Ensign Adrian An'quinsos
Counselor
USS Galaxy

And

Gailyn No'hisyndiosyn
Co- Manager of Ten- Forward

Returning from from a sweaty and exhaustive workout in the gymnasium, the El- Aurian, entered his quarters, headed for the bathroom, stripped, and plunged into a shower of cold water without thinking. Adrian jumped out in a flash; shivering and laughing.

"Computer, increase water temperature to 28 degrees Centigrade!"

The computer chirped, as the water turned from 'icy' to relaxing.

*Ten minutes latter*

Adrian laid on the couch, his shirt for a pillow, gazed inattentively into space with a huge smile, as he recalled the events of the last few days. Smiling, his feelings swiftly shifted into melancholy.

"You can't be serious sis!"

"It's just Klingon opera! It's not like I'm asking you to clean up your room or anything!"

"Yeah, but me? Learn how to sing Klingon Opera! "

"Well, I've already taught you music from over twenty- five cultures. What's one more going to hurt?"

"Well, I guess..." He looked at her with his eyes narrowed with a humorous frown. "But, there is no way, this side of the Beta Quadrant, will perform on stage! I've seen how physically painful they can be!"

"All right, all right! We'll begin in an hour." She grinned brightly as she saw him leave the room. "And tell Kailen and Jaina, that it would be safe if they were to leave the house for now." She noted as he turned around with a puzzled look. "For there hearing's sakes."

Adam smiled as he remembered that day. "Oh Sonia, it would have been nice if you would would have heard me." He began with a soft smile, looking down at the red jewel as it rested, centered between his impressive pecks. "You would have been proud."

A tear formed and cascaded down his cheek as he arose from his place and looked out the window. "It just doesn't feel the same without you... I guess it never will."

The young El- Aurian let his memories of her lay at rest for now. Spinning around, Adrian headed into the bedroom, dressed, and made his way to the Turbo lift.

"Deck 10"

****

"Good evening Yeoman Barth, Mrs. Barth. Happy 2nd anniversary!" Gailyn said as he mingled among the evening's dinner crowd. The young couple who he spoke to smiled and replied in kind as the elder El- Aurian patiently listened. It felt good to once again be back in the swing of things. The Captain was formally acquitted with apologies from Starfleet, the missing crew members had been rescued from Mergotti and President Kennely's untimely death had been avenged. Gailyn excused himself after recommending a few dinner items the young couple might wish to sample on their special evening.

Edging over to the bar he caught Door with a slight nod "Let's see about comping a bottle of Mum to the Barths this evening."

Door grinned "Number two eh? I'll see to it Chief." Gailyn smiled and slipped the young barkeep a few strips of latinum for his tip.

A light Betazoid jazz number had just starting playing in the background as a new face entered. Gailyn frowned slightly. There was something familiar about the charming young stranger as he took a seat near the bar.

"Who's that?" He asked Door subtly. The Cardassian/Human youth casually glanced over to the person Gailyn mentioned and smiled once again.

"He's one of our new councilors. His name is Adrian I believe. Adrian An'quinsos." Door replied.

Gailyn raised an eyebrow "An'quinsos? They Who Look To The Sea. It's an El- Aurian sur-name." Door issued a low whistle. He enjoyed hearing Gailyn speak the complex, musical El- Aurian language, but was always left baffled when the ancient alien translated it for him. Before he could inquire further, Door noticed that Gailyn was off again, this time mingling towards the new comer's table.

["Welcome to Ten Forward Adrian Who Looks to the Sea."] Gailyn offered in his native tongue to the handsome young counselor as he approached his table.

Adrian looked up slowly, his solemn look changing instantly into a bright smile. Standing before him was a tall humanoid, somewhere in his late twenties. However, even the young El- Aurian knew that looks could be deceiving. There was also something familiar about him. It was an old traditional El- Aurian saying, that they who judge by appearances alone, are poor judges of character themselves. The more Adrian gazed at the fellow member of his ancient race, the more it seemed just how much more experience the elder El- Aurian had.

["I've not heard that spoken to me in a long time."] Replying slowly back in their native tongue, with a soft smile. "Please?" He said, motioning Gailyn to sit.

"Thank you."

"And who do I have the honor of addressing?"

"I'm Gailyn No'hisyndiosyn, Co-manager of Ten forward."

"One Who Makes The Stars Their Home." Adrian replied with a grin. ["Thank you for joining me Gailyn Who Makes The Stars His Home"] He repeated musically in their native El- Aurian tongue.

The older El- Aurian nodded, as he noted something else about him. Around his neck, for all to see was a beautiful deep red jewel. It seemed to sparkle brilliantly, absorbing the light of the room, dazzling those who gazed upon its polished facets. The older El- Aurian thought back for a moment, recalling the full name of the red jewel.

"You wear an El- Aurian Ruby." Gailyn replied. ["The Stone of Blood."] He repeated in their language.

"Yeah, it was my sisters." He slowly began. "You might say it's a rarity, just like us."

"Was?" Gailyn began. "What happened?"

"Yeah," He slowly began. Strangely though, he felt naturally at ease speaking with another member of his race. It seemed as though the same for all of his kind. "She was killed at the battle of Wolf 359." Adrian paused momentarily, noting a sorrowful expression on Gailyn's face. "By the Borg." He spat out; the mere mention of the name was a curse to his people.

Gailyn nodded, memories of his own flooding back. "I'm sorry for our loss Adrian." he replied grimly. "It would seem that death stalks the universe, and even the Sun's children can not evade its cold steps forever." Joining his thumbs, the tall El- Aurian initiated a complex gesture closing his hands like a book. Adrian immediately recognized it as a quaint El- Aurian expression of superstition and grinned.

"Do you sing?" he asked Gailyn. The older El- Aurian's blue eyes twinkled slightly as he graced his table companion with a lopsided grin.

"I've been known to." before Gailyn could elaborate further, a tall green skinned figure ran her hand lightly over his shoulder. Gailyn shook his head for a moment, then smiled outright "Adrian, I'd like you to meet my best friend. This is Electra, hostess and Co-manager of Ten Forward. Electra this is Adrian An'quinsos, one of our new counselors."

The slender green skinned Orion smiled widely. "Charmed, I'm sure." She murmured appreciatively as Adrian gallantly kissed the back of her offered hand. "Gail, I don't know where you find them, but this one is certainly a keeper."

"I'm sorry?" Adrian asked, one eyebrow raised in question.

Gailyn flushed a deep red and dropped his head into this arms laughing "I think she means that you and I... never mind, following her logic will only give you a headache." Thoroughly embarrassed, but still good humored about it Gailyn lightly elbowed the sweetly grinning Electra. "I totally don't believe you just said that."

Electra shrugged "Hey, he's cute and has manners. You want to be a monk for the rest of your life?"

Gailyn rolled his eyes and flashed an apologetic smile at the obviously highly amused counselor "I'm terribly sorry Adrian. She's got you confused with someone else I met on a starbase a few weeks ago."

"You mean this isn't the guy you were telling me about?" Electra asked, her eyes suddenly going wide. Blushing a darker shade of green she quickly stood and tugged Gailyn's ear in apology "Oops! Well... look at that. Door looks like he could use some help behind the bar... I think I'll go now."

"You do that." Gailyn replied with another laugh as she quickly retreated behind the already over staffed bar. Turning back to his laughing table companion, the older El- Aurian shook his head "I'm sorry. Where were we?"

Adrian's eyes changed from their usual deep blue, to a bright turquoise as he kept himself from becoming any louder. Pausing to get a breath, he quickly changed his eyes to their original color. Looking over to Electra's direction, he boyishly winked at her, causing the Orion to blush even further. Adrian glanced over to Gailyn who almost burst out in laugher noticing Electra's further reaction.

"I think she like me." Adam jested.

Gailyn glanced over to Electra, who was smiling. "I think you're right."

"So," He began again. "Do you sing?"

"Well, as I stated I have been known to, but no major singing in the past century or so." He raised an eyebrow in interest. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, it's nothing." He started rather casually. "A fellow Counselor, Lieutenant Marshall and I sung a couple of duets in Ten- forward a couple of days ago. Our last song we sung, was 'The Lion sleeps tonight.' I looked for you, thought maybe you could help us out, but never found you. So, we had Door as our Baritone and Ensign Ronald for our Base."

"I be that was a sight!" Gailyn laughed. "How did you four do?"

"Well, it was SO bad, everyone in there, including us laughed our heads off from start to finish! There was no harmony whatsoever!"

"That's good, I'm glad it took their minds off what was going on."

"A couple of them even designated me with the nickname I had aboard the Andromeda."

"What?"

"Golden boy." Adrian began to elaborate, noticing a facial look of interest upon the El- Aurian. "My sister first taught me how to sing, read notes, and everything from basic to complex music theory. She and I would sometimes sing an old, difficult El- Aurian song called ['Child of the Stars.']"

"That is a very beautiful song."

"She would take Soprano and I the Tenor. The highest note it called for in the tenor section was the terran equivalent to a D flat above treble C, done only in natural voice." He grinned thoughtfully. "And at that time, all I could hit was C sharp at the time. So, I used to go to the Ancient Music Hall of Kha'hazahl. It took me nearly a month, and I over shot my mark by about a half a step."

"What happened afterwards."

"My mom happened!" He replied with a grimacing smile. "She got me up in front of every single official at the El- Aurian Capitol, and had me perform that song. When it came time for the high note, I nearly panicked. I closed my eyes, and with little effort, I hit the D like it was nothing. Later, my sister had taught me how to read music from so many worlds before she died, I was singing in my sleep!"

"So, what happened on the Andromeda?"

"I was in my Quarters reading a small piece of music from late twentieth century Earth, called 'The Rose' when some of the crew just happen to walk by my quarters and hear me. They quickly persuaded me to perform in front of the Crew. I do so, and the crew loved it."

"Hmmm..." Gailyn thought for a moment "Do you like jazz Adrian?"

Adrian grinned "It lends its self very well to performance."

Gailyn nodded "There is an Ella Fitzgerald holo program Electra and I have been working on for Door's birthday. Would you care to join us?"

The younger El- Aurian's eyes shimmered a lighter color of blue as his smile widened "Period clothing?"

Gailyn laughed "Of course."

"I'm there. Just let me know when , and I will clear my schedule."

by Ensign Ragnald Gustavson
helmsman, USS Galaxy
with permission of Captain Price and Lieutenant Pailaka

"We`re receiving a subspace call, Captain" Ensign Trinker noticed.

Captain Price turned toward him. "So don`t let them wait mate. On the screen."

The picture of an older woman appeared on the screen.

"G`day. I`m Joan Snider, Captain of supply vessel USS Virago. Our destination is Starbase 128. The only freight we have to deliver is a new crew member for your ship. What`s his name?"

The woman turned towards a man sitting at one of the rear panels.

"Gustavson, Ma`am" the man answered.

The woman turned back to the screen.

"Would you be so kind to slow down your ship for a moment and take over Mr. Gustavson? You would spare me a detour of about 60 hours. We had to stop to repair an engine failure so I`m late for almost that amount of time."

"All right, Captain Snider", Captain Price nodded, "we`ll slow down and exempt you from him."

"That`s very nice, Sir. Thank you very much. Snider out.".

Captain Snider disappeared from the screen.

Captain Price turned towards the Flight Control Panel. "Ensign Kolrami, slow down to ¾ impulse."

"Aye Captain", Ensign Kolrami confirmed.

Captain Price tapped his combadge "CPO Jensen, be prepared for the transport of a new crew member. Price out."

He again touched his combadge. "Lieutenant Pailaka. We`re awaiting a new member for your team. You should move to the transporter to welcome him. We don`t want our new helmsman to get lost."

[I`ll do so Captain, Pailaka out]

Ragnald Gustavson materialized that moment Lieutenant Pailaka entered the transporter.

"Ensign Gustavson? I`m Lieutenant Pailaka, the Galaxy`s chief helmsman. Welcome aboard."

Ragnald look at the imposing silhouette of his future boss. He was used to be smaller than other people but this man made him feel like a midget.

"We shouldn`t try to grow roots here. Come on, I`ll show you your quarter."

Ragnald shouldered his bag and followed Mike along several kilometers of hallways, bulkheads, doors and panels. It must be kilometers, Ragnald thought. And every hallway looked the same except of the doors` colors and some symbols near them. He decided to walk this hallways again when he was alone. After all he didn`t want to make himself look a hopeless fool by getting lost on the ship he was going to pilot.

"Here we are. " Mike stopped in front of a door. "The door is voice controlled. You have to register your voice by saying 'door open' or something else you like."

Ragnald took a deep breath like somebody who wants to sing near to a waterfall. Then, with his normal voice, he ordered "door, open please."

The door swung open. Mike turned around. Before leaving he mentioned "We`ll have a Flight Control Department staff meeting in 4 hours at the holodeck, deck 11"

The door closed. Ragnald fell onto his bed. First of all he needed a rest but he was not able to close his eyes to have some sleep. He didn`t want to be late and he was to excited. So he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling for a while.

