"2,000 Light Years Away" - Part 4: "Dining on Ashes"

Commander Cassius Henderson
Executive Officer,
USS Galaxy

Flight Officer T'Shani A'Akledorian
Vanguard Three,
Vanguard Squadron

Lysander Pennington
The Cat,
USS Galaxy

Soundtrack: Barenaked Ladies "When I Fall"

****

Turbolift A6,
Starbase 212

If it weren't for the fact that she had already been waiting for a lift for almost two minutes, she probably wouldn't have gotten on. But then, when the doors parted, and she'd seen the stupified faces of the three current riders, she couldn't help but smile thinly, and get on. Just to see what might...happen.

She called out her ship and deck.

"What a mess," whispered the the tall Andorian woman. The once proud-and mighty ship lay before her as if she were merely a ripped, exposed toy torn carelessly by some uncaring galactic diety. She truly was a mess: the saucer's superstructure poked through where the Hydran Cruiser had impacted, while workbees scurried around the fractured neckline, where she had been hit hardest. Just like the Oddysey at DS9, the Galaxy class' Achilles' Heel had proven vulnerable once again. Most of the neck's skin had been blazed away when the plasma shots volleyed through the shielding, burning right through the hardened duranium-tritanium.

The beast looked much as the young woman felt. She stared at the ruined ship through the transluminum turbolift capsule as it sped upwards through the outer starbase interior arch, rising above the wounded flagship, then back down the center docking complex to speed through toward the second berth of Docking Arm Four, on to the starship, herself.

The young sapphire-skinned woman curled and uncurled her antennas, a nervous habit she had carried over from her younger days. While she might have been nervous, the two Klingons and one lone Tellerite looked downright anxious as they huddled as far as they could away from the imposing-looking Blueskin.

Under normal circumstances, the Andorian might have found the current situation comedic: the portund Tellerite was obviously nervous, and couldn't stop from fidgeting with his whiskers while he warily eyed the Andorian on the far end, and the two Klingons close by.

Not that the Klingons - both young, inexperienced first-year I'aGh's by their rank pins - were doing much better. They looked even more scared than the porcine.

But then, a Grandmaster's cloak was *meant* to look intimidating. The Yaampi'il (or "Warrior's Cloak") was comprised of a deep blue-lavender hued honor robe beneath an Andorian leatherlite onyx floor-length armor cloak fitted with long shoulderboards and full-cuff sleeves and gauntlets, bound by a full leatherlite onyx chestpiece. In addition, she wore the bone-studded warrior's gloves and boots dyed to match the honor robe, made from the hide and bones of the ferocious Thaala'tna Monster from the northern deserts on Andoria Prime. She had *earned* those gloves and boots: she had killed the beast herself, with her own chaka.

*CRRREEEEEAAAK!*

The Tellerite fidgeted with his nose - quickly wiping at it - as one of the young Klingons actually started when she flexed her gloved hand, shifting the weight of the case she was carrying and causing the leather of the glove to loudly stretch.

Keeping an antenna on the Klingons and Tellerite, she quickly glanced down, surveying the two-meter long case of Andorian Blackheart wood, enscribed with the purple runes of her clan and heritage.

Suddenly, she felt the lift decelerate, coming to a swift stop. [Turbolift access delayed for higher-clearance routing. Standby,] intoned the computerized voice.

~How long must this confounded lift take?!~ she groused to herself, while inadvertantly causing her suit to creak again, as she stretched her neck, once more to look at the turbo's display panel. ~Rhooz!~

"Must you keep doing...*that*?!" rumbled the braver of the two Klingons as he flung his left hand toward her, indicating her suit.

The Andorian slowly turned her neck and antennas toward the group, her bright yellow irises and deep, black pupils fixing coldly on the trio. Quickly, she sneered, showing her blue-white teeth and accentuating her elongated canines, making her look like some sort of freakish vampire with antennae.

As the Tellarite's eyes went wide, a small, frightened squeal eminated from under his breath.

She could smell it...the fear...as she continued sneering at the Klingon, just *daring* him to make some sort of move. Though they didn't show it, the two young I'aGh's reeked of the scent of fear as well; something that no Warrior of Kahless would readily admit, but something that was beyond their own conscious controls.

Once the small group had come to an...*understanding*, the woman slowly turned her neck back, facing forward, causing the leatherlite to creak loudly once more. She still kept an antenna on them, though.

[Turbolift access restored.]

Tish was almost glad that Houghton had called her off the Galaxy just before she had slipped completely into Breen space. The 'transfer' - as it was known officially - had taken her back to Starbase 51, where the new USS Shadowlight - Stage II of Project Dark Crystal - was being built.

~Not that I didn't mind the distraction~ she thought to herself as a cold smile drew across her face, and her antennas arched, amusedly. The timing had, in fact, been perfect.

~That damned Sluurg'a greenblood *tr'Khellian*,~ she scowled as the lift finally came to a stop, disengorging its passengers, who readily scurried off in any direction she was *not*. ~He,~ she countinued her thoughts as crewmembers quickly made haste to get out of her way as she stormed down the corridor, ~*HE* could have jeapordized everything...only because... Because *WHAT*? Because of his own blind, Greenblooded pride?!~

In fact, immediately after the incident with the Rihanna, Rex had stripped her of duty and threatened to throw her into the brig, without even giving her a chance to explain. Luckily, Tanner needed someone to help him clean up after another one of Starfleet's fuck-ups, so she had been requisitioned back into Red Division, unofficially.

~Good thing the fleeters have us to look after them,~ she smiled coldly again, as she thought how she would deal with the treacherous tr'Khellian, and about how she would present herself to Rex. No longer would she let herself be broken. Blackar had allowed that to happen to himself, and look what had happened, there.

She shuddered at the awful memories of that mission with Cass, and the treachery they had uncovered. ~Not again...~ she thought, as she rounded a corner and banished the thoughts from her mind with a flick of an antenna.

~Never again...~

*Cass*.....Commander Cassius Henderson. Besides Heloi, he was the only one that she felt she could trust, even if they *did* have polarized views of the future of the Federation. Although he was an idealistic dreamer, he knew how the gears of Starfleet turned better than most fleet admirals did. And...h had saved her life. For that, she owed a life-debt to him, and something...more. She glanced down to the oversized Blackheart case again, gripping the ebon handle tighter, while coming to a stop in front of her destination, and pressed the 'CALL' button...

****

Commander Henderson's Quarters,
Deck 8,
USS Galaxy

Cass was literally headed for the door. He needed to go requesition some sort of ship, as most of the Galaxy's own craft had been destroyed or damaged in the Battle of Havras. That would be the first step in his plan to find Rima Pennington and to bring her back...

~Back to what?~

Of course, the answer was in all likelihood a dishonorable discharge and time in the stockade, but... It would happen sooner or later, as soon as Starfleet Security slogged through the implementation of Councilor Guignon's Internal Security Initiative. And they would be far less gentle about it.

Cass had called Ensign Rob Haverlock and had him go over to stationside, where he'd be meeting with his friend in Starbase 212's Security Department and going over the footage that he thought might give an idea of Rima's whereabouts. Now he needed to go check in with Remur in sickbay.

As he reached the door, the chime rang. Letting his head droop slightly, he paused for a moment, not wanting to answer it. But if he was lucky, it was Chase Remur, and she was up and about. That would certainly brighten his spirits.

"Meow?"

That was a short one. "Yeah. Meow. Not now, Lys," Cass said, then shouted, "Come on in, it's unlocked." He backed away from the door so that whoever was coming through wouldn't do either of two things. A.) Run him over. B.) Be startled by his proximity to the door.

"Oh. Is there something I can do for you?" Cass offered when he recognized T'Shani A'Akledorian. Right now, SFI was the last thing he wanted to think about, and he knew that he was her link to SFI... Well, with the exception of Vice Admiral Gelkenrennar, but the Saurian Admiral had to have better things to do with himself.

~Still the same...~ Tish mused to herself. While she tried her best to maintain a stoic face, the bob of her antennas gave away her amusement.

Stepping aside to let her in, Cass settled into one of the more comfortable chairs in his quarters, content to wait until she was ready to talk. He had learned very clearly at Rel'kessan that it usually wasn't productive to push her too hard. Lysander, for his part, seemed unbothered by the whole unspoken exchange, and slipped though A'Akledorian's legs on his way to his bed, offering only a bemused "Meow" in responce.

Moving into his quarters, letting the door swish behind her, Tish watched as Cass moved quickly over to a chair, placing an oversized bag full of his belongings on the floor next to him, while a small Terran...~cat?~...yes, cat brushed itself around her legs. Looking down at the feline, she tried to shoo it away, but looking at it only brought back memories...Korman...

"MeeeeoOOOooow?" Lysander seemed to mutter as he circled twice and lay down on the pillow that Cass had placed on the floor for him. It was now covered in short cat hair.

"A new addition, Cassius?" Tish asked, forgoeing his official title. In fact she hadn't called him "Commander" since the Rel'kessan mission.

His lips moved into a thin smile, "A gift from an... old friend."

Bobbing her antennas in a nod, she drew a pensive gaze towards Cassius. "Pennington?" she asked, drawing a tired nod of confirmation from Cass.

"Good," she said, letting go of the huge wood case, the antigrav footplates righting it to its flat side in mid-air. She walked to a seat opposite of the Commander, and sat down. "I may be of great use to you regarding Ms. Pennington's whereabouts. If..." she paused.

That got his attention. His currently one-track mind focused on the Andorian, first trying to figure out what she knew, and then trying to figure out a way to find out. "If what? If it's within my abilities I'll certainly do it," Cass said, unconsciously leaning forward toward her, "I need all the help I can muster where Pennington's concerned."

She smiled a thin, bemused smile; one that she knew always annoyed Cassius.

He frowned. She knew he hated that smile. The teasing one that always meant she knew something she wasn't revealing, "What do you want, T'Shani. I'm on a tight schedule."

Sighing, Tish waved away his question, while pulling a small, round object from the folds of her inner robe. Placing it on the table, she motioned for Cassius to turn it on.

Recognizing the holoprojector, he flicked it on. If she could just get to the point for once in her life... As the images started to flash past him, he confusion solidified into a question. The specifications for a refited Defiant-Class. The USS Valkyrie, NX-77440. "So what does this have..."

Tish waved her hand, cutting him off. "Both Novonya and Tanner were impressed with your tactical skills on the Hellfire, during the retrieval, Cassius," she started, referring to the covert Red Division op they had perfomed three months ago.

~hmm... Not sure I like where this is going. I already chose my side in Federation/Starfleet politics. Not sure if I want another... And I really don't trust Red Division any farther than I can throw them,~ Cass thought, letting her continue. She still wasn't making sense.

"So," she continued, "General Houghton is offering you the use of the Valkyrie."

"And..." Cass asked pointedly. There was always something with Intelligence Directors. It had been that way under Batanides and Illyanovitch. Houghton could be no different.

Tish smiled as her right antenna dipped quickly, showing her amusment, "So forward, mister Henderson?" she teased.

"Always," he replied, a knowing smile crossing his lips briefly, "We really don't need to play these games, Tish. We're both experienced Operatives. What does Red Division want?"

"True," she sighed, "Red Division *does* have its reasons." T’Shani stood from her seat and walked over to one of the large, steeply-angled viewports in Cassius’ living area. Looking out, she watched as both men and machines literally crawled over the Galaxy’s skin, reparing the damage dealt at Breen. Clasping her hands behind her back, she gazed further out, peering beyond the immense space doors – open at the moment – into the vast blackness of space. Deep in thought, she contemplated how much she should tell Cass. True, he *did* have the clearance, but this time he wasn’t going to be directly involved in the mission. It just happened to be by mere chance that Ms. Pennington disappeared in the same region as her next objective.

He'd known T'Shani A'Akledorian for a little over a year now, and their relationship had been anything but simple. From the moment they'd met in the gym, to the mission at Rel'kessan, to now, she had changed considerably. From the fire in her eyes to the way she acted, she was a different woman. She was much more secretive and less aggressive now. He walked over to place his hand, caloused permanently by long years of field work, over her shoulders. "Are you sure you shouldn't take a break for a while? You don't want to burn out. What are you thinking?"

