"Ocean Voyage Part 1"
By: Lt/Cmd Ryak Sullax
CSO, USS Galaxy
with excerpts from Captain Price

Ryak sat in his quarters looking over the status reports on the labs and sensors as Sullar slept. Ryak was not to impressed with the calibration of the sensors or the use ratio on the labs. It was as if when he left that every one began to relax and let the department fall apart.

"Lt/Cmd Sullax, this is Commander Casey report to the transporter room in an EVA suit for a scientific away mission. Casey Out." the voice said over the comm system.

It only took Ryak five minutes to have Sullar sitter over to his quarters and Ryak ran to the transporter room. Once there he got into his EVA suit and Lt Brooks was standing there making sure that Genestra and Sullax were stocked with Scientific equipment. Evin Filled Ryak in on what they had encountered. Ryak was rather impressed with Evin's report. It was thorough and to to the point.

Ryak locked his helmet into place as Price entered the transporter room.

"G'Day 'mates." the Captain greeted. Ryak nodded and with great difficulty took his usual stance. Lee gave him a nod and then said, "Well then, let's get the show on the road shall we 'mates?"

Ryak watched as the Bartender entered and began to convince the Captain that he would be a good person on this away mission.

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.

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 bulk 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.

Ryak looked around quickly surveying the area. He could feel the humidity on his skin. Ryak hated humidity. Give him a desert and he was happy. The smell of the salt water was beginning to turn Ryak's stomach. And his clothes made him itchy. Ryak couldn't understand what was going on.

"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. He had no equipment and there was nothing around that he could use. Ryak began to scan the area for an idea of what to do.

Ryak looked up at the deck as someone spoke. Ryak had no idea who this person was or why he was here as well. Ryak did not trust him. Ryak could feel his anger building up so he placed his hands behind his back and stood there trying to control his emotions as the being spoke. Ryak would wait for Price's orders. Ryak listened closely as the man talked. Ryak could remember some of the books he read as a child about pirates and began to recall what they did.

Trelane (the being and Captain of this Pirate ship) 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 with as much attitude towards the question as he could muster.

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.

Ryak was not at all impressed with this at all. How did this being know who Vulcans where and did he know Romulans as well. This seemed way to uncomfortable of a situation for Ryak. Ryak's instincts began to kick in. As Trelane stopped and talked with Kirk Ryak began to scan the ship. The choices where now much clearer. Stay and be a prisoner or die with honour. How ever death was achieved didn't matter as long as be a prisoner was avoided. Ryak thought for a moment and decided death was good after escape was eliminated.

Ryak saw as the new Captain erased Kirks mouth. Ryak began to think some more. This being has a lot of power. But unlike the Q he has no real idea on who we are. This is not a good situation. A inferior being with superior power.

Ryak watched again as Price was dressed like a cabin boy. This was a great insult to the Captain. Cabin boys as Ryak could recall were the Captain's everything person. This was not going to be good. Ryak was about to do something when he could feel Evin's had on his arm. Ryak looked at Evin as he nodded to Ryak not to do anything. Ryak took back his stance and looked on.

"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. . ."

For a moment there Ryak liked the idea of a desert island. his skin was beginning to itch from the salty humidity.

Title: Wooden Boats
Author: Ensign JC Skinner
Location: USS Galaxy
Position: Tactical

J.C. made his way over to one of the torpedoes in the torpedo room and opened up the hatch. As he looked down at the controls he began to see what he could do with the sensors on board top help make them more sensitive to picking up cloaked vessels.

As J.C. worked at modifying the torpedo he could feel that the two men on the other side of the bay were giving off negative feelings towards him. J.C. had felt these before and for some reason these people really didn't like J.C.

J.C. didn't want to let these to know that he was empathic. That always lead to more trouble than he needed. J.C. Just took off his tunic and began to work on the sensors. J.C. was much more intimidating with his tunic off.

J.C. always wore a uniform that was a bit big to hide the fact that he had a very muscular body. He was always the shy quiet type that did not want to show off. As J.C. worked on the sensors he could feel the two leave the bay. They let out a derogatory comment about Gay men as they left. J.C. just kept at his job.

An hour passed as J.C. worked on his theory when he began to pick up a whole lot of emotions of bewilderment. J.C. walked over to the computer and pulled up the tactical sensor readings and saw the Wooden Boat. J.C. had never seen a wooden boat in space. The tactical expert in him kicked in. As he began to send some tactical manoeuvers up to his C.O. J.C. did not want to seem as if the C.O. did not know his job so J.C. sent a message up along with them. Just another perspective to use if needed. J.C. watched as they began to get closer and closer to the ship.

As they came into range J.C. began to feel anxious about this situation. All he could do though is wait.

To be continued...

"What the Hell!"
By Lt.Jg Bruce MaxWell
Helmsman
(with excerpts from "Shanghai'd")

Bruce stepped off the turbolift and onto the bridge.He decided to go up to the bridge and br the back up helmsman on the bridge. He heard the call for Lt.Jg Gustavson. Bruce was not used to being a backup but he nothing better to do. He took his position at one of the duty stations. He looked up to see the wooden ship on the screen.

Bruce thought to himself.*What the Hell is this crap. It has to be a joke.*

Bruce realized he walked into a load of shit when he heard.

"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?"

Bruce stood there quietly and was in shock then worried about the other crewman. He wasnt in command of any of these men but he was stattioned on this ship and he took all their lives higher than his own. He stood waiting to hear anything he could help with. He didnt even know what was going on. He had nevver seen or heard anything like this in Special Operstions.

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.

Bruce waited to hear what the Commander wanted to do. Bruce was used to working under the Commander from Beta shift. Bruce had no idea what to do or recomend but he was ready for whatever. For this was a page in the chapter of weirdness in the Book of MaxWells Life. He couldnt even help but thinking his father would love a chance to study this Wooden ship in space.

Bruce looked over at the bewildered Commander and waited to charge off by his side to bring the others back.

“She`s swaying!”
by Lieutent (Jg) Ragnald Gustavson

Ragnald was manning the helm for about 30 minutes now. Actually this would have been an easy and boring job. All he had to do is to keep distance to an object out there.

The main screen displayed an close-up of that object, a wooden sailing ship, ancient terran design with struck sails and her rigging gently swaying.

Ragnald looked at the ship. *Something is wrong with that sight*, he thought, *except the fact a wooden sailing ship can`t be assumed an adequate vehicle to travel the vacuum of space.*

Ragnald looked Bruce, his fellow helmsman who didn`t want to miss that sight and now was silently staring at the screen. Ragnald had a look at his panel to check his instruments then he looked back at the ship swaying out there.

“THAT`S IT!” Ragnald broke the silence. He looked around realising he was too loud. The whole bridge staff was looking at him asking.

“Sorry Sirs”, he excused. “I have looked at that ship for several minutes now. I was sure something *IS* wrong with the ship out there. The ship is behaving authentically like the ships on earth or the ships, I know from my holodeck simulations. It`s so obvious. Look at the ship out there. The rigging is swaying, the ropes are hanging downwards as they would do on any other ship, too. This is usually caused by gravity. As I remember no signs of gravity were detected at the ship. The ropes should dangle all-over tangled and knotted."

"So what do we do now?"
By Ensign Peter Lockhart

Peter had been studying the Spanish Galleon out in deep space for another half hour, but so far he'd be unable to come up with anymore information or thoughts about what it was doing there. He was sticking to his main idea that the ship didn't come from Earth, but that hadn't yet been fully proven. However, the events now in progress would shed some more light on the subject.

The away team had just been beamed over about five minutes ago and a report suddenly arrived that they'd reached their destination but had suddenly vanished. Peter scanned the report and issued a loud, "Hmmmmm!"

"What now Peter?" came Heidi's voice. Her and Andy McElvogue had wandered off after Peter had delivered his rant, prefering instead to do something slightly more constructive than listen to him.

"The away team has vanished." Peter said bluntly. It wasn't quite what he'd expected, but he also hadn't expected the team to find nothing.

"Vanished? How?" asked Heidi, wandering back over.

"Take a look for yourself." Peter indicated, calling up the bridge report filed a few moments ago by the Chief, 'Commander Albrecht, who was presently on the bridge. Heidi scanned it for a moment before her eyes bulged slightly at the shock.

"Who was on the mission? It wasn't Chris was it?" she asked, concern for her boyfriend, Chris Aaron, taking priority over all other matters. Peter called up the list of people on the away team.

"No, doesn't look like it." Peter said, scanning the list. "Hmmmm. Captain Price went. That's a bit dodgy! Why didn't Commander Casey stop him? Mind you, it gives Casey another good crack at command. He's getting a lot of experience lately."

"You don't sound very concerned." Heidi said, as Andy McElvogue wandered back over, listening to the conversation.

"I am, but what can we do down here?" Peter stated bluntly. "Let's see, who else. 'Commander Sullax and 'Commander Genestra from Science. I hope Evin is okay." Peter said. He'd met the man a few weeks ago in Ten Forward, and had been pleased to note he was British. He'd even invited Peter to a poker evening, though with him away at the moment, that was on hold. Quite likely permenatly, if he didn't return!

"'Commander Kirk." Andy pointed out. "He'd only just arrived as well."

"The Captain." Peter said.

"Yes, we know." Andy said. "You've already said so."

"No. I mean THE CAPTAIN!" Peter corrected. "He's a relative of Captain Kirk. Therefore, I'm going to call him the Captain from now on."

"I'm sure he and Captain Price will be pleased to hear that." Heidi chuckled.

"It's an interest of mine, 23rd Century history. Captain Kirk was a hero to many, though he did pull some stunts quite a lot of the time." Peter said, not caring to elaborate more at the moment. "Lieutenant' Murphy, Mike Pailaka and Gailyn from Ten Fore." Peter continued. "If Ten Forward becomes short staffed because of that, and I can't get my beer in time, I'm going to file a complaint to the Admiralty." Peter finished half jokingly.

"I'm sure you mean it." Andy McElvogue deadpanned, before wandering away back to his duties.

"Well, we can't just stand here." said Heidi Mason, and tapped her comm. badge. "Ensign Mason to 'Commander Albrecht. We've just got your report on the missing away team. Anything we can do to help?"

"No Ensign. Not at the moment. Just inform Lieutenant O'Connell that he's got to be ready to go at a moments notice. I'll be on the bridge. Albrecht out." came the 'Commander's voice over the comm. link.

"Told you." Peter said. "We're security officer. We defend the ship and the crew. We can't defend them if we don't know where they are however." he finished, heading for the door.

"Where are you going?" Heidi called after him."

To the Holodeck. It's still Alpha shift, I'm not on duty and we can't do anything yet. You heard the 'Commander." Peter said, reaching the doors and stepping out.

"But.. but.. We've got a duty to do!" Heidi tried one last time.

"If you've got a problem, complain to Captain Price." Peter called back, roaring with laughter at his own humour.

It took Peter a good few minutes to stop chuckling, but he finally managed it, and tapped his comm. badge.

"Lockhart to Sanchez." he called.

"Sanchez here." came the reply.

"I'm heading down to the holodecks, running a tactical training sim. Want to join me, get some command experience?" he said.

The line was quiet for a moment before the reply came through, "Sure, why not. Meet you outside Holodeck three in 10 minutes."

"I'll be there." Peter finished, and headed off to meet his 'hot date'.

"Cheers!"

Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas, R.N.
Chief Counselor/Nurse

(Temporary Bartender)

Cadet Alexa Casey
NPC Counselor
USS Galaxy

***Ten Forward, USS Galaxy***

The Terran smiled as she wiped down the bar. It was a busy time, most officers were buzzing about the appearance of the wooden Galleon, officially called the Gothos. The female barmaid simply grinned as she realized this was what it was like for Gailyn everyday, serving patrons as they speculated about this wierd phenomenon and that. Curious patrons made for thirsty ones, and the junior mixologist was finding that she was skilled in a variety of concoctions.

She had her back turned to the bar, replacing a fresh decanter of Betezed Fire Brandy on a low shelf.

"Excuse me, Miss?"

The barmaid recognized the patron's voice immediately and couldn't wait to surprise her. Spinning around, the barmaid brushed her auburn locks out of her eyes. "What'll it be, Miss?" Karyn laughed at Alexa's bemused expression.

"Karyn, what in the world are you doing here?" Alexa looked as though you could have pushed her over with a feather.

Karyn shrugged. "Well, since Gailyn went on the Away mission to the Galleon, Electra was short handed. She asked me to fill in just till the end of the shift. I figured if Gailyn the civillian could go on an Away mission because of life experience and an interest in studying sailing ships, Karyn the officer could cover a shift in Ten-Fore. Barmaids are counselors of sorts, so I have a definite interest in it, and I have been studying others for as long as I can remember. Dad loved all sorts of liquor, so I figured I was pretty qualified. I thought I'd follow the cosmo nature of the Gothos team and broaden my horizons. Who needs training or qualifications when you've got interest, right?"

Alexa laughed. "I'm glad to see you're having fun."

"So what'll it be? I'm off in about ten minutes."

Alexa thought a moment. "I'm still on duty, just technically in between appointments, so I'll take something non alcoholic. How about a strawberry cream fizz?"

"Comin right up, " replied Karyn, starting to mix the drink. "I think I'll join you. I was just thinking, two years ago today, I joined the Galaxy. It doesn't feel that long, but time flies...." Karyn's mind drifted off to her time as a junior counselor two long years ago. It was hard to remember those days, it seemed like she'd always run the Counseling Department. It had certainly been a wild ride.

Alexa broke Karyn out of her reverie. "You've come a long way, Chief." She lifted her glass.

Karyn smiled at her. "Yeah, it's great to know a disadvantaged one like myself can keep up with the big boys and girls. Cheers." Karyn lifted her glass and clinked glasses with Alexa.

"To the disadvantaged ones." Karyn whispered.

"Living History"
with excerpts from "Shanghai'd"

After the gallion was first spotted, 10-Forward quickly became a mass of people all pressing in for a better look. The Galaxy's intimate fly-by elicited oooo's and ahhh's from the various spectators until the small wooden vessel passed from sight. Electra stood in wonder along with the rest of 10-4's patrons, though her's was more directed to the expression she noticed on Gailyn's face. His eyes had shaded such a bright shade of blue that they practically glowed, and the curve of his smile was even more inscruitable than ever. It was times like these that her dearest firend's alien heritage became more apparant.

***20 minuets later***

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!!!????" Electra demanded at the top of her lungs as she watched Gailyn replicate a standard Federation issue EVA suit for himself. She had followed him to his quarters as soon as the Gothos had passed out of sight, having never seen him act like this before.

"I sailed on one of those when I was a boy Lexi! I'm sure that someone in our sience department has read about them, even been on one in the holodeck, but I can guarantee you that none of them have ever lived through the 1700's on their own homeworld." Gailyn replied as he inspected the newly replicated suit. He had choosen science blue, falling back on his degree from Starfleet Academy.

"Oh. So it's old age that's making you do this." Electra stated flatly as she crossed her arms.

