Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder - Chief Engineer

"A Look In The Mirror"

Ethan had spent most of the night reading his book. Unknown to him at the time, he had fallen into the realm of nightmares that clouded his unconsiousness. Sometimes he wished he could just have his memory wiped so he could stop the torture of his mind. But then if he had forgotten the past, he would have no clue of both the evil and good that he had caused in his time. Of course there were more good times rather than evil. But wars could fry any mind. Every soldier in any war at one point or another engages in an act of evil.

Suder managed to fight his way of the nightmares and got off the couch. He placed the book on the table and strolled over to the replicator. After tapping a button, a small glass of chilled water appeared. He took the glass and drank the water. Infront of him on the wall, a mirror hung. Sometimes when he'd look in the mirror, it was almost like he didn't know who he was. One of those times being now.

Sighing, he strolled over to the desk that had his computer on it. He looked at the daily messages. It was still early. His shift wasn't for another few hours. He'd congradulate Kahn Nilani on her promotion when he got to Engineering, but now, time for another stroll through the ship.

He left his quarters again. And again, the voices of those around him seemed to bounce of the walls surrounding the Chief Engineer. He had thought about going to see Karyn or Michael, hell, any crew member. But then what was the point. Most of the other officers at his rank were either too Vulcan to interact with or to... Suder couldn't think of a word. He had respect for the other officers, but they were different from him, he couldn't pinpoint why though.

He shook the thoughts out of his head and continued walking. Walking and thinking...

"Freedom"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

Captain's Log: Stardate 50101.01

The USS Galaxy has been dispatched to the Ursid star system. The fourth planet there, Ursid, is inhabited by a non-Federation civilization that possesses warp technology and has requested the Federation's assistance in surviving the "firestorm of rain"; an annual meteor shower that strikes the planet Ursid once every 1500 years. The Galaxy is on route presently and should arrive seventy two hours prior to the first of the meteor strikes.

****

"'Firestorm of rain' Captain? Can you give us more details?" 'Commander Sullax asked from the oval conference table where the senior officers sat with the General.

Lee nodded as he addressed the Romulan. "Aye 'mate. That is what the locals call the meteor shower that strikes their planet every century and a half. The name becomes more appropriate if you realize these peoples origins is roughly the modern equivalent of Earth's own Northern American Indians of the 1700's."

Ryak bobbed his chin slightly at the Captain's answer. Certainly to a primitive people, a meteor shower would look like the sky was raining down fire; so the name given the event seemed appropriate from a historic view point.

"So every 1500 years these people get hit with a meteor shower?" Lieutenant Commander Brandis asked.

Lee looked over at Lucas and nodded. "That's right 'mate. The Ursid system is comprised of twelve planets. Eight of which have an orbit about the same general plain, however four of the planets have contrary orbits about the central star. It's believed that there used to be two additional planets, however they collided and created an asteroid belt that survives to this day. Every fifteen hundred years the orbits of the planets aligns in such a way as to attract large pieces of asteroids into the fourth planet's gravity well. The result is this 'Firestorm of rain' for which the Ursids have asked the Federation's help in preparing for."

Jonathan rolled his eyes slightly and let out a slight whistle. "I bet it's impossible to get meteor insurance there..."

Lee grinned slightly at the Chief Operations Officer's joke. "I would expect so 'mate. The Ursid people have been preparing for this event for the last ten years now. They have a network of satellites dedicated to tracking the asteroid field to predict, mathematically, which fragments are likely to be drawn to the planet and where they are likely to impact. I imagine the science department will find their technology very intriguing to study. Presently it is expected that ninety percent of the meteor strikes should impact their northern hemisphere. There are seven major cities located in that region. They are where we will be concentrating our efforts."

"What exactly will we be expected to do once we arrive there Captain?" Lieutenant Commander Suder asked.

Captain Price turned to face Ethan, the Chief Engineer. "Our mission will be two fold 'Commander. First, we will be helping to evacuate the Ursid people to safer areas of their planet. As I mentioned, they have already been preparing for this day for the last ten years, so there are a number of survival shelters which have been designed for just this task. The Galaxy can also assist in evacuating their people to the other side of the planet using our transporter systems if need be. Our other primary task will be to assist in setting up large scale force field generators about key structures on the planet in the hopes of protecting them from the smaller meteorites that strike the surface of the planet. Of course there will be nothing we can do about the larger fragments that get through, but the shielding should help minimize the structural damage to the vast majority of their buildings, thus reducing the overall devastation of this annual meteor event dramatically."

"Sounds like a pretty challenging task sir. How much time will we have to pull this off before the first of the meteorites begins to fall?" Suder asked.

"The Galaxy should arrive with a little over seventy two hours to spare 'Commander. Of course the Galaxy will need to break orbit at least an hour earlier in order to move clear of the meteorite storm. So we have our work cut out for us." The Captain explained.

"Any idea why the Ursid people waited so long to ask for the Federation's help?" Commander Thomas asked. Since the Captain mentioned that they had been preparing for this upcoming meteor storm for over ten years, it seemed odd that the United Federation of Planets was just getting called in now, a little over four days before the firestorm strikes.

"I asked Starfleet the same thing Commander. Evidently the government on Ursid was reluctant to involve outsiders to this event that traditionally has been viewed as a sacred, spiritual experience to the Ursid people. However at the last minute their tribal council decided to contact the Federation and ask for our assistance to help protect their buildings. Which brings up a good point 'mate. The Ursid people are not Federation members. We are going to be assisting them at their invitation, so the non-interference directive doesn't apply in getting them through this astrological event. However we should be careful when we are on their planet and dealing with this society to stay within the guidelines set down by Starfleet and to obey their local customs and laws. Basically we are guests to the Ursid system. We should all be on our best behavior and act as diplomatically as possible."

About the conference table senior officers nodded their heads. Starfleet protocol was not lost on this group of elite officers. They had each served on board a starship long enough to know how to conduct themselves on a visiting new world.

"Now I realize that the Ursid people will be asking a lot from us in a very short span of time. However I believe this should be an excellent assignment. One which should offer every one of our departments to become involved." Lee stated. Then glancing over to Lieutenant Commander Savat, the General added, "'Commander, Security will be needed to accompany the away teams to the seven cities and to assist with evacuating the Ursid people from the identified cities to their safety shelters. I know it will be a stretch on your personnel, but I'm sure there are plenty of experienced and new officers up to the task over the next several days."

Mister Savat gave a sagely nod. The General wasn't kidding. In order to assemble security compliments to cover the seven cities, the 'Commander would likely have to create away teams lead by Ensigns. At least they had the benefit of completing four years of Starfleet Academy training compared to the enlisted men.

Looking over to Counselor Dallas, Lee noted that she seemed way off in distant thoughts. It was true she was attending the senior staff meeting, but she didn't seem to be paying it much attention.

"Counselor,..." Lee stated, gaining Karyn's full attention, "I imagine that having some counselors present on the away teams may help with calming the Ursids. Evacuations for such a dynamic event as this meteor shower will no doubt have them all a little on edge. I'm sure a few reassuring words from those trained in this regard should help out considerably."

"Of course Captain. I will see to it that the appropriate people are assigned to assist." Counselor Dallas replied.

"Bonzer 'mate." Captain Price nodded. He then turned and looked at the dark skinned Doctor Maas. "Doctor, I'm hoping that the services of medical will not be needed, at least not until after the meteor shower has passed, or hopefully not at all. Still, per protocol I'd like to have a medical officer assigned to each of the away teams just to be safe."

"A wise precaution Captain." Doctor Mass stated in his deep voice. "I am sure that my people will look forward to assisting with the away missions to the planet Ursid."

Lee smiled. "Fair dinkum 'mate." The General's eyes then drifted over to the other side of the conference table where Lieutenants Richeson and Maxwell sat. "'mates, I don't expect there will be much for the Helm or Tactical departments to do over the next few days, so if it's okay with Lieutenant Commander Savat, I'd like you to make your departments personnel available for Security assignments to assist with the away teams to the seven cities on Ursid."

Both Bruce and Tim gave nods. "Of course Captain." Lieutenant Richeson stated out loud.

Glancing over to Lieutenant Commander Brandis, the Captain added, "And of course Operations will be coordinating everything between the seven away teams and the ship to see that everything goes smoothly and on schedule."

"We will stay on top of things Captain." Lucas said with a wry grin.

Lee gave a nod. He then looked over to Commander Thomas, the ship's First Officer. "Well Commander, It looks like this will be your first away mission as the Galaxy's Executive Officer. When we arrive at the Ursid system, the tribal council has requested that our people attend a welcoming feast in appreciation of the Federation's assistance. You and selected members of the Galaxy's crew will be expected to attend."

Chris nodded. He was glad to get an opportunity to lead an away team on the Galaxy's behalf. It was a large part of the reason why he accepted the posting as First Officer. "It's not expected to be dress whites I take it sir?"

Lee smiled, "No Commander. Unless of course you prefer getting all dressed up to make a good impression on the Ursid people 'mate?"

"I think normal Starfleet uniforms should suffice then Captain. We have a lot to do over the next few days, no sense adding more work with the formality of full dress uniforms." Chris explained.

"I couldn't agree more 'mate. So then, Lieutenant MaxWell, what is our present ETA to the Ursid system?"

Bruce looked over at the Captain. "At present speed, we should arrive within the next two hours sir."

"Fair dinkum 'mate. Well, unless there are any further questions about our assignment, I believe we all 'ave our work cut out for us." The Captain stated looking at the faces of his senior staff about the conference room table.

"Is there anything else 'mates?" Lee asked. He then dismissed the meeting a short time later when there were no further questions.

"Recovery"
by Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy

Commander Thomas entered his office after completing his shift on the bridge everything was starting to slowly return to normal.

The mission had been a rough one and the outcome still had questions surrounding it, but life would go on.

The changes to his office were nearly complete, there'd been a few interuptions in the process of changing his office, but these were expected. He wasn't in a rush to have it finished as he could work around the problems and he still had access to his old office for the time being. Though security did want him to give up the office asap so they didn't have to worry about security for that office. He wasn't worried about the office as there wasn't anything in there and terminal had been set to require voice pattern match before using.

Commander Thomas sat down as his desk and started working on some papers that were due today and a few that were due a few days ago. He'd been under the weather, but didn't feel the need to seek medical help at the time. While he probably should've checked in with the doctor he didn't think it was serious enough, until last night when he couldn't breath for a while. Even through he never did go see the doctor he was now he was back to normal, but if their was a next time he would seek out medical help.

He had no doubt in his mind that he would catch up with his papers, and he also was continuing to monitor the happenings with the Xeres. The rescue of the passengers were nearly complete, but complications might be arising once more.

Chris tapped a few buttons as he reviewed some information about the last transmission they had about other ship locations.

The Galaxy would soon be home.

"Confessions"
Lt Eric Odin
Lt. jg Anika Crowe

Eric waited for Anika in his quarters. His palms were sweaty and he was nervous about her reaction to this news. He knew he could never keep this from her which is why he invited her to his quarters telling her he needed to talk with her.

***

Anika walked down the corridor. In her hand, she held a PADD containing a message from Eric. She'd transferred it from the ship's messaging system. She had already half-removed her uniform to put on some workout clothing when the message came in. There had to be. He'd said he needed to talk to her. He sounded serious. Was something wrong? There hadn't been enough of the message for her to tell. After listening to the message twice, she transferred it to a PADD and put her uniform back on.

Maybe he just wants me to move in with him, she thought. Maybe it's a really big step for a Trill, moving in with someone. Or, maybe it had to do with his accident. Maybe his friend didn't want any more of the modelling pictures. Or he wanted her to pose without any clothes on. Or a death in the family, one of the ships in his fleet blew up, or he had a bad day on duty today. She sighed. There were so many possibilities.

