"Reviewing: Other Chiefs" pt.1by Commander Thomas
First Officer
&
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
Chief Counselor/Nurse
NRPG: takes place before the start of the new mission
"Reviewing: Other Chiefs" pt.1
by Commander Thomas
First Officer
&
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
Chief Counselor/Nurse
USS Galaxy
Commander Thomas had finished his initial run through of candidates for the second officer position. Now he was working his way through speaking to several of them and even some who he'd dropped from consideration.
"Commander Thomas to Lt. Commander Dallas, could you please drop by my office at your earliest convenience?" Chris said, tapping his combadge.
"Sure, Commander, my last session ends in fifteen minutes. I'll be to see you right after that." Karyn wondered what was going on. She'd yet to have a one on one with Commander Thomas and now he seemed to have a special interest in her. As far as she knew, everything on her end was in order...so what was going on?
"Thank you, counselor." Chris said.
"No problem, sir, see you in a bit." She hoped her response displayed none of the concern she felt.
**
Chris was continuing to contact officers on his to speak with them. This was going to be an all night shift to get through, but it was required. Unlike with Lt. Commander Sullax who Chris had worked with for sometime these officers were new in a sense.
As promised, Karyn showed up to meet Commander Thomas right on schedule. Deciding it was best to get the ball rolling, Karyn hit the chime, prepared to face whatever lay beyond.
"Enter." Chris said as he heard the chime.
Karyn entered the office, a polite smile on her face. Stopping her grav-chair directly in front of his desk, she waited until the doors closed before inquiring, "You wanted to see me, sir? Is there a problem I can assist you with?" She wasn't sure if this was a personal matter or ship's business.
"Yes I did want to see you." Chris said as he dropped his standard, please have a seat and rose from his desk and moved a chair aside so she could come closer. "There is no critical problem, but something did catch my attention after I begin reviewing all of the ship's departments."
"Oh?" She wasn't sure where this was going so she waited to hear the rest of what he was to say.
Chris took his seat again. "I've noticed several departments don't have an assistant chief for their department, counseling is one of them. "I'd like to know why?"
"Well, sir, I consider Lt. Navarre Shinta to be the Assistant Chief Counselor, even if there is no official record of that in the reports. She is the next senior counselor aboard when looking at seniority and time served aboard the Galaxy. Frankly, sir, I've always hesitated to appoint an Assistant Chief until I was sure someone under me could handle the job. When it comes to counselors on the Galaxy, there is a revolving door. I feel it's because a lot of new officers coming in aren't prepared to give what the job demands, and knowing that, I prefer to observe each counselor's job performance very carefully. Because crew members, particularly those in counseling long term, have to develop a certain amount of trust with a counselor, the coming and going of new personnel is particularly disruptive to the operation of the counseling department. Those that do manage to stick things out without burning out or giving up, accept the personal responsibility that comes with maintaining the psychological health of their clients, and so do not necessarily need someone constantly over their shoulder. Nevertheless, I review session notes weekly just so I am up to speed and can act as a neutral third party if I have additional concerns or questions. I encourage people to see me if they have questions, and if there are times when a judgement call has to be made and I'm not there, I trust my officers to handle things or if someone needs to step in, I trust Navarre Shinta's instincts."
Satisfied that she'd said everything she wanted to say, she waited to answer further questions.
Commander Thomas was impressed with Counselor Dallas's answer to his question. Something he'd not honestly expected to hear from her or anyone else, but there it was. "I'm impressed 'commander, I didn't expect to hear such a well defined answer to my question." Chris said. "Impressive."
"Thank you sir, I aim to please." Inwardly, she wondered what he meant. Did he expect her answer to be vague and reflect incompetence?? Now she wondered what his initial impression of her was, and whether or not her impressing him was an extra surprise for him or if it was more like she escaped demotion by the skin of her teeth!
Now with that said he still wanted to move on, "So then you consider counselor Shinta to be the unofficial asst. chief of the department." Chris said. "I don't think the captain would object to listing her as the go to person if your not available at anytime in the future, if you don't have an objection?"
"No, sir, she's earned it. As I said, most of the time if there is a problem that one of my counselors isn't sure about, I've always been here or they've done fine on their own. There's never been a need for a formal assistant chief and when there was, I guess it was understood that Shinta was available."
"What I am hoping to do is make sure all departments have assistant chiefs when possible. However in your case you feel that having such a public denotation to her being the asst. in the department could prove to be detrimental to the crew and the department, correct?"
She smiled. "It would be of no detriment at all, though as I've said before most of the time I'm here or problems get handled without additional interference from another counselor. Most people have a preference for one of us, so it wouldn't always be best to have things that come up be so rigidly defined as one person's responsibility over another. But when it comes to overall department responsibility, Shinta can handle it."
"Well then what I'd like to propose with your approval as I hinted at before to make the captain aware of your recommendation and that counselor Shinta not be officially recognized in the ship's regular records. Thus only myself, the captain and possible the next second officer would know."
"I have no problem with it appearing in the records, sir. I trust all my staff to be on the lookout for crewmembers who need assistance because we're all responsible for those who live and interact with us, but. I see no need to keep this under wraps and I suspect that everyone else would agree that Navarre Shinta has the seniority and experience to lead the department in my absence."
She decided to ask a question of her own, as it had been on her mind after what he'd said. "If you don't mind my asking, sir, are you considering me to be the next Second Officer of the Galaxy?" Perhaps that was what this was about.
Commander Thomas begin to realize that word must be spreading about his interviews and then of course Lt. Commander Sullax's departure. Which would even more so explain some of the officers picking up on his activities. "I am considering everyone." Chris said in short.
"But I imagine there are those that have been dropped from contention already?" She hadn't really expected to even be considered, but now that he indicated she was, or had been, curiosity got the best of her.
"Yes there are some officers that aren't being considered heavy contenders." Chris said, "One major factor is whether the officer is currently pulling a watch on the bridge and to do so they'd needed to complete the bridge officers test." Commander Thomas said.
Karyn nodded in understanding. Obviously not having passed the BOE, Karyn knew she'd be dropped from consideration immediately, but the issue was forcing her to re-examine her career plans. Her shift on the bridge had always been enough for her because her focus had always been counseling. Now that she'd established herself here, it was apparent that if she was to move up, the BOE was the next step, but did she really want it? Her ambition had always led her further into the medical field rather than command and as a result, she'd managed to become an RN. The truth was, she hadn't discounted options, she was just too busy with her assigned duties to entertain the thought. Deiran had been after her for months to take the exam since her brief stint as his XO on the Wellington, but she wasn't going to give HIM the satisfaction of doing it just because he told her to!
"And the BOE is not something I've tackled yet, but it is essential for all command level officers. I completely understand why I'm being dropped from consideration, sir. Perhaps the BOE is something I'll look into."
He still wasn't directly answering her question about if she was being fully considered. "As I said everyone is being considered, but yes some people do have a lead over others. I'd like to see you get qualified for bridge watch duty before I could fully consider you now or in the future." Commander Thomas said, being honest with her about her current chances to get the position. "I think you have room to grow, you need to gain bridge experience and you need some more away mission experience."
She appreciated his candor and smiled. "I couldn't agree with you more, sir, and I will consider the possibility of future training but my duties here keep me very busy and I have to keep them in mind first and foremost, as I'm sure you understand," She couldn't just cut back on counseling Nilani or Rose for her own career ambitions. There was too much trust between she and her patients, and the nature of the job demanded that she be able to follow through. People depended on her, and people were far different than computer systems or conduits, they cared a hell of a lot more about who was running the 'diagnostic' so to speak. "as to the away missions, given the chance, I'm ready and willing to serve, additional opportunities need only to present themselves."
"I am glad that you agree and I certainly do understand that your departmental duties come first as they should. I am glad to hear that you care about your department and what goes on there." Commander Thomas said. "As for the away missions I will make sure that I consider all aspects of the mission and if I feel that your or someone from the department can fit in, I will make sure they get a chance to shine when possible."
"Can I help you with anything else, Commander?"
"No that's everything that I needed from you 'commander at this time." Commander Thomas said. "Dismissed."
"Aye sir." she said and then left.
"SHORT STUFF IN CHARGE....PART 1"
Starring
=/\= Ensign Rebecca von Ernst
With authorized appearance by
=/\= Ensign Peter Lockhart
With Unauthorized appearance by
=/\=Lt. Tim Richeson
(USS GALAXY..Tactical Briefing Room)
"A Phaser!!??"
Lt. Tim Richeson looked up from the PADD he had been reading from and locked his gaze on the small Redhead seated in the back of the room.
"Yes, Ensign, you have a question?"
As one the entire Tactical Department swiveled in their seats to consider the young redhead.
Suddenly faced with the stares from a few dozen pairs of eyes, Rebecca nervously averted her gaze to the floor, and twirled at a lock of her crimson hair.
"I.uh..oh .n.n..noodles..Why do we have to wear a phaser on the bridge.uh.sir?"
Lt. Richeson set down the PADD and clasped his hands behind his back silently for a moment. "Is there a problem with that mandate Ensign? You are fully qualified in standard sidearm procedures?"
"Uh.yeah.I mean..yes sir." She answered. ~~Barely~~ she didn't add aloud.
In fact Rebecca had re-qualified for the Type II phaser only a few weeks prior, but not before causing severe damage to the Deck 12 Firing Range, an innocent Replicator, and prompting the Quartermaster to schedule an Appointment for himself with Councilor Dallas. (Nerves..he said)
"W...w...what I meant sir," Rebecca continued still averting her gaze, "Why the sudden change in shipboard policy..s..s...surely Security can..."
"Shipboard policy is not mandated by you Ensign," Lt. Richeson interrupted, "Nor is your consent required prior to altering it. Simply put this is the new law of the land..However.."
Richeson paused and shifted his gaze towards the front row where the lanky Peter Lockhart was trying his best to imitate a hole in the space-time continuum. "You can all thank Ensign Lockhart here for the presence of mind, and determination to suggest this policy be brought before the General."
Two dozen eyes shifted off of Rebecca, and refocused their ire upon the aforementioned Englishman.
"You..ah.did suggest this policy did you not Ensign?" Richeson asked with a raised eyebrow.
Lockhart shifted uncomfortably in his chair for a moment. "Well yes sir. I did sir." Peter began. "I'm more than happy to explain why I believe such a change is necessary?"
"Perhaps later Ensign." Tim said and picked up the PADD again, consulting it. "In accordance with this new policy, all tactical officers will be required to wear a sidearm during bridge duty. A type II phaser is the recommended weapon. Furthermore, you will join the Security department on the firing range and you will be expected to maintain and improve your sidearm training. Any questions?"
No one responded...
"Right then, next order of business.." Richeson was consulting the PADD again as two dozen different plots for Ensign Lockhart's early demise began to form in the collective mind of the Tactical Group.
"Holodeck Training." Richeson was saying, "Our upcoming mission requires a quick transit to the Gamma quadrant through the Bajoran Wormhole. The status of the Dominion Forces in that sector are unknown, as are their intentions, but its our job to be prepared."
The group sat up a little straighter..the DOMINION? Holy crap wasn't the war over?
"We'll be running a Holodeck sim of a standard Blockade running exercise. Our mission is a quick in and out retrieval with minimal encounter probability, but lets practice it first to make sure we have down all the possibilities."
Nervously the Tactical group exchanged glances, and Rebecca buried her head in her hands.
"Reconvene on Holodeck 2 in fifteen minutes folks..now MOVE!"
**** === SHORTLY ===****
Staring too long at the black and yellow grid pattern in a deactivated holodeck can really give you a headache.
From her position at the back of the room, Rebecca von Ernst surreptitiously squeezed at the bridge of her nose to ward off the impending pounding that was already licking at the outer perimeter of her brain.
Richeson was again at the front of the group laying out the final details of the upcoming scenario.
"....and after we extract the Ambassador from Decilia, the Galaxy will conduct a high-speed run back for the wormhole, again using our intelligence reports on gaps in the Patrol screens. As I said before Encounter probability is low..BUT.." he shrugged letting his team consider the implications of that 'but'.
"Right then.places everyone..Computer please simulate Bridge of USS Galaxy..Run Program Decilia Variation 6."
Rebecca sighed as the warm colors of the Main Bridge faded into existence around her. Nodding her head at nothing in particular she spun on her heel to head up towards the Tactical Arch.
"Oh, Rebecca.." Lt. Richeson called, halting her progress.
"A.a.aye sir?"
Richeson frowned at the inappropriate response.
"Oops.I mean yes sir?"
"Take Center seat Ensign...The General related to me an interest in testing your Command Aptitude. He'll be interested in the results of this sim. As will I."
****? SOON ?*****
A shy little girl from St.Paul Minnesota sat perched on the edge of the central seat in the nerve center of one of Starfleet's most powerful Starships. ~What the heck were they thinking?~ Rebecca von Ernst wondered to herself as she nervously contemplated the myriad of displays and visuals about her.
Throughout most of her Academy days, and indeed ever since, Starfleet had shown a rather over-zealous interest in getting the young Redhead to apply for Command school. A good head for numbers and an ability to mentally plot 3-dimensional vectors and probabilities, gave Rebecca a remarkably odd talent for Starship combat.
Not that Rebecca would ever admit to possessing any such skills, instead she would argue (not that she ever argued either) that it was all simple Math. Numbers were her first love and most of her so-called tactical genius was application of advanced Mathematical probabilities and vectors.
~But my big brain cant squeeze out my shy little mouth to actually do anything.~ she grumbled to herself.
Glancing once again across the Bridges display screens she noted that all was well......the Bajoran Wormhole had just been exited, and the GALAXY had just increased to Warp 5, the maximum environmental limit imposed by Federation Law.
Rebecca had read the theories behind the Warp 5 limit, but frankly to her it didn't really add up. Policy was policy however, and so the GALAXY poked along at a fraction of her true potential.
~Potential...HA!~ Rebecca thought. The fact was she hated this Combat sim and everything it stood for. A ship designed for peace from the keel up, and yet here she was being trained to use it as a weapon, with no thought given to peace or research or discovery.
Rebecca was to become a Predator..designed to seek out new life and new civilizations and photon their butts off.
Perched as she was on the edge of the large Command chair, Rebecca faced yet another constant problem for one of her pixie-like stature.......Her feet could barely reach the floor! Unable to sit back, her back was beginning to ache from the pert posture she was forced to assume.........
Debating back and forth, Rebecca finally gave in to comfort and slid back into the depths of the chair, her feet dangling several inches from the deck.
Behind her, unseen at the Tactical station, Peter merely rolled his eyes at the difficulties the little redhead was having with her chair.
More comfortable now, but perhaps a bit silly-looking, Rebecca's mind settled into the complexities of the simulation. As nervous as she was concerning ACTUAL bridge duty, (And indeed most things in life), Holodeck Simulations were actually one aspect of Rebecca's career that she was becoming quite familiar with.
The Admirals back at the Academy had twisted her inside and out on multiple bridge exercises, and after a fashion the young cadet had become quite relaxed with them. (sorta)
It was only when she was given an actual responsibility...namely the Command of the Cadet-Training vessel USS ARISTOTLE for a quick trip around the Solar System, that she had actually cracked and almost rammed the small vessel into one of the moons of Jupiter.
Only quick reactions by the Observing Instructor saved the shipload of cadets.
~~Was it Europa, or Ganymede?~~ she tried to remember which moon.
Blinking, Rebecca came back to reality and re-scanned the bridge displays.......no change. GALAXY was on course and on time. Nothing left to do but wait.
Unconsciously the young officer began to nervously swing her slender legs which did not quite meet the deck.....a most child-like habit.
Again behind her, Peter rubbed his eyes. He could see this was going to be an 'interesting' simulation
"Coming up upon Delicia.....uh....Captain?" The officer at the holographic Helm reported, a little unsure how to address the Ensign in the command chair.
"Oh.....ok Rick," Rebecca responded, equally unsure of what to do with the situation. ~~Noodles~~ she thought ~~This is always the hardest part....figuring out what to do BEFORE the crisis occurs.~~
She sighed and subconsciously wiggled her feet again. Once the fight began.......and Rebecca was absolutely there WOULD be a fight......things would be easier.
"O..o...ok helm, lets go out of warp, at oh.....say 0.25 AU from Decilia, initiate sublight approach at one half impulse. W...w..we have to stay slow and stealthy."
"All ahead at 'sneaky' aye." the Helm quipped.
"Stow the comedy mister." Richeson intoned from his observation perch at the back of the bridge. He wasn't participating in the simulation, but his keen eyes missed nothing.
"Aye sir, sorry sir.....ETA in 27 minutes."
Rebecca nodded and sneaked a peak around at the other members of the simulation. Most were engrossed in their various duties preparing for the approach. Momentarily in a lull, Rebecca wiggled fidgeted nervously in the big plush chair , and watched the stars whiz past on the viewer.
"Um.....hey.....lets try a passive scan." she announced suddenly as an idea struck her, "Nothing loud though, maintain full EMCON status."
"Aye sir," OPS replied, "Deploying optical and carrier wave telescopes........hmmmmm....details are fuzzy without full scan, but I can pick up a single moon over Decillia, and what appears to be a major orbital installation at geo-synchronous orbit over the northern Hemisphere. Normal commuter traffic on the subspace bands."
"Ok.....th.th..thanks....." Rebecca frowned as another uneasy silence settled over the bridge. ~~Well that killed about 2 minutes.~~
Briefly she considered ordering a quick Active scan with the forward array, but nixed the idea. ~~Probably give away our position, and Richeson wouldn't think too much of that.~~
"Passive scan also revealing a small asteroid belt directly ahead Captain.....between us and the planet at roughly 1.8 million miles to field border." Helm announced quickly.
~~77.419 seconds away.~~ Rebecca's brain spit out instantly, but she was quite unsure as what to do with the information.
"Ok......well, don't hit anything I guess." she replied, trying to sound casual.
The Helmsman swiveled in his chair to face her, "Sir? I recommend diverting course. Avoiding the big ones are easy, but the surrounding dust clouds are sure to give the shields a good sandpapering......"
Rebecca gulped. "Oops you're right Rick.......well.. d...d...divert Z minus 200,000 km under the cloud. S....s..steady as she goes."
"Z-Minus 200,000 aye....." The helmsman seemed quite unimpressed with his "captain's" performance so far.
~~ Adding 8.6 seconds to our ETA~~ Rebecca's brain dutifully announced.
The image of Decilia gradually grew in the main viewer.
"REBECCA..er I mean Captain." Lockhart suddenly called from the Tactical arch. "Incoming Vessels, Jem' Hadar Attack ships..Squadron of six at 020 Mark 4...Approaching at 25% c. " he paused a moment, "That's twice the number of ships it took to destroy the ODYSSEY!"
Rebecca sighed and closed her eyes...~~ Finally ~~
TO BE CONTINUED......
"The Gamma Quadrant"
by, Ens. Wilhem Quevvenson,
Science Officer
--------------------------------
Wilhem was looking out one of the window ports of Ten Foreward, wondering about it all. Wondering if he was cut out for this StarFleet stuff. Wondering where his planet was. Wondering about many things.
He even wondered if he would make any friends on this ship. Those few friends that he had were indeed few and far between. There was Drago who transfered off the ship to the USS Knight shortly before Wilhem had arrived. There was Raesene, now XO of the USS Ryu Shiroi. There was Sigmund, Chief Tactical Officer of the wretched ship the USS Knight. And there was Maltos, Chief Counselor of the USS St. Louis.
But no friends on this ship. He knew it had only been a short time. But no one seemed interested in a castaway like himself. He had been passed over for promotion countless times. He might never see the inner workings of a promotion. It scared him a little, to think how often it seemed the others got promoted ahead of him.
So he stared out at the stars. The Gamma Quadrant. Not very much different formt he Alpha Quadrant, in his view. Save for the Dominion, a relatively peaceful place. Maybe his home was out here somewhere. But that was something to think about later. Now he just wanted a friend. A single good friend on this ship.
NRPG : This is before "Smooth sailing to Decilia VII".
"Rage and anger"
By Lieutenant Commander Michael Jamson
Tactical OPS
USS Galaxy
The Galaxy has already passed through the worm hole and had at least an hour before arriving to Decilia VII. The mission, an espionage one in nature, fitted more to Starfleet Intelligence Department rather than the crew members of the USS Galaxy. There were already doubts and questions around the ship concerning the real purpose and goal of this assignment.
Jamson was the last person to question orders, but risking an entire ship and crew by crossing into the Gamma quadrant when there were other capable ships in the area such as the Defiant, made him think. This area was still dangerous, it had both Cardassians Warships patrolling in it as well as Dominion spies all over.
It brought back all of his memories from the Dominion war. He remembered how he used to chase Cardassian Warships and fight glorious battles in the name of the Federation. If it wasn't for the Cardies, he would still be a captain today, with his own ship and crew....not just a plain operations officer.
Commander Thomas was assembling an away team to beam down to the surface and get this leader...the planet's matriarch, Madame Kiye or Prophetess. Since Thomas has already served as an Intelligence Officer before, Jamson knew he had to have some sort of an experience in espionage missions such as this. It was a shame he couldn't access his records...after all, he was just a lieutenant commander.
The surveillance data logs and photos showed the Decilians were related to the Cardassians. Jamson never had any love for the spoon heads, in fact, he despised them and hated them so much that he didn't know if he would be able to restrain himself among them. They were the reason for his demotion, eventually, they were the reason for the loss of his reputation and honor.
Thinking of what he had lost in the last couple of years, his entire body was filled with rage and anger. He needed to relax himself quickly as the frustration took over logic. He wished Karyn here now, she would probably know what to say to help him relax. Well, not really...she would just make him more angry, but at least he would forget about the Cardies.
Still angry, he looked at some of the padds in his hands, he was astonished to see the bio of Sunder among them. He totally forgot about him, he never expected to see him again, not after his departure. Jamson remembered that Sunder was Joerg Sterner's friend, and that he replaced K'arta back then as the Chief security....besides that, he could never forget the size of that security officer. It was good to have him back.
That thought was more than enough to calm Jamson down. He would have to control himself, especially now, when the Galaxy was not in Federation territory. At such times, he had to excel and do his job without letting his emotions interfere. It was tough....in the past, he used to carry orders without any doubt, but then...people such as the legendary Counselor Shivok and Karyn Dallas helped him to get in touch with his more humanoid side. Maybe he was turning to be more Human than ever?
"Thoughts Of His Own"
by Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder - Chief Engineer
Things were peaceful in Engineering. For now. Ethan stood at the main computer, viewing information about the Galaxy's current location in the Gamma Quadrant. Sensor reports were sketchy.
"Ethan, something on your mind?" Lieutenant Gillings asked as he approached the Chief Engineer.
Ethan didn't turn to look at him, just continued viewing the information. "Not really." he replied. He had forgotten about the earlier episode between himself, Paul and David Mercury.
"Things are a little quiet this morning." Paul stated.
"You noticed that too huh?" Ethan joked.
"Rumour has it they're looking for a Second Officer."
"Really?" Ethan said turning back to the sensor information.
"Think your name's on the list?" Paul asked.
"I doubt it." Ethan replied bringing up some information on territory reports from local systems and neglecting to mention his meeting with Commander Thomas.
"Come on. You've been on the ship for quite some time. Been in Starfleet for a while. Your Chief Engineer. No problems. You have a couple of medals. What more do you need to be on the list?" Paul asked with a slight smile.
Ethan downloaded some information to a data padd and then walked towards the warp core. Paul followed as Ethan replied to his question. "Not sure, but drop it. We don't need to raise any hopes."
"Why are you always doom and gloom?"
"Saves disappointment." Ethan replied quickly.
"Well, we all gotta' have hope?"
"I have hope."
Paul shook his head and smiled and sat down at one of the near by stations. He began running a diagnostic on the warp core while Ethan viewed the information on the data padd.
Ethan looked up at the warp core and thought about the old days. Back during the war, before the war, before Starfleet. Ethan had seen a lot in his time. Sure he wasn't the oldest guy on the ship, but he'd experienced so much. Made him wonder what he had left to experience. Also, what he had left to lose.
He had no family, although one thing that did interest him was the past of his family. The further he went back, the more unexplained events seemed to have happened. As far as he knew everyone in his family was dead. Except him. What made him so different? Why was he the only Suder left alive?
Ethan looked around, still puzzled. He made his way to his office and looked at one of the Junior Engineers trying to fix a power relay. Ethan heard the kid's thoughts as he walked by. "Re-route the power transfers and shut down the auxiliary circuits. Reboot and run another systems check." he ordered as he walked into his office.
The Junior Engineers watched Ethan enter his office and then looked back at the conduit. It made sense now and so he continued working on the conduit, doing as Ethan had instructed...
OOC: This log takes place right before the away team goes in for cosmetic surgery.
"Headhunting"
By Lieutenant Commander Savat
***Savat's Quarters, Deck 8***
Savat sat at his desk in his quarters, finishing the last of his daily incident reports. It had been a relatively quiet week as the ship made its way toward Bajoran space. Crew misconduct incidents requiring security intervention were down 17% from the previous week, which was to be expected now that shore leave had ended and a new mission and begun. There were some disturbing rumors of harassment occurring, but so far, no one had filed an official complaint so Savat had not assigned any officers to investigate. The only thing out of the ordinary was the assignment of Lieutenant JG Darkstar to a special duty. Captain Price had explained the details to Savat and the Vulcan concurred that Mr. Darkstar was more than qualified to perform the assignment, though Darkstar himself did not seemed particularly thrilled. However, Savat thought, to coin a Human phrase, it would be a character building exercise.
The elder Vulcan was just about to leave for Sickbay when his desk console signaled that he had a subspace transmission coming in. Savat raised an eyebrow in curiosity, as he was not expecting any communications. He was even more surprised when the monitor filled with the image of a familiar face, one he had not seen in quite sometime.
"Captain Solok." Savat said. "This is unexpected. What can I do for you?
"Greetings, Savat. I see you have finally been granted the rank of Lieutenant Commander. It is long overdue."
Savat did the Vulcan equivalent of a shrug. "As long as I am provided with the tools and the venue to best make use of my abilities for Starfleet and the Federation, the number of pips on my collar is of little consequence."
The distinguished Vulcan Captain sighed. "Perhaps to men such as ourselves, but to Humans, with their illogical desire to play their petty games of politics, rank is everything. And unless you have it, your abilities will be stifled and underused, as yours are now."
Savat could barely suppress is his look of surprise. "I am certain you are mistaken in your evaluation, Sir. I do not believe I am being underutilized."
"Because you have worked with Humans for so many years, you have come to expect less." Solok retorted. "Were you serving upon an all Vulcan ship, such as the T'Kumbra, you would be a full Commander by now, and likely wearing the Pike Medal of Valor upon your dress uniform."
There it was again, Savat took note, the pride and arrogance that had typified Solok throughout his career in Starfleet. Little had changed over the years. "Your accolades were well deserved. Your defense of Vulcan in the battle at the Tibor Nebula was a significant display of strategy and courage."
"You were there as well, Savat, as part of the Seventh Fleet."
"Yes, with Captain Reynolds and the Centaur. I fail to see your point."
"Your efforts were no less than my own. I've read the reports. Yet what did you have to show for it when all was said and done? Re-assignment to the USS Sulu, an excelsior class?"
"The Seventh Fleet lost one hundred and seventy three ships during the conflict." Savat stated. "To survive and continue to serve is enough for many, including myself."
"Savat, I know you are in the middle of an important assignment now." Said Solok. "But when you return, and your mission is completed consider this. I just lost my first officer to a newly commissioned Akira class. I've promoted my Chief Operations Officer to the position, but I fully suspect that she will also be lost to a new command within the next four months. The rest of my crew is dedicated but young. None of them have half of your experience. Join me as my Chief of Operations and the XO's seat is yours when it becomes available, along with the requisite raise in rank."
"A fascinating offer." Savat said. "But I must respectfully decline."
"Savat." Solok responded, with a hint of irritation. "Do not reject this offer out of hand without taking the time to evaluate it fully. The T'Kumbra is one of the most honored ships in Starfleet, and you would have the chance to finally work with people of."
"My own kind?" Savat said, interrupting. Solok looked taken aback. "That was what you were about to say, wasn't it, Sir?"
"Is that such a bad thing?" Solok stated.
"I am a Vulcan." Savat replied. "But I am also a citizen of the Federation and serve the greater whole in that capacity. To imply that I could do better on the T'Kumbra, simply due to the homogeneous crew, smacks of Isolationism."
"Our record speaks for itself." Solok said, almost boastfully.
"As does the record of Captain Price and the Galaxy." Savat calmly replied.
"And did Captain Price inform you of the latest transfer to your crew from DS9?" Solok asked.
"That would seem to be a matter for operations. But since I doubt you would have posed the question unless you intended to answer, please by all means proceed."
"Commander Ursa Sunder was just reassigned to your ship. He is the Galaxy's former head of security and outranks you. How long do your think they will allow you to hold onto your position, now that their old friend is back?"
"I have yet to review the records of the recent transfers." Savat replied evenly. "However, if what you say is true, then that decision lies in the hands of the command staff."
"A human command staff." Solok said, the words nearly a sneer. "Please at least tell me you will consider my offer."
"I am now fifty six seconds behind schedule." Savat replied. "If I promise to give your offer the consideration it deserves, will it bring this dialogue to a close?"
"It will."
"Peace and long life, Captain Solok." Savat said.
"Live long and prosper, Savat." Solok replied. Moments later, the screen went dark.
'One minute and fifteen seconds behind schedule'. Savat thought to himself as he straightened his uniform and headed out the door towards Sickbay.
