JOURNEY HOME PT.2

Lt. jg. Mohammed Uhura
Asst. Operations Chief
USS Galaxy

Personal Log: Lt. jg. Mohammed Uhura reporting.

It has been three days since I departed from the USS Galaxy onboard the shuttle Yeager, on my journey back to Earth. The trip has been uneventful and has afforded me time to think about my life and the decisions that I have made. I am very happy on the Galaxy and my position as the new asst. Ops Chief. The only thing missing is my family. My wife and my children. So I have decided I will ask Tashi to return with me to the Galaxy with our children. I know this will upset my mother and my father will roar his discontent but this is my decision to make with my wife and one that he will have no say so in. As much as I love and honor my father, he can no longer control my life and the sooner he knows and accepts this, the better it will be.

According to my readings, I should be reaching Earth within the week and I can not wait to get home.

* * * * * * * * * *

Mohammed had just completed his log entry when the shuttle's scanners alerted him to an object moving in the direction of the Yeager. Quickly he moved to the conn and switched off the auto-nav and activated the long range scanners.

"Computer! What is it?!" Mohammed called out.

:[ * There is a fast moving object heading in a collision course.*]: The computer informed him.

"Computer, patch in the objects coordinates into the scanners then track and identify the object." Mohammed commanded as his brown eyes fell upon the bright and fast moving speck that was heading his way. He wondered what it was. An asteroid? A Meteor?...

:[* Object identified as a shuttle pod.*]: the computer said interrupting and answering his thoughts.

"Computer, plot a course of evasive action and scan for any lifeforms."

The computer went to work and Uhura could feel the Yeager move in an evasive pattern away from the approaching object which was now close enough for him to see without the long range magnification. It was indeed a badly damaged shuttle pod.

:[* There is one lifeform detected onboard the shuttle pod.*]: The computer reported.

"The status of the lifeform?" Mohammed asked.

:[*Lifeform is alive but heart and other vital readings are very faint.*]:

"Computer, prepare for emergency beam out as soon as the shuttle pod is within range." Mohammed said.

:[*Warning! Shuttle pod engines are at critical mass and will explode in three minutes.*]:

Mohammed cursed. "Damn! That won't be enough time. Plot an intercept course and prepare for emergency beam out!"

:[* Course plotted.*]:

Mohammed's expression was grim. "Engage!"

The Yeager made it's way to intercept the shuttle pod. Mohammed kept his eyes on the screen as the pod came within range. He knew he only had one chance at this and that if he failed then the poor soul on the pod would die.

The computer chimed :[* Intercept in 10 seconds....Intercept in 9 seconds...Intercept in 8 seconds...*]:

Mohammed prepared the transporter to energize and located the emergency medical supplies.

:[* Intercept in 7 seconds...Intercept in 6 seconds...Intercept in 5 seconds...Intercept in 4 seconds....*]:

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and bald head as he put his fingers in place to dance across the console to beam the lifeform onboard. He had to time this just right.

:[* Intercept in 3 seconds...Intercept in 2 seconds...Intercept in 1 second...*]:

"Energize!" Mohammed shouted as he activated the transporter controls. There was a shimmering glow and a crackle of energy as the transporter chamber was showered with a dazzling light display and within seconds there was a humanoid lifeform laying on the floor of the chamber.

"Computer, put some distance between us and that pod before it explodes." Mohammed ordered as he set the auto-nav.

Uhura grabbed the med kit and went to attend to the lifeform laying on the floor. It was a humanoid male with his skin complexion and was obviously Terran. The uniform he was wearing could have been a federation uniform but it was too badly torn and burned to tell for sure. The man had second and third degree burns over his arms and torso and his face, which was covered in blood, was also very badly cut up. The damage to his face was very extensive and he wasn't sure if he could do anything about it.

The man started to moan in pain and immediately Mohammed used the hypo-spray to anesthetize the pain. Then using the medical tricorder he checked his vitals and the damage that was done. He needed to get him to a comfortable place to rest and stabilize his condition. He picked the man up and carried him to one of the beds in the rear of the shuttle. He set up the medical devices he would need and went to work. "Hold on friend, help is here." Mohammed prayed.

* * * * * * * * * *

Mohammed was sitting at the console of the Yeager sipping Orange Manadrin tea and listening to some healing Mbutu tribal music. It had been five hours since he had beamed the poor man from the doomed pod and began tending to his injuries. He wasn't a doctor but he knew a little something. Enough to keep his guest comfortable so he could rest and heal. He had stabilized his condition and bandaged his badly cut up face. With his face cleaned he could tell that the damage to his face was worse than he could have imagined. There was something familiar about the man's face but he couldn't put his finger on it and with all the damage to his face he was certain he would never know until he woke up. If he woke up.

Mohammed and been checking the pod's trajectory and was trying to scan for other ships or pods in the area. They were too far out for the pod to have travelled this far without being onboard a bigger ship but so far he found nothing. For security reasons he removed a phaser from the weapons locker and he just sat and waited. If his guest did not come to by the time he reached Earth, he would see to it that he was taken to a hospital for better doctor care. He decided to enter a log on the events that had just happened.

He slowly opened his eyes and blinked. He felt groggy and his entire body was in pain...bad pain. He could see out of one eye but not the other. He looked around and didn't recognize his surroundings. Had he been captured? Had he failed to get away? No!...He remembered escaping the ship...he remembered the explosion...he remembered...pasting through the vortex and as a smile slowly crawled over his mangled face...he remembered his mission...his goal...to destroy and exterminate the entire Uhura family line in this universe.

"U...Uhura..." He rasped softly. "I am...Dr. M...Mohammed...Uhura of the B...Behemoth...." He closed his eyes as he lapsed into a sedated sleep.

"Beam Down" by:
Lieutenant(JG) Viara Rhys
Junior Science Officer
U.S.S. Galaxy

Viara sits in her hover chair, wearing a civilian's work suit, headed to the Ferengi Transporter Room. Viara has her standard Tricorder and Scanning Equipment prepared and set for the mission ahead of her.

"One to beam to the surface please." Said Viara as she hovered on the Transporter Pad.

"Yes, Hoo-man." Replied the Ferengi as he activated the Transporter.

Viara began to disappear into an orange beam of light. When Viara re-materialized she was in the lobby of the Hotel.

*Good thing I beamed down in these civilian clothes.* Thought Viara to herself as she moved to the Hotel's front desk.

"Scout"
by Ensign Franklin Stone

Ensign Stone looked around the lobby of the Hotel, taking note of the various people and gauging each of them in turn. The stoic Ensign had been the first to beam down, as a sort of advanced scout. Being the only actual security officer in the small mission team, the job had naturally fallen to him. The Hotel itself wasn't much to see in his opinion...an out of the way place where the transient populace of the Galaxy breezed through. That's not to say the place was seedy...on the contrary, it actually was a well built structure, if a bit on the tacky side with regards to the decor.

Stone shook his head, scolding himself for the mental distraction. After all, he wasn't here to critique the Hotel, just to make certain the coast was clear for the others to beam down. Stone straightened his civilian jacket once more, surreptitiously pressing his index finger on the scan button of his open Tricorder. This jacked had large interior pockets, big enough to hold an open security tricorder snugly. As the small device scanned away, the Ensign strolled through the main lobby, being as casual as he could. Covert operations had never been his thing at the Academy, but his natural control and calm demeanor did indeed help in making him look as if he fit into a crowd.

After making his third sweep of the area, and being convinced that the coast was clear, he again tapped the hidden tricorder, sending a pre-determined signal to the Latinum Prince. Beam down was to commence in a staggered manner, with no more than two beaming down at any one time. The Admiral had suggested the precaution, and it seemed wise to Stone.

Stone moved to one end of the lobby, where he could keep a watchful eye on the entire area. He sat down and made himself comfortable, watching as the first of the crewmembers materialized in the lobby...he repressed the urge to smile as he caught sight of Viara's face...

"Ilith"
Mr. Shtik
Science Officer

Shtik entered the small aft cabin that made up the captain's quarters of the Lydia. By Starfleet standards they were tiny, but for a seafaring naval vessel of the period, the frigate sported fair sized accommodations for it's commanding officer. Shtik strode to the transom windows and watched the wake created by the ship's movement through the Pacific.

Shtik had been brought up on Mars, done most of his training on Vulcan and spent the rest of his life in space. None of these atmospheres held oceans such as the one they were crossing now. Experiencing nothing but water as far as you could see in every direction was a strange sensation to the Vulcan. Trapped within a holographic projection where he was in command of a vessel in the middle of a sea on an alien planet, Shtik was forced to review his options.

But his thoughts keep returning to Ilith and her sudden death. She had been right, he did hold his emotions hidden inside. That was his way, that was the way of Surak, it was what was right. Wasn't it? Here in the privacy of the captain's cabin he cleared an area to begin meditation. He let the roll of the ship lull him to a point deep within himself. From the dark quiet comfort of his innermost being, he touched on the emotions he held within. Taking them out and examining them carefully before replacing them carefully where he found them. Like a collector privately enjoying his collection before locking it back in it's vault.

The first thing he found was his love of the stars, the joy he felt when studying them and moving among them. They were the prime motivation for his journeys within Starfleet. Tucked neatly under that revelation was his sense of belonging to the USS Galaxy and Starfleet. It was there that he ran across his devotion to the Federation, his ship, his crew and his captain; Captain Price. That feeling of camaraderie was closely linked to the feelings he held toward his family; his deceased father, whose katra he had retrieved and returned to Vulcan as well as his grandmother, a legendary Starfleet figure herself.

And deeper than any of the rest, Shtik found his basest, most guttural feelings and emotions, the lusty, passionate part of himself. The part where he held his feeling for D'Tarna, his betrothed and former fiancée, also T'Zaq, his savior during his last Pon Farr. He had special feelings for both of them, but he wasn't able to identify and categorize them in the same way he could scientific specimens. Perhaps Ilith was correct; it was only logical to study that which could not be clearly defined. It was the only way the subjective could be made objective. Yes, even Ilith was tied up within those feelings. What were they? Desire, affection…love?

But deeper down than any of the other emotions, in a depth that he was even afraid to dwell in to much, was the link that held him to the woman he was bonded with. The one he would share the blood fever with during his next Pon Farr. The feelings for the one on the end of that bond transcended anything he had touched upon so far, feelings that could overwhelm and devour his emotional control. Surely these were the passions that Surak warned about. Was that love?

The figure on the other end of that link remained unclear, however. He could not tell who it was that was associated with that deepest part of himself and he found that he was afraid of looking. It could be that he still had a link with D'Tarna, they had been linked together for most of their lives. Then there was T'Zaq, who could tell what kind of link had been established during their passionate union. It could even be someone he had yet to discover. Could it even be Ilith? How did he feel about her death?

But Shtik could not look any deeper. Once again he found himself backing away from the uncomfortable part of his soul. Coming out of his deep meditation, Shtik realized he had not found the answers to the discomfort he was feeling, but he acknowledged that he was making a decision to leave the secrets buried within and accepted the responsibility for that choice. He stood and regained the calm, emotionless façade that was such an important part of him.

Shtik stood and returned to the quarterdeck. He would be needed to work with Ensign Han in order to find a way to bring this holographic simulation to an end. He left the room, locking the door behind him.

“Interesting Thoughts - Part II”

Her Royal Highness
Vicea Heero Brandis, Zea
Mother of the First House

Ensign Jake Olson
Science Officer

* * * * * VIP Quarters * * * * *

Jake Olson woke up in bed. He turned over, feeling comfortable in the warm and cool silk and satin sheet. But realized he was NOT in pajammas, not in anything at all! He opened his eyes and found himself in a fancy room.

"What in Hell?!" His body was small and slender but well toned. He was nearly hairless, just a soft white fuzz where one expected. He couldn't see his uniform anywhere and had no idea where he was.

Zea Vicea walked in just then. “Ah, finally awake are we? Excellent.”

An Attendant of the Zea followed in immediately. “I took the liberty of having some of my Attendants prepared Champaing and Strawberries with something called ‘Cool Whep’. It is actually very good.” The Empress-Queen said, lying down on top of the bed covers, next to Olson, wearing only a very tight fitting night gown.

“Where do you wish these, Zea Vicea?” The Attendant asked with a slight bow.

“Over on the night stand next to Jake.” She replied, turning her attention to Jake, himself. “So, how are we feeling, better I hope?”

Jake stared, rendered helpless and speechless. The woman crawled under the blanket and snuggled next to him. Unfortionately for Jake, the male body had its own agenda and it was going to fulfill it.

Zea Vicea knew exactly how to get the body to perform as she wanted. Her years of expierence, her hightened state of sexual arousal and endurance made quite the combonation of elements. Her nightgown was quickly discarded as the Empress-Queen slid over the increasingly aroused Ensign.

Jake held the woman he barely knew close to his body. He was shaking. So far out of left field he had no idea what was expected. He followed her lead.

Jake had a tender touch, if a bit flimsy. TheZea sensed Jake's tiring, he was very delicate, but Jake felt more self aware than at any moment in his life. He'd never done this before. Vicea changed her tactics, slowing herself and keeping the passion from errupting all too quickly.

Pulling up and deciding make the cute ensign's first time lasting and worthwhile, Zea Vicea cooled the situation down and fed Jake some strawberries with a dab of cool 'whep' on the end for added sweetness.

Jake was raised very religiously, but all that fell away. Zea knew exactly what she was doing. Jake had a terrific sense of humor, and unlike many terren men, he knew how to relate to a woman. That was because when younger, Jake made friends with many of the nurses whom had to care for him in times of illness. He didn't have any of the macho crap that too often came with Terrens. This very facit was something that Vicea cherished in Jake.

A drop of cool whip feel onto Jake's chest as Vicea hovered over him, feeding him the ripe strawberries. She bent down and ever so lightly licked it off of him, her lips lingering for a moment around Jake's very erect nipples. Following her way up his chest with her tounge, Zea Vicea found her way into a deep and sensual kiss that seemed to say so much in saying nothing at all.

Jake was completely taken into the good graces of Her Majesty. Zea Vicea making every attempt at slowing the process to make her mate more comfortable and at ease. She was tender and gentle with this fagile creature. But, more than anything she wanted him and he wanted her. Jake held on, litterally for dear life as their two bodies came together in a mass of white hot passion.

Robert Brandis
ICQ # 15584849

Not quite mountain climbing
By Tabatha Jade Morax

***Ten forward***

Tabatha sat by herself watching the planet slowly turn benith her, taking a sip of her bloodwine and waching a small craft enter Risas atmosphere. Tabatha was feeling depresed and angry. What her father had tried to do was unforgivable. she new that some day in the future she would have to face him once again. Tabatha raised to her feet and slamed her glass on the table. "I'm bord, I'm going to have some fun" said Tabatha while walking out of tenforward. Tabatha stopped and taped her comm badge "captain price do you mind if I take a shuttle craft out to explore the plannet serface" asked Tabatha. there was a short brack then came the reply "Yes but I would like it returned in one piece". tabatha smiled, "thank you sir, I'll try have it back without a scratch".

***ten minuets later***

The shuttle glided out of the shuttle bay and excelorated sharply towords Risa. Tabatha first circaled Risa then enterd the atmosphere, and headed to the desert where she found some mountious valley. The shuttle first flew over the Valley at a safe altitude, then turned 180 degrees and nosed dived into a crevice just 10 meters wide the cliff face seemed to drop all the way into the middle of the plannet. Tabatha smiling ear to ear leveled the shuttle out while negotiating the twists and turnes. Tabatha then excelorated the suttle up to 400kph this seemed to excite her even more.the computer then came to life "warning crivice will come to an end in 50 kilomiters 40 , 30, 20 inemite destruction in 10 seconds 9" Tabatha pulled back on the controls and the shuttle pointed its nose at the sky. "the captain said I should try mountin climing, I wonder if this counts" thought Tabatha.

There was a couple of hikers walking on top of the crevis admiring the peace and tranquility when all of a sudden the rockes around them started to shake and thought it was an earth quake, they fell to there knees and hoped it would be over soon, thats when they saw it, the white belly of the type-15 shuttle craft just missing the formation of rocks which stuck out. they whatched the shuttle streek playfully into the air. Tabatha looked back just in time to see to small figuars shacking there fists at her. "I hope they are not from the Galaxy" Said Tabatha still wearing her smile.

Tabatha then found a large salt pan which streched for thousands of kilometers, she set attitued at just one meter above the ground and exselerated to 6000 meters per second. which was excilerating being so close to the ground at such high speeds. with in a few minuets the computer was warning her again "high altitude 100 kilomiters ahead tabatha feeling satisfied with her near miss earlyer desided to take the shuttle to a higher altitude. The shuttle pointed it's nose to the sky once again this time not leveling out and punching a hole strait into space. then tabatha cut the engines and let the planets gavity pull the shuttle back to the atmosphere. Tabatha then started the engines once again and got the correct angle to reenter Risas atmosphere.

Tabatha then found a forest with a gentile river flowing and landed the shuttle she collected her prepacked pick nic basket layed out her blanket and had some lunch. Tabatha lay down and watched the birds fly around and the fish in the river the comfort of the soft grass beneth her made her tierd, and before she new it Tabatha was fast asleep.

***3 hours later***

Tabatha awoke with a streach and smiled at how Beutifull this plannet was. she packed up her things and boarded the shuttle and took off. This time she flew slowly, gaining atlitude at 10 meters per second all the way up untill she was in space. she took the oposite direction to the orbit that the Galaxy was in so they would cross paths within the hour. she now took time to admire the planet below her.

"Welcome Aboard.....Again"
by Lt. j.g. Elaiithin Jii
Security Officer, USS Galaxy
With a tad from Lt. T'Zaq

As the U.S.S. Galaxy orbited Risa, a small Federation Mississippi-Class freighter approached. She was an...interesting ship to say the least. She appeared to be something of a hybrid between a Runabout and a Peregrine-Class fighter. Many was the word, other than "interesting", used to describe that ship's appearance. Currently aboard her was her Captain, a man with a less-than-legal reputation, a young asian piloting prodigy, two dishonorably-discharged Starfleeters......

.......and one Starfleet Security Officer.

"S.S. Auriga hailing U.S.S. Galaxy. Come in, Galaxy." a felenoid voice mewled over subspace.

"Galaxy here," came the short reply.

"Why hello, Lieutenant T'Zaq." a different voice replied. This one smoother...and familiar? "This is Lieutenant J.G. Elaiithin Jii. Someone told there was a spare bunk laying around....I thought I might fill it."

T'Zaq chuckled softly. "Well, hello there yourself, stranger. I think we can find a space for you in the cargo hold somewhere... beam on over, I'll meet you in the transporter room." She turned to the ensign at the tactical console, "You have the conn. I'll return in a few minutes."

"See you there, Lieutenant. Auriga out."

Elaiithin turned, and clapped the pilot on the shoulder. "Thanks for the lift, Damon. I owe you one."

"Yeah, kid. You remember that." The half-catian answered as Jii stepped on the small transporter pad. "Take care, kid."

The Bajoran returned his friend's smile, and just replied "Energize."

A few monents later, on the Galaxy side, a shower of bluish sparkles congealed into the form of Lt. JG Elaiithin.

"Welcome aboard," T'Zaq inclined her head politely.

"Why thank you. I was going to ask for permission, but you granted it first." Jii replied with a smile. "Hmm. You are a full Lieutenant...should I salute?"

T'Zaq shook her head and remarked sarcastically, "No need. I imagine you're too tired from your journey to lift a finger?"

With that, Elaiithin stood as stiff as a first-year cadet, and saluted her with a.......rather loud "No MA'AM!" He then lowered his hand, and smiled again. "Good enough?"

"Indeed. Quite a performance. Encore, encore." T'Zaq smirked. "Well... I must be getting back to the bridge. I have a duty shift to finish."

"But of course." the Bajoran responded. "I'll get my quarters assignment from OPS after I check in with Security. Who's the senior security officer currently aboard?" Elaiithin asked as the pair exited the transporter room.

"That would be Lt. Commander Albrecht, I do believe." she replied. "Good luck, as the Terrans would say."

"Same to you, T'Zaq. It's good to see you again." Jii said. "I'll see you later."

"All right," she waved back to him as she wandered into the turbolift.

Elaiithin watched as the turbolift doors rolled shut. Well, he thought with a smile...at least she's not holding what happened that one shift against me. Arriving not long after in Security, Jii found one Lieutenant Neil Bolitho sitting behind the desk.

"Well I was expecting Commander Albrecht....but I suppose you'll do." he said, Bolitho not having noticed him enter yet.

"Jii! When'd you get back aboard?!" Neil asked.

"Roughly ten minutes ago. What, I'm not late for duty already, am I?" Jii asked.

Bolitho grinned. "Not quite. I'd watch out for Lex, though."

"Why's that?"

"Because you've been assigned as Delta Shift supervisor, and she's now Beta assisstant." Neil replied.

"Oh." was all Elaiithin said. "Bet she's going to just LOVE seeing me....."

"Family meetings and lovely evenings."

Lt Tim O'Connell
Ens Brooke Ames.

The covers stirred under the bed 2 lumps moved. It was later then they usually slept ok it was noon. But they slept well. Scattered around the room were a bathrobe a pair of shorts and 2 empty cans of of whipped cream.

A head appears, "Good morning." Tim's voice says softly.

Another head appears, that of Brooke's. Her hair all touseled, she smiles, "It sure is."

Tim grinned, "I must say you were rather invetive last night." He leaned over and gave her a good morning kiss.

"Me? What about you? If this was a contest, you'd win." She joked.

Tim grinned, "Let's jsut say we were both rather inventive and interested in each other." He brushed her touseld hair out of her face. "where did you learn that?"

"I'm not giving away any of my trade secrets. It's for me to know and you never to find out. And there's nothing that will make me talk." She laughed, "What about you...stud?"

"Hey if you're not talking neither am I." A grin. "But right now I have to take a shower. Care to join me?"

She teases, "Hmm, I don't know. I'll have to think about this." A few seconds go by. "Okay, I'd love to."

Tim sat up and pulled her up too, "For some reason I seem to have to clean whipped cream residue off my body." They scampered in to the bathroom and ran the water.

"I think I have some whip cream in my ear." She stepped in, "Well, no one can ever say that our love life is boring."

Tim began to wash her gently, "how did you get whipped cream there? I don't remember using any there."

"I'm not surprised. We did go a little crazy with the cream."

Tim raised an eyebrow, "A little," He continued to wash her body taking the time to explore as well.

