you? Of course not because the last time I saw you, I was quite filthy. Had just gotten through fighting a terrible fire. I'm Drake Patton's dad, Sam."

Brooke soon remembered who it was. "Yeah, now I know. So, how is Drake? He's fine, in fact, he's here."

"Seems like everyone's here except my mom. Where is she?" Brooke tried peeking in the door.

"She should be back anytime. Well come on in...have a seat." He told her as if he owned the house. She walks in and Drake comes out of the kitchen.

"Well I'll be damned! Brooke, how's it going?" Drake was very happy to see her.

"Okay, someone give. What is going on here and why are you both here?" She wasn't very happy and she wanted to know right now.

"She didn't tell you?" He was puzzled.

"No, she didn't. What is wrong?" He was scaring her that something might be wrong.

"It's okay. I guess you didn't get the ssub-space message."

"It takes time. I haven't been there for a few days either. Want to tell me or do I have to get it out of you the hard way?" She was getting tired of the run around.

He reluctently told her. "You're mother and me...well...we got married last week, eloped. I had no idea that you didn't know."

Brooke was in total shock. "Married? How did that happen?"

"She had been drinking and she fell, hitting her head and knocking her out. Drake got the call and I was doing a ride along with him. I tell you, it was love at first sight. That woman moved me like no other woman had. I won't bore you with the details."

"And how is she doing with the drinking situation?" She was concerned.

His face changed to a happy one. "She's been sober for three months. You should be proud of her."

"I am, believe me, I am. And Drake, how do you feel about this whole thing?"

Drake smiled, "Brooke, they're really good for each other. So, I have to support them both and I agree with their decision."

"Okay Drake. You have never steered me wrong before so I guess I accept it too." She walks over to Drake's dad. "Well Sam, welcome to the family then."

He returns the hug, "Thanks."

"This is so weird. I guess this means that we are related, eh? " She elbowed him.

"Guess so...sis." Drake laughed at his own joke.

Then Brooke's mom enters the house. "Brooke? What are you doing here? I sent a messsage to you. I guess you didn't get it if you're here, huh?"

Hugs, "I guess he told you the news. I hope you aren't mad because I didn't tell you about him. I just didn't want to say anything till I was sure that it turned out okay.

"Look at you're hair, you dyed it red. Looks good and you look good too."

"Thanks. I stopped drinking and I feel like I have so much energy now and I look at life in a different light. Well enough about me, what brings you here?"

Drake held up Brooke's hand. I would say that this girl has been spoken for. Anyone we know?" He liked teasing her.

"That's what I wanted to talk about. Do you remember Tim O'Connell?"

"How can I not remember him. He broke your heart."

"Actually, I broke his but that is in the past. Anyway, we decided to get married and you're all invited to come." She pulled her hand away from Drake.

"So, any children in the picture?" She wanted grandchildren.

"Well, we've talked about it and we want kids but not for a while." She looks at her mom, "Don't worry, you'll still be around to see them."

"Well that's good to know. Can you stay for dinner?" Her mother missed her.

"I would but Tim is waiting back at the hotel. We'll come back tomorrow, I promise. How about five-ish?" Brooke hoped that she had no plans.

"That would be great. It'll be nice to see you two together again. I still say that you were a fool for letting him leave."

"Oh Momma, not again. We went through this before." She kisses her. "I need to go now. I do love you and I'm glad that you found your reason to stop drinking."

"Okay, then tomorrow. I'll make your favorite, corned beef and cabbage."

"Sounds good. Drake, it's nice seeing you again and Sam, we'll see you tomorrow. Drake, will you be here?"

"I'm not sure."

"Oh, okay. Bye everyone." She walks out and on her way back to the hotel.