**** ****
Lieutenant Commander Savat
Chief Security Officer, USS Galaxy
AKA
David Friedland
ICQ# 5805168
"Reunion pt.1"
By:
Lieutenant Adrian An'quinsos
With Adrian's Family:
Daenara An'quinsos (NPC)
Mother
Kailen An'quinsos (NPC)
Brother- Son of the 3rd House
Jaina Norana (NPC)
Sister- Mother of the 2nd House
And various other NPC's
It was like a wonderful fairy tale come true. Both children just didn't want to let go for fear she might be a mirage. They could feel her hearts beating within her chest, and the tears that streamed down her cheeks fell on their faces, mingled with their own. Then, there was her voice. Even speaking normally, it had an authoritative tone to it that was too distinct in character. Yes, she was definitely real enough.
When the hugging was over, they all sat down in Kailen's office to talk.
"I… I was so worried…" She began.
"Mom," Kailen began. "Just having you here is all the explanation I need!"
"And look at you two, Professors of one of the most reputable colleges in the Alpha Quadrant! And you," She looked at Jaina. "You've become so beautiful, and… you're married?"
"I've been married for a couple of decades to Lorean Norana, Now Father of the Second House of Betazed."
"And Adrian?"
Both of her children grinned.
"Adrian's currently on board the USS Galaxy and…" Kailen trailed off grinning at Jaina.
They paused a brief moment, while a look of anticipation filled Daenara's face.
"And, he's engaged!" They said simultaneously.
Kailen opened his tote bag and pulled out a picture. In it, Adrian had his arms around a beautiful humanoid female. They both appeared very happy and very excited. Daenara took the picture and smiled brightly.
"My baby… getting married!"
[She's an El-Aurian mom!] Kailen said in their native tongue. [Her name is Zerhi No'hisyndiosyn, daughter of Relkin and Tovanna.]
[I can't wait to meet her!] She replied.
"Well, that may not be possible." He replied, slipping back into galactic common. "The Galaxy's on assignment right now."
A noticeable and all too familiar look of annoyance crossed her face. "Do you know when they'll be back?"
"No idea mom." Jaina said. "He usually sends us the messages."
"Mom, are you done?" A voice behind the door asked. "Justin's waiting outside for us, and he's seems to be rather in a hurry. I think he wants you to meet his 'girlfriend…'
Daenara looked back as the door opened. Before her stood a handsome muscular humanoid youth in his late teens with sandy-blonde hair, with a reddish tint to it and dark green eyes. He wore what looked to be a cadet uniform She looked over at Jaina who smiled with a twinkle in her eyes.
'Mom,' He projected telepathically. 'Who's this?'
"Maxil," She replied, motioning him over to her. "I would like you to meet a very special woman, your grandmother, Daenara An'quinsos."
He did a double take to keep his mouth from dropping. A million thoughts rang through his head. He gave her a closer look and smiled. He could clearly see where his Uncle's Kailen and Adrian got their dark-blonde hair, and where his Uncle Adrian got his facial features and eyes. Shortly afterward, he stuck out his hand and softly cleared his throat.
"It's… it's a pleasure to finally meet you grandmother."
"The pleasure is a mine Maxil." She smiled, shaking his hand. "And you're in Starfleet?"
"Yes ma'am, this is my final year. I'm training to be a science officer."
"Very commendable Maxil, I wish you all the luck in the Universe."
"Mom, if we can depart, I'd like for you to meet the rest of your grandchildren."
A deep grin, reminiscent of Adrian's familiar expression's permeated her face. "Dear, how many do I have?"
"Including Kailen's, you have eighteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren."
"My goodness!" The elder El-Aurian female exclaimed. "Well, what are we waiting for, let's get going!"
The away team was all there awaiting word from the bridge and the captain that they'd reached orbit of the planet. Once they were informed of this they could then proceed to beam down to the planet.
"Wait here." Chris said. "I need to take care of one last thing."
"Sir, we'll be in place to initiate transport in 8 minutes 23.3 seconds." Lt. Commander Savat said as he stood near a wall console.
"Thank you 'commander for the report, I will endeavor to be back well before the time is up." Commander Thomas said exiting the transporter room. Normally he'd just stay there to communicate with the captain, but this time was different what he had to say wasn't for everyone to hear.
*** Outside transport room 1 ***
Commander Thomas had forgot to inform the captain of his recommendation for an acting first officer while he and the others were on the planet.
"Computer record the following message for Captain Price."
"Captain I had planned on mention this to you during my last visit to the bridge. Unfortunately with everything going on at the moment it managed to slip my mind. I wanted to give you my recommendation the Lt. Commander Surok fill in for me while I am on the planet's surface." Chris said.
"I have not however reached a decision about the second officer's position at the moment. I hope to have a decision and recommendations on your desk soon. Commander Thomas out."
"Computer send message." Chris said as he prepared to return to the transporter room.
Now he could return to the transporter room to carry out the away mission without having that weigh on his mind. While he still wasn't fully ready to name someone to the captain for the position of second officer, he felt close. He wanted some more time to finish reviewing his notes and making final comments before reaching a final decision. He might even decide that a second round of discussion with them would be good for reaching that decision.
While he did have three or four prospective members in mind, he just wasn't ready to rule anyone in out, yet.
Commander Thomas stepped back into the room "4 minutes 7.7 seconds 'commander, how's that for time." He wasn't trying to some wise guy, he was just showing that what he needed to do didn't require much time.
"Price to transporter room one. Proceed with transport of the away team 'mate. Give them my regards on a successful mission."
Commander Thomas heard the captain's call.
"Energize." Commander Thomas said.
Commander Thomas had departed his office and headed off for sickbay. He knew someone would arrive before he got there, it was even possible that two people might beat him there. Of course if he's selected a medical officer then it'd be no contest of who'd be there first. He didn't spend much time worrying about it, they couldn't do anything until he arrived with the rest of the team.
*** ***
Drake exited his quarters ready for the away mission. He had received the message from Commander Thomas that he had been posted on the away team. He was pleased because this could be another chance to impress his senior officers. He knew that he had to be surgically altered, but that didn't bother Drake a bit. He was happy that he was chosen. Besides, he likes the action. He loves adventures and would never hesitate to accept.
*** ***
Nilani had just left the holodeck where she knew she left a somewhat shaken Rebecca, who was probably sitting on the floor recovering. Nilani still hadn't changed from the adventure in the holodeck and was still wearing her bright pink short and crop top as she walked into sickbay. 'This better not be some attempt to get me working here' she thought to her self.
*** ***
Karyn happened to be on the bridge when Commander Thomas selected her for AT duty, so it was to be a short ride for her to sickbay once she had taken care of her shipboard responsibilities. The prospect of another Away Team mission both made her nervous and excited because it meant a larger set of responsibilities than what she was used to. Still, if she really wanted to gain command experience outside of her own field, she needed to see this as an opportunity to further expand her horizons. Besides, it might be fun to go undercover for awhile and literally step into someone else's shoes. It would give her an opportunity to stretch her acting muscles and be a team player, something she knew was paramount in her career as an officer. Having thoroughly convinced herself that she needed to go as much as she wanted to go, she contacted Mike and Shinta so they could hold the fort. Technically, Shinta was in charge, but as she was on maternity leave, that left Mike to take care of the ins and outs for the brief time she was away.
She briefly reviewed the latest crew issues and sighed as she realized the theme as of late was children. Shinta's little girl had given Karyn quite a scare during delivery, weighing not much more than Karyn did when she was born. Both babies seemed to be doing ok, but Karyn would have to check on her when she returned. Rayna O'Grady was pregnant according to the latest medical news, but she wouldn't say anything until she was sure they were comfortable with people knowing. Mike had seemed preoccupied lately since returning from leave and Karyn had yet to approach him about it, but she noted earlier that Michala had requested an appointment with her, so Karyn wondered whether she had something to do with his concerns Forcing herself to return her mind on what was to come as she made her way to sickbay, she realized it was the secrecy that concerned her. It wasn't in her nature to run in 'stealth mode.'
Slipping into sickbay, Karyn's mind began to whir as she evaluated those who would be with her. All of them were capable officers, but Nilani concerned her. Granted, she had recovered from her earlier breakdown once treated with medication and gotten back into therapy, but how long was it to last? Could she handle the mission? Karyn had no real reason to doubt her now, eight weeks later, but still it stuck in the back of her mind. It had to be her decision as well, as only she knew how she felt, and to take the little control of her life away from her was to risk the little trust they had developed. Karyn would check with her first, but Nilani had to take responsibility of her life again and that would include owning up to her problems without Karyn having to act like the prude telling her she couldn't go to the prom while in front of everyone else. That was embarrassment Nilani didn't need.
*** ***
Elaithin had also just departed from a holodeck - assisting in the training of some of the younger officers and NCOs. Physical combat skills, even in this day and age were often a necessity. More and more, Elaithin pondered the upcoming mission. He knew little enough at this point, but had no doubt there'd be a full briefing.
*** ***
Savat exited his quarters and checked his mental clock. His conversation with Captain Solok had delayed his pallned departure for Sickbay by one minute and thirty three seconds. Accordingly, he increased his walking pace, breaking into an uncustomary trot as he made his way to the turbolift. He found the conversation with the Captain of the T'Kumbra disturbing. Solok's pride and arrogance had no place in a logical structured society. And while he had little doubt of Solok's loyalty to Starfleet, he could not help but compare his rhetoric to that of the members of the Isolationist Movement. Perhaps, Savat mused, a call to Security Minister Satok might be in order, once the Galaxy had returned tot he Alpha Quadrant.
Savant arrived at Sickbay with three seconds to spare. The doctor was already making preparations that Savat immediately recognized. Dermal regenerators, cartilage softeners and a pigment tinter. They would be going undercover. But as what? The Galaxy was headed for the wormhole. Speculation being fruitless, Savat found a good place to stand while waiting for the last of the officers to arrive. The Elder Vulcan was glad to see that Commander Thomas had decided to include Lieutenant Elaithin on the away team. It would give him the chance to evaluate the recently returned officer first hand, an important step if he was to make a logical, reasoned choice for the position of assistant chief of security.
*** *** *** Sickbay ***
Commander Thomas arrived in Sickbay seeing a few of the away team members were already present. Punctual, he liked that in officers, but he also liked those who showed caution not to rush into something before finding out what it was first.
"Greetings everyone." Chris said. "I am sure you're all wondering to some extent why I had you report to sickbay. With some consideration to the current mission we're about ready to embark upon, I've selected you 5 to join me on the away mission. We'll begin part of the briefing session now so that you can decide if you want to back out now or not." he fell silent for a moment
"If you chose to pass on the away mission, I will understand and not hold it against you." Commander Thomas said finally. "Anyone care to back right now?"
"I'm definitely in, sir," said Drake.
'Don't they know I'm on light duties.... no this isn't right... but hey, I'm okay now... for the moment and Karyn's here!' "Um.... I suppose I'm in!"
Karyn looked over to Nilani as if to ask if she was sure she was comfortable with this because just because she was asked didn't mean she was ready to handle it. It had to be her choice though and Karyn would have to respect it for the time being as really, Karyn couldn't hold her back and idle hands were dangerous ones in Nilani's case. At least the mission would keep her focused.
"I need to practice being diplomatic," answered Karyn goodnaturedly, "I'm happy to serve Commander." She reminded herself that her duties here could be handled, and those that needed her attention would still be here when she got back.
"You know me, Commander. I'm always up for a good time." Elaithin said. "I'm in, sir."
Savat merely nodded. It went without saying that he would participate. He stood serenely and waited for Commander Thomas to continue his briefing.
"Alright then, now that we've cleared the air let's talk about this mission." Chris said. "We're going undercover, which means surgery to change our appearances to match those of native Decilians." He then passed around a padd showing them what the Decilians looked like, but continued. "Our mission is to go down the planet to locate the Prophetess, she's the leader of these people. We're to locate her and her entourage then escort them back to the ship." Commander Thomas said.
"Commander," Elaithin piped in, his recent tactical training kicking in. "Is there any sort of resistance we can expect? What about the Decilians technology levels? About where do they stand?"
"We shouldn't encounter any resistance if we do our job properly and remember we're suppose to look like we belong there. However we should be highly alert there are going to be Cardassians among the Decilians which could be a problem. They're about fifty years beyond Warp-capability, due mostly to a century of exposure to space-faring races." Commander Thomas said to his away team. "The Prophetess of Decilia VII form what we know is currently interested in changing allegiance to one that will allow her people to benefit greater and to spread the word of their religion."
"Sir." Savat spoke up. "If the Prophetess is such a revered figure in her society, will not her presence be missed? What steps are being taken to cover or explain her absence?"
Commander Thomas didn't know the answer to Mr. Savat's question. "I would have to assume that she's made arrangements on her own to explain her absence. It might be that she on occasion takes retreats or makes trips to secluded churches or sanctuaries for spiritual completion." Chris said, trying to answer the question to the best of his ability.
"If there are no further comments, is there anyone who now wishes to back out?" Commander Thomas asked.
He knew now there was no one who wanted to back out from the away mission. Which was good because it meant they could proceed as planned and he didn't need to find anyone else to fill a gap or just go on with few people.
"Alright then let's proceed with the briefing." Commander Thomas said.
"Our mission is to become like the Decilians in appearance and culture. Transport down to the planet, gain an audience with the Prophetess. We then have to let her know who we are without giving it away to everyone. Using a code. Once we've done this then we'll slip away when the coast is clear and return to the ship." Chris said. "Simple enough."
"We should however be aware of the fact the Cardassians are here, we're not natives to the planet or it's culture so avoid things when possible. In order to avoid detection we'll be down a ways from the city which we have to visit and we'll have to carry this transporter scramblers until we're ready to return to the ship." Chris said.
"That's the mission in a nutshell." Commander Thomas said. "Any further questions?" he asked.
------------
The Chief Engineer walked out of his office and looked around at the Engineers around him. Seeing Cadet Jason standing by the warp core, he decided to have a quick chat. As he approached the Cadet, he could see him working on a diagnostic with the warp core.
"Yor off duty, Cadet. What are you still doing here?" Ethan asked.
"I didn't want to leave until I could finish my work, Chief." the Cadet replied.
"Can't it be finished tomorrow?"
"Yes, Chief. But I'm quite content to stay until I've finished." Jason replied.
Ethan smiled and stepped next to the Cadet. "You'll make a good Engineer one day." he said.
"Thank you, Chief." the Cadet replied. "I have good teachers. Yourself and 'Commanders T'Zaq and McDowell are quite inspirational and educational."
"That's what we're supposed to be." Ethan shot back with a smile. "So what are you working on?"
"I am working on reconfiguring the warp core relays. Efficiency would be so much better than it is." the Cadet explained. "I know these configurations came from you and went through 'Commander T'Zaq, but I don't understand it. The amount of systems that will be effected is..."
"Significant?" Ethan asked.
"Is there no other way?" Jason responded.
"Many." Ethan replied. He was about to explain when Lieutenant Gillings tapped him on the shoulder as he was passing.
"Don't forget, Holodeck Two in Fifteen minutes." he said.
Ethan must have lost track of the time, but he gave a nod and watched as his old friend walked off. He then turned his attention back to teh Cadet. "I have a Pit Bet game coming up. If you want to come along, myself and a couple of other Engineers will go throught his with you." Ethan said.
"What's a Pit Bet game?" the Cadet asked.
Ethan cleared his throat and crossed his arm. "It's a cross between several games from lots of worlds." he began. "There's a stand about ten feet from the floor. Square, about five meters by five. Two competitors, sometimes more fight on the stand. They wear padded gloves and the idea is to use whatever means you can to knock your opponent off the stand and into the pit. Whoever is present makes a bet on who'll win. Hense, Pit Bet." Ethan explained.
"Sounds like fun." the kid replied. "Is there anyone there I may be able to handle?"
Ethan gave a concerning glance at the short, twenty year old. "Well, maybe one or two, but watch a couple of matches before you decide to join in. It can be a very painful game."
"How long do they last?" the Cadet asked as they both began walking to the entrance.
"I think the shortest game was three point six seconds." Ethan said with a smile. "The longest game recorded as far as I'm aware is four hours, twenty nine minutes."
"Who could last that long?" Jason asked.
"Lieutenant Gillings and myself. In the end we were exhausted, but it was a good match."
"Who won?"
"Ask Lieutenant Gillings." Ethan replied with a chuckle. Any excuse to rub it in.
With that, the two Engineers made their way to the Holodeck to begin the game. In an hour, the away team would be beaming down to the planet. That was enough time for a work out, then Ethan would return to Engineering, just incase something happened that required his immediate attention.
"Shifty Problems"
Autumn put down the message from Ensign Reece and sighed. "Computer please tell me if my time over laps anyone's shifts."
Computer: Everyone you have invited except Lt MacAllan.
Autumn paced back and forth in her room. She tried to think of a way for everyone to be at the movie night."Computer are you sure of that?"
Computer: Yes Autumn if you want a maximum of people to come you had better change the time. You yourself will be late now that you have changed shifts.
Autumn glared at the console. "Is there a time where everyone is available? Download it to my PADD when finished"
Computer: Working. Downloading to PADD.
Autumn picked up the PADD and read:
Gamma shift (21:00 - 03:30) Ensign Wilhem Quevvenson, Ensign Lockhart, Ensign Reece,
"So computer looks like I'll have to change the time for about midday right?"
Computer: correct Autumn. Would you like me to inform the people you invited?
"Yes computer" Autumn walked to the window and looked out at the stars in the Gamma Quadrant. "Oh and Computer Add personal note to Ensign Reece. Thank you for replying to my message. I hope this new time suits you better hope to see you there." Autumn walked away from her window and sat down in her favourite chair.
Computer: Message Sent, Anything else Autumn?
"Yes please check my Mail."
Computer: You have a message from your Parents.
"Play Message."
The view screen lit up and Autumn's mother appeared there.
"Hello darling. How are you? We are all fine here. We hope you are finding the Galaxy better then the Reliant. No news on you Cousin Riana, we have no idea where she is. Maybe you should keep your ear out for news of her. Her parents are very worried. Well talk to you later darling. Call us when you get time. Love you."
The message stopped. Autumn turned and looked at the silver framed holopic beside her bed. Her face and the face of Riana stared back at her. Her best friend, lost somewhere in space. Damm the dominion.
Computer: you have half an hour until your shift Autumn.
"Ok get my uniform will you please?" Autumn got up and headed for the shower. "I don't want to be late for my new shift!"
Computer: no you wouldn't
*** just after the away team beams down ***
The officers on duty on the Bridge were tensely alert. Away team missions were always serious business; however, this one was particularly serious. The team was small, undercover in disguises, under-armed and in territory controlled by a hostile force. Unable to monitor the team using the full capabilities of the Galaxy's sensory facilities, they were forced to rely on what passive information the sciences department was able to supply. If the team met any danger, they would have to initiate comm contact utilizing the subdermal transceivers implanted by doctor Maas and his team.
The orbital monitoring facility, manned almost entirely by Cardassian soldiers, was temporarily blinded by an unknown operative. The operative's loyalty and influence was unknown to the Galaxy's crew. If the operative were to be discovered, or if his or her shift were to end and another person take up his or her post, the Galaxy's protection from discovery could end immediately.
The Galaxy was in synchronous orbit above Decilia's capitol city in order to maintain limited contact with the away team. Fortunately, that kept them at such a range that, lacking sensory alerts, the Cardassians would require an open viewport, a powerful magnification device, and some very good luck in order to spot the Federation vessel sharing their orbit.
Lieutenant commander Surok monitored the away team by what means were available. The Galaxy's altitude and Decilia's atmospheric effects made attempts to track the party by visual means largely ineffective. Fortunately, sciences was doing an excellent job of keeping passive sensors tuned to the proper wavelength for tracking the party by their very low-emmission subdermal comm equipment.
The ops manager watched the abstract data pulsing in a surreal multi-colored geometric form on his display. *Situation normal* he thought. To his right, another display showed the Cardassian planetary monitoring station on extreme magnification. Framed against the black starscape of the Gamma quadrant, lit from below by light reflected by Decilia VII, it appeared skeletal and sinister. Primarily a weapons platform, it was only a fraction of Deep Space Nine's size. And yet, Surok knew that similar stations encountered during the war had proven very capable of crippling Starships such as the Galaxy.
Surok was very aware that he lacked sufficient knowledge of Decilian culture to properly estimate the chances for success of the away team. Using the hypothesis that costume and physical appearances were accurate, and factoring in that Cardassian patrols rarely employed personal sensory devices capable of discerning the true races of the away team members, the Vulcan estimated high chances for success by commander Thomas and his team. He did not express this optimistic observation to others; it relied upon far too much conjecture.
He considered the Decilian wardrobe fashioned by petty officer Toe. The materials were slightly raw, suggesting the agrarian subculture outside of Decilia's major cities. The details of seam and cut were exact, suggesting factory production of clothing. When he first saw the garments, he was pleased.
Of course, Surok was now able to compare the simulations to the real thing, visually at least. Surok tapped a series of commands into his panel and one section retasked to a two-dee video feed from the planet. Apparently, it was a religious program of some kind. The Vulcan watched for a moment as two female Decilians debated the meaning of some obscure scripture. Many members of their live audience wore the sort of common clothing that Toe had imitated.
With a bit of sleuthing, Surok was able to locate a comm channel that broadcast the religious texts of the planet's government. A surprising amount of data began assembling in the ship's computer core. Within an hour, the Galaxy's computer held much, if not all of the publicly available published information on 'the Word,' Decilia VII's official religion. The largest single document was the central text of the faith; the Book of the Word.
The Galaxy would be assigned to escort the Prophetess, Madame Kiye for at least a week. It would hardly be enough time for Surok to absorb all the available information on the Prophetess's religion. But, perhaps he could have the starship's computer begin analyzing the text. And, the Galaxy's science and counselling departments might also benefit from the 'commander's findings.
Surok typed out a message:
To: captain R Price; commander C Thomas; lt cmdr K Peterson; lt cmdr K Dallas
Tx: During a routine scan of Decilian comm traffic, ops intercepted a great deal of information on the primary religion of Decilia VII. Included is the entirety of the core religious text known as the Book of the Word. Please find this information in the Galaxy's computer core in the ops departmental logs of today.
I will be conducting a computer analysis of the texts. Links to the analysis results will be appended to the documents.
'Commander Peterson may find this data useful for his sociological staff.
End message.
While continuing to monitor the away team and the Cardassian orbital monitoring facility, the operations manager began programming the Galaxy's computer to begin an interpretation and analysis of the Word. The findings should be fascinating, Surok thought.
Peterson lifted the mug up to his mouth and drank some of the mocha coffee. He had been in the Ten Forward lounge for nearly two hours - on to his third mug - as he read through a paper sent to him by an old Bolian colleague just a few days earlier.
In all that time the chief scientist had occasionally glanced up at the first officer as he sat at a table close to the forward-most section of the room. He looked as though he was working but took some time to peer up at the streaks of light passing by the large forward windows. However, having glanced up for the fourth or fifth time he noticed the executive officer moving towards him, armed with a PADD and a glass of water he had ordered an hour earlier.
The scientist pressed the button on the bottom left-hand side of the display device and placed it back on the table. "Commander?" Kent said with a nod as he looked up at Thomas.
"Mister Peterson," Chris nodded back. "I was hoping that we could have a small chat."
"By all means," Kent responded, extending his hand towards the chair across from him. He wasn't aware of any problems in the science department or his own conduct, so it did leave him wondering why the Galaxy's first officer wanted to talk with him. After all, Commander Thomas was not the most approachable officer in the senior staff.
Chris sat down and moved to two PADDs he had been working on to one side. "Work?" he asked, referring to the gray-colored PADD the chief scientist had been reading through.
"Not really," the lieutenant commander replied. "A colleague has been trying to create the stable duplication of matter using subspace scissions. Knowing that I have done some research on the subject, he thought I might be interested in some of his latest data."
"Sounds interesting."
"Not exactly easy reading, but it does the job," Peterson said with a nod. "But, I gather you aren't here to talk about my reading habits, are you?"
"No," Thomas said as he placed his hands together and leaned a little closer. "I was hoping to discuss something regarding the operational status of the science department."
"Such as what, specifically?"
"In the last few days I've been looking through the personnel reports and reviews for each department. It has come to my attention that, like a number of other departments on this ship, yours does not have an assigned department assistant."
"That's correct."
"Do you have anyone in mind. Someone that you would consider suitable for the position?"
Kent scratched the back of his head. "To be honest, sir, I would rather wait until a later date to make that decision."
"For what reason?"
"I really haven't had the oppurtunity to fairly assess the personnel in the department. If I am going to put in to a position where I have to assign someone, then I would like to make sure it is an informed choice."
"Lt. Commander Jake Olson is the only logical chose, he has the rank and experience to be the assistant chief science officer. He also has the skills needed to even be considered for the second officer's position." Commander Thomas said. "I don't mean to rush you 'commander, but I thought from our previous discussion you'd be looking into this matter." He didn't really like the idea of being harsh with the 'commander about this issue.
"With all due respect, sir, I would have to disagree," Kent responded. "After arriving on board I began reading through the logs and reports made by the former chief science officer, a Lieutenant Commander Sullax. He does not agree with you. In fact, and I quote ..." the chief science officer said as he liftedup the PADD to access the notes he had been making only a few days earlier,"while Olson is a highly capable and inspired science officer, he lacks thecommand experience to serve as assistant chief science officer. Now, on onehand I have a man who has worked with Mister Olson for over a year saying onething, you, sir, saying another. Hopefully you can see why I would like tostand by my decision to hold off on a choice until a later date."
"Yes 'commander I can see why you would say this, however as you just stated a moment ago you'd rather make your own judgements about someone under your command then go by something someone else is telling you, correct." Commander Thomas said revising the 'commander's own statement. "Now don't get me wrong I don't have any problem with you reviewing and considering all candidates in your department for the role of assistant chef science officer. I believe that everyone should be considered, but you also have to admit that it would be useful to have someone around to help you get used to the department over the next few weeks." Chris said. He was about ready to let the chief speak when he had an idea to offer up. "'Commander I just hand a brilliant idea, or at least I think so anyway. Here's my suggestion, why not ask Mr. Olson to be the acting assistant chief until you can make a finally decision on the role." Chris said. "And you probably should ask him if he's even interested in the job and responsibility."
Kent started to get frustrated. He did not need to be reminded about what he had said, but that was not what frustrated him initially. It just seemed as though that Commander Thomas felt very strongly about either Lieutenant Commander Olson becoming the new assistant chief science officer or just because he wanted to have a name in the slot - Peterson did not know for sure.
"I had thought about that, sir. Currently, as I am sure you are aware, the science department is organised on the four shift day that every other department is. Whenever the duty science officer, whether it by myself, as chief science officer, or the scientist assigned to the Bridge is backed up by the laboratory supervisor. It has been like that ever since the Galaxy changed to the four shift roster when a Lieutenant Commander Erikson was chief science officer," the thirty-three year old explained. "In fact the science department has worked quite well with out someone actually assigned to the position of assistant chief science officer. In fact, according to my own review of the logs, there have only ever been two officiallynamed. A Lieutenant Commander Morris before she took over from Lieutenant Commander Erikson, and then Lieutenant Commander Genestra who just left. I honestly do notsee why you are in such a rush to change things, especially since we only recently changed departmental commanders."
Commander Thomas could see this meeting was snowballing right before his eyes. "I am sorry 'commander that you lack my field experience to see certain problems. I am concerned that while every department has functioned effeciently while under Commander Casey's iron fist, things are changing both on the ship and in Starfleet. Every officer serving on this ship knows their job of that I have no doubt, but I am concerned that if something were to happen in a crisis there would be a breakdown in a department or even ship wide without having some sort of clear chain of command." Commander Thomas said. "I have every confidence in the officers serving on this ship, including those who just came on board. I am however seriously concerned that if something were to happen and push came to shove some departments would just quit functioning." He was sure to make the point that he believed in the ship's officers, even the 'commander, but he was very concerned that if something happened command on the ship in a department would or could break down.
Kent's eyes got smaller under his furrowed brow. When it came to field of experience, he had seen his fair share of things since he began his Starfleet career some sixteen years earlier. Here was a man five years his junior telling him that he lacked the same field of experience. The same man that was only a cadet by the time he was serving as a lieutenant on the Starship Nobel. It was attitudes like that which infuriated the native of Colorado.
"And, Commander," Peterson said, beginning to get a little more firmer in his tone, trying not to lose his cool, "then I would be neglegant in not having chosen someone that is the best person for the job. To do so I need the time."
The two men exchanged glares for a few moments. Kent was annoyed at how the circular arguement had resulted in an attempt to be pushed in to making a decision, ending in what he saw as an insult from someone who outranked him by position rather than experience. Likewise, Chris was annoyed in what he understood to be a failing in the senior officer's understanding of the situation. He seemed to lack the same passion in correcting what he considered to be a general flaw in the way the departments on the Starship Galaxy were structured.
"Alright I give you the time to evaluate the officers in the science department." Commander Thomas said. "I will give you the duration of our present mission, which should last a couple of weeks or more. When the mission is complete I want an assistant named and in place in the science department." Commander Thomas ordered. He would give the chief the chance to adjust to his department and make his determenation, but he would also make it very rough on him if he failed to compile.
The chief science officer backed down slightly after getting what he wanted. A little time to make the best recommendation he could. "That's all I asked for, sir," he said, giving the first officer a nod in the affirmative.
"And if you don't have that person's name on my desk by 08:00 hours that day Lt. Commander Peterson! I will take the appropirate action at that time, so I strongly advise you not to test my resolve!. I will let you know the specific day of this deadline when we're close to finishing our current duty mission!" Commander Thomas ordered. This meeting wasn't exactly what he'd pictured, espically after how their first meeting went.
"You can count on it being there," he responded. Although Kent sounded angry in his tone, he maintained a reasonable level of control. He did not take too kindly to being threatened, even in a professional situation by a higher-ranking officer, but this time he backed down.
The two men exchanged glances and nodded on their agreement.