Gailyn sighed "No Lexi, I'm doing this because I think I can actually be of service to Captain Price and the away team. For once they are dealing with a subject I am an absolute authority on."

"Bull shit?" Electra asked with mock innocence.

"History." Gailyn corrected with a wry smile. He started to don the el-aurien sized suit. Electra watched him struggle with it for a moment before sighing and (grugingly) offering her help.

"And I suppose that you think Price is just going to let you waltz on to the transporter pad with the rest of them." the Orion woman grumbled as she hefted one of the bulky gloves.

"Why not," Gailyn asked "the Captain's a man of adventure too. Besides, you can't deny my qualifications."

Electra shook her head and laughed quietly "Just promise that you'll come back to me in one piece. Best friends don't grow on trees...at least in this part of the galaxy."

Gailyn smiled back and carefully hugged her "I promise."

***Transporter Room 1***

"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 4,000 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.

***The Gothos***

Wave after wave of nausia washed over Gailyn as the transporter beam faded. Having perfected matter transfer long before many of the current space faring races, the elauriens, as a rule, were seldome affected by transporter sickness. A feeling of unease began to develop, and as his vision cleared, Gailyn suddenly knew why.

"Oh gods," he thought "when are we?"

"His small farm."
by Lt (jg) Ragnald Gustavson, helmsman
Lt (jg) Navarre Shinta, counsellor
NPC Navarre Gavin, child

--- Lt (jg) Ragnald Gustavson`s Quarters ­-

Ragnald open the door of the showcase, he converted to a greenhouse to have a look at his garden. Several of the seedlings didn`t survive the zero-G-incident a few weeks ago. The other plants developed well to big healthy plants.

*OK babies, it`s time to leave* he thought.

He took the strongest looking tomato and strawberry-plants and several breeding containers, each one containing a scrub of tiny seedlings and left his quarters heading for counsellor Navarre`s.

--- Lt (jg) Navarre Shinta`s Quarters ­-

Ragnald rang the chime and waited to be allowed entry. He again looked at the plants in his hands. He was a little bit insecure. Would the plant help to heal Gavin or would they on the contrary make Gavin more ill?

Shinta opened the door and smiled as she saw Ragnald. "Hello, mr. Gustavson. What can I do for you?"

"Hi Shinta, didn`t you agree to call me Ragnald?" Ragnald replied "Do you remember me offering a cure for Gavin`s illness? Here it is:"

Ragnald reached out his hands carry two different plants. "The left one is a Strawberry plant. The right one with the thicker trunk is a Tomato plant. Take a leaf between your fingers and rub it carefully please."

Shinta rubbed the leaves and smelled them. It had a strong but nice smell. Ragnald had overwhelmed her a little bit. How could this be a cure for her son. She started to speak when he went on already.

"There are two things I`m worrying about." Ragnald continued. "First is the plants my cause an allergic reaction. As I was introduced in caring for plants, I got an anaphylactic shock, too. In this case a doctor may be able to help. Although I think this will not happen at all. The second is scaring me much more. If we tell Gavin this is medicine he`ll probably not respond to it. We have to use a trick. I`ll offer Gavin the job as my gardener. As a reward for harvesting fruits from this plants I`ll make one of his wishes come true. In addition to bring him in contact with nature this will make him be proud of himself."

"Shock? And you think it won't happen!" Shinta was getting alarmed. "How dangerous is this? I don't mind my son spending time with you in your garden, I would welcome it! But if this can be dangerous to his health."

"Hmm, I`m not shure, Shinta. I`m a helmsman, not a doctor. I was confined to my bed for about a week. As much as I do not like doctors, I trust the Galaxy`s doctors to cope with that risk." Ragnald smiled at Shinta to make her calm down "You can`t wrap Gavin into cotton for the rest of his life. We`ll have to have a close look at him and call for a doctor if anything unexpected occurs."

"Thank you for the offer, Ragnald. But I don't think it's a good idea. Now if you can get the doctor to back you on this it's another matter. But I think I will go with modern medicine. I would however not mind if Gavin spends some time in the garden with you."

"So where`s Gavin and what`s more important how is he?"

"Not that well. About the same. I will get him for you. GAVVVV!" She called and a little later the boy came running.

"You have a visitor, young man." Shinta said. "Mr. Gustavson has something to ask you."

"Good morning, mr. Gustavson." He said politely.

"Hi Gavin, how are you? " Ragnald greeted the small boy who looked at him through a pair of big curious eyes.

"Okay." I guess. He said with not much enthousiasm.

"That`s nice." Ragnald said with a smile

"I`m here to offer you a job, Gavin. These are Tom the tomato plant and Berry the strawberry plant. I seeded them a few days after we met at the mess hall. Now, they`ve become too big to stay im my quarters any longer. I have to replant them to the arboretum. and I`m afraid I`m not able to do so on my own. Would you like to help me to replant Tom and Berry and their friends and afterward to take care of them? " Ragnald asked looking begging at Gavin.

The boy grinned. "Really that would be great. I like plants. Can we go now?"

Ragnald looked at his plants and answered. "We have to go immediately. Tom and Berry look very dry. They have to be replanted and watered without any delay."

Ragnald and Gavin and of course Tom and Berry left the Navarre quarters heading the arboretum, leaving behind an anxious looking mother.

"Bad Day"
by Lt Jg. Kira Murphy, Medical (General & Paediatrics)
with exerpts from "Shanghai'd"
and suggestions from Captain Price
------------------------------------------------------------

The transporter beam stopped and Kira felt the deck lurch under her, but her zero-gravity trained mind compensated instantly. Looking around, she found that the ship she was on was in the middle of an ocean, not space.

Her body picked up something wrong a second later - gravity. Her EVA suit had also changed. Looking down, she found that she was wearing authentic female pirate's clothing - tight black breeches, a common sailor's shirt and boots. However, she did notice that the selected clothing didn't hide her form very much.

Gasping, she found that a pistol was tied to her belt and her medical equipment was gone. Suddenly, a voice distracted her.

"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.

Looking around, Kira ignored the idiotic rantings until Trelane yelled for silence. Lt Cmdr Kirk's mouth suddenly disappeared and Kira raced over to him as Captain Price dealt with Trelane.

Taking hold of Kirk's hands, she spoke in a calm but firm voice, her training come to the fore of her mind,

"Sir, be calm. I want you to breathe through your nose, slowly. I know this is will be hard, but please try. I don't want to have to do a traceotomy in unsterile circumstances if I can help it."

Eventually, Trelane 'fixed' Lt Cmdr Kirk, who gasped for air. Trelane forced them into a line and made Captain Price swab his stupi deck.

After five minutes, Kira finally had enough and blew her top, letting her temper get the better of her,

"Shut up and leave us alone, you contemptuous bombastic dinosaur!"

Trelane turned towards her and grinned widely, walking over to her,

"Oh what do we have here? Such a spunky little vixen, and how well she fills out sailor's clothing."

Growling, Kira raised her hand and slapped Trelane as hard as she could across the face.

Trelance laughed and gloated,

"Is that the best you can do? Not hurting your hand yet?"

Angrily, she slapped him again and Trelane grinned again, getting Kira really mad so she did it again. Nearby, the away team was wondering how they could calm the situation down before Trelane did something bad.

Finally, Trelane yawned and spoke,

"That is enough of that, I grow tired of this game. Now it's my turn..."

Reaching his hand up, he pushed forwards and Kira flew across the deck, landing hard on her back.

She tried to get up but felt something holding her down as Trelane turned to Captain Price,

"I assume that you know your pretty young medical wench doesn't like gravity? Maybe this will help her temper."

Suddenly, Kira screamed as a vice like grip hit her. The away team looked on, unable to help as Kira gasped and pushed against an invisible force crushing her to the deck.

Trelane walked across the deck and spoke,

"How does the weight of my hand, and the gravity well around it feel my little dear?"

Trelane walked over and knelt down,

"Having fun yet? Maybe I could give you a bit more. I know just how much you love it."

Kira tried to spit towards him but was unable to mange that. Finally, when a small amount of blood dripped from her left ear, Trelane released the hold on her and stood,

"That was the last time. I was lenient on Lt Murphy for being a woman, but from now on, there is no mercy."

"Hunch"
Lieutenant Jake T. Olson

"Shit!" Jake Olson's unofficerlike language got him a second glance from a few on the bridge.

"We've been chasing seagoing ships for the name Gothos, but maybe we should check out Star Fleet records of the word Gothos." Jake clarified, and then sent in a search worm for the word and any Star Fleet reference of."

Casey looked over Jake's shoulder briefly, the Lt. didn't look up. "I dunno," The white haired young man muttered. "Just a hunch I got, I remember hearing some wild yarns when I was a kid, I doubt it will go anywhere, but a search worm won't take any minding."

"Catch of the day"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Gothos ***

After the brief interruption, which the pirate Captain quickly put to rest, Trelane continued to lay down the ground rules for his crew.

"Now then, where was I before I was so rudely interrupted? Ah, yes! I remember. You're duty. As pirate Captain of the Gothos, it will be your duty to follow my every command with out question. If I were to order you to jump, the proper response would be 'how high sir!'." Trelane mocked. The over dressed dark haired man then took a few steps up to the upper deck and turned to face the crew.

"Follow me and I will give you excitement, adventure and riches beyond your wildest dreams!" Trelane declared with enough passion to impress P.T.Barnum. The Pirate Captain's eyes then grew icy cold as they shrank into tiny, focused black pin points. "But defy me, and I shall squash you like the insects that you are. . . " For emphasis, Trelane pressed his hand through the air once again, causing Lieutenant' Kira Murphy to once again experience the increased gravity well that was crushingly painful to an Elasian.

When Trelane was satisfied his crew got the picture, he released Kira and withdrew his sword. Slicing through the air with a couple of quick practice strokes, he smiled at the fanciness of his swordsmanship.

"Now it is time to test your metal in action. Hoist anchor and tighten the sails. Our catch of the day is just on the horizon." Trelane declared.

Taking his sword, the Pirate Captain took a strong, bold stance and pointed his blade straight ahead where a fully loaded clipper appeared on the horizon. With all the gusto of a great leader he shouts, "Tally ho!"

***

*** Bridge, USS Galaxy ***

"Anything Jake?" Deiran asked from the command chair.

Lieutenant Olson shook his head. "No sir. It is quite peculiar. There are no energy readings of any kind. No atmosphere. No gravity or gravimetric readings beyond what we'd expect to see from a ship of this size in space. Yet, as Lieutenant' Gustavson pointed out, we can see the rigging sag as if she's weighted by gravity. That is a virtual impossibility unless the ropes are not real, or that ship is really some sort of projection or illusion."

Commander Casey didn't like the sound of that. Several of the ships best officer, including the Chief Science Officer and the Captain had disappeared because of that wooden ship out there. They were wearing full EVA suits, so Deiran knew they should be all right for 48 hours while their oxygen supplies lasted, but they needed to figure out what happened and where the away team disappeared to, or 48 hours wouldn't be enough time. "That is not good enough Lieutenant! The away team is counting on us to find out what happened. I need to know precisely what that ship is. If it's an illusion, I want to know. If it's a holo-projection, I want to know. If it's really a wooden ship, I want to know, and I want to know yesterday. Understand?"

"Yes sir." Jake responded evenly. He understood the amount of stress that was on the First Officer because of the Captain's disappearance. "I can continue to take sensor readings and devise tests to determine what that ship is, or isn't, but it will take time. To be honest sir, I think the best way of determining what that thing is would be to send someone or something back over to it."

Deiran swiveled in the Captain's chair and faced Jake. While he was considering the option, Lieutenant Commander Hermedhie piped in. "Commander, it appears that the Gothos is hoisting anchor and raising her sails."

Deiran glanced at the main view screen, and sure enough, the wooden ship's sails fluttered and looked as if they were filling from a gust of wind; all in the vacuum of deep space. She was even rising and sinking slightly, as if she were riding the waves of an ocean some where. A black flag could be seen rising up the main mast. It had a white skull and cross bones stitched across her.

"Anything Jake?" Deiran asked. They could see it with their own eyes. The sails were billowing. The flag was fluttering. The rigging was straining under a full gust of wind. The ship was listing with the imaginary waves. Certainly there had to be *something* on the sensors now.

"Sorry sir, no changes at all." Lieutenant Olson reported.

"She's not moving either Commander." Raesene stated.

"What do you mean she's not moving? I can see her swaying right there on the screen." Casey pointed.

"I mean relative to her current position sir. My instruments show that she's solid and steady, ten kilometers from our present position. Raesene reported.

Deiran scratched his chin. "This is damn strange." The First Officer stated. He knew the crew was looking to him to give the next commands.

***

*** Gothos ***

Trelane laughed as the mighty wooden galleon cut through the waves of the Caribbean Sea. The distance was closing between the Gothos and the loaded clipper she was pursuing. The salty wind whipped over Trelane's face and filled his nostrils as he continued to point his sword forward at the catch of the day.

"Prepare the cannon. We shall broadside them as we pass, then swing around and board her on the opposite side. Aim high for the rigging! I don't want to sink her, not just yet. . . There is gold on that there ship, I can feel it in my bones!"

The crew of the Galaxy wasn't sure what to do. They had seen how brutal Trelane could be to those that disobeyed his commands. They had seen what he did to George and to Kira. Even Captain Price was busy swabbing the decks because that is what Trelane had ordered him to do. There was little else anyone could do other than go along, less Trelane take out his wrath upon the offending crewmember. Busily the starfllet officer took a quick lesson in cannon operation from Gailyn as he directed the members of the away team on what to do. Even though there weree only seven of them and Captain Price, the Gothos still seemed to be operating well on her own. It was like the Pirate Captain was taking care of the details of piloting the vessel so that the crew could concentrate on the matters of manning the cannon and putting together a boarding party.

"Look at the terror on their faces crew!" Trelane gloated. They have gotten sight of our colors and are turning tail to make a run for it. Fools. Your gold laden ship is no match for the mighty Gothos! Have at thee crew. Unleash the cannon and give them a snoot from the war God's own repartee. FIRE!"

On the order, the cannon on the Gothos blazed with an ear shattering sortie of thunder. Smoke billowed from the iron guns as massive balls bombarded the upper decks and rigging of the fleeing vessel, taking the wind out of her sails and leaving her dead in the water. The ardent smell of expelled gunpowder stung the nostrils of the crew. In a swirl of smoke, the Pirate Captain Trelane stood strong. Unflappable. It was as if the explosion of the cannon fire had not even phased him. Still pointing his sword at his prey, he smiled wildly. "Now swing us around hard to port. Down the sails and prepare the grappling hooks! We are going to board her and collect our prize!"

***

*** Bridge, USS Galaxy ***

Deiran was contemplating his next move. On the one hand, standard sensor scans were not turning up any helpful information. But given time, they just might. On the other hand, there might be more immediate meaningful data to be collected from a second away team. The question the First Officer and present Captain of the Galaxy was struggling with was what to do?

