Sometimes Andy wanted to hit Kris, take a really good swing at him and lay him out on the floor. Andy was supposed to be on vacation right now, chilling out with Maica in some isolate mountain villa on the holodeck, but instead Kris made her put her uniform on for a small bit of official business. She had to play 'doctor' to their new holographic Chief Engineer and give him the equivalent of a boarding physical. This sucked! She was on leave, medical leave, she didn't wanna do this right now!

"Lieutenant Zhuri?" the ex-borg woman called out as she entered Main Engineering, quickly scanning the room for the holographic man.

From beneath a console, a blue head poked out, "Can I help you?" he asked, only half paying attention as his hands gripped a tool and twisted.

"Yeah." Andy approached the Bolian-Trill man. "I'm Senior Chief Petty Officer Andy Carter and I'll be your 'doctor' for your tour on the Katana. Cap'n wants me to do a physical of sorts on you."

Ari raised an eyebrow before sliding back under the console. "I'm fine, Senior Chief. Tell the Captain my program has no issues and that I will let you know if and when it does."

"Not happening. I got pulled away from my vacation with my smokin' hot girlfriend for this. I'm giving you a good once over," Andy insisted.

"Feel free to get back to her then. You have my permission." Arivek pulled himself out from under the console and brushed his pants off. A gesture that was more habit than functionality now, as his holographic matrix resisted the dirt and grime. "Give her my regards," he said with a wave of his hand as he climbed the ladder to the second story platform.

Andy followed him up the ladder. As he started working on the upper platform, Andy just stood nearby staring at him with her arms crossed over her chest, looking deep into his matrix to analyze what she could from the outside of his program.

Arivek glanced over his shoulder, "Staring at me is not going to change my mind. I have a lot of work to do and an entire ship and department to familiarize myself with. This..." he waved his hand, "thing is going to have to wait."

"Not staring, analyzing," Andy corrected, tapping her eyepiece as a subtle indicator that she had been scanning him. Then she took a PaDD out of her duty jacket. "I can do what I need to while you work, I just need your authorization to access your programming. I know you probably don't like people messing with your programming, but Captain made this mandatory and I'm just taking a peak, ain't touching nothing."

"Scan me all you want, but you're not gaining access to my programming. Only two people have access to that, me and my father. And I intend for it to stay that way."

"Look, if something happens and I gotta put you back together, I'll need access to your program and I'll need to know you inside and out," Andy said. "This isn't a request, it's an order from the Captain. Just let me do my job and I'll get out of your hair."

Ari slammed the tool in his hand down on the console before him, "Dammit, tell the Captain he can take his order and shove it. He cannot give orders like that." After a few moments, his voice returned to normal levels. "And here's another problem, if something like that happens to my program, my consciousness will cease to exist. My mind isn't made up of photons and forcefields, it's a living thing. You could rebuild my program a hundred times over, but you won't be able to recover that part of me."

"See, that's where you're wrong. The Captain can in fact order any crew member to undergo a complete physical, regardless if they're organic or photonic. I'm assigned as your mechanic, and just like a Chief Medical Officer with a biological life form, I have the authority to remove you from duty, and I don't wanna do it so please don't make me," Andy said sternly. "I know what you are, I read your file, but I need to assess for myself the nature of your program and submit that assessment to the Captain. If you're worried about me tampering with your program, you can give me limited access, to look but not touch, that's all I need." She held the PaDD out for him to authorize that access.

After a few moments of hesitation, Arivek slowly took the PADD and began looking through the requested access. So far, the woman was right. She was requesting view-only access to his programming. "I'm sorry for my attitude, Senior Chief. Certainly you can understand why a hologram would be hesitant to give out access to his program." With a press of his finger to the PADD's interface, a Computer chirped signifying the added access.

"Yeah, I can understand," Andy replied sympathetically. "And please, call me Andy or just Chief if you have to use rank." She took the PaDD and followed him about as he continued on with his duties, studying his program from the PaDD. "You know, if it helps you feel any better, I've done work on Maica. She started out as an Orion holosuite sex program and was made into an android. I know it's not easy serving in Starfleet as a non-organic life form, but- Oh fucking hell, your code is so sexy..."

Arivek blushed slightly, "Yea, my dad is a renown holo-engineer. Only the best for his only son, right?" The fake smile started to fade a bit as he turned away, back to his console. "This Maica, is she on board?"

"Yeah, she's the 'Orion' Diplomatic officer with the hugest set of knockers I have ever seen, and let me tell you I have seen a some mighty fine knockers in my day and hers are by far the best!" Andy seemed to be chilling out about being forced to play doctor with the uncooperative Arivek, but it wasn't hard to do now that she was looking at his program. Really, it was stunning! She took a seat on a blacked out console that wasn't being used at the moment, really digging into his coding now.

"And I gotta say, your dad is fucking brilliant, the security for your programming is beautiful." For Andy, looking at the core of who Arivek was within this program was like looking at art, it was simply beyond words. "Although, I'd like to set up a warning system, just in case anyone tampers with your program it'll send me an alert so I can take measures to help preserve your program. Ain't something we gotta do, but I do want you to consider it."

"That's a great idea," he said, almost absent mindedly, while his fingers tapped at the console slowly.

"Oh hey, I wonder what happens if I mess with this subroutine marked 'sexual inhibitions'..." Andy started working furiously on her PaDD like she was going to hack his program and delete the file when really she was just writing the security subroutine for him. "Delete!" she said in a far too chipper tone.

Arivek cut his eyes to the woman, "I already deleted all sexual subroutines out of my program. Your...investigation should have already confirmed that," he said, turning back to what he was doing.

"Aww, you're no fun!" Oooh, but this was interesting... "Well, would you lookit that, your clothing subroutines are not a part of your programming and are handled as an add-on to your matrix. I'm deletin' your clothes!" Yet again, Andy really wasn't going to mess with his program, but it amused her to let him think she was. Although she was working this little exploit into her security subroutine to protect him from suddenly finding himself walking nude through the halls.

The man turned and leaned against the console, "Why do you keep trying to elicit a humorous response from me?"

"Um, because it's funny? Otherwise it would not be a 'humorous response', duh!" Andy rolled her eyes. Then she tapped into the holo-emitters themselves and made him start flickering.

"Not funny," Ari said with a smile. "Can't find a way to fuck with my program so you're gonna fuck with the emitters? What'll you tell the Captain when his Engineer is gone?"

"Actually, while I've been messing with you, I've also been looking for exploits into your programming through your connection to Katana and shoring up your defenses with that subroutine I suggested," Andy said seriously. She restored his holo-emitters and handed him the PaDD with a very thorough Security subroutine she wanted him to approve. Included was also a few failsafes, one of which being that if power was ever cut to the ship wide emitters for some reason, he would automatically be transferred to either Sickbay or a holodeck, which had their own independent power sources, as well as a few other measures to help prevent damage to his matrix. "And the Captain knows I won't damage you, that's why he gave me the task of keeping up with your maintenance."

"I appreciate your thoughtfulness," he said, taking the PADD and reading over her suggestions. With a few taps of the PADD, the modifications were entered into his matrix. "I'll be honest, I would never have thought of these. Thank you."

"No problem," Andy said, taking the PaDD and hopping off the console she had been sitting on. For a moment, she looked like she was going to walk away now that she had concluded her business with him, but then she stopped and looked back at him. "Hey, if you got a few minutes, there's something I wanna show you," she said.

"Show me what?" he asked.

"Come on." Andy went down the ladder to the main level of Engineering and then to a lab off to the side. Engineering lab #4. It was the space she had converted into a makeshift cybernetics lab since the ship wasn't fitted with a proper cybernetics lab. "This is where I do maintenance on Maica," Andy explained as she led Arivek to the storage in the back of the lab. She opened a drawer that housed the remains of Maica's old body. It didn't look like much since the skin had been removed and the power source had completely overheated and melted many of the surrounding components, but at one point that had been Maica.

"This is Maica's old body," Andy said, reaching out to touch the now deformed skeletal frame. The contact was brief and gentle, almost reverent. "She was made with poor quality materials by a cheap-ass Ferengi. Her lifespan was only 10 years which had come to it's conclusion shortly after being transferred to Katana. She didn't tell me that when she asked me out, she just wanted to enjoy what time she had left. When I found out, I tried to save her. In 2 weeks, I absorbed decades of cybernetics research and made her a new body, the one she's in now. And before you ask, I didn't make her boobs that huge, I was able to salvage her skin from her original frame and that's how she was made..."

"I wouldn't know anything about her boobs..." Ari said, feeling quite uncomfortable with how open this Senior Chief was about her girlfriend's anatomy.

"I mean they are massive! Just fuckin' huge!" She grinned when she saw his discomfort, then got all serious again. "Anyway, what I'm trying to say is I know what it's like to be bitter about what you are, but I can also understand what your dad was thinking when he did this to you. When I thought I was going to lose Maica, I woulda done anything to keep her with me just a little bit longer. And I almost didn't save her, but thankfully I did. And I also know what it's like to be changed, to become something else... I pushed away a lot of people that coulda helped me after I was assimilated, and... Well, Maica's taught me what it's like to be a better person and if I can save you some of the pain I went through, I just wanna let you know that you got people here you can trust."

Arivek was standing there, stunned. For the past week and a half, he'd done nothing but be angry and blame everyone for what happened. But maybe it was time to let that anger go and accept what happened. "Thank you...Andy. I really appreciate this."

"You're welcome," she replied and closed up the drawer and secured the locks on it. "And when it comes to your programming, I understand about that too. But if something happened there's not squat I can do to save you, I'll only be able to watch as your matrix degrades. You ain't gotta give me that access today, I'm done with what I need to do for now, but I just want you to know that eventually you will have to trust someone to help take care of you."

The man silently nodded as he began to leave the room. "I should get back to work," he said, softly. "Give the Captain my regards."

"Can do," Andy replied and followed him out, quickly programming in a 'Kiss me, I'm shy' sign onto the back of his uniform. Then she made a hasty retreat to get back to her vacation with Maica.

Jhu couldn't get out of the ice palace fast enough. Not much of a dancer, she'd rapidly started feeling cold despite the heavy fur cloak she'd worn. After a couple short hours, she was too cold to enjoy the party any longer... not that she'd enjoyed it much to begin with. It hadn't taken much convincing to get Nathan to flee the ice with her, and now she was happily sprawled across the large bed in the fancy hotel they'd found not far away.

With the heat turned just about as high as it would go and warmly dressed in more normal clothing, Jhu was just starting to feel warm again.

Nathan had gotten out of his tux as fast as he could, now in only a pair of pajama pants he dropped onto the bed next to Jhu. "Ok, so I would like to make a new rule for our relationship." Nathan was never one to sugar coat things, better to just get it out and over with.

"If it's 'no more freaking ice palaces' I'm totally on board." Suspecting it was not a joke about the icy ballroom, Jhu sat up, looking at him. "Is something wrong?"

"No ditching each other at social events with strangers, I go out of my way not to pry when it comes to your job...but...you know how much I hate things like that." Nathan looked to her.

"I did not 'ditch' you," Jhu protested. "I was investigating the possibility of Section 31 infiltrating that event, and I came back when I was done."

Nathan just stared at her.

"Oh stop giving me that look." Jhu scowled, hitting him with a pillow. "Krull Larkon is an old friend... he infiltrated Section 31 while I was on the Mata Hari, managed to get himself assigned there. They used you to get to me once... they'd use him too if given the chance. I had to check. Had to be sure. Besides, it's not like I'd ever leave you for him. I'm pretty sure he's gay."

"Don't insult me, I'm way better looking then that guy." Nathan said with a scoff. "Next time just take me with you, that's all."

"And risk exposing you to those people again? No fucking way."

Nathan sat up at that and looked her in the eyes. "Jhu, you can't do that. I love you, but I'm in security and you're in intelligence. Its our job to be in dangerous situation. You can't protect me by leaving me behind." Nathan took her hand.

"Section 31 is not something you're trained for, Nathan. If he was with them and you followed me over there, there's no way we'd have a chance. I can't protect you and myself in a fight like that." Jhu pulled away slightly, looking away from him.

"I don't want to argue with you, I just don't want to be left like that in that situation. That's all. I went to that thing because you asked me to go with you. I loved going with you and being there with you...but with you is the key." Nathan tried to explain. "This is not about section 31."

"Nathan, it is always going to be about them. They took you out of my bed in an attempt to get an assassin close to me. They will not hesitate to kill you if you're standing next to me when they finally get a strike team together that can actually take me out. That is not a risk I am willing to take."

Nathan moved around in front of her so he could look her in the eyes. "Jhu, I do not like where it sounds like this conversation is going, and if you think I'm going to let thouse mother fuckers take this relationship from me that's not going to happen. I understand the danger and the risk. I have since the beginning. Let me fight with you Jhu, I'm not some fragile thing you need put on a shelf." He took her hands again.

"...what?" Despite feeling near tears a moment before, Jhu laughed at him. "I'm not breaking up with you, you dunce! I don't want to lose you again. That's all."

Nathan leaned up and kissed her with passion. He broke the kiss after a moment. "I don't want to lose you either."

"Good." Jhu kissed him then sprawled across the bed again. "I think I had too many drinks..."

Nathan laughed and crawled up on the bed next to her. "There is a hot tub in the bathroom..."

"Hmmm. That sounds nice... I don't want to get up though."

"There's a Nathan in your bed..." he said with a playful grin.

"Why, yes. Yes, there is. A Nathan who drank far less than I did." Jhu made a face at him, trying not to giggle. "My head is all... fuzzy and weird."

"I'm not sure far less is accurate, just stuck to the same drink all night." Nathan said with a laugh. "Are you alright?" He asked a little concerned about that last statement.

Jhu waved off his concern, giggling slightly. "I'm fine. But now I know not to mix Saurian brandy with cognac. Terrible idea."

Nathan leaned over her and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "I love you, Jhu." His hand brushed some hair away from her face and trailed along her ear, then down her neck where her spots were.

"I love you too, but you are about to start some trouble." Jhu shivered slightly at the exceedingly gentle touch. "You mentioned a hot tub? That could be fun..."

"You know I like trouble, expecially this kind with you." Nathan said with a grin. "Yes, there is a 4 person hot tub in the bathroom."

"I don't think we need room for four people, e'lev."

"I didn't pick the size, but there is plenty of room for the two of us." Nathan said.

"I see... well." As comfortable as the bed was, the thought of the warm water reminded her of the times they'd spent in Vara's hot spring program. Times she'd greatly enjoyed. "Let's do it then."

Nathan stood and held his hand out to her. He pulled Jhu to her feet and lead her into the large bathroom.

"Damn." Jhu looked around the large bathroom, clearly impressed by the size of it. "I think this is as big as my cabin. And the hot tub is bigger than the bed." She laughed a little at the absurdity of its size.

"Speaking of your cabin, when are you going to move back into your bigger quarters?" Nathan asked. "I would offer to let you move into mine but a down grade in size seems pointless."

"Well... Andy's cleared it of any devices and Morgan cleared the ship of them so... I guess I can move back in now. It'll be weird though. Last time I was in there, someone tried to kill me."

"Last time I was in there I hardly knew you and was bashing some guys face in for trying to kill you." Nathan said remembering that night. It was the night he had been dragged into the whole Section 31 mess. "I would be more then happy to help you build some better memories in there." He offered.

Jhu grinned. "Yeah, I remember that." She paused as the impact of Nathan's offer hit her. Slowly a warm light seemed to fill her eyes. "Yes! Of course, you're more than welcome... Elements, I can't believe I missed that. I'm so stupid sometimes."

Nathan put his hands on either side of her face. "Do not ever call the woman I'm in love with stupid again." Then he grinned at her. "You know I come with a ton of plants right?" He chuckled a little and kissed her.

"I can deal with the plants." Jhu snickered at him, putting her arms around his neck and kissing him. "But you will be moving in with a cat. I can't guarantee he'll respect them."

"Lydek does not bother me and I'm sure he will love playing and hiding and chewing on them." Nathan said. "You know I love him, he can enjoy my plants also."

"Then we have a deal. I'll move into my old cabin, and then you'll move in with me. Plants and all."

"Sounds like a good deal to me." Nathan ran his hands up the back of her shirt with a playful grin. "Now...that hot tub."

"Your hands are cold," Jhu squeaked, giggling and trying to escape him. "And right... the hot tub... I think we're a bit overdressed for that."

Nathan let her go with a laugh. "I can't help it...I hate this planet." He blew hot air into his cupped hands. Then he whipped off his pants and took a seat on the edge of the tub. "Maybe you're over dressed..."

"I won't be in a minute." Jhu was rarely careless with her clothing, but as she undressed she left her clothes piled in a heap next to Nathan's discarded pants before joining him on the edge of the tub. "I thought the point here was to get in the water."

"Unless you enjoy sitting in the cold naked..." Nathan swung his legs over the side and sunk into the hit water. It was so warm, and he was so cold that it sent tingles over his skin. He sighed happily. "I hate this planet..." he said sinking up to his neck.

"I don't like this planet much either." Jhu carefully slipped into the water, wincing at the tingling sensation the temperature difference created. "Oh this is nice. I'm never getting back out."

Nathan laughed and scooted closer to her. "Yeah, who needs Starfleet anyways."

"Not me. I so do not want to give that damned briefing again."

"Again?" Nathan asked. "Who do you need to give it to now?"

"Commodore Larkon, our new boss." Jhu paused, tilting her head to the side. "I don't know if I should have told you that. No one else knows yet."

Nathan moved to the middle of the tub and faced Jhu, his hands slid along her smooth toned legs. "I accepted right from the start that sometimes I would hear things I should not from time to time. That's what happens when you date your boss." He said with a grin. His hando continued to slid along her legs up over her knees. "Right now you are talking to your boyfriend, not the security cheif. So tell me, what do you mean new boss?"

"Well, he's sort of our new boss anyway." Distracted by what Nathan was doing, she splashed him, trying not to laugh. "Task force XO... for whatever number it is in the Delta Quadrant. Something about they need us for our first-hand experience with Species 8472."

This caused Nathan to pause. "Does it feel like Katana is in the middle of a tug of war? I mean, IA comes on to deal with the problem ship, then a bunch of you are promoted. We are given a new XO who is here to deal with the problem ship, then we are whisked across the galaxy because of our dealings with 8472. I mean, are we or are we not the black sheep, I don't get it."

"I don't get it either, but I get the feeling we're caught up in something. I mean, for all this bustle about how I'm supposedly a threat, I sure as hell didn't expect a promotion. Recommended by Noxa, of all people. And I thought for sure Adislo was going to ream me for nearly causing a war with the Pedians and 8472. But he didn't. And now I'm getting all this... praise for talking them down and then rescuing the Pedians when 8472 tried to destroy them. I just did what I thought was right..."

"I told you..." Nathan said with a small triumphant smile. His hands started to creep along her legs again. "Oh well, it makes for an interesting ride. And you are with me so bring it on."

"You told me what? That we apparently live in the psycho-universe? Because I totally agree with you right now..."

"I told you not to worry about killing what's his name, or the deal on the bridge with Andy and that Dash guy. I told you that you would be fine, now you're more then fine...commander." Nathan's hands reached her hips and he leaned in and gave her a fiery kiss.

"There's still a test I have to take," Jhu reminded him, pulling him closer under the water.

Nathan scoffed. "Yeah but that's a piece of cake...hey how do they give the Intel people tests and make sure you don't hack it?" He wrapped his arms around her with a chuckle.

"We still have to follow the Code of Ethics, e'lev." Jhu snickered a little. "I could hack it if I wanted to, but it's not worth the risk."

Nathan nodded, "Well you deserve it, my Angel." He said with snicker of his own. "You are an excellent SO and everyone on that ship respects you in one way or another. I have been threatened many time that if I break your heart I will meet sudden decompression in a airlock."

Jhu blinked at him. "Really? I mean, I knew I had their respect, but blowing you out an airlock? That's intense, even for the Katana."

"Kris as a matter of fact...and I think Andy as well. Maica never had to, she knew I was in love with you before even I did. Kyle threatened me too...let's see. Hayley was very jelouse...oh! Vara threatened me with some kind of painful death." Nathan rattled off his list.

Jhu stared at him, in awe at the list. "I had no idea."

"What do you mean you had no idea?" Nathan asked. "Everyone on Katana either loves you or is scared shitless of you. I just happen to be one of the few who gets your love." He said. "I'm really glad that I get to be the one who gets the Trill side of your love."

"Okay I believe them being afraid..."

"Why is it so hard to accept that people like you?" Nathan asked.

"E'lev, you forget that I've spent most of my life being disliked. I'm... not used to the positivity."

"Well you're going to have to work harder if you want this crew to not like you." Nathan said with a smile.

"Dork." Jhu splashed him with the warm water. "I like being accepted for once. It's just weird that everyone likes me. Even Whiskers."

Nathan wiped the water from his face with a chuckle, then he leaned in and kissed her.

Jhu kissed him then pushed him back, scooting away a few inches. "Let's... not do that right now. I mean... I want to. But..."

"But?" Nathan said moving to the side. He was not put off, but he was a little worried.

"I think I'm gonna puke." She'd barely finished the thought before scrambling out of the hot tub, splashing a considerable amount of water on the floor on her way out.

Nathan was a good boyfriend, lucky for Jhu. He also got out of the tub. As she started to heave, he kneeled behind her and pulled her hair back from her face and gently rubbed her back.

Jhu's shoulders heaved a few times and then she was still and quiet for a moment, until she sighed. "Sorry. This is such a mood killer."

"You're my girlfriend, not a one night stand. There will be plenty of opportunities." Nathan said still rubbing her back. "I'm not overly put off my puke anyways, our ship is full of drunks and I regularly have to deal with vomit in my drunk tank."

"Yeah, I know." She swallowed, glad he couldn't see her face flushed with embarrassment. "I want to lie down for a while."

But Nathan could see the green tint her ears had turned. Funny, here she was naked on the bathroom floor, and it was throwing up that embarrassed her. "Come on, Angel, let's get you in bed..." he said, standing and offering her his hand.

Jhu more or less blindly grabbed his hand and let him pull her back to a standing position. "Yeah... let's do that."

Nathan grinned at her and gently lifted her off her ground. He carried her back into the bed room and laid her on her side of of the bed. Then he went about turning off the hot tub and lights in the bathroom. Once done he crawled up the bed and curled himself around Jhu, pulling the blanket up over them. "Better?"

"Much better, thank you." Jhu curled up under the blanket, pulling it a little closer.

"Good night Jhu, I love you."

"Good night. I love you too."

[ON]

Commander M'rayr Eisovo was a creature who preferred solitude to companionship, particularly in large social environments. Given the opportunity to read quietly in his quarters or join the rest of the senior staff for a card game, he'd opt for the former. Nevertheless, he felt that, as the second-most senior officer on board the USS Katana, that it was 'good' for him to make an appearance. There was enough potential drama in that a video recording of his meeting with Admiral Jethro Hayes on board – although how broadly it had been distributed was still an unknown factor.

For all M’rayr knew, Jhu could have kept the video close to her chest. But there was a very real possibility that she’d chosen instead to disseminate it, at least to the other senior officers. So being out amongst the crew, in public, had become even more important.

The Caitian found a table in the corner where he could watch everybody else come into the room, observe social conversations from a distance, and generally be considered as ‘out of the way’. He took it, and soon realized a familiar odor. That Klingon had sat here, too. Back when K’a’mirh’un Tegan had been first officer to the Katana, this was his place to spend his time. But the location was undeniably suited to him, so M’rayr endured. Eventually, he’d have maintenance sweep the area with various field bands in order to lift the smell out of the furniture. But for now, he opted to enjoy his bowl of fruit.

Bridget had ordered her food from the replicator and was halfway to her usual table before she noticed the new Caitian XO was sitting in her seat at the table she usually shared with Cameron. She hesitated trying to decide if she wanted to try and find a new table that let her observe people or if she just wanted to force her presence on the new XO. She decided that she liked her routine the way it was, table and all, and continued to her table. Setting down her tray she greeted the new XO. "Good morning, Commander," she said as she sat down. "I'm Lieutenant Bridget O'Connor. Mind if I join you?"

M'rayr looked up and took measure of the human woman standing in front of him, and gestured towards one of the empty seats. "Please," he added simply.

Bridget raised an eyebrow as she sat down. This new XO certainly was not effusive. Either way, Bridget wasn't going to let him mess up her routine. She took a grateful sip of her coffee hoping Commander Eisovo wouldn't want to talk until she had at least a few sips. But she kept a wary eye on him as she continued to drink her coffee.

M'rayr caught the aroma of coffee and sniffed. It was certainly potent, even vulgar to his senses, and was part of the reason he didn't drink coffee, or even the Klingon equivalent, Raktajino. But since most of the senior officers of any starship he served on did, he'd acquired at least a tolerance of the beverage. Turning his attention away from the mess hall and onto O'Connor, the Caitian studied her out of the corner of his eye.

"There is a calisthenics program available on holodeck one, should you desire an alternative to caffeine," he suggested after Bridget finished her last sip. "I assure you that the general effect is markedly superior, and longer lasting."

Bridget's eyebrows raised even higher. Was he serious? Why on earth would he suggest waking up even earlier to exercise when she could just have a perfectly good cup of coffee. "Unfortunately, commander, I am in no way, shape, or form a morning person and that would require me to be more of a morning person. My two cups of coffee are enough until I am able to get my martial arts holodeck program in the afternoon." He was lucky he had waited until she finished her coffee or her response might have bordered on insubordinate.

The Caitian made a sound that loosely approximated a chortle. At least she was honest, if not direct. He nodded, appearing willing to let the matter go at hand. "I defer to your judgment."

Bridget looked sideways at the commander and nodded. This guy seemed like he had a stick up his ass. She wasn't entirely sure what she thought about him.

Maica had pulled up several holo images of the place she was hoping she would enjoy going to. A mountaintop villa with a whole valley full of untouched nature. It was still going to be the holodeck, but at least they wouldn't see the ship for 3 days.

Andy wasn't paying much attention to what Maica was doing. Since she'd been released from Sickbay, she got tired easily so she had been spending a lot of time on the couch resting. She was there now, kicked back with a notebook of sheet music in her lap, humming something and making notations in the margins of a piece she had written recently.

Maica was ok with that. She'd plan everything out as loosely as possible and just make sure they could relax and make love wherever and whenever they felt like it. She did need a little input though. "Did you want to do some archery while on vacation? I'm not sure I could do it myself, but maybe a crossbow for me rather than a bow?"

"I'll bring my bow in case I feel like shooting a set," Andy said as she scribbled in her notebook. Then she looked over at Maica. "But you don't have to try it if you don't want to. I know it's not for everyone, it's not like we have to like all the same stuff. Oh, and crossbows are dumb," she said bluntly.

"I was thinking more how my boobs would get in the way of archery." Maica said, making a few notes. "Why are crossbows dumb?"

Andy laughed. Of course, why didn't she think of that! "Crossbows just ain't practical," Andy replied as she furiously erased something on the page she was working on. "It takes too much strength and time to reload. That ain't a problem for someone like you and me when it comes to strength, but it still takes a lot of time. And what do you get for it? Greater range and more power, but you can still get both with the right bow. Not just that, with a good bow, if I don't want a shot to be so powerful, I just don't draw back all the way. Can't do that with a crossbow. Or compound bow for that matter."

"That makes sense. What about a shortbow then? one of those little ones I sometimes see in movies?" Maica asked curiously. "Do you think the draw might be short enough I won't get caught in it?"

Andy snickered. "If you really wanna try something, I'll make a bow for you," Andy said, then looked over at Maica. "Why the sudden interest in archery? You don't have to like it just 'cause I like it."

"Not at all. You like it so I'd like to try it at least once. Besides, I'm sure you've tried things I enjoy but don't enjoy yourself." Maica explained.

"Not really," Andy said with a shrug. "Well, you did get me all dressed up and I guess it wasn't absolutely terrible..." She laughed and looked over at Maica. "I guess you're right. I'll find something you might be able to draw."

"Thank you." Maica said, making a few more notes. "Anything in particular you'd like to eat while out there? I'd like to try some of that lobster and crab stuff."

"Whatever you want, you know I'll eat just about anything," Andy said. "Ooh, we should go camping! At least one night, and we don't have to change setting, we can do it on whatever program you've picked for us."

Maica giggled a bit at the suggestion. "I've already planned for it. the first night will be in a clearing. The second night will be at the villa."

"Nice..." Andy scribbled in her notebook a bit longer before tossing it aside with a huff. "Sometimes I hate writing music..."

"And yet you keep at it. Hobbies are like that I suppose." Maica said, looking up from her own notes. "Stuck on something?"

"It's just that one song, I'm trying lyrics and it just ain't working..." Andy said with a frustrated sigh.

"Normally lyrics are written first, then put to music. Are they balanced or unbalanced lyrics?" Maica asked, knowing a little about the subject.

"I have no fucking clue what that means," Andy said bluntly.

"Oh my... " Maica set her PaDD aside and started to explain. "Balanced music, you have an even number of tonal inflections per line and the rhyming at least flows well syllabically using similar or dissimilar rhyme schemes. Unbalanced, you have an uneven number of tonal inflections in the last line of the verse, which leaves the listener questioning or wanting, expecting something more. You also want to use opposing non rhymes in that last line. like orange and catalyst. Different number of tonal inflections and they sound nothing alike."

"Yeah, most of that just went right over my head," Andy replied, though she was pretty sure her lyrics were balanced. "It's supposed to rhyme and stuff..."

"Even number of lines per verse? Even number of tonal inflections per line? What kind of song is it, anyway? What's it about?" Maica pressed for more details.

Andy picked up her notebook and held it out for Maica to take. "It's that song we did at the party," she said. The pages were scribbled with musical notations to indicate what part of the song corresponded with the different parts of the lyrics. the chorus she seemed to have figured out, but the different variations of that first verse just weren't working for her.

Maica looked over it carefully, recomposing a few things in her mind. She bet she knew the problem right off. Andy was mixing thoughts across verses. "Rework each verse to have its own clear and concise goal. The whole song may be about one thing but split it into aspects or time frames. That'll keep it fresh and should work a lot better for you." Handing the notebook back, Maica smiled warmly hoping that helped.

"It's this first line, though," Andy grumbled as she took the notebook back. "I just can't get an opening I like..."

"Try rewriting the first chorus line or extending it. It may sound cheesy, but a lot of artists do that." Maica said.

Andy just grumbled incoherently as she continued scribbling in her notebook. After a while, she looked over at Maica. "So, how many days are we going to have to ourselves in the holodeck?"

"Three days and two nights." Maica had already gotten the holodeck time approved and though another night would have been nice, others needed the holodeck too.

"Cool," Andy replied. "And I get an extra day after that before I gotta go back on duty, right?" she asked to confirm.

Maica held up a finger to punctuate the point she was about to make. "Pending physician's approval. They might not let you off sick leave for several more days yet."

Andy grumbled again. She was ready for this whole ordeal to be over with!

