Sinek was facing another decision of going against his father's wishes. He didn't think it would be so difficult. He had done so in the past. Plus, Sinek knew who he wanted. Who he chose to love. However, since T'Zal showed up, something trigger in his mind. It had been there all along, since the two babes were bonded in a ritual ceremony between two families so long ago. It was bidding Sinek to complete what was started.

Sinek needed to balance himself. He lit his meditation oil and sat with crossed legs before it. He had just brought his hands to his chin in the familiar triangle shape when his door chimed.

"Enter," Sinek voiced.

The door opened with a swish. A voice spoke from behind, which he realized was the one to whom he was bonded. "You are meditating," she said, "I will come back."

Sinek arose. "You are here now," he replied. "Stay and speak."

She did - for an hour the two were alone in Sinek's quarters. She left just as Angel approached. Seeing her competition for Sinek, the Vulcan female nodded, showing no emotion and continued on her way.

Angel paused outside Sinek's door, turning to watch as T'Zal passed by. She trusted Sinek implicitly, but she had to wonder just why the Vulcan woman had been there. Slipping through the door before it closed, she stopped short when she realized that Sinek had gone back to his meditation. "Oh. I guess I should have rung the chime..."

Stirred from his meditation, Sinek warned to her voice. "Not at all. Soon we shall experience this more often." Sinek blew out his lamp and arose to properly greet Angel with a kiss. "Of course then, we would probably be meditating together."

"That does seem likely." It still felt odd to discuss the topic, but the more they talked about it the more natural it felt to Angel. "Why was T'Zal here?"

Sinek raised a brow, not knowing that T'Zal had been seen leaving. "She came here in one last effort to convince me to forget about you. I informed her that I could not and that I would most likely release her from our bonding."

"What a treacherous woman." Angel couldn't quite hide her distaste at finding why T'Zal had visited, though she was happy that Sinek stood fast on his decision to release T'Zal and remain on the Hera. "I don't find it to be particularly logical for her to continue trying to sway you."

"Ponn far has that effect," Sinek calmly reasoned. "In fact, tomorrow she may become very irrational. If she does, you may be forced to fight. Are you familiar with the ahn-woon?"

"Never used one, but I know what it is." Already Angel didn't like the direction this was going in. Fighting an irrational Vulcan sounded like a disaster waiting to happen.

As if almost sensing her thoughts, Sinek explained, "T'Zal will be at a disadvantage fighting irrational. She has more power than you and she will recognize this, choosing a lirpa. You do not wish to get in a melee with lirpas. Her strength will overpower you. I suspect she will charge you in her rage. At that time, use the ahn-woon as a whip and wrap her, pulling T'Zal in to yourself. Then use the ends of the ahn-woon around her throat, cutting off her circulation."

It pained Sinek to speak of violence, especially to Angel. For The Vulcans being a peaceful race, this ritual was most violent. Sinek was growing to hate this tradition of his people.

"Are you sure this is a Vulcan tradition? It sounds more Romulan or Klingon." Angel couldn't help giving Sinek a somewhat shocked look, hearing him advise her on how to fight with the traditional weaponry. She knew how to use both a whip and a garrote, but that didn't mean she wanted to test those skills out on anyone tomorrow. "I don't like it. Even if I'm perfect... she's a lot stronger than me. And she knows these weapons a lot better than I ever will."

"It is an ancient ritual," Sinek agreed,"coming from a period before we evolved into who we are." Sinek allowed himself to show his saddened state. "The ahn-woon is the most ancient of Vulcan weapons."

He paused to gather his thoughts and to suppress the sadness. "Trust me, Angel. The Ponn Far will have T'Zal in a rage. She will overcharge to the point a lirpa is not effective. You must do as I have told you. Once you have cut the airways, all thought will be to survive, to get the ahn-woon from around her neck. You must hold on with everything you have within you. If you do, you will succeed."

He couldn't believe he was instructing someone on the subject of killing another being. Much less teach the one he chose to kill another Vulcan. It was against his moral ethics. Taking Angel's hands, Sinek intently looked into her eyes and inquired, "Do you understand?"

"If she attacks me I have no choice other than to kill her." It was not a question, but the doubt still lingered in Angel's voice. She understood the concept of a fight to the death and she certainly had no plans to take it easy on T'Zal if the woman did go after her. But she'd thought she'd gotten out of the business of killing people. "I don't like it, but I do understand."

Sinek softly kissed Angel. "As much as I would like for you to stay, you must prepare by resting. It will add to your advantage. I have needs to meditate." Only meditation would calm the conflict with which Sinek was struggling to keep suppressed.

"I have a headache anyway." Angel sweetly returned Sinek's kiss, lingering in his arms for just a moment. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Being bonded with Angel, Sinek couldn't help but to have some of her traits start rubbing off on him. He couldn't resist the response he gave her with the slightly raised corners of his mouth. "We are not yet officially married and you are already having headaches?"

"I've had one all day, and--" Angel stopped and looked at him, a mixed expression of awe and amusement on her face. "You never fail to surprise me."

Sinek allowed a brief smile as he held Angel. "You must get rest; restore your energy. As you do, know that I love you."

"I love you too. Good night." Feeling only slightly less worried about tomorrow, Angel gave him one more kiss and then quietly slipped out, going home to rest.

Daln was waiting in the gymnasium for training with his department. Everyone had to do it, including the new civilian and Jenny, who usually worked with a four-legged fear machine. Bart's teeth were a very effective deterrent against attempted escapes. He was dressed in work out clothes, as they were going to be practicing their fighting. Good hand-to-hand combat was essential for security personnel. He would see exactly how much work he had to do.

Jenny walked in, her hair in its usual braid, only it was down her back instead of over her shoulder. She was feeling nervous without Bart. She had relied on him too much recently, and now she was going to pay for it.

Hernandes entered, ready to take on the biggest guy there and win. She had spent years fighting with her brothers, and she was going to show these boys how to fight.

Franklin didn't mind training, he knew that he needed it, and, from what little he know of his new boss, such an exercise was going to be part of the regime. He walked in ready to do whatever it took.

Daln scowled at the chronometer. Tito was late. Again. "Well, we're going to start without him," he muttered to himself. "Okay, guys!" he yelled. "Pair up! No rules, no holds barred. Just try not to kill each other. Thorne, you're with me. Hernandes, take Gates through the ropes. Show him how it's done. Everyone else, pair off."

Jenny swallowed and nodded. Hernandes took one look at Gates, and smiled. She hoped he knew enough to hold his own.

Jenny squared off against Daln, she threw a jab in his direction, but he dodged. It wasn't a really powerful one, and he knew it. She was getting a feel for him. Daln responded in kind and she dodged, but it managed to connect with her ear.

The door to the gymnasium swished open and Nexi stepped just inside, leaning against the wall to watch the Security officers spar with each other, analyzing strengths and weaknesses in their movements with her arms crossed over her chest. Her eyes, in particular, were focused on Hernandes. Daln had asked for her help in dealing with the Latina/Betazoid woman and Nexi was not one to disappoint...

Franklin looked over at Hernandez expectantly. He was pretty sure he could take whatever the other officer wanted to dish out. he'd at least give her a run for his credits. "Well?" he asked.

Hernandes started towards Gates, her hands up, high enough to guard her face, but low enough to guard her stomach. She tried out a short jab, but Gates dodged it. She did it again, a couple more times with her left hand, but on the second time she lunged out with her right foot and kicked him in the stomach.

Franklin wasn't able to avoid the blow altogether. but he did manage to tense his muscles when the blow came, lessening the effect of the attack. Still it moved him back several feet. He gave her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes and after he had gathered himself, mirrored her kick or at least feinted the attack, hoping to catch her off guard, he then aimed a left jab towards her solar plexus.

Jenny was a little nervous facing off against Daln, because he'd know everything she was planning. She threw a punch towards his nose, but Daln swung to the side, and pushed her arm out to the side. Oh yeah, he thought to himself. She's out of practice.

Hernandes sidestepped the punch and let it go through, then pulled his arm through, straining the tendons.

Franklin grimaced in pain but he wasn't going to go down easy. He went with the motion, then with his free arm, throw an elbow towards her face.

Jenny tried to kick Daln, but he grabbed her foot and threw her on the ground.

Nexi snorted as she watched the weak display before her. Man, they all needed a swift kick in the ass at this rate. Except Daln, she had something else in mind for that ass... That had her grinning as she watched the two groups duking it out. That Hernandez chick definitely needed to be taken down a peg or two, but for now she wanted to let the fights play out without any interference; after all, it wasn't just Hernandez who needed a lesson here, the other two, Gates and Thorne, needed this workout.

Jenny lashed out with her legs and toppled Daln to the ground. She then got on his shoulders and began punching his face. He brought his legs up and wrapped them around her and pulled her back from him. However, she grabbed onto his neck with her thighs and slammed him between them several times. Daln grunted. She was getting the hang of it....

Hernandes ducked under the elbow, grabbed Gates's knee, and judo flipped him over her back. Stepping on his chest, she said, "You're dead," with a smug smile. "Good workout, though." She offered him a hand.

Franklin just looked up at her and smiled. "Next time he replied."

Nexi laughed opening at the display between Jenny and Daln. Ah, that girl... though if she bloodied up Daln's face, Daln was gonna have to hold Nexi back from breaking Jenny in two. Not that she thought for a second that Daln couldn't handle himself, but she felt a sudden possessive urge in regards to Daln, feeling that it was her right to protect what was hers. So did that mean Daln was hers? Nexi shook her head to dismiss the thought. Meh, way too deep thinking and not nearly enough booze...

Thorne and Daln disengaged and got to their feet, Jenny throwing a punch towards Daln, but he caught it and pulled her hand behind her back before letting her go.

"You've gotten too dependent on Bart, Jen." he said.

"Yeah, I know." Jenny was not happy about it. She knew Bart was a great partner, but she had to be able to handle herself.

"I'll get together with you in a bit to help you..." he trailed off as he saw Nexi. He grinned. "I think this should be entertaining, though. Nexi!" he called.

Nexi pushed off the wall she'd been leaning against and strode over to the combatants, Gates first. Sizing him up she gave Daln a nod. "Competent," she said to Daln, then made her way over to Thorne. "Timid, lacks confidence and practice. Keep her out of the field until she's made improvements," she continued to relay to Daln. thens he finally ended her pacing with Hernandez. "Powerhouse, but overconfident." Oh yeah, this was gonna be fun...

"So tell me, that jock strap you wear, is it empty or did you grow a big set of brass ones to fill it out?" Nexi asked the Latina woman mockingly, though the woman certainly walked around like she had something to prove.

Alyanna glared at the other woman. Alyanna was the best fighter in the Security Dept save the Chief, in her own humble opinion. "Bugger off, Nexi."

"Ooh, did I strike a nerve?" Nexi said with a teasing pout. "Little bit disappointed you weren't born male? Or maybe daddy was disappointed? Certainly explains why you're overcompensating."

Alyanna snarled at the woman. "My father has four sons. He wanted me to be a girl. He was ecstatic when I was born."

"Then why do you walk around like you've got something to prove?" Nexi said with narrowed eyes. Then, without any warning, she struck, throwing a punch at Hernandez's jaw. She had hoped to bait the woman into throwing the first punch, but Nexi didn't have all day to find the right pressure points, but the woman was nice and riled up, more than enough to make her unbalanced and emotional, which was exactly what Nexi wanted.

Hernandez felt her head swing back at the other woman's blow, but then Hernandez got really mad. Alyanna stepped forward and hit her in the chest with all her strength and weight behind it, knocking the breath out of her.

Nexi took the blow and then some, but she wasn't going down, not yet! Hernandez was definitely a skilled fighter, there was no doubt about that, but it was wild and unfocused now that the Latina woman was angered. Nexi opted to play defense in this dance for a while, letting Hernandez wail on her with her powerful fists, even let a few holes in her defense slip to allow Hernandez to get in a few pot shots, but it was all part of her plan to tire out the Security Officer.

just when it looked like Nexi was about to be beaten into submission, she kicked out and swept her opponent's legs, toppling Hernandez to the floor. In the same motion, she drew her pike which was tucked under her jacket at the small of her back. At first it looked like nothing more than a short sword with a slightly long handle, but with a practiced flick of her wrist the handle extended to a full sized staff and then she was leveling the blade at the downed Security Officer.

"Why are you fighting?" Nexi barked out, then lunged at the woman.

Hernandes rolled and then came up onto her knees, trying to get to her feet. "Because I have to! I'm a Security Officer, you leftover trash! I fight because I must!"

Nexi backhanded the Latina woman while she was finding her feet, adding a jolt to the blow to add effect. "I am your enemy, I am here to kill you!" Nexi bellowed as she continued to pursue Hernandez, taking a swipe at the woman with her pike, intentionally missing but just barely. "This isn't a game, you don't fight to win, you fight live! You fight so that the officer next to you can live! That is the life you have chosen, so act like it!"

Hernandes knocked Nexi to the ground again and, standing over her, stomped on her chest. Again. Her face. Tried to stomp her into the ground.

Daln was getting nervous. Nexi, things are getting a little crazy, he said. I think you should allow her to calm down some.

Oh, Nexi would calm her down alright! During a stomp Nexi grabbed Hernandez's foot and held it to her chest. Nexi's hand sparked and she released a jolt through the Latina woman, and didn't stop until Hernandez was on the ground. As soon as Hernandez was down, Nexi let go and pulled herself to her knees, bringing her hand to her nose to straighten it back out, spitting out a mouthful of blood onto the mat. then she was by Hernandez's side, putting her face right next the other woman's. Hernandez was awake, but barely. "Undisciplined, no control whatsoever. And you call me trash..."

Nexi pulled herself to her feet with a groan. Damn, that woman could throw a beat down! Nexi would hate to be on the receiving end of Hernandez's ire once she gained a bit more discipline and focus! Of course, next time, Nexi wouldn't hold back... "I think... a trip to the infirmary... might be in order," Nexi said as she staggered on her feet. But she had the biggest grin on her face. "And I cannot wait to do this again!"

Daln grimaced. This had not gone the way he thought it would. "Okay, people," he said. "We're done for the day."

"No arguments there..." Nexi muttered as she stumbled out to go to Sickbay

OFF:

Lt Daln Hadren
Chief Security Officer

Nexi
Infiltration

Franklin Gates
Security Investigations

ON

Ishakawa strode onto the bridge, he had learned that much as he delved again into the sacred writings of the Hagakure; having lived by memory it was good to confirm he knew it well. The rituals of being with the sword again came naturally and now he was on a new vessel. Having arrived on a special supply run he felt better about having duty. His appearance was as it should be, the uniform crisp but not new, he liked to ''wear things in' as to be comfortable but proper. Replicating for a one or two time use seemed a waste of resources. He would not let the Fleet Department of Personnel down in their choice to assign him to the Hera.

With measured steps he could project the way of the Warrior; a true Samurai in his heart and actions. Coming to the door he need not adjust his jacket or uniform they were as ready for what came as he would be battle if it presented itself.

He rang the chime to be allowed access.

"Come in," Enalia called, the doors to her ready room parting to reveal the man on the other side. Her first impression was that he was a bit stiff but in a good way. She hoped that that impression was correct. "Lieutenant, Ishakawa, I presume. Please, have a seat."

"Thank you for your time Captain." He gave a respectful bow before moving to the desk to offer the PADD with his orders. "The Transfer ma'am, It is an honor to be here." He said and took the offered seat.

Taking the PaDD and glancing it over, Enalia sent it to her desk terminal and handed the PaDD back. "It's good to have you with us. We've been waiting on your arrival for a little while now. I'm sure assignments got papers crossed again as usual. So... I first have to ask how familiar you are with the computer, sensor, and comm systems aboard a Nebula class vessel like this. I've read your file, but I want to hear it in your own words."

"The computers and especially the Communications systems I am familiar with; I have more experience with comm systems to be honest, the sensory array has not been recently upgraded and I am able to work with the current systems. I have been refreshing myself with the most current schematics and to be honest technology only seems to make things easier but the complexity of the new systems are easily predictable. They are in essence the same basic princeipal just modernized to do more with smaller modular parts Ma'am."

"Excellent. And yeah, the Hera may be older, but she's still got some of the best sensors in the fleet. Take good care of her and she'll take good care of you." Enalia replied, leaning back in her chair and relaxing a bit. "I'll expect you to be proficient in maintaining all those systems as well as running Ops and pulling six hour shifts on the bridge as well. Odds are, you'll be the new night watch commander. Ensign Lazibumm hasn't been very thorough with the shift reports lately anyway."

"It would be an honor." Ishakawa said with a revernce he felt at being trusted. "I have taken watches as Officer of Deck before and know the procedures." He added. "I have noted that the Communications Array has been among the last for updates, there are a few modifications that could be implemented with routine maintenances, it will be a slow process but will not take systems off line as a total upgrade would. With permission I would implement the schedule or switching out components to do a slow upgrade?" He nod hopefully. "I have great experiences with Communications; was top of class with honors. I have been working with subspace relays since I was child."

"You sound like a shoe-in, then. Unfortunately, I can't authorize any upgrades at tis time. Since the ship skipped forward in time by four years, everything is still new and the runtimes aren't high enough to warrant replacement. Technically, we just had a complete refit less than a year ago and Starfleet isn't interested in dedicating the resources for another." Enalia explained.

"I will have notes for replacement to impelment upgrade during routine Remove and Replace, it will be a process that will end in the same results." Ishakawa suggested.

"As long as you can work through any possible incompatabilities without any downtime, go for it. Coordinate it with Commander Fairchild to make sure there aren't any conflicts with Engineering and the industrial replicator." The Hera's industrial replicator was big enough to replicate a workbee whole in less than an hour, but Enalia still worried about relying too heavily on it - it used insane amounts of power to run.

"I shall make sure no resources are taken off line, this will be done in scheduled maintinance and routings accordingly, one will never know until igher performance." Ishakawa said with pride. "The act will validate my words."

"Then I look forward to the results." Enalia said with a somewhat kind smile. "If there's nothing else, again, welcome aboard. Dismissed."

"Thank you sir." Ishakawa said , stood and departed



OFF

Captain Enalia Telvan
Commanding Officer

&

Lt Taro Ishakawa
CHief of Operations

ON

Ishakawa had the padd that felt heavenlier than most holding his medical records; the had pages for the wounds inflicted upon him during slavery; a majority were 'healed, and not apparent on the surface. The notes of repairs and skin regeneration's were quite the read, if one is a Medical Doctor.

On his way to the Hera Ishakawa memorized the Senior Staff as they would be his number one people to look after; the master... captain would like it that way he is sure. But the regulations state he must be checked again by the Chief Medical Officer or a qualified member of the Medical staff. Ishakawa would have liked the EMH; they do not have a judgmental personality where it seemed Doctor like to lecture patients.

He walked onto the Sick bay and with only a few seconds managed to note exactly where he needed to be.

"Doctor Chaparral." Ishakawa greet with a smile as it was a pleasant method of introduction. "I am Taro Ishakawa, the New Operations Chief, I have come for my medical evaluation." He offered the PADD to the Doctor as he spoke.


Ethan had been a bit preoccupied, before Taro arrived, trying to decide between Risa an Paris for a wedding, this after treating a patient with the flu and a young Ensign who had got into a sparing match with a bulkhead and lost.

When the new officer had spotted, he quickly sat the PAaD down and stood to greet him. Taking the offered PAaD, Ethan said, "Good afternoon Lieutenant, "have a seat on he biobed there, while I have a read."

"Of course Doctor." Ishakawa said simply.

Ishakawa did as bidden and removed his jacket to fold it neatly beside him and looked straight ahead at the Doctor as he waited; the lower jaw and upper neck were his target, it would take a bit for all the wounds to be cataloged and the repairs documented. Two years under the Orion Rules of labor were not what one thinks of as kind.

Ethan's eyes widened slightly as he began examining the man. "Do you want to tell me what happened?" he asked as he pulled out a tricorder.

"The Orion Syndicate are not a bunch known for their hospitality; impressment takes on a whole new meaning." He looked the Doctor in the eye. "You live to serve this ship' to an Orion is an ultimatum not a request, I served but not well. They seemed to think they could take my Honor, Bushido would not allow me to bow before them though as you read they tried in force."

"Lieutenant I can assure you, that I am probably the only one on this ship that knows something of what you're going through. I was kidnapped and they took me from here. They wanted me to give them what I knew about bio-weapons. They tried to fu, mess me up too. I even lost my arm over it."

"Ho." Ishakawa said in the strong Male 'Yes' acknowledgement. "You are fortunate if that is all they took; I was dishonored and my Karma will never recover."

"They took more then that," Ethan replied, "they even tattooed Ian's Property on my chest. But how did they dishonor you?"

Ishakawa tensed visibly, it was not a subject he readily spoke of, but there is a time and place for all things to be in the light. "I helped to repair those things that took innocent lives because I was weak." He put simply. "I lived to serve those ships... to protect those lives that were taken despite..." His jaw locked for a second. "I was a pawn to them and played as such." He nod as though that were all need be said of it.

"I'm not going to push you," the doctor said,but if you ever want to talk about it, I think I can relate. Is there anything I do need to know as your doctor?"

"I - have trouble sleeping, I find I must wear myself out physically, you might note several strains and such as my ability for physical output is ... long endurance. I was instructed by those in rehabilitation to inquire for aids should my body become over taxed in a medical opinion?" He looked over. "I had trouble avoiding... dreams." He admired since the Doctor would have an understanding of the problem perhaps better than those who had seen to his rehabilitation and not been through similar events?

"Oh hell, "Ethan said, "I know all about dreams. I have to be careful not to self medicate. I've probably woken up Dylan more times than I can count. Sinek,our Chief Science Officer taught me to meditate, and, and we did a mind meld. It helped a lot. I can give you something to help you sleep. But it can be addictive. I'd have to monitor you and your use."

"I-I trust your judgement." Ishakawa said as he had to admit this is among the first people outside those in the events that might actually have an idea of what the Orions threw at him. "I will not use it unless my usual methods cannot assure me getting the rest I need Doctor." He was reluctant to even ask but he knew that he needed the rest and the Doctor had put out the first vibes that Ishakawa might eventually trust.

"Good, I'm going to finish checking you over and then I'll give you some pills. I want you to let me know if you need to use them. Okay?'

"A-as you say Doctor." It was showing a weakness, he hated it yet it was to help him recover at the same time. "I would enjoy a night of sleep and if it works well I can see where it would become a habit." Ishakawa said almost coldly. "Trust me when I say I will not try to use them too often, the goal is to be able to sleep on my own if I am correct?"

"Yes, that's the goal. But, like I said you might want to talk to Sinek."

"I am not a fan of counselors." Ishakawa said solemnly. "They tend to take too high a view of their abilities and power they wield over a career." He said. "The hagakure states People with Intelligence will use it to fashion things both true and false and will try to push through whatever they want with their clever reasoning. This is injury from Intelligence." He put flatly. "I have not met a counselor that did not think they were superior."


"Well Sinek isn't a counselor, he's just a science officer, and a good friend. But I'm not going to try to force you into anything. I'm not a counselor and I know I'm not superior, but I'm free of you ever want to talk. And my fiance is Chief of Intel, I think i can relate there too."

"I will consider your suggestion." Ishakawa said. "I apologize as it seems Doctors always refer me to counselors. I know I should talk of it but I do not wish to unbury them even from under the shallow grave I am trying to use for the memories." Ishakawa replied. "I became a Ronin because of them, but the Bushido teaches one must be a Ronin several times in his life to be a true Samurai."

"I understand, "Ethan replied, "I mean about the whole counselor thing. And I do know a little about the Samurai code, I have read a little history. But it does sound fascinating. Would you like to come over for dinner sometime and we could talk more about that?"

"I would be honored." Ishakawa said with a slight bow of the head. "You are kind; I am at your service."

Ethan returned the bow. Now let me run this scan, and then I'll give you that prescription,then we can both be on our way. I'm sure you have other places you'd like to be than in sickbay."

"You have a wisdom Doctor." Ishakawa agreed. "I would rather see you in more 'social' setting. I have spent much time in sickbays; with respects, would rather avoid for a time." He gave a softer expression from his hardened face. "And I have a department I must put in order."

Ethan ran a scan and found about what he had expected to find under the circumstances. There were some old and new injuries that had, for the most part healed, albeit some of them badly. After he was done he said, "Well, I'm going to pass you. But you might want to consider some physical therapy."

"I have started an exercise regimen that is working out the entire body." Ishakawa told. "I was thinking of a massage therapy for compensating for the body while I am rebuilding it." He was not going to admit the pain he had to endure to get the body back into that fighting trim it once had been.

"We do have some competent massage therapist here," the doctor said, "if you decide to move forward with that let me know."

"I will be sure to do so." Ishakawa replied. "It is a strong possibility." He admitted.


"Very well, you're dismissed Lieutenant. But my door is always open. And, I'm making lasagna tomorrow if you want to stop by, say around 18:30? Oh, and when I say make, I mean cook, not just replicate. uh I guess I should ask if you like lasagna."

"If I am not the one cooking I like food of many kinds." Ishakawa tried the joke. "Will I be helping with dishes?"

"No, I think I can spare you that chore too."Ethan responded, "I'll make my husband to be do that."

"Then I shall see you at 18:30." Ishakawa replied as he slipped off the table and started to leave.


OFF?

&

Lt. Taro Ishakawa
Chief OPS

Lt. Commander Ethan Chaparral
CMO

Daln was worried about Nexi. Someone she knew had come back from the dead, and he knew that had to affect her. He was headed down to the Intel offices with a basket of muffins for Nexi. He had another one in Security, and another in his quarters to bring to Sickbay, but this one was just for Nexi. He had two bottles of mead in the other hand, and he wasn't in his uniform. Hopefully it would help Nexi to have a little down time to get stuff off her chest. He was just about there when he bumped into her...literally.

"Oof!" he yelled. "Sorry," he said picking up the bottles and the one muffin that had spilled. Then he saw who he had bumped into. "Nexi. Hi." He grinned at her, still a little unsure of how she felt about their relationship.

Nexi took the muffin in his hand and, uncaring that it had just been on the floor, took a big bite out of it. "Hey," she said around a mouthful of muffin. She picked up the PaDD she had been carrying and dropped in the tumble, inadvertently revealing Starfleet study material for enlistment as she tucked it under her arm. "what's up?"

Daln held up the bottles and the basket of muffins. "I was thinking maybe you would like to go to the holodeck? Relax a little?"

