[ON]

There was a telltale shift in the gravity field as the Federation Runabout slipped into the large shuttle-bay doors of the Nebula-class Hera. Lieutenant Junior Grade Karina Sha'ha'zen closed her eyes and held onto her stomach as it did; the subtle wave of nausea that came with changing gravitational fields usually did her in, but this time she was determined not to let it.

"All stations secure for disembarking," the co-pilot called out over the Runabout's intercom. Waiting a few more seconds so as to be sure that her stomach wouldn't lurch forward unexpectedly, Karina finally stood, grabbed her small duffel bag, and made her way towards the exit.

The crew chief near the hatch looked at her strangely, then towards his PaDD -- which she presumed contained the cargo and personnel manifest -- then back to her again. When he realized that she was looking at him, looking at her, looking at him, his face twisted into an odd expression. "Sorry for staring, ma'am. I just didn't realize you were on board," he checked his PaDD again. "I, uh, signed you in, but I don't remember seeing you for some reason."

Karina managed a polite smile. "No problem, Chief." She said, exiting the Runabout quickly before either of them could think of something else to say.

Entering a turbo-lift, Karina closed her eyes, took a breath, and then ordered the computer to take her to Deck one. Her scheduled appointment with Captain Telvan was almost three hours ago, but the runabout was delayed by an ion storm. Hopefully Karina's new CO would be understanding.

Enalia had been waiting in her ready room for some time now, hoping to meet her new Chief of Ops that Starfleet had sent her. She just hoped this pheromone thing she was supposed to have wasn't something that would affect her symbiont. She'd like to remember this woman's face longer than 2 minutes. The thought had occurred to her that she might have already met her - she was late enough... But no, the runabout had only just now docked.

Karina made her way onto the bridge. Bending around the corner towards where she knew Captain Telvan's ready room to be, the Hiigaran paused at the doorway to brush an errant strand of hair behind her ear. Her uniform looked as though it had been worn for a full day, but was still within regulations. Feeling as ready as she'd ever be, Karina pressed the chime.

"Come in," Enalia called, clicking her computer screen off and looking up at the opening door.

Stepping into the purview of the motion sensors, Karina triggered the doors opened and entered the Captain's ready room at a brisk, albeit uncompromisingly professional stride. Her first thoughts upon seeing Telvan was how young the Captain looked; she couldn't have been much older than Karina. And then, suddenly feeling as though she were about to enter an immense gravitational field, Karina's eyes danced to Telvan's...

Karina forced her eyes back up before her gaze would be noticed, but her freckles flushed a dimly luminescent purple. "Uh- Captain. My name is Lieutenant Karina Sha'ha'zen. I've been assigned as your new Chief of Operations," the Hiigaran announced nonchalantly as a PaDD containing those orders materialized into her hand on its way to Telvan's.

"Yes, I've been expecting you," Enalia said, taking the PaDD and glancing it over quickly before handing it back. "Welcome aboard. Please, have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?" Enalia was fascinate and curious about this beautiful new person in more ways than one now.

"I just spent the last sixteen hours of my day in a Runabout full of supplies and an environmental control system a few months out of alignment, so right now I could sure go for a beer," Karina said as she started to sit, completing her reply before that brain/mouth filter of hers managed to engage. And as soon as she said it, she winced and bit down on her lower lip. Wonderful, now that's a way to make a first impression, Karina thought, twisting her face to make it look as though the quip had been intentional.

Maybe, if she was successful, Telvan would think her new Chief of Ops merely had a wry sense of humor. "Maybe later,” Karina’s freckles flushed that much more. If she was lucky, Telvan wouldn’t remember her first request long enough to hold it against her. “Water, please. That is, if you don’t mind.”

Enalia tapped in both requests, a wry grin on her face. "I hope that leaves a lasting impression," she muttered as she moved the 2 glasses from the replicator towards Karina. Then she punched up a cup of tea for herself.

Eyeballing the beer first, which fizzed deliciously, Karina wondered if this was some sort of test. Technically, she had just reported for duty and thereby was no longer on transitional leave. But would Telvan care about that? Edging on the rare side of caution, Karina took the glass of water and sipped from it. "Then I assume you're aware of my... call it a genetic quirk?" She asked.

"I am," Enalia quipped, splashing a little liquid from a metal flask she kept stashed under her desk into her tea before sipping at it. "My symbiont doesn't normally get pheromones with all the biological filtering so I'm hoping they don't reach it with yours as well. If not, all good. If so, your very presence here might kill it and me."

"Well, I've served with a Trill or two, but none of them happened to be joined," Karina chuckled, not letting rank get between them; as far as Karina was concerned, Captains and Lieutenants put their pants on the same way. She rose her glass -- (still the water) -- and sent a mock toast to Telvan. "Here's to me not killing you. But if I do, I promise to take good care of your ship."

Enalia raised her cup of tea in return with a smile. "Thank goodness. I hate to pile more onto you, but Ven is going to be a hard Chief to follow. He was memorable, well liked, and knew every self sealing stem bolt on this ship. If I call down to Ops for him, please bear with me. He was a good friend and I miss him already."

The abrupt somberness hit Karina like a battering ram . She'd nearly forgotten the fact that she was replacing a fallen officer, not someone who simply chose to transfer or retire from Starfleet. The Hiigaran paused to clear her throat, her freckles pulsating. "I'll do my best to fit those shoes." Karina assured her.

"Thank you." Enalia said, trying to cheer back up a bit. "If you need historical information on anything in the ship, Amelia Takethen is your woman. Other than myself, she's been around the longest."

The fact that the Hera was somehow from an modified universe still intrigued Karina, but she decided not to elicit that curiosity too early. No doubt it would be better for her if she focused on trying to fit in fora while.

Taking another sip from her glass of water, the Hiigaran smiled politely.

"So if it's not too bold to ask," Karina began after a short pause. "I was wondering whether we've received new orders."

"We have. Sort of..." Enalia began, sipping at her tea. "We're to go to New Sydney until the Office of Temporal Investigations determines what, if any, impact our visit to the past caused on the timeline. We're also to arrest a starship captain from another universe and host a court martial for violation of General Order 7. Sound interesting to you?"

From that description, it almost sounded like space-time was unraveling around them all. Karina drank from her water again, downing the remainder of it in one swallow. "It does," she said, the mix of confused excitement in her voice obvious. "Who's the Captain?" She asked next.

"Captain Kristopher Kerouac," Enalia said somewhat dramatically, peering over her cup of tea.

That was a name that had become rather infamous as of late. Karina shifted in her seat, suddenly more curious. "The same Kerouac who blew up that Breen planet before getting most of his crew killed?" She asked. The reports she'd seem (although difficult to get a hand on) had mentioned Kerouac being killed.

"According to the office of temporal investigations, this is a different Kerouac from a parallel universe or something. This one took his ship to Talos IV." Enalia clarified. "though with our universe's Kerouac having done those things, then that one doing something equally as crazy... It's hard not to wonder, is it?"

The Hiigaran sighed, nodding her head. "If this Kerouac violated General order seven," Karina said, her mind reaching back to that long course at the academy where she was required to memorize dozens of general orders and hundreds of regulations. "That means he went to Talos. The forbidden planet."

"And that he's supposed to be executed immediately. He apparently has a good senior staff though. They got him a court martial instead of execution." Enalia said as she finished her tea and set the cup aside. "Though it's anyone's debate on which is better."

Karina rolled her neck, which cracked. There was something oddly disconcerting about how the death penalty still existed in the United Federation of Planets. Then again, she had to assume that there was good reason for it. She decided not to press her inquiry any further, however. Managing a polite smile, she continued. "Well, as far as missions go, and the obvious madness, it doesn't sound like things will get too crazy for us. But I'll be ready."

"Expect the unexpected, Lieutenant. It finds this ship more often than not." Enalia said with a mischievous grin.

The darkness of Ulani's alcohol induced slumber turned to images. The images began to look familiar as a scene of the past began to play out in her mind.

She had gone to Jamie's office to find a very young Ethan. Often, the child would sleep on the cot in the small back room of his father's office, awaiting Jamie to finish with surgery. She had found the child there and checked if he needed anything.

That's when they heard the door open. Thinking it was Jamie, Ulani put her finger to her mouth to quiet Ethan, so that they could surprise him. Watching from the darkness of the back room, she witnessed the Director of the Hospital beginning to upload information from Jamie's computer to a PaDD. This was puzzling to Ulani, so she stepped out of the darkness and confronted the man.

The startled man was flustered. He began to fumble over his words trying to describe his presence. Looking at the PaDD, she discovered the man was stealing Jaime's research.

Ulani ordered Ethan to leave. When he hesitated, Ulani demanded Ethan go home. The child obeyed this time, realizing mom was serious.

The next morning, the director was found on the ground by the side of the hospital. His body was crushed from a fall from the roof. The PaDD was there, showing evidence of the theft. It was assumed the Director felt so guilty from the theft, he flung himself from the roof. There was no evidence to suggest anything else.

Ulani startled awake with a gasp for air. Her head was hammering from the inside, like a huge woodpecker concealed inside trying to get out. Remembering the dream, she admitted the man deserved what he got. No one attacks her loved ones and gets away with it. However, she began to wonder if Ethan knew. Did he bring the facts together and realize the man didn't commit suicide. Did he see the rage within her and take some of that inside of him, which was now manifesting itself with his desire for killing someone in revenge. She couldn't take the thought and began looking for a bottle.

The shorts and shirt Ethan had been wearing the night before were crumpled more or less at the foot of the bed. Dylan's uniform jacket was halfway between the bed and the bathroom door, his pants just at the edge of the door frame and his underwear was no where to be seen.

Ethan's back, as it often was, was snuggled up against Dylan's chest, their legs were entwined. Ethan had heard a noise that was loud enough to wake him, but not too loud to startle him. He thought it must be Dylan waking up.

Without really opening his eyes he said, "Thanks for last night babe, you have no idea how good that felt, but you know, I really think it's my turn to be on top next time."

"You know we take it in turns." Dylan mumbled, still half asleep as a slow smile spread over his face and he added "Speaking of which..." as his hand wandered southwards.

Ethan smiled, becoming fully awake at the other man's touch. His eyes opened, though he still faced away from his lover. "You sure know how to wake a guy up now don't you? Well two can play at that game," he said as his own hand, the new one, reached back to do some exploring of its own.

"Yeah well, you know how us guys are." Dylan groaned as he felt Ethan's touch, "Always good to go on a morning." he kissed his neck tenderly.

"Well, I don't know about other guys, but I know about you," he turned then to face the other man, still not seeing his mother because his focus was only on Dylan. He had to break his grip to do so, but when he was facing him, he reached down again while deeply kissing his lover.

Losing himself to his fiance, Dylan kissed him back hungrily, the heat rising between them as his desire for him was set alight and his own hands explored the other man's taut body.

Ulani couldn't remember how she had ended up in her quarters on the couch with a blanket. She did remember speaking with Ethan, but not what she had said. Perhaps Ethan made sure she got to the quarters. Her mind was hazy as it continued to thump. She needed relief and quick.

She looked around, wondering where Operations placed the case of brandy. The enormity of the guest quarters impressed Ulani. Star Fleet is improving upon honoring family guests. Maybe the bedroom, she thought as she walked in that direction.

Seeing Dylan's response, which matched Ethan's own, he broke the kiss and stated moving his head down towards his lovers crotch.

Dylan simply groaned and rested back, fully aware of what Ethan's intent was and welcoming it open

"I know you want this babe, almost as much as I want to give it to you." Ethan said as he reached his targeted area.

"Oh god yes!" Dylan gasped as Ethan began to pleasure him.

Noticing the pants on the floor when the bedroom door opened, Ulani's first thought was Did I have a guest last night? However, the commotion on the bed soon drew her attention. This is an eye opener! As she sat on the nearest chair, Ulani audibly said, "So...do drinks come with the show?"

Ethan's erection suddenly deflated and he stopped what he was doing to his lover. He sat up in bed, his face crimson, "Oh my god, have you ever heard of knocking?"

Swearing in Spanish, Dylan grabbed unsuccessfully at the sheet as he glowered at Ulani.

"Sorry," Ulani sincerely replied while holding her head. "I thought I was in my guest quarters, but I now see I was a guest in your quarters. I'm serious, I need something to calm the thunder in my head. Anything to drink, Buttercup?" Thanks to this event, she now had a nickname for Dylan: Beefcake!

"Dylan, I am so sorry, I forgot all about her being here." Ethan said, before turning to his mother, "I'll get you something, but could you, you know turn the other way so we can get dressed."

"You forget how many times I've seen you naked while you grew," Ulani mused. "Countless!" She turned her attention to Dylan, a grin fighting past her hangover. "Sorry to ruin your fun, Beefcake."

Ulani exited, closing the door behind her. She went back to the couch and awaited one of them to bring her a drink. Her head, she held in her hands.

"Beefcake?" Dylan raised an eyebrow as he looked at Ethan, "Seriously?"

"Well , you are my beefcake and see I told you she liked you."

"Yeah, well I'm not sure I want to be liked by her that way." Dylan looked slightly panicked by the thought.

Ethan let a finger trace its way down Dylan's chest, slowly, almost to the point where his mouth had been, just before they had been interrupted. "Now that would be awkward, but I am pretty possessive. I'll talk to her."

"Okay...speaking of which, did you want to go to her now? She was looking for a bottle this early in the morning." he shook his head, "That's not good." he added with concern.

"No, it really isn't," Ethan agreed. I am going to put something on and go talk with her. You want to come too?"

"Well I guess that depends on if you want me to?" Dylan sat up, "If you want to be alone with her, I won't be offended."

"No, I'd you too. We are partners you know. We should be able to be partners in everything."

"Then let me grab some clothes." Dylan replied as he swung his legs off the bed and headed for the wardrobe.

"That would probably be a good idea."

Ooc-J: This character is a fighter pilot who's also a good shot with a side-arm (and a rifle too, but beside the point) I made this figuring she could be practicing, but the holodeck program was open. So Ulani comes in?

[ON]

After the whole fiasco with temporal stuff, Airi had avoided looking into what happened thus far. This whole temporal thing was crap, and she hated that kind of mystical stuff. It defied everything she knew. And yet she was here. In this new place..with her crew. Or well, it seemed like her crew.

Most of them had paired off. Or the ones who didn't kept to themselves. It was an eerie feeling, being aboard this ship. A suppressing feeling..and her instincts didn't like it. So for now she engaged in what she liked...target practice. Maybe she'd get selected for an away team sometime...but something else came to her mind and she lowered her weapon.

In this time, she needed connections. Her old network? Heh, couldn't get a hold of them now. Didn't want to be monitored after all. And Rhett? That Orion was more devious than she had believed..and surprisingly stayed away from her. She shook her head, in thought, unaware that she was being watched.

Ulani had been on board several days. During this time, since she was no longer Star Fleet and had no duty to perform, she spent a lot of time observing, meeting people she thought might be valuable to her task at hand.

She had met Nexi, quite a remarkable girl. This one had valuable connection and even knew of one of the Ferengi that Ulani was seeking out. Still there were others aboard that might be of use.

Another girl that impressed Ulani was a pilot. She could always use a good pilot. Word was that she was an excellent shot, most likely going back to one of her past lives in Intelligence. She did her research on Airi Saxa and was impressed. She was another female with a style that caught Ulani's attention.

She had followed Airi to the holodeck, staying in the shadows as she watched her enter. When the Lieutenant had entered, Ulani went up to the door and checked what program Airi was running. Hmmm...target practice. This might be an opportunity to break the ice. She checked and the holodeck was open to anyone else desiring to practice.

Ulani entered the holodeck and began to look for Airi. She wanted it to appear that this was an accidental meeting. But hopefully, she could encourage another to help her in her quest.

Her pistol was a black color, a variant on a Bajoran phaser, tuned to more Starfleet settings. Removable spikes lined the bottom diagonal surface, and an extra switch which looked like an old style safety instead would flip forward a small blade that extended about three inches in front of the muzzle. Fortunately this was sheathed, as was the smaller derringer phaser that she kept concealed on her person in varied places.

Raising her aim up, the distinctive sound rings out through the program, a phaser hitting home. Then she twirls it, shooting again, and then does a little dance move or two, spinning around to fire from behind her and hit the target.

Obviously, the young girl was too busy with her practice to notice anyone had entered. So Ulani just stayed in the background and watched. Airi had impressed her with a display of prowess that was unmatched by many Ulani had seen, including herself. This girl was nimb?e, lithe, flexible. Certainly, she would be a valuable friend to have here on the Hera.

Ulani stepped to the forefront and stated, "Impressive!"

Within a moment after hearing that, she'd whirled reflexively to train the special pistol on the newcomer, before twirling it back into her holster. "Hiya. Sorry about that. So you saw all that, huh?" The girl's eyes were sizing up the other in front of her. Without a doubt, attractive..even if her intuition told her that she was older than her.. "Thank you. Got a name, lady?"

Ulani chuckled at the term lady. She could be one when she had too, but had not heard it in relation to herself for quite a long time.

"The name is Ulani," she replied. "I'm here on personal business: visiting my son among other things. He's your CMO."

She paused as she retraced the shots again from memory. Ulani then probed her interest in weapons. "Have you ever thought of using your skills in something other than flight control?"

"I see. I met him..once." she recalled, before staring at her, the spots seemingly more prominent in the lighting of that particular moment. "Ulani, I've used my skills in many and varied ways. Not all of them are exactly spotless. Why, you looking to interest me in something? Or someone?" Spoken like someone who'd had memories of an intelligence operative and a memory of how they approached people. She could play the game. In more ways than one. with her mind, with her weapons...or with her body. Now it fell to Ulani to either advance or retract.

Ulani's grin became more mischievous. The girl's spunk was an attractive quality. Ulani was about to request a seat from the computer because she felt like a giant standing next to her.

Instead, she approached Airi. "I've checked on you. I know your abilities; your past lives." She reached a hand to Airi's face. "I could make use of all your skills."

"I see. I could very well take you up on this offer, but I gotta know more information first." She chuckled, noting the hand that was very close to her face, looking up into the other's eyes with that same kind of defiant spunk. With a subtle wink, she continued. "So what's the situation? You know that I'm not always the heroine type..something's gotta be in there for me, usually. Unless of course your story's a charity case."

"My mission is for justice. I've been chasing four Ferengi, one of which is now dead. They are responsible for a Viral epidemic that struck on Earth. My husband died trying to find a cure." She allowed her fingers to stroke the left cheek of the Lieutenant. "They are also slave traders. You have just the look to attract their attention. Pure sexiness with some sass." Ulani chuckled.

"As far as making it worth your while, I have something the dead Ferengi gave me. I'm sure it will be worth your while. Meet me in my shuttle at 1800 hours. Its in the main hanger bay, parked next to Nexi's shuttle. We'll have some Suarian brandy, chat a while and I'll let you see what your payment will be for your time."

Airi had an inkling of what it might be, but decided not to say anything. "Ferengi huh? I've never met a Ferengi I liked. Would always cheat at Dabo or at poker, cards, you name it." Then the compliment hit her. "If we're talking about what we're seeing, I like what I see too." A finger gently pointed at the older woman before she leaned against the target table, crossing her legs at the ankles and folding her arms underneath her chest.

"Ok. 1800 hours. You got yourself a date...and we'll talk business. Not a fan of the whole slave thing but those viruses are nasty business. And uh...sorry about your husband." She gave sheepishly. When they met again, Airi would pose her suspicions that perhaps there was a little more to it than just what happened to her husband.

The Temporal Investigations team hadn't really pushed her that hard, but Angel couldn't help feeling concerned over the things they had uncovered and addressed. Someone else on the ship had been working for Section 31, and she couldn't think of who it was... or who she could talk to about it. No one on the Hera knew that she'd worked for those people. She'd only just started to earn some trust and friendship among the crew. How could she possibly admit to it now?

She knew of only one person who was unlikely to judge her for it, and that was Sinek. Still, she worried that it would damage their budding relationship if she came clean now. She knew Vulcans to be endlessly loyal to their chosen mates, but they viewed deception as a terrible act, especially between friends. Granted she hadn't lied since she hadn't been asked, but she'd never mentioned it either.
E
Eventually, her need to express those concerns won out over the fear that Sinek would somehow take offense to her admission, and she went to find him in the science labs.

Lieutenant Commander Sinek was keeping himself busy, as usual. He was certain the Temporal Investigations Team may have questions for the Science Department, so he instructed his team to review the sensor logs and report any findings. He himself, re-reviewed all the logs to ensure that nothing was missed.

He knew Angel had entered before he could actually look up from the files. He had grown used to hearing the way she walked. Still, in public, Sinek kept the formality of titles. She was, after all, the Executive Officer. The crew needed to see the respect he had for her rank. They most likely may not know his respect for her lay deeper than her office. Without looking up, he stated evenly, "Good morning Commander. How may I be of service?"

"It's not official business... I just need to talk to you. Are you busy?" Angel didn't want to interrupt anything he might be doing.

"There is still time for this," Sinek responded. He nodded toward his office. "We can go in there; there is more privacy."

Even if he were busy, Sinek would make time for her. He was able to work longer duty shifts to make up for any time lost. As long as he was able to balance the time for the relationships he had established. Hers being the most important.

He arose from his seat and lead Angel to the office. Once inside, he turned into her and held her in his arms momentarily. Judging from her eyes, she needed some moral support. It seemed something was eating at her thought process - maybe not on the level as high anxiety, but more on a worrisome note.

"I don't like having these temporal investigation people on board," Angel said quietly after a long quiet moment. Sinek's embrace grounded her, easing some of her concern that he might not like what she had to say. "They're digging deep, and they know things about me that I don't want them knowing."

Sinek stepped back and looked Angel in those steel gray eyes. He became concerned for her, wondering why the investigators be prying. Other than the phasers generating the triolic waves necessary for the Devidians, what would Angel's past have to do with anything? Were they trying to point the finger at Angel to divert attention from someone else?

"That is understandable," Sinek replied. "We are all entitled to privacy when and where we want it."

The evening he and Angel had mated, Sinek opened his mind to her. He allowed her to know whatever she wanted about him. However, he did not explore her mind. Doing so without consent was unethical to any Vulcan.