Raesene tapped his controls at the tactical arch to run another scan of the sector. He'd been constantly monitoring his station since the Captain, Captain Price, had ordered a scan of the area. So far there hadn't been a ship within 25 light years of their position. That's why he was stunned when he detected something on this sweep. "Where did she come from?" the Lieutenant Commander asked rhetorically.

Deiran stood up and faced Lieutenant Commander Hermedhie. "What is it Ray?"

"A ship just,. . . appeared out of no where sir."

"RED ALERT!" Deiran yelled while moving up the command ramp to see what Raesene was looking at.

"It's a Ferengi merchant ship. She's hailing us. Emergency frequency." The Lieutenant Commander explained while pointing Deiran to the readouts.

Deiran glanced at the readings, then turned and looked over at Jake.

Lieutenant Olson adjusted Science Station One and then nodded, "Confirmed sir. It's a Ferengi vessel all right. Quite real from what I can tell by these readings."

Deiran started walking back down into the command well. As he marched down, he gave his duty uniform jacket a gentle tug. "On screen 'Commander."

The main view screen switched to the giant face of an ugly Ferengi. Because of their shortness of stature, the Ferengi made it a habit of zooming in their transmissions so that their commanding officer's faces filled up the entire view screen. This was to both hide their true size and intimidate the people they address. Though everyone in the Federation knew how Ferengi really were. Commander Casey in particular.

["Help us Federation Starship. We are defenseless and under attack from an unknown source."] the Damon requested.

"This is Commander Deiran Casey of the Federation Starship Galaxy. Identify yourself."

["I am Damon Buratt. Captain of the merchant vessel Persell. Someone has attacked us! Our reactor core is heavily damaged and beginning to overload. You must help us hu-mon! It is your duty as a Federation Starship."]

Deiran's jaw stiffened. Some how the responsibilities of command seemed to be weighing heavily on him this day. "Comfirmation?" Casey called out to the bridge crew.

"Confirmed Commander. I'm detecting damage to their hull and an over load in progress in their engine room. I estimate we only have twenty minutes before the vessel explodes." Raesene reported from the Tactical station.

"Jake?" Casey asked looking to Science Station One.

"The Gothos is still holding her relative position. Though now it looks like she's firing her cannon. That can't be a coincidence, can it sir?" Lieutenant Olson asked.

"I wouldn't bet on it." Deiran stated.

["You must save my crew Captain. It is your duty as a Federation Starship to protect us from this mysterious force that is tearing my vessel apart!"] Damon Buratt argued.

Deiran took in a deep breath. He knew that a decision had to be made.

Based on STAR TREK created by Gene Roddenberry
Story by lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder - Chief Engineer

"Reviewing"

One day it's tomorrow. The day we've been waiting for all our lives. But that doesn't mean we're prepared for it. Like change. One day something changes. How do we adapt? I suppose it's just something we do. Something that we sometimes don't notice. But when we do notice, that's when we start thinking. Not only do situations change and become unpredictable, but people can change. Whether they want to or not, people change all the time. Like me for example...

I didn't want to change. I was quite happy being the little worker. Fixing things without question. Just being there for people when they needed me to fix something. And then one day became tomorrow. Just one change in life made me a new person. It's made me stop and think about what's going on around me. It's like walking through a crowded place and then stopping and just taking a look around. We start thinking, realising that there are so many people, just going about their lives, their daily routines, without any clue that one day, tomorrow, things will change...

Nothing can prepare us for tomorrow. Yet we try to go about our business, trying not to make things change. I suppose when we start thinking, stop planning, change is a little easier to accept. It's more noticable, we're a little more ready for it. But not many people just stop... and think. And it's not something we can explain to people. It's just something some of us do. Think. And it's when we start thinking that... tomorrow, is the first day for the rest of our lives...

"Dead Reckoning"
By Lieutenant Mikala Pailaka

***Aboard the Gothos***

Growing up on Pacifica, a large sapphire ball of water dotted with thousands of tiny archipelagoes, Mike had spent more than his fair share of time on the ocean. Some would argue that he was as much at home on or under the water as he was walking the land or the decks of a starship.

But none of that was enough to dull the initial shock of appearing on board the Gothos. When one is dressed in an EVA suit and is expecting to rematerialize in the vacuum of space, and instead, feels the rolling waves beneath his feet and the sun beating down on his shoulders, a bit of confusion is to be expected.

His suit was gone, replaced instead with a frayed set of cotton leggings and a thick leather belt and scabbard. He was shirtless, protected from the sun by the healthy bronze base coat he inherited from his Polynesian father. His phaser had been replaced by a wicked looking cutlass.

Mike looked around, trying to orient himself. He saw with relief that the rest of the away team, including Captain Price, had arrived in a similar state. He looked up at the sun and down at the color of the ocean. He sniffed the air tentatively. He wouldn't be able to tell for sure, at least until nightfall, but it appeared they were floating in the middle of the Caribbean.

The ship was the same one they had found drifting in space. She was a typical Galleon, circa. 1620, weighing in at about 500 tons from the look of her. She had three square rigged masts and a lanteen rig on the mizzen. Built to be floating war machines, the Galleon would only make about 4-8 knots under a good wind, but made up for her cumbersome movement by packing a lot of firepower, typically 20 to 40 cannon. In that respect, she was a lot like the USS Galaxy, a large but powerful ship.

The one thing that seemed to be missing was the rest of the crew. A galleon of this size, Mike realized, should have over a hundred mariners on board and an equal number of soldiers. Who was running the ship?

Mike's question was answered by the appearance of Captain Trelane. He stood silently, jaw clenched, as the strange and powerful being set forth the laws of his vessel. It was all he could do to contain himself when Trelane forced Price into servitude as his cabin boy. He was about to step forward, but Captain Price shot him a glance that told him to hold his place and play along... For now...

Ensign Murphy did not see things the same way, and paid the price for it. He felt the first tingling of inner rage building up in him. He didn't care who this Trelane was, Q or not, he had crossed the line when he assaulted Murphy. Mike could tolerate many things, but abusing women was not one of them. As Trelane walked by, inspecting his crew, Mike took a step forward, his fists clenched.

"I know what you're thinking." Trelane said, wagging his finger at Mike. Mike suddenly felt every muscle in his body freeze. "Very chivalrous of you, but you need to learn your place." The would-be pirate captain snapped his fingers and Mike fell to the deck with the sudden return of his nervous system. He managed to pick himself up in time to catch the gaudily dressed Trelane's next round of pontifications.

"Now it is time to test your metal in action. Hoist anchor and tighten the sails. Our catch of the day is just on the horizon." Trelane declared. He pointed is sword towards the horizon, and on cue, a clipper ship appeared in the distance. Mike could see that she was riding low in the water, a good indicator of a full cargo hold. "Tally ho!" Trelane added for emphasis.

What more could be done then to play along? What the away team needed now was time. Time to think and to plan. Were they really on Earth? Had they gone back in time? Or was it an elaborate simulation? Could the Galaxy find them, or did their ship even exist any more? And how accurate was this world to the Caribbean of the 17th Century? Were all the major port cities where they should be, and would they be populated?

Mike was headed back towards the wheelhouse when he felt something sharp and cold on the back of his neck. He turned around slowly and found Trelane, pointing his cutlass directly at Mike's throat. "And where do you think you're going?" The pirate captain asked. "Go find a cannon to man."

"I'm a pilot, not a gunner." Mike said in defiance.

"I'll steer the ship, never you mind." Trelane replied threateningly.

"And you'll loose our prize if you do." Mike said. "You have us tacking against the wind. You need to hoist a bonnet up the foresail and bring us about. And when was the last time you took a log line or used the backstaff?" Mike smiled at the perplexed look on Trelane's face. At least their captor wasn't completely omnipotent. That meant the away team might stand a chance against him if they were clever.

Trelane paused for a moment and then smiled. "Pip pip, my good man! Carry on and take the wheel. We need to catch our prize!" Then his face turned dead serious. "And if you make a mistake, I'll have you keelhauled." He stormed off to bark orders at the other away team members.

Mike made his way to the wheelhouse. He marveled at the fine craftsmanship of the oak wheel, letting his hands run over the smooth wood. With a little searching, he found a compass, a sand glass, a log line and a backstaff. Now he'd be able to calculate their speed, direction and latitude. And once they knew exactly where they were, they would be one step closer to regaining control of their situation.

But for now, there was a prize ship to overtake. He spun the wheel and filled the sails with wind, giving chase.

*** ***

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

Gothos: the 4th Musketeer?
by LCDR Endris Gakor, Chief Medical Officer
reviewed by Captain Price.

*** 10 Forward ***

Endris wasn't all that hungry. True, the Tellarite normally was. But of course she sampled the Oinkus she made for the promotion ceremony. And then she had two small orders of food from the lounge. The CMO sipped a Synth-ale version of a Fordiaian Hot Toddy, when she noticed conditions change on the Gothos.

It looked like a cloud of smoke blew out the side of the wooden ship. The Doctor still had not figured out how a wooden sailing Galleon could be there. Activity of such ships peaked in Caribbean waters in the 1800s, and pirate ships were known to operate as soon as the 1500s, when riches of the new world began returning to Europe.

Shortly after sighting the Gothos from the lounge's transparent windows, Gakor asked the computer to extract information about pirate activity from the Archaeology Digest she read regularly. It took a few moments to refresh her memory on the topic, since she read the magazine on a regular basis.

As for the term Gothos itself, the computer failed to define it as a proper noun. Therefore, there was no place named Gothos to use as a reference point. There once was a game system involving mythical dragons and griffins that went by the name. It implied something dark, medieval, and sinister lacking in modern society. Scurvy and diseases cured by vitamin supplements were common during the era.

Then the doctor thought break it down, get creative. She seemed to remember some characters from Earth literature that shared similar names. It wasn't Gothos. But a root, "thos". With the help of the computer, she discovered her partial memories were correct. Alexander Dumas wrote the novel the Three Musketeers. The main characters Porthos, Athos, Aramis, and D'arthagnan had to defeat the villainous Cardinal Richelou. The setting was a midieval France.

The fanciful melodrama was certainly the type some game-loving super being might adopt as a warped idea for a sport. Endris rose and started for the holodeck. She ordered a copy of a 3 Musketeers program from Star Base 128's extensive selection, since one was not on file locally. It would be loaded when she arrived. Time for some research.

Before the Doctor could have her fun, she was interrupted.

-/\-Casey to Gakor-/\-, the acting CO summoned.

-/\-Gakor here, What's cooking?-/\- she said informally. Humor sometimes made things seem silly, but this use was to lighten the tone of events. The smoke she saw was evidence of a weapon discharge, so there could be trouble.

Deiran was all seriousness, and did not bother to correct the Doctor's unexpected humor. -/\-The Ferengi Merchant Vessel Persell has been attacked. Daimon Buratt has requested assistance. Our sensors tell us the Ferengi ship has severe damage to their reactor core. They have not had time to accesss their medical casualties.-/\-

-/\-Nourishment! The Galaxy's Sickbay is larger than the Ferengi's, so it would be better to treat them here. I will mobilize the full medical staff. If you need an away team, I would like to go as well as taking Lt Devinshire. Mona has experience handling hazardous emissions that should prove helpful.-/\-

-/\-Excellent suggestions, Doctor. Contact me when you get things arranged in Sickbay.-/\-

-/\-Aye, Aye Sir. I am at the turbo lift and should arrive there shortly.-/\-

*** Sickbay ***

Gakor swiftly took control, mobilizing things with the command functions in her office. Soon, a ship wide announcement went out.

=/\=THIS IS DOCTOR ENDRIS GAKOR. THERE HAS BEEN A YET-UNACCESSED DISASTER ON A FERENGI VESSEL AND WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE. ALL MEDICAL AND COUNSELOR QUALIFIED CREW PLEASE REPORT TO SICKBAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO PREPARE FOR INCOMING CASUALTIES.=/\=

Sickbay began to fill up with Doctors, Counselors and nurses. It looked like they were ready to fix whatever medical casualties the Persell had experienced, but then, one never knew quite what to expect on the Galaxy.

Once she was finished preparing things, (including canceling her holodeck time) she dutifully called Commander Casey on the bridge to get an update on conditions...

"I Am The Very Model..."
by Lt. Cmdr. George Kirk
ACSO

A thousand different thoughts ran through his mind. As his flesh sealed over his lips, George's first reaction had been, rather stupidly, to try and gasp through them. When he naturally realized his mistake, he found himself growing with rage. At this being, this pompous little man with his powers. The way he'd addressed George, looked at him. As if he knew him. He wanted to lash out, move against Trelane while he was sure George was incapacitated. He may end up dead, but he could possibly buy time for the others. George discounted the impulse immediately, briefly allowing his brain to overpower his gut. But then, before he could formulate another plan, she was next to him. George searched his addled brain for a name. Murphy. Kira Murphy. George looked at her face and knew with the absence of a mouth, he must look monumentally ridiculous. His eyes, angry as they were probably made him look panic-stricken. Which, to be fair, he was. She grabbed his hand and gave him instructions. He felt like a child, trying to gasp idiotically through his sealed mouth. He nodded at her.

Soon, Trelane released George and he gasped in air, taking deep, ragged breaths. He eyed Trelane warily, but kept his mouth shut. This was a dangerous being. As Trelane ambled up and down the deck, arrogantly giving his ground rules, George ran the name over in his brain. Trelane. That name was so familiar. Trelane had seemed as if he'd recognized George. Noticed something. The name. Kirk. Trelane and Kirk. Suddenly, realization washed over George. He remembered reading an old Starfleet report filed by James T. Kirk revolving around a being named Trelane. He'd been seemingly all-powerful, but James Kirk had tricked him, ultimately getting him taken home by another set of beings like him. Beings which seemed to hold some form of dominion over him. The details were sketchy, but Kirk made a note of making sure the being was mentioned should anybody come across him again. He was a dangerous figure. George wondered how to get in touch with those beings. If James Kirk could figure out a way to outsmart Trelane, then he knew it was possible. But how?

Just then, Kira broke rank and attacked Trelane. Trelane responded by nearly crushing her. George felt his anger returning from watching his benefactor being tortured. He started forward, but paused. If he moved again, who knew what Trelane would do to him. Or the others, for that matter. His fists clenched tightly, he watched as Trelane gleefully played with Kira. When he was done, she was released and returned to the line. She stood in her former place, next to George. He nodded reassuringly at Kira. She looked sick and hurt. George felt himself turn red with shame at not being able to help her. That would not happen again, not like that. Trelane would have to go through him first.

For the next several minutes, Trelane played his part well. He was cocky and strange and had a thoroughly screwed-up fashion sense. George, for his part, actually preferred the loose pirate uniform instead of the hot EVA suit. And, out in the ocean, playing pirate, George had to admit it certainly had its' appeal. The wind in his hair, the smell of the ocean. If not for the fact they were being commanded by a power-mad fop, George just might be enjoying himself. As it was, George watched Trelane, rolling things over in his brain. He moved quickly among the crew, doing his best to make sure they didn't freak out, like he felt like doing. George wasn't exactly sure what to do on a ship like this, so he was content to just try and LOOK like he did.

