Arturo helped Xiulan through the corridors of the Odyssey and to Sickbay. Sickbay was crowded. The Odyssey had taken a beating. Arturo couldn't at first find anyone to help, but a woman took pity on them.

"I'm Lieutenant O'Connor," the woman said. "You can call me Rhiannon, or Ree, if you'd like. I'm a Nurse Practitioner cross trained in both Family Medicine and Acute Care. That second qualification is coming in handy today as you can see. You both look...terrible, but it doesn't look like you got more than your fur singed Commander. Your friend here, however, looks like she's either going to pass out or puke, or puke and then pass out. We're short biobeds, but there are some field diagnostic stretchers set up over here. If the Commander and I help you, Lieutenant, do you think you can make it over there?" Rhiannon stepped to Xiulan's other side and helped Arturo support his wife.

"Will you stop being so chatty if I puke on your shoes?" Xiulan asked, tugging her arm free of the nurse's hold. She didn't need much support, just holding on to Arturo's shoulder kept her steady enough without robbing her of control, and she was able to make it to one of the field cots without much fuss. "If you could just turn my implants off for a while, that would be awesome," she said as she sat down on the cot and laid down. She pulled the hair fork from her hair and loosened her bun so that she could lay comfortably.

"I think I can take care of that," Rhiannon said. She worked the controls on the field diagnostic stretcher to make it scan Xiulan. Then she took out her medical tricorder and ran its handheld sensor unit over Xiulan, spending extra time around her head. "Alright. You have a mild...well...I might go as to say a moderate concussion, if that were a thing." Rhiannon put away her tricorder for a moment and working the controls on the FDS again. Over a period of a few seconds, Xiulan's implants dimmed until they were out completely. "How's that?" Rhiannon said picked up a hypospray, loaded an ampule, adjusted the dosage, and injected Xiulan in the neck. "That should help the headache and dizziness and start the healing process, but I want you to stay here for a little while, at least until we find some nice, quiet guest quarters for you to rest in. That's a beautiful hair fork! Wherever did you get it?"

Arturo puffed up a little. "I got it for her. As an engagement present. It's a match to this." Arturo pulled a lacquered box out of one of the leg pouches on his pants, the box the hair fork and matching comb were usually stored in. He put it in Xiulan's hand so she could feel the pattern on the box. "I saved this, too, my lovely wife."

"Better," Xiulan said with some relief now that her eyes were not bothering her. The medication helped too, but it was really her eyes that had been making things unbearable with the concussion. Then she heard the compliment about her hairpin and Arturo slid the box into her hand as he explained what the hairpin meant. "That was stupid, Arturo," Xiulan said. "It was really sweet, but don't ever do that again. Sure, it would hurt to lose this, or Gerri for that matter, but it woulda hurt more if I'd lost you."

"I know," Arturo said. "I promise I won't take anymore colossally stupid risks for at least a month, and I'll try not to take any risks of an average level of stupidity, either."

Arturo took Xiulan's free hand and brought it to his lips, then leaned in and kissed his wife. While the two newlyweds were otherwise occupied, Gerri took that opportunity to scramble out of Arturo's jacket and into Xiulan's. Once there, he curled up to take a nap and keep his other biped warm and cozy.

Arturo chuckled. "I would prefer to be snuggled in there myself, my scaly little friend. I envy you."

Ree, meanwhile, took out her tricorder and began scanning Arturo. "Wow, Commander. Your wife is right. You are a dumbass. I, on the other hand, was wrong. You do have some burns under your fur, and you've got a moderate case of smoke inhalation. Corpsman!" At Ree's call, a Corpsman came running. "Drag one of those FDS over here and set the commander up. Commander, argue with me, and I'll sedate you. Ah!" Ree said when the corpsman returned with the FDS. "Sit, Commander." Arturo didn't argue, mainly because the FDS was set up right next to Xiulan's. Ree injected him. "Tri-Ox." she said. "Now, sit still while I fix those burns. They look like they hurt...a lot."

"Um...well...now that you mention it..." Arturo said. He winced as Ree took a dermal regenerator and started in on the burns.

Xiulan took the opportunity to find a little mirth in her husband's suffering. "Ha ha, busted," she said, snickering softly, adjusting her duty jacket so that Gerri's snuggling was comfortable for them both.

Arturo, chuckled, then coughed.

"Okay," Ree said. "That's the last of the burns that I can get while you're dressed. Strip to your shorts."

Arturo was going to protest, but instead he stripped down to his shorts. He coughed a few more times, and started to sway.

"Stay with me, Commander," Ree said. "I just need a little longer...done. Corpsman!"

Arturo was racked with a coughing fit as Ree and a Corpsman helped him onto an FDS. Ree closed the unit over the Caitian's chest, leaving his arms free. The Corpsman brought over an oxygen tank and put a mask on Arturo. Another Corpsman started an IV, while Ree made adjustments to the FDS.

"Okay, Commander," Ree said in a calm voice. "Just relax. The FDS is taking care of your lungs, your burns are all treated, and your wife is right here, and she's fine, so just rest, okay? There's a good kitty."

Arturo reached out and grasped Xiulan's hand.

Xiulan grinned when she felt Arturo's hand take hers.

"He is a good kitty," Xiulan affirmed, pleased to hear that his breathing was getting easier.

"Lieutenant," Ree said, starting some idle conversation while she monitored Arturo's vitals to ensure that he was stable. "I have no idea why that didn't happen earlier. I was waiting because I figured he'd be a pain in the ass about letting me help if he could stand on his own, but damn. That is one tough little feline biped. And he went through the burning ship to save a lizard and a comb?"

"I kinda figured he'd be alright until the adrenaline wore off," Xiulan said with a knowing grin. "Why you think I had him bring me to Sickbay? You think I like hanging out here? I coulda turned my eyes off on my own once we were given a bunk, then slept until I felt better, but I knew he'd ignore how bad off he was to stay near me. And he is crazy for running back to our quarters to get Gerri, and I fully intend on giving him a solid boot to the head later once we're both better."

"Sounds like you have him pretty well figured out," Ree said. "Sooo...is the fact that he's almost house cat sized some kind of turn on for you? Don't get me wrong, he's handsome enough, but I don't know if I could be with a guy whose forehead was level with my nose."

"Take a peek into his shorts and you'll see why I keep him around," Xiulan said without a hint of shame. "Also, he's the best cuddler, keeps me warmer than any blanket, and he brings me coffee! Like, really really good coffee!"

Ree grinned. "Yeah, I noticed that. It's kind of hard to miss. Where the Hell does he even hide that thing when he's in uniform? Or an EVA suit? Anyway, what's with the hair fork and the comb? I mean, don't get me wrong. The hair fork is gorgeous, and I'm betting the comb is, too. Hand carved white jade, right?"

Xiulan laughed at Ree's bemusement over Arturo's endowments, but when asked about the hair fork, Xiulan just smiled.

"I'm not big on jewelry," Xiulan explained. "He knew I wouldn't want a ring, but he wanted to get me something for our engagement, brief as it was. I'm also very tactile since I can't see, so I love the feel of having my hair combed, and that's a Cantonese tradition. Sorry, in case you're not an Earth native, I'm from an area of China called Canton. Actually, in Cantonese the city's name is Guangzhou, but that's irrelevant, the point is the hair combing and the hairpins are marriage traditions in my region. And he was very deliberate about the materials and the detail of the carvings so that I could feel their beauty."

"That's..." Ree said. "That's very special. He must really love and care for you. And the lizard. What's its name? Johnny? What kind of lizard is that anyway. I can feel the heat it's giving off from here."

"Yeah, he's the best," Xiulan replied with a grin. "As for this little guy, his name is Gerard, or just Gerri, and he's a winged Fire Krayt from Soluvar IV. I used to keep more reptiles while I was on a station, but then I ended up on a Defiant class and I couldn't bring them all with me. I couldn't get rid of Gerri, he's my buddy, we've been through a lot together. Also, most reptile collectors think these Fire Krayts are difficult to maintain, so I couldn't just re-home him like my other critters because I couldn't trust others to give him the attention he needed," she explained. "But you're not difficult, buddy, people just don't understand you," she said to Gerri as she used her free hand to rubs his crests.

"Huh," Ree said. She touched a few controls on the FDS. "Okay, Commander, if you behave, I'll swap that mask for nose...thingies. Damn. I totally forgot what those are called. Anyway, if you promise not to overdo it, I'll swap out your mask for...damn it...nose thingies so you can talk, but don't talk too much, okay?"

"Hmrmrmph," Arturo tried to speak, but he was too out of it to remember to remove the mask first.

"Uh huh, that's great," Ree turned to Xiulan. "He's not a big talker, is he? Because he needs to rest."

"Hrmmprhferfle," Arturo tried to say again, still too confused to take off the mask.

"Let me guess," Ree said. "He's a talker?"

"Yeah, he's definitely a talker," Xiulan remarked with a grin. "And do you mean 'nasal cannula'? Aren't you a nurse practitioner? How can you forget something like that?" Xiulan only knew because she was practically a walking dictionary.

"Right," Ree said, swapping the mask for the nasal cannula. "Naval canola. I'll remember that! Well, Lieutenant Song, try not to let Commander Wang--er--Commander S'Rohass overdo it while I'm gone!"

As Ree walked away Xiulan could hear her mutter something to the effect of 'some girls have all the luck!'

"Will do!" Xiulan replied, snickering when she heard Ree's muttering. "Hey, you okay over there?" she said to Arturo. Their hands were still joined, so she rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb.

"Better," Arturo said. "I'll be sweeping you off your feet again any moment. Hmmm...Xiulan...when the ship was caught in that blast...you know that you were my first thought, right? That I never would have left your side if I wasn't absolutely sure that Leigh would see you to safety, right?"

"Doubt never crossed my mind," Xiulan assured her husband. "I'm just worried about you taking unnecessary risks. I'm happy you brought Gerri back, but...I don't know what I'd do if you hadn't been able to get to an escape pod."

Arturo tried to laugh, coughed, then just sighed. "Well, I won't take an unnecessary risk like that again. You have my word." Arturo grinned. "I think we need to get Gerri a little EVA suit. That way, when Leigh blows up our next ship, he can put it on and we'll just go back and find him floating in the debris, alive and well. Then I won't have to go and rescue him again."

"What kind of drugs did that nurse give you?" Xiulan asked with a perplexed expression.

"The floaty kind," Arturo said. "I really need a bath. And a good combing. I must look a fright. Damn. My blades. Well, I still have the two in my uniform. Luckily, I only brought the practice blades and a few plain but serviceable ones. The good ones were in my boot and in my pocket. The rest are replaceable. As long as I get to curl up with you tonight, I'll be fine."

"Yeah, burnt cat hair really does stink," Xiulan remarked. "And you're not the only who lost expensive equipment: my tactile PADD, all my linguistic algorithms and custom coding... At least you can replace your swords, I'll have to rebuild my programs from scratch."

"I know," Arturo said. "And I'm sorry. I bet somewhere we have the pattern for at least one of your basic tactile PaDDs somewhere that we can run through an engineering replicator, the ones they use to make components. That would be a start, at least. You'd still have to set it up the way you like, and I know how much work you put in to customizing all of your tactile devices. I'm truly sorry."

"It's alright; it's the risk we take being in Starfleet," Xiulan replied with a shrug. "Your idea will work as a temporary fix, and once I've got that I can order some custom stuff that suits my needs better. But it's the loss of all my programs that's really got me down. Maybe I can reach out to the Beifong later to see if they still have any of my stuff in their computer. Or maybe Deep Space 11, they would be more likely to have my stuff still on file..." Although she would not forget Arturo's loss, and already she was working out in her head a plan to commission something special for him.

"Hmmm..." Arturo said. He'd stopped coughing. "I feel quite a bit better. How are you feeling? Is your headache gone? If you need to just close your eyes and rest, I am happy to just lay here next you and Gerri and hold your hand."

"Mmm, that does sound nice..." Xiulan said with a pleased hum, giving his hand a little squeeze as she closed her eyes. "I think we'll both feel a lot better after some sleep."

"Hmmm...." Arturo said as he drifted off to sleep, followed shortly after by Xiulan...and Gerri...can't forget Gerri.

Allison-- Until we get a chat service added to the website, which I'm not in a rush for and to keep from blowing up everyone's Inbox, post OOC Discussion here. First round of drinks are on David! :P

Also, we will begin our first mission: "Tholian Deception" after the new year. More info will be added when the mission starts but it will begin an overall story arc for the simm.

Az: I've offered discord. I can have a link added in mere seconds.

Allison-- I know but I hate to ask you for anything more since you've done so much already and with it still being the Holidays.

Az: My pipes are frozen and one of the joints popped. I might not have water until spring at this rate. The nearest toilet that I can use is over 5 miles away and in a walmart. Asking me to add a discord chat link is not a bother and my holidays were over a long time ago.

Allison: Wow, I'm so sorry. I hope you can get some help soon! If you want to add it, go ahead.

Az: pipes are thawing out now and hopefully i can get some PVC glue and get it glued back together tomorrow. As for the link, all done. ^_^

David: Discord doesn't blow up anyone's inbox. It's...what's the right turn of phrase...self-contained? you are only communicating when you are actually logged into discord and only then in the text chat channels, in private conversations with other individuals, in private voice chat with other users, or in voice chat channels.

Allison--I was referring to the website's PM Box.

David: I...uh...well...I would never send tons of group PMs or anything like that. Nope. Not me. I'm a keep to myself kind of guy. I don't even start JPs! Nope. I just sit here and keep to myself in the hopes that someone will finally notice me, through no actions of my own, and start a JP with me or ask me for my opinion on something. I am particularly good about not sharing any opinions unless some asks and I refuse to share at least three times first.

Allison: :P

James: Do we have a crew breakdown by department, I know the Defiant has a small crew of 50 so how many do you want in each department. Intel I would see at most 3, but if you have other things in mind that's fine. I'm also fine if I don't have a "department" and it's just me, unless we get another PC down the road.

Allison: Here is the breakdown--

Command: 3 (CO, XO, COB)

Flight Control: 4

Operations: 4

Security: 15

Engineering: 10

Medical: 6

Intel: 5 (Special Operations Capable)

Science: 3


James: Great!

Kim: Hi all! :D Wanted to drop in a say hello! I'll be playing Chief Engineer Lucius the jerk. He is a jerk, but I wanted to let everyone know that I'm not a jerk. I'm actually super nice and friendly. Please feel free to start JPs with me anytime! :D but Lucius is not super friendly. He's very much the opposite of super friendly. I wanted to go ahead and apologize now for any future jerkiness. Please feel free to PM with any concerns I'd be more than happy to discuss or even laugh at what a jerk he can be. This has been a public service announcement. :P Looking forward to writing with you all.

Allison: Stop being such a jerk! Geez! :)

Kim: Right?!? Just... being a jerk everywhere. :P He'll get better. I want him to get better over time and learn how not to be a jerkface.

Ray/Braith: Lucius got his nickname Jerkface from our parents. He was always the negligent one who never remembered to lock doors. He got his nickname because his aim is terrible and he was startled when I walked in in on him once... so not looking forward to being his bunk mate.

Kim: Hahahaha! I'm dead. :P

James: Hey Jerkface :P I play one of your lackeys in addition to the Chief Spook.

Kim: I have lackeys!? *rubs hands together w/ evil grin* Oh hey there! :P I wish to write a post titled Gordon Ramsey is my Engineer and have it be all about Lucius making people cry. :P I really like your Andorian's bio! :D It's great to see players use the quad relationships even though it makes for a ton of relatives. Hehe. I love Andorians. :) I look forward to plotting with you!

James: Sounds good!

Crysta: Apologies for an unplanned absence. I've had right flank/abdominal pain since Saturday and found out last night that my gallbladder is being naughty and making stones. ER doc says I need to see a surgeon and discuss treatment options (meaning I'm probably going to have surgery in the foreseeable future).

Allison: Hope you get well soon. Hope your work understands that this is necessary!

James: Ugh gallbladders are pains, I had mine out a couple years ago.

Kim: Owies! Gallbladder stuff hurts so bad! I had mine out as well. I hope you feel better soon!

David:

"Too many Gauls in your bladder? You know who to call! Julius Caeser Gaul Removal! Where defeating Gauls is more than just our business, it the way we're going to take over Rome!"

James ....................

Ray: ^ Need a writing partner, James? :-)

Mark: Sorry I've been a bit absent lately guys, had a LOT of things going on OOC! Still going to be a bit sporadic but should reply a little quicker now :)

Allison: That's good to hear. :)

James: Great JP ship group! I went ahead and posted it, hopefully everyone got their last words in.

Kim: Yay! Welcome to new people I've played with before! :D hehe

Allison: Just to let everyone know, the main JP that needs to be done to move the mission forward in the Engineering JP is assessing repairs and discovering that the dilithium crystals are pretty much worthless and we need to discover another source (which is located on the planet). In the meantime you are free to explore the immediate area.

Kim: Awesome! I've got the JP started. James, I added your Andorian. :)

Allison: Just wanted to apologize to everyone for letting the mission stall but I was literally knocked off my butt by the flu but I'm feeling alot better now and we'll get thing rolling along again soon.

Kim: I'm glad you're feeling better! :) No worries.

Allison: Hey everyone. I hadn't expected the mission to go on this long and didn't really think of a situation for the crew left on the ship to deal with. If you have any ideas you want to offer, go ahead--as long as you don't destroy the ship ;) Also I am open to JPs.

James: We should have the crystals soon to help move things along :P


Allison: We're starting our new mission "From the Ashes..." So please feel free to start posts of arriving at Starbase 239. Day One will be getting to the station, assigned temporary quarters and free time until Day Three when we find out we're being assigned to the newly commissioned USS Valiant-A.

James: Yay new ship for us to bash to pieces!

Allison: ONE scratch and out the airlock you go. :p

James: Pffffft, it's just a little dent, ya can totally buff it out.

Valywen stared out of the view port, curled up on a chair next to it as she watched the enormous shape of the Federation Starbase grow in size as the ship they were on closed the distance. She never in her lifetime would imagine that the universe was so large and dangerous. She had always imagined space travel as being a peaceful cooperation. Then there were species such as those Gluak. What drove a species like that to be so cruel and bloodthirsty?

The strange chime sound startled her and after a moment, she remembered that was the sound letting her know someone was at her door. "Come in," she called.

Leigh entered and approached Valywen. "So, how are you holding up?"

Valywen smiled at seeing Leigh--the woman and her crew had saved her from almost certain death on Janosa. She was growing used to being around them.
"I am doing well, thank you. I hope we are done with those...Gluak that you called them."

"As do I, Valywen," Leigh replied.

"Call me Val--it's what my family called me," Valywen said with a grin. "So what happens to everyone now? What happens to me?" her voice turned worrisome.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. But I made the request that no matter what, you stay with me or someone you are familiar with as you are still new to space travel and alone," Leigh replied, hoping to comfort the woman.

