One minute you are a Commander lounging on the beaches of New Sydney under the warm sun with your feet in the sand. The next minute, Starfleet Command contacts you, and your vacation is shattered...

The Trill let out a confrontational and disbelieving scoff at the Admiral who was taking up the screen of the portable computer console that was sitting on the Commander's lap. “You cannot possibly be serious” the Trill said raising an eyebrow and crossing arms judgmentally so. “Oh hell no” added the Commander with a stern tone.

It was not a joke. From the other end of the communications channel, the image of the Admiral did not falter. He was stone like and quite serious when he remained silent and nodded. “Oh I am quite serious, Commander. I may have not had this position myself for very long, but I am as serious as any other Admiral you'll meet” replied Vice Admiral Beltran. “A transport from New Sydney to Glebben space station will arrive to pick you up..” began the man with silver hair who then took a look elsewhere on his own screen. “In approximately two hours and thirty seven minutes” he added.

There were many words that the Commander wanted to say, colorful expressions in several different languages, but the Trill was able to remain calm or at least as calm as one could be. “Why does it have to be Glebben? Do you even know anything about that station, Admiral?” countered the Commander. It was clear in the man's eyes that was not all that familiar about it. “Well, let me make this quite clear for you. Glebben station is a galactic slum station of Ferengi design and under Ferengi control. Practically everything illegal that ends up in this quadrant has passed through there at some point” informed Commander Ronai.

The man was not having it. “You have your orders, Commander” replied the Admiral firmly. “Or rather, I should say you have your orders, Captain” added the Admiral with a slight flashing of his eyes. “You are the person for the job. Starfleet Command believes it. I may not know you personally, but Command selected you for this job, not me and not anyone else” Admiral Beltran countered.

The Commander slowly absorbed what the Admiral was saying. “Captain? What do you mean, Captain? I haven't even been Commander for more than a couple of years. I do not have the damn experience for a promotion to Captain. Hell, I am on shore leave at that” said the Trill lifting the computer up and placing it on a table. “What assignment is this?” asked the Trill.

Admiral Beltran nodded “I meant what I said, Captain” he said directing the Trill's attention to a small box that was resting on the edge of the desk. “That is a little something from Starfleet Command. You are hereby promoted to the rank of Captain with all the rights, duties, and responsibilities associated with the rank. Congratulations, Captain Ronai” added the silver haired man “You will not be returning to duty aboard the USS Aristotle. All your items have been taken from the Aristotle and brought aboard to Glebben station where they await you in your guest quarters” directed Beltran.

“Oh well that's just great” muttered the Trill. “Taken aboard Glebben...waiting for me. Oh yeah because that is oh so believable. More likely they were brought to Glebben, looted and stolen by those thieving Ferengi and sold off to the highest bidders. Thanks. That's just wonderful” quipped Ronnie. "What the hell is at this backspace Ferengi station that requires me to leave the sandy shores of New Sydney for slum station? I'm on shore leave! I am drinking piña coladas and not getting caught in the rain. This had better be good.”

The man dismissed the Captain's tone. Promote someone to Captain and all they care about is why their shore leave is getting cut short. This is a strange strange place he concluded. “It depends what you make of it, Captain. The USS Islandica is en route to Glebben station as we speak. Once there, you will be replacing Commander Vene as Commanding Officer of the starship” explained Beltran.

It probably had not been a good idea for Captain Ronai to be sipping on a Mai Tai when the news was broken to the Trill. Lounging in a lounge chair on the sandy beach, the Captain shot up straight forward and spat Mai Tai all over the portable computer. “WHAAAAAAAT!” shouted the Trill as head turned, eyes locking on Ronnie. Oh shit the Captain thought silently as the Mai Tai worked its way into the inner workings of the computer causing the screen to freak out and the whole computer shut off, never to be operational again.

Se'Lah entered into the Islandica's infirmary. It was her next stop, before she would head to her quarters. As it was with all of the senior staff, Se'Lah had already read up on some key elements of the CMO's profile.

Se'Lah had already been made aware that her medical files had been transferred here for the eyes of the Antican medical officer, and the Captain only. Unlike most of the other patients who might walk in here, Se'Lah stepped in, and quietly waited to be noticed.

The Chief Medical Officer was rummaging about Sickbay examining and inspecting the equipment that had been supplied for him and his medical crew. They are acceptable and this pleased Beh'ruken. Finally, a Sickbay that was well stocked with more updated equipment. He was so used to using older more antiquated devices and tools. His heightened sense of hearing had detected the opening and closing of the Sickbay doors. His long muzzle shot up, as he tossed his head back, nostrils flaring.

Vulcan? he asked himself before turning around and smiled a very toothy grin with a small grunt. He had been correct as the Vulcan woman stood there just beyond the threshold of the doorway. He knew this woman, or rather knew of her. He had seen her medical reports. In fact, he had recently taken another glance at them as she was the First Officer of the starship.

"Lieutenant Commander Se'Lah" he said as her name surfaced to his mind and found its way onto his tongue. "What brings you to Sickbay, Commander?" asked Beh'ruken in a fluctuating tone.

"I am reporting for my medical check-in, Doctor." Se'Lah replied simply. "I was informed that my medical records would be in your possession, prior to my arrival."

"They have" said Dr. Beh'ruken firmly with a nod. "I was having another look at them prior to your coming to Sickbay. You know your way around a Sickbay, Commander. You had a two month medical leave, seems like your head has taken a beating in recent years."

"Recent months." Se'Lah corrected him. "The head trauma you're speaking of was the result of an explosion only a couple of months ago, but you are correct. Apparently my body has taken a beating over the years."

"I stand corrected" said the Antican with a nod, a smile displaying his teeth. "Vulcans never lose track of time" added the Chief Medical Officer as he went to pick up a tricorder. "How does your body feel today? Are you suffering any headaches or having any problems meditating from your previous head injury. Commander?" asked the Antican.

"I suffer minor headaches on occasion, but my meditation is not affected." Se'Lah explained. "Currently I have no pain."

Beh'ruken nodded and approached the woman with his tricorder. He had a detached hand probe in one hand, running it around her head as he held the tricorder stationary in the other. "Certainly some evident damage" commented the Chief Medical Officer. "You've had excellent medical care, but yes, I do see signs that you've had a severe concussion. The Vulcan mind is a strong one, can sometimes heal and of course tolerate a great deal of pain. Have you ever taken anything for these 'minor' headaches, Commander?"

"Medication does nothing to relieve them." Se'Lah explained. In that moment, her Vulcan control slipped, allowing her emotions to show through. Unlike when she was speaking to the Captain, she was now very calm, but her words seemed very Human as they came out. "But their severity has been increasing over the last few weeks. The doctors at Starfleet believe they pose no threat."

"No offense to Starfleet doctors as I am one, but Starfleet and the Federation in general rely heavily upon technology in terms of medicine" said Beh'ruken sharply. "We may want to discuss an alternative course of medicine. Perhaps something unorthodox by modern standards...herbal remedies, acupuncture. There are various alternatives that we may explore" said the Chief Medical Officer

He looked over the results from his scans. "Peculiar patient...and interesting case" he muttered to himself and looked at the woman. "My scans are detecting a somewhat elevated neural activity from the central core of your brain. I am not an expert in Vulcan physiology or neurology for that matter, but I generally know enough to know this is highly irregular activity."

"It is." Se'Lah replied simply, as she looked at him. "I was told that the levels should probably be observed over time."

Beh'ruken nodded and let out a few low growling sounds, though they were not hostile. He was simply quite focused on looking over the scans and listening to what his patient was telling him. His eyes looked up from the data and locked onto the Vulcan's eyes. "I would like to keep a close eye on this myself. Would you be opposed to monthly scans? I would feel more secure if I could monitor and catch any changes."

"I would not be opposed." Se'Lah replied simply. Though she's spent most of the last couple of months in a medical bay, she still felt very much out of her element. "I will defer to your judgement for my treatment."

"Logical" retorted the Antican. "I like that in a Vulcan...most of the time" he added, his long sharp canine like teeth showing. "How long have you been in Strfleet, Commander?" asked the Chief Medical Officer, wanting to learn a little more about this woman's personal life.

"For approximately 53 years, according to my Starfleet records." Se'Lah explained. "However, I only remember the last two months."

"I see" replied the Antican. "Long term memory loss?" he asked assessing the extent of the neurological damage the Vulcan had endured. "Forgive the intrusion, but I imagine not remembering much of your career and life can be daunting, even for a Vulcan. Do you presently see a counselor?"

"My memory loss is the result of head trauma." Se'Lah explained. "It is a bit daunting at times, but I see no need for a counselor at the moment, since I am adjusting well enough."

Beh'ruken nodded and let out a small chuckle. "Yes, Commander, I am sure that you are fitting in and adjusting quite well given all that has happened. However, I would encourage you to meet with a counselor. You may be doing fine on your own, but for my sake and peace of mind, no pun intended, I'd like the Ship's Counselor's opinion."

"Then I will schedule an appointment later in the day." Se'Lah replied. "Since I'm here, can you give me something for a headache?"

"Good see to it that you do and I expect you to do so punctually, like a good Vulcan" replied Beh'ruken with a deeply gruff chuckle. "Yes, yes, yes. I will tend to your headache" he said walking away from the woman and digging around in a storage locker. He grabbed a glass container with a blue liquid and poured it into a vial. He then opened a container with a yellow powder and sprinkled some into the vial. He shook it until the two mixed and the liquid turned green.

The Doctor turned around and headed back to his patient. "I've been told that it looks horrible...believe me it tastes worse" commented the Doctor with a grin and his eyes wide. "I imagine it will be rather pungent to a Vulcan. However, it will take care of your headache and help you meditate or sleep. Just don't take it on an empty stomach. Add a little to your favorite Plomeek soup."

Se'Lah looked at the vial curiously. Most doctors would've given her something via hypo, but this was new. "I understand." She said simply. "Any other instructions, before I go about settling in?"

The Doctor shook his head. "No, Commander. You are free to go settle in."

"Just one more question." She said, and in that moment, her emotions seemed to just vanish. "How often do you want me to check in here?"

The Chief Medical Officer looked at the woman and let out a small gruff chuckle. "Oh whenever you deem it logical" he replied.

She hesitated a moment, raising an eyebrow at him. "Perhaps it would be logical to make you aware that I have lapses where my emotional control is absent." She explained. "In the last two months, I've learned quite a bit. They do have their uses."

After the events of the day, Se'Lah had found herself walking around the ship. She'd spent the time thinking of what had happened on the planet they'd just left a few hours before, her meeting with Shae in the woods, and the way she had put her neck on the line to help her.

Finally she stopped walking, and found herself standing in front ot the door to the temporary quarters that had been setup for the woman, and her daughter. She straightened her uniform, taking a deep breath before finally pressing the chime.

"Come in." Shae looked up from her reading as the door swished open. She had hoped to resume her lessons of recent history now that Joseph had left, but if people were going to keep interrupting her then she was never going to finish anytime soon! Upon seeing the Vulcan Commander, Shae nodded slightly and switched off the small desk terminal. "Commander," Shae greeted in a genial tone. Aoife, who was in Shae's lap, greeted Se'Lah with a drooly smile.

Se'Lah didn't step far into the room. In fact, she only stepped in far enough for the door to close behind her. She had gotten the reports about Shae, and the young Aoife, and so the young child was no surprise to her. "I apologize for the intrusion." She said simply. "I wanted to apologize for what happened earlier, and I wanted to make sure that you were ok."

"I am experiencing residual hedaches from the device your doctor removed, but he has provided me with means of releaving the phantom pains until they fade," Shae replied, "but other than that, I am well. And you do not have to apologize for what happened earlier, Commander; I made a fool of myself, it will not happen again." not that such assurances would mean anything for much longer is she ended up departing once they reached Glebben station.

"I wasn't talking about the Bridge." Se'Lah replied without missing a beat. "I was speaking of what happened between us on the surface."

"I see," Shae said softly. "I suppose an apology on my part is due as well. I probably over reacted, but you were too close to where I had hidden Aoife and I was feeling defensive."

"Considering the environment you'd been living in, I can't say I blame you." Se'Lah replied. She stepped further into the room, kneeling down in front of the pair to observe Aoife. "Children should always be protected, since they are the future."

Shae's arm tightened protectively around Aoife just a bit, but allowed Se'Lah to get closer. Aoife, innocent and inquisitive, reached out for Se'Lah. "Thank you for bringing us on board," Shae said as she watched Aoife trying to touch Se'Lah's face. "It was too dangerous for me to stay there; I would have been hunted down for helping you."

Se'Lah allowed Aiofe to attempt to satiate her curiosity, not pulling away as the child reached for her. "You saved my life." She replied without missing a beat. "Saving the lives of you, and your daughter were the least I could do in return."

Shae smiled slightly. "I was terrified you had come to take me back to Section 31, and yet... I couldn't just sit bck and do nothing when you got too close to the array," Shae said. "To be honest, I don't know why I helped you, but I don't regret it."

"Speaking of..." Se'Lah got back to her feet, moving to the computer terminal. "Computer, displayed basic classified profile information on Lieutenant Commander Se'Lah, as well as updated information on the group known as Section 31."

"Classified clearance level 8 is required to access files." Came the computer's reply.

"Authorization Se'Lah, delta, delta, 259." Se'Lah gave her codes.

"Access granted." and a moment later, the terminal showed a split screen with information on Section 31, and Se'Lah's basic information that confirmed she was part of Starfleet Intelligence, and not Section 31.

"This is the proof of my identity, and affiliation that I promised you, as well as information on Section 31." Se'Lah said, setting the terminal near Shae where she could see it. "The information concerning myself cannot leave this room, or both of our lives may be in grave danger."

Shae nodded, agreeing without hesitation to keep Se'Lah's information secret. But at the moment, she was uninterested in Se'Lah's profile and looked at the information regarding the end of Section 31. "They really are gone, aren't they..." Shae said softly, a single tear slipping down her cheek as a sign of her relief. Well, not really gone, they were absorbed into Starfleet Intelligence, but at least in Intel there was accountability, they would not have the free reign they had during the War. But what did that mean for her now? Did that really mean she could stop running? She looked up at Se'Lah, almost afraid to ask the question that was burning on her lips.

"What do I do now?"

"I've taken the liberty of speaking to the Captain about you, and Aoife... Including the fact that if it hadn't been for you, I'd probably be dead." Se'Lah said simply. "She has agreed to allow you to remain aboard the Islandica, or when we reach Glebbin station, you can depart there. The choice is yours."

"You know, I managed to have a conversation with that Ferengi Petty Officer that I verbally assaulted on the bridge," Shae started softly, pausing for a moment to read a little more of the information on her console. "I think he would be quite happy to see me depart on Glebben Station. In fact, I think he's expecting it... But your marine, Myomoto, he's actually asked if I would consider staying."

Shae sighed, looking down at her daughter who was quite happily chewing on a corner of baby blanket loosely draped around her. As she tenderly kissed the top of her child's head, she thought about how she wanted to do the right thing, do what was best for Aoife, but Shae didn't know what that was. Part of her was still so scared to trust these people, but her years of isolation left a part of her screaming on the inside, and that part of her yearned to stay with these people. If she departed at Glebben Station, there was no telling what the future might hold, what kind of people she would run into, but here... There was something here!

"To be completely honest, I never thought I would ever see space again, never watch the stars pass by at warp... I've wanted it, but now that I'm out here, I don't know what to do or where to go," Shae continued with a sad sort of smile. "I suppose there are worse choices I could make, but I'm willing to take my chances here."

"If you have any problems with Mr. Zev, send him to me, and I will handle it." Se'Lah paused a moment, taking a deep breath, as her Vulcan emotional control broke, allowing her calm emotions to surface in her voice. "In the mean time, I will assign these quarters to you on a permanent basis." At that moment, Se'Lah did something that was very much unlike Vulcans as she held out her hand to Shae. "Deal?"

"Deal," Shae replied, gently shaking Se'Lah's offered hand. "Do you require I perform a function on the ship while I reside here?" Shae asked. "Myomoto suggested my experience in Astrophysics might be of use in your upcoming venture into the Erebus Expanse. I know I'm frightfully out of date with the latest technology, I need to get caught up on the science, and I no longer have any standing or rank with Starfleet, but I could still make myself useful if you require me to do so."

"I'll pair you up with Ensign Jameson, the other woman who was on the surface with us." Se'Lah said. "She can help bring you up to date on new technologies, and some of the scientific details of what our mission entails."

Part of Shae wanted to roll her eyes at this. Before her disappearance before the War, Shae had been a junior Lieutenant working on her PhD, and now she had to take pointers from a green Ensign! But it was hardly the worst pairing; at least Ms. Jameson seemed nice enough from their brief contact on the planet.

"I will confer with her and try to get working as soon as I can," Shae replied with a nod. "I just ask for some understanding and leniency at first. It will take time for me to readjust to all this, and I will have to figure out what to do with Aoife when I'm working..."

"You will be working as a civilian, so that shouldn't be a problem." Se'Lah said. "I will make sure she knows that your schedule must be flexible for your daughter's sake."

"Thank you," Shae said, leaning towards the console to key in some information as she continued, "I know I will have to go on the ship's roster now that I am staying, but I'll leave it up to you what identity is used." Shae's old service file popped up on the screen: Kalin Shae Brennan, Lieutenant junior grade, Status: Missing. "I'm not sure I'm ready for Starfleet to know I've been found, but I also understand if you feel it necessary to report my identity." Either way, Shae was offering her file to Se'Lah. Although it didn't contain any of her Section 31 work, Shae wasn't going to touch that file for fear of raising any red flags, at least having access to her service record was better than having nothing at all.

"Most likely, your real identity will be used." Se'Lah replied as she looked over the service record. "However, I can suggest to the Captain that you be debriefed here, and your official return to active duty be suspended pending medical, and psychological evaluation by our own personnel." She looked at Shae with a light smile. "We have a mission to perform, and have no time to return you to Earth." She said with a wink.

Shae may not have trusted Se'Lah yet, but she was really warming up to the Vulcan and how she worked. "Thank you," Shae replied gratefully. "You have no idea how much that puts me at ease." Obviously, she didn't like the idea of reporting in to Starfleet, debriefings, or psychological evaluations, but knowing Se'Lah wasn't going to return her to Earth really was a big relief.

"If you like, I can be the one to debrief you." Se'Lah offered. It was an important step in learning more about the woman's past, as well as the circumstances leading up to how she was found. "Considering your past affiliations, it makes sense that an Intelligence operative would be the one to gather the information you have."

Shae thought about this for a moment, then eventually nodded slowly. "That is acceptable," she said. She was nervous about this, understandably so, but if she was to stay here then it was something would eventually need to get done.

"I will inform the captain of your decision, and make the proper arrangements." Se'Lah nodded her assurances. She hesitated a moment, looking at Shae. Obviously the woman could handle herself, but Se'Lah could also tell she was afraid. "I'll make sure you're both ok." She finally said. "I mean that."

"Thank you," Shae replied. "And I'm sorry if at times I remain untrustful; my instincts and paranoia have kept me alive for a long time... It will take time for me to let that fear go and learn to trust. But I am grateful." If nothing else, Shae was grateful for all that was being done to help.

"Apparently, mine has done the same for me." Se'Lah replied. Though she didn't show it, this was an awkward moment for her. "I have no memories of my life prior to waking up in an infirmary two months ago. The cause of which is something I wish to avoid happening again. I don't generally let anyone get too close."

"I know the feeling..." Shae replied with a sad nod. Aoife issued a soft whimper that Shae recognized as 'hungry'. "Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to for me to feed Aoife," Shae added, tousling Aiofe's hair and making her purr.

"I will leave you to it." Se'Lah gave the two a slight smile, before turning and leaving the room. In her own right, she felt better, but in her mind, it was still unclear as to how things were going to progress from here.


=====

Lieutenant Commander Se'Lah
Executive Officer

and

Kalin "Shae" Brennan
Science Officer

this is a jp where Freckles observes Zen'seit. And finds him curious. He will follow him for a while, but then is surprised by Zen'seit confronting him.

or something else if you like

In a recent post, Freckles picked up an amulet that was dropped by a woman. Zenseit may know something about it, or possibly even feel something or is told that freckles has something. ??

ON:

Saleem was on one of his usual wanderings of the station one day when he felt something was... Different. He had a pretty good feel for most of the people on the station and the "hum" of difference was coming from someone he calls "Scamp" but most people know as freckles. He had always planned on meeting the lad one day and decided that today was the day.

He walked an unerring course towards where he knew that Freckles would be. He of course meant know harm, he was hoping to befriend him.

As he walked into the corridor that freckles was walking that day he slowed to his usual limp and shuffle he used as a facade. He was sure Freckles saw through the farce but wanted to see if he would call him on it. "Ho!" He called out "Freckles, that you?"


Finding the right mark was always a challenge. Freckles had learned over the years that 'lifting' someone's unneeded funds from their person was an art. Only a thug would run into someone, knock them down, and take what they want before running off like at hooligan, that they were. Oh, no. Identifying the right person, understanding them, and then relieving them of their burden was definitely the way to go.

Freckles had been standing across the way, watching one merchant shops in particular. It was a small shop of technical gear and devices. It wasn't the merchant he was watching, but those patrons that came through the shop. He was observing a tall woman with long blonde hair. The hair was distracting because it hung down below her waist. It's very difficult to see through hair.

But then he heard his name and looked to see its source. The Twillix smiled slightly at the sight of Saleem Zen'seit. He knew that there was much more to this old man than what was allowed to be seen. They had never personally met, but this was as good as any. He stood up off his honchoes and walked over, "Greeting aged father." he said respectfully with a slight bow, even though the blind man could not see. "I see you are out enjoying the station's morning activities."

Saleem chuckled "Aged f-f-father. That's a good one. but it is nice to hear a young one with some respect. And yes I am enjoying a stroll around our beloved station this morning. I had an urge to come meet you for some reason. Perhaps Shai'Halud is prodding me..." He paused for a second cocking his head as if listening to an unheard voice. "Or I am getting old and lonely and hoping some youthful energy will rub off on me," he finished with a laugh. "Have you eaten?"

"No. No I haven't . ." Freckles paused for a moment considering then asked, "S-s-should I call you Mr. Zen'seit?"

Saleem smiled kindly at the boy and said "Saleem is fine."

As they began to walk Freckles asked, "A-a-and who is s-s-ha-hald. F-f forgive my misp-p-pronouncement."

"Aaaaah you have not heard of him. It is actually pronounced 'Shy-Ha-Lud". He turned to face Freckles directly. "I am not sure you are ready to know who Shai-Halud is fully at the moment Toscoos Lipscamp." He used Freckled real name though he had never been told it. "One day yes, for now just know that he watches you and over you."

Freckles stopped suddenly. No one could see Freckles eyes behind the goggles, but they were popping out and his jaw slacked open by his amazement that someone knew his true name. "I . I . how do you . . ?"

"Shai'Halud shares some of his knowledge with me. But do not fear he never shares knowledge that can be, or will be, used for ill." He put his arm around the boy companionably "I am here to be a friend to all who will accept me and share Shai'Halud with those who will listen. I do not know if you are familiar with human lore but there are fictional historical figures that were once called Clerics, or even Paladins. I would be more similar to a cleric as I am not much for fighting." He chuckled "Even I do not yet know all that Shai'Halud has to offer me or others. But I am willing to listen."

Freckles was a little hesitant with an arm over his shoulder, but for some unknown reason felt it was safe. He looked up at the aged father as he continued.

"I have read some on Human history, but not much about Clerics-s or p-p-paladins." He looked toward the old man, "I agree. You don't look much like a fighter." He snickered a little, wrinkling his nose a little at the humor.

Saleem chuckled as well, "That is true. I am not much in a physical altercation... So maybe Paladin is not as good as cleric... Clerics did sometimes fight, but they were more like... hmmmmm... field priests I guess. They spent more time outside the church doing their work than in it."

Freckles pondered those words for a minute looking down as they walked.

He stepped away from freckles and spread his arms gesturing to himself. "I am not much of a church man. I don't make people come to me, I like to go to them"

Freckles canted his head to the side in thought, then said, "So, you bring your 'message' to those that wouldn't normally come to or seeking?"

"Essentially... I make myself available to everyone. I'll bring it up once and let them ask. It helps I am a harmless old man." He finished off with a grin.

They walked a little further in silence. Freckles was getting more and more curious and finally had to ask, "So, aged f-f-father, how can I help you this day?

"There is nothing really in particular my boy. Just looking to chat and maybe see if I could help YOU with anything... making myself available." He winked at Freckles with that statement.

Freckles was a little uncertain by that statement, but continued to walk. After a moment he said, "I am doing okay. And can get a job every now and then." He rubbed the side of his face as he considered why this 'cleric' had sought him out this day of days. "What kinds of things do you do for people?"

"Well as you can imagine not too much physically." He chuckled as if it were actually clever. "I try to counsel people in things more moral and spiritual. Reach people where they are and see how I can help them expand who they are and how they think." He lifted his walking stick and bobbed it once towards him. "Not as a preacher mind you. Everyone is different and there isn't a single fix all for everyone."

Freckles considered the explanation for a moment, then replied, "I see. And today you are led to help me?" He looked up at the old man, curious of the possibilities that might come his way. "Maybe a job for this Twillix, so I can fill my belly?"

tag

Having given the order to make the ship appear defenseless before their arrival at Glebbin station, Se'Lah decided to come to Engineering to personally check on the progress. Not wanting to directly interfere with the repair work that was being done, she casually entered into the Engineering section, quietly observing, and waiting for someone to acknowledge her.

Jacob had gathered the teams of engineers not working on repairs together in main engineering as he began briefing them on what they needed to do.

"Team one. Your job is to install plasma conduits across the internal structures of the the forward phaser array. Team two and three will do the rest of the ship. Each of the conduits are going to hold a precharge for the phasers to reduce power up time." He said handing out PADDs to the teams. "Team Four and five, you'll be working on the shields. I want you to rig the auxiliary generators straight to the shield emitters. That means, attaching them to the mains so that we can get them powered immediately without having to rely on EPS conduits."

"Get going." He said before rounding on the team that was left behind. "Team six. You're with me We'll be working on rigging the Torpedo launchers to make sure they are able to fire 'before' the orders are given. Let's go." Jacob reached over and grabbed his tool kit and made his way towards the turbo lift when he spotted Se'Lah.

"Ah, commander." He greeted with a sigh. "How else would you like me to tear up a starship for you this good day?"

Se'Lah smirked slightly. "Actually I was coming to check on your progress." She replied simply. "How goes the destruction?"

"Painful and much later it's going to be maddening to repair and reset." Jacob frowned. "Mind telling me why we want to seem defenseless?"

"Things may not be as they appear to be, Mr. Thortin." She explained without hesitation. "Simply put, we are setting a trap, just in case things are not in fact, what they appear to be." Though her answer was somewhat cryptic, it was followed by yet another truth. "Should things actually be as they appear, your actions may prevent the court martial of both myself, and Commander Vene for violating direct orders in favor of playing it safe."

