"Bearings."
by Lt. Commander Evin Genestra

The disappearance of Trelane and restoration of Lee Price to the rank of captain meant things were beginning to appear relatively normal. As normal as any group of twenty-fourth century Starfleet officer could on a wooden galleon some several centuries before their time. Murphy and Kirk were pleased: no more body parts erased from their person or intense gravitational distortions to twist their humanoid forms.

There was a distinct feeling of uneasiness. Evin felt and experienced equally as the other members of the away team. What did the entity mean by his final remarks to the Captain? Considering his past transgressions it was likely that he meant to cause problems, as was typical from an overextended ego such as the one possessed by the entity Trelane.

Captain Price ascended to the upper deck where Trelane had fashioned himself both a great tactician and leader. The Australian leaned against the oak railing and looked out on to the warm waters of the Caribbean. The smell, sun, and sounds reminded him somewhat of his own home continent: an oversized island surrounded on all sides by various seas and oceans. Even for a brief moment it reminded him of several of the beaches around Sydney, a home he had not been back to in several years, at least not since taking command of the U.S.S. Galaxy.

Genestra scratched his head as Gailyn looked through the scientist's calculations from the sextant. Whilst the El-Aurian did not dispute his mathematical abilities he did have experience translating the readings from the navigational aides of day to a cartographic position.

The lieutenant commander tried several more times take readings, as his grandfather had once shown him, with the brass aide.

"You were out by a few seconds, but the latitude and longitude look right." the significantly older man said as he handed back the sheet with the mathematical workings. Pointing to a specific reference on the map he added, "We appear to be there."

The empath nodded. Leaning on a barrel he made a few additions with the leaky, gold-embossed stylus he found on the rosewood desk in Trelane's cabin. As he worked the Romulan chief science officer, having been searching through some of the log books from the Gothos, and checked up on his colleague.

"Looks as though we have a position at least." Genestra said, looking up from pile of papers assembled on top of the oak rum barrel.

"Very good." Lieutenant Commander Sullax remarked. Looking at the series of equations the Romulan nodded and left the Human-Betazoid scientist to continue his work.

Evin shook his head as he returned his attention back to the pile of papers which had begun to emulate the stack of PADDs he left on the Galaxy. Even in this unique situation his departmental commander still chose to take a removed, almost stoic, approach to interaction. In some ways it puzzled Genestra.

The thirty-year old looked up at the Captain as he stood by himself on the upper deck with his hand behind his back. In the last hour or so, since Trelane disappeared, Price seemed to stand there, introspectively. It was as though he was just waiting for the childlike being to strike back with the fury of his vengeance. After all, his mocking repartee had been both bold and scathing to Trelane's ego.

As 'Commander Genestra approached the empath felt some distance between himself and the command officer. Still plagued by a headache it was outwardly obvious that the Captain was deep in thought, possibly still thinking about Trelane's departing words. "A penny for you thoughts, sir?" Evin said as the wooden floor boarding creaked as he took several strides to where Price was standing.

"I'm sure we could probably find one laying around this museum piece, 'mate." Lee replied, turning his attention from the open sea to one of the two scientists on the away team. "Have you been able to calculate a position."

"I believe so. According to the map we found in Trelane's quarters, and assuming this is indeed a facsimile of the Caribbean Sea on Earth, we appear to be seventeen kilometers south by southwest of Jamaica. The map indicates that there are two settlements on the island, Port Royale and Santiago del la Vega."

"All that from a sextant?" Price remarked, noticing the half-Betazoid scientist still clutching the brassy navigational instrument as it glistened in the sunlight.

"Oh. This." Evin replied as he looked down at the artefact. It was amazing how much it resembled one his grandfather kept on the mantle at his home in Sudbury: a family piece which had been passed down for twenty three generations. Genestra smiled as he looked back, adding, "Not as accurate as a tricorder but it seems to do the trick."

The lieutenant commander handed it over to his the starship commander who visually inspected it. Turning it around to read the small embossed label at the base, he ran his fingers over the name of the Fleet Street manufacturer. "We've come a long way from sextants and astrolabes, 'mate." he said a little nostalgically.

The empath nodded. "Indeed, we certainly have." he said, receiving the navigational instrument back from the Human.

"And now for work"

Lt Tim O'Connell
Security officer

In the office, Tim knew he'd have to relieve the guard on the Ferengi soon or Lt(jg) Zonheib, would end up eating that Daimon as a snack treat. But who did he have free, Kirk was missing, Matthew was acting as XO, I suppose the smart thing to do is send Anna Gartner and Astrid Salt to take the post otherwise he'd be filing reports in triplicate as to a guest of the federation being eaten.

That caused a small chuckle to escape as Tim imagined that discussion with Casey and Albrecht if Seth ate the Ferengi, but then he knew Seth wouldn't because he was an officer and that wouldn't happen.

Now he had to think about getting home. Brooke would want him to take over for taking care of Liam, she had spent the day with their son and now it was his turn.

Standing up he picked up 3 padds and checked in his phaser. Then he left the office, being relieved by Lexana Ral, who had a more concerned look on her face since James left. As he did every time he saw her he extended the same invitation to her for dinner and a nice evening. Which was politely refused with half a smile, not quite the full Lex, but it was starting.

With that he left the office.

==O'Connell family quarters==

Walking in to the family quarters he smiled and walked to his son, who was blowing bubbles and cooing. "hey tiger." He scooped him up and carried him in to the room where Brooke was sleeping, "Hey beautiful, why don't you get a bath, I'll take care of Liam."

"High Seas Flashback"
By Lieutenant Mikala Pailaka
With excerpts from "Tall Officers and Tall Tales"

***Gothos***

The battle to capture the clipper had been fierce and short. The enemy mariners and soldiers knew how to use their weapons, but they had already been shaken by the ship to ship bombardment and seemed to be cowed by the knowledge that they were up against the "great" pirate captain Trelane.

Mike made it through the battle with nary a scratch. His physical stature alone was enough to make two of his opponents throw aside their blades in fear. Three others had to be dealt with in a more traditional manner. Fighting hand to hand on a sailing ship stirred up bad memories for Mike, memories he fought to suppress. He kept reminding himself that the world around him was some sort of elaborate simulation, created by a dangerous, childlike creature. The sailor he put to the sword, the soldier who caught the shot from his pistol in the chest... They couldn't possibly be alive, not in any way that made sense. There were simply too many inconsistencies in the world around him, little details that had been glossed over by their creator. And the more frenetic and complex the interactions became, the more mistakes seemed to crop up. It was reassuring in a way, to know that Trelane was not completely omnipotent, that it must have been taking an effort for him to create the reality around them. Was that why he commanded the battle from the upper deck of the Gothos, instead of getting involved in the boarding action? Perhaps it would have broken his concentration? Mike filed the thoughts away for a time when they could be put to better use.

With the clipper captured, Mike set about helping with the transfer of the booty to the holds of the Gothos. Trelane shot open one of the chests and forced Ensign Murphy to open it, revealing the sparkling gold coins within. Trelane was grinning from ear to ear, like a kid on Christmas morning. Mike chuckled softly to himself. The gold would certainly be considered a fortune in the 18th century, but it was worth little in his own time, other than as a pretty coating in which to house liquid latinum.

Once the clipper was unloaded, and her vanquished crew aboard, Trelane ordered the guns of the Gothos turned on the captured vessel. A volley of iron cannonballs struck the once proud clipper at the waterline, and she began to list immediately. There was a muffled explosion below decks as her remaining stores of powder erupted. After that, the end came quickly. Mike gripped the railing on the main deck tightly as he watched the clipper's stern, now pointing towards the sky, as it slipped beneath the waves. Ten years earlier, he had watched a different ship meet its end on Pacifica. Unlike the clipper, the Wave Jammer had gone down with all her crew save one, Mike's sister Leilani. She sank in a remote cove off the shore of an uninhabited island, over a hundred nautical miles from her last reported position. She had lodged in a crevasse in the ocean floor in an area surrounded by plant and sea life that would make short work of the organic materials of her hull and her former passengers. On an ocean world like Pacifica, the Wave Jammer was as good as lost. All of these things Mike had carefully seen to personally, and had never discussed with another soul other than his sister. Over the years, he had even started to forget. But his sister's panicked call two months earlier and now the assault on the clipper, had dusted off the ugly past and hung it like a broken ornament in the forefront of Mike's mind. If he ever made it out of his current predicament and back to the Galaxy, he knew he'd have to talk to someone, before the guilt gnawed its way through him from the inside out.

Mike was snapped out of his musings by the start of the crew's celebration. Bottles of rum and fresh breads and cheeses were distributed to the victorious pirates of Captain Trelane. Mike nibbled at the bread, finding it warm and delicious. Historically, it would have more likely been cold, hard and maggoty, but having jumped successfully through the hoops set out before them, the away team was being rewarded by their host.

"How is the fare?" Trelane asked, smiling as he strode towards the large helmsman.

"It's quite good." Mike had to admit.

"Smashing!" Trelane beamed. "I've been working on getting things right." He spoke with the pride of a fourth graded discussing his school science product. His words were an outright confession that he was the architect of the world around them. Any illusions Mike might have had that they had actually been transported back through time to the golden age of piracy had been dissolved. "And the liquor?" Trelane continued. "Have you tried the liquor?"

Mike took the jug and swung it to his lips, taking several swallows to wet his whistle. He enjoyed the warm fire as it crept down his throat and into his belly. 'This must be how Klingons feel, as they swig their blood wine after a heated battle.' Mike thought. 'Not bad at all.' Despite himself, he grinned and let loose with an exaggerated "Ahhh." of contentment.

"You see, I've been practicing." Said Trelane. "Come now, eat drink and be merry. Nightfall comes and it is time for tale telling of daring deeds and acts of extraordinary courage." The Pirate Captain declared.

That evening, they sat around as a group and exchanged stories. Few had actual tales of high seas adventure to relate, having been born in the 24th century, but no one, including the captured crew of the clipper, seemed to mind. When it came to Mike's turn, he recounted the Battle of Nuuanu, in which Kamehameha's ships landed on the islands of Mau'i and O'ahu and won the decisive victory that permanently united the Hawaiian Islands under a single king. It was one of Mike's favorite historical holodeck recreations and the closest he had come to leading ocean borne ships into battle. It was a rousing tale and met with Trelane's approval.

"I have been remiss." Trelane said, clapping joyfully after Mike's tale was done. "Here I am, dressing you as a common pirate when in fact, you are no less than a fierce island savage, a tribal warrior of renown. Please forgive me." Trelane smiled and snapped his fingers. In an instant, Mike's costume was transformed. His frayed cotton breaches were replaced by a loincloth woven of tappas fibers. His bronzed skin was covered in intricate indigo patterns painted in octopus dye. And his cutlass, laying on the deck by his side, became a shark tooth club called a 'newa'. The costume left very little to the imagination, and made Mike look more imposing than he already was. "Better?" asked Trelane.

Mike smiled. "Yes it is." He admitted, and he'd be damned if he didn't actually mean it. If he was going to be forced to play games, he was happier to be playing a role he knew well.

The evening concluded with Trelane's recounting of the day's battles. Like a kid with an audience of schoolyard playmates, he exaggerated immensely. What surprised Mike the most was the Captain Price chose that moment to confront Trelane, challenging his absurd version of the tale. Trelane, staying true to form, threw a tantrum.

"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 18th century garb.

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

"Did things just get better or worse?" Mike wondered out loud. Trelane may have been out of sight, but they were still playing in his sandbox. And who knew what sorts of nasty toys lay in wait?

*** ***

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

"Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A Pirate's Life For Me."

Gailyn looked up briefly from the calculations and charts that littered the small map table Trelane had been thoughtful enough to provide in his attention to detail. All in all, the el aurien found those charts drawn by Commander Sullax to be more accurate and helpful than the rather archaic ones found below deck. Using Lieutenant Genestra's calculations, he had carefully traced out a viable route to an island he knew to be unpopulated during this relative period of history. The captain's cabin had grown dark now, the flickering oil lamps his only illumination. Gailyn did not remember lighting them, and silently chided himself for not thanking the person who was kind enough to do him the favor. He stood up and stretched, letting the tension he felt drift away. He knew that a great deal was riding on his life experiances, and he didn't want to let Captain Price or the crew down. He walked over to one of the gallion's windows, facing rear and away from the last vestages of sunset. Night had spread her blanket of indigo and diamond across the heavens, but failed to provide her usual solice for the lone el aurien who gazed upon her beauty. Gailyn's thoughts wondered darker paths as he looked up. From his current vantage point, he could see the star which his planet called home...a home which still exhisted in this time. El Auria's silver sands, dense forrests, aurora lit nights and cities that looked to be as much a part of the land around them still served as one of the universe's crown jewels. A jewel that would be shattered like fragile glass in the 23rd century.

His museings were cut short as someone knocked quietly at the cabin door. Gailyn shook his head to clear it as Captain Price entered from the deck outside.

"Any recommendations 'mate?" Captain Price asked as he glanced over the charts Gailyn had been working on moments before.

Gailyn nodded as he traced a few lines with his finger "This island here should still be uninhabited at this point in time. It was not a common way-lay for ships due its location away from major lanes."

Lee Price scratched his chin as he digested the el aurien's words "Will we be able to reprovision there?"

"Yes," Gailyn replied "it's large enough to support a water source of some sort, as well as fruit trees, small game and shellfish."

"Fair Dinkum 'mate, I'm apples for it." the Captain replied with a grin.

Gailyn smiled slightly, his mood still not perfect, and followed Price onto the deck.

"Enjoying Family Life"
by Lt. Brooke Ames O'Connell, MD
and Lt. Tim O'Connell, Security Officer

Brooke woke up to the sound of Tim's voice. She didn't remember falling to sleep. Liam had been quite a handful all day finding that if he cried loud enough, he could get his way. The last thing she remembered was his fussing when she put him down for a nap. Stretching, she smiled knowing Tim was there to relieve her, "A shower sounds wonderful."

Tim smiled and kissed her, "No go take a long bath, I'll take care of Liam, you deserve it." Sniffing, he could tell his son needed to be changed. "I'll even change the diaper."

"You are too good for me. Have fun, he hasn't exactly been the perfect baby today. I think he's going to be a top marine soldier one day. He has the lungs for it." She started a bath and climbed in, relaxing, feeling all of the days tension disappear.

Tim quickly changed the diaper, with a rapidly gaining skill. Once he was cleaned up and in to a fresh t shirt, Tim put Liam in a play pen and handed him a stuffed Targ, a parting gift from Commander Samara. Liam grabbed the creature and made a burbling noise as he threw the targ around the pen and scooted over to it.

Brooke caught herself falling back to sleep. She didn't realize how tired she was. Some time had past and Brooke finished her bath, dried off, put a towel around her Tim looked up as Liam fell asleep. "He sleeps a lot." Tim remarked as he walked over to Brooke.

"I guess he used all of his energy up today. He's only had one nap." She leaned against the door, "I wore him out for you I guess."

Tim slipped his arms around her waist and kissed her tenderly, "Well he'll be out for a few hours minimum."

She kisses him back, "I hope so. So, how was your day?"

"Boring, had to make sure Seth didn't eat our guests." Kissing her again he smiled, "that and we're still searching for the missing crew."

She jokes, "Well, I hope they're found soon. Tell ya what, you can stay home tomorrow with Liam and I'll go work."

Tim smiled, "deal, or we may want to start discussing daycare.'

"Daycare, I knew we'd eventually have to discuss that. I hate the idea leaving him with someone else. But I'm too exhausted by this time." She moved back into the bedroom to get dressed.

Tim walked with her in to the bedroom, "I know it's hard, but we knew this day was coming soon."

"Yes we did. I'll look into it tomorrow and make the arrangements."

Tim nodded, "anything I can do to help?" he slipped his arms around her waist and hugged her gently.

She put her arms around his neck, "No, not really. I'll take care of it, I promise." She gave him a gentle kiss.

He kissed her gently, but it got warmer and deeper as his hand ran up her back and he seemed to guide her gently towards the bed.

She smiled, "You wouldn't by chance be trying to seduce me?"

Tim smiled, "And what if I was?" His expression took on the same glint that she knew too well.

"Nothing, I was just...wondering." Her towel slightly came apart, revealing a glimpse of skin.

Tim moved his kisses down to her neck, and with a smile tugged the towel apart, letting it drop down.

It had been awhile since they had anytime alone without Liam. As they stood there, she kicked the towel away from her feet. "I missed you." Referring to their time alone.

Tim reached and began to remove his uniform, "I've missed you too." He kissed her again as he threw his jacket and shirt down, "Our first time alone in a long time."

Shh. Don't say it too loudly, Liam might hear that. He seems to have a built in radar when we want to be intimate." She leaned towards Tim, bracing her hands on his bare chest and kissed him.

"Well he's in his playpen." Tim kissed her and slowly guided her down to the bed.

"I'm more interested in our playpen at the moment." She smiled, "Want to play?"

"You know I do." Tim climbed on top of her giving her a smoldering and deep kiss. "Do you?"

"Most definitely." She wasn't going to let Liam spoil this moment.

Neither was Tim, his hands softly caressing her figure, motherhood seemed to increase her beauty in Tim's eyes, his hands explored her figure as they began to share their love in the most intimate way they could.

