'Blue and Green'
by Lt Seth Zonhieb and Ensign Ve'ryn Tival

Ve'ryn made her way down the corridore as the TL doors slid shut behind her. She was on her way to her first duty assignment. Lt Savat hadn't had amchance to meet her yet, or even introduce her to the rest of the Security Department due to the fact the Galaxy was in the middle of a search and rescue mission within the Bad Lands. Task by the Vulcan Security Chief to inventory the ship's Armory, and familiarize herself with the Galaxy's arsonal of weapondry. She felt good to finally have a purpose once again since her duty onboard the Thunderchild that ended badly. Finally arriving at the scene she was amazed to see someone already waiting for her...and that one was a Gorn. The Andorian smiled at him as she found it quite amuzing to see a Gorn in a Starfleet Uniform, even up close.

"Good afternoon Sir, I am Ensign Ve'ryn Tival and reporting for duty." Replied the tall Andorian, as she appeared quite confiden and yet friend. Stepping closer to the Gorn, she was easily dwarfed by his 7 foot frame.

"You're on alpha shift with Lt Savat. Begin tomorrow at 0900." The Gorn had his translator fixed twice now for hissing so the voice was clear and deep.

The Beta shift had started an hour and a half earlier and the Gorn was in the office doing his shift commander paper work. He had sent his team to strategic posts around the ship. All of them complaining at how exciting it was to wait for the science department. He would have to check up on them later, or now interruptions stopped him from finishing his work.

"Oh Im so sorry Sir." Replied the Andorian as she seemed sincere enough about the situation. "Lt, I would very happy to help you with whatever tasks you have been assigned. It would help me get a feeling about theSecurity Department. Despite our various origins, it would appear you and I share the most common background within this Department." Replied Ve'ryn asshe leaned against the bulkhead. Somehow she could sense that she began to annoy him, however, in her eyes she igored it.

One of the lizards eyes watched the blue woman while the other was glued to the console. The Gorn used his knuckle to finish typing, obviously so his claws didn't destroy the panel. When Seth was done he stood up and walked around the desk. "Very well you can accompany me on rounds." The Gorn seemed to consider what to say next then added. "I do my training at 2300 and have a special program for my strength."

"Ah interesting. Please go on, I would love to hear about it." Replied the Andorian who followed. Her movements as graceful as cat appearing alert and ready. "By the way, we never fully introduced ourselves Lieutanent, my friends call me Vee." She replied as she extender her slender blue fingers for a friendly handshake. 'Fear was only something that could only cause weakness in a warrior's heart.' thought Vee as she remembered her big brother's teachings. Despite the large size of the Gorn Security Officer, she could already sense weakness within his speed and quickness. She wouldn't doubt his strength could easily out match an Andorian, but, an Andorian's speed wasn't something you ignored.

"I don't really have any friends." He said holding out a clawed hand the Gorn let the newcomer manoeuvre around injury for the handshake. Seth could barely feel her grip through his scales but he knew it was there. Andorians were not push overs like the Ferengi. The Gorn also knew their warrior spirit and quickness but his training program would still have to be two levels down for her. "You can call me Seth off duty."

Seth showed the Andorian all the standard security areas from the aft engineering station to the forward deflector dish. He stopped to introduce her to Ensign K'Vada, a klingon, standing in front of the cargo bay. They Passed Ensign Torricle at Auxiliary Phaser control room and Ensign Smith in transporter room one. The Gorn was remarkably quiet most of the time while the Andorian talked and asked questions.

"Well Lieutenant, I hope that this begins a friendship between us. I admire your honesty as I find the trait strong within honorable warriors." Replied Vee as she soaked everything the Gorn had shown her. "There are a lot of things that I enjoy that would make 'humans' turn their heads against." Replied Vee with a soft smirk and a wink. Despite the size of the Gorn and how he viewed himself with the rest of the Crew, Vee was glad they had a chance to 'talk' even if she did all the talking.

"In the groove"

By
PO2 Johnathan "Jazz" Russel
Engineer, USS Galaxy

-- USS Galaxy, cargo bay --

The portable music generator was playing original 22nd century jazz, as Jazz was working his way through his aisle. Along with many other engineers, he was working his way through the stacks of debris assembled in the cargo bay. Mysteriously, most of the other engineers were working far away from Jazz. Maybe they didn't enjoy Jazz music, but Jazz didn't care.

Jazz scanned another conduit fragment. Again, the result was inconclusive. He and the others were searching for additional evidence that a collision had occurred. With many fragments, that just couldn't be determined. But with many other fragments the crew had had good results. With what seemed to be the correct hypothesis to work from, they were getting a much better picture of what had happened to the USS Xerxes.

The first few hours of working here, Jazz had had a creepy feeling. Working with ship debris was always weird, but especially in a region where he had flown considerable times himself. The plasma fields were tricky, but Jazz had never come in contact with them in a way that he had begun to see them as really dangerous. Sure, damage here and there, and a few close calls, but that was it. He sure was glad to be on the Galaxy right now. Price seemed like a real 'officer' at times, but at least he wouldn't do anything stupid in the badlands, or at least that was what Jazz guessed.

Jazz finished his aisle, and much to the relief of his colleagues, he turned off his music generator before heading over to the coordinating officer to report.

"Company"

Ensign Bosco
Tactical Officer U.S.S. Galaxy

Bosco drummed his fingers impatiently on the tactical console of the battle bridge, where he'd been stationed by the Captain as an emergency backup officer. With a sigh at such a lame assignment, the Caitan checked the scanners to see what if anything could be ascertained in such a hostile environment as the Badlands.

Glancing up momentarily around the battle bridge, Bosco could see that the officers serving on duty in their emergency backup capacity were all like him; low ranking officers that didn't have the experience or seniority to be assigned to the main bridge during this tactical yellow alert.

On the scanners, Bosco could see that several of the Galaxy's shuttle craft had been dispatched. Their ion trails could still be made out, in spite of the high energy interference from the plasma fields into which their trails disappeared. When Bosco learned that the Galaxy would be sending several shuttles into the plasma fields of the Badlands to search for the missing U.S.S. Xerxes, he immediately wanted to be on one of the search teams, but his assignment to the battle bridge precluded him from taking such a dangerous (though interesting) assignment. Bosco was beginning to feel like the U.S.S. Galaxy was a useless assignment. Other then scoring with the variety of babes on board, he hadn't really accomplished anything tactically.

Mostly out of boredom Bosco began tracking the various ion readings. They typically all ended the same way. Exhaust trails from the Deuterium burning impulse engines the shuttles used to power away from the Galaxy and into the Badlands. Once the trails entered the plasma fields, they could no longer be tracked because of the RF saturation the plasm flows caused. But it was still a simple matter of tracking the trails back to their origin, the stationary U.S.S. Galaxy.

Then Bosco noticed one ion trail that didn't fit in with the others.

"What is this?" the feline like officer asked himself quietly while brushing back a lock of his flowing golden mane.

Ensign Boaz Trinker, a rather over curious Benzite operations officer, took a deep breath from his vapor inhaler before stepping over to Bosco's tactical station. The Ensign had a stiff, upright posture. Bosco wasn't sure if that was something cultural with the Benzite species or if Ensign Trinker was just into John Wayne.

"You have discovered something interesting Mister Bosco?" Boaz asked with genuine interest.

"Possibly." Bosco declared. He then tapped a few more controls with made corresponding computer tones. "I'm trying to determine that now. I was tracing the ion trails in the area to the various search and rescue shuttles that have departed the Galaxy. If you see here, I have the U.S.S. Buster Keaton, the U.S.S. Opaka, the U.S.S Yeager and the U.S.S. Melbourne tracked leaving the Galaxy and entering the plasma fields."

Ensign Trinker nodded stiffly, taking another deep breath from his mister under his chin. "Quite interesting. I imagine this is excellent practice Ensign. A good practical exercise in using the ship's sensory equipment."

Bosco just flashed his catlike eyes in the geeky Benzite's direction momentarily, and then went on with his discovery.

"I was resolving this other trail, which I was guessing to belong to the U.S.S. Santa Maria, but I loose the signal here from these readings in this region." Bosco explained altering the monitor to display a colorful graphic of the ion trail.

Ensign Trinker looked very interested. He pressed his head closer to the monitor and squinted his mouse-like eyes. "Have you been able to isolate the origin of these high readings Mister Bosco? Our shuttles couldn't have caused such a residual field of ions unless someone dumped out raw Deuterium." Boaz explained.

"I'm working on it now sir. The source doesn't appear to have come from the plasma fields or from any of the shuttles that left the U.S.S. Galaxy. I've got a partial trail now, I'm tracking it with the ship's sensors." Bosco explained.

"Humm, maybe you would have better luck if you increased the phase delay in the proton beam to increase sensor efficiency in that area. Here, I can assist." The Benzite described. Tapping a few controls, the resolution increased remarkably, clearing up the sensor readings in that area of space. "You see?, that is much better."

Bosco nodded. "Yes, that helped. Let me decrease the magnification to get a better view of the area." With just a double tap of the sensor panel, both Ensign Bosco and Ensign Trinker realized what it was that was causing the increased ion field in that area.

"That looks an awfully lot like a Cardassian Galor class warship!" Boaz declared.

Bosco quickly ran a check on the computer. "It is, and she's baring down on the U.S.S. Galaxy as we speak!" Tapping his comm badge, the Caitan called out, "Bridge, this is Ensign Bosco. There is a Cardassian warship coming in hot and fast from Cardassian space."

" In A Xenexian Minute "
by Ensign Nicholas Knight

Nick had to admit it, since coming on board the Galaxy a month ago, he was having some problems getting used to the ship. Most notably, the children. It wasn't that he disliked them especially, he just disliked being around them, was all. It all stemmed from his own childhood, he knew, but that wasn't going to make it any easier. The thing, he supposed, that troubled him the most when it came right down to it, was that he wasn't accustomed to seeing what was called " The Family Unit ".

On Xenex, in what seemed like a lifetime ago now, he'd had only Catrina and Xyon......Calhoun's son.....and more than that had confused his mind for quite a long time. Of course, as he'd grown older, he'd understood what had happened and why things were the way they were for him. He'd had a good childhood, what of it that he'd allowed himself to enjoy, and Catrina and Xyon were truly the only family he had ever known. When Catrina had died, his heart had broken in two. He'd heard that Xyon had had a run in with the "Old Man ", the nickname they both used for Mac Calhoun, not long ago and that he was also believed dead now.

Sitting on the couch in his quarters, Knight shook his head slowly trying to bring it all into perspective. First Catrina and now Xyon, it was getting to be just a bit daunting. But.....he would survive, he always did somehow.

