Mizuki was feeling rather flustered after a shift...things had been too fast, and she felt embarrassed that she hadn't been quick enough. Since she heard that the ship had an arboretum, she had made her way there. Hoping to meditate amongst the plant life. When she arrived, there was no one around, or so it seemed. The teenager wasn't perceptive of the arboretum's resident, yet...

The plant growth of the arboretum was beyond what was expected of a ship this size. Since Shira had been on board, she had tended to the plants in the hydroponics bay and the arboretum, creating self-sustaining little biomes in the enclosed spaces. She had done so much with so little, but Shira was happy to do it. It was a part of who she was and just because she had left her world to travel with these people among the stars didn't mean she was leaving this part of herself behind.

The little Arboreal girl fluttered amongst the foliage, checking the health of the trees when she noticed that she was no longer alone. Kris had told her that people often came to this place to be alone and think, so Shira resisted her natural inclination to go greet the woman and make a new friend. If this woman wanted to be alone she would not disturb her, but she wasn't going to hide either. The gentle hum of her wings was hard to hide anyway...

Mizuki looked up to see Shira, and smiled a little at the gentle hum of her wings. "So you're the plant person I've heard about." She said, bowing her head in greeting. "What is your name, so that I may properly show respect?"

"Shira," the 'fairy' replied shyly in an almost musical tone. "What is your name?"

"Mizuki." She replied quietly, fascinated by the musical tone. "I hope I'm not intruding on anything."

"Oh, no," Shira said quickly, then smiled. "This place is for everyone, but Kris... I mean, the Captain... told me that people come here to be alone and to think, so I didn't want to bother you if you did wish to be alone." Shira fluttered closer. Mizuki seemed inclined for interaction, so it would be rude to remain among the trees.

"You're not a bother." Mizuki nodded quickly. "I could use the company actually. Just tired from a recent shift. So I thought maybe I could relax down here for a bit."

"This is good place for relaxing," Shira said, coming to rest on the cool grass. Next to hydroponics and astrometrics, this was her favorite place to be. "Your work makes you tired?" she inquired curiously. Maica had been teaching her about small talk, and it just seemed polite to ask.

"Yeah. I'm new to the ship, and I'm a cadet. I um, study really hard so I can become better. More than what I am." She gave, trying to clarify it so Shira could understand.

Shira nodded understandingly. "I study a lot too," she related. "I am learning to speak because the translator cannot make sense of my language, and there are a lot of words to learn. And we do not have computers on my world, so I must learn that too. And soon, I will learn how to study the stars. It is a lot to do and it makes me tired too."

"Hmm. Perhaps, Shira, sometime we can study together. I don't know how much of what your studying aligns with mine, but it couldn't hurt, could it?" Mizuki offered.

"I would like that," Shira said cheerfully. She already had Sabby to help her study, but surely one couldn't have too many study buddies, right? "What are you studying?"

"A lot of stuff about ship departments, how to fix things, basic medical skills, security...if I'm going to be a leader one day, I need to know enough about the departments of a ship so that I can be a temporary fill-in anywhere I'm needed. I won't be the best, but I will know enough to manage." Mizuki explained.

Shira nodded even though she really didn't get it. A leader needed to know all that? Why? "That must be a lot to learn," Shira said sympathetically. Even if it didn't make sense to Shira, she could still understand that it was a daunting task to undertake. "I will help however I can, but I don't know much, so I don't know how much help I will be."

"Well, it's not about how much help you can be. It's just.." Mizuki trails off for a moment, before looking at Shira and facing her. "Sometimes a second point of view is helpful. Even if you don't know a lot, a question you could ask, or an idea you could pose, would be an eye-opener. It might help me consider something in a different way. And this way, we would both learn."

"Ah, I see," Shira said softly. She hadn't considered this! These star people had so much to teach her! "Well, then we should do well together, Andy says I ask too many questions."

"Well, Andy is someone who is in a big hurry, a lot of the time. A heavy weight is upon her, so sometimes she cannot stop to appreciate the little things. It is probably nothing personal.." Mizuki quietly intoned, giving her impression of the other. "I think she is a good person. Even though she made me crawl around in the tubes a lot."

"The tubes?" Shira asked. "Why would she make you crawl around in tubes?"

"I don't really know. Maybe to toughen me up? It was um..rather difficult." She blushed slightly at that, looking down at her feet for a very brief moment.

"Oh," Shira replied, very confused. To crawl around in tubes made no sense to Shira, but she had no way of knowing that these tubes were the crawl ways around the ship used for maintenance. Maybe if she had known that then she wouldn't be so confused. "Maybe you should asked what is the purpose of the activity? If you do not know what the lesson is, how do you know if you are learning it?"

"I think it's a human thing, Shira." She shrugged. "I'll understand it eventually. The uh..tubes are maintenance ways. Kind of like the little veins inside a plant leaf. The only problem, when I'm crawling around on my stomach, it gets rather uncomfortable for my chest. I'll have to figure out a way to work through it or around it." She sighed and then continued "Sorry. I shouldn't be venting small problems like this. You have bigger concerns."

"I do?" Shira asked curiously. Although Mizuki's explanation of the tubes made a sort of sense, though she still couldn't see a reason to just crawl through them. "I do not mind talking. Really, it's helpful. I learn new words and sometimes I have to write them down and look up what they mean later, but it is good talking practice."

Mizuki didn't really reply to that, simply nodded. Sensing that the other perhaps didn't quite understand, she spoke. "I think she was showing me the tubes...by crawling around in them. But um, imagine one of those little plant veins got a hole in it. Or something else happened. One would need to crawl through that little vein to patch up the hole, because left unattended, said hole isn't good."

The vine analogy was making less sense to Shira now. "Why would there be a hole in the vine? Er, tube?"

