"Talk is Cheap"

Lt Ella Grey
Lt. Jeremy Savoie

"Icebergs?? We are on a flipping ocean liner for crying out loud"

by Ensign Kira Murphy,
various NPC's,
a vulcan sehlat named Binky,
a lame duck named Wilbur,
a miniature giant space hampster named Cecil,
a sentient petunia named Lucy,
three blind mice named Tom, Dick and Harry,
a small humpback whale named Dirk,
and a skunk named Fluffy

-------------------------------------------------

+++ Cargo Hold of Captain Blackbeard's Ship +++

Kira struggled as three of the pirates moved forwards and grabbed her, managing to grope her privates in the process to her annoyance.

Lifting her off the ground to stop her, they carried her forwards to Blackbeard, who looked her in the eyes.

"How did you get here?"

"You won't believe me."

Grabbing one of her nipple rings, he pulled on it to cause her pain before asking again.

"Okay! An interdimensional group of animals sent me to help save the universe."

The pirates laughed loudly as Blackbeard punched Kira in the guts, causing her to groan.

Shaking his fist in annoyance, he snapped, "If you aren't going to explain, we will just have to force it out of you. Men, I will leave the interrogation to you. Make her squeal out the truth if need be. Do whatever you want with the whore."

The men threw Kira in a corner as Blackbeard left, and started talking amongst themselves, causing Kira to become very worried and wished her new friends could help her.

It didn't take long before the men started stripping and moved forwards. One of them grabbed her hips and pushed her over an wooden box before ramming into her, causing her to gasp and groan as he filled her totally.

The other pirates watched as he pounded into her, causing her breasts to rub against the box. It didn't take long before it all became too much for her and she was rutting back at him, mewling like a cat in heat.

One of them moved forwards and she took him in her mouth.

+++ Twenty minutes later +++

Kira gurgled as she heard Fluffy's voice in her head,

{Kira, damn it. Where are you? We can't find you anywhere.}

Blinking in surprise, she closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to send a message back somehow.

{Busy.}

{Urgh, what now? Oh, let me guess. You can have five minutes more.}

{Ten please.. Feeling nice.}

{Sheesh.. Okay, but not a second more.}

In a softish sound in her mind like he was talking to others, Kira overhead,

[Kira's busy. We will need to go rescue her soon, but she wants a bit more time.]

[Aww.. What is she doing?]

[She's procreating again.]

[Ewww... That's disgusting.]

[Don't I know it. On her ship, there is a wacked out female cat on Deck 9. She's a native, not enemy. But I swear she is worse then Kira and is trying to convince me that some skunk loving is all she needs. Anyway, I gave her ten minutes more.]

Ignoring the rest, Kira gurgled and writhed and rocked between the pirates, enjoying the experience while she could.

+++ Exactly ten minutes later +++

The door of the hold burst open and the pirates gasped as a big brown bear-like animal burst into the room.

Forgetting Kira for the moment, they pulled out of her and grabbed for their cutlasses.

Binky roared loudly and they quickly decided that cowardice was better then bravery in this situation, charging out of the room sans clothing.

Shaking his head as Kira rubbed herself, he nodded to Wilbur who threw a bucket of cold water over her.

Gasping and shivering suddenly, she pouted, "Okay, okay. What do we do now?"

{Cecil gave us the wrong time co-ordinates. Correct location though. This is sometime between 1400 and 1700, but we needed around 1900.}

"Okay.. How do we get then?"

{Hold hands again.}

Shrugging, she held onto Fluffy's paw and Wilbur's wing. There was another blue flash and they disappeared from the hold, seconds before pirates burst in with swords to find an empty room.

+++ Some cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic, 1901 +++

Looking around the cabin of the new ship they were on, Kira was pleased that she couldn't spot any grimy pirates this time.

"Nice one. Much better."

{Good, Cecil believes this is the correct place. I have sent Tom, Dick and Harry to explore since they won't stand out. In case you are wondering, we have to pick water-based areas coz of Dirk.}

"Yeah, I expected that, Fluff. What do you want me to do?"

{I don't know. How about you go search as well? We probably should stay here.}

Nodding and turning to the door, Kira walked out into the corridor. Making a note of the cabin number, she headed along until she reached some stairs.

Coming up onto the deck, she went to the railing and looked out over the ocean, which she thought was beautiful. It was a bit chilly, and she shivered.

Hearing a cough behind her, she turned to see a man in a blue uniform.

"Oh, hi."

"Young miss, this is a cruise ship, not a brothel. We have dress standards other then nothing, and I request you go put something on in your quarters. There are children aboard in first class. Which cabin are you in?"

Groaning, Kira knew she wouldn't be able to search unless she did, so she replied, "Oh, sorry. I will go do that now. Please don't report me."

He nodded as she raced back down the stairs.

Arriving back at the cabin, the animals looked at her.

{Well?}

"I got busted for public nudity. I can't go out there without clothing, so if you want me to search, we need to relax the rules. Can I just borrow something and return it later?"

{*sigh* Okay. But nothing too expensive. Or tacky - I remeber that bikini.}

Grinning, Kira went to the dresser and groaned when she saw Victiorian era clothing. Forced to put it on, she gasped as Binky helped her with a corset.

"Ahhh! That hurts."

{You will get used to it. Now go!}

Poking her toungue out as she made a raspberry noise, Kira headed off to go help the mice.

+++ Deck of the cruise ship +++

Arriving on the deck, she spotted one of the mice and grinned. Heading over, she gave it a rub and was surprised when it tried to bite her.

{Oy! Wrong mouse.}

Turning, she blushed and headed over to where a little mouse wearing shades was sitting.

{Nothing to report yet. My scanner did pick up a possible reading, but it disappeared. Might be that we arrived to late and they have moved off.}

"Oh."

All of a sudden, there was loud foghorn blast and Kira jumped in surprise.

From above, they heard someone yelling, "Iceberg!! Iceberg!!"

There was a sudden jolting sensation and Kira found herself backpedalling as the deck lurched.

Sliding, she grabbed the mouse and caught herself against a bolted down chair.

"Shit! I think they hit something."

{Oh, no.. Trust Cecil to pick this place.}

Spinning around, she said, "What??"

{Look at the sign on that wall.}

"SS Titanic.. Huh? What is wrong with that?"

{Oh, forget it.. Grab me and start running back to the cabin ASAP. We are all up shit creek.}

TBC...

“Something About Gamma Shift”

By Lieutenant (jg) Michael McDowell
Engineer

*** Main Engineering, Gamma Shift ***

Gamma shift, and Delta shift for that matter, was not usually the shift preferred by Engineers to be assigned to. One disadvantage were the odd hours on which you had to be on duty, from 21:00 to 03:30 hours. Another was the quietness that seemed to take over Engineering at those hours. Though Gamma shift (if you looked at it rationally) was no different from Alpha or Beta shift, the Engineering crew working on that shift did their work in silence except for the occasional discussion on certain technical details or when there was a crisis at hand.

As far as Michael knew it was the artificially upheld day/night period which was to blame for Gamma and Delta shift to be so quiet. During those shifts the lights were dimmed and the activity on the ship reached a low point. The ship slipped into, what you could call, ‘stand-by’ mode.

Now, Michael never minded working on Gamma shift. He’d done it before and he never had trouble with working in quiet surroundings. That is, until now. Somehow the silence, apart from the usual background noise in Engineering, had gotten to him. Maybe it was him, but it had just become...too quiet.

Turning away from the Master systems display Michael looked into Main Engineering towards the Warp Core. With shore leave at the pleasure planet Risa there were even less Engineers on duty. ~_Another_ quiet night...~ thought Michael. ~Something has to change.~ He turned back to the Master systems display and tried to focus his attention on the large technical layout of the ship.