"I see." Jacob sighed. "You realize that turn around time at the station is going to be extended due to the repairs we'll need to make?" He asked. "We'll have to do extensive modifications to the ship to ensure that we don't give out power readings that indicate powering up our weapons. As is, the way it's set up means we'll get five maybe six shots before the capacitors are blown out."

"Then let's hope it does not come to that." Se'Lah replied. "However, setting a trap that doesn't get used is preferable to taking the risk of falling into someone else's trap. This was the logical choice."

"If you say so commander." Jacob sighed. "Well then, we should get to work. If there isn't anything else?"

"Keep me informed of your progress, Lieutenant." Se'Lah ordered. "In the meantime, I'll let you get back to work." With that, she turned around, and left Engineering, part of her hoping she wasn't bringing her own career to a screeching halt.

"Yes Ma'am." Jacob nodded and watched as she departed. "Let's move!" He called out, setting the strap on his shoulder and moving with his team towards the first of many modifications.

=====

Lieutenant Commander Se'Lah
Executive Officer
USS Islandica

&

Lieutenant Jacob Thortin
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Islandica

***Myomoto quarters***

Myomoto finished packing his gym bag and flushed a little as he headed out of his quarters to the holodeck. If anyone were paying attention they would say he looked a little embarrassed, but nothing about him seemed to warrant it.

He hurried along the corridors until he arrived at the holodeck doorss. "Computer, initiate Myomoto Practiiiiicccee... Hmmmm... 7 please. Privacy mode please."

"Program loaded" came the reply and Myomoto hurried inside.

Anyone on the ship would see the program running and assume it was probably a tactical sim or shooting range practice. Well it wasn't even close. This was Myomoto's super secret passion. He didn't even include it in his Starfleet personnel info folio.

The rolling hills of Scotland were spread out before him and the salty sea breeze stirred his hair as he pulled it out of his topknot. He bent over to open his gym bag and pulled out his kilt, flask, shirt, tartan, and yes... His bagpipes. His eyes shone as he finally was ready. "Computer, load the Blackwatch pipe and Drum band from mid 20th century. The Fair Maid of Bara if you please."

He looked around as some of the greatest drum and pipe players began to materialize around him. With motion from the drum major the snares began their roll and pipers filled their bags.

*** Commander Se'Lah's Quarters ***

Se'Lah had decided she wanted to get in some target practice. Before leaving her quarters, she decided to ask the computer if there were any training simulations running.

"Computer, list any holodeck training, or practice simulations in progress." She ordered. A moment later a list appeared, but there was only one item, and it was being run by Myomoto.

She grabbed her gun, placing it in her holster, and left her quarters.

*** Holodeck 2 ***

As Se'Lah arrived at the holodeck, she pressed her fingers to the terminal, which caused it to light up. She then pressed a few buttons, and the doors opened to... music?

As Se'Lah stepped into the Holodeck, she let the doors close behind her. Far from what she expected to see, she found herself standing in a field, watching a band play. A band which Myomoto was part of. Finding humor in this, she smirked as she stood there waiting for him to notice her.

The song was just getting to his favorite part. The snares were playing their staccato and the pipers were beginning their rapid staccato note changes and he spun in a circle to see his fellow band members getting ready for the finale. Just as the snares and the pipes cut out for the pause he saw the XO looking at him with smirk. All color drained from his face and he barely croaked out "Computer, end program" as the snares began to take up their roll again for the ending sequence.

"uh.. C-commander" he cleared his throat "I, uh... thought I had engaged the privacy setting." He was so flustered he couldn't think of anything else to say as his pipe whined allowing the built up air to escape in a rather ear grating fashion.

"And here I was, expecting to see a target range." Se'Lah replied, that smirk still on her face. At times like these, she was glad that she had the emotional experiences of the last couple of months, as it allowed her to appreciate the humor that most Vulcans couldn't. "The computer gave me no privacy notice, and this was listed as a practice simulation."

"Ah... yes... That was kind of a smoke screen. I... uh come and go with my gym bag and call my sims 'practice'.. Well for the very reason you assumed." Very self conscious in his Blackwatch "uniform" he tried to explain further "I just wanted something that was just mine I guess." he started to get a little more animated as he continued "Bagpipes are just such a stirring instrument. I remember going to a tattoo back on earth with my father and falling in love with them. When I first heard them I felt my blood stir in something almost like an adrenalin rush. Emotion on a scale that I have never experienced can be conveyed by these wondrous instruments." He lifted his bag under his arm and started to fill it. "Here let me show you. Computer load Blackwatch, Amazing Grace." He never even paused to see if she was at all interested he was so caught up.

The snares started their slow roll and Myomoto closed his eyes as he filled his pipe to play.

As the first slow notes began to fill the air the hairs on his arms stood on end and by the end of the first chorus he eyes started to tear up as the emotions flowed over him.

With her sensitive Vulcan hearing, the combination of the drums, and the bagpipes were just too much. "Computer, end program." She ordered over the music, and the band simply vanished, leaving only the sound of his own bagpipes.

Myomoto halted his playing as soon as the XO terminated the program. He flushed in embarrassment. "I'm sorry ma'am. I didn't even ask you." He smiled tentatively and asked "Would you like to run something a little more... Expected? I could do with firing a few rounds down range right now I think."

"No disrespect to you, but the instruments are simply too loud." She said simply, as she looked at him. She took her jacket off, setting it against a small boulder, revealing bright blue jumpsuit, suitable for martial arts training, and a concealed 21st century firearm in a holster on her hip. "Would you like some one-on-one training? I'm sure we can learn from each other."

Myomoto smiled and jumped up and down lightly a few times to loosen up.. That is when he remembered he was in a kilt. He chuckled and said "Computer privacy screen please." When the screen was up he quickly pulled a set of workout clothes from his gym bag and changed. "Lower screen and activate Close Combat training program Beta 3"

The holodeck transformed into a 20th century training facility. various mats were around on the floor and punching bags hung here and there. In the center was a raised combat ring. Hanging on a wall were protective pads of various sizes. Myomoto walked over to the pads and donned a set of gloves, head gear, and foot pads. He climbed into the ring and began some warm up and stretching exercises. "You coming?" He asked with a smile.

She eyed the various pads, wondering to herself if she'd ever used them before. She decided to err on the side of caution, putting on the pads. She placed her gun on a side table, before climbing into the ring. "There's probably something you should know, before we get started." She stood looking at him calmly. "All of my memories before two months ago are missing. I am still discovering my own skills as I go."

"Don't worry. You don't do what I do and go where I have been by underestimating people. We can start light and I will adjust as best I can based on what I evaluate of your abilities. Sound fair?"

"It does." She replied simply, bringing her hands up in a traditional Kung-Fu stance. She waited for him to be ready, then stepped in. She couldn't remember actually having any of these skills, but her own files had said she was highly skilled in this area. As she stepped in, she kept her guard loose, and lashed out with a clumsy straight punch.

Though the punch was sloppy and obvious he could tell that there was some training in there. Acting on a hunch he blocked her punch and stepped in, a little slower than normal, for a shoulder throw. If his instincts were correct she would either lower her center of gravity and go for a counter, or roll with the throw and recover. If he was wrong she would sail a few feet and get the wind knocked out of her. He went for it.

Unable to stop his advance, Se'Lah lowered her center of gravity, but the expected counter never came. Instead, she was thrown a few feet away to land flat on her back. She laid there for only a moment, before rearing her legs up to kip back up onto her feet. "Effective." She said as she caught her breath. This time, she stepped in, feigning a second punch like the first one. If he took the bait, part of her wondered what her next move would be, or if it would even be successful.

Her second punch was much like her first and that set off warning bells. In a real fight he would have reacted differently but he knew she was trying to bring back her combat reflexes and knowledge. And, well, that was the priority. He blocked it much the same way he had last time but instead of going for a throw he began to counter with a kick to the midsection.

As he took the bait, she saw the kick coming. She moved to deflect it, and her hands made contact, but the results were shoddy at best, as the force of the kick caused her to stagger a couple steps. It was at this moment that her instincts kicked in. As she staggered back, she stepped right into a more fluid Tai-Chi stance, grabbing his leg. Unlike her previous two moves, this one was indicative of a high bit of skill, as one of her own legs moved swiftly with the intent of taking his other leg out from under him.

Myomoto smiled as he saw her switch stances and her moves became more fluid and controlled. He was still caught unprepared for the leg sweep however and fell to the mat in a controlled fall and rolled quickly away, springing back up into a combat crouch. "Thats more like it!"

As his leg stopped supporting him, Se'Lah released his other, allowing him to fall. When he was looking at her again, she smirked at him, the loose Tai-Chi stance seeming far more relaxed, and natural than the stance she'd started with. "The more I remember, the easier it will be for us to train the rest of the crew." Unlike moments ago, her reply was laced with calm emotions, making her seem more Human in nature than Vulcan. "Are you ready to do this?"

Myomoto laughed softly and seeing that she was much more comfortable with her self shifted into his favorite stance, muay thai kick boxing. Major agression versus insane defense. "THIS is going to be fun!" he crowed as he lunged at her with a knee.

As he lunged at her, Se'Lah side stepped around his opposite leg. She left her back foot just inside his stepping path as she moved to grab him with the intention of taking him off balance.

Myomoto saw the move and pushed off with his hind leg and jumped over hers rolling once and leaping back up. This time leading with a high kick to her head followed by his opposite elbow to the ribs.

When the kick came up, Se'Lah ducked her head out of the way. Using the momentum that movement created, she tried to side step away from the elbow. The elbow caught her, knocking her off balance, as she lost her footing, and stumbled down on all fours. "It seems I still need some practice." She said simply as she got back to her feet, casually looking at him. "There are bits and pieces that I'm missing, which make this difficult."

Myomoto thought for a moment. "Maybe we are doing this wrong... How would you like to work through a few katas? Muscle memory should help jog your memory."

"We certainly could give it a try." She said, stripping the pads off one at a time. They were effective in preventing harm, but they also made movement somewhat difficult. "What training I received while I was recovering was extremely limited."

"Ok well I never learned Tai Chi so how about you walk me through some simple katas as they come to you." He took off his pads as well and moved over to an open spot on the floor.

As he moved out of the ring, she followed him, but stopped in front of one of the wooden practice dummies. She quietly stared at it for a few moments, before simply lashing out at it. The first few hits against it were clumsy, and obvious, but then her instincts kicked in, and hit after hit slammed spot on. The moves she used were a mix of 3 or 4 different martial arts, tossed out via muscle memory.

With the last hit, she gave the dummy a double palm strike to the torso, allowing all of her Vulcan strength, and frustration to pour out into the impact, snapping the wooden support, and sending the dummy sailing back several feet to land on the floor. She stood quietly looking at what she'd done.

Se'Lah knew what she had been trained for, and the kinds of things she did in her job, but to see herself do something do destructive was a sobering thing. "She told me I might not like what I discover..." She finally said absently.

Myo let out a low whistle of appreciation. "THAT was... Kind of scary." He scratch his chin thoughtfully, "I think that might be enough for now. You are clearly frustrated, but you also had a bit of a breakthrough there." He reached into his bag and tossed he some water and a towel. "Up to you."

The sound of his voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and she looked over as he tossed the items. She caught them both, and took a seat on a bench near where she had set her gun. "These skills can be very dangerous in the wrong hands." She said simply, her Vulcan control snapping back into place. "I should be glad that my intentions are not damaging."

Myo nodded solemnly surveying the damage. "Also good that wasn't me." He rubbed his stomach grinning at her "That woulda hurt!"

"Tell yah what. Let's just relax for a bit. Computer load Myomoto festival 1." The gym faded away to be replaced by a Japanese festival at a small towns temple. "Games, food, treats, and amazing teas. Take in the sites, sounds and atmosphere. Forget that you can't remember and just... Be here."

"This is my personal favorite way to escape."

Though it went unnoticed, as the holodeck program changed, Se'Lah's eyes glazed over momentarily, before she blinked a few times, and looked around. She looked at Myomoto with a raised eyebrow. "Japan?"

He simply said "I am half Japanese..."

"Japanese festivals have always had a special spot for me. Simple clean fun with an entire community." He started walking down the path through the festival towards the temple.

"So it would seem." Se'Lah replied as she followed him. She casually looked down at her own outfit, before glancing at his. "I was unaware that these holosuites had programs available from Earth's culture."

"Well I don't know how much they have publicly available. This is a personal program that I have written myself. This temple is actually the one in the village that my Japanese family supposedly came from in the Harima Province." He stopped for a second and breathed deeply. "I am kind of sad that I will never know if this is what it actually looked and smelled like, but I hope it was close because I love this."

As he said it, the word family began to echo in Se'Lah's mind over and over again. After a short moment, she blinked a few times, and looked at him. "I have no family." She finally said. As she looked at him, paranoia began to slowly creep up on her, and though she appeared normal, to the trained eye, she was ready for combat. "The last of my family died years ago. A malfunctioning warp core caused the ship they were on to explode, killing everyone aboard." She glanced around them, as people walked by with their children, taking in the sights, and sounds of the area around them.

Myo's intel training helped him out here, he got his first good read on her emotions and said "Computer, end program." He turned to look at her "I'm sorry about that... And about your family. Something similar happened to me but it was with my marine unit... It was... Awful. I am not very good at casual interaction... As you probably noticed. Ummm do you want some time or something?"

As the program ended, Se'Lah blinked a few times, and brought her hands up to cradle her head. "I'm sorry, Lieutenant." She said. "I have a bit of a headache. I think I should lay down."

Myomoto recognized the look in her eyes and manerism, she was looking for an exit, and quickly. "Of course." He quickly led the way to the exit and waited outside for her. "Again I apologize ma'am. I hope you feel better soon." He offered her a small bow as she exited past him.

Se'Lah stopped next to him as she stepped out, and looked at him. "Thank you for the practice." She told him, then continued on out of the room, leaving him standing there as she walked away.

Myomoto felt a kind of disappointed watching her leave. It was the first time they had a chance to talk and well... It didn't exactly go well. Sighing to himself he wondered off to return to his quarters.

---

Lt Cmdr Se'Lah - Executive Officer

1st Lt Myomoto - Chief Tactical/Security Officer

After the ship had docked with Glebben station, Se'Lah, and Myomoto had been escorted to one of the station's conference room, where they were to meet with the station commander for the purpose of finalizing negotiations concerning their use of the station.

Just before the duo reached the conference room, Se'Lah tapped Myomoto's arm to get his attention, before nodding in the direction of the two security guards standing just outside the door. She knew he'd already be checking things out, but it never hurt to make him aware just in case.

Myomoto nodded slightly in response already scanning the guards taking in posture and weapons. He recognized one of them from his time undercover. He knew his cover would be safe since his appearance was completely different but part of his cover was also having a brother in Starfleet security. He filed this away knowing it may come in handy later.

As they approached, they were ushered into the room. While not a spacious room, it did have a table with multiple chairs. Inside the room stood two more guards, making Se'Lah that much more uneasy. In her mind, they were either just as paranoid of the pair as they were of the Ferengi, or they were just exercising really good security measures.

The old pruned face of Daimon Galm, the Ferengi station Administrator sat at the conference table with a bottle of warm Slug-O Cola and two large looming Nausicaans standing on either side behind him, both of them armed with a handful of weapons though none presently in hand. They were on 'stand by' as it were, but would react at a moments notice and kill if the need arose.

The extra guards inside the door and especially the Nausicaans caused Myomoto's hackles to raise. They were outnumbered and way out gunned. He knew that the guards would knew what he was doing but he did it anyway. His eyes lost focus and any sign of emotion in them died.

A Hupyrian male was also in the room with a pitcher of water, pouring three cups full and setting them on the table for the two Starfleet officers, and an extra cup full placed on the tale near an empty chair. After fulfilling his duties as the Daimon's personal servant, the Hupyrian quietly exited the room where he lead the Starfleet officers inside what the hUmons would have called a conference room, but for the Ferengi aboard, it was a small bartering room.

Galm took a sip of his Slug-O Cola, allowing the dark green and muddy brown slime and sludge coat his throat in a soothing manner. "Ah yes, the Federation representatives of Starfleet. I was expecting the ugliness of two hUmons, but the revolting shape of your Vulcan ears is enough to churn my stomach" said Galm looking at the Islandica's First Officer.

Se'Lah hadn't failed to notice the extra glass of water that had been poured, which meant that there would be someone else joining them, but it was the Administrator's comment that ultimately made her raise an eyebrow. "Then I hope we can come to proper arrangements quickly in order to avoid you becoming sick." She said as she took a seat, adjusting herself slightly so that she'd be able to reach her hidden firearm if it was needed. "I apologize that the Human, Commander Vene, that you were expecting is unavailable to complete the negotiations. She sent me in her place."

Galm nodded simply and did his best not to make much eye contact with the Vulcan. "They offend me and my station of Ferengi by trying to send a hUmon female to discuss business" retorted Galm about Commander Vene. "No less they send another female in her place. It is an unsavory situation to discuss business with a female of any species, especially one with clothes" added Galm.

"Vulcan, and Human females are just as capable of conducting business as a male." Se'Lah replied simply. "It would also appear you're expecting someone else."

He nodded in the direction of the empty chair with the glass of water. "It will be joining us momentarily" commented the Daimon with a sharp tongue. "Outside, it is disgustingly female. However, I have had past business dealings with it before" he added.

"It is obvious that you have no appreciation for females of any species." Se'Lah replied without missing a beat.

The Daimon looked at Lieutenant Myomoto "I would prefer to discuss business with your associate. Though he is an ugly hUmon, he is not a female."

Myomoto laughed an entirely humorless laugh. "You will deal with whomever the Federation has agreed you will deal with or whomever was sent in their stead. Your attempt at showing contempt is contemptible Ferengi. Insults mean nothing to the commander or myself." He was looking in the Ferengi's direction but his gaze stared right through him.

The two Nausicaans moved in closer towards the table, but Galm raised his hand, waving them off. He looked at the human male and flashed his yellowed pointed teeth. "We do not have to deal with your Federation if we do not wish to. You have no claim over this region of space, hUmon. If you wish to negotiate terms for using this station for your operations, you will be dealing with the Ferengi Alliance" retorted Galm. "I will speak with you, hUmon" added the Ferengi.

Myomoto merely shrugged with indifference and proceeded to ignore the Ferengi and concentrate on the guards.

Se'Lah interrupted the conversation. "I am Commander Vene's second in command, and Mr Myomoto here is one of our Security officers." She explained. "When Starfleet conducted the initial negotiations with you, they were under the impression that you would honor the agreement that was initially made for a paid, long term agreement." She stood up from the table, taking a step back from the chair. "However, if you choose not to honor the initial agreement, then I will inform my superiors of your transgression, and we will take our business elsewhere."

"Those agreements were made by my predecessor" replied Galm. "A female Ferengi, widow of a foolish business man who had no male children. He left everything to his wife, a highly questionable and financially unlawful arrangement. Her inheritance of this station and his commission of Daimon were repossessed and sold to the highest bidder...me" said Galm.

The Ferengi shook his head. "I do not believe you can afford to go elsewhere, Commander. If you wish to negotiate terms for continued use of my stations, I will state my demands simply. My price is latinum and large quantities of it."

"If I were you, I wouldn't be so certain concerning what we can afford." Se'Lah said simply. "For our mission, I have the support, and financial backing of my government, and can afford whatever they can afford. Since you obviously cannot see that, and you would rather continue to disrespect me, then it seems obvious that you have no true desire to obtain a proper long term customer. Perhaps it's best that we go elsewhere." She tapped Myomoto on the shoulder to signify him to follow her lead.

Myomoto fell in behind her a little to her left. He was sure it was bluff but since he was part of it he was gonna sell it too. Eyeing the two Nausicaans intently he followed Se'Lah to the door.

As an afterthought, she then turned to Galm. "I will be forwarding a recommendation to my government that no further business should be conducted here due to your failure to keep the bargain that was originally agreed on. Good day, gentlemen." With that, she turned, and started towards the exit. Though she didn't have many of her memories, it was common sense that negotiations of this type were always a gamble... and this was a big one that she hoped would pay off.

Galm quickly stood up and looked at the exit. His Nausicaans moved to block the doorway, and Galm cleared his throat. "Rule of Acquisition 49 states that Females and finance don't mix. However, one does not simply let profit walk out the door. Perhaps we can...re negotiate? I am not in the business for losing money, Commander. There are reports of a nebula and a system of planets rich in latinum. I will permit your vessel to operate out of my station for a price. Tri-monthly payments of latinum. Collect it while in the expanse, and bring it back to my station every three months."

Seeing the two Nausicaans step directly in their path to block the exit, Se'Lah's reaction was not only instinctual, but instantaneous as she lashed out hard at one of them, landing several critical hits before either of them could prevent it. The end result being that the victim ended up unconscious on the floor, before Se'Lah pulled her hidden gun, pointing it at the remaining Nausicaan, who was just starting to move. "I wouldn't do that, if I were you." She told him seriously, then gestured for Myomoto to keep tabs on them both.

Myomoto drew his own two side arms and pointed one at each Nausicaan and smiled at them daring them, almost goading them, to do something. It had been a long time since he had been in a situation like this and he found himself enjoying it. Commander Se'Lah was going to be a fun woman to do missions with.

He turned slightly toward the commander "Sir I got this. Thank you." His voice had taken on a Russian accent and his eyes, while still unfocused, looked amused.

"For the record, your attempts to intimidate me will not be effective." She said to Galm, without looking away from his guard. "If you want someone to mine fresh latinum from those, or any other locations, I'd suggest you get one of your own underlings to do it for you. We are not here to work for you. We are here to finalize negotiations that have already been initiated by our government."

Galm looked away and then back at Lieutenant Commander Se'Lah. "I would not bother trying to intimidate a worthless Female. You do not have the lobes for business nor would I even let you with your ugliness, perform oo-mox" retorted the Daimon. "The Erebus Expanse is far too dangerous to risk my own underlings. I would not make any profit, we'd lose more vessels than the latinum we could bring back" explained the Daimon.

"If I am so worthless, then how was I able to single handedly disable your Nausicaan pet, without breaking a sweat, after the failed attempt at intimidation that you claim you wouldn't do?" She asked him. She took a step back away from the guard, lowering her weapon, but not putting it away. "We are not here to mine your latinum, or otherwise do your dirty work. If you continue in this manner, not only will you lose us as a long term customer, but you will also have to pay to hire better, uninjured guards... and I have a feeling that their price will be significantly higher to compensate for their injuries, and the hazards they must endure here, because you don't have the lobes for business."

If there was one nerve to strike in a Ferengi, it was his profit nerve and the businessman's ego. This Vulcan was calling him out and labeling him a poor businessman. It was deeply offensive and wounding. "How dare you" he hissed as his rat-like eyes shot open widely and his yellow teeth displayed, clenched down. "My lobes for business got me this position" he said as he looked up and to his right to see the doors had opened and 'It' was standing there behind his Nausicaan's who parted to allowed it to walk into the room with ease.

"No Daimon. It was your deceit which got you your position." Se'Lah was about to say more, but raised an eyebrow instead, as Galm's intended third guest entered the conference room.

Captain Korin Ronai, 'Ronnie' to anyone who got to know her these days had entered the room just moments ago and caught what Se'Lah had said and the Daimon's response. "She has a point, you know" commented Ronnie as she walked into the room, in a maternity variant of a Starfleet uniform, a large protruding baby bump quite evident as she walked around Se'Lah and took the empty seat at the table and took a sip of the water. Her face had said it all, the water was clearly from a replicator that had seen better days.

"Really...seriously now? You are going to have a Starfleet Captain...a pregnant one at that, come aboard your back waters space station and replicate me this...poor excuse for water? Where the hell did you get your food replicators, a Pakled salvage yard?" countered Ronnie shaking her head. "Clearly, you do not have the lobes for business. I've known you how long, Galm? Oh yeah, since your nothing but a poor second rate pick pocket orphan living in the slums of Ferenginar" added Ronnie.

Daimon Galm sank in his seat. He had never met the woman before, but he had known 'It' during one of the symbiont's past lives, when he was a small boy trying to survive on nothing but what he could get his hands on.

Ronnie looked up at the Vulcan and gave a polite nod. "Hello, Lieutenant Commander...Se'Lah, right? A pleasure to meet you, Commander. I take it our 'friend' here has been hard balling you?" asked the Captain.

Se'Lah nodded slightly, placing her pistol back into it's hidden holster. "Indeed he has, Captain, but as you can see, he hasn't been very successful." She replied with not even the smallest hint of emotion as she turned to face the pregnant Trill. "It seems to me that he doesn't actually want our business."

"He wants our business" replied Ronnie with a small smile. "He's just too stupid to admit it" she added, casting a sharp glare at Galm. "The United Federation of Planets negotiated a treaty of use of this station for our Erebus exploration. You WILL NOT exploit it for your own personal, profit you cowardly, wrinkled lobed, rat-eyed has been. You want something in return for our using this station? Latinum? Fine, maybe the Islandica will bring you back a little if we come across it, just a little something because you warm my cockles, or at least the cockles of this worm inside my gut" she countered.

Ronnie would not relent on the man. "The Federation reached agreements, signed by this station Administrator before you. I do not care is it was a female or not. She signed a contract and it was agreed upon by the Grand Nagus. So, unless you want us to appeal this to the Ferengi Business Bureau and the Grand Nagus himself, you'll shut up and cut your losses and take your riches while you can...and apologize to the Commander. I am sure she has been more patient with you than I would have" she said with a small nod at Se'Lah

Daimon Galm grumbled and muttered something under his breath. The last thing he needed was the Business Bureau riding his lobes, or the Grand Nagus furious with him. If they investigated his business dealings, they would find the off the books latinum he had not paid taxes on. "I apologize for my...difficulty in coming to terms with our business arrangement, Commander" he said looking at the Vulcan.

"You may want to provide medical attention for your guard." Was Se'Lah's only reply to the old Ferengi.

The Captain then looked at the woman. "Have repairs of the Islandica begun? When are we expected to be ready to ship out to the Erebus Expanse, Commander?" asked Ronnie as she had mentally started to settle into her new role.

Se'Lah raised an eyebrow at the Trill woman's last question. "Repairs have begun, and should be completed sometime tomorrow." She said, then asked quizzically. "I apologize... I must be missing something... 'We' Captain?"

"Oh you heard me, just fine, Honey" replied Ronnie with a wink. She caught herself quickly afterwards and shook her head. "Sorry. I apologize, Commander. At times, behaviors of previous hosts come to surface" explained the Captain. "Prior to your arrival here, Commander Vene received new orders. I do not have the security clearance to be privy to the details of the matter. However, there was political instability occurring on one of the Federation's newest member worlds. She has been given command of another vessel and has taken the Chief Diplomatic Officer and your Security Chief, Zev with her. I will be replacing Commander Vene as Commanding Officer of the Islandica effective immediately."

