By: Lieutenant Jake T Olson & Cmdr. Thomas A JP

The first officer saw Jake Olson watching over a Vulcanoid baby in the counselor's office, and went to investigate. Olson seemed fairly together.

"Mr. Olson what are you doing?" Commander Thomas asked. Though he could clearly see the man was watching something with concetration.

"My son's here for an appointment, if it hasn't been cancelled. He has to learn dicipline before he punches a hole in the bulkhead, little guy needs some dicipline to temper his inthusiasm." Jake smiled.

"That strong is he already, does look it." Chris said. "I doubt the appointment would be canceled without you knowning." he added.

"I am no parent so I can't really offer you any advice on how to handle his temper."

"Right now, the counseling department are doing a great job and I am supporting them. I am not really an expert, Bud has NONE of my traits I had as a child. I was always gentle almost to a falt. T-Prea doesn't seem to have the aggression factor to this degree either." Bud stacked the blocks of a puzzle that would have done a four year old proud.

"Maybe he's some how managed to get both of your genes that were domiront or just one parents genes that could be from generations ago." Chris said. "Have you spoken with any family members about a possible realative that could explain these traits?"

"Yes, it has been depressing quite frankly on my side. I do hope he hasn't the traits from the family on my side, most are of criminal disposition and have no understanding of higher learning. This has been for several generations. I'm the only one not in the clink. Litterally.

"T-Prea's line is less one track, she has the Vulcan line, privacy issues must be respected and I didn't delve into that, and the Human line which is full of decient sorts. I know that the Vulcan people came to logic from a violent, aggressive past. The Cherokee have had a peaceful past, only coming to war and grief upon the arrival of the white man. T-Prea hasn't any caucasian ancestry in her Human line.

Still I would think that following this line of questioning is worth the effort for the child's sake if for no one else." Chris said. "You might be able to consulant with the ship's computers to track as much of your family line as possible."

"That I will do, and a genetic scan of the DNA." Olson replied.

"You also probably should speak with T'Pera about this."

"She already is looking up precisely that angle." Jake hid a grin, Thomas' line of reasoning was already being followed. "Um, excuse me, but diapers call,"

"Released"
By lt Eric Odin
Ltjg Michala Lynn
Lt Dr. Andree dothan

Michala took the PADD that Andree handed her. She read and then reread the information displayed. She looked up at him perplexed. "How is that possible?"

"I haven't a clue at the moment, but I think we should go see our patient

"I have Odin under a level ten containment in an isolated bay. I suggest that we do indeed show this information to him. I think there is something he is not telling me?" Michala frowned.

"I wouldn't be suprised" was all the Trill had to sat.

Michala led the way to the med bay and signaled for the guard to let them through. Michala smiled at Eric, "How are you feeling now?" She said warmly.

"Cooped up, but otherwise fine thanks,"he smiled to them both.

"This is Dr. Dothan, a colleague and friend. Being you share so much in anatomy and background, I thought it would be prudent if he consulted on this. Is that okay?" She stepped back to let the two men acquaint.

"Yes that's fine. A pleasure to meet you Dr."

"So,"Dr. Dothan began, "have you any idea about what happened to you in the holodeck?"

"Nothing for certain really. You're the doctor, any ideas?"

"Well, It seems that your body is storing up electrical energy, for some reason. Are you able to control these discharges, like the one I saw in the Holodeck Black Box?"

"I am able to control them."

"Do you have to go to the holodeck to discharge this eneryy on a regular basis?" the trill continued, wanting to learn all he could.

"I can do it whenever I want. I just choose to do it in the holodeck so hopefully no one gets hurt."

"Hmm, So you've done this before?"

"Many times."

"Was there anything different about this most recent time, that you can recall, Obvoiusly, this is the first time you've shorted out a holodeck on the Galaxy," the Dr. continued, curious about the exact nature of this phenomenon.

"I made up my opponent personally to be the hardest possible and I thought I could beat it, but found I had made him a bit too strong. Until whatever happened to me, I'll call it a fit of rage and I overpowered him and direct the blastdown so if it did hit the door it would not blow it completely away. I've been training in more gravity than is normal, which may be why I've been able to accomplish this, I don't know."

"Well, I am going to run a few tests, and see what I can come up with. I want to find out where this energy buildup is coming from, and how you are able to control it." Tapping a few controls, the restraining field disappeared. "If you would come with me..." Zndree beckoned.

He followed him at abotu the same pace he was walking.

Eric climbed onto the surgical bio-bed, and Andree activated a deep tissue scan. As the readings appeared on the LCARS panel, Andree began the task of analyzing them.

Eric just sat there waiting for him to say something.

"Well, the results are inconclusive, I need to take some time to go over them, as well as check on the holodeck logs of your previous 'Discharges' to see if I can come up with anything"

"Okay, how much longer do I have to stay cooped up?"

"Well, I think that we can give you a little more freedom. Michala made the right decision at the time, but I think we can just have you restricted to quarters, untill we have all of this sorted out. I don't see any problem with you doing any paperwork, or such from there. I will still be monitoring you from here, but I think you should be released for light duty in about a week. I still need to determine why your Symbiot has grown, but other than that, we'll just have to punt."

"Thank you,"He said sincerely and then asked,"so when can I go?"

"I think now would be fine. just keep this monitor with you at all times. It's effective range is three meters"

he nodded and said,"Thank you." He then walked out very relieved and bound for his quarters.

"The forgotten few"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain's Log: Stardate 50012.17

Today has progressed better than it had began. What was thought to be a search for conclusive proof of the destruction of the USS Xerxes has turned out to be a rescue and evacuation mission of that troubled starship. Using the team of shuttles USS Buster Keaton and USS Opaka, ten loads of crew members have been evacuated to the safety of the USS Galaxy for a total thus far of one hundred, ninety three persons. It should only take one or two more trips before the entire surviving crew of that ship are safely on board the Galaxy and we can return to DS9.

***

Captain Price entered the sickbay ward to check on things personally. Doctor Murphy was handling the medical ward during Doctor Maas away mission on the Opaka. Upon entering, Lee could see Kira happily helping to treat the injuries of some of the Xerxes survivors.

"G'day Doctor. I see you have things well in hand down here 'mate."

Kira glanced over at the Captain and smiled. She had set up triage not really expecting that they would every really need it or that the Xerxes would ever be found lost in the sea of swirling plasma energy storms known as the Badlands. But having pulled off the miracle of finding the vessel, she was pleased that the injuries were fewer then she'd anticipated. The worse of the worse had been sent in on the very first shuttle along with Doctor O'Ditty from the Xerxes. Those that had followed were only minor injuries. Discounting the hundreds that were already killed from the initial hijacking of the starship.

"Yes sir. Doctor O'Ditty has been a great help in staying on top of the injured." Doctor Murphy pointed out.

The General looked over and could see Josh working on one of the patients from the Xerxes. He was badly burned and had half of his head wrapped in a bandage.

"Looks like we owe you a word of thanks 'mate."

Josh shook his head while he finished checking his patient's head dressing. "I'd say it is the crew of the Xerxes that owes you a debt of gratitude Captain. Had you not found us out there, it was only a matter of time before we would have all perished."

Lee shook the Doctor's hand and gave a slight nod. "We just ran into a spot of luck 'mate. I'm glad we were able to help. I'm told by Commander Thomas that most of the crew has been evacuated from your ship. With just one or two more trips, we should have everyone safely on board the Galaxy."

Josh looked as if he were glad to hear that news. His thoughts briefly flashed to Counselor Brittany Bree. He hoped that she was already on board the Galaxy. But knowing the feisty, pig-tailed Counselor, she'd be staying on the ship until Captain Curtis ordered her off anyway. Then the Doctor's thoughts went to the prisoners of war the Xerxes was sent to retrieve.

"Have the returning prisoners been evacuated yet Captain? Are they on board the Galaxy?" Doctor O'Ditty asked.

Captain Price leaned back a bit at the question. In all the excitement of locating the Xerxes and rushing her survivors onto the ship, it had completely slipped his mind about the POWs that they had earlier been setting up to give a hero's welcome home party for. "Crikey 'mate, I'm not sure about that..." the Captain explained.

****

*** USS Xerxes ***

"Okay, let's get the next shuttle load ready to load up on the Buster Keaton when she arrives." Ensign Smith stated.

Lieutenant Commander Cassandra Brown turned around and faced the security officer that had beamed on board the Xerxes with Lieutenant Savat's team from the Galaxy. "That is everyone except for the Captain, the senior staff and the returning POWs from Cardassia."

Kevin nodded. "Well let's get the POWs ready to load up. We can evacuate them next and the rest can take the next shuttle. That should be everyone." The Ensign suggested.

Cassandra shook her head from side to side. "I don't think the POWs are going to cooperate. They are refusing to leave as long as this vessel is under siege by the New Maquis."

Kevin scratched his head. He was a security officer, not a diplomat. Starfleet had taught him how to navigate an obstacle course and how to take a weapon away from an enemy,... not how to be a brilliant diplomat. "Are you telling me they are joining the Maquis Commander?"

"No. I'm just saying they are refusing to leave Ensign. They want to go to Engineering and speak to Captain Curtis and the Maquis that hijacked this ship. I think they feel they can help." Lieutenant Commander Brown explained.

"Oh brother." The Ensign declared. "Just what we need, a bunch of weak ex-prisoners talking to a bunch of terrorists."

"They are quite persistent in their desire not to leave Ensign..." Cassandra warned.

"Let me go talk to them. Maybe I can talk them out of that idea." Kevin stated heading towards the corridor.

Cassandra stepped aside and motioned with a hand. "Be my guess. But I doubt it will do any good..."

A few minutes later, Ensign Smith entered the quarters where the POWs were staying on the Xerxes. There were nearly a dozen officers, mostly men. They'd been given new uniforms to change into, but even in the fresh clothes it was easy to tell the hardship they'd endured at the hands of the Cardassians. Life in a Cardassian prison was not easy. Many died after a few months. Some of these survivors had gone through a year or more of torture and captivity during the Dominion war. It wasn't at all easy to look upon their faces even now.

"Commander Brown informs me that you are refusing to leave the Xerxes to be evacuated to the USS Galaxy?" Smith asked.

