"Plasma Hell Part 2"
By: Lt/Cmd Sullax and Lt(jg) Skinner
USS Buster Keaton

As the Buster Keaton moved closer to the Xerxes, Ryak tried to get as much info from the sensors as possible. There was still too much interference. All the reading they could get are from sight and Skinner.

"Sir, I am getting sensations of fear. Extreme fear and panic from the ship." Skinner stated as they made their way closer.

The Buster Keaton slowly quickly approached the Xerxes. As it did the crew was beginning to see the damage.

"Well that would explain the debris we found." Skinner said as the hull breach came into view.

"Sir." Okuda stated, "Were would you like me?"

"Bring us as close to he hull nearest the bridge as possible." Ryak was concerned that they had not yet been seen.

"Sir, message coming in from the Xerxes." Sgt Doresse said.

"On screen."

"Federation runabout this is Lieutenant Commander Cassandra Brown, Chief Science Officer. May I ask to whom I am speaking." the female officer stated.

"This is Lt/Cmd Ryak Sullax. What is your situation?"

Ryak could see her facial expression change as she saw the Romulan stand up from his seat. "Ryak, thank God it is you. Listen I need you to beam directly to the bridge. Bring your weapon. Xerxes out."

Ryak looked at the screen as it went blank. "Sir, you are not leaving alone." Skinner stated as he stood up and grabbed a phaser rifle and a side arm."

"She looks rather beat up." Nurse Kenai stated. I am going as well.

"Very well." Ryak said as the three of them stood on the transporter padd. "Energize."

The sparkle of the beam dissipated with the three of the Buster Keaton standing on a scared bridge.

"Ryak!" Brown stated as she walked up. "Listen the ship is having a core breach. We have very little power. Half the ship's crew is dead."

Ryak motioned to the nurse to treat the bridge crew. "Skinner assist the Nurse. Cassandra, what caused all of this? What happened?"

"It is a long story. All that needs to be known now is that the Rhemor was destroyed by Maquis. There are three left. They are in engineering. That is where the Captain is. We have to get to sickbay. From what I can tell you can fit 30 wounded on the runabout. We can start transporting them to the Galaxy."

"Do you think that is wise?" Ryak stated as he called up the ships internal sensors.

"That is the only bridge system I could keep at 100%. It is our only defense." Cassandra said as she pointed out a few other things. "The bridge is completely blocked off from the rest of the ship. The only way out is to your ship and then we can beam into sickbay. From there we can get to engineering."

"Kenai, are you ready to get going?" Ryak asked.

"Aye, sir."

The Team and the members from the bridge began to beam back to the Buster Keaton. "Okuda, we are going to beam over wounded your job is to get them back to the Opaka. Transport them to that ship and come back for more. You will have to do this as quickly as possible. Doresse you will stay on board as Triage and keep the people alive. O'Neil will also stay to keep that shield modifier online. Skinner, Kenai and Brown. you are with me. Move us as close to the medical bay as possible."

A couple of minutes passed before the Team beamed back on board the Xerxes. After transport Ryak took a quick look around. The red flashing light of the alert status was flashing. A light film of smoke filled the dimly lit medical bay. People lay every where. There were about three medical personnel running around.

"Please state the nature of the medical emergency."

Ryak turned quick as the EMH appeared next to him. "We are fine help the other wounded. Cassandra where is the Chief Medical Officer?"

"Commander O'Ditty!" Brown yelled.

"Brown, how did you get down here? Who the Hell are you?" the commander barked in his Irish accent.

"Sir, I am Lt/Cmd Sullax, Chief Science Officer, USS Galaxy."

"The Galaxy is here and they send a science officer! Is this a joke! I have wounded here damn it!"

"Josh, shut up and listen! we have a way out." Brown yelled back.

"I came here in a modified runabout. We can start to shuttle the wounded off the ship and back to the Galaxy." Ryak stated. "We have a triage set up on the Buster Keaton. Sgt Doresse is our Triage specialist he is there, Nurse Kenai..." Ryak looked around to see where she had gone. She was already helping the wounded. "She is here to assist in there journey."

"How many?" O'Ditty asked.

"I am not sure I understand Commander." Ryak replied.

"Argh! Send me a Romulan scientist, why not just a Vulcan! Damn you, How many people!"

Ryak gave the Commander a very unimpressed look, "Thirty, sir."

"Fine, lets get this going. I am staying until the end. I will send one of my doctors to assist. I see you Nurse brought some supplies. That should help. Get to it." Josh said as he headed off to help.

Ryak look at a padd that he brought with him. "Who on the senior staff is dead."

"Our Tactical Officer, Lieutenant Karen Flasher and our Operations Manager, Lieutenant Commander Curtis Chin. That is all that I am aware of as yet." Brown stated.

Ryak looked at the ships schematic and looked back at Cassandra. "You will stay here and help coordinate the evacuation. Skinner and I will go down to engineering and get they Captain."

"Are you sure?"

"Very."

Ryak turned and headed out of the medical bay. The two men began their way to engineering phaser rifle set on maximum stun.

Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder - Chief Engineer
"Procedure"

Ethan walked out of his office as he awaited Commander Mercury's arrival. He had been delayed, something about one of the shuttles had kept him behind. But he was now on his way again.

"Chief?" a voice called out.

Suder turned to see Lieutenant Jiiles jogging through Engineering.

Jiiles came to a halt next to Ethan and took a second to get his breath back. "The holodecks." he managed to get out.

"What about them?" Ethan quickly asked with a frown.

"Dr. Dothan's gone in there and taking out the data recording-"

"What!" Ethan snapped.

The doors to Engineerng slid open and Commander Mercury walked in and made hsi way straight over to Ethan.

"On who's authority?!" he snapped again.

"Hers. She entered the Holodeck after disengaging the lock. Then removed the device. Only after she viewed the data did she send a message to Captain Price and one to you I beleive." Jiiles explained.

Ethan took a quick glance at his office and sighed. The message was probably just waiting for him. "Let the Captain know I'll be up to see him shortly!" Ethan snapped as he turned his attention to Commander Mercury.

"Ethan," he began as Jiiles walked away. "Looks like you need some rest."

"Tell me about it." Ethan repleid as he turned to his office. "It's in here." he continued.

The two Commander's walked into the Chief Engineers office to look at the device Ethan had earlier removed from one of the computer consoles in Engineering. He immediatley picked it up from his desk and handed it to David.

David in turn, looked at the device and smiled. "Samara and myself created this a while ago." David began explained. "Remember the time we had to find that Dominion Battleship?"

Ethan nodded in reply.

"Well we were having troubles with some of the computers at the time. And we knew, if we were going to take damage, those secondary consoles would be the first systems to overload. This little things designed to stop that from happening. It absorbs all the excess power build-up and transfers it to other systems. In an attempt to stop the console from overloading that could cause damage to other systems in Engineering." the Commander said.

It all made sense now. "I imagine it malfunctioned or something. We had a problem with the secondary computers, everything seemed fine after I took it out." Ethan explained.

"I'll take a look at it." Mercury replied.

"Great, you do that, I'll go talk tot eh Captain." Ethan said.

"Before you go up there blowing your steam, I suggest you wait down here. You might be needed to help the Xerxes or with something down here. Take some time to chill." David suggested.

Ethan shook his head and then sat in his chair.

David only smiled and gave a nod before leaving the small office.

Suder sighed again and threw one of the data padds across the room. It didn't break when hitting the wall, which was a good point. He'd rather take it out on the data padd then his crew of Engineers. He glanced at the conputer screen and saw that dammed message flashing in the corner of the screen. His fist hit the panel that shut off the screen and he stormed out of his office...

"Talk Between Friends"
Lt. Eric Odin and
Lt. (jg) Rose Isis MacAllen

Eric sat in the level 10 containment field and was happy to finally see another person. he had reuqested to see Rose and she was supposed to be on her way now. It had been a long while since they had seen each other and he hoped everything had been going well for her. He awaited her anxiously.

Rose got the message that her friend Eric was in a forcefield, "What the hell is wrong with him I hope he ok." Then Rose walks in and see her friend behind the forcefield.

"You wanted to see me Eric?" She said with a little smile.

Eric smiled and said,"Rose, Long time no see. I hope you don't mind me asking you to come here, but I think this might be a good time for us to catch up if you want to and have time?"

Rose smiles, "I'm on light duty I hit my head yes I have time."

He smiled and then asked with concern,"Hit your head? How'd that happen?"

Rose try to smile, "I was having bad dreams about my kidnaping, but I'm fine Lt. Olson was with me when I happen."

"Good. I'm glad you're alright. I'm sorry I haven't been trying to do things with you. It's really great to see you again."