=/\= "It's Called a Chop" =/\=
by Lt Cmdr Matthew Albrecht
with Lt Cmdr Endris Gakor-Albrecht

Endris and Matthew ended their long embrace wearing big smiles. They had been apart for several days, which was difficult for a couple married for less than a year. But, as newlyweds they recovered quickly from their separation. In unison they said, "Missed you!"

Adam looked up from the floor where he assembled fist-sized blocks into a semi-regular structure. He grinned wetly and repeated their words, "Mithed oo," while waving a yellow block erratically. This earned him a toothy smile from his dad, who stepped over and lifted the child into his left arm.

"Daddy has a gift for you, Adam. I found it in San Francisco, in Chinatown." The security chief retrieved his duffel from the deck beside his wife's leg and dropped it onto the couch. "It's in here somewhere," he said as he riffled through the sack. "Oh, here's one. It's mommie's," he declared and handed Endris a teakwood box the size of a cigar box. He thrust his hand back into the bag, still holding Adam, and moved it around the inside while he watched Endris.

Gakor turned the small box this way and that, drinking in every detail of the exterior. "What is it?" she asked prematurely. He laughed a little and told her to open it. He was holding Adam's now in his free hand.

Endris put the box on the table. The soft sheen of the box's finish reflected the cabin lighting. She lifted the lid and looked at the contents, perplexed. The case was lined with red silk embroidered with a classic Chinese dragon motif. There were three things inside. One was a red cotton cloth. Another was a small, rectangular block of some bluish-green stone. The last was a round object of the same stone with something carved into its top.

She grasped the round stone carving and picked it up. It turned out to be the lid of a small dish containing a heavy red paste. She examined the lid and found that it was carved with an image of the USS Galaxy. "The Galaxy," she announced softly.

"Mister Lin carved all of this by hand from soapstone while I watched. He's very talented," Matthew explained. "He reacted strangely when I told him I was from the Galaxy. I think he knows someone who serves aboard."

She put the small stone lid on the table and lifted the other piece of stone from the box. It was about the size of her thumb, almost perfectly shaped, with a Chinese glyph on one small end. She frowned trying to read it. "I give up, Muffin. What does it say?" She stepped up to him so he could look closely at it as well.

"It's your name. It's called a 'chop' - you use it as a form of signature, to personalize letters or poems," he explained. "I've got one. I'm not sure exactly what the symbols mean, though. Mister Lin asked for your name, and I told him. Then he asked what people called you, so I said 'Gakor.' So, I think it says 'Gakor.'"

She nodded, "Oh, I see. How clever! And he carved it by hand while you watched?"

Adam was not particularly impressed with his chop. He did manage to smear a bit of the red paste on his fingers and on his face, which was good for a bit of entertainment at least.

Gakor thanked him with a kiss. "Congratulations on the promotion, too. Second officer is a big deal; I'm so proud."

He smiled lopsidedly. "Well, it is a bit more responsibility. But I'll be doing the same job."

She shook her head. "Yes, unless there's an important away mission and you're called upon to lead it, or to perform Deiran's duties while he's away. And then there are the added projects. The first officer can't do everything, so he leans on the second officer," she explained. "Ask Kay how she liked it."

He looked thoughtful for a moment. "I do want to have a chat with her. Find out why she decided not to do it anymore."

She patted him on the shoulder. "You should. But not just now, okay? You've been away for too long."

Title: science in the dumpster
Author: Sandy

Character: Jake Olson

Jake Olson walked into main science just glowing. Jg now had a name, Scott Duncan.

"How are you feeling?" Scott asked. "Relieved you can remember names?"

"Yea, wonder how my little plants fared."

Jake tenderly checked each one, then his Betazoid Slugs. Every thing Jake tended to tended to move around, Scott noticed. How odd, moving plants, but Jake didn't comment. Once the young scientist checked on all the creatures, he went about the business of tending to the gear of higher ranking officers, cleaning microscopes and such.

Scott assisted. The pair chatted about botany. When Scott was with Jake, even the boring became so utterly fascinating. Jake's enthusiasm was infectious. When with Jake, Scott was never bored. Jake was becoming his best friend.

"You found a what?"

"An edible sponge that was growing on a petri dish and I saved it and marketed it as a super toy for kids!" Jake grinned. "Hey, it's funding my retirement, ah well, dumpsterdiving," Jake sang softly.

"You nut!"

"I'm telling you, there's gold in the rubbish, hey, that's where antibiotics were born!" Jake grinned impishly.

"Your pulling my..."

"Cross my heart, it's true, some scientist found a mould in a petri dish in the early 20th century and gave birth to one of the wonders of then modern medicine!"

"Well, if there is a next revolution found that way, you are going to be the one to find it." Scott told Jake.

"Redbedtehr's Receipt"
by, Lt. Comdr. Raesene Hermedhie,
Chief Tactical Officer
-------------------------------------

Two days after sending his message to the Chief Starship Construction Officer of the Beta Two Babylon Shipyards, he received a reply. This was in the voice of his old friend:

"To LCDR Raesene Hermedhie,

"I am intrigued by your letter, but must ask if this is all a joke. Seeing as it has been quite some time since we last met, this might just be one of my friends playing a cruel joke.

"If this is the real Raesene, he should know that more than one of us made it through. I currently command one Rashid ibn Corina, an Ensign in Starship Construction. As I am unsure why you would have come looking so recently, I deem it to be important to ask what prompted you?

"As for women, I found another who is from Aebrynnis. Sirena Wotenfür. I would ask her to marry me, but she is still getting over a horrible act that occurred to her when she arrived. She also is otherwise engaged as well.

"Well, I hope this works for an introduction, Please send a voice message the next time, so I can check it against my memory. If you are porven to be true, I will see if I can arrange a meeting on some suitable planet.

"Wilhem Redbedtehr, Out."

Raesene smiled. Wilhem had always been a cautious soul. And if Rashid was also there on the station, then who else could be out there?

Of course, there was the need to send a reply. He would use a voice message, as to keep his friend apprised that he was the real thing.

"To Wilhem Redbedtehr,

This is truly your old friend Raesene. As for leave, I have some saved up so that we could meet on some forsaken planetoid, if that is what you wish.

"As for reasons, I have Drago Mornoi serving under me. It should be a good process to go through with him, as he wishes to learn Tactical maneuvers under my tutiledge.

"I hope you recognize my voice, and that we can set up a time to talk or meet soon.

"Raesene signing off."

He then sent it on its long journey to the massive spacestation. It would be a while before he would get a response. That he knew. Besides, he had to ask Dierdren about this Sirena Wotenfür. Maybe she knew her.

"Grilled"
By Lieutenant Mikala Pailaka

***USS Galaxy, Deck 11***

"Do you smell something?" Ensign Frunchmic asked, his prodigious nose twitching as he paused to sniff the air.

Ensigns Wolcott and Kolrami paused in the corridor and sniffed. "Nothing." Said Kolrami.

"Me neither." Wolcott declared. "But then, I'm not a Tellerite. What do you think you smell Grubbir? Um..., Grubbir?"

But the young Conn officer was already moving down the hall at a fast clip, leaving his two companions behind. "Wonder what has him going?" said Wolcott.

"I'm more interested in why the boss moved the staff meeting to the holodeck." Replied Kolrami. "I don't remember any training exercises scheduled for today."

The two ensigns hurried their pace, spotting their Tellerite companion as he vanished through the doors to the holodeck. "I'm smelling it too now." Said Kolrami.

"Yeah, from inside." Added Wolcott. "Hmmm! Something is cooking!" The pair stepped though the arch and onto a lush expanse of grass and wildflowers. From above, a simulated sunset cast it's light while a warm, salt scented breeze rustled their hair. There were about a half dozen other helm officers present, all gathered around the large imposing form of Lieutenant Mikala Pailka, who was currently holding court in front of a large fire pit.

"Ah, great! You made it!" Mike said with a broad grin. "I think that's everyone so we can start!" Welcome to the Flight Control Department staff meeting and barbecue. I've got the short ribs slow cooking with a nice glaze and a big pot of Vulcan Mollusks steaming for those who aren't into red meat." Mike grabbed a pair of tongs in one hand and a brush in the other. He expertly flipped over the ribs and then lathered another coating of sauce on them. He looked up, seeing the eyes of his department upon him.

"Well, down to business then, while we wait for the first batch to finish up." Mike continued. "As you know, we'll be at Starbase 128 for a short time while we await our next assignment. We expect those orders to come through shortly. I'm not certain what they will be, but as usual, I'd like to be prepared for anything." He reached behind him and took out a stack of padds and started handing them out. "Here's the new duty schedule. It's pretty self explanatory. For you new folks, we run four shifts on the Galaxy. This gives more people the chance to sit in the chair and get in some bridge experience. It also allows us more time for training simulations. A list of the required simulations for the next month are on those padds. I've done my best to tailor each of the scenarios to take into account your individual strengths and weaknesses."

"Sir," Ensign Loomis spoke up. "we are not at war with any of these people."

"Not at the moment, no." Mike answered. "But who really knows what the future holds? We only recently finished up a costly war that hurt the fleets of every major power in this quadrant. Any number of potential threats could see this as an opportunity to advance their personal agendas. So, we're going to get familiar with the ships and tactics of them all." Mike glanced down at the padd and reviewed his notes. "We'll start with the Romulans and the Dominion, the two obvious choices. But we'll also be running simulations against the Klingons, the Breen, the Redeemers, the Tholians, even other Federation vessels." There was a touch of emphasis in Mike's voice as he mentioned this last threat. While most would scoff at the idea of Starfleet ships squaring off against each other in battle, Mike knew that it had already happened twice on the Galaxy and no doubt could happen again.

Mike looked at the sea of serious faces and smiled broadly. "But enough of the doom and gloom! We have some new officers to welcome into the club! Ensigns Taggart and Gustavson, welcome to the USS Galaxy. I think you'll find she's a fine ship, piloted by some of the best helmsmen in the Federation. I'm sure you two will number amongst them once you have had the chance to familiarize yourselves with her controls."

Mike paused for a moment and lifted the lid on the pot of mollusks, sending an aromatic cloud of steam cascading through the room. He stuck in a large wooden spoon and slowly stirred the pot. "Just about there." He said, with a satisfied look on his face. "So, any questions anyone?"

Ensign Frunchmic could not longer contain himself. "Snacks! All I want to know sir is, when do we eat?"

Mike joined the rest of his department in some good natured laughter. "I think we can start grabbing some plates and utensils." He said. "They're over on the table under the palm trees. "No rush, there is plenty for everyone. In fact..." He thought about it for a moment, scratching his chin. "Computer! Open the doors to the Holodeck a few centimeters."

It did not take very long at all. Within minutes, a trickle of additional officers and crewmen, attracted by the inviting smell, followed their noses to the barbecue. Some of them tapped their comm-badges and filled their friends in on the news. Before long, what had started as a staff meeting was becoming an event. Mike thought it was just what they all needed, after enduring the stress of the Captain's arrest and the bad feelings that had circulated in its wake. Any chance to blow off steam was a good one. And what better way to do it then with a good old fashioned barbecue? He looked forward to a few hours of uninterrupted feasting and conversation.

Lieutenant Mikala Pailaka
Chief Helmsman, USS Galaxy
AKA
David Friedland
ICQ#5805168

"Family"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain's Log: Stardate 50003.20

I have reacquainted myself with the happenings on board the vessel during my absence. The surveying mission to Mergotti was completed, with minimal cultural contamination to the inhabitants. So despite the problems with the away teams and the crashed shuttle, all appears to have turned out well. I'm sure Starfleet will be pleased with the data Commander Casey's crew collected under the most trying of conditions.

We have since left Mergotti and have headed to Starbase 128 and our next assignment. The Galaxy has been ordered to act as an emergency supply vessel to keep our bases and listening outposts along the Romulan neutral zone stocked up. Being the closest Starship in the area, the Galaxy has been asked to deliver the needed supplies to our Federation neighbors that guard the zone. Food, materials and medical supplies make up the bulk of the shipments. I expect we should be able to deliver the goods to the thirty six destinations in less than a week. Not a glamorous assignment by any means, but certainly a necessary one none the less. We should arrive at Starbase 128 within the next 48 hours.

***

Lee was walking the halls of the Galaxy doing everything he could think of to keep his mind busy. Lately his thoughts seemed to always return to his departed lover, the late Yeoman Jamie York. Walking the halls of the Galaxy, the Captain was spending half his time trying to get up the courage to go visit Counselor Dallas about the matter; and the other half finding excuses not to. This time it happened to be two passing crew members that whispered something about a barbecue on the holodeck. It didn't take any willpower at all for the Captain to abandon his up-teenth attempt at making it to the Counselor's office and about face towards the holodeck.