Anika rounded the corner that lead to Eric's quarters. She approached cautiously. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She reached out and touched the annunciator. She heard the echo of the chime inside the quarters, and Eric's footsteps approaching the door.

He pushed the button to open the door and he smiled weakly and said, "Hi Anika. Come on in." He hated that he had betrayed her like he had.

Anika noticed the way Eric was smiling and her level of concern rose. Something was wrong. She kept the concern from her face though. The guys around the yard on New Corsica always said she had a great poker face. She hadn't ever had the chance to really put it to use until now though.

She gave Eric a warm smile. She reached and hugged him as she came in, giving him a kiss. "Thanks." She followed him further inside. Once they were in the main room, she said, "So, what'd you want to talk about?"

He sat and beckoned her to do the same thing and said, "Well, it's not a good thing at all." He waited for her to sit before he began and said, "Last night Michala came over to check up on me as a friend and not a doctor. I welcomed the company and she asked if I had had dinner and I said no. So, we both sat down to eat with replicated meals and I pulled out an old bottle of Trill alcohol and we began to drink. We both drank nearly the entire bottle. Then when she tried to get up she nearly fell and I caught her. Then I don't know what came over me, but I kissed her. We kept kissing." His voice became timid and tears began to well up and he said, "Then we had sex." His voice was trembling wondering how she would take this and he said, "I'm so sorry."

As Eric told the story, Anika felt a knot forming in the pit of her stomach. It seemed to grow larger with each successive word. Each syllable acted as a punch to her gut. It hadn't been long ago when Eric was telling her he loved her. They'd made love, beautiful passionate love. And now...?

Anika's features darkened.

They'd been drinking. Drinking and things just happened. Started kissing, and, oops, they had sex? She and Eric had been drinking before they'd ended up in bed together. And they'd been drinking and in the holodeck in skimpy swimsuits. The picture she was starting to get was looking very bad indeed.

Hadn't Eric, despite the alcohol, even remembered that they were getting pretty close? If not before he started kissing another woman, at least before they took their clothes off and got in bed together?

Anika choked back the tears and forced herself to look at Eric. How had he seemed so beautiful just moments earlier?

"You're sorry," she said. Anika shook her head and let out a choked laugh. "So, Eric, where does this put our relationship now?"

"That is up to you. I love you and I want to try and rebuild what we had and I am willing to do whatever it takes to do that. I swear Anika I will do whatever it takes, I'll hurt myself if it will make you feel better," he was being sincere. He wanted her back the way they were and he knew that would take time.

"Hurt yourself," Anika said, surprise clear on her face. "How can I ever trust you again, Eric? I thought we had something, but I was obviously wrong. Or, whatever we had wasn't enough to keep you from getting drunk and fucking another woman, was it? How much did you love me when you were with Michala? How can I ever trust you again? How are you going to get my trust back?"

"We did have something Anika and I'm not going to make up any excuses. I deserve whatever you do to me. The only way I can think of is one day at a time. I will never drink again if that's what you want. I will do anything, I swear. Anything you want, and I will do it." Desperation was clear in his voice. He knew he deserved this, but that didn't make it any easier.

"I'm not doing anything to you Eric," Anika snapped. "You did this to yourself. I thought, in order to keep separate the lifetimes of experience separate, Trill are taught to control themselves and their emotions." She brushed the tears away, angry at herself for crying. "What are your feelings for Michala, Eric?"

"I care for her because we died together, but I do not love her. I love you, Anika."

Anika shook her head in disbelief. "You have a great way of showing it," she said. "At what point did you realize you were cheating on me, Eric? At what point did you realize you were betraying your love for me with another woman? At what point did you realize you were doing irreparable harm to any trust I may be able to have in you? How can I trust you again, Eric? How can I know that something like this isn't going to happen again? Why should I trust you again?"

He shook his head and said, "I don't know what to say. All I know is that I did such a horrible thing that I can't even begin to ask forgiveness. I am sorry, but I know that that won't even make a difference. If you want I will even make myself go to the brink of death if it will make you happy."

"The brink of death? First you want to hurt yourself and now you want to go to the brink of death? Do you really think I want that? Do you think I want you to inflict violence on yourself because you cheated on me? If you really think that, Eric, then we definitely have no business together. You really need to see a counselor." Anika fixed him with a hard stare. She felt like she was crumbling inside. Why did this have to happen to her? "I don't know what to say either, Eric. I don't think I can trust you. We got drunk together three times, and one time ended up in bed together. I don't know how many times you and Michala have drank together, but it ended up with you in bed at least once. I can't be sure it won't happen again. I can't trust that you won't end up in bed with Michala again. I don't know."

"I won't end up in bed with her again, but then again you don't trust me so those must seem like empty words. I am just willing to do anything and I am realizing that there isn't anything I can do is there?"

Anika shrugged. "Right now," she said, "I really don't know. I'm going to need time to think this over. And, if you really want us to work out, you'll need to regain my trust. It's never going to be the same again, but maybe we can salvage something out of it."

He nodded and said, "I'd like to try it if you want to."

Anika looked away. She so wanted to trust what Eric was telling her, but it was really hard after what they'd just gone through. She was willing to give him the chance to earn a second chance though. He would have to earn it though. "Okay," she said. "Where do you suggest we start?"

"I was kind of thinking tomorrow, we could meet here since I can't leave my quarters and then we can maybe talk over some tea, or coffee or something."

"Okay," she said, not sure if she was really doing the right thing, "I'll come here after my shift tomorrow and we can talk."

He tried to smile, but failed. He then said, "Thank you. See you tomorrow." It was evident how much emotion and energy that had taken out of him.

Anika nodded. She moved her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She nodded again and turned toward the door. It opened at her approach. Before stepping into the corridor, she wiped the last of her tears away. She glanced back at Eric one more time, and stepped into the hall. A question nagged at her: "Can this mess be repaired?"

"In the Dog House"
by Lt. jg Anika Crowe
and Lt. Eric Odin

***

Anika looked around the room. It didn't feel quite as comfortable as it did a couple weeks ago. A couple weeks ago, she and Eric had made love for the first time. It was beautiful, magical. Then the Starfleet life intruded, and they didn't have much time to spend together over the next couple weeks. Though, Eric's time had been free enough that he found the chance to sleep with Michala Lynn, one of the Galaxy's medical staff.

Eric had done the honest and upright thing and told Ani about the indiscretion. That had been only yesterday. Now, she was back in his quarters with a cup of tea in her hands and Eric sitting in the chair across from her. She'd agreed to give him a shot at earning a second chance. So, here they were. Drinking some tea and talking. Well, they hadn't done much talking yet. She'd just arrived only five minutes earlier. Now, she had her tea in hand and was ready for some talking. She wasn't quite sure what to say though.

But, Eric was the one in the hot seat. She'd let him speak first.

He did his best to smile and asked, "How was your shift?"

"It was good," she said. "Nothing exciting happened. Very little exciting ever happens in flight control. And, Bruce usually gets to handle the exciting stuff anyway."

He laughed a small bit and then said, "Oh. I have good news. My contact said that your pictures were placed in the most recent magazine and they are selling faster than any magazine ever before." He hoped that could help at least a bit.

Anika's features brightened. "Really? That's great. Wow. I still can't believe that's real. I mean, me in one of the Federation's fashion magazines. It's unbelievable. Would you believe yesterday, when I was coming over here, I was nervous that your contact didn't want any pictures from me anymore or that he wanted me to pose without clothes on?"

He smiled and said, "I wouldn't let him do that. The credits are being credited to your account automatically."

"Great," she said with a smile. "I was so worried. I don't know, there's something weird about knowing your picture is circulating throughout the Federation. But, I like it. I guess beneath my shy exterior, I am a little bit of an exhibitionist." Anika laughed. "I guess with you couped up in here, we probably won't be able to do any more for a while."

He shook his head and said, "I was actually wondering if you still wanted to. I could probably rig up a holoprojector good enough for some pictures."

"I'd like that," Anika said.

He took a good sip of his tea and said, "Obviously we wouldn't do that today." He assumed she wouldn't even think about it all now she was saying she would like it at least at some point. He said, "You know. I did something yesterday after you left. I bought a new ship, I named it the USS Crowe."

"You--" Anika's mouth moved, but no sounds were coming out. She felt tears welling in her eyes. "You named a ship after me? That is so sweet."

"Yes I did. It's an older Excelsior model. A strong ship. I thought a strong name should go with a strong ship. You're a much stronger person than I ever could be. I thought you might appreciate the fact that it was named after you too."

"I do," she said with a gentle smile. "Thank you. It's a very sweet thing, Eric. And, definitely gets you a little further out of the...the...the dog house."

He smiled a bit. "Hows the tea?"

"It's good," she said. "A very mild blend. It's nice."

He smiled and said, "You look very beautiful today, as you do every time I see you." He hoped she wouldn't give him a contempt look.

Ani looked away. She focused on a dark spot on the wall across the room. She had never learned how to take a compliment. And, even after hearing the words from Eric before, it still embarrassed her. She knew he meant it. She could see it in his eyes--when she actually took the time to look in his eyes. She turned back and smiled. "Thank you," she said softly. "I'm not feeling very beautiful today, but thank you."

"You're welcome. That is my fault. But trust me, you are beautiful."

Anika looked away again, just briefly this time. Once she had composed herself, she turned back to Eric. "So, it looks like you have a lot of time off-duty these days," Anika said. "What have you been doing with yourself?"

"Thinking, a lot. I've also been doing some duty reports which get very boring very fast. I check on my fleet, I work out some, I think about you for a few more hours, I work on some new ideas I get."

Anika laughed. "It sounds like a very productive schedule. So, what new ideas have you been getting?"

He smiled and said, "Well one of them is that special holoprojectopr I was telling you about. It has no physical texture but it looks very real."

"That sounds great," Anika said, looking around to see if she could see the telltale signs of holoprojection equipment. "So, what do you plan on doing with it? Other than taking pictures of me, of course."

He smirked and said, "I don't know yet. I was thinking positively when I was hoping to use that in pictures of you."

"Well, unless you don't want to take pictures of me anymore, I'm sure it was energy and effort well spent," Anika said, laughing. "I know I still want you to be my photographer if you want to. You're the only one on the ship that could make me look halfway pretty."

He laughed and said, "I didn't have to try at all. You have that beauty all to your own. You wouldn't mind me taking pictures of you then?"

Anika shook her head. "I wouldn't mind it at all," she said. "It's fun. And, I enjoy it."

He smiled. At least he would have that pleasure. "I'd be happy to take pictures of you then."

She laughed. "Okay then," she said. "So, how long do they have you confined in here?"

"I have no clue," he said honestly. He said, "I could program a few things into it and see if you like them next time I see you. Maybe tomorrow?"

Anika smiled. "Maybe tomorrow," she said. "But, for now I need to go. I've got a workout and some holodeck time scheduled. I'll talk to you later, Eric."

Anika got up and moved toward the door. Eric followed her, but she made it clear that all wasn't completely forgiving. As she turned toward the door, she gave him a wink and headed down the corridor.

"Every Long Journey... Part I"

Lieutenant (jg) Adrian An'quinsos
Counselor

Lieutenant Michael McDowell
Ass. Chief Engineer

With a brief appearance of:
Lieutenant Navarre Shinta
Counselor

*Psychobabble. Funny word for talking to a Counselor. * The thought flashed through Michael's mind and made him smile. *Although it describes it correctly. *

The humorous observation just popped up when he was thinking about the upcoming session with Counselor... pause. Michael checked the man's name on a PADD. Counselor An'quinsos. That name... whoever dreamed it up sure had a taste for complexity. Michael tried to spell it out without saying the words out loud. He hadn't a clue if he pronounced it correctly but it wouldn't be too long before he would find out.