"Sure, why not," Nexi responded with a shrug. "I was on my way to the 'Star to do some reading, but this works too." She started walking with him towards the holodeck, still munching on her muffin. Mmmm, uttaberries... "You know, I've been meaning to ask someone, how the hell do you 'Fleeters get anything done with all these damned things you gotta read?" she asked as they walked.

Daln bit back a laugh. "Some days I wonder that myself. The ones who have to read the most are admiralty and captains, then department heads. Crewmen don't need to do a lot of reading, but they're not very high up in the ranks, either. However, the more reading you have to do, like the captain or Commander Fairchild, the more you can delegate. It's also a matter of balancing the reading with other things. For instance, I have five reports to read when I get home," he said, sighing. He punched in the holoprogram and they entered.

It was a sunlit meadow with wild flowers in bloom, and a whispering creek somewhere behind the trees to the right. He sat down on the ground and picked out a muffin. He loved his grandmother's recipe, even if he couldn't always get it right.

"I hope I never have to be in charge," Nexi said as she flopped on the ground beside him, munching on her muffin as she watched a few puffy clouds float by in the sky. "I like getting my hands dirty and doing things. All this sitting around and operating computers and reading stuff is boring."

Daln chuckled. "Yeah, it can be. That's part of why I went into Security. It's much more hands on. Also, I'm hopeless when it comes to technical stuff like repairing computers or medicine. And don't ask me to be a therapist. The most science I know is gardening, baking, and sewing, but I do know my way around a cockpit." He looked at Nexi as he took another bite. "How's the studying going?"

"Boring," Nexi said with a dull sigh. "It's all just rules, rules, and more rules, another thing that makes me wonder how you guys get anything done, there's a fucking rule for like everything. At least working Intel I'm allowed to break some rules or I'd never fit in here."

Daln nodded. "Yep. Have to keep everyone in line. And if they step out of line, it's my job to put them in the brig. Or stun them, which can be fun," he added with a teasing smile. He took the last bite of his muffin. He was wondering what they were. Were they lovers? Friends with benefits? On the way to something more? Or was he fooling himself? To distract himself from the turn his thoughts were going, he asked her about Ven. "I heard your friend came back from the dead. Impressive. But I don't know how that's going to affect the crew."

"Don't know what the rest of the crew thinks, but it's messed up," Nexi said. She finished off the last of her muffin and continued to stare skyward. "I mean it's good that he's back, I think, but it's weird. I went to see him in Sickbay after Amelia brought him back, but I didn't know how to react. How's a person supposed to react to something like?"

He shook his head. "I don't know. I have no idea how I'd react if one of my dead friends came back to life. Like Danila. She died during the Battle of Betazed. And I've hated Jem'Hadar ever since."

"I think what sucked most about Ven's death was there was nothing we could do about it," Nexi said with a heavy sigh. "How do you fight those soul-sucking fuck-tards that killed him? You don't, there was nothing anyone coulda done!" She took a breath like she was about to continue, then paused, looking confused about something, and her thoughts on the matter were so clouded and turbulent that there was nothing Daln could see with any clarity. "no, I think was really sucked most was that he was one of the first real friends I ever had," she eventually continued. "The life I've led, you don't really get friends, or at least nothing beyond that sense of camaraderie from working a lot of jobs with someone... Then I came to Hera and suddenly I got all these people I cared about and wanted to protect, and I couldn't protect him. I never lost someone I cared about, not since my mom..." She sounded really sad and she felt lost. She sighed again and tried to stop thinking about all this mess.

He put an arm around her shoulders, wondering if she needed a shoulder, literally. He'd hold her all night if she needed him to. Everyone needed it now and then. Even marines. "You never let yourself get close to anyone?" he asked. He couldn't make heads or tails of her thoughts, but he could feel the pain and confusion. He'd never seen her in such a vulnerable state before. It only made him feel more protective of her.

"No. Being vulnerable and letting people in gets you killed out there. It was a lot simpler, I didn't have to worry about people betraying me because I assumed they'd do it anyway. And it didn't matter either way, I'd do my part and walk away once I was paid. It was simpler, easier..." And lonelier...

Looking into her eyes, he chose his words carefully. "Having friends and people you care about means that you are alive. Being alone all the time, and never trusting anyone...it kills you inside until you're just going through the motions of life and that's no way to live." He stroked her cheek. "Besides, do you think any of us would let you leave?"

"Sometimes I want to leave," Nexi admitted, not realizing that she was leaning in to his touch. "It really was easier, I didn't have all the responsibilities I have now, and I didn't have to worry about the people I care about getting hurt, but I don't want to be alone like that again..." And she could never leave Aewia alone, and though she couldn't admit it yet, she didn't want to leave Daln either. "It doesn't kill you inside to be that alone, just kinda makes you numb, numb enough that you don't care if you're alive or dead..." But now she was starting to care, she wanted to be alive now!

Stroking her cheek with his thumb, he asked, "Do you really want that again? Knowing how great it feels to be alive and whole with people who care about you?" Dark eyes searched dark eyes. "That might possibly love you?"

"But it hurts when you lose the people you care about..." Nexi said, looking away from Daln, her word of course referencing Ven, but really she was trying to avoid his confession of love. Nexi didn't know what love was, she didn't know what to do with his love. She sighed; this was far more complicated than the life she used to live, but stars above, she couldn't go back to the way things once were...

Daln closed off slightly, pulling back his hand. "That's part of life. But being with people who care and that you care about, sometimes it feels as if you could fly. It's not easy, but the Four Deities never promised it would be. They only promised it would be worth it."

Well it wasn't like she was going anywhere; Nexi wouldn't leave Aewia, she at least that far she was in this for better or worse, but now with these feelings that were tangled up between her and Daln, Nexi didn't know what to do. She knew that when she was with him her heart beat a little faster and when they were apart she would keep thinking of him throughout the day; she knew that she enjoyed learning about him and that she wanted to know more, and she knew that she liked the way he would fuss over her and pamper her despite her claims otherwise. Nexi had grown up living a hard life, she really did not understand what love was, and nor could she see just how bad she had it when it came to Daln.

Nexi looked at Daln not really knowing what to say. She was no conversationalist, so she had reached the limits of what she could manage in one sitting, but she did feel the need to do or say something to Daln to assure him that... well, she didn't know what she was assuring him of, but whatever it was felt pretty damned important.

"I'm here," she said with a sigh. "I'm here and I am trying to do this right. I don't know the right thing to do, but I'm still trying." She was so afraid she was going to mess things up with Daln, she just hoped he could understand what she was trying to tell him.

Hadren nodded. "You're here. And you're learning. Everyone is always learning, and anyone who says they are masters of it is lying. You never reach mastery, but the journey is quite a ride."

Nexi offered a half laugh with a lopsided grin; yeah, her time with Daln had been an interesting ride so far... "Yeah, but at least you have a basic understanding of how the ride works," she said, leaning against him. "Aewia thinks we're going too slow. She asked if we were moving in with you anytime soon," she added with a chuckle.

Daln laughed with her. "Do you want to? You'll love my cooking."

"I already like your cooking," Nexi replied, but then thought about it. "Alright, but only if you'd be okay with Aewia staying with us. She's becoming more independent, but she's not ready to live on her own yet. But I don't want things to be weird between you two since you were together once."

Daln shook his head, still smiling. "I doubt it. It was quite a while ago and I think she'll get the idea I don't want sex from her. I mainly used her to lose my virginity--and then some--and then ignored her while I went out with my friends. I was a teenager."

Nexi chuckled again. "Nah, she knows you don't want her, and she ain't got no interest in sex anyway because of the brain damage... I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't be weirded out living with an old fling or with a grown woman that sometimes acts like a child."

Daln shook his head. "Nah. It might be like having a sister, and I've never had a sister. Just my brother, Vien, and he's great, but I always wondered what it would be like."

"Alright, then I guess we're moving in," Nexi said with a grin. Then after a long silence, she looked at him. "Have we done enough of the talking part for it to be time for the sex part?" she asked.

Daln's grinned widened as he leaned closer to kiss her. His left hand found her hair, twisting in it, as his right went to the top of her shirt and he unbuttoned it, pushing it off her shoulders.

Nexi leaned back to rest on the holographic grass, pulling Daln down with her so that he was pressing her into the ground. This part she had no problem understanding...


Nexi
Infiltration Officer

Lt Daln Hadren
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

In the mess hall, the ship's chef had laid out a grand buffet of real food - a pricey matter considering that it depleted her stocks of several ingredients and spices. But none the less, Miril aimed to please and let out all the stops for the banquet. She just hoped that the array of foods, both vegetarian and omnivore, weren't too overwhelming for the ambassadors. Putting the finishing touches on a platter of fresh veggie rolls, she wheeled the last cart out to the buffet and moved the trays in place.

A few people had already gathered, but it seemed that the guests of honor and most of the senior staff weren't going to be early to this event. That was fine as long as everyone enjoyed the food. Heading back into the kitchen, she stood by for any special requests. The only thing she was worried about was the wall of Vulcan artifacts... a gong and several Lirpas, among them. That was rather ominous even to her. At least the bar was a nice and respectful setup, a couple of really nice ladies were running that and she approved of having an open bar at a function like this anyway. It helped ease tensions.

Daln was already there in dress uniform, watching as people came in. He wasn't wearing a phaser--of course--but he needed to be ready just in case of an altercation. That was why he had five security guards stationed around, including Hernandes, Gates, and Thorne. Bart was nowhere to be seen because tensions were certain to get high and Daln didn't want the canine growling and snarling at people. The dog was good at his job, but sometimes he was overeager.

Commander Sinek arrived in his dress whites. Although the dress whites clashed with his greenish skin, Sinek had the uniform pristine in appearance. He arrived earlier and noticed there were lirpas, but no ahn-woons. He had quickly left and replicated a pair of them. He now returned with them and walked to the display of lirpas. He added the ahn-woons next to the lirpas.

Never a fan of the stiff white uniform that always seemed to restrict her breathing, Angel had spent considerable time looking into alternatives that Starfleet found acceptable for such functions. Her background with Section 31 and working in security led her away from the sparkly floor-length dresses so many female officers chose when avoiding the uniform. They had no pockets but more importantly they were difficult to move in. Instead, she'd looked into fabric and color variations for the dress uniform. What she'd come up with was a soft red fabric with just a touch of stretch, with accents in a deeper red. Wearing it in the mess hall now, she was easily spotted, but she was comfortable. Right now, that's what mattered.

Watching as Sinek replicated a pair of ahn-woons, Angel shook her head and sighed, trying not to take that as a sign that things might get ugly this evening.

Enalia entered the hall dramatically, a beautiful green woman with miles of cleavage on her arm. Enalia was dressed in her dress whites and somehow her smile shone brighter than the white of her uniform. Her date was wearing a purple evening gown with sequin trim and what could only be tribble fur lining. They headed towards Angel, both of them smiling like twin suns.

Nexi smiled with a nod at Enalia as she came into the redecorated mess hall with the Maica hologram on her arm. They made a really nice pair... Nexi spun an alcohol bottle over the back of her hand as she served up a drink with flair; she knew she didn't have to 'work', she was a guest as much as anyone else here, but these sorts of things were so boring in Nexi's opinion, so tending the bar was by far a lot more amusing. While she poured a tray of wine glasses, Daln caught her eye. Once a waiter came by for the tray of wine glasses to serve to the guests, Nexi leaned against the bar with a 'come hither' crook of her finger at Daln. He looked good in his dress uniform... She suddenly felt under dressed in her jeans and heavy boots, but at least she had put on a really nice shirt and let Aewia do her hair.

Enalia nodded back to Nexi, a twinkle in her eye. They'd be getting a drink before long, but first a bit of mingling.

Aewia, dressed in a nice shimmery silver and gold flowing dress with a purple sash around her waist, caught a hint of Nexi's intentions and giggled softly as she mixed a selerian sunrise for an ensign that had been eyeing her a while. She wasn't sure if he was interested in her or her apparently unknown skill at bartending, but she enjoyed the attention for now.

Daln headed over to the bar to get his drink. He couldn't stay long, and he couldn't have alcohol because he was on duty. He needed to be able to keep a clear head if someone got out of hand. He might be able to fight a Vulcan, but not if he was buzzed. He leaned against the bar, smiling at Nexi, while glancing from time to time at the room. "What's a girl like you doing in a place like this?" he asked. It was a line that was used to death, but it still worked.

"Looking for a naughty boy like you," Nexi said with a coy smirk, offering him a non-alcoholic drink since she knew he could get buzzed while in charge of banquet security. She saw him glancing out at the room, and chuckled. "Relax, I'm keeping an eye on things too," she assured him. Just as with the bartending, she knew she didn't have to worry about safety here, but it was easy from where she was, she had a clear view of the whole room.

Without pretense the doors were all that announced the entrance of one Taro Ishakawa; trying not to pull at the collar of the white dress uniform, he had the smaller Tanto blade in a military style chain and scabbard; a black woven silk 'knot called a 'peace tie' so not to be easily drawn and show it is for ceremony not combat, at his side. The Dress whites still felt still; most of his uniforms felt tight compared to the over sized coveralls of his time in Orion Slavery. Slipping into the room he used the wall to keep himself unobtrusive as he moved into the room. A new ship; new command Chain and a brand new chance at duty. He could ask for no more considering this is all he had at the moment; to be just another Officer among the many at this Officially sanctioned gathering.

The words of the Hagakure came to him; the recorded sayings of Yamamoto Jin, 'If you understand one affair you will understand eight.' This is what he would do along with the belief that when speaking look the other important party in the eyes; after years of being beaten to keep his eyes down cast this is difficult for Ishakawa. HE had to put thought behind the actions to look above shoulder level.

Ishakawa determined to make a proper showing as an Officer this night, Samurai are servants after all.

Now was the time for the Vulcans' grand entrance. Vesik led the two females into the hall in pompous fashion. All were wearing traditional Vulcan Ritual robes with Vulcan symbols embroidered down the front. T'Zal wore white.

Finding Sinek, Vesik approached him. "I disapprove that you are not in Vulcan attire."

"I am serving at a Star Fleet formal function," Sinek evenly responded. "What is logical to wear?"

"You know what is happening tonight," Vesik pushed. "That makes it a traditional Vulcan ritual. It is your culture."

"Culture or no," Sinek reasoned, "I am an officer of Star Fleet. A Commander. Something that you have not noticed since your arrival. I must do what is expected."

"I see a Vulcan scientist," Vesik continued. "Complete the bond and come home to Vulcan. Take your place in the Science Institute. You have much to offer your home."

"He has much to offer Starfleet as well, or have you forgotten that he has offered his life to serve?" Angel kept her tone light and conversational, even if the comment might be considered catty. She'd joined them while Vesik was scolding his son for not wearing Vulcan robes. "This is hardly the time to be trying to convince him to go home to Vulcan."

Enalia decided to walk up and chime in at that point as well, likely about to instill disaster into the encounter. "Might I also add that I've already agreed to marry these two?" Then Maica cleared her throat and Enalia remembered her manners. "Excuse me for my lack of manners. I'd like to introduce you all to Maica. She just arrived today and I'd like to think we've hit it off amazingly so." Maica smiled brilliantly and curtsied slightly at the introduction.

Daln put down his drink and edged closer to the group, wanting to be nearer in case of an altercation and he could sense it coming. Vulcans may attempt to suppress their emotions, but that did not mean they didn't have them deep down. He stopped a few yards away from the group, as did Thorne and Hernandes. And where was Gates?

Angel decided to not notice Daln and his people coming closer, as if to fend off a fight or at least confirm that if one did break out just who started it. Instead she looked at Enalia and Maica. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Angelica Fairchild... my friends call me Angel." Smiling and offering her hand to Maica for a handshake, she reflected on how not long ago those words would never have left her mouth.

Maica smiled winningly at Angel as she shook the offered hand. "The pleasure is mine. I've heard of your exploits and I have to say, I'm impressed. How ever did you survive that horrible debacle with the Romulans?"

"Very carefully and not without help." Angel wasn't sure how many of the details had made it into the officially released reports, and she wasn't about to add to them. It wasn't really party-appropriate material, no matter how impressive parts of it might be. "It certainly wasn't my favorite away mission."

"Perhaps we can discuss it later, if you feel up to it?" Maica pressed, hoping to become friends with Angel. She then turned to Commander Sinek. "And this is Commander Sinek, I presume? The ship's very accomplished Second Officer and Chief Science Officer, If I remember correctly." Holding her right hand up in a perfect Vulcan salute, she greeted him in Vulcan. "Peace and long life."

Vesik took a moment to center himself. He wasn't used to things spiraling from his control. He looked for T'Qol and T'Zal, who were by the Vulcan display. Many years ago, he and T'Qol had bonded Sinek to T'Zal. He saw this as the logical path. What has been started must be completed. It was the Vulcan way.

Reaching the koon-ut-kal-if-fee display followed by Sinek, Vesik picked up an item. It was a small hammer, shaped much like an ancient hand ax. Vesik held it out toward Sinek and gave a charge, "Do what you must. Remember, you are Vulcan."

Watching Sinek dutifully follow his father, Angel shook her head slightly. "I'm sorry, Maica. He's a little distracted... we both are really." Looking over at the display, she tried to piece together what was happening there. Sinek had the little hammer, but Angel couldn't see if T'Zal held anything in her hands.

Sinek glanced at the hammer in his hand. It had the traditional green stone head, this one intricately decorated with Vulcan symbols. Sinek's gaze then went to Vesik, his face resolute. Sinek's gaze went from Vesik to T'Zal to Angel. As a way to alert Angel of what was about to happen, his gazed slightly shifted to the ahn-woon nearest Angel.

"Excuse me," Angel said quietly to Enalia and Maica, circling around closer to where the Vulcan weapons rested. She would not pick one up unless it became necessary to defend herself, but she knew from what Sinek had said the night before that she wanted that weapon quickly.

Sinek now focused upon the gong. Approaching the gong, Sinek paused just before it. Almost simultaneously, three things occurred: Sinek slammed the hammer to the deck floor, shattering the stone and proclaiming, "I release T'Zal from our previous bond because I am currently bonded to another;" a look of displeasure came to Vesik's face; and, T'Zal grabbed the nearest lirpa and charged for Angel, shouting, "If you do not choose me, neither can you have her!" The Vulcan's quickness was surprising. Almost instantaneously, she was ready to strike at Angel.

Seeing the wickedly sharp lirpa that T'Zal carried, Angel dove for the closer of the two ahn-woons, vacating the area near the display just fast enough to avoid having her organs liberated from her body. Knowing she had to stay well out of striking range until she was ready to strike back, she rolled quickly to her feet and looked toward T'Zal. There were no stone barriers here to keep innocent bystanders safe. Already those gathered were scattering to the further reaches of the room, seeking shelter that didn't exist.

T'Zal was thrown off balance at the near miss. At the moment, she had to brace the lirpa against the deck flooring to regain her balance.

Enalia and Maica had repositioned themselves to intercept Daln and placed one hand on his shoulder. "Let them settle this first. Captain's orders."

Daln looked at the captain and frowned. He looked at the combatants and then scowled. This was not the place for this, it should have been in the gym or the holodeck, but he made eye contact with each of his people and shook his head. Yes, it was very good that Bart was not here; the canine would have torn the Vulcan to shreds.

Sinek recognized that Security was now moving toward the combatants. He had hoped they were not armed at the banquet. However, as a precaution, Sinek quietly moved between advancing Security members and the combatants. They were too close together. With a sudden twist or parry in the mele, firing on one may hit the other. Plus, Sinek seemed quite confident of Angel's abilities.

Ishakawa stood frozen in place; his feet were integrated into the floor and could not move. He saw the combatants; the two weapons and being surrounded by th ecurcle of observers. It was a match; those damn Orion bastards like to let two of the prisoners; the Laborers as they called them, settle disputes. It was some sick logic to the fight; honor or stubborn but it all went down to hate. Two prisoners at each others throats; the Orions quietly cheering them on.

"We should be together not fighting..." Ishakawa said as he advanced quickly, he had to stop this, keep two slaves from giving into their negitive emotions. "You must not let them have the Honor of splitting us up, there is no honor in fighting like this!" He vaulted over the tables between them and saw a blade; it was not a katana but will do in a pinch. "Cease this now!" He put himself past the line of Orions blocking him from the circle, he stood with the blade at the ready stance to interceed should tyhe need arise? "ISka neo tanda moke..." [This is no more.] The Translator relayed the known Orion tongue.

Suddenly, a blue beam lanced out and struck Ishakawa in the back, stunning and dropping him to the floor. "No one interupts this combat!" Enalia shouted into the sudden silence, her antique NX-01 era phase pistol in hand. Thankfully, she'd read up on Ishakawa's PTSD profile and been prepared. She had expected to have had to stun the Vulcan woman first instead, but now the cat was out of the bag, none the less.

Sinek didn't know who the Man of Asian descent was. He hadn't met the new officer as of yet, being tied up with Vesik's concerns. He was surprised that someone would involve themself. He almost gave the command to shoot the yellow man, but realized such a command was unclear, since some considered his own skin more yellow than green in nature. To his luck, someone else thought as he had and fired upon the other officer.

T'Zal was getting her balance back. She lifted the lirpa over her head intending to split Angel wide open. However, while the lirpa was at its highest point, T'Zal had left herself wide open.

Come on, Angel! Remember what I told you! Sinek thought as the blade was being raised. When the lirpas was at the apex of the swing, not realizing it, Sinek spoke aloud, "Now Angel!" You could almost hear emotion in his tone.

Angel didn't need much reminding. Instantly, she flicked the ahn-woon out away from her, the weapon arcing like a whip and wrapping itself around T'Zal. She ignored the interruption from the man yelling in Orion about stopping. Stopping meant that T'Zal would kill her... and besides, Enalia had stunned him already.

Her aim true, the leather strap curled around T'Zal. Being at the apex of her swing, T'Zal lost her sense of balance again as the ahn-woon tightened around her at Angel's pull. She struggled to gain balance, bring the lirpa around from her side, attempting to cut the leather strap. She had a wildness in her eyes, she would kill her mate's lover. As she did this maneuver, her loss of balance caused her to crash to the floor. She made certain she clung to the lirpa.

Oh no you don't. Hauling back on the ahn-woon, Angel handily dragged T'Zal close enough that the lirpa would no longer be effective before pouncing on her and whipping the slack leather portion of the weapon around the other woman's neck. She didn't want to hurt or kill T'Zal, but if she didn't do as Sinek had instructed, things would get really messy.

As Angel tightened the strap around her neck, TZal realized her predicament. She still clasped the lirpa in one hand. The other tried to get under the leather strap to alleviate the tension. Gasping for air, her face turning pale, she struggled for a few minutes. Then her eyes rolled back and her hand loosened, dropping the lirpa and she went limp.

Sinek knelt by T'Zal, carefully placing his fingers on her face. After a silent minute, Sinek looked at Angel softly declaring, "She is dead."

Sinek tapped his comm badge and commanded, =^= Operations, we have a dead body in the banquet hall. Please lock onto my badge and transport it to Sick Bay =^=

He removed his badge and placed it on T'Zal. Soon, her body dematerialized from in front of him.

Sinek arose and walked toward Vesik. "Is this what you wanted?" He questioned. "Are you finally satisfied?"

Vesik was dissatisfied with the outcome, calmed the features of his face. "It is our way." He looked from Sinek to Angel. "You are free to marry whomever you wish. But remember, you are Vulcan."

Sinek quickly responded, "I am, and forever will be Vulcan."

Vesik's attention now turned to Captain Telvan. "Captain, when you stop to resupply the Federation ship, we will disembark. We will handle any diplomacy issues that may arise from there." He paused looking at the quieted room. "I expect T'Zal's body to be transported with us so that we may take it to her family."

It was Sinek that answered. "Star Fleet protocol requires that any body killed on a Federation vessel requires an autopsy to be performed by the ship's CMO." He looked to Captain Telvan for support.

Daln grimaced. "Captain, according to regulations, anyone who kills while aboard a Starfleet vessel must be taken to the brig." He headed towards Angel, his face grim.

Still seated on the deck and breathing heavily with the anh-woon laying loosely across her, Angel glanced up and gave Daln an incredulous look. She'd been a security officer and knew those regulations forward and backward, just like she knew there were accommodations that could be made in situations like these.

Aewia had moved up beside Enalia after the swordsman had been stunned, a grim expression on her face. Maica too, was looking somewhat grim, if perkily so.

Enalia moved Maica's gripping hand from her arm to Aewia's as tenderly as she could. "Computer, Activate EMH and direct him to the treatment of Lieutenant Ishakawa." As the British looking male materialized, he grabbed a nearby medkit off the wall and set to work reviving and scanning the downed Taro.

"Lieutenant Hadren, we are to respect the guidelines and rituals of other cultures and we have special arrangements that Vulcan religious ceremonies such as this be performed without hindrance and may in fact take place on board with Commander's approval. I've approved of two such life and death battles now and though it pains my heart to do so, it is well within the rights of Federation members to practice the demands of their cultures." Enalia declared in a commanding tone, moving towards the center of the room. "What you have all witnessed here is by my own authority as Captain. The koon-ut-kal-if-fee is a sacred tradition of Vulcan and I am honored to have born witness to it, as should you all."

Then Enalia turned to the Ambassadors and continued. "However, as your arrival was under the false pretenses of diplomacy and your 'aide' tried to kill my Executive Officer to satisfy the requirements of this ritual, I'm holding the both of you responsible. Unfortunately, I am unable to comply with your request to disembark via the next ship we resupply. That ship will not be heading back to Federation space lanes for three more years."

"Commander Sinek, please ensure a full medical review is done on the deceased and that the Ambassadors are packed up and have disembarked within one hour. They may take one of our runabouts with the expectation that it will be left at the nearest starbase for us. The USS Frigga should have more than enough room and provisions for them."

Hernandes frowned. "Ma'am, regulations state it was murder."

Jenny was tense, waiting. The whole two separate orders thing was confusing.

Daln looked at Hernandes and shook his head. "It was self defense, and the captain is right; it is Vulcans' right to practice their culture on the surface of any Federation property, including starships and starbases." He cast a glower in Vesik's direction. "Get your butts to the security offices. I'll be there shortly."

Upon seeing that his desires were overridden once again, Vesik pulled his hood up, covering any expression that may show upon his face. He looked at T'Qol, then briskly walked out of the hall. T'Qol hesitated, looking first at Sinek, then Angel, before following her mate.

Once they were clear of the banquet hall, Sinek looked to the Captain, evenly stating, "Captain, yours and Commander Fairchild's presence will be required in Sick Bay. Shall we go before I see Vesik and T'Qol on their journey?"