Michael had at least one idea that could lighten up this 'grave yard' shift in Main Engineering. Only he wasn't sure if he should try it out yet. Or maybe he should and see what would happen? Then again, maybe it was better to talk to a few people about it first to see what they thought of it. The last option seemed to be the wisest and so Michael decided to let this ‘boring’ shift for what it was and to work out the finer details of his idea later on.

There was another, more important issue that needed attention. One which should have been addressed days ago, namely the promotion of Dhanista Eshe to Lieutenant Junior Grade. This was not the only promotion within the Engineering Department - Ella Grey had been promoted to full Lieutenant – but Dhanista worked on Gamma shift, and since Michael was the Duty Shift Engineer of that shift he thought it appropriate to congratulate her here in Main Engineering before all other Engineers on duty. After all, a promotion was quite an achievement.

However, Michael had to admit that he wasn’t really happy with the promotions. Of course he was happy for Dhanista and Ella, but it reminded him of his own demotion some three years ago. How could they demote him!? And why was he found guilty? The evidence was clearly forged; it could’ve have been real! And three years! If that damn freighter hadn’t been attacked then he could’ve been Lt. Commander by now!

Michael sighed. This was not the time to recall the ‘incident’ that cost him his rank,...and reputation. He really should be happy and kind of proud that a member of his shift got promoted, but he just didn’t feel that way, no matter how hard he tried. In the end Michael chose to fake it. It made him feel awkward, but what else could he do? Tapping his combadge, he contacted Dhanista in a most playful way.

“McDowell to Lieutenant Eshe. Could you please report to Main Engineering...on the double!?”

"Hangover"

Ensign T'Pol "8-Ball" Hunter
Lt. Ella Grey

The only problem with paradise, Ella thought as she looked around the room, was that its interior designer sucked.

Otherwise, Ella had no problems with beautiful Risa. She had spent four hours tanning yesterday on a gorgeous beach and then had spent all night dancing with Indigo and some of her friends. She had plans to hang out with Victor today on the holodeck. But the room...

Who faced the bed away from the window anyway? And how was she supposed to reach the closet with the table and chairs pushed right in front of it. Obvously, housekeeping thought that most people didnt care about their rooms or that most people wouldn't notice.

Ella noticed everything.

She started to move the chairs and was surprised to find they were heavier than they looked. Ella shrugged and started dragging them to where she wanted them anyway. I'm definately treating myself to a sundae after this.

Ella was nearly done with her redecorating when she heard a thudding on the door. She went to go open it to find a slouched over half-Vulcan glaring at her, one hand to her forehead as if she was in immense pain.

"What is WRONG with you?" 8-ball said in way of greeting. "This is RISA. People have FUN here. They lay on the beach and drink and sunbathe and drink some more. What they don't do is cause enough noise to wake up poor, helpless, hungover bastards on the other side of the galaxy! What the hell are you doing in here anyways?'

~~Sorry~~ Ella signed apologeticaly, even though she wasnt particularly sorry.

8-ball stared at the girl blankly. Finally, "Huh?"

Ella held up a finger and went in search of a computer PADD. She found one and entered her note before passing it to the girl and returning to move the bed in place. There that was better. *SORRY, I HAD TO MOVE SOME FURNITURE. I COULDNT REACH THE CLOSET AND MY BED HAD A BETTER VIEW OF THE TOILET THAN I CARED FOR*

8-ball just shook the apology away with her hand, and then quickly put it back to her head. She was way too hungover to spend extra energy arguing. "Doesn't matter. I'm just crabby because my head hurts. It really doesn't seem necessary to explain why. I need to sit down. Do you mind?

Ella shrugged and offered the newcomer a chair while she dug around in the mini fridge for some water for her. She was probably thirsty if she was hungover.

"Great." 8-ball sat down and looked around at the rearranged room. Everything just looked wrong. 8-ball glanced closer at Ella. "You're on Galaxy, aren't you? You look familiar enough. If my head was working properly, I could remember your name since I'm usually pretty good at that, but since the whole world is very fuzzy at the moment, I dont' and don't particularly care. So. . .your name?"

*ELLA GREY. AND YOU ARE?*

"8-ball's the name, pool's the game." 8-ball thought about extending her hand and then decided it wasn't worth it. She drank her water and shook her head at herself. "That just sounded pretty lame, didn't it? Oh well. I just don't care enough to be clever today."

She tilted her head *8BALL? IS THAT YOUR REAL NAME?*

"That would depend on what you define as real. Is anything real?" 8-ball just rolled her eyes at herself and even that seemed to hurt. "No, it's not my birth name, but yes, it's my real name. So, what's with the padd thing? No vocal cords or something? You look human enough."

Ella smiled. *IM A VOLUNTARY MUTE AND NO ITS NOT A RELIGIOUS THING*

"Well, that's good because I've decided that I'm going to like you," 8-ball said. "And religion is a fine thing but it can be taken too far, and I can't imagine spending the rest of my life as an voluntary mute because Jesus said so. Then again, Jesus probably wasn't very fond of drunken one night stands either. I don't think I would like meeting Him very much. He doesn't seem to have much of a sense of humor." She touched her head once more. "Well, maybe a sadistic sense of humor."

*HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING RISA OTHERWISE?* Ella asked, finding she liked this 8-Ball.

"Oh, splendid, splendid. Actually, I like Risa quite a bit. I could get very used to spending the rest of my days tanning and drinking and playing pool. Maybe, if I eventually ditch Starfleet, I can come back here and just play my days away. All work and no play make 8-ball a very bored little girl. Anyways, thanks for the water and the seat. One needs all the help one can get when the gods continually mock you."

*CARE TO GO GET SOME FOOD? IM GETTING THE LARGEST ICE CREAM SUNDAE I CAN FIND MYSELF*

8-ball shrugged. "Sure," she said. "I think my stomach will digest things properly, and ice cream is a survival stone in life. If you've found this out yourself, I think we will be great friends." 8-ball jumped up, swore under her breath, and then held her arms out expansively in the air. "Come, my voluntary mute with little need of religion! Let us eat ice cream and drown our sorrows...you haven't spoken of any sorrows in which you need to drown, but everybody has sorrows, so. . .away to ice cream, my friend! To get closer to Jesus and save our souls, we must eat the food of the gods. . .chocolate."

"Shadows of the past"

Maj Saladin Bolivar
Lt(jg) Ahdjiia D'Tinya

Ahdjiia was sitting at her desk, idly working on a prayerweb. Her fingers gracefully adjusted the strands as she attempted a little meditation. With most of the crew on Risa, things were slow, not like she was complaining.

She sighed as she roped a new configuration, perhaps she'd take an earlier mealbreak than she thought.

Suddenly a figure appeared in front of her, Saladin stood in front of her and had his arms behind her back, "Lieutenant D'Tinya?"

"Major.", she said as she looked up and politely set her prayerweb down.

"Am I disturbing you?"

"Not at all.", she said, "With shoreleave, there is not much to do. It balances out with how busy we were with the fembots aboard."

"Ahh yes the fembots, then those diplomatic guests we had... I still have foggy memories of that time."

"You are more fortunate than I, I wish I could forget the fembots and Harry Mudd."

"He is a fool and a con artist he will meet his end some day, I only regret I won't be there to watch."

"We still should have tossed him out of the airlock when we had the chance.", she said with a soft smile, "I even had the chance, but I did not want to irritate the Captain."

"A pity, it would have been... amusing to watch." He smiled back then sat down, "I believe we have not been formally introduced... "

There was an amused sparkle in her eyes. "I agree.", she said, that same soft smile on her lips, "Lt. JG Ahdjiia D'Tinya."

"Major Saladin Bolivar..." He extended his hand to hers.

She took his hand and felt a warm tingle. It was almost familiar, yet strange. "A pleasure to formally meet you."

He felt a simliar tingle and he nodded, "It is Lt D'Tinya..."

"May I ask why you are not on Risa with the others?"

