Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder
Chief Engineer

"Engineering Meeting"

Ethan strolled into Engineering and noticed that the shifts had changed. Most of the more experienced Engineers were on duty now. With a sigh, he walked over to the main computer and placed a data padd that he ahd been carrying on the computer.

Michael had noticed his entrance and was already on his way over. "Everything all right?" he asked, knowing that the situation was already looking unusual.

"Undecided." Ethan replied still looking at the data padd. He slowly turned and looked at Michael. "I want to hold a meeting in a couple of minutes, make sure everyone knows."

Without question, Michael turned and went about his business of letting everyone know that there was a staff meeting.

Ethan returned to his office and sent a message to other Engineers that were scattered over the ship to be here in three minutes...

Those three minutes passed quickly. They seemed to anyway. Ethan straightened his uniform and returned to the main computer in the middle of Engineering. The entire Engineering detail of that shift stood around the computer, all with curious expressions on their faces.

"All right everyone." Ethan began. He looked at the data padd again and then glanced at each of the Engineers surrounding the main computer. "We're going to be working on a new operation: Operation See Through." he explained. "We need to see through the Badlands without entering it."

There were several mumbles in the group which Ethan chose to ignore. "Our main option at the moment is to modify the Main Deflector and use Nanites to modify the to adapt the sensors so that we can see patches of the Badlands."

"Is that possible?" an Engineer called out.

"Last time I heard, Nanites were only used in small experiments, they don't always progress they way we want." Michael offered his thoughts.

"Lieutenant McDowell is right." Ethan stated. "The plan was thought of by Doctor Maas-"

"A Doctor?" Cadet Jason asked. Everyone seemed to look at him straight away, making him feel very self consious about what he had just said. As a Cadet, maybe he was out of line to question Ethan like that. But he was relieved when Ethan only explained the situation further, instead of putting him down in front of the entire Engineering team.

"A Doctor with several life times of experience. Incase your not aware, your new Chief Medical Officer is a Trill. His idea sounds good, but as Lieutenant McDowell stated, the use of Nanites is still in it's experimental stages. Ships have lost control because Nanites have become unpredictable. The USS Lakota lost most of it's power systems for eighteen days before the USS Hood found her. The USS Lapder was destroyed due to Nanite experiements. Lucky for it's crew, the escape pods were still working." Ethan took a pause before he continued his briefing. "I'll be looking into the Nanite project further, in the mean time, I want you all to consider the possibilities with have here. Using the sensors, the deflector dish, the probes we have in storage, anything that you think might be useful, I want you to submit a report to Lieutenant McDowell who will look it over and report to me. Any questions?" Ethan asked.

There was a moment of silence before Lieutenant Jiiles spoke up. "I know that there are risks of entering the Badlands by ourselves, we don't know what might be in there waiting for us. Why does Starfleet not simply send in a small task force of ships to sweep the area?"

A valid question. Ethan took a moment to look around at his team before answering. "There are concerns that this may have been an attack from various factions. If it was the Maquis, a Maquis we thought to be destroyed by the Dominion, then Starfleet will not provoke them as of yet. If it was the Cardassians which we don't think it was, then we need to gather as much information adn report back to Starfleet Command. At the moment all I know is that we don't have enough resources to get a task force here for a few more days."

"I know most of our ships are being rebuilt or refitted from the war. As a result, Starfleet has no doubt had to keep ships scattered all over Federation space, listening to what's out there." Michael said.

"What if it is the Maquis, or even the Cardassians, either way, this could lead to a war." Lieutenant Gillings asked.

"Both the Maquis and the Cardassians are in no shape to start a war with Starfleet. If they are conducting small attacks on our ships here, they won't be for much longer I'm sure." Ethan explained trying to make the team feel like there was a reason as to why they were the only ship out here. "If there are no further questions, you have your jobs." Ethan finsihed picking up the data padd. "I'll be in my office if anyone has any questions or ideas they wish to discuss."

With that, the entire Engieneering team scattered about. All discussing new ideas about what they could do in order to the Badlands from where they were. The next few hours were going to be busy, but this is what Suder lived for. The action of Engineering...

"Watching the changes."
By Ensign Peter Lockhart

Peter looked over the PADD again. It seemed this ship changed faster a woman changed her evening wear. Commander Casey had jusy recently departed after being promoted to Captain and Commander Thomas was now in the position of XO.

Peter had spoke with the commander a few months back, during the time the captain was accused of murder. He'd liked Commander Thomas then. The man seemed happy to chat to Peter without passing comment about his ideas and thoughts. He hoped he'd make a good XO.

Peter also noticed that the ship had a new doctor, a trill. Peter was glad. He'd had no particular love of the last chief medical officer, Endris Gakor, and it had probably been one of the reasons why he'd avoided medicals whenever possible and used night shift doctors instead.

Of course, the arrival of a new chief medical officer didn't mean he'd turn up for medicals any less reluctantly.

Peter threw down the PADD and yawned again. Fortunately, it was the end of Gamma shift, and Peter was now off duty. Since the departure of Quark, Peter had been able to get sometime alone once again. Quark had been a pest and a nuisance, but he had a totally different perspective on certain things, which Peter had liked to hear.

Peter picked up his step, heading out of Main Security before nodding to Heather Sanchez who'd recently come in. The pair hadn't locked horns yet, though Peter suspected it wouldn't be long before something else came up between the pair.

**** Ten Minutes later ****

"You what?" Peter blurted towards his instructor, Martin Chadwick, on the holodeck.

"You're now going to take command of the USS Miranda, a miranda class starship facing off against..." the hologramme repeated.

"I know what you said!! But this time I'm on the Miranda class against the Nebula class? Hardly a fair fight now is it?" Peter said.

"Sometimes, the odds are stacked against you Ensign." the hologramme said.

"No shit. This is my no-win scenario then?" Peter replied.

"I expect you to eventually win this scenario Ensign. It's not no win." the hologramme said, before he faded and Peter was left on the bridge of the USS Miranda.

"Sir, the USS Ranger has raised shields and is closing on an intercept course." the hologramme at helm reported.

"Raise shields, red alert. Mr. Lockhart, bring weapons on line. Fire at your discretion." the holographic Captain ordered.

"Aye sir." Peter said, trying his best to make the most of a bad situation. The USS Miranda was no match for the USS Ranger and Peter knew it. In a straight slug 'em out, the other ship should waste them everytime.

"Firing photon torpedoes." Peter said, as soon as the Ranger moved into weapons range. "And she's firing quantum torpedoes back." Peter said, shrugging his shoulders. "We're dead."

"Evasive manoeuvres!" the Captain order, and the ship swung away, trying to avoid the torpedoes.

Peter fired phasers as the Ranger again, and she responded everytime by dealing more death and destruction at the USS Miranda. It only took four minutes before the ship was wrecked and the simulation ended.

"Not too good Ensign." Martin Chadwick said, coming back into existance. "What have you learnt from that?" he asked.

"Don't pit ships 80 years old against ships commissioned just last week?" Peter said.

"No. You've got to make the most of your ships strengths against the other weaknesses. Charging head on against the other ship was doomed to fail. What do you know about Miranda class ships?" he asked.

"They're fast, manoeuvrable and have a good firing arc." Peter replied.