"Understood, Captain." Se'Lah said. She glanced at Galm, then looked back at Ronnie. "Since you are taking command of the ship, then you and I need to speak in private, once this deal is finalized." She said, glancing yet again at Galm. "Unless you'd care to try intimidating me further, Daimon?"

Daimon Galm shook his head. "No, I have nothing more to discuss. Your vessel is permitted to dock here as needed" replied the Daimon, standing up and proceeding out of the room with his escorts and servant. He was defeated by this Vulcan in a business dealing...it was embarrassing.

Captain Ronai nodded. "Looks as though this deal has been finalized, Commander." commented Ronnie.

Se'Lah watched as Galm, and his people left the room. "It would seem so." She replied, shaking away the pain in her hand caused from hitting the Nausicaan guard, who was easily two or three times her size. "I'm sure their egos suffered a bit in the process."

She looked at the other officer in the room, having looked over his personnel file before the Islandica arrived. "Mr Myomoto, with Chief Zev no longer assigned our starship, there is a vacancy in the Security Department. As his Assistant Chief, I hereby promote you to the position of Security Chief and the tactical responsibilities of Chief Tactical Officer as well. Congratulations, Lieutenant. If you would please give the Commander and I some privacy to discuss matters" added Ronnie

Myomoto wasn't exactly happy with how this ended. He wasn't a man who went after violence, but when it started he would be lying if he says he didn't enjoy it; and this encounter was definitely leaving him without a resolution. "Aye sir. If it is ok with you I will post another security officer at the door and go for a walk." His voice was tight with restrained, unresolved, violence. "I just need to blow off some steam sir."

Oh thank you, Lieutenant thought Ronnie with a sense of contentment. She was happy to be called Sir rather than ma'am. It was just a comfort thing for her as she had been used to the Symbiont inside of her having been joined with male hosts. "By all means, Lieutenant. Blow off that steam but do stay out of trouble. I do not want my first day as Commanding Officer to result in having to get you out of a Ferengi jail....they charge and arm and a leg for bail" replied Ronnie.

He smiled slightly as he responded "Aye sir I'll keep out of trouble and also keep an eye, and ear, put for any other crew on station."

He saluted the two officers before turning and walking out the door. He stayed outside long enough to make sure that the replacement security officer was in place before heading off.

It had been four hours since Se'Lah had pulled a power play against Captain Izumi. While the ship was barreling towards Glebbin station, Engineering crews were working on the weapons, and shields to make them appear useless. Now they were nearing Glebbin station, and the wrath that Se'Lah knew she might be facing once they ran into the Captain again.

With an indicator light gently blinking, Theron checked the navigation and reported without turning around, "Captain, we are approaching Glebbin Station."

"Drop us out of warp please, Mr. Storme." Se'Lah said simply.

"Yes Sir." Ens. Storme calmly replied. He watched the view screen as the stars moving quickly by seemed to stop without even a bump. With a slight smirk Theron thought, Thank goodness for inertia dampeners. A proximity chime then sounded. Theron glanced down to see that the Station was just a little over 380,000 kilometers away. After checking sensors he added, "We are on a clear approach to the station."

"Mr Myomoto, please hail Glebbin station." Se'Lah ordered. During the travel to Glebbin station, Vene had been contacted by Starfleet. Se'Lah hadn't known the details of that contact, but obviously it bothered her, as she had told Se'Lah to handle negotiations for docking at the station. "Tell them we wish to finalize negotiations for the docking agreements previously arranged by our respective governments."

"Aye sir." Myomoto was silent for a moment waiting for the response. "They say that we are welcome to dock and that someone will be there to greet us and provide an escort to a meeting with station command on our arrival." He paused before asking, "Who is all going to this initial meeting sir?"

"Good question." Se'Lah said, and after a thoughtful moment, she turned to Myomoto. "Commander Vene has asked me to handle the negotiations. The Ferengi may not be too pleased that the negotiations will be handled by me, instead of the Commander. For that reason, I'd like you to join me, Mr. Myomoto."

"Aye sir. I'll head on down and get suited up.... would you prefer me to suit up for intimidation or protection?" He was fairly sure that she would understand what he meant without an explanation.

"Since we don't know what dangers are here, protection." Se'Lah answered simply. "If need be, I think I can handle the intimidation."

Myomoto nodded as he went to the turbo lift. "Yes sir." He replied, a little dejected. He was hoping to break out his suit of custom experimental body armor he had designed... But it would have to wait.

A chime on the navigation console was checked by Storme, "Sir, we are receiving docking telemetry."

"Begin docking procedures, Ensign." Se'Lah ordered.

"Aye Sir." the Helmsman replied. "Reducing speed and following planned guidepath." Theron made a couple more adjustments on the console and added, "ETA 1 minutes."

Se'Lah tapped her COMM badge. "Bridge to Engineering, have your repair teams underway to work with starbase personnel, but don't let them near the modified weapons, or shields."

=^=Understood.=^= Jacob's voice said over the comm. =^=Though when would you like us to actually put the ship back together?=^=

---

The Intrepid Class USS Missouri dropped out of warp and pulled alongside the Islandica as she was approaching the station.
"Glad to see you made it in one piece" Captain Izumi said through open comms. "

Se'Lah froze as she heard Captain Izumi's voice. She had thought things through over the last few hours, but still was found herself paranoid by the facts. "Likewise, Captain." Se'Lah replied in kind. "Now that we've arrived, remaining repairs should go smoothly."

The Helm reported, "Closing on Glebbin Station now; slowing for docking procedure."

On screen, the station loomed ahead of them. By the looks of it, the station was obviously old, and was used for all kinds of traffic in the area. Vessels continued to move in and out of it's docking bays; a fact that didn't escape Se'Lah's keen observations.

"Proceed with final docking procedures, Ensign." Se'Lah

"Aye Sir." Storme responded and activated the retraction of nacelles. He went through the standard docking proceedures. There was no crossing of fingers here. There was only skill and focus and prayer that the readings he was getting were accurate.

At 2 ship's length out the guiding tractor beams from the station took hold and drew their vessel closer, yet reducing its velocity even more. The Diligent Class eased through the opening of one of a three large landing bays on the station. The Starship entered the bay through a force shield that kept the bay pressurized. The Islandica was once again in the atmosphere, but differently this time. Slowing further, apendages rose to meet the vessel's hull. The vessel slowed even more as it eased to the interior wall. In their case the Islandica took up the entire bay.

The Helm called out, "I am reading full stop, Sir. All engines disengaged. Thrustors deactivated." After a monent of checking the readings Storme added, "I have confirmed 4 station keeping beams and 4 supporting struts in phsyical contact with the hull."

"Change status to condition blue, and set thrusters to station keeping." Se'Lah ordered. She stood from the center chair with a sigh. "While we are here, please try to get as much information as you can about the Expanse. As it is, we're going in blind. The more information we have, the easier our exploration of the area will be."

The lighting around the bridge shifted to a hue of blue. A much brighter and cheerful appearance.

As docking was completed, Se'Lah turned to the bridge crew. "We're here for repairs, and information." She explained. "Do what needs to be done, and get what information you can. Your off duty time can be spent as you please."

Ronnie was in her dimly lit guest quarters aboard Glebben, the Ferengi trading station where she and her two friends and fellow shipmates from the Aristotle had been brought to via shuttle transport. She had received immediate promotion to Captain and assigned command of the USS Islandica, a sudden and unexpected change for her like so many others in my life recently thought the Trill as she looked down at her plate of tube worms and passed that, the large protruding bump where her fit and flat abdominal region had been only a few months ago. These makes me look fat she thought of the special variant uniforms she had been wearing. “Actually, this whole situation in general makes me look fat” she said aloud though she was dining alone this evening. She had no company over.

Pregnant she thought shaking her head and finishing the last of her tube worms. “I am sitting here in this moo moo of a uniform, stuffing my fat face with what? Tube worms. Fucking tube worms of all things?!” shouted and then began to sob without warning. Oh great. I have myself all emotional now she thought as some tears streaked down her face. “I don't even like tube worms. Ferengi cuisine is bland and full of slime and sludge” she commented as she suddenly found herself feeling nauseous and contemplating if the tube worms were going to come up.

The life of a joined Trill was different. That much was for sure and she knew it long before the whole joining process took place. She was still struggling with the whole identity problem that nearly every new host went through, having the past memories, feelings, and experience from previous hosts of the symbiont. When Korin received the Ronai symbiont, she lost part of who she was and gained fractured parts of who others were. Though none of the past Ronai hosts had a strong liking for Ferengi cuisine nor tube worms. This made her suspect that it was the work of the other life forms inside her, her unborn twins that drove her to have a craving for Ferengi food. The thoughts brought her back to the whole pregnant matter.

Tomorrow was scheduled to be the big day. The USS Islandica would be arriving at Glebben station to undergo repairs, negotiate terms with the Ferengi station administrator, and take on their new Commanding Officer and additional crew. Ronnie found herself with a dozen PaDDs laid out in front of her on a small coffee table as she sat on a sofa after finishing her worms, looking through Islandica personnel to get a sense of her crew. She had traveled from New Sydney to Glebben with her closest friends and shipmates from the Aristotle. She had asked them to swing by her guest quarters and was rather impatiently awaiting their arrival as she fidgeted on the sofa.

Valyre yawned as she rang the chime to Ronnie's guest quarters on Glebben Station. She'd tried to wiggle out of the visit, but Ronnie had been adamant about it and one did not argue with a pregnant woman, especially when she played the 'but you're my best friend and I need you' card. It really wasn't a fair play, but Valyre couldn't exactly be angry with her about it either.

"Just in time, good." Victoria said as she rushed up through the hall from the other direction. "She asked you to come over as well, I assume."

"Yeah, and Ronnie gets what she wants. At least until she delivers." Valyre rubbed her eyes, trying to look less tired.

"This is true," Victoria agreed, looking much more bright eyed and bushy tailed. Just without the tail.

The proximity detector outside her guest quarters alerted her to the presence of her friends outside her quarters. She moved quickly over toward the replicator and ordered up three glasses of tulaberry wine on a tray and carried the tray gingerly over towards the coffee table, setting the glasses down and heading back to the door to answer it.

As the doorway parted, opening up and revealing the other two women, Ronnie flashed a small smile. "I was beginning to think you girls weren't gonna show" said Ronnie with a small delicate giggle. It was something she was still trying to perfect, having been used to a more deep and masculine grunting chuckle which with this new host had caused way too many heads to turn and people tell her that she sounded like a freighter pilot.

The dark skinned spotted Trill gestured them to come inside. "I just replicated some tulaberry wine for us" she added.

"What did I tell you about synthehol?" Valyre asked in a scolding tone as she came inside. While synthehol was infinitely better for the twins than alcohol would be, she still didn't like Ronnie drinking it.

Ronnie turned her head away and blushed. It was true Valyre had lectured her up and down about drinking and pregnancy. Even when it came to synthehol. Oh honey, you have no idea thought Ronnie shaking her head and only feeling a bit ashamed.

"Yes, what did she tell you about synthehol?" Victoria asked questioningly as she came in as well. "I don't quite remember. Was it to serve me two glasses of it?"

Captain Ronai smiled and picked up one of the glasses offering it over to Victoria. Ronnie pulled Victoria aside briefly, trying to get a little distance away from Valyre's ears. Ronnie leaned in and whispered into Victoria's ears "I was a bad girl" she whispered. "A very bad girl" added Ronnie lightly whispering in the shifter's ear. It has been a long day thought Ronnie. "I've had a few glasses already myself" she confessed.

Taking the glass, Victoria sipped at it. Even the replicated stuff tasted amazing to her. "Are you going to tell her or let her find out at your next checkup?" she whispered back.

Ronnie looked at Victoria and raised a brow, looking wolfishly. "Tell her what, that I have been drinking more synthehol than she had advised me to?" asked the Trill.

"You know she'll know from the scans," Victoria said with a serious look.

"What are you two whispering about over there, like I won't notice you doing it?" As she waited for the answer, Valyre picked up one of the other glasses of wine and took a sip of it. For replicated wine, it was pretty good.

Letting out a sigh, Ronnie broke away from Victoria and moved closer towards Valyre. "I had a few drinks today... a few glasses of this synthehol wine" said Ronnie. "That's all Vickie and I were talking about really. I know I shouldn't be drinking the stuff, but this promotion to Captain is weird and I do not know how the crew will take to me."

"Ronnie..." Valyre sighed at her, wanting to both lecture her and tell her it was all right. "Okay. I will make an exception for tonight, but tomorrow... no more synthehol, okay?"

"Oh Val" snorted Ronnie shaking her head. "You always keep me in check, tell me what is best for my health and what I have to do for these two things growing inside of me" replied the Trill with a sigh. Val, Vickie, what am I going to do without you two? You know...I have been reading over the personnel files of the Islandica crew" commented Ronnie.

"That's right, I do. Because it's my job." Valyre smirked slightly. "So... personnel files? What have you got?"

[TAG]

Captain Ronnie Ronai picked up a glass for herself and took a sip. "The Ship's Counselor is transferring to a larger starship, a better posting" said Ronnie without really masking the look she shot at Victoria.

Victoria nodded, wanting to assume her tree form right about now but refraining, smiling softly instead. "I've come this far. I might as well go there too. Besides, someone has to help Val help keep you in line."

She then shot a similar look at Nurse Reen. "The Chief Medical Officer is an elderly Antican. I am not very fond of him from what I've read. I may have to give him the sack...that would leave me out of a Department Head for my Medical Department."

Valyre nearly choked on her wine at the look Ronnie gave her. "Am I even qualified? Starfleet typically puts medical doctors in that role... they don't give much thought to advanced practice nurses. Getting the assistant head position on the Aristotle was a fluke... I know the fuss Starfleet Medical made over that."

Ronnie took another sip of wine and sat her glass down, crossing her arms and looking at Valyre. "Are you qualified? Are you qualified? Are you seriously asking me that, Val?" countered Ronnie. "You practically run Aristotle's Sickbay as it is. The Islandica is a small Diligent class starship. I believe you are more than capable of tending to a crew of 125. Starfleet Command appointed me as Commanding Officer of the starship. So, as far as I am concerned they can live with who I want on my crew and who I want on my Senior Staff."

"Okay, I'll give you that. Aristotle's sickbay was such a tragedy." Valyre laughed a little, shaking her head a bit. "She's being decommissioned anyway and I haven't gotten any other offers so... I'll come with you."

"A very wise move, Val. I was willing to drag you aboard kicking and screaming if I had to" replied Ronnie with a small snort. "I know that a small Diligent class isn't ideal for practicing medicine, but from what I've read about our assignment, the starships voyages will take us into the dark unknown of space. Who knows what we'll find."

Valyre waved off her explanation. "A small ship is a welcome thing after so many years on board behemoths with thousands of crew."

"True" replied Ronnie with a nod but she soon let out a sigh. "I am not sure how I feel about this assignment. We all may need to step up and shoulder a lot on this starship. The Erebus expanse is rumored to be full of death and danger around ever twist and turn of it" said Ronnie.

"Sounds like an adventure. You like adventures, right, Ronnie?" Valyre winked at Ronnie, drinking a bit more of her wine and finding a place to sit down. "We'll manage. We always do."

She then looked at the Counselor. "You know where my weaknesses are, Victoria. Diplomacy is my Achilles heel. When we encounter a new species or become engaged in a hostile situation with one that we already know... I am going to be relying on you."

"You're diplomatic with me," Victoria said as she sipped at her drink some more. "Then again, I see a side of you you rarely show others. Besides, if I can survive the end of my training aboard the SS Sanity's End, I think I can handle a few bits of diplomatic relations with other cultures as well as the mental health of about a hundred people."

Ronnie looked at Victoria and placed a hand on her hip, countering her. "You are my friend. We've been serving together for some time now, Vickie. Facts are facts. You are trained in diplomacy and how to deal with unsavory individuals. I have a short temper and cannot sit still for long. I get short and hostile when agitated."

Valyre snorted at that. "You're always short, Ronnie. You're a shrimp."

"Does that in turn mean she's always hostile since she's so short?" Victoria asked quizzically, a grin spreading across her face.

"I suppose it does." Valyre grinned a bit more.

Ronnie glared at the two and turned up her nose. "You two are mean girls" quipped Ronnie with a small smirk. "I love you both dearly, but you two will be the death of me, I swear it" added Ronnie shaking her head. "I was tall once or twice. I cannot really help this whole situation."

She looked at Valyre. "You know how it is. Different hosts, different shapes and sizes."

"You wouldn't have us any other way, and you know it." Valyre winked at her. "Been short, tall, male, female, last host had a baby..."

"Yes but have either of you been a tree? Photosynthesis can be incredibly refreshing." Victoria said, her grin widening. She too could play that game.

Captain Ronai let out a small chuckle. "I cannot say that I've had the honor of being a tree. However, your abilities may come in handy. I hate to get all business with you two, but as much as I need my friends right now...I also need two of my senior staff."

"Then you're in luck - it seems there are two of your senior staff right here." Vicky said with a slight chuckle. "What is it you need?"

"Yeah, what's going on, Ronnie?" Valyre had other questions to ask, but for now this was the most important.

Captain Ronai took a deep breath. "You know me. Both of you know me and have seen me serve as First Officer, but this is my first command and I do not want to mess it up. This ship is small, the crew have already had one Commanding Officer. This is going to be a difficult journey, our voyage will take us through the unknown of the Erebus expanse. I will need you both to do your best which I know that you will. However, I may mess up at times. I need you to keep me grounded and focused."

"That's a full time job in itself. Do I get paid extra?" Valyre grinned at Ronnie, finishing the rest of the wine in her glass.

Ronnie nodded. "Yes, you get a Sickbay with no hassle from MDs and full reign over your staff. You should enjoy that freedom and consider it as extra pay."

"All right, I can live with that," Valyre agreed readily. "But I want to have Snickers in my office when I'm on duty. I know she's just a hologram, but she still gets lonely."

The Captain let out a sigh and nodded. "You can have Snickers. There is also a EMH available on the ship should you need to activate it. However, I would rather you deal with whatever matters that you can without using the thing."

"Ugh... Yes please leave that thing off. They all have the bedside manners of a rockslide." Victoria interjected, wondering if there was anything she should demand as 'payment'.

Ronnie nodded "I think the ship has a more updated version of the EMH, but holograms are holograms. They can put as much memory and medical 'experience' as they want. To me, I'll take a flesh and blood physician any day."

"Especially during a power outage," Victoria added. "So do I get any special incentive?"

"Oh how about the fact you'll be saving my ass more than the crew should ever know about" replied Ronnie. "You will be of more importance to me than I care to admit. New species, first contact missions...you'll be needed."

Victoria nodded at this. It would be true, especially in her condition. She did have one more request though. "I want a tree hydroponics system set up in my office and my quarters then. I'm tempted to also ask for a holographic dude to come water me, but that might be too much."

Valyre snorted at that. "Just get friendly with an engineer."

"Fine, fine, fine" said Ronnie shaking her head. "Whatever the hell you want or need, just let me know or submit a request. I will personally have someone form the Science Department come water you if you wish."

Victoria blushed at that. "Have a complete stranger come water me? Oh my, how scandalous."

Where do I find these people I call friends she asked herself in jest. "Scandalous, appealing, sensational... be whatever it is, just remember that I expect good things from the both of you. You have Departments to run and have the power to remove personnel, myself included if compromised, under the influence of alien technology, or whatever weird things we may encounter. Be alert."

"We can handle it, Ronnie. I practically ran the sickbay on the Aristotle anyway... whoever thought it was a great idea to give us a doctor with fewer years in the field than his nurses..." Valyre shook her head at the memory. "Weird stuff is part of the job description, isn't it?"

"It is and I'm pretty sure I can out-wierd them all anyway." Victoria said with a smirk.

Ronnie nodded. "Just one look at you and you'll put the child of a Ferengi and Bolian to shame" replied the Captain.

"That would be ugly, not weird. Besides, I have much better taste than that." Vickie clarified.

"She prefers trees. With big boobs." Valyre winked at them both. "Any other urgent matters to discuss? I've had a headache all day and frankly I'm tired."

Ronnie shook her head in response to the question. "At this time, no. Aside from getting this ship ready and venturing into the unknown...nothing urgent to discuss. Thank you for both coming over and agreeing to come with me on Islandica. Now, go get some rest...both of you." added the Captain.

The power cells to the transporter energized. Materializing before the young ensign was a blue man of average height. Two bags were by his side. His name was Lieutenant Ranav and the Captain was expecting him soon.

To the young Operations officer, he stated, "My rock collection is in the larger container. That will go to my quarters. The other, some artifacts. It will go in my office."

The ensign went to lift them and frowned when he about pulled his shoulder out of socket trying to lift the larger container.

"You may wish to use a hover dolly for that one," Ranav stated with a sheepish grin. "I thank you for your assistance!"

Heading out of Transporter Room 2, Ranav made a dash toward the turbo lift. He was excited to be aboard the . He enjoyed meeting new people. Perhaps that came from his father's hospitality skills. They must have rubbed off on Ranav. He was excited to be with a new team. Certainly, this would be a positive experience.

The turbo lift opened to the bridge. Ranav took a quick look; it was impressive. He walked over to the Science Station and rubbed his hand over the controls.

A burly Security Officer asked what Ranav was doing on the bridge. Ranav flashed the PaDD he held in front of the man's face and explained the captain was expecting him. The security officer pointed Rabav to the door of the Ready Room.

Ranav hummed as he approached the door. Reaching out, the chime rang.

Captain Ronai had been standing in her Ready Room, looking at herself in a mirror as she ran her hands over the protruding 'baby bump' and took a deep breath. Change. This was all change to Ronnie, being a Captain and a mother to be, joined with a female host for the first time.

She was caught slightly off guard when the door chime rang, and quickly tried to smooth the wrinkles out of her maternity variant uniform. Command red looked good, but she did miss the good old gold days. "Come on in" she replied as she turned and headed to greet her visitor at the entranceway.

As the doors parted, Ronnie came face to face with the blue skinned Bolian. "Welcome aboard the USS Islandica, Lieutenant" she said greeting the man. "I hope your arrival here went smoothly" she added.

"As smooth a transport as I ever enjoyed," the Lieutenant responded. He held his hand forward, fingers curled, palm down in the traditional Bolian greeting. As he did so, Ranav noticed the baby bump and a look of joy overcame his face. "It seems that congratulations are in order!"

Ronnie blushed ever so slightly at the man's comment about her 'baby bump' by offering her congratulations. Why do they always congratulate me she thought nervously. "Oh thank you, Lieutenant. That is very kind of you to say, but the father did all the hard work" she replied awkwardly. Pun intended she added mentally thinking back at the days after waking up sore, having no idea what had happened until much later when she started feeling sick during the mornings and in Sickbay had learned she had been impregnated.

"It's double congratulations actually. Twins" she added with a forced smile. The man had shaped his hand and extended his arm outward in a traditional Bolian greeting. Crap she thought as she looked at the man's hand, trying to remember what Vickie had taught her about Bolian greetings. Ronnie could not remember what to do so she just went with the flow in what ended up being a 24th century fist bump.

The lieutenant scrunched his brows in confusion, especially when she exploded the fist pump as she pulled it back. He quickly recovered the smile back to his face. After all, she is the captain. Perhaps this is a new way to greet one another in the Federation. I'll have to remember this when I meet new people. And meet new people he will. It was part of his heritage to make relationships and serve those whom he befriended.

Lieutenant Ranav Brott reporting for duty, Captain," the blue man responded. "I am ready to serve you and the crew of the Islandica as the CSO. Perhaps you can fill me in on any projects they may be working on."

"A pleasure, Lieutenant" she said politely. Fill you in? she thought about that for a moment and could not help but blush a little. "You may want to see the First Officer about that. To be honest, I just got aboard myself and am still learning about matters. The First Officer has been with the Islandica longer than I have."

"Oh yes, of course," the Bolian Science officer apologetically replied. "I will seek out the First Officer, as well as my staff as soon as possible."

Then without hesitation, he asked, "How may I best serve you, Captain?"


Crossing her arms, Ronnie looked at the man sternly but a small smile broke her commanding exterior. "Well Lieutenant, the best way to serve me is to be who you are. You are Chief Science Officer, a vital member of this crew and part of the Senior Staff. This starship will be heading into the Erebus expanse, a region of space that the Federation has only lightly explored. Needless to say, we do not have much information on this expanse" said Ronnie.

She looked out at the view of space. "I need your science staff ready for practically anything. There's no telling what lies in the expanse."

Ranav's eyes widened in excitement. "We are going to the edge? Who knows what new specimen, worlds and anomalies we will discover! I will certainly keep my officers on their toes, who will in turn motivate their crews. Perhaps we will even witness the beginnings of life on a new planet!"

Or all hopelessly cruise right into the place where we all will die thought Ronnie grimly. Oh the joyful glee of eager scientist she thought as she observed the man's response. "I am sure that we will be seeing many things in the Expanse, Lieutenant. Though I am also confident that not everything will be friendly."

"Oh yes Captain, I believe that to be true," Ranav explained. "Hence the need for Security, Tactical, and Intelligence. We shall work together to discover what is out there!"

You need to relax thought Ronnie. Bolians were just a bit energetic, chipper, and high strung for her. "Good. I like knowing that my crew can work together."

Oh yes, I do work well with others," Ranav confessed. "I look forward to forming familial bonds with the crew. You and your mate should visit some time. I am very adept at Bolian cuisine. Three day meat can be very tasty!"

Ronnie took a deep breath and was clenching. You had better leave soon she thought to herself, not wanting to harm one of her officers. "Ranav, I would love to come visit you sometime. However, I do not have a mate" she responded as diplomatically as she could manage.

The embarrassed Bolian's cheeks turned a deep shade of blue. It almost looked purple. I've gone and done it again; stuck my foot in my mouth.

"I apologize, Captain," he sincerely spouted. "I just assu..." Ranav looked at the bump. He was beginning to become very nervous. Ranav had offended more than one superior officer in the past even though he was attempting to be nice. He almost asked if the father was killed, but thought better of it. The Lieutenant's shoulders slouched a bit as the air left his lungs. Getting his breath back, he managed to utter, "I am so sorry, Captain."

"Lieutenant, it is fine" she said briskly. She did not want to have a 'heart to heart' with her Chief Science Officer. Not today or any day if she could help it. "You assumed. You were wrong, and that as you know as a scientist happens from time to time. Do not worry about it."

"Your grace is greatly appreciated," Ranav stated as he bowed and wiped beads of sweat that had formed on his bald forehead. That was the thing about being bald. You couldn't hide nervousness. I better leave so I don't dig a deeper hole.

"I am planning on meeting with my staff shortly. Do you have anything else that needs my attention?"

Ronnie shook her head. "No" she replied simply and walked the man toward the exit. "Thank you for stopping by and introducing yourself, Lieutenant. I look forward to seeing what you can do on this starship."

Captain Ronnie Ronai had just finished meeting the ship's Chief Science Officer and had returned to her desk to relax, at least partially as she continued to resume watching what Lieutenant Commander Reen had sent her directly. It was a 'training' thing for new mothers to be to watch. It did not take long for Ronnie to blush and turn off the damn thing once more when it got to the portion titled: Breast Feeding: The Natural Bond Between Mother and Baby.