The quarters the Counseling department occupied was right ahead and it didn't take Michael long until he was there. He hesitated. Although it was Gamma shift there was a chance that Karyn was still in her office. An uneasy feeling got to him. He wanted to see her... but then again not. Michael knew, by experience, that seeing Karyn would make his heart beat faster, because he still had feelings for her. However, at the same time it would hurt him to see her, not being able to tell her about his feelings because she didn't share his feelings.

Michael sighed softly and thought about the shore leave they had on Risa. *Maybe it would've worked out all differently if I had just kept my hands to myself. But no, I couldn't behave myself. * He thought and straightened his uniform, in case Karyn really would be in her office. In the end, like so many times before, Michael concluded that he screwed up, so he also had to endure the consequences. And if that meant that Karyn just wanted to be friends, then so be it.

Finally Michael stepped forward and entered the office. By the looks of several people passing by he must've have waited quite a long while before deciding to walking in. Looking around Michael saw a few officers who had to be Counselors, but he had no idea who of them was Counselor An'quinsos. In fact, now he thought about it, he didn't even know if he was where he had to be. Counselors had their own separate quarters or shared them with colleagues. So it could be that the Counselor he was supposed to meet was in another room.

A tall dark skinned man approached Michael. He had the rank of Lieutenant junior grade. At first Michael wanted to address him by his rank but in the end decided not to. Somehow he had the feeling that Counselors didn't care about their rank as much as others did.

"Excuse me. I have an appointment with Counselor..." That name again. Michael had to look it up again on the PADD. "...An'kwinsoos." Looking up he saw a broad smile on the man's face. Michael thought he'd pronounced the name well enough. So what was so funny?

"We've learned to call him Quinn!" The guy replied with a small chuckle. "It's saved us the trouble of trying to pronounce that name!"

The tall, dark-skinned man led Michael to the El-Aurian Counselor's office. Taking deep breath, the Lieutenant walked into the room. Their before him was a dark-blonde haired 'youth' gazing intently at a padd with a Lieutenant junior grade rank. Michael's first observation was that he looked rather young to be a Counselor. Within seconds of walking in, the Counselor looked up and smiled.

"Counselor... Quinn?"

"Yes I am," He replied, shaking Michael's hand. "And you must be Lieutenant Michael McDowell" He replied. "Please, have a seat."

"Thanks" After Michael sat down he looked around the room. The first thing he noticed was that it had been redecorated, obviously to give it a warmer, cozier look. Another psychological tactic: create a environment where someone feels comfortable and he or she will open up quicker, which in turn makes talking easier. It worked with Michael.

"Can I get you something?" Adrian said and moved towards the replicator. “Michael turned to face the Counselor. "Some coffee would be nice, with milk and sugar."

"Coffee, milk and sugar, and a Betazoid espresso, double sweet."

Two containers materialized with their respective liquids in place. Adrian handed the Lieutenant his coffee, carrying the espresso with him over to his seat. Adrian took a sip of his drink as he glanced over one of the many padds that seem to litter his desk. Laying it down, he put it aside and looked straight at the officer in front of him. Adrian, like all rare El-Aurian Counselors, if they could help someone generally preferred to look at the person. Any information gathered would be inputted after a session.

"Well Mr. McDowell, I've read your file." He paused a moment to recall the information. "While on Grainus VI, on a humanitarian mission, you were poisoned by a toxic species of plant life, paralyzing you, and sending you into a comatose state that lasted four months."

The Lieutenant nodded in agreement. 'Four months,' Adrian thought to himself. 'A mere handful of heartbeats to an El-Aurian, nevertheless an unfortunate loss of memory swept away by the hands of Fate.' "And, from what I understand, you are not able to recall certain events that have happened in your life, as well as your present memories seem to be in incorrect temporal order"

Adrian paused a moment. Thinking about temporal disruptions from an El-Aurian standpoint alone was not something he himself would like to experience. It was small price to pay for who or rather, what he was.

Michael nodded again. "Yes, that's correct." he said and took some of his coffee. He noticed that the man behind the desk kept still, like he expected Michael to go on talking without him interfering. "Four months... at first I thought it was nothing. But now... So much has changed in that period, at times I even feel like I'm a complete stranger on this ship, like I don't belong here." *Or anywhere else for that matter. * Michael added without saying it.

Another sip. The warm coffee was comforting in a way. "And the 'chaos' in my mind doesn't make any easier." Michael said solemnly and stared at an artist impression of a binary star system that hung behind the Counselor... or Quinn as the others called him. His thoughts drifted away, just for a moment, to those two white dwarfs. Wouldn't it be preferable to be there at the times he felt like an outsider, an island, on a ship with a 1000+ crew? At least there he wouldn't be constantly confronted with his extensive amnesia. There the past wasn't important, nor his exact identity or that of somebody else.

A slight movement by Quinn brought Michael back to reality. "I don't want this to go on. I've been trying hard to figure all out by reading Logs, by talking to a few people, including my parents, and by thinking about everything I still do remember, hoping that in some way it'll all come back by doing that. But no matter how hard I try, it doesn't seem to work."

"Let's begin at the beginning." Adrian replied. An inquisitive look from the Engineer almost caused a smile to form on his face. 'No wonder many think us mysterious! Enough of the El-Aurian riddles Adrian!' he thought to himself. "What I mean is, let's try and piece together the memories of your life that you have remembered, and work from there."

The Counselor's idea was slightly confusing. He had done the same thing before and it failed. Besides, it would become a long session if he had to tell everything he could recall. "I don't understand. Like I said, I already tried that. Why should it help now?" Michael replied.

"Let me clarify myself..." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "A situation like this will not be solved in one simple session. We Counselors are here to help, however we can only go so far, but you must do the rest." Adrian glanced at a picture of his father upon his desk. It was found at his 'newly' owned castle. "Every long journey begins with one step."

"Excuse me?" The Counselors words were clear, except for the last phrase. The meaning of it escaped Michael and only made things more confusing.

"After I graduated back on my homeworld from the University, I came to a crossroads in my life. So, I asked for father for some advice. He told me of an old proverb he had heard when he visited your homeworld a millennium or two ago."

*Two millennia? The good man must be fossilized by now. * The thought went by in a flash. It was a bit rude, but on the other hand it had a funny side. Anyway, Michael had the feeling it wouldn't be exactly wise to say it and instead asked a simple though logical question. "What did he say?"

"He said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." Adrian finished off his drink. "The memories in your past might not come to you over night. It may take days, or even months before you are whole again. However, just being here. You've taken that first step."

Day, months… it didn't matter to Michael how long it would take. Just to have his memories back, and with that knowing exactly who he was and his place in life (particularly aboard the ship) was most important. But he still didn't see how telling about his life would help him. On the other hand, Counselors should know best on how to treat patients like him, and who was he to argue with that?

"So where do I start? I remember periods of my childhood, most of the time I went to the University, and the days at the Academy. After that things become more fuzzy." Michael paused and thought for a moment. "Shore leave on Risa...that's the most recent experience I do remember very well. The rest...well, the rest comes in bits and pieces. But most of it is one big black void, and I don't remember anything of the mission on Grainus VI."

"Maybe it's a good idea to tell about the things that happened right after your shore leave on Risa. Try to recall as much as possible until the point where you can't go on." Adrian said, sensing that at this point it was more important to restore the recent past of his patient. Besides, the older the memories get the harder it is to remember them...which is normal. Another thing was that it looked that Michael found it more difficult to deal with not being able to remember the more recent events in his life. But there was one thing that worried Adrian, how to retrieve memories from a 'black void'? The past can be reconstructed if you can connect the few memories the patient still has, but if there are none...what options are left?

*He really does want to hear the whole story. * Michael thought as he shifted into a more comfortable position. *Does he have time for this? Surely this must mess up his agenda. *

"Well… the first thing I can think of that occurred after Risa is the murder of President Kinnley." Michael said, beginning his monolog with the first clear memory, while thinking that this would indeed become a long session. "It must have had quite some impact on me because I can remember it clearly..."

[conversation fades]

*** About 2 hours later ***

"...there was something...something with the transporters. A malfunction...or was is just a maintenance procedure?" Michael was at a loss for words. It happened more frequently now he came close to the date when he had the accident. Michael looked down for a few seconds then looked at Adrian. "I'm sorry, I can't remember more. It's ends right there; there's nothing... just nothing. Like I said, one black void."

"It's alright. You tried hard to tell everything you know and I can't expect more of you." Adrian carefully laid down a PADD, which he had used for taking notes while Michael was talking. Sometimes he'd literally used his exact words. Later on those could prove vital. "Remember, you've only taken the first few steps of the journey. It will not come to you in one or two months, but I believe it will come some day."

Adrian repeated his last words in his mind. He knew he couldn't be 100% sure Michael would have all of his memories back, but he'd said it to boost his spirits. Was it false hope? Maybe… but to have no hope at all was even worse. Adrian was about to propose to talk further on a next session when the chime rang.

"Chimes, they're pretty disruptive in a counseling session. But, alas, we have to live with them." Adrian said and smirked. "Excuse me for a moment." He walked towards the door. The doors parted revealed Shinta standing in front of him.

"Shinta, what brings you here?" Adrian said smiling.

She smiled. "Hi. I hope I didn't interrupt you in your work, but I was wondering if you could help me with something."

"Always, just tell me how." Seeing Shinta made Adrian think. He knew she had experience on working with people that suffered from extensive amnesia. She had mentioned a few weeks ago. His eyes shot from Shinta to Michael, who still sat patiently waiting in his chair, and back again. Why hadn't he thought of that before? "And Shinta, maybe you can return the favor sooner then you think."

To be continued...

"Reflections, Part I"
By Lieutenant Commander Savat

***Savat's Quarters***

Savat sat on the edge of his bed, eyes closed in concentration, as his fingers danced over the strings of his lyre. The long curved neck of the instrument rested gently against his shoulder as the delicate arpeggios sprang from the instrument under his control.

The lights of the room were dimmed, with a slight reddish tint that mimicked the lighting of his native Vulcan. The temperature, likewise, was set to a comfortable 135 degrees Fahrenheit and a light, musky incense drifted up from a metal brazier mounted on the wall near the bed.

While the majority of the crew of the Galaxy would have found the setting stifling and uncomfortable, Savat found that it allowed him to relax and meditate with an ease that the stark lighting and chilly conditions of the 'Earth normal' settings could not provide.

Savat brought his one-man concert to an end, his aged but steady hands silencing the strings of the lyre with practiced ease. To a non-Vulcan, his performance would have sounded exemplary, but Savat knew otherwise. The lyre, and musical instruments in general, were never his strong point. He had been forced to learn as a child, and while a century of practice had allowed him to master the control of the notes with mathematical precision, the tiny subtitles of timing and synchronicity had escaped him. With a lirpa or and ahn-woon in his hands, he was a poet, but as a musician, he was simply adequate.

But the music had provided the focus he needed to reflect on the events of the past weeks. The previous mission had not gone as planned. Missions rarely did. But his team had performed in a highly satisfactory manner in spite of this, especially considering that is was their first live exercise working together. They had managed to capture the Maquis vessel and its crew, and had done so without the loss of life on either side. There had been injuries, including a moderately serious wound suffered by Lieutenant O'Grady, but it had gone far better than he had expected, considering the elements involved.

His team had showed the ability to exhibit coordination and restraint. Each of them had brought their own personal weaponry with them during the assault, ranging from O'Grady's knife and Tival's needles to Seth's lethal physiology. Yet none of them had resorted to deadly force. He was especially impressed with the Gorn's creative use of non-lethal solutions. He had half expected Seth to eviscerate his opponents, as he had done when battling the Chameloid assassin months earlier on DS9, but he too had managed to stick within the mission parameters and exhibit self control.