"And what are the weaknesses of a Nebula class?" he asked again

"They've got a poor firing arc from the lower aft quarter, below the weapons podd." Peter said.

"So?"

"Attack from that direction, getting out of the way when you can." Peter replied.

"Excellent. You're learning! Let's do that again." he replied, starting the simulation again.

"After speaking with Sullax"
by Commander Thomas

*** before the staff meeting ***

Commander Thomas had spoken with Lt. Commander Sullax about the position of second officer and felt they'd managed to get off on the right foot with some troubles at the opening. In any case he'd gotten his point across and Lt. Commander Sullax had accepted the position.

Now he needed to finish up the paper work and notify the captain that Sullax had accepted the position. Since he'd already gotten approval from the captain and now Sullax had agreed to accept the new responsibilities, all he needed to do was inform the captain and file the paper work. The captain would then have to review it before making it official and letting Starfleet know as well, but that was all after the fact stuff.

Chris sat down in his chair after finishing up with a needed break and worked on putting the last touches on the paper work.

"Commander Thomas to Captain Price." Chris said tapping his combadge as he sent the paper work over to the captain for his records and review.

"Price here, what's up mate?" Captain Price asked as he heard the commanders voice.

"Captain I wanted to inform you that Lt. Commander Sullax and I have spoken about the possibility of him taking on the role of second officer. I have good news he's accepted the position of second officer." Chris said. "I am working on the proper paper work and sending it your way for approval." Chris said.

"That's great mate, I looked forward to making it official." Price said.

"Yes so do I." Chris said. "I just wanted to let you know before I forward you the details." Chris said.

"Thank you, commander."

"Of course captain, Thomas out." Chris said.

Now that he'd taken care of that he could move forward with other matters.

He was sure there would be some disagreements at the top of Starfleet about this, but between the captain and himself their wouldn't be much of a fuss.

By: Lieutenant Jake T Olson

Olson finished a bite of pasta and leaned back, staring out the window at the badlands. "I have the weirdest feeling that they are out there somewhere, and still alive."

"We were told not to speculate." Yeoman Bradley said.

"I'm not thinking about the people, it is the debris speaking to me, it seems to say that 'we are here, somewhere'."

"Well, it's not telling me anything." Bradley expressed his frustration. "I don't see how your able to go on with out feeling any anger or frustration."

"I don't understand myself. I don't focus on the big picture, maybe that's it? I loose myself in the tiny stories of the fragments themselves."

"You lost me! Mind explaining that?" Bradley laughed.

"Everything, no matter how small, tells a story. Including this table," Jake rapped on the table. "The trick is to focus on the stories that cry to be heard as they are precursors to the revelation of a larger. The table offers stories but they don't reveal answers to large mysteries as do those ship fragments. That bunch of fragments told us for example of a collision."

"That's wild." Bradley shook his head in mild wonder.

"I've been a pain in the booty of many a grade school teacher whom didn't understand my dreaming way of getting the job done."

Bradley laughed out loud. Electra looked up quizzically.

"Yea, I can see where you ran into some grief. 'Get your head outa the clouds'." Bradly visualized the dreamy little white haired child in class.

"Yup," Jake grinned. "So tell me, what goes in the land of the macroscopic? Anything of interest?"

"Interest? You've not been keeping up on current events?" both Bradley's eyebrows went up.

"'Fraid not." Jake shrugged. "Only when it enters my personal sphere. I keep up on the orders, what needs to be done, my family, so on. That's why I'm no good for gossips to chat with, I don't keep up."

"Oh boy, let's see. Lot of changes in command. Casey up and split as a Captain, and Commander Thomas is now first officer. Sullax is second, chief of Science is Lt.Cmdr Genestra. Your telling me you aren't up to date?"

"Well, you were the one whom told ~me~ that I was a pain in the teacher's keester! Microscope happy." Jake offered a sheepish grin. "I guess when it comes out on the duty roster I would have found out. I don't understand the craze for finding out 'early' who's doing what in command."

"Be hard to explain." Bradley shook his head.

"Well, let's get back, the rocks are gonna sing tonight."

Bradley shook his head, grinning.

"Warzone"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** USS Xerxes ***

Captain Victoria Curtis was leading the way as she marched through the corridors of the USS Xerxes. Behind her, keeping step stride for stride were the wounded but still active Lieutenant Commander Chin, and the fussy, somewhat shallow, blue eyed blonde Chief Helmsman, Lieutenant' Jamie Lypglose.

"This way." Victoria pointed. Her slim form and long legs made it a chore for the other officers to keep up with the athletic Captain, but somehow they managed. As the officers rounded the corner, their target was in sight. Captain Curtis slowed up as they reached the double sealed pressure doors that lead into main engineering. Ahead she could hear bickering.

"You are such a slut-bucket. You are always walking around like a bitch in heat." Bree bit back.

"Well at least I'm honest about it miss virgin queen. Or do the guys you go out with really go for that pig tails and little girl routine? Personally I prefer dating *men*, not pedifile want-to-bes..." Jordan responded sharply.

The remark infuriated the Chief Counselor. Brittany once again rushed to pull the Lieutenant's hair. Jordan quickly locked up into Brittany's arms and the two began struggling, each with a firm hold of the other's hair.

It went without saying that Captain Curtis was not too pleased with the display. Leveling her phaser, Victoria shot the bulkhead just above each of their heads, leaving a black scorch mark that startled them out of their petty quarrel.

"I believe we have had enough of that Lieutenants..." Victoria declared in a scolding voice.

Both the Assistant Chief of Security, and the Counselor snapped to attention. On their previous assignments they had always been able to smoose their way along and take advantage of their feminine ways. It was amazing what one could get away with with a smile or a little perfume. Unfortunately Captain Victoria Curtis was immune to their little feminine tricks. She demanded respect and honor out of her officers. Anything less was unacceptable.

"Yes Captain." each of the officers responded in unison.

With a less than pleased glance at the two, Victoria walked past and placed a hand on the sealed pressure doors. "Is there any way we can get these open?" the Captain asked.

"We can try to override the controls Captain, but I don't think that will be of much use. It is very easy to reroute commands for that door. I would be surprised if they haven't already done so." Lieutenant Commander Chin stated.

"Can we manually operate them in that case?" the Captain asked.

Chin thought a moment, unsure if there was a way.

Lieutenant' Jordan Agogo spoke up. "Yes Captain. If we cut an access hole in the bulkhead here, it should expose the locking mechanism. Once we have access to that we should be able to open the doors at will." The security officer pointed out.

While plans were being made to open the pressure doors to Engineering, Counselor Brittany Bree turned her head and pressed an ear against the cold steel of the door. As if she were listening, she practically whispered, "Hold on George, we are coming to get you out of there..."

****

"My butt! My butt! He shot me in my god-damned butt!" Gervase continued to squeal more like a wounded animal then as a mocho New Marquis Terrorist.

"Shut your trap Gervase or I'll blast your pecker off and you'll really have something to complain about." Suzan warned.

"Leave him alone Suzan. He doesn't need you threatening him." Rychord stated as he started down the second level cat walk onto the main deck. "Make sure you keep the Starfleet officer pinned down in the supply room if you want to be useful."