One of the POWs stepped forward. He was a shorter man. His arms and legs looked frail and his cheeks hollow from near starvation.

"That is correct young man. We will not leave until the Captain and those that attempted to take over this vessel have agreed to end their hostilities and leave this ship together."

Kevin took a deep breath. He knew he was in over his head on this one. Earlier he had thought that the hard part would just be finding the Xerxes and the lost crew. Now there was a whole new set of problems to deal with. The Ensign knew he was going to need help on this one.

"Swordfighting"
By Lt (jg) Rose Isis MacAllen

Rose just got off duty she was so happy when she was put back on full duty in the Science Dept. she to treat herself..she going to play Xena in the holodeck a warrior Princess from Ancient Greece.

::Rose's room::

She walked out wearing a tight leather outfit, she picks up her gold sword.

"Computer, run program MacAllen 332 I will be there in five mintunes.

"Program is running." the Computer repiled.

Rose walks to the holodeck for some fun.

::Inside Holodeck 3:: Rose or Xena, walks up to her daughter Eve and her best friend a young blond woman called, *Oh damn I forgot the name.* she said to herself.

"Ready mother it time to go the Queen of Egypt is waiting for you." Eve repiled.

Rose grins was she gets on the horse, "Let riding." she repiled as Xena starts riding while the two young girls starts walking by her. She just relax and enjoy the novel.

"Choices"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

*** USS Xerxes ***

The bulk of the surviving crew of the USS Xerxes had been evacuated thanks to the rescue efforts of the crew from the USS Galaxy. Ferrying shuttle loads of officers from the Xerxes to the Galaxy on board the Buster Keaton and Opaka, everyone had been brought to safety except for the senior staff and the returning POWs that refused to leave.

In main engineering, Rychord knew time as growing short. The warp core had already been ejected, but the New Maquis terrorists had quickly rigged the ship's impulse engines to be easily overloaded, which would likewise destroy the Xerxes on their command. It was the only threat they really had to keep the Starfleet officers at bay.

Captain Victoria Curtis peered over Lieutenant Agogo's shoulder from the corridor. The long legged Captain couldn't believe that they were being held at bay by just a hand full of well armed terrorists like this. While pacing back and forth, trying to figure out what to do next, Victoria noticed a security officer walking towards her. Behind him were the POWs that the Xerxes had been sent to Cardassia to liberate from their captivity.

"What is this Ensign?" Captain Curtis wanted to know.

Victoria's comment gained the attention of her senior staff, who all looked at the Ensign that none of them recognized from the Xerxes. There were several crew members from the Galaxy on the ship, so they naturally figured he was from there.

"Captain. These men refuse to leave the ship until everyone agrees to put aside their differences and evacuate together." Ensign Smith explained.

Victoria immediately shook her head negatively. "That is foolish. They should be evacuated on the next shuttle and brought to the safety of the Galaxy. It is my responsibility to see that they arrive safely at DS9."

Kevin was about to explain, but he didn't have to as one of the men, an older Bajoran, stepped forward to address the Captain.

"Captain, we have been through far worse situations then this, my colleagues and I. After seeing the death and horror we have during the Dominion War and spending an extended period in a Cardassian prison camp, there is little fear of death remaining in these old bones."

The man had captured Victoria's attention as she listened to his every word. He looked thin and hollow on the outside, but his eyes conveyed the strength and conviction of a strong spirit.

"I appreciate what you are trying to do mister?..."

"Braumar Haizen." The officer replied.

Captain Curtis continued, "Mister Braumar. However it would be best if you and your companions went with this officer and were safely evacuated to the Galaxy."

"We will not leave Captain. Not until we put an end to this foolish conflict." Braumar stated evenly glancing towards the main engineering entrance.

"We have things under control here. It would be best if you simply leave this to us." Victoria repeated.

Haizen glanced at the Captain as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was a soldier, as were all of the men and women accompanying him for the last year in a Cardy prison. They were trained to handle armed combat in a way Starfleet security was never taught. Collectively the handful of persons accompanying Braumar had probably seen more combat duty then the combined compliment of officers on the Xerxes. But he wasn't even suggesting to handle the Maquis by force.

"I don't believe that to be the case Captain, for if it were, this would have been over long ago." Haizen stated as he began to walk past Victoria towards the entrance to Engineering.

Captain Curtis went to reach for the Bajoran's shoulder to stop him, but she thought better of it since there was a grain of truth in his words. The Maquis had controlled the Xerxes for the last several days and they weren't any closer at getting her back at the moment.

Lieutenant Jordan Agogo stepped out to stop Braumar from entering. "I can't let you go in there Braumar."

With a sort of unworldly calm, Haizen looked at Jordan and asked, "Are you willing to kill me in order to stop me from entering Lieutenant?"

Jordan was surprised at the question. "No, but I will stop you just the same."

"And are you willing to stop my companions as well? For surely if I fall, they will take my place." Braumar indicated.

Jordan's eyes darted to the other POWs that were now stepping forward, waiting to charge forward should the need arise.

Captain Curtis finally waved her hand. "It's okay Lieutenant. You may as well let him try."

Jordan didn't like the idea, but moved aside at the Captain's authorization.

Braumar looked back and nodded. "Thank you Captain."

"They will probably kill you you know." She stated.

"I have faced death before." Braumar replied while walking into engineering.

****

"HALT!" Kelly yelled while aiming her phaser riffle at the gangly man that entered.

Spinning around, both Rychord and Rudy looked and could tell this person was not a regular crew member. He was unarmed and held his hands up with palms facing outward. The uniform he wore seemed large for him, as the sleeves slid down his extended arms, showing the bony twigs underneath.

"I am unarmed. I only wish to speak with you." Braumar stated.

Even Kelly, who was normally the hard one, couldn't help but notice how weak and frail this person appeared.

Rychord called out. "What is it you want old man?"

"I am Braumar Haizen. I served in the Dominion War along with several of my companions who are also on board this vessel. For the last year, we have been prisoners of war on Cardassia."

"He's one of the prisoners Starfleet traded with the spoon heads to set free." Rudy pointed out.

"I do not know what Starfleet did or didn't do to secure our release. I do know that I am grateful for my freedom however." Braumar explained.

Rychord nodded. "I imagine anyone would be after spending time in captivity by Cardassians."

"It's more then that. I helped fight for that freedom. Everyone that fought in the war did. So I understand what it is to fight for a cause that you must win at all costs." Braumar explained.

"Then you know that there is no way we are going to release control of this vessel to Starfleet now that we have it." Kelly stated boldly.

"I believe that this conflict, that this anger that you hold is misplaced and is causing you to loose sight of your objectives here." Braumar explained matter-of-factly.

The comment angered Kelly, who noticeably tightened her grip on her weapon as she growled, "WHAT?!"

Looking over at Rychord, Braumar asked, "Tell me, what exactly was your objective when you came on board this vessel?"

Reluctantly, Rychord elaborated, "We were trying to capture the ship, for use by the New Maquis."

Braumar nodded. "And presently, what is the tactical truth of the value of this vessel to the Maquis? Given all that has happened and our current location deep inside the Badlands?"

Rychord tightened his lip. This man was speaking out loud what he was thinking for the past 24 hours. "Next to worthless."

Rudy looked at Rychord. "What are you saying?"

"He's right. The warp core is gone. The hull has major structural damage. There is no way to safely get it out of the Badlands without destroying her. There's no way off." Rychord pointed out.

"But there is a way off. By releasing control and evacuating with the rest of the crew. A rescue is presently underway. In a few hours we can all be safely on board another vessel and heading out of the Badlands." Braumar informed.

"Yeah. Heading for a Federation Penal Facility is more like it." Kelly pointed out. "I don't think Starfleet takes kindly to having a starship hijacked by a group of New Maquis."

Braumar nodded. "This is true. However life in a Federation Penal Facility is far better then life in a Cardassian Prison. I can tell you this from personal experience."

Rudy looked at the others and added, "He has a point there."

Overhearing the Bajoran POW's conversation from the corridor, Captain Victoria Curtis called out, "You should listen to him."

The New Maquis members looked over at the entrance to engineering and saw the female Captain for the first time as she slowly walked in with her hands outstretched in a similar fashion as Braumar had done to show he was unarmed.

"I have been informed that there is a Cardassian ship out there standing by with the USS Galaxy. Since one of their vessels was also destroyed, they have as much of a claim on those that caused the accident as the Federation does." Captain Curtis explained.

Glancing around the engineering deck, Victoria could see that the Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Commander George Nugent and Commander Eddie Brookland were both okay and sitting close to one of the bulkheads.

"If you can agree to release the Xerxes and surrender, I promise to do what I can to see you remain in the Federation's jurisdiction for your crimes."

"No, I don't trust her. She's plotting something." Kelly fumed.

"It's true. Several officers from this other starship have been evacuating the crew for the last 24 hours. There are only a few more members left, including all of the prisoners that were released from Cardassia." Braumar elaborated.

"The POWs are still here? Why didn't they leave?" Rychord asked.

"Because after what we have all been through, you just don't leave your comrades behind. We are all brothers and sisters. We have fought for freedom and many of us have died for it. But we will not enjoy it knowing that we abandoned others in the field. Unless you agree to end this and we all leave together, then we will all die here on the Xerxes. Together."

Captain Curtis added her voice to the Bajoran POWs thought. "All this has all been about was bringing these men and women home to their families. They have done so much for not only the Federation, but for fighting for the freedom of the entire Alpha quadrant in the Dominion War. All I want to do is to see these people home. I believe they have earned that. But I need your help in order to do it. They will not leave while the Xerxes remains under your control and there is conflict between the Federation and the Maquis. Please, I ask you... help me to take these men home."

Rychord looked at the other surviving members of his cell. Rudy and Kelly both looked worn and tired from the last several days of siege. The Bajoran was correct, they were basically fighting for control of a hulk of a ship that was doomed to be of no value to anyone ever again. Glancing over at the control panel to the impulse engines, he saw the button Rudy had rigged to overload the engines and destroy the ship. His choices were now very clear. They could remain and hold control of the Xerxes, and eventually all die when her power reserves become depleted. They could surrender to Starfleet and face the Federation for the crimes they had committed, hoping that Captain Curtis could make good on her word to keep them from seeing a Cardassian Prison. Or they could blow up the ship, killing themselves, the POWs, and any remaining crew from the Xerxes and Galaxy. Looking at Braumar's hollow face from months of starvation at the hands of the Cardassian's, Rychord knew he couldn't deprive him and his compatriots of their well earned return trip home to the Federation. Tapping the controls on the console, the cell leader disarmed the impulse engine overload.