Savat knew that O'Grady was, to coin the Human expression, beating herself up over her injury, seeing it as a clumsy mistake on her part. He was counting on her own strength of character, coupled with the counseling of her husband, to see her through to recovery. He intended to watch her closely when she returned to duty to make certain her confidence in her abilities had not been shaken by the experience.

In truth, his team had defied the percentages, at least to the extent that Savat had calculated them. He had anticipated a 73% chance of at least one serious injury, a 38% chance of multiple injuries with at least one fatality and a 13% chance that the entire team would be wiped out. Considering those odds, the Vulcan should have been pleased with the results of the operation.

Yet persistent and nagging doubts continued to haunt him, like an itch he couldn't scratch. Now, faced with the start of a new and complex mission in the Ursid system, Savat felt the need to exercise the doubts once and for all. And that had prompted his meditation.

He placed his lyre on the bed and crossed the room and stared at his passive reflection in the mirror. It was the same emotionless expression that he wore every day, both on duty and off, when in a group or alone.

But there had been times when duty called for him to wear a very different face, and the battle between his ideals as a Vulcan and his duty as a security and intelligence officer.

"The Other Woman"
by Lt. jg Anika Crowe, Flight Control Officer
and Lt. jg Michala Lynn, Medical Officer
USS Galaxy

Anika glanced between the PADD and the door in front of her. She wasn't sure if this was the wisest move she'd ever made. Hopefully everything would work out for the best though. She didn't know what she was going to say, or really even why she was here. She needed to talk to the "other woman" though. She needed to talk to the woman that Eric had slept with. She needed to talk to Michala Lynn.

With slight hesitation, Anika reached out to the door chime and tapped it. Hopefully this would go well...

Michala was reading the latest information on cell restructuring when the chime sounded. She frowned, she wasn't expecting company. "Come," She called as she stood up to greet her visitor. Michala didn't go on duty for a couple of hours yet and was dressed casually. Her hair was down and she hadn't bothered to do anything with it yet. She smoothed it down, uncomfortable with a visitor when she was unprepared. A young woman stood in the door, she had not met her though she had seen her a time or two.

"May I help you?" She asked with concern.

Anika smiled, not quite sure how to begin. She tried to smile, but felt like she was probably looking pretty goofy. This wasn't starting the way she'd hoped, not that she'd really thought that far ahead.

"Hi," she said. "This is probably going to be very strange. My name is... I mean, I'm...I'm not really sure how to begin here. I'm Anika Crowe. We have a mutual acquaintance: Eric Odin."

MIchala didn't connect for a moment and then her face flushed deeply. In the last couple of weeks she had kept her distance from Eric. Seeing him only professionally, they had successfully bleeded the energy off of the symbiot using the procedure that Andree had suggested. They had not found a permanent solution, but Michala had helped Eric learn to bleed off the build up through non violent means. "Umm, have a seat." Michala sat across from Anika. She knew that the last two weeks had been hell for Eric and she had not tried to help him. She had not faced Shinta yet.

Anika took the offered seat, smiling awkwardly. "I'm sorry if this is awkward," she said. "I don't really even know why I came here. I guess I was curious. Doesn't that sound strange? Oh, just so it's out in the open, I'm not mad at you. Eric is the one I'm mad at. He should have told you he was involved. He should have been the one to stop it. If you didn't know he and I were dating, there was no reason you should have stopped him. I haven't really decided what to do about the whole thing yet. I keep thinking of pushing him out an airlock, but I've never been able to bring myself to do it. Also, I don't think I could budge him if I tried."

"He is a good man, Lt. I would not punish him for long. He is under a great deal of physical stress. Has he told you anything about what is going on medically?" Michala did not know what was right to say. She 'was flushed a deep red.

Anika shook her head. "He hasn't really told me anything about it. I mean, when I think about it, I really don't know much about him. And, he probably doesn't know much about me either. We haven't really talked about ourselves very much. Usually what's happened is he pulls out something to drink, we drink to much of it and either end up in the holodeck with him taking photographs of me using his imager or, as was the case last time, in bed together. We never really get to talking about us."

"But he told me.. I mean, I thought he rarely drank?" Michala flushed. "You need to get to know him. The person behind the man." Michala was thinking however that this was not a good pattern and she planned to give Eric a piece of her mind.

"I'm planning on it," Anika said. "And, I can't remember many times before our fight that we didn't drink when we were together. I told him I thought he needed to see a counselor, partly because of that. And, partly because when he was trying to explain what had happened, he kept saying he could hurt himself to make me happy. I don't know if he thought it was romantic, or what. But, to willingly hurt yourself? Something's not right. I am worried about him."

"He is having a rough time of it. I cannot tell you his medical situation without his permission. As for what happened with me, I cannot defend him for to be honest, I don't remember much. I had never had alcohol before and it took an instant affect on me." Michala flushed.

"I know what you mean," Anika said. "First time I met him, we had something...I don't even remember what it was called now. We ended up in the holodeck with me in a skimpy swimsuit and him with his imager. He told me I had what it took to be a model, and he said he knew a guy who might be interested in putting the photos in a fashion magazine. Well, he was right. His friend liked the photos, and he put them in his magazine thing. I don't think I would have let Eric take pictures of me if I weren't drunk." She shook her head and laughed. "I haven't even seen the pictures yet. I don't think I could bring myself to look at them. Next time, was about the same. Then, the last time we ended up in bed together."

"I don't know what to say. I - I didn't mean to cause problems between you. I thought.. well it doesn't matter what I thought." She finally said.

Anika leaned forward. "You didn't know there was an us to cause problems between," she said. "The problem is between me and Eric now. You were going to say something? What you think, or thought, does matter to me."

"I think it would be better if Eric and you just work on what you have between you. My opinions really are of no consequence." Michala said with a tight smile.

Getting the point, Anika looked away. Maybe it was a mistake coming here. What had she been thinking? Just dropping by to talk to the woman Eric had slept with on the sly? Maybe she was the one who should be seeking a counselor's advice.

"I'm sorry," Anika said. "Maybe I shouldn't have shown up here. It was probably just a morbid streak I've got in my sense of humor. Going to visit the woman your boyfriend cheated on you with. I should probably go, Michala. Thanks for talking to me."

Michala stood up. "It is no problem, I probably would have done the same thing. I am just glad you didn't walk in swinging."

Anika laughed. "Same here,'" she said. "Besides, a member of the Galaxy's medical staff now knows a little bit about a few of Eric's 'issues.' Maybe he can get a little help there. Who knows what happens when he gets the next poor, unsuspecting woman drunk."

"I would actually suggest you take this information to Shinta Maxwell, she is his counselor." Michala suggested softly.

Eric had his own counselor? Was that just a protocol thing, or was there something else? I guess with whatever kind of accident Eric had, a counselor would be appropriate. "I'll do that," Anika said. "Thanks again."

Michala walked her to the door. "Try to give him another chance, he was truly heartbroken the next day." She said softly.

"I'll try," Anika said with a smile. "I told him he's going to have to earn it. He's doing okay so far."

Michala smiled. "Good luck then." She said and watched as the young woman moved off. Eric could do worse, she just hope he realized it.

"A New Friend?"
By Lt (jg) Rose Isis MacAllen, Science Officer
and Lt (jg) Anika Crowe, Helmsman

Rose was so happy, she got her new royal pictures in the Betazoid Royal Magazine with a story about her good works on Betazed and on the Galaxy. She was still the most popular royal in the royal family. Rose's pictures looked very good and she was very happy with them. As she was reading and looking at the pictures, she bumped into a young woman in a red uniform and the pictures fell on the floor.

"Oh," the woman said, "I'm so sorry, I wasn't even watching where I was going." She bent over to help pick up the scattered images. Anika stopped a moment as she picked up one image and smiled. "Hey, these are pretty nice."

Rose smiled at the young woman. "Thank you," she said. "I'm Rose Isis MacAllen."

Anika returned the smile as she handed back the images she'd collected. "You're welcome," she said. "I'm Anika Crowe, flight control department. I didn't damage any of them, did I? I really should be more careful walking through the corridors."

"I have a boyfriend who a helmsman. Me, I'm just a Science officer..do you want to get something to drink Anika." Rose said with a smile hoping the can be friends since she don't have very many on the ship.

"Sure, that would be great," she said. "I'm off-duty now, so a drink sounds wonderful." Anika indicated that Rose should lead the way. As they started down the corridor, Ani turned to Rose. "My boyfriend...well, he's not really my boyfriend right now. My ex-boyfriend, currently just a close friend, is an engineer. I almost became a science officer. I just study as a hobby right now. My favorite field of study is oceanography."

"You mean Eric? I know him. He's a very close friend of mine too. My favorite field of study is Archeology," she said with a smile while opening up her latest issues of "Betazed Royal Family" Magazine.

Anika noticed the cover of the magazine and it's resemblance to Rose. A number of rumors she'd remembered hearing around the ship bubbled to the surface of her consciousness and Ani put two and two together. "You're royalty right?" she asked as they walked into Ten Forward.

"Yes, the Countess of Betazed... It's a hard job but somebody's got to do it," Rose said with a smile. She felt so sorry about what had happened between Anika and Eric. She hoped that she could help her.

Anika laughed. "That's pretty amazing, Rose," she said. "So, does being a member of the royal family interfere with your duties in Starfleet?"

"No, but what does the rumors tell you Anika. First off me and Eric are only friends. That's all. But I think that not part of the rumor." she asked her with a sad look on her face.

Anika looked at Rose, not quite sure what she meant. "What rumors," she asked. "I haven't heard any rumors about me or Eric. Usually, when the rumors are about you, you're the last to know."

"What do they say?" she asked as Rose sits at the bar.

Anika took a seat next to Rose and frowned. Now she was really confused. "What do who say? I don't follow."

Rose smiled at her new friend, "Nevermind I know what people say...that I am the member to the Betazoid royal family. So it true yes I am."

Anika laughed. "I guess so," she said. "So, what do you do when you're not being a science officer?"

"I love singing, acting, horseback riding, I can play the harp and the piano." she smiles and drinks her tea.

"Acting," Anika said, excitement clear in her voice. "I love acting. Rizalle got me hooked on it back on New Corsica. I was hoping someone would start a production on the Galaxy. I'm dying to audition for something. And, I play most stringed instruments, except maybe the Vulcan lyre." She reached into a pocket and pulled out a penny whistle. "And, I've been working on expanding what I can play. I'm working into flutes and pipes and such. I was learning the harmonica the other day. Oh, I love music so much. I think if I hadn't gone into Starfleet, I would have been happy acting and playing music. I'm modelling too. Eric knows a guy, and he took some holo-images of me and sent them out. And, now I'm in some Federation fashion magazine. It's FFM or FashionBlitz or one of those."

"Really I always wanted to be in magazine..but mostly I'm in the Betazed Royal Family Magazine." Rose give her a copy of the magazine..for her.

Anika accepted the magazine and flipped through some of the pages, marvelling at the Betazoid aesthetic for graphical design. It was a very nice layout. High quality was something Anika imagined was very important to Betazoids. "Thank you," she said. "Very nice magazine. I haven't seen any of mine yet. I've only done a couple swimsuit spreads so far. I'm supposed to be scheduled for another shoot soon, but I don't know what it's going to be."

Rose smiled at her. "Maybe I can teach you how to horseback ride and I thinking about putting together a band maybe you want to join."