"Thank you...um, what should I call you? Captain? Commander? Leigh?" Valywen was confused at all of the titles this woman held.

"You can call me Leigh during times like this when it's just me and you. If we're on the bridge or with other people at work, then just call me Captain. Calling me Leigh during those times might seem odd to the crew," she explained, not sure if Valywen would fully understand the courtesies expected aboard a Starfleet vessel.

"I understand...but...what should my job be if I join you on a new ship?" Valywen asked, her shoulder slumping. "I don't like doing nothing--I feel like a burden. Useless."

"You are not useless, nor are you a burden," Leigh insisted. "You have proven yourself as a brave and intelligent woman. "If it's possible, I'll see what I can do to have you work in the Science Department as your specialty is Astronomy. I'll make sure all subjects are availiable for you to study."

Valywen brightened at hearing that. "I would love that...I could learn so much!" she jumped up from her position and hugged Leigh.

Leigh hugged back. "Anytime, Val. I need to get to a meeting with Admiral Viktor but I'll be sure to stop back by to check on you later. Until then, you are free to move about the Odyssey if you'd like."

"Thank you, Leigh...but I feel more comfortable here...at least until we arrive at the Starbase," Val stated.

"Alright," Leigh smiled at the young woman before tunring and heading out of Valywen's Quarters.

The newly commissioned Luna Class USS Valiant was a bee hive of activity with engineers completing upgrades and diagnostics. Security was busy with loading the armories and torpedo bays. Operations was busy stocking supplies into cargo bays. Science and Medical were busy stocking their labs and running medical examinations on needed crew. The Ready Room was the one place that Leigh could find some sort of peace. This Valiant was vastly different from her predecessor--in one regard, this Valiant would be carrying a detachment of twenty-five Marines, which raised some eyebrows at Starfleet Command as Marines weren't typically assigned to a Luna Class Vessel but Leigh being a prior enlisted Marine herself knew full well the value of such troops aboard a ship could bring and she would prefer Marines to twenty-five civilian specialists. Leigh sat behind her desk, looking at the bio of the Marine officer that had been assigned to her ship.

The hastily constructed and considered Marine Country was no less a flurry of activity, only this activity was neatly organized and efficiently carried out. There were things to still figure out, most of which Rogers was leaving to his able assistant - mostly determing quarter assignments, where the mess/rec was going to be and what else would have to serve double - or triple - function. He was first angered when he was told the command he would transfer with to the Valiant would be a third of a platoon and he would have to cut down to appropriate numbers. Aside from him, his XO and an aide, he only had space for 22. Hardly the amount needed. But then, it was a challenge.

But it also meant he'd have to lean on Fleet even harder for support services. QM would have to be run through Fleet Ops, with probably a sergeant as a liason. Medical...that was a tricky one. He still wanted a corpsman but could he dedicate one of his slots to having a unit corpsman? Or could he get away with some fuzzy math on that issue? Maybe. He'll soon know.

He took his time to get to the Ready Room, wanting to go over a few things before he arrived. He wondered if what he learned increased or reduced his chances. No time like the present to find out. He put the PaDD in his pocket and hit the door chime. He deliberately came in his charlies for this meeting, wanting to see how things would go over, and the captain needed to get used to seeing them. He hated his A's and wore them as little as he had to.

Hitting the door chime, he waited for the command to "enter" which, really, was computer shortspeak to open the door. Which is why he disbled the 'autoclose' on his door, leaving his office truly an 'open door'.

At hearing the chime, Leigh looked up from her terminal. "Enter," she called as she stood.

As the door opened, Rogers strode in as if he were ready to take ownership of the room, stopping in between the chairs in front of the desk. He produced the PaDD from his pocket and handed it over to Jacobs. "First Lieutenant Christian Rogers," he said, his tone clipped and precise, "Reporting the MarDet has arrived and is setting up Marine Country as I speak."

Leigh took the PaDD and gestured to one of the chairs in front of her desk. "Have a seat, lieutenant," she said as she sat back down. "That's good to hear. Are there any issues that have come up with getting your troops set up in the ship?"

"Other than cutting my platoon down by a third and moving into an area that was hastily refit to be MC? None at all, Captain. Why? Because we're Marines. Improvise, adapt, overcome. It'll work out," Christian said after he sat. His hand itched to have his football though. Or the baseball. One of the two, which is the way he controlled his meetings. This, however, was her turf and so he played by her rules. "I'm hoping your SecTac has a sense of humor about this though. Rest assured, any problems with the security officers aboard ship will make me very...unhappy...to hear about."

"That's good to hear and I think Lieutenant Me'Shlaht will enjoy having Marines aboard the ship," Leigh explained. "I'm also replacing our Danube Class Runabout with a Goanna Class Marine Transport for your Marines to use when needed. I apologize about the reduced numbers but that's all that I could fit aboard the Valiant and as a Marine myself, I prefer to have Marines aboard to civilian specialists. If there is anything you or your Marines need, don't hesitate to tell me and I'll see to it that it happens."

"Lieutenant Me'Shlaht?" Rogers asked as he worked to recall the information. "Yes, the other reason I'll be carrying around a squirt gun full of water." He shook his head. "I wasn't accusing you, Commander, of the downsizing. I'm trying to look at it as a challenge, a mental resourcefulness exercise. Such as: I need this position and this position, maybe I can double up these two positions. And then what can I get away with stealing, begging, borrowing or just pirating from the Fleet resources aboard the ship. Such as, my QM. I run combat ops, so I'm going to offload that duty to Ops here aboard the ship. Shouldn't be much of a problem for them, we don't require much. And, of course, being a team player, I noticed you could use help in Sickbay, so I'll be willing to share my Corpsman there."

Leigh chuckled despite sensing some vagueness possible deception from the man. "I wouldn't try to squirt Me'Shlaht with a water gun. Also, no need to steal or as Marines like to say, tactically acquire. Definitely no begging required. If you need it, you'll have it..." She trailed off as she picked up something different about the man. "Are you a Betazoid?" she asked after a brief pause.

For the first time he stiffened and the forced jocularity left his face. The Marine that he was, enlistement, up from the ranks to become an officer, came to the fore. "Presumably," he answered. "My genetic code is that of Betazed but they were never able to find my genetic family in all the Federation databases. Further, I ..." he stopped before he could say "raised" because that implied some kind of family. He didn't have family, he had social workers that came on shift and watched over him. "I lived on Earth for seventeen years, growing up there. I am...neither Betazoid or Terran. But yes, I am a telepath and no, I don't subscribe to irrational fears of other races about it."

Leigh smiled genuinely at him. "Good...neither do I but I may be biased. I am part betazoid biologically as I was born and raised on Betazed before the Dominion attacked. I then lived on Earth for a few months until I enlisted into the Marines to go and fight."

That's good to hear, I like a form of communication with my command and troops that can't be intercepted, damaged or broken. He said, the room quiet. But, it is also unfortunate as it means my normal tactics in 'playing' the captain are now useless.

Leigh smiled. Glad to be of service. So tell me about yourself. Your story is an interesting one.

Not sure what you'd want to know, Captain, he thought to her, "I'm just the kid that nobody wanted all grown up into a Marine."

"I can see where you're coming from," Leigh replied. "I won't press you to tell me about yourself. But as a Starfleet Marine, you're considered family, as well as your detachment."

"Yes, ma'am," he said, "The Corps is definitely the only family I have." It's more of a problem that I don't know who I am. I'm not Terran, I'm not Betazoid, I don't have funny stories of things my parents did to screw me up. I was...inventory in the warehouse of the social system on Earth. Rejected by every foster family that took me and then eventually, they gave up trying to get me an actual home and just let me age out of a facility.

"Baseball, Captain," he said suddenly and with some animation and something sounding like real passion. "I've got enough to field two teams and you Fleeters have enough for a few teams. Or maybe even Terran rules football."

Leigh chuckled. "So, you're into sports...I think we can get two teams together for some friendly competition once we get underway. Though I would hate to embarrass you too much in front of your Marines," she teased.

"Well, Captain, if you have to make it an order to win the games, I guess that's all that needs to be said about that," he looked at her, his face complete stone, dark eyes fixed on her. She, of course, knew he was laughing inside.

Leigh bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud. "Sounds like a challenge. Do you have any questions for me?"

"Only one more, at the moment. I'll wait to the next staff meeting to ask all the silly ones," he said. "You do recall the rules regarding outsiders and MC?"

Leigh nodded. "I do," she answered waiting for him to continue.

"That should solve a lot of problems then," he said as he stood, prepared to leave. "The Marines are at your disposal, Captain," he said, formally, but with a bit of cheeky grin.

"That's good to hear. Semper Fi, lieutenant. You're dismissed," Leigh replied.

Arturo and Colt arrived at Leigh's temporary quarters on SB239 at roughly the same time. Colt hit the door chime and they waited for Leigh to respond.

"Any idea what's going to happen to us?" Arturo said. Fastest way to uncover any Starfleet secret, unless you were an enemy spy, was to ask a chief. There was very little in Starfleet a chief didn't know or couldn't find out.

"I've been asking around," Colt said. "General consensus is that Command is going to give us a new ship. Now that we know Robertson was a host to a parasitic enemy spy, Command is not taking his issues with Commander Jacobs as seriously. I just don't know what they're giving us. Hopefully something bigger."

"I have the same hope," Arturo said. "Even in the VIP quarters the Commander was nice enough to give Xiulan and I, things were extremely cramped."

Colt grinned. "Hard to get your grove on with that lovely wife of yours in that smallish walk in closet you were living in?"

"Very funny," Arturo said. "But yes. That didn't stop us, but it did make me glad I am familiar with Yoga."

Colt laughed. "Wow. You went there."

Arturo grinned. "You went there first!"

"TMI, Commander" Leigh said with a grin, shaking her head as the doors slid open. "Come in," she turned and walked back. "Can I get you two anything?"

"No, thank you, Captain," Arturo said as he entered.

"I'm good, Skip, thanks," Colt said, following Arturo in. "How's it going?"

"I've had better days, to be certain," Leigh replied. The past day had been filled with report filing and contacting next of kin of those who had passed during the recent battle. "Hopefully you two are staying out of trouble, I take it?"

Colt feigned shock. "Trouble? ME?!? Captain, I'm shocked, I tell you! Shocked! I am the very model of decorum at all times! It's not me you have to worry about! It's the Dapper Cat and the Ornery Blind Chick who you have to worry about getting into trouble!"

"I'm not dapper," Arturo said. "I'm elegant! On the other hand, Xiulan can be very ornery, and of course she is blind, so that wasn't an entirely inaccurate description."

Colt laughed. "You see, Captain! The Elegant Feline admits it!"

Arturo shook his head. "Alright, Colt, let's give our poor, downtrodden commanding officer a break. We were hoping you might have some news for us regarding out next assignment. Me'Shlaht might stop by as well if her meetings with Base Security don't keep her away. So, are they going to keep us together?"

Leigh turned and grinned. "I actually just got off the line with Admiral Viktor and it appears to be so," she walked to a nearby desk and picked up a PaDD before tossing it lightly at Arturo. "Seems we're all going home--a larger and more advanced home."

Arturo picked up the PaDD, looked at what was on it and whistled, which was an amusing thing to watch a bipedal feline do. He handed the PaDD to Colt. "A Luna Class! I've always wanted to fly one of those! Er...I know I'm the XO, but just maybe I shall sneak in a little helm time here and there! But it's just the right size, not too big, not too small!"

"Can I assume they're changing our mission profile, Skip?" Colt said. "A ship like that, we could do some serious exploring in that."

"And that we are," Leigh confirmed. "I haven't received any specific assignment as of yet but Viktor does know it involves deep space."

Colt laughed and Arturo grinned.

"Well that's not very specific," Colt said.

"No, it isn't," Arturo said. "There's a lot of 'deep space' in just about every direction. Look at all of the 'Deep Space' stations we have all over the place! Colt? It's time to get your Chief on."

"Copy that," Colt said. "Now that I know what ship they're giving us, maybe I can find out something more about what we're doing. After I leave here, I'll hit the NCO back channel and see what pops. Still, you must be getting lots of applications. Everyone wants to serve on a Luna Class."

"Indeed," Arturo said. "To explore strange worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no being has gone before...and occasionally fight pirates and brigands! What a wonderful life we'll be leading!"

"Personally, I'll be happy to have real quarters and not have to sleep on a bunk," Leigh grinned.

"You and me, both, Captain," Arturo said. "And Xiulan. Of course, she uses me as a pillow no matter how big a bed we sleep on, but it's more comfortable if I'm not trying to avoid falling off of the bunk."

Arturo grew serious for a moment. "And the Gluak? Does Command believe the threat has been neutralized? Have anymore spies been uncovered?"

"Admiral Viktor informed me that a taskforce has been assembled and is enroute to the Rochanie System to set up talks with them, if possible. If not, then the system will be deemed off limits by the Federation as a quarantine area. All information we have on the Gluak has been turned over to Starfleet Command and Lougheed has informed me that Starfleet Intelligence is currently looking for Kalor," Leigh stated, crossing her arms. Just the name Kalor sparked anger within her. She would love nothing better than to personally strangle the life out of that damn traitor.

Colt sighed. "Remember, that wasn't really Kalor. She got...infected? Infested? Whatever. One of those things took her over. But that means she was taken over after we launched because I personally went around with security and checked everyone. And that means there were at least one of those little creepy crawly bastards running lose on the ship after we launched."

"I want the rest of our crew checked again, just to be certain there aren't anymore," Leigh replied. "And I'll recommend to Admiral Viktor that he do a sensor sweep of the Odyssey to make sure none of his crew are infected or there are anymore of those parasites hiding aboard."

"I assume we'll have corpsmen aboard the new ship," Colt said. "I'll check them all out as they are assigned and again before we check out the whole crew and then we'll continue to do that randomly, well, as randomly as possible, until you tell us to stop. The little bastards blend in to their host's biosigns. Can't always detect them with a bioscan. Sometimes you just have to look at the base of the skull, though, a Chief from the Odyssey said they found one that had burrowed in at the base of a host's spine. They think it probably took longer for the bug to get control of the host that way, but if they hadn't really fine tuned their sensors, they would have scanned the host, did a visual inspection of the base of the host's skull, seen nothing, and that would have been that until the host turned on their crewmates."

Leigh nodded. "Good. This almost reminds me of the paranoia that occurred in the Federation towards changelings before the start of the Dominion War."

Colt nodded. "That it does. Maybe we can adjust the biofilters on the transporters somehow? And the pest control systems in the vents and the Jeffries tubes?"

"I will talk with Xiulan about that," Arturo said. "She's feeling much better now. Did Admiral Viktor give you a time frame regarding when we will actually take possession of this wonderful new vessel?"

"Bright and early tomorrow morning," Leigh grinned. "All assigned officers and crew are to be on deck to get her supplied and ready for launch. I would say we should be ready to launch in about a week."

"Excellent," Arturo said. "If you could copy me on an personnel files you'd like me to review, I would appreciate it, as well as any other relevant information you think I should have access to." Arturo looked at his chronometer. "Well, I suppose we shouldn't take up too much more of your time, Captain. Will there be anything else?"

"No, go and take it easy. The nest several days are going to be busy," Leigh replied with a grin.

"Understood," Arturo said. "And thank you, Captain. Xiulan and I will have to take you to dinner sometime while we're on the station! Do you like Chinese food? There's an excellent restaurant here, very authentic, and Xiulan can make suggestions on what to eat! We'll be in touch!"

Arturo made his exit, but Colt lingered a moment. "How are you really doing, Commander?" he asked. "Nightmares? Night sweats? Any emotional moments that don't seem to make sense? I figure I better ask, because I'm guessing you haven't been to see a counselor since we got back. Not that I'm assuming any of that is going on, but...well...you know the drill."

Leigh grinned at her COB. "I didn't know you were a counselor as well. But thank you for asking--I'm fine, if not stressed with everything." Losing a ship was never easy, especially your first one. Leigh only hoped it would be the last ship she would lose."

"They give us some mental health training actually," Colt said. "They figure Marines won't talk to counselors...not voluntarily, but they might talk to their Corpsmen who've shed the same blood in the same mud, so to speak. You ever need to talk, and you don't want to do it with a counselor, I'm here. And while I wouldn't kick you out of bed for eating crackers, as the old saying goes, I'm not hitting on you. I know, I know, a heterosexual Rigelian who isn't hitting on a woman! What will my mother say? But no. I'm just saying I'm here, whenever you need me."

Leigh chuckled at the comment. "Thank you, I appreciate it Senior Chief. I will remember that and I'm not sure if I feel I should be flattered or insulted that you're not hitting on me."

"Eh," Colt said. "Maybe after you figure out what the deal is with Lieutenant Lougheed. Don't look at me like that, ma'am! I'm the Chief of the Boat! Nothing that happens on this crew escapes me! Until then, I'm just going to keep working on figuring out how to make a real connection with Valywen, if it's possible for someone that smart to take an interest in a working man like me."

Leigh laughed. "You work? When?" she teased

Colt laughed. "Only when I can't get out of it, Captain, only when I can't get out of it. Okay, I guess I'll leave you to...whatever you were doing before we stopped by. Call me if you need me for something!"

"Will do, Chief," she replied, grinning as she watched her COB walk out of her office.

Leigh stood on the observation platform as she watched the newly commissioned Luna Class vessel was towed into docking position from the maintenance dock. A smile formed as she saw the registry number and name on large black letters and numbers on the hull. NCC-4698-A USS Valiant. 'Wow, she's big,' Leigh marveled, having grown used to the much smaller Defiant Class.

"Fresh from the construction yards. She's a beauty, isn't she?" came the russian-accented voice of Admiral Viktor from behind her.

"You can say that," she turned, smiling at the man. "At least I'll have a bit more privacy," she joked.

"That you will, Commander," Viktor said, stepping next to Jacobs with his hands clasped behind his back. "I'll tell you, Leigh," she said warmly. "You have had a tough past few months. Most in your position would have given up. But not you."

"I learn from the best," Leigh turned, smiling at the older man.

"Ha! You've always had that never give up spirit within you--you especially showed it on Cardassia Prime," Viktor stated.

Leigh turned with a surpise on her face. "I didn't know you were on Cardassia Prime as well."

Viktor nodded. "I was. I was leading a specialized group designed to meet with and organize the Cardassian Resistance, and I remember seeing a young Marine Corporal braving Jem H'Dar fire to rescue an injured Marine. After the war, I remember see that same young Corporal applying for the Academy. I knew then you would make a fine commander someday and an even finer officer."

"You make me cry, I'll kick your ass," she chuckled.

Viktor laughed loudly. "You are more than welcomed to try. I may be old but I still have a few tricks up my sleeve."

"I don't doubt it," Leigh replied. "Any word of Kalor?"

Viktor sighed. He knew Leigh had a personal vendetta against the woman who destroyed her ship. "No. But if she comes anywhere near a Federation Outpost, station, colony, or ship, we'll know. Starfleet Intelligence is actively looking for her as well. It's only a matter of time. Until then, just make sure everyone that gets on that ship," he said pointing to the Valiant-A. "Undergoes the new security screenings."

