"In Whale Song comes Truth..."

Lt. Commander Adrian An'quinsos
Asst. Chief Counselor
USS Galaxy

And

Lieutenant j.g. Corran Rex
Vanguard Squadron Commander
USS Galaxy

*** Deck 10: Observation Deck ***

It was his second time stepping onto the deck, and a perhaps a welcomed changed for a moment of peace and a little quiet reflection. Even if he was considered a very young adult, after a century and a half, any change felt welcoming. His gaze turned slowly towards the aquarium, eyes twinkling as he approached. Two whales, a terran species he was sure, swam serenely within, ignoring their alien visitor. He gazed upon them with wonder as his hand gently went up to touch the glass that held the entirety of it in check.

It wasn't the first time he'd seen whales. They had them back on El-Auria, though they were colors were a touch more vibrant. Even so, they were a remarkable sight, their song an entrancement to listen to whenever sung. He closed his eyes, as though feeling of what lay within, keeping within the moment.

Corran watched, as the newcomer came him, not bothering to unfold his legs from their crossed and folded position under him as he'd meditated in the peaceful environment of the Whale's Observation Deck. He'd always loved the water, though he couldn't remember anymore if that came from Corran or Rex. But the dim room, lit mostly by reflections of water from the whale tanks, was always especially conducive to his meditation.

Adrian's eyes slowly opened as his hand fell back and dropped downward. He took a deep, silent breath and gazed once more at the cetaceans before turning back to the room itself, mostly empty, except for another figure not very far from him. Adrian gave a small sigh and found the nearest seat, placing his hands before him into more of a contemplative pose. At least there was no three-year-old running around to disturb it.

Deciding that conversation would suit him more now than silent mediation, Corran stood and moved next to the newcomer. "Peaceful, isn't it?" he asked.

Slightly unexpected, though inevitable, Adrian peered over and nodded. "Very much so. Come here often?"

The Trill nodded. "Every day. It's the best place to meditate on the ship, something I find helps my concentration tremendously."

"I'm sorry..." Rex stated, smiling slightly. "I'm being rude. Lieutenant Corran Rex."

"Lieutenant Commander Adrian Anquinsos," He replied with a smile. "And you werent."

"Well. Principles of the thing." Came the reply. "So what brings you whale-gazing?"

"True, never sully ones principles..." Came the younger-looking officers comment. "Mainly to think, to consider, at least in part events here and there that seemed to have displaced themselves being what they were not into what they are now..."

"And what happened and didn't quite happen?" Corran asked, eyebrow raised.

He looked at Corran, and then seemed to glance past or perhaps through him as though staring at an unfathomable area in the unknown. "Quentin..." He replied and continued in almost a full, ominous whisper. "They call us a race of Listeners, Corran, if I may call you by your first name... and I have certainly listened to times ebb and flow distort and writhe itself upon that world in an unnatural manner."

"Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but so did everyone on this ship. Some of us remember more than others. Curiously, it seems those that're the oldest have remembered the most." the Trill observed. "You, me, Savar, the Captain."

"Yes, remembered the events in some form or fashion, most certainly," He intoned delicately. "Not surprising. The four of us as you have said, and my wife have remembered more than most, some the entire thing, with senses that extend beyond the rudimentary." He looked over at him, with an inquisitive expression. "Have you discovered much?"

"I remember everything that involved me directly. I've been using the holodeck to recreate the space battle. It's the most vivid for me, as I actually carried an injury through the timeshift." Rex replied, absently placing his left hand on his right bicep, where a piece of cockpit shrapnel had torn open his flightsuit - and his arm.

"I saw it directly and indirectly." He replied, thinking back to Quentin and giving a slight grimace. "Both being as one- witnessed, perceived and acted upon the events that happened." The next bit felt very awkward. As an El-Aurian, he was unaccustomed to sharing his knowledge with those who ether not his own race or close and dear friends. However perhaps it might prove slightly useful. "Directly was what I experienced as everyone else did in the... physical sense. Indirectly, with what I experienced through the... temporal fluctuations that I felt, permeating the surface of the planet. Much of this corresponds to the discovery and meeting of the Guardian of Forever, its destruction, and departure form the planet, even up to the temporal shock wave and the unpleasantly painful effects that accompanied it."

Corran raised an eyebrow, feeling Jalen's presence "raise" somewhat in his mind at this scientifically curious nformation. "Fascinating. So your species actually perceive time as a physical sense?"

He looked over at the Trill male, eyebrow raised slightly at the question. "Some... perceive it stronger than others, that is, the older you get. Passage and flow, flux and stability, direction- and disruption, a nagging feeling, defined by proximity, and potentially painful if aggravated to a point. I take it you have files concerning Trelane's presence on the Miranda?"

"I've read the report." Corran nodded. "I've researched into the correlations between Q-Level entities and temporal instances as art of trying to figure out what happened on Quentin. What Trelane put the Miranda through and the Enterprise in similar situation years ago is nothing short of astounding. The reviewing officers posited a theory that all temporal instances are merely interactions with one of the infinite alternate realities out there."

"In the former instance, Guinan was aboard the Enterprise, and had taken the main blow from Trelanes tampering, as she was practically there. However, all of us felt it, felt her, and the experience wasnt forgettable. The latter instance... I was there, aboard the Miranda, when Trelane had brought along Q's progeny. His tampering was nothing short of death if it would have lasted long enough." He glanced at the aquarium. "We feel it as naturally as breathing."

"I'm not following you have a shared consciousness?"

He looked glanced back at Corran, considering his words. He wondered if his symbiont may been a Scientist at one part of his life, but dismissed it. "To a degree, we share a connection. We are sensitive to one another's moods, states of mind and being. However, unlike Quentin, the temporal disturbance caused by Trelane was not a localized effect. We all felt it, regardless of proximity and distance, just some felt it more than others..." He trailed off, going silent as he felt he had spoken more than he should have. His mind though drifted back a ways to 2265 and the slaughter of his race, the destruction of his Homeworld. For them, Death took on a different meaning- the connection cut, lost forever to a synthetic race of limited perception. "So, the information you have, have you gained much ground in your research?"

"Partially." Corran replied. "I think I've recovered the majority of the space battle and the events surrounding it. I don't know about the rest of the details - mainly because I wasn't there for them. I was meditating here to see if I'd missed anything." He stated. "I don't think I have. Ill send a copy of the recreated hololog to your terminal however if you'd like to look it over?"

Adrian nodded. "I would like that very much. Perhaps I can add information to your log where you might have missed something." His brow raised slightly. "Has the Captain seen your log?"

"Not yet. I didn't want to give him until I finished it."

"Hmmm... perhaps Zerhi might also remember something..." He muttered in thought, then looked back at the Trill Officer. "Well then, I guess we have some work to do, if you dont mind the assistance in this endeavor?"

Corran smiled then. "Not a bit, my newfound friend. Not one bit."

"Friday Night Blues"

Ella Grey
8Ball Hunter

*backpost

Ella entered the empty Ten Forward and let out a deep sigh. And then she noticed that it wasnt so empty.

Damn.

She waved a hello to the sole occupant in the corner before coming over. Ella pointed to the seat across from the ensign she had met on Risa, asking whether she could sit there or not.

8-ball just shrugged and took another sip of her drink. She wasn't exactly in the best of moods and she didn't particularly feel like being charitable. It was this stupid drink, that's what it was. How was she ever supposed to feel like a normal human being and be comforted in the dark woes of her miserable nights if she was only given a small cup of some crappy synthehol. There were plenty of people who said that synthehol tasted exactly the same as real booze and they were all just idiots, pure and simple. DAMN the man who had created synthehol, damn him all the way to the fifth ring of Hell.

8-ball glanced over at her silent companion and irrationally decided it was all her fault. She didn't know how, exactly, but somehow, the ever-mute Ella had ruined her entire life. 8-ball glared at Ella. She was sure that it must have been Ella's great granddaddy that created this non-alcoholic crap that she was forced to drink. 8-ball continued to glare but Ella didn't say anything.

The silence was getting on 8-ball's nerves. "Why don't you talk, anyway?" she asked Ella abruptly.

Ella blinked and then shrugged, in a sort of 'why not' response.