Enalia nodded to Sinek. "I'll meet you there shortly." Turning to reclaim Maica, Enalia smiled thankfully to Aewia whom seemed to be holding up well enough. "At least this ship and crew aren't boring, right?"

"Did-both-die..." Ishakawa groaned as he was coming out of the daze and sat up realizing that nearly every fight to the death with the Orions showed the prisoners to have a rebellious spirit and that could be a danger to maintaining order so they usually killed the winner shortly after. "What happened?" He asked as his hand instinctively reached for the hilt of a weapon and stopped as he realized he was in a dress uniform. "First time in a dress white in four years and I get it dirty." He said mostly to himself and glanced at the person treating him. "Could I go back to my cabin, I do not feel as though I should be here at the moment, stun setting are not kind to the nervous system?"

The EMH mark X patted him on the shoulder after having given him a couple hypos and finishing scanning. "No worries, you'll be fine." the EMH stated in a British accent. "I prescribe a good night's rest and some good tea when you wake up. You'll be none the worse for wear and right as rain in no time." Helping Ishakawa to his feet and packing the medkit away, the EMH continued. "There we go. If you need anything, just ask the computer for me and I'll pop round, ok?"

"Thank you." Ishakawa said as he stood straight and checked his coat and uniform. "I will bear that in mind." He bow slightly.

Enalia looked around the room at all the still scared crew filing about. "Please, everyone enjoy the rest of the banquet and open bar. Don't let that much go to waste at least." Satisfied enough with the courageous few that decided they needed food and drink, she smiled and headed out of the hall with Maica in tow to check up on their patient in sickbay.

The orders were given by the Master, Ishakawa did not leave but head to the open bar. The Captain had made it clear to utilize the facilities. "A tall Juice, mango if yo have?" He ordered while the scents of the food reminded him that he should eat. "Thank you." Was all Ishakawa said before excusing himself to get the food.

He took an assortment of the meats, he found thankfully rice and some fish which he balanced with fruit. He had been without good food for so long; he heaped the food upon his plate and moved to a place to sit; preferrably near a corner so not to disturb others, and enjoy the bounty he had choosen. To be so long without the availability of food made him a slight glutton, he ate what he wished when the oppurtunity arose. To eat enough to be satisfied took him months to control the urge to gorge while he built up his strenghth and body after years of neglect. He now ate regularly but in moment like this where so much is open for the taking he tended to make sure his belly was full. It was a feeling most people do not apprechate, Ishakawa had come to enjoy every full meal as a gift from the gods.

Daln stayed a while longer, to see if there was going to be any more problems. He did not want to leave the party, only for it to go sideways. He took an ice water, waiting and watching the others.

Commanders Sinek and Fairchild left, headed on their way to Sick Bay. They expected Captain Telvan to meet them there.

Hadren waited until almost everyone was gone, then he left. He had a promise to keep to Lt Santiago about some muffins.

It was a quiet night in Sick Bay, which made people wonder why the ship's CMO was on duty in Sick Bay and not at the banquet. Actually, he was there at the request of his friend, Commander Sinek. It seems he was to expect a body from the banquet.

It was getting rather late, but true to the Vulcan's word, a body of a female Vulcan soon materialized on biobed one. Sinek's comm badge was pinned to her. Her neck was bruised and there were definite markings that she may have been strangled.

Ethan shook his head and immediately pulled out a tricorder, so he could diagnose and treat his arrived patient.

No vitals were registering. The body was still maintaining some heat. If she were just killed, that was to be expected. However, just before he was about to discard the tricorder, one heartbeat registered.

"This had better work," Ethan said to himself, "otherwise I'm going to strangle Sinek for coming up this harebrained idea."

Sinek walked with Angel toward Sick Bay. The Captain would follow as she said. He wanted to reach out and assure Angel that everything was fine. However, he couldn't at this time. It was best to wait until they arrived at Sick Bay.

"How are you doing, Angel?" He asked.

"I don't know." It was an honest enough answer; Angel hadn't quite sorted out her feelings about all this mess yet. "Kind of dazed, I guess."

"There is a surprise awaiting you in Sick Bay," Sinek calmly hinted.

Angel raised an eyebrow at him, wondering just what that could mean...

The two soon arrived at Sick Bay. Walking in the automatic double doors, they spotted the Doctor standing by biobed 1. The body of T'Zal was in the bed.

"Good evening, Doctor," Sinek greeted. "How is the patient." He spoke as if T'Zal were still alive.

"Aside from the patient being dead she's in fine shape, but then you know that don't you Sinek?"

Sinek flatly explained, "She is not dead."

"Um, excuse me. I felt her go limp in my hands. You even said she didn't have a pulse." Confused, Angel looked at T'Zal's 'not dead' body, looking for any sign that the woman might be alive. She saw nothing.

Sinek continued his explanation. "She is in what humans would call hibernation. T'Zal is able to quickly reduce her heart rate and breathing. She appears dead, but is merely asleep."

Sinek placed his fingers on T'Zal's face as he had done in the hall. He was able to quickly connect with her due to previously being bonded with her, even though it was as a child. It is over. You are among allies.

Suddenly, the vitals display on the screen by the biobed registered one more heart beat. Then a second...a third, until T'Zal's heart was beating at the regular Vulcan pace. She appeared to be breathing as well. She stirred and opened her eyes.

"Damn, Vulcan mind trick!" Ethan muttered.

As soon as T'Zal's eyes opened, Angel scurried back from the side of the biobed, as if fearful of another raging attack. Logical explanation or not, she didn't understand any of this.

"You are safe," T'Zal spoke, regaining energy as the blood flowed once again. Sinek assisted her to a seated position. It was noticeable in T'Zal's voice there were no hint of emotions, meaning there were no effects of Ponn Far.

That's when Enalia made her entrance, sweeping in almost regally with Maica following behind her because... well, why not? "I see you pulled one of my stunts, Commander. I assume that this is still settled?"

"I have learned from the best," Sinek expressed. "It is over," his even tone voiced.

T'Zal added, "The reason Vesik was rushing the ceremony was so that my challenger would not arrive in time to make the challenge."

"Our only option," Sinek continued, "was...I believe your term is 'con the con.' Vesik can do nothing even if he finds out T'Zal is still alive. There are too many witnesses that seen me release her from our bond. Angel and I will see Vesik and T'Qol on their way. When Sok arrives on the pretense of picking up her body, we will transport her to him."

He paused to let it all sink in, then added, "I do apologize to you both for not informing you of this plan. It was logical to us that the less people that knew about it, the more convincing it would be to Vesik."

"I trust in your judgement. Besides, I wouldn't have told me about it either. I figured you had something like this up your sleeve, but if I had been sure, there would have been fight music and everything." Enalia said with a smirk. "I'm just glad it's settled reasonably peacefully. Other than Angel choking someone with twice her strength nearly to death, that is. And anyone that has experience choking people would know that wouldn't have outright killed her, by the way. I'm just glad you've learned the necessity of a well placed misdirection."

Sinek would not have known. He was a Scientist, not a fighter. The martial arts he practiced were more for centering himself, not actual fighting. He looked to Angel hoping she wasn't too angry that he misled her into believing she had killed someone.

"Am I forgiven?" he asked.

"You planned this." Angel wanted to be angry that he'd tricked her, but it had been such a clever trick. The fighting had relieved T'Zal of the Pon Farr, and both Sinek's announcement and T'Zal's apparent death left her unbonded and free to marry the man she had chosen. It was on the same level as Enalia's more elaborate pranks. Choosing not to correct Enalia on how easy it could actually be to kill someone by interrupting blood flow to their brain, she looked from Sinek to T'Zal and back to Sinek. "So that's what you two talked about last night. Clever."

"It is," T'Zal admitted. "I apologize if you thought otherwise."

"Sinek told me you tried to harass him into marrying you." Angel snickered a little, amused by the deception that Sinek had pulled off. And people thought Vulcans couldn't lie! "Which I did believe, based on how you'd so far spoken to me, but I imagine that was part of the plan anyhow."

Enalia pulled her phase pistol out and clicked the safety on and the power off before tucking it back into the holster hidden under her dress whites at the small of her back. "I suspect our Ops Chief has a bit of a headache now. It's a good thing I switched to the stun module rather than the transporter module. Me seemingly disintegrating someone like that probably wouldn't have gone over nearly as well. Now that this is settled, what do you plan to do next?"

Sinek turned to Angel. "It's time to say good-bye to my family. You must go; they'd expect you to be there."

Angel cringed slightly, the idea of seeing Sinek's parents again after the look Vesik had given her clearly not her idea of fun. "I suppose I have no choice."

That's when the red alert sirens went off, the red lighting kicking on. =/\="Captain to the bridge. We've detected what appears to be a Borg cube in close proximity to the ship."

Enalia tapped her badge. "On my way." Kissing Maica on the cheek, she smiled happily. "I'll see you back in our quarters." Then she turned to Sinek and Angel. I'll need you both on the bridge as soon as you can. Your parents' party's safety is paramount though." Without another word, she was gone, flying through the sickbay doors as fast as she could run.

"It would appear," Sinek suggested, looking at Angel, "the good-bye will have to wait."

Aboard the USS Hera, one never knew what to expect. Chief Petty Officer Klem had learned that the green way when one late night aboard the Hera, she went for a stroll through the starship after hitting up the mess hall for a midnight snack. Her little journey was to walk off at least a few calories from the double chocolate moose she had annihilated earlier that night. Her hard hooves were made for walking, and that's what they did. Those hooves walked all over the starship until she ended up in Main Engineering, looking for a nice chair to sit down in to catch her breath. Engineering was quite dead at that hour and she had not anticipated seeing the Chief Engineer on duty, but low and behold when she approached the then Ensign's office, she saw the little green man...way too much of the little green man than she cared to see. She high tailed it out of the dimly lit Main Engineering so fast, she nearly tripped over her own hooves and toppled over.

She had a strong dislike for the fowl mouth, arrogant little green shit, Rhett Beaumont. The fact that he had left the starship was a delight to Chief Klem and no doubt a great relief to those who had grown used to the whiny Orion prick. He was not the least bit mature, was entirely disrespectful, and there were many times that Ginny and Rhett got into it. The one fortunate thing about the delinquent Chief Engineer was that the one time Ginny's temper got the better of her and she socked the young man, giving him a good shiner, he didn't say a word to anyone and did not get Ginny in trouble for striking an officer.

Needless to say, she was thrilled to see him leave though she was entirely thrown how or why Rhett had been given a promotion to a junior grade Lieutenant shortly before he departed from the Hera. Back when Rhett Beaumont had first come aboard, Klem was a Petty Officer First Class assigned the Engineering Department where she worked as a Damage Control Specialist. After a few weeks of working under Beaumont, she packed up her favorite engineering kit and marched her way into the First Officer's office with her requests to transfer to the Operations Department. It was a fairly simple request and given Beuamont's reputation....the request was approved a few days later and Ginny found herself working in the transporter rooms and hangar bay. Several weeks later, she was promoted to Chief Petty Officer.

It was a morning; Ishakawa had groomed and dressed before the simulated sun rose; he would work through the day and be ready to rest with the falling of the night time. Like his ancestors the Elite Samurai. As was proper he had comm'ed ahead to make an appearance before the Executive Officer making an appointment through the Yeoman. He had to admit the XO having a personal Yeoman was rare concurrence, but that also showed the weight of the responsibility upon the executive Officer's shoulders.

Upon entering Officer Country and the Office of the Executive Officer he noticed the Andorian Yeoman, bowing when she noted his presence.

Lieutenant Taro Ishakawa reporting at the asigned time." He said while being respectful. "I thank you for arranging the time for me."

Amelia flashed a polite smile at the man, recognizing his voice from earlier. "You're very welcome. I've briefed Commander Fairchild on your meeting but she's pretty out of it right now so please don't expect too much focus from her." Pressing the door actuator, Amelia announced the visitor. "Ma'am, Lieutenant Ishakawa is here to see you."

"I shall keep that in mind, thank you for your insights." Ishakawa replied.

Ishakawa bowed just enough as required for respecting her advice before entering the office, he focus on the person that he is here to see, looking at her forehead right now, he had to keep it bracketed to save face as he closed distance to her desk.

"Commander Fairchild, It is an honor to meet you." He gave a honorable bow.

Not many were familiar with the old Japanese customs anymore, but Angel had done some reading to figure out what the appropriate greeting would be when she'd heard they'd be receiving an officer who still followed them. She inclined her head toward him with a slight smile. "Please, have a seat. We may be here a while as my mind is not where it should be."

Looking at the New Executive Officer to him ; he was a bit inclined by the statement to think of a time when he would have understood; it is a part of 'The Way' to understand one's Master and act appropriately. Somehow the expression and manner did not take him as by surprise as some might think, he had a time in his own life when his mind was not so close to his being.

"As you Wish Commander." He moved to the chair offered. "I understand." The Hagakure; the bible of the Samurai, teaches to be mindful on one's words and put meaning in them.

Taro felt he had said enough, he would be at her pace in the meeting.

If she were being honest, Angel saw no point in this tradition of new officers meeting both captain and first officer. It was just one of many things that Starfleet continued doing that were baffling to her. Skimming over Ishakawa's personnel record, she wasn't even sure really what to ask him that Enalia wouldn't already have covered. "Have you run a department before? That's the only thing I'm not finding here."

"Officially I was a deputy Department head before transfer." Ishakawa said. "Though the Chief was on his way to retirement and left much of the duties to me. I also have other experiances in being of Operations and running a team of people under my guidance." He referred to the time he had served as a slave and was the Orion assigned responsible for the prisoners doing their tasks or Ishakawa would pay the peanalty for lack of success. "I am ready for the challenge, I look forward to it." He said with a calm but firm tone. "All that I am will be put into the tasks, you will not have to worry about the Operations in the future it will serve the ship well."

"That's all I ask. Is there anything about the ship you'd like to know that Captain Telvan hasn't already covered?" Angel didn't like answering the same questions Enalia already had any more than she liked repeating things Enalia might have already gone over.

"What do you see as the major objective of Operations?" Ishakawa asked. "Is there something you would like to see improved in Operations? You will be my major point of contact; the Executive Master of the ship and it would help me to focus on what needs to be improved from a command point of view?"

Angel was doing her best to maintain a professional demeanor, but those questions nearly broke it. And she really didn't know what to make of that master executive line. "Lieutenant, your objective is to do your job. Whether or not something needs to be improved within the department is your purview, not mine. If the department functions, that's all command cares about."

"I am glad for simple explanations My last commanding Officer was a micro-manager." Ishakawa said. "Wanting to be a part of every detail. I apologia for the mistake." He said honestly. "I have familiarized myself with the ship and reviewed past reports. Trust that when I say OPS will not take up any more brain space than reviewing reports. It is my Honor to serve this ship Commander." Ishakawa nod to her. "I will serve her with my last breath faithfully."

"That's all we ask." Try as she might, Angel had nothing else to ask or advise the younger officer on, so she set her PaDD down on the desk. "If there's nothing else you wish to discuss, you're free to attend to your duties."

"Thank you for your time Commander." Ishakawa said and rose from his chair to leave.

Enalia launched herself out of the turbolift onto the bridge, still wearing her dress whites from the banquet. "Report!" she snapped, glancing to the viewscreen as she plopped into her command chair. On that viewscreen was a purple lit cloud of ionized gas and in the middle of it was a Borg Cube in all its glory, seemingly adrift. Though the normal green lighting had been replaced with purple and blues.

An ensign at tactical replied. "Borg cube at forty thousand kilometers. Sensors didn't pick it up until we were almost on top of it. Power levels are very low so I'm guessing they're in a regeneration mode."

Then an ensign at the ops station spoke up. "The cloud of gas they're in appears to be ionized drive plasma from an unknown source. I think that's what masked them from our sensors."

"Hold this position and keep scanning them. See if there's any danger to us from either them or that plasma." Enalia commanded, staring at the viewscreen and collecting her thoughts. "If they're dead in the water, I'd like a way to destroy them if possible. If not, we'll have to drop a beacon and let Starfleet know."

Ishakawa began slotting the necessary resources to give the priority to Science Console to do the ordered scans. His fingers were moving about the controls adjusting the power levels and what allocations would best suit the needs of the ship while preparing the beacon as a stand by plan.

"Science given all priority of sensory resources and a beacon is on stand by ready for deployment after Command recorded message." Ishakawa informed as he kept abreast of the changing situation.

Commander Sinek arrived on bridge just as Ishakawa was detailing his efforts. "Good work," Sinek offered as a monotone praise. "Soon, we shall see what their presence is all about."

It was illogical for Sinek to express his concerns at the Borgs' presence. Everyone, from the oldest to the smallest of children knew of the horrors their presence would bring. "Captain, would you like for me to have engineering equip some bio dampeners?"

"Not yet, but have them ready." Enalia said, thinking hard about what to do next.

From the Science Station, Sinek typed in the message to Engineering. Satisfied with the message, he sent it off to Engineering.

Daln was at the tactical station, still in his dress whites, still spotless, but he had the idea it wouldn't be much longer. "Their weapons are not charged, captain, and their shields are not up." He tapped a few more controls. "I can't make heads or tails of this. Why are they ignoring us?" He was baffled; the Borg usually tried to assimilate everything in their path.

Ethan, who technically was not a bridge officer had just stepped out of the turbo lift a few seconds earlier and caught the tail end of the conversation, "Frankly, given the circumstances, I'm not very concerned about the Borg. I'm concerned with whatever did this to them."

"Indeed," Sinek flatly wondered. "Perhaps they are crippled. Should we deploy a probe at this time, Captain?" He glanced at the initial sensor readings, which were not providing any explanation as of yet. "It could mean Species 8472."

Enalia gripped her armrests tighter at the mention of the Undine. They only had one remaining tricobalt torpedo as Command hadn't deemed it a necessity to rearm the Hera with a 'full' loadout of four of the warheads. "Launch a pair of probes. One to enter that cloud of gas and the other to circumnavigate it." She ordered, her dislike for this situation growing.

As the probes were fired, data started feeding back to the science stations, relaying the recorded information. The first probe entered the plasma field and immediately, the probe started losing power and the datalink cut off a few seconds after entry. The other probe was fine though, flying in a large circle around the cloud and cube.

"The probe heading into the plasma field has lost power," Sinek calmly stated. "The good news is, the one going around the cube is still active."

Enalia nodded, continuing to watch the viewscreen.

Daln kept looking for anything else that might crop up, but found nothing. He looked at Ens Dippschtick. "Any new readings from your sensors?"

"Tactical sensors report nothing new. Telemetry from probe one has cut out. Probe two is functioning normally and seems to have found a thin spot in the field on the other side. It looks like our best bet for an attack on the cube, if we have to." The Ensign wasn't too skilled with that part of his job, but he was quickly getting the hang of it. "I think I can even guide a torpedo through it manually."

Daln nodded in approval. Dippschtick was learning quickly. "Hold off on that for a second. Captain, do you want us to destroy the cube or do you want to conduct more scans?" Hadren was learning quickly that Telvan was a bit unconventional. Where other captains would destroy something out of caution, she dived in headfirst. He waited, knowing the verdict she would give.

"Personally, I'd like to investigate. Besides that, I'm pretty sure we'd exhaust our supply of torpedoes and that thing would still be mostly there. Any thoughts on sending a demolitions team over like we did with that Romulan station?" Enalia commented, checking her sensor feed on her console.

Daln nodded. "Where should the security team meet, ma'am?" He was getting ready to call Hernandes and Thorne, but thought that Gates would be better than a four legged poop machine, even if the Borg did deserve it.

When Angel and Sinek had arrived, Enalia had things well in hand, leaving Angel to observe and plan how they might address the problem. As mention of the security team meeting somewhere was made, she glanced up from the little console beside her chair. "I haven't decided whether or not I'm comfortable sending a team in the first place, let alone who's going to be on it." More to the point, why did everyone keep acting like she needed an armed security team any time she went somewhere? It was like everyone had forgotten who the chief of security had been before Hadren had arrived, and it was downright infuriating. Pushing that feeling aside for the moment, she went back to her plan in progress. "A large team risks early detection by the Borg, and I need people who are skilled in moving around undetected." She paused, looking at Enalia. "Captain Telvan will remain here." Everything about Angel's tone suggested she would stun Enalia and stuff her in a cabinet if that 'suggestion' went unheeded. "As for the team, it'll be myself and Nexi..."

Angel wanted someone who knew power systems and might reasonably be able to find the best places to set demolition charges, but she wasn't sure who besides Amelia had that sort of knowledge. She took a moment to look at the Engineering and Operations manifests, skimming over each person's skills and qualifications. "Chief Petty Officer Klem, and two from security. Preferably two are are at least somewhat stealthy and... not Bart. He's a valuable asset, but I'm afraid he's not very useful against Borg."

Daln grinned. "He would leave a few very well-deserved presents, though. I'll get Hernandes up here and bring Thorne with me. She's good at hunting deer, so she'd be a good choice for stealth."

Enalia had to stifle a snicker at Angels insistence, but had to admit that it was for the best. "That sounds reasonable. Lieutenant Hadren, I'd prefer you be here at tactical in case something happens." Then leaning in to Angel, she continued. "Petty Officer Takethen is pretty good with strange tech. Why not take her as well? Unless you think Ven will try to Borg zombify her if something happens."

Daln nodded. "Aye, ma'am." He had the reflexes and cool head needed in this situation. Didn't mean he had to like it. "I'll send Hawke and Wang. Both are stealthy and are good with the TR-118s. Which shuttlebay should I send them to?"

"Captain," Sinek added, Engineering reports they have as many as six bio dampeners available. The team may move aroun on the cube without being detected."

"Main hangar deck. We're taking the Thor. Have them meet me there in ten minutes." Getting up from her seat, Angel tapped her comm badge. "Fairchild to Klem, Takethen, and Nexi. Meet me on the main hangar deck outside the Thor in ten minutes."

"Try not to scratch the paint. The Thor has less than an hour of flight time logged." Enalia teased as Angel headed out.

"Be careful," Sinek added from the Science Station as he turned to watch her leave. He would rather be there with her, but he knew his duty lie here on the bridge.

"I will." With a brief smile in Sinek's direction, Angel headed for the turbolift.

"I would volunteer." Ishakawa said from OPS Station. "Communications will be paramount in this operation and I am the best man on the ship." He said with an even tone. "I am also checked out with Phaser and Hand to Hand combat so I will not hinder the operation."

Already at the tubolift door, Angel looked over her shoulder to see that the newest volunteer was the same man who had started shouting in Orion about not hurting each other while T'Zal was trying to kill her. What was he even doing on the bridge? He should have been relieved of duty until cleared by counseling and medical. "The Thor only carries six, and until I'm familiar with your combat capabilities I can't justify taking you on a potentially deadly mission. Sorry, Lieutenant, maybe next time." As she finished speaking, the turbolift arrived and Angel disappeared into it.

Chief Ginny Klem had the wonderful honor of having seen the large Borg cube from an observation port several minutes ago. Seeing as the starship had not immediately blasted their drone asses into oblivion or at the very least made the attempt, Klem surmised that something was up and that someone would be going over either by transporter or by shuttle.

She had the transporters ready by the time the call came in from the Bridge. Snodgrass! she thought to herself cursing slightly. They would be taking a shuttle instead she thought as she grabbed a kit, stuffed a tricorder inside and quickly packed a few engineering tools, and headed out the doors to hopefully beat the members of the away team.

As Transporter Chief and Shuttlebay Manager, nobody left the starship Hera without Chief Klem knowing about it. She nearly whacked the communicator off her work jacket in response. "I'm already heading towards the main Hangar deck, Commander...just give me a few minutes to get the Thor ready for you and your party" she replied huffing as her short legs and hooves clattered down Hera's corridors.

Nexi wasn't far from the hangar bay and responded quickly enough to the summons to get to the shuttle about the same time as Chief Klem. "Oink oink," Nexi said to tease the Tellarite Petty Officer about her waddling gait as they boarded the Thor together. Although the thought occurred to Nexi that she should probably stop teasing the only other person aside from Enalia who knew when she was coming and going in the Wandering Star, especially if she wanted to get back in to her docking bay the next time she went out.

Hawke and Wang showed up next. Hawke was a tall, dark man who appeared slender but was actually very strong. Wang was an athletic Oriental woman with sharp eyes and strong hands. Both carried TR-118s as well as hand phasers. They were standing by the Thor, ready to go.

Chief Ginny Klem wasted no time in giving the shuttle a quick yet thorough pre-flight checking. She whipped out a tricorder and made sure there were no strange readings. She checked the the sensors, weapons, and life support. All were fine. The arrival of Nexi with her 'oink oink' line triggered Ginny to placed one hand on her hip and swiftly turn her other hand around and sharply spring up a well selected digit.

The Chief knew the woman's teasing was in jest as was her response. "Next time you leave my hangar, you might have to huff and puff to find your way back in" quipped Chief Klem as she packed up her equipment and tucked her tools back into the frontal pockets of her work jacket. She was on her way off the shuttle, not knowing nor expecting that she was actually assigned to this mission. She was under the impressions that she was simply called to ensure the shuttle was ready.

"Oi, them doors better open next time I sneak out or you're not getting anymore of that mud from Ferenginar..." Nexi called out after Klem, snickering as she took a seat at the pilot console and ran through the start-up sequences for take off while waiting for the others to arrive. Nexi liked Klem, she always did good work and knew how to take a joke!

There was a squealing from the Chief Petty Officer as an initial response. It was followed up by a few snorts and grunts. "The doors will open" she added simply. "Next time you are making a run, bring me back some cream from Risa. My left hoof has been acting up."

"Done!" Nexi said with a grin. It was probably against all that Starfleet protocol crap, but Nexi didn't see any harm in 'greasing the gears' if it helped open doors.

Wang and Hawke entered into the shuttle and took their seats. Wang put the restraints over her legs, while Hawke left them off. Wang smirked at Hawke. "You might want to put the restraints on. Remember getting tossed around last time?'

Hawke shook his head. "It'll be fine. I doubt it's going to be that rough."

Still tinkering around outside the shuttle to make sure the exterior was in tip top shape, Chief Klem was walking around the shuttle's opened hatch when she heard the chattering. The Tellarite woman let out a very loud snort. "Oh you two will want to strap in...TIGHT" said Klem firmly shaking his head and tsking. "With Nexi flying, it's always rough" commented Ginny. "Besides, if it's not rough, it isn't fun" added Chief Klem.