Captain Price missed the turbolift the other two crewmen entered, so he stood around patiently for the next lift. When it arrived, the doors swished open. Inside stood a surprised Lieutenant Jake Olson.

"Captain!" Jake declared as his casual stance suddenly stiffened, out of surprise.

Lee grinned while stepping onto the lift and raising a hand to wave the Lieutenant off. "As you where 'mate. I'm just heading to this barbecue I've been hearing about."

Jake relaxed somewhat and smiled. He had heard about the General's passion for anything barbecued. "I see sir. Then come follow me sir. I was just heading that way myself." Jake lied. He was actually heading to the science lab to check on an experiment he'd been overseeing there, but it wasn't time critical and he wanted to spend some time with the Captain, to thank him for his recent promotion to full Lieutenant.

"Fair dinkum then." Lee nodded. He then called out, "Deck 11." And the lift began to move.

Jake stood there awkwardly for a moment before he finally cleared his throat, gaining the Captain's attention.

"I just wanted to thank you sir for your vote of confidence." Jake stated.

Lee raised an eyebrow slightly, "What do you mean 'mate?"

"My promotion sir. . ." Jake said motioning towards his two full shinny pips, "I wanted to thank you sir."

The Captain smiled, "No thanks are necessary Lieutenant. It should be I that am thanking you for your diligent service to the Galaxy 'mate. "

"Still sir, I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate it. When 'Commander Sullax gave it to me, it came as quite a surprise." Jake explained.

"Well get used to it Lieutenant. With that extra pip comes a lot more responsibility. Do you know where 'Commander Sullax is now?"

"I think he went to attend to his son. Something about taking a shuttle to Risa with Lieutenant Tzell to visit his grand parents. . . that is the 'Commander's grand parents,. . . or, well actually that would be the 'Commander's son's grand parents;. . . not Lieutenant Tzell's grand parents. . ." Jake said clumsily as he silently scolded himself for talking too much in front of the Captain.

"I get the idea 'mate." Lee grinned as the turbolift came to a stop. "After you Lieutenant?"

Feeling a little embarrassed over the last set of words that tripped out over his tongue, Jake decided that instead of turning cherry red, that he'd call it quits right now. "Actually sir, I almost forgot. . . I need to check an experiment that's running in the science lab. But I should see you later at the barbecue."

The Captain gave Lieutenant Olson a nod. "I'll see you later then Lieutenant. G'day."

The Captain exited the turbolift and the doors closed. Jake turned towards the wall of the lift and began to gently pound his head on it. "Stupid, stupid, stupid. . ." he repeated.

***

Captain Price came walking into the holodeck where the barbecue was obviously taking place. The doors had been programmed for open door protocols, so anyone could enter. The added bonus of the open doors was that the wonderful smell of the cooking food, roasting over the open flames, could filter through the ship.

Lee walked onto what appeared to be a tropical beach. There was a lot of sand, and huge palm trees everywhere. In the distance the calm, tranquil ocean lapped at the clean sand dunes while the clearing nearest the door had a large gathering of people. There was a volleyball net to the side that wasn't being used at the moment, and near the waterline were several brightly colored surf boards stuck upright in the sand.

"G'Day 'mates, what have we got here?"

Lieutenant Pailaka smiled at the Captain. Something about the beach setting seemed to make Mikala's dark skin and blonde hair look that much more vibrant. "Aloha Captain. Just holding a department meeting that seems to have turned into a ship wide party. Would you care to join us?"

"I don't mind if I do 'mate. Especially if that barbecue tastes half as good as it smells." Lee smiled.

"Dig in sir. There are beverages on ice in the bucket over there." Mikala pointed. "Maybe later we can get you to take a ride on the surf board Captain. Nothing like hanging ten after a good barbecue." The Lieutenant smiled.

Lee had taken a rib and already bit off a large section of it as he replied, barbecue sauce dripping from his face, "I'll keep that in mind." The Captain stated in a partial mumble.

Mikala laughed before taking his cooking tongs and looking to the rest of the participants, "Okay, who's next?" he asked while dishing out the food.

Captain Price was enjoying his barbecue ribs when a familiar voice came up behind him.

"Glad to see you enjoying yourself Captain."

Lee turned to see Counselor Karyn Dallas sitting in her hoverchair and holding a plate of her own. The Counselor was suitably dressed for a day at the beach, her sundress looked most eloquent.

"I love a good barbecue Counselor. " the Captain smiled. It was a forced smile, but a good one. In actuality, this was the first time Lee had been anywhere near an idyllic beach like this since he went on vacation with Jamie at Risa. He was near the beach in San Francisco while being chased by the authorities, but that wasn't the same. Lee missed Jamie and the more he thought about it, the worse he felt. So he tried not to dwell on his loss.

"I can tell that." Karyn stated handing the Captain a napkin to wipe the red sauce off of his face with.

"Much obliged Counselor." Lee winked and wiped his mouth, trying to be the jolly Captain.

The Counselor wasn't buying it. "I'm surprised you haven't been by to see me Captain. I've been half expecting you to pop on in." Karyn stated.

Lee put down his food for a moment and nodded. "I've thought about it, but just haven't gotten around to it." The Captain stated evenly, then with a smile, he added, "I have been rather busy lately."

Karyn returned the smile and gave a slight nod. "Yes, what with running away from the authorities, and exposing the real Presidential assassin, I can see where that can take up a lot of your time. But I'm free later today Captain, and since you are no longer on the run or saving the quadrant, why don't you stop by so we can have a little chat?"

Lee's expression soured from the pseudo happy facade to a more serious one. In her own way, the Chief Counselor had managed to pin down the Captain over the pleasant discussion. "I suppose I can make the time available Counselor." The Captain finally agreed.

"Excellent. Then I will expect to see you in my office later today. I'll let you get back to your ribs now Captain. Enjoy the party." Karyn smiled before turning and hovering away.

Lee watched the Counselor leave and gave a slight smile. He then renewed his passion for the barbecued ribs and proceeded to devour what remained on his plate.

"Sullar's Journey Part 1"
By: Lt/Cmd Ryak Sullax
CSO, USS Galaxy

Ryak sat in his office looking over the stacks of padds on his desk. There was a whole lot on the go. Ryak had to get the sensors back to peak efficiency. As well Ryak had to get his report to the Captain on the last mission. Ryak just had to put the finishing touches on the report and get it sent in.

Ryak looked down at his padd and picked up the one with the requisition for his shuttle and pilot for Sullar's trip to meet his Romulan Grandparents. Lt. Frank Tzell was the pilot that was to pilot the shuttle. Ryak called up the bio on the pilot and read over his report. Lt Tzell was 45 years old and was going to be retiring very soon. Ryak could see that the pilot was rather adequate in the Romulan language. Ryak put down the padd as he heard his door chime.

"Come."

Into the office walked Lt(jg) Olson. "Sir you requested to see me?"

"Yes, I did." Ryak stood up from his desk and looked at Olson. "Mr. Olson I read your report on the mission and have found it rather interesting. As for your performance. That is what I need to discuss with you."

"I do not understand sir." Jake said as he kept standing at attention.

"I want that black pip on your collar. It seems that it is not warranted for you to be wearing it any more." Ryak held out his hand to have Jake put it in his hand. Ryak watched as the rather nervous and confused Lieutenant removed his pip and placed it in his commanders hand. Ryak looked down and placed the pip on his desk. "Now." Ryak continued as he picked up a new pip and tossed it at Jake. "put that on and get back to work, Lieutenant." Ryak sat back in his seat and picked up his padd as the full Lieutenant left the office in a state of shock.

Ryak sent in his report to the Captain and went to get his son packed up for his trip. He was going to be on his way within the next few hours. As Ryak arrived back at his quarters he began to get his son's things packed. As he did this Lt. Tzell dropped by to get himself acquainted with Sullar. It only took 20 min before Sullar was sitting on the pilots lap talking to him in Romulan. Ryak walked out of the room with Sullar's bag.

Ryak picked up his son and the three of them made their way to the shuttle bay for departure.

To be continued...

Chris Gagne
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Lt/Commander Ryak Sullax, Chief Science Officer, USS Galaxy.
Email: i2qtnot2b@hotmail.com
ICQ: 25686024

"Off Duty."

By Dr. Martin, Extended Medical Hologram - Version 2
& Lt Cmdr K'Eytyanna Samara - Chief Engineer

A dark storm cloud hung over Kay as she marched down to Ten-Forward, grumbling silently to herself. She just spend some serious overtime down in engineering fitting some new modifications to the warp core.

Unfortunately, what should had been a simple 3 man job requiring an hour of work, took 12 straight hours and the help of 3 engineer teams to complete.

~ If the eggheads at Starfleet Command wants to install new hardware on this ship every time we pull up to a Starbase they could at least make sure all the bloody connections fits!! ~

It won't be so bad if it had been this one time but this was the sixth incident in the last five months and her complaints about shoddy equipment have gone unanswered. When she started having fantasies of gleefully going after the Starbase supply master with a heavy blunt object, Kay decided it was time to unwind in Ten-Forward.

Upon entering Ten-Forward she noticed it was fairly busy, the air filled with light and friendly chatter. Kay glanced about looking for a place to sit but every table was taken, nor could she find anyone that she felt like associating with in her current mood.

"Hello," A friendly voice called to her.

Kay, turned to see a dark shinned human female sitting at a nearby small table, dressed in simple black civilian pants and shirt. She smiled up to the engineer. "You must be Engineer Samara."

Pausing to study this human, Kay determined that she looked friendly enough, maybe perhaps a little too bright eyed and all smiles but Kay determined she could look pass all of that.

"The name is Kay and I'm off duty," She extended her hand to the woman. "So lets not mention anything about work."

"Well, considering I'm off duty too," The woman in black accepted her hand shake. "You can call me... Ms. Martin." Then gestured to the emptied seat at her table. "Pull up a chair, I enjoy meeting new people."

Kay sat herself across from her. "So, Ms. Martin, I guess you heard about me?"

"You could say that. Your famous temper and physical abuse on engineering consoles with your fists does get around." Ms. Martin said with a smile. "Judging from that intense frown you were wearing when you first entered here, I guess you had a hard day in engineering."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Are you sure?"

Kay hesitated for a second then just blurted out all of her frustration at once. "Starfleet sent us a newly modified warp field regulator plus some new software for it that we had to install to help reduce the wear and tear on subspace by our warp engines and when we got the stupid thing it wouldn't FIT!! Most of the connections were the wrong size and I spend half the day with a small army of engineers running around replicating parts from scratch to fix it. On top of that, the damn p'takh who wrote the software caused a cascade failure that nearly reformatted all the computer cores."

The dark skin woman stared blankly at the engineer, surprised by her emotional outburst. "Feel better?"

"No but it's a start." Kay grinned, feeling some of the anger being released.

"I must say that I find the crew on this ship rather fascinating and very colorful." Ms. Martin said, looking about at the crowded lounge area. "This doesn't look like a boring vessel."

"Boring? No. It does get pretty crazy around here, especially during the war. Hopefully with it now over we can get back to exploration. You would not believe the punishment this ship took during the Dominion war, not just from combat but from pushing our engines to run from one hot spot to the next. Some times it got to the point that we had to be in two places at once."

"Did this ship suffered any loses?"

"More than I like to admit," Kay replied somberly, then growled angrily. "We lost too many good people through all of it. Damn Dominion and their Jem'Hadar trolls!"

Kay stopped, realizing she was letting her anger get the better of her again. "Sorry, I'm still letting off steam."

"It's all right, I understand--" Ms. Martin said before her voice dropped off. Suddenly she realized that she had never experienced what would it be like to lose someone close to her in her short time of existence.

"Did you lost anyone, Ms Martin?"

"I can't say that I did, you see I'm a ho---"

"Engineering to Commander Samara." Kay's comm badge suddenly chimed. The engineer closed her eyes, as if she knew what the message all ready was. With a sigh, she tapped her comm badge.

"Samara here."

"Sorry sir," The male voice hummed through apologetically with a touch of fear. "You asked to keep you informed about the new warp field regulator. We're getting unusual energy pulsation, I'm afraid it could be burning out."

"Bloody thing! What is with the equipment that Starfleet is pushing on us nowadays?!" Kay snarled heatedly. "I'm on my way. Samara out!"

Kay stood up and managed a smiled. "Sorry about this Ms Martin. Perhaps we can talk again at a better time."

"Sure, I would like that." Was all Martin could get out before Kay turned and hurried away for the exit of Ten-Forward. Then the EMH2 quietly added. "Please, don't hurt anyone."

"Images Of You"
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey
NPC CPO Thomas Jensen
[Note: Takes Place after the Galaxy arrives at Space Station 128]

*** Transporter Room Three ***

"What are you planning to do when we get onto the Starbase?" Cora asked Jarra, her Trill friend.