"Grumble all you like. Recovery from nearly dying takes time and you know that." Maica spoke softly, still worried about Andy. She wouldn't let anything happen to her and she knew Andy would be ok past this point, but she couldn't help but worry.

"Don't worry, I've done it all before, I'm fine," Andy said nonchalantly.

"I'll agree you're doing really well, but I don't want you to stress yourself going back to work too soon." Maica said. "I may worry a lot, but I'd rather you get an extra day or two than something happen."

"I won't overdo it," Andy promised. "I just can't stand all this laying around... And I know Will's looking after Ops for me, but I'm sure he's got things he'd rather be doing... I just feel useless if I ain't working."

"Rest and recovery is a form of work too, in a way." Maica said. "That and you can work on your music."

"Somehow, I don't think I'll be working on my music for very long once we're in the holodeck," Andy said with a crooked grin.

"I think you might be right. There are plenty of other things to work on." Maica had a knowing grin on her face. "The campsite has a rather large sleeping pad just for that sort of work."

Andy chuckled. "You know me so well." She tossed her notebook aside again, done with writing for today. She turned onto her side on the couch and gazed at Maica. "Hey... the other day in Sickbay, after you guys rescued me... I kinda said a lot of stuff..." she started uneasily, then trailed off, unsure how to continue.

"You said some things... And I flashed you." Maica said softly. "Something you said bothers you, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, that was awesome..." Andy said with a wide grin. "But, I wouldn't say anything I said bothers me, I don't like that I made you cry. I just... if things had taken a turn for the worst, I didn't want you to be blindsided."

"I thought so." Maica said. She sat there for a few seconds in silence, thinking about the past week. "It wasn't flickering when I put it in my pocket. If I had put it back in then, or been more careful with it..."

"It's alright, Maica, don't beat yourself up over it," Andy said. "Those nodes are delicate, it don't take much to destabilize them, and I certainly don't hold you at fault. Anyway, it all turned out alright."

"Barely..." Maica sighed and smiled for Andy her warmest smile. "But you're right. In the end everything was ok enough, if a bit more difficult than we could have hoped."

"I also said something kinda stupid, something I wasn't really ready to say... But just 'cause I wasn't ready to say it don't mean I don't really feel that way..." Andy said awkwardly.

"Oh?" Maica was lost on what Andy was referring to, though she had an idea of what it was. She still wanted to hear it again though. "What was it you said?"

"I don't know, something about letting you drive me crazy for the rest of my life," Andy said distractedly. She was also having trouble making eye contact with Maica. "It's how I feel, I just wasn't ready to say it, but... since it's out there and stuff, I was thinking... You know what, forget about it...." she grumbled, quickly losing her nerve and rolling over on the couch.

Maica wasn't about to forget about it. Getting up, she headed to the bedroom for a few seconds, getting something out of her bottom drawer. Coming back, she kneeled next to Andy on the couch and held out a small black box. Inside, if Andy opened it, there would be a pair of rings Maica had replicated some time ago. Maica didn't say anything though. She just offered Andy the box.

"What's this?" Andy asked when Maica handed her the box. She sat up and opened the box to see the two ring. Andy sighed and closed the box and handed it back to Maica. Without a word, she laid back down. Dammit... She had been trying to work up the nerve, why did Maica have to go and do something like that?

Maica stood back up and headed back to the bedroom to put the box away. When she got back, she sat back down and picked up her PaDD. "I keep them in my bottom drawer on the left. I'm not going to tell you what to do or how to do it, but if you ever need them, they're there."

"I can't wear rings," Andy reminded Maica. She let the uncomfortable silence stretch on for a while before finally speaking again. "But hypothetically, if I coulda worked up the nerve to ask... I wanted to have your name engraved on my exoskeleton... instead of a ring. You know, hypothetically, of course."

"Hypothetically, if you had asked, I would have said yes. Then given you my nipple rings from when I was a sex slave." Maica said casually. "Hypothetically, of course."

Andy sat up and turned to look at Maica so quickly she ended up falling off the couch. "Fuck!" she blurted out, then stood, acting as if nothing was wrong and she hadn't just made an ass of herself. "You're just saying that to mess with me, those were replicated!" And they looked way too big to be nipple rings!

Maica looked up calmly, not mentioning Andy's fall. "Replicated yes. I lost the original ones when I escaped. The wires are on the bottom, I didn't replicate the chains, and I had the piercings closed."

"Why would you keep something like that?!" Like Andy had any room to talk, she had her old commbadge that had been fused to her exoplating when she was assimilated. She had taken the chunk of metal and made it into a picture frame that held a picture of her and Captain Mitch Hansen from the Lexington.

"Hypothetically? Sentimentalism. It may be a part of my life that's behind me now but it's a reminder of what once was." Maica explained.

"And for what purpose would I need your nipple rings?!" Andy retorted. "'If you ever need them'" she quoted, "why would I need them?!"

Maica shrugged at the question. "You never know. Miniature game of ring toss maybe?"

"Fuck, you're fucking infuriating sometimes, you know that!" Andy belted out. "I'm trying to work up the nerve to fucking propose to you and you wanna give me nipple rings for ring toss! Some days you can really drive me up a wall," she said, then strode over to Maica, grabbing her and kissing her.

Maica didn't have time to get out a reply as Andy kissed her. She just responded in kind, kissing back with equal passion. When they broke apart though, Maica did have something to say. "Sorry."

"Marry me," Andy said against Maica's lips.

"I will." Maica said back with a big smile.

"Good, because now I feel like a total ass for yelling at you..." Andy said, resting her forehead against Maica's forehead.

"So do I in a way. I shouldn't have shown you my rings." Maica said, moving Andy's hands to her butt.

"But seriously, though, I can't wear rings, so don't expect me to wear one," Andy said, her hands roaming over Maica's back, pulling her closer.

Maica pressed tighter to Andy. "I wouldn't ask you too. Too easy for them to get caught on things."

Andy kissed her again, gently this time. "Are you done with work? Because I wanna do things to you..."

Maica grinned at Andy. "I'm all yours."

"And don't you forget it," Andy in a serious tone, slowly unzipping Maica's duty jacket, checking her cleavage to make sure Maica wasn't keeping that damned tribble in there anymore.

"Casper's in my desk munching on some grain." Maica said, giggling as she started slowly undressing Andy as well.

"Has he been in there today?" Andy asked almost jealously.

"It's been at least a week." Maica replied.

"Good, because no one should get more time with your girls than me," Andy said firmly, guiding Maica towards the bedroom.

Will was curious as to the request he had received from Andy to make a visit to her and Maica's quarters. He had been working hard of late, running the Operations Department and covering for Andy whilst she recovered from her recent ordeal and had been meaning to catchup with his friend to see how she was doing.

As he walked, he remembered the grilling he'd given himself during the last time he was off duty with Valerie, but she had pointed out to him that he was doing the best thing by working to keepthe department going and allowing his friend to rest and recover from her ordeal. It also meant he looked forward to seeing her more.

Will arrived at their quarters and pressed the door chime, secretly hoping they were both there so he could spend some time seeing how Andy was and getting to know Maica a bit better.

Maica was at her desk as usual, her glasses on her face and working on heavens knew what. "Come in," she called, looking up as Will entered.

Will walked in and noticed the Orion Woman sat behind the desk as he looked around for the familiar face of Andy. "Ah...er... Hi, you must be Lt. Maica? I'm Lt. Will Morgan, Andy's friend and assistant department head, I was asked to drop by?" Will enquired as he entered.

"Ah, you're the man she talks about." Maica stood and moved around her desk, offering Will a handshake. "You were there at her rescue too, but we didn't get to properly introduce ourselves, did we? Since you're here, I assume you're here for the request to remove the alcove."

Will felt honoured that Andy had spoken about him and he was glad of the chance to meet Maica properly...but the request confused him. "I wasn't sure what was needed to... Wait, did you say remove the alcove? Why doesn't Andy need it anymore?" Will asked. Since serving on the Lexington, he had known Andy to have the alcove since her experience and time with the borg. He worried something was wrong suddenly.

Andy had just been released from Sickbay and was napping on the couch when she heard Maica talking with someone. The voice sounded familiar. "Maica, who ya talkin' to?" Andy asked groggily as she stretched where she lay on the couch.

"Will is here to remove your alcove." Maica called out to Andy before turning back to Will. "Her cortical node broke in the rescue and thanks to our doctors, she doesn't need it or her alcove to survive."

Will smiled as he heard Andy's voice in the background and was glad she was home and recovering. "Hey Andy! Don't get up," he called out. Once Maica explained the situation regarding Andy, he nodded in understanding. "Wow, I see...well thats great that she wont need the alcove again. I can go get a tool kit," he offered.

"You can use my tools," Andy offered. She stood and stretched again, then strode into Maica's office to see Will. She gave him a big hug, an unusual action for Andy, right up there with letting someone else use her tools. But this was Will and he had always been the exception to her rules. "Yeah, they don't know what exactly broke my node, but it didn't really matter. Once it was broke, I only had so many choices left and... well, I put it off for long enough, and now I'm finally free of it. It's taking some getting used to."

Will gladly accepted her hug and hugged her gently back. That was something he had missed and Will made a mental note to stop by a bit more often and pay his best friend a visit. The fact that she told him to use her tools meant he didn't have to leave. "Thanks, that will make things a lot wasier," he said.

Maica was stunned. Letting him use her own personal tools? hugging someone willingly in front of others? "Andy, are you feeling ok? You don't even let me touch your tools..."

"Yeah, I'm fine," Andy said as if she had no idea what Maica was talking about. "Will can play with my tools because he's Will."

"Ok..." Maica was at a loss for words but decided to accept Andy's reasoning. "Do you need any help with the alcove? May I offer you a drink?"

Will smiled as he watched Maica's face whilst Andy explained that he was the exception to most of her rules and wondered if he needed to explain why or whether he should let Andy explain. However Maica's offer of help was appreciated. "Your help will be very useful please, my dear Maica...and I'll have a nice cold English Ginger Beer please. Now, wheres this Alcove?" He enquired, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

"Bedroom," Andy said, reaching into a drawer in Maica's desk for her toolkit, then handed it to Will. "You'll have to forgive me if I don't help, I'm still fucking wiped. But I reserve the right to bitch and complain the entire time you work."

Will gladly took the toolkit from Andy and smiled sympathetically at her as she led the way to their bedroom. Once inside, he took a look over the alcove before pulling out a tricorder and running a quick over the unit to make sure it was powered down completely. He pulled out a tool from the toolkit before going up to the first power connection on the alcove to begin work. "By all means boss, bitch away, I expect nothing less," Will mocked.

Maica didn't have any beers handy so she had to replicate some. After she did so, she joined the 2 in the bedroom and set the large mug on the dresser. "There's your drink. Sorry it's replicated. I'm not too good of an engineer, but just tell me what to do and I'll do my best."

Will looked over and too a sip of beer before putting it down. "Thats no a problem, Maica. If you can use the tricorder to make sure that the residual power bleed doesn't get above point nought two, that wil be brilliant," Will explained as he began working on removing the first power cord from the wall panel and the alcove itself. He was also glad of the company whilst he worked.

"Thanks for the drink, Maica. I understand your quite the expert in making drinks," Will said as he continued working. "Tell me a bit about yourself...you must be pretty amazing to catch the eye of my friend here," he continued whilst working.

"I just have a lot of rare alcohols gifted to me is all. As for me, I'm nothing special. Just a sex android turned diplomat. Same old story, I'm sure." Maica was looking at the tricorder but had no idea what she was looking at other than a number that might be what Will was referring to.

Will understood where Maica was coming from as he disconnected the second power cord from the wall and the alcove. Then he stopped for a moment when something occurred to him. "Sex Android? Wow and now your a diplomat, thats awesome." Will stopped for a second and put his tools down and went over to Maica, who looked a bit lost with the tricorder.

Will pointed to the display in the middle of the tricorder. "Sorry I should've explained it better. If this number goes above 0.02, let me know. Its that simple. The tricorder will also beep like crazy if that happens," he explained to her.

Andy flopped not he bed to watch them working on the alcove. "Don't fuck up..." she jabbed teasingly. "Don't touch that, that doesn't go there, oh my god we're all going to die!" she rambled on even though neither Will nor Maica were doing anything that could get them killed. She wouldn't be Andy if she wasn't messing with them.

Maica looked at Andy a bit horrified. "This isn't that dangerous, is it?"

"No," Andy said with a snicker.

"Of course, she keeps going on like that, I may just have to go and get a phaser and fire the damn thing into the main power core of the alcove," he mockingly warned as he worked to detatch the main power converter. Once he did that, he then worked to remove the other two power cords and dismantled them afterwards. "Trust me, my dear Maica, your in very good hands whilst I'm doing this," Will assured them.

Maica nodded as she watched the tricorder. "Andy trusts you so I will too. I just don't know much about Borg technology, is all. Diplomatic relations sure. Anything else is beyond me."

"Thank you... Besides I'm the next best expert after Andy," Will answered as he began to detach the final power nodes from the couplings on the internal workings of the alcove, leaving it powerless and inert. Will stood up and place his tools down for a moment. "Andy, once I've gotten this removed from the wall panels...what do you want done with this?" He asked her.

"I... don't know," Andy said, somewhat bemused. She knew she didn't need her alcove anymore, but she'd never given any thought to what to do with it now that it was being disassembled. This alcove had been part of her for so long... "I guess... just store it for now, I think I need a little time to think about this."

"No problem. We can store it safely in Cargo Bay Two until you decide what you want to do," Will advised her. He picked up another tool and began dismounting the alcove from the wall, fitting by fitting until he has the alcove completely free and independent of the wall. Will steps back and checks the tricorder, happy that its been a painless procedure before looking to Maica and Andy.

"Thats it, she's all disconnected," he confirmed to them. "I can have it beamed out of here and into Cargo Bay Two right now if you like? If you want I can go and do it personally so that no one else needs to know," Will offered, knowing this was a personal moment for Andy.

"Thanks Will," Andy said appreciatively. She looked at the alcove, now powerless. "I don't know how to feel about all this. That alcove has been with me for a long time... Now I don't need it anymore. It feels kinda surreal."

I felt the same way standing next to my old body. It was a part of me for so long..." Maica said a bit morosely as she studied Andy's facial expression. "Makes it kind of sentimental, doesn't it? How about keeping the small control panel?"

Andy nodded. If anyone could understand, it was Maica. But her idea to keep a pice of the alcove wasn't a bad one! "I'll come salvage something off it later."

Will smiled. Although he had recently met Valerie, he could see Andy had met someone good and was she was happy with Maica, meaning Andy had a fighting chance at recovering. "Well, I'm all done here. I'll head to Transporter Room Two to get the beam out done and then your free to visit the Cargo Bay to pickup any momento's," Will explained as he packed away the tools he'd used from Andy's toolkit.

Will walked over to Andy once he replaced the toolkit and gave her a quick hug. "I'm glad your back safe, I was worried whilst you were abducted," he admitted, feeling bad he hadn't visited before. "I'm just sorry that I haven't been able to visit until now, what with the repairs onboard and seeing Valerie recently as well... Its been busy." He couldn't help but fail to hide a grin, thinking of Val.

"It's alright, Will, I knew you probably had your reasons for not visiting," Andy said with a grin. "I've heard rumors you've been seeing someone... She's one of the medical officers, right?"

Will nodded, unable to hide his grin any longer. It occurred to him it must've been becoming more obvious to other members of the crew. "Yup, shes amazing. Her name is Valerie Circe, shes a nurse on board...we met one day sharing lunch and we... we just clicked Andy," Will explained. Even now he couldn't help the beam of happiness that glowed within him. "I never thought I could be happy like this again."

"If anyone deserves to be happy, it's you," Andy said earnestly. "But if she hurts you in any way, I'mma come put a world of hurt on her!"

"Oh I don't doubt that!" Will said, well aware of how capable she was in a fight, but it reminded him of how much she cared. "Anyway, we're doing ok so far...and you need all the rest you can get after the last fight hun," Will advised her. He picked up his drink and took a final sip before placing it down. "Right, I'll be off to the Transporter Room to move this alcove and then, if your a good girl, I'll bring Val around at somepoint for your approval," he explained before giving Andy a hug and looking over at Maica with a smile.

"Its been a pleasure to meet you Maica, Andy is very lucky to have you...and I'm happy you've made her such a happy girl again, it means a lot to me. I think of her like shes family," Will said.

"Then that means you'll be my brother in law soon." Maica said mysteriously as she pulled Will into a tender embrace. "It's been an honor and a privilege meeting you as well Will. We need to go on a double date sometime soon, if you and Val are up for it. No orgy - just a normal dining experience."

Andy chuckled at Maica's little orgy joke, but she wasn't sure if she was ready for word to get out that she and Maica were planning for marriage. She didn't mind Will knowing and she knew he wouldn't go yapping about their business, but still... the information was out there now!

Will stepped back a little when Maica mentioned him becoming her brother in law soon and smiled. However the idea of a double date appealed to him. He was well aware of how adventurous Andy was in her sexual exploits and was glad he'd never yet become one of them. "I'd love to bring Val along for a double date, thats a great idea," he said before stopping in his tracks.

"Hang on...are you two planning on getting married? Thats brilliant!" Will exclaimed before going back to hug them both. "Congratulations...You can count on me to keep quiet about it though, no one will hear it from me," he assured them both.

"Thanks Will," Andy said with a sheepish expression. She knew Maica was the kind of person to shout it from the rooftops, but Andy did things her own way and in her own time and she was so glad that Maica was being understanding about that. "But lets definitely get together for that double date so I can tell Val all sorts of embarrassing stories about you."

"I'll start preparing a plan for a 6 course meal." Maica said excitedly. "Nothing too fancy, just a nice stately dinner fit for a dignitary."

Will raised his eyebrows in surprise as Maica mentioned the dignitary and felt honoured, whilst he expected Andy to embarass him when she got the chance. By the time dinner would be done, Val would have so much ammunition on him. "Ok, that sounds wonderful, I've never been treated as a dignitary before...and I'll make a note to warn Val that whilst there are no expected orgies, she should bring a notebook for all of the stories you have ready," he said chuckling before heading for the door.

Will looked back at Andy before he left the room. "Now you make sure you rest young lady... I have enough work to keep me occupied whilst you recover, so make sure you rest good and proper...thats an order!" he said, mocking some seriousness to her.

Andy snickered and gave him a mock salute as he left. Well, that had been perfectly awkward, but at least it was done and over with!

Andy yawned as she wandered down the corridors towards the Executive Officer's office. Apparently, while she was laid up in Sickbay, Cam had been transferred off Katana and replaced with a new guy who now wanted to talk to her. Assholes! Cam didn't even bother to say goodbye, and what the hell was this new guy thinking calling her in to his office now, she was on leave! Well, he would have to be happy with her showing up in casual clothes, she wasn't putting her uniform on now. She made it to his office and hit the chime with another heavy yawn.

"Come in,"

It had been a meeting that M'rayr had been anticipating and dreading. The infamous Senior Chief Petty Officer Andrea Carter, Chief of Operations, an ex-borg, and very nearly the woman who might have started a war between the United Federation of Planets and the Undine. As the doors hissed open, M'rayr deactivated the monitor on his desk which, up until then, displayed her service jacket in full detail.

Admiral Jethro Hayes had warned M'rayr about three individuals aboard the Katana: Captain Kristopher Kerouac, Commander Jhu t'Dharvanek, and Senior Chief Petty Officer Andrea Carter. Hayes told M'rayr that each were serious problems for the ship.

Kristopher Kerouac, at least in M'rayr's opinion, was an unorthodox leader who by Counselor Grae's own admission could be identified as an unfit leader to an outside observer. But the crew seemed willing to follow him, and that meant something to M'rayr.

Jhu t'Dharvanek's past was her crux. But beyond her previous affiliations with Section 31, she seemed competent, even managing to advert a major crisis after Kerouac had been incapacitated by a deadly assassin. Still, M'rayr had serious concerns over some of the more recent 'unfortunate circumstances' following her.

Truly, Andrea Carter was the only person who truly concerned him. She was reckless during the Pedina/Undine incident, and created a major subspace anomaly on her own accord and without first consulting her chain of command at a time when even the slightest mistake could have been misconstrued as provocation. Then, she was kidnapped by subspace aliens, returned in a physically and emotionally unstable condition.

Andrea Carter…

If there was ever someone who concerned him, it was her. And yet her ‘mate’, Maica, seemed particularly normal and professional.

The doors closed behind Carter, sealing her in with the giant cat. M’rayr eyed her, taking visible note of her civilian attire, her disheveled appearance, and then gestured with a hand towards a chair that had had several visitors lately. “Chief Carter. Have a seat.” M’rayr leaned forward and interlaced his fingers, continuing with an impassive tone accompanied with a telltale growl – one he couldn’t change if he wanted without having to rely on a universal communicator. “How is your recovery progressing?”

"I ain't at risk for dying anymore," Andy said as she took a seat. "It's rough going... I still have bad days, but I should be cleared to get back to my duties once I'm back from my vacation with Maica."

M'rayr nodded. A part of him still wondered how it was possible for those subspace dwellers to kidnap her right in the middle of the brig, with force fields on all sides. For a member of Starfleet to be placed in confinement, presumably safe, and to be stolen away and physically tortured was almost unforgivable. "Your medical file does indicate a relatively full recovery," his stature turned a shade more serious as he pulled out a PaDD, sliding it across the table. "Please read this."

Andy reached out and took the PaDD. Transfer orders?! She didn't even finish reading the full order, as soon as she saw that this was a transfer, she tossed the PaDD back onto the table. She didn't care that the order was unsigned or where this transfer would take her, she wasn't leaving Katana. "With all due respect, I'd rather eat my rank than leave Katana," she said bluntly.

"You presume that you have an option between one or the other," M'rayr added neutrally.

"I'm not leaving," Andy said with certainty. "Now what is it you really want to talk about?"

The Caitian took an inaudible breath, examining the ex-borg woman closely. He tilted his head to one side. Pushing idle threats wouldn't be necessary now that he at least had her attention. "I was sent to this ship because Starfleet Command believes there to be a significant failing amongst the senior staff. For a single vessel to experience even a small portion of what the Katana has been through..." he let his words trail. "A certain admiral feels that Captain Kerouac is the issue. I believe differently. Out of the entire senior staff, you are the most volatile; the most insubordinate." He waved a wrist over the table. "As far as I am concerned, your presence endangers this crew. Give me one reason why I should believe different?"

Andy rolled her eyes. Idiot... "I don't know if you noticed, but as far as Senior Staff goes, I'm at the bottom of the totem pole," she said bluntly. "I'm a Non-com, I take orders, I fix the ship and keep it in optimum running conditions, I train the other non-coms. I do my job and I am damned good at it. You wanna talk about explosive, I have yet to take part in a staff meeting, and I have heard about some of the shit that has gone down in the staff meetings. There were problems on this ship long before I promoted to Department Head." She fixed him with a hard glare. "Now sure, I fucked up during the incident with the Pedians, and though Commander t'Dharvanek excused the rest of my time in the brig for extenuating circumstances, I'm willing to do that time. Now, if you wanna look at the rest of my behavior and try to use that as some sort of sign that I'm a bad officer, then you're gonna have take a long hard look at everyone on this ship because this crew is fucking nuts, I ain't special in that regard. Instead of looking at all the bad shit that's gone down, maybe you should look at the good we've done, how we've overcome everything that's been thrown at us." She crossed her arms over her chest with a surly scowl, practically daring him challenge her assertions.

M'rayr listened with a passive sort of neutrality written over his expression, although about half way through he began looking bored. Once Andy has concluded, M'rayr realized that she'd left a number of items available for him to pick at if he so desired; most of the crew were 'nuts', being chief amongst those items. In the end, he hadn't heard one thing come out of her mouth that was an objective answer to his question. True, the Katana had accomplished a fair number of feats in its short tenure, but there was nothing about that which struck him as particular in credit to Carter's performance.

"I am evaluating all aspects of the Katana at this point, Chief. Both the good..." his eyes locked upon hers. "And the bad. But none of what you've told me suggests that I shouldn't sign these orders." M'rayr thumbed at the console, bringing her service jacket into view. "What is confusing is that you possess the aptitude to be a strong non-commissioned officer, over a decade of service experience in which you were decorated on numerous occasions for dedication and valor." M'rayr glanced up to her out of the corner of his good eye. "Few people could have recovered from the trauma you experienced. And yet, throughout your file, there are just as many remarks indicating that you are a problem. I will admit, your actions with the Pedians and the Undine likely set a new standard, however."

"Sure, go ahead, sign those orders," Andy said. "but I can tell you that if you do, you'll regret it. Captain wouldn't have promoted me if he didn't want to keep me around and there would be 3 very pissed off department heads willing to revolt if you sent me away. As for my behavior, well... it has nothing to do with my 'trauma', I was like this before the Battle of Sector 001. I just have a low tolerance for idiocy and bullshit, and when I see it, I get an attitude about it."

M'rayr had to admit, the idea of tossing his desk aside, grabbing Carter by the throat and pinning her against the wall while he choked the life out of her was desirable. The woman was beyond insubordinate, and, as far as he was concerned, was throwing every opportunity he'd given her to explain her actions. Watching her with an apathetic gaze for several seconds after her latest retort, the Caitian snorted. He pressed his paw against the screen on the PaDD, and then deactivated before the results of his touch could be revealed. "Do not believe yourself to be invulnerable on this ship, Ms. Carter. Certain members of the Katana is under a great deal of scrutiny given its role in recent affairs." He looked up to the ex-Borg. "Do you believe they would send me here if I didn't have certain... capabilities?" He asked.

"If you think for a second that I feel invulnerable, then you're wrong," Andy replied. "Since I've been on this ship, we've been attacked by the Jem'Hadar, my best friend was kidnapped and replaced with a Section 31 idiot to get at another member of the crew, and I was abducted by the Solanogen life forms for who the hell knows what, a vital piece of my Borg functions was broken and I just spent a week being genetically modified to function without that vital piece, so I'm feeling pretty fucking vulnerable right now." She gave him another hard stare. "What we have on this ship is trust. I trust the people working under me, I trust the people working along side me, I trust my Commanding Officer, and I know they all trust me. I don't care what special capabilities you have, if you fight that kind of trust then you're in for a world of hurt. And I'm not just talking about messing with me, we're a united front, you mess with one of us then you get all of us."

M'rayr rolled his head over the right side of his shoulder. "As I continue to hear," he began nonchalantly, as if what she'd said made no amount of difference to him. The facts didn't seem to match up with what she was saying, at least not according to his observations. He felt no better about the ex-borg than he had fifteen minutes ago. But she almost had a small but valid point. If his 'recommendations' were to stop at Captain Kerouac, he'd have a difficult time indeed rooting out the bad seeds of the Katana. Gratefully, his word went much higher. "You're dismissed, Senior Chief."

Andy didn't waste a second, she stood and stormed out. What an ass! But she had no intentions of going anywhere, no matter what this ball of fur said!

They would send my cold blooded Cardassian ass to this...ice cold hell thought the freshly promoted Commodore. Krull Larkon had a infamous service record, the colors changing as much as whom he was of service to. Starting out in service to the Cardassian Union as an operative in the Obsidian Order, defector leading up to the Dominion War. Turning his citizenship and duty over to stopping some of his very own blood relatives from his extended family at the result of the execution of those in his immediate family. The man was rarely trusted when he first defected, and some continued to hold utter distrust for him, even when his intel on the Cardassian Union helped land a few good blows during the war. He was for a long time considered a 'guest' of the Federation and of Starfleet, which meant being treated as though he were a prisoner under house arrest, constantly watched and monitored. Though his citizenship was eventually granted by the United Federation of Planets, and Krull went on to join Starfleet. From there his uniforms have been that of security/tactical, black for the Intelligence department, and even red for command. It was his deep undercover operation for Starfleet Intelligence, his infiltration of a Section 31 cell that had gained him respect and admiration, let alone a dozens of more enemies.

Intelligence had also been held so tightly and fondly close to his heart. It was where he thrived and survived. Over the past few years, he found himself liked by few, hated by most, and trusted by practically nobody. However, admiration had lead to admiralty. It was not something that he was all that pleased with. He had once been the Commanding Officer of the USS Venture, holding the rank of Commander before having his command ripped from beneath him and being demoted to Lieutenant Commander with reassignment to serve in a duel capacity as First Officer and Chief Intelligence Officer aboard the USS Pandora, later going on to be reinstated in rank by Captain Merith to Commander once more, Though he was then assigned to the USS Ticonderoga as First Officer for a brief period of time. After which, Starfleet Command had bigger plans for him with a promotion to Captain and temporary command of Starbase 900 with the 9th fleet's 38th Task Force.

Now? Now, he was fully given said command of Starbase 900 and promoted to Commodore and would be serving as the Task Force Executive Officer for 38. However, his new position had brought him from the Delta quadrant to the Gamma quadrant on express orders. He was to attend this Captain's Ball in honor of the promotion of Kristopher N. Kerouac to the rank of Captain. However, Commodore Larkon's attendance at this ball was not simply to shake hands and put on his friendliest grimace. He was there to personally deliver orders to Captain Kerouac, ordering his starship, the USS Katana to the Delta quadrant where the starship would now be assigned to Task Force 38. Furthermore, Krull was to attend a conference meeting with the Katana's Second Officer, who had been acting CO during a confrontation with Species 8472 and a species known as the Pedians.

As Commodore Larkon approached the long descending spiral stairwell made of ice, dressed in a tuxedo, the announcement of his arrival was made. The sound of a bosun's whistle cut through the chatter and commotion below. “I present Commodore Larkon” announced the barrel chested Bolian. Krull proceeded down the staircase, making sure that he did not make an ass of himself and slip. Commodore breaks neck at Captain's Ball thought Krull with a snicker. He knew his arrival would draw attention for several reasons. One of them was spotted with pointed ears, and Krull knew her eyes would shoot up towards him from the crowd gathered below.

Larkon? At the sound of a familiar name, Jhu immediately looked up toward the entryway to find an equally familiar Cardassian face looking in her direction. His entrance meant one of two things, serious trouble or one hell of a party upgrade. She was banking on trouble; the last time she'd seen him they'd both been involved with a certain intelligence agency with a dark reputation. "Buy Whiskers a drink and be friendly," she whispered in Nathan's ear, getting up to leave the bar and find out just what Krull was doing here.

Krull had caught a glimpse of the spotted bitch form hell and a small smug little smirk began to form on his face. She still looks as stunning and deadly as I remember her as being thought the Commodore as he finally reached the last step and proceeded to the woman. It had been quite some time since Jhu and Krull had seen each other, a few years. She had served under his command when he infiltrated Section 31 and had been given command of the USS Mata Hari. Old times he thought as he approached her.

"You can't keep yourself out of trouble, can you?" said Krull with a small smile. "They had said some crazy woman had been in command of the USS Katana during an encounter with Species 8472. Behold, it must be Jhu" he added as he opted to open his arms up and take her in for a hug.