"Okay, we went very crazy. But it was fun." It was nice to get rid of the whip cream feel plus she really enjoyed this time with him.

Tim gently began to kiss her neck and nibble on her ears, "It was. We'll have to try that again some time."

"I don't know. Kinky is fun once in awhile. And this was pretty kinky." She rinsed off and begun to wash him, taking her time. "It seems like the whip cream had a mind of it's own."

Tim grinned and let her wash him, "yeah it did. But you know what, I liked that." He took her face in his hands and gave her a deep passionate kiss.

"I have to say one good thing about you, you're easy to please." She continued on and was very sensual in her technique.

The fires were restoked, "only for you." he whispered as he began to plant small kisses on her neck and shoulders.

She whispers back into his ear, "I hope so or I'd have to kill you." She playfully bit his earlobe and then let go. She whispered again, "What was Neil saying about drawing blood?"

Tim whispered back, "in order to be officially betrothed Klingon style, we have to shed blood." He took her ear in his mouth, "but I couldn't do that to you your're too damned cute."

"So are you." She kissed him with passion...as sparks began to fly.

This time they didn't even leave the shower. They again joined a firey passionate affair as intense as their first time.

Brooke said softly, "I think the water is getting cold."

"Or maybe we just got to hot for it." He shut the water off and stepped out handing her a towel.

She stepped out and slapped Tim on the bare butt. "Definately cute."

"Hey, don't damage the goods." He grinned and grabbed a towel for himself.

"Don't worry, I'm a doctor. I know what I'm doing." She teased.

"Well doctor, I assume the examination is satisfactory." He grinned and wrapped hte towel around his waist.

"Oh, very.' She dried off and went to get dressed. "Decisions, decisions."

Tim looked at her, "decisions?"

"What to wear. Casual or dress?"

Now he was confused, "Dress? why would we be dressing up?"

"I don't mean now, I mean for when we have dinner with my mom and her new beau. I'm sorry, I'm ahead of myself. Now, I was planning to wear this nice fashionable towel." She always had a bad habit of talking to herself out loud.

"Wait, You mom is seeing someone?" He flopped on their bed which had been changed while they were in the shower.

"Didn't I tell you that she got married or did I just dream that.?" She felt a little confused.

"You did, I just get a little stupid some times, I guess it's too much sex." He gave her an impish grin, "not that I'm complaining."

"Okay. I just wanted to make sure that senility hasn't set in already." She sits on the bed with him. Remembering last night, "You okay?"

"I'm better thank you." he gently kissed her shoulder, "I just needed to talk to someone, I'm glad it was you."

"I'm glad too." She took his hand in hers. "You know that I am here for you even if you need to talk about Eshar's death, okay?"

"Okay." He gently kissed her cheek, "I appreciate that."

"I love you." She gave him a reassuring squeeze and a smile to go with it.

Tim smiled back, "I love you too Brooke." He thought for a second, "hey...how much time do we have before dinner?"

"Oh, I don't know...4 or 5 hours? Why?"

He smiled, "you got time for a movie?"

"Sure, as long as it's with you." She was definately interested.

Tim looked at her and grinned, "now watch those dirty thoughts there Doctor, not that I haven't had a few of my own." He got up and walked "You asked me, remember? How about some kind of a shoot 'em up movie?"

Tim selected, "Terminator 6. When they stopped caring about the movies." He plugged the film in the viewer and climbed in next to her.

"Now all we need is the popcorn and we have it made." She snuggled up close to him.

Tim grinned and got her a bowl of replicated popcorn with a smile. "See I think of everything. Also an old earth beverage, Coke."

She smiled, "Yes you do. I've never had um, coke before."

Tim grinned, "well it's quite good." He handed her a glass and took a drink from his glass.

Brooke smelled it first and shrugged. She takes a little taste. "Interesting flavor to it. Did you remember the x-tra butter?"

Tim grinned, "Of course, don't you think I know what you like." He thought for a second, "outside of bed that is."

She laughs and practically pushes him off the bed, "You're so bad. I'm not going to touch that one."

Tim chuckled, "I'm not bad I just don't know when to shut up." He leand over and kissed her. THey settled down for the movie, "god this film sucks."

"I guess it does. Didn't they ever make any good movies? Nevermind, don't answer that." She didn't care if the movie was bad, she was enjoying the company. She ate her popcorn watching this movie unfold.

Tim kissed her again and brushed his hand along her cheek, "I think they did, but I don't care."

"See, this is why we make such a great couple, we agree on everything." Brooke, when Tim wasn't looking, playfully threw a piece of popcorn at him.

Tim grinned then he felt the popcorn hit him he grabbed a handful of his and threw it at her.

She couldn't believe that he could do such a thing. It was payback time. She emptied hers over his head and was laughing really hard at him. She looked at his face and knew that she was in trouble...lots of trouble."

Tim looked at her then pulled her towel open and dumped the popcorn all over her body. "Now I'm going to have to clean this up." He smiled wickedly.

"And how do you plan to do that?" She wickedly grinned back.

Tim smiled, "I just won't use my hands." He then began to eat the popcorn off her body.

She was surprised at this. Then again, when it came to Tim, he was very inventive. She giggled once in awhile. "How's the popcorn?"

Tim continued to work his way around her body, he wasn't focusing on eating the popcorn, "Who cares about the popcorn."

"That's what I thought. You know, if we go on this way, we're never going to make it to my mother's for dinner...not that I mind."

Tim pulled her up and kissed her again a long deep passionate kiss, "we'll have 60, 70, 80 years together."

She swallows, "80 years? Please, someone shoot me." She fell backwards on the bed. "Well, if I have to live for more than 80 years, I guess it will be okay...as long as it is with you otherwise, forget it."

Tim jumped over her and began to kiss her face and neck, "hell when is dinner anyway?" He asked her then continued to kiss her.

"Actually, hell is where we are going to end up if we don't show. Believe me, she used to have quite a temper. Let me put it this way, we have to go. She's expecting us."

Tim sighed, "I know we'll go, just can we fool around a bit more." He grinned and then kissed her again.

"You know that we can never just fool around." She joked, "Anyway, you have me worn out."

Tim grinned, "I try and do the best I can my dear, But when I get with you I can't control myself." A few more kisses then they got out of bed. "so what do you think for tonight?"

"What do I think for tonight?" she asked.

"Clothingwise, should we wear them, or should we go naked." He grinned."But should we go formal or casual, uniforms or civvies, what?"

"NO uniforms, please. I just want to be one of the normal people and relax. Believe me, I am not there to impress anyone." She was adament.

"Ok no uniforms." He got up and began to select his outfit a jacket and shirt with slacks. Beginning to dress he looked over at her, "Brooke, you getting ready or should I get the whipped cream?"

"Stop. I'm getting dressed, just slowly, that's all." Seeing what Tim was wearing, she decided on a simple black dress.

Tim looked at her, "Beautiful, but then you look beautiful in anything," He gave her a very wicked smile, "our out of anything."

"Thanks, I think." She was finally ready to leave. "Now, no more jokes about whip cream especially there at my mother's house."

Tim smiled, "I promise." He whispered something in her ear while they took the lift down to the lobby.

Brooke hit him. "I'm warning you." She smiled at him. "Soon, I'm not going to be able to take you anywhere."

They walked in to the lobby and the doorman got them a cab. It whisked them away from the hotel, "well what if she asks where I am staying am I allowed to answer?" he had a grin on his face.

"I never even thought of that." He had hit a small nerve. "Oh heck, just tell her the truth. I'm a big girl now and I am able to do what I want without her permission."

"Mrs Ames I'm sleeping with your daughter." He sighed, "Maybe not that truthful. But she might not ask."

"It doesn't matter." Brooke was ready for anything her mom might say or ask.

They drove along and stopped in front of the house. "We're here." Tim smiled.

"I see that. This should be fun, I hope." They got out of the car and walked up to the door. Brooke knocked on the door out of respect. Drake answered it to Brooke's surprise. It felt really wierd to see someone other than her mother open the door at her own house.

Drake joked, "You made it right on time, I'm impressed." Brooke rolled her eyes at him. "I wasn't that bad." She pulls Tim by the hand and brushes by Drake.

Tim just let her pull him in. They walked in and over to Brooke's mother "Hi Mrs Ames, how are you?"

"I'm fine. Now you two sit down. Sam will be up in a minute." Tim and Brooke sat down and then Drake sat next to Brooke. "Can I get you all something to drink? I have iced tea or coffee. Tim?"

"Coffee's fine." He smiled. He looked around the house a little nervous.

"Brooke?" Oh, I'll have some tea." As her mom went in the kitchen to get their beverages, Sam walked in from the basement. "I didn't realize that you were here already." He walks up to Tim, "I don't believe that we have met. I'm Sam and you must be Tim." He extended his hand.

Tim stood "Hello," He shook hands with Sam. "Nice to meet you."

"Same here." Sam sits in the recliner. "So, Tim. I understand you also work for Starfleet. What is it you exactly do?" Deela, Brooke's mom walks in with their drinks.

Tim smiled, "I work in shuttle operations, making sure the shuttles are ready to go and flying now and then, I just recertified as a pilot." He didn't mention his former security career.

"Sounds interesting." Deela also sat down. Deela spoke up. "Well Tim, it's been awhile. How have you been doing?"

"I've been good." Tim smiled, "Been on the Galaxy since I graduated, it's been an interesting ride."

"I can imagine. Brooke shocked me when she said that she was joining Starfleet. I never thought that she'd leave the paramedics. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of her but I hear it can be more dangerous."

Tim smiled, "It's not that dangerous, it just seems that way. I wouldn't worry, it's a big ship and we're going more in to exploration." He sat back, "besides you'd be suprised what we ahve seen."

"I bet." Drake kept looking over at Tim, studying him. Brooke noticed him and elbowed him. "What Brooke? Gee, break a rib why don't you."

Brooke glared at him. "You know what you're doing." Drake shrugged, "I was just thinking that he doesn't seem like the pilot type."

"Drake." Brooke could see that he still had no tact.

Tim looked over, "I'm not." He spoke calmly, "I've been in shuttle operations a few weeks, I transferred from Security for medical reasons."

Drake acted as if he had just won an award. "I thought so. You were like some kind of cop before you left, weren't you?" As Brooke sank into her seat a little, said under her breath, "Oh brother."

Tim sighed, "Correct I was a Police officer as are most of my family."

Brooke decided to change the subject. "Dinner smells really good. Do you need help at all?" Broke's mom thought for a second, "As a matter of fact, I do." Brooke got up and followed her mom to the kitchen not before pulling Drake along with her. Sam continued, "You'll have to excuse my son. All of the guys were very protective of Brooke. Of course, I don't know why. I heard how tough she was."

Tim smiled, "She is rather tough one of the 3 toughest women I know." He smiled, "But she did allright for her self on her first away mission."

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Brooke gave Drake a lecture. "I don't know what you are trying to prove out there but stop it. Things are good between Tim and me and you are not going to ruin it." Drake gave her a dirty look and defended himself. "If I remember correctly, you were very upset when he left and we all had to hear about it day in and day out. I just want to make sure that you are not making a mistake."

Brooke tried to keep from losing her cool. "If I do make a mistake, it will be my own so stop trying to play big brother." She realized that he was now her brother...step brother. Drake apologised, "I'm sorry, bad habits are hard to break." Deela cut in, "Can I get some help or are you two going to keep on bickering?" They said sorry and helped.

Back in the front room, Sam continued. "Oh? That's kind of fast, don't you think?"

Tim looked at Sam, "You are not the first to comment on that, but I never should have let her go in the first place, and I don't want to to make that mistake again."

Sam raised an eyebrow, "Sounds like Drake isn't the only one who is very protective of her. It's nice to see that. Did something happen to her? I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be nosey, just want to get to know Brooke, the person a little more. Afterall, she is my step-daughter now."

Tim smiled, "I understand, she was on an away mission after getting on board and had to assist in the rescue of some personnel. According to people I've talked to she handled herself admiralbly."

"Sounds like it got a little rough down there for her." He thought for a moment on what he said. "Are you trying to tell me that she had to. Oh lordy, don't tell her mother, she'd flip." He leaned forward, "Brooke did tell you about her mother and the problem she had, right?"

Tim nodded, "yeah, she told me... I'm glad things are better." Tim didn't want to say more on the subject.

"Well, I just don't want to upset her. Like mother, like daughter. They both are strong women but until Dee hits her 6 month anniversary of sobriety, well, you know." After finishing his statement, Deela comes in. "Sorry to interrupt your talk but dinner is on the table. Tim, I hope you like corned beef and cabbage, it's Brooke's favorite."

Tim smiled and walked to the table, "I like it Mrs Ames." He sat down and waited for everyone to settle down, Brooke sat next to him and he squeezed her hand under the table.

Brooke smiled at him. Conversation during dinner was about how Sam and Deela met, all about the little elopement ceremony and the honeymoon. Brooke's mom asked about their wedding. She told her that she didn't pick the date yet but how they'd let her know when they did. Brooke's mom seemed to play twenty questions which was fine until her mom made a statement. "Well Tim, it must be hard to have Brooke so close to you on that ship. Most kids these days don't even wait, they are always in a hurry to move in." Brooke choked on a piece of meat.

Tim kept a straight face, "well I know but good things are worth the wait."

Brooke must have drank a whole glass of water before she stopped choking. "Mom, we just don't see eye to eye on that subject. I don't see anything wrong with it especially if they love each other and are engaged." Brooke's mom wipes her mouth and doesn't look at Brooke or Tim, "Oh my, I didn't think, I mean, I never thought that you...Well, you are both consenting adults. I don't agree with it but if that's what you want, okay." Brooke could see her mother was slightly upset but she'd eventually get over it.

"Mom, I'm sorry. I should have told you before but I knew you'd be upset." Deela looked at her finally. "That's okay, you weren't obligated to tell me."

Tim wisely decide not to say a word during this discussion he continued to eat his meal, figuring anything he says would probably be a bad thing.

Dinner got a little quiet and the subject was changed once again. After dinner, they all retreated to the front room and Drake thought that he'd be funny. "So Tim, what exactly are your intentions? You've got yourself there a VIP and I hope that you realize that."

Tim caught his veiled comment and just smiled, "I know that every day we are together." HE looked at Drake, "as for my intentions, marriage family stuff like that."

Brooke scolded Drake. "Be careful Drake or I'll do again what I did the last time you pissed me off."

Tim looked at her, "what was that?" he whispered to her.

"Nothing too serious." Brooke decided that vengeance was hers for the night. She teased Drake, "So Drake, how are the family jewels?" Drake, red with embarrassment, answered. "Touche` Brooke, touche`. It was a lucky shot. You caught me off guard." Sam laughed, "Okay you two, fun is over. Aren't you both taking this siblings thing too far?" He was joking of course.

Tim knew when to shut up, this was one of those times, though his eyes showed genuine amusement at what he figured Brooke did to Drake with the sympathy one male shows to another in that situation.

Drake also knew that another word from him and he'd be singing soprano. He was definately scared of Brooke. Deela brought out a pumpkin pie and a can of what else? Whipping cream. Brooke, Tim, would you like whipping cream on your pie?" Brooke started to bust up laughing.

Tim looked at Brooke then smiled, "sure. You'll have to excuse Brooke we got in to a food fight at a party on the ship and she got the XO with a can of whipped cream hence the laughter." Not the truth but he sure wasn't going to tell her mother exactly what they did with whipped cream.

"Yeah, that's right. Sorry. Yes mom, I 'd like some. I know Tim does too. He just loves whipping cream on everything." She winks at Tim.

Tim just sighed, then continued his story, "Well the XO thought another friend of mine hit her with teh cream so he got her with a pie then Lex...excuse me Lt Ral, slipped Methalyne blue in his food."

"Sounds kind of dangerous. I hope he's okay." Deela was very concerned. Drake intervened, "It's harmless actually, it turns your...nevermind, just believe me, it stays with you."

Tim turned to Drake, "exactly, the XO is going to get his revenge though and I do not want to be around to see it." A chuckle, then he continued to eat the pie, "this is excellent pie."

Deela thanked him. They all finished their pie and after a little more small talk and telling stories, Brooke was ready to go. She was tired and they still had another dinner to get through the following day.

Tim stood with Brooke and they all said their goodbyes, they left and while walking to the main connecting street a Chicago Police squad drove by and slowed then backed up and stopped activating it's lights. 2 officers got out and looked at the 2 of them, "Tim?" a voice called out.

Tim looked at the officer, "Steve?" It was his brother. Steven O'Connell walked over, "Brooke that you?"

"Hi Steve, long time, no see" Brooke knew eventually, they'd run into more of his family.

"You could say that, How have you been ?"

Brooke smiled, "I've been great. Just got through having dinner with my mom."

Tim looked at his brother, "so you actually working tonight or just harassing bystanders?"

Steve chuckled, "I'm FTO for a Rookie showing him how to stop suspicious characters."

Tim grinned, "then go stop some dummy. Though I heard you finally got married." Steve looked Brooke over and saw a sparkle on her hand, "who gave you that ring?" he asked.

"This old thing? I picked it up at some pawn shop." She laughed, "Actually, Tim here gave it to me."

Steve looked at his brother and one and one clicked, "that's what Dave called about."

Tim sighed, "you think an admiral can keep secrets, who else knows."

Steve grinned, "mom, dad, well the entire family."

It was Brooke's turn to sigh. "So much for surprises. I thought that Admiral's were good at keeping secrets?"

Tim grumbled, "this is why he's not in intellegance." Steve just grinned. "Well about bloody time you two smartened up." Just then a radio chirped, "2344 2344, see the woman fist of kahless assault in progress back up 2312."

"Well Steve, it was nice seeing you again. Such a shame you have to leave so fast."

Steve grumbled, Tim just laughed, "tehy still haven't shut that place down, go earn your keep."

Tim's brother grumbled and headed in to the squad which sped off en route to a bar fight. Tim flagged a cab and they jumped in. "Well the whipped cream was a nice touch, A good thing I had that story ready the real one would have freaked her out."

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help laughing." She was still finding herself smiling about it. "Drake would have loved to get his hand on the real story."

Tim sighed, "he didn't like me did he."

"I don't know what his problem was. He's really a nice guy. Probably my fault. When we broke up I was angry and I guess I kind of colored a picture for them. They always were trying to protect me, you know, being the only female so, when he figured out it was you, he already had that picture in his mind." She looks at him, "I'm not making sense, am I?"

Tim sighed, "I don't blame you Like I told Sam I was damned stupid to let you go in the first place."

"We both made stupid decisions at that time. I don't want to dwell on it. We're together now and have our whole future together."

"Well, we're toghether now." The cab rolled along and stopped in front of the hotel. They got out of the cab and walked in to the hotel. They took the elevator up to their room. They walked in and the second they were through the door Tim wrapped Brooke in his arms and gave her a deep and passionate kiss.

She was caught off guard but enjoyed the kiss. "That was nice. What did I do to get that?"

"Becuase I love you and just because you look cute in that dress." He smiled, "But you look better out of that dress."

"Is that a hint like you would rather see me naked right now?" She smiled knowing the answer. She knew him too well.

Tim smiled, "well I suppose you could twist my arm." He siged a forced theatrical sigh, however he loved her and wanted to make love to her again.

"Twisting you arm has never been a problem." She wanted him as much as Tim but she would torture him for a while. She wasks into the bathroom and Tim follows her as usual. "Tim, stay there, don't move. Now be a good boy and stay." She walked in and then she peeked around the corner and threw her dress at him. "Be a dear and hang that up for me, would you?" The next thing, she tosses the rest of her stuff out knowing that it would be killing him right now.

He sighed and complied, he hung up her dress and after that tried to peek around the corner in to the bathroom.

"Tim? I swear. You must really hate waiting, don't you?" She threw on a little short robe which didn't cover much of her and walked out. She was enjoying taunting him. She gathered up her clothes moving as slowly as she could, knowing that he was enjoying the sight.

Tim smiled, "you know when you are involved I can't wait." He sat back and waited though tapping his fingers.

Brooke walks over to Tim. "Now, what was it we were talking about?"

Tim sat up and then got out of bed and began to take off his clothing hanging it up. "No clue Brooke, somehting about some sort of cream item?" he grinned then came out clad in shorts and a tank top.

Brooke could see that she met her match. She looks at him as she sits on the bed. "You have got to be kidding. There is something definately wrong with this picture." She scoots up to her side of the bed, propping herself on her pillows.

Tim grinned and then kissed her, "or maybe not." He gently caressed her cheek, "I just want to enjoy every moment we are together."

"So do I. We've wasted so much time." She wished that she could re-live those days and done things differently.

Tim kissed her softly, "well that is the past, this is the future we have years ahead of us to be together." Another kiss, his hands found the tie on her robe and began to work it.

She helped him finish untying her robe as her eyes met his. She smiled for she could see how much he desired her and that pleased her.

Tim kissed her again this time deeper and more passionate, this time his hands began to caress her a gentle sensual caress. He enjoyed the feel of her under his hands.

His hands were soothing and at the same time, exciting to her. She wanted to feel his nakedness next to hers. She pulled him close and whispered her desires to him.

Tim slipped out of the rest of his clothing and felt her warmth next to his, he wbispered his desires back to her feeling more excited by her closeness and her desires.

Once they expressed their desires, no more words were spoken as they fulfilled each other and satisfied their hunger for each other.

Afterwords Tim held her close to him, "Brooke," he whispered to her.

She looked up at him with satisfaction in her eyes and smiled, "Yes?"

"Promise me we'll always be this happy."He smiled, "For better or for worse."

"I promise, till death do us part."

"Good." He kissed her again, "and I will never stop loving you."

"And I, you." as she sealed the promise with another kiss.

Content Tim laid back and held Brooke close, "I'll see you tomorrow then." he smiled.

"I'm not going anywhere." At that, she closed her eyes and smiled, knowing that they'd be together forever.

Tim closed his eyes and fell asleep.

"Tit for tat"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Rooftop gardens of Camelot castle (Holodeck on USS Galaxy) ***

"...And so, by the powers vested in me by the King and Queen of the land, and by authority of Starfleet Command and the Federation of Planets, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Captain Price declared with a smile while still outfitted in the brown monk's robes appropriate for the medieval setting. "You may kiss the bride 'mate."

Raesene's gaze never left Dierdren's for a moment. She looked so beautiful in her wedding gown and her face radiated with happiness and joy at hearing the Captain's words. Even the glistening tears that filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks only added to her loveliness. Taking Dierdren's head in his hands gently, the Lieutenant pulled her closer and gave her a passionate kiss.