With every touch, every kiss, it brought her one step closer to ecstasy. She whispered how much she loved him, something that neither of them had said lately.

Afterwards Tim held her in his arms, "I love you Rocky."

Liam was still asleep at her surprise. All of his fussing and one nap was worth this moment. She replied, "With all my heart."

Tim smiled and leaned over to kiss her again, "so, did you want dinner?"

She joked, "If you're buying, sure."

"When it comes to you I'm always buying." Tim sat up and ran his hand along her flank. "so let's go to work."

Brooke got up and dressed. "What do you have in mind?

Tim dressed in something light and casual, "I'm thinking a mix of food, maybe American? Cheeseburgers?"

"That's American all right. Sounds like a plan." Liam had woken up but laid in his playpen, kicking his feet as fast as they would go. Brooke walked out to see this.

Tim followed her out, "I still can't believe I have one of these." He stared at Liam with a smile.

Liam started fussing, "I can." She picked him up and handed him to Tim.

Tim cradled him in his arms and smiled, "well it's still a surprise to me." Walking to the living room he smiled, "remember Steve's look when he saw his nephew."

Smiled too, "Yeah, talk about precious moments. It was one of those looks you wished you had on film."

Tim chuckled, "Yeah, I think my mom took enough pictures for everybody." "And more. Liam, I think, got a little spoiled by them too."

"My mom said it was her job as a grandma." Tim's arms slipped around her waist again, "2 months old and he's got your smile."

"I don't see it but if you think so." Liam starts to suck on his fist and starts to fuss again, "I think he's got your appetite though."

Tim looked at her, "hey," it was a mild protest, done more with humor then serious insult.

She laughed at his expression, "So, are we going to stand here or get something to eat?" She replicates a bottle of formula.

"I don't know my appetite is too big." He gave her a sly grin, "I'll take care of dinner."

"I figured so. I'll feed your son." She teases, "Maybe, just in case, you should replicate another bottle." She was just giving Tim a hard time.

Tim shook his head muttering something about women as they walked out to the living room. Walking to the replicator he began to whip up what was dinner.

Brooke got a kick out of Tim. She could always get his goat without any effort. She fed Liam while Tim was getting dinner. One thing she learned, feed the little one-first and then self.

After setting out dinner Tim sat back and waited for Brooke to join him.

Sits down, "It's so nice to have a domesticated husband. My dad couldn't even boil water...not that he ever had to."

Tim raised an eyebrow, "I cook, I clean I pleasure you, what else can I do?"

Smiling, "I think that's everything there is. I certainly got lucky when I married you."

"No......you got lucky before you married me, I mean we were living together."

"That's true. Either way, I'm still lucky." She began to eat, knowing Liam wouldn't be good for long.

Tim dug in on his food, "I think he's calling it a night."

"Oh, you think so. We'll see. I hope you're right."

"Me too." Tim smiled, "but then he is an O'Connell male, we are stubborn buggers."

Brooke always considered herself the stubborn one. Liam had that trait from both sides and it was obvious. "No argument there."

"Which means he's gonna be twice as stubborn as any other child."

"Oh but with that knowledge, you now know what to expect and handle it." She hoped it was that easy.

Tim shook his head, "We will never know exactly what to do Brooke. We never will."

Brooke sighed, "I guess."

He shrugged, "Space isn't the final frontier, raising children is."

Brooke laughed, "Now that is funny. Sounds like those bumper stickers way back when."

Tim smiled, "well I try to amuse you."

"You do so much more than that. You really do."

Tim slipped an arm around her, "glad to know that."

Brooke looked at Tim, "What can I say, you've got me under your spell."

"How psychic." He grinned and kissed the side of her neck gently.

"Yeah." She got up and cleared her plate. She checks in on Liam to find him sound asleep. She stands there for a moment, just watching him sleep as she has done many times before.

Walking behind her Tim rests his hand on her shoulder, "he's tired I guess."

Brooke leans back against him, "I think you're right."

"Yeah." His arm slips around her waist. "We did good mom."

She puts her hands on his, "Yes we did. Ever had your doubts?"

"Just a father's nerves." He smiled. "It's sinking in."

"I know what you mean. But I think with parents like us, he has a good chance of turning out to be a wonderful adult." She was quite sure of herself...probably a mom thing.

Tim smiled, "I'd say better then good." He embraced her tenderly, "Besides so far so good."

Liam stirred a little as Brooke softened her voice, "I think we better get out of here, I wouldn't want to wake him up.

Tim smiled, "Sounds like a plan." They walked out of the baby's room and Tim hugged her.

She hugged him too, "So now what?"

"Lots and lots of sex." Tim cracked.

Laughing, "Okay, I can go for that. Kind of making up for lost time, eh?"

Tim chuckled, "well that and I thought you wanted a big family."

"Three is a good number. I don't know if I can handle more than that."

"Yeah, how could we handle having 8 or 9 kids." He kept her in his arms, "I couldn't"

"We couldn't..not while we are in Starfleet unless you want to quit and devoted the rest of our lives to just family." Something that she really wouldn't want to do.

Tim shook his head, "I like my job."

"So do I...all three of them." She smiled at the thought.

"Doctor, wife, and mother." Tim said, "and you're good at all of them."

"Thank you. And speaking of that, as soon as I get daycare arranged, I'm going back full time."

"Thought you would. I'll see if I can get on the same shift, that way we can leave together and pick him up together."

"I like that idea. I think that Liam will like that too." He was still a little to small to notice now but iin the long run, he would.

"Shouldn't be a problem."

"Good." She was getting tired even thinking about going back to work.

Tim looked at her, "you doing ok with going back to work?"

"Well yes but it's just going to take some getting used to...juggling being a mom and a doctor. Don't worry about me. I'm tough."

"I never suspected otherwise." Tim said with a smile, "or you'd punch me."

She smiled, "No I wouldn't. I only punch your friends that piss me off."

Tim grinned, "and break jaws." Moving with her back to their couch, "But now let's just hang out."

"Okay. How about getting us a glass of wine or something?"

"Now that sounds like a good idea." Tim got up and removed that bottle of wine Casey got them. "we have some wine."

"Good." She sat and waited for the wine.

Tim removed 2 glasses and opened the bottle. "all we need now is some cheese or something."

"Just the wine is fine for me, thanks."

Tim sat back and poured her a glass and one for himself. "Yeah it's better this way."

She took the glass from him and waited for him to sit down. "I think so."

Sitting down he draped his arm around her shoulder and kissed her gently.

She settled next to him, "This is nice. I think it's great he's sleeping more."

"Yeah, soon he'll end up sleeping all night and eating solid food."

"Till then, we'll just have to take advantage of the time we have together when he lets us."

Tim had to laugh, "Oh how things have changed."

Smiling, "That's for sure but it's a good change."

"I know." Tim said with a smile, it is a good change."

"I think that's what I just said. She let's out a soft sigh, "Oh well."

"I do that from time to time I guess." He chuckled, "Speak again." He looked at her and smiled, "sorry."

"It's okay." She sat for a few minutes, listening to the silence.

He turned and faced her, "so, when you were a paramedic, did you see this happening?

"No, I didn't but then again, I wasn't thinking about my future. I was too busy thinking about my past."

"Well some times the past can repeat itself." He leaned over and kissed her gently.

"I'm glad it did. We got back together. I was glad for the chance to not repeat the mistakes."

Tim smiled, "yeah, I hate repeating mistakes, I made enough of em the first time."

"Let's forget about that now. Let's just enjoy our time alone."

"Red skies at night"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Galaxy ***

It wasn't a particularly fine watch for Commander Casey. Things had been pretty much down hill since the Promotion ceremony and had steadily gotten worse as the evening progressed. First there was his allowing Captain Price to be on the away team to explore the mysterious wooden sailing ship they had discovered floating in space. All right, so he really didn't have a choice, after all Lee is the Captain, but still, Deiran knew that he could have argued and convinced the Captain not to go. But given there was no apparent danger involved, there didn't seem to be any harm in indulging the Captain this one time. When he wasn't beating himself up over that decision, Deiran's thoughts would turn to the Ferengi that they rescued from their failing ship. Damon Buratt was causing all sorts of trouble, making demands and threatening to hold the Federation and the crew of the Galaxy personally responsible for the loss of his precious cargo. It wasn't like Deiran didn't already have enough to do with trying to figure out what happened to the Captain and the rest of the missing away team.

"Casey to Olson. Anything yet Jake?" Deiran hailed.

["Negative Commander. I don't think taking passive scans of that old wooden ship out there is going to get us any closer to figuring out what happened to the Captain's away team. We need to send someone over there to check it out."] Jake, the Galaxy's acting Chief Science Officer, explained over the channel.

Deiran didn't like the option at all. Not because he was afraid; Casey's were never afraid of anything; he just didn't like the idea of sending someone out there into the unknown. Were he able to go himself, Deiran would volunteer in a heartbeat. But with the Captain missing, there was no way he as First Officer, and now acting Captain of the USS Galaxy, could possibly go and leave his responsibilities on the ship.

"Did you have any particular plan in mind Lieutenant?" Deiran relented in a less than enthusiastic tone.

On the other side of the channel, one could almost feel Jake give a nod as he answered. ["Aye sir. I think we should take the Buster Keaton over and have a closer look. She's outfitted with a full compliment of science equipment. That may uncover more details then our distant scans from the Galaxy."]

"Are you planning to board the Gothos Lieutenant?" Deiran asked.

["Only if our readings show that it is safe to do so. We will circle around her first in close proximity to verify there are no anomalous readings before any space walk is attempted."] Jake explained.

Deiran gave a nod. "Very well, assemble a full away team, including at least two Security Officers and a Doctor."

["Commander, I really don't think that will be necessary, a smaller team of scientists should be sufficient to. . ."] Jake started to object.

"A full away team Lieutenant or nothing. That's my final decision." Casey stated sternly in his "don't mess with me" voice.

["Very well Commander, I'll assemble the team and report when we are ready to proceed."] Lieutenant Olson replied. Jake had served with Deiran long enough to know when not to argue with him.

"Make it so Lieutenant. Keep me posted. Casey out." Deiran closed, shutting down the channel with a press of his thumb.

Not two seconds past before the dual beep of an incoming hail was heard. Slightly disgusted, Deiran thumbed the channel open.

"Bridge, go ahead."

["Commander, Damon Buratt is waiting to meet with you. He has expressed his dissatisfaction, with the long delay."] Lieutenant' Zonhieb reported. His Gorn voice sounded much clearer over the comm system thanks to the universal translator.

Deiran rolled his eyes upwards. "Very well, tell the Damon I am on my way to see him now. Casey out."

["Very good Commander. I will tell him."] Seth replied before the channel was cut off.

Commander Casey rose from his chair and turned to exit the bridge. "Hermedhie, you have the Conn."

Raesene nodded and started moving down into the command well, passing Casey as he made his way to the turbo lift and exited the bridge on his way to see Damon Buratt about his grievances with the Federation and the crew of the Galaxy.

***

*** Onboard the Gothos ***

The night sky was still. It was a clear evening. The stars glittered overhead and the full moon cast a dim blue light across the deck that illuminated everything in its wake.

"Peaceful isn't it Captain?" Gailyn asked.

Lee looked down from the sky and at the El Aurian. "Aye. It's amazing that with all of our technology how often we take the beauty of the universe for granted.

Gailyn looked upwards for a moment and nodded his agreement. "Quite beautiful indeed. But don't let that deceive you sir. "

Lee glanced at Gailyn as he pointed at the tiny specks of flickering lights in the sky.

"Each of those little lights is generated by a huge gaseous star that is thermally combusting. These stars were formed by even an even bigger and more violent event, which scattered matter through out the universe. Even as we stand here and watch the pretty light that radiates from these stars in the sky, more than half of them have already burned themselves out and died an explosive death as their cores collapsed."

"In a right cheery mood this evening, 'ey mate?"

Gailyn smiled. "You could say that. But I think you get my point sir."

Lee nodded, "The calm before the storm."

"Exactly Captain."

"I can't help it Gailyn. I'm still enjoying the quiet with Trelane gone. Even though I know it will not last."

"Well I can understand that sir." Gailyn stated as he stood next to the Captain and they both gazed at the night sky.

***

*** USS Galaxy ***

The doors swished open and Commander Casey entered the guest quarters where the Ferengi were being housed during their stay on the Galaxy.

Immediately Damon Buratt started moving towards the Commander upon seeing him.

Deiran didn't look too pleased to be dealing with the survivors from the Persell, or this Damon in particularly. But it was his duty as acting Captain to do so.

"Commander Casey I presume?" Buratt greeted in a patronizing voice of a Ferengi diplomat.

"That is correct. What seems to be the problem Damon Buratt?" Casey asked quickly. The Commander was nearly twice as tall as the short Ferengi. He felt like he was addressing a child, even though he knew Buratt was a capable freighter Captain and an adult.

"I must express my dissatisfaction with the loss of the cargo of my vessel the Persell. I notified your crew upon my beaming on board how important it was to the Ferengi Alliance and the Nagus, our people's leader back home. Yet in the end my warnings and prioritization's were unheeded and the result was a total loss of all the latinum we were responsible for."

Deiran raised a hand. "I assure you we will explain the circumstances to your Nagus. You will not be held responsible for the loss of your payload Damon Buratt."

"Then who will?" Buratt asked rubbing his fingers together and licking his lips.

"Pardon?" Casey asked. He wasn't expecting that. Kicking and screaming maybe. Finger pointing and foot stomping maybe. But certainly not a simple question stated with a cat & canary grin.

"Who will be taking responsibility for the loss of the Nagus' gold pressed latinum? I will need to report this, so my government may take the proper actions and file the required reports you understand." Buratt smiled.

"I can't answer that Damon. Ultimately I would expect the loss of your cargo would be blamed on who ever or whatever attacked your vessel. The Galaxy simply came along and responded to your distress call. We are fortunate we arrived in time to rescue your entire compliment of crew just before the Persell exploded."

Damon Buratt shook his head. "While it is true that my vessel was attacked by forces that we freely admit to not understanding, I am afraid that doesn't dismiss the incompetent way the salvage operation of the Persell was carried out by your ship Commander. I expressly informed your people that the cargo of the Persell was to be given top priority and my directions were expressly ignored."

"I see. Yes, the Federation always puts the life of others ahead of salvage operations. I can see where that could be confusing to you Damon. Our first priority is always the people that make up your crew. Once they are all safely rescued, then any salvage operations can begin, but not before."

"That wasn't possible in this case because your people delayed in getting every one off the Persell. Had they started the salvage operation in tandem as I suggested, there might have been time to save both the crew *and* the cargo." Damon Buratt argued politely.

"My understanding was you asked that just the cargo be salvaged. There was no suggestion of a tandem operation . . ." Casey stated with thinning patience.

"Well, that is what I meant of course you understand. " Buratt stated.

"Well then the fault lays with your miscommunication then. Perhaps you should tell your Nagus that. If you will excuse me I have a ship to run." Deiran stated, turning his back and preparing to walk away.

Damon Buratt grew enraged. "I demand to be taken to the nearest Starbase at once! I will report you to the authorities for the intentional loss of the Nagus' latinum. If indeed it was lost and isn't safely stored in the coffers of this vessel. How do we know it wasn't some secret Federation weapon that you were testing on our innocent passing vessel? You are nothing but a bunch of space pirates!"

Casey paused at the doorway. "We are presently still involved in a rescue operation Damon Buratt. Once we have recovered our missing crewmembers I can guarantee you I will order the ship to the nearest Starbase where you and your crew can disembark to file all the reports your heart's desire. But not before then. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

Buratt crossed his arms and let out an indignant huff, unable to respond before Commander Casey exited the guest quarters.

***

*** Gothos ***

The dawn was just over the horizon in the distance. What was a perfectly clear night had changed with the introduction of a few clouds, which seemed to be growing thicker with every passing moment.

Lee gave a stretch and then glanced out through the brass telescope that Trelane had handed him. Almost immediately the soothing music of a Harpsichord could be heard playing from the upper deck of the Gothos.

Turning, Captain Price could see the elaborately dressed Pirate Captain, scans powdered white wig, playing his keyboard like a concert pianist.

"Good morrow Captain. Good morrow indeed. Are we ready for the challenges this new day brings forth?"

Lee seemingly ignored Trelane, instead returning to face forward and gazing through the telescope. In the distance, he could see the breaking dawn and dozens of red clouds on the horizon. It was quite a colorful and pretty sight.

As if reading the Captain's mind, Trelane commented on the view. "Such vibrant colors of crimson and orange. You know what they say Price. Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky on morning. . ."

". . . sailor's warning." Lee finished while closing the telescope down and turning to walk towards Trelane. "Is that it Trelane? You intend to summon your powers and crush this vessel with a ravishing storm to prove you are the better Captain?"

Trelane stopped playing his music and looked genuinely shocked. Pressing a hand towards his chest he declared, "Why Captain, how could you say such a thing? That wouldn't do at all. There is no challenge in that. Though I must say it would make for an interesting game next time. No, you have far more important matters to worry about than what is on *that* horizon for your ship."

Trelane paused with that chaotic smile of his while Captain Price walked past him and immediately opened the telescope and looked towards the aft of the ship. There he could see two large naval ships off in the distance. They were too distant to make out what colors they were flying or what countries they supported.