Ah hell no she thought at first as she watched the Betazoid woman feed her baby. Being in a female body for the first time was something new and very foreign to this symbiont she had been joined with. It had caused a great deal of confusion and Ronnie was not always sure who the hell she was when she woke up and got out of bed in the morning. Before the joining the woman in the mirror was named Korin, she liked her name and always went by it.

However, ever since the joining with the Ronai symbiont, she had gone by the name Ronnie. It was masculine feeling and empowering. At least that was how she felt. It also felt safe. How am I ever going to get used to this? she thought as she let out a sigh. Her door chime then rang and she groaned once more, reaching over and opening the door with a control on her desk.

"Come on it" she said trying to get herself together and be cheerful.

Shae padded into the office cautiously, having heard the undertone of stress and frustration in the Captain's tone. She held Aoife to her tightly as she timidly approached the desk. "I-I can come back later if now is a bad time," Shae said timidly. "I heard a new Commanding Officer was assigned to this ship and... well, I was hoping for a moment of your time."

Timid little thing...not Department Head material observed the Captain. She nodded at the woman and gestured for her to have a seat somewhere. There were two chairs and a sofa. The woman could have her pick. "Well, here I am and here you are. Let's have this moment" replied the Captain.

"Thank you," Shae said, sitting on the sofa and settling Aoife in her lap. "I, uh, don't know if Commander Se'Lah has informed you of who I am and why I am here, but that is what I wished to discuss. I never got a chance to speak with Commander Vene, but Commander Se'Lah did speak to her on my behalf and, well...." Shae trailed off, feeling nervous about this topic. By all rights, the arrangement made to have Se'Lah debrief her and get her back to active duty was only valid so long as this new Commanding Officer was willing to honor the arrangement, but the woman could just as easily have Shae shipped back to Earth for debriefing.

"Honey, I do not know a damn thing about anyone on this ship yet aside that my First Officer is an atypical pointed eared Vulcan and your superior, the Chief Science Officer just met with me and he's a Bolian" replied the Captain. "Now, go on. Whatever you need to tell me or ask, just have out with it."

"Oh, alright..." Shae paused for a moment to collect her thoughts before continuing. "My name is Kalin Shae Brennan, and I was once a Starfleet Officer, Lieutenant junior grade, studying at the University of Stellar Science at Alpha Centauri. At the outset of the war with the Dominion, I was taken hostage by the now defunct group Section 31. The things that were done to me and things I was made to do, I doubt you have the Security clearance to hear about, but it was... hell. At the end of the war, I managed to escape, and I spent the last 17 years on the primitive planet Psi Gamma IV, where the Islandica just came from. I'm sure you'll read the mission report eventually and you'll learn of my involvement there, but once I was brought on board I was given the option of staying on the ship or disembarking at Glebben station. If I stayed, Se'Lah is authorized to debrief me and from there I could begin working towards re-earning my commission, but... I'm worried that won't happen... I'm worried you won't honor the arrangement and you'll make me leave or have me sent back to Earth."

Seriously? I did not ask for a damn book report thought Ronnie as the woman began to tell her life story, or at least what Ronnie felt was her life story. She had gotten up from her seat and walked over to the replicator and ordered herself a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream topped with pickle slices and walked back over and took a seat on her sofa.

She began to eat her mint ice cream with pickles as the woman trotted onward about her life and career, the being a hostage and experimentation. "Lieutenant" began Ronnie with a sigh. "Next time warn me if you are going to recite your autobiography" added Ronnie shaking her head. "Mine's long too and rather confusing, but I'll be kind and save you the details. You may be a bit rusty, but this starship is heading out soon and our Science Department could use as many souls as it can get."

"I'm not a Lieutenant, not anymore, and I can assure you that that was the short version of the story," Shae said, scooting closer to the edge of the sofa away from the pregnant Trill woman. "I simply felt it necessary in the interest of full disclosure that you know I had been a part of that organization, though unwilling. It also explains the need for a secured debriefing and why I am afraid to be sent back to Earth. I just don't want you to regret honoring the arrangement because I didn't give you some pertinent piece of information."

Ronnie shook her head and placed a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Non sense. You were a Lieutenant when they took you, and you are a Lieutenant now. If you want to stay aboard my starship, you will be putting yourself to work. I will pull whatever strings necessary to get your rank reinstated, Lieutenant."

Shae shrank back away from the contact with a growl, but almost immediately shook her head with an apologetic whine. "I-I am s-so sorry, Captain!" Shae stammered. "I didn't mean to do that, it's just that... I've been alone for 17 years, I'm not used to being touched..."

Ronnie looked at the woman and inched away slightly. Didn't I just have the Antican sacked for being too animalistic thought Ronnie as she looked at the woman. "Just do not make a habit of it, Lieutenant."

"I'm sorry," Shae said again, holding Aoife tightly to her. "I'm working on it, I promise..."

She nodded. "I just do not want you biting any of the crew. It's weird" replied Ronnie with a small smile.

"I do not put anything in my mouth if I do not know where it's been," Shae said bluntly, then blushed when she realized how wrong that sounded. "I do not bite," she clarified with an embarrassed squeak.

Ronnie let out a deep chuckle and snorted. She sat her ice cream aside and shook her head. "Well, I think I am going to adopt that as my personal motto...right next to do not drink with people you do not know" she said looking down at her 'baby bump.'

"Glad I could inspire you," Shae said flatly. Though she was curious about the look in the Captain's eyes and the way she looked at her baby bump. She chose not to ask, it wasn't her place to ask the Captain a personal question like that, but the subtle tilt of her head and the way her ears lifted in her curiosity practically screamed that she wanted to know.

"So, uh, you don't mind me being on your crew, even with my history?" Shae asked, finally relaxing slightly.

Ronnie looked at the woman with a small smile. "Tell me, Lieutenant...were you ever a member of terrorist group known as the Maquis? Are you a convicted felon? Are you a surgically altered Romulan working for the Tal Shiar?" asked the Captain.

Shae's ears drooped sadly. So there were limitations on this Captain's acceptance. "I am not surgically altered, there would be no need; I'm half Chameloid, hence Section 31's interest in me. Am I a felon? I have not been convicted, but if I go back to Earth I fear they might for some of the things I was forced to do. And at one time I was required to infiltrate the Maquis for reasons I cannot discuss, and while I have had to work under cover as a Romulan, to my knowledge I've never had to deal with the Tal Shiar."

"TMI" replied Ronnie waving her hand. "I was joking. I do not think you are a threat to this ship and you were a Lieutenant JG. You have the rank and knowledge of what I am looking for in an officer. Welcome to the team."

"You asked and I am trying to be forward about this, which is not easy for me by the way," Shae said. "Like I said, I don't want you to regret this decision because you found out about something later."

"Honey, you are fine" replied Ronnie shaking her head. "I made my decision. You will remain aboard and serve this starship...now this" she said pointing at her bump "This is something I found out about later. So, I deal well with surprises."

"I'm gonna take a shot in the dark and guess that the bun in your oven was not planned," Shae said with a crooked grin.

Ronnie scoffed. If only it was a bun she thought to herself. "Two buns, one oven, and a worm in the gut. The buns were not planned. The worm...family tradition" she replied.

Shae knew about the symbiont, she could smell the effects of the isoboramine on Ronnie's system just as she could smell the pregnancy hormones. But none of that told her anything about why, which Shae now found fascinating now that the Captain was talking about it. "Aoife wasn't planned either," Shae said, looking down at Aoife. "Before I entered the office, I was worried that having a child aboard might be a problem for you, but now I'm thinking it won't be so much of a problem," she added with a soft laugh.

The Captain shook her head. "We are going to exploring an expanse. It is unknown space and this will take us quite some time. I think having your child aboard is a good idea."

"I certainly had no intentions of leaving her behind. Not that I have anyone I could leave her with... But I am glad that you don't mind that she's here," Shae said.

"Not at all" replied Ronnie. "You need your child with you. I wouldn't deny you that right."

"If I may ask, Captain, when are you due?" Shae asked, "And what do you plan to do when the babies come?"

Ronnie let out a small sigh. "Not until another four months. I will be happy when they come out...moving around is not as easy as I thought it would be when I refused to take a leave." Again, she did not know what to say. "I guess we need a daycare."

"That is something I have considered as well, but as you may have noticed, I don't deal well with other people; I have trust issues." It was something Shae was working on, but these things took time and she was going to have to get over her trust issues really fast if she was going to remain productive on this ship.

"We have a wonderful Counselor, Lieutenant. You may like her. She's an interesting...woman. It is possible that she could help you with your social interaction" replied Ronnie.

"I've already been told that I must submit to a psychological evaluation in order to regain my commission, so I will speak with her.... Eventually," Shae said with a distasteful look on her face.

Ronnie nodded. "Yes, please see her soon. I do not want to wait any longer than I have to in order to get you back working as a science officer, Lieutenant" instructed the Captain. "If you have nothing more...I need to learn how to bond with my babies."

"If you need any help with that, I would not mind offering my assistance," Shae offered as she stood, situating Aoife on her hip. "I know I'm not all that socially adept, but I think I could manage this much if you needed the help."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. I will keep that in mind" replied Ronnie as she kindly walked towards the door, wanting to part ways with the woman.

Shae nodded and eagerly left the office. This had been by far one of the strangest conversations she'd had with a Commanding Officer!

Today was the day! Shae had been formally placed on the manifest and was to begin working today, but she was so nervous about it. She was also a bit flummoxed as to what she was to do with her daughter. She didn't trust anyone enough to leave her child with them. And then there was the separation anxiety... Perhaps she could take Aoife with her? It was about time for the infant's nap, Aoife would sleep through most of the shift! Shae replicated a length of cloth and tied it around herself and her child as a sling, holding Aoife to Shae's chest securely. Pleased with the end result, Shae headed for the Science labs where she was to meet Ensign Jameson.

Hanna didn't know what to expect on this first day working with Shae. The woman had displayed knowledge of Starfleet protocol and she had mentioned being an Astrophysicist, but she had also been stranded on that world for 17 years, much had changed in that time! Add to that, Se'Lah had given her minimal details on Kalin Brennan's history, along with explicit orders not to go probing for information she ought not go looking for. Shae still had to be debriefed, so until then much of the wild woman's history was still classified. How could Hanna teach this Shae woman if she didn't even know anything about her?!

Then she caught sight of Shae entering the lab. She looked so timid and scared. That surprised Hanna. She expected the forward and self-assured woman back on the planet, not this. And she had her baby with her?! This was a lab! A lab was no place for a baby!

"Excuse me, but you can't bring her in here," the young Engisn said to Shae in a stern tone, her hands on her hips.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Shae said meekly, "It's just that... well, I don't know anyone I can leave her with while I work! She won't be a problem, I promise! See, she's almost asleep!"

Shae turned to show Hanna that Aoife's eyes were indeed nearly closed, and even Hanna had to admit that she looked so derned cute with her little fist tucked against her chin... Hanna's expression softened with a sigh. "Fine, just this once," Hanna relented. "But you'll need to find someone to watch her while you work from now. Now, you said you were once an Astrophysicist?"

"Yes, I understand!" Shae said in agreement, nodding to add emphasis. "And yes, after the Academy I studied at the University of Stellar Science on Alpha Centauri."

Wow, an actual University? Hanna didn't know how much she could teach Shae if she had been to University, but better to get right into it and see what she needed to relearn. "Alright, well lets head over to Astrometrics!" she said, then led Shae out of the lab and down the hall to Astrometrics. "I'm Hanna Jameson, by the way."

"Kalin Brennan, but please call me Shae. And they're calling it Astrometrics again?" Shae asked, then shook her head realizing that statement probably needed some explaining. "Twenty years ago, it was simply Stellar Cartography, Astrometrics was a system of the old legacy system."

"Right, but in that 20 years, Voyager happened," Hanna replied as they walked, then proceeded to give Shae a highly truncated explanation of the USS Voyager and how the ship became stranded in the Delta Quadrant, and how the crew recovered a Borg Drone along the way who helped revolutionize Stellar Science. "Nowadays, most ships have an Astrometrics lab instead of Stellar Cartography, though some of the bigger ships like the Galaxy-Class have the Stellar Cartography 'holo-tanks' in addition to the standard Astrometrics lab, but the system interface has been greatly updated to match Astrometrics," Hanna said in conclusion. They arrived at Astrometrics and Hanna began to log into the system.

Shae nodded as she listened. It was quite a tale, but yet another that she had missed out on because of her isolation. She watched as Hanna logged into the computer. The interface certainly looked different, a lot more sleek and easier to navigate, but would it be all that difficult for her to use once she got her hands on it? She liked the big holo-screen though. "What kind of access do we have in terms of sensors?" Shae asked, glancing down at Aoife to make sure the little one was asleep. Sure enough, the little tyke was out like a light!

"Most ships now have sensors dedicated to the Science department, but they aren't as powerful as the main sensor array. The dedicated sensors will definitely get the job done, but if we needed to do any in-depth study of a phenomenon, we would have to requisition the use of the main sensors." Hanna brought up the specs of both the main sensors and the Science Department Sensors, then nearly laughed as Shae's eyes widened.

"Those would certainly 'get the job done'!" Shae said with a laugh. Incredible! The Science sensors could run circles around the sensors she had to use at Alpha Centauri

"Yeah, we've made a lot of advancements in the past 17 years," Hanna said with a chuckle. "Alright, now lets have some fun, shall we?" she said, rubbing her hands together. Now, where to start....

Hanna showed Shae around the system and explained some of the updates as she went. Shae was attentive to these lessons and when given the opportunity to play with the system seemed to picking it up right away. It was like riding a bike, and Shae was enjoying navigating this new system. And she was loving the capabilities of the sensors! Oh, what she could have done with those kinds of specs back at college... And just to think, the main sensors were even better!

"It's very intuitive and natural," Shae said as she familiarized herself with everything Astrometrics had to offer. They had been working for hours- actually, Shae checked the chronometer and it was almost the end of their shift! Amazing how times flies when doing something you love!

"And you're not so bad yourself," Hanna added with a grin. Shae was really putting that university education to work, she was catching on fast! "I'll put together some reading material to help get you updated on some recent developments in the field, but outside of that I'm not sure how much more I can teach you!"

"Well, there are other departments I'm not so nearly familiar with," Shae allowed. "But I would greatly appreciate that reading material. So much has changed, I don't even know where to start!"

"I'll send it to your quarters first chance I get," Hanna assured Shae. The terminal chirped an alert and Hanna moved to check her messages. As she did so, Shae's baby began to wake in her comfy looking sling. "Looks like someone's waking up. Hope that was a good nap, cutie pie!"

Shae smiled as Aoife gave a big yawn. "Yeah, she's still at that stage where she sleeps a lot," Shae said. "Won't be too much longer and she'll be running circles around me, so I think I'll enjoy this part for as long as I can..." Then she kissed Aoife's forehead.

Hanna smiled warmly at that sight. Well, if the kiddo was sleeping so much, then perhaps it wouldn't be all that bad to let her stay with her mother for a little longer... She frowned as she saw that the message for her was a summons, and not just for her but Shae as well. "Hm, it seems we have a new Chief Science Officer, and he wants to see both of us,' Hanna said, replying to the message that they would be there shortly.

"Me too? Are you certain?" Shae asked, petting Aoife's hair.

"Unless there's some other 'Kalin Brennan' on this ship that I'm not aware of," Hanna said teasingly. "Come on, I'm sure it won't be that bad. Then you can go take care of your little one once we're done."

"O-okay," Shae said uneasily. What could it hurt?

"You need to learn where the Chief Science Officer's office is anyway," Hanna pointed out. She logged out of the system and headed for the door. "Oh, and before I forget," which she pretty much had forgotten up until this point, "I need to give you this..." Hanna reached into her pocket and drew out a Starfleet communicator badge, handing it to Shae. "Commander Se'Lah wanted you to have this. Even though you're still a civilian, you're a part of this crew now."

Shae took the commbadge and simply let it rest in the palm of her hand for a moment, just staring at it. The design had changed quite a bit over the years, as had the uniform, but it was still recognizable and it still carried the same weight. Eventually, she sigh with a slight smile and affixed the commbadge to her tunic just out of Aoife's reach. It was strange, but the weight of it felt strangely like coming home, and who was she to fight this feeling?

Lieutenant JG Brott slavishly worked on making his office presentable to those under his command. He hung a painting of the Cliffs of Bole just behind his desk. Ranav made sure everything looked organized and appeasing. He only had two minutes before the time he communicated to Ensign Hannah Jameson and Kalin Brennan to meet him in his office. It had to be just right - welcoming.

He checked the trays he had laid out for them, containing Delvin fluff pastries and Riskian cheese pastries. That would give them a choice. For drink, he had coffee, with cream and sugar on the side. Or they could choose Vulcan spice tea. If they want it heated, he would do so for them. OF course, he also had Terran lemonade. Standing back and taking everything in, the newly appointed CSO took a deep breath.

"Yes, that will do it. I must make a good first impression. Hospitality always is a good way to do so."

Ensign Hanna Jameson and civillian officer Kalin 'Shae' Brennan arrived together a short while later, ringing the chime seeking entry. Shae stood nervously outside the door, worrying the edge of the sling that held her daughter to her chest. Hanna noticed the fidgeting and put a hand on Shae's shoulder in an attempt to calm her, but Shae only pulled away, still frightened of casual contact with people she didn't know. That Shae had maintained a cautious distance between them had not been lost on the Hanna, who several times during their lessons tried to get closer to show Shae something. One would think after 17 years of isolation that she would welcome people around her, but then again she'd never been in Shae's shoes- er, paws...

"Hey, it's alright, no need to worry," Hanna said kindly. "The new CSO probably just wants to get to know us is all."

All Shae could do in return was nod and wait for the the door to open for them.

Ranav Brott personally answered the chime, opening the door from the inside. He thought that calling out from behind his desk was too impersonal. A friendly smile crossed the features of his face as he looked upon the two ladies outside.

"Welcome...welcome! I am Lieutenant Ranav Brott, the new CSO. Come in; there are pastries and drinks on the table against the wall."

"Ooh, thank you!" Hanna said, heading straight for the snacks with a smile.

Noticing the small child in the sling, Ranav got more excited. "Oh, a child! How precious! How old?"

Shae backed away from Ranav, just a step. She knew he was a just Bolian being a usual kind and genial Bolian, but she was still so wary of new people, and the fact that his attention was on Aoife didn't put her at ease any. "Um, I'm not sure exactly... I didn't really keep track of time that well," Shae said sheepishly. "Maybe 4 or 6 months?" she added after a moment's pause to do some mental math to calculate the yearly cycle of Psi Gamma IV into Earth time.

Ranav had been so excited about meeting his guests, he had forgotten to greet them in the fashion he had learned from the Captain. He had assumed it was a team building thing - a greeting used only on the Islandica. He quickly retrieved a glass of pure lemon juice. He loved the tangy taste it had without sugar and water added.

Normally, a mother not knowing the age of her child would bother Ranav. However, this one was an exception. He had read their files. He knew the Ensign had served well the short time aboard; she had done well at the Academy. But there was not much on this one's file. Only that she and her daughter had recently been rescued. She would be serving on a civilian level, continuing her studies. He admired the resiliency it must have taken for her to survive.

"You must be Shae! Welcome!" Ranav said producing a warm smile, while holding his hand forward in a fist to do the fist bump the Captain had greeted him.

"y-yes," Shae replied uneasily, blinking at his hand that was in a gesture that almost seemed familiar.

Hanna came back with a cup of tea in hand, noticing the uncomfortable tension in Shae. "She doesn't do so well with physical contact," Hanna explained in Shae's stead. "Oooh, fistbump!" she added when she recognized the way Ranav was holding his hand, bumping her free hand against his with a grin. "This is lovely, by the way," raising her glass of tea towards Ranav to show her appreciation.

Ranav exploded the fist bump as he pulled it away, just as he had seen the Captain do. It felt good to know the ship greeting; he felt as much a member of the team as those on board longer.

"Thank you," Ranav looked at Shae as he backed away. "I'm sorry I made you feel uncomfortable. It is my desire that my team feel comfortable in my presence.

He took a drink of his acidic drink. He smacked his lips at the taste then smiled. "Now, both of you be comfortable and have a seat. Miss Brennan, may I get you a pastry and something to drink?"

"Tea please, and I am still adjusting to being around people," Shae said as she took a seat in one of the office chairs, but Hanna opted to remain standing. "I just need time."

"She doesn't need much time to get acquainted with her job, though," Hanna said with a grin. "I showed her around Astrometrics today. She's definitely got a mind for it! She has a better grasp on this stuff than I do, but then again, my field is biology, so it's not really a fair comparison."

"Hmmm," Lieutenant Brott looked on Shae with admiration, "charting the stars! Very good! My area of studies include Astrobiology, Archeaology and Geology. What is your current project, Miss Brennan?"

Hanna brought Shae a cup of tea and she accepted it with a grateful smile, gingerly sipping at the steaming brew with an appreciative hum. "When I was studying at the University of Alpha Centauri, my doctoral these was on the gravitational affects of protostars on developing nebulae, but that was a long time ago, I'm just trying to get caught up with how much the science has changed since then," Shae said softly.

"I would imagine," Ranav suggested, "if I were stranded somewhere as long as you were, I'd feel out of sorts. When we don't use our knowledge for an extended period, we tend to forget it. Fortunately, according to Hanna, here, you are quickly regaining that knowledge."

Turning toward Hanna, Lieutenant Brott asked her, "And Ensign, what projects are you currently working?"

"Nothing much at the moment," Hanna admitted. "The last ship I was on kept me pretty busy, I didn't really have much time for personal projects. Although once we were in the Expanse, I was hoping to catalogue biological specimens and plant life from the different planets we visit, maybe see how they differ from life forms outside the Expanse, and how they've adapted to living in that environment."

"Very interesting!" Ranav insisted. "I may be able to assist you by gathering some archaeological evidence that will show how those species have evolved over millennia."

"Excellent! I'll work it into my study!" Hanna said excitedly.

He turned back toward toward Shae. "I'm glad we have your area of expertise with us, Miss Brennan. Perhaps sometime in the near future, I will collaborate with you."

"I look forward to that," Shae replied respectfully with just a hint of a smile. She may have been wary of strangers, but she could still reciprocate kindness and respect, and as a scientist she was looking forward to this! In her lap, Aoife began to wriggle, fully awake now and eager to make herself known, which she did with an impatient little growl. "Yes yes... I haven't forgotten about you," Shae said to her daughter. "Is it alright if i go now? If there's anything else you wish to discuss with me I would be more than willing to return later, but for now she has needs that require my attention."

"I imagine the little one is hungry after a nap. I thank you both for meeting with me," Ranav sincerely commented. "Just one more thing, Shae. Hopefully, she will not get in the way of your work. Being new here myself and just meeting everyone, I'm certain you are not sure whom you can trust. I'm not opposed to her hanging out a few days until you find someone. You may wish to keep her away from the Chemist's labs and areas where harm may come to her. Also, if you need a break and some time for yourself," the warm smile returned, "I can care for her for you."

He turned to Hannah, "That goes for you as well, Ensign Jameson. If I can serve either of you in any way, please ask. Thank you again, ladies! You are dismissed."

Shae did not wish to offend her superior by outright refusing his offer to care for Aoife, but having just met the man she highly doubted that she would be trusting him with her daughter anytime soon. But he made a point, one she had been thinking on since Se'Lah had offered to let her stay: what was she to do with Aoife while she worked? This wasn't a family ship, there were no schools or daycare like on the larger ships. "I will think of something to do with her, sir, and until I can find a caretaker for her, I will limit myself to Astrometrics since that is a safe environment," Shae said, rising from her seat, but she paused at the door and looked back at Ranav. "Thank you for the consideration."

"You are very welcome," came the Ranav's generous reply. "I am just happy to have you as a member of the team!"

It felt good to be part of a team again, and that got a genuine smile from Shae. With a nod, she finally turned and left the office, Hanna following her out to show her how to get back to her quarters.

Lieutenant Brott watched as the door whisked shut behind the two ladies. He smiled at himself and picked up a pastry. Taking a bite, he realized it didn't have the tangy taste most of the food he ate had. He cleaned and reprocessed all the food and drink left. Sitting in the chair behind his desk, Ranav leaned back, clasping his hands behind his head. Smiling, he thought, That went rather well!


______________


JP by

Lieutenant JG Ranav Brott CSO

Ensign Hanna Jameson (NPC played by Shae)

Lieutenant JG Kalin 'Shae' Brennan

Shae rubbed at her bridge of her nose as she headed home for the evening. Aoife kept growling at her, eager for a feeding, and that was not helping Shae's headache any! As soon as the door closed behind her, Shae was pulling off the sling that held Aoife to her chest and heading for the bedroom. She lay Aoife on the bed and changed her, then lay beside her to feed her, grabbing a PaDD from the side table to continue reading up on recent events in history while Aoife nursed. It started off as a good idea, but her eyes were so tired that the words just started to bleed together, and coupled with the phantom pain headaches she was getting, her head felt like it was about to explode! In the end, she settled for covering her face with a pillow to block out the light, which helped a little but not nearly enough.

Eventually, Shae could not take it anymore. As soon as Aoife was done with her feeding, Shae made herself presentable again and headed back out, this time for Sickbay. That Antican doctor, despite his hunger appeal for Aoife, had seemed competent when he prescribed that medicine for her headaches last time, and it had helped considerably. Another visit was definitely in order with as bad as her head hurt now.

It was late in the day, and Valyre wasn't expecting any visitors to the sickbay, so she'd just let her holographic pet fox out into the main bay to play when the door open. Immediately the holo-pet bounded over to Shae, yipping and wagging its tail. "Snickers!" Hearing its name, the holographic animal turned and trotted back over to Valyre's side. As Valyre went to see who her visitor was, Snickers followed along in a heeling position, sitting primly when Valyre stopped to greet Shae. "Hi there," she said softly, seeing indications of some sort of pain in Shae's eyes and not wanting to make it any worse. "What can I do for you?"

Shae's ears perked up curiously at the sight of the little holographic fox. She could tell right away it wasn't real, it had no scent and the pitch of its yip wasn't right for a fox of that size, but it was still a very convincing facsimile. Adorable, really. Aoife squealed in delight at the sight of the little critter, causing Shae to wince, her ears drooping and flattening against her head to block out the sound.

"I- I'm having headaches... Where is the doctor, the Antican. I do not think I got his name," Shae said.

"Doctor Beh'ruken? I'm not sure... I think he was reassigned. Or possibly he retired... he was certainly old enough." Seeing how delighted the young child was with Snickers, Valyre scooped the holographic fox up off the floor, holding her where Aoife could reach to pet her. She hoped that would stop the child's squealing, or at least tone it down a bit. "I think he left me some notes about a patient who was having trouble with headaches, but they're in my office. Why don't we go see if we can find them?"