Rose smiles, "You too my friend I got you something, one of my royal pictures I took before I was kidnaped on Betazed."

Eric smiled and said,"Thank you. I think you'll have to give it to the guard or maybe just hang onto it until I'm out of here. If you hold it up I'd love to see it."

Rose smiles, "I will show it to you then I will give it to the guard ok."

"Okay," he said as he moved closer to the forcefield so he could see it well.

Rose moves closer and show him the picture, "I hope you like it."

He looked at it and smiled. He then said,"You look beautiful as you do now as well."

Rose smiles, "I'm not that beautiful sir..my boyfriend thinks I am I miss him very much."

Rose been looking more pale because of her eating problem, she had it since the age of 11.

"Where is the lucky man,"he asked with a smile.

Rose walks around the forcefield, "Working a lot I miss him so much."

Eric moved back to where he was before the picture and said,"I'm sure you and he will be able to see each other soon. Any good food I've been missing while in here?"

Rose laughs, "Not really so why are you in a force field and I though I was a bad girl." She said with a grin.

He grinned and said,"Well I am apparently a danger to the crew. I recently had an incredible change. I'm still not sure exactly what just yet. Take a look at the holodeck and you'll see my handy work. They may have repaired it by now, but I'm not sure."

Rose laughs, "You bad boy you." Then she winks at him.

He smiled and wondered about her wink. he then said,"You know me. All of that training must have really paid off." His muscles incredibly large, but not disgustingly big and under control.

Rose said, "Don't worry about the wink it a friendly on, I don't think your girlfriend would like me anyway. Well, I hope we can talk again soon."

Rose walks to the door, "And try to be good ok."

Eric smiled and said,"I'll do my best." He went over and laid back down as she exited.

OOC: This story takes place while Drake is in the brig.

"The Nightmare"

Ensign Drake Tarsonis
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

Drake saw that Lt. Maxwell was extremely upset with him. He had let his captain down, he had let Lt. Maxwell down, and he had let the crew down. He had wished that he could go back in time to be specific, and order synthehol whiskey. He decided that he would resign, so that he could cause no more harm to the crew.

Drake yawned, and wanted to go to sleep. He would sleep until the General had arrived, and then he would tell the captain of his desire to resign. Drake lay down on the bed, and went to sleep. He woke up in his quarters onboard the Exeter. He realized that he's reliving the day before the wedding.

Drake got up, and ran out of his quarters and went to find Jade before it was too late. He went to the mess hall and saw Captain Deckard sitting there.

"Aren't you supposed to be on duty ensign?" asked Deckard.

Drake ran out and ran through all of the corridors, and he had remembered something, Jade was murdered in the mess hall. Drake took the turbolift down 2 decks to go back to the mess hall. He ran through the doors, and saw the man who slit her throat. He was a dirty man, looking vor victims. Drake ran up to him and smashed a chair into his face. He began beating him severely until he was dead. Deckard stopped him, and at that moment Drake woke up to find himself in the brig once again.

He saw that captain walk through the sliding doors, and at that moment, he just recalled something, If Jade was being killed in the mess hall, why didn't Deckard do something? Drake was furious. Once he got out of the brig, he would contact Deckard immediately.

"A very bad day"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain Price stood before an obviously upset Lieutenant Bruce Maxwell. The Chief Flight Control Officer had asked the Captain to come down to be brig after learning of young Ensign Tarsonis arrest for reporting for duty while under the influence of alcohol.

"G'day Lieutenant." Lee greeted as usual.

Bruce shook his head slightly, as if he were embarrassed by this entire incident and how this naive Ensign's behavior was making the Helm department look. "I wish it were a good day Captain. But unfortunately that hasn't been the case." Maxwell returned.

"Why don't you fill me in on the details 'mate?" Lee asked. He stood there with his hands behind his back, paying close attention to the Lieutenant as he began the briefing.

"Well, you already know of Ensign Tarsonis' earlier incident on the holodeck. Evidently after receiving that reprimand, Drake went down to Ten Forward to unwind, where he consumed one of Door's tall Whiskeys." Bruce explained.

"Crickey! Doesn't the Ensign know that here, one receives exactly what they ordered?" Lee commented.

"Apparently not. Drake seems earnest in his belief that he was drinking synthahol. Anyway, when he got the opportunity to report to the shuttle bay and relieve the pilot of the USS Lansing, he saw it as a chance to make up for his earlier blunder on the holodeck." Bruce explained.

Lee nodded, "I know. The Ensign spoke to me after his reprimand. I was the one who suggested he could relieve the crew of one of the shuttles. But I never would have it I knew he would be drinking..."

Bruce nodded his understanding. "I know sir. No one would have allowed that given the extremely dangerous area of space the Badlands is. Anyway, During the mission, it was discovered that Ensign Tarsonis had been drinking. Lieutenant Carter was very discrete about the incident. He pretty much left it in our hands how to proceed with disciplining the Ensign. All he cared about was getting a new pilot. However when Commander Thomas found out about the incident he ordered Tarsonis arrested and thrown in the brig. I think he wanted to teach him a lesson sir."

The Captain nodded. "With all that's going on, we can't afford to have officers on board that don't follow the proper protocol or disregard orders in order to get a holo-deck rush or get a buzz before piloting dangerous missions."

"Agreed sir." Bruce nodded.

Lee then looked at Maxwell and asked candidly, "What do you think should be done with Ensign Tarsonis 'mate?"

Bruce was surprised at the question, but it could be that Captain Price just wanted to get a feel for the Chief's recommendation. "Well sir, I am rather embarrassed by Tarsonis performance on board the Galaxy thus far. This is his second violation in under twenty four hours on the Galaxy. I think that is a new record. This second breach of protocol however is far more serious then simply deactivating the holo-deck safeties. Ensign Tarsonis put the lives of everyone on that shuttle at risk when he sat in the pilot's seat while under the influence. I think it should be reported, and that he should be reprimanded and reassigned to a land based outpost station. He hasn't proven himself trust worthy enough to serve on board a starship like the Galaxy sir."

Lee nodded at the Chief's assessment. "Yes it would be both devastating and easy to simply report Tarsonis and ship him off to some other assignment and let some other commander deal with his undisciplined ways. Such a blemish on a young officer's record could follow him thorough out his career, thus squashing whatever hope this young man ever had of contributing his skills to the Federation beyond the most menial of assignments at the far off reaches of space. But it would be far more challenging to keep Tarsonis here, and see to it he gets the help and tutoring he needs to become a valued, contributing member of this crew. Given the choice, I'd prefer to keep Tarsonis here. He's our problem. We should be able to deal with it without having to push him off on some other assignment across the Federation."

Bruce didn't look like he entirely agreed with the Captain's philosophy about the troubled crewman Tarsonis, but he respected the General's wishes not to ship off the Galaxy's dirty laundry to another CO to deal with. "Yes sir. I can see your point."

"Well let me 'ave a word with Tarsonis before I make up my mind. It seems like Lieutenant Carter is being reasonable in not demanding that charges be brought up against the Ensign. I'm sure Commander Thomas can likewise be persuaded not to ruin this young man's Starfleet career over what has turned out to be a very bad day for Tarsonis." Lee explained.

"Of course sir. Ensign Tarsonis is in brig cell three. Just down the corridor and to the right." Bruce explained. Glancing at the on duty Brig officer, Lieutenant Maxwell pointed, "Buzz the Captain in Ensign."

At the brig duty station, the on duty Ensign pressed the appropriate controls to deactivate the force field to the brig area. Captain Price gave a nod and headed down the corridor where the brig cells were.

Turning the corner, Captain Price stood in front of cell number three where Ensign Drake Tarsonis was laying on the bunk. The Ensign appeared to be sleeping restlessly, tossing and turning on the bunk. Clearing his throat, Lee announced his presence to the Ensign.

Tarsonis woke up, and in a bit of a daze, he looked over and saw that it was the General. Drake immediately stood up off of his bunk and faced the Captain.

The Worst of the Wounded
By LCDR Jeral Maas, CMO

*** Shuttle Bay ***

In his quarters, Jeral was informed the Opaka’s shields were ready to go out into the Badlands. The Trill doctor dressed quickly and was down in the shuttlebay in a jiffy. As a curtacy, they had paged the Commander last. The crew was already assembled and ready to lift off when Dr Maas boarded the Opaka.

Before departing, he made one last check of the debris, finding the latest estimated vector of the lost Xerxes was considered to be 30 degrees retaliative to the ship. Consequently, the Commander ordered the helm to come to that course. It was hoped that soon they would rendevous with the Keaton, who was able to go deeper in the plasma because of her advanced shielding designs.