"Just…"she let out a loud sigh and blew away a strand of her silver-white hair, "…just dining on ashes, Cass," she said softly, while shrugging away from him and shaking her head. She tried her best to clear her thoughts and emotions; now was no time for them.

"Of course," he said. Dining on ashes. It was a common Intelligence catchphrase. Remembering a fallen comrade. He'd dined on ashes for too many of his fellow operatives over the years. Celias sh'Veltarran, Simone Ovrali, John Burton... Too many.

She smiled, though trying to refocus the discussion, "Don’t worry. You can have the Valkyrie, if you find a crew for her. And AMIE can help you with *your* search – she’s fixed, by the way. I just need a simple drop-off," she finished, while moving behind the still-floating case she had brought with her.

Curiousity of course got the better of him. "And where has Red Division got you running off too now? More with the Shadow Bringer?" he asked, carefully using only terms that would mean nothing to casual listeners. He somehow doubted she would tell him. He had the clearance, but she wasn't the sort to kill and tell. And now she was opening the black case. Always a mystery with her.

"Sorry Cass,"

*CLICK* – She unfastened one side of the case...

"It’s classified."

"Of course."

*CLICK* – Tish finished opening the ebon case, swiveling it around on its antigravs to face Cass.

Cassius opened his mouth, then thought better of it. He watched as she leaned over the top of her case and began to unwrap it's contents. It was big, whatever it was... and suddenly she revealed it. Her chaka.

"Yes, it is," she agreed, lifting the ornately-carved two meter battle blade that had been handed-down through the House of Akledor for fifteen generations. Gripping the throat of the blade and holding it horizontal with one hand, she deftly flicked her wrist, causing the mighty chaka to flip on its long axis in a complete revolution, to be caught again in a well-practiced move. "Cass, this blade has told all the stories of my people that it can…" she paused, hoping he was beginning to understand what she was trying to tell him.

As she spoke, his mind worked it's usual analytical way. The way which made him a good operative and a good tactician. Connecting the dots, he realized that her prescence, dressed in her Grandmaster's garb, complete with the ornate case and blade, speaking of the end of the blade's tale could only mean that... But still he denied it. "No. You can't possibly mean for me to accept that."

Silently, her eyes locked with his – blazing yellow meeting calming brown – she offered the blade to him. "Yes Cassius, I do. I have no one to pass it on to... you know that," she trailed off silently, bowing her head as a tear welled up in her eyes at the memory of Seltax VII, and the destruction of her people.

There was nothing more to it. He couldn't possibly refuse. That would bring dishonor upon them both, an offense that would only result in bloodshed, which he wasn't too keen on. The deep purple Andorian blood on the the blade could only be hers according to the traditions that Celias had taught him. "Your blood." It wasn't really a question so much as a statement.

"It’s mine," she affirmed. "You are probably familiar with the traditions, Cassius."

Then it struck him. He hadn't thought about Andorian traditions for a long time. But if she wanted to pass the blade on to him, then what would logically follow... No way... "I do. But that doesn't mean that..." he started nervously.

She chuckled, her antennas bobbing amusedly at Cassius’ discomfort. "Don’t worry Cass, we can forgoe the traditional…*ahem*…’bonding’ ritual, in this case," she smiled while giving him an almost Cheshire-like grin.

"I appreciate that," he replied, relieved. With Rima Pennington, and his unbidden attraction to her, at the forfront of his mind, that last thing he wanted to do was have ritualized sex with a beautiful, and probably physically superior, Andorian woman.

"Keep it safe, Cass," she said while closing the case and deactivating the antigravs by hefting it in her right hand. "Who knows, if – Umarin forbid it – I should indeed have any progeny, I might need it."

"Absolutely," he replied. It was all still quite confusing, but... It was understandable... And meaningful. The fact that she had chosen him to keep the blade for her was sign that she truly did trust him.

Tish smiled once more, as she watched a dumbfounded Cass try and think of something to say. Tucking the case under her arm, she turned to leave, reaching the door as it slid open. Then, she paused... stopping, seemingly contemplating something...

"Something more, T'Shani?" he asked casually, still holding the blade.

~What are you *doing*?!~ Her voice shrieked insider her head, as she quickly turned around, walked up to a still-amazed Cassius, and leaned over to brush her lips against Commander Henderson’s jawline.

Before he could even realize what she had done, he felt her warm breath on his neck and ear, “Thank you for believing in me, *Cass*…” she trailed, then quickly turned and retreated out of the quarters, leaving a totally discombobulated Cassius Henderson clutching wordlessly to Tish’s proffered blade.

What the hell did it all mean?

"Beyond Innocence"
Lt (jg) Cora Dobryin

Cora sat in her temporary quarters during a brief break from packing for the upcoming trip. Part of her wondered if it was wise to give up some of her R&R for extra training, but vivid recollections of situations gone bad squashed any doubts.

Briefly reminded of days as a child when she used to play tag with her brother on the grass, at least when they were planetside. Lance's picture sat on her desk. Cora found herself just looking at it for a long while. "I hope this letter finds you well. Forgive me for being silent far too long. As usual duty is keeping me busy..." momentarily she trailed off not sure how to explain it all to him. Aware that much of her recent ordeal had been deemed Classified.

She could still use his moral support even though she couldn't really go into detail about happened out there. "This is one of those times I truly miss you," Cora paused, "Whoever said it was lonely at the top was right. Sometimes the burden of my job gets the better of me." If anyone understood that Lance certainly did. No matter what Cora chose to do with her career, he'd always been proud of her.

"I have to go now but I'll send another message as soon as time permits. That or I'll make time," Cora fished the letter with a slight laugh. It felt good to at least let him know she was doing ok.

"2,000 Light Years Away" - Part 5: "Recruitment"

Commander Cassius Henderson,
Executive Officer

Flight Officer T'Shani A'Akledorian,
Vanguard Three

Lieutenant (JG) Doctor Klaus Fienberg,
Medical Officer

Ensign Tarin Iniara,
Assistant Chief Operations Manager

Ensign Sh'laran,
Flight Controller

Ensign Miramon Terrik,
Flight Controller

Ensign Saul Bental,
Intelligence Officer

and... Lieutenant (JG) Chase Remur,
Head Tactical Computer Specialist

Ensign Robert Haverlock,
Tactical Computer Specialist

Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas Truman,
Man-at-Arms

Soundtrack: Chumbawumba: "The Good Ship Lifestyle"

****

"HTCS's Quarters," Cass replied, both irritated and surprised by her answer. It had always been assumed that she would be coming with him when he went to search for Pennington. It had always been that way. "Moose Jaw?"

"Yeah. Some sort of Special Forces Training Facility in North Canada," she sighed, having suspected that he'd have that response. "They're going to add us to a training regiment for Hazard Team Members. It's mandatory. I either go, or I end my career. Simple, really. If I don't go, I joined a special forces unit and then dropped out. Not a good recommendation."

Walking briskly over to the replicator, Cass gritted his teeth. Now he would have to find another hacker, and there were none as good as Chase Remur. Not on the Galaxy... Though perhaps the young intelligence officer might have something to offer. With Rob Haverlock's help, he could probably manage whatever they came up against. This was only an AWOL officer in reality, much as Cass would have perferred not to face the reality.

"I'm sorry, Cass. She was like a sister to me... Annoying, self-centered sister, but I loved her all the same," Chase said, stuffing another SpecForce issue sweater into her travel bag.

He nodded, "Oh, I understand. It's just damn frustrating. You sure Rob's up for the job?" Cass paced, agitated in the same way he had been so much of late.

"Cass, you idiot, of course he is. It's not like you're trying to infiltrate Rel'kessan again..." she grinned when he gave her a stare. Rel'kessan was very classified, "Don't give me that look, you know I have my sources. Now get out of my quarters. I have to pack for Caribou country."

****

Ten Forward,
Deck 10,
USS Galaxy-A

Some times, Saul mused as the officer on the other side of the table finished to explain his case, the universe just flows your way without any effort.

"Sounds like you'll need an Intelligence officer." Saul agreed with Cass. He glanced around Ten forward from their table. No one seemed to eavsdrop, and naturally his eyes landed on the pretty manager of that joint. She seemed quite pretty, although somewhat annoyed. He wondered why for a moment, then resumed talking.

"Somebody with training in data analysis. I could do it myself, but I'd rather have somebody to delegate to," Cass replied, shrugging. The ensign probably knew nothing about his SFI time. Most of it was classified anyway.

"Where again are we going to look for her?"

"Ensign Haverlock's friend with Starbase Security reviewed the tapes. We think we caught sight of her stowing away for a frieghter bound for Deep Space Nine," he replied, gauging the ensigns reactions. He needed people who could crew the Valkyrie, but who would also have the discretion to back away when he went in for Rima.

Saul took a sip from his orange juice. "And this isn't an official mission."

"It's not official, but it is sanctioned by Captain M'Kantu," Cassius gave the ensign a stern look, "It's a simple search and retrieve. Nothing more."

"OK. One request and one question. Request first. I happen to have several crates of Sakarian commodities which I accidently wanted to transport to that direction. They're all legit goods, and I think I can maximize profit in that direction. Can I bring them along? It could also provide us a cover story if you suspect that the lady is keeping an eye on incoming Starfleet transports or anything."

"Her?" he shook his head, "Not Pennington. She'd about as apathetic as they come. Probably found some place to go to ground near DS9, and changed her identity. I doubt she's too concerned about being found. And besides, we're also doing test runs in a Defiant-Class Starship, on loan from the Research & Design."

"OK... now the question. Why choose me?"

"Already mentioned it, Mr. Bental," Cass said, "I could do the intelligence work myself, but I'd rather have somebody to delegate to. Just a personal preference."

"I see," Saul finished his orange juice in a single gulp, then smiled at the Executive Officer as he imagined the two chicks from his twisted dream sitting on the man's lap.

He needed to sell the goods, he needed to get out of his Stardrive quarters, he needed to find Rosenthal.

And in the name of all that's holy, he needed a good adventure.

"I'm in, and it'll be a pleasure to help you, sir." Saul concluded, extending his arm toward his XO.

****

Temporary Quarters,
Deck 127,
Starbase 212

Being a friend of the XO occasionally helped, but this mission sure as hell wasn't normal. But then neither were the activities of Klaus and his cohorts. In the past couple of days, the only person Klaus contacted in the group that could possibly take time off to contact Stiener WAS Klaus.

Something was wrong at Deep Space 9. No one else knew this but Klaus, and no one knew what Engleman was capable of. If he was just a revived man out for the blood of the one he thought left him behind, or something much more sinister.

Klaus also knew that Cass had some troubles, and himself heard about Pennington's desertion. They both had something to gain by going. But of all the crazy stunts....Two months were more than enough to converse with Erik, and investigate the unusal appearances of "A Terran in black." Just the thought of Engleman being on that station, possibly waiting for him. It struck a shiver down his spine......and Kay sure as hell couldn't know about it.

But no matter the doubts, no matter the fears, no matter the dangers, only one answer could come from Klaus' mouth when the final request was made. "Yes Cassius. I'm with you."

"Of course."

****

Gymnasium 3,
Deck 12,
USS Galaxy-A

"Interesting," Iniara mused between chin-ups as Commander Henderson finished his explanation.  Dropping to the ground she continued.  "There's one complication, though: I'm scheduled to go on the Hazard Team training mission on Earth.  I'll need to talk to 'Commander Corgan about it."  An unofficial mission to retrieve an AWOL officer certainly sounded preferable to digging her way through the snowy Canadian landscape, she thought, and a short trip back to Bajor couldn't hurt.

"Gah. Not you too? Why has a final roster for this Hazard Team not made it to my desk yet?" Cass asked to nobody in particular. Probably destroyed on the desk of Commander Corgan in the Security Center's destruction.

Iniara had a good idea why he wanted her along, saving her from asking that question. "I'm a lot more useful back on Bajor than I would be in this Moose Jaw place.  Pending 'Commander Corgan's approval, I'm in."

"Naturally," he replied, "But don't push too hard. If Corgan absolutely needs you, then go. If he thinks it's acceptable to give you leave to accept this mission, that works as well."