"You can count on it, sir," Jacobs replied, turning her attention back to the new Valiant. "Oh, I want a Marine Detachment, Special Forces capable on the Valiant."

Viktor raised an eyebrow. "You will be hard pressed for room with the civilians aboard."

"The only civilian I plan to have aboard is Valywen. Marines can be more useful than civilian specialists and I want to be fully prepared for any possible scenarios," Leigh explained.

Viktor nodded as he was never a fan of having civilians aboard starships. "I understand. I'll see to it that you get your Marines. Anything else you might need?"

"No Sir. Not at the moment but I'm sure that will change." Leigh couldn't wait to tour the new ship.

"I am sure it will. Once you're ready for launch, there will be a ceremony to officially christen the new Valiant," Viktor stated.

"Understood, Sir. I'll get my crew together and start getting her ready to get underway," Leigh replied confidently.

"I hope you're alright with going back out there so soon..."

"But you need ships out there," Leigh finished. "You can count on me, Sir."

"I know I can," Viktor replied proudly. I will leave you to your thoughts. See you soon, Leigh."

"Aye Sir. Don't work too hard," Leigh replied. "And thank you, for everything."

"Don't mention it," Viktor replied as he turned, leaving Leigh alone at the observation platform.

Leigh recalled a poem that she read once:

Valiant are those whom take life and live it,
caring not of the dangers that may cross their path,
venturing to the borders
where life and death meet.

Bold are the warriors who cross the invisible lines
in the truth everyone seeks.
Hail to these heroes for within legends
they will never die.

Immortal are those who hide
within our imagination
and remind us always
that we could have been like them.

We are all valiant, bold and immortal
if one person remembers us
long after we have gone,
and our strength makes them carry on.

Leigh continued to smile proudly before tapping her comm badge. "Commander Jacobs to all USS Valiant Crew, begin boarding the new USS Valiant-A at Docking Port 23-Alpha. Once you undergo the security screening, report to your department head and get the ship ready for launch. Jacobs, out." Jacobs made her way out of the observation deck and towards the docking tube.

Evan was happy when he heard that they were getting a new ship, and that Leigh would remain in Command, the Luna class had been a premier explorer and it hadn't taken Starfleet long to realize high speed, huge energy output, and powerful sensors also made it a great platform for a combat vessel. The tactical cruiser was much like the Nebula had been a generation ago, and the Ambassador a generation before that.

He stopped at a port and looked down at the majestic ship, bigger than the prometheus or intrepid class, smaller than the nebula and galaxy she held several times the crew of the old Valiant, and would allow for longer missions. Scuttlebutt was that Viktor had some sort of covertish deep space mission in mind for her maiden voyage. Entering the ship he entered a nearby lift and ordered it to the bridge.

Stepping out he found a buzz of activity, dozen of jumpsuit glad technicians buzzing about under the watchful eye of a surly looking tellerite. He nodded to the other officer before moving to his station and accessing the computer core, the restricted intel core had been installed with a dedicated hardline to bridge station. Otherwise it was restricted to access from within the small intelligence offices on the ship. His department was slated to double in size, just under a dozen but at present he only had himself and a pair of intelligence specialist.

Finishing his inspection of his bridge station he started from the top to begin a tour of the entire ship.

<< OFF >>

Anyone interested in a JP with Lougheed when he gets to their sections?

Evan pushed the chime to the quarters that had been assigned to the Commander, having already asked the computer where she was.

"Enter," Leigh called from the chair she had been sitting in. She stood to greet the visitor.

Evan entered and smiled, handing her one of the mugs. "Figured you could use this." He said.

Leigh grinned and accepted the cup. "Thanks. So what brings you to my quarters? Surely not just a cup of coffee."

"Finalized causality report." He said solemnly. "14 fatalities, not including Kalor whose status is technically MIA until Command or SFI decide to classify them as an enemy combatant. We've got two dozen more in sickbay, three of them are critical." He said handing her the PADD and dropping into one of the chairs across from her where she'd been sitting.

Leigh took the PaDD and looked it over. Having been on a small ship such as the Defiant, she personally knew many of these names--she would either pass by them in the corridors during the day or see them eating in the mess hall. Many times she stopped to say a simple hello and to ask how their day were going. "Dealing with death never gets easy," she commented softly before setting the PaDD down on a nearby desk. "I hope they find and blow Kalor into space dust for her actions," she continued bitterly.

"I'm sure they will, I've filled my report with SFI and they seem to actually be on top of it for once." He remarked drinking from the mug. "How you holding up?"

"For someone who lost of a over half of her crew, and her ship, I'm doing ok, I guess. Still going over the battle in my head," Leigh stated.

"We did everything we could, there isn't anything else we could have done that we didn't do." He replied. "We lost the Valiant, but we saved as many of the crew as we did, we almost lost the Odyssey one of the most powerful ships the Federation has, the outcome could have been a lot worse."

Leigh grinned and let out a long breath before taking another sip of her coffee. "You're right. Thank you for everything you've done so far since the battle. So what's next for the infamous Mr. Evan Lougheed?" she asked, setting the coffee mug down.

"Well, I'll wait to see where the orders send me. Hopefully they'll give us a new ship, keep the crew together. Maybe the Admiral can put in a good word." He said with a grin. "I hope where ever I end up it isn't too far from you." He added with a sheepish grin.

"Oh, is that so?" she asked, grinning as she stepped towards him. "I guess I'll have to see what I can do."

"Assuming they don't throw you in the brig, but I'm pretty sure the Admiral would prevent that." He said smiling leaning in closer. He closed the distance and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her.

Leigh allowed herself a moment to savor the kiss before parting. "Well if they do, you better break me out," she smile and winked playfully.

"I'm sure that can be arranged." He said.

After leaving the Ready Room and his conversation with the ship's captain, Rogers checked his PaDD for the next item on his agenda. Which he decided to skip because, after the meeting, he had other considerations.

"Ops," he said to the turbolift. Then, when it told him he was already at the bridge an the Ops station there, he came back and specified the Operations Chief's office. Finally the turbolift moved and, after it stopped, it was just a short jaunt to the office.

"I'm looking for Lieutenant Song," he said as he entered the area. All he knew was that she appeared to be of Terran Asian descent with startling green eyes.

"Yo!" came the response from the short Asian woman within the Operation Center, the area that oversaw many of the major life support systems like Environmental Controls, Artificial Gravity, and Waste Management, all the things that made existence in space possible. She was facing away from him and running her hands along a seemingly blank console, and after a few gestures at the console, it lit back up with its standard display and she straightened up from her hunched posture, yet she made no attempt to look at him when she turned to leave. "Kinda busy, but if you can talk and walk, then you can come with me and tell me what you need," she said as she retrieved something from her belt, a white rod, and with a quick flick it extended to form a cane which she held out in front of her and started walking.

"I'm a Marine so...I'll give it a go," he answered as he manuevered to catch up to her. "First Lieutenant Christian Rogers, Marine Commander aboard this ship. You did know Marines were coming aboard?"

"Of course I know, I'm married to the Executive Officer and our pillow talk is riveting!" Xiulan said candidly, then grinned. "Kidding, Captain gave me a head's up before you arrived, I've already designated an entire section of deck 9 as Marine territory; you'll have your own armory, training areas, a pseudo-holodeck for simulations, and offices for anything else you might need."

"We're moving in now," Rogers said but, since she wouldn't be able to see it anyway, gave a big grin but kept his tone completely neutral, maybe with just a touch of disbelief. "Are you kidding about being married to the XO or that your pillow talk is riveting? Because I don't care about the former and condolences on the latter."

"Yeah, I really am married to the XO, and actually, there's not much in the way of pillow talk, usually just more sex followed by comas," Xiulan replied. They arrived at the lift and once inside, Xiulan called out, "Cargo Bay 2," which set the lift in motion. "So have you had a chance to check things out? We can modify just about anything to whatever specifications you need," she offered as they rode the lift.

"Much as I'd love to continue this part of the conversation, I really don't want to vomit up my lunch. I'm actually here to further engage your kindness. See, when I was transferred here with this command, it shorted me about a third of my personnel. Which means I have to make choices about who stayed, who came with. In the end, I had to decide to have Fleet handle our QM duties."

Xiulan snickered at his apparently weak stomach for sex talk; guess she shouldn't tell them about the pirate game she and Arturo liked to play... "Alright, alright, down to business. If you need my department to manage your supply chain, that might be a little tricky... See, Medical and Security have their own inventory requisitions to handle independently of the ship's Quartermaster, so if you need weapons or medical supplies, I might have to liaise with those departments. Or maybe not, I'd have to check the regulations first, but I don't think there will be a problem either way, so I can see to it you get what you need. But just remember, once it leaves the Cargo Bay and is delivered to your area, you are responsible for storage, conducting inventory, managing your supplies, and most importantly, maintaining the security of your weapon lockers."

Rogers checked the sigh. He was dealing with Fleeters after all. "Okay, well, here's the thing. We don't get medical supplies anyway because if we did, they're too afraid we'll heal ourselves and take control of the galaxy. We have Fleet corpsman that take care of what we don't get from Medical. We don't use Security weapons because, quite frankly, ours are better. Which is undoubtedly a large reason why every security officer dreams of growing up to be a Marine someday. As for everything else, the problem is...we don't have the space or personnel for it. Hence why I'm coming to you."

Before Xiulan could answer, the lift stopped and the computer sounded off with the destination so that she would know it was the right stop, and so she stepped out, assuming that Mr. Marine was still with her. "Hey, I didn't know how medical supplies worked for you guys, so my bad," Xiulan said with a shrug. "And if you're worried about space, don't ask me to distribute more than you can hold; I had my people set up a decent armory, near full size, so you should have more than ample space for what you need, but I also know that it's standard practice to order more than you need and that extra will be perfectly safe in the Cargo Bay until you need it. As for going through Security for weapons, I know you guys have your own variants of weapons, but Security still needs to know what kinds of weapons and how many are on the ship, so I need to check with them on protocols since I'm not used to being the one putting in orders for weapons," she explained as they came to a stop just outside of Cargo Bay 2.

Well that would be problematic he thought, not sure he wanted Security to know exactly the type and amounts of armaments he had onboard the ship. That might make the SecTac extremely nervous. He didn't want the SecTac nervous cause that might warp relations between the two commands. "Oh, I'm not wanting you to take care of our weapons, just the regular supplies. Uniforms, rucking supplies, bedding, y'know, the general stuff. We'll take care of the weapons and let Medical take care of those supplies. Oh, and there's maintenance on our craft."

"Alright, you order your weapons; so long as protocols aren't being violated, I'll send them right through once they make it to my Cargo Bays," Xiulan said, feeling more at ease with this arrangement now. "Just work up a list of everything you need me to order and I'll be sure to keep plenty in stock at all times. As for the 'craft', shuttles fall under Flight Ops, but I can talk to them about it and make sure everything is copacetic."

"Wait, aren't you in charge of OPs?" he asked. "Wouldn't 'flight ops' fall under that category?"

"Well, technically it's 'Flight Control', so no, but I can still work with them to make sure your craft is always good to go," Xiulan offered. "Is your craft here yet? If so, they're probably already handling it."

"Ah, good, I'm sure it's here. Commander Jacobs said it was...well, she didn't actually say but I'm sure it is." He frowned. "Y'know, I should go check when we're done here."

"Unless you've got anything else you need to talk about, I think we're done, but if you're willing to wait a moment while I go check that we're full up on replicator matter, then I can go with you and make sure everything is okay; we're in between Chief Flight Controllers at the moment, so I can make sure there's no confusion about the craft belonging to the Marines," Xiulan offered.

"That sounds fine, I want to check out the craft," he said, a bit giddy since he's never had a craft dedicated to his command before. "But, I do want to mention," he said. "I could talk to you about things that would make even the XO's fur curl. Doesn't mean I want to hear about married sex."

"Oh don't worry, we were having all kinds of crazy sex long before we were married; my favorite was the pirate game," Xiulan said, and after dropping that tidbit she entered the Cargo Bay to check on the replicator matter. After a quick confirmation as well as a brief overview of how things were progressing in the bay, Xiulan was on her way back out and ready to walk with Mr. Marine to the shuttlebay. "So, what kind of craft is it?" she asked as they resumed their trek.

"A Goanna class Marine transport?" he said, checking over his PaDD. "And it's Lieutenant Rogers, not Mr. Marine."

Oh shit, he was a Betazoid?! "Okay, first off, that's not fair because I can't read your mind, and second, stay out of my head or you're going to learn just what happens when my husband wants to 'plunder my booty'," Xiulan said smoothly without a hint of shame.

"How about you stop thinking and then I won't be able to 'hear' them anymore." He said. "Y'know, it really is just another sense I have. I don't get to turn it on or off when it's convenient, like you and hearing, or touch."

"Exactly, you can't turn it off anymore than I can," Xiulan replied with a hint of a frown. "Can you also sense how I'm recalling the feel of the layout of the ship I've studied with my fingers, associating it with a step count and the pattern of the heat signatures I'm picking up from the EPS conduits in the walls, all while walking and maintaining a conversation? I'll do you one even better, I'm also committing to memory the sound, weight, and pattern of your footsteps so I'll always know who's approaching me before they speak. So you'll have to forgive me if I use a mental shorthand that helps me associate an emotional response with what I'm taking in so it all sticks better. I know your name and I have no trouble using it aloud, but until I've committed you to memory, you're Mr. Marine in my head and that's not changing, so you're just going to have to deal with it."

"Xiulan!" came the sound of the very enthusiastic, and very short, Caitian XO of the Valiant, Lieutenant Commander Arturo S'Rohass, greeting his wife. "Aren't these new craft wonderful! I am going to find an excuse to fly everyone of them! Ah! The new Marine commander! Welcome! Welcome! Our Chief Flight Control Officer has not arrived yet, so I am overseeing the on loading of our small craft, including the two Goanna's we've requisitioned for your use, Lieutenant!"

"I'm sorry, did someone's pet get loose?" Rogers asked, watching the thing that resembled the profile photo of the XO coming toward them. "Or was that profile picture 'life size'? How do you even intend to reach the controls?"

Xiulan's only response was to bust out in a full round of tears in her eyes belly laughter.

Arturo scowled. "Very carefully, Lieutenant, very carefully," he said. "Which is how you should proceed from here on out." Arturo glared at Christian a moment, then grinned, then laughed out loud. "You should see the look on your face, Lieutenant! Priceless! Don't worry, I've heard it all before. Even from my lovely wife, who I am going to seek revenge on later. If I got upset every time someone made a short joke, I'd spend all of my time either stabbing people to death or running from security so I could stab more people to death. Anyway, the answer to your question is that there are actually species in the Federation who are even shorter than me. The seats in those things can be adjusted. I've actually flown their predecessors into hot landing zones previously, and I grabbed a check ride in one of these when I found out we were getting them, so I know I can reach the controls. Can I assume you'd like a closer look at one or both of the craft you and your marines' lives will depend on?"

"Oh my god, 'life size' profile picture!" Xiulan gasped out in her laughter, then Arturo issued his warning to her and the laughter subsided, leaving her grinning on the shuttlepad. "Bring it, Fluffy!" she said firmly with a gesture of her free hand. Wiping away the moisture in her eyes, she decided it was time to get serious. "Lieutenant Rogers came to me for supply assistance since his team doesn't have a proper Quartermaster, so I guess I'll be liaising with Flight Control to ensure their shuttles are in order," she explained while they went to go see the Goanna-class transports.

Arturo ignored his wife, taking solace in the fact that he was going break out both the feathers and some roses tonight and make her regret teasing him...and they were both going to enjoy it very much.

"The Shuttle Bay Chief will see to their maintenance and upkeep," Arturo said. "I know you one set of pilots for each, and gunners, but, including you and your platoon, that's all the Marines we have room for. So Starfleet was nice enough to send us support craft pilots familiar with these craft and support craft crew who have received extensive training on the use of the door mounted guns. So there are redundancies in place."

"Be still my beating heart at all of this largesse!" Rogers said, foregoing making more jokes at the XO's height in hearing that not only did he have the craft, but the crew to man them as well? "Yes, Commander, I would very, very much like to go see what's behind shuttlebay door number one."

Arturo chuckled. "Right this way, Lieutenant Rogers! You, too, Lieutenant Song...who I did not just call Lieutenant Wife, no matter how much I wanted to, because before she is my wife, Lieutenant Song is a highly skilled, very smart, and very competent officer. Then she's my wife, which makes me very lucky."

"'Lieutenant Wife', sounds like I'm just one in a string of wives you have," Xiulan said with an amused snort as she drew closer to her husband's very recognizable heat signature. She collapsed her cane, then took hold of his elbow so he could lead her around.

"Was I wrong, then, to not mention noticing your condition or asking about it? I assumed you were capable of conducting yourself adequately if you're the Chief Ops of a starship," Rogers asked as he followed the pair, finding it best to let her walk ahead so if he had to make any sudden stops or moves, it shouldn't really affect her.

"I really don't mind new people bringing it up, especially if it's something we can make a joke about later," Xiulan said, keeping up with the men without any trouble. "The only time this kind of things bothers me is if people try to force help on me, like taking my hand to lead me around; if I need help, I'll ask for it, but I'm fully capable of getting around on my own, not to mention capable of doing my job. I'm not as hands-on as some other Ops chiefs out there, I don't go out and do repairs, but my job doesn't 'require' me to be hands-on, it's just a matter of preference for those that do, and I delegate the work well to make sure everything is covered. Before I was offered Ops, I was a Linguist and a Communication specialist, basically a console jockey, and the Captain knew this and my limitations and was comfortable with me running the department however I saw fit. So far, I think I'm doing a decent job and nothing's fallen apart yet. Well, I guess I have to say our last ship did blow up, but that wasn't my fault, Arturo was the pilot and flew us into the enemy's cannon."

"Couldn't see over the dashboard?" Rogers asked, "or was distracted by a ball of string?"

"Actually," Arturo said. "That was part of the plan, and since we weren't vaporized, and in fact blew up the enemy ship, and survived an explosion we had no business surviving, AND I saved our pet fire lizard Gerri before I abandoned ship, I think I did quite well if I did say so myself."

They came to the two Goanna transports. Arturo entered a code and one of the side hatches opened. Just inside was a mount for a heavy duty phaser Squad Automatic Weapon. The weapon was basically a rapid fire heavy duty pulse phaser rifle, with enhanced power and range. The mount was empty at the moment, but the weapons were stored in the Shuttle Bay and could be quickly loaded on. There was another empty mount on the other side of the main cabin.

"Come," Arturo said, leaping up into the transport in one bound. "The cockpit canopy can open as well, if for some reason the pilots were to become trapped in the front of the craft, but the cockpit is usually accessed from the main cabin."