This made her stop and think for a moment. "Well..maybe that's not the best way to get across what I was trying to say, but.." The young cadet takes a deep breath. "Let's compare a ship to a plant, for a moment. One is mechanical, the other is alive. There have been certain species of little insects that like to land on the leaves of plants and chew on the leaves. Or get rid of the flowers, for example. Some plants can heal themselves, but there has to be a way for them to do so, right? The veins are passageways for them to get the healing where it needs to go. With the ship, other star-faring people can attack it. They can leave holes in the ship. Sometimes these holes are not in places that are easily reachable via turbolift, transporter, or walking. The Jeffries tubes are there so that, like the plant, we can get an engineer, a healer, to the area to repair, or mend, the damage." She stops for a moment, hoping she wasn't boring the other, and takes a step back. "I'm not doing so good at explaining this, am I?"

"Perhaps it is merely my lacking comprehension that fails us," Shira said. "I will ask Andy about these tubes the next time she gives me lessons," she added, resolved to understand these strange tubes no matter what!

Mizuki nodded a little. "Anyway! Let's talk about something else besides the tubes." She giggled a little. "How are you finding the ship? Anything...or anyone, you want to talk about?" Might as well practice her listening ear.

"The ship is very interesting! So different from my world, but I like it very much," Shira affirmed cheerfully. "Though I am finding computers to be difficult to grasp. Simple commands I think I have figured out, but some of the more complex things are still so difficult to understand."

"Hmm...what's one of those more complex things? Perhaps I could help you." Mizuki asked, while thinking: Or make myself look like an idiot, but I do want to help

"Well, I am learning how the computer in astrometrics works," Shira said. "Jhu wants me to be familiar with the system before I start to learn about stellar studies. I guess I'm still just getting used to it all. We don't have all this stuff on my world."

"Astrometrics really is a fun place.." Mizuki sighed in memory. "Being able to see a wealth of information about a world without ever having traveled there...I like it. Maybe I can learn about your world one day."

"I would like to show you sometime," Shira said with a pleasant smile. Then her wings fluttered back to life, lifting the little arboreal away slightly. "Forgive me, I have thing to tend to," she said softly.

"Mmm..I guess time did slip away." Mizuki nodded, and offered her hand to Shira. "And I have things I should be doing to. It was very nice to meet you.."

"It was nice to meet you as well," Shira said sweetly, then fluttered back into the trees. "Come by again soon!"

She noted the lack of handshake, but wasn't offended. Must be a cultural thing. "I sure will!" she smiled, waved, and then headed out of hydroponics. Definitely feeling better than she had when she walked in the door. Now she could get back to her studies.

Cadet Junior Grade Mizuki Masterson
Yeoman
USS Katana

Shira
USS Katana

Nathan was awake at a very late hour. There were some things he wanted to look at but didn't want people bugging him while he was doing in.

Nathan made his way to main engineering. He was still in his uniform and had a PaDD with him. He stood at one of the wall panels looking through information and storing it in his PaDD.

Andy was also awake at a late hour. She was avoiding sleeping. She’d been feeling strange and hearing an odd clicking noise in the darkness when she slept, so she was doing everything she could to avoid going back to her quarters. She was now passing through Main engineering, double checking some repairs that she had issued that day. Normally she would check these things in the morning, but she needed to do something to fill the time...

Nathan was working away when he heard someone coming. Quickly he closed out what he was looking at and place a security lockout on his history. He hardly had time to bring up the tactical plans for a warp core breach when he saw who it was awwww fuck...

Andy stopped short when she saw Nathan in Engineering. What the- What was he doing here? She didn’t feel like starting a fight, so she did her best to be amicable. “Hey,” she said casually. “Need help with something?” She was hoping he wouldn’t go formal, she didn’t like that ‘wall’ between her and her friends. Maybe he’s managed to pull that stick out of his ass since yesterday.

"Nope, just doing some review on tactical..." he said, distracted.

“Oh,” Andy said. Nope, that stick was still there… “I can have the Engineering and Warp core specs sent to your office. You know, if you wanna look over it there,” she offered. Seeing him here and still so unlike himself made her uncomfortable.

Nathan sighed and left his station. He walked over and stood next to Andy. "Ok, we need to talk."

“You know what, I ain’t sure I wanna hear it,” Andy said, crossing her arms over her chest. “You can pull rank again if you want, but you were a Grade A asshole yesterday and you made it abundantly clear that you weren’t gonna talk about whatever was bothering you. You’d better have a fucking good excuse for that.”

Nathan took a deep breath. Peace, calm. He could do this. "If you don't want to hear it I understand. I just wanted to say I was sorry though." He left it at that. He went back over to his terminal and started working again. But he did glance over his shoulder at her.

Andy rolled her eyes and sighed. An apology but no explanation. That’s what she gets for believing he was capable of being a decent friend… “Whatever…” she huffed and headed for the exit. “Make sure you secure everything when you’re done,” she called back at him.

Nathan shook his head. Well he tried. He looked at his PaDD to make sure he had all the info he needed. Maybe It was just best she was out of his hair.

Andy had almost made it to the lift when she heard Nathan exclaim "What the fuck!!" She hurried back into the room to find Nathan buried up to his waist in Tribbles that had just fallen out of the ceiling panel above him. For a moment she just stared at the scene, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Nathan looked up at Andy, all thoughts of what he had been doing gone. All thoughts about how much of a pain in the ass Andy was, gone. “ Please tell me this is NOT what I think it is…” He said as he pushed his way out of the pile.

“Do you think this is a massive pile of Tribbles that fell from the ceiling?” she asked as she extended her hand to help him out of the pile.

He took her hand and got out of the pile. “Yes…” Oh god, as if this ship was not bad enough now its infested with vermin

“Well, sorry to disappoint, but that’s what it looks like to me too,” Andy said with a chuckle.