Then there was the clipper they were attacking. Ah, yes. A good ole fashioned pirate attack. As Trelane called his "crew" to arms, George couldn't help but think the creature had gone firmly insane. So, as the cannons roared and the smell of smoke and gunpowder filled the air, George found himself thinking just how mind-bogglingly absurd this situation was. That, and wondering if he'd get a chance to sink a knife into Trelane's back when he wasn't looking, but that was always a possible option for later. For now, George would just bide his time and see how things played out.

"Just the old-fashioned way."
by Lt. Commander Evin Genestra
(with small excerpts from Captain Price's "Catch of the day")

There was not tricorder or piece of scientific equipment between the eight members of the Galaxy away team. Not even a phaser or communicator badge to protect themselves or let the ship know they were all right. Devinoni turned to his Romulan colleague briefly as the two looked around them in an attempt to gain their bearings. Even without twenty-fourth century equipment they were scientists and tried to do their jobs accordingly.

The five senses: taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing. This is how they did it long ago, ironically enough, at the time wooden ships like the galleon they were standing on were in use. Was this what it was like for Darwin when he sailed around the oceans of Earth to postulate his theory of natural selection? Or possibly Valeda Mache when she postulated a similar theory of natural selection on Betazed?

Taking a look around there was nothing familiar with the scene the away team were look

ing at. Genestra's senses told the scientist that he was in the topical region of some unfamiliar ocean, on an unfamiliar planet. The sun was warm and a nice yellow in colour, suggesting they were on a planet with a G-class middle sequence star. The smell of sodium chloride in the air was unmistakably the odour one would ascribe with a salt-laden ocean. Everything seemed to excite the humanoid senses to suggest this place, no matter how it was created, was real to some degree. Just like the vacuum-preserved ship they detected from their twenty-fourth century starship, it did not appear to be an illusion.

The half-Betazoid lieutenant commander had another sense, his empathic abilities, which he thought might have proven useful in this instance. It had earned him the analogy 'walking tricorder' with some of the other science cadets at the Academy, an analogy he was pleased had remained at that institution. At the moment, however, he was left with a sense of disorientation since they appeared in this reality which did not seem was their own.

Whomever this Trelane being was, his emotional state was intense, no doubt leading him to take out the whimsical cruelties on both Kira Murphy and George Kirk. Needing a sense of power, without moral consideration, he appeared to take special pleasure in degrading the captaincy position with Lee Price held. Whether it was out of jealousy, since the captain commanded respect and the live of one thousand lives, or because he felt threatened, Evin was not sure. All he knew was that he 'felt' the pain and shared the emotions of his fellow crew members.

Like the old common headaches of the past, which had been successfully treated to become a less frequent ailment, the scientists head pounded a little as his equilibrium began to adjust to Trelane's reality.

A loud laugh could be heard from the super-being as he had the away team jumping through every hoop that he laid out for them. The Gothos bobbed as wave after wave hit the wooden vessel.

"Prepare the cannon. We shall broadside them as we pass, then swing around and board her on the opposite side. Aim high for the rigging! I don't want to sink her, not just yet ... There is gold on that there ship, I can feel it in my bones!"

"What the hell did he just say?" Evin said as he turned to Sullax.

The Romulan just shrugged his shoulders. The two scientists turned to Price, now a lowly deck hand, as he swabbed the deck with his mop and pale. Unwilling to respond, he gave then a stern glance, possibly indicating to them to follow the 'order'. The El-Aurian, Gailyn, stepped forward and showed the other seven away team members how to prepare, load, and fire the projectile-based weapon from this century.

"Look at the terror on their faces crew!" Trelane said with extreme sense of arrogance and excitement in his voice. "They have gotten sight of our colors and are turning tail to make a run for it. Fools. Your gold laden ship is no match for the mighty Gothos! Have at thee, crew. Unleash the cannon and give them a shot from the war God's own repartee. FIRE!"

The solid metal projectile flew out of the ship's cannon port with a deafening roar. Lieutenant Commander Genestra could only cough as he became enveloped by the smoke from the ignited gunpowder. As the bitter scent of the gunpowder cleared the air the scientist saw the other ship as it attempted to flee.

Although they were in a vicarious predicament, there was something almost exciting about what had just happened. It was as though he felt a childlike exhilaration. Reminding himself of what was happening, or more importantly what could happen, Evin wiped the smile from his face.

"At least someone's enjoying themselves." Lieutenant Commander Sullax whispered as he waved more of the smoky air away from his face.

Genestra shook his head, "To be honest, I'd be happier on a Holodeck. It's just that when I was a young boy I always wanted to do that."

The green-blooded scientist squinted his eyes. Even though his colleague was now in his thirties, he seemed more like someone younger than his years. Not only that, but far to happy all the time, at least for the Romulan's personal tastes.

"Telepath"

Lt. J. Lucas Brandis, Zea Toa
Chief Operations Officer

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

Waking up can be really hard to do when you sleep with Alexa. Sometimes, just seeing walk into the bathroom in the morning is enough to make me want to drag her back into bed all over again and never get up. But, I got up any way. Alexa was asleep in bed. Her hair wrapped around her left shoulder, flowing like a golden river. Arms reaching beneath her pillow and I lay there watching her breath in and out for a few minutes. I thought if Angels slept, then this is probably what they would look like.

Stepping into the sonic shower, I felt the warm vibrations cleansing my body. It was actually very relaxing, even though I like water baths better. Stepping out of the shower, I start my morning routine. A few sit-ups, push-ups, and stretches later, I'm putting on my uniform. Usually, I am more of a night person but now I am kind of in a good mood after seeing Alexa. I have heard Deiran make fun of how my Universe seems to revolve around her. I plead the fifth on that one.

Check my hair in the mirror on the wall and I'm down the corridor, in the turbo lift, and on the Bridge. Deiran's sitting in the command chair, acting like he owns the place. Which he sort of does, but I can't help smiling any way at the though. Soon enough, he will have his own ship to worry about with the way he's flown through the ranks. "Morning Sir." I say walking to the Mission Ops.

"Morning, Lucas. Check your panel, we've got the Captain beaming over and you'll never believe where until you see it for yourself." He brought his arm up, pointing to the main view screen. I had not noticed the screen coming in, morning autopilot I guess. But, there was no way I could miss it now; some kind of ancient sailing ship in the middle of space.

Staring at it for few minutes, I couldn't help myself. Well preserved, perhaps by the vacuum of space but definitely unusual. How does an ancient Terran sailing ship wind up light years from Earth in perfect condition after traveling through space? Any normal person would think it impossible. Too good to be true. But, according to my sensors (which I've learned not to argue with, they're usually right), it was well over 750 years old.

Now, I think of myself as being a logical person, so there's really no way this ship is what it appears to be. If I had been on shift earlier there's no way I would let the Captain beam over, but I think he probably had to put up a fight. Sensors seems to show nothing really, at least it's harmless. I do not know. It looks strange and ominous the more I look at it. I have got a bad feeling about this. Seems like every bone in my body is screaming, NO!

["The Captain's party has successfully beamed over to the Gothos sir."] Chief Jensen reported.

Deiran gave a nod. "Nice work Chief. Stay on your toes in case there is a need to bring them. . ."

DC didn't get to finish his sentence before Jake broke in from Science station one. He seemed anxious but certain. "They aren't there." Olson called out.

"What?!" Deiran turned and asked, and I could sense the concern.

~ Re-check sensors one more time. ~ I heard him think before doing it. "They were there, and then they were gone." Jake tried explained.

This really got Deiran on fire as he started to think a mile a minute. 'Oh, no, I'm not losing the Lee now, not after all this.' I sensed him think along with some delayed though to blow the hell out of that ship with full torpedoes. He really did have a Klingon streak in him. "Jensen, can you confirm they beamed to the Gothos? Can we get them back?"

A moment later an 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 cannot say. They are gone sir."]

Commander Casey was silent, and reflective, surveying all his possible actions. I could sense other crewmembers do the same and then my panel lit up with action requests and information analysis. Feeding it to the command display at Deiran's chair, I tried to sift through all the inputs from Science, Engineering, Tactical, Security, and Mission Ops. Everything seemed to be coming in at once and I recommended yellow alert. "I'm getting a little too old for this." I said to the Helmsman next to me.

=/\= "Ghost Ship" =/\=
by Lt Cmdr Matthew Albrecht

***Bridge, USS Galaxy***

The anachronistic wooden sailing ship continued to float adrift in space, giving away no clues to the location of the away team that had moments ago beamed over to her. Matthew made his way to an aft station where he would be able to conduct his own scans without interrupting others in their work.

His comm. badge chirped. He turned his back to the rest of the bridge so he wouldn't distract others from their duties. The voice that came out of the badge was Heidi Mason's. She said, "Ensign Mason to 'Commander Albrecht. We've just got your report on the missing away team. Anything we can do to help?"

Matthew appreciated initiative in his officers. But he failed to see what his people could do other than maintain a state of readiness. Lieutenant commander Kirk was one member of the team, and certainly his department felt an interest in helping to return him to the safety of the Galaxy. "No Ensign. Not at the moment. Just inform Lieutenant O'Connell that he's got to be ready to go at a moments notice. I'll be on the bridge. Albrecht out."

When he returned his view to the screen and his attention to the dialog on the bridge, he realized things were changing quickly. The Gothos was suddenly animate. Rigging was swaying and a 'jolly roger' was waving above the masts.

Commander Casey scratched his chin. "This is damn strange," he declared.

Matthew had to agree. Again he second-guessed his decision to send George Kirk instead of himself. How could he have known the mission would take such an unexpected turn? The Galleon they had come across was turning out to be some kind of Ghost Ship. He only hoped the crewmembers gone missing would not also become ghosts.

Lieutenant commander Hermedhie blurted out in surprise, "Where did she come from?" As Raesene was at the Tactical station, Matthew approached the arch to get a look at the board. Sure enough, a starship was on the monitors. Raesene called up the data on the vessel and revealed it to be a Ferengi merchant vessel.

Deiran, in command of the Galaxy again, declared Red Alert in no uncertain terms. Red lighting flicked on around the bridge and presumably elsewhere on the ship as well. A klaxon rang out as 'commander Hermedhie announced the identity of the Ferengi ship.

Matthew listened as Casey spoke with the panicked Damon of the Persell. He was under attack by an unseen enemy and begging for assistance to protect his ship from a core explosion. Lieutenant Olsen reported the fact that the Gothos appeared to be firing her cannon, of all things!

The security chief watched Deiran as he struggled with the decision before him. Matthew wanted to contact his team and give rapid instructions; have an away team assemble to protect whatever engineers might be traveling to the Persell. Hell, he would lead the security detachment himself. But he dared not tap his badge. Deiran would make his decision soon and Matthew had to be ready to receive orders on the spot.

Instead, he began composing a message. On the keyboard at the right end of the tactical arch, he began typing. "Lieutenant Commander Albrecht to Heidi Mason in Main Security. *Priority Urgent, deliver by voice if necessary* Heidi. Assemble a team of five officers to participate in a possible starship boarding action. Equip with rifles and transporter pattern enhancers. Grab extra equipment for me. Be ready in one minute for my instructions. Albrecht out."

-----
Dr. Andree Dothan (Lt. J.G.)
Medical Dept. USS Galaxy
Dr. Michala Casey
-----

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

"What Is Going On?"
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey

The Ferengi Captain was still on the viewscreen and waiting for Casey's answer and assistance. Deiran wanted to know what was going on with the Gothos and how in the world a cannon ball in deep space was able to do any damage to a shielded ship, even if it was Ferengi.

"Helm, take the ship to a heading of 45, mark 187, half impulse. Mr. Hermedhie, energize our shields to maximum, give me all she's got, and coordinate the emergency beam out of the Ferengi vessel's crew," Deiran gave the order and sat in the command chair. His eyes glued to the viewscreen as the Galaxy swerved into position, putting itself in harm's way between the ship and the Persel.

'None of this makes sense, are we actually trying to dodge cannon balls?' Deiran asked himself as the ship moved into transporter range.

"We're in range for transport sir," Jake informed Casey.

"Begin transport Jake," Deiran commanded.

The emergency transport began to capture the Ferengi on the ship in its beam. The Galaxy was circling the Persel and through it all Casey was thinking on his next move. He had to make sure the Ferengi were safe and at the same time figure out what was actually going on aboard the wooden ship, and then figure out a way to recover the lost away team.

"Away teams don't just vanish into thin air, " Casey said. "Jake have the entire science department if need be, figure out exactly what could have happened to the away team. Don't come back without answers, explanations and a idea on how to find them. Also run thorough scans of the Gothos and give those scans to Tactical," Casey turned to Hermedhie, "Raesene, take that information Science gives your department and give me a reliable way of neutralizing the Gothos. It'll be a good way to see exactly what we're dealing with," Casey said.

He wasn't exactly sure what they'd find, the Ferengi had almost all beamed aboard and his next course of action would be determined by the findings of Tactical and Science.

What to do in the meantime? He had no idea what he was dealing with, he had a lost away team, a practically derelict Ferengi ship and absolutely no clue how they all fit. Normally he'd have called a senior staff meeting to discuss things but they had to rescue the Ferengi first.

"Anyone else have any bright ideas?" Casey asked the bridge crew. "Now's the time to speak up," he said. "And if anyone of you knows what's going on, would you let me know?" Casey smiled in a gesture meant to hide his frustration.

"Middle of a Crisis With Nothing to Do"
Ensign John Xavier
USS Galaxy

The shuttle bay crew was busy running around preparing the suttle craft for launch, it was standard operating proceedure when in red alert mode just in case the abandon ship order had to be given in short notice.

This practice was usually not put to the test but it was a good idea.

John was standing on one of the catwalks along the edge of the shuttle bay typing commands into a small wall mounted console.

In John's mind the shuttle bay was ready for anything the Acting CO could throw at it.

Story: Back to Work I go
By: Ensign Rose Isis MacAllen, Science Officer USS Galaxy

::Science Lab::

Rose started working more with the Science officers and the science team since their in a unexplored area of this quadurant every infomation and every second counts. Plus been there may her alittle uneasy. She was working at a station when a science officer came up to her.

"Ensign MacAllen I wanted you to go to the Stellar Cartography station and see there any stars or planet in this area and report back here."

Rose looked the officer.

"Aye sir." Rose said when I walked out.

::Stellar Cartography Station::

Rose walked into the Stellar Cartography lab of the ship, this was one of Rose's favorite places. Rose walked up to a young ensign while he was working. He turned around.

"May I help you Ensign?" he asked Rose.

"Yes you may the science department wanted to know if there any planets or stars in this area."

The young ensign nods and started working while Rose watches him.

"What to Do?"
By: Pirate Ryak Sullax
Pirate Ship Gothos
with excerpts from Cabin Boy Price and Pirate Genestra

Ryak stood there listening to the ramblings of this being. When was it that he was going to shut up. Ryak looked around at the rest of the crew. Ryak had no idea what to do in this situation. What did a real pirate do?

"Now it is time to test your metal in action. Hoist anchor and tighten the sails. Our catch of the day is just on the horizon." Trelane declared.