"I don't think they agree. And I want to know where the hell they even got the information because it wasn't anything I've told anyone." Angel sighed a bit, shaking her head. "Now I have this terrible feeling that since they know, other people are going to find out. I already don't have very many friends here..."

"Angel," Sinek replied evenly, "the past is past. You are who you are at this moment. You will not please all of the crew. You may not have even liked me on my previous ships."

"I find that hard to believe." Angel gave him half a smile, though she knew he likely wasn't exaggerating. It simply wasn't something Vulcans did. "I never passed them any information about the Hera, but I used to work for the Section 31 information office. Most people don't like knowing that."

"But you are here now," Sinek acknowledged. "Most people cannot accept that people change. You made a logical choice to change. I surmise Section 31 is not happy. Perhaps they, themselves, leaked information."

"I think they did, but more than that. I think there's someone else on the crew who works for them." Relieved that Sinek apparently didn't care that she'd had ties to Section 31, Angel quickly became more animated and less worried. "Someone had to be here to send a signal to Section 31 that we were in position for this mess... it's all their doing." Perhaps she wasn't supposed to tell him that, but the truth was out now. "And it wasn't me because I was to busy with the Devidians and the Klingon ship!"

"We must let the Captain know," Sinek explained, "and anyone else we can definitely trust to help us find this individual." Outside of Angel, that meant the Doctor. They grew closer to Sinek than any other crew. Those were the two he trusted.

"Only problem with that is I don't know who the spy is. We could end up telling them we know, and then they'll disappear." Angel didn't like thinking that Enalia or Ethan might be the spy, but with no information to clear them fully she had to consider it.

Sinek raised a brow. "The Captain was there on the bridge with us." For the Captain to be involved, she would have to be the best he had ever seen at deception. And Sinek had seen the best. The old adage was "Vulcans never lie." But the could be deceptive. Most were so good at it, no one assumed they were doing so.

"Have you checked all transmissions from just before we entered the anamoly until we returned?" He flatly asked.

Angel shook her head. "Haven't had a reason yet, but I'm going to now."

"That would be a logical start," Sinek admitted. "Would you care for some assistance?"

"If you don't mind. A second pair of eyes never hurts when I'm looking at this sort of thing." The truth was Angel wasn't great at handling most of the more technological aspects of the ship's systems. She'd answered incoming hails and sent plenty of messages and greetings, but poking around in the logs usually ran her into trouble unless it was a security tape.

"Indeed," Sinek offered. "When do we start?"

"Now, if you're available. I'm going to start now regardless, and you can meet me later if you have departmental duties to tend to."

"My staff have things well in hand," Sinek answered. "You go on ahead, I'll wrap up a few things and be right with you. My staff could probably use another break from me. Where would you like for me to meet you? Your office?"

"My office will be perfect." Angel kissed his cheek. "Thanks for helping. I'll meet you there."

Sinek returned Angel's kiss and watched her leave his office. He found it incredibly hard to believe they could trust no one, not even the Captain. Hopefully they would find the investigators were wrong and none of the crew was responsible.

Stephen hadn't liked how Alden had handled Angel's questioning. He had to admit that the other man did get details from her that would be considered difficult to retrieve, but intentionally antagonizing a woman known to carry hidden weapons was foolhardy. At least, that was Stephen's opinion. Deciding that Alden's methods were a bit too aggressive, Stephen had opted to do Enalia's interview by himself, hoping to eliminate that friction. He had paged her to join him, and now he waited patiently in their reserved conference room for her to arrive.

Slipping in through the back door, Enalia plopped her spotted butt down in a seat across from Stephen, a cup of tea in hand. "Good morning, Agent... Jenkins, was it? Ready when you are."

"I didn't think you'd want to deal with Agent Engstrom. He wasn't very nice to your first officer, and for that I apologize." Stephen pulled up his notes on a PaDD and set it on the table in front of him. "I understand both you and Commander Fairchild filed reports on the time travel incident. Is there anything you wish to elaborate on?"

"I tried to make it as concise as I could without making it bloated. There's a lot more extraneous information I could have added..." Enalia said with a hint of a grin as she sipped from her tea, her eyes focused on the agent's.

"Is any of it something we should be aware of?" Having been warned that Enalia had a bit of a mischievous personality, Stephen just smiled a bit.

Setting her teacup down, Enalia became serious as she replied. "In the approximately six hours that we were in the past, I learned more about temporal bullshit than I did at the academy, most of which originated from your office. If you'd like me to go over it all with you, it might take some time."

"That won't be necessary." Still smiling just a bit, Stephen added a tidbit to his notes about Enalia's love of being a prankster troll. "What can you tell me about the Borg probe?"

"As I put in my report, we came across things very suddenly. it was in the middle of a temporal anomaly, we got sucked into it with it, and when we came out the other side, we fired and destroyed it a bit too easily. It didn't show up on sensors until it was too late." Enalia said, summarizing her report. "Would you like me to elaborate on what happened, or is there something specific you had in mind?"

"Did you get any scans of the interior?" Still, Stephen's tone was mild and unobtrusive.

"Some. There was a lot of temporal distortion and as good as the Hera's sensors are, we didn't have the time to scan the whole thing. The logs of the scans were filed with my report. As I mentioned, though it seemed the origin point for the temporal distortion at the time, there was no sign of an originating point for the anomaly within or near the probe." Enalia recited.

Stephen nodded slightly, adding that to his notes. "Then you were not aware that it did not carry a Borg crew."

Enalia had not noticed this fact and was slightly taken aback, her trickster and troll nature falling away. "What? If it didn't have a Borg crew... There were lifesigns, weren't there? It did blow up when we disabled it. It should have regenerated but instead it was like it self destructed."

"That's because it did. We have reason to believe that it wasn't a Borg probe at all. Rather, it was a ship illegally operated by Section 31 and one Franklin Drake. I assume you've heard of him?"

Enalia had indeed heard of him and that recognition showed on her face. She knew him as a troublemaker and a rogue agent claiming to be holding true to the ideals of the old Section 31. There was no point hiding her knowledge of him though. Besides, she knew very little about him other than his name. "I have."

"Do you believe any of your crew to be in contact with him?" Stephen knew the answer already; Angel had given them so much to work with. He just wanted to see if Enalia had any suspicions.

So that's what this was about. Enalia had known that dilapidated closet of an office had put an agent on her ship. She even knew who it was. Hell, it was Starfleet Intelligence that talked her into it, just so they could keep an eye on things. She wasn't aware of any communications, though. "I have no knowledge of any members of my crew having contact with the agent known as Franklin Drake." It wasn't a lie - to her knowledge, neither her XO nor the ship's chef had been able to contact anyone from their home office.

"Perhaps a different question would be better." Stephen laid his notes aside, looking at her directly. "Are you aware of any Section 31 agents embedded within your crew?"

That was a question she couldn't lie about either... and asked directly like that... "Yes, I was officially notified by Starfleet Intelligence of agents aboard my ship." That's the official answer. No mention of how many or who they were... yet... Enalia didn't like where these questions were leading and she knew that she'd have to tell the rest of the story anyway.

Sighing, she continued her statement, no longer in a mood for mischief. "They requested that I take aboard two agents to get them away from the Section 31 office. Our missions at the time involved a lot of stealth and comm blackouts." Chuckling, Enalia thought back over the first mission. "We didn't even officially go on that first mission until it was over. We rescued Aewia, whom I suspected was a third agent, but the Romulans practically lobotomized her so if she were, I'm sure we all would have heard about it by now. As for my XO and the ship's chef... I was to keep them out of contact with Starfleet Headquarters in general until I could assess their overall goals and gauge their loyalty to that office. I prefer to think that neither of them has any interest in continuing their relations with the remaining rogue agents of Section 31. Starfleet Intel gave me a set of algorithms to use in the main computer to detect and monitor comm traffic to and from that office and the one communication I've seen, Angel yelled at them for contacting her." Taking a deep breath, Enalia leaned back in her chair, poking at the handle of her teacup absent mindedly.

Surprised by Enalia's knowledge of both operatives, Stephen sat back in his chair and blinked at her. "Captain Telvan, you are quite the surprise. Even Commander Fairchild couldn't identify the second operative... and really? The chef? Isn't your ship's chef a Vulcan?"

"She is," Enalia nodded, no longer interested in the interview but willing to continue. "Though if you've ever had her redbat stew, you'd wonder. Towards the end of the refit, all the power systems were offline and the replicators had to all be reloaded so she cooked for the 50 or so of us that were working and living on the Hera just on a backup generator. She cooked more meat than anything else, stating that it was only logical so as to keep up everyone's strength."

"Your Vulcan chef cooks meat?" Stephen found that both puzzling and troubling. Vulcans had a moral apprehension toward handling meat, regardless of whether those they were feeding liked to eat it. "I find that rather suspect."

"Yeah, I found that rather suspect too, but it's part of her 'honor of logic' or somesuch to perform to the utmost of her abilities, expanding her horizons or what not. You'd have to ask her to explain it." Enalia said as she picked up her teacup and swirled the last of the tea around in it a bit. Finishing her tea, she set the teacup back on the table.

"I think we will. In any case, someone did contact Drake. Perhaps not from this ship... a shuttle craft maybe. Commander Fairchild insists she didn't do it. Would you believe her on that?" Stephen didn't want to create friction within this crew, but he needed to know Enalia's opinion of Angel.

"I trust her with my life," Enalia said as she poked her teacup hard enough to tip the empty container on its side. "My chief engineer was escorted to his parents' funeral by the ship's chef, if I remember correctly. She was out of my reach for a while before the incident."

Stephen raised an eyebrow at that information. "Then it is possible that she contacted Drake during that time. If she's smart, she wiped the comm logs from the shuttle."

"And it's also standard procedure for this ship. We do report to Starfleet Intel." Enalia said as she righted her downed teacup.

"You see the dilemma then. We'll need to find proof if we are to do anything about your chef." Stephen picked up the PaDD and scribbled a few more notes on it. "My suggestion to you is to use your first officer's skills to uncover whatever you can. If there's enough, we can assist you in dealing with the chef if you choose."

"That sounds fun, I guess." Enalia said distractedly. "I have a question for you, If I may. If you had to write a speech for a memorial service for twenty nine crewmembers, would you name them all individually or try to keep it short?"

"Twenty-nine..." Stephen paused, not being previously aware of the exact number of lost souls. "Naming them all individually is more personal. However, it lengthens the amount of time during which your crew has to maintain some semblance of decorum. I believe it would be better to have a list available for those who wish to view it in its entirety and keep the ceremony itself short."

"Thank you. That does help." Enalia replied softly. "If you and your companion would like to attend, you're both welcome."

"I will extend the invitation, but he is not a people person." Stephen smiled just a bit. "I will try to convince him to show some respect. This is your home, after all."

"That it is," Enalia said, looking up at the agent and finally smiling. "Did you have any other questions for me?"

"No. But I think we'd like to talk to your chef, once we have some evidence to work with. Do you think you can convince her?"

Enalia spread her hands as if offering him everything. "You have full reign of the ship and as long as you don't interfere with the memorial service or the court martial, anything you want is yours."

"Thank you, Captain." Stephen smiled at her, collecting his notes. "If you have nothing further to discuss, you are free to leave."

Standing with her teacup, Enalia offered him a warm smile. "Thank you Agent Jenkins. Good luck in the rest of your interviews." Heading towards the back way she had come in, she left him to his notes.

Enalia walked among the Mark VIII torpedo casings being arrayed in the main hangar deck. They hadn't held a memorial for the people that had died during the last mission and now with those that had passed on during their trip to the past... There wasn't enough room to hold the service anywhere else. Normally, they'd be in the main torpedo bay to do it. Or at least the galley. There were just too many losses though.

Checking her chronometer, Enalia sighed heavily. There was still time before the actual service, but she had no idea what she was going to say outside of the normal command BS that every starship captain said. Some of these people were her close friends. Some she barely knew. She had to speak for all of them equally though.

And there was Ven's casing. The flag draped over it was like the others, a square piece of cloth with the Hera's logo emblazoned on it. It was the tiny gold nameplate that mattered though. Running her fingers over the embossed lettering, she couldn't help but let a few tears fall. These were more than her crew. They were her friends and family.

Angel had dreaded this day, the day they finally had to face how many of the crew they had lost between the Romulan research station and the time travel event. She had looked at the reports and run the numbers, and still she stared in shock at the sheer number of torpedo casings on the hangar deck. Most held the bodies of the deceased, but she lingered near the three she knew would be empty. Doctor St John, Ensign Cooper, and Ensign Jones. None of their bodies had been recovered before the Romulan research station had exploded. The crew would never know - you couldn't tell by looking at the casing - but Angel did. And knowing stung almost as much as when she'd lost them.

Coming up alongside Angel, Enalia spoke softly a single number. "Twenty nine." That was the number of casings arrayed in front of them. Far too many for any ship.

"Too many." Angel sighed, putting her hand on the empty casing that bore the name of Ensign Jones. "Three was too many. Now twenty-six lost to the Devidians..."

"All of them are irreplaceable. Some had been here through the refit. What could I have done to prevent this?" Enalia asked. This wasn't the trickster or the troll or the slug of a mischief making captain everyone knew her as. This was a damaged woman wondering what she did wrong.

"Enalia, there's nothing you could have done. We didn't know there were infected survivors on the Romulan station, and I'm the idiot who let Amelia use triolic waves in the phaser remodification." Though she still took the blame and carried remorse in her voice, Angel's words were calm, a testament to how much the meditation with Sinek had stabilized her response to the events.

Enalia was silent for a moment, thinking that over. "Does that mean you'll do a speech as well?" she calmly asked. "After all, you sound a lot more collected than I am and the crew needs as much stability from us as they can get."

For a moment, the idea of addressing the crew was terrifying, and Angel almost said no. Then she remembered something that Sinek had told her about the crew's perception of her, and she nodded slightly. "I can. I don't have one prepared, but I wouldn't want to follow a script anyway."

Enalia nodded, thankful for Angel's support. "Thank you. I have one more favor to ask of you and I'm sure you're going to like it even less."

"Doesn't matter if I like it," Angel said quietly. "Just ask and I'll do it."

Enalia nodded and motioned for Angel to follow her away from the memorial setup. "I have reason to believe that our other Section 31 agent contacted that rogue, Franklin Drake, just before we were sucked back in time. I'd like you to use your connections and find out if she did."

Unprepared for that, Angel's face betrayed her even as she tried to come up with an answer - any answer - that would sound less like a made up story. "You knew? All this time you knew and you never said a word?"

"Why wouldn't I know? I report directly to Starfleet Intel and they're the ones that asked me to take both of you aboard." Enalia said with a hint of a lopsided grin. It was still a somewhat sad and depressed lopsided grin, but it still showed a hint of her old mischievous self.

"You bitch!" Angel's tone was playful despite the somber mood on the hangar deck, and she laughed. A real, joyful laugh full of relief that she hadn't had to keep that secret after all. "I'll see what I can do... no promises, but I'd been trying to find out who this person is anyway."

Turning to face Angel suddenly, Enalia pulled her into a tight and seemingly passionate embrace, whispering a name into her ear. "Chief Petty Officer T'Pel, ship's chef." Then releasing Angel from the sudden hug, she spoke in a more normal voice with a refreshed smile on her face. "Thank you. I owe you for this."

"You don't owe me a thing. You trust me after the fiasco on the research station and the bungle with the triolic waves, and that's enough." Angel smiled just a bit, filing away the name of the name of the other Section 31 agent.

"As I told Agent Jenkins, I trust you with my life." Enalia said, holding up her left hand - the one that she had placed on Angel's firm behind. Looking at her hand and flexing her fingers a bit, she smirked in that way only she could. "Very firm. You'll have to share your workout routine with me sometime."

"Try the climbing programs on the holodeck... or a stairmaster. Those are good too." For some reason, that was more awkward than the hug, but Angel refrained from protesting too vigorously. Doing so would only encourage Enalia's troll nature. "Also, running after criminals." She managed a small smirk at that.

"Sounds like fun." Enalia said with a hint of disappointment. She didn't even get Angel to blush. "Be ready in two hours, ok? Your speech will be up first."

Oh boy. Feeling her heart race just a bit, Angel nodded. "Two hours, got it. And Enalia? If you're looking for me to blush, it takes a bit more than a hug and a little groping. I worked security, remember?"

"Oh?" Enalia said with a wicked grin right before she practically attacked Angel, resuming her prior hug and grope, but this time she had a hand behind her head and was kissing Angel deeply. After a few seconds, Enalia broke the kiss, wide eyed and the tips of one hand touching her own lips. "You taste coppery... Are you dating a Vulcan?"

Suddenly blushing a few shades past scarlet, Angel squeaked and tried to push Enalia away. Words initially failed her as she realized she'd put herself in that trap. "Cut it out!" she managed after a moment, nearly missing the question following Enalia's impromptu kiss. "Christ, Enalia, you'll have the crew thinking you've gone crazy... not that you weren't already... and... uh... well..." Looking away, she blushed a bit more and mumbled, "Yeah, I'm dating a Vulcan."

"Oh goodness..." Now Enalia was blushing, her eyes growing wider. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"It's okay. I hadn't told anyone yet. And no, it's not the chef." Angel smiled a bit, trying not to make Enalia feel too guilty. "He won't be offended or anything. I don't think it's possible for me to offend him, actually."

"I still shouldn't have. If I had known..." Enalia wanted to run away, finding this out. She never expected anything like this. All of her carefully laid plans and all her scheming and all her mind games with various crew... And her XO dating a male Vulcan slipped by her. She knew about Crewman Scheider and Crewman Fonscora and their romps in jeffries tube junction 47 but she missed this - the woman she'd been watching carefully since she came aboard.

"Enalia. Really. You can't know every little thing that happens on board, and honestly this was a really fast development." Angel knew that probably only complicated things, but it was the truth. There was no point in lying about it. "He offered me friendship after that first promotion when he realized I didn't have a lot of friends. Then when he needed a friend, I was there for him. Things kind of evolved from there."

Enalia nodded, not entirely satisfied. It was what it was though. Trying to compose herself, she tugged downwards on her uniform jacket. "I'll see you in two hours in Service Whites."

"Yes, ma'am." Feeling it best to retreat and let Enalia sort herself out alone, Angel quietly headed for the door. She didn't plan to actually write the speech, but she had a lot of thinking to do.

It was nearing 1800 hours. Ulani was on her shuttle; she gave the voice command and pushed the button to open her hidden storage compartment.

She was preparing for Lieutenant Airi Saxa to arrive per their prearranged meeting. The younger one had referred to the meeting as a date. Ulani had also taken note that Airi clarified that she liked what she saw in the older woman. Ulani grinned. It pays to stay fit. She knew she often drove men mad. Never thought of herself being attractive to another female.

One thing she knew: If she ever had to make love to another man, it would not be the same. She couldn't do it for the pleasure; she would constantly be comparing him to Jamie. It would be droll with any other man.

She took note that Airi was just as sexy as she was. She had an attitude that made her that way. The spots just added to it. She was sure the Ferengi slavers would be interested in purchasing her. Ulani wouldn't allow it to go that far. They would ice the trader before any deal was accomplished. The slave ruse would be just to get their feet in the door.

She wouldn't want harm to come to the girl. There was just something about her that she couldn't keep off her mind. The way she moved in the target arena. Her small, lithe body moving in perfection to aim her phaser toward the target. She was definitely smooth. Sexy is the word. She was sure they would make good partners. Ferengi beware!

Airi had decided to dress casually. A pair of blue jeans, a pair of black boots, a tank-top t-shirt with combadge, and her black leather flight jacket. Her weapon rested at her side in a holster. Her boots clacked on the deck plating as she exited the turbolift, and strode into the main shuttlebay. Noticing the other shuttle near Nexi's, this was certainly the one that she'd been instructed to come. The Aphrodite, huh? What a sexy machine...like her owner.

She approached the raised hatch, and in a strangely simple way...she knocked.

The knock came unexpected, although Airi was right on time. Ulani tugged her black V-neck shirt down. Her hip-hugging black pants were snug. Not sure why, Ulani glanced at herself in a mirror. Everything seemed in the right place.

Ulani glided to the ramp, looked out, smiled and asked the younger lady to come aboard. She took in the leather jacket and the tank-top, the form fitting jeans. I definitely like her style! W

The clack of boots resonating on the ramp, which accompanied the suave, smooth swagger of the younger lady as she walked up. A smile crosses her features as she greets Ulani. "Your shuttle is a sexy machine." she quipped, a light wink at the other coming too. "I'd play for it, but I've got a pretty sweet fighter already." Obviously, she was joking about playing for it, but the compliment was real. "Thanks for letting me come aboard."

Ulani's grin showed she appreciated the compliment on her shuttle. "Thanks, it was a gift.

She guided Airi to the back of her shuttle and motioned for her to sit upon a bunk that also served as a seat. Ulani squatted at the storage area in just in front of Airi. The young girl definitely lifted Ulani's spirits. Ulani teasingly bounced her rear as she pulled out two glasses and a bottle of Saurian brandy. She poured the liquid into the glasses, picked them up and offered one to Airi.

"Now," Ulani offered, "let's talk about what you would like in return for your services, Hon."

Airi took her seat, sitting and watching a bit. The older girl was making her feel more adventurous. Or at the very least, a little more alive than she was before. The teasing bounce of her rear did not go unnoticed. It was a nice rear. And if she wasn't so good at her verbal game she might have wanted to reach out with a hand. But that was not proper.

So her reply to that was to accept the proffered glass, give Ulani's visible cleavage a once over that lasted a couple of seconds longer than usual, and then meeting Ulani eye to eye.

"Well then.." she takes a small sip of the drink, smiling a little. That was good. "You said before that you had something that would pique my interest. Perhaps a good look at that would be a good place to start...after we enjoy the drinks."

Ulani noticed the long look; it brought the grin back. She lifted her glass toward Airi. "Sounds promising," Ulani beamed. "A toast then, to the beginning of a great partnership!"

The girl lifted her glass and tipped it against the other's. "To the beginning of a great partnership." she echoed, before downing a larger gulp of it. "I applaud your taste in drinks." she added as an afterthought.

Ulani downed her drink with flare, then chuckled as she refilled their glasses. "I admire your taste in clothing. Your style adds to your appeal."

