"Something to go by."
by Lt. Commander Peterson
with additions by Captain Price
After about an hour it became increasingly obvious that Professor Ganod had invested a lot of time in to his research. He had a large number of field journals which he recorded studying the archives of several worlds, from Cardassia Prime to Decilia VII. The references he cited and copied came from ancient manuscripts and modern documents alike. It was definitely an ambitious effort to say the least, especially without the benefit of a starship.
"Computer," Kent said as he leaned back in to his chair, "search through the research package sent by Professor Ganod. Reference all mentions of an artifact known as the Stone of Tears and compare with any known records in the Federation database."
["Working ...."] the computer responded. After a few moments it beeped several times. ["Search complete. Stone of Tears, legendary artifact mentioned in the Second Habitian Period poem, 'Out of the dark'. Written by Elim Rekor."]
The reference was only literary, not scientific nor historical, but Human archaeologist Herman Schliemann had proven that literary sources were not to be readily discounted. If anything, it was the only Federation record that mentioned the artifact in question, so it merited a try.
"Is there a copy of the poem in the cultural database?"
["Affirmative."]
"Analyze the poem and highlight any passages referring to the Stone of Tears, include any descriptions of the artifact itself and any mentions of people or places," he request, prompting the computer to beep a few times. "Then compare those to any known historical persons or actual place names. Save the analysis and notify me when completed."
The computer whaled and beeped several times as it processed the parameters of the request.
Lieutenant Commander Peterson turned to some more of Ganod's research as the computer worked through the analysis. It was time that he looked at the actual planets mentioned by the Cardassian professor in his discussions with both himself and Captain Price.
The first record that the scientist came to was from Kelmor IV. The average-sized M-class planet was home to your typical early warp-capable civilization. The Kelmorians had achieved a high enough level of social advancement to overcome their differences, forming a planetary government at the end of the last century. There were, until recently, two primary religious and several minor ones, some of which had existed almost as long as the Bajoran belief in the Celestial Temple. It was a start.
"Computer, access the Federation General Survey for mention of a Gamma Quadrant planet, Kelmor IV," Peterson said as he read through the professor's research notes on the planet. There was a lot of information including descriptions before and after the arrival of the 'Word'.
["Kelmor IV. Fourth planet of the Kelmor system. Gamma Quadrant. Home of the Kelmorians. Planetary population, 3.5 billion people. First surveyed by the United Federation of Planets after the USS Rio Grande completed a planetary survey in 2372. First contact made by Commander Kathryn Michaels of the USS Coronado in 2372 ..."]
"Computer, stop," Kent said as the computer began to recite every detail mentioned in the library computer access and retrieval system. "Were there any reports of a religious movement known as 'The Word' prior to first contact with the Federation?"
The computer beeped. ["Negative."]
"And after 2372?"
The computer beeped once again. ["Affirmative."]
The Human nodded. "Was any religious, social, or political instability on the planet at that time?"
["Negative."]
"Is there any mention of first contact between Kelmor IV and Decilia VII?"
["Affirmative."]
"When?"
["In 2370."]
"Computer, are there any references to 'The Word' on planets mentioned in Professor Ganod's research prior to 2372?"
["Affirmative."]
"Run an analysis and plot when the first appearance of 'The Word' occurred on those planets. Display at this terminal."
Lieutenant Commander Peterson glanced down at the computer report. Unlike the indigenous population of Kelmor IV, the other six planets mentioned in Ganod's research made first mention of 'The Word' years before Madame Kiye was assumed the position of prophetess on Decilia VII. So what was the common link?
["Literary analysis complete."] the computer said as it notifies, per request, that it had finished analyzing the Cardassian poem from the Second Habitian Period.
The chief science officer looked down at the desktop console and tapped a button. Bringing up the analysis he took a few moments to see that it was virtually a dead end. Although the Stone of Tears was mentioned it was a simile used to convey a concept to the Cardassian readers. Perhaps it was to instill a sense of mystery, or fear, but the meaning to a 24th century Human was lost to history.
Leaning back in his chair the lieutenant commander returned to his train of thought before the computer interrupted him. The Decilian religious movement appeared on several worlds over a period of centuries. In each instance Madam Kiye herself had not been involved or even mentioned. That was not surprising since most had occurred before her lifetime.
"Computer, how far away from the Decilia VII is Kelmor IV?"
["Kelmor IV is 7.9 light years away from the Decilia VII."]
"Computer, take in to consideration all planets where 'The Word' has appeared. What is the traveling distances from these planets and Decilia= VII?"
["All planets are within forty light years of Decilia VII."]
So there was at least a limit to the influence of 'The Word=92, which appeared to be limited within a forty light year distance of the Decilian home world. Still, that in itself did not say too much. It was not unreasonable to assume that the Decilian faith had spread to worlds close to it, even though the rate of acceptance did still seem to be a mystery.
"Computer, send a subspace message to Cardassia Prime, requesting permission to interface with their central archives."
["Working ..."]
As Peterson continued to work the desktop console on his desk change visuals. Instead of the last analysis the computer had completed there was the image of an old Cardassian male looking back at him as the Human scientist worked.
["You were trying to access the central archives."] the Cardassian gruffed. Old enough to remember the glory days of the Cardassian Union, before the Dominion arrived, the archivist seemed none too pleased to be reminded of the fact in the face of the Federation officer. ["State your purpose."]
"My apologies," Kent said as he straightened up his posture, "I am Lieutenant Commander Peterson of the Federation starship Galaxy."
["I don't care who you are. You cannot simply connect to this database. You have to send a request to the Science Ministry ..."]
*** The next morning: Captain's Ready Room ***
The Australian starship commander looked up to see his chief science officer walk in to the Ready Room with a serious expression on his face. He had only known Lieutenant Commander Peterson for a couple of months, but he did not look as relaxed as usual. Peterson straightened his blue-trimmed uniform before stopping in front of the Captain's desk.
The gray-haired command officer leaned back in to his chair. "Been up for a better part of the night, 'mate?" Lee said with a playful tone in his voice.
Kent ran his fingers through his brown hair. "You could say that, sir," he said, replying with a smile. "I've been busy working through the research from Professor Ganod. Suffice to say he has certainly collected enough information on the Decilians and this 'Word' movement."
Price extended his hand towards the seat on the other side of the desk and the younger man sat down.
"What's your impression of him, 'Commander?" Lee asked. He had heard what the Cardassian archaeologist had to say but, unlike himself, Peterson had the chance to look through the bulk of his research.
"I'm no counselor Captain, but my impression of Professor Ganod is that he is a very protective man. Almost bordering on paranoid to some small degree. When you look through the effort he would have put in to this type of research, well I guess I can almost understand. He does definitely appear to be a very focused man."
Lee nodded. "So, what did you find?"
The chief science officer pushed a PADD across the shiny black surface of the Captain's desk. Without saying a word the commanding officer picked it up, allowing the scientist to begin a report on his evaluation.
"The Stone of Tears is definitely a reference to an ancient artifact. The Cardassian book from the First Habitian Period on Cardassia is supplemented by a literary reference during the Second Habitian Period. There was also a replica of the artifact made in jevonite, but I can only assume from Ganod's research and descriptions that outwardly it was a faithful copy of the same artifact. Regardless, the replica was removed by the Central Command about twelve years ago to fund the war effort against the= Federation."
"I see," Price remarked. Like Peterson, he was in Starfleet long enough to remember a time prior to 2367 when the United Federation of Planets and the Cardassian Union. Still, no one could have foreseen at the end of the last decade that they would align themselves with a Gamma Quadrant power and yet another war.
"The references to the Stone of Tears do describe a legendary piece of jewelry, an amulet, that is capable of extraordinary abilities. An analysis of the books and scrolls brought by Professor Ganod confirm the various ages of his sources. Further analysis of the documents in question also confirm that many were not Cardassian in origin, although they do not describe how they arrived on Cardassian Prime. Since the Bajoran wormhole was only discovered several years ago, it raises the question of how it got there, though it is something that is irrelevant I believe."
"So the references to the Stone of Tears do appear to be accurate," Captain Price remarked.
"That much is for certain."
"What about this religious movement, 'The Word'?"
"The first mention of 'The Word' is not as old as the references to the Stone of Tears, however, it does appear within a short period of time there after. By all accounts 'The Word' is a Decilian religious movement based on peace. The information is sketchy, but in the last few centuries this religious movement has spread to seven other planets within forty light years of Decilia VII."
Lieutenant Commander Peterson took a breath, allowing Captain Price to digest the information he had been given. "In each case there were no commonalities between these planets. The differed on population size, technology level, biology, and religious organization. Each embraced 'The Word' regardless of political or religious stability. Some abandoned their indigenous belief systems, regardless of age, and other began accepting this religious belief where there had been none before. Personally I found that instance particularly odd."
"Ganod mentioned that in each case," Lee recalled from earlier, "the Decilian prophetess as the time had visited each planet. Is there a link at all there?"
"The only one as far as I can see," Kent nodded. "Every planet that now accepts 'The Word' was visited by the Decilian prophetess, the most recent being Kelmor IV. The Decilians and Kelmorian had made contact several years before a Decilian delegation arrived, but there was no mention of 'The Word'. The Decilian prophetess was on the delegation and within a year the entire planet had fully accepted the religious movement."
"And the other planets?"
"Basically the same. Happy go lucky and everything working fine. The comes the Decilian prophetess and," Kent said, "there you go ... the planet accepts an alien religion. Some were a little sketchy, but records during the year after each visit is always a little vague, almost as though they were censored. I cannot find any other explanation."
"But that doesn't mean that this Stone of Tears is behind it all."
"Agreed. However it happens, the Decilian prophetess brings a planet her homegrown religion of peace and within a short time they accept it. That could be simply because she is an influential speaker."
"But as you pointed out," Lee remarked, "there was the planet without any organized religious beliefs at all."
"True. While six of the seven planets already had some religious systems, I find it difficult to believe that a planet without a religious belief system would suddenly changed centuries of tradition," Kent said in agreement. It was definitely something he found in the package that did stand out to him as being very odd. "The possibly could be that perhaps the Decilians chose their prophetess for some latent ability, possibly psionic in nature."
"Like how the Trill screen their people for suitability with joining."
"Exactly," the Denver-born scientist said. "However, another possibility could be that they look for the ability to form the power of suggestion. It is known that some sub-vocal frequencies increase this ability."
Lee nodded. Although it was all speculation, at least the lieutenant commander had thought about some possibilities to explain the unusual findings from Ganod's research. "If the Stone of Tears is real, regardless of a latent ability, could such a device actually be used in the manner our guest mentioned?"
Kent paused for a moment. Although he was still less than convinced he did have an answer for Captain Price. "Funny you should mentioned that. Looking through the Federation database I did come across something which might suggest a such a device could actually work."
"Go on."
"More than a thousand years ago the ancient Vulcans constructed a device capable of harnessing and focusing mental energy to be used as a weapon. Now according to the computer, this Stone of Gol was destroyed by the V'Shar several years ago after a group of mercenaries found the artifact to be real and attempted to piece it together. Unfortunately there are no sensor scans of the artifact. I cannot say with any certainty whether or not the Stone of Gol was capable of doing what they claimed."
Lee nodded, "I remember hearing something of that incident. The Enterprise was involved if my recollection is correct."
"That is correct sir. While it's not necessarily relevant to this Stone of Tears, it does help to point out that there are powerful technologies out there that we still do not understand." Peterson explained, "It would be unscientific to dismiss the alleged powers of this Decilian amulet without considering that it could poses properties that we have yet come to understand."
The Captain gave a nod. "And what is your personal feeling on all this 'mate?"
Kent looked at the Captain a moment. "Granted I have not spent the number of years Professor Ganod has on researching this stone Captain, and a lot of my input has been based on works the Archeologist has personally compiled, but I must say I am leaning towards Ganod's assertion that something isn't right here. To imagine entire worlds abandoning their native religions, or a world that has no religion so readily embracing an alien one so quickly and completely doesn't seem possible without some unexplained element influencing the conversion. Maybe this Stone of Tears is that influence. Or maybe it is nothing more then a faery tale, and something else is responsible. But it does stand out as not being right with what we have observed on other worlds throughout the galaxy."
"Fair dinkum 'mate. I will have security keep a close eye on Madame Kiye and her aide Tarie. We are half way through the negotiations with the Federation. Hopefully we can get through the next few days and get the Prophetess back to her homeworld without incident. I know I don't need to remind you how important it is to Starfleet to secure an agreement with the Decilians to become their new allies. It would mean controlling both ends of the Bajoran wormhole and give the Federation a foothold in the Gamma quadrant. That can go a long way towards ensuring we don't ever have to face the Dominion again in the Alpha quadrant."
"Yes Captain, I understand that, and I agree on the missions importance and potential outcome. And to be honest, even if this Stone does have some strange abilities we don't understand just yet, it's influence seems to be limited to the immediate area within 40 light years of Decilia VII. For now I think it would be best to simply watch and observe what happens going forward." Peterson explained.
"I concur 'Commander. I will let Professor Ganod know of our findings. I'm sure he will not be pleased that we don't find Madame Kiye to be the threat that he insists she poses to the Alpha quadrant should a support agreement between her world and the Federation come to be." Lee stated.
"It could be he just doesn't want to see the Cardassians loose their sponsorship of the Prophetess' world Captain. Just as the Decilian system is strategically important to the Federation in keeping an eye on the Dominion in the Gamma Quadrant, it is just as important to the Cardassian Union." Kent pointed out.
Lee nodded. "I considered that. But I must admit, I don't find my instincts of Professor Ganod as being more concerned with his governments position in all of this as much as wanting to stop the Prophetess and destroy the Stone of Tears. He almost seems obsessed with it."
"That was my impression too sir. Good luck at telling the Professor we aren't going to take the amulet away from the Prophetess as he would like us to do." Peterson smiled getting up.
Lee returned the grin. "I'm sure that will be an interesting conversation alright. But whatever the significance is of this Stone of Tears, and whatever powers it does or doesn't have, it is definitely the property of the Prophetess of Decilia VII. It's not our place to just take it and destroy it out of the fear and allegations of a few people. There will be no witch hunts taking place today. Not under my command."
"Very good sir." Kent nodded.
"Thanks for seeing to this research 'mate. Your input helped greatly. G'day." The Captain dismissed.
"Good day Captain." Peterson acknowledged before exiting the Captain's office.
"A Feverish Night of Love"
by Commander Thomas
First Officer
USS Galaxy
Commander Thomas returned to his quarters after finishing his bridge watch duty. He was worn out, two bridge watches in the same day. He'd actually had 5 bridge watches in three days so that was rough.
Chris was tried and dirty, he really needed a shower. With the events of the days it wasn't hard to get dirty, even in a clean environment like the Galaxy. He needed to get rid of the smell as well.
Chris stepped into the shower to clean up.
He was washing his hair when he heard the door open and felt someone else step into the shower with him. It wasn't very often that one could always take a real shower without worrying about time.
In this case they would take one together.
Anna washed his back for him first after he'd finished up with his hair. Next was his arms and legs, she was methodical about getting him clean. He enjoyed when she would help him clean up in the shower. Then he would of course return the favor.
Finally she had him turn around to face her, and she started with his chest, then his stomach and you can guess what came next. He hands went to wash him there, his inner thighs and between his legs.
When she finished washing him, he felt thoroughly clean.
Now it was his turn to wash her down. First he rinsed himself off and then stepped around her so that she could be closer to the water.
Chris followed similar pattern and washed her from head to toe.
** Later **
Now that he felt refreshed he could get some work done.
Chris went to his desk to work on some paper work.
** 20 minutes later **
"Dear are you ever going to come to bed, this year?" she asked.
"I will be there when I am done, hun." Chris said as he sat at his desk.
"But I am getting cold without you." she stated.
"Cold without me?" Chris said. "How the room's temperature is set to a comfortable level."
"Maybe in there!" Anna said.
"Oh." Chris said as he continued to work at his desk, then pulled up the environmental controls for his room.
"Yes. Please come here."
"Ok, I'll be there in a minute." Chris said as he finished up his work.
"Ok, but hurry I can't wait much longer." she said in a sultry voice.
The tone of her voice caught his attention and made him quickly finish up what he was doing at the moment, everything else could wait.
Chris entered their bedroom. He noticed the room was much cooler then the rest of the quarters. She was hiding under the covers at the moment.
"It is cooler in here, is there something wrong with the environmental controls?" Chris asked as he walked over to the wall panel.
"No nothing's wrong." she said tossing the cover to one side.
A slow smiled appeared on Chris's face as he saw his wife laying there on the bed. She was the most important thing in his life now and in the future. He'd fallen in love with her on the very first day they'd met. Of course he didn't tell her that he loved her or was in love with her until later. His previous married life and events surrounding it had left him in a state of confusion for a long time.
"I can see why you'd be cold." Chris said. "With nothing on you might catch cold."
"Well then you'd better get in here and keep me warm." she said with a little tap on the bed. An invitation that one couldn't refuse.
Chris was about ready to climb into bed when she gave him a dirty look. Oh yes he said to himself as he returned to standing next to the bed. He needed to take his clothes off first before getting into bed.
Removing his clothes before joining her would make things a lot easier later on in the night. He slowly removed his shirt and then his pants were next to go. The last piece of clothing came off, leaving him just hanging there.
"Well..." she said.
Chris didn't waste anymore time he jumped into bed with her.
They started out by caressing each other's body.
Chris ran his hands across the small of her back, then he begin rubbing her back. He enjoyed giving his wife massages as a way to relax and loosen up. It allowed her to become more acceptive to any approach.
Minutes passed as he continued to rub her back. He would occasionally run his hand between her but checks after having dropped lotion droplets on her back and butt. This was the opening round that would eventually lead them to making love.
** Much Later **
Chris and Anna feel fast asleep, sweating and exhausted.
"Inner Thoughts"
by Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy
Chris spent an hour awake wondering about their life. Then he was able to get to sleep next to his wonderful wife.
** Morning. **
He and Anna had made passionate love that night. Now it was a new day and time to get things started.
Chris looked at Anna as she laid there on the bed still sleeping. He had to get to work in a short amount of time, but she could and would likely sleep a few more hours. The exercises from last night had severed many purposes, and some might never be know.
The only two people who knew that they were trying to create a new life last night was Anna and himself once she wisped the idea into his ear. They both wanted kids, but until now they'd held off trying to get pageant, because of his career. They now were in agreement about starting a family.
Even if last night didn't bring luck they were still going to keep trying, but the whole idea was also enjoy themselves.
Chris looked at Anna again and then got up from the bed, still wearing what he went to bed in last night. They were both lucky to have found each other in their lives.
He decided to go make some breakfast for himself and he would make some for her if she woke up. However he doubt she'd be up until later in the morning. It was after all still earlier in the morning right now, as he would be heading off for Alpha shift work.
Commander Thomas got dressed it was time to go to work.
"What a Mess You've Made?"
by Commander Thomas
First Officer
USS Galaxy
Commander Thomas decided that enough time had passed between the time Mr. Jamson attacked the holodeck and being placed in the brig that he should talk with the man. Which of course security was also suppose to be doing and making a report on the incident.
Engineering reported that the holodeck repairs were coming along slowly as planned. It would still require another day before the holodecks could be brought back on-line. A plan that he and 'commander Suder had put together. The idea was to make everyone aware of the seriousness of their actions on the holodeck.
Which reminded him that he needed to complete a speech to the crew about proper holodeck usage. He would get to that right after he spoke with 'commander Jamson about his actions on the holodeck.
At the moment he needed to speak with 'commander Jamson and then he could return to other ship duties.
Commander Thomas stepped onto the turbolift and said 'brig'.
** Brig **
Commander Thomas entered the ship's brig.
He saw that the cell where Mr. Jamson was suppose to be was empty.
"Where is Lt. Commander Jamson!" Commander Thomas demanded when he found out he was no longer in the brig.
"Captain Price and Madame Kiye came down here, she spoke with him and then the next thing we know the captain orders us to release him." the security officer said.
"What!" Commander Thomas couldn't believe this comment.
"See for yourself commander." the security officer said, inviting him to come around and take a look at the security monitors in the brig. They were unreasonable camera feeds of all the security brig cells on the ship.
Commander Thomas stepped around the desk to see what the security officer wanted to show him.
"See, sir." the officer said.
Chris watched the tape play with his attention focused on what was transpiring in front of him. He watched with a careful eye.
"That's it, then they all left. Madame Kiye and Mr. Jamson, the captain by himself." the officer said.
"Interesting." he said.
"Replay the tape." he said.
Chris watched again as it looked normal to begin with, then it changed. "Go back slowly." he said.
"Aye sir." the security officer said sending the feed to play back slowly.
Chris again watched the feed.
"Stop it there." he said.
The image froze, "back up 15 seconds."
The image marched back 15 seconds.
Madame Kiye was playing with the necklace while talking to 'Commander Jamson, just before his transformation to a clam man. This was very weird and made little sense to him at the moment, but it was a problem.
If what he was seeing was true and the captain had been some how influenced to making a decision then he might have to relieve the captain from his duties.
"Anything else sir?"
"Yes forward that tape to the chief's of security, medical, science and counseling." Commander Thomas said. "Oh and myself." he added.
"Aye sir."
"Thank you ensign." Chris said. Now he had to turn his attention to the captain.
"Computer where is Captain Price!" Commander Thomas demanded. This was one of the reasons why he'd been assigned to the Galaxy as a Starfleet Liaison to prevent this sort of flagrant disregard for Starfleet procedure.
"The captain is currently in the science office." the computer said.
Well then I guess that's were I am heading. Commander Thomas exited the brig and headed straight for the captain.
"Correction the captain has left the science office." the computer updated.
Alright then I guess I'll just have to follow him for the moment.
Forget that he said to himself, he needed to speak with the captain about the 'commander's release right now and get some answers. He walked over to a security panel and removed type 1 phaser for precautions. "Computer initiate a site to site transport. Beam me directly to Captain Price's current location." the commander ordered.
This was unorthodox method of reaching the captain, but the captain had some explaining to do or he was going to order security to re-arrest Lt. Commander Jamson at once. If he had to take that action he would do so, but it would create a lot of complications to be dealt with later.
"Traffic Jam"
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
Chief Counselor/Nurse
Madame Kiye
Prophetess of Decilia VII
USS Galaxy
***Corridors, USS Galaxy***
Karyn absentmindedly moved down the corridor, having just picked up the latest incident report regarding Lt. Commander Jamson from sickbay. She'd contemplated getting rid of the Cardassian-like disguise before meeting him, but decided to continue with the ruse, thinking it might help vent his emotions regarding them. It was the only thing that Karyn could think of that would upset Jamson like this, but what had happened this time that had set him off as compared to the other times they were confronted with visiting Bajor? Karyn shook her head. At any rate, Jeral had suggested a psych eval, and seeing as how Karyn seemed to be the only one Michael would speak to, Karyn was headed to get some answers.
So engrossed was she in her report that she hadn't noticed the other grav-chair coming toward her. Before she knew it, she had collided squarely into the piece of machinery and was looking into the steel eyes of Madame Kiye, their esteemed guest and temporary spiritualist. "Oh, Prophetess! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me, I didn't see you coming. Are you hurt?" Karyn chided herself, here she was trying to avoid the religious leader having no desire to be converted and instead she had smashed right into her!
The Prophetess laughed, "I'm fine, really! It's funny, you were so graceful on your mechanical legs. And you ride your chair into the walls..." She looked over the two hoverchairs. "No harm done, dear."
Karyn wasn't sure if the Prophetess was making fun or not, but before she made some sarcastic remark about how boring it had been to be so straight and narrow without flaws and had decided to open herself up to being HUMAN, she decided it wouldn't be very diplomatic and just smiled instead.
"I'm not used to having someone else aboard who uses one of these," she said, gesturing to her chair. In truth most people knew to get out of Karyn's way as she frequently wasn't focused on 'driving.' "Are your quarters meeting your needs?" She was speaking as one grav-chair bound person to another and hoped it would help her avoid a discussion of religion. But the prophetess it seemed, could sense her discomfort and seemed to be searching her soul for pain long buried. What was it about religious leaders that made them such great readers of people? They could cut through all the crap and get to the heart of matter in mere seconds.
Karyn resisted the urge to bite her lip, prepared to get much more than she bargained for from the simple question. She was under the microscope here and it was a position she wasn't used to being in.
Madame Kiye didn't fail to see the subtext of the counsellor's question. "My quarters are suitable. Actually, they are quite luxurious, compared to my usual travel accomodations."
She looked at the younger woman. "I don't mean to be overly sensitive, but there seems to be something bothering you. It's almost as if you see me as a sort of interloper..."
Karyn smiled, choosing her words carefully, "Not at all, Madame, I quite respect your beliefs even if I choose not to accept them as my own. I particularly admire the way you can read people and help to ease suffering, you and I try to do much the same thing as a matter of fact. But I would be doing this crew a disservice if I accepted that faith was enough to heal emotional pain alone."