"Well, that's not an answer!" 8-ball drained the rest of her wannabe-booze drink. "Come on, kid, there's gotta be some reason not to talk besides the fact that you like to annoy everybody onboard. Is that what it is? Just this urge to irritate the hell out of every other person walking around this huge tub of metal floating through space having a bad day? They say 'hi', you sign and flail around your arms and refuse to say anything just to spite them? Is that what it is?"

The engineer raised an eyebrow. Normally, she would just walk away (she certainly didnt need the drama) but right now she felt indifferent. It was a hell of a lot more interesting than her problems at any rate. *WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME SAY, THEN?* Ella typed on her ever present computer PADD.

"I don't care," 8-ball said. "That's not the point. It doesn't matter what you say. Just say something, anything. I don't care what. Or, at the very least if you absolutely REFUSE to talk because you've taken some deep, meaningful, vow of silence, TYPE about something. Anything. Just something to chat about instead of two woman drinking imitation booze in the middle of the night, so silent that you can not only hear angels dancing but seriously rocking out on the head on a pin. I mean, how much sadder do you get?"

Not much, Ella had to admit. Pining away, and angry, at the one man you couldnt have on a Friday night. *IM HERE BECAUSE I HAVE NO WHERE ELSE TO BE BUT WORK OR MY QUARTERS. WHY ARE YOU HERE?*

8-ball shrugged. "Oh, I don't know. The usual. I hate my life. The Galaxy is going to Hell in a handbasket. That sort of thing. No, but honestly, I miss living in a bar. I mean, that's when life was exciting. Drinking, playing pool, not knowing when a huge fight was about to break out. Those things could get pretty ugly but they were sort of fun too." She sighed, ordered another drink, and refused to think about missing the bar and Big Man where she had spent so much of her life. Those bar fights had been fun but when one got out of hand. . .bye bye, 8-ball's life.

"Anyways, I've somehow managed to get myself into this stupid fighting competition and I'm just not really looking forward to it. I mean, life's a pain in the ass enough as it is. Did I REALLY have to go and sign up to get the crap kicked out of me?" 8-ball sighed again dramatically and drank her little drink. "I'm doomed, that's what it is. Just doomed."

Ella nodded. *SOMETIMES I WONDER WHAT I WAS THINKING WHEN I DECIDED THAT STARFLEET WOULD BE A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR ME* She wrote. *IF YOURE INTERESTED, MY ROOMMATE USUALLY KEEPS SOME KIND OF ALCOHOL HIDDEN IN HER ROOM.*

8-ball's eyebrows rose. "Really? Cause, you know, you've always been my favorite engineer. I mean, all those other ones, eh, they're okay, sorta mediocre, but ever since I got on this tub, I've always been rooting for you."

Ella smiled. *ALWAYS NICE TO HAVE A FAN.*

Galaxy: The Next Generation

‘First Meeting’

-Colby Elliot
-Ahdjiia D'Tinya

The dim lights of the hallway felt like home to Colby and so did the stamped down carpet and the tan paneled walls. This was very obviously a Starfleet vessel and to Colby it had become just as comfortable as his home had been, if not more. He had missed this on his last posting, everything had been white save the deep blue never-used carpet, and it was bright, like the lights were trying to bring out everything. Probably a small thing but looking at it here and now it felt like a bigger thing.

Colby moved from his quarters. He had stepped in long enough to look around and toss his bag in one corner but that was it. He was going to LIVE there, he didn’t need to be spending all his time in there from the beginning, he wanted to get out. The lounge seemed the best place to go, he never had gotten too into the holodecks.

Ahdjiia was walking her rounds and saw that distinctive gaze from someone who was new on the officer in the corridor. "Looking for somewhere specific?", she asked.

Colby looked from the carpet which he realized he was admiring…why admire carpet? “Yeah,” he said in a deep voice smiling a little, “the lounge, I just got here you know, I don’t know where shit is.”

"I can show you around.", she said with a polite smile.

“Alright,” Colby replied with a nod and a small smile. “Thanks”

"I am Ahdjiia D'Tinya-Bolivar.", she said, introducing herself as they walked.

“Colby Elliot,” he said introducing himself as well.

She nodded and smiled, then began the tour of the ship, pointing out the assorted holodecks and such.

“It’s nice to be on a Federation ship again,” Colby said as the women in front of him continued to show him around the USS Galaxy.

"Oh?", Ahdjiia asked with a raised eyebrow.

Colby nodded and rubbed his bottom lip absently. “I…” he shrugged, “Guess it doesn’t matter to talk a little about it.” Though the project itself was only something that existed in murmurs and rumors. As far as the universe was concerned there was a Yamato and she was serving the Federation but who the fuck knew doing what…aside from her crew and members of the admiralty. “I was stationed on a Telnorp ship, the Yamato.”

"Did you know a Commander Kiedra Macgreggor on that ship?", Ahdjiia asked, "I know her from a previous posting."

Colby shrugged, “Aside from security officers and my operations supervisors I didn’t have much contact with the crew.”

Ahdjiia nodded and continued on with the tour. "Any questions so far?"

“Not so far, I mean none about the ship…” Colby replied, “I was kinda wondering about what I’ll be doing here…I mean what the ship’ll be doing.”

"Right now we're just going through standard refit and maintenance.", she said, "After that, we'll see what missions happen."

Elliot nodded, “So has this been an eventful posting or just patrols?” What Colby was really wondering was ‘is this job dangerous.’

"It has been an interesting one, I must say.", she said.

“Cool,” Colby replied. He looked over to his right at the doors to ten-forward, she had brought him here and though Colby wasn’t great with new people he figured what the hell, “Well, you brought me here, you wanna drink?”

"I am on duty, but I can take a water break.", Ahdjiia smiled.

“Water it is.” Colby said entering the room and crossing to the bar. “So what do you do when you’re not showing lost ensigns around?”

"I'm in Security."

“Is it a single group or are there divisions?”

"Single group.", she said as she sat down.

Colby nodded, no band for him to join on this ship. At least not like the group he had been part of before. Feeling at home suddenly felt like shit, he missed the people on the other ship even if it wasn’t safe or comfortable. “I guess its that way on most ships.”

"It can be.", she said, "Each posting is different in it's own way."

“Yeah,” Colby agreed.

"My time here is much different than my time on the K'Hotan and so on.", Ahdjiia said.

Colby smirked, “Yeah, school is like the academy and that’s not like my first ship, which isn’t like my second which can’t be like this one. Nothing stays the same.”

"Exactly.", she said with a soft smile, "It is all part of our journey through life."

“Heh, yeah I guess, I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not but its certainly there.”

"It is.", she said.

“Well you probably need to get back to your job,” Colby sighed, “And I need to check in and get onto the duty roster.”

"I shall see you around.", she said as she got up.

“Yeah, see ya.” Colby said, standing himself. He was both ready to get back to work and dreading it. But then that was probably a common feeling, you like what you’re doing but it’d be nice to sometimes just not do anything. Colby watched Ahdjiia leave, finished his drink while standing near the bar then left ten-forward for the operations office.

"Reporting"

Sub-Commander Savar ir-Aihai tr'Khellian

A small green shuttlecraft hung in space, thirty thousand kilometres distant from the looming Starfleet station housing the Advanced Tactical School. Its lone inhabitant turned his view from the brash brightness of that station, and the gently floating debris of a hundred fallen vessels, and returned to his reason for being out here.

Savar scanned a steely eye down the Rihannsu portable access display device he held in his hand. He sipped distractedly at a cup of coffee as he read through the text of his latest report to the Rihannsu Galae High Command. For what little it was worth, he proof-read his submission.

'Exchange Officer's Report. Stardate, 238012.30.

Events have proceeded apace since my last report.

USS Galaxy was despatched to the Alpha Onias system on what the Starfleet calls a 'First Contact' mission. This is whereby contact is initiated with a primitive race, and an attempt to incorporate its planet into the Federation treaty system is made. The main aim seems to be to overwhelm the backwards people with might and technology - not to mention their first meeting with aliens. The first contact is jointly initiated by the diplomatic corps and the military, in order to ensure success. If the world is united under a single government, then, historically, pressure is applied on the world to apply to join the Federation, or at least to concede shipping, trading and martial rights.