"Likewise. You really bring out your curves and good looks with that." She chuckled softly as well. So she had appeal? Maybe this would go somewhere. She certainly wouldn't be averse to that. But for now, she'd continue with, "If I tried that it wouldn't look as good on me."

Ulani laughed as she spewed, "You needn't worry about your looks, Hon!" Ulani's face then took on a more serious look. She realized that she was actually attracted to Airi. The spots added to her sexiness. Ulani began to wonder if the spots continued past the neck.

Ulani suddenly leaned forward and gently took the glass from Airi's hand and sat it aside. She leaned forward again and passionately kissed Airi on the lips.

Being in the middle of some reply that was a mix of coherence and relative embarrassment, the glass being moved made her open her mouth in a "wha-" before her lips were claimed passionately. Her eyes widened a little. The kiss felt great. The passion from this woman was readily on display, and mentally she was giving Ulani props for making the first move.

Several seconds had elapsed with Airi frozen in thought, before she smoothly shrugged out of her flight jacket, leaving it on the couch behind her. With toned arms she embraced the other's neck, and placed her own passion into the kiss.

The kiss invigorated Ulani. She gazed into those beautiful eyes. Her fingers reached and gently traced Airi's spots from her forehead, down the side her face, onto her neck and just sliding her finger under the collar of Airi's shirt. Ulani's grin now changed to a questioning look, as if she were asking the younger if she would like to take it further.

It similarly made her feel adventurous again. Tracing the spots made them tingle, which made Airi shiver in silent excitement. Noting the finger, she looks down, and back up at Ulani again.

"Let's enjoy ourselves." she murmured in reply, taking her arms down from around Ulani's neck.

Ulani grinned and softly said, "I was hoping you'd say that."

Ulani lowered her hands to the bottom of Airi's shirt and began to lift it above her head and off. Next, she loosened the button one the Trill's jeans and unzipped them, sliding them off Airi's smooth, luscious legs. Once she had her nude, Ulani began to trace the spots with her finger once again, following with her lips.

It'd be juvenile of Airi to blush, but she did to some extent. The other's experience in such matters served her well, and soon she was laid bare. At the combined assault of the finger and the lips, her hands moved to try and take the black v-neck shirt off, whilst uttering a number of small gasps or whimpers...

"Ya like that?" she drawled softly, with no particular accent, just a smooth voice. "The spots are like an elegant tattoo. From my neck to my ankles and patterns inbetween."

"They add to you sexiness," admitted Ulani. She looked into hazel brown eyes, allowing the other to remove her shirt. She allowed her left hand to feel its way south as Ulani deeply kissed Airi on the lips.

It had been a long while since Ulani had been with someone for pleasure. The fact that it was with a female for the first time didn't matter. Her body quivered at Airi's touch.

The second kiss revealed that Airi was snared...captivated by this turn of events. The hand, in a quick on the draw movement, went behind Ulani's back and parted the brassiere from its strap, letting gravity take hold of it.

She could feel the subtle quivering of the older woman's body, and smiled just a bit in the kiss. Her hands approached and made landing on the other's chest, showing them gentle attention and love.

Ulani allowed the younger girl explore her body. Her body reacted to the tender touch. In the end, both their bodes quaked several times from the gentle strokes and kisses from the other. As they lay, arms and legs entwined together, Ulani whispered, "This isn't the payment I had in mind. This was a fringe benefit." She chuckled as she asked, "How does a bar of gold-pressed latinum sound?"

Airi lay there with her and chuckled lightly. "Was that what you were going to show me?" She wasn't sure about latinum, though she had been looking for something else unrelated for her fighter. Since she was around Starfleeters most of the time, the gold would gather dust. However..

Her brows scrunch together a little, in thought, making no move to disentangle herself either.

Ulani had a rough start aboard the Hera. It was difficult to tell Ethan about his father. At least she did meet Nexi, a girl that was recommended through a mutual contact. Now Ulani just needed some down time. Time to unwind and relax.

Quickly, she dressed in black form fitting pants and a black sleeveless shirt. Her boots for tonight only came halfway up the calf. She headed for Ten Forward, ordered a drink and sat at a table viewing the stars. She contemplated just which direction the three Ferengi were at. Deep down, she knew they would show up. She had plenty of feelers out and was getting more each day.

Enalia didn't often spend time in the lounge, but with all that had gone on, she wanted to be more available to the crew as a whole and that meant trying to mingle. Well... She was there at least. Never mind that she was sitting in one of the darker corners with her customary tea and pastries, staring out the window. She too had a lot to think about and though she was technically available for anyone to approach, the mood around her was just too somber for most to try.

Ulani began to think about what Ethan had said to her. Had the drinking become too much. Its easy for him to say; he's not alone anymore. Perhaps she should cut back when she's around him. She sat the drink on the table and stretched her arms back, cracking her back up the spine on the edge of her seat. Glancing to her left she noticed the Captain, sitting alone.

Ulani stood from her chair and approached the Captain. She seemed to wish to be alone at the moment, but Ulani wished to take advantage of seeing her in this setting. A civilian couldn't just walk onto the bridge and demand to talk with the Captain.

"I see you are deep in thoughts," Ulani affirmed, "so I'll keep this short. That is if you don't mind, Captain."

Slightly startled from her reverie, Enalia glanced up at the woman she had only met via a viewscreen prior to now. "No, please, join me. I came out to the lounge so I'd be available, though it seems to always have the opposite effect," she said as she motioned to one of the other chairs at her small table. "What can I do for you?"

Ulani sat down across from the Captain. It was one thing she had never accomplished and was glad. The highest responsibility she had achieved was Chief of Security. She did not want the pressures and concerns of an entire ship or station upon her shoulders.

"It is good to finally meet you face-to-face," Ulani admitted. "Ethan has said much about you...and I wish to thank you for protecting my son when I couldn't be there for him."

Enalia flashed one of her knowing smiles and nodded respectfully. "I was just in the right place at the right time. You know how that is, I'm sure. I'm just glad I was able to escape and get him out of there alive as well." Raising her teacup in a salute, she sipped the cool beverage and set the cup back on its saucer. "He talks about me does he? All good I hope."

"Not one complaint," Ulani chuckled. "The past four years have been hell. I'm sure the shorter amount of time for you hasn't been heavenly."

"I swear, if I ever have to deal with temporal BS again, it'll be too soon. about six hours in the past and we miss four years of the present. I'm just glad there's no sign yet that says we messed up history." Enalia replied with a shake of her head. "And sorry about making him CMO. I swear the position is cursed. My four prior CMOs all died. If I could have left him as assistant and named the EMH CMO..."

Ulani grinned, "He'll do you proud."

Ulani pressed on, "I'm not sure if you know why I'm out here. I've been tracking a few Ferengi who have done damage on Earth. I've recruited a few people. One is not a civilian...I was wondering, when the time came if Air...Lieutenant Saxa could be on loan. She would be helpful as I wouldn't have to concentrate on flying."

"I had a suspicion. Hence why I offered to speed that one unfortunate Ferengi along his way." Enalia said with a chuckle. "I'm sure you heard about his attempted visit. As for my Chief Flight Controller... She's almost as good a pilot as I am and a better shot. Mission allowing, from one intel officer to another, just let me know. If she doesn't object, I won't either."

"A previous host as an Intel Officer helps too," Ulani chuckled. "I've already met with Airi. Nexi too. Both of them remind me of myself. I figure the Ferengi Slavers will have their hands full with us. Their ears will get all fidgety."

Enalia raised her hand as if to object. "I don't want to know any more than that. The less I know, the more I can deny and all that, you know."

Ulani gave a knowing smile. "Thank you again, Captain. If there is anything I can do for the Hera and her crew while I am here, just let me know. Your hospitality has been greatly appreciated."

"All I ask is that you help me keep from losing a fifth Chief Medical Officer." Enalia replied with a weak smile. "And stay as long as you like. There's plenty of room."

"I just might take you up on that, Captain," Ulani added. Then she noticed the weak smile. Ulani realized she had spent a good bit of time discussing her needs. Now, she wonder how the Captain was faring.

"What about you Captain? How are you holding up in all this?"

That was a good question and a fair one. How was Enalia holding up. To be frank, she had no idea how she was still holding it together after losing so many of her crew in so short a time. Still with that weak smile, she did her best to reply. "Hard times have fallen upon us. I'd like to think I'm holding up better than most and at least providing a stable point for everyone, you know?"

Ulani saw the effects of the weight upon the Captain's shoulders. She bears everything about her crew upon her shoulders. Ulani reached for the Captain's hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Promise me you'll see Ethan if the stress becomes unbearable. When all this is over, think about a leave. You know the ancient saying about all work and no play..."


Enalia enjoyed the brief comfort, squeezing Ulani's hand back. "Don't worry, I will."

Ulani slowly removed her hand. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some searching to do. Be well, Captain. And again, I'll lend a hand anywhere you need!" She flashed that grin full of mischief, turned and exited Ten Forward.

While she waited for Sinek to join her, Angel slipped behind her desk and quietly pulled up the Hera's communications logs. Because the ship was under the command of Starfleet Intelligence, she knew that much of the information would have been cleared once it was no longer immediately relevant, but she wasn't really sure what they were looking for yet anyway. She knew approximate mission dates and when files should be purged, however, so she started searching for anomalous gaps that didn't quite match up. Perhaps that would be the key.

Sinek wrapped up what he had been doing in the Science Labs. He had heard the concern in Angel's voice when she was in his office. It certainly was a concern that someone among them was a spy. Not a spy from the enemy, but someone connected with an unacceptable organization of the Federation. A question that kept coming to him was: Does this infiltrator necessarily have to be a member of the crew? Could it be a civilian - like Nexi, who admitted to him that she was for hire.

Arriving at Angel's office, Sinek rang the chime to announce his presence. He supposed that with his relationship with Angel, he could just walk inside. However, they were also Star Fleet officers; Angel was the First Officer, he the second. It was important for Sinek to show the respect deserved to the First Officer.

"Come in!" Angel knew exactly who would be at her door and wouldn't have minded if he'd just come inside, but she also appreciated his desire to show proper respect for her rank and position.

The door opened with a swish and Sinek entered her office. He quietly waited for the door to whisk shut behind him. Once this occurred, Sinek approached Angel from behind, placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned forward, kissing Angel on the cheek.

"Have you any findings?" he asked.

"Not yet. Our communications logs are routinely deleted once they're no longer needed... being under SI's command is really making this complicated." Angel paused in her search, looking over her shoulder at him. "Maybe you'd have better luck. The only systems I know at any expert level are the tactical systems."

"Indeed," Sinek replied.

Computer programming was pure logic. Logic was one language Sinek clearly understood other than Vulcan. He pulled up a seat next to hers and started punching in commands. He was designing a program to recover transmission files on the day they disappeared into the anamoly. Hopefully, once they were restored, they would be able to fully understand each message.

He could have worked faster. He would argue that he "wished the program to be precise and accurate." However, each moment programming was a moment spent with the one he chose to love. No matter how much he delayed, the program was completed in 45 minutes.

He realized that for the program to succeed in running, Angel would have to give her security code. He turned to Angel and announced, "Once I press start, the computer will prompt for your security code." Once he affirmed she understood, he pressed the command for the program to start.

"Command security code required," the computer immediately announced, unnecessarily after Sinek's warning that her code was needed.

"Fairchild bravo charlie one." The moment she'd said it, Angel could see the computer go to work searching for the parameters that Sinek had set. That certainly made things easier. "Is that a program you can leave installed on my terminal?"

"If I were to save this program, it would give you the exact same data," Sinek admitted. "However, once the data is downloaded and we review it, I will rewrite part of the program so that after the security code is given, it will prompt you for star dates and a time frame to set the parameters."

It would give him more time with Angel.

The current program ceased running and produced the data they had requested. It listed who made a transmission from where and to whom.

"Well that'll work just fine. Thanks," Angel replied cheerfully, starting to look at the results. Soon her cheerful mood faltered as she stared in puzzlement at what the program had found. "No anomalous gaps. No unauthorized calls. I don't get it... they had to contact the office somehow... and the only Section 31 call is here." She tapped the entry for the call she'd received, pulling up a record of it. It played through, ending with her 'request' to be left alone.

Sinek searched for logic that would solve the whole mystery. He found none. The only logic he could come up with was, "You made a good choice just as I have." He was speaking, of course, of his choice to love Angel.

"Think I've made a couple of good choices lately." Angel couldn't help grinning a bit, even as she scrolled through the search results a second time. "This doesn't make sense. We're missing something."

Continuing his thoughtful search for truth, Sinek raised the thought, "Unless the contact was made from a member of the crew that was not aboard the Hera during that time. Do we know who may not have been present at the time?"

"Computer list crew members that were not on board the Hera during the parameters listed."

The female voice, which strangely sounded Vulcan, listed: Lieutenant Junior Grade Airi Saxa, Lieutenant Junior Grade Rhett Beaumont, Ship's Chef T'Pel.

Sinek's brow raised at the mention of the third name. It did not seem logical to him that the spy would be Vulcan, so in his mind, he turned his attention to the other two mentioned. Sinek had read their profiles in an effort to familiarize himself with the members of the crew. He knew the two lieutenants had a sense of adventure beyond their offices.

"Perhaps this narrows our search."

"Perhaps, but it's not going to help us unless they left the communications logs of the small craft intact. A smart operative wouldn't." Angel sighed, rubbing her eyes. "Saxa was on official business, and I checked over her fighter when she got back. Which leaves Beaumont and T'Pel, but I really don't think either of them is our spy. Beaumont would be rubbish as a secret agent and T'Pel... well she's Vulcan. Reputation for honesty and all that."

He knew that with all their talk of truth, Vulcans could be deceptive if the logic dictated. But what logic would a Vulcan have to be associated with Section 31? Lieutenant Saxa seemed to be cleared. Her fighter was checked out. But the Chief Engineer was not cleared. Perhaps he should talk with T'Pel. It would shed light upon his suspicion of Beaumont.

However, he was not security minded; that was Angel. "Perhaps you should interview each of them."

"I think I will... but I have a meeting with Enalia first. Planning for the memorial service for the twenty-nine people we lost." A twinge of regret colored Angel's voice, but otherwise she remained steady. "Then the service after that... and then I have all the time in the universe while we're waiting on Temporal Investigations and the court martial to be finished."

The concept of referring to the Captain in a familiar way was foreign to Sinek. However, he had made adjustments with Angel on a personal level.

"I suggest a period of meditation before the meeting." With the meeting followed by the memorial service, Sinek knew she would be carrying a heavy load. "I will leave you to meditate upon your thoughts."

He leaned from his chair and kissed her on the lips. Thinking it may not be good for Angel to be alone after the service, he added, "Then after, we can continue instruction."

"Good idea." Before letting him escape, Angel pulled him close again and gave him another kiss. "And then maybe dinner?"

Sinek turned to the computer and made the necessary changes for the program to prompt Angel for the specific star date and time parameters she was seeking before saving it. This took a matter of seconds.

Turning to Angel, Sinek inquired with the hint of a smile, "And after dinner?"

"I can think of a few things to do after dinner." She didn't specify what any of those things might be, but Angel imagined that Sinek could guess what they were pretty easily.

He gave Angel a light kiss on the lips, then excused himself to prepare for the memorial service. "I look forward to tonight," Sinek added as he exited her office.

Ethan and Dylan had been gracious hosts to Ulani, giving her a tour of the Hera. She was grateful for the time with her son and his fiancé. Now came the time for Ulani to get some rest.

She knew Operations had moved her belongings to her guest quarters, including the Saurian Brandy. However, there was one thing Ulani needed to check on inside the Aphrodite.

Ambling into the main hanger, Ulani looked around to be sure no one was in the hanger. Quietly she sneaked to her shuttle and hurried up the ramp. Before going inside, she took one last look around. Satisfied, she quietly went inside, went to the back of the shuttle and pushed a hidden button. A compartment opened up from the floor. Ulani glanced in and her mischievous grin came to her face once again.

"You know for a spook, you ain't all that spooky," a voice said from behind Ulani. Nexi didn't get to where she was without being able to recognize the feel of a spook. Curious, she had left her own shuttle and followed Ulani to see what was itching at the back of her mind.

"Damn!" Ulani exclaimed. "You're as good as my contacts say you are."

Ulani reached into the compartment and pulled out a bottle of brandy. She opened it up as she turned.

"Hello Nexi." Ulani went to a shelf, retrieved a couple of glasses and poured into both. "Saurian Brandy, good for the soul." She offered one to Nexi. "I'm Ulani. Pleased to meet your acquaintance."

"Who are these contacts?" Nexi asked as she paced cutiously around the room, for the moment disregarding the offered brandy. "I worked hard to be invisible, only a few people should even know the caliber of the work I do." And if they were talking, they wouldn't be much longer...

"Not to worry," Ulani stated. "They are mutual friends. People with whom we have both done business. Knowing I was headed for the Hera, they suggested you if I ever needed help. I just wanted to open the communication line with you. From what I understand, you are very professional at what you do. If everything they say about you is true, I like your style."

Ulani offered the drink again. "Its the best brandy you'll ever taste. Goes down smooth. I got it from a Ferengi, much to his demise." This brought a the mischievous grin back.

"I make it a point of not biting at the hand that feeds me," Nexi said, looking down at the brandy. "The Ferengi may not have their claws in me anymore, but continuing my work for the FCA is still very profitable." It still made her wonder who was talking. Not many of her contacts knew she was hanging with the Hera. Her former owner and current contrator, Liquidator Grek, certainly didn't know where Nexi had been hiding out. Well, maybe now they knew since the Hera's suspicious disappearance and now reappearance. With Nexi suddenly contact Grek for more work, even that slimeball could connect the dots...

"I typically work alone," Nexi said, finally taking the brandy, breathing in the intoxicating vapors with a grin. "I have, however, been convinced to assist the Hera on a few jobs. I'm unofficially on loan here, more or less indefinitely, so it's inevitable that we'll probably work together."

"I'm no longer Star Fleet my self," Ulani confessed. "Just tying up a few loose strings. Squart, the aforementioned Ferengi was one of those. I have three more to go. Maybe you might know something."

"I know a lot of things," Nexi said cautiously. She still had yet to drink the brandy, simply letting it swirl in the glass as she kept her intense gaze on Ulani. "Who's on your list?" Squart hadn't been connected to any of Nexi's contacts, but that didn't mean these others weren't. Depending on their connections and why Ulani needed them crossed off, Nexi might be convinced to help.

"Let me fill you in on their crimes," Ulani offered as she took a healthy swig of brandy. "Two years ago an epidemic hit in Morocco, a country on Earth. People panicked, paying anything to relocate anywhere they could get out of the reach of the deadly disease. These four Ferengi offered purchase to other planets for a price. The people paid themselves into a slave trafficking. Squart and his cohorts profited out their asses."

Ulani took another big swig and refilled her glass. "The other three are Glunk, Rawnk and Meeg."

"Now I heard of Rawnk," Nexi said. "Before we got sucked into the wrong time, he was just an underling. I know it's been 4 years, but how does a weasel like Rawnk gain enough influence to pull off a con like this? And this is Earth we're talking about, why weren't they taking care of their own problems? The Humans shoulda evacuated their own people! Why leave it in the hands of the Ferengi?"

"Good question!" Ulani responded. "It's one I asked my contacts. They believe the four Ferengi were hired by someone else, giving them even more of a profit."

Ulani reached into her hidden storage and pulled out something. This time, it wasn't brandy, but a bar of gold-pressed latinum. She handed it to Nexi. "I don't want you to think your services are not valuable. I got this from Squart. He wasn't after me just for his brandy." Ulani gave that grin again. "Do you know who might have wanted to experiment a biological weapon?"

Nexi set her brandy aside and reached out to take the bar of latinum, fingering it as she considered the question. "You're thinking the 'rescued' humans are being used as tests subjects?" Nexi ventured, thinking it over some more. "There was this outpost we went to before the temporal displacement, the guy was playing around with a virus with similar properties to Kolbari reproduction, but the results were... disturbing." And Nexi had seen some graphic shit in her day, so that this was disturbing to her was certainly saying something.

"But it can't be him, we destroyed the outpost," Nexi continued, shaking her head. "Outside of that, I don't know. I'm a bit out of the loop on what's going on. I'm still reaching out to old contacts to pick up work, still figuring out who the new players are. But I'll take the latinum as payment anyway; I'll find out where the humans were taken, help get them back. Any info I find out on what's going, you can do with it however you see fit."

"It may be connected somehow. But you blew up the station four years ago. The epidemic was two," Ulani recounted. "The virus may have found a buyer and it took him two years to plan a move."

Ulani thought a moment. Pointing her finger in Nexi's direction, she asked, "If you could somehow connect me with Rawnk, perhaps we can find the truth together. Like I said Hon, if you're half as good as they say, we could make a difference working along side each other."

"I'll do what I can," Nexi said with a nod. Then she took on a darker expression, her eyes narrowing at Ulani. "If anyone on this ship gets hurt because of whatever you're mixed up in..." Ulani should know enough of Nexi's reputation to realize that death would be a kindness after Nexi was done making good on her unspoken threat.

"Your spark is one reason I like you, Hon," Ulani stated with a grin. She turned more serious with the following reply. "You remind me of myself. I only have hopes of adding one of the crew to my payroll. She's equally has the spark."

Ulani's serious note had two messages for Nexi. The first was I'm just as dangerous as you are, Hon! The second, I use professionals not just anyone.

Ulani took a softer tone, "One more thing...If you ever are in a bind, I will help with your sister." She looked at the craft sitting next to hers. "After all, we are neighbors."

Ulani downed her drink and refilled the glass. She offered the bottle to Nexi. "Care for another, Hon?"

"No thanks, trying to cut back. Aewia don't like the way my mind feels when I been drinking," Nexi said, turning to leave Ulani's shuttle. "And unless you can get back the piece of her brain that the Romulans cut out, then I don't want your help."

Nexi didn't like this woman, didn't trust her. All them Intel types were the same, their thoughts so duplicitous, and always meddling in things they ought not because they thought they knew better than anyone else. She could 'hear' the messages Ulani had for her, but she could also feel that there was a great deal that Ulani left unsaid. In this one instance, Nexi agreed that them enslaved humans should be freed, but some part of Nexi wondered what Ulani was really up to...

I'm going to have to keep an eye on this one. It's a good thing we are neighbors! Ulani looked at the full glass, then sat it down. Instead of the glass, she pulled the bottle up to her mouth and drank it down.