"So you aren't as daft as I would have guessed. Marvelous. I do believe a game is afoot." Trelane stated as he returned to playing an up beat ditty that reminded Lee of the old fashioned "chase" music played in silent theaters back in the early 1900's.

Trying his best to ignore Trelane, Lee stepped over to the large brass bell that hung from the Captain's cabin. Ringing it, he sounded the alert, waking those crewmembers that were still sleeping.

"What is it Captain?" Lieutenant Pailaka asked. Mikala was still bare chested and wearing the native tattoos of his tribal people that Trelane had earlier bestowed upon him with a stroke of his hand.

"Two ships following us aft. I can't make them out, but it's a good bet they are trouble 'mate."

Mikala could see Trelane playing his harpsichord and smiling at the events as they unfolded. Trelane looked like a little boy about to tell a joke and knowing what the punch line was but not wishing to share it just yet.

"What are your orders sir?"

"Let's get underway and try to outrun them. They might not have spotted us yet, but will soon with the rising sun."

"I can probably get a better look from the crows nest sir." Mikala pointed.

"Fair dinkum 'mate. Take this and see what there is you can see."

Lieutenant Pailaka grabbed the brass telescope and slid it into his loincloth making sure it was secure. He then began climbing up the net-rigging that lead to the crows nest high on top of the center mast of the ship.

Trelane continued to play while he watched the Galaxy Away team man the mighty Gothos and scramble to obtain more speed to escape the pursuing vessels.

***

*** Galaxy ***

["Commander, this is Jake in shuttle bay two. We are ready to launch the Buster Keaton sir."]

Deiran glanced across the bridge at the faces of the officers on duty there. He could feel a knot tightening in the pit of his stomach, but he knew there was little other choice. The Captain and the missing away team only had a little over 24 hours of oxygen remaining in the EVA suits. They had to be found, and found right away.

"Very well Lieutenant. You are clear to launch. Good luck." Deiran ordered.

At the Operations Station, Lieutenant Commander Jamson activated the proper sequence of controls before announcing, "The USS Buster Keaton has cleared the shuttle bay doors Commander. They are on their way."

Deiran glanced at the view screen and could see the science shuttle fly off towards the wooden Gothos in the distance. "Let's hope they have better luck than the Captain's party did." Casey stated.

Row Row Row Your What?
by Lt. (JG) Ragnald Gustavson, helmsman
and Lt. Jake T. Olson, Scene

Ragnald looked at the main screen which was now divided into two parts. One showed the 'Gothos' firing her cannons. The other one displayed the image of a severely damaged Ferengi merchant vessel with several large holes in her hull.

"Donar`s sake, what caused these holes?" Ragnald asked astonished "Ships of that age fired bullets made of stone, steel or lead. The hull of that Ferengi vessel is made - or better was made of titanium. A bullet fired by that galleon should rebound like a ping-pong-ball."

Ragnald turned towards Commander Casey. "Your orders, Sir?"

"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 view screen as the Galaxy swerved into position, putting itself in harm's way between the ship and the Persel.

"Aye Sir, setting course". Ragnald replied. His fingers performed a short dance on his panel`s controls. Again, fate seemed to make the Galaxy catch fire destined for an other ship.

"We ain't dealing with an Earth ship of any time! I don't know what that is out there, but we can assume it is after us and it has at least our weaponry. For all that matters, it could be an illusion over a Romulan Warbird! Holographic cloak." Jake tacked the last on as a clarification for those not scientifically inclined.

"So why do they use such a strange camouflage? This galleon is a part of history for a terran. It`s without meaning for anybody else.", Ragnald asked.

"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."

"They should already be hitting us. The cannon balls seem to have no effect at us at all. What is that galleon really shooting with? Is the damage at the Persel really caused by the galleon`s cannon balls? May be the source is on a planet nearby.",Ragnald thought loudly.

"We are perhaps dealing with an adversary with a sense of either the historic or warped humor." Olson put forth reasonably. "There have been encounters with semi omnipotent life forms whom have such. Q is a notable example, although I still think that this may be a creature encountered before by a Star Fleet ship. I also get the sense that it's trying to play with us in it's own way. It could have crushed us with the power I suspect it's got. Maybe we should play back?" Olson shrugged. "OK, so I'm fishing."

"If you`re right we should search the personnel files for crew members with sailing skills or knowledge about ancient weapons. I own some holodeck simulations dealing with ancient sailing ships but I don't` know how technically and historically accurate they are. Maybe we should have some crew members take part in a simulation to figure how a ship like the one out there can be defeated." Ragnald suggested.

"Not all like to use the up front and logical approach to combat, if that is what is going on here." Olson muttered thoughtfully.

"Fighting is not my first choice, too. I would rather prefer a solution without bloodshed. But if we are going to face a fight, we should get any advantage we can." Ragnald objected.

"Agreed, matching wits is better than trying to get the best of an unknown opponent, I placed a search worm in the computer searching for all reference for a ship named Gothos. The secondary worm is seeking information on any THING referring to the key word, Gothos." Jake added, "I will also send in worms seeking information on sailing vessels of that period. Maybe we should dress up in a holographic cloak? Confuse them by playing their game?"

"Playing *their* game? I can remember me standing on the deck of a sailing ship when the spook began." Ragnald said, looking at the clock. "Hmm, shift is over. I`ll go and prepare a sim to have some training. As a precaution I`ll stop at stellar cartography to see what else is out there. You may accompany me if you like, Lieutenant Olson"

"I don't think I'd be much good, I know nothing about sailing ships, my home was a dry place." Jake followed, "But a holodeck snoop sure can't hurt!"

Escape from Sickbay
Michala Lynn Casey

Michala woke again by herself. She could here a commotion in the other room. She pulled herself off the bed and quickly detached the sensors. Her head still ached but not as badly as when she had been brought in. She moved to the computer and turned off the monitor alarm.

She looked into the main room and saw Ferengi and personel milling about. This was not her shift so things seemed to be moving fine. She slipped out of the sickbay amongst the milling personnel. It was with much relief that she found her quarters. The babies were asleep. The nanny seemed to be asleep as well. She looked in on the babies and then went to her own room. Deiran was not in yet. She wondered if he knew she had been in sickbay? He had not come in to see her, at least not that she was aware of.

Michala sat down and looked around. So much had happened over the last few weeks. She had grown closer to Deiran but they rarely saw each other. He was always in some meeting. Or with some crew member, it was as if he avoided to long of contact with her. She wondered if she were pushing him away.

She laid back on the bed. She had heard something in sickbay about the Ferengi ship being attacked by a galleon. That was ridiculous but then she had to wonder what that was all about. She knew that when Andree found her missing.. she would probably have an angry doctor to deal with. However, she was more comfortable here. It was quieter and she felt safe and secure.

She curled up and went back to sleep. She would deal with doctors, boyfriends and children tomorrow. Right now she just wanted sleep. Michala dreamt of a pirate ship. It was beautiful, warm and fascinating. It was a strange dream. The Captain was actually commanding this pirate ship. The more strange part was the being she could see watching him, but the captain seemed oblivious to his presence. He was a petulant being, he seemed like a child who had lost his favorite toy. She soon was immersed in the dream. She could smell the salt of the sea. She could feel the wind on her face. She watched as the crew went through the movements of working a ship. They were all people she had met on the Galaxy. It was then that she looked up and saw the being looking at her. Their eyes met and she saw his face crack into a grin.

He looked at her in such a way that her heart skipped a beat. It was then that he spoke, the first words she had heard in the whole dream. "Ah, the fair lady!"

Michala sat up, she was disoriented for a moment. She looked around and was relieved to see that she was still in her quarters. She lay back down on the bed. What a very strange dream that had been. She felt like she had actually been aboard that ship. It was like ones she had learned about from earth's history. She wondered who or what the being that she had not recognized stood for. She was unable to return to sleep for some time.

"For love of the game."

-=Gym=-

Mhari looked across the mat at the only guy who would take her up on her challenge. She hadn't fought with anyone for a long time and had reached the point where she could no longer concentrate on anything else. Dressed in gray sweats and a gray sports bra, she approached the man.

"Ok, cutie," she said with a smile and patted his cheek. "This is going to be the most fun I've had in a long time so, try please? Thanks, kid."

She then moved to the other side of the mat again and gave her opponent a sweet smile. He looked a little confused but shrugged it off. "Ok, kid, give it your best shot."

He glanced at his buddies and approached her. He was a big guy and could probably break her if he got his hands on her but she was quick and skilled in fighting. She could run circles around the mass coming towards her.

He tried to grab her and she quickly twisted, grabbed his arm and tripped him to the ground. He fell on his face but turned over, his pride hurt more then himself. She offered her hand from above him and he took it, pulling himself up.

"Kay, first of all, your stance is all wrong there, buddy. You're also not very alert. Don't look at your buddies. Pay attention to me, huh?"

The guy gave a half smile and took a better stance, this time waiting for her to attack. Mhari smiled. She did a front flip towards him and twisted around, kicking him square in the chest and then tried an uppercut. The kick knocked the wind out of him but he was able to dodge the uppercut and throw a punch of his own. Mhari backflipped out of the way of the punch and smiled. "Now you're actually trying. I love it."

They did a couple of minutes of sparring, getting more intense with each minute and sweat dripped down both their faces. "That was awesome," she said with a smile and offered her hand. "Thanks. I..." Her badge chirped and she quickly tapped it. "Stone here."

=/\= "Incoming sub space message for you. They say it's urgent."

"Understood. I'll take in my quarters." She gave a quick smile to her sparring buddy and jogged out of the gym, towards her quarters.

-=Mhari's Quarters=-

Jogging into her quarters and to her desk, she hit a button and her brother's face graced her screen. "What's up, CJ?"

"Just haven't seen you in a long time. The Lexington is so dull. I miss you, sis." He noticed sweat on her face and her hair in disarray. "You got in a fight and didn't call me?"

Mhari laughed. "It's just my clever trick to piss you off. What's so urgent?"

It was CJ's turn to laugh. "I'm going back to the academy. I'm going to be an engineer like Shelby."

"Maybe you'll get stationed here, huh?"

"Yeah, hopefully. Want to hear what's really sad? I haven't touched my Bat'Leth since I got here."

"Cool. That means when I see you next I'll be able to kick you butt." Mhari smiled.

"I think not, Firefly." He smiled.

"Spark, I need to call your sister," came a voice from the background.

"Sorry, sis, Shelby has to call Kayla. I'll talk to you later."

"See yah, CJ," she whispered and watched the screen go blank. She waited a few seconds before getting up from her seat and crossing the room to her bathroom to take a long sonic shower.

********
Ensign Mhari Taylor Stone (Cross)
Security officer
Galaxy
********

Suspend Disbelief

Lt. Jake T. Olson
USS Galaxy
bridge
and
Lt.jg Bruce MaxWell
Ens. John Xavier

As Bruce heard what the Commander asked from Jake, Bruce knew this was his chance. He saw Jake enter the turbolift to leave the bridge and quickly jumped in to join him. Bruce straightened his duty jacket and looked over at the Lt..

"Excuse me sir, But I would like to join you on your away team." Bruce said proudly.

"Welcome aboard!" Jake shrugged. "I'm probably greener than you are though. Can't have too many pilots in any case."

"Thank you sir. If you already have a pilot I will offer my training and skills from my special operations days. What will be the equipment you want to have me bring along with our group? And Sir thank you." Bruce said with a smile.

Olson handed the older man a padd full of data. "That's the intelligence we got on the whatever out there. Shuttle will be carrying a full science cargo, although, I'd like to be prepared for nasties. Something stinks about this whole thing." Jake said soberly.

The pair ran into Scott. "What's all this shit I hear about you going over to the UFO?"

"I* am sorry it has been identified, and I don't think you should be talking to an officer of a higher rank like this." Bruce quickly stated.

"Unidentified Flying Object, old 20th century Earth term. For things flying that aren't identified. And we don't know what that thing is." Olson clarified Scott's terminology, although Maxwell clearly heard less honorable slants to Scott's term. "We're flying around it, seeing what we can find out with a science shuttle." That latter was as much for Maxwell's benefit as for Scott's, in case Maxwell didn't get something in the high speed melee of data.

"What have you been up to? Brown nosing?" Scott insinuated, a move that missed Jake entirely. "Intelligence gathering, I don't want to have to get too close if I don't have to."

Jake was too preoccupied to let Scott get to him. That was one of the traits that held him in good stead, he was difficult to rattle.

Maxwell was not so difficult.

"Excuse me sir, I will gather my gear and meet you in the shuttle bay....." Bruce asked.

"See you then," Jake nodded.

"And sir will this be joining us" Bruce said as he looked down on the over agitated science officer.

"No," Jake answered, still preoccupied and distracted, but Scott howled in indignation.

"Superior Officer?!" Scott stood, staring at Maxwell flat footed. It never occurred to him that Jake was a superior officer, he was just regarded as the Science section mother hen. Face it, the funny looking little nerd just did not have what it took to intimidate an infant cat.

"That's what I said, doesn't your all mighty self know how to listen" Bruce said not backing down oh showing any signs of intimidation.

"He doesn't act like those guys on T 32," Scott scratched his head, his reference to the cheesy holovid was funny. All the actors there were muscle bound and used their brawn rather than brain.

Olson had a mother quality, people turned to him for guidance, there was always a clutch of cadets or newly graduated ensigns following him around like goslings.

The Turbolift stopped at Bruce's floor. "I will see you there sir." Bruce said as he walked out and bumping Scott. Unfortunately, Olson was long sense gone.

"Something tells me that guy doesn't respect me," Scott muttered to himself.

Bruce stepped out of the turbolift and headed down the hallway towards his quarters.

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

Jake Olson met T-Prea on his way to lead his first away mission, that planet mission where he lost his memory didn't count, there was no danger. Not to Jake anyway, he just got cozy with the critters and stayed out of sight of the natives.

Olson held his wife briefly, she badly wanted to join, "I'm a doctor." she pleaded.

"Some one has to take care of Bud, he is too young not to have at least one parent on ship." Jake said reasonably.

"Sometimes, I can't stand your logic!" T-Prea moaned, but relented.

Olson met up with John Xavier, and smiled, a grim expression.

"Hey sir, fancy meeting you again." John remembered the last time they saw each other, just before John got into a fight with Jake's friend Scott in Ten Forward.

"Wish we could meet under less explosive circumstances." Olson gave a grim joke.

"The Buster Keaton is ready for departure as ordered sir." John looked back down the corridor, "I assume I'll be flying?"

"Yes, Maxwell is coming as back up pilot in case of problems. He has special skills that will also assist." Jake added at the other's slightly miffed look. "We don't know what we are going into! Into a looking glass."

John frowned, "Sure thing sir, I'll go take my seat on the Keaton now."

Those you Left Behind
by LCDR Endris Gakor, CMO

*** Bridge ***

Things were getting somewhat exciting! With the Chief Science Officer, Captain, and a few other Command Level Officers missing after boarding the Gothos, and the departure of Commander Samara, Endris was one of the few bridge qualified officers left on the Galaxy. Newly promoted Commander Sunder was doing an excellent job at his new office, which was up to the Sterling expectations of the Galaxy crew! But with extra duties suddenly thrust upon him, he had not yet finalized studying qualifications to lead bridge watches. Word was engineering was using the quiet time waiting here to do major diagnostics, and the overhauls they indicated.

So when Deiran eventually had to meet Damon Buratt, and with her husband supervising the move of the Ferengi to the cargo bay she was the one drafted for bridge duty.

Lt Olson contacted Medical to see what Doctor could report for the new away team. With Gakor on the bridge, she couldn't go due to the temporary shortage of command-level officers. Doctor T'Prea would not want to leave her new child with Jake away. Likewise, Doctor Ames-O'Connell was a new mother.

Doctor Dothan, with experience of his previous Trill hosts, would make an excellent choice. Endris contacted him to see if he wanted to go. If not, he was to leave the position to Doctor Lemur.

Gakor was going to miss the unflappable Vulcan at the end of this mission. Ironically, it was her recommendation for a notation of original thinking (for his undercover mission on Cardassia) which pushed him to the front of queue for promotion. At the end of their current exploration, Lemur was to be promoted to Lieutenant Commander and become the CMO of the USS Rutabaga. The "foodstuff" name of that Star Ship was mostly a joke, since it was built at the shipyards orbiting Tellar. Or maybe fat Tellarite Admiral "Meatball" was behind all this.

Finding it logical due to the post war officer shortage, Lemur only debated 6.3 seconds before accepting the new orders. They were delayed until after completing the current Galaxy assignment. The Galaxy had left Cardassian space months ago, so it just showed how slow Star Fleet sometimes moved on certain things! There was an old academy joke about the Admiralty plodding along at warp Zero.... Or was it they couldn't find water if they fell out of a boat?

Endris had an idea her archaeology knowledge could be of help, so she made sure the science console relayed incoming messages from the Buster Keyton onto her PADD. The Tellarite doctor yawned. Even with shorter hours from a 4-shift rotation, one shift in Sickbay and one on the Bridge kept her busy. And Adam had been fussy lately. It seemed his human/tellarite digestive system was prone to some unique difficulties not seen in either parent. The symptoms were like an ulcer, but Gakor found no defects in his stomach to account for the problem. Medication helped, so it was prescribed. When enough senior officers returned to bridge duty rotation, she planned to devote her spare time to solving the difficulty.