"There's this lovely shop on this station. The Bolian man has a wide variety of beautiful things but he also orders rare gift items and momentos from a 100 different worlds. There is this picture of a Frengot antelope that I would like to add to my collection. I'm going to see if he can get me a holographic picture of one," Jarra smiled.

"What about you Trinar?" Cora asked her Vulcan doctor friend.

"I plan to spend most of my time in the Vulcan temple. It's rare to have a temple of Vulcan origin on a Space station but should be sufficient for my time on board," Trinar replied stoically.

"Ready to beam down ladies?" Petty officer Sarra asked.

"Aye Petty Officer, energize!" The Vulcan doctor, Trinar replied.

Thirty seconds later all three women reappeared on the Promenade level of Space Station 128. Trinar headed for the temple and Cora and Jarra headed to the Bolian Basket, the shop she had told Cora about. They disappeared in the crowd.

*** USS Galaxy, Deck 8, Casey Quarters- 30 minutes later***

The Galaxy had just arrived at Space Station 128, soon after they left here they would be resupplying the outposts along the Neutral Zone but before the Galaxy would leave for that assignment the Galaxy would spend a few days here loading the cargo from the Space Station.

It had been almost 10 weeks since Casey last saw the twins, they were 18 weeks old and Deiran had spent maybe 3 weeks of their life with them. It saddened him to think he'd only seen them for 17% of their life. But, that would all change now.

Miran had recovered from her hysterectomy, she had spent the time after her recovery working for Deiran's grandfather in the Federation Council Offices. Jonathan Thomas Casey had been a Federation Council member for what seemed to the UFP citizenry to be eons. Miran had become a favorite of the Casey clan. She had become their daughter, their true daughter. Granddad Jon especially loved Miran.

For awhile Casey thought he'd have to wrestle his own Grandfather to get his wife away from him and back on the Galaxy.

But, he eventually convinced Granddad Jon, his father and mother and the rest of his family on Earth that it was time for their beloved Miran to return to her husband. He smiled at the thought. He prayed she was better physically, he had missed her in every way a man can miss his beloved wife.

Just twenty minutes ago Miran had surprised Deiran with a call from the station. That was before the Galaxy arrived. Now that they were entering SS 128's space it would just be thirty minutes before the Galaxy was docked. Miran seemed happy to see him and he was overjoyed to see her and hear her voice. He had missed her so much.

He couldn't forget Lara. She had her third birthday four and half months ago, in fact just about 4 days before Alex and Jade were born. She'd be in preschool in no time. In fact, Casey would begin to teach her to read Federation Standard and modern Bajoran. She was a Casey after all. Deiran was reading Federation Standard and Klingon by the time he was two and a half. He'd pulled apart his first LCARS display by the age of five.

"Time is 1400 hours…" the computer reminded Deiran.

"YES!" Deiran roared and pumped his fist at his side. He was undoubtedly excited to have his family return to him after eight months of being off the ship.

He'd had to endure so much while they were away. Deiran was strong, but his life was empty without Miran and their children. Deiran loved being a father, he was looking forward to rocking Alex and Jade to sleep at night. He was looking forward to being able to snuggle with Miran on a cold night, to spoil her with romantic dinners and go horseback riding on their Bajor program.

Three years ago he was a restless, reluctant husband and now at this point in his life he had grown to be a loving father and husband full of passion for his wife. He was happy. Very happy.

"Time is 1408 hours…" the computer reminded Deiran again. Deiran was pacing, counting down the seconds until he'd be a full-time dad and husband again. He could not wait. He was like a small child on Christmas morn.

Just as the computer reminded Deiran of the time, Alexa strolled into visit her brother. She wanted to greet her sister-in-law and her little nieces and nephew.

"Hey bro!" Alex giggled as she tried to tickle his toned abs.

"Don't even try it!" Deiran laughed. When his sister tried to tickle him, he flexed his abs and they felt like a chunk of 3 inch tritanium plating.

"Man Dee, you've been working out," she lifted up her brother's tunic and her jaw dropped. "My god! I can see every single part of your abs, they look like a washboard! You've been working out too much Dee," Alex replied, shocked at how toned her brother was. He looked like the male models on the covers of those men magazines of the late 20th century.

"What else was I supposed to do while Miran was away? I had to put all that pent up sexual tension somewhere," Deiran replied, his face void of any smile. It had been hell for him. He found that the holodeck Miran just wasn't as good as the real woman. So, that idea didn't last very long.

"Time is 1413, seventeen minutes until…"

"YES! Let's go Sunshine, time to meet 'em!" Deiran was down the corridor and half way to the lift before Alex even turned for the door.

"Wait up Dee!" she called out after him, running down the corridor and barely caught the turbolift.

"Keep up Sunshine. WOW! They're actually coming back!" Deiran said, his face looked like the double suns of Helex III. It was so bright it practically blinded his sister.

"You love them so much. Absolutely amazing that my big brother, Mr. Macho- egotistical, star of the quadrant has finally learned to be a family man. Never thought I'd see it. I'd thought you'd be the 24th Century's answer to James T. Kirk and Dirk Diggler! Thank God for Ti Miran! I know Mom's relieved," Alexa was laughing her head off at her own joke at her brother's expense.

"Be glad you're a girl Sunshine, if you had a penis you'd be knocked cold on the deck of this turbolift for that one!" Deiran replied, but couldn't hold back his laughter. Brother and sister laughed all the way to transporter room one.

They entered to find CPO Jensen at the controls of the transporter.

Deiran was in an exceptionally good mood and went over to Jensen.

"Hey Tom, how are you today?" Deiran asked, a smile so bright it almost blinded Jensen.

"Doing good sir, I don't even need to ask you how you are sir. Excited about the family coming back to the ship?" Jensen asked.

"Aye! I am," Casey replied.

"They're scheduled for transport in five sir, you're a bit early."

"Yep I know, couldn't help it. It's been eight months since they've been on the ship Tom. I'm excited. Have you seen the twins yet Tom?" Casey asked the man.

Before Tom could even say a negative or positive to the question, Casey had a holographic imager out of his pocket and showing Jensen the pictures of himself holding Alex and Jade in each of his arms.

"Beautiful kids sir," Jensen replied, he'd seen the pictures a thousand times and knew darn well Casey didn't care if he'd seen them a million times. He just loved showing off his twin babies. He couldn't hide the fact he was so proud of Alex. He'd fathered a boy, and you would have thought he'd given birth to little Alex himself.

"Time to transport sir, they're on their way," Jensen smiled and watched the transport control station as their coordinates appeared on the display. "I have their position sir, transport commencing."

Alexa let out a squeal and clapped, she was dying to see the twins too, she hadn't seen them before.

Seconds later five blue fields of haze and molecules appeared on the transporter pad.

*** Deck 34, section 045, Jeffrey's tube 67B ***

A spark of light and energy erupted at the precise point where the secondary and primary buffer coils were located for transporter room one. In seconds, the system had a complete meltdown.

It began to spread to the secondary DNA buffers in transporter room three. Pretty soon the only thing working in the area of section 045 was the emitter array coils and one EPS conduit.

*** Transporter Room One ***

"WHAT THE…!" Jensen screamed.

Deiran looked on in horror as he saw the beams flicker in and out, in and out. "Come on Tom, its taking too long!" he said, almost panicking. Deiran Thomas Casey never panicked. But they'd already been in the beam now for over 90 seconds. Usually it didn't take more than 20.

"My God man, that's my family in there, do something!" Deiran erupted at Jensen.

"I've done all I can sir, the primary and secondary buffers have completely shutdown, the ISO chips that control this station are barely registering on the display. The system has just practically self-destructed Commander!" Jensen replied. He was panicking now, shifting his gaze from the useless display to the pad a few yards in front of him.

"Emergency protocols then Tom, NOW!" Casey screamed the orders. "Oh my god they've been in there now for over four minutes!"

Alexa broke down in tears as she looked at the pad and saw her brother's family hanging in the balance.

Jensen was doing everything he possibly could. Nothing was working.

"DAMNIT! Work you SOB!" Casey screamed and kicked the transport console as hard as he could.

They now had just two minutes left to spare before the entire system would shut down and Deiran would lose his entire family, and it would happen right in front of his eyes.

"I'll be damned if I'll watch my family die!" Casey roared and ran over to the access panel behind him and ripped the panel off and practically threw it across the room. He accessed the main computer and redirected power and memory allocation so that Jensen would have something to work with.

"Try it now Tom," Casey said, he could hear Alexa sobbing. It was a sound he'd remember for the rest of his life. In the blink of an eye his world had shattered. He was watching a bonafide tragedy, it was the first time in his entire life he'd ever felt helpless. This kind of accident happened once every fifteen billion transports. It was as rare as anything could be in the universe and it was happening to his family.

"I've got the primary buffer back on-line sir, DNA pattern stabilizers are on-line and the patterns are holding. Here they come…" Jensen finished the transport and Moira, the children's nanny, was the first to materialize, she was holding Alex and Jade. Lara was standing by herself, she had enjoyed the transporters and thought she was a big girl when she was allowed to stand by herself instead of her mommy holding her. Lara materialized just milliseconds after Moira, Alex and Jade.

"MIRAN!" Deiran cried out as he saw her pattern fading in and out. "Damnit Tom! Do something!" Casey cried out again.

Tom did the only thing he knew to do, a little known trick of patching into another transporter room's DNA pattern buffers and bouncing the beam off the artificial atmosphere of the space station. The transport beam bounced twice and returned. In twenty seconds, if she didn't rematerialize her molecules would fade away into oblivion.

Deiran stood by and watched as Jensen's fingers moved at lightning speed. The man was doing everything he possibly could to save the First officer's wife. The system was just too badly damaged, it was a miracle Moira and the children reappeared.

Ten seconds…

Alexa wanted to run to Lara but Miran was still stuck in the beam.

"Sir, I've used all the power this transporter can give me!" Jensen reported.

"Then do what you have to do to save my wife, but hurry man!" Casey yelled, not out of anger but out of fear of losing the only woman he'd ever truly loved in his entire life.

Five seconds…

Jensen then redirected Miran's pattern into the DNA buffer in Transporter room three. On the console it showed that it had not been used in over two hours when in fact it had just been used thirty minutes ago to transport three female Starfleet Officers.

The system believed that all four DNA patterns were the same person and combined them instantly.

One second left…

"I got her sir, she's rematerilaizing in transporter room three!" Jensen screamed in relief. Not knowing that there were three other DNA patterns stored in the secondary buffer of TR three.

Alexa ran to Lara at that moment and scooped her niece up into her arms. She almost lost her and the babies before she even was able to meet them.

"Are you okay Moira? The babies okay?" Deiran asked the young woman.

"Yes sir, they seem to be fine," Moira replied.

"Casey to sickbay! There's been a transporter accident, a doctor is needed in transporter room one NOW! On the double!" he didn't wait around for an answer, he expected compliance.

"Jensen get an entire Engineering crew here to fix the problem PRONTO!" Casey said and ran out of the room.

He had to check on Miran. He ran down the hall and into the turbolift. Transporter room three was just a level below them. It only took Casey a minute to get down to that level and into the transport room where Miran was.

The doors opened and in walked Deiran.

"Where am I?" a woman asked Deiran. "What's happened?"

Deiran looked at the woman in horror! He opened his mouth to speak, to scream, anything and nothing bellowed forth. He ran to the transport display to check and see what had happened.

"Oh my God!" Deiran looked up, with the knowledge that the woman before him was the last remaining entity he had known as Casey Ti Miran. His Miran was gone.

Casey looked at the woman, he couldn't feel. His heart was broken. The computer display showed that 35% of Casey Ti Miran's DNA had been combined with that of three other female officers. Miran was gone and had been replaced with the woman standing in front of him.

Deiran's eyes began to shed tears of sorrow. He had lost her.

He walked over to the woman and took her hand, "Please come with me, we need to get you to sickbay," Deiran led her out of transporter room three and darted for Sickbay. He just hoped that Gakes could rectify the situation.

As they left the room, the entire transporter system went off-line. The Galaxy no longer had the use of transporters. When they went off-line, Miran's DNA pattern was lost…

The woman with Deiran looked up at him, taking her hand and gently brushing away the silvery tears on the man's cheeks, "Don't worry Deiran, everything's okay."

"Drinks & Introductions"
by Lt. Commander Thomas
Starfleet Liaison Officer
USS Galaxy

&

Captain Price
Commanding Officer

** Thomas's Quarters **

Chris and Anna were using the last few minutes to get ready to meet with the captain. They were to meet him for drinks in 10 forward at twenty one hundred hours for drinks. He'd made sure to give Anna plenty of time to get ready, as he knew her that she needed a fair warning about the time of any event.

He'd changed clothes into something more casual, but he still had his combadge on his shirt. He'd become accustom to wearing the thing everywhere he went on Earth. He'd gotten into the habit of continuing that and making sure he was ready for anything at any time.

"We should get there before the captain does, dear." Chris said heading for the door.