Somewhere in the last two months, engineer Ensign Gavin Lacroix had picked up the habit of mental cursing. It was an odd defect to acquire, yet Gavin found himself constantly swearing in his mind at anyone who struck a nerve. Gavin had always been a polite chap who tried hard to keep his ill will towards others to himself, and rarely did he find the need to wash his mouth out with soap. However, horrid words from countless languages now flowed through the engineer's thoughts with ease.
This problem seemed to have no side effects at first, and in truth, it relieved the day to day frustrations that any Starfleet officer routinely encountered. If 'Commander McDowell issued an assignment that Gavin found tiresome, the Assistant Chief could easily be equated to a three-legged targ. In the end, no one was really hurt. Gavin did find, however, that it was not wise to go on a date with a narcissistic telepath. Oh, he did think of many an insult in his mind that night.
Presently the compulsive mental-berater stood alone in a storage room, changing out of his black-on-black engineering jumpsuit and into his normal gold lined uniform. It felt extremely good to stand upright after crawling around Jeffries tubes for the majority of Beta shift. The Chief Engineer had ordered a "complete, repeat, complete" inspection and subsequent tweaking of the Galaxy's engines, power relays, and any other critical system that fell under engineering's jurisdiction. Apparently the Galaxy was headed on a rather sensitive mission, which accounted for the increased workload for the entire engineering staff.
Gavin knew barely more than zero about the Galaxy's current assignment. An ensign in engineering was not too high up on the "need to know" totem poll. The subspace communication blackout was a clear sign that the ship was headed into dangerous territory where stealth was a necessity. Gavin had heard rumors that the ship was headed for Bajor, but the engineer learned to take those rumors with an appropriate amount of salt. While Gavin was naturally curious to the circumstances around the ships current mission, he did not allow himself to dwell on unknown facts. Instead, Gavin dove headfirst into his duties. It took hard work and top performance to advance on a ship the size of the Galaxy.
The doors to the storage closet swished open as Gavin stepped into the hub of Main Engineering. 'Commander McDowell had issued a challenge to his staff to out perform the "A" team from Alpha shift. Needless to say, Beta was alive with activity. For a moment Gavin stepped to the side of the action, watching the other officers moving about their various tasks. When watched as a whole, the engineers seemed to be engaged in a circular dance as they drifted from station to station, running various tests and exchanging reports. Upon further inspection, the crew seemed to move to the pulsating beat of the warp core, which sped the ship past the numerous light sources in the galaxy. The observation caused a slight smile to creep its way onto Gavin's face. At that instant Gavin looked down at his now fully recuperated left hand as his fingers too unconsciously kept rhythm with the core.
Gavin spent the remaining hour of Beta shift finishing his progress reports on his day's work. The cronies from Gamma began to slowly drift their way into the heart of the Galaxy as the midnight hour approached. Gavin always found it odd that the majority of Starfleet vessels still ran on a twenty-four hour clock fashioned after Earth's rotation. Terrans by no means made up the majority of Starfleet, yet the other races were forced to adapt to the 'Human' clock. During this time of history where no bias was to be shown towards any particular race, the Earthlings still managed to find ways to continue push their values and preferences upon others.
A rather loud thump sounded throughout the Chief Engineer's empty office as Gavin tossed his report from the doorway onto the Chief's semi-cluttered desk. Gavin turned his back to exit when a voice suddenly piped up from the darkened room.
"Can I help you with something Ensign Lacroix?" 'Commander Suder's voice questioned the startled engineer. Gavin was unaware that the Chief had stepped into his office a few moments earlier.
"Ah, no sir. Sorry for barging in like that. I didn't expect you to be in here," Gavin paused for a moment as he heard his own words. " Not that I usually come in here when you're not here. That is too say that."
"Understood, Ensign. Please knock next time," Suder's voice replied sharply.
"Yes, sir."
It was at that point that Gavin's thoughts once again focused on a number of derogatory phrases directed at Chief Suder.
"Really? I didn't know that was physically possible," Suder commented as the doors began to swish shut behind Lacroix.
Gavin froze in his tracks as the door closed behind him.
The realization that Suder was a Betazoid hit Gavin square in the middle of his forehead, right between the third and fourth furrow of his brow.
Commander Thomas and his away team members arrived on the planet's surface. This was going to be a unique mission and a challenge for some of the group. In a way this felt good to be back under cover and doing a mission, but he also knew that it wasn't just fun 'n games or such.
Chris turned to the away team after having glanced around at their desolate surroundings.
"We'll have to hike into town from here and find the Cathedral of the Word." Commander Thomas said in the native tongue. He got a few strange looks from those who didn't even understand Cardassian. They'd forgotten to listen through the translator.
He just nodded to them, but refused to speak standard Federation.
"Make sure you remember you're suppose to be Decilian and you should speak, understand the language or someone might question you." Chris said. "Also remember you're Cardassian name."
The away team nodded in understanding.
"Alright." Chris began in English, "I'll make this brief as we need to clear out of this location before someone, comes to check the area out for a transporter signature." he said. "The town should be that way." he pointed in west, north westerly direction.
"We should get moving then and discuss things on the way there." Lt. Jii offered.
"Agreed let's get moving, we'll cover a couple of things on our way in. Once we get a little close we'll speaking on in the native tongue." Commander Thomas said. "Cardassian should only be used if absolutely needed and only for those of us who can speak it without the translator."
They had to walk into to town, because they couldn't risk begin detected transporting in or seen doing so either. "We have a couple of kilometers to walk before we reach the outer edge of town." Chris said. "Once we reach the town we'll proceed to the Cathedral and seek out an audience with the Prophetesses."
Commander Thomas finished speaking and let the others talk among themselves, only speaking when needed. He chose instead to focus on their entire mission and what could go wrong. He was at times a very paranoid man and that could create problems, but it also had proven to be an asset to date, because he was alive.
Kent reached across his chest and tapped the communicator badge firmly pinned to his duty uniform. "Peterson to MacAllen," he said as the familiar tone sounded, "could you please send someone up with the latest geological readings. I think Ensign Re'Cannto was working on the them last."
["Will do, sir."] Rose replied from her end. He was not sure if it was because she was Betazoid, or just a nice person, but he never had hassles with her. She simply seemed happy to go about her duties or was too shy to complain - it could have been either. ["MacAllen out."]
Peterson initiated another scan of the Decilia System. Due to the geological expertise displayed by the half-Betazoid Re'Cannto during the short hours of the morning before the alpha shift arrived. Considering that there were at ten planets orbiting the Decilia star, the young officer certain had his work cut out for him.
As the computer processed some more routine data the sensor scan began beeping in one of those familiar patterns that just demanded some attention. It sounded as though the well-honed sensor systems had discovered something interesting, but as Peterson leaned forward he only noticed the violent storms of the third planet creating a higher-than-average magnetic fields. Although it was nothing dramatic he sent the results to Main Engineering just in case it might affect the modifications they made to hide the Galaxy's presence in the system.
As the computer returned to its work and Peterson to his, the turbolift doors opened up and Lieutenant MacAllen walked out. She was walked over to the aft science stations with the PADD in her hand, still proud of her recent promotion to full lieutenant.
"Here you go, 'Commander," Rose said as she handed him the display device with the planetary report compiled by Re'Cannto and several other officers.
Kent looked down to find several large chunks of scientific data - geological, meteorological, and electromagnetic. "It looks like everything is well covered," he remarked as he began and exchange of information between the PADD and Science Station One. "Astrophysics might want to start on these readings. The third planet is putting out some interesting readings. You might want to make a start with them, if you have the time."
MacAllen looked down at the display device and nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Excuse me, 'mate," the Captain said as he approached the two scientist deep in discussion.
"Captain," Kent said.
"I was just leaving," Rose added.
"No worries, Lieutenant. You might want to stay up here for a moment," Price added before turning back to the Galaxy's newest addition to the senior staff. "If you aren't busy, 'Commander, I could use a moment in the Conference Room."
The starship commander extended his hand towards the room to Peterson's left and the scientist nodded. Turning to Rose he gave her a look, inviting her to take his seat at the primary science station while he spoke with Captain Price. Using her empathic abilities the Betazoid scientist got the message without a word being spoken.
"Sure," Kent replied to the command officer a decade his senior in age.
The two men walked in to the Conference Room. As Peterson waited for the Captain to join him he stopped for a moment and stared at the long, shiny black desk that was used regularly by the senior officers on the ship to deliver their reports to their commanding officer. As Price walked passed the scientist followed him to the other end of the room.
"Take a seat, 'mate," Lee said, once again using hand gestures to invite the younger man to move from where he was located.
Peterson was inclined to thank the captain for inviting him to take a seat, however, he just knew it was going to be one of those talks. He couldn't explain it, but it seemed almost like he was in trouble for something, but he didn't know what. Unbeknownst to the scientist he was not far wrong, but not entirely for the reasons why he thought.
In the last twenty-four hours it had come to Lee's attention that there was something wrong with this mission. He did not know why, but he had his suspicions. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed likely that Admiral Casey could have been up to something. The question was, what was it? It had occurred to him to contact Casey himself, but with the recent trouble 'The General' had experience in the last two years, with his demotion and such, it did not seem like a good idea to confront the high-ranking Starfleet officer with a 'gut feeling'.
It just seemed convenient that in addition to the standard crew rotations, they were recommended a new science officer to take the place of Lieutenant Commander Sullax. It happened despite Starfleet's knowing full well that Lee preferred to promote from within the structure of his own starship.
"So 'Commander, how are you settling into your new position here on the Galaxy?" the General asked.
"I'm getting my feet wet sir. I've met most of the science officers assigned to the ship, but I probably only remember nearly half of their names." Kent smiled.
Lee returned the smile. "That's pretty good 'mate. I'm the Captain and with a crew of over a thousand men, women and children, I can't remember them all either. That's why I'm glad Starfleet had the wisdom to put rank pips on every crewman's uniform. Addressing someone simply as 'Ensign' or 'Lieutenant' sounds a lot better then 'hey you!'" the Captain laughed.
The change of demeanor helped put Kent at ease. He had heard that Captain Price had a reputation for being an easy commanding officer to serve under. Now he was beginning to understand why that was so. The Australian was a very down to earth person, eventhough he carried so much responsibility as captain of a starship. Still, even as Kent returned the Captain's smile, he could sense that something was on the Captain's mind other than pleasant, 'get to know you' talk.
The thought had crossed his mind that Commander Thomas had made a big deal about the conversation they had in Ten Forward the day before. He hadn't pegged the first officer of being that kind of man, but it was the first time since officially assuming the role of chief science officer that Captain Price had pulled him aside. And, after all, the Conference Room was a little more discrete than speaking on the Bridge. The timing was too convenient.
"I know what you mean, sir. I've used the rank address a few times myself recently. But eventually I'll be able to put a name with every face in the Science department." Kent nodded. He then asked, "But I have a feeling that isn't what you wanted to talk to me about, sir. There seems to be something on your mind?"
Lee took a long look at Peterson. It was the sort of look one gives when they are summing up a person. Kent had seen the look once before when the General originally interviewed him for the position as Chief Science Officer on the ship. Kent had thought he had lost the job for sure by the end of that meeting. But now, weeks later, here he was assigned to the finest Galaxy class vessel in all of Starfleet.
Finally the Captain removed his had from his chin. "I am just worried about this mission 'Commander. Something doesn't seem right about it somehow."
Kent raised his eyebrows slightly. "That's odd sir. From what I understand of our objectives and intelligence information, this should be a very simple assignment. We escort the ambassador from Decilia VII to the Federation. Wait around Bajor for a while, and then return to Decilia VII. Not much of a challenging assignment in that."
"Aye. Which makes me wonder why the Galaxy is the ship that was even assigned to this mission 'mate. There are other ships in the area that could just as easily have traveled to Decilia VII to escort this Prophetess to Bajor. The USS Defiant from DS9 for instance ..."
Kent had to agree. "I see your point Captain. Yes, it would have made a lot more sense to send the Defiant, given it's proximity to Bajor, DS9 and the Gamma quadrant. Do you think Starfleet is expecting trouble from the Cardassians or the Dominion on this assignment?"
"It's always a possibility of course..." Lee started in a refutable tone, "...but I don't believe either of those governments are in much of a state to put up that sort of effort over this. And if Starfleet really thought along those lines, then that is even more of a reason to send the Defiant with her cloaking device."
"That's right." Kent nodded, "You are correct Captain, this is odd."
"And there is something more, 'Commander." Captain Price elaborated while gesturing with a pointed finger, "I had the sense that Admiral Casey was holding something back when he gave the Galaxy the assignment."
"Did you ask him about it?" Kent asked instinctively, and then wished he hadn't a second later.
Captain Price didn't seem to mind. "I asked him why he sent the Galaxy and not the Defiant."
"What did the Admiral say?" Kent asked with honest interest leaning a bit closer.
"He seemed to get a bit angry. As if he was upset that anyone would question Starfleet's orders. Which was kind or odd, since I have never known Admiral Casey to get upset when someone questioned Starfleet's orders before."
"Have you considered that maybe the Admiral got upset because the orders were not from Starfleet but were simply his own?" Peterson suggested.
Lee looked at the 'Commander again with the same scrutiny as before.
"It had crossed my mind, yes 'mate." the General stated while Peterson gave a self rewarding jog of his chin. Lee then added, "It had also crossed my mind that your arrival on the Galaxy could 'ave something to do with all of this. But now I think that was just a spot of coincidence after talking to you a spell."
"I'm glad to hear that sir. To tell you the truth, I've never even met Admiral Casey. Commander," the scientist said before realising his mistake, "that is Captain Casey for that matter either. Though I've heard of them of course."
"I'm glad we had this chance to talk 'mate. I still don't feel any better about this mission or why the Galaxy was picked for it, but I definitely feel better about my Chief Science Officer." The General smiled.
"Thank you, sir." Peterson returned. "Did you want me to do some poking around sir? Admiral Casey may have left some sort of trail if you suspect that the orders he gave were not from Starfleet Command."
"No, 'Commander." Lee shook his head. "It's not that important. The mission, though a bit odd that we were assigned to it, is very simple. I don't want to cause any trouble over something that is nothing more then an odd feeling, or a poorly thought out assignment by Starfleet Command. Or the Admiral for that matter."
"That makes sense, sir." Peterson nodded.
"Given my recent status with Starfleet Command, the last thing I want to do is make waves with the top brass 'mate." the General smiled while rising out of his chair and offering his hand to Lieutenant Commander Peterson.
Kent also got up and shook the Captain's hand. "That sounds like a good idea sir."
"I'll let you get back to your duties 'Commander. Thanks for taking the time to have this little chat."
"Anytime, sir. I hope it gave you one less thing to worry about."
Lee nodded. "Aye. I'll feel better once we get the away team back on board with the Prophetess and the Galaxy returns to the Alpha quadrant." The Captain stated before he and 'Commander Peterson then exited the conference room and returned to their duties on the bridge.
James has learned a few things in life, and one of his life’s most valuable lessons is, “When you’re a fly on the wall, you hear all.” Even with the persistent rumors flying around him, the rest of the crew as regarded him as a nobody. Ensign Corgan didn’t mind this treatment at all, because he also felt that as long as people left him alone, he had no problem with them. He also liked the fact that when he sits down for lunch at Ten-Forward, he gets the table to himself, or with someone who needs a seat and doesn’t want to talk to him, all of which he liked. There were a number of advantages that went with being a nobody, such as getting the holodeck to himself, being able to get choice equipment and having all the privacy in the world. He also had one last advantage, which he considered almost useless until something good comes up. He was able to listen in to the latest dirt on people and things on the Galaxy. This week was awash in rumors, thanks to the secretive nature of the mission and the supposed hostile territory known as the Gamma Quadrant.
While Ensign Corgan listened to the latest gossip being generated all around him in the mess hall, all while he enjoyed a good steak, he categorized the rumors as followed:
Rumors:
He knew that it would take all lunch hour to just categorize HIS rumors, so he decided to think about ship rumors.
Rumors:
“Ahhh, this one’s interesting.” He thought
Babies:
Expecting Moms: Rayna O’Grady and Michala Lynn expecting children. Michala Lynn child conceived outside of relationship. Betting pools for both children regarding gender rumored to be raised up to 75 slips of gold pressed latinum. See Ensign Angelica Garcia for details
“That’s what I love about rumors,” Ensign Corgan thought, “They get me in on all the good events before they happen. I’ll have put in a few slips of latinum for those betting pools.”
He took a bite out of his steak, and then continued with the daily rumors. In the background, he heard some overly excited ensign talk about the mission. This caused Ensign Corgan to think about that category in his rumor pile.
USS Galaxy:
“There we go.” He whispered.
“The Mission”
on to Bajor for negotiations into the Federation.
Another bite of his steak brought on another wave of thinking. He started thinking of the mission, and of the dangers that it posed. He wished that he was on the surface, but this was not a combat mission, and a sharpshooter is useless in a urban infiltration squad where a hand-to-hand specialist would be much more useful. It made him a little bit disappointed since he wanted some action to keep him busy. Even with his name considered, all they had to do was look at his psychological profile to tell that he was not a great choice.
“I can be the best damned commando in Starfleet, yet I’m so unhinged that I get passed by. I’m a joke” Ensign Corgan muttered.
Then, he thought, “(See Ensign Corgan. Info found, 187 different rumors. “Ensign Corgan is a Joke” found.)”
“Shut up brain.”
He got back to thinking about the mission. It was top secret, very stealthy, and they weren’t the best choice considering the Defiant is stationed at DS9. A warning light went up in Ensign Corgan’s head, screaming “expendable!” Ensign Corgan was much more clearheaded than that to believe such an idea, so he set it aside. What he really thought about was the Dominion rebels who wouldn’t take too kindly for any Federation ship to he crossing their stomping grounds, much less one of the Galaxy’s largest, most weapon laden, most explodable starship ever to be created by the warped minds at Planetia Utopia shipyards on Mars. Did it make a tempting target for a bunch of rebels who don’t know the meaning of the word ‘quit’? Maybe. Did it make Ensign Corgan feel safe? Hell no! But, did it also make Ensign Corgan thirsty for some action? OH…. hell yes!
What really amazed Ensign Corgan was the fact that even thought the Odyssey, a Galaxy class vessel much like the Galaxy itself, got treated like a prison b!tch in a shower when it fought only 4 Jem’Hadar fighters with the help of only a couple of puny runabouts. It amazed him that the Galaxy wasn’t getting an escort for the mission. He knew that the Galaxy was going on a “stealthy” mission, but Galaxy and stealth together was an oxymoron. Ensign Corgan knew that the Galaxy was the equivalent of a rhino crashing through a forest of dry timber. Not like a couple of Miranda’s would make a big difference. It didn’t matter anyways, since the infinite wisdom of Starfleet Command figured that the ship’s reputation would save her.
It was a mission into the jaws of death, which Ensign Corgan invited with open arms. He closed off his thinking about the stupidity (or as Vulcans call it, illogic) of the mission to bring in a final thought about any Dominion rebels who were stupid enough to attack.
“I want them to come,” Ensign Corgan thought, “and I dare them to try and board the ship. In fact, I want them to board the ship and try to pick a fight with me. I dare them, because if they do, I have an excuse to shoot something and nobody will even stop me. Oh yes, I soooooo dare them to board the ship. Oh, and maybe the ship will explode, and I can meet my parents in the afterlife.”
With a self confident smirk, Ensign Corgan finished off his plate and promptly left the mess hall.
"Relaxing"
Electra woke up feeling slightly ill and with a definite headache. Crying herself to sleep usually did that to her. She rolled over and sighed, wishing it had all been a nightmare but knowing from her symptoms that it had actually happened. That letter, nasty and cruel. The PADD in the corridor. She sighed as she got out of bed. After getting her uniform on, she saw that she had another message. ~Not again, please! ~
"Computer, display message."
To: Cadet Telari, Ensigns Quewenson, Bosco, Taggart, Lockheart, Reece, Drake, Lt's Von Ernst, Murphy, Lynn, MacAllen and Ensign Calvin
From: Ensign Jameison
You are here by invited to Holodeck 2 at 20h friday for a movie and popcorn night. All you need bring is your selves and a sense of humor. I hope you will all decide to come as it promises to be a fun night. Please reply to this message by 15h Thursday if it is posible for you to attend. Please think of it as a friendly get-to-know -you night Thank you.
~Hmmm. Movies? Hmmm. ~
As Electra got herself presentable for her day she thought about the message. Should she go? She didn't know many of the people on that list, including the hostess. Why would she be invited? But.she knew she should at least make an attempt at socialization. Even if it was a complete failure, she knew that it was something she should do. She went back to her terminal, ready to draft a reply that she would attend. Then she looked at the time of the gathering. ~ 2000? There's no point. I have duty at 2100. And Rebecca is on duty until 2130. And I think the tactical on my shift is Lockhart. Maybe Ensign Jameison doesn't realize. ~
"Computer, record message."
"I received your initiation and I would like to attend. However, my shift begins one hour after the scheduled beginning of your event. There is no point to coming for so brief a period. Also, I noticed that there are others on your list from my shift and at least one from the shift that ends an hour and a half into the event. I was not sure if you were aware of these facts."
"Computer, end recording and send as a reply to received message."
[ Reply sent. ]
Electra grabbed some breakfast and ate in her quarters. By the time she was done, she had a message on her terminal.
To: Cadet Telari, Ensigns Quewenson, Bosco, Taggart, Lockheart, Reece, Drake, Lt's Von Ernst, Murphy, Lynn, MacAllen and Ensign Calvin
From: Ensign Jameison
The timing of the event has been changed to midday. Please accept my apologies for the error. Note to Ensign Reece: Thank you for replying to my message. I hope this new time suits you better hope to see you there.
~ All right. Midday. I can go to this and then my duty shift, with dinner in between. I'd better reply before I lose my nerve. ~
"Computer reply to this message in the affirmative and send."
[ Done. ]
Electra sighed and turned the terminal to the duty logs for her station.
***
Michala felt better having talked to Shinta. The next morning she rose feeling a little better. The team she had assisted in altering was now away and she did not have to be on shift for four hours. She checked the holodecks and found an open slot at 1030 hours. She reserved it and curled up with a book. An hour later, she changed into a swim suit. She planned to do some cliff diving, one of the parent pasttimes she enjoyed herself.
She arrived at the holodeck a couple of minutes early. It did not appear to be running so she turned to enter the holodeck. Whoever had it, must have been just leaving too because she ran right into them. She would have fallen had quick hands not steadied her. "I am sorry. I thought you had already left." She murmured as she looked up. A pair of warm eyes looked down at her. She had ran into the interesting man from the day before, Mr. Drake.
John smiled at her. "Not quite," he said. "I would have been out five minutes ago, but needed a little bit of a cool down." He looked like he'd been doing some rock climbing. John glanced at his hands, still supporting Michala and quickly pulled them back. "I'm sorry about that. I should have been watching where I was going. Though, it's nice to see you again. I hope that emergency call ended okay."
"It wasn't an emergency. It was just a task that most of the doctors in sickbay needed to be in on, but yes, it went fine. " Michala was suddenly conscious of standing in the hall in nothing but a black satin bathing robe and matching swimsuit. "I was just going to go diving. You are welcome to join me if you are not too tired?" She offered somewhat shyly.
John opened his mouth and then closed it. He laughed and looked away. "I'd like that," he said. "And, I'm not too tired. Though I must warn you, I'm not much of a diver." He tried to keep his eyes from wandering down to the robe she was wearing. Don't stare, he told himself. Keep contact with her eyes, and don't stare.
Michala frowned. "Well, If you don't like the program, we could modify it to something tamer. But I get to dive at least once first." She said. Uncomfortable just standing in the hall, she ducked around him and into the holodeck. "Why don't you change while I set it up? She gave the parameters for the program to the computer including a secluded spot for him to change. A beautiful shoreline appeared. They were on top of a steep cliff. The water churned beneath the cliff about twenty five meters below them. It was warm with only a slight breeze. She turned as John emerged and smiled at him. "If it is too high, we can just swim down there after I dive?" She had shed the robe and stood waiting for his decision. Her hair was tied back with a matching black band and the sun shone off the shiny black one piece suit.
John adjusted the trunks he'd replicated for himself. That he could tell, they'd be suitable for diving. He moved to the edge of the cliff and glanced down. It was quite a ways, higher than anything he'd done before. Most of his diving had been from much lower boards back on earth. He looked back over at Michala and smiled. "I think I can manage," he said. "At least one dive anyway. I've made it a rule to at least try it if it's not going to kill me. I think I can do this." He glanced over the edge again. "I think." He grinned. He allowed his eyes one look at her in the suit and wished he hadn't. She was a very attractive woman. And, an engaged woman, he quickly told himself. "You want to go first?"
"Sure!" She said with a grin. She looked down one more time then moved back. Taking a running start, she leaped into the air. Her body arced out over the water. She didn't try anything fancy. Just a good clean dive, she knifed into the water with barely a splash. She looked far above her to the top of the cliff where she saw John looking down. She waved and struck out for deeper water to get out of his way. The safeties were on, so he should do okay.
John waved back down to Michala in the water. He stepped back a few steps. He looked toward the edge of the cliff and decided on a few more steps just in case. He took a deep breath and let it out. He started quickly, long running strides quickly covering the distance to the edge. He pushed off and away from the cliff. He'd seen the sort of diving done before, and did his best to do what he'd seen others do. The water rushed up at him. He hit the water, sending up a larger splash than he would have liked. He curved his body toward the silvery surface and kicked his way upward. Once above water, he looked around for Michala. He saw her and waved, and then swam in her direction. "That was great," he called. "And, you're good."
Michala could tell he had been right. Diving was not a strong skill for him. "Thank you. I find it the closest to being a bird I have found. I love the exhilaration as the water rushes up at you." She treaded water beside him. "Race ya to the beach?"
John laughed. "You're on!"
Before he could finish responding, she had struck out for the beach. She soon felt ground beneath her feet and pulled her head up to see where he was.
She found him right behind her. He was a good swimmer, but she was better. As he came up out of the water, he grinned at her. "You win," he said. "I haven't been swimming in awhile. I'd forgotten how great it is. You're a great swimmer. I'm out of my league."
"Well, in your defense. Other then work, this is really my only other pasttime." She explained. She stumbled out of the water and sat in the warm sand. "This is my favorite program. I love the feel of the sun and sand." She leaned back on both arms and watched him leave the water. He really was a striking man. "The highest dive I have done is 75 meters, but then.. with holodeck safeties.. I feel fairly safe in doing a more risky dive."
John moved up next to Michala and dropped into the sand beside her. "I generally will do anything active," he said. "A year ago, I biked across the Dahkur province on Bajor. That was a good trip. I was rock climbing in here earlier. There's never been anything like that that I haven't tried. I figure at least once." He smiled. "So, have you done any diving outside the holodeck? I hear Risa has some great cliffs for diving."
Michala was quiet for a moment. "The only time I have been off ship was to another form of ship and I have been on two away missions that were planetside." It was difficult to explain to anyone. She had only had one leave and she had just spent 'that' on Deiran's ship. "I guess I would be a little intimidated by a real cliff at first. I mean, there are no safeties. As for other activities, most are not fun to try the first time alone. Holodeck instructors can be so flat and boring."
John nodded. "That is so very true," he said. "I don't think I'd love baseball as much as I do if I had to learn from a holo-tutor." He looked up at the cliff and smiled. "And, I think I would be a little intimidated jumping off that without the safeties too. This from a guy who's gone orbital skydiving. So, if you could do anything you'd want, what would you like to do?"
"Everything?" She smiled at him. "Imagine for a moment that everything you tried, tasted even remembered was someone else's memory and not your own. That is how I started life. Not a single experience was my own. I have never rock climbed or orbital dived. I want to learn to.." she searched for the word. "hang glide? Like a bird, I love to fly. I am a good pilot. It is one of the skills I remember strongly."
John smiled. "Well, I've done all three before," he said. "I could teach you, or at least be there with you instead of a bland holo-tutor. And, I believe you're a good pilot. I imagine your experience must be similar to a joined Trill. All those lifetimes of someone else's. I guess the best thing to do is make your own memories though." He watched her for a moment. He wanted to say more, but held back. She was engaged, and John didn't feel right pushing. She didn't mind the flirting, but he didn't want to go too far with it. She was fun to be with. And, definitely nice to look at. He quickly pushed the thoughts away. Get your mind as far away from that as possible, he scolded himself. "Did you want to go again, or just sit here and talk?"
"Are you up for another dive?" She said with a teasing smile. "I can increase or lower the height. If not, we can talk. I enjoy the opportunity to talk outside of the medical bay. Believe it or not, I have very few friends. Most can't forget that I am a freak of nature and are uncomfortable around me."
John shook his head. "Well, I happen to like you and I'd like to think I'm your friend," he said. "And, anyone that thinks badly of you is only deluding themselves with their own prejudices. I mean, that kind of thinking goes against the very ideals that make up the Federation. The Vulcans have it right. 'Infinite Diverstiy in Infinite Combinations.'" John looked up the cliff and back to Michala. "How about one more higher dive, and then we can talk if we survive."
Michala smiled. "Okay, come on then my friend." She led the way up the path, scrambling up the rocky incline as if she had been born to it.
John followed Michala up the hewn trail that led to the cliff where they'd dive. He smiled to himself. He hadn't had this much fun onboard a ship in awhile. His time aboard the Venture had been good, but the holodecks couldn't compare to the Galaxy's. And, the butterflies in his stomach from the anticipation of a dive felt great.
Once on top, Michala had the computer raise the height by 10 meters and once again made a running dive, this time curling in the air for two rotations before straightening to knife into the water.
John whistled as Michala plunged into the water. She was good. He waved when she broke the surface. He couldn't imagine how anyone could feel uncomfortable around her. He looked down into the water and shook his head. "I'm insane," he muttered. At least the safeties were on. "Here goes nothing..."
John Drake took a running start off the edge of the cliff...
OOC: The following log takes place before the start of the mission.
