"Bad Mojo"

Starring Captain Alberion S. Savage (CO, USS Sturmovik)
Cmdr. Alexi Aalim Romanovsky (Chief Engineer, USS Sturmovik)
Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Hall(New Chief Of Security, USS Sturmovik)
Lt. Gunther Engleman

And finally Lt jg Klaus Fienberg

OOC: This is a JP that I've written with a friend who's on the USS Miranda sim. It took place some time before McDowell transferred to the Galaxy. Naturally, it has no relevance to the current episode, but I hope you enjoy it anyway. Also, I still gotta figure out what the actual situation is on the Galaxy before I know what I can write best about. Still got to read some logs of the lates episode on the website.

"Long Ago And Far Away"

Lieutenant (jg) Michael McDowell Engineer,
Theoretical Propulsion Group
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards

Judith McDowell Michael's mother

Lt. Commander Navarre Shinta [NPC+]
Counselor
USS Miranda

Gavin Navarre [NPC+] Shinta's oldest son

*** Earth, McDowell residence ***

Winter was early this year, or was that just an illusion? Michael wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. He didn't come home very often - despite the fact that he was stationed at Utopia Planitia on Mars - and maybe that had put him 'out of synch' so to speak with the rhythm of earth's seasons. Anyway, winter had arrived and the thick blanket of snow was prove of that. It covered the whole of the garden, located at the back of the house, creating a beautiful white scenery.

A soft touch on his left arm made Michael realize his mother had joined him in the library. It was her way to get his attention when he seemed to be deep in thought.

"Michael, is everything alright?"

Michael turned away from the small elongated window where he had been gazing through for the last half hour and looked into his mother's eyes. She looked like she had aged ten years since the last time he saw her, about two and a half years ago. "Yes, everything is fine." Michael said and mustered a smile. "Mother, I know what you're thinking but you worry too much."

Judith didn't return the smile. Her sorrows couldn't be taken away so easily. "You know why, Michael"

"Yes, I know, but I can't just leave Starfleet -" Michael was about to explain it all over again why he had chosen to stay in Starfleet but was cut short.

"But the Dominion war, the hostage situation on Cardassia Prime, the accident you had on Grainus VI,...and then the incident on that Freighter two years ago, when you had to go to Starbase 86. It all happened in the last six years since you joined Starfleet." Judith took Michael's hand. The last time she had done that was when he was still a teenager. "Why stay in Starfleet and put your life in danger time after time? You could stay here on earth..."

This time it was Michael who interrupted. "...and pursue a career in Science. We've been over this before, mother, and you know how I think about it. I want to serve in Starfleet. I feel that is where I belong and I've always accepted the risks involved." There was a short pause before Michael continued with a low voice. He wanted to let his mother know how important this was for him. "Father always accepted my choice,...why can't you?"

Judith didn't answer directly. Instead she appeared to look past Michael, staring through the window right next to him. "I just can't, not after all what's happened. You're my son, Michael. Is that not reason enough?"

Michael didn't know how to reply to that. He couldn't dismiss the argument his mother brought up and this created a personal dilemma: give up Starfleet after all...or follow his heart and stay? When Michael felt he had to say at least something, soft noises and mumbling could be heard out of the living room.

"That should be Ian and Professor Mishima." Judith said in such a way that Michael could barely hear her. "I have to prepare dinner." She left without saying another word.

*** Study room, a few hours later ***

'Lost' was the probably the best description of how Michael felt. Now his mother finally revealed the real reason why was against his decision to stay in Starfleet, Michael found himself questioning his own motives again. He struggled to find something that would justify his reasons for staying.

Another hour passed. For once Michael was glad that he had the study room al l to himself. Here he had some privacy. For the umpteenth time he sat down in the chair before the small console his father always used when he worked at home. He looked at it, thinking that now would be a good time to talk to a friend. Not to bother him or her with his problems, but to just talk. Any subject would do.

He couldn't say exactly why, but for some reason Michael thought of Lt. Commander Shinta Navarre. She had been his Counselor for most of the years on the - at that time - USS Galaxy. Shinta was someone with who Michael could get along very well and she knew what kind of person he was (in other words, what made him tick). So, as far as Michael could see, Shinta was maybe the best friend he could contact.

It took Michael a few minutes to get access to Starfleet's subspace communications network; He had to identify himself and supply an access code. After that the subspace link between earth and the USS Miranda, the ship where Shinta appeared to be assigned to these days, was set up in merely a few moments. When the representation of the UFP symbol was replaced with Shinta Michael had a bit trouble to find a good line start off with.

"Long time no see 'Commander. Eh, I...hope I didn't catch you on a bad time?"

Shinta was surprised. It was a long time since she had seen Michael, he had been one of her patients on the galaxy. A nice but difficult one, because of his memory loss. At times it had been very frustrating to see him fight to get his memories back with so little success. Until they had finally tried a Vulcan mind melt.

"Michael! Where are you? It's good to see you again." than her face changed. "Nothing is wrong is there? With you or... Karyn?" she didn't know if those two were still in contact. But you just didn't chat with somebody half the galaxy away whom you haven't seen for over half a year.

"Don't panic, nothing's wrong. I just called to see how you were doing. It's been a while you know." Michael said playfully and grinned. He didn't say anything about Karyn merely because Shinta was probing again. At least that was what Michael suspected or else she wouldn't have mentioned Karyn. Of course, Shinta was just being concerned but she also knew that he found it difficult to share his thoughts on the whole situation. When it came to love and relationships Michael always struggled to put his feelings into words. "As to answer your first question, I'm currently enjoying a week shore leave on Earth with my parents. So, how's life? Still trying to let others confess their deepest secrets?"