Suzan gave Rychord a dirty look, but she wasn't going to disobey the cell leader's order. She knew better than to do that. Rychord was a shrewd leader. His blue eyes could easily captivate an audience and will them into doing his bidding.

Kelly was checking on the large African officer they had blasted. Rolling Mega over, she felt his neck for a pulse. The body was already growing cold. "This one's dead." She declared flatly.

Still sitting on the floor of the Engineering room floor by the Master Situation monitor, Lieutenant Commander George Nugent winced at hearing the news. "Awe, you see what I'm talking about?!" the Chief Engineer whined in his squeaky voice, "There is another person your little political raid has murdered. I don't know what point it is you people are trying to make here, but it sure is certain that you have managed to screw it up totally, whatever it was."

"I'd keep quiet if I were you son." Rudy warned from his position just a few feet to George's left. "Suzan there angers easily, and Kelly already wants to kill the lot of you."

George looked at Rudy and then over at Kelly who stood up from checking Mega's dead body. "Really?" he asked in a bewildered tone.

"Ya." Rudy nodded. "I don't think she likes men much, so I wouldn't piss her off any if I was you."

Kelly glanced over at the portly Chief Engineer that was looking at her. She gave George a cold, hard stare while tightening her grip on the phaser riffle.

George swallowed quickly. "That... that's good advice. But you do know we are all dead anyway, so it really doesn't matter."

"Maybe. Still, unless you'd rather die sooner than later I suggest you not question our tactics or reasons for taking over this ship." Rudy grunted back.

While Rudy and George were exchanging words, Rychord had walked across the Engineering room floor. He stopped in the center and lifted up Commander Brookland's severed leg. Glancing at it, he tossed it to the side and then called out.

"Hey Starfleet. I see that you are wounded pretty bad. Throw down your weapons and come out an I promise you will get medical attention." Rychord stated.

George winced at the sight of Commander Brookland's severed leg getting tossed around like a length of firewood. Not one that was into blood and guts and suffering, George preferred tinkering with the ship's engines rather than the gore of real field combat. He was an engineer, not a soldier.

"You still alive in there Starfleet?..." Rychord called out. After a moment, he motioned to the doorway of the supply room, indicating that Kelly and Suzan should move into position. Judging by the amount of blood, it wouldn't be unlikely that Commander Brookland was already dead from blood loss. Loosing a major limb to a phaser blast was enough to send any man into shock. Then it would just be a matter of time before he bled out. Looking back at Rudy, Rychord pointed to his eyes with two fingers, then pointed at the Chief Engineer, indicating the old timer should watch that Lieutenant Commander Nugent stayed put.

When he knew everyone had their assignments, Rychord looked back at the supply room door. "Last chance Starfleet! If you are still breathing in there, I suggest you give up..."

(OOC: This Happens before all the promotions)

"Turmoil in The Helm Dept."
By:Lt.Bruce MaxWell
Chief Helmsman
USS Galaxy

Bruce stepped off the shuttle watching Lt. Commander Sulax walk to look over the wreckage. A look of pure disgust came over Bruce's Face.

"Treat me Like an Ensign. I am not just a Chauffeur to take you around the Galaxy!" Bruce Mumbled.

MaxWell Went to checking the shuttle over and coordinating the repairs of the shuttle it took light damage some scoring but nothing that couldn't be fixed. Bruce handed the pad to one of the engineers and headed out of the shuttle Bay.

Bruce kept cursing under his breath the entire time.. He had never been ignored or just ordered around like That Before. He felt inadequate.

*****Helm Department Office*****

Bruce walked in and headed directly to his office. Ensign Taggart looked up from he was doing and saw the chief just walk into his office. Matt somewhat braved it and went to the office door.

"Chief, is something wrong?" Matt asked nervously.

"Nothing Ensign. Anything important come in while i was out playing escort service?" Bruce said sitting back looking out at the stars.

"No, sir. I believe we still have a couple out flying around and all other positions are filled. No complaints, sailing a smooth ship." Matt said proudly.

"Good, Taggart do me a favor. Have some roses sent to Lt. Navarre's quarters and a card saying I love you on it. Then go off duty and enjoy the rest of the day." Bruce said with a slight smile.

"Will do sir and Thank you sir." Matt said quickly.

"Don't thank me ya been doing a good job. Enjoy yourself." Bruce said.

As soon as Matt left, Bruce turned and looked out the window and just began staring off into space. He just lost himself in the darkness and vastness of space. He loved doing it. He then turned around and spoke:

"Computer prepare to take a message." Bruce stated.

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

Helm Department From: Lt. MaxWell, Chief Helmsman

Helm Crew, I am notifying all that I will we be wanting a department meeting soon. Are department is lacking the one thing most others have: Comradery. I want this too end so are department can also began to excel in more than just piloting.

That and simulations training will be commencing again....I will be checking to see who puts in time and who doesnt....all those who don't will see me.

Please let us try to excel at everything and not just one thing.

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

"End message and send." Bruce stated.

"Message sent." The computer replied.

Bruce stood up and headed to the door. He turned looked around the office.

"I will make this department sound and secure or I will die trying!" Bruce said as he walked out the door.

Andy Smith
Bruce MaxWell
Valraxean@juno.com
Icq: 53393401

"Being Summond"

Written by Ensign Kahn Nilani
Engineering Officer, USS Galaxy

and Commander Christopher Thomas
First Officer, USS Galaxy

Nilani walked passed the few doors that were on Deck 2 as she headed to the XO's office. She had been summond there only a short time before and wasn't overly in the mood to be seeing him. She reached the door and pressed the chime for his office, straightening out her leather top and rearanging the chains that ran through her red hair.

"Enter" came the voice from behind the door.

Nilani walked in casually and sat down brining a knee up and holding it as she looked over the Executive Officer. "So....." she shrugged "you wanted to see me?"

Chris had been speaking with a few of the officers on the ship after having taken over as the executive officer. Now he was going to speak a Ensign on the ship Kahn Nilani, though why he was calling her to his office wasn't completely clear. Something was nagging him to speak with her about something he didn't quite know yet.

Commander Thomas rose from his seat.

"Yes Ensign, please have a seat." Chris said as he took his seat again.

"I wanted to speak with you about something that's been nagging me when I saw your name on the crew list." Chris said.

"Are you aware of your counter part in the alternate universe?" Chris asked all of a sudden, not knowing why.

Nilani looked at the 'Commander' sitting before her and started to laugh, she caught herself and looked back at him "Yes Commander, I am very aware.." She shook her head trying to stop her self from laughing "I am that Nilani, the other the original is dead.... Well more exactly I am her but I am not. Oh take a look at my damn record it's all their" Nilani spoke giving up on trying to explain the situation. And then thought of a way "Commander, there is no Kahn over there now.... she is here in this seat and sitting before you" She thought 'yes that's right'

"Then what are you doing here?" Chris asked.

"I'm here by accident, but... hey... it's taken a long long time to get here"

"I know what you managed to achieve over there in the other universe and you won't do it here." Chris said as he never let his eyes shift away from hers.

Raising eyebrow "You have.... well I must say I am surprised, considering I was in a slave over there for 3 months and have been raped more time than you can imagine." she turned her head "How dare you even suggest that what I did was anything out of the ordinary.... I survived you bloody single minded fool!"