She couldn't seem to shake her feelings of concern. Perhaps she was a bit jealous that the woman was infringing on what was normally her responsibility, but it didn't stop her woman's intuition from kicking in all the same. Something was off, she could feel it just by observing the atmosphere aboard ship...
Nodding in agreement, the Prophetess said, "Yes, the problem with most religious counsellors is their limitation to a specific set of religious doctrine. The Word is perhaps unusual, in that it is in many ways simply a set of philosophical tools meant to help a person *help herself* through life's difficulties."
Not letting her diplomatic smile leave her face, Karyn replied, "How wonderful for you and the people who believe in the Word. I'm sure we have much we can learn from each other."
"I'm sure you find," stated Madame Kiye, "that some of your patients seem to almost pursue a life of emotional chaos. Our priestesses see it every day. The Word is their bearer, yet they still carry their own things."
She nodded her head in agreement. "Free will is both a blessing and a curse, isn't it? But I'm sure you'll agree someone has to use it. If you'll please excuse me Madame, one of my 'flock' seeks my counsel."
"Of course, " replied Madame Kiye, though the smile didn't reach her eyes. She could sense the younger woman's suspicions, though in a pathetic sort of way, the counselor actually believed she was good at disguising her sarcasm. It was of no importance to the prophetess. The Word could not help those who did not want to be helped. She said her goodbyes and continued on her way.
Karyn for her part felt somewhat guilty about her treatment of the prophetess, but something about the way she said things rubbed Karyn the wrong way. More importantly, Karyn got the impression that the older woman knew Karyn was on to her and just didn't care.
Karyn shrugged and allowed her inner voice to make amused commentary on things she wouldn't alllow her conscious to consider remotely amusing. *Perhaps Jamson can give me advice on diplomacy.*
"If You Know Jamson As I Know Jamson"
Lt. Commander Karyn Dallas RN
Chief Counselor/Nurse
with an authorized appearance by:
Captain Robert Price
Commanding Officer
USS Galaxy
***Outside Captain's Ready Room, USS Galaxy***
Karyn pressed the chime to the Captain's Ready Room and waited to be admitted. She had calmed down considerably since the time prior to Jamson's appointment, but her initial anger at being second guessed had given way to serious concerns about the current mission and their diplomatic guests.
She heard Price call for her to enter and she did, taking one last opportunity to smooth her Decilian garb and to calm her thoughts.
"Hello Counselor," greeted Price as he came around his desk to meet her, "what brings you here 'mate?" He gestured for her to move to the seating area so they could have more privacy. He knew they needed privacy because Karyn never came to him unless she had concerns about a member of the crew or as was the case shortly after Jaime's death, when she was counseling him.
"Captain, I'm here in regards to Lt. Commander Jameson. I've just finished evaluating him and I can tell you, I'm still not sure I can believe what I observed."
She had known something was up the minute she learned the Captain had released Jamson without Michael being examined by a doctor or a counselor. It wasn't so much that he had been released without her knowledge that bothered her, though it was certainly one of two evils, but given the nature of his transgressions, Michael had been able to convince of his repentance so easily. Lee had known Jamson much longer than she had, and had probably overlooked his character flaws because he could get the job done, but given Michael's attitude and recent behavior, Lee's actions didn't jive with what she expected of him as a Captain or as a man.
Then she had an opportunity to witness first hand what she had only noticed in passing days earlier; the gradual conversion of members of the Galaxy crew. Certainly people were free to believe what they wanted believe and to become educated about whatever they wished, but if her uneasiness about the prophetess had been subtle, Jamson personality transformation had been about as subtle as a two by four right between the eyes.
"I have no idea why or how it happened, but the man I saw in my office today was not the Jamson I've known for the past year. He was completely repentant, but not only that, he spoke of peace and calm at having found the Word. I don't have to tell you what Jamson was like before, and at first I thought it was just an act to save his career and that he would drop it as soon as he was in the clear. I expected he would reveal his ruse to me today as he trusts me and loves to show me how clever he can be, but he didn't do that. He was quiet and cooperative, he even acknowledged what he did to the holodeck and Lt. Sanchez completely without passing blame as he usually does. I would've suspected deception, except even his body language revealed someone at peace and ready to help others. I don't care how good an actor he is, he can say one thing and behave one way and I can always sense he's just trying to push his feelings further down in ways he thinks I won't notice, but today even his body language suggested he felt as at peace as he claimed he was. This would be fine, except I don't believe it for a second."
Michael, if she could even still refer to him as Michael, since she was suspecting the man she saw wasn't Michael at all, had done a complete three hundred and sixty degree turn in regards to attitude, claiming to have found peace and solace in the Decilian word. A week ago Jamson hadn't been able to find peace in anything, much less a philosophy he'd known about for a few days. His prejudices and anger ran so deep that it had hardened his personality to its very core. Therapy at this stage in the game wasn't about teaching him to be kinder and gentler, but simply how to handle his emotions so the painful things couldn't cripple him forever.
The peaceful, gentle soul she had observed was not the hardened, angry and bitter man she had seen every week since he'd come aboard, and no amount of preaching was going to convince her he'd turned the corner genuinely or even willingly.
"I can honestly say without a shred of doubt in my mind, that something else is going on here, and I believe the prophetess is responsible in some way. Prior to his release, Jamson was just as angry and bitter as ever. As a matter of fact, after his confrontation with Sanchez and then with you, security wouldn't let me get near him until they felt he had calmed down enough not to pose a threat to me. Then I receive word the prophetess has visited Michael and he has calmed down enough, not only for visitors, but to be released. I had my suspicions of the prophetess before, but I thought it was my imagination. Now I feel as though someone or something is pulling the puppet strings, and as I watch people I've treated for months change their behavior before my very eyes, I feel we have to investigate further before things go too far."
"A Walk"
Lieutenant jg Drake Tarsonis
Helmsman, USS Galaxy
"Good night," said Drake to Tarie as she entered her quarters.
They both kissed passionately.
"I love you," said Drake.
"I love you too," replied Tarie.
Tarie entered her quarters and the doors shut. Drake walked down the corridor and thought about the recent message that he had received from Admiral Deckard. They needed a supervisor for the Perceval at Utopia Planitia and Drake was up for the job, but that woulkd mean that he would have to leave once the mission was done.
Drake entered the turbolift and told the computer to head to deck 2 where his quarters were. He thought more into the message...
"You should do it, Drake. You're gonna be the chief helmsman onboard anyways. They need a superviser to make sure nothing goes wrong and you're the main person to do it..."
Drake really had to think more serious about it. He'd first get some sleep. It had been a long day...
"Confusion"
By Ensign Autumn Jamieson with guest stars Madame Kiya and Zola Telari
Autumn moved down the hall. For the past two hours sitting in the lounge in Ten Forward all she had heard about was "THE WORD" and the great lady who was spreading it. 'Man people need lives if they believe everything they are told' She though to her self as she walked down towards her quarters. 'No religion could be that great.' Entering her appartment, she moved around the table cluttered with books and statuettes and stalked over to the computer console.
"Computer any luck with that link to my parents?"
Computer: Negative.
"Thanks computer" She got up and mover to the couch and pulled a cushion into her arms and thought back over the last few days... she had managed to make it to work on time.. She had enjoyed an afternoon with Wilhem even though it had been cut short and she had, had that awfull nightmare that night, and she still couldn't reach her parents. And if that wasn't enough half the crew were going religious!
What was the world coming to?
What next... Klingon's and the Romolian's becoming best of friends?
She couldn't stand working with Michala at this point in time because all she talked about was "THE WORD" and the prophetess and Autumn was getting down right sick of it.And she wasn't the only one. Zola, Matt, how many more would be taking up this silly religion. If one more person tried to bully her into going to the services she would do something downright mean <and not to mention deadly> to them. She wasn't sure what had sparked this little religious fevor but she didn't like it. She had heard rumors that the Cardassian's might have a problem with the Madame Kiya but she was dammed if she knew what it was. Oh well she was going to talk to the head of her Department about her thoughts... maybe he could help. And if that didn't work she'd go staright to the top. The General himself. But then again... what if he wouldn't listen... she had heard weird things... better go to the No-Nonsence Commander Thomas if all else failed. She walked towards her door and heard voices outside 'What the ...'. The door opened at her approach and she stepped through to see Madame Kiya.
"Merde! Cest n'est pas vrai! Pas elle!" She hissed in a low voice , the french word comming out horse and harsh. The older woman looked up and Autumn stopped dead in her tracks like a kangaroo in oncoming headlights. The older woman's hoverchair glided towards Autumn. Autumn knew that she couldn't move back into her room as it would be way to noticable. Among the group with the woman were a couplea of people Autumn had seen in Ten Forward. Zola ran up to her all happy.The others seemed just as happy.
"Autumn there you are! Come and meet Madame Kiya! She is just the best!" Shr tugged on Autumn's arm and tried to dragg her towards the woman. Autumn recolied from Zola and said
"Sorry Zola, not right now, I'm on my way to meet with Commander Maas important stuff to do tomorrow and the like.. and he wants to debrief me!" She pulled her arm free nodded to the woman and took off down the hall. She entered the turbolift with eyes shut. "Medbay" The lift wirred and she hoped it wouldn't break down.
“Ensign Corgan, the Fly (Flying Near a Spiderweb)”
By Ensign James Lionel Corgan
Security Officer, USS Galaxy
“Son of a bitch.” Ensign Corgan grumbled. Tapping the off button on the LCARS displays, a public schedule of the holodeck reserves dates winked out of existence. His zombie hunting program was inaccessible, at a time when he needed to blow some steam.
Worse yet, he couldn’t get access to holodeck three, where Jamson destroyed the area and nearly killed Lt. Sanchez in the process. It was a key area to investigate that he couldn’t enter.
Then, to add up to the whole heap of troubles that he faced, Lt. Cmdr. Savat was too busy with his duties to talk to Ensign Corgan about the mounting evidence he was gathering. Not only that, he wasn’t even supposed to be investigating on his free time without letting his superior officer know what was going on. He was in a whole lot of trouble, and he was only digging himself deeper.
He needed to clear his head, and get a new start. He needed to know what was starting this mass assimilation of the crew and why, before he became the last one left. He walked into a nearby turbolift and travelled elsewhere.
“Computer, deck 15.” Ensign Corgan requested.
The turbolift zipped through the corridors of the ship as Ensign Corgan re-assessed everything. This was something bigger than the ship itself. Yesterday, Jorial, the Bajoran militiaman he meet earlier at a conference, told Ensign Corgan about “The Word” being spread to a few of the Bajoran citizens. In effect, “The Word” had to be stopped somehow and fast.
He just didn’t know how. It was a thought that he pondered for a long time, but he had the restrictions of trying something in a clandestine fashion since he still has to tell Savat, and if he told Savat, it probably means he would have to suffer through some disiplinary action.
“I’m in too deep.” He thought, “I’m too deep into this mess. The Word may even take me over and I’m in so deep I can’t tell anybody… wait…
SOTEK!!!! Thank god! She’ll find a way! Wait… I know what she will say.”
Ensign Corgan imagined what Ensign Sotek would say. “It would be logical to turn yourself in.”, “Justice is important in a logical society.” and the ever so popular “The needs of the many outweight the needs of the few or the one.”
“Well, that bright idea was a dead end.” Ensign Corgan muttered.
With his last idea shot down by Vulcan predictability, he had to think of something else. Abruptly, the turbolift stopped and opened up. He stepped out, still deep in thought.
“What if I questioned some of the affected people?” He thought to himself, “Jamson, Michala Lynn, John Drake… they seem to be the most affected.”
Something dawned on him, a single thought, something that could be the piece of the puzzle. It came to him slowly, but he couldn’t make sense of it.
“Hmmmm…” He thought, “What could make those people so… susceptible to The Word? Hmmmm….
Rumors… Dr. Michala Lynn…
-Pregnant (daddy rumored to be Eric Odin)
-Used to be engaged to an @$$hole (see sub category Deiran Casey)
-Recently converted to “The Word” (see sub category “The Word”)
-Transporter accident.
-Rumored to be a friend of John Drake.
“Whoa. Her life’s a mess.”
Lt.Commander Jamson….
-Klingon wanna-be.
-Recently trashed the Holodeck and nearly killed Lt. Sanchez with a Bat’leth
- Recently converted to “The Word” (see sub category “The Word”)
“Next person…”
Ensign John Drake
-Intimately involved with Michala Lynn.
“He’s squeaky clean. Who else?”
Ensign Jeremy Cordon
-Suffers from depression.
“A connection?”
Ensign Electra Reese
-Self conscious about height, prone to breakdowns.
Lt Kelly… what’s her name?
-Rumored to be addicted to… something
Lt.Jg. Rebecca Von Erst.
-Prone to breakdowns
-Superior intellect
-Short, skinny and pixielike.
-She’s actually kinda cute… FOCUS!!!
-And the list goes on and on…
“Why am I thinking about all these people? They aren’t zombiefied by “The Word” yet.”
Ensign James Lionel Corgan
-Sexual Fetish Rumors (Sub Category)
-Psycho Rumors (Sub Category)
-Manic Depressive
-Post Tramatic Stress Disorder
-Now I can add “Paranoia”.
“What does this have to do with me?” As he entered his quarters, a thought slammed Ensign Corgan. Like a brick of gold pressed latinum, he was struck.
“REJECTS!” He yelled out, “I gotta warn them!”
He immediately dashed through the doors of his quarters, leaped into his desk and turned on the LCARS display of his computer. His fingers darted across the keypad, typing out every letter with rapid precision. After a minute of typing at 50 WPM, he read his warning letter.
“To all that it concerns:
Due to circumstances not under my control, you people may be vulnerable to the influences of the new religion known as “The Word”. “The Word” is not to be taken lightly. Be careful around Madam Kiye and do not read “The Word”. I am warning you for your own good. Stay away from “The Word”.
Ensign James Lionel Corgan”
“Computer,” Ensign Corgan asked, “Send this letter to the following crewmembers; Lieutenant Junior Grade Rebecca Von Erst, Ensign Electra Reese, Ensign Jeremy Cordon, Lieutenant Commander Jam…. WAIT! I can’t tell any of the converted, or I’ll be in trouble. Cancel Lieutenant Commander Jamson. Who else… Lieutenant Commander Savat… superior officer! I can’t tell him yet! Computer, just send it to everyone I listed except Lieutenant Commander Savat. Thank you.”
“Acknowledged,” The computer stated in its monochrome voice, “messages sent.”
“Thank god.” Ensign Corgan sighed, “I hope the message makes it on time. I have to compile more people vulnerable to this religion, and fast!”
Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder
"Around The Corner"
The Chief Engineer had travelled all over the ship, checking system after another. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. But he would have every system checked and double checked assuming he had the time. He read through the daily Engineering report as he walked along a rather long corridor. He looked up as he turned to his right to walk around a corner. He instantly stopped and stepped to the side so he could only just be seen down the corridor.
The security doors had opened and what seemed like a small party was stepping out into the corridor. Ethan instantly saw Captain Price and then Madame Kiya, one person he hadn't had the pleasure of meeting, and not one person he really wanted to meet anyway. Several security officers followed Madame Kiya out and then 'Commander Jamson stepped out. Ethan hid his surprise and curiosity and just watched as the small group began their travel down the corridor.
Ethan quickly walked down to the brig and entered the large room. Looking around, he saw an Ensign, stood at his post.
"Can I help?" he asked.
"No." Ethan replied stepping over to a conduit. He pulled open the access port and looked inside. Even at a quick glance, it didn't seem as if anything was out of place. Ethan replaced the panel and looked back at the Ensign who was still looking at the Chief Engineer.
Ethan left, heading for Engineering. He just assumed that 'Commander Jamson was being relocated. Even though he did seem so calm, calmer than usual. And for Madame Kiya to be there too. How odd. Still, Ethan shook the thoughts that were forming in his head and continued on his way to Engineering.
"Routine paperwork"
Lt Mike O'Grady
Counselor
Paperwork was a part of every counselor's day, and with his time with Nikki, and with the paperwork stacking up he fighred he had to do the reports and get them in.
So he'd stay late tonight and get the forms in and done.
Besides he wanted to get away from all this 'way' silliness that had been spreading around the ship like the ebola virus through a Refugee camp. Everyone was walking around babbling this woman's philosophies which were all recycled psycobabble and feel good fortune cookie garbage that made counselors look like idiots if they were to say that.
Michalea had not been in to see him in a while and he was getting worried about her, he had heard some rumors about her personal life and just wanted to check if she was ok and happy.
If she was then cool. But he had to at least be concerend. So far he wasn't
Getting up he tossed down another padd and tried for another cup of coffee, if he had one more he'd shake apart.
However he tried to stay awake.
A losing battle.
Smoke gets in your eyes.....
Ensign Danok
NPC Mr X
NPC Nurse
"Computer, deck 36" Danok said in his calm Vulcan voice. The turbolift whirled. The doors opened and Danok with his hands behind his back thinking of several problems he had to solve. One of them was the Main deflector. A team of enginering people had to check, check and dubble check every inch of the system. One of the things he had to do is look over the alternate rerouting abilities of the backup system.
Danok opened one of the jeffries tube entrances and tried to crawl in. "Hey smileface !!! should you not be in enginering ?" Said a voice behind him. Danok turned round and saw someone disappear in the turbo lift. He had no idea who it was. Danok ignored it and craweld in.
"Computer, are subsystems alfa one to alfa eleven in use ?" The computer beeped "Negative, mentioned subsystems are for backup only." That was what he needed to know. He opened a service hatch, and wanted to grab inside for the icoliniar chips but was hit by a plasma stream. Violently he was trown back and hit his head on one of pipes. He looked at his burned hand and try to maintain his pokerface. A dermal regenerator didn't help in this case, not that he had one on him.
"Computer, verify that subsystems alfa one to alfa eleven are not in use." Again the computer beeped. "Negative, backup systems are in place and operating within normal parameters." Danok tapped his communicator. "Danok to...." His communicator had melted ! He closed te panel and craweld out the tube. In the normal light of the coridore he saw his uniform was heavyly burned too.
He felt somthing tickling in his face. He reached out to see what it was. It was green, his blood has flowing from a head wound. "I hit my head harder than I tought." he tough by himself. He entered the turbo lift. "Computer, sickbay."
As he entered sickbay a nurse looked up and was amazed. "Ohhh docter Danok, what did you do ?" Danok looked at the nurse. "I had a small accident, as you can see I will need to replicate a new uniform and a commbadge." The nurse walked up to him. "Are you kidding, you look trashed come on sit here I will take care of you." Danok walked to one of the biobeds and sat down.
"Okie, lets see that hand of yours. Does this hurt ?" Danok didn't move a muscle. "Hummm strange how about this ?" She twisted his hand counter clockwise and again Danok didn't move. "Alo ? Danok, does it hurt I ask you ?" He looked at the nurse and raised an eyebrow. "You just twisted a hand with firtst, second and third degree plasma burns in an unnatural position. And then ask if it hurts, I believe that is an illogical question. Now, please treat my injuries or shall I do it myself ?"
The nurse looked angry at Danok, she tried to do her best and got snapped at. She didn't talk no more and just treated Danoks injuries so he could get on his way. Back in his room Danok got himself a new uniform. He was dressing himself when his eye felt on the large holo emitter he had installed on the ceiling. Then he got an idea......
"Why is 'Commander Jamson on the Loose!"
by Commander Thomas
& Captain Price
He wanted answers from the captain, which might include having him sent to sickbay for a medical exam if he was acting funny. Releasing the 'commander on the word of the ambassador Kiye was just plan stupid. It made no logical sense either.
Commander Thomas felt the transporter beam engulf him and then deposit him right in front of the captain's current path.
"Tired of using the turbolift Commander?" Lee asked rather surprised at seeing the First Officer materialize in the corridor of the USS Galaxy.
"Captain Price glad I was able to catch up with you." Commander Thomas said as soon as he finished materializing.
Lee picked up on Chris' tone and could tell something important must be on his mind to risk an intra-ship transport. As such, he dropped his light hearted inquiry and asked with more urgency, "Is everything all right Commander?, or is there a problem 'mate?"
"Yes captain there is a problem, a major problem." Commander Thomas said. "Why in the hell was Lt. Commander Jamson released from the brig!, sir."
Instantly Lee realized why Thomas was so concerned. Lieutenant Commander Jamson earlier vandalized holodeck three, taking the entire hologrid off-line for some time. Then when Lieutenant Sanchez from Security found out, she tried to arrest Jamson, only to be attacked by him. It was no wonder why the First Officer was pissed to hear Michael had been released from the brig.
"Easy 'mate. It's true I've allowed Commander Jamson to be released from the brig. But he's still relieved of duty, and I'm awaiting evaluations from both Medical and Counseling before I decide how I am going to handle disciplining him for his recent behavior."
"We have a problem then, don't we, sir?" Commander Thomas said.
Captain Price could tell by Thomas' posture; arms crossed, forehead furrowed at the brow, lips drawn tight, that he wasn't pleased with the Captain's recent order. "Look Commander," Lee said raising a hand, "I spoke to Jamson about his outburst on the holodeck, and after that, he had a visit from Madame Kiye. Since then he's an entirely different man. He's extremely sorry for his actions and actually ashamed of them. I think that keeping Michael relieved of duty is sufficient until I decide what will be done about his outburst and attack of Lieutenant Sanchez. It is a court marshaling offense as you know 'mate."
"I am sure he is sorry for his actions, sir. However that doesn't excuse him to be running around with the rest of the crew, captain. Nor does it explain why you released him from the brig." Commander Thomas said. "I hope you do realize that if anything happens while he's out at the moment and until he's back in the brig before his actions are fully examined and reviewed you could become an accomplice to anything he does at this point."
"As Captain of this vessel Mister Thomas, I'm ultimately responsible for everything that happens on board this ship 'mate. That is something I'm well aware of." Lee stated, getting somewhat irritated at Commander Thomas' tone. The General added, "And as Captain of this ship, I do expect that my orders will be carried out without question when they are given. Yes Michael messed up big time on the holodeck, but I believe that he is sorry for that onetime outburst and it will not happen again. I see no point of rubbing the salt in Jamson's wounds by keeping him sitting in the brig Commander. He's relieved of duty and, pending the reports from Medical and Counseling, his days in Starfleet may be finished. Michael's had both rank and his own command stripped from him already Commander. The least we can do is give him the decency of awaiting my decision on disciplinary actions over this sorted affair in the comfort of his personal quarters rather than a cold brig cell room. Michael's service on board this vessel alone has earned him that much in my book."
Chris' tone shifted somewhat, and finally his true concerns were reveled. "When security hears about this release, and I am sure they've heard about it by now, you're likely going to have a very hard time getting security to respond to your orders, sir. I believe they used to call it the blue flu." Commander Thomas said.
Lee gave a sigh. The First Officer was right of course, the decision to release Jamson from the brig pending a ruling on his recent conduct was not likely to be real popular with the entire security department. Officers take a dim view of crewmen that attack fellow security officers and resist arrest. Let alone an unarmed woman attacked with a bat'leth no less. "I have confidence that the 'mates, though they might not agree with the decision to allow Jamson to leave the brig while relieved of duty, will do the right thing should security be needed. There were extenuating circumstances involved. In the end, Sanchez did more harm to Jamson then he did to her."
"Then there's Lt. Sanchez who might just be so inclined to play the role of judge and executioner." he stated. "And I don't necessarily mean that she'll bother with Jamson, but the man who released him..."
"I'm not worried about Lieutenant Sanchez. I'm sure once she speaks to Jamson, she will understand why he's been released into his own custody pending a decision about his actions." Lee stated evenly. Looking directly into Chris' eyes, he added, "You might benefit having a word with Jamson yourself 'mate. It may change your mind about why I agreed to release him from the brig."
"Yes sir, I plan on doing that." Chris stated curtly. "Understand Captain, part of my job is to protect you and the rest of the crew. However that might be hard to do if you're going to throw this sort of thing in the face of the very people assigned to protect the ship and it's crew." Commander Thomas explained. "I know most of the security will still follow orders, but there could be problems..."
"We will agree to disagree on that point Commander. I think security is more professional then you are giving them credit for. And really, this incident isn't much worse then a brawl in Ten Forward,... Other then the vandalism to the holodeck and the armed attack of Sanchez."
"Captain I still want an explanation as to why you released the prisoner." Commander Thomas said. He was fully prepared to take whatever action was called for, including removing the captain from command if it came to that.
"I told you 'mate, I released Jamson because he had calmed down and was no longer hostile or a threat to the ship or crew. I don't know what came over him on the holodeck. His loss of command, his demotion, loosing his friend... but now that he's released his aggression, blew off the steam so to speak, he is now a docile, calm crew member once again.." Price explained.
"You released him because you believed his aggression has been cured just like that?" Commander Thomas said with a snap of his fingers and extreme skepticism and doubt in the captain's word. "That's like asking the Borg not to assimilate you."