*** The Badlands ***

It was going to take a few hours to reach the Keaton at this rate. Even with improved shields, it was still necessary to dodge the worst of the plasma streams. Otherwise the caustic plasma would shred the shields. This meant traveling at less than half impulse, so that the helm would have the option to speed up or brake to avoid a flume of the hazardous material.

Jeral took the precaution of examining the biobeds and restraint systems. Since the ride was not guarantee to be a smooth one, it was imperative that these systems function well. Tugging and pulling on the restraints proved they were in good working order.

While waiting for them to reach maximum range so they could meet the Keaton, Maas had time to review the preparations they had made in Sickbay for the wounded. He knew there were 200-some survivors, from the recorder marker’s message some of the crew had managed to clear up. Some were likely less injured than others, while the more extensive wounded would be stabilized by the treatment facilities in the Opaka.

The Trill’s musings stopped as the shuttle was forced to bank hard to avoid an intensity 10 flare to port. Dr Myrul, sitting in the pilot’s chair read the gauge indicating the outside pressure on the shields. “We have gone as far as we dare. The shields would be drained to fast to regenerate if we proceed further. The best I can do is maintain retaliative rest here, using only thrusters to avoid the worst of the plasma.”

Ideally Jeral wanted to make it clear to the Xerxes, but the Opaka’s shields clearly were not strong enough to go deeper into the Badlands. He only hoped the Keaton was more robust, or the cruel hand of fate would consign all those on the Xerxes to a slow, suffering death.

An hour later, and the half-Vulcan officer at the helm observed a blur of motion that seemed disconnected with the plasma. For 23 seconds, something metallic appeared on the sensors, but then the reading disappeared. Then the plasma seemed to rip and tear, as the Keaton emerged into the clearing the Opaka was waiting in.

“Welcome back, Keaton” Commander Maas greeted. “I see you have some patients for our hospital ship,” the doctor said after reading the number of life signs aboard.

Nurse Doreese came forward and spoke for the Science Shuttle, since Ryak had stayed behind to rectify the troble on the Xerxes. “True, but how did you find us? I thought the other shuttles couldn’t get this far into the Badlands.”

“We discovered more debris, including a recorder marker from the Xerxes. That indicated what direction to search. And the shorter trips into the Badlands gave engineering the data they needed to make better shields for the Opaka. Other shuttles wait a few light years in back of us. The Opaka’s Bajoran design made it faster to change the shield architecture. The other shuttles can’t get this far into the plasma.”, Dr Maas summarized.

“Very well. Doctor O’Ditty, the CMO of the Xerxes, sent Lt Stovik with the most critical of the survivors. I will have him come up here and discuss their cases.”

“Excellent! That will give us the best chance of saving lives. I will look forward to speaking with the doctor.”

A few moments later, Stovik came to the transmitter. As Jeral suspected, there were quite a few plasma burns. Luckily, that is what the Galaxy medical department expected. Thus, they had extra plasma material. Enough not only to treat the wounded on the Keaton, but even more could be shipped back to the Xerxes herself.

It took a while to transport all the patients onto the Opaka. Soon, the medical shuttle was heading back to the Galaxy, while the Keaton returned to pick up another load of passengers. The trip back was as rough as the trip to the plasma pocket the Opaka had waited in for the Keaton. But the wounded were firmly strapped down. Two hours later, the medical ship docked with the Galaxy, with the news the Xerxes had been located by the Science department.

=/\= "Surok's Log number 2" =/\=
by Lt Cmdr Surok
Operations Officer, USS Normandy

*** Bridge, USS Normandy ***

Lieutenant junior-grade Rosalyn Sutter stepped through the turbolift doors and onto the bridge. As an Ops officer on the Normandy for three years, she had spent thousands of hours performing her duties at the station at the bridge's rear. She saw 'commander Surok in the command chair and stepped smartly down into the command well and stood beside him.

'Texas Rose' Sutter was a tall woman; nearly two and one-half meters tall. She wore her sandy blond hair tied back with a leather strap. She put her hands on her hips and inhaled as if she was about to say something.

Lieutenant commander Surok spoke out first; "Helm, set course for Deep Space Nine at warp factor three."

The helmsman responded "Aye" just as lieutenant' Sutter said "Congratulations must be in order, 'commander. I understand you got your posting to the Galaxy."

The Vulcan turned his attention to the junior member of his department and calmly replied. "That is correct. I am to join the Galaxy upon her return to Deep Space Nine. I anticipate this will please you, as you will be the most likely candidate to become Chief Operations Officer of the Normandy when I am gone."

"Humph," the woman grunted in reply. "I figured there was a reason you never took the position official-like. But why would you make a choice like that?"

The officer at helm announced, "Course laid in and ready, 'commander."

Surok said, "One moment, please." He looked at the small display panel attached to the arm of the command chair and scanned through the flight plan uploaded by helm. He checked the course against his knowledge of Bajoran space and determined that the plan was sound. "Helm, engage on your course," he commanded.

Again he turned his head to face the young woman. "Lieutenant' Sutter; the captain and I will be dining together this evening. Join us then and we will address the issue of your career with captain Molicgh. Dismissed."

*** 1800 hours. Captain's quarters, USS Normandy ***

The table was set. Rosalyn, captain Molicgh and Surok sat at three sides of a pentagonal table fabricated from some clear resin and thousands of tiny sea shells. Lights secreted among the shells within the surface of the table illuminated everything upon the table in a soft green glow.

Captain Molicgh was a large Brillayent; a humanoid with thick green skin and large black eyes situated above a whiskered snout. He most resembled a Terran sea lion and laughed similarly as well. He turned and reached into the replicator to remove a platter of condiments. "Lieutenant' Sutter, would you like some steak sauce for your t-bone?"

"Yes, captain. Thank you," she replied, reaching for the small dish of thick brown liquid. She also smiled to see some sour cream and chives for her potato. "You must have inquired about my likes to have selected such a perfect menu for me tonight."

He chuckled low in his great throat. "I was able to get a menu suggestion from mister Surok. 'Commander, some pennat leaves for your beans?"

Surok's plate contained four exact cubes of varying neutral color tones. He slid his fork into one of the blocks and tasted the hummus-like substance. He nodded. "An appropriate suggestion, sir. I would like the pennat leaves."

Eventually the mealtime conversation turned to work. "Lieutenant', I have tried to convince mister Surok to remain aboard the Normandy and I have failed. Do you have any suggestions for the position of chief Operations officer?" the captain asked.

Her eyes widened at the bluntness of the captain's question. "Sir, I must suggest myself. I am the most qualified officer in the department and I have been on the Normandy four months longer than 'commander Surok, truth be told. I am highly qualified to lead my department."

Surok was commentless. But T'Keth Molicgh rarely went unspoken; "They do not call you Texas Rose for nothing! You are bold but I believe you are correct. As of eight-hundred hours tomorrow, you will be Chief Operations Officer of the Normandy. Lieutenant commander Surok will be available to advise you until we reach DS9."

Surok then added, "You have earned this opportunity, lieutenant'. You must continue your exemplary performance."

Rose's eyes widened and threatened to water. "I do believe that was a compliment, 'commander!" She was silent for a moment. "'Commander Surok, you haven't told me why you wish to pass up the promotion to take a spot on the Galaxy."

He wiped some bean paste from his lips and replied in an even, Vulcan tone, "It is logical. A Vulcan officer sets a sure course for his or her career. The pursuit of rapid promotion and title must be secondary to the pursuit of knowledge and experience. Since the Normandy is set to begin a long-term study of catalogued anomalies within the Federation's borders, there is little opportunity here for the kinds of experiences I joined the fleet to acquire. The Galaxy, contrarily, appears to be a locus of events and discoveries. Her crew are some of the finest in the fleet," he added, perhaps undiplomatically.

"And," he concluded, "the quarters are larger."

Captain Molicgh laughed uproariously at the Vulcan's statement. Whether it was facetious or honest, he did not care. He would retell the story of Surok's argument for transferring off the Normandy at least a dozen times in the next year...

"Getting Ready"
by Lt Kira Murphy
General Medicine & Paediatrician
------------------------------------------------------------

With all the news aboard the ship about the Xerxes, Kira decided to do the only thing she could do - be a good doctor and start getting Sickbay ready for causualties when they find the attacked vessel.

After her recent *and luckily* short stint as CMO plus the recent case of wife-bashing that turned out not to be, the nurses and other staff had realised Kira had a bad temper at times, and quickly followed orders.

Moving into the Paed's Ward, she switched off the tacky colored holograms and lights, pushed all the stuffed toys into a cupboard and adjusted the bed heights to adult height.

Once that was done, she headed back into Main Sickbay, ready for whatever burns, cuts, broken bones and respitaroy damage would come in.