How do you tighten the sails. Ryak was beginning to feel even more uncomfortable. It was in his blood to adapt and do his duty with honour. How do you do your duty with out knowing how to do it? Give Ryak a star chart and he could plot his way anywhere. Give him a petri dish and a plant and he could have it dissected into all of its parts in 30 minutes. But ask him to make a wind driven ship work and it was going to take him a while.

Taking his sword, the Pirate Captain took a strong, bold stance and pointed his blade straight ahead where a fully loaded clipper appeared on the horizon. With all the gusto of a great leader he shouts, "Tally ho!"

"Prepare the cannon. We shall broadside them as we pass, then swing around and board her on the opposite side. Aim high for the rigging! I don't want to sink her, not just yet. . . There is gold on that there ship, I can feel it in my bones!"

"What the hell did he just say?" Evin said as he turned to Sullax.

The Romulan just shrugged his shoulders. The two scientists turned to Price, now a lowly deck hand, as he swabbed the deck with his mop and pail. Unwilling to respond, he gave then a stern glance, possibly indicating to them to follow the 'order'. The El-Aurian, Gailyn, stepped forward and showed the other seven away team members how to prepare,load, and fire the projectile-based weapon from this century.

"Look at the terror on their faces crew!" Trelane gloated. They have gotten sight of our colors and are turning tail to make a run for it. Fools. Your gold laden ship is no match for the mighty Gothos! Have at thee crew. Unleash the cannon and give them a snoot from the war God's own repartee. FIRE!"

On the order, the cannon on the Gothos blazed with an ear shattering sortie of thunder. Smoke billowed from the iron guns as massive balls bombarded the upper decks and rigging of the fleeing vessel, taking the wind out of her sails and leaving her dead in the water. The ardent smell of expelled gunpowder stung the nostrils of the crew. In a swirl of smoke, the Pirate Captain Trelane stood strong. Unflappable. It was as if the explosion of the cannon fire had not even phased him. Still pointing his sword at his prey, he smiled wildly. "Now swing us around hard to port. Down the sails and prepare the grappling hooks! We are going to board her and collect our prize!"

"At least someone's enjoying themselves." Lieutenant Commander Sullax whispered as he waved more of the smoky air away from his face.

Genestra shook his head, "To be honest, I'd be happier on a Holodeck. It's just that when I was a young boy I always wanted to do that."

The green-blooded scientist squinted his eyes. Even though his colleague was now in his thirties, he seemed more like someone younger than his years. Not only that, but far to happy all the time, at least for the Romulan's personal tastes.

Ryak turned back towards the ship they were attacking. There was nothing at all scientific about this. Ryak had no idea what to do. Unless they boarded the other ship there was not much more they could do. Ryak turned to Evin and said, "I do not understand the purpose of this."

"What do you mean?" Evin replied as he moved closer to Ryak.

"There is no purpose for this attack. He could wave his hand and have anything he wants. I do not see the relevance of this whole scenario." Ryak replied as they moved around for the next attack.

"It is entertainment. He is having fun." Evin said as he grasped his temples.

Ryak looked at his counterpart and continued, "I will not be a pon in this game. As for you it seems that you need medical assistance?"

Before Evin could answer the cannon fired again. Ryak was not amused. The sound was way too loud for his ears.

-----
Dr. Andree Dothan (Lt. J.G.)
Medical Dept. USS Galaxy
-----

Timeframe: Just prior to the shift when the ship is discovered

Andree decided that he would need to get some sleep after the chaos of his shift, whch had been prolonged by the incident with Michala Lynn Casey, but first he had a few things to wrap up.

First he told the Holodoc to continue to monitor Michala, then went to his cubicle to prepare a report for the CMO who should be coming on duty soon.

Finishing that he searched out Dr. Gakor-Albricht to give her his report. Passing the fishtank at the center of sickbay, Andree spotted the Tellarite admiring her fish. Approaching her he said, "I need a second opinion on this. please read it over and leave a report in my cubicle."

Noting that Andree appeared groggy, Endris sent him to his quarters. Andree left sickbay without protest

"Gold"
By Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Gothos ***

"Look at them panic upon our approach men! They cower at the presence of Captain Trelane and his band-o-pirates on board the mighty Gothos! Prepare the grappling hooks, ready your blades and muskets. We are going to board her!" Trelane ordered while still standing strong and pointing his sword to direct the battle, like he were a great General of Napoleon's army.

From the lower deck, Captain Price watched while holding his mop. The pirate Captain seemed to be enjoying this demonstration, or experiment, or illusion or whatever it was, with great passion. It struck Lee how much Trelane reminded him of a young boy playing "make believe" with a group of his friends. Only this 'little boy' had the ability to manipulate matter to do his bidding.

The crew was doing an admirable job at manning the galleon given that most of them had never set foot on a real sailing vessel before today. Lee turned and watched as Gailyn and Lieutenant Pailaka threw the grappling hooks across to the other vessel and pulled it in.

"Have at thee fearless crew of the Gothos! Show mercy if you wish, to those that surrender peacefully, or slaughter them like the dogs they are. It's the treasure we are after, the hands don't matter in the slightest." Trelane barked from the upper deck, as if he were addressing a group of people at a concert hall rather than in the heat of battle.

Lee observed the Pirate Captain and noted that he didn't look the least bit worried or concerned. Simply infatuated with the excitement and adventure of the battle.

The clipper, though out gunned and smaller than the Gothos, was not undermanned. Faced with the choice of being attacked at sea by pirates, their company armed themselves with swords, knives and single shot black powder pistols; the same weaponry the Galaxy's Away Team were armed with. It wasn't long before blades were clashing, and the occasional shot was heard, usually followed by a falling sailor. Some of the clipper's crew didn't resist the boarding action. They placed down their weapons and cowered down on the deck. Lee watched, as Trelane seemed displeased that the Galaxy's crew was ignoring them rather than cutting them down with their blades. But the rush and excitement from the other raging battles seemed to entertain the pirate Captain and occupy his attention. There were sword duels going on all over the ship.

"Stand your ground men! It will be a cold day in hell when an ill prepared crew the likes of this can stand a chance against the crew of the Gothos under Captain Trelane's command!"

Captain Price watched and noticed how the crew of the clipper ship seemed to recognize who the crew of the Gothos, and Captain Trelane was. The fear on their faces doubled upon hearing the declaration and several more threw down their arms and surrendered to the away team boarding party.

Finishing his battle and besting the sailor he was swashbuckling with, Lieutenant Commander George Kirk looked back at the Gothos from the deck of the clipper and yelled, "Enemy vessel has been secured!"

Trelane smiled and sheathed his sword while hopping from the gangway of the upper deck to the main deck. "Superb! What a spectacular battle! My compliments gentlemen. My compliments!" When Trelane reached the main deck, he clapped his hands together, like one would do at a tournament to express their satisfaction with the victors.

"How now! Let's search her from stem to stern and discover where they have placed the gold. Once we have discovered their stash, we will hoist her aboard." Trelane ordered with a clap of his hands. "Come now, hop to it!"

Ensign Jones, Lieutenant Commander Genestra and Lieutenant' Murphy seemed soured by being ordered to search for gold by Trelane. Both Lieutenant Commander Sullax and Kirk just seemed indifferent and immediately began searching for the booty. They weren't sure if it was because it was the logical thing to do, or if it was out of fear for Trelane's powers, or if they simply had gotten so caught up in the battle and playing pirates as to not question the order. For whatever reason, they all decided to search and go along for the time being.

Gailyn was busy gathering up the weapons the sailors of the clipper had discarded when they surrendered. The action caught Trelane's eye while he waited for the crew to locate the treasure.

"By George, what a smashing idea there boy. Yes, pray tell, do gather up their weapons and bring them on board. Any man that will swear to serve the Gothos and obey Captain Trelane's orders will be spared. Those that refuse will be left to face their deaths without mercy. No quarter will be given to those that refuse the great Trelane,... Pirate Captain of the Gothos." He gloated.

***

*** USS Galaxy, Sickbay ***

"We are standing by to receive the evacuees from the Ferengi merchant vessel." The Chief Medical Officer notified the transporter room.

Over the channel, Chief Jensen replied, ["Aye Doctor Gakor, I'm transporting the first batch to the triage area now."]

A moment later the high pitched sound of the pale blue transporter beam was heard, then seen. A group of ten Ferengi crew members materialized. Once the transport cycle completed, Endris stepped forward and greeted the new arrivals.

"Welcome on board the Federation Starship Galaxy. I am Lieutenant Commander Endris Gakor, the Chief Medical Officer of this vessel."

The Telarite Doctor's greeting was cut short when the lead Ferengi stepped forward. He didn't seem very pleased about the situation. And even less pleased to be talking to a clothed female pig-woman.

"I am Damon Buratt, Captain of the merchant vessel Persell. You will take me to see your Captain immediately. My vessel carries valuable cargo that must be salvaged before her engines overload." The Ferengi's tone and attitude was less than friendly. Pushy would most correctly describe it.

"The Captain is indisposed at the moment Damon Burr. . ."

"I WILL SPEAK TO THE CAPTAIN NOW FEMALE!"

Endris let out a husky snort, expressing her dissatisfaction with the Damon's manners. She was unaccustomed to being addressed with anything less than respect by her colleges and associates on the Galaxy and in the medical field. It was obvious that this self centered Ferengi had only his own interests at heart. Other things like being polite or following proper etiquette was lost to him. Which was unusual, since most Ferengi realizes that it's easier to attract flies with honey rather than vinegar. Then again, if this was a Ferengi with lobes, he'd not be assigned to commanding such a lowly merchant vessel as the Persell.

"AS I WAS SAYING. . . the Captain is currently not on board the Galaxy. Commander Casey is presently in charge." Endris explained.

"Then you will take me to see Commander Casey. *Immediately *." Damon Buratt restated, still with no concern for the female Telarite's feelings or position on board this vessel.

"I can notify the Commander and make him aware of your desire to speak with him, but my first duty is to tend the injured members of your crew as they are rescued from your failing ship." Gakor explained.

"THAT IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!" Buratt fumed. "If our cargo is lost, it is better that we all die than face the wrath of the Nagus for loosing his latinum."

"I will see what I can do. Now you'll need to leave sick bay if you are not injured to make room for the wounded." Endris explained while waving over security.

Two security officers stepped over, each was armed with a hand phaser, but they weren't drawn.

Damon Buratt bared his sharpened teeth at the Doctor in a show of displeasure at her helpfulness in getting what he wanted. "I will go with these MEN, but will not rest until I have spoken to this Commander Casey who is in charge of this vessel."

Endris nodded and then looked at one of the Security officers. "See to it that Commander Casey is notified that the Damon wishes an audience with him at his earliest convenience."

The security officer nodded his understanding before motioning to the exit, indicating that the Ferengi were to exit in that direction.

Doctor Gakor watched as the argumentative Damon left, grumbling about his treatment and how the Federations would be held responsible should their cargo be lost because of their incompetence. Endris rolled her eyes and was glad the Damon would be Deiran's problem and not hers.

"Ready for the next wave of evacuees Chief." Endris signaled via her comm badge. With a shimmer of light, another ten Ferengi beamed onto the USS Galaxy from the failing merchant vessel Persell.

***

*** Gothos ***

"You've found it! By the Gods of the seven seas look at the size of those treasure chests!" Trelane declared in jubilation.

The away team was hauling out giant wooden chests that were filled with gold coin, jewels and pearls. In total there were seven chests. Those that were too heavy for one person to carry were hauled onboard the Gothos with the help of enslaved sailors from the clipper's surviving crew.

Trelane walked the deck and came to the first chest where Ensign Jones deposited it. Removing his pistol, Trelane took careful aim and blew the lock off with a loud blast from his black powder weapon. The iron padlock was no match as it popped open.

"You there lass, don't just stand there, open it! Open it I say!"

Lieutenant' Murphy was less than displeased at the way Trelane addressed her. But there was one thing the Pirate Captain was right about. She did look striking in her skimpy pirate-wench outfit. Kira bent down and reached for the latch of the chest that Trelane had just blasted. Opening the iron clasp, her eyebrow rose upon noticing that there was no heat from the metal where the weapon had just discharged. By rights it should have been very hot, even burning from the black powder blast, but it wasn't. It was cool to the touch. Like nothing had happened to it just a moment earlier.

Kira opened the chest and saw that it was filled with shinny new gold coin. The sunlight glistened off of the metal pieces and cast a yellow glow on the surrounding onlookers. It was quite an impressive sight.

"I told you! Didn't I? Gold the likes of which are beyond your wildest dreams! Secure the treasure and cut the grapples. Prepare to raise sails and bring us along side the clipper for her final send off to the bottom of the sea!" Trelane commanded.

***

*** Bridge, USS Galaxy ***

Commander Casey sat in the Command Chair of the USS Galaxy. He was puzzled over the recent events that had taken place. The away teams disappearance after transporting to the wooden Galleon Gothos. The sudden appearance of this Ferengi vessel, damaged from an unknown force while the Gothos appeared to be firing cannon. It was beginning to get to the First Officer while he struggled to make sense of any of it.

["Security to Commander Casey."]

Deiran thumbed the controls to activate the channel. "Casey here, go ahead."

["Commander, Damon Buratt wishes to speak to you about an urgent matter."]

"I'm kind of busy at the moment, what is this about?" Deiran asked in a short tone.

["The Damon says there is valuable cargo on board the Persell that must be salvaged before her engines overload."] the security officer relayed.

Deiran rolled his eyes. *Yanky Traders* he thought. "Tell the Damon there are much more precious things in life than gold pressed latinum. Bridge out."

Casey closed the channel without much more thought. The last thing he needed to do right now was to save some Ferengi merchant's cargo while Captain Price and seven other away team members were missing in action.

USS Galaxy "Battle of Gothos"
Written By Ens. Darren Jones
Operations Officer, USS Galaxy

The Clipper and the Gothos pulled side by side, men jumped from ropes on to the two opposing ships.

Darren held the small pistol in his hands and sighed, a man who had jumped from the other ship to engage in combat landed in front of Darren.

Darren shot the man in the knee cap and knocked him unconscious - he picked up the sword and started to defend himself.

**** after the battle ****

"How now! Let's search her from stem to stern and discover where they have placed the gold. Once we have discovered their stash, we will hoist her aboard." Trelane ordered with a clap of his hands. "Come now, hop to it!"

Darren rolled his eyes up "Aye Aye Captain" Darren replied with a somewhat sarcastic tone. He picked the sword up and descended into the bows of the vacated enemy ship.

Darren thought back to his time on the Young Endevoure, the smell of the sea. The exhausting nights on the masts as the winter weather in the Great Southern Ocean tried to penetrate the old antique wood.

Darren looked around noticing some similarities between the ships design and that of the Endevoure. Suddenly Darren tripped over landing hard on his face "Bloody Hell!" Darren cried out and sat up "Do this, Do that!" Darren complained as he lifted the heavy chest out from the bows of the clipper.