"These babies were made for atmo combat," Rogers said, climbing into the transport himself. He looked around the cabin interior. Not a runabout built for luxury but for the spartan purpose of transporting into and out of hot combat zones. It felt Marine on the inside - weapons storage, group seating, racks for gear storage. It had a few concessions to the idea of it being a long distance transport, but only a few. He moved through to the cockpit, joining short and fuzzy as he slid into one of the pilot seats. Sure there were two others behind the pilots, but what fun was sitting there. He looked across the panel.

"Looks like I have some learning to do," he said, noting how different the layout was from standard Fleet shuttles. "Armaments," he said, finding those, "shields." He looked around some some more. Even this space was a bit more cramped than a normal shuttle, proving apparently, the Marine maxim of maximum space for troop transport. He turned to Bootsy, as he was already thinking of the XO. "Know of any combat hotzones that need putting out?" he asked, eager to try out his new toys.

Arturo laughed. "Hopefully not," he said. "But we will be scouting and surveying and exploring new territory and worlds. Who knows what we'll find? I have no doubt that from time to time we'll run into a situation that requires your support to get our Away Teams out of. The galaxy is wide and wonderful, filled with excitement and opportunities to visit new worlds and meet new people. Unfortunately, some of those new people will want to kill us."

"I know," he said with a big smile, still taking in the controls and cockpit. "Isn't it great!"

Then, looking up and remembering he's with Fleeters, who were usually squishy and squeamish, he added in a completely unconvincing way. "The meeting new people and exploring thing. I mean." Oh how he wanted to take this thing out, find a moon or planetoid, hell, he'd settle for a comet or stray asteroid. Just somewhere he could do some strafing runs, see how the beast operated. But he wasn't sure where the pilots were and, unfortunately, he wasn't checked out on it. But that would change. Soon.

"Of course you did," Arturo said. "There's nothing wrong with taking pride your work, Lieutenant. Just remember we are on a mission of exploration, as I said, and making First Contact with new worlds and cultures. Violence will be our last resort. I assure you, I am not squeamish about violence, whether from the bridge of a starship or face to face. I have seen my share of both. I am simply frugal in my use of it when on missions like ours."

Xiulan chuckled as the boys drooled over the new toys. For her, everything was about textures, like the the ablative armored hull or the texture of the deck plating she sat on, which was less smooth than standard deck plating to give the Marine's boots greater traction during complex maneuvers. With her legs dangling over the edge of the transport's deck, she pulled a PADD from her duty jacket and her fingers ran over its textured surface, looking up the schematics for this Goanna-class transport. "She's certainly got an interesting design, that's for certain; kinda refreshing to see new designs from Starfleet, because after a while everything starts to feel all the 'same-y', you know?," Xiulan remarked, still studying the schematics on her PADD.

"I know, and everybody wants action until they get into it, then you remember how bad it is. But, that's my life." He sighed as he swiveled around. "I better head back down to MC and see what needs to be done there. Physicals probably. Gotta prove what superior physical specimens we are." He stood then looked down...way down...at Bootsy. "You are familiar with MC rules regarding outsiders?"

Arturo sighed. "I can't wait to hear your version, Lieutenant," he said.

"No unescorted outside visitors pretty much sums it up, Commander," Rogers said.

"Except for me, right? 'Cause I'm your main squeeze for supplies!" Xiulan said.

"Well, for you I'd assign the best looking escort, but not one that outshines yours," he said, really bad at being 'flirtatious'.

"I guarantee you, Lieutenant," Arturo said. "That you have no one who outshines my wife...at least in my eyes." Arturo reached out and gave his wife's shoulder a gentle squeeze. Then remembered something. "Lieutenant, have you met our Chief of the Boat, Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Coltan Xan? He served as a Corpsman with the 23rd MEU is the last years of the Cardassian Border Wars, and later as a SAARC with MARSOC in the Federation-Klingon War, the Dominion War, and after as well. You should find the time to speak with him. You might find some common ground between the two of you."

"Good tip, Commander, I'll look him up. A corpsman you say? Worked with Marines before?" Rogers's looked thoughtful for a minute. "He keep up his certifications?"

"With has hard as he can kick my ass, he's definitely up to date on his hand to hand certifications," Xiulan remarked, then realized that this would probably make no sense seeing as how Mr. Marine probably just saw her as 'the little blind girl'. "Oh, my father was a Wushu master and taught me everything he knew so I could one day take over his school; Colt is one of the few people I can't use to mop the floor."

"Hrmmm, that doesn't seem helpful. Have you tried using a mop instead?" Rogers asked, keeping his voice steady and neutral.

"Har har," Xiulan fake-laughed, but she was smiling; she really liked this guy!

"The answer to your question, Lieutenant, is yes," Arturo said. "He has. In fact he was still in Special Operations, attached to Intelligence, until he encountered, purely by chance, a Marine General he remembered from the Dominion War. Specifically, the Second Battle of Chintoka. Unfortunately for the Marine General, Colt remembered him as a the Lieutenant Colonel who knowingly abandoned a group of Raiders and other Special Operations personnel who were fighting a holding action, slowing down the Breen advance on the planetary operation the fleet had set up there. If he had been left behind due to military necessity, Colt would have dealt with that. But this pathetic disgrace of an officer not only left the Raiders and the others behind, but also told Command they were dead. Those men and women fought a guerrilla action for months, on their own. When Starfleet finally showed up to secure the planet a month or two after the war was over, they were shocked too discover that there were Marines still on the planet. So when Colt recognized the man, and heard him bragging to a woman about the war, well...Colt felt obligated to break the man's jaw, which he did. Prior to this little incident, he was a Master Chief. Now he is a Senior Chief. I hope to see him promoted again as soon as I'm able to make that happen."

"Hey, I have to get back to MC. Could you ask the Senior Chief to come by my office?" Rogers asked.

"Of course," Arturo said.

"Thank you, Commander," Rogers said, "And to you as well, Lieutenant Song."

"You are quite welcome, Lieutenant," Arturo said.

Colt whistled as he walked towards Marine country. As usual, he was in a good mood. He was busy, but he figured he had time to stop in to see the new Marine CO. Arturo had said the guy was a little prickly, maybe a little to full of the usual Marine baloney, but generally okay, and that Xiulan seemed to like him. Of course, Arturo wasn't in the position of being able to be too friendly with anyone other than Leigh, Xiulan, and Colt himself, being the XO and all. Xiulan, on the other hand, could be as friendly as she wanted to. So all in all, he assumed both of their assessments were correct.

Colt approached the Marine sentry standing outside the entrance to Marine Country. "Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Coltan Xan, Chief of the Boat to see Lieutenant Rogers."

"Yes, Cob," the lance corporal at watch said. He motioned the other Marine over. "Lance Corporal Erickson will escort you to the CO's office."

The trip was short, the Marine did, however, point out various parts of Marine Country to Colt as they walked, but didn't offer or seem inclined to take the Chief into any of the areas he mentioned. They finally came up to the office, and true to his word, the door was already programmed to remain open while Rogers was inside or he ordered it shut. "Lieutenant," Erickson said standing just off to the side of the door, keeping away from the 'fatal funnel' of the doorway. He'd already screwed that up once today and was sure he'd have a bruise from the unexpected football thrown at him. "Senior Chief Petty Officer Xan to see you, Lieutenant."

Rogers looked up as the lance corporal started speaking and frowned before he remembered this was the corpsman and chief of the boat Fluffy mentioned. "Thank you, Lance Corporal, I'll call you when he's ready to leave." He stood as he waved the CoB into his office, then closed the door behind the SCPO. "Doc, how are you?" Rogers asked as he indicated one of the two chairs in front of the desk. A couch was to the side and behind Rogers, on the wall, were two crossed baseball bats with a third underneath, not quite forming a pyramid as the lines weren't closed. A well used baseball was in a clear container in the center of the bats. Another baseball sat in a holder on the desk, along with a Terran rules football that appeared to have been set down casually. Otherwise, the rest of the office looked as if someone worked to make things orderly and squared away.

"Outstanding, Lieutenant," Colt said. "I'm alive, I have the best job in the world, and as far as I know Captain Jacobs hasn't gotten any complaints yet today about me deflowering some admiral's virginal daughter. I call that a banner day."

"Would there be any truth behind those rumors?" Rogers asked, "Or have they finally declared 'admiral's virginal daughter' to be as much a myth as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster?"

"You know, Lieutenant," Colt said. "You might have something there. So, Arturo and Xiulan--Commander S'Rohass, and Lieutenant Song said that you asked to see me. What can I do for you?"

Rogers nodded as he looked at the wall opposite where he was sitting. "I thought we might have to dance around this for a bit more but right to the point. I like that." He sat up straight and turned to look at the CoB. "I need your discretion on a slight problem I'm having and I just don't want getting around."

"Okay," Colt said. "Lay it on me, Lieutenant, and I'll see what I can do to help."

"Before getting assigned here, I was assigned to a planet experiencing a tactical crisis. We were there six months and, well," he grabbed the baseball from his desk and started tossing it hand to hand. "My knee's been acting up lately and, well, it's getting to the point where there's pain when I PT and it lingers." He glanced to make sure the door was still closed. "One of the sergeants even asked if I was 'okay'."

Colt nodded. "Well," he said. "Then it's a good thing that I stashed a kit down here in your office before you moved it. You've probably found a compartment you can't open. That was me. There are some good drugs in there. Can't just let you have free access. And don't feel bad. There's one in Captain Jacobs' Ready Room and in Commander S'Rohass' office, and Xiulan keeps one in her office for me because some crap for brains inevitably will forget the Chief of Ops is blind and leave some obstacle in the way for her to trip over or bang into. If you'll allow me?"

"Please," Rogers said, looking around. Honestly he hasn't spent a lot of time in his office yet so if there was a panel he didn't have access to he didn't find it. But, a large part of him, didn't like the idea of being locked out of something in MC. "I'd ask my own corpsman but, he's not aboard yet and until I spoke with the Jacobs I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to bring him. If I went to Medical for something like this, then it'd get around."

Colt went over to a compartment and entered a code. He opened it and pulled out a field kit. "Computer, tint the office windows opaque please." The windows tinted completely black. "Okay, I'm going to scan your knee just to see if there's anything obvious, but then I need to visually and manually examine it. In other words, I have to look at it and touch it. But let's start with the scan."

Colt took out the medical tricorder and scanned Christian's knee. "Okay, I think this is going to be a quick solution, but again, I have to get touchy feely. So, Lieutenant, bare it and share it."

"Alright, but I heard about you Fleeters, so don't be falling in lust with my beautiful quads and hammies," Rogers said as he stood and removed his tacvest and blouse before removing his boots and trousers. Fortunately, he'd once been enlisted so the idea of being barely clothed was broken out of him during basic. Also, because he was genetically Betazed, everyone just assumed he was comfortable with nudity anyway. But he did fold everything and lay it on the desk for when they were finished and he had to dress again. "And if you do, just remember I'm not an admiral's virginal daughter."

"Just keep telling yourself that, Lieutenant," Colt said. "Just keep telling yourself that." Colt examined the knee, checked for bruising, manipulated the knee and the leg. While a tricorder could tell him a lot, it wasn't, say, a biobed, so it wasn't as exact. That meant getting back to basics a bit. "Okay, yeah, you tore some cartilage. Fortunately, I am not just your average, everyday corpsman, nor am I only an average, everyday Independent Duty Corpsman. I, Lieutenant, was a SAARC, a Special Aerospace/Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman, a trained Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman. In other words, I can do meatball surgery. Also, this kind of tear is pretty minor. I should be able to get it externally, so no meatballs. I'll take a crack at it for you, anyway. But if it acts up again, you're going to speak to a physician about it. Deal?"

"Crap," Rogers said, shaking his head. It sucked getting older. "As long as the doctor can keep their mouth shut around my Marines. Thanks, Doc, I appreciate your help. I try skip another day of PT and the troops might get uppity."

"No problem," Colt said. "Can you clear some space on your desk so you can sit on it with the bum leg laid out straight in front of you while I get set up? Thanks." Colt went through the kit and started taking out what he'd need. It wasn't much. Field surgery techniques were designed to require as little equipment as possible. SAARCs in particular had to get their charges back on their feet and moving as fast as possible and couldn't break out a whole surgical tray in the middle of the field. "Okay. Ready when you are."

Rogers looked at the desk and shrugged, moving the few items to the back counter, underneath his autographed bats and the ball. Then, while the SPCO was finishing up, he sat on the desk and waited. "Good to go, Doc," he said as the corpsman stated he was ready to go. He made sure he was far enough on the desk to keep his leg straight out while he angled the other off the edge, planting his foot firmly on the floor to keep some stability.

"Okay," Colt said. "This might feel a little warm or maybe tickle, but it shouldn't cause any real discomfort. Here goes."

Colt began using the deep tissue regenerator on Christian's knee. He had handheld imaging device in his other hand that he kept glancing at to check his progress. The whole process took about fifteen minutes, mostly because Colt want to make sure he repaired everything and that the repair was going to stick.

"Okay," Colt said. "You can get dressed." Colt put away his equipment while Christian put on his clothes. "So, I need you to do a couple of things. First of all, rest the leg the rest of the day, and apply a cold pack, ten minutes on, twenty minutes off, for the next four hours. Ah! Nope! If you don't let the treatment set, you'll be in Sickbay! Find an excuse to stay in your office or just go back to your quarters. If you do that, and there is no pain, no swelling, no weakness, you may resume PT tomorrow, but don't push too hard. Go slowly. You're a Marine, improvise. However, I'll be sending you a list and description of some exercises you're going to do. You could replace some of the normal PT routine with some of these exercises to mask what's going on. If you do that, replace the ones that will be most damaging to your knee. Again, find away to avoid pushing too hard. Demonstrate the exercise to them by doing it the prescribed number of times, then maybe walk around under the guise of making sure they're doing it right, then finish up with them. You can alternate sets with walking around. That should cover you pretty well actually."

Rogers had a few choice words float through his mind at what the Doc told him but he also knew that it was something he was going to have to do. You didn't ask someone for their expertise then argue with it. "Thank you," he said, not sure what was more annoying - the four hours of sedentary duty or that he was in this predicament in the first place. "I may not seem it, but I do appreciate your help with this problem. Rest assured, I'm a mustang so the fear of the Senior Chief is enough to keep me in line with your medical orders."

Colt laughed. "Whatever gets you to follow the treatment plan, Lieutenant," he said. "Okay, I'm going to lock all of this up again. I'm not going to give you any painkillers, because if you have pain in the next few hours, I screwed up somewhere. If you have pain over the next couple of days, well, then it's a toss up over who screwed up more, me or you. I'll come back through tomorrow and see how you're doing."

"Roger that, Doc," Rogers said as he completed dressing. He looked at the items he removed from his desk and decided to leave them there for the time being. He knew himeslf and if he stayed at the office, he'd continue working and that was contrary to what he was just told. "I hate to be selfish, so is there anything you'd like to bring up to me about my unit onboard?"

Colt shook his head, then decided maybe there was. "I know it's easy to make fun of the XO because of his height and the fact that he's a little out there. But don't let that convince you that he's any less capable, loyal, dedicated, or dangerous. Not only is he one of the best pilots in the fleet, he was once, during a little falling out between him and Starfleet, one of the best pilots and privateers in the Nyberite Alliance. He's also very capable with his hands, and downright frigging scary with a blade, long, medium, or short. He usually carries a very long, very slim, very nasty folding blade known as a Liccasapuni in his boot and a smaller, leaf bladed folder in his pocket where he can easily get to it. I think that one is called a...San Fratellano. Anyway, not only has he been teaching me a little of what he knows, but I've seen him use a blade in action. I can't say where or when, but I can tell you I've seen him at work with one. It was not a pretty sight. So, yeah, you can joke about his height, or his comments about brigands, bandits, road agents, corsairs, pirates, buccaneers, and the lot. But never forget that if the excrement hits the oscillator and you need his help, he won't let you down."

"You mean, Fluffy?" Rogers asked. He shook his head and held up his hands to forestall any comment. "I don't need to be a telepath to know that's the kind of thing you're talking about. And, mostly, you'd be right. I probably took a few alpha male liberties that I hadn't yet earned with the nickname. Rest assured, the XO will be afforded the proper respect his position deserves by every Marine aboard this ship. Including me." Rogers shrugged. "But, you have to admit, it's a good nickname. That will never ever be used again. Until the right to do so has been earned."

"Thanks, Lieutenant," Colt said. "Arturo will appreciate that. He's not exactly sensitive, but he's also new to a lot of the crew and I'd rather not have to go around applying my boot to the asses of every enlisted Fleeter whose wise cracks go above and beyond good order and discipline. Once everyone is used to him and knows where they stand it won't cause as much of a problem for him." Colt grinned. "And I'm not lying about seeing him fight with one of his blades. He cut these guys we were locking assholes with so cleanly and elegantly that some of them didn't even realize they were dying until they passed out from blood loss. The guy's a bloody, and I do mean bloody, artist with those things. His fighting style is unique, too. A lot of the popular Earth martial arts come from various East Asian cultures. My father is Human and that's what I learned. But Arturo learned martial arts from Earth's European continent, mostly Italy and a little bit from Spain." Colt finished putting everything away. "Okay, last thing. Part of my IDC and SpecOps IDC training included some mental health care. From experience I know that Marines who need to talk to a mental health professional will schedule their first appointment on the fifth of Never. So, if you need to talk, and you don't feel comfortable talking to one of the ship's counselors, give me a call and I'll find some time for you. I figure that's better than nothing. Same goes for any of your Marines."

"Thank you," Rogers said as he played with the well worn baseball from his desk. He looked as if he was going to say more when the communicator beeped. "Lieutenant, there's a problem with quarters, are you available?" the voice sounded young but confident and capable. Rogers rolled his eyes as he tapped his badge. "I'm on my way."

Turning back to Colt, "I'm sorry, Senior Chief, but duty calls. I'll have the guard come to escort you out." With that, confident the Senior Chief could handle himself, Rogers left to go take care of some unknown problems in the crew quarters. But mindful of the medical procedure, walked slowly and calmly. This only proved he needed to go to his quarters for the next several hours.

ON:

Jacobs stood, decked out in her dress uniform as she tugged at a sleeve--she was never fond of the dress uniform. To her it was uncomfortable as she sighed in resignation.

"Problems, Commander Jacobs," Viktor asked, next to her, also dressed in his dress uniform with a sly grin.

"You know I hate this dress uniform," she complained. "I hate formalities."

Viktor chuckled. "I know...but you will smile, shake hands, and kiss ass like a true Starfleet Captain."

It was now Jacobs who laughed. "Aye, Sir."

"I'll be getting ready for my speech, Commander. God Speed."

Valywen came up to Jacobs, dressed in a one piece, lavender V-neck jumpsuit. "Hello, Commander!"

Jacobs smiled. "Hello Valywen. I see you've taken to Federation Clothing."

"Yes, it's surprisingly comfortable," she smiled.

"I'm glad to hear that, Val," Jacobs replied.