He then walked over to Captain Curtis. "I release control of this vessel to you Captain. I do not want to see these men die out here in space. They have earned the right to live and return to their homes and be with their families."

Captain Curtis took the phaser and nodded. Then glancing at the other two Maquis, she could see that Rudy and Kelly were both lowering their weapons, consigned to do as their Cell leader had indicated and surrender.

"I am sure my compatriots will be pleased with your wisdom." Braumar nodded.

"If your companions will come with me, the crew from the Galaxy has a staging area set up in one of the cargo bays for transport to the rescue shuttles." Captain Curtis motioned to Rychord and the other Maquis members.

Reluctantly, Rychord, Rudy and Kelly all fell in step and headed out of the engineering entrance where they were escorted by the senior staff and security forces waiting in the corridor. Finally, after many long, tedious days, the conflict was finally over, and they would all be heading home.

=/\= "Surok's Log number 3" =/\=
by Lt Cmdr Surok
Operations Officer, USS Normandy

The Vulcan lieutenant commander stood near a viewport in the Normandy's lounge. He peered ahead of the starship, waiting for Terek Nor to become visible. Earlier he had queried the ship's computer to determine the helm's planned point of return to normal space, the pilot's planned impulse speed, and approach vector to DS9. Surok was also very familiar with the Normandy's engines. He tested his complete understanding of his crewmates' performance by attempting to determine their exact arrival time.

He believed that the Federation space station would become visible in exactly fourteen seconds (give or take three seconds). Five, four, three, two -- there it was! His estimate was two seconds off, but within the margin of error.

*It will be fascinating,* he thought, *to face the challenge of learning the performance characteristics of the USS Galaxy.*

Surok tilted back his dietary beverage and drained the last of the liquid. It was mild even for a Vulcan recipe, which suited Surok well. He was a typical Vulcan, for his social class. Natives of Vulcinis, on Vulcan's less populous Han-shir continent, were generally less affluent than their counterparts from Na'nam. Their practices differed slightly as well, though their devotion to logic was equally as strong.

He took four long strides toward the bar, where he left his heavy mug. Surok turned toward the exit. The bartender, an off-duty non-commissioned officer, stepped out from behind the bar and blocked the lieutenant commander's path.

"Good luck on the Galaxy, 'commander!" snapped Petty Milligan.

Surok stopped. "I will prefer my performance on the USS Galaxy not be judged on the basis of what quality of 'luck' besets me. However, since your salutation was obviously meant as a pleasantry, allow me to reply in kind." He paused for nearly a second before declaring, "Your performance as Beta shift bartender has exceeded expectations this year. It is not likely to earn you a promotion, however; so I should advise you to apply equal effort to your duties as quartermaster's assistant."

Spike's eyes widened. Had he just been complimented, or criticized? He didn't know. "Thank you, 'commander."

Surok detoured around the NCO. "Good evening, Petty Officer," he added as he exited the bar.

*** Transporter Room One ***

The doors to Transporter Room One slid open with a pneumatic hiss. The Vulcan operations officer stepped into the room carrying two large black octagonal cases. He headed for the transporter platform and set his belongings on one of the white circles under the bright white light.

Chief Mazumdar ran his pre-transport diagnostic for the second time. Surok stood quietly.

A moment later the doors opened again to admit Commander BoughPox into the room. The Normandy's Executive Officer smiled when he saw that he was not too late to see Surok leave. The Bolian approached with a happy bounce to his step. BoughPox was a Vulcanophile; a person who found Vulcan ways exceedingly fascinating. "I am pleased that you have not left, 'commander," he said as he stopped three feet away.

"Chief Mazumdar has not yet completed his diagnostics. Are you here for the customary practice of watching a person dematerialize?" Surok asked the blue-skinned humanoid.

The first officer smiled broadly again. "It's a farewell, mister Surok. Regardless; what will you do for entertainment while you await the Galaxy's arrival? You must have noticed that she isn't docked at the spaceport at this time."

Surok looked toward his black suitcases. "I plan to meditate. For privacy, I will rent a holosuite. The Galaxy shall arrive eventually."

The transporter operator looked up from his controls. "Deep Space Nine is ready for our transport, 'commander."

The Vulcan stepped up on the platform and centered himself upon a white circle. After turning to face commander BoughPox, he spread the fingers of his right hand apart in a 'V' shape. "Live long and prosper," he intoned.

"Peace and long life," replied the Bolian. BoughPox suddenly felt cramps of emotional pain in his stomach. Good-byes were never easy for the volatile man.

Surok could not understand the Executive Officer's emotions. They came in waves, tears, joy, sorrow, exultation. If the Bolian came too close, or brushed against Surok, he could feel the emotions like sandpaper against his sensibilities. Suddenly wanting very much to be elsewhere, Surok commanded "Energize."

The USS Normandy faded instantly...

"Exodus"
By: Lt/Cmd Ryak Sullax and Lt(jg) J.C. Skinner
USS Xerxes

Ryak and J.C. slowly made their way along the corridor. There was scaring from weapons fire as well as from structural damage. Ryak had fastened a Tricorder to his Rifle to assist in collecting as much data as possible. This was the first time he had been in the Plasma Fields and he was going to take as much data as he could.

"Sir," J.C. stated as he came to the turbolift, "The lifts seem to be out."

"Well Lieutenant," Ryak stated back, I gather we will have to take the uncomfortable way down.

"Aye sir." J.C. replied as he began to look for a hatch.

The two of them entered the Jefferies Tube and began to climb down to the engineering deck. It took some time but the two of them arrived. Ryak did a scann of the area first to determine wether it was safe or not. As J.C. opened the hatch a rush of smoke entered the tube.

Ryak stepped out onto the foggy deck. The lights were flickering on and off in red glowing bursts. The smell of death filled the air. As they slowly made thier way towards the engineering the came accross the bodies of both Federation officers and a few Maquis. All of which were dead.

In the distance Ryak could hear yelling. His sence of sound was much keener then his companions. "Mr.Skinner, keep ready. We are very close. Anything could happen and you are not to fire unless I deam it so."

"Aye, sir." J.C. replied.

The screaming became louder as they approached their destination. Ryak and J.C. came to the enterance to engineering. A few stray shots flew out and into the wall. Ryak squated down on the floor and began to scan the area. Ryak began to come up with the safest way to get to the Captain. Ryak got down onto his belly and began to slither to the Captain. J.C. made his way behind. As they worked there way to the Captain shot kept flying around.

"Listen up!" a voice yelled out. "This ship is going to blow up! Quit firing! The Maquis have set the Impulse Engines to overload and the ship will blow if we don't fix it."

"We are not going to surrender Starfleet! I would rather die then surrender!"

Ryak stoped at the Captain. "Ma'am, I recommend that you get the Starfleet personel off this deck and back to sick bay."

"Have we met?" The Captain stated in a sarcastic tone, "Damn Commander, I've heard a whole lot about you but to meet a Romulan this close still make my stomach nervous. Listen you should know this better then anyone. Honour is always the best option to surrender. I will not give up my ship."

"Sir, the ship isn't going to be here in 35 minutes." J.C. stated as a few more shots flew by his head.

"With all Due respect Captain, you and your crew are not Romulan. As a Starfleet Captain Your first duty is to the Crew then to the ship." Ryak could see the Captain was getting frustrated. "If you wish to stay to the end you may but you cannot keep your crew. I will stay until the last possible moment and see if we can get the Maquis off as well."

"I am not giving up this ship. That is final." she replied as she began to come up with a plan. "Listen up people. The core is about to go critical and we cannot afford to hit it with a shot. They on the other hand can shoot as much as they'd like. Even though they are busy trying to fix the core. Commander Brookland is over there." The Captain pointed over to the Commander who was unconscious on the floor next to the ejected warp core. "As for the Chief Engineer, well he seems to be tied to the console over there. So we will have to assume that he can't help us at this time. I need ideas on how to take the three Maquis down."

Ryak listened to all of the ideas before he put in his two cents worth. "I would have to disagree with all of the ideas. The ship is going to explode. The Maquis have accepted death. You have an unstable event on your hands. That leaves all but one variable as a constant. In a scientific stand point I would have to spend all of my time making another constant before finding a solution. As the overloading engines are not a variable at this time that we can make a constant, then I would have to say working on the Maquis would be the best plan of action."

Ryak could see they everyone was giving him the blank unimpressed look. All accept J.C. who at this point was working on a tactical strategy.

"This is not a science project 'Commander. I find your idea to be too time consuming. I want my ship back and I am not leaving it until it is in my control." Victoria replied as she turned back to her team and began the coordinating of the manoeuvre.

Ryak turned back to J.C. and said, "What have you come up with?"

"Well sir. There is no way of taking control of the Maquis without a undue amount of casualties and from the scarring on the walls, the Maquis are not set on stun." J.C. replied.

"Thank you Lieutenant." Ryak turned back to the Captain who at this point had everyone set onto what they where going to be doing. "Captain Curtis, you are placing your crew into an unnecessary situation. I must protest your decision."

"Noted." she replied, "Let's get ready people. I want to do this right away."

Ryak thought he'd try one more time. "Ma'am, I must protest."

"That is enough! You are here to get my crew off the ship! That is it! Now let me do my job!"

Ryak moved back over to J.C. and said, "I want you to cover me."

"Sir?"

At this time Ryak had already stood up and was slowly walking towards the Warp core and the Maquis.

"Well look at that. A Rommie in Starfleet and Rychord you asked me why I left." Rudy blurted out.

"I am Lt/Cmd Ryak Sullax of the USS Galaxy. I have no weapons and I wish to speak with you."

"Mr. Sullax! You had better stand down!" the Captain yelled from behind him.

"What, Starfleet send a Romulan shrink to talk to us. HA! What next?" Kelly stated.