"I do not wish to get drunk and chase whores with the other crew. It is a risky and foolish gesture. And why are you not on Risa?"

"I am not allowed to go.", she said, "From one of my past postings."

"Oh?" He was now curious.

She smiled at him, "As the Intelligence officer, I would assume you have already looked at my file and noticed I once served on the K'Hotan."

"True, but I thought the stories of that vessel were.. exaggerated."

"Some are not, and some are underexaggerated."

He raised an eyebrow, "Indeed."

Ahdjiia hoped she wasn't being forward with what she said next, though it would be hard to do so concidering thier past meeting. "Perhaps we could have a drink and I could tell you some of the tales?"

"I have a bottle of fine scotch whiskey in my quarters, if you would like to accompany me?"

"I would like that."

He rose and as they headed out the door he unconciously placed a hand on her back, almost a familar gesture.

Ordinarily she might've said something about his touch, but it felt right, like this was supposed to be. Ahdjiia told the other officer on shift that she was going to lunch and he said for her to not hurry back, might as well take advantage of how slow it was.

He dropped his hand from her back and they walked along the corridor, his eyes did the usual sweep and check of the surroundings soon they were in the turbolift and he leaned against a wall.

She stood as he gave the lift the floor they were going to and she politely looked ahead, watching him out of the corner of her eyes.

He watched her too, wondering why the curves of her face, the pink of her cheeks were so familiar to him, even though they had only beein intimate once.

She smiled at him as the doors opened and they headed out.

Heading out he examined the surroundings, he smiled back then reached over he let the fingers of his hand brush hers gently.

Ahdjiia almost took his hand as his fingers brushed hers. Why, she didn't know.

They walked in to his quarters and he took off and hung up his jacket. Then he let her look around, the decor hadn't changed from her last visit it was very wood paneled a few swords visible including a very nice Katana on a display stand on a dresser.

He walked over to the cabinet and took out two glasses and a bottle of the firey liquid.

She admired the blades on display. Each was an excellent example of craftsmanship. "Are you skilled in using these weapons?", she asked.

"Yes... Every Nietzchean does learn to use a blade from birth... but I did excel." He took down one of the throwing hatchets and handed it to her.

She carefully hefted the hatchet in her hands, familiarizing herself with the weight and balance. "Perhaps you could teach me their use."

"I would like that..." He moved behind her and began to show her some of the fighting stances, his arms around her unconciously as he covered her hand in his to show some of the basic strike poses.

It felt right to be in his arms. She'd never felt like this around another and it was both odd and comforting at the same time. Ahdjiia did her best to mimic his positions, her natural grace and agility helping.

For some reason having her in his arms, holding her close, feeling her heart beat next to his felt comforting, as if it had been before. "I will have to show you how to use the great swords on the holodeck some time." His voice was softer as he whsipered it in her ear.

She smiled and turned her face to his, her lips oh so very close to his. "I would like that.", she said softly.

He let his other arm slip aruond her waist, again as if an unconcious gesture, "Good... we should set that up..."

"Indeed.", she said softly as she slipped her arms around him automatically.

He smiled then gently let his lips brush hers, it was a gesture he just performed as if it was predestined.

She returned his kiss, feeling a warm familiar warmth through her.

He broke the kiss and then smiled, "This feels so... familiar..."

"It does.", she said as she gazed into his eyes, "As if we have done this for years."

He smiled and leaned in to nuzzle her neck. "Decades to be exact..."

She returned his nuzzle. "Strange, is it not?"

"It is..." He shrugged, "I cannot explain it but the company is something I enjoy..."

"I will not question it.", she said.

He softly ran his hands along her back, finding secret spots on her as if he'd done it before, almost automatic, which was odd because they had only been together once, and it hadn't exaclty been enough time to explore a thing....

She sighed softly, a warm smile on her lips. As his hands roamed her back, hers began to roam his, finding the same areas on his.

He smiled back and kissed her again this time his kiss was more passionate, his tongue softly teasng her teeth.

She returned his kiss with the same passion, holding him tightly against her.

He began to kiss the side of her neck and then let his hands slide down to caress her hips and along the sides of her full breasts, he paused, this was too familiar, too much. He had to pause for a second, how did he know his way around her body when they had spent at most one night together....

"Is something wrong?", she said as she looked into his eyes.

"This seems so... familar, as if we've done it many times over many years. Yet we have not."

He paused and kissed her again, "Do you have a similar feeling?"

"I do.", she said as she leaned her head forward and nibbled at his earlobe in a way she knew he'd enjoy despite she knew she hadn't done this during thier previous intimacy.

His eyes widened and he smiled, "I take it the drink waits?"

"Or maybe we need to sit and have a drink to figure out what has changed."

"That would be wise."

She reluctantly left his embrace and brought over the drinks he poured.

He sat down, "We were intimate once, yet I feel like I've known you for most of my life."

She nodded as she sat. "As of late, you have been in my thoughts more."

He nodded, "As have you, even in my dreams, I had one where I held an infant, a boy I believe..."

As he said the words, they seemed so right. "I dreamed of you and I walking along a stream in a wood."

"Holding hands, as if we'd been together for years, you were grey haired, I had grey in my hair."

"How strange for us to share a dream.", she said as she sipped at her whiskey, feeling the firey burn down her throat as it exploded into a pleasant warmth in her stomach.

"Did you dream of a cabin in the woods?"

"I don't think so.", she said, "But it seems familiar."

He then got an idea, "Why don't we head to the holodeck and piece these together..."

"We could.", she said with a soft smile.

He leaned in and kissed her. Then took her hand gently. "Those holodecks are something aren't they?"

"They are indeed.", she said as she returned his kiss.

THey walked out of his quarters and to the nearest holodeck. Once inside he looked around, "Computer bring up a wooded area." The woods sprung to life.

Ahdjiia looked around. "Computer, add random assortment of arachnids.", she said as the computer complied.

The spiders looked so familar. "I remember those."

"They are replicas of the ones who I share my quarters with.", she said with a soft smile.

"Yet I have never been in your quarters." He then began to build a cabin... a second room off to one side...

She sat on a nearby rock to watch him. Spiders walked up to her and she idly petted them as she would the ones she shared her quarters.

"Does this look familar?"

"I'm not sure.", she said as she stared at the cabin.

"What do your dreams show you?"

"Not much.", she said, "I have only had that one dream of you and I near the stream that I can vividly recall."

"Let us work on that... see what we remember there."

"Okay."

He put his hand on her waist again, "Lt D'Tinya, it is strange I had these memories...."

"How could they be memories when we've only met on this ship?"

"Maybe they had something to do with the guests we picked up from the Phoenix."

She frowned thoughtfully. "Perhaps.", she said, "That would fit when things changed, when I began to think of you more."

"I agree." He looked at her and then softly brushed her hair back, again an unconciously familar gesture.

"I would ask this...but..how did you think of me before this?"

"I thought you were an interesting woman, intelligent, a good sense of humor, very sensible. I figured our passion that night was the result of the pheremones. I enjoyed talking with you."

"I couldn't believe that we didn't exchange names until today. It took me a few shifts to find your name by image."

"It took me time to find your name. I gues we were too lust drawn, but Ahdjiia, I am glad we did."

"As am I.", she said with a soft smile.

He took her hand again, and squeezed it, "What do we do from here?"

Ahdjiia couldn't help but almost chuckle in that he had just asked the same question she did after thier intimacy. "I guess we just see how things go.", she said.

He smiled, "Last time we spoke I said the same thing, and we had decided to see where things go. But then it was, would we just continue to share intimacies, now... the question is.... do you wish to pursue a relationship?"

"There is no one in my life save my little ones.", she said, then began to tease him, "And you are not so hard on one's eyes."

"You are quite appealing yourself." He slipped his arms around her waist.

She chuckled. "I suppose this is the beginning of something unique for the both of us."