"Good news"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** USS Xerxes ***

The Mexican standoff on the engineering deck continued on board the Xerxes. Captain Victoria Curtis and a few of her surviving senior officers were standing by just outside of the entrance to the main engineering deck. They were being effectively held out of the control center of the ship by just three New Maquis Terrorists that had the entrance covered and two of the Xerxes senior officers held as captives.

"We should just rush in and take them by force." Jordan stated, tired of playing this waiting game. The Assistant Chief of Security, held onto her phaser riffle and drew her finger across the activation switch in a tickling fashion, as if it itched.

"No, I don't want to risk further injury to Commander Brookland or Chief Nugent." Captain Curtis stated from her position opposite of the Lieutenant.

"But if we charge them, we can likely take all three of them out before they have a chance to react." Jordan argued.

Victoria shook her head. "I said no Lieutenant and that is final."

Counselor Brittany Bree looked disturbed by the whole situation. She sat just behind Jordan, her back pressed against the bulkhead to offer her the maximum hard cover from the New Maquis who would occasionally fire some shots at the open doorway just to make sure no one tried to come in unannounced. Brittany was biting at her nails nervously in order to pass the time.

Opposite of the Counselor was Lieutenant 'Jamie Lypglose. Unlike the others, the blonde hared beauty seemed content to sit and wait. Jamie was holding onto her knees casually with her hands, like she was in some big slumber party or something.

While Captain Curtis was deciding what the next move would be, the first good news arrived when her comm badge chirped. Tapping in, Victoria responded. "Curtis here, go ahead."

It was the voice of Lieutenant Commander Cassandra Brown, the ship's Chief Science Officer. In all of the excitement with the Maquis in engineering, the Captain had almost forgotten that Cassandra was still working on possible ways out of this mess. ["'Commander Brown here Captain. I have some good news ma'am."]

Victoria glanced back at the others, "Tell me this is all a bad dream and you've found a way to wake us up from it."

["No Captain. But we have been hailed by a shuttle craft dispatched from the USS Galaxy ma'am."] Cassandra informed.

Smiles instantly formed on the earlier gloomy faces of the senior staff of the Xerxes. Where before there was little to no hope, now there was a possibility that some of them would survive this horrible ordeal.

"That is good new. What is the current status 'Commander?" Victoria asked.

["Well Captain, the shuttle that contacted us is a specially designed science shuttle the Galaxy carries. It is the only craft that is capable of reaching the Xerxes this deep into the Badlands. We are nearly fifteen light years into the plasma fields ma'am. The shuttle can carry twenty to twenty five persons maximum, and it takes a couple of hours to navigate through the plasma flows to reach the Galaxy, so evacuations will be slow."] Cassandra explained.

"Have Doctor O'Ditty begin evacuating the injured from sickbay. Once all the seriously wounded have been rescued we can begin evacuating the rest of the crew." Captain Victoria Curtis ordered.

["I already have begun the process Captain. Several members from the Buster Keaton have transported on board the Xerxes to make additional room for the wounded on the shuttle craft. They also brought some supplies to free up additional space. I can send some down to support you if you need Captain."] 'Commander Brown explained.

"I don't think that's needed at the moment 'Commander. It doesn't appear as if the Maquis are going anywhere for the time being. It might be more prudent to have them help organize the evacuation effort. With two hundred survivors, that will be ten or eleven trips to get everyone off the ship before we scuttle her." Victoria explained.

["I understand Captain. We will work on evacuating everyone. But what about the Maquis and yourself ma'am?"] Cassandra asked.

"Get everyone else off the ship first 'Commander. From what you've told me, that will take nearly 24 hours as it is. That gives us more time to try to convince the Maquis to give up their claim to this vessel." The Captain explained.

["Very good. I will keep you posted of the progress ma'am. 'Commander Brown out."] Cassandra closed.

The news seemed to brighten the spirits of the surviving senior staff. Brittany was the first to comment about the news. "We should let the Maquis know about the ongoing rescue. It may make them change their mind about surrendering, knowing that we all don't have to die here."

"That would be a stupid thing to do tactically." Jordan countered. "We should keep that information secret for the time being until the majority of the crew has been safely evacuated. Then we can let them know that they can surrender and leave with us, or remain here and die before we blow up the ship."

"But wouldn't they just jump at a change to get out of here alive?" Jamie asked naively.

Jordan shook her head, "Oh yeah, I know I'd jump at the chance at being tried of hijacking a Federation Starship, of destroying a Cardassian warship, and killing hundreds of innocent people, convicted of those crimes and sent to a Federation penal facility for the rest of my life."

Captain Curtis looked at Jordan and commented, "Better then spending time in a Cardassian prison..."

Brittany cringed at the thought. Even Jordan had to nod at that one. "Well, if it was a choice of the two, yes I would have to agree. But death might be preferred over either of those choices."

"I agree there Lieutenant. That is why we will keep the evacuation quiet for the time being. That way we can get the majority of the crew off the ship and safely on board the Galaxy. Then when it's down to the last of us, we can make the offer to our hijacking friends in there. That way if they decide to do anything rash, we can get the hell out of here without worrying about the rest of the crew being killed by their actions." The Captain decided.

****

*** USS Galaxy ***

Captain Price was on his way to wearing a hole in the arm of the command chair where he was rhythmically tapping his fingers every second or so. There were only two shuttles out in the Badlands now, the medical shuttle USS Opaka, who's shielding and Bajoran construction would afford her to probe the plasma flows of the area up to ten light years, and the more robust science shuttle, USS Buster Keaton, who could safely reach up to fifteen light years according to the scientists best calculations. It had been nearly three and a half hours since the Opaka entered the Badlands, and nearly four and a half since the Buster Keaton had. Lee was getting nervous and it manifested itself in his finger tips as they drummed on the arm of his chair.

Finally, there was a break in the waiting. Lieutenant Commander Jamson announced from Ops, "Captain, I believe the Opaka has just exited the plasma flows."

Lee glanced up at the view screen and sure enough, the unmistakable shape of the Bajoran medical shuttle Opaka could be seen approaching the USS Galaxy as she flew between the starship and the Cardassian warship Hutet.

"Ensign, see if you can hail Doctor Maas 'mate." Lee ordered.

Ensign Bosco tapped the required controls which beeped back the opening tones. "Hailing frequency open Captain." the Caitan called out.

"Doctor Maas, have you had any luck in locating the Xerxes 'mate?"

["Indeed we have Captain. We are returning with the first shuttle load of survivors right now. Have Doctor Murphy prepare to triage the patients as they are beamed on board. This load carries to more critically wounded from the Xerxes."] the deep voiced Chief Medical Officer explained.

"That's Bonzer news Doctor!" the General declared happily. "I'll 'ave 'Commander Jamson clear a shuttle bay for the Opaka to dock in. I want engineering to run a quick structural integrity check before you head back out, just to be safe."

["Is that really necessary sir? I was hoping to transport the wounded directly to sickbay and return back to the Badlands soon as everyone was secured on the Galaxy."] Doctor Maas asked. It was apparent from the Chief Medical Officer's voice that he was as excited at finding the Xerxes, and survivors of this horrible accident, as everyone else on the Galaxy was.

"Aye 'mate. the hard part has been done. Let's not ruin it now by getting sloppy with following protocol. The structural inspection shouldn't take very long to run. Before you know it, the Opaka will be on it's way again." Lee explained.

["Oh very well sir. I'll have the ship dock directly. Opaka out."] Doctor Maas agreed before closing the channel.

"'Commander Jamson, ready a shuttle bay and inform the Opaka which one it is and that she's cleared to dock." Lee ordered.

Michael nodded, "Aye sir, I'll put her in shuttle bay two."

Tapping his communicator badge, Lee hailed, "Bridge to Engineering."

Lieutenant Commander Suder answered, ["Engineering here. Go ahead Captain."]

"'mate, the Opaka has returned and she has survivors from the Xerxes on board." Lee informed.

Ethan seemed pleased to hear this news. ["That is terrific news Captain."]

"The Opaka is going to dock on shuttle bay two. Can you get a team there to run a quick structural integrity scan to verify her hull and shielding are holding up in all of this plasma?"

["A wise precaution sir. I'll get someone right on it."] Suder responded.

"Bonzer 'mate. bridge out." Lee closed. Turning in the command chair, it was obvious this news had brightened the Captain's day considerably. Looking across at the empty science stations, the Captain's thoughts went to Lieutenant Commander Genestra. The Scientist's father was on board the Xerxes. The General knew while there was no guarantee that Evin's father was one of the survivors, the news that there were survivors would at least give him that hope to hold onto.

Tapping his badge again, Lee hailed the 'Commander who was still running tests on the pieces of wreckage that had been recovered from the debris floating in space.