"Oh, wow," Anika said. "That would be so great. I mean, both learning how to ride and a band. I've only ever really worked on my own with instruments. I've never had a chance to be in a band. That would be so great. I can play lots of instruments. And, I can sing. I played the part of T'Sela in 'Vulcan Fury' on New Corsica. It's a musical that takes place before the Vulcan Awakening. Amazing music and T'Sela's a great part. Oh, wow. I am so glad I met you, Rose."

Rose smiled, "A toast to our new friendship...I hope we'll be friends forever."

Anika raised her glass and clinked it softly against Rose's. "To eternal friendship," she said. "I haven't felt this happy in weeks."

Bajoran Ice, A Doctors Care,
And Gaelic Fire.
By Lt. Maxwell Shinta
Counselor

Lt.Jg. Michala Lynn
Medical

Lt. Bruce Maxwell
Chief Helmsman

Michala decided to find Shinta so she could check some test results against her own records.  She was coming to value Shinta's insights.  The computer told her that she was in the holodeck.  Michala entered and stepped into an atmosphere so cold that it took her breath away.  She scrowled immediately for she knew what her friend was doing.

"Computer, bring temperature up in this room one degree every minute."  She ordered immediately.

"Shinta, you fool, where are you?"  She hollered out, unable to see her friend anywhere.

Shinta was in a corner of the holodeck, she had given up trying to stay warm some minutes ago, and now said hudled in the corner, shivering. It was not that cold, she was going to beat this, she was not going to trouble anybody.With what she had lived through in her life,  This should be a piece of cake.

Michala finally found her, shivering in the wintery  atmosphere.  She dared not pull her out of here.  To warm her to quickly would result in shock and maybe damage to the baby.  "Computer - Two blankets.  One cup of tea, tepid."  The items materialized and Michala wapped a blanket around Shinta and forced the tea into her hands.  She was furious with her friend.  "Drink that or I will inject it into you by force."  She had to help hold the cup, Shinta's hands were shaking so bad.   Shinta began to speak but Michala cut her off.

"Don't even try to tell me its not cold, you are in the first stages of hypothermia. And DON"T try to explain right now, I might throttle you." Michala snarled.   She pulled out her tricorder now that Shinta had a good grip on the cup.  She scanned and found that the baby's heartbeat had slowed noticably but it was still regular.  She had gotten here in time.

Shinta held the cop gratefully, it was warm, and she was so cold. " I.. I thought I could beat this without troubling Bruce. I am sorry if I troubled you, Mike." unsteadily she tried to rise to her feet. "I will go home and put on some more clothes now."

"You will sit your behind right back down."  Michala ordered.  "We have to raise the temperature slowly.   If you just walk out into that hallway, you may through your body into a state of shock to great for the baby to handle.As for Bruce, I already told him."  She stated firmly.

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

Bruce was sitting in his office thinking about what Michala had told him about Shinta. Bruce was worried, he loved her dearly and she was carrying his baby. He stood up realizing this situation cant wait. He walked out from behind his desk, and tapped his badge.

"Bruce to Shinta....." Bruce comunicated.

Michala didn't even give Shinta a chance to respond, she grabbed her communicator from her. "We are in holodeck two, Lt and your assistance would be greatly appreciated."  Michala knew her friend would be angry with her later, but right now, she didn't care.  Right now, Shinta's health was all that mattered.

Bruce recognized the voice, and with a spurt of adreline ran out of the office and down the corridor."Michala, I am on my way, what has happened. God Damn it, tell me nothing has happened to Shinta!"

Michala watched her friend wince.  "This is the man you don't want to bother with asking to turn up the temperature?"  She raised an eyebrow at her shivering companion.  Dang it was cold in here, it felt like the temperature hand not risen a all.  "She will be fine, but I still could use your help.." She said finally answering Bruce.  She handed Shinta back her communicator...

"I am almost there. Bruce out." Bruce ran down the last leg.

He saw the enrtrance to the holodeck. Bruce entered the Holodeck and felt the cold. He looked over and saw the two of them in the corner. He then began to curse in gaelic. he rushed over to the corner and then let out English. "What the Hell, Is going on?"

MIchala decided to remain silent.   She looked to Shinta to see if she were going to answer.  The temperature was still just barely above freezing.

Shinta started to cry. "I am strong, I did not want to bother you. Please do not be  angry. I thought I could beat this alone, I did not want to be any trouble." She was so scared, Bruce was angry, what if he left her, like every man in  her life had done if she had been trouble or did something wrong.

Michala looked at the confused look on Bruce's face. "My guess is that she thought by freezing herself, she could lower her body's need for a higher temperature.  When in actuality, she may have just accentuated it."

"I can't F........Look, You cannot take yours and the babies life in to risk like this. We are married. We are to stand together and fall together. You dont talk to me, you keep secrets from me, and you fight battles without me....." bruce angrily trying to calm down, then starts cursing in gaelic.

Shinta leaned closer to Mike, they both seemed very far away now. "I am sleepy." She said softly, closing her eyes.

"Oh no you don't.'" Michala cursed.  She ordered a stimulant replicated and quickly administered it to her friend.  "No matter what, no sleeping till you body is warm enough.  Besides, you are the counselor, time you faced your own ghosts and let your husband face them with you."

Bruce saw her begin to fall asleep, he quickly removed duty jacket and shirt and wrapped them around her head and neck. His body warmed the clothes and now will help warm her. He stood their, scars and tatoos. "Here This will help, got it from my special ops training."

Shinta's head cleared a little, and she looked at Bruce. He looked angry, and she remembered his cursing. Shinta began to cry softly. "I am so sorry, Bruce. I will take any punishment you think I deserve. But please give me another chance, I will be good, I will not be any more trouble. I love you so."

"We will talk about this later! Michala, I hate to this, but I need to order her taken to the infirmary for a full check up, I am sorry." Bruce sad almost in a whisper. His body rippled from the cold.

"She is my patient and you will do know such thing.  I have the temperature coming up one degree a minute.  If we take her into a warm environement by beaming her out or walking into the corridor, we will throw her system into shock.  As it is, I am pushing the time for her body to adjust.  I am afraid I will have to insist you wait.  Then, we will take her to sickbay and definitely do that check up."  Michala's tone was firm.  Michala knew that while he may outrank her as an officer, she outranked him when it came to the safety of a patient in a non-combat situation.

"Actually, Doctor, Thats what I meant. I am sorry I chose my wording wrong. I am not fully together right now." Bruce said almost devoid of emotion and in a whisper then a single tear fell from his eye.

Michala's expression softened.  "It is okay.  Listen, she has to stay here and let her body readjust to the temperature.  She needs to stay awake.  Why don't you two sit here and  talk.  Computer - replicate one bench and campfire."Michala ordered.

  The fire and bench appeared and Michala helped Bruce get Shinta in front of the fire.  She then left them to their conversation.

Shinta looked at the ground, he had ignored her when she said she loved him.She had gone too far, he did not love her anymore. "I will move my things out as soon as possible." She said softly crying. "All blame is mine."

"What, Huh. Where is this coming from Shinta? Are you going to try and move every time you make me mad. Yes, What you did is utterly stupid, yes i am mad you dont ask me for help. But, I dont want you to move out!" Bruce said Pacing back and forth.

"I thought you were so angry you did not want me anymore. You shouted at me, and cursed, I deserve that. I did not ask help, because I do not want to be a burden. I love you to much. I do not want to destroy what we have. Jake... He used to beat me when I did something wrong. As did my mentors on Bajor, when I was a teenager, they were very strict, and they taught me never to be a burden to anybody, solve your own problems, be strong. You don't beat me, that confuses me, maybe, maybe it is because you do not love me any more. Because I have been too bad."

"What, I dont hit you so I dont love you. Your my Angel, I could never hit you. Only weak cowards hi women out of anger or for anything else. I love you. We will work this out. We are going to need help but we will work thru this." Bruce stated with a smile. "Michala how is the baby, Has it been affected?"

MIchala walked back over to them  "I won't know for sure till we can get back to sickbay.  From what I can tell though, the baby's natural defenses kicked in and it has been protecting itself pretty well.  Plus, Shinta did insulate the baby.  It is just that the rest of her body is so cold that it has circumvented her protections."

"I was careful to protect the baby." Shinta said she looked at  Bruce." You really love me, when you did not hit me, I was so frayed you did not  love me."She looked at the doctor now. "Thank you for your help, Mike. I would like to go home now and be with Bruce. Could you baby sit Gavin tonight? And don't tell Karyn, I will tell myself, I should have done so long time ago."

"Hold on there, Lass. Let Michala give you the thuimbs up and um sorry love your heading to the infirmary! We need to make sure everything is okay then we head home. If thats okay with you Doc." Bruce looked at Michala and smiled.

Michala nodded.  The temperature was livable now and Shinta was not shivering quite so hard.  "We can probably go in about five minutes."  

Shinta nodded. "That sounds OK."

"Entering the Ursid system"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price

The main view screen of the USS Galaxy filled with the image of the outer planets of the Ursid star system.

"We have entered the Ursid system Captain." Ensign Kolrami called out from her station at the Helm.

Captain Price nodded. "Drop us out of warp 'mate, and plot a course to the fourth planet, establishing a standard orbit there Ensign."

"Very good Captain." Emilia responded with a Zakdorn accent.

Pivoting in his chair, Lee glanced back at the Tactical station. Lieutenant Richeson was standing there. "Lieutenant, please see if you can raise the tribal council on the planet Ursid to inform them of our arrival."

Tim effortlessly began punching the required buttons as he responded, "Hailing now Captain..." Just a moment later the Lieutenant looked up with a satisfied look on his face. "I have them Captain."

Pleased with the Chief Tactical Officer's performance, the General swiveled back around to front and called out, "On screen 'mate."

The main view screen switched to the image of one of the counseling chambers of the tribal council. An elderly gentleman with long, straight gray hair held back in a ponytail and a modern suit decorated in traditional hieroglyphics of the Ursid people sat there to take the hail.

Captain Price stood out of the Command chair to address the gentleman.

"G'day 'mate. I am Captain Lee Price, commanding officer of the Federation starship Galaxy. We are just now entering your system in response to the request for assistance."

The older man acknowledged the Captain's words with a slight bob of his head. ["Welcome to our system Captain Price. My name is Kabbaho Two-feathers. I am sub-chieftain to the tribal council. We are pleased that you have come so quickly."]

"No worries 'mate. The Federation is always glad to lend a 'and if it can." Captain Price replied easily.

["The council has arranged a feast in your honor, to celebrate the Federation's aid in this troubled time. I will transmit the coordinates of the location so that your matter transportation device may safely guide your people to the proper location at the designated time."] Two-feathers explained.

"That will be bonzer Chief Two-feathers. My First Officer, Commander Christopher Thomas and members of the Galaxy's senior staff will look forward to attending. Our understanding is that there is a lot of work to be done in a very short time. My people are anxious to get started to maximize our assistance to your people."

Two-feathers raised a hand. ["There will be plenty of talk at the campfire after the feast Captain Price. All of our tribal chiefs will be present to discuss plans for the upcoming days prior to the firestorm of rain."] After a bit of a pause, a curious look formed on the chieftain's face as he added, ["Your words make it sound as if you will not be able to attend Captain Price. Have I misinterpreted your meaning of tongue?"]

Lee smiled while shaking his head. "Your interpretation is correct Chief Two-feathers. There will be a lot of coordination required to mobilize the away teams of scientists and engineers needed to protect the buildings of Ursid from the firestorm of rain. Unless my presence will be interpreted by your tribal council as a necessity, I believe more can be accomplished if I remain on board the Galaxy to supervise the running of this starship. My First Officer can speak for me at this welcoming feast. You may treat his words as my own. After the firestorm of rain has past and the people of Ursid are safe, I would welcome the opportunity to visit your world and meet the members of the tribal council."