"It is..." He hugged her close, "You have seen my quarters... "

"And you will be seeing mine, in time."

He nodded, then leaned in to kiss her, "Would now be too soon?" His eyes sparkled.

"Not at all.", she smiled as she returned his kiss.

He kissed her agian, "Perhaps we should go?"

"Very well.", she said as she returned his kiss again and stood up.

"Though..." He kissed her again, "there is a part of me that does not wish to go at this time..."

"Really?", she asked with a glitter in her eyes.

"I wish to stay here for some time...." He began to softly kiss her neck, "Do you?"

Ahdjiia sat down again. "Why not."

"Computer, seal the holodeck ." He slipped his arms around her waist and continued to softly kiss her neck then her cheek.

She wrapped her arms around him, returning his kisses.

He began to softly trace her full breasts through her uniform. His fingers moved along her clothed skin.

She slowly pulled them to the ground, soft sighs of pleasure on her lips.

Reaching down he began to unzip her jacket and continued to kiss her, his hands slipped inside her shirt and he played with her still clothed breasts.

Her hands ran over his body and she began to unzip his jacket as well.

Soon he helped her peel off his attire and helped her out of hers. He began to softly suckle her breasts,remebering what she liked, almost unconciously.

Her eyes were closed and she moaned softly, letting her hands roam his body, lightly stroking where she knew he would take pleasure the most.

It was as if they had known each other for years as they made love, he found all the right spots inside her and they reached that ultimate release together. Aftewords they were laying together arm in arm letting hte soft afterglow come over them.

Ahdjiia lazily nibbled along his jawline as they lay together, a hand idly running through his chest hair.

He smiled and kissed her, "Hmm... that was... nice..."

"Just nice?", she teased.

"Ok very nice."

That earned a mock glower.

He returend her glower, "It was amazing...it was as if we knew each other inside and out."

"It was.", she smiled, "Far more intense than before."

"Oh yes...."

"Before was still quite good though."

"I did not have any complaints." He nuzzled her neck again, "Though... we should plan for a dinner some time."

"How about tonight?", she asked.

"Tonight is good. Where on the ship?"

"I cannot go to the planet, and Risa isn't to your liking."

"Well we could try and sneak on to the planet... what is the penalty if you are caught?"

"I am not sure, but it would not be pleasant I imagine.", she said, "Dinner at my quarters sounds far better."

"Agreed." He kissed her again.

"Then I will see you after shift.", she said as she returned his kiss.

He smiled and kissed her, "Sure you could't take time off...."Then he shook his head, "no, duty calls."

"It does, and I should head back to work.", she said, not making a move to leave.

"And I shoudl get some work done." He didn't leave either, "But yet we are not going anywhere..."

"We should before someone calls."

Saladin moved off to one side sadly breaking both the hold and their intimate connection.

Ahdjiia rose as well, but leaned forward, kissing his shoulder as she grabbed her uniform.

"Risa, the Return"
by Ens. Elijah Faraal

-----------------------------------

--Corridors outside the transporter room, aboard the Galaxy--

Elijah made a quick mental double check of the items he was beaming down with him to the surface of Risa. A few changes of clothes, a book, "The spiritual side of Fencing," his trusty rapier, a bodysuit which he had on, and the one item he had been looking forward to using the most. The one item that cost him all the replicator rations he had saved. His longboard, freshly waxed and polished, begging to cut through the water and carry him into his own private little heaven aboard a 25 foot swell.

He attached the surfboards string to his ankle and slung his bag over one shoulder. He stepped into the transporter room and walked over to the controls. He dug a PADD out of his pack with coordinates on it and punched them into the console. First stop, the hut he had reserved for himself, then the beach. Pocketing the PADD, he stepped up onto the transporter pad and waited for the autocountdown to wisk him away.

-------------------

--Risa--

As he materialized on the surface, he could see the hut in front of him. Walking barefoot to the door, he swung it open to deposit his belongings. He glanced around at the meager dwelling. It was perfect. A bed. A window. A small kitchen, and bathroom. That was all he needed. Dropping his pack on the bed, he removed the rapier and hung it with care next to the door, then turned on his heel and walked right back out toward the beach.

It was only a short walk from the hut, but Elijah broke into a run anyway, just to feel the sun on his skin, the salt in the air, and the sand beneath his feet. He could hear the waves crashing into the shore and his heart beat grew stronger. He splashed his way through the first few feet of the sweetly cold water, then laid out on his board to paddle his way out to transcendence. After awhile he turned around, checked his distance from the shore and waited for the next wave.

The swell grew behind him like a giant behemoth, bursting up from the depths. He paddled to match the rythm and speed of the water, and soon the wave took him and carried him up to the sky. Elijah stood on the board, and for a moment reveled in the feeling. The wave started to churn and cap. Guiding the board away from the breaker he shot down the side, riding the length of the wave.

Surfing was one of Elijah's favorite activities as a youth on earth. Third only to his desire to fence and play music. He frequented the holodeck on the Galaxy, and when he wasn't flying simulations or fencing he was gliding along a wave. The feeling was exhilarating, but nothing came close to the real thing, and there was a small but viable element of danger that didn't exist on the holodeck.

He surfed for the better part of the day, the sun shining off his broad tan shoulders, his lithe body moving in sync with the water. As the sun began to sink, he waded out of the water and walked back to his hut. He propped his board against the outside and walked inside. He discarded his bodysuit on the floor and made a beeline for the shower. A few minutes later, Elijah emerged, cleansed and refreshed, a towel around his waist. He glanced at the kitchen and pondered cooking something but decided against it and walked over to his bed. Sitting on the side, he pulled his pack to him and rummaged through the pockets. Finding some inscence, he light it, then set it in a burning tray on the window sill. He moved back to his pack and removed some clothing. He would get some food tomorrow. Tonight he was going out.

“Letters and Considerations”

by
Lt jg Jasmine Thelan-Banon
Chief of Xenobiology
USS Galaxy A

Jasmine sat quietly at a table in ten forward. In front of her was a glass of Orange juice and a small green salad with italian dressing. Being an Orion, and a GREEN Orion at that kinda made people keep away. Which was just the way she wanted it.

As she ate silently she tapped the keys on the padd beside her absently. She was trying to eat and write a letter to her mother at the same time but it was not working well.

Her eyes kept getting drawn to the window beside her and the planet down below. Risa. She had always wanted to visit Risa but did not dare to go down to the planet without her parents, as it was an experience she wanted to share with them. Also because she did not yet trust the crew of the Galaxy to notice if she went missing like the Hiratoha did. She missed her old ship.

Her home. The people who had taken her in like it did not matter the colour of her skin or her past.. just that she was who she was.

With a sigh she sipped her OJ and tried to concentrate on her letter.

[Dear Mum, and Dad,

Hello, things are fine here. That is to say I am surving. Tomorrow I need to report to Medical and counselling for my evaluations. I will be sure to tell you how they go. I am sure they are giong to comment on the lack of tail. But I can not help that. I have never had one. As you well know mum. Have I mentioned we are at Risa?

I wish you both were here so we could go down as a family. I will not go down this leave. I find I am not in need of relaxation nor any of the other pursuits that Risa offers. Please infrom Aunt Mishelle that I do not need a boyfriend and if I keep getting com calls from strange men I will be sending her smelly gym socks for her next birthday gift.

I miss you both and the crew of the Hiratoha. How is Suark? Is he still the Chief of Science? Or did someone see sense and send him to the Vulcan science dirctorate for life? Is Harry still your Xo Dad? If so, tell him not to slouch, it will ruin his posture. And what about Sally? Is she still running Helm with an iron fist? I swear the helm guys on Galaxy need to learn things from her. Also tell Kelly that I am considering learning to swim. Just so he has someone to beat in the annual competions.