The two embraced in a long hug and kissing session before they finally pulled away, though never apart.

Lee smiled. "It's my pleasure to present to you Mister and Misses Raesene Hermedhie."

At the announcement, the trumpets again began playing, announcing the introduction of the newly wed couple. The orchestra joined in as Raesene and Dierdren began walking back down the aisle to the applauding and cheering audience that had come to bear witness to their lifetime joining.

Captain Price watched the happy couple as they walked away. Occasionally they'd stop and shake the hands of a joyous guest, or kiss and exchange hugs of happiness. Even though that wasn't planned, it was a nice thing to see. In the time Lee had been serving as Captain of the USS Galaxy, he'd had the pleasure of marrying a few officers on board the vessel. It was always a happy occasion. He looked forward to returning to Risa where Raesene and Dierdren planned to hold the wedding reception. Now that his official duty was over, he could change out of the monk's robes and wear something a bit more comfortable. He looked foreword to spending some time with Yeoman Jamie York. Now that the business with Zea Vicea Heero Brandis was over after giving her a tour of the starship, and he'd performed the marriage ceremony between Lieutenant Raesene Hermedhie and Lieutenant' Dierdren Mhistecai, the reception was the last obligation he had remaining. After that, he'd be free to enjoy his shore leave with the woman of his dreams.

Unless something else managed to pop up to prevent it. . . .

****

*** Latinum Prince in orbit of Nerinda Minor ***

Daimon Moog was sitting in the command chair on the bridge of the Latinum Prince. On Ferengi ships, the Daimon's chair was elevated, almost thrown-like to bolster the authority of the man that sat in the chair. That's the way Moog was carrying himself now, like he were sitting on the thrown of his ship. Taking a silver box out of his over jeweled coat, Moog opened it and took a generous pinch of beetle snuff which he promptly snorted before returning the case to his pocket.

"The hoo-mons have beamed down to the planet?" the Daimon asked in his squeaky voice.

Boog looked up at his half brother and nodded. "Ah-hu, Admiral Casey and the others just finished transporting the last of their equipment to the Clairmont hotel."

"Good. Then we have finished another part of our obligation. All that remains now is to wait for them to finish, and return them to Risa and our debt will be paid in full." Daimon Moog stated with a satisfied nod.

"It was real smart of you to strike a deal with the Federation brother. That Mister Potter fellow had me worried when he showed the surveillance recording of us delivering whyte to the Dominion. I thought we would go to jail for sure." Boog expressed emotionally.

"Fortunately the hoo-mons hold a lot of the same values dear as we Ferengi. The 'plea bargain' for instance. . ." Moog commented, "When it comes to negotiating a tit for tat, nobody beats the lobes of a Ferengi." the Daimon smiled.

"That's what I like about you brother. You definitely have the lobes for business." Boog patronized.

Smiling at himself, "Yes. Yes I do." Daimon Moog gloated.

Delta discussion

Lt Tim O'Connell
Lt(jg) Elaiithin Jii

Security and shuttle ops. Galaxy

Tim headed to the companel in his hotel he accessed it and punched in a code to get access to the federation net and got access to the Galaxy's main network. "Open a chanel to security main duty station." HE sat back and waited for the connection to be made.

Elaiithin sat at the Security Desk at the beginning of Delta Shift, looking at things a little differently his first time out as shift supervisor. Things were pretty quiet...most of the crew was on Risa. He had just put his feet on the desk when the Computer made a lud announcement. [Incoming Hail] The Bajoran Lieutenant pressed the button to place the hail onscreen. The face of one Lieutenant Tim O'Connell popped up.

Tim was expecting someone to be in that desk, Astrid, Heidi someone he knew, but big shock it was his old friend Elaiithin Jii, "Jii?" he asked not quite believing his eyes.

"Why hello Tim." he replied, relaxing again.

Tim grinned, "When did you get back to the Galaxy, last I heard you were on luna 7 or something." He sat up, "how you feeling man?"

Yeah," Jii replied " I was on Luna for a little while. That happens after they have replicate most of your internal organs and sort them out again. I got back earlier today, actually."

Tim chuckled, "so did they install a brain this time or forget again. No seriously glad to see you back. Amazing you're back as a meat truck I wasn't so lucky." His face fell, "I'm in shuttle operations under Commander Casey Ti."

Jii snorted. "They've got you wearing a red shirt? One near-death experience wasn't enough?"

Tim laughed, "well what can I say red looks good, brings out my eyes." He sat back, "besides someone has to break the red shirt curse."

"Good luck. So where're you spended your all-expense paid Starfleet Leave Time?" the Bajoran asked with a good deal of sarcasm.

"Chicago, Visiting friends and family." He smiled, "Y'know take a runabout and just hang out. Brooke and I are having a wonderful time I'll introduce you when we get back."

"Brooke?" Jii asked with a raised eyebrow. "Tim, who's Brooke?"

"An old friend." Tim spoke a bit cryptically, "We've been spending time together."

"Spending time. Right."

Tim sighed, "We've been seeing each other." He looked at his friend, "ok we are a bit more serious then just seeing."

Elaiithin just nodded and folded his arms, covering his grin with one hand.

Tim looked at him, "ok the truth, I'm sure you heard already I told Neil, we're kind of.....engaged." he said the last word trailing off.

In all honesty, Elaiithin wasn't one bit surprised. "Tim, have you ever heard the term "fast mover"?" he asked.

"Yes I have, I got the same lecture from Neil, Lex, now you." He sighed, "I know everyone thinks it's fast. But it's like we never seperated,y'know?" He wanted his friend to understand exactly what he felt with Brooke.

"Hey, bud, I don't plan to lecture. Life's too short. Like I saw on this old earth film once. "If it makes you feel good, do it." Elaiithin stated simply. "I'm happy for you Tim."

"Thanks partner, " Tim smiled, "Oh and we haven't set a date yet, but you are going to be standing up, I think I'll ask Lex to be a groomsman too."

"I have to stand?" Jii asked plaintively. "I'd be happy to, Tim. So what was the purpose of your call, anyway?"

"To see if there's any change in Neil's baby, he wasn't to talkative so I'd like to see if you heard anything."

"Afraid I don't know. I didn't get too many details from him. He was just leaving as I came in. I haven't even been to my quarters yet."

"Ok." Tim had seen the reports of the Kai going missing but wasn't sure what happened or if Jii even knew.

"Tell you what. Give me your hotels comm-code, and I'll track down Neil for you." Elaiithin said.

Tim punched some buttons sending the comm code. "Sent." He looked up, "So anything new with you aside from the whole getting shot thing." He grinned, "I'll be back soon we'll have to get together for lunch."

Elaiithin's eyes grew a little distant....something had definately happened. "Yea....but we can talk about it when you get back."

Tim noticed the eyes, "we will besides like I said you have to meet Brooke, you'll love her."

"Sure thing." Jii said. "Allright then, let me try to track Neil down, Tim. Take care of yourself....and don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Tim snickered, "I'm sure I already have done something you haven't"

"Don't be too sure about that. See you soon, Tim. Galaxy out"

"Beam Down"
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey

Deiran made sure everyone had their equipment beamed to the correct coordinates, made sure everyone was on the planet and had to make sure no one saw or suspected anything. Then once everyone was on Nerinda Minor, Deiran paid Daimon Moog half of the price they agreed upon.

"This is only half of what we agreed on Hoo-mahn!" the Daimon spat out, looking up at the tall frame that was Deiran Casey.

"Yes I realize that. I'm human, I don't trust you. If you want to make a profit then you'll wait for us here in orbit, and when we're finished and you return us safely back to Risa. You'll get the other half," Casey smiled as he stepped on the Transporter pad. Seconds later his body dematerialized and appeared at the entrance of the Clairmont hotel.

"Hoo-mahns!" Moog yelled after Deiran was gone. "They can be as distrustful and crafty as we are!" he said, pushing his brother and another one of his crewman out of his way.

*** Clairmont Hotel, Nerinda Minor ***

Deiran was still in his civs, he blended in well and had a good idea of how his team would set up for the reconn mission. He sent them down with the correct instructions, they reserved three rooms. But despite all the hard work and preparation, he didn't sleep well, in fact he hadn't slept much at all since Miran left for Earth. He missed her. His face was beginning to reveal a granite statue, he wasn't happy and it was easy to tell as you looked at his face.

He walked into the hotel lobby and didn't even notice or cared to notice the lobby's décor. He didn't really care. He did take the time to look at his hair in the mirrors by the elevator. He was the only one on the elevator and pulled out a PADD. It was small, but he needed to test the infra-red sensing equipment and the elevator was as good a place as any.

The test went fine, really he didn't need to do it, he was just bored. He wanted to get past this mission of his father's. He needed a vacation, needed one big time. Everyone seemed to get them but him. Maybe it was his lot in life.

The elevator reached his floor, he knew where the rooms were before he beamed down. The last thing he wanted to do was bother going to the front desk.

"Room 2145," he said as he saw the number on the door and knocked quietly.

The door opened, "Thank you," Casey said and nodded to the nice young Ensign Okuda.

"Sure sir, not a problem," she smiled.

He walked over to Sullax and asked about their status.

"The sensor equipment is set up in room 1956, Viara is overseeing the sensors. Stone is with her. I'm setting my team in room 2071, we'll have the recording equipment set up there in about twenty minutes. Everything is going according to plan sir," Sullax informed, looking at Deiran and then to the Admiral.

"Good work, Mr. Sullax," Admiral Casey replied.

"Our communicators are on a secured frequency?" Deiran asked.

"Yes, the odds they'll break the frequency encryption code is 2.5 million to one Deiran," Ryak replied with his usual stoicism.

"Sounds safe enough to me, besides if we didn't get sold out," he looked to his father as he said 'sold out' and back to Sullax, "they won't know to even look for us."

"Aye, we were quite discrete as we checked in," Ryak replied.

"Yeah I think we have the tourism thing down pat," Alexa joked, walking up behind her brother and then laughing when she saw the look on his face.

Deiran accessed his PADD again, going down the checklist.

"The DNA scanners are working? Voice print ID's?" Deiran double-checked.

"Aye, working perfectly," Dr. Lemur replied.

"What about back-ups? Just in case I want to be able to get the info backed up immediately, we won't get a second chance at this people," Casey reminded them. All but Rhys and Stone were in the room.

"All the systems have been backed up with a redundant dataload system. We'll download the info we get into the portable matrix we have," Sullax lifted up the medium sized suitcase which held the matrix.

"Good work, okay then we're ready it seems. Any other suggestions? Ideas? Speak up now," Casey forced a grin as he looked into the eyes of everyone on the team.

Casey waited for about a minute and then turned it over to his father.

"You're all doing a fine job. This may not seem too important now, but the Federation will thank you later. This mission is more important than even I realize. Just do your jobs to the best of your ability and we'll be home before you know it. Good luck."

With that little speech, the teams separated into threes and waited for the meeting to begin. Each team was set up perfectly to do their assigned jobs. They had left nothing to chance and the set-up went flawless.

Deiran, Alexa and Admiral Casey were in 2145 and would operate the Voice ID scanning equipment. Sullax, Okuda and Lemur would operate the DNA scanners and other bio-tech equipment in room 2071, then Rhys, Stone and Richeson would operate the video equipment and all the security-related technology. It was all linked to the small matrix in room 2145. Admiral Casey wanted to observe all the readings in real time.

Now all they needed to do was wait for the principle players to show up.

"Another family dinner"
Lt Tim O'Connell
Ens Brooke Ames

The entire O'Connell family

Tim is getting clothing together for this evening, his family the next big step. He walked in to the bathroom where Brooke was getting ready, she was wearing a just her underclothing and she looked very sexy in it. "Hey gorgeous, you ready for tonight." he said as he wrapped his arms around her and began to plant small kisses on her neck.

"I hope so. I hope this dinner goes better than the one at my mother's house." She was slightly nervous eventhough they already knew about them. "I have no clue what to wear."

Tim looked at her scantily clad body and smiled wickedly, "I think you should go like that."

"You're no help. Besides, I don't think that would settle too well with your parents." She went back to staring at her wardrobe.

Tim grinned, "I have to pick something too." He sighed, "but I think you should wear something like a dress, show off your legs." He grinned, "but I want everyone to see what a beautiful woman I'm going to marry."

"A dress it is then." She pulled out a black dress with small floral print that definately showed off her legs.

Tim smiled, "now I have no clue what to wear, I know but I don't."

"There is always your birthday suit. Of course, you might get a few stares from your family." She was joking of course.

Tim chuckled, "You know I would." He selected a casual suit combination and began to dress. "But I don't want to get arrested my dear."

"Yeah, it wouldn't look too good for an O'Connell to be arrested." She saw what he picked out. "You're going to wear that?" She was teasing him this time.

Tim smiled, "Well yea, you think I should go with a tank top and tight leather pants or something?" His eyes sparkled and his humor was there.

"Leather, now there is an idea, black, tight leather pants." She grinned at the thought.

Tim gently kissed her lips and wrapped her in his arms, "Only for you in private my love." Another kiss. "But in public this will do."

"I'm really excited about this dinner. And to see everyone again, just like old times."

Tim smiled, "well close to old times. Last time we weren't engaged or officers, I had to work rotating shifts and you got stuck on the rotating 24 hour shift from hell."

"I guess it has been a long time. I don't remember it being that bad."

Tim again hugged her, "well I never got to spend time with you when you were in the stationhouse, try finding a quiet place to be alone."

"Yeah, quiet places were few far inbetween. It's okay though, I'd say we've made up for it."

Tim grinned, "I still know some quiet places on the Galaxy, for example there is a Jeffires tube junction that no one knows about."

"Oh, and how do you know? Is that like where you.." She realized that maybe she shouldn't finish the statement. "I think I better get dressed. I wouldn't want to disappoint my fans."

Tim grinned, "this fan thinks you look better with out the dress." He flopped back, "and in case you were asking It wasn't me it was Jii." He chuckled, "you'll have to ask him to tell you that story."

"I'll do just that, I mean, ask him...not the naked part."

"Aww shucks, so close to my dream." He grins, "but get dressed." He patted her butt as she walked by.

"Tim, really." She laughed. "Let's just get through this dinner. I can only take so much excitement."

Tim grinned, "Ok just hurry up and get dressed we have to be there soon."

Brooke quickly finnished dressing and was ready to go in no time. She still was slightly nervous eventhough there was no reason for it.

Tim saw her come out, "you look amazing," He took her hand in his, "why so nervous?" he asked puzzled.

"I don't know. I just am. Forget about it, I will be fine once we get there."

Tim walked with her down to teh cab, once inside Tim gently kissed her, "don't worry Brooke my family will love this and they already know remember Dave can't keep a secret."

"I know they know. I'm just being silly." She was actually excited about seeing his family.

Tim grinned and kissed her again while they drove along, "You're cute when you're being silly."

"You'd say that even if I wasn't being silly. I'm just one cute broad. What can I say?" She gave him a little smile and then looked out the window.

They stopped in front of the house, "come on. Let's go meet with family." They walked up to the house.

She gives him a hug and a kiss. "I needed that, sorry."

Tim returned her kiss, "never apologize for kissing me." He grinned, "I like doing that." He took a breath and opened the door.

"We're home." He called out and the two walked in to the family room, there were the entire group including a few other members, mainly Dave who smiled, Tim sighed, "Dave don't admirals usually keep secrets better."

Brooke was feeling a little overwhelmed. If she was a little nervous then, she was more nervous now.

Tim's mother approached with a smile, "Brooke, so good to see you again." She hugged her and smiled.

"Thanks, same here. This is quite a reception that I didn't expect."

"No we always thought Tim made a mistake the firtst time around, now letme see taht ring." The women seemed to be interested in what Tim had given her.

Brooke thought to herself, "Funny, everyone says the same thing." They were all holding on to her hand and ooohing and awwing. "It is beautiful, isnt it." She was feeling a little less nervous.

Tim smiled and spoke to his father and brothers, "Well dad actually you set this up."

"How ?"

"That whole don't let something this good get away speech of yours that's what finalized it."

While they were still admiring the ring, Brooke looked over at Tim talking to Dad and she was trying to hear what they were saying but it was impossible with the conversations going on around her.

Tim looked at her and smiled, Dinner had been set up and Tim and Brooke sat down at the table full with food, Steve spoke, "so Brooke where did Tim propose to you?"

"Here in Chicago." She knew that it wasn't the answer he wanted but she thought that she'd have a little fun with it.

Tim snickered and the food began to be passed around Steve was impatient, "Where in chicago did this happen?" The family was all curious.

"On a street corner where we first met." She loved watching the look of impatient people. She glanced over at Tim, "31st and Wentworth to be exact."

"You went there voluntarily?" Steve chuckled at his brother, "You always were a romantic at heart."

Brooke smiled at Tim, "He still is."

Tim smiled and the meal progressed, the talk turned to the wedding where would it be Steve Voted for down town, Tim's parents wated Ireland, and Dave wanted San Francisco.

She was starting to feel a little stresed, "Hold on, we haven't even discussed this yet among ourselves. Those places are nice but we really haven't even had time to think about it." She said it politely but thought maybe it might not have come out that way.

Tim spoke, "we'll be planning it and will let you all know." He knew his family would steamroll her if she didn't snap first. "But we have no clue at this moment."

She gave him a "Thank you" look. She got a little quiet which was usual for her when she felt upset or overwhelmed.

Tim took her hand under the table and the meal progressed as for normal. After the meal pie was served, unfortunately his Mother decided to serve pie with whipped cream which resulted in Tim giving Brooke an amused look.

Brooke smiled back but didn't laugh like she did before. She was more at ease at home than she was there. She looked up at his mother and thanked her. She took a bite, "I see you still make the best pie this side of Chicago."

"Thank you Brooke." Tim enjoyed his mom's baked pie, "Mom this is great." They continued to enjoy the pie. She spoke up, "Brooke hows your mom doing?"

"She's great. She got married and she is so happy. It was quite a surprise, I didn't even know that she was dating anyone."

"That is a surprise, but that's good for her." The discussion continued untill the evening ended. Goodbyes were said and Eileen O'Connell spoke to Brooke, "You will let me know whne the ceremony is won't you?"

"I definately will. Thanks for the great dinner. It's so nice to have real, home cooked meals." She hugged Eileen.

They left the house and got in to a cab. Once they pulled away Tim took her hand in his, "that was fun." he smiled.

"I thought that I was going to scream when they all started suggesting where to have the wedding. I know they meant well."

"My mom doesn't want to miss this one, " He smiled, "I kinda dropped the first one on them as a suprise."

"I can understand that. I guess that means eloping is out." She joked.

"No did that already." He kissed her, "this time we're having the full ceremony." He looked at her, "a nice ceremony. We'll discuss it after this vaction."

"Alright." Brooke sat the rest of the ride just enjoying the ride back with Tim.

He kissed her and began to whisper his plans for tonight in her ear.

Brooke listened intentively, with a smile on her face.

"Playing the Game"
Mr. Shtik
Science Officer

Mr. Gerard and Mr. Clay kept glancing up from their work in the waist of the Lydia to look up at their captain on the quarterdeck. The tall figure stood erect with his hands clasped behind his back and the sun gleaming off the gold trim of his tailed blue coat and tall, cocked hat.

"Sail ho!" The call came down from the masthead.

"Where away?" Gerard called back up.

"On the port bow, sir. Lugger, sir, and heading straight for us." Gerard leapt to the rail with a spyglass.

"Captain, she's flying Spanish colors." He called back to the quarterdeck; "Do you want me to call the crew to quarters?"

"Negative, Mr. Gerard. We will continue our course toward England."

"Cool as a cucumber, that 'ornblower." Mr. Clay muttered. This was obviously overheard by the captains oversized, pointed ears.

"The approaching lugger is indeed of Spanish origin, in a moment, however, it will raise a flag of truce in order to request a parley." The captain replied, already familiar with the story he was forced to be apart of. As if on cue, the Spanish ship did indeed raise a white flag of truce.

"'e's not 'uman, Mr. Gerard, sir." Clay whispered to his crewmate, "'e's like a wizard wot with the things he foresees." Shtik rolled his eyes as he overheard his holographic crew's admiration. Ensign Han approached Shtik in the persona of Lieutenant Bush.

"What is it, sir?" he asked.

"It is a Spanish lugger here to inform us that we are now allies of Spain. They are going to request that we go back to battle the Natividad in order to defeat El Supremo."

"Aren't we going to go through with it?" Jian-fu asked.

"The Natividad is a ship of the line, the Lydia is a frigate. We would be ridiculously outgunned were we to try to battle her."

"But apparently Captain Hornblower defeated it in the novel, didn't he?"

"Unfortunately I was unable to finish the story, therefore I do not know what method he used to accomplish this. I intend to ignore any attempts by this program to goad us into further danger. We will simply return toward England until the scenario plays itself out."

"With all due respect, sir." Ensign Han muttered, "But the way these things normally happen, I mean, aren't we required to play out the scenario as accurately as possible in order to complete the program?"

"I have not exactly participated in a wide variety of holosimulations, I am not familiar with the protocols for this kind of situation."

"I believe we will have to defeat the Natividad in order to end the simulation." Jian-fu stated.

"With the safety protocals disabled and our access to the computer cut off, that will expose us to extreme personal danger and overwhelming odds." Shtik stated. Ensign Han smiled.

"That's just what a lot of us humans live for, sir.

" Shtik eyed him with a raised eyebrow. "Besides, it looks like the only way we'll be able to get out of here."

"Very well." Shtik sighed. "Mr. Gerard, haul to and prepare to receive borders."

"Pig on a Spit, (with a side of Counseling)."

by LCDR Endris Gakor-Albrecht
Chief Medical Officer

with Lt Karyn Dallas
Chief Counselor
USS Galaxy

*** Luau, Kiss of Kona Beach Resort (west coast of Risa) ***

Endris arrived a few hours early at the beach resort for the Hawian feast, and was surprised to find a strange object floating in the sea. It was the disturbingly large size of the speeding object that appeared to contradict the Risan's eternal pampering of the guests. Several tourists pointed at the craft as it bobbed and weaved in an almost liquid Jemhajeron. For something to be so massive yet agile betrayed Risan innovators had developed a new pleasure contraption.

More than one person wanted to know how they too could enjoy the newfangled bizarre device. But later, they would discover it was only a conventional water toy adapted for one guest's special needs.