Nathan was not amused. “Great...these things get into everything. Now what do we do?”

He was right, they did get into everything! “Check hydroponics and the galley to cut off their food sources then just round ‘em up and… I dunno, dispose of them?” Shit, cleaning up this mess was going to royally suck…

Nathan huffed and looked at the pile. “Damn it…” Then he looked at Andy “ I went to sick bay like you told me too.”

“And?” she said, looking up at the hole in the ceiling where Tribbles were still raining down onto the pile.

“Acute stress and exhaustion.” He stated following her gaze. “Not an excuse for how I treated you though.”

“You’re damn right,” Andy said with a huff. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to forgive him for it yet. Maybe once she figured out why his answer bothered her so much… =/\=”This is Chief Carter to all Engineering and Operations Gamma shift teams. We have discovered an infestation of Tribbles in Main Engineering. Stop whatever you’re doing and come to Main Engineering and round them up,” she ordered over the commline. “Come on, lets see if they hit hydroponics,” she said to Nathan.

Nathan nodded and turned to her. “After you Chief.” He said with a grin.

Without waiting for the repair crews to show up and secure the mess, Andy headed out with Nathan, catching the lift and taking it to hydroponics. There was tension between them the whole ride. It was clear Nathan was trying to do better, but there was still something off about him, something Andy couldn’t put her finger on.

Upon arriving at their destination, Andy was almost afraid to enter the hydroponics bay. The Twig had turned what had once been a simple bay into a veritable Garden of Eden! There was more than enough produce in this bay to provide a fairly diverse menu in the mess hall. If the Tribbles got in here… Fuck, no time like the present to figure out…

As soon as Andys back was turned to Nathan the grin melted away and a scowl spread across his face. God I hate this ship…

He was quiet in the lift and could see the hesitation in Andy. This place must mean something to her… Nathan was not as worried about it as she was and he walked right off the lift and into the trashed hydroponics bay. Tribbles were everywhere. “Damn…”

“Fuck…” Andy muttered. It was going to take forever to clean all these critters out of here! And poor Shira! All the work she had put into this place! “I can’t even…” The sight before her had nearly broken her brain, all thoughts came to a screeching halt.

He looked to Andy and put his arm around her shoulder. “Its ok, Shira can fix this. Let just get it cleaned up so that she can do her part...right?”

“Yeah…” Andy said uneasily. What were they going to do with all these Tribbles? “Wha-... How do we get rid of them? We can round them up, but then what do we do with them?” Poison? Launch them into space? Let them die of starvation then launch them into space?

“I don’t know.” Nathan was not use to not having the answer as he stared at the feast that was going on around them. “I dont know…” He pulled his arm back from her. Things were still tense between them and he didn’t need her more pissed off at him for any reason. If things went as planned, he was going to need her soon.

Somehow, all this made Andy grin, and she even started laughing. “Fuck, I love this ship!” she said as she laughed, staring at the orgy/feast of Tribbles.

This brought an odd look to Nathans face. “ Really? You think this is funny?”

“Yeah!” Andy replied as she wiped a tear from her eye. “Never a dull moment on this ship, there’s always something new.” Granted, it did suck having to clean up after a fuck-ton of Tribbles, but at least it wasn’t boring! “I mean think about it! Imaging the jokes, and the stories we’ll tell about this later!”

He was really hoping there would not be a later. “ We need to tell the Captain, but the last thing I want to do is wake him.”

“Not a big deal, he’s probably still awake,” Andy said. More than a few times she had passed by Kris’ quarters to take notice of the fact that he was still up at late hours, probably drinking (it was kinda hard to tell from infrared alone). “although, on second thought, maybe we should wait until morning? Or we could go talk to Cam. He’s probably asleep, but he’ll probably take this a bit better than Kris.”

“Nothing we can do tonight anyways. Lets let the ship have one more night a good rest before we are spending hours cleaning this mess up.” Nathan offered to Andy.

Andy cut a glance at him. That just wasn’t like nathan to suggest something like that. Like her, he was more driven to get it done and out of the way, this was just really odd behavior for him. “You can go, I’ll stay and work. Maybe I’ll fumigate the bay to keep them from breeding anymore.” And then she would shoot them into space! Never a dull moment!

Nathan shrugged. “I’ll send some security to give you a hand if you like.”

“I’ll take all the help I can get!” she replied with an exasperated sigh. Fuck, that was a lot of Tribbles… “Oh hey,” she said, turning to look at him. “Are we not doing lunch anymore?” she asked. Though this little routine was short-lived and they had only missed one lunch so far, it still felt odd… wrong, even. Was this lapse in their routine just temporary or was it a sign of something bigger?

Nathan thought about this for a moment. “ For now…” he said holding his arm out to the hydroponics bay. “ I think we are both going to be very busy for a while. But no, I want to keep having our lunch meetings.”

Andy nodded hesitantly, then looked back in the bay. “Yeah…” she said quietly. “Alright then, you can go, I guess. I’ll start mass murdering the fuck out of these Tribbles then your guys can help me dispose of them.”

“Good idea Andy.” He hit his combadge =^=”Tonkin to security, I need 4 member to the hydroponics bay to assist Chief Carter.” He looked back to her. “I’ll go back to engineering to make sure that cleanup is going well.” Nathan added.

Her knee-jerk reaction was to tell him no. Something about him in Engineering made her incredibly uncomfortable… But he was making an attempt to make amends, and really what could he be doing that was making her so uneasy? This was Nathan! “Alright,” she eventually said, “just try not to get in their way. I know most of them are NCO’s but they’re good people and they know what they’re doing.” Why was she telling him this? She knew he didn’t have anything against NCO’s!

Nathan nodded. “Yeah I know.” Nathan reached down and snagged a grey, almost lilac, colored baby Tribble. “I’ll see if I can help out some.”