"I am Chief Science Officer not a councillor. I am here to get EVERYONE about safely transported to the USS Galaxy before the Xerxes is destroyed."

"We aren't going nowhere!" Rudy yelled back.

"Commander Sullax! If you do not stand down right now I will have you commission!"

Ryak was doing well at ignoring the Captain. He was not going to let this opportunity blow up into a fire fight. Ryak could see that as he moved closer the Maquis where becoming very nervous so Ryak stopped moving.

"You cannot expect your words and actions to go noticed here in the Badlands." Ryak began, "Starfleet will cover this in a Classified seal and no one will know why you are here. I myself have no idea on what this is about. All I know is that this ship is going to blow and all of you will die. That will be my report. If you give yourselves up your story will be heard."

"Bull Shit Rommie! I know how Starfleet works! You should know death is always better than Capture!" Rudy yelled.

"I have had enough!" Kelly said as she raised her weapon to fire at Ryak. Ryak watched as a phaser blast at maximum stun hit her directly in the chest. As Ryak turned to let J.C. know to stand down Rudy fired hitting J.C. in the face. Ryak watched as the Lieutenants body fell lifeless to the floor.

"Stop!" Ryak yelled. "She will be fine, his weapon was set on stun!"

"LT/CMD SULLAX! YOU ARE RELIEVED OF DUTY!" Ryak heard bellowed from behind him.

Ryak looked towards Rychord who had moved over to Kelly. "You are correct Sullax." Rychord was now out in the open but Rudy still had his weapon pointed at the Chief Engineers head. "You do not have much time so speak."

"You cannot stay here and have your message known. You know that this attack on these ships had gone bad. Your only option is to surrender." Ryak said. Out of the corner of his eye Ryak could see Lt. Agogo slowly make her way to a position behind Rudy. Ryak took a couple of low steps forward. He now was only four feet away from Rychord. Ryak gave a slight nod.

Lt. Agogo moved quickly and had Rudy subdued. This caused Rychord to look back in confusion. Ryak took this opportunity to move in and give Rychord the Vulcan neck pinch. "Now Captain, as per your word. The ship is yours it is now time to leave."

The Captain said nothing to Ryak she stood tapped a few things into a terminal and looked back at the crew.

"All hands abandon ship! This is not a drill. All hands abandon ship." the computer stated.

"Let's move people. Grab the wounded and the prisoners and head to sick bay for evacuation." she said nothing to Ryak she walked over to where the Commander was helped him.

Ryak picked up his weapon and walked over to J.C. After doing a quick scan to find out that he was dead, Ryak picked up his body and carried it with him.

Back onboard the Buster Keaton Ryak sat down at the science station and did a final scan of the Xerxes to ensure that all was off. Since all was clear the Buster Keaton made its way back to the Galaxy. Still no word was spoken between the Xerxes crew and Ryak.

By: Lieutenant Jake T Olson & Rose McAllen

Jake was looking at the quick scrolling data with an uncharacteristically grim expression.

Rose walks into the Science Lab and sees Jake working with a grim expression. "What are you doing here sir?"

Jake looked up. "Hello, just checking in on some genetic records, Bud is showing some behavior problems and T-Prea and I are, sorry about the pun, nipping it in the bud. I am seeing some genetic clues I don't care for, very ugly business."

"It ok Lt. I think Bud is cute baby." she said with a grin. "So did he like the picture I gave to you and the teddy bear I gave to him."

"He loves both, although he finds the concept of 'photo' very perplexing. I'm not concerned that Bud will turn out bad, but have a look at this," Jake stood back, wearing bemused expression.

Rose saw that for over two hundred years and four generations, Jake Olson's family was nothing but a long line of losers, degenerates, and vicious criminals.

"I was asked how I turned out the way I did. I was perplexed at the question, but now I understand what that cop meant. Poor man about capped a tribble when he found out I was a Star Fleet Lieutenant." And in fact, if any family line could expect not to produce a Fleet Officer, it was this one.

"Don't feel bad, my family wasn't always good." she said touching his shoulder lightly.

"I'm not, it's just one of those strange things. A paradox, and as you know, a scientist can't resist a good paradox." Jake offered with a mischievous grin. "T-Prea has a very good back ground, with level headed souls. I always knew I was a bit different, a follower of a different drummer. Besides, there is always the possibility of a turn in the tides." Olson had that far away look, an expression he wore when he was in that other dimension that wasn't the current reality of Star Ship Galaxy.

"About 300 years ago most of my family on the human side was a mess. In Scotland, they rule with murder, rape, and gods knows what else on there minds." Rose said as she go and gets some coffee

"Want some Jake?" she asked him with a smile.

"I'll take some tea with thanks, have to be careful still of the gut. Earth was a violent place all right! My farthest ancestor I could trace was a gentleman named 'Red Badger'."

Rose was surprised, for she was also related to the first class S.O.B.!

"Wow looks like we got something in common, we maybe cousins some many times removed." she said as she give him his tea.

Jake smiled in return. "Wow, and it turns out that Bud is distantly related to Spock of Vulcan. Same as you and I."

"Well "cousin" looks like Bud will still have a crush on me even though I'm a distance cousin. I remember about when Betazed enter Starfleet...one of my human family member married a Betazoid royal, then it kept on going that why I got all Betazoid blood in me." Rose told him with a smile.

"Yes, we sure do get around, from Scotland, to the Indian plains, to Betazed, to Vulcan," A console bleeped, demanding Jake's attention. "Slug needs attention."

"About to make a start."
By Ensign Peter Lockhart
With an unauthorized appearance by Lieutenant Tim Richeson

Peter put down the last PADD and looked over at the clock. Gamma shift had just finished (though the work Peter had to do had not) and he was going to the holodeck to try and get in some more time on tactical simulations in preparation for his exam in the next few days.

"See ya all later!" Peter said, as he headed out of Ten Forward.

"Peter 'Early Dart' Lockhart." Chris Aaron said.

"It's 03:30 hours!" Peter protested.

"Not by my reckoning." Chris Aaron said.

"Mine neither." Astrid Salt pipped in.

"I'm off!" Peter said, determined to go before Lieutenant O'Grady heard the commotion and popped her head out of the Security office door.

***** Shortly *****

Peter stood outside Holodeck Four. He'd booked another two hours solid tactical training time on the holodeck, which was more than usual, but as it had been for proper training (rather than on a football pitch), Peter had been able to wangle it somehow. However, his party was about to be dampened by the appearance of Ensign Kyle Osman.

"Hi Peter. Can't use the holodeck I'm afraid. It's off limits until Engineering have completed their investigations." he stated matter-of-factly.

"Investigations?" Peter said.

"Haven't you been keeping up to date?" Kyle asked. "I suppose not. I've seen the amount of PADD's you've still to get through. There's been a holodeck accident. They're all off line for the moment until it's sorted out."

"But I've got two hours booked!" Peter protested.

"Well, they're now unbooked. Surely you can go to Ten Forward?" Kyle asked.

"NO! I'm here for some tactical training. What am I going to do in Ten Forward? Stand at the front, point a finger and try and shoot passing stars?" Peter burst out.

"Look, I'm sorry about that. I didn't realize you where here on proper business, but a rule is a rule. If you want, you'd better head to engineering and convince 'Commander Suder to release one holodeck for your use." Kyle explained again.

"I will!" Peter said, and stormed off towards the turbolift. He hadn't gone very far before he was paged.

"Lieutenant Richeson to Ensign Lockhart."

"Ensign Lockhart here." Peter replied nervously.

"Ensign. I've arranged your tactical exam for four days time in Holodeck One at 15:30 hours, just after Beta shift. Lieutenant Groom will be covering for me during that time. I presume that's okay with you, being on Gamma shift?" Tim asked.

"Fine sir." Peter replied instantly. "However, the holodecks are all off line at the moment. I can't take the exam until they're back online."

"Looks like you'll just have to use the real thing then Ensign." Tim joked. "Report to the tactical station in four days time."

"Sir??" Peter baulked.

"I'm joking Ensign. You'll need to speak to 'Commander Suder. He's the chief in Engineering. Go down and tell him and I'm sure he'll release a holodeck for that time. If not, speak to me and we'll arrange something." Tim answered.

"Yes sir." Peter replied.

"Excellent. Hopefully I'll see you in four days." Tim said and closed the channel.

Peter continued down the corridor, dazed and confused as to what was happening at the moment.

OOC: Takes place much earlier...

"Whenever You Need Me"

Lt. Navarre Shinta
Assistant Chief Counselor

Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
Chief Counselor/Nurse
USS Galaxy

Shinta hoped her boss was going well now. She was so happy herself, with Bruce and the upcoming marriage. Shinta felt at peace inside. She felt like herself, someone that was new and welcome.

Karyn entered Shinta's office trying, although unsuccessfully, to hide her puffy and red eyes from sight. Deiran had left so unexpectedly that she'd had no time to absorb it. She'd wished him well and hugged him tightly, but neither could bring themselves to say much for it was too hard. She'd held it together long enough to get past Jensen and Alexa, but had promptly lost it upon entering her office.

Michael was on duty, though for a split second she was tempted to visit him anyway, then she realized how much work she had to complete, and she tried to pull herself together. Naturally, that's when the computer reminded her about her meeting with Shinta.

Putting on her most pleasant smile and composing herself, she said, "Knock, knock..."

"Come" Shinta said. The moment Karyn came in, Shinta saw there was something wrong. She came to her feet, and prepared to cups of steaming hot tea, she handed one to Karyn. "Care to talk about it?"

Karyn smiled, accepted the tea, and could feel her eyes filling again. "I guess that's what I'm here for, right?" She found herself looking out Shinta's viewport. "He left me...Deiran left me and I...I'm angry."

She turned back to face her. "As silly as that sounds, and as happy as I know I need to be for him, I can't but feel that he abandoned me, just like he abandoned Michala...and Miran. I was furious at him then too, you know. Of course, I couldn't tell him that with counselor's neutrality and all that, but somehow I think he knew. That's why I asked you to take over, I didn't want to risk stranggling the self-serving son of a bitch." She laughed to avoid expressing her anger completely.

