NRPG: These events occur prior to the Galaxy arriving at SB128, which is, of course, after the incidents on Grainus Six. NRPG: These events occur prior to the Galaxy arriving at SB128, which is, of course, after the incidents on Grainus Six.
"Making preparations for the party."
By Ensign Peter Lockhart
And Lieutenant Commander Matthew Albrecht
Peter headed into Main Security during Alpha shift. It had become so regular Peter wandering into security when it wasn't his shift that no one paid him any attention anymore. He didn't do any work, he usually chatted to Andy McElvogue, Mark Mulich, Chris Aaron or anyone else who was in earshot. Usually he didn't stop till their ears bled either.
Peter headed straight for 'Commander Albrecht's office and popped his head round the door.
"Got a minute sir?" Peter asked.
Matthew looked up from the report he was filing and replied. "Sure Ensign. What's up? Come for that six monthly review you should've had two months ago?"
"Err no sir. I'd like to ask a small favour if I may." Peter said, trying to build the moment gently.
"Go for it, as long as it isn't to make you President of the UFP." Matthew deadpanned.
"No sir. Only Admiral." Peter replied swiftly, before continuing, "No sir. In all seriousness, you know Mark Mulich has been promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and that he's leaving for the USS Formidable in a few more days time?"
"Of course. I recommended him myself. Now let me guess; You want a big piss up?" Matthew said, reading the Ensign's mind.
"How did you know sir?" Peter said, acting surprised.
"Wild guess." Matthew replied quietly. Peter Lockhart and alcohol went together like coffee and cream.
"Well sir. I was thinking of either holding it here, where I'd prefer, or in Ten Forward. Can we use main security please sir?"
Matthew thought for a minute, remembering the last leaving party they'd held on deck 38. It had been Commander Sterner's leaving party, and it went down very well, apart from the look on Lieutenant' Sanchez's face. She'd been left on duty whilst everyone else partied around her.
Seeing the 'Commander hesitate, Peter tried to sell the idea. "Sir, I mean, come on, Lieutenant' Mulich has been on the ship almost as long as the Captain. I think the very least we can do is organise a party for him. I promise not to get too drunk.... actually I repeal that promise. I know! I'll turn up EARLY for my shift for the next month." Peter tried vainly.
"How early?" Matthew said, suddenly throwing it right back at the slacking Ensign.
"Half an hour before each shift." Peter said.
"You're on!" Matthew said smiling. "I'll send a message around the department that a party will be held for Mark Mulich tomorrow straight after his shift, that's Beta shift."
Considering a moment more, he added, "I'll transfer all Security operations to the auxiliary center on the Primary Hull, and run a reduced shift for Gamma so people can enjoy themselves. I'll even give you leave for Gamma, but I expect you to make it up by pulling a double shift the day after."
"Yes sir!" Peter said enthusiastically, just glad he had got the 'Commander to agree. He would worry about the extra work afterwards. "I'll get plastered and try and pull Ensign Neg'Puj."
"I'm sure you will," Matthew muttered. "But remember, indecent exposure is illegal, as is inducing heart failure from the fright of such a scene."
Peter looked at the 'Commander for second, before realising he'd been insulted. He didn't care however, just nodded and said, "Yes sir!" whilst saluting and waltzing out of the office.
"Will you be my grandmother?"
By
Brooke
Gavin
Shinta
Shinta called the office to rescedule appointments with clients. She really couldn't leave Gavin alone today. The boy was tense and frightened himself.
He didn't even complain when she asked him to climb on her lap and he sat there hugging her as she read to him from his favorite storybook.
"You want to get something to eat, tiger?" She asked a long time later, her own tongue becoming parched.
The boy nodded. 'Nah, I'm not hungry, mummy."
Shinta felt his forehead which was warm and he was listless. "I think we had better go and see Brooke don't you." She said gently without panicking.
"I don't want to mummy."
'Hey." She cudled him. "I thought you liked her?"
"I do." Gavin anwsered. "But I want this one to work." He began to snivel a little.
"Oh honey." Shinta hugged him again. "She will make you better soon, okay."
She took the boy in her arms and made her way to Brooke's quarters. She chimed the doorknob.
"Mummy, I am going to be sick." Gavin wailed.
Brooke was pacing around her quarters...worrying and waiting. She jumped when the chime went off. As soon as the door opened, Brooke didn't waste anytime taking him to the restroom. Brooke shook her head and gave him something to counteract it. She sighed as she watch this child get sick like that.
She was afraid to try the last one. She had made so many promises to him and she failed again. It was hard for her to face Shinta.
Shinta was holding her crying son. THe boy was looking and feeling so ill.
"Maybe," She said softly. 'Maybe we should stop. You are making him worse. And it's not working." Her eyes looked scared.
Looking defeated, "It's your's and Gavin's call. Whatever you decide, I'll accept your decision." She looked at Gavin and put her hand on his,
"I'm sorry Gavin, forgive me." She didn't know what else to say.
"My tummy hurts!" He wailed. "But I want a puppy even more!" He looked determined. "I can manage."
"Gav." Shinta said not determined yet. "Oh Gav." She held the boy in her arms, and she really didn't know what to do. She felt so sorry for the kid.
Shinta had really hoped that this all would work that he could have a normal life. But to see him like this in so much more pain hurt too much.
Brooke spoke very softly, "Take him home and make him rest. He should start feeling a little better really soon. Let me know what you decide." Shinta lifted him up, but Gav only wailed again.
"Don't wanna go, want a puppy! I will be sick for my puppy!"
And then SHinta's combadge beeped. "Counselor, can you come in? We have an emergency here?" Shinta looked at Brooke not daring to ask if she could leave Gavin here.
Brooke looked back at Shinta, "If you want, Gavin could stay here."
"If you could. I will be back as soon as I can." She gave Brooke a greatfull look, Gavin another kiss and then darted off.
Gavin still sniffed as he was placed in Brooke's arms. "Help me get my puppy, please!" He whimpered.
Her heart was breaking, "I'm afraid Gavin that you'll have to convince your mum. I don't think that she wants to see you get sicker than you already am...can't say I blame her though." Liam started to cry so Brooke went and picked him up. As she sat there looking at him, she thought about Gavin, knowing that if she was being faced with the same thing, she wouldn't want to see Liam go through such pain either.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Gavin climbed up on the couch and snuggled next to her...watching her feed this tiny infant. Brooke smiled at him, "Would you like to feed him?"
"Yeah." the boy said. For a moment he forgot how bad he was feeling and held the tiny infant in his arms.
"Does he have a daddy?" He asked. "I don't have a daddy nor a puppy."
"Yes, he does." She needed to change the subject, "So, are you feeling any better, Gavin?"
"A bit." He said. 'My tummy is still very sore though." He said still transfixed by the baby. "Is Liam's father bad too?" He pressed on. "Mummy says my daddy is nice, but she always cries over him and he never comes to visit or give me presents."
"You know, just because mommy cries when she thinks about him, doesn't mean he is bad. Maybe when you get a little older, you'll understand but for now, just keep telling your mommy you love her and give her a hug when she cries. Okay?" Brooke didn't know how much he knew and thought best to defuse the line of questioning, "Have you ever had a snowcone Gavin?"
"No" he said. "What's that?" He asked interrested now.
"Gavin, you are in for a treat." Brooke replicates one and could see Gavin's eyes light up as he sees this colorful shaped shaved ice in a paper cone come towards him. "And it's allergy free too."
His eyes grew huge and his tummy pain was forgotten for a moment. "Can I have that, doc? Will you take Liam back then. I don't want to drop him." He was very serious for a boy his age.
Brooke takes Liam and puts him over her shoulder while handing him the snow cone. She couldn't help but laugh at him...his eyes were so wide. At least for a while, it would keep his mind occupied and off his father and mother.
The boy ate the treat loving it. "This is great! Even makes me feel better. I think I should eat this every day." He grinned at her. "Doc, why don't I get better? Is it because I should never have been born?" He asked very seriously.
"No, sometimes, things just happen the way they do. Doesn't mean you should not have been born." Thinkingout loud, "I really believe that this last one is it but believing in it and it actually working is another." She didn't mean for him to hear but maybe it was her subconscious mind that kicked in.
"I... I overheard my mum a few months ago. When we were at academy." He said. She had heard from my father then." He had never even met the man. "He .... he said I was an abosomething and should never have been born." He bowed his head. "I think that must be why I am ill. It's okay, you can't help me." There were tears in his eyes.
Brooke put Liam down and with tears forming, she took him in her arms and held him. "Shh. No you're not and whoever said that ought to be put to death. You are a gift to your mother and she loves you. We are going to whip this thing...you'll see." She couldn't believe that anyone could say this where he could hear it. All she could do now was hold him and give him hope.
He held her close, glad for the warmth. "Thank you Brooke. But... I know he is right. My mum cried over it. Sometimes I think I should just go away or something, I am only a burden to her. And my dad thinks I ... other kids have nice dads...." he started to cry for real now.
"Now, now Gavin. You need to stop this. Your mom's crying has nothing to do with you. I'm sure that my husband Tim would love to be your temporary daddy. Afterall, he is going to need some help with Liam. He's going to need some expert advice and you may be the one for the job. Now dry your tears. Snow cones don't taste good if they're all salty." She felt she needed to help this child. Her and Shinta were going to have to have a major talk.
"Could he." He sniffed. "All my mums family are dead, so I don't have uncles or aunts or grandparents either. Can you be my grandparents then?" He asked innocently.
Brooke couldn't see herself as a grandmother, not for another 20 years. "Well, I don't think that we'll be grandparents but maybe we can be god-parents. They're just as good as but not as old. Either way, we would be honored to."
RIght then Shinta darted back in. 'I am so sorry, I had another patient." She knelt down next to GAvin, eyes filled with love.
"And how are you feeling sweetheart."
“Better mummy.” He said with a smile and hugged her. “Brooke and her husband are going to be my godparents!”
“That is very nice sweetheart.” Shinta looked at Brooke uncomprehending. Gavin yawned.
Shinta smiled. "I think young man, that is time for your nap.” She turned to Brooke. “Can I put him in your bedroom for now, I would like to talk to you.”
"Sure, no problem."
Gavin only protested weakly when his mother carried him to the bedroom and he was asleep in minutes.
“So let’s talk.” Shinta said when she returned.
"You have a great kid in there. Are you aware that he heard a certain conversation about being an abomination? He thinks he is sick because he is bad and he makes you cry all the time. I'm not a counselor but I think he may need some help understanding, not by you but someone else."
"Oh gods." Shinta moaned. 'I... that bastard!!! I love my son, you have to believe that, I love him more then my own life. But that bastard of a father of his." She shook her head. "Yes of course he has to talk to someone." She took a deep breath. "I have only been on board such a short time, could you recommend someone that is good with children." Shinta hit the cushions in frustration. Would Jake never stop plagueing her. Now he was trying to destory his son's life too.
Brooke put a hand on her shoulder, "I really don't know. You should ask your boss. She'd know. As for your son, I know you love him. I feel the same about Liam. I'd die for him if i had to. Oh, I meant it as being his godparennts...unless there is someone else filling that position."
"No, no there isn't." Shinta said. "I... I haven't many friends. All my old NCO buddies don't know how to treat me anymore now that I am an officer. And I don't mix well with officers." She smiled. "but I am getting there. Ensign Maxwell and I get along really well. And I like you." She admitted shyly.
"I will also talk to your husband about this. Now I will take my son home. I will talk to him if he wants more medication when he feels better."
Brooke smiled, "Okay, I'll be here if you decide." She walked with her to get Gavin and then Brooke walked them to the door, "Bye."
Based on STAR TREK created by Gene Roddenberry
Story by Lieutennat Suder - Assistant Chief Engineer
"Striking News"
Suder walked down the corridor to Sickbay. He didn't want to run, but he wanted to get to Sickbay quickly. He picked up his pace a little and when he arrived at Sickaby, he discovered that Samara had already been released. After talking with the Doctor, he heard about her injuries, her recovery and her request to see the Captain.
Suder found himself back in Engineering. He and everyone in Engineer were concerned. Lately, both McDowell and Samara had been injured. Who was going to be next? But the main concern was about Samara's condition. "Lieutenant?" a voice called out.
Suder snapped out of his sleeping thoughts and looked around Engineering.
"What is it, Ensign?" he asked.
"It's shift change. Only most of us aren't sure what's going on." the Ensign replied. "The Chief was going to look at it, but I guess she didn't get a chance."
"I'll take a look at it, give me a minute." Suder said.
The Ensign nodded as Suder strolled into the Chief's office to get the information from the data padd that was on her desk. He picked it up and began looking at it, making adjustments every now and then.
"Sir, any news on the Chief?" asked a passing Engineer.
"She's doing fine. If I hear anything else I'll let you know." Suder said.
The Engineer hurried off and Suder continued working on the duty roster. On completion, he left the office and walked over to the main display console in Engineering. He placed the padd on the computer and downloaded the information. The list appeared on the screen and the Engineers gathered round to see what they were doing.
"All right, everyone, these are jobs for today. Shoudl be enough to keep you busy. I'm going to be here until the end of the shift or until the Chief releives me. If you have any questions, you know where I am." Ethan stated.
The Engineers walked off in their teams to perform their duties. Suder stood in front of the screen and looked at the roster. After a few moments, he turned and walked back into the Chief's office. He called up the latest information on the Galaxy and read something that he tried not to believe. Chief Samara had in fact left the Galaxy. For a short time or for a long time, the computer didn't say. Suder looked up at the door and saw one of the new training members stood there.
"Sir, I was working on the EPS relay system with the Chief. Do you have any idea when I'll be able to finish with her?" the seventeen year old asked.
"Don't worry, Cadet, I'll finish it with you." Ethan replied.
"All right, Sir." the Cadet replied. She then turned and left quickly.
Suder tapped a message into the computer requesting a meeting with the Captain as soon as possible. He then left the office and made his way to help the Cadet.
"Planning the Future"
Ensign John Xavier
*** Ensign Xavier's Quarters ***
"Ensign Xavier personal log." John said pausing a minute, he paced around the room. "I've begun taking courses in the holodeck during my off hours, it would take to long to list all the courses I'm in but to sum it up they're pretty much just Politics and Diplomacy, I figure I can't be a pilot all my life so I might as well plan my future."
John stopped and thought to himself, 'Ambassador John Xavier... wait, President John Xavier.' He smiled and began talking to his computer again.
"End personal log." The computer chimed out.
John walked out of his quarters and to the nearest turbolift.
"Ten Forward." John said as he stepped inside.
*** Ten Forward ***
John walked in and sat at a table, he ordered his lunch which was his favorite, Hamburger, potato salad, and a Beer.
He waited a minute before his food arrived.
"The Party."
By Ensign Peter Lockhart
With most of Security
Peter strolled into Main Security once again, just in time for the end of Beta Shift and the start of Gamma. However, he wasn't here to start work, he was here to get drunk. He'd arrived in his usual Starfleet uniform. Apart from Holodeck adventures, Peter rarely wore anything else. He was carrying a rather large crate of beer, sixteen cans in all, and had every intention of drinking as many of them as he could.
As he stepped in, he could see Ensign Torricle moving as much of the sparce furniture around to form a table in one edge of the area with seats spotted around.
"Anything I can do to help James?" Peter asked.
"Well, I've just about finished moving the furniture around, but we need some food replicated. Could you do that for me. I know some officers are bringing their own, so we won't need all that much." James explained. "And I see you've brought the ale!"
"A little bit." Peter said, placing the drink down on the table. He then moved over to the replicator and started deciding what would be best to eat in a situation like this. "Hmmmm. Cake? Burgers? Salad?..."
"Bears." said Lieutenant Zonhieb stepping out of the security office.
"I'll pass on that." Peter said, and started replicating a selection of party food. Sandwichs, sausages on sticks, trifle and most importantly, chips. As the replicator started churning out the goodies, Lieutenant' Mulich roared into security, a PADD in his hand.
"Nearly finished." he said breathlessly, passing everyone on the way to file a report.
"Hey Mark. Stop working and start drinking." Peter said.
"My last report. Just got to file it." Mark said.
Peter shook his head and opened a can of beer, just as the doors opened once again, and half of security wandered in. Ensign Torricle immediately started playing the host.
"Right everyone, grab some food and drink.... Peter! We need plates, replicate some plates... errr, grab food and drink and anything you've got, put it down over here so that we can all enjoy it. There's errr... there's.... What have you replicated Peter?" James said, suddenly becoming flustered by the influx of people into the room.
"Chips!" Peter said. "Or fries, whatever you Americans call them."
"Plates!" James said, and Peter moved over to the replicator once again, muttering under his breath about Ensigns who pulled rank at parties.
*********** Half an hour later *************
The party was in full swing by now, with most of security milling around the room. Peter was on his third beer and starting to feel a strange fuzzing sensation in his head. He ignore it, and grabbed another ham sandwich and started stuffing it down his mouth.
He took a moment to scan the scene. In one corner, 'Commander Albrecht and Lieutenant' to-Srallansre were chatting to Mark Mulich, no doubt congratulating him on his promotion. Off towards the middle of room, Chris Aaron and Heidi Mason where dancing together, to a slow number playing in the background. However, the best sight of the evening so far had been Kornan Rios, who'd been drinking before the party, leching up to Lieutenant' Sanchez. Heather did not seem to be too pleased to recieve the attentions of the rowdy Klingon. The dress she was wearing was showing off her figure however, and Peter suspected that the Klingon's eyes were roving a little over Heather's body.
"At least someone likes Sanchez." Peter said, to no one in particular, grabbing another sandwich and throwing it down his mouth once more.
"Indeed." came the voice of Ensign Neg'Puj from beside him. He turned and saw the Betazoid Ensign sitting beside.
"Hewwo Eensisn." Peter said, spitting ham sandwich nearby her. She turned a dirty look towards him as a small portion of the food hit her.
"Hello. I'm afraid I've got to go and speak to Ensign Salt." she said suddenly getting up and moving away to Astrid.
"Oh well." Peter said, realising that he now didn't have a chance with her. "Plenty more fish in the sea." he continued, letting his gaze rove over all the other females in the room at present.
"How goes it Peter?" Tim O'Connell said, approaching him and filling his plate full of more food.
"Oh, fine sir. Enjoying yourself?" Peter asked.
"Very well actually. Nice idea, nice party. Keeping an eye on the food then?"
"No, I'm eating it." Peter said, grabbing a sausage roll and popping it in his mouth in one swift motion.
"Well errr... keep up the good work." Tim said, laughing and moving over to talk to Lieutenant Elaithin. Suddenly, Mark Mulich sat down besides Peter.
"How goes it then Peter?" he said. "Drunk yet?"
"Getting there." Peter said, reaching over and grabbing another two beers, offering one to Mark.
"Thanks." Mark replied. Both opened the beer and started drinking.
"So when you off?" Peter said finally breaching the question he'd not properly asked yet.
"Tomorrow afternoon, about 15:00 hours, when we get to Starbase 128." Mark replied.
"I don't want you to go really Mark." Peter said. "But you've got to."
"I know." Mark replied plainly. "So, what happened with Ensign Neg'Puj?"
"I spat food all over her." Peter replied.
"And it didn't work? There must be something wrong with the woman." Mark said jokingly.
"Indeedy. Let's getting absolutely pissed." Peter replied, and clinking cans together, he started drinking himself into a state he might well regret tomorrow.
"Making Amends"
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas,
Chief Counselor
Lt. (jg) Brook Ames O'Connell, M.D.
Medical Officer
Lt. Tim O'Connell
Security Officer
USS Galaxy
***Outside Brook and Tim's quarters***
Karyn rang the chime, and waited to be allowed entry. She hoped Brook wasn't sleeping, as she didn't want to disturb the new mom. Thankfully, Brook answered the door, although she looked a bit tired. From the looks of things, Liam had just gone down for a nap.
Brooke was surprised to see who it was and she felt a little hostility towards her but chose not to make a scene. Without a word, Brook ushered her to the back room away from the nursery.
"So, what brings you over here? I can't believe you have the nerve to show your face here." It was obvious that she was still angry and hurt.
When they were in relative privacy, Karyn spoke. "I come in peace," she held up the blue quilt, so that Brooke could see it clearly.
Brooke looked puzzled, but took the proffered item. "And this is supposed to make everything right between us?"
Karyn heard the icy tone in Brook's voice and decided to tread very carefully, lest she wind up making things worse than they already were. She kept her voice as even as possible. "No, I don't expect this to make things ok between us, but I thought it was a start. Look, I want to apologize for the way things went the last time we spoke. All of us were angry, especially me, and I said some things that I'm not particularly proud of. I never intended to hurt anybody but my temper got the best of me."
Karyn continued, looking Brook directly in the eye. "I'm sorry that I didn't come to you sooner. I really didn't know you were still so angry with me. I guess I just thought we all needed time to cool off, and that once that happened, all of you would talk it out. It was clear you didn't want me involved, so I stayed out of it. It wasn't until Shinta told me that you talked of our last session together, that I realized it was me you were angry with. I wanted to make amends Brooke, and talk about this like adults. Anger is not going to get us anywhere, life is just too short."
"I'm more hurt than angry. I was the innocent bystander there. I didn't even know them but for some stupid reason of theirs, I was being attacked by them, Neil and then by you. How else did you think I would react? Welcome you with open arms?"
Karyn shook her head, then thought to herself, *If you had, I would have seriously thought that I was losing my touch for reading people.* "Oh, I don't think there were any innocent bystanders there, I know I certainly was not one. I can understand why you were angry, Brook. Tim lashed out at Elaine for dumping Neil, and naturally Elaine felt it necessary to lash out at anyone that Tim cared about, including you. I can also understand the anger you felt when you found out Neil had run a background check on you behind your back. What I didn't understand, and still can't understand to this day, is why you acted the way you did in counselling."
Karyn's tone wasn't confrontational, just honest. Perhaps it was something she should have shared earlier. "I admit, I was extremely angry that day, but not just at you, at everyone. Because regardless of whether all of you had cause to be angry or not, when we came together that day, everyone had a choice as to how they wanted to behave, and if they wanted to put forth the effort to work through the things that were bothering them. Once everyone chose to resort to petty name calling, the battle was joined so to speak. A person can't say someone needs a shrink big time and expect to receive no kind of heated response at all from that someone. What would be the point of saying something like that, if you received no reaction at all? I didn't see people that genuinely wanted to work things out, I saw people too concerned with being right and insulting each other to ever act maturely. It was completely disrespectful and I lost it. Can you honestly say that the comment you made to Neil and the medical opinion you offered of Elaine, were mature comments that you sincerely thought would somehow resolve differences? I know my comments didn't have the best or most mature of intentions, and I'm sure we could say the same for the others. Can you say that of yourself?