Seeing the boss yawn, a yeoman brought her a snack platter, which was promptly consumed. Now she had energy to finish her shift!

Doctor Dothan did not answer right away. Endris concluded he was in one of the areas of the ship communication lines did not reach, so she sent the yeoman to search for him. Soon, the science shuttle would be launched to collect more data concerning the Gothos....

"Getting Prepared"
By
Lt.Jg. Bruce MaxWell
Helmsman

Bruce walked down the corridor towards his quarters. Running everything thru his mind. He almost felt like he was back in the old days and was quite looking forward to breaking the box out. Bruce was standing in front of his door like it was walking into the past. Bruce walked thru the doorway and into his quarters.

Little William came walking up to Bruce and followed his master into his bedroom. Bruce went straight to the closset and opened it up. He pulled out an suit of black Marine armor. Able to withstand space and alot of other harsheties. Bruce ran his fingers across the nametag on the suit....MaxWell.

"Its time to go to work again old friend!" Bruce stated as he put the suit on.

Bruce walked out of the room and stood in front of the mirror in the main area of his quarters. He looked in the mirror at himself in the black armor. He stood there holding the black helmet and just smiled. Bruce lifted up his arm and checked the tri-corder on and the power level of the suit. Everything checked out. Bruce patted William who just sat there with the black armored glove. He headed for the door to leave and Little william barked Bruce turned around and said "I will be fine like always little one."

Bruce walked out and headed down the corridor to the tubolift to head to the shuttlebay. Bruc entered the turbolift and the other riders just looked at him and wondered Bruce stood his ground. The turbolift stopped and and let Bruce out on the deck he needed. He headed down and stopped at a weapons locker before entering the shuttlebay. He grabbed a phasor slipped it into the holster on his suit and grabbed a Phasor rifle and slung it over his shoulder.

****Shuttlebay******

Bruce entered the shuttlebay and headed for the shuttle. He stopped outside of the shuttle the shuttlebay crew hurried around doing their work and doing last minute checking on the ship. Bruce set his helmet down and went to one knee and began to pray.

Ar n-athair a tha air nèamh:
gu naomhaichear d'ainm.
Thigeadh do rìoghachd.
Dèantar do thoil air an talamh,
mar a nithear air nèamh.
Tabhair dhuinn an ar fiachan,
amhuil mar a mhaitheas sinne d'ar luchd-fiach.
Agus na leig am buaireadh sinn,
ach saor sinn o olc.

Oir is leatsa an rioghachd agus an cumhachd agus a'ghòir gu siorruidh.

Amen.

Bruce finished and stood up he walked up the entrance to the shuttle and sat down in the the secondary pilots chair. He began to run diagnostic checks while waiting for everyone else in the team to arrive.

"Last Minute Inspection"

Ensign John Xavier
Shuttle Pilot

John had several outer hatches on the shuttle open and was going over the power systems and engines one last time before lift off. He saw a man dressed in Marine Armor, it must have been MaxWell, the backup pilot that Jake Olson mentioned.

John closed all the hatches he had open and walked over to one of the other Shuttle Ops officers, "The Buster Keaton is flight ready, and in top condition." John said, the officer put that into the Shuttle Bay Duty logs.

MaxWell was already inside the shuttle in the backup pilots seat. John steped in entrance hatch and walked over to the pilots seat and began a systems check to make sure everything was still working, he noticed MaxWell was doing the same.

=====
J. Hughes ICQ# 46111530

"Lost and drifting"
By: Ensign Mhari Stone and Ensign Rose MacAllen

Bat"Leth in hand, Mhari looked desperately for a holodeck. It had been a while since she had used it and the talk with CJ had revived the need to practice. She walked into a room that definitely wasn"t the holodeck and spotted a young lady she hadn"t met yet.

"Heya! I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere. Sorry," she said and started to turn to leave.

Rose turns and looks at her, "Wait, you"re new here, are you not?" She can feel that this new girl is part Betazoid, not full blooded Betazoid, like herself.

Mhari turned, Bat"Leth still in hand. "Yes, I am," she replied with a smile. "I was just looking for the holodeck. Big ship you got here."

Rose smiles and walks down the stairs. "I'm Rose Isis MacAllen, Science officer. Welcome to the USS Galaxy, I hope you like it here."

"Wonderful to meet you. I"m Mhari Stone. I"m in Security and I always have fun. Make it a point to do so. You"re welcome to join me in kicking some serious holographic butt. I have two hours before I have to report back in."

Rose smiles at the young officer, "I wish I could but I'm still on duty. Maybe we can do it another time. I love fight simms."

"I like the real thing a bit better but it comes with a couple things I don"t want to deal with at the moment. Maybe I should leave you to your work." She flipped her Bat"Leth. "I should put in some practicing before my shift."

"If you need anything call me ok, I hope we can because friends." Rose smiles at her.

"I"m sure of it." She said with a wink and headed for the door. "See yah when I see yah."

Rose smiles and thinks "What a nice girl." as she returns to work.

Mhari walked down the hall, hopefully, towards the holodeck.

"Getting involved"
by: Mhari Stone

After an hour of looking for the holodeck she figured she wouldn't have enough time to get a workout in and headed back to her quarters. Once there she recieved a message asking for security officers to join the away team to check out the UFO in which the first away team had been lost on.

"Away mission" was all that entered her brain and tossed her Bat'Leth on her bed and headed towards the shuttle bay to get involved.

Practically running through the door, her eyes fell on the one in charge, Jake Olsen. She walked up to him with a smile on her face. "Ensign Stone reporting. Heard you were lookin' for some security officers. Request to be part of your team, sir."

In shuttle

Lt. Jake T. Olson
USS Galaxy
bridge
and
Lt.jg Bruce MaxWell
Ens. John Xavier
Ens. Stone

As Bruce sat at the Co-Pilots chair running the last checks he saw Ensign Xavier sit down in the seat doing the same. Bruce looked at the young guy and remembered when he was like that. He wondered what was going through the Ensigns Head. Thinking of all that could happen or complaining that there was another pilot and he had to fly around a bunch of scientists.

"So Ensign Looking forward to this or Hating it. By the way I am not here to make you feel incompetent I am mostly here cause Jake knows about my special Operations training. So what's going through yer head there Lad?" Bruce asked looking over at Ensign Xavier.

John kept his eyes on his console, "I look forward to every chance I get to take a shuttle outside." He kept working on his systems check, "Right now I'm thinking about this shuttles power systems, but they appear to be in good working condition."

John finished his systems check and turned to MaxWell, "What's on your mind sir?"

"No just wondering relax kid. If you relax lad it will all be better. That and I am always glad to meet others on board. Just relax any questions just ask." Bruce stated.

Practically running through the door, her eyes fell on the one in charge, Jake Olson. She walked up to him with a smile on her face. "Ensign Stone reporting. Heard you were lookin' for some security officers. Request to be part of your team, sir."

"Welcome aboard, now, all we need is a doctor, and we are ready to fly." Jake smiled, then realized, he never saw this lady before. "I'm Lt. Jake Olson."

Jake shook her hand.

**********************************************
Sandy ICQ# 36247063
Yahoo Messanger = craftycorner

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

*** Holosuite 8 ***

Andree had been busy running simulations to prepare for the delicate procedure ahead of repairing Michala's brain, fro the damage done in the transporter accident that had created her, unfortunately, the simulation could not progress in real time because of the large number of unknown variables. The best he could get were predictions of success, and probability of the cure being effective.

Concentrating on the scanner in his hand and the overhead readouts, Andree nearly jumped half a meter when he heard a knock at the door.

He had set the holosuite to privacy settings so as not to be disturbed during the delicate operation. A yeoman came in informing the Trill that his presence was requested on an away mission.

"Well, Maybe I shouldn't have actvated the privacy lock," Andree muttered to himself as he hustled to his quarters for a clean uniform and a stop at sickbay for the required medkit, before turning up in the shuttlebay just in time to catch the departing Science shuttle.

"New arrivals"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Shuttle USS Buster Keaton ***

Jake's attention was focused on the padd he was holding in his hand. Being given command of this away mission on board the science shuttle Buster Keaton, Lieutenant Olson was doing everything in his power to ensure nothing went by the weigh side. With both Lieutenant Commanders Sullax and Genestra missing with the first away team lead by Captain Price, that left Jake as the Galaxy's acting Chief Science officer. He knew this expedition was the best hope the Captain's party had of being located and rescued before their EVA suits ran out of oxygen in less than 24 hours.

"Did you get the extra canisters of Trioxyn that Doctor Dothan requested Bruce?" Jake asked without looking up from his checklist.

Lieutenant' MaxWell held up the three canisters he was holding. "They are right here Lieutenant. I'm stowing them in the hold now."

Doctor Dothan stepped over and offered to take the small containers from MaxWell. "I'll get that. These need to be stored carefully because they are under pressure. If we locate the missing crew members the trioxyn will be needed to reoxygenate their blood in a hurry."

"Not if Doctor, *when*." Bruce stated confidently while handing the medical supplies over.

Andree nodded and quietly stated, "I hope you are right."

Near the back of the shuttle, Ensign Mhari Stone and Lieutenant jg Heather Sanchez sat quietly. Mhari was watching Heather check the phaser riffle she was holding. Sanchez seemed to know weapons really well. For a woman, Heather seemed to be quite buffed, Mhari thought.

Jake continued to read over his checklist. "We have the EVA suits loaded on board?"

Bruce nodded. "Six suits in the rear compartment. I checked them out myself sir."

Lieutenant Olson finally placed down his padd. He could feel the responsibility of command resting on his shoulders as he glanced back at the five other officers he was responsible for on this mission. "That's it then. Ensign Xavier, prepare to take us out."

Jake contacted the Bridge and informed them of the Buster Keaton's status. Within a minute the away mission was under way as the science shuttle flew off the Galaxy's shuttle bay and headed towards the eerie wooden galleon that floated in space.

"Minimal power Ensign, I know you are jazzed at getting the helm on this mission, but let's take it slow and easy. Remember that this is primarily a rescue mission. The Captain and his party are counting on us to save them." Lieutenant Olson stated.

John nodded with a bit of a grin. "Understood sir. I'll go easier on the throttle from now on." Xavier really couldn't help himself. Other than flying numerous simulations on the holo-deck, this was the first time he'' gotten to fly a real shuttle since he joined the crew of the Galaxy.

Slowly the Buster Keaton approached the hovering naval ship from the late 17th, early 18th century. It seemed quite majestic and foreboding as it defiantly hung in space with its sails billowing for no known or explainable reason.

"Steady, let's hold this distance and circle navigate the ship to get some additional readings." Jake ordered.

"Altering course to maintain distance sir." Xavier stated as he flew the Buster Keator around the Gothos in a slow circle while Lieutenant Olson started to take readings from one of the numerous science stations about the shuttlecraft.

***

*** Gothos ***

"Tighten up the sails 'mates. Let's catch our share of the gusting winds to put some distance between us and those ships on the horizon." Captain Price ordered.

Both Ryak and Evin were quick to man the rigging and take advantage of the favorable winds. Glancing over the side of the Gothos, Mikala estimated that their speed had increased by several knots. Things were looking hopeful that they would soon escape over the horizon and that the twin warships in the distance wouldn't discover them in the early morning hours.

On the horizon before them, Gailyn could see the rising sun as it began to breach the sea and start it's steady ascent upward into the sky. It was the dawn of a new day on the high seas. The El Aurian couldn't help but take in a deep breath of the sea air and take pleasure as it stung his nostrils. Memories of simpler times long past.

Captain Price was also feeling hopeful. If they could avoid drawing the attention of the twin gunboats in the distance, their nautical location was not very far from an island that Gailyn pointed out. There they would be able to take on supplies and fresh water, which they were running low on at the moment.

That is when the music from a harpsichord started playing again. Instinctively, Captain Price turned around and looked at Trelane as he fingered the keyboard whimsically.

"A bright new day Captain? What interesting discoveries will be made this morrow? What incredible battles will be fought? What victories will be won? What treasures will be gotten?" Trelane went on.

"What do you want Trelane?" Captain Price asked bluntly.

"Want? Why nothing Captain. Absolutely nothing at all. For if I wanted it, I would simple will it to be so. I am simply here to observe you in all of your greatness as a grand naval commander." Trelane explained with a not so subtle hint of sarcasm in his voice. Pausing his harpsichord playing to pivot and face Captain Price, "Though I must say, turning tail and running doesn't seem like a very heroic way to command a pirate ship. Wouldn't you agree Captain?"

"It's the best course of action and you know it 'mate."

Beginning to play his music again, Trelane rolled his eyes, "Perhaps, but still it doesn't seem like a very manly thing to do. I can't imagine great songs being written, or stories being told of the cowardly Pirate Captain that always turns tail and runs at the first signs of trouble. . ."

"I'm not here to have songs written or to be the lead characters in some sort of fable you wish to tell Trelane. I am here because I have been forced into it. So forgive me if my actions and behavior are less than favorable to your expectations 'mate. Frankly, I don't give a damn."

Trelane smiled and changed his music to a southern piece from 'Gone with the wind'. Taking a hand he placed the back of it to his forehead, in a show of theatrics, "Oh such language! How could you speak to me like that Captain? I thought you were a gentleman, but you are nothing but a barbarian."

Lee just turned his back on Trelane and stepped over to the railing of the upper deck.

"We are making good time Captain." Lieutenant Commander Genestra called back. "I don't think the ships spotted us."

Satisfied with the results, Lee turned and looked at Trelane. He didn't say anything, but that boy-like expression of self-satisfaction pretty much did all of the Captain's talking.

Trelane relented. "I wouldn't be *that* pleased with myself if I was you Price. Anyone can simply run away. Where is the fun in that?" Then, suddenly, Trelane looked out at the distance, like he was seeing something astrally that wasn't really there. His smile widened in sharp contrast to his attitude a moment earlier. This worried Price.

"Well, it seems that you are a quite popular fellow in deed Captain. Though I can't imagine why, I do believe there are those that actually care about your existence and where you have been off to."

"What are you talking about Trelane?" Lee asked pointedly.

With a casual wave of his hand, Trelane motioned to the side of the ship. "Have a look for yourself. You are the Captain of this vessel after all."

With hesitation, Lee turned and stepped over towards the port of the ship. Grasping the handrails, he wasn't prepared for what he was about to see.

***

*** USS Galaxy ***

"Status report." Deiran requested bluntly.

"The Buster Keaton is maintaining its distance and slowly navigating around the Gothos sir. Lieutenant Olson is taking active readings to determine if it's safe to attempt to board her." Hermedhie reported from tactical.

"Hail them." Commander Casey ordered.

"Frequencies open sir." Raesene replied.

"What's going on over there Jake?" Deiran asked.

["Just conducting some scans sir. Everything seems to be nominal. I think it should be safe to take the shuttle in for a closer look."] Lieutenant Olson reported to the Galaxy's acting Captain.

"Just be careful. The last thing I want to have happen is to loose another away team to that thing." Casey reminded.

["I will be Commander. I will keep you posted. Buster Keaton out."] Jake closed.

Casey shifted in his command chair. The butterflies in his stomach hadn't subsided at all. For a moment he thought about hailing Doctor Gakor in sickbay about getting something for it; but that would mean admitting that he, a Casey, had butterflies in the first place. That wasn't something he wanted to do. Not right now.

Several minutes had past. The science shuttle had completed its third circle around the Gothos, each time flying in for a closer look. When the alarm sounded on Lieutenant Commander Hermedhie's Tactical Station, Deiran and the rest of the bridge crew practically jumped out of their seats.

"What is it man?" Deiran inquired quickly.

Raesene read his monitors. "Two ships closing fast on our position sir."

"Can you identify them?" Casey returned.

"I'm trying to, they are still pretty distant." The 'Commander replied. "Adjusting the gain now sir."

Deiran looked back at the wooden Gothos floating in space with the USS Buster Keaton flying around it. He knew that if those ships turned out to be hostile, the away team, both of them, would be extremely vulnerable.

"Hail the Buster Keaton. And get me an id on those ships." Casey ordered.

Raesene tapped the controls, "They appear to be Breen battle cruisers. They are arming their weapons and maintaining an intercept course."

Across the bridge at Ops, Lieutenant Commander Michael Jamson blurted out, "The Breen? They shouldn't be anywhere near this area of space. That makes no sense."

"It's confirmed. They *are * Breen battle cruisers. There is no mistake Commander." Raesene repeated.

"Hail the shuttle now." Deiran repeated while watching the Buster Keaton disappear behind the wooden Gothos on the main view screen.

Lieutenant Commander Hermedhie tapped the proper controls. Then he tapped them again. A look of concern formed on his face as he quickly took another scan. Then slowly, he looked up at Commander Casey who was looking back over his shoulder at the tactical position. "They are gone sir."

::Dramatic rise in music as camera zooms in tightly on Commander Casey's face before cutting to a commercial ::

***

*** Gothos ***

Captain Price looked over the side of the Gothos while Trelane stood a few feet behind him and watched with sheer pleasure. There in the ocean was a small wooden dingy, getting tossed about with the Caribbean currents. Inside the small lifeboat, six people wearing sailor's outfits could just be seen. Lee instantly recognized several of them as officers from the USS Galaxy.