"Without shooting at them, if you can believe it." Grinning, Jhu accepted his embrace and hugged him warmly. "What are you doing here? I thought you were assigned to the Delta Quadrant mission?"

"Keeping tracks on me, Commander?" he said with a mocking scolding tone of voice. "I have been assigned to the Delta quadrant as Task Force Executive Officer for the 38th Task Force. However, I have some business here given your most recent encounter with the Undine. I was tasked to come here to be briefed by yourself and to give your Commanding Officer his new orders" added Krull.

Jhu groaned. "Not again. I already briefed Admiral Adislo! And... wait. What new orders?"

Krull chuckled "Well, you may have briefed that Bolian, but that only suits the needs of Task Force 9. This matter is of the utmost importance to Task Force 38. Frankly, we've had more experience with Species 8472 in the Delta quadrant than any other quadrant. New orders? Your new orders make me Captain Kerouac's immediate superior officer. The USS Katana is being reassigned to Task Force 38 effective immediately."

"I guess you might have a..." Jhu trailed off, giving him a mildly suspicious look, as if she thought Section 31 might have put him up to this. "Last time we worked together it involved a certain rather nasty organization that I want no further involvement with. If I find out they sent you to spy on me, you're in for a world of hurt, friends or not. I'd tell you to ask the last operative how it feels, but he's dead."

Krull glared at her "Oh cut the shit" he said shaking his head. "You know I haven't sold my soul to those bastards, never have and never will. No offense to you or the others that were working for Section 31, but I did what I had to do. It was deep cover assignment for Starfleet Intelligence, and look what came of it. Section 31 took a good blow, a bunch of operatives were put away for a very long time, and some of you have come back to the good graces of the Federation and Starfleet" said Krull firmly. "I would rather not discuss our history here in the open. Who knows who is listening" said the Commodore.

"Everyone here knows my history. There have been several attempts on my life since I joined this crew, so they know." Reassured that Krull wasn't working for Section 31, Jhu relaxed, but only slightly. "I had to be sure, Krull. They replaced my boyfriend with some sort of clone or doppelganger... but the one thing they can't imitate is someone's personality. And that... that was one hundred percent ornery Cardassian bastard." She smirked at him. "So... Task Force 38, huh? Not sure how everyone will feel about going to the Delta Quadrant. I know some of us have some personal issues regarding Borg and Species 8472."

The Commodore nodded. "Yes, I heard about the recent Section 31 activity aboard this starship and the attempts made on your life" said Krull with a tone of sincere concern and disgust. "I..I am glad that you are alive and well, Jhu. Had I been informed sooner, I would have came immediately. I know that the Delta quadrant may not be the desired place for the crew of the Katana to be. However, I have my orders and your Commanding Officer has his. Your starship will be taking me back to the Delta quadrant where the starship will remain in service of Task Force 38."

"We'll adapt. Though I'm not sure how happy our telepaths will be." Jhu shook her head slightly, with no intention of telling him she had no desire to face Species 8472 and its telepathy again. "I'll talk to Shira and Aznihel, see if they want to join us. Their homes are here, and they're both civilians. They should get a choice."

"Tend to whatever matters you wish. Those matters are between your Commanding Officer and the civilians aboard" said Krull with a firm tone of voice. "All I care about is getting back to the Delta quadrant and bringing the Katana with me" added the commodore. "I understand that there are a few telepathic and empathic members of the crew. Be they facing species 8472 or another strong mental force, the risk is part of Starfleet."

Commodore Larkon had caught a glimpse of another familiar face. What's she doing here? pondered Krull. "Excuse me, Jhu. I have some business to attend to myself" said Krull as he broke away.

"Uh... okay..." Jhu watched him leave, wondering what could have come up quite so abruptly. Shrugging slightly, she returned to where Nathan and M'rayr sat at the bar, picking up her previously abandoned drink.

Within the crowd, a woman of elegance and poise in a simple dress and coat of cream colored linen, with eyes of the clearest blue and chestnut hair, smiled at the Cardassian Commodore as he abandoned his conversation with the Katana's Chief Intelligence Officer. Her smile widened as he made his way closer to her. "Long time no see," Captain Merith said softly to her dear friend and confidante. At one time, Krull had been her First Officer aboard the Luna-class Pandora, but now he had moved on to bigger and better things. "It looks like you've surpassed me, Krull. Or would you prefer Commodore?" she asked teasingly, knowing he hated the pretenses of rank and status. Now he knew how she felt when she had been in the same situation not so very long ago.

"Indeed it has been a while, Merith" replied Krull with a slight bow of his head. "Don't let the rank fool you. I have not grown the least bit softer since you've last served with me. It was the political mess with the Romulans and Cardassians. After you had my rank of Commander reinstated, I was transferred to the USS Ticonderoga for a short time. However, I wanted to get the tell out of there. It was being assigned to Deep Space 10, and you know my feelings on that place" said Krull shaking his head.

With a small grunt, Krull continued. "It seems that matters were getting worse in the Delta quadrant with the Vaadwaur, and Starfleet Command felt that my experience with the Cardassians would be of great benefit against the Vaadwaur. They promoted me to Captain, assigned me to Starbase 900 with Task Force 38 for a shortwhile before naming me Task Force Executive Officer and a field promotion to Commodore. I do not know how I feel about being behind a desk on a Starbase" admitted the Cardassian. "Merith, I've spent my career in Starfleet sticking it to 'the man' and I'm not sure if I'm comfortable or ready being 'the man'" added Krull.

Merith smiled warmly. "I know my time as Executive Officer was short-lived, but it taught me a valuable lesson: Krull, you're in a position to do some real good. I couldn't play the politics, that's not who I am, but you... You can help bring about change and breathe new life in what has become a stagnant organization."

Krull chuckled. "I do not know how much change is going to brought about. Starfleet is in general is fine. However, this 9th Fleet is a whole other beast. I am not sure that even I can do much here to bring about change. Fleet Admiral Tidwell is a uptight pain in the fucking ass, a relic of times long forgotten. The day he gets off his high horse and turns those pips in will be the day hell freezes over. Then there's Rear Admiral Atticus of the 93rd Task Force...he never writes, never calls, and some speculate that he's dead in his chair somewhere" replied Krull with a frustrated bitterness.

Drawing in a breath and rolling his eyes, he continued. "And you know damn well how I feel about Rear Admiral Ryan and the 47th Task Force. You couldn't pay me enough latinum to be in that Task Force."

"I respect Admiral Ryan, but I agree that I and my ship were not fit for his Task Force. I have since moved on, and I have no regrets and I've never looked back," Merith said. "I wanted to thank you for looking into this situation on the Katana. Kris and I, we have our history and I owe it to him to keep the brass from ruining him."

This interested Krull and he did perk up a bit. "Oh? A history with Captain Kerouac? I surely hope that this history does not involve a Turbolift my dear" said the Cardassian with good smirk on his face. "I have personally found myself rather fond of the man from the reports that I've read. He sounds like an asshole, a command deviant. I love me some deviants in the command chair to shake thing up a bit."

"You're never going to let me live that down, are you?" Merith said with a pout. "And if you must know, he left me... I believe the human saying is 'standing at the alter', and at that point we had never let our intimacies venture into public places on the ship. But yes, he is a command deviant and he definitely likes shaking things up, but he's a good man, a good Commanding Officer. He doesn't deserve to lose his ship because of things that were out of his control. I think, given the circumstances, he's done quite well."

Krull showed a small sign of hurt, a sympathetic expression on his face. "I'm sorry. That is not the sort of history I had expected. He does seem quite fit to command. At least he does by my standards which will be most beneficial to him because I am here to take the USS Katana from Task Force 9 and have it assigned with Task Force 38" explained Krull.

Merith nodded with a slight smile. "Good. At least being under your supervision, I know he'll be handled fairly." She looked round the ballroom and saw Kris looking about rather helplessly and talking to his Yeoman. "This Section 31 business, is it done? I don't know if I could bear it if they made another attempt on his life." When she had been alerted to what had happened to Kris, she spent nearly every waking minute by his side in Sickbay. "And what they did to his ship and his crew, it's unconscionable."

"Nothing is unconscionable with Section 31" remarked Commodore Larkon. "I have no ties nor affiliation with Section 31. Starfleet Intelligence has been doing the best that they can to take care of the 31 problems. For the time being, all seems to have quieted down. I do not foresee any further problems with the USS Katana. I can assure you that with the Katana under my jurisdiction, Captain Kerouac and his crew will be as safe as can be."

"Thank you Krull," Merith said gratefully. She knew he probably didn't have any ties with Section 31, but it did help ease her mind to know that he would be looking over Kris and the Katana. "So, think you can humor the whims of your old Commanding Officer and maybe dance?" she asked. They were at a ball...

You would ask me to dance thought the Cardassian with a stern look at Merith, his face pale as ever. "Social events are not usually my sort of setting, nor do I dance. However, one would be foolish to turn down a request" replied Krull as he took her hand and headed out into a more open space for a dance.

Merith looks quite pleased with herself as he led her out to the dance floor. "Well, I'm not overly fond of these sort of things either. Human customs still baffle me sometimes," she said as he put and arm around her and they started to dance. She had, at the very least, learned how to dance.

With that, Krull and Merith went out onto the open dance floor and shared their dance.

Ryan bolted from sleep, scrambling across the bed and to the corner of the bedroom. Backed against the wall he pulled his knees to his chest, breathing far too fast. He was pushing himself further back, but there was nowhere else to go.

Caddy was awoken by the pulling of the sheets and blanket as Ryan shot out of the bed. It was still quite dark in the quarters, and Caddy rolled over to see where Ryan was. However, the doctor was not in bed. "Ryan" Caddy called out to the man, but there was no immediate response. "Computer, lights" commanded the red haired man. The room was soon illuminated and Caddy saw that Ryan was in the corner of the room and breathing heavily.

The red haired man was soon off the bed and crouching down beside the doctor. "Ryan, what's wrong?" asked Caddy as he put a hand on the other man's shoulder. "It's alright" said Caddy reassuringly. "I'm here" he added in a comforting tone.

Ryan jerked at the initial touch from Caddy, but then he managed to semi-focus on the man crouched in front of him. "I'm ok." He panted, but in a moment he had his breath more under control, at least he was no longer hyper-ventilating. He reached for Caddy's hand and squeezed it gently.

"Did you have a bad dream, Ryan?" asked Caddy as he let the man squeeze his hand. "Nightmare or some bad memories from the past?" continued the red haired man. He reached up with his free hand and ran his hand down the doctor's cheek. "You ready to come back to bed?"

"Both." Ryan explained, but didn't elaborate. He smiled at the feel of Caddy's fingers on his cheek. "Let me just get some water."

"No" whispered Caddy softly. "I'll get you some water. You just try to relax and calm yourself down" added Caddy as he stood up and headed for the food and beverage replicator. The ensign proceeded to the replicator and ordered a glass of water of suitable temperature before returning to where Ryan was.

He handed the doctor the glass of water and flashed a warm smile. "Do you want to talk about it?" the ensign asked. "I can try and contact Counselor Grae if you want to talk to someone other than me."

"I do need to make an appointment with her, but that can wait." Ryan drank the water, then tugged Caddy back to the bed. "Cuddle with me while we talk?" Ryan asked.

"Of course" replied Caddy as he climbed back into bed and made himself comfortable after Ryan tugged and asked him to cuddle. It did not take Caddy long to cuddle up against Ryan. "So, what happen?"

"Mmmm" Ryan sighed in contentment, and started petting Caddy's ginger curls. "It's already fading, but Gekli were attacking, and then one turned into my father and tried to drag you away."

"Well..." began Caddy with a smile as he cuddled with the doctor "Your father does look awfully like a Gekli" said Caddy with a small chuckle. "Though he will not be dragging me away from you. I promise you that. I am not going anywhere without you."

"I like the sound of that." Ryan smiled, then turned enough to kiss Caddy. "I love you."

"And I love you" replied Caddy with a gentle kiss. "I've been asked to take over as the Chief Transporter Operator here aboard Katana. I think I am going to take the position. It isn't ideal, but it beats pushing around diplomatic paperwork and sending reports."

Ryan looked thoughtful. "Whatever you want to do, you know I'll support you. It would be a good position career wise I suppose."

Caddy smiled and held Ryan tightly. "This is why I love you. You make me feel safe, cared for, and you support what I do."

Ryan smiled. "And you do the same for me Caddy. I'm sorry I woke you up."

The red haired ensign shook his head. "No" replied the man smoothly. "You do not get to apologize for waking me up when you need me. I want you to do that, Ryan. I always want to be here to help you when you need me. So, please do not apologize for needing me. It isn't very often that I feel very needed nor wanted aboard a starship."

Ryan smiled. "Well I both need and want you Caddy." and his body made that desire clear, but Ryan didn't want to lech himself onto Caddy, so shifted his position a bit. "So does this mean you'll be wearing mustard? It doesn't suit your curls as well as teal." He teased.

"Don't remind me" replied Caddy slightly jokingly. "It will be a return to the dreaded mustard. Though it could be worse, I could be in the Security department, and then you'd have to worry every time I got assigned security detail on an away mission" said the man. "Speaking of which, I've been doing well thus far. I haven't been asked to leave Katana yet."

Ryan squeezed Caddy's hand. "You aren't going to get asked to leave Caddy. You do good work, even if you don't want to admit it."

Caddy smiled in return and squeezed Ryan's hand. "You're the best thing to happen to me, Ryan Rose" said the man. "Computer, lights off" commanded the ensign, and the computer complied making the room the darkest it could be. What ensued next was passionate and best left up to the imagination.

As Shira led Verak through the labyrinthine city suspended amongst the trees, Shira began to get worried about Verak meeting her parents. Would they like him? Would he like them? Would they have a problem that she was seeing an off-worlder romantically. Sure, nothing had happened between them yet, but they both knew that potential was there. She squeezed his hand slightly, seeking the comfort that this simple contact brought.

Verak nervously walked with Shira through what seemed like a labrinth in the trees. He was trying to steady his breathing, and attempt to control his emotions but all the techniques that he had been learning had been failing. "Shira, what are your parents like?" asked Verak trying to prepare himself for what he may be met with.

"They are like parents," Shira replied, not really understanding the question.

Shaking his head Verak resisted the urge to let out a frustrated sigh. "No, that does not answer my question, Shira" replied Verak. He reached out and held onto her for a moment. "I mean what are they like, their personalities. Are they friendly? Will they like me being an outsider?"

"They are kind," Shira answered, thinking the question over. "I do not know if they will like that you are outsider. My people have been accepting of Katana's people, but this is different. I do not know how they will react."

Verak scoffed. "Wait until meet my parents" muttered Verak. "I don't know how mom is going to take the whole girl with wings things."

"Why? Is there something wrong with them?" Shira asked, looking back at her wings as they fluttered to keep her aloft.

Verak shook his head. "No" said Verak nervously as he blushed. "Actually, they kind of excite me" added Verak being a little too open and honest, but the words had come out before he could stop himself. "I think mom will be fine. It is just that she is just... well, she's mom. It took her a while to get used to my father's ears too."

They were passing through a sort of marketplace-town center, very near to Shira's former home. The friends she had left behind greeted her as they passed through, happy to see her returned even for a short while.

"Your mother is the human one, right?" Shira was learning that differences in genealogy of many of the crew members and how that could affect interpersonal relations, even on basic social levels. She understood so far that Vulcans were logical and humans were not, so knowing his mother was human helped put his statement into context. "Perhaps on the... computer thing we can communicate with your family some time?"

Verak nodded "She is human. My dad is Vulcan. I think that it would be nice to do that. Would you really like to meet them?"

"Yes, I would," Shira said softly with a nod. "Your parents are who made you into who you are today. I would very much like to know the ones who made you Verak." the sentence may have been nonsensical, but she was still learning how to express her thoughts in spoken language. It was a challenge, but she was getting better every day.

"They helped create my life" said Verak carefully. "They did not make me who I am. The people who have made me who I am are aboard Katana and serve in Starfleet. That was where I became who I am" added Verak. "My father was a Vulcan scholar. He's boring a hell. My mother is a dotting house wife from Vermont who did not want me to leave home."

"But they laid the foundation for who you would become," Shira countered. "Boring or doting, these fostered the desires in you that drove you to become who you are now." They were coming up on Shira's old dwelling now. They didn't really have houses, just areas of the platforms that were sectioned off with long lengths of fabric, like dividers or even tents. Nothing was every really private in this sort of community, which made all the doors and privacy and security of the Katana so daunting for Shira.

Verak's brow rose slightly. He nodded with submission. "I concede to those points. You are correct, whether they directly had a hand in matters or not of my career and the officer that I have become, they did most certainly indirectly drive me leave home and become who I wanted to become. Therefore, they have laid the foundations of who I am today. That was a most logical and wise observation, Shira" said Verak with a small smile. "Your people were not ones for much privacy" noted Verak as he saw he long fabric that divided places.

"It is not logic, it just is," Shira said as she pulled the drapery aside to show him into her former home. "Everything shapes who we are. Your parents, your Academy, the Katana... We are always changing and growing." She called out for her parents with a gentle hum and she heard their hum in reply. "Privacy is a strange word to me, the concept does not exist in my language." Her parents flew in and enveloped Shira in a hug, chattering excitedly that their child had returned to them again.

Lieutenant Verak stood still as he took him the sights and sounds of the arrival of Shira's family. They looked similar to her, definitely of the same species, but of notable difference in coloration and patterns. The fluttering of their wings in addition to their strange singsong type of language was so foreign to Verak and overwhelming to his heightened sense of hearing that he had to use as much discipline as he could to keep himself from becoming nauseous. He was used to Shira, but that was one voice that he could focus on. This was in her natural language and multiplied. However, he seemed to manage to stabilize himself. He looked at Shira "Tell them, hello" he said.

Shira giggled and offered Verak's introduction and greeting, then her parents responded in kind. "They are pleased to meet you, Verak," she said with a smile. Then she proceeded to tell her parents about the reason for their visit to the planet. "I am telling them about our visit. They do not understand about the communications device we gave the Elder, but they are happy they will be able to communicate with me once we leave. They have missed me."

The Lieutenant nodded. "What about me? Did you tell them anything about me, Shira?" asked Verak anxiously. He wanted to know how they would feel about Shira and him, if they would accept him.

"I'm doing that now," Shira said, then started speaking to her parents again. They looked at him, then back to Shira. A bit of conversation was exchanged until Shira smiled. "They wish to know if you are capable of participating in the Gathering with me," she said with a giggle. "I think that means they approve of you."

Verak bowed his head slightly. "I am honored by their acceptance" he said, and a warm smile was on his face. Though he quickly compensated and it returned to forced stoicism. "What does a gathering entail, Shira? Will I have to do anything?" he asked, unfamiliar with the culture and their customs.

"Oh, we will not have time to participate, though Maica has said we may attempt to recreate the Gathering on the ship," Shira explained. "The Gathering is something I have been looking forward to for many seasons. There are many days of feasting, and the young ones who have come of age go off into the forest together to make new life." She had such a warm smile on her face; she really had been looking forward to this and she was pleased that her parents though Verak fit to participate.

The young half-Vulcan's cheeks turned a little red and he quickly looked down and away at Shira, embarrassed. The tips of his ears also turned slightly red and were a bit hot to the touch. He took a quick breath before looking up and shooting a look of interest, concern, and nervousness. "Shira, do mean sex? You go off into the forest to have sex, to mate?"

"Yes," Shira replied with a chipper smile. "It is not uncommon for ones who participated before to participate again, to help teach the young ones what to do. Before I was taken from my world, a long time friend who came of age many seasons ago was asking if he could take me into the forest for the Gathering this season. I think he was hoping I might chose to stay with him for life, but I do not want to go into the forest with him."

"Right..." said Verak with a small sigh. It felt foolish of him to assume. She had seemed so young, but her culture was so foreign to him. It hurt a bit thinking that she had 'gone into the forest' before...and if so, how many times? Verak looked at Shira. He couldn't quite smile but he did take her hand. "Shira, I haven't gone into the forest with anyone before" he said in a hushed tone of voice. It was not something that he boasted.

"I have not either, this is my first Gathering," Shira said with a knowing nod and a gentle squeeze of his hand. "But, we will not be here long enough to participate anyway... Maybe next year," she said hopefully.

This made Verak feel a little better. He leaned in and kissed Shira gently and pulled away slowly with a smile. "Maybe, but maybe we don't have to go into the woods until we want to. It doesn't have to be today, right now, and it doesn't need to be here next year. What if we go into the woods when we feel ready?"

Shira thought on this, then spoke with her parents about this idea. They looked at Verak, exchanged a few gentle hums with each other and Shira before nodding approvingly. "They said that is okay," she said cheerfully.

"I love you" replied Verak flatly. He did not know how he had said it, but he said it nonetheless. He had looked at her, looked into her eyes and said it. "I love you, Shira" he added a second time for good measure. He did not know if she understood him, but at the moment it didn't matter. He knew he felt it.

Love? Shira tilted her head curiously. Maica had tried to explain this concept to her, but this was one of those things that just never translated well, whether because of the cultural gap or the difference in communication. But as the words fell from Verak's lips, she wondered if maybe she understood better than she originally thought. Shira looked to her parents. Her father looked at her mother with the same adoration that Verak showed for her now. Shira looked back at Verak with a small smile, the smile she only gave him. "I love you, too," she said softly.

Good, you do seem to have an understanding of that thought Verak as he smiled back at Shira. The half-Vulcan looked around at Shira's family, and looked back at Shira. "They like me? They approve of us continuing our relationship?" asked Verak, seeking more confirmation that he was indeed meeting their approval.

It took Shira a moment to process his question and translate it to her parents. "They would prefer that I find one of my own as a mate, but they just want me to be happy and you make me happy. And they approve of the way you look at me," Shira translated back. She wasn't sure if she got all of that right, but it felt right.

Verak simply nodded. He understood how they must have felt, seeing Shira with someone who had pointed ears rather than wings, walked slowly on his two feet rather than flutter about. He did not look like them, did not think like then, nor could he even speak their language, and yet here he was trying...hoping to gain their approval. Verak knew better than to expect them to just take them in as if her were one of them. "Shira, is there anything else for us to do while we are here? I am sure that your family would like to have some time to speak with you in..."Private. Yeah, they don't understand privacy thought Verak. "I am sure they would like to communicate without you having to explain and translate everything to me."

"We have already said what we needed to say," Shira said. "I would like more time with them, to tell them about what I have learned and done on the Katana, but I know our time is limited. And now I can contact them from the ship, so I can talk to them some more later. But there is something I would like to show you before we leave. Can you climb?"

Verak shrugged. "I have more strength than humans because I am half Vulcan. However, I cannot say that I have some much climbing. There was some physical tests at the Academy, and I did pass those. However, rock climbing or in this case tree and vine climbing isn't really something that I have much experience with. I'll give it a try for you though."

Shira smiled brightly. She told her parents where she was going, then led Verak through the village once again. Once they reached a certain point, she stopped fly and started climbing to show him where it was safe and to make sure he would be able to make it up the canopy on his own. She was worried that it might still be sunny above the canopy, but as they ascended they could see it was dusk and the stars were starting to some out to play.

they made it to a small platform hidden amongst the upper leaves of the of the canopy, right near an opening with a beautiful view of the stars. Draped all around were pieces of cloth she had made, more star charts from her study of the night sky. There were some pillows to lounge on, and a makeshift telescope. It was hard to believe that someone so 'primitive' could come up with something as complex as a telescope, but the design was so simple and rudimentary, but it was sufficient for her to find and see clearly the shuttle in its orbit around the planet. "This is where I spent most of my time when I was not in Sanctuary," she said as she tinkered with her telescope to find the shuttle. "It is dangerous to be above the canopy, but it was worth the risk to see all this."

"Wow" said Verak taking in the sight of it all. So many stars in the night's sky of this planet, and the dark black pallet above twinkled endlessly. There was nothing on Arboria to interfere of diminish the beauty of the starry sky. There was no industrialization nor even so much as street lamps. The crystals that acted as torches were the only light except for bioluminescent insects and other creatures. "Shira, this is...it's beautiful. I mean I've never seen a sky like this. It is almost as beautiful as you are."

She finished tinkering with the lenses on her telescope. "Look, the shuttle," she said with a smile. "I studied and longed for the stars, but I never thought I would ever fly amongst them. That, to me, is beautiful. What you and the others do on the ship... it's dangerous, but so wonderful. I am so glad I can be a part of that."

Verak nodded and smiled. "It is both very beautiful and quite dangerous. However, we do a lot of good when exploring. I am happy that you are with us to do it, and I am sure Commander Kerouac...Kris is glad to have you too" said Verak feeling odd about calling Kerouac by his first name.

Shira nodded, looking out over the dense canopy that protected her people from the sunlight. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm really ready to leave my world behind, everything is so peaceful here and the danger we faced at Kendi really scared me, but I think it's worth the risk... I've learned so much and made so many new friends! And I got to meet you..." the look she gave him spoke volumes of how much that one detail meant to her; she loved Verak and she would follow him all across the galaxy.

The helmsmen smiled mildly. "Sometimes, I wonder the same. Not about if I am ready to leave home...I made that decision some time ago. I do wonder, however, how long I want to be in Starfleet. I think about if I want to stay in for a long time and maybe become a Captain, or if I want to get out soon and settle down somewhere nice."

"Where you go, I will go, Verak," Shira said softly.

"Together" Verak said equally as softly. "I would love to stay up here, but we had better head back down and meet up with the others."

"May I bring my things with me?" she asked. On the one hand, she wanted to leave some of this stuff here so others could learn what she had learned, but she didn't think anyone else would take interest and it tore at her heart that her star charts and telescope would go unappreciated.

Verak smiled. "Take whatever you want. I cannot imagine that you'd have enough that we'd have to leave anyone here" replied the helmsmen. "Do you need help with anything?"

"Yes, thank you," Shira said. Then she reached out and took his hand, bringing them closer to each other and planting a gentle kiss on his lips.

Verak kissed back as foreign as it may have been to him, it still felt quite natural and he went with it. Starfleet or Shira he thought to himself for a moment. I can't lose her his thoughts were so clear in this moment.

|Two Hours until The Ball|

The young woman's heartbeat raced as she showered, letting the water run down her frame. A big social event? On the planet below? And Mizuki was invited! The little princess could almost squeal in joy, but then the nervousness set in. What would she wear?! She began to panic...clasping her hands over her heart to calm the erratic 'do-ki...do-ki' And upon her completion of the shower, she steps out and stares at herself in the mirror. "You're the only cadet on this ship. You're representing the Academy at this function...and you've been called a princess a lot. No matter what the people meant..you've got this, Mizupon. You're a 19 year old with attitude, dedication and determination. A princess and a holy warrior. You've got this."

After the pep talk, she strides out of the room, and raised the heating level by 5 percent...there was work to be done.


|30 Minutes to Grand Entrance|

Captain Kristopher Noah Kerouac the freshly clean shaven man thought to himself with a suave smirk as he admired himself in a mirror once more, almost bordering on narcissism as he gazed into his own eyes, seeing only trace amounts of the pain and sorrow that had anguished him for so many years. He was a better man today because of his struggles, because of the trials and tribulations. However, he was also now not only the proud Commanding Officer of the USS Katana, but also a captain in rank.

In celebration of his promotion to the rank of captain, Kristopher had decided not only to grant his crew shore leave at Ophinias, but to also hold a Captain's Ball on the planet's surface. It was being held in a large ice sculpted ball room, with pillars composed of artistically carved ice. It was certainly a peculiar place to hold such an event, the planet being quite cold and the room being carved out of ice. However, it was a room heated just enough to keep everything frozen, and yet allow Kerouac and his crew, and invited guests to go without any protective wear like environmental suits. It would simply be quite chilly and perhaps merit gowns and dresses with sleeves, or the finest fur and fuax fur in the quadrant.

Kris could hear the music being played from the ballroom below. Officers and enlisted personnel from the USS Katana were invited to attend, this would not be some snobbish officer's ball. This was Kerouac's Captain's Ball which meant his entire crew from civilians like Shira, to enlisted personnel like Sabrina Corbin, to Commander t'Dharvanek and the new Caitian were all invited to attend. The event was formal, gown and black tie sort of event per Kris' request. He hated Starfleet dress uniforms with a fiery passion. He was not having any of that shit. Classical music from Earth was playing down stairs in the main Ball Room as Kristopher was above nervously looking down high above from a balcony. He could hear the formal announcement of arrivals and could hardly contain a chuckle at some poor fool from Ophinias announced the arrival of each and every person and couple. Kris would be the last to arrive after the arrival of all of the civilians, Katana crew, Ophinias crew, then the admirals in attendance. Finally, Kristopher's arrival would be announced. However, that was a while out and he still had plenty of time to try and get himself together. He was partially dressed, but needed to get his tuxedo completely together and finalize his speech.

Meanwhile, Cadet Mizuki Masterson was making her arrival below. Her arrangements had been made, a picture had been taken and sent to her father. She smiled, figuring he would get that at some point and remark about how much she resembled a younger version of her mother. And that was the highest compliment he could have paid her.

The cold brings her out of her thoughts, as she stands to one side of the ball room entrance, deciding to watch a few people go in first. It was a little dark outside, so she couldn't immediately identify any of them. But, once most of the entrants had passed through, her feet began to move. For no one can stop the future.

The possibilities lay ahead for her as step by step she walked through the entrance. This opportunity existed for those in attendance, and no one else. An honor they alone would have. She wasn't afraid to face the challenge. Whether it was her studies, or these new developments from the minted Captain. The princess was here.

She stepped into the beautiful cavern, a grin quickly arriving as she took in the sights. It was cold, but nothing she hadn't prepared for. The light makes her sparkle, a stranger in the dark no longer. The crystalline headband was more practical than an actual tiara, and made her facial features stand out a bit. Matching earrings and a necklace completed her jewelry arrangement. She had made a modification to each piece of jewelry. A low-level, tiny pair of diodes on each piece, hidden next to her skin. They would produce enough heat to ensure that she didn't freeze to death, but not enough to take away from the chill of the mood. Her strapless purple dress was the next thing, lined with a silver tribble-fur lining that peeked out from underneath. Her silver combadge rested on the right breast, and lead directly into her warm white leather formal gauntlets, replete with purple tribble-fur trim.

The dress was wrapped tightly against her frame around the waist, and secured by a zipper up the back, thus eliminating the need for a belt. The dress ended at just above the knees, giving way to smooth skin before transitioning into matching white leather boots with purple fur trim. There would be no slouching here, her posture was regal and princess like, similar to the stance that she took when fighting.

Soon she began to identify faces and other outfits, including, she noted with some private amusement, both of the people she had secretly hoped to impress. Hayley, and Vara. Who both took her breath away in exquisite silence, without even knowing it.


|10 Minutes to Grand Entrance|

Captain Kerouac had heard the announcement, the arrival of Commodore Krull Larkon. Kristopher's face grew pale. "Oh my God" muttered Katana's Commanding Officer. He had never met the man, not once in his life. However, he had come across the name one two occasions. Once, because he had been Merith's First Officer not too long ago. How the hell does a man get demoted to Lieutenant Commander and makes Commodore in less than a year? pondered Kris. He then thought about himself. He had been a Lieutenant Commander and intended to be the First Officer of Katana only months ago. He had made Commander after taking the examination at the behest of Starfleet Command for him to made Commanding Officer. Now, he was Captain in rank.