"You don't understand 'mate, you didn't see. I spoke to Jamson when I first learned of his actions. He was still angry, hostile, and full of rage. But then after a visit from the Prophetess, his entire attitude changed just like that. All his aggression and anger just bled away, and he became at peace." Lee looked again straight into Thomas' eyes, "You need to go speak to Jamson. Just for five minutes, you'll see he's a new person because of the Word."
"You can count on me seeing Jamson sir. But I am sorry captain, if you believe that he's been cured by the word of the prophet, then someone is pulling the wool over your eyes. Namely Madame Kiye." Chris said, as he recalled the image of Madame Kiye rubbing her stone around her neck. He didn't know the connection, but it seemed very odd.
"I wouldn't believe it either Commander, if I hadn't witnessed it with my own eyes 'mate. When you speak to Jamson, you'll know what I'm talking about."
"You didn't find it the least bit odd for the 'commander to be hostile one minute and then a pacifist the next?" Chris asked.
"I found it damned strange 'mate. I've known Michael since he started on board the Galaxy. He served as First Officer here before moving on to a command of his own as you know. He's one of the most aggressive, quick tempered officers on board the ship. So hearing of him getting in a brawl, damaging the holodeck or even attacking a fellow officer wasn't all that surprising given the officer I know. I was more surprised that Lieutenant Sanchez' injuries were not more severe to be honest... But after Madame Kiye spoke to Michael, all of that changed. You could literally see the transformation on his face as the burden of his anger and hatred was lifted from his shoulders..." Lee's voice started to trail off as he looked back at Thomas, "You just had to be there 'mate. It was quite amazing."
"The only way that could happen, sir is if he was suffering from dementia and while I am not a medic, I can tell you that he doesn't suffer from dementia unless she triggered it in some way." Commander Thomas said.
"We will know that after Medical and Counseling get a chance to examine Jamson and deliver their reports Commander. But there is the possibility that things are not as they appear with regards to Jamson, and/or his recovery. I have Lieutenant Commander Peterson checking into Professor Ganod's claims that the stone Madame Kiye wears around her neck is an ancient artifact that has mysterious powers that affect those it's directed at."
"The Cardassian Archeologist? I see. So that explains why Madame Kiye is always fondling that amulet around her neck. Maybe there is something to that claim then. Because I sure as hell don't believe Jamson is no longer a threat to the rest of the crew sir."
"I don't know what's going on with the Professor's claims, or if the Stone of Tears actually has any powers as he says it does. But I do intend to get to the bottom of that and find out 'mate. In the meantime, go and talk to Jamson yourself. Then you'll see with your own eyes that he's a completely different person."
"I will Captain." Chris said quickly, "I just hope I get to him before Sanchez or the rest of security does..."
"Well, Michael said he wanted to see Lieutenant Sanchez to apologize for his attack, you'll likely find him speaking to her right now." Lee explained.
"I'm going to check on him now sir. I just hope he hasn't gone ballistic on any of the other crew members in the crew. If he does... it's going to come back to you Captain..." Chris reminded in an unapproving tone.
"As it should 'mate, as it should. G'day Commander. After you speak to Jamson, come see me and we can talk. I think the visit will help to change your mind about my decision."
Commander Thomas gave a nod out of politeness more then agreement, then turned and marched off down the corridor to go see Lieutenant Commander Jamson for himself.
"Seconds"
by Commander Thomas
by Madame Kiye (Ed)
Commander Thomas awoke around 07:00 hours the following day.
He was still tired from the past two nights, especially the one before yesterday. He'd gotten quite a workout that day and night. Which he certainly wasn't complaining about, but it did require him to take a little more care in his movements.
Chris had to get ready for duty, but he went about it quietly as to avoid waking his wife. Who also was exhausted and needed some more sleep. They'd worn each other out, but it had been well worth the effort. The results had helped restore the touch and feelings for one another, that it just wasn't about the sex, but about who they were and why they feel in love.
He left their quarters after saying good bye to Anna one more time and downing his juice. He was do on the bridge in twenty minutes, but he wanted to stop by and speak with Madame Kiye about her current needs.
Chris approached the door and buzzed.
A few moments later, the door slid aside revealing the Prophetess in her repulsor chair. She apparently still preferred to answer the door directly rather than to use the voice-operated controls. "Come in, come in. It is good to see you, commander Christopher Thomas."
"Thank you." Chris said entering the ambassador's quarters.
She slid her chair over to the lounge where her more elaborate diplomatic robes were laid out. "I was just choosing my outfit for today's meetings. It is day five and I expect we will get into many of the specific details of our treaty today." Madame Kiye looked at the commander and asked, "How may I assist you?"
"I wanted to stop by before going on duty to see if you needed anything?" Chris asked.
She smiled in her motherly way. "That is kind of you, young man. Actually, there is something I would ask of you. My morning sermon, which many of your crew have begun to attend out of curiosity or personal need, has grown considerably. I think we could use a larger space. The observation lounge is already crowded..."
"The observation lounge is crowded." Chris said with a raised eyebrow, "How many people do you expect to attend this morning's sermon?" he asked.
The Prophetess slid her hand along the chain at her throat. "I anticipate over a hundred people today. Your crew has really been so supportive and friendly, commander." Turning her attention back to the fabric of one of her robes, she pursed her lips and frowned slightly at a loose thread and a small unravelling of the material.
"There are a couple of options one would be to move the sermon into an empty cargo bay. However there's no chairs so that could be a problem and it's not exactly a decorated spot. We could use a holodeck, but unfortunately they're being worked on at the moment." Commander Thomas said. "I know 10-forward has the capacity to hold everyone that would likely attend."
"Oh," she said happily, "I imagine that will be a splendid facility for our little morning chat. I'll spread the information to my guests. Thank you so much, commander!"
"Yes I am sure that they will enjoy using 10-forward for the morning chat." Chris said. "I would ask however that you limit your sermon to 45 minutes or less. Only because 10-forward also serves a major gathering for breakfast, dinner or lunch depending on one's shift."
The old woman relaxed visibly in her chair. "That will not be a problem for me, commander. I usually spend about an hour with the pilgrims, but we are all busy people and I've been tiring more quickly these days."
"I will also make some arrangements for those who would normally gather there, to eat elsewhere if they prefer to do so." Commander Thomas said.
Madame Kiye was once again fiddling with her pendant. "Our services, though not loud, might be a distraction for those breaking fast."
"Anything else?"
"Your efforts are appreciated commander Christopher Thomas," she said. "Thank you."
"Of course Madame." Chris said. "If you'll excuse me then I must get to my duties."
"Thank you again, commander." she said.
Commander Thomas exited the room and headed off for the bridge. However a short distance away he stopped a console and keyed in a few entries into the computer system. He wanted to get the arrangements for the use of 10-forward and out of the way.
Interlude:
"Last time on the USS Galaxy. Dramatic pause."
"You are not supposed to read *that part* Leo. Anything in squiggly brackets you just do without reading it." Darkstar explained.
"Okay, okay, okay. I get it. Sheesh, you'd think they'd print that part in a different color or something to let you know."
"That's what the brackets are for Leo,... just read the script already."
"Okay, okay. Let me start again..."
"The Galaxy has been in orbit of Bajor for nearly a week, and things are starting to be discovered about the Prophetess and the stone she wares around her neck. The Captain is concerned that the warning that Cardassian Professor of Archeology, Ganod, gave about the religion 'The Word' and the powers of the stone may be true. Say?, you said the Cardassians were just here to give an estimate on painting the interior of the ship?"
"Just read the script Leo... oh, hell, never mind!" Darkstar stated impatiently taking the card away from the annoyingly short reporter. "Just roll the story already."
"Gees Lewees! Some one woke up on the grumpy side of the bed this morning..." Leo grumbled.
*** A few days earlier... Cardassia Prime ***
It was the typical day on Cardassia, hot, dry and with no wind. In the Central archive building, one of the few that was intact after the Dominion bombardment at the end of the war, the air conditioning system was still off-line. Only a few, dismally small fans served to move the stale air through the building.
The uncomfortableness, even for Cardassians, was easy to see on the faces of the bored people that worked there. In one area of the archive building, a particularly bored looking, older gentleman sat reading some documents when the computer monitor in front of him let out a notification beep. Glancing up over the rim of his rectangular reading spectacles and up at the screen, the gray hared Cardassian looked rather annoyed at the interruption at first. But discarding his documents, he soon found his curiosity peaked. "What is this we have here?..." he stated to himself, since there was no one else in the room he was occupying.
Looking at the screen, he could see that someone was attempting to access the Central archives database. Tapping a few controls to learn more of the inquiry, the Cardassian was surprised to discover that the request originated on board a Federation starship. Immediately, the elderly Cardassian began a trace to learn more about the origin of the signal, while notifying central command of the request.
["Command here, Jorak speaking. State your business... quickly."]
The younger Cardassian Gul had little patience for this dismal assignment, and even less for the current heat wave that plagued the city.
"I have detected an unauthorized request to access the Central archives Gul Jorak. The transmission is originating from a Federation starship. I await your instructions." The elderly Cardassian stated simply, unphased by the brashness of the youthful Gul.
["From the Federation? What ship? Where is it's location? What do they want? Why do they want it?"] the impatient Gul asked with machine-gun-like speed that showed his lack of patients.
"I am running a trace now. Though it may take some time. Shall I respond to the request to keep them from ending their transmission?" the wiser, more experienced gray hared Cardassian suggested calmly.
["Yes, do what is necessary to find out who is making the request and why. Do not allow them access. I'm on my way over now."] Jorak stated quickly.
"By your command." The older man stated simply. He then activated his communications system and returned the hail.
On his view screen, the image of a Federation Starfleet Officer appeared. By the pips on his collar, the older Cardassian knew him to be ranked at Lieutenant Commander.
"You were trying to access the central archives. State your purpose." The old Cardassian gruffed in an authoritative tone very different then the subservient one he'd used with the Gul a moment before.
["My apologies, I am Lieutenant Commander Peterson of the Federation starship Galaxy."] the human stated, straightening up in response to the Cardassian's authoritative tone.
Gortek smiled slightly. He enjoyed this part of his otherwise meaningless existence at this dead end job. Making people uncomfortable and explain themselves was the only fun he had remaining now that Cardassia had fallen from greatness. "I don't care who you are. You cannot simply connect to this database. You have to send a request to the Science Ministry ..."
["I was hoping that wouldn't be necessary. You see I'm trying to verify some research done by one of your distinguished countrymen. I believed that the records would be open to the public for validation."] Lieutenant Commander Peterson explained.
Gortek glanced at his monitor. He could see that the signal indeed originated from the USS Galaxy. Registry number NCC-70637. Last know to be under the command of a Captain Robert Edward Lee Price. But the present position of the transmission source still hadn't been confirmed.
"You will find that there are very few things that are considered public information here anymore Commander. However if you explain the nature of your request, I can let you know if I may allow access or if a formal request must be filled out with the Science Ministry."
["I have some research done by Professor of Archeology, Ganod. I was hoping to publish some finding of my own on the subject, and wish to site Professor Ganod's work as a source, but it requires verification before I may proceed."] Lieutenant Commander Peterson explained.
"Yes, yes of course..." the older man rolled his eyes, "Now if you please, what is the information you are requesting?... while I still have life remaining in this old withered body?..." Gortek asked sarcastically.
["Professor Ganod was researching an old artifact of legend. The Stone of Tears. He sites several Cardassian texts and I need to verify their accuracy to authenticate his research on the topic."] Kent explained.
Glancing at his terminal, Gortek smiled again thinly as he located the starship as being in orbit around the planet Bajor. Looking back up at the monitor and the young Starfleet Officer, he was quick with his decision now. "I'm afraid I can not allow that without a formal request processed by the Science Ministry. I'm transmitting the proper request forms now. Please fill these out in triplicate and submit them. In a couple of months the Ministry will inform you of their decision. Good bye Commander."
And with that the Cardassian ended the transmission, just as Gul Jorak entered the room. The youthful Gul used a braided horse hair whisp to bat away the Frugol flies that buzzed around the hot hell hole where Gortek worked.
"Did you get the information old man?" the Gul asked without concern for his senior's feelings.
"I did sir. The request came from Lieutenant Commander Kent Peterson, Chief Science officer of the Federation starship USS Galaxy."
"What did he want?" Jorak asked quickly in an almost annoyed tone.
"He said he wanted to verify some research done by Professor Ganod over some sort of ancient rock that he referred to as..." Gortek held his glasses up to his eyes with one hand as he squinted to read his own, hasty writing, "..The Stone of Tears."
"Why would the Chief Science Officer of a Federation Starship be interested in such nonsense? Where is this starship now?"
"In orbit of the planet Bajor sir." Gortek explained.
Swatting at the flies with his whisp, Gul Jorek cursed, "Blessed pests. I want you to research this Stone of Tears and report on anyone who has accessed this information in the last years time. Also verify with this Archeologist that he has submitted some of his research on this stone to the Federation for publishing. The USS Galaxy you say?... I believe we have an operative on board that vessel. I will see where she has been recently. I expect your report on my desk in one hour."
"But of course sir." Gortek bowed as the haughty young Gul left the archive computer room.
****
*** an hour later ***
The decor was quite different in Gul Jorak's office. The heat was still a problem from the weather, but there were no flies circling, and plenty of running water in the way of fountains and waterfalls that decorated the artistically done executive meeting place.
At his large, marble inlaid desk, Gul Jorak was speaking to an unseen person on his computer terminal.
"Decilia VII? Very interesting. And the Galaxy was only in orbit there for a brief time before returning through the wormhole and to Bajor. How convenient."
["The ship is expected to be here only a week before returning the delegates back to their homeworld. They are a couple of ladies from some sort of religious cult I believe, here to negotiate a treaty agreement with the Federation."]
"You have served Cardassia well my friend. Keep your eyes and ears open. I will contact you again the next time you are needed. Jorak out." The Gul stated, closing the channel.
Typing on his terminal control pad, Jorak entered in new search parameters to access the Cardassian central databanks on Decilia VII to add it to his research into this Federation request. Then, activating his communications system, the Gul bellowed, "Gortek, where is my report?!"
["Transmitting it now sir..."] the elderly Cardassian's voice was heard over the channel.
The erie glow from the terminal appeared to light up Gul Jorak's face as he read the information on his screen. "Is this true Gortek? This Stone of Tears that Ganod's research speaks about?"
["Would you care to ask the Professor yourself sir?"]
Jortak looked away from the text of his view screen and out at the faceless voice, "Professor Ganod is here on Cardassa?"
["Yes Gul. I located him in the Topeachia providence studying a ancient city that was covered a millennia ago by lava flow from the extinct volcano there."]
"By all means, patch him through to my terminal." Jorak ordered straight away.
On the view screen, a familiar looking Cardassian Archeologist appeared, though he seemed more weathered and less cultured somehow. ["You asked to speak with me?"] the Professor of Archeology asked, rather annoyed that he'd been taken away from his dig of the last several months.
"Yes Professor. I wish to discuss the work you did in researching the Stone of Tears..." Gul Jorak stated steepling his hands as he began to interrogate the renowned Cardassian Archeologist.
****
*** Elsewhere, at the exact same moment in time... ***
The audience that filled the room was rather meager compared to the crowd Madame Kiye was able to draw. But the discussions of archaeology and dead civilizations was not nearly as popular to the masses as discussions on religious beliefs. But then, the Professor didn't yet have the Stone of Tears in his possession. He did however have a replica of the stone that he now rubbed in his hand, safely hidden away in his pocket. The Cardassian had managed to locate the jevonite replica of the Stone after an eight year search for where the knock-off had ended up. He managed to steal the powerless amulet, though still a quite valuable one, with the aid of some dubious Yiridians at a fraction of the cost it would have taken to purchase the fause jem outright. Rolling the smooth replica stone between his fingers in his coat pocket while standing before the audience of Starfleet officers, Professor Ganod's mind wandered to the long awaited moment when he could switch the fake stone with the real one, and claim his prize at long last.
When Ganod saw his small assistant reenter the room, he nodded, realizing this was all of the Starfleet Scientists that would be attending his little makeshift lecture.
"Very well, if there will be no more attending, we should begin shall we?" the Professor of Archeology stated to the attendees as he began his speech on dead and dying civilizations...
Commander Thomas left Captain Price in the corridor alone.
He needed to speak with the so called changed man, named Michael Jamson, one of the ships operations officers. Who until now was being held in the brig for his actions on holodeck 3, that's attacking the holodeck and then his attack on Lt. Sanchez.
He very much wanted to just have security go pick up the 'commander and return him to the brig pending the final review, including medical and physiological, however that would be going against the captain's orders to release him. He would for the moment not challenge that order, but if anything happened, then it would be his duty to see the 'commander was re-arrested and the captain would have to join him in the next cell.
Chris would love to make captain someday, but not today and not at captain price's own command. He wouldn't do that to him, but if it came to that decision he was willing to make it without hesitation.
Which of course left him thinking about how he could avoid that situation.
Chris hated the idea of what he was going to do next, but he couldn't see any other choices. He would have security keep a discrete eye on the 'commander while he was out roaming the ship until it was deemed safe for him to move about freely.
Of course he would have to answer to the captain if he found out about this order he wasn't going to give. He need a security officer that wasn't attached to the current situation and would likely be able to keep a clear head. Lt. Commander Savat was the logical choice, but he couldn't have the chief of security following Mr. Jamson around discreetly. No he needed someone else.
He needed.... someone who could get the job done.
He would need someone who could move about through out the ship without catching attention for being in the wrong place.
The officer would need to be loyal and able to carry out this assignment.
He would have to be ready able and willing to do the right thing.
And again he came back to the primary concern, he needed someone who wasn't close to the current situation at hand.
He needed Commander Sunder who'd just come back to the ship.
NRPG: events prior to Beetle's "Sound Advice" ~Ed
"Answering a Communiqué from a Fly"
Electra saw that the message light on her terminal was blinking, indicating a message received. She hoped it was a normal message and not a "joke". She opened it.
To all that it concerns:
Due to circumstances not under my control, you people may be vulnerable to the influences of the new religion known as "The Word". "The Word" is not to be taken lightly. Be careful around Madam Kiye and do not read "The Word". I am warning you for your own good. Stay away from "The Word".
Ensign James Lionel Corgan
Huh? Electra re-read the note. ~Is this a joke? Corgan...Isn't he the guy in the waiting room? "The Word". I have been hearing lots of people talk about that and Drake Tarsonis who sits at helm on my shift is involved with the priestess to be. I've seen them together. Hmmmm. Is this guy paranoid? I think I'll contact him and find out. At the least, it will get me into a conversation.~
"Computer, send response to Ensign Corgan, as follows:
Ensign, I got your note about "The Word". I have heard people speaking of it but I am not interested in it. Why are you so worried. It doesn't seem to be dangerous. There is no mutilation or murder in it, that I have heard. But I am willing to listen to what you have to say. It does seem to be spreading around the ship more quickly than a regular fad would. Let me know.
Send message and save a copy in my personal file."
[ Message sent and saved. ]
Electra wondered if anything would come of this and sighed as she headed out the door to Ten Forward.
Andree wandered out of his office, into the main ward of Sickbay. Scanning the scene he found Doctors and nurses busy giving physicals, and other such routine examinations. A pregnant Tellarite, in for her six month checkup. was certainly showing.
Smiling at the patient as he walked by, he continued his Walk-about, as he had heard his Aussie Captain refer to it. he passed a child crying in the arms of his mother. Walking over he asked the nurse what seems to be the problem. Pointing to a hypospray, Andree got the point. walking over to the child, he gave the nurse a wink as he pulled out a lollipop. as the chiuld was busy unwrapping the treat, the nurse snuck up from behind and hypoed him. ~Works every time~ he thought, as he walked away.
*** Elsewhere ***
The shift had been pretty routine so far, Michala withdrew to her desk. She looked to be busy with reports but in truth she was again deep into the study of the word. She had allowed a junior officer to take her appointments. She had wandered out now and then, but everything today had been fairly routine.
Andree walked into the office spae behind sickbay, where the senior doctors had cubicles. Walking past the now empty one where he had spent many hours syudying and researching ways to deal with some of the more novel prediciments the crew of the USS Galaxy had managed to get themselves into. Moving past, he noticed Michala Lynn, reading intently from a PADD.
"Swimming in a sea of paperwork eh?" Andree joked in a lighthearted manner
Michala looked up and blushed. "Not exactly.. I was taking a break." She said hurriedly. "Just doing some reading. I have been looking at this fascinating text our visiting prophetess has given me."
"Interesting, and what Does this 'Word' I've heard so much about have to say?" Andree inquired, genuinely curious about the religion that seemed to be taking the ship by storm.
"You would have to read it Andree. The philosophies are deeply inbedded and must be read to understand. But for instance, one passage translates to 'seek wisdom in your elders, their trials have been many and their lessons well learned. Do not harden your heart with youthful folly but trust the Word and your elders voices." Michala's eyes practically sparkled.
"Interesting" Andree muttered, begining to wonder. ~It's certainly a wise saying, but nothing to get all excited about~ Andree thought to himself. ~I wonder why so many people are so excited about this "Word" anyway?~
"So I take it you've been to a few of the Prophetesses sermons?" Andree said, trying to get Michala to tell him more.
"Oh, I haven't missed one." She said enthusiastically. "In fact, I am considering going with her when she returns home."
That last comment hit Andree like a ton of bricks, and he knewcsmething was not right. Leaving Starfleet was not a decision to be taken lightly. Andree began debating in his head if he should hear one of these sermons, or else simply stay as far away as he could.
"Really," Andree said, "I can see where you might want to leave the path that you were placed in when you were born." Trying another tack he added, "How long did it take you to come to that conclusion?" he asked. He was thinking that he might have to report this to the counseling department.
"I don't know, a day or two. I decided right before I told Deiran that I would not marry him." She said thoughtfully.
"How can you be so certain that Decillia VII is such a perfect planet?" he asked, feeling uneasy, as Dothan shifed in Andree's abdominal sack.
"I believe the prophetess' words. Besides, I cannot raise a child on my own in starfleet." She looked up realizing she had not told him she was pregnant, though he was her supervisor now. She stumbled a little, "I will belong somewhere." She offered quickly.
Andree was surprised to hear her admit she was pregnant. Now he was certain that he would have to call Counselor Dallas About this "Who says that you will be raising him by yourself?" he asked. Being a single parent was hard but not impossible"
"The father seems less then enthused and I have broken things off with Deiran." She stated simply. She was agitated now and stood up. "I need to see to my patients, if you will excuse me Doctor!"
Andree moved away from the entrance to her cubicle, and allowed Michala to pass. He then turned and contiued on his walkabout, pondering what Michala had said.
Electra walked into Ten Forward, wishing she could justify drinking another few triple Scotches. But she knew that down that road lay disaster. For her career, her health, and her mental stability. She walked to the bar and ordered an Arnold Palmer, lemonade mixed with iced tea. As she sat drinking from the glass, she stared down at the bar and drew circles with her finger through the condensation left by her glass.
Drake walked in and ordered a synthehol whiskey and noticed Electra sitting down at a table by herself looking gloomy. He sat down at the same table and put his drink down.
"What's wrong?" inquired Drake.
Electra looked up as Drake sat. "Oh, hi Drake. Just feeling lonely I guess. Everyone seems to be busy lately. I'm actually surprised not to see the priestess with you. I thought you two had been joined at the hip." Electra wished she could confide in him about her worries, both the personal ones and the new ones raised by Ensign Corgan's letter, but she didn't dare. The latter for obvious reasons and the former because he was a man. She just couldn't tell him about the rumors and even if he had heard them, she couldn't talk about them to him.
"Hehehe. I like her and all, but I'm not so sure that I would like to believe in the religion she follows. It seems, odd and fishy, like something is not right," said Drake.
Electra nodded. "It does seem a bit strange. But there may be a reasonable explanation. I don't know. I don't know much about it. How have you been doing?"
"Good, and you?"
"Alright, I guess. Trying to be around people more."
"I've been offered a position at Utopia Planetia."
"Utopia Planetia? Wow! That's impressive. Flying the prototypes and new ships. Quite an accolade that they want you." Electra looked into her drink, dreading the answer to the question she knew he wanted her to ask. "Are you going to take it?" She knew that if he said he was, she would shortly be losing one of the few friends she had.
"No, I wanna stay here on the Galaxy for a little longer. I'll be leaving once I hit Lieutenant though."
"You've got plans, huh? You know where you're going and when you want to get there. That's impressive, too." Electra smiled, hoping selfishly that he didn't make rank soon, though knowing he probably would. Even though she couldn't talk to him about what was bothering her, she still counted him as a friend and didn't want to lose him.
"I won't be leaving until the Perceval is done, that's not till 2378. Until then, you, unfortunately, still have me around," said Drake with a smile.