Curious, the Tellarite gathered with a growing mound of spectators watching the graceful but unexpected form jump over ramps, through hoops, and perform other aquatic stunts. Requesting a pair of binoculars and a beverage from a passing Risan, Endris couldn't believe what her magnified vision reported! But she saved her revelation for later. Not all the tourists or staff were dedicated to serving the Galaxy's crew, after all. About 30 minutes before the food was due to be served, the odd craft headed towards the sparkling white sands of the beach. Once close to shore, the rest of the group saw what Endris spied earlier with her specticals. A woman waving from a larger than normal Jet Ski! The water craft had been adapted to service her mobility chair, with redundant fail safes to insure Karyn's safety. No doubt, the counselor found the sensation of increased speed and agility a thrill! She was positively beaming with delight from the liberating experience.

Attendants rose off the sands, tying lines to the craft so it wouldn't drift off needlessly, while others helped Karyn release the mechanical safeguards which anchored her chair to the boat. Meanwhile, Endris blended in, moving to the back of the herd of tourists in case an opportunity for mischief presented itself with her friend.

The servants had another plan to give Lt. Karyn Dallas pleasure. They removed the chair, which might develop traction problems from the beautiful but regretfully gritty beach. Extracting Karyn from the high tech casket that normally clung to her lower body, they positioned her on a wide divan affixed with carrying poles. Carefully, they checked and massaged Karyn's legs, improving the circulation and at least temporarily restoring some of the mobility her infirmity had deprived her of. Instinctively, Karyn flexed the atrophied muscles and was elated to see she had a greater range of movement than she usually enjoyed. Karyn had not yet spotted Endris lingering on the fringe of the crowd, keeping a discrete medical observation of the Risan's techniques. The Doctor picked up a tip or two on physical therapy from her stay on the pleasure world. Temporarily free of both Adam and his father, Gakor was beginning to enjoy herself.

Risan bearer's picked up the raft, carrying it to the area reserved for Oinkus. Karyn was being pampered like an Egyptian queen. Women with plumed fans cooled her Pharoahness with almost erotic hand motions. Gakes decided it was time to invoke the next in her line of harmless 'fun' surprises. Liberating one of the colossal feathers from one of the attendants, the fuzzy doctor fell in line with the back of the group flanking Ms. Dallas. Soon, Karyn felt a delightful tickle reaching from one of the fans. The gentle feather touch was so pleasant, she left out a relaxing sigh. The next brush was considerably stronger, and the Galaxy's Chief Counselor turned to see the jovial form of Endris failing to conceal her snorting like laughter.

Gakor did not expect what was to happen next. Karyn reached out and borrowed a fan from one of the numerous Risan staff, then bopped the misbehaving Doctor over the head with the piece of harmless plumage. Soon, dander and fluff from the jousting feathers made some of the guests with less robust pulminary systems cough in dismay. Reluctantly, the natives separated the pair of combatants for the comfort of their other guests. Karyn and Endris both greeted each other enthusiastically after their battle for Ostrich supremacy, and then the litter barring the normally chair bound human continued to the eating pavilion.

The Counselor was lowered to the ground as gracefully as feasible, as platters of roast pork began to circulate amongst the guests. What fun! Endris, with her extra large Tellarite nose for anything edible, scented out a table of pineapple and other treats at the far edge of the enclave. Asking if Karyn wanted anything, Gakor moved off to the food, glancing at the bed of hot coals they roasted the meat over. Endris scooted closer and warmed her hands over the fire pit. Enjoying this new but unexpected pleasure, the Tellarite soon returned with two plates of food, handing one to the Counselor.

"Karyn, I'm glad I ran into you!,"Gakor confessed. Although her tone was bright and cheery, the Counselor detected a hidden layer of tension in her friend, and shifted back into therapist mode.

"What's troubling you, Gakes?," hoping Karyn's use of her nickname would bring a smile to her friend's face. Endris gave a weak grin.

"Matthew doesn't seem to understand family life." the Doctor continued.

"What makes you say that? What has he done now to upset you?" Karyn said with concern.

"He booked a shuttle and warped back to Earth to attend a friend's wedding in Iowa, totally disregarding our plans to spend time together as a family. He's been gone about 4 or 5 days now." Karyn tried to hide her disappointment at hearing about Albrecht's absence. She had finally convinced herself to file a formal complaint against the Russell Institute for their negligence, but had so far not gotten anywhere with it. The only way she felt they would ever take her seriously was if she threatened legal action. She made up her mind to talk to Albrecht about helping her but now it seemed her indecisiveness had cost her more time. She told herself it was all right to take some time before acting, but in the back of her mind she feared her motivations had more to do with cowardice than anything else. Not liking where these thoughts were going, she decided to focus once again on what her friend was saying.

Keying in to the word "family", the Counselor wondered about the youngest of the Albrecht clan. She decided to follow up with a question on this note. "And how is little Adam adjusting to this little snafu?"

"He was throwing temper tantrums and demanding his father's return. Leaving him at the Children's center with kids his age seemed to help considerably. He is playing and having fun, although I keep tabs on him over the global comm links. And talking to Mommy on the vid phone seems to help both of us!," Endris said without hint of disappointment. "Well, you seem to have dealt with your son constructively. What have you done to appease this situation?," the Counselor counseled.

"Nothing much," the Doctor said with a tone that her friend knew was a false front. "Let's just say I've rigged replicators on the ship to give him plenty of edible mementos from Iowa once we get done with shore leave."

*What?* the Counselor thought. *What trouble is brewing now?* Something told her Endris had been doing more than just commiserating about Matthew's absence. She wondered briefly what little "revenge" the doctor had cooked up and prayed this wasn't the start of another prank war!

Just then, a passing Risan attendant tripped over a rock. A platter of yellow Terran vegetables meant to complement the pork slid off the tray, burying Gakor to the hips. Karyn grabbed an ear that rolled on to her couch, ceasing it with a relish. "Corn!", she cried figuring out the Tellarite's wicked scheme. "Endris, you're quite clever! Feeding Matthew only corn for a while is likely to provoke at least SOME reaction in your spouse!, but might I suggest you also try talking to him about how you feel. Excuse the cliche`but 'Two wrongs don't make a right'."

The Tellarite sighed, "I suppose you are correct, but I just couldn't resist. Matthew will appreciate the creativity...eventually I'm sure."

Meanwhile, Risan attendants busied themselves cleaning up the unlikely beach corn spill. They also had the foresight to remove the rock to prevent further mishaps. Apologetically, the service minded Risans offered to replace Gakor's butter splattered robes, as well as a complementary beverage for both the Doctor and her companion.

Karyn sighed and reminded herself gently that until Endris or Matthew asked for her help directly, it was best just to let things go for now and just be supportive. Forcing herself out of her Counselor mode, she decided to concentrate on her dinner with Michael. Part of her was dying to share the news with someone, but considering the Tellarite's marital troubles it seemed inappropriate to babble about her personal life.

Letting her own musings take over her thoughts, she prayed things would stay as uneventful as they had been...but somehow she doubted it.

"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."

“Preparations” by:
Lieutenant (JG) Viara Rhys
Junior Science Officer

and

Ensign Franklin Stone
Junior Security Officer

Guest Starring:
Lieutenant (JG) Timothy Richeson
Chief Shuttle Operations Officer

Stone made the final adjustment on the security monitor and sensor array, and checked it once again. It was only the 16th time in the past 30 minutes...Viara watched him with a mix of fascination and amusement.

“Perfect yet?” Questioned Viara sarcastically as she looked at her beeping Tricorder.

The room, number 1956, was large and comfortable. It held a single bed that seemed to stretch the length of the room and a large bank of windows that overlooked the hotel's courtyard.

Viara and Franklin were alone, with Richeson going to the "meeting" in the Admiral's room two floors up.

The security equipment took the longest to set up, precluding their attendance to the meeting. Stone smirked at Viara and stood up from his crouch near the portable sensor array.

"It never hurts to double check. Not when our lives depend on it...this is not just for the meeting, but will act as a early warning system as well."

The burly security officer moved to Viara's side, taking a seat in one of the room's few chairs.

"It is my job, and duty, to protect this team...however your safety is my primary concern." Stone smiled warmly.

“If you’re looking to play, ‘connect the dots’ again, now is not the best time.” Said Viara as she grinned widely and read her Tricorder again.

Stone moaned and turned visibly red. "I can't believe we actually did that. No, correction...I can't believe *I* did that." Franklin shook his head and suddenly found the finish on his tricorder to be incredibly fascinating.

“If I didn’t know better Ensign, I’d say you’re being shy.” Ribbed Viara as she looked up at the young Ensign.

Franklin smiled and looked at Viara in a sheepish way. "Yes, I believe I am...and am not. Around you, I seem to loose my control. Normally I don't act this way Viara...but you seem to affect me."

“Hmm, perhaps you like a challenge.” Said Viara as she finished her calibrations to the Security Scanners.

Franklin was about to answer when the door opened. Richeson entered and moved to one of the portable monitors.

"Everything's set in the other rooms. How's it going down here?" Asked Richeson.

Viara and Stone smiled as they gave each other a final knowing look.

"We are ready here." Stone replied, switching his own portable monitor on.

“As we’ll ever be... I guess now we just sit tight.” Said Viara as she looked at Richeson and Stone.

(Note: This story occurs three hours before the Wedding.)

Mistress of the Kitchens
by LCDR Endris Gakor-Albrecht

*** Holodeck, USS Galaxy ***

Everyone in the crew knew about the wedding, and most of the crew had been invited. With Tellarite preoccupation for food, Gakor had beamed back to the Galaxy before the merger of Raesene and Dierdren. She was curious how the holodeck would render the kitchens of Camelot. Architecturally, the castle was astounding! The stonework was impeccable, unrivaled by modern building techniques. Endris felt heat rising from a stair, and sniffed the aroma of roasting meat. *Cuisine! I've found it!*, she thought.

She trotted straight for the kitchens, dressed for the part as the Matron of the Scullions, the Doctor immediately took command of her new environment. The baker was rolling out dough to prepare the nuptial cake. Another was melting sugar and butter to make a glaze for the confection. A carcass of Mutton rotated over a fire, juices trickling off releasing a fragrant steam.

Endris summoned the butcher and requested more meat be chopped for the feast. The fat man paused to wipe his cleaver on his red-stained white apron, then waddled out to the fields to round up more lambs.

The medical officer then checked on the vegetables. Potatoes were boiling in a large kettle. Onions were chopped, and tossed in to flavor the white tubular potatoes. By this time, the Butcher reappeared, baring 6 or 7 freshly slaughtered lambs. It would be enough to entertain the expected number of guests.

Immediately, the Tellarite moved to the spice rack and salted the meat, adding a few other ingredients to ensure the mutton would be delicious after roasting. Then, scullions took each finished piece to be roasted over an open flame. More wood was chopped to fuel the ovens.

It would take a few hours to roast beasts of this size. Everything was coming together nicely, and could proceed without further supervision from Gakor. Endris made sure to instruct the kitchen staff with their final preparation of the reception feast, then checked the dining room to make sure the correct china had been laid out on the tables. Things were spectacular. Endris had signed up to participate on a tour on Risa, so the doctor returned to the planet, leaving the holograms to finish the feast

"Life-Saver"
by Ian McDowell (Michael's father), Professor in applied Mathematics, NPC
Missus Deborah Hudson, the University's 'life-saver', NPC

*** Delft University, Earth ***

Ian looked around his room. It was something he had done many times since he got on the University. The was a painting on the wall across the room that pictured the coast of Ireland on a beautiful summer day. Next there was a medium sized cupboard made in a late nineteenth century style. On it stood an old oil lamp from the same timeframe. Books covered the rest of the wall. If you didn't know better you swear you were in a nineteenth century house decorated like the one Sherlock Holmes used.

While pondering about the analogy with the apartment of 22b Baker street, Ian heard someone knocking on the door. The University didn't have the modern technology of today by which one could announce his or her presence. This was done to preserve the old building from modern times; it simply would be to much of a contrast.

"Come." Ian called out, inviting the person to come in.

A woman walked into the room holding plate in front of her. On it were a cup, a little dish with lump sugar and a teapot.

"Ah, my dear missus Hudson. I see you have brought me some tea. You're to good for me." Ian said and smiled.

"And you're to kind, Professor McDowell" Deborah replied and smiled back, "It's my job to keep the teachers from dehydrating."

Ian frowned. "Hmm,...didn't know it was that bad."

"It's true. You Professors are to busy with your research to think about your daily needs. You forget to eat and drink, like your research is more important then you body." Deborah argued.

"Yes, we do forget that every now and then, but sometimes it seems if you're slave to your own work. You can't stop." Ian explained, "What can I say? It's inherent to being Professor."

Deborah handed Ian a cup of tea. "Now, why can't I believe that? When Michael was still around here, you always managed to spent some time with him. If you could do that, then you can certainly take some time for something to eat or drink."

Ian nodded and took a sip from his tea. "Of course, you're right missus Hudson. I will pay more attention to it in the future."

"You better." Deborah commented and sat down on one of the two seats in front of Ian's desk, "Anyway, how's Michael? Have you heard something from him yet?"

"I got a few messages from him, one before that terrible battle near Cardassia Prime and one after." Ian answered, "You can imagine how glad I was that he survived it all. It's almost a miracle."

Ian waited for a few moments before he continued. His voice was more serious this time and he couldn't hide the sorrow.

"He didn't sound too happy though. Before the battle he said that he was afraid of going into war, afraid of dying. I replied that it was nothing to be ashamed of. That every man or woman would have the same feelings, some more then others. I also said that he had to think about something else, something that would help him through the difficult time ahead." Ian said and gently shook his head, "After the war he told me he had been a POW. He was captured by the Jem'Hadar and that he had seen horrible things. Again I tried to comfort him. It were only words, nothing more, but it was the only thing I could do. He was light-years away."

By now tears were showing in Ian's eyes. He desperately tried to keep them inside. Deborah took Ian's hand. "Ian,...you did everything you could do. Your words gave him strength, trust me." Don't feel guilty because you couldn't do more for him. Just be glad that he's still alive."

The words comforted Ian somewhat. He wiped his tears and looked at Deborah, who gave him a reassuring smile. "Judith was the one who suffered most. There were times that she cried, thinking that her only son had died. She also didn't read new subspace messages, afraid that it would be one from Starfleet Command stating Michael had died in the line of duty."

Ian paused a few seconds. "Seeing Judith laugh was a rare sight in those days which was totally unlike her. Normally she laughs a lot." Ian said, "It was a rough time for her. I'm glad that it's all over now."

"You're not the only one." Deborah replied and gave Ian a warm smile, "I, too, was afraid that Michael would not survive the war. But I'm so happy to hear that he did, especially for you and Judith. You two should be very thankful."

"We are Deborah, believe me, we are." Ian answered.

Deborah stood up from her chair and smiled. "I should be going now. I haven't finished my round yet. There are still some colleagues of yours who I got to save before they're as dry as a mummy."

Ian grinned. "Sounds like a good idea to me. Let me show you out."

"Ah, a real gentleman." Deborah stated and smiled at Ian, "I'm flattered."

"For you anything, Deborah." Ian replied and opened the door of his office.

Deborah said goodbye and walked off towards a lecture-room that was across the hallway. Ian watched her as she approached the door of the room. Then, just before Deborah wanted to enter the room, Ian called out.

"Deborah!"

Deborah stopped and turned around. "Yes?"

Ian looked at Deborah and thought about the emotional support she had given him a few seconds ago. He owed her a lot and he wanted to thank her. He already knew the words he was going to say.

"You're a life-saver."

"The meeting"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Nerinda Minor was a smaller planetoid constantly in sub-orbit of Nerinda Major in it's trek about the central star of the system. So it grew dark at an early hour. With no moons to illuminate the night, and hanging in the shadow of Nerinda Major which effectively blocked out all light from the Nerinda sun, the courtyard at the Clairmont Hotel was a pitch black sea. Though it did offer a spectacular view of the night stars over head, only the flickering light from the poolside lanterns that hung from antique looking poles lit the courtyard. It was the perfect place to conduct a covert meeting; Filled with shadows. Admiral Casey sat with his daughter in one of the rooms facing the courtyard. He was peering through the window with night-vision binoculars. Alexa was also watching with a telescope-like device of her own. They were sitting in the dark room, the lights remaining off to avoid letting the others below know they were being watched.

About the courtyard, the rest of the Galaxy crew members were also in position. They'd set up the various pieces of surveillance equipment to capture the meeting that was supposed to be taking place. Everything was covered; audio, visual, DNA scans, the works. When it was all over, Admiral Casey wanted to have enough evidence to not only identify those that were involved in this conspiracy, but to also bring them to justice.

"Someone is coming." Alexa stated quietly gaining the Admiral's attention. Scanning with his binoculars, Thomas saw what his daughter was talking about. They quietly sat and watched as the meeting began to take shape, knowing the officers of the Galaxy would all do their part to capture the evidence needed to prove whatever it was these people were discussing was taking place right now.

*****

A cloaked man slowly made his way onto the courtyard. He seemed to be moving slowly, with great caution. The hood over his head concealed his identity, but his body language did nothing to conceal the fact that he was looking to find something or someone. Eventually he stopped and stood near the pool and waited.

A short time later, five more figures emerged from the shadows. They were not wearing hooded cloaks, but fancy business suits made of the finest Rigellian wool. It wasn't difficult to tell, these were members of the Orion Syndicate. The five men walked as one, casually approaching the single cloaked man near the pool. One of the well dressed gangsters, presumably the leader, spoke.

"You wanted a meeting. So heres we are. You packing?"

Reaching upwards, the man removed his hood, revealing he was in fact a Romulan. "If by 'packing' you are asking if I am carrying any weapons, the answer is no. However my associates are." he pointed.

Three more Romulans appeared from out of the shadows from different positions from around the pool. They effectively had the five Orion Syndicate members surrounded in a crossfire.

The Orion laughed. "Quite an effective ambush I must say. Only there's one thing wrong with it. If your boys open fire, they'll kill you too. Can't have them plugging the boss now, can we?" he smiled.

The Romulan at the pool near the five gangsters simply raised an eyebrow in a whimsical fashion.

One of the three hooded Romulans that had the syndicate members surrounded stepped forward and called out in a distinct voice, "Were he the boss that would be a problem. However he is not. I am."

The Orion gangsters all looked at each other. The lead syndicate member looked back at the Romulan facing them and watched him smile in a smug, amused fashion.

"That's a neat trick all right, but I thought you wanted to talk about some sort of business deal?" the gangster called out.

"Indeed, that is correct Mister Harbrick. And as long as we mutually agree to act in a civil manner, we may begin with our discussions." The tall, perimeter Romulan stated. His voice was eerily familiar.

"Ya, okay, whatever. Just tell your boys to put dem heaters away and come over here so wees can talk business face to face." the Orion gangster stated.

The smiling Romulan walked away from the group of well dressed Syndicate members and exchanged places with the tall Romulan, taking his weapon and standing by. The tall one walked to the other gangsters, still wearing his hood. From the vantage point of Admiral Casey, he couldn't see exactly who it was, but the voice troubled him. It sounded familiar.

"My men will stand guard Mister Harbrick. They will insure we are not disturbed." the tall Romulan stated.

"Yeah, whatever. So who are you and what exactly is this all about? I haven't got all day. I'm a busy man."

The Romulan removed his hood. "My name is Tomalack. Ambassador to the Romulan Empire."

"Okay. Let's just say I believes you. So what does that have to do with me and my associates here? Can ya tell me that?"

"Well Mister Harbrick, let's just say that I want to talk to you about the future of the Alpha Quadrant. The Romulan Empire has plans for it. Great plans. The only question is, where does your organization fit in with those plans?" Tomalack explained.

"I'm listening. So what exactly are you talking about here Tomalack?" Harbrick asked seemingly interested.

"The Romulan Empire intends to take over the Alpha Quadrant. Only to do that, we will need a certain amount of help from the Orion Syndicate. My Government has authorized me to contact your organization to make an offer of a limited partnership between our operations. You see we have developed a new weapon that will abruptly change the balance of power in the quadrant, and are willing to supply the Orion Syndicate with a supply of these special weapons for your own use if in exchange you will agree to attack a few strategic Federation targets of the Empire's choosing to facilitate a clean take over of the quadrant by the Romulan Star Empire."

Harbrick shook his head. "Yeah right. You get us to take care of the Federation, and then you roll in and take care of us. I don't think so."

"Not at all. What I am offering is a continued, working relationship between my Government and the Orion Syndicate. My people are militaristic Mister Harbrick. We know nothing of running underworld operations such as drugs, gambling, prostitution. . . that leaves a considerable void that can easily be filled by your syndicate. Even after we defeat the Federation and Klingon Empire, we will continue to sell you all the weapons you need to maintain your business interests within the Romulan Empire. Your organization will be fully sanctioned by my government to operate in a much more open fashion than you are currently allowed under Federation rule." Tomalack explained.

Harbrick looked as if he was thinking about what the Romulan Ambassador had said. "Let's just assume that this is all on the up and up like you said. We'd need proof that these fancy weapons of yours exist before we could even consider entering into this sort of pact with your government. We need some assurances that you aren't lying about these weapons that are supposed to be so much superior as to allow you to take over the Alpha Quadrant and defeat the Federation and Klingons."

"But of course Mister Harbrick. I had anticipated that such a demonstration would be required. If your organization will be willing to provide a suitable ship, I can arrange to have half a dozen of the special phase-cloaked torpedoes loaded on board. There is a suitable target located on the edge of Federation space near the neutral zone. I believe it is called listening outpost 135. You can take your one ship, and fitted with these unique and powerful weapons, destroy it completely." Tomalack smiled.

"That's a Federation outpost station. We'd never get anywhere near it with one of our ships without being detected." Harbrick pointed out.

"As a show of good faith, I will have your ship fitted with a Romulan cloaking device, free of charge. That should allow you to get close enough to your target without being detected so that you might test out the newest weapons being manufactured by the Romulan Empire. I am confident that once you've seen the capabilities of these phase cloaked torpedoes, that you will want to join up with our little crusade to take over the Alpha Quadrant." Tomalack explained with a smug grin.

"What if we try out these fancy torpedoes of yours and they don't live up to the hype? What then?" Harbrick responded.

"Then you are free to go your own way. Keep the cloaking device as a gift from the Romulan Empire. But I assure you, after seeing the capabilities of these torpedoes, you will be eager to purchase more from my government; whom will be happy to sell them to you. Do we have an agreement?"

Harbrick nodded his green head. "It doesn't hurt to check it out. What do you want from the Syndicate?"