The Alpha Onias system is known to us as the Kanahris system. Doubtless long-range intelligence reports have already revealed the Galaxy's mission to the system, and its strategic basis in blocking the expansion of the Empire into the dilithium-rich Dryden Expanse. I consider this an unwisely-missed opportunity, for the First Contact mission was regarded as successful. Negotiations are currently proceeding to establish trade routes and allow Starfleet unfettered access to the system. This was an unwisely missed opportunity for the Declared. However, it is worth noting that since the populace is divided into two races, one which embraces technology, one which rejects it, the world will be unable to apply for Federation membership. Unless the Empire has decided to renounce all claims on the Dryden Expanse, efforts should be made to undermine Federation diplomacy in the sector as soon as possible.'

Savar stopped and frowned at those last few sentences. He had written the report in a bad mood, and these previous lines were highly offensive. Though dry, the language conveyed clearly enough the Sub-Commander's contempt for the High Command. He briefly considered rephrasing the sentences, then sneered and passed over them. They spoke only the truth, and he saw no sense in crawling on his belly. The High Command was not about to recall him any time soon. That much was clear.

'A strange incident occurred in the system during the First Contact mission. Many crewmembers experienced visions, ranging from the vague to the dreamlike to the absolutely real, which depicted what is apparently an alternate timeline. What I am given to understand by the Scientists onboard is that there was a fracture in the space-time continuum, the cause of which remains unclear. The splinter of the continuum involved the absolute destruction of the surface of Kanahris IV, the planet the humans call Quentin. The cause of this was never properly ascertained. An investigation was launched. Then, a three-ship taskforce arrived in the system charged with halting the investigation. The taskforce was led by Admiral Jurgen Hoth, aboard USS Nimitz, commanded by Captain Soorvak. USS Hood, under Captain DeSoto, and USS Pershing, under Captain Fedorio Escalanté. The purpose of the taskforce was to conceal the presence of some sort of illicit research facility on the planet's surface, which was assumed to be the cause of the disaster. Captain M'Kantu refused to stand down, and battle ensued. The end result was the destruction of all four vessels, along with a Quentite survey vessel.

The Starfleet has a special division to investigate breaches of the space-time continuum, namely Temporal Investigations. Due to the seriousness of this incident, all four command officers are to be recalled during the investigation, and the Galaxy crew has been assembling a 'holo-programme' which attempts to piece together everyone's fragmentary memories into a full account of the time-fracture events. I have attached the latest version of the file to this report, along with the full schematics for the five vessels involved in the final battle.

These events are merely memories and did not, strictly, occur. Nevertheless, they are felt keenly. Captain Daren M'Kantu will be replaced in command of this vessel by Captain Eliza Stuart, a human female. I have attached her public-access personnel file to this report. Whether this will lead to an increase in the efficiency of this command is questionable. I note in general that Starfleet officers are stronger in the arm than the head, acting either upon impulse or not at all. Captain M'Kantu is above all a ditherer, always seeking to delay the inevitable rather than confront it. Admiral Hoth is a pragmatist, more concerned with the survival of capital ships than personnel. Captain Escalanté is a prudent commander, but predictably so. Captain DeSoto is a fool. I have appended a full tactical analysis of the confrontation for intelligence purposes.

There is one outstanding issue at the conclusion of the mission to Kanahris IV. Whilst none of the events recalled by the crew regarding the destruction of Quentin did actually occur, there was an unexplained explosion behind the third moon of the planet. Currently it is being hypothesised that a ship was somehow destroyed there, and some debris has been salvaged for investigation. I have examined the research being undertaken by the scientists onboard. It is not progressing very far, as little of the material is recognised by Starfleet's standards. However, I have re-examined the data on the premise that two ships were destroyed, not one. Much of the debris, which I have assumed to be from the first vessel, is too strange to comprehend, and at the sub-molecular level is emanating unusual temporal resonances. However, the rest of the debris does not. Looking at this selection in isolation, parts of the metallic debris is irradiated with boron particles, which are known to be present in Hydran FTL technology. I have not yet shared my thoughts with the Starfleet officers.

The hypothesis that a Hydran ship and another vessel could have mutually annihalated each other seems strengthened by intelligence gained from Federation Legate Kylar Curran, lately Pro-Consul at the Federation Embassy on ch'Rihan. He states there is information to suggest that the Hydrans are attempting to sour relations between the Federation and the Declared and has attempted to enlist my assistance in a joint intelligence effort to discover more. I recall from previous reports the suspicion that the Hydrans were building up their navy in preparation for a minor campaign or major redeployment. I urgently request all available intelligence on recent Hydran activity in order to prepare me for the immediate future. Legate Curran has indicated to me that information I hold will be of utmost relevance in the Galaxy's next mission. More than that, I have not been able to ascertain. I would appreciate being armed with as much information as possible. Rest assured none of it will reach the Legate without an exchange of intelligence weighted in favour of the Declared.

Finally, the Galaxy is presently docked with the Advanced Tactical School at Wolf 359, the site of Starfleet's famous rout by the Borg. Ironically, the Chief Commandant of the School is Admiral Hoth, and I am given to understand that several of the Galaxy crew are among its graduates.'

Savar came to the end of the report. He considered making a remark about the way he had been treated on the station, indicating that this was the way he was treated by all Starfleet personnel in general, but rejected the idea. There was no sense in giving the High Command the satisfaction they would doubtlessly derive from his misery.

The Rihannsu sighed, and glanced around his shuttlecraft, running a hand idly along the green metal that edged the communications console. He snorted sardonically. This was how far he had come. From commanding fierce, vast vessels capable of destroying planets, at the head of venomous taskforces, to commanding a rusty shuttlecraft. Well, at least he was his own master here. No answering to foolish humans or resentful Galae officials. Here, there was nothing between him and the stars. A small comfort. He sighed again.

What was the point of this report? He shook his head as he signed it off and prepared it for transmission with the attachments. No one at the High Command of any worth would bother reading it. It would be assigned to some minor functionary who would, anyway, regard himself as superior to tr'Khellian and consign the report, unread, to a dusty, disused archive. Elements! The bitter rancour that ate away at the Rihannsu's tortured heart! How much of that made it through to the report? Scarcely a drop. Something to be proud of, perhaps, but it just stayed there, heavier each day. Tomorrow was the ceremony to celebrate the Arch-Element, and who would he spend it with? Normally to be enjoyed with family, friends, comrades, he would be forced to spend it meanly, alone. He had no desire to approach Ambassador Omar - if the man even bothered to celebrate Rihannsu festivals rather than Vulcan ones! The Arch-Element was the all-together, the invisible force that made everything hang just-so, that bound together the Elements, Destiny, and Men, in one wonderous whole. It was above all a celebration of life that was required; and what, he had to ask, as he began to double-encrypt the file and transmit it securely, had he to give thanks for?

He glanced out of the porthole again as the file began transmitting, one copy to the High Command, another to Savar's third cousin, who sat on the Senate Intelligence Committee and would be the only one to respond to the report. Hopefully Vellen would come up with the goods, and use the intelligence gained from Savar's report to further his own reputation. Tr'Khellian eyed the station malevolently, knowing it housed that three-pronged vessel of torment that he must shortly return to. Shaking his head bitterly, the Rihannsu ran his hands across the navigational controls, activating the thrusters and boosting the shuttlecraft back towards the station. Having reported in to people who reviled him, it was time to return to serve under those who felt the same way.

“Miserable Holidays”

By Lieutenant junior Grade Jasmine Thelan-Bannon
Xenobiologist
USS Galaxy

****

Jasmine looked around her cabin silently. It had been two days since the incident in her lab, which security had done nothing about. Since that time, she had changed her routine. She had also started her work schedule durring DELTA shift rather then ALPHA which was her norm.

Her need to avoid any more contact with the Romulan on the ship made her become even more enclosed in her own space. Tomorrow would be Christmas day. The first Christmas she had spent away from her adopted parents and the crew of the Hiratoha.

The Hiratoha was her home. Not the Galaxy. She saw the Galaxy as a place of work. Not a home. Not even her cabin seemed to have the same feel of warmth and homeliness as her parents’ cabin and her old cabin on the Hiratoha had.

She had not had time to decorate.. ok so she had never made time to decorate her cabin on the Galaxy. She was living out of boxes as she had since she had arrived on the ship. ~Nomad.~ She thought to her self. ~Not willing to settle down in one place. Always looking over your shoulder~ Which she was doing. Looking over her shoulder to make sure no one blamed her for the fire fight in her Lab. Or tried to enact revenge. She hated that ambassador. She glanced at the COMM terminal where a letter to her boss was waiting to be sent.