["I understand Captain Price. You must be free to command your warriors as is needed on a Federation space ship. I will pass on your reasons to the tribal council and tell them your First Officer's words speaks with your tongue."] Two-feathers responded.

"Thank you Chief." Lee replied. Then glancing back to Lieutenant Richeson, the Captain asked, "Have we received the coordinate information Lieutenant?"

Tim nodded, "Yes sir. I have the coordinates and time that our people are to transport down Captain."

The General gave Richeson a nod and looked back at Chief Two-feathers. "I believe things are all in order Chief Two-feathers. You can inform the tribal council that senior members of the USS Galaxy, lead by my First Officer, Commander Thomas, will be transporting down at the appointed time."

["This will please my people Captain. May your hunting grounds be bountiful and your arrows fly true."] the elderly sub-chieftain stated while making an open handed gesture to the view screen.

The Captain imitated the salutation with his own hands. "The Federation looks forward to this opportunity to work together with your people so we each may learn and benefit from our cooperation. USS Galaxy out."

As the channel closed, the view screen returned to the image of the Ursid system as Ensign Kolrami piloted the Galaxy towards the fourth planet to establish a standard planetary orbit about Ursid.

Captain Price returned to his command chair and sat down while activating the communicator on the arm of the chair. "Price to Thomas, come in 'mate."

["Thomas here, what is it Captain?"] Commander Thomas responded a moment later.

"We have entered the Ursid system and I just spoke to a member of the tribal council on the planet surface 'mate. How are things coming with preparing the senior officers you want to attend the welcoming feast?" Captain Price inquired.

["Most are ready to go sir. Though to be honest, I don't think anyone really knows what to expect."] Chris commented. ["Have we any clue what this Ursid feast will be like Captain?"]

Lee smiled. "Well if speaking to sub-chieftain Kabbaho Two-feathers is any indication, I'd expect you'll all get one hell of a tucker and afterwards will smoke the peace-pipe around a bonfire while their elders brief you on the 'battle plans' for the next several days activities before the firestorm of rain happens."

["I see. Well at least that is something. I'll be sure that everyone brings tricorders to record the information presented. It sounds like the Ursid people are quite organized in their efforts."] Thomas pointed out while thinking ahead.

"It appears so. They have been preparing for this meteor shower for the last ten years. A certain degree of organization should be expected. At any rate, if the sub-chieftain is any indication, I believe you'll find this away mission a pleasant experience. The Ursid people seem to be quite friendly and wise. You can fill me in when you return after the welcoming feast with their tribal council. According to the data Two-feathers transmitted, you are expected to beam down in an hour and a half. Tell the 'mates to bring their appetites. We don't want to disappoint our hosts."

["Will do Captain. Commander Thomas out."] Chris stated before closing the channel.

After getting off the channel, Captain Price stood up and walked over to the Tactical station where Chief Tactician Tim Richeson was standing.

"Will you be attending the welcoming feast the tribal council is throwing in our honor 'mate?"

Tim nodded. "Yes Captain. I believe Commander Thomas has asked everyone in the senior staff to attend. Ensign Bosco will be manning Tactical while I am away."

"Fair dinkum 'mate. With the urgent nature of the help the Ursid people need to prepare for the meteor shower in the next three days, I expect a lot of the Galaxy's stations will be manned with junior officers while the more senior ones help supervise things on the planet surface. Protecting seven cities that span an entire continent is no small task. We will be expecting a lot from everyone."

"Yes Captain. Well you can count on Tactical to do their part. I've already made most of my department's officers available to 'Commander Savat in Security. They will be assigned to assist with the away teams. I've covered the four shifts with junior officers like Ensign Bosco for the next few days. While we are in orbit there shouldn't be too much to be concerned about from Tactical." Tim explained casually.

Lee nodded. "What about Ensign Lockhart? Where do you 'ave him assigned 'mate?"

Richeson jogged his head. "I'm having Peter assigned to one of the away teams under 'Commander Savat's command. I'm sure Ensign Lockhart will find it ironic that his first major assignment since transferring to the Tactical department will be to work as a Security officer, the department he transferred from!" Tim smiled.

"You are sure the Ensign will be okay with that 'mate?"

Tim shook his hand so the Captain didn't have to worry. "Oh yeah, Peter will be fine sir. He's a bright officer and to be honest, being on one of the away teams will be a more interesting assignment then standing at the Tactical arch for hours while we are in orbit. Now if we were in open space during a battle, then he might object... but I've already spoken to him about this and he's all for it." Richeson explained.

"Fair dinkum. Well I'm sure he will get a work out this time around. With just three days to evacuate a continent and erect force fields over seven cities, there won't be any slacking off, that's for sure." Lee commented before walking back towards the command well.

(Note: These events take place a week before 'Freedom')

Legs
by LCDR Jeral Maas, CMO
with LCDR Karyn Dallas, Chief Counselor/Nurse

*** Holodeck 2 ***

A week before, Engineering had completed rebuilding the holodecks with parts acquired by Quark and DS9 inventories. After security pronounced them safe, the crew began using them again. This time, the suite was being used for medical purposes. A physical therapy lab.

"Nurse Dallas, please report to Holodeck 2. Ensign Demotto is having trouble with her physical therapy", Doctor Maas lied. In reality, he had quite another surprise planned. Lt Odin helped work the last of the kinks out while he was confined to quarters with the growing symbiont. Based on the principles of Lt Murphy's mobility suit, the shiny polyduranium casings were shaped like humanoid legs. Unlike the Elyasian model, gravity was lightened inside the high-tech sleeves. They had successfully tested on able bodied crewmen, now all that remained was the final test.

The robotic legs even had an emergency call switch if they seized up for some reason, and other safety features to prevent unexpected problems. There was a dispenser for pain medication in case the legs caused their occupant unexpected hurt, which only activated up to 20 cc's of medication before it ceased functioning.

Karyn entered a few minutes later, having rehearsed a few encouragements for Demotto, who was learning to walk again after a cargo container crushed her legs. For obvious reasons, Jeral thought the wheelchair bound counselor would muster a good source of encouragement. With the assistance of a cane, Claire made it feebly between two support poles. Using her arms to help her balance proved easier. "You can do it," Dallas encouraged. With a smile, Claire Demotto renewed her efforts to make it to the end of the metal assistance posts.

Jeral Maas stood off to the side, near the holodeck arch. "Add music, Earth Band ZZ Top, Eliminator album, Track 6. Volume level 1/3rd." There was a two second delay while the computer located the song in its extensive data base.

Caught off guard, Karyn looked around in surprise at the unexpected sound. "She's got Legs, she knows how to use them.....", the song began. Then Maas quickly invoked the next stage of his surprise. While the Counselor's back was turned, he deleted the Demotto character, leaving behind a package for Karyn that medical and engineering had been working on in secret for some time.

Jeral strode up to the Counselor and said, "Karyn, allow me to offer you a belated Christmas present. Gesturing towards the box, it took all of his symbiont's experience to avoid betraying the mischief he had in store.

Using her chair, Karyn approached and unwrapped the box. She couldn't help shedding a few tears when she saw the contents. "Legs?, you made me legs?" She could scarcely believe her eyes. What a Christmas present...her freedom.

There were no mirrors, no false promises from Q, just hope.

Jeral saw the gleem in her eye, and made a cautionary warning. "While these legs are designed to increase your mobility, they are more physically taxing than your wheel chair. They bend enough to walk, but setting will be difficult or impossible because of physical limitations."

"Who came up with this idea?", Karyn wondered aloud.

"The legs were actually Emily Russell's idea. She knew how much you were disappointed when her institute's experiments failed to make you walk again, and hatched a new scheme to make increased mobility possible for you. Emily herself drew up the preliminary plans for these legs, but the rest of us made them function."

"Then I suppose I owe her a debt of gratitude. I'll have to thank her if I see her around and of course the medical and engineering teams." She was so overwhelmed, she didn't know what to say or do. She had always been accepting of her situation, but Russel had made her question that, and then when it failed, it made her question whether changing her life so drastically was worth it. But faced with an opportunity like this, she was taken aback by the thoughtfulness of her friends and yes, her one time enemy in Emily Russel. She wondered if Ethan and Michael were in on it too.

Jeral helped strap the counselor inside the new legs, then said, "These legs even have adjustable height controls, between 5 and 7 feet tall. You can decide how tall you want to be!" Jeral said excitedly showing her the control. It was not every day you had the opportunity to give someone a new pair of legs to increase their mobility. Karyn laughed at the feature. For the first time she could experience what it was like to tower over someone else and not have to strain her neck looking upwards at others. The whole idea was incredible, and nothing she could say or do could possibly repay what she owed them.

The next half hour proceeded somewhat like a car salesman in a show room boasting the features of his newest automobile. Karyn asked questions and quickly learned how the control panel was arranged, her desire to walk was so great.

Then she began to hobble at first. There was a bit of pain involved as atrophied muscles stretched for the first time. Jeral expected this, giving him an appropriate time to demonstrate the medication dispenser. Karyn's arms got more use than the average humanoids, since the limbs helped keep her mobile in ways that people without her disability seldom contemplated. This fact helped steady her in learning to walk.

After half an hour, Karyn had worked up quite a sweat, for she was unaccustomed to this degree of mobility. She was able to cross back and forth between the poles at a steady gait, but had to still rely on the supports. The counselor made a few decisions. She would hide the legs in her quarters until she learned to use them without the aid of the two parallel posts. And she asked Doctor Maas for an appointment an hour each day for the next week so she could practice in private. By the time the Galaxy reached her next mission, Karyn would be ready to walk with the assistance of her new present.

"Does anyone else know about these?", Karyn said gesturing to the unbelievable gorgeous legs.

"We decided to keep them a secret until we knew if you could use them. Even the Captain doesn't know they exist. Only the five of us who helped design and build them know, and we have taken a vow to follow your wishes concerning them. They are yours after all."

"Okay", Dallas summarized. "Let's keep them quiet until I learn to use them, and I'll decide when to spring it on the crew. Until then, I promise to only use them with you in attendance while I am adapting to them. After that, I will call only if there is a problem." She hugged him then, "How can I ever thank you? I had no idea I wanted something so much until it was given to me." Her eyes filled with tears once again. She was absolutely speechless. She wished Endris and Deiran were here to see her.

For the second time, Karyn wondered who else was in on building the legs. Jeral asked the computer to remove a one way see-through wall.

Karyn saw Ethan was there, as well as Michael McDowell. Emily Russell, who drew up the rough draft of the plans, and finally Julia; who's job was to make up erands so the Counselor wouldn't discover the legs prematurely.

Jeral agreed these were reasonable requests, and said the other 'leg' conspirators would abide by the decision. The group that had been hidden nodded in acknowledgement. Then he helped Karyn back into her chair and hid the legs from view as they proceeded to her quarters to store them.

*** A week Later, at the Staff Meeting ***

Counselor Dallas decided the time had come, and she walked into the staff meeting on the pair of legs engineering and medical had built. Heads turned. They didn't immediately register that Karyn's own legs didn't work. The liberation of the Counselor from her customary mobility chair had an uplifting effect on the crew.

Even Captain Price was taken aback! It was quite a shocking and provocative surprise. The General paused only a minute before pronouncing it a Bonzer announcement, even though no words were required! Jeral was amused. He knew this moment would eventually come, but he left the timing up to Karyn. The senior staff meeting was the best time of all.

Both the Doctor and Counselor had forgot to practice sitting, and Karyn had trouble moving the legs in a pattern to take a seat. Excusing herself, she stood propping her back against the bulkhead.