She smiled. "Trying to. I have just started work again. I have been off duty for a while, due to personal problems. And then I was ill for about a month. But now I'm doing fine. Plenty of patients to bother. How about you? I still can't believe you would call me long distance from Earth if nothing was wrong."

"Well, strictly speaking you're right. I'm not completely free of sorrow but, say yourself, who is? It's nothing compared with the problems I had on the Galaxy, believe me, and it's certainly not my intention to bother you with it. Or anyone else for that matter."

To Michael his answer sounded pretty convincing and he doubted if he could've thought of a better one. "Besides,...you're not my Counselor anymore, remember?"

"That's true. But you did contact me. And I am still a good listener. Anyway, tell me how your memory is? Did it comeback completely?" She asked.

Michael nodded. "Yes, I think so. Of course, I'll never know for sure. It's possible I still miss some memories, but as far as I can tell it all checks out." There was a moment of silence as Michael looked down in front of him. He laughed quietly, but cynically, before looking up again. Strange how a few simple words could trigger a strong emotional response. "It all checks out,...but it doesn't, does it?"

"Tell me about it." Was all she said. It was so obvious that he wanted to talk.

Michael slightly shook his head, blaming himself for letting his emotions run free. Only moments before he'd said he wanted to spare Shinta for having to listen to his problems. He took a deep breath. "No use keeping up the charade, huh?"

"None." Shinta smiled. "So you had better tell me." They both knew this was a joke.

A smile appeared on Michael's face, but briefly. The direct approach of Shinta had its funny side from time to time. "It's about Karyn... I can't forget her, although I thought I did. I,...I keep thinking about what could've been if only I had done things differently. I could've made it right again, despite all the things I went through after the incident on Grainus VI, but I didn't. I just didn't know to handle the situation and I thought that it was best to leave it alone. That was also one of the reasons why I accepted the transfer to the USS Windsor at the time."

It became still for a few moments as Michael thought of Karyn and some of the good moments they'd shared. "But I still love Karyn. I always loved her, right from the start when I first met her. And I left her, just like that. What was I thinking? I would give anything to just be with her again, Shinta."

"Have you told her that?" Shinta asked. "Have you contacted her at all the last couple of months?"

"To be honest,...no. I wouldn't know how to start the conversation. I mean, I can't possibly begin talking about how I feel about her. It's been too long." Michael said. "And maybe she doesn't even want to talk to me."

"If you love her, it's never too late, Michael. If you don't try it, you will never know. And you will keep on regretting that for the rest of your life. Be honest to her, and then give her time to think."

"If you know me then you know that's easier said than done. There's no book on the subject; one with simple rules which I can understand and follow. At least with engineering problems you can fall back on technical manuals." Michael's answer was short but it highlighted one of the problems he struggled with.

"Just do it. Don't think about it, don't analyze it too much. Call her and speak from the heart. Just see what happens, you have nothing to lose and everything to win." Shinta said.

Michael listened to Shinta while he fumbled around with one of the pencils that lay on the table before him - his father still used pen and paper when it came to solving mathematical equations. A sudden high-pitched bark caught Michael attention. He looked somewhat puzzled at Shinta. "You have a dog? I didn't know you were a pet lover."

"I'm not!" Shinta said emphatically. "I dislike those animals. But a friend gave her dog to Gavin, and he really likes the animal. All the kids love him, so what can I do?"

"Hmm, not much I fear. Returning the dog is not option anymore - before you know it you have a domestic war on your hand. But I'm no parent so you may want to try it anyway, in case all other things fail." There was a moment where Michael wanted to ask why Shinta had accepted the dog in the first place, but then decided that would be a mistake. "You know, I never actually met your children. I know their names, Karyn told me once, but that's all. Gavin, James, and...Hope, right?"

"You have a good memory. The twins are two, that means they have started walking and talking. It's a lot of work, but they are great children. I couldn't take the animal away from them, they love him too much already, so I'll have to get used to the extra work. I'm sure I will survive." She smiled, but he could see she was tired.

"Looks to me you've got work enough already. Even I can see that." Michael said seriously. He knew how it felt to continuously keep working in order to 'get the job done'. "You sure you're not overworking yourself?"

"No." She said honestly. "I can't. It's almost impossible not to with three children, a job and studying. But I have managed so far."

"How do you do it? I've would've gone raving mad long ago if I were in your shoes." Michael answered in such a way that he hoped Shinta would find amusing and would cheer her up a bit. At the same time he heard the dog barking again followed by the sound of a boy laughing. "Well, at least Gavin is having a good time."

"Oh yes he is. Gavin!" She shouted. "Can you come here a moment, there is somebody I would like you to meet."

The boy came running and smiled at the view screen.

- To be continued...

“Minds Eye”

Starring Rebecca von Ernst

OOC: Takes place during the Orion attack. . . .or does it?

My name is Rebecca Catherine von Ernst, and I am the savior of the Federation……

Or its doom, depending on which brochures you read.

Now, I may be overstating my situation, but in the nine years since I signed on the dotted line and took my first trembling steps into Star Fleet Academy, I have not seen a whole lot to change my opinion.

I’m a pawn. A pawn in an intricate game of 3-d chess in which the pieces are composed of flesh and blood in the form of unsuspecting officers and crew that don’t even realize they are part of the game.

The players. . .you can take the word in many different forms.. . . .are rival power blocs within the Federation council that are struggling to re-form the UFP in the wake of a devastating series of wars. Theses factions. . . .the ‘Doves’ and the ‘Hawks’ are so alike in their methods, so vehement in their dogma, that they don’t even realize that the results of their struggle is the same regardless of who wins.

Men bleed. Starships die. Souls are lost.

That last one is where I come in. Lost souls. Namely mine.