It read.:

Sir,

Two nights ago I was working in my lab when due to the latness of the hour I fell asleep, only to be awoken by the romulan ambassador and his guards. Attached is the events that were recorded by the security camera. Please note that I would like never to see that man and his people near my lab again.

Lt Jg. Jasmine Thelan Bannon.

And attached to the letter was the entire incident. She walked over and hit send. It was sent.

She then turned and sat down on the couch with a sigh. She knew she should call her parents and wish them a merry chirstmas but she also knew that they are on a mission to the Romulan Boarder. Not a good time to call them. She leant back and closed her eyes.

"Sickbay Talks"

By Lieutenant Janelle Reynolds,
Chief Medical Officer,
U.S.S. Galaxy

And

Ensign William Giardini,
Surgical Resident,
U.S.S. Galaxy

=/\= Deck Fourteen, Section Twelve: Giardini's Quarters =/\=

William reached into his closet and pulled out his blue labcoat. Slipping it on, he left his quarters and headed towards the turbolift. Entering the turbolift, he called out, "Sickbay." The turbolift came to life and quickly came to its destination. William stepped out and turned the corner.

=/\= Deck Twelve: Sickbay =/\=

William entered Sickbay and looked around. He quickly noticed a auburn-haired Lieutenant working on a patient. Walking slowly to the biobed she was at, he smiled. "Ahh, Lieutenant Reynolds, just the lady I was looking for."

Dr. Reynolds looked up, saw him and then went back to what she was doing. She spoke to him, "Hand me that dermal regenerator over there on the table." She held her hand out as if she had expected him to already have it in his possession. William walked over and picked up the dermal regnerator. Walking back to Dr. Reynolds, he placed it in her hands. "Dr. Reynolds, I wanted to introduce myself. I am studying under Commander Malgin to be a Surgeon."

"You couldn't find a better person than Malgin. We could use a few good surgeon's." She finally looked up, "I didn't catch your name." "Giardini, William Giardini. Can I lend any assistance, ma'am?" William smiled at her hoping she would let him assist.

"I'm done here and as you can see, I have nobody else to fix up. You can do one thing for me. I hate eating alone. How about some food?" William smiled, "It depends? You buying?" William held out his arm for Lieutenant Reynolds to take ahold. "May I escort you?"

She actually laughed, something that she hadn't done for a while, "Yes, I'm buying." She chuckled when she saw his arm out. It was a real treat to see such manners. She took his arm, "You don't need to impress me you know. It's Malgin you need to save it for." "Well, ma'am. My mother always told me if you aren't going to date women, still treat them like goddess'." William led Janelle out of Sickbay and into the corridor. "So how long have you been on board?"

"Like a goddess?" She had never been treated like one of those before. Her mind went back to the question at hand, "Quite honestly, I can't remember. It seems like years but it really hasn't been that long. More like a few months or so." As they walked, a few smiles on crew member's faces appeared. Janelle ignored them as she led him to 10-F. Once they arrived, she pointed to a place for them to sit.

=/\= Ten Forward =/\=

William pulled out a chair and waited for Janelle to sit. Janelle sat down and William took his seat. "Think we could get to know each other?"

"Isn't that what we are doing?" She ordered a drink and something to eat. She waited for him to order then asked him the usual questions, "So, why a surgeon?" "To be honest, I don't know. It was one of those callings, I guess. I helped out when the Dominion were invading Betazed with the casualities, and I enjoyed helping people. I decided then to enter Starfleet." William smiled. "That's where I also met my boyfriend, Wes. I am trying to get him transferred to the Galaxy."

Janelle almost choked on her drink, "Oh." The food came and the conversation ceased until they were left alone again. William straightened in his chair, "Are you ok? Did I say something wrong?"

"No, nothing wrong. I thought..." She laughed at herself, "Nevermind. well, good luck. The Galaxy is a good ship. Maybe I can put in a good word for your friend." "Don't worry, Lieutenant. I know what your thinking. I'm not fully gay. I'm only bisexual." William laughed.

"You don't have to explain yourself. Your preferences isn't any of my business." She took a bite of food, changing the topic, "So, where are you from?" "I am from Betazed. Born and raised. I graduated from the University of Betazed and I transferred over Starfleet Medical. I am just starting my residency here." William took a bite of his food, "MMM this is good, what is this?"

"I think it's corned beef on rye." She takes another bite, "Uh huh, that's what it is. Replicated food is never as good as the real thing." "Ok, Janelle. Now it's your turn. Tell me all about you. I wanna get to be your best friend," William laughed and did a little smile to show his cute face.

"Well, let's see. I was born in San Francisco and have wanted to be in the medical field since I was a little girl. Other than that, I can't think of anything else." "There must be something," William looked at Janelle. "Do you have a significant other on board?"

"Me?" She shook her head, "No, I don't. I've never had the time for relationships." She looked up at him, "So, how long have you been with yours?" "Well to be honest, Janelle. We aren't really a couple yet. Just deep friends, I guess you could say." William shifted. "He makes me nervous."

"Makes you nervous? How so? The way you were talking, I thought you were in a long time relationship with this person." "No, I have been seeing him for over 3 months now, but it never amounted to anything, spectacular, ya know? I don't want to open my heart up, because it has only been broken so many times. I don't think I want to continue it with him but I did promise him I would try and get him on board the Galaxy. Am I a bad person?" William put down his fork and sighed.

"No, I don't think so. I've never had that problem. I just never met anyone yet that I've wanted a relationship with. Being CMO, I have less time now." "Well maybe you should make time," William winked at Janelle, hoping she would get the hint. William ordered dessert for both him and Janelle. "So how do you run your sickbay?"

"I like things in order. I hate disarray and everything has a place. I try not to be too demanding but I do have a system, one of which I'll explain to you one day." She looked at him and smiled, "Maybe now that I have my sickbay in order, I'll be less busy." "I hope so, because I think I would like to take you out again." William smiled and sat back in his chair. "So how is the command team on the Galaxy?"

She smiled, "Take me out? I thought that I paid for this meal. Oh well. As for the command team, they're okay. I've had no complaints yet." "Your right, you did pay for this. Well then I guess next time it is on me." William smiled and cracked his knuckles. "So tell me, do you have any hobbies or activities?"

"You mean when I'm not busy? I like to horseback ride, hike, music, archery and spend time in the holodecks. What about you?" "I like to read, spend time with beautiful women, archery, botany."

"Well, we at least have one thing in common. We'll have to play a game of archery one day." She finished off her dessert. "Maybe we could make a date out of it?" William winked at Janelle.

She caught that one, "Are you asking me out?" She thought it was a little fast but she hadn't had a date since...she couldn't remember when. She decided to take him up on it, "Okay. I don't usually date those in my department but why not, sure. A date would be nice." "But, Janelle," William laughed as a joke. "I am not in the Medical Department, I am in the Surgical Department." William smiled at her. "So I will let you pick the place and time?"

"You have a point. Well, the place would be here on the ship. When...I'll have to check my schedule and let you know." "Well, Janelle. Let me know." With that, William stood up, gave Janelle a hug and turned and left Ten-Forward.

Janelle just sat there, wondering what she was doing. She just met this guy and they were already going to go on a date? She didn't know anything about him except what he told her. She shook her head and ordered a cup of coffee to go.

Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder
Chief Engineer

"Tears of the Past"

Ethan strolled through Engineering and stopped by his office. Turning around, he leaned against the wall near the door and crossed his arms.

Sighing, he looked at the team working, talking.

Rebecca Matthews began laughing at a joke Sammy Sousa had made. Then they continued working on their diagnostic, still giggling like little girls talking about boys. Perhaps they were.

Over to his right, Susan Delphino and Melvin Frohika were talking, smiling.

If Ethan didn't know their relationship was like, he would have thought they were flirting. But this was every day nature to them. He was glad that everyone was enjoying themselves. Something about this time of year always seemed to spark some sort of inspiration to enjoy their work and lives. Perhaps it was recent events, they had avoided trouble for some time now. Although it was bound to come and bite them back in the ass soon enough.