"Have a ship capable of launching photon torpedoes meet at the following coordinates just inside the neutral zone in two days. A Warbird will meet you there and outfit your vessel with the cloaking device and six phase-cloaked photon torpedoes. It will only take a few hours to load the weapons and configure the cloaking device to work with your vessel. Then you may attack the listening post and see for yourself just how effective the warheads are. After that, we will talk some more about our two organization's future working relationship and the fate of the Alpha Quadrant." Tomalack explained handing the mobster a data crystal from his sleeve.

The Orion Syndicate kingpin took the data crystal and looked at it. Then he glanced at Tomalack. "Okay, we will be there. I'll have a ship ready to go at the appointed time and place. But if these weapons aren't all that you say they are,. . ." Harbrick pointed at the Romulan in a threatening manner, "I'll be coming to find yous."

"I assure you, you will be most pleased with the results. And then, like I said, we will talk. Jolan-Tru gentlemen." Tomalack nodded, then he walked away, covering his head again with the hood of his robes.

The Orion Syndicate mobsters watched as the four Romulans all withdrew into the shadows before they themselves left the meeting place at the Clairmont hotel on Nerinda Minor. They were unaware that Admiral Casey and his surveillance team from the Galaxy had captured the entire meeting and knew their entire plan.

" Wilhelm the Great! " A drunken voice shouted.

" Frederick Barbarossa! " Another countered.

" You're both wrong - it was Tirpitz. " A more sober - and certain voice replied to them both.

" Tirpitz doesn't count - he was an admiral in the German Kreigsmarine. We're talking Landwehr officers here. "

" Barbarossa was a Knight-Templar - he shouldn't count then either. "

" No - he counts. He was there at the formation of a first German, national army. You're talking about a sea-captain, for Elith's sake! "

Ursa Sunder crossed his long legs in front of his and took a swig from Marsh Beer. " Fine - then I'll say Rommel. "

This was a common scene whenever he, Kengar, and Harken got together. They'd get their drinks and wait until at least Harken and Kengar were thoroughly sloshed before they'd start their favorite argument. It usually took the form of plucking some nation's military heroes from some Elith-forsaken planet somewhere and determining which one was the best. This time it was Germany on Earth. They were arguing who was the greatest German warrior of all time.

When some people went to Risa they went for sex; others went for recreation in a planetary tropical paradise. Sunder and company went to drink and talk military history.

Not everyone had good taste.

" No-one could match Barbarossa with a blade. It was said he used a two-handed flamberge so big that it took two of his squires to lift it for him. " Kengar said admiringly.

" Ahh - but he couldn't match Frederick Wilhelm's strategic genius. It was said that he could predict the minds of his commanders through a long-reaching intelligence network that stretched all throughout Europe. He knew when his enemy was about to strike days before it happened and was able to send the bulk of his troops there as a show of force. " Harken slurred, splashing his Gloryhound Special.

" True - but Rommel had both skills and weaponry - he had the best tanks available at the time and he knew when to use them. " Sunder said. " Moreover, he had the respect of his enemy. "

" And why is that so - so important, oh son of mine? " Kengar spluttered. " Respect is a sword with no hilt, you know. It cuts both the hand of the wielder and its enemy. "

" But it keeps the other man guessing too much. " Sunder argued. " I'd much rather fear someone than respect them. It gives you too much of an affinity so that you feel you're fighting yourself. Woe betide the day when I meet a man in combat I respect. " He said, taking another swallow of his drink.

" Barbarossa was feared by his enemy, Wilhelm the Great was reviled by his enemy, but out of the three soldiers we've mentioned only Rommel was respected. Why do you think it took so long for Monty to finally defeat him? " Sunder continued.

" I thought it was something to do with - gas! " Harken belched - eliciting a chorus of laughter from the three men. The German question settled, they lapsed into the Tyronians on Betelguese V.

"Red Roses - Part I"
by Lt. Cmdr. Ronni Morris
Chief Science Officer, USS Galaxy

[Warning -- this story may offend some readers. It is a very sensitive subject.]

The scent of musk, sweat, and vanilla permeated the air. Three Pareese Squares trophies held an honored place against the wall in the main room. The console area, spotless, free from all dust and debris, was in sharp contrast to the bedroom littered with clothes, boots, and a very rumpled bed.

Ronni sat on the couch and took a drink of her Belgian beer. The taste was warm and salty, but not unpleasant. She quickly licked up the drop that landed on her hand, and looked around for her host.

He came out of the bathroom and came over to the couch. Ronni enjoyed the view. His muscles rolled easily, and he moved with power and self confidence. He was still dressed in his gym clothes, half shirt and shorts. They had met in the gym as Ronni was doing a routine on the balance beam and he was working the weight system.

As he settled down next to her, he said, "So, where were we?" Her breath caught as she looked him in the eyes. Dark brown with hints of gold. At 6' 5" with dark blond hair and deeply tanned skinned, he was stunning. Even his name was attractive, Lt. Dirk Argent, Security Officer.

With a flirtatious smile, Ronni said, "You were telling me about your trophies . . ."

"Oh yeah. Well, there I was, behind by three points when I could tell that my opponent was getting tired . . ." he told. He told her of how he won the Pareese Squares tournaments two years in the Academy, and one year after. They spoke late into the night until their talking led them into the bedroom. The lovemaking was intense, passionate, and intoxicating. He was rougher than anyone that Ronni had ever been with, but her "experience" was rather limited.

In the morning, Ronni got up quietly, got dressed. She smiled at the slumbering giant, she returned to her quarters. After a quick shower, she went to her lab to check the status of a test that was running. The Hoek Transmitter connection had become dirty, so she disconnected it, cleaned it, and replaced it. As she stood up, the door to the lab opened and in strode Dirk.

In a heartbeat he had crossed the room. Ronni never even saw the blow coming. The human's fist struck her stomach so hard that she fell to the ground and tried to regain her breath.

"How dare you not tell me when you were leaving!!" he yelled. "I woke up and you were gone. I was hurt. I thought you hated me."

The words didn't make any sense to her. Taking as deep a breath as she could, she whispered, "What?"

Fury boiled up on his face. Before she could react, the back of his fist caught her across the jaw. She flew back from her crouched position and bashed her head against the work table. Her deep space transmitter crashed to the floor. The Hoek Transmitter seemed to tumble end over end until it shattered on its second bounce.

"Don't play that! I treated you kind. I love you and you play games with me." he screamed. Stars still flashed across her eyes.

Dirk came over and lifted her up. He was suddenly consoling and caring. "I'm sorry I hurt you. I was just so upset that you left me. I missed you and I didn't even know where you were." he soothed. "Here, let me take you back to your quarters." Barely able to walk, Ronni let herself be escorted to her quarters.

Once there, he took her not to her sleep tank, but to her guest bedroom. He laid her on her bed and got her a glass of water from the replicator. The entire time he told her how sorry he was and how much she meant to him. Before she realized what was happening, her clothes were off and he was inside her. She was still mostly daze and could barely resist. He was not rough, just forceful. When he was done, he gave her a kiss and whispered, "I'll be by at 19:00 hours. Wear something sexy."

The world seemed to be spinning. Her ribs and head were throbbing, her pelvis sore. Breath still came in mostly ragged gasps. She stumbled to the shower and turned the water on full force. She let the water rush over her gills, and all over her skin. She stayed in the shower and steamed for over an hour. She still hurt, but didn't ache so bad.

In the living room, a vase filled with two dozen blood red roses sat on the console. The note with the flowers said, "I love you! See you tonight! Dirk XOXO"

With a sweep of her arm, the flowers and vase crashed to the floor.

To be continued...

GALAXY

=VIP QUARTERS=

Jake Olson held Zea Vicea in his arms, wondering at his world. Jake didn't make the mistake of falling in love, as the romantic novels so often called it. He had feelings for her, strong ones. But they were not unrealistic. Zea Vicea was older than he, considerably older, she had a son serving on the ship. Jake didn't need her to elevate him socially or particularly care to be. Olson was secure in his world, he didn't feel he needed to be a social climber, or if he was, he let the artwork he created do it for him. Jake felt feelings for the woman, he didn't care about the title or any of that crap.

Zea Vicea was a person in Jake's life. And all people whom were a part of Jake's life had loyalty from Jake. While he never had sex with a woman before, but there were other people Jake had become close to. Jake Olson made friends easily and kept them close to him for a very long time, he had friends that he had from earliest childhood with whom he still had strong ties.

Zea Vicea woke up snug in sleeping Jake Olson's arms. She could feel the emotions he had for her. He was a realistic young man, not a social climber, she had met a number of those, he was a solid, well adjusted person. She felt the loyalty he kept to those whom he became close to over the years and that she was now among those to whom he felt close.

Jake Olson was just incredibly refreshing to Zea Vicea. He made his own life. He wasn't looking for hand outs.

Ens. Jake Olson
Sandy Frazier

"Going home"

Lt Tim O'Connell(Not Richardson)
(Acting) Chief of Shuttle Operations

Ens. Brooke Ames MD. Doctor.

Brooke laid in Tim's arms. She sighed, not really wanting to go back. "Time just went by too fast. Feels like we just got here."

Tim kissed her, "sadly Starfleet does not take kindly to officer's leaving to make out with his girlfriend." He kissed her again, "but I have my own runabout so I can take off whenever I want."

"Oh you can, can you? Whenever you want? Not if I can help it."

"Oh really Dr Ames, how do you intend to stop me." He gently kissed her lips.

"I don't know but I can be a very resourceful person. You ought to know that by now."

Tim smiled, "you are my love, that thing last night was pretty resourceful." A wicked grin.

"See, I told you." She smiled back at him. "Anyway, why would you want to take off and be away from me?"

"We'd go back together I'm not leaving you anywhere." Another kiss, "I finally got you back you think I'm letting go of you?" he grinned.

"You wouldn't dare if you know what's good for you."

Tim grinned, "I do." He kissed her again, "so my love, what shall we do with teh time."

"Lake Michigan. I'd like to see it before we leave. A holodeck program just doesn't do it justice. After we broke up, I used to go there, sit and look at it. Don't ask me why, I just did."

"Then my love Lake Michigan it is, we can get dressed and walk fromt he hotel." He sat up, "but then we can come back here and..." he whispered something in her ear.

She sat up as well. "I like that idea." She got up to get dressed.

He got dressed as well, "me too then." he began to get dressed in shorts and a t shirt with sandals. He sat back and watched her get dressed.

She pretty much put on the same thing and was ready to go. "I'm going to miss being able to wear civilian clothes whenever I want."

"I'm going to miss you in a short skirt." His eyes twinkled, "But I love you no matter what."

"I know you do and I love you too. But we knew this moment would come. We'll just have to make the most of it."

"Yea yea, let's go to the lake." He stood up and wrapped her in his arms and gave her a a long passionate and very sensual kiss.

After the kiss, "Yeah, we should go." She started for the door.

Tim followed behind her and they got in to the elevator and took it down to the lobby. THey exited out of the hotel on to walton and walked east to the lake. They stood out and looked at the water, "beautiful, just like you."

"You're too kind." She stood there, "I've always liked it here. This is what I miss most." She put her arm around him, leaning on him for support.

Tim kissed her, "we'll set up a holoprogram for this." He looked at her, "I know it's not the same thing, but I'd rather have the holoprogram with you then the real thing alone." He gently put his arm around her.

"That was so nicely put" she thought. "It's funny. I used to do my best thinking here especially about us and what it would have been like if we were still together. Looks like I don't have to wonder anymore."

"Did you wonder about the children we could be raising right now, honestly I did too." He held her close, "well we're together now and we're not leaving again."

"I'm glad. As for the children, I thought about it a lot like who they'd look like, if they would be boys or girls or both and stuff like that."

"Y'know something when Esh and I talked about kids I told her if we had a daughter we'd name her Brooke." He smiled, "I never forgot you and I was going to go home and make whatever peace with you I needed to so we cold stay friends no matter what. But I like this better."

"I don't know if I could ever be just friends with you. I know that sounds like a terrible thing to say but I would have always wondered what if. I don't think I could live with that my whole life, knowing that I could never be with you in the way I wanted."

They sat on the bench along the lake people jogged past and Tim looked at her, "It would have been hard for the both of us to be 'just friends' I always had feelings for you adn I always cared for you, Esh knew that and actually she wanted to meet you."

"Meet me? That would have been too awkward, at least, for me. She sounded like a remarkable woman to not be bothered by our relationship. I could never be like that."

"She was remarkable." He looked down for a few seconds, "I'm sorry Brooke you probably don't want to hear all this." He squeezed her hands softly, "You are sweet for listening."

"Don't give me too much credit. It's easy for me to listen and say this stuff now but if it had been different, I don't know. "

"No listening to this is hard, thank you." he looked deep in her eyes, "Honestly seeing you again if I had've been married would have been hard on me too." He kissed her softly, "but this is the past, we are together and I'm not letting go ever."

He was right, it was hard for her but her love for him was strong. She sat there with Tim, just watching the view.

He looked over, "What are you thinking Rocky?"

"I'm thinking about how fast things can change and we have no control over it." She had Eshar in mind when she said that.

Tim looked at her, "things change. Who knows how things could have changed. You could have gotten married just as easy." he squeezed her hand softly, "But let's not dwell on the past, we have a future together to plan."

She turned to him, "I'm sorry. Maybe we should be going now."

Tim stopped, "nothing to be sorry for." He wrapped her in his arms and in public on the footpath along lake Michigan gave her another passionate long and slow kiss that showed her exactly how he felt for her and how he wanted to be with her forever.

In his arms, she felt safe and very loved. Words could not describe how much she loved him but that kiss said it all. It felt so right.

"Let's go back to our room," Tim whispered, "I think we still have some time before we have to go."

"Good idea. I'm sure we can make the most it." They went back and as they walked, Brooke took in the sights one more time.

Tim held her close to him, "we'll be back." He said to her, "I think we should come back for our honeymoon."

"Well, we have plenty of time to think about it. We don't even have the wedding planned yet."

Tim smiled, "well I have the wedding night planned." He whispered some ideas in to her ear.

She smiled at what he was telling her. "Well, you certainly do have it all planned. Is some of that legal?" She kidded, "We could always skip the wedding and go on the honeymoon instead."

Tim grinned, "we'll go to Risa it's legal there." He smiled as they headed to the hotel and took the elevator up to their room, once inside he quickly wrapped her back in his arms and gave her a long deep and slow kiss.

She recieved it as it was meant. Once done with the kiss, she sat on the bed, taking off her shoes that were bothering her feet.

Tim sat by her feet and began to rub them gently, "you always hated sandals didn't you?" he asked her.

"Actually, it's any kind of shoes. Our feet were not intended for shoes." His rubbing her feet was relaxing. "Especially mine."

"It's the doctor in you." he smiled and began to kiss her feet and nibbled on her toes, "you have the sexiest feet." he said.

"Never thought of feet being sexy." She giggled a little when he did that.

"I guess every part of you is sexy." he smiked and began to kiss her legs a bit, gently caressing her skin softly.

"Every part? Like?"

"Your eyes, your ears, your nose, your lips, the list goes on and on," Tim then began a recitation of the parts of her body he found the most erotic and the last ones listed were the ones she thought most men loved first.

"See, I learn something everyday. That's what makes it so fun and interesting being with you."

Tim grinned, "that and of course the sex is good." He kissed her lips softly.

She smiled. "Very good." She hadn't been disappointed with him yet.

Tim continued to kiss her and pulled his t shirt off, "think we have time to try again?"

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were taking this old Earth medicine that they used to take. Viagra, yeah that's it." She pulls hers off too. "Does this answer your question?"

Tim smiled, "Viagra would never be used by me when I have you, who needs Viagra." He began to plant kisses down her neck shoulders and began to move them to her newly exposed skin.

Soon, they changed places, with her sensually kissing his stomach, his chest making her way up to his neck and then lips, kissing him long and hard with a fire.

Tim never got tired of her or her attentions, he continued his kissing and caressing hitting all the spots he knew she loved. Their relationship was very firey and passionate, it had been in the beginning but since they first became intimate they never stopped.

She also never got tired of his attetions. Her burning desire for Tim would never die out as demonstrated by their love making.

Afterwords he held her close, "If we make a deal to make love at least twice a week I see us being together for an eternity."

"I can live with that, definately. I love you so much that it won't be a problem."

"Oh and that's only a suggestion, I could go for more then that." He sighed, "I hate to be a pain in the ass but we have to get going."

"Never a pain in the ass, I assure you. And you are right, we should pack and get back to the old grind." She got dressed in her uniform and started to pack, wishing that she could stay a little longer.

Tim quickly dressed in his uniform and began to pack his clothing, "I'll get a car to take us back to the runabout." He looked around the room, "I would rather stay with you here."

"Me too." She set her stuff by the door, ready to be taken out. "We always have the honeymoon to get away from the ship."

"And any other time I can steal away with you, I think I can arrainge for a few test flights of runabouts and stuff I might need a doctor to come with." He grinned at her with a wry smile. Then he put his bag by the door and suddenly it dissappeared in a shower of sparks. He smiled and they took the elevator to teh lobby and checked out then they used the transporter to beam to the airport and found their runabout fully charged and ready to go. Tim and Brooke took their seats and began the pre flight checks. "Too soon." he remarked as the preflights were ready.

She just smiled at his remark. Brooke sat in her seat and was ready to go.

Once they recieved approval they launched and began to fly at 3/4 impulse untill they left the solar system Tim took the vessel to warp 6 and back to Risa. "We'll have some more days on Risa I think." Tim smiled, "after that sadly it's back to work."

"Just as long as I'm serving on the ship with you, It doesn't seems so bad afterall." Brooke watched on as they left.

Tim consulted his readouts, 8.5 hours back. "Well Brooke my beloved you can go back to being a physician and maybe playing doctor now and then." He grinned slyly.

"Golly, gee, do you think so?" She laughed, "No problem."

Tim grinned, "good." He took her hand in his as they watched the stars streak ahead. "I love you Brooke Ames. I always will."

"I feel the same about you, Mr.Tim O'Connell. Never forget that."

"I never will." He kissed her softly, "If I ever forget remindme." He got up and walked to the replicator, "you want anything?"

She shook her head, "No thanks and don't worry, I'll remind you."

He got Hassperat, a bajoran dish his friend Elaiithin Jii had introduced him to and he liked it actually, along with a large glass of Rakjtchino. He sat down and began to eat, "Haasperat, an acquired taste. it's rather spicy."

She watched Tim eat. She could never handle spicy food and wondered what this stuff was doing to the lining of his stomach, a bad habit of hers.

Tim looked over at her, "What?" he had a smile on his face.

"Nothing. Just go ahead and eat." She smiled back and watched him until she started to drift off in thought about work among other things.

Tim finished his meal and recycled the dishes, "You looking foreward to being a doctor again?"

"I guess. It kind of hard though being the new kid on the block. I've been getting all of the grunt work but that's usual."

Tim kissed her, "Well Dr Ames my beloved, I'll do the scut work around the house." He looked at her, "when we get back we'll have to move in to our quarters."

"Okay, you're on." She sat back, enjoying the view on the screen. "Good thing that I didn't completely unpack everything. Should make it easier."

"If we need help I'll recruit some friends to help."

"I don't have that much stuff. What I was carrying when we bumped into each other was pretty much all I had. But yeah, if we need it, great."

"I'll see if Kalln and Neil will chip in, you'll like Kalln he's nice for a 7 foot lizard."

"Well I haven't met a lizard I didn't like yet so I'm sure I will." She went back to looking at the viewscreen.

Tim chuckled, "we're almost there, 6 hours to go."

Time was going by quickly. She turned to Tim, "So, how about you? Ready to go back to work yourself?"

"A bit, I guess I have to get back to the shuttlebay." He pulled her on his lap again and smiled, "I'd rather be with you but I have to work some time."

"Work, is that what you call it?" She laughed.

Tim wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her close, "yea yea. It's work," He hugged her and then gave her a slow and gentle kiss.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. Have I told you lately how much I love you?"

"You are here, with me, I think that says it all."

She kissed him back. "I will always be with you, even when I'm not, I will always be right here." She puts her hand on his heart.

He puts his hand over hers, "and you'll be in my heart." he put his hand over her heart.

"So you see, we're bound together for life. It's that simple." She smiled, "Do you realize that there is so much to think about when we get back? Moving in with you is just the beginning."

"Just the beginning." He smiled, "Want to start the plans." he kissed her, "me you together for eternity."

"Sure, where do we even begin?" The words "eternity" sounded wonderful to her.

"Where do you want to hold the wedding?"

"Chicago would be the easiest for our families and friends to attend but then there is those on the ship. This is harder than I thought."

Tim grinned, "I know, maybe we can just have it on the Galaxy." He sighed, "limit it to family and close friends. But I hate to do that."

"I know. So would I. We could get married in San Francisco since it was Stafleet who reunited us. Maybe since you have part of the brass in your family, maybe arrangements could be made to head over there."

TIm chuckled, "Brass, you tell Dave that. He never thinks of himself as brass." Another kiss, "But maybe we can just wing it, see where we are."

"It really doesn't matter to me as long as everyone can join us for our special day."

"We'll see where the Galaxy is on our next shoreleave, who knows we might luck out and be on earth."

"Okay." She gets quiet for a minute. "I was thinking. I really don't know anyone on the ship to be my Maid of Honor. You think that maybe your sister would like to do me the honors?"

"Emily, yea she would." He looked at her, "maybe we'll bring the O'Connells and the Ames on the Galaxy."

"I guess I should have asked her when we were there but I didn't think of it at the time. Oh well, it'll all work out."

"It will." He smiled, "we ahve some time."

==6 hours pass==

Tim wakes up he had fallen asleep once he engaged the auto pilot that is. He dozed on her shoulder while they warped along.

"Well it's about time sleepy head. I was wondering if you were going to wake up or if I was going to have to dock this thing myself." Brooke didn't fall asleep. She had too many things to think about.

"Sorry." He grinned sheepishly "you wore me out."

"I wore you out?" She smacks him. "Your the one with an overactive sex drive...not that I am complaining."

Tim grinned, "Overactive, you are as overactive as I am, I swear once we started making love we never stopped." He grinned, "I often wondered what you would have been like....well." He blushed.

"I believe your blushing, Mr.Tim O'Connell." She teased, "You wondered what I would have been like what?"

"In bed." He grins, "y'know making love." He was blushing.

She laughs, "You are so cute when you are embarrassed. I guess now you know."

Tim smiled, "I do now." He kissed her, "and you know what, it was better then I imagined."