** Price's Quarters **

Captain Price was getting back into the swing of things. For the first time in the last week, he'd been able to relax. He still felt lonely because of the loss of Jamie, but somehow the whole ordeal with the President had managed to dull that pain. But there was no question, it was still there, especially at times like this when everything went quiet and Lee had a chance to think and reflect. Pulling down a image of Jamie a street vendor snapped during their trip to Risa, Lee stared at it for a moment and wished things could have been different. It was times like this that made him think of his family and the home of his childhood back in Sidney. Had he not made plans to meet with Commander Thomas and his wife in Ten Forward, the Captain might have gotten an urge to hail home and talk to his mum. But it was getting late, and he needed to change. Placing the snapshot back on the mantle, Lee pulled off his duty tunic and headed to the sonic shower with a sigh.

** 10 - Forward **

Chris and Anna entered 10-forward hoping they'd beet the captain. They both started scanning the room looking to see if Price was already there or if he'd arrived before them. Chris figured the captain was already there before them, because they'd left their quarters at two minutes to twenty-one hundred hours.

"Captain Price." Lt. Commander Thomas said as they approached where he was sitting.

"G'day 'mate. Glad you could make it." Lee smiled. The Captain was out of uniform, wearing what looked like comfortable, casual wear.

"I would like to introduce you to my wife Anna." Chris said.

Lee gave a nod and glanced at the gorgeous woman that was holding the 'Commander's arm. Chris and Anna made a striking couple. "I'd like that. I'd like that very much." the Captain said standing up to greet them both.

"And this is the now famous and infamous Captain Robert Edward Lee Price, the ships captain." Chris said turning to his wife.

"A pleasure to meet you captain, I have heard a lot about you." Anna said.

"So this is the woman that managed to capture your heart so quickly 'ey? I can see why that is." Lee smiled. He then leaned nearer to Anna and in a half whisper, as if to make it so Chris couldn't hear, though there was no doubt he could, the Captain added, "Don't you believe half of the bad things he says about me, but all of the good." Lee winked.

The comment brought smiles all around.

"Please, why don't you have a seat. I want to hear all about how you two met." the Captain asked.

Chris, ever the gentleman, pulled Anna's chair out for her and then took the seat beside his love. Captain Price gestured towards the bar and in no time Electra had come over to take everyone's orders.

"I really don't know where to begin captain." Anna said while looking over at Chris. It was obvious that she was still deeply in love with her newlywed husband.

"Why don't you start from the beginning dear?. . ." Chris suggested.

Anna nodded and started from the beginning, actually started from their knowing each other briefly at the academy. They were only passing acquaintances at that time, but when you only end up having two or three classes together you don't get the chance to know each other that much. She talked for about fifteen minutes giving her perspective and noting that her teaching was very important to her.

Chris picked up where she left off and continued to talk about their future and what they'd been doing on Earth.

They said their good nights to the captain and departed to their quarters. Chris and Anna loved the freedom that his duty assignment gave him, because he could work alpha shift when required. He also had the ability to work in one of the other shifts if something came up and caused him problems.

Life was certainly different at this position in his life then it was when he was just a ensign. Life was good and he was happy for the first time in a very long time.

Christopher Patton
ICQ # 11497863

Title: blabber mouth
Thread: after the promotion
Author: Sandy

Character: Jake Olson

"Do you have to give me that?" Jake complained to Dr. Aims as she sent a hypo home in his arm. "I can't shut my yap and I am scared I'll fall into a trap!"

"What?" Dr. Aims asked.

"I made an utter ass outa my self at Captain Price, and then there was the special with Sullax earlier! I personally am getting a bit sick of toe jam special! I'm terrified of what I'm gonna say next!"

T-Prea entered the med bay as Jake finished his grump. She laughed along with Dr. Brook Aims.

"Nice to know your the same Jake I used to know!" T-Prea joked.

"Nice to know the three of you think its so funny," Jake mugged. "No, four." Both women found themselves touching their tummies.

T-Prea laughed even harder.

The pair headed out of med bay and toward the big BBQ in the holodeck, Jake continued griping good naturedly to T-Prea's laughter. He looked silly in a floral print shirt and a pair of screaming checked shorts, she stunning in a off the shoulder white dress.

Jake and T-Prea found another couple and chattered long into the night. Neither drank alcohol, he on medication and she pregnant, although a few had asked what made him so goofy. His spindly arms and legs sticking out of the outrageous clothes and his personal coloring made him even nuttier.

Scott caught sight of Jake and after one look, just burst forth in laughter. His date looked at him as if he'd gone bananas. "You OK?"

"Just caught sight of my best friend, Jake Olson over there, the fashion felon."

"That man is a -scientist-?" The Susan Jones gaped. He looked like a buffoon. "Waitaminute, that's Jake Olson, I remember him! Where in Hell did he get that screwball outfit?"

"Let's go find out!" Scott wandered over. He was stylishly clad in matching white shirt and slacks. She wore a skimpy dress in red.

"Hey Bud!" Scott greeted.

"Scott! Susan, how are you guys doin'?" Jake grinned at the well tanked pair. Both had too much to drink.

"Wonderful!" Susan twirled. Fell down. Scott, Jake, and T-Prea glanced at each other.

"Maybe I should put her to bed." Jake's mother duck instincts came forth. T-Prea's momentary spurt of anger was changed to amusement when she saw his expression.

"Her date should say that! Your not her mother Jake! You'd be the mother hen of the entire ship." T-Prea laughed.

Scott looked at them bewildered, more than buzzed.

"Yea, well, he needs a bit of help himself." Jake blushed.

"All right, come on you two," T-Prea laughed, as she grabbed Scott, the larger of the two, he Susan, as Jake wasn't as strong as T-Prea.

Each guided their charges to their respective quarters, T-Prea dumped Scott in bed with his shoes on. She didn't have a lot of sympathy.

Jake had a different situation, his instincts told him something was wrong. Susan didn't look right, she was slurring her words. Her body didn't look right. In fact, it looked familiar in the way it didn't look right.

"Let me help you," Jake helped her out of her dress, seeing the strange color the girl's body went. The shoes fell off feet that looked too large.

This wasn't funny. Olson cradled the girl a moment, thinking, his mind a decade in the past. He helped her lean forward, then called for help.

"Olson to med bay."

[Med bay,] Brook Aims answered gaily. [How you doing Jake?]

"There's a medical emergency, I'm in Susan Jones' quarters."

[T-Prea isn't going to like that,]

"She's vomiting blood. She needs medical help now. She drank too much at the party, possibly something else, I need help." Jake stated with a cool, but very serious tone. No funny business here.

Jake and Susan were beamed directly into med bay, Jake's silly clothes were covered in the young woman's blood. He cradled the wimpering girl in his arms in a protective clasp.

"When did you notice something was wrong?"

"I'm not sure, I just didn't feel right, I stayed for a few minutes, helping her get out of that dress of hers, she didn't look right, the dress was like strangling her." The girl was bloated, her body didn't look normal. Jake was right to get the tight dress off.

There was no blushing, Jake spoke like some one whom handled overdoses in his past. Aims asked about his calm and unusual actions. Jake seemed sheltered, but now behaved like an old pro.

"This isn't my first time dealing with an overdose, I think she had Spice, I don't know where she got it, but when the body bloats, you have to get them out of anything constricting. The dress she had on was just ghastly." Jake said rapidly as the girl was put on a bio bed. "If I was wrong, I deal with the consequences, and would have some explaining to do. That wouldn't bother me as much as if I was right and she died or something."

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

T-Prea got Scott into bed and went searching for Jake whom hadn't returned. She was beginning to get peeved, and went to Susan Jone's quarters. Was Jake as pure as he claimed?

She found a large puddle of red blood, not a cheating mate. Or for that matter, anyone. She called sickbay, and was briefed on the situation. T-Prea rushed, all but running to the sick bay.

Susan Jones was stabilized, and Jake was getting cleaned up, having to go home in a set of hospital pajamas. When she held him, he was shaking in aftermath. "How did you know how to handle a Spice overdose?" T-Prea wanted to know. Jake was the most law abiding, straight arrow individual on ship, he didn't even drink.

"My parents." Jake mumbled, not looking at her. T-Prea said nothing more. "I think I'm going to need to talk to security, I am a witness."

=/\= "Holo-barbecue, Look Out" =/\=
by Lt Cmdr Matthew Albrecht

Matthew left his office and walked to the center of Main Security. He reached over to the situation board and activated the P.A. in the brig and both armories. "Listen up, people. My wife has just informed me that lieutenant Pailaka and the Flight Control staff is hosting a barbecue in Holodeck One. I suspect that many of you already know this, and might be planning to take a trip down there yourselves," he said in a warning tone.

He crossed his arms. "I have two instructions for you. Number one: you do not leave the department understaffed. That means, two people at a time can go to the barbecue and stay long enough to get a plate and be respectful to your hosts. Go ahead and bring your food back to your posts. If you can get an off-duty officer to cover you for longer, then have a good time."

His officers grinned, happy to be free to enjoy themselves at least for a few minutes even during their shifts.

"Number two:" he continued, "You represent Security while you are at the Flight Control function. The chief may not have expected so many guests. Some of you at least should bring a plate of something with you. Ensign Rios, I seem to recall that you have a replicator formula for a delicious Rokeg Blood pie with pineapple and coconut. That ought to fit in just fine at a Hawaiian Luau." The comment earned him a sour look from one of his more tender-stomached officers.

Ensign Bolly clapped his hands together and rubbed them. "Thanks, chief!" A few others expressed quick gratitude as well. Several of them had heard about the party and didn't want to be left out.

Soon, the details were worked out by the officers involved. 'Commander Albrecht eventually made his way to the festivities as well.

The barbecue was crowded. Apparently, the grapevine on the Galaxy was alive and well. He wound his way through the mob and found some room on a table for his platter. He removed the plastic cover to reveal a pile of seared tubers from Tellar. The sugary glazing over the top of the bright white vegetables smelled like caramel, and dripped off the platter to make tiny puddles on the table.

Celebrants gathered around before Matthew could get away from the table. They were eager to try the new dish. He squeezed out amid mumbled 'yum's and 'ooh's. Seeing one of the new Helm officers, he introduced himself and thanked the young man for allowing the other departments to share their festivities.

"Obey orders? Kidding right?"
By Ensign Peter Lockhart
With an unauthorised appearance by, well, everyone really.

Peter sat in his quarters pulling his San Diego Flash socks on. The yellow and white didn't go very well, but Peter had learned long ago that all the teams he played for had an appalling sense of colour coordination. Mark Mulich stood nearby, dressed in the much gentler blue and white of Connecticut Wolves.

"Ready Pete?" Mark said.

"Yep. But I don't see what's wrong with Telford United and Yeovil Town?" Peter said, still regretting letting Mark pick two American football teams he knew very little about. "And if you had to pick some American teams, what about DC United? At least I know them, and they have a sensible name, instead of something stupid like," Peter put on his best American drawl, "Dallas Burn or even Columbus Crew."

"Maybe, but somehow Dallas Town and Columbus Rovers don't have that ring to it." Mark said smiling.

"Bollocks!" Peter said bluntly. "I'm going to get up a petition to have Dallas' name changed to Dallas and Hove Albion! Anyway, let's go!" Peter said, springing up.

Suddenly, a the comm system came on, as a security wide announcement started and Peter had (rather foolishly now) set it to receive messages from deck 38.

The tones of 'Commander Albrecht broke in. "Listen up, people. My wife has just informed me that lieutenant Pailaka and the Flight Control staff is hosting a barbecue in Holodeck One. I suspect that many of you already know this, and might be planning to take a trip down there yourselves."

Peter said quickly, "We were... and we still are!"

"I have two instructions for you. Number one: you do not leave the department understaffed. That means, two people at a time can go to the barbecue and stay long enough to get a plate and be respectful to your hosts. Go ahead and bring your food back to your posts. If you can get an off-duty officer to cover you for longer, then have a good time."

"Excellent." Peter said, before the commander broke in again.

"Number two: You represent Security while you are at the Flight Control function. The chief may not have expected so many guests. Some of you at least should bring a plate of something with you. Ensign Rios, I seem to recall that you have a replicator formula for a delicious Rokeg Blood pie with pineapple and coconut. That ought to fit in just fine at a Hawaiian Luau."

"Excellent again!" Peter bawled. "Stuff that idea Mark. Get your footy boots off. Get your trainers on instead. We're having a kick about on the beach. We need something to barbecue quick!" he said, wondering.

"But what about leaving the department short staffed?" Mark said.

"We're not on duty, and I don't care. If Albrecht is there and complains, he's going in the ocean. Computer," Peter said. "Replicate some frozen burgers, frozen sausages and some bread rolls."

He then quickly flung off his boots, put some trainers on, grabbed his football in one hand, a plateful of food in the other and directed Mark to get the next plate and follow him. Reluctantly, Mark sighed and did as he was asked.