"2378 isn't too far in the future. It'll be here before you know it. And I think I can manage to put up with you. It might be tough..." Electra laughed, glad that her Academy roommate had taught her about good-natured teasing so she could do this.
"It's late 2378. I also have an old buddy of mine who's going to come in to take my place. I think you'll like him..."
"Oh please, no matchmaking! You'll be missed when you go, Drake. You're a good guy."
"Hehehe. His name is Ferris Kincaid, and from what I told him, he already likes you."
"Drake!!! You didn't!?! What if he hates the sight of me?" Electra was mortified. She hoped Drake was exaggerating at least.
"Don't worry, he knows what you look like and he likes what he sees. He's nice, don't worry."
Electra sighed. "Matchmaking usually doesn't work, Drake. But I hope your friend and I can be friends."
"Sure, he's good-looking and really nice. I assure you. Here's a picture..." said Drake as he pulled out a PADD and handed it to her.
"He looks nice and I am sure he is, but-but it j-j-just doesn't w-w-work that w-w-way."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset."
"It's okay. I just...I...don't have much knowledge in that area and well..."
"Well, there is a first time for everything."
"I know. But I want it to be real, you know. Not set up to make me feel better."
"He doesn't know that you know about him. I didn't mean to make it a setup, just to tell you to watch out for him."
Electra relaxed. "Oh, okay. And maybe we can be friends. I hope so."
"Don't worry, you will be," said Drake with a smile.
Electra finished her drink. "Thanks for sitting down, Drake. I feel better. Talking helps."
"Any time. What's new with you?" asked Drake.
"Nothing really, just work, mostly."
"Ah. I have some good news..."
Electra sat forward. "What is it?"
"I've been moved up to beta shift. I don't know how long exactly. Currently, Lt. Gustavson is the Chief Helmsman. I don't know what's going on with Lt. Maxwell though."
"That's great. Of course, it means I'll be sitting next to someone I don't know for my duty shift. Oh well. C'est la vie."
"Well, we can still see each other on breaks you know," said Drake with a smile.
"If you're not with your new lady." Electra smiled.
"Hehehe. Well, I have to go, I need to get some practice on my trumpet. See you later?" asked Drake as he stood up.
"Sure. I'll be around. Nowhere else to go. Have fun. And Drake..." He looked at her with curiosity. "Thanks."
Drake smiled. "No problem, happy to help a friend."
Electra smiled, feeling better and happier as Drake left. She got up to return her glass and decided to head to the gym to get in some physical training.
As Ensign Corgan typed on his LCARS computer, a message popped up on the screen.
"What's this?" Ensign Corgan asked.
"Message from Ensign Electra Reese" The computer replied.
"Display it." He ordered. It read...
+++ Ensign, I got your note about "The Word". I have heard people speaking of it but I am not interested in it. Why are you so worried. It doesn't seem to be dangerous. There is no mutilation or murder in it, that I have heard. But I am willing to listen to what you have to say. It does seem to be spreading around the ship more quickly than a regular fad would.
Let me know.+++
"Skeptical?" He asked, "I wouldn't have it any other way. Smart woman."
"Computer, send Electra Reese three files. The first file shall be "Word Drone" behavioral observations compared to assimilated cult members, the second one shall be the "Word Drone" daily numbers survey and the third attachment will be the the Sensor readings from the meeting room. Thank you."
"Acknowledged."
"I hope this puts her doubts to rest."
With Lt.(jg) Raven Darkstar, Security
Including an unauthorized appearence by Lt. Kira Murphy
WARNING! This post contains simulated violence, vomit, bird shit, blood and gore. Might not want to read this while eating. :)
Location: Outside Lt. Kira Murphy's quarters, USS Galaxy.
Previously: After learning of an insidious scheme afoot by the changelings to take over the Galaxy posed as common objects, our fearless heroes sprung into action. The dashing and fearless Leonard T. Streely and his ever-present and faithful sidekick, Lt. Darkstar, moved with hurried stealth, first clearing out Darkstar's own quarters then braving a saucy she devil, hell bent on adding the dynamic duo to her long list of ravaged conquests.
"What do you mean.... sidekick?" Raven interrupted.
Leo snapped off his recording device and turned his attention to the large Indian.
"Side kick is just a form of journalistic shorthand. Besides there's nothing wrong with being a sidekick,ok? Look at Kato and the Green Hornet, Hawk and Spenser, Tonto and the Lone Ranger..Cheech and Chong even!"
'Tonto? Is that supposed to be some sort of derrogatory thing?" Raven said looming largely over the suddenly fidigety Streely.
"Ah...um...I didnt....um...it was just an expression, see...ok? I ment..." Leo stammered, fearing for his continued existance in the universe.
' I'm joking, Leo." he said as they strode down the hallway.
'Yeah right. I knew that. Yeah. Just pulling my leg. Dont pull too hard ,eh? he said, fighting to keep up with Darkstars brisk pace. "So listen partner. I've heard people muttering about "the word" in the halls here. What's this word that people are so into?"
Darkstar had no idea. Aside from knowing the bare bones of the mission the Galaxy was currently on, he had no knowlage of nothing else. His focus had been in fooling Leo with these fantastical lies.
"Leo, i'm not sure. I havn't had time to look into current events."
"Hey, you don't think theres another sleezball trying to get the scoop before me do ya? I'd murderize that creep. Oh man, I may be small in stature, but tip toe on the mine field and you go boom, pal."
It was literally all Raven could do to keep from laughing hysterically. "Rest assured Leo, there is no other sleezeball on board right now.'
"Better not be. I'd hate to snap my fingers and turn you loose on some poor schmuck." he said, as Raven raised an eyebrow and cast his patented " what the hell look. " I'm a little concerned about cardassians on board though. And with the Captain no less. What is that all about? Do you think the Changelings are involved? I see the captains chair is on our list.' Leo continued.
' There have been rumors of a new barber on board the ship. it might be him." Raven improvised.
'Lord i hope not! Everyone on board would have slicked back, black hair. Creepy. I still know that i remember that man's face from somewhere. maybe Gul Kolon from the Uranius....no thats not it......Telak, the famed podiatrist..no that's not it...."
"Leo stop.'
"I can't stop. I know that face and it will drive me nuts untill I remember who that is."
"Leo we are here. Lt Murphy's quarters. Stop walking."
"Yeah right. Hold on let me get in position, ok?" Leo said, walking behind Raven but being stopped before he could fully assume the position.
"What the hell are you doing now?'
"Waiting for you to open the door. Go ahead...use your code thingy. Don't expect me to do it, i only have 3 of the numbers."
"I can't use the override codes! And i knew you were watching me."
"Why not? We used them before." Leo asked
"Thats exactly why. The readers will expect us to use the same cheesy plot devise here. We need to think of something else.(wink wink.)" Raven said, stroking an invisable goatee.
"Allright, allright...lets think here. You could beam in to the room...no thats too easy.....ring the bell...no we did that already....I know! I got it! You could break the door down! thats it! Well knock it down!"
Raven thought for a moment about tucking Leo under his mighty arm and using the little man for a battering ram. Gratifying yes, but not quite productive. They needed to get inside in a way that had rarely been done before. If he could just think of how...he thought as Leo began to pace in front of the door which swished open as soon as Leo neared it.
They both looked at each other dumbfounded.
'She didnt lock her door! "Leo said, " They ALWAYS lock the doors! "
Raven shrugged and said " Lets not look a gift horse in the mouth."
The two men poked thier heads around the doorframe and looked into the room. In the dim light, the furnature looked a bit odd, almost as if it were moving slightly. Raven just chocked it up to being overly tired and called into the apartment.
There was no answer.
Apparently fortune was smiling on them for once. After the ridiculous mis adventure in the deltans room, all they had to do was walk into the room...grab the bird and then leave. What could possibly go wrong he thought as he and Leo crossed the threshhold into the room and....
WOOOAAAAHHHHH!
Leo cried out in suprise as his body floated off of the floor and into the Zero Gravity atmosphere of the apartment. Raven just crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head as he floated to the ceiling and bumped his head repeatedly on the light fixture, looking like a human bouy.
"Zero G. Naturally. Why else would someone leave thier doors open." he muttered.
"Get me down from here...oh god! Help! Help! " Leo cried out his hands and legs flailing around, which was odd to Raven,. He thought that surely Leo had been thrown out of an airlock before.
He reached out and grabbed leo by the collar of his shirt and yanked him towards himself. Leo upon reaching raven tightly squeezed shut his eyes and assumed the time honored Official Starfleet Rescue Position of wrapping his arms and legs, much like an octopus, around Raven.
"Lights!" Raven called out and saw that Leo wasn't looking too well almost as if he..oh no. He wouldnn't. "Leo, dont tell me that your one of those people who is squeemish in ZeeGee. Leo? Leo are you gonna be alright?"
Leo opened his mouth to respond but instead of words a choked gurgle came out alerting Raven who promptly heaved the sick looking little man across the room just in time to avoid a stream of vomit. Not a scenario they trained for at the acadamy but he thought he improvised nicely.
"Aww god, Leo!" Raven said ,watching the vomit trail across the room ever so slowly through the air. " Thats disgusting!"
Leo was still flailing his hands about and replied " I can't help it. Zero g always makes me sick.....ulp...i have to get out.....i ...have to.....UURK!
Again more spew shot across the room ever so slowly. Raven wrinkled his nose at the scene as he bobbed against the cieling. " Will you stop that , for gods sake! how are we gonna clean this up? Stop being a little baby!"
Leo clung to the arm of a couch and didnt reply.
"Just hang there for a minute. Let me find this damn bird and well be gone!" Raven said. "Dont even think about puking!"
Leo just shook his head rapidly. Raven looked around the room and found a golden bridcage housing what looked like a pigeon.Bracing mimself, he kicked off the ceiling and over to the cage. He was sure that the pigeon inside wasn't a changeling but he had to keep up appearences. Unless... Leo was too ill to be watching. He looked over his shoulder only to see Streely's pleading eyes staring back ay him.
That figures- he thought as he opened the cage door and the bird shot out into the room weaving past the floating vomit.
Raven just shook his head and wondered what else could go wrong.
At the same time he had that thought, the bird let loose its bowels over Raven's head in a gravity defying white stream that landed on his chest.
In that brief moment, the overly frustrated security officer snapped. All thoughts of the bogus mission were forgotten. It had now become more primal. It was now man versus nature. He eyed the cursed bird.
'Oh you little bastard! Your dead now!" Raven yelled and flailed at the bird only to send himself across the room and into Leos vomit. He didnt seem to be affected as he cursesd at the bird and flailed some more. The bird, oblivious to the antics of the human, flew over and perched on Leo's shoulder and stared at the wildman.
Leo turned his head to look at the bird then looked back at Raven who was slicing through the air directly at the bird. Leo opened his mouth to yell something and only puked again this time into Raven's face.
Raven, disgusted at his misfortunes, begun to flail about and while blinded by the noxious spew, ran into Leo's flailing elbow, sending a burst of pain through his nose.
"My nose! The little Weasle broke my nose!" he thought as he wiped his eyes and saw blood on his fingers.
He turned to look at Leo and saw the picture of terror. Streely meanwhile was literally seeing his life flash before his eyes. The irate indian eyed the room with a savage look on his bleeding, bile covered face. He watched the bird float around and then saw the doors of the apartment swish open and Lt. Murphy enter.
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!?"
she said eyeing the disaster in her quarters. " Computer, Gravity to full !" she said.
Leo and Raven crashed down onto the floor hard.
The bird flew over and landed on her shoulder. "Is that vomit! Oh yuck!" she said covering her nose and nearly wretching herself. "You better have a good explination for this....this mess. or im calling security."
"I amb sekurity" Raven said holding his broken nose. He turned to Leo and said" You broke my dose! I don belieb it!"
Murphy was astounded." YOU broke his nose?" she said to the man who was about one fourth the size of the security officer.
"Hey lady, these hands are registered weapons in three quardents ya know." Leo said before being swatted at by the security officer.
"That still doesn't explain this mess!' kira said."And dont you even drip anything more on my carpet!" she added glaring at Darkstar who was still holding his nose and thinking of slaying everyone in the room, including the damn bird.
'Look lady...we may have just saved your life. We had reson to believe your bird was a changeling. It would be nice to see a little gratitude, huh?
"You want gratitude, ill give you gratitude! Have this cleaned up and disinfected with a full report on this padd by the time i get back and i'll ponder not having you both arrested. I dont want so much as a speck of ...this crap in here! And dont touch my bird!" She warned throwing a mop, padd, and towel at the two. Raven wiped his face on the towel and felt his damaged nose.
Murphy left the quarters, muttering about leaving the door unlocked this once and Leo reached for the padd and began to key words in. He looked up to see the furious indian standing there. Blood was trickling out of his swollen nose and he was covered in vomit.
"You expec me to mob this up alone?" he said simmering with frustration.
"Hey, lets do what were best at. With your build you excell in the physical and writing is my forte. Its only natural, ok ? We do what were good at so we can move on to the next object on the list.
The bird landed on Leo's shoulder, looked at Raven and cooed twice.
"imb gonna kill you." he said grabbing the mop.
"Really partner, its just a bird. I dont think it deserves to be maimed do you?" Leo asked before moving quickly to dodge a thrown mop.
Olcia Kloss
*** Cardassian Union Ship Yabu, Igal system, Gamma Quadrant ***
"Gul Sobac to Engineering, we need warp speed now to escape the super nova of the Igal star".
"We're working on it Captain, the saboteur did more damage to the dilythium matrix than we first feared. We had to install a new articulation frame."
Sobac turned to Glit Hebon at the science station to get a report. Ever since that Trill snuck on board to damage the warp engines, things had not been going well with their survey mission.
"Sir, the star is decaying faster than originally anticipated. I estimate we have 7 minutes to clear the blast radius."
"Dam that Trill! I wish we transported him to deep space."
Seeing the Gul in one of his moods, someone observed "We could still do that Sir."
"No, on second thought, I want to interrogate him personally after we escape this mess. Do nothing to harm him for the moment."
The subordinate Cardassians obeyed the Gul's commands. No one bothered to comment further on the matter, as people proposed solutions to extract them from the soon to nova star's demise.
*** 6.7 minutes later ***
"Engineering to Bridge. Engines are nominal. I can only give you warp 1 at this time."
"It will have to be enough. Set course for the wormhole and engage."
"Its working Captain! We're pulling away", cried the helmsman. "but still, we will encounter turbulence before we get totally free of the nova."
The turbulence was indeed excessive. People were tossed around like stuffed animals in a child's bedroom. Conduits blew out, circuits fused, and the like.
In the brig, the sole prisoner died from plasma burns when a valve exploded in his cell. Gul Sobac was not pleased. With typical Cardassian fervor, he was looking forward to dissecting his subject after weeks of torture.
But for now, the body was taken to the morgue for autopsy. Imagine the Doctor's surprise to find the symbiont had survived the death of it's host. Perhaps there was a way to save it until a proper Cardassian trial.
Cardassians are known for their genetic manipulation techniques. In this case, they prepared Olcia to serve as a temporary host for the symbiont. Ordinarily, it wouldn't have worked. But the unscrupulous Cardassian physician plied her body with drugs until it was fit to serve as a temporary hostess.
*** 3 days Later, Federation Embassy on Bajor ***
Oclia Kloss walked into the embassy with her arms held high to show she had no weapons. People were amazed to see a Cardassian appear here, given the heated history between the Reptilian aliens and the Federation. Kloss declared herself. Soon after, her body collapsed.
Oclia's body was rejecting the alien symbiont! Something had to be done quickly or two lives would be lost. Taking the woman to their sickbay, Star Fleet personnel began to examine her.
As soon as internal scans were done, they knew this was no ordinary Cardassian. There was a Trill inside her! No wonder there were problems, the internal anatomy was totally different.
Such extreme surprises required drastic action.
"Federation Embassy Bajor to Doctor Jeral Maas"
"Maas here. How can I help you?"
"We have an unusual case for your consultation. A Trill was injured in the Gamma Quadrant on a Cardassian freighter. She was joined temporally with a Cardassian. However, now her body is rejecting the symbiont."
"I see. Quite unexpected. I can be down in an hour. I have to do some research and put together proper equipment."
"Try to be here sooner. Oclia's life signs are very weak."
"I will, Commander. Maas out."
Jeral started to gather supplies for his trip planet side....
Lt Mike O'Grady
Rayna waited and waited for Mike to come home but he didn't show up. It was getting late, "Computer, locate Lt. Grady." Computer replied and Rayna decided that she would come see him. She walked into his office and found him at his desk...asleep. She went over and blew in his ear then spoke softly into it, "Wake up sleepyhead." He didn't hardly budge except to swat at her attempts. She decided the opposite would get him up. She yelled, "Okay Lieutenant, on your feet."
He lifted his head slowly, recognizing his wife's voice even though she tried to sound like a commander, "Huuh, what time is it?"
"It is time to apologize to your wife for standing her up." She wasn't really mad, just a little annoyed.
"Standing you up?" He looked at her his brain starting to work slowly, he was like this when he first woke up, "did we have plans?"
"No" she answered matter of factly, "eventhough it would have been nice if you had informed me not to hold dinner for you."
"I thought I did." Mike stood slowly, "I was planning to leave for dinner soon, sorry."
"You said that you would be home late but not this late. It's way pass dinner. I'm afraid that you have missed it completely." She sat down on the corner of the desk, "So counselor, what am I supposed to do with you?"
He looked at her, "I don't know what happened, I was getting some patient notes up to date and I fell asleep, I didn't exactly plan it." He looked at her, "What you can do with me, well I suppose love me forever is an option."
"You have that already. I could never stop loving you either...EVEN when you are late." She leaned over the table and gave him a kiss. "I think what you need a good night's rest."
He kissed her back, then surprised her with a deep kiss, "Sounds like a good idea to me.
"I'm serious, you need to go to bed and sleep." She didn't want a repeat performance like tonight.
He smiled, "I will sleep, but what do you say we go home and get something to eat, I want to check on Nikki too."
"Nikki's asleep. She asked me to make sure you kiss her goodnight when you get home." She jumped off the desk, "Then let's go home."
"Well the good thing is my reports are all done, and I'm off tomorrow." He got up and took her hand. "Perhaps we can make plans for the family?"
"That's fine. Let's just get you home and fed first, then we can talk about it afterwards."
Before they left the quarters he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him for an embrace.
She hugged him for a few minutes, "Okay, I forgive you. You can make up with me later."
"Oh I plan to..." Mike fixed her with a sly grin she knew so well.
They exited the office and went home. When they got there, Nikki was still awake waiting for her daddy to tuck her in.
Mike shook his head and walked over to scoop his daughter up, "Nikki, you know you should have been in bed by now."
Nikki gave him an impish smile, "I was waiting for you. Where were you?" patrickb01: Mike chuckled, "I was working on all that paperwork I let pile up, then I lost track of time."
"Oh." That seemed to answer her question.
Mike smiled and hugged her, "So what do you say I tuck you in now?"
"Ok daddy." She laid down and let him pull the covers up. patrickb01: Mike kissed her on the forehead then pulled the covers up and smiled, "Sweet dreams Nikki. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
"Nite daddy. I love you." Nikki turned, faced the wall and closed her eyes.
He gently brushed her hair then got up and walked outside. "She's asleep."
Rayna was on the couch, "Good. That's where you should be...in bed."
He looked at her and gave a sly grin again, "why Mrs O'Grady are you trying to seduce me?"
"Seduce you? From here? Babe, if I was trying to seduce you, you'd know it."
"Maybe I could seduce you?" He grinned and reached for her hand.
She took his hand, "You can try."
Leaning in he kissed her one time. Then moved to that spot on her neck that he knew she liked.
"I thought you were tired?" She was starting to give into his advances.
"Let's just say I got my second wind." He slipped an arm around her waist then gave her a second kiss.
"I see that." She embraced him as she joked, "Take me, I'm yours."
They shifted postions as he kissed her again, this time with a bit more passion, his hands beginning to caress her athletic figure, slowly, building up the anticipation.
She whispered in his ear after she heard Nikki stir, "Maybe we should continue this in the bedroom."
Mike looked up and smiled, "Perhaps you're right." Standing up he took her hand and kissed her again, "We better get there fast."
She agreed with him. It seemed that as they walked towards the bedroom, an artcle of clothing was left behind therefore making a trail leading to the bedroom of discarded clothing.
Once inside Mike moved his arms to encircle her waist and he kissed her again, this time with more passion, deeper and more intense, his hands caressed her body, enjoying the reactions he was bringing out in his wife.
She in turn found ways to please and excite him too. Two bodies, both fine tuned with each other's wants and desires.
Afterwords they laid together in a tumbled mass of sheets and he slipped his arms around her for a gentle embrace. "Have we made up yet ?" He asked with a teasing grin.
She spoke in a teasing voice, "Most definitely and more."
He grinned and kissed her again, "And I thought I'd need a second time around to make up for sure."
"Save it for another time when you really piss me off." It didn't happen that often.
"Then I'll really have to piss you off, or we don't need a reason. I can't help it if I am so in love with you."
"And I with you." She kissed him.
While he kissed her he caressed her sensously, then found that secret spot on her neck that she liked so much ..again. She was a little sensitive there which made her giggle a little, "You always do that and it always drives me crazy."
He smiled, "I know, I've known since the first time we were together." He kept it up, moving his kisses along her neck and collarbone, his hands doing some very sensual exploring of her figure.
"For someone who was sleepy, you are sure frisky tonight." She was loving it.
"I guess it's being around you, puts all thoughts of sleep out of my mind." He continued his explorations and found a rther sensitive spot on her body, and one he knew was a weak spot for her.
She immediately turned over onto her knees and grabbed his wrists as she straddled him, "I guess then that means you're ready for...round two."
"Oh yea..." He grinned, since she was in control he simply let her take control and he lifted his head to kiss her deeply.
She kissed him back, their bodies moving together to the beat of love. Sex for both of them was always better the second time around. She concentrated on him this time, doing things he liked and satisfying his longing for her. She kissed him one more time and then laid in the safety of his manly arms.
Mike smiled and kissed her, It was satisfying for both of them as it always was, "I suppose we could try for a third time." He teased and then yawned. He did need to sleep now.
She was getting tired herself, "Actually, I think it's time for sleep. We both need our rest. We can do a repeat performance at another time."
"Howbout tomorrow?" He laughed.
She kissed him once more before turning, "Goodnight."
He snuggled up next to her and fell asleep.
She laid, listening to his soft, slow breathing and soon, she fell asleep herself.
"Volcanic Residue"
The information was in on the volcanoes that had erupted from the Fire Caves. It appeared that it was just a normal volcanic eruption, with just one difference. Black lava that formed white rock.
Black lava was slightly less viscous than red lava. And, yes it does form white rock. White, crusty rock, that was thin and like the volcanoes of some Southern African nations.
It was dangerous, because people could crash through it at any time. So the area of the Fire Caves had to be placed off-limits for some time to come. It was just too dangerous for the normal people of Bajor to be allowed to travel there.
Volcanologists would, of course, be allowed to take peaks. But even they might not be too well versed on the dangers. So programs of education wodul have to be undertaken as well.
Nothing too troubling, but that was just for Wilhem. But that was the residue of a volcanic eruption. Nothing too troubling, but things that must be accounted for.
*** Bridge, Galor Class warship Melot ***
The bearded Gul Apel glanced at the eager young Gul that was a guest on his ship. Having survived years in the Cardassian fleet, through three wars, Apel was an experienced seasoned veteran. It humored Apel that the young soldier Jorak would also be ranked as Gul. Apel knew that it was Jorak's family and their influence that had earned him that rank, more so then actual combat or service to Cardassia. Too young to have served during the occupation of Bajor, and safely tucked away on Cardassia Prime at various meaningless assignments during the Klingon and Dominion wars, Jorak looked pleased to be on board the Melot, even if it was only as Gul Apel's guest.
When the image of Bajor began to fill the view screen, Apel turned his attentions away from Jorak. Looking at the world he remembered Cardassians once ruled with an iron fist, it felt like old times once again.
"So this is the planet Bajor that I've heard so much about." Jorak stated, trying to strike up a conversation.
Gul Apel didn't bother looking a the young officer when he responded. "Indeed it is. The world Cardassians once ruled over back in the times of the occupation." Now looking at Jorak, Apel smiled. "Have you never been to Bajor before Gul?"
Jorak continued looking at the planet as the ship drew into orbit. "No Apel, I have never been here before. Somehow it seems, smaller then I had imagined it would be."
Apel noted the brash young officers refusal to address him by his proper rank. It was Jorak's way of reminding Apel that though he was younger and had seen little combat in the Cardassian Union, he still shared the same rank as Apel did.
Apel smiled, "Well, this will be your chance Gul Jorak. You will be going down to the planets surface shortly."
Jorak looked away from the screen and over to the captain of the Melot. "What do you mean?..."