That's when Amelia finally arrived, one of her expanded toolkits slung over one shoulder and a crazy looking tricorder on her other hip. "Let me guess... Captain thinks it's a good idea for us to assault that Borg cube with a runabout?" she asked as she stowed her case and strapped in tight at what passed for a science and operations seat.

Hawke shook his head. "I think it's more along the lines of stash some explosives inside and blow it up. There would be no way that a runabout could attack a Cube."

Wang gave him a look. "I think that's what she meant, Bird Brain."

Hawke scowled as he put on his restraints. He hated that nickname.

Angel arrived precisely at the ten minute mark, pleased to find that her team was already gathered inside the Thor... except for Klem, who was still poking about at the runabout's hull. "Once the Thor passes inspection, I expect you to join us, Chief."

Ginny Klem nearly dropped a spangler wrench on her hooves. She turned quickly and looked at the First Officer who had just recently arrived in the bay. "Did I just hear you right, Commander?"

"I don't believe I stuttered, Chief." Angel smiled slightly, heading inside the runabout.

Chief Klem let out several loud squeals of excitement and joy. "This piggy went squee squee squee all the way to the nasty Borg Cube!" she shouted. The fact someone could be that happy to be going to a Borg Cube likely would have confused many. The Chief grabbed the wrench and checked her pockets and engineering kit. She pulled out a tube of lipstick from her jacket pocket and applied the ravish me red onto her lips.

She looked at the First Officer and puckered. "Did I get any on my snout?" she asked as she fixed her hair.

"There's always a comedian. Strap in, Chief." Only a little amused, Angel stowed her gear in one of the runabout's lockers before taking the seat next to Nexi.

Hawke shook his head in disbelief. "Why are you wearing lipstick to fly to a Borg cube? Are you looking to find one to date?" he asked sarcastically.

Wang kept her face neutral and didn't say anything, but her thoughts were about the same. Don't wear lipstick in a situation where it will only get messed up, was Wang's motto.

The Chief sat down and strapped in securely. She looked at Hawke and smiled. "Yes, I am looking for a really attractive male companion on the Borg Cube because I can't find any good looking men in this shuttle" quipped Chief Klem. "In all seriousness, I do have a date with the Borg. I've been waiting for this day since 2367."

That sobered Hawke. "Who?" he asked. "Who did you lose?"

Chief Klem knew this was not the time to trade stories. Taking about the Borg, the past, and everything would just conjure up darkness and potentially jeopardize the mission. The officers aboard the Hera were thick skinned and in Klem's opinion the best of the best. However, if she said too much it may rattle their cages and cloud their minds aboard the Borg Cube...costing lives if they weren't careful.

She simply let out a small sigh. "My father when I was young, before I joined Starfleet" she quickly stated, not delving too deeply. "It's a story for another time" she added carefully.

Hawke nodded, knowing that not much could be said, if anything. From on until the launch, he kept his mouth shut. She needed time to get her head in the game again, to lose sight of the distractions. Even the distractions that never went away.

Wang simply put a hand on her shoulder for a moment before leaning back on her chair. When she wanted to talk, she would. If she didn't, she wouldn't, and the human woman would leave it up to her.

Chief Petty Officer Ginifred Klem was a hardworking and highly skilled engineer and technician when it came to her comfort zone which was Starfleet and work. She worked long hours, took on additional shifts, and always covered when someone was out sick or injured. Off duty, she was kind, compassionate, and caring albeit she was hardy, argumentative at times, and have out a heaping dose of tough love whenever she felt it was needed to whomever she felt needed it.

As experienced and skillful as she was, Chief Klem was still a grunt, a non-com, and in general a layman. She lived a life of tools at work and a round of beers off duty. She wore loose fitting civilian clothing when she wasn't in her duty uniform with her jacket or if the job called for it, squeezed into a somewhat custom fit engineer's jumpsuit. Klem was born and raised to a hard working family, but by old Earth standards and terms, her family was 'blue collar' and rather poor. She grew up in a household with several siblings. It was small and crowded. Their mother was the stay at home type who did all the cooking and cleaning without much assistance from modern technology. The Chief's father was an enlisted man as well, an engineer and general tinkerer.

Tellarites were rarely called beautiful, and Ginny Klem faced the problem throughout her childhood years and well into her teenage years. As a child she was called 'Miss Piggy,' 'Pig face,' or described as being 'pudgy' which followed her as she got older. She was a pretty good student at school academically though she often got into fist fights and was suspended several times. When she received the invitation to attend the banquet being held on the USS Hera, Ginny freaked out and was scrambling to find someone who wanted to go but was scheduled to work. She would have gladly taken their shift in order to skip the banquet.

The whole matter of a banquet reminded her terribly of her junior and senior prom. Her mother had forced her to go to the junior prom and Ginny didn't even have a date. Nobody had asked her. Not even the most unpopular red haired geeky kid in her class would ask her. Senior year's prom was even worse. She actually had a date. The most gorgeous boy in the school took her, but during the evening Ginny found out that he had only asked her on a dare from his friends. She left the prom in tears and vowed to never go to another dance or formal party again.

However, to avoid the Hera's banquet would be cowardice and Ginny was not a little girl anymore. She was a mature grown woman, and running away from her fears was the last thing she wanted to do. She decided that she would attend to banquet. Going there was one thing though. Finding something to wear? That was a whole other problem. A problem that lead her to turn to someone she truly trusted.

She had been pacing back and forth down the corridor for several minutes before working up the nerve to stand near the door. The proximity detector would have given her away, but the nervous Chief Klem actually physically knocked on the Captain's door.

Was that an actual knock on her door? Interesting... Enalia stood and headed to the door to check it, opening and peering out to find a Tellarite crewman at her door. "Chief Klem, I presume? Is there something I can do for you?"

"Yes" the Chief said simply. "This banquet is stressing me out and I have no idea what I am going to wear. Do I wear a dress uniform or a regular skirt?" she shook her head. "Do you know how long it has been since I've worn a skirt? What color looks good on me? Will I look fat in my dress?" the Chief continued onward and just rotted her way passed Enalia and right into the Captain's quarters.

"Help me. Please" said the Tellarite pleadingly. "You always look so attractive and elegant on the Bridge. I have never been called beautiful or pretty in my entire life except by husband, my family, and my friends" she expalined. "And don't get me started on my friends. Those skinny thin twiggy bitches. They lie through their teeth, and my gay friends...they are just as bad. I know what they say behind my back. 'Oh that looks hideous on her' or 'That color does not suit her lips' and I'm having a fashion meltdown" added the Tellarite as she plopped down on the Captain's couch.

This was unusual, to say the least. Enalia didn't think of herself as a fashionista like that and she certainly didn't actually care what people thought of her appearance. She just dressed in her various uniforms and adhered to the dress code. Closing the door, she sat down on the couch next to Gini, looking her over. "Well... personally, I plan on wearing my dress whites, but that might be a bit much. Do you have anything in earth tones? A nice slate blue calf length empire dress with beige stockings perhaps?"

The Tellarite woman snorted. "My closets terrify my friends" she said half jokingly. "I do not own a dress, Captain. All I have is a wardrobe full of black slacks, a closet of undershirts and uniform vests, and several identical black work jackets" she said shaking her head. "I haven't even touched my dress uniform in a few years."

"Computer, scan the Chief and replicate a slate blue empire dress with taupe vertical sunbursts and floral trim along the lower edge and a pair of taupe stockings. Low neckline, half length sleeves, and half calf length. Include a vanilla camisole as well." Enalia said, heading to her replicator as it started the process of replicating the clothing.

Catching a glimpse at the colors, the Tellarite took it all in. "The colors look...it's all astounding" she said with a small smile. "I've never worn such clothing before" Ginny added shaking her head. It was all just so much to take in.

As soon as the clothing was finished, Enalia pulled it out and handed it to Gini. "Here. Go try this on and I'll replicate some jewelry."

"Thank you" Chief Klem said, accepting the clothing and heading off to a more private area where she could change into the clothing. It was very kind of the Captain. The Chief knew she was fortunate to have such an understanding and accepting woman as a Commanding Officer.

Several minutes later, Klem, dressed in the clothing made her way out into Enalia's living area. The dress was easy enough to get into, and felt like it shaped her body nicely. It was snug but not overly snug. "I look like several dozen bars of Gold pressed latinum" added Klem.

"This should up the ante a bit then," Enalia commented as she all but ambushed Gini and draped a multi layered curtain of wooden and crystal beads on diamond filament wire across her chest and clasped it in back.

The Tellarite let out a sound of joyful squealing. "It is truly beautiful, Captain. You have made me look...pretty" she said, trying to find the correct adjective to describe her appearance and how she felt.

"Just doing what I can. Is there anything else I can help with?" Enalia said with a warm smile. There were some people she'd mess with, but this was not one of them.

"No Captain" she replied simply. "I will hurry up and go put all this away in my quarters until it is time for the banquet" added Chief Klem.

"I'll see you there then," Enalia said, still smiling.

Commander Sinek reviewed the departmental duty rosters. He realized the only one currently missing was from Operations. It wasn't overdue, but perhaps the recent events aboard the Hera caused an oversight. Lieutenant Ishakawa had just arrived before the Ambassadorial Banquet. That was immediately followed by the Borg incident. The new Chief of Operations simply hadn't had the time to review the roster. Sinek thought he would help him out. It would give the Vulcan an opportunity to formally introduce himself.

Entering the Operations area, he sought out the new Chief. He approach, held up his right hand in the Vulcan greeting and evenly pronounced, "Lieutenant Ishakawa, welcome aboard. I look forward to serving along side of you."

Ishakawa had the holographic displays of the Duty Roster, requests for the ships resources and Supply requresitions surrounding him as he touched and moved the varied pieces along the display as though he were playing a game.

"Peace and Long Life." Ishakawa hoped hehad it right out of respect as he shut the displays down while he spoke with the commander.

"Live long and prosper," Sinek returned, inwardly impressed at the man's desire to respect his culture.

The Hagakure States 'When speaking to someone of importance always look them in the eye' and no believer in Bushido would do less. "I am honored you have come to my humble department. Is there something that I can be of servce to you?"

"Bushido." Coming from Sinek's lack of expression when he spoke, it was more of a statement, not a question. "The code of the Samurai, one of Terra's ancient warriors."

"Yes." Ishakawa bow slightly. "I am a practitioner of Bushido as was my father and ancestors before that." HE relayed. "The Ishakawa name goes many generations to the Age of the Samuari. It is a family tradition." HE had made his point. "How may I be of service?"

Commander Sinek grasped his hands behind his back. "I have come for three reasons, Lieutenant," Sinek calmly replied. "The first is to formally introduce myself. I am Commander Sinek, the CSO and Second Officer. The second, is to apologized for what happened to you during the Ambassadorial Buffet. Third, is to accept Operations duty roster."

"You honor me Commander." Ishakawa bow as is proper before he started to pull up the screens he was working. "The second I wonder why you need to apologize for my ... Nature interfering with a Vulcan ritual. I saw two prisoners going after one another as the Cardies often like to entice them t do." He explained as he brought up the screen that he had been switching things around. "The third is a simple bit of placing a few that have been noted to have strengths not utilized that I wish to observe their potential." The screen began to blink twice; once for copy and the other to transmit. "I am sorry I did not get to you sooner; I was perhaps second-guessing a little too much on the roster. Being new I wanted to make best use of personnel and reviewing records and reports rather than just recommendations took more time." He nod to the Commander. "I have sent you a soft copy do you wish one for a padd?" He offered. "It will be my humble honor to serve you sir."

"It is only logical that you need time to get settled," Sinek's unfluctuating vocal pattern spoke. "Added to that, it has been quite busy. The soft copy will suffice, Lieutenant."

Sinek turned to leave, but then turned back to Ishakawa. "Perhaps we could spar sometime. Since I was unable to use my kal-if-fee skills in a marriage challenge, perhaps we could learn from each other's skills."

A slight grin came to Ishakawa. "Learning new forms improves the mind as well as the body." He said."I would enjoy the exchange."

Sinek slightly bowed, "I look forward to it, Lieutenant."

Sinek turned and walked from Operations. Lieutenant Ishakawa seemed eager to serve, eager to please. Sinek was impressed that the man's sense of duty seemed as high as his own. In the Vulcan's judgment, the Lieutenant would serve the Hera well.

"I am learning the unique needs of the Hera crew so if there are any special requests please bring them to me and I shall do what is possible to fulfil them." Ishakawa offered.

Sinek's pointed ears picked up what Ishackawa was saying. Just before Sinek exited the door into the corridor, he turned and evenly pronounced, "I shall keep that in mind should the need arise, Lieutenant."
He turned and vanished from operations with the whoosh of the door.

"Vulcan tend to be to the point." Ishakawa thought as the man eft.

OFF:

Commander Sinek
Chief Science Officer/Second Officer
USS Hera

Lieutenant Taro Ishakawa
Chief Operations Officer
SS Hera

As the shuttle launched, Amelia clung tight to the armrests of her seat. Good thing she was strapped in or Nexi's acceleration out of the main shuttlebay would have tossed her to the back of the cockpit. At least it seemed that the engines on this large runabout were strong - the power readouts at her station barely registered 50% output. She groaned inwardly at what this thing could truly do in Nexi's more than capable hands.


Ginny sat securely in her seat, her safety straps tightened to their near snapping point. No matter how bumpy this ride got, she was not going to be moving an inch in her seat. I'm going to make it through this...we are all coming back safely. I will not meet any Krognik demons she thought to herself. It was not uncommon for Ginny to volunteer herself for dangerous missions, but rarely was she ever actually sent, and in this case, Ginny had not volunteered...her expertise had made her qualified.

She let out a squeal as the shuttle accelerated out of the hangarbay and went off into space towards the Borg Cube. "I haven't been on an away team in...hell, I have no idea. It has been a while" commented Chief Klem. "When we get back, I'm soaking my hooves in a nice warm mud bath" added the Tellarite.

Wang smiled. "And I want a massage. A really good, deep down massage with calming oils."

Hawke shook his head. "Women."

If Nexi hadn't been piloting, she would have reached back and slapped all three of them, but she was no fool, she knew to keep her attention on the controls. And her rapid ascension was matched only by her equally rapid deceleration, bringing the shuttle to a near stop far too close to the cube for any kind of comfort. The rest of the shuttle's momentum allowed them to glide in smoothly. She glanced back at her passengers with a grin to see if any of them had lost their lunch yet.

As the shuttle smoothed out its flying, Chief Klem took that as though the 'fasten your seat belts' sign had turned off and that roaming the cabin was relatively safe. "Oi! What did you say?" said the Chief, removing the safety straps and springing to her feet.

Her hooves clicked and clattered slightly as she made her way across the cabin of the shuttle and reached out, grabbing a firm hold on the cartilage that was Hawke's ear. She gave it a good yank, causing irritation and turning it a lovely shade of red. "Didn't your mum teach you to respect women? Do you go home and kiss your mum with that mouth?"

Hawke pushed her hand away and stood up to his considerable height. "Watch it. Chief. All I said was one word. So unless you want to start dictating what people think--which is both illegal and not your job--I'd suggest you don't touch a security officer like that again." His eyes blazed with anger as he scowled at her.

Wang put a hand on his arm. "Hawke, stop it," she said, glaring at him. Hadren had put her in charge of Hawke as he tended to have a hot temper. Then she turned to the Tellarite. "If you disagree with someone, fine. But grabbing body parts of your superiors and twisting them is not tolerated. Understood?" Then she turned to Hawke. "And you. Get a hold of yourself."

"That is enough from both of you." Angel gave each of them a forceful look as she got up, also aiming one at Ginny for good measure before turning to the two security officers. "You'll keep your mouths shut about discipline issues when assigned to my away team. Do my job for me again and you'll be spacewalking home, end of discussion. Klem, no squeezing anyone else's ears or you'll be spacewalking home." Honestly she hadn't cared for Hawke's derisive 'women' comment either, but maintaining order was more important than getting offended over silly nonsense. "We're here to investigate and then blow this Cube to bits, so get your gear and hoof it."

The Chief let out a few snorts of laughter. "I'm a Tellarite...we argue over anything and nothing at all" she said peacefully as she played the 'Tellarite' card teasingly. "Or it could be menopause. Who knows these days" she added shaking her head. She looked at Angel and gave a nod of respect.

"Hoof it? Really, a Tellarite joke, Commander?" scoffed the Chief but she did find the woman's wording in good taste. Though Ginny was not one to let a good teasing slide. "I see they gave you two chaperones this time, Commander" commented Chief Klem.

Hawke scowled, but nodded. He didn't like having his ear squeezed for what he thought was a perfectly fine comment. Women made comments about men all the time, so he figured that the same should be true in reverse.

Wang, however, submitted to Fairchild's authority. Wang might be over Hawke, but Fairchild was over her. She had been wrong to intervene, knew it, and did it anyway. She bowed slightly, out of respect for her superior. "Aye, ma'am."

Amelia just unstrapped herself and went to check the explosives she knew were stored in the runabout. Unsealing the armory storage, she looked over the phaser rifles and pistols briefly, making sure the racks were full, then cracked open the large crate of spacial charges. This is where it was at. They were the size of two fists together and could punch a small hole in anything. If they placed a few of these on one of the cube's reactors, there'd be no more cube in a matter of seconds. Pulling a pair of the remote detonators out, she started synchronizing them.

Hawke and Wang came to her side and began loading themselves down with explosives. In general, most security officers knew a little about explosives like stun grenades, phase mortars, flashbangs, and the like. Hawke didn't know much more than how to use them, but Wang knew a little about how to put them together, if not much. Still, she didn't get in the way of the Andorian, who clearly knew what she was doing.

"It's going to take a bit of punch to knock this thing out of the sky," Hawke said, strapping on more explosives.

As Hawke reached for one of the explosives she hadn't synchronized, Amelia slapped his hand away and resumed setting them up to work with the remotes. "And we won't have that punch if you don't let me set them up. Besides, if we can find one of the antimatter conduits, it'll be easy enough to vaporize it with half this amount." Finishing up the last few explosives, she let them finish gearing up. "So... Since I don't have a fancy rifle, should I just take one of the phaser pulse rifles just in case?"

Chief Klem watched the others in amusement. "Whether or we blow that Cube right out of the sky from the inside or not doesn't matter so much if we go in just planting devices left and right. We have to do this with precision. You can place a stockpile of explosives in the wrong areas and just cause a minor irritation" commented Ginny.

She smiled at the woman. "An accurate statement. We need to find the vital areas. The antimatter conduits, the distribution nodes, the power distribution nodes, and power waveguide conduits" added Klem. "High intensity explosives in those areas will cause some serious damage. If not enough to blow this thing out of the sky, then enough to weaken it for the Hera to pick its bones" finished the Tellarite.

Nexi smacked Hawke on the back of the head as she joined everyone making preparations. "Yeah, but ain't Borg ship weaknesses harder to find than normal ships?" she asked as she looked over the explosives. She would have given them a bit more 'oomph', but they'd get the job done; if they were placed in the right places.

Pulling out the weird looking tricorder at her hip, Amelia flipped it open and waved it around a bit. "That's what this is for. This is a specialized engineering tricorder just for scanning antimatter systems. I should be able to find the main antimatter systems from across the ship with this."

Wang smiled at the blue-skinned woman. "Lead the way, Chief," she said, hefting her part of the cases.

Hawke nodded. "Yes, lead the way. Even pack mules have their limits."

Chief Klem snorted as she headed out, taking point. She had a lot of equipment on her, but despite being short and rather stubby, she could carry a lot more than others. Probably can carry more than you she thought, looking at Hawke. "No problem...like hunting for truffles" she joked.

"Suck it up, Hawke..." Nexi grumbled, her fingers itching to grab her pike right now and do horrible stabbity things to him. "Why are men such wussies?"

"Behave, Nexi." Angel couldn't threaten Nexi like she could the members of the team who served in Starfleet. "Everyone take a rifle and a sidearm. I don't plan to be here long enough to use them, but I don't plan to be assimilated either."

The Chief let out a small groan. "Can I just stick with a hand phaser?" she asked somewhat quietly.

"Because we get to blow shit up," Nexi chimed with a wide grin, checking that her energy whip was charged and ready to go. "You know, I'm gonna miss this when I finally enlist; gotta use your boring-ass rifles and shit..." she said with a pat to her whip.

Slinging one of the rifles across her back, Amelia headed to the door of the runabout and started scanning, waiting for someone else to open it. It wouldn't be her ass to step foot onto that cube first. "I think i have a fix on six separate locations and it looks like if we blow two of them, it'll be enough. Unfortunately, one of them is in the center of the cube so we'll have to walk a fair ways."

"Best we get moving then." Angel popped the hatch open and looked outside, not seeing any Borg in the immediate area. "It's clear. Everyone out."

Chief Klem made a few snorts and huffs as she navigated through the cluster of people. "Excuse me" she said politely, brushing a few people as she plopped out of the hatch and cut across Angel. "You aren't expendable, you know" commented Klem to Angel.

"And you are?" Angel retorted back, a path starting to plot out in her mind for where they'd have to go.

As the six filed out and began walking along the area they had docked, two things were noticeable immediately. One, the normal hum of a ship was gone. There weren't even the expected Borg noises anywhere. Two, the few consoles that were active were corrupted by some purple and grey writing that didn't look Borg at all. As a slight breeze whispered through the empty alcoves, it almost seemed to call to the crew as they made their way deeper into the cube.

Pausing for a few seconds, Amelia tapped at one of the dimly lit consoles to see if it responded to her at all. It did and more of those strange characters scrolled across the screen. "Does anyone recognize these characters?"

Hawke shook his head. "I'm no scientist. Part of why I chose security." He gripped his rifle a little tighter and made certain that the phase rifle and type II phaser were still on his person. "Wang, have you seen those?"

Wang's eyes were moving everywhere and then settled on the writing on the wall. "It looks familiar, but no, I do not recognize it."

"No shit, you're a redshirt," Nexi said to Hawke. "Now move it, pack mule." She spared hardly a glance at the strange symbols as she passed them by.

Chief Klem looked at Nexi "Don't scare the kid" said the Chief shaking her head at Nexi. The Chief did stop for a moment to have a look the symbols or writings herself. Now, if he was no scientist she sure the hell wasn't either. "All you can eat Borg buffet...this way" she said jokingly. "Or the lost writings of the Furlings" added the Chief.

Angel rolled her eyes at Nexi then looked at the purple writing. It looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. "No idea. Let's keep moving."

As they came to a junction, Amelia moved forward and found a way to unseal a large door. It wooshed open and on the wind, the team could hear a voice and a subdued chittering. The voice... Erie as it was... It was saying something two of the members of the team would recognize quite easily from their nightmares. "Bonnie... kin... Bonnnnnieeee... kiiinnnn...." And then it cut out, the chittering noises getting closer. Shining a flashlight down the now open corridor, Amelia was able to spotlight what appeared to be a tribble... A Borg tribble... with a laser on it.

Wang lifted her rifle, ready to shoot the first thing that moved, but still tried to keep everything from falling off her person. Uneasy was not quite strong enough a word to describe her nerves right now.

Hawke tensed, lifting his rifle to the ready. He was carrying everything easily as he was larger and stronger than most of the away team, but he kept stroking the rifle like it was a newborn child. His eyes danced about, on the look out for anything--ANYTHING--that moved.

"Oh fuck this noise!" Nexi said, looking like she was about ready to turn around and go back to the shuttle. Few things in this galaxy unsettled her more than those words uttered in that sing-song tone...

The Tellarite Chief Petty Officer wrinkled her nose and sniffed the air. "Anyone else smell Tribble?" she asked as she crouched down and scooped up a handful of tiny round pellets. She looked at the members of the away team "Tribble scat" she said openly.

Angel didn't care about the Tribble scat. At the sound of those words that still occasionally woke her from sleep, she'd frozen in place. She hadn't seen the Tribble Amelia had found, and she definitely wasn't looking at the poop in Ginny's hand. For a moment, she thought maybe she'd imagined the haunting phrase, but Nexi had heard it too. Suddenly, Angel was wishing she'd told Enalia to take this one.

Hawke walked a little ways to Angel. "Commander!" he said, waiting until she looked at him. "What are your orders?" His face conveyed another message: one of support. He may have been a chauvanist, but he cared about his fellow officers.

The Chief dropped the droppings and retrieved a small bottle from her jacket pocket. It was sanitizing gel. She used it often and did so now to clean the germs and bacteria she may have touched when playing around with Tribble shit. Chief Klem shared Hawke's concerned tone.

She too approached the First Officer "Everything, alright, Commander?" she asked gently placing a hand on the woman's shoulder.

She didn't get a chance to reply as a faint afterimage of a ghost crossed in front of Amelia's light. It looked exactly like a Devidian and though it hadn't come any closer, it was still severely unnerving for Amelia and she was visibly rattled.

Then the whispering voice came back. It was a distinctly Ferengi voice this time though. "Piggy piggy..." it said, just as softly as before.

No one had noticed that the Borg tribble had made its way up closer and was mere feet away from Wang, little assimilation tubules waving in front of it.

Nexi's breath caught in her throat. Not that voice... Her eyes glazed over and she had to clench her fists at her side to keep her hands from shaking. It couldn't be him, he was supposed to be dead!

"Why do I hear a Ferengi voice calling 'Piggy piggy'?" said Chief Klem aloud. She readied her phaser. Things were getting weird and she did not like weird.

Angel didn't hear the Ferengi voice. She was still caught up in 'Bonnie-kin' and memories of those infernal zombie creatures. She came enough to her senses to register that her head was spinning and her stomach tying itself into some sort of intricate Celtic knot. And someone was asking for orders. "Keep moving."

Chief Klem was first to respond. "Aye Commander" the Tellarite responded as she moved onward. However, her mind was racing with thoughts. Nothing about this place seemed right even for a Borg Cube as startling strange and creepy as Borg ships were known to be. This was all odd. Tribble scat, strange writing, sounds that people can hear and others cannot, and a Borg Cube just sitting out here to be found and boarded the thoughts ran through Klem's mind.

She stopped moving. "I feel like we are in a fun house...in the carnival sense, not in the oh this house is fun sense" commented the Chief. "Even for the Borg...this doesn't fit their usual modus operandi, does it?" she asked aloud.

"SHUT UP!" Nexi yelled at Klem, raising a fist to strike her. But then she stopped cold and just stared at Klem with her arm still raised; there was madness dancing in Nexi's eyes, a deep hurt that had yet to heal, and maybe it never would, but the affect that Ferengi's voice had on her was profound. "Just shut up!" Nexi said firmly, sparks flying off her fist as she turned in a rage and slammed it into a random bulkhead. Then she continued on down the corridor, heedless of the fact that she'd likely broken a bone or two in her hand or the fact that they were surrounded by Borg-ified tribbles.