After the memorial for the fallen officers, Nexi took Aewia back to their quarters. There was a gathering in the mess hall for those who wanted to celebrate the lives now gone, but Aewia wasn't really fit to go, she was still crying too much. Maybe they would go later, but for now Aewia needed some time. Nexi did too, though she wouldn't admit it. She still didn't really know what to do with this grief welling up inside her. It would take time for her to figure it out and come to terms with it, but for now she was focused on her sister who wasn't holding things together so well.

"Hey kiddo," Nexi said as she settled her sister on the couch with a box of tissues, "can I get you anything? Water, tea... a popsicle?"

Aewia nodded, pulling a tissue from the box and wiping her eyes with it. "Cardinal Red Cream Soda please," she managed to squeak out. It was a drink she had no real memory of, but the name was in her head for some reason. All she could think about right now anyway was the friends she had lost. Not so much for those she knew but for those she didn't know. Somehow not knowing them made their loss that much more powerful, since she'd never be able to know them now.

With a nod, Nexi wandered over to the replicator to get the cream soda and a water for herself, then returned to her sister's side and flopped down on the couch. She didn't really know what to say. She assumed if Aewia needed to talk that she would, but until then Nexi simply offered a companion silence and a cream soda.

Sipping at the bright red colored soda, Aewia almost purred at how good it was. it reminded her of something, but she didn't know what. It was a hauntingly familiar flavor, either way. "Why can't I remember so much? Why is this special?" She asked, her crying calming enough for her to talk.

"You got pieces of your brain cut out, kiddo," Nexi said sadly. "Some things you'll remember, some things just ain't there anymore, that's just the way it is. And I'd love to tell you why that drink is so special but I don't know..." Because I was never there for you before now... Nexi had missed out on so much of Aewia's life, and now because of that, she couldn't even help fill in some of these holes. I'm sorry...

Smiling, Aewia caught those thoughts, though somewhat 'muffled'. At least she could somewhat share thoughts and emotions between herself and her sister now. The world around her wasn't as silent as it was for so long. You're here now and that's what counts. "I may have lost a lot, but at least I have you now, right?" Aewia said as she pulled her sister into a hug and offering her a taste of the sweet soda.

"No thank you," Nexi said to the cream soda. But she accepted the hug without a complaint. "You do know why I stayed away, right? It was to protect you."

"Mmhmm. Dad probably wouldn't have accepted you anyway. Too political minded." A few memories she still had flashed through her mind for Nexi - Aewia being photographed and playing nice for the publicity when all she wanted to do was go play with her friends or even do her homework.

"He loved you." Nexi knew that much. She had seen them in person once before, but only once, and from a distance, but she had been close enough to feel the love their father had for his family. Some part of Nexi wondered if he would have loved her too. Oh sure, he wouldn't have been able to accept her, not publicly anyway, but could he have loved her, even knowing what she did for a living?

Aewia nodded, giving her sister an odd look. "You have his eyes." She knew he had loved her and he did show it... but the hassles... he had put his career first a lot of times, though she understood why. She made the same choice in Starfleet.

"Betazoid eyes," Nexi said rolling her eyes. Not like there was much difference in eye color, but there was shape and definition... and she would know that if she bothered to look in a mirror once in a while. "We all make choices, kiddo. Sometimes they're good choices, sometimes they ain't. I guess the point is to make choices you can live with."

"Or at least choices that others can live on with." Aewia added, suddenly remembering something she hadn't before. The day she was captured and the initial torture. Shaking her head, she tried to get rid of that memory. It wasn't fair how she lost so many assumedly good memories and got to keep all of those...

Nexi set their drinks on the table and wrapped her arms around Aewia. "It's alright, it's just a memory, it'll pass," Nexi said as soothingly as she was capable. "You're with me on the Hera, and I'm not ever gonna let anything like that happen to you again," she reminded her sister with as much affecting as she could muster.

Aewia clung to her sister, the pain in her head growing. A booming pain, like being struck over and over mentally. After a minute or so it faded back, receding back into the darker depths of her mind. Shaking slightly, she nuzzled Nexi's neck, trying to get comfortable. "You've done a lot of the things they did to me, haven't you?" she asked out of nowhere.

Nexi stiffened. Yeah, that was a topic she hoped to never face with Aewia... "I don't cut out pieces of people's brains," she said in her defense, then sighed. "But yeah, the other stuff, I do that... I- I didn't want you to know if you didn't have to."

"Your dreams," Aewia said softly, holding her sister tightly. "I don't believe you enjoyed it though. It was just what you were paid to do. They did." Aewia could remember one particular 'scientist' that laughed maniacally and called her 'Bonnie-kin' every time he would send an electric jolt into her brain.

"Bonnie-kin..." Nexi said in a whispered tone. That bastard... Oh fuck, Nexi was glad that bastard was dead! Actually, no, because now she couldn't peel the skin from every inch of his body! Oh, and she would enjoy the hell outta that! His screams would be her lullaby for weeks- Nexi shook her head to disperse those thoughts, hoping like all hell that Aewia hadn't picked up on that.

She had. Clinging tighter, Aewia shuddered at the thoughts coming from her sister. "Let's just be glad he's gone and we're safe. Then again, there were others that might still be alive so you might get the chance after all."

"I can't lie to you, Aewia, sometimes I enjoy some of the things I do," Nexi said quietly, holding fast to her sister. "You got to understand, the things that have been done to me since I was just a little kid... the things I've done to get by, and then to earn my freedom... I don't like that I've had to hurt people, and I try to avoid it when I can. But sometimes... Sometimes I have to enjoy it. I don't know if that makes any sense..."

Aewia nodded and clung tighter to Nexi. "It makes sense now. It won't later though. Not with how I get. I'll get tangented off by an ice cream or a spicy food and I'll be back to having troubles remembering why the ceiling is the color it is or why it's not made of ice cream."

"But I'll still love you, even when you're like that," Nexi said, wriggling a bit to loosen her sister's grip so she could breath.

Relaxing her clinginess, Aewia smiled and looked up into her sister's eyes. "And I love you no matter what. How are you feeling though? The memorial service..."

"Not sure. Never been all that big on introspection..." But Nexi paused to think about how she was feeling. "I miss Ven, but also... I don't know... It's weird, I've never felt bad about losing people before."

"But you do now. That's what I thought," Aewia said, tears once again silently rolling down her cheeks. "These people mean something to you now, don't they? You're not used to it but you now have friends." Surprisingly lucid for he moment, Aewia kissed her sister on the cheek before leaning back against her. "Welcome to the Federation, sis."

Nexi just smiled and ruffled her sister's hair. Yeah, these people meant something to her now. She wanted to help protect them, not just protect her sister. "Thanks," Nexi said, giving Aewia a squeezing hug.

Hugging back, Aewia was getting tired mentally. She could feel her clarity and lucidiry slipping away, the sudden thought of going to a hot bathhouse with her sister popping into her head. Open air, birds chirping, and steaming water flowing over smooth granite. That would be so relaxing, she thought. "Sis, do you think the holodecks are..." she started, her thoughts slipping and leaving her not remembering what she was going to finish asking.

There was a pang of sadness within Nexi as she felt her sister's lucidity slipping away. It hurt her to watch Aewia lose a part of herself over and over... Even still, Nexi smiled. "Hey, there's this bathhouse program I've heard is really good. You wanna go with me?"

Aewia nodded, a sad smile spreading across her face. She'd been crying and she was pretty sure it was because of... of that memorial. She had known people that it was for. Soaking in a bath sounded like a good way to help relax after that so she nodded again, more sure of herself. "That sounds good. Doctor Saint John says baths can help speed recovery and stuff." she said, not remembering that he was one of the 29 that they held the memorial for.

"Well lets go then," Nexi said, rising from the couch and pulling Aewia with her. It wasn't easy taking care of Aewia, and she would be lying if she said she didn't want that to change, but there was a certain innocence to her sister when she was like this that seemed to shine a light on even the darkest parts of Nexi's soul. Nexi was better off for having Aewia in her life.

The memorial service was somber. Ulani understood it was necessary, but she hated the feeling. She was glad to be their for Ethan and hoped the crew soon would recover from the grief. But she knew grief recovery was a long, hard process. Her personal experience told her this truth.

Although black was her color, Ulani hated the dress. She didn't mind the heels, but the hem below her knees was just not her style.

Seeing Airi at the service brought a twinkle to her eye, remembering the evening the two of them spent together. Airi looked just as uncomfortable in her dress whites as Ulani felt in her dress. She slightly grinned as she thought I wouldn't mind getting her out of that uniform.

When the service was over, Ulani said her good-byes to the boys and hurried to the Aphrodite. She couldn't wait to get out of the dress. As soon as her feet got inside, the shoes were kicked off and the dress was thrown aside. After all, she was in the privacy of her own shuttle.

Sitting down in a black thong and black brassier at an on board computer, Ulani pulled up incoming messages. She immediately noticed one from a long-time contact that was marked urgent. Pulling it up, she read that two of the Ferengi she was after (Glunk and Meeg) were headquartered together on a small planet called Golan II. A vengeful sink crossed the features of her face as she plotted what could be done to them.

Airi had read the list, and then hung around a little while before leaving. Once out of the room, she'd wiped sweat from her brow. God, these dress whites were uncomfortable. But she'd done a good thing. Proceeding to make a beeline for her quarters, she arrived there and stripped down, taking a long shower. That was also said to help one through a difficult time..

Seeing Ulani in that black dress had made her laugh inside. She looked beautiful. And if it hadn't been such a somber time, she might have thought of doing things to her. But for now, she'd have her shower, and then have something to eat...

Since there were two Ferengi, Ulani needed a partner for this mission. She knew just the one. She quickly put on a black leather mini skirt, showing her long legs, and another black V-neck shirt. Seeing the black heels, Ulani shrugged her shoulders and slipped them back onto her feet.

She knew were Airi's quarters were, having previously followed her. Ulani hurried there, rang the chime and waited for Airi to answer. Ulani chuckled inside as she remembered the previous evening. Maybe I should have knocked.

The shower had just finished, and she heard the chime. "Computer...who is at the door?"

"Civilian Ulani." came the automated response.

A chuckle came to her face as she elevated her voice. "Enter!" she commanded, currently in her bedroom after drying off, having deftly slipped into undergarments at least.

Ulani entered the quarters once the door swished open. She looked around and not seeing Airi, went to the bedroom door. This time, she did knock.

"You can come in...I've just had a shower, though." Airi called to her, going through her wardrobe at present.

Disappointed that she missed the shower, Ulani entered. She sat upon the bed and watched Airi choosing her clothes. If she only knew how tempting she is right now. She crossed her legs as she said, "I've gotten information on two of the Ferengi I'm seeking."

"Oh?" she perked up, stopping her search as she turned around, matching black undergarments contrasting well with soft, tan mocha colored skin and black spots. "I hear we might be getting leave soon...what's the situation?"

"Glunk and Meeg have holed up on a small planet named Golan II," Ulani explained. She paused for a moment to take in the smootness of Airi's tan body. It was small, but hard, definitely toned.

"Captain Telvan has agreed to allow me to borrow you. The question is, do you still want to be in?"

"Yeah." she replied without any hesitation. "I'm all about that. Even if the slave thing is iffy for me, you saw the sadness in that room back there. They cause a ton more of that, to more people. They need to be iced."

"Here's my idea," Ulani added. She continued to explain a ruse of Airi as her sex slave. Due to a need, she would have to sell her. Ulani would have Glunk and Meeg bid on Airi. The highest bidder would gain Airi. But then Ulani would promise the loser the night of his life. Both Ulani and Airi would have daggers hidden in their boots. Both Ferengi would die thinking pleasure was coming their way.

Ulani paused again before adding, "And you have the body to get the job done."

"Okay." Airi nodded. "Perfect plan, but do you have a plan B? I recommend small transport buffers that we can pass off as jewelry or outfit accessories, but will give us access to our pistols."

She was shrewd. Ulani thought, There's so much this girl has going for her.

Ulani grinned, "I knew there was a reason I liked you. You're smart! Sexy and smart - a dangerous combination. What should we bargain for as a price? Do you need anything?"

Airi winked. "A dangerous combination, especially for your heart. On a more serious note..hmm. I need a cloaking device that I can fiddle with to try and figure out how the Remans managed to get theirs to work. Not a ship-sized one, mind you. But one for my fighter. Either that or a romulan personal cloaking band..and if they have more than one, steal them." Definitely shrewd.

"For you, Hon," Ulani exclaimed, "I believed they'd find a whole cloaked ship." A devilish grin came to her face as she announced, "But I'd rather see you uncloaked."

"If you think so then I'm sure it'd happen." Airi smirked at the devilish grin. "The cloaking device is so they can't see me. You on the other hand can see me uncloaked anytime." And then she smoothly winked back at Ulani, utilizing her own charm.

Ulani leaned back onto her elbows upon the bed. She uncrossed her leg and lifted one foot up onto the bed with her knee up, revealing the thong underneath the mini skirt.

"Why don't you come join me over here, Sexy?" Ulani asked. "Afterwards, we can work out a flight plan."

"Ara.." She trailed off smirkingly, letting her eyes wander along the smooth, delicious skin of the leg. "Well I suppose I can~" Teasingly, she walked over slowly, step by step, drawing it out so every part of her body is seen in motion, before sitting on the bed next to her, a kinder look in her eyes.

"I seen you at the memorial ceremony.." she mentioned, having just remembered. "Didn't say anything cause I didn't want you to be put in an uncomfortable spot. But you looked hot."

"I must confess," Ulani admitted as she reached up to caress Airi's cheek, "you look great in your whites. But again, I prefer seeing you without."

Ulani's hand moved smoothly from the girl's cheek to the back strap of her brassier. With a quick twist, it snapped open and fell from her torso.

"Likewise. Think we might be candidates for the most unlikely pairing, as far as the rest of these people go?" She chuckled, watching the descent of the object before doing the same for herself.

"Unlikely? We're the two sexiest beings on this ship," Ulani replied as she delicately cupped Airi with one hand and wrapped the other around Airi's neck, pulling her lips to hers. The kiss brought a thirst for more of Airi.

"Mmmn.." She trailed off, so elegantly taken. Usually she was the one who was supposed to be on top..but something about Ulani made her feel at ease.. Airi's own desire was showcased by the probing of her tongue at the other's lips...wanting more.

Ulani allowed her lips to slowly wander from place-to-place on Airi's body, going lower each time. She stopped wandering when her lips reached between Airi's legs. Caressing Airi's smooth legs and firm rear with her hands, Ulani continued to kiss the area where her head had stopped.

Airi's back had come to a level position on the bed, her eyes closed as her body curved upwards slightly, one hand grabbing onto some sheets while the other hand lightly grabbed some locks of hair as the other continued with what she was doing...a very pleasurable experience thus far. This was evidenced by the few moans that came from her mouth.

Ulani allowed her hands to slide up Airi's body. The tone of her body caused Ulani to heat up. She could feel the tenseness of her ab muscles. Both hands cupped and massaged the younger girl. Her lips and tongue continued to work the magic below.

"Oh gods.." She would whimper out, her mouth forming an O at a particular point, her body heating up as well underneath the expert touch. Those were the only words she could think of, feeling pleasured again beyond what she might have thought possible.. This was..different, than what she was used to. Much different. And she found herself falling for it in secret..

Ulani allowed her lips to begin tracing the spots back up Airi's body, stopping momentarily to nibble where her hands cupped just before. Then she was lip-to-lip with her again. "Anyone ever tell you that you are luscious?" Ulani asked her.

A gasp came with the tracing and a moan came with the nibbling. But words came at her question, after gently pecking the other on the lips. "You just did." she chuckled softly. "And you flatter me very much...thank you.." Then her cheeks became a bit red with blushing.

Ulani deeply kissed Airi. It seemed that steam rose from between their bodies. She couldn't believe how lonely she had been after Jamie's death. Now, she had someone just as adventurous as she was. Someone willing to take risks with her. In the back of Ulani's mind there was the echo: Someone to protect with her life.

It had been lonely for a while for Airi...so this had come as a much needed boon. But if she had said something about protecting Airi with her life, the flight girl would have argued the reverse. She could feel maternal and protective sometimes. And she would be fiercely loyal. Even taking an energy blast for her. That's just how she was. And that's also why she was tinkering with her clothing and some plating she'd found.

For now she'd put those thoughts out of her mind and completely give in to this..all of this. Eyes closed, arms around Ulani's neck, kissing her deeply. Soon she'd turn the tables and pleasure the older woman as well.

Ulani pulled back to take in air. She looked into those hazel-brown eyes and seemed to get lost inside them. It was a rare occasion for Ulani to be speechless. She just smiled and shook her head as she fell deeper into the pool of Airi's eyes.

There were no words to be said at that moment. Just deep...feelings. Her hands find the other's wrists and gently grasp them, pushing on them with the intent to make them both fall onto the bed, with Airi on top. Her eyes never leaving Ulani's.

Ulani felt the thrill of a rush at the sudden change. She looked up into the others eyes, the grin returned. "Take me!" she requested. "I'm yours."

"As am I." she mumbled, marvelling a bit at her skin before leaning her head down to sneak gentle, sensual kisses in on the other's neck and collarbone area, before kissing her cheeks and moving downward some.

Ulani gasped for breath and turned her beck to make room on her neck for Airi. As her lips started lower, Ulani closed her eyes, her breathing become more uneven. She reached for Airi's hands and wrapped her fingers around the younger's.

Both of Airi's hands tightly interlocked with Ulani's, in terms of fingers, and her kisses spent some time on the other's larger chest, including the sensitive peaks. Some lip and tongue action was involved.

The soft cry of excitement left Airi know that she was spot on. Ulani's long legs instinctively wrapped around Airi. Her fingers gently tightened their hold on Airi's as Ulani pressed her back into the mattress.

Airi's lips would continue before her body shifted lower, the legs eventually resting on Airi's shoulders as she paused above a special spot before gracing it with her lips and tongue, a gentle kiss.

A soft moan exited Ulani's lips, her body tensing at the kiss. Ulani gasped, "Don't stop; don't ever stop!" In between breaths of air.

"Don't worry...I won't stop until you've screamed my name." Airi smirked in her low tone before going about her work with the lips and tongue down below aggressively.

It wasn't long before Ulani's back arched. Her thighs tightened around Airi's head. Ulani's fingers seemed to now have a death grip. The soft moans became louder as her body began to quiver wave after wave. At first she thought she would be stubborn and not call out her name. But it got to the point where Ulani thought she couldn't stand it anymore. Grasping the hands tighter, the thighs like a vice grip, Ulani shouted between gasps, "Airi...oh gods, Airi!"

The combination of the vice grips, along with finally hearing Ulani's delighted scream, it made Airi do one last motion with her tongue that would undoubtedly send Ulani over the edge, and she closed her eyes in preparation. She was proud to hear the scream, and resolved to do the same when the tables were reversed.

With her body now relaxed, Ulani rested in Airi's arms, her head resting on her shoulder. She thought that since she was the elder, perhaps she should have the lead role in the relationship, but resting in Airi's arms, Ulani thought, I could get used to this! Soon she was content and asleep in that same position.

Airi smiled at the pristine looking figure in her arms. She looked so relaxed..and nodded a little. It must have been lonely since the demise of her husband, so she was happy to bring a new light into the elder's life. For now, she hugs Ulani close to her and nods off to sleep, her head resting comfortably on a pillow that she also slid under Ulani's head a bit too. The flight plan could wait, this was simply too precious.

Lt. j.g. Airi Saxa
Chief Flight Controller
USS Hera

Ulani
Civilian, ret. Starfleet
USS Hera

Airi was off-duty at present, but had heard about a new Chief of security. The last one had moved on, and she hadn't really gotten to know them. Maybe this person would be interesting, to some degree? She rings the chime, dressed in uniform pants, and boots, with a tanktop shirt adorned by a combadge, and a brown leather flight jacket. Her pistol hung by her side in a holster she made for it.

What exactly was she hoping for? Even the flight jockey wasn't sure. It was simply a meeting...by chance.

Daln was in his uniform, just coming around the corner, looking at his orders, when he hit a wall and stumbled back a few steps. But the wall was squishy...

He looked down and saw that he had knocked a woman off her feet. He always wanted to sweep a girl off her feet, but not like this. He leaned down and gave her a hand up. "Are you alright, ma'am?" he asked, trying to hide his embarrassment.

She'd been knocked square on her backside all of a sudden, and bit her lip quietly to hide her embarrassment, her cheeks a slight shade of pink even as she got to her feet with his help. "I'm good, was no big deal." she chuckled, dusting off her duds. "So you're the one I'm here to see huh? Lieutenant Hadren.."

He nodded. "Yeah, just on my way to see the captain. I'm sorry I knocked you over. It was my fault, I wasn't watching where I was going."

"It's all good." She smiled a bit. "Airi Saxa, the Chief Flight Controller. Thought I'd introduce myself." she extended her hand for a handshake.

Daln smiled back and took the proffered hand. "Daln Hadren, the new Chief SecTac. I've been bumping into things all day, but I had been hoping I could avoid bumping into people." He cast around quickly for a change of topic. "Are there any fighter pilots aboard?"

"You're looking at the only one." She chuckled. "I pull double duty. It's fun."

"I was interested in learning more about them," Daln said. "My cousin is a fighter pilot, and the only male cousin that doesn't look exactly alike."

"I guess looks are important there, huh?" She commented on the resemblance, before shrugging a bit. "Okay, sure, I could help you with that. Wanna go a few rounds in the simulator or ask me questions regarding theory?"

"No, looks aren't important, just annoying, because me and my brother are straight and Ranel is gay. Lots of mixups, lots of broken jaws. And yeah, I'd like to try it out."

"Ouch. Feel for ya there. Bi myself, but never thought about it all that much." Airi shrugged. "Well let me know when it'd be a good time for you and I'll see about joining you in the holodeck for that."

Daln nodded. "That sounds great. I'll let you know. I'll be seeing you, as I think you're due for a phaser certification."

A smirk crosses her features. "Yeah, I know the drill." She was definitely an excellent shot, and she would prove it.

Daln smiled at her one last time. "Have a good day." He turned and walked off, thinking that maybe the Hera might be okay.