" Computer, " Nick said softly, " Time? "

[The time is currently 0410 hrs.], the computer replied.

Well, one thing was sure, when he was awake, he was awake. His mind just wouldn't shut down sometimes. It was a fact he'd come to accept many years ago, after first joining Starfleet and then the North Star. Special OPS was a whole different ballgame, as he'd once heard a friend of his say at an unknown bar on an unknown planet waiting to finish an unknown mission. He knew he had to get used to starship life and for the most part he thought, he wasn't doing so bad. He smirked to himself, at least he hadn't pissed the Captain off yet. It USUALLY took him less than a month to do that.

=/\= Later......=/\=
=/\= Commander Thomas' Office =/\=

" Sorry to bother you, Commander, " Nick said as the First Officer had told him to.

" Not a problem. What can I do for you, Ensign? "

" Well, sir, " Nick said as he remained standing in front of the XO, " I'd like your opinion on something. "

" Go on, " Thomas replied.

Nick studied the floor for a moment, " Sir.....are you sure my being on the Galaxy is a good idea? I mean, quite frankly sir, you know more about my past than anyone aboard ship, save the Captain, of course. "

" If I didn't think you were right for the job, I wouldn't have recommended you. Let me guess? Children? " Thomas offered.

Knight nodded.

" You'll get used to them, I'd wager. Look, you're a good officer and you know that ANY assignment takes an adjustment period. You'll be fine. "

Knight grinned just a little. Commander Thomas was the same as he had been on the North Star and if thought Nick was in the right place, then who was he to argue?

" Thank you, sir. "

" Hey, at least you haven't pissed the Captain off yet, " Thomas said with a grin, " And, Ensign? "

" Sir? " Nick said stopping at the door and turning.

" Good to see you again. "

Knight nodded and turned and left. Perhaps, despite all of his misgivings and doubts, this ship really was the place for him after all.

"Senior Staff Meeting"
By Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy

Based on "Announcements Of Various Kinds" by Captain Price

**posted late**

Commander Thomas had finished speaking with Lt. Commander Sullax and Captain Price. He'd discussed a couple of issues with the both of them before moving forward. He'd asked permission from the captain to call a short senior staff meeting to update the crew on the change of command and find out where they were with the investigation.

This would be the first meeting of a group of senior officers that he'd spoken to in several months at least. Captain Price had called a senior staff meeting after they'd spoken about things. Chris knew this would be the setting for when he made some announcements to the rest of the senior staff. They would officially learn that he was to replace Commander Casey as first officer. They also would learn that Lt. Commander Sullax would be the ship's second officer.

*** Executive Conference Room ***

Captain Price entered the room late, something that Chris had never seen or didn't remember seeing because it was a rare occurrence. With all the changes happening on his ship in last 12 hours it wasn't surprising. Things on the ship were being turned upside down and with their current mission changing as well it was making for a very challenging situation.

Chris listened as the officer spoke upon their findings.

Drake woke up to find himself at the helm of the Exeter. He was surprised and shocked to find himself back there. He turned around to see the captain, but instead of the captain in the CO's chair, he saw Jade, with her throat slit, lying dead in the chair.

He woke up in his bed, sweating and crying. He kept on saying that it was his fault that she died, and, of course, he felt very guilty. He looked at the clock to see that it was two hours before his shift, so he got up, took a shower and got into uniform.

He walked over to the replicator and said, “Eggs, fried, with bacon, buttered toast and a glass of orange juice.”

“State the temperature for the beverage,” said the computer.

“Five degrees,” said Drake.

A good-old heart attack meal appeared in the replicator, and beside it was a cold glass of orange juice. Drake the plate and the glass up, and brought them to his table. After he ate his breakfast, he went to turbolift five to go to the bridge for his duties.

The turbolift began to move at an alarming rate, and as it was headed towards the bridge, he thought of his fiancée, Jade. He could remember her smile, and her beautiful face. He could remember when she said yes to his marriage proposal, and as he thought of it, he smiled. Suddenly, he remembered back to seeing her face, with her throat slit, and her bruised face, then he saw the murderer, and by thinking of the murderer, he thought of Sean, his brother.

He thought to himself, “I really hope he is dead, I really hope he is dead.”

The doors opened and he realized that he had arrived fifteen minutes before schedule. Captain Price stood up when he saw Drake.

“Ensign Drake Tarsonis I presume?” asked Captain Price.

“Yes, sir,” replied Drake, who was nervous that he would say something wrong.

“Come see me in my ready room, mate,” said Captain Price.

“Aye, sir,” replied Drake.

Captain Price walked in and Drake followed. When they got in, Captain Price sat down, and then signaled for him to sit down. Drake took a seat.

“I understand that you transferred from the USS Exeter,” said Captain Price.

“Yes, sir,” replied Drake.

“Captain Deckard has informed me of your working habits, they seem pretty good, mate,” said Captain Price.

“Thank you, sir,” said Drake.

“Captain Deckard has also informed me of what had happened to you on the Exeter,” said Captain Price.

Drake’s face suddenly went sad. “Yes, sir. I am recovering,” said Drake.

“I know what this is like, mate. I’m still going through this myself. If you would like, I could set up an appointment with one of the counselors,” said Captain Price.

“No, thank you, sir. I can get through this,” said Drake.

“Well then, mate, that will be all. If you have any problems, feel free to see me, or Counselor Dallas,” said Captain Price.

“Thank you, sir,” said Drake.

“Welcome aboard Ensign,” said Captain Price.

“Thank you, sir.”

"The opposing force"

By
Gul Jolan, third order
Commanding officer
CUS Hutet

-- CUS Hutet, command bridge --

** Permanent record keeping, Gul Jolan reporting.

Twelve hours have passed since I have ordered the Hutet to drop out of warp and start our search pattern, this side of the plasma fields known as the Badlands. Our orders are to find warship Rhemor, and to determine what has happened to it. So far, we have found nothing. Our sensors are virtually useless with the infamous natural interference of this region. Ironically, we've had the best results using Dominion probes we still had in storage. They are easily damaged or lost this close to the plasma storms, but they're giving us a relatively good picture of the region.

** End recording

Gul Hutet sat back in his command chair, and considered his current mission. He was angry enough to smash the head of the first person he would run into, yet focused enough to restrain himself. His anger was understandable. His ship and the Rhemor were two of the few Galor class warships to survive the Dominion war, yet it was likely that the Rhemor was now destroyed after all. He had fought with Gul Kugal in the war, first as the pets of the cursed Dominion, then along side with the Alliance forces when Demar had chosen to lead Cardassia in a revolt against the Dominion. So much war had they survived, and now that peace was finally here, Kugal was gone.

Of course, there was a chance that there was a reasonable explanation for all of this. A delay, a distress call from another ship, or whatever. But Jolan was not a Cardassian to believe the positive explanation first. He was distrustful of anyone, even his fellow Cardassians. But most of all, those who were not Cardassian. And the worst were of course, the Federation. And it was a Federation vessel the Rhemor had been escorting.

Jolan clenched his fist as the Federation came up in his train of thought. Sure, he'd fight the Romulans or the Klingons at the first given chance. But the Federation was something else. It was a two-faced snake, one face preaching high morals and giving the helping hand, the other face treacherous, stabbing you in the back. Even now, with the war over, they were humiliating the Cardassian Union into the ground, with their emergency relief convoys. When would they learn to leave Cardassia alone?

Returning his focus to business at hand, Jolan decided to investigate the search effort on the bridge. He got up, and left his command room.

-- Bridge --

"We lost sixteen out of twenty four probes. But we managed to chart forty percent of the region. So far, nothing, sir." the science officer reported, as Gul Jolan looked over his shoulder. Jolan nodded, and smiled. They weren't making a lot of progress, but at least they were wasting leftover Dominion material. The sooner they got rid of any Dominion leftovers, the better, Jolan figured.

There were two science officers monitoring the telemetry from the probes. The other one drew Jolan's attention. "Gul, we're receiving direct telemetry from probe 005."

The monitor flickered, and some interesting readings appeared. "Definately a Federation starship transceiver," the science officer added.

"Can we get a visual on that?" Jolan asked.

The officer managed to translate the data to a visual on his monitor. The image was distorted, but it was clearly a Federation starship, Galaxy class. It was not the Xerxes, and there was no indication the Rhemor was near.

"Transceiver identification registers it as the USS Galaxy, sir," the science officer said.

"Price's ship," Jolan added, and the two science officers looked up at him. Jolan explained: "We fought in the same battle, when we drove the Dominion from Cardassia."

"Pilot," Gul Jolan shouted, as he walked over to his command chair, "Set course for the coordinates from probe 005, and engage at your discretion."

"Tzozat," he said towards the leftmost science officer, "continue scanning until you find evidence of the Rhemor," 'or until we run out of Dominion probes,' he added, in his mind.

"Angry arrivals"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain Price was standing in his ready room, peering out the rectangular observation window besides his desk. It had been nearly an hour since the first shuttles had launched to search for the fate of the missing USS Xerxes. Lee wasn't holding out much hope for the survival of Captain Victoria Curtis' ship. Jumping to warp was a bold move, and likely bought the crew some time, but when the warp bubble collapsed, if they ran into another plasma flow, they surely would have been destroyed. The best Captain Price could hope for was to discover proof positive of the USS Xerxes destruction. It was a small difference to the family members of the crew that were lost on board that ship, however it did matter. Being listed as MIA is often times much harder on the families than the knowledge that their loved ones were killed in action. One had a note of finality to it. The other left open speculation, doubt and a bitter-sweet hope. Dealing with death, in the Captain's experience, was far easier than dealing with the uncertainty of not knowing. He hoped that their efforts here and now could help to bring closure to the families of those on board the Xerxes.

***

On the Bridge, Commander Thomas sat in the command chair, overseeing the ship operations and helping to coordinate the efforts of the search teams. While reviewing a padd listing the next week's duty roster assignments, an urgent hail came in from the Battle Bridge.

["Bridge, this is Ensign Bosco. There is a Cardassian warship coming in hot and fast from Cardassian space."] the Caitan declared urgently over the channel.

Chris thumbed the intercom on the arm of the command chair in preparation to respond. In the meantime he called out to Tactical, "Red Alert! Raise the shields."

Lieutenant Commander Raesene Hermedhie tapped the required controls on the Tactical arch and activated the ship's defenses. "Shields raised Commander."

Chris responded to the Ensign on the Battle Bridge with a question, "What is their bearing Ensign?"

A moment later the Caitan replied over channel, ["Bearing 253 Mark 6 sir."]