***
Anika had never been down in engineering before. She looked around and then up as the reactor chamber disappeared up and up. It was impressive. She stopped a passing ensign.
"Excuse me," she said. "I'm looking for Lt. Odin. Really big guy. Trill."
The man nodded. "Yeah, he's up one level. Working environmental controls today. You can't miss him."
Anika thanked the man and climbed the ladder up to the second level. Below, she heard a whistle, but didn't want to look down to see who it was. She followed the catwalk around until she saw Eric crouched over an ODN grid and a pile of isolinear chips.
"Hi," she said.
Eric jumped at the sound and hit his head. He rubbed the back of his head as he peered around and said, "Hey. To what do I owe the honor?"
Anika shrugged. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by," she said.
He smiled and said, "Thanks for stopping by. Um, hey I'll take a break because we need to talk."
Anika nodded. She indicated that Eric should lead the way and she'd follow.
Eric stood and started walking towards a secluded corridor and said,"I'm not sure how to say this, so I guess I'll come out and say it. Michala came to me and told her she is pregnant with my child. It's from the one night we spent together as you well know that is the only time we slept together."
Anika shook her head. "Actually, I don't know that," she said. "And, I already know about Michala. I talked to her before her shore leave. So, what does this mean, Eric?" She crossed her arms across her chest as she watched him.
He was surprised to hear she already knew and said, "This means complications and unforeseen happenings. Other than that I honestly don't know." he then thought and asked,"Will I ever have your trust back?"
Anika watched him for a moment and then looked away. "I don't know," she finally said. "I'd like to think so, but I don't know. What are your plans with the baby?"
"I want her to keep it, because I feel it is wrong to abort a baby. I'm going to be it's father if i can. In more than just the genetic way. Even though Michala and I won't be together and such this baby is my own flesh and blood and I can't turn away from it."
Anika bit her lip. "If she keeps the baby, and you're there for the baby... I think I'll need time to think about this, Eric. I want to talk to a counselor. See what someone else has to say because I don't trust my own thoughts anymore."
"I love you Anika, but I can't and won't turn my back on my child. I'm sorry I put us in this predicament."
She nodded. "Why do you love me," she asked. "What is it about me that makes you love me so much?"
"Everything about you. Your smile, your personality. I was once told and I truly believe love is a choice and I have chosen."
Anika shook her head. "What about my personality, Eric? I want to know. I want to know what it is you love. What about me would you miss if I got on a shuttle today and transferred to another ship?"
"Your smile and how caring you are. How your hair smells and how loving you are." He didn't know how to tell her the many ways he loved her.
Anika smiled. "Thank you," she said.
He smiled back and said,"Anytime."
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
***Decilia VII, en route to the Cathedral Plaza***
Karyn had a number of things to think about to keep herself distracted while they hiked into town toward the grandious Cathedral Plaza to rendezvous with Madame Kiye, and fortunately her own appearance and transportation were not as much of a distraction as she originally thought they would be. She had debated on whether or not to use her "legs" but decided to use them because even though she was learning everyday, they were still a lot faster than her gravchair any day. Speed was paramount this time around particularly, and her new legs suprisingly blended in better with her new look anyway.
Her new look... This had to be the weirdest feeling she had ever felt in her entire life. For a moment, she thought she was going to become so clausterphobic that she would literally crawl out of her new found skin, but the importance of this mission, particularly the secrecy surrounding it was creating an adrenaline surge like no other she had experienced before. Perhaps this was the feeling Deiran thrived on. No being could love command as much as he, and to Karyn it was because he was an adrenaline junkie, thriving on the near misses. Karyn was in many ways the exact opposite. She excelled under pressure as long as she felt some degree of control. With Deiran in the center seat, no such degree existed in the entire universe, and there were moments she thought she was going to die cursing his name and blasting his arrogance. She smiled thinking about what he would say to her approach to command. Hell, she wondered what he would say about a lot of things. Perhaps she would call him in her new disguise to shoot the breeze.
Two minutes. It had been two minutes since she'd been able to stop thinking about the mission and started focusing on loosening up. The lump in the pit of her stomach hadn't managed to dissipate at all and she assumed it was because the mission seemed too simple. Beam down and get the Prophetess? When had things ever been that simple for the crew for the USS Galaxy...looking as recently as last mission?
Cultural data sent a moment ago by Lt. Commander Surok was of great help to Karyn, who found the additional research on the Decilian religion to be both fascinating and a comfort. More information was power and any last minute fact could be the key to stepping into character.
She was reminded of her drama days at the Academy. She would take weeks to study a role, so that she could eat, sleep and breathe the part she was to play. Drama was a great subject for a psych student because it developed the ability to get inside another's shoes, find their motivation and live the part. The challenge was to view the flip side not as the counselor, but as the client. Such flexibility helped her to read people.
She'd taken the name Ryn (pronounced like "rin") as her Decilian name. It was easy to remember as it was the last syllable of her given name and amusingly the nickname her former Academy boyfriend, Alan Taylor, used to call her. She wondered what he would think of her now. She'd come along way from the drama queen he knew, but he'd be disappointed if he knew she stopped singing. It was a passion the two had shared, but ever since their breakup, Karyn hadn't felt right sharing this intimate passion with another. Much like her faith, her love of music seemed a world away from today.
A part of her was concerned about confronting another deeply religious group. Religion, she found as in the case of the Ursidians, was something that could be bent to the will of another to meet their purposes. She tended to be a bit skeptical in this regard, though her faith in her Episcopalian beliefs was absolute. She felt such matters were private and not to be tampered with, but as in the case of the Believer of Ursid, Karyn's faith (or lack thereof) seemed to be of particular interest to outsiders.
This brought up additional questions for Karyn and she decided to appoach Commander Thomas about them before they were closer to the Cathedral. She decided to address him using his chosen name, just in case some of the natives were in earshot.
"Kiris, which one of us should request an audience with the Prophetess? Do you want to try your hand or would you prefer that one of us," she pointed to herself and Nilani, "attend to the matter." She figured the natives might expect the two women of the group to assert themselves. It might raise suspicions if Commander Thomas initially did all the talking...
Starring
with invaluable help from
and
(Holodeck Simulation of GALAXY Bridge)
"Captain von Ernst" Peter suddenly called from the Tactical arch. "Incoming vessels. Jem' Hadar Attack ships. Squadron of six at 020 Mark 004. Approaching at full impulse." He stated quickly before adding, "That's twice the number of ships it took to destroy the USS Odyssey."
Rebecca sighed and closed her eyes...~~ Finally ~~
It was all a simulation of course, merely an amalgamation of holographic images and physical props. The look and feel was as accurate as possible, but the difference was crucial in Rebecca's mind.
Nobody would really die...
There were no real consequences...
She couldn't hurt anybody...
Those facts went a long way towards calming the normally timid little redhead. Inwardly she was as frightened as could be. All eyes were on her. Every move she made would be analyzed and scrutinized.
But..The worst they could do would be to kick her out and send her home, which is what she wanted at any rate.
"Okay, lets do this..." she whispered.
Using the control panel mounted in the armrest of the huge Command chair that threatened to swallow her petite little frame, Rebecca altered the view on the main screen. Instead of the simple sphere of Decilia, a stream of numbers and Mathematical symbology began streaming across the Forward viewer.
"Uh...sir?" the Helmsman asked questioningly. While he recognized the equations as relating to Vectors and probabilities, most of the math went over his head. Also the removal of the Tactical display forced him to use the much smaller monitor mounted in the corner of his LCARS Station.
Rebecca didn't respond, but merely leaned forward in the huge chair (her feet still not reaching the floor) and chewed on her lips thoughtfully as she scanned the data streaming past her. "Hmmmm.......ok" she mumbled to herself, and tapped a few notes into her Armrest Computer.
The data she called up was the raw information directly from the GALAXY's sensors. It was the unfiltered information before it was re-hashed and presented in a more understandable and usable format. Unfortunately as in all languages...computer or otherwise...there was always something lost in the translation.
In Math......there could be no errors.
"Sir....ah......Red alert would be good?" The OPS crewman offered.
"Huh? Oh........yes.....yes of course, go right on ahead." Rebecca waved at the man offhandedly but continued to study the numbers, her lips moving silently as she calculated to herself.
"Raising shields. Red Alert. All hands to battle stations." Peter called from the tactical arch as the klaxons and flashing lights began to go off all around.
As the numbers streamed past the Main viewer, Rebecca could begin to see patterns forming, constants and variables in the Attackers movements. With a few quick taps on her PADD she brought up from the Central Compter all known data on Jem' Hadar fighting capabilities, and their ships handleing characteristics.
As the numbers imprinted themselves in her mind, she KNEW the Jem' Hadar.
She UNDERSTOOD the Jem' Hadar and their plans.
More importantly.She knew WHAT they were going to do.
Jem' Hadar squadron at 254,000 kilometers and closing." Ensign Lockhart at the Tacitcal arch announced, "Bandit one and Bandit six breaking off on vector 336 Mark..."
"Shhhhhhh.....hush a second okay?" Rebecca waved her hand at Peter to hush him up without even turning in her chair, "I can see it all here."
Not a few crewmen raised an eyebrow at the offhanded comment from Rebecca. Most were used to her usual shy and whispery self. They never imagined she could dismiss someone so offhandedly.
"Yes sir." Peter said quietly.
"Weapons range in 15 seconds.." The Helmsman reported through clenched teeth.
"Okay," Rebecca whispered, "Here we go." Sighing she took her eyes off the Streaming columns of numbers and drew her dangling legs up in the chair and leaned forward to bury her face in her knees.
She screwed here eyes shut tightly and in the ensuing darkness concentrated instead on the Math..
The Math.
That's all it was really. Life, Universe, and Everything could be reduced to the Mathematical laws and probabilities that governed everything from the chaotic and inexplicable to the totally predictable.
And that's where she placed herself, the numbers and symbols of Reality danced in her head, as she took what she saw with her eyes as the real world, and converted it into the equations and probabilities that WAS the Real World.
Math is Reality.
Her minds eye opened up, and the Grey hull off the Galaxy faded away from around her. She found herself floating alone in a universe of Numbers filled with equations that whizzed and crackled around her like bursts of supernatural energy.
She could see now in her mind, rapidly approaching from in front of her, were six set of complicated equations that represented the sum total of the Jem 'Hadar Attack ships and their maneuvering capabilities.
From the spinning dazzling approach vectors she could visualize in her head each of the tiny little craft as they peeled off from the group to approach the Galaxy from all angles. She could see the patterns of their attack, which in turn meant, she could predict their plans.
"Helm ahead Full Impulse on heading 050 Mark 0," she whispered the order without bothering to open her eyes, "Thrust to 1/4 lightspeed, and cut drive, rotating on y axis 45 degrees starboard, execute..."
Galaxy surged forward and slipped into a gap between Bogeys three and five. The swiftness of the manoeuvre meant only two of the Jem 'Hadar were in firing position, and the sudden rotation of the huge Starship spread out the destructive Rays of their Polaron Beam Cannons over six different shield grids rather than allowing a concentration on just one.
The bridge shuddered from the impact, but no harm was done.
"Damage minor," Ops Called out.
"Drifting sideways along heading 050 Mark 0 at..jeez...25% C." Helm reported with a shake of his head. "Thrust at zero per your orders."
Eyes still buried in her knees, Rebecca accepted the information and fed it into her the imaginary world in her mind. She could see the Attack ships altering their vectors, regrouping into an even tighter formation.
"All ahead
Warp factor 2 for duration of 5 seconds, disengage and come about to Heading 340 Mark 5..oh and Peter?" she asked again nicely. "Give me a three torpedo spread out of the aft tubes."
Lockhart frowned, "Yes sir, but there are no ships along that bearing."
Rebecca shrugged, "Yeah...I just want to see their reactions for a second."
With a blur of light, Galaxy increased quickly to 10 times the speed of light, traveling over 15.2 Million kilometers in the specified five second period. Peter then deployed his salvo, which as expected was a clean miss, the nearest Jem' Hadar vessel was nearly 80 km away, (having pursued very closely) and only made a slight course correction in response.
Opening her eyes briefly to take in the results, Rebecca quickly shut them again in order to preserve her visualization.
"Ha!" she clapped her hands lightly, and drew her knees in closer to her chest. A most un-captain like pose on the command chair. "Okay, we're cool. Peter fire at will, concentrating on that one there." She pointed randomly at a complicated set of equations on the Main viewer.
"Which one sir?" Peter asked frantically. He was certain that this wasn't going to work.
"Oops sorry......uh.....Bogey 2. He's our big worry. I haven't figured him out yet."
"Firing at will aye sir." Peter replied as quite a few eyebrows were raised across the bridge.
"Okay Rick," she asked the Helmsman, "Come about 180 degrees and make for that Asteroid cloud we passed under earlier. Warp 1."
"Warp 1 aye, ETA...52 seconds."
"All this in-system Warping is putting a strain on the Engines." The Engineer reported from the Aft control station. "Especially with such short-duration hops."
Rebecca shrugged and chewed on her bottom lip. "Engage." Was all she said in response.
Again the Galaxy lurched forward, its six small attackers in quick pursuit. While the short hops were temporarily disrupting any coordinated effort by the Jem' Hadar, the Large Explorer had no real hope of shaking the more manoeuvrable craft. It was only a matter of time before they scored a crippling hit with their powerful Polaron Beams, or engaged in their brutally effective kamikaze runs.
It was the latter, that had eventually destroyed the Galaxy's sister-ship, the Odyssey, when a Jem' Hadar suicide run ripped its hull to shreds.
~~Oh well.......live and learn.~~ Rebecca thought.
For 52 seconds, there was a deathly silence on the bridge, except for the muted sound of Ensign Lockhart operating the aft Torpedo Console. (the only weapons usable at Warp Speed)
Incredibly, the skilled officer actually managed to score several hits on the elusive pursuers, no small feat at Trans-relativistic speeds.
"Bandit 4 breaking off Captain." He reported calmly. "Their outer hull is ruptured."
Again Rebecca merely nodded, and concentrated instead on the swirling mass of numbers on the screen before her. Her brain was fast, but the inputs at Warp speed required very close attention.
"Dropping out of warp, Engaging sublight." Helm reported. "Asteroid field interface at 10,000 km."
"Thanks. Okay guys here's the deal. Rick, Take us in the field Full impulse, double front on the shields."
"What?! Rebec...Captain, I must point out, there is no way in hell we're going to outmaneuver those guys...at 25% of lightspeed, I can't even guarantee we won't slam into one of the big chunks, and the dust particles alone will sand-paper us to death."
Rebecca paused for a moment and closed her eyes again bringing up her mental image of the situation..
~~Dear God~~ the Helmsman thought as he saw the redhead fiddling with her hands, ~~Is she actually counting on her FINGERS??!!~~
Rebecca's eyes popped open and she gave a casual nod towards the helm. "Go ahead Rick.......I double checked everything, We're cool."
Just then the whole ship lurched throwing several crewmen to the deck.
At Tactical Peter gritted his teeth. "Two hits on the aft shield. Hull breech on decks 31 through 33."
"Wow" Rebecca commented mostly to herself, "They weren't kidding at the Academy about how tough those Polaron Beams were......It only took two hits for a hull breach."
Observing the simulation from the back of the room, Tim Richeson cleared his throat, "This may be a holodeck Ensign, but you do realize what is on decks 32 and 33?"
Rebecca flinched. ~~Family Living Quarters~~ she realized, visualizing moms and dads spinning off into the vacuum of space along with toddlers clutching little teddy-bears. ~~Holy Noodles!!~~
Just as the horror of that thought was forming, the GALAXY lurched again.
"Are we hit?" Rebecca asked in a panic.
"Negative," Helm reported, "We just entered the dust cloud per your instructions......Sorry, we hit about a five-ton rock on the way in. Shields took the impact fine."
It was not unlike a bull rampaging through a china shop. The GALAXY plowed through the thick clouds of rock and dust, battering them out of the way, and leaving behind a swirling trail of shattered, swirling wreckage.
Things were both better and worse for the pursuing Jem Hadar. First their smaller more maneuverable ships were able to dodge the larger chunks with relative ease, but at the same time, the chaotic swirls of debris strewn behind the violence of the GALAXY's passage, were wildly unpredictable, and their forward shields took a severe battering.
It also didnt help that those same shields were being continually assaulted by the aft phaser arrays under the guidance of Ensign Lockhart.
To add to the swirling confusion, Rebecca ordered the aft Torpedo tubes to target Asteroids rather than the Jem Hadar.
The resulting explosions shattered the rocks into hundreds of super sharp fragments that sand-blasted at the already weakened forward shields.
It was true that the GALAXY was also taking a beating on its forward shields from the murderous debris, and also across the rear from the Jem Hadar pursuers, but at least it was not concentrated in one spot as it was with the smaller ships.
It was always preferable to spread damage across two or more shields rather than focus everything on one.
"Whoa! Thar she blows," called the OPS officer as one of the Attack ships scraped through a particularly dense cloud of dust weakening its front shield enough so that Ensign Lockhart could spear it with a Phaser-Lance from the left Nacelle Strut.
"Bandit one down sir." Peter reported.
Rebecca was about to open her mouth to congratulate him, when the deck suddenly reached up and slapped her across the face.....
At least thats what it felt like as two of the remaining three Jem Hadar bisected their forward batteries on the aft portion of the upper hull.
One of the powerful Polaron beams easily pierced the GALAXY's shields and bore a hole into the Doors of the main shuttle bay instantly venting the area to vacuum. The other chewed its way up the curve of the Saucer section before blowing out the windows to the bridge Observation Lounge.
Moaning and groaning, the bridge personnel picked their selves off of the deck (except of course Tim Richeson, who as observer was standing in a 'no-fail' gravity zone) He had been totally unaffected by the lurching.
"Ensign Osborne, Ensign Lockhart." he announced matter of factly, "You are 'dead'...sorry, but you'll have to have a seat in the corner here."
Glumly Peter and the helm officers abandoned their posts and pulled up some carpet near the turbolift where they could watch the conclusion of the battle.
"No fair!" Rebecca said without thinking as she pulled herself back into the Command chair," You just killed two of my most crucial positions...Now I've got nobody in the drivers seat."
As if to underscore this remark, GALAXY took a twenty ton asteroid square in the Main deflector Dish sending shards of the crystalline structure tumbling through the void.
"And now you have also lost quite a valuable piece of equipment as well Ensign..." Richson stated blandly, "I suggest you act quickly."
Rebecca froze for the briefest of moments....It WASNT fair! Her plan was going so perfectly when three of the most valuable functions were removed in one fell swoop.
"Noodles to it all!" Rebecca swore. "Fine, Richeson you take Helm, I'll man Tactical!"
With an amused grin at the young girl's nerve, the Lieutenant slid into the Helmsman's chair, while Rebecca abandoned the Command chair for the Tactical Arch.
"Okay" she began, "Maintain speed at 25%Sublight, Activate Auxillary Nav Deflectors on the Saucer."
"Auxillary Deflectors wont put up with the dust clouds at this speed." Richeson advised.
Rebecca threw her hands up ion frustration, "Look you just drive and worry about the big chunks...don't bother me with the 'dust'. "
Clearly the situation was beginning to wear upon poor Ms. Ernst, otherwise she'd have never snapped like that.
"Ops, bring Main Tractor beam online, and get Engineering to increase its output using the Batteries."
The OPS officer spun quickly in his chair to face Rebecca. "Sir, I must protest...The Jem Hadar Shield nutations make it impossible to successfully lock onto them with a Tractor.."
Rebecca banged her head on the Tactical arch in frustration. "Security Team to the bridge........please vaporize the next person to ask me dumb questions."
Tim bowed his head and laughed as quietly as he could, not wanting to interupt Rebbecas performance. So far so good.
"Oops.....Tractor Beam online."
"That's what I thought....."
Now under Richeson's sure hand the Galaxy continued to rage like a bull through a China Shop, sending Asteroid fragments flying in its wake. In close pursuit, The remaining three Jem Hadar Attack Ship zipped in and out of the resulting chaos.
While firing the aft weapons with one hand, Rebecca deployed the Main Tractor with the other, and began scanning for targets...
"Theres one.." She whispered to herself as Bogey six flew into range. "Engage Main Tractor!!"
Mounted on a movable pivot along the GALAXY's Keel, the main Tractor Emitter unleashed a soft blue beam of light that shot towards Bogey six at the speed of light...
The beam passed within meters of the Jem Hadar hull, but missed cleanly, snagging a 10 ton boulder nearly a mile behind it.
"Geez, Capt.." The Ops man complained."You didn't even hit it, all you got is a Rock."
Rebecca merely raised an eyebrow.."Oh yeah?"
With that she spun the 'retract' dial to full and the powerful tractor literally yanked the massive rock out of its tumbling orbit, dragging it along at 25% of C.
Unfortunately the aforementioned Bogey six was still in position between Galaxy and the rock, so when the asteroid came hurtling inwards, it smashed directly into the rear shield of the Attack ship, collapsing first it, and then compressing the hull into so much metallic scrap.
"Holy shit!! Nevermind!!" Ops bellowed as the glow of the explosion registered on his screen. "Four down...Bogey two and five still in pursuit."
Rebecca reached out again with the Tractor and snagged a new rock. A more massive 30 ton behemoth, but the remaining two Jem Hadar ships wisely kept their distance.
"Coming clear of the asteroid belt." Richeson reported from the helm, "Course heading Captain?"
Rebeca shook her head in frustration. "Cut thrust drift...Yaw ship 90 degrees port, Present them our side."
GALAXY responded smoothly, protecting the battered fore and rear shields, and presenting a fresh Port shield to the oncoming vessels.
"Ok...lets give them a broadside!" Rebecca said to nobody in particular, and let loose with no less than three different Phaser arrays, along with full spreads from fore and aft Torpedo launchers.
In response The Jem Hadar once again cut loose with their deadly Polaron Cannons.
The result was a deadly trade....Rebecca's salvo penetrated the sandblasted front shields of the Bogey 5 raider, destroying the vessel, while their violent beams collapsed the new Port shield and traced deep scars into the neck of the Galaxy.
"Shoot...One left, Bogey two. Decks 15 through 20 reporting heavy damage, and hull breaches..."
~~Science Labs and more living quarters~~ Rebecca noted in the back of her mind.
"Only one left Captain..no sweat." Ops called happily.
~~Except its that darn Bogey Two~~ Rebecca fumed ~~I can't predict him for some reason...He's not conforming to Mathematical models..He's not making sense..~~~
"Shit!! Bogey two on Kamikaze run!!!" Ops yelled. "Get us out of here!!"
"Were still drifiting sideways." Richeson responded through grit teeth, "No way to pull away in time."
"Warp Speed!!" Rebecca shrieked.
"Offline...Too many short hops..like I said.."
Rebecca watched in horror as the Final Jem Hadar ship bore in on the Galaxy on a suicide run.
~~Oh noodles.this is it!!...We're going down just like the Odyssey!! We're gonna die, and here I am stuck drifting sideway like an idiot dragging a dumb asteroid with my Tractor..~~
Rebecca's eyes widened!!! ~~THAT'S IT!!~~~
"12 seconds to impact!!" Ops called
"Helm, Roll ship to starboard 90 degrees, Maintain zero thrust...brace for impact!!!"
In space the gleaming hull of the Galaxy rotated smoothly about her middle line presenting her soft underbelly towards the approaching Kamikaze....and in the process dragging the aforementioned asteroid around with it!!
Bogey two struck the blocking asteroid a mere 500 meters from the Galaxy's Keel, and shredded into a million slivers of metal.
The fragments peppered the lower shields unmercifully, and penetrated in some areas, but in end....
Galaxy flew on.
The crew of the holographic bridge burst into applause at the sudden victory, and even the 'dead' crewmen sitting in the corner joined the celebration.
Tim Richeson rose from his chair and turned to incline his head at Rebecca, just as the chairs and panels dissolved to leave the small group standing around in the yellow and black grid of the Holodeck. "Got a minute Ensign?"
Suddenly back in the 'real world' the petite redhead' natural shyness returned. "Y.....y.....yes. s....sir." she whispered fidgeting nervously.
"I'm impressed. For a little shy girl, you sure did a helleva job." Tim put her arm around her lightly and walked her a little farther to the door. "Why don't you stop by my office at 1100 hours tommrow. I want to talk to you about your performance."
Rebecca blushed and averted her gaze to the floor. She squeaked something in reply that Richeson could not make out clearly, but he did note a small nod of her head which he took for a 'yes'.
"Good I'll see you tommrow." Tim gave her a quick nod and walked out of the holodeck.
Location: The hallowed halls of the USS Galaxy, where our heros are currently enroute to the wormhole at DS9.
Lt.(JG) Raven Darkstar walked briskly through the carpeted hallways of the Galaxy with Leo Streely, who was dressed like a modern day "Sonny Crocket". Streely's ridiculously baggy white dress pants swished loudly as he hurried along, trying to keep pace with the large indian.
As they made thier way down the hallways, they passed Ensigns Sierra and Kelly. Sierra smiled a large smile and called out: "Hey Lieutennant, who's your partner?"
Raven just growled and kept on stomping off.
Leo, however, thrust out his hand like a crossing guard and coming to such a jerky stop that he almost lost one of his white boat shoes said: "Sorry toots, no time for an autograph, were in hot persuit. Maybe later after duty we could sneak off to.."
Kelly interrupted the little man by pointing to Raven who had not stopped when Leo did. " I think your gonna loose him."
Leo flapped his arms in the air. " Ok, Ok, ok, thank you citizen. Your a credit to this ship! Hey partner, wait up!" he said bounding down the hall.
Raven could hear Sierra's laughter ringing through the halls. He mentally ran through the regulations to see if he could ticket her for disturbing shipboard accoustics. Failing that, possibly locking her in a closet with Leo for an hour just to see how hard she laughed then.
He turned the hall and saw an elderly woman with Lieutennant pips on her councelling uniform standing outside her apartment. She was motioning for them to come over with one hand and holding a scraggly looking grey cat in the other hand.
Apparently she had called for security.
Leo fell in right next to Raven and removed his sunglasses, stroked his patchy beard stubble once and put a hand on the woman's shoulder. " You can relax now, Lady, ok? Security has arrived."
The cat hissed and swiped a paw . Leo recoiled his arm at what appeared to be warp 4.
"Jeez lady! ok? Nice cat you got there. Time to have it put down, huh?"
The woman, Esther Brimly, just looked at Leo then back at Raven.
"What's the matter with this boy?" She said gesturing with her thumb to Streely.
Raven put his large hand on top of Leo's head and guided him backwards a step or two. " Sorry ma'am. He's just...I dont really know what he is to be honest. What seems to be the problem?" he said in a deep voice.
"I dont know. I think he's demented. And where did he get those clothes? He looks like a cabin boy on a pleasure barge." she asked.
Leo sprung to life as if someone had flipped a switch on the back of his cranium.
"Now look here, lady. I don't ask you about your shawl ok? Lets just back off my cloths allright? And enough with the pleasure barge already! You don't look like you could survive a ride on the barge anyway. Geez. I guess its true what they say about pets and owners eventually looking and acting alike."
Raven just rolled his eyes and looked back at Esther. He took a deep clensing breath and was wondering how many times he could roll his eyes before they would roll out of his skull and he would be forced to wear implants.
"Not whats wrong with my....partner." Raven said swallowing hard, as Leo was hissing at the cat from behind the security officer, " What's the reason you called us., ma'am?"
"Oh yes! I did call. See, I think my neighbor has just been murdered." She said nodding her head as if she were confirming numbers at a bingo game.
Raven was completely focused now. Even Leo Streely had quit talking .
"What makes you think that your neighbor has been murdered?" he continued.
"Well, I heard her screaming. Followed by loud crashes and then thumping followed by more screams. Scared my poor baby, Mr. Biggles plain silly. Finally after more commotion, there was a high pitched long blood curtling scream and then there was nothing."
"Have you seen anyone enter or leave the apartment scince the screaming ended? " Darkstar asked, his mind busy working over the various dynamic entery techniques.
"No sir" Esther Brimly responded.
"Ok ma'am, please return to your quarters. Leo I need you to stay outside, you understand? If anyone comes out of this room without me, call for backup. Understand?" he asked standing next to the door. Leo nodded then whispered: "This would be much easier if you had let me have the phaser, ya know."
Raven, ignoring Leo, keyed in the residential override codes and the doors slid open quietly to reveal a livingroom in disarray. In the dimmed lights he could see furniture was overturned and strewn everywhere as he walked cautiously through the room. There was no body here. To the left he saw the bedroom door and then to the right..movement!
A man had walked rapidly out of the dark kitchen area .
Before Raven could register what was going on, Leo Streely let loose a warning yell, then dove through the still open door and tackled the man's waist sending them both crashing to the ground.
"Computer. Lights!" Raven called and the room was instantly brightened. There before him was leo sprawled over a man who was nearly nude save for some leather straps and a stratigicly placed black loincloth. They were writhing around with Leo trying to subdue or impregnate the man. Raven wasn't sure which.
Leo kicked somthing out of the man's hand and sent the object spinning across the hall. "What kinda sick goomba are you, eh punk? What did ya do to her huh? Sick puke! Then you try to wax my partner? Oh you'll pay for that!"
Raven pulled Leo off and raised the lean male upright and against the wall. He noticed immediatly why the man had remained silent. He was wearing some sort of gag apparatus over his mouth.
More comfused then he had ever been in his life, Raven backed off a bit.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" came a female voice from the bedroom doorway.
They turned to see a tall woman with long dark hair. She was nude except for a studded collar and bikini bottoms made from what appeared to be some sort of whipped desert topping. She tapped the handle of a small whip against her thigh.
Raven wanted to crawl into a hole, embarrased by finally realizing what was going on in the room. Leo stood there mouth gaping open.
"Ok, Ok, Ok, he was...he had a ..."
"A bottle of chocolate syrup" the woman finished looking more irate with each passing second while not moving to cover herself. ' Would you like me to show you two what we were going to do with it?"