****

The tall Andorian flight controller was walking down the corridors when the ship's XO caught up with him and explained the plan.  It took Sh'laran a moment to figure out the implication's in Henderson's voice.

"I'm not sure that's the most relaxing way to spend a shore leave, Boss."

"Of course, but it's more interesting than sitting on a beach somewhere," Cassius replied, "And you've never seen Bajor, certainly. It hadn't even been discovered when you last served."

Antenna twitching in their usual nervous anticipation, Sh'laran swallowed hard and asked, "Why me, Sir?"

"You scientific skills, actually, as well as your piloting abilities," the executive officer said, knowing that the idea of getting out and leaving the humdrum of the USS Galaxy for a vaguely promised adventure would bring him around. He's felt out of step on such a large ship, and serving on something smaller might help with his adjustment.

Nodding slowly, Sh'laran set his jaw and stared off into space for a brief moment.  Regardless of the questionable sanity of such a mission, it certainly was a hell of a lot better than heading to Andor on some damn fool quest of self-discovery.  "Right.  When do we leave."

****

Crew Quarters,
Deck 5,
USS Galaxy-A

Miramon was somewhat surprised both by the visit from the XO (who was not known for dropping in without calling first) and indeed the request that went with it. Though theoretically most of the crew was on shore leave (or at least had the option for it), here was the Commander proposing a new mission to go and hunt down an AWOL officer.

He looked at the Commander with a little skepticism, but his tone was mild and pretty much agreeable.

"If you figure we can find whoever it is you're looking for, I'll happily go along. You'll need a pilot anyway, I suppose, unless you intend on catching a ride aboard another ship, but since I doubt that, I'm in. I can't say I really had anything better to do anyway."

"Of course," Cass said, "You'll like this part. We've been given clearance to perform the shakedown cruise of the USS Valkyrie, an experimental Defiant-Class vessel. You'll be the first to pilot it."

****

Temporary Security Central,
USS Galaxy-A

"Yeah, sure. I'm always up for a little adventure," Tom Truman shrugged, "Don't know why you think you need one of us, but cool." Cass couldn't really get a read on him (which was really saying something, considering Cass' SFI honed observation skills), but he was supposed to be the best at unarmed, uninjured captures in the Galaxy's security dept.

"I need somebody to test the security systems on the Valkyrie," the spacerborn XO replied, shrugging briefly, "You fit the bill, and you're good at taking down suspects without injuring them. That might be important."

"Okay."

****

Temporary Quarters,
Deck 141,
Starbase 212

"And Flight Officer..."

"Yes, Sir?"

"Don't forget why you're doing this."

"No Sir, I won't."

"Good, I'll expect a progress report when you get to the other side."

"Yes, Sir."

"Houghton out."

The screen blinked off as T'Shani A'Akledorian slouched back into her chair. So much had gone on in the last month, and it was all just now catching up with her.

~And now...*hmmph*...and *now* I have to go through *this* again!~ she groused to herself.

Quickly, she stood up from her seat and walked over to her bed, where a half packed gear bag lay unzipped, surrounded by clothing and items she would need for the next mission, still to be packed.

~Why did you...?~

~*Ugh*~ she thought, as she slammed a field tricorder into the bag. "Why...why did I do...*that*?!" she yelled to the ceiling. Turning around, she let herself fall backwards into the bed, bouncing once before furtively studying the Starfleet-issue grey ceiling.

Why *had* she done it? That was the question she kept asking herself. She had totally lost control of her feelings last night in Cassius' quarters. ~Why didn't I just *leave*?! Why did I have to go back in there?!~ she stormed at herself.

Rolling onto her side and proppin her head up with her arm, she stretched her antennas in contemplation. ~Do I really feel that way for...~

She shook the thought from her mind, before it even had time to form. Angrily, she bolted upright and connected a strong kick to the gear bag, sending it tumbling to the deck, disengorging its contents.

"Rhooz," she swore softly, while getting up from the bed to clean up the mess she had made. "C'mon Tish," she tried to reason with herself outloud while repacking the bag, "it's not like you to lo..."

~Whoa...~ she stopped in mid-thought, while absently holding onto the tactical suit she had picked up from the floor. "Don't *EVEN* go there!" she growled at herself. How rediculous! How it the Great Galaxy could she even *think* of having feelings for someone again. And *especially* a...a... "Pinkskin," she said, trying to make it sound disdainful.

~Besides, he has Rima, right...?~ she gripped the suit tightly in both hands, wanting to rip it into little peices...

[Falkor to A'Akledorian.]

The sudden comm roused her from her thoughts. Dropping her suit - and thankful for the distraction - she tapped her commbadge.

"Why, Fang," she cooed in mock sweetness, "how nice to hear your voice again."

[Stow it, Tish,] she heard the Lupine growl in annoyance, drawing a playful smile from the Andorian, [You and I have unfinished business. Meet me at Earhart's in twenty minutes. Falkor out.]

~Oh...great~ she thought, as she quickly left her quarters.

****

Main Cabin,
USS Watauga

The runabout USS Watauga, attached to the USS Valkyrie, was packed with the Commander Cassius Henderson's motley crew of adventure seekers. They were all there for different reasons, but for the same reason. As the Defiant-Class ships' underside shuttlebay opened up to admit the Watauga, most of them were nervous.

Henderson himself, however, seemed relaxed, as if it was all natural.

OOC: USS Valkyrie Crew CO: Commander Cassius Henderson XO/Operations: Lieutenant JG Tarin Iniara SO/Tactical: Flight Officer T'Shani A'Akledorian (until she leaves) Medical: Lieutenant JG Doctor Klaus Fienberg Flight Control: Ensign Miramon Terrik Sciences: Ensign Sh'laran Intelligence: Ensign Saul Bental Cryptography: Ensign Rob Haverlock Security: PO1 Thomas Truman

"Practical Magic" Pt. I

Senator Ramir Omar,
Ambassador
USS Galaxy

Lt. Brianna O'Shea,
SCE
USS Galaxy

Senator Ramir Omar walked down the corridor of Starbase 212, towards his waiting shuttle. The area was nearly deserted – the rustling of his senate robes against the metallic floor was the only sound he could hear.

Of course, nearly deserted is not the same as being actually deserted.

There was a young female Starfleet officer standing by his rented shuttle. Omar sighed – he suspected that the Ferengi had given him a shuttle already in use.

Those capitalists Omar thought to himself. Now, he would have to share a shuttle.

The senator approached and said politely, “Jolan’ Tru lieutenant.” He bowed slightly, by way of greeting.

“Is this your shuttle, lieutenant?” He asked.

Standing there looking at the runabout, Anna turned her head and looked at the man there. Seeing that he was a Romulan she bowed her head slightly. "Yes, Sir. I was venturing down to the planet." She said as hit the hatch and watched as it opened. "Was there something I could do for you, Sir?" Anna then asked placing her hands behind her in a relaxed fashion.

Omar found her much more polite than any other Starfleet officer he’d met before. Strange, that.

The senator cleared his throat and smiled. “Yes, I’ve been assigned to this shuttle too. Going down to the planet?”

"Yes, Sir." She replied with a smile. "If you were assigned this shuttle it must mean there were some cross reservations or something. If you don't mind me, we could share the same shuttle. I think it'd be less time wasted if we just went down together, rather then see what excuses there are for this mix up." She said then grinned.

“Certainly.” Omar positively grinned – something he rarely did around a Starfleet officer. His grin faltered though, as he shuddered inwardly at the memory of James Corgan and his vile security team.

“Going to see anything special down on the planet?” He inquired politely while entering the shuttle. It was – as is standard for most Federation vessels – roomy and comfortable, but entirely devoid of anything ornate.

He settled into his seat. "Not really... I would have rather been working on the refit of the USS Galaxy. Though my boss had other ideas." Brianna said. "Oh, Sorry.. I'm Lieutenant Brianna O'Shea.. Starfleet Corp of Engineers." She said, but didn't offer her hands partly cause she wasn't sure if he'd find that insulting the way his Vulcan cousins did. "I'm not duty, Sir, if you wish to address me as Anna." She said settling down in her seat at helm. "Euphrates to Starbase Control... permission to depart?"

"You are cleared, Euphrates.. see you soon." Came the reply as the runabout rose up the pad.

"Engaging thrusters, bringing engines online..." Brianna said as she soon had the small ship heading down toward the planet. "What about you, Sir, going down to see something inparticular?" She asked then glanced over at him and smiled.

“Well…” Omar hesitated for a second. “I am going to see the Vulcan monastery down on the planet. Should be interesting.”

He then leaned towards her – as if confiding a great secret – and said jokingly, “Don’t tell the rest of the senate, though.”

Still – behind the joke – he didn’t want people knowing he was visiting Vulcans, so he changed the subject.

“Starfleet corps of engineers? What’s that like lieut… Anna?” He asked. “I used to be a science officer before going into politics, so I know a few basics about engineering.”

“Well, not much different really then sciences I don’t suppose. It’s a job you have to love.” Anna replied as she entered the planet’s atmosphere. “My family is a long line of engineers, I grew up with it. One might even say it’s in my DNA.” Brianna said then grinned. “Vulcan monetary huh? Sound intriguing. Always did like bothering a good Vulcan myself.. Logic isn’t always the answer.” She said then grinned mischief as she looked at the console.

“Hang on, coming in for a landing.” She said then looked up.

“Understood.” He braced himself, rather pointlessly in fact, since the shuttle’s inertial systems prevented a rough landing – except under extreme circumstances.

As the shuttlecraft landed he sat up in his chair.

“Well, you’re welcome to join me at the monastery and… bother some Vulcans,” he said, with an amused tone of voice.

"Goodie.." Brianna said as she locked out the controls and then turned and stood up. "I'm sure they'll love to see us, a woman engineer and a romulan... we might just start a bar fight." She said then grinned and stepped out of the shuttle and turned to wait on him.

"How about you lead the way?" Anna said as she fell into step beside him.

Omar stepped out of the shuttlecraft. This region of the planet seemed relatively mild, with grassy plains and a moderately warm climate – nothing too extreme thankfully. The monastery – strictly functional in its design (what does one expect from Vulcans?) – stood imposingly in the distance.

He suddenly turned to her with an expression of chagrin on his face.

“I sincerely apologize Anna, we’ve been talking all this time and I haven’t formally introduced myself. I am Senator Ramir Omar, ambassador to the Federation and lord of my family house.”

“But please,” he added. “Call me by my first name, since I get enough of ‘my lord’ from my bodyguards.”

"I could tell you were a Senator because of your robes... only the most regal wear such fine ones." She said. "So I took a chance.. Ramir." She said then smiled, a slight Irish accent to her voice. "Shall we?" She asked as they began to walk.

"Mind if I ask you what you think of the Federation?" Anna asked, having never had the chance to speak to a Romulan before.

Omar looked up at the clear, blue sky in thought.

“The Federation’s a bit of an enigma, really,” he said. “Full of so many different species, and cultures… In the Romulan Empire, everyone is a Romulan. Sure, there are other species, but they are minorities. Yet here: it is all different.”

He continued. “I guess that’s why my people tend to put the Federation into a single stereotype, because they’re afraid of its diversity. My people tend to be a bit paranoid at times.” He chuckled.

“Back on Romulus, I enjoyed all the trappings of the upper-class, attended the senate regularly, and was the governor of my local city. But I found humans… interesting, so I volunteered for the role of ambassador to the Federation. Nobody else was interested in the post, and even if they were – my political influence would have seen to that.”

“How about you?” He asked with interest. “You must have joined Starfleet for a reason?”

"Well mine isn't as interesting as that. I joined Starfleet because my father didn't think it was fitting for a young woman to aspire to become a engineer, though my brothers joined as engineers. He wanted be to go into something else, medical or flight control... My passion was engineering, and proving him and my brothers wrong. So I applied and majored in engineering with a minor if flight systems." She said then leaned over and picked a flower along the path.

"Not glorious, nor impressive... but that's why I joined Starfleet, to prove I could be. I must be, now I'm in the SCE." She said then laughed slightly.

Omar grinned. “Well, in a way then, we are both rebels against our upbringing.”

They were now approaching the monastery. A tall Vulcan – probably a monk, judging by his plain clothing – came out to greet them. When he saw the senator, the slightest trace of a frown appeared on his face before disappearing. He looked at them both.