******* Holodeck One, five minutes later. ***********

Peter and Mark reached the doors of the holodeck to find it slightly open. In front of it, they met Heidi Mason and Chris Aaron just arriving.

"Heidi! Chris!" Peter bawled in his far-too-happy tone. "Glad you could come. Grab the football and lets go inside."

The couple where too shocked to argue as Peter stormed inside to view the surroundings. Mike Pailaka was manning the grill and Peter immediately stormed over to him and and offered the plate of uncooked food.

"Excellent barbecue Mike! Brought some food and all that. Can I just park myself anywhere?" Peter started in a flurry.

"Er, yes sure Ensign." Mike said, wondering who this mad chap was wearing a strange sporting outfit.

Peter didn't wait any further, just handed the plate over and hurried Mark up in handing over his plate. He then quickly grabbed the football back of Chris and roared off down to the beach bawling that Mark should follow post haste.

A familiar voice shouted after him. "Ensign, control yourself!" came the booming voice of Matthew Albrecht. It may have wanted to say more, but Peter reacted instantly, turning on his heel and throwing a salute the 'commanders way.

"YES SIR!" Peter screamed, before twisting back on his heel and roaring down to the beach. The 'commander just looked on in shock as Mark Mulich scurried past with a quick, "Sir."

******** Thirty Minutes later ***********

Peter was still hyper. He was now engaged in trying to hit his football that he managed to kick too far 'outfield' and had landed in deep water. He chucked another stone and managed four skips before it stopped.

"FOUR!" Peter said, turning back to Mark Mulich, who was chewing on a rib of meat of some sort.

"Mmmmmm." Mark agreed. Nearby, several other officers had come down to the water's front. Peter surveyed the scene and was sure he could see several security officers here who probably shouldn't be here, but he didn't think 'Commander Albrecht had noticed yet. He seemed to busy chatting to some helmsman, so for the moment, Peter was safe. He didn't care anyway just yet.

He then lobbed another stone the balls way, before getting bored and storming back up the beach to grab a burger and hotdog. Deftly avoiding all officers above the rank of Lieutenant J.G. (and Sanchez) he managed to make it back in one piece, still with his commission. He skidded to a halt next to Chris Aaron, Mark Mulich and Heidi Mason before realising that neither Heidi or Chris had anything to eat. He immediately handed them the food before ducking down and surveying the scene back to the barbecue.

"They'll be ready for me this time." Peter said to no one. "But Peter Lockhart, secret agent for the Federation, will return with the secret of burgers and hot dogs." he said and stormed up the beach again like a headless chicken. He did his best, but it wasn't good enough, Albrecht and Sanchez, his two favourite people, caught him at the grill.

"Ensign." Sanchez started, but Albrecht cut her off.

"Mr. Lockhart, please calm down. I realise you're off duty at the moment, but that doesn't mean you have the right to go tearing around the holodeck like some maniac. Calm down and I want to see you WALK back to where Ensign Mulich is." Albrecht said pointing.

"Yes sir." Peter said, with the usual silly grin on his face. He grabbed a plate and started to walk back to the beach. No doubt they would have something to say to Peter after the event was over, but for the time being he appeared to be safe. He arrived back with the other three and started eating his fill.

******* Another half hour later **********

"So that's why O'Connell gave you extra training?" Mark asked.

"Yep. But it wasn't too bad. Could've been a lot worse. I must remember, next time I mention him or Ames, I keep it down." Peter replied.

"Speaking of the doctor. How's she doing?" Mark asked.

"Don't know. I mean, I think she's doing fine. She's... ohhh... what? Six and a half months along now?"

"Yeah, so I suppose that'll mean the baby will be due sometime around...." Mark did a quick calculation, "Stardate 50005.30?" Mark sighed loudly. "So O'Connell will be on leave, so we'll be short staffed. Bet I get lumbered with the extra work load."

"No, it'll be more like 50006.06 I reckon." Peter said, "And it'll be ME that gets the extra work load, guarentee it!"

"Does it matter when?" Mark said, "I'll get the workload."

"No, it doesn't matter when." Peter said, "but it COULD! Howabout a little wager Mark, on when Ames delivers. We'll have a pool. I'll put in five credits and you put in five." Peter said, grinning.

"I don't really think this is something we should be betting about." Mark said aghast.

"Can I join?" said Chris Aaron, breaking away from Heidi for a moment to listen in.

"Yeah, why not?" said Peter. "In fact, while we're hear, let's make it interesting. We all put in five credits, pick a stardate and the closest one to the correct answer gets the pool at the end?"

"Nice idea Peter." Chris said. "I'm sure Andy McElvogue will be up for it too."

"Well, let's spread it around a bit. Keep it to Ensigns in security..... maybe Medical too if you know them well enough. AND DON'T LET ALBRECHT HEAR ABOUT THIS!" he said smiling. "It may not be illegal, but I guarentee if he get's wind of it, I'm out the airlock."

"You're always coming up with hair brained schemes Pete." Mark said. "But what the hell, count me in."

"And now, a little bet just between ourselves Mr. Mulich. I bet I get the extra work O'Connell does when he goes on leave. If I win, you have to fill out my security reports for a week to help me. If I lose, then I'll help you with your extra security reports for a week."

"You're on!" Mark said, glad that either way, neither would have to face it alone.

"If we're in a betting mood Peter," Heidi Mason broke in, "What about a bet that 'Commander Albrecht gets wind of this?"

Peter twisted around to see the 'Commander laughing with another officer. "No bet. He'll find out. Don't ask me how, I just know." Peter said, grabbing another burger from Chris Aaron's plate.

"Hey!" he said.

"Taxation." Peter said, biting into it before Chris could do anything about it.