Aoife's reaction was a big grin and then proceeded to start 'talking' to the fox, offering little yips and chirps, and then a little whine when Val started to walk away with her new friend. That got a small smile from Shae. "Yes, lets go find those notes," Shae said, and followed Val to her office.

Upon reaching her office, Valyre put Snickers on a chair, gesturing for Shae to take the other seat if she wanted. "Should be right here on the desk... what's your name, sweetheart?"

"Kalin Brennan, but I also go by Shae," the Chameloid woman replied, taking a seat. Snickers came closer to 'sniff' at the newcomers. It certainly couldn't smell Aoife or Shae, but the action had no doubt been programmed in just to keep up with the realistic behavior. Aoife sniffed at the fox in return, a confused expression spreading across her face when it had no scent. She looked up at her mother for an explanation, but Shae had none that Aoife would understand at her young age. When no answer was forthcoming, Aoife returned her attention to Snickers to continue their 'conversation'.

"Toy fox," Valyre said to Aoife as she found the right PaDD and picked it up. The words weren't entirely accurate, but they were simple enough that perhaps an infant could understand. Puzzled by the treatment she saw on the PaDD, Valyre read it a few times. "It says here he gave you a medicine to swallow? A liquid?"

Shae simply shrugged. "It tastes horrible," she said with a grimace, "but it did help. He said they were phantom pains, that I would get over it eventually, but whatever he gave me did take the edge off."

"That's because he's a cruel man. We can easily create liquid medicines that don't taste so foul." Valyre shook her head, wondering why doctors always chose the most unpleasant ways to get their treatments done. "I can also offer a similar medication in a hypospray, but since I'm unfamiliar with your species, I can't guarantee that a hypospray injection will work for you."

"I am half El Aurian, so hyposprays will work on me," Shae said, smiling as Aoife and Snickers continued to 'talk' to one another. "I must say, whoever programmed your pet did an amazing job. His vocal pitch is a little low for his size, but since that might be obnoxious to humanoid ears, the difference is probably intentional. Other than that, he's spot on, behavior, temperament, social behavior... Very good job."

"Well that's one problem settled! No more gross liquids." Valyre made the appropriate change in the notes, then turned her attention briefly to Snickers. "She's based on a real fox, but you're right... I had them turn down her voice a bit. It was making my ears ring." Popping over to the replicator for a moment, she conjured up an injectable form of the medication that Beh'ruken had devised. "Okay. You don't know me, and I don't know you so... I am not going to touch you without your permission, no matter how adorable you and your baby are." She smiled a bit, holding the hypospray out to Shae. "This is a multi-use hypo. One click or hiss is one dose, and you can use it up to ten times before it needs to be refilled."

"Let me guess, he left notes about my behavior when I was in here last?" Shae said as she took the hypospray. She double checked the dose before pressing it to her neck and administering the medication. Had she really been that bad in terms of her behavior that he had to leave those kinds of notes? Well, had Myomoto not been there to talk her down that first day, she very likely would have attacked Beh'ruken. "Do you wish me to keep this here or may I take it back to my quarters?"

"There might be a footnote along the lines of 'aggressive, particularly about the morsel'." Valyre shook her head as she relayed that information. "There's no excuse for his behavior or his leaving notes about you that are obviously about how you reacted to his actions. And you may keep the hypospray with you if you'd like... there's nothing dangerous in it, and it saves you from having to come find me every time you want it."

For some reason, Beh'ruken's comment had Shae giggling, softly at first but it eventually blossomed into a full laughter. "You know, I didn't appreciate it very much at the time, but looking back on it, it's actually quite funny!" Shae said as she tried to calm her laughter. "He said he hadn't eaten anything all day, so he starts salivating while he's looking over Aoife, I actually had to tell him that she was not for eating!" Oh goodness, how long had it been since she'd laughed like this? It had been ages, and it felt good to do it again.

"You poor thing, having to tell him that." Valyre laughed with her for a few moments. "I don't know much about Anticans, but just the thought that he might want to eat that cute little bundle of fur? Crazy. I mean, I have nothing against the use of live animals for meat, but eating a sentient being is weird."

Maybe it was just the laughter or the tension from the eye strain, or even the method of administering the medication, but Shae's headache was not going away as it had before. As she finally calmed her laughter, she found herself rubbing at her temple, shutting her eyes for a moment in the hopes that the throbbing would abate, but it didn't. "Mmm, this headache just doesn't seem to want to go away this time," Shae commented as she opened her eyes, blinking away the blurriness.

"All right, let me get a tricorder." Valyre dimmed the lights in the office a bit, retrieving her tricorder from a drawer in her desk as she did so. "Tell me about the pain, Shae. Is it sharp like a knife or dull like..." She floundered a bit, trying to think of a comparison Shae might know. "Or dull like if Snickers was hitting you in the face with her tail?"

Shae smiled. "Certainly more than Snickers' tail," Shae started, then thought about how it felt. "Not sharp... I don't know how to explain the phantom pain, it's... I had a slave device, the doctor removed it, and it had been shocking the pain centers of my brain, so there's no description for that kind of pain, it's just so all encompassing. The phantom pain isn't nearly that bad, but it's the same feeling. Although now it's kind of throbbing all over, especially in my eyes, but I have been reading a lot since coming aboard."

"Reading?" Valyre paused in her scans, looking at Shae's eyes for a moment. Unlike Caitians, Shae had very distinctly predatory eyes. The type better suited for chasing wild animals than trying to read words on a page. Suddenly what Shae was describing made sense. "Oh, you're talking about eye strain! Now that I can fix, and it's easier than you might think." Grinning at her discovery, she switched her tricorder over to take a few measurements of Shae's face. "It might be a bit tricky getting the measurements right, but I think..." She trailed off for a moment as the thought continued forming. "Your vision is quite fantastic, but your eyes... well they're like Snickers' eyes. Good at spotting small prey in the brush and for chasing things. Not great for stationary words on paper or on a screen."

"I never had a problem with it before, but then again I've never had to do this much reading before either," Shae said, curious as to why Valyre continued scanning her even though she seemed to know what was wrong, but she held still regardless. "And no one's ever taken that much notice of my eyes before. Well, at least not in this way... But you are right, and I've used my vision to great effect while I was stranded on Psi Gamma IV."

"Well you weren't under the direct care of a nurse before either." Her measurements finished, Valyre copied them down on a PaDD before turning her attention back to Shae. "I know this might seem personal, but I noticed some damage in your left eye... and how you try to keep me and Snickers both on your right. Does it affect your vision on the left side?"

"Yes, my peripheral vision is almost gone in that eye," Shae answered uneasily, squirming slightly where she sat and tightening her arm around Aoife protectively. Aoife took notice of this sudden change in her mother's demeanor and whimpered slightly, but Shae soothed her by scratching behind Aoife's ear which instantly had her purring. "It's usually not a problem, my hearing is good enough to kind of make up the difference, I don't have to see someone to know they're there." But she offered no explanation for what this damage was from or why it was there. Truth be told, if Valyre were to a do a full scan of Shae, she would find more damage all over, all from the same source.

"Okay. I'll put that in your file so my people know that if they're approaching from the left they need to make noise doing it." Valyre smiled a bit, dropping the uncomfortable topic. "Anyway. I think I can correct your eye strain problem while you're reading, as long as you don't mind wearing corrective lenses just while you're reading. I think the replicator can make a frame that will fit over your ears without being uncomfortable."

"There's no need for any deliberate noise. With the way most people walk, they're not that hard to track," Shae assured Valyre. Even as a hologram, Snickers made enough noise that she knew where the little fox was. Although the thought of corrective lenses seemed odd to Shae; in this day and age, it seemed such an outdated and archaic thing to see people still wearing glasses, but if it helped prevent another headache then Shae wasn't one to question it. "And I'll give the lenses a try. I might have to try a few frames until I find something that is comfortable."

"There are other options, but I don't want to do anything invasive if we can fix it with something simple." Valyre was also pretty sure that Shae would immediately reject any sort of procedures done to her eyes, and she didn't want to put Shae through that sort of distress. "We'll try a few different styles until you find one you like... and no matter what it is you don't like about it, tell me. The wrong weight, wrong fit over your ears, even if the color's just ugly." She went to the replicator and called up a few different frames, each with the modified fit to accommodate Shae's vulpine ears.

"Yes, non-invasive would be preferable," Shae said with a nod as she looked over the frames Valyre had replicated for her, disregarding most of them because she simply did not like the style. "I've had enough invasive procedures done to me to last several lifetimes, so this is by far a lot easier to deal with than yet another procedure." Shae picked a pair of plain silvery frames, kind of square-ish in shape, and tried them on. They felt comfortable around the ears, but she wasn't entirely certain she liked the shape. "Can I get a mirror and maybe another set like this, but longer and narrower with the same rounded edges?"

"Absolutely." Valyre retrieved the requested items from the replicator, giving the mirror to Shae and setting the second silver frame on her desk until Shae was ready for it.

Shae took the mirror and immediately wrinkled her nose in dislike of the frames she was wearing. Yeah, no... She took the frames off and picked up the others ones Valyre replicated for her, then again checked the mirror. Not bad...

"So, this is your office, but you said you are a nurse?" Shae ventured as she inspected her reflection with the new frames on. Aoife was looking up at her mother with fascination; what were those things on her mother's face?! "I know this is a small ship, but with the Islandca's mission having so many risks, why would Command send out the ship without a doctor?"

Valyre's smile faltered slightly. She knew that Shae didn't mean any disrespect by the innocent question, but having heard it so many times before with malice behind it, she couldn't help feeling a bit stung. "Doctor is a rank and title, not a profession, and I hold that rank and title in the field of nursing. As for why they didn't reassign us a physician, Captain Ronai felt that my expertise was sufficient for most situations the ship might encounter."

"But what if someone is severely injured and requires a surgeon!" Shae asked, somewhat appalled at the idea of the Islandica going out without proper medical care. But then again, she had no way of knowing that most ships were now equipped with an EMH, something that was still in development at the time she went missing before the War.

"There are certain surgeries I am trained to perform and for anything else we have an emergency medical hologram." Knowing that Shae likely didn't know about the EMH, Valyre kept her tone gentle. "I'm not sure when that technology was brought aboard starships, but it's very commonplace now. Some ships have lost their entire medical staffing and still been well cared for because of it."

"Emergency medical-" Shae's eyes widened as she realized that the EMH was now commonplace and how ignorant she must have sounded just then. "Goodness, I am so sorry! I didn't know, and you must think me so rude! When I was in Starfleet, it had only been a concept in development, I never knew they got it working. Although the holoemitters projecting Snickers should have been a dead giveaway..." Now she just needed a hole to open up underneath her to swallow her up to save her from this embarrassment.

"It's okay, Shae. You meant the question innocently." Though she was still slightly wary of touching Shae, Valyre gently put her hand on Shae's arm. "I didn't mean to seem offended by your question. I've heard it many times in less innocent tones, on my last posting. You had no way of knowing that we had an EMH. Besides." Valyre grinned a little. "Snickers has her own holoprojector, independent of sickbay's system. There was a lost starship, Voyager, that encountered some time travelers. One of the things they brought with them when they came home was a mobile holoemitter. Snickers wears one similar to it on her collar."

"Voyager, yes... Ensign Jameson explained that to me when she showed me Astrometrics today," Shae said with a nod, looking at Val's hand on her arm. After her outburst with the Captain earlier today, she was really fighting the urge to pull away. "And I've been trying to read up on some of the things I've missed, hence the eye strain..."

"Well, you did miss a lot of things." Familiar with the behavior of uncomfortable patients, Valyre took note of Shae looking at her hand and quietly withdrew it. Physical contact helped create and maintain connections, but she wasn't going to force anyone into it if they didn't like it. "I apologize if I intruded on your personal space."

"I am adjusting, no need to apologize," Shae said softly. She picked up the mirror again and looked at the frames on her face, nodding resolutely. "These will do. The corrective lenses make my eyes feel funny, though I image it's something I'll get used to. Thank you-" Shae paused, realizing she never got Val's name. "I'm sorry, I never got your name, and I don't know what to call you in reference to your position. You said you had a doctorate, but you're a nurse... and I'm sticking my paw in my mouth again, aren't I?"

Valyre grinned at her, more amused by the questioning this time. "Valyre. Or Val, if that's easier. Formal stuff, most people stick with Commander Reen. Keeps people from getting confused by the 'doctor' thing."

"Ah, yes, that seems wise," Shae said with a sheepish smile. "Thank you, Valyre, I will let you know if I have any issue with the lenses or if there is any change in my headaches."

"You're welcome. I hope the lenses are all you need to fix the problem... I'd hate to have to do anything more complicated." Valyre picked Snickers up so the holographic fox wouldn't follow them out.

Aoife protested Snickers leaving by jabbering at Valyre, giving her one stern talking to as she held out a hand towards Snickers. Shae laughed softly. "We'll come back and play with the fox later, little one," Shae said to Aoife, "but right now Mommy is hungry and tired and Miss Valyre and Snickers have other things to do." She knew Aoife couldn't understand that much just yet, but Aoife listened with an adorable pout.

Trying not to giggled at Aoife's adorable pouting face, Valyre took one of Snickers' front paws and waved it at them as they left.

Finally getting her suite in a semblance of usable, Victoria flopped onto her fainting couch and pretended to faint. "Computer, who is the most likely candidate for my first appointment?" she queried.

The ever helpful computer replied back with an emotionless "Please define parameters for query."

"That was so helpful..." she muttered as she got up from the couch and moved to the chair behind her finally working desk. Punching up a list of profiles, it seemed there had been a request for psychological evaluation on one 'Kalin Brennan' pending for a few days now. Punching in the appointment request manually, Victoria leaned back in her chair and hoped to hear from the indicated person shortly as she brushed up on what little there was in the woman's file that might deal with her mental state.

Shae was at her desk, fighting with her new glasses as she tried to do some reading while she ate her breakfast. Then a ping popped up on her console, a message for her. She juggled with Aoife who was having her breakfast as well and reached over to touch her console to see this message. A psych eval? Shae wrinkled her nose, obviously disliking this idea. Nope, not now! She declined the notice and resumed eating and reading.

The declination popped up on Vicky's terminal immediately. Just flat out declined? No reason given and no potential times for scheduling it? Tapping out another message, Victoria sent out another message requesting an appointment at Kalin's earliest convenience.

'Define convenience,' came the immediate reply.

Victoria tapped out a reply. 'It's either a British restroom or when you're able to proceed with something with little effort or difficulty. Take your pick.'

'I'm Irish and I do kind of have to use the facilities....'

'You might want to use your own jacks... Mine are still being... Renovated...' Victoria tapped out in reply.

'I'll manage,' popped up on Victoria's screen followed very quickly by a second decline of the appointment memo.

That was enough for Victoria. Grabbing a PaDD, she headed out of her quarters and towards Kalin's, which on a ship this size didn't take long. Soon she was at the woman's door, pressing the chime.

Shae could guess who it was and she simply wasn't ready to deal with a psych eval just yet. She reached over to her console, muted the chime, finished off her tea, then took Aoife to the bedroom to change her.

No answer to the chime... Victoria used her PaDD to confirm that Kalin was in her quarters, then morphed into a tree with violet leaves, one branch pressed against the door chime and another still holding the PaDD. There she waited.

Shae heard no further chimes and continued getting ready, putting Aoife into her sling so her hands would be free to work. She checked to make sure she had her glasses, study material... She stopped to clean up her breakfast mess and run everything back through the replicator, then headed out the door only to be met with... a tree? With a PaDD... Shae growled. That did not smell like a tree! She took a step back, her growl deepening as all her fur stood up. "What is a Founder doing on this ship?!" she practically barked out, getting ready to call for Security.

Victoria quickly morphed back into her normal form. "I'm not a founder of anything. I'm just the ship's counselor trying to make an appointment with you and I got tired of waiting outside your door. Is it wrong to hang out as a tree?"

It didn't act like a Founder... "What are you?" Shae demanded. "And be quick about it or I will call Security!"

Victoria's left eyebrow quirked upwards at that question, her eyes swirling a bit faster for a moment. "My name is Victoria Iniya. I'm the new ship's counselor and diplomat. I'm an Allasomorph from Daled IV. Do you want to call security to confirm that?"

Allasomorph?! They didn't have any connection to the Founders. In fact, they were rather reclusive, few were allowed to leave their planet. "Allasomorph..." Shae said as she started to calm down, but only slightly. She remained standing there a moment longer, cautious and wary of this thing, a low growl still vibrating through her chest.

"Yes, and your new counselor. Is there anything you'd like to discuss? May I ask about your hostility towards me?" Victoria pressed.

"I'm half Chameloid, and because of the Founders and the fear of changelings, I was kidnapped and used by Section 31 during the Dominion War," Shae spat out in a venomous tone, but then took a few measured breaths before continuing a bit more calmly, "You'll have to forgive the hostility, but know that it's a slap to the face to see another changeling like this."

"Fair enough. Sorry for startling you then. I generally just stick to this and my tree form though I've been known to mimic other races now and then." The Allasomorph explained. "And I can't arbitrarily become something like a rock or a desk, if that helps."

Shae nodded slowly, still wary of this thing. Aoife had remained silent and still in the sling during the standoff, but now that Shae was calming down the infant voiced her distress with a little whimper. Shae's growling ceased immediately and she ducked back into her bedroom to soothe her daughter. Aoife clung to her mother once freed from the sling, whimpering but never outright crying, as Shae rocked her gently, speaking in gentle, hushed tones.

Victoria wasn't ever sure how to treat other races' young so she just stood there and waited in the doorway. "I suppose you'll want me to not come back."

"Do what you wish, I don't care..." Shae sat on the bed then lay down as her shoulders shook with silent sobs as she held Aoife close. There were other changelings in Starfleet? It wasn't fair! And why now did this thing show up?!

She was told to do as she wished so she did. Finding a chair, Victoria pulled it around in front of the now crying woman and sat down. "I didn't mean to upset you. If I've offended you in any way, I'm sorry."

"It's not fair..." Shae said as she cuddled her baby, trying hard to hold back the tears now that she had an audience. "The things they did to me and made me do... You have no idea, and yet here you are oblivious to it all... it's not fair..."

Victoria spoke softly, trying to calm her down a bit. "I read part of your file but you're right, I am oblivious to a lot of things. I don't know what's been done to you. I've struggled with unfairness since I left home and joined Starfleet. Especially on the SS Sanity's End. The things that have been done to the patients in that floating sanitarium... I still can't imagine. On my home world, everyone pretty well leaves everyone else alone. Sometimes it's months between words with another person, even when visiting or shopping. So you're right. I have no idea what youve been through. I joined Starfleet to talk with people though, and I'm hoping to talk with you a lot if you're willing. I'd like to get an idea of what you've been through."

"You don't want to know," Shae said with a shudder. "It didn't matter that I was a citizen of Earth, I had family, a career... they just took it all away. And Starfleet didn't even try to look for me, they assumed I had gone back to 'my kind', that I had become the enemy..." But she had become something else; Section 31 had trained her, moulded her into a weapon that they could use to fight on equal ground with the Founders, and she had been good at it.

"I left my people because I did want to know. I want to know the good and the bad. I want to know what it's like to eat chocolate and to be hit in the face with a chair." Victoria insisted. "I want to know how you've lived your life and what you've been through. I'm sure most people in this seemingly utopian system would rather just sweep it under a rug and forget about it, but I'm honestly interested. It doesn't have to be right now or any time soon, just please remember that I'm here and I want to hear about you."

"Then you are mad," Shae said bluntly, curling up tighter on the bed with Aoife who had fallen asleep with the hiccups, her little fists still clutching Shae's shirt. "I know I will need a psychological evaluation to get my commission reinstated, but... I'm not ready."

"I'm a counselor. All counselors are crazy. It kinda comes with the job, you know." Victoria said with a soft chuckle. "As for your psych eval, what if I told you I just did it?"

"Then you're even crazier than I thought," Shae murmured. "What have you concluded?" she asked curiously. What was there to know, this thing didn't know Shae, didn't know hardly anything about her!

"I've concluded that you need time to recover from a series of traumatic experiences and are agitated by the form-shifting abilities of the ship's resident counselor. Further casual sessions recommended and as for your commission, reinstatement recommended pending patient agreement to continue treatment and to accept reinstatement." Victoria said in a professional, clinical manner as she tapped some notes into her PaDD. "I'm crazy, not stupid."

"I still need to see how things go with my debriefing," Shae replied somewhat numbly as she lovingly stroked Aoife's cheek with her thumb. "And it's not your form-shifting abilities that have me so agitated. Yes, you're a changeling, but you're too much like the Founders... and you're completely oblivious to how much that burns me."

"Then tell me about these founders. They're shape-changers as well, I gather." Victoria requested.

Shae snorted. "Were you completely absent during the War?"

Victoria nodded and replied with a simple "Yes."

"How about history lessons? Did they not cover the War in the Academy?" Shae sighed; that kind of attitude wasn't going to help matters... "The Founders are shape-shifters from the Gamma Quadrant. They believed all 'solids', non-shape-shifters, were out to destroy them, so they either destroyed or controlled everyone they came across. Starfleet came through the Bajoran wormhole with the intent of peace exploration, but too many misunderstandings caused the Founders to believe that we were a threat and sought to end that threat." Shae finally looked over at the Counselor, not even trying to hide her disdain. "Not that i think you want to kill us all so we don't kill your people, but the way you talk... You think like a Changeling. It's what you are, you can't help being on the outside looking in at the rest of us with this sick fascination, pretending to be solid when it suits you. What do you even look like? Are you a puddle of goo like the Founders or are you something else?"

"I learned about it at the academy but war is still a fairly new concept for me." Victoria sat there a moment, thinking over how best to address what she was. "As for me, this is my real form. This is what I look like when I sleep. Eventually, when I'm old and done being solid, I'll take my people's ancestral form which is pure energy. I don't look forward to that though - there's too much tasty food to try and I couldn't be a tree anymore. My tree form is also static, by the way. I can't mimic just anything. I can make myself look like myself as another race but I'm still myself. I just happen to be intimately familiar with trees so I can look like them and even do some basic photosynthesis. As for how founders think... I'm not an outsider looking in. I'm someone that came from a reclusive people that wants to experience and know all she can. If that makes me like a founder... Well then a lot of people are like them." Victoria explained patiently. "And as far as I know, I've never met anyone that can become a puddle of goo."

"You look the way you do because it suits you to be that way, just as it suits you to sometimes be a tree, and when you are done sampling all that solid life has to offer then you become something else. But this is the way I was born and it is how I will look when I die, and I don't want to be anything else." Shae certainly wasn't convinced that this thing wasn't like the Founders. Maybe she was relatively certain it was harmless, but in her mind it was still too much like the Founders on some fundamental level for her to be comfortable around it. "And someone like you could never understand the things I've been through. Have you ever known any pain or sadness in your life? Can you even feel pain?"

"I feel pain..." Getting up from the chair and heading to the replicator, she punched in a command for a steak knife and a plate. Taking the replicated knife and the plate, she went back into the bedroom with them and tossed the plate on the floor. She then sliced her hand open with the knife - blood dripping from the wound as she gave a cry of pain. "Fuck that hurts... Fucking Klingons..." she muttered as she forced her now shaking palm open to show that the wound wasn't closing on its own and that the deep purple blood was real as it collected mostly on the plate on the floor.

"God's blood woman!" Shae said, jumping up from the bed, grabbing the nearest cloth she could find, one of Aoife's flannel blankets, and grabbed Victoria's hand, pressing the pink flannel to the wound. "Shite, you've made your point!" But sure enough, the blood on the floor was not turning to goo or disappearing, and it smelled like real blood which had her hackles rising again. She just hoped the smell didn't wake Aoife, poor little thing...

Vicky was turning pale at this point, sinking to her knees as Shae wrapped up her hand. "This hurts more than getting hit in the face with a chair," she said woozily, a wry grin on her face. "I don't think I like losing blood, either."

"Aye, it does better staying inside the body," Shae said, peeling part of flannel away to peek at the wound. "Och, that's deep. You should go to Sickbay. Do you want me to walk you there?"

"Yes please. Can we put it back inside? It's supposed to be inside..." Vitoria said as she tried to stand with Shae's help. "Computer, please inform Val that I cut myself and that we should be there shortly." she requested, receiving a positive chirp from the computer.

"No love, once it's been outside they can't put it back," Shae said gently as she tightened the makeshift bandage. "Hold that tight, I need to grab Aoife and then we'll be off." Shae left Victoria's side for just a moment to get Aoife and put her back into the sling, then Shae was again at Victoria's side to support her. "Come now, I'm sure that nice nurse will have something to make you feel all better."

"I hope so," Vicky replied as they made their way out and towards sickbay. "Remind me not to do that again," she muttered as they went.

"Okay, never ever do that again," Shae reminded her with a hint of a grin as they walked. "Don't worry, Sickbay keeps stock of blood and plasma, not that I think you'll need; you're not bleeding quite that badly."

"I'll take your word on that. I've never bled before." Victoria said as they rounded the corner into sickbay. "Is it normal to feel like you're going to pass out?"

"That's the shock," Shae assured Victoria, holding her steady. "And you probably just don't like the sight of your own blood." Then Shae looked around for Valyre. "Valyre! Lieutenant Iniya is bleeding!"

"I got her message. What happened?" Meeting them at the door, Valyre supported Victoria on the side opposite from Shae, guiding them over to a biobed and helping Victoria up onto it. Pulling the blanket back for a moment, she peeked at the gash underneath. It was deep, but the cut was clean and straight. Easy to repair. An orderly brought over the tray of tools she'd asked for while she waited for their arrival, and Valyre thanked him before picking up one of the narrower autosutures that could reach into the wound and pull the vessels closed before she tried to regenerate the muscle.

"I was being stubborn and uncooperative and she did that to make a point to me," Shae explained. "A point that I received loud and clear, and I can promise there will be no need for a repeat performance."

"Dummy," Valyre said to Victoria, easing the blanket back from the cut and getting to work with her tiny autosuture, pausing every few stitches to dab free blood away with one of her 'magic' sponges that trapped and locked fluids inside without the risk of contamination. "Well I'm glad the message got through... though I do have to wonder just why you thought this was a good idea, you silly tree." Turning her gaze briefly to Shae, Valyre smiled a bit. "It's not your fault, Shae. Vicky can be a bit... eccentric."

Vicky rested with her head back, trying to ignore what was happening with her hand without much success. "It seemed like a good idea at the time. Klingon ritual stuffs and all that. Never mind I forgot that they celebrate things by beating each other with painsticks."

"You, my dear, are not a Klingon." Having stopped the bleeding, Valyre swapped out the autosuture for a muscle regenerator. "At least it's a clean cut... it won't scar."

"Scar?" Victoria squeaked out, looking up at Val worriedly. "Does that hurt too?"

"Some scars hurt and some don't. You don't have to worry about that though... at least not this time." Valyre didn't look up as she spoke, too focused on her work.

"Maybe she's eccentric, but what she did was probably the only thing that would have gotten through to me," Shae said. "I thought she was a Founder."