Work is fine. I have my own lab and no one bothers with me. It seems Xenobiology is not very popular on this ship. Which is of course fine with me. I work hard and keep to myself. Though I miss going to your cabin for Sunday dinner. I know, I should be getting out more. If it helps I am in ten forward currently. Eating a salad and drinking an OJ. Does that count as social?

I guess I should go and get back to work. After all it is not going to go away just because I wish it to.

Love you both, miss everyone. Hugs and Kisses. Jasmine.]

She looked down at the finished letter. She knew she could expect a holo call from her mother about the anti social behaviour but that was normal. Life was just as she wanted it.

'Unpacking'

Sub-Commander Savar ir-Aihai tr'Khellian
Assistant Tactical Officer

[Quarters]

Savar rummaged in his haversack, muttering to himself. Eventually he found the small, hand-held computer he had been searching for, and switched it online. Placing it on the surface of his glass-topped table, he began to speak in Rihannsu, opening a personal log entry. Aside from the fact he did not yet know the multitude of functions performed by the Galaxy's onboard computer, he would probably have been unwilling to commit his private thoughts to it anyway.

"I have arrived onboard the Galaxy. We are headed towards a planet called 'Risa' for shoreleave." He sighed as he started to unpack the luggage Operations had transferred from his shuttle, which had been tractored aboard before the Galaxy left spacedock. "This is not quite the first 'mission' I would have chosen, a jaunt to some planetary brothel. Yet a quiet time might be useful. It will allow me to become acquainted with my full duties onboard and with the various systems and protocols I need to use and follow."

Tr'Khellian opened up one of the small grey boxes with a grunt, and, lifting some neatly-folded clothing out, levered open the false bottom. He continued his log as he extracted half a dozen bottles of Romulan ale from this hidden compartment. "My new superior officer is Lieutenant Henderson. He seems a reasonable human. If not exactly 'friendly' then at least not entirely hostile. Unlike most of the crew. I was challenged four times between the bridge and my quarters by ignorant security guards. Not to mention an ugly incident on the bridge shortly after my arrival."

"I cannot help thinking that my Commanding Officer, Captain M'Kantu, is responsible for my reception." Savar shut away the illicit ale and began to carefully stow away his clothes, most of which were spare items of uniform. "He has been frosty and impolite, and seemingly not informed anyone of my arrival onboard, leaving me to explain and introduce myself." The Romulan shook his head, speaking with tones of deep annoyance. "I try to remember what I was taught about.. 'cultural awareness' - but what awareness do they have of my culture? Of my standing, and birthright? Of my experience and expertise? Of me? All they seem to know is my race - and that is all they seem interested in knowing. Such effrontery would be intolerable on ch'Rihan!"

Tr'Khellian slammed a cupboard door closed and went back to his cases. He began taking a few small carvings out of a felt bag, and carefully arranging them on a side table. These were representations of the five Elements - he had carved them himself from five different sorts of wood. His quarters were often spartan and devoid of ornamentation, but for these few, minimalist touches here and there. Carving was a therapeutic and absorbing past-time and he had made many such icons over the years, often distributed to friends and comrades. He held the carving representing the Fifth Element, the Unity, for a moment, looking at it with nostalgia, as if recalling all those gifts, and wondering where they were being borne this very day. Hundreds, if not thousands of light-years away.

"M'Kantu is as new to this vessel as I. I know not whether he will 'fit in' better than I, or whether he will rely merely on rank to effect his command. From the way he secretes himself in his.. what did they call it? Ready room. It will probably be the latter." Savar started putting the few books he had brought with him on the shelves. "Unlike many of the humans I encounters on Starbase 72, M'Kantu has black-coloured skin. His name is also unusual. Perhaps he is not fully human, some sort of hybrid? I will have to investigate further: there is much about human culture I have still to learn. I am told there are Vulcans with black-coloured skin, but have yet to see one." He paused for a moment then got on with his unpacking. "There are no black-skinned Rihannsu. This seems incongruous."

"But I digress," he sighed, stowing a couple of the cases on the top shelf of a large closet. "I cannot deny that there is a certain thrill in being aboard a ship at faster-than-light speeds once more. But I never dreamed it would be like this. Relegated to an assistant position, isolated, exiled, reviled. Distrusted by those I serve with. And I am trying to make the best of things. I tried to follow their idiosyncratic greeting rituals - and was completely snubbed. They treat me like a mere peasant! There is no one here who recognises my standing. That is what grates the worst." He sighed. "End log."

Savar had finished hanging his jackets up in the closet, and put his large bag away. Aside from a small container of various bits and pieces, his unpacking was finished. He moved over to the main computer console and looked at it, speculatively. "Jolan'tru, awaenndraev," he said.

There was no response.

"Damne," Savar spat, directed at himself. The last thing he needed was to slip into Romulan in front of others - they would think even more ill of him. "Hello, computer," he repeated, in English.

"Please state your request," the flat, female voice of the ship's computer replied.

"Display an index of the things to do on Risa," Savar commanded.

"Working," nasaled the computer, and began to display an impossibly long list.

"Exclude all activities related to sexual intercourse, the consumption of food or alcohol, and anything related to.. beaches."

The list grew decidedly shorter.

The Romulan frowned at the screen. "Are there any mountains on the planet?" he inquired.

"Affirmative."

"Well, display only activities located in the mountains."

The Romulan worked his way through the list, discarding many suggestions with scorn. Nudist colonies in the mountains? Clearly this was a soft world if the climate in its mountains could sustain such frivolity. Perhaps if the colony was relocated to the horrid place Savar had been forced to call home for several months on Galen III, they might reconsider their devotion to liberated nakedness, he thought sourly. Eventually, he found something respectable: a firm was offering a small 'package deal' which involved two days of cross-country hiking in the foothills of the northern mountains, through some beautiful countryside. Overnight he would stay at a 'quaint' hotel with many traditional facilities - including spas heated by magma and a Risan sauna - two things Savar had never heard of before, but which sounded very clean and therapeutic. It had been a long time since he had been hiking and he needed to get away from the clinical confines of Federation space architecture. If Starbase 72 had just been grim, the galaxy was not only metallically clinical, but had the worst interior decor he had ever seen - all pinks and browns. No character or atmosphere - rather like the security drones who were constantly harrassing him.

Fine, then. With a few button presses, Savar booked himself onto the trip, then went off to finish the last of his unpacking.

“I Am Going To Risa=Part 1.”

Junior Member Of Senate Ramir Omar.

Stellar Cartography.

It was very relaxing for Junior Member Of Senate Ramir Omar to look at Romulus while he meditated. He had locked the doors for it would not be appropriate for a powerful Romulan Senator to be found to be delving into Vulcan meditations. Usually then he meditated within of the privacy of his extremely luxurious quarters but since most of the crewmembers were just relaxing at Risa then Stellar Cartography had not been occupied by anybody. He had utilised the great opportunity to enhance his methods of meditation. Even though both of his eyes were closed then he was able to visualise Romulus with all of the stars behind of it. He imagined that every star did represent one single thought and that Romulus was where all of it came together into unity.

Suddenly then the whole of the screen was deactivated. Omar instantly opened his eyes and then turned to look at Lieutenant Shelly O’Rourke. He stood and then looked at her.

“I do demand to have an explanation Lieutenant.”

“Access To Stellar Cartography Is Restricted,” she said to him with an amused expression. “It looked to me as if you were indulging with Vulcan meditation. That is true is it not?”

He feigned a look of horror and rage. “Lieutenant! I am a Romulan!” He walked to the doors and exited from the room. It was extremely unfortunate for him that he had been discovered but he knew that Lieutenant O’Rourke would not delve into it.

He returned to his quarters to continue with the meditation but he was unable to summon any of the relaxation that he had enjoyed at Stellar Cartography. Finally then he decided that he would go to Risa. He could relax at Risa but via different methods.