****
*** USS Galaxy ***
"This doesn't look right..." Lieutenant Richeson called out from the tactical station as the Galaxy continued it's standard orbit around the planet Bajor.
From the command chair, Lieutenant Commander Peterson turned and inquired, "What is it Lieutenant?"
"Sir, there is a Cardassian warship entering orbit around Bajor." The Chief Tactical Officer explained. "Their shields are down and their weapons are off-line, but it seems rather odd."
Kent nodded, "Indeed I agree. Keep an eye on them Lieutenant. The Captain will want to know about this." The Chief Science Officer replied. Peterson then activated the comm system to hail Captain Price. "Bridge to Captain Price."
["Price here. What is it 'mate?"] came the reply over the channel.
"Captain, there is a Cardassian warship that has just entered orbit around Bajor. They are maintaining a peaceful profile at the moment, but I find it rather odd that they would be here at all." Peterson reported.
Peterson could hear the Captain sigh over the channel. ["Actually 'Commander, with everything else that's happened, I don't find it that surprising. Between distinguished Archeologist popping out of nowhere, and the Prophetess of Decilia performing miracles on members of the crew, I don't find this that surprising at all. I'm on my way up to the bridge. Hold things down until I get there."]
"Yes sir." Peterson replied before closing the channel. He then inquired again, "Any change in the Cardassian ship Lieutenant?"
"No sir. They are just hanging in orbit, just like we are." Tim stated evenly. "Should we hail them 'Commander? Find out what they are doing here?"
"Negative. Let's wait for the Captain to arrive. He may want to do that himself, or choose to just keep a close eye of them since they haven't raised their defenses or powered their weapons." Kent ordered.
A short time later, Captain Price came entering the Bridge. "Report 'Commander." Lee asked while he came walking down into the command well.
"Not much more then what I reported earlier sir. They are just maintaining a standard orbit, same as we are." Peterson stated.
"Have we identified them yet?" Price asked.
Looking over at Tim, Peterson jogged his head, asked for an answer.
Richeson responded directly, "It's the Melot. Last known to be under the command of Gul Apel if our intelligence is correct sir. Galor Class."
Lee gave a nod. "Let's get them on the screen 'mate."
"Yes Captain." Lieutenant Richeson responded. A moment later the main view screen changed and showed the bridge of the Cardassian ship.
"This is Captain Price of the Federation starship Galaxy ."
["So I can see Captain."] Apel responded in an unimpressed tone. ["What is it I can do for you?"]
Lee glanced at Peterson briefly over the Cardassian's aloofness before continuing. "Actually 'mate, I was wanting to inquire as to your business here at Bajor."
["Tell me Captain, are our two governments at war?"] Gul Apel asked in a philosophical tone.
"No 'mate, the war has ended. You know that."
["Has the Federation declared martial law and placed Bajor under quarantine of some sort?"] Apel asked with open arms to exaggerate the point.
"Of course not." Lee responded briefly. His patients growing shorter by the moment as the Cardassian carried out his theatrics.
["Have you declared your self as the new emissary to the beloved celestial temple of Bajor?"] Apel asked mockingly in such a tone, that even a few of his crew mates began to chuckle at the thought, ["I understand the last emissary disappeared under mysterious circumstances..."]
"Gul Apel. You know none of that to be true. I am simply asking that you state your business here at Bajor. It's a simple question 'mate..."
Gul Apel smiled. ["That it is Captain Price. If you must know, we have come in response to a distress signal sent from one of our ships. We have tracked it here to Bajor. We are attempting to locate it now on the planet's surface."]
"I see..." Captain Price responded. "The Galaxy has been in orbit for several days Gul Apel. And unless I'm mistaking, yours is the first Cardassian ship we have seen in all that time. Are you certain this lost ship of yours came this way 'mate?" It was obvious from the Captain's questioning tone that he didn't believe the Cardassian's story. He also knew the impact the negotiations with the Decilians would have if they signed a treaty with the Federation. It was far more plausible that the Cardassians had gotten wind of the Prophetess' visit and had come to check it out. Right now Lee wished that Madame Kiye and her aide Tarie were on the ship. But they were down on Bajor, at the Federation Embassy along with a handful of security officers and aids from the USS Galaxy, carrying out the final phases of the negotiations that were scheduled to end tomorrow evening.
["It was a small ship Captain. Easily overlooked."] Apel stated candidly.
Lee took in a breath. "I think we would have noticed any ship that was broadcasting a distress signal Gul. I do not believe you will find your missing ship here."
["Forgive me Captain. You have misunderstood. The ship that sent the distress signal didn't crash on Bajor. We have tracked one of it's escape pods to this location. But do not worry, we will locate it soon enough."] Gul Apel stated confidently.
"Well then, if there is anything the Galaxy can do to assist Gul Apel, please let me know." Captain Price responded.
["How kind Captain. I do believe we can handle this ourselves... But thank you for offering. Once we locate that which we have come for, we will be on our way. You can be assured of that Captain."]
"Fair dinkum 'mate. Good luck finding your escape pod. Galaxy out." The Captain stated.
When the channel closed, Kent looked at the Captain. "You don't believe him, do you sir?"
"Not at all 'mate. I have a feeling the Melot's presence here has something to do with the Prophetess and the negotiations taking place on Bajor. Still, we can't just come out and accuse them of that. They are showing a peaceful posture and have a right to be here just as we do now that the war is over."
"I'm sure the Bajoran government would see that differently Captain if asked." Lieutenant Peterson pointed out.
Lee gave a nod, "Aye, old wounds run deep all right. Personally I'd rather see them gone as well."
"What are your orders Captain?" Richeson call
ed out from tactical.
Turning, Lee glanced at the Chief Tactical Officer. "Keep a sharp eye on them 'mate. I want to know their every move. It might be a wise precaution to take us to yellow alert. But keep the shields down but in standby at a moments notice just to be safe."
"Very good Captain." Tim nodded. He then began to carry out the orders.
"We should probably contact Lieutenant Commander Savat at the embassy and let him know there is a Cardassian ship in orbit of Bajor. He may want to take precautions just to be safe." Lee added.
"I'll see to it that Mister Savat is notified sir." Tim acknowledged.
Another busy night, another caffeine fueled job being tackled head on by Ensign James Lionel Corgan. Another restless night on the LCARS computer, typing messages and doing research on mental manipulation. After replicating yet another Rakdegeno, he sat down and typed some more.
This time it was to help a friend in need. He wrote…
“Dear Lt. Darkstar”
I heard about the incident at sickbay, and while it made me laugh when I heard that the little pipsqueak Leo got shocked in the ass and nearly drowned, I do feel sort of sorry for you since you’ve had your nose broken by the worthless piece of skin. I also heard about your “mission” finally. If you really want to keep that dimwitted loser away from the negotiations, why don’t you just hospitalize him by poisoning him or beating the crap out of him? After all, I heard the Captain told you that you could do ANYTHING.
Ensign James Lionel Corgan
P.S. Stay away from “The Word”. Not only does it get Leo too close to the story, it will also brainwash anybody willing to get in close enough contact with it. Stay away from it and Madam Kiye too!”
“A friend in need is a friend indeed.” James quoted.
The computer beeped before Ensign Corgan gave the send command. It was another letter, from Ensign Electra Reese.
“Already? That was quick.” He said, opening up the letter. It read…
"Ensign, I believe you. I am attaching my own notes on the things that your research prompted me to examine. It is MORE than alarming. I agree that something is seriously wrong on the Galaxy. It is possible that this Madame is trying to take over the ship. For what reason, I do not know. We must meet and find a way to neutralize the effects of this...control. I do not know who can be trusted. I am not sure if the command staff can be or any members of the away team to her planet. They have had considerable exposure to her. But something must be done. I will further examine your sensor readings and maybe I will come up with something. Please contact me. We need to meet. Good luck and be careful around anyone who believes. I seem to remember something that could be relevant from my medical studies. I will check over the Federation database. Get back to me soon. I am very worried.
Electra"
“Computer, send the following message…
I have received your message and I am glad that you are taking the threat seriously. Here are my latest findings, including more sensor scans that are identical to the one I gave you earlier. These scans were found near Lt. Commander Jamson’s cell and at Ten Forward, where the Prophetess usually sits during her sermons. The Ten Forward scan are very fresh.
Also, make note of today’s survey. The current count is 282. We’re close to losing a third of the crew in only a couple of weeks. By the end of the week, I wouldn’t be surprised if most of the crew were converted, due to exponential growth. You must also make note that there are also people on Bajor converted to “The Word”.
Speaking of Bajor, I’ll be on the planet’s surface for the rest of the negotiations now that there’s a Cardassian ship in orbit. If you need to reach me, or anybody else who’s on our side, you or they will have to go down to Bajor, or you can tap the comm.-badge and talk to me there.
By the way, I didn’t know you were a doctor. Speaking of doctors, I know a certain Dr. Autumn Jamison that might be sympathetic to our problem.
Ensign James Lionel Corgan
End Message. Send her the latest results of the survey, and send her the strange tricorder scans that I’ve received near Jamson’s cell and in Ten Forward, as well as the message.” He commanded.
“Acknowledged,” The computer replied, “Message sent.”
“Good. Set alarm for 05:00 hours. I have a busy day tomorrow.”
The computer beeped as it set the alarm. He walked to his closet and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a shirt and threw them on the bed.
“Yep, a busy day tomorrow…”
*** NEXT DAY ***
Jorial has just left Ensign Corgan’s presence, taking care of the Bajoran Militia’s side of security. He was glad he had a contact in the Militia, since it made investigating this new phenomenom even easier.
People just started to filter into the embassy. They were from a variety of races, including the newly reformed and converted Ambassador Ordos. He was talking to Madam Kiye, Lt. Commander Savat and Madam Tarie. He talked in a polite tone of voice and he nodded in joy whenever Madam Kiye talked to him.
“What a strange man, even by my standards,” Ensign Corgan thought, “First, he’s the world’s biggest @$$hole, and then the next he’s whipped beyond recognition. There’s just one piece of the puzzle left in all of this, but what is it?”
He mulled over this for a minute while scanning the horizon. He was assigned rooftop duty, which suited him fine. He loved the fresh Bajoran breeze blow gently past him, fanning out his thick hair and cooling him down from the warm Bajoran sun. This was indeed a paradise planet, or it used to be until the Cardassians turned it into their personal amusement park.
“It’s a shame what has happened to this place. Almost makes me feel guilty.” James continued thinking, “And now it’s in danger of a total conversion, and they don’t even know it! I hope to God that if I die before I am done warning people about “The Word”, I hope that someone will carry on the work and make my life worth living.
I don’t want to die useless. I just want to die knowing that somehow I haven’t turned out to be the reject that everybody thinks I am. I just want to prove my worth, make my life worth a damned, and now it’s finally going to be worth something. I wonder what Lt. Marx thinks when he thinks about me, and how I have saved his ass from brainwashing!
Who am I kidding, he’s already dead. He’s too much like a simple minded jock to even pull away from Madam Kiye’s clutches.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he peered at Madam Kiye and Ambassador Ordos again. She looked like she was playing with a medallion.
When she played with it, Ordos seemed to feel more elated. She then spouted off a word of wisdom, and she subtlely played with the pendant again.
Once again, like a mouse being teased with a pellet, Ordos smiled and agreed.
“What’s this?” Ensign Corgan asked himself, “A necklace of some sort. Either she’s has a nervous habit…”
She played with the pendant again, and Ordos agreed with another fortune cookie-ism.
She did it again, subtlely, and Ordos chatted excitedly.
Then she did it one last time, with Ordos agreeing with a quote from “The Word”.
“CLUE IN DUMBASS!” Screamed his conscience, “It’s a trigger!”
“For once in your miserable, pathetic existence, you are right.” James agreed, “Jackpot! Wait until Electra Reese hears about this!”
NRPG: Took place before the Holodeck 3 incident and before "Reviewing: A Shocking Surprise".
Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder
Lieutenant Commander Michael McDowell
Ethan sat in his office going over some duty reports when a beeping noise pulled him away from his work. He looked at the door and cleared his throat. "Yes?" Ethan asked.
The doors slid open and one of the Assistant Chief Engineers stood with a data PADD and a cup of coffee.
"Come on in." Ethan stated picking up his own data PADD.
"Thanks." Michael said. While he walked into the office he brought up the first topic of the daily routines on the PADD. He sat down on the chair that stood at the desk opposite from Ethan and drank some of his coffee.
"How's it going Chief?" Ethan asked. He had only called Michael that since a month or so. He had done a good job handling the ship and it was a little joke Ethan had started.
"Can't complain. All seems to go as planned." Michael answered and smiled. "...And don't get used to calling me Chief, will you? I'm not that good."
"How's things?" he asked in return, thereby shifting the focus back to the business at hand.
"Same as usual." Ethan said with a nod as he went through the list on the data PADD that he held.
"That bad huh?" Michael asked with a slight smile.
Ethan glanced up at his Assistant Chief and then back down at his PADD.
Michael had known for some time that Ethan was keeping something in. It was like he wanted to say something but couldn't. And he knew that it was tearing him to pieces inside. Yet he remained so calm and cool on the surface. Clearly a Betazoid skill he had perfected.
"Obviously due to the recent mission on Ursid, we'll need to run a level A1 diagnostic on the warp core." Ethan stated.
"All critical diagnostics have been done back at the Starbase but it won't hurt to do the A1 again. Who knows, maybe something is found that wasn't detected the first time." Michael added "I'll assign Beta team to observe the process."
"Good, they could use the experience. Where do we stand with ship systems?" Ethan asked.
"Ship systems appear to be normal thus far." Michael replied. "No major problems reported. Although regular checks are out of date as the mission on Ursid called for a lot of Engineers on the planet."
"Make them a priority. We need someone to go over the deflector, sensor and tactical systems, as well as propulsion." Ethan said making a note on his data PADD. "Also, make the adjustments for energy transfers. The use of Holodecks is increasing now that the crisis is over. People feel the need to 'get out', as it were."
Ethan took a sip of his own coffee and looked up at Michael who looked like he was holding something back. Ethan simply raised an eye brow and put his hands together, interlocking his fingers. "Problem?"
"The Holodecks..." Michael began. He didn't know exactly how to begin, knowing that what he was about to tell would raise questions. Questions to which he didn't know all the answers to. "Can I ask you a question?"
The request made Ethan even more curious since Michael rarely began a conversation or discussion this way. "Of course."
Michael took a few moments to formulate the question in such a way Ethan would not immediately know about who he was talking about. "Imagine you found someone, who's qualified both as a Doctor and an Engineer, that calls in the help of an EMH Mark One to try and find a solution to a complex Physics problem. What would you say?"
"I would say it would need to be reported. We have great minds on this ship, not only that but we have a nearly operating Engineering Hologram and an EMH Mark Two." Ethan replied. "The Mark Two program knows the same and more than the EMH Mark One, there's no reason as to why someone would have an extra program. Unless they wanted to take up space in the Galaxy's computer?" Ethan replied making it sound like a conspiracy. He smiled slightly and waited for Michael to explain further.
Ethan's answer was not a total surprise and so Michael nodded. But now came the more serious question. "And what if that EMH is a personal program of which Engineering or Operations doesn't know it exist?"
"It could be argued that it's just a personal Hologram. I'm sure and actually know that we all have personal programs concerning the Holodeck." Ethan said. "However, at the end of the day, the EMH takes up a lot of space that is not justified seeing that we have more than enough programs on the ship already. I would ask to what extent is this program being used, but as you already stated, it's clearly used to solve complex situations."
"As far as I know it's used for solving complex problems, yes." Michael stated. "And that's okay with me,...but on the other hand, like you said yourself, it is in fact a redundant program and takes up quite some memory blocks when stored. So what's actually bothering me is what to do with it. I can't just order to have it erased since it can be seen as a personal Hologram. I've been walking around with it for some time now but I'm still not sure how to handle it. I was hoping you would've an answer."
"The one question that sticks out in my mind is: 'Is it justified' and that's not an easy question to answer." Ethan began. "It's used to solve complex situations. We have an EMH Mark Two that could deal with Medical issues. We have an Engineering Hologram that can handle Engineering problems. We have an Astrometrics lab, Stella Cartography, Science labs, get my point?" Ethan asked with raised eye brows.
Michael pursed his lips when listened to Ethan. "Yeah, I see where you're going. So...you think the program should be removed? It's a bit of a drastic measure don't you think? The owner did nothing wrong you know, except for not informing us or Operations. But that's hardly a crime."
"I'll look into it and let you know what I decide. I'll bring it up at the next meeting I have with the Captain." Ethan stated.
Michael nodded. "Alright. I'll wait and see what will come out of that. Until then this personal EMH can stay." He stood up from his chair since he thought this briefing was over.
"There is one more thing, Mike." Ethan said. It was only then that he realized he had only ever called Michael that a couple of times.
"Oh?" Michael said a bit surprised. "And that is?"
"Gavin Lacroix." Ethan said trying to figure out a way to explain the 'issue'.
"Lacroix? What about him?" Now Michael became more interested. Ethan looked somewhat concerned and that wasn't such a good sign. "Is he in trouble?"
"I've noticed he seems to be a little occupied lately. Thinking many things that may be considered, insulting if he were to speak about them. Just from an observation, he doesn't respect authority." Ethan said.
"What do you mean?" Michael replied.
"I've only really met him once. He strolled into my office and threw a data padd to my desk, from the door. You can imagine the surprise he got when he realized I was in the room?" Ethan explained.
"It certainly is not the best way to hand over a report. It's even stranger that he did it while you were present." Michael said. It was not something he had expected from the Ensign. "I'll talk with him about it. It won't happen again."
"Even if I were not in this office, I wouldn't expect anybody to throw anything around." Ethan stated sharply. "So, I'd like you to observe his duties and attitude. He's on your shift and so your responsibility. Work with him, make him one of the team." Ethan said.
Michael was a bit taken back by Ethan sharp comment. He was not aware that this careless behavior could upset him this much. "Yes,...of course. I'll see to it."
Michael was about to exit the small office when he stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Is something bothering you Ethan? You seem to be a little on edge."
Ethan looked away from Michael and down at his data padd. "Just a few..." Ethan casually looked around the room as if searching for the right word. "No. No, everything's fine."
Although Michael found it hard to believe nothing was wrong he decided to play along for now. "Okay. Just asking. But, in case there _is_ something on your mind...then you now where to find me."
"Believe me, if there is something on my mind, you'll be the first to know." Ethan stated.
Michael smiled slightly. "Good. Well, I'm on to find some people for those diagnostics. I'll see you later."
Turning around Michael walked towards the center of Main Engineering, still thinking what could be wrong with Ethan. But that thought was pushed away when he saw a few Engineers who could do the maintenance check on the Propulsion system. Michael mustered a big grin.
"My dear colleagues,...some interesting work has popped up,..."
"A Galor Class warship, the Melot, has just entered orbit around Bajor." Ensign Corgan played over and over in his head, remembering Savat giving a briefing of the situation, "The Captain of the ship is looking for a crashed escape pod on the surface. We must be extra careful during the negotiations, for they might be here for more than just an escape pod."
"About time something happened." Ensign Corgan thought.
The negotiations were going well. Madam Kiye, with her unnatural ability to draw crowds and appease even the hardest people, was able to charm all the representatives. It was uncanny to Ensign Corgan.
"How does she do it? Of all the observations, scans, notes and all that other jazz, I still haven't found anything that suggested she was brainwashing people. This is fubar." He kept thinking, "What am I doing wrong?"
"Excuse me, kind sir, but may I speak to you?" Said a voice behind Ensign Corgan as the person with the voice tapped him on the shoulder. It sounded annoyingly familiar.
"I'm on duty right now, so if you'll excuse me..." Ensign Corgan said as he turned around, facing a familiar lard assed Andorian Ambassador. It was Ordos, diplomat, food critic and pain in the ass extrodinaire.
"I would like to appologize for my inconsiderate behavior before. Will you forgive me?" Ordos pleaded.
"Hell no, sir." James replied in a frosty tone.
"Let me explain at least."
"Be quick, because i'm on duty."
"Fine, i'll be as quick as I can." Ordos said, "Well, i know that the last time we meet, I was being somewhat of a pompous ass. Worse yet, I was interefering with your duties over a proper glass of Andorian Spring Water. I have learned now from Madam Kiye that this was a petty argument and she has opened my eyes."
"Go on..." James encouraged while he tapped the record button on the side of his security tricorder.
"And well," Ordos continued, "She gave me this wonderful text called "The Word". I was never really a religious man until I picked this up, and well, it has taught me not to be so mean spirited and demanding to other people. As The Word says, "The only way to dig yourself out of the pit of pomposity is to abandon your old ways and embrace a new self."
"Let me guess. This new self is "The Word"?" James asked.
"Precisely!" Ordos exclaimed, "That is it! You hear what i'm saying! Right on, brother!"
"Brother?"
"You understand "The Word"."
"More than you realize, Ambassador Ordos. I wish you didn't have to read "The Word" to change."
"But "The Word" even says that "The Word" is the way to change in one's self. I couldn't deny that..."
"Not you to! Please, mister Ordos, I'm glad you appologized, but I really, really don't want to hear another word about "The Word". Got it?"
Ordos looked at Ensign Corgan's glaring stare with fear, then said, "Got it, young Ensign."
"Good. Now, you'll have to go so that I can carry on with my duties." Ensign Corgan growled.
Ambassador Ordos, or as James would later refer to as "The Pompous Ass", waddled away from the irate security officer. Then, James Corgan went back to his previous thoughts.
"A growing cult to investigate, a strange old woman with the potential to turn all of us into "Word Drones", and a Cardassian ship hovering over our heads. This is just greaaaatttt. Could things get any worse?" He said out loud.
"Actually, yes they could." Another voice said behind him, a Bajoran male voice.
"Jorial?"
"In the flesh."
Ensign Corgan turned around to face the older constable. They both shook hands and greeted each other for a few seconds, but broke off quickly, noticing the urgency in Jorial's voice and Ensign Corgan's annoyance at the current situation.
"I heard that there's a Cardassian warship in orbit. Is that true?" Jorial asked.
"I wish I could tell you, but if I do, I could get into some deep trouble." James appologized.
"Forget trouble. This is much bigger. Besides, aren't you in enough trouble investigating "The Word" as is?" Jorial reasoned.
"Tu shay." James replied, "There is a Galor Class warship in orbit. They are looking for an escape pod... or so they tell us."
"I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them either." Jorial grumbled.
"I agree. That's why security at the negotiations have been on edge lately. We are expecting anything from infiltrators to a full blown assault, but we don't know what the hell could happen." Ensign Corgan told Jorial.
"Cardies don't usually try a terrorist kidnapping, but then again we thought they wouldn't try resistance fighting either." Jorial said, "Watch your back, ok kid?"
"Ok. Thanks." James responded, then he added, "Oh, and while i'm at it, how is "The Word" spreading around Bajor?"
"So far, it's small, limited to the people attending the negotiations. However, a few of my security officers have converted. They even threw away their earrings, of all things!" He complained.
Ensign Corgan re-assured Jorial Konak, "Don't worry. I'm trying to work on it. Meanwhile, look for strange sensor readings at the podium, where Madam Kiye sits."
"Very well. Good luck, James."
"To you as well, Jorial."
Jorial walked away, rejoining his security squad. James noticed a couple of the officers didn't have their trademark earrings symbolizing their ties to The Prophets. It worried him that even a spiritually deep culture such as Bajor could be overwhelmed by "The Word", and that was why it had to be stopped.
Electra entered her quarters and saw the message light blinking. ~Hmm. Corgan's quick. I'll give him that. ~ "Computer, display message." < There is no text. The message consists of three files. > "Display the first file." Electra sat down at her terminal, curious.
As the file opened, the strange title caught her eye. "Word Drones." ~ Interesting. Due to experiences over the past decade, the word drone has been given extremely negative connotations. The Borg have that effect on cultures who escape their influence. For Ensign Corgan to use that term is very revealing of his fears about this fad. Interesting. He could be projecting his fear of the Borg onto the new fad. Or... ~
Electra's thoughts ran on, as she scanned the behavioral cues that Corgan had listed. It seemed not only innocuous but beneficial in many ways. Her thoughts on his behavior proved why she had not succeeded as a doctor. She was too interested in the symptoms and tracing them back, then the patient. When she opened the second file, Electra began to focus more intently. Her mind stopped analyzing Corgan through a psychological and linguistic view and began to seriously analyze the data. The exponential increase in the size of the crowd attending Madame Kiye's sermons was disturbing indeed. When she compared the numbers to the crew complement, she was further disturbed. The percentage of converts was overwhelming. She cross-referenced the data Corgan had collected with that from sensors to determine if the same people were attending daily. They were and the types of people were spread across the spectrum. There were high ranking officers to enlisted chiefs, with jobs from engineering to medical, operations to tactical, all ages, both genders, and of every race present on the Galaxy at least one was represented as a new follower of this religion. Even those who had previously had strong religious beliefs were changing.