I’m a skinny little kid from rural Minnesota. What the noodles where they thinking when they drafted me into their fight?

They weren’t thinking I guess. Because if they were they would have remembered the one cardinal rule about pawns.

Out of all the pieces in chess. . . . this most insignificant of piece alone has the power. . . . the power to become QUEENS.

And so I did. Stupid stuttering little me spent the last nine years crossing the chess board while all around me the other ‘pieces’ tore into each other savagely, in bloody orgy of cold silent death. All the while ignoring Admiral Hoth’s skinny little protégé, dismissing her for the fool that she was.

Until I reached the final row.

That’s when I lost my soul.

It didn’t happen all at once mind you. There was . . . . and still remains a thorn in my side that continues to slowly rape me of my sanity and humanity. Each day making me new in the image of my unholy creator.

Turning me into HER.

I know what it is, this thorn.

The evidence is all there. . .

But I ‘m too afraid to admit it to myself yet.

But I digress. Where was I ?

Oh yes. . . . . I’m in hell.

Specifically I’m on the bridge of the USS Galaxy, the follow up vessel to the ship where I lost my humanity.

I’ve come to think of her as my own private raft, adrift on the interstellar version of the river Styx, with a souless, faceless, Charon guiding me unerringly deeper into the depths of Hades.

Poetic yes?

Bet yall didn’t think good old Rebecca could put words together like that with out stuttering all over myself.

There’s a lot yall don’t know about me.

Not that you tried to find out.

Oh sure some of you did make a half hearted effort.. . . . . .Jimmy Corgan, you perhaps most of all, except you never knew how much the pain in your own soul scared me.. . .reminding me of the condition of my own.

Lysander. . . . . .oh Lysander what can I say about you? Right now as I sit her on Brhode’s right, I can see you there on the left trying to make sense out of these Orion attacks.

You’ll figure it out Lys. You always were better at tactics than I was, but you never possesed the heartlessness to make it work. You know why I always won? Because I didn’t care.

You’ll figure out the tactics. . . .but you’ll never figure me out. In that. . . .neither of us will get what we really want.

Brhode. . . .heh. . . . .Brohde’s a bull in a china shop, with the brains and brawn to match. He doesn’t realize why Starfleet saddled him with this bug-ridden lemon of a starship. You think Fleet didn’t realize what a disaster the ship that Quick built really was?

Grow up Brhode.

And Counselor Dallas?

Ha!

She said I was confused about relationships.

Relationships?

Poor pathetic woman. Don’t you know a lost soul when you see it?

How are you going to counsel that one away?

Self esteem for madwomen?

Meanwhile of course There is killing that needs to be attended to.

The Orions are swooping in for another attack, and of course the shields are still not up.

Come on Lysander. . . .you can see the solution to this one as easy as I can. . . .they’re vectoring for the starboard power couplings. . . . . .

You see it? Of course you do, but you cannot admit it to yourself.

Very well. . . .. I’ll solve this puzzle myself.

>>>Captain recommend alter heading by 6 degrees to starboard<<<

There. . . . you see?

They missed the Power Couplings. . . . . . and blew out Science labs 9b through 10f. . . . . just as we both knew.

>>>Impacts on Deck 9. . .Casualties being reported. . .no loss of power.<<<

Casualties reported. I see you both sitting there nodding. For you casualties is just a generic term for some faceless nobodies that happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Ha! You ever wonder what a curse it is to have this so called “perfect” memory of mine? I have every single crew file on this ship memorized. Biographical information . . . Academy Grades. . . . .Duty Stations.

Oh yes. . . .I know WHO was stationed in destroyed Labs 9b-10f.

I knew it before I ordered the maneuver that doomed them.

Doomed Lt Maria J. Esquivel. . .mother of two. Ensign Lance Groomer. . .newlywed these past three months. Jared Neely. . . .Meg Yancy. . .Kay Jorgen. . .Morgan. . .. Steve. . . .Eddie. . . .brother Sister. . . .husband. . . . .corpse

Snap out of it noodlehead.

It’s no different than anybody else you killed over the years. Every tactical maneuver you ever made, cost people lives. And you knew who they were . . . . .you knew every single one of them thanks to your thrice-cursed perfect memory.

Thanks to it, their faces are going to float in your minds eye until the day you die.

Why?

Because I CANT forget!!

I can NEVER Forget no matter how much I try.

Others will mourn them and recover. . .moving on as time dulls the pain.

But Me?

Time will never erase what my mind cannot forget.

I will live in this horrible moment forever. . . . .like always.

For me there is no past.

No distant memory.

No. . . .”lucky” me. . . .for me its always NOW!

And I will mourn them always. . . .just like. . .

(Rebecca?)

Yes daddy?

(What’cha up to funny-face?)

Oh Daddy, you know Im getting ready to go out and make snow angels in the yard with you and. . . . .

No. . .that’s not right. You’re dead. Been dead twenty years.

But its like yesterday.

Like NOW.

I get confused when past and present get mixed up.

Did I have this conversation this morning. . .or twenty years ago?

(Funny Face?)

Daddy. . .I cant. . . .the Orions are attacking.

(Well all right princess, just make sure to wipe your feet before you come back in or your momma will kill us both.)

Yes Daddy.

Princess he called me.

He’s wrong. . . .Im the Queen.

=/\=

"People with Tempers"
By: Lt (jg) Kay Elizabeth MacFarland, Science Officer (Part of Archology Department)
With Lt (jg) Klaus Fienberg

Backpost: Shortly after the attack when cleanup was just about done.

**Sickbay, Deck 12**

"I CAN'T BLOODY HELL BELIEVE THIS!" yelled an redhaired woman in an Scottish voice by the name of Kay Elizabeth MacFarland while entering sickbay with an hurt arm. The young half Betaziod half human was riding on her horse in the holodeck when on of the man from the Flight Control Department who was with her small group of friends try to get on the horse with Kay herself.