"Price to Genestra. Come in 'mate."

["Genestra here. Go ahead sir."] Evin responded a moment later over the channel.

"'mate, we have just received news from the Opaka. They have managed to locate the USS Xerxes. The first of her survivors are being beamed on board the Galaxy as we speak."

["That is good to hear sir. I was beginning to think there was little hope of finding the ship still intact from examining these fragments."] Evin explained. He didn't sound overjoyed at hearing the news, but it could have simply been that the 'Commander didn't want to get his hopes up that his father would be one of the survivors. In the last few days Evin had examined enough pieces of the wreckage to where he was genuinely stunned that any of the starship had survived at all. For certain the casualty numbers were staggering. He'd also spent the better part of the last few days worrying about his father and dealing with his loss.

"Well, survivors there are. In the next twenty four hours we should be able to evacuate all of the survivors to the Galaxy. That's assuming our deep space shuttles can hold up to the beating from the plasma storms. Anyway 'mate, I thought you'd want to know." The Captain explained.

["Thank you Captain."] Evin replied evenly.

"No worries 'Commander. Price out." The Captain closed. Lee smiled and gave the bridge crew a nod as he rose up out of his chair. "I will need to report this to Gul Jolan. 'Commander Jamson, you 'ave the conn 'mate."

The General then walked across the bridge and into his ready room.

By: Lieutenant Jake T Olson & Rose McAllen JP

Bud Olson made a grab for the pretty hair that he liked so much. "Oh no you don't!" Bud was pulled out of arm's reach from Rose McAllen's locks. "Apologies, but my little bull dozer is in need of manners!" offered a blushing Jake Olson.

"Good Gods of Betazed, this child is strong." Rose told Olson keeping her distance.

"PRETTY!" Called out Bud.

"Yes, and doesn't know exactly how to control his impulses. I hope you aren't offended but Bud seems to have developed a crush on you."

"A little child have a crush on me I don't think so." Rose said touching the child's cheek a little smiling.

"Pretty Lady!" Bud reached out to grasp the hand.

"Gently Bud, that's it." Olson smiled. "He's an excellent learner, and when he thinks about what he's doing, he can remember to know his strength."

Bud began to reach and gently pat Rose's hair.

"Say, we were going to grab some lunch, would you care to join us?" Jake invited.

Rose touched the little boys face again, "Ok you got a deal Lt." she said with a smile.

The two ran into a harried T-Prea. "Jake, how's sciences?" She looked at Rose, and Jake saw a glimmer of insecurity.

"Bud's date!" Jake grinned, "He literally snagged her."

The left eyebrow nearly left T-Prea's face. "See you later tonight?"

"I look forward to it, and this bruiser will be in bed!" Jake laughed.

"I think she hates me" Rose said with a sad look on her face. She feel so bad if that woman does.

"No she doesn't. What you felt was a general insecurity that has nothing to do with you specifically." Jake said. "It is a difficult emotion to cleanse oneself of, when a person feels inferior, they often take on habits that are self destructive. It takes a great deal of work to rid oneself of such negative thoughts. It is a long road of recovery many are on indeed."

"I know the feeling I been having my eating problem since I was five." Rose said as they walks into Ten Forward.

Rose sits down, "May I hold him sir?"

"So you understand the road." Jake normally wouldn't discuss something so personal, but as a Betazoid, Rose knew exactly what was crossing T-Prea's mind. "He'd love that!" He passed the baby over. "I have gear as he's much too heavy for me to lift with out." Jake explained a slight awkwardness.

Rose smiles at the baby, "So you have a crush on me, am I that beautiful?" She touched the baby cheek softly.

The baby snuggled close to Rose. "T-Prea has a small bit of empathic ability, and she was definitely picking up a crush!"

"I know you don't have a crush on me." Rose said with a grin.

"Let's face it," Jake chuckled. "This guy is developing so damned fast! T-Prea and I are barely keeping up with his changing. He walks and talks for Pete's sake and he's riding a trike at barely nine months old!"

Rose try to smile, since her friend Kay Williamson called her and told her that she was going to get married to her Captain on the USS China she was thinking if she every going to get married and have children of her own.

Jake caught the expression. "Just when you think it can't happen, it sneaks up from behind." Jake then clarified. "I came aboard the Galaxy and I hadn't a clue I would meet my wife and start a family. There are so many surprises, I can't go to sleep and not find my world changed the next day because it usually is. My parents are still addressing me as Ensign."

"You have somebody who cares, I don't see my boyfriend very much. I got more letters from the Maquis ship, from William. It scared me."

"Um, my I ask what your boyfriend does?" Jake took a drink of his coffee. He was grateful that the Doctors found a way around his ever so tricky stomach.

"He an helmsman." she said as Bud falls asleep on her chest.

"Oh boy, poor thing probably hasn't time to visit the powder room. We're in the Badlands, we are keeping all of the helmsmen on their toes." Jake looked at the dancing plasma.

"The Badlands makes me think of the Maquis, and William." Rose said with tears in her eyes.

Rose rocks Bud to sleep gentle and smiles "Do you think I be a good mother."

"They are here, but they aren't the whole and sum. This is nature's domain, and is indiscriminate in reminding us whom is boss." Jake answered, deep in thought. "We are told to tread with care. As for motherhood," Jake returned to the here and now, "you'd make an excellent mother."

"I have a bad feeling William out there planing to kidnap me again, this time be made rape me..he was so close last time."

Rose thinks back, she can still here William's voice tell his friend the Maquis Commander about his plan for his Rosebud. She closes her eyes.

"My suggestion is to let Karen Dallas know of your fears. One, she can help you with the emotional aspects of that, two, there are ways to counter that, I must watch my mouth around Bud, threat. She's got the ear of Galaxy's security department. You will be made safe even when off ship." Jake thought of Seth Goneb. "There are security people whom take security personally!"

"I'm tired of tell Dallas all of my problems." she said playing with her food.

"William is more than just your personal problem. He's a Star Fleet problem. If it's approached that way, he's a man whom needs to watch his hide with care."

Rose can see Bud waking up and smiling at her, "So do you like me Bud."

"I like you." Bud said.

"Why is that little man, you can call me Rose or Isis which do you like?" Rose said with a smile.

"You are pretty. Very pretty. Pretty Rose."

Jake's fingers hid a big grin.

Rose have tears in her eyes, "Maybe when I have a daughter you will love her and forget all about me." she tickles his neck a little.

Bud snuggled again, oblivious to Rose's statement.

"He's not dating til he's eighteen!" Jake bust out laughing. "I am too young to be a GRAND DAD!"

"You never know sir, be maybe a future mate that means if I have a daughter one." Rose give Bud a little teddy bear, "this is for you, and here your daddy a royal picture of me."

"My God, your beautiful," Jake grinned. He showed Bud the picture, and the baby looked at Rose, the picture, and Rose again. "That's a picture." Jake explained gently to the child.

Lt Seth Zonhieb, Gorn Security Officer
Lt Mike O'Grady, Counsellor

The sand was too soft so the lizard dug to the metal floor. This surface proved to be too cold so the Gorn went to ten forward. A place Seth usually never enters unless on duty. Once there he ordered warm water and stood in the corner brewing his bad mood.

Mike walked in as well, he had finished his ship and read over reports on the disciplinary record of one Ensign Tarsonis, and one thing concerned him, the alcohol, he would be making a suggestion on his disciplinary action that he begin Alcoholics Anonymous sessions immediately to work on his drinking problem. He nearly collided with a green wall.

"Oh, Lt Zonhieb, excuse me." Mike said as he moved away from the large Gorn officer.

One eye independently followed O'Grady as he went to the bar. Seth dumped the remains of his glass past his teeth and stayed in the corner. He thought of that Ferengi bartender that had run off without delivering his bed. The glass in the Gorn's hand shattered.

Which didn't escape the hearing of the counsellor. He ordered a Gorn pipedrink, one thing Door had brought on board when Seth got assigned to the Galaxy, And himself a coffee, because any human to try the thick coppery Gorn beverage would not survive the experience. Bringing the piping hot beverage over to Seth he said, "What's wrong?"

Seth took the drink carefully with his clawed hand. "I have to wait until we get back to Deep Space Nine to shred a rat."

"Let me guess, four lobed brain, would sell his soul for latinum, if he hasn't already?" Mike leaned against the wall, "He owes you money doesn't he?"

"He owes me a rock." The lizard tasted the drink and was surprised a human bar tender could make the concoction. "I purchased a bed he hasn't delivered."

"Well, did you sign a contract?" He noted the surprise, "Door had that delivered when he found out you were being assigned here, likes everyone to get a taste of home."