Everyone was a bit distracted with the surprise and all, commenting how nice the Counselor looked with her new mobility apparatus. Karyn decided to call for her chair, since the unexpected exertion had tired her. Murmurs concerning the new limbs died down after that.

When time came around for volunteers for the mission, Jeral asked to go. Joquelle and Deliz had both been diplomats, which could help things. Karyn also decided to venture planetside. It would be a good test for her newest appendages.

"The First Rehearsal"

Ensign Drake Tarsonis
Helmsman, USS Galaxy

Lieutenant Commander JL Brandis
Chief Operations Officer, USS Galaxy

Lieutenant Tim Richeson
Chief Tactical Officer, USS Galaxy

It was the first band practice for Crimson. Lt. Commander Brandis had come up with the name and all three liked it. All of the band members were supposed to meet in Drake's quarters, due to him already having a stage setup. He was standing into a the second microphone, with his trumpet and his set of drums at the back. Drake was scheduled to do some backup vocals, and he wasn't too thrilled about it. He had never sung before and was afraid of what Richeson and Brandis thought. He looked over to the door and saw Jon and Tim walk in with their instruments. Tim placed opened his saxophone case and his clarinet case, set them on a replicated stand, and sat behind the drums.

"So are we ready?" said Jonathan.

"Yep," replied Tim.

"What music are we going to play?" asked Jon.

"I have a selection here. I say that we should play: Night Train, Chameleon, Route 66, and Lunar Jazz," said Drake.

"Sounds good," said Jon.

"1,2, a 1,2,3,4," said Jon before they played.

They all started playing, and it sounded amazing for their first time, but there was something missing. There was no bass guitar or trombone to make bass.

"Stop," said Tim, "We need a trombone, and a bass guitarist."

"You're right, it doesn't sound right without some bass players," said Drake.

"I'll send out a ship wide message to see if anyone wants to fill in the position," said Jon.

"That's a good idea," said Tim.

"Is the practice over?" asked Drake.

"Yep, for now. Until we find a bass guitarist and a trombone player, all of us have to practice each piece alone in their quarters. Also practice on singing, especially you, Drake," said Jon..

"Aye, sir. That I will," said Drake.

"If anyone needs me, I'll be in my quarters," said Tim.

Tim packed up his stuff and walked out. Jon did the same. Drake sat down again and got Jade out of his head. He realized now, that she was gone, and now he was over her. She's not just a memory not to be forgotten. Drake had to move on, and put the past behind him. Drake began to pack his trumpet up, and while he was doing that, he smiled.

He went to the replicator and said, "Tomato juice, 5 degrees."

The glass began to materialize and Drake grabbed it and chugged it down. He loved tomato juice ever since he was a child. Everyone thought that he was sick due to it, but Drake didn't care.

Drake knew that his quarrel wasn't over, but he had already won the majority of it. Drake would keep on fighting, even if it was the last thing he did. Drake looked at the time and saw that it was 35 minutes to the delta shift, so Drake took a quick sonic shower

"Welcome aboard !"
With Ensign Raven Darkstar and an unauthorized guest appearance by Lt. Seth Zonhieb plus a cameo appearance by the good Doctor Martin (EMH2).

Location: USS Galaxy
Date: Just after departing Deep Space Nine for the Ursid system.

Ensign Raven Darkstar's first moments aboard the USS Galaxy were pretty much the same as those of most other fresh officers. He had come aboard from Deep Space Nine pretty much in silent awe and respect of the ship and her size and strength.

He was then directed to sickbay where routine boarding physicals were being given to a few other new crew members by the ships doctors. Satisfied that Raven was in peak physical conditioning, and was not a walking anthrax, Doctor Martain, the EMH2, was ready to discharge him.

The Doc grabbed Raven's padd from a stack of others and keyed in the test results and handed it to him.

"Thank you for your cooperation, ensign. You may carry on. Welcome aboard." the doc said, then turned around and called out for whomever was next.

Raven was a bit impressed by the brisk bedside manner. He keyed in his authorization on the padd he was given and his quarters were displayed, along with the name of his councellor, if needed, a welcome letter from the Captain, an appointment with his supervisor - Lt. Seth Zonhieb and various other useful pieces of information ment to get him aquainted with the ship.

His meeting was scheduled for one hour from now. That was plenty enough time to drop off his belongings and take in a bit of the ship. He was a firm believer in knowing the lay of the land around him at all times. This made his surroundings easier to secure or if nessicary, defend.

He hefted his bag on his shoulder once again and made his way through the halls and turbolifts to his assigned quarters.

Typical starfleet issue - he thought looking arond his place briefly as he placed his bag on the table. He would almost certainly have to make some changes in the decor. He tightened his hair braid in the back and took the scenic route to the brig, trying to kill some time before meeting Lt. Zonhieb.

He had long ago stopped trying to deduce a race by last name alone, but he had to admit that he was a bit curious about his new boss. He had heard a few remarks on the way down here, and he was eager to see why people seemed so nervous when it came to him.

He marched into the brig and over to the office doorway just in time to see a broken chair bounce across the floor and into an empty holding cell.

"They can build starships, but not one chair that will last a week!" somthing in the office roared.

Raven was unphased by this and walked in and stood at attention before a very large, very annoyed Gorn in a starfleet uniform.

"Ensign Raven Darkstar, sir."

The Gorn growled again and rummaged around the desk through a stack of padds and pulled one out, presumably scanning Raven's file. The ensign got the distinct impression that Lt. Zonhieb didn't much care for the burocratic end of his job and wasn't really happy unless he was waist deep in combat.

After glancing over the padd, the Gorn stomped over to Raven and stood toe to toe with him.

"So you are it." he growled.

"It, sir?" the ensign asked.

"The only security personel i get from the layover."

"Sometimes one can accomplish what an entire tribe cannot."

Seth growled again, only louder this time. "You are big for a human."

"You are big for a lizard." Raven replied, standing his ground.

Seth moved foreward so that his snout was almost touching the ensign. "I have eaten bigger than you." he said, carefully eying the newest Galaxy crewmember.

"And I have skinned bigger than you, sir."

The Gorn began to flex its huge hands and grit his teeth loudly while growling again. Raven still held his ground and Seth's gaze. After what seemed like eternity the Gorn relaxed, or appeared to relax as much as possible for thier species.

"You are not intimidated or afraid of me?" Seth asked point blank.

"I am intimidated by what your capable of doing, but I hold no fear for you personally, no." he replied honestly.

Seth mulled this over.

"Good answer. You are refreshing. As a security officer, one day the entire crew may depend on you and your actions. It is good to see that you don't cower so easily."

Raven tried his best to take that as the compliment it was hopefully intended to be.

The Gorn backed away a few steps. The fear test was over, so there was no need to stand nearly on top of the indian. "Come.' he ordered walking out into the main area of the Brig. "Have you any experiance with jails?"

"Not as much as some people have."

" You are now assigned to Beta Shift - Brig Supervisor. Your duties are pretty obvious. Any questions or problems, see me."

Raven nodded and Seth continued.

"This is the desk, we were in the office, and these are the cells. End of tour. Any questions?"

Raven nodded. "Two. First off, who is that?" he asked gesturing to the lone occupant in one of the cells who was lying spread eagle on the floor, fast asleep.

"That is Donaldson. A cook. He's in here about once a week for being a drunk. Harmless really. Here more for his protection than anyone elses."

"Why does the Captain allow that? Repeat offenders could easily be sent offship." Raven asked suspiciously.

"You will find that the Captain is a compassionate Captain. Besides that, Donaldson is a very good cook. I highly recommend his toast. " the Gorn said absentmindedly running his tounge across his teeth, " second question?"

Raven reached over and snapped on the containment field in the cell with the broken chair in it. " How long do we hold the chair for?"

Seth snarled loudly. "If i were you, I would get some rest far from here before your shift starts in less than 5 hours. It wouldnt be wise to be late."

Raven nodded and backed out , wisely not showing his back to Seth who was wondering to himself how long he could restrain himself from reducing the human and his sense of humor to an ugly smear on the floor.

NRPG- Takes place just before “Every Long Journey pt.1”

“Passing the Time”

Lieutenant j/g Adrian An’quinsos
And
Door, Bartender Extraordinaire (NPC)
Security Officer’s
Ensign Kevin Smith (NPC)
Ensign David Branson (NPC)

*** Holodeck 2 ***

“I’m glad all of you met with me here today.” The blue-eyed humanoid began. “If I didn’t do something soon, I was going to go mad!”

“Of all things I thought I would be doing, I would have never thought it would be this!” David whispered to Kevin and Door.

“It’s only pool!” Door replied with a grin.

The El-Aurian had created a poolroom based on one he had visited in San Francisco with his friends in the afternoons to relax. Unlike most rooms, this one had a sort of quiet atmosphere, with little or no characters within the program, except for the Bartender, and maybe a regulars coming and going. Adrian set up the balls in the triangle, and carefully lifted it, keeping balls where they were.

“Not the game,” David whispered back. “I’m talking about playing game of pool with a Counselor!”

“Well David, Adrian isn’t your average Counselor!” Kevin replied with grin.

“Okay… shall we play teams?” He asked.

“Why not!” Door replied. “Kevin and I against you and David.” The Cardassian youth gave Branson his pool stick. “You can break first.”

“If you would David.” He motioned to the triangle of colored spheres before them. He handed the young human the chalk.

Alright.” He replied. “He knelt down to take his shot. “I just want to tell you, I never was very good at this!”

“Eh, you’ll do fine!”

The Human glanced over at the El-Aurian, whom gazed upon the target with an almost-prophetic gleam upon his countenance. David positioned the white ball at an angle, bent down, and took his shot…

*** Seven Minutes Later ***

Both teams had put away their balls in practically little time at all making both trick and trash shots that would have dazzled the professionals.

“Eight ball, corner pocket.” Door replied.

“There are four corner pockets.” Adrian chided with a small grin. “Which of them would it be?”

“Right corner pocket.” He replied. Indicating the it with his pool stick

“Well folks,” The El-Aurian began as if were an announcer. “Can he do it? The pressure to win is ALL upon him now, so can he do it?”

“Real funny,” He replied with a small grin on his face.

David looked over at his partner who seemed to have an almost prophetic expression on his face, then look down at Door as he took his time to make the shot. He then glanced over at the El-Aurian who seemed genuinely calm, with the same look in his face, and at Kevin who was focused on Door. Door brought the stick back and hit the ball.

“Going… going…” Door muttered.

A grin showed up on David’s face as the ball came in at to sharp an angle, missing the pocket by an inch or less.

“Well, time to finish this!” He turned to David. “Mr. Branson, the blindfold if you please?” “Oh, just hit the ball!”

Adrian got down, tapped the white ball just hard enough, sent it rolling into the eight ball, and blew on his pool stick as it went in.

“Another game?”

“Wish I could, but our my duty shift begins in fifteen minutes, and I don’t want to be late.”

“Door?”

“Sure Quinn, why not!” “Well everyone, it’s been fun!” Kevin announced.

“Well, use it anytime you wish to unwind.” Adrian said.

“Will do.”

The two security officers left as Door and Adrian began another game.

“Counselor’s,” Ensign Branson mentioned. “They sure know how to surprise you!”

"Reflections, Part II"
By Lieutenant Commander Savat

***Savat's Quarters***

It was unlike Savat to dwell on the past for long, unless there was a rational reason to be doing so. By all accounts, the Security Department's actions in the Badlands were a quantitative success. But the nuances of the mission continued to bother him, and after an hour of reflection, punctuated by his practice of the lyre, he had distilled his thoughts and memories down to a logical steam of mental data that he set aside and began to examine with a critical eye...