As he did the young woman kicked the young officer off her horse but when the young Bajoran/Human man got anger and pulled her off the horse hitting her arm near an big rock.

Klaus was sitting listening to music trying to shake off a stress headache caussed by mending phaser & disrupter burns. His little serenade of classic Metallica in his headphones were interupted a bit rudely. Rudeness interuptions preceding work was somehting Klaus hoped to be a rare thing.

He got up with his medical kit and walked over.

"What seem's to be the trouble."

"I fell on a bloody rock."

"I hope you mean that was an expression, Frau Leutnant."

After pulling up the sleeve to the damage and scan it. "Nothing major, bone's a bit bruised. Hit that rock pretty hard eh, Frau Leutnant?"

Kay gave Dok a wild angry look.

"Hurry the hell up!"

"Paitience is a virtue, Frau Leutnant."

The young woman looked up to face the young doctor, "Your German aren't you?"

"Ja I am Frau Leutnant." the doctor replied with alittle grin while healing the bone.

Kay started to calm herself alittle, "Forgive me for my temper that one of the bad things about me, well half of myself."

"Yes. We all have our weaknesses, but everybody needs a little fire. The Bone was a bit cracked but it's fine now. My Father once said 'Hell hath no Fury like your Mother's Scorn.'"

Klaus stepped back and cracked his neck and smiled. "I'll need to run that chiropracter program again later. So, Frau Leutnant. Do you have a name?"

The young red haired smiled an beauiful smile, "Kay Elizabeth MacFarland."

"My name is Klaus." the young man replied while an grin.

Kay Smiled "Yes but are the green people off the ship?"

"I haven't seen anymore." Klaus took a seat again.

"I hate though kinds of people...I felt like shooting some just for the hell of it."

"Violence is not something that should be commited so easily. I learned that at a young age. Well.....I need to get back to work. I get off shift in about an hour. Do you want to meet up later?"

Kay smiled again. "Yes, I would like that."

"Well then, you're arm is fine and good to go." Klaus gave a quick salute.

Kay smiled and walked out while Klaus tended to another incoming patient.

"A Discussion Of Politics"

Lieutenant Cassius Henderson Chief Tactical Officer,

Ensign Rima Pennington Assistant Chief Tactical Officer,

-Main Bridge & PPC Control, USS Galaxy-

"Oh, bloody hell! Why does this damn thing never work!" Cass Henderson swore. Upon arriving onboard, it had not taken long for him to read up on the history of the PPC. Either way, it wasn't doing what it should have, and he would have thought it would have been fixed by this point.

As they were now dead in space, he stopped trying computer codes that might clear the weapon for use and considered his options. Ultimately, he decided to call down to Ensign Pennington, who was knee deep in the PPC's firing chamber, arguing with Petty Officer Dorningham, who was trying his best not to throttle her.

Keying the communications unit built into the tactical arch, he said "Rima, can you give me any idea as to what's wrong with the Pulsed Phaser Cannon?"

Rima, quite frankly, had no idea what was wrong with the Pulsed Phaser Cannon, nor was she overly anxious to find out. They never used the damn thing anyway; why should she care about what was wrong with it? Unfortunately, Cassius WAS her commanding officer, and as such she had to abandon her entertaining argument with Dornin-something and stroll over to the gun. "I...have no idea. Why, what do you think?"

"Well.... There are a couple of possibilities, all of which are dead ends.... Tell me, Rima, have you even read the specs for this thing?" Henderson sighed and leaned on his console, allowing himself a respite from standing while security did it's job.

She blinked. "Uh. No. Was I supposed to?"

Cass blinked. He definately hadn't expected her to be quite so lax in her attention to detail. With a sigh, he replied calmly, "Do you want the bitterly sarcatic answer or the serious one. For fuck's sake, Rima.... Yes. You need to know your weapon's capabilities so you can do your damn job."

She grinned. Finally. "Actually, I have read them. But you're funny when you're mad."

He sighed again. The woman was incorrigible, in an amusing sort of way.... "You had me going there.... I'm told it's one of my qualities. You're quite the actress." he said, "So, now that we've established that, what do you think?"

Well...the design is inherently flawed, for one thing. And if it's not in a convenient place, then it's pointless anyway."

"Interesting.... Well, I doubt we'll get it online anyway. What do you see as wrong with the positioning?" he said, curious. He had her talking, and that was a start. Quietly, he commed Dorningham to leave her alone so they could talk and he could work.

"Well, for one thing it's on the wrong side of the ship, if you ask me...and it's too damn big."

"Uhm.... Rima, it's a fixed mount forward firing cannon. And it is too damn big, but the design promises to make big holes in things... Which is good." he replied.

"Yes, but big holes aren't really always what we're aiming for. Also, I don't know- I just don't like where it is." She winced internally. Of course there was always the chance he wouldn't ask any more questions. She was getting tired of bluffing.

"Okay... So, why do you think Jeb Quick was chosen to design the refit, instead of Leah Brahms, who designed the original?" Cass asked, hoping to keep up the conversation long enough for some kind of picture of who she was.

She shrugged. "Political reasons, maybe? Or maybe the original architect just didn't want to go over it again."

"Ah... but what political reasons?" Cass said.... and there was the stinger. He needed to figure out where Rima stood on the whole mess between the "Hawks" and "Doves".

"Maybe she was a Dove. Or a Hawk. Or a something that someone didn't like. Why does it matter?"

"Everything matters, Ensign. Everything," Cass replied as they sat, dead in space, "Sooner or later, this power struggle has to end. You know that as well as I."