"I believe I would almost rather wear that then a formal dress uniform," Rogers said as he walked over, catching the tail end of the conversation. "Though, I do have to admit, we Marines make this look good."

Leigh turned to the new MCO and grinned. "That you do, Lieutenant. Ready for departure, I hope?"

"We are always ready, Captain," he said, as he took a glass of the synthehol champagne from a passing tray. "Even if we're not, we are. How about you? This is a much larger ship than your last tugboat."

"I believe I am," Leigh said grinning. "Though it may take some getting used to at first."

Arturo,wearing his dress uniform, approached with Xiulan on his arm. "A happy day, Captain!" he said. "We are off to the unknown once again!"

She was hardly 'on his arm', it wasn't unusual for Xiulan to hold onto a person's arm if she was being led around, but she couldn't deny that she walked closer to him than she did to others simply because they were married. "Remind me why we had to wear these things," Xiulan grumbled as she tugged at the collar of her dress uniform. Like usual, she wore her dark hair in a massive bun and held in place by the hairpin Arturo had given her, as usual, but the normally shaggy fringe of hair covering her eyes had been neatly swept aside and pinned back, and she hated this.

"Because we look dashing and elegant and overall damned impressive?" Arturo said. "Especially you, my dear." That last part was to poke a little fun at his wife. She hated getting dressed up...for anything...ever. "Don't worry, this will be over soon enough."

"I would say you look dashing, but to me you look the same as always, just like everyone else," Xiulan remarked. She was able to pick out the familiar heat signature of their Captain and Valywen as they approached a group, and she recognized the third figure from his voice. "Captain, Valywen, 'Mr. Marine'," she greeted in her usual gruff tone; she had intentionally used her little mental nickname for Rogers because she suspected he might find it amusing, or it would annoy him at which point it would amuse her.

"Lieutenant Song," Rogers replied with a smile, "May I say that you in the dress uniform could certainly be a Marine. Commander," he said by way of greeting to the XO. "One good thing about this, wearing this monkey suit means I must be on 'best behavior' and since I've not yet had the opportunity to meet our security chief, perhaps that is best?"

"Lieutenant Me'Shlaht is busy and hates these occasions even more so. I truely believe she'd rather run around naked than to wear a dress uniform," Leigh teased with a chuckle.

"Why wasn't I told that was an option?" Rogers said, undoing the collar and top buttons of his uniform tunic.

"It's not," Arturo said. "If for no other reason than naked people shed hair from less than sanitary places and that kind of hair doesn't go well with canapes." Arturo grinned. "Canapes don't mix well with Caitian hair, either, but there's hardly enough of my coat showing to shed in the first place."

"They have razors for that problem, Commander. Or, in your case, clippers." Though, he redid his buttons and, reluctantly, closed the collar. If he wasn't such a Marine, he might have left it open.

"Have ever seen a breed of cat from Earth called a Mexican Hairless?" Arturo said. He shuddered. "A truly terrifying sight. And they apparently get dry skin so you have to rub them down with olive oil all the time so you end up with a greasy feline with a bad attitude. Yuck."

"Talk about manscaping..." Xiulan retorted, chuckling. "If it makes you feel any better, you all look naked to me."

Arturo grinned but said nothing. He mentally undressed Xiulan repeatedly whenever they were together, over and over again, so that by the time he got back to their quarters, he was practically pawing the floor. For all intents and purposes, she looked naked to him most of the time as well. Married life was good.

"Captain," Rogers said, with a sideglance to Arturo, "permission to leave the gathering and find someplace to vomit?"

"If she says yes, Lieutenant," Arturo said, an even wider grin forming on his face. "Try to get it all in the scuppers. Otherwise the Docking Bay crew will make you clean it up yourself."

"I'm about to join you," Leigh chuckled. "Permission granted." She turned to Arturo, continuing to grin. "Behave."

"I was actually planning on using your shoe and the middle of your bed," Rogers said with a smile. Then turned to the other part of their group. "I'm sorry, everyone's been awfully rude. I'm First Lieutenant Christian Rogers, Marine detachment. And you are?" he asked Valywen.

"Oh, I am Valywen," she introduced herself. "I was lucky to be accepted by the crew and Leigh er, I mean the Captain was generous to give me a posting as the ship's Stellar Cartographer since I have a Astronomy background, however primitive it is compared to your Federation understanding."

"Valywen is from a pre-warp civilization who aided us in getting off of the planet," Jacobs explained.

At that moment Colt showed up. "Sorry I'm just getting here now, Captain," Colt said. He turned and offered an uncharacteristically shy smile to Valywen. "Hi, Val," he said. "I'm glad you decided to stay on with us."

"Of course, Mr. Xan! This Federation is too overwhelming for me. I'll take it one starship at a time with those I already know, even if space is more violent than I first thought," Valywen replied.

Ensign Nora approached the group, smiling as she looked off towards the new Valiant. "Labs, I actually get a full science lab--several in fact," she sighed. "I'm in love."

Leigh couldn't help but laugh at the comment but couldn't help but notice Lougheed's absence.

Towards the viewport came aloud clinking sound of metal on crystal that cause the room to quiet. "Excuse me, everyone. May I have your attention," Viktor announced. "As you are aware, we're gathered here for the christening of the newly commissioned USS Valiant. The name Valiant has had a long career attached to it. It began as a naval patrol vessel in the early 20th Century on Earth during the first two World Wars, then as a cutter for the then United States Coast Guard. She then served as an explorer in the 23rd Century and later in the Dominion War. The name is now bestowed upon the new Luna Class Starship, where under the command of Commander Leigh Jacobs, an experienced leader, I am sure it will continue to live up to it's namesake. Commander Jacobs, you may have the honors." Viktor gestured to a PaDD he held in his hand.

"Son of a bitch," Jacobs mumbled before making her way up to Viktor. "In the name of the Federation and Starfleet, I christen thee USS Valiant," she stated with the traditional christening announcement and pressing the button that launched a 2370 Francitacorta Champagne bottle towards the secondary hull of the Valiant. A moment later, the bottle chattered against the hull to applause thoughout the room. "That was a waste of good champagne," Leigh stated to Viktor, who was grinning.

"Not to worry, I had a bottle of my finest Vodka sent to your quarters," he replied with a wink.

"Hopefully my XO won't sniff it out too soon," she joked.

Viktor simply grinned as he turned back to the crowd. "Commander Jacobs, you and your crew and senior staff may launch. God speed, Commander."

"God speed, admiral," Jacobs replied as she stepped down and nodded to her assembled officers. "Commander S'Rohass, lets get aboard and get underway."

Evan had been late to the christen making it inside just as the Admiral handed the event over to Leigh. He had recieved quite a few odd looks as he had been forced to practically run from the last minute meeting he'd been called to. As the group began to mingle he made his way towards the Commander. "Sorry I'm late, got pulled into it by the Sector Intel director, SFI has a lead on Kalor, a spec-ops team is being sent in."

"That's good to hear. Let's get aboard and get ready to launch," Leigh grinned.

Evan nodded and followed her out of the reception hall.

Leigh, Lougheed, and the rest of the senior officers boarded the Valiant through the docking tube, modified with enhanced sensors to detect any Gluak parasites that may have taken a host. A moment later, Leigh and company arrived on the bridge. it still took Leigh a moment to get used to the larger, and much more advanced bridge. Sitting down in the new captain chair for the first time, Leigh shifted her weight. The chair was almost too comfortable--almost. She grinned as Arturo hopped into his seat to her right. "Lieutenant Song, disconnect from the starbase and switch to internal power and bring us up to full operating level."

TAG SONG

Leigh opened a comm channel to the starbase from a console on her chair arm. "Commander Jacobs to Starbase traffic Control, requesting clearance for launch."

"Clearance granted, Commander. May you have fair winds and following seas," came the reply.

Leigh grinned. 'Where is the fun in that?' she thought. "Alright. Helm, ahead one quarter impulse until we clear the starbase."

"Aye, ma'am," replied the young helmsman as the Valiant began to glide forward smoothly. A minute later, the Valiant cleared through the large Stardock class bay doors into open space. "Helm, let's stretch her legs a bit. Set a course for the Alben Sector. Warp 9."

"Aye, ma'am. Setting course, engaging warp," the helmsman replied as the Valiant jumped to warp.

"So besides landing the ship on prewarp planets, alien parasites, corrupt Admirals, anything we should try to avoid?" Loughed mused from his station.

"Time travel...definately time travel," Jacobs joked.

"Ah, gods," Rogers muttered, "anything but time travel and those lazy jerks at Temporal Investigations. Lazy, useless, egotistical do nothings."

Leigh could only chuckle in agreement as the Valiant sped off into the blackness of space, it's crew eagerly awaiting whatever adventures that laid ahead of them.

Leigh sat at her chair, letting out a sigh as she signed off on a power level increase request by the Science Department--it was one of many tedious tasks required of a commanding officer. A beep slightly caught her attention as it was a beep indicating an incoming communications link.

"Captain, there is an incoming communication from Admiral Viktor, Code 41," a communications officer announced.

This immediately caught Leigh's attention. Code 41 was imminent threat code used by Starfleet. "Put it through to my ready room," Leigh replied as she briskly strode towards the office.

She activated her terminal. "Computer, accept Code 41 transmission from Admiral Viktor. Authorization Jacobs 4-5-3-1-9-1-0 Tango."

"Authorization accepted," came the computer's reply.

The image of Admiral Viktor appeared on the screen. "How's the ship, commander?" Viktor asked, his face, having lost his trademark sly grin.

"Purring like a kitten, Admiral. What's the occasion?" Leigh pondered.

"Not a good one, I'm afraid. We need you to divert immediately to the Ghorusda System at best possible speed. Starfleet Command was just informed by the Romulan Star Empire that their experimental weapons research station was attacked and a weapon was stolen."

"What sort of weapon are we talking about?" Leigh asked, crossing her arms.

"You're going to love this part. It was a Thalaron Explosive--one powerful enough to wipe out an entire planet if placed right. Fifty percent if not."

"Are you fucking kidding me, Sir?" Leigh asked, shocked.

"Afraid not. I'm forwarding you all the information we have to you and your Intel Chief. Ghorusda is where Starfleet Intelligence believes the attackers will go as it's out of Romulan Space and is a Romulan Pacifist Colony that is on the cusp of Federation membership so you are being sent there while the Romulans scour their territory for the attackers."

"We'll find that weapon, admiral. Jacobs, out."

Leigh stormed out her office. "Yellow Alert. Helm, change course for the Ghorusda System, emergency speed."

"Aye, ma'am. Changing course for the Ghorusda SYstem. Warp Factor 9.998," the helmsman replied as the yellow alert panels began to flash.

Leigh tapped her comm badge. "Jacobs to all senior officers, assemble in the Observation lounge immediately."

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

After the senior officers had gathered, Leigh passed out PaDDs with the information from Starfleet and Admiral Viktor on it to each officer. "I just received a communique from Admiral Viktor regarding this issue. We are being sent because although Ghorusda is a Romulan Colony, they are pacisifsts who have broken away from the Romulan Star Empire and are close to becoming a member of the Federation."

"How pacifistic are they?" Rogers asked, having heard that line before. "Enough that they'll hide suspected terrorists in their midst?" He folded the PaDD into a side pocket since all his others were full. He'd managed to get into his alert gear, which included his sidearm, rifle and loaded tacvest as soon as the yellow alert sounded. He wasn't the first to arrive to the observation lounge because, in the off chance Doc was here, he didn't want to be seen running and not following his medical orders. "Meaning, you going to send your A-team down to soften any resistance when we arrive?" That was asked of Commander Jacobs, since her orders were the only ones that mattered. "Or will we be support to the goldbacks?"

"It is believed that these Romulans follow the teachings of Sarek and follow the ideals started by the late Ambassador Spock to reuinite with Vulcans one, day but Starfleet has learned the attack was carried out by the Khelliana. They're a Romulan Extremist Group who believes that the Empire has grown too soft. Many of their members include former Tal Shiar Agents. They could be traveling there to blend in and possibly disappear or worst case scenario, they may target Ghorusda. Until we get the lay of the land, Marines will aid with searching for the agents," Leigh explained.

"Soft, cuddly teddy bears winning hearts and minds, got it, Captain," Rogers said.

"Several senior Federation officials have been at the planet a number of times, both for membership talks and reviewing aid arrangements. I'm sure there would be a closer ship than us, is there a reason they're sending in the Val?" Evan asked.

"Because we're the closest available starship capable of possibly evacuating the planet if the need arises. "The USS Phoenix, a Galaxy Class, is also enroute but are 12 hours behind us at the moment. Secondary concerns are preparing what space we have, be it the holodecks, cargo bays, and the lounge for refugees should we feel the need to evacuate the colony. But our foremost mission is to find these Romulans and hand them over to the Star Empire."

"Lieutenant Song," Arturo said. "Please make sure we are prepared for an evacuation effort if the need arises. I'll coordinate what small craft assets we have, but that's not much to work with. We'll be needing to utilize cargo transporters, so we should be prepared on a moment's notice to adjust their settings to be used on large groups of people and not inanimate objects.

"That won't be a problem; apparently there's a setting for that, who knew!" Xiulan replied as she made some notations on her console, sending orders to the cargo crew to start double stacking as much of the cargo possible to make more room in the bays for refugees.

"I want the Marines and Security teams ready to deploy in a search of the colony once I make contact with the colony's administrator and inform them of our plans. Mrs. Song, once we arrive in orbit try searching for Thalaron particles or areas that would likely conceal such a device." Jacobs still wanted to know just why the Empire had such a weapon in storage in the first place--Thalaron Weapons were banned. "If there are no further questions, you're dismissed."

"Lieutenant Me'Shlaht," Rogers said, "I believe convening in your office to coordinate would be more convenient for the both of us?"

Me'Shlaht nodded. "Yes, that would be prudent," she said simply.

"Also, Ensign Nora, work with Lieutenant Song in helping locate the Thalaron explosive," Jacobs said, knowing it was a tall order. Locating the explosive before detonation would be tricky as Thalaron particles in lesser concentrations could be concealed from sensors as fatally proved when the Romulan Senate had been killed by such a device in 2379.

"Aye, ma'am," Nora replied.

'Alright, you all have your assignments. Dismissed," Jacobs ordered, watching everyone file out of the room.

The USS Valiant dropped out of warp as it entered the Ghorusda System. Sitting in her command chair, Leigh stood and took a few steps towards the view screen. "Lieutenant Song, open a secure channel to the colony."

"Opening channel," Song responded.

A moment later, the view screen switced to the image of a Romulan, dressed in a traditional Romulan Robe often worn by politcians. "Greetings, USS Valiant. I am Talmim Ansox, administrator of this colony. How may we be of service," he greeted with a grin.

"A pleasure, Sir. I am Commander Leigh Jacobs, commanding officer of the Valiant. I have been sent here by Starfleet Command to search for Romulan terrorists that may have come to your planet and we believe they are in possession of a Thalaron Explosive."

Ansox's eyes widened at the mention of a Thalaron weapon. "Where did these terrorist acquire such a weapon?"

"From a Romulan Weapons Research Station," Leigh replied.

Ansox's head fell slightly. "I was afraid of this. Even out here, the Empire's troubles finds us. Are you certain these terrorists are here on Ghorusda Three?"

"We don't know for certain," Leigh admitted. "But it is better to be certain."

"Very well, you may visit but please try to be discreet as if such news got out, it could cause panic," Ansox stated.

'And spook the terrorists into action,' Leigh thought. "I will transport down to meet with you."

Commander S'Rohass, you have command. Start scanning the planet for Thalaron Particles. Lieutenant Lougheed, go to the planet and scout the areas and talk to people to see if you can find out anything. Lieutenant Song, check for any recent arrivals from Romulan space. Lieutenant Rogers, you're with me."

"Aye, Captain," Rogers said. In deference to the nature of this first meeting, he 'toned' down his look a bit. The rifle wasn't present and he wore the less 'invading your planet to bring it freedom' and the more 'we're here to chitchat and maybe set up a softball league' tactical uniform. He did have his sidearm though. That he wasn't going down without. He followed several steps behind Jacobs, while alerting the rest they were on the move.

"Aye, aye, Captain," Arturo said, taking over the Command Chair. He sighed. Bridge watch. Maybe these terrorists would steal a Warbird and attack, giving him something to do up here! "Lieutenant Song, begin your scans and inform me of the results as soon as you can.

"Yes sir," Xiulan replied and refocused the sensors to look for Thalaron radiation, almost immediately getting a result. "I've got a location for you already, Captain. Just looks like trace radiation, perhaps residue of earlier activity? It's a place to start, so I'm sending the coordinates to the transporter chief, but I'll keep searching," she said.

"Captain?" Colt said. "Mind if I join you?"

Leigh paused at the news from Lieutenant Song and turned to Rogers. "Change of plans, Rogers. Get your gear and some men and scout that area. Take Ensign Nora if you need her--she may be able to assist in tracking the radiation. If you detect any concentrations, stay clear of it--the slightest touch from a particle can turn a person to ash in seconds." She then turned to Colt. "Very well, you're with me, Mr. Xan."

"Yes Ma'am," Colt said as he followed Leigh to the turbolift. He liked to stretch his legs planetside when he could, and this way he could try to keep Leigh from getting herself killed. That he wouldn't be able to keep her out of trouble was a given, but that was part of why she was a good leader. She wasn't afraid to charge into the thick of things when charging in was called for. "I'll grab a field kit, and--okay if I bring a carbine? I promise not to point it menacingly at the nice people, only at the evil, no good, nasty, bad people."

Leigh grinned. "Sure. Be quick. I don't want to keep the administrator waiting."

"Understood Captain," Rogers said as he tapped his commbadge. "Ensign Nora, you have three minutes to be geared up and ready to go dirtside. Transporter room three, three minutes."

It took Nora a bit by surprise to hear she was going planet side. "Aye, sir. I'll be there."

Kawolski, change of plans. We're going down loaded for bear, have have my equipment ready, I'm on my way. Change to transporter room three.

Understood, Lieutenant, Kawolski answered, growing more accustomed to the telepathic communications. We're on the move, gear will be waiting for you.

As everyone shuffled to the lifts, Xiulan spoke up again. "Be careful out there. This radiation is lethal in even the most minuscule quantities, and I can't tell from here what caused these traces to be left behind, so there's no telling at all what you're walking in to," she cautioned them. "I'll keep you updated if I learn anything new."

"Thanks, Lieutenant Song," Colt said. "Captain, I'll meet you in the transporter room in ten minutes, less if I can. I need to swing by both the armory for weapons and my quarters for my field kit."

The Romulan shifted impatiently from one foot to the other, while keeping his eye on his surroundings. The barn had the usual bales of hay, poor lighting, and the smell of manure from one of the dirty stalls. "Filthy," he remarked with a disgusted face.

"Where else would you expect to meet with animals, Nolos?" an older, grey-haired Romulan with an old vicious scar running down the side of his head replied.