"Yes." The Gorn said while the drink warmed him. "The Ferengi has not fulfilled his obligation. He will pay." This drink container was stronger.

Mike nodded, "Perhaps we could replicate you a temporary rock, then when we get to DS9, we track Quark down and get your bed or money."

"The rock is too large for the replicators." The Gorn was edgy from lack of sleep but had thought of that earlier. "I can wait until we return to deal with Quark."

"Well Maybe we can talk to the captain and get you a holodeck to use as temporary quarters until we can get back to DS9, when was the last time you slept?"

"Not since we left DS9." Seth admitted.

Mike raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, I think we can get you a holodeck to serve as temporary quarters, so you can get some sleep." Rayna had commented that Seth was a bit surlier then normal, and that explained it. "I'll see to it immediately."

"Only one problem." The lizard stopped the man by the door. "The holodecks are now shut down due to the accident."

Mike stopped, he had forgotten about that, "Damn, you're right, I forgot about that. Perhaps we can look over the industrial replicators, see if we can get you a rock." He looked over at the impassive Gorn, "We have to try something to get you comfortable."

"I can survive a few more days." The Gorn said defiant of any weakness. "Maybe Lt. Savat will let me go no the away mission to distract me."

Mike nodded, "Well I can't speak for Lt Savat, but you can always ask. Even if it would be a tight squeeze in the shuttle."

"Advice"
by
The MaxWells

Shinta finished bringing the last of her stuff into her new quarters. It was bigger than she was accustomed to, and Gavins was a bigger to, so the little boy was very happy. And he was already accustomed to having a new father, Bruce and he got along so well. She knew she was a very lucky women, sometimes she could still hardly believe it.

"Gavin has to see the doctor today, so I do not know what time we will be home. Do you know what time your shift ends today, honey?" She called out.

"No, My Angel. I could Be called away at any second. I need to be there when the Captain goes and talks to the dumbass Ensign Tarsonis in the Brig. Then I have Command Duty, then Right after that my normal shift on Alpha. Plus various other duties. I am sorry my love I want to spend time with you." Bruce said sitting in the chair looking a little depressed.

Shinta came to sit in his lap. "Though you take care not to work to hard, my darling. Do not over do it, you are only human. Will you be able to help that ensign, what exactly did he do?"

Bruce began to tickle Navarrre. "Only Human, whats that supposed to mean. I am not just Human I am Scottish." Bruce stopped kissed his Love then let her sit down in his Lap. "Besides breaking the safety protocols on the holodeck, taking a runabot out into the badlands withot my certification! He drank real whiskey before taking the runabout." Bruce finished up pulling his woman closer.

"Don't be too hard on the boy." She said. "Remember when you're feeling down, when we first met? Try to talk to him, that often works much better than being harsh, my dear Scottish lover." She gave him A kiss.

Bruce embraced her kiss passionately. It felt so good to love his woman. They had little time together lately. "I know Love, But this put others in danger flying thru the Badlands drunk. I dont know what I am going to do My Angel this isnt a small problem." Bruce said then begn to kiss on Navarre's neck.

"I know, my life. But try to find out his reasons, that will be the root of the problem. Be fair, be strict, but give him a chance." She smiled, "I am talking like A counselor am I not?"

"Yes you are my Love. Normally under the cicumstances I would But cCommander Thomas has gotten involved and soon the Captain will too. Its gone beyond juust finding out whats wrong. Now it is just time for him to answer correctly before he gets courtmarshaled." Bruce said solemnly.

"Just do for him at you can." She said With a sigh. "Now I really have to go, I have a busy day. see you tonight"

"Awright, my Love if you have too. Have a good day." Bruce said with a mock pouty lip and gave his woman a kiss and hug gooodbye.

Shinta blew him another kiss, and then left.

Time for Rest in a Storm of Trouble
by LCDR Jeral Maas, CMO

*** Shuttle Opaka ***

The Structural integrity check of the Opaka proved her space worthy with only a few adjustments. She was back in space only an hour and a half after she landed with the first load of passengers.

In its long life, the Maas symbiont had not seen the interior of a plasma storm. Needless to say, the whirling kaleidoscope of colors was as disconcerting as it as fascinating. But it was far from a smooth ride! Jeral had to treat nurse Valla when she cut herself badly after a lurch. An experience which had the Commander order everyone to strap down unless movement was necessary to fly the craft or care for the wounded. Jeral himself had to move around to command the shuttle, but he kept a firm grip on a solid surface at all times after the incident.

Jeral looked outside, trying to judge the character of the storm. It seemed to be getting more ferocious with each trip. This time, a particularly violent flare forced Myrul to bank sharply, taking the port stabilizers off line for 6 minutes. He was glad they had a Deltan engineer along to fix things. By the time they made it to station keeping inside the pocket they found during the first trip, plasma flares had scorched all but 20% of the shields. Dana worked at a speedy pace, and had the shields raised to 94% before the trip back. Jeral assisted as much as he could with the repairs, but the engineer was the one that was truely in her element.

This was the 3rd trip of the Opaka to the plasma pocket at the maximum of its range. The runabout arrived 7 minutes before the Keaton, which complained of extensive turbulence deeper inside the Badlands. It was lucky the medical ship had stopped, she couldn’t handle that level of plasma disturbance. This latest batch of wounded arrived with Doctor O’Ditty himself. It seems that the remaining hundred-plus crewmen had sustained little or no injuries in the present crisis. He left his Vulcan Lt behind in case someone got injured in the short interim before they to were transported to safety.

O’Ditty had an impressive resume, which Jeral had looked at while waiting for the engineers to pronounce the shuttle safe. Under other circumstances, he would offer the man a job in the Galaxy’s Sickbay. But due to the fact the Xerxes was no longer in serviceable condition, the Irishman would have his pick of orders. If he chose to permanently join the Galaxy’s medical staff after the crisis of caring for his mates was over, it would not be by coercion.

1.6 hours later, the Opaka emerged outside the Badlands where the Galaxy waited. The shuttle docked, and Doctor Maas decided to turn command over to the Lt at the helm. With no more wounded to bring back, the remaining mission was merely to transport the uninjured comrades from the Xerxes.

Running on Adrenaline, O’Ditty was glad to be out of the plasma storm and on safer ground. Hiding the fact he had been up for nearly 48 hours with only brief catnaps, the Irish doctor followed the large Trill to the Galaxy’s Sickbay. Maas saw several officers whom he only knew from their service records. He hadn’t been formally introduced to much of his department since he was pressed into duty of helping retrieve survivors from the Xerxes.

Michala seemed especially interested in speaking with him, and the mixed-raced crew member approached him.

“Hello Commander, we finally get a chance to meet.”, she greeted warmly.

“That is so, Lieutenant. I have some good news. This last shuttle load contained the rest of the wounded and all but 1 of the Xerxes medical staff. The remaining survivors sustained no injuries. The man behind me is Doctor O’Ditty, former CMO of the Xerxes.”

“Glad to hear that we ran out of wounded, Doctors. We were starting to run short on plasma burn kits. All but 4 cases have been stabilized. One Vulcan is still in a healing trace and not concious. 17 more are still critical but out of immediate danger. The rest are regenerating at normal rates or have been discharged to temporary housing in Cargo bay 2.”

“Very good Lt, O’Ditty and I will look in on the sick, however, traveling through the Badlands is not a smooth process. After that, we will retire. I look forward to speaking with you at more length in the near future.”

With that, the Commanders made the round. O’Ditty’s familiar face lifted the spirits of all the Xerxes personnel. Seeing the rest of the staff could handle things now, Jeral invited O’Ditty back to his quarters. The spare bunk would be more comfortable than the communal bunk room. And the Doctors would need good rest if they were to pull shifts later to continue healing for the Xerxes’ former occupants.

Both Doctors were sound asleep by the time another load of crew arrived, this time an all healthy bunch. 8 hours later, and there was only one shuttle full of crewman left. The Opaka stood down, as the Keaton herself was bringing the last load aboard. The Buster Keaton made sure to communicate with any shuttles she found at other waiting points in the storm.

A couple of weeks before Christmas, and all the shuttles were nestled in their own docking bays....

"The gig"
by Lt Ragnald Gustavson, bagpipe-player
USS Galaxy

Ragnald and his commando crew waited silently in the darkness of holodeck 1 until the familiar voices of newly weds grew louder.

When the door opened, Ragnald began to inflate his bagpipe which caused a squeaky sound. Then the music of a scottish march filled the still dark holodeck.

Two bright spotlights placed on Ragnald and the other bagpipe players who were standing next to him wearing ancient clothes, too. Then the simulated illumination became brighter and finally, the holodeck displayed the interior of a giant cathedral filled with several officers and crewmen sitting at their instruments waiting for their gigs.