Arching a brow, she looked over. "You feel strongly about this, I'm guessing?"

"I'm former intelligence. When you live that life, you learn too much to be ignorant of politics." he replied, almost, but not quite wishing that he was still with intelligence.

"Of course. Well...I'm trying to remain happily ignorant so I won't have that problem."

"Why be ignorant to something that could effect you, even kill you."

"I'm comfortable with dying like that. What difference does it make if I know about what particular species kills me? I'll still be dead."

Cass considered that for a moment. Her point was valid, if self defeating. "Do you have any ambitions beyond this existence?"

Rima resisted the urge to glare. Of course he was in a conversational mood just when she was brain dead. "That depends on if I make it out of this existence."

"What makes you want to leave?" he pressed further, though he very much expected that he had exhausted her for the day.

Fine. One last question and then she was leaving. "I never really wanted this...career. It was forced."

Cassius paused for a moment.... That was odd.... How could starfleet be forced on anyone..... It had never occured to him. That could certainly explain why Rima had done what she had done. Then he had an idea. "All right, Rima. I'll let you go. Just keep working on that PPC with Alexander and we'll see where this takes us." he said, and, though she could not see it, a devious smile crossed his face.

With that, he cut the communications link between the bridge and the PPC Control room.

"The man called Mudd!"

Starring Captain John Q Brhode and the usual cast of familiar faces!

Previously on the USS Galaxy TNG: Responding to a distorted distress call, the crew of the USS GALAXY set a coarse for Orion space, finding the infamous Harry Mudd and his androids under siege from a group of Orion pirates. Granting Mudd asylum, the Galaxy then found themselves being boarded after the ships shields failed thanks to the dreaded 'Quick Virus'.

Location: Bridge, USS GALAXY

The bridge of the Federation's flagship was chaotic.

The biting smell of burnt circuitry and conduits filled the air. The occasional spark popped off of the damaged consols. Red alert klaxons wailed, accompanied by the flashing crimson light. Damage reports streamed into seemingly every available station as the GALAXY shuddered under a relentless attack from their foes.

Weary crew members braced themselves as the great ship shook under the assault, each trying to remain focused on the task at hand.

Staying alive.

And amidst the storm of insanity, John Q Brhode stood rock solid, barking orders as the grand ship swam through space. The only tell tale sign of his frustrations being the throbbing vein on his forehead.

"Will someone please make a note to have the Chief Engineer pack his bags if we survive this. If they cant do one simple thing like restore my shields, then they belong on the first boat to the Breen Outpost." Captain Brhode spat as the ship rocked once more..then stopped.

From his position behind the OPS consol, Lt. Geluf quickly scanned his readouts, then called out: "Sir! Engineering reports shield generators back online!"

"It's a little LATE don't you think Lieutenant??" thundered Bhrode glancing at the damage reports that STILL scrolled endlessly.. "Transfer...."

"Transferring all available power to the shields, aye sir." Curtis spouted off.

"Get my weapons back! We're sitting ducks here!" barked Bhrode. " I want photon torpedoes launched at those bastards, even if our crack Engineering staff has to personally arm and shove them out!"

The Captain looked to his immediate left, where the hulking form of Raven Darkstar stood looming like a thundercloud.

"Meat Truck, I want any invaders either in the brig, in a body bag or shoved out the nearest airlock! Go find your brother and his marines and have them assist Corgan in the house cleaning! You.." he said pointing to Leo Streely, "You do not move. I want to be able to keep my eye on you."

Recognizing how dangerously close Mt. Saint Brhode was to a total eruption, Leo opted to remain silent.

The ship rocked and buckled under the stress of the continued pummeling. Officers frantically moved from one station to another, checking consoles and running orders.

And at that very moment, Harry Mudd made his grand entrance.

"Captain! Captain! Excuse me, are you busy? Could I have a moment?" Mudd called out.

"Who the hell is...." Bhrode began, turning around. "JESUS CHRIST ON A CHARIOT DRIVEN CRUTCH!!! WHAT SORRY SON OF A BITCH LET THIS CLOWN ON MY BRIDGE? CAPTAIN BRHODE TO TRANSPORTER ROOM!!!"

[This is Ensign McDanials...]

"YOUR FIRED! CONFINE YOURSELF TO QUARTERS! IMMEDIATLY!" Brhode blistered, then looked over to the security staff....comprised of none other than Leo Streely.

"Captain, Impulse engines back online. We also have phasers up and running at 70 percent power." OPS called out.

"ITS ABOUT GOTTAMN TIME! STREELY, GET THIS MAN OFF MY BRIDGE AND KEEP HIM OFF. SCREW UP AND YOUR TRANSFERRED TO RISA AS THE MENS WASHROOM ATTENDENT!!!!"

Leo's face lit up with glee. "Does this mean I get a phaser now?!?!"

"DONT PUSH YOUR LUCK YOU LITTLE ASS CLOWN!" Brhode spat. "GET HIM OUT NOW."

Leo muttered as he shuffled out of the bridge with Mudd. Meanwhile, the Galaxy had come to bear upon their assailants. The Captain's normal scowl deepened. "LIGHT THEM UP! NOW!" he ordered. The GALAXY's phaserbanks released twin beams that sliced through the night and found their targets.

"Open a channel." Brhode ordered, then seeing the harried face of the Orion Captain, he said: "Any last words you want etched on your stone?"

The Orion captain, suddenly looking diplomatic, held open his hands palm up.

"I have no quarrel with you! I simply want the man you call Mudd. Perhaps if I came aboard, I could present what I have."

Brhode sat thoughtfully for a moment.

"Allow me a moment to arrange our conference room. Standby..." The Captain said with a slight grin.

"Moochy Moochy Pt.1"

Starring, Lt. Cmdr.(Ret. Final Rank) Erik Stiener.