"She'd be a pretty terrible Founder." Valyre grinned a bit, understanding how the mistake could be made. "Most of her people never leave their home planet, so it's an honest error. I didn't know anything about Allasomorphs before I met her... she introduced herself by turning into a potted tree. She thought it was funny... I about had a heart attack, and Reen..." Valyre shook her head slightly, still keeping her eyes on what she was doing. "I thought the worm was trying to escape and run away. Turns out symbionts can have panic attacks. Who knew?"

"Yeah, sorry again about that. I really like being a tree. I really hate that beastial form we're taught to take, too. Ugly as sin and hairy and smells bad... I'm pretty sure I'm a pacifist, by the way." Vicky said, starting to ramble.

"Interesting thing about Chameloids, we have two natural forms," Shae said. She hadn't told Val that she was a Chameloid, but she was going to know now. "We have a form that is almost entirely humanoid as well as a bestial form, but I'm only half so the two forms kind of got mashed together. It's why I look the way I do."

"Relax, Vicky. I know you're a pacifist and the beast is hairy and gross." Finished with the muscle reconstruction, Valyre picked up a dermal regenerator, beginning to seal the surface of the cut with just a glance to Shae. "I didn't know you were a shifter, Shae. I assumed your other half was some sort of vulpine species I hadn't encountered yet."

"No, just half 'ugly, hairy beast' shifter," Shae said sadly. It wasn't that she thought they were calling her ugly, it was how she viewed herself, as something deformed, even monstrous.

"Nonsense. You're cute as a button... only two things on this ship with more fluffy cute appeal are your baby and Snickers." Valyre had intended to keep that opinion to herself, but she didn't want Shae thinking anyone thought her to be ugly. "You want to see ugly... the Allasomorph beast is this strange... bear thing. Only it's... well, it's difficult to describe. Bug-eyed, nasty claws, sharp teeth. Vicky hates it."

"Very much so," Vicky confirmed, placing her free hand over her eyes. "It's ONLY saving grace is the purple tints in my fur..."

"Why are you so purple?" Shae asked curiously. "Even when you were a tree you were purple."

"Let's call it a family trait. And I'm not from a very popular family. Not earthy enough." Victoria replied absentmindedly. Family was something she wasn't supposed to discuss about her people but that much shouldn't be bad.

"Is it something you can work on? Because purple trees aren't very convincing," Shae said playfully.

Removing her hand from her eyes, Victoria looked over at Shae worriedly, her eyes swirling faster. "You've never seen a purple tree? There are a few species on Earth. Besides, I thought it was more the big tree boobs that give me away."

"Oh, I thought that part was intentional," Shae said with a chuckle. "And I've seen purple trees, but you weren't the right kind of tree to be purple."

Victoria put her hand back over her eyes. "Like I said earlier, I can only look like myself as another race. And I can't change my mass. I'm not even that good at redistributing it."

"Well, at least you're recognizable," Shae offered.

"Doesn't stop her from trying to prank people," Valyre added humorously, finishing her work with Vicky's hand. "Move your fingers, Vicky."

Wiggling her fingers experimentally, Vicky looked down at her poor hand. It looked as good as new. "Am I cured now? Do I need more blood? What about that shock thing Kalin mentioned? Is that cured too?"

"Wow, you've really never done this before, have you?" Shae observed.

"Never," Victoria said. "By the way, call me Vicky. Or Barktits. I'll answer to that too."

"I am not calling you that," Shae said flatly. What a nickname! "But since we are on the subject, I prefer to be called Shae."

"She's pulling your tail, Shae. No one calls her Barktits." Valyre couldn't help laughing a little, packing all of her tools back onto the tray. "Yes, Vicky, you're cured. As for the shock... that tends to go away once the blood is gone, and your blood counts should be fine. Just increase your iron intake for a couple days."

"Is she well enough to clean the blood off the carpet in my quarters?" Shae asked. "She tossed a plate on the floor I'm assuming to catch the blood, but she kind of missed a bit."

Grinning wickedly, Valyre nodded. "She sure is."

"Then lets get to it, lass!" Shae said to Victoria. "That's a scent that lingers and if it sets in then I'm making you replace the carpet, by hand!"

"Ugh... Sorry about that..." Victoria said apologetically. "Would you believe me if I told you I don't know how to clean carpets?"

"Now is as good a time as any to learn," Shae said. "You said you wanted to learn what life was like for us, and this is part of it."

"I don't remember using those exact words... but I suppose one more learning experience today couldn't hurt as much as the rest have." Vicky said with a pale faced smile.

"Good, now lets go," Shae said and headed out the door to return to her quarters.

"Have fun!" Valyre said cheerfully, ushering them toward the door. "And no more sharp objects!"

The negotiations had finally concluded and Myomoto was exhausted so he decided to go and walk some of the stress off. He started off in a random direction and set off.

Shae had also felt the need for a walk. Being enclosed on the ship for the first time in 17 years had left her feeling a bit claustrophobic, and being at the station gave her an opportunity to walk around in a more open environment. As soon as the all clear was given to disembark, she replicated a pair of shoes, something she didn't normally need with paws, but by the time the shoes hit the floor Shae had feet to slip inside them. Her tail seemingly melted into her body and her ears disappeared under her hair, which took on an ebony tone. She still looked like Shae, she did nothing to change her facial features, she just looked like a human version of herself. Then she put a hat on Aoife to hide her rather distinctive ears, then gathered her up with a baby blanket and headed out.

After walking aimlessly for about a half hour Myomoto started to pay attention to where he was and found himself in a shopping promenade. Shrugging to himself he started looking for a weapons shop to peruse and kept an eye out for any other guards he may recognize.

Shae had also gravitated towards the shopping promenade. The atmosphere of the promenade was a lot more open, although with more people around she was feeling more vulnerable. She spent more time avoiding contact with other people rather than looking at the shops. Just as well, she didn't have any money or Federations credits...

As he was wandering out of a trinket shop Joseph spotted a women who reminded him remarkably of Shae. She even had a child with her. He walked through the crowd to get a better look. As he got closer he caught a glimpse of the child. "Aoife?"

Shae turned at the sound of his voice, searching the crowd for him, then she smiled. "Oh thank goodness," she said as she weaved through the crowd to get closer. "I had thought a walk would be nice, but this is becoming so unpleasant... Don't any of these people understand the concept of bathing?!" And she had spent 17 years on a primitive planet! She knew how rank body odor could get!

Joseph stood stunned for a second and then he remembered that she could alter her appearance. The meeting had really gone to his head but having Shae and Aoife instantly made him feel better. He smiled and moved closer to her making it obvious to anyone that was paying attention they were together. "I am so glad to see you." He said smiling at her.

"And I am glad to see you," Shae said with a smile. "We were both getting a bit overwhelmed, I was about to go back to the ship. Although, do you think there's somewhere we can sit down for a few minutes?"

"I'm sure we could find something." He scanned around and found a restaurant with a few empty tables in a patio setup. He nodded towards it "Does that look ok for you?"

"That looks perfect," Shae said, following him as he led her through the crowd to the restaurant. They found an empty table and Shae took a seat, situating Aoife in her lap. Little Aoife was so wide-eyed and curious, her little tail wagging excitedly under her blanket. There was so much to see! But for Shae, it was almost more than she could bear, and she was so grateful that Myomoto had found this place and brought her here, away from all the people and the noise... Perhaps a walk on the station had been a bit ambitious. "Thank you," Shae said with a relieved sigh, relaxing into her chair.

Joseph looked up from Aoife to smile at Shae again. "You are most welcome. She is a real curious one isn't she?" He looked back down at Aoife and waved at her. "So how are things going for you two?"

"She's never seen other people before Islandica came along, so of course she's curious," Shae replied with a smile. She took one of Aoife's hands and helped her wave back at Myomoto, earning an excited squeal from the toddler. "And we're doing alright, I guess... Aoife is adjusting better than I am, I'm afraid. Although Commander Se'Lah came by my quarters before we docked. She offered me a place on the ship and said she'd handle my debriefing if I chose to stay so I wouldn't get sent back to Earth. I chose to stay; I'm still nervous about that, yet strangely at peace too. Funny how that works..."

Myomoto brightened at the news "That's great! I told you a position would be available to you." He grinned at her.

The brightness of his smile and his excitement made Shae smile with a hint of a blush. "Yes yes... And I didn't even have to ask, she gave me that option without any prompting. She said it was the least she could do since I saved her life, but I think... I think she's just a nice person." It was strange for Shae to admit that; she wasn't certain if she could trust Se'Lah yet, and yet that didn't change Shae's opinion.

"You seem to be adjusting into society a bit faster than you think." He said with a light teasing tone. "I am really glad to see that." He ran his finger across the back of her hand. "We can see each other a lot more." He said the last with a big grin.

The warmth of this simple touch and the pleasurable shiver it evoked surprised Shae. "Even with the Commander's offer, I do not think I would have stayed if had you not asked me to stay," Shae confessed as she watched his fingers trace along the back of her hand. She was startled from her brief reverie when a waitress from the cafe approached and asked if they wanted anything. Once Shae received assurances that the food was real and not replicated, Shae ordered some tea, a bowl of mixed fruit, and some cookies to nibble on; her stomach was kind of in knots right now, she didn't know if she could stomach a proper meal right now.

Myomoto ordered some green tea, or the closest they had, and the closest thing to a hamburger. He grinned at her again "I know it's a weird combo and also it probably won't be close to what I hoped but hey... I just wanna eat. The meeting was long and, for me, unsatisfying." Having run out of things to say he suddenly looked a little uncomfortable. "I'm sorry I am not really good at this. I'm just glad that you are here."

"Nothing wrong with unique food combinations. I have a few weird ones myself," Shae said with a smile. "And I'm sorry the meeting didn't go well. I know working with Ferengi can be terribly frustrating, but I heard the all clear to disembark, so it must have at least ended in our favor."

"Oh the negotiations went well enough. The new Captain and the XO did admirably. I just found them unsatisfying personally. XO had all the fun." He tensed a little as he finished off and his eyes had a far away look in them but he shook his head slightly and gathered himself. He blushed sheepishly. "Sorry. My career has mostly centered around violence until this point and I have developed... Well I am not used to not being the one doing it. I am working on it though." He was quite embarassed by this admission. He didn't want Shae to think he would hurt her.

"I know what you mean," Shae said with a sad look in her eyes. "After the things I had done during the war, learning to live without all that... it was a bit of a shock to the system. And now, learning to live on a ship after surviving for so long, I can definitely relate to how you feel. It's like there's a separate part of me that thrived on that life and misses it." It never occurred to her that with his life of violence that he might hurt her. If anything, she felt safer around him.

Myomoto grunted in agreement and before things got too uncomfortable the food arrived. "Sweet!" He said enthusiastically and waited until everything was in place before picking up his tea and raised up in a toast. "To us and moving beyond the violence yes?"

Shae blinked at him and his tea then smiled, raising her own cup slightly in agreement, then took a sip. "Och, that's lovely..." she said with a sigh. "The replicator positively destroys a good cup of tea." She took another sip with a dreamy look on her face. "I don't know exactly what that is, but I might have to stock up on it before we leave Glebben."

Myomoto looked down at his own tea and shrugged. "Mine is... ok. But present company makes it excellent. The green tea i have on the ship grown by my mother back on Earth so I am probably a little biased." He put his tea down and bit into his almost burger and sagged forward with his eyes closed with a contented "mmmmmmmmm". After he swallowed he said "I don't know exactly what this is and I don't care! It's amazing!!"

"It certainly smells good," Shae replied, picking at her fruit. "What I wouldn't give for some blackberry tea... Or maybe just some blackberries. But this is good. Certainly better than replicated."

He winked at her "Real is always better than fake." He looked at her more intently "I like the way you look by the way." He flushed as soon as he said it because he realized what he had said just before. "Oh please don't think that comment was in any way related to my statement before... You look great and..." he stammered to a stop. Shit! he thought to himself.

Shae blushed with a sharp intake of breath. So, if the statements weren't related... did that mean he preferred her when she looked human? "I-I guess... I could stay this way... if you really like it," she said with a hint of sadness in her tone.

Myomoto looked up sharply at the tone in her voice and said a little too loudly "NO!" He blushed deeply and said more quietly "No... Please... I uh... I actually, Ummm, well honestly I prefer how you looked before. Alot actually." He stammered out quickly "Not that you look bad now... It's just... You are so... Exotic and beautiful." He smiled looking up at her still blushing but there was a little heat in his eyes well.

"Oh..." Shae looked down at her fruit with a heavy blush, pushing the food around the bowl with her fork as she thought about his words. "Exotic would get me into trouble on a station like this... I didn't want to end up kidnapped with another slave device," she said timidly, still trying figure out how she felt about what he said. He thought she was beautiful? "I will change back once I'm back on the ship."

Myomoto smiled shyly at Shae and risked a wink at her. He had an almost overwhelming urge to kiss her and had to shake his head sharply to dismiss it. That will get me in trouble he thought to himself. To cover his discomfort he stood and said. "I will go take care of the bill. Why don't we get Aoife ready and take a walk?"

Her blush deepened with his wink. "Sure," she replied with a nod in response to his offer. Looking out at the station Promenade, it didn't look quite so busy, so she would be willing to risk finishing that walk. While he settled the bill, Shae finished her tea and work the blanket around Aoife. Once he returned, she rose and settled the infant onto her hip, following where Myomoto led. "Thank you for doing this for me," she said shyly as they walked. "I was feeling very closed in on the ship, and having a chance to get out and walk around is nice."

Myomoto saw that Shae was following him and it made him a little uncomfortable. He struggled for a second before deciding to take a risk and reached back and offered his hand to her. He knew he was blushing furiously but stuck to his decision. "The pleasure of this walk is all mine." He said with a shy smile.

His hand was warm in hers and they fit perfectly together. Shae fell into step at his side with a glowing smile on her face as they continued on towards the shops. "I feel so at ease around you," Shae said softly, her cheeks still rosy from all the blushing. "I don't know why... I hardly know you and you don't know me, and yet I am not afraid of you."

Myomoto leaned his shoulder into her playfully and said a thoughtful "hmmmmmm" He took a few seconds before responding. "I know what you mean and honestly i can't put my finger on it either... I just felt, and feel, drawn to you. I still feel shy but it's more from uncertainty on how to proceed than unease or fear." He wasn't sure what else to say at this point so he just leaned over and kissed her forehead.

Shae squeaked in surprise and her face erupted into another heavy blush, but she had this smile on her face, and then she nibbled on her lip... She definitely wouldn't mind if he did that again... Aoife gave Myomoto a curious stare, wondering how he made her mommy make such a sound.

Myomoto felt a surge of affection and attraction when he noticed Shae was biting her lip. He stared into her eyes for a second and his heart almost stopped. Without thinking he leaned in and softly kissed those lips. He was scared he had gone too far but... his body moved before his mind had a chance to intervene.

Shae's breath caught in her throat and time seemed to stand still, the rest of the station melting away as she lost herself in this moment. Warmth, touch, a connection that sparked something within Shae that she didn't understand but accepted nonetheless. She didn't know where the future would lead her and Myomoto, but she was willing play along with fate's game for now. When their lips finally parted, time came crashing down on Shae with an exhilarating rush and she found she did not want this moment to end so soon. She rose up on her toes to meet his lips again.

When she responded to the kiss so enthusiastically Myomoto was thrilled. He lifted one of his hands to the side of her neck and ran his thumb along her jaw as they kissed. He was lost in the feelings that swirled inside him and was thrilled when he discovered they were for her. When they separated the second time he leaned his forehead against hers and just said "Wow."

"Yeah," Shae said softly, her heart racing in her chest. After a moment to catch her breath, she looked up into his eyes with this small smile that hinted at something deeper. She didn't know what to say or do, but she knew they couldn't just stand here forever. Eventually she settled for giving his hand a squeeze and continued walking.

He took his cue from her and continued their walk with a huge smile on his face. He didn't really know where he was going but that was fine because he was with Shae and Aoife. His brain almost did a double take. He didn't know what to think about what he was thinking so he mulled it over as they walked. He knew he was very attracted to Shae, well more than attracted but what exactly we will see. But his feelings about Aoife he wasn't sure about. He knew that most people entering a relationship with someone who had a child were very nervous and apprehensive. He wasn't. he wanted to talk to Aoife and play with her and hug her... Maybe because she was a part of Shae his feelings has just encompassed her without question... He wasn't sure and didn't know how to bring it up because he knew how protective Shae was of her child.

Shae, oblivious to his musings, looked about the stores as they walked, glancing through the windows and trying not to give this matter too much thought. After so many years of surviving, thinking about the future and all this planning to get her back into Starfleet and working, trying to resocialize her, it was all so overwhelming for her. She was feeling good about herself for the first time in a long time, and she liked Myomoto; she didn't want to mess that up by overthinking it, so she just went with it and let things play out as they would.

Myomoto caught himself before he got caught too deep in his thinking. There was time for that when he was alone. Right now he was with Shae and Aoife and planned to enjoy it for what it was.

He glanced down at Aoife and noticed that she had something in her hand and was chewing on it. he didn't remember her having it before. "Ummmmm Shae? Did you give Aoife a toy before we left for our walk?"

"Wha-" Shae looked at Aoife and sure enough she had a little stuffed bunny, chewing on one of the feet. "You little thief, where did you get that?!" Shae said with a laugh, looking around to try to figure out where Aoife might have been able to get it. "Well, it's been in her mouth, so no sense in trying to return it, but we should at least try to pay for it." Down the Promenade was a small kiosk selling a variety of things, some of which were a few stuffed animals made of similar material, but the stand had been right in Aoife's range when Shae and Myomoto had been lip-locked.

Myomoto blushed a little as he came to the same conclusion she had. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it saying "Wait here one sec I'll go take care of it."

He strode quickly over to the vedor and explained what had happened. Vendor laughed understandingly and winked at Myo teasingly causing him to blush a little as he paid for it. Before he left the vendor Myo noticed something else and pointed at it. The vendor told him the price and Myo paid it willingly. He walked back towards Shae with a hand behind his back and a grin on his face.

Shae tilted her head curiously. If she had been in her natural form, her ears would have been standing up to emphasize just how curious she was. "Why do you look so pleased with yourself?" she asked suspiciously.

"Tada!" He said triumphantly as he presented her with what he had found. It was a small crystalline figure. It was an animal that vaguely resembled a fox and it was sitting on its haunches in a patch of grass holding what appeared to be some alien analogue of a flower. "It made me think of you two so of course I had to get it."

"Aww, that's adorable!" Shae took the little figurine and turned it over in her hand, watching as the light caught on the many facets. "Thank you," she said sweetly, then kissed him on the cheek, blushing slightly as she did so. It made her feel nice that he associated something so lovely with her; after the war, any sense of self-esteem or self-worth she had from before had been shattered and all that had been left was doubt and self-loathing. But in his eyes, she was beautiful, and she was starting to see it for herself.

Myomoto blushed as well and was glad to see that she liked his gift. He could see it genuinely made her happy. "I'm glad you like it."

"I really do," Shae said, looking at the little fox for a moment longer before putting it into her pocket. She wanted her hand free so she could hold Myomoto's hand again. "That was very sweet. I wish I could do something nice for you now, but I don't have anything to offer."

He took her hand again and tugged her along playfully "Don't worry about it. Your company is gift enough. BUT if you are worried about such things we have lots of time for things like that later."

Shae followed him with a smile; they would have plenty of time now that she was staying on Islandica...

Shae sat back in her chair sipping her tea as she watching Victoria clean the blood out of the carpet. It had been interesting to teach the Counselor how to do it and what she meant when Shae said 'Put your back into it,' but the Allasomorph woman was figuring it out and managing well enough. Eventually, Shae rose and placed a hand on Victoria's shoulder.

"I think you're done, love," Shae said kindly, then went to the replicator to make some fresh tea for the Counselor. Since Vicky had injured herself to prove a point, Shae seemed less averse to contact between them. That wasn't to say that she trusted Vicky or even liked her, but contact had been established and Shae didn't see any point in remaining distant. Besides, Shae needed to practice with this sort of thing anyway.

Vicky leaned back and sat on her ankles as she inspected her work. She was slightly out of breath from working so hard at the floor. "I had no idea blood was so hard to get out of carpet." She still felt queasy seeing her own blood, but at least she had gotten it all cleaned up.

"Just be glad there wasn't much of it to clean up," Shae reminded her, setting tea out on the table. "Run your cleaning supplies back through the replicator then come have some tea and we can talk," she added as she checked on Aoife who was sleeping fitfully in her bassinet.

Vicky stood back up, her legs popping in protest and stiff from being on the floor like that. Then she headed back to the replicator and set her cleaning tools back in the replicator, pressing the recycle button. She then undid the clip holding her hair up, letting it fall away and down before tossing the clip too into the replicator for recycling. Sliding into one of the table's chairs, she glanced around the quarters, waiting for Shae to join her.

Since Aoife was still very upset, Shae opted to just hold her daughter as she slept. Poor little thing didn't like the smell of Vicky's blood or the cleaning supplies, and Shae's feral outburst had left Aoife frightened of the strange woman who had provoked such a strong reaction. Shae gently shushed Aoife's fussing as they returned to the table, settling Aoife to rest against her shoulder and waiting until the infant fell back asleep before speaking again.

"Sorry for making you wait, but she's still upset from earlier," Shae said as she got comfortable in her chair.

"Sorry, I really shouldn't have done that anyway," Vicky apologized softly. "No other way to prove my point came to mind though."

"I think she's more afraid of my reaction when I first saw you," Shae said, smoothing her hand over Aoife's hair. "She knows that when I react like that, it means danger. It will take a while for her to not see you as a threat."

"Considering that I'm a counselor, a lot of people see me as a threat anyway." Vicky was normally patient though, so she could wait. "She's very cute, by the way. Another thing I'm not good with is kids so if I seem awkward around her, that's why."

"Thank you," Shae replied with a slight nod. "And not everyone is meant to be good with kids, so don't worry about it." She paused to take a sip of her tea, moving slowly so she didn't disturb Aoife. "Well, since my schedule is now a bit upside down because of this little upset, and no doubt you would like a bit more information for my psychological evaluation, let's make the best of this time. What would you like to know about me?"

Victoria grinned happily at that, sipping at her own tea. "Thank you. I admit my curiosity, so anything you feel comfortable sharing would be wonderful. There's not much in your files and even less that I'm interested in."

"Well, there will be some things I can't talk about until you've been cleared to know it, but there are plenty of things I can speak freely about. Where would you like me to start?" Shae asked.

"The beginning tends to be a good place. You mentioned something before... Section 31 was it? and that you were taken away?" Victoria queried tenderly. She didn't want to pry too much, but these were things Shae had mentioned earlier.

"Yes..." Shae said uncomfortably. "That's one of the things I will have to dance around, that's all still classified until I've been debriefed and you're cleared to know it, but I will give you what I can." Where to start, though... She sighed as she thought about it. Well, Vicky wanted the beginning.

"I guess to set the scene, I should start with my family. They are human, they adopted me when my father found me on his freighter route. I was a happy child, loved and accepted; Wicklow's the kind of place where you're treated like family even if you're just a friend, so I never felt out of place even though I wasn't human. I followed my brothers into Starfleet; both of my fathers were pilots, so it seemed only natural that I inherit their love of the stars. I saw very little discrimination towards me in Starfleet until the war. The people I worked with and my professors at the University I was attending continued to trust me even once tensions arose, but Command did have me investigated several times as a potential Security risk. And then one night I went to sleep in my dorm only to wake up in a cage in an unfamiliar place. At first they just observed me, but eventually the people keeping me caged started doing things to me, tests and examinations. They didn't treat me like a person, or even an animal, they treated me like a thing. Some of the things they put me through were intentionally degrading, to break me so I would become compliant, but I always resisted them in any way I could." Shae stopped, looking upset over this topic. She blinked away some moisture in her eyes.

Victoria listened attentively as Shae spoke. "That's... appalling. Did you have any idea of who it was or why they were doing it?"

"At first, not at all," Shae said. "I was so scared, but I remembered my Starfleet training and did everything I could to hold onto the belief and hope that I would be rescued. What finally broke me was when the director of the facility came to me and told me that Starfleet was looking for me, but as a deserter. He said that Starfleet believed I had gone to the Dominion. Then he told me who 'they' were and what they wanted from me. I tried to fight it, but eventually I just gave up. I stopped eating, stopped trying to escape or really do anything at all. Starfleet wasn't coming to rescue me, fine, but I wasn't going to let these people just do whatever to me either, I'd rather die. But they found ways to motivate me... Part of their examinations were surgical in nature; I can fool scanners, so sometimes the only way to gather information on how I could shape-shift was to open me up and take a look inside. Well, when I misbehaved, they started doing it while I was fully conscious and without any pain management. After that, I did anything I could to provoke them to kill me, but they never did, so eventually I gave in and became compliant to their wishes."

Victoria continued listening, wondering where her PaDD from earlier had disappeared to. She desperately wanted to take a few notes.

Shae noticed Victoria looking around. "Did you need something, Counselor?" Shae asked. "If you need to go get something, please do. I think I might need a moment before I continue..."

"Thank you, I think I lost my PaDD earlier. Have you seen it?" Vicky said as she stood to look for it. "I need to take a few notes and unfortunately, you were correct, my initial evaluation was... well... crap..."

"I think you dropped it near the bed," Shae said softly, taking a long, thoughtful sip of her tea while she waited for Vicky to retrieve her PaDD and take some notes. "And I wouldn't say it was a crap evaluation, I am traumatized; your initial conclusions were just a bit incomplete."

Heading into the bedroom, Vicky found it and picked it up, returning to the main room. "If it were anyone else, my assessment would have been spot on but you're not anyone else, are you?" Sitting back down, she took a sip of her tea before taking a few notes. "Then again, I'm used to dealing with actually insane people and you seem very sane so far, regardless of what you've been through."

"Well that's a good start," Shae said, trying to smile but it was a bit forced.

"You also haven't attacked me, vomited on me, or thrown a chair in my face so that's positive." Setting her PaDD down, Vicky looked up and folded her hands in front of her. "I'm required to make a psychological evaluation of your current state but it's up to you how far it goes. I can't promise to make anything better, but I can listen and I won't judge you for anything you've done or will do. That's well above my rank. I also promise confidentiality so long as there's no imminent threat of harm to you or anyone else."

"I very nearly attacked you, but in my defense I thought you were a legitimate threat for a moment," Shae replied, looking down at the remnants of her tea in her cup as she swirled it around. "What else do you need to know to make a more complete evaluation?"

"Which is a perfectly normal response, I've seen it quite a few times, actually." Vicky said with a warm smile. "And I'm sorry for startling you. As for what else I need, as much as you're willing to tell me."