Larkon thought Kris nervously. What the hell is he doing here? Kris tried not to let the thoughts bother him, but an ex-operative of the Obsidian Order, a trained assassin who defected and betrayed the Cardassians, a man who turned into a Starfleet Intelligence officer and had a strange history with Jhu t'Dharvanek was now present at Kris' Captain's Ball.

The Bolain had come up the icy stairway to inform Kris that he was due to make his grand appearance in ten minutes. Kris was getting ready, fixing his white tuxedo with black bow tie. He hated getting dressed so damn formally, but it beat a damn dress uniform. "Mizzy!" shouted Kris frustrated as he tried to adjust his collar and his bow tie. Where is Liam? I want Liam to escort me. I shouldn't go alone, that's tacky thought Kris as he waited for his yeoman to show.

Mou, what could the Captain need? Mizuki thought, having been startled out of her reverie. She was nursing a non-alcoholic drink, but strode up the stairs regally, her eyes lingering on Hayley. She had to find the other girl before the night was over. Approaching the Captain, she could identify what was wrong. "Just stand still, Kris-kun." she murmured where he could hear her, as she strode around him, beginning the process of fixing what was wrong.

With a sigh of relief as his yeoman fixed his collar and reworked his tie into a more presentable manner. "Thank you, Mizzy" replied Kris with a small smile. And they promote me to Captain? thought Kris shaking his head at his own lack of self sufficiency. "Have you seen Li-" began Kris informally, but quickly tried to cover it up. "Doctor Cohen. Have you seen him?"

"Doctor Liam Cohen is on the lower floor, looking like a lost sheep. Though I imagine he takes good care of you, sir. Shall I walk with you down to see him?"

Kris shook his head. "No, I have less than ten minutes to get myself together. I need to make my 'grand' entrance" explained the Captain. "It is the tradition at an event like this. Would you do me a favor and bring him up here to me? It would mean a lot to me if he would escort me down."

"I'll go find him and point him your way. I am hoping to have my own escort tonight, but that remains to be seen." She chuckled with a nod to his explanation.

Kris smiled warmly "Oh?" said the man with a small lift of his brow. "Well, warm my cockles" he said beaming with warmth that Mizzy may have found someone, and that Liam might be escorting Kris down. This was important to Kris for many reasons, but mostly that he wanted to show Liam off as Kris' beloved. "Seeing someone, Cadet?" asked the Captain.

"Not sure yet, it's ... hard to tell. But I hope to be escorted by Lieutenant Collins before the night is over." She smiled radiantly at him, at the mention of it.

"Hayley is a wonderful woman, a good officer, and a hell of a pilot" said Kris honestly. "You two would be a very attractive pair. Have you two been dating long?" asked Kris casually, opting to speak to Mizzy as a friend rather than his Yeoman.

"Um, we haven't started yet. But I'm hoping to start very sooon." She smiled at Kris. "Now before I forget, let me go find our wayward doctor." The princess of the Katana gave, striding down the circle staircase again, in search of Liam.

Liam had taken up position at a table, having just had a rather interested debate about the merits of biomimitic circuitry with a very drunk engineer. He looked up and saw Kris making the rounds and rose and crossed the icy room towards. "Well someone's looking dashing." He said.

Kris blushed slightly and smiled at the Chief Medical Officer. "I'd look a hell of a lot better is you put your arm around me and walked me down to my adoring fans" replied the Captain. "I'll make it an order if you insist and I'd have to punish you if you refused to obey a direct order, Doctor."

Liam smirked, he closed the remaining distance and pulled the shorter man into him. Kissing him his hand rose to cup the other man's jaw. "Well if you insist." He said, taking a small step back and offer his arm.

Kristopher Kerouac took the man's arm and together they walked. Together, they would approach the stairway of ice. The Bosun's whistle blew. "I present, Captain Kristopher N. Kerouac and Doctor Liam Cohen" announced the Bolian. Kris look over at Liam and kissed him passionately on top of the stairway. It was a spectacle for the crew below to see and a statement to be made. I'm in love thought Kris as he kissed Liam.

Liam followed Kris down the stairs. He leaned in and kissed him again when they reached the bottom. "Care to dance, Captain." He said.

"I would be delighted, Doctor" replied Kris with a small smile.

[ON]

Commander M'rayr Eisovo lurked away from the Captain's ball as soon as his exit seemed to be 'socially permitted'. Beaming up from the surface, he'd begun making his way to his quarters where he intended to sleep off the subtle effects from the synthohol. While synthohol was technically designed to grant sentient beings the ability enjoy a beverage without suffering from its more influencing intoxicating effects, M'rayr had always been more susceptible to even the more subtle effects than most. His head buzzed lightly, although he had a clear enough mind to avoid giving off that impression during the ball.

Stepping into a turbolift, the Caitian leaned against the wall and sighed internally. He wanted this crew to accept him. And for him to be a part of it in return. But even without Admiral Hayes's supposed interference in the matter, it wasn't going to be an easy task of filling a role twice vacated.

"Deck two," the Caitian muttered.

Just before the double doors of the lift closed an arm snuck in between and the doors opened for Lia. "I was afraid I was going to miss the ride." She smiled stepping in. "Deck two." She announced as she stood next to him. She glanced over at the Caitian. "I take it you had the same idea."

M'rayr looked over to the woman he recognized as Lieutenant Commander Lia Grae, ship's counselor. Without so much as a flinch in his brow or a waggle of his tail, he looked coolly back to the doors as the turbo-lift resumed its journey. "What would that be?" He asked.

"Slipping out early." she replied staring at the doors. "The crew can now enjoy themselves without the Counselor watching them..."

M'rayr grunted. "Or the First Officer," he admitted. Somehow, he suspected that the atmosphere had changed considerably as soon as he left the room. A crew adjusting to a new first officer was no easy task to begin with. Some of the circumstances behind M'rayr's appointment to the position was likely making that transition more difficult. He looked down to the counselor. The wild amaranth color of her eyes were striking... and to a degree, disarming.

She looked up at him. "Yeah.. I heard. One thing you'll learn about this crew is that they are fiercely loyal to their Captain." She smiled, "but they'll grow on you. They grow on you; it's a slow process but once you realize what they've been through together, you can't help the admiration you'd feel for them."

If there was one thing that M'rayr was becoming more and more aware of, it was that this crew was in fact very loyal to Captain Kerouac. It was for that reason, and that reason alone, that he was willing to give Kerouac and the rest of the senior staff the benefit of the doubt. Any armchair admiral could judge the actions of an officer in the field, but few ever got their evaluations quite right. M'rayr glanced over to Lia. "What do you feel motivates the crew's loyalty?" He asked, keeping the question deliberately neutral.

Lia thought about how to answer his question. "Crew loyalty..." she repeated and looked up at the Caitian, "Isn't it common for the crew to be loyal to their Captain? I find it rather peculiar to have a question on explaining the support one has from their subordinates." She answered but added, "however, since you asked. The crew went through several traumatic experiences. This crew has been tested, more ways than one, and the fact this ship is still intact is a token to Kris's leadership. He earned their loyalty."

M'rayr nodded, seemingly contemplative, although it was almost impossible to tell given the fact that his facial features were nearly as rigid as stone. He stroked at his beard as the turbo-lift came to a halt, opening to reveal deck two. Neither M'rayr, nor Lia, stepped off. The fact of the matter was that there were some within Starfleet who believed those several traumatic experiences were because of Kerouac's leadership... not in spite of it. "I see," he replied after a moment. "And do you feel that that loyalty is justified?"

"Yes." she said honestly, "I'm not going to lie; Kerouac's command style is hardly orthodox. And as an outside observer I can even accept the notion that he's an unfit leader. However what you'll see for yourself, Commander, is the opposite. I do have a question for you though. What are your thoughts about Section 31's actions on the Katana? I wasn't aware Section 31 makes a habit of sabotaging starships and puts crews in jeopardy all because a former member refuses to re-enlist. Not to mention trying to assassinate a Commanding Officer."

Section 31... Most of Cait refused to believe the rumors circling about the existence of the clandestine organization. Caitians were one of the oldest members of the United Federation of Planets, and that membership was built out of mutual trust and respect. To learn that an organization like Section 31 existed, and had existed as part of the Federation's original charter, was to know what it felt like to be betrayed. But these days, it seemed like they were becoming more and more extreme in their methods. But what made M'rayr curious was how Lia had transitioned the conversation from Kerouac to Section 31. Either she didn't want to discuss the Katana's CO, or, like most of the crew, she held him in suspicion.

He tilted his head at her. "Why do you ask?"

"I can't shake off the feeling there is something more than a coincidence. Kerouac seems to have ruffled some feathers with the Admiralty and he was almost recently assassinated by Section 31? I'm normally the one to be skeptical of conspiracy theories but I can't help but wonder...." She sighed and looked at him, "I'm hoping you could alleviate my fears of that notion."

M'rayr's brows furrowed as a foul taste crept up from his throat. "You are suggesting that I am affiliated with Section 31?"

"No.. I was suggesting that Admiral Hayes may in fact be. However I dislike having to think that about a member of the Admiralty." She explained and looked at him, "That's why I'm hoping with you here that fear would fade. I've read your profile, you're an honorable man."

M'rayr grunted.

Lia was surprised by his reaction, "You disagree with that description?"

M'rayr realized how she might have interpreted his grunt. He paused, and then shook his head. "Not to the latter part, no." He said. "As for Admiral Hayes's... affiliations... I am none the wiser than you. Nevertheless, this concern of yours that he may be a member of Section 31 could very well be nothing more than paranoia and fear... given the Katana's recent skirmishes with them," M'rayr added with an infuriating calm.

Lia nodded in agreement, "That is very possible." she smiled and was the first one to walk out of the lift, "You adjusting well to your new assignment here?"

The statement in itself felt odd. Anybody who knew the present situation also knew that M'rayr was sticking out like a tachyon through a gas giant; powerful explosions followed in his path. Then again, his conversation with t'Dharvanek had gone somewhere in exploring M'rayr's exact rational for being disappointed with this assignment. "I am," he lied.

Lia tilted her head and studied his expressions, "That bad huh?" she followed up and shook her head, "well, it'll get better. Trust me. I used to get the look of dread when I first arrived. I even had to do a Psych eval in the turbolift because an officer was avoiding me."

A sudden need to establish distance felt warranted. The counselor was getting too damned close. "It is neither bad nor good," M'rayr pointed out stubbornly, crossing his arms, although his voice somehow maintained the usual sense of apathy and disinterest.

"Very well. Just in case, my door is always open if you want to talk." Lia smiled and nodded her head, "Welcome to the Katana, Commander."

M'rayr nodded curtly. "Counselor."

"That was the shortest cruise I've ever heard of." Remarked the pilot seated behind the helm. He was gruff, unabashedly straight froward, unwilling to spare ones feelings for the sake of honesty. A quality she assumed was appreciated by those with a more seasoned history, when years of dedicated service warranted the omission of pretense. For a sensitive greenhorn uncertain about their career in Starfleet, his bluntness was abrupt and used as a weapon rather than a conversation starter.

"So, what'd you do?" He wondered aloud. She hesitated, questioning the motives behind his asking. Was it to simply pass the time or was he genuinely interested in knowing? It was doubtful the question was intended maliciously, they'd not known one another long enough to have become adversary's. The pilot was bored, attempting to fill the uncomfortable silence that had settled between them from the moment they'd disembarked the Adelaide, her departure unceremonious and blasé. He was right, she'd not been on board long enough to warrant any form of pomp and circumstance. Rather, she left as quickly as she'd arrived, and to the same reception, or lack thereof.

Aila's steely, gray-colored eyes glanced from the instrument panel to the pilot. Her full lips pursed, as if about to answer, yet her furrowed brow betrayed uncertainty. She didn't trust the man. The manner in which she'd been treated over the previous month was a testament to an inability or unwillingness to trust any person in a position of authority. True, her time on board the Adelaide had been short, but that didn't mean it hadn't been a memorable experience. Her presence had been considered nothing more than a nuisance. There had been those on the crew who had gone out of their way to let her know she was unwanted, a simple inconvenience, someone who could be replaced at a moments notice should she foul anything up. Her treatment had bordered on abuse, explained away as completely normal in educating her in the ways of a ship-board etiquette. She couldn't fault the crew completely, they'd been ill-equipped and unprepared to have a cadet on board. It was easier to make her feel so absolutely unwanted, that she faded into the background completely.

There had been a few who put forth a sincere effort in helping her feel like a valued part of the crew. There was Lieutenant Nash, the chief of operations and Lieutenant Dralex, the Denobulan chief engineering officer whom Aila had developed an immediate attraction for. Both had been kind, dedicating time to helping her acclimate. They'd genuinely wanted to see her succeed, to thrive. Even Lieutenant Commander Glyndar, the chief security and tactical officer, her mentor, had wanted to see her succeed. Her harshest critic, the Xenexian's methods were unorthodox, yet Aila understood and appreciated what Glyndar was pushing to accomplish. She wasn't one to spare the rod and spoil the child, on more than one occasion Glyndar reminded Aila that she wasn't there to coddle, but to train and drill. Aila was not going to miss the early morning calisthenics program. Glyndar derived a sadistic pleasure in physically testing Aila, yet it was evident that she gleamed pride from the Cadet's achievements, her unwillingness to compromise defeat, her determination to persevere and strive for perfection. Yes, she would miss Glyndar. Admitting as much caused Aila's stomach to lurch.

It had been said that Aila retained the uncanny ability to adapt quickly to unique environments rife with stressful situations. Yet, she'd not hit her stride on board the Adelaide. When Starfleet Academy reached out with a new set of transfer orders, it was difficult to bottle away feelings of relief. Starfleet's Department of Personnel and Awards had made a mistake in assigning her to the Adelaide, and they admitted as much. Orders from task force command ready to send the ship on a mission of deep space exploration and scientific discovery, one that would ensure the crew wouldn't return to port for years to come. It was a mission Aila would've been proud to be a part of. Not yet, though. And Starfleet Academy agreed.

Aila had spoken with her academic adviser. She'd not shared the entirety of her experience, only that it had been one riddled with unique and rather daunting challenges. The adviser assured her that the cadet cruise could often be a difficult experience for even the most prepared of senior grade cadets, she was sophomore grade and could cut herself a bit of slack if the experience wasn't amounting to all she'd hoped for. It hadn't. And then the adviser delivered the news that she was being transferred the USS Katana, a starship of the same class, yet accustomed to a cadet presence. In fact, there was a cadet who'd been on board since the start of their third year at the academy. The Katana had the personnel and resources it needed to ensure Aila received the time and attention deserving of her education. She was assured it would be a completely different experience. Aila was doubtful. Not quite old enough to harbor such cynicism, she encouraged herself to be open minded, yet remain guarded.

"Well? Are you going to sit there all day, or are you going to move them lips and tell me what happened?" The pilot urged.

She grimaced at the man's callousness, perplexed by his desire to know. Aila was not a gossip, especially when it came to revealing details about her personal or professional life that didn't warrant such rabid interest. "Begging your pardon, sir, but it's really none of your business." She replied quietly, albeit deliberately.

The pilot scoffed, "Alright, there's no need to get your panties in a bunch, I was merely curious is all." He countered, tapping haughtily at the helm controls.

"If I was wearing any, than I'd appreciate your concern. As I'm not, mind your own." Aila knew that the man wouldn't respond well to her usual politeness, he was too old and cranky to observe appropriate decorum. Yet, such boldness surprised her. She'd spoken like that to one other superior officer, an intelligence operative on board the Adelaide and the experience wasn't one she had any desire to revive. In that moment, however, Aila realized she'd adapted to a unique environment with an unusual stressor, something she'd been incapable to doing over the previous four weeks. Her lips thinned into the faintest of smiles, a foreign gesture after weeks of its absence. Perhaps this was further evidence that this change of venue was warranted.

The man seemed to appreciate her response, chuckling in kind. "If you insist." He cast a lascivious smirk in her direction, causing her stomach to lurch for a second time. Perhaps revealing the general lack of an undergarment hadn't been the best use of a saucy retort. Regardless, her point had been made.

"We're about five minutes out from the Ophinias Colony, grab your gear."

Aila nodded. Extricating herself from the copilots seat, she tucked a stray lock of vibrant red hair behind an ear after the curly knot had fallen over her eyes. Moving to the rear of the cabin, she retrieved a large canvas dufflebag and returned to the forward compartment just as the pilot was decreasing the runabout's velocity to sublight speeds.

"This is the runabout Piscataquis to the USS Katana." The pilots tone remained gruff, yet inflected with hints of professionalism she'd been spared.

=^= "Piscataquis, go for Katana." =^=

"Katana, we're enroute from the USS Adelaide with intent of delivering precious cargo."

=^= "Acknowledged Piscataquis, we've been expecting you. Transmit passenger manifest and flight plan." =^=

The pilot thumbed a series of commands into the biometric interface of the communications display before replying, "Transmitting now. Standby."

There was a silence before the audible chirp of the computer signaled that the transmission had completed sending and was received by theKatana.

=^= "Data package received and authenticated, Piscataquis. Approach at one quarter impulse, enter parallel geosynchronous orbit at these coordinates, and prepare for transport." =^=

The computer beeped, acknowledging receipt of the coordinates transmitted by the Intrepid-class starship.

"Got 'em, Katana; we'll be there momentarily. Piscataquis out."

The pilot closed the communications channel before glancing over a shoulder only to gesture to the single occupant transporter pad located at the rear of the compartment. He needn't of said a word, Aila was already stepping onto the platform just as the Danube-class runabout came upon the Katana. From the outside, she appeared similar to that of the Adelaide. This offered a peculiar sense of comfort. Who and what was on the inside is all that concerned Aila.

"Katana, this is Piscataquis, we're in position and ready to initiate transport when ready."

=^= "Acknowledged Piscataquis. Locking onto biometric coordinates. Transport in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1..." =^=

Aila could feel the pull just behind her bellybutton, a familiar tingle that precipitated the dematerialization of her physical presence. Both eyes instinctively snapped closed until she willed either to open. The intensity of a blue haze continued to grow as she became aware of the deafening whir from the transport cycle. Her senses became overwhelmed, unable to cope with the multiple stimulus' that assaulted her. And then it was over. The process couldn't have taken any longer than a few seconds, yet within that short passage of time, the interior of the cramped confines to the runabouts forward cabin, was immediately replaced by the spacious interior of the Katana's transporter room. She glanced around, allowing a moment for her body to adjust.

When she felt confident enough to take the steps down from the platform without appearing unsteady, she spoke quietly and to no one in particular, "Here we go..."

Maica had the holodeck programmed up, the custom valley and mountainside set up with everything she could think of that they would need. Finishing punching up the starting location, she hiked the backpack up on her shoulder and opened the holodeck doors, stepping inside. Andy should be here any minute, but for now she’d check over the camp they would sleep at their first night. The archery range wasn’t far away and they had a portable lavatory at the ready hidden inside of a tree so until tomorrow, they could just enjoy themselves.

Setting her backpack next to the log bench next to the fire, she glanced over the extra large ‘snuggle master’ sleeping bag and smiled. This would definitely be a good vacation. She just wished it doubled as a honeymoon as well.

Andy was a little late getting to the holodeck. She had been called away by Kris while she was getting ready, all to do a check on the new holographic Chief of Engineering. She was more than a little annoyed by that, but at least she got a few laughs out of the deal. She couldn’t wait to find out how Ari reacted to the note she left on his back. Andy snickered just thinking about it.

The ex-Borg woman finished shoving things into her pack, then headed for the holodeck. She was ready to kick back for relaxation time with her girl! No, fiance! Andy was never going to get used to that. They had joked about being married before, but to actually be serious about it this time… Damn… It was heavy on her mind as she approached the great doors to the holodeck, hesitating with a heavy sigh before entering. She grinned as she surveyed the location for their vacation. Maica knew her so well...

Seeing Andy enter, Maica smiled lovingly, rushing into the arms of her future wife. “There you are, my love. What kept you?”

“Meh, just the Captain being a hardass,” Andy said as she caught Maica and gave her a squeeze. “Apparently our new Chief Engineer needed a boarding check-up.”

That was odd. Maica had no idea why Andy would have been called for something like that. “Medical couldn’t take care of it? They had to call the best engineer in the galaxy?”

“Yeah, there you go, stroke my ego,” Andy said teasingly as they walked to fire pit. Andy set down her pack and sat on a log, pulling Maica down with her. “But apparently this guy is a hologram. He used to be alive, though! Crazy stuff in his file.”

“That’s… I didn’t know you could do that… I mean, I knew you could make a holographic representation of a person, but to actually…” Maica just shook her head as she snuggled with Andy. “To think he went the opposite direction on the path I’m on…”

Andy wasn’t planning on going into too many details on the guy, she was here to relax and not talk work, but Maica did raise an interesting point. “I didn’t know it was possible either, but the proof is there in Engineering. But I wouldn’t say he’s going in the opposite direction as you. It’s kinda complicated what happened to him. But that ain’t my business to talk about.”

“Fair enough.” Maica motioned to the campsite. “What do you think? I planned for us to spend the first night here then the second night at the villa in plush elegant comfort.”

“I could spend the whole time right here!” Andy said, giving Maica a squeeze. “You did good, girlie, it looks great out here.”

“That’s good.” Maica snuggled up with Andy tighter, enjoying being there with her, listening to the birds and wildlife in the forest.

For a long while, Andy just stared into the fire, watching the flames dance as she enjoyed this quiet time alone with Maica. After how hectic things had been recently, it felt good to simply slow things down for a while.

Maica was enjoying the peace as well. Noticing some movement in a nearby tree, she silently pointed to a squirrel munching on some acorns.

Andy chuckled quietly, resting her head against Maica’s. “You know, there are some days I just wanna get away from all this mess… Maybe go find the place in my father’s holodeck program and just forget about all the shit we’ve been through lately… Never could before now, I’ve always been tied to my alcove, but now I don’t wanna leave. I wouldn’t wanna go nowhere without you.”

“That’s the program you practice archery, isn’t it? I copied part of it into this one. I hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t find an archery range anywhere else.” Maica said as they snuggled. “And yeah, I can see the appeal of just getting lost in a place like this.”

“Yeah, I recognized this part of the forest,” Andy said with a lazy smile. “My dad used to go to this place for real and when he joined starfleet he took it with him. I’ve always wanted to see it for real, but who knows if I’ll ever get the chance.”

“Maybe we’ll be able to see it together for real.” Pointing up the mountainside, Maica pointed out the path to the villa. “About a kilometer from here it transitions to my villa program. I’d like to see the real one with you as well, but for now that’ll have to do.”

“Where is this villa from?” Andy asked, looking up where Maica pointed.

“Talos 4. I went to a semi-private diplomatic function there once. I think I was the only one without a date.” Maica explained. “The sunsets are amazing though.”

“Then maybe we’ll go for that what’s-it thing, honeymoon or whatever,” Andy replied, sneaking a glance to see what Maica thought of that idea.

Maica just smiled brightly, planting a kiss on Andy’s lips. “That would be wonderful.”

Andy savored the kiss with a smile, then she just held Maica for a while, so content and happy in this moment. But of course she had to have one of her moments: “Can we have strippers on our honeymoon or do I need to get all that out of my system with the bachelorette party?”

“Only if you share.” Maica said simply, not even phased by the question. “And if I’m the main stripper for you.”

“Best girlfriend ever!” Andy said, giving Maica a squeezing hug.

“Second best. You’re the best.” Maica replied with, squeezing Andy back. “And not girlfriend - fiance.”

“Yeah, that’s going to take some getting used to,” Andy admitted, “but I do like the sound of that.”

“Hopefully it’ll be wife before long. Then you can get used to that.” Maica said.

“Yeah, one thing at a time,” Andy said with a chuckle. “We still gotta set a date.”

Maica chuckled softly. “True. Let’s worry about that later though. We’re on vacation now.”

“Yes vacation! And our first vacation activity: time to be lazy. Now where’s that sleeping bag…” Andy said with a grin, although she actually had something else in mind for that sleeping bag.

“Right behind us.” Maica pointed to it, having an idea what Andy was referring to. “There’s lube stashed away next to it if we need any. You know… for rusty joints…”

“Oh, yeah, I'm pretty rusty,” Andy said with a waggle of her eyebrows. “Ain’t had any action in what feels like forever! I might need some help remembering what to do,” she said teasingly.

Maica grinned seductively, tugging Andy towards the sleeping bag. “Then let’s see if we can remember together.”

Andy followed without hesitation. No doubt about it, Maica was definitely the best girlfriend-fiance ever!

To say that Lieutenant Verak was nervous was an understatement. Big changes were happening, for the USS Katana and for Verak himself. The Katana was slated to make an attempted transwarp jump, testing out Starfleet adapted Borg technology. It was the one time that Verak was happy that he was not going to be at the helm of the USS Katana. That duty would likely fall upon Lieutenant Collins, but Verak would be anxiously peeking out the best observation area that he could find. Changes for him, meant that he had once again changed his uniform per se. He was initially a helmsmen, but his actions earlier in the year had resulted in a demotion and forced transfer to Security. He had this for about a month before Kerouac allowed him back into Flight Control.

So, what now? Now, Verak had transferred on his own accord to the Science Department to serve as the ship's Stellar Cartographer. His primary reason was to follow his heart and his feelings. Those were pointing to a little alien Arboreal girl that Verak had initially been cautious of as he had admired Lieutenant Commander Zanaar's and respected the man's judgments. However, Shira had proven her loyalty and worth to the crew. Though, they had only known each other for a few months, it had lead to this. Verak in the Science Department, now standing in the middle of a holodeck simulation of a forest, stark-naked.

She had asked him while on Arboreal a month or so ago to 'go into the forest' with her. Lieutenant Verak had soon understood what the little Arboreal had meant. She wanted to commence a sexual level to their relationship, and at the time that had left Verak red faced, embarrassed, and worried. However, when he got back to the USS Katana, he had a meeting with Dr. Cohen about the sexual compatibility between a half-Vulcan and an Arboreal. Verak had never been intimate with anyone, let alone a species with pixie like wings. Her was a little embarrassed explaining this to Dr. Cohen, but the Chief Medical Officer had been quite professional about it. Now, Verak's mind was at peace. Their were no weird parts or anything to worry about.

Verak sat on a stump as he waited for Shira to arrive. He felt really awkward being in the holodeck in his manner, but privacy and whatnot were not concepts familiar with Arboreals. Betazoids, Risans, and the Edo were all comfortable with nudity to some extent. In a way, Shira sort of reminded Verak of these species in some small way. The Lieutenant was also uncomfortable because he had heard that the new Chief Engineer was some sort of holographic program. Does that mean he's here? Can he see me? thought Verak. He quickly grabbed a small twig with a cluster of leaves and covered himself as much as he could.

The great doors of the holodeck opened and the little Arboreal girl fluttered in. Shira smiled at the forest that lay before her. By now she knew it wasn't real, but it still felt nice to be in such familiar surroundings. While they had been on her world, Maica and Bridget had taken some holo-recordings so she could carry a piece of her world with her. Maica had even managed to recapture the sounds of the forest, and the hum of her people even though no others were present. It had been such a nice gesture, she just wished there was something she could do to repay them.

As she fluttered deeper into the forest in search of Verak, Shira wondered why he had called her here today. Things had briefly been awkward between them after leaving her world and she didn't understand way. But lately things had been different, he had been going out of his way to spend more time with her and they had been... What was the phrase he had used? Making out? Yeah, they had been doing that a lot. She didn't understand the purpose of it, but she liked it, a lot! Just thinking about it made her heart flutter delightfully.

"Verak?" Shira called out as she fluttered deeper into the recreation of her home forest.

Verak's ears were good. They could hear the fluttering of her wings before she had even called out to him. "Shira!" he shouted to help her locate him. "Shira, I am over here" he added. He heard the fluttering of wings coming closer to his position.

Shira drew closer, then smiled when she saw him, not at all upset by seeing him naked, though she was a bit confused. Her people wore little to no clothing, but she understood by now that people off-world had this preoccupation with being covered. "Verak, why are you naked?" she asked curiously.

The lieutenant blushed slightly and stood up. "Because, you asked me to go into the forest with you. I did not want to when we were on Arboreal, but I would like to now, Shira. Will you go into the forest with me?" he asked extended his arm, reaching out to take her hand.

Shira looked at his outstretched hand, then at him. Her reactions started small, just a hint of a giggle, but it eventually grew into a full laugh that brought tears to her eyes. "Verak, if this is what you wanted, you did not have to ask me here," Shira said as she stilled her laughter and wiped away the tears. "When we returned, Maica asked me to explain the Gathering, and then she explained to me the difference in social rituals of other races. We do not have to do this here if it makes you uncomfortable."

"It only makes me uncomfortable because I have never done anything like this before, Shira" said Verak after she took his hand. "That is not a bad thing. It just means that I was waiting for someone to go into the forest with. Nobody has ever made me think about going into the forest until I met you, and now I am asking because, I want you and me to go together."

Shira giggled as she fluttered closer. "You don't have to keep saying it like that, you know," Shira teased, but she appreciated that he was trying to communicate with her in terms that were more familiar to her. But if he was certain this was what he wanted... "Come," she said, and led him through the forest, to her little hide-away where she would study the stars. This seemed like the perfect place...

"I know" he replied simply. He let Shira take the lead and he followed her closely "Hey, wait up!" he said as she started to get a little ahead of him. "Some of us don't have wings. I do all my flying with Katana and our shuttles" added Verak.

Shira giggled. "Well, I gave you the option of doing this elsewhere," she reminded him, but she slowed down to match his pace. "Why now?" she asked curiously.

Verak did not really want to think about the why, but she had asked and he knew that it would have been easier to just tell her why rather than avoiding it. "There have been a lot of changes, and a lot of bad things to happen, Shira. Kris was attacked and he almost died. I almost died. You asked me when I thought I had so much ahead of me, but that could end at anytime. I do not want to lose the opportunity to go into the forest with you."

Shira pulled him up to the platform where she used to watch the stars, thinking over what he said. "Verak, I do care for you and I want to be with you, but not because of my people's traditions or because you feel now is the only time we have. If we are to be together tonight, it should be because it is what we both want." She drew closer and placed her hands on his bare chest, looking deeply into his eyes so blue. "If we are to be together, it will be for the right reasons."

Verak looked into the Arboreal's eyes and saw something beautiful and serene. He saw in her eyes a small reflection of himself and in this reflection that he saw was a smile on his face. He felt strangely at peace and quite happy. He reached out and gently pulled her closer, kissing her on the lips gently and then with an increased passion, a passion that brought him to break away abruptly and examine her and himself in the very moment. "It is what I want, Shira. Is it what you want?"