"See ya 'round." She waved and walked off, the usual swagger in her step.

Lt. j.g. Airi Saxa
Chief Flight Controller
USS Hera

Lt. Daln Hadren
Chief of Security
USS Hera

Looking at the torpedo casings lining the main hangar deck for the second time, Angel sighed and cast a lingering glance over them. Despite Sinek's meditation coaching, she couldn't help feeling that some of the blame for such loss fell squarely on her. Starfleet - and Enalia - clearly disagreed, but she just couldn't shake the feeling that at least some of those deaths could have been prevented. For now though, she banished the thought and focused instead on what she wanted to say to the crew when they assembled here. She hadn't written or practiced a speech; she felt like that would sound too scripted or give the impression that she didn't care about the people they'd lost. Instead, she'd spent the last two hours doing some serious soul-searching, looking in the mirror at the brand-new white dress uniform with its red trim. Moments like this really made her miss the security yellow.

Enalia had finished getting ready and walked up in her dress whites next to Angel, a somber expression on her face. Touching Angel lightly on the shoulder, she nodded to her new XO. Enalia had done some soul searching as well and while likely not as deep as Angel's, she too felt ultimately responsible for all that had happened. These were her people and though she knew any of them could die in an instant, it wasn't a part of normal daily life. except for today. Today, these two women had to deliver a eulogy and a service for twenty nine crewmembers that had died in one of those instants.

"Are you ready?" Enalia asked Angel, knowing full well the answer was no but hoping she was wrong.

"No," Angel answered honestly. "But I don't think anyone's ever ready for this sort of thing, Enalia."

"No, I don't think so either." Enalia said with a smile. "So who's the lucky Vulcan, anyway?"

"Lieutenant Commander Sinek." Angel blushed just a tiny bit when she admitted to it. "He's not what I expected... I mean, he's pretty cuddly for a Vulcan. And super sweet."

"That's good." Enalia said, her smile warming a bit. "I'm glad you have someone to support you through this." She expected him to be a lot deeper than he seemed at first but cuddly? That wasn't a word Enalia expected someone to use to describe a Vulcan.

"He's been a huge help... taught me how to meditate, and we're doing guided meditation a couple nights a week." Angel held her hands up, showing them to be rock steady despite her nervous she felt. "It's kind of amazing. I'm still nervous and scared half to death, but I can control it."

"I'm glad one of us can..." Enalia muttered, missing the obvious opportunity for a euphemism reference about 'guided meditation'. Her hands were at her sides but if she held them up, they wouldn't be nearly as steady, the PaDD she gripped in one hand pressed against her leg to keep it from shaking.

Angel raised an eyebrow at her. "You didn't make a joke. Are you okay?"

"I'm here. I'm well enough." Enalia said dismissively. "This has to be done and I have to be here to do it. Just... Catch me if I fall."

Not entirely sure she believed that answer, Angel nodded. "Of course. But if I notice you swaying or anything, I'll try to get you out of here before you fall on your face."

"Thank you." Enalia said as she took a few steps towards the podium. That dreaded podium. "Shall we take our places and wait for everyone else?" The flight deck had a lot of people gathered already but most were the crewmen that could get away from their stations easily enough. A few were roaming the array of casings, looking at the names sadly. The podium to the side had no one near it, thankfully.

"Sounds like a plan." Angel dreaded the podium just as much as Enalia did, but she headed in that direction anyway. The rest of the crew would be arriving soon, and she wanted to be ready to start once they'd all arrived.

---

Lieutenant Commander Sinek arrived, dressed pristinely in his dress whites. The whiteness of the uniform made his greenish hue more noticeable.

He came to honor those who had given their lives for the furtherance of Science. Ultimately, they were all a part of that. But these had paid the ultimate price. He knew of one, who had made the choice to die in the place of others. This caused Sinek to glance Angel's way. The meditation seemed to be working for her.

He was there as the CSO for those who had served in the Science labs. He was there as the Second Officer to pay honor to those who served in other capacities. Every department had felt the brunt of the losses. He was there as support for Angel, knowing she felt the weight of her command upon her.

"Anyone ever tell you that you look hot in that?" Dylan whispered to Ethan as they entered the hangar deck in their dress uniforms.

Ethan chuckled slightly and elbowed Dylan in the ribs. Really? You're thinking about that at time like this? Though I must admit you look pretty good yourself." He took the other man's hand. "I love you, I never want to see you in one of those."

"You won't." Dylan replied as he gave Ethan's hand a squeeze.

Soon after, Ulani arrived in a more conservative black dress and shoes with heels. She realized she was not a member of the crew. However, she knew what it was like to lose a comrade in arms. Plus there was the fact that this directly affected her son. She chose the dress in home of the deceased and to not bring dishonor to Ethan and Dylan. Ulani quietly walked up to Ethan and took his free hand for support.

Ethan found his fingers entwining with his mother's. "Thanks, " he whispered.

It seemed that Airi would enter last. Usually one would never find her in a dress uniform, but this time she had donned it. Dress whites with a matching uniform skirt and boots, perfect to fit with how maternal she could feel sometimes. The loss of all of these people disturbed her on the inside, though she did a good job hiding it. Today was a somber occasion, but she wanted to look her best because they deserved only the best in remembrance. Having joined the others, she stood at silent, somber attention.

Vi sneaked her way inside right in time. Very late, yes, but she had rather been late than absent as this was a very important moment. She had found a dress uniform and pinned her brightly colored pink hair into a bun. She made her way to the back of the hanger bay, ready for the memorial to begin.

Daln arrived in his dress whites, but unfortunately was unable to feel anything personal for these people because he had never met them. He had just arrived on the ship and had hoped that he would be able to meet his people soon. This was not what he had in mind.

---

Before long, Enalia's chrono chirped twice, letting them know it was time. It seemed most people were there already as it was so they might as well get started. Nodding to Angel, Enalia contemplated taking the podium herself first, letting Angel get away with not saying anything. Most of these casings had people she knew in them though, and she felt it wouldn't be fair to at least give her a chance to say something. "Angel, it's time. Still want to say a few words?"

"You want the honest answer or the one I promised I'd give?" Angel smiled a bit tightly, not really looking forward to addressing the crew. Despite feeling more than a little nervous, she did not hesitate in taking the podium. Folding her hands on its surface, she leaned almost casually against it as she looked over the torpedo casings and the gathered crew. So many of those casings bore the yellow tags denoted with a phaser icon to identify them as security rather than engineering or operations. Most of them she knew personally or had at least worked with. After a moment, she refocused herself on the remaining crew, who were waiting for her to speak.

"Of these twenty-nine souls, twenty-two of them gave their lives to defend others. None of you asked them to do it... nor would you consider asking. It's a terrible price to pay, but they offered their lives freely so that others might live. I want you all to remember that through these proceedings and in the coming days. I knew these men and women personally. I trained most of them, fought at their side. Brothers, sisters, friends. And if I could bring them back, I would." Angel paused for a moment, letting that message sink in before continuing. "Risk is a game we play out here. A game where we don't know all of the rules, and one that is all too easy to lose. We take that risk not because it's fun or because we thrive on danger. We do it for our fellow crew... for people we care about. Don't ever let a sacrifice like this be made in vain."

As Angel stepped back from the podium, Enalia stepped up to it, setting the PaDD on it and clicking it on before gripping the edges for a moment, her white knuckles in sharp contrast to the synthetic wood grain. Instead of a speech or notes on the PaDD there were only two words. 'Don't Panic' was emblazoned on it in big bold letters.

Looking first out over the torpedo casings, then over the assembled crew, Enalia took a deep, slow breath. "Assembled Ladies and Gentlebeings of the USS Hera. We are here today to pay our respects to our fallen comrades. Those that have given their all to the uniform and the principals they swore to uphold. These brave souls were our colleagues and friends. Our allies and more. They leave us to carry those burdens that they may now lay aside and though we mourn their loss, they would not want us to mourn long or to dwell on their deaths. They would wish all of us to remember the good times. To prosper in our daily lives as best we could. Though they are now fallen, they will never be forgotten. In a way, they will live on in our memories that we cherish of them."

"But now, in this moment, we must lay them to rest and give them the honors they deserve. For their unwavering loyalty to that which makes us who we are. To the principles that they fought for." Turning to the assembled honor guard, armed with what seemed to be archaic firearms, Enalia nodded to the lead crewman to begin the salute.

"Ready! Aim! Fire!" the honor guard commander called out, the sound of the seven rifles firing their blanks echoing across the hangar deck. Twice more he called out these orders, the shots leaving an almost deafening silence in their wake. After the final shots finished, He called them to "Present Arms" and they held their rifles in a salute to the deceased.

That's when Enalia turned to the casings and saluted. A crisp military style salute. As soon as her hand was raised, the music started. Not played by people - there was no one in the crew that could play the bagpipes well enough. But by the computer, over the ship's PA system. The Starfleet version of Taps played, echoing almost eerily across the hangar deck.

When the music was finished, Enalia gave the single most important command of the event. The one that consigned these 29 to their final resting place in space.

"Energize."

The torpedo casings dissolved into a shimmer of light, vanishing from the hangar deck and leaving nothing behind. Enalia then dropped her salute and stepped down from the podium.

"At ease," Angel called in the following silence. "The list of the fallen is available at the podium for anyone who wishes to view it." As those gathered began to move about, she went over to Enalia's side, giving her a friendly hug. "You did great. Now go have a drink or make some tea... whatever you need to relax. We're all about to go on leave anyway."

Enalia appreciated the hug - she needed all the support her rubbery knees could get right now. "Thank you. You too, ok? And let's authorize shore leave for New Sydney. Everyone needs it." Offering Angel a weak smile, Enalia gave her XO one more pat on the shoulder before heading off to find something to drink.

---

Sinek stood at attention throughout the ceremony. It was the least he could do to honor those who had fallen. He took in a processed every word spoken. When the Senior Officers saluted, he lifted his hand in the Vulcan salute as a sign of approval for their honor. It was not only a greeting for Vulcans, but also similar to applause for humans. It was his way of honoring those who gave their lives.

Sinek had not known many of these fallen ones personally. However, by the end of the words, it seemed he had. He understood the void there deaths created in the crew. He also recognized the looks of grief and pain. Many of the crew experienced trauma, seeing their friends and comrades die. The same trauma affected Angel before he had taught her meditation.

He heard Angel and realized how far she had come as a leader. When he had first met her, she seemed anxious in leadership, as if she felt unworthy to be granted the honor. Today, there was none of that. She was the leader she was meant to be. She had come a long way as his student. He suppressed a smile when she had finished speaking. When he would share his mind with her tonight, she wou?d see how pleased he was with her progress.

As far as Captain Telvan, Sinek understood why she was Captain. It is not that she deserved the death of her crew, but he could see how she felt about them in her words. Sinek did not doubt the others understood that as well.

Ethan's face was somber as he finished the salute and let his hand fall to the side. He had almost grown numb to the death around him. Almost, but not quite. He'd released both Dylan's and his mother's hands during the ceremony. Now, almost of their own volition, he found himself seeking both hands again.

Dylan silently took Ethan's hand and squeezed it. His eyes serious as he looked at him. Finally he said "Here's hoping we don't have to attend many of these during our lifetime."

Ethan nodded, "One is too many, " he agreed, "I couldn't stand for this to become a habit."

Airi stood at attention throughout the entire proceeding. Not once did she think about other things, or not want to be here. Other hosts had been more emotional, but as the Taps played, she wiped a single tear from her eye. Grief would not bring them back, and she would rather remember them through her actions. Standing at ease, her footsteps pad across the deck plating and up the steps of the podium..a more measured and subdued walk. Some host had memories of wanting to remember the names. It meant more that way, caused the words spoken to sink in better. And Airi herself didn't disagree.

Hidden in the shadows in the back of the room, Nexi moved to put an arm around her sister's shoulders. Aewia had once been an officer herself and had felt the impact of their deaths despite the brain damage that had retired her. Aewia had liked Ven. He had played with her and they had so much fun! Nexi didn't know how to feel about all these deaths. Truth was, she never had much of a connection to people before coming to the Hera, death was simply another part of life, she never missed anyone before. But now she did. Ven had been one of the first friends she had made on the Hera, and she didn't know what to do with those emotions now that he was gone...

Aewia was crying silently, her only real emotional stability coming from her sister beside her. She knew at least two of the people being sent off and one of them was a doctor that had helped her through her therapy and made it so she was lucid more and more often. The other was a friend that she enjoyed eating with and enjoyed the company of. Would she remember this later? Would she understand what had happened? She didn't know, but for now, she was pretty sure that she'd never see either of them again and that left yet another hole in her already tortured soul.

Vi stood still and silently in the back, watching everyone grieve over the deceased. Of course she felt bad that they had died, but she wasn't necessarily as sad as some of the other crew members because they had probably known them longer and of course, known them on a personal level. Vi had just arrived on the ship, so the death didn't affect her as much.

Agent Alden Engstrom the thirteenth looked up from his PaDD to his fellow TI agent, Stephen Jenkins. They'd interviewed several crewmembers so far but it seemed only the Captain and XO had had any useful information for them. They had to keep looking though, and that meant both Nexi and Aewia at the same time to see if Aewia had any useful information, then Nexi alone if she didn't want her sister there for the rest of the interview. "Computer, please inform Civilian Nexi and Agent Larani their presence is requested by Temporal Investigations."

Nexi had been waiting for the call. Most everyone seemed to be getting interviewed by these temporal-whatsit guys and figured it was her turn. Well, maybe not her turn, they probably wanted to speak to Aewia since she had been an actual officer, and Nexi just had to be there as Aewia's caretaker. Whatever the reason, they had been summoned, so Nexi got Aewia ready and guided her to the conference room where they were to be interviewed.

Aewia was in a slightly grumpy mood. She knew that anything investigations would be wordy and overblown and she just didn't want to deal with it at all. On the bright side, she was wearing a reasonable outfit. a somehow matching high collared blouse and pleated empire waist skirt - both in a somewhat subdued navy blue.

As they entered, Alden, at the head of the table, motioned to the chairs across the table from him. "Thank you for joining us, ladies. Please have a seat. Or visit the replicator..." he trailed off as Aewia headed straight to the replicator rather than being seated. Not selecting anything, she scrolled through the menus, all but ignoring the agent.

Nexi took a seat, making no attempts get Aewia seated. "Well, you called and all," Nexi said with a shrug. "So what's this about?"

Throwing a brief glance to Jenkins, Engstrom set his PaDD down and looked Nexi over. "We don't have a report from either of you on the events that occurred during your... sojourn... into the past. In your own words, could both of you please relate to us what happened? To the best of your ability."

Aewia finished cycling through the menus, punching up a small plate of ice cream cake - a neapolitan heart shaped number with 2 spoons and a pair of cherries on the side. Taking the plate, she sat down with Nexi and set the plate between them.

Without missing a beat, Nexi picked up a spoon and fed the first bite to Aewia before taking a bite of her own. "Well, we didn't really have much to do with what was going on," Nexi said around a mouthful of ice cream, then swallowed. "Aewia's retired, brain damage, and I'm a civvie, so there weren't no need for us with all the action going on. We were in our quarters. I was helping Aewia with her reading and then it was like there were these lights, but no light source. And then we saw these ghost like things moving through the room. We stayed still and they ignored us, but then we could feel them sucking the life outta the crew. When the lights and the things were gone, I took Aewia to Sickbay where she'd be safe, then went to the bridge to try to get some answers."

Having so far simply observed quietly, Stephen nodded slightly as he tapped in a few notes about Nexi's answer. "That sounds rather traumatizing for someone who's been through the things your sister has endured."

"Yes... Though being a highly trained Intelligence officer might... counter... some of that... Trauma..." Alden said slowly as he watched the two seemingly happily eating their ice cream cake.

Aewia nodded seriously as she spooned some of the cake into Nexi's mouth too. "The ghosts of light and shadow were on the ship but they ignored us. They use tree-holic waves and make everything glow blue." Aewia was definitely not at her best, her mind not quite sharp enough to fully process the memories about what had happened.

"Alden, I don't think her training prepared her for what happened," Stephen pointed out calmly, taking note of Aewia's noticeably damaged state. "Regardless, no one is ever ready to see their first Devidian up close, let alone feel it when one of them sucks the soul out of someone nearby."

"Her training is gone, along with most of her ability to retain new memories," Nexi pointed out. "But she did really good, she remained calm even though she was scared, didn't do anything to attract their attention. And she was helpful in Sickbay afterwards," Nexi said, giving Aewia an affectionate pat on the head. "I'm the one that felt useless. Gimme something to fight and I'm good to go, but there weren't nothing I could do against the Devidians."

"That's good to know." Alden said as he set his PaDD down. He didn't foresee needing to take notes during this interview. "Did either of you have any contact with any Starfleet agents not aboard this ship immediately prior to the temporal incursion?"

"No," Nexi answered honestly. She had been on the Raptor, killing the crew for their interference and abduction of Enalia and Ethan, but they weren't Starfleet. And she had killed DaiMon Marg for Rhett. Heh heh, good times... "My contact with the crew is fairly limited, much of my focus is on caring for Aewia. We had contact with the doctor and the nurses, minor interactions with the crew... But I think they've all been with the Hera for a while."

"And what about agents within the crew? Not just Starfleet, but other organizations." With Nexi being a civilian, Stephen didn't know if she knew about Section 31 or not. He had no plans to reveal the agency's name unless either Nexi or Aewia answered in the affirmative.

"Yeah, see I've got this buddy, I think he's an uncover agent for the Tal Shiar, and we went on a joyride in my ship then had a threesome with an agent of the Order of 12," Nexi said sarcastically with a dramatic roll of her eyes. "If you're so worried who we talk to, I can make you a list."

"I don't believe that to be necessary." Alden said, picking his PaDD back up and clicking over to a list of names before sliding it over towards the two women. On it were listed known associates of Section 31, including the current ship's XO. "Were any of them on this list?"

Nexi looked at the list, then slid the PaDD back over to Alden. "Yes," she said simply.

Alden stared at her for a moment, realizing she wasn't going to be very forthcoming with answers. Speaking slowly, he amended his question, punctuating each syllable almost painfully. "Of the people on this list... Whom... have you had... contact... with..."

"I knew Demitri Valze a while back. He's on your list." Aewia blurted out, having only caught a brief glance at the list. Picking up one of the cherries, she poked it into Nexi's mouth.

Nexi grinned, chewing the cherry as she looked at Alden thoughtfully. "Well, if you wanted to know who, you should have asked that the first time around," she said with a teasing smirk. "Angel Fairchild, but then again you knew that already, didn't you..." Nexi and Angel had been on a mission together, it likely would have been relevant to the investigation so the agents should have been briefed on that. "Why do I get the feeling you're trying to pin the blame on her?" she asked as she swiped her finger through the whipped cream atop the melting ice cream cake, dabbing it on the end of Aewia's nose then licking the rest off her finger.

"Anyone else?" Stephen asked mildly, not bothered by Nexi's attitude.

"The Vulcan, T'Pel, is the ship's chef, but I've never interacted with her beyond getting food. She makes a mean Plomeek soup." Nexi considered one more name she'd seen on the list. "And I've heard of Drake, never met him or had dealing with him, but word is he gets around."

"Yes, she makes a wonderful pot roast too, from what we hear." Alden said, collecting the PaDD and setting it back in front of him. "As for your ship's XO, she's been quite helpful so there should be no need to worry about her," he said as he glanced at Aewia still trying to lick the whipped cream off of her nose.

"And redbat stew. Odd for a Vulcan chef." Stephen cast an amused glance at Aewia's efforts to get the whipped cream off her nose, picking up a napkin and offering it to her.

"Well, if we're done here, I gotta get Aewia to her therapy session," Nexi said, taking the remains of the ice cream cake back to the replicator. "But if you're insistent on discussing the chef's choice of cuisine, I can always come back," she added mockingly.

"I think we're finished," Stephen replied evenly before Alden could say anything. "We'll let you know if we have any further questions for either of you."

Nexi nodded. "Alright, c'mon kiddo, time to go play with the doctor," she said, helping Aewia clean the whipped cream off her nose.

Ethan was drained, totally and completely drained, and numb. There was no other way to describe the emotions he was enduring. There were no tears left. Only emptiness. He sat on the edge of the bed rocking gently back and forth. He knew that Dylan would be coming home soon, but the thought did little to cheer him or lighten his mood. Even his soulmate, his anchor couldn't help him now.

Unaware of what was going on, Dylan arrived home after his shift and called out "Ethan! You'll never guess what Ensign Ross did...In a Jeffries tube of all places!" He was met with silence then spotted a sleeping Ulani on the couch and frowned "Ethan?" he called out in a lower voice so as not to wake her.

"I... I'm in here,"came a weak sounding voice.

Hearing the tone of the voice coming from the bedroom, Dylan ran the distance from the front door to the bedroom door in record time as he skidded to a halt and saw Ethan sitting there. "What's wrong?" he asked as he approached him, squatting down by his side. It didn't take a genius to see that something was terribly wrong.

Ethan stopped rocking, it wasn't really comforting, just distracting. "My.. my dad. While we were in that space time bullshit thing... He's dead. A virus, probably the same one that I was trying to find a cure for, that Ian tortured me over hit Earth. He tried to find a cure for it. He threw himself into it but he came down with it."

Swearing under his breath at the news, Dylan whispered "Come here." before bundling Ethan into a bear hug, holding him tight. There was nothing he could say or do other than be there for him and that was exactly what he intended to do.

Ethan gave into the hug and the tears that he thought were long gone and all used up started again. "I can't believe he's gone. We were so close and now, now he's not going to be there anymore. Why do these things keep happening?"

"Because life isn't fair." Dylan whispered as he kissed the top of Ethan's hair, not knowing what else to do, "But I'm here and I'm not going to ever let you go."

"I need you, now more than ever,"Ethan said after a short pause to center himself, "I love you so much, please don't leave me. Don't get yourself killed I couldn't stand losing you on top of everything else."

"Hey I'm like a bad smell remember?" Dylan smiled, "I stick around and just when you thought you'd got rid of me I come back."

This elicited a small smile from the doctor. "Yeah, yeah very funny. I didn't really feel like cooking, even replicating something and I don't really feel like eating. I just don't know what to do. It still hurts."