The Tellarite woman was not about to take the woman's actions lightly. Like her or not, something was clearly pissing Nexi off more than usual. "NO!" Klem shouted back and followed Nexi. As the other woman drove her hand right into an unyielding bulkhead, Chief Klem shook her head in an agitated state. "NEXI STOP IT!" Klem said firmly. "If you are going to act like a two year old, you should have stayed on the shuttle."

Klem took a firm grasp of Nexi's forearm. "Let me look that hand" the Chief said. She had practically zero medical experience, but she knew swelling when she saw it. "You'll need to have that checked by Sickbay when we get back" commented the Chief.

Nexi almost didn't stop for Klem to look at her hand, but she did, holding it out for the Tellarite to see. Nexi didn't even wince or flinch under Klem's firm grasp, but she knew for certain now that something was definitely broken. "Yeah, as soon as we get back..." Nexi said in a subdued tone, then pulled her hand out of Klem's grasp.

Amelia shook her head, snapping out of her fears long enough to check her tricorder. "The first antimatter conduit is at the end of this hall."

The Chief kept herself at an even pace with the rest of the away team. "How many do you think we needs to hit before we cause crippling damage?" asked the Tellarite.

None of them really noticed the tribbles that had surrounded them. Most of them couldn't see, but one could and was about to stab into Wang's boot with a pair of assimilation tubules.

"I could cause crippling damage to the Hera with one well-placed charge, but a ship like this where there's no centralized anything, I'm a little worried we might need more explosives than we brought," Nexi said, trying to ignore the voice of her former master echoing down the halls.

Wang stomped her foot on the tribble and shot it, but the nanites were already spreading. She turned towards Hawke. "Shoot me."

Hawke woke up and started firing at the tribbles. "Whatever we're going to do, make it quick, Commander."

Wang spun him around and stared him down as the nanites spread across her face. "Shoot me!" she yelled with the last of her true mind. She slowly lost her fear and became colder, Borg implants popping up on her face. Hawke didn't hesitate; he shot her in the forehead three times before turning around to the tribbles.

Chief Klem watched in shock at Hawke shot Wang. "Was that necessary?!" shouted Klem questioningly.

"What the hell?" There were no Borg around, so Angel looked the only direction that made sense... down. The entire team was surrounded by balls of fluff with bits of metal sticking out of them. "Fucking hell... they assimilated fucking Tribbles!" Even as she said it, she had her rifle in her hands to shoot the nearest of them. If their situation wasn't so immediately dangerous, it might even have been funny how Tribbles exploded when the projectile rounds hit them. "Watch your feet!"

"Freaking damn assimilated ankle biters!" shouted Chief Klem. Though she wanted to grieve over the loss of Wang, there was no time. The Chief started firing off phaser blasts left and right, taking out as many of the assimilated balls of fur that she could. "Told you it was Tribbble scat" she added.

"Cover me!" Hawke yelled. He grabbed Wang's explosives and her weapons. He was so loaded down now, he couldn't fire a weapon because he couldn't aim it. "Let's get out of here!" he yelled over the phaser fire and the sound of projectiles exploding tribbles. If he got assimilated, there wouldn't be enough people to carry the explosives. He was, quite literally, their pack mule.

Thief Chief had no issue going into protective mode and laying down some cover fire for Hawke. She did the best she could which was not too bad for an old gal who spent most of her days tinkering around with the shuttles and transporters. She looked at Hawke. "Lighten your load, damn it. You are a better shot than I am...let me carry some of it" offered Klem.

He put some of his load onto Klem, just enough that he could hold his weapon, then started firing at the tribbles, blowing them up with each shot. He dropped an ammunition clip and clicked another back into place before firing again. He handed Wang's TR-118B to Nexi, who was just as good a shot as some in Security, if not better.

Nexi took the wussie rifle if only for the fact that she didn't have enough space to use her energy whip without hitting another member of her team, Quickly firing off a few shots to cover the team. "Find cover!" she called out to the team as they found themselves cornered. "Amelia, where are those conduits!" she barked out as she continued firing on the wave of cyborg fuzzballs.

Amelia was the only one not firing, instead taking readings and leading the team forward as best she could. "Eighty meters ahead, just past that movable bulkhead. We should be ok on the other side of it for a while."

Soon the team had moved past the bulkhead and were staring at a glowing purple column of antimatter, tribble Borg not far behind them as she sealed the bulkhead behind them. "This is it. Put a charge on each support and I'll start plotting a path to the next antimatter chamber."

Hawke set down the explosives and began handing them to Nexi and Klem. He knew next to nothing about setting the charges, he just knew how to press the button to blow them up with the control. That's what security had masters-at-arms for. He started handing them out, just when asked for.

While Hawke, Nexi, and Klem worked on the explosives behind her, Angel dropped down on her knee to have a better view of the approaching Tribble hoard. They were fast little bastards, but they made for entertaining shooting that kept her from thinking too much about the 'Bonnie-kin' announcement. "There's no cover to be had here. Make it quick!"

Klem scoffed at the Commander's statement. "There never is" she said brashly. "Give me a minute and we won't need it" she announced.

Nexi shouldered her rifle and grabbed explosives with her good hand, following Amelia to the conduits. "Where's the next set?" she asked before they'd even finished setting the first set of explosives.

"Almost a kilometer away and two decks up. We should be able to follow an alcove junction most of the way there." Amelia said as she pointed to positions for explosive charges.

Chief Klem planted the explosive charge. After doing so, she rejoined Commander Fairchild. "Thanks for keeping them busy" commented Klem as she dug around in one of the bags Hawke had given her. "Time to get creative, kids" she said as she rummaged through the bag and retrieved two small rounded objects.

The Tellarite quickly put her technical training to use, modifying the two devices and priming them. "Everyone, back the hell up!" she snarled as she gave the two balls good strong roll down the deck plating toward a horde of assimilated Tribbles. A few seconds later the two devices came to a stop, hitting the furry cluster. After a few moments of a high intensity shrill the modified devices exploded with a medium yield short range electro magnetic pulse.

She looked at Fairchild. "Won't do crap if we just stand here. Will only delay them a few minutes until they send more and adapt" added the Chief.

Angel's ears were still ringing. She knew Ginny had said something, but she wasn't sure what. She could, however, hazard a guess. Looking a bit cross about the nearby explosion - and wasted explosive charges - she got to her feet. "Let's go, then. And let's not waste any more of our bombs."

Hawke scowled at Klem and then followed Fairchild and the Andorian. He was pushing his luck already with his opinions, but he ached to tell Klem just how stupid it seemed to waste their precious explosives when they brought just enough for the cube.

Klem could see the look the two had given her, and Commander Fairchild was at least more vocal about it. Hawke just scowled and kept his mouth shut which was fine with Klem. The Chief glared at Hawke but was more delicate with her response to the First Officer. "Respectfully, Commander, I did not waste much of anything. I didn't use our bombs. I used relatively useless photon grenades and modified them to emit an electromagnetic pulse" said Klem, grabbing gear and moving onward.

"What?" Amelia yelled, her antenna waving wildly. "I can't hear you! I think you blew out my antenna!"

"Get moving!" Angel yelled back, having at least heard the shouting if not Ginny's explanation about the grenades. For good measure, she pointed in the direction Amelia had earlier said they needed to go to find their next objective.

Unfortunately for the team, all that shouting attracted something else. Even Amelia could hear the loud footsteps across the deck plating. From an adjoining corridor stepped the largest, ugliest Borgified Gorn in the universe. The grey scaled reptoid stood nearly twenty feet tall and barely fit in the large corridor. Swinging its head around, a trio of targeting lasers followed its gaze as it spotted the team and started moving towards them, foot long claws raking against the walls and deck.

Chief Klem felt the movement in the plating at the assimilated Gorn moved. When she saw it, her mouth gaped "Shiiiiiiit" she said quite clearly. "Commander?" said Klem quickly, hoping for some orders. Whether it be open fire or high tail it back to the ship. Klem was ready for whatever order was given.

Oh shit. The TR-116 was a wonderful platform, but Angel knew that it did not work against Gorn. She suspected the Gorn drone knew it as well. Slinging her rifle on her back, she unholstered the phaser at her hip and fired on the advancing creature, retreating in the direction of the next target.

Amelia stared slack jawed for a moment before rushing along the target corridor with the rest of the team.

The Borg Gorn stumbled and flinched at the first few shots, but after a few shots with the phaser, the bolts pinged harmlessly on the Borg shielding. Apparently it had functional shielding and had adapted to Angel's phaser frequency. As it advanced, it opened its jaw wide and a clicking noise could be heard just before a great gout of flame burst forth from the gaping maw, nearly reaching the away team and for all intents and purposes looking more like dragon's breath than anything any Borg or Gorn should ever be able to produce.

Diving away from the unexpected flames, Angel miscalculated and slammed against one of the support pylons, losing her grip on her phaser as she tumbled across the metal deck plating. Fortunately, she tumbled away from the advancing fire-breathing Gorn drone. Somewhat dazed, she scrambled to her feet and unslung her rifle. It may not work against a Gorn but she wasn't going to waste any time looking for that damned phaser. "Run!"

Seeing the wave of tribbles and then- OH FUCK, A DRAGON! Well probably not a dragon, but Nexi wasn't sticking around long enough to find out what it was! She grabbed whatever explosives she could get her hands on and while the onslaught was preoccupied with her teammates, Nexi bolted down the corridor for the other conduit Amelia mentioned. They had to take out at least one more if the Hera was to have any chance of taking this bitch out of the sky!

Hawke dived to the side, got to his feet and followed the others. He spared a glance at the direction Nexi took, scowling. If she wanted to join Starfleet, she was going to have to learn to work as part of a team and not duck out because she was a coward. He just managed to stay ahead of the flames, following the Andorian as she guided them around corners and down corridors.

Amelia was 'guiding' them straight down the path that Nexi was following, glancing at her tricorder and calling out directions as she ran, somehow staying ahead of the beast chasing them and keeping up with Nexi well enough. After about a minute of this chase, she called out one last time. "There should be an alcove on the right with the conduit! We're almost there!"

As they neared the alcove, Angel slowed down and turned to face the hulking monster that was chasing them, moving swiftly - but gingerly and carefully - backward to keep it in her line of sight. It was huge... bigger than any Gorn she'd ever seen. The first shot she fired bounced harmlessly off its hide, and she swore under her breath. "Get those damned charges set!"

"Aye Commander" replied Chief Klem as she knelt down and placed her charge. "Charge set, Commander" the Tellarite reported before safely backing away from the charge and rejoining the others.

Hawke handed one more of his final eight charges to Klem. "Don't forget this one." Then he turned towards the Gorn and stared down the sights of his TR-118, taking careful aim. He fired, just missing the creature's eye. "Shit," he cursed. Taking aim again, he hit it this time, but it didn't have the effect he desired: it did not go into its brain.

It did however piss it off and it ceased its fire attacks and reared back, letting out a hair curling roar as it thrashed around in the corridor. Its one good eye had been destroyed and it now could only see with its Borg targeting optics which confused it enough to ignore the away team long enough to finish setting the charges.

Hawke paled. He looked to Klem. "Hurry," he breathed.

She looked at Hawke and glared. "Oh just shut up and shoot the damn thing...and aren't you Security? When was your last examination at the shooting range?" she said argumentatively and belittling as was usual of members of her species. "Th..th..th.. that's all folks. I am ready when you are" she reported.

Hawke glared. "Keep it up and I'll shoot you." He turned and took careful aim again. He took four shots at the thing's neck, twice nicking the trachea and once nicking the esophagus. Then he turned and ran after the others.

Angel waited until the others were moving back toward the Thor before turning and running after them. Behind her she could hear the gargantuan Gorn let out another blood-curdling roar followed by pounding footfalls.

Nexi could barely hear Amelia calling out directions behind her, but she caught sight of the purple glow emanating from within an access panel. She skid to a stop and placed the charges, but when she tried to set the detonator, she saw that it was all busted up. Oh shit... Trying to think quickly, she needed something to set this bitch off, but still give them enough time to get the hell outta there! For a moment she thought about overloading the pulse rifle, that would take a minute and add a little extra power to the boom, but it wouldn't fit in the compartment. Her whip! Without giving it a second thought, she grabbed the Ferengi energy whip at her hip and lashed it to the conduit and around the explosives. Then she futzed with the settings on the handle and soon it was beeping to let her know it was building up. There, that should do it! now, to get back to the team...

As they ran like hell, Chief Klem's motherly instincts were kicking in. Those went against the impulsiveness and logic behind the whole fight or flight mode. Motherly instinct trumped all when it came to her 'children' and whether or not she personally or professionally cared for this bunch, they were her children. Hawke, Fairchild, Takethen... the Tellarite ran the names through her head as she looked at them one by one. Nexi had been behind her and when Klem looked back, Nexi was not as close as the Chief expected and wanted her to be. "Damn it" she said as her hooves stopped moving and she reversed direction.

Hoofing her way down the Cube was the Chief. She was not sure why the hell Nexi had stopped or what she was doing, but the Chief didn't give shit. "LET'S GO!" shouted Chief Klem at the woman. "Don't make me throw your scrawny ass over my shoulder and carry you back" added the Tellarite in a huff that meant business.

Amelia helped finish setting the charges as the Gorn beast thrashed around some more, all but destroying the path they had taken and nearly falling through to the deck below.

Hawke stopped and looked back, hearing that Nexi had fallen behind. He ran back a little to cover Nexi from the Gorn, who was coming around the corner, as well as the Tribbles.

"Back to the shuttle!" Nexi called out as she bolted towards the team. "Timer, short fuse, RUN!" She grabbed her rifle as she caught up to Klem. "Get a move on, piggy, stop worrying about me and make sure everyone else makes it outta here," Nexi said to the Tellarite as she laid down suppression fire on the FUCKING FIRE BREATHING DRAGON (seriously, how the hell was the ship still in one piece with this mother fucker running around?!).

With a simple squeal, the Chief was already turning around and heading for the necessary direction. "You don't need to tell this girl twice" she said as she ran full speed, her little legs carrying her as she hoofed it.

Hawke backed up towards the hatch of the shuttle, reloading his gun. The tribbles came around the corner in a large furry blanket with wires and nodules sticking up at odd angles. They were so close, he could hear the cooing. He stood with the hatch at his back, firing constantly at the tribbles. He let the TR-118 hang from its strap and then picked up the phase rifle, quickly setting it to the highest setting with his thumb, and the widest area. He aimed at the center of the furry horde and fired a wide focus beam that vaporized a large section of the tribbles. He looked over his shoulder and yelled, "GO!" before turning to fire again.

The Chief had been in some tight situations before, but this Borg Cube was going to become one of the tightest, and Klem was not too fond of that. She had made it back to the shuttle in time, but she couldn't leave with out the others. For starters, though she was good at keeping track of the Hera's shuttles and making sure they were properly taken care of, the Chief was not one the one who actually piloted the damn things. Even if she was able to fly the shuttle, she was not leaving anyone behind. "Let's move it! I don't want to be here when this blows!" she shouted.

Angel didn't need telling twice; she could hear the Tribbles coming up behind her. Speeding up, she jumped over a crumpled section of the deck, only for her leg to twist awkwardly beneath her weight as she landed. Momentum sent her sprawling toward the shuttle, sliding to a stop several feet away with the Tribbles close behind.

From a steam shrouded hallway an elderly Tellarite could be heard softly calling for help. "Please, Gini! Don't let it end like this! Don't leave me here..."

The voice came to the Chief and it was quite clear that it was the voice of her father. It was so tempting at first, just to hear her father again after all these years. I can't leave you papa she thought to herself, but she snarled and shook her head. "NO" she said firmly. "Papa died long ago and I have to keep these kids" she reminded herself aloud about her shipmates. Doing her best to ignore the voice of her father, she continued to call out to the away team "Get back to the shuttle!"

A hand came out of nowhere and pulled her back towards the shuttle, eventually pushing her just to the hatch. Then it disappeared, reattaching itself to the phase rifle its owner, Hawke, had in his hands. He edged forward, making his way to where the first officer lay, and began dragging her upright. Once she had her feet under her, he started pulling her back towards the shuttle. The tribbles were closer now, and he had to keep firing to keep them away from the shuttle. He pushed her inside and yelled, "Go!"

Amelia was already in the shuttle, getting the engines fired up from the copilot seat when a second Gorn monster crawled out of an alcove and ran towards the runabout. Opening its jaw wide, it too had something unusual installed... Great gouts of liquid nitrogen shot forth from it, splashing across the front of the runabout and right into Hawke, freezing both instantly. The runabout could handle it... Hawke wasn't so lucky as it gave the fire breathing Gorn the perfect chance to make his way the rest of the distance to him and chomp down, gouts of flames coming from between its teeth and cooking the now half eaten security member.

"Hawke!" Clinging to the shuttle's interior bulkhead, Angel hauled herself to the hatch to look for Hawke, squeaking in surprise and slamming the hatch shut when the ice-breathing Gorn appeared. Not a moment too soon, as liquid nitrogen sprayed against the outer hull, making the interior feel as though it had dropped a good ten degrees. Knowing there was no way anyone outside would have survived that, she peeked through the tiny window in the hatch, just in time to see the fire-breathing Gorn reappear and eat half of the frozen security officer. It was the creepy Romulan space station all over again, only this time with fire and ice breathing dinosaur men. "Go! Get us out of here!"

Nexi practically lept into the pilot's chair, not even waiting for the hatch to fully close before punching in a course and getting the shuttle out of there. It felt like they couldn't get out of that place fast enough! Her hands were shaking against the console as they flew out of the Borg cube and she knew her heart wouldn't stop racing until they were back aboard the Hera. "Alright, before we get back to the ship, do body checks, make sure we ain't getting borgified or that we got any fuzzy hitchhikers!"

Amelia nodded from the copilot seat. "Internal sensors show some nanoprobes on the landing gear and that's it. Ejecting it all now." After a slight whoosh from the underbelly of the craft, Amelia pulled out the second detonator she had rigged and waited a few seconds to make sure they were clear before she pressed the button on it.

Inside the cube, the explosives at both locations went off, causing a cascade antimatter reaction that vaporized the cube and sending a shockwave across the shuttlecraft. The turbulence wasn't too horrible... as long as you were strapped in... Then it suddenly stopped and the comms squelched to life.

=/\="Runabout Thor, do you read. This is the USS Hera calling the USS Thor. Please respond." the voice said.

Amelia opened the comm line and responded. "USS Hera, this is the USS Thor, we're here."

=/\="USS Thor, when you landed on that cube, we lost communications with you. As soon as it started to go, everything vanished into a singularity. What's your status?"

Amelia wasn't sure to make of that. "Ship is secure and we're returning with four. Hawke and Wang didn't make it."

=/\="Roger that. Sending docking instructions now."

Angel had not quite managed to hop/hobble her way to a seat when the shuttle took off and the Cube exploded. The turbulence had been nothing compared to the space station when it had exploded, but it was enough that when everything stopped shaking and the Hera made contact, she was on the floor. Again. And wondering if she'd hit her head, with all the talk of singularities and the Thor having briefly disappeared. "Just... get us in the shuttlebay." She wasn't sure how they were going to land safely without the landing gear, but she didn't much care either. "Have Captain Telvan meet us there. She's going to want to hear this..."

No matter how carefully its pilot flew, the Thor had no hope of landing gracefully inside the main hangar deck, but knowing that didn't prepare anyone for the hard jolt and the crunching sound as the runabout set down. While the interior floor was undamaged, its underbelly crumpled under the stress, and the Thor listed to its port side, leaving its hatch on the starboard side pointed more up than down. Angel swore under her breath as the runabout creaked for several moments before settling into a 'stable' orientation. One that made it obvious that the poor little ship was no longer spaceworthy... and Angel had no idea how she was going to get out of this one. She was pretty sure the shuttle looked about how she felt... broken.

Two souls lost, but at least the other three had made it to the shuttle seemed unhurt. It kind of made up for taking two bad falls and spending the entirety of the flight back to the Hera on the floor.

Enalia was there at the port side hatch as soon as the Thor finished 'settling' and had it open in an instant. Letting the two medics slip past her first, she followed them in and looked for Angel. "First off, I'm glad you're back alive. Second off, I'm glad you brought most of the team back with you. Third off, you're paying for the repairs to the Thor. Now then... Can anyone tell me what the hell happened over there? And does anyone have any idea why that thing vanished like a ghost as soon as it started to blow up?"

"Could you maybe help me up before you yell at me?" Despite how sore she was and being pretty sure she wasn't going to be able to stand up without help, Angel waved the two medics off and indicated they should check on the rest of the team first. "As for what happened, you won't believe half of it. I was there and I don't believe it."

Enalia offered a hand to help Angel up, her scowl only deepened as the medics went to tend to the others. "You can brief me in a little bit then. Just give me a summary for now."

Daln entered the shuttle bay, looking for Hawke and Wang. He didn't like Hawke much, but he had high hopes for Wang. She was a good security officer, a good person. She worked well with others, did her job well...she could go far. Daln came around the back of the shuttle bay and saw only four people. Confused, he looked at Commander Fairchild. "Commander? Where are Ensigns Hawke and Wang?"

"Tribbles and Gorn," Angel said to Enalia as Enalia pulled her up off the floor. The dizzy, sick feeling that followed had her quickly reconsidering getting up at all, as did the searing bolts of pain any time she tried to put any weight on her right leg. Daln's arrival and question about the missing ensigns stung a bit, but she just shook her head slightly. "Wang was assimilated so Hawke shot her. And Hawke..." Angel blinked, reeling a bit. "Hawke was eaten by a Gorn."

Since Captain Telvan had left to meet the away team in the Shuttle Bay, Sinek was left to command the bridge. The cube's complete disintegration came as a surprise to the Vulcan. Upon hearing the shuttle's return, he was concerned. The only voice he had heard came from Petty Officer Takethen.

He tapped his comm badge. =^=Bridge to shuttle crew, welcome back. What is your status?=^= He knew four were returning, two security officers were lost, but not hearing Angel's voice in the transmissions meant caused him to think something was wrong.

Daln's face turned cold with anger. He was furious, but he was cold, calculating. Wang should not have died. If they had been paying attention, Wang would not have been assimilated. If a Borg Gorn got that close, Fairchild had not been doing her job. It was her fault that two good officers had died. "Their deaths are on your shoulders, ma'am."

"Yes, Lieutenant, I am aware of that." Angel's tone took on a biting quality, one it didn't often carry. "I'll keep that in mind next time I have to fight off a horde of assimilated Tribbles while running for my life and trying to keep five other people alive as well." She freed one hand from her tenuous grip on Enalia's arm to answer Sinek's call, only to find that clinging to Enalia was the only way she was staying upright at all. Wobbling precariously, she gripped Enalia's arm a little tighter, trying not to fall.

=^= Bridge to shuttle crew: please report. Is everything satisfactory down there?=^= With the delay in an answer, Sinek found himself suppressing the anxiety that was beginning to build within him. Outside, he was all business.

"Scan the immediate area where the Borg cube was. We don't desire any surprises."

Enalia tapped her own commbadge with her free hand. "Telvan here. Medics are treating the injured. I think you'll have to be acting XO for a few days while Commander Fairchild recovers. Please report Ensigns Wang and Hawke as lost in the line of duty and schedule the Thor for a complete overhaul."

Then Enalia turned to Daln. "As the captain of the Hera, the lives of Hawke and Wang are ultimately my responsibility and no one else's. I ordered them to their death and thus their blood is on my hands. Be mindful of who you blame for all the lost souls of this ship, Lieutenant."

Nexi reluctantly allowed one of the medics look her over, but her hand would necessitate an actual trip to the infirmary. until she could make that trip, they fitted her with a splint to keep her finger immobile so it wouldn't make things worse. This whole situation was making her reevaluate if she even wanted to officially join the crew at this point! Once the medic was done with her, Nexi rose from the pilot's chair and went over to the survivors, pretty much ignoring Daln and Enalia. "Hey, you guys wanna get wasted, come by the 'Star later, drinks are on me..." she said to Angel, Amelia, and Klem, then brushed past everyone so she could take herself back to her ship.

"No, I'm okay." She wasn't - not really - but Angel didn't want to be taken off duty. Not working would leave her too much time to think about being chased down by assimilated Tribbles and dragon-Gorn. "I just... I think.... maybe I should sit back down..."

Back on the bridge, Sinek started to wonder what Captain Telvan meant by recovery. Logically, it meant Angel was alive, but not well. How not well? he found himself thinking. It's not that he cared less for the two lives that were loss. He just cared more for the one he chose to love.

Pulling up the crew manifest database, Commander Sinek entered the necessary details, noting the deaths in action. He knew it was the Captain's duty to notify the families of the deceased. It was a task better left for a non-Vulcan. Sinek realized any notification from him would seem cold and without heart to humans.

Enalia helped Angel back to a seat as one of the medics started scanning her over. It seemed she had gotten the worst of it if the red and yellow warnings on the tricorder were any indication. Then the medic tapped his comm badge. "Computer, emergency medical transport for Commander Fairchild to the infirmary." Then he tapped his comms again. "Sanchez to Sickbay, Commander Fairchild has several broken bones, a cranial fracture, internal bleeding, a concussion, and swelling in her abdomen putting her embryo at risk. Requesting priority treatment."

Broken bones, internal bleeding, etc etc. It all sounded par for the course until Sanchez said 'embryo', and then Angel gave him a shocked look. "My what?" was all she managed to say before the transporter's sparkly beam whisked her away.

Enalia was a bit shocked as well, but at least she knew what to do. She tapped her comm badge. "Telvan to Sinek, please report to your fiance in sickbay immediately."

There it was. This had to be bad news. At first, with the announcement he'd be Acting First Officer for a few days, Sinek envisaged the injury to Angel as minor. Now, he didn't know what to believe.

Turning to the Officer at the Communications Station, Sinek flatly ordered, "Lieutenant, you have the bridge."

The Vulcan calmly walked to the turbolift. Once it delivered him to the proper deck, Sinek waisted no time. He sprinted to Sick Bay.

Satisfied her message had been delivered, Enalia headed out of the runabout. "If anyone needs me, I'll be on the bridge."