Pointing at Ensign Drake Tarsonis, who was manning the helm of the Galaxy while the more experienced officers were piloting the away team shuttles inside the plasma flows of the Badlands, Commander Thomas ordered, "Bring us around to that heading Ensign. Main view screen at maximum magnification."

Drake nodded as he complied with the order, "Turning us to new heading sir. Magnification at maximum."

The doors to the Captain's ready room swished open as Price walked onto the bridge. The unmistakable warble of the Red Alert signal was vibrating through the corridors of the ship, alerting everyone to the new danger.

From Tactical, Raesene called out, "Shall I ready weapon's Commander?"

Chris was about to respond when Captain Price answered, "Not yet 'mate. Divert power to the shields until we know what is going on."

Lieutenant Commander looked up and acknowledged the Captain's order. "Shields at maximum power sir."

On screen, the unmistakable silhouette of a Cardassian warship could be seen approaching.

"Galor class sir. She's coming in with weapons armed." Chris stated.

Nodding, Lee commented, "Which is typical for the Cardassians. Try to identify that vessel Commander. Mister Hermedhie, hail that ship 'mate."

Chris moved to the First Officer station and started running an id scan of the approaching vessel. Behind the Captain and First Officer, Lieutenant Commander Hermedhie attempted to raise the approaching Cardassian ship. After a moment and a couple of tries, Raesene glanced up at the Captain. "They are not responding..."

Lee's eyes narrowed momentarily. "Send this on all frequencies 'mate."

Raesene tapped the required controls, "All hailing frequencies open sir."

"This is Captain Lee Price of the Federation starship Galaxy. We are involved in a search and rescue operation in this area of space. Please stand down your weapons and let us know your intentions. Do you wish to render assistance? Please reply."

Raesene glanced at his tactical station. "Message transmitted Captain, all frequencies."

At the First Officer's station, Commander Thomas saw the data he was searching for. Every starship in every fleet displays a distinctive ion signature that acts as a sort of identification fingerprint. Piping the Galaxy's sensor information on the approaching Galor class warship against recorded ion signatures of known Cardassian warships recorded by Starfleet, it was a simple matter to id her. "Captain, the ship's databanks identify the vessel as the Hutet. Last known to be commanded by Gul Jolan at the end of the Dominion war."

Lee glanced over at Chris at hearing the news. "The Hutet assisted in the final battle for Cardassia which ended the Dominion war." The General commented.

From Tactical, 'Commander Hermedhie asked again, "Shall I power up main weapons Captain?"

Price shook his head. "Negative 'mate. Send another hail. All frequencies." The Captain ordered while taking a couple of steps forward to just behind the Operations and Helm stations.

"Hailing frequencies open sir." Hermedhie responded.

"Gul Jolan. You assisted the alliance in ending the Dominion war and sending the Founders and Jem Hadar back to the Gamma quadrant while serving on the Hutet. Please respond. The USS Galaxy is involved in a search and rescue operation, do you intend to assist?" Captain Price transmitted again, hoping the personalized message would yield better results.

The command crew of the Galaxy watched and waited to see how the approaching Cardassian warship would respond. Would she answer?, or just attack? They were going to find out in a matter of seconds...

"A Changing of the Guard"
By Lieutenant Savat

OOC: Takes place shortly before the arrival of our Cardassian friends.

With another Delta shift nearing its end, Savat made his way back to the main security offices. There were reports to file and incidents to follow up on. Unlike most shifts, when Delta's patrols were conducted under the dimmed lights of "ship's night", the Galaxy's hunt for the Xerxes had placed the ship under a constant state of yellow alert.

The debris had been analyzed and conclusions had been drawn. The evidence pointed towards a collision between the Xerxes and the Cardassian Galor class warship the Rhemor. The volume and distribution of the debris had lead the investigators to conclude that the Rhemor had been destroyed and the Xerxes had jumped to warp to avoid the plasma flows. In all likelihood, Captain Curtis had done little more than delay the inevitable.

What most concerned Savat were the events leading up to the collision. Simply put, there was no logical reason for such a collision to have taken place under peaceful conditions. Had even one of the two helmsman involved been performing their duty properly, there would have been time to make course corrections to avoid such a catastrophe. Either some force, internal or external, had distracted both helmsmen to the point where the collision was unavoidable, or forces on one ship or the other had conspired to intentionally bring about the collision.

Either conclusion made the rescue mission a security matter. There could be hostile forces hidden in the badlands or even on the Xerxes itself. The training exercises Savat had organized had done well to prepare the security teams for such contingencies, but the logistics of getting security involved would be difficult. If and when the Xerxes was found, it would be prudent for security officers to accompany any investigations aboard the damaged vessel. He decided to discuss the matter with Commander Kirk when he came on duty.

The doors to the security office slid open silently and Commander George Kirk stepped in. Savat looked up from the desk and raised an eyebrow. Kirk was typically punctual, arriving exactly fifteen minutes prior to the start of Alpha Shift. Today, he was forty five minutes early. "Greetings, Commander." Savat said. "May I presume there is motive behind your early arrival?"

"There is indeed, Lieutenant." Kirk said, his voice a mixture of trepidation and sorrow. "We need to talk..."

*** ***

Ten minutes later, Kirk walked back out of the security office in silence. Savat's face displayed no outward emotion, but he had been caught off guard by the Commander's sudden resignation. Savat was now the acting Chief of Security, a transition that was taking place in the middle of a delicate operation. With a sigh, the Vulcan accessed the duty rosters and began to adjust the shifts. He was surprised to see a few names that he had yet to meet, new arrivals that had yet to be fully integrated into the department. Apparently, Kirk's personal situation had reduced his efficiency. Savat could not entirely blame the man. Even without the burden of emotions, the weight that had been placed on George Kirk's shoulders would try any sentient being.

Savat finished the updated roster and sent it out to the department. He then forwarded a copy to the Galaxy's new first officer, Commander Thomas, along with a request to speak with him at the first available opportunity. The concerns he had hoped to pass on to Kirk were now his to pass up directly to Command. It was his department now, at least as long as his 'Acting Chief" status was maintained. It would not be his first time leading the security department of a Federation starship, he had done so previously on the USS Sulu. But the Galaxy was a much larger vessel, with a history of being a flash-point for any number of quadrant-shaking events.

It would be a challenge, but one the elder Vulcan looked forward to.

"Sinking Into a Bottle of Jack Daniels"

NRPG: Takes place a half-hour before the arrival of the Cardassians.

Ensign Drake Tarsonis
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

After his shift, Drake went to Ten-Forward for his break. He had never been to the Galaxy's Ten-Forward and he had been there for a month and had never gone to it! He'd hope that he would meet Nick there, due to him being the only one he really knew. He had also become friends with the Chief ops manager, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Lucas Brandis. The doors opened and there was a crowd, like always. He went to the counter to get a drink.

"What'll it be?" asked the Ten-Forward manager.

"Something real, not synthetic. And make it real strong too," replied Drake.

The waiter brought up a bottle of some sort of red substance.

“There you go. That stuff will wake you up,” said the waiter.

“Thanks,” said Drake.

He poured himself a glass, took a small sip and his sinuses cleared instantly. When he looked up, he could see Ensign Nicholas Knight chuckling at him.

“You think this is funny? You should try some of this stuff!” said Drake.

“No thanks, Dublin, I don’t wanna end up like you,” said Ensign Knight.

Drake put the glass down and said, “That’s not very funny. By the way, how was your shift?” asked Drake.

“Oh, it was ok I guess. The bridge was quiet today,” responded Ensign Knight.

“I have to go back for my shift in about a half-hour. Captain Price sent all of the experienced pilots in shuttlecrafts to see if the could spot the Xerxes,” said Drake.

“I see,” said Ensign Knight.

Drake drooped his head down, grabbed the same glass and poured another helping of the beverage. He chugged it down and a sour look came about his face. He gulped it all down. Ensign Knight laughed at him again. This time it wasn’t a chuckle, it was a laugh. Drake laughed with him, which is something he hasn’t done in a long time.

“Time for my shift, see you later Nick,” said Drake.

“Later Drake,” said Ensign Knight.

Drake thought to himself, “I really hope we don’t have any problems!”

"Losses mounting - (or a tribute to 'The Fly'?)"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** USS Xerxes, sickbay ***

Josh's fist slammed down onto Lieutenant Karen Flasher's chest with a forceful thud. She was sprawled out on the biobed, the medical readout behind her telling the tale of her flatline state.

"Twenty-eight CCs of Stymizine now!" Josh ordered.

A medic who was assisting the Chief Medical Officer prepared a hypo with the prescribed stimulant. Behind her, Lieutenant Commander Cassandra Brown watched her friend slipping away.

"Here you go Doctor O'Ditty."

Josh took the hypo and pressed it against Lieutenant Flasher's chest. "Common Karen, stay with me..." Watching the monitor for an agonizing moment, the Chief Medical Officer saw it wasn't helping. "Cortical stimulators!"

Another medic handed the tong-like head attachment to Doctor O'Ditty. Josh immediately placed it over Karen's temples and hooked it up to the sickbay systems. "Set charge for 200 micro-jewels."

"Set at 200 Doctor."

"Clear!" Josh ordered before activating the shock. Karen's monitor spiked momentarily and then returned to a flatline. The Doctor's jaw stiffened. "Set it to 300."

"300 doctor."

"Clear!" Josh declared once again. Karen's body jolted from the energy pulse, but still the bio-bed monitor only spiked and returned to the ominous flatline.

"400!" Josh demanded. Eyes around the sickbay flashed questioningly, but everyone compiled with the Doctor's wishes as he tried to save his friend.

A moment later, the assisting medic responded, "Charge set to 400 doctor."

"Clear!" Josh called out. Karen's body convulsed mechanically, artificially having each muscle contract under the electrical charge. But like before, once the charge passed, the muscles relaxed to their flat-line state.

"Damn it all to hell!" Doctor O'Ditty cursed. "Another thirty CCs of Stymizine."

The assisting medic glanced at the CMO, and then began preparing the dosage.

Behind Josh, Lieutenant Commander Cassandra Brown slowly began shaking her head. No one wanted Karen to make it more than she did. Cassandra had spent the last couple of hours keeping the Chief Tactical Officer alive on the bridge after the initial attack from the hijacking New Maquis terrorists. But 'Commander Brown was also the Chief Science Officer. She knew a bit about chemistry and the length of time a person can remain "down" before they begin to suffer brain and tissue damage. Lieutenant Flasher was very near the point where attempting to save her life was more detrimental than letting her go.

"Set charge for 500." Josh ordered taking the hypo and pressing it against Karen's injured neck. With a hiss, the stimulant was injected.