Electra opened the third file and saw that it was a sensor scan of strange electro-magnetic fluctuations. It was noted that this was taken from the podium where the Madame had given a sermon. It was also noted that there was some difficulty in scanning the area.
"Computer, send a message to Ensign Corgan, priority one, encoded, for his eyes only."
[ Recording. ]
"Ensign, I believe you. I am attaching my own notes on the things that your research prompted me to examine. It is MORE than alarming. I agree that something is seriously wrong on the Galaxy. It is possible that this Madame is trying to take over the ship. For what reason, I do not know. We must meet and find a way to neutralize the effects of this...control. I do not know who can be trusted. I am not sure if the command staff can be or any members of the away team to her planet. They have had considerable exposure to her. But something must be done. I will further examine your sensor readings and maybe I will come up with something. Please contact me. We need to meet. Good luck and be careful around anyone who believes. I seem to remember something that could be relevant from my medical studies. I will check over the Federation database. Get back to me soon. I am very worried. Electra"
"Computer attach the notes I was working on in the past hour and send message."
[ Message sent. ]
Electra turned back to her terminal and began accessing the Federation database and the notes she took in medical school on psychological manipulation.
Peter looked again at the computer clock on his desktop. He still had another forty minutes till Gamma shift began...... more than enough time for a good doss and several games of 'Freecell'.
First though, he'd decided to review the Galaxy's tactical information and weapons status. He still needed to complete the message to Lt. Richeson regarding quantum torpedoes, but his lazy nature prevented him from doing so.
"Shortly...." he muttered to himself. "I'll do it later....."
He tapped the console a little more and started to access the Galaxy's tactical information. "Computer, access the Galaxy's tactical information and transfer it to this PADD." he said, placing the smaller information storage device on the table. "Ensure that current shield frequencies and weapons status is copied."
"Tactical information is restricted to command and tactical officers only." the computer replied. "Please state clearance code."
"Recognize Lockhart-Gamma-One-Nine." Peter replied. "Reason for access - Investigating USS Galaxy tactical weaknesses regarding quantum torpedoes per Lieutenant' von Ernst's instructions."
"Access confirmed. Information transferred. Transfer noted with reason." the computer replied. Peter was no computer expert. He couldn't hide what he'd done. Therefore, he did the next best thing. He made it plainly obvious what he'd done, but used authorized channels to get the info.
"Right. Now for that game of Freecell." he muttered......
**** Shortly ****
Peter's door chime went whilst he was deep in thought. "Come" he said.
Annalise walked in quickly and looked at him. "I'm about to go on duty. Wanna walk with me?" she said.
"Yeah.... hang on a minute....." Peter said.
Annalise looked over at him. "You're dead. You've only two moves left and they're both no no's. Forget it!"
"I refuse to accept that. I will get the ace of spades out!!!"
"Come on! Let's go." Annalise said.
Peter huffed and turned off the computer. He then grabbed the PADD and handed it to her.
"What's this for?" she asked.
"Just in case. Better to have two people know about the Galaxy than one." he said, opening his drawer and grabbing his type II phaser. He checked the setting and cranked it up some.
"Setting three..... heavy stun?" she said, reading his mind.
"Light stun is for wussbags. It couldn't blow your nose, let alone blow away intruders. I never understand why we just don't have it on three all the time..... far better." Peter replied, holstering his weapon. "I wish I didn't have to do another shift."
"I'll meet you in Ten Forward after Gamma." she said.
Peter brightened at that prospect. "That sounds.... good." he said, as the pair left his quarters.
Savat stood in the background as Madame Kiye, the Prophetess of Decilia VII, addressed the Federation diplomatic envoys. Unlike the very visible members of the Federation Honor Guard, he continued to wear his native disguise, blending in as a minor functionary attending to the Prophetess. He had grown quite skilled over the week in mimicking the posture and gait of a Decilian, as well as their other mannerisms, though he continued to speak with his usual deadpan delivery. Most put this down to him being a boring Decilian bureaucrat, rather than a Vulcan Starfleet officer.
While the other members of the honor guard focussed on outside threats, Savat was paying close attention to Madame Kiye herself. In days past, his suspicions had continued to mount. Piece by piece, he had gathered evidence, both empirical and theoretical. He had started by tracking the increasing numbers of crewmen and officers attending Kiye's sermons. While there was no doubt the Prophetess was a dynamic speaker, the spiritual conversions were occurring far too rapidly, and with too great a similarity to account for the diversity within the crew.
Savat had taken note of the followers on the Galaxy and had quietly run background checks. They ran the gamut from the deeply religious to the sworn atheist. There were pacifists and warriors. And yet, as far as Savat could tell, the Prophetess did not tailor the word to each individual listener. Logically, she should have needed to structure the message of the word to fit the individual spiritual needs of each officer. But this was not the case. So, logically, only a sub-set of those expressing interest in The Word should have become converts.
But Savat could find no evidence of failure. Certainly, there were those who expressed no interest from the start, but in each case where an officer opened themselves to the possibilities, success seemed guaranteed.
The most unexpected turn came an evening earlier. Savat had stood in the back of 10-Forward as Madame Kiye had begun to proselytize. Early in the sermon she introduced some of the latest converts.
Amongst them were Commander Jamson.
That Jamson had been released from the brig was shocking enough. That Savat had not been consulted was a severe breach of protocol. He immediately contacted Commander Thomas, who, sounding equally concerned over the matter, directed Savat to examine the tapes he had forwarded to Savat's office.
Savat scrutinized the tapes carefully and judged the transformation he was witnessing to be undefinable by logic or reason. The initial tape displayed Captain Price's first interview with Jamson, shortly after the arrest. It was a hostile verbal encounter to say the least. At one point, it seemed that Price was all but ready to kick Jamson out of Starfleet on the spot. The visual evidence displayed a prisoner showing little if any remorse and a Captain in no hurry to show any leniency.
All of that changed in the second tape. Madame
Kiye, in less than a minute, had managed to transform Jamson from a lion to a lamb. And it was here that the Prophetess had revealed her hand. In her hurry to prove the power of The Word to the Captain, she had not gone through her usual lengthy period of sermonizing. She had been direct and to the point, her hand clutching the stone she wore around her neck as she spoke the words of transformation. Her hand went to the talisman again, moments later, as she tried to convince Price to release Jamson from the brig, an action the Captain from the first tape had no reason to perform.
Savat had of course been informed of the presence of Professor Ganod on the Galaxy. The presence of the Cardassian was unusual but not unprecedented. Door, another Cardassian, had served as a bartender in 10-Forward for months with no trouble at all. After viewing the tapes, the Vuclan security chief had sought the professor out and learned of his beliefs about the Stone of Tears and the Prophetess, and of the difficulty he was having convincing the Captain.
Savat, on the other hand, needed little convincing. The former agent for the V'Shar knew only too well that psionic amplification devices were a very real threat. He had worked along with Security Minister Satok, in conjunction with Starfleet, on the recovery and disposal of the infamous Stone of Gol, a Vulcan artifact from before the Time of Awakening. He had also studied similar artifacts, as well as Iconian relics, in his role as the A&A officer aboard the Enterprise-B and Stargazer.
Additional tapes followed, as Savat poured over security and operations footage of other encounters between converted officers and the Prophetess. In almost all cases, Madame Kiye's hand came into contact with the stone she wore around her neck, a stone identical to the illustrations in professor Ganod's journals.
Now all was left was to convince the Captain. An endeavor he intended to undertake as soon as the latest round of diplomatic meetings concluded for the day.
[Richeson to Savat]
Savat heard the hail in the back of his skull, the transmission coming from the micro-transmitter in his right ear. It would not do for a Decilian dignitary to be seen with a comm-badge on his chest.
"Savat here." The Vulcan responded, sub-vocalizing into his miniature throat mike.
[A Galor class warship has just entered Bajoran orbit. While they are maintaining a peaceful posture for now, Captain Price is unconvinced by their stated intentions.]
"Understood" Savat replied. It appeared the matter of the Stone of Tears would need to wait. "I will instigate precautions appropriate to this new turn of events. "Please contact the following security personnel and have them beam to the embassy with the following equipment..."
***
Lieutenant Commander Savat
With the slightly maimed Lt.(jg) Raven Darkstar, Security and registered leathal weapon NPC Leo Streely, journalist and force of nature.
Location: Sickbay, USS Galaxy
(Previously: Working thier way down the list of suspected dreaded alien shapeshifters, The dynamoc duo braved the very forces of nature in the stomach churning Zero Gravity atmosphere to make certain the vile changelings had not over taken a beloved shipboard pet. Against the protests of his level headed partner, Lt. Darkstar has chosen to improvise and deviate from the set order of the list. On a personal note, it is not clear why he is doing this, but.....)
" You broke by dab dose, you ibiot!" Raven exclaimed on thier way to sickbay.
"Hey, hey now. It's not like i did it on purpose, ya know. Sheesh. If i would have tried, i'd have undoubtedly broken more than your nose, ok?"
Raven just growled and thought for a moment about returning the favor and breaking Leo's nose just so he would know what it was like.
"Hey! Keep your head back, your gonna bleed on the floor, ok!?"
"Jes leb me adone, leo.'
"What? I cant understand you. your mumbling, see?"
"BY DOSE IS BOKEN!"
Leo just shook his head. "Yes, I see that, its unfortunate but hazards of the trade. You didn't think being a security officer, that you wouldn't ever get hurt did you? Arn't you guys supposed to take a phaser blast for the Captain, or something?"
"AAARRGH! Jes rember the plan. While dey fix by dose, you get the coral!"
"Can't we just tape your nose up then work our way up the list in proper order? I got a bad feeling about doing it this way. I'm supersticious, ya know."
"I don care. imb tired of running aroun da ship. If we hab to be in sickbay, we get da coral." Raven said , his headache now magnified by the pain from his nose. He still didnt believe Leo had broken it. He never had his nose broken..even in fights with men much bigger than he.
"Thats just it, see? Why do I have to go into the tank?" Leo asked.
"CAUSE BY DOSE IS BOKEN, YOU BORON!"
"Will you quit cryin! We're going to sickbay arn't we? Sheesh! I'll get the damn coral just sos i don't have to hear your whining like a school girl anymore, ok? You'd think I broke your leg! See, here we are. Sickbay!"
Thier arrival coulnd't have been more fortunate for Leo who was mere seconds away from having his shattered pelvis handed back to him by the enraged security officer.
They walked into the bright lights of the sickbay. A bajoran looking woman, nurse Kanai, helped him over to the table which was situated near the giant tank as Leo winked and headded into the background, just like they had planned.
The nurse looked at Raven's nose. "Nasty little break you have there. Easily fixed though. Let me get a few things. Be right back." she said smiling as she went off to retrieve some instruments.
Leo, meanwhile slipped through an access door and into the fish tanks maintenence room. It was a small darkend room, which the fish tank loomed largely in. There was food and cleaning supplies on the shelves that were lit by the light shining through from the sickbay. A hand full of maintenence manuals were stacked on a small bench.
He peered into the tank. Inside were a large variaty of harmless looking multicolored plants of all shapes and sizes. Fish swam around the bright colored coral that littered the bottom of the tank. He spied only one blue piece amidst the tiny fish and what looked like a sunken defiant class ship It was right next to a treasure chest.
"I'm coming for ya, you filthy beast! You can't fool me!" Leo said tapping the glass as if the changeling would morph into a white flag and surrender at just hearing his words.
He started up the metal ladder with the tiny net and gingerly dipped it in. The net was not even close to being long enough. He climbed back down. Now what, he thought, looking at Raven and the nurse through the tank.
He would have to swim down and get it.
It was fortunate that like most other things, Leo excelled in swimming. Figuring - what the hell - he had gotten soaked on most of these missions already, whats one more - Leo stripped down to his bright red boxers, which had "make it so!" Stitched across the back in big gold letters.
After ascending the ladder again, he paused to dip his toe in the water.
"Hey thats kinds nice. Like a hot tub. A guy could get used to WWWAAAAaaaa!" he cried out as he slipped.
Raven stared at the tank, wondering what was taking Streely so long. It was too dim to see inside the back room, but surely Leo should have gotten the coral by now.
The nurse returned with a tray of tools. She had her back to the tank when she began wiping the blood off of ravens face with a sterile pad ( not to be confused with a sterile PADD! ) and failed to see Leo splash into the water.
Raven, however watched the entire thing and let out a tiny yell. The nurse paused and checked the readings on the moniter as Raven watched Leo thrash around in a swirl of bubbles inside the tank.
"Your heart rate is elevated and you seem to be experianceing some pain when I touch your wound. I better get a local before continuing."
She started to turn , which would have put her in full view of the underwater spectical but Raven grabbed her arm before she could.
"Oh, don't worry. A local is just a small anesthetic to numb the area before we go on. It doesn't hurt. I'Il be right back," she said. She turned and walked past the tank noticing the bubbles and dismissing them as a bad air hose. She would have to have someone check it out later.
In the tank room, Leo was clutching the side of the tank and spitting out water. "You'd think they would put up guard rails or something. They dont think much of safty on this boat!" He said before taking a deep gulp of air then sliding back into the water.
He swam dowm around the plants and saw a nurse return to tend to Raven with her back to the tank. Leo could see Raven's eyes and could tell he was too tense. He had to lighten him up a bit and knew just how.
In sickbay, the nurse pressed a hypospray against Darkstar's cheek and injected the pain killer. "Let me know when you feel it she said, checking the monitors again. The big man took this moment to glance at the tank and saw Leo, or more precisely, Leo's bare ass cheeks pressed and wiggling against the glass wall of the fish tank.
"Arrb!" Raven said aloud. The nurse looked back at him and said: " Oh my! That was fast. She pressed her fingers against the side of Ravens numbing face and he felt nothing. If only he could get one of those injections for Leo's tounge.
He waved in small motions with his hand, trying to get Leo to pull up his shorts and get the damn coral. That made Leo wiggle even more.
Little did Leo know, however, that inside the tank was the normally docile, brilliantly colored, Orinian Eel Fish. Usually, eel fish kept to them selves, preferring to hide from other fish. Thier only known enemy is the Blovidian Rearhead..a fish which oddly enough, had its posterior on its forehead.
This particular eelfish glanced up and saw the largest looking Rearhead it had ever seen. Adrenaline surged through its tiny body and it launched itself at Leo's unsuspecting bare ass.
Leo was just about to pull up his shorts and return to the surface for a breath of air when he felt a searing pain in his ass which was followed up by an electrical shock.
Raven watched as the nurse reset his nose. He saw the fish attack Leo and then the little man twitch spasmaticlly as he apparently tried to dislodge the blinking fish off his rear. He chuckled, bringing a look of suprise from the nurse.
'Never had anyone laugh while i reset a bone before. Thats a first."
"You hab good hands." he chuckled, as he watched Leo swim to the top of the tank.
Leo meanwhile, was rubbing his sore ass and looking ruefully at the fish as it swam away. "Hide while you can pal. I'll have you on a plate before i leave this ship! Then we'll see who eats whose ass last buddy! In fact, i got a little present for ya."
He watched the fish swim around him as he pulled himself out of his tights. The fish didn't seem to be impressed. He began to relieve himself in the water in the direction of the fish.
"Hahaha! Piss on you pal! Haha.....HOLEY SHIT! he said as he noticed the urine turning bright purple. He quickly pulled himself together again. " Who would have thought that they treated it like a public pool!"
He watched while the fish disappeared into the flowers and purple haze and looked again at the choral on the bottom. " I better grab you before "Mr. Cheerful" comes in here and throws me in." He took a deep breath and dove in again. He swam all the way down untill his feet touched the bottom of the tank in a pink reedy plant, as he held a corner of the large sunken ship keep him down.
The plant felt wierd under his feet. He ignored it and grabbed the large hunk of coral. He hefted his prize above his head as he shifted position on the plant.
Leo may be one of the universes most prolific journalists, but he knew very little about undersea life, specificly he had never encountered Actallian Squid Weed before.
Actilian Squid Weed is basicly eight long flower covered reeds, which Leo was standing on, that doubled as tenticals for the main body of the plant that burrowed underground.
The tenticals wrapped themselves reflexively around Leo's legs. He pulled at the weeds but found them unyielding. His lungs began to ache for air.
He surely didn't want to drown here so he reached down to the base of the plant and pulled for all he was worth.
Out of the stones came the most ferocious looking plant beast he had ever seen. Its maw was filled with hundreds of sharp looking teeth. He screamed but his lungs filled up with water. He flailed away trying to reach the surface.
Raven watched the nurse wave the device across his mended nose and could feel the bones begin to itch. He resisted the urge to scratch it. "feels good to be able to speak clearly now. Itches a bit, too."
"The itching will stop in about 2 hours. Do go easy on it will you? Untill then ....OH MY GOD!' She shouted as she glanced at the tank and saw a little man, apparently drowning.
Raven lept up and raced to the access door of the tank and ran into the room and up the rungs of the ladder. Without any hesitation, he dove into the tank. This startled the Squid Weed and released its hold on Leo and swam to the bottom and began burrowing again.
Raven wrapped both arms around Leo's waist and kicked upwards with powerful strides.
The nurse helped him ease the unconscious man from the tank and down the rungs of the ladder. He had just about got him to the floor, when Leo began to violently sputter and threw his head back directly into Raven's nose.
"AAARRGH!" the Indian cried as he let go of the little man who fell to the ground in a sobering heap. Blood began to fall from his nose. The little bastard broke his nose again!
The nurse left for a bandage and returned handing it to Raven to stop the blood with. Leo sat up and coughed out the remainder of the water and looked up at the upser indian. " Didnt you have that fixed yet? Jeez. What the hell have you been doing while i've been battling sea serpents? Dont just stand there. help me up willya?!"
Thats it! - Raven thought as he reached down to help Leo up and instead brought his elbow down across the man's nose with a satisfying crack. " Sorry! I mus hab slipped. Da floors kinda wet you dow." he muttered as Leo yelped.
"HE BOKE BY DOSE! DID YOUSEE DAT!!?!" he yelled to the nurse who was just staring at the tank. She turned to the two men, both of whom were bleeding from swollen broken noses.
She pointed at the purple cloud and said: " Did you.....pee in my tank?"
Commander Thomas made his way toward his meeting spot with Commander Ursa Sunder when he heard his name being called.
"Commander!"
Shinta had been on her way to his office, when she spotted the officer she wanted in the hallway. Normally she would never have been this rash, but this couldn't wait.
Commander Thomas glanced over his shoulder to see who was calling his name. He didn't recongize the person and so he stopped in his tracks to let her catch up with him.
"We haven't really been introduced ever I think, sir. I am Maxwell Shinta, assistant chief counselor, and I would really like a word if you have time, sir."
"Counselor Shinta a pleasure to meet you, however I am in a bit of a hurry and so if you wish to talk with me, then please walk with me." Chris said as he resumed his course.
"That is no problem, commander." She fell in next to him.
"What can I do for you counselor?" Chris asked.
"it is this business with the new religion, and the prophetes. I have bad feelings about this. I have talked to friends and patients, and somehow they have changed so. I know I should not complain when people are happy, but they are too happy, is not natural. So, I am afraid that our crew is being drugged or hypnothised or something, and I do not know what to do about it."
Commander Thomas listened with some interest, his more pressing concern was the monitoring and tracking of Lt. Commander Jamson who'd been released. He was also .."Counselor Shinta, how would you describe someone who's completely iritionally and wanting to kill everything in sight and the very next minute he's clam logical and in control of his aggressions." Chris said.
She thought for a moment. "I am not sure, sir. I would have to examine a patient like that first, but it sounds a lot like a trauma victim."
"Exactly, what ever it is, the ability to create ...." Chris paused. "If I didn't know better I would say they're being brainwashed."
"Brain washed!" Shinta was not sure. "doesn't that take much longer, sir. Brain washed." That was an alien thought for her.
"Yes brainwashed, it's something that was practiced centuries ago, but it still is done in some cultures. Even the Romulans have been known to use such a technique on prisioners only to release them. Then something in the future, years even triggers the conditioning and they begin to function as, as a Romulan puppet would." Commander Thomas said as he really begin to reach a stark conculsion.
"Do you think theromulans are behind this then? she was getting scared now.
" Without proof there's nothing we can do at the moment, however you can do me a favor." Chris said.
"Of course so. Anything I can do to help."
"Begin compiling a list of just who appears to have been affected by this sudden change of heart." Chris said.
"I will do that . Are there any people you think have been affected, sir?"
"Oh I can think of a few counselor, Lt. Commander Jamson comes to mind, some of the security department that's had close contact with her. I can think of a few other's but I'd rather not mention at the moment." Chris said.
"Thank you counselor for bringing this to my attention, I'll be in touch." Commander Thomas said.
"Thank you sir." Shinta did not feel much better now, she leaned against a wall and sighed. Things were not looking to good.
Chris tap his combadge. "Commander Thomas to Commander Ursa Sunder."
"Yes sir." came the commander's response.
Chris glanced at where he was, and he'd already checked to see where 'commander Jamson was at the moment. "Could you please meet me on deck 10 section 18 forward." Chris said.
" Affirmative. " Sunder replied, already tagging his phaser range session results to his students' commanding officers. Sunder's 'floating' status allowed him considerable flexibility in his schedule.
"Alright I meet you there." Commander Thomas said and added. "Please be on time this is urgent."
Sunder frowned. Something must be up. Thomas usually wasn't given to redundancies.
Commander Thomas continued to make his way to the meeting spot.
*** Deck 10 Section 18 forward ***
Commander Thomas waited patiently for the commander to show up, he just was running on a tight schedule right now.
"Glad you could get here on time." Chris said.
Sunder overlooked the sarcasm. Punctuality was one of his strong suits.
"I have an assignment for you commander, something that's right up your alley." Chris said.
"I am going to speak with 'commander Jamson to see for myself how of a change man he's become since seeing Madame Kiye." Commander Thomas said.
The former security chief listened patiently while Thomas continued his diatribe. Right now Jamson was a sore spot with Sunder. He wasn't up on his gossip channels as he used to be and he was mistaken to understand that Jamson has killed Heather Sanchez. Sunder's relief in discovering his mistake was only matched by his disappointment in his own inability to gain the correct information. Being wrong was one thing to Sunder; being publicly wrong was another.
"Yes he's been released by the captain's orders." Chris said. "I don't believe Mr. Jamson just turned over a new leaf like that. I want to know why and I want to speak with him in person."
"The man seems besieged with erratic behavior, and this may yet simply be more of the same suit. " Sunder pondered out loud. " But a man is allowed to keep care of his own conscience. It may also be that he has discovered some sort of relief to his ill temper. "
"I want you to keep an eye on the 'commander for his own safety and health." Chris said. "I am sure that security has heard about this release by now, and I am sure they're none to happy."
"Understandably so. " Sunder pointed out.
"Right, they might decide to express their opinions on the matter." Chris said. "Which is why I'd like to have you keep tabs on Mr. Jamson, make sure he's in no danger or no one around him becomes in danger."
"I finished tabulating the last of the phaser range trials before you called. My duties are light until Starfleet catches up on its paperwork regarding my re-activation orders. I don't foresee any problems with that, Commander. But I would suggest that the computer keeps an active scan on him at all times. "
"Yes Starfleet and it's paperwork. They expect you to turn it in on time, but when you need something done in a hurry forget." Chris said. "Yes internal sensors could be configured to monitor his movements without causing any problems and it would allow you to keep your distance. Thus you'd be less likely to create a problem."
"Fine. " Sunder replied. " I'll need a remote monitor link to my comm-badge as soon as possible. "
"Alright I'll configure the sensors to monitor him before I catch up with him and see just want's come over him." Commander Thomas said.
"You can pick up tracking him any time." Chris said.
"No time like the present. Grading phaser results was getting boring anyway. "
"Alright then, let's get to work." Chris said. "I'll see you around."
Sunder nodded his head. " I 'll leave four-hourly progress checks on your recorder, as per-standard routine. "
"Anything else?" Commander Thomas asked before preparing to depart.
"That should be it. Nice to have a bit of excitement every now and then... "The mammoth ex-security officer made his way to the door. His pace accelerated to double-time down the hall before he jogged out of sight.
Commander Thomas watched the man leave, he was probably one the tallest men he'd every met in his travels.
Chris was happy to have that situation dealt with now, he could proceed on to talking with Mr. Jamson to see for himself this so called transformation. He just couldn't believe the man could make this change in a mere instance of meeting with Madame Kiye. He felt there was something else behind his change and he planned to get to the bottom of it, before it had to be reported in the ships records. He could already see Admiral Casey's reaction to reading the incident or some subordinate reading it and then reporting it to some one up the ladder.
This of course would be assuming that Mr. Jamson does something more in characteristics. If he doesn't then the incident would just be a mole hill and likely result in a warning about the decision to release him. Mr. Jamson is still going to face a reprimand for his actions against the holodeck computer, but his attack on security officer Sanchez would bring more harsher punishment, likely a court-martial hearing.