"Glad to hear that. I'd hate to find out otherwise."

Tim grinned, "like I'd say anything the other way." A chuckle, "But seriously when we get back I already had our stuff moved."

"Aren't you sneaky. When did you have time to arrange that?"

"I had it done while we were on earth." He grinned, "I like to keep you guessing. That and I didn't want you to worry."

"I wasn't worried but thanks for thinking about me. So, what other surprises do you have in store for me?"

Tim kissed her gently, "well let's see I could tell you but that would defeat the whole suprise thing."

"That's true. I'll just have to be patient I guess. Or...I could torture you and make you tell me or better yet, I can get some Sodium...nah, too easy."

Tim chuckled, "how could you torture me ?" he grinned.

"I could think of a lot of ways. But your right, its better to be surprised."

Tim smiled, "We're 1 hour out. Want to do something on the planet?"

"It seems like a good idea. I really am not excited about going back to the ship quite yet."

"Let's go to the beach, you can wear that bikini of yours again." He smiled.

"You mean, get out of this monkey suit? I'll be gald to."

Tim looked at her, "I don't know I like a woman in uniform."

She sneered at Tim, "You would. I don't mind but it's nice to look and feel like a woman once in awhile"

Tim smiled, "well to me you always look like a woman."

"Well of course. You know what's underneath this uniform. Anyway, you know what I mean."

Tim smiled, "I know exactly what you mean, not physically under the clothing but emotionally and spiritually."

"Exactly. I don't know, I haven't been in Starfleet that long and these uniforms already bug me."

Tim smiled, "welcome to starfleet ensign Ames, ugly uniforms and cramped qurters." He began the descent to Risa's surface.

"I can live with the cramped quarters, the uniforms, not so sure." She watched him do his magic.

Tim grinned, "They're not cramped they're cozy."

"I guess it depends on who you are sharing your quarters with. That's why I can live with that, cause it's with you."

Tum gently caressed her cheek, then went back to the shuttle, "Landing now." The planet got larger as tehy headed back to the shuttleyard.

Brooke wasn't so sure if she really wanted to return. It was nice not to have any schedule, no duties or responsibilities but reality was kicking in fast.

Tim sighed, "back to work eh?" He checked messages, "aww damn I got to report to the ship."

"That's okay. I'll just unpack my stuff and check when I'm suppposed to report back to work."

Tim smiled as they began to land, "Back to the grind eh?" He smiled, "I think we will have to take a rain check on that bikini eh?"

"Afraid so. It's not going anywhere." She wasn't too disappointed. She was kind of tired.

Tim smiled, "I know and save the lingere too." He grinned but he figured they'd check in and go back to bed, to sleep.

"Only for you." Brooke was glad that they had landed. She had been in the shuttle for too long and was looking forward to settle in her new shared quarters.

They got out of the shuttle and walked along, "back home." He looked "O'Connell to galaxy 2 to beam up."

“Full Circle”
LtCmdr Alex Shepherd
First Contact Specialist/Science Officer
USS Galaxy

“Welcome to Risa! Please retrieve all of your baggage and make your way to the Customs counter”

Alex Shepherd sighed as he listened to the recorded message as it was repeated over again in a different language. Retrieving his bag he nodded to the Tellerite official that had just examined his bag and headed to the exit. As he stepped from the terminal into the perfect weather he found it ironic that his new career aboard the Galaxy, would start on the Planet that was filled with Intelligence operatives of several different planets. When most visitors thought of Risa, they thought of the fun and sexy environment that the Risians provided. But to someone of his background it was a breeding ground of information and as such SI maintained several safehouses for just that purpose. The old Alex would be more than welcome there…. But the new one, the one that was no longer SI, was just another tourist waiting for his ship.

Jake flexed his right hand, the near silent whine of its servomotors barely audible.

“Yep.” Thought Alex, “the new Alex Shepherd only had the memories of the old one.”

Alex walked to edge of the transporter pad, looked at his wrist chronometer, it read 1400hrs, and he had made it here right on time. As if on cue he heard the chirp-beep of his communicator.

=/\= Galaxy to Commander Shepherd? =/\=

“Shepherd here. Go ahead Galaxy!”

=/\= Commander, We have your coordinates and are ready to beam you aboard. =/\=

“Acknowledged Galaxy. Also, contact Lt. Commander Morris and advise her that I am beaming aboard."

=/\= Aye, sir =/\=

Alex sighed again, from this point on there was no turning back

“Energize!”

LtCmdr Alex Shepherd,Science Officer, USS GALAXY
ICQ #6758283

"Old and new friends"

Lt Tim O'Connell
Chief of shuttle operations (Acting)

Lt Neil Bolitho
Security dude and poppa

Ens Brooke Ames MD
Doctor

Tim walked down the ship and stopped by sickbay. He looked around and saw a familiar person waiting by the neonatal ward, "Some things never change." He smiled and walked over to his best friend, resting his hand on his shoudler, "Hows Gillian doing?"

A small smile appeared on Bolitho's face as he turned to see Tim O'Connell." Your back!" Neil nodded. " Gillian's doing ok Tim, not great but she's getting their."

Tim smiled, "She's definately a fighter, must get that from her parents." He looked at his friend, "want to get some food I want to give you some news from home."

"Yeah sounds like a plan. Ten- Forward or any one of our quarters?"

"Let's go to your place, we'll hoist a few and chat."

Bolitho nodded, then stoped short and pulled a face." Its not a good idea Tim, Elaine's resting, she's wasn't felling too well this morning!" "Ten Forward then?"

"And Brooke is decorating ours. Ten Forward it is then lad." He gestured, "lay on macduff."

Bolitho exited sickbay and quickly made his way towards Ten-Forward, with O'Connell in tow." So Brooke's moved, need any hekp with her stuff?" Asked Neil as they ambled along.

Tim smiled, "no, I set it up already plus she packed most of her stuff wben we went to Chicago, and some stuff I really shouldn't say about." He grinned one male to another.

Neil shook his head" Your minds in the gutter O'Connell." Pausing just outside the Ten-Forward, Neil gestured with his hand towards the entrance. "Red shirts lead the way for once!"

"I know superior officers first." He grinned, "and I promise not to die this time, break the red shirt curse." He laughed as they walked in to the lounge and took a seat. Tim ordere a pitcher of ale and 2 glasses. "So how was the skelaton crew?"

"Quiet." Replied Neil. "I didn't really see anyone, when I wasn't on duty I spent my free time in sickbay, so apart from Lex who dropped by to say hello, a new science officer, Olsen or something and Jii whose back on the ship, I've been pretty much left to myself." Bolitho filled the two glasses and slouched down comfortable in hsi chair suddenly feeling very tired.

Tim looked at his friend, "I'm sorry I wasn't here but I wanted to surprise Brooke with something special." he sighed, "Hows Elaine doing?"

Neil grimaced slightly at the first taste of the sour tasting beer." She's ok, just not feeling well this morning." Answered Neil a little too quickly and deceided to change the subject." So have you and Brooke set a date yet?"

"No not yet, we're discussing it, we're not rushing in to anything. I realized it's not a big fast decision to run to." He looked at Neil, "Not feeling well, c'mon what's going on?"

"Nothing's going on Tim, Elaine's just tired it can be expected its possible post natal depression or something, I'll get Karyn to check in on her when she's back from Risa."

Tim nodded, "Ok, let me know if I can do anything to help. I will you know."

"I know pal, thanks." Bolitho took another sip of his beer." Its good to have you back Tim, I hate to say it but I actually missed you!"

Tim laughed, "Nice of you to admit it pal. I've actually missed you too." They sipped their beer, and began to talk.

Brooke walked in to see Tim and Neil talking. She took a deep breath, let it out and walked over to them. It felt a little awkward considering their last conversation. "Hi" she said with a little reservation.

" Brooke!" Exclaimed Neil rising from his seat." I guess congratulations are in order" Smiled Bolitho warmly kissing Brooke on her cheek.

Tim smiled and offered a chair to Brooke after kissing her warmly. "Hey what did you finish unpacking." He grinned to her as they sat down.

Brooke, expecting a little look or something from Neil, eased up and smiled. "Well thanks Neil." She sat down, smiling back at him. "Pretty much. There's a few more things but I'll do it later."

" Moving in together!" Chuckled Neil reminescing." C'mon guys you know its just another execuse to get your hands on each other!"

Under the table Tim held her hand in his, "Well once we get moved in we'll have Neil and Elaine over for dinner."

Tim then looked at Neil then over to Brooke, "Like we need an excuse."

Brooke laughed. "You tell him." giving Neil a "so there" look.

Bolitho groaned outloud." Oh my its sounds like you guys are in love!"

Tim smiled, "Well yea, we're in love." He squeezed her hand, "what did you expect."

" Just control yourselves...please your are in respectable company " Grinned Neil.

Tim looked around with dramatic motions, "Where?" he looked puzzled then grinned at his friend.

"Respectable? That's not what I heard" teases Brooke.

Bolitho lashed out with his foot catching O'Connell on his shin. "Behave! Both of you, and I wouldn't believe everything he told you about me Brooke. I could spin quite a few yarns about Tim O'Connell here."

Tim looked at his frined and rolled his eyes.

"I can imagine. I bet you could entertain me for hours. We'll have to compare notes one day." She sees Tim roll his eyes out of the side of her eye.

" I think its important that we compare notes Brooke, the man you are marrying may have cahnged considerable in the past few years, but not to worry I will drag the skeletons out of the closit."

Tim looked at his friend with an amused expression, "well thank you Neil. Nice to know I can count on my friends."

"Naturally O'Connell thats what friends are for, since this former meatruck have forgotten his manners Brooke, can I get you a drink?"

"Yes, that would be nice. An Antarean brandy would be nice, thank you."

Tim gestured to a waiter and placed her order. "I still have my manners Neil was just so busy harassing me I didn't have time to say a word."

" Harrassment!" Cried Neil in indignation." Hey O'Connell this months friendship fee's are outstanding...pay up!"

Tim sighed, "I'm buyign the bloody beer I think that makes it up."

Neil scoffed " You expect to buy me of with beer?" Bolitho looked across at Brooke." Do you now see the type of guy you are marrying?"

Brooke was amused. "They say love is blind. I guess they're right."

Tim looked at her, "And I thought it was.." He leaned over and whispered somethng in her ear.

Neil sighed and leaned back in his seat watching the couple. The light hearted banter was indeed refreshing, something Bolitho had indeed missed.

Brooke smiled and let out a slight laugh. She noticed Neil watching them and wondered what he was thinking. For some reason, his child and girlfriend came to mind.

Tim looked at his friend and concern etched itself along his features.

Neil stood up abruptly " Time for another pitcher?"

Tim looked at his glass, "Hell yea. Go get it." He grinned, "I don't have to work till tomorrow."

Bolitho left the table and ordered the pitcher directly from the bar tender, leaning against the bar waiting, Neil glanced around the lounge which for the better part was empty. Here and there there were scatterings of crew, but the Galaxy was pretty much still empty.Collecting the pitcher, Bolitho headed back to the table, placing it on the table he chirped. " You know Tim I haven't touched a drop of alcohol, since you left!"

Tim smiled, "Well I do believe we need to recitfy that situation." He smiled at Brooke, "want a glass?"

"Yeah, why not." Brooke sat, watching Tim and Neil.

Three glasses were poured and Tim slid one over to her, "Here you go. We hate to drink alone." He grinned, "Remember that time we played quarters with Romulan Ale?"

" Tim." Said Neil mockingly serious. "I hardly think Brooke wants to hear of your grand exploits with alcohol."

"Grand exploits, hardly." he grinned, "I dont' remember once about that night do you?"

"No, that's okay. Do tell." She really didn't mind.

Neil smiled across at Brooke.' You'll have to execuse him Brooke he's getting old!"

"Old? I'm going to have to disagree with you on that one. He has more energy than anyone I know." She grinned at Tim.

Neil rolled his eyes knowing he walked straight into that one." So how was Earth, your family, Uncle Dave?"

Tim chuckled, "Earth is fine, everyone says hi, my mom wants baby pictures and wants to know when I'm going to make her a grandmother, and Dave says you owe him latinum so pay up."

Neil nodded and splutered when he heard that Uncle Dave said he owed him Latinum." In his dreams Tim, in his dreams."Neil looked across at Brooke. " So you met the O'Connell family and survived?"

"Barely. They all seem to have their own ideas as to where they think we should hold the wedding but other than that, I think it went well."

Tim sighed, "That and explaining No mom, we're not planning grandchildren yet."

He then looked over at Neil, "Hey, when are you and Elaine coming over for dinner?"

" Yeah we can do that, off course when Elaine feels better, and we find Gillian a babysitter." Replied Neil forcing a smile. " Anna and Kalln volunteered but their still on leave at the moment.Can I count on you guys to look after Gillian sometime in the future?"

Tim looked at Brooke, "I'd say yes you can, what do you think Brooke?"

Brooke looked over at Tim. "I don't see why not."

Tim smiled, "Might get that maternal instinct going and then we'll have one for ourselves."

" Great guys thanks, you never know we may be repaying the favour in the near future." Bolitho leaned forward " Klingon betrothal huh?"

"Just don't tell Kalln I know how he loves Klingon things." Tim laughed, "I thought you'd like that."

Brooke figured it was an inside joke. "We're not even married yet and already, you've both got me pregnant"

Tim didn't say a word but his expression said, "it's not like I haven't been TRYING."

"Well Gillian would love a friend to play with." Added Neil coyly

Tim chuckled, "there's Adam D." He said referring to Cmdr Albricht's son.

" I was hoping a little closer to home!"

"Stop already, will you? When I do get pregnant, we'll let you know...maybe."

Tim looked at her, his expression said sorry I got him started, "Don't worry didn't we discuss getting married first."

"I believe so." Brooke wished that they would change the subject.

Tim noticed her discomfort. He quickly shifted the topic, "So Neil, when did Jii get back in town?"

Neil had also picked up the slightly irritated tonme from Brooke and wondered if he had gone a little to far. " Yeah Jii turned up just the other day transfered in from somewhere, I left his transfer documents on the 'Thunder clouds' desk. "

Tim chuckled, "I can't believe he's back. Of course if what I heard is true I may be seeing more of the Cloud, I heard Commander Casey Ti is on earth?"

"So your still an officially a head of department." Grinned Neil. One time meatruck now HOD how the mighty have fallen!"

"Huh?" Tim was confused, "She left, so I'm in charge of somehting." He chuckled, "next thing I'll be taking bridge command tests."

" Heaven forbid, Brooke can you imagine Tim in command of a Starship." Neil shuddered.

She thought for a moment. "Yeah, I can picture it. I'd think that he'd be pretty good at it."

"One mutiny and you're branded for life." He sighed dramatically, "I swear I'm never going to live that down."

"Nope you never will O'Connell, not while I'm around and Brooke your opinion is biased anyway."

Brooke looked confused. "What about a mutiny?"

Tim sighed, "I swear that cadet asked to get shot and it was only a simulator."

" You mean you never told Brooke about your infamous academy mutiny Tim!" Scolded Neil.

"Oh that. I guess he did."

"You are damned right I did I am proud of what I did there."

" Gunning down the bridge crew, yeah it says you have style!" Laughed Neil.

"I think I got the idea from a movie called 'Pulp Fiction"

Brooke looked at Tim. "Pulp Fiction?" She thought that it was a dumb name for a movie.

Tim chuckled, "We missed that one but we did see Terminator 6, now that sucked."

Brooke laughed. What do you expect? You can only make so many sequels."

Tim smiled, "So I gathered." They sat talking and sharing a few drinks.

Ens Jamie Schumacher
USS GALAXY

Jamie woke up and he walked out into the lounge. Jake was asleep on the couch he looked exausted. It was very dark, He haddn't seen Jake a lot for about 2 days. Jamie thought that Jake had been avoiding him. But from what he had seen of him Jamie could tell that he was in love. Jake was hiding something, probably the fact that he was in love. Jake hadn't told him yet. Jamie sat down with some breakfast. He heard his computer signaling "who the hell want's to call me?" His mother only sent him a message last night. Jamie got up and went to his desk-the only desk in the room which hasn't been covered in snowballs. He pressed the control.

==/\== this message is classified. ==/\== "Jamie D'cara Schumacher Alpha-delta98"

==/\==Authorizeation confirmed==/\==

Jamie was overwelmed with surprise. "Helo son." A Middle-aged Bajoran sat in front of him.

"Hi Dad. I haven't seen you for a while. It's nice to see you."

"son would you like to come to bajor?"

"yeh I've got a weeks shore leave. I'd love to come!"

"I'll meet you at Kat'ar station."

"OK"

"In two day's OK?"

"Yeh"

"I'll fill you in on the details when you get there"

"Ok Dad"

"Bye" the signal went off abruptly. What was that about? Jamie thought.

"what was that about?" Jamie spun round to face Jake "You're awake, Loverboy?"

Jake went red. which was quite obvious seening that he is such a pale white. "what??" Jake pretended that he didn't hear me. "nothing" Jake sat down next to him.

"who was that?"

"He was my dad... He is one of the bajoran military generals."

"wow that must be cool!" Jake said.

"nobody in my family has got a postistion like that"

"I'm going to Bajor In a few hours."

"to that station your dad mentioned."

"yes" that was a lie. kat'ar station is their nickname for his dads home. however Kat'ar station is real but it was on the klingon Frontier. His use of that phrase ment that there was trouble.

"I've got to get ready Jake." Jamie Walked out the room and straight to the captains office...

TO BE CONTINUED

"Red Roses - Part II"
by Lt

. Cmdr. Ronni Morris
Chief Science Officer (and Second Officer), USS Galaxy

A statue of crystal

Strong

Solid

Perfect

To all eyes, the ideal.

• With due diligence, a fire dealt with. An Ensign, still dreaming of his adventures on Risa, miscalculated the settings on the To'Pal Generator in Engineering. No loss of life.
• Posted the updated casualty list from the Dominion War. Two known to her. Thousands not.
• A note from Dirk, "I love you. See you tonight!"
• Duty roster posted.
• New Science Officer information reviewed. Scheduled appointment for tomorrow.
• Still no word from the away team.
• Broke a fingernail.
• Maintenance requests approved and denied.
• Reviewed promotion recommendations:
  • Lysa Zal - Medical - Ensign -> Lt. Jg.
  • Tony Petterelli - Engineering - Ensign -> Lt. Jg.
  • Uvam - Tactical - Lt. -> Lt. Cmdr.
  • Dirk Argent - Security Lt. -> Lt. Cmdr.
  • Orilla Vos Tugar - Command - Lt. Cmdr. -> Cmdr. transfer to Outpost 69

When relieved of shift Bridge duty, a return to her quarters. Another two dozen roses. On the console. A dress of black crushed velvet with silver clasps at the shoulders. Low cut at the neck. High cut at the hem.

She put on the dress. Shoved her uniform under the cushion of the couch.

The wall of the closet was damaged when she bashed her fist into it. She couldn't find the thigh high black suede boots that Miran and Deiran gave her for her birthday. Found them.

When the door chimed, she got up off of the couch, and touched the door release.

A broad smile. From him.

"Darling, you look stunning. But, change out of those boots, I don't like them." he said with a lovers concern.

She removed the boots, put them back in their box. She put on some black heeled sandals.

"Oh much better!" he said. "They show off your lovely legs. Did you see? I brought you new roses. Apparently the others spilled." he said concerned.

"Why were you in my quarters when I wasn't here?" she said quietly.

The backhanded slap threw her head back and spun her around.

"See what you made me do?!! I brought you a gift and you hurt my feelings!"

Her hand raised to her mouth, touching the corner, came away with blood.

"You're hurt!" he consoled.

In the drawer below the bathroom mirror was a dermal regenerator. It only took a moment.

Over her shoulder he said, "There, that's my beauty. Let's go to dinner."

As he took her arm to escort her to dinner, her fist started to unknowingly hit her leg. Step. Hit. Step. Hit.

They ate dinner in Ten-Forward. Dirk talked of his day on Risa and on duty. He ate grilled shark and real Andorian Ale.

She ate a salad. "Because you should watch your figure." Dirk confided.

After dinner he took her to Holosuite 3. He bragged how he had obtained a remake of an old Earth holo-classic, Predator 5.

Full of smiles and caring touches, he tamed her back to her quarters. As they walked, her fist continued. Step. Hit. Step. Hit. The bruise was black already.

He invited himself in.

Biting her lip, Ronni smiled at him and said, "Well, I need to sleep in my sleep tank tonight. If I don't, I'll get sick and dried out."

"Oh sweetheart, not tonight? Please? Anyway, I had Engineering come in an take it for cleaning and repair." he said fatherly.

Before she could stop herself, "No it didn't! It was working fine! And it is self cleaning!!" Her voice was full of horror and growing desperation.

"I did it for you! I love you!" He came toward her with arms open. Without thinking, she flinched and shied away.

"Baby, what's wrong?"

She drew blood from biting her lip. "Oh, I'm just tired."

With his most seductive look, he moved behind her and started to massage her shoulders and neck. Though it hurt, she didn't move. After a few minutes, he released the silver shoulder clasps. With a whisper the dress slid to the floor. A tremble of fear, seen as a shiver of excitement, went down her spine.

He kissed and bit her neck, shoulder, small of her back, buttocks.

She suddenly found herself face down on the floor, too numb and stunned to do more than brace herself.

When he was done, he almost gently carried her to her guest bedroom. He was on her three more times that night. Rough and full of deep bites and long scratches. He even kissed her as he left in the morning for shift duty.

Ronni threw up the dregs of a salad dinner.

She pulled her uniform out from under the cushion and threw it on and headed for Engineering.

"Where is my sleep tank!" she demanded. The frightened Ensign was not used to an angry Chief Science officer. "It's being repaired as you requested. The filtration system was completely ruined by the acid your request said you spilled. Two of the parts cannot be replicated. I'm sorry, but it will be two weeks before it can be repaired." the Ensign apologized.

Ronni was stuck. Her portable sleep tank had been destroyed on one of her food missions to Cardassia. Consternation played a mamba on her face.

She nodded curtly and headed for sickbay.

Dr. Gakor was on duty. The beautiful doctor looked up as Ronni walked in. She didn't know the Delphinian that well, but the Chief Science Officer didn't look well. Before she thought, the doctor said, "You look like hell."

The moment exploded inside of Ronni's head. A tapestry of shock displayed. With a look of deer like confusion, Ronni simply nodded.