Andy snatched up the baby Tribble and shoved it into her pocket. “What?” she said to his confused gaze. “Maica wants one and that color is perfect. Don’t worry, I’ll get it neutered.”

He reached down and grabbed a Calico baby and winked at her. “ I won’t tell if you don’t.”

Andy snickered and winked back at him. “Deal.”

The USS Katana and Commanding Officer, Kristopher Kerouac had not had their new First Officer for very long before Kris would have to place the man's life in potential danger. Sure, there were always dangers in Starfleet and every officer from the freshest ensign to most experienced Admiral knew of these dangers, even enlisted personnel knew the dangers. Exploration of the stars was worth the risk. At least, that was what had been placed into the minds of many of those who chose to be in Starfleet.

Lieutenant Commander Cameron Tegan had an away mission ahead of him. He was taking a small team aboard Katana's aeroshuttle into a pod of Gekli. Though there was a fair amount of danger to the aeroshuttle away team, it was not the Gekli that Kris was so concerned about as much as it was about what Kris had been asked to leave out of the Briefing. However, Kris did not feel right about letting his new First Officer to take the aeroshuttle out without fully knowing what could be ahead of them.

Kris had informed Lieutenant Commander t'Dharvanek in order to prepare the USS Katana for the possibility. It was now time to inform the man that he should have approached as soon as he had the knowledge. Kris waited in his Ready Room for his First Officer to arrive and Kris was anything but relaxed.

Cameron was feeling more organized and better prepared in the last hour than he'd felt over the last week. After being inundated with status reports and requisition orders, it was nice to have only one objective on his mind... if even for an hour or two. That wasn't to say that he didn't have certain concerns over the upcoming away mission. The Gekli were unknown and that made them unpredictable. Given that Starfleet's only prior experience with the species of 'Space Whales' had been over twenty-years ago, and even that could have gone better, there were a lot of contingencies that Cameron was planning for.

What if the Gekli pod used their dampening field on the Wave Rider? While the USS Enterprise-D had been able to manage this apparent attack with relative ease back in 2367, the Wave Rider was much smaller, lighter, and substantially weaker than the Galaxy-class starship. If something were to happen that exceeded its ability to counter, Cameron and the rest of the away team would be counting on the Katana for support. And there was no telling exactly how much the Katana would be able to offer if the situation got bad.

Slow is stead, steady is fast, the Klingon-Trill hybrid reminded himself as he entered the bridge and turned a corner for the Captain's ready room. He wouldn't let scientific curiosity get ahead of situational awareness and caution. They'd approach the pod slowly, maybe only a few hundred kilometers at each stage of their analysis, wait for a reaction, and then decide how to proceed. With Lieutenant Merin on board in a scientific capacity, Lieutenant Collins at the helm, and Lieutenant Rose as a last minute medical addition, they'd at least have a broad range of skill sets to draw from.

Thumbing at the Captain's chime, Cameron waited.

Kris reached over and opened the doors with a small tap on a control panel. "Come on in, Commander" replied Kris as he sat behind his desk, watching the man as he walked into the Ready Room. "Is everything going well with the preparations?" asked Kris, knowing that there were no preparations for what he was about to say.

"It's coming along," Cameron said back, walking over to a chair and taking a seat. "Pre-launch inspection on the Wave Rider is complete. The crew has been informed. We depart in a little under two hours."

"Informed to an extent, Commander" replied Kris as he reached to his right, picked up a PADD and slid it to the edge of his desk. "What Starfleet Command and our friend at STI opted to give me last minute and directed me not to inform the crew on. It was intended to be Captain's eyes only. However, I have let Commander t'Dharvanek see and I think it wise that you know as well" commented Kris with a look of concern.

Kris did not wait for Cameron to pick the PADD up before continuing. "There is a quantum singularity nearby which STI and Starfleet Science believe the Gekli have come from. Though we suspected that they were from another dimension of some sort, we now have been supplied with further evidence that indicates that the Gekli are from or travel through fluidic space. A Vulcan science vessel sent a probe through the singularity. It transmitted an image of a bioship before the probe and the science vessel were destroyed" explained the Commanding Officer.

So much for slow is steady, Cameron thought as he picked the PADD up and swiped through several images taken by the probe before it was destroyed. The Undine were powerful... so powerful that they rivaled even the Borg. Grimacing, he looked away from the data in his hands and back to the Captain. A probe and a Vulcan starship were destroyed in getting them this information. "Pardon my frankness, sir. But the Undine are involved -- if they have a means of entering our universe -- why are we concerning ourselves with a bunch of..." he reached for a word, but found the term that Commander Kerouac appropriate "... Space Whales," he finished, making the word sound ugly in his mouth.

"I know" replied Kris solemnly with a flat tone. The Commanding Officer took a deep breath and locked his eyes onto his new First Officer. "It does sound a bit ridiculous when you describe it like that. Species 8472, Undine whatever the fuck you want to call those creepy ass things may have a means of entering the Gamma Quadrant, and Starfleet sends us to study 'space whales' of all things" said Kris.

Only once Cameron had gotten everything out that he'd intended on saying did he realized he had interjected himself early. He should have listened and waited for Kerouac to finish. Too late now, he thought. "Is anything being done to find a way to shut down the singularity and before the Undine decide to establish a foothold in our space?" Cameron added.

Kris adjusted himself, squirming about his chair. "Yes and no" replied the Commanding Officer. "This is the Gamma Quadrant. The number of Federation starships operating out here is limited, the number of Starfleet vessels is even less. Truth be told, we're the closest capable starship" Kris explained. He shook his head and sighed. "So much for simple science mission. What is being done is you are taking an aeroshuttle out into the pod to 'space whales' while we make preparations aboard Katana for a potential Undine encounter. We are hoping that by studying the Gekli, we will be able to understand how they arrive here. If we can understand that... then, we may be able to understand how to seal the singularity."