“What is the nature of your visit here?” He asked in his monotone voice.

"On we are on our honeymoon, my husband and I just love the plain decor a good Vulcan monetary has... We thought we'd look you up." She said then grinned. "Seriously.. we are just sight seeing. If it wouldn't be too much of a intrusion, look around some."

That near-frown appeared for a second again. “Very well,” he said politely but emotionlessly. “But please understand that we cannot be disturbed inside the monastery: noise is prohibited.”

And without another word, he turned and walked back the way he came.

“Ah, Vulcans, the most talkative species the Federation has to offer.” Omar said jokingly.

He turned to her. “Shall we go inside?” He said with an amused expression.

"Remind me not to easy spicy food and visit this place." Brianna said then grinned as she nodded and then headed inside with Ramir.

"Practical Magic" Pt. II

Senator Ramir Omar,
Ambassador
USS Galaxy

Lt. Brianna O'Shea,
SCE
USS Galaxy

When they walked into the unfurnished hallway, another Vulcan approached them with a tricorder. Several seconds passed, and he put the device away with no hint of emotion whatsoever on his face. Omar still found that strange.

“For security purposes,” he said. “May I inquire as to your ages?”

Omar didn’t say that Romulans considered an age-related question offensive, or that he had no idea how it related to security. He assumed it was something to do with the sanctity of the monastery.

“I am almost forty-eight standard Terran years old,” he said.

“But,” he added, with a hint of pride. “Since Romulans live for as long as 150 years or so, I have the appearance of – and effectively am – in my late thirties.”

Anna looked at the Vulcan. "I'm thirty years old." She said. "Why do you need to know our ages, not like we are applying for membership here or something." Brianna said.

The Vulcan opened his mouth to speak but Omar spoke first.

“Thirty? That’s practically the same age as me – in Terran years,” said the senator. “Since Romulans have a longer lifespan…” He briefly looked apologetic. “Sorry, Anna, but you can’t expect to look twenty without that kind of a remark.” He smiled, hoping he hadn’t caused offence with that outburst.

"No offense taken, Ramir." She said then smiled before turning her attention back to the vulcan. "You didn't answer my question."

"We catalog the visitors we receive here. we use their age for record keeping. Can you please state your name?" The vulcan asked in a mono tone.

"Sure.. " She said then reached over and turned Ramir to her a little. "No way am I giving this guy my real name." She said so he couldn't hear. Turning back she smiled. "Sorry about that... Lt. Scarlet O'Hara.." She said, using the name form a book she was reading, Gone with the wind.

This time the Vulcan – if Vulcans could be said to display emotions – actually frowned. However, he entered the name into his tricorder before turning to the Romulan ambassador.

“And your name?”

“Praetor Tal-Al,” Omar said, referring to an obscure piece of Romulan literature.

Suddenly the Vulcan put away his tricorder and looked at them.

“Please do not think we are ignorant of human – or Romulan literature,” he looked at them both with what was dangerously bordering on exasperation. “In light of this, I will have to ask you to leave.”

"Then we are going to have to ask to see the head monk then." Brianna said folding her arms. "Because he just happens to be the Praetor Tal-Al and I am his security officer, Lt. O'Hara..." She said not giving up the lie. "Be off with yourself, have your head monk report to us as soon as possible. Heads will roll for this insult..." She said then turned to Ramir. "Come, Praetor, let us continue our visit and try not to have it ruined by the unlawful violation of our identity." She said proudly taking Ramir's arm and walked around the Vulcan.

"Don't look back... just go with me." She said softly holding her head up high.

“Okay.” The senator said in an unsure voice. He had annoyed, even teased Vulcans before – but definitely not defied one before.

Suddenly another Vulcan appeared in front of them holding a phaser.

“Violence is not logical,” he said and then raised an eyebrow. “But then, neither are non-Vulcan beings. Please understand, we do not – in any way – wish to injure you. However, if you continue to violate our sanctuary, we will be forced to.”

“This is not a…” he searched for the right word to finish with. “Playground.”

"Violate your sanctuary, all we are doing is walking through the corridor... we aren't even talking that loud." Brianna replied. "What kinky things are you all doing here that your worried we'd find out about, yeah, I know how the monks are." Anna said then grinned. "Come on, Praetor... don't need to be here with the sickos." She said taking his arm and headed for the door. "Might tarnish our integrity."

Omar followed, as the Vulcans just stood there impassively – though the senator suspected they were silently fuming underneath. They walked out the monastery and back into the grassy outside.

“The whole planet’s not like this,” Omar said. “There’s a pleasure resort on the other side, interested in visiting?”

"Sounds cosmic... sure.. lets go check it out." She said as they walked back toward the Euphrates. "Will we have to fly or is it within walking distance?" She asked.

"It's on the other side of the planet," Omar remarked. "But I have a short-range personal transporter. It's not powerful enough to reach other planets, but it can get us a few kilometers." He smiled.

Seconds later, they appeared in what looked like one of Earth's luxury hotel resorts - casinos and bars and restaurants - every kind of entertainment was there for you to indulge in.

Brianna smiled as she looked around. "Bars, holothreaters, casinos, I didn't realize so much was down here." She said, still holding on to the Senator's arm. Though she was unware of it this time. "What do you suggest we do first? Find us a hotel and really have our honeymoon, Praetor?" She asked laughing slightly at the joke.

Omar grinned as they walked into the resort. “Well, I was thinking of that…” he said. “But why don’t you decide?”

"You were thinking about us going to a hotel? Why, Ramir... you sweet talker you." She said still holding his arm. "How about we get a drink first though?" Anna suggested.

“Of course,” Omar said with a smile. He pointed to a nearby bar, and they walked over to it.

The up-market bar obviously had a lot of business – but it wasn’t too full for comfort. They both settled into luxurious chairs while a waiter came over.

“I’ll have a vodka, please.” Omar said and looked at his companion expectantly.

"I want something strong, then bring me a drink... just kidding.. I'll have a tequila." Anna said to the waiter and then looked around. "I could get in so much trouble here..." She said then grinned. "So many people to mess with, so little time."

“Indeed.” Omar agreed as the waiter politely nodded and left.

He considered the course of his day. While he had intended to enjoy some quiet meditation at the monastery (which was now impossible since he had offended the Vulcans) he was having more fun like this.

Several minutes later, the drinks arrived. Omar – who fancied himself as a “heavyweight” when it came to alcoholic beverages – took a sizeable swig of his vodka.

Brianna took a drink from her glass and then began to find herself moving to the rhythm of the song starting to play. More of the drink she took in the more relaxed she began. Soon she was up singing, "My cousin’s gettin’ married at the Methodist church.... That’s why I stayed home from work.... I’m supposed to hold the flowers... When the new bride kisses the groom... That’s what I’m supposed to do.... So what are we doin’ with the windows rolled down.... Twenty five passionate miles from town..... Oh I love her like a sister baby but to tell you the truth.... I’d rather ride around with you!" Anna sang as she stepped up on the bar and moved to the music and pointed to Omar. "The guy she’s gonna marry’s got money to burn.... His daddy’s a partner in some big law firm.... Yeah that’s how they’re goin’.... To Hawaii on their honeymoon.... First class to Honolulu... She’s never even set foot on a jet.... I’m a little bit jealous I confess.... I’d like to fly to Hawaii.... But honey if I had to choose... Oh I’d rather ride around with you!" She said then smiled at Omar.

Omar – who was beginning to realize that Romulans weren’t immune to vodka – grinned like smiles were going out of fashion. He sat further back in his chair, taking another swig of his drink, and watched this young Starfleet officer who he had spent the day with.

“You chose the wrong vocation Anna,” he joked, but found her singing voice soothing, nonetheless.

Anna stepped down off the bar and smiled. "You bring out the best in me." She said then grinned as she sat down. Took another drink from her glass. "Want to dance?" She asked then looked over at him.

“Uh…” Omar hesitated – he was drunk, but not that drunk. The only times he had ever danced were at formal state functions back home, and he hadn’t been particularly good at it then – he doubted he could pick up a totally new style in a few minutes without some serious embarrassment.

Nonetheless, he stood and moved closer to her – they were now only centimeters apart.

Brianna smiled as she stood there and then took his one hand and put it on her waist, then the other as well. Taking her arms she put them up on his shoulders, holding his softly behind his neck. Pressing her body now against his she began to dance with him as they moved to the slow song. "Your very good at this... what are you worried about?" She said then smiled as she rested her head now against his chest.

Omar hesitated. “It’s very… different from what we do in the Romulan Empire,” he said stiffly. “But, well…”

He abruptly stood off the dance-floor, clutching his head. “I think I had one too many vodkas,” he said. “Sorry to cut this short, but could we sit down for a bit Anna?”

Anna nodded. "Sure," she said though wished for a bit longer. Moving over to their table she sat back down and picked up her drink and took a sip. "So, you have a wife waiting on you back on Romulas?" The Engineer asked as she looked at him.

Omar chuckled to himself. “No, most certainly not. My father – the military colonel – would like me to marry someone either related to a senator, or who is in the royal family.”

“But,” he smiled again. “Senator outranks colonel, after all.”

“How about you?” he asked. “Is there anyone in the Alpha quadrant who takes your fancy?”

"No.. not really." She said then smiled as she looked at him. "What would your father say if a Terran woman asked his Romulan son out on a date?" Brianna asked.

“I don’t think he would have even considered it,” Omar said in thought. “Back when he enrolled in the military, Starfleet was still considered the mortal enemy of the Romulan Empire. If he found out though, he wouldn’t be too pleased, I would imagine.”

He moved closer to her on the bench. “But, my father’s in the Beta Quadrant right now, so let’s not worry about that.”

Turning her head to look at his face she smiled as her lips curled up into a charming smile. "So then there's a chance if I asked you.... you'd say yes?" She asked as she looked down at his hand and took his hand in hers.

The senator smiled, and inched closer, so that their faces were mere millimeters apart.

“There’s more than a chance,” he whispered, squeezing her hand gently.

Brianna smiled then leaned over and kissed him, parting her lips she felt the soft touch of his tongue with hers. Then caressed her thumb over hand. After several moment kissing she finally pulled back, but not to far. "Want to go out with me sometime?" Brianna asked as she ran nose along his strong jaw-line.

“Most certainly,” Omar replied with excitement. “Or, we could go somewhere more private?” He leaned closer.

Anna smiled and then nodded. "Sure.." She said taking his head and leading him out of the building. They began to walk near a meandering stream. Stepping up into a covered veranda she turned to him and pulled him closer to her as if they were going to dance again, but then she just looked in his eyes and smiled.

Omar grinned, for the third time today.

“This has been an interesting day, wouldn’t you say Anna?” he whispered to her. “Much better than staying at a Vulcan monastery on my own, that’s for sure. What are you thinking right now?"

Looking down at is chest she was unsure how to answer it and then figured, what the hell. Maybe it was the drink, maybe it was the fact she was attracted to Omar. "That I'm not ready for the day to end..." She said then looked up at his face. "and, wonder what a certain Romulan eats for breakfast." She said honestly, wondering if he would catch on to what she was saying.

Omar looked at her strangely for a brief second, and then smiled with recognition. He looked at the nearby five-star “palace hotel", and then back at her. His eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Are you sure?” he asked respectfully.

Anna nodded. "Yes." she said finally. She felt him take her hand and turn and he lead her toward the hotel. Once they were checked in and found their room. She walked in first and smiled at the lush conditions of the room. Large over sized furniture and large bed. Turning to look at him. "Normally I don't do this sort of thing... I think I could have more then just a one night thing with you... hope that you would give me the chance to see if we could." She said as she walked over to him and kissed him passionately again, as her hands slid down his back to rest on his behind.

Omar responded to her advances with excited movements of his own.

“You know, Anna, having a double-booked shuttle wasn’t such a bad thing after all,” he remarked as they approached the bed.

Stopping at the bed she smiled. "I can't think of anything better happening to me in a long while." She said as she opened his robes and slid them off his body. Leaving him standing there in a pair of pants and no shirt. Undoing his pants she smiled at him and kissed him again, as she slid his pants down she pushed him back on the bed and kissed him as she felt his arms go around her.