"Of course," Shira replied with a sweet smile. She tugged at the sash at her waist until the airy fabric fell at their feet, then she pushed the loose dress off her shoulders until it slipped away and she was as bare as he. "You are all that I have wanted for a long time. Even when I could not communicate well, you've always made me feel safe and wanted, especially during a time when I was feeling vulnerable and out of place." She reached up to cup his face with her hands. "There is no one else for me; all I want is you."

Lieutenant Verak let out a small chuckle. "You were....cute" he said with a smile sweeping up his face. "When you first came aboard the Katana, I thought that you were a strange little creature, something that was very interesting, but I could hear your songs and your singing...it was something to get used to. It was most certainly an acquired sound" added Verak. "I was one very vulnerable and felt out of place as well, but you have helped me and now we are here...together and I want this with you."

Shira smiled and traced all the lines of his face as he spoke. "I know that sometimes my song hurts your ears. Why do you think I've worked so hard to learn to speak as you do?" Aside from being able to communicate with the crew so she could enlist, being able to speak with Verak was what drove her the learn as fast as she did.

Verak nodded. "Yes, your songs do have a rather beautifully unpleasantly harsh and sharp sound to my ears and the ears of many aboard Katana. However, it is part of your species and customs. I do not want you to forget who you are or where you came from."

"I could never forget," Shira promised him softly, then pulled him closer until their lips almost met again. "Now, no more talking..." she said against his lips, then gave him a heated kiss that set her heart racing. She loved him so much, and now she would be his and he would be hers...

Verak raised a brow and looked at Shira wildly fascinated. "As a helmsmen, I am quite used to having some control. However, I like the way you think. I don't have any objections to you taking control" he added.

"If you wish to be in control, then be in control, but do so without talking," she replied, pressing her lips to his to silence him.

Demanding thought Verak, but he did not mind. "Alright, the next sounds you here from me won't be for lack of trying to stay quiet" he said, taking Shira's hand and leading her off into a heavily wooded area.

Shira nibbled on her lip with a grin as she let him lead her away, her wings humming in her excitement. He really was committing to her people's customs!

[Unnamed Planet]

Several days with Julian on another class-P planet, was not exactly anyone's ideal time. However, for a man with telepathic and empathic abilities, often suffering from the occasional headache, being almost alone on a planet brought a lot of calmness and relief to Dr. Landon Milo. All the thoughts he heard were his own, and the only other feelings he could immediately sense were from Julian, his canine companion. His shuttle had taken scans of the planet for a short while before he took it down to the planet's surface. Life sign readings indicated sparse, non-humanoid life signs. He believed it to be forms of animal life. He had saw some when he entered visual range of the planet's surface, a heard of what looked to be ram or yak like creatures behind chased by a predator. Fortunately, he had made sure to bring a phaser and a medical kit along with him on this little arctic expedition to see what this planet had, if anything of value.

The first few days had turned up nothing significant. However, the observation of animal life on the planet meant that there not only had to be some source of food other than each other, but also water, drinkable water on the planet, which was interesting considering the planet was nothing more than a large ball of ice with an atmosphere. It was tolerable for human life with the right protective clothing, otherwise, there was a risk of frostbite and hypothermia, potentially dehydration and starvation of one could not find proper food and water. Landon and Julian had enough rations to lat them over a month luxuriously, and potentially three to four if they seriously rationed. However, Landon and Julian were not far the Ophinias and were still well within range for communications using the shuttle's systems, and the planet that the colony and base were on was less than a day away by shuttle.

“Come on Julian, we need to find those creatures...the prey, not the predator” said Landon with a shaking of his head. “However, I have this just in case” he said to the Saint Bernard canine as he lifted up his fur cloak for a moment, exposing a type-II hand phaser. Julian gave a few barks as though he understood the blue eyed doctor, and he wagged his tail. Landon pressed onward, the wind was blowing the dusty light snow around, obscuring much of his vision. “Can't see a thing when the wind blows like this” commented Landon to his four legged companion, honestly missing the companionship of someone, anyone who could communicate with him.

They had walked for hours, fighting off exhaustion. Landon's resilience and Julian's loyalty had paid off when Landon's tricorder began to detect something. The doctor froze for a moment, taking his tricorder out, flipping it open and spinning around trying to pick up what had made it ping. Then it did it again, and again. Now, it was a constant reading and Landon headed off in that direction. “Life signs, animal of some sort and a good bunch of them” he noted aloud to himself and to Julian. The two carefully navigated around some large boulders and looked down over a ridge, down to a snowy plateau below where the hoofed and horned creatures, docile at the moment were gathered around open water. It was hot spring, a small yet significant piece of paradise in this frozen hell thought Landon with a small smile. His mind was on gathering some water samples to be sure that it was safe to drink, but also an interest in stripping down and soaking his cold flesh in the hot steamy waters.

His soak was well received, the creatures moved away from him upon his arrival at the hot spring with Julian. The man had spent a good hour in the waters before drying off and getting dressed in his warm clothes which he had placed near a fire that he started with stones and his phaser. The doctor's expedition was further advanced as he proceeded into an ice cavern. Exploring the cavern with Julian, Dr. Landon Milo soon made a remarkable discovery. Frozen in ice was technology. Though it was no longer operational, Landon's tricorder was able to detect its alloys. He further discovered some artifacts in ice, which soon lead him to being astonished as he brushed away the surface layer of snow and frost from the wall of ice. Looking back at him was a frozen corpse, encased in ice. “Dear God” he muttered as he and Julian rushed off, back to the shuttle in order to contact Ophinias.


[Ophinias Base]

With the recent discovery made by Dr. Milo, Will was excited to find out what was buried inside the Ice cavern. He was also excited as this wa his first away mission from the Katana and also a chance to work with Val offship. He had prepared several PADD's and made sure he had everything he needed for such a harsh environment. Working on such a cold planet would be difficult.

Valerie had received the orders to report on one of the conference room on the science deck for an away mission. She was reviewing the mission details on the PADD when she caught up with Will in the corridor. "Hey stranger." she smiled as she walked up beside him.

Will turned around as he heard the familiar voice from behind him and smiled. He'd recalled Val was on the same team as him and he was looking forward to working with her in a professional capacity. "Hey you," he smiled as he put his arm around her whilst they walked. "Ready to work together? It looks like we've been selected to go on an off world mission together," he asked as they walked.

"An away mission is always exciting." Valerie smirked as she wrapped an arm around his waist. "Just make sure you keep your thoughts clean."

Will smiled as they both turned round the corner in the corridor towards the conference. "Yes ma'am," Will said with a mock salute, after which he followed that up with a more serious tone. "I promise, I'll be completely professional whilst we work together."

Bridget sat in the empty conference room looking over a handful of PADDs. She had never been the head of a department before and was a little anxious about heading an away team but, she figured there was no better time to get the experience than the present. As she looked over doctor Milo's report, she grew increasingly intrigued. An insectoid corpse was definitely an interesting opportunity. She glanced at the clock and then looked over at the door hoping the rest of her team would arrive a little early so that they could get started.

Captain Kerouac walked down the corridor with a sense of confidence and intrigue. This was a fascination discovery even to him, and that was certainly saying something. Kris, the man who winced at every scientific term thrown in his direction, a man who went out of his way to push scientific things onto his subordinates, was actually interested in this little expedition. He had hand selected this away team himself, and placed Lieutenant O'Connor in charge due to the scientific nature of it. Kris would be piloting the shuttle to the planet, but that was the extent of his involvement when they would arrive.

He entered the room to find it a bit sparse. It was a small conference room, and had enough seats to fit the requested officers. Kris' selected pallet of officers for the mission was a little bit of everything. O'Connor from Science, Morgan from R&D, Circe from Medical, Corbin from Engineering, and rounding them out would be Kiska, a new addition to security. Kris took a seat at the head of the table and flashed a small smile in O'Connor's direction.

"Nervous or excited?" he asked her, his smile still shining afterwards.

"Perhaps a little of both," Bridget replied. She looked toward the door to see both Will and Valerie entering the room.

Will and Valerie entered the Conference Room together and headed over to their various seats at the conference table. Will nodded the Captain as he took his seat. "Good to see you again, sir," Will said as he placed his PADD on the table.

"Thank you, Lieutenant" replied Kris with a nod. "I hope you are adapting well to your new duties and responsibilities" added Kris to Will in response to the man being made the head Research & Development.

Will smiled at the captains comment. "Yes sir, I'm getting used to being a Department Head again," Will started, "Although the good part is I still get to meddle around with technology whilst maintaining my original thinking to applying it," he explained. Will felt a new pride in being a department head again and couldn't wait to get started.

Val smiled at Will, as she took her seat, and then turned to Bridget and smiled, "I'm excited that we're working together again."

"As am I," Bridget said, "and under better circumstances this time too." The last time she and Val worked together had been to find a antidote for when the captain had been poisoned.

Sabrina walked into the conference room. She was far more comfortable with doing so this time around. She gave a tiny nod and a smile to Kris before taking a seat.

Leryssa quickly and quietly entered the room, and took her seat in one of the unoccupied chairs at the table. Once she'd done so, She gave her uniform's tunic a straightening tug, making it look neat and perfect at once, Then she nodded a silent, but polite nod of respect to the Captain. Showing that she was ready for the meeting to begin.

Captain Kerouac looked around the table pleased to see that everyone had arrived. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I apologize for pulling you all from your shore leave, but it would appear that our friends at Ophinias could use some assistance and I have volunteered to help, and have selected each of you for this little expedition" said Kris as he disbursed a few PaDDs around the table, sliding them in whichever direction towards everyone except for Bridget who had already been reading.


"Dr. Landon Milo whom some of you may remember from the medical crisis on Teplan has recently been named Director of Medical Operations for Ophinias. He was on a solo mission to explore a near by class-P planet in a neighboring system when he made some discoveries that are...well, as you can see from reading over the information on those PaDDs, quite damn interesting" briefed Kris.

Will looked up from the PADD he was reading. "How interesting?" he asked.

Kris pressed onward. "I guess to get to the point. We are in the Gamma quadrant. So, how the hell do Klingon weapons and artifacts from over a century ago end up on a small glaciated world in a remote region of the Gamma quadrant?" asked Kris as fascinated with this as any scientist probably would be. "Furthermore, the discovery on the Insectoid corpse is another matter that I cannot wait to jump into a shuttle and investigate."

Will's interest was caught by this new information presented. "Hang on, nobody had access to to the Gamma Quadrant, let alone know anything about it until it was discovered by Commander Sisko in 2369," he explained. "What do we know about the insectoid corpse?" he went on to ask.

"Not a whole lot," answered Bridget. "We know it's large but otherwise seems to look similar to insects we would expect to see. What that actually means in terms of intelligence, way of life, bodily systems, etc, we have no idea." She grinned, "It is quite fascinating!"

"Has the Klingon government been notified?" Valerie asked curiously. "this isn't the first time Klingon artifacts were found in the Gamma Quadrant. A Vulcan science vessel had discovered a cloth that had been verified to be the shroud of the sword of Kahless."

Captain Kerouac listen to what everyone was adding to the conversation. Valerie had brought up the Klingon government, and that tugged at corner of his mouth. Spoken like a Command officer or at the very least a diplomat thought Kris, his eyes shifting his sight onto Valerie. "I haven't specifically inquired. However, I would imagine that they have or rather will be notified. I think Starfleet would prefer we got our feet on that planet before the Klingons do. Then there is to whole matter with exploration of this quadrant and the signing of the Jankata Accord. The Federation and Cardassians signed the treaty, permitting us to explore parts of the quadrant but only in a very limited sense and our establishment of bases is significantly limited. The Klingons have only been able to get a couple of ships into the quadrant after lengthy procedures with the Dominion" explained the Captain.

"As you have brought up, their have been other Klingon artifacts found in this quadrant in the past. Furthermore, the Vulcans in 2372 uncovered ruins of a civilization believed to have belonged to the Hur'q" said Kris. "The Hur'q are extinct, and they have been possibly for centuries. However, they were an insectoid species" commented Kris, his focus then turning to Bridget. "Lieutenant O'Connor, if you'd care to further explain the Hur'q."

Bridget looked at the captain in surprise and nodded. "The Hur'q were an insectoid species that invaded the Klingon home world and stole quite a few Klingon artifacts. Their physiology is similar to Earth's army ants and they are heavily armored. If this is a Hur'q corpse it'll be the first that we'll be able to study in great detail."

Will took note of Bridget's explanation of the Hur'q and a thought occured to him. "I take it that we can study the insectoid body...or Hur'q...without reviving it?" he asked, having a small concern about the fact that a species which invaded the Klingons before could be trouble again. "I only mention this because, as you say, they invaded the Klingon homeworld...the last thing we need is to revive a species that re-opens that threat again," he explained.

"I certainly think that's possible," said Bridget. "But, Ensign Circe is our medical expert on this away team so I'll let her say for sure."

Val reviewed the information on the PADD regarding the insectoid corps; however the data was sparse at best. "There have been instances of revivals of lifeforms found in a frozen tundras and most of the time, the revive creature usually becomes a threat. The best course of action would be to collect DNA samples from the corpse but leave it in the ice." Val replied honestly, hoping the lack of data implies nothing was done with the corpse.

Captain Kerouac cringed at the thought of reanimation. "Initially, I was going to ask about thawing the creature. However, after hearing these horror stories, I think that I'll just keep my mouth shut on that thought" commented Kris shaking his head. "I agree that it is best that we leave the corpse on ice...in ice, whatever we have to do to get what we need without waking sleeping beauty."

Will agreed with the Captains call and nodded in agreement too. "I'm sure we can find out quite a lot of information without taking the risk of thawing," he added.

"We can easily extract DNA, maybe even a blood sample without thawing." Valerie added.

Will smiled and breathed a metephorical sigh of relief as Val confirmed that it was possible to still extract DNA and he smiled at her, impressed with her knowledge. "So, when do we leave to go and begin our investigation?" he asked.

Kris looked around the room and then smiled at Will. "Suit up, ladies and gentlemen. We disembark from Ophinias in half and hour. Meeting dismissed."

Again, Jhu had to sacrifice leave time to provide a briefing about the Pedians and Species 8472. But this time she was doing it after a restless night, and still feeling sick from the night before. The small breakfast she'd managed to eat and the ginger tea had done little to alleviate the discomfort, and she'd considered canceling the meeting, which sounded like a great idea until she remembered that it was Krull Larkon she would be dealing with. A man who'd have no problem simply tracking her down to the hotel room and dragging her to the meeting anyway.

As she neared the meeting room that had been set aside for this briefing, the same anxiety from before settled in, ratcheting her heart rate up and quickening her breathing until she was feeling quite dizzy. She still considered Krull a friend, and she'd already briefed Commander Tegan and then a whole damned panel of Starfleet brass. Still, she couldn't help feeling overwhelmed by the idea of doing this again. Wondering how this particular briefing was going to go, she lingered outside the room's door, not wanting to actually go inside.

Sitting inside the small meeting room, at a table that just barely fit in the room with five seats around it, Commodore Krull Larkon sat at the head of the table waiting for a friend, a former member of his crew under his command, and a damn fine intelligence officer to enter the room. He had checked the time with Ophinias' computer. Jhu was to meet with him in a minute. However, he knew her well enough to know she sometimes showed early but waited until exactly on the minute. Perhaps a way to settle herself before coming into a meeting. Regardless, Krull wanted to get this done and over with.

"If you are going to simply stand out there and wait, at least try to slow your breathing down to normal, Commander" said Krull as he lifted his head and grumbled towards the entrance. "You my enter when you are ready, Commander. However, I do hope that you do so before I fall over dead" added Krull.

"I'm supposed to be the one with super hearing," Jhu grumbled, half to herself, though she knew if he could hear her breathing from where he sat she really would be in trouble if she didn't calm down. That thought really didn't help matters, and she hesitated a few seconds longer, trying to breathe. Naturally, it didn't work. That was her 'thank you' gift from Section 31, anxiety. Screw it. I'll never be ready. Deciding not to keep Krull waiting any longer - despite a heavy feeling of dread - she stepped inside the room, finding it uncomfortably small with the table crammed inside.

Krull gave her a polite nod and cleared his throat. "Yes, you have those wonderful Romulan ears and excellent Intelligence training, Commander t'Dharvanek" commented Commodore Larkon. "However, I have the benefit of Obsidian Order training. Call it a biased belief, but if the Obsidian Order was good at anything other than killing, it was avoiding being taken by surprise," added Larkon. "Have a seat, Jhu" he instructed with a nod at a empty chair.

"Well... that much is true," Jhu admitted sitting down in the indicated chair, taking a calico-colored ball of fluff out of her pocket as she did so. Normally she wouldn't bring the tribble to a meeting, but his soft purring quickly brought her pulse back to normal levels as she set him on the table and petted him gently. She didn't think Krull would mind the small creature's presence. "So. Where do you want me to start?"

Krull examined the small ball of cooing fur. A Tribble? he thought and shook his head with a smirk. "Going soft, Jhu?" remarked Krull as he skimmed through the PaDD before him. "You are the Chief Intelligence Officer and Second Officer aboard the USS Katana. Would you please identify what lead you to be placed in command of the starship during the Undine and Pedian incident?"

Jhu snorted at him. The man knew she'd always had a soft spot for furry creatures, especially the small ones. "That's a complicated tale," she began lightly, carefully containing the angry fire the thought conjured. She was still furious that Section 31 had planted an agent in her department without her noticing. "I was working late, like I often do. Filing reports, deciphering intelligence we've gathered or received... and I got a priority call, which is strange enough if it wasn't coming from Nathan. Er... I mean..." Blushing slightly, Jhu cleared her throat. "Lieutenant Tonkin, the chief of security. Frankly I didn't have a clue as to what was going on until I got to Captain Kerouac's quarters and Medical was there already, patching him up on the deck." Elements, she hated telling this story. The more she told it, the more it sounded like she'd made the whole thing up. "The captain had been stabbed with some sort of poisoned knife. Naturally, this happened while the first officer was on an away mission. Studying the Gekli. Imagine how thrilled I was when I realized what that meant... and we hadn't even run into the Pedians or the Undine yet. I mean, we knew the Undine were nearby because some of us can hear them and we had that report about the Vulcan ship... but we hadn't actually seen them yet."

Feeling like she was rambling a bit, Jhu paused, letting the tribble crawl up onto her sleeve. "Anyway, it was the fastest investigation I think any starship has ever done on board. Once Lieutenant Noxa told me it had been an Intrepid class starship's transporter that beamed the assailant in and out, we figured things out pretty fast. We only had the one transporter operator, Warrant Officer Mallory. And he had accessed some things he shouldn't have been able to with his clearance. I certainly didn't help him, and Weaver was already off the ship so that left one person." She paused again, not sure she really wanted to tell Krull how DeLancer had very nearly taken her out of the equation. "Ry'lan DeLancer. Who was a warrant officer in my department."

Krull nodded. "It appears as though you all had a very rough time recently. I have read the mission reports from several officers, and I am impressed with the performance of the crew. Some Admirals have stuck their noises into this entire incident and starship. Their has been a lot of fire being breathed down the neck of Captain Kerouac, but as you can see from him promotion...Admiralty is split on their opinions of him. Personally, I am pleased" explained Krull. He looked at Jhu and the Tribble. "So, Lieutenant Tonkin. Sexually involved?" asked the Commodore having no concern for the boundaries.

He did quickly make some apology. "I do not mean to pry. However, you seem happy. I would like to know who has caused you into such a jolly Jhu" he added.

Jhu gave him a dirty look. "Not that it's any of your business, but yes. We are 'sexually involved.' However, last I checked we were not here to discuss my sex life."

Krull flashed a small smile at her. "Defensive like a Romulan" commented the Cardassian, pushing the PaDD aside. "We are here for several reasons, Commander. One matter is for me to catch up with an old friend. However, to return back to business...Captain Kristopher Kerouac. Assessment of his performance as Commanding Officer?" asked the Commodore sternly.

"Non-traditional but effective. He's made our crew into a family, and as dysfunctional as we might seem, it works for us." Jhu wasn't sure which side of that argument Krull was likely to be on, but she wasn't giving him any ammunition if it turned out he was siding with Hayes. "He worked hard to get the crew's respect, and now that he has it, he's not likely to lose it any time soon."

The Cardassian grunted. "If there is anything that I can relate to as a Commanding Officer, it would be a non-traditional command style and creating a family from a crew. Every last one of you have gone on to do wonderful things. Though it pains me that Angelica lost her sanity, the poor girl. They say that she'll never be the same" said Krull shaking his head. He looked off distantly for a moment before returning his focus. "Admiral Hayes is attempting to remove Captain Kerouac from command. Though that does not look like it will happen. However, the Admiral is attempting to get members of the crew reassigned."

"I know all about Hayes and his plans, trust me." Jhu blocked her tribble's ascent toward her shoulder, gently guiding him back to the table. "I'm confident that Commander Eisovo will not follow through with those plans. He's a mean, gruff sonofabitch, but he's coming around. I think he likes us more than he wants to admit."

"I figured you would get to the bottom of the Eisovo matter" replied Krull quite pleased with the woman's performance as an intelligence officer. "I have personally requested that the USS Katana take me back to the Delta Quadrant. I will be aboard for that duration to keep my eye on Eisovo" added Krull.

Jhu nodded slightly. Most of the tightness in her chest had eased by now, but she kept the tribble in her hands, idly petting him. "We should have a couple empty cabins... Mallory's been transferred to a penal transport and DeLancer is... well. Dead."

Commodore Larkon nodded "Ah, yes...DeLancer. There's some inconsistencies in the reports filed. We had reports from Lieutenant Verak who's report on the matter is that he was stabbed and it would be illogical for him to comment on what he 'thought' he had seen or heard. His cites several medical sources on the effects of severe blood loss and various toxins. Captain Kerouac's report tends to indicate that you intended to simply subdue the man and that your hands or something must have slipped causing a deadly hold. Then there is of course your own report, and the medical report from Dr. Cohen," commented Larkon.

Jhu sighed, not quite looking at him. "Krull... I don't know what I intended to do to him, beyond keeping him from killing me or hurting anyone else. I don't even know if I regret killing him, so all I put in my report were the facts. He stabbed two members of the crew and then tried twice to kill me. Regardless of my intent, I acted in my own defense."

Satisfied, Krull nodded. "I understand and that is more or less what I told Hayes and the others. In fact, I told them that it was clearly out of your own defense that DeLancer was killed. Had your intent had been a revenge killing, he would have been dead long before" added Commodore Larkon. "You've been cleared of any misconduct or wrong doing."

Jhu finally grinned a little, brushing her hair back away from her collar, where her newly acquired gold pip had replaced the black one. "I know. I just hate re-telling the story... this is the fourth or fifth time. And I don't handle the strain well since the Dominion had their hands on me. Especially not in these tiny rooms."

Commodore Larkon let out a good chuckle. "I know the feeling" he said and proceeded to stand up from his seat. "Officially, I covered the small bit of information that I was asked to address. I have no issue telling Admiral Hayes where he can shove his complaints" added Krull. "Consider yourself free to take some leave, Commander and congratulations on the promotion."

"Thank you, and I'm already on leave. Supposedly. Starfleet keeps trying to make me work anyway." Jhu's grin went a little crooked as she got up, settling the tribble on her shoulder instead of tucking him back into her pocket. "I'll see you back on the ship then. Try not to freeze before then."

"I won't" replied Krull simply. "I will be heading aboard the Katana, settling in some VIP quarters and staying nice and warm with some hot Lagashi spiced cider."

"Sounds nice, but don't replicate it. Find Ensign Cho'ren and get her recipe... it's fantastic." Waving a goodbye, Jhu retreated down the corridor to return to the warmth of the hotel room she and Nathan had rented. They still had some leave time to burn before the ship launched again.

Arivek Zhuri rounded the corridor, glancing between the PADD in his hands and the doors he was passing. Moments later, he sighed in relief as he found the door he was looking for: Captain's Quarters. Though it was unusual to bother the Captain when he wasn't on duty, Arivek was too busy to find another time to do this.

As he walked up to the door, he pressed his finger to the keypad, announcing his presence.

Kris had been lounging around on his sofa and lying on his Argollian fur throw, bare chested and having recently nursed a good bottle of fine Terran white rum. At first he hadn't realized that the chime rang out. However, the second time, he rolled over and off the sofa, falling onto the floor. ouch he thought as his ass went *thump* onto the floor. Shaking off his grogginess, Kris got up back onto his feet and headed to the door.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming" he called out as he lurched over and pressed the command onto the small panel to open the doors, parting them. There before him stood his new Chief Engineer, the hologram. "You used doors? You knock? How considerate of you. The starship has holoemitters and projectors all over the place. You could have appeared in my Quarters has you so desired" commented Kris.

The man peered over his new Commanding Officer, who answered the door in only a pair of green briefs that seemed to accent certain parts of him. Ari tried not to smile, and tried even harder not to peek too long. "I apologize, next time I'll just appear wherever I see fit. But please accept my apology for showing politeness."

Kris shook his head dismissively. "Sarcasm. Did they not have then when you were a real boy?" countered Kris somewhat playfully. "What brings you to my quarters, Lieutenant? I don't mind you stopping by but there usually are unwritten rules aboard this starship about coming to my quarters in my off time. You almost always BYOB" added Kristopher Kerouac stepping aside and indicating for the hologram to come into his quarters.

Ari slowly walked over the threshold, not really sure what to make of the situation. "I would bring my own, but as I'm a hologram, I neither eat nor drink. As for what brings me here," the man looked back at the Captain, "I wanted to drop off my Engineering report. Systems are all back within normal limits," he said, holding the PADD out to the man.

Yes, wonderful...you brought me an Engineering report. You will soon realize that I have to have a Cadet read these for me, read them to me, and then try to explain them thought Kris nodding. He wanted to say all of that and then some. Instead, he simply reached out and accepted the PADD. "Thank you, Lieutenant. I will be sure to look over this in the morning" added Kris. Yeah...what I really mean is I will slide this on Sour Puss' desk, have him look at it and then give it to me, which I will then ask my cadet Yeoman to read to me. "This looks like an enthralling read."

"It actually is," Arivek said, crossing his arms. "I brought it to you personally without delay because I've found evidence of sabotage aboard the ship and I felt you needed to know."

Internally, Kris was screaming 'Noooo' and outwardly his face was expressionless and his stare was blank as he remembered the recent sabotage, the attacks, the abductions, the hostage situation...everything. "Oh not this crap again" responded Kris. "Can you tell how recent, Lieutenant?"

"There was no sabotage, Captain," Ari said.

Kris looked at the Chief Engineer and cocked his head. "What?" said Kris a bit dumbfounded, but then he sort of smiled and let out a small chuckle. "Was that an attempt at a joke from a hologram?"

"No that was me trying to-" the man threw his hands up, "Forget it. Why do you keep being an ass to me? Why can't you just...I don't know." Ari sighed. "Put some clothes on."

The Captain let out a small sigh and walked over to the sofa where he slid into a pair of jeans and then tossed a grey short sleeved V-neck on. He looked at the holographic Chief Engineer and did sincerely feel bad for the guy. "I'm Sorry, Lieutenant. I do not intend to be an ass. Well, I do. I like to be an ass because I hate being uptight and serious, but what I do not mean is to hurt your feelings...if you...do you have feelings?" asked Kris.

"I don't mean that offensively, Arivek. I honestly just have never bothered to read much about holograms outside of a holodeck. I think that so many people are used to holograms being used for entertainment and recreational uses, not as Chief Engineers. You deserve to be treated better than that aboard the Katana, and if you feel like the rest of the crew have been unfair or mistreating you...just let me know and I promise that I will take care of it."

Arivek stood there with his mouth open, unsure of exactly how to react in such a situation. On one hand, this man has insulted him greatly, on the other, he was his Commanding Officer. I suppose decking him is out of the question, he thought to himself while he gathered his wits to reply. "I have feelings, Captain. Plenty of them. Let me remind you again that I was a real fucking person a week ago."

The hologram began to pace before spinning back around to face the man. "And this coming from a man who has an android as his Chief of...well, I don't know what the hell she does around here. But I know you have one. The Borg told me. Did you have these issues when she came aboard? And her personality is programmed! Mine is at least real flesh and blood! And no, no one on board is being unfair or mistreating me, except it's Captain. He can't seem to get passed this...prejudice he has against me."

"Andy is not a Borg. She is a human being, flesh and blood. She was a human who was assimilated by the Borg and her identity was stolen from her. She was liberated from them and has slowly but effectively found her own humanity once more" countered Kris. "And to be honest...Andy is a bitch. She is troublesome on her good days, and royal nightmare for me as a CO every other time" added Kris. "Maica was programmed for sexual services. However, she expanded beyond that and has liberated herself. She is an excellent Starfleet Officer and is a Lieutenant Commander. She is my Chief Diplomatic Officer, and yes Arivek, I was very disinterested in having a sexually programmed Android with huge knockers walking around advising me how to deal with other species. However, you know what? Maica has saved my ass more times than I care to count" said Kris.

He let out a sigh and shook his head. "I'm not prejudiced, Lieutenant. I miss Matthews. She was the first Chief Engineer that Katana had under my command and was like a sister to me. She was my friend, my confidant, and held this starship together when the will of the Gods seemed to be the destruction of Katana. After her, we had Lieutenant Rayze for a brief time, and damn it I was really starting to like him. I DO NOT hate you nor do I have a prejudice against you. I am just afraid of getting close with you, seeing your face when I come into Engineering. I do not want to get used to you being around if that may change again" explained Kris.

"So let me get this straight, it's easier to hurt my feelings to spare your own." The hologram chuckled, "I'm not going to fight you like this. And again, I'm also not going to apologize for not being them. But I'm having a shitty time dealing with this as it is, and I don't need you making it any worse on me. I came to this ship to get away from those on Twilight who could no longer look at me straight. They would look at me from the sides of their eyes before they'd run off and whisper to each other. And by god I don't need this from you!"

Kris let out a sigh of frustration and looked at the male hologram with a sympathetic yet slightly annoyed look as he did his best to understand how the lieutenant must have felt and continued to feel given his treatment thus far. "Lieutenant, you shouldn't need to apologize and I know that you will not. It is true that you are not Matthews nor Rayze. I need to come to terms with that fact and accept it. It is something that may take me some time, but I will get there. Please do try to respect that I am trying" replied Kris.

He looked at the lieutenant and shook his head. "I do not know how those on Twilight treated you, and if you were mistreated in any way, I do apologize for having to deal with that. However, you will not get that treatment aboard my starship, and I can assure you that much. It may take this crew, myself included, some time to get used to you. But rest assure, we will. Katana is a sanctuary for us all and I would like it to be one for you as well."

"Then please..." Ari sighed, his shoulders drooping, "Can you just treat me like the good officer my service record proves that I am. All I want is to live my life again. I can't move past a tragedy because you won't let it go. And to be fair, you have no idea how this," he motioned to himself, "feel. You have no idea how watching your body die feels. And to be honest, if it weren't for my feelings, I wouldn't feel anything. I can't. It wasn't built into my program to feel things."