Rebecca began laughing again. Ethan turned and looked back over to her and Sammy. Sammy pushed Rebecca away jokingly and started laughing as well. Ethan couldn't help but smile.

Rick Okuda strolled by with a smile on his face and made a comment about them. For a few seconds, the girls tried hard to keep a straight face but then continued giggling and laughing. The turbolift doors opened and Victoria Alabama strolled out, a small wrapped gift in hand. Rick saw her instantly and strolled over to her, a sparking look in each of their eyes. She held the small box up, obviously a present. Smiling, she stepped closer to him, passing the small box to his hand as he stepped closer to kiss her. He then stepped away and unwrapped the small box. Opening it, he picked out a small item. It took Ethan a few seconds to figure out what it was. A ring. His face lit up after a few moments of shock and excitement. His eyes lit up like a torch being switched on and hugged Victoria. The embrace was passionate and warm, then they kissed again.

Ethan drew in another deep breath as Victoria and Rick entered the turbolift. Sammy and Rebecca coughed to get his attention. He turned his head and raised his eyebrows and the two young Engineers as they stood a foot away, holding a data padd out. He took it and scanned over the data. "Ethan, the roster we were working on is complete. What section should we start on next?" Rebecca asked. Ethan looked up at them and handed the data padd back. Crossing his arms again, he finally spoke.

"Take the afternoon off. Things are quiet down here, we should be able to handle things till the next shift."

"Really?" Sammy asked, excited at the chance to take the afternoon off work. Ethan gave a nod and watched on as the girls thanked him and strolled off. He smiled again. For some reason, at this moment in time as he observed the atmosphere, it seemed warm and comfortable. It was no doubt the team's mood. He couldn't remember the last time Engineering felt so warm. He couldn't remember if it ever had. He pushed himself off the wall and as the doors slid open, stepped into his quarters.

After retrieving a drink from the replicator, he sat at his desk and placed his feet on the desk. He picked up the latest personnel report and skipped straight to the Engineering section. One person in particular had a few notes under the name. "Hard working, yet having trouble with attitude." a read out. "Attitude." he repeated in a whisper.

A dark, small object flew across his vision. A loud crashing noise seemed to echo throughout his office. Looking at the wall, there was a dent. On the floor, lay a pile of what used to be a data padd. He glanced over to his right and saw someone pacing back and forth, hands on her hips. Clearly the woman was frustrated, angry.

"Attitude." he mimed. "Passion, fire..." He took his feet of the desk and sat forward in the chair. The woman stopped pacing and looked at Ethan. Her blonde hair flew just passed her shoulders as she spun around.

"The elements of attitude." he explained quietly.

"And other emotions and feelings." the woman replied. He smiled slightly, and then looked down. Wrinkles separated his forehead as he frowned. A sad frown. His eyebrows raised slightly and his mouth open a little, trying to speak, but with no words coming out. Raising his head a little, he looked at the woman.

"Does it ever stop?" he asked, his voice a little shaky.

"Do you want it to?" she asked.

"No." he replied clenching his teeth. His eyes, very slowly, very mildly, welled up. He looked back down at the floor to keep the tears from raining out. He stood up and walked around his desk, passed the Engineer. He stood by the wall and raised his right arm. His fingers grazed over the dent in the wall where the impact of the data padd had damaged it. He looked down again. "But something that can never be..." he paused for a few seconds, gathering the strength in his throat. "Will never be." finished.

"How do you know it will never be?" the woman replied. Ethan lower his arm and turned half way towards the female. Turning his head a little but not looking at her directly, he swallowed hard.

"Because it never was. You never knew the truth."

"You would give your heart to another, without any expression, expecting nothing in return?" she asked stepping forward slightly.

Ethan thought about the question for a second and looked down again. With a single nod, he looked at her. A tear slowly sliding down his right cheek. "I did." he replied.

"And you never told me?" she added.

"You were with someone. It would have been selfish of me to assume that my feelings, that my love was stronger than yours."

"That's why you never did anything?" she asked stepping closer again.

Ethan looked at her again, seeing that she was now only two feet away. "I sacrificed myself for your happiness. There was no way I was going to interrupt that happiness. Not for the world." he turned his head away. She raised her hand and gently brushed his arm. "After the accident, I got on with things. Work. Life, I suppose. Like I had done before. But these years have been hard. A struggle for life itself. No matter where I go, I'm haunted by everything. Taunted with the fact that you were loved by another. Gutted that I was never noticed as anything other than an Engineer. I didn't exist..." More tears flowed down his cheeks and dripped down into his uniform. "He straightened his jacket and turned, facing the woman.

"I would have gone to hell's end and back for you, I still would. And through everything that we've been through in our careers, I think we could say we both have. How many times have we faced death. How many times have I allowed death the opportunity to take me? But because it was for something. Nothing could be worse than dying for nothing..."

"Dying alone?" the woman replied softly. Ethan's eyes glazed over as his thoughts were washed away. After a long moment, his eyes met hers.

"I won't die alone. I will always have you..." he raised his hand and rested on her chest, and then pulled away. Forming a fist, he rested his hand on his, "Here, with me. In me."

"You won't let me go?" she whispered.

"I can't." he whispered back, stepping closer to her, still looking in her eyes. "I don't know if it's insanity, or if it is love. But whatever it is, it is in me. It is my blood, my thoughts, my body. Driving me through each day. Mixed with the hope that we will be together one day. Even if it is for a short while." he cut himself off as he stepped forward and kissed the woman. The embrace was more passionate than ever. His feelings impacting with the passion, the embrace seeming to last for hours.

Ethan opened his eyes and allowed several more tears to very slowly, creep down the path that previous tears had flowed. The woman held his left hand and with her left hand, she touched his chest. "All of my heart." he whispered.

The chime to his office rang. Ethan raised his head and looked around. He was still sat at his desk, feet on the table. He stood up and strolled around his desk and looked at the wall and floor. No dent, no trashed data padd. The chime to his door rang again. He walked to the door and pressed a button on the wall panel. The doors opened and Sara Mende looked up, surprised.

"Something wrong?" he asked after a few seconds silence.

"No." she replied quickly.

"Sorry, I was just thinking. Um, got the diagnostics for the shuttlecraft systems." Ethan took the padd of her and half smiled.

"All right, I'll go check it out." He walked out of his office and made his way for the turbolift.

Petty Officer Angel Gaven stepped up to Sara and crossed his arms. "What's up with Chief, he seemed ok fifteen minutes ago?"

Sara looked at Angel and raised her eyebrows. "Love." she replied simply.

"The Chief, I don't think so." he replied with a chuckle.

"If only you were a woman." she joked back. "But anyone could see it, just look in his eyes from time to time."

"Hmm, so who's the lucky girl?"

"Whoever she is, she doesn't exist here on the Galaxy any more."

"Someone he used to work with, or for?" Angel asked.

"I would say, yes." Sara replied. "I mean I've heard others talking, others that have known him for years. He's never had much of a social life. So it must have been someone from a few years ago. Apparently he's been a bit down for a long time."

"He seems ok most of the time." said Angel.

"Yeah, I suppose. But there are moments like this."

"We all have them." Angel added.

"I suspect most Chief's have. I've heard about them, Chief Samara, Chief Mercury, both of which Suder served with."

"What happened to them?" Sara asked.

"Well, Mercury transferred. And as far as I understand it, Samara was in some kind of accident. Several Engineers were a little distracted after that, Ethan probably took it the worse. Although it's said 'cus that's when he became Chief."

Sara raised her eyebrows. "She was involved in an accident. Then leaves? And the Chief was upset about this?"

"And hasn't been the same since-" Angel trailed off as the realisation of what he was saying took affect. "Wow." he said, "all that late night talking and drinking with the Bolian finally paid off." he half joked. At that, they both turned away and walked back off to their stations. With the new knowledge in mind, it was a constant thought of how to treat the situation. Perhaps better left unsaid...?

"A Day To Remember"

(Takes place two weeks after 'The Thing To Do' and immediately after 'Ding - Round Two')

Principal Characters:
Lt. Ella Grey
Lt. (G) Victor Krieghoff

Secondary Characters:
Ensign Paul Hanley
Ensign So'ka

****

USS Galaxy
Deck 11
Outside the Tournament Holodeck

"Oh man," Hanley shook his head. "I'm not telling him. You tell him."