"Enjoying The Party"
by Lieutenant Darian McGee
Counselors Apprentice, USS Galaxy

~~~Holodeck One~~~

Darian had arrived about 45 minutes after Lieutenant Pailaka had opened the doors to the holodeck. He had received word via Lieutenant Commander Dallas, and she had encouraged him to go down the party.

He had brought some cases of soda, and some frozen sausage. After getting a serving, he had found himself a quiet spot in the shade of the trees. As he ate and enjoyed his 'lunch' he looked out to the ocean, and thought of home.

It had only been a few weeks since the Galaxy had been docked at Earth McKinley Station, and during that time he had visited his family, all those that were left on the farm, which just his parents, and his older brother Nathan.

His younger sister, Amanda, was now in the Starfleet Marine Corps, Bravo Company attached to Starbase 251. She was a Corporal, and Ast. Squad leader in one of the platoon's according to her last letter three months ago.

His older brother Nathan, who was at home, was running the family's farm, since his father was far to old to be working the fields. His other two brothers had both settled down to start families in Scotland. His other two sisters were stationed somewhere on in the Alpha Quadrant on the same base. One was a Lieutenant Commander in Starfleet, and the other one was a Major in the Starfleet Marine Corps.

His thoughts drifted until he came back to reality. He must have been daydreaming for about half an hour. Oh well. Looking down at his empty plate, he decided to go get some more. And also to pay his compliments to the host. This was a great barbecue party.

"Personal Business"
By Ensign Eric Odin

Eric was back on board and happier for it. He arrived at his quarters and sat down to his desk. He then called up his personal bank account and not to much of his surprise it had gone up about 10,000 credits. Both the death of "the Rat" on earth and the bets he'd taken up on some major things had really paid off. He would of course be using this to fund his small fleet. he had over a small amounto f time amassed quite an amount of wealth while being an officer in starfleet. Nothing he was doing was illegal of course. He had made donations towards the colonization of an earth-like world and the colony had done very well. They paid him back double of what he donated within a years time. Eric then used that to buy small craft from all races selling. He had bought runabouts,one or two ferengi marauders,starfleet shuttles,a romulan runabout,a cargo freighter,cardassian shuttle,and even some marquis ships.

He only got these from being persistant and knowing where to find deals. He then formed a deal with that same colony that he would be allowed to keep his assortment of ships there. Eric would now have enough to purchase the old orbital space station he needed for more convenience of his ships. He of course kept the Romulan and Cardassian ships out of plain sight. Eventually he planned on buying more, but that would take quite a substantial amount of money and he would use most of his capital for the old space station. It resembled DS9, but was quite a bit smaller and was mainly for storage. He placed the order through the needed channels and sent the delivery place. He wired the money and the transaction was complete. He had become accustomed to this and yawned as the computer returned to the normal screen.

He then took out the new program he had made. Instead of his usual non-gravity training he decided to try the opposite, extra gravity. His new program would intensify gravity up to 50x earth's normal gravity. He doubted he could ever train at 50x gravity , but set that as his goal. he would train using the new program after he got some sleep. It had been a long trip and right now he definately needed some rest.

Lt Jg. Seth Zonheib
Security Officer
And lt cmdr Matthew Albrecht
Time: During "Holo-barbecue, Look Out"

Seth was in the security office arranging a training session for Gamma shift. So far the lieutenant junior position has been nothing but paper work. The gorn felt he was more suited for guard duty. He was interrupted by Albrecht informing everyone of the festivities in holodeck one. This prompted the lizard to approach the Commander. "I will volunteer for double duty to cover the shifts." He said glad his universal translator was fix of its hissing.

"Even you must get hungry Seth." Matthew started, "You deserve a break."

"I am very hungry." Seth admitted. "Fighting that Chameliod has given me and appetite but, I detest the human need to cook."

"About that fight." The chief paused to gather his words. "I'd like you to see Commander Dallas. I've sent her a report on your behaviour on Deep Space Nine and while we're all very proud of your accomplishments, I think you should talk to someone about it."

The gorn didn't quite understand what the human was talking about but shrugged it off. "I'd like your permission to override the holodeck safeties so I can hunt and eat properly."

Albrecht was a little taken back. "Why do you need the safeties off to hunt?"

The gorn answered quite frankly. "The thrill of the hunt helps the gorn work up an appetite."

"Well," he replied in a self-satisfied way. "There's no need to disengage the holodeck safety protocols just to hunt. You can have quite exhilarating hunts without ever being in danger of personal injury. It's just like the real thing!" The 'commander obviously didn't get it.

Seth released a soft sibilant that his translator couldn't decode. "You do not understand, 'commander. The risk of death is an integral part of the hunt. The greater the risks, the greater the rewards."

The security chief grimaced up at the towering green humanoid. "Surely a convincing enough simulation would be adequate for your dietary needs without risking the life of a valued crewmember. Besides, I do not have the authority to grant this request. Holodeck protocols have been mandated by the captain."

"My life will not be in danger." Seth decreed. "You have seen me fight. It would be survival of the fitest. Very few animals could kill me. Though I could get scratched or bit. Nothing provokes a more intense hunger better then self defence or pain." With that the Gorn walked off he sould have to see the captain after his shift was over.

"One Last Round"
by Lt. Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy

[Thomas's Office]

Chris had been given the rights to an office instead of having to work out of his quarters, now that his stay onboard the ship was going to be longer than orginaly planned.

He wasn't sure what he would do exactly now that he was staying onboard as the ships liaison officer. He figured that he would recieve some sort of communication to the effect of what he was to do and report on to Starfleet. His first inclination was that he could use the time to conduct some studies and return to his working on other displines that he'd grown attached to over the years.

The possiblities were endless, for the moment he could do anything that he wanted to do, within reason of course. However while he realized he would be able to define his role onboard the ship, it also occured to him that he should seriously consider what he could do to help the ship out on missions to come. Prehaps he could use his knownledge, access codes and such to conduct research about something that might be usefull for a given mission. He was after all the Starfleet Liasion officer onboard one of only a few Galaxy class ships still in full active service at the moment.

He would be faced with many new challenges because while he got this freedome he also would have to turn in a report to SC or the commanding officer of the mission about the preformance of the crew and the captain. It also meant he actually was going to be doing a lot of paper pushing more than anything else. He was going to feel and be right at home, in the sense of doing the same thing he was really doing before coming onboard.

His greatest challenge and one that he loved having was his wife. He consider her a challenge only because she loved to nag him about things. He'd grown accustom to hearing her and realized that she was doing it for his own good, most of the time.

Chris sat in his desk thinking about what he should do first.

****

"Computer display our current destination?" He asked, having not recieved any offical word about the Galaxy next assignment yet. He figured that it would get to him throught the pipeline sometime.

The computer displayed the requested information.

Chris thought about the next question.

"Computer display a star chart of over our current flight path." he was looking to see if there was anything that needed his attention in the way of looking up before moving on to something else.

The computer hummed along and then displayed the requested information.

Chris looked over the data and concluded there was nothing for him to bother looking up, as it was all normal stuff. Which had been mapped to death it appeared, so there was no real concern here.

He decided that he would work on some general research and reading about Starfleet Security issues. He figured that he would probably be of more use if he stand on top of the latest developements.

"Did Someone Say, Party?"
by Lt. jg Brooke O'Connell, MD

Brooke was doing some mingling with Tim. She was having fun talking to everyone. T'Prea was actually quite fun to talk to once she let her guard down. Once in awhile, they would be interrupted by some of the female crewmembers, wanting to place their hands on Brooke's belly to feel the baby move. She'd smile and be polite. She figured it must be a chick thing.

In the background, a sound of glass breaking made her turn. One of the crewmen had cut his hand on the glass which broke in his hand when someone backed into him. Three doctors all approached at the same time, including Brooke.

"Look, I'm starting to get a little annoyed so I'll take him to Sickbay and patch him up."

The other two agreed. Brooke wrapped his hand in a rag and they walked to Sickbay and she closed up the deep cut after pulling little pieces of glass out of the wound. He apologised for taking her away from the party but she told him "not to worry about it" and that she was "happy to do it."

They went back to the party and Brooke rejoined her friends.

"Sullar's Journey Part 2"
By: Lt/Cmd Ryak Sullax
CSO, USS Galaxy

Ryak , Sullar and Tzell made there way to the shuttle bay. As the three of them entered the bay Sullar climbed down from his fathers arms and ran over to the shuttle and in Romulan began to ask questions.

"Father is this it! I like this! Can I play!"

"Yes Sullar you are going on that one with Lt Tzell. You are going to meet your Romulan Grandparents on Risa."

"You come to?"

"No Sullar I have work to get done here. It is going to be you and your grandparents."

Sullar looked at his father with a sad look. "Father you no come?"

"No Sullar."

Ryak watched his son sit on the ground with his large puppy dog eyes looking back at him. Ryak could see Sullar's eyes swell up with tears. Sullar began to cry. Ryak walked over to Sullar and picked him up. Sullar wrapped his small arms around his fathers neck and kept crying.

"Sullar, I cannot go with you. You will not be gone long. You do want to see your grandparents don't you?"

"HHHHHH... Yes ...HHHHH"

"Ok then, Lt. Tzell will take you to see them. You will be able to come back to me soon. When you are gone you can call me anytime. I will be waiting for your return."

Ryak passed Sullar over to Tzell and motioned to them leave. Ryak watched as Sullar began to cry harder and harder with his legs kicking and arms flailing. Ryak's parental instinct began to kick in as he felt like he had to help his son. Ryak moved back to the shuttle bay door and watched as the shuttle lifted up off the deck and made its way from the Galaxy.

Ryak turned and headed to his office.

****Shuttle Nova *****

Tzell looked over at the young Romulan who at this point had cried himself to sleep.

"Galaxy, this is Nova." Tzell stated, "All systems are a go. My course has been plotted and I am ready to engage."

"Nova, good luck."

Tzell engaged at warp 1 towards the Risa. Tzell set the auto pilot and looked over to the young boy who was now awake. Tzell got up from his chair and sat down on the floor and pulled out some toys from his pack.

"Sullar, these toys are the same ones my grandchildren play with. Come over and play with me."

Sullar slowly got up from his seat and sat on the floor with Tzell and began to play with the toys.

To be continued .....

Chris Gagne
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Lt/Commander Ryak Sullax, Chief Science Officer, USS Galaxy.
Email: i2qtnot2b@hotmail.com
ICQ: 25686024

The Great Galactic Hog Ride
by LCDR Endris Gakor, Doctor

*** Sickbay ***

Endris sniffed the air, noting the distracting odor of freshly roasted meat. "Snacks! How's a Tellarite supposed to get any work done with a ship-wide Oinkus going on?", she said to a passing nurse. "I don't know, Doc. There's a big shin dig down on the holodecks."

Gakor thought for a minute, then came up with a neat idea to spice up the festivities. She always liked it when everyone could be included, remembering how they recently had a Gorn join the crew. Somehow, she would have to deliver raw meat to the feast.

The Doctor accessed computer records and saw the feast had a Hawaiian theme, which meant roasted Ham. With a growing smile, the mischievous doctor called up a program for a wild boar from Rigel VII. The beast was as large as a Terran Bull, in keeping with the giant statured inhabitants of the Rigellian worlds.

Sneering with a wider idea of humor, she modified the program so that the larger than life Hog was saddled. Then she replicated a cow girl outfit, which she put into a large purse. Endris posted a note in the computer for the EMH to activate in case of any problems. Several of the crew had commented about the effectiveness of the Doctor Martin program. Hoping no crisis made the medical program necessary, she hooved it down to the holodeck to join the fun.

*** Holodeck ***

Still, the surprise would have no oomph to it without a good deal of drama, so she added a pair of Rodeo clowns to the program before trotting out of her office. Giggling like a school girl cooking her first Oinkus, she silently entered the holodeck and went to the back of the device. So many people were there, mingling and eating the delicious BBQ, she was not immediately noticed. Thinking quickly, she ducked into the beach changing area, wiggling into her costume while the other holodeck occupants were busy eating.

That was not to last long. Endris ordered the computer to merge her surprise program with the holodeck feast program, and the Rigellian Pig sprang into action, with the CMO riding it towards the others. The gigantic swine bucked and twisted like a bronco, but the holodeck safeties kept injuries from occurring. The Rodeo clowns soon had the wild beast corralled without problems, at which time the medical runabout beamed in an uncooked side of pork to the food preparation area, for those who couldn't digest cooked foods.

Of course, the Doctor's antics attracted quit a crowd. Some wanted to know where she found the templet for such a large mammal, others wanted to try to ride the 'programmable pig'. Captain Price looked amused, glad someone injected a bit of humor into ship's activities. Especially since the Galaxy's last two missions had rather grim aspects.

Things were definitely returning to normal....

"The mind's eye"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The impromptu party on the holodeck was quite a success. Captain Price had a fun time enjoying the pleasant company of his shipmates on the island beach setting and eating Lieutenant Pailaka's wonderful barbecued food. For the first time in weeks, Captain Price was smiling.

The ship was heading for Starbase 128 at a steady warp factor 5. There was really little to be done command wise while on route to pick up the supplies the Galaxy was to deliver to the dozens of outpost stations along the Romulan Neutral Zone. Captain Price left the bridge in the capable hands of Commander Casey while he took time out to visit the ship's gymnasium and work out.

With all of the recent events it had been a while since the Captain was able to work out. He changed into his sweats and started with some simple presses to warm up. Lee enjoyed working out. It was a release for him. It allowed him to focus on something other than commanding a Starship and all the responsibilities that entailed. It reminded him of simpler times when he was young. The Captain's thoughts drifted to when he was a young boy. As he began doing curls with a pair of dumbbells, he remembered how his father always said it was good to do a hard days work. Growing up on a ranch in Australia, there always seemed like there was more hard work to do than there were hours in the day.

The Captain continued his work out and managed to break a nice sweat while jogging on the treadmill. While he ran, he thought of several things. About his past and how his relationship with his father didn't turn out how he would have liked. About the present and how he missed his friend and mentor, Captain Shoak. But mostly, he kept thinking of Yeoman York. Lee closed his eyes tightly as he ran, using his hands upon the rail to maintain his position as his jog quickened into a run. He missed Jamie. More than he would care to admit. But what made things worse was the only image of her he could conjure up in his mind's eye, was that of her being slain in engineering. He could remember the pained look in her eyes, and the sound of her scream as she fell. The thud sound of her body hitting the first level deck plating from the second story fall from the catwalk where her body was casually discarded. The warmth of her body fading in his arms as he held onto her and cried. The lifelessness of her eyelids as he slid them closed and laid her to rest. The softness of her skin as he kissed her one last time before hunting down her murderer. It was like watching the same holo-novel over and over again.

Lee shook himself out of his memories and stopped running the mill. Taking a towel, he dabbed the sweat off his face and neck and took a sip of cold water he'd brought with him. He was still in good shape physically, despite being 41 years old. No, what troubled the Captain right now was not his body but his mind. Unless a broken heart counted as a physical aliment. Lee pondered this for a moment as he gathered his things and headed for a shower. He had met Counselor Dallas at the holodeck barbecue and had agreed to speak with the Counselor this afternoon. He'd meant to make an appointment since Jamie had been murdered, but some how just never had gotten around to it. In a way he was glad to finally be able to speak to someone about his loss and how it was affecting him.

After showering and changing, Lee headed for the counseling department on deck 14. Karyn's office was one of the first ones near the turbolift. Giving his duty uniform a straightening tug, the Captain pushed the entry chime and waited for the Counselor to answer.

"Sullar's Journey Part 3"
By: Lt/Cmd Ryak Sullax
CSO, USS Galaxy

Ryak made his way back to his office to get caught up on the pile of work sitting on his desk. As the doors to the turbolift opened to the deck where his office was Lt. Brooks entered.

"Hello sir." she stated in a flirtatious way. "Aren't you going to the barbecue?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about Lieutenant." Ryak said as he tried to step passed her.