“You are to replicate for me one Horga’hn Statue,” he said to the computer and the item was then obediently created for him. He packed into his ornate suitcase clothing as well as a Romulan phaser. However then it was unlikely that he would need to have it as the Risans were a great number of things but they were definitely not discriminative. As he left from his quarters holding one Horga’hn Statue as well as one suitcase then he smiled to himself.

“I Am Going To Risa,” he said to himself.

"The One-Armed Perriwinkle Panther: Part 1"

NRPG: First of a story arch I will be following with my APC while Dr. Fienberg has his psychotic Adventure On Risa. If anyone wants in on the Pink Panther Nonsense come on in next Part. And Don't worry, Kato will be back more. Famous Clouseau related quote "...Give me ten of him and I could destroy the world!" Erik Stiener(As Inspector Clouseau (SP?))

Soundtrack: Mr. Bungle - Pink Panther Theme(Cruising/Chase/Kato Scene)

Holodeck 2: backdrop, 80s London

Erik sat on a bench, past out.

"Inspector? Inspector?" He woke up to a bobby tapping at his face with his club.

"AHHH! Uh....Hello Officer.....I'll get up. He He, I fell asleep." Erik Sprung up, trying to play the character as well as he could.

"No, Inspector, it's quite alright. They would like to see you at Scottland Yard."

"Me? There? Why?" Erik forgot to look at the introduction of this chapter. "The Case? Don't You remember? That's why we called you here?" Erik's left arm didn't work, as usual. The Bobby was white as a ghost upon seeing the dead hand. "INSCPECTOR....CLOUSEAU! YOUR ARM!!!"

"Excuse me? Oh.....COMPUTER! Execute Sub-routine Stiener_Arm." The Hand appeared normal to the Bobby and the movement apparatus was on.

"I must be daft! If looks fine now."

"Be not concerned officer. It is very hot out today."

It was a warm summer day in London. Erik stepped into the Car with the Bobby Driving. They were well on their way when they heard a thump on the roof. Erik immediately leaned out the side and looked on the roof. It was Kato. At that point a suspicious looking car pulled up behind them. A guy leaned out of it's window and started spraying machinegun bullets. The Bobby, realizing the danger, begins to drive erractically, and Kato disappears. The bobby takes a hit and is incapacitated. "Inspector.....take the wheel!" Erik gets his hands on the wheel and starts driving rediculously erractic.

Weaving idiotically in and out of traffic they hit a well placed ramp truck, land in a small park and hit a tree. The Bobby calls for help on his walkie-talkie while Erik-Clouseau steps out of the wrecked car to survey the damage. The attacking men in the car turn away because a crowd of people have gathered over the crash.

Erik-Clouseau returned to the injurned bobby and pulled him from the car like a bumbling idiot nearly dropping him on his face. The bobby regained his own footing continually brushing the bumbling but concerned Erik/Clouseau.

In about ten minutes and Ambulance and several police cars showed up. Erik/Clouseau got into a police car, while the bobby was carted off in the ambulance.

Finally at Scottland Yard, Erik/Clouseau discovers his case.

"So, how may I be of Service?"

There were three police officials in the room. A large round man with an odd beard, a Tall skinny man with a monocle(YES! He does have one, despite it being the 80s,) and a third squirelly dark man that looks awefully like Lister from Red Dwarf. "Well, a Person was...well...stolen."

"Stolen? A Kidnapping?"

The Fat Man stepped forward."Not exactly." The Lister-like man adjusted his seat. "Technically it's a robery for one distinct reason." The Skinny man with the monocle finally spoke. "It's a theft because the Missing person is dead."

Erik/Clouseau gave a disgusted Grimace. "Who was it?"

"Someone has gravesnatched King George the 3rd."

Paradox

"Prelude: Flight of the Horus"

Carrie Creighton, Station Commander, Anthropologist
Yasmin Rega, Xenobiologist
Jared Garhab, Lead Ecologist
Odra Yaram, Lead Linguist

Planet of Quentin, Alpha Onias System

The air was warm, with a touch of humidity flowing through the corridors of the countryside. The sky an azure blue, reflected in the vast oceans underneath, the gentle breezes causing the currents to gently lap at the fishing boats gathering their harvest for the tribes who froliced on the beaches lining the coast. Everything about this planet mirrored Earth at the Equatorial level early in the 17th century. Temperature, resources, tropical locales, natives.

Lush vegetation rocked with the summer winds, the trees and flora crushed up against each other in untouched growth over an unknown amount of years. Hunters emerged from the shadows of the aged jungles, carrying giant leaflets of berries, fruits, and other foodstuffs. Another emerged carrying what could mostly be described as an Elk.

Huts of bamboo lined the edge of the jungle, firepits were carved out of rocky terrains. Children danced and played along the shoreline, splashing in the waters. Musicians played a varied assortment of instruments carved from animal bones and timbers.

These were a primitive people, living simply. They were celebrating the marriage of two tribes in a new alliance, and they celebrated on through the night as they embraced the primitive life they had chosen for themselves.

So how do you explain the rumble and launch of a rocket just over the vista of the horizon several miles distant in the mountains?

*****

"We have liftoff!"

High atop the dark cliff-face of a vast mountainous region, there sat a small alcove hidden from keen eyes. You wouldn't be able to see it, unless you knew what to look for, but even then, you needed technology not yet readily available on Quentin.

Zooming into the deflector screen, passing through the holographic interface, we pan into a smallish, rectangular room with only one door and a giant viewscreen filling one wall that stretched out on the panoramic view to the outside world. About 10 x 14, and lined with a vast array of computer consoles along the back wall and scattered in islands up to the viewscreen, all flashing telemetries, schematics, and images of various aspects of the planet from all over.

One camera displayed the earlier said natives, still dancing in their night-long festivities, some angrily pointing at the object now screaming into the night sky blazing a tail of angry bluish-white glow. They weren't in fear though, but instead stomping and spitting on the ground. You could tell these were the elders of the tribe, for they were who founded it when they left the ones who set off the rocket.

"What is their velocity at, Yasmin?" Four figures, three seated at various consoles quickly analyzed the numbers coming in, monitoring every aspect of the launch. From spectroanalysis, to sensory readings, to radio communications. The fourth, a woman, paced from seat to seat, forming a point of focus for the other three to deliver reports on.

"They've broken their last record, Carrie. Warp 0.79 and increasing..."

Carrie Creighton, Commander of the Federation Observation team on Quentin, nodded.

"I think they just might do it this time. After that last attempt with the Osiris, I think they got the right mixture this time. Only took them 6 months to launch this one though. They're determined."

"Commander, the attacks are beginning again." Carrie snapped her head to the left a split second after her legs were already carrying her over to the Centaurian's station.

"Damn these Quentishari!" Carrie slammed a fist down on the edge of the table, careful to avoid damaging any machinery. Last time the natives had assaulted the more technologically inclined Quentites, it had almost caused the deaths of several dozen scientists in the compound. Fortunately, the local enforcement were nothing more than glorified peace officers who gassed the natives out.

The Quentishari, as a matter of history, were what you would compare to Earth's Amish culture. They shun technology in every way and have gone back to their roots when they found their kind getting too complacent in their quest beyond their home planet. They were hurting it, destroying it with their burning chemicals, killing Quentin's children by destroying entire forests. Factory smoke curled up into the skies, choking the sun and poisoning the air. The Quentishari had to put a stop to it. They fought back any way they could.

The Quentites were pioneers on the verge of an Industrial Age that carried them concurrently into a Space Age as well. Their scientists pushed for evolution of their kind and yearned for the stars. The inhabitants of Quentin were roamers at heart, and explorers. They yearned for more to their existence.

The Quentishari were inner explorers, the Quentites outer. Conflicts were bound to happen.

Odra Yaram, the stations resident Linguist, tilted her head as she listened intently to the communication-speak over the airwaves.

"They've dispatched their enforcement officers... the Quentishari are resisting..."

"Warp 0.94..." Yasmin intoned montonously.