"Me?" So'ka frowned. "Why do *I* have to tell him?"

"Because I said so?" Hanley offered hopefully.

"I think not," So'ka retorted.

"Because I'm the senior ensign?" Hanley tried again.

"I don't think this falls in the category of 'lawful orders' I was taught in the Academy," So'ka replied.

"Ummmm.... Because I'm scared?" Hanley finally admitted.

"That, at least," So'ka agreed, "I believe. Very well, I will..." He straightened up. "Good afternoon, sir."

Victor stopped a meter away. "So'ka, Hanley."

"S-sir," Hanley nodded nervously.

Victor eyed the two. Something was wrong, Hanley was more scared than normal, and So'ka only a bit less so. "Well?" he asked after a moment.

"W-well, what, s-sir?" Hanley stammered.

Victor just looked at him.

"We... I..." Hanley looked desperately at his companion. Ummm... So'ka wanted t-to t-tell you s-something...."

Victor turned to So'ka and waited. Sooner or later one of the two of them would get out what the problem was.

"It's the tournament, sir," So'ka said after a glance at Hanley.

"Stupid thing," Victor nodded. "What about it?"

"Well, ahhh.... They just took a pair of fighters away to sickbay," So'ka continued slowly. "One of them looked pretty bad."

"And?"

"It was... one of them was Lieutenant Grey... from Engineering."

"Ah." Grey had entered the tournament? Victor considered the idea for a moment. She wasn't ready for something like this, but she hadn't asked him. They would need to be speaking for that to happen. "Thank you. Carry on." He moved off, still thinking, trying to decide why it bothered him that Grey had been hurt. Should he see if she was all right? Would that make her mad again? Would it make leaving his friend hurt more when it happened?

Behind him, the two ensigns looked at each other in silence.

****

USS Galaxy
Deck 12
Sickbay

Ella's eyes fluttered open.

Sickbay, she thought after looking a moment at the ceiling. I'd know that Federation medical decor anywhere.

She was too exhausted to panic so she methodically started to wiggle toes and fingers and then relaxed after finding everything worked. She just was very, very sore.

She wiggled her nose about. Even though it had been repaired the tissue still hurt.

Damn Kelvan, she thought.

A presence loomed up at the edge of her vision. "Grey."

Ella looked over, surprised. Then she frowned. ~~Krieghoff.~~

Victor moved closer to the diagnostic bed and frowned at the readings which told what she'd had repaired, then down at her. "Hurt?"

Ella shrugged. ~~Nothing I can't handle.~~ She was going to hurt that... that squid though next time they met.

"Good."

~~What's it to you?~~ Ella snapped childishly.

What was it to him? That was a good question. He wished he knew the answer. "You weren't ready," he observed. "Not for that."

~~Thanks, Dad.~~ She signed with a snort.

"I'm not your father, Grey. He wouldn't tell you that you weren't ready."

No, Ella thought. He'd laugh at the idea of me in a tournament. Mother would throw a fit. ~~Its up to me to decide when I'm ready, Tiger.~~

Victor looked at her for a moment, then shook his head. "No. I can see what you can't. You weren't ready."

Ella sat up, which she instantly regretted, and signed quickly. She didn't even bother to hide the tone. She was in a snit. ~~*SO* what if I wasn't? It was my choice, my decision, my right, and you have no bloody say in the matter! So go and skulk somewhere else and leave me the hell alone.~~

Victor looked at her for a moment, and then nodded. "You're right."

~~About what?~~ Her fingers snapped.

"That I don't have any say in it. You're right."

She didn't know if she was irritated that he agreed with her or if she was irritated because he wasn't fighting her. Either way she was irritated. ~~Of course I am.~~ She replied peevishly.

"Not always, Grey, but often enough."

She lay back down, her fingers muttering. "...should listen to me more often..."

"I always listened, Grey."

She snorted.

"But even when you were right, there are times when that doesn't matter, and you have to do something because you have to." He paused and looked down at her. "Like fight the Legate."

Ella raised her eyebrow and chin. ~~Use that kind of logic for your transfer, did you?~~

He shrugged.

She began to roll her eyes at him and suddenly was overcome by the strangest sense of deja vu and nausea. For a moment, Sickbay disappeared and she found herself in the middle of a debris ridden planet again.

Ella's mouth formed an 'o' and then suddenly she was right back in her biobed. And feeling very pecked.

~~Vic...~~ She signed frantically. ~~Bucket.~~

Victor looked down found the container left by medical for the purpose and lifted it up, holding it for her.

That when on for some time and when she was done she set the bucket aside and lay back down.

"Better?" he asked quietly.

She signed the sign for sick.

"Sick how?" Victor looked up at the biobed readings as they readjusted themselves to reflect Ella's recent activity and its effect on her condition. "Concussion?"

~~Felt very disoriented.~~ Ella's fingers mumbled. ~~Wasn't here for a minute. Was on a planet...was hurt. Debris.~~

Victor stopped and looked back down. 'You weren't here?" It sounded, he reflected, like the dreams everyone had reported having. Everyone, that is, but him.

It sounded crazy to her too. ~~Must have gotten knocked around too much.~~ Ella joked.

"What happened?"

She sighed. ~~I think it was a dream I had the other day. Something about the ship crashing on a planet. I survived but was hurt badly. Probably fatally.~~ She debated. Should she tell him that he was in her dream.

"This ship or another one?"

~~You were there.~~

"This ship, then." It must be the same thing the others had mentioned. "Was anyone else there? Do you remember anything else?"

Dying in your arms, she thought with a shudder. ~~No, we were just hurt very badly. I don't recall seeing anyone else. What does it matter anyway? It was just a dream.~~

"A dream everyone else in Security reported having. Commander Corgan had us fill out reports on what we remembered ahead of the Captain's request."

*It wasn't a dream then?*

"No, Grey. More people than just you had it."

*Ah* She signed with a slight nod.

"What happened in your dream? You said the ship crashed?"

~~I think I died in your arms. And you died in mine.~~

"Ah." Victor looked at her for a moment. "Commander Corgan told us that the Captain thinks the dreams are real, memories of an alternate future that was somehow altered, prevented from happening."

~~Good to know~~ Ella said, trying for a light tone. ~~You don't remember anything?~~

"No. I never remember my dreams."

~~Lucky you.~~

"I suppose." Victor studied her for a moment, eyes unreadable. "Do you really think it's lucky?"

Her eyes were equally void. ~~I do.~~

"I wondered." He looked down at her for a moment, then suddenly added, "I thought I was left behind again."

She decided to show no mercy. ~~You never see the positive in things.~~

"Should I?"

Ella frowned. ~~I'm tired, Victor. Maybe you should leave.~~

"If you want."

~~I do.~~

He nodded and turned away, only to stop at the door and say, "You still weren't ready for that fight, Grey. Not because you didn't have the skills, but because you got mad. That's why you lost." Without waiting for an answer, he let it close behind him and was gone.

"We're All Shook Up"

By Lt. JG Dhanishta Eshe,
Engineer

Legate Kylar Curran,
Chief Liaison Officer

Lt. Commander Ethan Suder
Chief Engineering Officer

*****

Deck 17
Random Corridor

*****

Dhanishta glared at the other officer, though he could not see for her hair hid her face. ~ Sick bay or fix a fridge! Humm what a choice ~ she thought, ~well I've done the first one today, so. Fridge it is. At least it will be warmer than his conversation!

She turned and began to follow him without further comment.

"I sincerely hope whatever issue you are having today is not going to carry over into your work. I will have to inform Commander Suder if that occurs, Lieutenant." He took the lead throughout the corridors on Deck 17 as he made his way to the new Liaison offices. Eshe followed behind at arms length. He ignored any courtesies given to him by other officers as they passed.

"Bite me!" she muttered under her breath. She continued the muttering as she followed him, "Tell Suder what you bloody well like I don't give a ... I'm not on duty and I'll act how I bloody well please. If your own head wasn't rammed so far up your own arse then..."

Curran stopped just before the entrance to his offices, but didn't open them.

"That language is not within Starfleet regulations, Lieutenant." He turned around and fixed her with a deadly stare. "You are *always* on duty, Lieutenant Eshe! You may not be on the roster for duty assignment, but are nevertheless an officer of Starfleet at ALL times. You will be reported for dereliction of protocols and placed on disciplinary rotation." He keyed open the doors as he ended the berating.