"romuluSngan pig nuj legh!" (watch your mouth Romulan pig) came the gruff voice of a large Klingon stepping out of the shadows, trailed by another Klingon, both giving the Romulans a menacing stare.

"It is about time you arrived," the older Romulan remarked.

"We were delayed," the Klingon snarled. "A Federation staship just recently entered the system just before we transported down."

Nolos looked at Klingon and then to his associate. "A Federation starship? Do you think they are looking for us? Were you detected?" he asked, turning his attention back to the Klingons.

"It is doubtful. Our ship is currently cloaked and in low orbit over the magnetic pole so it will be impossible for them to locate us, but they are not expecting a cloaked ship and would not be looking for it in the first place," one Klingon replied. "Now, do you have the weapon?"

"Yes, but not with us. It is hidden in a safe place to avoid it being discovered," the elder Romulan stated. "Do you have the pavement?"

"We do. But you will not receive it until we at least see the weapon," the other Klingon demanded.

"Very well, but we must be careful until we can find out more about this Federation ship that has arrived," the elder Romulan stated. "He tapped a few commands into a PaDD. These are the coordinates of the bomb. Meet us there within an hour and memorize the coordinates and then destroy that PaDD."

"Do not tell me what to do Romulan!" the head Klingon demanded. We will be there in one hour's time," he said before turning and exiting out the side door of the barn with his associate.

"Can we really trust them, Cholak?" Nolos asked.

"Yes. They are desperate but they will pay us and with that money, we can further our agenda, along with Tomalak's support," Cholak replied. "Come. Let's see what we can learn about this Federation ship that has arrived." The two Romulans disappeared from the barn in a green transporter beam.

The hum of two transporter beams pierced the silence in the office as Jacobs and Xan materialized in a swirl of blue light that quickly faded. "Ah, Commander Jacobs, welcome to Gharousda Three," Talmim Ansox greeted as he approached Jacobs. The office was adorned with various Romulan and Vulcan art and a few artifacts encased in displays. The room was softly lit, giving a relaxed fell to the place. "I have requested that T'Vok, the Federation Ambassador to Gharousda Three join us. I do hope that is alright with you."

Jacobs nodded. "It is well within Ambassador T'Vok's rights to be here," Jacobs said diplomatically. Personally she hated ambassadors--they were often far too political for her taste. "Allow me to introduce my Chief of Boat, Senior Chief Petty Officer Coltan Xan," she gestured to Colt.

"Gentlebeings," Colt said. "It's an honor to meet you both. You have some very interesting pieces of art on display here, Administrator Ansox. That painting over there is--Lady T'Jah, is it not? Quite stunning." Being nice never hurt anyone and since Jacobs opened with 'bad cop' or at least 'I woke up on the wrong side of bed and I don't want to be here' cop, Colt opted for good cop.

"Thank you. It is warming to know that you are familiar with Romulan Art and history," Ansox replied with a grin.

"I'm Rigelian," Colt said. "Or half, anyway. The scenery of the paintings are different, but the styles are similar. And there are a lot of similarities in the sculpting, but the materials are different."

"Let's get to business shall we?" Leigh said.

Ansox nodded. "Yes. What do you know of the issue?"

The subject is of utmost importance. Just before beaming down, my Operations Officer detected traces of Thalaron Radiation just outside of the colony. I've dispatched some of my crew to investigate the area. This points to confirmation that these terrorists are very likely here on Gharousda Three."

Ansox was silent for a moment. "I try to bring my people away from the militaristic xenophobic past of my people to only have them threatened with such. You know, I was once a promising officer in the Imperial Navy, even commanded my own ship at a time--then I opened my eyes and saw the Empire for what it truely was with the aid of the late Ambassador Spock."

Ambassador T'Vok took a few steps forward. "The presence of Thalaron Radiation leads to conclusion that these terrorists must be on the planet. Yet, we cannot inform the public as of yet due to the fear of panic."

Jacobs nodded. "I want permission to search within the colony for these terrorists. I assure you that my crew will be discreet."

"Very well, Commander Jacobs," Ansox replied. "Is there anything else we should know?"

"The USS Phoenix is also en route but they are twelve hours behind us. They are arriving should we need to evacuate the colony quickly," Jacobs explained. "But that is only as a last resort."

Ansox sighed. "I can only pray that it doesn't come to such actions."

"As do I," Jacobs replied. "I will keep you and Ambassador T'Vok informed of our progress."

"Thank you. I would invite you and your officers to dinner this evening if it is possible. Is 1800 Hours good?," Ansox offered.

'Damn,' Jacobs thought. She hated such functions and yet, they were a vital part of being a starship captain. "Thank you. We will accept. Now, if you would excuse me, I really should coordinate my crew in their search efforts."

Ansox nodded. "Very well. I look forward to dinner."

Jacobs nodded and grinned. "As do I," Jacobs replied before exiting the office and stepping into the elevator. "I really hate dealing with politicians," she complained with a slight grin.

"They are a pain in the ass," Colt said. "Diplomats are almost as bad. So, a hunting we will go?"

"For a bit. I want to get the layout and feel of the colony before we transport more people down here. Recent reports indicate that the Romulans here seem to full embrace the teachings of Surak and are truly loyal to the idea of joining the Federation...yet the idea of a Romulan suppressing their emotions is difficult to imagine," Leigh said as they approached the exit to the building.

"Valiant to Commander Jacobs."

"Jacobs, here. What is it, Commander?" came Leigh's voice in response.

"You're about to have a group of ill-tempered guests visit the planet," Arturo said. "A Vor'cha class Klingon starship commanded by a Captain Korath decloaked off of our bow a few moments ago. Apparently our Romulan terrorists, if that's what they are, are trying to sell the Thalaron device to a group of Klingon traitors, if that's what they are. I convinced Korath that we might work together. He and his people could look for the buyers while we pursued the sellers and we could share information. Whether or not they'll follow through on that last part I have no idea. I felt you'd rather have them working with us than rampaging around the colony."

"Thank you, Commander. I'll talk with this Captain Korath as soon as possible to make sure he still doesn't send down search parties to turn the colony upside down. I'll be back on the ship, soon. Keep a close watch on them until then. Jacobs, out," Leigh replied. She wasn't happy that the Klingons came to the party--this was a delicate situation and Klingons never do anything delicately.

"If you'd seen Vulcans back before Surak," Colt said. "You'd probably say the same thing about them. Or my people. They were still pretty much pre-Surak Vulcans when they settled in the Rigel System. They were extremely violent for a time. Then they realized that sex was more fun than violence, and the rest, as the Humans say, is history!"

"So, make love. Not war?" Leigh teased as they stepped out into the colony. The colony from what she could see had all the amenities of a thriving colony. What she could see, a school was located nearby, along with several stores and shops down the road past the school. Other offices were adjacent to the Administrator's Office building.

"That has a nice ring to it," Colt said. "I'll have to remember that. But yes. My ancestors realized we were just going to kill each other off if we kept going the way we were, so we decided to work out all of those powerful Vulcanoid passions in the bedroom... the living room... the dining room... the yard..."

"Alright, alright, I get it," Leigh chuckled, holding up a hand. "Let's see check the marketplace to see if anyone has noticed any newcomers to the colony."

"I'll tag along," Colt said. "Fastest way for things to go all wrong in a hurry is to start going places by yourself. Besides, the last time I let you do that, you got kidnapped."

"I got bored," she grinned with a shrug as they approached the market. Her eyes scanned the immediate area, seeing nothing out of place. She opened her mind, hearing various thoughts--all logical, of course--then a few sexual thoughts belonging to a younger man. "Oops," she said as she turned her attention from the man, who was in the beginning stages of his Pon Farr.

Colt got the annoying feeling someone was watching them. Not just seeing them or looking at them as curiosities. Someone was watching them. He did a little countersurveillance and, sure enough, he saw someone turn away when he caught site of them. Stupid. Or inexperienced. You never look directly at someone you're trying to observe covertly. They always know. "Skip, the young lady in the purple is either entranced by my devastatingly good looks, or yours, or she's tailing us. She seems inexperienced. If we pull a little sleight of hand, get her focused on one of us, the other could probably grab her. All we would need to decide is who's going to the sleight and who's going to be the hand."

"Do what you need," she said. "I'm usually good at making distractions," Leigh said before taking a few steps away from Colt, before pretending to trip and went crashing into a nearby food vendor, sending fruits and vegetables flying.

Colt ghosted and, while their new friend was distracted by Leigh, Colt managed to get a hold of her... at which point she started shrieking like a lunatic and calling for help. A crowd began to gather. Great. Colt restrained the woman and brought her over to Leigh. "Skip, it appears I was a bit too hasty. We might want to go somewhere a little less public, forthwith."

After helping to gather some of the spilled vegetables for the vendor, she looked at the two. "I apologize, ma'am. We only need to ask you a few questions and then you will be released unharmed," she told the woman loud enough for the crowd to hear, knowing the situation in the colony would be worse if she and Colt were transported away. She grabbed the woman by the arm gently but firmly as they led the woman into a nearby storage warehouse a block away. Breathing a sigh of relief as she closed the doors behind them, she turned her attention to the woman. "Please remain calm. We only want to know why you were observing us."

The woman scowled at Leigh and said nothing.

"Really?" Colt said. "You had plenty to say a moment ago. Nothing to say without an audience for you to play it up for?"

The woman scowled at Colt, then spit on the ground. "Rigelian," she said, disgust evident in her voice. "Where the Vulcans are cold, emotionless, automatons, you Rigelians are slaves to your base natures!" She turned to Leigh. "Is he your bed warmer? Is that an official rating in your fleet? Bed Warmer? Captain's Pet?"

Leigh ignored the woman's insults, taking a step closer. "We can do this the easy way by you cooperating and answering my questions or we do this the hard way and transport you to the brig aboard my ship, where my Chief of Security would not ask as politely as I am. Am I perfectly clear?" Leigh demanded sternly.

The woman scowled. "We will not let the Empire become soft, emotionless pacifists like the Vulcans or hedonists like the Rigelians! We will not let the Romulan Star Empire become a vassal state of the Federation like the Klingons! We raise Romulus to new heights! We will--"

"Excuse me," Colt said. "Sorry to interrupt. You can go on with your rhetoric in just a moment. First, though, how does selling a Thalaron device to Klingon dissidents help your cause? Wouldn't using the device on a strategic target make more sense? I mean, isn't there some planet you could lay waste to with it and claim credit for the deed to make your point? How does selling the device to the Klingons help you prove that Romulus is getting soft? In fact, how do you know that the Klingon dissidents won't use it on a Romulan target? And if they do, how does that help you prove your point?"

"I--," the woman began. "Sell? Sell the device to Klingon traitors?!? You lie, whore! Our leader--our leader wouldn't--"

"That's what I thought," Colt said. "And for the record, I don't charge for sexual favors. I pretty much give those out for free." Colt turned to Leigh. "Sounds like someone at the top of this little Romulan 'terrorist' organization might be more interested in financial gain than political violence."

"Yes, but financial gain towards what purpose? If we were dealing with Ferengi, it would be a rather easy guess but with Romulans, nothing is as it seems," Leigh pondered. "Let's transport her aboard the Valiant until we get the matter settled."

"Aye, aye, Captain," Colt called the Valiant and the transporter room beamed them all aboard.

Valywen studied Gharousda Three from the Science station on the bridge. The planet looked beautiful from orbit. Whether that was indeed true or due to her lack of experience at seeing planets from orbit in a starship was something she was unsure of. The orbit of the planet meant that a day on the planet was 24.5 hours long--a couple hours longer than her planet.

It was quiet enough that Xiulan thought this might be a good teachable moment. "Valywen," Xiulan said, gesturing in the little alien's general direction to come to her station. Xiulan, of course, had her tactile interface active, but it still had visual components for anyone who might be looking over her shoulder, it was simply arranged differently than normal and not nearly as nice looking as the standard LCARS displays, but it was designed for function over form. "You've been studying cartography, right? Show me how to do a spectrographic analysis of the system's sun," she ordered/suggested. Her fingers continued to work over her own sensor data, still searching for Thalaron particles or signs of incoming ships, but so far she could detect nothing. "Here, you can use the cartography array from here," she instructed, giving Valywen access to the additional sensor array in the Luna-class's equipment pod.

"Thank you," Valywen smiled as she accessed the new data. The data at first was confusing but the more she looked at it, the more it seemed to make sense. "It's as you say...very cool."

Lougheed was at the Security station, having taken to using it as there wasn't a designated Intelligence station on the bridge and it then left Tactical open for Me'Shlaht when present. "Commander, sensors are picking up a tachyon surge, vessel decloaking." Lougheed reported, "Klingon ship, Vor'cha Class."

"Well, well," Arturo said. "Standby to go to Yellow or Red Alert, dependent on my command. For the moment, though, we're still friendly with the Klingon Empire, so let's see what they want. Lieutenant Song, hail them, please, with the usual pleasantries."

With Valywen at her side, Xiulan sent the signal with a stock recorded greeting to announce their presence. "No response," Xiulan said after a moment. "I'm reading that they are receiving our signal, they're simply not answering. Would you like for me to open the channel? Perhaps you can be more persuasive."

"Yellow alert, please, but keep calm," Arturo said. "Tactical, get ready to get the shields up as fast as you can on my order. Helm, call up Evasive Pattern S'Rohass Delta Nine and prepare to implement it if they open fire. Tactical, you will NOT return fire unless I give the order. Open the channel please, Lieutenant Song." When Xiulan opened the channel Arturo spoke. "Attention Klingon Bird of Prey. This is Lieutenant Commander Arturo S'Rohass, executive officer of the USS Valiant. Our treaties allow you passage through Federation space, but they do require each party to identify themselves when challenged in each other's territory. So, please identify yourselves and state your business here. I would hate for your silence to lead to any--unpleasant misunderstandings." Arturo made a cutting motion with his hand and Xiulan cut the channel. "Tactical, prepare to fire across their bow on my order. Across their bow only."

Korath sat back in his command chair on the small bridge. The Klingon grinned at the sight of the sight of the Federation's newest class of vessel before him. He wondered about it's tactical prowess but he was not here for that...no, he had a much more important mission. His grin grew as he listened to the Federation XO speak. He could pick out a slight growl? 'Must be a caitian,' he thought. "rI' Se' poS," he commanded, standing.

On screen appeared a diminutive...caitian? A hearty chuckle escaped Korath's throat. "I am well aware of your protocols, Lieutenant Commander. I am Captain Korath of the House of Inagh. Is there a reason I am not speaking to your captain?"

"Because my Captain is otherwise occupied, Captain Korath of the House of Inagh," Arturo said. "There is a rather sensitive situation on the planet below that my highly capable and very honorable Captain has been sent to resolve, leaving me here in command. I am, as always, overjoyed to see our Klingon allies decloaking off the bow of my ship with no warning. To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"I believe I am aware of the situation," Korath replied, his voice turning stern and serious. "I have been sent here on a mission from the High Council to track down some traitors of the Empire and bring them back alive or if needed, kill them outright. Our reports indicate they may be here to purchase a weapon from these Romulan petaQ."

Evan didn't like the situation, Klingons dropping in was almost never a good thing, even with the alliance. While the XO engaged the diplomatic route he turned his attention to the sensors and began looking to see if the new arrivals had friends nearby.

"Then perhaps we could work together?" Arturo said. "You are pursuing the buyers. We are hunting the sellers. What do you say? Allies against these common enemies?"

Arturo wasn't sure Leigh would like the idea of him inviting the Klingons to the team, but he knew she'd like it a lot less if a squad of angry Klingons suddenly appeared and started rampaging through the colony searching for their traitors. At least this way, she might have at least a little more control of the situation.

Korath nodded. "Very well. We will begin our search of the colony from orbit. If you find anything, I take it we will be informed?" he produced a toothy grin.

Evan resisted the urge to roll his eyes, knowing it was unlikely the Klingons would share anything with them.

"Of course," Arturo said. "What are friends for? And I assume you'll do the same for us? Fair's fair, after all."

"Of course," Korath grinned, before closing the channel. "Monitor them closely," he ordered his tactical officer. "And begin a full sensor sweep of the colony."

Once the channel closed Lougheed turned to the XO, "Perhaps we should prepare some reinforcements for the Captain, just in case."

"I don't believe pouring Marine green accelerant on an already volatile situation will help matters, Lieutenant," Arturo said. He hit a control on the arm of the command chair. "Valiant to Commander Jacobs."

"Jacobs, here. What is it, Commander?" came Leigh's voice in response.

"You're about to have a group of ill-tempered guests visit the planet," Arturo said. "A Vor'cha class Klingon starship commanded by a Captain Korath decloaked off of our bow a few moments ago. Apparently our Romulan terrorists, if that's what they are, are trying to sell the Thalaron device to a group of Klingon traitors, if that's what they are. I convinced Korath that we might work together. He and his people could look for the buyers while we pursued the sellers and we could share information. Whether or not they'll follow through on that last part I have no idea. I felt you'd rather have them working with us than rampaging around the colony."

"Thank you, Commander. I'll talk with this Captain Korath as soon as possible to make sure he still doesn't send down search parties to turn the colony upside down. I'll be back on the ship, soon. Keep a close watch on them until then. Jacobs, out," Leigh replied. She wasn't happy that the Klingons came to the party--this was a delicate situation and Klingons never do anything delicately.

"Well," Arturo said. "You heard our fair Captain. Of course, if they reactivate their cloaking device, I'm not certain that plan is going to work, but we are brave and true of heart and so must always win, so I'm sure we'll think of a solution to that problem if it arises."

"Commander, I'm picking up some readings that may indicate that our 'friends' out there aren't alone. I'll admit this Val certainly has some nice sensors, I have what could be two more ships holding position near the outer edge of the system. They're roughly opposite sides, and look like they're on a defensive picket around the system." Lougheed reported.

"Well," Arturo said. "That is a tactically sound move, if somewhat unsporting. Lieutenant Song, please send an encrypted message back to task force command and inform them of the current balance of forces here and advise that while we don't intend to get into a fight, if they could move forces in just outside of the system, but well within sensor range of the Klingons, we would appreciate it. Let us see here. The one we can see is a Vor'cha. They've pretty much stopped using the K'vort except as troop transports. It's possible those two ships are K'vort loaded with ground troops. But... they would need escorts. A Targ Pack of thirteen B'rel Class Birds-of-Prey, for example. K'vort have glass jaws. They're too fragile to send out by themselves. And I doubt it's a pair of B'rel. They're too small and lightly armed to effectively bracket the system alone like that. For that, they'd also need a Targ Pack. If they are the only two other Klingon Imperial ships in the vicinity, then I believe, assuming those ships are in fact Klingons, that we may be looking at either two more Vor'cha Class Heavy Cruisers or perhaps a just a pair of K'tinga Class Light Cruisers. On the other hand, if we're talking about Klingon renegades, maybe they are B'rel. Or they could be Romulans, either Imperials in large ships or terrorists in small ones. Well, Lieutenant Song, send that assessment in the encrypted message as well and let Task Force Command sort out what they feel a proportionate response would be. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Lougheed, please do what you can to identify those ships so we can provide the best intelligence to our friends at Task Force."