She thought about what she just said and had to agree, "I don't know what I thinking at the time but looking back at it, I guess the comments were a little...childish. But you were harsh."
"I know I wasn't particulary kind to you, but I really wasn't wonderful to anyone. It wasn't all your fault, but no one escapes blame, and honestly everyone was ganged up on their fair share. It was extremely frustrating to hear things escalate, and know everyone couldn't care less about anything. It was all so petty and no one cared to appreciate the situation. What frustrated me the most was that I was sitting before six people who had sworn to serve the ship and her crew. Captain Price, Commander Casey and myself are expected to trust these six people with our lives during times of crisis. I saw six people throw away a friendship in a matter of days. If this was how these people treated their friends, how were they going to treat other beings we happen to meet or handle themselves if they were forced to work together. I knew that if things couldn't be handled maturely and civilly, there was more at stake than just a few friendships. Your careers were on the line and I felt I tried my damndest to relate that. But there was only so much I could do. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, but I can't change what happened. I can only tell you how I felt and why I did what I did. I just hope you understand my position, as I can appreciate yours." She was as candid as she could be, and perhaps Brook wouldn't forgive her. Either way, Karyn had said what she should have said months ago. There was nothing more she could do.
"They're all gone now so it doesn't matter anymore. Tim and me proved that we can withstand anything that anyone throws at us." She looked at her straight in the eye..with a smile, realizing that staying mad at her was just a waste of energy, "I guess to forgive you would be the "mature" thing to do. I'm willing to start over."
"Great, and please, let's promise that should anything like this come up again, one of us will go to the other and share our concerns. This way, feelings like this don't have to fester and neither one of us has to hear about it from an uninvolved third party. Ok?"
"Sure. I have to admit, you make quite a worthy opponent. I believe I have met my match. Never thought that was possible but...."
"Anything is possible, Doctor." Karyn grinned.
Coming back from 10 forward, Tim held Liam gently as his son was really missing his mother, so he went home was opening the door when he heard two female voices coming through, with some light laughter. Walking in he cocked his head, "Someone missed mommy, but we can come back later, if we're interrupting."
Brooke walked over and took Liam from his arms, "No, you're not interrupting. We were just talking." She cradles Liam and holds him so she can see him, "This is Liam."
Karyn looked at the newborn and her heart melted. Liam was indeed the offspring of both Tim and Brook. Seeing the baby made Karyn think of her relationship with Michael who was now in the Galaxy's sickbay, still in a coma due to the venom of Grainus Six's K'atkra plant. She would go to him, and the rest of the Away Team as soon as she felt strong enough. She had to be strong for Michael and right now she couldn't face him.
Strangely enough, Karyn had a strong urge to hold the baby and yet, she knew if she did, the reality that her romance with Michael might be over would come crashing down of her. Michael was the closest love she'd had since Alan, and Karyn found herself thinking that motherhood might not be impossible. Now, who knew what was to happen? She decided to change the subject.
"Actually, this visit was twofold. I wanted to make amends and I wanted to check on you both. As I'm sure you know, parenthood, especially first time parenthood, brings a lot of stress and uncertainty. I feel it's important to check on new parents to make sure they're adjusting to these new responsibilities ok."
She turned to Brook, "As I'm sure you're aware, post partum depression is not uncommon for new mothers and I wanted to make it clear, should either of you need to talk about things, I'm available. Parents on Starfleet vessels lead particularly stressful lives because of dangerous assignments and changing work environments. I can help you arrange regular childcare, though I'm sure you have no shortage of babysitters." Karyn grinned, taking one last look at the infant.
"That definitely isn't going to be a problem but thanks for the concern."
"Well, I should be getting back but like I said, feel free to see me if you have concerns or it's always good to talk to the other parents. I'm not quite as seasoned with kids as they are, but I have been known to lend a good ear...most of the time."
Karyn and Brook grinned.
Out of Detam
Michala Lynn Casey
Michala had been out of Detam for about four hours. She finally convinced the doctor on duty, whom she did not really know yet, that she was fit to return to her quarters. She had a close call with the headaches, but they had been able to slow down the painful side effects. She knew that more investigative therapy would be needed, but with everything else going on at the moment, she had been able to postpone it.
First, she wanted to get her certification back. She would be head of Beta shift as soon as she repassed her boards. She was not the least worried about this, having more then one set of memories from the medical field. She knew she would need to study continuously until she could claim that knowledge for her own. Who knew when she could lose access to that knowledge, if ever.
Michala knew that Deiran was on shift. She headed for their quarters. First thing first, she wanted to see the babies. It was one of her stronger memories, the nurturing of these children. She felt so strongly. It was as if she had born them herself. She was surprised to find them not in the quarters, but a quick check showed that Sunshine had taken them for a walk. Michala went into her quarters and was surprised to see that Deiran had kept his word. In place of the large bed were two twin beds.
She smiled, she was looking forward to getting to know him. He seemed a little arrogant for her tastes but she liked a challenge and she had a feeling he could be one. She sent a message to Karyn requesting a counseling session. She was unaware of Karyn's change of vocation.
She went to her dresser and was surprised to see that Miran's belongings were gone as well. She had commandeered a small drawer but as she went through them, all Miran's clothes were gone. In their place were new outfits. She wondered if Deiran had chosen them or had asked someone else to. She pulled out a pantsuit and clean undergarments, blushing at the slightness of them. She grabbed a shower and changed into clean clothes. It felt so good to be clean and alone.
Michala had meant to wait for the babies so as to play with them. However, the book that she had curled up with, lay on the floor. Michala was curled up asleep on the couch. She did not awaken until small hands cupped her face. "Hi Chala!" Chirped a small voice.
"Set backs and commitments"
Lieutenant Jake T. Olson
Jake and T-Prea were having some emotional difficulty, as they were still not married and now parents. Both were of traditional mind. They wanted their marriage to be perfect, but life kept tossing them curve balls. Jake, being of inventive mind and creative spirit, found a solution that would make them 'legal' with out compromising T-Prea's sense of tradition.
Jake had suggested that they conduct a 'commitment' ceremony, and with it take out the 'marriage' license. They would be to all eyes legally wed yet would not defile any traditions.
"In Mexico, many years ago, couples had to perform two ceremonies in order to be wholly wed, one for Church, one State. While the tradition in our case is Indian, we are in a similar situation. The problem we face is merely one of life getting in the way of Spiritual Marriage, but legally, we can marry on this ship."
The 'Legal' wedding was a quiet affair. Jake joked that they brought the traditional something new in the person of Bud. It was somewhat funny when a ripe diaper interrupted the 'wedding' right in the middle, "A curve turd, well, it fits." All hopes of a solemn affair went seriously south as the wedding deteriorated into fits of laughter.
'Bud' was named Jacob, but for all practical intents, he was tagged with the nick name Bud. Face it, the boy had been dubbed at birth, every one knew him as Bud, and there were several men named 'Buddy'. No one need know outside a very small circle that the name referred to a flower!
Bud was also turning into very much a boy, yelling loudly when he had a mess in the diaper, or when he was hungry. He didn't cry a great deal. He just hollered when he wanted something. Over the next two months, he grew to a hefty 12 pounds. He had dark curls and black eyes, the slant to his eyebrows was notable, as the brows were dark. There was no resemblance to Jake whatsoever.
Bud did undergo some genetic testing, the actual test itself was the one used to determine fatherhood. It was better than using the standard test that would have been more difficult for the baby. Also, the standard could not be performed so early. T-Prea asked Jake if he was at all uncomfortable with it.
"Well, I had to take that other test, it wasn't fun. Testing now using the paternity test is easier on Bud, and will catch any problems early. We already know -who's- genes are in him, I would just like to know -which- ones I gave him. I don't want that fever I had to cause any problems in Bud, if it did something to my genes."
Bud's test came out with flying colors, yes, he had Jake's genes if not his looks, and no, he had enough of T-Prea's genes to counter any defunct DNA from Jake. Thanks to Jake's open mindedness, Bud wasn't even aware a test was taken.
T-Prea handled the equipment, as she was slightly embarrassed. It wasn't as easy for her to dismiss the implications of the test as it was for Jake. "How can you be so casual about this, I mean, just look the other way to the -usual- reason this type of test is taken?"
"Easy, I've done a number of things that were designed for one thing but were being used for another. I also know enough about genes to know exactly what is happening in the microscope. And what the equipment is looking for, and how to find what I want to find out of the results. But then, I've never been overly picky about means if they lead to good ends with out sacrificing ethics.
"Right now, the equipment itself is in serious danger of Bud's idea of means to ends!" Jake scooped up the frisky youngster who rolled over.
Scott's life was not nearly so smooth, but then he didn't really roll with the punches well like Jake did either. Susan Jones returned to the Galaxy as a crew member, and was not pleased when she heard of Scott's faithless antics over that reporter, Gail Buckman. Jake scheduled the pair on different shifts as they were both in the science section. Susan was a yeoman, and she was assigned to Jake's shift. Scott, being at best lack luster, would be best off not exposed to Sullax more than absolutely necessary.
"Saying Goodbye"
By Ensign Peter Lockhart
Peter's head throbbed as he walked towards transporter room two. It was 14:30 and he was due to say his goodyes to Ensign... correct that, Lieutenant' Mulich. Peter had no idea how he'd got home last night. He suspected some kind security officer had dragged him to his quarters.
Dragged him must've been the optimal word, as somehow Peter had awoke a few hours ago with scratch marks along his back. He'd no idea how they'd occurred, or who had inflicted them. Perhaps he had been dragged along the corridors of the Galaxy, or perhaps Sanchez had got a little too frisky and attempted to do something she probably regretted afterwards.
Either way, that was only the least of Peter's troubles at the moment. His head was pounding and he'd already vomited the contents of his stomach in various parts of his quarters. He had the highly entertaining task of completely tidying his quarters when he got back. The only good thing about last night was that he awoke on his own. Waking up and rolling over to find someone like Lieutenant' to-Srallansre, or even worse 'Commander Albrecht, in his bed would've just made his day.
He entered transporter room two to find two other people there. One was Mark Mulich and the other was Chief Jensen. Mark opened with a note of concern.
"You okay Pete? You look rough!"
"I feel worse." Peter said, Mark's voice grating on his head.
"Had a bit to drink last night then sir?" Chief Jensen said.
"I'm teetotal Chief. Never touch the stuff. Banged by head, that's all." Peter lied.
"Of course sir." Jensen replied, laughing.
Peter then turned to Mark, "You all set Lieutenant?"
"Yeah I am. You don't have to call me Lieutenant either Pete. Mark is more than adequate." Mark replied.
"You deserve that rank. Therefore I'll say it as much as I can." Peter said, propping himself against the transporter console.
"Well, that's just about it then. Can you give me a hand getting my stuff on the pad please?" Mark asked.
"Sure thing." Chief Jensen replied, and Peter just groaned, and started moving bags and boxes into the centre of the transporter pad. It took them about a minute of hard work, which Peter hated every little movement his body made. He could feel his stomach wanting to retch, but nothing was inside it to throw up.
"I'm not big on these goodbyes Mark." Peter said.
"Combined with the fact that you need to report to sickbay." Mark added truthfully.
"That too." There was silence for a minute before Peter said. "Good luck Mark. The Galaxy will miss you, but not as much as I will. Who will go to the holodeck with me now?"
"I'm sure you'll find some new recruit to rope into your cult."
"Peterborough United isn't a cult." Peter replied. He then stepped forward and shook Mark's hand. "Keep in touch huh Mark?"
"Sure will. The Formidable is still a Starfleet ship afterall. Who knows? Maybe I'll be back one day?"
Peter stood back from the platform and just nodded. Behind him, he could hear Chief Jensen working the transporter controls. "Starbase 128 is ready now sir."
"Energise then Chief." Mark ordered, and the transporter started it's familiar hum. Within ten seconds, Mark and all his belongings had been whisked away.
"Starbase 128 reports transport successful sir." Jensen said.
"Thanks Tom." Peter replied, and slowly walked out the door. The day had started rough and had just got a lot worse.
"Counseling"
Ensign Navarre Shinta
Counselor
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas
Chief Counselor
USS Galaxy
Shinta hadn't talked to her boss much, but she knew she had to now. She had to talk about Jake and her fears of starting another relationship. And she wanted to talk to her about Gavin, the boy needed to talk to a professional. Yet she felt uneasy about it. What would the commander think of her? That she was weak, not able to deal with her own problems. Bajorans dealt with their problems, they didn't go to counselors. And here she was being one. It was all a bit confusing to her.
Finally she made up her mind and went over to Karyn's office and hit the intercom. "Commander, it's ensign Navarre. I eh, would like to make an appointment if it's alright with you."
"Sure, Shinta, can we meet in Ten-Foreward? I'm starving and I need to get out of the office. Or is this a private matter you would feel more comfortable discussing here?" Karyn could tell by the sound of her voice she had been reluctant to call. If there was a problem of some sort, perhaps privacy was best.
Shinta shuffled her feet, this was so hard, she had sailed through the reviews at the academy but this was about Gavin. She was not really about to mention her own problems, not with a new boss. 'Uhm, ma'am, I would like a little privacy, I need to talk to you about my son. He.. he isn't doing so well."
Karyn grew concerned. She knew that Gavin had many allergies and that Brook had been treating him for them, but Karyn wondered what was wrong. Was Gavin's health problems more serious than that?
"Sure. I have time now, if you like. Come on over."
"Thank you." Shinta said in a small voice, it felt too much like being called into the principals office.
When Navarre entered and after she had made herself comfortable, Karyn asked, "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Yes ma'am, coffee please." This was one of her own opening lines and here she sat wringing her hands nervously, still determined not to talk about herself.
"What's on your mind, Shinta?" asked Karyn gently.
"It's my son Gavin, ma'am." She said. "I hope you will see him. He told Brooke that he overheard his father say that he shouldn't have been born. I had no idea he heard that." She looked straight ahead. Bajoran assasins did not cry, ever.
"Please, call me Karyn, we're not exactly on duty now, and if we're going to be honest with each other, it will be easier not to be so formal, ok? Now, is it possible that Gavin's father could have said that? I can't imagine a father saying that to his son, but is there a reason he'd be angry with you?" Karyn knew Shinta was a single parent but she didn't know the whole story there, nor did she ask. But the look in Shinta's eyes said more people had been hurt than just Gavin. "I can talk to him if you want, but first I need to know more about his father and their relationship. Were you two married?"
"No." was her curt answer. She hadn't come here to talk about Jake.
"Listen, it may be none of my business, but you look as though you could use an ear...and perhaps a shoulder?
Shinta sighed. "Look you can talk to Jake bloody Simpson all you like. He seduced me, then told me he was married. I decked him, nearly broke his jaw and lost my job. I was blamed, Not him, not commander Simpson. He's never even seen Gavin and won't even admit the kid exists. That's why you have to talk to Gav. Make him understand that I love him enough for two." Her eyes pleaded a little now losing some of their hard quality. "and I am okay."
Karyn wanted to retort, *the hell you are!* but in many ways Karyn could understand Shinta's reaction. She was obviously still very angry and hurt about being rejected by someone she thought she loved and trusted. Even if she refused to admit that she felt that way, the fact her son was being exposed to such hurt had to be a blow below the belt. "I can talk to Gav, that's no problem, but I have to tell you, I'm going to need you to help as well. Gav is a smart boy and will no doubt sense there's more to the story than we're telling him. My guess is he sees you upset and then thinks he did something wrong. I'm sure there are things that will have to wait until he's older, but he's going to need you to answer his questions honestly and as best as you can. Are you prepared to handle all that comes with that?"
Shinta thought for a moment. "For Gavin, anything." She said then softly.
"Shinta, my father was a drunk, too worried about drowning his sorrows in a bottle after my mom died to ever be worried about me or my sister. He was an abusive SOB that deserved his come uppance in life. But you know what? There's a part of me that still loves him, because he is my father and he is partly responsible for my life. I miss him, and wish he loved me enough to talk to me. Because no matter how much my sister loves me, it can't make up for not having a father in my life. Gav will never really get over not having a father figure in his life, no matter what you do. The way you deal with that is to encourage him to talk about his feeling, but before you can do that, you have to come to terms with your own. I can't do this by myself and neither can you."
Now she had to think longer. "I can't really talk about myself." She then admitted. She really didn't want
the boy to hear too much about her past. "I... will support you when you talk to Gav." She then said.
"That's good to hear, and I really can appreciate your difficulty at sharing your past. Once upon a time I don't think I could have shared what I just did with anyone, but with friends here, it gets easier. I knew if I wanted to move on, I had to slowly let go. It hasn't been easy to trust people, but if I wanted to find love and happiness I had to open up. This was especially true once I felt myself falling in love with someone."
Shinta eyed her with distrust. "You want me to come in for counseling!" If her boss knew all about what kind of person she was working with, she would find herself rotated of the galaxy at the soonest opportunity, she was certain of that.
"I want you to do what's best for you and Gavin, and more than likely that means letting go of some of that anger you carry with you. How can you expect your patients to open up if you refuse to do the same? Whatever is eating you Shinta is unintentionally hurting your son and his mom in turn. All I'm saying is that I'm here for you. I need you to be strong for this crew, and that means honesty just as much as it means not blowing your stack or shutting down when something comes along you don't want to deal with. I won't judge you, Shinta, you got here because you care and have a strong work ethic. You tell me, have you ever dealt with what happened? Do you want to talk? Because I'm willing to listen."
"I..." She wanted to say, yes of course I have dealt with it all. "I fooled the counselors at the academy, Karyn. Once you get the hang of it, it's real easy to say what a counselor wants to hear." She flushed bright red. "Maybe you are right." Then she hesitated again. "this will go in my record, right?"
Karyn suspected as much. It was easy to fool anxious or overworked counselors who didn't want to see what was really there. "Not if you don't want it to. The info about Gavin's father wasn't in your record, probably because his father was married, so I see no reason to specify. They could be informal if you wanted, after our shifts. No one would have to know. We'd be two coworkers talking. It might be painful, but if you haven't dealt with it, it'll feel good to get it off your chest. We all have things we are afraid to share, but all of us care about one another as family."
Shinta gave her a faint smile then. "Thank you, Karyn. I think I would like that very much. After duty. I.. I suppose you are right. But it will be hard for me, since I was a little kid, I have learnt to bottle up pain." She looked at Karyn again. "When do you want to start, doc?"
"How's tomorrow afternoon? After your shift? You and I can talk and then we can decide what to do about Gav. Sound ok?"
"Yes that sounds like a good idea." Shinta gave her a weak smile. Do you, do you want me to do anything in preparation?"
"Just bring what you want to eat or drink." Karyn smiled. "And relax, I'm here to help."
Shinta managed a nervous smile and then excused herself wondering what had gone wrong here.
"Coming Aboard Part I"
by Lt Jg. Kira Murphy, Medical (General & Paediatrics)
reviewed by Deiran Casey
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Starbase Control, can you report that last bit?" Jensen said.
[Control here. I said that we just have to catch a pigeon that escaped.] came out of the speaker.
Looking over to Commander Casey, he saw Deiran smile.
Deiran spoke,
"Starbase Control, this is Commander Casey. We have a few more officers to beam aboard. I suggest you use a stasis field."
[The Lt just caught it, and we are ready to proceed]
Jensen smiled and started the transport. Five seconds later, a single female human in a grey sort of suit appeared on the padd. A wrist strap connected her to a big furry brown teddy bear and some sort of animal cage floated in the air nearby.
The female smiled and spoke as she grabbed the floating cage,
"Sorry about that. Fooey got loose."
Taking hold of the cage, she walked down off the padd. Cmdr Casey stepped out from the controls and walked over to her.
"Lt. Murphy, welcome aboard the Galaxy. I'm familiar with your record Lieutenant, I don't want to hear any incidents of your pidgeon getting loose in any vital areas, okay?" Deiran smiled cordially.
Tilting her head slightly, she looked at him and then gasped when she realised who she was talking to - the first officer,
"Yes, Sir. I didn't mean to make that mistake."
"I'll overlook it this once. You will find your quarters have been adjusted to zero-gravity. On the Galaxy, we try to accomodate everyone. I do have one suggestion - try not to cause too many problems while on board okay? I don't have to chew your butt out for the pranks you're known for."
"Aye Aye, Sir."
********************
After entering her quarters, she smiled and deactivated her anti-grav suit. Opening the cage, she smiled as her Tykellian pigeon flew out of his cage and started flying around to investigate. Leaving the cage floating at the door and detaching her teddy bear, she kicked off the door and did a few sommersaults in the air before pushing off towards the bedroom. Inside, she found that a piece of strong canvas tied up in the middle of the room had been set up - a hammock.
"Hmm.. That was very nice of them, so I guess I should try it at some point."
Doing a 360 degree turn, she pulled herself through the door and twisted towards the bathroom. Inside, she found it was zero-gravity as well. She tapped the special panel and felt a slow very soft pulling sensation towards the ground as the computer gently adjusted the room from zero to 1/8 G's. Slipping out of her suit, she headed to the shower to try it.
"Pound of dirt"
by
Lt Seth Zonheib
Ensign Navarre Shinta
Shinta stood there hovering over the big Gorn patiently, waiting to see what he would decide to do. She was not joking. Her records said that the lizard had to eat now, and that was exactly what he was going to do, higher ranking officer or not.
"Skipping lunch is hardly grounds for relieving me of duty." Seth wasn't backing down. "And as tough as you think you are you couldn't drag me down there."
Shinta laughed. "I have no intention of dragging you to sickbay, you know I can call people to do that for me. I am not that stupid, ... sir. But you are behaving like a spoiled child. It won't hurt you to eat a bite, I know your system can cope with it, I checked. And we are not talking about skipping one lunch, now are we." She looked as determined as ever not giving an inch.
"I'd be interested to know your sources since the federation banks don't have much on gorn." Seth knew any gorn would not give out that kind of information.
"Your system can cope with eating soil but I don't see you eating 450 grams in a life time."