She continued, not wanting to stop now that she'd started. "It was so easy for him to deny her, he didn't have to see her face after he decided to leave her. Miran asked me, she asked me why he was abandoning her. She was so lucid then too. And I didn't have an easy answer, I still don't. He sent her away. He alone decided he couldn't handle it, and she was gone...no longer his problem because she was no longer who he thought she was."

Shinta did not interrupt, she kept her silence. She was beginning to learn that a therapeutic pause could sometimes do much more than words.

Tears were streaming down her face now. "There are things about my past I've never told anyone...things I never even told Deiran. It truthfully never seemed the right time, but when she came back into his life, I was going to tell him. Because...because he needed to know there was hope for her. Love could overcome anything, that I'd been there, and I knew. Lots of people had to hurt me to get me to say, enough is enough, but I did it because I had to for me. He got a glimpse of her as she was before she was wrapped in the pretty package he first met, and he couldn't handle such weakness when he saw her as she had once been. He got rid of her, and that was that. I remember thinking if this is how he treated his wife, how was he going to treat me? If I were to suddenly lose it after all this time, would he wash his hands of me too...claim me as a distraction? I didn't want to risk his pity or his doubt, so I kept my mouth shut. But I didn't want to, I didn't want to keep quiet because I loved him like my own brother. I think he knew I was angry, he even offered me the Chief Counselor's position on his ship. I had such hope for him...hope that he could follow his heart instead of his head, but he left before I had the chance to help him. Michala was an afterthought, I could see it in his face. And suddenly I didn't know him anymore. I had served with him for two years, and suddenly there was nothing left to say."

"I know what you mean, Karyn. In short time that I counciled him, I could see some of the goodness in him. But I think through his upbringing, he just doesn't know how to bring that out. But he will have to learn that eventually, I hope he will be all right on his own. But I have to ask you one thing, Karyn. Think about this carefully before you answer. Did you ever feel more for him than a brother? The way she had been talking about him, was the way people talk about a lover, not a good friend.

For the first time since the whole thing began, Karyn looked at Shinta and laughed through her tears. "No, no... I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea but I loved Deiran only as a brother and nothing more. Believe me, anything more would've been too strange, not to mention unprofessional. Half the time I didn't know whether to kill him or feel sorry for him. I'll admit we grew pretty close and we shared a deep friendship because of the things he went through. I was there when he cheated on Miran, when he tried to commit suicide because of it, I was there for the birth of his twins and for the death of his son. And I was there when Miran was presumed dead in the transporter accident and her sudden reappearance into his life. Two people can't be party to the same emotions, the same private thoughts and not become close to one another. Hell, the intimacy and trust that we develop between our clients is what enables us to help them in the first place. We have to earn it with everybody... but that was especially true with Deiran. He didn't trust everyone but once you had his trust and respect, you had it forever. He gave me respect and friendship at a time when I wasn't sure I had either, and I'm grateful for it. His trust of me got him through some of the toughest moments in his life and I'm damn proud of that... but there was a struggle in him every time I gained an inch and I just didn't want to see him give up."

There was a long pause for a moment and then Karyn added, "My only comfort is that I can help Michala. Mike asked for assistance. I can help her now and maybe it will make up for my so failing Miran."

Shinta felt a pang of jealousy, that Mike had asked Karyn for help, and not her. But that disappeared as soon as it came. Michala was her friend, and she needed her as a friend, not yet another counselor poking in her life. "We will all help her. You and Mike as counselors, and me by being a good friend, we do spend a lot of time together these days. Gavin gets along very well with her children, and she is my best friend now. We will help her through this." She smiled reassuringly, Karyn needed her support and not the other way around.

Karyn smiled, "I'd like to think that we counselors aren't just good sounding boards, but that we are friends to the people we help... but I guess I know what you mean. I'm happy that you and she have become such good friends and that Gavin gets along with her. It certainly helps to have a doctor you trust, especially with all that Gavin has been through."

"So tell me how you and Michael doing?" She asked gently.

Karyn exhaled forcefully at the mention of Michael. She hadn't realized she'd been holding her breath until the subject had finally been brought up. "I'm not sure there is a 'me and Michael.' It's not because I don't want there to be, but so much has happened, I'm just trying to be cautious that's all. After the accident, I realized he had no memory of our time together... not really. At least he had no recollection that we had shared our feelings for each other. I don't want to lie to him but I can't exactly see where me telling him the truth is going to help in his recovery. The man's overwhelmed enough as it is and I don't want him to feel pressured about returning feelings that I'm not sure he has anymore. I'm not his shrink, I'm not his lover... I don't know who the hell I am, not to him anyway. After he woke up, I was his lifeline, the person he relied on to fill him in on all that he had missed. Gods know, it's hard enough to understand love with your whole life intact, but I wasn't ready to turn his world upside down for my own pleasure."

"I am sure all he needs is a little time." Shinta came over to Karyn, and rubbed her shoulders. It was hard for her to see her friend in such agony. "I have been asked to help council Michael. I will certainly gently try to find out how the thinks about you. Of course I cannot tell you, patient confidentiality but I can help. In the meantime, you hang in there, you hear. This baby is getting frisky, and I am going to need you soon." She was now about six months pregnant and she was tiring more easily.

"I know you've been asked because I asked you," she smiled, "I had Mike relay it for me. It just wouldn't look right if I were to go anywhere near counseling my significant other right now. Don't worry about playing 'spy' for me, the most important thing is that he get better." She was starting to return to her old self, the one that was prepared to be Karyn, the Chief Counselor. She was still mad, probably because she'd lost her nerve to be honest with Dee today, but maybe she'd tell him some day. For now, she just wanted to be mad.

She squeezed Shinta's hand, suddenly thinking of the baby. "You take care of yourself too. Don't worry, I'm ready to play an adult now," she smiled, "I'll be ready whenever you need me."

"Recreation"

Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
Chief Counselor/Nurse

Ensign Khan Nilani
Engineer
USS Galaxy

Nilani walked down the corridors, the shuttles had left and she was once again left with very little to do. The counselors orders saw to it 'I hate being bored' she thought to herself as she wandered to her quarters.

She entered them, moving to a draw and pulling out a curved blade which she had the replicator make. It was a copy of her own that she had left on the floor of the ISS Galaxy.

She sat there, playing with the edge then picking it up and running the blade over her palm, drawing a thin line of blood, which grew quickly. She lifted the her hand allowing the blood to run down her arm.

The doorbell rang - Nilani stood moving and grabbing a bowl to catch the blood.

"Who is it?" she called out. and then realized something, "Oh come in!" She saw the door open, but kept her focus on her bleeding hand - taking a quick look up she noticed it was Karyn.

"Hi, I thought I'd che-," Then she saw the blood. She was careful not to overeact, as she saw Nilani still had the blade and had not acknowledged her in anyway since she entered. "Are you alright?" She moved quickly to the bathroom to grab a towel, which she wrapped around Nilani's hand.

She saw her approaching and took the towel "Thank you.." She picked up the bowl and moved to a small table where she picked a small jar up and poured its clear contents into it.

"And how are you today?" Nilani asked moving to a small kit and opening it up. She pulled out a dermal regenerator and started to fix the cut.

"Oh, just fine I suppose," said Karyn calmly, not wanting to show alarm. "Mind telling me why you're storing your own blood? I assure you we have plenty in sickbay." Karyn was going to stay calm until she had all the facts. This didn't look like suicide...but in truth, she didn't know what the hell it WAS.

Nilani just looked up "Well it's better than letting it drip everywhere now." she smiled at Karyn. "In all honesty I was as bored as hell and well it's a habit I got into, they say it's good every now and again for your system."

Karyn didn't say anything at first, feeling it was better not for her to say the first thing that came to mind. "I'm sure we can find more suitable recreational activities for you...how...how do you know when enough is 'good for the system'?"

Nilani looked at Karyn "Blood letting allows the body to produce more blood cells and rejuvinates the system. The clear liquid I just poured into the bowl will turn it into a good food for my plant in the corner."

It seemed to Karyn that this wasn't the act of someone trying to take her own life. She wasn't distressed, didn't seem to be disoriented. By all accounts, this looked exactly like she said: she was bored and looking for something to do.

"Excuse me a second." Nilani moved to her drawer and pulled out some tight leather pants and a top. She took off her top and got changed - Kayrn noticed the enormous amount of scars on her back and legs. No doubt this was evidence of the trauma she had sustained at the hands of her captors. Karyn didn't want her to feel any more embarrassed than she already had and at that moment, she wanted to focus on her cutting. *Gods, it's amazing she survived at all.* She wondered if she had picked up any more dangerous habits.

This was not the demeanor she expected from someone about to take her own life. There was no immediate distress or disorientation and this blood letting seemed to serve a useful purpose at least in Nilani's mind.

She looked up at Karyn "You should know that on 4 occasions I tried taking my own life but those bloody guards!"

"Really," said Karyn, she was feigning surprise. There was no distress on Nilani's part, just more information to increase Karyn's curiosity and concern. "I tried once too. I used a hypospray full of drugs. It didn't take. I got a "do over" so to speak. I realized I was just feeling sorry for myself and I needed to work harder to help myself help others. Was this a fifth suicide attempt?"

"Hardly, if I was going to do it, it would be much quicker, and easier." she made a unconsious glance to her drawers next to her bed and looked back to Karyn. Karyn noticed the glance and wondered if she had interrupted something more serious, but she was working to build trust between them and an inch by inch search of her quarters wasn't going to facilitate that. Locking her away from the world would only be seen as a punishment at a time when she needed to know she did nothing wrong.

Nilani had to have boundaries and she had to known there were other ways to handle her impulses. It was something they would work on in counseling.

"I wouldn't use this as a recreational activity again if I were you, counselors don't take this lightly. I trust I don't have to remove other weapons or medicines from your quarters?"

Nilani shook her head.

"Good. I'll see about talking to Lt. Commander Suder about giving you some light duties to keep you occupied. Until then, I'll need you to come by sickbay and let me heal that hand. Can't have it become infected now, can we?"

With that, she and Nilani headed to sickbay, where Karyn took care of her injury. One of the perks of being a registered nurse now was that no one asked questions when she came to use the equipment. The incident was officially logged as an accident.