"Raven walked over and indeed picked up a botle of syrup. He looked back at Leo who shrugged and said " Hey it looked like a phaser, allright? How was i to know that they were just...you know..hey you two wanna give eachother chocolate enemas or somthing, thats cool with me, ok? But i...hey, can i have a taste of that?" He asked the woman reaching his hand out to the whipped cream bottoms and getting it slapped with the whip.
Darkstar placed his hands over Leos eyes and escorted him to the doorway where Esther Brimly was peering in saying nothing but "Oh my." He could just imagine the nicknames that were undoubtedly going to float around behind his back.
"Im afraid theres been a misunderstanding. "Raven said blocking Leo's view with his large frame while trying to avert his own gaze. Not out of embarassment but so that he wouldn't recognize these two when they were on duty. God forbid they were on the security staff. "The neighbor complained about screaming and crashing sounds.."
"Sometimes a girl cant help herself." she said, then turned to the man and ordered : " Sit." The man promptly obeyed. "Your welcome to stay and ..play with us if you want." she said suductively.
Raven cleared his throat and said said the only thing that came to mind.
" Ah, no thank you, i'm on duty."
"Some other time then. " the woman smiled. " I'll be looking for you."
"Hey, i'm free right now! " Leo said poking his head around Raven's frame. The security officer promptly pushed his head back outside. "No your not, ...Partner, we have important work to do. Again we apologize for the misunderstanding and do be conciderate of your neighbors the next time you ...do whatever.The walls are a bit thin. Have a nice day." He said making a swift exit.
He was explaining to Esther what was going on then thanked her for calling his attention to it, telling her if there were anymore problems to call again. Maybe Savat would take the next call.
Leo was standing next to a viewport with some other officers watching the light show out in space. He turned back to Raven as the other officers walked away.
"Hey partner, that looks an aweful lot like the Wormhole of Bajor. And being no expert, I think we just passed through it. Those two officers watching with me mentioned somthing about the Dominion and some sort of mission." he eyed Raven now. In full reporter mode. There was no more bumbling and cracking jokes. leo was on to somthing now, and he knew it.
"Would you like to tell me whats going on?" he asked.
Next post: Better think quick, Raven old boy. The Captain ordered you to keep Leo in the dark, remember? The general's counting on you.
--- bridge delta shift --
Ragnald let the command chair flip around. Surely, becoming assistant chief of flight control brought some extra work. On the other hand there were some extra privileges coming from that. Tonight he was in charge of commanding the Galaxy during delta shift
Delta shift - synonym for boring duty in the middle of the 'night' when most business came to a rest for a few hours. Most junior officers disliked delta shift for its boredom while most of the senior officers on command training avoided any trouble which could wake up the captain. A little calibrating the sensors or recalculating the course, no wonder delta shift was boring like hell.
But it also was the fate of every newbie. Delta was like that when Ensign Ragnald came aboard the Galaxy straight from the Academy and nothing really changed since then but the faces.
Although the Galaxy`s current mission was announced a peaceful diplomatic mission there was a certain kind on nervousness even a human was able smell. When he was on his way to the bridge for beta shift he met five humanoids of an alien race unknown to him. He was going to activate intruder alert when he realized two of them were talking with the familiar voices of Savat and Tarsonis. Ragnald imagined one of the part time gunman from tactical was in his place - away team killed by 'friendly fire' before the mission even started - nice headline.
The young officer in charge glanced at Ensign Bosco at tactical. Why did the captain ordered them to wear phasers during bridge duty? Did he expect the Galaxy to be captured? When Ragnald had dinner with Rose, she told him even the General who usually was calm and self confident sent vibrations of worry and nervousness.
"Ensign Bosco, keep track of the away team's transporter scrambler and report all military movements near them." Ragnald ordered.
Then he got up went to the helm console where he felt much more at home than on the center seat. From helm the seat looked much more convenient than it felt sitting there.
Staring at the orbital station still filling the main screen with its deadly beauty Ragnald ordered the helmsman "Ensign Loomis, be prepared to hide us in the shadow of Decila VII as soon as that monster comes to life." With every minute, Ragnald grew more nervous. What was the mission really about? What did the General expect to happen? The viking lieutenant reoccupied the command chair hoping the delta shift would stay as calm and boring as it always was.
Robin walked to the transporter room on DS9. He had just said goodbye to Alana in Quarks bar. Although he only met her a few days ago they had become good friends. But that was all in the past now, in a few minutes he would be on the Galaxy, this was his first assignment since he re-enlisted into starfleet. He entered the transporterroom and after a few minutes was beamed aboard the USS Galaxy.
*****On the galaxy******
The moment he arrived on the ship he knew he would feel at home here. Making new friends was a different matter. After Robin received his uniforms and his PADD he needed to go to a doctor Maas for his check-up. As he walked to sickbay to get his medical examination he watched the rest of the crew, they all seemed caught up in their work, preparing for the upcoming mission. Robin came to sickbay and while entering thought how stupid this actually was. He was perfectly healthy, that was one of the reasons he re-enlisted, he was to young and to healthy to do some boring desk-job on Earth. Everybody seemed busy in sickbay and Robin wondered who he should speak to for his examination. He knew the head of medical was a certain Doctor Maas. He took his PADD and searched for the file on the doctor, he had downloaded it on his way to sickbay. He looked around him and in a corner of the room saw a man who looked like the picture on his PADD. Robin walked over to the him. “hello, I’m ensign Robin Calvin and I was told to come here for a medical examination, I’m new on the ship. The doctor turned around and nodded, “sit down over here and we will start, my guess is that you want to get this over with”.
****************45minutes later*****
Robin walked out of sickbay, he was glad that that was over and that everything was o.k.. He was fit as a fiddle. He took his PADD and checked what he needed to do next. AH, Robin smiled, it was time to check out his new quarters on the ship. ° roommate: John Mequeen°
Robin entered the room and saw a man standing in the middle of it. ”Hi, I’m John, you must be my new roommate. Robin smiled and said” yep that’s me, I’m Robin Calvin." They started talking and found some interests that they chaired, like martial arts. John was a cheerful guy that worked as a security officer. After half an hour the computers voice sounded ° their is a message for you Robin.° Robin was surprised, who could already have send him a message, he didn’t know anybody except for John. "Lets hear it computer."
You are here by invited to Holodeck 2 at 20h friday for a movie and popcorn night. All you need bring is your selves and a sense of humor. I hope you will all decide to come as it promises to be a fun night. Please reply to this message by 15h Thursday if it is possible for you to attend. Please think of it as a friendly get-to-know -you night Thank you.
“Computer, record answer” ° recording ° “I will be happy to attend to your movie-night, I think it’s a great idea. You can expect me there.”. “Computer stop recording and send message.” ° Message send ° Robin was glad he had received this message, now his life on the galaxy could really get started. Now the only thing he needed to do was get his assignment from the chief-engineer. He said goodbye to John and went to main engineering. While walking there he started feeling better and better, everything was going fine and it seemed as if his fear that nobody would accept him had vaniched.
A JP by Lt. Ragnald Gustavson, helmsman
*** after beta shift ***
Ragnald spent the beta shift watching an orbital station the whole time keeping his finger on the trigger to fly the giant out of the station`s weapons` range as soon as Ops reported any changes in its weapon or energy status. Now shift was over and a rather hungry helmsman was heading for mess hall to heave dinner with Rose as he did almost every day in the past weeks.
The mess hall door swished open. Ragnald looked around to find his girlfriend sitting at a table filled with two plates, two glasses and two bowls obviously filled with some kind of dessert.
He walked to the table sat down and greeted her: "Hi Princess. Glad to meet you here in this eye of a storm."
Rose smiles at him, "I know I can even feel the Captain been some what nervous and I'm a little scared myself." she said holding his hand.
"So you agree there`s something cooking, don`t you? Strange things were going on, Rose."
"I know something feel misplaced, something not right." Rose told him.
"Several things, Rose. First of all, I don`t know if you realized the mates from tactical are wearing phasers at the bridge. And then babe, you`ll never guess what I saw when I was on the way to the bridge for beta shift.
"Who?"
"Savat, Tarsonis and three other crew mates masked like Decilians. Donar`s sake they told us we`re on a diplomatic missions - just collect the regent of Decilia and bring her to Bajor - Why do they do such a masquerade instead of just landing there with the captain`s yacht? Looks if they plan to kidnap her."
Rose was getting a little scared now, Savat and Tarsonis were some of her closes friends but what if they really planned to kidnap the woman and what if she got in their way. She was scared that something would happen to her.
Suddenly Ragnald looked into two beautiful Betazoid eyes with an incredible sorrow look. He realized that to word 'kidnap' had waken painful memories in her - memories of her own abduction. Tenderly, he caressed her temples.
"Oh Rose, baby, I`m such a fool. I don`t really think they`re going to kidnap the Prophetess. I don`t even think whatever they`re going to do is illegal. But you must admit that all looks strange." he tried to becalm her.
Lieutenant Adrian An'quinsos
Adrian sat back in his chair reviewing the padd that had been given to him about his next patient, Ensign Ernst. He gave a slight grin. She proved extremely valuable back on Ursid and, in his opinion an indispensable part of the crew.
Her soft little knock at the door of his office announced the arrival of the aforementioned Officer. Adrian quickly straightened in his chair to a more professional pose and answered, "Come."
With a soft whoosh, the doors parted to reveal………NOTHING.
Adrian blinked. He could have sworn he heard a nock, but no…out side his office all he could see was the waiting room couch, and a tall potted plant.
Odd.
After a moments pause the Door whooshed shut again.
The Counselor became a little baffled. Reaching out with his empathic senses, he felt the presence of a familiar mind nearby. That was the basic annoyance with Empathy: you could tell if the emotional state of a person, but not exactly know who it is.
Raising a brow, he arose form his seat, and approached the door, which promptly opened.
"Lieutenant Ernst?" He said in a low voice. "Is that you?"
Surprisingly (or not) the Rhododendron in the corner began shake its many green leaves in response. "Ummm…aye sir…uh…. yes sir." The plant answered.
Adrian had to bite back a soft chuckle. (Laughing at his patients would not do)
"Rebecca?" he asked the plant directly this time, "Its ok, you don't have to hide…. I don't bite on the first visit."
The Rhododendron seemed to consider that for a moment. "Bite?"
Adrian had to smile, "A little clinical joke Rebecca," he answered careful to call her by her first name and leave rank out of it. "Why don't you come back into the office, and we can have a nice cup of tea and chat."
"Tea?"
"Sure." Adrian extended his open hand towards the potted plant.
"I don't like tea……why does everyone in Starfleet drink Tea? Its like a tea-lovers only club."
"That's a good question!" He replied as they entered. "I only began drinking the stuff thirty years ago." He grinned. "You would be surprised at what I can drink!"
She nodded as they had a seat. The 'thirty years' had her wondering how old he was.
"So, other than the 'leafy' variety of drinks, what can I get you?"
Rebecca looked around the cozy office nervously. She had been to see numerous shrinks in numerous offices in the years since she joined the fleet. It was always the same.
Plush cushions, and wallpaper in soothing pastel colors.
"Co Co sir." She answered at length. Finally, she straightened to her full (diminutive) height and assumed the 'at-ease' position. "Ensign Rebecca von Ernst reporting as ordered sir."
Adrian smiled. "One tea, extra sweet, and a cocoa."
As he was retrieving the drinks, from the replicator, Rebecca raised an eyebrow when she saw an abstract painting of a pair of Binary Stars. Turning turned her head to the opposite side of the room. Her eyes grew noticeably big as she saw three more paintings, which looked incredibly life-like.
"Those were by Jurian Drew." Adrian said as he handed her the cup of cocoa, then sat down.
"Sir?" She spoke up.
"A famous El-Aurian painter." He casually replied then laid the padd down. "My fiancée is thinking about re-decorating this place. She says the colors just don't do the room justice. "His eidetic memory seemed to kick in as he reviewed all the files in his mind. He looked over at Rebecca with a soft smile.
"So, how have you been lately?" He threw out. "Anything recent that has bothered you?"
~~El-Aurian?~~ Rebecca thought, for a moment her mind wandered as she struggled to place the term. ~~Oh, I get it.~~ Suddenly reference about starting to drink tea 30 years ago when the Councilor didn't look a day over…20?….Well it all made sense now.
"Err… no Sir." Rebecca snapped back to the subject at hand. "Um…everything is A-ok, all systems go, all ahead Warp factor 10."
Adrian frowned. "Warp 10 Rebecca?"
The little redhead shrugged, but maintained her 'at-ease' stance.
"What about the incident that happened in Ten-forward?"
Now it was Rebecca's turn to frown. "Ten Forward sir? We had a staff meeting for the Ship's Tactical Group…..I……uh for the most part stayed quiet…….I'm not too popular with the others."
She then set her lips in a firm line. Clearly, she wasn't going to give up any answers willingly. Rebecca had learned. After countless shrink-sessions. That the key to maintaining her sanity was to give the Councilors as little to work with as possible. ~~I already know I'm a freak.~~ she thought. ~ I don't them to prove it to me~~
A sly smile slightly showed upon his lips. "I'm referring to the food fight incident. I honestly wish I could have been there to see that!"
Rebecca almost let her jaw drop on that one. She recovered quickly however, and the only sign of her embarrassment was a slight reddening of her freckled cheeks.
"Sir……" she whispered wearily, "What orders do you have for me?"
"Rebecca!" He exclaimed, then eased up a great deal, seeing he that nearly scared her out of the seat she was in. "I'm only a Counselor. We do not give orders, we more or less listen to them, and try to follow by example. This session can last as long or as short as you want it to. I'm just here for the ride." He took a sip from his tea. "So, you have nothing to worry about. This is all up to you."
Rebecca nodded, but said nothing. Still standing 'At-ease.'
"What do you want to talk about sir?"
"Whatever you want Rebe3cca, I'm not forcing you to do anything."
Rebecca stood silent for a few minutes more, feeling the uneasy stillness that had settled over the small office. "Oh noodles sir!" she threw her hands up at last and collapsed into a nearby chair with a flop. "I give up… What do you want from me?"
"I'm going to tell you a little something about myself, or rather my kind." He clasped his hands together, and rested his elbows on the table. "I and my people are Listeners. We accumulate vast amounts of information, and share it with a select few." He paused a moment. "You can talk about ANYTHING you want. As an early Terran slogan puts it, 'It's all you!'"
"W…well that's the problem." Rebecca muttered half to herself. "For the last seven years of my life, I have been attending 'MANDATORY' Counseling sessions by order of Starfleet Command. I have sat in these plush little chairs, in these pastel little offices, across from at last count, 12 different 'listeners'."
She paused and sniffed a little. "The questions are always the same, and so is my answer…I…I… .I don't know what you WANT me to talk to you about."
"Okay, Rebecca, let's start with life at the Academy." He began. "From what I remembered, you were an excellent mathematician." He commented briefly, causing her face to flicker with a slight smile. "How were you treated there?"
Rebecca eyed the Councilor suspiciously, "You seem to know a lot about me sir. My Academy Record is on file. I Graduated 2374 with Heavy Emphasis in Mathematics and Administration. I placed highly in those areas as well as some Simulations in Advanced Tactical Theory, at the request of the Dean's Board of Advisors."
She paused and averted her gaze to the floor. "As for the rest…I…I…. I sorta just squeaked by. Typical Cadet stuff you know?"
Well of course a little about you. I was there you know." She looked at him slightly confused. "Math 400, seated to the right of you." He stopped, as his expression changed to a look of melancholy. "I also remembered that you weren't treated very well, and I ended up slugging a guy for tripping you in the hall. I imagine that must have affected you."
"YOU WHAT?" Rebecca's eyes snapped up from the floor where they had been hiding to lock onto Adrian's.
The El-Aurian grinned. "I must say though, you were welcomed competition for someone who's been using poly-dimensional mathematics for over a century and a half! I had met a very worthy opponent, and was greatly impressed at your talent for numbers. I'm surprised you don't remember," He began. "I was the tall, blonde, curly-haired guy whom usually came in with like 3-5 friends, usually talking about something humorous."
A sudden wave of nausea and anxiety swept over the hapless young redhead like a tidal wave of guilt.
~~He beat someone up……and its because of ME!!??!!!
"Oh noodles…..oh cripes!" Rebecca began casting about the room for something to draw strength from, but the calming colors and the soothing paintings only mocked her distress. "Oh…..sir…..You shouldn't….oh…."
Rebecca grit her teeth hard to avoid letting a curse word slip. ~~Damn~~ she thought in her head.
While one half of her mind reeled in panic, the analytical side was busily rifling through her memory banks, digging back to the days of Advanced Mathematical Theory 400.
Her brain dug out an old visual snapshot of the classroom…viewed from the vantage point of her seat in the far left corner. Panning and scanning, Rebecca advanced the five-year-old memory frame-by-frame…..moving seat-by-seat….face by face until……NOODLES. It was him! The baby-faced Councilor looking as young as did now.
~~Fudge-biscuits~~ The tears were already beginning to flow.
The young officer's emotions began to radiate from her mind, until they were empathically felt by Adrian. "Rebecca... Rebecca, are you alright? I hope I did nothing to upset you!"
Rebecca leaned forward to bury her head in her knees. She bit her lip to keep it from quivering, and screwed her eyes shut painfully to hold back the tears. ~~Stupid StupidStupid!!~~ she raged.
~~More people getting hurt because of you!! More people suffering! Just like Nar Hallas all over again!~~
She sat thus for several moments, her tiny shoulders shaking with frustration and guilt.
~~Leavemealoneleavemealoneleaveme alone….~~ her mind drummed out the mantra.
Rebecca... Rebecca..." He repeated softly. "Please say something. I pray I did nothing to hurt you in anyway." The Counselor began to worry. "Can you hear me? Rebecca? It's all right, you have nothing to fear, everything's alright!"
"Noodles sir what do you want from me!?!" she sat up and flashed a snarl at him. Adrian jumped a little surprised with the sudden anger.
"Well," she continued before he could respond, " I suppose you want to know about the advanced tactical simulations…….everyone else does. I believe you will find in my file an official….'RECOMMENDATION'…. for all councilors to urge me to 'attain my full potential' by applying for Command School……..I looked it up about a year ago once I noticed a pattern developing in my 'shrink' sessions."
She shook her head ruefully, a single red lock pulling free from her headband in the process. "You're neglecting your duty if you don't push me in that direction."
"Starfleet is always trying to push me in directions and into shapes that I don't seem to fit. They keep wanting to tap into my brain because of my high math and organizational skills. They keep pushing me towards command, but my brain keeps stumbling over my shyness. What am I doing out here on the frontier? I should be some Admiral's secretary back on Earth using my so-called photographic memory to keep his golf-dates straight."
He shook his head with a small frown. "What would the advanced tactical simulations tell me? Obviously, the same thing they told the other counselors. I saw your performance on Ursid. You were amazing!" He raised his eyebrow. "And the thought about being some Admiral's secretary keeping his golf dates is sheer rubbish! You are an incredible person, a tribute to your kind. However, your shyness has gotten in the way, and seems to have invaded your life, thereby inhibiting your full potential as an officer."
Rebecca only shrugged. "I just don't understand it all." She moaned. Rebecca sighed. "But why does it always have to be about WAR!? Noodles sir, I'm a mathematician. Why doesn't Starfleet send me off to some research colony where I can write papers and be harmless? No! Poor me, I have to get unlucky enough to graduate right at the end of a war where Starfleet suddenly finds itself with a dire shortage of Combat Command officers!"
Rebecca crossed her arms over her chest in a pouting manner. "It's not MY fault they lost so many Captains……..I just work here!"
"Take for example the simulation we ran earlier today…….A standard Tactical operation, with six Jem Hadar Attack vessels against the GALAXY. Anyways, here I am the most Junior member of the Department, and they pick ME to be in command!! ME!!! Cant you see the conspiracy at work here? They keep pushing and keep pushing. They wont stop until I become the super-captain they are looking for!"
"Are you the Super-Captain they are looking for?"
"What?"
"Are you the Super-Captain they are looking for?" Adrian repeated.
What difference doe that make?" Rebecca stared in confusion.
"Did you win?"
"Win what?"
"Did you win the simulation against the Jem Hadar?"
"Well……..yes but…"
"Seems pretty super to me." He smiled, then continued. "You're a mathematician who knows what she's doing, that's what you are!" He declared. "You can apply theoretical objectives for any use. You a rare gift Rebecca, and don't you ever forget that!" He stressed. "The Alpha and Beta Quadrants can run out of Captains until the heat death of the universe, but it still wouldn't change your incredibly amazing and special abilities! When they chose you, it wasn't for some lowly desk-job where you can hide as the rest of life goes by. You were chosen because you are a very talented young woman. You have a skill that many would envy you for!"
Rebecca sighed again. "I don't know sometimes. I feel at times like I'm a million years old. I'm 24 ….I should be worrying about boys and first kisses…..Not Phasers and photons. But I'll do whatever you say Doc…'
A multitude of ideas rushed to Adrian as to what he could do to her help her open up. Then, his eyes widened as a thought flashed into his head…
"0900, Holodeck 2." He simply stated. "Door, David, Kevin and I usually get together there for our daily pool games. And tomorrow, Zerhi will be coming along."
"Yes sir, I'll be there."
"Good deal Rebecca, see you then!"
While aboard the Ticonderoga, Ridax had served many shifts as Brig Supervisor and he found ways of dealing with the tedium associated with the job. Mostly, he read a lot. He had read many of the classic novels of history while sitting at the supervisor's desk in front of the holding cells. He had read classics from many worlds ... Bolarus, Earth, Trill, Andor and even the obscure classics of Benzar - the Benzite trilogy "Beyond Kabith" was one of his favourite pieces of 'Brig Literature'.
Today, Ridax was reading a Terran novel given to him by the Ticonderoga's First Officer just before he took up assignment on the Galaxy. Commander Renson said that it was her favourite book, though Ridax wasn't sure. He vowed to read it though. And so he started to read 'Moby Dick', having just completed the Andorian classic 'Lubid'.
The Galaxy was in the Gamma Quadrant on what Ridax knew to be a rather delicate diplomatic escort mission. He didn't know any of the specifics, but he wasn't expecting many prisoners to be brought in. The cells were all empty so there really wasn't much to supervise - so he read, stopping only to inspect the cells.
Elaithin felt the twitch in his shoulder again. There shouldn't be a twitch, he thought.
Of course there wasn't a twitch.
It was in his imagination. That was all. The synthetic skin bonded to Jii to disguise him as a Decilian was perfectly integrated. It felt like his skin.
Or rather, it was supposed to feel like his skin.
As the away team covered the distance between the beam-down site and the Cathedral, the Lieutenant kept an eager eye out. There weren't a lot of people out this way, and those he saw he kept a wary eye on. They all had their roles to play - fine, he'd be the suspiscious one.
And then he felt the twitch again.
And this time, Commander Savat saw it.
"Elath," he said, maintainting (naturally) an even Vulcan tone, despite his disquise. "Are you well?"
"Yes s.." he started, then remembering to be "in-character." "Yes, Savat. I will explain later."
The Vulcan seemed content with that answer.
Nilani leaned in close. They'd had a conversation earlier about who she really was, so Jii was now very aware of who she actually was. "So what's really wrong?" she whispered.
"It's the damn synthetics." he hissed. "they itch."
Nilani stifled a laugh.
And then he twitched again.
And silently, screamed inside of his mind.
***
Water dripped from his body as John Drake pulled himself up onto the sand. He glanced beside him where Michala Lynn was doing the same. He couldn't compare to her skill at diving. Though, he imagined she couldn't hit a slider. Not that it mattered. As they swam back toward the shore, she'd given him a few pointers on his diving. He'd have to put them to the test on the next dive.
"I think I'm getting the hang of it," he said, giving her a smile. "Well, except for the going into the water part. I need to remember to level out sooner. So, when, after the transporter, did you start diving? You're really good."
"The counselor assigned to me suggested that I start trying different memories out to find what I liked. Because in some cases, I had conflicting memories. Imagine liking and hating chocolate all at the same time? So, I had to start trying out those things that conflicted to see what 'I' liked. This was one of the first I tried, and I love it. I guess I like the adrenaline rush right before you hit the water." She said, much more animated then before. Diving always made her feel alive.
John smiled. "Then you're really going to have to try orbital skydiving sometime," he said. "So, what did you decide on chocolate?"
Michala smiled. "I have decided that chocolate was the food of gods and anyone who hates it needs a counselor."
He laughed. "So, if you could go one place in the galaxy, where would it be?" Without hesitation or thought, she answered. "Ursid." She looked up, surprised at her own answer. "I - I felt at home there."
"I've heard it's a very nice place from a few others on the ship," he said with a smile. "I'm sorry I missed it. I'd like to visit sometime."
"It was the only place I ever felt I belonged." She said almost absently. She looked up at him and blushed. Unsure of what to say, she started walking back up the beach towards the trail. Her robe was at the top of the cliff.
John hopped up and followed after Michala as she started up the beach. "It's really hard to fit in anywhere," he said. "Especially on a starship. You're a beautiful woman," he blurted, not really sure why he'd said it despite the truthfulness of the statement. Quickly, he added, "and, you're very good at your job. You're very intelligent. And, you dive like a Andorian pike. I don't know if I've ever felt I belonged anywhere, except maybe just being out among the stars. But, I guess since there are humans everywhere it's not quite the same." Don't push, he told himself. "Did you want to dive again, or would you maybe like to grab something to eat?"
Michala paused on the trail for a moment, her gaze raking over him as if she were deciding his value. "Food would be welcome. I don't go in till Beta shift, so I have some time." She smiled and continued of the path now longer from the raising of the height. Reaching the top, she tied the matching robe back around her figure. "I still have holo time, do you want to eat more privately or in the lounge?" Her question was quiet and honest. There was no tone of suggestion, just an quiet invitation.
John smiled. "Why don't we do a more private meal this time," he said. "The lounge is really nice, but it lacks atmosphere sometimes. Do you have a preference for style of establishment? I know a great seafood place on Risa that I think is in the computer. And, there's a great restaurant on Andoria that is in every Federation holo-library." He looked up at her and laughed. "Or, if you have any preferences..."
"What ever you choose is fine. Remember, I have no preferences yet. I am only two." Her tone was light and teasing. She looked him over speculatively. "Though I am old enough that I think you need to change before we eat. I am sure that I would be unable to concentrate on my food."
John laughed. He looked down into her eyes with a smile. "I'm glad I'm not the only one," he said. "How about Risa then? Dress is casual if that's alright." He brought up a sub-program that brought two changing booths into existence and then began the process to load the restaurant. "A place to change into something more appropriate. I promise not to peek. I've set up the clothing replicator in the booth with styles appropriate to Risa. I'll see you out here in just a few minutes?"
Michala stepped in and looked at the selection. She wrinkled her nose for none of what was first available seemed to fit her sense of personal taste and style. This would take a few minutes.
With a smile, John disappeared into the booth to change. He replicated himself a pair of lightweight blue trousers and a navy silk shirt with billowing sleeves. He stepped out of the booth and noticed the door to Michala's booth still closed. He grinned as he glanced around the frozen Risan streets. He'd never been to the real restaurant they'd be dining at, but he'd been in the holoprogram before. It was nice to go with someone this time.
Michala stepped out of the changing booth. She was attired in a golden dress that seemed to be nothing but fluttering lace. She had chosen one that wrapped and tied on the right side, sweeping up to show a great deal of thigh. Her hair she had untied and it lay in wet ringlets around her face and shoulders. She saw the look on John's face and flushed. "I chose poorly?" She was not used to such clothing, for she tended to live in her form fitting pants and long loose shirts.
John shook his head. "Oh no," he stammered, "not at all. I just didn't realize-- You look stunning. I didn't know they had clothing in there quite so...fluttery? You look amazing though. I-- Shall we go? It's right over there." He pointed to a building that stood out from the rest. It seemed nearly transparent, offering breathtaking views of the harbor out to the west. A man stood out front dressed in a style of dress similar to John's, though his clothing seemed a little more full than John's. He was frozen in a wave, awaiting the activation of the program. "Dinner awaits us."
Michala was unsure if he was just being kind. "I can change if it is not appropriate?" Her voice showed her confusion. She had wanted to appear attractive and many of the styles listed had lace, something she had never worn. It was a little suggestive, but not inappropriately so. "I mean.. you look shocked?"
"Shocked," he said, "but not in a bad way. I wasn't expecting a dress quite like that. It's a very-- You look very...very beautiful in it. If you feel uncomfortable in it, go ahead and change. But, I'm wondering if that dress is going to be more distracting than your swimsuit." He gave her a smile.
"I am not uncomfortable." She said with a soft smile. "Where is your restaurant?" She held her hand out for him to take.
"Right over there," he said, pointing to the building of windows over to their left. He took her hand and smiled. "Computer, end sub-program 'Changing Room' and begin 'Risa Docks 31.'"
"Diving, Pt. 3"
***
The changing rooms disappeared in a shimmer and the world around them came to life. John led the way toward the restaurant. The sign out front proclaimed in Corranigan's. The man out front gave them a gentle nod as they passed.
"If you cannot tell, I haven't been out much." She said with a embarrassed laugh. She allowed him to guide her to the restaurant, taking in the sights of a new planet and environment.
"You're doing fine," he said. "And, while I haven't been out and about much, I've been on a shore leave or two. Never to Risa though. I found this place in the database on the Venture."
The entered through the front doors and were led straight to a table near the large window overlooking the bay. John held MIchala's chair for her and then sat in his own. He smiled across the table at her. "Thank you for the diving today," he said as they glanced over the menus. "It was great. And, one of these days I've going to be able to that fancy twirly thing."