"I had a gorn friend once. It was on a starbase and it was easier for him, but he could eat some foods in small quantities in emergencies. And that's exactly what you are going to do. You have to keep your strength up if we are going to go hunting. I won't run the risk of you going weak on me there." She tried a different track.
"This is not an emergency." Seth declared and was going to leave it at that but added. "I know my strength and weaknesses better than you. I will eat soon."
"Bullshit.... sir." she said.
"That's enough ENSIGN." Muscles coiled in the lizards jaw as he clenched.
"I told you of my plan to hunt. I have a backup plan should that fail. I will not eat what YOU can carry in. That's FINAL. If you have nothing further to say then kindly LEAVE."
Shinta just folded her arms and stared back. Her orders were to see him eat or deliver him to sickbay, now she began to like the gorn and she really didn't want to do that.
"Unlike you it would be easy for me to toss you out." The gorn stood up straight to his full height. "If I take you hunting you make no note of the incident in any log. understood?"
Little Shinta looked up at him defiantly. "Not if you also agree to eat now. In that case you have a deal and this conversation never happened."
"What's the point of poisoning me now?" Seth didn't understand the fixation on the plate of garbage. "When fresh food will fill me within the hour."
"Look I know what a healthy gorn should look like and you are far from that! I want you fit, or I won't take you on the hunt but do it for you, sir." She get on.
"Fine I don't need you slowing me down on the hunt." Seth thought it was pompous of her to think she was taking him or that she could do it for him. Wasn't she listening to the whole argument. Live prey was what he needed and he was going to get it.
"Believe me, sir. I don't want to do it. But that attitude is a one way ticket to sickbay." She said.
"You'll only delay my meal further." The gorn stood impassive.
"You have several choices." Shinta said.
"A. you can eat a little just to make me happy and go hunting with me, witch I would like very much. B. You don't eat and I have you taken to sickbay and force fed and I go hunting on my own. You pick."
"I'll eat that the second after you eat a hand full of sand." The gorn thought the dirt was just as palatable.
"Right." Shinta bend down and took a hand full of sand. She had eaten weird things as a starving teenager, without qualms she brought it to her mouth and began to chew.
The gorn watched and waited until the councilor was finished. She looked expectantly between Seth and the plate. He chose the smallest piece and popped it in his mouth. He didn't bother to chew, swallowing the piece quickly before he could taste it. "Now we can go get some real food." Seth made his way to the door. "Give you some fresh warm blood to wash that sand down."
She shook her head sighing, but honor had been satisfied and she let him get out following him smiling.
NRPG: This ends a two-part post to conclude the Holodeck Two subplot. Sorry for the wait!! =)
=/\= "And the Padded Cell Goes To pt II" =/\=
by Lt Cmdr Matthew Albrecht
*** Chief of Security's Office ***
Tim O'Connell and his son Liam left Matthew's office and rejoined the crowd of baby-admirers. The chief stepped to his doorway and tapped the small control panel next to it. The door slid shut to offer him some privacy. He had important work to do.
He was anticipating the conclusion of his investigation into the sabotage of Holodeck Two. Lieutenant Suder had successfully determined the exact time of the damage that eventually led to the deaths of two children on a field trip. He also uncovered the frustrating fact that whoever did it, had intentionally and quite skillfully covered up his or her misdeed. The perpetrator was, therefore, by definition guilty of two counts of manslaughter, as well as several other crimes.
Further evidence tracked down by his team brought to light the fact that the killer had fraudulently used the identities of several Starfleet Officers to get access to the Holodeck, perhaps from fear of revealing his or her true identity. The computer skills necessary to cover all of these details were impressive and difficult to conceive. Everyone Matthew spoke to about the extent of the computer cover-up was surprised by the obvious skill involved. Key Samara had grudgingly admitted that the criminal was even more talented than she.
Matthew checked the chronometer on his desktop monitor. He had an appointment by subspace to speak to a friend of his at Memory Alpha in about ten minutes.
Tamara Larson was a computer operator, one of the best in StarFleet. Her talents were so well regarded that the lieutenant had not spent more than seven days in a Starship post in her career. Lieutenant Larson found herself skipping from consulting job to consulting job for various governmental and development programs and facilities. The challenges and opportunities she found at each new position challenged her to new heights of skill. There wasn't an officer in the 'fleet who could match her, in Matthew's opinion.
She was also Matthew's Academy romance. She graduated a year before him, but they maintained their two-year relationship through his final year of study while she was on loan to the San Francisco facility of the Daystrom Institute. The couple's time together was fiery and unpredictable. Tamara was publicly mild and quiet, but privately hot-blooded and very physical.
When Matthew called her the day before at her workstation via subspace, she had been cold to him, even hostile. But she agreed to help him in his criminal investigation. They set an appointment to speak again after twenty-four hours. Then she signed off without another word.
The ship's computer interrupted his recollections. "Incoming transmission for Chief of Security Matthew Albrecht from Memory Alpha."
He drew in a long, calming breath and thumbed the controls for the vidscreen. Tamara appeared, her expression much more pleasant than the day before. She was dark-complected, with long raven black hair and golden brown eyes. "Matthew. How are you?" she asked, with a smile. Just as he remembered, she was totally unpredictable.
"I'm well. Mostly, I'm excited at the possibility of ending this murder investigation," he said. He was friendly in response to her, but he didn't want to have a conversation about 'the old times' with her no matter how sweet she became. "What have you got for me?"
She showed her teeth in a wide grin. "I've got it all, baby. What do you want first?" When he merely stared at her, she realized he wasn't in a flirtatious mood. "I guess that means you want the evidence." She sounded disappointed.
"Okay, here's what I found: The holodeck simulation 'Cardassian Sun four four' was based upon a public-domain file called 'Cardassian Sun' that was fairly popular after the war ended. It bears a signature of the software that edited it from the original. The author's name is not revealed by the program, but his location is." She seemed well satisfied with herself. "He wrote the original program in a public holosuite at a hotel. The hotel was the Wilbury Grand. Do you remember it?"
Matthew did. He had spent many nights there with Tamara. "Yes, I do. That's where you stayed while you worked for Daystrom." He didn't mention the obvious history they shared.
Lieutenant Larson brushed a few strands of hair from her face and blinked slowly. "Didn't they have fabulous room service there? Anyway, I think it's fair to say that your perpetrator was a consultant for them as well, six months ago. I did a little research, and discovered that the Wilbury was forced to replace its holosuites four weeks ago after a vacationing couple from Qu'onos barely escaped an unexplained fire. Sound like a safety protocol malfunction to you?"
"It certainly does. I can tell you're not finished," he said, as she still wore the same self-satisfied expression. He knew she would be able to track down more information than he could with the tools he had on the Galaxy.
She sat up straighter, bringing more of her into view of the camera. "You betcha. There was one man with a room at the Wilbury who has also recently been aboard the USS Galaxy. In fact, he checked out of the Wilbury Grand in San Francisco the week you were there with your captain. From there, he arranged transport aboard the Galaxy to Starbase one twenty eight. Do you want to know his name?"
Matthew leaned forward. "I'd watch Ishtar to get his name," he joked. It was an inside joke between him and Endris, and the human woman didn't understand it.
Tamara leaned back away from the camera. In an abrupt, obvious subject change she asked, "Are you planning leave anytime soon, Matt?"
He felt his heart clench in his chest. He had done nothing to suggest he had any interest in renewing their past affair. Did she not see the wedding ring he wore? He decided that she had not seen it. "Tamara, I don't think you've met my wife, Endris Gakor. She's actually quite famous in medical circles," he explained, attempting to be diplomatic to save Tamara face.
"Of course!" she faked. "I meant you and your wife, silly. You two ought to come this way for a visit." He nodded, and said he'd talk to Gakor about it.
*** Starbase 128, the next day ***
The starbase's security chief, Speenak, listened attentively to Matthew's explanation, occasionally interrupting with a relevant question. "You say this man, Gerald Fitzwellin, was once held prisoner in a Cardassian interrogation facility. Please elaborate."
Matthew nodded, "He was a prisoner for eight months. He was captured on Betazed where he was consulting on a research project into artificial intelligence. His captors extracted quite a bit of information from him regarding his area of expertise before he was freed. Psych profiles identified him as a prime candidate for severe post-traumatic stress related episodes, but he refused treatment and showed no symptoms at the time."
The Vulcan pressed his fingertips together. "It would seem that mister Fitzwellin has been working out his demons in a very destructive fashion. Self-torture is not unheard of in emotionally uncontrolled species like Humans and Klingons. We will have to see to it that he is remanded to an appropriate medical facility for treatment."
Albrecht pursed his lips thoughtfully. "He will have to stand trial for manslaughter, at least."
Lieutenant Speenak raised an eyebrow. "A man cannot stand trial when he is not in control of his faculties. Do you seek revenge for the deaths of the two children? That is entirely an emotional reaction."
"Sometimes," Matthew opined, "emotional reactions prompt us to escalate our responses and help us to prevent further damage before it occurs."
The Vulcan stated, "Have no fear, we will resolve this immediately. Ah, here is our engineer now."
Into the station's main security facility walked a Bolian in engineering gold. She was holding an isolinear chip in her left hand. "Lieutenant Speenak. 'Commander," she greeted.
Speenak tilted his head to one side in acknowledgement. "Ensign Roxl, this is lieutenant commander Albrecht from the USS Galaxy. Please explain your findings."
Roxl held out the chip. "Per your instructions, I began a search of the holodeck circuits in each of our holodeck facilities. In holodeck three I discovered this chip. It is not Starfleet issue. It allowed someone to override the safety protocols without informing the station's computer systems. This strikes me as quite odd, as any such tampering would have left a record in the holodeck logs, at least. But this time it did not."
Matthew interjected. "We are dealing with a very advanced computer specialist. He was probably responsible for designing many of the computer programs used throughout the fleet."
"Ensign, turn the chip over to my assistant as evidence, and return to holodeck three to verify that it is safe for use. That is all." He turned to the visiting security chief. "I believe now is a good time to apprehend your suspect, 'commander."
*** Civilian Quarters, Starbase 128 ***
The two security chiefs approached Gerald Fitzwellin's rooms. As they did so, the door slid open. A short man in a long coat and floppy hat exited the room. The man avoided the eyes of the goldshirts until they approached him directly.
"Gerald Fitzwellin?" asked lieutenant commander Albrecht. The little man looked up and met his eyes. Gerald's face was scarred from forehead to chin. Some of the wounds looked recent. Scars upon scars criss-crossed his unhappy features.
Gerald looked from security officer to security officer, saw that they were armed, and realized that they knew his secret. "You know?" he asked in a meek voice. "The fire. It wasn't supposed to happen!"
Fitzwellin began to cry. Tears fell from his eyes and he clutched his face with both hands. The hat was knocked from his scarred head, where less than half of his hair remained in patches separated by shiny scar tissue. He fell to his knees on the floor.
Matthew looked over at the Vulcan, whose impassive expression concealed whatever reaction he might have had to the collapse of their suspect. He looked down again to see Gerald slowly curl into a ball on the deck, sobbing like a lost child. He felt his heart clench again within his chest. This broken man needed help more desperately than he could imagine. And it broke his heart.
The end.
"Encounter."
by Lt. Commander Evin Genestra, Science officer
(reviewed by Lt. Commander Ryak Sullax)
The off-duty science officer allowed himself to forget the sensor analyses, experiments, and interactions with his colleagues. It was easy to do amidst the old English fencing hall, not unlike one he had received his first instruction in that sport. It was almost convincing enough for Devinoni to forget that he was even on a Federation starship travelling through an unexplored sector of the Alpha Quadrant.
After several weeks of preparation Evin and the holographic projection were now more equally matched, unlike the first match he attempted after first arriving on the ship. As such, the last forty-five minutes of the game had been within a point either side of a draw. Until now that was. As Genestra took a few breaths he noticed the current score of seven to seven: it all came down to this one last game.
"En garde!" Evin said, initiating a new game against the computer.
The two men broke their well-postured stances and assumed a guarding stance, preparing for an attack from their respective opponents so they could met it with an appropriate counterattack. The hologram lunged forward as Evin met the foil with delicate maneuvering of his own. To prevent his opponent from advancing too much further towards him the thirty-year old leapt forward with his foil outstretched. Whilst Genestra had assumed he had the advantage, the hologram was ready and counterattacked the flčche with a good defense.
Some play between the two foils ensued as the computer, counting on Evin not to be expecting another flčche, caught the half-Betazoid off guard. Genestra, having stopped the initial attack, tried his best to thwart the attack. The computer succeeded in getting through the scientist's defensive use of his foil, only to land it successfully against the empath's white-padded suit.
"Halt!" Evin said as he yielded to the better 'man' and conceded it accordingly.
["Point and match to computer opponent. Final score, eight to seven."] the computer announced with series of duotronic beeps and whirls between the phrases. If Evin had not known any better he might have accused the LCARS-driven system for bragging: he was looking for an attitude where one was not.
The lieutenant commander continued to watch the lifeless form from behind the mesh of his facial shielding. In all the time he used this program it had never occurred to him whether or not the computer ever got tired. Despite being in quite good physical form, he definitely felt some fatigue as the session drew to a close. Pondering that thought the scientist was interrupted by an intermittent beeping which emanated from the holodeck arch. Protruding out of a tapestry he knew that his time was up and someone else was already waiting patiently to use the facility.
"Computer," Evin said as he removed the facial guard and wiped the sweat from his brow, "save program and end."
The computer complied almost instantly. In a matter of a few seconds it had managed to deconstruct the entire program: the fencing hall, the view of the English countryside, and the holographic nemesis who beat the half-Betazoid this time round. All that now remained was a man dressed in fencing attire standing on a black field with yellow intersecting lines.
The empath placed the facial shield under his left arm and held the foil in his right hand. Letting out a sigh Evin made his way to the holodeck doors which opened as he approached them. The scientist re-entered reality and nodded to the lieutenant from the security department patiently waiting to hone her skills in a training exercise.
"Have fun." Genestra remarked as he passed the younger officer.
Turning in to an adjacent corridor he was met, purely on chance, by Lieutenant Commander Sullax who was also en route towards the turbolift. The two men took several strides before the Romulan chief science officer turned his head slightly and acknowledged the fellow lieutenant commander. "Genestra." Ryak remarked in an almost calculated fashion.
"Good morning 'Commander." Evin replied as the two men walked in to the turbolift together.
Whilst that greeting may have been considered a relatively cold way to greet a colleague, Evin had come to realise that was just the way the Romulan responded. It was nothing personal. After all, when one considered his heritage and the environment in which he was raised, it was probably more friendly than some might have expected. A Romulan in a society which had been taught to have prejudices against the Empire's people could not be expected to behave 'regularly'. It is no wonder Sullax appeared to prefer his own company.
Giving his departmental chief a polite nod he waited out of curtesy for Sullax to request his destination first.
Ryak nodded, "Deck Five."
"Deck Eight." Evin added.
The turbolift doors closed promptly and a soft hum could be heard as the carriage began it's journey three decks up the main turbolift shaft.
"I'm not sure if this is the time or place, sir, but have you had the opportunity to analyse those sensor readings I sent you?" Evin asked, seizing this opportunity.
"As you know, the Debrune were an ancient offshoot of the Romulan people several centuries after they left Vulcan. Whilst I am not familiar with the Debrune dialect I believe I have an answer for you as to the meaning of the glyph stone." Sullax replied. He had meant to return the information to Lieutenant Commander Genestra but had been preoccupied with the rigours of commanding a department.
"Perhaps you would care to discuss it over a meal." Evin offered eagerly. After nearly six years of trying to decipher the Debrune glyph stone he was more than pleased to find out that Sullax's interests in Romulan history might solve it's meaning. It was also a good excuse for getting to know the science chief better.
Ryak glanced emotionlessly at the half-Betazoid. Was there something Lieutenant Commander Genestra wanted, or was he just 'sucking up to the boss' like some of the officers under his command? Despite being raised in a Human environment his Romulan instincts kicked in and he found suspicions of ulterior motives filling his mind. It was rare to encounter anyone interested in him as a person.
"Your son is welcome, naturally." Genestra added as he recalled the boy's name. Having been the centre of attention by the Federation and Romulan governments, it was not easy to forget a small detail like who Sullar actually was and his relationship to the man beside him.
"Thank you, but no. Sullar and I prefer to dine alone." Sullax replied without trying to offend his colleague. Ryak had his reasons and they were all very personal.
Evin smiled understandingly. He could not be certain, but it was though the extra attention from Genestra which made Sullax a little more uncomfortable. At least that was what he was sensing. "Well the offer is there if you should ever change your mind."
The turbolift carriage stopped at Deck Eight and the doors opened up to reveal the corridor. As the older of the two scientist's stepped out of the turbolift he heard Lieutenant Commander Sullax say, "Perhaps you would like me to drop those analysis to you some time this afternoon?"
"Oh, yes!" Evin exclaimed as he nearly forgot about the analysis which first led to the decline of a dinner invitation. He thought about it momentarily, remembering that the poker game scheduled in his quarters had been postponed to allow Lieutenant Commander Albrecht to spend some extra time with his family. "Any time this afternoon should be fine." Genestra finally replied.
"Very well." Sullax responded. "There is a promotion ceremony on the holodeck. It will have to wait until after that."
The half-Betazoid scientist gave his colleague a polite nod of acknowledgement just in time before the turbolift doors drew to a close.
Radiation Sickness Blues, Part 2
By LCDR Endris Gakor, CMO
with Captain Price, Commander Deiran Casey, LCDR Albrecht, LCDR Thomas,
LCDR Michala Casey
and reinstating LCDR Ryak Sullax
*** Medical Decontamination Bay 2 ***
As soon as Matthew Albrecht heard his wife and the others from the Jagor were beamed to Medical Decontamination bays, he detoured down to Sickbay. Likewise, the Captain decided the events on the Jagor were important enough to warrant a personal visit. The Australian was descending the turbo lift from the bridge as soon as Commander Casey filled in for the rest of his bridge watch.
The EMH and newly promoted Lt. Devinshire said the worst of the treatments were over, now it was only a matter of waiting. The crew was lying supine on Biobeds, with high tech syphons gradually removing the radiation that threatened them.
Satisfied his people were safe, the Captain departed after requesting medical updates so he would know when his senior officers were fit for duty. The chief security officer, however, decided to ask his wife a few questions through the transparent safety window. Soon, he was sated and decided to let Endris rest. Adam would be glad his mommy returned. While Gakor had been away, his young son had turned into a regular tyrant. It was hard being a single parent, even on a temporary basis. He wondered how Ryak managed, but then he saw Father and Son holding hands on adjacent biobeds. Obviously, it was a function of love both shared.
*** A Day Later, Sickbay ***
"Captain, Medical reports the Jagor's crew is now fit for duty Sir.", a nervous junior officer informed.
"Bonzer 'mate. I'll go have a look see myself", the human said. It was time to change shifts in a few moments, so Lee waited until he was off shift.
Knowing that Ryak was responsible for drawing the Jagor's officers astray, he headed straight for the Romulan, who was getting ready to leave.
"You know 'mate, if I go strictly by the book, I should have your hide for the actions you took to rescue Sullar! But as you weren't an officer at the time, no formal complaint will be lodged." Thinking a minute more, he retrieved a box from the pocket of his uniform and pushed it to Ryak. "You seemed to have left these behind, Sir. I assume you will want them back."
Ryak retrieved the pips in the box, and replied. "Thank you Captain, you are correct. I formally request to resume my commission."
"Permission granted.", he said to Ryak who was holding his young, sleeping son. Turning, the Captain scanned the others. "On the other hand, the rest of the Jagor's crew don't have an excuse of having a retaliative in distress. What do you have to say for yourselves?"
Dr Gakor spoke up first. "Starvation Sir! If we are to be condemned for a crime of compassion, then I don't know if I want to practice medicine here any more. Saving Sullar was definately a humanitarian mission.", the peppery doctor said. Her hands moved to the lapels of her jacket as if ready to snatch her insignia off to resign. Then she continued. "If anyone is to blame, I am. I convinced the rest that saving Sullar was the right thing to do."
"Don't get your Snout in a 'tiz mate", the Captain said to lighten the tone. "That was very noble of you, and also very stupid. Did you think of the consequences if any active duty Federation officers were captured on Romulus? You could have started a war!"
"I was very careful planning this mission. And you see the results before you." Gakor affirmed.
"Bonzer job on that mate! But it still was a foolhardy thing to do. I will overlook it this time, but if anything remotely like this happens again, I'll personally chew your hiney to the bone. Do I make myself clear Doctor?"
The Doctor swallowed. Captain Price had been sincere in both his praise and criticism. His consistency was something Gakor truly respected in the man.
"As clear as Oinkus any day on Tellar, Sir.", she finally said.
*** Meanwhile, in Engineering ***
The Galaxy's executive officer was following up on the last of the ship's repairs. He was on the Engineering deck when a bulkhead exploded. Commander Samara was in the effected chamber. Fire suppression gear soon did its job, and the XO ran into the room. Fragments of the wall had collapsed on the Klingon woman who had performed so many engineering miracles! Under the circumstances, a transporter lock could not be achieved, because too many small slivers of foreign matter would be dissolved in the beam.
Deiran was pleased to see no blood loss. Loss of plasma would complicate things. There was at least some level of concussion, for the chief was passed out. Nothing blocked her breathing, as that function continued. The XO recalled many parts of the Academy's first aid course, and soon he had the debris cleared off the woman so it was safe to beam her to Sickbay.
*** Sickbay ***
Whatever further comments the Captain had on his mind were superseded by the whine of an emergency transporter beam. Commander K'Eytanna Samara materialised. She was in a comma. Endris moved over and applied a concussion-mender to her skull. As indicated by her mixed biology, the Tellarite doctor adjusted the biobed to its most extensive scanning parameters. Definite hearing trauma was indicated, so she paged Dr. Loba, the ship's hearing specialist.
Before the ear doctor managed to report, Deiran Casey ran into Sickbay, looking for the wounded engineer. Normally, he kept away from Sickbay. But besides his injured shipmate, his wife had just been released from treatment. Deiran looked hotly at the Tellarite, but noticed she was busy trying to heal the newest medical problem. Now was not the time to chastise her. Through clenched teeth, he mentioned "Doctor, I would like a word with you later, perhaps in the lounge." Not glancing at the human, the working Immunologist did not see his unfriendly facial expression on the XO's mug.