Darren pulled the chest out onto the deck and slid it to a free area.

Trelane walked the deck and came to the first chest where Ensign Jones deposited it. Removing his pistol, Trelane took careful aim and blew the lock off with a loud blast from his black powder weapon. The iron padlock was no match as it popped open.

"You there lass, don't just stand there, open it! Open it I say!" Trelane shouted at one of the female officers from the Galaxy.

As the chest opened, the golden light that only gold replicates shone over the deck of the clipper. Darren whistled as the awesome site of real gold was displayed by all.

"Whatever is Needed to Slow down a Madman"
by Lt Jg. Kira Murphy, Medical (General & Paediatrics)
------------------------------------------------------------

Moving over to the big cannons, Kira stood towards the back of the group.

Going through her medical training, she realised that she had no broken bones due to the lack of sharp shooting pain, but after a quick private visual check of her stomach and by the dull aching pain, she knew that she had internal bruising.

Since Trelane obviously wanted them to work, she hopefully assumed that there was no internal bleeding or life-threatning injuries at the moment. A headache had started however, but it wasn't too bad. Her hands and feet were trembling, and she felt very weak.

Looking out at the other ship, she made a decision that she wasn't going to do anything Trelane ordered that would hurt anyone. When she took the Hippocratic Oath at the Academy, she believed in it so strongly, and still did. In fact, she would spend years being crushed by the gravity of a supernova then break her Oath.

When she had broken her Starfleet oath and disobeyed orders from a superior so that she could uphold the Hippocratic Oath, she had taken the consequences as she would now.

With Trelane watching, she made it look like she was helping while instead, she stumbled and dropped cannon balls. When he turned towards her, she held her back and groaned. For somebody who was omnipotent, he was kinda stupid she thought when he didn't realise what she was doing.

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

The final insult to the Hippocratic Oath by Trelane was for him to assume that Kira would activly participate in his farce of boarding.

Luckily, the other away team members had similar ideas to hurt people the least.

Moving onto the other ship, Kira shifted out of sight and stayed there with her hands over her ears until the sound of people being hurt stopped.

Coming out from her hiding place, she heard Trelane yell, "How now! Let's search her from stem to stern and discover where they have placed the gold. Once we have discovered their stash, we will hoist her aboard. Come now, hop to it!"

Pouting, Kira followed the orders she hated and did as she was told.

Finally, the team had moved seven heavy chests out. When Trelane called her lass, she was about to spit out some nasty retaliation when she remebered the earlier punishment.

Reaching down, she did as was told and was very surprised to find the latch wasn't hot.

Opening the chest, she looked down at the gold - totally disgusted with the current situation.

While Trelane and the others looked on at the gold, Kira slipped away to the defiant prisoners in an attempt to convince, plead and beg them to serve for the time being, if only so they could live long enough to get revenge.

"The problem with Red Alerts is that disturb my sleeping pattern."
By the *best* security officer on the ship, Ensign Peter Lockhart

"Ensign!" screamed Heather Sanchez, as she terminated the holodeck programme the pair had been running.

"Yes sir?" Peter asked, as the wail of Klaxons continued. Peter was at first confused why the red alert sirens had not stopped but the yellow grid of the holodeck was back.

"It's a real red alert! Let's move it!" Heather said, and started jogging towards the exit. The pair had just been engaging two Cardassian Galor class battleships with the USS Sovereign and had been doing quite well.

"I wouldn't worry about it. Commander Casey will probably cancel it shortly." Peter said seriously.

Sanchez just turned and stared at Peter, not believing what she was hearing.

"I mean, they last about five minutes, then the ship is either destroyed or the situation is corrected." Peter said. "The only thing that Red Alerts do is bother me whilst I'm in bed. They always go off in Alpha shift have you noticed? No one ever calls them during Gamma!" Peter lamented, as the pair headed towards the turbolift. Heather Sanchez's face was turning various shades of red, purple and blue as she listened to Peter.

"Ensign, you are out of order, and your attitude stinks! I'm ordering you to pull a double shift tomorrow. You will report for Alpha shift tomorrow as well as your normal shifts!"

"My attitude may stink. I may be out of order. However, I am right. This red alert will last no more than ten minutes, I absolutely guarentee it!" Peter said. Sanchez looked like she was about to explode, when a voice cut her off.

"ALbrecht to Sanchez. Get down to sickbay immediately. We've got injured from the Ferengi ship Persell. We don't expect any trouble, but you know what they can be like." Matthew called over the intercom. "Get someone else as well."

"Mr. Lockhart is with me at the moment. I'm sure he'd love to help out." she replied evily.

"Excellent. Head down there immediately." Matthew finished, closing the channel.

"Come on slacker!" Sanchez said, not attempting to hide her dislike of Peter at the moment, "You've got work to do!"

"Yes sir." Peter saluted, and followed the lieutenant' down to sickbay.

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

Presently the Ferengi captain appeared to be screaming and shouting at Dr. Gakor. Something about his precious cargo being lost was all that Peter cared about. Presently, he was debating whether to start a game of "eye spy" with Lieutenant' Sanchez. However, he didn't think she'd appreciate it.

"Lieutenant." Dr. Gakor suddenly called over, and Heather moved over to her. Peter reluctantly followed.

The Ferengi, Peter recalled his name was Buratt, started complaining already. "I will go with these MEN, but will not rest until I have spoken to this Commander Casey who is in charge of this vessel."

Peter wondering why he said 'Men' rather than officers. However, Sanchez did look a bit masculine, and it was more than possible that he'd mistaken her for a man. Heather's face was glowering again, but Peter cut in quietly.

"You do look kind of masculine Lieutenant'."

Heather nearly spun around to strike Peter, but somehow stopped when she realised she had a duty to do. Dr. Gakor nodded and then looked at Peter. "See to it that Commander Casey is notified that the Damon wishes an audience with him at his earliest convenience."

Peter merely nodded his understanding before motioning to the exit, indicating that the Ferengi were to exit in that direction. Damon Buratt started grumbling quietly, but headed out of sickbay. Once the doors had closed, he started again with a passion.

"I insist that I speak to Commander Casey at the earliest possible moment. You heard the doctor, relay the message immediately." he started arguing. Lieutenant' Sanchez tried to control the situation.

"If you'll follow me to security, I'll notify the Commander from there." she said.

"I want him to be informed now!" the Ferengi squeaked. Sanchez sighed as Peter grinned widely.

Heather tapped her comm. badge. "Security to Commander Casey."

"Casey here, go ahead." came the reply over the comm. system.

"Commander, Damon Buratt wishes to speak to you about an urgent matter." Heather explained.

"I'm kind of busy at the moment, what is this about?" the commander replied curtly.

"The Damon says there is valuable cargo on board the Persell that must be salvaged before her engines overload." Heather relayed, as the Ferengi listen in the background. Peter couldn't recall any of this conversation in sickbay, but then again, he had been asleep for most of the time.

"Tell the Damon there are much more precious things in life than gold pressed latinum. Bridge out." Casey replied, closing the channel.

"You heard the Commander. Now if you'll come to security please sir!" Heather said, in a tone that brooked no arguments.

Still complaining loudly, Peter and Heather 'escorted' their guest to security.

"A Three Hour Tour..."
a joint post with the talents of Gailyn and Lt. Mike

Pailaka
starring : The Skipper and his Crew

"Hold fast...steady...steady...FIRE!!!!" Gailyn bellowed as the Gothos' cannons roared to life. The volley of black iron spheres they lobbed into the sky found their mark and splintered Tradesman's rigging like dry twigs.

"Look at them panic upon our approach men! They cower at the presence of Captain Trelane and his band-o-pirates on board the mighty Gothos! Prepare the grappling hooks, ready your blades and muskets. We are going to board her!" Trelane ordered while still standing strong and pointing his sword to direct the battle, like he were a great General of Napoleon's army.

"Excellent job lad!" the unstable 'Captain' gloated as he pounded Gailyn on his back "I told you those sea legs would come. Now hop to it, and see that you and Mr. Pailaka secure those lines tightly."

"Aye sir." Gailyn replied chipperly as he jogged off, scooping up the grappling lines on his way.

Mike had manned the wheelhouse, bringing the massive 500 ton Galleon around on a steady intercept course with the clipper. In theory, the clipper should have been able to outrun its larger pursuer, but Mike as making better use of the wind, making fine adjustments and ordering bonnets raised and lowered on the masts as needed. Soon, the Gothos was alongside the clipper, its cannons blazing. Mike wondered why Trelane hadn't ordered chain shot to take out the enemy's rigging. Perhaps for the same reasons he had overlooked the subtitles of navigation. Trelane painted in bold, board brush strokes, skipping over some of the smaller details that did not fit his model of 'fun'.

The time had come to board the clipper. Mike left the Gothos to steer itself and dashed down to join his crewmates on the main deck. He found himself next to Gailyn, who had been directing the cannoneers. "You certainly seem to be enjoying yourself." Mike said with a half smirk as he took one of the coiled ropes from the lithe bartender. "It just occurred to me.. Couldn't you just blink us all out of here, and put that lapuwale Trelane in the middle of a star somewhere?"

Gailyn raised an eyebrow "Who have you been talking to?" he asked bemusedly as he deftly tied a complicated sailor's knot.

Mike's smirk faded. "But I thought el auriens were supposed to be...."

"Omnipotent, overbearing and egotistical like the Q?" the el aurien returned with out malice "Even if it were true, exactly how would that benefit our situation right now? This Trelane has no idea what I am, and I certainly have no idea what he is. One thing I do know is that there are worse things than dying, and being marooned in a century where bathing is not a common practice ranks pretty high on my list."

"Good point." The big helmsman said with a laugh "Sorry about that, it's just seeing what he did to Murphy and Kirk..."

"Exactly." Gailyn replied, serious now "He's more random than 5 betazoid myst cats at the String Festival."

"NOW LADS!!!!" Trelane ordered.

Both men hoisted their lines and made expert casts. The grappling hooks found their marks, and Gailyn put his shoulders into it as he started pulling the ship in. While not as bulky as Mike, the taller el aurien was able to match the helmsman's strength as Trelane's prize drew nearer.

"What now?" Gailyn heard Sullax ask to no one in particular.

"Know how to fire one of these things?" the bartender asked Lt Pailaka out of the corner of his mouth.

"Hey, I played pirate when I was kid, and I've been in my fair share of reenactments. Besides, it's in the genes." the Pacifican native retorted. Mike glanced down at the pistol stuck in his belt. It occurred to him that Trelane had not bothered to add a powder horn, shot tin or pouch of wadding to their costume and equipment. Another oversight? Or perhaps their pistols did not need reloading? They would certainly find out soon enough.

Gailyn and Mike put their backs into it and before long, the two ships were side by side. On the clipper, the stalwart defenders prepared to repel the borders. A row of five musketeers lined up directly across from them.

"Everyone down!" Mike yelled. Heads sucked on instinct as a volley of 78 caliber lead balls splintered the wood on the deck and forecastle. Mike peered up over the side of the ship and saw the defenders busily tamping more powder into the barrels. "Now!" he shouted. He sprang to his feet and drew his cutlass and pistol and prepared to leap across. He glanced over at Gailyn. "Ready to do this?"

The tall alien grinned back "Beats the heck out of the alternative."

You Can't Buy Davy Jones Locker
by Damon Buratt, Enraged Ferengi
with additions by Captain Price

*** Holding Area ***

"What do you mean Commander Casey is not available hu-mon? I demand to speak with him at once! Every minute I spend aboard this decrepit Federation craft I am loosing profits! If the Persell's engines explode, the Nagus will personally send us to the Vaults of Eternal Destitution! My ship has been boarded by pirates. If you continue on this course of inaction and allow our cargo to be lost, I promise the Federation will pay dearly for not it...."

The veins on the Ferengi's lobes bulged, indicating high blood pressure and extreme agitation. It was obvious the Damon thought the Galaxy crew was in collusion with the mysterious force that attacked them, which added to his distress. Everyone knew the Ferengi had lots of trouble distinguishing between humanoid species, which seemed strange. Because telling people apart would lead to new avenues of profit. Besides that, Gorn were of Reptilian stock, larger than most, and green.

Seth Zoneitb flexed his large muscles, and for the first time the ranting Damon saw the stature of the gold suited security escort. Heather Sanchez, his silent companion did not receive this intense scrutiny, but it could have been because the Lt is fee-male.

Showing his carnivorous teeth, the Gorn replied, "I am not impressed by your threats, Ferengi! As the leader of your people, you have been assigned a guest suite. I suggest you do not tax your welcome by venturing out of it without escort. Commander Casey will see you when it becomes prudent."

Wisely, the Damon quieted down a bit. The mention of tax was apparently enough of a monetary threat to make the Ferengi cower.

*** Pirate ship Gothos ***

"We have finished clearing the hold of our prey, Captain!", Commander Kirk informed Trelane. It galled Kirk to have to cooperate with this self-proclaimed "Captain" Trelane. However, the rash man's display of his abilities to alter matter at a whim proved he could easily maim his crew mates or worse. Smiling inwardly, he thought pretending to cooperate would be a good way of studying the enemy...

"Bravo, I say!", Trelane congratulated, clapping his hands arrogantly, as if his human guinea pigs were easily dismissed. "For once you seem to be getting into the spirit of things. Check their larder for liquor and grub. I shall award you with a feast if your mates' continue behaving like civilized seamen!"

"Aye, Aye Sir! Lt Murphy, please see to the foodstuffs!"

*** 15 Minutes later ***

"Captain, we have removed all salvageable supplies from the Clipper ship!", Kirk reported. "Several prisoners have been retrieved from her decks."

Trelane regarded Kirk for a moment. He seemed to have adapted well to the game, and noticed how the man's security-honed muscles bulged under the small costume he allowed. Perhaps he was getting his so-called sea legs. Trelane looked absent mindedly into his pirate hat, as if he was reading the brim for new ideas to try. "I am disappointed in you, my boy," he finally said to Kirk. "Your interrogations have not learned the name of our prey!"

Kirk tried to move out of the way, but when Trelane was displeased, he made it abundantly clear. This was no exception. Trelane wanted his crew to learn the name of the Clipper ship they were plundering, and they failed in this minor task. Trelane walked back and forth along the deck, contemplating the proper punishment.

With only a thought, a plank sprang out from the side of the Gothos. Anxiously, the sailors looked down to see sharks circling under the ship. Both the plank and sharks vanished once Trelane decided this punishment too extreme.

Commander Kirk was soon plummeted by a storm of gold doubloons, which struck just hard enough to make the human wince. The coins bounced off in all directions, scattering on the deck. For some reason, after rolling off Kirk's hide, each gold piece had a smirking portrait of Trelane on both sides. The pelting went on until all the chests they looted were empty.

By this time Kirk was sagging from where Trelane forced his comrades to tie him up to a post. Individually, the impacts were small. But he had been forced to endure thousands of them. Mercifully, Trelane was amused at this latest joke, allowing him to be untied and have a rest interval. There were many menial tasks on the Gothos fit for this new Kirk whelp, once he learned his lesson and had adequate inspiration. At once, he told that Murphy wench to clean up the gold spill, getting a kick out of her giggling skimpy outfit.