"Stand clear." Josh ordered. When everyone was back, he zapped Karen yet again. The charge was so intense, her feet and legs popped off the table in unison with her upper torso, as if she was doing a severe tummy crunch and attempting to touch her toes. When the charge subsided, her lifeless limbs plopped back down on the bio-bed with a grotesque thumping sound.

Disgusted, Doctor O'Ditty ripped off his trauma scrubs and threw them down. It was obvious Josh was upset at his inability to get Karen's vitals jump started. He hated loosing anyone to trauma and the limitations of medical technology in the 24th century. But this was especially painful, because Lieutenant Karen Flasher was also one of Josh's closest friends.

"Shall we call it doctor?..." the assisting medic asked quietly.

Josh reached for his chest and felt the medallion he wares under his scrubs for a moment. He then nodded. "Aye. Time of death,... 13:21."

Dejected, Josh turned away from Karen's body where it lay on the bio-bed. Cassandra was still standing there and reached out to the Chief Medical Officer, placing a consoling hand on his broad shoulder. "You did everything you could Josh. Everyone did."

In an rare display of emotion, Doctor O'Ditty broke down emotionally and began to cry. "It wasn't good enough..." he sobbed as the stress of the Xerxes current, grim status and a long days work dealing with the trauma of over half the crew that had died or been critically injured because of the New Maquis hijacking attempt caught up with the emotional medical officer.

Cassandra instinctively reached out and hugged Josh, giving him a warm, dry shoulder to cry on and let his emotions go. "It's all right. Shush, it's okay." Cassandra consoled.

****

Eddie bit his lip so hard blood was drawn as he cinched down a tourniquet with one hand and sealed his stump of a leg with a phaser in the other. Even biting through his lip, Commander Brookland managed to let out an emotional grunt of pain. He was sweating from the agony he felt, but at the same time was struggling to remain conscious. He knew he was going into shock, but he had a duty to the Captain and to this crew to see things through to the very end. If he were to pass out now over something as minor as loosing a leg to a phaser blast, it would be over for Commander Eddie Brookland. There was no way the Maquis scum in the Main Engineering would let him live after trying to beam in and retake Engineering at all costs.

Panting profusely, almost to the point of hyperventilating, Eddie managed to stay awake and work through his pain. His stump, though not pretty, had stopped bleeding thanks to the tourniquet and cauterize number he managed with his phaser.

Having been preoccupied with his unearthly pain and agony over his wounded leg, Eddie noticed for the first time one of the Terrorist's calling out.

"You still alive in there Starfleet?..."

Eddie took a deep breath to try and calm himself. Checking his two hand phasers, he checked their settings and verified the amount of charge he had remaining. He then placed one in his holster and checked the phaser riffle he managed to grab before hopping into the supply room for cover.

"Last chance Starfleet! If you are still breathing in there, I suggest you give up..."

Eddie glanced around the room, taking a survey of his present situation. Then quickly deciding, he struggled to get up onto his good leg and hopped over to a near by bulkhead. There were several cylindrical containers on the floor there. Taking one of his hand phasers, he adjusted the settings and then placed it on top of the cylinders, just on the opposite side of the supply room entrance. He then quickly hopped back to the opposite side of the supply room, taking cover behind some substantial cargo containers.

Outside in main engineering, Rychord motioned to the supply room. "Suzan, Gervase, check it out." The cell leader ordered.

It was obvious Gervase was still in pain from his buttocks injury, but evidently his pride and the need for some serious payback drove him onward. Suzan wasn't thrilled with always having to do the dirty work of flushing out the enemy, but figured it was better than sitting around on her hands and listening to the whiny Starfleet Engineer preach of how doomed they all were, stranded in the middle of the Badlands.

Taking positions at either side of the doorway, Suzan lipped the words "one, two, three!" and both of the New Maquis Terrorists rushed in to take out the Starfleet officer.

Eddie watched as the two came rushing in. The dark skinned Bajoran screamed like a wild warrior. He fired blindly at the first target he saw, a tall black crate that was just setting there in the center of the supply room. The blonde Bajoran woman that accompanied him was more particular with what she shot at. She held her fire until she located Eddie hiding behind the crates.

Suzan's shot went wide as she jumped out of the way, realizing there was no cover in the center of the supply room. Gervase on the other hand just stood there like a fool, wearing his silly hat and firing randomly around the room at nothing in particular.

Eddie's eyes narrowed as he carefully aimed for and shot not the dodging blonde or the screaming maniac, but at the phaser he placed by the cylinders earlier. With a direct strike, the phaser exploded, causing the cylinders to burst and spraying the entire supply room with a caustic acid.

Gervase took the brunt of the acid. He stood there screaming, but his pitch changed from that of an intimidating, wild aggressor to that of a disintegrating victim. The flesh and skin literally dissolved off of the Bajoran's skeleton where he stood, screaming, until just a shaky skeleton remained for a moment before it collapsed to the floor.

Suzan didn't get drenched like Gervase, but her entire backside got saturated, which only prolonged the inevitable. Dropping her weapon, she screamed in agony as she could feel her hair, clothes and skin slowly fizzle way. Suzan managed to get to her feet and run out of the supply room. But by the time she reached main engineering, her feet had disintegrated down to her leg bones and her innards had began to show through her posterior skeleton. Falling in a dying lump of flesh, Suzan began to convulse as she screamed, "Help me! help me! By the Profits help me!"

Rychord and Rudy watched on in horror at the grotesque sight. Lieutenant Commander George Nugent covered his nose and mouth at the putrid smell of burning flesh. Only Kelly had the where-for-all to react. Lowering her phaser riffle at Suzan's head, miss Eveready fired her weapon, killing her New Maquis sister with a single, precise shot.

The entire main engineering deck then grew perfectly silent except for the sizzling sound of the acid as it continued to eat it's way through the remaining flesh and decking of the ship.

After about a minute, from the supply room was heard a voice calling out sarcastically. "Yo, who's next?"

Both Rudy and Kelly were incensed and started towards the supply room, but Rychord put up his hands, stopping them from doing anything hasty. "Wait! We need to be smart about this. It's his ship. There is no telling what other booby traps he might have set up in there."

"You saw what he did to Gervase and Suzan!" Rudy fumed. "He needs to be taken out!"

"Yes, but we need to dictate the terms. If you go rushing in there, who's to say he doesn't have another surprise in store? That could be exactly what he wants!" Rychord tried to reason.

Kelly was taking this all in. As many times as she had fantasized about putting a phaser hole in the back of Suzan's head for being the bitch that she was, miss Eveready had to admit she was sorry to see anyone go through the pain Suzan and Gervase just had. Turning, she stared at the one ace card they still had remaining. "What about him?"

All three of the New Maquis terrorists turned and looked at the Chief Engineer who was still handcuffed to the master situation monitor.

George saw them staring and tried to make light of the situation. "Hi fellas. How is it going? Ha ha. It's just your friendly neighborhood chicken George here. Everyone loves the chickenman. Ha ha. Common guys, lighten up! Ha ha...."

Beads of sweet began to roll down the 'Commander's forehead off of his blue hairdo.

Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder - Cheif Engineer

"Preperation"

Engineering was still a buzz. The Engineering crew had been split into two teams. One team was still working on the debris, trying to find any hidden clues. The second team were working on the ship's main systems. Just incase any other ship should suddenly appear. Suder had wanted all systems ready, just incase.

And as if out of a novel or something, one of the sensor panels began beeping. Engineering turned silent suddenly. All the eyes turned to the console that continued beeping. A sort of warning beep.

Ethan too had heard it. He placed his data padd down and strolled over to the console. He tapped a button that stopped the beeping and accessed the sensor information. His expressionless face slowly changed. It couldn't be seen if it was excitment or concern, no one could really ready Ethan's face. He turned and faced his team. "There's a Cardassian ship on it's way in, fast and hot." he reported.

"The Cardassians?" a crew member asked from the secondary level.

"Doesn't look like they are responding to hails. Alpha team, to your posts!" Ethan snapped as he moved to the console near the warp core. "Damage control teams, report to your designated locations and report back to Lieutenant McDowell."

Engineering once again became a buzz of activity. Alpha team all moved quickly to their main consoles and called out their situations to other Engineers. Quite a few of the Engineers left Main Engineering to move to their designated locations. Just incase there was trouble, then they'd be there waiting to repair anything they could.

Ethan watched everyone move around. His gaze turned to Michael who stood near the main computer in Engineering. A somewhat concerned expression on his face. This was his first mission as Assistant Chief. He may be called upon to make choices if Ethan was otherwise busy or not present. Ethan gave a positive nod of encouragement and watched as Michael slowly nodded back.

"Beta team, status?" Michael called out.

Ethan turned his attention to the sensor data again. The Cardassians were still heading their way. A little odd. The Galaxy should be able to stand her ground unless, there were more ships in the Badlands...

"The Opposing Force", part two

By
Gul Jolan, third order
Commanding officer
CUS Hutet

-- CUS Hutet, command bridge --

"Gul Jolan," the Cardassian tactical officer spoke up, "We are about to enter weapons range of the Federation starship Galaxy."

Jolan nodded, and squinted his eyes as he watched the large Federation vessel on his viewscreen. The last time he had seen this particular vessel, he was fighting a long awaited battle along side it, with a bleeding Vorta at his feet. That had been a very satisfying day, but today was completely different. The federation was once again the opposing force.

"By now they will undoubtedly have noticed us," Jolan commented. "Go to full combat alert! Pilot, take us to point blank range on their bow. Therek," he addressed his tactical officer, "Power up all forward phaser banks and arm torpedoes."

Jolan leaned back as his orders were being executed, and the alarm siren sounded on the background. They were now entering weapons range, fully prepared for a fight. Jolan did not anticipate one. Even in the unlikely event that the Galaxy itself was responsible for the destruction of the Rhemor, they were more likely to open a hailing channel and talk their way out. It was what Jolan would do as well, if he had the weaker ship of the two.

Therek spoke up: "They are hailing, sir. They have raised their shields, weapons remain powered down."

Jolan nodded, this was very much to be expected. "Suggestions?" Jolan asked his officers. It was not typical of a Cardassian Gul to ask the opinion of his staff, but not unheard of. Jolan thought it was a way of getting a well balanced view of the situation, by getting several different opinions on the situation. Besides, he didn't intend to talk to the Federation captain right away.

"We know that the Rhemor went missing in this region, and we find a Federation warship in its place. Its very well possible the Galaxy ambushed the Rhemor." Therek spoke his opinion.

"If that is so, why is the Galaxy still here?" Jolan asked in return.

"Undergoing repairs after a heavy battle? The Rhemor would not have gone without a fight," one of the science officers suggested.

Jolan nodded, "That's one possibility, then. Anyone else?"