Location: Sickbay, SS Crimson Sky.

Erik sat on an old model Bio-bed in the ship's surprisingly decent sickbay. Erik could only suppose it was the goodness within the noble captain's heart. The Doctor finished examining Erik.

"Other than your immobile left arm and missing pinky finger on your left, you are perfectly healthy."

"Thank you Herr Doctor." Erik then showed his most bizarre trait. While his left arm could not be moved on it's own, it could actually be positioned with his right appendage as if it could. The Doctor hesitated, but then accepted the bizzare handshake. Erik then put the arm into its normal "Splinted" position.

The Federation transport "Crimson Sky" slowly sped on her way toward the Triangle. Toward business. Her Captain sat contently at his console, making course corrections. Erik almost wanted to stay here, but his goal's could not be met on this old hauler.

"Oh, hello Mr. Steiner," piped up the Captain, "We will rendevous with the Galaxy by tommorow at least. By the way, I've been meaning to ask you?"

"Go ahead, I've heard them all." Erik was itching to brag.

"What happened to your arm."

"It's a long story. I sacrificed that arm to save my ship once. I'm a former Starfleet engineer. I suprised I survived. I wanted to continue to serve, but I finally decided to retire because of this arm." All Erik ever was to Starfleet, despite his immense skill and usefullness, was a parasite. His accident,(In which the rescue of his ship was the truth) was his own damn fault. Tweaking gone wrong.

"Well, I could use you."

The Freighters current CE yelled something barely understandable, but everybody had a pretty good idea what it was.

"No, I cannot. I am going to live with my brother on the Galaxy. And besides. I wish to see Dr. Jebediah Quick's work."

"Who?"

"I can't tell you anymore."

"Well....I suppose you can't."

"I hope you are stopping for supplys soon. You're out of toilette paper."

The Captain became slightly infuriated at his guest, but calmed down. They were going to stop for supplys on the way anyway. It was just the principle of the thing.

Erik walked out, and the First mate approached the main console where his captain sat.

"Cap'n, why in the hell are we ferrying this guy. He's a total scumbag."

"Because were are 20 bars of gold pressed latinum richer. Profit begets service. He'll be gone soon."

The First mate slumped down in his seat."God I hope so. I'd hate to be this brother of his."

"Moochy, Moochy"
Lt. Cmdr.(Ret) Erik Steiner
Lt.(jg) Klaus Fienberg

Location: Freighter enroute to Shuttle drop off point.

Time: 3 days ago.

Erik continued his trip with increasing annoyance to the rest of the freighter's crew. They were ready to kick Erik and his Type 7 shuttle out, but the captain continued to show tolerance. He probably knew that this was the only life Erik knew.

Thankfully, the drop off point was only an hour away.

When it arrived, Erik was "occupied."

In the shuttlebay, the freighter's crew showed a collective face of relief. "Goodbye you mooching bastard. We all hate you and are surprised we didn't dump you in cold vacuum WITHOUT your shuttle. Get the hell out of here and if we ever meet again, I'll personally bust your head open. Have a nice day."

Erik left the Crimson Sky a few presents though. All the contraban he had about his Shuttle, "Steiner's Pride", was now conveniantly in the Crimson Sky's main cargo hold.

Time: Present Location: Main Shuttlebay, Sickbay "USS Galaxy. This the independant shuttle Steiner's Pride requesting docking.

"Steiner's Pride, you are clear, prepare to be searched for contra-ban upon arrival though."

"Understood."

Once docking was complete, a couple of security officers went in and searched the shuttle. Erik had a smile of triumph.

After everything was secure and his suitcase's had people to carry them. He instructed them to take them to an apartement he bought and headed to sickbay for a checkup.

In sickbay he spoke to one of the nurses requesting a physical from Klaus.

The nurse agreed and headed over to Klaus. "Doctor, that man wishes a physical from you."

"Excuse me?"

Klaus was about to go off his shift and had his medkit in hand. The Nurse pointed and turned about to only see a shocking sight. Slack jawwed, eyes full of shock and dread, he dropped the medkit. All Erik oculd do was smile and wave.

OOC: The second and final part of the JP with 'guest appearance' of a USS Miranda member. As mentioned before, it takes place some time before McDowell transferred to the Galaxy. I had to wrap this up. You won't see these kinds of JP's from me again. Promise. ;-) Expect another post of me in the next two or three days that does fit into the current episode. -Martin

"Long Ago And Far Away - Part II"

Lieutenant (jg) Michael McDowell Engineer,
Theoretical Propulsion Group
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards

Lt. Commander Navarre Shinta [NPC+] Counselor USS Miranda

Gavin Navarre [NPC+] Shinta's oldest son

*** Without further ado: over to the ongoing subspace communication ... ***

"Michael, this is my son Gavin Navarre. Gavin, this is Michael McDowell one of mummy's friends from the Galaxy."

"Pleased to meet you, sir." The boy said.

"The pleasure is all mine Gavin." Michael replied and grinned. He couldn't remember the last time anyone called him 'sir'. "So, I heard you have a dog now. What's his name?"

"Reeses" Gavin said proudly. "Teresa gave him to me, and I'm looking after him very well. He's still a puppy."

"Puppy, huh? So that's why I didn't see him running around. I only heard him barking." Michael's answer sounded a bit forced. Kids always made him feel a bit uneasy when he talked to them - though that became less so after he got to know them better. They had a knack of making you feel like a fool by asking the most unusual or inconvenient questions at times when you least expected it. "How does Reeses look like? Can I see him?"

Gavin held the dog up, it was a small terrier. "See, he is beautiful. Even mummy doesn't really dislike him. She says she does, but I see her giving him food when nobody is looking." He grinned.