"I wonder if the captain is aware of your true idenity?" Thomas mused.

"Check the fu..." she caught her self "Check the records I am FROM this universe!" she sat forward "I was in a transporter accident inside the wormhole... I survived over there! I don't really care what a MALE thinks... your all stuborn and unable to bloody see the correct picture!"

She stood up "Yes I have killed people.... Yes I am responsible for the deaths of people you can't even begin to imagine... But you dont know SHIT about me Commander!"

"I know what I know, and maybe I don't all the details ensign, but I do know that I will have my eye on you." Commander Thomas said. "I also will remind you that over here things are done differently and I expect you to follow rules and orders. You're not in charge anymore." Thomas added.

"I also strongly recommend that you think before speaking, I don't not appeciate your choice of words ensign." Chris said.

Nilani looked right in the eyes of the Male commander, her voice turning deadly serious "I have lost the closest person I have ever known, on top of that I am home and I need to rebuild!" she leaned forward "If your going to threaten me Commander come out and say it. Otherwise back off and allow me to live what remains of my life!" she turned around and went to walk out. "Commander, I am a hard person to keep tabs on!" she headed for the door.

"Dismissed ensign." Commander Thomas said, with a little bit of emotion in his voice

"What ever!" Nilani replied as she left the quarters heading for her room.

NRPG: Takes place +/- 24 hours before "Engineering Meeting"
By Lt. Commander Ethan Suder, Chief Engineer

"Chinese For A Change"

Lieutenant Michael McDowell
Asst. Chief Engineer

Door, NPC
Bartender

*** Ten-Forward, end of Beta-shift ***

Michael's plan for tonight were simple; first on the list was to have dinner in Ten-Forward, after that a stroll around the ship sounded nice, especially those areas where he didn't come that often.

Upon entering Ten-Forward Michael felt like he walked straight into a party. The whole place had been redecorated, set to function as a background for a joyous event. Not exactly what you expected now that it looked like the USS Xerses had met her fate. But, as it was still not certain if the Xerses really was destroyed, Ten-Forward was left with the happy look.

Michael sat down near one of the large windows. It had been become somewhat of a habit to him to take a seat that had a good view on what was going on in the direct vicinity of the ship. Except when he joined some Officers for a drink, then any table would do.

Someone standing beside him suddenly cleared his throat. Michael looked up and saw a familiar face. Finally,... Someone he immediately recognized. "Evening Door." he said and smiled.

Door smiled back and patted Michael on the shoulder. "Hey Michael, glad to see you back here. For some time I thought I'd lost a customer."

"Yes, that was almost the case, wasn't it?" I heard all about it. Dr. Bellen and Karyn Dallas told me." Michael replied. "But I'm glad I survived and I'm, as you can see, still your customer."

Door nodded and said, "It's good to hear that." When he heard the Engineer mentioned Karyn the thought occurred to ask how things were going between her and Michael. But he didn't, simply because of the fact that Michael had said "Karyn Dallas" instead of just "Karyn" like he used to. Now, Door knew about Michael's memory loss (the grape vine mad sure he did), but he didn't want to pry into his private life. Only when Michael would start talking about it himself, then it was alright.

"And, decided yet on what you will have?" Door asked after a few seconds pause.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I have." I think I'll have something from Earth this time." Michael answered. "Are you familiar with Chinese food?"

"No problem. We get the request on a regular basis; there are quite some Chinese people serving on the Galaxy you know." Door explained. Remembering the diversity in Chinese food he continued. "Anything in particular?"

Michael thought for a moment, putting up a quasi frown that had to reflect him being deep in thought. "Hmm, that's a tricky one. I don't eat Chinese that often." At that moment a somewhat unusual idea popped up in Michael's mind. He looked up at Door. "You know what, why don't you pick something for me? I know, it's a bit strange but I simply don't know what to take."

Door began to laugh. This was something new. He wasn't used to Michael asking him to choose for him. "Letting the waiter choose what the customer will have for dinner. You're something Michael. Okay, I'll do it, but don't look at me when it's not your favorite."

"Don't worry, I wouldn't dare to complain." Michael said and grinned.

"Then we have a deal. Give me five minutes and I'll be back with your order." And off was Door, all the way grinning.

Michael wondered if he did the right thing to let Door pick his Meal. He turned to look out of the large view port at the swirling mass of plasma and smiled slightly. This could become a very interesting dinner.

"Briefing"
By: Lt/Cmd Ryak Sullax
USS Galaxy
with additions by Captain Price

Ryak stood up and looked around at the table. Ryak moved over to the wall and turned on the display.

"Engineering and the Science Department have been working over the debris for a while now. We have worked through numerous theory's and have come down to one." Ryak brought the computer to display the two ships. "As you can see here the two ships were not headed for the Bad Lands. How the ships arrived here is still not yet figured out. One of the most prominent ideas is that the ships where attacked forcing them into here." The ships made their way into the bad lands being followed by a few generic ships. "As would be the most obvious assumption, the ships where both destroyed. Thus any parts of the ship left over would be destroyed in the bad lands leaving what it did." Ryak moved away from the display as it reset.

"So the Xerxes was attacked then?" Commander Thomas pointed out while looking over at the Captain. The new First Officer had wisely recommended the Galaxy go on full tactical alert when the wreckage had been discovered. Now it sounded from Ryak's explanation that his instincts were right. This was the result of foul play.

Captain Price was about to comment when Lieutenant Commander Sullax interrupted.

"I said that was the most obvious assumption Commander." Ryak stated in an even Romulan tone.

Lee injected, "So what are you saying 'mate? Was the Xerxes attacked or not?"

Ryak stepped forward and reactivated the display once again as he spoke. "As stated, that was the popular hypothesis that we were trying to validate Captain. However careful analysis of the debris left over from the wreckage show no external signs of force. If you look at the monitor here, on the left shows a piece of what has been identified as an exterior hull panel from the USS Xerxes. On the right is a similar panel that has been subjected to a phaser beam of the same type and configuration as that found on Cardassian Gakor Class Warships. Simulated of course..." Sullax explained.

A bit impatient, Lee encouraged Ryak to continue. "Yes, yes 'mate, please, go on."

"As you can see, the panel that has been subjected to phaser fire shows distinct telltale signs of discoloration and bluing from the energy exchange. You can also note the concave shape of the panel has been altered from the exterior pressure, causing it to flatten considerably. This panel is just a simulation of course, but if it were a real specimen, the exact angle and approximate distance of the attacking vessel could be determined fairly easily from the physical evidence this particular attack left behind."

Lee's eyes flashed to the first panel, which was the real one the Science and Engineering team had recovered from the debris field. "And what about this one 'mate? It looks distinctly different then the one on the right."

"Yes sir, it does. This actual recovered panel indicates that a collision took place between the Rhemor and the Xerxes. No weapons exchange was involved." Taking out a small pointer device Ryak positioned himself near the screen. "Computer, magnify image 100 times."

The picture grew in size, showing much more detail then before on the close up of the real panel.

"If you notice, this panel shows no signs of energy caused discolorization. And what's more, we discovered these groves here and here." Ryak pointed out.

"Those don't look like they belong there." Commander Thomas commented.

"Indeed they don't sir." Ryak confirmed. "Computer, magnify 1000 times please."