Omar certainly couldn’t think of anything better happening to him in a long time: not with a Romulan traitor coming onboard, a spy posing as his aide coming to kill that traitor, and his father behind all of it.

However, he totally forgot the horrible events of the last few weeks for the next few hours.

"Lost and Found" - Part I

By
Kylar Curran,
Chief Federation Officer,
USS Galaxy

Time lost all its meaning.

The tides of existence wavered and carried the Kelvan upon its waves of linear undercurrent.

Memories and images flashed by him so quickly that it took him from childhood in the waters of his homeworld, to the sands of harsh reality of ch'Rihan, to his awakening in the Alpha quadrant, stewardship in the Kelvan Guardianship, Brhode, A case study on Earth, to Breen's events. All rolled together, amidst the terror of the assault on his human form by the fembots.

All throughout his horrors and waking dreams there remained one constant. Two faces, interposing upon each other. The Daedryn counselor and her incompetent supervisor, Karyn Dallas. A hand stretched out to cup his body as he rolled atop the waves, the cool waters lapping on his cheeks even as he felt the gritty taste of sand in his mouth.

They held his soul in thrall. They dictated his future, his actions, his very fate. Kylar did not fathom the depths of power these *women* - hate! - held over - blossom! - his directives.

This was HIS life! HE made his OWN fate!

Did he really lack control of his own destiny? All his life he was firmly ensconced in his own realm of cultural impasse of self-determination. Kelvans worshipped no specific gods. They did not believe in a life predisposed by the faith in a being never having been met, nor did they allow the thought of a morally superior race to have raised them from the depths of their waters for any reason but to deliver perfection to other races.

Kelvans were treated as 'Gods' by those they watched over. They carried their subservient species to evolutionary stages to pronounce their status of elevated beings to the rest of the Galaxy. They accepted their designation of godhood but did not abuse it. It was a genetic flaw of inferior species to look to the heavens when all hope was lost of absolution.

His head was held fast against the raging current that now drifted him farther into the faceless seas. Unable to turn more than a few centimeters each way. The glitter of meaningless splashes curtailed down his cheeks in a symmetrical curve of saddened tears at the loss of hope Kylar felt as he floated endlessly without direction in the limbo between his heaven and hell.

The sun bore down on his glossy skin, even as it cracked under the oppressive heat that he didn't question is hypocritical nature. His skin dried out, pulling taut against the human skull structure he was forced to endure, even as splashes of sweetly scented salt water lapped against and over him.

This purgatory of destiny was a crossroads, he knew, and he felt the oppressive nature of choice of principle drown upon him even as water filled his dusty lungs struggling for hydration it could not have.

This method of self-determination was lost on him as he could not make a motion for either path. It was if strings pulled tight against him from above and below. They threatened to tear him apart and his faith of self-proclaimed destiny was in thrall as a result of it.

How he missed his homeworld. The majestic curving architectures of ages old estates that withstood the tidal currents of the oceans they resided under. They silent singing as he floated through the fathoms of the deep he was born in, dark even as they were lit in their great cities.

Instead, he gave his life in devotion of his duty and boarded the ship bound for the Alpha Quadrant in search of a new land to pass their knowledge and perfection onto. Emotional discharge never entered the equation until he found himself awakened from his long slumber in an alien form.

His mind was spared the physical and painful transition, as his Andromedan ship had scanned worlds upon their entry and found suitable common bipedal forms for his people to shapeshift into. A temporary measure to infiltrate enemy camps, too long entrenched in the form risked permanent metamorphosis.

The later generations had developed methods of longer endurance in the transition back and forth, but the skills were leaving their cellular structure more and more with each generation as they evolved into the next stage of perfection.

Kylar had not known how long he had remained in his human form, but upon awakening, he had discovered all the weaknesses inherent in this species.

In the 14 years of servitude within this frail shell of a form, Kylar fought an eternal struggle to maintain his birthright instead of devolving into this chaotic and limiting form. No longer could he swim the currents of his birth, and eternally walked the lands of the Final Walk never to pass on.

So this dream carried him upon that edge that his recent metamorphosis had teased him with. The two counselors floating both above him and watching from the coastline he continually felt himself drifting towards. Karyn Dallas crooking a finger in a gesture of invitation even as she smiled that insatiable devil grin she had. The Daedryn creature then appeared on his chest as if it had always been there, eying him meticulously.

It was time. He felt the last tendrils of home weakening beneath him.

He was losing to humanity.

He was losing his faith.

He was losing his life.

He was lost.

It was time to find himself again.

Eyes opening even as they had been open all along, Kylar awoke in strange surroundings. He felt with feeling this was human purgatory.

His chest wrapped in healing wrap, he felt the human heart within his chest straining to increase its rapid beat in rhythm to the pulsing in his ears.

He needed to purge these human thoughts and feelings that raged within him. Even this anger that threatened to drive him past reason was affecting his ability to live a balanced existence of maintaining his level of dedication to duty and furthering the agenda of the Kelvan nation. He needed to regain that which he had lost at the hands of the Fembots and ingratiating selfishness of the Chief Counselor in altering his perceptions of Kelvan reality.

His throat dry and cracked, he fought against the nausea and wrapped a bruised forearm around his midsection even as he felt the cracked ribs from the assault he absorbed from the Breen mission that had failed before it even began. Raising himself up, the surrounding swam into focus.

He was in a medical facility of sorts. Not the Galaxy. Miranda? No. The layout didn't feel like a starship. It was too small. More like an infirmary. The lights were dim, denoting evening shift.

His eyes hurt. Like someone had shoved large sports balls in his eye sockets. Slipping off the bed he was resident on, he vaguely remembered someone trying to stop him as he shuffled onwards and out the offices.

He no longer cared about anything but his own derailment. He needed to re-affirm that which he had been giving his life for. Self-worth was fading fast.

It was time to reclaim his self-determination. He would make his own fate.

Time would be found to have meaning once again.

BACK POST

“All Kinds of Wrong Pt 1 of 2”

Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder – Chief of Engineering

Lieutenant (Jg) Dhanishta Eshe - Engineer

Suder placed the last of his tools into his kit and made his way out of the conduit. One down, three to go. Tracing down the power surge they had recently picked up was beginning to annoy him. Not only would the computer not track it down, but it was always on the move.

Wiping the sweat from his head before leaving the tube, he gave a quick nod to several junior officers as they strolled by. Getting to his feet, he began strolling down the corridor towards his next target. One of the conduits just outside of Engineering.

Sometimes if you wanted something done right you just had to do it yourself! Dhani was laid flat on her back under a console in Main Engineering. She had spend the past ten minutes telling some ensign how to align the new back up shield generators to the main computer, giving them access to strengthen certain parts of the shields at a moments notice. And then had just pushed her aside and got on with it herself. She was unsure if it was the insomnia getting to her, or the fact that she hadn’t eaten in a long time or weather she was really brain dead and was mumbling shit to her colleagues when in her own head it made perfect sense. Whatever the reason, the consequence was that communications between her and everyone else just wasn’t happening. The thought crossed her mind that she could just stay here, close her eyes and drift onto a deep plain of meditation and receive all the rejuvenation she needed and no one would be non the wiser.

Ethan changed his mind. Seeing as he was so close to Engineering, he thought he’d drop by. And what a choice it was, as to his surprise, the moment the doors slid open, he heard his staff chattering away. A few laughs here and there, conversation at its best. And while he liked the fact that his team got along and made the best out of a tough situation, now was not the time.

“Ok folks,” he began, “lets get back to work. Break over. I’d like this back to how it was before we got into this mess.” He ordered.

“So do you want to tell the Captain not to fall for such stupid missions, or should we?” one of the newer Engineers asked.

Ethan turned slowly, a slight smile on his face. “That sort of thing is not up to us. If it were, I’m sure we wouldn’t have been in a lot of the crappy situations that we have been, but we’re just here to fix things. No one cares about us until things get broken or stop working. That’s our job.” He explained. “Wouldn’t you agree, Dhani?” he asked without even turning to face her.

Dhani had let her eyes fall shut for just a minuet, but in that moment the deep tranquillity of meditation had encapsulated her. It was as if it was meditation itself had turned into a predator, sitting at the edge of her consciousness waiting for the perfect moment to steal her awareness and send it into the unknown deepness of simulated slumber. Her breathing had slowed and in her minds eye she could see the pendulum swing from side to side. She knew what would happen next as she fell deeper and deeper, how the image would change, contort, shrink and then unfold. But instead the pendulum stopped and remained still in the centre of her mind. She was puzzled by this change in the norm. As if in some nightmare an image floated dangerously close to her face, jerking backwards, her body involuntary spasm causing her upper torso to lurch forward, her head colliding with the inside of the console she was working on. Blinking several times the image phased out and the small flashing lights and intricate circuits came back into view. It was another few seconds before the feeling in her arms and legs came back. She breathed out slowly as she waited for the sensation to pass, and wondered what the heck had just happened. Once the feeling had returned she rubbed her head, it hurt for some reason. Oblivious to Suders question she continued to stare at the mess before her, wondering what she was doing and where she had got to. A small rumble of Klingon curses escaped her lips as she did so.

Ethan turned and looked at Dhani. What now? He thought. He sighed and took several steps towards her. “You back with us now, Lieutenant?”

“Huh? Owhummyeahwhat?” her words ran into each other as she fumbled for a tool.

“Dhani, come with me.” He ordered as he strolled by her casually.

Tilting her head up slightly she saw his boots as he passed by her feet, sighing she began to shuffle herself out from under the console, squinting as the bright lights above came into view. Sitting up she brushed herself down and waited for her eyes to adjust to the light before glancing around to locate Suder. Pulling herself up with the aid of the console, pausing to steady herself, she again glanced round engineering.

“Wheredidhego?” she asked the nearest body. After a moment or two of confused looks and aggregative sighs she followed the finger points towards the door and walked out into the hall.

Ethan had paused, waiting for Dhani to catch up. He too was tired, of everything. And longed for a vacation, even more so since Lieutenant Eshe had joined his staff. The thoughts of their very first encounter, back in the tournament came to mind. What a day that was. Strange, but a good day, apart from the crisis that happened and almost breaking his back. At long last, he watched as the junior officer caught up with him. He continued on his stroll towards the turbolift.

She followed on, her mind devoid of thought as she caught up to walk along side him. She glanced in his direction noting the expression on his face, but whatever information she could gather from his look was lost as she looked down and focused on her feet, right foot before the left, left foot before the right, and so on.

Ethan could mentally see Dhani. He smiled in his head. She looked like a small child who had been told off, or was about to. He remained silent as they stepped into the turbolift. “Deck eight.” He called out.

The familiar hums filled out in the air as the lift moved up through the ship. “How’s it going?” he asked plainly.

His voice broke the silence and echoed slightly around the interior of the lift. It brought Dhanis attention back like a punch in the chest. She took a moment to compile her thoughts into a comprehensive sentence and then replied,

“Everythingis goingwell. Thebackupshield generatorsare inplace,” she paused a moment only now realising that she was talking double speed. That could be why Ensign whoever-it-was kept looking at her as if she were talking double Dutch! She mentally ‘ah’ed’ and continued at a much more normal pace,

“….they will be on line as soon as I have finished linking them up to the computer in Main Engineering. We will then run a series of field tests just to make sure they are working. I have sent the schematics over to the Miranda. The chief over there is looking into integrating them into their system.” She paused and looked up at Suders tired stony face, and then wondered where they were going and why.

“I’m not sure if they are compatible with the Miranda, as it was designed to split into three self-supporting units. It might be more of an overhaul for them than us.” She commented filling the silence with useless small talk. Something, in retrospect she never used to do. That realisation caught her for a moment and she drifted back into silence.

“I’m sure they’ll be able to sort something out. I hear their Chief is quite the Engineer. Makes sense when you think about it. You don’t reach Chief for no reason. Unless you’re me.” He said, a poor attempt at humour.

The turbolift came to a halt and they walked out, heading down the corridor. It didn’t take long at all until they were at Suder’s quarters. Pressing a button on the door panel, the doors slid open. Strolling in and waiting for Dhani to follow, Ethan moved straight for his desk and bottle from behind it.