After being cleared and discharged from Sickbay following her return from the Borg Cube, Chief Klem had returned to her quarters to soak her feet in some mud and relax a little. Stripping down and letting the warm mud get between her hooves and up her legs, helped relax her. It calmed her nerves. She was still trying to cope with what she had seen and heard aboard the cube and what had happened to the members of the away team. Chief Klem fell asleep on her sofa with the muddy clay cooling down and starting to harden around her hooves. The alarm she had set woke her up though and she wiggled her feet to freedom, taking a wet towel to clean off the mud.

The computer voiced in a few moments later with an unnecessary announcement. “The time is now 1700 hours” it said.

Ginny Klem snorted “Yeah, I know...okay.” She finished cleaning off the mud and headed into her bedroom to change into something casual, but nice. She had made dinner plans before heading out on the away mission and had set the alarm just in case she fell asleep, expecting that she would once she got her hooves into some warm mud. After several minutes, she left her bedroom area with some black slacks and dull but good fitting blouse and a simple fixing of her hair and makeup.

A few crewmen passed by in the corridor as she stood outside the man's quarters, waiting for him to answer. She heard a few whispers from the passing crewmen. She knew them both to be gossiping cows, one from engineering and another from security. Chief Klem could only imagine what the two women were saying to one another and no doubt about the Chief standing outside an officer's quarters in casual clothing.

Before the two cows got onto the turbolift, the doors to the man's quarters opened and the young man came out and wrapped his arms around Chief Klem. She squeezed back and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Go ahead. Gossip all you want little cows thought the Chief as she looked to see the intrigue on the faces of the crewmen as she headed into the officer's quarters and the doors shut behind her.

She had been in the man's quarters several times before. She had even helped him get settled in when he had first come aboard a while back. The two often had breakfast together and once in a while when their schedules allowed, they had a nice dinner together. Her pig snout shot in the air as the scent of food came over her. “That had better not be bacon I smell” she said teasingly.

“I'd never” replied the ensign with a short laugh and a broad smile. “If I cooked bacon, you'd beat the shit out of me” he said knowing damn well that she would too. “It's all vegetables and fruit, I promise. Though I do have some replicated meat for myself, but it isn't anything pig like and only replicated. The fruit and vegetables, however, are fresh and grown” he explained as he walked her towards the table and pulled out the chair for her.

Chief Klem shook her head and smiled as she sat down. “Always such a gentlemen, but if I were any other Tellarite, I'd smack you for your insulting kindness” she said in response to his actions. “Your father and uncle raised you well though, Julian” she added as she looked over the spread of well seasoned vegetables and vibrantly colored fruits. “And an excellent cook” commented the Tellarite.

The ensign soon joined her, taking a seat across from her and sighed. “I am so glad you are back safely. I do not know what I would do without you” he said softly.

“Oh hush” she said shaking her head. “You would do just fine aboard the Hera without me” she said as she looked around his quarters. “You've changed things around. Nicely decorated” she said flatly.

Ensign De Rivera chuckled. “You are being a Tellarite” he said shaking his head. “You hate it and find it absolutely hideous” said Julian.

The Chief nodded. “Absolutely” she said simply “But the food is truly delicious” she said after taking a few bites.

Sinek was out of breath from sprinting to Sick Bay. Taking a second outside to catch his breath, the Vulcan approached the double doors, which whooshed open. Quickly entering Sick Bay, Sinek looked for Angel. To no surprise, his good friend the Doctor was by her biobed.

Approaching the biobed, Sinek saw the concern on both Angel and the Doctors faces. His own turned a pale yellow as the blood left his cheeks, expectant of bad news.

"Doctor," Sinek expressed, suppressing his fears. He had to be strong for Angel. "What is amiss?"

Angel knew that Ethan was working as fast as he could to determine how much damage had been done, but knowing that didn't make her feel any better. She wasn't sure how much of the pain she felt was soft tissue trauma and how much was broken bones; all she knew was she was starting to feel like everything hurt. On top of that she was dizzy, short of breath... and really, really sick to her stomach. If Ethan wasn't trying to run scans and do as much damage control as possible without surgery, she'd have curled up into a ball. "Ethan."

Before Ethan could respond, Sinek took Angel's hand. To him, the ankle looked repairable, he noticed the bruised forehead. Certainly, these weren't life threatening injuries. Sinek looked at the monitor for any clue as to what was happening. Was it an internal injury that he couldn't see? Glancing at the monitor, Sinek saw not one set of readings, but two. Sinek immediately understood the implications. Internal, indeed. Sinek was so humbled he had to take a seat.

Grateful that Sinek had joined her, Angel squeezed his hand gently, but she still needed to get Ethan's attention. She didn't feel like she was getting enough air to talk, so she tugged on Ethan's sleeve then pointed at the plastic basin a nurse had set down nearby, hoping he got the message.


Ethan had finished his scans by that time. He was both relieved that the injuries were mostly superficial, but surprised by the life signs he saw inside Angel. He was about to inform the two, at lest Sinek, since he had an idea that Angel either know or suspected. But, one glance a Sinek's face and i was clear that he had put two and together. "Well, I think you've already figured out the first piece of good news, or I hope it's good news.

"But first, there is some bad news."She has a concussion, and a fracture. She also has two broken ribs and a broken left femur and a shattered collarbone. Those injuries, while painful are treatable and in the long run, not much of an issue. What is a concern however is her internal bleeding. I may have to go in and operate, something I don' want to do if I don't have to. It could endanger, both her and the baby."

The look on Sinek's face was somber for a Vulcan. The blood was drained from his face, giving it a pale yellow hue. He was finding it difficult to regulate his blood flow and breathing. Is this the price of love? Pain from within? For the first time in his life, Sinek was experiencing what humans would call the down side of love.

He wish the decision was not his to make. It came so logical to Sinek that Angel was the most important person in his life. He knew she was his choice. But the child within her was theirs, a combining of their chromosomes, a true symbol of their love for each other. Yet, he knew his choice. To him, it was logical.

"If both cannot be saved, Doctor," Sinek heard his tedious voice pronounce (For some reason, it sounded so distant and cold), "do everything you can do to save Angel." He clasped on to her hand as if his life was hanging in the balance.

"I'll do my best to save both, "Ethan promised, but I will save the mother if it comes down that choice."

"You are a friend, Doctor," Sinek expressed, now looking only at Angel. "My trust is in you."

Angel nodded slightly. All that made sense, and if the baby was an embryo there would be no saving it if she died. It was good, solid logic. Now if she could just get someone to hand her that damned basin! No sooner had she thought about it, a passing nurse noticed and picked the plastic tub up, setting it in Angel's lap and disappearing momentarily. She reappeared even before Angel had an opportunity to use the basin at all, quickly pressing a series of three hyposprays against Angel's arm.

"Zofran for the nausea, morphenolog for the pain, and tri-ox because my goodness you were straining to breathe." The nurse's tone was light and cheery despite the obvious 'bad' readings. "Now just try to relax."

Angel nodded again, not saying anything. She wasn't feeling much better, other than the urgent need to throw up fading away.

The arc on the biobed was not quite accurate enough to find the source of the internal bleeding and when Ethan used the tricorder, his worst fears were confirmed, there were multiple sources for the bleeding, at least three and possibly four and Ethan was going to be forced to perform surgery, despite the risks involved.

"Sinek, I'm going to have to ask you to step away. Everyone else clear the area, I'm going to have to operate."

"I am a Scientist, Doctor," came Sinek's uniform voice, while staring into Angel's face. "I wish to observe."

Ethan paused only a moment before replying,"Fine, but you're going to have to scrub in and you're going to have to wear a mask."

Sinek squeezed Angel's hand as he replied, "I understand." Leaving go of her hand, Sinek went to put on scrubs, footies, mask, and gloves. He returned as quickly as he could to hold Angel's hand while allowing the Doctor room to work.

"Angel," Ethan said, "I'm going to put you under now, so I can operate. You're going to be okay. You have any questions for me now?"

Angel shook her head slightly, then realized that might be taken as resisting the surgery she needed in order to keep living. "No... no questions." She paused for a moment to catch her breath, squeezing Sinek's hand again. "Just... give me the good stuff, okay?" She knew that the morphenolog she'd already been given was already pretty heavy-duty, but it wasn't doing much to ease her breathing. Or the pain for that matter.

"Don't worry," Ethan said, "I always give out the good stuff. You're going to be completely under. Just trust me." He then began prepping for the surgery.

Nexi was just leaving the infirmary, a brace around her hand; the doctor wanted to get Nexi into surgery for her hand, but Nexi wasn't having it, so the bones were set and mended the best it could be without the necessary surgery and a brace put on to keep the hand immobile while it finished healing. Nexi looked down at her bound hand with a sigh, then trudged along towards her quarters, only they weren't her quarters anymore, she had moved in with Daln a short time ago. Sigh again, she changed directions and headed for the cargo bay with it's hidden docking bay where her old friend the Wandering Star was berthed. As she passed through the makeshift kitchen in her ship, she grabbed a bottle of booze, not really caring which of the numerous bottles she had grabbed. Then she flopped onto her couch, taking a heavy draw off the bottle and willing this emptiness inside her to go away...

Daln was just starting to wonder where Nexi was when he got off duty. He exited the bridge, then tapped his commbadge. =A= Hadren to Nexi. =A= When she didn't answer, he asked the computer, =A= Computer locate Nexi. =A=

=A= Nexi is in the Wandering Star. =A=

Daln nodded and headed in the direction of the cargo bay where the Star was. Upon entering the bay, he approached the shuttle and knocked on the side of the open hatch. "May I come in?" he asked.

"Whatever..." came her raspy grunt of a reply, not moving from the couch where she was sprawled out, her splinted hand over her eyes to block out the light and to hide the fact that she had been crying, the other hand holding the liquor bottle with a vice-like grip.

Daln felt how she was feeling and came in slowly, finally sitting down next to her. "Mind if I have some?" he said, gesturing at the bottle.

Nexi raised the bottle slightly, releasing it reluctantly as he took it away from her.

Daln sighed. "Nexi. Nexi, look at me." He waited until she met his dark eyes.

Nexi didn't want to look at him, for the most part she really just wanted to be alone and drunk, but she did as she asked and pulled her hand away from her eyes, not before hastily wiping the tears away. "What?" she asked in a gruff tone.

He could feel the turmoil inside her, and in turn it was causing him some unease, which he was sure she could feel. "What happened? It's not just Hawke and Wang, though I know that's part of it. What happened to you?" He took a drink and handed the bottle back.

"I can't..." she started, then the tears started burning in her eyes again. She couldn't escape her past, she could never escape what she used to be... It felt like she couldn't breath, but she didn't realize it was just the pit of emptiness she was trying to escape.

Daln reached behind her shoulders and drew her close, letting the salt of her tears soak his uniform. He didn't know if she would pull away, but he knew, just by feeling it with her, that she needed it. Whether she would allow it was a different story.

Nexi made a feeble attempt to resist the closeness, but she needed the hug so badly that she eventually surrendered to it, letting out all the pain and frustrations she had been holding in for years.

Daln wrapped both arms around her, just holding her for a while, letting her cry her pain out onto his chest. He alternately stroked her back, her hair, or just sat there with his arms around her, his cheek resting on her head. He tried to calm himself, picturing a beach with waves breaking upon it. Just the wind, the sun, and the waves. They changed, but it was always the same. Calming. Comforting.

Nexi didn't know how long she cried, but eventually her sobbing subsided, ending embarrassingly in the occasional hiccup. She reached up to to wipe her nose, resulting in a substantial amount of snot on her hand. Without a second though, she wiped her hand off on the back of Daln's jacket.

He smiled down at her. "Feeling better, babe?" he asked. He reached over and wiped away her tears with his thumb. "I've never seen you so upset. Are you sure you're okay?"

"No, I'm not feeling better," Nexi said angrily; now her face was all puffy and her head hurt, crying sucked, why do people even do it?! "I- I just... I can't escape my past, Daln! It's like.. I try to be good, I'm trying to... do good... but it's always there, I can't get away from him!"

Daln frowned and swept Nexi's hair out of her face. "Yes you can. If I have to, I will pay for your freedom. I can afford it. I never want you to hurt like that again. And if he does try to hurt you..." Daln's jaw tightened and his dark eyes narrowed, "I will destroy him." he said through clenched teeth.

"No, he's- I thought he was dead, he should be dead..." Nexi said shaking her head. Anyway, she'd already paid off her debt, and yet she was still haunted. "I heard him on the cube, why did I hear him?"

Daln shook his head. "I don't know. We're close to Talosian space. Maybe it was your mind playing tricks on you." He frowned. "But we should be far enough out that we're not affected." He cupped her face tenderly, looking into her eyes. "I don't know why you heard him, or how, but I do know that if anything wants to hurt you, or even thinks about hurting you...it will have to go through me first. I'll never let anything hurt you. You know that, right?"

Nexi didn't know how to answer, so she simply leaned into him and let a few more tears fall. "I don't know if I can do this..." she said in a quiet tone. "This enlisting thing, I don't know if I can do it... I don't know if I can watch people I care about getting hurt!" She was thinking about leaving again, just getting in the cockpit and getting as far away as she could! she had enough money, she could buy herself a nice little place somewhere... Nexi could take a beating if she had to, but she did not know if she was strong enough to watch the people she cared about getting hurt.

Daln pressed his lips to her forehead. He couldn't stand to see her in so much pain. "When I was a child, the Dominion attacked Betazed. I was just a child, not even a teenager yet. My telepathy was just starting, I had no control, and so I could feel the sheer terror of everyone else. And the Jem'Hadar...I'd never felt anything so murderous in my life. My father tried to help the Starfleet officers and was nearly killed. I thought he was going to die, and he would have if not for the Starfleet doctors. After the war, I was still scared, not wanting to leave the house, but my father told me that just because we lose the people we love, doesn't mean they aren't still with us. They're always with us, as long as they're in our hearts and minds." He looked into her eyes, and smiled. "And that's why I joined Starfleet: so I could help prevent anyone I loved from getting hurt again."

"I became a slave because my mother died with a debt to a Ferengi. Holding onto her didn't save me from the loneliness..." She went limp against Daln; she was so very tired all of a sudden! "And then I became a killer to buy my way to freedom; putting on a new jacket ain't gonna magically make all that right."

Daln shook his head. "No, it won't. But do you really want to forget your mother? Never remember her at all? Not the color of her hair, the way she smelled...nothing? Ever again?"

"I barely remember anything about her anyway..." she said tiredly. "I only ever remember the smell of felicium, the plant not the drug..." Though she remembered the drug too; her mother was a botanist trying to create a more potent drug.

Daln stroked her hair again. "And do you want to forget that? To never remember her? Ever again? Seems a lonely way to live."

"Tell me what I don't know..." Nexi answered sadly. "You think I don't wanna remember more? But remembering and holding on to her won't make anything right, and holding onto her didn't make me feel any less lonely when I was a kid. Your dad fed you some fucking mushy advice to make you feel better."

Daln started to get angry with her at the slur about his father. "Don't talk about my father that way again. Ever. And even if you don't remember her, does that mean you don't want me? I've spent I dont know how many hours trying to show you that I love you. And now you're just going to throw it away? Is that all I'm worth to you?"

"Fuck, don't you get it?!" Nexi said as she pushed him away, grabbing for her bottle of liquor. "It would kill me to see something bad happen to you! I don't know what the hell is wrong with me, I can't stop thinking about you and when I do, I worry all the time, you have no idea how frustrating and distracting that is! And after today... fuck, today... If you had been one of the ones lost, I..." She looked down at the bottle in her hand, raising it to her lips, but then she stopped, looked at the bottle again and set it on the table. "Fact is Daln, you mean more to me than anyone else on this damn ship. Well, except maybe Aewia... You two, if anything happened to either of you, I really do believe I'd go mad..." she finished, much softer than she had started.

Daln smiled. "And that, Nexi, is what is called love. Come on. I'll make you dinner. Get you cleaned up a bit. And then I'll try to cheer you up some more. He stood and took her hand, intending to help her to her feet.

"Is it?" Nexi replied with a grimace, going dead weight on him as he tried to pull her off the couch. "It kinda sucks," she said, but then grinned. "And I'm not sure if I feel like eating right now, I kinda have a headache, I think I just wanna sleep and try to forget about what happened on the cube."

He grinned and pulled her form into his arms. "Part of it. And the benefits are amazing." He carried her over to the cargo bay transporter and had the chief transport them to his quarters.

Setting her down on the couch, he tucked her hair away from her face and smiled at her. "you'll be alright, Nexi. You'll always have me"

"You can't promise that," she replied tiredly, trying to fight what she didn't understand. And the day was really catching up with her, her eyes were barely staying open.

"Yes, I can," he said "i'll always be here for you." He bent down and kissed her before sitting on the end of the couch with her head in his lap, just stroking her hair.

Nexi was too tired to argue, and soon she drifting off to sleep. Hopefully, tomorrow would be better...

Daln let her sleep, hoping she would have peaceful dreams. He sat there sroking her hair until he, too, fell asleep.

OFF:

Lt Daln Hadren
Chief Sec/Tac Officer
USS Hera

&

Nexi
Infiltration Specialist
USS Hera

ON

The case was long, it could have been for an instrument; it was in a manner of speaking, Ishakaway was in the traditional attire of a Japanese workman. One might think that a samurai would not lower himself to this level yet this is what had happened. The fact he was allowed to do this is another matter. The Wakashi hung on his wall in the scabbard with an empty slot above where the Katana should have been. Yes, it was a sore place to have no sword up there, only the wood fashions scabbard waiting the blade.

WHile on Earth he took great pains to study the Katana and the men that worked the blades; he could by his honor alone have conscripted one to be made. Yet he could not as he had been weak; he had failed and he did not feel the Honor had been fully restored. This is his way of atonement; his method to make his Sword and his Honor one.

Entering the programmed simulation he was in a blacksmith style shop with a forge, tools with a strong anvil all waiting. It had taken him a few weeks to get the program correct and past the counselors in his rehabilitation. They saw it more as a weapon than an instrument; he had fought many battle to get it past the powers that be. The small simulation was approved and the special metals brought to his recovery area.

Bending it was the part that he had to slowly master; in the bending it gave more strength to the blade; the flow of the chi was directed in a single direction an long the blade from tang to tip; it was a single piece of work. The heat of the forge not unlike the heat of adversity added to the creation process. The sweat and hurt muscles that came from the process made Ishakawa stronger like his blade. Concentration and slowness of purpose; the focus that is from the center of one's being with each swing of the hammer to the steel. One thousand bends at minimum; the number seems simple to understand yet difficult to execute.

Placing the case down Ishakawa brought out the once raw metal; just a piece of ingot that would one day be something more; through teh training under a master it would be forged into something great. With time and efforts spent it will be able to protect those behind the blade and strike down those in front of it. Like that man who took the blade to the forge; under the hammer and cooling it when that one bend was completed. The redundant process of practice and doing it over and over is what forges both a body and a blade.

Ishakawa had the Master of the blade; the computer simulation in the form of an old man with knurled hands from the decades of building the weapons; the accumulated knowledge showed in the wrinkles of his face. The gruff and sand paper voice from the breathing the air around a force and drinking the heat of the process during the simulated lifetime. This image was the accumulation of all Ishakawa thought would be the master of a blade; the way in his mind a Master would look like to guide him through the process. The computer program was created in Japan; by the sacns and written knowledge passed along through generations of sword makers into the final database.

A computer could have formed the sword with great precision, the data of thousands of hours of study adn the scans of the whole of the Katana poured into the creation of a simulated blade to be wielded by a master swordsman. A man who had studied the blade since he could walk; held more practice swords than toys as a child. Summed his existence as a weapon for his master, a servant of those to have mastery over him and the sharpness of his honor like the edge of the blade.

The fires were hot as Ishakawa tightened his Hachiman headband. removed his over shirt ad put the gloves upon his hands. He had come to work; his meditations for the day cleared his mind so he could give all his fighting spirit to this task in front of him; he would put his ow will and physical might into the blade.

"You -are-progressing..." The raspy voice of the Blade Master complemented; his eyes being the sensory network of the Holodeck through the special triciorder Ishakawa fashioned and programmed solely for this project with the parameters and processed results from completed swords to compare. Years of working the blade and the man went into the program.

Years had gone into making Ishakawa a Samurai and months bringing him back from wallowing as a Ronin. The blade was as raw an ingot of metal as the twisted ego and sorrow of the Ronin, both had their flaws to be worked out; the forging process metaphorically and physically required seemed insurmountable at the beginning yet Ishakawa had taken step-by -step and blow-by -blow with a hammer to make the progress

Heating the metal Ishakawa could only ponder the task ahead; his focus was on working the blade to make it stronger; the weight of the hammer was one thing the replication of an actual tool so closely matched the real thing Ishakaway had to strain to use it and it also worked the metal of the blade as a real hammer would. Like the simulation his training was not real yet affected a real item. With the first blow of the hammer to the metal; the echo of the ping that moved and bounced all around him was like the satisfaction of working his body to a fine tooled edge.

He would forge the blade one hammer blow at a time; it was hard work but well worth the effort. Going through the counselor and the retraining of his body in a dojo he would be as ready as the blade when all is said and done.

This is the way of a Samurai and his faithful Katana.

OFF

Lt Taro Ishakawa
Chief of Operations
USS Hera

Chief Petty Officer Klem had not had the fortune of formally being introduced to her new Department Head, Lieutenant Taro Ishakawa, but that would soon have to change. After spending several weeks meeting with Ensign De Rivera and discussing things through, the two had started to put their heads together. However, if they were to ever get this thing off the ground, they would need some credible backing and some support.

In the Mess Hall the two were finishing up a meal when the new Chief Operations Officer had walked in and took a seat at a table across the room. Chief Klem looked at the young helsmen. "You ready, kid?" she said with a small snort. The ensign was taking the last few sips of his protein shake.

With a bit of a protein shake mustache, he looked up at the Tellarite. "That's Sir to you, Chief" he said teasingly. He had far too much respect for the woman to ever actually pull rank on her like that. He also had far too much respect for his own life to even try it.

"Yep" she said with a heavy sigh. "You just go on right ahead and pull that rank on me, Ensign. I'll start calling you Sir when you stop looking like a child" she said as she reached across the table and wiped the protein shake mustache off of the ensign. "I should have let you gone over there with that on. I would have laughed my ass off" she added.

Ensign De Rivera felt embarrassed that the Chief had just saved him from looking like a child in front of a superior officer. "Thanks" he said briefly. "Okay, let's do this together. Strength in numbers, right?" he said nervously getting up.

The Tellarite scoffed. "So they say" she said as she collected her PaDD and approached the man's table with Ensign De Rivera at her side. She gave the ensign a nudge. "Go on kid, talk to him. You are closer to his rank than I am" she said in a whisper as they approached.

Julian's mouth hung ajar as he looked at the man. Oh my God...I don't know what to say! he thought as he panicked. He closed his mouth and cleared his throat nervously. "Chief" he said looking over at the Tellarite woman.

Thanks kid, throw me under the bus she thought shaking her head. "Hello, Lieutenant" she said simply. "I'm Chief Petty Officer Klem and this is Ensign De Rivera" she began. "Do you a moment?" she asked the man, gesturing to the empty seats at the table.

Ishakawa stood as there was a woman present and bow slightly. "Please..." He offered the two seats. "I would be honored." He gave them a chance to sit before seating himself, noting the rank of those around him. "You have my undivided attention." He nod and smiled politely.

It was clear by the ensign's silence that the Chief would have to take charge of this. She and the ensign had taken the seats, and Klem politely introduced the two of them. "It is nice to finally have the chance to meet you, Lieutenant. the Ensign here is a flight control officer and I'm the Shuttlebay Manager and Chief Transporter Operator" she said giving him a brief run down of their jobs and duties.

"De Rivera and I have been working on a small undertaking of our own, a side project that we have been slowly spending time with" began the Chief. "You see, Sir, we are working on designs for a new shuttle or runabout class. So far all we have been able to do is think it out, converse with one another, and render some simple sketches" explained Chief Klem

She handed the Chief Operations Officer a PaDD containing some rough sketches and notes. "We would like to advance further in the development stages of this craft, but to do so, we'll need some resources which we cannot obtain without approval. So far, you are the only person we've gone to. We need your endorsement on the project and someone such as yourself who is a Department Head to present our project to the Captain and First Officer."

Ishakawa looked over the sketches; there were a lot of 'concept while the technical data was not over his head he would like to have the opinion of the Engineer about the plausability of the project? The thing that stuck out in his mind as he mentally went over the raw materials that areexpended in the manufacture of a shuttle., the type 11 and 15 being the most popular and easiest to create from nothing he had to venture the hit upon ship board resources.

"I see two things that must be put in a solid account before I place my name for it to progress?" Ishakawa began. "I am being the voice of reason of course." He added. "The difference in design , materials for construction and time involved with designs are greatly different between a shuttle and a Runabout. The Runabout is more of a micro star ship and thus was her design concept. These drawings for the shape and structure are enough to warrant a continued effort but the class of vessel will have to be solidified. " He looked at them both. "The resource allocation and the sheer amount of Holodeck time to be used for the design of a theoretical mock up could be a difference of two hundred percent on the size of craft and complexities." He nod. "To make a successful pitch to the Command you must anticipate the questions; is it to be a shuttle or runabout class is the most important. It will affect your allocation of research materials and time tables." He let the statements sink in for a few seconds. "WHat is she to be and then I will endorse progression?"

Julian broke free from the anxiety and fear that was leaving him without a voice to speak or the confidence that he usually had. The Ensign looked at Chief Klem, but knew that he would have to answer this question. Though the two had been working together on the project, it was initially his idea. Klem provided some sound engineering support in helping Julian and also a voice of reasoning.

"A runabout, Sir" answered the ensign swiftly. "Initially, we had intended for a shuttle, but began reworking it and cutting back on some aspects. We would be proceeding with it being a runabout...possibly something to replace the Delta class" continued Julian.

Chief Klem smiled and placed a hand on the young officer's shoulder. She was proud of him for stepping up and voicing his plans. The Tellarite stepped in to contribute with some defense. "These runabouts and shuttles don't have the duration life the starships they supply support to, Lieutenant. The Delta class is still rather new with the prototype being constructed in the 2370s and with mass production of them occurring in the 2380s into the present. However, we need to think about the future and there are of course refits and upgrades that can be made to the Delta class, but the ensign and I believe strongly that our best hope lies in an entirely new auxiliary craft."