The image increased again, now showing one of the groves in extreme close up.

"If you gentlemen will notice, imbedded inside the grove are these gray metal fragments. When tested, they match up with the material used in constructing a Gakor class warship." Ryak explained standing up and deactivating the monitor.

"So you are saying you think the two ships collided 'mate?"

"That is correct Captain, as the next demonstration will show. Computer, play holo-graphic simulation Sullax-Beta-Alpha-One."

Just above the center of the conference table, a small holo-projection appeared showing two models of the USS Xerxes and the Rhemor flying in tight formation with the Cardassian ship slightly in front. After a moment, the simulation showed the Xerxes overtake the Rhemor and collide with the warship, sending both vessels on a direct course into the Badlands.

"As you can see in this demonstration the ships collided, causing them both to alter their course and head into the bad lands. Near as we can hypothesize from the amount of debris recovered and scanned in the immediate area, the USS Xerxes must have jumped to warp to try and survive initial contact with the plasma fields. The Rhemor tried to navigate through at sub-light speeds and has been destroyed. At this point in time, judging from all scientific data we have obtained from the debris, the USS Xerxes is still 89.238% intact."

"Crickey!" Lee exclaimed. "I never would 'ave though the two ships collided. What could have caused that?"

"We are unable to determine at the present time with the data at our disposal. Any of a number of factors could have contributed to the collision, including mechanical malfunction, sabotage, pilot error..." Lieutenant Commander Sullax explained.

Lee nodded. "Thank you 'Commander." Price paused while Ryak sat back down. "Ok, mates. We need ideas."

Doctor Maas was the first to speak up, "How about nanites, and possibly making a probe. I think that if we use these nanites we may be able to find out more about this and not risk any lives."

"I think that we cannot send a machine in there, we have to go in ourselves. If something goes wrong we are back to square one. At least with a physical presence we could learn a lot more." Thomas stated.

Lee nodded. "I have to agree with the Commander on this one. The plasma fields of the Badlands are ever changing. Communication through this region of space is line of sight only because of the RF interference. Remotely operating a probe would not be possible, and creating an automated probe that had any hope of navigating the plasma fields and returning with it's collected data would take too long to build and program, if it could even be done at all. No some missions by nature are only suitable for manned space travel. I believe this is one of those missions." the Captain explained.

"The shuttles can be fitted to help them resist the plasma storms as long as no one flies right into a flow," Suder responded, "but even with modifications, the shuttles can only go in so deep before they might be destroyed, or get lost in the sea of energy."

"The USS Buster Keaton can do it." Ryak stated as her called up the specs on the view screen. "The science runabout can survive higher pressures because of it's special design. Over ten times the pressures to be precise. As well as with all of the sensor modifications and scientific equipment we could get more information."

"I do not think that we should be risking any lives. From what I can see there are many lives already lost." Maas stated.

"If the shuttle goes in." Hermedhie stated, "The shuttles shield would not be able to withstand both the pressure and an attack should it occur."

"I am sure my staff can rig the shuttle with a shield enhancement. We have been working on a prototype that so far has surpassed all testing. The only thing is that I would have to have a person on the shuttle to monitor the systems." Suder stated.

Ryak looked at the padd that was handed to him by Suder. Ryak quickly looked over the spec and continued, "I believe this will work Captain. I do have to say that the Buster Keaton will be the only ship able to do this. If we do find anything out about the Xerxes we will not be able to mount a rescue. With all of the equipment on it now it will hold 6 crew and maybe 30 others. There is no way we can do a ship evacuation."

"One step at a time 'Commander. We don't even know if the Xerxes survived the jump to warp. But we need to at least attempt to find out the current status of the Xerxes and Captain Curtis' crew. If they are destroyed, then we will know that and can make a suitable report to Starfleet Command. Let's do it 'mate. Let's make the modifications to the shuttles, and especially the Buster Keaton. I realize that the other shuttles will not be able to penetrate as deeply as the 'Keaton can, but if we spread out the search we may be able to locate the path the Xerxes took through the plasma fields which can narrow the search area for the Buster Keaton as she goes deeper into the Badlands." Lee paused and then looked around the conference table at his senior staff. "Keep in mind 'mates, this is a search and rescue mission until we have hard evidence of the fate of the Xerxes. But I don't want any heroics out there. In all likelihood, the Xerxes has already been destroyed..."

"I project that likelihood to be 247 to 1 Captain." Ryak commented.

Lee glanced at his Chief Science Officer momentarily, then continued, "...so I don't want to loose anyone else on this mission. If it gets too dangerous in there, then return to the Galaxy. Especially those in the smaller shuttles. The Badlands can swallow up ships like these shuttles in a heart beat. And even with the shield modifications, one wrong turn into a plasma flare or field and it's all over."

The various officers around the table nodded, indicating that they understood the Captain's orders.

"Fair dinkum 'mates. Commander Thomas you can oversee the assignments for the various away teams. Lieutenant Commander Sullax, you can have your pick of whatever equipment or personnel you want on board the Buster Keaton. That is all. Dismissed 'mates."

At the end of the meeting, the various senior staff officers got up and began shuffling out of the conference room to ready the shuttles and themselves for the search and rescue mission.

Testing the Probe
by LCDR Jeral Maas, CMO
with contributing Scientists, Engineers, and
additions by Captain Price.

*** Senior Staff Meeting ***

Jeral listened to Ryak, and was amazed by the fact a section of the Xerxes was intact under such hostile conditions. Medical was already prepared to heal casualties, so it made sense to continue developing a probe. The Trill decided to make a counter proposal to the one on the table. Given the new information, using shuttles to search the Badlands was the most reasonable alternative. But it would take time for engineering to modify their shielding.

"Ladies and Gentlemen", the dark-skinned Trill began, "I believe the USS Opaka might also be able to withstand conditions deep inside the plasma field. The Bajorans constructed her to withstand war time conditions during the Cardassian occupation of their world. The shuttle is extensively shielded since it is designed for search and rescue of spaceborn injuries. The Bajoran designs also include heavy physical plating to supplement the electronic shields, so that would also make it more likely to survive. When engineering installs additional protective grids, they might want to concentrate on both the Buster Keaton and the Opaka."

The new CMO glanced over the rest of the senior staff. Everyone appeared to like the new Doctor, but a few were still skeptical. Maybe another observation would deswade their doubts. Adopting a Delizesque diplomatic tone, he resumed speaking. "I suggest we have a doctor or nurse crew each shuttle. We can't be sure which craft will locate the remains of the Xerxes, but who ever does will be able to offer medical attention to the survivors. Not to mention, conditions inside the Badlands are dangerous and might rough up the people we send in. Having medical personnel on hand makes sense in either case." Commander Suder grinned at that observation, jotting a few notes on a PADD for his engineers.

Captain Price looked at Doctor Maas and gave a polite smile. Lee always like it when new officers were willing to step forward and let their ideas be heard. He knew this couldn't be easy for the newest member to the Senior Staff. "Sounds like you are an optimist Doctor. As 'Commander Sullax pointed out, in all likelihood the Xerxes has been destroyed when her warp bubble collapsed. But I agree that having a medical Officer on board each shuttle is a good idea. It never hurts to be prepared."