"Quite a predicament wouldn't you say Captain?" Trelane taunted. "You are quite correct, the ships aft have yet to spot your vessel from such a distance, but with the sun now risen, it will not take long for them to reacquire their target and come after you with all cannon blazing. Ah, but that does present a problem. These pesky commoners that happened along looking for a great adventure with the legendary Captain Price of the Gothos. We could stop to pick them up, but that will mean dropping sails and allowing the warships to the aft to spot us. Of course you could simply maintain full speed ahead and leave them here to drown on the high seas. They are after all just expendable sailors. We can always find more to replace them. . ."

Lee glanced at Trelane. He couldn't stand the pompous satisfaction Trelane was experiencing at the expense of himself and his shipmates. Trelane honestly seemed to derive pleasure in making life difficult for those around him.

"I will stop and pick up my crew 'mate. This isn't just a sick game to us you know. They are living breathing human beings." Lee scolded.

"Yes, yes, yes. And you are the humanitarian Pirate of the high seas. Quite drool. However, it is quite noble as well. And quite brave!" Trelane declared with a pointed finger as an accent. "Faced with superior odds, the mighty Captain chooses to save his shipmates and face the brunt of his Majesties Royal fleet. It should make for a quite interesting adventure indeed." Trelane smiled. He then walked back over to his harpsichord, flipped up his coat tails in showmanship fashion, and then sat down to play some more music.

Lee glanced across the deck at the crewmen and woman standing by there. They had all seen their comrades in the dingy by now, and looked to be waiting for the orders to be given.

"Cut sails, and bring us along side 'mates. I want the Galaxy crewmembers brought on board in record time before we attempt to recapture the wind."

With the orders given, the Starfleet officers turn 18th century sailors began carrying out the orders to bring Lieutenant Olson's away team on board the Gothos.

"Crow's Nest"
By Lieutenant Mikala Pailaka

***Gothos***

"What is it, Captain?" Mike asked, making his way down from the quarter deck to the main deck at the Captain's summons. He was still bare chested and covered in the indigo tattoos that were popular amongst the warriors of his ancestors centuries earlier. He looked even more out of place than the rest of the rag tag crew, but he didn't mind. He was playing a role that had historical significance to him, and that made the absurd situation slightly easier to take.

"Two ships following us aft." Said Price. "I can't make them out but it's a good bet they are trouble 'mate."

"What are your orders sir?" Mike replied. As they commiserated, Trelane continued to play the harpsichord with his cheery, smug expression on his face.

"Let's get underway and try to outrun them. They might not have spotted us yet, but will soon with the rising sun."

"I can probably get a better look from the crow's nest, sir." Mike suggested.

"Fair Dinkum, 'mate. Take this and see what there is you can see."

Mike took hold of the brass telescope and slid it into his loincloth, making sure it was secure. Then he began to climb the rigging of the main mast, past the main sail, topgallant and royal up to the crow's nest, perched high above the deck.

The full moon cast its pale reflections on the evening waters, setting off a breathtaking cascade of shimmering light. Mike paused and took in the view, filling his lungs with the cool salty air. In another time, in another place, this life wouldn't be such a bad thing, he thought to himself. Even now, faced as they were with the dangerous games Trelane had set in motion, Mike realized that a part of him, his inner child, was thrilling at the chance to play pirate. He wondered how many of the others on the team were harboring similar feelings.

He could make out the distant silhouettes of two large ships trailing the Gothos. It was entirely possible that they had yet to spot the mighty galleon, but knowing Trelane, that situation would not last for long. Leaning out over the crow's nest, he extended the telescope to its full length and peered at the approaching ship.

"Aia! I know those ships!" Mike said out loud. There was no mistaking the black painted hull of the three gun deck English warship. For the first time since Trelane's 'game' began, Mike felt a pang of anxiety and perhaps even fear. "By the gods." He breathed. "That's the HMS Victory!"

"Well done!" said Trelane, suddenly standing at Mike's shoulder in the crow's nest. "Jolly good show!"

"Awe!" Mike said, nearly dropping the telescope in surprise. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Well, we wouldn't want that, would we?" said Trelane, smiling. "You and the rest of your chums are going to need to be in tip top form to handle this upcoming engagement. So, can you guess the other ship?"

Mike brought the telescope to his eye once again. "The Victory is the easy one. The other ship... I'm not sure. It's another first rater. At least a hundred long guns, and a few carronades on the top decks, including a pair of bow chasers. Not too many of them were commissioned." Mike wracked his brain, trying to remember his naval history. "I'd have to guess either the Britannia or the Royal Sovereign."

"Touché!, my good man!" Said Trelane, clapping his hands in joy. "She is indeed the Royal Sovereign, under the command of the steadfast Captain Edward Rotheram."

"And the Victory." Said Mike. "Let me guess, Nelson?"

"A common misconception." Said Trelane. "The Victory's Captain was Thomas Hardy, but indeed Fleet Admiral Nelson is aboard, to help with the pursuit." He grinned from ear to ear. "You see, I have done my research!"

Mike frowned. This was crazy. To think a Spanish Galleon could stand toe to toes with two of the greatest warships of their century, and with their scaled down crew no less. The odds simply were against them. If only there was something to do. But Telane, in his vanity, was looking to hand out a lesson.

A light bulb went off in Mike's head. Perhaps Trelane's vanity was a point in the away team's favor, not the reverse. Mike folded the telescope and slid it back into his loincloth. "If only your research into piracy was as good as your research into British warships." Mike said with a sigh.

Trelane looked taken aback. "Whatever do you mean? This is a highly accurate simulation!"

"Of a common pirate galleon, true." Said Mike, turning to face his captor. "But as a flagship fit for a pirate king?" He left the question hanging in the air.

"Explain yourself." Trelane demanded.

Mike allowed himself a hint of a smile. "Well, during this era, the very best and most notorious pirates, of which I assume you are one..."

"Yes of course." Said Trelane with a wave of his hand. "Go on."

"Well, for them, money was no object. They outfitted their ships with the best their ill gotten loot could buy. For example. I would think there would be far more gold and silver guiding on the stern galleries."

"That's easily done." Said Trelane.

"And your cabin." Said Mike. "Any self respecting and successful pirate captain would have had the best Spanish oil painters create a portrait of themselves to hang on the wall behind their desk... In a solid gold frame of course."

"Oooh, I like the way you think!" said Trelane, snapping his fingers. "Anything else?"

"Well, there are our cannons. Perfectly acceptable for a common ship, but for the Gothos?" Mike crinkled his nose. "The best pirate captains custom ordered the Dutch thirty two pounders, the ones with the rifling in the barrels and the lead lined powder charges, rather than the cloth, so you don't waste time swabbing the barrels between shots." Trelane looked at him cautiously. "And of course, the guns would be intricately engraved with your family crest, Trelane."

Trelane smiled. "I suppose they would be!" he said. "Oh, I'm so glad you decided to come play!" He said, his fingers snapping again. "Isn't this much better than that boring old Galaxy?"

"It is indeed." Said Mike with a conspiring grin. He had just lied through his teeth about the cannon, but Trelane appeared to be too busy preening to notice. At least now, with slightly better fire power, they might stand a better chance. But there would be no way to prevent the inevitable outcome if the enemy got close. Six long gun decks firing broadsides into them would smash the Gothos to pieces in short order.

"Oh, I can't hold back the excitement any longer!" said Trelane. "Let's go tell Price what you have learned!"

Snap. Mike found himself back on the main deck, standing before his Captain and his fellow officers.. Trelane was back at the harpsichord, or to be more precise, he continued to play, as Mike couldn't recall the music stopping while Trelane was in the crow's nest.

"Learn anything, 'mate?" Price asked his helmsman.

"Bad news sir." We're up against the HMS Victory and Lord Admiral Nelson, along with one of her sister ships. They have more sail, more guns, more crew and thicker timbers. And there's two of them."

"And what do we have?" The Captain asked.

Mike glanced at the guns lining the main deck. They had indeed been transformed into the cannon he had described to Trelane. "We have better guns, though far less of them. We also have over five hundred years more experience in tactics."

Price stroked the stubble on his chin as he began to plot. "We'll give them the best we've got, if it comes to that, 'mate." He said. "Meanwhile, get back to the wheel and try and put as much distance between us and them as you can before we are discovered."

"Aye aye, sir." Mike said with a nod. He quickly made his way back to the wheel house. Night would soon give way to morning, and then, the chase would truly be on.

*** ***

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

"A change to tact."
By Ensign Peter Lockhart

Gamma shift had started and Peter was working in a quiet corner of Security. He was quite enjoying himself. Security seemed to be short staffed at the moment, at least they'd lost all the senior ranking officers for the moment. With the Captain missing, Commander Casey was the Commanding Officer. That made 'Commander Albrecht the XO for the moment.

Also missin was "Captain" Kirk, as Peter had decided to call Lieutenant Commander Kirk. Furthermore with additional staff called away to other duty, security was very quiet at the moment. Lieutenant (JG) Sanchez had gone off with Ensign Stone on the new shuttle mission. Lieutenant (JG) Zonhieb was presently guarding the Ferengi with Ensign Salt, whilst Chris Aaron was on the Bridge to help 'Commander Albrecht keep an eye on Commander Casey.

With most of the other security officers on standard patrol, that left only himself, Ensign Smith and Ensign Sovok working in the department at the moment. Peter decided it was time he put a stop to that however.

"Hey Kevin!" Peter said, wandering up to Ensign Smith, who was pulling a double shift. "How's it going?"

"Not too bad." the young officer turned and replied. "I'm meeting Counsellor An'quinsos later in Ten Forward. At the moment, there is little need for security or counselling officers, so we thought we'd catch up. I haven't seen Adrian for a few days."

"Indeed. I've been trying to avoid counsellors recently. I think Lieutenant' Navarre wants to collar me for another counselling session. Worse than that, she outranks me now, so I'd have to go!"

"So what are you up to?" Ensign Smith asked. "Pretty quiet huh?"

"Yes. I was wondering actually, about my career. I notice again that there are a lot of officers advancing again, and I'm getting left behind. I suppose it's my own fault, but no way am I going to try harder in unarmed, cos I'm crap at it." Peter explained bluntly.

"So what's your conclusion?" Kevin asked.

"A change of tack." Peter asked. "In fact, a change TO tact!" he explained further. "I was thinking of asking 'Commander Albrecht if I could cut down on the amount of unarmed combat training I do, in order to take more tactical training and transfer departments. I already love running tactical simulations as it is, so I'm thinking I'm probably in the wrong department."

"Sounds like a plan." Kevin answered. "But I can't see how you can cut down on the amount of unarmed training you receive at the moment. You never turn up!" he laughed.

"Well okay.... but we'll gloss over that fact!" Peter answered. "But I'm glad I'm stated this now. It's got me motivated. I'm going to write a note to 'Commander Albrecht and ask him about it."

"Can't hurt." Kevin answered, as Peter wandered over to one of the many vacant terminals and started to type.

[To: Herr Hitler] Peter typed jokingly, but the computer rejected the name as their was no such recipient. "Looks like I'll have to do it properly." Peter muttered to himself.

[To: Lieutenant Commander Matthew Albrecht
From: Ensign Peter Lockhart
Subject: Getting out of your damn department]

Peter started laughing at his hilarious (well, he thought) subject line. However, he doubted 'Commander Albrecht would be so pleased. He deleted it, and continued.

[Subject: Engaging in more tactical training.

Sir. I have been considering my career path, and would like to explore the possibility of transferring to the Tactical department at some future date. As such, would it be possible to increase the amount of tactical training simulations I engage in, reducing the amount of unarmed training sessions, which will no longer be necessary if I do transfer?

I'd just like to explore this possibility please. I have not yet fully committed myself to it, but in order to advance my career in the future, additional cross training would help me achieve that.]

Peter considered what he had wrote and decided to send it. Peter was never good at putting things tactfully, and even now he considered the note to be a little too blunt. He sat back however and sighed loudly once it had gone. All that could be done now was wait, and maybe play a few games of "Minesweep" whilst he waited for something exciting to happen. He didn't have to wait long.

"Another report has been filed by 'Commander Albrecht." Ensign Sovok stated from his terminal across the room. Both Peter and Kevin looked up and walked over. "It appears that the shuttle "Buster Keaton" has also vanished with all hands." the Vulcan stated with emotion.

"Wasn't Lieutenant' Sanchez on that shuttle?" Peter suddenly asked.

"That is correct Mr. Lockhart." Ensign Sovok answered.

Peter slowly fell to his knees and clasped his hands together. "There is a God after all!" he exclaimed.

"I find your lack of concern over the Lieutenant's disapperance to be most strange. Humans are usually very emotional over the loss of other crew members." Ensign Sovok said, looking puzzled.

"Oh, you haven't properly met Lieutenant Sanchez yet." Ensign Smith said, as Peter continued thanking the lord. The Vulcan merely raised an eyebrow and watched Peter go through some strange religious ritual of thanks.

"And then there were more..."
by: Ensign Mhari Stone

-=Gothos=-

Mhari stared in surprise at her new outfitting. "Holy, shitballs," she whispered to herself, taking in the environment around her. "Did I take a nap while we were flying through space?" No one really paid attention to her, but she was used to it. Spotting the Gothos, she smiled. 'Wow,' she thought to herself.

Once they were pulled aboard, Mhari took in the ship. She was confused, scared but extremly excited. When no one else was smiling, her smile faded slowly.

She looked over at the location everyone else seemed to be looking at and her face became emotionless. She knew this could be some major trouble. The worst part was she knew close to nothing about sea ships. She was lost in the unknown land and from the expressions on everyone else faces, the ships coming towards them wasn't coming over for a picnic.

She wanted to ask what in the universe was going on but stayed quiet. All they needed was to be bothered with her. She waited for orders because at the moment, she had no idea what to do.

"Running The Gambit"
USS GALAXY
Commander Deiran Casey, Acting Captain

Casey heard the words "they are gone sir" but seriously did not want to admit it. Here he was, with a great command record, three medals to his name and file and a stupid 600 year old Galleon was going to make a fool of him?

Not if Deiran Casey could help it.

Two Breen war cruisers were heading for their position, he knew he could take them both out if he didn't have to protect the Galleon. But, he had no other course of action. Casey had to protect that Galleon; it was the only way to save the away teams. At the same time, he had to protect the Galaxy and its crew.

No one could say a word about it though, the decisions were Casey's to make, it was the ship riding on Casey's shoulders and the lives of everyone on board. Casey had gone up against five warbirds in the past, not only did he survive but he took out two and a half of them and he did it with an Akira class cruiser. He had the Galaxy at his disposal this time, somehow, someway he'd find a tactic to get them out of this.

But, he hadn't a clue how he was going to rescue the missing away teams.

He sat in the command chair, his fingers in a pyramid shape underneath his chin, and he was staring at the main viewer.

"Give me all the information on those Breen ships that you can Raesene, use long range sensors to give me an idea of the weaponry on those ships," Deiran then turned on the ship-wide com system to make an announcement, "All personnel report to battle stations, report to battle stations, red alert!"

The Breen were not exactly going to give hugs and cuddles to the Galaxy crew.

"Are they answering our hails?" Casey asked.

"Negative sir," Raesene replied.

"Damnit!" Casey said, clearly wanting to find a peaceful solution, but they were Breen. "Well then, full power to weapons and shields, put us on a direct course so that we're in front of the wooden ship," Casey commanded the Bridge crew.

The USS Galaxy swerved into action and set itself right in front of the wooden ship on a mark that would make sure that the Galaxy was in the best possible position to protect the old ship.

"Breen ships closing in sir, direct course, they have seen us," Raesene informed Casey.

"Aye, load torpedo's, max firepower to forward phasers, put all available energy after that to shields! Brace yourselves!" Casey knew this was going to be one tough ride.

The Breen were in range now, flying at attack speed. There were no hails, no warnings, they just started attacking, phaser fire rammed into the Galaxy's shields and Casey had the ship maneuver to evade.

"Re-direction!" Casey yelled, which was his standard command when facing two ships. He'd used it countless times during the Dominion War.

Raesene knew what it meant too, fire the max amount of torpedoes at the left ship, attack the right ship with phasers and make the attacks count and then high tail it to behind the ships and do it again. With two ships attacking they had to be careful not to run into one another and Deiran was counting on it. It gave him four attacks when just remaining stationary would give him two at the most.

Casey was becoming the master at outnumbered tactics. He had guts and sometimes it scared people, but he always came out on top. Besides if he didn't use his gut instincts the ship and crew would die anyway.

Each wave of attacks by the Breen was meant with four massive attacks by the Galaxy. The Breen were having a heck of a time giving the Galaxy a hard jolt. The Galaxy would give the two Breen ships all it had, dive and juke out of the way and run for a bit while the Galaxy reloaded and then came back for more, all the while keeping the Galleon out of harms way.

But on the sixth time around, the two Breen ships connected, and the Galaxy was hit hard.

Casey could just say "Damnit!" and ran to help one of the injured Yeomans who had a severe head wound from the recent attack by the Breen.