Michala came up. Seeing the Ferengi doctor and his wide ears appear, she moved out of the way and over to her spouse. Seeing Michala was safe elevated some of Deiran's stress. But not all of it. How dare Endris take her on a dangerous mission, so soon after her accident no less. Deiran stopped stewing over it, elated that his wife was now in his arms. The others were too far away to hear the resulting smooch-fest.
Loba approached the table and began his consultation. It appeared the auditory loss was permanent. It was too soon to tell for certain. He requested privacy so he could make a closer inspection of his patient. Everyone else withdrew, granting the reasonable idea.
Deiran and Michala went to their quarters to talk, while Endris also proceeded to her home where Adam and Matthew waited for her. Whatever the XO wanted to stay would keep for another day, for now, it was time for reunions.
"Tally ho!"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price
Captain's Log: Stardate 50006.5
Things have settled down on the Galaxy in these recent weeks. Both Starfleet Command and the Federation received the news of Sullar Sullax's rescue from the Romulan Star Empire well; thanks to the FNN news crew that reported favorably on the side of the Galaxy. Lieutenant Commander Ryak Sullax, and the other officers that assisted in his son's liberation, have had their records cleared of any charges for actions they may have taken to return the boy to the Federation. Starfleet was so pleased with the way things turned out, that they agreed to give me the choice of duty throughout the quadrant. I've decided to take Starfleet up on the offer and return to the thing I joined Starfleet for in the first place. To explore.
The Galaxy is presently on course to the uncharted sectors of the Alpha Quadrant. There are still many star systems and uncharted planets there, literally right in the Federation's own back yard, that remain unexplored by any starship in the fleet.
While we are on route for the uncharted territories, I have the distinguished pleasure of attending a promotion ceremony on holodeck two. Six of the Galaxy's finest officers have earned promotions during this tour. And one, Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder is to become the new Chief Engineer of the USS Galaxy. I look forward to congratulating each of them personally at the ceremony this afternoon.
****
*** Holodeck Two - USS Galaxy ***
The ocean waves ripple and swell wildly on the open seas. A wave crashes down and breaks on the bow of a wooden Galleon. The mighty sailing ship, HMS Galaxy, rides the breaking waves under a full set of sails. On board, several officer stand at attention as a white outfitted sailor steps forward and blows a naval whistle signaling everyone to attention with it's piercing low-high-low tone.
The cabin door opens and Captain Robert Edward Lee Price steps through the hatch. He's wearing an old English naval officers uniform. That of the Captain. His naval hat down low on his brow as he ducks to avoid toppling it on the edge of the door frame. Stepping over to where the officers had assembled, Lee clears his throat and unrolls a scroll which he prepares to read from. Next to the Captain, Commander Deiran Casey, also wearing an old fashioned naval uniform, stands proudly, looking over the crew that prepare for the Captain's salutation.
"Hear yee, hear yee. The following crew members are ordered to step forward and assemble front and center to the Commander's right." Captain Price called out. Glancing up from the paper without moving his head, less that wedge shaped hat topple off, Lee gave a slight boyish grin. He'd always imagined what it would be like to be the Captain of a naval vessel, ever since he was a young boy building models and reading stories of great naval battles.
"Dr. Brooke Ames-O'Connell, Dr. Andree Dothan, Ragnald Gustavon, Bruce Maxwell, Counselor Navarre Shinta, and Ethan Suder. Please step forward."
Lee waited and watched as the selected crew members lined up facing the Captain, all to the right of Commander Casey who pointed at each position where each crew member was to stand.
"Straighten the line or I'll have you all swabbing the decks for the next month." Deiran barked out enjoying his roll as First mate of the HMS Galaxy.
Lee gave a nod and then returned to reading his scroll.
"Lieutenant junior grade Brooke Ames-O'Connell. Step forward 'mate."
Brooke stepped forward and stood at attention proudly. "Aye sir."
Lee rolled up the scroll, and placed it under his arm before rigidly stepping out, turning 90 degrees, taking three steps, stopping and turning another 90 degrees to face Brooke.
"Lieutenant junior grade Brooke Ames-O'Connell, to the charges of acting in the best interest of the starship Galaxy, in serving her Captain and her crew with distinguished honor and professionalism how do you plea?"
"Guilty Captain." Brooke stated with conviction.
Lee turned to Commander Casey, who presented him with a full pip. The Captain took the golden pin and clipped it onto Brooke's collar in the proper location, replacing the previous half pip with the new shinny full one.
"For services rendered to this ship and to her crew, I hereby promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant, and entitle you to all the privileges and honor that accompanies that rank." Captain Price stated proudly. He then took a step back and snapped a salute to Lieutenant Brooke Ames-O'Connell.
Brooke smiled and returned the naval salute. She then was directed by Commander Casey to step back inline.
Lee removed the scroll and unrolled it again. "Ensign Andree Dothan, step forward 'mate."
Andree took a step forward where Captain Price repeated the ritual with him.
The process continued for Ensigns Ragnald Gustavon, Bruce Maxwell, and Counselor Navarre Shinta. Each stepped forward, answered 'guilty' to the charges of serving their ship and crew with honor and devotion and were awarded the rank of Lieutenant junior grade.
"Lieutenant Ethan Suder, step forward." Lee called out.
Ethan stepped forward as the others had. The list the Captain was following was in alphabetical order, but somehow he couldn't help to think he was being selected last for a reason.
Captain Price rolled up the scroll and handed it to Commander Casey before marching sharply and standing before Lieutenant Suder.
"For service above and beyond the call for duty and servicing the Captain and crew of the Starship Galaxy with distinction and honor, how do you plea?" Lee asked.
"Guilty sir." Ethan stated loudly.
Lee glanced over to Commander Casey who unrolled the scroll while the Captain stared into Ethan's eyes.
Deiran began reading from the text the Captain had prepared.
"Responsibility I have for the men and women under my command. Realization that every action taken results in consequences for others. Determination to see every job through to it's conclusion. Dedication to my ship mates and seeing that the job gets done. Leadership by example and through strength of character. Compassion and understanding when things go wrong. Wisdom in knowing when help is needed or in need. Humility in all things under the sun."
Commander Casey then rolled up the scroll and turned to face the Captain.
Lee took the scroll and placed it under his arm. "Lieutenant Ethan Suder, are you prepared to take your place as Chief Engineer of the starship USS Galaxy?"
"Yes sir I am." Ethan stated professionally.
"Are you prepared to lead by example? To guide the men and woman in your department? To train them and see to it that they are capable of carrying out their duty no matter what the conditions encountered may be?"
"Yes sir I am." Ethan answered again.
"Are you prepared to join the ranks of the Senior staff? To attend meetings and briefings with the ship's Captain to raise issues and voice concerns expressed to you by those within your department?"
"Yes sir I am." Ethan responded.
Lee turned to Commander Casey who presented him with a half pip. The Captain took the tiny pin and started clipping it onto Ethan's uniform collar.
"For services rendered to this ship and to her crew, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and Chief Engineer, and entitle you to all the privileges and honor that accompanies that rank and station aboard the USS Galaxy." Captain Price stated proudly. He then took a step back and snapped a salute to Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder.
Ethan was smiling from ear to ear. He quickly snapped back a salute and added a warm "Thank you Captain."
Lee nodded at Commander Casey. Deiran in turn nodded at the white uniformed crewman who blew the naval whistle again, gaining everyone's attention.
"I declare the promotions to be official. These proceedings are concluded. I invite everyone to stay and celebrate our newly promoted officer's good fortune with drink and food available on the upper decks. Dismissed." Captain Price declared.
Almost immediately everyone went to congratulate the newly promoted officers by giving them hugs and shaking their hands.
Deiran leaned closer to the Captain and whispered, "Beats facing off with the Jem Hadar, doesn't it Captain?"
Lee glanced into Deiran's eyes and smiled. "I should say so. I would rather join a promotion ceremony and party any day of the week over a confrontation of that sort."
"Well let's go then sir, before everyone gobbles up Endris' food. I hear she made barbecue, especially for you." Deiran smiled.
"Lead the way 'mate. Lead the way!" Lee smiled, as the two commanding officers joined the ranks of the celebrating crew members.
***
*** Open space ***
Through the vast emptiness of space, and the dotted points of star light, the soothing sounds of concert level harpsichord music sifts through the galaxy. The melody is full of emotion and passion, and quite beautiful. It is suddenly interrupted however when the starship USS Galaxy passes through that area of space.
Abruptly, the music stops right in the middle of the most intense, passionate part.
Dead silence is heard.
And then a disgusted, some what pompous voice begins expressing his obvious distaste over the interruption.
"What petty form of beings dare to interrupt my practice this fine afternoon? Oh Fie, it's another one of those pesky space ships. I recognize the drool design of the thing. Well the mood is ruined now. I may as well look to see what pathetic creatures these are before swatting them away like the pests they are."
In a surreal fashion, like a ghostly eye, the being examines the Starship Galaxy. Passing through the shielding and titanium bulkheads as if they didn't exist, the wide angle 'fishlike' images of the ship and it's crew are seen, going about their normal day to day duties, totally unaware they are being observed.
"It is amazing how little these mortals have changed in the last hundred years. I see very little that is different from the last time I. . ."
Both the commentary and the movement of the astral probing 'eye' stop as the celebrations on holo-deck two are seen. The crew is outfitted in old British naval uniforms and celebrating some festivity. Champagne is being shot through bottles, crew members are dunking others in large buckets of water, several members are making another jump up and down on a narrow plank to try and retrieve a stolen hat. All aboard a facsimile of an ancient sailing vessel deep in the bowels of a space ship traveling through the galaxy.
"My, my, what is this? Some sort of a contraption to simulate days long past? A projection of some sort where these humans make-believe they are on the high seas aboard a wooden ship, when in fact they are cruising among the stars? Was I hasty in judging how little these humans have changed? Perhaps they *have* learned how to play after all. I certainly will enjoy finding out! If it is the high seas you want my little mortal friends, then there are better ways to have it then playing on a projected playing field that doesn't truly exist. Hum,. . . but in order to appreciate the scope of the game, then there must be more to do than simply sail the oceans. I have it! Pirates of the Caribbean. Dashing young swashbucklers living life to the fullest. Living and dying by the sword. Searching for bounty to take and treasures to steal from those foolish enough to venture past. On with the games!"
***
*** Bridge USS Galaxy ***
Lieutenant Commander Raesene Hermedhie was the first to notice something on the sensors at the Tactical station. Not trusting his initial readings, Raesene tapped the controls to rescan the area. The sound of the controls gained the 'Commander's attention at the conn.
"What is it Raesene?" Matthew Albrecht called out from the Captain's chair. With Captain Price and Commander
Casey on the holo-deck for the promotion ceremony, that left command duty delegated to Matthew as second officer.
"I'm. . . not certain 'Commander. I'm detecting something on long range sensors." Raesene stated.
"Something?" Matthew asked with a touch of amused sarcasm. "Can you maybe be a little more specific Ray?"
Overhearing the conversation, Lieutenant Commander 'Evin' Genestra took the liberty of conducting a sensor sweep.
Lieutenant Commander Albrecht heard the clicks and beeps coming from the Science station and knew Evin was already scanning the anomaly, whatever it was. "Figure it out yet Evin?" Matthew asked while pivoting the chair around.
Lieutenant Commander Genestra formed a puzzled look on his face. His hands quickly punched in a sequence to run a level four diagnostics on his sensor array.
"Well?" Matthew asked impatiently.
Evin glanced over at the 'Commander and stated scientifically, "It appears to be a large wooden ship of some sort."
"Excuse me?" Albrecht asked. "A wooden ship? Who makes space ships out of wood?"
"It's not a space ship, it appears to be a sailing ship. From the size and configuration, I'd say it is a Galleon." Evin stated. "I think we can get a visual on it if you tie in to long range sensors."
"Make it so Raesene." Matthew ordered.
The Lieutenant Commander made the adjustments and the Galaxy's view screen changed. True to the readings, they saw an old wooden Galleon lurking in open space. Her sails were down, and there appeared to be nothing unusual about her other than the fact that wooden sailing vessels are never found floating in the middle of uncharted space in the alpha quadrant.
"Well I think this qualifies as 'something unusual' that the Captain wanted to be notified of. Wouldn't you agree Ray?" Matthew stated dryly.
"Most definitely sir." Raesene agreed from the tactical arch.
"I'm not reading any energy sources, or life forms, or atmosphere. It ppears to be just as it seems, a wooden ship drifting in the vacuum of pace." Lieutenant Commander Genestra added. "I'll continue scanning. . . "
Matthew nodded. "Better slow us to impulse. Approach carefully and come to a full stop ten kilometers from the vessel, whatever it is."
"Aye sir." The helmsman replied.
Activating the controls on the arm of the Captain's chair, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Albrecht hailed Captain Price to inform him of what they just discovered.
Ahoy Mates!
by LCDR Endris Gakor
with appearances by LCDR Karyn Dallas
and Lt Seth Zonhieb
*** 10 Forward ***
Endris was waiting for her usual large Snack when a huge Gorn walked into the lounge. She had heard about Seth's eating difficulties for some time. The Tellarite knew lots of things about food, and had a plan to get the Gorn to eat.
"Hello Lieutenant, my husband told me about your promotion.", Gakor said attracting his attention. "I also understand you have a nutrition problem." The Gorn noticed the Doctor, for he had seen his boss with his wife on several shipboard occasions.
"If you mean I am not eating, that is true. Gorns can go without food for some time without damaging their constitution."
The rotund doctor squinted, and merely replied "I realize that." It would not be good to infuriate anything the size of a Gorn. Gakor could easily become snacks that way herself!
"I may have a solution for you. I have a way to make the holodeck hunting exercises more challenging. The medical computers received a complete overhaul 6 months ago, and would provide a more robust hunt for you, without forcing you to leave the ship in search of sustenance. For example, I reviewed the default profiles for Gorn in the data base. You are stronger than average. It would be possible to update the profile so the safety range goes up. The corresponding default range would go up also, increasing the program's parameters without needing to disable any protocols."
That got the Gorn's attention. Finally, someone else was working towards a creative solution that would not force him to violate any Star Fleet regulations! The large reptilian officer smiled, revealing his large carnivorous teeth. "That sounds good." Seth answered. "I look forward to testing it."
"Think nothing of it", Gakor said, "I am just pursuing my duty to keep the crew healthy!"
The Gorn smiled again as he moved off. Somehow, a supply of Romulan ale made it aboard. The security officer wondered if it had something to do with the Jagor, but then dismissed it. That matter was cleared up over a month ago, and it was best to not make too many waves. The liquor looked intriguing, but smelled horrible. He made another choice, Confiscating the brew and made notes on a PADD about launching an investigation into the illegal intoxicant.
Gakor was pleased to see Karyn Dallas wheel into the lounge. She had both good and bad news to give to her friend. "Karyn!", Gakor cried. The Tellarite had taken a far table near the window, so it was not easy to see her through the crowd. Looking outside, Endris saw what appeared to be a wooden pirate ship anchored near by. *Snacks! A wooden pirate ship in space?*, Endris thought. She had seen many strange things in her travels, but nothing quite this exotic.
"Shiver me timbers!", Karyn joked swooping up to the table. "Why did you want to see me, Endris?" Karyn had enjoyed the ceremony, and she had to admit it had done a lot to lift her spirits. She was still worried about Michael but she couldn't have her friend worrying about her all this time. Still it was kind of draining trying to act as though nothing was wrong. She kept reminding herself that as long as she stayed focused on work, she would get through this.
"First, I want to congratulate you on qualifying as a Registered Nurse. You now have full medical credentials aboard the Galaxy."
Karyn looked at her friend, but was interrupted by the waiter who took her lunch order. "Thanks," Karyn had been waiting for this for a long time. She'd worked for it and almost thought of giving up. Now, she'd achieve her goal but she was sad that she couldn't share her news with Michael. Would she ever be able to share anything with him again? She pushed the thought away and focused on her friend. "If I know you, that isn't the only thing you have to tell."
"True. I wanted to warn you about something that could prove troublesome", the doctor confessed. "Have you had time to review the new personneltransferred from Star Base 128?"
"No, is there something to be concerned about?" Karyn asked. She had been distracted lately.
"Medical took on a civilian observer, one Emily Jane Russel the 3rd. From the Russel Institute on Earth."
Karyn bristled in her chair. These people addicted her to Felicium a while back, claiming they might be able to build new muscles and free her from her hover chair. When that claim proved false, the testing left behind chronic pain that only Felcium could relieve. Endris cured the problem, but only after taking extreme measures.
"Emily claims she is here to make amends for the troubled past between you and the institute, and vowed to conduct no tests while she is here."
The food arrived before the Counselor could respond. Endris smelled the delicious grilled chicken Karyn selected, and decided she would have a second order of fish to sate her enormous appetite.
"In that case, I will try to stay clear of her. No use bringing up bad feelings and mulling over them. Thanks for the warning. I'm not sure I can face her right now, after everthing else that's happened." Endris thought for a moment. "Well, she definitely wants to talk to you. I will make sure you two aren't left alone together. That should quell potential hostilities before they develop." A fork full of salmon fed her face, and she then moved on to another point. "Please stop by medical in the next few days. The Technicians informed me it is time for quarterly maintenance on your hover chair. We certainly don't want that breaking down, especially when you have external stress due to Russel's presence."
"Thank you for telling me this in person my friend. Snacks! It could not have been an easy thing to do." Finishing her meal, Karyn added "I want to spend some time alone finishing some work, and to prepare for our eventual meeting. If you will excuse me, Madam."
"Nourishment! Of course, duty calls. Remember to bring your chair in for maintenance when you are ready."
"I'll remember." Karyn thought this seemed like a convenient excuse to get her to see more of this 'Emily' from Russel. In actuality, she really didn't need more of an excuse to visit sickbay. She would be visiting Michael and taking alternate shifts in sickbay to get a feel for the nursing routine.
Karyn departed for some time alone. She needed time to think. Any contact with Russel was bound to be difficult. She couldn't just forget about what the people at Russel did to her, or how they made her feel. She noticed Russel wasted no time. There was a message from her waiting in the office when she returned. Karyn began to relax and prepare for the encounter to come.
Meanwhile in the lounge, people were rushing to the viewing window as the Galaxy stopped only a few clicks from the wooden pirate ship....
"Paperwork and Family"
By: Lt/Cmd Ryak Sullax
CSO, USS Galaxy
Ryak sat in his office going over the stacks of paperwork that needed to be reassessed. Lt. Olson had done an adequate job considering he really had no idea what really needed to be done. Ryak had finally met his newest Ensign. Ryak sat at his desk and began to look over the crews progress reports.
Ryak began to call up the status on the experiments and training that needed to be completed by each of his staff. First would be the following:
Excellent = e Acceptable = a Below Standard = b Disciplinary = dNAME Training Training Experiments Physical Attitude Sciences Cross On Going Fitness Standard Ensigns Takahashi a a e a b Whitlock e e a a a Statham b b b e d Talbot e a a d b Raen d d b b b Ronald e d a b b T'ilis e e a a e Maden a a a a a Wej b b b a e Sileri a a a e e T'Shonra e d e b a Conklin a a b a a MacAllan n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Petty Officer Elik e b e e a Specialist Blake b a b a a Lt(jg) Scott b b b d d Taurean a e a a e Lieutenant Brooks a b a a e Olson e b a a e Lt/Cmd Genestra n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Ryak loaded the file into his padd and put it on the side of his desk. Next was for him to talk to his staff to get them back into the way he wants them to be. This well oiled department needed a bit more elbow grease to get it back up to standards. But that would have to wait until tomorrow as Ryak needed to get home to his son.
Ryak left his quarters and made his way home. As soon as he entered his quarters he could see his three year old son sitting on the floor playing with his toys. As Ryak entered his quarters Sullar jumped up and ran into his arms. Ryak made dinner and after eating he got Sullar ready for bed and lay him in his bed and read him a story until he fell asleep.
-----
Dr. Andree Dothan (Ensign, soon to be Lt. Jg.)
Medical Dept USS Galaxy... (Or is it HMS Galaxy)
-----
*** Holodeck Two ***
***Aboard HMS Galaxy***
Having received a mysterious message from the CMO Andree reported to the holodeck.
Captain Price began reading off of a scroll, "Hear yee, hear yee. The following crew members are ordered to step forward and assemble front and center to the Commander's right."
"Dr. Brooke Ames-O'Connell, Dr. Andree Dothan, Ragnald Gustavon, Bruce Maxwell, Counselor Navarre Shinta, and Ethan Suder. Please step forward."
Doing his best to stifle a laugh and remain in character, now that he had an inkling as to what was happening, Andree marched to the front of the assembled crowd, and aligned himself between Dr. Ames-O'Connel and Ragnald Gustavon.
Derian Casey, Who was certainly having fun in his role as First 'mate, barked out his order "Straighten the line or I'll have you all swabbing the decks for the next month."
Jumping to attention and aligning himself on the same plank on the deck as the first officer, responded back "Yes SIR!"
When the captain awarded Brooke her promotion, Andree had to fight the snicker that wanted to escape his lips even more.
Now standing in front of the Trill doctor, "Ensign Andree Dothan, step forward 'mate."
Needless to say, Andree marched one step forward, in keeping with the tone of the ceremony
When the captain read him his charges, which included quick thinking, and acting in the best interests of the crew and his patients, Andree replied crisply "Guilty as charged! SIR!"
First Mate Casey handed Captain Price a hollow pip, Which was placed on the "offending" ensign's collar, stating "For services rendered to this ship and to her crew, I hereby promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant, and entitle you to all the privileges and honor that accompanies that rank."
With a crisp "Thank You SIR! the doctor saluted the captain before turning to salute the first officer and stepping back into the line
*** Later... Post Promotion festivities ***
Seating himself on the deck of the gently rolling ship, Andree began to dig into his plate of food, BBQ ribs, pasta salad, and fresh fruit were just a few of the delicacies adorning his plate. Famished he began to dig in.
-----
Dr. Andree Dothan (Lt. J.G.)
Medical Dept. USS Galaxy
Reviewed by Michala Lynn Casey
-----
Having been promoted, Andree was given charge of delta shift, and had gotten used to dealing with all the paperwork. *In this day and age we still have red tape* Andree mused
Returning to the paperwork at hand Andree was interrupted by the computer
[Medical emergency Casey Quarters]
Dropping the PADD in his hand like a hot potato the normally calm, cool, and collected Trill sprang into action.