The Doctor collected his thoughts for the moment about the probe. He swallowed some water, and then continued. "As for the probe, I concede it would probably not survive deep inside the plasma field. However, I can have a test device ready in less than an hour that can gather information at the edges of the plasma. And the test would give us additional information to use in modifying our shuttle's shielding to withstand conditions inside the Badlands. The computer has finished compiling schematics to modify a probe for the plasma. I would only need one person from science and engineering to complete these modifications in an hour."

"I see", the XO commented. "If you can finish the probe before the shielding is upgraded, the data it retrieves could prove useful without delaying the mission. The new information might even prove beneficial in configuring the shields. And most of engineering and science would be free to work on the modified shielding." Commander Thomas summarized.

Captain Price added, "Let's also not forget that it's not just a matter of modifying the probe to avoid the plasma flows 'mate. This region of space precludes the use of communications. Once we launch the probe, and loose line of sight of her, she will need to operate autonomously. Unless she is successful at navigating the plasma field, collecting data, and returning to the Galaxy with it, we will have gained nothing. Do you still think a probe can be programmed for such a reconnaissance mission in under an hour 'mate?"

A brief animated discussion followed, and it was decided that a modified probe could be programmed and launched in an hour. Though the scope of the data it could collect and return with would be limited. Hopefully, the information it collects will help shuttles survive inside the Badlands.

Over all, this series of ideas met a better reception than his original one. The Galaxy's executive officer approved of the modified plan, suggesting research continue on a probe that could penetrate the plasma field, as long as it does not disrupt ship's operations or delay the shuttles departure. I assume the senior officers might wish to view the test, let us know when it is ready.

*** Cybernetics Lab ***

Jeral borrowed one person from Science and Engineering, also having a deep space sensor probe down to the cybernetics lab. Opening it up, he wired bio gel packs to the interior of the hull, linking them up to the computer. Accessing Ardon's memories of cybernetics, he also used a console unit to program the Nanites which would operate the probe.

Angela Dana, a graceful Deltan female, deftly connected a graviton emitter to the probe's hull, connecting an interface to the Nanites as well. Now the gravity well could draw plasma samples into the shuttle to be converted for fuel.

Soon, Lt Sobraz from science had reconfigured the probes onboard sensors to be more effective inside a plasma cloud, and Lt Dana had devised a system to extract and redirect energy from the plasma itself. Maas tested the robots, and smiled. They seemed to work as promised. By this time, science and engineering cooperated to build a gravity fluxing device.

Next, the young joined Trill tested the probe's functioning. It passed several scenarios. It also failed a couple, until its on board neural net was given additional training. After 10 minutes, Jeral concluded that as much as could be done within his time limit had been done. He then informed the bridge they were ready for a live test sending the probe's capabilities outside; having the junior officers take their creation to the launch tubes.

The Doctor rushed to the bridge so he could observe the results of the test. Would this work? There was hope, but no certainty. Nothing like this had been tried before. Even the Galaxy's extensive computer banks could not predict the full range of the probe's effectiveness.

*** Bridge ***

"Sending out magnetic burst, Commander", an Andorian at tactical responded. "The plasma field is showing signs of temporarily separating where we sent the magnetic burst. Our modified probe is following this path."

Moments later, the gap the Galaxy had opened with its magnetic burst began to close, and plasma quickly surrounded the probe on all sides. Patiently the bridge crew waited for 10 minutes longer, hoping that the Nanites could modify functions fast enough to survive the incoming plasma fluxes.

"Still no contact with the probe Captain." a Vulcan Lieutenant observed.

Eleven minutes after deploying the probe, a bright flash was seen, even through the plasma field. Observers on the bridge were forced to conclude the Badlands and the intense plasma fields had destroyed the probe.

Ryak himself looked at the sensor data, returning a Romulan facial expression of dismay. "It looks like the Nanites were not fast enough to protect the probe, even with the help of bio gel computer technology. It would have been advantageous to have gathered more data about the plasma fields to assist with the shield modifications. I'm sure the shuttles will have better luck with navigating the fields."

"Interesting!", Jeral said. "Even the fact that probe survived for several minutes indicates adapting the shuttles with the systems we placed on the probe would be advisable. Human intervention could make the difference between failure and survival."

Captain Price walked up to the doctor to console him about the failed test. "'Bonzer suggestion, mate. Although the probe did not live up to our initial expectations, the test proved successful enough to improve our chances for survival when we send teams in to help the Xerxes. Machines are remarkable things, but they can never replace the adaptiveness of sentient life forms like ourselves." Lee smiled.

Turning, the Captain called out to the officer at Engineering, "Inform 'Commander Suder that we were unable to collect any additional data from the probe. However the shielding modifications made to the probe itself did seem to help it survive until it presumably took a wrong turn into a plasma flare."

The chief engineer was busy preparing the shuttles, but the jay-gee in the main engineering booth acknowledged the Aussie's help and signaled her boss of the new information.

Soon, every shuttle on the Galaxy would be able to produce the now tested plasma interference pattern....

"dismissed"
by Lt. Ragnald Gustavson, helmsman
USS Galaxy

Ragnald fell on his bed. He was tired, really tired from piloting around science people to collect and catalogue the Xerxes` debris.

Now, the show seemed to be over. The helmsman`s work was done, the helmsman was dismissed. Nobody seemed to be concerned if he was interested in evaluating the pieces which were collected and neatly arranged somewhere in the Galaxy`s freight compartment.

Ragnald stood up. He looked at the paper models of starships he kept on a shelf over his bed. Then he took one representing a Nebula class vessel and turned it in his hands.

*This was how the Xerxes looked like* Ragnald thought. Again and again he believed to find the position where parts of debris he saw during his shuttle ride should belong.

Sighing, Ragnald laid back on his bed.

When Ragnald almost fell asleep, a PADD chimed somewhere in his room.

*A message from Rose*, Ragnald thought. He didn`t see his love for a long time now - three shifts, Ragnald calculated. Don`t laugh - this can be infinity if you`re in love.

Ragnald jumped off his bed and after a few seconds found the PADD displaying a message from his chief.

"Comradeship? What did the chief think about? And how did he think could a helmsman excel in anything if he was dismissed anytime the things grew interesting?" Ragnald thought loudly. Then he laid back on his bed. Those questions had to wait. After turning around a little bit, the dismissed helmsman was sleeping the sleep of the unknown hero.

"Taking a Break"
by
Lt. Rayna Lamar O'Grady
and
Lt. Mike O'Grady

Rayna dropped Nikki off at a friend's and then went on her way to meet Mike. She was running slightly late but knew that Mike would probably not be ready anyway. She walked into the office, Mike's back was to her. She placed her hands over his eyes before he had a chance to turn and see who entered his office.

"Guess who." Rayna had to keep herself from laughing.

Mike leaned back, "well since no other member of the counseling department does that... Perfume, a light scent of Calvin Klien, shampoo, honeysuckle. Voice, sweet with a hint of the outback it can only be one person.......and since my mistress is not on the ship it has to be Rayna." It was an old joke of theirs, back from when they first became serious.

She smacked him in the arm, "Ha ha, very funny. If you ever cheat on me, you are so dead...so dead." She sat on his lap with a smile, "So, are you ready to go?"