Softly, as a single tear rolled down her cheek, she said, "I need a jar of my Isomephoric Delphinian Gel." She touched the slightly bruised set of gills on the right side of her neck. The bruises, bites, and scratches perfectly hid beneath her uniform. Haltingly, the doctor turned and left for a moment. Quickly, she returned with the palm sized jar. Dr. Gakor said, "Do you need to talk . . . ?"

Absentmindedly, Ronni shook her head and left. She forgot the jar in the doctor's hand. She headed for the Bridge for her shift.

"Interesting Developments"
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey

Admiral Casey was a bit shocked after the meeting ended. He was expecting to find a Starfleet officer to take down after this little rendezvous. However that was not the case.

"Inform the rest of the team to pack up the equipment. The rooms are paid for the entire night but we don't have time to spare. Once the equipment is packed we'll beam up to the Latinum Prince and return to the Galaxy," Admiral Casey said to his son.

"Aye sir, we can be packed in forty minutes," Deiran replied.

For that forty minutes Admiral Casey was thinking of his next moves, while his son and daughter packed up the equipment in their room.

"Is Dad okay?" Alexa asked, as she looked over at him, sitting in the chair at the table.

"He's fine, he's looking at the situation from every possible and conceivable angle. He'll have figured out the situation from all sides and be able to out maneuver the enemy before they even think of plan B," Casey said. He knew it, because that's what Deiran was doing and he'd been trained to do it by his father.

*** The Latinum Prince ***

For two hours the Latinum Prince had been traveling through the stars. Deiran was back in his "old" room, alone and alone with his thoughts. He was thinking of section 31 and phase cloaked torps when his sister entered his quarters.

"Ohh your bright and shiny!" Alexa laughed as she saw her brother's melancholy face.

"Shut up Alex, I'm not in a good mood," he snapped at her.

"I can see that. What's wrong?" she asked.

"I'm lonely," he said quietly.

"How can that be, I'm here. We can do lots of stuff together," she replied with a smile.

"I'm not that kind of lonely," Deiran couldn't help but let out a chuckle. But the jovial presence did not last.

"Ohhh you mean you miss Miran and need the wild thing?" Alexa smiled.

Deiran just stared at his sister. He did not reply.

"Well I need Lucas too, I miss him," Alexa replied, a cute little baby frown on her face.

"Yeah well he does kinda grow on you after awhile, like a fungus," he laughed.

Alexa picked up a PADD and threw it at Deiran, he dodged the oncoming projectile and smiled quickly and it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

"Okay, he's not a bad guy…" Deiran replied.

"He's the man I love, you better think more of him than that!" she shouted back at him.

"Hey Lucas is one of my close friends. Who do you think I set you two up?" Deiran asked, deadpan.

Alexa's eyes became huge blue circles, her mouth wide open. "You did?" she asked coyly.

"I did, remember the party a few months ago? Part of that was to get you two together. I'm sure Lucas will thank me some day. Now leave me alone I'm trying to brood here and you're ruining the moment," Casey replied, desperately trying to hide a smile. He didn't. She made him laugh, her response and the look was priceless.

Just as he said that his father walked in, not looking too happy.

"We need to talk," he said. "Alex, check this room for bugs or any observation tech the Ferengi may have set up in here," he handed his gorgeous daughter a specialized tricorder for just such a purpose.

A few seconds later the scan revealed nothing. The room was clean.

Admiral Casey stared into his son's eyes. "You realize we were setup?" he asked.

"Yes I'm guessing a certain section wanted us to know the info but didn't want to act on what it would reveal and instead leave us stuck with their dirty work. I'm guessing we are stuck with their dirty work?" Deiran asked, getting up from the bunk and sitting at the metallic table.

"You bet we are! Have Casey's ever missed a chance to save the Universe?" Thomas Casey laughed, his children didn't.

Deiran and Alexa rolled their eyes. It was a shame the senior staff didn't hear Deiran's father say that back on the Galaxy they would have understood him a lot better if they had.

"So what's the plan?" Deiran asked.

"Don't have it all set yet. I'm still putting the pieces together," Admiral Casey replied.

"Well I have known about the phased cloak torpedoes for awhile now. They are pretty destructive if they work right," Deiran laughed.

"Why use something so high tech on a listening outpost so unimportant though?" Alexa asked.

"Because it leaves a gap in the Federation's detection grid. With this gap ships can come and go as they please and we wouldn't be able to detect it until it's too late. Since it's so close to the neutral zone, using phased-cloak torp's hides who the culprit is," Deiran had guessed what his father had.

"Great minds think alike," Admiral Casey smiled, a bit shocked his son saw the wide gap in that section of space if the detection grid went down.

Deiran did his homework, just like his father.

"It's quite interesting that Pressman's baby is the phased cloak torpedoes isn't it? I wonder if it's a coincidence if Pressman hadn't worked out a deal with Tamolak to steal them. It's something he would do," Admiral Casey wondered out loud to his children.

They both agreed with him, not even Alexa liked Admiral Eric Pressman. The family feud was intense and full of hatred.

"You realize I am still under orders to keep that information from Captain Price? He is still in the dark about that entire mission," Deiran replied.

"Aye I know," Thomas replied. "We will have to keep him in the dark for now."

"He'll need to know about the torpedoes though," Deiran reminded, not wanting his Captain to be out of the loop.

"Aye, he will, we'll tell him. Let's get back to the Galaxy first."

They still had nine hours left to travel to get back to Risa and the Galaxy.

"Table Talk"
by Kalln and little Anna

***The Orbiter Restaurant. Still.***

"-and so I said to the Ferengi, 'Hold that thought... you're gonna need it.'!"

Anna's beautiful laugh erupted across the corner of the orbital restaurant they occupied. Kalln smiled contentedly. He loved just... pleasing her. Altruism was not alien to him, to any of his people. Unlike the Jem'Hadar they had been left with most of their social graces intact... but he had never experienced such a want or need to make a specific other person happy.

Still smiling, Anna pressed her hands together and slid them across the table towards Kalln. Uncertainly he took hold of them as she said:

"I'm glad you're here and obviously enjoying yourself."

"I am." Kalln answered brightly. "I was a little nervous at first but I'm feeling better about us."

"Feeling better about us?" Anna asked with a puzzled look.

Kalln hesitated. "When we first initiated our relationship, I wasn't too... worried about it ending, as such. But as time has gone on, and we grew... closer, emotionally rather than physically I... started to hope it wouldn't. Going on this shore leave with you is another good test of... our relationship."

"Whether we can get along outside of the ship and our duties?" Anna finished.

"Yes, you could say that. I mean it wasn't that I thought we couldn't... just... well, it's nice to know."

Kalln smiled. Anna smiled back. Theoretically Kalln's eyes could be directed anywhere... there wasn't anything exterior to indicate it, but she always seemed to know when he was staring at her. Not that, given her current attire, there was anything else worth staring _at_ of course.

"Are those your eyeballs?" Anna suddenly pointed to his face. "I found them in my cleavage."

Kalln was shocked. The more time he spend with Anna the more she seemed to predict his behavior or actions... It was like she had some sort of 6th sense...

"Maybe I am just a big old four-armed Jem'Hadar," he mused, "But you're malfunctioning... actually I was admiring the dress. Your breasts are... very nice... but it would be uncouth, surely?"

He gave her a big ingratiating smile. At least it was ingratiating to those who knew him. Some of the guests probably thought Anna was next on the menu.

"I don't mind hearing how much you like my body. I like yours." Anna slowly teased. "However, I appreciate your friendship, the intimacy we share much more... although the sex isn't half bad either."

Anna slipped off her shoe and slowly stroked her foot against Kalln's leg under the table.

"Harrumph," said Kalln quite distinctly, and hastily pulled his leg back.

"Why Kalln," smiled Anna sweetly, leaning forward, "I do believe you're _embarrased_..."

"Er..."

Anna hand tighten about Kalln's hand on the table, while she playfully said, "You're a trained warrior and a scientist but you don't want to engage in some footplay under a restaurant table?"

"Er... I..."

"Come on," she cooed.

Kalln's foot hesitantly protruded again. A sly grin crossed Anna's lips as she felt his foot rub up against the calf of her leg. Slowly they played footsie under the table whilst staring intently into each other's eyes.

Anna was enjoying the feel of Kalln's scaly skin against her own flesh when something snaked around her ankle and tickled the sole of her foot. With a yelp, she tried to pull away but her foot was held firmly in place. Anna giggled loudly and helplessly before she restrained herself as several restaurant goers looked over them. Kalln had made use of his natural resources and added his tail to their game under the table.

They had leant closer together at the table.

"Now would be an excellent time for a conversation," remarked Kalln softly.

"Mmm... okay," said Anna, thinking for a moment, "Hmmm... you were a Merc weren't you?"

"Back in the twenties, yes," replied Kalln with a smile.

"The twenties... I keep forgetting how old you are," she grinned, "You never told me much about it."

"What's to tell?" said Kalln offhand, "I was a Merc... I drifted in... and I left when my morality got the better of me."

"You being bad?" Anna cooed sweetly, "I have a hard time p

icturing you as a villain!"

"I wouldn't use that word. I was... hmm... less informed and perhaps rebellious. Disfunctional might be a good word."

Anna turned Kalln's hand over and gently rubbed the back of it, his tail was still wrapped about her leg just below the knee.

"Ah, the joys of being young and Gnalish Elt," she said, "So, did anything happen?"

"I was doing it for ten years Anna... quite a bit happened..."

"Tell me then," she whispered.

Kalln thought for a moment.

"Oh, there was one wonderful occasion. The Gorn had hired us to pull one of their POWs out of a Klingon death camp. This was back in the old days when the Klingons were the bad guys, before the Khitomer accords. Not that they're very friendly with the Gorn at the moment either... but that's not the point. Anyway, off we all went in the Feckless to this absolute _beche_ hole of a planet... only to find the damn thing had been razed by the Tholians, and all the Klingons _and_ their prisoners captured by _them_. Now the Gorn are pretty strict contract brokers... no POW, no cash, regardless of circumstances. So off we toddled to the nearest Tholian camp... only to find that the prisoners had rebelled. So we ended up transporting six dozen assorted species back to their respective empires, and getting paid for all of them. And not even getting shot at!"

"You were lucky not to get yourself killed," Anna commented, "Life for a mercenary has got to be rougher than serving in the Klingon military."

"It can be," Kalln replied, "We even had to be wary of our employers. I can recall a few occasions when our supposed benefactors had some sort of hidden agenda... but we managed to sniff them out in time. Don't worry... most of them lived to regret it."

"You think I could hack the life of a Merc?"

Kalln chuckled deeply. "Knowing you as well as I do, you would had been a great mercenary. If you'd been around back then... I wouldn't have had anyone but you watching my backside."

"Oh," Anna purred. "If I was around back then, I might had liked to have you watching _my_ backside."

Kalln grinned, and then his expression hardened, "It isn't all just life- or-death situations though... the mercenary way of life teaches you certain... values... certain, well, mercenary ones. You start to look at things like a Ferengi. You weigh up the value of every action, every item, every moment of time... every life even. It is a difficult lesson to unlearn..."

Anna stopped her flirtatious behavior, with the sudden shift in the tone of their discussion. She gripped Kalln's hand tighter. "I think I know what you mean... " Anna paused, the right side of her scared face twitched nervously. "All the souls that survived 119 suffered and were forever changed, including me. Thankfully I don't remember all of it."

Kalln watched her and saw Anna tensing up. He also felt her leg with his tail still wrapped about, started to tremble...

"Hush, hush," he soothed, caressing her left cheek with the surprisingly smooth skin of his hand, "It was... a little different. I've been a ducter before... though nothing like what you experienced... and it is far, far worse. Being a mercenary isn't about survival, about living from one day to the next. It's about... self-enforced selfishness. You don't scrimp and save for food and water and clothing. You scrimp and save and kill and cheat and... and... for the luxuries. For that latinum- plated disruptor. For the Denebian Coffee. For the Nausicaan-skin rug to put in your quarters... What you did, what you lived through, on 119... that was about life. Mercenaries are about death..."

"But that's all I saw and experienced..." Anna whispered softly, staring at the table. "Death... "

Suddenly she shook her head violently, as if to cast off a bad dream. She then forced a smile, asking, "Can we talk about something more upbeat?"

"Of course, of course," said Kalln, "Did you hear about the Squornshellous Betans?"

"No... what about them?"

"Well the word on the street is that they've built the most enormous..."

"Finally, the Captan's vacation begins"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain Price awoke to the gentle stirring of Yeoman York. The morning light from the rising Risa sun cast a pale blue tint as it reflected off of the clean white walls of the resort hotel's bedroom wall.

Lee leaned over and kissed Jamie's forehead, causing her to stir more and smile warmly as she hugged the Captain's bare chest. Still sleepy from the late night of dancing and celebrating at Raesene & Dierdren's wedding reception, Jamie didn't want to wake up just yet. Lee understood how she felt. Carefully sliding his arm out from under her, Lee watched as the Yeoman snuggled up with a pillow while he made his way to the bathroom for a revitalizing shower. Unlike the Galaxy, Risa had running hot and cold water for their showers. It was one of the primitive advantages of living on a true gravity environment where natural resources were abundant unlike life on board a Starship. Lee was looking forward to feeling the water flow over his skin while he relaxed and took his time to wake up.

The mirrors and glass doors to the shower had completely steamed up from the Captain's extended shower. He was so looking forward with his time away from the responsibility and command of a Starship. Nothing was left for him to worry about except relaxing and having a good time with the woman he loved.

"Are you going to hog all of the hot water for yourself Lee?"

The Captain lifted his head out of the stream of water that was soaking his white hair to look at Jamie. She'd opened the shower stall and was standing there completely naked with her hair pinned in a bun to keep it from getting wet.

"Not at all. You're welcome to jump right in 'mate." Lee smiled.

"I don't mind if I do." Jamie stated closing the door behind her and giving the Captain a passionate kiss as the water rained on their glistening bodies.

****

*** An hour later ***

Captain Price pulled on his white tennis shoe over his barefoot, wiggling his toes slightly to make sure he had a comfortable fit. "So, what is on the agenda this morning for the first official day of our vacation 'mate?"

Jamie came walking out of the bedroom wearing a tight white pair of shorts and a pink sleeveless blouse that showed off her fine figure. "Well, you are going to start off by taking me to breakfast. Then we are going rail shooting like you promised the day before yesterday."

Lee finished putting on his shoes and stood up holding his tan slouch hat in his hand. He glanced over at Jamie with a regretful look in his eyes. "Sorry 'mate. I had to take the Zea on that tour like I promised. She is Lieutenant Brandis' mum after all. But now that that business is over with, and Raesene & Dierdren are happily married, I am all yours for the rest of our leave."

"Good. Cause in your absence the other day I spent my time practicing my shooting." Jamie smiled, "I'm getting pretty good."

"How good?" Captain Price asked.

"Good enough to beat you." the Yeoman boasted.

"Well, we will just 'ave to see about that 'mate. I've been skeet shooting with a rail gun since I was knee high to a grass hopper."

"Well, I'm willing to make a wager that I can beat you." Jamie smiled flirtatiously.

"A wager? I'll bite. What do you want to wager for 'mate?"

"Position." the Yeoman smiled deviously as she opened the hotel suite door and began to step out. "Are you coming to breakfast?. . ."

Lee swallowed teasingly, then put on his hat folding it to one side. "Right behind you 'mate."

*****

"Pull!" Jamie called out. She'd subconsciously curled the tip of her tongue over the corner of her upper lip as she glanced down the sights of the rail gun which she steadied in both hands. The clay disc flew out of the tosser and sped across the sky as the Yeoman tracked it with her riffle, gently pulling the trigger to activate the powerful electromagnets in the rail gun. The magnetic force propelled the metal ball inside the rail gun to extreme high speed velocity, sending it out of the end of the barrel with a sound breaking "bang" reminiscent of the antique black powder weapons the rail technology replaced. The clay target exploded as the ball struck it, sending fragments spiraling down safely into the water of the breaking sea.

"That's 8 out of 10." Jamie gloated. "Try and top that."

Grabbing his riffle, the Captain placed the safety goggles over his eyes and stepped into the firing circle which overlooked the spectacular cliffs of Risa. "I'll do my best."

Tightening his grip around the rail gun, Lee took the ten silvery balls and carefully inserted them in the loading slot of the weapon. Sliding the loading chamber closed, he pumped the activator and switched on the powerful electromagnetic coils allowing them to charge with a growing, high pitched whine. When the indicator showed a green light, Lee raised the riffle to his eyes and preaimed the weapon over the open ocean where the clay targets would be flying. "Do it 'mate. Pull!"

The target whisked out in a frisbee-like fashion over the water and the Captain blasted it with the first shot. Calmly he would call out, "Pull!", "Pull!", "Pull!" and clay targets would crisscross from one of the two separate launchers. When it was over, Lee had scored a perfect ten out of ten shots. Straightening, he lowered his riffle and removed his eye goggles. "How's that 'mate?"

Jamie was pretending to be upset with crossed arms and all. "Pretty good I suppose. . ."

Lee smiled. "You know what this means don't you?"

Jamie nodded. "Yes I know. Don't remind me." the Yeoman had to turn and walk away before she started smiling. She was trying to act upset after all.

Captain Price just grinned and went to return his weapon to the rack. A Risan gazebo boy was standing by.

"That was most excellent shooting mister Price. I can take that for you."

Lee looked at the gazebo boy and smiled neighborly. He was wearing the Risan polo shirt and matching shorts and a pair of white linen gloves that matched his shirt. It too had the Risa logo on them.

"Thanks 'mate." Lee replied handing his rail gun to the young man.

"Will Mister Price be shooting another round?"

"No 'mate. We are done for the day. Thank you." Lee replied with a smile grabbing his hat and leaving to catch up with Yeoman York who was walking away with as much attitude as her hips could muster.

"Very good sir. I will take care of your things." the gazebo boy replied as he began carefully stowing away the rail guns into their cases and cleaning up the skeet circle for the next tourists that wanted to use it.

"Handed the Reigns"
Commander Deiran Casey
XO

Lt. Tim O'Connell
(acting) Chief of Shuttle operations

NRPG: This takes place after Casey gets back from his secret mission thing on Nerenda Minor

After cleaning up a bit from his shuttle trip Tim sighed and checked his messages, a ton of them built up. 'Casey wants to see me, why, I had nothing to do with the methalyne blue,' Tim sighed and left his quarters leaving a note for Brooke to let her know.

==XO's Office==

Tim pressed the door chime and waited.

"Come in," he heard from within.

Tim walked in to the office, "You wanted to see me Commander?"

"Aye Lieutenant, have a seat," Casey motioned to the chair in front of his XO's desk.

Tim sat down and wasn't really sure what the meeting was about. Casey could see the confusion in the man's eyes.

"Commander Casey Ti has requested an extended leave of absence for health reasons and will be off the Galaxy for about five months. You now are the Chief Shuttle Ops officer on board the Galaxy, Mr. O'Connell, congrats," Deiran stopped and shook the Lieutenant's hand.

Tim shook the XO's hand, "Well thank you sir, I'll do my best."

"If you need any assistance getting acquainted with your new post, let me know. I don't think you'll have any problems though. Shuttle Ops is pretty straightforward stuff. I'll assign you a few more people if need be, just make a request. I have a meeting here in about fifteen minutes. Any questions?" Deiran smiled.

Tim smiled, "So far none but if I have any I'll let you know."

"Good. I'm sure you'll do a fine job then," Casey said, he stood to his feet and followed O'Connell out of the office. O'Connell went left, Casey went right. "Take care Tim," Deiran said as he disappeared down the corridor and out of sight.

"Arise Empress"

Her Royal Highness,
Zea Vicea Heero Brandis,
Blessed Empress of KinKadia

Zea Vicea lay on top of Jake for awhile. The warmth was soothing and comfortable. Hearing his heart beat in his chest, she gently caressed his lower abdomen. He'd fallen asleep again and so she decided to leave. She only had a limited time here.

Leaving a small reminder of their night. Zea Vicea entitled Jake with a small and humble necklace of golden latinum. The item was worth at least 10 cases of gold pressed latinum. It was a symbol that would allow immediate access to the Empress. But, neither of those worldly values were where it's true worth was placed. It was a recognized symbol of love and affection that the Zea gave only to her lovers whose hearts she felt were the purist.

With that finished she instructed to her Attendants to see to him when he awoke. 'I'll be in a place called Ten Forward.' Vicea stated, intering bathroom for a quick change into some clothes.

Robert Brandis
ICQ # 15584849

GALAXY

=RETURN TO QUARTERS=

Jake returned to his quarters, necklace in pocket. He decided to give her something in return. A private something.

Jake had sent to Zea Vicea a snowball, hand made with a delicate blue butterfly seeming in mid air. Seeming transparent, it was of porciline with designs. He did this before Jamie returned.

Jake Olson

"Alone. In the Dark"
By Anna Gartner
Edited and Reviewed by Gordall Kalln

Kalln was returning back to their hotel room. He had decided to surprise his blonde belle by buying two tickets to the Klingon Opera "B'll Tarr". He didn't understand what was so special about them... just a lot of yelling, a lot of fighting and more often than not, everyone dying at the end.

Oh, well. Anna liked them and he could get by if he turned off one or two of his brains and let himself drift through it all.

He approached their room, unlocked the door with the keycard and entered the darkened area. Kalln started to reach for the light switch when a small and sad voice called from the shadows.

"Leave them off. Please."

Kalln looked about the room, his night vision piercing the darkness, but he couldn't see Anna. Then his eyes focused on the couch and saw the back of her head. He moved around the couch and found Anna sitting up, covered with a blanket. She didn't look up as Kalln sat down beside her.

"Are you... okay?" Kalln said softly before noticing her face was stained in tears. "You were crying..."

"Ya."

"What happened?" Kalln pleaded gently. He didn't like to see her in pain or distress.

Slowly Anna leaned against him, resting her head on his huge shoulder. Her voice choking with sorrow. "My parents. I decided to talk to them by subspace. I told them about us."

For a moment, Kalln wasn't sure how to approach this. Judging by her behaviour, it most certainly didn't go well. She had told him about her plan to break the news to her parents long ago about their involvement together but she had always put it off. Until now.

"What did they say?" he whispered.

"Does it matter?" Anna replied, as she snuggled up to him. "I just want to be held. Please."

Anna pulled her feet up on the couch as Kalln wrapped his four arms about her. As he cradled her, Kalln slowly released more of his calming pheromones.

"Sleep, Anna," he softly spoke, as he stroked her hair and laid her body across his lap, "Sleep..."