Karyn wasn't about to let this thing drop, but in some ways she could understand the behavior at least on some level. Nilani was used to being in an environment where deceit and cunning were common place. Fighting had been a way of life for her, and she suddenly found herself in a situation where she no longer had control. For once in her life, she had control of her body, but not having the best example, chose to self-mutilate. It was unsettling to have someone so matter-of -fact, almost no appropriate emotional response. But Karyn knew that somewhere the real Nilani was searching for a way out. *I hear you, Nilani, I hear you*

Nilani sat there, looking normal 'Bloody hell, I want to kill myself. You're a coward Nilani you're a total coward!' a voice inside her mind spoke.

USS Galaxy "As I lay me down to sleep
Written By Ensign Kahn Nilani

and Lt Commander Karyn Dallas
Chief Counsellor

Karyn laid in bed just staring at the ceiling for what seemed like hours. She hadn't realized what this last mission had been for her until it had all been resolved. As usual, their recent predicament was a backdrop to all the other problems she encountered with the crew, and their time in the Badlands was equivalent to the strange effects of the full moon! She was concerned about Rose, Michala, Michael and Nilani among others and it was difficult to turn her mind off.

Along with the usual appointments, she wanted to make a special effort to meet the new CMO. With the recent mission, she hadn't had much of a chance to meet him and she guessed in some ways, she didn't want to believe that Dr. Gakor was really gone. These last few months had been a time of difficult adjustments, and Karyn was finding them hard to accept just so she could move on and help the new people transition to their new jobs. She would have to check-in with Chris Thomas also. She had been relatively new when Chris was first on the Galaxy and she hadn't had much of a chance to get to know him. The transition to First Officer had to be strange and she wanted to make sure he was settling in. Her thoughts turned to Deiran and she smiled, wondering if his new Chief Counselor was having as much of a time with him as she once did. She missed him more than she cared to admit. He was a frustrating constant in her life, but at least he was constant.

Her musings were interrupted when the computer issued a warning.

=/\= Ensign Kahn's heart rate is at 140 beats per min, this above normal and safe limits, intervention is advisable =/\=

Immediatey Karyn called for Julia, her personal assistant, to help her out of bed. Whatever was wrong, Karyn knew she needed to get there fast. After the knife incident, there was no telling what she'd find.

Julia lifted her into her gravchair without a word and began helping her with her robe. "Screw the robe, I have to get there. Get medical to Khan's quarters now!" It was the last thing she said as she flew out of her quarters.

She didn't even notice the strange looks she was getting because of the somewhat see-through nightgown. She was barefoot and her hair was a mess, but none of that mattered as she sped down the corridor.

When she entered Nilani's quarters, she found a woman still recovering from the throes of a nightmare. This was a relief to Karyn as she had expected something much worse. She had Julia cancel the med alert and immediately went to the replicator to get Nilani some water. Bringing it over to the bed, she gripped Nilani's hand. "Nilani, it's Karyn, can you take a few deep breaths for me...that's it, you're safe now. Here, take some water and then tell me slowly what happened."

Nilani looked at Karyn, shaking head... She took a deep breath and started from the top.

Though a bit rushed, the horror of the story was not lost on Karyn who knew the stabbing was only one piece of the trauma Nilani had survived, though survived was the operative word for all the victims she'd treated. The whole situation could be so overwhelming that just living wasn't enough.

A couple of hours later, she was no longer in shock but crying a little... Seeming as though after all these years the time was now to let go. She lay here resting on Karyn's lap, sobbing for the loss of Moraine who she still hadn't come to terms with loosing.

She looked up at Karyn "I shouldn't be here!" she cried.

Karyn stroked Nilani's hair, knowing it was best to let her talk freely. The woman was exhausted and trying to 'analyze' her now would just take more out of her now than she was physically prepared to give.

"No, you're right, you probably shouldn't be here...but I'm damn glad you are. As messed up as it all seems now, the bottom line is, you are here to stay. It's up to you to make the best of the opportunity you've been presented here and to regain some of the control you lost over the years. You've come this far, I know you have what it takes to see this through, it's just going to take some work on both of our parts to make it work. You game?"

Nilani didn't really respond she lay there, her hair being stroked and tears running down her face.

Karyn thought for a moment and then decided to broach the subject that she'd been thinking about lately. "Nilani, I've been thinking about setting up a weekly group session for some of the women of the Galaxy...a sexual assault survivors group." Karyn paused for a moment, letting it sink in. "What you've been through I realize, is very personal, and it's ok if you're not ready to talk, but a number of others have been through this, and they might be able to offer their advice in ways I can't. None of you are alone, and I think it's time I help you realize that. What do you think? I'd still have to talk to a number of people, but I wanted to check with you. It's not going to solve all of the things you have to work through, but it'll be a start."

It was a proactive approach and something that Karyn had wanted to do for a long time. These abusive situations were incredibly draining on the victims and on Karyn because it never seemed to go away. There was a time when she thought such violence was nonexistent in the 24th century, but since then she'd quickly learned otherwise. It was the worst kind of situation to counsel because it was one of those circumstances where there was no quick fix, were no healing words. She would never really understand what it was like, although she'd had her fair share of journeys down this particular road. It was always something she'd put in the back of her mind, never to be pulled out again. Her sister never talked about it because if it was never mentioned, it never happened.

She'd forgiven herself about a lot of things from her childhood, but if she was truly honest with herself that was only because there was nothing she could do about it anymore. True forgiveness came when you realized you weren't at fault and she couldn't say she believed that at this moment in her life. She would be asking a lot from Rose, Nilani and the others, so maybe it was time she asked the same of herself.

Nilani looked up "No, no, no....." she sobbed a little.

"I promise, things will all look better in the morning, but for now you need your rest. I'll stay here tonight and we can talk more when you're rested. I can give you something to help you sleep if you'd like?" She was going to have to call Julia anyway so that she could help Karyn on to Nilani's couch, so she could have her bring over something to help Nilani sleep from her med kit.

A few moments later when can was satisfied that Nilani had calmed down enough, Karyn called for Julia to help her settle in. Julia Monsoon was a civilian health assistant that had been with Karyn ever since her time on the Enterprise. Gods bless the woman, she had never complained about being woken up in the middle of tonight because Karyn had an emergency session or because she didn't get home her normal time after her shift. It almost made needing assistance with the basic things in life bearable... almost.

Nilani lay on her bed looking over to the couch, things running through her head. "When I killed the Klingon it was so easy, the more people I killed the easier it was." she wiped her face "I am responsible for killing thousands of innocent women and children, it was deemed necessary to prove a point."

She started to cry again "w....when I." she wiped her face "when I was placed into the camp, they threw me into the human quarters. The powers decided that it was to set an example... I want you to see something Karyn."

She sat up and took her top off, Karyn moved over and looked at her back "What am I looking for?"

Nilani cried a little "Feel the skin," Nilani knew she had thin lines running all down her back to her legs. She had been beaten and raped more than once, but her public whipping was done by humans. She felt Karyn's hands on her back, feeling the lumps. "They tied me to the support stuctures and whipped me until I was unconsious, even then they didn't stop!" she started crying even more "when I woke - 5 men took turns beating and raping me. And it wasn't simple beating, they tortured me with what ever they could find."

Nilani mind went back to that day, she felt a hand on her shoulder and moved to defend herself. She knocked the arm away and as quick as lightning pulled the blade she kept beside her bed. She took the person on her back and placed the knife to her throat. She looked at the person and then realised who it was - she stood up and dropped the knife collapsing to the ground crying her eyes out.

When Karyn had found her voice again, she gently eased herself off the bed and onto the floor. Nilani had pinned her so quickly, she'd had no time to blink, and forget about reminding her where she was and who she was with! For a brief moment, Karyn got a glimpse into what it must have been like for her to be pinned under some monster as he had his way with her over and over.

Karyn pushed the knife away and wrapped her arms around Nilani, holding her tightly and rocking her until she fell asleep. She was careful to stifle her own sobs so that they wouldn't wake the spent Nilani.

"Chief of Tactical"
Lt. Timothy "Maestro" Richeson
Tactical Officer USS Galaxy

**Deck 3, Lt. Richeson's Quarters**

"Where the hell are did I put them..." Tim mumbled to himself while he was tearing apart his dresser drawers. He could have sworn he had left his Saxophone reeds in one of them. He cursed to himself and glanced over at Ashe's. The gray and white cat sat in his favorite chair and stared back at his master. "You didn't take em' did ya Ash?" Again Tim cursed and sat down on the nearest couch. He reached over and took hold of his Alto Sax and fiddled with the keys a little bit. "

"Guess I'll hafta replicate some." It' kind of pissed him off. Replicated reed's just didn't always seem to play as well. And he swore he could never play in tone with them.

=/\= Hermedhie to Lt. Richeson, can you drop by my office Tim?=/\= Commander Hermedhie voice almost startled him.

Tim tapped his combadge quickly and replied. "Sure, on my way Sir." He was almost relieved, it would get his mind off where he left those damn reeds.

***10 Minutes later, Tactical Operations, Chief Tactical Officers Office***

"Come in Lieutenant." Hermedhie's voice emerged from inside his office.

Tim stepped forward into the office and took a seat in front of his bosses desk. "What can I do for you Commander?" the young Lieutenant asked as he snuggled into the chair. He studied Hermedhie's face and found it was a bit more stressed then his usual stone face.

"Tim, this morning I received a COM from Fleet Command. As of tomorrow, I will be stepping down as Chief Tac Officer. I will then leave and take over the Tactical department on the USS Challenger. She has just finished massive refits since the end of the war, and requires a new crew." His face picked up a little bit, but it was still obvious that he was not going willingly. "I put the paper work through this morning. You will replace me as Chief Tac here on the Galaxy."

Richeson's head turned sideways in disbelieve. "I'm takin over?" he asked slyly with a hint of excitement in his voice. And with a quick nod from Hermedhie he was given his answer.

"Computer, transfer all command codes for Lt. Commander Hermedhie to Lt. Timothy Richeon. Authorization, Hermedhie 2-5-Gamma."

The ships computer chirped as it worked, "All codes have been transferred. Chief Tactical Officer of USS Galaxy, now Lt. Timothy G Richeson."