"She does?" Michael said and laughed. He then half whispered, "Mothers can be a bit strange at times. They say one thing and do another. ...But don't tell your mom I said that."

"No I won't." He looked around. "She has gone to check on the twins. So how did you meet my mother?" He asked.

Gavin's question was not that strange, but it was not one Michael had expected from the boy. "Well, like she said, we know each other from the time we both served on the USS Galaxy. Your mom was my Counselor back then."

"Ah, that's were she knows most men from." He seemed disappointed somehow.

Michael noticed the sudden change in mood. It wasn't difficult to pick that up. It looked like the boy was struggling with something. Leaning a bit towards to screen Michael said, "Hey, where's that big smile? Is something wrong?"

"You seem like a nice guy, sir. Every time she meets someone nice it's a patient." He said softly.

Michael didn't really know how to react to Gavin's remark. What was he trying to say? Although Michael could hardly believe it himself, it almost looked like Gavin was trying to figure out how close his mother and he were, and was sad to hear it didn't go beyond normal friendship.

"You don't sound too happy about that. But I'm no patient of you mother, remember? She _was_ my Counselor. Not anymore. Does that make things better?" Michael finally said. Maybe he said too much. It was a slight correction, but was it really necessary to say it all over again that he wasn't a patient of his mother anymore?

He brightened. "Then you can ask her out? She badly needs a new boyfriend and you seem nice enough."

This was going the wrong way. "Uhm...Gavin,..." Michael smiled apologetically. He did say too much and now Gavin was thinking about something that would, most likely, never happen. "I'm afraid it's a little bit more complicated than that. You see, your mother and I are good friends, and I really like her a lot, but..., well,...I don't like her as much as a boyfriend would do." Michael looked at Gavin, hoping he would understand.

"Yeah, I know I am used to it." Gavin said. "I am sorry for asking."

Michael felt sorry for the boy. He knew that Gavin's father, Bruce Maxwell, left his family long ago, but that was all. Michael could only imagine how it was for Gavin to live without a father. It was difficult for him. This little chat had made that painfully clear.

A little later Shinta came back. "Those two are settled again. How did you like my eldest son?" She asked after Gavin had gone off to play.

"You have a fine son, Shinta. He has a heart of gold. It would've been nice if I had met him a few years earlier, on the Galaxy. But I guess I have myself to blame for that." Michael meant every word he said. He could've looked Shinta up after Bruce had left her and the kids. If he'd met Gavin at that time, then maybe he could've helped him somehow just by being his friend.

"What do you mean?" Shinta asked a little bit puzzled by his words.

"Well, let's just say that I should've been wiser in the past." Michael said after some thinking. The answer was a little cryptic so he continued to elaborate. "I knew Bruce had left you. The least I could've done was to drop by every now and then to see how you, Gavin, and the twins were doing."

"Don't blame yourself, you had enough on your plate then. And don't forget, I am tough, I can survive a great deal." She grinned at him full of confidence.

"Oh, you're tough alright. I have no doubts about that. Sometimes I even wonder why you choose Counseling instead of Security." Michael smiled although he wasn't as sure as Shinta seemed to be. Three kids, a full time job as Counselor, studying,...no husband. It had to be a lot harder than Shinta wanted him to believe. She smiled. "I had my reasons, let's say I was tired of violence, and I needed something different in my life."

"Ah, I see. Don't worry, I won't start asking any difficult questions about your past. Promise." Michael was holding his right hand up as if he was giving the oath in court and grinned. "But Shinta, about something else. When is Gavin's birthday?"

"Gavin's birthday?" She was taken by surprise. "In may, the 10th, why?"

"Just thought that maybe it would be nice if I surprise Gavin on his next birthday. I still have more than one week of shore leave left after this week,...and I think I can persuade Commander Clark to grant me a few days leave of absence around May 10th." Michael looked at Shinta, curious on how she would react. "What do you think? Would it be okay to show up on his party?"

She was overwhelmed. "Yes, that would be wonderful. But I don't know where we will be then. And ... Michael why are you doing this?" She asked bluntly.

Shinta's question was inevitable. Even so Michael didn't know exactly how to answer it. True, it sounded a bit weird that he was willing to travel a dozen light years just to be there for Gavin's birthday party. But he thought it was a good thing to do. It was just a feeling, but still. "I don't know, really. It's just something I think I must do. I mean,...I think it's the right thing to do."

"Why, Michael? Why this sudden interest in me and my children?" She was a bit worried now, he sounded lonely and sometimes patients got so attached to their therapists that they were at a loss when the therapy ended. But she had not seen Michael for months. Why was this happening now?

Michael had rather not explained his motives since there was a risk that Shinta would interpret them wrongly. But she just kept on pushing for one. "Alright, I'll tell you why. But promise me you won't get angry."

"Of course not. I am a Counselor, remember." She said joking.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but in general Counselors are quite strong-minded about certain issues. Take Karyn. I'm sure you know the reason why she's called 'Red' sometimes." Michael grinned slightly when he mentioned Karyn's nickname. "I'm just being cautious."

"Yeah I know. But try me." She said.

"Okay." Michael said and too a deep breath. "It's Gavin. Now, I know I have no right to interfere, but I couldn't help sensing that he's missing his father, or a father figure. Don't misunderstand me, I don't have the idea of being a replacement..., but that doesn't mean I can't be a friend to him, right?"

She smiled. "That's very sweet of you. I'll keep that in mind."

Michael nodded and smiled. He was glad Shinta understood him. He was just about to answer when he heard the door to the study room behind him was opened. Michael turned to see who it was, but it was no surprise to see that his mother had come for him. She'd probably come to ask if he would come to the living room for tea and the - in her eyes - mandatory chat with their guest, Professor Mishima. With a few gestures Michael made clear to her that he was in the middle of a subspace call. In turn, she made sure he understood he was expected to show up at the little social gathering. Then she left again, trusting he would end the subspace call in a few minutes.