"You are correct, Lieutenant. I do not know how it feels to lose your body and become photons, to become a holographic representation of the man you once were" said Captain Kerouac with sincerity. "I do not mean to pretend to tell you that I understand. I do not. However, I do know what it feels like to be dying, and that is a sensation that I will never soon, if ever, forget. I should not be standing here with you, Lieutenant. I, however, am...and I am here because of how damn dedicated this crew is. I believe you will find yourself becoming part of this family" added Kristopher placing a hand on the man's shoulder.

Arivek looked at the hand as a familiar sadness seeped into him. But he pushed that aside as he laid his hand on top of the other man's. "I hope so, Captain. This has caused me to lose my biological family. I could definitely use one."

"Many of us come from a similar situation, Lieutenant. Some would say that we are a starship of lost souls, a ship of the damned, or a flock of some of blackest sheeps and Starfleet misfits" commented Kris as he slid his hand away and smiled a gentle, but reassuring smile at the man. "I, however, like to see us as a crew of people who have come to fill the gaps left in their lives" added Kris.

"I think I now fit that bill, Captain. Though, I don't know if I'd call myself a 'black sheep'." Ari stood there for a moment, "What brought you to this congregation?"

Kris chuckled. "That is a very long story, Lieutenant. However, I was intended to be the First Officer of this starship, not the Commanding Officer. Captain Martina Sanchez was killed on her way to take command of Katana" said Captain Kerouac.

"So then you weren't a lost sheep who found his way into the herd? Just a man who became a shepherd by default."

"Oh no, I was lost. Still am to some extent. I lost my fiance many years ago, back during the Dominion War. His starship went out and never came back" said Kris. This was becoming an all too familiar thing. Meeting crew and having to tell the tale. "It lead me to years of depression and alcohol abuse. However, if I am to be fair, I was born into a life of substance abuse. Joy Dust to be specific" added Kris.

"What is joy dust?" Arivek asked.

"My nemesis" replied Kris with a painful thought of those days so long ago. "It is a drug on the planet where I was born. It's affects make you happy, quite happy. It boosts your mood, numbs the pain, and feels like the closest thing to euphoria than I've ever felt. However, it is extremely addictive and when you are hooked on it, you want it and you will do anything for it. Over time, you become so damn addicted to it that you may not bother to eat, sleep, or take care of yourself unless necessary. Withdrawl from it can drive you insane" answered Kris quite honestly.

"Am I to assume you're still taking it?" the hologram asked.

Kris shook his head "No" said Kristopher quite firmly. "Not since I left Turkana IV. I had to endure a painful few months of withdrawl, but it has been years since I've experienced joy dust, and I hope to never have that crap in my system again."

"I'm glad to hear that. Addictive substances can be a scary thing." Arivek moved toward the Captain and paced a hand on his shoulder.

Captain Kerouac smiled. "They can. I'm still trying to fight off alcohol. Sometimes, I can go sober a few days or a couple of weeks, but I always end up drinking at some point. It is a bad habit."

Arivek nodded, "But at least you're trying. That's something." He walked past the Captain, "I really should get back to work, Captain. I appreciate your candidness with me. I look forward to being on your crew for a while."

"Thank you. Please, feel free to get settled in with the rest of the crew" said Kris as he walked the man back to the door. It opened and Kris bid the man a nice evening.

Arivek Zhuri found himself standing in the middle of an empty cargo bay, the red haired Chief of Operations no where to be found. A crewmember mentioned that this would be the best place to find her, but alas, he must have been mistaken. All he wanted to do was talk to her about something, and according to the Computer, she was still on board. Though perhaps she was working in another part of the ship.

With a sigh, Arivek tapped his combadge, "Zhuri to Carter. Senior Chief, are you available to help me with something?" he asked.

=/\= "Hn?" He could hear a heavy yawn and the rustle of fabric over the commline. "What is it you need, Lieutenant?" Andy asked.

"I was needing some help with my program, if you had a moment. But if you're busy, it's not a big deal," he replied, rubbing the back of his neck in a nervous habit.

=/\= "Yeah, sure, I can meet you in my cybernetics lab in just a few minutes," Andy said.

"I appreciate that. Zhuri out." Arivek left the Cargo Bay and walked straight to the large LCARS Computer Console that was inset into the bulkhead. While he knew exactly where the woman's lab was and it wouldn't be an easy walk, Captain Kerouac had a point earlier. It would be easy to just appear out of thin air. With a few commands of the system, the hologram disappeared and soon found himself standing in the middle of the cybernetics lab.

Andy came sauntering in a while later wearing baggy cargo pants and a plain black t-shirt with a blue plaid flannel shirt over it. Sure, she was out of uniform, but at least she was clothed, which was more than could be said about her just a short while ago. She ran a hand through her unruly red mane, scratching the back of her head with a wide yawn as she headed directly for the replicator for a cup of coffee. "So, whatcha need?" she asked Ari after her first sip of coffee.

"I..." He hesitated. It seemed like such an awkward request and it would probably make the woman assume there was a situation that there wasn't, but he had to learn to be more comfortable around him. "I need help making a change to my programming. As sophisticated as my matrix is, it was created for bare purposes only. There wasn't exactly time to install bells and whistles before I left the station. And unfortunately, I'm missing something that I'd really like back, if possible." He sighed. "I need some sort of tactile interface. Right now, anything I touch, anything I graze, I can't feel it. it's like...nothing."

"Oh..." Andy said, giving him a curious stare. "Alright," she said without a second thought and sat at a console with her coffee. "Once I build the framework for the tactile interface, I'll need to do some tests on how your program filters that information into your conscious matrix so you get an accurate representation of the tactile response. I would like full access to your program, but I can work in the confines of limited access like last time if you're still reluctant to give me full access."

Ari walked over to the console she was at and tapped in a few commands. "Computer, enable temporary full program access to Senior Chief Carter for a period of one hour. Authorization Zhuri-Delta-Five-Two-Pi." With a chirp of the computer, the access was granted. "That should give you access to everything."

"Thanks," Andy said. She pulled up the coding she used in Maica to recreate a natural tactile response and used that as a guide for Ari's new program. She was focused and intense as she worked, and it was clear with the way she handled his program that she held the utmost reverence and respect for what he was; this wasn't just a computer program she was messing with, it was a life that she could irreparably damage if she did the wrong thing. She wasn't going to mess this up! "Accessing memory engrams to get a comparative baseline and loading new algorithms now," she informed Ari as she went along. "Let me know if you need me to stop or change something."

"You're fine," Ari said, almost in a daze as he back of his eyes tingled. "This is the weirdest sensation. It's almost as if I can feel you inside of my head." His jaw opened a bit wider and he chuckled. "That's odd."

"I bet," Andy said with a snicker. "Alright, I've got some baseline sensory readings from your memories and I'm reconfiguring the algorithms to match that. You should feel when that's done, then try touching something and I'll calibrate it until it feels right."

After a few moments, Arivek reached out a slid a finger across the bulkhead, "Shit!" he said, pulling the finger back. "I believe the irregularities in the bulkhead's composite are...painful."

"Sorry! That's my bad!" Andy said, her fingers flying over the console as she input the commands to fix the problem. "I forgot about an issue I had with Maica, senses getting transposed. Looks like your matrix was causing a similar issue but I think I got it fixed now. Try it again."

Tentatively, Arivek reached out and touched the bulkhead again. With a sigh of relief, he ran his entire hand across it. "Much better. Is it possible to turn the pain...off?"

"I suppose I could," Andy replied, but she looked over her shoulder at him. "Pain is kinda there for a reason, but if you insist... I guess I could add in manual control of pain receptors."

"Actually...go ahead and leave it. You're right, it's there for a reason." Arivek rubbed the back of his neck again, stupid nervous habit. "Will this tactile interface work for everything? I mean could I have..." he motioned to his lower region.

Andy laughed. "But I thought you deleted your sexual preferences," she teased.

"I wasn't serious about that. But now that you've reminded me, I'd also like you to import my clothing subroutines into my protected matrix. I don't want the Captain succeeding next time he tries to mess with those."

Andy snickered and nodded her head. "Can do," she replied, and with a few keystrokes had done as he asked. Then she stood. "Alright, time to test your response to other people touching you," she said, then put her hands on his shoulders, working down his arms until she pinched his wrists, watching closely for any abnormal responses.

Arivek giggled before frowning, "Couldn't have chosen something other than a pinch?" he asked. "I guess it's good to know that I can actually feel something again."

"Just part of the test, pain has to be properly calibrated or the rest is out of whack," Andy said, looking over the readings. "How are you perceiving the contact? Is it like you remember it, does it feel 'right'?"

"Yea, it's basically the same," Ari said with a nod. "It's actually kind of weird. It's like I can actually feel you."

"You can actually feel me," Andy said. "I used Maica's sensory framework as a guide for this program. I also used it in Lieutenant Tonkin's biosynthetic arm. What he feels is as close to natural sensory perception as possible, and now so do you. Now I need you to touch yourself," she said, looking down at his pants.

"Excuse me?" he asked with a confused look on his face, following her gaze down to his groin.

"If you wanna make sure it works enough to have sex, you gotta test it. I can touch you if you want," Andy offered.

Arivek held and arm up in front of her, backing away, "I definitely don't want you doing that," he said. "Can I go into my office and try it? I'd rather not in front of you."

"Go to the back, you'll have some privacy there," Andy said, pointing to the back of the lab space as she leaned back in her chair with her coffee. She had a wide grin on her face, clearly amused by this.

"Feeling or not, certain things won't work if you're in the room. My office is directly across from here, I can be back in 10 minutes." He thought about it for a moment, "If everything is working correctly, I may need 15."

"Fine, fine," Andy said, waving him off. "Hurry up, I don't have much time left to access your program."

"That reminds me..." Arivek cleared his throat. "Computer, rescind all outside access to my program. Authorization Zhuri-Delta-Five-Two-Pi." The computer chirped in confirmation. "Just until I get back. You have this...mean streak in you. I'm afraid of what you'd do when I'm not here."

Andy leaned over and flicked him on the back of the ear. "Mean streak or not, I'm a fucking professional when it comes to doing a job."

"Tell that to the sign on my back. You're lucky a crewman saw it as I was headed to the Captain's quarters." And suddenly the urge hit him. The captain, standing there in just his briefs... "I think I will head to my office now. See you in a bit."

"Hey, I did that after I was done with your check up and I woulda done it regardless of the fact that you were holographic," Andy said as he walked out. And it was true, she had put signs on her crewmen before and she would do it again.

Seventeen minutes later, Arivek quietly tiptoed back into the room. He wasn't sure why he thought he could go unnoticed, as Andy was the only other person there. But he didn't want to make a big scene of his entrance.

Andy was focused on her console and his sensory readouts. As soon as she heard the door open, she flashed him a thumbs up for a job well done. "Way to go, Romeo!" she said with a big grin. "Looks like you and your junk are working just fine. Congratulations, you may now poke fun all you want. Oh, and I finished writing that little bit that will give you manual control over pain, so you can shut it off in case the need arises."

"I appreciate it," he said softly. "Um...odd question. While I was able to climax, but I did not ejaculate. Is that normal?"

"Why would you? You're a hologram. But I could add jizz to make the experience more realistic," Andy said, completely unbothered by the topic.

"No, that's fine. I doubt I'll need it. Was just a very terrifying experience when I didn't cum everywhere. Or anywhere for that matter. Though I definitely would have." Arivek blushed as he realized what he just said out loud. "I apologize, Andy."

"Don't apologize," Andy said as she finished up some coding. "It's a natural biological function that you now lack and are adjusting to, there's no need to apologize for that. And I actually need to know this kind of stuff if I'm to help improve your quality of life." She turned to look at him, and pointed to the programs on her screen as she named them off, "I've got manual pain overrides, tweaks for your senses, and jizz. Since you pulled my authorization, you've got to apply them. Let me know if you have any other issues I need to help you with, but for now I am returning to my very horny girlfriend. You have fun now that you can."

Arivek chuckled, "Thanks I will. Tell Commander Maica I said hello." He thought about that for a second, "Unless you're in the throes of sex. Then feel free to not mention my greeting."

"Can do!" Andy said, waving as she walked out the door. Damn, she got to program jizz into a hologram! Forget the horny girlfriend, she was horny. Good thing Maica was waiting for her on that recreation of the villa on Talos IV...

The chill of the outside air seeped into the corridors of the buildings, and Jhu shivered despite the heavily insulated uniform jacket she'd replicated for her meeting with Commodore Larkon. Feeling no warmer than if she'd worn the standard jacket, she questioned why she'd bothered with it at all, and she wasted no time in shedding it and the rest of the replicated uniform once she'd crossed the threshold into the room she and Nathan had rented. Nathan was still asleep, so she set Sparky the tribble down on the nightstand as she pulled on thick sweatpants and a sweatshirt before crawling back under the blanket, snuggling up to Nathan for warmth. The anxiety had faded, but the hungover feeling remained, and as long as she was feeling that lousy, she intended to sleep. If sleep would come.

It became readily apparent over the next several minutes that she was awake now and that was how she'd be staying. Careful not to hit Nathan in the head, she retrieved a PaDD from the nightstand and opened the file that held the book she'd been reading, propping it up on Nathan's chest.

Nathan let out a long dramatic sigh and opened his eyes. He looked down at Jhu. "You are freezing cold, and making it really hard to pretend to be asleep." He said. Nathan slept about as often as Jhu did. "How did it go?" He asked her, peering over the PaDD at her.

"Sorry, I'm trying to warm up. The hallways are cold." Jhu set her PaDD down, pulling the blanket up over her shoulders. "It went fine. I still feel like crap from last night though."

"Awesome...can we go back to Katana yet? This place has got to be about as close to hell as I can imagine. " Clearly Nathan was enjoying the ice planet as much as Jhu was."

"I thought you'd never ask." Jhu kissed his cheek. "I suggest the transporter... my stomach's still upset, and I'd prefer not to throw up all over a shuttle."

"I'm not that bad of a pilot am I?" Nathan said with a chuckle. He jumped out of bed and started packing his stuff.

"No, I just feel really lousy. Mixing Saurian brandy with cognac was a terrible idea." Having already stuffed most of her things back into her bag, Jhu stayed right where she was, snuggling into the bed where Nathan had been lying.

Nathan had been smart and packed light. He put on his shoes and grabbed the bag that had his Tux and a few other things. "Come on!" He said pulling the blanket off Jhu.

Jhu squeaked in surprise, diving after the blanket only to have it whipped away. "That's cruel!" She tried to glare at him, but instead she started giggling as she put on her shoes and grabbed her bag. "All right, all right. I'm ready."

"You forgot Sparky, he crawled behind the lamp." Nathan said pointing to the night stand she had set him on.

"Oops!" Sliding the lamp out of the way, Jhu retrieved the little calico tribble, putting him on her shoulder where he liked to ride. "He's so quiet I almost forgot him."

Nathan slapped his com badge. =/\=" Katana, two to beam up."

[ON]

"Computer, Nepata tea, hot."

Commander M'rayr Eisovo rolled his right shoulder because a muscle had tensed up sometime around midday and yet to let up. Being the first officer of a Federation Starship was as difficult a task as any, and there was no doubt in his mind that his... approach... to this ship and its crew had left him standing at one side of a line with the rest of them on the other. Admiral Jethro Hayes could very well be right about Kerouac; Kristopher Kerouac is... or at least was an alcoholic. He was battling severe depression, and had a very unorthodox method of commanding a Starship. But that didn't make him a bad leader. In fact, the more M'rayr continued to observe, the more he came to realize that, despite all his weaknesses, Kerouac was anything but.

The crew hated him. But what was done was done, and M'rayr couldn't turn back the clock now.

Sipping on the tea, M'rayr sat down at his desk. He had had his couch removed in order to add workspace to his quarters. He picked up a loose PaDD and thumbed it active. It was Senior Chief Petty Officer Andrea Carter's reassignment orders, signed, but not yet submitted. As much as he believed that Carter was a problem on this ship, she was right; he couldn't move her to another assignment without facing severe wrath from Kerouac and most of the remaining senior staff. It was for that reason, and that reason alone, that he chose not to submit the request. He'd have to put up with her, and maybe even challenge her to be a better SNCO.

"Not likely..." the Caitian muttered as he set the PaDD down, forgetting to deactivate it.

One thing was certain. The Katana was a family, and a tightly knit one at that. Despite its many shortfalls, it would pull through fire and ice because this crew would not abandon one another, no matter how bad things got. M'rayr grinned at the thought, then grimaced. Like t'Dharvanek had deduced, a part of the reason M'rayr was so bitter about his appointment to the Katana was because it meant he was leaving the San Jacinto. After being cast out by his tribe on Cait, the San Jacinto had probably been the closest thing to a family he'd ever known.

A mental pull in his chest told him he was feeling anxious and resentful. He took a long sip from his tea, hoping to calm his nerves. After being exiled from the Eisovo tribe - a very traumatic event for any Caitian - it had taken him days to recuperate. He couldn't afford to let things slip on board the Katana... not now... not ever.

Further down the corridor, a different line of thought was running through Andy Carter's mind as she got ready for bed, aggressively tugging at her clothes as she dressed. She could not believe the gall that damned cat had! Backed her into a corner with a threat of transfer then expected her to be cooperative! Not fucking likely! She would rather resign than cooperate with that sonofabitch! She flopped on the bed in a huff and waited for Maica to finish up whatever office work she needed to finish before coming to bed.

Maica had just finished up her own work, her last report sent out for the day. Sitting on the bed next to Andy, she sighed heavily. "I hope you never have to deal with Binars. They write things so very... ugh..."

"Yeah, I bet that sucks..." Andy said, pulling Maica closer. She unzipped Maica's duty shirt to check for the furball, then snuggled up to Maica's wonderfully voluptuous bosom. "I think I kinda got in trouble today..."

Squeezing Andy deeper into her cleavage, Maica purred a little. "Better tell me about it. I'm apparently 4th in command of the ship and the emergency lockout feature for the main computer now."

"Who the what, now?" Andy said, looking up at Maica. "Whatever... Anyway, the new XO called me to his office today, off duty and all, checked how I was recovering, then threatened to have me transferred. I... kinda lost it and maybe said some shit I probably shouldn't have..."

"Transferred?" Maica asked, raising an eyebrow. This was disturbing news. "Why would he want to do that and what did you say?"

"Oh, dunno... stuff," Andy replied sheepishly. She was slowly working her way towards feeling guilt for her outburst, but she wasn't quite there yet. "He was being an asshole. Damned Caitian... I thought they were supposed to be all chilled out and awesome, like those diplomats that always give you free booze."

"Like any other race, Caitians too have varying types. M'Rayr doesn't have much reason to put on airs and try to buy my loyalty with rare and exotic consumables with intoxicating effects like most politicians and bureaucrats do." Maica explained wordily. She could have simplified that, but in this case, she felt a need to be politically precise. "One thing I've noticed that does span Caitians in general is a need for social interaction. That's where he has me worried with what else is in his personnel file and what my other sources have told me."

Andy looked at Maica curiously. She really did look worried, and if it worried Maica then it immediately worried Andy too. "What is it?"

Maica shook her head. "It's all privacy act information. I'm not supposed to tell you, so don't repeat any of it, ok?" Pausing for a moment, Maica sighed and started talking. "During the dominion war, most of his ship mates and a lot of his clan were wiped out when Betazed was taken. He was ordered to man some dinky outpost after that, safe from the war for the most part. When he refused the orders, he was banished from Cait forever. Not even my diplomat friends will touch on that topic but Starfleet offered him a provisional rank and a position aboard a ship, The Cushing, which was subsequently destroyed at the Chin'toka system. His next ship, the Axanar, was almost destroyed at the battle of Cardassia. After a few years on a civilian freighter, he was offered the chief engineer spot on the San Jacinto, which was then nearly destroyed by the Gorn and is still in drydock being refit and repaired. He also lost his eye in that last battle. By my count, he's lost his homeworld, 4 families, had 4 ships blown up out from under him as an engineer, and buried hundreds if not thousands of friends." Finishing her summary, Maica took a deep breath and waited for Andy to say something.

Suddenly, Andy felt bad for a lot of the shit she said, especially about how close everyone on the Katana was. It must have felt like she was rubbing it in his face, now she felt like dirt. "Fuck..." was all she managed to say.

"I'd like to see him become a part of our family, but I'm not sure he'll want to after all that. He's making himself an outcast right from the start." Maica said, shaking her head.

"No kidding..." Andy simply cuddled against Maica's chest for a moment as she let everything sink in, then quite suddenly stood. "C'mon," she said, taking Maica's hand and leading her to the door without any further explanations.

Maica let Andy lead her out the door, wondering what she was up to. She didn't say anything, though she did grab a bottle as they left just in case. A gold leaf topped bottle of Nepata double ferment wine.

Andy took them straight to M'Rayr's quarters, ringing the chime and waiting for him to answer while she stood out in the hall in her fleece pajama pants. "This is probably going to be a terrible idea, but just run with it, okay?" she said to Maica as they waited. Although seeing the bottle of alcohol in Maica's hands was a pretty good indication that Maica was on board with whatever crazy idea Andy had.

Maica just smiled her patented warm smile and waited with Andy for an answer.

The chime at his doorway caught the Caitian unexpectedly. He looked at the source of the commotion, and then to his chronometer on the wall. It was past 23:00 hours; who would be coming to see him at this late an hour? For a moment, M'rayr wondered if t'Dharvanek was trying to be friendly again. So far, she was the only one who seemed willing to put aside recent events and give him a chance. "Enter," M'rayr shot out in a low growl. He set his cup of tea down on the table, interlaced his paws, and waited.

When the doorway parted, even M'rayr couldn't have masked his surprise.

"Hey, we're here to keep you company," Andy said as she entered the room like she owned it. Seeing that there was no couch to make herself comfortable, and that was odd, what kind of person didn't have a couch in their quarters... she instead pulled up a chair to M'rayr's desk and sat down, pulling Maica into her lap. "She brought booze if you're interested."

M'rayr faced Maica, one eyebrow looking very furrowed. He had no idea if this was some sort of effort - (vain as it was) - to convince him to change his mind over dismissing Senior Chief Carter from the Katana, or if something else was going on. That knot in his shoulder began to manifest itself exponentially. Choosing to ignore Andy for the moment, M'rayr focused instead on the Orion-bot. "Lieutenant Commander, explain this," he said firmly, even putting a little authority into his voice, despite the fact that Maica was only one grade beneath him.

Maica set the bottle of 89 year old nepata double ferment wine on his desk with the Eisovo Private Reserve label facing him, a serious look on her face. "You're being incorporated into our family. As the resident licensed sex therapist, denial of prescribed mental health actions may constitute violation of medical orders, blah blah blah..."

M'rayr walked to the desk and picked up the bottle, surveying the label, which he studied carefully. It was an evidence of emotion that nobody aboard the Katana had seen before. "Where did you get this?" He asked, seeming to ignore everything else she said.

"The Draygus 3 trade conference 2 years ago." Maica studied M'rayr's face carefully, looking for any signs of rejection or acceptance.

Such feelings were in major conflict with one another. On one hand, this was the closest to his family that M'rayr had been fourteen years. Since refusing the order to return to the homeworld, entitled to serve the remainder of his career in the CSF in relative safety, he hadn't seen or heard from the Eisovo tribe, nor had he been near the Caitian homeworld. On the other hand, however, the bottle reminded him of all the sorrows and all the hatred he felt for his tribe, and al the hatred they seemed to feel for him. He set the bottle down, steadying himself. "What did you think bringing it here to me would accomplish?" He asked. Maybe Maica and Andy were telling him the truth -- that they wanted him to be part of their family. Then again, maybe this was part of an effort to 'bribe' M'rayr into canceling Andy's transfer order.

The truth was, Andy had no way of knowing if the transfer order was even still on the table or not. All she knew was that this big sourpuss was alone and she didn't think that was right. "That you might enjoy it and have a good time?" Andy offered with a shrug. And maybe it'll help you take the stick out of your ass, she thought. "If you don't like it, Maica's got a whole stash if you wanna try something else."

"I could have just as easily grabbed the bottle of Einrar triple distilled nepata ale but I figured you'd prefer this bottle." Realizing the probability was high that he was asking about something entirely different though, she figured she'd best address it sooner than later. Leaning into Andy, she continued. "And if you think it's a bribe so you don't try to transfer Andy off the ship, I don't need one. I'm a professional diplomat, not some 2 strip politician. Enjoy it or don't. You're one of 2 people on the ship that can even get high off of real nepata leaves so it really does us no good."

Two people? M'rayr asked mentally before recalling the Caitian engineer working somewhere in the lower decks. Putting his attention back to the two women in his quarters, he realized that he was too tired to argue their points. Not to mention the fact that the bottle had thrown him off balance; it brought up several old emotions and feelings that he was too busy guarding. He made an effort to push past it. While M'rayr wasn't entirely convinced that Maica possessed the strings she'd need to circumvent his own, the matter was moot anyways. "I have not submitted the transfer order," he pointed out, nodding towards the still-active PaDD on the desk. Maybe that would mean something to Andy, Maica, or both. "Not out of concern that it would be circumvented through ulterior means..." he clarified, directing his last words strictly to Maica.

With that, M'rayr stepped around the table and took a seat in his chair, opposite of the Green Orion-bot and red-haired ex-borg. He only then became re-attentive to the fact that neither were dressed in uniform, but appeared to have been preparing for bed when they elected to interrupt his solace. "You are volatile and insubordinate," M'rayr pointed out, focusing his words onto Andy. Then, he expanded his gaze to include Maica as well. "But, as both of you and others have stated, this crew is, if anything, fiercely loyal to one another. And regardless of the opinions of some in the admiralty board..." M'rayr paused to clear his throat. "I desire to believe that this crew should stand as it is," M'rayr finished, giving a half-dangerous glare out of his eye to Andy. If she were to do again what she did during the Pedina incident, she'd have to deal with him.

"If you think we came here to stop you from submitting those orders, you're wrong," Andy said, running her metal-tipped fingers through Maica's hair. "As much as I appreciate that you ain't sent those yet, I ain't gonna change who I am to appease you. What I did during the Pedina incident, I did to protect the crew. And as well intentioned as that was, what I didn't know when I opened the rift was that it would create such a strong gravitational well, causing more problems for all of us than I anticipated. Needless to say, lesson learned, I ain't opening anymore rifts unless specifically under orders to do so, but that ain't going to stop me from doing whatever it takes to protect this crew, my family. And now that means you too."

"She's right, you know." Maica said with a decidedly mischievous grin. "You're stuck with us now and you should know we don't let go easily."

"Why?" M'rayr asked, his voice turning a distant sort of suspicious. It wasn't like his conduct over the past several days had done much to endear friendship. And the fact that Maica and Carter were in here, in their pajamas, trying to convince him that he was now part of the Katana family after M'rayr had come dangerously close to splitting up their little pairing, didn't make much sense to him. If this wasn't about trying to prevent M'rayr from sending Andy away, then what? Contrary to his habit of remaining vague and aloof, he elected to elaborate. "I doubt that Commander t'Dharvanek hasn't shown you the video recording between me and Admiral Hayes; you both have reason to suspect my motive on this vessel." If either woman believed he'd elaborate further, as if to explain exactly what had taken place after the video cut out, they were disappointed. "Then, there is the transfer orders, and the fact that I have done very little to befriend either of you, let alone the rest of the senior staff. What has convinced you to be this determined in making me..." he hesitated at his wording. "... part of this crew?"

"No one deserves to be alone," Andy said quietly. "If you're going to be part of this crew, one of us, someone had to make the first move. Consider the booze an olive branch, and we're not taking no for an answer."

It seemed that these two had their reasons, and as Andy had suggested, it didn't appear that M'rayr had many options as long as he was the first officer aboard the Katana. Just as M'rayr was coming into Andy and Maica's line of thinking, his mind flashed back to several faces of men and women he knew, people he considered family, who were now dead. Sadly, he knew that there were many more faces that he couldn't remember. Turning to the present, he realized that he was reluctant, afraid even, to be that close to people again. Hadn't that been part of the reason he started off as an asshole?

Resistance is futile, M'rayr thought inwardly to himself. He found the thought funny, and his face almost seemed to stretch into a smile. The Caitian stood suddenly and walked over to a replicator. "Three glasses, empty." The replicator materialized the glasses on order. M'rayr picked them up and carried them back over to his desk. He set them down on the table. He wouldn't explain exactly what had taken place during his meeting with Hayes - in the end, there was no reason to - but he'd allow himself this one final attempt at being part of a family. After all these years, the fates had to show kindness eventually. "I suppose that the appropriate phrase in this situation is, 'resistance is futile'," he added.

"Don't say that again," Andy said, a dark look in her eyes. "Just... don't say that. Resistance is never futile..."

Maica leaned into Andy, hugging on her to try to lighten her mood. "Resistance, as it was once told to me by an engineer, is voltage divided by current. It's only futile when it's less than 1 ohm." Pulling a flask out of her uniform, she set it on the table next to the Caitian bottle. "As for the drinks, you save that for yourself and we'll stick with Aldebaran whiskey."

"Yes, in that instance you are correct, resistance would be futile," Andy said, nuzzling against Maica's cheek. "And that was totally hot, by the way. You can do that more often, please." Yes, Andy's version of dirty talk was in fact technical talk.

M'rayr wasn't sure what he'd just witnessed, but he was glad that Maica had spoken up when she did. At a time when it looked like he and Andy were beginning to mend fences, it wouldn't take much to compromise that. He opened the family bottle of nepata and poured a splash into the small glass, lifted it up to his nose, and savored the aroma. His eyes closed in a way that would remind any cat-owner of a happy feline. When he opened them again and looked to Andy and Maica, he allowed a small smile to form. A small smile.

"Ah, so he does know how to smile," Andy teased with a grin. She could get a little touchy when talking about Borg stuff, but Maica's quick thinking had saved their momentum; Andy wasn't going to let this brief darkening of her mood spoil their evening.

Leaning forward in Andy's lap, Maica took the flask and poured 2 more drinks, handing one glass to Andy and taking the other for herself. Raising her glass, Maica offered a toast. "To family new and old. May we look to the future and remember the past."

M'rayr picked his glass up. This felt like a budding, albeit uneasy friendship between him and the others. Nevertheless, he was finding himself to be in a situation that not in a million years he could have ever predicted on his own. He expected the crew to distrust him, even continue to hate and despise him, for many days, weeks, even months. But between t'Dharvanek's actions and these two, M'rayr was just beginning to understand that this crew was a family... even he was the oddball uncle of sorts. Instead of mimicking her toast, he merely grunted approvingly.

Andy watched M'rayr as she knocked back her drink. It seemed he still needed convincing, but she felt confident that he would come around in time. Still, Andy wouldn't be Andy if she didn't do or say something mess with him. "So, is this the part where we all get nekkid?"