"Lemur, Kanai, grab a gurney and come with me"
*** Casey Quarters ***
Having been informed that Michala had been in pain before passing out, Andree wasted no time removing his tricorder from its holster on his belt. Flicking it open, he noted "Elevated neurotransmitter levels, Synaptic Overstimulation, We need to get her to sickbay stat."
Pulling a vial out of the medkit, loading it into a hypo, Andree injected it into her neck. The three doctors gently placed Michala on the gurney, and andree activated the emergency site to site transport.
Michala, the gurney, and the three doctors were immediatyely beamed to the center of sickbay.
"Get her into the surgery suite, I'll be there in a moment." Andree barked, before running off to gather supplies. Placing them into a compartment that opened to the inside and outside of the surgery suite, andree hit the sterilization cycle, before passing through the sterilization field and entering the surgery suite
*** Sickbay Holographic Processing Unit ***
Medical emergency activation subroutine... activated... Ready. Scanning sickbay Life forms identified Patient 1, Status sedated, Accessing Tricorder; scan result; Elevated neurotransmitter levels, Synaptic Overstimulation. Non Patient 1 Dr. Andree Dothan Non Patient 2 Dr. Lemur Non Patient 3 Dr. Adriana Kanai Activating holo-imagers
*** Main Surgery Suite ***
Andree noted that the EMH2 had been activated. and ordered him to do a complete neural workup on Michala before going to the console to begin studying the readings.
To Be Continued...
"Oops,"
Lieutenant Jake T. Olson
Jake Olson read his scores, and found he was below standard in cross training. Well, he flat out went pink with embarrassment. He wasn't so concerned about the scores themselves but what Sullax had to be seeing when he calculated them.
Olson was not a combat officer, and it showed. He was a decent Engineer, had some medical and psychiatric skills, but what happened in the holodeck while he was running that security program to sharpen his mind was not exactly fit for consumption. It was embarrassing as all Hell! That he should have expected Sullax to be thorough, but still it didn't help much.
He had fallen behind in his extracurricular holodeck training activities while left babysitting the lab, it reflected in the scores. Jake was normally one of the most educationally active officers on ship. Still, something had to fall by the wayside, and it wasn't going to be experiments or family.
Jake shrugged, and went back to his calculations. Jake wasn't one to dwell on his problems. He had a micronic chain with a major case of the snits on his hands.
T-Prea's recovery was beautiful, motherhood really was a wonderful beauty treatment, as Jake handled much of the early care needs of his son. The birth was hard. Jake found that caring for an infant's daily needs was not as demanding as some of his experiment's.
"How'd you score?" Scott greeted Jake with a grin. Scott just found out about the scoring.
"I didn't do so hot in cross training." Jake had a sheepish grin on his face.
"Who did the scoring? Sullax was gone and you were busy just keeping the section afloat with all that was going on."
Jake shrugged. He didn't figure it to be his business. "Sullax caught me with my pants down, I hope to God it wasn't literal! I lost my pants during a security holosim. If Sullax saw that, I swear I'll die!"
"What?!" T-Prea asked.
"It was during an ambush, unfortunately, I got caught in a tree and had to wiggle out, but my pants didn't make it with me."
"Good God!" Scott moaned while T-Prea died of giggles.
"I can just see our sober minded Commander, having gone through Hell to get back his son, getting a load of one of his lieutenants making an utter ass of himself. Laterally I might add, getting caught with out his pants in a Cardassian ambush. This is embarrassing to say the least."
"Your stretching your mind, your bound to stumble," T-Prea got out in a wave of giggles.
"Yea, but if it were to me, I'd be afraid we'd have LOST the dominion war, and the enemy can wave polka dot shorts in their Victory!"
"I thought the Bajorans were with the Dominion?!" Scott asked.
"It was the Cardassians. They were allied for a time, and this program was set with in that time frame. The Dominion took control of DS9 for a time period. The Bajorans stayed neutral in order to keep their society from being trashed again. They gave a lot of help to us on the sly." Jake said absently. "But anyway, I was doing all right until we were ambushed, and I was tossed by a land mine into a tree. I had to get down, and the trousers didn't follow."
Door set the trio's drinks down. T-Prea gave Scott a cocked eyebrow.
"I slept through history." Scott shrugged. Jake didn't react, but T-Prea was a bit unimpressed. "I mean, who cares who did what in prehistory..."
"How did you do on your aval?" T-Prea pointedly asked Scott.
"I don't remember," Scott squirmed. He wasn't nearly as willing to laugh at his own shortcomings.
Jake hid behind his glass. He knew how Scott did, and it wasn't good. Below standard and downright substandard all the way down the line. Jake was slightly shocked at what Scott regarded as ancient history.
"What's with the ship?" T-Prea asked, pointing at the wooden creation out the window.
"I don't know. Command's looking into it." Jake said.
USS Galaxy "I'm Back Pt 2"
Written by Ensign. Darren Jones
Operations Officer, USS Galaxy
And
Lt. Brooke Ames O'Connell
Medical Officer, USS Galaxy
"Um excuse me?" came a voice from the door. Darren who was in a world of his own was suddenly pulled back into reality. He looked up to where the voice came from and noticed a blond haired Medical Science officer.
"Is there something I can help you with Ma'am?" Darren asked
"I'm sorry. I was walking by and I couldn't help stopping. What are you playing? It's beautiful." She had never been moved by music like hat before.
"It's something I have been composing for a while. I write and sing my own music - it helps me relax" Darren responded smiling as he finished the sentence.
She continued, "Well, you do a great job. Please go on playing. I'd like to hear it if you don't mind."
At this point, Brooke had forgotten that her husband was at home with the baby but she was mesmerized by his playing.
Darren changed the sound source on the organ to make it sound like a proper piano. He started to play a somewhat solemn yet beautiful song.
'In the Darkness, I believe the mind plays tricks and deceives for the world and I, are separate and free. Life's of past and times of gone, wrong are we, to be as one.' (Copyright David Merrett)
Darren reached this point and stopped his hand a little shaky on the keyboard - obviously a little upset. He looked up to Brooke who was sitting before him and shook his head. "Sorry about that, I wrote that song a little while ago and I can't believe that it still affects me like that."
"It's okay. It was still beautiful." Wondering if she should pursue the question, "Did you have anyone in mind when you wrote it?"
He turned, placing a number of papers on a table, he used the opportunity to wipe a small tear from the corner of his eye. Turning back around he nodded a yes "For someone I love, someone I still love unconditionally."
Not knowing what to say, she sat in silence before a reply. "We'll whoever it is, I'm sure she'll love it."
Darren looked "Was is the more appropriate term" he looked over to a photo "And unfortunately my head knows but my heart doesn't."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Maybe you should talk to the Counselor, let her help you get through this. Depression has a habit of reeking havoc with your job."
Darren picked up his voice and looked to the small clock sitting on the bed side table. "Perhaps. - but before that happens, I need some rest so I can be fresh for duty tonight."
The medical officer nodded "Well you take care of yourself, um...."
"Darren Ma'am" Darren responded forgetting they didn't know each others name.
"Well Darren - My name is Brooke O'Connell and welcome aboard the Galaxy" She turned waving a little wave and walked out of Darren's quarters.
USS Galaxy "Play Time"
Written By Ensign Darren Jones
Operations Officer, USS Galaxy
Darren found himself walking to the holodeck mused over the past couple of hours with Brooke - she seemed rather nice and down to earth. 'Pretty' he thought as he stepped off of the turbolift.
Darren walked up to the Holodecks and noticed that a sailing program was running in Holodeck 3. Darren moved to the next one and accessed the holodeck computer - he looked over the files, laughing somewhat at how standard most of these were.
"Computer, access my personnel database and load Bio 2" Darren ordered
The computer beeped a couple of times "Program loaded, please enter when ready!"
Darren approached the doors and entered the holodeck - He entered to the city streets of the California Republic, an alternate earth set in the early 21st century.
Darren looked up at the sky only to see the top of the underground city. It rock roof and the erie glow that the fluro lights gave off giving the city a dirty and somewhat hospitable setting.
But Darren had been here before - he had grown up in this city. Creating it from scratch and watching it evolve and feeling it's high points and low points.
Darren had never been worried about walking the streets alone in this place. Before when things were much different Darren would carry a gun just for his own protection. But now..... 'A time of wonder' the news referred to it!
Darren sighed at the state of his little world - Humans had developed a computer technology called Bio processing. It employed Biological neurons that formed to create in essence a living processor.
The processor merged with the user, in effect merging with the hosts sensory system while keeping outside control - This was achieved by a small port on bottom of the wrist and was rather easy to maintain.
"Excuse me sir!" came a voice from behind.
Darren turned to see a rather weird looking man, his dress somewhat extravagant. "Yes?"
"You've brought this upon us... you created this!" He was holding up a small processor.
Darren smiled back to the man "Yes I am the creator." He bowed slightly.
When Darren was first made aware of these processors he edited the code so he was recognized as the creator. He did this so the technology was able to be controlled.
"You have brought this upon yourself!" the man raised a gun at point blank range and fired.
**** Blackness ****
Darren woke in his quarters in a cold sweat - realising that it was a very strange dream. But it had given him a most remarkable idea!
"Ready in the Shuttle Bay"
Ensign John Xavier
"What do you mean a boat?" John asked.
"It's a boat, it's just drifting out in space." The other officer said.
John was leaning over a console in a shuttle. Bolting from his seat the two officers ran inside to the shuttle control tower, there were several crew members in there already watching the old wooden ship on the viewer.
"Crap, is that real?" John asked, "Or is a certain other crew member pulling jokes again?"
"I don't have a clue." One of John's superiors said, "But lets get make sure the standby shuttles are ready to go."
"Yes sir." John said lightly tapping the shoulder of the officer that pulled him from the cock pit of a shuttle earlier to show him the boat.
"If it looks like a duck"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price
*** Holodeck 2, USS Galaxy ***
The promotion celebration was going strong. The banquet Doctor Gakor had prepared was a delight that the crew enjoyed consuming. Especially Captain Price who was gorging himself on Endris' special barbecue ribs recipe she'd prepared, just for the General.
Everyone was doing their best to show the guests of honor a good time. Some had turned to conducting improv roasts, telling jokes of how the officer in question had screwed up in the past. Others were having fun playing 'keep away' with one of the officer's hats. Still others were just doing their best to get the newly promoted officer as drunk as possible by playing drinking games that were intentionally rigged so the newly ranking officer would loose and have to drink more than the others. Overall, everyone was having a good time with the celebrations.
[Dee-beep] the Captain's comm badge sounded.
Lee glanced around for a place to set his plate down. Setting it on a crate, he placed the half eaten rib, the General's eighth, down on top of it. A bit perplexed at how to go about activating his badge without getting the sticky red barbecue sauce that covered his face and fingers all over his historic naval uniform, Captain Price finally hit the communicator with the corner of his wrist, being careful of his soiled fingers. "Price here, go ahead 'mate." Lee stated as he started licking the delicious sauce off his fingertips.
["Matthew here Captain. I think there is something here you are going to want to see sir."] Lieutenant Commander Albrecht stated.
Captain Price was licking and sucking away at his fingers. It seemed the only thing lacking at the promotion ceremony was a supply of linen to wipe one's hands with. Commander Casey was enjoying a piece of Angle-food cake and smiled at seeing the Captain's predicament.
"What have you come across 'mate?" Lee asked while glancing around for something to clean up with. Deiran was kind enough to hand the Captain a rag while he listened in on the conversation with the Bridge.
["What appears to be a wooden sailing ship floating in space."] Matthew responded candidly.
"Come again 'Commander?" Lee asked while looking at Commander Casey. Deiran seemed as surprised at hearing this as Lee did.
["It appears to be a Galleon Captain. And it looks to be in excellent shape thanks to the vacuum of space. I've ordered the ship to full stop ten kilometers from her position. 'Commander Genestra is running scans on her now."] Matthew explained.
"Well 'Commander, you certainly have managed to peak my curiosity this time. I'll be up directly. Price out." The Captain answered. His hands now clean, thanks to the rag Deiran provided, Lee tapped his comm badge to deactivate it. He then faced his First officer. "I'm going up to the bridge 'mate."
Deiran smiled widely as he pointed to his mouth. Lee had red barbecue sauce smeared all over his face. For a moment he thought of how funny it would be to let the Captain go up to the bridge like that, but professionalism won out. But still, Deiran couldn't help smiling thinking about it.
"Thanks 'mate." Lee responded while wiping his mouth.
"If it's okay Captain, I'd like to come up and have a look at this ship too. It's not often we come across a perfectly preserved naval vessel out here in deep space..." Commander Casey mused.
"I'll say. In all of my career, this is the first one I've come across. Let's go 'mate."
Both the Captain and Commander Casey exited the holodeck. Both men were still wearing their historic British naval uniforms, though Deiran had discarded the hat, and Lee carried his under his arm.
***
*** Bridge, USS Galaxy **
Evin continued to scan the wooden object which seemed to hang in the vacuum of space, almost like a puppet at the end of some strings, ready to perform. Against the background of space it was unlike anything the half-Betazoid ever encountered. Unusual to say the least. All reading seemed to suggest it was definitely made of wood and certainly did not belong where they were detecting it now.
Looking at the graphical display on Science Station one he began a new series of scans for it's origin and, although generally unlikely, for life-signs. As the computer sent the information to the main sensor array he was reminded of several childhood stories regaled to him by his maternal grandfather. The Shipley family, originally from Bristol, had a long connection to the naval history of Britain: the American War of Insurrection, two out of the three Anglo-Dutch Wars, the Battle of Waterloo, and the Second World War.
The turbolift doors opened, and both the Captain and Commander Casey stepped out. Having come directly from the celebration on holodeck two, both men were still wearing their costumes; dressed as historic British naval officers. Somehow their outfits seemed ironically suited for this strange discovery. Evin got a weird sense, reminiscent of 'Deja vu', only different. He quickly shook it off and continued conducting his scans of the wooden ship.
"There she blows Captain!" Matthew stated from the command chair while pointing to the main view screen; as if he was Ahab sighting Moby Dick.
Both Captain Price and Commander Casey moved down the ramp and into the command well. Lee seemed particularly fascinated with this unusual discovery. "Why this is extraordinary 'mate!" Lee declared. "I've never seen a specimen quite like this. A Galleon, and in bonzer shape too from the looks of her."
"She is something all right." Deiran agreed.
"We are still trying to figure out just how she found her way out here,... in the middle of no where,... in the middle of space." Matthew stated.
"Any power readings or life signs?" Lee asked.
"Negative Captain. At least at last report. Have you discovered anything more 'Commander Genestra?" Albrecht asked.
"Nothing further than I already reported sir. Though she is definitely real. Of that I am sure." Evin explained from the Science Station.
Lee turned and faced Raesene at the tactical station. "Are there any starships in the immediate area mister Hermedhie?"
The 'Commander glanced up from his instruments at the tactical arch near the read of the bridge. "No sir. And I have been actively scanning since we came across the,... that ship. We are all clear for twenty light years."
"If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, swims like a duck..." Deiran mused out loud.
Lee finished the words of wisdom, "... then it must be a duck. Let's 'ave a better look at her shall we 'mates? Plot a course around that vessel. One sixteenth impulse. I want to look her over from all angles."
Ensign Taggart acknowledged the Captain's order. "Aye sir. Taking us around the ship."
Slowly the USS Galaxy moved about the wooden naval warship that was centuries old. It was in perfect condition. The vacuum of space had preserved her like she was brand new. The command crew watched as the ship circled towards the stern of the Galleon. On her keel, was etched her name in giant flowing letters.
"Commander, punch that into the computer banks and see if we can locate any reference to a naval vessel in Earth's history that bared the name 'Gothos'." Lee ordered.
Deiran was sitting in the XO's chair and punching the query onto his terminal even before the General had finished giving the order. "Sorry sir. There is no listing of any Earth ships bearing that name. Though our database can not be completely relied upon, as records from that era in Earth's history were not as thorough as they are now." The First officer explained.
The Galaxy completed it's 360 degree circle around the Gothos before Ensign Taggart informed the Captain that the maneuver had been completed.
"Full stop 'mate."
"Full stop Captain." Taggart replied.
"Well I suppose a closer investigation is in order." Captain Price stated while still staring at the Gothos on the view screen.
Deiran began unbuttoning his naval costume in preparation of changing into his uniform to lead an away team.
Lee reached out and stopped Casey. "Not this time 'mate. I'll lead the away team on this one."
"Captain, as First Officer it is my duty to..."
"Give it a rest number one. Captain's prerogative. Besides, I've always wanted to walk on the deck of an ancient Galleon. You wouldn't want to deny me that boyhood dream now, would you 'mate?"
"Well, seeing how there is minimal danger on this mission, I suppose I can let you go on this *one* away mission sir. Just don't make a habit out of it." Deiran said in a half joking, half sarcastic tone.
Lee raised a hand extending three fingers. "Scout's honor 'mate. Let's put together an away team. Is there any atmosphere over there 'Commander?"
Evin looked up from Science Station One and over at the Captain. "Negative sir. Just the vacuum of space. Minimal gravity as well."
"Fair dinkum. Order full environmental suits, tricorders, weapons and whatever scientific instrumentation will be needed to determine the origin and age of that vessel. Have the team meet me in Transporter room one in thirty minutes." Lee ordered while unbuttoning his own naval costume.
"I'll take care of it sir. The team will be ready and waiting in Transporter room one in thirty minutes." Deiran repeated.
"The conn is yours 'mate." Lee stated. He took one last appreciative glance at the Gothos on the main view screen before turning to exit the bridge.
"I don't suppose there are any volunteers for this away mission, are there?" Deiran stated quietly while glancing at the officers already present on the bridge.
Based on STAR TREK cerated by Gene Roddenberry
Story by Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder - Chief Engineer
"Changes and Adaptions"
Ethan walked into Engineering and was congradulated by some of the Junior Officers. He smiled, thanked them and continued to inspect Enginering. After seeing things in order, he then walked into the office. At first, he still thought of it as, Samara's office. Then it hit him that this was now his office.
He slowly walked around the desk and sat in the chair. It felt different, being on this side of the desk. He picked up one of the data padds on the desk and looked at the information. It had a list of the current shift rotation on it. There wasn't anything that needed changing, so he placed the padd back down on the desk and pulled over the desk computer. He tapped in some buttons and then his code.
"Chief Engineer's Log, Stardate 50006.5. First entry, Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder reporting. My promotion is now official. Engineering has a new, Chief. Although I'm now here, in the Chief's chair, on the Senior Officer's list, it feels different. I may have gotten ahead, but with the loss of Commander Samara, it feels a little emptier in Engineering. I've been looking at the roster, it seems we're now a little short staffed in Engineering. That means more work for the team here, until we can get some extra hands, which might be a while. My first duty will be to continue what Kay was doing. Keeping the Galaxy running smoothly, and keeping the Engineers busy. Change is never simple. Some of the other Engineers are just as happy to see me around, but I'm not yet sure how the Senior Staff will react to not having Samara around. I'm not sure how I will react with her not being around. I guess we'll find out. End log."
Word had it there was going to be a party later on to celebrate the promotions of the crew today. Suder wasn't sure if he was in the mood, but he would have to drop by to congradulate the others. It would seem that the Holodeck party was just the 'starters' this morning... Ethan sat back in the chair and looked around the office. He had waited a long time for this moment, and in a lot of ways he was glad the time had come. But he didn't want it to happen the way it did. He tried not to think about such things. Just started going through the data padds that Kay left on her desk. Seeing what information and orders she had left. Suder kept looking on the bright side, he was finally here, the 'Chief' But at some point, he knew that the dark side was going to catch up with him. But that was something he was going to have to deal with. He and every other crew member on the Galaxy...
"Heart To Heart"
Lt. (jg) Navarre Shinta
Counselor
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas
Chief Counselor
USS Galaxy
***Karyn's Office***
The next afternoon after work Shinta came into Karyn's office. She had managed to find a babysitter for Gavin. Soon she would have to bring him in with her to talk to Karyn, but she didn't want to mention that to him yet.
Not happy, she entered the office. "Am I on time, ma'am? Where do you want me?"
Karyn looked up from her desk, cluttered with end of shift reports. Karyn smiled. "Yep, right on time. It's wierd being on the other side, isn't it?" Please, make yourself comfortable. I promise I don't bite. Feel free to stand, though I'm sorry I can't do the same." Karyn smiled, hoping making herself the brunt of a joke would help break the ice. "Coffee?" asked Karyn moving over to the replicator.
"Coffee would be okay, ma'am." Shinta settled herself on the couch, being very, very nervous.
Shinta was a headstrong woman. There was no way she was going to open up about herself freely, or with gentle prompting. If Karyn was going to make headway, she was going to have to jump right in. Shinta reminded Karyn so much like herself. Her sister Kathryn would try to get her to talk, but it was difficult. Kathryn always had to get Karyn angry first.
"I get the feeling you don't want to be here, Shinta, have you changed your mind? I never ordered you here. I'm not going to pull teeth to get you to talk to me. I completely understand your embarrassment. If I'd had an affair with a married man, then allowed myself to get pregnant with his kid, I'd be embarrassed too. Tell me, do you always sleep with superior officers?" Reverse psych was always a hit or miss proposition, but Karyn hoped the anger would fuel thoughts and feelings Shinta wouldn't share otherwise.
She flushed bright red, how dare this woman. She was her superior but there was so much she could take. "How the hell do you dare judge me! Jake said he loved me, he spent months wooing me, he made me feel special, loved, wanted. And then, then when I was pregnant, he..." She choked on sudden sobs. She had been so embarrassed, so very lonely at the time. "I never, I wouldn't.... This is all a mistake." She stumbled to her feet. This woman made it sound like she did this every day, like she was some kind of vamp.
Karyn placed a hand on her shoulder. "He what?" Karyn handed her a tissue.
Shinta blew her nose. "He seduced me, ma'am. He never told me he was married. He said he was going to make me an officer and then we could marry and be happy together for ever. Be a family." She bit her lip. "I would never... I don't sleep around. I loved him." she said in a small voice. "I hate him! For what he is doing to Gavin."