Turning back to the small console to face Shinta again. "Sorry about that, but it appears I have some social obligations I have to attend to. We have a guest, and well, I don't think I can get away with it if I don't turn up."

"It's alright. I know exactly what you're talking about." Shinta replied. "It was nice seeing you again Michael. Maybe we can talk again later?"

"Of course. What do you think? That I forget my old Counselor? Not in a lifetime." Martin said and laughed. " 'Till we meet again Counselor. Oh, and say hi to Gavin from, will you?"

"I'll do that. Take care Michael."

"You too, Shinta" It was the last Michael said before he reached over, ended the subspace link, and deactivated the computer console. Pulling a long face he mumbled, "Okay, time to 'entertain' out guest."

"...And The Rest Was Silence"
Lieutenant J.G. Corran Rex, Asst. Ops Manager

The fighting had paused for a moment - Rex had no idea for how long. He saw the notation on his console, the central unit in the OPS Center, that a hail was in progress with one of the attacking vessels. The OPs center was a large room, adjacent to the primary computer core, and also next to where the Operations offices were located. Here, the officers and enlisted staff of the operations department implemented the commands sent down from the bridge, as well as going more in-depth on them. Contacting the engineers necessary to carry some orders out, apprising security teams of internal sensor reports, that sort of thing.'

Corran, for one, was rather proud of himself. He'd made it through the crisis so far without any of his past hosts taking over. Even Vorrin had been quiet of late. That made over thirty-two hours since his last episode, when the - well, frigid was the best way to describe her - Baledra had 'taken over' during his date with Ensign Forsythe, from stellar sciences. Amanda had been rather displeased with Baledra's comments.

Corran doubted there would be a second date.

Sighing, he ordered two technicians to reroute power from the primary EPS grid on Deck Sixteen to the secondaries. Now that the fighting was done - hopefully - came the cleanup. He'd be busy for awhile.

At least the red alert siren was done sounding, and all the rest was blissful silence. There was something to be said for small favors.

"A Brief Trip to Sickbay"

Lt. (JG) Michael McDowell
Lt. (JG) Ella Grey

Lt. Brianna O'Shea, NPC

*after the fighting stops*

"Good work, people." Brianna O'Shea called after the bridge had informed them that the attack was under control and Engineering, in turn, had informed the bridge that the ship was, for the most part, holding together.

Hours of more stable repair loomed before the stressed out engineers and, for her part, Ella was glad. She would enjoy the next few hours of tinkering and internally swearing at the Galaxy (repair was always much funner without the Captain or imminent destruction breathing down her neck) rather than sit alone in her quarters.

The Chief, however, quickly destroyed that little dream. "Ella, go to Sickbay and get that looked at."

Ella had almost forgotten the burns and blisters on her hand. She wiggled her fingers and found she still had mobility. Anna interrupted before Ella could pull out her PADD. "No arguments, Ella. That hand needs medical attention. McDowell, see that she gets there, will you? Sun, bring that kit over here. And someone get me that damned doctor Quick!"

She turned and spotted McDowell before writing him a quick note on the PADD. *YOU REALLY DON'T HAVE TO TAKE ME THERE, I CAN FIND MY WAY TO SICKBAY*

"Hey, I know that, but you heard the Chief." Michael said in a teasing manner, thereby trying to ease the tension a bit in the wake of the attack. "She wants to make sure you get there. I'm just following orders, nothing more."

Ella shrugged in a 'suit yourself' manner.

Michael shook his head slightly. "She's right you know. That hand does look ugly. Besides, you know as well as I that there will enough left to repair after you'll be back." He then stepped aside and waved his arm in the direction of the corridor. "Shall we?"

Ella sighed to herself and nodded.

Exiting Main Engineering, the two turned left and walked towards the nearest Turbo Lift. Engineers and Security officers hurried passed them. Michael assumed that this kind of activity could be found everywhere else on the ship, and so the analogy of the whole ship being a stirred up beehive was quickly made. When they entered the Turbo Lift Michael glanced over at Ella, half expecting her to provide the computer their destination.

She raised an eyebrow at that, then reached over with her good hand to manually direct the lift. There was, what seemed to her, an awkward silence between the two as the lift progressed. Finally, Ella took out her PADD, winced slightly as it brushed up against the burns, and typed a message. *SO, HOW ABOUT THOSE DODGERS?*

Michael read what Ella had written. He looked a bit surprised at Ella and arched his left eyebrow, then slightly frowned. "Dodgers? What are 'Dodgers'? Some kind of new snack they serve at Ten Foreward?"

Ella smiled. Not many people knew the reference. She herself probably wouldn't have known if she hadn't spent a good amount of time in the first few years of silence catching up on things she thought she had missed as a child, like 20th-21st century pop culture.

The turbolift stopped on Deck 12 .*OH, NOTHING. I WAS JUST BEING QUIRKY. HOW DO YOU LIKE GALAXY?* Ella asked, falling back on a predictable question that McDowell would likely get for the next month.

"The Galaxy... It's a beautiful ship, and a good one too. I guess you can call it my second home. It has been that from the moment I first got on board, about 6 years ago." Michael answered and paused for a moment. "She looks different now, but that's only the outside. She's hasn't really changed,....if you know what I mean."

Ella nodded. The Galaxy was a great ship, when it wasn't being a pain in the ass. *THANK YOU FOR WALKING ME HERE*

"No problem." Michael smiled as he returned the PADD "I'll see you later in Main Engineering, alright?"

*ALL RIGHT.*

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