=/\= This is Captain Lee Price of the Federation starship Galaxy. We are involved in a search and rescue operation in this area of space. Please stand down your weapons and let us know your intentions. Do you wish to render assistance? Please reply. =/\=

Jolan made no move to reply to the message that came in from the Galaxy, so the ship's pilot spoke up: "The Galaxy *was* designated to escort the starship Xerxes inside Federation space, Gul Jolan. If they are on a search and rescue mission, they would be are with good reason."

"On the other hand, they may just be here for the sake of eluding us," Therek added. "They could have ambushed the Rhemor, and stayed behind here to fool Cardassian reinforcements with a 'search and rescue story'."

"A scheme worthy of a Romulan," Jolan commented, referring to the Federations hated allies.

A second message sounded through the comm channel: =/\= Gul Jolan. You assisted the alliance in ending the Dominion war and sending the Founders and Jem Hadar back to the Gamma quadrant while serving on the Hutet. Please respond. The USS Galaxy is involved in a search and rescue operation, do you intend to assist? =/\=

Jolan smiled, he always did appreciate a more personal approach. He spoke up: "If the Galaxy destroyed the Rhemor, than it will be their last victory. But I think captain Price is a bit too old to start learning tricks from the Romulans. We'll see what he has to say."

He waited a moment until his smile was tempered, then ordered to open the communications channel. Moments later, the face of the human captain Price appeared on the viewscreen.

"This is Gul Jolan, of the third order." Jolan spoke, slowly. "We are searching this region of space for the Galor class warship Rhemor. I must say, I am quite surprised to find your ship in its place. Surprised, and most displeased."

----
to be continued in a joint log, I suppose....

Beehives and Stings

by LCDR Jeral Maas
with LT Kira Murpy
Lt Jake T Olson
and Lt (jg) Rose MacAllen
reviewed by those above, with minor revisions suggested by the Captain.

*** Sickbay ***

The whine of the transporter had not yet died down, and already Doctors and Nurses were swarming around the injured Rose MacAllen who had just beamed into sickbay. Doctor Maas himself put her on a biobed. Jake looked on concerned, giving one nurse an account of the procedings that led to the head wound. "She was complaining about tramatizing nightmares. When she finally got to sleep, she was physically agitated. A few minutes after she drifted off, Rose turned and fell off the bed, hitting the floor hard."

The patient herself was not lucid enough to provide firsthand data. She was groggy and in obvious pain, clutching her head protectively. Jeral nodded, assessing the severity of the injury. Impact had been so hard that several blood vessels had broken. Small bone fragments from the skull were possible, but the scanner showed no major cranial breaks had occured. The best procedure would be to stabilize the patient and keep them awake long enough to insure no hiden injury lay below the surface.

Jake himself was covered with a little bit of Rose's blood, which had leaked onto his uniform when he ran to help the woman. The young Lieutenant apparently forgot or over looked this, not noticing the minor annoyance of the red stains.

Doctor Murphy looked especially conscerned at a deep ocher bruise. It certainly didn't seem to be from impacting a floor. Soon, her hot blooded Elasian temper had her mad as hornets in a stired up nest. "Damm humans, fighting all the time", she said under her breath as she went to get a pint of AB negative blood. Her eyes were like phasers set to kill. It was obvious to Jeral when he saw her return, the woman was on the fringes of having an emotional outburst that would have her accusing Jake of domestic violence.

Before the long-lived Trill could intervene, Kira rammed her fist into a recycling unit, denting its plating. She then let out a stream of curses that let everyone know of her evil mood. At least the doc had the presence of mind to complete her task of bringing back the correct blood type.

Wanting to stave off further violence, Dr Maas asked her to go down to security to fill out a crew accident report, and to cooperate with them in gathering forensic evidence at the scene. Having a useful task to do mollified her somewhat, until she realized as a primary witness, Jake Olson would have to accompany her. *That Beast! I hope he gets what he deserves*, Kira thought. Mentally she pictured him covered with thousands of Treviallian bees, stinging him at all angles. It certainly looked like that bruise came from a fist rather than a fall!

Nurse Opal approached from another area of the healing ward, pushing a cart with a head trama kit and a neural monitor. Seeing Kira leave after collecting Jake, Jeral breathed a sigh of releaf. *At least that's one situation defused*, the Trill thought. He was fortunate that two of his previous hosts had careers in diplomacy, allowing him to sooth over messes before they became critical.

Rose tried to raise up from the biobed, but nurses restrained her. Dr Maas considered this, injecting her with 20 ccs of diazapan. It was an old anti sesure medication that would keep her from moving, without putting her to sleep. He dared not use anything stronger while the woman suffered from unknown cranial trama. Doctor Maas found the external bruise was only a marker. The sharp impact had also bruised and crushed some of brain tissue. Some had to be physically removed, and the rest was mended with tissue regeneration.

An hour later, physical injuries had been repaired. Of course, there was still swelling that only time could heal. The ice packs should speed this aspect of her recovery. And as with any head injury, observation would be needed for a few days yet. The subdermal bleeding had been stoped, and Rose was starting to regain some of her normal collor. A small rectangle of her hair had been shaved off, so that a cranial monitor could be affixed to continuosly check on her condition. Rose was still in critical condition, but was out of immediate danger. Now that the worst of the Lieutenants injuries were repaired, Maas considered administing a light sedative that would help her sleep, but decided against it. The best source of determining how Rose was feeling was the patient herself.

Basically, the doctor gave the Lieutenant a run down of her condition, without overloading her with too many medical terms. He also strongly recomended counseling as soon as she was strong enough. In addition to the electronic monitor, Dr Maas had a Betazoid nurse monitor her emotional stability and pain level to eliminate further problems.

Remembering Jake had said something about nightmares, he also added a Betazoid drug that inhibited dreams in non-telepathic species. Once Rose was back on her feet, the situation warneted consultation from the Counselling department. It would help that the Chief Counselor was also a registered nurse. Jeral shook his head at all the confusion this minor (but life threatening) injury had caused. He wouldn't mind getting to know Karyn Dallas himself, especially if this level of chaos continued.

"Wedding of Bruce Maxwell and Navarre Shinta"
by Navarre Shinta
Captain Price
Lt.Bruce MaxWell
Karyn Dallas
Michala Lyn

Shinta stood looking at herself in the mirror. She looked good in a white green wedding dress. But still she could not believe that it was really happening, that she was getting married. That Bruce would be waiting for her in the small chapel in just ten minutes. She turned to her to best friends. "Pinch me, I believe I am dreaming."

Michala smiled. "If you are.. let me out?" She teased. "I am afraid it will give Deiran ideas." Michala winked at her friend and helped her adjust her hair.

"Smile!" said Karyn, who had just entered the small dressing room with a holo-camera. "We have to record this moment for posterity." Shinta was truly a beautiful bride. She was positively glowing, both from being with child and being in love. Both turned and smiled as Karyn snapped the image. Michala then took a picture of just Karyn and Shinta.

There were a few quiet moments as all three women took in the significance of the commitment Shinta was about to make. Karyn stopped, suddenly remembering what she'd brought with her. "I almost forgot," she pulled out a small box from beside her. "It's not exactly Bajoran tradition, but on earth, before any woman gets married she has to have something 'old, new, borrowed and blue."

She opened the box and inside was a pair of light blue gemstone earrings from Betazed. They were tiny, but glowed different shades of blue depending on the mood of the person wearing them. "Since the dress counts as something new, I thought I'd take care of the rest. These were my mother's. She wore them when she got married as had generations of women before her. I thought you'd like to wear them, as they are old, blue and borrowed." She smiled, "You've become like a sister to me, Shinta, and I know my mom would approve if she were alive. Besides, she'd hate to see perfectly good jewelry go to waste. I don't think I'll be needing them any time soon."

Karyn hugged her then. "Best of luck my dear. Gods know you deserve it." Karyn pulled away from her, tears in her eyes.

Shinta did not know what to say. She was overwhelmed by her friend's kindness. "I will take good care of it.", she whispered to Karyn.

Michala smiled at the tradition. She was not familiar with it but thought it an wonderful tradition.

"Come on, we better go, the natives are getting restless."

"Okay, let's go then. I do not want to keep Bruce waiting." She beamed. And very stately she walked to the chapel to meet her bridegroom.

********Grooms Quarters********

Bruce stood in front of he mirror adjusting his kilt and bowtie. He was a little upset on this day. He parents decided to say they couldn't make it do to the fact they were at a conference. That and the fact Bruce really had nofriends onboard. He wiped out any wrinkles in his suit he wanted to be perfect looking for Shinta.

"Well William who ever thought this day would come?" He asked his little companion who just sat and watched Bruce primp himself.

Bruce went over to the table and finished his drink he didn't want anyone to see him nervous. After flying around the Badlands and keeping his composure god awful worse situations he didn't want to look nervous on his happiest day. He smiled petted the little dog and headed to the main chapel.

"William , I leave a single man and will return with a family for you, what do you think of that?" Bruce said smiling.

The little dog let out a yelp and stood up wagging its tail. "I feel the same way William Excited." Bruce said as he headed to the chapel.

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

Michala hadn't been part of this type of ceremony before so when they were all assembled and waiting for the bride, she looked around with nervous excitement. She had hoped Deiran would be here, but he had left the ship. It was probably better, a ceremony would have probably urged him to pressure her for a sooner decision.

Gavin stood next to Mike. He felt so proud, but a little bit nervous as well. It was not every day that they had to do something so important.

Shinta came to the entrance off the room, she was smiling. This was really the most important day in her life. She saw her son, and extended her hand, so that he could lead her to the altar. The ceremony would be a mix of human and Bajoran the leaves, and then the captain would perform the actual marriage vows.

Gavin then led her to the waiting Bruce and with a solemn face handed his mother over.

Bruce stood there watching his gorgeous bride being led down to him by his little partner Gavin. So many things were running through his mind. He couldn't believe he fell in love again and he couldn't believe he is going to get to Marry this one. Bruce watched Gavin reluctantly hand his mother over to Bruce. Bruce smiled and took her hand then looked at her. Bruce just stared in disbelief that an angel would marry him.

"I love You." Bruce mouthed at Shinta.

Shinta beamed at him, blowing with happiness. "I love you to my heart."

Then she turns to the captain ready for her wedding vows.

Captain Price was standing tall, wearing his dress white uniform and metals on his chest. The full diplomatic treatment seemed to add to the occasion.

"We are gathered here today to seal a union between two unique and beautiful people that I am proud to call members of my crew." Captain Price began formally.

"Bruce Maxwell and Navarre Shinta have served on board the Galaxy for some time. They met here on the ship, and now, today they are here to exchange wedding vows declaring their love in holy matrimony.” Lee continued.