Cameron absorbed this, and nodded, without changing the stone-neutral expression written onto his face. Their mission had just gotten a lot more hazardous. It took him a few seconds to re-organize his thoughts. "Understood, Captain. Exactly how 'need to know' is this information?" He asked, thinking about the rest of the away team. If allowed, he'd prefer not to keep them in the dark on this one.

Commander Kerouac took a deep breath. Sucking in his bottom lip and bit and trying to ease himself. "Cam, I was directed to keep it to myself. I couldn't do that. If I sent you out there without letting you know that you could potentially come across a Undine bioship... to hell with orders. As of now, this information is need to know and we may use our best judgment as to who needs to know. If that means the entire crew, then so be it."

Nodding, Cameron continued to ponder the potential ramifications. He was glad now, more than ever, that Lieutenant Rose had decided to tag along. And at least he had a hell of a pilot like Hayley should things do turn out for the worst. He was still weighing out on whether to divulge the extra nature of their upcoming mission to the rest of the away team when he stood up. "We'll be ready, sir." He said.

"Come back in one piece, Cam" replied Kris almost pleadingly. "I've have to contact far too many families about the loss of their loved ones aboard my starship. I do not want to do any more."

Cameron nodded again, and smiled thinly. As over burdened he might feel over his responsibilities as executive officer, he could not even imagine Kerouac's duties. Particularly when those duties involved writing letters to the family of servicemen and women killed in the line of duty. After thinking on a few ways to answer, he settled with: "We'll be back in one piece, sir. Don't you worry."

Kris simply nodded and waited for his First Officer to leave. I've lost one First Officer. I do not want to lose another thought the Commanding officer.

Things had been so weird with Nathan lately, but Jhu had decided to ignore a lot of it. She still wasn't sure what was going on, but whatever his problem was she wasn't giving up on him. Not yet. So when he missed an agreed upon dinner date, she tracked him down in his office and rang the chime to request entry.

Nathan was at his desk, slaving away at paper work. Between getting ready for the upgrades in main security and the brig, the Section 31 crap, and the Tribbles he had been pulling long hours. Working long into the night also kept him away from the people he did not want to see right now. When the chime rang he rubbed his left temple. for fuck sake! "Come!" he hollered out.

Gonna be one of those chats again. Jhu plastered a smile on her face as she went inside, going right up to the empty chair across from him and sitting down, crossing her legs and leaning back in it casually. "So... dinner? An hour ago?"

This gig was harder then he thought it would be. He looked up at her. "Oh man I forgot! I have been really over worked. I'm sorry... Chocolate?" He asked holding out a box that he had obviously been eating at.

"You forgot about the one night a week I can get off early so we can have dinner at a normal hour?" Jhu gave him a somewhat incredulous look, initially reaching for the chocolate then drawing back without touching. "Nathan... you don't even like chocolate."

FUCK! "Um...well, I went as saw the doctor the other day and he said I need to do something about my stress levels. He sugested trying some chocolate." Who the hell didn't like chocolate?

"Uh huh... which doctor was that?" She didn't believe him, and it was written all over her face.

He studied her face for a moment and set the box down. "Doctor Rose..."

"I see." She'd have to ask Doctor Rose about that. "Well, I guess chocolate helps with that. But... uh... I don't feel too great. Probably shouldn't eat it. What exactly are you working on, anyway?"

Nathan leaned back in his chair with a sigh. Looks like that Doctor story paid off again. " Vara and I are working on upgrading the office and the brig to be more secure, Tribbles are running a muck threw the ship and our Section 31 problem. Then there are the normal everyday crap." He rattled off, then as an after thought he said. "Are you ok?"

"Mostly a headache. I'll be fine." Jhu paused, giving him a rather surprised look. "Tribbles? How did we get tribbles on board?"

He shook his head. "Your guess is as good as mine. If you know how to find the first Tribble please enlighten me. Andy and I have been working around the clock trying to round them all up. They destroyed the Hydroponics bay and keep getting into the environmental controls."

"Easy. Have science scan for the oldest tribble in the bunch. That one's the mother."

Nathan nodded, that was a good idea. "Why didn't Andy and I think of that..."

"Because you're thinking about it too hard?"

"Hmm. Maybe. But that will not necessarily explain how it got on board. Top priority right now is to get them wrangled into a cargo bay. Then Andy is going to gas them." Nathan said.

"That's cruel! They're just being tribbles...they don't know any better! Besides, you like little furry critters. How can you let her do that?"

Nathan sighed. " If you have another idea I am more then open to hear it Jhu, but Andy and I have gone round and round about this. We don't know what else to do."

"Figure out where the first one came from and send them all back home," Jhu said firmly. "Killing the poor things is senseless. Just promise me you'll hide one in Tegan's bed."

"We have no idea where they came from and no idea how to figure that out." He rubbed his left temple. "Again, if you have any idea how to accomplish that I would love to hear it." He ignored her joke about the Commander.

"Tried asking the crew yet? Or hell... use the damned internal sensor records! We keep records for a reason, Nathan."

He looked at her with exasperation. "I have not had the time to conduct crew interviews and the sensor logs show nothing like a Tribble being brought on board as far back as I have researched. You're treating me like I'm stupid!"

"Then go back further!" Jhu snapped back at him, tired of acting like his attitude didn't bother her. "And if you weren't acting so damned clueless, I might have more patience!"

"Oh sure! Fuck the ship right? They are eating all our fresh food and shorting out the environmental systems on the lower decks, but queen Jhu wants me to sit on my ass and read logs!" Nathan snapped back at her.

Jhu's expression darkened as she sat up straighter in the chair, uncrossing her legs and glowering at him darkly. "You have people in your department who can help. You can ask engineering, ops, and science to check logs. You could have called me about it and asked for my help. Use your damned brain and think about the problem instead of getting pissed off at me because you couldn't figure it out."