It was only then Dhani realised the blindness of trust in ones superior officer that Starfleet drilled into them all at the Academy. She had no idea why Suder had asked her to follow him, she had been in the middle of something important, and that blind trust had led her to believe that he wished her to do something more important. But here she was standing in the middle of his quarters. Now might have been the opportune moment to ask why she was here, what he wanted, or to inform him of the importance of the task she had previously been doing. But instead she waited silently.

“I know you want to get busy working.” He said. “Plenty of things to do.” He began pouring the contents of the bottle into a couple of glasses. “There’s always plenty to do. But Jiiles is finishing off your work. You, need a break.” Ethan turned, holding out the glass for her to take.

She hesitated wondering what was in the glass, but then Suder wouldn’t give her anything he wouldn’t give himself! Stepping forward she took the glass and sniffed it. She smiled at herself, imagining Salem; he would always sniff his food first before eating it. Strange, she thought as she took a sip.

“Thanks,” she replied gesturing the drink and the notion of a break. It was true she needed one, but what she planned to do during her break was not something she was inclined to do in the presence of others.

Ethan strolled over to his couch and looked at Dhani. She seemed to have grown so much since she had joined. Seemed like years ago. But it hadn’t really been that long. Yet he was still concerned about her. She hadn’t made a circle of good friends, not that he was aware of anyway. He sipped his drink and placed the glass on the table in front of him. Folding his arms, he looked once again at Dhani who was still standing. “So,” he began, “apart from work, how’s things going?” he asked.

Unusual question, Dhani pondered as she looked down into the glass. She swirled the contents of the glass around and watched as it settled before speaking,

“Fine.” she replied. Truth be told she hadn’t actually done anything apart from work eat and meditate. Since Michael had left and Ahdjiia had died she saw no point in socialising anymore. She was quite content to keep working and bolstering that ‘I AM normal’ flag as high as it could go. The past few months had been uneventful in her personal life and she was glad, no more ‘fits’ or breaking peoples noses, or outbursts at acting captains. The longer she could go unnoticed the more time everyone had to forget how insane she had been. And maybe she could forget too, and return to the logical, unemotional Dhanishta Eshe she had always been. She had never liked the knick name of ‘vulcan’ised’ and disliked the ‘crazy’ one she had picked up here even more.

“A lot’s happened since you got transferred here. I’m sure it’s been a hell of an adventure. But you need to socialise more.”

She looked up at him surprised. Socialise more? Adventure? Well that’s one way of putting it, nightmare was more accurate. But socialise more….?

“Why?” she asked her face remaining neutral.

“You don’t want to end up like me do you?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Your young, have a whole life ahead of you, but you’re not making the most of the time that you have.”

“I see no misfortune ending up like you, Chief.” She replied not taking her eyes off him. “And with a statement like that I’m almost inclined to believe that you know something I don’t!” she emptied her glass and strode over to his desk and placed the glass down.

“Are you about to inform me of my demise?” She questioned turning back to him. That was quite an appealing thought she decided. She remembered when she had died, the feelings the emotions. She remembered kissing him, letting him into her world for a moment. She blushed slightly and cast her eyes to the floor.

“I just hate to see young kids turn into lonely old folks. They become cold, bitter. It’s just not healthy. Not when there’s so much fun to be had. The connections that friendships can form. These are going to be the best years of your life.” Ethan paused for a moment. “But then what do I know. I’m not trying to give you a speech, just trying to be a friend. We’ve had a bit of an up and down start, but I’m hoping things will settle down a bit.”

She hated the way he always referred to her as a child, a kid. She was far from it. She was a woman, nearing her thirties. As usual that thought sparked off another; she was almost thirty, and hadn’t done any of the things she had aspired to do. She had expected to be married, with children of her own. But after Chang, it was like all her dreams had melted away, leaving only the bitterness of existence. She sat heavily in Suders chair at his desk and turned from him, hitching her head on to her hands.

“Bitterness doesn’t come with age. Coldness doesn’t set in after your 40s. And I am not a kid.” She retorted dejectedly as she grabbed the bottle and re filled her glass. She hadn’t intended to drink anymore but now she was bummed out. Chang’s image floated through her mind and she just wanted to punch out at it. He had shattered all her dreams, all their plans had been for nothing. Bastared! She slammed the glass back on the desk and pushed the chair round to face Suder.

Ethan’s eyes popped open when he realised where she was, at his desk. She looked sad. Very much like him. But then his eyes shifted to the picture on his desk, facing her. He focused on it and held his breath, concentrating. He raised his hand slightly and watched as the picture fell forward. He coughed as it landed face down on the desk, hoping his coughing would cover up the noise. He grabbed his drink once again. “No,” he replied, “I suppose it doesn’t come with age.”

“Then why do you..” she paused and her brow furrowed as she realised, “I remind you of you don’t I?” she asked as she picked up her glass and stood up.

Ethan glanced at the picture and then at her as she stood. “Sometimes.” He replied simply. He grabbed the bottle and filled his glass up again.

She moved slowly towards the couch with a new appreciation for him. It still narked her that he was trying to re-live his life through her. Trying to usher her away from all the pit falls that he had made growing up. But at the same time she kinda liked it, it was if she had another mentor looking out for her personal well-being. However at the end of the day it wasn’t his place, and she wasn’t about to let him get comfy in it and pull her up every time he thought she done things like he had. It was her life, she wasn’t about to become his puppet.

“Sometimes,” she echoed his words, letting it hang in the air for a moment before she continued,

“Sometimes you have to let go. If there are things you don’t like about yourself, I suggest that you change them. And not try to change the people round you. I will socialise as and when I want to. You can’t change that or insist that I do. It’s not your place… it’s not your life. Though I do thank you for your continued concern, but I must inform you that it not warranted.”

Ethan chuckled. “I’m not trying to control your life. I’m not trying to correct any mistakes through you. I have no regrets. I don’t consider anything of mine to be a mistake. And you’re right. You are not a kid any more. Just a phrase I use a lot. But tell me, you’re nearly thirty, have you done everything that you had wanted to do by that age?”

Dhani warmed slightly, enough to take a seat on the couch opposite him, kick her shoes off and curl her feet up under her. There was always an atmosphere between the two of them, and it did go from one extreme to the other. Dhani had got used to it now and it seemed as normal as the sun rising.

“You know sometimes I do think you read my mind!” she said smiling.

“Oh, and no.” she said over the rim of her glass.

“Two kids, a husband and a planet-side assignment. Still perusing a career, but letting our children grow up with some normality. He would be in Intel, and so good that at a drop of a hat we could get on a good ship, he would take a back seat to let me rise up the ranks to COE. After a few years we would then transfer back to Earth, his home planet. And sit content behind a desk while our children perused their goals.” She said it in such a manor that it could be thought of as a well constructed joke, which was the way she thought Suder would take it. The truth behind was that it was just as she had said. That, amongst other things had been their life plan before…..

“Oh and we would have two cats and a dog, maybe even a gold fish or two?” she added with a grin from ear to ear, covering her true feelings of pain and regret.

“Goldfish suck.” Ethan replied with a smile. “I also, had that plan. Without the pets I think, maybe a pet targ… tradition and all.”

“Yeah.” Dhani mused, “Targs are okay but….” She paused and gave him a curious look, "Tradition? I know that I’m not the law on Betazoids, hell I’ve never even been to Betazed, but I’m sure Targs aren’t the traditional pet.”

“They are not.” Ethan replied with a deep look on his face. “They are not…” he replied as he was lost in his own mind. “I’ve not been to Betazed since the Dominion war. But you’re right, it’s not…. Our tradition. But, Klingons….” He paused again, suddenly realising that maybe he had revealed too much. He spent the next few seconds arguing with himself in his head about what he had just said. Had he said too much?

Dhani leaned forward and grabbed his empty glass; quietly she walked over to the desk and refilled both glasses. Picking up the picture that currently lay face down on his desk she took a look at it. The blond woman that stared back looked familiar, the ridges on her forehead and the wrinkles on her nose indicated an interesting bloodline. Dhani replaced the picture, in its upright position and returned with the brimming glasses. She walked over to where Suder was sitting and after a few seconds deliberating sat next to him and handed him his drink.

Ethan took the drink and swallowed a mouthful of the thick liquid. Remaining silent, he was afraid of the questions that may follow.

Dhani sat back on the couch, letting herself slide into a comfortable position and her head fall back on the head-rest. She looked up at the ceiling for a while. She liked the way the green filters dappled the light across the room. After visiting Suders quarters she had done a similar thing in her own, it did help relaxation. Was different from the normal Starfleet issued bright lights and wall colourings, though her quarters still had all of that. She hadn’t decorated in the year she had been there, hadn’t even unpacked all of her belongings. Four cargo crates still sat along one side of her living space.

“Cheer up buckaroo!” she said glancing over at Suder, “I still have my whole life ahead of me!” she said sarcastically nudging him with her foot, “and you,” she paused, “You still have…. your wife…..the Galaxy!” she gave him a playful smile.

Suders eyes glanced from the table to the floor. He continued to remain silent, wondering why she hadn’t mentioned the picture. Why look at it and not mention anything, that was just weird. But he was thankful for it. He nodded along. He didn’t know for how long he would have to look after the Galaxy, his dream may take him elsewhere, it was more likely a question of when. The small house in the middle of no where. Just him, his imagination, the fields, the river, no politics, no laws or rules. Just him and his imagination. Maybe he could live with that.

Bizarrely Dhani did something that she never expected to do, especially with him. She stood up and took Suders drink from him and placed it on the table between the two couches. Taking his hand and grabbing two cushions from the couch with her other she led him to the middle of the room. Throwing the cushion on the floor she told him to sit on it and then did the same with the other cushion, sitting about a meter from him, face to face.

As she sat down she leaned backwards and pulled a stone out of her pocket and placed it on the floor between them.

“Concentrate.” She told him. “Focus on the stone.”

“Are we about to use the force?” Ethan joked. Ethan joked as he removed his duty jacket and threw it over towards his desk.

Her eyes snapped up to his, “Shut up and do as your told.” She told him firmly, though a small smile could been seen appearing at the corner of her mouth,

“Now, focus.” She said again. She shifted closer till their knees were touching the stone still visible between them. Unzipping her jacket she tossed it towards the couch and then took his hands and rested her wrists on her knees, as did he.

“Now, when you have a mental image of the stone in your minds eye close your eyes.”

She watched him for a while before closing her eyes.

“Now, concentrate on your breathing, in and out in and out.” Again she paused and waited for him.

“Now as you intake each breath hold it for three seconds, and then exhale, wait three seconds and breathe in. Repeat this five times.”

Again she paused using the time to catch up as it were, till their breathing was in synch.

“Now as you look at the stone imagine it opening like an egg. Watch as it unfolds and takes shape, see what it has to show you, feel with your heart and not your mind.”

As she spoke her words became a soft whisper dangling in the air like feathers.

Ethan’s shoulders slumped slightly as he did what he was told. Feel with his heart, not his mind. His heart had only been used for one thing. Yet he did as he was instructed, wondering in the back of his mind where this exercise was leading. Breathing as she had told him, he continued.

As the stone cracked Dhani saw bright lights appear at its edges, golden reds and oranges, warm and light. They spread out to surround them flowing with life and energy.

“As the light unfolds” she told him her voice husky and low, “feel it cleanse you. Breathe the warmth into your lungs, feel it flow through your body out to the tips of your fingers and toes, warming your heart. Relax and let each breath heal you.”

BACK POST

“All Kinds of Wrong Pt 2 of 2”

(This was set just before the battle started.)

Lieutenant Commander Ethan Suder – Chief of Engineering

Lieutenant (Jg) Dhanishta Eshe - Engineer

As Dhanis awareness of her surroundings slipped away from her she was enveloped by the light. The heeling, purifying light, warm and comforting. She could feel Suders essence at the edge of her consciousness as it ebbed. The purpose of meditation for Dhani lately had been a substitute for sleep. From it she drew the strength, the heeling properties and the clarity that sleep provided. The technique she was using with Suder was different. This was more of a heeling exercise. At first it could be seen as a quick pick me up and one would feel elevated of ones wows, after a short time however they would probably return, but with continuity and regularity this form of therapy worked. Better than any counselling session ever could.