"Whatever." She said rolling her eyes as she followed him in.

Curran strode into the alcove of his offices, setting the carton upon the oak desk in the rear of the unit. Just beyond, the stars flew by in darting spears of light as the ship flew through warp.

The Galaxy had been relieved of its two month tour by the USS Challenger without fanfare. Standard swap of personnel and on their way.

Now, they were on their way to their next destination. Wolf-359 if the rumors held true. It would be interesting to bear witness to the greatest disaster in Federation history.

He gestured to the replicator that was cold without lights. "There. I've disabled the unit. It overheated this morning." He ignored the woman as he unpacked the files held within.

Dhani casually looked around at first and then she focused on the replicator. Moving towards it was a silent sigh, she looked at it with cold eyes. It sure didn't look like much was wrong with it on the outside. Kneeling down, she removed a panel and propped it up against the wall to her right. She rested her fingers on the interior and moved her head from side to side, observing the damage. "Well it looks like the power regulators have overloaded, hence the overheating this morning. The processors are fried beyond recognition and the power output circuitry is shot. Most of its insides need replacing, I doubt repair would be worth it." She reported standing up and looking at Curtis with a sarcastic smile, silently saying "well what do you want me to do now.. Sir!"

"Fix it. You are an Engineer, are you not?" Such frustration these humanoids entailed within him. "I did not ask you to tell me what was wrong with it, I asked you to fix it." He casually took his seat, activating his personal terminal.

"I am also going to require a security bypass on my communications console. Over-ride lockouts, fixed transmission, dedicated line to my console from outside sources. Your clearance is not the level required for matters of this tender nature."

"Do I look like I have any tools on me?" she snapped back. "You want it fixed, call engineering and put in a request. They will get around to it when they have finished dealing with all the important things. If that's not good enough call Suder and complain."

"Obviously I've erred on requesting your services in repairing my unit, Lieutenant." Curran leveled an icy gaze at the Trill. "I simply cannot fathom how you got up the nerve and courage to close that rift in the alternate timeline. You can't even get your own thoughts in order, but two of you?" He snorted derisively.

"What are you blabbering about now?" Dhanishta asked frowning. "I am off duty. As in *signed* off duty. I am *NOT* authorized to repair your dammed unit." ~Dick!~ she added silently. She sighed with frustration, flopping her arms at her side. Glancing around his room she smiled inwardly at her predicament. The irony of her situation, she, Dhanishta, who had ALWAYS been one for protocol and duty was here being openly insubordinate to another officer. She couldn't fathom why she was acting this way. She felt nothing but hostility towards him and everyone else on the ship and for all the meditating she couldn't stop the rage from showing, or from acting upon it. And now he was calling Suder. Which was great someone else she could be rude to!

He ignored her outbursts, keying in a direct line to Engineering.

"Legate Curran to 'Commander Suder."

The reply came with a second of the comm-line being opened. "Suder here, what is it, Legate." He sounded slightly irritated, no doubt busy with duties in Engineering.

"One of your personnel is here in my offices, where she is succinctly and disdainfully disrespecting a Federation Officer. She appears to have something the matter with her faculties and am sending her to Sickbay. I believe you may need to find a replacement for Lieutenant Eshe as soon as you are able." He glared at the Trill women, matching his piercing gaze levelly, but he could feel the seething anger emitting from her. Was that a Trill trait he'd not observed before? He would have to read up on the latest Trill Intelligence files.

"Lieutenant Eshe is off duty and under my-" Ethan was cut off by his quick and blunt interruption.

"Regardless, Commander! I am in need of a Beta Two minimum clearance Engineer to install precise communications equipment in my offices. That," he keyed a terminal to verify, "would be you, Commander Suder. Report to my offices immediately. I can ill afford to spend more time with this Trill before I put her on report for insubordination."

There was a moment's delay before the answer came through again. This time it was Suder's turn to be cold and blunt. "Well if it's that serious then why didn't you inform me earlier? Forget it, I'll be right there to finish this!"

"Precious Illusions"

By Lt. JG Dhanishta Eshe,
Engineer

Legate Kylar Curran,
Chief Liaison Officer

Lt. Commander Ethan Suder
Chief Engineering Officer

*****

Deck 17
Liaison Offices
Kylar Curran's Main Office

*****

Several minutes later, the doors slid open and Ethan strolled in, two data padds and an Engineering kit in hand. He looked around the office and then at the man who had demanded his presence. "Nice to be needed." Ethan coldly greeted. "What's the problem?" he asked as if he had nothing better to do.

"I require a security communications override bypass and dedicated personal subspace channel with 512 bit encryption minimum." Curran ignored the Betazoid, fully expecting him to get the job done immediately and without question.

Dhani looked from Suder to Curran and back again. She made no attempt to greet Suder. Looking around she spied a chair in the corner surrounded by shadows, slowly she made her way towards it and sat down, she was going to enjoy this exchange! Idly she looked around the room for a moment it looked different, table and chairs lye upside down. A couch stood on its end torn and burnt, a plush observation desk was in a similar condition. It was like another room super-imposed on the other.

Ethan looked at the console near Curran and then over at Dhanishta. He cleared his throat and took another step forward. Tapping some information into one of the data padds, he looked back up at Curran. "You must have known that Lieutenant Eshe couldn't do this for you. And if it's all the same to you, I'd like this request in writing from command officer. Protocol and all." he replied.

"I *AM* the Command Officer, Commander. Do not quote protocols to me, as I've written a great majority of them on this vessel." He hastily signed off on the PADD and handed it back to the Chief Engineer. "Now, if you would please dispense with the pleasantries... they are wasting time. Unless you would care to take it up with Starfleet Command? It can easily be arranged."

Shaking her head she refocused on the room, her eyes fixing on Curran's shoes poking out from under the table.

"Spit polished." She mumbled. For an instant they looked like they were covered in dust, age old. But still the shine glimmered through. Sliding across the floor to the side of Curran's desk she grabbed one and slid it off his foot.

Standing up she examined the shoe, just like before. Through the EVA suit she wore everything was misty but she could still see it shining, ~ Turan would like these ~ she though, ~If only they were a little bit bigger! ~

"...fembots are having an abnormal effect on me. They would make a formidable weapon if they could be used in our favour. My thought processes are chaotic, unstable. They cannot be trusted..." she mumbled as she turned the shoe round in her hand, totally oblivious to Curran and Suders remarks and looks,

"... one of them violated me. I feel dirty, tarnished, now that I know. I am unworthy of my species. A Kelvan being caught in an emotional trap! I am no better than Rojan, but instead of that weakling, I will find my honour

in death...Huh!" She remarked, "This was Kylar Curran!"

Kylar and Ethan had forgotten about the hotheaded minor engineer who'd slunk

into a corner, until she cried out the Kelvan's name.

Curran glared over, prepared to give the call to Security to remove her from

Sickbay, until he saw her standing up staring at a shoe of his.

"First off, *I* am Curran, not the shoe." He strode over to swipe it from he hands. "Those are my footwear, Lieutenant, and I did not grant you permission to touch them." He resolutely marched towards a panel near his replicator, touched a panel to open it, and tossed the shoe into the incinerator.

"I will not wear apparel a humanoid female has touched. I might contract something." So unclean these humanoids were.

Ethan looked slightly confused for one moment and then looked back at Curran. "What is she doing here anyway?" he asked, his face still emotionless and cold.

Dhanishta was slightly startled one by Curran's reaction, but mainly because she had pulled his shoe off. Turning to Suder, "Erm, his fridge was bust and he gave me the ultimatum of fixing it or going to sick bay. As you know I've spent a lot of time there already so I thought id take a look at his fridge! It's fried by the way. There is no point in fixing it, which he insists upon. All the components need replacing, would be more economical to replace the whole unit." She stated before Curran could get a word in.

"Now if you don't mind gentlemen you have both kept me from my plans long enough." She stared at Curran intently.

"You gave her an ultimatum?" Ethan questioned stepping closer to Curran. "Do you have any idea of what the situation is here? Or did you not take the time to look into it?" he asked.

"You are seriously edging into the realm of insubordination, Commander. Or is your organization of Engineering so lax that you accept the carrying on of your officers in public? It would appear an investigation into the structural integrity of your engineering department and a review of Starfleet protocols would be in order. Be advised that this behaviour of both your officers and the Chief's acceptance of the abhorrent treatment of fellow officers on this ship will be reported."