Nathan looked down at his desk and took a couple breaths to steady himself. Then he look back up at Jhu, anger alight in his eyes. "I think it's time for you to leave." He said flatly.

"I don't think you get to make that decision, Lieutenant." If he was going to be an asshole, Jhu could be a bitch. "Relationship or not, I am still your boss, and I expect you to solve this tribble problem by coordinating with other departments and delegating Security's workload instead of using it as an excuse to be a miserable ass." Getting up to leave before things really blew up, she paused to give him a withering look. "Sleep in your own cabin tonight."

"Planed on it... Commander. " Nathan said turning his back to her and starting to work on a console behind his desk.

"Good." Jhu let that withering gaze linger a bit longer, her suspicions that something very wrong was happening tugging hard at every corner of her mind. Then she turned and let herself out.

Aboard her podcraft, Aznihel had picked up a strange ship she wasn't familiar with. The design was somewhat organic, but it was definitely rigid metal. It was close enough to her research zone that she could spare the trip, so she set a course and hailed them on the way. Hopefully, they were advanced enough to use underspacial comm signals and she could speak with them. More hopefully, she hoped they were friendly...

The reply was quick. She was sent a greeting and a query about her name and origin. Maybe that meant they were explorers as well, Firing off a reply, she told them she was Aznihel, a researcher from the Devoran Science Council studying the local space-born lifeforms in the area. She also requested berthing permissions so she could meet them in person. Trusting, but she was that kind of person. when the reply came back, it was full of protocols for how to berth with their vessel as well as another sort of greeting. What a curious people they were turning out to be. A Federation ship called Kata'na? It piqued her curiosity so as she travelled to rendezvous, she requested etymological data on the name, quickly receiving a whole database. In return, she sent them her database on her own homeworld, though her podcraft had little data.

Aznihel was almost to the strange vessel. They had named it after a bladed weapon or something and though it sounded dangerous, the look of the ship did not strike her as particularly threatening. It looked a bit like the space biologicals she had devoted her life to studying, in fact. Floating her podcraft into their ship, she wondered at why they would put their docking berths to the rear between their drive pods like this. Perhaps it was for more room for sensors on the front and sides. She had many questions for these people and while she wanted to ask them all, she would observe and learn patiently for now

As her podcraft settled to their deck, she started the shutdown procedure, bringing everything to minimal power before stepping out of her rounded little ship. It almost resembled an Earth horseshoe crab, though in her people's aquatic colors and with pearlescent skin. Looking around the shuttlebay, the lack of curves and abundance of right angles struck her first. It told her a fair bit about these people just seeing that. They likely lived faster and prized function over form. Yes, this would certainly be an interesting culture to interact with.

With Cameron off the ship and Kris conveniently busy, Jhu found herself in the ironic position of greeting their unexpected guest. Funny. Sending the 'catastrophe' to meet someone we don't know. She waited while the strange little ship landed, then approached the visitor with a relaxed smile on her face. "You'll have to forgive the captain for not greeting you himself. We're a busy ship, and today there's been no break in the insanity."

Aznihel smiled back curiously as she stepped closer to the strange spotted mammalian looking person. "It's no trouble, I'm sure insanity can be busy work to keep up. I'm Aznihel of the Devoran Science Council. I've been studying the space whales and since you were approaching them, I wished to meet you to see if you were explorers too."

"Jhu t'Dharvanek, Chief Intelligence Officer... and currently acting first officer. Commander Tegan went to study those whales." Jhu grinned a little, having just indirectly confirmed that they were indeed explorers. "We also have offensive capabilities, but exploration is one of our primary missions."

The alien's demeanor brightened and relaxed, hearing that. "Excellent to hear. And yes, offense is expected. Science can be dangerous in these parts. The liquid demons in particular are difficult to deal with. When studying the space whales, we've learned to avoid the holes they create for that reason." These were certainly interesting people so far. She couldn't help but wonder how similar her own people were to theirs.

Liquid demons? How apt. Jhu nodded slightly. Avoiding Species 8472 was usually the best course. "As long as they don't follow the Gekli here, it shouldn't be a problem, but we have ways of defending ourselves and the Gekli."

"Gek... Li... A fascinating name for them, and fitting too, I think. If you have means of driving off the demons, may I suggest a joint study mission? I'd love to get to know your crew as well. Are you all mammalian and spotted?" Aznihel asked that last innocently, as if it were an everyday subject. Perhaps in her own profession, it was.

Jhu giggled a little. "No. Only two of us with spots, and not everyone is mammalian. My closest friend is actually cybernetic."

Aznihel looked impressed, blinking her yellow eyes. "Cyb... as in artificial? And does that mean you're a mixed species crew? That's... Amazing!"

"Most crews in Starfleet are at least a little mixed. We're a bit more mixed than most, but for us it's not that unusual. Is that... different here in the Gamma Quadrant?"

"With the Dominion watching over everything, no. It was highly discouraged." Aznihel motioned to the far wall Jhu had arrived from. "May I see some more of your vessel? sample your foods, perhaps? I haven't eaten anything but kelp rations for weeks and I'd love to see what you have."

"Of course!" Jhu grinned a little, gesturing for Aznihel to follow her. "Where would you like to begin?"

Aznihel thought about it for a moment as they walked. "How about the one place on your vessel you wouldn't want to show visitors? Where is that?" she asked with a grin.

Jhu gave her a curious look. "There are several restricted areas that we won't be able to visit until you've received clearance from the captain."

"Oh no, I don't want to see anywhere like that. I want to see something like..." Aznihel kept thinking a moment. "What about waste processing? That's not normally part of a tour, is it?"

"Waste processing?" Jhu had to laugh at that. "Most people don't want to go there, but it's not off limits."