Hermedhie stood up and again spoke, "Computer, compose message to all crew members. Friends, I have been transferred to the USS Challenger. Lt. Richeson has been promoted in my place as Chief Tactical officer. I bid you all farewell, and wish Tim Richeson good luck with his new post. God speed my friends. Computer end message. Change to text and send."

Again the computer chirped as it worked. "Message sent"

Hermedhie walked out from behind the desk. "I believe this belongs to you now." he said leading his hand towards the desk.

Tim stood up in response. "Thanks Commander. I'll do my best." He out reached his hand and took Hermedhie's. Seconds later Hermedhie released his hand and left the office. Richeson walked over to the chair and sat down.... "Holy shit...."

"Battle of Xerxes"
Lieutenant Seth Zonhieb
Lieutenant Rayna O'Grady
Lieutenant Savat
Ensign Ve'ryn Tival

***Shuttle Buster Keaton***

The four security officers huddled in the back of the rescue shuttle, listening intently to the news from the Xerxes. It had taken a while to get a channel through, but at last they had managed to contact Captain Victoria Curtis, who had just updated them on the state of the hostage situation. Even Savat was feeling the tension. They were primed to go, had trained specifically for the mission, but at the moment, it was a matter of hurry up and wait.

[So as you can see, Lieutenant] Came the voice of Captain Curtis, sounding scratchy from the plasma storm interference [An assault now would be inadvisable. The POWs seem determined to attempt diplomacy and I do not think there is much I can do to stop them. They are refusing to leave unless this is settled first.]

Savat's stared out the viewing port at the crippled Xerxes as he listened to Curtis. This was not part of the plan. But then, either was the cloaked ship sitting to their stern.

Vee remained quiet through the whole ordeal. She had a lot on her mind as her nails seemed to be leaving marks within the chair she sat in. She played the whole situation in the back of her mind, only to realized that the mission had been quite easy. A little too easy. Yet, she had the 'gut' feeling that this mission was far from over as her eyes spoke of hidden intentions that held within them.

Rayna sat, not feeling tension but boredom. She hated politics and diplomacy. She was a tough broad who was more interested in just getting what they needed done and get out of there and back home with her family. She had an opinion about this whole thing and didn't realize that she verbally gave it, "That's a bunch of crap." She saw a few eyes fall upon her and she sunk slightly in her seat.

"We will hold out position for now." Savat stated. Please continue to advise us on your situation. We are ready to act when needed."

"So now what, sir?" Ensign Tival asked. "Do we just wait?"

"Negative." The Vulcan replied. "We have the matter of our uninvited guests to deal with. At some point, the crew of that K'Vort class frigate are certain to act. The fact that they have yet to press their advantage and fire upon us leads me to conclude that they are here, as we are, to rescue their comrades."

"Finally, a voice of reason. I say, too bad. Leave diplomacy to the Diplomats and get their butts out of there." She was obviously feeling antsy.

"Typical Maquis tactic indeed. Some have been known to sacrificed themselves in order to achieve their beliefs." Replied the Andorian. Somehow she had gain a lot of respect during the Maquis resistance. Some of the 'Minute Men' had proven themselves quite worthy warriors against the Cardassian oppressors. It was the amazement of the will to fight that always kept the Maquis alive, or even the Andorian people for the matter.

"We need to take control of that situation and that ship." Said Savat. "The typical crew compliment on the K'Vort is no more than a dozen. With any luck, a portion of the original crew is comprised of the Maquis already on the Xerxes. If we plan this correctly, the four of us should be able to handle the situation."

The Andorian Ensign nodded in agreement as her eyes flashed with excitement. The anticipation was the greatest of tools for an Andorian Warrior, however, only those who controlled their feelings seemed to become the best warriors. The fires seemed to fuel Vee's violet eyes as she remained quiet as the Vulcan Security Chief spoke.

Savat looked slowly looked into the eyes of each of his officers, each so different, but each more than capable of the task at hand. "Suggestions?"

Eyes again went to Rayna since she seemed to have no problem at making her opinions and thoughts well-known. "Well" she started out as she did have an idea but looking over at Vee, she looked like she had something to say, "I'll let Vee go ahead. She looks like she is going to burst at the seams.

"Sir, perhaps we can 'trade' the leader of their cell. It would appear that whoever was running the show upon the Galaxy, might be the one in charge of the others on board the Klingon Ship?" Suggested Vee, she seemed quite into the whole task at hand. The trick was to get them to lower their shields. "Maybe, if we stage that we are in distress, they would certainly come to the aid of their captured friends."

Rayna added, "We will have to put on quite a show. They could scan us and see that we are not in trouble. They're not fools." She thought for a moment, "Maybe we can use the K'Vort ship to our advantage. After all, they want their people out of there as much as we do."

Vee frowned when the Human Security Officer turned her strategy down. "Desperate people do desperate things." Replied the Andorian as she looked at Rayna then back to the others. "I do believe this idea might work, if we plan it correctly, after all, one can always 'mask' their true intentions."

Rayna rolls her eyes and throws her hands up, "True, I give. Maybe it will work or maybe it won't. So far, I haven't heard any other suggestions."

Savat nodded as he listened to each officer's input. "Thank you. Very satisfactory. I think amidst the various options presented, we have the building blocks of a logical plan. Now, we simply need to refine and implement it."

***On the K'Vort***

"Rychord would not have sat around and waited!" BB shouted, his nasal ridges flushing red. "He would be down there on that ship doing something! I swear, you're all a bunch of pains in the ass!"

"That's enough!" Gretchen shouted, slamming her fist down on the metal hand rest. There was nothing the former Starfleet officer liked about her current situation. Not the odds, not her cell members, not the location. In her previous life, she had been a survival instructor at the academy and her every instinct was telling her to get the hell out. But she knew to suggest leaving Rychord, Kelly and the rest behind would probably get her shot. "Alright. We'll give it another ten minutes. If nothing else changes, we'll send an expeditionary force over to the Xerxes."

"What about the shuttle?" Jenna asked from the helm.

"Right now, they seem to be doing little more than evacuating the wounded. If need be, we can take the shuttle at any time." The rest of the crew seemed heartened by that idea. All of the skulking about was starting to wear on their nerves.

"I've got something!" Dirk said excitedly. The rest of the crew on the cramped bridge gathered around.

"What is it? Gretchen asked.

"The prophets may have delivered the enemy into our hands!" The former Vedic stated. "I finally managed to isolate the frequency they have been using to scramble their messages. Take a listen." Dirk tapped the console and the Maquis strained to hear the words coming through the static.

[...Savat to Buster Keaton. I have taken charge of terrorist leader. Beam him directly to the rear cargo area and prepare a containment field. We will depart for our ship as soon as he is secured....]

"Aw hell, they have Rychord!" BB muttered. All eyes turned to Gretchen expectantly. She wanted more time to assess the situation, but she knew she wasn't going to get it.

"Dirk, scan that shuttle now!" She ordered.

***On the Xerxes***

Savat tapped his comm-badge and closed the connection. "What is your name, Ensign?" Savat asked the young Bajoran medical officer. The officer's uniform was covered with multiple shades of blood, reminders of the crewmates he had triaged over the hours since the accident. He had volunteered to remain behind after Chief O'Ditty left for the Galaxy and been helping to get the last of the crew evacuated.

"Lars sir." The officer replied. "Lars Vanis"

"Well, Ensign Lars." Savat replied. Are you ready to become our lure?"

"I was quite the fisherman back on Bajor, sir." Lars said with a smile.

Savat raised an eyebrow. "Then this should come naturally to you. Just relax and let us handle whatever comes next." He tapped his badge. "Savat to Kolrami. Energize."

***On the K'Vort ***

"Scanning!" Dirk said, as his fingers flew over his console. "I'm detecting two life forms beaming onto the shuttle from the Xerxes, one Vulcan, the other Bajoran. They have materialized in the back of the shuttle. Now the Vulcan is moving." His eyes widened. "They just put up a containment field in the back of the shuttle! Damn it, they've got him!"

Gretchen turned and faced the rest of the Maquis. "Alright we go. B.B., you lead the attack. Go round up Greg and Colleen and take them with you, they make a good team when they are not loafing off."

"About time!" The crotchety Bajoran snapped. He unholstered his phaser and headed for the door.

Gretchen tapped her wrist communicator. "Ramona, we need a transport. B.B., Greg and Colleen are beaming over to the shuttle. Try and get them somewhere near the rear cargo hold and be prepared to beam them back on a moment's notice."

[No problem] Came the voice of the engineer.

Gretchen sank back into the uncomfortable Klingon designed command chair. She was going to be glad to give the seat back to Rychord. She drummed her fingers nervously on the armrest. "The rest of you, back to your posts!" She said. "Be ready. We may need to get moving fast!"

***On the Buster Keaton***

"Get ready." Savat said calmly. He was in a kneeling, leaning against one of the bulkheads, his phaser rifle out and set for heavy stun. His three officers were armed and ready. It now remained to be seen if the enemy took the bait.

Vee held her hand phaser with a tight grip. It was set at heavy stun and ready to take out what ever force that lay onboard the old Klingon Starship. Taking her position, she had trained at the Academy for this time of situation. Due to her anatomy, it was easier for her to bounce back from the seconds of sensory disorder after a transport. Even if the seconds were minor, in a tactical situation it mattered.

Rayna was very well equipped to take care of herself. She not only had a phaser rifle, but a hand held phaser and her trusty little knife that she carried with her at all times. She believed that a phaser, phaser rifle was good but a knife was easier to control and it didn't make noise or cause the alarms to go off. She waited eagerly for the okay to beam there and get this over with.

"Their shields are down!" Ensign Kolrami shouted from the cockpit. "Detecting a transport!"

"Energize." Savat stated.

As the first hint of the Maquis intruders began to shimmer in the air before him, Savat watched as Zonhieb, O'Grady and Tival vanished. It was his first live combat mission as their leader. The plan was logical, his officers well prepared. But even the best plans could go astray in the chaos of battle. He could only hope that now would not be one of those times.