The feelings were flooding through Suder like a wave washing over a beach some where, far away. As the meditation started, he felt nothing, nor did he want to. But his body and mind both relaxed. He saw images in his head. Felt feelings deep in his soul. They hit him like hard jolts.

At first he saw the past, things that had happened, things he couldn't see. His childhood. Nothing eventful or remotely exciting. He would always fantasise about the stars, beyond them, dream of worlds. Not the kind that he had heard of, but other worlds. He had never imagined he would be working between the stars, let alone anything eventful, like helping to save the Alpha Quadrant in several wars.

His mind swept across the faces of people he knew. People he had loved. His friends, family. He felt sad. Seeing the images in his head was more than just seeing them in his head, as dreams, it felt more real, as if on some level he was actually there with them.

During this type meditation Dhani rarely focused on her inner demons, she saved that for the gym. Here she would relax, use this as a stepping stone to go deeper within herself. But she wasn’t going to here, with him. At the moment she needed some form of sleep, and she took all the relaxation she could, let the light flow through her, healing her body and clearing her mind, but at the same time she was aware of where Suder was going. At first she let him slip, the experience for each person is different to the next. She couldn’t see the things that he saw, nor really feel what he was feeling, she was just aware of it. She let him walk his path, if he needed her or wanted to show her anything he would ask. Even with in this meditation her defences were up. She would not cross the line and ‘watch’ him and expected the same from him, but just in case!

The feelings and images continued. They drew around a particular incident. Perhaps one of the biggest losses of his life. All because of an "accident". Because of one man. Ethan felt himself cross a line he knew existed, but had never crossed. A cold, bitter part of himself that his brother lived for, but he had buried. But here it was before him, and was beginning to enjoy the dark feeling. He could feel his face frowning and a smile forming. The anger swelling up inside at the whole situation that had happened, that had caused "her" to leave the damned ship. Because of one man and his refusal to do his job. To follow orders. Because of him, his life was in ruins. But it wasn't just his fault; it was a lot of people's, his own included. He felt angry at himself. And anger was a very powerful emotion, as anyone would tell you.

He felt himself drowning further into a black hole of enjoyable darkness of negative feelings.

With a joint meditation it gave the opportunity for the leader to control the experience to a degree. If the other participant went to a place they didn’t want to go then the ‘leader’ could gently pull them out. Which is what Dhani did, softly coxing Suder up and out of the darkness.

Ethan's mind naturally took him to where his mind often took him. A simple house, on a wide field. A soft breeze. The sun was on it's way down. The skies were a mixture of reds and oranges. He could feel the breeze over his skin. He felt more relaxed. He felt his body physically loosen. Yet he knew this wasn't real. At least when he would rarely dream, it would feel real. There was something about this though, he still felt on edge. Although the feeling of being in this familiar place was overwhelming and calming, there was something ticking away in the back of his mind.

Dhani could feel the change as the calmness overwhelmed him. She let him sit there staying in his place of contentment, wondering how high he could go. Continuing to draw the energy into her self she collected it and ‘fed’ it to Suder, as if he was on some intravenous drip. Slowly and gently at first, till in her minds eye she could see him surrounded by its warmth, then she continued to draw the energy into herself, letting it work its magic.

Ethan watched the sun continue to set. The night seemed to get colder. He looked down at the ground around him. A sad look on his face. For some reason, he had been dragged to this place. And as great as it was, regardless of how good he felt, it wasn't real. And he was annoyed at that. He opened his eyes...

Dhani could feel her heart begin to race. This was the point at which she would reach down and grab a jar of honey and take a spoonful. But there was no honey. So she was going to have to ride the come down. She opened her eyes. The room blurred in the distance, the only clear thing in view was Suders face. She felt like she was floating, her head felt light and fuzzy. Around Suder she could see light, like lightning; flowing, crackling, electricity. She reached out and touched his arm, her finger gently tracing a line down his exposed skin. Reaching up with her other hand she stroked his face, a line of colour, electric blue, emanated from its wake. She cupped his cheek letting her fingers slide up and through his hair. The contact sent tingles running through her body. Her heart began to race even more, her breath heavy and short……

Although awake and not meditating anymore, Ethan could still see the fields, the house, the sun setting, the red skies. He could feel the soft breeze still brushing over his skin gently. Then a touch. He felt like he was turning to see who's hand was touching his face. Not that he needed to. It was clear that it was the old chief. No one else could ever be with him in this place. Surely enough, it was who he suspected. Kay. He could feel her hand running across his check. He closed his eyes as his hand reached up to meet hers. Her skin was so soft. Feeling that was more relaxing than anything.

As his hand grazed hers ever so softly she shuddered inside. The feeling sent her eyes rolling to the back of her head. It was warm and cold at the same time, almost like pins and needles but not! Her breath caught in her chest and she moved closer towards him, still caressing his hair as she stroked his arm. She could feel his breath, as he exhaled, on her skin, warm and damp. She moved both hands to cup his cheeks and drew him into her, their lips a hairs breadth away…..

Ethan's mind continued to play tricks on him. He could see the lady of his life, not Dhani. But he didn't know the difference. He had allowed himself to be drawn into his dream world. His hands continued to hold hers, locked on his face. His eyes remained closed, although he thought what he was seeing was real.

It was almost like a huge stop sign reeled up in front of her, big red flashing lights burned her retina. She knew this was all kinds of wrong though she stayed locked in that position, her hands cupping his face, their lips almost touching. After a few minutes maybe longer she tilted her head forward so their noses and foreheads rested against each others. Her fingers slipped from his face and trailed down to his collar bones where she paused and ran her fingers back and forth along them. Her hands continued down his arms to interlace her fingers with his. It was as much intimacy as she could allow herself with her Chief, on most occasions she didn’t even like him. And it’s not like she could claim any emotional distress like she was under the first time she kissed him…. That was the only time EVER…not intentional and never again! She knew what she was doing. But touching him sent tingles all over her, tingles of pleasure. But she also knew that was the come-down from the intense meditation and nothing else.

Ethan felt colder than normal. He looked around him; the sun was still on its way down. It was getting much darker, but never before had it been this cold. He turned back and looked at Kay. Something was wrong. It wasn't right. Trouble in the fields maybe, the house? He wasn't sure. He could just feel something though. He stepped back to get his bearings.

Opening his eyes, he suddenly got torn back to reality. Everything clashing together like a bad nightmare. The colours of his surroundings, the furniture that he hadn't seen moments again, the smell of Dhani, Dhani herself, right in front of him. His head began to spin.

He fell backwards and rolled on to his front. He attempted to stand up to get a sense of what was going on, but he had to catch his breath first. He didn't quite have enough strength to even push himself up. Slowly, real life began slowly kicking in. He remembered where he was, what was going on.

Dhani felt torn as Ethan pulled away, her heart race dropped suddenly without the other to steady it and she fell forward slightly as her head rushed, suddenly being alone, hearing only one heart beat. She landed on her hands and gagged slightly as she gulped for air.

Ethan finally, managed to push himself up to his knees. Still struggling to breath, he placed his hands on his hips and looked over at Dhani. "What the hell was that?" he asked with a frown and a little sweat forming over his head.

Dhani shook her head, still gulping for air, trying desperately to level herself out. She was still bent over her eyes tight shut, her body flushed with heat and she could feel herself become pitted, even her palms that were spread out on the carpet became moist. Forcing herself to pause three seconds between gulps she finally stopped hyperventilating and sat upright blowing out air as she looked up to the ceiling.

“Come –down.” was all she managed to say as she bundled her hair up on top of her head and let her shoulders get some air.

Ethan pushed himself up using his desk as support. Rubbing the sweat off his head, he shook his head also. "Really?" he asked sarcastically, wondering what the whole point of the exercise had been in the first place. He could just sleep for a few minutes and go to his dream land without the weird after effects. He remained silent as his breathing slowed.

Dhani ignored Suder and stretched out on the floor, using the cushion as a head rest. Looking up at him she smiled and began to giggle,

“I haven’t done that in a long time.” She commented.

Ethan shook his head. “You had no right!” he almost snapped. “What you just did was wrong!” he slowly began pacing in front of his desk.

Dhani looked up at him from the floor. His out burst was not uncommon, If he hadn’t broken the link then he wouldn’t be feeling this way. She on the other hand was used to this. Granted she hadn’t done a joint meditation like that in a long time, but she could navigate its effects with ease still.

“Ethan,” she said standing up and walking to his side, “come and sit down.” Taking his arm she lead him to the couch.

“I’m guessing that you have never done a joint meditation before?” she half questioned sitting him down. She quickly walked to the replicator and got him a hot water with honey to drink. Kneeling on the floor in front of him she placed the hot drink in his shaking hands, keeping hers around his till she felt that his hold was secure.

“No, only by myself.” He said with a very slight smile. He looked at the drink and then at Dhani. He forced his hand over to the table and placed the glass on the table. “Sorry, but I’m allergic to honey.” He sighed and pushed himself up to his feet. “Just need a splash of water.” Strolling over to the replicator, he ordered water, without the honey. Raising the glass, he looked at it for a moment before pouring it over his head.

Dhani smiled at him,

“Sorry I should have explained to you the after effects. I just didn’t anticipate you breaking the link so quickly.” She explained as she wandered across to the bathroom.

“You got any fresh towels?” she asked leaning in the door way.

Ethan waved her off and frowned after she disappeared into the bathroom. He then raised the empty glass and looked at it for a while. “Yeah,” he said to himself, “because a shower would have made more sense.”

He wiped some of the water from his head and moved to his room to retrieve a towel.

Dhani pulled off her uniform and switched the water on. Stepping into the cubical she turned the temperature down. The water was almost freezing, just the refreshment she needed.

*** Several minutes later ***

Ethan returned to the main room, towel in hand. At long last he had found one. He slipped off his wet top and began drying his hair. And then, the chime to his quarters rang out. He looked up in surprise. “Come in?"

Jiiles strolled in and raised his hands in defense. “Sorry,” the Bolian started, “bad time?”

Ethan carried on drying his hair and waved Jiiles in. Still trying to make sense of everything that had happened just a few minutes ago, he raised his eyebrows. “Not really…. Weird, time perhaps. I don’t think it’s bad though.”

“You ok?” Jiiles asked quite simply.

Ethan looked over towards his desk. “I think so yeah. What’s up?”

Jiiles stepped forward, holding a padd in hand, of course. “Repair reports. Thought you might want them right away.”

Ethan threw the towel over his left shoulder and took the padd. Scrolling through it, he stopped when he heard a noise coming from across the room.

Dhani emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel her hair was soaking and dripped on to the floor. She smiled,

“Hey Jiiles,” she said, “did you get the shields aligned with the main computer already?” she asked as she searched the room for her duty jacket.

Slowly, like two titans meeting for the first time, Ethan and Jiiles slowly turned their heads and looked into each others eyes. Ethan then quickly looked at Dhani as his jaw dropped slightly. “Oh…” he remembered what had happened. “This-“ he said looking back at Jiiles to meet a fist.

Ethan fell back and landed with a soft thud. He was a little surprised at first, but then looked around to see he had fallen back on to his leather couch. Standing up, he grabbed the towel and tossed it back on to the couch behind him. He then realised Jiiles had stormed out of his quarters. He turned and looked at Dhani. “Just practising that pit fall finishing move.” He mentioned with a wink. He then turned and chased on after Jiiles.

Dhani watched on totally confused. She simply stood staring at the open door way and the empty room for a minute and then half ran to the door. She stood in the hall for a moment watching Suder run after Jiiles. And then realised that she was wearing only a towel. She walked slowly back into Suders quarters.

Ethan caught up with Jiiles who refused to slow down. The still wet Chief Engineer gave the odd few officers that strolled by a nod before continuing to tap his buddy on his arm. “Come on man-“

“I don’t want to hear ‘it’s not what it looks like’” Jiiles replied.

“But it’s not.” Ethan explained.

“So what was it?” came the reply. “You guys just met up, did some meditation, probably had some not so great side effects?”

Ethan’s faced looked a little surprised. “Damn.” He exclaimed. “Pretty much.” He grabbed Jiiles arm one last time to be hit again. Only this time it was a slap.