"Yes please," Maica said with a big smile after downing her own drink.

Again, M'rayr couldn't withhold the surprised expression on his face...

Andy lay on the couch, as was her usual place to be since being released from Sickbay. She just had her last treatment and was trying to sleep off the effects, but she was feeling restless, bad memories were haunting her dreams causing her to toss about fitfully on the couch.

Nathan had just gotten off shift and wanted to see how she was doing, so he just swung by her quarters to see. Nathan hit the call button on her door.

Andy woke with a start, bolting upright with heavy breaths. She looked around in a panic, then realized she was still in her quarters. She heard the chime again, but ignored it for a moment.

“Computer, have I been in these quarters all day?” Andy asked to appease her paranoia.

“Affirmative,” the computer replied, and Andy gave a relieved sigh, running a hand over her hair. She heard the chime again and tried to compose herself.

“Come in!” she barked out as she stood and straightened out her clothes.

Nathan walked through the door and stood there looking at her for a long moment.

“Hey,” she said uneasily. It was clear something was bothering her, but she was trying to brush it off.

"You look like shit Red." Nathan said as he took his duty jacket off and tossed it onto a near by chair.

“I feel like shit,” Andy answered honestly and flopped back onto the couch. “Sorry, I’m kinda having a bad day…”

"That's ok, anything I can do to help?" Nathan flopped right next to her.

“I don’t know,” Andy replied. “I really just wanna regenerate, but I already had my alcove removed… not like I could actually use it anymore.”

"Well we have a holodeck..." Nathan offered.

Andy chuckled. “Won’t work, but thanks.”

"I thought now that you have had your cortical...thing removed that even the real one won't work." Nathan said.

“Yeah, my brain can’t interface with the alcove without a cortical node, so real or holographic, it won’t work,” Andy said. “It feels weird not doing it anymore.”

"You don't think we could make some kind if a simulation to help you through?" Nathan asked.

Andy shook her head. “Nah… Even if you could simulate the feeling, I don’t think it would help. I went through this when I was first recovered, I didn’t want to regenerate. I just gotta get used to the change.”

"Fair enough." Nathan said and settled back into the couch.

“Tired, though,” she said as she leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder. “Can’t remember the last time I felt this tired. Seems like all I do is sleep but it’s not helping.”

Nathan draped an arm over her. "I told you that you would be just fine."

“I know,” she grumbled. She hated admitting that he was right. “I just feel so fucking useless like this.”

Nathan snuggled into Andy a little and sighed. "Well right now you are being very useful. Jhu is working all night so consider yourself my pillow for right now."

Andy chuckled. “I can do that. But tell anyone this happened and I will deny everything.”

"I never will tell anyone about the softer cuddly side of Andy, I like using your attitude to my advantage. When my Ensigns act up I threaten to make then spend the day changing out gel packs with you." Nathan said with a chuckle.

“Damn right!” Andy said with her trademark smirk. “Although, after the party… I feel kinda weird about how people look at me now…” She was, of course, referring to people’s reactions to seeing her play the violin. Most people thought she wasn’t capable of deeper emotions, she was so emotively stunted that people underestimated her emotional depth, but she was emotive and expressive when she played her violin and the song she played at the party had been a cry for help of sorts, and now people looked at her differently.

"Fuck em. I thought you did an amazing job. It was beautiful and soulful and haunting all at the same time. The two of you playing together...it was magic Andy. I know you try to keep your emotions locked away tighter than a Vulcan and I'm deeply honored that I'm one of the very few who get to see some of said emotions. But there was something else going on between the two of you. If you could make love to someone thought music I would say that's what happened."

“Ew!” Andy said, pushing Nathan away.

Nathan just laughed at her. "But it was very beautiful. You are very talented. "

“So what!” Andy said as she crossed her arms over her chest with a scowl. “I didn’t need to hear all that mushy bullshit!”

"Oh jeez..." Nathan said shaking his head.

“See, this is why I don’t play for other people...” Andy grumbled.

"Because they might enjoy themselves?" Nathan asked.

“And this is why I never try to explain myself because no one ever fucking understands!” Andy stood and strode over to the replicator for a strong cup of coffee. She hadn’t had nearly enough caffeine so that was probably contributing to her foul mood.

"Well you have yet to try for me so... I mean unless you just want to drop it. I meant no offense Andy. I'm sorry." Nathan explained. Be he still held his even tone.

Andy gave him an angry scowl. “I don’t like the way people look at me when I play, what more is there to explain?” she said. Then she sighed. This was Nate, he was just trying to understand, she should at least give him more than that… “My music is… special to me… It’s like, I dunno, my soul or something… I don’t want just anyone to see that, ya know…”

"Yes..." Nathan said with a nod.

“I really didn’t wanna play, but Maica… Damn, she knows all she’s gotta do look at me the right way and I’d do just about anything she wants…” Andy looked really torn about that as she took a sip of her coffee. On the one hand, she liked doing things for Maica, but on the other hand that made her whipped.

"You know that's ok right?" Nathan could see the conflicted look on her face. "You're in love with her. Its what happens. You think I don't have the same happen with me? Jhu dressed me up and took me to that stupid party then ditched me with commander whiskers... and yet I take it without question."

Andy grimaced. Getting dressed up? Uhg… Andy hated that dress Maica made her wear! It was soft and flowy and everything Andy wasn’t. She hated that dress! And what was worse, Andy hadn’t even had the chance to take Maica’s dress off of her that night because she ended up having to go straight back to Sickbay, so she missed out on any fun they could have had! “I complained the whole time about getting dressed up and I still did it, just ‘cause she flashed that damned smile…”

"But she makes it worthwhile doesn't she?" Nathan didn't need Andy's answer, there was only one person one this ship who could make Andy do something she didn't want to do and he already knew why.

“Yes,” Andy admitted begrudgingly. And Nathan’s punishment for making her admit to it? She pulled her violin off it’s display on the wall and began to play an ear-torture of badly played scales.

"I am too sober to deal with your ornery ass tonight..." but Nathan was in the right place to fix that. He hopped up and looking over the bottles that were already open scattered around the room.

“Help yourself,” Andy said as she continued to destroy his eardrums with the most horrible sounds she could create on her violin.

"Thanks!" Nathan said cheerfully despite the assault on his ears. He found a bottle of some kind and whiskey and showed it to Andy. He knew Maica liked to keep track.

Andy nodded, making a mental note of what he was taking. She paused in her playing to take a sip of her coffee, then held her mug out for him to pour some of the whiskey into it.

Nathan yanked the top out and splashed a healthy amount into her mug. "Drinking again?" But he was not really asking. He went to the replicator and while he had a chance and said. "Tumblr, two ice cubes."

“I probably shouldn’t, but after the past week I’ve had, I think I’ve earned it,” Andy said, then took a swig.

Nathan sat back on the couch. He poured some of the whiskey over the ice and kicked back, leaving the bottle on the coffee table but bringing his glass with him. He was now prepared for Andy's worst. "Proceed maestro!"

Never one to do as expected, Andy began to play in earnest. After all, it wasn’t like she was playing in front of a crowd of strangers like she was before, this was Nathan...

Nathan sat quietly and listened. Especially now he understood what this meant. He just enjoyed and sipped his drink while she bared her soul to him.

As she played, she could see now he understood and appreciated what her music meant to her and it made all the difference in the way she played. She was more relaxed than when she was in the ballroom and the notes flowed more fluidly from her violin, or maybe that was just because it wasn’t so fucking cold in here… Whatever the reason, she was more at ease and it showed in her music and in her face, she wasn’t conflicted; she was learning to trust where she hadn’t before, and as nervous as that should have made her she wasn’t, she was exhilarated.

When she was done, she set her violin, that beautiful violin that Maica had made for her, back on its wall mount, then grabbed her coffee/whiskey and plopped back down on the couch, kicking her feet up on the coffee table.

"That the one Maica made you?" Asked after a very long silence. He did appreciate what her music was and he would never meaningfully insult it or her. He had meant what he had said earlier, clearly Andy was just not ready to hear it. But that was ok with Nathan, he was not sure he would want his soul picked apart either.

“Yep,” Andy replied with a nod. “I had two antique violins that I traded to get the power source for her new body and I never expected a thing in return… And that right there is probably the best violin I have ever played… Blew me away when she gave it to me.”

"It's so touching when someone put forth an effort to create something for you isn't it?" He asked.

“That’s the thing, she didn’t just create something for me, it was like she gave my voice back to me,” Andy said, looking at that violin. “I still had an electric violin and I visited the holodeck to recreate the violins I gave away, but it wasn’t the same and it felt like…” she wasn’t sure she could adequately describe what it felt like, but it wasn’t pleasant.

"Like you had lost a piece of your soul." Nathan finished for her.

“Yeah,” she said with a nod. “And she gave it back to me when I needed it the most.”

"That is what love is right there." Nathan said with a nod. "I mean look at what you did for Maica. And I know you like to shrug off what you did for her and most people play along with you, but fuck Andy you did miracle work! I hope someday your work gets out there not because you and Maica should be made celebrities or anything, but think of the advancements your work could mean to the synthetic race as a whole...I'm rambling..." Wow this shit was strong.

Andy chuckled at that last bit and the way he was looking into his glass like he couldn’t believe that that little bit of alcohol had made him say all that. “I ain’t opposed to publishing my work, but only if Maica wants to be part of that. If my work gets out there, she’s gonna be the one being studied and I don’t wanna do that to her unless she’s ready. But I didn’t do it for the recognition or even for the sake of advancements in the field. I did it because she needed it, and I went above and beyond because I know the difference between what a human feels and what a machine feels and I wanted to give her something more than the shit she’s lived with for the last 10 years.”

Nathan sat up and put his hand on her shoulder. "You are over analyzing it Andy, you did it because you love her and there is nothing you wouldn't do for her. I know..." he said with a nod.

“Maybe,” Andy said quietly, swirling her coffee/whiskey around the mug. “At the time, all I knew was that I couldn’t let her die, she deserved so much better that what she had…” She took a deep breath and held it for a moment before letting it out slowly. “I get tired of all the comments about what I did being so special and shit, but not for the reasons anyone might think… It’s just that when I hear stuff like that, it feels like all people see is that she’s just a collection of parts, and even when she was in pieces on my workbench I never saw that! She’s always been Maica to me, just Maica… Not Maica the android.” Of course, as an engineer she knew what Maica was, knew what she once was, and knew everything about her original design and purpose, but it meant nothing to Andy. Maica was just Maica and that’s all there was to it.

"I hope you don't think I feel that way. What you did was special. But it was special on on a much higher level. Like I said earlier it was the benefit to the race... I mean it's all about love." Nathan kinda chuckled at how he sounded. "But really it is you know?"

“I don’t think you feel that way, but it does get tiring to hear about,” Andy said, then took a swig of her drink. She thought on what he said though, then looked over to him. “How’s your arm feel? Does it feel just like your other arm? Can you feel the difference anymore?”

Yeah, he figured he had pushed the lovey dovey shit for long enough for Andy's taste. To be honest he was shocked she had lasted this long. "It feels fine. If I focus on it I can feel where the real arm ends and the new one begins but most the time I don't notice it at all."

Andy shook her head. “No, how does it feel, like when you touch something. That glass in your hand or holding a PaDD or the impact when you spar… Or when you touch Jhu… The sensation you feel, it’s as close to perfect recreation of human tactile response as you can get, and that came from my work on Maica.”

"Every now and then something will not seem to feel right, like things I don't touch often. But if I focus for a moment things kind of sync up. I figure it's just my brain learning how to use the new arm." Nathan said, flexing his right hand reflexively.

Andy nodded. “Yeah, it can take a while for that feeling to go away, but once your brain catches up, it will go away,” she assured him. “But my research for Maica, I was able to repurpose it for your arm when you asked for augmentation. The stuff Starfleet uses as a standard, it’s good, but it’ll be years before they catch up to what I gave you.” Her own hand flexed around her coffee mug. In a way, she was kinda jealous; her hand wasn’t anywhere near as good as some of the stuff Starfleet used today, and his arm was even better.

"You're the best." He said with a smile. "I know you were worried about putting tech in me. I really appreciate your helping me."

“I did it because I thought you deserved it, just like Maica…” Andy said. She finished off her drink and stood to go back to the replicator for a refill. “Most people don’t appreciate the little things anymore… I didn’t want you to have to learn like I did how different things can feel…”

"Is there anything we can do to help you? I mean you created the tech, and you're not adding more tech just fixing current." Nathan asked.

“Not really much can be done,” Andy said as she returned to the couch with her coffee. “I suppose I could take an extended medical leave, get some work done, but you see how I am after just a week, I would go bat-shit crazy for all the time it would take to ‘fix’ me.”

"Well I don't think you really need to be fixed." Nathan said. "Helped to be more advanced...or how ever you put it." Sometimes Nathan felt like his lack of knowledge on synthetic beings caused him to be offensive without meaning to.

Andy chuckled then held out her left hand. “Tell me, how do you think I can feel anything with my fingertips covered like they are? Borg exoskeleton still has Starfleet Medical and R&D stumped. And since I can’t remove it, I’m kinda stuck the way I am,” she said. But she was glad he didn’t think she needed to be fixed. It was part of the reason she avoided doctors, a lot of them just wanted to try to ‘fix’ her.

Nathan reached out and took her hand, "I like you how you are, even when you're trying to kill me by making your violin sound like shit."

“Now that’s a talent right there!” Andy said with a grin. “I wonder if it’s possible to actually kill someone with bad violin playing…” Then she chuckled. “But seriously, however you want to explain any of the motives for anything I do… Why does it need to be explained? Can’t I just do something for someone without needing to explain it? I gave you a good arm, I gave Maica a new body… why can’t it just end there? To me, it loses some of its meaning when it’s broken down into nuances of reasons.”

"I'm sorry, I know I have had a hand in it." Nathan took a sip from his glass. "If it's any comfort, Maica tried to threaten me to let her come get you. She said my balls were not big enough to stop her." He laughed.

Andy laughed with him. “Damn that woman is a special kind of crazy!” And Andy loved her for it! “But I don’t want your apologies, just your understanding. What I did for you and Maica, I did because you needed it and you deserved it. It really don’t have to be any more complicated than that.”

"That is a very good question." Nathan said. "Because it shouldn't be, but it is. The greatest minds in the...well everywhere have tried to figure out love but no one can."

Andy chuckled and shook her head. She tells him it’s not more complicated than it is and he still tries to figure it out. But maybe that’s why she liked him so much, he never gives up… “You’re still making it more complicated than it has to be,” she teased, poking him in the ribs.

Nathan jerked away from the poke with a chuckle. “I can’t help myself…”

“Yeah yeah…” she replied with a snicker. “For all its complexities in this ‘verse, there are some things that are so simple that we just can’t understand them. Love is not complicated, it’s the people who are.”

“Very insightful.” Nathan said with a smile and took a long sip from his glass.

“Not really,” Andy said, taking a swig of her coffee. She looked at the universe through her own unique lense, a perspective that was around long before the incidents of the Lexington but it was those events that brought that perspective into sharp focus. “Just this one day I woke up and realized that we had a lot of shit backwards and ever since then… It changes how you look at things.”

“Enlighten me…” Nathan said kicking his feet up on the coffee table like Andy.

“Aww, do I have to?” Andy whined playfully.

“Naw.” Nathan said taking a sip from his glass again.

“Good, ‘cause I don’t know if I can put it into words,” she replied quietly.

Nathan nodded in understand. Sometimes things like that are hard to explain. Thats why the ones who can tend to exploit it and make a lot of latinum off people. “Where is Maica?” He asked changing the subject for Andy.

“Some diplomatic thing with the Ophinias colony,” Andy said. “She wanted to stay here with me, but I told her I’d just be sleeping anyway so she went on to the conference.”

Nathan nodded. “I’m so glad I’m not a diplomat. She probably works harder than you, and that’s saying something.”

“That is saying something,” Andy said with an agreeing nod. “But the job suits her, so who am I to complain?”

“She is excellent at it.” Nathan agreed. “I’m glad there are other who are suited for that job.”

“Yep,” Andy replied with a chuckle and a nod. If it had been up to Andy to do all that stuff, they’d be fucked! She gave a heavy yawn and looked at Nathan. “Well, I’m calling it a night.” She gave him a pat on the leg and stood. “You can stick around if you wanna keep drinking, but you should probably go spend some time with Jhu while ya got the time.”

“I will not see Jhu till tomorrow night, but Ill let you rest. See ya.” Nathan stood, put the top back on the bottle and returned it to the shelf he got it from. Then retrieved his glass.

“Oh, right, night shift...” Andy said as she took his glass and ran it back through the replicator along with her mug. “Damn, now I feel obligated to entertain you some shit like that.”

“Please don’t.” Nathan said. “I’m a big boy, I can find something to do.”

“Well, if you get bored, you know where to find me,” Andy offered.

Nathan walked over to Andy and pulled her into a big hug. He held her just long enough to make her uncomfortable.

Just as the hug started to get uncomfortable, Andy licked her finger, got it good and slobbery, then stuck it into his ear.

Nathan shoved her away with an “Ewww…” and stuck his finger in his ear to get the spit out.

Andy grinned wide with a snicker. Sure, it was gross, but she knew he wouldn’t have her any other way…

“Good night brat…” Nathan said flicking his finger at her as if something was on it.

“G’night,” Andy replied, still laughing at him. She was glad he decided to stop by, he had really helped her mood.

Sabrina stood in front of the bathroom mirror. "Relax Sabby, it's just a date." She told her reflection. She'd barely put on any makeup, and had simply brushed her hair, leaving it to fall in its natural waves. She'd put on her favorite jeans, comfortable and well fitting, but not skin tight. She'd also put on a simple dark green blouse and a pair of black boots with a bit of a heel. She hoped it would be ok. 7 o'clock was all she knew, so hopefully Ethan's plans weren't too fancy, or she'd have to change.

Ethan was waiting outside the officer's mess, with a black collared shirt on. He also wore loose fitting khaki pants with a brown belt, and his work boots. Ethan didn't want to look formal, but still dressed to look nice. He leaned on the wall, waiting for Sabrina to arrive.

Sabrina entered the officer's mess with a bit of trepidation, technically she wasn't suppose to be in here, well not unescorted anyway. She looked around, spotting Ethan right away. She smiled. "Hi." She gave him a quick once over and another smile. "You clean up well."

Ethan made a quick, comical bow. "Why thank you, my lady!" He pointed at an empty table near the replicator. "Shall we sit?"

Sabrina chuckled quickly, and had they been alone, she might have tried a curtsy, but she was too embarrassed to try it here. "Sure." She hurried to the table, just hoping to go unnoticed by the other patrons in the lounge.

Ethan nodded, and walked over to the table, but at a bit slower pace. Still standing, he asked "What do you want to eat?"

Sabrina thought for a moment. What could she eat without looking like a total cow? Her mother had always complained about her table manners, and now Sabrina suddenly wished she had listened. "Chicken Parmesan and a salad would be great." She answered.

Ethan raised his eyebrow skeptically. A salad? Really? "Yeah, sure." He went over to the replicators, and got their food. A plate of smoked tilapia for him, a salad with chicken Parmesan for Sabrina. Sitting back down at the table, Ethan put the salad in front of her. "You have a nice day, so far?"

"Thank You." Sabrina smiled as he put the food down. "I did, it was busy though. Lots of minor repairs. What about you?"

Ethan gave Sabrina a small smile. "Same old, same old. Engineering wants more tools, a few new arrivals want their belongings delivered, a supply shuttle arrived yesterday and now I'm taking inventory of it." He sighed, leaning back in his chair. His job was a drag today, and he was glad he could take time off for dinner.

It was odd; sitting with somebody who didn't seem thrilled with their job. Sabrina had always taken for granted that you love what you do. Her parents did, she did. "Now that the Gekli are back in fluidic space, what do you think we will do?" She decided to change the subject.

Ethan's look changed to one of confusion. His work didn't exactly provide many opportunities to get informed about mission happenings. "The what?"

"The space whales." Sabrina explained. How did the man not even keep up on ship's business? That wasn't even the juicy gossip. "I suppose we'll find out when the Captain tells us."

Ethan nodded. "Hopefully. So, what's going on down in engineering?"

"The new Chief wants us to improve efficiency. So we've all been trying to come up with ideas. Then there are always repairs to take care of. It's busy all the time."

"I know it's busy, Sabrina! I handle all of the bureaucracy behind it!" Ethan stroked his chin thoughtfully. "What ideas have you had so far?"

"Well you asked!" She kind of snapped back. She did answer him though. "Just manual cleaning of the magnetic filters for the warp core. The Chief liked it at least."

"Nice, nice. How is the new Chief Engineer? Is he a nice guy?"

"Yes, he's very nice. I think he'll work out fine. I miss Matthews though."

"Huh. I never met her, as a matter of fact. Though, I heard from Andy that she was nice."

Sabrina nodded. "She didn't mind answering questions, even if they might have been silly." Sabrina remembered at the beginning, she'd had so many. She was having less and less as time went by though.

"And what do think about the captain? I've met him, he's quite nice."

Nice? Certainly not how she had seen him at first, but yes he was nice. "He is nice. He could have thrown me under the bus a couple of times but didn't."

Ethan chuckled. "As I said, a nice guy. He also shares my opinion of Chief Carter." He lowers his voice to a semi-whisper. "We both agree she's a pain in the ass sometimes."

"She's taught me a lot and let me learn from my mistakes. She promoted me to Crewman. Just because she has a strong personality..." Sabrina trailed off. This date was sucking. Whatever fun they'd had in the holodeck was certainly not translating into fun on a date. She wanted to go home. She bit off of a sigh, not wanting to be rude.

Ethan sensed a change in Sabrina's mood as she spoke. This wasn't going well, and he knew it. Thinking for a second, he cleared his throat and said "Look, Sabrina, I don't think either of us are suited for this stuffy, formal kind of dating." He smiled hopefully, asking "You want to take this date down to the holodeck?"

Sabrina smiled. Maybe he was right, and this whole standard date thing was just too much pressure. "Yes, that sounds like a good idea."

Preparing to get up from the table, he asked "So, what type of holodeck sim should we get ourselves into? A jungle with evil Romulan soldiers, watch a famous speech of some long dead politician, find a lost treasure in some ancient temple?"

Sabrina stood up as he did. "How about the pier in Santa Monica before the big quake. Corn dogs and Merry Go Rounds."

Ethan grinned. "Well, that sounds like fun! Let's do it!"

Sabrina input the program, then stepped inside the holodeck. She smiled as she looked around. This had always been a favorite place of hers, even if it no longer existed in real life. "The original Hot Dog on a Stick!" She grabbed his hand and drug him to a literal shack, snuggled close to the sand with a long line of people at the window.

Ethan scratched his chin thoughtfully as he waited in line. Grinning, he asked "What makes a hot dog so different when it's on a stick?"

"The batter of course. You've never had a corndog? You're in for a treat." Sabrina practically bounced on her toes.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "So, it's like if you covered a hot dog in pancake mix?"

"Ewww." Sabrina chuckled. "No, more like you covered it in a sweet cornbread. They got to the front of the line and she ordered two, as well as one large lemonade. "Here, just try it." She smiled. She walked over to the condiment stand and smothered hers in mustard.

The date went better once they were out of the stuffy restaurant and in a comfortable environment, but it was clear there was no romantic spark. The two would no doubt be good friends though.


PO3 Sabrina Corbin
Repair Specialist

Ensign Ethan Colletare
Quartermaster

[ON]

The USS Katana had been in orbit around the tiny Ophinias Colony for a little more than 48 hours. As a result, most of the crew were down on the planet, enjoying a brief but valuable stint of shore leave. After the Captain’s Ball, however, Command M’rayr Eisovo returned to the ship, intent on his duties. To say that his presence hadn’t ruffled more than a few feathers on board the Intrepid-class starship would be an understatement. His professional relationship with both Commander Jhu t’Dharvanek, Lieutenant Commander Lia Grae, and Lieutenant Commander Maica was tentative at best, and his warning to recommend Senior Chief Petty Officer Andrea Carter’s transfer had proceeded with the ex-Borg’s vehement opposition until just last night.

Those orders were, of course, still sitting on M’rayr’s desk. Starfleet Command had given him a certain latitude, a special dispensation of sorts; M’rayr could make his recommendations directly to the Admiralty Board, or even to Jethro Hayes if he so desired. And as long as those recommendations came with ample evidence in support, they would likely be pushed through, no matter how much Kristopher Kerouac might protest. Nevertheless, circumventing the traditional chain of command, and Captain Kerouac’s own authority, was not something that the Caitian was eager to do. One way or another, M’rayr would still need to belong to this ship. And if Andy and Maica hadn't shown up in his quarters last night, willing to put aside differences, M'rayr would still be wondering how he'd do that.

At 1700 hours, M’rayr was invited to have a conversation with Kerouac, however. Presumably in response to recent events. Kerouac himself was something of an unknown in the Caitian’s eye. The way Jethro Hayes spoke of the man, M’rayr would have thought it a pure miracle that the crew hadn’t already mutinied against him. And yet, as soon as M’rayr came aboard the Katana, it became painfully obvious that, if Kerouac had nothing else… he had the crew’s trust and respect.

And that gave M’rayr pause.

M’rayr hardened himself against distrustful glances and glares from the skeleton bridge crew as he entered the bridge, making his way to Kerouac’s ready room. Clearly not everybody was as forgiving as Jhu, Andy, or Maica.

Kris was at his desk well at work, looking over some information about his new holographic Chief Engineer. After his first encounter with the damn thing, Kris learned that it did not lack on personality. Fortunately, Kris liked the hologram's fiery spunk and what Kris could only call sass. What he had really wanted to know was about the man...or rather the consciousness that occupied the program. When the proximity alert informed Kris of a visitor, he reached over to a control panel and opened the door.

Standing there outside his door was a large, furry creature. A Caitian, and not just any Caitian..."Commander Eisovo, please, come in and have a seat" said Kris with a small smile. Just don't scratch anything or I'll have Liam declaw your ass thought the Commanding Officer. "What may I help you with?"

"I was under the impression that I was here at your request," M'rayr pointed out tone-neutral as he crossed the room, edged a round a chair across from Kerouac's desk, and sat in it, laying his paws neatly over his lap. M'rayr considered, at least for a brief moment, studying the desk more closely. Instead, he kept his impression still. Kerouac was by no means a big man, particularly when measured against the 6'5 Caitian.

The Captain observed the Caitain. He was being pleasant enough, but there was just something about this Caitian that Kris wasn't fond of. He couldn't place a paw on it yet. "I may have" replied Kris simply, though internally he was scratching his head. Had I requested him? Did I forget? Was it a formal or informal request? Oh hell, just wing it he thought to himself. "I would like to know what you think of the crew and the ship. You've had the chance to get to know a few of the Department Heads?" asked Kris.

M'rayr nodded. "On most accounts. I have yet to meet with Doctor Cohen, Lieutenant Collins, or Lieutenant Arivek Zhuri. I have, however, interviewed Commander t'Dharvanek, Lieutenant Maica, Lieutenant Tonkin and Chief Warrant Officer Waterson, Lieutenant Bridget O'Connor, and Senior Chief Petty Officer Carter." The Caitian cleared his throat; it was difficult to speak Federation standard without using a universal translator. M'rayr had long learned how to stretch his tongue in order to form words, even though a subtle growl usually accompanied them. But all the extra syllables were making it difficult. For a moment, M'rayr considered discussing each member of the senior staff verbally, but that would take a while, so he handed a PaDD across the desk. "My evaluations."

Whether Kerouac would know that M'rayr had come very close to reassigning Carter elsewhere was likely up to Jhu's intelligence gathering capabilities... unless Carter visited with Kerouac personally.

"You speak Purrecftly, Commander" replied Kris at his own will to entertain himself. He did quickly clear his throat, an attempt to cover himself as he reached out and accepted the PaDD. "I will be sure to look over this, Commander. I have just met the Chief Engineer recently myself. He is...an interesting addition to the crew. That is for certain" commented Kris.

M'rayr nodded tentatively, even at Kerouac's play of words. It wasn't the first time that he'd been witness to a non-Caitian making fun of the feline morphology and syntax; it probably wouldn't be the last, either. The way that Kerouac said Zhuri was interesting made the Caitian think it wasn't in the socially traditional way, either. This whole crew was comprised of rebels and troublemakers. M'rayr wondered if the Katana was Starfleet's secret dumping ground for such characters. Who knew. "As for the Katana," the Caitian began. "Battle damage from its recent incident with the Pedians and the Undine has been repaired, we are fully stocked with provisions and Replicator Matter." M'rayr rolled his shoulders. "We have enough material to spend at least three years in deep space without resupply, with the exception of fuel replenishment, which we will have to do so using our bussard collectors in various nebulae, or near the orbit of stars."

"Wonderful" replied Kris with a nod. "So, we all stocked up and resupplied with food, provisions, and all those good things. This is excellent news. I am quite fond of my cans of fish. Nothing like a good tuna melt sandwich and a good glass of milk to wash it down" added the Captain, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "We have enough supplies to last a few good years in deep space, eh? I hope that we never run into such a situation" added Kris.

Is this man deliberately being foolish or does it come naturally? M'rayr thought as he began to regard Hayes's opinion on Kerouac. Perhaps he was trying to elicit something; any report of the first officer assaulting the commanding officer of a Starship would be weighed heavily back at Starfleet Command... no matter the admiralty's opinion of Kerouac. M'rayr cast his expression into stone as his one eye focused tightly on Kris. M'rayr might not punch Kerouac, but he wasn't one to take verbal hits without some reciprocation. "You are attempting to be funny," M'rayr suggested, his face deadpanned. For a moment, a vicious follow up began reaching its way up his throat, but M'rayr decided against it at the last minute. Insulting Kerouac on his former alcoholism wouldn't do either of them any good.

The Captain nodded and a smile swept across his face. "Attempting, but not doing so well" commented Kris. "I apologize in advance for any and all attempts at humor that I or the crew may make. We've been through a lot, and I was starting to become rather fond of my previous First Officer, the second one...not the first. The first one was a nightmare, rest his soul" added Kris.

Reaching to his side Kris picked up a PADD and handed it over to the Caitian. "I've read your personnel file quite thoroughly and believe me when I say that the fact that I actually read through it it is nothing short of a miracle" commented Kris at his own expense with the jab. "You are...were an engineer. I want you to put those abilities and skills to good use. I would like you to meet with the Engineering and Operations departments. We are to be heading for the Delta Quadrant. There has been increased activity with the Vaudwaar and our presence there is urgent. It will take weeks to leave the Gamma Quadrant, head to the Alpha Quadrant gateway and get to where we need to be. Obviously, this is a problem" said Kris.

M'rayr nodded in agreement, an audible grunt in following.