Inwardly, Carrie crossed her fingers. ~Don't break the barrier, Horus. We're not ready for you yet.~ She closed her eyes and prayed hard.

"Twelve years it's taken. We're witnessing history in the making." Jared couldn't contain his excitement at the incredible event that was unfolding.

"Casualty reports, Commander. The Quentites are using conventional weapons on the Quentishari. They have fired on them with live ammunition!" Odra's eyes grew as wide as saucers and glanced up at Creighton, who was gripping her necklace locket. She assumed it was in prayer for the natives.

"Warp 1!!! They've broken the warp barrier! This is amazing!" Panels lit up in a glorious display of rainbow light cascading over Jared's rough features. His glee over the technological marvel lost him to the tragedy of those that were dying even as they fought for their planet.

Carrie Creighton let out a deep breath, one of which she hadn't realized she was holding. Her knuckles were white. "Print me out a complete report, and package up the telemetry for transmission. I'll be in my office." Jared and Yasmin glanced at each other, and wondered why their Commander didn't share the same enthusiasm as they did, until Odra spoke up.

"29 dead, 54 wounded. Six were children." An ominous silence dropped over them.

*****

-=/\=- Two hours, 27 minutes later -=/\=-

Carrie Creighton lay with her head in her hands at her desk, propped up on her elbows. Jared had dropped off the telemetry tape for her earlier, displaying sadness at the ironic twist of fate in witnessing an event of such magnitude sharing the same limelight as so much death. In all her dozen years here on Quentin, there had never been such a massacre. It was horrendous, inconceivable, and unjust.

But that wasn't her concern. She really didn't care. She fretted the loss of the children, but she had bigger things to worry about.

She had to report the flight of the Horus to the Federation Liaison Offices for First Contact Procedures.

Everything she'd done to put off the Warp flight was for nought. Her 'sorties' into the countryside were only ruses to her companions. They were young, and only here to preserve the cover story of observing Quentin.

She'd actually been encouraging the locals to press revolution into their leader's minds, ignoring the Prime Directive. It didn't apply here, not with such import at their fingertips.

The plan wasn't for Quentin to achieve warp-flight for at least another five years. They needed to solve their own mystery here on Quentin first, and now the planet was going to be muddled with Federation diplomats very shortly. The secret would escape.

The tachyon pulses.

Carrie was the only one who knew about the pulses, and that was her true mission here. She had located the source, and was monitoring their usefulness to her superiors. What was an energy source so constant on a planet so backwards in technology doing here? Tachyons were alien to the Quentites, and usually signified portals of a sort. Way beyond their level of understanding. Certainly useless to the Quentishari.

Ever since the excessive activity of the Wormholes increasing at the end of the Dominion War, the concern that this system would be the launching point of an invasion was tantamount. When the tachyons were first detected a dozen years ago, an observation team was sent here in the guise of surveying the inhabitants, led by Creighton. Really though, it was to determine the source and reason for the tachyons, and use it to their advantage.

Now, this backwards planet was going to be the focus of a First Contact team, and everything would hit the fan.

Carrie reached for her terminal and keyed in a message to Ambassador-General Natasha Mol, head of the Federation Liaison Corps. Then, she would implement emergency protocol in prevention of discovery of the artifact. She wasn't about to let 12 years go down the toilet. Not when they were so close.

Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder

"Risa Again!"

Ethan strolled through Engineering. In one corner he saw several Engineers tapping away at several consoles. At the Master Display console, Michael McDowell stood, looking a little tired and frustrated. Ethan had obviously heard the news regarding promotions. He was glad for his team and family. It was a time worthy of celebration. He was partially looking forward to congratulating them on their latest promotions. But he felt for Michael, his best friend. Sure they were good pals and were in the process of building that relationship back to what it used to be, but looking at Michael was partially like looking into a mirror. He could sense the frustration flooding through Michaels body. Obviously the promotions of the others were having an impact on him. Hell, he should be Lt. Commander by now, yet here he was.

Ethan had to give Michael credit, even after everything that had happened, he was still here doing in his job, trying to rebuild the trust and his career. Something had to been done about this situation!

Ethan was about to stroll over to his best friend when he heard Michael calling for Dhanishta, and thought better of it. The best thing to do was to probably let Michael think freely without feeling that he had to share feelings and thoughts. There would be time for those two to chat again about the issue, but not yet.

Most of the Engineering staff were down on Risa, no surprise there. Ethan thought back to the last time the Galaxy was at Risa, the exact same situation. He remained onboard while the others enjoyed themselves. He would rather Michael get some fresh air and join them on the planet, but he understood that maybe Michael wanted to continue work and keep himself busy. Oh he knew all too well...

He turned and started for his office. Once seated, he pushed some data padds aside and sat back in his chair, fiddling his thumbs. He looked to the side of his desk and looked at his guitar that was quite happily resting against the wall. Tilting his head in approval, he grabbed the musical instrument and slowly, began strumming away. Despite the fact that what was left of the Engineering department could probably hear him, he just continued to play and first began humming the words. After closing his eyes it wasn't long before he began to sing softly.

"Talk to you..... I long, to talk to you.. It lasts for a heartbeat, but it's such a feeling, of being one, when we talk on the phone..." His mind began drifting to that oh so familiar place. His happy place? Perhaps, but it was somewhere he felt comfortable and content, the only place. "You make me complete, you make me feel connected, to the Earth beneath my feet..... You make me laugh and you help me to cry, you've shed all of yourself, with me.... You've shown me life, you've taught me, you make me see..... What's real...." He saw himself strolling through the fields he had come to bond with. Like him, they grew with time. A house was not too far away, kids playing out the front in the field, someone stood in the doorway watching over them. "Whatever would I be, without you in my life, without the warmth of you in my heart... Whatever would I be without the light you give me, without the thought of you in my heart... And all I can do, is wait until the next time, that I hear your sweet voice on the line..... I'll feel whole again, you bring me hope again, it's all I have, for you..."

The chords seemed to trail off as the song came to it's end. He took in a deep breath and sighed. For a long moment he just sat there, focusing on what he was doing in his dream world. After a few seconds he decided that there were reports that had to be filled out. Why wait til later? He had nothing better to do. He opened his eyes and looked into the doorway that led out of his office as he suddenly realized he had gone over the top with his music and singing. It had been a while since he had let himself go, but it felt good. And the fact that he might have been playing in front of an audience gave him a slight buzz. It had been a long time since he had played in front of people, until now...

"Impressions"

Ambassador-General Natasha Mol,
Head of Federation Liaison Corps

Captain Daren M'Kantu,
USS Galaxy CO

Legate Kylar Curran,
Chief Liaison Officer

*****

Liaison Offices
Deck 3
0907 hours

[Legate Curran to the Bridge]

The intercom whistled shrilly, causing Curran to jerk his head up in consternation. At the oak desk he used for purely business-related purposes, he'd been fine-tuning shipboard protocols for visiting delegates. He was in no way going to have a fiasco like when Princess Devo'rah came aboard. What with Corgan's gung-ho attitude, and her escort being a murderer, he won't be held at fault for anything again.

"What is it? We're at a Starbase. Why could be possibly be so important they can't talk to me over intercom or come ot my office?" He cast an angry glance at Katrina Olegoski, who was busy feigning ignorance, focussing on her PADD.

[Since I am requesting it, Legate. In my Ready Room. Now.] The Captain's accented voice imprinted itself over the pre-recorded feminine irritation that had initially contacted him. Strangely enough, the deepened basso tone comforted him more, when the shock of it usually caught others off guard.

"Aye, Captain. On my way." He let slip a hint of sarcasm at being ordered about, but either the Captain didn't catch it, or didn't care. The communication line was dropped. "Katrina, I want a complete breakdown of implemented protocols for security upon my return. No more holes are going to be prevalent here on this ship. If Corgan doesn't like it, he knows what his options are." He pulled up and buttoned the sleeves as he spoke.