Casey ripped his uniform and wrapped the piece of cloth around the young woman's head to stop the bleeding. "Bridge to sickbay, we're taking casualties up here, a med team is needed, pronto!""

Casey then undid his uniform jacket and placed it underneath the Yeomans head. It was all he could do to help the woman at the moment.

"Sir, aft shields are down, life support on decks 15 through 17 have failed," Lucas at the Ops console reported.

"Evacuate those decks, get an engineering team there to repair it. Anything else failing?" Casey asked sarcastically, the usual charismatic banter between the Ops chief apparent and during this the Bridge had become a seething pothole of steam.

"Too many places to name sir," Lucas replied, not at all smiling at the predicament they were all in, but he did notice his future brother-in-law's sarcasm.

Casey had Raesene swerve around the two Breen ships and he then called for venting plasma coolant from the warp nacelles. The Galaxy then fired its phasers at the coolant to ignite it.

The coolant exploded in a blue-white flame and devastated the Breen ships but their shields held. "What the hell?" Casey was shocked that it didn't obliterate at least one of the ships.

"Their shields held sir, about fifty percent," Raesene replied.

And just as the Chief tactical officer informed Casey of their adversaries shields, they received a crushing blow to their aft. A devastating explosion sent scraps of titanium flying all over the place. Casey himself was thrown from one side of the Bridge to the other and slammed into the wall on the left of the Bridge. The landing caused Casey's left rib cage to collapse.

"Get those aft shields repaired!" Casey called out, in pain. He wasn't about to leave the Bridge now, no matter how much pain he was in. The Bridge crew looked at him from their posts and could see blood staining his abdomen and blood seeping from his mouth. He was badly injured, but not one of the bridge crew would even try to get him off the bridge, they knew better. Deiran Casey was a stubborn, tough commander and he'd stay with his crew until the job was finished.

by Lt Jg. Seth Zonhieb, Gorn Security Guard

"I hate just standing here doing nothing." Ensign Salt complained for the fifth time. She had just started her shift and the statue beside her had done double duty. "How do you just stand there like that? So still."

"Gorn don't fidget, Ensign" Seth rolled one of his multifaceted eyes to look at the tiny human woman. His other eye didn't waiver from the door he was guarding.

"Oh this is so boring." Salt repeated again and took two paces up the hall and back. "For once security should be useful. You know what I mean?"

Red alert sounded and Astrid jumped to readiness. She was about to charge back to the security office. "Halt." Seth ordered. "We are to guard our guest and that's what you will do."

"Anyone ever told you you're no fun Seth?" Salt crossed her arms in a huff and scrunched up her face. It was a sad attempt to look as solemn as her lizard companion.

The ship rocked and the gorn bent his massive knees to keep his balance. The ensign beside him took an extra second to gain her equilibrium. Squealing could be heard from behind the door. "I'm going to die." was repeated several times in Ferengi.

Another blast knocked the human into a green wall of scales wearing a gold uniform. Clawed hands caught her arms and steadied her. "Easy ensign." The gorn put her down on the trembling deck. Smoke started to roll down the hall and float to the lights over head.

"Warning" the computer chimed in. "Life support failing."

Ensign Salt headed for the guest room door and was stopped with a hand as big as her head on her shoulder. "Where you going?" Seth asked.

"We have to get out of here." The ensign argued, surprised the gorn had to ask.

"We have not been ordered to leave." Seth informed her. "Get back to your post."

No sooner had he finished the order when the bridge called down. "Evacuate all personnel decks 15, 16 and 17. Repeat..."

"Now we may go." Seth finally moved from his guard spot and headed for the Ferengi's door.

"I wonder why he's so quiet now?" Astrid asked as she noticed there was no more pleading. The door opened and the Ferengi was sprawled out on the floor. A huge bump on his forehead. The human stifled a laugh "It looks like he had tried to run out and hit the door."

The gorn effortlessly plucked the prone figure off the floor and carried him from the room to head for sickbay.

"Acrobatics 30 Feet Up"
by Lt Jg. Kira Murphy, Medical (General & Paediatrics)
------------------------------------------------------------

Rising from her bunk bed, Kira jumped down onto the deck and headed down the corridor. Climbing the ladder, she looked aft and saw some boats approaching.

Nearby, some people were struggling with one of the sails that was caught.

Smiling, she realised that her natural agility from living in zero-g's would help. Grabbing onto one of the belaying pins holding an unneeded rope, she pulled it free and let the rope pull her up into the air.

The sailors jumped back in surprise as she wooshed into the air.

Rushing past the caught sail, she used the pin to knock it free. Looking around quickly, Kira spotted some other ropes going to various parts of the sails and leapt over to one through the air. Below her, she heard started gasps as she fell through the air towards her target. Grabbing it, she swung for a few seconds before springing upwards, catching another.

By sommersaulting through the air and swinging, Kira eventually swung over to a rope ladder and started climbing down.

Reaching the deck, she met the sailors she had helped, who were applauding her.

Turning around, she saw Captain Price looking at her and shaking his head in amazement at her lack of worry about falling to her death. He smiled to her before going back to work.

"First Day"

Ensign Enrique de Marquez
Counselor

Ensign Vanda M'Giia
NPC Nurse

*** Deck 13, Cabin 048 ***

Enrique sat on his bed, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Today was his first day of active duty, and he had to report to Counselor Dallas for a psychological evaluation. He also had to make a visit to Sickbay for a full physical checkup. And then he had to find Rose McAllen. He'd been surprised when he learned she was also on the Galaxy. After what happened to her back at the Academy before graduation, everyone thought her spirit was broken, but she had come through stronger than before, though not without the emotional scars.

But it was still early in the morning and he had the whole day ahead of him. Standing up, Enrique stripped off his clothes and headed into the shower. A sonic shower was no substitute for the real thing, but on a Starfleet starship you just had to shelf certain luxuries. He reached out for a towel, tied it around his waist and got out of the shower. Walking out of the bathroom, he went over to Bubble's cage. The little Tribble was still fast asleep. Enrique took a little box out of the drawer of the table, and opened it. He poured some of the pet food inside into Bubble's small food containers, and placed the box back in the drawer. Stepping over to his wardrobe, he opened it and took out his uniform. He'd never even worn it before - today would be the first day. Enrique smiled in spite of himself, and started dressing.

After he got dressed he stood in front of the mirror and admired himself. His career in Starfleet had begun! All excited, he grabbed his shoulder bag and headed off to the mess hall.

*** An hour later ***

Enrique was horribly lost. After he eventually found the mess hall, he couldn't find his way back to the turbolift. His shift started in a few minutes, and he was going to be late if he didn't find the turbolift soon. A few people had given him directions, but he was still lost. Up ahead the corridor divided into two different sections. He looked right and then left, seeing the turbolift at the end of the hall. Enrique broke into a dead run, jumping into the turbolift seconds before the doors closed and crashing into its single occupant.

"Hey! Watch it," the woman said, stopping herself from falling over by clinging to the railing against the wall. "What are you? Some kind of -"

"Vanda?" Enrique said, straightening up.

"Enrique?" the young Andorian woman replied. "My God, what are you doing here?"

The two gave eachother a long hug, when the computer interrupted.

"Please specify deck destination."

"Oh, I'm going down to Deck 14," Enrique said.

"Me too," Vanda replied. "Computer, Deck 14."

The computer acknowledged and the turbolift started downwards.

"I didn't know you were assigned to the Galaxy," Enrique said, quite amazed that he had met up with an old Academy friend - two of them at that. He and Vanda had been very close friends at the Academy, along with the others of their little group.

"Well, I tried to get word to you on Betazed, but I couldn't," Vanda replied. "The communiqués to Betazed were still too difficult because of the damage to the communication relays after the War."

Enrique nodded, the memories of the aftermath on Betazed still vivid. "So, have you spoken to Rose?"

"Rose? As in Rose McAllen? I didn't know she was here!" Vanda said with some surprise. "I only came on board a few days ago. You know, this ship is huge. I wouldn't be surprised if we would walk into someone else we knew, like Shane Montgomerry Walcott."

Enrique was stunned. He and Vanda both had a crush on Shane back when they were first year cadets. Shane was a year ahead of them at the Academy, and always very popular - with both students and professors.

"He didn't even know we existed," Vanda said as the turbolift came to a halt.

"Yeah, until that time you spilled that vial of hydronalyn all over him in the simulator," Enrique laughed.

They walked together to the Counseling offices and stood outside Counselor Dallas' door.

"I just want to make a quick appointment, if you don't mind," Vanda said.

"Sure, go ahead," Enrique said, and the door chime anounced their presence.

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

"Interruptions"

At first there was a slight rumble. Before Suder had time to react a second, larger rumble followed in a heart beat. Two data padds fell off his desk. He immediately got out of his chair and raced out of his office.

Several Engineers were running around Engineering, looking at different consoles. Trying to piece together information and form some kind of report about what damage they had taken.

Suder ran over to the main computer console and looked at it. They were under attack all right. Two ships. Two, familiar ships.

"What's going on?" Cadet Jason asked as he arrived in Engineering.

"The war could be back on." a passing Lieutenant joked as he grabbed an Engineering kit.

"Cadet, get to your quarters." Suder ordered.

The ship shook again. A small console in the corner of Engineering exploded. The power relay overloaded causing the small outburst of extra energy.

Suder looked at the console. No one was standing near that console. Which was good. But enough damage had already been done. Why, now of all times, was the Galaxy under attack?

"All right people, let's keep those shields up and keep power to weapons, propulsion and the hull integrity. You know the drill, knock off things we don't need so we can use the power." he said as he made his way over to the warp core. As the ship rocked again, Suder fell to the floor.

Another explosion ripped open a console. An officer fell to the floor. She moved slightly, but only in pain.

Suder quickly crawled over to her and looked at her wounds. Several bits of metal were sticking out of her chest and stomach. It didn't look too serious, but it hurt. Suder could sense the fear and pain that the Engineer was feeling.

"Get Sickbay to send a team down here, now!" Suder snapped as he got to his feet.

Cadet Jason knelt down next to the Ensign and then looked at Suder. "Stay with her." Suder quietly said.

Updated information kept coming through. The Galaxy was taking more damage. Nothing serious yet. Just a few knocks and bruises. He sent a call out to two Engineering teams that her already been dispatched.

He remembered, just a short while ago, he was one of the people out there, sent around to help repair the ship. One of the poeple who made a difference. Fixing the EPS conduits was a big, important situation to be in, and Suder knew that his teams were able to cope with that sort of situation, but he felt worried for them. How many were going to get injuried?

He wanted to ask Samara if she ever felt like that, sending Engineers out. Getting worried that maybe someone wouldn't make it. But he couldn't ask anyone.

"Sir, I'm having trouble rerouting some energy through the secondary system grid." an Engineer called out. It was Ensign Rosen. She was young, slightly more experienced then some of the other Ensigns, but it looked like she was panicing.

Suder walked round the main computer console and stood next to her. He pointed at two of the flashing lights on the display unit. "These two units are the problem. In order to eliminate them, we need to by-pass this first system." Suder explained as he tapped in the commands that would give him access to the systems he needed. "Then put in your command code. That should give you access to reroute power from there, to there." he said pointing again at the screen.

"That's a neat trick, they don't teach you that in the manual." she replied. Suder nodded and walked over to another console to carry on his own repairs.

"Showtime"

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

with unauthorized appearances by:

Lt. Michael McDowell
Engineer

Emily Jane Russel III
NPC Civilian Medical Observer

Commander Deiran Casey
Acting Captain
USS Galaxy

***Sickbay, USS Galaxy***

Karyn had no way of knowing her first medical emergency as a Registered Nurse would only serve as a warm-up for what was to come. She had been reading the reports on the Gothos and on the missing Away Teams with mounting concern. Bypassing the fact that a wooden ship in space was just bizarre, Karyn had written it off as another of those strange occurrences the USS Galaxy just happened to encounter. She was curious about it, and she had in fact visited the Bridge to see the monstrosity on the main viewscreen, after pouring over it in Ten-Forward.

Karyn entered the Bridge shortly before they encountered the Persell. She wasn't a telepath or an empath, so all she could do was speculate with the others as they tried to understand what was happening aboard the ancient galleon. She was just as shocked when sensors picked up the Ferengi Merchant Vessel. Within moments, Red Alert was called and Karyn was called to Sickbay to treat the wounded and obstinate Ferengi.

Since then she had become the unofficial liason between the Ferengi and the Galaxy crew. Needless to say it was positively painful for the counselor to be "diplomatic" to the whining and sexist humanoids for extended periods of time, so she was extremely grateful to the gods for saving her from another millisecond of insults. One more moment and Karyn would explode. Luckily, their guests were moved to Cargo Bay Two in short order.

"Not as glamorous as you thought, huh?" asked Kristen Opel, a good friend and fellow nurse.

Karyn shook her head. "I never thought it to be glamorous Kris, but at least in my line of work I get rid of the self-centered people after an hour!"

Kris laughed. "I know what you mean. Well, we'll treat them, but the Damon is Casey's problem now."

Karyn grew pensive, now that she had a moment's peace, her thoughts turned to Michael, still lying in a coma after being poisoned by a native plant of Grainus 6. The two were a couple, and it was tearing Karyn apart that the two couldn't talk to each other like they used to. Karyn pushed away her guilt, she did it so naturally now. The same old story: neither could seem to find time for the other, work seemed to always get in the way. Karyn liked to think it was their own dedication to their duties that kept them from spending too much time together, but Karyn knew it was her own fear of getting hurt that kept her from enjoying the best thing to happen to her since graduating Starfleet Academy.

"Go ahead, you've earned it. I'll watch things here for now." Kris pointed to the private room that held the comatose form of Lt. Michael McDowell.

Karyn looked longingly at the doors and then smiled. "Thanks, Kris." Karyn entered the room more sure of herself now as she was both familiar with the routine and less confused by the readings she encountered. As usual, Karyn pushed away the thoughts that Michael might never regain consciousness and instead tried to focus on talking to him. It was more of a comfort to her than anything else, though she had heard about coma patients being able to hear what was being said to them, and so tried to carry a normal conversation in as even a tone as humanly possible. It was hard to hold back tears every time she saw him lying there, but she couldn't allow him to give up on himself, and he might if he thought that she already had.

She immediately moved to the bed and gripped Michael's hand, making sure to check his latest scans as she was doing by reflex now. No change. *Strengthen resolve, take a deep breath, that's it...*

"Hi love, it's me again. See, I told you I would come back. Well, I guess I told you about the Gothos. I wish you could see it, Michael, it's the strangest thing I've ever seen! Science and Engineering are having a field day trying to make sense of it. Of course, these missing away teams have us really concerned, but at the moment, there's nothing any of us can do at this point. Deiran did the right thing by sending another team over, but naturally he doesn't see it that way now I'm sure of it." She smiled, picturing Deiran on pins and needles and being not too pleasant to the Bridge crew. Karyn sighed, "You're right, I should probably go up there and calm him down. I'm probably the only one who can. Ever since the SSM when we discussed Kinnley's assasination, people have been looking to me to keep him straight. Nothing is said you know, but when he becomes impossible to live with..." she laughes, "which I might add is all the time, they looked to me to reign him in. It's become a game, but between you and me, I love him like the big brother I never had. Not the same way, I love you of course, but I love him all the same. If I had to choose between Deiran and the Ferengi right now?...well, the Ferengi are looking better and better." Karyn laughed, suddenly growing sad as she realized she half expected him to laugh with her.

She looked down at his hand, tracing his hand with her finger. "We need you here...I need you. Please keep fighting this thing. I've never been good by myself you - well, Ethan's pretty pissed you're not there beside him right now. We have this theory that you're faking just so you can get me to go on vacation with you. Well, Mister McDowell, I said I would go with you, but you're just going to have to be a livelier companion. The least you can do is squeeze my hand, come on Michael..."

Nothing. Her voice cracking, Karyn responded jokingly. "Well, I see you're just going to milk this thing for all it's worth. Really I just think you like my sponge baths...The-"

The ship shook and Karyn lurched violently, her hoverchair threatening to topple over if it weren't for the safety mechanisms. "What the hell?"

Then the call came over the com ["Bridge to sickbay, we're taking casualties up here, a med team is needed, pronto!"] It was Deiran.

Kris knocked on the doorframe. "You're being paged. Let's go.

Karyn turned to look at Kris "Who the hell's shooting? The Gothos?"

"Negative. Sensors indicate it's the Breen. I know it doesn't make sense, but when has the stuff that happens on this ship ever made sense. I need you to go to the Bridge, casualties are coming in and I'm getting swamped."

Karyn nodded, taking a last look at Michael. "I'll be right there." Kris nodded her understanding and left the two to say goodbye.

She couldn't hide her disappointment."I guess I need to go. It's showtime. I'm done trying to make sense of it all. Breen, Ferengi. I wouldn't be at all surprised to find that Q was behind all this. I sure wouldn't mind making a wish right now..." She squeezed his hand one last time and kissed him on the lips, just a sweet kiss that conveyed the connection the two shared. Besides holding hands, it was the only contact the two could share.

"Bye love, don't do anything without me ok?"

She looked at him longingly, then turned to enter Main Sickbay.

She didn't hear the beep of the monitors, less than a minute later. Michael McDowell was slowly regaining consciousness...