In the next minutes (or should we say hours) they played their solos, duets or band pieces - ancient or modern, Terran, Bajoran, Vulcan, Betazoid, almost every of the Galaxy`s species was present.

Suddenly the cathedral darkened and the two spotlights began to search the room. A flute started to play and immediately the figure who was playing that flute was caught by the limelight.

The already surprised couple now stood there openmouthed. The small boy in a tiny Starfleet gala uniform who was standing in the limelight, playing the first verse of "Amazing Grace" on a Bajoran style flute was Gavin.

Ragnald smiled satisfied. This surprise seemed to be a hit.

For the second verse the row of bagpipes joined in and dramatically intensified the play of the flute. For the next verses every of the other musicians sitting in the dark rejoined him filling the holodeck with the most beautiful and heart-tearing version of the song ever been heard in our quadrant.

When the song was finished, Ragnald took Gavin in his arm, nodded satisfied and whispered "Great job Gav"

Then he turned towards the newly weds and told him: "You can be proud to have a son like Gavin as he can be proud to get a father like you, Bruce"

Instantly Ragnald noticed the never called his department chief by his forename before.

"Ergh, sorry Lieutenant Maxwell"

Then he continued: "It was some time ago when I asked Gavin what he wished most.. A puppy and a dad, he answered. I don`t remember if it was that sequence, but I know today is indescribable happy to get both at once. I`m sure you both will put the same love and care in his upbringing and education as you Lt Navarre, sorry Lt. MaxWell did before."

Ragnald turned toward Lt Navarre-MaxWell to continue his speech.

"My ancestors used to say a wife usually is a sailor`s reason to come back home from a cruise."

He made an artificial pause, then continued

"And in many cases she`s the one who finally drives him back to the sea. May your future life be predominated by the first! Good luck. That, I was asked to wish you in the name of the orchestra and of course the rest of the Galaxy`s crew.

So, now most of us have to get back on our posts, I sure you may excuse us."

After shaking the two MaxWells` hands, Ragnald took his bagpipe and left the holodeck followed by most of the other musicians.

“Things left unsaid.”
By Lt. Commander Evin Genestra

The Assistant Chief Science Officer walked in to Sickbay on the news that they had brought across his father. In nearly thirty years of life it would have been one of the few times that he was actually pleased at the prospect of seeing Reittan Genestra. It had been in total constrast to his reaction when he first heard the news that he would have the chance to see the old man when the Galaxy rendezvoused with the Xerxes.

Evin took a few steps in to the primarily medical facility and looked around for someone to help him.

“Could you tell me where I can find Captain Genestra?” Evin asked as he caught one of the nurses passing by, on her way to the Chief Medical Officer’s office with a report on the state of the rescued Xerxes crew, “I heard that he was down here.”

The nurse nodded. Turning his attention to the secondary ward she pointed in that general direction. “Over the ‘Commander.”

Genestra nodded. “Thank you.”

Standing beside his father was one of the Caitian medical officers on the Galaxy. The tall felinesque man stood over the seventy-something Human male as he ran the tricorder over the horizontal humanoid form. Shaking his head, the attending doctor made a notation in the record on his PADD before beginning to pull up the sheet. He had no way of knowing that the man’s son was approaching.

The Caitain’s hand was promptly stopped by Evin’s hand to prevent the medical-blue material from covering the white-haired man’s drawn out face. Evin looked down in disbelief before turning to the medical doctor and giving him a horrified look. The Caitian shook his head and moved away to give the younger man some time to grieve. There was nothing more he could have done. The assistant science chief thought about what he sensed from the nurse when he asked about his father, mistaking thinking that her disappointment to what had happened on the Xerxes. Had she already known?

All of the elation that Evin had felt by the news of survivors quickly disappeared as the empath’s blue eyes looked down on the lifeless form of his father. Until now he had always maintained a discrete distance from Captain Genestra. In his mind it was justified too. The old Betazoid had been hard on him, always trying to run his life as though he were still a young boy, never recognising that he had made his own way in life. Now he would never have the opportunity to get to know his father: three decades had not really amounted to much.

Evin placed his hand on the Starfleet captain’s shoulder. It was cold sensation, mostly a nervous reaction, but the scientist needed to prove to him that what lay in front of him was no illusion. Genestra began to think about the reality of the situation and, as the daunting prospect of notifying his mother came to mind, he began to feel much worse.

How could he tell a woman, his mother, that the man she had been married with for a better part of forty-five years was dead? He fought back the tears as his eyes welled up, beginning to feel some resentment towards the old man for leaving him with a responsibility that he did not want to bare, alone or otherwise. How could he have left him in the lurch like that? How could he have died?

"Cavalry"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** USS Galaxy ***

Things were looking optimistic on board the Galaxy. What had started out as a tragic investigation into the destruction of two starships had turned into a rescue mission to save half of the crew of the USS Xerxes that had survived the collision that destroyed the Rhemor.

Captain Price had retired to his ready room where he just finished updating Gul Jolan on the news of the discovery of the Xerxes. The USS Opaka was grudgingly docking with the Galaxy to undergo a safety inspection to insure that the extra shielding was protecting the Bajoran shuttle's hull from the rigors of the Badlands.

While Lee was updating his Captain's Log, the chime to his office sounded.

"Come in 'mate."

The doors opened with a swish and the distinguished Vulcan, Mister Savat, came walking in with his typical, perfect posture stride.

"I am not disturbing you Captain?" Savat asked.

"No worries 'mate." Lee smiled. The Captain liked Vulcans having served most of his Starfleet career under Captain Shoak. He found their professionalism and dedication to logical thought quite refreshing. But mostly he enjoyed seeing the emotions the Vulcans tried so expertly to suppress, but were there never the less. "It's quite all right. Now that we 'ave located the Xerxes, the hard part is done."

"It is the Xerxes that I have come to speak to you about Captain." Savat stated evenly while handing the Captain a data padd.

"What's this Lieutenant?" Lee asked as he glanced at the report.

"I have been analyzing all data available to us about what happened to the Xerxes Captain. Taking into account the known members of the Xerxes crew, their back grounds, what we have deduced about the accidental collision with the Rhemor, the recovered data recorders, all available data at our disposal." Savat explained.

Lee glanced up at the expressionless Vulcan. Savat was a handsome man. He was clean shaven, and had a sort of boyish look to his face which automatically made most humans trust him.

"And I take it you have made some sort of hypothesis 'mate?"

"That is correct sir." Savat nodded. "The recovered data recorder that contains the message from Lieutenant Commander Brown indicates that the Xerxes had been invaded by some form of hostile force. The data available to us indicates a high probability that this force in some way directly caused the collision between the Xerxes and the Rhemor to occur."

Lee nodded. "That sounds like a logical assumption 'mate."

"Further more Captain, the 'Commander's recording indicates that efforts were being made to neutralize this hostile force. I believe it would be a prudent precaution to send a full security detachment back on board the Opaka when she is redeployed to rendezvous with the Buster Keaton and evacuate crew members from the Xerxes." Savat continued to explain.

Lee rubbed a hand across his bearded chin. "Humm, that might be a good idea. Though won't it be difficult to transfer the officers between the two shuttles Lieutenant? Both of them will be loaded to capacity if a full detachment of security personnel are sent back on the Opaka."

"That is easily overcome by simultaneous transports. We can send two persons from either shuttle in an exchange fashion until the entire detachment from either vessel has been transported." Savat elaborated.

Captain Price gave his nod of approval. "Bonzer 'mate. Seems you have thought of everything. Get your team together and report to the Opaka in shuttle bay two. When engineering has finished the structural inspection of the shuttle and certifies her flight ready, you can have them board for the trip to the Xerxes by way of the Buster Keaton."

"Thank you Captain. I will assemble the away team and have them report to the shuttle bay."

"Fair dinkum 'mate. I'll inform Doctor Maas of the new plans so he can make room for the security detachment. I understand that Lieutenant Commander Sullax is also on board the Xerxes."

"That is correct sir." Savat acknowledged.

"You will be in command of the security team sent to the Xerxes Lieutenant. 'Commander Sullax has already been on the Xerxes for some time. He likely knows more of what is going on there then we do at this point. He also out ranks you. You should defer to Ryak's authority if the need arises. And of course, the Xerxes is Captain Victoria Curtis vessel. Her authority and orders should not be questioned."

"Of course Captain." Savat bowed slightly in acknowledgment. It was the logical order of things.

Handing the data padd back to the Lieutenant, Lee smiled. "You appear to have things well in hand 'mate. So let's do it. Dismissed."

Savat took the padd from the Captain and nodded. "Yes Captain." With that the Vulcan senior security Officer turned and exited the Captain's ready room to begin assembling the security detachment that would ultimately reach the Xerxes just a few hours later.