What Commander Thomas wanted to avoid was for Mr. Jamson to be a threat to himself or anyone else. He didn't want to have additional charges added to his record and then there was the captain.
Chris moved on he needed to catch up with Mr. Jamson and talk with him about how he was feeling at the moment.
****Federation Embassy, Bajor****
With the Prophetess of Decilia VII and the gathered Federation Ambassadors in recess for lunch, Savat was afforded the opportunity to briefly step out of character and address the gathered security officers from the Galaxy. All of his senior officers were there, as well as the additional officers who had been assigned to the Honor Guard.
"As those of you who just beamed down are aware" The elder Vulcan began. "We are now in a state of yellow alert. A Galor class Cardassian warship recently entered orbit around Bajor. Our Captain has discounted the Cardassian's stated reason for being in orbit. Considering the nature of our mission and this diplomatic conference. Security will operate on the assumption that unfavorable actions may occur."
The gathered security officers nodded in response. Many of them had grown bored with diplomatic duty and were eagerly anticipating action. Savat hoped the situation would not degenerate, and that sound minds would prevail, but as always, he had to prepare for the worst.
"While we can not afford to turn this conference into an armed camp, we will be stepping up our precautions. We will be doubling the number of honor guard officers in the immediate vicinity of the Prophetess and the Ambassadors. The shift managers will take the lead in this effort. In addition, I'll want officers posted on the roof, patrolling the outer campus and in the balconies of the conference room. This is still a diplomatic negotiation, so we are going to continue to use concealed weapons and remain in dress uniforms. The exceptions to this will be myself and Lieutenant Elathian, who will continue to pose as Decilians, and a small contingent of plain clothes officers, who will be on a dispersed patrol on the embassy grounds, keeping alert for any potential covert threats.
Savat motioned towards two crates marked with Starfleet emblems. "For safeties sake, I have had the ship send out down some additional equipment. First, we have emergency transponders. These incorporate rusindium crystals and will be given to Madame Kiye, Tarie and the Federation Ambassadors. If the situation deteriorates, this will facilitate the speedy beam out of these diplomats."
Savat reached in and started handing out equipment packs to the other officers. "Enclosed are small tricorders, programmed specifically to detect most known organic and synthetic explosives. They can operate passively and be placed in a vibrate mode, so you can patrol the grounds with these items while using appropriate discretion. You will also find nasal filters that can be employed in the event of a gas assault. It will work against anesthezine and other known inhalants."
"Sir, what's to keep the Cardies from simply beaming the Prophetess directly out of the embassy?" Lieutenant Snachez asked.
"A sound question, Lieutenant." Savat replied. "We will be setting up transporter inhibitors in a ring around the main conference room. While this will not prevent hostile forces from beaming within assault distance of the embassy, it should prevent any easy abduction attempts."
The doors to the break room opened and the ambassadors, sated by their lunch, began to filter back into the main conference room to continue their negotiations. Savat quickly wrapped up his briefing.
"In addition to our operations here, additional security personnel are being posted to key areas of the USS Galaxy as a precaution. We will also keep personnel and equipment ready to instigate hostage rescue scenarios, either on the surface or in a worse case scenario, from aboard the Cardassian vessel."
Savat stood at ease, his hands folded behind his back. "If you have any additional questions, please address them now. Hopefully, this situation will defuse itself. If not, we need to be ready. Our first priority at all times will remain the safety of the diplomats. Now, let's get to work."
*** ***
Lieutenant Commander Savat
Lieutenant Adrian An'quinsos
It had been a long day, and a rough one at that. After Ernst, all Adrian wanted to do was curl up on the couch and die. Unfortunately, this was not the case. It seemed that Zerhi had taken on the ship's job of official babysitter and the El-Aurian male found five children in his quarters, their attention centered on Zerhi as she read to them Treasure Island.
Adrian's expression of gloom changed into a grin. When she stopped and looked his way, so did the children.
"I'm sorry Adrian," She began. "These are Ensign Robert's and Crewman Dillingham's children. They needed a babysitter on a short notice, and I volunteered. I hope you're not mad."
"On the contrary!" He grinned. "I don't mind it at all, just please don't let them near the tapestries!" He walked over to the coffee table to retrieve a padd. "I'm going to head over to Ten-Forward to read…"
He headed to the door, stopped, a turned around, and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Ewww!" Brandon said. "Now you have coodies Ms. Zerhi!"
"These are special coodies though!" Zerhi insisted as Adrian laughed. "There the harmless kind!"
Adrian chuckled. "Mosh'ra shi'vet au'valos." [See you later my love.]
The Counselor entered the turbolift, exited, and proceeded to Ten-Forward to relax. He entered, took a seat, and began to read.
Wilhem was sitting at a table a few feet away. He seemed lost in the complexities of his life. And a little down. Glancing around, he saw some one reading a book that seemed interesting. Getting up and walking over, he asked, "What book is that?"
Adrian looked up and smiled. Welcoming the company, he motioned the Ensign to join him at the table. "It's an old Terran work entitled 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. The book can be best summed up with the words at the beginning: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." He laid I down. "I'm almost done with Book three." He paused. "It's surprisingly interesting, however, the actual history is even better." His eyes visibly lightened up as he recalled his sister's stories about late 17th and early 18th Century Earth.
Sitting down, Wilhem nodded. "What time period is that?"
"Um… let me see." His eyes narrowed as he searched his mind. "If I'm not mistaken," He looked up. "As a whole, from the latter half of the seventeenth century, towards the early part of the eighteenth. From what I understand, those times seemed to have been rather turbulent periods of development."
"It sounds like an interesting period of history. I wish I knew more about it."
"Hmm… I believe I might be able to get you all the information you need."
"You can?"
"My sister has a massive amount of records from those time periods stored on Betazed. I can have my family transmit the information to me, and send it to you, it would be no trouble whatsoever." He suggested. "You might be interested in the information it has, that is, from an Humanoid standpoint."
"It sounds interesting. Please do so, if it would not be too much of a problem. I like to learn a lot about this universe's history."
"That would be no problem." He grinned. His people had massive information dating back many millennia. "In fact, later today I'm going to talk to them later today." He paused. "This Universe…" He trailed off in thought as a strange chill enveloped him. He glanced around as a nagging sensation trailed off, subsiding from the nearby area.
He looked again at the young human. "The information shouldn't be a problem…" He slowly repeated. "Please correct me, but did you say, this Universe?"
Wilhem smiled solemnly. "Yes, I did. I am from Aebrynnis, a world that has yet to be found in this universe. And based on its properties, I figure it must be in some other universe. Magic works there, for instance."
"Ah, I see." Adrian replied with an understanding expression. "I know the feeling of being homesick. At times, it can be a sad reminder of what we've lost, and at other's, a reminder of what we can become."
Wilhem nodded slowly, "It can be at ltaht. However, I find the sadness to be more prevalent. My name is Wilhem Quevvenson, by the way."
"The sadness will always be with Wilhem. For some reason that part of us never seems to leave. I've had to live with it for over a century." He stopped. "My name's Adrian An'quinsos, but everyone around here calls me Quinn."
"Nice to meet you, Quinn." Wilhem stopped and thought for a moment, "A century? You don't look that old."
"Well, time is relative, and by my race's views'… I'm pretty young!" He grinned. "Basically, I'm El-Aurian. I turned 162 earlier this year, and ahead of me, is my fiancée who should be 498 near the end of the year."
"Wow! Are you sure that you don't have elven blood? To live that long... Well, it must be a hassle at times."
"Well, my mother always seemed to be more than she seemed!" He replied, grinning at the notion. "At times, an incredibly long lifespan can bothersome. You go through most of your life looking like a teenager when you're practically older than the Professors at the Academy and for that matter everyone on board. I have friends that I've made back as far as the late twenty-second century that have past beyond the veil, while I remain as one friend put it 'ageless.'"
Wilhem smiled. "I guess so. Thanks for the information. I think it is about time for my shift. Thanks for talking with me."
Adrian nodded. "It was nice talking with you as well, I enjoyed it! I'll make sure that information is given to you as soon as possible."
"... doesn't look like there are any environmental impacts"
"Well I wanted to have a look and see whether or not having a stable wormhole nearby had any environmental impact on the planet. Even if the wormhole itself does not pose any particular risk, all the increased activity since it was discovered, and the war, might have resulted in any number of unknown environmental phenomena."
"Maybe you should let the Bajorans know about your work," the chief science officer said as he looked over the last paragraph of the report which David had prepared. "I'm sure they would find it particularly interesting."
"I'd like to get a little more information before I do that, sir," Ensign Re'Cannto said with a nod. "I still have the areas above the polar regions to investigate. Typically any atmospheric anomaly could, in theory, be centered there."
Kent gave David back the PADD. "Interesting work. I don't think anyone has actually given any consideration to your hypothesis. Might be a paper in that."
The half-Betazoid smiled. "You never know, 'Commander," Re'Cannto added before switching the display device off and returning to the aft science stations.
Lieutenant Commander Peterson looked down at the armrest console to notice a few changes to the display - nothing dire or requiring a reaction from anyone else other than the operations officer on duty. There were still people transporting back and forth from Bajor, but that was no different from the last few days. Some were beaming down for official purposes, like those accompanying Madame Kiye and her party, and other simply to enjoy the rustic and cultural features of this particular M-class planet. At least it managed to compensate for when the holodecks were taken off-line.
"This doesn't look right," Tim Richeson said from behind the wooden tactical arch.
The remark caught Peterson's attention, as it was intended to do. Sitting forward a little, he turned around so that he could look towards the tactical chief. "What is it Lieutenant?" Kent asked, wondering what had caught the tactical officer's interest.
"Sir, there is a Cardassian warship entering orbit around Bajor," he explained while checking his sensor readings again, confirming what the primary tactical systems console relayed to him. If they had their weapons armed and posed a threat to the USS Galaxy, then he wanted to know about it. "Their shields are down and their weapons are off-line, but it seems rather odd."
A Cardassian vessel in Bajoran space without announcing her presence did seem to be unusual. The main viewscreen switched from the planetscape view of Bajor's northern horizon to focus directly on the Gator-class warship now taking up geo-synchronous orbit above the southern continent.
"Indeed, I agree. Keep an eye on them Lieutenant. The Captain will want to know about this," he remarked before turning towards the visual of the unexpected visitor. The chief science officer reached across his chest and tapped his communicator badge, "Bridge to Captain Price."
["Price here. What is it 'mate?"]
Kent walked towards the large visual of the Cardassian warship on the viewscreen. "Captain, there is a Cardassian warship that has just entered orbit around Bajor. They are maintaining a peaceful profile at the moment, but I find it rather odd that they would be here at all."
Before responding the starship commander let out a sigh that the chief science officer heard. ["Actually 'Commander, with everything else that's happened, I don't find it that surprising. Between distinguished Archeologist popping out of nowhere, and the Prophetess of Decilia performing miracles on members of the crew, I don't find this that surprising at all. I'm on my way up to the bridge. Hold things down until I get there."]
"Yes sir," Peterson responded. Once again reaching his hand across his chest, he tapped the communicator once more to close the channel.
Kent watched the Cardassian warship for a few more moments before returning to the command chair. Looking down at the armrest console to his left, the lieutenant commander pressed a few buttons before he turned back to the Galaxy's chief tactical officer, "Any change in the Cardassian ship Lieutenant?"
"No sir. They are just hanging in orbit, just like we are." Tim replied. "Should we hail them 'Commander? Find out what they are doing here?"
The thought had crossed the scientist's mind, but with the commanding officer on the vessel returning, it seemed best to wait until then. After all, the Cardassians did not seem to be posing much of a threat to any one right now.
"Negative," Peterson said as he shook his head. "Let's wait for the Captain to arrive. He may want to do that himself, or choose to just keep a close eye of them since they haven't raised their defenses or powered their weapons."
"Understood," Tim responded.
The next few minutes seemed to pass rather slowly. The warship remained in geo-synchronous orbit of the planet. It seemed reasonable that, by now, the Cardassians would have detected the Federation starship in orbit, yet they too did not make the first move by hailing. The main viewscreen changed to show the ship in relation to the planet horizon. Although the ship probably had more than two hundred officers on board it seemed dwarfed by the sheer size of Bajor.
"Mister Re'Cannto," Peterson said as he turned towards the aft science stations, "is there any indication of what they are doing? Scanning us or the planet?"
The ensign tapped away at his terminal before looking back. "No sir. They don't seem to be scanning us but they are scanning the planet."
As Kent nodded the turbolift doors opened and the Australian Starfleet captain stepped out of the carriage. "Report 'Commander," Lee asked as he walked past Lieutenant Richeson and down the ramp.
The chief science officer stood up. "Not much more then what I reported earlier sir. They are just maintaining a standard orbit, same as we are."
Price looked over at Richeson who was still monitoring the Cardassian vessels activities with Ensign Re'Cannot at science. "Have we identified them yet?"
"It's the Melot," Richeson reported. "Last known to be under the command of Gul Apel if our intelligence is correct sir. Gator-class."
"Let's get them on the screen 'mate." Lee said as he turned to the main viewscreen.
"Yes Captain." Lieutenant Richeson responded and tapped the communications channel to contact the Gator-class warship.
A few moments later the main viewscreen changed once again. This time from the image of the Cardassian ship hovering above Bajor to that of the vessel's distinctly Cardassian Bridge. The visual seemed washed out because of the brown-coloured and gray-coloured alloys they built their ships from. A Cardassian, presumably the Gul Apel Mister Richeson had spoken about, held the focus of the viewscreen,
"This is Captain Price of the Federation starship Galaxy ..."
As the Captain addressed the Cardassian commanding officer, Peterson walked up the ramp to join Ensign Re'Cannto at the aft science stations.
There was a slight breeze blowing as the Bajoran sun began to set against a yellow orange sky. In the distance the silhouette of the Federation Embassy could be seen, dark against the picturesque backdrop. For a moment, the young Gul Jorak stood there and admired the view while the small band of soldiers that beamed down to the planet undetected, prepared for the special assignment they had been given. Understanding the importance of this preliminary mission, Jorak didn't spend a lot of time gazing at the sunset.
"Quickly, bring the charges over here."
Two Cardassian soldiers, outfitted in black, covert clothing, came walking up carrying small cylindrical containers.
"The main power feed to the Embassy passes through this junction. The charges should be planted here to knock out their power and shield generators." Jorak explained.
The two soldiers split up, each placing one of the metallic cylinders on either side of the power junction. Using small shovels, they dug the holes to place the charges down close to the power lines in the ground. Finally one of them glanced at Gul Jorak. "The charges are set sir."
"Let's get clear. Once the charges are blown our part of the mission is over. With the shields down it will be an easy matter for the Melot to lock onto the Decilians and beam them into a holding cell for the trip home to Cardassia." Jorak smiled. It would be his first successful field mission ever.
Moving carefully, the three Cardassians backed away from the planted explosives until they were a safe distance away. The sunset background made it easy to see the thin line of the pale blue force field that protected the Federation Embassy from attack. Handing the remote detonation device to their field commander, Gul Jorak again smiled like an amused child as he armed the unit and looked at the Embassy.
"For Cardassia gentlemen..." Jorak mussed as he activated the charges.
Two large explosions were triggered, nearly in unison, creating a twelve meter wide crater where the power lines that feed the Federation complex once resided. The concussion from the blast was enough to cause a tiny tremor that was felt for a kilometer from the blast. Instantly the pale blue protective shield about the embassy dropped, and all of the lighting in the complex blinked into darkness. The emergency power kicked in a moment later, illuminating the dimmer emergency lights, but not enough to reactivate the force field around the complex, just as the Cardassians had predicted.
"Excellent!" Jorak declared, pulling out his communications device and hailing the Melot. "Mission accomplished mother hen. The prize is now unprotected. You may whisk her away at will." The Gul declared jovially.
Standing proudly, Gul Jorak waited to hear that all of the Decilians had all been captured and for his small tactical team to be transported back up to the ship for the victorious trip home. He was soon disappointed...
["We are unable to get a lock on anyone in the compound..."]
Jorak's young confidence was easily rattled. "What do you mean you can not get a lock? The shields are down. Beam them up to the ship!"
A different voice responded, one Jorak recognized as Gul Apel, commanding officer of the Melot. ["They must be using portable transport inhibitors to block the signal. We can not get a lock to beam anyone up to the ship. However it should be possible to beam people down."]
"What?... what are you saying? We were supposed to blow the power and grab the Decilians. Our element of surprise has been lost. We should abort the mission and beam back up to the ship at once!" Jorak panicked.
["Cardassian soldiers do not give up so easily boy."] Apel scolded so sternly over the channel, that one could just picture his face forming a scowl. ["And a true Gul always has a backup plan. I am beaming down three battalions of ground troops directly into the Federation compound. They, with your assistance, will storm the Embassy and locate this Prophetess of Decilia. Try to take her alive... I'm sure command will want to interrogate her and make an example out of those that would break a treaty with the Cardassian Union."]
"You want me to go *in there*?!" Jorak scoffed.
["Yes *Gul*. As the senior ranking officer on the assault team it is your duty to lead the attack. I will dispatch a wing of stub-fighters to provide air support. Now go. Transport of the troops has already begun."]
"But what about the Federation starship that orbits the planet? They aren't going to sit by while we attack their Embassy..." Jorak half pleaded, half whined.
* * *
On the other end of the channel, Apel's eyes narrowed in an old-school fashion. "Leave the human ship to me. You have your orders Jorak. Melot out."
On the bridge of the Galor class Cardassian warship, the seasoned Gul Apel turned and called out, "Power on the weapons and fire upon the Federation starship. Firing solution Apel-one. Then divert reserve power to the shields and come to heading 241 Mark 6 at point 7 light speed." Gul Apel commanded in an authoritative tone.
"Firing on the Galaxy commander..."
****
*** Bridge, USS Galaxy ***
"This is strange..." Lieutenant Richeson stated from the tactical arch.
Captain Price, already uneasy at the presence of the Cardassian Galor class warship in orbit around Bajor, was quick to turn and inquire. "What is 'mate?"
Tim tapped a few controls on the console. "It's just a slight power fluctuation on the Cardassian ship sir. I can't really pin point it to any particular system."
"Are they charging their weapons or raising their shields Lieutenant?" Lee asked concerned that they might be preparing to attack.
"Negative. Their weapons and shields are definitely off-line sir. I can only guess what they are using the power for. It was there and now it's gone back to normal. Maybe it was feeding time and they replicated a truck load of mashed potatoes. I'll keep monitoring sir."
Captain Price gave a nod. "Fair dinkum 'mate. I appreciate you keeping such a diligent eye on our orbital neighbor Lieutenant."
Tim smiled. "No worries Captain. It's not like there has been much else to do while we are in orbit."
A good twenty minutes later, Lieutenant Commander Peterson made a shocking announcement. "Captain, there has been an explosion on the planet's surface just outside the Embassy compound."
Lee stood from his chair and faced the science station. "What has happened?"
"I'm scanning now sir." Kent replied. Adjusting the Galaxy's sensors to get current readings, he soon declared, "The explosion appears to have disrupted power to the Federation compound Captain. The protective force field around the Embassy has been taken down."
Lee took a step closer, "Do we know what caused..."
Captain Price was cut off as Richeson interrupted from tactical. "Captain, I'm detecting multiple transports from the Cardassian ship to the planet surface."
Lee glanced at Tim at the arch and asked, "Do we know where they are beaming down to Lieutenant?"
"Checking..." Richeson stated. A few moments later he looked up at the Captain, "They have beamed down inside the Federation compound sir."
Lee glanced over to Lieutenant Commander Peterson, and then took a step and looked at the view screen at the Cardassian ship in the distance. "The Cardassians couldn't possibly be so bold as to launch an attack on Bajoran soil." The Captain stated in a tone of disbelief.
Richeson soon called out from tactical. "Captain, I'm detecting multiple ion trails exiting the Cardassian ship."
Stunned, the Captain ordered, "On screen. Maximum magnification."
The view screen wavered as the up close image of the Galor class Melot appeared. The faint trails of Deuterium burning small attack fighters could be seen moving away from the Cardassian warship and entering the atmosphere of Bajor.
"She *is* launching an attack!" Lee declared. He then moved back towards the command chair and ordered, "RED ALERT. All hands, battle stations."
Immediately Lieutenant Richeson took the ship to Red Alert status, securing systems and bringing shields and weapons online.
"Hail Lieutenant Commander Savat and inform him the Cardassians are attacking the Embassy." Price called out.
Just at that moment, the Melot fired it's weapons upon the Galaxy, striking her forward shields and causing the entire ship to jolt sharply. Had the shields not been already charged and standing by so they could be raised so quickly, the ship would have sustained heavy damage.
Cursing under his breath, Lee's eyes narrowed while gripping the arms of the command chair to maintain his seat. He could see that the Cardassian ship was breaking orbit, and getting some maneuvering room to better engage the Galaxy that they had just declared war upon by their actions.
"We can't beam the Prophetess up because of the transporter inhibitors Mister Savat wisely erected. Inform the 'Commander that the honor guard is on their own while the Galaxy breaks orbit to engage the Cardassian ship. Lieutenant Gustavson, follow that ship!" the General ordered, pointing at the Cardassian warship as she began powering up her engines and pulling away from Bajor at three quarters impulse.
"Sending the message now Captain." Richeson stated from tactical, adding, "Weapons are fully charged Captain and photon torpedo tubes are loaded."
At the helm, Lieutenant Gustavson tapped the required controls to roll the Galaxy off her orbital path around the planet and come to a pursuit heading towards the retreating Cardassian warship.
The battle had just begun.
****
**** Federation Compound, Bajor ****
The golden coloring of the setting sunlight illuminated the manicured garden grounds of the Federation compound. Smoke still filtered across the open space of the courtyard grounds from the explosion that had taken out the protective shielding and lighting of the Embassy building.
Inside the Embassy, just prior to the explosion and sudden darkness that lasted just a moment before the interior emergency lights dimly kicked on, Lieutenant Commander Savat was hopeful that today's negotiations, the second to last scheduled to take place for this mission, was about to come to an uneventful close. Those hopes were now quickly evaporating.
Moving to the exterior window of the outer corridor, the Vulcan peered out to see several Cardassian soldiers materialize on the compound grounds. Though from his vantage point the Chief Security Officer, still surgically altered to resemble a Decilian, couldn't see all of the ground troops that had been transported down into the compound, logic dictated that the number would be high enough to insure the Cardassian ground forces would have an adequate chance of success. Moving back from the window, it wasn't long before the first hail was received from the Galaxy.
["Commander Savat. The Cardassians have launched an attack on the embassy."]
Savat's eyebrow, the left one, raised slightly. "Of this I am well aware Lieutenant."
["The Captain said to inform you that the Galaxy has to break orbit to engage the Cardassian ship. They've launched several fighters as well that will likely be used for air support of their troops. Try to hold down the fort while we are gone."] Tim explained, adding, ["Remember the Alamo."]
"'The Alamo'. A most appropriate analogy. Tell the Captain we will do our best to protect the Prophetess. Savat out." The Vulcan closed.
"The Alamo." Savat mused, as he closed his connection to the USS Galaxy. "A most appropriate analogy indeed. We shall, however, endeavor to elicit a more favorable outcome."
Savat moved directly towards the gathered delegates, who were already starting to panic. "Listen carefully. There is little time. You will follow the assigned security detail to the third sub-basement level immediately. They will protect you while the remainder of our forces deal with the situation here."
"But this is an outrage!" The portly Andorian ambassador shouted. "I do not recognize your authority here! I'll talk to these Cardassians, they'll see that."
Savat leveled his phaser at the diplomat. "Allow me to make myself clear. You will follow the security detail to the third sub-basement or you will be stunned and carried there. This is not open to debate." Savat gave the nod to the four honor guard members surrounding the dignitaries as the Andorian and his comrades gaped in astonishment. They offered no further resistance. "Go." Savat ordered.
The elder Vulcan made his way to the center of the conference room as his officers began to converge on him. Zonhieb, Sanchez, Eliathan and Corgan were amongst the first to arrive. There was little time to act. "All exterior teams, return to the compound and converge on my position." He ordered.
"Sir, that leaves us with little space to maneuver!" Sanchez protested.
"We are safest here." Savat replied. "Outside, we would be vulnerable to the Cardassian air support. In here, we need only deal with the ground forces. Had the Cardassians wished the delegation dead, they could have bombarded us from orbit. They did not, thus, their objective must involve the extraction of personnel within the compound. As such, the stub fighters will not risk bringing down the building on their objective. By staying indoors, we effectively neutralize the air support."
"While the air support neutralizes any possible reinforcements." Seth hissed.
"That is correct." Savat stated. "We are alone. We will need to make the best use of our advantages."
"What advantages?" Corgan asked. "We're packing type 2's!"