"Understood Sir." Evan replied.

"On it," Xiulan replied, then started to type up a brief while she waited for the secure channel to generate and connect with Starfleet Command.

Arturo hit a control on the arm of the command chair, reopening the channel to the Captain. "Jacobs, S'Rohass. Sorry to bother you. There has been a development up here that you need to be aware of."

"Oh? What's going on?" came Leigh's voice again over the comm.

"Two cloaked ships appear to be bracketing the system," Arturo said. "We don't know who they are yet. Korath's ship is a Vor'cha. I presume, if these other two are with him, they're either Vor'cha or K'tinga Class. Anything less wouldn't be effective. If they're Romulan Star Navy, I'm thinking Mogai or D'deridex. If they belong to one of our two groups of ne'er do wells, I'm thinking something smaller. We just don't know yet. We shall endeavor to find out more. Until then, I have had an encrypted message with that assessment sent to Task Force Command and requested that they move a proportionate force into position outside the system, but within sensor range of Korath's ship and the two cloaked ships. I want them to understand that we're not alone out here."

A few minutes later, Jacobs walked onto the bridge. "Report, Commander."

"No change," Arturo said, as he vacated the command chair. "Lieutenant Song, please report in the moment we get a response from Task Force Command." He looked at Evan. "Have you had any luck determining the identity of our quasi invisible friends, Lieutenant Lougheed?"

"I've managed to get some readings, these sensors are quite the treat." Lougheed said pressing a few controls and changing the main viewer image to an overview of the system. "Based on the disturbances they're making in the background space dust in that part of the solar system, coupled with some hints of power signatures I'd say we've got a pair of Vor'chas out there, almost exact opposite sides of the system. I think they're keeping an eye on anything coming in or out of the system as well as back up for their friends who have made orbit."

"Well," Arturo said, looking at Leigh. "I'm of a mind to just keep watch on them at the moment. I remember being taught not to issue orders you don't expect to be obeyed, especially if you have no way to force compliance. You'll be disobeyed and lose credibility for the next time you have to issue an order or otherwise exert your authority. They have us supremely outgunned at the moment. If they don't want to go, we cannot make them. Rather than have them laugh in our faces... May I try something? I think I can let them know that we know they have friends in the area, let them know that we don't appreciate it, and make sure there will be consequences if they take hostile action, all without actually starting a shooting match. But if we start making demands and openly threatening them, they're going to feel the need to counterattack."

Leigh crossed her arms with a grin. Dealing with Klingons were often a headache and the Phoenix was still 10 hours out which would even the odds. "This I have to hear. What have you got, Commander?"

Arturo smirked, well, as best as he could smirk. "Probably better if I just show show you," he said. "Just trust me and give me a little latitude. This might sound like it isn't going well, but I am about 99% sure any unpleasantness from Captain Korath will be mostly bluff and bluster, if he doesn't just return my snide, insincere tone. I'll let him know we're aware of his friends and warn him we're prepared for that eventuality in a way that doesn't give him any direct insult to respond to, so he won't lose any face. Lieutenant Song, please hail Captain Korath."

Xiulan nodded and contacted Korath's ship. After a brief but 'enthusiastic' conversation with the Klingon Communications Officer, in harsh, guttural Klingon, the blind lieutenant gave Arturo the thumbs up and Korath's face filled the view screen.

"Ah, my dear Captain Korath," Arturo said. "Sorry to interrupt. I know this is probably the time of day that you reserve for picking your teeth with toothpicks made from the bones of something or someone you've killed in honorable combat, or something equally gruesome. I was hoping you might be able to find time in your busy day to discuss some rather strange sensor data we're getting from our routine scans of the system. Two sensor contacts on the outer edge of the system, to be exact. You wouldn't happen to have detected anything similar, have you?"

Korath sat back in his chair, emitting a low growl that was more for thinking than a threatening gesture. "Perhaps...we are currently doing a thorough scan of the system. Do not be scared little feline, we will protect you," Korath replied before erupting in laughter followed by most of his bridge crew.

"Charming fellow," Lougheed mused quietly enough for it to not go over the comm channel.

"Wait," Arturo said. "You have time to protect me? I'm sorry, it's just that I would have thought you have your hands full commanding your ship and trying to impregnate your pet targ. How's that going, by the way? You know, if you can't... rise to the occasion, we have some excellent Starfleet physicians on this ship. I'm sure I could find one that could, oh, let's say... stiffen your resolve."

Leigh sighed, biting her lip to keep from interrupting.

Korath's laugh subsided as he leaned forward in his chair, glowering at Arturo as a low, threatening growl escaped his lips which slowly formed into a toothy smile. "You have balls for a little feline! Those sensor contacts are to ensure the traitors do not escape justice."

"Very large ones, made of duranium," Arturo said. "We are happy, of course, to render any aid we can in preventing these traitors of yours from escaping. . Commander Jacobs also had a concern about people escaping, so I took the liberty of contacting the local Task Force Commander, who generously offered to re-position several ships to provide us with any back that might be required. Needless to say, I graciously accepted his offer. They, too, will be happy to render you any aid you might require."

"It is appreciated but unnecessary," Korath replied. "These PetaQ will be caught and taken back to Q'onos. Now, if there is nothing more, I have business to attend to."

"Of course," Arturo said. "Please don't keep your targ waiting on my account." Before Korath could respond, Arturo motioned to Xiulan to cut the channel, which she did, and the screen went blank. Arturo chuckled. "There. Mission accomplished with no face lost."

When Xiulan cut the channel, she could restrain her amusement no longer and burst out into a full belly laugh, laughing so hard that tears formed in her eyes. "For the record, I can confirm that he really does have have some spectacularly large balls, made all the more grand in scale compared to his short stature," she said candidly when her laughter had been reduced to mere snickering. She then wiped the moisture from her eyes and tried to focus on her sensor sweeps with the occasional smile or snicker sneaking out from time to time.

Leigh still had her arms crossed, sporting a grin. "Next time, don't push so hard, Mr. 'Big balls' S'Rohass."

Arturo laughed. "As you wish, Captain, as you wish. So, Fearless Leader, what shall we do next?"

"Any word from Lieutenant Rogers and his team?" Leigh asked as she approached her command chair.

"None yet," Arturo said. "But I noticed that you and Chief Xan beamed aboard with a third person. Do we have a guest?"

"We do. Apparently, she's a member of the Khelliana, but was seemingly unaware that their leader was in talks with the Klingons," Leigh explained.

Arturo nodded. "I assume by Klingons you mean the so-called traitors Korath is looking for," he said. "Would you like Lieutenant Lougheed to talk with her. We can manage without him now that everyone doesn't have to play Chief Cook and Bottle Washer all the time, what with the larger crew."

Leigh nodded and looked at Lougheed. "Speak to our guest and see if she knows anything else, Mr. Lougheed. Something about these Romulans selling a dangerous weapon to a group of Klingons seems off to me."

"Yes ma'am." Lougheed said with a nod before heading for the turbolift.

The grey haired Romulan looked at his reflection in a small puddle of water. He had spent most of his adult life serving the empire and it showed in his wrinkles and the old scar he received from a battle with a Klingon battlecruiser some twenty years ago. He had been a decorated officer and skilled tactician in the Imperial Fleet--one well on his way to becoming an admiral until the Shinzon incident and the Empire began to lean more on outsiders and grow less strict against those who were once considered adversaries. Now he waited for two of such adversaries to show and purchase the Thalaron Explosive. What those poor Klingon bastards didn't know was that they were aiding his plans of making the Empire stronger once again. What these barbaric fools didn't know was the explosive was rigged to fire the moment it was loaded into a torpedo tube and was a unique design in that it was indeed two explosives--one with a set target. One of the colony and the other of the Federation ship in orbit. A grin crossed his face at the Federation blaming the Klingons for the attack which would lead to a war that would strengthen the Empire. He heard the cruching sound of heavy footsteps approaching his position. Looking up, she spotted the two familair shapes of the rouge Klingon agents.

"Tarras! Is the weapon here?" one Klingon asked.

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



Jacobs entered the brig to find Lougheed speaking with the woman prisoner. 'Have you gotten anything?" she asked.

"A bit," He said moving out of earshot of the woman. "When we showed her the evidence that the weapon was being sold she started to talk. Apparently they're a fundamentalist sect with the Romulan civilization. During the pre-Shinzon, pre-Hobus they generally caused minor political disruptions. Following the break up of the imperial romulan state they've been trying to carve out a small fiefdom for their group. They think the weapon will both give them legitimacy and 'make Romulans strong' again." Evan said.

"Did you find out anything about their leader?" Jacobs asked as she looked at the woman.

"Some, older former military. Apparently a rising star in the navy before the Shinzon incident. Won't give me any more so we don't have much in the way of something to track them with. I would say Thalaron traces are still are most promising lead." Evan replied.

"We still have Lieutenant Rogers and a team on the surface investigating the traces we detected when we arrived in orbit," Jacobs said. "They're about due for a check-in. Try to find out more about this leader--I need to know who I'm dealing with."

"Yes ma'am." He replied and nodded before turning and heading back towards the woman.

"I told you all that I know, Starfleet," the woman said bitterly, watching the human approach her again.

"I think you know more than you realize." Evan said, "Tell me more about your group, how do you communicate?"

"Through various signals, and code words," the woman answered.

"What kind of signals? Public broadcast? encrypted communications? or do you stick to person to person communications?" Lougheed asked.

"No wonder it's so easy to fool you Starfleet types," the woman scoffed before exhaling loudly. "We encrypted code words and in arranging meetings, use simple signals such as markings."

He nodded, "So, how about you arrange a meeting for us." He said knowing it was a long shot. "I think you'd find that your groups leaders have all but disappeared, if they haven't already handed off the weapon they're likely ready to cut and run."

"It won't work. Tarras is no fool--he will know that I have been captured by now," the woman explained. "You don't find Tarras. He finds you."

"Well, let's say we want him to find us. Our goal here is to stop the Klingons from getting the weapon, we're honestly not that concerns with your group, to be blunt you aren't even on our radar. So, why don't you make this easier on yourself, and your group. If not we'll start bringing people in for questioning. Starting with your immediate family and associates." Lougheed replied.

The woman laughed. "As if you would have access to my family that resides in Romulan Space...well out of your reach and jurisdiction Starfleet. And my associates are at the moment also out of your reach as you have no idea who they are." The woman felt a sharp burning sensation from within her. Her eyes went wide with fear as she knew what was coming at having witnessed it occur to other members. She dropped to her knees and began to recite a Romulan Prayer as she knew the inevitable was coming.

"Medical Emergency in the brig." Lougheed said tapping his combadge. He grabbed his tricorder and scanned the woman, her vital signs were becoming erratic, he had seen similar events. Likely some sort of neural toxin, it was likely already too late to do anything to help.

The woman collapsed to the deck, her last thought, cursing Tarras.

"Dammit!" Jacob's cursed, slamming her hand hard against the bulkhead, leaving a stinging sensation. "Why didn't sensors pick up the toxin during transport?"

A pair of medics rushed in, by the time they reached the woman's side the convulsions had stopped. Emerald green blood slowly dripped from her eyes, ears, and nose. "I'm sorry Ma'am, it's too late." One of them said consulting their tricorder and looking to the Commander.

"Understood," she said more in resignation. They had precious little information to act on now.

"Transport the body to the brig, I want a full autopsy and report on the toxin used." Lougheed said.

The pair nodded and began to prepare to move the body.

"I'm sorry, I should have been more thorough when we screened her before brining her aboard." Evan said to Leigh.

Leigh shook her head. "No. Don't be sorry," she sighed, placing her hands on her hips as she watched the body dematerialize in a transporter beam. "Well, we know the leader's name and that he has several agents on the ground, and that he is obviously a fanatical."

"It's more than we had." Lougheed replied, "I'll write the report on this." He added gesturing to the now empty chair where they had been interrogating the prisoner.

"Alright," she sighed before looking at the chronometer. "Damn. I promised the colony's administrator that I would join him for dinner as a courtesy. Care to join me?"

"Why not, think they'll have some decent hooch?" Evan asked.

Jacobs shrugged. "Who knows but while we're there, keep a look out since we know for certain the terrorist cell in on the surface."

He nodded, "I'll see you in the transporter room then." Giving her a smile.

Nora waited what seemed like an eternity what was only a couple of seconds before the Marines began to make their assault on the base.

"I don't like this," Rogers said as they landed on the roof of the base. Without a further word, the four spread out, placing a silver pylon on each exposed corner. Once activated there was a brief flash of a white light between all four then the tops of the pylons glowed. Walking back to the center, after they made sure the transporter inhibitors were working, Rogers tried scanning the base again. "Silence from inside." He gave a signal and Steinman and Kawolski began spreading a small pinkish beige foam in a square around them.

"Get prepared and try to absorb the shock with your knees," Rogers said to Nora before another signal. Kawolski touched a control on his wrist and the foam flashed bright as the noonday sun. The section of roof they stood on suddenly fell beneath them, dragging the five of them down. Rogers glanced over his shoulder as he brought his rifle up, pointed down the corridor which they found themselves.

"Scans - lifesigns," he ordered Warren, "radiation to you Ensign. And if you can tell us where the bomb may be located, that'd be best."

Nora scanned what she could. Scanning nearby was ok but if she tried to scan distances, the minerals in the rocks of the tunnel scattered her sensor data. "Reading trace elements of Thalaron Radiation...I don't think the explosive is here any longer but I can't say for certain as the minerals in this cavern is playing havoc with any distant scans. Could be why we haven't registered any life signs..." The next moment, Nora found herself lying on the ground, screaming and clutching her arm where a disruptor beam had ripped through it.

"Contact!" Rogers said, moving to crouch in front of the scientist. All he knew was the general direction where the fire came from. "Anybody have eyes on?" He still didn't have contact with sensors or senses and that bothered him...greatly.

"I'm alright," Nora grimaced as the initial pain from the wound subsided.

"Got it," Kawolski said as he returned a barrage of fire. "Automated turret, covered with shielding."

Rogers followed Kawolski's fire and saw the same himself. Of course the disruptor fire would be programmed at the same frequency as its own sheilding allowing it to fire through its protection. "Allez oop, Ensign," Rogers said as he grabbed a handful from the back of her uniform tunic and dragged her to the side of the hall, still keeping her behind him. There wasn't much in the way of cover, which is the way the facility was designed as a means to help repel intruders. Which meant cover for her had to come from him and his men. Wasn't the first time he got to play blastersponge and he was sure it wouldn't be the last time either.

"Steinman-" he started.

"Scanning for power source for the shielding," the big Marine said, cutting off his CO. Rogers merely shook his head with a small smile. "Stay against the wall," he told Ensign Nora. Normally that was bad advice, if they were dealing with a living opponent it would definitely be bad advice. But they weren't. They were dealing with programming and electronics which could be confused. Right now it was by their armor masking their temperature by setting it nearly the same as the walls. He was sure there were other optics - motion sensors mainly, but remaining still baffled those.

"Found it, but you're not going to like it," Steinman said as he sent the telemetry to his CO.

"Shit," Rogers muttered, he didn't like it. The power source was bedded deep into the walls, thick plasteel reinforced concrete. It was going to take quite a bit to get through it. "Okay, concentrate there," he ordered as he turned his wrist and tapped into the transporter buffer. The sound of their blasts filled the corridor, the three Marines weaving as they fired to keep the turret from fixing on their position.

"Warren," he said over the comm lines. The enlisted warrior turned slightly then, seeing what Rogers had, held out his hand as if to catch something. Rogers tossed the plasma grenade to the younger man.

"Fire in the hole," Warren said, with a sort of manic glee.

Rogers turned, throwing his body directly over Nora's, using his strength and bulk to make sure she stayed immobilized and covered by him as the wall exploded into thousands of sharp, high speed projectiles. It was followed very quickly by another loud explosion and the flash of powercells energetically overloaded by phaser fire. Except for the echoes of the explosions, however, the hall became quiet.

Nora let out a sigh of relief as the fire stopped. "Thank you, Sir," she said as she pushed herself up against the wall, shaken from the experience.

"Steinman, triage," Roberts ordered as he indicated the ensign. "Kawolski, I don't want to run into anymore surprises, make sure we're clear as we move forward."

"Yes, Major," Kawolski said grabbing Warren and moving a short way down the hall.

"Stand still," Steinman said to Ensign Nora as he loomed over her, a small medical tricorder in his large, gloved hand.

Nora nodded to the Marine as he began to heal her injury.

The corridor led to a larger room with generators, monitors, and supply crates. There were two diagnostic tables and both were empty. Three Romulans fired their disruptors at the Marines. They had given enough time for the weapons to be transported and now they just had to delay Starfleet for a few moments more.

There were no need for orders to be given. As soon as the enemy contact was made, the four Marines let their training take over. It was said often that having Marines aboard a starship was an inherent problem because all they did was fight and cause trouble. Part of that was true. A Marine's life aboard a starship was about fighting. Mock fighting, simulated fighting, training to fight, fight training. Day in and day out it was about fighting, combat really. Marines were a division of Starfleet, just like their predecessors of old with the continental navies. They didn't have science divisions, medical divisions, morale officers. They existed for the singular purpose of engaging in the combat that the Federation needed engaged. They were the weapons the Federation needed.

When combat came, they trained for this for their entire duty day and so, Rogers knew they were already well prepared for what needed to be done. Warren and Kawolski dropped to a knee behind cover while Steinman moved to be cover for Ensign Nora. He stood to Steinman's side, rifle brought up and sighted without conscious thought. Thinking about what needed to be done wasn't necessary, they'd already done it hundreds - thousands - of times since they enlisted and were out of infantry school. Phaser fire erupted almost as one.

While the Romulans were trained as well, they did not train with the single minded, purposed focus of Marines. The return of Romulan disruptor fire didn't phase the four. Chunks of durasteel plating exploding from the wall, sending sharpened, deadly fragments against the Marine's armor didn't phase the four. Three times Roger's HUD flashed red, indicating a member of his team was hit with disruptor fire. Their armor was designed to take several hits before the protection it afforded was diminished and the wearer placed in jeopardy of serious injury or death.

While the battle felt as it if lasted years, merely moments, less than a minute, passed. At the end of that subjectively variable sixty seconds two of the Romulans lie on the ground, their lifesblood spilled and cooling across the deck.

"Cover!" Kawolski shouted just before he and Warren moved forward, moving quickly but cautiously. The rifle of the third Romulan was kicked - hard. It skittered across the deck and came up against a diagnostic bed. There was chatter between Kawolski and Warren as information was quickly exchanged regarding the condition of the Romulan - severely injured but alive.

Rope from their climb was pulled out of packs and used to bind the Romulan's hands, a length used to create a gag. Too many times prisoners of value were lost to poison hidden in false teeth. While this Romulan may die of injuries sustained in the firefight Rogers and his team would be damned if they let this opportunity for information go to waste through an act of self-destruction. A quick search turned out what secreted weapons the terrorist had on him.