Trelane looked over the rail and pointed at the other ships anchor chain, willing it to approach. During the looting, the raiders had dropped the anchor to the bottom of the sea to insure the prize didn't wiggle away. Custom had the name of the ship engraved on the main anchor. But this was too coated with barnacles, seaweed, and brine to read the desire information. Loosing interest, the massive anchor and several hundred feet of chain fell to the deck. Something that size would ordinarily broken the floor boards, but it rested there calmly like just another reminder of Trelane's abilities.

Striding like a true Galleon Captain, Trelane hopped over to the cannon area, where the indentured members of the Galaxy crew rolled out barrels of powder and cannon balls. For the moment, the Captain was pleased. His crew was following orders for a change and did not require chastisement.

Soon, the crew aimed the cannon at the now defense less Clipper ship with the unknown name. Several of the pirates had been on a detail to ready the cannons should Trelane decide to fire them. He did. BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOM!, spoke the Gothos's cannon. In a large, flashy explosion, a titanic sized hole ripped the hull of the wooden Clipper. Fragments of wood showered the Gothos, several planks impacting the deck, spelling TRELANE in block letters.

The Shanghai'd Galaxy crew, including cabin boy Price who came up on deck for supplies, were both marvelled and appalled how casually Trelane used his seemingly omni-potent powers. The sailors captured from that ship were forced to watch as their former command was destroyed piece by piece. Yet they remained silent, not betraying the name of their vessel. A few were even forced to load cannon balls and gunpowder, participating in the attack itself.

Within moments, the Clipper (minus the cargo that had been ransacked) sank to the bottom of the sea.

Deciding he had had enough sport for one day, Trelane went ahead to order a feast prepared from the spoils. In the mood to celebrate the leniency Trelane now decreed, the Galaxy people used the social occasion to talk and plan.

*** Meanwhile, on the Galaxy ***

-/\-Gakor to Commander Casey-/\-

-/\-Report-/\-, the human said gruffly. Endris knew this meant he was busy.

-/\-5 Ferengi crew are unaccounted for from the Persell. They must be trapped over there in irradiated areas our sensors can't penetrate.-/\-

-/\-Very well. You and Lt Devinshire have volunteered to mount a rescue team. Take Lt Angela Dana from engineering in case there are mechanical difficulties. And wear pattern enhancer bands. Take some with you in case you find the missing Ferengi-/\-

13 minutes later, the away team beamed over and found the first of the missing crew trapped in a radioactive gas pocket.

The team heard a noise, which lead to investigate a tunnel near engineering. The core was definitely hot, for the bulkheads were glowing red like they were being heated for meltdown. 2 more Ferengi were located and beamed to safety.

Endris and companions began to search for the last pair of Ferengi, when the ship lurched badly to port... The metal bulkheads were now white, and were so hot they became thin enough to be transparent....

Calling for emergency retrieval, they could not get a signal to the Galaxy. Had the engine core exploded? That was certainly one possible explanation.

If so, why did she still seem to be on the Persell? Maybe she was caught in some sort of temporal causality loop, minutes before she was to die. These things got confusing at times.

Without a snack, the glum Tellarite sat on the deck to wait for something new to happen...

-----
Dr. Andree Dothan (Lt. J.G.)
Medicla Dept. USS Galaxy
-----

It seemed that since the promotion ceremony, all Hell had broken loose, and now sickbay was preparing to recieve casualties from a Ferengi ship, disabled by an unknown force, while a Spanish Galleon, flying a Jolly Roger hung in the middle of nowhere. *This whole thing stinks like one of my father's jokes* Andree mused to himself

checking in on Michala, Andree decided she should be moved to a standard Biobed, to free up the surgery suite for incoming ferengi who were severely injured

Fortunately, the USS Galaxy herself was not involved in the battle, of at least not yet, and all of the casualties were Ferengi. One ferengi was particularly stubborn about going back to retrive his belongings. Andree had had about enough at this point, and rather sharply hollered at him "I am NOT sending you back, and if you won't sit still and cooperate, you will never recover your losses!"

Pondering that a moment, the Ferengi then submitted to Andree's scanning with nary another word.

After sterilizing his wounds, andree moved on to the next patient, who was complaining loudly in the same manner. *gods, at least these Pe'Taq Ferengi are predictable* Andree made a mental note. Noting a broken leg, he injected him with a dose of painkiller/sedative, to send him off to dreamland untill someone was ready to treat him

by Lt Jg. Seth Zonhieb, Gorn Security Guard
Exert from "You Can't Buy Davy Jones' Locker"
(thanks Daniel)

Seth had started his shift by meeting the galaxies latest guests in sickbay. He was to make sure the Ferengi didn't get into any trouble. The tiny humanoid with large ears was flapping its mouth complaining. The gorn wondered if Buratt thought those pathetic teeth would intimidate anyone.

Seth Zonhieb flexed his large muscles, and for the first time the ranting Damon saw the stature of the gold suited security escort. Heather Sanchez, his silent companion did not receive this intense scrutiny, but it could have been because the Lt is fee-male.

Showing his carnivorous teeth, the Gorn replied, "I am not impressed by your threats, Ferengi! As the leader of your people, you have been assigned a guest suite. I suggest you do not tax your welcome by venturing out of it without escort. Commander Casey will see you when it becomes prudent."

Wisely, the Damon quieted down a bit. The mention of tax was apparently enough of a monetary threat to make the Ferengi cower.

Minutes later the Doctor dismissed Buratt and what was left of his crew. Sanchez lead the troop to guest quarters. The Ferengi complained the whole way of how revol

ting the female was and what nerve she had wearing clothing. Seth followed up the rear and herded the group into the small room.

"I'd give you special rate at my warehouse." The last Ferengi was trying to cut a deal with the gorn. "Twenty percent off. If you get Casey to see us."

The gorn ignored the little man but Sanchez interrupted. "In case you didn't notice. Seth here doesn't have the lobes for business." The Ferengi looke at the lizards nonexistent ear flaps. The two security guards made their way out the door. "Unless you want him to rip yours off?"

The room was silent and all smiles drained as the door shut.

"Tall officers and tall tales"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Gothos ***

Under the barrage of cannon fire from the Gothos, the stream-lined clipper ship splintered in two. Quickly up ending, it's halves quickly made a rapid descent to the bottom of the sea.

"Splendid shooting my fine crew. Absolutely splendid!" Trelane praised. "This calls for a celebration. Break out the liquor and feast on the fresh baked bread and cheeses captured from our prey."

The Pirate Captain emphasized the word "Lick-Cour" giving it a royal accent. Taking one of the bottles confiscated from the clipper ship, Trelane sliced the cork off using his saber and took a generous swallow of the golden beverage before tossing the bottle across the deck to the rest of the crew with a jovial Pirate's laugh.

Stepping over to where Lieutenant Mikala Pailaka was standing and enjoying some bread, Trelane inquired, "How is the fare?, Worth the trouble of the taking?"

Mikala tasted the bread, being famished from the skirmish and swordplay manning the Gothos had required. The Helmsman come Pirate was surprised at the way the bread melted in his mouth. It tasted extremely wonderful.

"It's quite good." Lieutenant Pailaka admitted.

Trelane smiled pridefully. "Smashing! I have been working on getting things right. And the liquor?, Have you tried the liquor?"

Mikala took the jug and swung it up to his lips, taking several swallows to wet his whistle. When he was done, he smiled with a grin as he declared with a satisfied "Ahhhhh. . ."

"You see? I have been practicing. Come now, everyone eat, drink and be merry. Nightfall comes and it is time for tale telling of daring deeds and acts of extraordinary courage." Trelane declared.

Glancing around, it was noticed for the first time that the sun had began to set on the horizon. The rays of the sinking star cast a bronze and orange glow on the sky and seas as nightfall began to darken the skies over head.

***

*** USS Galaxy ***

The Galaxy lurched and listed to one side from the backlash of the exploding Ferengi merchant vessel, Percell.

"Just tell me that we got everyone off that ship 'Commander!" Deiran practically cursed while gripping the armrests of the command chair.

Hermedhie quickly responded, "Yes sir, all of the Ferengi and our officers beamed back before the Percell's warp core overloaded."

Deiran leaned back in his chair and relaxed a little. "That is the first good piece of news I've had all day." Turning, the First Officer inquired of the Gothos. "What about our 18th century relic out there? Did she sustain any damage from the blast?"

"Negative sir. She seems to be totally unaffected." Raesene replied, adding, "Which doesn't make a whole lot of sense for a ship made out of wood."

"It makes as much sense as anything else we have about that ship so far. None of it makes much sense." Deiran commented.

***

"What was that?" one of the Ferengi refugees asked his Damon.

Buratt's face soured as he slapped his subordinate across the right ear lobe. "That was the Grand Nagus' latinum exploding you idiot!"

The some what dim witted Ferengi lowered his head in pain, quietly declaring "Oh. . ." after the initial scream.

"I must speak to this ship's Commander. His incompetence has caused the loss of our cargo. The Federation will be held responsible for the lack of action taken to rescue the profits from our ship." Buratt scolded in a fuming tone. He wasn't going to be blamed for this loss. It was the Federation's fault after all. When he came on board, he requested that the Captain salvage the latinum, but instead Commander Deiran Casey had chosen to rescue the Ferengi crew members that were on board the Percell. Hu-mons had no concept of value when it came to such matters.

Activating the door to their guest quarters, Damon Buratt managed to get it to slide open. Lieutenant' Seth Zonhieb was standing by outside. The Gorn officer stood there with his tree-stump legs and massive arms crossed stubbornly.

"Yessssssss?" he hissed through his pointed, dinosaur-like teeth.

Damon Buratt was taken back a little, though he was getting used to the slow moving Gorn officer. "I must speak to Commander Casey, and I must do so now!" he insisted in a stubborn tone.

"The Commander hasss been made aware of your requesssst." Seth hissed back, not budging an inch.

"THAT ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH!" Buratt raised his voice. It was obvious he was over matched. Ferengi are not known for being warriors, and certainly not for taking on the Gorn; but the Damon had other concerns with his latinum cargo that had now been lost. He was used to giving orders and generally being a push little businessman. He wasn't going to let a Starfleet officer stand in his way. Even if it was a Green skinned Gorn with arms that were larger than the trunk of his entire body. "I WILL SEE YOUR COMMANDER NOW!"

Buratt went to move past the ominous Gorn, forcing Seth to unravel his crossed arms and move as quickly as he could to catch the Damon by the shirt collar. Using hardly any of his impressive strength, Lieutenant' Zonhieb lifted Damon Buratt off his feet, and held him a foot off the ground.

Buratt was infuriated. His feet were kicking, and running as his arms flailed around, but he was unable to do anything to break free of the Gorn's extended arm. "PUT ME DOWN! THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! I will have you excommunicated from the Federation for attacking a Ferengi officer in this manner! You have no right to detain me! I DEMAND TO SPEAK TO YOUR COMMANDER!" Buratt argued, *loudly*.

With a slight Gorn yawn, Seth continued to hold Damon Buratt at arm's length; like a pair of smelly old shoes; while he reached for his communicator with his free hand and tapped it.

"Security to Commander Kay-Seessse." Seth hailed.

["Casey here, what is it Mister Zonhieb?"]

"I have a Damon here that wishes to speak with you. He seems very insistent Sir." Seth explained.

After a pause, Deiran replied, ["Tell the Damon I will see him as soon as my duties permit it."]

Seth was about to respond, but Damon Buratt beat him to it.

"I hold you and the Federation responsible for the loss of the Percell and the Nagus' latinum Commander. You will take me and my crew to the nearest Starbase where formal charges of negligence and disregard for profits may be filed. It is your duty hu-mon!"

Lieutenant' Zonhieb was annoyed that the little Ferengi would dare to cut him off and address his Commanding officer in such a way. He entertained the thought of shaking the twerp a bit to punish him, but given the situation, and the number of Ferengi witnesses that were watching the exchange, Seth though better of it and decided to let Commander Casey handle the little man.

***

*** Gothos ***

The sky quickly darkened, illuminated by a full moon and the brilliant stars. The crews had settled on deck, and were enjoying the food and drink Trelane had offered. They sat around in leisurely fashion and exchanged stories of past battles fought and won. None of the Galaxy crew had stories to tell of the high seas, except for a few holo-novel tales, but Trelane and the newly joined members from the Clipper ship didn't seem to mind hearing of tales from the USS Galaxy. They seemed to think it was all the same.

While the Pirate Captain Trelane was entertained with the stories being spun around the lantern fire, Gailyn managed to slip over to where the Captain was quietly standing near the cabin and watching Trelane.

"Quite a strange man wouldn't you say Captain?" Gailyn commented.

Captain Price was standing and leaning on his mop handle for support. "Better call me Lee 'mate. Wouldn't want to anger our host Captain there."

Gailyn gave a nod. "Lee then. I get a strange feeling about him sir. I can't say that I've ever encountered anyone like him before."

Captain Price looked at Gailyn for a moment, briefly taking his eyes off of Trelane. "How do you mean 'mate?"

"Well, he appears to be a grown man. And we have seen him demonstrate powers that are, well, in line with Q from the Continuum. But I get this feeling from him that he's not what he seems to be." Gailyn explained.

"He seems to be a fool if you ask me. He's totally irresponsible. He's reckless. He's easily angered and often petty. And he has the most awkward sense of humor." Lee pointed out.

"That's it, awkward. That is the best way I can describe him Cap,. . . Lee." Gailyn caught himself. "He seems quite awkward with himself, his powers and how he treats others. Almost like. . ."

Lee finished the thought, ". . . like a child?"

"Exactly sir. An adolescent to be more exact."

"Crickey, an adolescent with powers like a Q. Doesn't that sound like every parent's worse nightmare?" Lee winced.

While the two men were talking, Lieutenant Commander Evin Genestra stepped over and joined the conversation.

"He does seem to be behaving like an over enthusiastic boy." The Scientist pointed out.

Lee gave Genestra a friendly nod. "How do you read 'im 'mate? Do you detect anything?"

Evin had to shake his head, "Sorry sir. My Betazoid abilities read nothing from him at all. It's like he's not there. Either I'm unable to detect him and his kind, or he's somehow preventing me from doing so."

"Possibly the same way he can block communications, or create this. . . simulation, at his whim."

While a few of the Galaxy's crew members slipped away to have a covert word with Captain Price, Trelane was enjoying the stories being told. Finally, his witty comments and patronizing laughs were not enough. Trelane wanted to take center stage.

"Now it's my turn to tell a tale of heroics and bravery. This is a new tale of the swashbuckling deeds of the fearless crew of the Gothos. The most mighty pirate ship to ever sail the seven seas. And it is a tale of her charismatic, and brilliant, and dashing, and brave young Captain, Trelane the unbeatable!" the Pirate Captain declared with much vigor as he drew his sword and thrust it upward towards the full moon in a show of sportsmanship. . . just for good measure.