Nodding, Aznihel chuckled. "It's also a good place to get to know an unfamiliar culture. There and the dining areas, that is."

"We can go there too. It's nearly my lunch hour anyway."

"Oh this is so exciting! I haven't felt this young in almost a hundred years. What foods do you recommend?" Aznihel was indeed quite excited, though her serene movements didn't outwardly indicate it. Her eyes were almost on fire with curiosity though as they stepped into the turbolift.

Nathan had not seen Kyle since the holodeck incident and this bothered him. He had been distracted as of late and felt that it was time to pay his friend a visit.

He walked up to Kyles door and hit the call button and waited.

Kyle had been reading a PADD. he was almost getting used to Noah being gone. Almost. When he heard the chime sound, he went to answer the door himself.

Nathan was standing on the other side of the door with a grin on his face. "Hey Buddy!"

"Hey Nathan," Kyle said, "I'm glad you've recovered. You're butt ugly, but you were that way before I almost killed you."

"The lies that come out of your mouth..." Nathan said with a chuckle. "You been avoiding me?"

"I'm still feeling guilty I guess," the other man admitted.

"We just going to stand out here in the hall and talk?" Nathan said with a grin still on his face

"No, I guess,you're going to come in and we'll talk." Kyle said standing aside so he could enter.

Nathan walked into his room and turned to look at him. "I have nothing to talk about. I said everything I needed to say in sickbay. But I'm guessing you have something to say?" Nathan realized that he should have taken Maica up on that new bottle. "Got anything to drink?"

"A bottle of wine, if you'd like." he responded, "Yeah I know you may have said everything, but if I hadn't been thinking with the wrong head, you wouldn't have gotten hurt, almost killed. It was a stupid rookie mistake."

"What kind of wine?" Nathan responded. " But a mistake none the less, and almost does not count when your talking about death. Almost dead is still alive. Just be glad that happened before I was with Jhu." he said with a wink and a chuckle.

" A Bajoran wine, green in color, similar to a Terran White Merlot. And yeah I don't think I'd want my boss trying to kill me."

Nathan walked across the room and flopped down on Kyle's couch. He laughed out when Kyle said that about Jhu. " No, the last place I would want to be is on her bad said. Guess I better be good to her huh?" Nathans grin gave away that he had every intention of being good to her. " Your wine selection is lack my friend. But I do enjoy the tang of Merlot. I would love a glass if your pouring."


"Beggars can't be choosers I guess, and yes I'm pouring. I'm glad you found someone Nathan. Should I ask how serious it is?"

"You can ask me anything you want. I just cant promise a answer. Though, you will get away with asking more then most." Nathan settled back on the couch. " It's serious and getting more so every time we see each other. We seem to be a really good fit. I'm really happy with her."

"Like I said,"kyle responded as he poured them each a generous glass. "You better not break her heart, or she won't be the only one you have to worry about."

Nathan took his glass from Kyle and smiled a genuine smile at him. "I'm glad to hear you say that..."

"Good, of course the opposite is true too. If she should break yours," Kyle paused, tapping the other man in the center of the chest, "then she''ll have me to deal with."

"I hope we don't have to deal with that." Nathan took a long drink of his wine and looked back at Kyle. "Whats new?"

"Not much, I guess. Heard we were getting a new member on Intel, but I don't know how long before he'll get here. Anything new with you?"

"Oh you know Gekli, Founders, drunken fights, pissed off first officer... normal shit for me here on Katana." Nathan said with a raise of his glass.

"Here's to normal stuff,"Kyle toasted.

"Normal stuff." Nathan said clinking his glass against Kyle's.

"I'm glad there's no hard feelings Nathan. I think we should avoid the whole holodeck thing for awhile, but did you want to do something else?"

"Kyle, really. What else is there to do out here? If one little accident is going to make you holodeck shy then what are you going to do with yourself?" Nathan asked. "But yes, I would love to do something with you. What do you have in mind?"

"Well I'd love a game of poker, if we could find a couple of other players, but if not, I'm willing to give the whole holodeck thing another shot."

"Poker huh? I bet Andy would play with us. Maybe Vara?" Nathan offered

"Yeah, sounds good."

"Maybe we should invite the Captain and Commander Tegan?" Nathan also suggested

"Hey, the more the merrier, I say, "I'd just love to take your money." Kyle responded.

Nathan laughed out at this. "Bad news Kyle, Starfleet does not pay that well."

"Tell me about it," he responded with an arched brow, "I suppose the alternative is playing for clothes."

"If that's the case we need more girls. You might be ok with all guys but I'm not." He said with a grin.

"Girls don't bother me. Let's see what the others want to play for. We're all adults here."

Nathan chuckled. "Admit it, you just want to see me naked." He took a sip of his drink.

"I'm an Intel officer, I don't have to admit to anything." Kyle joked.

'Now you sound like my girl friend." Nathan joked back.

"I bet I do. We are a lot alike. Of course I have angles, she has curves, but other than that, there's not much difference."

Nathan's eye brows raised " Yeah shes got curves..." Nathan stated.

"Which I'm betting you've explored." Kyle said with a neutral expression on his face.

Nathan shrugged " I might be working my way around them." Then he took another sip.

Kyle chuckled, "Spare me the details. I may be gay, but I have a good imagination."

"No details, I'm sure Jhu would not appreciate me sharing details like that. Lets just leave it at we are getting along very well." Nathan said.

"Straight sex, kind of bores me, maybe we can change the subject, but I am glad that you two are getting along."

"Ok." Nathan said. "So what should we talk about?" He took another sip of the wine, enjoying the bitter tang it gave him. "This is really good stuff. I'm not a big wine fine normally."

"It has little kick to it doesn't it. I don't know have you heard anything about the new Intel officer we're supposed to be getting?"