Both men were now stood still, in the middle of what suddenly seemed like a really small corridor. Ethan rubbed the side of his face and looked up at the taller of the two. Jiiles in turn looked down, surprised with himself about what he had done. Hitting him was one thing, this was something else.

It seemed like forever, the silence, the blood pumping. In the end, it was Jiiles that broke it. “You know I’ve been working towards, you know…. And, you just swoop in with what, your boyish, brooding charm, the good looks, swoop her off her feet?”

Ethan chuckled and placed a hand on the Bolian’s left shoulder. “Let me get you a drink and explain. It’s nothing like you think. And if you don’t hear me out, I’ll make you.” He said, his voice a little sterner.

After a few seconds of contemplating, he gave a nod and followed Ethan down the corridor. “I could take you.” Jiiles muttered.

Ethan smiled and gave Jiiles a friendly punch.

Dhani sat in Suders quarters for a while, waiting for Suder to return and explain what that was all about. The clock ticked. After ten minutes she grabbed her duty jacket and walked out still none the wiser.

"The Business Plan"

Ensign Saul Bental
Intelligence Officer

Betrayal is a legitimate tool.

In real life, every time you have to trust someone, you take a risk. I found that you had to trust certain people to a certain degree if you wanted to advance and achieve whatever goals you may have, but one shouldn't do so blindly.

At any given time, there's always a chance that someone you trusted in would defy that trust, you see. And that would be legitimate, even though very frustrating and even disappointing to any person who isn't fully aware of the little fact that this is all a game.

If Starfleet ever double-crosses me, I won't get angry or mad. I'll just curse myself for deciding to trust it, and attempt to deal with the consequences.

* * * *

The trip back from Sakaria and the docking procedures were uneventful. Once Saul made sure the crates he brought from Sakaria were safely stored in Starbase 212's central Cargo bay, he headed for one of the base's observation lounges.

A small crowd of civilians and men in uniform constantly flowed through the long, broad corridor, most of them hurrying on some errand, and most of them not stopping to actually observe, or lounge.

Saul's target was the public Comm booths, which were spread throughout the base's public areas. He found one easily, entered it, and locked the door behind him.

The booth was quite private, with two meter high walls colored in vivid wooden-brown, a red carpet whose texture resembled lawn, a comfortable Sofa and of course the communication panel and display embedded into one of the walls. Saul drew a small hand-held device, connected it to the panel, and then moved his fingers over the panel.

Pretty soon, the face of a Ferengi appeared on the display.

Saul didn't like Ferengi. They were bold, dubious, had ugly wrinkled noses, ears which were too big on any standard, and eyes which shouted 'I'm fishy, I smell like fish, I do fishy business.'

And they were far more cunning than your average space-traveling merchant.

"Grok, good evening."

"Indeed, Mr. Van Der Hemel. What an unexpected pleasure."

Grok knew him as Reiziger Van Der Hemel, one of the aliases Saul used throughout the years. If the Ferengi would ever meet another Dutchmen, that person could tell him the name literally meant 'Voyager of the skies'. That person would also tell Grok that he smells like a Herring, but that's a completely different story.

To accompany that identity, Saul was wearing a fake mustache, a hat, and an instant make-up which made him look very gaunt. It was one of the oldest tricks in the book, but as long as the Ferengi didn't think of trying to use an image-processing computer application in order to uncover what's Saul's true image like, there wasn't much of a chance for him to blow the cover.

And even if he did blow it, it wouldn't be the first time. Saul's mind stalled on the Special Observations craft #074 mission before he continued.

"So how are my stocks doing?"

The Ferengi rubbed his hands. "Don't you trust me, Reiziger?"

Saul chuckled. "I wouldn't trust my own father with my stocks! But of course, you know a little more than him about Stocks, and the share I give you helps me sleep well at night."

"Ha! Well, I'm almost inclined not to tell you about the revenue we made during the last quarter, but then I couldn't brag about it. I send you that data as we speak."

The mechanism which Saul connected to the panel chirped. Saul observed the figures on it with satisfaction. It seems that his funds were put to good use while he was fighting for his life on Havras.

"If I may add, Reiziger, the spare parts deal you asked me to make with the Driznok was excellent. They almost didn't bargain, it was like reaching into their pockets, and grab a handful of Latinum!"

Saul smiled proudly.

"How did you know it's going to make a good deal?" the Ferengi asked.

Saul decided to tell a half truth, the best choice in these cases. "I heard a small new fleet of them was kidnapped, or something like that. How unfortunate. At any rate they probably either reinforce their existing vessels or construct new ones, and at any rate I assumed they could make good use of some quality Starship spare parts."

"Well done!" The Ferengi complemented him.

"Listen, I am going on a trip to Bajor… through Licitania and Tau-Gamma. I have the following Sakarian goods which I want to sell. Can you tell me which ones would make the highest profit on the Bajoran markets?"

Saul pressed on his mechanism, and data flowed toward the Ferengi. There were four minutes of silence as the man checked his figures, then returned a list of items which were about a third of the total merchandise Saul brought back from his trip. It looked like Karoue didn't lie to him; The goods could indeed make a good profit on Bajor.

"The figures look good, very good even, but it's an awfully small amount of merchandise to make such a long trip to Bajor." The Ferengi indicated.

"Well, I'm headed there anyway, thought I might as well make it profitable. I think my next stop after there would be Earth, but that should take me quite some time."

"Busy, aren't we." There was a pause, then suddenly rippled appeared on the screen. Saul knew exactly what was going on – the Ferengi activated the Leorandi device. It was a device which made the transmission look like pieces of the conversation they previously had, while hiding within it the actual new data. Bottom line, they could continue their conversation and avoid most of the automatic-eavesdrop methods most space-faring races used on subspace communications.

Unless someone was probing this discussion specifically – which was highly unlikely, since the two of them were legitimate merchants – they could now speak privately.

"You were in Sakaria." The Ferengi stated. It wasn't a question.

"True."

"How well do you know the politics?"

"A little."

"I was received a contract for a job. It involves the loss of life."

"Continue." Saul said, knowing he's taking a risk. But he was curious.

"There are currently peace talks going on in Sakaria. One of my major business associate could make a large profit if these talks fail. You too, my friend, could make a profit. That's why I'm talking to you about it. But beware, if you want out, this would be the best time to tell me to shut up."

"You already said enough, but I'm interested. Go on."

"Very well. To put it plainly, we're going to assassinate a Starfleet officer which is on Starbase 212 right now, and should only depart about two and a half month from now. We need you to observe and spot her for our assassin."

A chill ran through Saul's spine and hands. He immediately guessed who might be the victim of the assassination, and why.

"I'll do it."

"What??"

"Taking part of this would bring me the same punishment I would receive if I do it myself. Also, if I do it alone I get the entire fee and know that the only one who can screw it up is me. In other words, I rather do it alone."

The Ferengi seemed impressed. "All right, you have it then, I'll send you the proposition, I think you'll find the conditions agreeable."

He scratched his left earlobe. "I must say, I never thought you as a murderer, Reiziger."

Me neither, thought Saul. He maintained a poker face as the data once again emerged on his mechanism.

"I would like you to do it two and a half months from now. Her ship should depart soon before that, and our employees might cancel the deal until then – it's in the contract."

"They probably would cancel if they could achieve their goals by other means." Saul proposed.

"Perhaps. Here's your target. The Leorandi device will soon become ineffective, we should move on to other business."

"Agreed.", Saul said, and proceeded to ask the Ferengi about other deals the two of them were involved.

Fifteen minutes later, he finally left the Comm. Booth, heading to his temporary quarters on the Stardrive section. In his palm rested his small device, its square monitor now displaying the face of Naranda Sol Roswell.

"Was It Weird For You?" (part 1)

Klaus "Dok" Fienberg
Naranda Sol Roswell

LOCATION: Starbase 212....some common area

Nara wasn't sure what to do with the rest of her time off. She had awhile before meeting Cernu to travel with him. She wore her uniform as she walked along the Starbase people watching. Perhaps she should had stayed on Sakaria a little longer. Being there just renewed and strengthened her home sickness.

Klaus' current life consisted of spending time off with Kay, reading medical journals, lending a hand in 212's main sickbay, and taking some well deserved time off to lay around and do nothing. A good wander of the starbase would do him some good. His bathrobe, wool pants and fuzzy slippers seemed way out of place as he wandered around with a cup of decaf coffee.

Nara looked down a level and saw a man in a bathrobe. She looked closer and saw that it was Klaus. Without thinking she hollered down, "Klaus!" As she ran down to meet him. The strangeness of his attire forgotten as she remembered she wanted to talk to him about their trip on Vr'lu.

"Nara! I thought you were off on some trip....somewhere. And yes, I'm dressed wierd, but It's been a long time since I'd had an actually waterbased shower. Probably the same for most of us. One would think they could just put a replicator in a showerhead, and in the drain, and just constantly create and recycle." Realizing he went off on a tangent. "What is it you need?"

Nara looked at him oddly and shook her head, "I was wondering if you had time to talk. I don't need to leave for a few hours."

"Oh, of course. Please. Tell me whats on your mind."

Klaus himself was disturbed about some of the feelings he exerted when he helped with the destruction of the mindfield.

Nara looked around and saw a table on the outside of "the Pub" as she heard them call it. "Shall we?" She asked as she took a seat.

She looked down a moment to gather how to begin, "We were in each other's minds. Killing mines." She did a nervous giggle and looked up, "All in a day at Starfleet." She sighed frowning again, "I thought this would be a nice change of pace from being a ground fighter in a war. Then I went to another war...and mind fighting." She looked up, "Did it creep you out as much as it did me?"

"I'll admit something to you. I don't know if you felt my mind, but I put far more hatred and anger that I ever thought I had in me. Why do I hate him so much......why..."

Nara looked at him confused.

Klaus notices that Nara was disturbed by something as well, but for some reason, his problem managed to take precident over hers, again'st his nature.

"That man........I....."

Nara put her hand on his arm, "What man?"

Klaus paused for a long time. "A man named Gunther Engleman. I'm sure you heard of him. Went berzerk and killed almost the entire on-duty medical staff of the USS Sturmovik a year or two ago. Before that, he was an old friend of mine. He "died" on deepspace 9 during the campaign to take it back. The one that was nicknamed 'Sacrifice of Angels.'" Klaus paused for a moment.....realizing that he could have prevented all of this......."I could have saved him......I could have saved him.....and If I did....."

Nara wasn't sure what to do but keep her hand on his arm...hoping it was calming him. She's had to do this with several of her men. When they had first killed someone or first witnessed a friend die. It's a hard thing to go through. It was never comfortable for Nara to be the comforter.

"If I did, I probably would not be standing here.......but because I didn't, now he thinks I purposely left him to die....all he wants is revenge.....he's hunting me.....and as much as I want to show him the truth, I hate him....I hate him as much as he hates me....and I cannot shake this feeling......I put all of my hatred of him into my exertion to destroy the minefield......."

Nara looked at him. "What do you mean died?"

"Note entirely sure......He was reported dead, he lifesigns ceased. Yet his body was never recovered. It disappeared with the contingeant of the occupation force that escaped. We can only guess that he was revived and set loose to kill me. But who and why would they do that......." Klaus paused for a long time. He'd said too much. In his bout of disturbing thoughts and self disgust he revealed valuable information....."I've said too much." He stood up and turned away.

Nara sat back and with a confused look, mumbled, "That's what that was." Being untrained herself and the others not even being non-telepathic, they were all pretty open to each other. But the others were closed again after being disconnected whereas it just awakened in her something she now had to learn to control. She felt strange things, but she couldn't pinpoint what they were or where or who they came from, nor did she try. She would get these shadows of emotions she was sure wasn't hers.

Klaus merely remained silent.

Even now she felt some self loathing, though she had no reason to feel such a thing. She looked around to see if it could be from anyone else there. "Do you hate him...or yourself?"

"Both."

Nara looked at him waiting for him to explain.

"I hate him for what he's become and what he's done, and I hate myself for possibly being the cause of all of it......If I had helped him, I would have died myself......and those he killed might still be alive......"

"You can't blame yourself. You cannot go back and fix it. Just forgive him and yourself and don't let hatred win. Let yourself win and go on and live the best you can. That's the best you can do for anyone."

1870