"Always ready to go." He gave her a gentle hug, "besides I would never cheat on you......I love you too much to disrespect you like that."

"I know but I would." She smiled slyly, "Okay, I wouldn't either. The respect is mutual." She stood up and held out her hand to him, "So now that we have that settled, what do you say we make like the wind and blow, make like a tree and leave, make like a...well, you know, blow this joint."

"Sounds good to me." He smiled and kissed her gently before they walked out of his office

"So, where to? Are you hungry? How about something to eat?" She was feeling a little hyper, "Your choice."

"Ok......why don't we go somewhere where we can sort of make out while we eat." He teased her slightly.

"You are just so smart sometimes." She teased back, "You lead, I'll follow."

They walked in to the holodeck, it was their common practice. They go to the holodeck, lock the door, make a picnic setting and spend the time eating and a lot of the time kissing and other activities

Once again, they replicated some food, wine and just enjoyed each other's company. For dessert, more kissing and holding each other. This was also the time that they'd talk about nothing of importance but they didn't get to do much of that with Nikki always there.

"So how goes security?"

"Boring as usual. Chief of Security gets to have all the fun. I get all of the paperwork. I wish I could get into something juicy but no chance of that."

" I feel for you my dear." Mike wouldn't say this out loud, but he didn't mind that she wasn't doing dangerous stuff." He hugged her gently and began to plant small kisses along her neck.

"I guess I should be careful what I wish for. My parents even have more action than I do."

"Well soon they'll be away missions, then you'll have action." That was not something he liked to say so freely, if he had his way she'd never leave the ship, but that was because he worried so much.

She sighs, "Maybe. I guess it's probably better I'm not involved with anything big. It's bad enough that I have to deal with Nikki's biological dad and my parents."

Mike raised an eyebrow, "he's back?"

She looked at him with an oops expression, "I told you about the last conversation with my parents, I'm sure of it."

"Well he has no legal standing. He's not her father in the eyes of the law."

"Let's just say that he is out of jail and claims that he wants to find us so he can get to know her but don't worry, my parents told him nothing, well, except that we are on some secret mission and have no idea where we are. He was so pathetic, he tried the crying thing but my parents saw through it."

Mike shook his head, "Just the same let security know. Have him barred from the ship."

"There is no way in hell that he can find us. Besides, you are her father and no one, not even him, can do anything about it." She was a little more worried than she showed, "He's powerless."

She could hide a lot of things from a lot of people, but not this from her husband. "He is Rayn, if he tried to go to court, no judge would give him a thing, but laugh in his face."

"Exactly. I know that." She changed the subject, "What about you? Anything interesting in the counseling business?"

"Nothing too much, patients come in. Patients go out." He looked at her, "not much I can talk about though."

"Of course, as usual." She leaned over and poured herself another glass of wine.

"Sorry."

"It's okay. I'm getting used to it." She got quiet for a moment, listening to the authentic sounds of birds, "I love this place even if it isn't real."

"It's the closest we got to the real thing on a Starship."

"Yeah, I know." She got up and started to walk a few steps.

He got up and walked over to her, "So, what else did you have in mind this evening?"

"Nothing really. What about you?" She turned towards him.

"I happen to be free."

"I guess that makes two of us." She smiled, "I told Nikki she could spend the night at her friend's quarters."

"Would she mind?" Mike was liking this idea more and more.

"It's already arranged. She's been bugging me about it for a week now."

"Well then we're all alone tonight........" He teased her slightly. "Gotta love being alone tonight."

"It's been too long since the last time we were alone. I've forgotten what it's like." She took one last look around their surroundings, "What do you say we move this little party to our quarters?"

"Sounds like a plan." He smiled and took her hand, "unless you want to go swimming?"

"It's not exactly what I had in mind." She starts to walk towards the exit and smiles, "If you get my drift."

Mike raised an eyebrow, then both eyebrows. Then he followed behind her and in to their quarters. Slipping his arms around her waist he kissed her tenderly. "Alone at last."

"Yes, and believe me, I'm going to take advantage of that too."

"You're gonna take advantage of me tonight?" He smiled, "We could have a romantic dinner for two......"

She returned his smile, "Candlelight...wine, I like that idea."

Gently he kissed her, then he moved his kisses down to her neck, "sounds nice."

"Come on loverboy, save it for dessert."

"Hey, nothing like an appetizer........" He ran his hands along her figure, "We could have a nice appetizer before dinner.

She laughed, "Careful, I wouldn't want you to ruin your appetite." "For you, I will never ruin my appetite."

She shakes her head, "Let's go. I think we've used up our holodeck time by now."

"Sounds like an idea." He takes her hand in his as they walk down the hallway and were soon in their family quarters.

**taps on monitor**

"I'll set the table and you find the candles." She grabbed two glasses and replicated a bottle of wine, setting it on the table.

Mike dug through the box and removed 2 candles. Setting them on the table, lighting them he looked at her, "what do you want for dinner?"

She didn't hesitate, "Filet mignon, rice and a salad. As for dessert, I'll decide later."

Mike raised an eyebrow, "is that your way of saying we may be staying in for a while?" He teased her and began to program the replicator.

She smiled, "It could mean a lot of things but I'm not telling."

"Being mysterious eh?" He grinned, "It's one of the many things I love about you."

"I know and I love being mysterious. It keeps a marriage...fun."

"It's one of the ways to keep a marriage fun." He slipped an arm around her waist and kissed her.

She kissed him back, "I'm sure that there are many other ways too. I can think of three right off the bat."

Mike smiled, "Care to share those three with me?"

"It would be better if I showed you but you'll have to wait after we eat dinner." She lit the candles, "Hungry?"

"For what is the question?" he smiled as he pulled her chair out."

She didn't answer, she just laughed as she handed him her glass to pour the wine.

He poured her some wine then some for himself. Settling down across from her he takes her hand as they eat.

Rayna looked at Mike as if she was seeing him for the first time and smiled. She was so in love with him. She never thought that she'd ever be this happy, "We really need to do this more often."

"We do."

She smiled and continued to eat, some conversation, playing footsies with each other and flirting went on throughout this dinner. Rayna got up and began to clear the dishes.

Mike got up with her and helped her clear the dishes, As they put the dishes in the recycler, the flirting was more then subtle and now in to obvious.

They acted like newlyweds, not being able to keep their hands off each other. Rayna blew out the candles. There was kissing going on as they made their way to the bedroom. No words were said. It was obvious to each other what was on their minds.

Later in the evening they rested, or at least laid together kissing and caressing each other, Mike had one hand resting on his wife's cheek as they gazed in to each other's eyes

"I wish this evening would never end. Don't get me wrong, I love Nikki but it's just nice to be alone once in a while."

"Yeah I figure once every couple of weeks we send Nikki to a friend's house and have a romantic dinner for 2 and some good old-fashioned alone time."

"That is such a good idea just as long as Nikki isn't the wiser. She wouldn't be too happy to find out that we are letting her spend the night somewhere else so that we can be alone."

"She's six, all she cares about is she gets to stay over with friends. Then afterwards we do something special with her, like take her to the circus, or something."

"Yeah." He smiled and kissed her gently. "So, tonight what do you want to do with our free time?"

She looked at him, "We're doing it."

Mike half sat up, "Again?"