"How about for what he did to you? How do you feel about that? I know you don't sleep around Shinta and to a certain extent, I can relate. My childhood sweetheart left me a year after we started seeing each other to go to the Academy. He said he wanted to make a better life for us. He was going to get his education and then come back for me. We were going to be married and live together on his first posting. I would work as Chief Cook and Bottle Washer and I would be so fantastic at it, the Captain would sponsor my application to the Academy and we'd spend the rest of our days as husband and wife aboard many starships, with fabulous careers and dozens of children." She smiled at the memory, tears beginning to form, as she realized how much it had hurt her.
Shinta watched silently calming down a bit and beginning to realize that she was not the only one that had ever been hurt.
She turned to Shinta and smiled. "I waited to hear from him and first he sent me letters everyday, saying how much he loved me and couldn't wait to see me, but after six months the letters stopped coming. By then, I had served six months on the Enterprise - D as a Crewman and I was having a hard time letting him go. I saw him again at the Academy a year later with someone else, but it didn't take long for things to rekindle. For a while things were great, but Alan had become a partier and a heavy drinker, something that made me furious, as we both had an alcoholic parent. He couldn't face me, as I was a reminder of his troubled childhood. He cheated on me with anyone and everyone, pushing me away. The final argument occurred on the Academy picnic grounds, when I caught him making out with the girl of the week. We had a huge fight and the last I saw him, he stormed off with his arm around this other person. The worst part was by then I had become somewhat of a celebrity, being one of the first disabled students admitted to the Academy, so FNN had insisted on covering my every move, including romantic interludes. Unbeknowst to me, Brian Whey followed me and had the whole thing recorded. Needless to say, it was all up for dissection the following morning. According to Brian, the transcripts don't do the fight justice, but I hear they're quite accurate." The last line was dripping with bitterness.
Now Shinta came over and squeezed Karyn's shoulder. "I am sorry, Karyn." She said. "I guess you do know a bit about betrayal and suffering. I..I have felt so humiliated for a very long time. I didn't dare talk about it. I felt so damned bad. Maybe, maybe we can help each other?"
Karyn smiled. "I would like that. Tell you what, I'll show you mine if you show me yours." It was an old expression that got the two women giggling. "You first, start at the beginning. Where'd you meet him? How'd you fall in love?"
"I met him during ship duty, we served on the same ship." Shinta said. "I was a petty officer in security and he a lt commander in science. He always had a lot of interrest in me, and he was a very handsome man. Jake began to work out at the same times as me and we talked a couple of times. I liked him, I thought he was really interested in me, me as a person. He really came across as that. I had never had a lover, and he took me completely by surprise and I was easy prey. I am not naive but when it comes to love. We began sleeping together pretty soon. And then after a month or two I became pregnant. I was so excited, Jake had said that he'd help me become an officer and he would marry me. Then when I told him that I was pregnant, he dropped me like a stone. Everything was over just like that." She bowed her head. "That's when I hit him. It cost me my job and a trip to the counselors. But I fooled them."
"Until now," replied Karyn. She smiled at Shinta. "Well, I can't say there's much to tell about Alan Taylor and I. We met at Betezed General Hospital. I was fourteen and he was fifteen. His mother and my father were alcoholics, and they had both suffered some pretty nasty injuries during one of their drunken rages. Anyway, I don't know who started the convesation, but through talking with each other we realized we were in the same boat. Our parents were both verbally and physically abusive with us when they drank, which was all the time. If they weren't drunk, they were in a nasty mood because of massive hangovers. When Alan and I realized we lived near each other, we started sneaking out of our houses to spend time together, just talking about the things that were happening in our lives. One night, I had been hit rather badly, and I left the house looking for Alan. He was furious, and vowed to do something to stop it. He was my solace, and as can happen in tense situations, he kissed me. I cared for him a great deal and from that moment on, we were together whenever we could get away. He was my protector, and looking back I think that's part of the reason we fell in love. I was so happy to find someone who loved me for me. I am confined to a wheelchair because I was born prematurely, and on top of everything else, my self-esteem was incredibly low. My mother had died in childbirth with me and my Dad blamed me for it. I can't say that Alan was against sleeping with me, but I was terrified of getting pregnant and dying like my mother, and I guess of getting too heavy too fast. The year after we met, Alan decided to enter SFA and I got a job as a Teacher's Assistant on the Enterprise. The rest as they say is history. So, your turn, it must have been terribly difficult to get through pregnancy and delivery alone, how did you get through it?"
"I am tough." Shinta said. I had to be. My parents were freedom fighters but they had been killed by the cardassians when I was young. In fact my whole family had about died young. I became an assasin then. I killed when ordered. Nobody suspected a nice girl like me to be a killer. I was saved from all that when I joined the Starfleet and rose to petty officer pretty soon. I had a knack for security and I was a tough chief to work under." She grinned. "I loosened up a bit when I was with Jake, but you know that didn't last. I felt terribly when Jake left me. I had not been arrested for hitting him, but all the officers supported him. I was sent to a starbase for psychological evaluation. Like I said I fooled them, but I got interested in the work." She flushed now. "And it was the only opening in the academy that year. Jake had promised me he'd help me become and officer and I wanted that then. I wanted to be in control. I was a good chief petty officer yet an ensign had more to say than I did. I hated that. So I became a counselor. Gavin was born and I loved him. Always have always will, I was less lonely when he came along. And we struggled on together."
This insight into Shinta's past had taken her by surprise. A Bajoran Assasin! It wasn't exactly the normal background for junior Stafleet Officers. But Karyn had not been on Bajor during the Occupation, and felt she had no right to judge someone else for their actions during such a horrible time. Still, it was something that she would have to keep in mind, should Shinta ever be confronted by her past, something that seemed to occur frequently on this ship.
"Are you still lonely, Shinta? I know I can't help but feel that way sometimes, that was until I met Michael. Have you thought about saying goodbye to Jake, to gain closure, so that you could move on with your life? Even if you just said what you wanted to say and closed the channel? Or, sending him a subspace message to get things off your chest? As far as I can tell, you need time to grieve. While you were with the counselors, your main concern was survival and getting out, but you never really had a chance to rid yourself of the anger and sadness you felt. Have you ever really cried?"
"Bajoran assasins don't cry." She said. "He doesn't want to talk to me anymore. I eh, I am falling in love with a guy. An officer, a client. But I am so unsure because of Jake, I don't trust human officers anymore and yet he is sweet and I love being with him. And....I am confused." She admitted.
*So am I* thought Karyn, but she decided to take one thing at a time. "I am sure you're right, Bajoran assasins probably don't cry, but you're no longer a Bajoran assasin, you're a Bajoran counselor now. A counselor who teaches others how to get in touch with their emotions and who helps them deal with pain. Your past makes you who you are, but doesn't have to define who you are forever. Moving on means letting go, and you haven't done that. Who cares if he doesn't want to talk to you anymore? This is not about him, it's about you and what you went through. So you don't talk to him, you can still send him a message, explaining how you feel. Even if you don't send it to him, sometimes just writing things down is helpful. He hurt you and you need to deal with that, so you can help Gavin. I want you to write a letter to Jake, for the next time you and I see each other. I want you to tell him what's on your mind and hold nothing back. Tell him you're angry, tell him you're hurt, just tell him! I can help you move on, but first you need to get this out of your system. I don't think you're weak, Shinta. I think you're a living, breathing person, who's been told too many times it's not ok to share her emotions. You can't keep them locked away forever as they tend to come out in bad ways...like with the help of a liquor bottle. Believe me, I know. I think in the long run you'll be helping Gavin a lot because he'll feel comfortable telling you how he feels about his father instead of keeping it from you. He probably just didn't want to hurt you more. Will you write the letter?"
"I don't know yet, Karyn. I think slugging him was pretty clear. But I never badmouthed him in front of Gavin. I wanted Gav to have a good relationship with his dad despite me. I never knew he overheard me and Jake talking that time." A dangerous fire burnt in her eyes. "I could kill him for that!"
Karyn joked, "I know you COULD kill him, but you're too valuable a counselor to me, so I hope you won't. As I said, this letter is not for him to read, but for you to vent your feelings about what happened. I'm sure he knows how you feel, but the idea is for you to heal and come to terms with everything. It is important that Gavin be given an opportunity to have a relationship with his father if it's something he wants to try for himself. Gav may be rejected, but at least he will have found out for himself about his Dad. It has to be his decision. Finding out this information, has probably raised a lot of questions. If Gav wants it, he should be given an opportunity to ask them himself. If he doesn't get the opportunity, he may regret it forever."
"I... I will think about it." Shinta finally said, not promising anything.
"Falling in love is wonderful, Shinta. I am happy for you and I understand why you'd be confused.
But I have to tell you, the fact that he's a client has me concerned." Karyn paused, trying to figure the best way to put it. "Romantic relationships with clients are never really a good idea, and there are regs in place to govern such an occurence. I don't doubt that you care for him, and he may feel the same way. But I have to be sure all the counselors on staff are as neutral as possible and can make unbiased decisions without influence. I need you to make sure he's fit for duty and have not the slightest doubt that you could be blinded by your feelings for him one way of the other. Because if they were, the consequences could be disastrous. I am not punishing you, you understand, but I have to look out for the crew's best interests and eliminate potential concerns. If you are to see him romantically, I think it best he see another counselor. Please tell me who is, and we can take care of it right away." She left out the part about how clients often fall for therapists because of their close relationships. This concern is often confused for love. For Shinta's sake, he hoped that this guy was sincere, as she had been hurt so much already.
"Oh ma'am," She was formal again and very sad. "of course you are right." Bruce was back to work now, and their talks were in between work and informal and were doing them both a lot of good. "It's Lt. Maxwell, ma'am." Shinta hung her head. "I should go now, Gav doesn't want to be with a babysitter too long." And she was about to cry pretty soon." For a moment she had thought that coming here was a good idea, but her boss was taking away the thing she liked best now, she was taking away Bruce.
"Shinta, you can still see him romantically, just not counselor to patient and since he is back on duty now, you've done him a great service. You and he can be friends and lovers down the line when and if you're ready." Karyn handed Shinta and new tissue and squeezed her shoulder. "I'd like to see you and Gavin again soon. Talk to Bruce and write the letter. I promise you'll feel better. I can help you both, if you want it."
Shinta wasn't so sure. She would miss the talks with Bruce. It was a reason to come togehter to connect, she didn't want to give that up but she couldn't tell her boss how she needed that. Shinta came to her feet feeling more desolute then she had when she came in here. "I will send Gavin to you, ma'am." For her this was not working, she had lost too much.
"All right." said Karyn, realizing she must have said something wrong. Shinta wasn't ready to open up, but perhaps one day she would come to her again.
"Tales of Tall Ships"
By Lieutenant Mikala Pailaka
***Holodeck II Promotion Ceremony***
Mike looked resplendent in his English Royal Navy uniform. He wore the traditional white shirt and dark blue jacket with white lapels lined with rows of shiny brass buttons bearing the rope and anchor insignia of the time. A matching white collar with brass accents offset the blue scarf around his neck. On his head he wore a felt hat, its points jutting out to either side and its front fold pinned back by a brass buckle and comb. His white breaches were neatly tucked into his polished leather boots. Overall, he painted a picture of a model 18th Century Lieutenant aboard one of the Queen's proud warships.
It was certainly an improvement over the dull gray uniforms of Starfleet, Mike thought, but they were not very practical. For at least a few hours though, he would wear it with the same pride as an officer from centuries before.
'How strange.' Mike thought. 'To be involved in another historical naval simulation, so soon after my last one'. Mike had returned from a month of leave following the re-supply mission, a month he had taken on his native Pacifica. He'd spent the majority of the time with his family and friends at the Mokupuni Colony, and while there, he had participated in a week long cultural festival honoring Hawaiian and Polynesian history. Amongst the events was a reenactment of Captain James Cook's 1779 landing in Kealakekua Bay aboard the HMS Discovery. Mike had piloted the Discovery's sister ship, the HMS Resolution, into the harbor and had enjoyed the taste of the salt spray in his face as he turned the massive oak wheel.
A few days later, he traded in the three-masted sailing ship for an outrigger and lead soldiers to war. It was a recreation of the Battle of Nuuanu, in which Kamehameha's ships landed on the islands of Mau'i and O'ahu and won the decisive victory that permanently united the Hawaiian Islands under a single king. Mike had fought with a pololu long spear in one hand and a newa shark toothed club in the other, with nothing but a loincloth for protection, and had loved every minute of it.
And now here he was, in a third historical naval simulation in as many weeks. For a naval history buff such as himself, it was a dream come true.
As he stood upon the slowly rocking deck of the majestic sailing ship Galaxy, Mike could not have been prouder. Two of the helm department's own, Ensigns Maxwell and Gustavson were being promoted to 'Jay Gees'.
For Maxwell, it was a form of vindication after he put his career at risk with his outburst in the gymnasium. The dressing down Mike had delivered to Ensign Maxwell at the time had left a bad taste in his mouth. Bruce was a Starfleet veteran who'd arguably seen more and done more during the war than most commanders. And now it appeared he was back on track and getting what he richly deserved. Whatever Counselor Navarre had said to him had obviously done the trick.
Gustavson had been posted to the Galaxy fresh out of the academy. He was young, eager and had a great deal of raw talent. But as the third helmsman, his opportunities to shine, outside of a simulation, were limited. But fate had been kind, and Ragnald had found himself in the driver's seat during the recent encounter with the Romulans. And while the confrontation had not taken a deadly turn, Ensign Gustavson had handled himself admirably under the pressure and had gained the notice of the senior staff on the bridge at the time.
As Captain Price read the last of the names from his scroll, and the naval whistle blew, ending the formal portion of the ceremony, Mike cheered loudly. Now, the eating drinking and general celebration could begin.
Mike worked his way through the throng, seeking out his two newly promoted officers and firmly shaking their hands. He produced a bottle of dark Cuban rum, the traditional drink of the old Royal Navy, and they toasted their ship, their department and each other. Then, properly lubricated, they made their way to the barbecue and feasted.
"Ah, to be a sailor in these days." Mike mused between bites of beef rib. "What I wouldn't give for the chance to steer one of these beauties into battle, to tack into the wind and bring her around for the perfect broadside." But such fantasies, he realized, could only be found on a holodeck. The time of wooden ships and iron men was long past...
Or was it?
*** ***
Lieutenant Mikala Pailaka
Chief Helmsman, USS Galaxy
AKA
David Friedland
ICQ# 5805168
"Moving Forward in Life"
by Lt. Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy
** Return to the Galaxy from Romulus **
Lt. Commander Thomas had just returned to the galaxy and been cleared to leave sickbay, when he realized the trouble he was in for. He'd of course have to deal with the captain, but he was right now more concerned about what his wife was going to do to him. He'd told her about his plan, not in detail and only enough so she wouldn't worry to much about him. However now that he was back on the ship and news would soon spread throughout the ship, she'd know just how bad things could've become.
It was going to be a long trip back to a normal life.
** Presently **
Chris woke up laying next to his wife, who was still mad at him for taking such a risk to go on the rescue mission. She'd continued to give him the cold shoulder every so often just as a reminder about how foolish he was in taking such a trip. He'd tried numerous times to make it up to her, but with little success and it was beginning to make him worried about the future.
She'd no problem with him continuing to serve in Starfleet, her problem was with him running off to work behind enemy lines. She was concerned about his safety and well being, she wanted him to be healthy and happy. She didn't want to lose him on some hair-brained idea or stunt.
He knew it was going to be a rough week already because she was still mad at him. She didn't display it outright as he'd experienced from her before, but he still could tell. He
Chris left their quarters for work he had to pull his shift, even through there really wasn't a lot for him to do at the moment. He still managed to keep himself busy with some work when possible. He did enjoy the fact that he had less to worry about these days, certainly made his life easier. Although right now he would trade it all to deal with something other than a still upset wife. He still had to figure out how to repair the rift, but he was getting to the point of chalking it up to experience and moving forward.
He figured that made while he was at work he could arrange for the computer or someone to bring her flowers. He wanted to surprise her and show her that he still loved her, even if they were still stuck on the past. Live was always full of potholes along the way and avoiding them was the best road to travel, but not always possible.
*** Thomas's office ***
Chris entered his office for the first time in a couple of days, he'd been enjoying shoreleave by spending the time with Anna. He'd hoped that by spending extra time with her, they could relax and reconnect with each other. He loved her with all of his heart and it was hurting him, knowing she was still hurting from his actions several weeks ago.
He decided to stop by the arboretum and see if he could get a dozen roses there, before trying anything else.
"In My Room"
by Lt. Cmdr. George Kirk
ACSO
George sat in his quarters, feet resting on his desk reading through PADDs. They were his first set of data logs to go through from the Security department. It was strange. He'd been out of Starfleet for nearly a year, and he wasn't used to these reports yet. His meeting with the security chief hadn't gone quite as easily as he had hoped. He was still a little shocked at how young the chief was. He wondered how his predecessor had handled taking orders from a man with fewer years in Starfleet. He'd read James Chen was almost as old as George. Of course, when he'd first started reading about the Galaxy, he nearly had a heart attack when he learned of the XO's age. That much power for a guy that young had to have consequences at some point.
George shook the thoughts from his head and started going through the PADD again. He'd just have to wait and see if everybody was as capable as he'd heard. George yawned and his eyes teared up after another few minutes of reading the reports. Secretly, he was hoping for a saboteur or rogue Romulans or something. The thing he hated most about most time on a Starship was inactivity. George got up and walked to the replicator. "Coffee. Black. Hot."
The computer chirped. *Please specify specific temperature.*
George frowned. "Just make it really hot."
There was a pause, then the coffee materialized. George picked up the steaming mug by the body and kept reading the PADD as he walked to his desk. He took a sip of his coffee and instantly jumped back as the scalding liquid touched his lips. It felt hot enough to boil duranium. George looked at his hand gripping the mug. He couldn't feel the heat. Those nerves had been burned away long ago. George set the cup down and felt himself getting antsy. God, he needed something to DO. He'd heard about a promotion ceremony going on in the Holodeck, but he didn't think he should go. He didn't know people well enough. It was completely lost on George just what a social function actually was.
George shrugged out of his duty jacket, which had been undone and started going through the PADDs again, forlornly looking at the coffee. He glanced at his hand, which had turned red. He examined the burn. Nothing serious. It'd be gone after a few hours. As he read the PADD, he slowly began to nod off. Finally, his eyes closed and he drifted off.
The first thing he always noticed was the heat. The heat was always stuck in his mind. The corridor was black. A thick, oily, seemingly alive thing which enveloped George, got into his lungs, threatened to strangle him. He had covered his face with his jacket and pressed forward, periodically yelling to see if anybody was there. That was his duty. He knew there were others, he just had to find them. Fire crackled off in a corridor as he turned the corner, feeling his way along the wall so he had an idea where he was. This was his deck, after all. The fire in the corridor was all that illuminated the halls. He could see the feet close to the fire. They moved. George charged towards the feet. The officer was laying half-in, half-out of his quarters. Another officer was lying further inside. The quarters were ablaze, also. George ran in, dropping his jacket pressed against his nose and mouth. He grabbed the officer by her jacket collar. He did the same for the man in the doorway. He dragged them away from the fire and back in the direction he'd come.
After what seemed an eternity, he felt hands grab the people and take them from George. George grinned widely, but couldn't see who his liberator was. Then he heard the scream, from inside one of the quarters. George reacted instantly, charging towards the location of the voice. He stopped in front of the quarters and gave his access codes to open the door. The doors opened and the fire exploded out at him, knocking him off his feet and against the wall as the flames engulfed him.
George awoke with a start and nearly fell out of his chair. He could feel the sweat on his face and for a moment he thought he was back in that corridor. George quietly stood up and popped his neck, feeling the relief spread along his spine. He put back on his duty jacket and rubbed his eyes. The adrenaline from the dream was still pumping and he was bored. Jesus, there had to be something. He went to his comm unit and started monitoring ship communications, trying to find something. After a few moments, he came across something of interest. He smiled slightly as he caught the report. Oh, this could be fun.
-----
Dr. Andree Dothan (Lt. JG)
Medical Dept USS Galaxy
-----
Guest starring Michala Lynn Casey
-----
*** Sickbay surgical suite ***
Andree was mulling over the things he and Derian had discussed. (that will come later in a flashback post) Looking closely at the readings suddenly it dawned on him. Speaking to the EMH2 he said "Her brain appears to be seperated into several parts, with their own boichemistry. they seem to be having trouble communicating with each other"
Dr. Martin put on a thoughtful face, and replied "Yes, And that would explain all the symptoms that she has been having. But the question is what we can do about it."
Andree pondered the possibilities before stating, "There has to be a way to make her brain reconnect into an integrated whole. I would think that one of the drugs generally used to repair minor brain damege would have the best chance of working"
Dr. Martin responded "I can't say much either way, because there simply is no precident for anything like this. The probability of a transporter accident is astronomical, and the chance of a given transporter accident doing this is statistically near zero. the possibility of this happening can easily be dismissed as impossible"
Andree pondered the facts awhile longer before looking at the clock. Realizing he had worked almost straight through delta shift, and that the alpha shift staff would be filtering in soon, he decided to look into this course of treatment, and discuss it with the CMO when she returned for her shift. untill then, he entered his small cubicle, where he would begin reaserching the ramifications of various treatments
=/\= "Plot Complication" =/\=
by Lt Cmdr Matthew Albrecht
*** Bridge USS Galaxy ***
The captain's chair. It wasn't the biggest chair on the ship, but it was the hardest to fill. Matthew had a self-conscious moment and looked at the arms of the seat, running his hands up and down them. Although it felt intimidating to bear the responsibility of commanding a starship on Alpha shift, it felt thrilling to be given the trust of the Galaxy's captain to do so.
It was gratifying even when the shift took you straight through the middle of vacant space far from any known enemy.
It was a sign of confidence even when bridge duty on Alpha shift meant you missed a fun, tongue-in-cheek promotion ceremony in Holodeck 2.
But Matthew was second officer of the Galaxy, and it was his duty to free up his superiors to attend to the fun jobs as well as the not-so-fun ones. Besides, there were no Security officers among those receiving pips. Tim's wife was being promoted, he knew, and so was Ethan who had been so instrumental in discovering the identity of the holodeck saboteur a few weeks back.
The morning was so slow that uneventful was an exaggeration. Lieutenant commander Albrecht took some time to reflect upon his departmental duties.