"Of course it hurts." Dylan replied, "It's supposed to." he added, "Want me to just hold you?" he offered, ignoring the fact that he was hungry himself.

"I'd like that a lot, maybe just until I fall asleep."

"Let me just get out of this uniform and I'll be right with you." Dylan replied, gently extracting himself from Ethan's embrace before standing up to remove his uniform jacket. "How's your mother? This can't be easy for her..."

"It is hard for her. It's been eighteen months now and he lasted for four before he died. But mom is tough. She can handle it. And I know I'll get it too. I'm more like my dad than her, but one thing both she and I share, we don't like to feel helpless. And speaking of her, she's she's sleeping in the living room on the couch."

"Yeah I saw her when I came in." Dylan replied, "That was the second clue I had that something was wrong."

"Yeah I think she kind of passed out. Listen I need to get a shower, because I was working out when she came and I'm sure I stink. You want to grab some food for yourself or something while I'm in there?"

"Nah...I don't want to wake her." Dylan shook his head then grinned and added "Need company?"

"I don't really feel..." he stopped himself, "on second thought, I'd love some company. You are incorrigible, you know that right?"

"What? I can't help having all this hot Latino blood in my veins." Dylan joked, trying his best to distract Ethan from his pain.

Ethan shook his head,"Never change who you are Dylan, I kind of like the hot Latino blood, because it's attached to a hot Latino," I'll start the water." He shed the rest of his clothes and moved to the bathroom.

Wasting no time, Dylan was out of his uniform barely seconds after Ethan and followed him to the shower, wanting to take every ounce of pain away from him even if it was for a few brief precious minutes. "I'm not the only one who's hot you know." Dylan commented as he stepped into the shower with Ethan.

The corners of Ethan's mouth turned up ever so slightly, "I love when you talk dirty like that," Ethan said and then he grabbed for his lover, pulling him into an embrace and kissing him with need.

"I can do more than just talk dirty." Dylan whispered against his lips before kissing him hungrily, his arousal obvious as the warm water cascaded over their heated bodies. "I love you Ethan." he breathed as he came up for air, "And I promise I'll never leave you." he promised again before pushing him up against the shower cubicle and kissing him again.

Ethan didn't think about his mother in the next room. He didn't think about his duties, he didn't even think about his father. He really didn't think much at all. He just reacted,he rather liked being pinned and helpless He wasn't sure what Dylan had in mind. he'd let him direct the action. "I love you too," he said before renewing the kiss.

Knowing that he'd never get enough of the man he had asked to marry him, Dylan began to trail kisses over Ethan's body, paying particular attention to the brand new arm that he now sported, eager to let him know that he loved all of him until finally he found his way back to his lips. "Turn around." he whispered softly as the kiss broke.

Ethan did just was he was told. He couldn't resist his fiance, didn't want to resist him. His breathing quickened, anticipating what was about to happen and knowing at least for a short time that he didn't have to think about anything.

Dylan took him quickly, eager to be one with the man he loved and as they began to move as one he wondered how he had gone all those years without Ethan at his side. No-one was ever going to come between them ever again. They truly were one and woe betide anyone who tried to pull them apart once more.

Ethan gasped as his love took him. Sex with Dylan was always good. It wasn't just the physical connection, it went deeper than that. Whatever the position, whatever they did, an emotional connection was there. And now nothing else mattered, Ethan was lost in the moment and soon, too soon, he was approaching climax.

"Together." Dylan whispered in Ethan's ear as with perfect timing they both plummetted over the edge into a few brief moments of perfect pleasure and harmony causing Dylan to cry out with emotion.

Ethan too cried out in pleasure and when they were done, with the water still washing over them he said, "Oh my god, that was so good. Dylan you're the best, I needed that, I needed you. I will always need you."

"And I'll always need you." Dylan replied, holding his lover tightly as the water washed over them, "Hopefully it helped...I know there's nothing I can do but I'm here for you, you know that right?"

"Of course I know that and it does help. Some anyway. Why don't we finish in here and you get something else. There's something else I want to talk about. Something I've been thinking about for a while but we haven't really talked about. This thing with my father, has kind of brought it to the front burner."

"Sure." Dylan nodded as he turned off the water and grabbed two towels, handing one to Ethan, "You're not thinking of wearing a white dress to the wedding are you?" he teased, trying to keep the mood light.

Ethan chuckled, it was good to be able to laugh and Dylan always seemed to be able to get him to, even in a situation like this.

"I don't do dresses and I think we're way to late for the white thing too," he shot back.

"Good...not that there'd be anything wrong with it if that's what you wanted but it would be weird." Dylan chuckled as he dried his hair.

"You're right, it wouldn't be wrong, but I just happen to like certain male body parts, especially yours, other than that I am not too feminine." Ethan replied as he finished drying off and tossed the towel on the counter

"Right back at you." Dylan grinned at him before wrapping his arm around Ethan's shoulders, "Come on, let's go to bed and we can talk."

Ethan nodded and moved with Dylan to the bed. As they climbed into it he snuggled closer. "Okay, this may sound weird to you, but I, I want to, you know start a family. Adopt or find a surrogate."

"Kids?" Dylan looked surprised, "After the wedding though right?" he qualified, the thought of having a family never even occurring to him until right now.

"Yeah, after the wedding. I mean, I know we haven't talked about this, but it was always in the back of my mind. It just wasn't important to me, really important, until now. I.. I guess losing dad, kind of changed my perspective."

"You really think I could be a good dad? I'd always thought of myself as a horn dog with lots of stamina and no substance." Dylan asked, having always considered himself too selfish and irresponsible.

Ethan looked deeply into Dylan's eyes and caressed his cheek, "Yeah, I really think you would. You're kind, considerate and a natural protector. A lot like my mom actually."

"Speaking of which, I don't think she really likes me much. I don't think she feels that you ended up with the prize pumpkin." Dylan replied with a heartfelt sigh.

"Did I ever tell you how she and my dad met?"

"No, I don't think that you did." Dylan shook his head.

"Well, back then he was just a nurse and she was an Intel operative climbing the ranks. The were on a ship called the Resistance. She and the Captain had, had an affair before and I think she was hoping to reunite things with him. But it got complicated. Ben, the Captain's ex wife was head of Security there.

Anyway, it was an Intel ship much like this one and she and my dad kept bumping into each other. And when they did, well, let's just say it was not love at first sight. My dad then had never thought of sleeping with any woman. Only guys.

Well there was a reception on the ship and they were kind of forced to dance the tango together and that was when things started to turn."

"Wait...you're saying your dad thought he was gay right up until the time he met her?" Dylan looked surprised.

"My dad didn't just think he was gay, he was.I mean pretty much. He'd slept with plenty of guys and never considered fooling around till he met her."

"Yeah but he must always have had some kind of an inkling, I mean, I would so not ever sleep with a woman." Dylan replied, the thought truly repulsive to him.

"I don't know, maybe he did have some kind of clue, he just buried it. But their dancing the tango, was just kind of a turning point, they still didn't get along. It was a little later when the Captain and the Security Chief went missing and they got into an argument that turned into a fight, I mean a fist throwing kind of fight and then the fight turned into, kind of what we just did."

"Wow...love at first hate huh?" Dylan smiled, "I'm amazed it lasted...romances like that often burn hot then fizzle out."

"But you know it didn't. It actually got stronger. That was one of dad's favorite stories. I used to hear it a lot. The last time he really told it was when I tried dating a girl, and uh yeah that didn't work out too well.

But anyway, I was just telling you that because you don't have to worry about my mom. I'm sure she likes you fine. And she knows I love you, so she'll reallybe fine. Trust me.

And you would be a great dad, if you want it too."

"A baby." Dylan let out a breath, "That's a pretty big decision. Though if we're discussing it, I think I'd like us to look for a surrogate so that the baby has at least DNA from one of us."

"We don't have to make a decision right now, I just want to talk about it. And a surrogate works for me. Maybe she could have DNA from both of us."

"Is that even possible?" Dylan asked as he tried to imagine himself as a father and failed miserably.

"Yes, it's possible, we both just have to contribute, uh you know kind of like a cocktail. Um no pun intended."

"Oh...and then see whose swimmers get the prize?" Dylan chuckled.

"Something like that, which by the way, you do have some fantastic swimmers."

"Right back at you." Dylan replied before kissing him deeply.

After the kiss had broke, Ethan said,"We can talk more about this later, right now I'm kind of tired of talking." Then he began kissing him again.

A JP

Lt. Commander Ethan Chaparral
ACMO
USS Hera
&

Lieutenant Dylan Santiago
Chief of Intelligence
USS Hera

Lieutenant Commander Sinek took in the final moments of the service. It had been an appropriate memorial to honor the twenty-nine males and females who had given their very lives in service to the Hera and the Federation.

He gave Angel some time to finish her duties at the service then went to her quarters. Outside, he rang the chime and awaited her answer.

Still not fully changed out of the white dress uniform, Angel threw her jacket over the back of a chair and shook her hair out from the braid she'd put it in for the ceremony, barely glancing toward the door as she yelled toward it, "Come in!" She knew who it would be, and she didn't want to keep him waiting while she changed. Besides, Sinek had seen her in far less clothing than the pants and tank top she still had on.

Sinek entered, still in his whites. She appeared tired to him, or was it stress? Walking up behind her, Sinek wanted to give her the support she needed at this time. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her from behind.

"Are you well?" He asked her.

"I'm tired, and I have a headache. Otherwise I'm fine." Angel leaned back against him, tilting her head back so sh e could just barely see him. "If you hadn't taught me how to meditate, I wouldn't have been able to give that speech today."

He pulled her in tighter to himself. "You are as much a support to me," he spoke truthfully. She was the balance he needed in life. Sinek did not feel ashamed to admit it. He could not feel ashamed.

Angel smiled a bit. "I'm glad to hear it, but I'm not feeling like a very strong support right now."

"Then it is time we meditate," came the even reply from Sinek.

"Best idea I've heard all day. I'll get the lamp." Gently freeing herself from Sinek's embrace, Angel turned to kiss his cheek before going over to the cabinet where she'd lovingly stored the meditation lamp he'd given her, along with a soft blanket to spread on the floor before they sat down. Carefully retrieving both items, she set the lamp on the coffee table while she smoothed the blanket out on the deck.

"You have greatly progressed in your meditations," Sinek reported as Angel spread the blanket. "Tonight, I will not say anything. You are able to make progress without further guidance. In thirty minutes, we will end. You should then be more refreshed."

"If you think I'm ready for that, I trust you." Angel flashed him a smile as she picked up the lamp and set it in the center of the blanket and then sat down on one side of it, crossing her legs as she trimmed the wick and lit the lamp's tiny flame.

Sinek sat cross-legged across from Angel. A hint of a smile showed on his face when she said that she trusted him. The truth was, he trusted her. Enough to open himself totally to her. He would reveal that to her later when their two minds become one. That was pure intimacy to Sinek.

For the next thirty minutes Sinek sought out his mind and subjugated anything that would cause him to lose control. He allowed Angel that time to explore her own mind.

Just as Sinek had predicted, Angel could feel much of the weary feeling leaving her during their quiet meditation. By the time her little timer chimed that their thirty minutes was completed, her headache had faded nearly to nothing. Though she was still tired, she also felt somewhat more energized as she quietly extinguished the lamp's flame.

Sinek looked from the now estinguished flame to her steel-gray eyes. Again he asked, "You are well?" as he reached across and took one of her hands in his.

Angel nodded. "Yeah. I feel a lot better."

The hint of a smile traced his lips. "Did I hear something about dinner when we were together earlier? Do you wish to eat in or out?"

"I think I'd prefer to stay in. Not feeling especially social today." She'd had about as much socializing as she could handle during the memorial service, and the last thing she wanted was for some member of the crew to come start talking to her about it while she was trying to enjoy time with Sinek.

"This is satisfactory," Sinek respond. "A quiet reflective night together."

"Exactly what I thought, but... as you've probably figured out I'm not a vegetarian. I don't think I've ever looked at the replicators meatless meals before I met you." Angel laughed a little at her own expense. "I wouldn't want to pick something objectionable."

"Leave dinner to me," Sinek assured her.

It was too late for plomeek soup. So Sinek ordered two servings of Kleetanta in Forati sauce, kreyla, a flat bread and spiced Vulcan tea. He organized everything on the table for them and encouraged Angel to try it.

"I can't believe people say Vulcan food is bland. This smells fantastic." Instantly intrigued by the meal, Angel sat down at the table and immediately tried a bite, an expression of surprise and glee taking over her face. She hadn't known vegetarian food could even be this interesting!

"I am pleased that you like it." They way that Sinek stated this would not prove the truth of what he said. The words came out just as bland as Angel imagined Vulcan food. "Some vegetables can be bland, especially when overlooked. The sauce makes this dish delightful."

"I want to tell you that I saw a leader in you today."

"You helped me a lot with that," Angel admitted between mouthfuls of food. It was the honest truth; with all the insanity the ship had been through, she hadn't been feeling that confident in any of her abilities, least of all leadership. "It's still strange though, going from leading a department to being second in command of an entire ship."

"None enjoy giving up the comfortable for the unfamiliar," Sinek confirmed. "However, if we stay in the familiar, we experience no change. No change means no growth. As in nature, no growth soon leads to death. It is not easy for us to allow change to bring that growth."

Sinek had never shared any type of Vulcan meal with another soul. Their diet and meals were often no acceptable due to the no meat preference. During the meal, Sinek seen growth in Angel. He so enjoyed his times with her; she wasn't the only one growing in the relationship.

"I know all of that's true, but it doesn't make me feel comfortable being responsible for so many people." Angel took a sip of the spiced tea, using that moment to compose her thoughts on the matter. "I don't think I'm ready."

"The person I observed behind the podium," Sinek revealed, "is ready." Sinek took another bite and listened. He had found that often allowing Angel to talk, gave her the opportunity to process things for herself. When he had first met her, she didn't seem to have the confidence to do this. She didn't always believe in herself. From time-to-time, Sinek would interject with a truth to help build that confidence. Now was one of those times. He followed up by saying something he had never said to another. Most likely, it had never occurred with any other being.

"I believe in you," he affirmed.

She'd taken her eyes off of him for that moment, and now Angel looked up at him with a bit of a surprised look on her face. "You do? I mean... I'm... well I'm flattered. Oh that sounds terrible. Bad choice of words." Falling quiet for a moment, she looked down at her plate, her cheeks turning a bit pink. "I appreciate your faith in me."

Finishing up his meal, Sinek began clearing his place at the table. While taking the items to the replicator for reprocessing, he stated, "My words surprise you." It was not a question, but an observation.

"A little, yes. From what I understand most of the crew is afraid of me... they don't have much faith." Angel smiled a little, finishing her food.

Cleaning up before her and reprocessing it, Sinek offered, "Remember, no one enjoys what is unfamiliar. They are in the same place as you are; what is unknown often brings fear. The more they see you as they did today, the more their fears will settle."

Sinek knelt down behind her chair, reached around it and hugged her around her abdomen. He placed his face next to hers, his mouth next to her ear. Using a lower register, but still keeping an even tone, he added, "I have an advantage over them, I have seen you grow; I know that you are capable."

Such an intimate touch from him sent tendrils of electricity along her nerves, and Angel leaned her head back so that it rested on his shoulder behind her. "You also have the unfair advantage of seeing how my mind works."

"Only from experiencing you," Sinek confirmed. "This experience has only come during our conversation. When we melded during mating, I only revealed myself to you. I will not trespass into yours without your permission."

"I thought melds were bi-directional?" Angel twisted to look at him more directly. The question was an honest inquiry, but already she knew that Sinek would remind her that Vulcans had the ability to block what was not to be shared.

"We can block areas we do not want to reveal, or places we do not wish to go," Sinek informed. "A true Vulcan would never invade another's mind without consent. When we mated, I chose to reveal to you myself. That is what mating means to me: two becoming one. Our bodies became one physically; our minds became one in the meld. When both areas become one together at the same time, our whole being (I believe humans refer to it as the soul) becomes one. Body. Mind. Soul. All united into one."

"Well then." Pulling him just a bit closer, Angel kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear. "You have my permission."

"Might I suggest we move to the bedroom," Sinek observed as he kissed the area of her neck just below his lips.

"I believe I'll take your suggestion under advisement." After a long day, Angel was anything but graceful, but she managed to get up in one fluid movement, pulling Sinek up with her.

The seemed to be an urgency coming from Angel as she pulled him up. Sinek's own body reacted to that urgency. Lifting Angel in his arms, Sinek began to kiss Angel's lips as he carried her to her bedroom.

As they undressed each other, Sinek recalled each area of Angel's body that reacted to touch their first time together. As he started to tenderly touch those areas, stimulating nerve endings, he used those same nerves to connect with Angel's mind. He revealed to her how proud he was of her in her meditation and all the leadership strengths he has observed in her. He continued to open his mind to her, allowing her to fully know him, physically and mentally. This time, he reached into her mind. It was his desire to fully know her.

Sinek wasn't the only one who remembered the sensitive areas that would respond quickly to touch. She found those nerves on him even as his touch electrified her being and gently delved into the recesses of her mind, to places she now left open to him. Soon he would know her as well as she knew him.

---

JP by

Commander Angelica Fairchild
First Officer
USS Hera

Lieutenant Commander Sinek
CSO/Acting Second Officer
USS Hera

It had only been a matter of finding time to confront T'Pel once Enalia had told her that the Vulcan chef was a Section 31 spy. Angel hadn't told anyone else - not even Sinek - who the spy was. She'd wanted to tell him, but she'd thought it better to keep him out of harm's way if things should go badly during the confrontation. It was more important to keep him safe, so she went to the mess hall alone. T'Pel was easy to find, ensconced in her little kitchen where she prepared the day's meals. Angel watched her quietly for a few moments, waiting for the other woman to notice her.

Which didn't take long, as T'pel wiped down the counters. "Commander, I'm sorry but I just closed the kitchens three minutes ago. I do have some prepared dishes I can reheat for you, if you'd like."

"That's all right." Under the pretense of being hungry, Angel picked up an apple out of a nearby bowl. "I'm eating with Sinek later anyway. I just wanted to know if you'd noticed anything unusual lately."

"Unusual? Commander, I see things I consider unusual all the time in here. Could you please be more specific?" T'pel requested in a rather annoying Vulcan tone.

"People who seem like they might have an ulterior motive, Petty Officer," Angel clarified in an equally bland tone, trying not to let T'Pel's intentional 'Vulcan-ness' get to her.

T'pel raised an eyebrow innocently. "Commander, this ship falls under Starfleet Intelligence. I assume that most people aboard have an ulterior motive. The least of which is Crewman O'Neil's apparent love of redbat stew."

"Stupid decision on his part. Landed him in sickbay with an anaphylactic reaction... which reminds me. No more redbat stew... and nothing with the same spices in it either. Too many allergies." As much as she adored Sinek, Angel found T'Pel to be absolutely infuriating. "I'm not talking about Starfleet Intelligence," she continued quietly, taking a bite out of her apple.

Continuing to wipe the counters down, T'pel thought a moment. "I have heard of a couple unscrupulous looking civilians. A Nexu and a Yulani, if I heard people right."

"Nexi and Larani," Angel immediately corrected her. "And I don't mean them. They've been cleared." Angel didn't know how long she could keep playing this game before she gave in to the temptation to bash T'Pel's head in. "Okay then. How about you answer this question for me... when's the last time you spoke to Drake?"

That put a crack in T'pel's Vulcan demeanor. The mention of Drake made her pause just a moment and she tried passing that off as thinking. "I am unaware of anyone aboard the Hera named Drake," she said, which was technically not a lie. She just didn't want to reveal that she did in fact know a Drake. It was looking more and more like Angel knew some of her secrets though, so it would be difficult to hide them.

"Oh, he's not on the Hera, T'Pel. He was on that Borg probe you sent a message to while you were off the ship. You know, when you left with Beaumont." Angel gazed at her levelly, as if daring T'Pel to lie to her.

T'pel stared at Angel for several seconds, a burning rage showing in her eyes for a moment. "I suppose I didn't clean the shuttle's logs well enough."

"Well you didn't know who you were dealing with either," Angel said mildly, taking note of that moment of rage but not acting any differently.

"And who is it that I'm dealing with, my dear Commander Fairchild," T'pel asked in a much more haughty tone as she leaned in to look Angel square in the eyes.

"Someone who cares very much about what happens to this crew and happens to be very good at dealing with threats," Angel countered evenly, unfazed by T'Pel's apparent aggression. "What did you tell him?"

"Nothing that should have affected this crew." T'pel shot back. "At least according to him."

"Nothing that would affect the crew? Have you seen where the hell we are? Where we went? How does that not affect the crew, T'Pel?" Angel shook her head slightly, not quite able to believe that sort of nonsense.

"I don't know!" T'pel exclaimed, clearly upset, and with an attempt to slam her rag into the countertop. "What was I supposed to do? I gave him the Hera's transponder and location and that was it. No more than we had on the shuttle."

"Gee, I don't know. Tell him 'no'? The same way I did?" Angel ignored T'Pel's outburst. She already suspected that T'Pel wasn't really a Vulcan.

"If you know so much, you probably already know I don't have that luxury." T'pel replied back frustratedly.

"You have the same luxury of saying no that everyone else does," Angel responded firmly, not buying into it.

"He knows too much about me. I don't have any luxury. I'm just glad I'm a simple chef. Not much to blackmail." T'pel responded, starting to calm down. "So why are you here then? Going to arrest me as a spy?"

"T'Pel, they're an information gathering office. They can't do shit to you if you tell them no." Angel rolled her eyes. How could a Vulcan be so freaking dense? Unless she wasn't a Vulcan. "And it's not me arresting you that you have to worry about."

A look of fear crossed T'pel's features. If Starfleet wasn't going to arrest her... "The Tal Shiar aren't going to arrest me, are they?"

"Why would--" Taken somewhat aback, Angel took a step backward, as if she expected a hidden weapon to appear. "You're... not Vulcan then?"

T'pel was also stunned. She thought Angel knew. "No... I was a Tal Shiar double agent. when they started capturing the contacts I had, I knew I was next so I called in the last of my favors to get genetic resequencing and cross over to the Federation. Drake helped me out but then demanded favors. Favors I had to pay or he'd uncover me just like I just did."