"Well, I don't feel up to talking about what happened during the war anymore," Shae said, grateful that Vicky wasn't going to pry. "All I'll say is that I was trained, fitted with a slave device, and then sent to work, and that's stuff I can't talk about. At the end of the war, I heard that Section 31 was being dismantled, but they were sanitizing projects, essentially destroying all the evidence so they wouldn't get into trouble for some of the things that were done. I was one of those projects, so I escaped, I stole a shuttle and got out of there. There was a skirmish as I fled, I lost navigation but I managed to get away. Eventually I made it to the Psi Gamma system, but I crash landed and I have been there ever since, surviving. Well, until the Islandica found me, that is."

"I read about the mission there," Vicky said, glancing down at her PaDD. "It sounded quite dangerous. I have to wonder if we'll have more dangerous missions like that. I personally hope things will be relatively calm but since we're heading into the unknown areas of space, there's no telling what will happen."

"I worry about that as well, especially bringing Aoife along with us, but I'm strangely okay with it," Shae said. "I know it will probably be dangerous, but it can't be anything worse than I've had to live with for the last 20 years."

"That's a good way to look at it. I'll be doubling as a diplomat for the Captain. She practically begged me to come aboard. I just hope I don't disappoint her." Vicky said with a grin.

"Me too," Shae said with an agreeing nod. "There are so many expectations, I hope I can live up to them all."

"So since I now know a fair bit about you, I feel it's only right to return the favor. Is there anything you'd like to know about me?" Victoria asked.

"Please don't be offended, but I'm not really in the mood for socializing right now," Shae said bluntly. "I don't need to know more about you to talk about things for the evaluation. Maybe once I'm more accustomed to socialization again, I'll attempt to get to know you better, but right now I just want to finish this session and be alone for a while."

Vicky nodded and made another note on her PaDD. "Then I guess this concludes our first session. I'll leave how often future sessions are up to you." Finishing her tea, she stood and smiled. "Thank you for your time."

Shae nodded to the Counselor. "I'll be certain to make an appointment once I'm ready to continue."

"Thank you. Please stop by any time, ok?" Vicky said as she headed for the door. She had a lot to think on and an eval to finish.

***Moymoto's Quarters***

Now that things were... Well settled might have been a little optimistic but... Settled, in security Myo figured it would be a good time to check in with the new CO. He looked in the mirror and made sure his uniform was immaculate before heading out.

When Myomoto arrived outside the Captains ready room he took another second to make sure he was ready and rang for entry.

What is this, check out the new pregnant woman day? thought Ronnie as the chime to her Ready Room rang. She let out a small sigh and set her work aside. She knew that is was probably yet another crew member wishing to see her. She understood that the command change of Islandica had taken some of the crew by surprise, probably more of a surprise when she came aboard with her maturnity variant.

"Come in" she said and waited to see who her guest was. When he entered the room, she remembered him from the negotiations. "Ah Lieutenant Myomoto. What brings you to my Ready Room?"

Mark growled in anger as he received the message, and made his way straight for the counselor's office. "Why they have counselor's aboard ships, I don't know. What can they do?" He muttered to himself, as he reached the office. He rang the chime, and waited to be granted entrance. He had, of course, studied the personnel files of everyone on the ship, and he had found some unusual parts to her file, although he wasn't sure he believed all he had read.

Sitting at her desk and typing away, Vicky looked up at the sudden chime. "Come in," she called, tapping her computer terminal off and standing to meet whomever this was at the door.

Mark walked into the room, and looked at the woman in front of him. "Lieutenant Whistler, reporting as ordered." Mark said, his deep voice clearly showing how he felt about counselling.

Now this was odd. Did she request his presence? Vicky came around the desk, picking up a PaDD and glancing at it to see if she had. "I remember sending you an appointment request but as for ordering you to report here immediately... No, here it is. i asked you to schedule an appointment with me at your earliest convenience." Looking up with a smile, Vicky grasped the situation as best she could. "Thank you for arriving so fast. Please have a seat."

Mark sat down. "I've never been one for counselor's. My last counselor actually resigned so they wouldn't have to speak to me again." Mark said. "And if I waited for my convenience, we wouldn't be meeting. Never met a counselor who could understand me. Or anyone who could understand me." He commented.

"That sounds very unfortunate. I'll do my best to understand you then, ok?" Vicky said as she sat down in one of the chairs.

"Good luck." Mark said. "So where do you want to begin?"

"How about a summary of what you were speaking about with your last counselor? I'd like to know what about you made them retire." Vicky said with a warm smile.

"Well, they asked about my childhood, which resulted in some very clear descriptions of how I killed someone at the age of five." Mark said, leaning back in his chair. "The simple fact that a five year old felt no remorse for taking a life sent them over the edge, but on Turalek, there was no room for remorse. There was no law, no rules, except for one; survive." Mark explained.

Vicky blinked at this for a few seconds before replying. "And someone has deemed you sane enough to be in Starfleet?" Then she shrugged it off, making a few notes in her PaDD. "Different way of life there, I suppose. remind me not to visit though."

Mark gave a very brief and small smile. "That would be why the last one resigned. On Turalek, the government fell years ago, at least a hundred years ago. Starfleet decided they'd rather have me as an ally than an enemy, mostly because of your Admiral Quinn. When he was a Lieutenant, he found Turalek, and went on a recon mission. He and his team almost got killed, but I found him and saved him. He promised he'd send help, but no help came, so when Starfleet approached me after I escaped the planet, I didn't want to listen at first. But they offered to help save my sister, so they scored a few points in my book. Last I heard there's a task force on Turalek, trying to bring order to the planet." Mark explained.

"That's good to hear then. Pain really hurts and I would imagine there's a lot of it there." Vicky took a few more notes before proceeding. "Since you seem accepting of all this and you don't seem like the type to go rampaging through the ship killing people... Why do you need therapy?"

"Because Starfleet wants to make sure I don't fall back to my old ways. As I told them, however, I never killed for sport and I never killed unless I had no other choice. I'm not cold hearted. If anything, my code will keep everyone safe." He said. "My adoptive father said every man had to have a code. Mine is family. If you're part of my family, then you're protected by me, and I can make the hard choices others can't." Mark explained.

"I don't think Starfleet likes hard choices even existing. If there's a kinder, gentler method of resolving conflict, I think they'd prefer that as well as people they know would make those choices." Vicky confirmed. "I hate to impose upon you by asking, but am I a part of that family now?"

Mark smiled. "You're part of the crew, so you're on the circle. But to enter the circle...well, if you really want to be there, then it'll happen in time. I warn you now; if you enter that circle, that does mean weekly sunday dinner and me spending a lot of time with you." Mark said.

Smiling back, Vicky set her PaDD aside for the moment. "Sunday is a day of the week. Is a dinner then more special?"

"It's an old earth tradition. My adoptive father had been born on earth, but he had crashed on Turalek when he was a kid with his family. He always had the family gather once a week, on a Sunday, for dinner." Mark replied.

"Ah, that explains it. Tradition can be important. If you ever have a place at your table for a tree like me, I'll be there." Vicky said, her smile brightening.

"A tree, huh?" He asked. He then leant back. "You sure that's what you want? Starfleet puts my kill count at over five hundred. Not many want to get to know me." He said. Inside, however, he was curious. She was definitely not like any counselor he had met with before. She actually wanted to be a part of the family. That never happened.

"It sounds like it might be a good experience, one of the things I left my own reclusive people for." Vicky was more curious than anything, but she knew better than to rush things. This she would take slowly.

"Well then, Sunday, my quarters, twenty hundred. Won't be the only one there, it'll be us and Shae Brennan." Mark said. "I know her from...some time ago."

"Excellent. With Shae there, I shouldn't turn into a tree... I upset her pretty badly earlier and things happened..." Vicky was looking away sheepishly as she said this. "But I think everything is ok now."

"Well, it'll be fine, I'm sure. Hell, let's make it tonight. I'll send Shae a message, and I'll even bring some real wine." He said.

"Sounds perfect. let me know what time and I'll be there." Vicky replied.

"I will." He replied. "Look at that, I come in for counselling, and end up with you coming to dinner. Bet you never expected that when you sent that message. I have to admit, you're nicer than the last counselor. And the one before that tried to shoot me." He said.

Vicky was appalled at that and she looked it. "Shoot you!? That's not a very counselor-like thing to do. Whyever would they try to do that?"

"Something about it being a service to Starfleet. I'm not well liked. He's right now missing a hand and in a secure Starfleet Facility." Mark replied.

"That's also not so good..." Vicky said thoughtfully. "I mean, counselors invariably go crazy but most I've known have come to terms with it at the very least."

"Yes, but most didn't try and make sense of the universe. Everyone sees the way it should be and will try and force it to be that way. He also tried to make sense of my life, and ended up telling himself I deserved to die for my crimes." Mark replied. "There is a darkness in everyone. But how we handle that darkness makes us who we are. Our choices define us." He said.

Looking down at the hand she had cut in front of Shae, Vicky turned a little pale at the memory. "My blood is purple. That's pretty dark. I choose to try not to see it again."

"Doesn't matter what colour your blood is. What matters is what is in your heart." Mark replied.

"Oh you mean a metaphysical manifestation of darkness," Vicky said, realization dawning on her, a warm smile spreading across her face. "I don't think I have any of that."

Mark returned the smile. "Yeah, darkness can't be seen. We all have the darkness, but yours has never had a chance to grow or become worse. Mine is dark, but I control it." He said.

"And a lot better than the inmates on the SS Sanity's End. Those people put new meaning to the word crazy." Vicky replied, still smiling.

"You've never known crazy." He replied. "And be glad for that." He added.

"That's funny, because people call me crazy all the time. Just ask Val, the new CMO." Vicky said, smirking a bit. "Anyway, I have another appointment to prepare for. Hopefully, they're as punctual as you."

Mark stood up. "Thanks for not trying to kill me." He said, with a sly smile.

"I've recently confirmed that I am indeed a pacifist so no worries on that front," Vicky said with a warm smile, also standing to head back behind her desk. "I'll see you tonight!" she added cheerily just before morphing into her tree form.

Mark raised an eyebrow, and smiled as he saw her turn into a tree. "Okay, that's an interesting trick. Guess the file was dead on." Mark muttered, as he turned and left the office. "Yeah, this is gonna be an interesting ship." He said, as he walked away from the counseling office.

Mark sighed as he entered the mess hall. He liked the ship well enough, but it didn't feel like a home to him. Of course, nowhere had really felt like home to him. His home had been a world where it was kill or be killed, with no government or law. And because of it, he was shunned by his family and most civilised people. Not that he cared, but all he wanted was to meet one person who wouldn't see him as a threat.

As he grabbed an orange juice and a plate of fried chicken from the replicator, he went towards a table that had room at it, and noticed how people moved tables to get clear from him. "Cowards." He muttered.

Shae also steered clear of him, but for an entirely different reason; having lived in isolation for 17 years, the Chameloid woman was afraid of contact with others. She timidly stepped around the Intel Officer on her way to the replicator, but then she paused and looked back at him. It couldn't be...

"Excuse me," she said timidly to the tall man. As he turned, her eyes widened when she saw him. That face, those eyes... it was him! "You... how are you here?!" she said in a breathless tone.

Mark looked at her, looking into her eyes before trying to assess her. "Funny thing about an assignment; where I'm assigned, I happen to be there." Mark replied. "Do I know you?" He asked, his deep voice betraying his curiosity.

Shae discretely looked round to make sure no one was watching them, then looked back at him, her face changing slightly and her hair darkening until she looked like someone he had not seen in 18 years. "Now do you recognize me, Mark?" she asked, her voice carrying a different tone, more self-assured. She quickly changed back to her natural facial features, not wanting too many people to know she could do that.

Mark's eyes widened, briefly activating his night implant before deactivating it. He recognised the face alright: It wasn't a face he would be able to forget. "Angela." He said. He looked at her. "I...I thought you had died after you vanished. Carrie...she was upset when you vanished. What were you doing on Turalek?" He asked. "I escaped eight years ago, thanks to an Orion Ship who wanted cheap slave labour. They learnt better." He said, remembering the woman from years earlier.

"I couldn't talk about it then and I can't talk about it now," Shae said quickly. "How is Carrie? Gentle soul, she was not meant for that world. I hope you were able to get her away too!"

"I wouldn't leave her behind. She fell ill; that was why I had to make sure we escaped. Took the whole group with us, bar a few volunteers who remained to keep fighting. Starfleet is there now, but it isn't any better." Mark replied. "Carrie, however, is perfectly fine. She got engaged last month." Mark explained. "And no, she didn't belong there. Neither did you, which was why I did what I did." He said. "What happened afterwards...I take it that wasn't part of your mission?"

"I'm glad she's alright," Shae said with a sigh. "Is there somewhere we can talk? I don't feel comfortable talking about this in the open."

"Yeah. My quarters are very secure." He said, standing up. "Shall we?"

Shae nodded mutely and followed him to his quarters, keeping her distance from him like she was afraid of him, but she wasn't really.

As they reached his quarters, he waited for her to enter, and then sealed the room. He activated his counter measures to ensure no one was listening, and looked at her. "We won't be heard here by anyone." He promised.

"I just need to say I'm not Angela, that person never existed, it was just a cover. I didn't like lying to you or anyone, but... I didn't really have a choice, and it killed me inside to leave you all there when I was done, but I had my orders and... to defy them would have been... I didn't have the courage to defy them anymore," Shae rambled apologetically. "And what happened afterwards... I am so sorry, I didn't want to do it."

Mark tapped his computer, and called up the information he needed. "Shae." He said. "I won't lie and say I'm not hurt by what happened, but you had your orders. You did your duty; can't say fairer than that. Besides, you saved my life and I still owe you for that." He said. "You also saved Carrie's life, and that's a debt I can't repay."

"It wasn't duty," Shae said sadly. "It was madness masquerading as duty... I know that they were before your time, but being in Intelligence, I'm sure you've heard of Section 31... Someone on Turalek had something they needed and I am sorry for what I had to do to get it."

Mark frowned. "Yes, I've heard of Section 31. You're telling me they knew all about Turalek and they did nothing? They just let people die there because they didn't care?" He asked. He made a mental note to try and see if this Section 31 was around still, and if they were...they now had a messenger from Hell as an enemy. And Mark was not someone anyone wanted as an enemy.

"You don't know the half of it..." Shae said sadly. "I'm just glad they're gone. They can't hurt anyone anymore." The relief in her features said more than enough. "'Angela' may have been a cover, but I'd like to think you still knew me well enough to know that if I could have done something to stop all of that madness that I would have."

"Angela...Shae. You saved my sister's life. I don't care what your reasons for being there, you're part of my family. And I always look after my family." He said. "They may be gone, they may not be, but if they show up, I will personally bring them down. And if anyone ever tries to hurt you, they'll find out they messed with the wrong family." He told her firmly.

"Speaking of family, I haven't tried to contact my family to let them know I'm still alive... Would you look into my family, see if they've moved on? I don't to show up back in their lives if they've made peace with how I disappeared," Shae asked, then admitted, "I'm kind of afraid to talk to them. What if they won't accept me after all I've been through, all that I've done?"

Mark nodded. "I'll find them for you." Mark promised. "But you should never be afraid to try. My family don't want to know me; they see me as a murderer. But you never give up on family, even if they give up on you." Mark replied. "Hopefully, they live by the same code."

What Shae didn't know was that her family had never given up on her. Even when Starfleet wanted to declare her dead and honor her a posthumous promotion, her family refused to let Starfleet declare Shae dead. "I haven't seen them in 20 years, I'm not the same person I was then," Shae said with a faraway look in her eyes. then she sighed. "But at least I have a familiar face here. It really does help to know that you understand how difficult it can be to readjust to civilized life."

"Who said I've adjusted?" Mark asked, a hint of humour in his voice. "Before coming aboard, I was assigned to find a kidnapped girl. Found the kidnappers without much problem, beamed them to three different holodecks, and had each one paired with two holograms of their friends. That way, I could kill two of them and question the third, who would be pissing their pants at that stage. Worked like a charm." Mark said. "It was fun too. One of them literally pissed themselves."

"You take way too much pleasure in that sort of thing," Shae said, but if she had to be honest she might have done similar. Not that she would have enjoyed it, though... It was at that time that Aoife decided to make herself known with some jabber. Around Shae's chest was a sash serving as a sling, holding Shae's infant daughter to her back. She normally hold Aoife in front of her, but she was trying something new. "Oi, I haven't forgotten about you..." Shae muttered as she worked Aoife to the front of the sling. Then she looked up at Mark with a meek smile. "A lot has changed since you last saw me..."

Mark's eyes widened slightly. "Yes, so I gather." He said, looking at the baby. "How did you hide her so well? I didn't even notice her." He said. "Then again, I was taken back with seeing you here. What else has changed since we last saw one another?" He asked, as he took hold of Aoife's hand. "Hello there." He said.

"Oh, nothing much, just spent 17 years isolated on a primitive planet... You know, the usual," Shae said in mock nonchalance as Mark shook Aoife's hand. Aoife just loved meeting new people, much to Shae's chagrin. "I crash landed on Psi Gamma IV after escaping from Section 31. I'm no engineer, I couldn't fix my ship, and with the planet being so primitive, I was stuck there. I rescued the away team when they angered the locals, so that's how I ended up here on the ship."

"Believe me, I know that feeling." Mark said. "Seventeen years though...I was born into the chaos. You were forced into it. You shouldn't have been. No one deserves that life." Mark said, smiling down at Aoife.

"I'm working on getting my commission back, maybe even try to finish my doctorate. I don't want to be a spook anymore, I was scientist before all this! But so much has changed, it's a lot to try to get back," said Shae.

"Remember one thing: People, jobs, all of that comes and go. But what matters is the people in your life. You need help with anything, all you have to do is ask." Mark promised.

"Thank you, Mark," Shae said, a genuine smile finally working its way onto her face. "Maybe now you can get to know the real me and not that person I was pretending to be back on Turalek." She certainly had seemed more self-assured back then, definitely a lot bolder. "Assuming I even know who the real me is anymore..."

Mark flashed her a warm smile. "We'll find the real you, have no fear. You need to look inside of yourself, but I'll help you as best I can." Mark said.

"How do yo do it, Mark?" Shae asked, looking so lost and alone as those words spilled from her lips. "Surviving is one thing, but how do you live after something like what we've been through? I've been alone so long that all I want to do is run away and hide!"

Mark took her hand in his. "By remembering that we're still here. For many people, taking a life is unthinkable. But I don't care how much Starfleet pretends, life is never fair. It's a dark universe, and we did what we did to survive. That's what it's about; surviving. Morals...they're something imposed by the civilised to make sense of what can't be made sense of. You want to know how I do it? It's simple. I live, and so do you." He said.

Shae looked at her hand in his. Like with Myomoto, Mark was probably the only other person she was not afraid of contact with. Maybe it was because she knew exactly what he was capable of, or maybe because she knew he wouldn't ever hurt her... Either way, she allowed the contact even though she was a bit uncomfortable with it. "I'm trying... I definitely don't want that life for Aoife."

"I don't either. She's your daughter, so she's part of my family too. And she'll never have to live the life we've had to." He said. "And remember, you're never alone."

"Thank you," Shae said softly. "Hey, are you still doing those family dinners?" she asked. She had loved those dinners back on Turalek; for a moment it felt like being back in Wicklow sharing a meal with her brothers. With all the stress she'd been under lately, she could use a 'family' moment.

"Yeah, let's have one tonight." Mark said. "It'll be nice to be able to relax." He said, with a smile.

"Sounds great, I'll be there," Shae said. "I should probably get going, I've got so much to do. But I'm glad to see you again, and relieved that you and your sister finally made it off that godforsaken planet."

"So am I." Mark admitted, with a smile as he unsealed his quarters. "I'm always around should you need to chat."

"And I'm sure you'll be able to find my quarters if you need to find me..." Shae offered him another smile, then headed out.

Mark watched her leave, and then sat down at his computer, making a note and starting to track down the information she had asked for. He couldn't help but he surprised by the turn of events, but he also activated the second computer terminal he had installed, an extremely secure console, which he started to research anything related to Section 31. If they had known about his world, and had done nothing...well, he would track down anyone still hiding, and when he found them, he would make sure they regretted their actions.

Captain Ronnie Ronai had been making an effort to meet with the various members of the crew, especially those who composed her Senior Staff. She was not quite sure how she felt about the Intelligence Department aboard her new starship. The Diligent-class starship was not all that large of a vessel. She questioned the reasoning of an Intelligence Department, and had already moved one intelligence officer fully to the Security department, having Myomoto take over said department.

She entered the Intelligence Center and found the man she was looking for. She had looked over his personnel file, wondering why on earth she of all Commanding Officers had to end up with this man. He had been aboard under Commander Vene, but next to the Antican who she had already sent packing, this man would have been the next.

"Lieutenant Whistler" she said sternly, calling attention upon herself.

Mark looked up from the information on his screen, stating that the girl he had helped rescue was settled with her family and seeing a counselor, and then shut off the screen. "Captain Ronai." He greeted, standing up and coming face to face with her.

She approached the man who met her face to face. "I suppose I should start off by apologizing for taking Lieutenant Myomoto from you. However, with Mr. Zev leaving us for a mission, I needed an experienced man fronting the Security department of this ship" she explained.

"I've read the Lieutenant's file. He'll make an excellent choice for Security Chief." Mark said. "Besides, I often work better alone. Not many people can keep up with me." He said.

Ronnie nodded. "Do you have any questions or concerns that I should be made aware of, Lieutenant? Any intelligence matters?"

"A few, yes. I was preparing a report, but since you're here." Mark said, going over to a holographic display unit he had installed. Activating it, a face appeared. "This is Lance Dragoon, known as the Dragon. I know, very imaginative." Mark said. "He's wanted for acts of terrorism, theft, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and many other colorful charges. I've just received intelligence that he might be in the sector, so he's someone we need to keep an eye out for. He's got the death penalty in three systems, and Starfleet thinks he works for someone even worse, so they want him alive. There's also intelligence that he's working with a group who wants Starfleet Equipment, but no idea what. I'd say we need to keep an eye for him." Mark explained.

The Captain threw her hands up and let out a heavy sigh. "Who doesn't want to get their filthy hands on Federation Starfleet technology. Hell, they may even make an attempt to get the starship. It certainly would not be the first time" replied Ronnie shaking her head.

"This dragon...do we know what type of vessel he operates out of?" she asked, hoping for some information that could give her and her crew the upper hand should they run into this man.

"No one knows, although we know it's fast and has a cloaking device. It'll be small enough to outfly most ships, but big enough for a cloak and a good warp engine." Mark replied. "If he's in the sector, then I think he may make an attempt on our ship. We have the newer technology, we're small, and relatively new so bugs won't be noticed. I've got a computer program sweeping through the main computer all the time, just in case, and I'm noting any communications going in or out. No guarantee, but hopefully it'll help." Mark replied. "The rumour is that he's a part of the Circle of Eternity. I've been tracking them for three years now, taken out a few of their people, but they always kill themselves rather than let themselves be captured, so if he is a part of the Circle, then I'd love to get my hands on him."

Ronnie shook her head and scoffed. "Circle of Eternity" she said making a note of the name. "Lieutenant, can you put a report together on this group and have it on my desk before we disembark?" asked the Captain. "I have heard the name before, but I do not know them personally" she added.

Mark handed her a PADD. "Already done." He said. "These guys aren't advertised, and they work better in shadow. They want people to fear them, and advertising them doesn't make people afraid." Mark said. "I've taken out two groups who had similar aspirations, but these guys are...well, they remind me of Turalek, and one of the gangs there. They called themselves the Black Thorn and kept everyone afraid. Well, almost everyone." He said.

She accepted the PaDD and skimmed over it. "Not the sort of folk you'd bring home to meet the parents" she commented as she looked at some of the details on known members of the group. "I honestly am not too pleased with having an Intelligence Department aboard my starship, but you are beginning to show some worth."

"Which is why Starfleet decided they wanted me to enlist. They told me they wanted to use my skills to help them." Mark commented. "I will admit, I never expected to see so many criminals in gangs." He said.

"Well, I never expected to see myself as a Starfleet Officer, let alone one that ended up in a command uniform" commented Ronnie. "Do not get too comfortable, Lieutenant. You have proven yourself useful, but I still am not fond of an Intelligence Department, and no less you. No offense. I just do not agree with Starfleet's decision to put you through an advanced course at the academy to speed you through, throw you into a uniform and slap on a rank pip then promote you every couple of years."

"What part don't you agree with? The fact that they did it or because of my history?" Mark asked. Personally, he didn't care. But he wanted to know exactly where he stood. Was the Captain going to be an ally, or an obstacle? He knew the next few minutes might very well define his time aboard the Islandica...

Ronnie placed a hand on her hip and looked at the man with some scrutiny. "Maybe a little bit of both, Lieutenant. I do not really care where you came from or what you did. We have plenty of people with histories that are complicated. I suppose that I just have concerns with Starfleet taking you in the way they did. I would rather you went through four years of Starfleet Academy or had a previous education from some higher educational institute."

"The way Starfleet saw it, they wanted me working for them, rather than have someone hire me and work against them. My oldest brother, who is a Starfleet Captain, warned them against recruiting me. My other brother, also a few years older, said that I'd be a good recruit. Plus, your Admiral Thomas Quinn found my world when I was 23, and saw what I could do. He suggested a task force be sent to my world when he met me, as a Lieutenant Commander, but Starfleet disagreed." Mark said. "So whether they feel guilty for not stepping in sooner, or because they fear the kind of enemy I could be, they brought me in and put me to work as soon as they could." Mark added. "And I won't apologise for it."

"And I will not apologize for having my concerns about you" replied the Captain. "You are here now, and there is no reason to have you transferred out of here. So, we can just agree to disagree and leave it at that. Do your job and I will do mine."

Mark nodded. "Fair enough." He replied. "I'll do my job, and I'll do it well." He said. He buried a sigh. He knew he wasn't going to be welcomed by everyone, so it came as no surprise what the Captain had said. But he would get the job done, no matter what.

"That is all I ask, Lieutenant...just do your job well" added Ronnie.

"Speaking of my job, I need you to sign off on this. I'm making some changes to the office. I don't know who built this place, but it's not quite...suitable. It's more suited to a medical office." Mark said. "If you approve it, I've got an estimate that it could be done within a day."

Ronnie sighed and rolled her eyes slightly. "I thought you were an Intelligence Officer, not an interior designer" she quipped. Taking the PaDD, she agreed and signed off on the changes. "You have less than 24 hours to have this work completed."

"I can be both when needed. Starfleet makes their design, but never takes the actual need into account. Thank you ma'am." Mark said, as he sent a note to the engineering team who had agreed to help him set up the intelligence office. "Also, last report for you, from Starfleet Intelligence. Number of Orion Operations in the area, all ships have been sent the same alerts." Mark said, handing another PADD to her.

Captain Ronai nodded. "We're docked at a Ferengi space station near Ferengi space... Orion activity is not surprising, but it is wise to be on alert nonetheless."

"I'll be going onto the station shortly anyway, I need to make contact with some people who might have more information on the Circle of Eternity." Mark said. "If I find anything, I'll send you a report right away." He added. "There is one more thing, however. What's your policy on uniform? The Starfleet Uniform is a little...constricting. I'll wear it if you prefer, but I'd like to avoid it if I can."