He had spent the last month getting to know the way his new assistant chief worked. George Kirk, in Matthew's opinion, was a highly talented Security officer. He drilled well, kept fit, followed orders and knew his equipment better than any of the junior officers. He could instruct, too. After observing the way Kirk spoke with the jay gees, Matthew was confident that things would get done right while he was doing the occasional double shift on the bridge.
With the competent Kirk around, and a handful of experienced and reliable lieutenants to supervise the shifts, Albrecht was able to continue taking his last set of Command Evaluation tests on the holodecks as if James Chen had never left. Matthew felt a touch of guilt at the thought of replacing his former assistant chief so easily. Of course, the friendship Matthew had with Chen had not vanished. He had received one update already of the 'commanders exploits away from the Galaxy.
But there was one area in which he had not seen Kirk's performance. He had yet to see George lead a Security detachment on an actual Away mission.
*** ***
The shift was well underway before lieutenant commander Raesene Hermedhie discovered something unusual on his Tactical display. Matthew was eager for any excuse to break the silence that had fallen over the bridge. He asked Raesene what he had found while the 'commander was only verifying his scans.
Soon, the highly experienced bridge crew of lieutenant commanders Hermedhie and Genestra had scanned the centuries-misplaced wooden sailing vessel stem to stern, and brought up a highly magnified and enhanced image on the main viewscreen. By that time, Matthew had already called the captain and informed him of the anachronistic relic floating in space.
*** ***
It did not take long for the captain and first officer to arrive on the bridge wearing realistic ancient English Naval uniforms, enveloped by a cloud of barbecue sauce perfume. They quickly reduced the officers manning stations there to five growling stomachs and watering mouths. Matthew stood from the captain's chair to explain the situation and surrender the conn if Lee Price desired.
After reviewing the results of further scans it was clear that the Galleon was, if sensors could be trusted, exactly what it appeared to be: An exact scale replica of a Spanish Galleon. Named, in Roman lettering, 'Gothos.'
Soon the captain vacated the bridge to prepare to lead an away team to the beautiful antique. Commander Casey generously offered the bridge crew first crack at joining the captain's team.
Matthew was tempted to jump at the chance to go EVA. But, he waited to see if George would volunteer for the duty...
"You cannot change the laws of physics."
by Lt. Commander Evin Genestra
(Reviewed by Captain Price)
Science Station One continued to give the lieutenant commander readings which could only be described as most puzzling. Here, in the middle of space, in some unexplored sector of the Alpha Quadrant, was a ocean-faring vessel from Earth's past was found perfectly preserved. It was definitely wooden. If anything that was something Genestra could be certain about.
Occasionally Evin would turn from his seat at the aft science stations for a visual to reconcile with his sensor scans. It was something similar to what he had seen in the Smithsonian Institute and the British Museum in London. Relating it to the stories his grandfather told, a man who become a prolific bard in his old age, gave the thirty-year old an almost child-like sense of excitement. Not only was he eager to find out more from a scientific prospective but also fueled by personal nostalgia.
As the sensor array was aimed precisely at the ancient form he was led to think about the possibilities. There was no indications of warp signatures or ion trails to suggest that it had been placed there recently, no chroniton particles or resonance decay to suggest that it appeared in the vaccum of space due to some unexpected temporal anomaly, and there was no apparent sign of the remains of a crew which might have once sailed on such a fine ship.
As the empath's mind continued to explore several possibilities as he worked. Captain Price and Commander Casey were now already on the Bridge as the report from Lieutenant Commander Albrecht more than peaked their curiosity. Having no definite cause for the appearance of the 'Gothos' the lieutenant commander remembered something about ship disappearences throughout the history of sea and ocean faring vessels. Could this indeed be one of the vessels which which disappeared in the infamous Bermuda Triangle or even perhaps the Asian counterpart, the Devil's Triangles?
Even now, centuries after those ships disappeared, there were no answers for what happened. Was it possible that the crew of the U.S.S. Galaxy would be responsible for solving this most ancient of mysteries.
"Computer, access the historical database for Earth, specifically those pertaining to lost sailing vessels between the years Terran years 1380 and 1900." Evin said as he recalled the period of time such sailing vessels were used. "Is there any reference to a vessel by the name of Gothos?"
The computer let out some duotronic beeps and whirls as it processed the request and examined several centuries of Earth's history. At the same time he heard something from Commander Casey which answered that very question, yet he conceeded that there was a possiblity that a reference to such a vessel could have been lost. Instead of simply cancelling the database inquiry, Evin considered that it never hurt to check a second time to be sure.
The console in front of him began to beep as it received further telemetry from the main sensor array. In response Genestra moved his hands around the console and began analysing the data as it was displayed in front of him.
"Is there any atmosphere over there 'Commander?" he heard Captain Price say from the command area of the Bridge.
Evin turned to the Captain to indicated that he had heard the starship commander's question. Shaking his head he replied, "Negative sir. Just the vacuum of space." Evin replied as he took a moment to recheck the odd readings again of gravity, "Minimal gravity as well."
Having satisfied the Captain's question he turned back to his station and continued his sensor analysis and database search. A wooden sailing ship from Earth so far away from the Terran system was simply enough to be considered odd. What caught the science officer's attention further was that there was minimal gravity. The same reading which made him double check.
"Computer, run a level three diagnostic on the main sensor array. Audible read out."
["Diagnostic complete. That system is running within specified parameters."] the female voice replied with it's typically emotionless tone.
Genestra scratched his head and he tried to decipher the data properly. It was unlike anything he had seen, and after having spent time on the Federation flagship he thought he had seen quite a lot. According to the laws of physics it was impossible to create a gravitational field without the interaction between the object and a larger body, or centrifugal forces like those found in the artificial gravtity emitters on a starship.
["Database search complete."] the computer finally responded with the historical search. ["There is no listing for a Gothos in the specific time periods."]
Genestra reached out his hand and began to read through the LCARS search, entry by entry. Expecting at least a small morsel of information the empath was disappointed to find nothing. Absolutely nothing. It simply added to the already unusual discovery sitting off the Galaxy's port side.
"Computer, analyse the linguistic database and see whether or not the word 'Gothos' has any significant meanings. Audible read out." he said as he continued to provide a complete sensor analysis of the Gothos which was now dwarfed by the U.S.S Galaxy.
Once again the computer began to make noises as it seemed to grumble about performing such menial referencing tasks.
["Search complete. Gothos. A Barolian verb meaning 'to distrust', a Celdanian word meaning 'mischievous', a Indriian expletive ..."]
"Computer, discontinue audible read out." Genestra said as the search yeilded little information.
Having run in to another dead end the scientist had to agree with Captain Price about an away mission. If they were to get anything to work with it would have to be on that wooden ship. Until that time Lieutenant Commander Genestra still had several theories to explore. Given that there was some gravity, albeit minial, perhaps there was some anomaly providing it the ability to generate such a field?
Reprogramming the parameters for the lateral sensor array the half-Betazoid attempted to satisfy his own curiosity. Spending the next few minutes he was able to rule out the possibility of a micro-quantum singularity or a fold in the subspace continuum. All still very odd.
Whilst there were no apparent causes or reactions it led Genestra to consider one last possibility. Perhaps the gravitational field was the result of super-condensed dark matter. It was the only reasonable explanation the lieutenant commander could associate with the readings he was finding on the sensor readings. As such, it would also be extremely difficult to map with the sensors and remain relatively undetectable.
"Excuse me Commander," the scientist said as he turned to Commander Deiran Casey, who was now admiring the visual on the main viewscreen, "I would like permission to launch a class-one probe."
Casey turned around and looked at the scientist seated at one of the two aft science stations. "For what reason, Mister Genestra?"
"That ship, sir," the scientist said as he nodded towards the viewscreen visual, "is definitely real. No doubt about it, but I can't reconcile finding the presence of gravity that I reported to the Captain."
"I thought you said it was minimal gravity."
"It is just a precautionary measure to rule out the presence of dark matter. Even matter of that nature compressed to the size of a single molecule would be enough to generate a weak gravitational field."
Mention of the the illustrious dark matter phenomenon made the first officer understand the older man's caution. Since Captain Price was insisting on beaming over there he was not about to stop the scientist's from exploring that theory, no matter how unlikely a dark matter explaination would seem.
"Permission granted 'Commander." Deiran said as he turned to one side to consult the chief of security about the away team.
Devinoni entered in the search parameters he desired to use with the cass-one probe. Only a few seconds later the tiny device was hurtling past the sailing ship Gothos and off to optimal scanning range. Each subsequent sweep of the probe's telemetry failed to find any of the tell-tail signs usually associated with dark matter phenomenons.
What began as a curiosity was no becoming a frustration. The facts at hand dispute reason. A sea-going ship in space and no physical explaination for the presence of gravity, yet each was as true as Evin Genestra sitting at the aft science station. Therefore, the only hypothesis the lieutenant commander could come up with was: some extra-dimensional phenomenon was capable of distorting the laws of physics on the Gothos or Federation understanding of the laws of physics was flawed.
"There She Blows!"
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey
With excerpts from
"If it looks like a duck"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price
reviewed by Captain Price
*** Holodeck 2, USS Galaxy ***
These were the times that endeared itself to the memories of men. Joy, laughter, promotions.
Yep, nothing gave Deiran more joy then a promotion ceremony. He especially enjoyed the "walking of the plank to fetch the hat" game. That was Deiran's mentality.
He had been dealing with Miran's death for three months now and had settled himself in with Michala, they were becoming quite the talk of the ship. If Deiran heard "they're a cute couple" again he was going to turn the next person who said it into a human plasma torpedo.
So, as Deiran stood eating his angel food cake, and standing beside his girlfriend, Michala, who herself was socializing with the crew as they had become popular for doing. Deiran noticed the Captain's comm badge activate and saw the Captain's lips moving. He quickly went over to see what was up and see if he'd be needed.
Captain Price was licking and sucking away at his fingers. It seemed the only thing lacking at the promotion ceremony was a supply of linen to wipe one's hands with. Deiran had brought a napkin with him, but kept it behind his back as he watched playfully, enjoying the comedic predicament his captain and friend was in.
"What have you come across 'mate?" Lee asked while glancing around for something to clean up with. Deiran finally relented and handed Lee the napkin, Deiran didn't hide his smile at seeing the captain covered in barbecue sauce. A scene he'd had the pleasure of looking on many of times.
["What appears to be a wooden sailing ship floating in space."] Matthew responded candidly.
"Come again 'Commander?" Lee asked while looking at Commander Casey.
Deiran looked at the Captain, 'A ship floating in space?' Deiran thought, this was definitely intriguing. What kind of ship, was Deiran's first question.
["It appears to be a Galleon, Captain. And it looks to be in excellent shape thanks to the vacuum of space. I've ordered the ship to full stop ten kilometers from her position. 'Commander Genestra is running scans on her now."] Matthew explained.
"Well 'Commander, you certainly have managed to peak my curiosity this time. I'll be up directly. Price out," The Captain answered. His hands now clean, thanks to the rag Deiran provided, Lee tapped his comm badge to deactivate it. He then faced his First officer. "I'm going up to the bridge 'mate."
Deiran's smile was a mile wide as he gazed at the barbecue sauce staking claim to Lee's lips, cheeks and even some on his chin. For a brief moment there, he had the idea of letting the Captain go to the Bridge like that, and giving the Bridge crew a laugh at seeing their captain like a school boy. But, they were on duty and a Casey never allows anything to disrupt that duty.
"Sir, here," Deiran handed Lee another napkin and motioned to the man's face. Lee took the clue and wiped the sauce from his face.
"Thanks 'mate." Lee responded while wiping his mouth.
"If it's okay Captain, I'd like to come up and have a look at this ship too. It's not often we come across a perfectly preserved naval vessel out here in deep space. . ." Commander Casey mused. It was more than that though, Casey wanted to find out how the hell it got out here. The scientist and explorer in him needed to know that question.
"I'll say. In all of my career, this is the first one I've come across. Let's go 'mate."
The two men then exited Holodeck two and started walking down the corridor.
"It is good to see you enjoying those ribs Captain, good to see the crew enjoying themselves. Tough times around here the last nine months," Deiran replied, they were still a few yards away from the turbolift.
"Aye 'mate, all of us have had our share of pain and times of trial," Lee replied, knowing that his First Officer was indeed still getting over the death of his first wife, Miran. Lee still thought of Jaime as well. The war had not proven to be the last of the Galaxy's heartache's, only the beginning for some of its crew.
"You look good in that uniform sir, would've made a fine Captain on the HMS Galaxy," Deiran complimented.
"Thanks 'mate, you take a liking to the uniform yourself, there had to have been many o' Casey captains on British vessels 'mate?" Lee replied.
"Sure were sir, there was a Casey at Trafalgar, and our naval history and command hasn't stopped since. A long and storied legacy sir," Deiran replied proudly. "In fact, there was a Casey on the USS Independence in the American Revolution, and a Casey on the British side commanded the HMS Queen Elizabeth, both men sound officers and commanders the way my great grand-father tells it sir," Deiran couldn't help but dish out a bit of history on his family. He was proud of them. All Casey's had to be proud of their heritage.
"What happened to your hat?" the Captain asked.
"I threw it overboard, didn't go with my head. too small," Deiran replied, not able to hold in the laughter at his own joke. And as they both started laughing they exited onto the Bridge.
*** Bridge, USS Galaxy **
The two officers proceeded down into the command well, awed by the site of the ship on the main viewer. Like some ghost sent to tell tales of long ago, she floated in space like a gotham statue to the past. Absolutely overwhelming. But the nagging question deep inside Deiran Casey was, 'how did she get there?'
"There she blows Captain!" Matthew stated from the command chair while pointing to the main view screen; as if he was Ahab sighting Moby Dick.
"Why this is extraordinary 'mate!" Lee declared. "I've never seen a specimen quite like this. A Galleon, and in bonzer shape too from the looks of her."
"She is indeed a beauty," Deiran agreed.
"We are still trying to figure out just how she found her way out here, in the middle of no where, in the middle of space." Matthew stated.
"Any power readings or life signs?" Lee asked.
"Negative Captain. At least at last report. Have you discovered anything more 'Commander Genestra?" Albrecht asked.
"Nothing further than I already reported sir. Though she is definitely real. Of that I am sure." Evin explained from the Science Station.
Lee turned and faced Raesene at the tactical station. "Are there any starships in the immediate area mister Hermedhie?"
The 'Commander glanced up from his instruments at the tactical arch near the rear of the bridge. "No sir. And I have been actively scanning since we came across the. . . that ship. We are all clear for twenty light years."
"If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, swims like a duck. . ." Deiran mused out loud.
Lee finished the words of wisdom, " . . . then it must be a duck. Let's 'ave a better look at her shall we 'mates? Plot a course around that vessel. One sixteenth impulse. I want to look her over from all angles."
Ensign Taggart acknowledged the Captain's order. "Aye sir. Taking us around the ship."
The Galaxy moved around the old Galleon as slow as possible, Deiran was at the XO chair by now and taking his own sensor readings of the ship and even taking a holographic image of the ship for testing later. As the Galaxy moved around the ship Deiran saw the word.
Deiran immediately looked for any ship in Earth's history with that name and heard the Captain say.
"Commander, punch that into the computer banks and see if we can locate any reference to a naval vessel in Earth's history that bared the name 'Gothos'." Lee ordered.
"Already on it Captain. Sorry sir. There is no listing of any Earth ships bearing that name. Though our database can not be completely relied upon, as records from that era in Earth's history were not as thorough as they are now." The First officer explained. But, Deiran did a search of other databases there had to be something with the name Gothos that might somehow be linked to this ghost ship.
The Galaxy completed it's 360 degree circle around the Gothos before Ensign Taggart informed the Captain that the maneuver had been completed.
"Full stop 'mate."
"Full stop Captain." Taggart replied.
"Well I suppose a closer investigation is in order." Captain Price stated while still staring at the Gothos on the view screen.
Deiran began unbuttoning his naval costume in preparation of changing into his uniform to lead an away team.
Lee reached out and stopped Casey. "Not this time 'mate. I'll lead the away team on this one."
"Captain, as First Officer it is my duty to. . ."
"Give it a rest number one. Captain's prerogative. Besides, I've always wanted to walk on the deck of an ancient Galleon. You wouldn't want to deny me that boyhood dream now, would you 'mate?"
"No sir and seeing how there is no indication of danger on this away mission, I suppose I can let you go on this *one* away mission sir. Just don't make a habit out of it," Deiran said in a half joking, half sarcastic tone. When the Captain allowed his boyhood to surface Deiran always had to bury the smiles. It was rare but it was something that Casey admired about the Captain.
Lee raised a hand extending three fingers. "Scout's honor 'mate. Let's put together an away team. Is there any atmosphere over there 'Commander?"
Evin looked up from Science Station One and over at the Captain. "Negative sir. Just the vacuum of space. Minimal gravity as well."
"Fair dinkum. Order full environmental suits, tricorders, weapons and whatever scientific instrumentation will be needed to determine the origin and age of that vessel. Have the team meet me in Transporter room one in thirty minutes." Lee ordered while unbuttoning his own naval costume.
"I'll take care of it sir. The team will be ready and waiting in Transporter room one in thirty minutes," Deiran repeated.
"The conn is yours 'mate." Lee stated. He took one last appreciative glance at the Gothos on the main view screen before turning to exit the bridge.
"I don't suppose there are any volunteers for this away mission, are there?" Deiran stated quietly while glancing at the officers already present on the bridge.
As he sat there he began thinking on the word Gothos.
"Peter's rant."
By Ensign Peter Lockhart
Peter wandered into main security late in alpha shift. He'd heard the reports on the Galleon out in deep space that the Galaxy had run into and wanted to find out more than his personal terminal allowed him. He stepped into the open space to find several junior officers floating around looking unsure of what to do. With 'Commander Albrecht on the bridge it had fallen to Lieutenant O'Connell to take command. However, with his wife being promoted, he'd not yet returned, so Lieutenant' to-Srallansre had taken command.
"Well, well, well. All our troubles are over." laughed Ensign Heidi Mason. "It's Ensign Lockhart, come to save the day."
"Damn right!" Peter said, and moved over to a console to see what information the security computers could give him about the wooden sailing ship outside the Galaxy. It took him about twenty minutes to observe everything he could about the ship, though unfortunately some information was missing, due to security measures and simply not having the information yet.
"She certainly ain't no HMS Thunderchild." Peter muttered quietly.
"What?" said Heidi Mason, stepping up.
"Uhh nothing. Just a non-existant British warship." Peter said. "HMS Thunderchild."
"Right." Heidi slowly drawled. "Are you feeling okay?" she asked.
"This ship. It isn't from Earth." Peter said bluntly, pointing at the screen.
"Ahhh. Do I detect the famous Lockhart Rant about to begin?" Heidi asked.
"And I'll tell you why not!" Peter continued, ignoring Heidi.
"I do indeed. Fire away Peter, let's hear it!" Heidi said. Peter's reasoning was often flawed, though based upon solid fact at the time. He'd gained the attention of Heidi Mason and John McQueen however.
"Firstly and most obviously, the name of the ship. Gothos. There is no ship matching that name in the data records during the period that the ship would've been built." Peter started.
"Records around then were hardly accurate." Ensign McQueen said. "I doubt that every vessel made would've been recorded."
"Maybe not, but she is a Galleon. Galleons are big ships. Ships of the line in fact. I find it likely that small pinnaces wouldn't be listed, but a Spanish Galleo
n? The Spanish would've kept some record of her I'm sure."
"Records can be destroyed." Heidi said. "Fire, flood or theft. Maybe she's even been renamed?"
"No, not renamed. Or at least, if she was, it's a perfect job. Look at her stern. If she had been renamed, it would usually leave some trace, but the ship is in perfect condition, like she'd just been built."
"Okay Sherlock. What else?" Heidi asked.
"She's not from Earth. Or any other planet with an ocean. In fact, she's never sailed on water." Peter said.
"Rubbish. How can you tell?" Heidi asked sceptically.
"She's got no waterline." Peter said. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I ship sails the oceans, it usually leaves a trace waterline around the hull of the ship? Am I right or wrong?" Peter asked.
"I don't know." McQueen answered. "But you're right, she doesn't have a waterline."
"And she doesn't have a crew either." Peter said. "If she'd been transported from Earth, some crewmembers must have been on deck at the time of the transferal. Their bodies aren't there. If they weren't transported, then surely there would be a record of the ship that vanished beneath the crews feet and left them in the water?" Peter continued, before thinking for a moment. "Unless they drowned after the ship vanished. But we've already got a working theory that she wasn't afloat at the time of the transfer."
"So then, what does that leave us with?" Heidi asked.
"Well, either the ship was transfered from drydock, during an unmanned time. That's unlikely, as surely someone would have documented the disappearance of a Galleon from the dock without a trace." Peter concluded. "Or else, she's been created in space and set adrift."
"By whom?" John asked.
"That I don't know." Peter answered. "And that is something the Captain can find out. I'm off to Ten Forward for a drink." and with that Peter strolled out of Security to head to Ten Forward for a better look at the Galleon floating in deep space.
"A Promotion and A smile."
by Lt.Jg Bruce MaxWell
Helmsman
Bruce walked out of the Holodeck smiling. He kept feeling the new half pip on his collar. He was one step closer to being Lt. again. He could only wonder if he would be a Lt.Commander or Commander on a ship in the special operations division. As he walked down the corridor, he went over what he needed to do next of course a promotion to Lt. was next but he also knew there was no assistant Chief Helmsman and the thought sounded nice to him.
Also he was estatic that Shinta also received a promotion. She had been working hard and deserved it well hell he knew that she saved his life. He could only wish that he could make her life and Gavin's easier but he knew she had to deal with her personal problems first. They have become close but Bruce knew they could be closer except for her wall that stops her from getting closer to anyone.
Bruce stepped onto the Turbolift and stated his destination. The turbolift began moving and Bruce stood there smiling.
********MaxWell Quarters*********
Bruce walked into his quarters and sat down behind his desk. Little William jumped up into his lap and Bruce began to pet the little ones head. Bruce turned his desk display towards him. He thought to himself "well here goes nothing!".
Chief Helmsman Lt. Paliaka,
I do not mean to overstep my bounds sir but due to my recent promotion I was also wondering on what it takes to become Assistant Chief Helmsman. I know I have mad e a Mistake in the past but my record speaks for itself.
I will be waiting for your response.