Angel blinked at her. "T'Pel... does Enalia know any of this?"

"I don't know... I don't think so. I was told that she'd just be told that I was a former Intel informant with ties to your defunct Section 31." T'pel said, slumping slightly. It was over for her. She'd go to some prison and either disappear or end up as an experiment.

Damn. Angel sighed a bit. "All right. You're still part of this crew, even if I'm pissed at you. So I'm not turning you over to anyone... but we are going to talk to Enalia. Together. You want out of the Drake's claws... and you can't go back to the Empire. We'll find a solution."

"A solution that doesn't leave me dead would be preferable. I don't deserve it but that's all I want." T'pel said, almost to the point of shaking. "And please don't tell Aewia. She was one of my contacts."

"I won't tell her. She wouldn't believe me anyway... she's a bit... well, you know. Loony." Angel grinned a bit. "I'm not going to let anyone kill you. Relax."

"Loony... She's one of the lucky ones then..." T'pel said wearily, resuming her cleaning of the kitchen counters.

"Yeah, maybe." Angel wasn't sure about that, but at least Aewia didn't have to deal with her personal demons. "I can keep Drake and the Tal Shiar both off your back. You just tell me when you're ready to talk to Enalia."

T'pel nodded, tossing the rag in the recycler. "The sooner the better."

"All right, end of your shift then. I'll meet you on the bridge." That would give Angel some time to figure out what the hell she was even going to say to Enalia about this.

T'pel headed out around the counters and readied herself. "Dinner just ended and I'm finished cleaning up. I'm done until 0400 for breakfast. I'm sure I'll have several dozen omelettes to make as usual. You'd be surprised how many people aboard have issues digesting replicated food..."

Angel snorted at that. "It's an excuse to not eat the replicated stuff. The replicator makes perfectly edible food... but I'll admit real food is better." With T'Pel ready to talk to Enalia now, Angel had no idea how they were going to manage that.

Enalia had been looking over reports for so long, she was lightly snoozing at her desk. The stress finally caught up with her and as she had barely slept at all, this was the natural result. Relaxed in her chair, head tilted forward, and her eyes closed. On her computer screen was a report about warp core intermix technology adaptations that had been done during the 4 years they had missed.

The trip up to Enalia's ready room from the mess hall hadn't been nearly long enough to figure out what to say that wouldn't have her immediately trying to shoot them both. All Angel hoped at this point was that Enalia didn't have any sort of weapons immediately available! Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she glanced at T'Pel and then rang the chime to request entry.

Enalia woke up fully with a slight snort, looking around her office. "Come in," she called as she tried to look like she hadn't fallen asleep.

Angel knew the sound of a sleepy voice, and she smirked slightly as she pulled T'Pel into the ready room before the other woman could change your mind and escape. "Were you napping, Enalia? How unprofessional."

"No of course not. I was reviewing... an engineering report." Enalia said as an excuse, glancing at her terminal. "I take it that since both of you are here, there's something to report?" Enalia asked, glancing over quite possibly the most shaken up looking Vulcan she had ever seen.

"You would not believe the things I dug up on this woman." Angel grinned a little, obviously proud of herself for making the discovery even if she'd been a been startled by it at first. "Drake blackmailed her, threatened to turn her in if she didn't do as he says."

Punching up a cup of coffee from the replicator and sipping at it, Enalia didn't act surprised at all. "Go on..." She said, wanting to hear the whole story before making any judgements.

Deciding it would be better to not leave Enalia any room for trolling or pranks, Angel went for the short version, not leaving gaps for questions. "Well to begin with... she isn't Vulcan. At least, she wasn't born a Vulcan. She's a former Romulan Intelligence officer turned double agent who got trapped into Section 31 because Drake's the type of asshole who would turn her over to the Tal Shiar in a heartbeat if she didn't do what he wanted."

Reaching under her desk, Enalia grabbed out a small bottle of chocolate liquor and poured a little into her cup of coffee. It looked like one of those stories. Pausing a moment, she poured a little extra in before returning the bottle to its home. "Go on," she prompted before sipping her coffee again.

"She was scared to death I was going to call the Tal Shiar and give her to them, but secret squirrel or not... she's a member of the crew. And she didn't give Drake anything he couldn't have gotten from a sensor scan or two of the area." Angel paused, not entirely sure where she was going with this. "She doesn't want to go back to the Empire, and if Drake finds out I broke her cover he'll either send her home or kill her."

Her eyes boring into T'pel's, Enalia had one question to ask that was worth interrupting for. "What did you tell him?"

T'pel, shaking slightly from the stress and from fear of what would happen to her, replied immediately. "Just the Hera's transponder codes and current location. Nothing that wasn't already in the shuttle databanks. Lieutenant Beaumont and I used them to get back to you."

"Is that all?" Enalia asked in a threatening voice.

T'pel shifted her stance a little, her eyes looking elsewhere. "No... I also gave him the sensor blind spots for the current scanning configuration..."

T'Pel hadn't told her that before, had she? Angel couldn't remember, but she pretended she knew about it anyway. "The Nebula class is a funny shape... an educated person could probably guess its blind spots pretty well."

"And yet we minimize those blind spots very well. Especially at the ranges we're talking about." Enalia said, removing her gaze from T'pel and focusing on her coffee instead. "Anything else I should be aware of?"

"Well... the one thing she likes doing is cooking. I think that's why she's put up with Drake for so long. As long as she was doing things he wanted her to do, she got to stay here and cook for us. The only person Section 31's contacted since we re-emerged is me. It would be a simple thing to make them believe T'Pel didn't survive." Angel paused for a moment. "That is, if you would allow her to stay."

Enalia sipped at her coffee for a few seconds, considering what her reply should be. "I have half a mind to space both of you. You know that, right?"

"I thought you were going to space me for letting Amelia play with triolic waves." Angel grinned a bit crookedly at her. "You know you'd miss me if you did that. Who would you pick on then?"

"I'd find someone," Enalia grumbled, setting her now empty coffee cup aside. "This isn't going to be as easy to cover up, you know. Especially since we already had that memorial. One more name on that list added retroactively is going to look very suspicious."

"So we won't do it that particular way." Angel bit her lip, not entirely certain she wanted to play all her cards for this scenario yet. "I know a few ways to make people disappear. None of them are all that difficult they just aren't exactly legal."

"So do I. Most of them are permanent." Enalia replied, wondering what Angel had in mind. "Please, enlighten me upon your apparent plan."

"Well from anyone else's perspective it would be permanent. And I don't have a plan, not yet. I'm still considering the options I have... frankly none of them are perfect and all of them will land me in a penal colony if I'm ever found out." Angel blew out a frustrated breath, not at all fond of that idea. "We'll need to make a stop somewhere for it to work but... suppose security were to find out we had a spy on board..."

"Suppose Drake finds out instead. She'll be choking on her own vomit within the hour." Enalia's words rattled the already shaking T'pel, a few tears running down her face. "Sorry, but that's the truth. If we're to do something, we'll need to do it now. In this office."

"Okay suppose you found out and shot her." Angel rolled her eyes, clearly not serious about that particular idea. "Drake knows by now I've turned my back on him," she continued in a more serious manner. "I suppose it would be believable enough if we told him I found out he had a second spy on board and dealt with the problem in the way he trained me to handle threats..."

Pulling an antique phase pistol out of her desk drawer, Enalia laid it on the desk. "That's an option. What about T'pel though? She looks like she'd wet herself and die of fear at any moment now."

"Dying of fear is so not credible." Angel tried to give T'Pel a humorous look, but watching the 'Vulcan' woman shake like a leaf she sighed instead. "No one's going to shoot you. Sit down before you pass out." She pushed T'Pel into a chair, hoping the other woman would relax a little. "Regardless of what we do, the crew has to believe it just as much as Drake does."

Picking up the antique phase pistol, Enalia cracked it open and pulled out the actual phased energy module. It looked far from antique and glowed a slight blue in several spots. In fact, it almost looked like a miniaturized version of a transport buffer... Poking at a miniature screen on it, she started programming something into it. "Have you ever seen one of these?"

"Not in that particular style, but similar ones, yeah." Intrigued, Angel looked at the pieces without touching them. "It looks like a phaser, but it's actually a personal transporter type of deal. Makes people think your target's been vaporized when you really beamed them away."

Finished, Enalia reassembled the weapon and stood up, leveling the weapon at the trembling T'pel. "How long do you think it'll take Doctor Chaparral to make a new identity for her?"

"No more than a couple of hours, but I'll light a fire under his ass. Less time she has to spend by herself the better right now, I think." Despite knowing that the weapon wasn't actually dangerous, Angel instinctively moved out of its path. She could tell that T'Pel wasn't exactly on board with this plan, but they didn't appear to have many choices.

"Good. After security comes crashing in here, get down to sickbay for some antacids in medbay 13. Seeing this can turn a person's stomach." Enalia said. Then she fired, the blue sparkly beam lancing out and striking T'pel for several seconds as she seemed to disintegrate before their eyes. As soon as she finished firing, the ship's emergency alarms went off and Security from the bridge rushed in, weapons drawn, assuming someone had been vaporized.

The beam that weapon fired was disturbingly realistic, and despite knowing it was real and having a security background, Angel found herself reeling a bit. One of the security officers reached to steady her, and she waved him off. "I'm okay. You don't see a Trill vaporizing people everyday is all..." She barely needed her Section 31 training to pull that lie off, and she made a mental note to scold Enalia for not warning her how brutal that weapon looked. "I'm just gonna go down to one of the medbays..."

"Computer, please note the untimely vaporization of the Tal Shiar and Section 31 double agent known as T'pel, formerly ship's chef." Enalia calmly said as she lowered the antique phase pistol. Glancing at the 4 security team members all looking around slightly confused, she decided they needed more of an answer than that. "This action has been taken under the authorization of Starfleet Intelligence. Please note that in your logs, gentlemen. Dismissed." As security and Angel all filed out, Enalia sat back down at her desk and slipped the phase pistol back into her desk drawer.

Agent Engstrom, in a flash of compassion (for him), decided the next appointment would be better handled by his companion. Moving to the other end of the table, he addressed Jenkins. "The next interview is with a woman who may very well blame herself for the deaths caused by the Devidians, including, if rumor is to be believed, her lover. In the interest of expediency, since you're better at dealing with such... people... it's your turn to conduct an interview."

"So does this mean you'll stop giving me death glares for interviewing Telvan?" Stephen quipped humorously, flipping through their gathered reports to look for anything that mentioned the Andorian officer. "I'll handle Takethen... I doubt she's the one we're looking for anyway."

Looking over at Jenkins, Alden had his usual haughty demeanor. "I don't give you death glares... do I? Either way, we have to investigate the possibility of a link between the rogue agent and the Devidians. If there is nothing... good..."

"Oh, you do. Not quite up to Janeway's level of expertise, but fantastic all the same." Stephen chuckled a little. "I don't think our 'friend' has anything to do with the Devidians, but we'll see."

Alden had to roll his eyes at the mention of Admiral Janeway. He had been involved with that masterpiece of temporal mischief and loathed all that it had entailed.

Stephen snickered a bit before composing himself again, barely keeping the amusement out of his voice as he paged Amelia to join them. "Petty Officer Takethen, please report to conference room 3."

Amelia wasn't far from there, having been running paperwork around that deck, trying to track a few things down. Within moments, she was entering conference room 3, not entirely sure what to expect. "Petty Officer Takethen, sir. What can I help you with?" she asked with a strained smile, her antennae rotating to face each agent in turn.

"We just want to ask you a few questions about the Hera's trip to the past and how it got here." Having found the notes he was looking for, Stephen folded his hands on the table. "First we'd like to know if there is anything you'd like to tell us that isn't in the reports."

"Not in the reports?" Amelia asked worriedly, glancing to one of the chairs as she stood there and fidgeted. "Well... I tried to leave out my personal relations with... With Ven..." she stammered, looking like she was going to start crying again.

"We know about your relationship with him, and we aren't interested in getting you in trouble for dating an officer." Stephen smiled just a bit. "I was thinking more of whether you had noticed anything unusual before or during the trip."

"No... Everything was business as usual. Even the pod power grid was behaving as it should. It's always been finicky, especially when we're using the sensors at full and the torpedo launchers are online." Amelia explained, thankful that they didn't want to go into her personal life.

"The Nebula class is infamous for that particular flaw. No one seems to know why it happens," Stephen commented idly, hoping that keeping Amelia distracted from Ven's death would keep her coherent and talking. "Tell me about the modifications done to the phaser grid."

Though Amelia had a pretty good idea why it happened, she moved on to the question at hand. "Commander Fairchild came to me to help her modify the weapons to turn them blue. We went over a few things, but all of them would have taken days, if not weeks. In the end, since I had done research into triolic waves and the Devidians, I ran a few simulations, which the Commander then approved of. Basically, we charged the hull with the triolic waves and rotated the phasers into the IR range. When we fired, they'd pick up the blue from the triolic waves and look blue on sensors and visually. As for the ship, we had sensor masking galore, so that wasn't a worry. As long as the triolic waves didn't leak in, we would have been fine, but I didn't count on them feeding back into the EPS grid..." Pausing in her rambling, she fumbled with the PaDDs she carried for a moment.

"So it was a mistake. That happens. Did Commander Fairchild not realize it either?" Stephen knew they hadn't gotten into too many specifics about the actual mechanics of the modifications with Angel. While the XO knew her tactical systems, she didn't know enough about the power systems to answer accurately.

Amelia shook her head. "No, I assume not until we fired the phasers." She didn't want to mention that the Commander had fallen asleep on a console while working with her...

"Yes, that was in her report. I'm wondering though how it slipped past her in the working stages. She might not be an engineer, but she is rather intelligent." Stephen had known that before he'd even talked with her. She'd have to be pretty smart for Drake to want her working for him.

"I'm not sure... The simulations ran perfectly so I suppose she based everything on that. She did object to using triolic waves, but I guess I made a good enough argument in the end..." Amelia said, her words trailing off. She knew this was all her fault. She had gotten a lot of people killed because of her plan and though they had gotten back to their own time period... four years late... she still blamed herself and it showed.

"Commander Fairchild's report also indicates that she'd had very little sleep for several weeks preceding the event and she'd been feeling unwell because of it," Stephen continued gently, trying to ease some of the guilt Amelia was clearly carrying. "No one is blaming you for the accident."

Amelia nodded silently, holding tightly to the PaDDs she carried and standing there nervously none the less.

"You said she objected to the use of triolic waves. How did you convince her otherwise?" Stephen's question was innocently curious; that information had been conveniently left out of Angel's report.

Amelia nodded, beginning a technical tirade of knowledge. "I assured her that since we were charging the hull through the shield emitters, it would stay in the shielding system and by all rights it should have, other than what bled into the phaser beams themselves. I also scanned for known sources of Devidian activity and energy patterns, which there were none at the time. Unfortunately, the sensors didn't pick up Driffen's comet as it headed through the system. I also showed her a simulation I had quickly programmed in based on the known specs of everything we had."

"Well it sounds like your ship decided to have some fun with you then." It wasn't a strictly factual response, but Stephen had often heard stories about starships doing odd things that they shouldn't logically do. "From what we can see, neither of you is truly at fault."

Amelia nodded again. "Do you have more questions, sir?" she asked, uncharacteristically timid. It was a relief that he had said that, but it still weighed heavily upon her.

"Just one." It was the question no one had liked to answer, and for Amelia Stephen had saved it for last. "Are you aware of any members of this crew who may be working for Franklin Drake?"

Completely unfamiliar with the name, Amelia shook her head no. "No, I don't even know who that is."

"Perhaps you know his organization, Section 31?" Judging by how Amelia had initially answered, Stephen was pretty sure she didn't. But if he didn't ask, it would be his head on a platter.

"I've heard of them. Aren't they some secret organization that was active during the early days of the Federation?" Amelia asked, still somewhat clueless.

"They still exist, just not in as powerful of a form. At least, officially. Drake's been trying to change that." Unlike Alden, Stephen didn't much like the idea of destroying anyone's trust in the XO, but he quietly slid a PaDD across the table toward her. "Please tell us if you see any familiar names."

Picking up the PaDD and glancing it over, Amelia nodded. "I do. Several are familiar. The Commander, T'pel, Garret... I was in classes with him I think..."

"Fairchild's been cleared, and she's helping Telvan investigate T'Pel." Stephen wasn't terribly worried about Garret. Last he'd checked that name wasn't on Hera's manifest.

Thank goodness. Amelia didn't want to see Angel get into any trouble over this. "Is there anything else, sir?"

"No, you're free to go." Stephen smiled just a bit, indicating that they were finished.

"Thank you," Amelia said, not wasting the opportunity to get out of that conference room. She had work to do and memories to not think about that that interview just reminded her of.

Alden Engstrom the 13th looked at his chrono. It was time for another interview. This time, he wanted to speak with the Chief Science Officer, Lieutenant Commander Sinek. Reports showed that this man was able to successfully use an ophidian cane to get the Hera to the time it was in now and had even been able to keep the cane stable. That cane was now sealed inside of a science lab being studied by a very promising science officer. "Commander Sinek, please report to conference room 3." he called out to the computer, expecting the Vulcan to do his best to be punctual.

Lieutenant Commander Sinek had wondered when the investigators from TI would turn their attention to him. It was only logical that he be interviewed after successfully wielding and activating the Ophidian cane.

Several crew and civilians had already been interviewed. Some lasted only a few minutes. Many lasted several hours.

Angel had been under the gun from the beginning. She revealed to Sinek the encounters she had with TI. He knew from those relayed encounters that there was a spy aboard. He and Angel had worked together to uncover the agent.

Hearing the request to report for the interview, Sinek began constructing barriers in his mind. There were no known reports of telepaths being employed, but it was best to be cautious. Proactive, rather than reactive. Sometimes, the reaction was not quick enough. By the time Sinek entered the interview room, his mind was completely defended.

"Lieutenant Commander Sinek reporting as ordered," the Vulcan flatly announced as he gave a crisp salute. As always, his uniform was fresh and pristine.

"Excellent." Alden said slowly, not looking up from his PaDD. "Please have a seat. I think we have enough information on most of the events, but one thing remains unclear to me." Setting down his PaDD and looking up at Sinek, he drew out his next question. "How... exactly... did you get the Hera to this time from the one you were in?"

Sinek quietly took a seat, taking a formal, but relaxed, posture. He momentarily considered the question. With no indication of nervousness or pride the Vulcan answered, "I was able to activate an Ophidian cane left behind by a fallen Devidian."

Alden stared at Sinek, trying to process this. "Please elaborate. Do you have any knowledge of how you did such a thing?"

"Knowledge is the basis of logic," the Vulcan answered. "Knowledge comes from observation. I identified the precise location in which the Devidian wielded the Ophidian cane. When I placed my hand there I detected the life force of the Ophidian. I was able to connect with the Ophidian and using its brain to activate the cane."

Picking up his PaDD and making a few notes, Alden made an educated guess. "Logically then, through some sort of Vulcan touch telepathy mind meld function. Can you tell me anything more about the Devidians in general?"

Sinek allowed the query to register. However, Sinek needed the question to be more specific. The interviewer asked for generalities. If Sinek were to reveal all the generalities he now knew of Devidians, they would be there quite some time.

"I have extensively researched the Devidians since the incident," Sinek evenly expressed. "What do you specifically need to know?"

"Specifically, how they arrived on the Hera." Alden replied, matching Sinek's tone.

"According to the research," Sinek revealed, "The Ophidian interacts with triolic waves. It is not certain the Hera was the initial destination. However, we became a target once the triolic waves were produced by the phaser banks. Specifically, it was our efforts to remain unnoticed in the past, while attempting to keep the past intact that caused us to become a target. Captain Telvan recognized the past appeared to be changing and made the decision to act to preserve the past. Otherwise, the space-time continuum would have been disrupted."

"Gauging the level of disruption of the past is our domain. Please just stick to descriptions of the actions taken." Alden interjected haughtily. "Were you able to determine the cause of the initial temporal anomaly?"

Sinek raised a brow as without emotion he took a moment to make a point. "You were not available. Had we taken the time to contact you, we may not be here discussing this at the moment."

Getting back to the subject at hand, Sinek added, "Before the battle, Commander Radt and I were reviewing sensor files. It appears that at the precise moment we hit the anamoly, the files duplicated. Before we could take a closer look, the battle began. I made my way to the bridge."

"Not an uncommon occurrence for some forms of temporal incursions. What about your scans of the Borg probe? Were you able to review them?" Alden asked.

"Scans were not able to penetrate the probes shields," Sinek observed.

"Isn't that a bit unusual, even for the Borg?" Stephen interjected, wanting to see how Sinek would respond.

Sinek was beginning to wonder why Engstrom was so interested in their scans of the Borg probe. Why was he so insistent that they knew what they didn't. Sinek was beginning to conclude the Borg probe had more than a Section 31 connection; perhaps there was also a Temporal Investigations connection. Perhaps he was probing to see what Sinek knew.

"You and I both know there was a Section 31 connection with the probe," Sinek stated remaining emotionless. He brought his hands before him in the familiar triangle shape. "If a Section 31 operative wished to remain incognito, he would find a way to do so. My question is, did the probe have any other connections besides Section 31?"

"I see that's gotten around the ship already. We've already identified the two known agents on the Hera as well as the agent aboard the Probe. If the Probe had other connections, we're not aware of... Then please... Enlighten us..." Alden said slowly, wondering just what Sinek was referring to when he said 'other connections'. So far as he knew, it only had a connection to the rogue agent from Section 31.

"As was mentioned before," came the bland response, "scans were not able to penetrate the probe's shields. Therefore, we know of no other connection."

"Indeed. Do you believe the captain's decision to become involved to be correct?" Alden asked, switching to a different subject.

"At first," Sinek stated tilting his head to the side, "I had warned Captain Telvan of the implications of our involvement. The Captain did not have time to reason with me; she only had time to act. Reading the reports, since, it is my opinion that her logic is sound."

"Indeed." Sliding the PaDD across the table to Sinek, Alden only had one more question. "This list contains the names of known agents for Section 31. Do you recognize any of them?"

"Indeed," replied the Vulcan.

"And they are..." Alden prompted.

Without inflection, Sinek confirmed, "Commander Fairchild, I know; T'Pel, I am an acquaintance; Drake, I have heard."