"The new Task Force Executive Officer, Commodore Larkon will be joining us for our trip albeit a much shorter trip if all goes as planned. We've been granted special approval to test out some theoretical mechanics. Well, not so theoretical. It has been done before, and we're going to attempt it again with some modifications" announced Kris. "That PADD contains information about a mission several months ago in which two members of an away team, Lieutenant Patrick Weaver and Lieutenant Jennifer Matthews located a downed Borg sphere with operational parts. I permitted them to salvage what they could. A few parts that Matthews and Weaver brought back to the Katana were to a Borg transwarp drive" Kris informed his new First Officer.

The Captain pressed onward with his information. "A couple months back, we acquired Andrea Carter as part of our crew. She serves as Chief of Operations. I believe you've met" said Kris with a small chuckle. "She's a handful and has already ended up getting her ass thrown in the Brig. However, she's the closest thing that we have to an expert on Borg technology. That was until Lieutenant Arivek Zhuri came aboard and took over as Chief Engineer. Commander, I would like you read up on what technology we have as well as our most recent encounter with the Undine. You will be working with Carter, Zhuri, and the rest in their departments. We're going to attempt to adapt a modified version of a transwarp drive. This is likely only going to be good for one trip and Command wants that trip to be to the Delta Quadrant asap" finished Kris.

As a matter of fact, M'rayr had ensured that he was fully updated and versed with the Katana's latest skirmish with the Undine and the Pedina, and the singularity that SCPO Carter produced during the battle. Employing experimental technology was one thing, but there was something about the fact that it was Borg-technology that made the Caitian stiff and uncomfortable. Caitians were known for their engineering talents; if a piece of advanced technology caused them to reconsider, it was saying something. Of course, Starfleet had once experimented with transwarp technology back in the 22nd century, but that effort ended in failure. It was like Kerouac said, however, that they should all be glad to have an ex-borg aboard -- and one familiar with something the Borg was so accustomed to using.

And now that his icy relationship with Carter was beginning to thaw, M'rayr believed there was real potential to make this transwarp effort a reality. "I will work with Chief Carter and Lieutenant Zhuri on the project," he said in simple reply. "Do we have a timetable on when this needs to be accomplished?" He asked. The more time they had, the safer M'rayr felt they could make the technology. But if the situation was as bad in the Delta Quadrant as Kerouac was suggesting, expedience beat caution.

Captain Kerouac nodded. "Yes, we have timetable, Commander. It isn't one that I am pleased with, but with Operations and Engineering pulling all personnel together...it may be reachable. We have one week to have things completed."

A week was going to be a concern; it wouldn't give him or the engineering team nearly enough time to thoroughly examine and assess a transwarp device's effects on the Katana, let alone the supra-luminal effects and quantum distortions caused by transwarp space. New technologies, particularly one involving knowledge gained from the Borg, should be well vetted. M'rayr would have preferred something more like a month, but he knew such hopes were unrealistic. There was no point in arguing the matter. If Starfleet told Kerouac a week, they meant a week. "Very well, Captain." He said.

Kris could tell from the man's look on that Caitian face, that a week was troubling. However, it was what Starfleet had ordered. "If that is all, Commander...you are dismissed" added the Captain.

The Caitian stood out of his seat, resting both paws on the large desk. His nails flexed, most assuredly to Kerouac's concern over any damage that might be inflicted to it. M'rayr, in the meantime, was quietly evaluating Kerouac. The man had gone from haphazard, careless, and jovial to serious and in-the-know during their meeting. One moment, M'rayr was revisiting his concerns over Kerouac's ability to command and the next he was thinking that there might be more to the man than the obvious.

"Aye, Captain." M'rayr said, sheathing his claws, standing straight. He turned around and exited the ready room.

Hayley showed up wearing a red low cut top dress with sleeves and a slit up the side of the legs. The fabric was deceptively warm despite it's appearance. She saw the captain and nodded. "G'day, Captain."

A social event. In a frozen ball room. And she had to wear a dress, as if the dress uniforms weren't bad enough. Not owning anything appropriate, Jhu had scoured the replicator patterns for something that she found acceptable. Eventually she'd found a floor length dress in a heavy - but slightly shimmery - fabric. It came in several colors, but she'd settled on a deep purple that was nearly black, pairing it with a gray furred cloak. She was sure she looked absolutely silly, but she didn't care. It was warm... and the length of the dress meant she could wear thick leggings and warm boots underneath it without anyone knowing.

Nathan was of course right next to Jhu. He had chosen a tux made out if the same deep purple fabric as Jhu's dress, complete with bow tie. He wore a long floor length gray faux tribble fur coat. He looked about as excited as Juh to be here.

Sabrina had been shocked to get an invitation (i.e order) to attend the formal ball. On an ice planet. She could barely handle 20 minutes in the snow with Ethan, how was she suppose to handle an entire ball. She had solved the problem by scouring the replicator clothing database until she found a cold weather option. Her full length gown was a deep russet and had long sleeves and a high collar, trimmed with faux fur. The inside of the thick fabric was lined with the same faux fur. She had left her hair down to aid with warmth, having simply curled the natural waves into submission. Now she entered the ballroom and tried to more or less hide near a giant ice sculpture.

Liam stepped into the ballroom, a rare sight being clean shaven for one. He'd decided on civilian wears as opposed to a dress uniform, opting for a tux made of Risian silk, it was almost black with just a slight midnight blue tone to it. He hadn't warn it in several years, since the wedding of a former flame to another former flame, it had been an interesting night to say the least. He accepted a flute of champagne from a waiter and was glad to taste real alcohol in the drink.

Will stood by the entrance to the ball awaiting Val's arrival. He agreed to meet her there before going into the ball together. Although he wanted to wear his dress uniform to the ball, the fact this this was a slightly colder ballroom than most meant he had a chance to wear his dark purple tuxedo he purchased back on Earth. At the time, Will thought it was a silly purchase but his Uncle Hank insisted there would come a day that a heated tuxedo would turn out to be a practical and functional purchase...

Today was that day. Whilst he waited, Will could see Petty Officer Sorbin, Doc Cohen, Jhu and a few others gad already arrived and took this as a good oppurtunity to get to know other members of the crew as he anticipated Val's arrival.

Valerie wasn't far behind Will, she stopped at the foot of the entrance and was impressed with the elegant ballroom itself. The only downside was the cold. Fortunately her attire compensated nicely. She wore a tyrian purple full length gown. Normally it would have been a strapless gown however Val had it modified to fully cover her shoulders, back, and arms. While the dress was very form fitting it did appear rather thin for the location, however the material used was designed to retain body heat and Val was comfortable. She walked forward to join Will.

Will had a sudden urge to turn around and saw Val. He took in how stunning she looked in her gown and how well it fitted to her. At that moment, Will felt like the luckiest guy in the world and he walked over to greet her. "Hey you, you look amazing," Will said, taking both of her hands in his and kissing her on the cheek.

Val smiled as he planted a kiss on her cheek and she proceeded to kiss his cheek as she squeezed his hands. "Thank you. And you look handsome as always." She grinned looking at him. "I hope you weren't waiting long."

"Nope, only a few minutes...but you are well worth the wait," Will said smiling broadly. He looked around seeing a few more people enter the ballroom. "So, shall we go and greet the natives?" he asked. Val sensed something in him, as if a subtle thought. "You want to show me off." She chuckled playfully slapping his shoulder before wrapping her arm with his. 

Will chuckled back as she wrapped her arm in his. He felt completely comfortable being around so many people of the crew and he wanted to show off his girlfriend to them, being so proud that he had met someone who made hims so happy. "Hell yes! Of course I want to show you off... I want to tell the universe why and who made me so happy," Will explained as he placed his hand on hers before walking into the ballroom.

Bridget wasn't overly excited to be going to a ball in a room made of ice. She didn't particularly enjoy the cold. She already had a long, deep forest green dress that would be appropriate and found a suitable covering, a deep silver shawl lined with soft fur, that would keep her warm. Knowing she was likely to constantly check her hair if she had attempted to put it up, she left her red, curly hair loose. She arrived at the ball, grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and settled in to watch some of the crew interactions.

Paige arrived behind a woman with vividly red hair and glanced around the room before entering. She was supposed to meet R'tame and was extremely anxious about this ball. While she was excited about a ball, she wasn't excited about being around a lot of people she didn't know very well yet. And she felt slightly self-conscious in her form fitting, long-sleeved, floor length sky blue dress. She had twisted her auburn hair up into a casual chignon. As she waited, she unconsciously twirled a loose tendril around her finger.

Maica and Andy entered the ballroom arm in arm, each with a violin case. Maica was wearing a red celtic heavy velvet dress with a bustline showing off pushed up cleavage you could bounce a shuttle off of. She also had on red and silver crystalline earrings and matching necklace as well as a silver vine twist headband at her forehead. She watched Andy closely for any signs of flight or danger. If there was even the slightest chance Andy was in danger of worsening she'd have both of them out of there and in sickbay within 3.2 seconds.

R'tame Evoss had spent no less than an hour letting sonic fields massage his body in an effort to reduce his shedding to the absolute minimum for the Captain's ball, and the effect was obvious. As the Caitian entered the ballroom wearing his formal dress uniform, his fur seemed to shimmer in the subdued effects of the overhead lighting. He tugged at his collar -- (Starfleet never gave these damn things enough room!) -- and sniffed his way over towards where Paige was waiting. Finding her, the Caitian was caught off guard by the way she looked. Even for a human, she was something he'd consider... pretty. "Hello, Paige." R'tame greeted.

Paige visibly relaxed when she heard R'tame. "Hey, Rev," she replied. "I'm glad you're here." She snuck her arm through his and the two of them walked further into the hall.

Andy was feeling so out of place in this frozen ballroom. She tightened her grip on Maica's arm slightly as they walked in. Andy was tired and wasn't really ready for any kind of social event, but she did her best to carry herself tall. Maica had gone through a lot of effort to get her all dolled up in this dress of rich green velvet, the last thing Andy wanted to do was to disappoint Maica by slouching and looking like she was ready to bolt, but she couldn't hide the tiredness in her eyes.

Vara followed them in, looking rather disinterested in her black high collared leather dress. The sides, arms, and collar all had polished ribbing pressed into the leather. One had to wonder what animal it was from since the smell of it belied that it wasn't replicated. Her hair was done up in an asian styled bun with silver chopsticks holding it together in an X pattern.


Lia arrived not enjoying the fact that the event was in the cold. She hated the cold. She wore a full length blue dress that had silver floral patterns over it. At the neckline and the trip of the sleeves were lined with white fur. It wasn't particularly her favorite dress, but it was the only one she owned that was designed for cold weather.

Commander M'rayr Eisovo had taken his time getting down to the planet. He didn't enjoy parties or large social environments, nor did he feel that the crew of the Katana would be entirely welcoming to his presence once he arrived. By now, it was fairly apparent that rumors of his affiliation with Admiral Jethro Hayes had swept through most of the ship. M'rayr was now fighting an uphill battle at a time when his opinion of Captain Kristopher Kerouac was beginning to tilt. Furthering his effort to remain inconspicuous for the evening, he wore a subdued tan suit with some minor embroidering embedded in it, black pants, and dress shoes. People were already beginning to crowd inside the frozen palace of ice, many finding drinks or friends or both. M'rayr felt like an outsider... no... THE outsider.

He walked over to the bar and ordered a drink.

M'rayr was easy to spot, seeing how he was taller than the vast majority of the party goers. Watching the tall Caitian at the bar by himself, Jhu shook her head. Whether she liked him or not, that wasn't fair to him, having to drink alone while everyone else had friends to talk to or drink with. She tugged at Nathan's arm, pulling him toward where M'rayr was sitting. "We can't let the poor man sit there and sulk by himself."

"Lead the way..." Nathan said to Jhu. Loners unite he thought to himself with a little smirk.

"That's what I'm doing, love." Jhu smiled a little, pulling Nathan along over to where M'rayr lingered alone. She wasn't sure how receptive he would be, but she hated to see him sitting alone. That would have been her if this party happened only a few short months ago. "You know... I think I saw the bartender with a bottle of nepata wine back there. I don't see any Caitian law enforcement here." She winked at M'rayr, not expecting him to actually order the drink.

M'rayr looked up and saw Jhu, plus the Katana's Chief of Security, Nathan Tonkin. His expression was unchanged for several long seconds, as if he were determining whether Jhu had been serious or not. He eventually nodded curtly towards both officers, raising his glass of synthehol. "I believe this will suffice, but I appreciate your observation." He said, marking one of the first times he actually seemed grateful for unexpected advise. "You two are enjoying yourselves?" He asked.

Jhu made a face at him. "It's too cold, and I don't really like parties. But... it's not too bad I guess. They have alcohol."

Liam approached the bar an ordered another drink, gin martini on the rocks with a twist. He leaned back against the icey bar and watched the crew milling about. He took another sip and quickly drained the glass. He ordered another and waited for the festivities to begin.

It was during this time that an immaculately dressed gentleman walked through the doors. A full tuxedo and long-coat hybrid, which was also warm. But with no hat. Thus, Kadan arrived, and promptly made his way over to the bar, musing through the drinks he laid eyes on for what he wished..

A couple of minutes later, his sister Konora strode through the doors. She would have preferred her dress uniform with the sash of her House on it, but that was forbidden here. In short, she was not a merry woman. But a woman nonetheless, having chosen this dress and having her long hair down. The amount of fur on her was minimal, only what was necessary, while she displayed a mix of feminine and muscled looking shoulders, replete with a defined collarbone. She stands to one side, casting her eyes around to take in the sights. This was beautiful...even if she would never say so.

After strolling through the hall for a while with Andy, Maica picked a spot near the middle and grabbed a couple chairs. Sitting in one, she motioned to the other for Andy to sit in and pulled her violin out of its case. Playing some scales to see how the sound was with all the ice, Maica smiled at Andy. "Play with me, my love."

"Now?" Andy grumbled as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair, but even still she opened her violin case and pulled out the brand new violin Maica had made her with a sigh. Better to get this out of the way. Maica's violin sounded fine, but when Andy tried to play with Maica she had to tweak the tuning a bit, carbon fiber versus wood and all... Andy could feel eyes on them. Playing a violin in the middle of an event where this sort of thing wasn't planned did tend to draw some attention. Andy looked to Maica for encouragement, trying her best not to wuss out.

Maica smiled encouragingly as they played, ignoring the eyes moving towards them. "You lead and I'll follow, ok?" It was good to see Andy being herself and to get her to play in public! That was a very good sign, Maica thought. It warmed her heart and soul seeing Andy doing this for her. This was love and it made her love Andy all the more for it.

Andy took a deep breath, her hand flexing nervously around the neck of her violin. she had never performed for others before. It was different when she played for Maica because that wasn't a performance, it was just them being themselves... But wasn't that what Maica said back in their quarters, to pretend it was just the two of them? Andy closed her eyes for a moment and let the rest of the people just fall away. When she opened her eyes, it was just her and Maica. She raised her bow and began to play. And then, like magic, her perpetual scowl faded away and was replaced by warmth and a deep longing. Andy made no excuses for her behavior, she knew she was probably the most emotionally constipated person in the galaxy, but when she played it was like she was baring her soul...


The-shoulder dress that complimented her mocha colored skin-tone, and was lined on the inside with white fur, Which could be seen lining the top of the dress around the shoulder-line, and the cuffs of the sleeves that went down her arms, Stopping only at her wrists.

The length of the dress she'd worn, Went down to her ankles with a slit at the left side that went from the bottom of the dress to just barely reaching up to her thigh, But did not cover the pale silver, white fur-lined flat-heeled shoes that she wore on her feet. Her brown hair was left hanging down naturally, With a slight wavy curl to the sides of it with part of it being tucked behind her right ear.

Her Bajoran earring was currently dangling from her right ear; The style of it, However, Was different than most. It showed a golden star on the bottom of her earlobe, with a silver crescent moon attached underneath the star's bottom two points, and was linked together by a small bright silver chain that was clasped at the top of her earlobe with a small clasp that formed perfectly around the edge of her right ear.

The Bosun whistle blew once more. This time the announcement of an unexpected arrival. Commodore Krull Larkon.

Larkon? At the sound of a familiar name, Jhu immediately looked up toward the entryway to find an equally familiar Cardassian face looking in her direction. His entrance meant one of two things, serious trouble or one hell of a party upgrade. She was banking on trouble; the last time she'd seen him they'd both been involved with a certain intelligence agency with a dark reputation. "Buy Whiskers a drink and be friendly," she whispered in Nathan's ear, getting up to leave the bar and find out just what Krull was doing here.

Nathan staried in disbeliefe as Jhu got up and left him. She left me! . He thought as he watched her walk away of all. Then Nathan turned and looked at M'Rayr. "Can you believe she just did that to me? Commander, its nice to meet you. Lieutenant Nathan Tonkin, Chief of Security." He held his hand out.

M'rayr made a gruff sound. He'd heard what t'Dharvanek had told Nathan; Caitian ears were extremely sensitive to even the slightest details. Left alone with Nathan, however, the Caitian took a measure of the Chief of security. Terrans preferred physical handshakes to solidify greetings. He couldn't say that the Caitian equivalent was any more pleasant. Wrapping his paw around Nathan's, M'rayr squeezed and heaved in a slow up and down movement. "I know who you are, Lieutenant. Nevertheless, it is satisfactory to meet you in person." He risked a glance to t'Dharvanek who was talking with who he presumed to be the commodore. M'rayr had never met Larkon before, and hadn't heard of the man until recently. Taking his paw back, M'rayr gestured to the open stool. "I've reviewed your latest reports. What happened to you was... unfortunate."

Nathan leaned on the bar and shrugged. "Yeah..." he summoned the tender over. "Give me a whiskey please, something old. You need anything?" He asked the Commander.

Despite the fact that M'rayr had barely even halved his glass of synthohol, he decided to nod. Perhaps some actual alcohol would help to loosen him up, which, he knew from perspective that he needed. "Cognac," he stated more to the bartender in question than the Security officer in presence.

Nathan was really bad at making small talk with the people he enjoyed being around. He didnt even know M'rayr. So he opted to to sip his whiskey in silence.

It wasn't long before Jhu rejoined them, wrapping her arms around Nathan from behind. "This planet is awful. I'm freezing."

M'rayr received his glass from the bartender and took a small sip from it. The flavor was quite exquisite, even though he hardly looked to be enjoying the beverage. He looked to t'Dharvanek and grunted a smirk. Unlike him, she didn't have a fur coat to insulate her from the cold. On the other hand, she and most othe humanoids would be far better off than he in temperate environments.

"The music is at least nice." Nathan said indicating Maica and Andy's performance. "When ever you are ready to escape from here I am with you." Nathan said to Jhu.

"The music was brilliant," Jhu agreed cheerfully. "But I can't feel my fingers. Kind of dampens the mood."


Liam had taken to milling about, already growing a little bored. He took a bite of some sort of appetizer that had the consistency of raw fish and the taste of sour cabbage. He forced it down and quickly washed the taste out of his mouth with the last of his drink. He found the nearest bar and headed over the taste still lingering in the back of his throat.

Will walked slowly into the ballroom with Val, looking around at all of the crew gathered there and was beginning to warm to the situation when he began hearing music and looked around to see where it was coming from.

He was surprised when he saw it was Andy and Maica playing the wonderful tune filling the room and also happy to see them both in full flow of their musical talents. Will took Val by the hand and led her to the middle of the ballroom "Dance with me," he whispered to her as Will took the typical male leading stance of a dance partner.

Val smiled as she followed Will's lead, she grinned as they took their place on the dance floor. "Of course." she softly replied as they began to move to the music.


The Bosun's whistle blew one last time. This was it. This was the moment. It was the final grand entrance, and it marked the arrival of the man of the evening. The whistle had blown and the Bolian cleared his throat to speak as loudly as he could. "I present, Captain Kristopher N. Kerouac and Doctor Liam Cohen" announced the Bolian.

Up above where the crew's attention was to be drawn stood the two men, arm and arm. However, Kris quickly broke free and made a spectacle. Captain Kerouac half Liam's face and the two were engaged in a very passion locking of the lips.


After the Bosun's whistle blew and the announcement came for the Captain's and Doctor's arrival, Will and Val paused their dance and looked up. Seeing them both in a passionate moment, Will began clapping, applauding their open and carefree entrance "Bravo!" He said.

Konora had stood off to the side, observing what went on. Upon seeing the two humans and their display of love, she gave a slow clap of respect. "Well done." was one compliment of many.

Kadan had managed to find Leryssa, and paused whatever they were doing to point out the spectacle. "Look there darlin', two people that are in love and don't care who knows it. But I think you look more beautiful."

Leryssa blushed slightly at Kadan's comment, "You really think so?" She asked him as her eyes followed to where Kadan had pointed out the spectacle between the Captain and the doctor.

Mizuki was dancing slowly by herself. The ballroom seemed so big that it was easy to get lost in it. Then, her eyes rested upon a figure in a red low-cut dress, and she clasped her hands over her mouth. Jaw-droppingly beautiful, Hayley-chan...but that particular thought was interrupted by the whistle. And then the kiss. She was surprised, but felt a smile creep onto her face, and she clapped. Happy for them.

A bark of approval startled her from her reverie though. It was the futuristic breed of German Shepherd that made her smile. "Riley?" she whispered, since this could only mean one thing, the girl looking around, her eyes wide and hopeful...

Sabrina stayed hidden behind her ice sculpture, the sea of officers was intimidating. She didn't see why two people kissing deserved applause, and she refrained from joining the rest, mostly for fear of bringing attention to herself.

Andy hated Sickbay, hated it with the burning passion of a thousand stars. She hadn't been overly fond of infirmaries and doctors before she was assimilated, but ever since the Battle of Sector 001, those events had reaffirmed that dislike and it evolved into hate. She really hated Sickbay, but she knew it was unavoidable; skipping this exam would mean she wouldn't get approved to return to duty.

As she entered Sickbay, Andy looked around for the doctor, catching his eye and nodding to him as she found a biobed and sat down. She hated waiting too, it gave her too much time to think. She preferred being active or working with her hands so she didn't have to think about shit she didn't want to think about, and as much as she was enjoying her vacation with Maica, it was leaving her with too much idle time to think about things, like what if she wasn't fit enough to return to duty? Fuck, she hoped this exam turned out alright...

"What brings you in Senior Chief?" Liam said gesturing for to a bio bed. "I doubt you're here for a social call." He remarked.

"Just my physical to get me back to duty," Andy said tersely, not enjoying this visit at all. "I've been real tired, Doc. It's like I sleep all the time, but I don't have any energy. And I'm having trouble with my biosynthetic prosthetic and my ocular implant, they aren't responding like they normally do," Andy rattled off, figuring it would be best to just be forward with the problems she'd been having.

Liam began the scan and watched the data scroll across the screen. "It looks like there's an imbalance in your neurotransmitters and degradation around the synaptic transceiver that ties in at the base of your skull." He remarked. "I should be able to correct it but I'd like to bring in an extra set of hands."

"Uhg, do we have to?" Andy grumbled. The fewer people involved, the better! But she wasn't going to stop him from calling in help if he felt it was needed.

=/\= "Doctor Cohen to Lieutenant Zhuri, can you please come to sickbay." =/\=

A few moments passed and Arivek Zhuri materialized in the middle of Sickbay. With a quick glance around the room, he saw Senior Chief Carter, a woman who was turning out to be quite helpful, lying on a biobed with a standing over her. Walking up to the pair, he smiled at the man who was quite gorgeous. "Lieutenant Zhuri as requested," he said, holding his hand out to the man in the teal collar.

"Doctor Liam Cohen." He replied, "I was hoping you could give me a hand with the Senior Chief's synaptic transceiver, i'm detecting an increased amount of degradation. I'd like a second opinion before I begin adjusting it."

"Let's take a look," the hologram stated, picking up a medical tricorder and waving it slowly over the woman's forehead and down her neck. "Well, her body isn't rejecting it, so that's good. Andy, have the Borg been trying to contact you? I'm showing that your tranceiver was activated recently and that it was receiving information from your interlink node. The data stream seems to have overloaded a few pathways, thus causing the degredation."

"No, not that I'm aware of, anyway..." Andy said. She didn't think she had been hearing the Collective, but she did still have the night terrors where she would hear them, but back when she was still using her alcove she made sure to keep detailed logs so she KNEW the Collective wasn't talking to her. But now that her alcove was gone it was anyone's guess... "Could this be from the genetic resequencing from when my cortical node was removed?" she asked.

Cohen began running a target scan of the communication functions of the node. "I'm not detecting an active subspace link, that's good at least."

Arivek leaned towards the Doctor, looking at the scan, "I don't want to rule out foul play on the Borg's part just yet. Do we have a sample of her nanoprobes?" Ari asked.

Andy grumbled under her breath as they talked over her. This was why she hated Sickbay, she felt like nothing more than a set of readings to be fussed over. She hoped she treated Ari and Maica better than this! At least when she was working on them, she kept an active dialogue, and though she always acknowledged what they were from an Engineer's standpoint, she always remembered to treat them like people! Ari and the doc weren't even bothering to ask her opinions! This was her body, she'd been maintaining it since 2373, and since her work on Maica she could now be considered a leading authority on cybernetics. But did they bother to confer with her? Fuck no! Assholes...

"When was her cortical node removed? And what genetic resequencing is she referring too?" Arivek asked, intending his question for the Doctor. "I wonder if the degredation is stemming from that."

"I'm right here, you could fucking ask me, ya know," Andy grumbled, then sat up. "Just before we arrived at the Ophinias colony, my cortical node was damaged and I spent a week in Sickbay getting my brain resequenced to take over the node's functions. This vacation I've been taking with Maica has also been my medical leave while I adjust to the difference in my body's performance, and today is supposed to be my physical to clear me to return to duty, but I've been feeling unusually tired since I ain't regenerating no more, and I've also been experiencing delayed responsiveness in my biosynthetic arm and ocular implant," she summed everything up in a curt tone to Ari.

"I apologize, Andy," Arivek replied, sheepishly. "Thank you for the information. That could actually explain a lot. Your system is getting used to its new function and some of the lesser used relays may degrade."

"I think I already knew that," Andy said tersely. "I know this is something I'll have to work on, but from a medical standpoint, is this something that will hinder my ability to perform my duties? Can I get back to work?" That last question directed more to Liam.

"I don't feel comfortable returning you to duty until we know what's causing this." Liam said, "But we have the readings, Lieutenant we do have a sample of nano probes in stasis. I don't think the degradation is due to the resequencing, the genetics side looks stable. The neurotransmitter seem to be breaking down in the synapse prematurely, as if your body isn't synthesizing them properly.

Fucking hell... "How long do you think this is going to delay my return to duty?" Andy asked. "And you should probably take a fresh sample of nanoprobes, just in case there's a change in their behavior since the resequencing."

"Makes sense, we could also compare it with the old sample and see if there's a difference. Hopefully we can find a solution in a day or too." Liam reported.

Arivek stood to the side, rubbing his chin with his hand. "It's very baffling. I see no reason her body wouldn't synthesize them." Picking up a tricorder, Axon moved closer to the woman's neck and began to scan. "The only other time we've seen a former drone have their cortical node removed, this was not a side effect." Moving the tricorder's sensor more to the back of her neck, Ari moved the woman's wild red hair to get a better scan.

Andy's hand snapped up and grabbed Ari's wrist. "Do not touch me like that," she said coldly, then released his hand and moved her hair out of the way herself. Her heart rate was through the roof on the edge of panic. She did not like people touching her hair, and for a very good reason: when she had been assimilated, a Borg had grabbed her by the hair and lifted her off the ground.

"I apologize," Arivek said, confused by the woman's protective nature of her hair. He decided to ask her about it, but now was definitely not the time or place. "I just want to get a few more scans before you go."

"Just make it quick, please," Andy replied, a little more sharply than she meant to. She held her hair out of the way and waited for him to finish his scans.

"I think I have what I need," Arivek stated, closing the tricorder's sensor control panel. "Thank you." He put a hesitant hand on the woman's shoulder, unsure if that's what he was supposed to do. All his "patients" before today were starship systems and research devices, never a living being.

Andy didn't seem to mind the contact. If anything, it did seem to put her at ease, if only slightly. "Thanks," Andy said, tying her hair into its usual knot at the nape of her neck. Once Liam had extracted a sample of her nanoprobes for study, Andy looked between Liam and Ari, uncertain what to do. "Would it be inappropriate if I took a look at the scans and chimed in, or is that not allowed?" she asked awkwardly.

"That's fine." He replied, he moved to one of the work stations and began analysis the growing amount of biological data. "I think the problem with the neurotransmitters may be to do with the inflammation I'm detecting around the cortical array. The inflammation is accompanied by an elevation in white blood cells and nanoprobes at the site, as if your immune system is attacking the array."

"Fuck..." Andy muttered. She was screwed if her body was rejecting the cortical array. Andy stood and took a look at the scans. "Well, it's not typical presentation of cybernetic rejection," Andy said with relief as she studied the results of the scan. "But whatever's going on ain't good."

"The weird thing is it looks almost like an autoimmune attack, but at the same time it doesn't, like you said, present like cybernetic rejection. I'd like to run a full immunogentic panel, it will take a few hours to run. In the mean time I'd like to administer a minor immuno-suppressent, it should reduce the inflammation and help you feel more like yourself." Liam said turning to face Andy.

"Yeah... I'd kinda rather not take the meds," Andy said. "They make me blow chunks, and I had 5 alarm chili for lunch so I ain't looking forward to a revisit of that." But she would submit to the tests with only minor complaining. Still, she didn't like what she was seeing so far. "Whatever this is, it ain't rejection, it can't be or I'm fucked." The more she looked at the scans, it didn't look like a cybernetic issue despite the involvement of her implants; this looked like a biological issue which was outside her area of expertise.

"Well, if you don't want the med's that's your call, but I'm hesitant about letting you return to duty until we have a better idea of what this is." Liam said, "Unless or esteemed blue friend here as some idea that might help?"

"For now, what I can do is set your spectral array to counteract the effects of the inflammation. It's not a solution by any means, but it should at least get you back to light duty." Arivek walked back over to the biobed and held an instrument to the base of her neck.

Liam entered a few commands to reinitialize a fresh scan. "I'm already seeing a decrease in the inflammation markers. It looks like it's working." Liam said with a grin. "Not that I doubted you Lieutenant."

Ari nodded to the man. He didn't think the man had doubted him. At least he didn't until he said that. Now Ari wasn't sure.

"Well Chief, I'm going to insist you wear a cortical monitor, so I can keep track of your vitals and neurological activity. If anything changes I'm bringing you back in, but for now you're free to return to light duty, once we're away form the base I don't want you leaving the ship without being cleared by me personally." He said turning to the fiery Ops Chief.

"Yeah, I got it," Andy said as she let him affix the cortical monitor to her. "Ain't the first time I've been given those orders, I'll behave."

"Very well, you're free to return to duty, come in if there's any other problems." Liam said, attaching a cortical monitor.

"I will," Andy promised and tucked her hair around the monitor so it wasn't immediately visible. Then she nodded to Liam and Ari, grateful she was able to get back to duty, albeit light duty but it still counted. As much as she enjoyed spending time relaxing with Maica, she had been away from her department for too long and she was ready to get back to work!