"I would suggest a timeline for your theorical design in the Holodecks and if you give me a list I can approximate a resource allocation list and what impact it will have on ship's stores to have a working model and prototype to help your presentation?" Ishakawa said calmly. "It would do you both good to take the initiative but do not cut any corners as the impact might cost you later in the project. Once you make the approach and get clearances come back and we can discuss what times you can have the Holodeck to do major planning." He suggested. "As far as Auxiliary Craft go it never hurts to keep the other engineers prodded along, a little competition might yeild better results in the future?"

The Chief and the ensign nodded in unison. Chief Klem spoke up in regards to the Chief Operations Officer's critiques and recommendations. "We can work on this later and have it to you by the end of the week, Lieutenant" replied Klem with a nod in the ensign's direction. "We appreciate your support, Sir."

"I am at your service." Ishakawa replied with a smile handing the PADD back. "It is a large endeavor; I wish you much luck with the process." He sat back a bit in his chair. "I have allocated some extra replicator resources for the scale model if you like for presentation along with the holographic model. Having something to 'handle' always helps drive a point home."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. We will keep you updated on our progress" said Klem with a nod. The ensign chimed in "The Chief is right. We will keep you updated. Please, enjoy the rest of your day. We had better start planning this" said De Rivera as he and Klem excused themselves.

Aewia was pacing. Nexi was out later than expected from her date and though it was expected, it still worried her. Something had changed - she could sense that from here.

Nexi had stayed at Daln's quarters before, so it was nothing new when her first reaction was to go there after leaving the holodeck with Daln, but Aewia should know... Tugging on Daln's arm, Nexi changed course back to her quarters to check in on Aewia and give her the news.

"Aewia," Nexi called for her sister once entering the shared living space, shedding her jacket and tossing it over the back of a chair.

Aewia glomped Nexi as hard as her weight could, clinging to her sister. "Is everything ok? What happened?"

"OOF!" The two sisters toppled to the floor, but this was not so unusual; accustomed to such greeting, Nexi had taken some time to master the art of falling with a clingy sibling. "Yeah, everything's fine kiddo," Nexi replied, ruffling her hair.

Comforted but still cautious, Aewia looked up at Nexi. "You have news though. Is it... Is it adult love?"

That caused a reaction in Nexi she didn't even think was possible; she blushed. "Yes, but I promise it's not contagious."

"Ah." That was all Aewia said as she climbed off of Nexi and returned to her feet, a bit mopey. "So..."

Daln smiled at Aewia. "Don't worry about it, Aewia." He didn't know what to do with his hands. What was he supposed to do? Hug her? Make the traditional Betazoid greeting? He had only seen her a few times in passing on the ship, and before that he had been a little bit of a jerk when they were teenagers. "Nexi was just going to tell you some news." He looked at Nexi, panicking. He had no idea how to do this with a brain-damaged sister. He had done it with another sister, long ago, but she had had her wits about her.

Nexi rolled her eyes at Daln. "Aewia, I'm moving in with Daln," she said as she picked herself up off the floor. "He said he was okay with you moving in with us if you ain't ready to be on your own yet."

Aewia nodded, trying to think hard about this development. "We'll still be together on the ship, either way. I'd rather not, if that's ok." It was taking all her strength to not go lay down, curl up in a ball, and cry. She needed to stay strong like her sister. "And we can still have movie night."

Nexi had always sworn that if there was ever anything that made her little sister cry that she would go kick its ass, but now here she was the one making Aewia cry. Well, almost; Nexi could feel Aewia biting back the urge. "Hey, ain't gonna be that much different," Nexi said, pulling Aewia into her arms; Nexi struggled with showing genuine affection with Daln and everyone else, but never with Aewia...

"I'm already spending most nights at his place, so I'll just be moving my stuff in with him now. We'll still do movie night and I'll still let you play dress up with me when you think I should look pretty... But if you want me to stay, all you gotta do is ask..." Nexi often wondered what love was, but that was because she couldn't see how unconditional her love was for Aewia. It was there for Daln too, but that was still something so undeveloped compared to the bond she shared with her sister, and she couldn't even see any of it...

Aewia hugged her sister tightly but shook her head, tears threatening to spill out at any moment. "No, I couldn't ask that of you. You have your own life and you're right that we'll still be together. Can you just leave some of your clothes behind please? I'll feel better." Aewia loved Nexi as well. She could never deny her sister to her own life - not when she had a chance to find something she could no longer appreciate herself. The doctors had been able to do a great many number of miracles for her, but that part of her seemed forever lost.

Nexi let go of Aewia, but only so she could reach over to the chair where she had tossed her jacket; it was leather and had been a part of Nexi's wardrobe for longer than she could remember. Nexi took this jacket, the jacket that had become a symbol of who she'd once been, and draped it around Aewia's shoulders. "I'd leave my favorite pants, but I think they'd fall off your skinny butt," Nexi said bluntly, hugging her sister again.

Daln chuckled. "Yes, it would be a shame to lose those pants. They are...very nice," he said with a grin. Then he cleared his throat. "They look quite good on you." He tugged on his uniform and clapsed his hands behind his back. He had no idea how to do this with Aewia, mostly because he had never spent any time with her. All he knew of "the new Aewia" was that she liked ice cream. A lot.

"This is enough. Thank you." Aewia said, wrapping the jacket around her tightly. She knew the importance of this jacket and she'd do anything to protect it. "When will you be moving?"

"I was going to stay with him tonight, maybe move my stuff later, but I can stay here tonight if it would make you feel better," Nexi said.

"I'd appreciate it but you don't have to. I've spent nights alone a lot lately and I feel pretty good so I should be ok." Aewia said with a brave smile.

"Alright, but only if you're sure," Nexi replied. "And you know how to reach me if you need me."

Aewia nodded confidently. "Mmhmm, I do. And the EMH is on call if I need him."

"If it gets to be too much, just let me know, I'll come back and crash with you, okay?" Nexi said, still worried that Aewia wasn't ready for this and that she was just agreeing to it because it was was she thought Nexi wanted, and all Nexi wanted was for Aewia to be happy.

"Okay." Aewia was as sure of this as she could be. She knew Nexi wanted her to be happy... But what of Nexi's happiness? Here she had a chance at it and even if it didn't work out, she'd still have Aewia to come home to.

Daln tried to get out of his awkwardness. Coming over, he said, "And Aewia, if you ever change your mind, you're welcome at our place. I'll have sundaes for you every night." He gave her a grin. "And I make great muffins."

"Muffins? Sundaes?" For a moment, Aewia reconsidered it, but then remembered that they needed their privacy. Thoughts of what they did in their private hours was not something she needed on her mind right now.

He picked up on the awkwardness and cleared his throat. "Um, yeah. But just remember, you're always welcome."

"You can have muffins and sundaes anywhere you want," Nexi said, giving Aewia one more hug. "I know you want me to be happy, but if you ever need an emergency slumber party to make you feel better, all you gotta do is say so and I'll be here."

Aewia nodded contentedly with the hug. "Ok, I will. want to celebrate a little then?" Not waiting for an answer, she headed over to the replicator and punched up three waffle cone sundaes.

Nexi chuckled as she followed her sister and sat at the table to share some waffle cones with the people she cared about most; part of her had hoped that she and Daln could escape back to his quarters after they broke the news, but if this is what Aewia needed to help make the transition then it was the least Nexi could do. Besides, Nexi was finally starting to like ice cream for all of it that Aewia had been practically force feeding her over the months since her rescue.

"You're alright, kiddo, you're alright," Nexi said, reaching over to ruffle Aewia's hair, then dug into her sundae with a grin.

Even in the 24th century, post-surgical pain had a way of catching up to you. Angel knew it from previous procedures - life in Security could get a bit rough - but she was still surprised by the intensity of it as she woke up. There wasn't a part of her that didn't hurt at least a little, but the worst of it was in her chest and abdomen... until she opened her eyes. Sickbay's unkind fluorescent lighting roused the headache and accompanying symptoms from the concussion her brain was healing from, and she pulled the blanket up over her head in hopes of making her world just that tiny bit less painful. She hadn't seen if anyone was nearby, but she suspected Ethan had scanners watching her, so he'd know she was awake regardless.

Ethan had been in his office, going through PAaDs and checking charts, when the console on his desk sounded. He glanced up, saw what patient it was and, after taking a drink of his now cold hot chocolate, hurried toward the biobed Angel was resting on.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

Oh, good. Ethan could give her drugs. Angel moved the blanket enough to peek at him, still shielding her eyes from the light. "Not great. Everything hurts... I feel like throwing up."

Sinek was now Acting First Officer and had been working hard at trying to keep the ship operating smoothly. The Vulcan spent every free moment he had by Angel's bedside. He was certainly glad that Vulcan's didn't require much sleep. What little rest he needed, he spent in meditation, trying to will Angel through her crisis.

He had just finished the duty rosters, ensuring their accuracy for coverage. Spying some free time, the Commander headed to see his love.

Enalia also decided to go check on her XO at about the same time and noticed Sinek entering sickbay moments before her.

While she waited for Ethan to say something - or maybe produce a couple of hyposprays - Angel thought she heard two sets of footfalls approaching her private little corner of sickbay. She was expecting Sinek at any moment and assumed he was one of them. She couldn't think of who the other might be until she felt the now familiar 'practical joke inbound' prickle on the back of her neck. With Enalia, you didn't have to be a telepath to know she was coming to mess with you. "I swear on everything sacred if you come in here and start trying to prank me, I will throw up on you."

The corners of Sinek's lips slightly turned upward. "That's the Angel I know and love," he evenly spoke.

"Oh come on..." Emaila said as she entered right behind Sinek, a cheek splitting grin plastered across her face. "Give me a little credit at least. I just wanted to see if you were doing better and if you'd be able to take command of the saucer soon."

"...oh god no." Just the thought of looking at the viewscreen threatened to split Angel's head in half and made her want to burrow back under the blanket.

Sinek nodded as he placed his and behind his back. "There is no need to hurry. The vessel is in capable hands. Althslough, it will be excellent to have you up and back in command soon"

"Yeah, I can always leave someone else in charge of the saucer while I take the stardrive back to starbase 972 for two weeks." Enalia said, more serious. "Commander Sinek can stay here and resupply ships while I pick up a supplies pod from command."

Angel made a distressed noise at them, reaching for the plastic basin on her bedside table and pulling it into bed with her. All the talk of coming back to command was making her head hurt worse, and the worse that got the worse her stomach felt. Before she could ask them to talk about something - anything - else, she threw up into the plastic tub, wincing as she did so.

"Sorry, I really shouldn't be bothering you with this right now..." Enalia said sheepishly.

"Oh great. You were serious." Finally figuring out it wasn't a joke, Angel decided she'd better just keep the plastic basin, even if it did smell gross now. "I can't look at a viewscreen right now. Maybe in a couple days..."

"I'll be heading out tomorrow. And I have another favor to ask of you..." Enalia was starting to blush now. "I can't take Maica with me so could you keep her company now and then?"

"Tomorrow? Ugh." Angel didn't think tomorrow was such a great idea, but she couldn't make Enalia stay any longer either. "I don't know. It'll depend on how I feel in the morning." She was willing to bet she was still going to be feeling pretty terrible, just gauging from how she felt now. "And I could maybe keep Maica occupied, just don't expect me to kiss her."

Enalia blushed deep red as she momentarily imagined Angel and Maica both making out with her at the same time.

"I'm getting married," Angel reminded Enalia in a deadpan tone, knowing exactly what Enalia was thinking based just on how deeply the other woman blushed. After a moment, she looked toward Ethan. "I can deal with the pain, but I need something for my stomach. Please."

While the two females chattered, Sinek's attention was upon the sensor readings. It was clear that Angel's was better and improving. The second still appeared active and strong. Commander Sinek had difficulty believing he was going to become a father. Of course, as a Scientist, he understood why he was becoming a father. No one had to explain that to him.

The struggle within him was fear. He had to suppress it. The fear in detail had to do with his Vesik. The fact that Vesik was present on the Hera at the moment heightened this fear. What if Sinek fathered in the same way Vesik did?

Sinek took Angel's hand. He was happy that Angel was recovering. He had done everything he could in the last few days to be her support.

"Ello, whot's this then?" The EMH said as it came online, looking at a holographic PaDD cheerily. "Commander Fairchild, it seems that you're both awake and it's time for your meds. I take it from your bucket, you're more than ready for it? Hmm?" As he spoke, the EMH set aside the PaDD and it immediately vanished when it left his hand. Then he started loading up a set of hypos. Before he administered the first one though, he checked the biobed scanners and nodded. "Ready then?" he asked just before pressing the first hypo to Angel's neck and injecting a general use pain killer and nausea medication.

"Now, if you need anything else, I'll be just over here," The EMH said as he took Angel's tub and gave her a fresh one. Then he headed off to sterilize the old one.

"Thanks," Angel replied, smiling a bit weakly. For a moment, she thought about just putting the 'bucket' on her table then thought better of it. While the drugs Starfleet provided were generally pretty good, her stomach still felt pretty riled up. And she was dizzy, dizzier now with the pain medication he'd given her. She had no idea what it was, only that Ethan had previously ordered only medications that were safe for the baby. Giving Sinek's hand a brief squeeze, she laid back down and pulled her blanket up, leaving the plastic basin in the bed beside her.

Then a thought occurred to Enalia. "Another option... Commander Sinek, do you think our largest runabout could tow a cargo pod half the size and mass of one of our nacelles at warp?"

Sinek raised a brow. The runabouts could tow a starship as large as the Galor class. They were also capable of towing smaller objects at warp speed.

He looked at the Captain as he answered with his plain speech. "They do have the capacity to do so, Captain. It'll take two to man her. What are you contemplating?"

Pulling Sinek a few steps away, Enalia consulted with Sinek further on the situation while trying not to stress Angel further. "I'm thinking of taking the Thor out there once repairs are done on it rather than the stardrive. And I think I'd like to take Daln, Nexi, and Gini with me. We'll still need to separate the saucer to get the cargo pod into the main hangar bay... but that might be a better option. Your thoughts?"

"If Angel is not up to it," Sinek dryly explained, "I am certain the Ensign De Rivera can handle the saucer separation under my direction."

"Excellent. Then I guess I'll be leaving tomorrow once repairs are done and be back in a couple weeks." Enalia said with a bit of a grin. "You're scheduled to rendezvous with several smaller ships, the largest being a Centaur class. Keep your eyes open for anything unusual."

"Do not worry Captain, we will handle each undertaking as efficiently as possible," the Commander assured. "If there are any difficulties, we shall solve them in the most logical manner."

"Thank you. I'll inform the crew affected and my team and then I'm going to take the rest of the day off to pack and set a few affairs in order." With a final nod and a worried glance to Angel, Enalia left Sinek there to watch over Angel a bit longer.

Sinek approached Angel's bedside, gently brushed her hair back from her eyes, and sat in the chair. Despite the improvements in her vitals, she seemed extremely tired. Sinek realized that this was part of the healing process. He sat back, awaiting his love to awake.

T'Qol needed a break from Vesik's overbearing nature. He had to be in control of more than his emotions. Vesik needed to be in control of everyone and everything around him. The Captain's orders of confinement to quarters meant that T'Qol was getting the brunt of this attitude.

Picking up the courage to disobey the Captain, T'Qol slipped out of their guest quarters. She had to meet the woman her son loved. She had heard that Commander Fairchild was in Sick Bay due to injuries during the recent crisis.

It was the overnight shift; not as many personnel would be on duty. Sneaking into Sick Bay, T'Qol found the correct biobed. The Commander was sleeping. T'Qol glanced at the readings on the scanner screen. A realization suddenly struck her. Two individual scans. T'Qol was going to be a grandmother. Deeply, she experienced joy before it was suppressed. Fear was suppressed as she thought of how Vesik would react to a hybrid grandchild. Vesik held to conservative Vulcan ways. T'Qol eased herself in the seat next to the bed and watched over Angel and her grandchild.

Even asleep, Angel seemed to know when someone entered her room and stayed longer than a few minutes. She woke up slowly, blinking a bit to see her visitor's face in the dark. Her visitor bore a resemblance to Sinek but was clearly female. "T'Qol. Aren't you confined to quarters?" There was a note of amusement in her voice at the idea of a Vulcan so craftily disobeying orders. "Sinek isn't here. I made him go home and sleep for a few hours."

T'Qol arose from her seat. She ignored Angel's question about confinement. A tactic she had picked up from Vesik in their marriage. Her tall slender figure stood, looking down upon Commander Fairchild. In an even tone, T'Qol announced, "It is not To Sinek I wished to speak at this time."

"Oh." Not knowing that T'Qol was far more reasonable than Vesik, Angel felt like she shrank a bit at realizing why the Vulcan woman had come to visit her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to assume you were here for him... it's just... well." With how Ethan had configured the biobed's scanner readout to easily differentiate between Angel and the tiny embryo inside her, there was no doubt that T'Qol had already noticed. "I wasn't expecting any other visitors today, but I don't mind either."

T'Qol seemed to be reasoning things out in her mind before she spoke. "There is something I must know." She momentarily paused. "Do you love my son?"

It hurt so much to move, but Angel gingerly sat up to look at T'Qol. It was an odd question but also one that was so simple for her to answer now. "I love him with every piece of my heart and soul, maybe more than that even. I don't know if there's a Vulcan equivalent for that feeling."

T'Qol's gaze turned to the sensor readings on screen. Reaching out, she touched the readout from the embryo. "Does this signify what I have interpreted it to signify?"

Assuming T'Qol had already inferred that she was pregnant, Angel nodded. "It does. I only just found out myself."

T'Qol slid her hand down the display as she allowed herself to remember her true feelings directly after Sinek's birth. Feelings that had tone suppressed when she and the child returned home under Vesik's controlling nature.

"I assure you, Commander," T'Qol reasoned, "Sinek will make a good father..." She paused as she returned her dark eyes to Angel. "Sinek will be a good husband."

"I'm sure he will." Angel smiled a little. "I'm sorry you found out about our relationship the way you did. I never had any intention of turning him away from his family's traditions... but I do intend to marry him once I can stand long enough to finish the ceremony."

T'Qol shook her head signifying the negative. "No. You did what was necessary. You must not allow doubts concerning your love sidle into your mind. It will haunt your marriage." T'Qol's wisdom seemed to be coming from experience. She repeated, "You did what was necessary. If Vesik would have known about you and the threat you presented to his strategies, he would have gone over the head of Star Fleet and the Federation. He would have had the Vulcan High Command force Star Fleet to bring Sinek home to Vulcan. Now, he knows that tactic is futile after the occurrences that happened here." Again T'Qol reiterated, "You did what was necessary."

Angel tilted her head to the side, like a curious dog. She'd never heard any Vulcan - except for Sinek - talk about love in such a manner. Now she had some idea of where he'd gotten it from. "I would do it again, if Vesik attempted to force the issue."

"I'm sure you would have, Commander," T'Qol affirmed. "There are not many Terrans strong enough to mate with a Vulcan. I deduce that you are one who can. I am able to appreciate that quality within you."

That was quite a compliment, and Angel grinned a bit crookedly. "I understand now how Sinek can be so kind and gentle while his father is so cold and logical. He got it from you." She paused, frowning slightly and putting her hand across her belly. "And please. I'm off duty and soon to be your daughter-in-law. You can call me Angel."

"Very well...Angel," T'Qol seemed humbled, gazing downward as she pronounced her name. However, when she began to realize that Angel had seen qualities within her that she had also seen in Sinek, a motherly sense of pride seemed to take hold in her. She returned her gaze back to Angel. "Do not let Vesik dissuade you. He is prideful and stubborn even for a Vulcan. Stand your ground; hold your course. I only wish that Vesik's nature were like Sinek's. It is understandable that Sinek seems is at odds with Vesik."

"I'm not afraid of Vesik. Sinek advised me not to confront him directly, so I haven't." Angel found the little remote the controlled the angle of the bed, using it to raise the head of the bed up so she could lean back on it. "If Vesik wants to be prideful and stubborn, nothing you or I say will change his mind."

"You add wisdom to your other qualities," T'Qol replied with no fluctuation. "Sinek made a logical choice. Sinek has given me pride for choosing his own path. I have not told him so for Vesik's sake. I wish you well, Angel Fairchild. May you feel loved and honored by Sinek. No doubt you will."

With that T'Qol turned to leave. Before she exited she turned as if she had one more thing to say. "It will be an honor to gain you as a daughter." She then turned and exited the room.

Having volunteered to speak with the counselor without any prodding, Angel had set up an appointment with Tallara following her release from sickbay. However, she'd neglected to factor in how long the walk from her cabin to Tallara's office was. Already a few minutes late, she paused outside the door to lean against the bulkhead and take some pressure off her sore leg. She'd broken bones before, but they'd never hurt so much after being repaired. Then again, she'd never broken her femur before either. A moment passed before she was certain of her balance again, and finally she tapped the chime button to request entry into Tallara's office.

"Come in," Tallara called, already sitting in her preferred comfy chair and looking at a PaDD. The remains of a carafe of coffee and a set of mugs were on the table in the middle of the room.

Trying her best not to limp or hobble, Angel entered the room. It was odd how she still felt so wobbly despite medical having declared her physically fit for duty. "Sorry, I know I'm late."

"It's fine. It gave me a few minutes to finish up a letter." Setting the PaDD aside, Talarra motioned to the coffee pot. "Interested in some coffee? or something else to drink?"

"Coffee's not good for the baby, and I can't stomach it right now anyway. Maybe some ginger ale?" That been a safe bet even since before Angel was released from sickbay. She liked the ginger and it seemed to keep her stomach settled so she wasn't taking so much zofran and phenergan.

Tallara leaned forward and moved one of the mugs to a strange circular pattern in the table and tapped on a screen on it. Within moments, the mug had been filled by a tiny replicator with ginger ale. "I hope a dry Canadian ginger ale is to your liking. Please, have a seat."

"Canadian dry is perfect, thanks." Angel made her way over to one of the other chairs next to the table, carefully sitting down. Picking up the mug of ginger ale, she took a few sips of it. "I don't normally visit counselors. I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to talk about."

"Whatever you feel you want or need to. If you want to talk about your family or a recent trauma or the weather, it's fine." Tallara assured her with a soft smile. "And if you need guidance for something, I make a pretty good sounding board."

"Just recent trauma could keep us here for weeks. I'm not sure some of what I saw and heard over there was real..."

Tallara nodded thoughtfully. "I happen to have weeks of free time. Especially now that my number one patient is on an away mission. How about we start with how it started then?"

"Well..." Angel wasn't sure if Tallara meant how this particular fiasco of an away mission had started or when she'd started having nightmares and other manifestations of anxiety. "Nightmares are nothing new to me. I've had them for over a year... that's why Sinek taught me how to meditate, so I'd sleep better." Hearing those words while she was awake was new, but she wasn't going there just yet. "Anyway." She took a sip of her soda, stalling a bit. "I thought going to the Cube was a bad idea, but I sure as hell wasn't letting Enalia go over there after what happened the last time she went to an alien ship."

"Ah yes, when she was taken over by that energy being. I'm surprised you let her take a runabout on a two week vacation." Tallara commented. "Please, go on."

"I didn't make that decision," Angel replied a bit defensively. "Sinek did, as acting first officer, while I was in the ICU." She didn't know why it bothered her so much that Tallara had assumed it had been her decision, but it did. "Everything was fine when we got there. It was just a creepy dead Cube."

"What do you mean by dead? Was it a ghost ship?" Tallara asked.

"I mean we didn't see anything moving. Not a single drone in sight, no sounds from anywhere. Just... silence except for our own voices." Silence, that is, until the creepy voices started talking. Angel still wasn't entirely sure they were real, but Nexi had heard it too. "It was weird. It reminded me a lot of the Romulan cold storage station we visited before our time jump."

"Not even the hum of machinery or engines? That does sound creepy..." Tallara was also a bit creeped out just from the description.

"No hums, no whines, nothing. But then there were... I don't know if they were announcements or telepathic messages meant only for certain people to hear or..." Angel trailed off, thinking back to the writing they'd seen on the walls. "There was weird purple writing everywhere."

"So there were voices and strange writing? Borg lithographs are normally green... I wonder if being purple had any interesting meaning..." Tallara mused.

"I don't know. I couldn't read it." Angel shook her head slightly. "But still, everything was fine until Wang suddenly started turning into a Borg."

"How did that happen?" Tallara asked, concerned.

"Well, it was dark. We couldn't see the floor very well, and we didn't realize we were surrounded by Borg Tribbles until Wang had already been assimilated." It was the honest truth, but even Angel had a hard time believing it.

Now Tallara was incredulous. "Borg... Tribbles? Was that the best they could assimilate?"

"Oh no, it gets way better. There were Gorn... fire and ice breathing ones."

"There were... What?" Now Tallara was starting to worry over her own sanity for hearing that.

"I'm not making it up! How do you think I broke so many bones? Certainly not running from Tribbles." Angel was starting to worry that maybe Tallara thought she was crazy and had imagined the whole thing. "I swear, every word of it is true."

"Ok, then please go on. Wang was assimilated by Borg tribbles and then a Borg dragon gorn thing attacked you?" Tallara would have to check the reports, but this was sounding pretty crazy.

"Uh." Angel hesitated for a moment, trying to remember everything in the right order. "Chief Klem threw a grenade at a cluster of Tribbles, there was some shouting, and then a fire breathing Borg dragon Gorn attacked us. I don't remember if I hit my head the first time then or if it was just my shoulder."

"Ok... After the fire breathing one attacked, what happened?" Tallara prodded.

"It chased us. We set up some spatial charges on the run, and then we headed back to the shuttle." Angel wasn't sure she was making any sense at all at this point.

"You couldn't kill it? And it chased you?" Tallara picked her PaDD back up and started tapping at it furiously to get the reports from the other three survivors just to corroborate this whole seemingly fantastical story.

"No, I couldn't kill it. I dropped my phaser when I fell, and the projectile weapons don't work against Gorn. The bullets just bounce off." Angel's tone sounded a little cross, like she realized what Tallara was doing with the PaDD.

"Holy shit..." Tallara mumbled, having found a copy of the shuttle recorder video. She sat there and watched a Borg Gorn shoot ice out of its mouth, freezing the hull and one of the security guards, then the fire breathing one physically ate him. this was like nothing she'd ever expected to see - especially from a race of cold emotionless cybernetic drones.

"Yeah, it was pretty fucked up." Setting her drink down, Angel crossed her arms over her chest, ignoring the twinge of pain that radiated through her shoulder and down her arm. She wasn't sure if Tallara actually believed her now or not.

Clicking the PaDD off and setting it aside, Tallara looked back up at Angel wide eyed. "How did any of you even survive?"

"Sheer dumb luck, I guess." Angel shrugged slightly, looking away.