Brooks stepped in his way and grabbed Ryak by the arm. "Well Ryak, you are taking me to the barbecue. I am not going to show up there alone."

Ryak looked at the woman who had hooked her arm around Ryak's. "Lieutenant, I find your behavior to be highly unprofessional."

"Live it up a bit Ryak. Listen I have been a Lieutenant in sciences when you got here as an Ensign. I am happy with my job and rank. I am going to have fun with you tonight on a non professional level. You do not have a choice."

Ryak looked at Brooks and gave in. "Very well."

***** Shuttle Nova *****

As the two of them play the shuttle made its way towards Risa. The shuttle flew through space at warp 1 with ease.

"Sullar do you..." Tzell thought for the right way to say this in Romulan, "Soup?"

Sullar looked up at the older man and said, "Yes, father only let me eat some soup. No soup with animals."

"Oh I see," Tzell replied as he stood up from his seat. "So your father wants his little boy to be vegetarian." Tzell was not at all impressed with this but would respect the wishes of Ryak. "How does tomato soup sound to you Sullar?"

"Yes Please. Me like that lots."

***** USS Galaxy ****

Brooks entered the holodeck with her arm in Ryak's. Ryak could feel the eyes looking at the two of them. As they entered Brooks said, "Listen, you go get me a drink of punch and I'll get a place to sit."

Ryak looked over at her as she walked away. He was not happy with this situation but he was trying to get to know his staff a bit better and this seemed like a good way. Ryak walked over to the punch table and began to fill a couple of glasses.

****** Shuttle Nova *****

Tzell walked over to the replicator and called up two bowls of soup. Tzell picked up the first bowl and walked over to the main control panel and placed it down. "Here you go Sullar come over and get your soup."

"Can I eat here?"

Tzell thought about it for a second and gave in to the cute little boy. Tzell picked up the bowl and placed it down in front of Sullar. The young Romulan began to eat his soup as Tzell walked over to the replicator and picked his up. As Tzell made his way to the Helm the soup dropped to the floor. The bowl crashed to the ground and shattered sending soup everywhere. Tzell grabbed his arm and fell to his knees.

***** USS Galaxy ******

Ryak made his way over to Brooks and handed her the punch. Ryak could see that a few of the people around had been watching his every move. Ryak sat down next to Brooks and began to talk to her.

"Lieutenant."

"Call me Sandra."

"Very well, Sandra. What exactly to you hope to accomplish by bringing me here?"

"I thought that we could have a good time and that you could take me to your place so that I can visit with that adorable 3 year old of yours."

"Your efforts are noted but Sullar has left for Risa to meet up with his grandparents."

"Oh that must be nice. Didn't he go see them just a while ago?"

"He is going to see his Romulan Grandparents. His mothers parents."

"How does that make you feel?"

"I have the fullest confidence in the pilot that I sent with him. Sullar will be in good hands."

"Oh Ryak, you grew up on Earth be a bit less Romulan for once. Answer the question."

***** Shuttle Nova *****

Sullar looked at Tzell with horror in his eyes. The young boy was on the brink of crying. This was very frightening.

Tzell couldn't breath very well. He had sharp pains in his chest with every breath. Tzell collapsed to the ground and lay there looking up at the ceiling.

Sullar got up walked over to Tzell cautiously. Sullar put his arms around Tzell and gave him a hug. "My Father does this and I get better." Sullar said in a shaken voice.

Tzell looked at the shaking boy and summand up all of the strength he had left and spoke, "Sullar.....go over to my seat and look at..... the buttons....."

When Sullar was seated at the helm Tzell continued, "Sullar I.... need you to push... some buttons...."

"Father said not to play. It is bad."

"This is.... ok..... I need you to push..... the blue button..... near the window..." Tzell could hear Sullar push a button. The shuttle veered a bit to one side slightly indicating that it was the incorrect button. "Try again.... the blue one closer.... to the front.... window...." This one gave off a pitch and then the computers voice came on.

"Distress call ready. Please indicate verbal or standard."

Tzell didn't want standard because this would get Sullar more confused trying to find the correct button. "Sullar.... I need.... you... to call for.... help.... tell them....." Tzell went quiet as he lost his sight. The pain was unbearable. "Call... for help...."

Sullar began to cry but began to call for help. "Me scared. Me need help. My friend is not ok and me scared. Please help. Me Sullar Sullax."

The computer came on and said, "Distress call sent on all frequencies."

Sullar jumped down off the chair and ran over to Tzell who was now no longer breathing. Sullar lay down next to him and hugged him as he cried.

"Warning!!!" the computer stated, "Warning, the shuttle is entering Romulan space. It is advised to change course."

***** USS Galaxy ****

"I find your question to be unwarrented Sandra. I must get some work done now. Thank you for this visit. Jolan 'Tru."

Ryak got up from his seat and headed off to his office yet again.

To be continued....

Chris Gagne
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Lt/Commander Ryak Sullax, Chief Science Officer, USS Galaxy.
Email: i2qtnot2b@hotmail.com
ICQ: 25686024

"What's Really Important"

Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas
Chief Counselor

with:

Lt. Michael McDowell
Engineering Officer
USS Galaxy

***Karyn's quarters***

The trip back to the saucer section had been painless, thank the gods, and after a brief nap Karyn was ready to take on the world again. She had gotten over her annoyance at being in Deiran's way as he was trying to shoot the chameloid assassin, though somehow she couldn't help but feel "in the way" when it came to this Away Team. Being truly honest with herself, she understood there was no real need for her to beam down to DS9, but she was glad she had been there none the less to see Lee's ordeal come to closure.

Of course it took every ounce of strength she had not to laugh afterwards at the image of Deiran sprawled over her like that. It was definitely not a position Deiran was used to being in, but in actuality it saved him some frustration because his phaser fire wouldn't have gotten him anywhere anyway.

Changing into a sundress, Karyn had planned to go to one of the holodecks to visit the forests of Betezed. She wanted to read and enjoy the stillness in the air, suddenly feeling the need to be close to home. She had Emma send her messages to her personal terminal in her quarters.

There were actually quite a few requests for appointments and before she knew it, she had started on the weekly reports that had piled up while she'd been away. She replied to Matthew's personal appointment request, not suprised that after all he'd been through with Lee, he needed to put it all in perspective. Surprised to see another message from Matthew regarding regular sessions with Seth, Karyn couldn't help but smile at what a challenge it was going to be. Seth had barely said two words to her at his psych eval; she wondered what it was going to be like talking to him about his more "aggressive tendencies."

Then there was Lee. While she had never known him to be reserved with the crew, since Jamie's death he had become somewhat more distant. Karyn could see keeping a confident and spirited outlook had become more draining. Karyn had wanted to give him time to grieve on his own, but now it seemed more than ever he needed someone to talk to. She had been there after he'd been demoted and she needed to be here for him now.

She had hoped to see Michael when she got back, but it seemed as usual they had missed each other. He had wanted to share a holodeck program with her before the assassination craziness and she was looking forward to spending time with him. She'd learned to lean on him a lot lately, and now she couldn't imagine life without him in it.

An hour later Alexa insisted Karyn go to the barbecue in the holodeck saying it was time she take on more responsibility. Karyn laughed at her persistence, but knew she wasn't going to get anywhere by handcuffing herself to her desk. She'd already sent Darian and Adrian to the festivities, so Karyn left only after Alexa promised to "relieve her" in an hour, as she had things to do. Alexa agreed, trying to show her CO the positives. "Think of it this way Kar, a morale booster we didn't plan, and don't have to clean up afterwards!"

***

*** Holodeck, Deck 11***

Karyn felt herself begin to unwind upon entering the barbecue. Not realizing how hungry she was until the smell of the ribs reached her, she was happy to take a plate of ribs (minus sauce on top, but with some on the side.)

She was enjoying the moment, listening and laughing to the others just enjoying being home. She was hoping to go looking for Michael, who she hoped had stopped by for a while. Truthfully, she just wanted to feel his arms around her. Female crew members had begun to fawn over Brook and the child growing inside her. It was a scene that she wasn't quite comfortable with. She was happy for Brook and Tim, but as someone who had no children of her own, it was something she couldn't quite relate to.

She briefly wondered if she would ever have children of her own, and whether she and Michael would ever get it together enough to work on their relationship. They both cared about each other a great deal, but both were afraid to say too much, for fear of getting hurt. Shipboard romance involved flirting with disaster and loving her had to about more than physical attraction. Karyn knew they were fast approaching the point of No Return and she had a feeling the holodeck date was either going to be a step in the right direction or a return to reality. She cautioned herself about getting her hopes up too high, but she had to admit she was looking forward to being alone with him.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Captain Price enter. She smiled. He could smell barbecue light years away. She decided to approach him about coming to see her.

"Glad to see you enjoying yourself Captain." said Karyn.

"I love a good barbecue Counselor. " the Captain smiled. It was a forced smile, but a good one. Karyn was once again reminded of the change in Lee, and she knew he needed to talk about everything.

"I can tell that." Karyn stated handing the Captain a napkin to wipe the red sauce off of his face with.

"Much obliged Counselor." Lee winked and wiped his mouth, trying to be the jolly Captain.

The Counselor wasn't buying it. "I'm surprised you haven't been by to see me Captain. I've been half expecting you to pop on in." Karyn stated.

Lee put down his food for a moment and nodded. "I've thought about it, but just haven't gotten around to it." The Captain stated evenly, then with a smile, he added, "I have been rather busy lately."

Karyn returned the smile and gave a slight nod. "Yes, what with running away from the authorities, and exposing the real Presidential assassin, I can see where that can take up a lot of your time. But I'm free later today Captain, and since you are no longer on the run or saving the quadrant, why don't you stop by so we can have a little chat?" She had put him on the spot, but she knew he'd done more than think about it. He needed someone to take the initiative this time, something she was more than happy to do.

Lee's expression soured from the pseudo happy facade to a more serious one. In her own way, the Chief Counselor had managed to pin down the Captain over the pleasant discussion. "I suppose I can make the time available Counselor." The Captain finally agreed.

"Excellent. Then I will expect to see you in my office later today. I'll let you get back to your ribs now Captain. Enjoy the party." Karyn smiled before turning and hovering away.

***

Karyn returned to her office, this time to get things in order before she saw the Captain. She needed to push her date back to 1830.

=/\= "Dallas to McDowell." =/\=

=/\= "McDowell here." =/\= He sounded happy to hear her voice, though she could tell he had been concentrating on something.

=/\= "Hey stranger, just wanted to see if we were on tonight." =/\=

=/\= "Well...let me check my calendar...what was your name again?" =/\=

Karyn chuckled.

=/\= "1700, right?" =/\=

Karyn bit her lip. =/\= "Actually, I was hoping we could make it 1830. Something has come up. Is that ok?" =/\=

She could hear him try to keep the frustration out of his voice. =/\= "If I didn't know better Counselor, I'd say you had another Gentleman caller..." =/\=

Karyn laughed outloud. =/\= "Why Michael, is that jealousy I hear? Believe me, it's nothing like that. Someone needs to talk." =/\=

=/\= "I understand. I'll be waiting...I have something special planned." =/\=

She loved surprises. =/\= "I can't wait. See you soon." =/\=

Suddenly remembering Brook and the baby, she said, =/\= "Michael...I've missed you." =/\=

=/\= "Me too, love. Me too." =/\=

***

As expected, Lee was punctual. She called for him to enter and from the start there was a bit of awkwardness in the air. Lee was conflicted about talking to her. It would mean dredging up all of the private thoughts and feelings that he had only been able to admit to himself.

Karyn knew he had to trust her and there had to be an honesty that went beyond Captain and Counselor. Lee was a man who was hurting and she was going to do everything she could to help him.

"Hello, Captain. Please come in and sit down. Can I get you anything to drink?"

-----
Dr. Andree Dothan (Ensign)
Medical Dept. USS Galaxy
with additions by Captain Price
-----

"Hawaiian Luau"

Ensign Dothan had received word that there was a party going on in the holodeck, and that everyone was invited. Deciding it would be a good time to get to know some people he decided to get some lunch before his duty shift started.

Arriving at the holodeck, Andree was amazed. It seemed that the entire crew was crammed into the holodeck.

Making his way over to the food, Andree spotted someone uncovering a platter of buffalo wings. Grabbing a paper plate he grabbed several of them, a soda and began searching for a seat. Spotting one several meters away, Andree began walking

Politely inquiring, "Is this seat taken?" Andree was suprised when the middle aged man turned and he saw the rank of captain. Andree quickly added "Sir!"

"'Ave at it," Captain Price replied, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you Mr. ..."

"Dothan. Dr Andree Dothan," the trill Doctor replied, taking a seat.

"So how do you like the Galaxy?" Price asked, starting a little small talk.

"She is a mighty fine starship if I do say so myself, and from what little I've seen a fine crew to match."

Lee just stared blankly, as if deep in his thoughts about his recent lost love, Yeoman Jamie York. He smiled weakly, nodded and said, "Aye. A fine crew."

"Well it has been nice to meet you captain but I need to get to sickbay for my duty shift," Andree said closing the conversation

"No worries 'Mate" Price said

"Have a nice afternoon," Andree added, before leaving the holodeck.

Ensign Adrian An'quinsos
Counselor
USS Galaxy

**Holodeck, deck 11**

Changing out of his starfleet uniform, Adam wore a pair of dark light gray shorts a colorful light blue unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt, with a tee shirt underneath. His perfectly toned abs shone clearly beneath the shirt, along with his pecs and an out line of his broad shoulders. The young El- Aurian entered the Holodeck with a bright smile on his face, his perfectly toned abs shone and pecks shone partially beneath the tee shirt, partially obscure by the cloth that made it, along with outline of his broad shoulders. The more he took in the merriment and festivities the brighter he became. It was beginning to show in his eyes, as they began to lighten up, becoming almost a sky blue.

"I think I'm gonna enjoy this!"

Mingling with everyone, Adrian took a plate, and loaded it with ribs, smothered them with barbecue sauce, and went to find himself a seat.

"Ah, Lieutenant McGee, may I join you?"

"Ai, be my guest." The Lieutenant noticed his Ensign's pip, and did a double take take. "Hey lad, aren't you a little to young to have graduated from the Academy so soon?"

"Huh? Oh yeah... right."

"You're not Vulcan, and I don't see any spots, so you're not Trill..."

"Ensign Adrian An'quinsos at your service." He began rather formally. "I'm El- Aurian"

"I knew it had to be something like that." He replied. "Your last name again... how doe is it go?"

"An'quinsos, Ahn-Quin-sause, like tomato sauce." He replied with a smile. "But, to make things easier, just call me Quinn."

"Oh, I see."

"You're Scottish right?" He asked, trying to make some conversation.

"Ai, Quinn I am, how'd you guess?." He replied humorously

"I had a friend at the Academy who was Scottish. His name was... Ronald McLellan. One of the most stubborn guys on campus!

As the two began to talk, they began to learn allot about each other; Adrian about McGee's family, and Darian about his family back on Betazed.

**Two hours latter, Adrian's Quarters**

Adrian walked into his quarters with a small greasy smile plastered on his face. Any one could tell within a distance that the young Counselor was well satiated.

"Well... It'll take me weeks to walk that off," He mused humorously. "Eh, what the Hell! Who cares! I can always gripe at myself when I get O-L-D-E-R!" He chuckled as he stressed the word out. "Just 900 more years, I'll be Kailen's age!"

"What did David say the early 21st Century computers say when it received a message" He said to himself. "Oh yeah! 'You got mail!' He imitated brilliantly.

The young El- aurian picked up the padd and began to read:

To: Ensign Adrian An'quinsos, Counselor, USS Galaxy
From: Jaina Norana, Daughter of the 2nd house of Betazed.

Dear Adrian,
How are you baby brother? I haven't heard from you in months! Feels like centuries actually! I have so much to tell you! Are you sitting down? Well, hopefully your are, because guess what... you're both an Uncle and a great Uncle! Alara had a baby boy and their oldest daughter Nallia gave birth to twin girls on the same day just four days ago! Kailen was so happy, he was about to throw them a huge party, and invite half the houses of Betazed, but both ladies unanimously rejected the idea. so little brow, I think that makes a total of eight nieces, ten nephews, and two great nieces! I bet you're going to be walking around with a proud look!

Well, that's about all the news I have for you so far. Adrian, I hope it wouldn't be too much much to ask, I know you don't like me using this word, but when are you coming home? We're all missing you here on Betazed! If you ever get time off, why don't you come and see us. Lerean and I would be more than happy to have you over!

Well bro, take care and all, try not to overdo it... if you know what I mean.

Love,

Jaina and Fam.

Adrian's facial expressions remained warm and thoughtful throughout the whole letter. However, he seemed to frown when he read the second paragraph. Finishing his reading, began to mutter off things in El- Aurian

[Call me 'baby- bro' will ay! That's 'bro'! I'm only 400 years younger than you!]

Shaking his head at his immature responses, the young El- Aurian laid the padd down with the letter, removed his shirts and fell asleep on the couch, tired from the day.