Lt.Jg. Bruce Maxwell
Bruce sent that message and sent with a hope and a prayer. After he sent it he cleared the display and then began a new one.
Shinta,
Congratulations My Love......I was wondering when I could see you again. Also when is our next appointment since i havent heard anything lately. I miss you and Gavin, Shinta.
Your Scottish Warrior,
Lt.Jg. Bruce Maxwell
Bruce sent that one and then stood up and walked over to the chair. He sat down and continued to pet little William. He wondered how his damned parents were doing. Bruce stood up and let little William down. He zipped up his uniform jacket and headed out the door. Bruce headed down the corridors and towards Stellar Cartography to look over maps and courses thru the system. He entered the room and pulled up star charts and went to work for hours. Finally Bruce sat down and began to rub the pips again and thinking on ways to shorten the courses. _
"Shanghai'd"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price
Lee secured the last fastener on his white and red EVA suit. Extending his arms, he rotated them at the wrists to verify the pressure gloves weren't binding. Satisfied, the Captain grabbed the helmet and headed for the transporter room.
When he arrived he was pleased to see that Commander Casey had already assembled the away team and they were suited and waiting in the transporter room.
"G'Day 'mates." the Captain greeted.
Lee recognized Lieutenant Commanders Ryak Sullax and Devinoni Genestra from the science department. The two officers were outfitted with tricorders and other scientific equipment as well as the requested hand phasers. It was unlikely any weapons would be needed for this mission, which amounted to little more than a historic field trip, but it was protocol to be armed when going into unknown and peculiar places. A wooden Galleon in the middle of space definitely qualified.
Near the two science officers in their blue and white EVA suits was Lieutenant Commander George P. Kirk from security. Kirk was the newest member of the Galaxy's crew, having transferred from the USS Lionheart, the Captain didn't know the officer very well from experience. However Kirk's record spoke for itself having earned the medal of honor during the Dominion war. Lee theorized that Matthew had placed Kirk on this mission to evaluate his ability as security officer on an away team mission.
Besides Kirk, the Elaysian officer, Lieutenant jg Kira Murphy was assisting Ensign Darren Jones with his EVA helmet. The Captain nodded to each of them as he stepped up onto the transporter pad and dawned his own helmet.
Standing there on the pad and waiting patiently was Lieutenant Mikala Pailaka. Lee gave him a nod and then said, "Well then, let's get the show on the road shall we 'mates?"
The Captain glanced at the transporter operator, just as someone quickly entered from the corridor.
"Wait sir. . ." Gailyn stated. He was wearing an EVA suit and carrying his helmet in both of his hands. "request permission to join the away team Captain."
Lee took a couple of steps forward as he looked at Mister No'hisyndiosyn, the El Aurian Ten forward manager. The Captain knew he was a wonderful bartender and a gracious host, but an away team mission?
"I don't think it's necessary for you to come along Gailyn. We 'ave plenty of officers going as it is 'mate."
Gailyn stopped and stood confidently in front of the Captain. Being 190 years old will do that for a person. "I can see that Captain, but I don't expect that anyone here has a degree in history or has spent the last one hundred years reading and studying the history of sailing ships from the same time period as that vessel out there?"
Lee's smile could easily be seen through his EVA helmet. Gesturing with a thumb, he said "Com'on 'mate. welcome aboard."
"Thank you Captain." Gailyn said with a nod. He then put on his helmet, which the Captain helped him to secure. They then joined the others on the transporter pad.
Lee glanced at his 'mates, then at the transporter operator. "Eight to beam down 'mate."
Chief Jensen nodded as he adjusted the transporter controls. "I have the coordinates laid in sir."
"Do it 'mate." lee ordered.
Thomas activated the controls and watched as the eight away team members dematerialized and were sent over to the main deck of the Gothos.
***
*** Bridge, USS Galaxy ***
Commander Casey was sitting comfortably in the Command chair once again. He was quite pleased with his recent performance in assembling an A-1 away team, fully EVA outfitted mind you, in under thirty minutes. Deiran even had time to change out of the promotion party costume and back into his more comfortable duty uniform.
With the away team mission almost underway, the First officer had to call in a few officers from the promotion after-party in order to cover the bridge duty shifts. Newly promoted Lieutenant jg Ragnald Gustavson had drawn the short straw at the Helm. Ragnald didn't seem to mind too much. He was wearing his new half pip proudly.
Lucas sat next to Gustavson at Ops. Lieutenant Jake Olson was acting Chief Science officer with both Ryak and Evin on the away team. Lieutenant Commander Matthew Albrecht was on the bridge, having decided to let Lieutenant Commander Kirk go on the away team and several of the other security officers attend the promotion ceremony and after party. Deiran also got a feeling Matt just wanted to be on the bridge to get a better look at the wooden Gothos. The bridge main view screen really showed it well under magnification. Lieutenant Commander Raesene Hermedhie was still manning Tactical.
On the horn, Chief Thomas Jensen signaled from transporter room one. ["Transporter room to Bridge."]
Deiran thumbed the control on the arm of the Captain's chair. "Casey here, go ahead Tom."
["The Captain's party has beamed over to the Gothos sir."] Jensen reported.
Deiran gave a nod. "Nice work Chief. Stay on your toes in case there is a need to bring them. . ."
Commander Casey didn't get to finish his sentence before Jake interupted from Science station one.
"They aren't there." Olson called out.
"What?!" Deiran turned and asked, leaving the channel open to the transporter room.
Lieutenant Olson quickly touched three buttons to verify his readings and check his instruments. "They were there, and then they were gone." Jake explained.
A worried look rested on Deiran's forehead. "Jensen, can you confirm they beamed to the Gothos? Can we get them back?"
A moment later a exasperated Chief responded over the channel. ["They materialized on the Gothos. That much I can say for sure. But what happened after that or where they are now I can not say. They are gone sir."]
Commander Casey listened to Chief Jensen's declaration and then glanced back at the main view screen at the wooden Gothos.
(camera zooms into tight close up. Dramatic music "Dunt-dunt daun-dunnnn!" plays as the network cuts to a commercial!)
***
The away team materialized on the deck of the wooden Gothos. The sun was shinning, as the sharp smell of salt air whipped across the bare faces of the landing party. Immediately it was apparent that the bulky environmental space suits the eight Starfleet officers were wearing had been replaced with authentic seaman's clothing appropriate for the period of the vessel. These were not naval uniforms like the holodeck simulation, but raggedy, smelly, muted colored outfits of the common sailor.
Besides the EVA suits, all of the scientific equipment, the scanners, the tricorders, and the communicators were all missing. The hand phasers that each officer was ordered to carry was likewise gone, though in it's place were single shot black powder pistols and curved edge swords.
"Cricky! What the devil happened?" Lee declared.
"Where are we?" Ensign Jones asked out of bewilderment.
"At sea. Somewhere in the Caribbean I would guess by the surrounding islands and coastline." Gailyn stated evenly.
"Our things, they are gone!" Ryak pointed out. He and Evin had been carrying an arm full of scientific equipment, and now they were holding nothing but air.
"They've been replaced with these." Kirk stated, holding out his sword and examining it.
Captain Price looked around the deck at his officers trying to make out what to think of all of this. That's when he heard a voice call out from the upper deck of the ship.
"Greetings and Felicitations."
Captain Price, and the rest of the away team, turned and looked up to where the voice came from. On the upper deck of the Gothos stood a man outfitted in an elaborate coat made of crushed velvet. He wore black slacks, knee-high boots and a ruffled white shirt. On his head was a long, curly hared, white powdered wig, topped with an admiral's cap. He looked like a storybook pirate Captain.
Somewhat taken back by this striking man's appearance, Lee finally asked after the initial pause, "Who are you 'mate and where are we?"
He smiled warmly. "Why I am Captain Trelane. Most feared pirate of the high seas. This fine ship is the Gothos. My vessel. And you my brave adventurous souls, you are my pirate crew."
The members of the away team glanced at each other, wondering where this guy lost some of his marbles. Everyone was a bit confused and disoriented, but Gailyn seemed the most disturbed out of the party.
Lee glanced around and then asked, "We are on a pirate ship named Gothos, on the ocean of Earth I suppose?"
"Hip-hip-horrah!" Trelane declared while making his way down to the main deck where the away team stood. "Now you are catching on. On the Caribbean Sea. This fellow was quite right. Though I must say, he does seem to be a little green. Cheer up old boy!" Trelane stated patting Gailyn on the back, "You'll get your sea legs soon enough."
Trelane was walking the deck, looking at each member of the away team as if he was examining them. He had his hands grasp behind his back and walked with a sort of authority, like he owned the ship. Which, as far as anyone present could tell, he likely did. The odd Pirate Captain paused as he saw Lieutenant Commander Sullax. Ryak was wearing a white sailor's shirt and raggedy black pants, which made it easy to see his heritage.
"You aren't Vulcan are you?" Trelane asked with obvious distaste.
Ryak was quick to respond, "No Romulan." He stated.
Trelane rolled his eyes in a show of relief. "Thank goodness. Vulcans can be such a bore, don't you agree?"
Not stopping for an answer, the Pirate Captain moved on, continuing his walk through the ranks until he'd circled and examined each and every member of the crew.
"Well, I must say you aren't much in the way of a pirate crew, but we have to start somewhere. I am the Captain of this vessel. That means I am in command and you take orders from me. Do as you are told, when you are told and you shall be rewarded handsomely. Defy me and you shall wish that you hadn't. . ." Trelane explained as his eye landed on Lieutenant Commander George P. Kirk.
Kirk was trying to say something to Price at that moment. "Captain, this must be some sort of a trick. A simulation or something. . ."
"What did you call him?" Trelane demanded walking over to George and raising his chin with the edge of his sword so he could have a closer look. The Pirate Captain seemed fascinated with the 'Commander's face. "Have we met before?"
George shook his head slightly, feeling the edge of Trelane's blade against his throat.
"You look familiar to me. Well it is of no matter. There can be only one Captain on board a pirate ship. And *I* am most obviously it. You will not address anyone other than me as Captain from now on." Trelane stated as he withdrew his sword and placed it into it's holder.
Kirk couldn't contain himself. He blurted out at the pompous ass, "We will never follow your orders. We only serve our own Captain!"
Trelane's eyes widened at the disrespect that was being paid to him from his insubordinate pirate crewman first class. Turning he extended his hand, "SILENCE!"
Lieutenant Commander George Kirk's complaints were immediately quieted with the removal of his mouth from his face. The away team looked on in horror as Trelane continued to speak.
"You shall learn your place on this crew or I shall teach you,. . . harshly." Trelane said coldly, as if he enjoyed touting his powers and proving he was in charge here.
Lee couldn't stand by and see one of his crewmates tortured like that. Instinctively, the Captain reached out and spun Trelane around. "What have you done?! We have done nothing to you. We come in peace. Lieutenant Commander Kirk was simply expressing his opinion of. . ."
"Kirk is it?" Trelane interrupted walking away from Captain Price. "I thought you looked familiar."
George mumbled beneath the skin that sealed over the area where his mouth had once been. Kira was examining Kirk and trying to help.
Trelane turned back to face Captain Price. "Now that I know who he is, you should THANK that I leave him that way."
"No 'mate. I like him the way he was before. Now put his mouth back." Price said sternly grabbing onto each of Trelane's shoulders.
The Pirate Captain glanced at each of the hands Price was holding onto his person. Evenly, Trelane looked into the Captain's eyes, "Be careful Price. With a wave of my hand there are far worse things that could happen to these precious play things you concern yourself with."
Lee's eyes narrowed momentarily at the wickedness of Trelane's words. But then he realized there was very little he could do to stop him. So provocation wasn't the answer. Slowly Price released his grip of the Pirate Captain's coat.
"Oh, very well. So long as he learns to mind his tongue." Trelane agreed with a wave of his hand. It was a sort of compromise, or possibly a gesture of good faith. Lee wasn't really sure which one.
George's mouth instantly reappeared. He let out a gasp and started breathing in the salty sea air in earnest.
"Now, as I was saying. There can only be one Captain on the Gothos and *I* am the most obvious choice, don't you agree Price?"
Reluctantly, Lee nodded. "For the moment, you have the authority on this ship. We are powerless to do anything to stop you."
Trelane smiled. "Oh, how that must have hurt to say Price. But you said it very well." The Pirate Captain stated gloatingly as he patted Lee on the chest.
"Now, since *I* am the Captain, and YOU most certainly are not, we must give you a new position on this vessel. Now let me see. . ." Trelane stated while tapping a finger to his chin in mock contemplation. After a moment he snapped his fingers and it was done.
"I have it! You can be my cabin boy!" Trelane made a twisting motion with his hand held over his head and instantly Captain Price' outfit changed from the regular pirate crewman's clothes to a red & white horizontal striped shirt with tight white pants that were ruggedly cut off at the knees. Lee was bare foot, he was wearing a blue and white Cabin boy's cap, and holding a bucket and a mop. "You may start by cleaning out my cabin. And do be sure to make it spotless less you not receive any rations for the night and suffer from the sting of the lash."
Lee looks down at the bucket and mop and then up and around the deck at his crew. He knew that any action against Trelane would be taken out on his 'mates, so reluctantly the General walked towards the cabin to get to work while he decided on the best course of action.
Pleased, Trelane turned to address *his* crew. "Now then, let's straighten the ranks. Form a line." He pointed with his sword. The Pirate Captain waited for the Galaxy away team to comply before he began his pacing back and forth. Once again Trelane held his hands behind his back in sagely, "Pirate Captain" fashion.
"There are certain things I will expect from you as crew members of the Gothos. Number one is loyalty to myself as your Captain. Number two is hard work. Number three is respect. Stick to these rules and you will be rewarded. Disobey them, and you'll find yourself marooned on a desert island or much, much worse. . ."
The away team stood there in their pirate outfits, watching while Trelane paced back and forth and lectured them on how to be good piratemates. Meanwhile, Captain Price wrung out his mop and began swabbing the floor in Trelane's cabin. It seemed their little historic field trip had just turned into a full blown Shanghai adventure.
"Weird Circumstances"
by, Lt. Cmdr. Raesene Hermedhie,
Chief Tactical Officer
-------------------------------------
The "Gothos" name seemed familiar to Raesene. He was searching his memory in the thirty minutes that the away team was preparing to go over to the ship so named.
It was only after they had left, that it registered. And then they disappeared. Raesene listened to the exchange between Science and the Chair, before uttering one word. "Magic," he muttered.
Then, he turned to Cmdr. Casey, "Sir, I know of an instance when that ship's name appeared on my world."
After an order to proceed, he continued. "In the year 10 HC, a number of mysterious instances occured at sea. Word was that a ship named 'Gothos' was an Adurian pirate ship striking to get back at Deismaar's ruinous outcome. She was commanded by an extremely powerful wizard named Gothos. He was so powerful, it is said, taht he could call up thunderstorms, silence a man to a whisper, and make the earth shake. No one knows why the reign of terror ended in 13 HC, but some said it was caused by the wizard's growing boredom with the activities. After all, he wasn't meeting anyone of his caliber." He grimaced, "That is all."
He sat back and waited for a response.
"Coming Aboard Part II"
by Lt Jg. Kira Murphy, Medical (General & Paediatrics)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Walking into Sickbay, Kira looked around the room and found that it was pretty quiet.
Spotting an office, she headed over and tapped on the door. A Tellarite woman working at the desk looked up and spoke,
"Can I help you?"
"Umm. Yes, I think. I just transferred aboard and I'm looking for the Chief Medical Officer to check in."
Smiling, the woman motioned her in,
"You just found her - I'm Lt Cmdr Gakor. You must be Lt Jg. Kira Murphy, I assume from the anti-grav suit."
Nodding, Kira sat down in a chair as Endris continued,
"I must confess I don't know much about your race or homeworld, having only read the Federation records. However, all of us will get to know you pretty well. Firstly, you are have been assigned to the On Call services, since I noted on your record that you spent six months in an ER."
"Yes, Lt Cmdr. I found that odd hours didn't affect me."
"Good. Normally, we keep to a four-shift rotation unless in a Red Alert Condition. When Red Alert hits, head straight here. Unless you are on shift during a Yellow Alert, practise is to stay in quarters or come here if it is closer. You won't need to take any command duty shifts. Any questions?"
"Not really. Mind if I have a look around now?"
"Knock your socks off if you want."
Smiling, Kira walked out of the office and started looking around.
"Ceremony then onto Away Team duty"
by Lt Jg. Kira Murphy, Medical (General & Paediatrics)
------------------------------------------------------------
Floating over to the replicator, Kira called out,
"Computer, replicate a British navy uniform, Lt jg female, and don't adjust for my anti-grav suit."
When they arrived, she pulled them out of the replicator. Her door chimed and she answered,
"Come in."
The door opened and Kira saw that Ariana Kenai was at the door.
"Hmm.. You aren't ready yet?"
Giggling, Kira started a gentle spin towards the bathroom as she called out,
"Won't be long.. I'll meet you there if you want."
Ariana stepped forward and when her foot caught against the door, her inertia sent her into a spin in the zero-gravity. She shrieked in surprise and Kira kicked off the door, flying towards her and steadying her spin by pushing her in the other direction.
"Careful."
"That's easy for you to say. You are used to this. My courses didn't include zero-gravity training."
Kira gave Ariana a gentle push towards the bathroom,
"Hehe.. When you reach the bathroom, press the green button."
Kicking off towards her clothing was floating, Kira slipped out of her anti-gravity suit and grabbed her repliacted clothes as she went by.
After a few minutes, she was in her new clothing and headed towards the bathroom, where she found Ariana was feeling more stable.
"Ready. Hold my hand and I'll help you to the door."
Taking Kira's hand, she stepped out of the bathroom and felt a gentle tug from Kira as they moved towards the door. Reaching it, she stepped into 1G and smiled.
Heading down the corridor with Kira leaning on Ariana's arm, they headed to Holodeck 2.
*******************
Entering the Holodeck, Kira directed the matrix to give low gravity field about half a metre around her before continuing on. Looking around, she found that a lot of people where here.
Doing a cartwheel, she headed over to where some people she knew from the Academy were talking while Ariana went to see a male friend from Security.
*******************
After the ceremony, Kira headed over to the buffet and found that one of the dishes closely resembled an Elaysian dish her mother used to make. Trying it, she found it was pretty nice before heading onto the other interesting dishes.
Nearby, a group of people where having fun trying to get some poor ensign rip-roaring drunk. Kira giggled and headed over to the group after filling a very large jug she found with ale.
Moving on without participating, she was about to join the hat 'keep away' game when her combadge chirped so she tapped it,
"Lt jg Murphy here."
Commander Casey's voice came over the combadge, [Lt, please report to Transporter Room One in 30 minutes for field duty in an away team. The ship will be under zero-gravity and I believe you have experience with that. Casey out.]
Racing out of the holodeck as fast as her body could move in full Earth gravity, Kira headed to Sickbay, glad she hadn't decided to join the drinking games.
*************************
Entering Transporter Room 1 with a medical field kit and tricorder in her hand, she headed over to the field cabinets and got into an enviormental suit.
Turning around, she found that Captain Price had entered the room, already in an enviormental suit and was a bit surprised.
Moving up onto the platform, Kira stood where Lt Cmdr Kirk directed her to and waited.
Next to her, Ensign Jones was having trouble with the helmet so Kira gave it a little wack with her fist. The helmet popped on and he gave her the thumbs up.
Looking around, she wasn't happy about being told to take a low-powered hand-phaser. She had learnt how to use it, but wasn't very happy with it.
-----
Dr. Andree Dothan (Lt. J.G.)
Medical Dept. USS Galaxy
-----
Co Starring Michala Lynn Casey
Doctor and patient
-----
Finishing his reaserch, Andree decided to continue with the plan to use drugs to attempt to restore normal function to Michala's brain. Using drugs to cause the brain to regrow connections was not unheard of, and often used in cases of extremely severe concussions, and other forms of brain damage.
Andree decided he would need to discuss this with Michala and possibly Derian Casey
*** Meanwhile *** * Surgery suite *
Michala could hear a drum pounding in the distance. She groaned, if she could just stay asleep maybe it would go away. It was then that she realized that this wasn't her bed. She opened her eyes and realized she wasn't in their quarters. She looked around, her vision swam as she tried to focus. She could feel the effects of a sedative and wondered why she had been sedated. She finally focused in on a person though she didn't recognize him. "Excuse me, could you tell me what happened? The last thing Michala had remembered was leaving the promotion ceremony to return to her quarters.
Andree walked into the surgery suite in time to hear Michala ask the Holodoc what had happened. Andree inturrupted before the holodoc could get a word in edgewise "You passed out in your quarters, your nanny called a medical emergency, and now you are here. So how are you feeling?" Andree noted that Michala seemed to relax, having a familliar face in the room.
"Could you do something about these headaches?
Dialing a dosage into a hypo and loading a pain killer, andree injected it into her neck. "Actually, I think I may have found a more permanant solution"
"I would put up with almost anything to have them gone. I have been administering pain killers but they seem to work a shorter and shorter time." Michala sometimes forgot to quit being the doctor when she was the patient.
"It seems that as a side effect of the accident that created you, your brain semes to have become segmented into several parts with their own biochemestry. I think that a regimine of treatments designed for brain damage patients will unify your brain into a coherent whole. as a side note, you may recover some more of your donor's memories.
"Which one? I am concerned about that. What if by doing such a treatment, I lose who I have become? My medical knowledge does not come from my biological doner?" Michala had passed her test a couple of weeks earlier and had received her certification to practice medicine just last week. She had found already that she loved her job. The thought of losing the knowledge that she held for that position frightened her.
"Well, I plan to discuss it with Dr. Gakor-Albricht before we proceed, simply because no doctor in the history of this galaxy has ever dealt with a problem like this, but honestly, I don't think you will lose any memories, after all that was the purpose there treatments were designed for, to reconnect the brain, and recover memories"
Michala nodded, "Can I return to my quarters till we decide?"
"Honestly, I think that we should keep you here so we can keep an eye on you. At least we are moving toward a permanent solution"
Michala was disappointed, but she understood Andree's decision. Truth was she was already feeling drowsy from the medication she had just received. "Please don't do anything till I can have a say? Or at least, if it becomes an emergency, till you talk to Deiran? Please?" Her voice had dropped to a soft whisper.
"Alright, I'll keep that in mind."
Hearing Andree's reassurances Michala visibly relaxed and drifted off to sleep.