"Aye, sir. It will be ready for evaluation in less than an hour." Curran slid open a thickly braided drawer to his left and withdrew a small metallic contraction, which he wavered over his raven-black uniform. Small spots of lint and wrinkles disappeared in minute sparks of laser-induced particles.

"Remind me to have maintenance sterilize the ventilation shafts again, Miss Olegoski. It is getting rather...", he sneered as he hastened to the exit, "contaminated in here again."

*****

Captain's Ready Room,
Main Bridge,
0930 hours

Curran arrived without incident, with the exception of a few rowdy Enlisted personnel who'd somehow found their way onto the main turbolift to the Bridge. Fortunately, Deputy Streely showed up and chased them out. Curran couldn't figure out how the idiot had done it, until the stench of rotting eggs drifted to his nostrils. As the turbolift doors slid shut, he caught a glance from the El Magnifico winking at him from afar, cupping his forefinger and thumb into an 'O' and raising his three remaining fingers behind.

Now the whole damn bridge thought he dropped a rose when he exited the lift onto the Bridge. Damn that Streely!

Thank god, M'Kantu was cut to the chase. His nose wrinkled on Curran's entry to the Ready Room, but otherwise, he said nothing. Before these doors slid shut, Kylar heard the slightly elevated 'whoosh!' as the ventilation system kicked it up a notch to air out the toxins.

"My apologies for the odor, Captain. Leo Streely made his presence known earlier." M'Kantu waved a dark hand. Curran couldn't tell if it was wave away the comment, or the smell. Damn rancid thing.

"We have more important issues to discuss, Legate. I only wish we could have met under better conditions." M'Kantu waved his hand towards a seat in front of the Captain's desk, and strode around to his own. "Have a seat."

Curran eyeballed the Captain, who was not too forthcoming in his attitude. He was unsure why he was here, but upon the CO seating himself, the Legate followed suit.

M'Kantu leaned over and depressed a switch on his terminal. Ambassador-General Natasha Mol's porcelain features filled the screen. Curran's heart skipped a beat. Why was his superior contacting the Captain and himself concurrently? Usually all delegatory visits were incorporated into their calendars, with a notification via subspace. But never something for both the Commanding Officer and himself together. There was very little established protocol for both Federation and Starfleet representatives in place for most situations. Unless, of course....

[Good morning, Kylar, Captain.] The curls on Mol's forehead fell forward a touch as she nodded slightly, which she ignored. It must irritate her, though, Curran thought.

"Good morning, Ambassador-General. What brings us this pleasure?" Kylar nodded in deference to the Captain. Natasha's lips peeled back a touch, revealing a glint of pearly-white teeth. Perfectly aligned.

[The situation is two-fold, Captain M'Kantu. We have a unique opportunity upon us. First Contact.]

M'Kantu glanced at Curran out of the corner of his eye. Kylar caught it. Now we knew why he was here.

First Contact was what every Captain and Liaison Officer yearned for. What with a great chunk of the Galaxy already mapped, and hundreds of members both full and provisionary, there weren't that many civilizations remaining for First Contact within known space, let alone near them. But then again, with the Romulan peace accords recently signed, the Federation was allowed limited access to Rihannsu space.

A great many Captains in Starfleet only ever make First Contact less than a half-dozen times in their career, most none at all. Kylar had no idea if M'Kantu had ever made First Contact with any cultures, nor could he tell from his stony visage now.

"What developmental stage have they reached to entail our involvement, Ambassador-General, and why a Galaxy Class II vessel? We're within range of Starbase 212. There must be more suitable vessels to the task. A shuttle can be appropriated for Legate Curran if his presence is required." M'Kantu had leaned in a bit. He was obviously just as curious as Kylar was at this venture.

[This is the two-fold measure I alluded to earlier, Captain. The Galaxy was in rotation to relieve the patrol vessel currently in the system. You are to rendezvous with the USS Hood and take over patrolling duties for the next month.] Natasha took a breath, pursing her lips as she breathed outwards. Kylar, if he felt any emotions of positive venture for anyone, it was this woman and her deep ovular eyes that hooked him in so. Maybe that's why she was Chief Diplomat...

[The First Contact situation will involve the planet Quentin, in the Alpha Onias system. They've just developed their first warp-capable vehicle after a successful launch. You are to pick up the Federation Council Member Jonas Galali while on Risa and depart immediately for the system to relieve the USS Hood. Keep in mind, that you are only the initial contact team until the official diplomatic envoy arrives on the scene in approximately 24 hours after your arrival. Time is of the essence, Captain. Quentin is rich in resources, and borders Romulan space. I don't think I need to remind you of the skirmishes and dissidents left over from the Reman Rebellion. I'm sure they would love to establish an outpost there with which to rebuild their own resources. Any questions?]

Captain M'Kantu settled back in his chair and steepled his fingers. "I think my queries have been taken care of until I see the data files on the situation, Ambassador-General. Do you have anything to add, Legate?"

"I expect all pertinent and known data on the inhabitants of Quentin will be transmitted to me before arrival?"

[Of course, Kylar. It is already being assembled. It should be in your calendar database by the time you arrive in your quarters for the evening.]

"Excellent. Thank you, Ambassador-General. I'll see to the Risian Ambassador's arrival immediately." Curran stood up, glancing to the Captain. "Do you need me for anything else?" He deliberately left the sir off the end. He'd be damned to bow to anyone other than a Kelvan.

"A moment if you please, Legate." M'Kantu exchanged parting courtesies with the Ambassador-General and turned to Curran after she had disconnected. "I haven't served with a Kelvan before, Legate, and this will be the first time I've had a Diplomatic Service Officer aboard. I'm certain that there are going to be adjustments on both sides while we get used to one another - that's normal. But there are some basic grounds that I'm not prepared to give on, and we need to get those settled from the outset."

He laid his hands on the desk. "What I want is simple. The proper courtesies observed from you. The required updates as to your activities with regards to the overall mission of this vessel. Your honest input on such situations and decisions as you can offer it, or when I request it." He paused, eyes on Curran. "Is that going to be a problem, Legate Curran?"

How unlike Brhode this M'Kantu was. Kylar was curious as to why he was still on Galaxy since Brhode left; there had to be something to this new dark-skinned Captain that his watchful eye was oriented for. Either way, he was impressed by the fact he was firm without overtly being aggressive, like the bully Brhode made himself out to be.

"I have been assigned to this ship to maintain proper protocols are observed. I am not above Federation Law, Captain, even if I represent it here. There will be no problems with etiquette from myself, even if the Starfleet aspect of this crew does not. I believe you humans have a saying for it? 'Don't step on my toes, and I won't step on yours'. My mandate is to make sure everyone walks the line, especially yourself. It's a well-known fact that Starship Captains develop a god complex in vessels of this size." He glared down the Captain to emphasize the next point.

"I sincerely hope I do not have to alleviate that issue if it becomes prevalent in you. Keep in mind, I am not Starfleet, and therefore exempt from your jurisdiction on this ship. I will, in turn, stand aside in Starfleet matters, unless and until the Federation mandate is at risk.

"Are we at agreement, then?"

"I believe so, Legate." M'kantu nodded. "And for the record, I know that I am not Allah, nor have I any desire to be. His task is far bigger than any I would willingly essay. I have enough trouble merely following his guidelines and being a good man."

With a curt nod, Kylar pivoted on one heel, tucked his hands behind his back, and exited the Ready Room. Thankfully, Leo's 'gift' had depleted itself of its nose-hair curdling odor. Behind him, just before the bridge doors closed, he could distinctly hear M'Kantu's rolling accent as he ordered Geluf to call back all those on shore-leave, and set a course for the Alpha Onias system.

He smiled. This planet Risa was an irritation. He needed this mission. It's just too bad it wouldn't be as enjoyable as he hoped.

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