Turning to Lieutenant Bruce Maxwell whom looked dashing in his formal tuxedo, Captain Price asked, “Bruce if you would please recite your vows now?”

Looking towards Shinta, Bruce smiled and began: "Shinta, I was a man cursed to explore the galaxy alone. The Luster of the stars and the brightness of the planets faded. I was in a world where pain and suffering reigned. Then Hope and Love came into my life. My angel reached down from the heavens and rescued me. I instantly fell in love. You Shinta, My Angel, I pledge to live entirely for you. To take care you and are family. Thru sickness and hard times and thru all the moments we smile and realize how happy we are. I love you, the first time i saw you and has only been growing in strength since then." Bruce said with a smile and a tear fell from his eye.

Captain Price smiled, along with the guests that attended the ceremony. He then turned and asked, “Shinta, if you would please recite your vows?”

Shinta had tears in her eyes, after Bruce his words. "Bruce, my heart, I never thought that I would feel anything but friendship for a man again. You have restored my faith in love. I love you completely, and utterly. And I will be there for you, in. All Johnny, and periods of pain, we will stand to gather as one. I pledge you my soul as a Bajoran warrior, from this day on we are as one."

With a nod, Captain Price resumed the ceremony. “Before you each is a burning candle. If you would be so kind as to take it and carefully ignite the unity candle in the center in a symbol of the beginning of your new life together.”

Both Shinta and Bruce took the long white candles and together lit the flame of the larger unity candle in the center of the holder. The added candle light radiated on each of their faces, adding a warm glow to the special occasion.

“Have you each tokens to exchange to symbolize your love to the world ‘mates?”

Bruce and Shinta nodded, as they each began reaching for their wedding rings that their guests of honor held for them.

“Well, let’s exchange them and ‘ave a look shall we?” Lee smiled.

Carefully Bruce and Shinta exchanged their rings, carefully placing them on the other’s fingers in a silent ceremony. After they had each received their tokens, Captain Price asked to see them, and admired the beautiful jewelry the couple had selected to seal their marriage.

The exchange of rings was the earth part of the ceremony. Shinta produced a small box from her pocket, and from it she took a stylish silver earring. "This belonged to my father, the head of my family. It is the only thing I have left off him. I have no male relatives left alive. I want you to wear this as head of my family, my beloved."

Bruce beamed with honor as clipped the earing on. He then pulled out a small box and piece of tartan. He opened the box and pulled the ring out. He placed the the ring upon her finger. The emerald surounded by two ruby's on each side gleamed in the light. He then pulled out a piece of cloth and wrapped it around her hand and his.

"With this ring and This piece of my clans Tartan, I bring you into my family. Stand beside me and fight and wear my families colors with pride and honor. For you are now a MaxWell and Not Just My Love but my entire Families Line. I love and will quickly Die for you Shinta." Bruce said Proudly.

She embraced him." I have a family again, thank you, I will be honored to use your name from this day on." She kissed him again.

With a motion of his hand, the Captain indicated the couple should turn around to face their guests. “If you’d each be so kind ‘mates?”

After a pause Lee stepped forward, just behind the radiant couple. “This is always my favorite part.’ The Captain winked. “By the powers vested in me by Starfleet Command and as the Captain and commanding officer of this vessel, it is my pleasure to pronounce Bruce Maxwell and Navarre Shinta husband and wife. Please offer your congratulations to the bride and groom.”

The guests that attended rose to their feet and began clapping at the happy couple. Music began to play in preparation for the newly weds to march down the aisle together on their way to the reception party that was being held on holodeck one.

Captain Price watched from the podium as the couple walked down the red carpet together and out of the ship’s chapel. Once they cleared the entrance the guests began shuffling out after them, no doubt to congratulate the couple and get ready for the reception party that promised to be a fun occasion to start this newest union on board the USS Galaxy.

"Cant Get a Quiet Moment"
By Lt.Bruce MaxWell
Chief Helmsman
U.S.S Galaxy

"Buster Keaton you are cleared to land. Welcome Back Lieutenant." Came the voice over the comm.

"Thank You, its good to be back. The badlands are rough and maybe now I can finish mocving my wife in." Bruce asnwered as he completed the last of the docking procedures.

Bruce stepped off the shuttle with the science team. It was his third time out. He wanted to get to his room and just see his wife. He didnt get much rest after the wedding due too the investigation that was going on. He quickly read over the padd with the logs on it confirmed it and headed out the door.

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

Bruce stepped in and saw stuff all over the palce. He didnt see Shinta or Gavin. She must be on duty. Bruce walked over to his desk moved a few things and started a Message.

Helm Crew:

I know all of you must be getting tired of these messages but this will hopefully be the last. I am planning a Department get together on Holodeck three as soon as this investigation is over then My brand new Bride and I are going on a little leave in between missions. Please bare with mwe most of us are a little frazzeled due to the Badlands we are piloting around in. I have recieved nothing but compliments keep up the good work.

Lt. Bruce MaxWell
Chief Helmsman.

Bruce stood up and sent the message and went to go get a drink when the lights changed to red. He looked around and wondered what was happening.

"A red alert, what the Hell!" Bruce quickly exclaimed he instinctively headed to the bridge.

*****Bridge*******

Bruce stepped off the turbolift to see the Captain sending a hail to a Galor class Cardasian ship. The first thing that went thru Bruce's mind was *Oh Shit, This is going to be Fun!*. He quickly went to the helmsman seat and releived Esign Tarsonis. Bruce went over all the readings then turned his chair slightly awaiting the Captains orders.

"Thank God I'm Out of Sickbay"
By Lt (jg) Rose Isis MacAllen

Rose walking out of sickbay happy that she was out of that damn place. Now it back to work, but first she needs a shower.

::Rose's room::
After a good hot shower she checked her messages, Rose got four of them, one from her mother on Betazed ordering Rose to write to her soon. Next, was a letter from her friend Ensign Iris O'Hara on the USS Atlantis tell her about her new life and job on that ship...she the Asst Chief Helmman for this Rose is very proud of her friend. The next letter is from her other friend Ensign Diana Spencer, a Science Officer like herself on the USS Horizon tell the same thing as Iris told her. But the last one was from William, so she broke the damn message.

She looked back into the mirror and smiles, then walks out for her duties.

"Like a Bird..."

Ensign Drake Tarsonis
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

Drake stepped into holodeck three with climbing gear in his hands and a parachute on his back. He dropped his equipment.

"Computer, simulate the Yosemite Mountains, sunny day with winds blowing," said Drake.

The computer made a bleeping sound and the Yosemite Mountains appeared right in front of him.

"Computer, deactivate the safety protocol," said Drake.

"Warning, deactivating the safety protocols could result in severe injuries. Do you wish to proceed?” said the computer.

“Yes,” said Drake.

The safety protocol was deactivated, and Drake knew that he was going to get into trouble with this, but he thought that it was worth it.

He climbed for hours, almost at the top, but not yet. He thought of how beautiful it was, but how it wasn’t real, and that’s why he deactivated the safety protocol. He was just about at the top when he felt a huge gust of wind, and he slipped but was able to grab on to a rock. He pulled himself back up, and climbed to the top. He prepped his parachute and then jumped. He could feel the wind pushing against his face and when it was halfway, he pulled his parachute, but it didn’t work! He pulled his spare, and luckily it worked.

He landed and sat down. He detached his parachute, then he looked up, and saw Captain Price and Commander Thomas standing there. Drake was in trouble!

By: Lieutenant Jake T Olson

Jake Olson stood by Rose, but now he backed off, knowing she was in the hands she needed to be in. He stood quietly nearby, watching Doctor Murphy this side of a blasted gasket. He wisely kept his mouth shut, not defending against that remark "Damn humans, fighting all the time" as his first concern was the helpless Rose. It didn't reach him that he was wearing a bit of the woman's blood.

Jake winced slightly when the Elaysian dented a recycling unit, denting its plating. Her words were colorful.

With some reluctance, Jake followed the furious woman down to security. He'd be safer with a security officer asking him the twenty questions rather then Murphy.

Jake probably looked like a whipped puppy, but he was just keeping a low profile. He carefully didn't look up. When he walked into security, the cautious Jake probably looked guilty as all Hell. Jake Olson didn't much care.

Scott Dunson saw Jake. "Hey, what the Hell happened to you?!" Scott shouted. "You kill some one or what?"

Jake didn't answer.

"It finally catches up with you hugh?" Scott laughed raucously.

"Kamikaze"

By
Captain Robert Edward Lee Price
USS Galaxy
&
Gul Jolan, third order
CUS Hutet

*** Bridge, USS Galaxy ***

A few tense moments passed as Lieutenant Commander Hermedhie and the rest of the command crew waited for a response from the approaching Cardassian warship.

"It looks like they are slowing Captain..." Ensign Drake Tarsonis informed from the helm.

Lee nodded at the Ensign whom he stood only a couple of feet behind. "That's a good sign I'd say 'mate."

From the Tactical station, Raesene called out, "We are being hailed Captain."

Price glanced back at the Chief Tactical Officer and gave a nod as he walked back to the Captain's chair and took a seat. "On screen."

Soon the main view screen switched from showing the Cardassian warship, to showing the larger than life image of the Hutet's commanding officer.

=\/= "This is Gul Jolan, of the third order," the Cardassian Gul spoke, slowly. "We are searching this region of space for the Galor class warship Rhemor. I must say, I am quite surprised to find your ship in its place. Surprised, and most displeased." =\/=

Captain Price nodded. "That is understandable Gul Jolan. The Galaxy was awaiting the arrival of the USS Xerxes and the Rhemor at space station Deep Space Nine..." Lee started to explain but was cut off by Jolan.

=\/= "Terok Nor." The Cardassian corrected, "Yes, I am aware of the Rhemor's mission to escort the Xerxes out of Cardassian space. That doesn't explain your presence here, or the debris field that is scattered about. Tell me Captain, what will I find if I scan the wreckage?" Jolan asked in an insinuating tone. =\/=

"You will find that the Rhemor has been destroyed and the Xerxes heavily damaged 'mate."

Gul Jolan looked surprised at the Starfleet Officer's candid reply. Of all the answers he had anticipated, this was not one. =\/= "I must say, I expected it would take longer than this to find out about the Rhemor's destruction, captain. You admit a battle took place between the Xerxes and the Rhemor, and the Xerxes survived the battle?" =\/=

Lee shook his head. "No, not at all Gul Jolan. Though I will admit that was our first thought upon discovering the wreckage. However further investigation of the remaining debris that haven't drifted into the plasma flows of the Badlands has shown that there was no weapons exchange between either the Xerxes or the Rhemor. According to our best estimates of what took place, we believe a collision occurred between the two ships, causing their destruction."