***

***The Middle of Sickbay***

Karyn emerged from Michael's private room, wiping the tears from her eyes. After regaining her composure, Karyn called out. "Whoever is going with me, let's get a move on!" Karyn threw on her labcoat and grabbed her medkit.

"I'm coming!" answered an unfamiliar voice.

Karyn whirled. Her eyes narrowed. It was Dr. Russel from the Russel Institute. It was obvious there was no love lost according to Karyn.

"Looks like you're just going to have to put up with me Counselor. With Murphy and Dothan gone, we short some. I volunteered, let's go!"

"Just stay the hell out of my way!"

Karyn led the way to the turbolift. Neither side a word during the ride.

***

***Bridge, USS Galaxy***

Karyn emerged from the turbolift and immediately began looking for wounded. "You go this way, I'll go that way, " snapped Karyn, already seeing Deiran sprawled on the floor, blood seeping through his uniform.

"There are better ways to get me here you know." said Karyn sarcastically, as she whipped out her tricorder. Deiran's left rib cage was completely collapsed. It was getting harder for him to breath. She gave him 10ccs of Rexlin for the pain, but was still not sure of internal injuries. There was bulkhead debris everywhere.

Deiran, sensing Karyn's concern gripped her arm in between barking orders. "Don't. I can't leave now."

"Cut the macho crap, Dee, your left rib cage has collapsed, I can't get a good reading because of the way you're lying and I can't move you. So, I could sit here until you pass out from blood loss and possible organ failures, or you can go quietly. A Commander that's slowly bleeding to death is no Commander at all. You could be bleeding internally and if that's true, we're looking at surgery. I can't do anything here. I have to get you to sickbay."

Deiran was about to protest, but Karyn cut him off. "So help me Dee, if you die, I'll never forgive myself and it'll be my ass!"

=/\= "Riding the Gambit" =/\=
by Lt Cmdr Matthew Albrecht
another point of view on the events from "Running the Gambit" by Deiran Casey

***Bridge, USS Galaxy***

Commander Deiran Casey's voice rang out across the bridge, and carried to the rest of the ship via public address system, "All personnel report to battle stations, report to battle stations, red alert!"

Deiran never ran an operation half-assed. When he called Red Alert, he actually CALLED it out. Sure the ship's computer could have done it; then again, the computer could fly the ship into combat if someone was addle-minded enough to let it. Casey would never settle for second place.

Matthew was again behind the Tactical arch where he could observe Raesene and Casey and the other officers running the ship's nerve center. He could see the Breen warships on the viewscreen and he could read the tactical reports that scrolled across the portion of the arch that lieutenant commander Hermedhie wasn't using.

The chief tactical officer was already paring his extensive list of Breen Combat Tactics to a manageable size. Albrecht thought himself lucky to be able to watch the man work; it provided him with a better understanding of how the Tactician reacted to orders, and to the unexpected.

He could see that they were in for quite a fight. The Breen ships were top-of-the-line warships. Either one could best a Galaxy class ship, if judged on textbook comparisons alone. Against two of them? Hell, you would have to have the finest ship in Starfleet, with the finest crew under the finest command. Well, save for the missing crewmembers, the Galaxy met that description just fine.

Matthew judged that they stood a fair chance of surviving a battle with the Breen, if such a thing was unavoidable. He brought up another of Raesene's attack maneuvers to study. He was quickly enlarging his 'vocabulary' of tactical plans.

Having met with no success at communicating with the Breen threats, Deiran ordered the Galaxy to maneuver between the Breen and the Galleon. Matthew briefly wondered if the move was telegraphing the value of the wooden sailing ship to the newly arrived aggressors, but he soon realized that all of this was no coincidence. The twin battleships might very well have been heading right for the Gothos before they even realized the Galaxy was around.

Soon enough, the Breen engaged the Galaxy in combat. Phasers flew from hull to hull. Torpedoes were launched. Matthew recognized Deiran's 'Re-direction' moves, and knew that such a strategy had brought the Galaxy through a lot of tough scrapes.

In pass after pass, the Galaxy dished out a generous load of damage. She suffered equally well.

Matthew looked over to Heidi Mason at the Bridge security coordination console. She was experienced at directing security teams in hull patrols and damage control during battle. He resisted the instinctual urge to take over control from the younger lady to satisfy his concern. He had qualified officers on his team to do the important jobs. It was best to let them perform without interfering too much.

He returned his attention to the battle that raged visually on the main screen, and mathematically on the tactical panel.

Just then a massive coordinated strike by the twin warships struck the Galaxy her first major blow of the battle. A handful of the bridge's personnel were on the floor, and Matthew had smacked chin-first into the panel in front of him. It merely hurt, and wasn't bleeding.

Matthew stepped back and helped a stunned engineer resume her station. The young lady came alert as the 'commander lifted her from her place on the floor. "Thank you, sir. I'm fine now," she insisted while she put out one hand to steady herself against engineering station two. Matthew looked forward in time to see Deiran fold his coat and slip it under a yeoman's head where she laid on the deck.

Soon enough, Heidi was directing evacuations of decks fifteen through seventeen under Deiran's orders. Matthew listened in, and was proud of the young officer's calm skill. She was the example of grace under pressure at that moment. He paused to make a wish for the safe return of his security personnel who took part in the two vanished Away Teams.

Matthew then turned his attention to the engineers, to see how they were reacting to the crisis. And crisis it was! The two mighty Breen warships had been led in Casey's circles for several minutes, but were finally able to display their true firepower. He only hoped the Galaxy was up for more such drastic evasion. But how could they continue to distract the two enemies from the Galleon?

The Galaxy had no aft shields and minor damage in dozens of locations. Deiran took action with his usual panache. "Engineering, 'commander Suder, how much plasma can you spare?" The acting captain of the Galaxy sacrificed a portion of the ship's plasma supply in order to roast their enemies. Matthew had a sudden Tellarite-like image of two Breen turning slowly on a spit.

He knew that Deiran had no love of the Breen. He watched the obvious pleasure on commander Casey's face as he gave the order for Raesene to fire into the volatile plasma that surrounded the enemy.

'Commander Hermedhie looked at the screen. "Their shields held sir, about fifty percent," he announced.

Along with many of the standing Bridge crew, Matthew was thrown from his feet a moment later when the enemy vessels landed a terrible blow to the Galaxy's unshielded stern. The security chief blinked his eyes and discovered that he was lying against the Turbolift doors.

He stood shakily, bracing himself against a bulkhead for support. When he removed his hand, he saw a large smear of red on the bulkhead. He looked at his hand, blinking his stinging eyes in the acrid smoke. The palm of his right hand was torn open, though the shrapnel that did it was nowhere to be seen. Shiny white tissue, traced with red, showed through in a ragged line when he flexed his fingers. He wasn't feeling any pain, yet.

As Deiran shouted "Get those aft shields repaired!" Matthew checked on another injured officer. He hadn't even noticed his CO's bloodied tunic.

Matthew did hear the commander continue to give orders right up until Karyn and another officer arrived on the bridge to give medical aid to the injured.

"One Down, How Many More to Go?"
by Lt. Commander Evin Genestra
with additions by Captain Price

The empath laughed at a remark made by the chief science officer whilst the two were hanging in the galleon's rigging. High above the main deck they were, on orders from Captain Price, changing some of the sailing to give them additional speed. It was hoped this would add some distance between them and the pursuing warships.

Another wave of disorientation came over the Evin who was still experiencing a headache which pounded relentlessly.

"You should speak with the doctor that arrived with the second away team." the Romulan science chief said, noticing the discomfort becoming more evident on his officer's face.

Evin used his arm around a rope for some leverage as he gently tapped the nerve cluster behind his ear. This Betazoid technique, plexing, would hopefully release natural endorphins which the half-Betazoid hoped might help. Turning to Sullax, he smiled, "I'll be okay. I think it could just be getting used to this environment."

"Are you a medical officer, 'Commander Genestra?"

"Apart from some expertise in exobiology," Evin replied, still hoping the meditative technique would settle down the pounding in his head, "that and some first aid training is as close to being a medic as I care to go."

Whilst Ryak himself was not keen on visiting Sickbay he knew the value of being fully bodied and able. "Then I am ordering you to speak with the medical officer." he said, squinting his Romulan eyes a little and shaking his head.

"And what, may I ask, will you do if I do not? It's not like you can relieve me of duty right now, 'Commander." Evin said with a boyish smile on his face. No response from Ryak made him wonder if the Romulan realized that he was just playing around. "That was a joke, 'Commander."

Sullax raised his eyebrows just a little as he squinted his eyes again.

Evin whiped the smile from his mouth and nodded his head. It reminded him of another senior officer from a previous assignment who did not seem to comprehend a jocular remark. Exchanging a bewildered stare the half-Betazoid science officer began the arduous process of climbing down from the vast network of ropes, all of which held together the large canvas sails of the Gothos.

The lieutenant commander grabbed one of the thickly wound ropes. As he reached over the empath was knocked off balance slightly by a gust of wind which blew through the sails. Quickly grabbing on to one of the nearby ropes for support he realized, all to late, that it was not firmly tied to mast or any of the large stretches of canvas. As if Genestra were a lead weight, the science officer dropped suddenly from the yard arms down to one side of the ship, letting out a yell as he fell.

"Hang on there!" Kirk, one of the officers from security, said as he noticed the scientist dangling on the end of a rope which became intertwined and caught with another line.

Evin looked down at the warm waters of the Caribbean which he was now hanging over. The water was dark and uninviting, waves crashing against the wooden hull of the galleon. Looking back at the assistant chief security officer, he added, "I assure you that I don't plan on letting go."

'Commander Genestra hung on with dear life, but the coarseness of the ropes began grating against his hand, making him slip slowly down it. His palms were becoming sore from the rope burns he sustained in the initial drop and, unable to get enough grip, it was further aggravated as he continued to slide. Kirk, now accompanied by two other away team members, tried to get one of the rigging poles to assist him.

The sea acted as though it were out to claim the Starfleet officer as waves hit the side of the Gothos with more ferocity than the others which cut by the bow. A moist spray from the breaking wave soaked the empath's feet and legs.

"I don't think I can hold on much longer!" Evin said desperately as his hands as though they were burning agains the coarse ropes.

"You have to try." the security officer said. "We're getting help."

Kirk leaned far overboard, assisted by the two officers that came to help him, armed with a wooden pole that was ended by a metal hook. Just as he managed to get the hook firmly attached around the rope, he heard a loud yell, looking down to see the half-Betazoid fall from his position into the salty water.

"Man overboard!" the lieutenant commander yelled for the other members of the Gothos crew. "We've got a man overboard."

Evin bobbed in the water a few times as he paddled in the water. He tried to keep his head above the water but it felt as though something were dragging him under the water from time to time: perhaps a current which were notorious to this seas. Genestra's eyes burned from the high salinity in the water and he found it difficult to breath, swallowing in a large mouthfuls of bitter salty seawater.

Submerging a few more times Evin finally disappeared beneath the waves. All Genestra could see as he descended further in to the water was the faces of the away team members, gradually getting darker, trying to do something to him to bring the science officer back on board.

"I'm going in." Kirk said as he was not content to allow the crewmember to simply drown.

"Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you, me hearty." a voice said as the group of Starfleet officers remained assembled around the starboard side where Genestra finally disappeared. The voice was familiar and almost everyone had in ear shot had worked out who it came from. Turning around they saw Trelane, elegantly dressed for the period, still playing his infernal harpsichord. "You never know what you'll find in the Caribbean. Sharks, I hear, are ravenous this is part of your Earth planet." he added with a smile. Over the side and all around the Gothos and the tiny wooden dingy raft that was once the USS Buster Keaton, a dozen great white shark fins appeared, circling around the waters.

"Now you listen here!" George exclaimed. "I don't know who ..."

"I never understood why I listened to you in the first place, Price." Trelane said. Pausing from his music for a brief moment he waved his hands like a magician. In an instant the mouth of 'Commander Kirk was once again gone. "It must run in the family. Such a pity."

Lee wanted to cringe but managed to control himself. "Are you responsible for this 'mate?"

"One down already." Trelane gloated as he resumed playing his instrument. It was an ominous tune, the opening to the theme from 'Jaws'. "I would have though your rag tag group of amateurs were a little more seaworthy than this Price. Ready to give up yet? Do you want me to take over?"

Trelane played his harpsichord from the upper deck. Looking down on the Federation officers he felt a sense of superiority, after all, they were just mere mortals. At least in his mind the 'loss' of Lieutenant Commander Genestra was a justification to his argument. Perhaps now the Human captain would realize that his cause was hopeless and that they would never survive without his greatness.

"Where is he?" Lee said, demanding a response to Trelane, pointing to the water on the starboard side of the Gothos.

Trelane changed from playing a simple monophonic melody and breaking in to a polyphonic interlude, the harpsichord's metallic sounding notes being the entity's only response to the Starfleet captain's question. "Beautiful isn't it. I once showed a man on Earth how to play this way. Became quite famous if I recall."

Captain Price walked up the stairs from the lower deck to where Trelane was playing. "Damn it 'mate. Where is he?" he said, a lot less patient than when he first asked the entity that very question.

Trelane changed songs mid-key and tapped in a few bars from the death march in D-minor. He then stopped playing the harpsichord and placed his hands on either side of the predecessor to the pianoforte. He gave Price a long and intense stare for a few moments, his expression conveying the futility of their plight. "He is where you saw him. Gone." the mischievous being finally replied. "But don't worry Captain, you still have more where he came from. Don't you?" Trelane smiled mischievously.

Lee ran his fingers through his white hair before shaking his head. This being's disregard from morality and the lives of his crew were inconceivable. He wanted to respond but he knew that if Lieutenant Commander was truly gone, claimed by the Caribbean, he still had the lives of several more officers to secure.

Trelane finally smiling, adding, "You can relent command any time Price. Just call."

Giving the white-haired mortal a bow, as though he were being courteous, Trelane disappeared almost as quickly as he first appeared. Upon that moment Lieutenant Commander regained his mouth and let out several curses under his breath. Price looked back at his crew, "Hurry and get the the Galaxy crew members on board before their life-raft capsizes and they are exposed to those sharks." Lee ordered. The members of the first away team began assisting the members of the second away team, pulling them on board one by one. Just like before, all of their technology had vanished. They were wearing sailors outfits befitting the time period, and their weapons had been replaced with simple sabres and black powder, single shot pistols.

Captain Price watched as the last of the Galaxy crew members from Lieutenant Olson's taem was pulled on board the Gothos. Just as the last man was hoisted up, one of the great white sharks took a huge bite out of the wooden dingy boat, sinking it to the bottom of the Caribbean. Lee walked down to the lower deck, and gave orders to hoist sails on the galleon to prevent capture by the warships, which were now closing fast.

*** U.S.S. Galaxy ***

"Commander," Reasene said from the conn, "I don't know how to explain this, but I've found one of the away team. Two hundred meters from the galleon."

Casey, clutching the side of his rib cage, walked over to her position and looked down at her duty station. Refusing to see a doctor he remained on the Bridge, as stubborn as ever. Whilst he was pleased to find at least one of the missing crew members it could not have been at a worst time. Two Breen warships on one side, a wooden galleon which was their only link to Captain Price and the other, and now a member of the crew in an E.V.A. suit floating in space..

"Do you have an identification signal?" Deiran said as he looked at the visual on the view screen. At their current distance it was impossible to see whom the individual it was, although the blue markings on the E.V.A. suit suggested it was one of the science officers.

"Lieutenant Commander Genestra, sir, from science." Matthew said as he looked at the panel attached to the first officer's chair. Knowing the man he was relieved to see he had returned from where ever the away team had disappeared to. "Can you tell if he is alive?"

The tactical officer looked at the console on the wooden arch, then looked back at Matthew, "According to the sensors he is."

*** Space ... the final frontier ***

Evin's eyes flickered open and he began coughing. Whilst there was no water now it seemed as though it were a reflex, his body recalling having been immersed in the waters of the Caribbean, but now in the vacuum of space. He could see the galleon and realized that he was now only protected by his E.V.A. suit. Whilst the ship looked the same as the one he had just been on, he could not reconcile it as being a mere coincidence.

Floating beside the grand wooden galleon he could see the Galaxy-class vessel trying to eluded the two Breen warships. What was going on? Evin did not remember the Breen being in the area when he first left with the others for the Gothos.

"Genestra to Galaxy." the lieutenant commander said, activating the communications system in the E.V.A. suit.

All the half-Betazoid received was static, garbled white noise, as a reply to his hail. Looking down at the tricoloured meter on his forearm he could see that he at least had another forty hours of air left. It was a small mercy considering being exposed to potential attack from the vessels which were now converging on the U.S.S. Galaxy. All the science officer could do now was float there, helplessly, unable to help either the Galaxy or those left in the 'care' of Trelane.

Armed with his tricorder the scientist took this time to make a closer scan of the Gothos. At the moment it seemed as though that was all he could do. Comparing it to the readings he detected at Science Station One there was little that he could find to be either unexpected or different to the data collected by the main sensor array.

Over the white noise Evin finally heard, ["... enes ... tra ... received ... comm ... stand ... by."]

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

The shuttle had departed from the shuttlebay uneventfully, which seemed strange, the way things were going at the moment.