Taking the PaDD back, Alden nodded. "Thank you for your time. If you have anything to add to any information we've discussed, please reveal it now."

"I know nothing more," Sinek admitted. "I assure you, if I discover anything more, I will relay the information through Captain Telvan." She can filter what she wishes.

"Then you're dismissed. Thank you again." Alden said, promptly ignoring the Vulcan in favor of his PaDD.

At least he did not probe into how much I know of Angel. This confirmed to Sinek that TI no longer considered Angel a threat, if they had at all.

"Indeed," came the Vulcan reply once again. Sinek calmly arose and strode out of the interview room.

ON:

The now fully suited up for duty Flight Controller stepped out onto the bridge with the usual swagger, but an extra spring in her step and a twinkle in her brown eyes. She made a beeline for the ready room and pressed the chime.

"Come in," Enalia called, the doors opening to reveal her rival for the flight controls of the Hera. "Please, have a seat. What can I do for you?"

A small smile graced the shorter girl's features as she sat down. She could get to the crux of the matter, but something told her to take her time. "Thank you." she would reply first, before continuing on. "I need to start my shore leave a little earlier than the rest of the crew. And I believe I need your permission for that, ma'am."

"I believe you're one of the people the Temporal Investigations agents wanted to interview. As soon as that's done, go for it. I don't foresee any piloting emergencies any time soon and I think the shuttlebay personnel can work out free time with the shuttles themselves." Enalia said as she sipped at a cup of tea.

"Oh, yeah.." Airi grumbled, trailing off a bit. "Frackin' TI." Then she looked at Enalia again. "Sorry. I just have some bad memories of having to put up with one Alden Engstrom XI. A truly obnoxious fellow."

Raising an eyebrow, Enalia couldn't help but wonder if 'Alden Engstrom' was a pseudonym and the current one aboard was just the 13'th person with that name. "These agents aren't any better though Agent Jenkins seems to be more polite than Agent Engstrom the 13th."

"Heh, fair enough. He reminds me of someone from old earth entertainment though, which is kinda ironic given what department he's with." Airi mused, wondering if Enalia saw the resemblance too.

Enalia wasn't overly familiar with Earth culture in general other than her time at the Academy. She could still make observances though. "He does seem a bit archaic in his mannerisms. Anyway, may I ask why the rush on shore leave?"

At this point Airi lost some of her outgoing nerve. She nodded softly in response. "Yeah um.." she looked down for a moment before back up at her fellow Trill. "I need to go somewhere with Ulani. She may or may not have talked to you about that." If this was an anime, there'd be a sweatdrop right now.

"In that case, have fun and try not to get hurt. I'd hate to try to explain in an accident report phaser burns during a rock climbing excursion." Enalia said with a hint of a smirk.

"Thank you.." her cheeks puffed slightly at Enalia's trolling, or what seemed like it. "Figured you might wanna know this before the grape vine gets out, but I think I'm on the path to a relationship with Lani. Don't worry, I'll keep it professional where it's needed." Unlike another officer on board...

"Good. I like to see professionalism where the job is concerned." Enalia said, her slight grin spreading slowly, the wheels in her head turning and plotting. "Was there anything else?"

"Just one thing..your reputation for mischief proceeds you." she chuckled. "I look forward to seeing what you have in mind."

"In mind about what?" Enalia asked innocently. "I'm sorry but I don't know what you're referring to."

"Uh huh." Airi replied skeptically. "Neither do I but I'm keeping an eye out." A smirk played across her lips as she stands to her feet. "At any rate. Thanks for speaking with me, and I'll give up the flight controls if you need something familiar to help you get through these tough times."

"Thanks, but I can stick with the holodeck for now. Have a good trip. Dismissed." Enalia said with a certain finality.

Airi waved and then headed on out of the ready room without another word. The Captain was a strange one, and one was supposed to feel affinity with others of one's race, usually. But, the flight jockey was only half-Trill..so maybe that had something to do with it. Regardless, she wasn't going to think about it anymore. Time to get the interview over with.

Lt. j.g. Airi Saxa
Chief Flight Controller
USS Hera

Capt. Enalia Telvan
Commanding Officer
USS Hera

So far, no one had given them any additional information to add to what they had learned from Commander Fairchild and Captain Telvan. Either the crew was hiding things or they simply didn't know anything, and Stephen was inclined to believe the latter. He didn't think interviewing any more people was going to help them find any further data, but Alden called the shots and the other man wanted more people interviewed. To Stephen's surprise, Alden had given him the lead on the next interview, with the ship's flight control officer. He'd taken his time getting ready, and once his notes were prepared, he paged her over the communications system. "Lieutenant Junior Grade Airi Saxa, please report to Conference Room 3."

Airi looked up from whatever she was doing, and sighed. Her black leather flight jacket was overtop of her uniform, and her weapon was at her side. "Oh yeah, the spooks.." she mumbled, heading to the turbolift, not even bothering to grace them with a responce.

It would be a few minutes before she'd walk into the conference room and shrug out of her flight jacket, placing it over the back of the seat, sitting down in it, facing Jenkins.

"Lieutenant Saxa." As usual, Stephen's voice was mild and carried little emotion one way or another. "Your commanding officer's report states that you did some fighter reconnaissance in the past, but we do not have a report from you."

"That's right." she answered evenly. One of her previous hosts might have remembered the man before her but she didn't recall it right now. "As I understand it, your inquiry is involving the events that transported us here, namely the Devidians and temporal anomaly, correct? I wasn't even on the ship. And looking from outside in doesn't offer a lot of insight." Sure, she'd give her report, but there was that point to be made.

Interrupting Jenkins' reply, Engstrom glanced down at his PaDD and asked a more specific question. "According to logs, you were aboard and most likely asleep for the initial temporal vortex but as a recon pilot, you had your eyes on what happened. Specifically, the battle between the Pirandello, Hera, and that Klingon D-6 battlecruiser. Can you please describe... in your own words... what happened during that battle?"

"My weapons weren't modified, thankfully, but it was your normal ship battle until the Hera used the triolic-modifed phasers. That opened up a portal and the Hera looked like she was covered in some kinda blue energy, with wisps going in and out of the hull. I think they got on the klingon ship too, disabled her."

"That's it?" Despite his even tone, Stephen was incredulous. There was no way that covered the entire battle.

"I can give you the sensor logs I took down that would probably correlate with what you know. Other than what happened with us I do not believe the timeline was sabotaged negatively." She produces a padd to back up her point.

"What about sabotage of the timeline from people among the Hera's crew?" Stephen asked, tapping down some more notes.

"If such an action took place, I'm unaware of it, Agent Jenkins." She crossed her arms lightly, looking between both him and the man that curiously reminded her of someone out of old Earth entertainment. "But are you asking me if I have a bad feeling about anybody aboard the Hera?"

"Please just answer the questions as they are asked, Lieutenant," Stephen said firmly.

Then this old host will keep her feelings to herself. Airi thought, before shaking her head slightly. "Then my initial answer stands. If such an action took place, I was unaware of it."

"Then you are also unaware of any connection a member of this crew may have to Franklin Drake?" Stephen continued.

"Yeah." She nodded after a moment. Oh she knew of Franklin Drake, thanks to her memories. But this time around she had no contact or knowledge of his movements. Nor really any idea of who it could be.

"Interesting. Tell me... do you recognize anyone on this list?" As they had with the others, Stephen gave Airi the PaDD with the list.

"The XO...the chef I've never met, and someone one of my previous hosts knew about.." Airi replied deadpan, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Haven't interacted with the latter two this time around, and the XO only rarely."

Alden had to interject again. "Memories from this lifetime will be sufficient, thank you. He's not that old so if a prior host has heard of him, I doubt it's the same man. Do you have anything else to add to the information you've provided us today?"

"Not at this time." Airi replied confidently., in response to the man's interjection. "If that should change, I am certain word will reach you through the chain of command."

"Then you are free to go." Stephen took his PaDD back and put it back with the PaDDs that held their notes.

"Thank ya. Have a good day." she replied with a smile to both before heading out of the room, having collected her jacket from the back of the seat.

Ethan now fully dressed, in teal scrubs walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, where he got three cold glasses of water. He walked back into the living area and sat two glasses down on the coffee table, one for his mother and one for Dylan.

"Mom, you know I've got to admit its a little embarrassing for your mother to see you giving a bl, for your mother to see you, uh, well you know what I mean. But I'm not too worried, about, it's not like you were going to make a holo video of it.

Hearing about dad dying was just really, is really hard for me. Is hard for me but at least I have Dylan and I just needed him to hold me and well other things too, but I have him and I've never loved anyone more in my life. Except for you and I'm worried about you. Getting drunk, its not you and its dangerous. You could get yourself or others killed and that doesn't even include just plain drinking yourself to death."

Ulani didn't return his answer, just kept staring at the glass of water, anger coming to her face. Her oldest never did understand her as well as the others. It's not that she drank all the time. This morning, she just needed to take the edge off of a hangover. Just one drink!

Continuing to stare at the water, she asked, "Did Beefcake put you up to this?"

"No...but I wholeheartedly agree with him." Dylan replied as he exited their room, dressed in a pair of grey jogging pants and a dark blue t-shirt.

Ethan cut his eyes between Dylan and his mother. "No one puts me up to anything," he said failing to keep his tone even,"you should know that. But you're avoiding the situation. Do I need to diagram it on a blackboard for you? You've got a drinking problem."

"No, I don't have a problem with my drinking," Ulani expressed. "I enjoy it! I only needed something this morning to deaden the hangover I had from last night. When I'm at work, I don't drink. I know I need my skills and sense with me. Last night, I just had a few drinks with Nexi as we discussed business."

This was true. What she didn't say was that Ulani had a few more drinks after Nexi had left. When she was alone with her thoughts.

Ethan sat down on his haunches by his mom and took her hand, "well, you were pretty tanked last night. Passing out, coming into our bedroom not knowing where you were. That can't be a good thing."

"Sometimes it doesn't pay to remember," Ulani confessed, her eyes becoming hollow.

"I know what you mean, but, I'm here for you, both of us are here for you; Buttercup and uh, Beefcake, you do know that right? You don't have to be alone."

The laughter made her temporarily forget her hangover. "Yes, I know. I plan on sticking around for a while. Keep this as a base of operations." She turned toward Beefcake and suddenly got that false serious look again. "You okay with that, Beefcake?"

"Sure." Dylan nodded, not really sure about how he felt about his future mother-in-law hanging around all the time. But hell, the woman clearly needed help and support.

"Mom, you need to be honest with me, with us, how are you really doing."

It was hard for Ulani to admit it, but she needed them. Al? these years, she had trained her brain to be self-sufficient. But Ethan asked for the truth. With a sigh, she sincerely stated, "Buttercup, your mom is tired of being alone. Staying on board will definitely be a help. I'll be with family."

"You're never going to be alone, Dylan and I will always be here for you. But maybe next time, you could stay, you know in your own place, we would like to maintain our privacy."

The devilish grin returned with a chuckle. "Are you sure? I mean I could probably teach you a thing or two about how to please your man, Buttercup!"

A sincere look came to her as she said, "Ethan, when I said I was lonely, I didn't just mean for family. I was loyal to your father. Even the years I have spent looking for you, I have been faithful. But now, I find myself longing an intimate touch." The grin returned as she blurted, "so don't be surprised if mom hooks up with someone while she's here."

Ethan's face burned a bright shade of crimson at his mother's suggestion that she could teach him about how to please Dylan and he wasn't quite sure what to say.

Her words about hooking up with someone else did little return his face to its normal color. he wasn't quite sure what to say at first. After a long pause he said, "I tell you what, just spare me the details and uh don't you know ask for our details."

"Your sure?" Ulani teased. "Beefcake, tell him momma knows best." She paused a moment for the reaction, then added, "Alright, I know when I need to give someone there space." With a wink and grin she followed with, "You two have a pleasurable day," before exiting to return to her quarters and clean up.

"Your mother is something else." Dylan groaned as the door closed behind her.

Ethan looked over at his lover, "Uh, you don't really think I should ask her do you, I mean you know about how to please you? She is Elysian, you know."

"You know how to please me." Dylan smiled at Ethan, "But hey...I'm not going to interfere in any conversations between mother and son so if you want advice then go for it."

"I don't know, that just seems like it would be more than just a little weird, but who knows. maybe I'll plan a little surprise for our wedding night."

He turned then and looked into his dark eyes, "I have a serious question for you. Please don't get mad a me for asking, but there are rumors that there are Section 31 agents on board. Are you one of them? Are you Section 31?"

"What?" Dylan looked shocked, "No!" he denied quickly, "I'm good old bog standard Starfleet Intel." he took Ethan's hand and added "I promise."

Ethan blew out a long breath. "Good," he said, I just wanted to make sure. I can live with you being a spy, but Section 31 would have been a little too much, I saw one of them commit a murder."

"You did?" Dylan raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, just before I got transferred here. Actually its the reason I got transferred here. I was on the Space Station Forrest wandering around, probably when I shouldn't be and saw everything happen. I even held the victim in my lap while he bled out. Later I got approached and they tried to recruit me."

"Wow..." Dylan looked shocked by the news, "I hope you said no." he added as he looked Ethan in the eye.

"I believed I added a few adjectives in front of the no, "Ethan reassured him, "hell would freeze over, before I'd work for them."

"Sounds like we have something in common then." Dylan smiled, "Because I hate them too. I know of good friends who've been lost thanks to getting involved with them." He reached out and pulled Ethan into his arms, grateful that the shady organisation hadn't gotten their dirty paws on Ethan and now that they were together he was sure as hell going to keep it that way.

Ulani awoke after some considerable sleep. The last few days have been a wonder for her. She had actually felt secure enough to allow herself to rest.

Ulani contributed this to the person lying next to her - Lieutenant Airi Saxa. Rolling over, she wrapped her arm around Airi and spooned snugly in to her. Up until last night, Ulani had thought she should take the lead in their relationship. She had seen herself as older. However, last night Airi had shown herself as a seasoned lover beyond her years. That's when Ulani realized that this body that Ulani now held was a host. Airi had many more years and hosts behind her, than the twenty- three year old pilot. From last nights experience, Ulani realized it would be more appropriate for Airi to take the lead in the relationship. And Ulani could live with that; she was becoming quite attached to Airi.

Ulani lightly kissed Airi on the cheek. She then eased out of the bed and walked into the restroom, closing the door behind her. Once inside, she turned on the hydroponic shower and climbed inside it.

Airi rested a little longer before opening her eyes. Feeling the emptiness of the bed, she mumbles a bit, pulling the covers over her tighter. It'd take a few minutes for her to wake up fully.

Ulani finished with the shower. She felt more awake now; all the morning haze removed from her head.

Returning to the bedroom, she smiled at Airi, still sleeping. Ulani was going to surprise her with breakfast, but she needed to get dressed first. Instead of using the voice commands on the replicator and risk awaking Airi, Ulani input them the old fashioned way - by hand.

Her face scrunched up a bit cutely as she turned over on her side facing the replicator, still asleep..

Once the fresh clothes were replicated, Ulani sat on the edge of the bed next to the machine. She pulled the clothes out and sat them on the nightstand. Leaning over from the seated position, Ulani gathered the clothes she wore last night, except the heels. She placed them in the replicator for reprocessing.

Her movement stopped as she let out a soft sigh. It'd been so long since she had gotten good, uninterrupted sleep. And she was loathe to wake from it just yet. Her thoughts about her lover made her chest react, and that made her blush some.

Hearing the sigh, Ulani turned to her and smiled. She whispered in Airi's ear, "I'm sorry if I woke you. I'll get dressed and make breakfast, you enjoy getting a few more minutes rest."

"Ya didn't hon.." She mumbled sleepily, giving a soft nod of her head and resolving to take those few minutes. Breakfast in bed, huh? Now she definitely wanted to see what Ulani had in mind.

Ulani slipped on the white thong and white short shorts. She smiled at her lover as she finished dressing and went out into the small kitchen area. Ulani replicated coffee. She wasn't sure how Airi liked it, so she had some sugar and cream replicated separately. Next, a nice hearty breakfast of pancakes and sausage with butter and maple syrup on the side. Lastly, she had a nice cold orange juice replicated for each of them. She arranged everything on two plates upon a tray and returned to the bedroom.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Ulani softly spoke, "Rise and shine, Hon! I've got breakfast here for you."

She stirred a bit, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Ulani's figure came into focus first...then the food. "Uwooh.." she mumbled, a smile on her face. "A pleasant surprise...thank you Lani." she smiled, sitting up in a meditative position on the bed so she could eat from her lap.

As Airi was still undressed, Ulani smiled as her look lingered at Airi's perkiness. Ulani put butter and poured the maple syrup over the pancakes. She cut a piece off, forked it and slowly held it to Airi's lips. Secretly, she hoped Airi thought the taste of her lips were sweeter than the syrup.

"The coffee is black, but there is cream and sugar on the tray if you need it," Ulani stated.

Recognizing the look at her chest, she blushed a lot and simply ate when offered the piece, taking her time to eat it properly. "Mmmn. That's good. The syrup is #2 on the sweetness list." she quipped, before adding a little bit of cream and sugar to the coffee.

"You, my Dear, have nothing to be embarrassed about," Ulani proffered. "I love the way you look. The times we've been together would not have been as passionate, if I didn't."

Ulani took a bite for herself. Remembering the sugar Airi put into her coffee. When she was done chewing, she inquired, "The syrup is number two? What's number one?"

Ulani cut another piece of pancake and lifted it to Airi's mouth again, as she listened.

Airi nodded. "I know. Just..gotta get used to this." She smiled a bit before giving her a knowing look. "Number one is how sweet your lips taste when we kiss." Then she ate the next piece of pancake with a bright smile on her face, her cheeks puffed slightly as she ate.

Ulani took a sip of her black coffee. She almost choked as she chuckled at Airi's answer. "I love your taste as well," she confessed. She took another bite of pancake and chewed. You are so amazing; it took until last night to realize that your experience goes beyond the twenty-three years of your host."

"Aww, you'll flatter me like that...but I do have quite a bit of experience. If you need to take lead for certain purposes, like..introducing me to your son, then feel free." Airi took a sip of her coffee as well. "I'm well rounded...and flexible. Or open-minded as they say."

"I thought of that," Ulani chuckled again. "Just to see his face when he sees how young you appear."

She got another bite ready for Airi. While she chewed, Ulani continued. "I'd like for it to be before we leave. We do have some things to do today, but maybe later tonight. After we finish breakfast, we need to have the computer give us a flight plan. And then you, my Dear, need to check with Captain Telvan and see if you can take leave before it becomes official. After all these things are taken care of, meet me at Ethan's quarters. Sound like a plan?"

"Yeah. I gotcha. Will check in with her after the flight plan's made." Airi nodded. "Then we'll meet up at his quarters and hope he doesn't freak out too badly."

Ulani fully laughed. "You know it doesn't matter to me how he takes it. Although I would like to believe he would support me. I've supported him through his lovers. I might have teased him a little, but I was always there for him."

The pancakes were gone. Ulani lifted the tray to clean things up. Placing things in the replicator to recycle, Ulani returned and sat next to Airi on the bed. "Ready to plan our caper?"

"Fair enough." she chuckled, leaning her head on Ulani's shoulder. "Sure thing, hon. I'm all ears."

Ulani so wanted to get to Golan II. The sooner they got there, two more would be down and Ulani would only have to contend with Rawnk. When Airi put her head on her shoulder, Ulani instinctively wrapped a arm around Airi's waist.

"Which way do you suggest we go?" Ulani asked. "You're the better pilot between us."

"Mmmm.." She mumbled, content with the arm around her slender waist. "I know a few shortcuts but they are rather risky. Normal flight parameters with us running underneath the scanning range should take us about 12 hours. That is, if we don't want to attract attention. If we do, could make it there in about half that time. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on those estimates."

"That sounds about right," Ulani agreed. "We definitely want in and out undetected." The scent of her lover's hair was making this a moment that would register in Ulani's memory banks in the future.

"It's settled then. We'll follow that flight plan." Airi nodded, smiling a bit. "I think I need to take a shower...but you like the scent of my hair anyway, right?"

Ulani took a pleasing sniff. "Mmmm ...yes!"

"Same here." She chuckled, before sliding over to sit on Ulani's lap for a moment, extending the moment a little longer before she'd have to get up and they'd have to go about their day.

Ulani reached a second arm around Airi's waist. These were moments to be cherished, not hurried. In such a short time, Ulani had grown so attached to Airi, she didn't wish to leave her presence. She knew she would have to do so; both of them had things to do separately today. However, holding this moment felt right. Hopefully, in the future, the two of them would have many more of these moments.

"Love you.." she murmured softly. "I don't usually say that...but we've got something special, Lani. I hope it will last, as long as we're both willing to make it last."

Ulani recognized the strong physical attraction she had to Airi. The passion between the two was real. It had been so long since she told someone that she loved them and truly meant, that is except for Jamie. But deep within her, U?ani knew the answer. Very quickly, she had become attached to sweet Airi's presence. She knew that Airi's past experience and love for her would lead to a life of risky adventure. That was something to which she looked forward. She didn't have to do this alone.

She squeezed Airi tighter and whispered, "I love you, Ri. You're my Sexy Saxa!"

Airi chuckled at both names. "I'm glad to hear it.. Ri and Lani, huh? Even the pet names are cute.." She didn't quite have a reply for the last comment, other than a blush.

"Shall we get the day started so that our errands get done? The sooner the day gets completed, the sooner I will find myself back in your arms," Ulani asked.

Airi threw up a thumbs up and jumped up out of her arms, landing on her feet. She makes it a point to gather her old clothes up slowly and replicate new ones of the exact same nature. Her uniform pants and boots go on first, along with her thigh holster. Then her undershirt, a second layer of light material that would deaden or blunt the impact of a phaser or energy weapon, and then the third layer being her uniform shirt. The fourth layer comprises her usual leather jacket.. "How do I look?"

"Ravishing!" Ulani exclaimed. "Although, as I said before," she added with a devilish grin, "I prefer you uncloaked."

"I know." she smiled a bit, winking at her. "Let's get this day over with so we can end it in each other's arms again.."

Lt. j.g. Airi Saxa
Chief Flight Controller
USS Hera

Ulani
Civilian and ret. Starfleet
USS Hera