Jolan didn't look convinced. =\/= "A collision? I find that highly unlikely Captain. Unless of course it was one of those,... how do you say?, Kamikaze attacks?" =\/=

The General laughed at the suggestion. "Gul Jolan, I do not believe that Starfleet is so desperate to attack a Cardassian Warship that it would intentionally ram a starship into one. Do you 'mate? The POWs were already on board the Xerxes. She was heading home. There was absolutely no reason why she'd want to attack the Rhemor."

=\/= "And yet here we are, talking amongst the wreckage of these two ships of which we speak." Jolan pointed out. He then relented slightly. "You may not know the 'late' Gul of the Rhemor as well as I do, captain Price, but I can tell you he was very well acquainted with this region of space. Well enough for me to rule out an accident, of any kind. And until you provide me with *very* convincing evidence,…." =\/=

"If you will permit me Gul, I have the technical briefing my Chief Science Officer assembled about our discoveries to date. I would be happy to transmit the data for your examination. That way your scientists and engineers can draw their own conclusions." Captain Price asked.

Jolan nodded. =\/= "We will receive this data. For the time being Captain, I will rule out an accident, but I will also accept your word that no battle took place. Our ships battled alongside against the Dominion so I believe you to be a man of your word." =\/=

The General bowed his head slightly. "I will have my First Officer transmit the data. In the meantime, there are several shuttle craft conducting search and rescue operations throughout this area. They are trying to determine if the Xerxes has also been destroyed or if she survived the initial collision."

=\/= "I must say, captain, that I find that even more unlikely then the two ships colliding in the first place. However I will order the Hutet's weapons powered down for the time being. We will simply observe your search and rescue operation, while our scientists study the data you provide and conduct our own tests and conclusions as to what happened." =\/=

"That sounds reasonable Gul Jolan. Please let me know if the Galaxy or her crew can be of any assistance. This appears to be a tragic accident and a horrendous loss for both of our governments Gul. The sooner we can conclude these investigations, the sooner we both can return home to inform the families of those that were lost."

=\/= "Should we require anything more Captain I will be sure to let you know. Hutet out." =\/= Gul Jolan ended, closing the channel.

When the main view screen switched back to the image of the Hutet, Lee turned to Commander Thomas. "Chris can you see that 'Commander Sullax' presentation data from the senior staff meeting is transmitted to Gul Jolan's ship?"

"Will do Captain. Consider it done." Commander Thomas replied as he moved to the Science station.

-- CUS Hutet, bridge --

"Disengage weapons lock, and power down our weapons arrays," Jolan ordered, as the viewscreen had turned off.

Therek spoke up in disbelief: "Surely, Gul Jolan, you do not believe...."

Jolan cut off his weapons officer. "I do not believe an accidental collision cost us the Rhemor. But I do believe that captain Price is not responsible for the Rhemor's destruction. And I certainly believe that he can be instrumental in determining who is. Now do as I say, and continue our scans!"

Therek bowed his head, and complied. Meanwhile, Jolan got up, and walked over the science consoles, where the data from the diminishing amount of Dominion probes was still pouring in. More to himself than to the others, Jolan commented: "Either that, or captain Price has turned into a foolish liar."

"Glass houses"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** USS Galaxy ***

Three hours had past since the Cardassian warship Hutet had arrived in the Badlands. Efforts continued with the teams of shuttles searching accessible areas of the plasma flows, trying to find clues or solid evidence that would indicate for sure if the Xerxes had been destroyed or if she could have survived.

Captain Price was waiting to hear news from the search and rescue operation's leader, Lieutenant Commander Sullax, of what they had discovered. But so far there had been no word. Lee was beginning to worry. Sub-space communication was not possible in this region of space because of the plasma flows and the interference they caused. The only way news could reach the USS Galaxy was literally when one of the search party shuttles returned out of the plasma flows of the Badlands to within line of sight of the ship, so their short range ship to ship communications could be reestablished. So far the few shuttles that had emerged, other than being surprised to see a Galor class warship standing by, had little to report. There did seem to be a pattern developing however. One particular area of the Badlands seemed to have more debris remnants than the other sections that had been explored thus far. It was starting to appear as if that area was the most likely spot the Xerxes entered the plasma fields. It would take deeper investigation and a plotting of the debris in the area to try and determine what trajectory she traveled upon entering. It was still like trying to find a bottle in a vast ocean of plasma energy.

Needing a break from the waiting, Captain Price decided to head down to the lower decks. He'd heard a report that one of his Lieutenants had been injured and he wanted to pop in and see if she was doing better now after having been released from sickbay. Glancing over to Lieutenant Commander Jamson, Lee called out, "You 'ave the conn 'Commander." before turning to exit the bridge.

Michael pivoted around in the Operations chair and nodded, "Aye Captain." as he rose up to take the command chair. A replacement Ops Officer was summoned to man his vacated station.

****

*** USS Xerxes ***

"I've almost got it Captain..." Curtis stated while burning through the access panel with a carefully calibrated hand phaser. Lieutenant Commander Chin was using both of his hands to hold the phaser steady. His shoulder was still weak from the injury he'd suffered on the bridge when the Maquis Terrorists attacked.

Behind 'Commander Chin, Captain Curtis watched over her Operations Manager's work. She could see that Chin was being careful to avoid damaging the ODN conduit that was embedded in the bulkhead. Victoria was worried for her Chief Engineer. She wondered if George was still even alive in there or if the scum that tried to take over *her* ship hadn't already slit his throat. Lieutenant Commander George Nugent had been the Xerxes Chief Engineer since before Captain Curtis was given command of the vessel. He was the oldest member of the present senior staff of the ship. And while he was an excellent Engineer, George did have a few rather quirky personality traits. Victoria just hoped they wouldn't get Nugent killed.

"Would you look at that? This uniform is ripped. Now it's completely ruined!" Lieutenant' Lypglose declared out of the blue while brushing off her duty jacket.

Both Counselor Brittany Bree and Lieutenant' Jordan Agogo looked at the prissy helmswoman with disgusted looks, but only Jordan had the guts to say something.

"Oh grow up you shallow excuse of an officer." Jordan quipped.

Jamie looked taken back by the comment. With a stunned, dopey eyed look she inquired, "What are you talking about?"

"Oh please!" Jordan declared. "You can't say you don't know. You, miss priss, are always hooing and hawing at everything. You are constantly playing with your hair, or your nails, or your clothes, or shining your lips with that balm of yours."

"I get chapped lips!" Jamie declared in her own defense.

Counselor Bree was just smiling. She felt the same way that Jordan did about Jamie. Brittany was just too nice to actually say so. But she enjoyed hearing Jordan lambaste the Lieutenant' just the same.

"That does it." Curtis declared as he finished cutting out a jagged edged square of titanium.

"Careful, the metal is still hot." The Captain warned.

Lieutenant Commander Chin flashed his pearly white smile, "I know Captain."

He then began accessing the locking mechanism which was keeping the pressure doors to main engineering sealed. It wouldn't be long before they would regain access and could confront those that tried to take over the ship.

****

"What about him?" Kelly pointed while holding her phaser riffle in both of her sweaty hands. The heat from Main Engineering was enough to cause the New Maquis soldier to abandon her Starfleet uniform facade and strip down to her dark sports bra. Miss Eveready had an athletic build with arms that were not bulky, but were definitely cut from working out.

"Hi fellas. How is it going? Ha ha. It's just your friendly neighborhood chicken George here. Everyone loves the chickenman. Ha ha. Common guys, lighten up! Ha ha...." George declared as beads of sweet began to roll down the 'Commander's forehead off of his blue hairdo.

Rychord, the Bajoran cell leader of this rag-tag group of New Maquis Terrorists, stepped forward and nodded. "Get him up and bring him over near the supply room."

Kelly and Rudy both moved towards the blue hared Starfleet officer. Rudy unfastened the bonds that held George to the master situation console while Kelly roughly grabbed 'Commander Nugent's arm and pulled him up to his feet.

Like one of the three stooges, George yelped, "Ow, that hurt!"

Kelly just shoved the older Engineer forward in the direction of the supply room. Rudy followed.

Turning, Rychord called out, "Okay Starfleet. You like to play games, let's see how you like this game. We are coming in to get you. Only your fellow officer here is coming in with us. Any funny stuff, and he will be the first to get it."

There was no response from the supply room. After a minute, Rychord motioned with a nod.

Kelly shoved the tip of her phaser riffle into George's back, causing him to move forward, marching towards the supply room.

"Here we come Starfleet. ready or not..." the cell leader taunted.

'Commander Nugent didn't know what he should do. He didn't want to be used as a bargaining chip, or let anyone else on the Xerxes die. On the other hand, he didn't want to die himself either. He hadn't earned the name "chicken George" for nothing. Just as he was about to set foot into the supply room, he got a bright idea.

"Ow! I got a leg cramp!" he burst out while quickly ducking down out of the way.

Less aggressive soldiers may have been caught off guard by the stunt, but Kelly wasn't in that category. She'd survived five different campaigns with the New Maquis using her skills, abilities and wits. When George ducked down, her eyes immediately spotted the Starfleet officer inside the supply room, affording her plenty of time to jump out of the way.

Commander Brookland's phaser shot flew straight through the open doorway. It would have hit the Terran terrorist square in the chest had she not jumped out of the way, but instead it flew out the door and straight out into the main engineering room.

Lieutenant Commander George Nugent, the chickenman, fell to his knees and was covering his ears in the classic duck and cover position. From his low angle vantage point, he could see where Commander Brookland's shots were flying. His eyes grew quite large as his brain registered what he was seeing.

Meanwhile both Rudy and Rychord followed Kelly's lead in jumping to either side of the doorway entrance. Their positioning allowed them to randomly fire blindly into the supply room, but no one had a clear shot at the Starfleet officer inside. Only Kelly knew where he really was, and by now he was likely to have moved.

"NO!" George yelled from his position on the floor. Phaser beams were zipping left and right over his head as Commander Brookland and the Maquis terrorists exchanged fire. But 'Commander Nugent didn't seem to care about that anymore. He quickly scurried back towards main engineering.

From inside the supply room, Eddie couldn't believe his eyes. In the time it took the Maquis to mount this second offensive on his position, the acid he'd used earlier had eaten it's way through the floor on this level. There was a large enough hole to jump through and land on the deck below... giving both himself and 'Commander Nugent a quick getaway route. Only George was scurry off in the wrong direction! He truly was the chickenman.

"Yo George! Dis way over here." Eddie called while laying down suppression fire.