"I know more fancy things, I will have to teach you." She said with a laugh. "But only if you teach me to orbital skydive." The time while they ordered passed easily. Sharing things they would like to try and do. Michala had never feltso at easy with anyone. Even with Shinta, she felt cautious around. But that was not the case now. It felt good to laugh and tease with a man without worry of how each word would be taken or used later.
The meal passed in much the same way. Michala had tried a few new things and found that she liked them all. She had yet to find a food that was not at least palatable to her. Michala looked up at John and caught him watching her intently. She took a drink of her tea. She knew he was attracted to her, truth be told, it was a mutual feeling. She absently fingered the ring on her hand. "I have truly enjoyed myself, John. This was a fantastic idea." She said quietly.
He smiled. "It's been a great time," he said. "Thank you for inviting me to dive with you today. I haven't had this much fun in awhile. We'll have to do it again sometime. If you want to, of course. And, there's got to be a skydiving program in the computer, when you're up for it. I'm very happy you had a good time, Michala."
"I don't do much as I said, so anytime except Beta shift." She grinned at him. "I wouldn't want to tire you out or anything by suggesting a time to close."
John laughed. "Don't worry about tiring me out," he said. "I feel best when I've had a good active day. Rock climbing and then diving today was great. I love the feeling I get after a good workout in a day. And, I'm going to sleep soundly tonight. And, except for when I'm scheduled for a duty shift, I never pass up an opportunity to spend time with friends."
"If my understanding was correct, we are on a fairly routine assignment. So things should be calm. Same time tomorrow?" She said. She really wasn't in a hurry to go, and yet, they had finished eating and she had no real reason to stay either. "It is nice to have a friend who likes active things as well." She added as an after thought.
"Yes," he said with a smile, "it is. And, same time tomorrow sounds great. You want to go diving again, or would like to give orbital skydiving a shot?"
"Oh, I think it is your turn to teach." She said with a gentle smile.
"Sounds good," he said. It sounded like she was ready to leave. As much as he wanted to stay and talk, he knew she'd eventually want to be rid of him. At least for the day. She'd enjoyed the day's events, but they'd have to part sometime. "Did you want to head out? Or would stick around here for awhile longer?"
Michala blushed, the last thing she wanted was to go back to her empty quarters. But, she was engaged and... well had other worries, it wouldn't be fair to attach this wonderful man to any of it. "I - I should probably get going." She finally muttered. However, Michala had never learned for herself the art of deception. Her regret was written all over her face.
John watched her for a moment, and took a final sip from his water glass. He started to get up, but stopped himself. He'd almost convinced himself to accept her words, rather than the pained expression clear on her face. "You want to talk about it?" he asked. "I'm a good listener."
She looked up startled. "I - I wouldn't want to ruin what looks like could be a wonderful friendship."
John nodded. "Myself, I don't think there's a chance of that," he said. "I don't think there's anything you could say that would change our friendship, Michala. I'm your friend, and I want to help however I can. I've found talking about things helps. And, as I said, I'm a good listener. If you want to..."
Michala didn't say anything for a long moment. She had talked to Shinta, but Shinta had been involved and knew all the parties involved. John did not. She began to speak, she told him how she had become involved with Deiran, what had happened when Miran came back, about Deiran's transfer and desire to have her on board. She told him about Eric and her encounter. It was a little harder after that. She took a breath and explained about the pregnancy and then Deiran's reaction to it. When it was all done, she didn't look up. She stared at the ring on her hand, tears glistening in her eyes.
John was quiet afterward. It wasn't anything close to what he expected, but when was it ever? He reached out and covered her hand with his. "You definitely don't do anything by half-measures," he said with a gentle smile. "If it's appropriate, congratulations on the pregnancy. I guess I can partly understand where Deiran's coming from because I had a roommate my second year at the Academy who was similar. I don't agree with it, but I can understand it. You're a remarkable woman to be able to go through all that and still get through the day. I can imagine what you must be going through. Like being the rope in a match of tug-o-war. I'm your friend, Michala. You ever need someone to talk to through all of this, I'm here." He took her hand and held it. "What do you want to do in all this?"
"That is my problem. I don't know. I don't believe in terminating a pregnancy because it shouldn't exist. If that were the case, someone could have terminated me?" She said with a sigh. "I have real reservations about marrying someone who would tell me to 'just get rid of it.'" The confusion in her voice was obvious. "My counselor referred me to the Chief Counselor because he couldn't be objective. And then there is Eric. I don't know whether what he did was premeditated or not?"
John nodded. "I don't blame you for having reservations," he said. "If I were in your situation, I would too. Have you talked to the Chief Counselor yet?"
"No, she is off ship at the moment." She said quietly.
John nodded again. "It sounds like Deiran Casey is difficult to talk to. And, he doesn't sound very interested in what you want. That isn't right, especially if the two of you are to be married.
"It's hard to say with Eric," he said. "Getting someone drunk and then having sex is a pretty low tactic, in my book. What does he say about it? Or, has he said anything?"
Here Michala grew agitated. "Well, when we started drinking, he said he didn't drink. I never had so I had no idea it would be so potent. But then Anika said that he had said the same to her and that was before me? And afterwards, he claimed he didn't remember anything and that he hadn't meant for it to happen? He told me he was in love with Anika?" She twisted her hands. "I really don't know what to believe. He did ask me not to abort the pregnancy though."
"Sounds like he's got big problems," he said. "I don't know if believing one thing or another is really going to get you anywhere. He doesn't sound like a very trustworthy guy if you ask me. Especially if he's cheating on his girlfriend. Well, at least he's not crying for you to abort the pregnancy too. That would make things even more difficult." He took her hands to stop her from wringing them. "I can only imagine what you're going through, but I'd like to help as best I can. I know we haven't known each other long, but I want to see you through this. You're my doctor, and I need you around to make sure I'm healthy and all that. And, you're my friend." He could feel his face reddening. He looked away briefly to compose himself. "And, I'll even punch Eric in the nose if you want. Please tell me you don't want me to though, last time I hit a guy I nearly broke my hand. But, I will if it helps."
Michala smiled at the offer to punch Eric Odin for her. "I don't think that will be necessary. But, I will let you know in the future if I think he needs waking up." She grew more serious. "I am glad to have someone to talk to. I have a couple of other friends, but because they know all the parties involved, it makes it difficult. Even talking to the head counselor will be difficult because she was Deiran's counselor." She realized that he was still holding her hands and flushed. "I guess I have some hard choices. I know that I don't want to abort it. I know I am the "mother" of Deiran's children genetically, but I always thought of them as his? And I don't know if I am ready to be a full time mother. I don't feel I have enough life experiences of my own."
"I don't know if anyone's ready to be a parent before they actually are," he said. "But, I know what you mean."
"And then there is Deiran, I don't think he would accept it? I mean, he was so insistent that I transfer it, abort it or adopt it out. If it wasn't his, he wanted nothing to do with it. But then when I suggested that I might withdraw my hand, he changed his tune? But now, I don't trust it because of all the awful things he said." Tears once again misted her eyes.
"Based on what you've said, I think not trusting is the wise thing," he said. "If he can't accept your child, then that's gonna be a very big bump in the marriage. If you want to keep the baby, then you better keep it. Don't let anyone tell you different. If Deiran Casey can't accept you that way..." He shrugged and looked away. After a deep breath he looked back at her. "You should do what's best for you, not what other people think is best for them. And, if you don't know what's best for you right now, that's okay. I've spent most of my life not really knowing what's best for me." He gave her a warm smile.
She nodded. "There is just one problem with that. I have already garnered unwanted attention by Admiral Casey. One wrong step and I am out of here. Only the fact that I have such sway with his son is keeping him at bay. He actually threatened me, though to be honest, I threatened him back." She blushed.
John laughed. "Good for you," he said. "Well, he messes with my friends, he messes with me. You are a wonderful person and I don't want to see you hurt in this mess." He looked up into her eyes and sighed. He wasn't sure what to say next. He knew what he wanted to say, but now wasn't the time. "It's probably not my place to say so, but I don't think you belong with Deiran Casey. If he won't accept you and your baby, he doesn't deserve someone as wonderful as you. Those are my thoughts anyway. Anyone who would make demands like that... But, in the end, your own happiness is what matters. Whatever makes you happy, that's what you should do."
"What if I don't know what that is? What makes me happy?" She looked up at him, her eyes wide with emotion.
John smiled. "That's the trick," he said. "My best advice is to keep trying new things. You'll know when you're happy. You'll know what makes you feel happy when you find it. If it doesn't feel right, you definitely don't want to get married. That's my advice on that. And, if you need help finding what makes you happy, I'll do what I can to help."
She smiled in gratitude. "I should go. I need to get ready to work and... I think I need to think alone for a bit."
"Yeah, sure thing," he said, and quickly moved to get Michala's chair. "We still on for the same time tomorrow?"
"Assuming no life threatening emergencies, yes, I would like that." She said, allowing him to help her from her seat. They walked out of the restaurant and she looked around. "I would like to see this place someday."
John smiled as they walked. "It's a nice place I hear," he said. "I'd like to visit too."
They walked out of the holodeck and the program ended itself. With a final goodbye, John returned to his quarters and Michala to hers.
"Wow," John Drake thought as he entered his cabin. "Quite a day."
*** Bridge, USS Galaxy ***
It had been nearly thirty minutes since the away team, lead by Commander Thomas, beamed down to Decilia VII. Captain Price was getting a little worried, as he didn't expect that it would take very long for the surgically altered and disguised crew members to walk 1 kilometer to the great Cathedral of the Word. Now Lee was checking the chronometer and drumming his fingertips on the arm of the command chair.
"Stand ready 'mates. I'm sure Commander Thomas will be signaling for a beam out any moment now." The Captain called out to reassure the bridge crew.
More minutes past while the General's finger-drumming continued. Around the bridge Lee glanced, watching the various officers go about manning their stations. He could listen to the sounds of the different control monitors working away. The occasional beeping noises of control buttons being activated.
"Yes, any moment now we will be hearing from the away team..." the Captain repeated.
More time past, causing the General to abandon his finger-drumming and take to pacing. Walking, as casually as possible, Lee walked up the ramp leading into the command well and stood near the tactical arch. "Everything all right mate?" the Captain asked.
"Aye sir." Lieutenant Richeson responded. He then felt like he needed to add, "Still no signal Captain. I'm sure they are okay."
Lee nodded. "Of course they are. I'm sure Commander Thomas is just talking the Prophetess' ear off is all. I'm certain they will be signaling..."
"...any moment now. Yes Captain I'm sure they will." Tim said teasingly with a smile.
Captain Price looked at the Chief Tactical Officer with a deadpan expression. He then grabbed the base of his duty jacket and gave it a gentle tug while he continued to pace the bridge. Looking around the circular command center, Tim could see the faces of the other officers grinning at his little smart ass remark.
Finally the signal came through. Tim checked it and then called out. "I've got the signal sir. Commander Thomas is signaling eight to beam up."
Captain Price was glad that the signal was finally received. It meant that things had gone well for the away team and that they didn't run into any trouble from Cardassians discovering that they were federation officers. "Eight? I thought there would be just seven? No matter. Signal to Chief Jensen to bring them on board Lieutenant." Captain Price ordered. He then swiveled on his heel and called out to the helm, "When we receive word that the away team has safely arrived with the Prophetess, break orbit and plot a course back to the alpha quadrant and to the planet Bajor 'mate."
"Will do Captain." Bruce replied over his shoulder. He began laying in the course on his console.
"The away team, Prophetess Kiye and her guest are safely on board Captain." Richeson relayed.
"Bonzer 'mate. Mister Maxwell, take us out of orbit and to Bajor. I'm going to the transporter room to meet our distinguished guests. 'Commander Surok, you have the conn."
The Captain began to exit the bridge to greet the newly arrived guests from Decilia VII. Since they were to be negotiating with the Federation on Decilia VII's behalf, the Prophetess and her aide would be treated as full ambassadors to the Federation. Guest accommodations had already been arranged on board the Galaxy, one of the few ships in Starfleet that actually had luxurious suites of apartments for just such a purpose as housing important dignitaries from distant planets. As Captain Price walked entered the turbolift, the thought crossed his mind that perhaps that was why Admiral Casey had chosen to send the Galaxy instead of the Defiant on this mission. Any ambassador coming to negotiate with the Federation would obviously find the accommodations of a Galaxy class starship much more receptive and inviting then the stark interior of a warship like the Defiant.
With a smile and a nod, certain that he'd figured out the reason behind the Galaxy's selection, Lee let the doors close and headed to transporter room one.
****
The trip back through the Bajoran wormhole was as spectacular as the first. It was equally as uneventful, except for the dazzling display it provided Madame Kiye and her aide and successor, Tarie, who would inherit the Prophetess' place in the Cathedral upon Kiye's passing on.
Captain Price had thought that the Prophetess, a firecracker of a woman of advancing age, would want to rest when she arrived on the Galaxy. But he was surprised to find out that the Matriarch was full of energy and insisted on a tour of the starship, conducted by the Captain himself. Lee was glad to accommodate the request, taking the time to show the intelligent woman the many sections of the ship. Even though she was crippled from age, the Prophetess was able to get around the corridors of the Galaxy unassisted by anything other then her repulsor-chair. Although the Captain did note that her aide, Tarie, was constantly near by in case her assistance was needed. Lee had spent so much time showing the Prophetess the ship and explaining the various functions of the crew that he hadn't noticed that Tarie and Lieutenant' Tarsonis, still surgically altered to look like a Decilian, were striking up several conversations of their own as they walked the decks of the USS Galaxy.
"Quite an impressive starship Captain Price. You must be proud to watch over such a wonderful machine as this?" Madame Kiye stated and asked, both at the same time.
"Aye. It is quite an honor, and a good deal of work too." Lee grinned.
Looking around Madame Kiye nodded. "Indeed, I imagine being in command of such a vessel as this is not unlike being shepherd over a large flock of followers of the Word. You face many of the same challenges in showing your deciples the path to righteousness."
Lee gave a smile and nodded diplomatically. He was trying to be a gentleman, but it wasn't too hard to detect that the General wasn't a believer of the Prophetess' religious beliefs. "Well I wouldn't go so far as to call the 'mates deciples, but I do see where there are parallels that could be drawn Madame Kiye."
With proud indignation, the Prophetess raised her head and sort of peered down the bridge of her nose at the white hared Starfleet officer. Rubbing her neck as she thought, she too used diplomatic tact in forming the words of her next statement carefully. "I sense that you are looking forward to our arrival at this Bajor Captain."
Lee smiled and gave a nod. "Yes. I will be glad when we are back in the alpha quadrant where it will be easier to keep you safe Madame Kiye. Once in orbit of Bajor, you and your aide Tarie will be able to beam down to the planet to conduct your negotiations with the Federation by day, and return to the Galaxy as our guests at night."
"You are not planning on attending the negotiations I take it Captain?" the Prophetess asked rather pointedly.
"No ma'am. My assignment is just to see you and Tarie safely to and from your homeworld. The negotiations will be mediated on Bajor by Starfleet ambassadors from the Federation." Lee explained as the party continued the stroll of the Galaxy's corridors.
"But I sense there is another reason, beyond our welfare, why you are pleased to be going to Bajor?..." The Prophetess probed.
Lee gave a boyish grin. "I am looking forward to visiting the planet Bajor while you are in negotiations with the Federation. Bajor is a culture rich like your own. They too have a intricate social system revolving around their religious beliefs. You may find the planet and it's culture interesting to study." The Captain pointed out.
"The Word is all that I, that anyone needs Captain. Though I sense that you are not being fully truthful with me..."
Lee looked into the Prophetess' eyes, wondering what she meant by that comment. "Oui? What do you mean Madame?"
Looking forward the direction that they were traveling, head held high like she knew all the answers to the universe, Madame Kiye stated evenly, "I sense there is another reason why you are so happy to be going to Bajor."
Lee shook his head slightly. "I'm looking forward to taking some shore leave and doing some sightseeing while there. Yes Ma'am."
The Prophetess continued to stroke her wrinkly neck while glancing over at the Captain. A knowing smile formed at the corners of her mouth, as if she somehow learned something that was supposed to be a secret. It was the sort of practiced expression most evangelists learned how to master early on in their careers, but somehow Madame Kiye did seem to know more then she appeared to.
Commander Thomas and the away team entered the Cathedral after having made their trek across open land and through the building surrounding the Cathedral. The experience was one of profound impact for some, for Chris it was just another day in the office. He was used this sort of undercover roleplaying, but the others he worried about. He feared they might not be able to handle the entire mission of wearing someone else's face.
Kris and Ryn moved forward to speak with someone about getting granted an auidence with the Prophetess.
"We seek an audience with the Prophetess." Chris said to the Decilian who looked like someone of importance. They were trying to fit in the best they could, for the most part they did. Everyone had up to this point believed they were Decilian's.
The priestess wore a cream and gold robe and held a sceptre of colorless metal. She was past middle age, but she was fit and energetic. She looked carefully at the party that stood in the antechamber to the Prophetess's Audience Chamber. Gazing momentarily at each member, she finally looked at Kiris and Ryn, who seemed to speak for the group. "You do? And what for, fellow Believers?"
"We come to seek her guidance, wisdom and her word." Kiris said.
"Her highness, the Prophetess has given instruction that she will see all callers today," the Priestess answered. She gave Kiris and Ryn another appraising look. "Where are you from, my children?"
Kiris was trying to answer her question, but just couldn't get past her appearance. Then Ryn stepped forward and answered for him.
"We come from very far, madame, in order to better understand the wisdom of the word. We wish to seek counsel from the Prophetess." She showed the appropriate amount of annoyance at her "husband's" blatantly conspicuous admiration of the beautiful woman, hoping it would be enough to distract the woman's attention from her rather vague answer regarding their origins. She was amused at Chris' reaction, never having seen the man show emotion of any sort, let alone testosterone enhanced awe.
Kiris was married and knew his place, but for some reason he was forgetting that. It seemed he wasn't out of practice in undercover work, just he needed to adjust his practice to remember that he had a lovely wife back on the ship. While they spoke, the Audience Chamber doors opened to release a Decilian couple. They wore battered clothing and appeared to be, perhaps, in their fifth decades of life. However, they held each other with fresh vigor, looking into each others' eyes with the adoration of new lovers. The male Decilian said softly, "Thank the Prophetess for reminding us of our love!" And the woman smiled and shed a tear as they passed the away team and left the Cathedral.
The priestess took her eyes off the passing couple and reached out a hand to touch Kiris's sleeve. "Please wait, I will speak with the Prophetess and ask for an Audience on your behalf," she said, and motioned toward a series of wooden benches along the antechamber's walls. Her eyes lingered on the commander's eyes instead of looking where she gestured.
Kiris nodded, "Of course, thank you." he said turning to head for the wooden benches.
Karyn couldn't resist a little teasing. When the Decilians were out of earshot and low enough so the other Away Team members couldn't hear, she whispered, "Nice to see you picked your jaw off the ground, I was afraid I was going to have to use marital problems as our excuse to see the Prophetess. I didn't think I looked that bad compared to the other native females," added Karyn with a smile.
Kiris took the jab in stride as it was well deserved. "I certainly hope not, as for my jaw it's sore but it'll heal shortly."
The large door swung closed behind the Priestess and she was gone for several minutes. Eventually, she returned and stepped before the Galaxy's party. "The Prophetess will see you now. Go blessedly with the Word." And she gestured to the great door.
"Thank you." Kiris said moving towards the door with the rest the group following behind.
The priestess stayed behind to speak with a man who was just entering the Cathedral of the Word. He was a full-blooded Cardassian in Decilian street clothes. The man spoke with her, but didn't take his eyes off the group that was entering the Audience Chamber.
*** The Prophetess's Audience Chamber ***
Commander Thomas and the away team had been granted an audience with the Prophetress. It was as easy as all information told them. Still it did raise some concern with him, and that wasn't a good or bad thing, it just was. Chris had been through enough of these things to know all the signals that could be signs of trouble.
The Prophetess, Madame Kiye, sat erect in her gilded chair with the youthful Inherant Mother standing beside her. A pair of aged women sat on divans nearby, seeming preoccupied without actually doing anything. A fifth Decilian woman wearing clothing reminiscent of Cardassian armor and bearing a sidearm stood by the large door. She had a flinty look in her eyes and watched the party carefully.
After a momentary pause, the lounging women seemed to realize that the newcomers were not locals. Perhaps it was because they didn't behave exactly in the expected manner. Regardless, the couple now watched the visitors with keen eyes.
This time Ryn decided to let Kiris do all the talking, as per their earlier agreement, but she stood ready alongside him lest his voice failed him again.
Kiris now wished he'd thought a little bit more on how to address the Prophetess. "Prophetess, " Kiris said bowing slightly before her, hoping it would be recongized as a gesture of respect towards her. "we seek to better understand the wisdom of the word."
The wrinkled, age-bleached woman reached up to her throat and pulled at the thin chain she wore beneath her gown. She pursed her lips and said, "All who seek it shall hear the Word, my children. The Word brings peace to the warring and solace to the weary," she preached smoothly. "Are you from Decilia, seekers of Salvation?"
"Prophetess my friends and I have traveled very far in order to better understand the wisdom of the word." Kiris said, pausing only for a brief interveral before continuing, "We have many difficult questions that we wish answered."
Dropping her hands to her lap, the Prophetess looked up and to the side at her young companion. The other woman was too busy looking at one of the disguised visitors to notice her leader's regard. Madame Kiye looked into the group before turning her attention once again to commander Thomas/Kiris. "We can speak freely here, my guests. These are my advisors, and I do not act without their counsel. We may speak of matters spiritual once we are aboard your starship," she announced.
The disguised Executive Officer quickly surveyed the room, though he knew that his cover was blown already if the Prophetess was wrong about her advisors' trustworthiness. Discarding the code phrases and role playing, he said, "Your Highness, we are prepared to escort you to our ship at your earliest convenience."
The Prophetess looked to her young companion and said, "This is my successor, the Inherant Mother Tarie. She will be accompanying me on our journey. Tarie, please bring out my chair." She turned back and looked at the youngest male of the away team. "Young man, my things are behind that table there. Retrieve them and accept my blessings in return," she instructed with some authority.
Before commander Thomas requested beam out, the Prophetess asked for introductions from her guests. As each gave her or his actual name, she repeated each one as if to commit it to memory. She blessed each away team member in a sincere way with one hand upon her breastbone and the other upon the officer's shoulder.
Chris felt relieved that they would be returning to the ship in a few moments, and sadden they couldn't remain on the planet longer. He would've enjoyed the chance to interact with the people and learn more about them from this side of the mirror. This was what he'd trained before getting his first break on the Galaxy. However he'd gained far more experience in his short life time by his career path then most people would at his age, rank or position. This encounter prophetess had shown him that he could do the job under any condition, and he was interested in what she had to say. He could use some spiritual healing if nothing else.
Once the formalities of introduction were past, the party, now eight persons, beamed up to the waiting USS Galaxy without incident...
The lonely figure bent wearily under the glare of a merciless sun and grubbed about methodically in the dust.
His hands, stiff and cracked with age, brushed away ineffectively at the small dusty hole. Perhaps a cup of the dark clay was removed, only to be replaced by twice that sliding back in.
~~ My personnel Hell ~~ he thought. ~~ Forever rolling the boulder up the slopes of Hades, never quite surmounting the crest. ~~
With a sigh, the figure sat back on his haunches to wipe a slick sheen of sweat from his burning brow. The intense blast of light from above beat down mercilessly, adding the illusion of this private 'INFERNO'.
~~ Dante was too kind. ~~ he thought, idly picking a rock sliver from under his dirt encrusted nails. ~~ And a fool besides that, envisioning his earthly lover as the embodiment of his salvation. ~~
The figure sighed and looked down into the pitiful hale he was grubbing in. ~~ There is no salvation to come... there is only the Damnation of the now.~~
Wiping his brow yet again, the stooped back bent once again, and the clawed hands reached again for its crude implements of digging.
A small trowel.
A small brush.
~~ Afterall, ~~ he thought, ~~ An archaeologist must be well versed in the legends of the afterlife. Our primary business concerns the long dead dreams, and failed ideals of those that came before. ~~
Using the brush to gently sweep aside a minute layer of the hideous dust, the grizzled old scientist discovered the treasure that lay just beneath...
More dust.
~~ Most amusing ye non-existent gods. It's a good thing I do not believe= in you, or I may begin to suspect a plot against me. I have slaved too long... too hard to come to this. ~~
He brushed away another layer of dust.
~~ To come to make this dust-bowl my grave. ~~
Grumbling mostly to himself, the old Archaeologist bent closer to his digging, and paid it such close heed that he failed to hear the approach of soft footsteps behind him.
It wasn't until a shadow fell across his work area that he looked up to see the small figure silloheted there.
" Why do you neglect your studies? " he asked the newcomer simply. " Return to them at once and leave me to my pennance."
Instead of replying the smaller figure simply handed across a small digital display unit as way of explanation.
Snatching the display in frustration at the interruption, the old figure turned it around so that he might read what it said.
A single line of glowing text flashed silently on the screen.
>>>SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED. USS GALAXY ENROUTE BACK TO DEEP SPACE NINE...WHAT ARE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS? <<<<
~~ Then again.., moses found salvation in the desert after forty years of wandering....perhaps there is divine intervention after all. ~~
"Make ready to leave." he said simply handing back the unit. "i shall be along presently.
Nodding, the smaller figure turned and disappeared back into the dust cloud.
Behind, the lonely figure stood wearily feeling the joints creaking and popping in his limbs. without a second glance, he abandoned his brush and trowel in the hole where he dropped them, and within moments, the wind covered them too with a layer of fine dust. waiting for the next archaeologist to dig them up centuries later.
Already far away, the lonely figure strode with a purpose and a vision growing clearer and stronger with each step.
~~ The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
Location: Hallways of the USS Galaxy
Ensign James Kelly walked down the hallway of the Galaxy with Ensign Sierra by his side. She still had a smile on her face after her brief run in with Leo Streely and Raven Darkstar, minutes ago.
Both of them were off duty and Sierra heard her stomach growl. She reached down slightly blushing and rubbed her belly.
"You better feed that thing." Kelly said, slowing his stride to ease some of the pain that was flaring up his leg that had been injured during the conflicts on Ursid He had recieved medical attention and had been given a perscription of disposable hyposprays to inject himself with painkillers to ease his pain, but he still seemed to have lagging pains in his legs.
"Yeah, I was thinking about that. You wanna swing by and join me?" she asked.
"I better not. I havn't spent that much time with Maria lately and to be honest, my leg is starting to bother me a bit again.
"maybe you should have the doctors look at it again." Sierra said with a look of concern on her face.
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Promise." He said reassuringly. " Have a hot dog for me, huh?"
"You bet!" Sierra said, reaching out and squeezing Kellys hand then heading off towards the turbolifts.
Kelly waited untill Sierra was out of sight then continued on to his apartment with a severe limp. He had tried to conceil his injury and had been sucessful so far. Only Maria knew how badly he hurt.
He brightened a bit inside just thinking about her. Scince Ursid he hadn't been able to spend much time with her. He worked late shifts and long hours to make sure people thought he was ok. Now he wanted to give her an entire evening, all to herself so she knew that he indeed still cared.
He opened his door and cheerfully called out: "Honey, I'm home."
There was no answer.
"Honey?" He said looking in the rooms and finding them empty too. She must have went out for a bit he said walking into thier bedroom and stopping in his tracks.
The doors to thier closet were open as were thier dresser drawers. Maria's cloths were not in them. In fact, everything that was hers appeared to be missing.
A Padd laid on the bed. Kelly bent down to pick it up with a growing sense of dread. he activated it and read the message.
Jimmy,
I wanted to do this face to face but couldn't. You should have seen this coming. You were Never around for me. I cannot live like that. You only have yourself to blame. Please Dont try to find me. This is a big ship and I'm sure we can move on without bumping in to eachother. Take care. M.
Kelly just stared at the Padd. As if it were some sort of prank or joke. He waited for Maria to leap out and say "just kidding!" and take him in her arms again.
Maria never appeared.
He moved around the room slowly. His mind was swimming in memories. Every nook and cranny of this apartment seemed to have a cute story behind it. Somthing they had done together. A laugh they had shared. A moment they had loved.
He walked to the closet, still holding the padd and tapped an empty hanger. The hanger had held the dress that he had gotten for her on the anniversary of the first time he told her he loved her.
He noticed his throat was dry and his stomach was churning as he went to the bathroom. Her side of the medicine cabnit was empty. He inhaled deeply and smelled the scent of her perfume still lingering in the air. She was wearing that when they had first met.
His best friend was her step brother. They were introduced one evening at a pool hall and immediatly hit it off. They had been together for 4 years. On the Galaxy for 2. After taking it at a pace that they both could handle, they even recently even talked about marriage.
He felt his legs weakening and tears threatened to fall from his redening eyes. He sat back down on the bed and thought about how much he had loved her. How she told him that she loved him. There were things that he had shared with her that he had never told anyone else.
Intimate moments, now gone. Nothing but a letter on a Padd. A friggin letter! he thought as he stood and threw the Padd with every ounce of his strength into the wall. It shattered into a heap of circuts and wires.
He felt hot tears running down his face. His leg was on fire as he limped into the bedroom and opened the end table to reveal the hyposprays. He reached in and pulled one out, pressing it against his neck and pulled the trigger.
An almost instantanious rush was felt and he could feel the pain in his leg begin to ebb. the pain in his heart though was still raw.
He stared at the remaining hyposprays and remembered being told "one a day if needed." He couldn't even feel his hands as they reached back into the drawer for another hypo.
Alpha shift, the busiest of shifts and second to only the dreaded Delta shift when it came to pure hatred, was officially over. The *Beep Beep* of the shift bell sounded off in security, and Ensign Corgan looked up from his pad and got out of his desk. So far, today was pretty interesting. The baby gender/height bet for Michala Lynn went up to 289 slips of gold pressed latinum, he stopped a domestic dispute by dragging out a drunken husband and throwing him in the brig, the away team made it back from the away mission to bring Prophetess Kiye back to the Galaxy, he reached a new high score on the target range before his shift and the rumors flying around about him has hit an all time low. Life was good for him, but he knew that when it was good for him, it was bad for someone else. Without him, he knew that the other two reject would take the worse of Lt. Jg. Charles Marx's wraith.