Andree tied a databoard into the scanner matrix, to give him a passive feed of all sensor readings examining them for any signs of sensor readings. He overheard one of the Humans aboard the small shuttlecraft mutter "Curioser and curioser." Looking out upon the ship, Andree could tell things were not right. The Galleon was moving, rocking in unseen waves. the rope ladders sagged, under their own weight. the only thing he could ficure was that this ship was somehow linked to another ship in another time/space continum. suddenly one of the ropes was cut loose. intense sensor activity was naturally diverted to the swinging rope.

Filtering out some of the data, Andree thought he picked up the faintest trace of a lifesign. Looking out at the ship out the fromt viewporthe suddenly realized there was water.

*Water!* Andree did a double take, then looked around realizing he was in a rowboat, along with the rest of the away team.

Instinctively, Andree took stock of his posessions. his medkit, databoard, communicator, and uniform were gone all replaced with a sailor's outfit.

His first impression was that this was the work of a q-like being, maybe even a q or the Q who certainly had a twisted sense of humor. Quickly moving into doctor mode, Andree began observing the away team. everyone seemed to be alright, wioth the exception of Jake Olson, whom Andree suspected would become seasick in a moment from the looks of things. ... To be continued...

Based on STAR TREK created by Gene Roddenberry
Story by Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder - Cheif Engineer

"Need for A Larger Team"

Five teams of two Engineers had been sent out now. The off-shift duty personnel had been called in and had been sent out around the ship to fix key elements that would help hold the ship together. There were now only several Engineers in Main Engineering.

Suder stepped through a large fog of smoke and made his way to another console. He looked at the officers around. Both the injuried officers and the officers still working. "Where are the damned Meds!?" he snapped. "I guess there busy, Chief. I've sent two messages, they said they'd get here as soon as they could. Reports indicate that the Bridge took a big hit. I suspect the main personnel have been sent there." Cadet Jason replied as he ran over to Ensign Keela with a medical pack.

The ship shook again. A rather large explosion rocked Main Engineering. Two engineers fell to the floor. One of those two, struggled to get back up and stay at his station. The other one, remained still on the floor. Suder coughed as the smoke invaded his lungs. The smoke had gotten stronger, thicker. Harder to breath in. An Engineer had already grabbed an extinguisher. Seeing that he was putting out the fires, Suder concentrated on the aft shields. He need to get them back up. He need more power. He turned, about to give a suggestion to Michael, but when he turned to his right, there was no one there. He then remembered that Michael was in Sickbay. Ethan continued to work on a way to restore the shields.

More damage reports continued to come in. Suder tried to sort them out in to some sort of priority order, but it was hard. Engineering was short staffed as it was, he had every available hand out fixing the power grid and the EPS relays. There was always something about the Breen's weapons that caused heavy damage to Federation vessels. Whether it be back in the war or now. They had powerful weapons. Suder needed to adjust the shields so that they would be more effective against the two Battleships that were most likely circling the Galaxy right now.

Suder needed to work fast. With there being two Breen ships, time wasn't on Starfleet's side. First, he had to raise the aft shields before they caused severe damage to the hull, power grid and Engineering, then, he needed to adjust them. He needed time. But as that wasn't an option, he just worked. No questions asked. No curses or taunts as it would waste time and energy. =/\= Engineering, we need those shields! =/\= a voice called through the comm system. It was obviously the Bridge. But it wasn't Commander Casey's voice, which made Suder think for a fraction of a second, what had happened to Casey. He knew the Bridge had taken a heavy hit, had the Chief Security Officer taken over? He couldn't think about that, he needed to get the shields up.

"Med team?" Ethan called out.

"Still stuck on decks one, three, seven, ten, eleven and twelve." Ensign Rava replied.

"T'Zaq!" Suder continued asking.

"Just finished fixing the power modulators." Lieutenant Gillings called out. "Cadet?" Suder asked.

For a short moment, there was no reply. Then the young Human called out.

"Two injuried stabilized, working on the others."

"You should have been a medical officer, Cadet." Suder complimented.

"Then I wouldn't have been here now." he explained.

"Good point." Gillings agreed.

Suder smiled and continued tapping in commands into the computer. Time was running out. Everything seemed to be happenign too fast. But that was the way of relativity.

"Come on!" Suder snapped at the computer. The computer safety protocals and damage to the secondary systems were stopping him from getting the shields up. He would just have to make things up as he went along...

"What Now"
By
Lt.Jg. Bruce MaxWell

**********Buster-Keaton***********

Bruce adjusted the black marine armor as he read the display in front of him. He had just heard the last communque and thought this should be easy. Bruce started to punch in different commands to scan the space around him. Bruce kept working on the controls then ......

**********Seas around Gothos**********

.............Bruce looked around and saw nothing but sea water. His armor was now replaced with old seamen clothes the phaser and rifle by his side was now replaced with a sword and ancient pistol. Bruce kept looking around and saw the Gothos. Still trying to get a grasp on what was going on. Then the large ship pulled up and a ladder made of wood and rope was let down Bruce began to help the away team up the rope . When he finally went up he saw someone fall in and heard the others yelling. Then when the man disapeared he saw the dingy easily snapped in half by what he has only seen in datalogs as a shark. Bruce was helped over the edge andstared at what was tyhe ship and the other galaxy members.

Spinning around in a circle to try and take things in. He then saw the the ships off in the distance.

"Oh Shit, we are in for alot of fucking trouble." Bruce said in shock.

Bruce started running different things thru his head and asking for some kind of clarity on this situation. He then saw the Captain talking to someone playing a harpsicorde. Bruce needed to know what was going on and needed to know what the captain needed from him. Then Bruce became irriated that this was going on. For some odd he reason he realized he was gripping his his swords hilt tightly. His thoughts then zoomed to getting back to Navarre and getting theGalaxy Crew Back home. Bruce then started heading twards the Captain to see what was going on..............

Andy
ICQ# 53393401
AIM: Pruvurslf

"Getting into character"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The crew from Lieutenant Jake Olson's second away mission had barely been hoisted up onto the decks of the Gothos before Captain Price gave the order to raise sails and get under way.

While Lieutenant Commander Ryak Sullax was helping the crewmembers out of their tiny lifeboat that was once the USS Buster Keaton, Captain Price turned on the upper deck and gazed back with the brass telescope Trelane had left him upon his promotion to "Captain".

"Damn!" Lee cursed.

"What is it skipper?" Gailyn asked looking out at the horizon.

"They have spotted us and are changing course to pursue." Captain Price explained, lowering the antique naval instrument and collapsing its barrels in his hands.

"I don't think we need to worry Captain. If those ships are as big and mighty as Lieutenant' Pailaka described, we should easily be able to outrun them with this smaller vessel." Gailyn comforted.

"One would think so, but they appear to be gaining on us at an incredible rate." The Captain explained handing the telescope to the Ten Forward host.

Gailyn expanded the optical piece as if he'd done so before, long ago in his past. Giving a glance for a moment, he understood the Starfleet Captain's concerns. "I would have to say that they have caught a most favorable wind sir."

"Aye, but from where? Or more directly, from whom?" Lee stated pointedly.

"Likely the clown prince himself I would imagine. He does seem insistent on playing this game by *his* rules." Gailyn agreed, collapsing the telescope and handing it back to Captain Price.

"A game. To him maybe. But I can't say I much like being a play thing to that pompous . . . " Lee grew so enraged he let the thought trail off.

"Ballast sir."

Both Captain Price and Gailyn turned around and faced Lieutenant Commander Kirk. He was probably the only person on the Gothos that was more enraged at Trelane than the Captain was, given he had his mouth erased twice now by the Pirate Captain of Chaos.

"What is that you say 'mate?"

"Ballast. If we want to make the Gothos sail faster, we should consider lightening her load to remove her ballast." Kirk explained.

"Bonzer idea 'mate!" Lee declared. "Let's start by tossing those seven chests full of gold over the side." The Captain pointed.

"HOW NOW! You can't do that!" Came the unmistakable voice of Trelane from just besides Captain Price.

Lee, Gailyn, and Kirk all looked at the well-dressed Pirate Captain who appeared out of thin air with a flash.

"No Pirate Captain of any ship would ever consider doing such a thing as discarding the treasure in such a fashion. That clearly is not allowed!" Trelane objected.

"I'm not playing by your rules 'mate. You made me the Captain of the Gothos. That means I give the orders here. By discarding the heavy metals in those chests, we can lighten this vessel by several thousand pounds which will increase our speed." Captain Price rebuffed.

"Yes, yes, oh how physics always did bore me." Trelane patronized with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Maccabees! All Pirate crews care about the treasure. See for yourself . . "

Lee turned and again pointed at the seven treasure chests that were filled with gold that they had gotten from the clipper they attacked earlier under Trelane's command of the Gothos. "Let's toss those chests to lighten the load 'mates."

"What are you talk'n about Skipper? 'ave you hit your head or somting?" Kirk replied in the swaggered accent of a seasoned sailor of the time. "You aren't overboarding the gold Captain!"

"Bloody hell no Captain! Do what you want wif your share of the treasure, but keep your cowardly hand off of that which is mine. We's earned that there gold!" Ensign Jones piped in. Like Kirk, he too sounded like a burly sailor of the times.

"Maybe the Captain has turned yellow?" Lieutenant Jake Olson called out having just set foot on the Gothos after the rest of his team was hoisted on board and the raft that was the Buster Keaton was sunk by one of the hungry sharks Trelane had circling the waters.

"Is that it Captain?" Lieutenant Heather Sanchez asked stepping forward, "'ave you lost the stomach for battle love?"

Captain Price glanced around at the faces of his fellow 'mates from the USS Galaxy. He could barely recognize them. They were all sweaty and dirty, and wearing the 18th century sailor outfits of the times. But worse of all, somehow Trelane had enchanted them all, filling them with incredible greed for the treasure they had liberated from the earlier conflict. It was plain to Lee that he wouldn't be able to convince them that discarding the gold, a bunch of precious metal that they didn't care about in the 24th century, was the proper thing to do. Once again, Trelane had warped and bent the situation to fit his grand scheme of how to play *his* game.

"Very well, the treasure can stay." Lee relented. He didn't know what Trelane was up to, but knew that being removed as Captain and forced to walk the plank by his own crew members was not going to assist in getting them all back to the Galaxy.

"I knew you'd see things my way eventually Price." Trelane smiled. "Would you care to know how I, -- the greatest Pirate Captain ever to sail the seven seas!, would handle this Captain?"

Captain Price gave Trelane a long, nasty stare and then turned away without answering the godling.

"Bring us about 'mates. Ready all cannon and prepare for a the fight of your lives." Lee ordered.

"How exquisite! Perhaps I was quick to judge you Price. There may be a Pirate Captain living in there after all. I am sure this will be a most extraordinary event. The feared and powerful Gothos, Captain's by the courageous but not too hansom Captain Price, takes on two of Britains finest war ships in a defiant act of piracy on the high seas. I do believe I should compose a song that captures this event."

Ignoring Trelane's carrying on, Captain Price surveyed the deck and could see that everyone was doing their part to ready the Gothos for battle. Taking out the telescope, Lee glanced for the two British ships, and quickly spotted them. They were practically on top of them already. A virtual impossibility, given their last position.

"Cricky! Bring us hard port! Bring us hard port!" The Captain yelled.

The first servo of cannon fire rained across the Gothos' bow. Tiny splashes littered the water not far away. Various pieces of shrapnel intended to take out their galleon's rigging.

Swallowing hard, knowing how close that shot came and how his short lapse of attention had nearly cost them the battle while he was arguing with Trelane, Lee focused on the two opponents he was facing. If Trelane wanted to play pirate, and had now challenged the Captain and the crew of the Galaxy to command the Gothos without his 'guidance', then so be it!, that was what Robert Edward Lee Price was going to do. It was apparently clear that there was little else they could say or do that would change Trelane's mind.

"Orders Captain?"

"Full speed ahead 'mate. Head straight for the HMS Victory. Collision course."

Trelane glanced at Captain Price. For the first time, the Pirate Captain with Q-like powers seemed puzzled as to what was happening. "Collision course? Why you don't intend to ram her do you? That would be shear suicide. . ." Trelane asked with a questioning, unsteady voice.

For the first time during this whole ordeal, Captain Price smiled. Turning, Lee gave a devious grin to the clown prince and started taking on the role of a true Pirate Captain. "Watch and see 'matey."

Trelane was uneasy with the response, but dumbfoundly did as Price had said. It was obvious this made no sense to him, but a historian at heart, Trelane watched and observed in the hopes of learning some new strategy that he had yet to study.

The tiny galleon Gothos was heading straight for the HMS Victory and her sister ship a few leagues behind her. It was truly a hopeless battle for the pirate ship. Taking on Britains finest warships wasn't something Spanish Galleons were prepared to do.

"The usual ten minutes."
By Ensign Peter Lockhart

Peter had just finished off his second doughnut in what promised to be an uneventful security shift when the red alert lights started flashing, the klaxons wailing, and Commander Casey's voice broke through on the comm. system.

"All personnel report to battle stations, report to battle stations, red alert!"

Peter sighed slowly, and stood up moving to a station at a leisurely pace. "I'll give it ten minutes." Peter said. "Ten minutes, and the Red Alert will be cancelled or the Galaxy will be destroyed." As he finished his sentence, the deck lurched beneath them, and the lights flickered for a second.

"It may well be the latter." Ensign Smith said, calling up the security reports as quickly as possible. Peter's pace also increased to record speed in order to reach his terminal.

"The USS Galaxy is under attack by two Breen B'Rile class battleships." Ensign Sovok stated matter-of-factly. "The sensors are unable to determine their registry however." he finished as the ship rocked under more blasts.

"I don't care about their registry." Peter complained. "Only with saving my coffee from spilling." he finished, as his coffee fell to the floor off the table and splashed everywhere. "Bugger!"

"Ensign Mason to main security." Heidi Mason came over the comm. channel from up on the bridge.

"Lockhart here." Peter replied.

"Peter, help me co-ordinate security teams to vital areas of the ship. The Galaxy is under heavy attack and her shields are weakening. If they go, we may receive uninvited guests. I don't want them causing any trouble." she said.

"Yes sir." Peter replied, and got to work finding out the location of all present security officer. Some where on patrol, and ordering them to defensive positions was easy. Others were off duty, but getting them armed and ready wasn't too difficult. Unfortunately, a large number where off duty and in bed. Getting them up and armed was going to be a daunting task. However, even as he spoke, three security officers jogged into the main security area.

"Here." shouted Ensign Smith, throwing Peter a phaser rifle. "It's ready to go."

Peter grabbed it and started checking it whilst the deck continued to buckle beneath him. The main lights dropped off, and emergency lighting kicked in. Peter then set his phaser to heavy stun, setting three. This wasn't really allowed, only light or medium stun was allowed unless ordered otherwise, but Peter never cared. He didn't want to stun an enemy, only for them to recover after five minutes. He wanted them down and out for a good hour. Besides, some races where immune to light stun, so Peter played it safe with a higher setting.

The deck rocked again and Peter looked around as more officers came in, and moved out again once Ensign Sovok had given them orders.

"You know." Peter remarked casually, the deck vibrating under him. "Why is it, that whenever a red alert is called, and we need *all* power to shields or some other damn area, why is it that we never switch off the red alert lights?"

"They are needed to warn the crew of a situation." Ensign Sovok said. "Furthermore, their power drain is negligible with other ships systems."

"But nonetheless, it's never done!" Peter said. "If I were the boss, I switch most of them off, along with terminals that report who is supposed to be on duty at the moment." he continued, pointing at the number of screens displaying (presently) useless and outdated security information.

Suddenly, several of these screens obliged and turned themselves off, in a violent and explosive manner. Peter fell to the floor, and had the safety not been on his phaser rifle, would've stunned himself as he had pressed the trigger during the fall.

"Mason to main security." Heidi cried over the comm. system. "We've lost aft shields. We may be boarded. All security personnel, arm yourselves and prepare for close combat." she repeated again.

"We read you Heidi." Peter replied. "We're ready for the bastards if they want to come." Peter said, as nearly a dozen security officers prepared themselves to defend the area, should it be needed. "Good job I'm great with a phaser!" Peter lied, as he awaited the end of the ten minutes... when he expected the Galaxy to be blown to dust.

"I hate red alerts"
Lt Tim O'Connell
Security

Tim was in his quarters watching Liam sleep when the alarm sounded, waking him up and causing him to let loose a wailing cry nearly drowning out the XO's order to battle stations. Scooping up his 'daddy bag' he tripped over a rattle and knocked his head.

Standing up he scooped his son up in his arms and headed out of the door. Unfortuately he wouldn't stop crying, because of the rattling of the ship, the alarms and the fact that Tim couldn't keep his balance, first he had to get his son to an emergency shelter, then he had to get to security.

At least that was the plan, but his son got injured for the first time by being thrown to the deck. Scooping him up and listening to his cry Tim didn't even hesitate, he ran to sickbay and brought his son to the nearest biobed. Once Liam was being treated he checked in with security and just decided to help out here.

Taking command of the sickbay security detail Tim simply watched the door and checked the guards on the deck he couldn't pay much attention as his son was being looked at by doctors. Hopefully he could find Brooke before she heard about it from medical staff.