George couldn't be stopped. When he got past the Maquis, that were preoccupied with Commander Brookland who was firing at them, he got up to his feet and ran to the warp core of the Xerxes. Unknowingly, Eddie's stray phaser blasts were striking dangerously close to the central power source of the ship, and though off-line, there was still the possibility of triggering an overload if the wrong systems got damaged.

That's when it happened. A blast severed one of the cooling lines leading to the warp core. George gasped. "YOU'VE HIT THE WARP CORE YOU IDIOTS! COME AND HELP ME OR WE ARE ALL GOING TO BLOW UP!"

That certainly got everyone's attention as they stopped firing their weapons and turned to look at what the chickenman was talking about.

"Forgive or not to Forgive"
By: Lt (jg) Rose Isis MacAllen, Science officer
with additions by Captain Price

Rose walked into her room, then threw her jacket across the room. The Doctor had told her she couldn't work for a whole week. This made her pissed off; in her eyes, this meant she was a failure, even to the other crew members in the science department.

"Damn Trill doctor." she said as she threw a vase across the room. Rose had been getting help for her nightmares... Lt Commander Dallas had been helping her and it looked like the she was the only other person to understand her.

Rose sat on the couch crying, when the door bell rang. She walked over to the door and saw Captain Price behind it.

"Captain what can I do for you?" Rose said is a angry voice...then she calmed down.

Lee could tell Rose was surprised to see him there. He didn't notice the broken vase she had thrown across the room a minute earlier.

"G'day Lieutenant'. I just wanted to check in one you and make sure everything is all right. I understand you've had a tough time of things lately." The Captain said while pointing casually to the medical cortical monitor just behind Rose' ear. Doctor Maas had insisted on installing the device to keep a constant monitor on the Lieutenant's vital signs, otherwise she would have been confined to sickbay. Rose didn't want that, so reluctantly she agreed to wearing the device, even if it did make her feel like a Borg drone for a while.

Rose touched the metallic device for a moment. "Yes, well it looks much worse then it is sir. I think everyone is just over reacting."

Lee smiled as he glanced around the Lieutenant's quarters. For a moment Rose grew horrified that the General would see the shattered vase that she threw over near her bedroom bulkhead, but she was lucky in that he looked the other way towards the living area and her work area.

"At least it will give you a break from your duties 'mate." Captain Price' eyes landed on a data padd that Rose was working on the other day. Picking it up he added, "Maybe catch up on a bit of reading rather than conducting scans and lab experiments for a while."

Taking the padd from the Captain's hand, Rose sighed. "I will need to find something to do or I'll probably go crazy."

The words had barely made it out of her mouth when Rose wish she could take them back. Her she was dealing with so much; being raped, reoccurring nightmares, feeling depressed, worthless, worthless and abused -- like she was emotional quicksand, unable to cope. She'd done her best to hide her problems from everyone on the ship. It must have been a moment of weakness that made her open up to Jake like she had; she still couldn't believe she let her guard down like that! And now, when everything was going wrong for her, Rose makes a going crazy comment to her Captain...

Fortunately Price didn't even notice. "Well no worries 'mate. Doctor Maas is just looking out for your best interest. Take it easy for a couple of days and if the healing goes well you may be able to talk him into releasing you for light duty. There are over a thousand people on the ship Lieutenant'. I think we can get along with giving you a couple of days off to recuperate." Lee smiled.

"Thank you sir." Rose said evenly. She was still worried that he would see the broken vase. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see that the water it contained had made a noticeable spot on the wall and floor where it shattered near the bedroom. Looking at the Captain she asked, "Is there anything else Captain?"

Captain Price shook his head. "No 'mate. Just wanted to see that you are settled in. It looks like you have things well in 'and. I'm sure you are going to be fine and fit for duty in no time at all. That's why I made you a Lieutenant' in the first place 'mate. G'day."

"Good day Captain Price." Rose replied. She then walked the General to the exit. When he'd left and the door swished shut, she whirled around and leaned her back against the door, sliding down it as she let out a huge sigh of relief which was reflective of her mood. She was glad the Captain hadn't noticed the shattered vase near her room. Sitting there on at the foot of the door, Rose stared at the shattered vase and the water spot it had created. What was she going to do now?, she wondered.

Rose gets up and walks to her closet, inside was a tight red egypian dress.

"Computer run program MacAllen 1243 in holodeck 2." she told the computer as she was putting on the red egyptian. She sits down and put some eye makeup on, then after that she was ready.

::Holodeck::

Rose pulls a few buttons, then walks into a gold bedroom with a man that looks like her boyfriend Ragnald Gustavson laying in her bed waiting for her, she lays down next to him and kisses him deeply.

"Making Adjustments"
By Commander Thomas, First Officer
And
Lieutenant Savat, Acting CSO

Commander Thomas had received a message from Lt. Savat about some burning issues in the security department. Chris was finding the task of being first officer a challenging and frustrating position at the moment. He was still trying to catch up on things left unattended by Commander Casey and dealing with the every changing events on the ship.

Commander Thomas had spoken with the captain about a number of the issues that he'd resolved.

One new issue that'd come forth was dealing with security.

Chris tapped his badge "Lt. Savat please report to my office."

[On my way, Commander.] The Vulcan replied.

Commander Thomas was still new on the job and trying to get everything in his own area in order. Now he was about ready to make a few changes. Then there was of course the information pouring about the missing ship and what happened here.

Savat stepped into the First Officer's office and stood with his hands clasped behind his back. He regarded Thomas casually, taking note that the man was young for his position, not even thirty Terran years of age. However, unlike the previous Commander, Thomas did not have a family of Admirals as a support network, making it more likely that he reached his current position via merit. This, along with the man's background in the intelligence community, lead Savat to assess Thomas in a favorable light.

"Lt. Savat it has come to my attention that the current chief won't be able to carry out his duties as chief security officer. I've consulted with the captain about this and the need to make sure the security department continues to function."

Savat nodded and allowed the First Officer to continue.

"It is with that I need you to take command of security as the acting chief security officer." Thomas said.

"I look forward to the opportunity." Savat replied. "As indicated in my earlier memorandum, I have been in contact with Commander Kirk to discuss this very subject. At the time, he placed me in charge of the department. I'm glad to see that the command staff concurs with this decision."

Commander Thomas nodded as Savat spoke, but that was it for the moment.

"Every senior officer for their department has a certain say and leverage to use where their department is concerned. I believe the captain would and does concur with this feeling that the department heads must have a certain level of freedom." Thomas said. "So yes the command staff does concur with this decision by Commander Kirk. You also are aware of the responsibilities that will be upon your shoulders Lt." Commander Thomas asked.

"The burdens of command are not unknown to me, sir." Savat continued. "I was previously assigned as the Chief of Security aboard the USS Sulu, before certain elements within Starfleet and within my own government, requested my assistance on other projects." Savat knew that Thomas had likely checked his background before calling the meeting, and with the Commander's intelligence connections, would have a good idea exactly what "projects" the elder Vulcan was eluding to. Starfleet Intelligence and the Vulcan V'Shar had a long and amiable history of corporation.

"Good to know." Chris said with a smile. He had reviewed Savat's service record.

"If I may sir, I'd like to address some of the security issues pertaining to our current mission."

"Please proceed." Thomas replied, indicating that Savat should take a seat.

Savat sat facing Thomas and began, in his usual succinct fashion, to outline his concerns. "Sir, the current search and rescue operation is woefully unprepared for the many contingencies that could occur. We may have determined that a collision occurred, that the Rhemor was destroyed and the Xerxes damaged, but we have yet to ascertain the scenario that lead to these events. There could be hostile forces in the search area, or even on the Xerxes. Sending doctors, scientists and engineers onto the Xerxes without a proper escort could be disastrous. I must insist that a properly trained and outfitted security team spearhead any boarding mission, should the Xerxes be found."

Chris listened to the officers concerns about the current situation, "We don't want to present a hostile threat either to those on the Xerxes if they're still alive when we find them." Chris said. "However your point isn't lost, Lt. we should take precautions and do what we can to prepare any away team that's going to be sent to rescue our missing officers."

"Thank you, commander." Savat replied. "My worry is that the current search teams, should they find the Xerxes, might take it upon themselves to begin the rescue operation with proper preparation."

"I will bring your concerns to the captain and request permission to begin training an away team to handle this upcoming mission." Commander Thomas said.

"The security department has already begun such training." Savat stated. "I took the liberty of programming a simulation of the damaged USS Xerxes and have made it available for training purposes. It is a difficult, some have said unforgiving simulation, that should help should an actual rescue attempt be launched. So far, sixty three percent of the department has run through the simulation."

Chris nodded, impressed by the Vulcan's initiative. "I think we should also begin planning who's going to be on such an away team." the first officer said.

"I concur." Said Savat. "And I shall have a roster of candidates from security available when needed."

"Is there anything else, Lieutenant?" Chris asked.

"Nothing of immediate concern." The Vulcan replied. "My other projects and investigations are not of high enough priority at this time to necessitate calling them to your attention."

"Very good Lt. I look forward to hearing more about your other projects when they are of concern or interest." Commander Thomas said.

"Thank you, Commander." Savat stated.

"Alright then I guess that's everything." Commander Thomas said

"That would be my conclusion as well." The Vulcan replied in his typical succinct fashion.

"Dismissed." Thomas said letting the acting chief of security depart.

"After the Incident"

Ensign Drake Tarsonis
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

-->The Bridge<--

Drake looked up from his panel sitting in front of him. It was about twenty minutes after the hail from the Cardassians and about eight hours after his holodeck adventure. He knew that the captain was quite disappointed in him and he knew that he was going to get a severe punishment. He sat quietly waiting for orders, but insted came something different.

"Ensign Tarsonis," said Captain Price.

Drake turned around to see what he wanted.

"Can I see you in my ready room," said the captain.

Drake knew he was disappointed in him, due to him usually saying 'mate'. He stood up and followed the General into his ready room.

-->The Captain's Ready Room<--

"Have a seat Ensign," said Captain Price.

Drake sat down.

"You my order of the holodeck and could've killed yourself. This will not look good on your record Ensign. You are a Starfleet officer and you have a duty, your not supposed to put your life at risk for fun. What would've happened if you would've injured yourself, and the Cardassian ship attacked? Did you take in the consideration that if that did happen, all of the casualties would be on your hands. You will be restricted from using the holodeck for one month, and I hope you will never pull a stunt like that again. Understood?" said the General.

"Aye, sir. I will pay for what I have done," said Drake.

"Good. Return to your duties ensign," ordered the General.

"Aye, sir," responded Drake.

The captain sat down in his chair ans sighed just as Drake exited the door.

"I hope we've cleared that up," Price said to himself.