There was a certain gleam in her eyes, "What's wrong? Can't keep up?"

"Hey," Mike protested, " I can keep up fine. I'm worried about your delicate constitution."

"What do you mean my delicate constitution?" Her eyes met his.

Mike smiled with his infectious grin, "You know being the weaker sex and all..." It was an old joke between them.

"I'll show you the weaker sex and it isn't me." She still got a little heated eventhough it was a joke.

Mike raised an eyebrow in concern. That was still a sore spot.

She caught the eyebrow and sat up, "What was that look for? I'm sorry but I know a lot of men who act like a bunch of ladies."

Sitting up he looked at her, "Rayna, I was kidding you. "

"Don't ever teased a security guard especially if it is a woman. It's a sure way to get yourself hurt." Her expression softened, "I've kicked a person's butt for such a comment."

Mike smiled and caressed her cheek. "You know I don't believe that weaker sex silliness." He sat up, "Besides, we've sparred, I still have the bruises."

She teases, "Where? I don't see any bruises. You'd have to prove it."

Mike kissed her gently, "Well I submit to your inspections."

"You do, do you?" She played along, checking and kissing certain spots after examining them. Eventually, she ended at his lips and kissed him, "Like I said, I find no bruises."

"Guess I don't have any new bruises, but I know we did spar and you did kick my butt."

"Yes, I guess I did. I'm sorry. I think I'll just have to give you a few lessons in self defense." She pushed him back so he was laying on the bed again.

"What's the first lesson." He just laid back and let her take control.

"Never, ever take your eyes off the enemy. That's number one." She straddled and kissed him, "And never let your defenses down." She kissed him, "Three, I'll tell you later."

Mike's hands moved up her figure, softly caressing her, "well, what's number three." He kissed her tenderly and deeply, then his hands moved down her chest and waist.

"The enemy is always in charge." That wasn't true but it worked for the moment.

"Well, you definitely are in charge........." With that their lips met again.

By: Lieutenant Jake T Olson

Two tiny ships crashed into each other, flinging holographic debris across the science lab, disappearing as soon as the 3-D holographics expanded to the end of the holotank's range. Debris flew in simulated crash after crash.

"What are you doing?" Ryak Sullax asked as he passed Olson appearing absorbed in the crashing of two tiny ships in a small, portable holotank. Each vessel was an inch long, give or take. A humming tricorder sat nearby taking in the crash as well. At first glance, it looked like a sci fi vid. Olson was fond of them. But at closer glance, the Romulan recognized the model of each ship.

"Checking to see how some of the debris could have been made. This tank's running a program a bit more detailed than your usual sci fi special effects although I do use tanks to create those, that's why the tricorder's sitting there. The unassisted eye can't see all that's going on, when I get this down pat I will set up a larger, holodeck version of the simm. Using tanks is just easier." Olson's eyes never left the tiny ships as he explained.

Sullax left to mind some other business, leaving the Human to his calculations.

JP
Lt. Jake T. Olson & Lt (jg) Rose Isis MacAllen

Jake Olson's son was getting friskier and friskier. The strapping little boy reached out, while Olson wasn't looking, and grabbed some pretty hair.

Rose yells a little, "Hey there little boy that my hair. Oh hello Lt Olson."

Rose looks down shy, she had a very hard day. So many things his running though her mind at the same time, the nightmares, her work, her boyfriend..just everything. She looking tired and pale at the same time from working to hard.

"Oh I'm sorry!" Jake Olson went bright pink while both disengaged Bud's little fingers. For being three quarters Human, the child was ~strong~.

The baby chortled. And grinned at Rose gleefully. "Bud, you know better!" Turning to the woman, Olson asked, "Are you alright? Surely Bud didn't cause such sadness."

Rose looks down looking very pale in thin, she have been working very hard to a breaking point. "His very beautiful sir I can see where he got his good looks from." she said as she touches Bud's face very lightly.

"His mother, she is a beauty," Olson smiled, for the baby looked nothing like the frail, white haired Human. The boy looked like a Vulcan and would grow into a strong, stern type if he could just be tamed! "but I do thank you for the complement." Olson adjusted the grav-assist gerry pack containing the 30 pound little powerhouse.

"Been working too hard, I have no fun either. Work before pleasure or your health." Rose try to smile at Jake.

"Shhh, not to worry, can I get you something to drink? As soon as I drop the little linebacker at day school."

"Pretty," the baby smiled. "Pretty lady." He reached forward. With a worried look, Jake constrained the youngster.

"Yes, very pretty, but you don't grab people's hair, that hurts." Jake told Bud, both to reassure Rose that he wasn't trusting of ~her~. "Pulling hair hurts badly." He told Rose, indirectly, that Bud was going after the hair again.

Rose smiles a little, "It ok sir I'm fine well I guess you have a family to go to so I will see you around sir." She runs off shaking and crying.

"Please wait," Jake followed, "T-Prea is still at work, I was dropping Bud off at day care, where he's learning to mind his manners." Jake was really worried.

Rose hides in a dark hallway of the ship crying, why is she crying she royalty for god sakes. Rose starts shaking very badly from the nightmare she been having while she was on the Maquis ship, she lays down crying more.

"Electra," a frantic Jake catches the Orion bar hostess, "Could you please take Bud here to day care, something important has come up."

At her slightly puzzled nod, Electra took the squirming baby. Jake took off like a white and blue torpedo and scooped Rose in his arms, just whispering, "Shhh, it's ok, shhh,"

Rose just passes out, she feels so weak without hope, without life William the mad Maquis Captain is making her feel like a weak bitch. Her face is fulled with tears, "If I pass out I'm so so sorry Lt, my life....is hell right now. You know what happen to me on the Maquis ship, I can hear people talking and looking at me. I didn't go anything wrong....." then she passes out again.

"Shhh, the Maquis aren't here," Jake didn't know what she was talking about, he just held her. "The Maquis aren't here, they can't hurt you."

"He will come back for me I'm so scared." Rose started shaking very badly.

"No, the Galaxy will stop him," Jake didn't know who this person who had this girl so scared, "The Galaxy doesn't stand still for people snatching, they know who he is," Jake didn't know if this was a real situation or a nightmare situation in the head, but it was serious.

Rose told him, "After the Betazoid wedding I was kidnap by my ex-boyfriend who raped me at the Academy, he took me to his Maquis ship where I was tied down to a leather table."

Jake offered a very grim grin. "Have you told counseling about this guy? I know a few ass kickers whom dearly love to put him on their agenda."

Rose shakes more, "They know all about him and his crew but the nightmares, him touching me, the smell of wine on his breath. OH Gods of Betazed help me." Then she started to breath very hard.

"Have you spoke to counseling? They can help you. They can help you to get rid of the nightmares." Jake wasn't a counselor, and had no training. "They can help you take the power back. Back to yourself."

Rose looks at him, "I wish I can but I think it too late for me." Then she when into a deep and hopefully a peaceful sleep, then she hit her head very hard on the floor.

"Olson to sickbay, EMERGENCY, two to beam to sickbay." Jake grasped at Rose but she slipped through his fingers. The pair twinkled.

"What is it?" demanded a doctor, taking Rose from Olson's arms.

"Emotional trauma, possible head wound." Jake gave a fast rundown of what he knew about the girl's condition.