Savat's eyebrow arched in response. "Very true, Ensign." He responded. "And with any luck, the Cardassian's intelligence gathering in advance of this operation will have revealed that fact to them. However, facts can often be deceiving."
The Vulcan security chief cleared his throat and spoke out with a loud, resonating voice that echoed in the meeting hall. "Computer! Instigate emergency security override omega alpha blue, authorization Savat two zero three!"
The meeting hall of the Federation embassy had been adorned by heavy latinum framed portraits of past UFP presidents dating back more than two centuries. With a quiet mechanical hum, the portraits slid to one side on invisible runners, revealing a series of alcoves.
"Just like Christmas!" Corgan said with a smile. Seth hissed his approval while Sanchez, in her typical no-nonsense fashion, made a bee-line for the nearest alcove, where she extracted the latest model phaser compression rifle, a half dozen extra clips and a bandoleer of photon and stun grenades. The rest of the officers quickly followed suit.
"Impressive." Jii said, as he followed Savat to an alcove and selected his weapons load out.
"It should suffice." Savat responded. And then, over the team's comm-badges. "Everyone get your gear, and make certain your take a medical kit as well. We will likely need them before this is over." As if in response, there was a series of blasts as the outer doors to the embassy were breached. "I want everyone in teams of twos and threes." He ordered. "You have all been familiarized with the layout of this facility. Occupy the pre-determined choke points and prepare to defend this facility. As needed, fall back to secondary positions that restrict access to the lower levels. Back each other up and stay in communication whenever possible. If your position is in danger of being overrun, use the grenades to obstruct pursuit."
There was a chorus of "Aye Sirs" as the team members slapped the clips home in their phaser rifles and dialed up the strength of the beams.
"Sir, how did you know we would need all of this firepower?" Corgan asked.
"I did not know, Ensign." Savat replied. "However, as one of your twentieth century military leaders once said, there are seven "P's" a commander must live by. Prior Precise Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. A logical, if somewhat colorful colloquialism."
The team members smiled in response, their confidence and their training overcoming their fears of what was to come. Savat had already calculated the statistical odds of their success and the results made Lieutenant Commander Richeson's Alamo analogy seem even more appropriate.
But the team did not need to hear the odds. They were Starfleet Security. They had a mission to perform and their duty and honor would propel each and every one of them to excel. It is what they were trained to do. And now it would be put to the ultimate test.
*** ***
Lieutenant Commander Savat
"World Weary"
by the Prophetess, Madame Kiye
*** VIP Quarters ***
The elderly Decilian awoke to the sound of her gently beeping alarm. The
soft chirps never failed to wake her, even on the Galaxy where ship's time
differed greatly from the time at the Cathedral of the Word back home. But,
she needed far less sleep in her old age even when being awake seemed to draw
more and more energy all the time. Strange the paradoxes of age.
Kiye swung her legs over the side of her bed. The floor of the Galaxy class
starship was as warm as the air. She recalled the way the floors of the
Great Cathedral were always a few degrees cooler than room temperature. A
feeling of homesickness flowed through her.
She had travelled quite a bit to the worlds of the Septet during her career.
But her first great adventure as Prophetess was to take the Word to Kelmor
IV. The kelmoran population took to the peaceful message of the Word with
enthusiasm. She remembered reading about the other worlds of the Septet and
how they were breached. But somehow, she had never anticipated the degree of
her success on Kelmor IV.
Kelmar was her private glory. The USS Galaxy was proving to be a fertile
place to find new believers and even Disciples as well. More than a few of
Kiye's new students would surely join her back on Decilia, sooner or later,
to take up positions as Disciples and Priestesses to be the bearers of The
Word to the core worlds of the Federation.
But the Prophetess to spread The Word into an entire Quadrant would be Tarie.
Madame Kiye's time would soon end. Within the year Tarie would become
Prophetess and she would have the awesome responsibility and legendary
opportunity to exponentially spread The Word's messages of peace and love.
Kiye might go down in history as the one to open the gate, but Tarie would
forever be remembered as The Great Missionary along with Tulane and the
Septet.
Kiye felt a momentary pang of envy and awe toward her student.
She pushed herself up off the bed and stood unsteadily for a moment. Sighing
reluctantly, the old woman spread her feet slightly apart and reached out
with both arms. Her body shook a little until she found her balance. Then,
she began to slowly raise and lower her arms in a routine of flexibility
therapy. As she worked out, twisting her torso from side to side, she
wondered if she should include one of her many escorts in case she hurt
herself. As usual, in her pride she dismissed the idea as paranoid.
After only a few minutes of the routine, her small trembling body could no
longer continue. She flopped back onto the bed where she panted for a moment
and tried to regain her strength. Her energy did not return with usual
speed. Soon, she stubbornly sat up and got to her feet again. It was time
for her shower, and she always made the short trip to the bathroom on her own
two feet.
Madame Kiye took four staggering steps toward the small room containing the
sonic shower. *Well, perhaps I should use my cane today,* she considered.
She was still panting from her stretching excercises. One more step. She
looked over to the night table, where the collapsed cane rested. She took a
step toward the cane. The room whirled around her as she fell to the floor.
She checked herself quickly: no pain, no blood, sore joints and a bruised ego
were her only wounds.
Pulling herself toward the bed, the Prophetess finally reached her cane. She
sat up with her legs in front of her, and pulled her knees to her wrinkled
chest. She clutched her cane in her left hand and wrapped that arm around
her knees. Her right hand grasped the amulet on the chain around her throat.
"Perhaps," she said to herself, "it is time to explain to Tarie about the
Stone of Tears..."
"Last time on the USS Galaxy..." Leo smiled pointing at the script over his dramatic pause... Darkstar just nudged him in the arm to get him going again.
"Shit hits the fan, T-minus 2"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price "After the Captain's Departure"
by Commander Thomas
USS Galaxy
"Foreign Impulses"
by Lt Cmdr Surok
guest Lt JG Rebecca Von Ernst
*** Ten Forward ***
Surok continued to maintain his side of the conversation. Lieutenant' Von
Ernst seemed a bit distracted, as usual, but she continued to surprise the
Vulcan with her apparently instinctual grasp of so many broad mathematical
theories. Her mind, cluttered though it was by Human emotion and the young
woman's dysfunctional sociality, fascinated the operations chief.
He was explaining a paper he had once read by a noted Vulcan astrophysicist
when he realized that something was wrong. Physically, his body metrics were
in upheaval. He wondered in alarm what was happening to him. He began a
personal inventory of his condition.
*Body temperature rise of one degree celsius. Heartrate increase of twenty
percent. Cessation of digestive processes. Respiration increase of forty
percent. Endorphin flow stimulated to low levels. Increased bloodflow to
extremeties, notably the genitals and face.*
He didn't understand it, as he observed himself objectively. He realized
that his eyes were scanning the young Terran's face, shoulders, hands,
breasts. But why? He was displaying obvious signs of pre-mating behavior.
Surok began to sift through his own subconscious thoughts. Finally, he found
the answer.
His reactions to the lieutenant' were brought about by subconscious remnants
of his inadvertant mind-link to the Sivaoan, Brightspot to-Srallensre, over a
week before. The felinoid's race, and Brightspot in particular, were very
sexual beings. Brightspot's lustful thoughts came on with the force of a
small planetoid. While exploring his subconscious for the source of his
body's physical reaction to Rebecca, he found images that would embarrass the
young girl terribly. Sexual activities that could only be performed by
Sivaoans. Rituals of Ponn Farr. Images involving Surok and Rebecca, Surok
Rebecca and Brightspot, Surok and Brightspot, Brightspot and a Klingon woman.
His physical reactions continued to intensify.
Surok forced his attention from his subconscious. He tried to suppress the
unwanted effects of the felinoid's thought patterns, but failed. The Vulcan
required a quiet place to meditate, alone.
Standing, Surok declared that he had a project that required his attention.
He fought with himself for a split second: part of him wanted desparately to
stay with the small shy Human woman; wanted to take her back to his quarters
and...
Turning smartly, Surok left Ten Forward as fast as he could walk.
Once he reached his quarters, Surok began stripping his uniform from his
body. "Computer, environment mode 'Surok Meditation One'." The temperature
of his rooms rose several degrees and the humidity dropped several percent.
Surok kneeled down onto his meditation mat. He began the deliberate process
of focusing his mind to take complete control of all his bodies functions.
It was time to cleanse his subconscious and gain control of the alien imprint
that would remain forever upon his mind. "Speaking the Word."
By Madame Kiye
And Ensign Peter Lockhart
Peter was wandering around an entrance to Ten-Forward, where Madame Kiye was
rumoured to be speaking. He was looking lost and several officers had so far
asked if he was alright and knew where he was going (and a few had just
pointed and laughed). Peter just stared ahead and nodded that things where
okay.
He wasn't quite sure where he was supposed to be going. Gamma shift had
finished thirty minutes ago and by all rights he should be on his second in
Ten Forward by now. Instead, he found himself walking in circles just
outside, trying to clear his head of the confusion that seemed to reign in
his mind. He remembered the last sermon given by the Madame that he and
Annalise had attended, and at the time it seemed like great stuff. Now he
just couldn't figure it out at all.
**** A short way away ****
Madame Kiye moved along the corridor towards the bar. She was planning on
giving another talk on the "Word" shortly, and hoped that this attendence
would be even better than the last. Up ahead, she spotted a red uniformed
officer standing near the entrance looking lost.
She halted her repulsor chair near the officer (whom she remembered having
attended the last sermon) and questioned him. "How are you my son? You seem
confused." she asked.
Peter suddenly blinked and did a double take. "Uhhh..... yeah..... I am."
Peter muttered slowly.
"Ensign Peter Lockhart." Madame Kiye stated suddenly. "You work in tactical?"
"Yeah......" Peter muttered thinking something sinister was going on, "How'd
you know that?"
"Your personnel record." she answered, causing Peter's suspicions to suddenly
turn into a feeling of being an idiot. "I remembered you from yesterday's
sermon. I hope you don't mind my curiosity about the wonderful people who
have come to hear The Word...?"
Peter felt a sudden pang of guilt. "No, of course not. You wanted to know
about me?"
She smiled, and took his arm, guiding him through the doors to Ten Forward.
"You are an important person, Peter." She caressed the chain at her neck and
said, "I hope you find the Word clears up all your doubts and confusion.
Where's Annalise?" she asked casually.
Peter let himself be led inside, looking momentarily toward the bar where he
would be drinking on any other morning. "She's supposed to be here,
somewhere, I think." he answered, now a lot happier that this important
person seemed to be taking a significant interest in him.
The room was already filling with people. Chairs had been rearranged for
maximum capacity. Tables were stored compactly in a corner. A few die-hard
lounge guests were at the bar drinking and chatting. They turned their heads
in mild curiosity at the assembly of converts to The Word.
Annalise had a pair of chairs to one side and locked eyes with Peter. She
held a drink in each hand and motioned to Peter with his. Peter's eyes
immediately lit upon spotting his two favourite things. "Thanks." he said to
himself, thinking how great it was that his girlfriend could read his mind.
The Prophetess had already moved away to speak to other guests, freeing him
up to go sit by his girl.
Soon the Prophetess found the center of the circle of chairs. She settled
her repulsor chair to the floor, and slowly stood from it. Carefully she
took the metallic cane that extended from one chair-arm, and leaned her
weight upon it. Triggering a control on the cane, she made the chair slide
backward and beyond the circle. Standing a bit unsteadily, she began to
speak. Khan Nilani stood nearby as if ready to leap forward if the
Prophetess were to tip over.
"Students of The Word, thank you for joining me here this morning. This week
has been very special for me, and momentous for the faithful of The Word. By
week's end, we will have reason to celebrate greater than any since the
opening of the Septet. The Alpha quadrant shall be open to our Priestesses
and Disciples. The Word will soon spread to enlighten and free people across
this part of the galaxy." Her eyes gleamed happily, and a tear slid down her
cheek.
"I have a passage to read to mark this occasion. This passage was written by
Madame Tulane when the Septet was opened, long ago. If you wish to follow
along, find the Breach, eight fourteen," she prompted then waited a moment
for her listeners to access their PADDs if they wished. "And the gates did
open for the Prophetess's people. I traveled to Banelinus with the Inherent
Mother to spread love to another culture. The Word finally shared beyond the
confines of our world thanks to the technology of the Traders."
She continued for a few minutes, her voice filling the lounge. She spoke
without reading from any book. She pressed her palm against her chest,
earnestly. Even the patrons at the bar had turned to face her, as if they
were compasses pointing toward a pole. She concluded, "The people of
Banelinus have become as Disciples, and shall visit the other worlds of the
Septet. Their faith will be a beacon to those in need of blessings. Their
love will communicate the warmth of The Word and of their Prophetess." Weary,
Madame Kiye signalled for her chair to return to her. She fell back into the
seat with relief, and stowed her cane away out of site.
The crowd nodded slightly whilst Madame Kiye had been speaking, and Peter
Lockhart even whispered over to his girlfriend, "This is pretty good
actually." before the Prophetess continued again.
"My children," she said, "Please welcome lieutenant commander Michael Jamson
to our group. The Word teaches us that forgiveness is holy. Let us show our
faith by giving our love and forgiveness to Michael this morning."
A reassuring murmer spread through the room...
By Ensign Electra Reece
Operations Officer -----
A Joint Post Starring
-----
Dr. Andree Dothan, (Lt.)
ACMO USS Galaxy
-----
Dr. Michala Lynn, Lt. (Lt.)
Medical Officer USS Galaxy
----- "Chatting"
By Ensign Electra Reece, Operations
And
Lieutenant (jg) Drake Tarsonis, Helm "Explanations"
-----
A Joint Post Starring
-----
Maxwell Shinta (Lt.)
Counselor USS Galaxy
-----
Dr. Michala Lynn, Lt. (Lt.)
Medical Officer USS Galaxy
-----
Shinta knew she had some explaining to do when they were alone once
more. There had not been much time for conversation till now.
"Hello, how did you like Bajor? does it feel like home?" Somehow it was
difficult to say what she wanted.
"It did a little. More so then anywhere else has been, but I have a home
now." Michala said with an internal smile. "You used to be good at "Other
Things?" What other things?"
Shinta turned red, Michala was one of the people she had not told about the
past, and it bothered her to do so now. "killing, I was a good murderer." She
looked at the ground.
Michala looked at her in confusion. "You mean good soldier?"
"No, that is not what I mean. Since I was fourteen, I was used by the
resistance as an assassin. You see, cardassians found me cute, took me home
for an evening of fun. Mostly they did not survive those nights." She still
did not dare to look at her friend.
Michala fell silent, her eyes large. She had never guessed. "How.. how did
you make the transition from that to counselor?"
"I... I hated myself as a child. Starfleet was a way out, I enlisted in
security, the only thing I knew what to do. And soon I made nco.I was not
happy, part of me was not happy. And then the whole incident with Jake
happened, and I was sentenced to therapy, to learn to deal with my violent
nature. during that time Gavin was born, and I knew that I wanted something
different with my life. I did not want my son to grow up with a killer.
Instead of destroying I wanted to help people. And by a miracle I made it through the
training, and I was accepted as a counselor. There are days that I can't
believe it. There are days that I doubt myself, you see that anger is still
deep inside me." Shinta was trembling by now.
"Of course it is and there is nothing wrong with that. You should go talk
to the prophetess, she has a way of healing such burdens. It could not
hurt?" Suggested Michala. "I know I feel quite.. free"
"I am sorry, but to religion is a really not my style." Shinta smile. She
had forsakn religion a long time ago. "tell me how are you doing, how
things are with Deiran?" she was glad to be able to change the subject away
from her past.
MIchala did not even blink. "I have ended things with Deiran. He informed
me that I would not be allowed further contact. It is for the best." There
was no loss or distress in Michala's voice.
"Mike" Shinta said "I am sorry, that must be hard for you. Don't try to shut
off your emotions," she took her friend's hand. "I am here, you can let it
all out."
Michala looked at her oddly. "There is nothing to let out. He will find
another "captain's" trophy wife and all will be as it was."
"But... I know you, you are an emotional person. The way you are behaving now
is just not you. You don't havr to hide your feelings in front of me, you
knowthat." Shinta was getting pretty worried.
Michala put her hand on Shinta's. "There is nothing to tell. I would not
decieve you so. Deiran wanted more then I can give. He moved on, end of
story I expected his reaction before I even called. The word gave me what
little solace that I felt a need of."
Shinta had a bad feeling about this word stuff, and decided to have a much
closer look at it. For now she would let it lay. "OK, if you say so. are
you and I still friends?" She said a little anxiously.
"Of course we are still friends?" Michala looked at her in confusion. "Why
would we not be friends?"
"Because of my past. That is why I did not tell you, I have lost friends,
because they fear me when they knew the truth." Shinta said softly.
Michala reached over and hugged her friend. "We will always be friends."
Shinta hugged her back, smiling.
"The Great Changeling Hunt 3"
Getting the bird.
and Special Agent Leo Streely, NPC Journalist and ball buster extrordinaire'. OOC: Plot point revealed, and a new question raised...
"Revelation"
by Madame Kiye
with Tarie
guest starring Khan Nilani
*** Negotiating Chamber, Federation Embassy, Bajor ***
"... Colleagues, I disagree," stated the representative from Tellar. "The
Cardassian forces in orbit of Decilia VII and her sister worlds may simply
withdraw from the area peacefully. After all, it must be a terrible draw
upon their scant resources to keep the stations open and patrolled." Others
in the chamber jeered at his naivety. He continued, "It would be in their
best interest to allow the Federation to pay the expense of guarding the
Gamma quadrant end of the wormhole."
The fat Andorian Ambassador stood and sneered. "Cardassians have never
failed to fight over a scrap of land or sector of space. They will never
just walk away from such a vital base of operations! They would rather lose
it in a battle than give it to us peacefully." Voices rose in agreement.
"The Cardassians are skilled at politics," said the Terran from his seat.
"If they do want to give it away, they certainly won't tell us. They'll milk
it for every concession they can get from us. I'll wager there are a dozen
border worlds they have their eyes on that will end up on the bargaining
table over this."
Hearing the Human's suggestion, the Prophetess lurched up from her repulsor
chair and shouted, "No!" She put one hand on the table to steady herself,
but she was very excited. "You cannot consider trading other worlds into the
hands of the Cardassians! I will not see the Septet of Worlds freed at the
cost of innocent people!" The room went silent at the sight of the old woman
standing defiantly.
She lifted her hand from the table and stood straight. A gasp went around
the room as Madame Kiye fell to the floor beside her repulsor chair.
Ambassadors and representatives got to their feet out of concern for their
guest. Tarie dropped to the Prophetess's side immediately and Khan Nilani
arrived a moment later.
*** shortly ***
Nilani and Tarie fussed over the Prophetess in the private meeting room where
they had taken her upon her collapse. Madame Kiye was awake and alert in her
hover chair. She said, "I am well, I am well. Thank you, Nilani, for being
there with your kit. You're a treasure."
The Bajoran woman was not convinced of the Prophetess's health, but she
smiled. She was proud to have been around to help the Keeper of the Word.
"You won't be exerting yourself like that again, will you?" she asked in her
bedside tone.
The elderly Decilian shook her head and patted Nilani's hand. "Of course
not, child. I overreacted. Those people are just politicians; we have them
back on Decilia, too."
Nilani put her kit back together while Tarie rearranged the Prophetess's
robes. The matriarch again looked regal in her hovering gilded chair. She
looked over at her Bajoran escort and said, "Thank you again, Nilani. Would
you go get yourself some refreshment and leave the Inherent Mother and I
alone for a bit?" She was clutching the robe at her chest as she spoke.
Nilani casually left the room, closing the door behind her.
Tarie continued to fuss. She said, "Madame, I see that the Bajoran woman has
become one of the faithful. I only hope..." her voice failed.
The old woman reached out and lifted Tarie's head with her hand so that they
looked eye-to-eye. The younger Decilian looked up and continued, "Well, I
hope that Drake will join us as well, when we return home."
Kiye's eyes softened. "A husband to the Prophetess must have true faith. He
mustn't be coerced or manipulated into his belief." Tarie looked surprised
at the mention of 'husband'. "Why surprised, Tarie dear? Just because I am
unmarried, doesn't mean that you should be alone as well. Other Prophetesses
have been wedded! But, the husband you choose must be a partner to you in
your quest. Once I have passed," she paused. "Well, you will be the Keeper
of the Word. Your great task will be to spread our love and truth throughout
the Federation. And the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Empire, and the
Cardassian Union as well."
Tarie looked disbelievingly at her mentor. "But how, Prophetess? I am a
priestess of the Word, but I've seen you perform miraculous conversions.
Why, even on this journey-"
Madame Kiye laughed. "Yes, even on this journey. Tarie, there is one skill
you have to master in order to be the legendary leader I know you will be.
It is tied to the greatest secret of our religion. Only two people know what
I am about to tell you; myself, and the Minister of Faith, Mayir."
The Inherent Mother had long suspected the two most powerful women on Decilia
kept a tremendous secret. "I am ready to learn, Prophetess."
"The Word has existed for millennia, Tarie. Its teachings have inspired
women and men to live kinder, more fulfilling and honest lives on Decilia for
all that time. But for hundreds of years it struggled as a minor religion on
the Eastern continent. People are weak, and greed and pride continued to
tear down the good work done by the faithful. The Word was worthy, but the
spirit of the people was weak." Madame Kiye reached her hands to the back of
her neck and unclasped the chain that hung there.
"This is the Stone of Tears," she said as she held the pretty but simple
pendant in the palm of her wrinkled hand. "Prophetess Madal, the first great
leader of our people, obtained the charm somehow. It granted her with
influence over those around her. With it, she spread The Word across her
entire continent. By the time of her death, there were Faithful in every
city on Decilia."
Tarie's eyes were wide open. "But such a thing, it sounds so dangerous!"
She reached toward the pendant, but didn't dare touch it.
The elderly woman smiled affectionately. "Tarie, each future Prophetess is
chosen with the utmost care. We have no fear of what you will do with the
Stone of Tears. When I have passed, you will be the leader of our people and
your will shall be the Will of the Word."
Tarie was quiet for a moment. "How does it work?"
Madame Kiye put the necklace back on. "I don't know. I can't even explain
how to use it. Its precise abilities and use seem to differ for each woman
to wield it. But it comes naturally. Simply wear it, and it will be as your
hand. It does what it must to accomplish what you wish."
Suspicion crossed Tarie's face. "Have you... have you manipulated me with
the Stone of Tears?"
Without guilt, the Prophetess answered, "Perhaps, when you were a child. But
it is too important that your faith be true. The most important of the
Faithful have never been touched directly by the Stone's powers. And, if you
truly love this Drake Tarsonis, then you must never use the Stone upon him."
"Also, the Stone is an amplifier of sorts. When a Prophetess wears the Stone
of Tears, her faith is communicated across great distances. The Light of the
Word spreads a web across Decilia from the Cathedral of the Word when the
Prophetess is there. That is why I tour the Septet so frequently," she
explained.
"Prophetess?" Tarie said when a thought struck her. "I don't understand this
treaty negotiation. Why have you not simply used the Stone to get what you
want from the Federation?"
"These people," began the elderly matriarch, "don't have any idea what I
truly want from them..."
by Commander Jeral Maas, CMO "Late night"
Lt Rayna O'Grady
Nikki O'Grady
by, Ens. Wilhem Quevvenson,
Science Officer
-------------------------------- "Shit hits the fan, T-minus 1"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price “How Deep’s the Rabbit Hole?”
By Ensign James Lionel Corgan
Security Officer, USS Galaxy "Day To Day Briefing"
Chief Engineer
Asst. Chief Engineer "Culling the Virus"
By Ensign James Lionel Corgan
Security Officer, USS Galaxy "Examining the Evidence"
By Ensign Electra Reece
Operations Officer "Turning up for duty."
By Ensign Peter Lockhart "Appropriate Precautions"
By Lieutenant Commander Savat
Chief Security Officer, USS Galaxy
AKA
David Friedland
ICQ# 5805168 "The Great Changeling Hunt - Part 4"
"Gone Fishing" "One Among Many Concerned"
by Commander Thomas
& Counselor Maxwell-Navarre "Taking Steps Against the Likely Happenings"
by Commander Thomas
& Commander Sunder "Stepped Up Security"
By Lieutenant Commander Savat
Chief Security Officer, USS Galaxy
AKA
David Friedland
ICQ# 5805168 "Friendly Encounter"
Ensign Wilhem Quevvenson
And
Zerhi No'hisyndiosyn (NPC) "Unexpected visitor."
By Lt. Commander Peterson
[with excerps from Captain Price's "Shit hits the fan, T-minus 1"] "Shit hits the fan - T-Minus 0"
by Captain Robert Edward Lee Price "The Seven P's of Combat"
By Lieutenant Commander Savat
Chief Security Officer, USS Galaxy
AKA
David Friedland
ICQ# 5805168