"Poor Electra and Rebecca. I do feel sorry for them." He thought.
It was very unusual for Ensign Corgan to feel sorry for people. He believed that people got what they deserved, except for the rejects and the really popular. He thought that the rejects were unfairly treated and the popular people didn't deserve their sucess. He still remembered the times at the academy where he wished for a extremely gruesome role reversal.
But, he knew it couldn't come to be. "Oh well" He sighed as he walked out of the security office and towards the turbolift.
It was his pity for the other crew members that dragged his mood down considerably. He cursed his conscience for ever caring about people, then walked into the turbolift.
"Deck 16" Ensign Corgan ordered.
The turbolift whirred to life and sped through the intricate network of tunnels and tubes that made the turbolift system. It was times like this that idle thoughts reigned.
And when it reigns, it pours....
"I wonder, why hasn't the ship been blown up yet?" He thought. He was surprised that so far the ship hasn't been torn apart molecule by molecule yet by irate Dominion rebels. It was in all likelyhood that the ship should have been dispatched easily, but something wasn't quite right. No rebels, no trouble, nothing. Where the hell where they, he didn't know.
"My god, at least send a Galor after us." Ensign Corgan muttered. He knew that a Galor class ship was the next best thing to a Ford Edsel, but at least it was something to shoot up to aleviate the boredom. Then again, he failed to see the point of any rebel Galor class vessels after them. If even an Excelsior class ship can beat Cardassia's front line ship class, then there was no hope in hell that it could blow up the Galaxy.
The turbolift suddenly stopped, and the doors automatically whooshed open.
"That's the end of that thought." James said aloud.
He walked over to one of the quarters, tapped a few buttons, and let the doors slide open. It revealed his personal quarters, complete with his old rock concert posters, various knick knacks involving awards, musical intruments and weapons, and also his 1997 Fender Strat. Everything was right where he left it...
Or so he thought.
"Wait a second. Where the hell's my boxed set of Smashing Pumpkins CD's?" He said, feeling a bit shocked.
He dashed around the room, rummaging through various areas of his quarters. He checked his closet, nothing! The bathroom revealed squat, and his bed didn't hide anything, much less a boxed set of old rock music. Then, he looked on his shelving unit. The boxed set sat near his "Silver Bullet" award from the academy, but instead of a box, there sat a laminated card. He picked up the card and read it out loud.
"Dear Ensign James "Psycho" Corgan,
You won't be needing this anymore! Ha ha ha...
Signed, your secret Vulcan lover (just kidding, ha ha ha)."
"I'm gonna kill that son of a bitch."
Ensign Corgan stomped out of his quarters, then realized...
"Damn, where's my evidence? All I have is the card!"
So, Ensign Corgan headed to the security office once again, to tell the people on duty that his quarters got broken into and get some materials to do an investigation.
Ethan wiped some sweat off his head and hit the inside of the console. He was in Main Engineering, laying half way through a conduit, trying to fix one of the circuit boards connected to the main computer.
He reconnected a power coupling and sparks flew out of the conduit. Ethan recieved a bit of a shock, but he was getting used to it. This was a stubborn console.
=/\= Tessa to Suder =/\= a voice called out through his communicator.
"Go ahead." he replied wiping some more sweat of his head. He was either working too hard or the console was giving off too much heat.
=/\= Can we get your help on Deck Four, one of the EPS conduits is playing up. =/\=
"Can't Dorsan do it?" Suder replied.
=/\= He wants a second opinion. =/\= Tessa replied.
Suder sighed and picked up a cloth. "Be right there." he replied. He connected a chip to the computer and again, he got another shock. He slammed the conduit shut and wiped his hands, trying to get them a little clean.
"Sir?" an officer called.
Suder turned and looked at the officer.
"We're having trouble with that level 3B diagnostic on the Warp Core?"
"I'm on my way to Deck Four, I'll help when I get back, in the mean time, check the environmental systems in here." Suder replied. He went to turn and walk off for a second attempt and another Engineer walked in front of him. Suder sighed and rubbed the side of his head. He was tired and had taken too many shocks.
"Chief, I know your busy, but the power regulators on Deck Nine need thier routine search." the officer reported.
"Well you want to get up there are check it then?" he asked.
"Of course, Chief." the Engineer replied.
Ethan was about to walk off when he realised the Engineer was rather young and may not have that much experience. "Ensign, if you have any trouble, let me know." he said.
"Chief?" another voice called out.
Ethan's shoulders sort of slump forward slightly. He was so close to making it out of Engineering. He had thought about making a run for it, but that wouldn't have been like him at all. So with another quiet sigh, he turned around.
"The diagnostic we were running on the primary computer system is complete. There are a few glitches I thought you might want to check?" Garcia asked.
"'Commander T'Zaq should be here any second, have Ensign Calvin go over it with her." Ethan said wanting to turn around and leave, well, try at least, but he knew the Ensign in front of him was about to reply to his order.
"Commander, T'Zaq?" the Ensign replied.
"Yes, Commander, T'Zaq. I heard her shift is usually quiet. Do it then." Suder stated, then walking off. He then finished wiping his hands and threw the cloth at a console on his way out of Engineering.
Arriving on Deck Four, he quickly approached the open conduit where the Engineering crew were working. He grabbed his tricorder and scanned the conduit. Just about everything seemed to be in order.
"I think I see the problem." he began. "The relay is out of line with the power nodes. It's only a fraction, but that's your fluctuation." he said closing his tricorder and stepping away from the console.
"I should have that fixed right away." Cadet Jason said as he looked at the Ensign beside him with one of those looks that said 'I told you so'
*** Main Engineering - A Few Minutes Later ***
Ethan looked around upon entering Engineering. His entry had been quiet and not many people had seemed to notice his appearance. So he just stepped to the side of Engineering and leaned against a console while he looked at the Engineers working and talking.
".. saying is they've got quite a bit in common." Garcia said.
"Such as?" Kartain asked.
"They've both been on Outposts that have been attacked by the Maquis. They've both been Chief Engineers. They're both Engineers now and they're both single." Garcia replied tapping in a few commands into the computer.
"And I'm telling you, I spoke to the Chief myself." Kartain replied sharply.
"Have you seen the way he looks at her?" Garcia asked. "And when she's around he gets a little, uncomfortable."
"How can you tell, he's very good at hiding his feelings, maybe he's just afraid that he's not coming across as a good Chief Engineer like this Commander Samara I've heard about?" Kartain asked back.
Suder had to chuckle at the conversation. He thought about what their reactions might be if he just stepped around the corner, but instead of doing just that, he continued to rest against the console and listen to them chat away.
"Unlikely." Garcia replied. "I bet he'll ask her out this week!"
Before Kartain had a chance to respond, Ethan walked out of the corner as if he had just entered Engineering. The two women noticed him and quickly stopped their chatter and gave a nod to Ethan as he walked by.
Ethan gave a nod back and walked over to the main computer console where Lieutenant Gillings was standing. He raised an eye brow when he noticed Ethan's smile. It was real too. He had known Ethan for a very long time and knew when he meant what he was expressing.
"Something wrong, Ethan?" Paul asked.
"No, I just realised... Chances are rare." he explained.
"Chances?" Paul replied, still confused.
"Like in Poker, it's rare that you get such a classic hand and when you do there's a choice, either raise the stakes because you've got a good hand, or quit to let someone close to you win." Ethan tried to explain.
Paul just kind of nodded.
"Have Ensign Lacroix run a check on the Injectors and make sure he does it right." Ethan ordered, still smiling. "What time is it anyway?"
"Half way through Gamma Shift." Paul replied still puzzled.
"Of course." Ethan replied about to return to his office. "Oh, last time 'Commander T'Zaq was in Engineering, she had a report on components to check and fix. Let her know that the list is being taken care of." Ethan said as he made his way past teh Lieutenant.
"Your going to fix them?" he asked watching the Chief walk away.
"It's been a while since I went running around the ship fixing things, maybe T'Zaq would like to sit in Engineering for a while and just... interact with the other Engineers?" he replied.
"Just when I thought I had you figured out." Paul mumbled.
"You'll figure me out some day!" Ethan called out clearly hearing Paul due to his Betazoid abilities. With that, he picked up a report from one of the many data padds that cluttered his desk and made his way out of Engineering. Things had seemed quiet lately. Which was a nice change. The mission was going smoothly and would no doubt be over soon. Ethan didn't mind though, he was quite happy as long as he was working. Funny, a short while ago he was tired and sore, but now he was alive and kicking as if he'd just awoken from a long sleep...
"Danok what on earth made you say that ! That is the most stupid thing I have ever heard" Danok's personal EMH called out to him. Danok was in his room and hat activated to get some info. "It was a logical response." Danok replied. The EMH shook his head. "Danok how many times do I have to tell you that humans or any other non Vulcan race do not apriciate your logical way of thinking. You have managed to upset yet another crewmember. Why can't you just shut your mouth for once."
Danok was puzzled. "I do not understand, you told me to get familiar with the crew and now you say I should not." The EMH looked at Danok for a moment. "Look Docter Danok, all I am saying is that when ever sombody speaks out his worries about her mother not crying for a lost love one you should say something comforting, not state the fact that Klingons can't cry becouse of a lack of tearducts."
Danok raised his eyebrow and put his hand behind his back. "Now," The EMH continued. "I have downloaded the complete works of Docter Tzitkr'an into this PADD. I suggest you find a quit place and read it. It shows everything about comparisive emotional and behaveal occurences between different races. I hope it will polish your bedside manners a bit."
Danok took the PADD and browsed true the text. "As you wish. I will go to the mess hall to study this." He said to the EMH. It looked very satisfied at Danok as only a mark-1 EMH could do. "Oh, doctor Danok, there is one more thing. I would apreciate if you would deactivate me if you go. Last night I spend just standing here with nothing to do. I'm not some replicator you just leave behind."
Danok nodded. "Computer" The computer beeped. "Deactive personal EMH" With a hish the EMH disappeared and Danok headed to the messhall. He got himself a cup of coffee, sat down at one of the tables near the window with his back to all the people and started reading...
***
They had left the orbit of the strange world and were once again headed back through the worm hole. Michala's shift had passed uneventfully and she had spent most of it deep in thought. The only worry had been Shinta's little girl who was still somehow linked to her bigger brother. She had passed a quiet evening. Tossing and turning, she had risen early and went up to the observation lounge. It appeared they were in orbit of a new planet now. She did not recognize this planet either. She was low enough on the totem pole that she really didn't need to know.
She sat on one of the observation couches and just watched the area of space she was facing. It was oddly hypnotic and she found that she could reach a point where she did not think if she stared hard enough. She lost track of time and remained curled up, staring at stars and wondering why she wasn't allowed to call Deiran to discuss matters.
***
John stood in the doorway to the holodeck. It was fifteen minutes after the time he and Michala had agreed upon. And, she was no where to be found. He waited another five minutes. Maybe talking yesterday shook her up, he thought.
"Computer," he said, tapping open a channel on the wall comms. "Where is Lt. Michala Lynn."
"Lt. Michala Lynn is in the Observation Lounge," the computer responded.
Observation Lounge? he thought to himself.
"Computer, release hold on holodeck two."
"Holodeck Two is now available."
John headed off down the corridor toward the turbolifts. He was glad he hadn't suited up in an dive suit.
***
The door to the Observation Lounge slid open soundlessly. John found Michala curled up on the couch staring out the large open viewport. A planet gently rotated below them. He moved closer to the couch.
"Hey there," he said, hoping to not startle her.
Michala looked up at the sound of a voice. "Hello? What are you... " Then she remembered their date. "It isn't that late is it?" The look on John's face told her that it was indeed past the agreed upon time. "I am soo sorry. I - I lost track of time." Michala was dressed more casually then he had seen her. She was wearing a form fitting pair of slacks and over them was a loose sweater that fell off one shoulder. Her hair appeared somewhat wild and was tied back with a ribbon and her eyes were slightly red as if she had been crying.
"Don't worry about it," he said. "We can reschedule for later. How you doing? It looks like not very good." He indicated the spot next to her. "You mind if I sit next to you?"
"No, go ahead. I - I really just lost track of time. I have been up here since 0400. I couldn't sleep. I just have so much going through my head." She sighed and moved her feet so he could sit down. She turned so she was on the couch correctly. "I feel like that rope you mentioned yesterday."
John took a seat, turning so he could face her. "Don't worry about the time," he said. "We'll do it again some other time. Well, is there anything I can do to help you feel less rope-like?"
She thought for a moment. "I guess not."
John shifted in his seat to get more comfortable. "Talk to me."
"I just feel so alone. Most people have family they can turn to in times of trouble, but I am sort of an orphan." She paused for a moment. "I am afraid to break things off with Deiran Casey, but I think I want to." She admitted. "I mean, its not that I don't care about him. I mean, he took care of me from the moment he discovered me. But if I do, and Deiran cries to his father as he has tendency to do, then what will happen to me? This is the only home I know. I have no where to go?" True fear was written on her face.
"I've never been able to stomach Admiral's kids who run to their father every time something doesn't go the way they wanted it," he said with a frown. "My father's an admiral. Starfleet medical. I only ever turn to him as a father, never as someone higher on the food chain in Starfleet. I didn't even go to him for my sponsor to get into Starfleet Academy." John ran a hand through his hair. "Michala, as far as I can tell, you've done nothing wrong. You're just trying to live your life, to make a life for yourself. Casey has no grounds to move you, boot you, or anything like that. I can't really go to my father over this, mainly because I don't think me going to my dad would be any better than his." He found her eyes and smiled. "If Casey plans to shuffle you around because you've bruised his son's fragile ego, that's against the regs. He's got no grounds. However, growing up the son of an admiral does have some benefits. I know, personally, several members of the admiralty. I'm sure we can make his seat very hot. And, I've only just met you."
"I know well enough how things work to know that transfers or not approving a reenlistment can be given for a hundred reasons other then the motivating reason. For example, I have never been to the academy though I remember it clearly." She looked up at him, wanting to believe that something could stand between the Caseys and any plans they may choose for her. "Plus, there is the children issue. I remember giving birth to them, but I am NOT their mother. They call me mother? It is all so confusing. I mean, everyone just expected me to pick up as if I was Miran and I did until Miran appeared. Then suddenly, I was supposed to NOT be her but my own person, however, Deiran still wants my version of her?"
John put his hand on hers. "You need to be who you are, not who he or anyone else wants you to be," he said. "If you're anyone other than yourself, you're living a lie. You only have part of Miran's DNA in you. You also have the DNA of three others. But, you are your own person. You shouldn't-- Just because they're the Caseys doesn't mean they get to have everything their way. They don't get to walk over everyone because they want to. You are a person no matter how you came into this universe, you have rights like everyone breathing. The same rights as the Caseys. I won't let them push you around because Deiran Casey didn't get his way. I won't let them do it." The sudden silence in the room was deafening. The passion behind his words, as he thought over what he'd just said, took John by surprise. He looked into her eyes and then away.
Michala stared at him. His words were passionately spoken. They hadn't known each other that long for him to speak so strongly. "You only just met me? How could you stop them?" She asked softly. Her eyes were watching him closely. "You know as well as I do that if someone in top brass had a grudge they could do anything they wanted. Admiral Casey could send this ship far away from the Constitution just to get me out of his son's life, if he could find other explanations to justify it."
John looked away, his face red with embarrassment. "I'm sorry," he said. "I tend to get upset when people are used like chess pieces. It's a sore spot with me, I guess. I've gotten into trouble that way before, but if I feel so strongly about something and don't make a stand... I have to. You should have seen me during the whole Maquis situation; they almost kicked me out of school twice. I don't know how I could stop them, but I can't not do anything. I'm sorry. I just don't think it's right, what they could do to you. I have to try to do something."
"There is nothing you can do, John. The ball is in my court and all my future choices will affect a lot of things and possibly a lot of people. Actually, you can and are doing something. You are listening." She said to soften her words. Plus, she was really glad to have someone to talk to.
He nodded. "I just wish there was more," he said, he turned to look out the viewport. The planet rotated slowly and he thought he saw the trail he'd biked along six months ago. "Bajor's beautiful from orbit."
"It is. I have never seen it before." She said quietly. They sat in companionable silence for a long time. "I am sorry I unloaded all this on you. I mean, you just met me." Her words were softly spoken and she was watching him closely.
John turned to her again. "It's okay," he said. "I don't mind, and it makes me feel helpful. I like being involved and helping out when I can. I hope it's okay. I'm just trying to help a friend through a hard time." He smiled.
"It's okay!" She said. Her eyes caught in his and she forgot what she was going to say.
"Good," he said, though he wasn't sure if he'd said the word aloud or not. "Down there, above that big green patch, I rode along that six months ago. It's beautiful country. Very peaceful." He hadn't taken his eyes from hers and suddenly realized he was staring. He quickly looked away, focusing back on the viewport.
"Rode along?" She said scooting closer to see where he was indicating.
He leaned closer and pointed, their bodies touching at the shoulder. His arm was almost in line with her eyes, so she'd be able to easier see where he was pointing. "Right there," he said. "I took a bike and rode along there. There's a beautiful trail. It took me about a week to do the whole thing. I camped out along the way. Every night under the Bajoran sky." He looked up at her as she gazed down onto the planet. He smiled again. She was beautiful.
"What is a bike?" She asked staring at the planet. She did not move away.
John smiled. "It's a old earth two-wheeled, unpowered vehicle. It's got pedals. And, you use your legs to make it go. I can show you sometime, if you want. It's great exercise."
She nodded her understanding. Again, she could think of nothing to say. She leaned her head wearily back against the couch. She was very aware of his body close to hers, but it was comforting somehow so she did not move away. She was tired and yet her brain just would not stop. "I talked to Eric after work last night. I .. I told him I would give him custody of the baby, since he wanted me to have it. But this did not seem to please him?"
John stayed where he was. He couldn't let himself lean back with her. He could feel something drawing him closer to her. She didn't need that now, not with everything. He didn't want to cause her any trouble. John focused on a spot on the far wall and tried to get his thoughts together. "Is that what you-- I mean, what did he say? Did he give any indication what would please him?"
"Not really. I think he expects me to have it and raise it while he plays the spoiling absent father. I guess that is the way it usually works?" She had no idea. She felt a headache coming on and rubbed her temples.
John frowned. "Well, that's not the way it's supposed to work," he said. "But, from what I've heard so far, I don't think Eric Odin raising a child is that good of an idea." He watched with concern. "Headache?"
She nodded as she opened her eyes to look at him. "I guess I have been thinking too hard, if that is possible. Plus, I didn't sleep well."
"Allow me," he said, and helped position her so he could get to the back of her head. He brought his hands up and gently started massaging. Having spent a good deal of his life involved with sports, John had learned a good deal of physical therapy, especially massage. He worked his fingers along her neck and then her temples. "Any better?"
"Hmmm yes, you are now my best friend." She said teasing, leaning back against his hands. "I give you till my shift to stop." His hands were warm and soothing and she could feel the tension ebbing through his fingers.
John smiled. "Best friend, eh? I can't remember the last time I had a best friend. I think it's been a long time though." He continued to let his hands work against her headache. "It's definitely loosening up here," he said. "Hopefully this will also go to helping you sleep well tonight." His heart beating faster. "How's that headache now?"
"Better. Much better then the pain reliever I would have used when I got to my post." She did not move away. "What did you mean by its not the way its supposed to work and that Eric would not make a good father?" She leaned her head back to look up at him.
He looked down into her eyes and smiled. Inside, his heart felt ready to leap through his chest and his stomach was doing some acrobatic act. "I think that a father should be around to help raise a child, not just be around when it's convenient. If he's going to get himself in a position to have a child, he should be ready for the responsibilities of parenthood. And, he sounds like he's just interested in the sex, and not the rest of it. If he was going to be a good father, he should be stepping up and doing whatever he can. Not trying to dodge the responsibility. That's what I think, anyway."
Michala wondered if she had missed something. "What should he be stepping up to do?" She asked with confusion. "I am not sure what responsibility he should be taking right now? Have I missed something?" It seemed odd, but his answers on everything seemed to indicate that she should cut both men loose and face this alone. "If I don't give him custody, and I am not with Deiran then I will be alone with a child at a time when I am still finding my own feet?"
John thought about it for a moment. "As the father of the child, he should be helping. Ideally, he should want to help because the child is his as well. If Eric is willing to accept custody and will be a good parent, then I think that may be a good choice." He watched her for a moment. "I guess part of what I said is based off what you've told me of Eric so far. But, I think if he is willing to do his part as a parent... My initial feeling is that he wouldn't be a good parent. My hope is that he will be though. I definitely don't think you should go through this alone. Does that make more sense?"
"Not really. I think you are rambling my friend." She said with a soft laugh. "Are you usually so tongue tied or is it just me?" She leaned her head back to see his face and blushed at the look in his eyes. Perhaps she shouldn't have asked that question.
John opened his mouth to speak and then laughed. "Maybe a little of both," he finally said. "I don't think you should do this alone. You should have all the support you can get, and Eric Odin should pull his weight with the baby. And, I think, if he is going to pull his weight, giving custody to Eric is a good idea. And, I should probably shut my mouth before I say something I shouldn't."
"No, I would rather your were open and honest with me. I have enough people only telling me half of what they think." She said quietly. His hands had stilled so she turned to look at him. She was suddenly aware of how close he was and how alone they were at the moment.
"I-- I can't," he said. "We've got a great friendship started, and I don't know if this would-- And, you're engaged to be married." He tried to look away, but he couldn't. "I've been completely open and honest about everything else, but I don't know about this. I don't want to make things even more complicated."
She looked at him in confusion and a small look of hurt crossed her face. "I am sorry. I guess I just assumed..." She stood up. "I should go back to my quarters and get ready for my shift. Maybe I can take a short nap before I go on shift. Thanks for the back rub."
John stood quickly. "Wait," he said. "I'm sorry, Michala. It's just that...that I know we haven't known each other very long. I like you though. I like spending time with you. I like talking with you. I like just being around you. And, I think I'm developing feelings for you... I care about you, but I don't want my feelings for you to cause a problem with everything that's going on. I'm afraid it's too late though. I think my feelings for you are already too-- I'm sorry."
She stopped and looked at him, not totally surprised and yet shocked. "Are already too what?"
John sighed and looked away. "Too much," he said. "More than I'd anticipated." He looked at her. "Too strong."
She stood wide-eyed. "Oh!" She wasn't sure what to say. She was attracted to him too, but thought it a physical thing. She did enjoy his presence, finding it soothing. "I am sorry." She didn't know what else to say.
John nodded and looked away. "I-- I should probably go," he said. "I'm sorry, Michala. I didn't want this to affect our friendship. I should go."
She reached out a hand to him. "No wait. I - I just don't know what to say. I mean, I won't deny that I am attracted to you, but I can't say anymore then that right now, it wouldn't be fair to you. But, please, I need a friend who doesn't know all the people involved?" She did not want him running off and avoiding her after she had just opened up to him.
He looked up into her eyes and smiled. "Okay," he said. "I didn't want to say anything because of everything that's going on. I'm your friend, and I'm not going anywhere. Well, unless you're going somewhere. I'm here for you."
Michala giggled, "Remind me never to fluster you. You tend to ramble." She smiled at him warmly. "No worries, okay? I am fine with this and .. not sorry." She admitted.
"No worries," he said with a smile. "You think I'm rambling now, you ain't seen nothin'."
*** Cathedral of the Word ***
The Prophetess was no stranger to spaceflight. But, although she had seen dozens of visitors to her world appear and disappear in the varicolored shimmer of the 'transporter effect', she had never dematerialized before. She was more accustomed to transorbital flights and short hops to and from the half-dozen other worlds in her loose septet of worlds.
While the six officers from the USS Galaxy arranged the party and luggage in preparation for transport, Madame Kiye considered what she had learned so far about the faux Decilians. The leader was obviously Christopher Thomas. He was assuringly confident. She sensed that he was more than a little like her own Minister of Security. Karyn Dallas was some sort of healer; she looked forward to spending some time with that woman. Drake Tarsonis was the eager young man who had retrieved her luggage for her. The tall one called Savat revealed no emotion to her; under his disguise he was a very mysterious alien of some sort that she had never encountered before.
The woman named Nilani troubled the Prophetess. Madame Kiye felt drawn to her, as she did with others who needed the comfort of the Word more than most. She wondered when she would get an opportunity to speak privately with her and listen to her troubles.
Kiris, commander Thomas, finally tapped his badge and called the Galaxy for transport. With a last look at his party, he turned about to face forward.
She sat bravely in her repulsor chair for the 'beam out'. From her perspective, the Galaxy's transporter room materialized around her as if the entire ship simply replaced her great Cathedral. She smiled in satisfaction. The first hurdle in a series of new experiences was past. Next, she would pay her first visit to the Alpha Quadrant. Such adventures for a woman over ninety years old!
The transporter platform was a bit crowded with eight people and a stack of luggage standing upon it. Tarie was helped down by the young away team member, Drake Tarsonis, Madame Kiye noticed. *What a gentleman* she thought. Looking to her right, she saw Karyn Dallas step off the platform. *Her mechanical legs are quite convincing. I might not have even known...*
The tall transporter operator bowed respectfully to the woman in the repulsor chair. "Madame Kiye, the captain will be here momentarily to greet you."
The Prophetess touched her hand to her throat and pursed her lips. "Thank you my child. What is your name?" she asked authoritatively. She appeared intent upon learning everyone's name.
The old Decilian woman maneuvered her repulsor chair smoothly across the room toward the man in gray and yellow. "Chief Thomas Jensen, ma'am," he informed her with a crooked smile.
She smiled back, "Thomas Jensen, what a strong name. I have a nephew named Chenson, you remind me of him. Tell me, child..."
The door swished open just then and captain Lee Price stepped into the room. Commander Thomas, in his Decilian disguise, introduced the visiting dignitary to his captain with diplomatic skill.
"Madame Kiye, it is our honor to have you aboard the Galaxy!" the General enthused.
She looked up at the captain and smiled slightly. "I am pleased that you could arrive so quickly to escort me to the talks on Bajor, captain. From what I have seen, you have a fine crew," she complimented.
Lee smiled earnestly. "Thank you, your highness. Commander Thomas is one of our best," he added, looking at his XO. "I understand you've brought a guest along?"
The elderly visitor replied, "This is my aid and successor, Tarie." Hearing her name, the Inherent Mother stepped up and stood beside Madame Kiye. "She is familiar with my physical and medical needs. In the event of my passing, she will be the Prophetess, and Keeper of the Word," concluded the ruler of Decilia.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, miss Tarie," the captain said with a slight bow.
Tarie smiled graciously and replied, "thank you captain. I am also pleased to meet you all."
Price continued, addressing the Prophetess, "The Galaxy has fine accomodations for visiting dignitaries; I'm sure you'd like to get settled in..."
"Actually, captain Price, I'm eager to see your ship. And, I understand the transit through the wormhole is a dazzling experience," she said with some excitement. "Perhaps we could view it from your bridge? There will be plenty of time to speak of politics later."
***
Anika walked through the corridors. She smiled at Ensign Finn as he passed her. The smile was forced. Anika didn't really feel like smiling. She hadn't slept in seventy-two hours. She was exhausted. But, she had to find Eric.
According to the computer, he was in his quarters. She found her way there easily. She'd been there on many occasions. She tapped the chime.
Eric had just taken a shower since he had just finished his regular workouts. His veins were still popping out in certain places and he heard the chime just as he threw on his pants and went to the door and smiled when it was Anika and said,"Hey." He moved out of the door and beckoned her in.
"Thank you," she said with a smile. She looked up at his wet hair and then down across his bare chest. She waited for the door to close and then stepped closer to him. She put her hands on his chest, brushing them softly across his nipples. She slid a hand down to brush over the pocket that kept the Odin symbiont. "I'm sorry, Eric." She pressed her lips to his, kissing him deeply.
He was surprised by this, but none the less kissed her back with passion. He took this as a continuation of the relationship and he was overjoyed and it showed in the returned kiss as his hands pulled her closer gently.
Anika pushed Eric back toward the bed as her hands worked to unclasp the fastenings on his pants. She pushed him back onto the bed and quickly removed her jacket and tunic and dropped them to the floor. She looked down at him and smiled. She kicked off her boots and slid her trousers down to the floor. She climbed onto him and brought her lips to his again.
He enraptured her lips with his as it was obvious how much he had missed her and how much he was enjoying having her back. In between kisses he said,"I love you." He hoped she knew that he wanted her to be his forever.
Anika looked down into Eric's eyes as she pulled him inside of her. She bent down and kissed him as they began to make love. Their rhythm steadily increased. Anika kept her eyes focused on Eric's. She bit her lip as waves of pleasure exploded through them both. Anika wasn't sure if her screams could be heard outside the room or not, but at the moment she didn't care.
She collapsed, sliding down next to Eric, her eyes still fixed on his.
He kept his eyes fixed on hers as well and breathed heavily as he said,"I love you so much."
Anika watched him for a moment. "I'm leaving, Eric," she said. "They're transferring me to Deep Space Nine when we go back through the wormhole."
He gaped at her and said,"No,no, not now that we're finally back together."
She nodded. "We're not really back together, Eric," she said. "I just wanted to make love to you again, before I have to go. You can send me subspace messages. I'll send some to you. This will give me a chance to think things through." She kissed him again. "And, when the Galaxy comes through, you can visit me. I don't think I'm ready for a relationship again yet, but I want to be your friend." Another kiss. "And, when I've sorted through things, maybe we can pick up again."
"Thank you for the pleasure of feeling your body on mine and we will speak with each other and I do hope we can get back together. I hope you know i truly love you."