NRPG: Ensign Drake Tarsonis asked that I go ahead and write this story.

"Second chances" by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** Earlier on the USS Galaxy ***

After a brief pow-wow in the detention area of the Security department with Lieutenant Bruce Maxwell about the latest court marshalable offense made by young Ensign Drake Tarsonis, Captain Price cleared his voice loudly, awaking the Ensign from what appeared to be a bad dream.

"Captain..." Drake declared standing from his bunk at attention.

"G'day Ensign." Lee stated evenly. The General's disappointment in Tarsonis' recent performance, reporting for duty while intoxicated, was great, but the Captain didn't let it show in his tone. "I've spoken to Lieutenant Maxwell about the reason why you are standing in that cell 'mate. I'd like to hear your side of things."

Drake raised his hand as if to stop the Captain. "I'm sorry sir. I realize that this looks very badly for me. But I've decided I am not suited for Starfleet. I'm going to resign my commission."

This surprised the Captain. It wasn't very bright of Drake to ignore the posted orders about the holodeck safety protocol that Lee had earlier in the year had commissioned and placed at the entrance of each holodeck and on every archway control station. But the Ensign wasn't the first officer on the Galaxy to ignore that order. However this second infraction was much more serious. Piloting a shuttle in such a hostile environment as the Badlands while under the influence of alcohol wasn't a simple holodeck violation. Drake's poor judgment put the away mission in jeopardy, endangering the life of every person on that shuttle he was piloting. While the holodeck infraction was easily overlooked on an officer's record, this newest infraction wasn't.

Lee gave a nod. "Perhaps that would be best 'mate." the Captain stated evenly.

The response seemed to stun Drake. It was like he wasn't expecting the Captain to agree with him so easily.

"When I was briefed by Lieutenant Maxwell, he recommended that you be reprimanded for this violation and transferred to a land based assignment at a remote outpost station where the rigors of a starship assignment wouldn't be imposed upon such a new officer." Lee explained candidly.

"I swear sir, I thought I was drinking synthehol. On the Exeter that's all that was ever served. I assumed that was the same here on the Galaxy when I ordered that whiskey." Drake felt like he had to explain.

"I'm sure you did 'mate. But that doesn't really change things, does it 'mate?"

Drake lowered his head slightly, staring at the Captain's boots on the other side of the force field that closed off his cell. "No sir. I reported for duty under the influence. That's why I'm resigning my commission."

"You can do that if you want 'mate. There is nothing I can do to stop anyone from leaving Starfleet if that is what they want to do. However I don't agree with Lieutenant Maxwell's assessment of what should be done about this matter. The idea of reprimanding an officer and shipping them off to some other assignment to let some other crew and commanding officer deal with him leaves a sour taste in my mouth. It makes it feel like the crew and command staff here on the Galaxy failed to do their job in showing the struggling officer the proper way to do things." The Captain explained.

Drake looked back up at the Captain as he talked. He didn't seem as mad or disappointing in Drake's recent performance as Drake had anticipated. Drake was expecting a lot of scolding and yelling, but the General wasn't treating him like that at all.

"Do as you want Ensign regarding your commitment to Starfleet." the Captain stated as he released the force field that was holding Drake confined inside the brig cell.

The Ensign looked at the General not understanding what was going on. "Sir?"

"I'm going to take you at your word 'mate that you thought you ordered synthehol in Ten Forward and not real whiskey. It's an honest mistake. Since no one was harmed by this misunderstanding, there is no reason it can't be forgotten on the record. So Ensign, you are free to do what you want 'mate. If you choose to resign your commission and go back on the commitment and oath you made at the Academy, there is nothing I can do to stop you. But if you choose to stay on the Galaxy, then I will expect to see your performance improve tremendously going forward. It's pretty much up to you 'mate." the Captain stated. Lee then turned on his heal and began walking away.

Drake couldn't believe it. The Captain was willing to overlook the entire incident and leave it off his Starfleet record. No doubt unofficially the violation would be remembered, but Drake knew he could just make sure he didn't set foot in Ten Forward for a while, and if he did, only order fruit juice instead of alcohol, and he'd be fine. No one ever got busted for drinking fruit juice before reporting for duty. "Thank you Captain!" Drake grinned. "I will try that much harder to prove that I am a good officer sir. You'll see."

The Captain reached the end of the corridor and signaled to Ensign Lockhart to deactivate the force field leading to the cell block so he could exit. Ensign Tarsonis quickly caught up and exited the confinement area with the Captain.

"Ensign Tarsonis is free to go then Captain?" Peter asked.

"Aye 'mate. The charges are being dropped. I'll inform Lieutenant Savat of the changes." Lee explained.

"I understand sir." Lockhart nodded. Then looking at Drake he added, "You are free to go Tarsonis."

"Thanks." Drake managed. He then walked out of the brig along with the Captain.

"Been Awhile"
by Anika Crowe
and Eric Odin

***

"I'm sorry," the security officer said, his voice holding the steady moderated tones of one used to crowd control, "but all the holodecks are offline. If you are seeking a recreational outlet, they can be found in Ten Forward, the gymnasium, and various other locations around the ship. If you would like further elaboration on the Galaxy's off-duty activities, you can find it at either the security office or through your department head."

"Thanks," Anika Crowe said, as she craned her neck to see past him. The holodeck didn't appear to be in good condition. "What happened?"

"All I know is there was an accident, Ensign," he said. "I don't have any other information."

"Was anyone hurt?"

He frowned, his eyes narrowing in what Anika was quickly coming to call the Security Scowl. "Further details may be made available through your department head."

Anika gasped. "Someone was hurt, weren't they?" Juicy gossip was always available on a starship. And, it was obvious there was some choice gossip here.

"I did not say that, ensign" the guard snapped. "Further information is--"

"Who was it?"

"I am not in a position where I can reveal that information," he said. "You will have to seek out--"

"Was it Ensign Carlisle?"

"No."

"Ensign Freeman?"

"No. Please--"

"Ensigns Baxter or Hes'chP?"

"Look, Ensign Crowe, I take my job very seriously. Please, go find your department head."

"Lieutenant Perez?"

"No, Anika, please leave me alone. I could get in a lot of trouble if I'm caught with you here pestering me." He glanced at her and saw her smiling. They'd been in the same Federation history class at the Academy. They'd visited a number of the museums along the California coast searching for a old style paper flyer in an Academy scavenger hunt. And, they met once a week so she could hear how he was doing while learning to play the fiddle. "Okay, if I tell you who it was, will you please leave me alone?"

Anika nearly exploded with excitement. "Yes, Kyle," she said. "Promise."

"Okay, you gossip," he said, checking up and down the corridor to make sure it was clear. "Eric Odin was injured. He's in sickbay now. They don't even really know what happened."

Anika's face drained of color. Eric? "Oh my--"

Kyle realized that the fun gossip was over. It was very apparent that Anika knew Eric and the injury was no longer ship's gossip, but something closer to home. "I didn't mean--"

"I gotta go," Anika said. "I'll talk to you later, Kyle." She turned down the corridor, half-heartedly waving. "Keep working on your fiddle. See you later."

***

When Anika had stepped into sickbay, she didn't know what to expect. She was shown to where Eric was resting. Her heart was pounding, feeling like it was ready to leap out of her chest. I wonder if Trill symbionts ever feel that way, she thought.

"Eric?"

Eric heard a familiar voice and leapt up. he then said, "Anika, it's so great to see you. I've been here in isolation under a damned containment field for what feels like forever. How are you?"

"I'm good," she said. "How are you? What happened to you?"

"I'm okay, except for being cooped up. I'm not too sure what happened, but the doctors are working on it." His muscle mass and a slight change of height had occurred since he had been training so hard ever since he came onboard.

Anika nodded. "It's good you're going okay," she said. "I saw the holodeck. It looks like it may be out of commission for a little while." She looked around the room and over at Eric. "So, how long have you been couped up in here?"

"Too long," he said. He the smiled and said, "It's so great to see you. It's been too long. How about after this you and I get reacquainted over dinner?"

Anika grinned. "Dinner will be nice," she said. "I'd like that."

Eric smiled to her and said, "Alright then, I'll get ahold of you as soon as they let me out of here then. Thanks for coming Anika, it means a lot to me."

"Yeah," she said, giving him a quick smile. "It was good to see you again. I hope they let you out soon. It looks positively dreary to be stuck in here like this. I'll see you later, Eric."

With a final wave, Anika turned toward the exit. She stopped once before heading out the door to glance back at him. Then, she headed toward the turbolift.

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Lt. jg Anika Crowe, Helmsman, USS Galaxy
ICQ# 2172851
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