"It was an otherwise normal day. The sea was rough, but not too rough mind you. Captain Trelane and his crew of merry men were trolling the Caribbean sea, looking for a ripe ship to plunder and claim as their prize. When, on the horizon, a huge Clipper, filled with Spanish gold was seen. Naturally it was being escorted by six, no,. . . make that seven escort vessels, for she was heavily ladened with precious cargo bound for Spain."

"Captain Trelane spotted the clipper through his telescope. The crew were scared to take on such a heavily guarded target, but the Pirate Captain of the Gothos knew they would be victorious! The order was given and the crew, awe-inspired by such brilliant leadership as that of Trelane the great, readily agreed to follow his orders."

"The battle was fierce and fast. By the time the Gothos had reached within weapons range of her prey, the escort ships had all been damaged or sunk. And the might Gothos had not suffered as much as a single scratch thanks to the naval brilliance of Trelane's commands."

"The Gothos closed for the kill, attacking the Clipper ship which was three times the size of the Gothos and carried twice her compliment of cannon! But the fearless Captain Trelane was unconcerned by such an overmatched opponent. When there is something Trelane the Pirate wants, he goes out and gets it!"

Captain Price couldn't help but chuckle at the tale Trelane was weaving for the crew. Could he possibly exaggerate his deeds any more to make them totally unbelievable? Or was that the whole point? None of what he was speaking of was anywhere near what actually happened. His story was simply the tale of a little boy, bragging to a group of friends to boost his enormous ego.

Trelane stopped telling his enthusiastic tale and stood upright. He was once again wearing his red velvet jacket, trimmed with frilly white cuffs and shirt collar. "You seem amused with my tale Price?"

Lee shook his head. "Tall tale is more appropriate Trelane. None of what you are talking about actually happened. You are making it all up."

"How now! How can you say that? It did happen I say. You were all there!, you saw it with your own eyes!. Granted I may be coloring the tale a tad bit, but that is simply to improve the tell." Trelane returned.

"Bullshit." Captain Price replied flatly. "It's all bullshit. You are not a great Pirate Captain. You didn't give any brilliant orders. The crew didn't follow you into battle because of your prowess as a naval Captain. They were forced to play along with your ridiculous charade for fear of your powers."

Trelane seemed sincerely wounded by the Captain's sharp words and direct criticism. "How could you say that? And in such tone! I do believe you owe me an apology Price. In fact, I insist on one right away."

"Very well, Captain Trelane. Commander of the Gothos. Conqueror of the seven seas. I apologize." Lee giggled. "Honestly I do."

Price started laughing out loud, unable to control himself. It seemed a tad bit forced, but the insult definitely wasn't lost on Trelane.

The Pirate Captain closed his hands into tight fists. "Stop that! Stop that I say! You are not sincere. You mock me! YOU ARE MOCKING ME!"

Lee struggled to stop himself from laughing. By now the rest of the crew had started smiling and a few were suppressing giggles of their own. Many of them had been drinking a while, which didn't help matters.

"No, really. I am quite sincere!" Lee stated and ended up laughing again.

"I will not stand for this! Stop it right now!" Trelane demanded while walking over to address Captain Price mono a mono.

Lee tried to knock it off, and be serious. (Granted, not too hard). Finally he stood and faced Trelane. A smile was still on his face.

"I suppose you think it is so easy being the Captain of the Gothos?" Trelane scolded. How could this human understand how much work it was to create the ship, the setting, the adversaries. The nuances of manipulating time, matter and energy to create the Gothos and 18th century Earth. The constant monitoring and blocking of the Galaxy and it's instrumentation to avoid unwanted interruptions.

"I certainly couldn't do any worse 'mate. And when I was through, I wouldn't have to lie about the deeds I'd done to impress others." Lee stated.

"Not lie. I don't lie Price. That was story telling. It's supposed to be that way." Trelane tried to explain.

"Whatever you say 'mate. You are the Captain after all." Lee replied and then smiled again, biting his lip to avoid laughing in Trelane's face.

"THAT DOES IT!" Trelane fumed. "If you think it is so easy Captain Price, then I will let you try taking charge of the Gothos." With that Trelane handed Captain Price his telescope.

Upon accepting the brass looking glass, Captain Price's cabin boy uniform transformed with a flash to his Starfleet Uniform. The rest of the crew remained in their 18th century garb.

"You think it's so easy being a Pirate Captain. I believe it is you that have a lot to learn about the high seas." Trelane stated, and then with a snap of his fingers he disappeared with a flash.

Suspend Disbelief

Lt. Jake T. Olson
USS Galaxy
bridge

"We take stock on what we -do- know, we got crew people on that ship, and it's out shooting at us." Jake said. "We have to keep those 'cannon balls' from hitting us, how I don't know."

Jake continued to scan, answering questions, and putting forth ideas.

"That wooden thing could be a hologram of some sort for all I know, a warship of some kind of our ilk, with whatever hidden in those 'cannon balls'."

"Night is Here"
By: Pirate Sullax
Pirate Ship Gothos

Ryak sat on the deck far from Trelane and the rest of the Galaxy crew. Ryak was not at all impressed with what they had done. Even the Romulan Empire only attacked those in its space. This was just uncivilized. Ryak watched as the sky darkened. As it did Ryak made his way around the ship and through his journey he picked up a few things. On the deck Ryak lit a lantern and on a large piece of cloth he began to plot the stars in the sky with a feather and some ink.

Ryak was completely into his charting. This was very fascinating. Ryak was becoming more and more familiar with the organization of the stars yet he couldn't put his finger on it.

As the ship moved through the waves Ryak could here the conversation the crew was having with Trelane get louder. Ryak looked up as he could here Price's laughter. Shortly after Ryak watched as Trelane vanished leaving Price in his starfleet uniform. Ryak was a bit confused but only for a second. Now he knew for sure that they would be in need of a good star chart.

Ryak began to feel very tired. His eyes where getting fatigued and his lantern was getting low on fuel. Before the lantern died Ryak put together a rudimentary compass and labeled the map. Ryak had only a short amount of time left to get the map done. Possibly 3 minutes so he looked back down at his cloth and began to place more stars on the chart. As Ryak did this he began to do his best at classifying each star so that he'd remember them as darkness fell again.

Ryak was 3/4 of the way done when the lantern died. The ship was only lit by the light of the moon. Ryak being the perfectionist that he was did not want to mess anything up so he moved the map to one side to dry. Ryak rolled over onto his back and looked up at the sky to try and figure out where his was.

In the distance Ryak could see Price talking to the crew. Ryak knew that if he was needed the Captain would let him know.

"The Talk"
By Lt.Jg Navarre Shinta, Counselor
and
Lt.Jg Bruce MaxWell
Helmsman

Shinta had been crying most of the day. It was so unfair of her boss. Not that she was really counselling Bruce anymore, he didn't need it. But these counseling sessions were such a good way to see him. To talk to him without pressure on. A chance to find out if she would really take the chance of a relationship again. And now that had to stop, and she hated Karyn for that. Knew she was right of course deep down, but still.

So she finally send a little note to Maxwell.

From counselor Navarre,

I am sorry but I can't see you professionally anymore. I don't think you need another counselor at this stage, so consider yourself healed. Congratulations,

Counselor Navarre.

She couldn't say more, she just couldn't.

******MaxWell Quarters******

Bruce sat at his desk and looked at the display and say shinta's letter. Bruce sat back and couldn't understand what was being said. He could only think something was wrong. Did he do something wrong. He quickly jumped up and grabbed his duty jacket and went out the door and headed to Shinta's Quarters.

He reached her quarters and let the door chime. He stood there waiting to see what he had done.

SHinta opened the door and almost at once tears filled her eyes. "Ehm, Bruce, I thought I explained..." then her voice just simply caught and she was embarressed as hell. Assassins don't cry.

"Shinta what is going on? I dont think you would be crying if you thought I was healed. You need to tell me what the hell is going on so I can try and fix it." Bruce pleaded as he reached to hug her

Her first reaction was to jerk back but then she let him embrace her. "Karyn my boss, she won't let me treat you anymore. And don't worry you are healed. But I liked our talks, there was no stress behind it. I am so scared of officers, of the chance that you could let me down, after Jake. I liked our talks and now she has made them impossible. I feel so lousy, I don't want to lose you, but I am scared." Tears flew now.

"Shinta you will never lose me. I am here for the long run Lass. If you want you can always be my personal counselor,My Love. Do not be scared I know you dont like to depend on others especially officers but shinta please I am here for you." Bruce said trying to calm down his Love.

She clung to him wanting to believe him, wanting to let him in, but she was so scared to do it. So scared to be hurt again. Now she just didn't know what to say.

Bruce basically lead Shinta over to her couch and sat her down. He wrapped his arms around her and just held her. He didnt know what to say or do. "Shinta, I feel powerless to help you. But you need to realize that no matter what you think and dont trust I am around for awhile and This I swear on The MAxWell name IB am not leaving you." Bruce said running his hand thru her hair.

She smiled and curled up close to him, feeling strangely safe there. " I think I am falling for you." She said softly.

"I somewhat know the feeling, Shinta because I have fallen for you. I know I shouldnt say this but oi need you too know." Bruce stated softly.

She laughed through her tears. "And you don't have a wife hidden away somewhere?" She said only half joking.

"No Lass I have never been married before and thought about it un....." Bruce said then stopped.

She smiled. "Gavin likes you, or should I say he likes William." She chuckled and held him closer. "What are we to do? You and I?"

"Be together and not worry what others say and be hapy together and live life. But it is al up to you my Love." Bruce said looking into her eyes.

She gulped, still not sure. 'I think... I think I want to give it a try. But let's take it slow. It's hard fro me to completely trust an officer."

"Anything you want Lass....If it means anything I used to be NCO........" Bruce said as he kisses her.

She held him. "You did? You mean you came up from the ranks too? THen you know how hard it is, oh Bruce." She hugged him again.

"Its a Bitch Lass becoming what one hated the most. But its the only one to make nowadays in the danged starfleet military." Bruce said with a smile as he he held her close.

"I never thought I would make Lieutenant and so soon." She whispered. "Now we can do it together, learn to become officers. I love you, Bruce."

"Shinta, I Love you. You have made me the happiest Scotsman in the galaxy. Bruce jumped up and swung Shinta around in his arms. "So then its settled and we will face anything together now and Fight side by side my love." Bruce said with a smile and a renewed fire in his eyes.

She just hugged him. Hugged him hard."Yes." She said softly.

"Something wrong. Talk to me, you could talk to me." Bruce said worried.

Now Shinta smiled and shook her head. "Nothing is wrong, love." She said. "I haven't been this happy in a long, long time."

A Matter of Profit
by Damon Bruatt, Ferengi Leader
with Lt (jg) Seth Zonhieb, Security
and NPC Lt Heather Sanchez, Security
minor appearances by others to move things along.

*** Ferengi Guest Suite ***

Seeing Ferengi witnesses kept the large Gorn from shaking some sense into the irate Damon. But he took a different cue when Heather mentioned the possibility of ripping off his ears. The Gorn ran one of his sharp claws along the Damon's lobe. The tooth-like cuticle punctured the ear's membrane, and the rest of the Ferengi took a step back when they saw blood. Seth felt his hunter/warrior instincts take over and had to fight to resist the temptation to rend this carcass into suitable food. He did catch it attempting to escape the hunt, after all! Not a very good hunt but a small run.

So even though eating the troll would be a minor snack, munching a raw Ferengi would satisfy his nutritional requirements for a few days. Even the gorn teeth seemed to elongate in anticipation...

"Now, Now" Heather began, "we can't go harming our guests." Damon Bruatt cringed at the female's approach. But they were using an old hu-mon stragetity. Good cop, bad cop. Heather waved a device at the injured lobe. It proved to be a dermal regenerator, which fixed the cut. A common tool security officers cross-trained to use at the rank of Lieutenant or above. "Please restrain yourself, Lieutenant", the woman rebuked (fortunately, the Ferengi did not notice her lack of sincerity in the reprimand).

Now that the Ferengi did not have to deal with a bleeding ear, he at least seemed willing to listen. "I have a bargain for you", Sanchez began with a smile.

Buratt was not used to seeing females as business associates. But he had learned enough in his travels to accommodate the needs of other races in the quest for profits. "I am listening", he simply stated. He sat down at a table and pointed his ears towards the speaker.

"Suppose you were opening negotiations with a merchant race on the Persell. What precautions would you take to make sure they did not acquire things you did not wish them too?"

"Silly hu-mon. The Rules of Acquisition cover all business contingentcies, including dealing with the excentricities of other races." Heather gave a "I-should-have-known" glance at the Gorn, who noticed the prompt and decided to be heard. The security officers had actually anticipated him sighting the Rules. Damon Buratt was being quite predictable so far.

"You would detain them to prevent them from exploring the ship and possibly discovering secrets, Correct?" The Gorn stared down intently to rattle the Ferengis cage more.

Gulping at the brute, the Damon reluctantly conceded the point.

"And we of the Federation have the Prime Directive. The Ferengi don't match us in all areas of technology, so it is in our interest to protect our intellectual property."

"Your chief rule does not apply to us! Ferengi have a warp-capable culture.", the Damon objected with some degree of truth.

"We Protect our diversity." the Gorn officer countered.

*** The Interruption ***

Doctor Endris Gakor was not anxious to give her report to Damon Buratt. After all, being slighted for her sex and called a Pig-woman, she did not want to hear any more derogatory remarks. But she had been on the Persell just before its explosion, and had found all but 2 of the ship's crew.

"Damon Buratt, I regret to inform you two of the Persell's crew did not make it."

The dull witted Ferengi who did not figure out the meaning of the explosion came forward.

"Damon, who did not survive?"

The Ferengi leader bonked him on the head once again. "That is not as important as our lost profits you lunk head! Look around and see who isn't here!" The Damon began to see that he did not want the rest of his crew to know everything they told him. The way this 'Doctor' calmly disseminated facts drove the point home without needing another costly demonstration. The Ferengi thought a while about how to extract himself from this mess, then his eyes went wide as he saw a way to strike a deal with his hosts.

*** The Bargain ***

"Miss Sanchez, I have a proposition for you. Please arrange to move the rest of my crew to another area, so I may meet with Commander Casey privately. I will wait here quietly if an audience is granted within an hour. Since it is Federation policy not to have me roaming the Galaxy, the acting Captain will have to come to me! An hour is more than generous and should give the Commander plenty of time to arrange his schedule. Considering our ship exploded with its valuable cargo, I am being more than patient with him."

"Moving the others sounds feasible. Let me check with our chief security officer and see where (and when) your crew can be moved. As for Commander Casey, I will relay your request, stressing the fact that diplomatic tentions could rise if this meeting is not held swiftly.", she said moving to the intercom.

"Very shrewd fee-male. We have an aggreement then.", the Damon stated. Soon, the Ferengi were marched back to Cargo Bay 2, now cleared of medical supplies. Since this made it empty, it was perfect for temporary housing.

Complying with his agreement, the Damon sat in the reclining chair, resting until Casey appeared for their meeting.