***USS Buster Keaton, Six Weeks Earlier***

Savat stood casually, his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes scanning the assembled prisoners on the other side of the shimmering force field. For the most part, the surviving Maquis members were subdued. They knew the nature of Federation justice, and while it would show them little leniency, it was certainly better than being handed over to the Cardassians or dying in a plasma storm.

Rychord, the leader of the defeated band of would-be revolutionaries, stood inches from the force field, his eyes boring into the Vulcan security officer. No words had been exchanged between the two. Savat did not feel the need to question the man. Soon enough, they would return to the Galaxy and then to DS9, at which point, the Maquis would no longer be his concern. But Savat did find himself intrigued. While he was loathe to use his telepathic abilities in all but the most urgent of circumstances, he could not help but feel the waves of hatred emanating from Rychord. It gave Savat the feeling that the Bajoran cell leader had more on his mind then his latest defeat.

"You seem to be disturbed by my presence." Savat finally said.

"That would be an understatement, Vulcan." Rychord hissed. "Though perhaps calling you a Vulcan is giving you too much credit. You are like no Vulcan I have ever met."

"I can assure you, statistically, I am an average specimen of my species." Savat responded.

"Except that you reject everything your culture stands for." Rychord retorted.

This caused the elder Vulcan to raise an eyebrow. "Elaborate please."

"For one, you are not a pacifist." The Bajoran said. "My people tell me you gunned them down without so much as a warning."

"They were an assault team, sent to capture this vessel." Said Savat. "Logic dictated that I take the most expedient course of action to subdue them. One can hardly be faulted for the efficiency of ones self defense, particularly when non-lethal methods were successfully employed."

"Ah, but you lured them over under false pretenses." Said Rychord. "You deliberately sent a transmission from the Xerxes on a channel we could intercept, claiming that I was being beamed to your shuttle. This was an outright falsehood. So, you are a warrior and a liar. Hardly Vulcan traits!"

Savat paused for a moment before responding. "An actor in a play performs a role, for the benefit of an audience. The actor's goals are to create a suspension of disbelief and to draw the audience into the story. Even on Vulcan, the arts of theatre and performance are practiced, though with a different set of aesthetics than you might be used to. In this particular case, a script was crafted and a play was performed. The performance was intended for a specific audience, your crew. I consider the play to have been a success. Your crew's disbelief was suspended and they were drawn into the drama."

"Very nicely put." Rychord stated. "But it is simply a fancy rationalization for what in the end amounts to a lie."

"Rationalization is at the very heart of the Vulcan way of life." Savat replied. "Without it, one would be paralyzed into inaction when faced with difficult situations."

"And were you rationalizing ten years ago when your lies and deceit lead a young woman to suicide?"

Savat's eyes narrowed. "I am not entirely certain of what you speak." Which in and of itself, was a borderline lie. Savat was 99% certain he knew what the Bajoran meant, but wanted to hear it from Rychord himself.

"You killed her. You killed Ryana just as surely as if you had pulled out a phaser. You killed my sister!" Rychord's face darkened as he spoke, his nasal ridges flushed red with anger.

"My condolences." Savat stated evenly, his face an emotionless mask. "I was unaware that she had any siblings."

"So you do not deny it?" Rychord challenged.

"Deny what?" The Vulcan asked. "That your sister took her life? That her decision was in part driven by her association with me? Considering the facts of the case, a denial would be illogical. However, if you wish for me to accept some form of responsibility, then I must unfortunately disappoint you. Your sister was a member of a notorious Maquis cell. My intention was never more than to gain access to her knowledge and to use it to pinpoint her cell leader. To choose to terminate ones existence over an emotional downturn is highly illogical. It never occurred to me that she would choose such a course of action."

"Never occurred to you?" Rychord snarled. "You pursed her, won her heart! And then you betrayed her! You committed the ultimate act of deceit a man can commit with a woman!"

Savat let out a low, steady sigh. "Duty often forces us to make difficult choices. Once again, my condolences for your loss." Savat turned on his heals, putting his back to the angry Bajoran, letting him know that the conversation was at an end.

"This is not over, Vulcan." Rychord hissed. "My sister's spirit cries out for vengeance."

"I doubt your celestial prophets would agree." Savat said. "And besides, you will be in no position to extract revenge from your penal colony."

"Do not underestimate me, Mr. Savat." Rychord warned. "I can be very resourceful. Some have called me the ultimate survivor."

Savat turned and locked eyes with the Maquis. "Duly noted."

***The Present***

Savat had always known that he walked a treacherous path. The philosophies of Vulcan and the requirements of a security and intelligence officer were often at odds. There were few Vulcans who had the ability to strike a balance between their duties and their beliefs. Members of the Vulcan V'Shar were a breed apart, often looked on with suspicion by their people, who preferred to live with the illusion that such services were unnecessary in their enlightened logical society. It was no wonder that many of them eventually pursued careers in Starfleet, where their talents were appreciated by those they sought to protect.

"Ryana." He spoke her name in a whisper, as if to say it any louder might evoke her spirit. It was illogical, as was the pang of regret that ran through his system before he quietly squelched it through force of will. Minutes later, he returned to the business of being the Chief Security Officer of the Galaxy, the past safely locked away once again.

For now.

*****

Lieutenant Commander Savat
Chief Security Officer, USS Galaxy
AKA
David Friedland
ICQ# 5805168

"Picture Perfect"
Lt Eric Odin
Lt(jg) Rose MacAllen

Eric roamed about the ship and was lookign for Rose to ask her a question fro ma conversation that had been brougth up with Anika. He pushed the request toenter button on the holodeck and waited.

Rose was fighting a man while wearing a gold egypian dress...she loves swordfighting. And she was very good at it. Then she heared a request to enter she knew it was Eric.

"Come in." she yelled.

Eric entered and saw Rose sword fighting with a hologram and saw she was very good. he then asked,"Can we talk?"

"Computer end program, what about Eric?" she asked while drinking some water.

"I was talking with Anika and foudn out you have onyl done shots for the beatzoid maagzine is that right?"

"Yes plus there a story of me in there about my work here and in the Betazoid royal family." she replied while putting her sword up.

"Well, I was wondering if you might be interested in maybe a side carrer for other magazines?" He thought this might be a nice thing for their friendship as well.

Rose looks at him then stands back up, "What do you mean Eric?"

"I mean that I could be your photographer and you could be in other magazines. I have connections that can help me do this for you if you are interested. What do you think?"

"Nobody gave me a chance to do that after what happen to me at the Academy." she told him as she try and pick up her bag.

He nodded and said,"I'll understand if you don't want to. I just thought I'd offer."

Rose grins, "Ok you win I will do it."

he was surprised and asked,"You will?"

Rose laughed alittle, "Yes I will silly, just tell me where to meet you at."

"I was thinking maybe the holodeck in an hour. Give you time to get ready and all. Anything you'd personally like shots of?"

"No, thank the gods I'm not doing this naked, I already done that." she said as Rose walks out of the holodeck.

he followed and asked,"Why do you say that?"

Rose walks to her room, "What do you mean Eric?"

"You said thank the gods I'm not doing this naked. What did you mean?"

" It just a joke chill out, I take pictuers naked on Betazed but that it." Rose said with a sad look on her face.

"Maybe if you liek the first string of pictures and you begin to feel comfortable wit me you we coudl take some nude pictures of you as well. That is only if you'd like of course."

"I wish I can but my boyfriend won't like it." she told him.

He nodded and said,"Then I don't want you having any trouble with your boyfriend. Just come back in anything and we can replciate anything else you might want. Sound good?"

"Ok see you in a few hours." she said with a smile.

he smield back and went to plan as best he could for the shoot.

A few hours later Rose walked into the holodeck wearing a long white summer dress she was alittle scared but she was fine now.

He smield to her after arriving early and picking a springlike setting. It was an Earth like world and had water flowing the the side of him and a bright sun gleaming down. He said,"You

look great. Is this program alright?"

"It beauiful Eric I'm ready." Rose told him as she walks over.

"Pick wherever you want and I'll just satrt taking pictures." She really did look incredible, but that was beside the point. he had a job to do and a deed to do for a good friend.

Rose sits down with smile with her best royal smile she has, Rose laughs alittle but it was a beauiful site here.

He took various pictures of different looks and whne he just thoguth it'd be a good picture he took pictures of that as well. When he thought he had enough of her in that he said,"Okay. Taht's good for that exquisite dress. Want to do a vairety of shots?"

"Yes please." she said with a grin.

"Computer changing room." a small room appeared in the side of the mountain. "Any prefferable shots you want?"

"No just shoot." Rose stands up.

he smield and said,"Alright. Have the computer replicate whatever clothes you want in there and I'll shoot away."

Rose come out wearing a red swimsuit and smiles at him, "Now I'm ready." she said while taking her long brown hair out of the bun.

he smiled and admired her body for a few seconds and asked,"Want a few out and then in the water?"

"That will be great." Then Rose got into the water.

He took a few as she entered the water and contineud to take them as she drifted into it. he smiled as he did so. She had a better body than he had originally thought. he wondered if she had read that thought.

Rose read the thought then she start to get out of the water, with a smile she sit in the sand.

He cotnineud to take pictures and then lowered the camera. he then asked,"Why'd you get out of the water?"

Rose smiles at him, "I need to rest for a few minutes can I do that Eric?"

he laughed and said,"Of course. I'm sorry."

Rose looks at him, "I know what your thought about why did you think that?"

He smiled and said,"Well I can't help but think about the painfully obvious."

"I see." she replied as she go back into the water.

He started taking pictures again focusing on taking pictures and not on her nice figure.

::Few Hours later::

Rose got her uniform back on and walks back, then smiles at her friend "Thank you I hope you will give me copies soon."

He smiled and said,"I'll get them to you as soon as I get them ready to send in as well. Sound good?"

She starts putting her hair back up in a bun, "That fine with me Eric."

he smiled and said,"I'll see you in a few hours in my quarters then?"

"I be in the science lab working overtime." she said knowing Eric don't like hearing that.

"You'll be in my quarters talking to me,"he said. he then added,"I won't take no for an answer Rose." he had a smile on hsi face, but was serious.

"I have to work Eric." she told he as she go and get her PADDS but Eric stops her.

"I am your friend and I really don't want you working overtime so much. Please, if just this once report to my quarters when you are supposed to get off-duty alright?"

"Fine I will come." she said with a sigh.

"Thank you,"he said. he then added,"I'll see you then Rose."

Few hours later she was still in the Science Lab looking at some map, thinking about what this mission is about.

Eric was in his quarters working on the pictures to show her when she did get off-duty.

::3 hours later::

Rose knock on the door of Eric's room while checking her makeup.

Eric opened the door and smiled when he saw it was Rose and said,"Thanks for stopping by. I have it all ready to show to you. Please come in."

Rose walks in and sits down on the couch while Eric gets the pictures ready. "I hope there good Eric." she told him.

"Oh, they are." He grabbed the PADD and held it out to her and said,"Check them out."

Rose looks at them and smiles, "I like them all what your favoite Eric." she asked.

"I like all of them to be honest,"he said.

"Well thank you for the pictures, but I know you will keep one for yourself right?" she asked him as she walks to the door.

"I havea copy and will be sending them in soon. Can I consider us partners in this?"

Rose looks at him for a few seconds, "I have to think about it ok?"

"Of course. Would you like me to hold onto these until you decide?"

"If you want to sir." Rose looks out the window thinking.

"Call me Eric Rose. i will hold onto them until you have done so. Thank you for doing those shots for me Rose."

Rose sighs, "Sorry I just got alot on my mind."

"It's alright. Anything a friend can help with?"

Rose looks him, "No I be fine see you later Eric and thank you." she said as she walks out the door.

He shook his head and knew she did need help, but figured he probably wouldn't be able to help if he did know the problem.