Rogers, scanning the area while his men worked and determining no immediate attack was forthcoming, walked in the middle of the two Marines and squatted next to the Romulan. He was in extreme, intense pain. Almost all of his mental functioning was based on both the physical pain of his wounds and the emotional ennui of becoming a captive.

"You're very lucky," Rogers said, "you're captured by the Federation and we have rules that must be followed regarding treatment of prisoners. Including terrorist scum that has no compunction against using thalaron weapons." Rogers shifted his rifle as he watched the Romulan's eyes, the determination that he wouldn't break a bonfire lighting them from within.

"You will," Rogers said, promised. "You will tell us everything you know because we have rules and I guarantee to you that I know each and every one of them. Inside and out. Especially the out part." Rogers stood. "Secure him. Drag him if he doesn't want to cooperate and walk. We have a mission to finish." Rogers gave only a cursory look to the other two and felt the same emptiness inside him when he looked at the enemy dead.

"Rogers to Valiant," he said, activating his commline.

"Go ahead, Lieutenant," Arturo replied.

"Base is clear, we've got one to bring back with us, full medical scan on the transport to make sure he's not going to try to ingest any nasty life-ending substances, and straight into a brig cell please? Have medical on standby for the 'interview'. Negative on the weapon." The last was said bitterly. He didn't like losing and this felt like a huge loss. A loss that could cost the lives of thousands depending on how the weapon was used. "We've got traces of a transporter system, maybe Sciences can scan and trace it?"

TAG


OOC: Not a great update, I know, sorry, but give me an idea of what we got going and I'll run from there.

OOC--Allison: Sorry! For some reason it didn't notify me the post was updated! *Stupid Nova* Basically dealing with a few desperate defenders and their security system which consists of one automated disruptor turret.

OOC: Added others as I thought the JP would flow better with what I have in plan this way


ON:

Jacobs waited in Transporter Room One for Lougheed and Rapisarta. She and the senior staff had been invited to dinner with Talmim Ansox, the colony's administrator and she decided it would be best to bring Lougheed and Dr. Rapisarta with her. It would be best to leave Arturo in charge of the Valiant to keep an eye on things. She admittedly hated the fact of going to a dinner during such a dangerous time. "I hate being diplomatic," she mumbled as she crossed her arms.

Wyndon walked into the transporter room just in time to hear her comment and a smirk appeared briefly on his lips. "There's always more at stake than just our table manners, best left to the diplomats who actually enjoy that type of thing, right ma'am?"

"Very true, indeed, doctor," Jacobs replied with a nod.

Lougheed entered the transporter room and nodded, "Report is filled to SFI. The one for Command is on your desk." He said to Leigh. "And can I say I'm very glad you didn't make us wear the whites to dinner."

"I can come across strict at times but I'm not evil, Mr. Lougheed," Jacobs said with a grin as she stepped up onto the transporter pad. "Just remember that even though we are guests, stay vigilant as we now know for certain there are terrorists on the surface.

He nodded as they stepped on to the pad and prepared for transport.

The three officers materialized in the dinning hall of the administration building. Talmim Ansox grinned at seeing the Starfleet Officers and approached them. "Greetings, Commander! I'm glad you could make it."

"Greetings, Sir. I have brought Lieutenant Lougheed, my Intelligence Officer and Dr. Rapisarta, my Chief Medical Officer with me," she gestured to the two officers flanking her.

Wyndon bowed slightly to the diplomat, whom they'd appeared in front of. He didn't offer a hand or any other form of greeting for he had no idea what was and was not polite here. People often didn't care for Bajoran style diplomacy- abrupt and sarcastic. He was quite adept in that and it wasn't always called for.

Evan nodded to the leader, "Thank you for the hospitality."

Talmim nodded at each officer. "It is a pleasure to meet you, doctor, lieutenant. Please, have a seat. "I am anxious to know if you've learned of anything regarding the terrorist cell that may be present."

Jacobs sat down at the table and let out a breath. "We've captured an agent who admitted to working for a man named Tarras."

Talmim's face seemed to grow pale at the name. "Tarras?" he said in disbelief. He had known the man and had always come across as a dangerous person to cross. "I know of the man. He was one of the Empire's finest officers and a protégé of Admiral Tomalak. "I pray you find him soon, Commander because we are in very real danger."

"I am dedicating every source available to me to finding him, Mr. Ansox," Jacobs reassured. "What is for dinner?" she asked, deciding to change the subject.

"I've prepared Travit--it's considered a delicacy among my people," Ansox replied.

"Not to be impolite but what exactly is it?" Lougheed asked.

"Ah, it's meat from a native Romulan animal that we also harvest milk from. I suppose the closest Earth similarity would be a cow," Ansox explained.

"How fascinating. What does it look like?" Wyndon asked, curious about the creature. It wasnt every day one got to try a romulan delicacy.

"It's rather smaller than a terran cow. Males have bony lumps on their foreheads while the females do not. They often come in color of dark blue with purple fur."

Evan took a bite and was pleasantly surprised, he had had more than one 'local delicacy' that often tasted more like something one might scrape off their boot in a field. "It actually taste more like goat that cow," He added noting the similarities in flavours to several middle eastern earth dishes.

"I am glad you like it, lieutenant," Ansox grinned.

======================================

On board the cloaked BIrel Class Class vessel Valen that they purchased from the Klingons, Tomas stood in front of the view screen and grinned. His meeting with the rogue Klingons had gone smoothly and the weapon was now aboard their ship as well as his own. He turned to his tactical officer, "load the Thalaron explosive into a torpedo casing. Then once that is done, transmit the activation code to the Klingon vessel. It's time the Federation and Klingons began their little war."

The tactical officer nodded. "At once. I estimate it will take five minutes to integrate the explosive into a torpedo casing."

"Get on it," Tomas snapped. "Set a course for the colony's central building and ready disruptors."

=====================================

On board the USS Valiant, Valywen furrowed her brow in confusion. She was picking up strange readings...and the readings were moving location. She had no idea where the readings had come from--they hadn't been there a moment ago. "Um, I have a question?"

"Ask away, Miss Valywen," Arturo said. "And I shall endeavor to answer."

"I'm picking up what appears to be a large atmospheric disturbance moving towards the colony's location," Valywen reported. "I'm not sure what could be the cause, however."

Arturo got a sick feeling in his stomach as he got up and went to Valywen's station to check her readings. If he wasn't covered in fur, everyone would have seen him turn pale.

"That, my dear," Arturo said. "Is an indication that a cloaked vessel is on the move." Arturo raced to the command chair and hit the comm on it. "Valiant to Captain Jacobs! Respond! There is a cloaked vessel in the atmosphere making a run on your location!"


========================

Ansox took a breath as he enjoyed the delicious Tekrit meat. "So, doctor. How long have you been practicing?"

"12 years, if you don't count my education period. Starfleet's training for Doctors is rather intensive." Had had to think for a moment about how long it had been.

"That is very impressive," Ansox complimented before taking a bite of food.

Jacobs' comm badge erupted with static, barely able to make out Arturo's voice. "Cap...coming..." Despite the static, she could hear the panic in Arturo's voice. "Come again, Commander," Jacobs's replied, tapping her badge.

It was almost at that moment, the shadow of a decloaking Klingon Bird of Prey appeared outside through the window followed be a few green flashes. Her experience took over as she leapt up onto the table an on top of Ansox, knocking him to the deck. "Get down!"

Lougheed dropped from the table and rolled over his shoulder as he grabbed his phaser. Not that it would do much good against an attacking ship. He hit his combadge, =/\= Lougheed to Valiant emergency beam out. =/\=

There was no response, "They must be blocking out comms." He shouted over the chaos.

A moment later, it seemed as if the entire building imploded. Jacobs felt a sense of falling, followed by several hard landings as darkness encompassed her. She coughed after a moment, tasting blood in her mouth and realizing she was still alive and possibly under some rubble. "Shit," she breathed, holding her side. "Doctor Rapisarta! Evan!" she called out, realizing too late that she called Lougheed by his first name. "Where is Ansox?"

"He's gone." Lougheed shouted trying to get to his feet, his whole body hurt, he had a head wound that was pouring blood down his face, and he was pretty sure his arm was broken.

The ringing in his ears faded to the call of the Captains voice. Coughing to rid his lungs of dust, Wyndon took a quick inventory of himself. He hurt, his arm was bleeding and air wasn't coming easily into his lungs. It hurt to breathe on the left side. "Aye. Are you hurt Captain? Lieutenant?"

"I've been better," she said, coughing. It hurt to move but she remembered advice she learned during her time as a Marine--Pain meant you were alive. She pushed some debris out of the way, spotting a piece of metal jutting out of her right leg. "Damn," she muttered, cursing both the injury and not having a phaser to fix the leg. The metal piece was still attached to a large section of deuterium wall. She didn't have a lot of room to move--she would need help to get out. "I'm a bit stuck, however," she called.

"Just hold still and let me come to you, I don't know how stable is building is anymore , but I don't want to test our luck." Winden slowly pushed himself up from the ground shedding bits of rubble on to the floor raising more clouds of dust. It was decidedly unpleasant the scent of disruptor ionization and dirt.

"I'm not going anywhere, doctor," Jacobs remarked.

Lougheed got to his feet, his arm was definitely broken, he ripped a long piece of fabric of his undershirt and used it to wrap his arm and improvise a sling before moving to the Captain. "I thought we talked about the not getting yourself hurt." He said softly. He examined her leg wound and pulled out his phaser. "Hold still I'm going to cut this away from the bulkhead." He adjusted the settings and began to cut.

"What can I say--it's what I do best," she joked with a chuckle as Lougheed cut the metal piece. The phaser cutting was causing the metal to heat up and more pain but it couldn't be avoided at the moment as she coughed again and again tasted blood in her mouth. "I'm getting too old for this," she continued to joke.

"You and me both." He replied as the piece broke free.

=/\= "Lougheed to Valiant, come in." =/\=

=/\="--andby--enant--elp--n-ay."=/\= Arturo's voice came back over Evan's commbadge.

"That does not bode well." Rapisarta commented as he dug a medical tricorder out of the rubble and brushed It Off. Please work. When he opened it and it did work, his eyes flickered relief.

"What is the diagnosis, doctor?" Jacobs asked as Lougheed finished cutting through the metallic shard.

"It works. Lets get a scan. This place isnt ideal for field surgery but..." If she needed it, he would have to provide. His hand swept over Jacobs with a practiced gesture.

"Let's get out of here and try to find a more stable area," Jacobs replied, thankful to be able to move. She grunted as she pushed herself up into a sitting position away from the debris.

"I'm going to see if I can access their communications and get a line to the Valiant" Evan said moving to what was left of a computer terminal in the wall.

"The computer core is pretty much fried, and it looks like the transceiver assembly is fried we won't be getting a signal out through there." Lougheed said, he used his good arm to help Liegh take some of the weight of her bad leg as the group tried to make their way out of the rubble.

"That is not the most ideal" Wyndon muttered quietly scanning himself last. The tiny handheld regenerator should be in his bag. He traced the strap of the bag and fumbled in the dust and debris. Come on....please be there....

Leigh motioned for Lougheed to stop and she turned to Dr. Rapisarta. "Do you need help, doctor?" she asked.

"Negative. I'd just like to get us all as fully mobile as we can be before we try to exit." He found the edge of the bag and pulled it from the rubble with a heave that sent him stumbling backwards with a hiss of pain. "Got it. Captain, lets get that cut sealed."

TAG Doc

==== Valiant Bridge====

"Damn!" Arturo said. He had the B'rel's basic position. If it was in space, he'd blanket the area with phaser fire until they hit something. But he couldn't do that while it was in the atmosphere with innocent bystanders just begging to become collateral damage. "Colt!"

"Yes, sir," Senior Chief Coltan Xan said. "Assembling an emergency medical team now."

"Excellent," Arturo said. "Xiulan! Hail Korath this instant!"

A moment later Korath's face appeared on the view screen. His mouth started to open but before he could speak, Arturo charged ahead.

"Save it," Arturo said. "The sooner this is resolved, the sooner you can go back to committing unnatural acts with your targs. As you can see, a Bird of Prey has fired on the colony administration building. My commander and two crewmates were down there. I need it dealt with, RFN, but I can't go atmospheric. You have combat shuttles in your hangar and I believe you have at least one B'rel nearby. Run the interloper off, now, and I will owe you. Despite what you think of my fopishness, I am a person of honor, just like you. Do me this favor, and I will return it in anyway that does not violate my oaths to the Federation or my mate, but do right godsdamned now! Unless of course this was your doing?"

Korath snarled and stood. "You dare to insult my honor, you little PetaQ! If you would check your mighty Federation Sensors, you would know our ships are on an intercept course--"

Korath broke off as an officer off screen spoke to him in Klingon. "What do you mean we have just fired a Thalaron Torpedo at the Federation vessel?! Where did it come from?"

"Commander, I suggest you reinforce your shields!" Korath said.

"Raise shields!" Arturo said. "Helm, evasive pattern S'Rohass Sigma Four! Tactical, see if you can target the torpedo with the ship's phasers and take it out before it hits us!" Arturo stabbed the allcall button on the command chair. "All hands, brace for impact. Radiation protocol!"

First, the torpedo. If they lived through that, though, Arturo was going to have words with Korath... words like 'thank you for the warning' followed by 'WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE GREAT BIRD OF THE GALAXY IS GOING ON?!?!?'

Korath watched on the view screen as the Federation ship fired at the torpedo, several shots came close but there was nothing and it was unknown if the ship's shields would be enough to protect them from radiation--one from a weapon fired from his ship somehow. He had to act quickly as his honor would not allow the use of a cowardly weapon, especially against allies of the Empire. He jumped up from his command and shoved the Klingon at the helm station out of his chair. With his shields already up, he locked the navigational sensors on the torpedo and engaged the warp engines.

The Vorcha Class Cruiser visibly seemed to disappear as it jumped to warp and reappear almost on top of the torpedo, causing the torpedo to detonate. The explosion caused the ship to shutter as Thalaron particles engulfed the vessel.

Korath cursed as his shields were being overwhelmed by the radiation. It was only a matter of time--they could not drop shields to abandon ship as the radiation would instantly kill his crew and Klingon ships did not carry escape pods as the Federation ships did. He was forced to resign himself to his fate. He would die to an unseen yet deadly enemy. He pondered whether to drop the shields and stop the delay of the inevitable.

"Shields down to fifteen percent!" announced his tactical officer.

Korath's mind raced, ignoring the incoming hail from the miniature Federation feline. In his experience, he learned about radiation--it was essentially dust particles and dust particles could be removed. "Vent our plasma for the core!"

"But Sir!"

"Do it! Now!" Korath yelled.

The tactical officer nodded and released raw, hot plasma through the coolant vents, engulfing the motionless ship.

"Shields are down!" the tactical officer replied.

Korath looked around and saw none of his crew were turning to ash and let out a hearty laugh. "Close plasma vents! Now, we destroy those cowardly pe'taQs!"

TAG Valiant Bridge

OOC David: Allison, do you want me to write Korath driving off the Bird of Prey.
OOC Allison: I'll write him as I have some specific things I want to happen.

*nudge*

OOC Arturo: Thought we could start something. I'm assuming we're back tracking with you so Wyndon joined the crew back before we left the starbase. We just left there a very short time ago so there's not much time for you to fill in.

Works for me.

===Sickbay===

Arturo strolled into Sickbay in search of the new CMO. He'd been very busy prepping for launch and getting to know the new, Luna Class USS Valiant. Since he took part in blowing up the previous, Defiant Class Valiant, Arturo intended to do his best to avoid blowing up this one... if he could at all help it. That meant getting to know her stem to stern. But a ship was more than its superstructure and systems. A ship was also its crew and Arturo wanted to meet the newest addition to that crew.

Wyndon sat with one leg under his body, clearly running a diagnostic on one of the biobeds. His face was pensive as he watched the readouts on the screen, trying to find a glitch. The door opening caused an immediate jerk upwards of his eyes. "Good morning."

"Good morning Lieutenant!" Arturo said. "Unless my eyes deceive me, you would be Doctor Wyndon Rapisarta? Lieutenant Commander Arturo S'Rohass! I am the Valiant's Executive Officer! I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. And if I somehow am mistaken about your identity, do not fear! I am certain I will be pleased to meet you, too... whoever you are!"

Wyndon almost, almost laughed, but he kept it in by sheer force of will at the exuberant antics of the Exec. Someone needs to lay off the catnip "Well deduced indeed Sir."

"Wonderful!" Arturo said. "We've been in need of a new CMO for some time now. Back when we were a Defiant Class Escort, we could make do with Senior Chief Xan standing in as Independent Duty Corpsman, but now that we're a Luna Class, we need an actual medical staff! So I, for one, am very glad you're here!"

"Glad to be appreciated! Ive only just started to get organized here. My predicessor left me with quite a mess to clean up records and supply wise."

"Your predecessor left long before this ship existed to even have a supply problem," Arturo said. "But make a wish list for Operations and they will gladly scrounge up whatever you need!"

"They uploaded the records from what hed previously submitted to Starfleet sir. From before the old ship was destroyed. Its a hot mess." He recalled that term from his medical school days, and that it had made him laugh as a student.

TAG


*Bump

Colt had a moment's peace in his efforts to get the ship ready for launch and figured he'd better meet the new CMO, Doctor Rapisarta. He walked into Sickbay and looked around for the good doctor.

A thud, and the tinkling sound of breaking glass sounded before a string of expletives emerged from the chiefs office. The contents of a antigrav box were now strew across the floor and the good doctor was brushing himself off. It was clear from the dent in the side of the box that the man had tripped over it. "Who unloads boxes just past the threshold of an office?"

"Clearly someone who wasn't very considerate," Colt said when he found the source of the disturbance. He offered the doctor a hand up. "Here, let me help you."

"Thanks." He muttered clasping his hand and rising easily from the ground. "I guess the first thing I do needs to be unpacking my office."

"I've got a moment," Colt said. "I can help you sort things for a bit. Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Coltan Xan. I'm the Chief of the Boat and I generally spend some time pulling a shift a week or so, sometimes every other week if I'm needed elsewhere, more if I'm not, helping out in Sickbay to keep my medical skills fresh."

"I appreciate the extra set of hands, however right now all I really need is to clear the pathway. I get settled slowly into new places, and the unpacking process helps me."

"Okay," Colt said. "I'll leave you to it then. I was just stopping in to introduce myself so our first day working together wouldn't be the first day we meet."

"I appreciate that, but no need to flee. Kick a box to the side and have a seat. Ill program us up a drink..." gesturing to the empty seat across from his desk.

"Thanks," Colt said. He moved the box and took a seat. "Iced tea would be great. Sweet, no lemon."

" I've heard of this beverage before, it's an earth tradition is it not? From the southern part of North America yes?" His tone implied curiosity, as he'd never personally tried it .

TAG

*Bump!