***Ve'ryn Tival***

A soft blue form materialized within the aft section of the Starship. Vee had volunteered to head to Engineering. If she could disable the ship's power, it would be easier to gain access to the Bridge and take out the rest of the ship that way. It would only be a matter of time before the Maquis would detect their presence onboard, and that's something the Away Team couldn't afford. The Andorian moved with silence as she made her way towards Engineering. The cramped quarters of a Klingon Warship provided just enough space for the armor to be added to the hull, after that, not much room left for comfort. The catwalk led her down the makeshift corridor until she arrived to the ladder that made its way down to the Engineering Level.

Leaning down, she clipped her Phaser to her belt and pulled her Tricorder scanning the area below her. It would appear that the level below her was Engineering as well as a few makeshift Crew quarters. Detecting two lifeforms as well, she quickly clipped her Tricorder at her side and unclipped her phaser. Slowly, she climbed down the ladder slinking upon the Engineering Level. Looking about, her antennas detected movement from the room up ahead. Looking down the catwalk/corridor, a door lay ahead of her as she could tell from the vibrations within that it was Engineering.

Suddenly, the doors slid opened as Vee jumped to the right side of the bulkhead pressing her body against it as a handsome Bajoran exited making his way down the catwalk. The Andorian made no sound as she watched him disappear up the ladder that led to the Main Deck above. Standing motionless, Vee waited at the right time to make her entrance within Engineering and from the looks of it, her luck had just gotten better. The doors slid opened as Vee entered slowly, trying not to draw too much attention to herself as she made her way inside getting closer to her target.

The Engine Room was fairly basic as a small Warp Core, Engineering Control Console, and Klingon Cloaking Device lay about the about it.

"Seany, is that you?" Replied a woman's voice as Vee caught the woman working under the Engineering Console as she made some much needed adjustments to the systems that were always in repair. "Stop your yapping and get me a sonic wrench, I'm still trying to get these damn Klingon Systems adjusted."

Still no one said anything as Vee was almost right on top of her taking aim with her Phaser. Although Vee's Andorian quickness was much faster than a human, she didn't notice the dark skin woman was already on to her as her foot moved to trip her. Vee fell forward as her Phaser slipped from her hand, clattering a few feet beside her. Reacting as any Andorian Warrior would, she quickly recovered standing up to stop her opponent from sounding the alarm panel.

"B'itch whatcha doing here? Damn Feds are onboard!" She replied as she took a defensive stance readying herself for the Andorian who had quickly blocked her way to the Engineering Console.

Vee noticed that the woman knew how to defend herself as she brought her guard up. Her Team couldn't afford to be discovered so quickly as they needed to cripple the ship in order to get to the Bridge. Her skill at Kharakom, an Andorian Martial Art, was quite advanced as she quickly moved in for an attack. "You are aware we can do this two ways." She taunted as her punch was blocked by the woman's defensive maneuver.

"Blah Blah Blah, you talk to much you freaky blue Feddie." Replied Ramona as she tried this time to make a break for the door, but didn't anticipate the pain that shot through her leg as she fell upon the floor. Looking down, she could see a dart sticking out of her uniform as blood slowly began to stain it crimson.

With a blink of an eye, Vee was upon her as Ramona did her best to fight her off. Her angry face turned to a grimace as the Federation Officer brought up the hand Phaser and fired upon her. Just before the stun blast hit her, Ramona could see the anger that filled the Andorian's face flush away as she slipped into unconsciousness.

***Rayna O'Grady***

The bridge was going to be a little harder. Access to the bridge was limited. Seth was too big and bulky so he went off on his own but he managed to grab someone and get an uniform for her. Rayna, praying that she could take control of the bridge had figured out the best way to proceed.

Rayna grabbed an unsuspecting crewmember who just came from the bridge and pulled him into a room. She had flung her phaser rifle over her shoulder and pulled out a knife. Holding it against his neck, she whispered in his ear, "You yell and I'll cut your throat." She held him tight, the knife glistening under the ship's lights, "What is your name?"

He was shaking and it showed in his voice too, "J-J-Jeff." Rayna thought to herself, "What a wimp." She continued to have the knife flush with his neck, "What is your job?"

He swallowed again, "I'm just an engineer, really."

"Good, guess what, you are going to help me and if you are planning to refuse, then I'll just slit your throat now and get it over with." He pleaded with her not to kill him, "You made the right decision. Now, how many people are on the bridge?"

"Four." She needed to make sure that he was telling the truth so she gave him a glimpse of what it felt like to have his throat cut, a nick, "Okay! Okay! Five, there are five of them." She smiled, "Good choice. Now, I want you to contact them and get them down here, even the odds." He whined, "They won't come." She tightened her grip on him, "They better or you won't live to see tomorrow." He made up some story that got two off the bridge and sent them on a wild goose chase. The other four wouldn't leave. She walked out with him, telling him that if he alerted anyone, he'd be dead. The phaser rifle was too big and bulky for what she had planned so she left it behind but she had her hand phaser with her. They made their way on the turbolift to the bridge and she stood as close to the side as possible. The turbolift opened up with Jeff standing there, "Jeff, what are you doing up here?"

He didn't say anything. Rayna opened fire upon Gretchen as the others jumped out of the way. Dirk fired back, hitting Jeff. Rayna fired back at them thinking that maybe it wasn't a good idea after all...three against one. This was a time when she wished that Seth was there. She fired one more time and waited for one of them to pop their head up, Jenna obliged and Rayna got a lucky shot in, stunning her. Unfortunately, Dirk fired back near the same time, hitting her in the shoulder. Dirk's phaser wasn't set to heavy stun but to kill. Rayna was no fool. The turbo door closed as Rayna favored her arm. She was sure that everyone knew that they were on the ship by now. Rayna didn't know what to do. She stopped the lift and sat on the floor, trying to get her thoughts together, wincing in pain. Five minutes later, the lift started again. All she could say was "Damn it!" and prayed that Seth was close by.

*** Seth's Zonhieb ***

Once the transport was complete the Gorn remembered why he didn't like Klingon ships. Some of the halls where too small for the lizard to get into. he had to split off from the two females. It wasn't a smart plan but someone had to go to engineering and someone to the bridge.

Seth followed the bigger main corridor to the cargo hold. The large room was filled with food, weapons and medical supplies. There was no guard on duty so the Gorn went to the cargo transporters. It would take a while to program an internal transport with his knuckles but, he judge he still had time before the other fleet officers attacked.

As the time for action approached Seth activated his transport. Two humans appeared in the cargo bay looking a little stunned. They reached for side arms that had been deactivated in transport. The Gorn simply stunned them then pulled them off the pad to start another transport.

Sensor scans showed two in engineering, one with minimum life signs indicating they where unconscious. The bridge showed four life signs, one out of commission, and one in the turbo lift. double checking the scan Seth transported the human in the lift to the cargo bay. He stopped short of shooting the figure when he recognized Rayna. "I take it your assault didn't go as planned."

"Not quite." Wincing in pain and holding her shoulder she came off the circle. "There are three more up there."

Seth locked the transporters on and beamed the last two over. They tried their weapons with no luck. Then they jumped at the lizard. At close range Seth couldn't shoot them so he just plucked the men off and held them above the ground. They continued to struggle and fight so the Gorn smashed the two into each other. They collapsed onto the floor in a heap.

***Savat***

Savat considered himself an honorable man. But in times of war, honor was often trumped by logic. Savat concluded that such a time had arrived. He could have waited until the three Maquis had fully materialized, faced them and given them a chance to surrender and then fought them had they chosen to refuse.

But there was more than Savat's personal honor at stake, so instead, he set his phaser rifle to heavy stun with a wide dispersal beam. He began to fire at the three intruders an instant before the transport was complete. For a moment, the beam passed through the ghostly images. Then, has as solid matter took the place of the ghosts, the beam washed over them and they collapsed to the floor, unable to defend themselves, unaware that they were even under attack.

Some would call it dishonorable. Savat thought of it as efficient.

*** On the K'Vort ***

[Ensign Tival to Lt Savat.]

[ Savat here]

[Sir, I have established control of the Engine Room. Rerouting all Bridge controls and powering down shields. I have also established a lock in the Engine Room so no once can gain access in.] Vee replied as she finished her final manual lockdown of the ship's systems.

Upon hearing this, Rayna tapped her comlink, "Bridge is secure." As they are walking, they run into the other two that were called down from the bridge. When they saw Seth, they didn't try anything. "Looks like they've had dealings with a Gorn before." Rayna mused. The two gave up their weapons freely, that left about four more but they weren't concerned. They had taken control, the rest was child's play. Seth and Rayna met up with Vee. Rayna, still in slight pain, was ready to go home, "Let's finish up our job."

***On the Buster Keaton***

"Very good." Savat said, as he finished securing his three new prisoners. He kept his comments to a bare minimum, knowing that in combat any lengthy distraction could prove fatal. "Ensign, if Engineering is secure, make your way to the bridge and support your team mates."

[ Aye, Sir.] The Andorian replied.

"Sir, we have a message coming through from Captain Curtis!" Ensign Kolrami said from the cockpit.

Savat made his way forward. "This is Savat." The Vulcan spoke.

[Good news, Lieutenant] The Captain spoke. [The standoff is at an end. Rychord and the other two surviving Maquis have surrendered without further violence. We have taken them into custody and are ready to beam them over, along with the remainder of our crew.]

"Understood, Captain." Savat replied. "Please stand by. We should have our own situation resolved momentarily"

***On the K'Vort***

Gretchen had done her best to defend the bridge, but almost from the start, she realized it was a lost cause. The enemy had been ready for them. B.B. and the others had almost certainly been captured or killed the moment they beamed over to the shuttle. As she crouched behind the cover of the heavy command chair, the power shut down around her. That meant engineering had fallen too.

A strange silence fell across the ship. Gripping her phaser with white knuckles, she tried to consider her options. She could try and fight her way out, but to what end? To drift in the badlands in a life pod? Gretchen was, above all other things, a survivor. She believed in the cause, but she could tell when one was lost.

In the end, it was the only realistic decision to make.

"I'm coming out!" She shouted. She tossed her phaser over the chair and head it clatter on the floor. Moments later, she heard the sound of heavy footsteps on the metal deck.

"Please come with us." A voice hissed. One look at Seth's reptilian face was all the last of the Maquis needed. She clasped her hands over her head and slowly rose to face her captors.

The battle of the Xerxes was at an end.