Anna murmured almost mindlessly, as the effects of the airborne chemicals took hold, "Can't... keep my eyes open."

"Don't fight it." Kalln said soothingly as Anna let herself drift off to sleep. "Tomorrow will be a better day. Tomorrow always is..."

He heard humans say that things always looked better in the morning and he hoped they were right. For now, he'd watch over her and make sure she got a good night's rest, so she'd at least be free of the problem that was weighing on her for the time being.

"The Galactic Food Chain"

***Federation Deep Space 14***

Lieutenant Zhou, a veteran of the Dominion war was scared. His hands trembled as he struggled to get the station's subspace radio working. His eyes glanced to the Ops heavy blast doors before activating the radio again for what felt like the hundredth time. He said aloud and in a shaky voice.

"This is Deep Space 14, broadcasting on all channels. Emergency. We have code 19, I repeat a code 19. We have hostile lifeforms on the station. They're killing everyone!"

He held his breath. Praying. "Please, oh please, someone answer."

Then a female voice crackled through the speaker. "This. [breaking up.] repeat message."

Zhou moved closer as if it'll help the connection, desperate not to lose what could be their only hope for rescue.

He cried. "Thank god! This is Deep Space 14, a Federation outpost. We have a code 19. Hostile lifeforms has infested the station, we can't stop them, all systems are failing. Send help, send the Marines. SEND THE WHOLE DAMN FLEET!!"

The voice again crackled. "You're still breaking up 14. This is runabout Lorraino. We're setting a course."

"NO! NO!!" Zhou shouted. "We have a code 19! Send a starship!!"

Then he heard a faint ominous hiss and snarling coming from the other side of the blast doors of the Ops centre. Lieutenant Zhou frozed before managing to look at the door. He slowly grasped his hand phaser, pulling it from his belt holster and levelled it at the door.

Behind him, the radio crackled. "Deep Space 14, come in. "

With an earth shattering crash, the blast doors started to dent and buckle from a thunderous pounding. The snarls and the cries of some inhuman animals grew stronger as whatever that was on the other side of the door tried to break in to get to the Starfleet officer.

"DS14, come in!"

Zhou ignored the radio and watched the collapsing door with sweat pouring down his face. Deep down, he knew he was a dead man, everyone left on the station was dead. No one could save them.

The heavy blast doors finally cracked opened and the nightmarish forms rushed in.

Lieutenant Zhou, a Federation officer and security officer of Deep Space 14, closed his eyes, put the phaser to his head, and fired.

****

Anna tried again. "Deep Space 14, come in! This is runabout Lorraino, please come in!"

Neil looked up from his console. "At maximum warp we should be there in 3 hours."

Tim confirmed the course, "Anyone know what the hell a Code 19 is anyway?" He asked "It's a new one to me."

"Unidentified hostile life forms." Kalln replied from his station at the science console.

"Unidentified hostile life form, " Tim sighed, "I suppose this would be the whole boldly go thing."

"We might had only got every other word but he sounded scared." Anna said. "I caught the word infested."

"Maybe it's some sort of bio hazard."

"Possible." Anna nodded. "I'll contact Starfleet and see if there's anyone else around to help."

"Well partner, so much for this being another milk run."

Anna laughed. "Neil, when we get together nothing is simple. Things tend to blow up!"

"Uh uh." Corrected Neil, smiling. "You're the one who tends to blow things up, me... well I merely clean up after you!"

Bolitho leaned back in his seat and sighed heavily while his hands absently ran across the controls. It felt good, to be out doing something... anything. He had initially felt guilty when they had first left... Bolitho had looked back through the view port at the rapidily disappearing USS Galaxy that held all his problems.

Bolitho glanced over at his partner just as she finished the comm message to Starfleet command.

"And?" questioned Bolitho raising an eyebrow.

Anna pulled a face and shrugged. "No one but us within 36 hours of Deep Space 14"

Neil grimaced pulling his nose at the information. "So it's up to us to save a few Federation scientists from their over active imaginations? Sounds really difficult." He grinned.

Tim rolled his eyes, "Probably saw a bloody bogeyman or something. I bet it's nothing but with my luck it's not."

"Soooo how was Risa?" asked Neil grateful for the opportunity of small talk.

Anna and Kalln give each other a sly glance before both replying simultaneously. "It was nice."

Neil glanced at both Anna and Kalln, a little suspiciously before the 'light came on' and he rather quickly pushed the next prevailing image out of his mind.

Tim sighed and looked at the odd couple, "I bet you did. I went home actually everyone says Hi."

"Tell them hi back." Anna replied with an awkward smile.

"How's you folks Anna?" Tim asked. "I never hear you talking about them."

Kalln winced inwardly before Anna glared at the new shuttle pilot, shouting. "Go to hell Tim!!"

She then stormed out of sight back towards the common area in the rear of the runabout. Tim gasped for words as everyone looked on.

"What? What was that all about? I just asked..."

"It's not your fault Tim," Kalln said standing up from his station. "The situation is a little... detailed, I'll explain later but for now I really ought to be where I'm needed."

Bolitho watched the rather large lizard disappear into the interior of the shuttle, felling a little concerned over Anna's uncharacteristic outburst. Turning his attention back to O'Connell, Bolitho could hear Tim humming to himself as his hands deftly ran over the shuttle's flight controls. Neil shook his head slightly and with a hint of a smile, he quizzed his friend.

"Drawn blood yet Tim?"

Tim looked back, "Neil m'lad, we aren't bloodletting. Her exact phrase was 'No way in hell'." He chuckled, then went back to his controls.

"Deja Vu" by: Lieutenant (JG) Viara Rhys Junior Science Officer

Lieutenant (JG) Timothy Richeson Tactical Officer

and

Ensign Franklin Stone Junior Security Officer

Viara sat in the elegant room of the Clairmont Hotel. She watched with Stone as the Romulans and Syndicate Members began their "meeting"...

The smiling Romulan walked away from the group of well dressed Syndicate members and exchanged places with the tall Romulan, taking his weapon and standing by.

The tall one walked to the other gangsters, still wearing his hood. From the vantage point of Admiral Casey, he couldn't see exactly who it was, but the voice troubled him. It sounded familiar.

"My men will stand guard Mister Harbrick. They will insure we are not disturbed." the tall Romulan stated.

"Yeah, whatever. So who are you and what exactly is this all about? I haven't got all day. I'm a busy man." Said the Orion Syndicate.

The Romulan removed his hood. "My name is Tomalack. Ambassador to the Romulan Empire."

As Viara saw the Romulan's face her mind flashed into a white mist of light. Her mind locked into a memory older than 90 years ago.

*****

"Ambassador, we must leave the Station!" Yelled a Romulan Officer towards Viara's viewpoint.

"No, we've worked too long and hard to stop the talks NOW!! How did the Klingons, know?" Responded Viara in a man's voice.

"I don't know, Sir! Someone must have betrayed us!!" Responded the young Romulan Officer.

Suddenly, klaxons sounded and emergency lights flashed on.

"What's happening?" Says Viara, in a man's voice again, as she followed the young Romulan Officer.

"The alerts indicate we've been boarded by the Klingons!" Said the Romulan Officer as the pair entered the main Command Center. Romulan Officers rushed towards their duty stations.

"Quickly! We must fend off the Klingons!!" Said Viara as the body walked to a Console. Viara could see a rather mature man's face in the Console's translucent surface.

"Sir, it's too late!! Klingons are boarding the station already!!" Replied the young Romulan Officer.

Suddenly, a Klingon Battalion beamed into the Command Center.

"Prepare for hand-to-hand comba*" Started Viara as she feels a sharp pain in her back.

"Ambassador!! Ambassador!! Can you hear me?!?" Said the Romulan Officer as he rushed to Viara's side.

*****

As Viara closed her eyes, she suddenly snapped back into the present. Having been noticeably out of it for a few seconds, Viara looked at the monitor.

It would be a few seconds before she would realize that Stone had his huge hand on her shoulder, gently trying to get her attention.

"Viara?" Franklin asked, having repeated himself several times. "Are you alright? I sensed your disturbance...you were light-years away." The concern in his voice was plain to hear.

"I know that Romulan." Says Viara as she looked at Stone with a dazed expression.

Franklin blinked. "You know *of* him...or you know him personally?" He turned back to his own monitor and studied the Romulan's face, trying to memorize the alien's features.

"I've meet him." Lt. Richeson said with a plain look on his face. "He gave a speech at SFA a few months ago. It was suppose to be a 'End of The War' speech, but it was more like he was trying to turn people against the Klingons."

Franklin looked at him with a confused face. "How so?"

"He pointed out every skirmish, every wrong doing the Empire was ever involved in. It was like he was trying to turn the Federation against them." Continued Richeson.

“Of course he was trying to turn us against the Klingons, Lieutenant… the Klingons killed his mentor well over 90 years ago.” Interrupted Viara as she stood, leaning on a nearby windowsill.

"So what happens next? He tries to start a WAR between the Klingons and Starfleet? What good would that do? Every major power on this side of the Galaxy is feeling the affects of the Dominion War.... I don't think anybody is gonna' be quick to start another costly war. So what is he doing?" The three officers knew that if another war started without rebuilding the defenses, it would be bloodier than the one with The Dominion.

Stone sat silently, listening to his comrades and to the meeting as it continued. His brow furrowed at the mention of the phase-cloaked photon torpedoes. His knowledge of galactic politics was limited, but he understood conflict and the mathematics of war.

Sometimes there were benefits to being one of Kahn Singh's descendents. "A single Ambassador's search for revenge against the Klingons would not lead to this Viara...And I don't believe war is the ultimate goal to this either Lieutenant Richeson. No, this is a calculated move of some sort...Some starship Captain once said that dealing with the Romulan's was like playing chess. Move and countermove. The Romulans know full well that a war will avail them nothing except destruction, unless they truly feel this weapon of theirs will give them the edge they need."

"Chances" by:
Lieutenant (JG) Viara Rhys
Junior Science Officer

Viara sits on the Ferengi Vessel, Latinum Prince. Viara sits working on a PADD, Franklin gone in his quarters.

Viara looks at the PADD, reviewing her request, as well as, the implications. Viara sits there, hoping her request will not be in waste.

*I hope I'm not throwing my career away, by doing this. I know I have feelings for Franklin, but I hope I'm not throwing away all the work I've put forth in my work. I suppose, if everything works out with Franklin it will be worth it though.* Thought Viara to herself as she finished her request.

Viara quickly reviewed her PADD and her request that she had written on it:

"To: Lt.Commander Morris, Chief Science Officer
Lieutenant Brandis, Chief Operations Officer

CC: Captain Price, Commanding Officer

From: Lieutenant(JG) Rhys, Junior Science Officer

Dear Sirs,

I write this letter concerning my current situation aboard the U.S.S. Galaxy. Upon consideration of all aspects of my current predicament ;I have concluded that it be essential I resign my current Commission as a Science Officer on board the U.S.S. Galaxy. I believe that due to the inherent dangers and field work, being a Science Officer entails, that my current physical debilitation makes my fulfilling this role difficult, if not impossible to meet.

Upon the approval of the Transfer Committee, I wish to be posted to the Gamma Shift, Operations Manager Position. I believe this position is still posted to be filled. I believe that my current Certifications easily qualify me for the position. Please find enclosed my current Certifications:

Level IV: Defense Systems Management
Level IV: Maintenance Engineer
Level V: Communications Operator
Level V: Computer Operator and Technician
Level V: Pilot License
Level V: Resource Allocation Operator
Level V: Sensor Technician

In addition, with my current degrees in Astrophysics, Exobiology, Life Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences I believe that I am more than competent for the currently open position.

In closure, I would like to formally ask for permission to transfer from the Science Department on Board the U.S.S. Galaxy to the Operations Department on the above named ship. I appreciate any recommendations, or clarification in preceeding with the before mentioned transfer.

Best Regards,
Lieutenant (JG) Viara Rhys"

Viara finished reviewing the PADD, saved the file, and set the file to be sent to Brandis, Morris, and the Captain. Her only hope was that her decision would be respected and that she and Franklin being on the same shift would allow them more time together.

"Engaging the Crew - Part I"

Her Royal Highness
Vicea Heero Brandis, Zea
Mother of the First House

Ensign Lorraine Jennifer Beq
Daughter of the Twentieth House
Linguistics Specialist, USS Galaxy

Lt. Yazron Beq
Tactical Officer
USS Galaxy

* * * * * Ten Forward Lounge * * * * *

Lorraine had decided to get some breakfast in ten fore for a change. Normally she preferred a private environment, but this morning she had craved some attention for some reason. As she sat at her table the doors opened, and her jaw dropped as she saw.... 'It can't be....'

Lorraine immediately stood and walked towards the Zea. Bowing as she reached her. 'Your highness, it is an honor to be in your presence.' She said telepathically.

Zea Vicea looked up for her Sunrisa at the young Betazoid who'd just approached her. 'Just wait until you get to know me, dear child. Have a seat, I have ordered some breakfast and there seem to be a shortage of men around at the moment.' She laughed offering the seat across from her. 'So, what is it that you do, Ensign...?'

'Ensign Beq, my Zea, Lorraine Beq.' Lorraine smiled as she took the seat offered to her, she couldn't believe she was actually sitting with the Zea! 'I am Linguistics specialist in the Science department. I work mainly in the communications labrotory or sometimes the archaelogy lab.'

Zea Vicea was in full attention. She loved to mingle with people and it was her sole purpose it seemed. But, the amazing thing about being Royalty was that they were always making contacts. The title was actua

lly nothing without the fact that people recognized you and respected you.

Lorraine still couldn't believe it, she was nervous, and when she was this nervous, she talked a lot. 'I am a daughter of the Twentieth house and Married into Trill society.'

"Trill society? What is that like? And more importantly, how is he in bed?" Zea Vicea was all a ball of curiosity. After seeing the Trill friend of Lucas' she really wanted a more 'personal' view of that race.

"I have experience little of Trill society so far." Lorraine blushed a little. 'But he is very...imaginative in bed.'

"Really, well I am not surprised. I saw one the other day who was just a bit shy, but I imagine very very flexible." The laugher was contagous and even Lorraine couldn't help it.

"Trills seem to be rather playful too." Lorraine added with a grin.

"But, really, they are so fasinating. I was reading up on them and they have a 'worm' inside them. Can you imagine!" Zea Vicea was in full 'girlfriend' talk mode and it was like Lorraine and her had known each other for years. It was her personality to just lay everything out up front. "Now, most races would consider it a parasite to be extrapolated and removed. But, the only hightest and most elite of Trills have this 'worm' inside."

"And to think the worm stores the memories of each host..." Lorraine was talking like she had known the Empress pesonally, the mood was infectious.

"Oh, dear, I'll just never understand it." Zea Vicea pondered. "At any rate, I found the most handsome Trill I have ever seen. His name was Jazron Keq or something. Why the man looked like he could ride well, if you know what I mean!"

Lorraine smiled softly, "That name sounds similar to my husband's." She informed the Zea. "He's called...." Lorraine stopped as she saw Yaz enter. "Yaz!"

Yaz looked over at Lorraine, then saw who she was with and considered running a mile but decided against it when he remembered he was holding Keiran and would have to drop him first. "Hi honey..." Yaz said reluctantly as he approached the table.

"Why Lorraine!" Zea Vicea seemed to squeal. "This is your husband?!"

Lorraine arched her eyebrow. "Yes, my Zea." She responded in a confused tone.

"Oh my," Her Majesty said, as her eyes fell all over Beq. "We were just speaking about you, Yazron. How about joining us?"

Yaz took a seat at the end of the table. "So, what have I missed?" Yaz asked, wondering how much embarassment this was going to cost him.

"Well, stallion," Vicea couldn't help it. He was just too adorable. 'Lorraine, how deep a shade of red do you think we can turn him?' She sensed over to Mrs. Beq.

'I think we can do better than the shade above the bar there.' She said, looking at the deep red there.

"I just proposed to your wife, that she allow me the unique and intreging opportunity to spend a night with you. Making the wildest, most passionate love you have ever expierence in exchange for 100 cases of gold pressed latinum."

"And I agreed that this would prove most interesting." Lorraine said with a grin. "After all she is a Royal..."

"Umm...I see." Yaz said, turning all shades of red ever known, and then some...

"So, you do not mind." Zea Vicea was trying very hard not to laugh at Yaz's discomfort and she looked very serious. "Very well, then, Xander over there will take you to my quarters and dress you in the appropriate 'love' clothing."

Zea Vicea explained it all Lorraine telepathically and quickly instructed her to take Keiran so I would look more believable.

Lorraine took Keiran from Yaz. "Go on then!" She promtped giving Keiran a slight rock.

A Royal Guard, about seven feet tall and more muscle than could been reasoned necessary approached behind Yaz. "Let's go." He said in a deep commanding voice.

"B...Bu..But...."

Historian's Note: takes place after "This is not a Date" to be released.

"Return to Reality."

Lt. Karyn Dallas
Chief Counselor

with a brief appearance by:
Lt. Commander Endris Gakor-Albrecht
Chief Medical Officer
USS Galaxy

***Risa***

There was only so much paradise Karyn could take. She'd lounged, she'd flirted, she'd shopped and now she just wanted to spend the rest of her vacation reading for pleasure and relaxing in her own quarters. Besides, despite Endris' best efforts to protect her from the sun, she'd still managed to develop a rather severe sunburn. Karyn had even more reasons now to curse her blasted bikini. She couldn't help but wonder jokingly if this was the gods way of trying to tell her the suit was not her style...but the looks she'd received so far had been telling her otherwise. As a matter of fact, Michael seemed to have enjoyed it a great deal.

She frowned slightly as McDowell came to mind. It was unfortunate things couldn't have turned out better between them, but by now Karyn was used to the fact that timing seemed to interfere in all her romantic relationships. When she was interested, the other wasn't and vice versa. Karyn had logically concluded that if she was meant to be with someone, it would happen and if not, it wouldn't be the end of the world. If this vacation was any indication to a potential suitor, it showed that Karyn was a work-a-holic and lately hadn't the energy or the desire to be the "party girl" or be amongst others who were in search of a good time with no strings attached. She'd never been interested in casual sex and she wasn't about to start now, no matter how festive the atmosphere.

***USS Galaxy***

She received numerous glances from passing crewmen, as they saw her reddened shoulders and back. The towels hurt too much against her raw skin, so she instead chose to cover just her lower half.

She entered sickbay and was greeted by Endris. "Snacks, Karyn, what happened to you? You look as red as a strawberry!"

"Let's just say I overstayed my Risian welcome, do you think you can help a Risian poster child?," giggled Karyn.

"Looks like I have my work cut out for me, but I'll try." laughed the CMO, passing the dermal regenerator over the damaged skin. "There, good as new. I trust you're going to stay away from Risa for a while, huh? Perhaps you have more important things to do...and people to see?" asked the Tellarite, gibing her friend in her uninjured arm.

"My, my, word gets around fast. You have one small dinner in Ten-Foreward and suddenly the whole ship is whispering about it. Well, I guess it was my turn to be the center of the rumor mill. I can see what an oddity it must be, seeing me with a person of the opposite sex having dinner, it really must ruin the celibacy theory." answered Karyn sarcastically.

"It's just a surprise that's all. For your friends to see you out having a good time, it says a whole lot about how much you've changed since coming back from earth. I think we're starting to see the old Karyn again." said Endris, knowingly.

Karyn smiled, she had to admit she was starting to feel like her old self again. She couldn't easily rid herself of the anger she felt about the whole Russell situation, but deep down her heart knew she wasn't going to be able to do anything about it, until she'd let go of whatever it was she was feeling so she could use her energy to move her forward. "I think you're right, Gakes, though I wouldn't put all your faith in Ensign McDowell. It seems he's not as interested in me as I thought."

"Something tells me you shouldn't be so quick to judge. The rumor mill and Astrid Salt are rarely wrong about these things..."

"I'll keep that in mind." said Karyn, as she turned to leave Sickbay.

*** Once in her quarters, Karyn decided to put on her purple silk robe and review her plans for the next few days. Despite the crew being on shoreleave, there were still some lingering problems Karyn needed to see to.

It seemed Neil was still concerned about Elaine, who rarely left her own quarters anymore. Karyn knew this kind of reaction could occur, but it was difficult for her to see such a lively young woman deteriorate. Frustrated to no end, Karyn decided the only way there might be a breakthrough at this point was if Elaine could talk to a fresh face.

She sent Counselor Morax a note, asking if she wouldn't mind speaking to her once she got back from leave. As she had done what she could for Elaine for now, she turned her attention to Neil, who no doubt needed to get away. As if on cue, a message came in from Tim O'Connell asking her if she was ready for her "Security training." *That's perfect. I'll ask Neil if he wants to join us...perhaps Anna and Lex want to join us. She sent them a note asking them if they wanted to participate.

["Incoming Message for Lt. Dallas from Starfleet Academy, Medical Division - Nursing Department."]

Karyn wheeled over to her terminal to see what was coming. She watched with a combination of excitement and anxiety as the information filled the screen. She reminded herself she was only finding out more information about the nursing program. If her dinner with Michael proved anything, it was that she couldn't afford to ignore what would make her happy. She loved Counseling but she wanted the chance to expand her knowledge.

The Russell Institute had been able to take advantage of the fact that she knew nothing of what was going on. Since then, she'd looked up everything she could on the neural regeneration. It occurred to her that her desire to find out more could benefit more than just herself...but aid others as well.

*Besides, I already have some medical training, how hard could it be?* As she read further the educational requirements, she made a mental note to talk to Endris to see what she thought of her latest idea.

"Romulan View Point"
By: Lt Ryak Sullax
Science Officer
USS Galaxy

Ryak watched as the meeting went down. There was nothing more disturbing to Ryak then the reaction on the teams faces. Ryak felt a bit of pride when he saw the beginning of the meeting then it turned to concern. Ryak had a weird feeling through out the meeting. Something seemed wrong. Ryak knew that the Romulan Empire would not allow the Orion Syndicate run anything. All of this seemed too easy.

Ryak watched as the main Romulan introduced himself. Ryak just about choked on his tongue. There was no way that this would be happening. All of this seemed too convenient. Ryak began to run some DNA scans from his position. Ryak knew that the findings would not become apparent for three hours but he was going to do it anyway. Ryak started the scan and began to run some more tests on the surrounding area.

After the meeting was done the team was ordered to leave. Ryak made his way carefully to the beam up site with his tests. Once on board the Ferengi ship Ryak mad his way to his temporary quarters and began to run his tests.

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