Dhanishta returned once more to the chair and the shadows. The rage inside her was building, she could feel it. Like a horse in canter ready to break into a gallop. She wanted it to stop, pulling back hard on the rains, but the horse kept pushing on unwilling to yield.

Sitting down hard in the chair she grabbed the arms, her finger nails clawing into it. Her knuckles turned white under her increasing grip. Her jaw set firm, her teeth almost grinding against each other as her eyes locked on to the floor a foot in front of her.

"Reported?" Ethan repeated, his face remaining still. "Don't worry, I also will report this situation, your attitude towards me upon arrival, meets none of which should be used when addressing and communicating with a Starfleet Officer, not to mention the threats, the ultimatums and the attempted intimidation. There are such protocols to prevent such acting outs of people. My department is one of the best of whom I've ever served with and without them, this ship would be in pieces somewhere along the way because we would have been destroyed." He replied, teeth clenched. How dare he insult him and his department. He knew neither at all.

"Regardless, you signed an oath, Commander! You have an officer under your command, berating a superior officer, ignoring protocols, having an outright disdain for onboard protocols and her duties, is obviously derelict in her duties, and is in dire need of medical assistance! And you are accepting of this?"

"It is because of her medical condition that she is off duty. Hence she has no duties to for fill, no obligations. And if you're going to be picky on particulars, then perhaps you should report and investigate eighty percent of the ships personnel. For example, their use of language, hardly appropriate for Starfleet officers. Yet they remain un-reported, un-investigated."

"This is a serious waste of time. You are dismissed. I'm sure I can locate an officer of the levels I require at the Advanced Tactical School. Of the student's gifted nature there, I'm sure we can find a replacement for the both of you on this ship if that is what you both need." He stared at the two of them, signalling the end of his contribution to the engagement of barbs.

"Replacement?" Ethan asked, turning away to prevent his feelings from bubbling to the surface and showing. "Oh, and just so you know, we don't need replacing. I do my job to the best of my ability. In fact, eighty percent of my day is spent in Engineering, more than is required or needed from a Chief. And Lieutenant Eshe here, as I said, she is receiving medical attention for her condition. Let's go Dhani!" he said gesturing towards the door. He looked over at the Lieutenant. "Dhani?" he asked. Her emotions began to surface now, bubbling like a vat of hot lava. The rage flowed through her, the hate screaming inside her. The feeling of loneliness and isolation made her head spin. And the grief, never had she felt such grief. The scream grew louder, ringing inside her calling for revenge, blood thirsty revenge. Turning from Turan she began her decent down the sandy hill side. She could see them now, standing round; all of them in their uniforms. The uniform that meant so much to her, that she had pledge her life for. The oath she took, all of it meant nothing. They betrayed her, all of them. They left her here to die. Her pace quickened, the cloths that covered her feet became loose, flying off, but she didn't stop. Sprinting now, full pelt, down the hill the sand running between her toes, she pulled her rifle round from underneath her cloak. With in a split second her finger was on the trigger sending out a volley of phaser fire. The scream that erupted from her was almost primal. Driven from the pit of her belly it gargled through her throat, rolling out of her mouth. She launched out of the chair, shouting in every language that she had ever learnt, Klingon, Vulcan, Trill, Quintarish, Federation Standard, "DIE!"

"Dhani?" he questioned again stepping towards her.

Suddenly she felt something hit her. She couldn't recognise the sensation that rolled over her body. It felt like hot pins and needles numbing her body, staring across her back. Her vision darkened as she felt herself falling, the rifle slipping from her grip. Tumbling and rolling, she was out before she hit the ground; landing at Curran's feet!

"I believe the medical staff have not been doing their jobs, 'Commander." He tapped his commbadge. "Curran to Sickbay. Medical Emergency in General VIP Quarters on Deck 3. Initiate emergency beamout." His voice drew cold and incalculable. Why shouldn't it? This Trill was a psychological mess. She needed to be discharged from the service. Here she was, rolling on the floor, spitting her saliva all over his carpet. Disgusting. This Galaxy was a ship of fools.

The more Ethan got to know the crew, the more it pissed him off. He got on well with his own team, but everyone else on the ship, give or take a couple of officers, was just really getting to him. Curran's attitude left a lot to be desired, and as a life form, he shouldn't be anywhere near the Federation, let alone Starfleet. He remembered similar thoughts racing through his head regarding the First Officer. Ah yes, someone who considers Junior Officers to be unimportant. Clearly Curran felt the same regarding everyone on the ship. Funny how someone who hated interaction with anyone would choose to this particular job. He didn't really want it. If he did, he would enjoy his job. But it clearly pissed him off having other people around. What a sad gitt!

Although Ethan did feel for sorry for the poor bugger. It must have been hard, but then from the odd few things he had actually heard about Curran, it wouldn't seem like anyone was asking him to stay, he certainly wasn't going to say anything, except for his report.

"A New Post and A New Office"

By:

Lt. Commander Rose Isis MacAllen,
Representative of Starfleet Scientific Corp

**Deck 17, Liaison Offices**

After an tearful goodbye from the Archology Department which was an bit odd since she was only going on to another deck for an new post that she been transfered to in the Liaison Offices on deck 17.

The young Betazoid walked into the her new office with was an bit bigger than the one in the Science Department, but she misses her old co-workers back in the Archology Department including her cousin and former Asst. Chief of Archology, Kay MacFarland who is fixing to wed her lover Klaus who was the doctor that helped delivered her twins James and Diana.

Kay MacFarland wanted to go with her cousin to her new post but the young Betazoid/Human was order to stay in the Archology Department which made the young red-haired very mad as her Scotlish temper from her father side of the family started to heat up.

Lets just say when Rose left an vase can very close to hitting an crewman head if that poor Vulcan didn't duck in time thanks to Kay Elizabeth.

The young human crewman puts her boxes on the floor near by her desk and left with an gentle smile towards the older Betaziod officer hoping to make relaxed and friendly.

Rose sat behind her desk and started to type some codes into her new computer, "Computer please recorded this for the record that on this stardate on the USS Galaxy, I Lt. Commander Rose Isis MacAllen have been transfer to the new post as Representative of Starfleet Scientific Corp for the Liaison Department on this ship."

NPRG: I've Decided to give the Ref that Stash used a Name.....so theres two choices, The Fully Authorized use of the main ref, Dr. Fienberg. Or the Use of the Secondary Ref, Civilian John Macintosh. Feel Free to Hit Macintosh.

"Break Time" or "Saved by the Bell"

(Immediately before "Before Ding - Round 2" since I beleive that I was used as the Ref in it. If not, scratch that.)

Lt. JG Dr. Klaus Fienberg,
Tournament Doctor and Refferree.

John Macintosh, Secondary Refferee.

Even the Refs need break time.

"As powerful as the fighters are, it's hard for us to keep up. Like that Meat-truck Zeke Wikkins."

Klaus looked at the Civilian Ref His brother provided."I missed that Fight.....I still have some big plans to take care of."

John sat there and giggled. "It was hilarious."

The idiotically Idle conversation continued. "Yea, I can imagine." Klaus was visibly bored with this.....he took a small container of water and dumped it on his head.

-In the process of getting a break from this Tourney......I have come with a new Situation. Get out of this conversation without hurting this guy's feelings.....he's the most annoying man I have ever encountered in my ENTIRE LIFE.-

"Yea.....I was there....." John laughed even more.

-AND he's an idiot.-

"So Fienberg, What do you do."

Klaus wanted to make the man choke on his own tounge for the question. But instead, politely answered. "I'm a doctor. Lieutnant Junior Grade."

"Ahh! A navy boy! You look more Marine Corps to me though."

Klaus was holding up well in this unimaginably boring conversation. "Yea.....But I don't like to hurt people."

"You don't look it."

Klaus rolled his eyes slightly, enough that he could get it out, but not insult Cpt. Stupid. "Really, Fascinating." with a lot of fake enthusiasm that the idiot was too stupid to pick up on.

-As dumb as a small squirell. Please god! Give me a sign God!-

A bell rang signifying a new round. "OH! The Next round has started! Want me to take over?"

"NO! I got it."

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