"So... How do you feel about all of it? Your mission succeeded, right?" Tallara prompted, trying to get back on track.

"Two young officers died and I damn near didn't make it back. How do you think I feel?" The mission had been successful otherwise, but Angel felt like there was more to a mission than just finishing the final objective.

"If I had to guess, pissed off at yourself, frustrated with the loss of life, lucky to be alive yet guilty that you survived, embarrassed over getting hurt, and unsure of yourself from what you had to deal with." Tallara was calm now as she spoke.

"...that was a pretty good guess," Angel muttered, still not looking directly at Tallara. The description she'd just heard was pretty spot on, actually.

"What do you want help with first then?" Tallara said softly, hoping Angel would look back at her.

"I don't know." It might not be the answer Tallara was looking for, but it was an honest one. Angel couldn't quite bring herself to meet Tallara's eyes, but she did turn back in that direction at least. "I was in Security for a long time. The anger and frustration... I've dealt with those feelings for years. I've had other critical injuries in the past... I've led a lot of teams where someone didn't make it back. But it wasn't until I came to the Hera that I started surviving missions I had no business surviving while other people died to save me."

Tallara nodded. "And that doesn't sit well with you when they sacrifice themselves so their commanding officer can continue on."

"It's not a comfortable feeling," Angel admitted a bit reluctantly. Had Hawke not returned for her and physically put her in the shuttle, he'd have lived but she'd have been dead. It was a repetition of when young Ensign Jones had pushed her to safety moments before he was dismembered and eaten by the Borg dogs on that station. "But the worst of it is I froze. I was petrified, unable to move or give orders because of a voice that might not even have been there."

"What was so bad about this voice? What did it say?" Tallara asked softly.

"I'm not sure it would make any sense to you, to be perfectly honest." Angel sighed a bit, not sure she should share what the voice had said.

"Frankly, nothing about this is making much sense, but if it helps any, I still believe you." Tallara replied.

"Look up the report titled 'Bonnie-kin'." Angel didn't think she could do the voice justice, but she'd put its exact words into that report. "It's from four years ago, if you only go by the computer's dates. For me it was last year."

"Ah yeah, the Romulan cold storage facility. While you were all missing, it made the news back on Jupiter station." Tallara nodded, familiar with the public records already.

"Yes, but they didn't have my log with the exact quotes in it. Unless someone stole it..."

"No, that wasn't in the public news." Tallara admitted. "You heard those same words on the cube then?"

"Same words. Same creepy voice. There might still be an audio recording, actually." Angel had no idea what the recording might be named, but she knew they'd had one.

"I'll look it up later." Tallara said, gesticulating with one hand. "This voice freaked you out and you froze then?"

Angel nodded slightly, clearly not enjoying where this conversation had turned to. "I couldn't breathe. And this was before I broke two ribs and shattered my collarbone."

"Sounds like you had a panic attack, which is perfectly normal in a situation like that." Tallara reassured her.

"I know what it is... I've had a few of them." Angel decided to leave out the one she'd had when the alien thing had possessed first the computer and then Enalia. "They feel like you're dying. And I've been at death's door a few times, so yeah. I know what that feels like."

"Of that I have no doubt." Tallara said. "How did you overcome this panic attack?"

"Honestly? I didn't come out of it until we were back in the shuttle. Whole mission, I couldn't breathe. I functioned. I gave orders." Angel didn't know if that made sense, but it was true. She suspected that was why so much of it was a blur.

Tallara nodded some more in that somewhat sage and attentive but sometimes frustrating way of hers. "I can only imagine what it was like over there. You got four people home safely even with all that."

"Yeah. Somehow." Angel didn't know if Tallara was trying to be helpful or not, and it was kind of frustrating.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you were given a medal and promoted, personally." Tallara said thoughtfully. "Not that that helps you come to terms with any of it. Is there anything specific about the incident that's bothering you more than anything else that you'd feel comfortable sharing your feelings about?"

Angel shook her head. "It's more that I can't deal with it all at once, and yet I have no choice. It's already happened. And then I came back to find out I was pregnant and neither myself nor the baby was certain to survive. It's too much."

"That's why we're here. So you can talk it out and go through it at your leisure." Tallara said with a soft smile. "Personally, I'm glad that you made it back and both you and your child survived. You're less than a month along, I assume?"

"Um... yeah. They said 'embryo' not 'fetus' so maybe a week at that point... I was in the ICU for three days, main sickbay for two... so I'd guess maybe two weeks. Ethan could tell you for sure, if you wanted to know." Ethan had probably told her, but Angel didn't remember. Her brain still felt scrambled despite having healed from the concussion.

"That makes sense. How does being a mom make you feel? Or has it even sunk in yet what with all that's happened with that duel with the Vulcan woman and the away mission?" Tallara questioned.

"I'm not sure how I feel. I mean, we hadn't even talked about getting married until the T'Zal was about to arrive, and we certainly never discussed kids." Feeling like she needed to do something with her hands, Angel picked her soda back up and just held it in her lap.

"Understandable," Tallara replied. "It's a lot to take in. Personally, I think you handled that duel as well as anyone could hope to. I was there watching from the buffet table."

"Um, thanks. I guess." Angel knew the fight had ended quickly and likely looked impressive, but most of what she'd done was reflex. Not conscious thought. "I do better with a threat I can face head on. Anxiety... I can manage it with meditation, but it's hard. Sinek's had to help me."

"I'm a big fan of meditation. It keeps my own violent impulses to manageable levels. Is the form of meditation he coaches you in helping? Would you be interested in trying other methods?" Tallara asked curiously.

"We use a lamp and guided imagery. It works for me, and I didn't think it would at first. When I was in Security I used to just go to the range and lock the doors so I could shoot things in private." Angel hadn't told many people that, but it seemed like Tallara really wanted to help her. She needed to be honest. "Emotionally and mentally it works anyway. Nothing's worked so far to help with pain, and sickbay took away my pain meds when I was discharged." She shifted a little in her chair, trying to find a comfortable position that didn't put any stress on her various sore spots.

"I could probably get a mild painkiller into the system for you, but it would be tablets. I have one running for the Captain and they seem to work ok for her," Tallara commented.

"That would be fantastic, if you could." Angel wasn't sure how much help a mild painkiller would be for her leg, but the other soreness wasn't as bad. She figured a tylenol tablet was better than nothing. "I get headaches, bad ones. I don't think I could deal with that on top of what I'm feeling now."

Picking the PaDD back up, she tapped at it for a minute or so before setting it aside. "I mirrored most of the Captain's stuff to you. Sumatriptan, Morphenolog, Anatriptan THC, and Tramadol. Try not to use more than two of each in a day."

"I'm going to try not to use it at all unless I have to. Thank you." Angel suspected she'd at least need something for pain once she made it home, but she'd wait and see if it was really necessary. She set her drink back down and readjusted her position in the chair. "I don't mean to fidget. I'm just really uncomfortable."

"Is there anything I can do to help? More cushions? Would you prefer to lay down?" Tallara had noticed and she'd been concerned, hence her willingness to prescribe some tablets into the replicator system for Angel.

"I breathe better sitting up still. Starfleet only thinks they've perfected precision bone reconstruction." Angel sighed lightly; any position that took weight off her sore leg either made her breathing more difficult or was too awkward to maintain. "It's my leg, mostly. Ethan fixed the break, but the nerves and muscles around it are still unhappy. And the blood flow isn't back to normal, so it just aches."

"I don't doubt it. They'll probably be unhappy for some time to come. Pregnancy is not kind to the body." Tallara stated, nodding some more.

"So I've heard." Angel paused for a moment, thinking. She hadn't found a comfortable way to sit at home either, other than on the bed or sideways on the couch with her leg supported but not bearing any actual weight on it. "At home I try to sit so I can have support from my hip through my ankle, usually with a pillow under my knee. Maybe next time we can try that."

"I'm all for anything that helps." Tallara said with a bright smile. "Did you want to go home and get some rest now? Or did you want to talk some more?"

"I'm getting kind of woozy." That wasn't really an answer, but Angel wasn't sure if she was still okay to walk home or not yet. She'd probably benefit from resting, if she was able to rest once she got there.

"You could rest here if you need to. I don't have any more appointments today and my bed is free. I was planning on meditating a while as well." Tallara offered.

"I hate to take up any of your furniture, but I'm not sure I can make it home. I hate feeling this weak." Angel knew she hadn't been in sickbay long enough to get so weak and wobbly, and she hadn't been pregnant long enough for it to be the baby.

"You're probably still in shock. And that's a professional opinion." Tallara stood and offered Angel a hand so she could help her to the offered bed if she so desired. "Either use my bed or tell me who to call to help you home."

"Sinek's busy working. Could maybe call Amelia." Angel took Tallara's hand and gingerly stood up, most of her weight on her left leg. "Just send her a message. She can come get me later."

"I will then, but for now let's get you comfortable." Tallara said as she helped Angel to her own bedroom. It was sparsely decorated and the shades over the windows were completely drawn. About the only personal item in the room was actually a picture of several researchers - a Vulcan, an Andorian, several Humans, and a Trill.

Angel snorted at that. 'Comfortable' was a relative state for her now. She took a brief look at the photograph as she sat down, wondering who the people were. Most of them wore lab coats, so she assumed they were scientists of a sort. That meant she wouldn't know them. "I can get settled. I'll be fine."

As soon as Angel was situated on the bed, Tallara headed back to her desk and sent a message to Amelia. Thankfully, Amelia was one of her normal patients, not that that had given Tallara any hint of her plans to resurrect her lover. Getting a quick reply message, it seemed Amelia was in the middle of something but she'd still be there within the hour.

It had been a long and trying time having Vesik and T'Qol aboard, much less the crisis with the Borg cube. Everything didnt work out as Sinek had planned. Of course, the Vulcan couldn't foresee the cube and the events attached to it. T'Zal and Angel were both still alive. For the first time in his life, Sinek had out manipulated Vesik. And to top it all off, Sinek and Angel were soon to be married and he found out he would be a father in approximately eight months. It was difficult, but Sinek was able to suppress the pride he felt.

Angel looked tired and full of pain to Sinek. There was one more task, which they needed to attend together. They needed to stand as one to say good-bye to his family.

"Let's never have family over again," Angel said theatrically, leaning on Sinek's shoulder. "This was exhausting."

Sinek wrapped his arm around Angel's waist. "My family isn't due for another fifty years based upon this visit," Sinek stated. "What about yours?"

"It sounds as if the adrenaline rush is over," Sinek observed. "You may wish to get it flowing again for our next task. Are you ready to guide them to the shuttle bay?"

"My family prefers to keep their feet on the ground." Not sure what he meant by getting adrenaline flowing again, Angel mulled over that for a moment before nodding. "I think so."

The two arrived at the ambassadorial suite. Sinek encouraged Angel one last time, then sounded the chime.

It was T'Qol that answered the door. "Vesik will be out momentarily," she explained. She looked at Angel, wondering if she had shared their secret meeting with Sinek. Vesik still had no idea, as he was meditating during her time away. She gave Angel a Vulcan greeting.

Surprised by T'Qol's offering of the Vulcan salute, Angel returned the gesture with a slight smile. "There's no rush. We thought both of us should see you off."

"It is logical," T'Qol replied.

Vesik entered the common area from a bedroom. He seemed to be in full control. He had used the time during the crisis to meditate. "I assume all crises has been averted."

"Indeed," Sinek replied without elaborating on what the actual crisis entailed. He had already informed Vesik of Angel's injuries.

"It has." Angel too decided not to elaborate on any details. "It's just another day for us out here. We get used to it."

"Indeed," Vesik calmly responded, his hands together at his chin. Vesik was wondering why Sinek was allowing this human female to speak on his behalf. Certainly, T'Qol has taken a step back to allow the men to speak. He turned back to Sinek.

"I presume it is time for us to leave." It was a statement, not a question.

That was rude, but somehow Angel still kept her expression neutral. "If you're ready to do so. As I told T'Qol, there is no need to rush if you're not prepared."

"T'Qol, would you and the Commander get our things. I would like a word with Sinek."

Sinek looked to Angel, signifying it would be okay.

As Vesik ignored her completely this time, Angel bristled slightly. She could understand him being annoyed that his plans had been screwed up, but this level of disrespect had her dearly wanting to put him soundly in his place. But the look Sinek gave her indicated he would handle it, so Angel forced a smile and turned to T'Qol instead. "I'll help you gather everything you need to take home."

Once the females were out of the room, Vesik began, "Sinek, your logic is flawed."

"No," Sinek countered, "yours is. It lacks respect for all others not Vesik. You want me to return to Vulcan because your logic deems it necessary. You've never once asked my logic. I belong here," Sinek remained calm, successfully suppressing the anger and disrespect he felt. He pointed to his pips on his collar. "These give evidence to my success."

"She has you swayed," Sinek countered.

"Commander Fairchild has earned your respect," Sinek evenly argued.

"Why her?" Vesik inquired.

Sinek stood firm, looking Vesik in the eyes. "I love her."

"Love," Vesik mused, "an emotion."

"No," Sinek explained. "A choice."

Vesik cocked a brow attempting to understand this concept of love. The sound of the women approaching brought their conversation to an end. Sinek crossed to Angel and T'Qol, taking much of the items from them.

"Angel, please lead the way," Sinek requested. "We shall follow you."

"Gladly," Angel replied a bit stiffly, still bristling from Vesik's refusal to acknowledge her as a person worthy of his respect. T'Qol seemed nice enough, but she was starting to understand better how Sinek could go fifty years without speaking to his father. Actually, if it weren't for familial physical resemblance, she'd never have thought that this man could ever be the father of a man so kind and respectful. Deciding it wasn't worth her time or energy to bother trying to change Vesik's mind, she turned toward the door and led them out into the corridor.

Sinek's family followed with Sinek himself bringing up the rear. Things didn't seem as tense as they had when they first arrived. Perhaps an understanding had been achieved.

When the group had reached the shuttle bay, Sinek climbed inside the runabout with his parents' belongings, inadvertently leaving Angel alone with his family.

Vesik turned to her and said, "Commander Fairchild, thank you for your generosity in our coming aboard such a fine Federation vessel. You should come to Vulcan some time to allow us to return the hospitality."

That was a twist she hadn't expected. Angel smiled a bit at the offer. "You're welcome, and perhaps I will when I have the shore leave time available."

Sinek exited the runabout. Seeing Angel's look, he could only assume what Vesik had said to her.

Once Sinek had fully disembarked, Vesik got on the ramp and turned toward them, awaiting T'Qol. T'Qol went to her son and embraced him, her face on the opposite side of Sinek's, away from Vesik. She whispered just enough so that Angel could hear.

"She's got fire. Hold on to her. Don't worry about Vesik, he'll come around to understand your logic. Just like your choice of Science."

Come around? Sinek thought. The Science issue took decades. Even then, Vesik continually used it as a tool to bring Sinek back to Vulcan.

Hearing T'Qol's whispered advice, Angel couldn't help but smile. As much as she'd disliked Vesik's continual superior attitude, she did kind of like T'Qol. She understood now where Sinek's gentleness had come from.

T'Qol released Sinek and went up the ramp. She too turned to face them.

Sinek approached the ramp. "I am and forever will be your son," Sinek announced, more to Vesik than T'Qol, as he was the one who needed to hear it.

There seemed to be a softening in Vesik's features. He held up his right hand in the Vulcan salute and shifted his gaze toward Angel. "Peace, and long life," he pronounced.

That smile still gracing her face, Angel lifted her hand to return the distinctive salute. "Live long and prosper."

The two elder Vulcans turned and entered the shuttle. Sinek escorted Angel to where they could watch the departure in safety. The shuttle powered up, the bay doors opened and the shuttle slowly exited them.

Sinek turned to Angel, embracing her in his arms and gave her a word of encouragement. "You handled this well, Angel. I believe by his actions before boarding, you have impressed Vesik."

"I have no idea how." Wondering just what had changed Vesik's mind about her, Angel leaned into Sinek's warm embrace, grateful for the bit of physical support. "Can we sit somewhere for a minute? I'm really hurting and I can't take another painkiller for a few hours."

Sinek was concerned about the pain medication. As much as modern medication has progressed, there was still the very real possibility of addiction. It was more the psychological dependency upon them that caused the need to continue taking them. Angel was a strong woman, but she had been through a lot recently mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Sinek guided the one he loved to the nearest seat. He sat next to her. "How long will you need the medication?"

"I don't know. I try not to take it, but my leg hurts so much I can't stand it." Angel leaned on him, rubbing the sore area of her leg. "The EMH and Tallara both said it might hurt for a long time, especially once I start gaining weight."

"While you meditate, increase blood flow to those areas, without decreasing flow to the child" Sinek suggested. "It will promote healing."

"I'll try that tonight." Angel wasn't sure quite how to accomplish it, but she imagined it couldn't be much more difficult than visualizing what she wanted.

Sinek looked into Angel's gray eyes. "Please assure me of no more dangerous missions for a while. If someone besides the Captain leads an away team, I will do so. Your injuries should fully heal before more missions are taken on."

"I'm not going anywhere for a while, trust me. I think if I get in another shuttle I'll end up having some sort of meltdown." Angel wasn't exaggerating either. By the time the Thor had landed, she'd been on the verge of losing what little grip she'd had on everything. Shifting so that the light no longer fell directly across her face, she sighed. "I'm not feeling so good. Maybe we should go home."

Sinek allowed a concerned look to cross his face. It was only a minute tenseness in his face. Angel, perhaps, was the only one that could pick up on those small facial changes. To others, his face seemed to be stone. Holding his hand out to Angel as he stood, he said, "Indeed."

Angel took Sinek's hand and gingerly stood up, heavily favoring her right leg. She was tired, and despite having work to do the only thing she intended to do right now was go home and take a nap.

He hated seeing her in pain. There were some who said, "You heal, you must endure the pain." Sinek didn't agree with the statement. He lifted Angel into his arms and began to carry her to her quarters.

Tallara glanced at the time once again. It seemed that Lieutenant Ishakawa was late for his command mandated counselling session. She hated tracking people down and if he didn't show, it was his own career on the line. However, that was a lot of paperwork and it might just be easier finding this guy. Not that she could help him if he didn't want it...

Tapping her comm badge, she spoke. "Tallara to Lieutenant Ishakawa, You're late for your appointment. Would you rather be here in the next few minutes, or should I send no-show papers to the Captain?"

=^= I was checking the Main Dish and thought leaving it half open would not be a wise decision. I am on my way. =^= Ishakawa did not lie, that would be losing of face and he could not have that.

Truth be told he had avoided the Counselor as he had bad memories of them; the judgemental ones that just held his career out over a cliff like a hostage. He could not be helped; he would be better off out of the service. What did they know; the Hagakure had much to say on the men of such intellect and learning.

After waiting a couple minutes, the missing person finally came through Tallara's open door. With a key press at her desk, she closed it and looked to him meaningfully.

"I am Sorry Counselor, I did not think the job would take so long, I humbly ask forgiveness as your time is not to be wasted." He had bow as was proper for standing a lady up in the first place, it was true he did not like Counselors but an appointment is an appointment. "I have put this off as long as is possible, I will give no more resistance." He offered as he looked up at the counselor. "You have my attention Counselor."

Tallara still had that meaningful look on her face as he spoke. "I can't help you unless you want help and after what happened at the banquet, I'm surprised command hasn't ordered me to help you." Standing and moving to one of the chairs in the room, she motioned to the couch across from it. "Please, at least try to get comfortable."

"Yes Counselor." Ishakawa took a breath before he moved over towards the couch and took a pillow placing it upon the ground before kneeling upon it Japanese style with his hands upon his thighs as he kept his back straight but not ram-rod so. "This is comfortable ." He said with an honest tone. "This is how I spoke with My Master of Bushido. I give you the same honor in our passing of wisdom."

It was how he set up his quarters, the tatami mats and other furnishings that brought a little of 'Home' to his new quarters. The couch was where the past Counselors had tried to rebuild him in their image of what he should be, that his belief in Bushido and practice of a Samurai were outdated. This is who he was and he would give the counselor the respect of her position and build from there.

"WHat do you wish to know?" He asked simply.

Tallara took a deep breath and decided to get started then. "Well, first of all, I'd like to know a little about you in your own words and what you'd like help with and how you'd like me to help you. I've read your file and I'm honestly surprised you're still in Starfleet, but that choice is yours, not a counselor's."

"I was told I must attend these sessions." He said. "I want to be able to do my duty for this command; why must everyone want to cast me out like a Ronin?" He asked. "I ask what it takes to be able to just serve this ship, tell me and i will do it?"

Tallara had to facepalm hard. "I just told you how to start this. No one is kicking you out. If you don't want my help, then that's your decision and you're wasting both our time being here."

"I have a friend on the ship who can understand some of it." He said. "I was made into a Ronin by the Orion Syndicate Pirates before I was reinducted into my duty station." He told her. "It is not easy to admit a weakness, especially to one I am sworn to protect." He told her. "I relive my failures when I close my eyes or if I see others falling into a similar situation."

"So, your master was killed by the Orions and now you're a disgraced samurai?" Tallara was guessing this was what he meant, though without specifics she was a bit lost. "As for reliving the events, that will sadly never go away fully, but you at least have the chance to do good in your life still. To try and make sure that never happens to anyone else."

When the Captain accepted my transfer I became a Samurai again; I have chance to serve a master again." He explained. "They broke me in the ships, that is why I became a Ronin. I did things that disgraced my name. I helped kill innocents and ..." He lowered his eyes. "And fellow Fleet personnel." He admit. "I did things that made it easier to kill those I should have protected."

"And that will be a difficult burden to bear. I can't tell you how to cope with that, but I can support you in discovering how to. Over time, with the right techniques, I believe you'll be able to find peace." Tallara replied.

"I was weak..." He admit. "A samurai should be strong.. able to bear the weight. "Honor can be heavy as a mountain or light as a feather' the Hagakure says. "I could not bear the mountain. I could not save one soul." He said almost under his breath. "The One Soul that counted the most..."

"And that is a difficult thing to bear. There's one thing you have to realize though. Something I'm sure your teachings would agree with. You can not change the actions of other people when you're no longer in a position of power." Tallara spoke calmly and with a reverence that belied her years. "In other words, you can't be held responsible for what happened during your imprisonment."

"A Ronin is one who has no master." Ishakawa said. "She died trusting I would save her to the end. Thirty seconds, it was thirty seconds late repairing a fusion generator that powered weapons used to fire upon Federations ships and merchant vessels." He looked up at her. "When liberated I was nearly put in irons as I destroyed that generator after the battle and before were were taken to safety." He explained. "I told the guards and the ship counselor the story of how they shot a woman and let her bleed in front of me, I had to repair and she would live but the damage took longer and it was too late to save her; she and I were Lovers, I failed her."

"Still out of your control. Fate is like that." Tallara spoke softly. "I think if you meditate on your actions and the actions of others, I think you'll see that."

"It is still hard to accept failure; I have told self that I should have been able to do the task and running scenarios in my head I should have been able to complete the task in the time given." He told her. "I have vow not to let pressure of situation get to me and since I have no similar tie nor do I think I will have it is a moot point in future."

"I'm still going to recommend meditation." Tallara insisted. "Just as a starting point."

"Are you to enforce the meditation regiment or do I seek out other sources?" Ishakawa asked in what he thought a sound question. "I understand life is a process or relearning one's self and meditation is a componant of that." He made eye contact. "Will I make a record or come on regular basis to report what enlightenments I have discovered?"

"Nothing is mandatory at this point and we'll only talk about what you're comfortable with." Tallara replied. "The computer can provide you with a holographic guide or a list of people on the ship that are masters of meditation, whichever you decide upon."

I do not suppose a Bushido Master will be what you wish?" Ishakawa asked. "Would talking with someone who has had similar situation be acceptable as well?" He wondered. "I know of someone that I am more comfortable talking with that might help?"

"If you prefer anyone else, that's fine. I'm here to support you. I just want to see you improve." Tallara insisted.

"No insult intended, you have been kind." He ow slightly. "I meant as another avenue to get things out of my head." He looked at the young woman. "You have not tried to force me to take steps but offer help; I am more comfortable with you as counselor than the past who try to drum me out of service. I only wish to serve this ship with Honor, it is all I have."

"Thank you," Tallara said, bowing back. "Is there anything else you want to talk about today?

"Yes, women." Ishakawa said firmly.

"Ok..." Tallara shifted in her seat slightly and began to wonder which direction this would go in next. "What about women do you want to speak about?"

"I have been scolded for my treatment of women; they do not want to have a man do things for them." He said. "In the camps I did what is proper and looked out for the women; protected them and tried to assure they had what they require to be women. Now they want to do all by them selves; some compete with men and many do not act like ladies in lieu of their wanting to compete and even surpass men?" He shook his head. "Am I wrong for wanting to be a proper man and look out for women?"

Tallara paused for a moment, thinking on this. "Being gentlemanly is a nice thing... but I think it's seen more as courtship these days. The equal rights movements of the early twenty first century on Earth being a classic example of this."

"I suppose while under the Orions I became too protective, it is hard to break an old habit I suppose." He tried to hide the sag in his shoulders. "How is a man to show favor to an attarctive woman if she is competing with me?" Ishakawa looked to the counselor. "I sort of miss the more defining of roles, I was once told by my Grandfather that in my life the Minute I understand women ; that is the right amount of time I will have to truly understand women."

"Women don't want to be protected or understood. They want to be respected as a unique sentient being that may or may not have differences from any other being. Just like men, they want to be productive and to find their own place in society. How attractive they are should have no bearing on that unless you want to mate with them. Do you want to mate with every female you find attractive?" Tallara wasn't sure if that answered Taro, but that's how she saw many societies.

"No, I am very selective about whom I pillow." Ishakawa replied. "I have not found anyone of interest on the ship; I tend to take care of carnal needs while on shoreleave to appease any complecations with the crew." He mentioned. "I will have to work on changing my nature when it comes to that."

"Sorry. That's just how society has worked itself out over the years." Tallara commented with a weak smile.

"If I can survive Orion Slavery I can adapt to Polite Society and Star Fleet." Ishakawa told the counselor. "You do not have to worry about me being rude to a lady, it would be unworthy one who Follows Bushido." He managed to smile for her. "I do thank you for your giving me your time?" He bow as was polite.

Tallara bowed back, smiling politely. "It's always a pleasure and I'm always here if you need me."

"I shall see you next week." He told her as he departed saving some face as he still had his dignity.

OFF




Lt Taro Ishakawa
Chief OPS