"Get used to it" replied Ronnie shaking her head. "Trust me, this maternity variant is only slightly more comfortable than the regular thing. You'll get used to it, Lieutenant. This a Starfleet vessel and my officers will look the part. I won't have someone walking around in a leisure suit or catsuit with a comm badge slapped onto it" said Ronnie

She flashed a small smile at the man. "Just get your ass back onto the ship before we embark on our mission. Once we leave, I am not turning this ship around."

"Yes ma'am. I'll be back on time, have no fear." He promised, with a nod.

"Good" she replied simply. The Captain turned and headed out of the Intelligence Center.

*Small cargo vessel - ISS Kinah*

After years of being stuck on this stupid station, Riddly Piddler had finally caught a break! She'd been commissioned by some random guy who had apparently heard of her skills, and wanted her to steal what they had called a deflector dish from the small fleeter ship that was docked.

The money they'd given her up front was enough to procure a small cargo vessel, which someone was just desperate to get rid of, and it was now sitting just off the docking ring, but was not docked. She had been hoping for more, but the amount that was promised for success would be enough to get her away from this station for good.

She scanned the fleeter ship for the device, and found it. Lucky for her, it was small enough to fit in her hold. "Computer, lock onto the tagged device, and beam it into the cargo hold."

Moments later, she was rewarded with an on-screen message showing that the transport was complete. "Yes!!" She exclaimed, then set a quick course towards the expanse at the transport's maximum speed of warp 4.

"Computer, open an encrypted channel to the Venture." After a moment, the computer chimed, and after a moment, the image of a white haired woman appeared on the screen. Riddly gave her a big excited grin as she said what came to her mind, before the other woman could even get the first word in. "I did it!" She said with a laugh. "Those fleeters ain't getting very far without their deflector dish!"

"You stupid girl, I told you not to take that job!" M'Rissa said, working furiously at her console to alter course to intercept the smaller cargo vessel. "I hope you're getting paid good for this, and that it can buy your way outta prison!" But hell, at least it would be a Federation penal colony, away from this dump and 3 square meals a day, the kid could do worse...

"What are you talking about?" Riddly asked, still finding humor in the situation. "Their ship is stuck without this thing! By the time they catch me, I'll have my latinum, and be long gone!"

"Little fool! They have shuttles! They ain't just gonna stand there with their thumbs up their asses, they're gonna come after you! And there's no way you can outrun them in that piece of shit little ship," M'Rissa stated simply. "I'm on an intercept course. If you have any sense left in that brain of yours, you'll dock in my cargo hold and hope like hell I can find a way to get you out of this."

Riddly rolled her eyes at M'Rissa. "Fine fine, just hurry up!" She replied, with some of that teenage defiance in her voice. "If we deliver it deliver it, we'll both be rich enough to just disappear."

Tag

*Islandica Bridge - Same time*

Lieutenant JG Ranav Brott was on the bridge of the Islandica. He wasn't sure if it was because he was the new guy or if it was because he aggravated the Captain by assuming she had a mate. Overall, Ranav was well rested, just joining the crew. It wasn't like a lot was going to happen while they were docked.

Though they were still docked at Glebben station, members of the crew were still required to take shifts for repairs, and to provide the ship with a skeleton crew. Without any warning, the ship's alert condition changed from blue to red, and the alert klaxxons began to sound.

"Oh dear!" Brott exclaimed, "What's this all about?"

Checking the readout on the display, he understood that a positron deflector dish was missing. how could that happen? And I've already got off on the wrong foot with both the Captain and Commander Se'Lah! Ranav knew the positron deflector dish was for their shields. Without it, they had a soft spot in their defenses.

Ensign Storme had been under the helm console checking relays when klaxon began. He banged his head slightly trying to jump out from under there quickly. He thought he had hurt himself, because he saw red flashing, but then realized what was taking place.

The lieutenant checked the sensors and noticed a cargo ship just big enough to hold the dish was heading away from the Islandica. "I see you said the spider to the fly," Lieutenant Brott said out loud. "Bridge to Security...we've just had a small cargo ship pilfer one of our deflector dishes!"

Before Security could even respond, Ranav contacted the Captain and Commander Se'Lah. He repeated the same information to them, adding that it was a positron deflector dish. "Security has been alerted," he informed them. I'm just not having a good start here; I just can't get a break!

Storme sat down at the helm and hurriedly determined how quickly they could launch the Islandica from its birth. What he found was not good. Why had he not seen this before?

***Myomoto Quarters***

Joseph had just began to settle in for the evening when the ship suddenly went to red alert. Before he could contact the bridge to find out what happened he heard the call for security. =/\= Myomoto to bridge can you get a lock on me and beam me directly over to that ship? Give me 3 minutes to get ready.=/\= He immediately ran to his storage locker and entered the key sequence to open it. As quickly as he could he removed his personal combat suit and put it on. As he waited for the response he began his precombat ritual to both psych himself up and impose a forced calm.

***Bridge***

Lieutenant JG Brott didn't understand Lieutenant Myomoto desiring to be transported alone on the other ship. No one knew what awaited him on the other side. He checked sensors once again and notice only one being on the cargo ship. He kept track of the coordinates and began counting down three minutes.

=^= Bridge to Lieutenant Myomoto, I have a lock on you. Are you sure you wish to do this alone? Should you not take someone with you? =^=

***Myo Quarters***

Joseph smiled at the other officers concern and replied "Trust me I will be fine. I have the training, experience, and the gear." He chuckled as he finished "Oh baby do I have the gear." His voice carried a mixture of excitement and pride. He was finally going to field test his newly designed suit. "Keep a lock on me when I am over there and be ready to beam me out if I call for it or you can beam reinforcements over when they are ready. I wanna get the jump on them before they get too far."

***Bridge***

Ranav was relieved. Thank the gods for security! This guy is really brave! Or crazy! I hope I get to meet him someday!

=^= Energizing, Lieutenant! =^=

As Ranav hit the buttons for transport, the computer came to life with an alert tone. "Warning! Unable to transport. Specified coordinates are not within transporter range."

"Great Bird!" Ranav exclaimed. He adjusted the coordinates back to the starting point. Hopefully, he hadn't lost Myomoto. All he could do was envision the lieutenant floating around in space, his body compressing in upon itself. "Great Bird of the galaxy, help me get this man back!"

When the transporter stopped, Ranav was quick to inquire, =^= Bridge to Lieutenant Myomoto...do we have you back?"

The turbolift doors had opened and Captain Ronai had exited onto the Bridge, not pissing around. She had come immediately from the quarters just wrapped in a blue-grey maternity robe, tied around the waist. She did not need to be in a damn uniform to bring her commanding tone to the surface.

"What the hell was he thinking?" asked Ronnie as her eyes shot a gaze upon the Bolian Chief Science Officer.

"I'm sorry for the disturbance, Captain," Ranav explained. Brott had already insulted the Captain. He felt, despite his efforts to please, he was frustrating his superiors. Myomoto did tell Ranav to transport him. However, the Lieutenant was not aware how far the two ships were from the other.

Storme took a second to glance behind him at the Science officer then to the Captain. Turning back quickly to face front, he wish he hadn’t looked. He felt bad for the mousey Bolian. And how was he ever going to get the visual of a pregnant robed woman on the bridge out of his mind? He wasn’t sure.

"I take full responsibility, Captain," Lieutenant Brott answered, lowering his bald head. "Lieutenant Myomoto was not aware the ship was out of range. I should have been."

Ronnie shook her head in utter disbelief and frustration. "You should have been aware of that, Lieutenant" she noted, flashing a look at the Bolian. "However, Mr. Myomoto should be well aware of protocol. All away teams must consist of at least two members" she recited with a heavy sigh.

The woman waited to hear Myo report that he was back in one piece. I cannot lose someone under my command already she told herself as she nervously waited. Is this a starship or a Cadet training vessel? she pondered as she thought about the mistakes being made.

A few seconds later, the front of the bridge lit up with another transporter beam. Se'Lah transported onto the Bridge with her gun in hand. It wasn't raised, but it was easy to see she was ready to use it at a moment's notice. She looked between the Captain, and the new Science officer with a raised eyebrow. "What did I miss?" She asked simply, putting her gun away.

"Oh" Ronnie began shaking her head. "Little boy blue over here blew his horn, and we all came runnin', but not before our crazy Marine played hero and tried to transport over to the vessel that stole our deflector dish" explained Ronnie to her First Officer.

She looked at Se'Lah with concern. "We're dead in the water without our deflector as I am sure you have surmised logically."

"I recommend pursuing them with the Iceland, Captain." Se'Lah gave her recommendation without missing a beat. "I can have a team ready to go in just a few minutes."

Without turning Theron’s eyebrows raised in interest concerning the runabout.

Captain Ronai gave Se'Lah a quick nod. "Make it so, Commander, and take Ensign Storme with you" instructed Ronnie.

"Yes, Captain." Se'Lah replied simply. While she didn't know yet just what kind of ship took the dish, she hoped the Iceland would be sufficient to catch them.

The Captain shot a look towards the helmsmen. "How is your piloting skills, Ensign?"

Storme turned quickly, “Excellent Captain.”

"Up for a little hot pursuit?" she asked with a small smile.

He hoped that the excitement he felt inside was not showing on his face. “Yes Captain." Storme replied and stood. "We can launch the shuttle in under 60 seconds.” He was ready to run to the turbolift, but knew to wait for the leadership.

Ranav was determined to see this thing through to the end. The dish was stolen on his watch. It was his carelessness that almost sent Lieutenant Myomoto's particals to the middle of nowhere. It was true that Lieutenant Brott felt the need to redeem himself.

"Captain," Ranav expressed, picking up the courage, "I respectfully request to be with the away team."

"That is up to Commander Se'Lah" replied Ronnie as she looked at her First Officer.

"Permission granted, Lieutenant." Se'Lah replied, giving Brott a simple look. "Perhaps it will be a learning experience."

=^=Thortin to bridge!=^= Boomed Jacob's voice over the comm. =^=Did someone just steal my deflector dish?! He roared in fury. =^=What in the hell is going on up there?!=^=

Theron cringed slightly still standing near the Helm. This was typically when he got in trouble and wasn't sure what to do, except be ready. He turned to the Helm console and quickly sent a message to the shuttle bay, instructing to do a preflight for the Iceland. This was definitely in his prerogative.

Se'Lah sighed lightly as her emotional control slipped, allowing her emotions to surface. "Storme, Brott, go... You have 5 minutes to have the shuttle ready to go." She ordered, then tapped her communicator. =A= The deflector was stolen by an unidentified vessel. Please go to the shuttle bay. Once we find them, we may need you to help retrieve it. =A=

"Aye, Commander!" Lieutenant Brott expressed. He was thrilled the Commander had given him the opportunity to follow this through to the end.

He looked at the Ensign as he headed for the turbo lift. "Let's go, Ensign. We'll have to swing through security to pick up some phasers."

Mark sighed as he walked into the ship's sickbay, and went over to the first person he saw. "I'm Lieutenant Whistler, reporting for my medical." Mark said formally, by way of introduction.

"Odd, we don't have anyone on the schedule," a corpsman answered, picking up a PaDD and looking at it. "Hey, doc, are you expecting anyone?"

"...no?" Puzzled, Valyre came over to see what the disconnect was. She hadn't even gone through to see who all was due for a physical yet, so she hadn't called anyone in. "Name and rank?" she asked her visitor, taking the PaDD so that the corpsman could return to his other duties.

"Mark Whistler, Lieutenant, Chief Intelligence Officer." Mark replied, fighting the urge to roll his eyes. ~No one ever expects me.~ Mark thought.

Upon hearing the words 'intelligence officer', the worm in Valyre's belly flicked its tail in a distressed fashion, and she briefly clenched her jaw against the sensation. Stop it, she thought firmly in Reen's direction. He's a patient like anyone else and you're just going to have to deal with it. The distressed movements stopped, but the overall feeling she got from Reen was sulking and fear. She ignored it, pulling up Whistler's medical file. "Right, here you are... and look at that. You're due for a physical. I apologize for not knowing immediately about it... I'm new to the ship and haven't had time to go through everyone's files yet."

"It happens." Mark said. "I don't know if my last records have arrived yet. They only go back about eight years though, but that's all Starfleet has on me." Mark said.

"Well, I'll take what I can get. No sense stressing over information that's not available." Valyre made a note to watch for any additional incoming files about the lieutenant then passed the PaDD to a passing corpsman. "Have a seat on one of the beds and we'll get started."

Mark nodded, and sat down on the nearest biobed. "Whenever you're ready." Mark said.

"Any issues you want to tell me about?" Even as she spoke, Valyre was already beginning her scans, taking note of interesting things she found. Intraocular implants, evidence of permanent steroidal enhancements... and damage. All healed, but with visible scarring in nearly every scan image. "You have more scar tissue in your body than most people have blood. What's all this from?"

"From childhood. I grew up on Turalek. World had no law, no justice, and only the rule of survival. Forced to fight from an early age, got into my first battle at five, killed my enemy, became part of my clan. Implants and steroids came at the age of ten. By then, I'd already killed about twelve people." Mark explained. "Starfleet may want to think everyone is civilised, but they've never known what life is really like."

"Starfleet's rosy outlook on life is a bit silly, yes." Valyre ignored the quivering symbiont in her belly, trying to brush aside its memories of its two hosts that had been murdered. Unfortunately, both murders had been subsequent hosts - the two most recent hosts before Valyre was joined - and she faltered slightly in her scans. The silly worm was making her hands shake! You're supposed to make me calmer and wiser, not projecting your memories on me. Quit it.

Mark frowned as he noticed the subtle shaking of the woman's hands. "Everything okay?" He asked.

"Reen is being a little coward, doesn't like the talk of killing people. The last two hosts were both murdered, and the worm has a complex about it." Through sheer force of will, Valyre stilled her hands and went back to work. "Symbionts feel emotions more strongly than hosts do... when they deign to feel anything at all. They're strange little creatures sometimes."

"And some let their emotions rule them." Mark said. "I've encountered Trill's before. Never fully understood them, of course. But I will admit that I've always found the joining...unusual." He said, deciding not to reveal the fact that not only had he met Trill's before, he'd been forced to kill at least two.

"Reen's usually not this bad. I think we've just found one of its trigger points is all." As the conversation turned toward less unpleasant topics, the symbiont relaxed, releasing the grip it had been holding over Valyre's emotional responses. "And I don't think there's a soul out there that does understand Trills, especially those of us who are joined. We don't even understand each other."

"Maybe you're not meant to. After all, to fully understand someone, you have to be that person. Yes, Trill's know what the symbiote has been through, and the symbiote knows what the host has been through, but it's different when in the moment. No memory can ever do that justice." Mark commented.

"Mister Whistler, you are far too clever for your own good." Valyre laughed a little, closing her tricorder. "And healthy as a horse, despite your scars and... modifications. Most of the scar tissue is far too old for me to do much about, and if it's not causing you any pain I see no reason to mess with it."

"I stopped feeling pain for my wounds ages ago. That's the trouble with living my life; pain is part of the job. Still, nice to know I'm in good health." Mark said.

"Then no point in trying to fix it." Valyre tucked her tricorder into a labcoat pocket. "Unless you have anything you want to bring up, you're free to go."

"Can't think of anything." Mark said. "Thanks Doc." He said, with a small smile.

"You're welcome." Usually one to linger and chat for a while, Valyre quickly retreated to find another task. It wasn't that she didn't like the guy... the worm was just so jumpy and anxious that getting away was her only option.

Getting off the bed, Mark headed out of Sickbay, and resolved to find out more about the doctor. He had never been sure what to make of Trill's, but he did like to know more about the people he would be working with.

As Myomoto left the room, Se'Lah turned back to her new commanding officer. "What I have to tell you is classified, and is on a need-to-know basis." She pulled a PADD from her pocket, tapping a few buttons on it, before handing it over. "Before I can tell you anything, I need you to verify your identity, and clearance level with your thumb print."

Ronnie looked at the woman with a scowling expression and a hand placed on her hip. "My patience is rather thin, Lieutenant Commander" replied the Trill. "You see me here, you see these rank pips and believe me, I was enjoying my vacation time on the beaches on New Sydney before being brought here. You want to verify my identity...it's one angry pregnant woman who is confused at times about who the hell she is and why she is a she" added Ronnie.

She extended her hand and placed her thumb on the PaDD "Scan the damn thing" she added with a groan. "So, what's the verdict? Am I or am I not, Captain Korin Ronai?" asked the pregnant Commanding Officer.

Se'Lah looked at the PADD, then put it back in her pocket, looking back at Ronnie. If she was in any way bothered by the woman's attitude, she didn't show it. "You are who you say you are, however technically, your clearance isn't high enough. Since you're my commanding officer, I'm gong to tell you anyway." She explained simply. "Up until two months ago, I was stationed undercover on Starbase 122 as part of an Intelligence sting operation, until an explosion robbed me of my memories. I have since been cleared for duty, and stationed on the Islandica. The reason that this is considered classified is that if were to get back to those who set off the explosion that I am still alive, my life, and the lives of anyone near, or involved with me would be in grave danger." The information was simple, and to the point, but there was no mistaking it's serious nature. "Only one other on the ship knows where I was stationed, or about my previous assignment for that very reason."

Ronnie nodded understandingly. She had never been in Intelligence nor Security in anyway, at least not in this lifetime. However, she could follow what her First Officer was telling her. "No worries, Commander" said Ronnie in a calm manner. She let out a sigh and looked at the woman. "If you are ever the reason that the ship is placed in danger and the lives aboard are at risk, I will do whatever I must to protect this crew."

"I would expect nothing less." Se'Lah replied without missing a beat. "In fact, if it comes down to it, I would sacrifice myself to save the lives of this crew. I may be Vulcan, and I may not have any memories prior to two months ago, but I am not without compassion, Captain."

"Well, that makes one of us" replied Ronnie with a smirk. "I lost my compassion a while back. I am learning how to get it back, but it may be gone for good" added the Captain. She studied the Vulcan. "If it comes down to it, Commander, I will not hesitate to push buttons or do what it takes. I may not be Vulcan, but I can push my emotions aside to make the tough decisions."

It was at this moment that Se'Lah's emotional control slipped, allowing her calm emotions to surface. She found that she was inwardly glad this hadn't happened during the negotiations. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." Though her reply was logical, it was easy to hear the changes in her voice, brought on by her surfaced emotions.

"Emotions, Commander?" asked Ronnie with subtle surprise, but also quite interested in this fact. "You are correct that the needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few or one. However, if I have it in my ability to take care of the needs of the few or one, I will."

"Occasional lapses in my emotional control are an unfortunate side effect of my injuries, and is something that may very well never be regained." Se'Lah explained, then gave the woman a smirk. "I wouldn't exactly give up without a fight, Captain."

The Captain nodded gently. "I understand. The occasional lapse and emotional display is alright, Commander. It isn't anything that you can control and is a result of your injuries. It does not make you any less of a Vulcan and certainly not any less of an officer" said Ronnie reassuringly.

"One more thing, Captain." Se'Lah sighed as she thought about the trouble her next words could bring down on her. "The weapons, and shields are not actually damaged. We received a communication from the USS Missouri while en route to the station. Information I requested was sent both before, and after I requested it... each time, sent from a different location." At that moment, Se'Lah's emotions disappeared as her Vulcan control slipped back into place. "Since they were asking us to rendezvous at an unfamiliar location while there was already damage to the ship, I told them that our defenses were down... I set a trap."

Ronnie took in this information slowly and gave a small smile in Se'Lah's direction. "Nice work at playing dead, Commander. Though, I believe it is time to get all systems back and operational. We need to look alive. Have we received any further information on the USS Missouri?"

"She docked shortly after we did, but I have not actually met with her Captain." Se'Lah said. "Frankly, I'm not sure how, or even if I should inform her that I was.. playing dead... as you put it."

"Better that she meet you than me. I do not know if I would be very pleasant with her Captain after hearing what you've told me" replied Ronnie. "Perhaps we should just avoid the matter all together?"

"If I run into her, and the subject of the weapons, and shields comes up, I just won't mention my deceit." Se'Lah replied simply. "My guess is that would be the best option."

Ronnie nodded simply. "Proceed at your discretion, Commander" replied the Captain.

Lieutenant JG Ranav Brott was a perplexed man. This would be normal from time-to-time. However, the ongoing conflict had been going on within him now for the past eleven years. He was normally a peaceful man; Ranav preferred doing his work in peaceful moments. In fact, archaeology was difficult during chaos.

Since his family was murdered though, one prevailing thought echoing in his mind was revenge. The Federation had pursued and taken care of the justice against those who were responsible. However, Ranav could not get away from holding the entire Cardassian race responsible. After all, their culture, their way of life, dictated the death of Ranav's family.

Picking up courage to discuss this feeling with someone, Lieutenant Brott decided the ship's counselor may be able to help. This help would be confidential. He definitely did not want the revenge factor to affect his work.

Vicky was in her tree form, standing there by her desk and enjoying just existing. The air was good, if still. The temperature was good. Even the lights were just bright enough. If a tree could sigh in contentment, she would.

Ranav's mind was so much on his problem, he entered the counselor's office without announcing his presence. Glancing around the office and seeing no one present, Ranav just figured he'd send her a message requesting an appointment once he got back to his office. Shrugging his shoulders, the Bolian turned to leave.

"May I help you?" Vicky asked, reverting back to her normal form.

"Great Bird!" the startled CSO exclaimed as he jumped and clutched his chest, thinking that it surely would have stopped. He turned to see a top heavy lady standing in the place where a tree was just seconds before.

"I didn't see you," Ranav began to stammer. "Were you... I thought...Oh my..." Maybe he was going crazy. "I need the counselor."

"I'm the counselor. What can I do for you?" Vicky asked, pretending everything was normal and smiling brightly as she picked up a PaDD.

"I just need to process something so I don't go crazy," the Lieutenant desperately stated. He rubbed his blue bald head. Thinking he might already be there, he asked, "Were you standing there when I came in? I could have sworn there was a tree there."

"Yes, I was standing there..." Vicky said, pausing dramatically. "And I was a tree."

"Hmmm," Ranav's lips were pursed as he was deep in thought. "Are your ancestors descended from trees as mine are porpoises?"

This made Vicky slightly curious about her own ancestry as well. "No, I think we evolved from a collection of amino acid jelly. I just turn into a tree now and then because it's very relaxing."

"Sort of like the way I feel in the water," the Lieutenant replied.

Vicky smiled warmly at that thought. "Is there something I can help you with? Do you need to talk about something?"

"Yes," Ranav admitted. "I have a conflict going on in my mind. I feel as if it is driving me crazy!"

"Then please, sit down and tell me about it. Let's see if we can work through this together." Vicky said with a smile as she sat down in one of her chairs.

Lieutenant Brott sat down. He placed his bald head in his hands, his arms braced by his elbows on the arms of the seat. "I am generally a friendly, jovial, happy, and sincere person of servitude," the Bolian began. "However, for the past eleven years, a hatred for the Cardassian race has festered within me. It is at conflict with my natural character."

"Why the Cardassians?" Vicky asked, guessing it might have something to do with the war. How long ago was that again? She also made a few notes on her PaDD.

"Eleven years ago," Ranav repeated lifting his head and watching her take her notes. "Do you know anything about Cardassian fashion, Counselor?"

"Fashion? No, I've seen a few pictures but it was mostly various Cardassians in uniforms." Vicky said, wondering where this was going.

"The females consider Bolian skin outfits as high fashion," Ranav explained. "My mother, father and sister were killed for their skin." There was anger in his voice; tears formed in his eyes.

Vicky just set her PaDD aside and stared in disbelief. She didn't understand why some people would adorn themselves with the furs or skins of some animals in the first place and yet here was this... Beings that were considered equal being treated as fashion trophies.

"You are only the second person I've told," Brott confirmed. "I've been bottling it up for eleven years. But then I've heard Miss Brennan has experience with Cardassians from the war. I've asked her for pointers in case I ever see one face-to-face."

"I recommend avoiding them," Vicky said, still a bit stunned. "And to find something to help bring balance and enjoyment back into your life as well as meditation. Also, do you know what happened to those that did that?"

"Being on a starship, I'm not sure how long I can avoid them. At least we are going into the expanse and are less likely to see any there." Ranav uncomfortably continued, "StarFleet destroyed the facility and tracked down the Cardassians responsible. Justice was served to them by photon torpedoes."

"Has justice been served in your eyes?" Vicky asked simply, finally recovering from her shock.

"Perhaps for those particular individuals," Brott truthfully answered. "But it still goes on and I've got to be able to defend myself against the threat of it happening to me or anyone else I know."

"Ok..." Vicky said, picking her PaDD back up and taking a few more notes. "What do you expect of me as a counselor then?"

"Help me process this feeling of hatred," Ranav confessed. "If there were a Cardassian on board the Islandica, I'm afraid of what I would do."

"It's a natural emotion and a part of you. Normally, accepting that and learning to control it helps most people." Vicky said, setting her PaDD aside again. "Over the past eleven years, is there anything that's helped you cope with this hatred?"

"I keep myself busy," Brott informed her. "When not working, I'll vector board or do one of my holodeck archaeological expeditions to take my mind off of it. It's just in the heat of the moment, if I see one, I'm not sure how I will react."

That left 2 choices then. I'm going to regret this, she thought as she started her Allasomorph matrix shifting. she hadn't met any Cardassians herself, having only seen them in pictures so this was bound to go wrong, but she did her best and within a few minutes she herself looked vaguely Cardassian. If Cardassians were purple... "Is this close enough to Cardassian to trigger anything?" she quizzically asked.

Ranav bursted a full belly laugh. "I appreciate your efforts, Counselor, but I know it's you; I watched you change. And don't try to sneak up on me in the ship," he laughed. "There aren't any purple Cardassians that I know."

Returning to her normal form, Vicky had to laugh as well. "No, I suppose there are few of them. How about we go to the holodeck sometime and try it there?"

"I'm not certain that would work either," Ranav thought out loud. "The problem is I would know they were not real."

"Then while you're asleep I'll transport you to a holodeck recreation of a Cardassian city." Vicky said completely straight faced.

"Wow!" Brott worriedly exclaimed. "You're playing hard ball now, Counselor!"

"Will it help you work through these emotions?" Vicky asked.

"I'm not sure," he answered. "It might be worth a try. However, I cannot know when it would happen. It would have to be spontaneous."

"Ok then." Vicky said with a mischievous smile. "Let's go there intentionally first though, ok?"

"If yo think it's wise," Ranav stated. "Next week?"

"Just let me know when you're ready," Vicky said with a warm smile.

"Thank you Counselor! I will." Ranav Rose from his seat. "I'll leave you to leaf," he said with a grin for his pun. As he turned to exit the door, he added, "May the great bird of the galaxy roost in your branches."

Vicky giggled a little at the blessing. "As long as he isn't too heavy. Thank you."