She kissed him again. "I know," she said with a smile. "And, hopefully the Galaxy will be around the station every once in awhile. We can get together and do something. I'd like that a lot, I think."
"I'd like that a lot myself. I want to say goodbye one last time before you actually leave, okay?"
"Okay," she said. "That sounds good to me."
"Maybe we can take our leaves together if we arrange it that way." He smiled.
Anika smiled back. "Maybe we can," she said
"I'll hope for it. Can we just lay together until one of us has to go?"
Anika looked over at him and gave him a smile. She looked into his eyes and figured it wouldn't hurt to do so. "Sure," she said. "I'm going to need to catch my shuttle when we get back to Bajor though."
"After Decilia"
Drake had helped Madame Kiye with her luggage. He put them, and aided her assistant, Tarie, off of the transporter pad.
"Thank you," she said with a smile.
Drake smiled shyly, "It was...uh...no problem at all, ma'am."
Drake carried Madame Kiye's luggage to her quarters and left for Sickbay immediately. He thought about Tarie. She was an attractive Decilian, and Drake actually blushed. There was no way that sdhe would actually go for Drake, so he just decided to get over it and move on. He entered the sickbay doors...
***
Drake exited with his face returned to normal and walked to the turbolift. He entered the turbolift and asked for deck 2. When the turbolift reached its destination, Drake exited and walked quickly to his quarters. He wanted to get back into his niform and goto the holodeck, for a test of how much stress his modifications to the Defiant class could take.
He entered his quarters and immediately put on his uniform. He looked at himself in the mirror and looked at his new pip. He was proud of himself for finally making lieutenant jg, and he knows that he'll continue on hard throughout the rest of his Starfleet career. He left his quarters, destined for the holodeck...
***Holodeck 3***
"Computer, activate program Tarsonis Theta 9er," said Drake.
"Authorization required," replied the computer.
"Authorization: Tarsonis 77 Echo Sierra."
The Computer beeped, and the bridge of the Perceval appeared. He also looked down at his collar and saw four pips. Drake smiled, sat down in the grey and black command chair, and ordered the program to begin. There was movement all over the bridge, and red alert was active. They were in a battle.
"Report," asked Drake.
"50 Jem'Hadar vessels are attacking. We've got one on our tail," yelled the ensign flying the ship.
"Tactical, fir two rear quantum torpedoes," ordered Drake.
"Aye, sir," acknowledged the Lieutenant sitting at Tactical.
The Jem'Hadar ship was about to fire it's beaam when one torpedo shot from both rear launchers, destroying the ship behind the Perceval. The Perceval maneuvered through many ships and got many good hits. The Federation were triumphant and the drove the Jem'Hadar back to the Gamma quadrant. Out of a fleet of 40 Federation Starships, the Perceval, one Excelsior and one Saber class survived.
"Computer, end program," said Drake with a smile on his face.
The entire bridge disappeared and Drake found himself standing alone on trhe holodeck. He left for his quarters and found himself a little depressed for some odd reason. He had realized that he missed Jade still, no matter how hard he tried to forget, she wouldn't leave his head. It was timne for a counselor, someone who he could talk to, and not only a counselor, a frined alos, he needed a friend. He left for his quarters.
***Deck 2: Drake's Quarters***
He sent a message to the counselling department about him making an appointment. He sat back and saw that that it was almost his shift. He had just been recently informed that he was now Gamma shift instead of delta. Things had changed a lot here on the Galaxy since he came onboard. Officers had left, new officers came onboard, and even two former officers had returned. He stood up and walked to the turbolift.
"Bridge," said Drake.
The Turbolift went up one level and the doors swooshed open, revealing consoles and a screen. He sat down at his post, and turned to see a familiar face, Ensign Electra Reece.
"Hi, how are you?" asked Drake.
Michala was once again in the observation lounge. They were still circling the planet of Bajor. She liked the view here. It was peaceful and she could think. Her meditation was interupted by the whir of machinery and she turned to see the Prophetess who had come on board from the mission. She had seen her at a distance one other time when she was being shown the ship. The fact that John had confessed being attracted to her had surprisingly not made things harder, but she still had a lot to figure out for herself.
Madame Kiye was alone. She had somehow managed to leave behind her escort and her successor Tarie. The aged woman hovered her repulsor chair over to the giant bay window to appreciate the view of Bajor. She smiled over at the lovely young woman beside her. The Prophetess looked again out the window and sighed with relief. She sounded like a tired engineer enjoying a well-earned sip of raktajino.
She pursed her wrinkled lips and said, "Good day, young woman." She didn't take her eyes from the panorama before her.
Michala bowed her head respectfully. "Prophetess, greetings and good day to you as well." She said quietly She was a little nervous. Being a junior officer, it was rare for any visitor on board to even speak with her. Well, unless they were injured.
"May I help you find something?" She inquired softly.
"I seek nothing more than what the Word gives to me," she said with conviction. Then the Decilian ruler took a good long look at Michala. She absently fingered the chain around her neck, tugging it partway from beneath her robe. "The Word has a way of easing pain, my child... And you have felt a lot of pain"
Michala stared at her in amazement. "I am sorry, I am not familiar with the word of your religion. In fact, I am not familiar with the word of ANY religion." She suddenly felt more at ease. Weren't religious figures the sheperds for their flocks. Maybe here was someone she could talk to until she could see Karyn on a more regular basis.
The Prophetess ran her fingers across a control panel on the arm of her chair. The hovering device tipped forward, easing her onto her feet. Madame Kiye usually saved her walking for Prophtsday sermons in front of the Great Cathedral. But, for some reason she wanted to be closer to the sad girl than she could be in the bulky geriatric repulsor chair. She stood for a moment on her own, before reaching into the chair and withdrawing her cane which expanded to the correct length for her when she gripped it.
"I wish to sit beside you, young one. What is your name?" she asked while she walked slowly to the open spot on the couch.
The doctor made extra space on the couch by scooting to the side. "My name is Michala Lynn, ma'am. I had the opportunity to choose my own name. It's a long story, Prophetess."
Madame Kiye allowed herself to fall backward onto the soft cushions of the couch. She exhaled loudly as she reclined. "That's grand. I like this starship of yours." She looked over at Michala, "Michala Lynn: a pretty name, I think." She coughed once, and put her hand to her neck once again. "I would like to share with you the blessing of the Word. Please tell me your story, Michala. And don't rush to the part where you became pregnant," she said with the confidence of one who knows.
Michala's eyes widened; she knew? How did she know? She glanced down to look at her stomach, which was still smooth and flat. Well, some women can just 'tell', she decided. "The whole story, ma'am? I fear that you will find yourself here for awhile."
The lieutenant began her story with the transporter room of the USS Galaxy. The accident that created her, the product of four women of radically different pasts. Her early problems adjusting to the conflicting memories and contradictory impulses. She related the difficulty of developing a bond with Deiran while feeling a deep one for Miran's children. The tragic reappearance of the real Ti Miran and the roller coaster ride her life suddenly took. She explained about Deiran's promotion and the pressure he was capable of bringing down upon her, and how that made her feel. Through it all, the Decilian Prophetess nodded and smiled in a grandmotherly fashion.
Finally, Michala arrived at the night that began with innocent drinking and led to the pregnancy. She explained the reactions of the three men in her life, and realized that Madame Kiye was the first person she had told about John Drake! She related her week with Deiran on the Constitution, and her shock over his reaction. She also spoke on her conflicting ideas of how to handle her impending motherhood.
The Prophetess placed a hand on the young woman's shoulder. "Michala, the Word has eased the burdens of countless people. Some of them have suffered terribly before taking shelter in the Word." Her words and her manner communicated warmth and confidence and a promise of hope.
Madame Kiye put her arms around Michala and promised, "I will be thinking of you tonight. When next we speak, I know that we will begin the process of freeing you of these roles and expectations that the universe has thrust upon you." She pushed Michala back far enough that she could look into the girl's eyes. "Michala, I see strength in you that you have not yet discovered. I hope you can trust me to help you find it."
Michala nodded. "I know I have strengths but I really don't know how to discern them from my previous... memories. This word you speak of, how do you learn it?" She felt as if the world had been lifted off her shoulders by this simple telling. It was odd, for she had not felt such a sense of unburdening with the few others she had spoken with.
The wrinkled woman's face suddenly seemed younger as she discussed the topic that most vitalized her. "The Word! For our Priestesses, it is a lifetime goal of learning. But disciples can be of any age. Most followers live on Decilia, or Panthorin, or another of the worlds with Temples of the Word. They can go to daily sermons with their priestesses."
Madame Kiye saw the look of curiosity on Michala Lynn's face. She decided that there was something she could do. "Michala, I will ask the captain for permission to hold services each morning before I travel to Bajor. Tarie and I can serve as Priestesses and any crew who are curious about our teachings will be welcome to join us. Meanwhile, I have brought with me several copies of the Book of the Word. May I give you one?"
"I think I would like that. I have made it a point to be open minded about the many things that surround me.? Michala said softly.
The Prophetess expanded her cane once again. "Dear, please help me to my chair," she requested. Michala stood and helped lift the bent old lady. She continued, "I truly believe the Word will help you to become your own person. You have a great heart, Michala Lynn." She pulled a thin display unit from her repulsor chair and handed it to the starfleet doctor. "Here, you may keep this. It is the Book of the Word. B'letolle mal milorial: Blessings of the Book are eternal."
Michala took the unit and smiled at the Prophetess. "I thank you for your time. I feel truly honored that you would share it with me."
Moments later, the Prophetess was headed back to her chambers to sleep. She had promised to meet Michala in the observation lounge the next morning for a sermon.
The Galaxy's trip back to the Alpha quadrant and to Bajor went very smoothly. The tour of the ship the Captain had given the Prophetess and her aide had helped to pass the time quickly for the General. When he returned to the bridge after the walk through with the guests from Decilia VII, Lieutenant Ragnald Gustavson announced from the helm that the Galaxy was approaching Bajor.
"Bonzer 'mate. Establish a standard planetary orbit and button down the unnecessary systems, as we will be remaining here for the next seven days if all goes according to schedule."
"Very good Captain." Ragnald replied, bringing the ship into proper alignment for orbit.
Glancing around the bridge, the General spotted Jake sitting at Science station one. "'Commander Olson, you have the conn until Commander Thomas reports for beta shift 'mate."
Jake swiveled in his seat to face the Captain. "Yes sir."
Lee nodded and entered his ready room.
***
Sitting at his desk, the Captain adjusted his computer terminal in preparation of hailing the Federation team on the planet.
"Computer, open a channel to the Federation embassy on Bajor. Ambassador Palek." Price ordered.
["Working... Channel opened."] the computer responded as the image on the terminal changed from the blank logo to a live picture of the conference room at the Starfleet facility on Bajor.
Ambassador Winston Palek was there to take the Captain's call. He appeared to be occupied with directing a couple of laborers in the placement of flower decorations in honor of the visiting dignitaries from Decilia VII.
["Captain Price. You have arrived and right on schedule as expected."] the Ambassador greeted in a friendly tone.
"G'day Ambassador. We are just entering orbit now. I wanted to call and let you know that Madame Kiye and her successor, Inherent Mother Tarie, are safe and in good spirits to begin negotiations with the Federation."
["That is splendid news Captain. Things will be ready come tomorrow morning. I've taken the liberty of laying out our itinerary. I'll transmit it to you now..."] Palek stated while reaching beyond the scope of the monitor.
Lee glanced down and could see the file was received. Checking it, he noted the beam down time. "Oh-nine hundred?, that will be fine Ambassador. I'll see to it that the Prophetess arrives on time."
["We will have things all arranged down here. Our guests will beam down at 09:00, spend an hour preparing for the meeting and getting to know each other, with the negotiations proper starting at 10:00. We can break for lunch at 12:00, and then go from 13:00 until we finish at 16:00 or 17:00 depending on our guests desire and stamina."] the Ambassador explained.
"No worries 'mate. I'm sure we can accommodate any schedule or changes that come up." The Captain reassured.
Winston nodded, ["Of course you can Captain. If I may make one small request Price?"]
"Anything Ambassador. What can I do?" the Captain asked.
["I think that Madame Kiye will feel more comfortable if members from the Galaxy were to act as her escorts down here on Bajor. There will be Bajoran security forces here too of course, but it might help put her mind at ease if she sees some familiar faces that she's grown used to seeing on the Galaxy."] Palek requested.
"Of course Ambassador. I will see to it that a few of the Galaxy's security personnel are assigned to escort the Prophetess and her successor." Lee agreed.
["It's mostly for show of course, these precautions. More to instill a sense of security in our guests then to actually protect them from a threat. But there is always the possibility, given the importance of the Decilia system to the Cardassians, that something could happen."] Ambassador Palek pointed out.
"Of course Ambassador. I'm make sure that my top people are assigned. You needn't worry 'mate." Lee smiled.
["That's what I wanted to hear Price. Your men will probably be bored for the week they are assigned to watch the Prophetess, but it will go a long way towards easing our guests minds of the security concerns of a treaty with the Federation. And that is what it's all about."]
Lee nodded. "Agreed Ambassador. I will see to it. Madame Kiye and the Inherent Mother will be beaming down at 09:00 with an escort guard from the Galaxy."
["Fantastic Captain. I look forward to hosting our distinguished guests and opening the negotiations tomorrow morning. Good afternoon Captain."]
"G'day Ambassador." Captain Price returned just as the channel closed and the image on his terminal returned to the UFP crest.
Tapping his badge, Lee called out, "Price to Mister Savat."
The Vulcan Chief of Security soon replied in his distinguished, even tone. ["Savat here Captain."]
"'Commander, I need to have you arrange for a security compliment of officers to escort the Prophetess and her guest down to Bajor throughout the week. I just got the itinerary from Ambassador Palek with the negotiations schedule. Basically the officers will just be there for show and to increase the comfort level of our guests, but we will need constant coverage while the Prophetess is on the planet surface. Three or four officers should be sufficient, plus an officer or two for relief breaks." Captain Price explained.
["I will see that the appropriate personnel are assigned Captain. At what time will Madame Kiye and her companion be beaming down to the planet surface?"] Savat asked professionally.
"09:00 'mate." Lee responded.
["The Madame's escort will be ready to accompany her Captain."] the Vulcan security chief stated with sincere confidence and certainty.
"Bonzer 'mate. I knew I could count on you. Captain Price out." The General closed.
"Expecting Visitors"
by Madame Kiye (Ed)
& Tarie (CT)
*** Cathedral Plaza ***
Her joints ached from walking among the flock. The Prophetess Madame Kiye
made her way up the steps to the Cathedral gate. Behind her, the tattered
edges of the giant Prophtsday audience began to break up and people started
returning to their homes. The greater portion of the crowd remained, though,
to meet with priestesses and seek blessings.
Madame Kiye passed through the portcullis with the help of her young aide
Guval. Seconds later, she was gone from sight and the crowd noise rose as
conversations and private prayer resumed.
Little patches of uneasy silence broke out among the gathered as a patrol of
Cardassian soldiers entered the crowd. The marched about with their
disruptors drawn, looking menacing. Such patrols were a grudgingly accepted
reality to the people of Decilia.
*** The Audience Chamber, Cathedral of the Word ***
"Thank you, Guval. I would like to give audiences to those who request one
today. Especially travellers -- I will see any travellers who come for my
advice."
He nodded, "Of course, Highness."
"You may go," said the ruler of Decilia VII and de facto leader of several
other worlds. The aide bowed after releasing her arm. He moved silently away
and was quickly forgotten. The doors to the Audience Chamber closed.
At a table a few meters from the lavishly appointed chair where she took
audiences sat four women. There were Ladin, the minister of state; Mayir, the
minister of faith; Parel, the minister of security; and Tarie, the Inherent
Mother to the throne of Decilia VII and future Prophetess. The quartet rose
in respect for their leader.
Ladin was a very large woman. She was slipping a handful of pills into her
mouth as Kiye watched. The pills were for the pain she constantly felt due to
her weight-related health problems. She sat on a wide settee to one side
rather than try to find comfort on the small chairs that surrounded the
table.
Mayir had a permanent smile on her brown face. The Prophetess always thought
that Mayir's smile was false; that no one could be so perpetually happy. But,
having known the incredibly intelligent master of religious history for
thirty years, Madame Kiye had never known her to be angry.
Parel was tall in the same way that Ladin was fat. That is to say, Parel was
a giant among Decilians. She stood at two and one half meters. As minister of
security, she was reputed to be a fierce warrior and cunning strategist.
While she didn't always frown, she was scowling now.
Tarie held herself with a type of grace that rarely ever slipped. The young
woman had spent the majority of her life in service and training under the
Prophetess, yet the rigors of her studies had never overcome the peace and
warmth that seemed to radiate from the soft-skinned Inherent Mother. Tarie
offered a slight smile and a bow of her head as the Prophetess passed to her
left.
The Prophetess arrived at the table, and slipped into her seat. "Oh, Mayir, I
hope you are looking forward to next week. I'm only sorry I won't be here to
see you take a turn giving the Prophtsday sermon," she said with a deep sigh.
The comment struck Tarie as odd. She quickly scanned through a schedule of
events in her mind. The season for pilgrimages to the North was still far
away, and the Prophetess had not spoken of a journey in quite sometime.
Perhaps the Prophetess had misspoken. Tarie unconsciously furrowed her brow
as she continued to contemplate Mayir’s words.
Glancing at the younger woman, the middle-aged Ladin laughed a deep
resonating chuckle. "Your highness! You have not yet told the Inherent
Mother?"
Madame Kiye shook her head negatively. "No, Ladin. Would you like to?"
The Amazonian Parel slapped her open palm on the table. "This is madness and
you all laugh like it's a game! I must insist again, Prophetess, that I be
allowed to accompany you!"
Frustration began to boil over into annoyance as Tarie began to realize that
the Prophetess had apparently kept her successor in deliberate secrecy.
"Majesty, I was unaware of any scheduled trip. Are we going to see Andalis?"
Ladin laughed again at Tarie’s forced ignorance. Tarie turned her head
sharply and began to stare daggers through Ladin’s oversized face. "Exactly
where is our Prophetess headed?" Tarie demanded in a very uncharacteristic
tone. She immediately knew the wrongs of her ways and quickly added "Forgive
me Majesty, I meant no disrespect."
Mayir spread her hands and gave a quick nod of understanding. "Child, do you
recall the passage, from Prophecies eight-fifty-one?" she asked cryptically.
Madame Kiye closed her eyes, as if to rest the aged orbs, while Tarie thought
back over her lessons. Few aside from Mayir could recite all of the
prophecies.
"Yes, minister," Tarie stated before she had actually recalled the passage.
Tarie bowed her head slightly as she began to search for the verse in her
mind. From a very young age, Tarie had shown remarkable memorizational
skills, which was a key attribute for any future Prophetess to possesses. The
pages flipped through Tarie’s mind as she recalled her studies.
Prophecies 8*50*1
"...Until the ninth cycle of the third moon. For that time, all that has been
shielded from the wind shall be in the open until a new wall is built..."
The Prophetess lifted her head up and explained, "It is time we found new
protectors for our homeworld, and the worlds of our allies. We are no longer
safe with the Cardassians as our benefactors." She almost sounded bitter.
Parel added, "Her highness travels to Bajor, to meet with Federation
representatives. It is very secret, and she will not allow me to accompany
her." The tall soldier looked into Tarie's eyes. "She will only permit YOU to
go with her."
Tarie shifted in her chair as questions upon question began to fill the young
heir’s mind. It was rather odd for the Prophetess to leave so abruptly,
especially without a military guard. The journey to Bajor would require
defendant stealth, which would be near impossible with out a cloaking device.
Tarie wondered exatcly how they would sneak past the Cardassian patrols,
through the worm hole, travel to the Alpha quadrant, and make it undetected
to Bajor. Tarie almost began to speak her concerns, but a voice in the back
of her mind assured her that the Prophetess would lead them all to safety. "Transporter Room 1 Standing By"
By Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy "Trip to the Doctor"
by Commander Thomas
Lt. Commander Savat
Lt. Commander Dallas RN
Lt. Elaithin Jii
Lt. Drake Tarsonis
Lt. Kahn Nilani
& Commander Jeral Maas attending physician and surgeon
tbc..... "What Now?"
by Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder - Chief Engineer
By Ensign Autumn Jamieson
Medical Officer
Beta Shift (1500-2130) Lt Von Ernst, Lt Lynn, Ensign Jamieson,
Delta Shift (0330- 9h00:Ensign Bosco,
Alpha Shift (9h00-1500):Lt MacAllan. "Orbital Espionage"
by Lt Cmdr Surok
Fr: lt cmdr Surok
Re: The Word. Religious texts and resources. "A Chat."
By Lt. Commander Peterson & Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy "3 /\ 4"
by Ensign Gavin Lacroix, Engineer "Decilia"
by Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy "Suspicions."
By Lt. Commander Peterson & Captain Price “Who’s the Badass?”
By Ensign James Lionel Corgan
Security Officer, USS Galaxy
Me
-Have a Vulcan fetish. (Sub Category)
-Loves to kick puppies.
-Suicidal (Sub Category)
-Worships Satan (see blasphemy)
-Former man-whore
-Psychotic (Sub Category)
-In security because he loves to shoot things. (half truth, loves to shoot “targets”)
-Is a Borgaphiliac
-Has a hot lover on the USS Tokyo. (see Vulcan fetish rumors)
-Has a gay crush on Savat (ALSO see Vulcan fetish rumors)
-His parents beat him… savagely. (not true, they didn’t have time for it!)
-Talks to himself, claiming it’s his “conscience” (see psychotic)
-Suffers from a human “Pon Farr” (once again, see Vulcan fetish rumors)
USS Galaxy:
New Rumors:
Babies:
Navarre Shinta had twins. Rumored to be overly linked to each other. Also underweight. (see Navarre Shinta, Rumors)
New Rumor:
“The Mission”:
-Bullshit file (Sub Category, what the mission isn’t)
-Go deep into Dominion held space to retrieve a religious figure on Decilia VII, take the pers
-Infiltration team disguised as Decilians. Team members unknows, though rumors fly (see “The Mission”, Sub Category Bullshit Files)
-May encounter resistance by Cardassian and Dominion forces. (“What if we encounter hostile resistance is in “Bullshit Files”)
-I’m definitely going to be doing more shifts due to the unknown threat of Dominion rebels.
-Complete radio silence. (no talking to Sotek for at least a week or two)
-I am not on the away team so that Cardassians ON PURPOSE can shoot me up! (See Ensign Corgan, Sub Category: Suicidal)
Ensign Electra Reece
Operations Officer
[ Recording. ] "Diving"
by Lt. Michala Lynn
and Ensign John Drake "Coming to Terms"
by Ensign Anika Crowe
and Lt. Eric Odin "Thinker, Counselor, Soprano, Spy"
Chief Counselor/Nurse
USS Galaxy "Short stuff in charge PART II"
=/\= Ensign Rebecca von Ernst
=/\= Ensign Peter Lockhart
=/\=Lt Tim Richeson "Busted, pal!"
With Lt.(jg) Raven Darkstar, his....partner Leo Streely and a colorful cast of single episode fodder NPCs! Delta shift
by Lieutenant Ragnald Gustavson, helmsman/officer in charge USS Galaxy The arrival
by ensign Robin Calvin(engineer) Speculations
and Lt Rose Isis McAllen, science officer "Sigmund Freud I presume?"
Counselor
And
Lieutenant (jg) Rebecca von Ernst
Tactical Officer "Brig Literature"
Ens Ridax Charien "Twitch"
by Lieutenant Elaithin Jii, Security Officer "Diving, Pt. 2"
by Lt. Michala Lynn
and Ens. John Drake
by Lt. Michala Lynn
and Ens. John Drake "Back to Bajor"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price "Getting an Audience"
by Commander Thomas
Madame Kiye (Ed)
and Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN He had never gotten used to the snug feeling of the Starfleet uniforms. In fact, it had taken him the bulk of his career to barely tolerate the damn things. Now, after two years of wandering the galaxy in Orion homeworld leathers, he was back in Starfleet vogue once more. Sometimes the universe played funny tricks of fate on a man. The GALAXY hadn't changed much since he took his leave of absence. Oh, there were some new faces here and there, but life was still the same. He took the opportunity to re-acquaint himself with his old department. Sanchez, Ferguson, and a few of the officers he had recruited were still there. He was pleased to see that most of them had been promoted in his absence. It was even relaxing, speaking to them as a lost friend instead of a returning boss. He wandered all over the ship, taking his time to re-familiarize himself with the ship and all its diversions. As he had no current position, Sunder was enjoying the opportunity to see the ship from a different perspective. In fact, it was an opportunity to consider his place in the great machine. There was no guarantee that his former position would have still been available on his return. He knew that and it didn't bother him as much as it would have in the old days. For now, he was content to be a loose cog in the works, ready to offer assistance wherever he could. The information on Admiral Casey could wait. It was hardly time-sensitive and it looked like Price had his hands full. Sunder had brought himself up to speed on the GALAXY'S current mission and though it appeared to be nothing more than a diplomatic milk-run, it was the tedious mssions that demanded the most of a captain's attention. Sunder could wait. For now he had the run of the ship and the time to catch up with old friends. (On a nameless world circling a nameless star)
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep. ~~ "Kelly's Tale"
A special story with NPC Ens. James Kelly with an appearance by Ensign Sierra,(NPC) who will next post join Lt. jg. Raven Darkstar, and Leo Streely. "Change Of Heart?"
Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder - Chief Engineer Bedside manners...
by Ens (Doc) Danok Enginering "Single Father"
Lt. Eric Odin
Lt. Michala Lynn
Michala took a deep breath and rang for entrance into Eric's quarters.
She had reached at least a basic framework of decisions. It was now time
to share what she had worked out with the biological father. She had not
seen him since she had told him. He had been conspicuously absent
Eric had been working on something at his bench when he heard the ring and
took a minute to put everything down without it breaking. he pushed the
button and smiled to Michala and said,"Hello Michala, would you like to come
in?"
Michala nodded quietly. She moved in front of him and into his quarters.
She was nervous and felt awkward. "I have come to tell you what I have decided."
She said quietly, not taking a seat but turning to face him.
He had been trying to keep occupied to keep this off of his mind, but it was
now brought fully to the surface as he was eager to hear what she was about
to say. He asked,"What have you decided?"
"I am going to have the baby. It will destroy my relationship with Deiran,
in fact, it already has. So I will be alone. Therefore, since I must bear the child, I
think you should raise it." To her this seemed logical.
He was shocked by this and asked for clarification,"You will keep our baby
and then just give it over to me once he or she is born?"
"This seems logical to me. You want me to have the baby and not abort it.
So, you may have custody of it once it is born." She looked at him. It
seemed the simplest solution. After all, Deiran was adamant that she not
keep it.
"You'll need to stay with it until it's done with breast feeding right?' He
was staring at her astounded.
"Babies can be fed by bottle, Eric." She said with a grin.
"Initially at times they cannot be fed by bottles." He pointed out.
"I am not abandoning it, just giving you custody." She pointed out.
"Alright, will Deiran allow you to visit our child then or what?"
"What do you mean allow?" She said, her eyes misting a little. "I .. I am
a free person how can he NOT allow?"
"I"m sorry, it's just that him not wanting you to keep it might mean he'll
try and discourage you visiting him or her."
"I am sure he will, if I even give him a say in the matter." She snapped.
She immediately colored. "I am sorry. I seem to be so emotional of late and it
is not an easy situation. He wanted me to abort it or adopt it out. Plus, I
cannot] even let him know you are the father or he will pull strings to make sure you
are either destroyed as an officer or far far away."
"Thank you for covering for me. No need to be sorry, I am the reason you are
in this situation to begin with. Feel free to snap at me."he added with a
reassuring smile.
"Oh don't worry. I am sure I will be cursing your name during labor at the
very least. AS for covering for you, I didn't do it for you. I did it for
the baby and the fact that I don't want murder on my conscious." She said
very seriously.
"Understood. Thank you for our baby's sake then. I'll count on you cursing
my name during labor."
Michala stared at him for a long moment as an uneasy silence rose between
them. "I guess I will be going then." She said with a tight smile.
He looked to her and asked,"Still friends?"
"I haven't decided to be honest. It has been pointed out to me that you have
a habit of using alcohol to bed women." She answered quietly. "It doesn't
sit well with me."
He looked at her shocked and asked,"Is two women in my entire life a habit?"
"If you used alcohol for that purpose, then two is to many." She answered
automatically.
"That wasn't my purpose, it ended up that way. It was never meant to happen
just because of alchohol. Ours was the only one that was not meant to
happen."
"Eric, think about what you just said. First, that you meant to seduce
Anika. Second, if that is what happened with Anika, then what did you think
would happen if you drank again with me?"
"I did not mean to seduce Anika or you. i just thought I'd have a drink with
a friend when I was drinking with you."He was frustrated his words had come
out wrong.
"Well, what is done is done. I won't let Deiran know so he can't pursue that
viewpoint. I will be okay, and I will sort this out. I have an appointment
with the chief counselor coming up. But you agree, you will take custody of
the baby if I decide that is what I want to do?" She wanted to be sure they
agreed on this.
"Yes, I will. Please know I did not plan this or anything of the sort."
"I will try to keep that in mind." She said quietly. She kissed him on the
cheek and left his quarters, more confused then when she entered.
He smiled slightly as she left. He then sat down and thought long and hard
about what his life would be soon. "Confessions"
by Lt. Michala Lynn
and Ensign John Drake "Transporter Effect"
by Madame Kiye (Ed) "Endings and Beginnings"
by Ensign Anika Crowe
and Lt. Eric Odin
Lieutenant jg Drake Tarsonis
Helmsman, USS Galaxy
"Encounter in the Observation Lounge"
by Michala Lynn
and Madame Kiye (Ed) "Arrival at Bajor"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price