Nathan shook his head. " Nope. Under normal situations Security and Intel don't get along, so I don't officially hear much from them. Like everything else I guess this ship in the exception. But I have not seen or heard anything about your new officer."

Kyle finished his glass of wine, "Would you like some more before we call some of the others and get a game set up?"

Nathan drained his glass and smiled. " No, but thank you. To much wine gives me a hang over."

"No problem. Why don't we call the others an plan to start in an hour?"

Nathan nodded. "Sounds like a plan! Kyle, I really like being your friend. Please don't ever stop talking to me again ok?"

"Okay, you have a deal. Can I get a hug?"

Nathans chuckled, but stood and held his arms out to his friend. "You're damn right you can!"

Kyle hugged him then,keeping it chaste and brotherly. "Thanks man."

Nathan returned the hug, patting Kyle on the back. "You bet."

"One hour big guy," Kyle said, "and be prepared to lose."

So, it had been her first shift. And it was hectic. Fun, but hectic. Right now, all Mizuki Masterson was concerned about was eating her food in a quiet corner of the Mess hall. It was an oriental and western dish combined, and water was her choice of drink. She would not be aware of anyone watching her at that time.

Haley downed a sip of her Sumarian Sunrise as she caught sight of the new cadet that had been on the bridge. Taking her drink, she made her way over. "Hi, I'm Haley. Mind if I take a seat?" Haley was never a big fan of formalities with using rank--especially when off duty.

"Sure." Mizuki replied, looking up and giving her a soft smile. "You're the um..helm officer, aren't you?" Part of her wanted to say that she found the other to be pleasant looking, but part of her kept the other part tight-lipped. For now, she smiled and continued eating. "Piloting and Flight are two things I've been learning about."

Hayley plopped down in the chair across from Mizuki, setting her drink on the table. "Well, the secret to flight is to feel it, not to think it."

"To feel it? Perhaps...treating the craft you're flying as an extension of yourself in some way?" Mizuki asked.

Hayley chuckled. "I know it sounds odd at first but the longer you fly, the more you learn to rely less on your instruments and more on your feelings and intuition. Sure, the Academy teaches fundamentals like plotting and navigation. But at the core of all flight is feeling and intuition."

"Mmm." Mizuki nodded in reply. "That...makes a lot of sense to me, actually. Perhaps if we have extra time sometime, you can work with me on learning this?" If the flight officer wasn't too busy, of course.

Finishing another sip of her drink, Haley nodded. "Sure. So how do you like it on the ship so far?"

"It's good. Different than I thought it'd be, I guess? But I like it. A lot of work for me though, but I was expecting that.." Mizuki replied with a smile.

"How did you think it would be?"

"To be honest, I don't really know." Mizuki had to admit. "So how things are right now is good for me." she smiled. "So um..what do you do when you're not flying the ship?"

"I am usually in the holodeck, running a surfing program or in here, relaxing. That's one bad thing about being aboard a smaller ship is the lack of recreation resources."

"A surfing program?" Mizuki smiled a bit. "I don't surf, but I do swim. Maybe we can hang out sometime."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Haley shrugged with smile and then leaned forward. "But aren't we hanging out right now?"

Mizuki gulped a little and nodded. "Yeah. I suppose we are." she continued eating her food.

Hayley chuckled. "Don't worry, I don't bite."

"I wasn't worried." She playfully protested. "I was just eating." Though a smile was on her face..

"Good. What are you eating anyways?"

"Well, I decided to have some potatoes, rice curry, and a little turkey. I think the combination's working so far." Mizuki replied.

"Smells good," she admitted, looking at the woman for a moment, she felt a sight attraction. She sighed. "Well, I better get to the holodeck for some swim and surf time."

"Hey, if you want to wait one, I could come with. Am almost done after all." Mizuki gave, leaving the choice up to her.

"Sure, why not? I could use the company."

"Sounds good." She smiles a bit and finishes eating, lightly tapping her tummy before getting to her feet. "Alright then, let's go."

A half hour later, the two women entered the holodeck. Hayley wore a one piece blue/black swimsuit. The holodeck had been transformed into a beach with low waves, crashing on the shoreline. "What ya think?" she asked.

Mizuki was matched up pretty well, a one piece black and blue swimsuit, with a cap and goggles on her head. She looked the other girl over for a moment, before viewing the program, and smiled. "It's great. And our choice of colors is pretty good." the cadet commented.

"So, up for some cliff diving? she asked, jutting her thumb at a cliff over looking the ocean.

"Ooh...sounds exhilarating. Let's go, Hayley-chan." She grins and starts walking towards the back part of the cliff to prepare.

Hayley walked next to Mizuki as they took the path leading to the cliff. "Have you ever cliff dived before?"

"No I haven't. But I feel like it might be fun." Mizuki replied, looking at her.

"I have a feeling you'll enjoy it," she commented, looking back at the younger woman.

"Then..let's go." Mizuki gave with a grin, getting into position, and putting on her goggles. Then, leading off her best foot, she takes the leap, a graceful swan dive off of the cliff, before tucking her arms in, in front of her. The free fall was exhilarating, and she found herself grinning before making a big splash in the water below.

Haley nodded in approval. 'Not bad,' she thought as she leapt off the cliff and tucked her legs under her, wrapping her arms around them. A moment later, she hit the water in a huge splash.

Mizuki surfaced first, giggling a little as she took a deep breath of air, looking around a bit for Hayley. "That was fun!" she said, in hopes of getting the other's attention.

"Told ya," she said as she emerged. She looked at the younger woman for a few moments. She was feeling an attraction, but couldn't explain it.

Mizuki trailed off slightly, noticing that Hayley was staring, but doesn't say anything, so as to not ruin the moment. Instead she smiles the smile of a princess, bright and figuratively radiant.

Hayley sighed. "Come on, I'll race ya," she said, taking off in the water.

"Sure!" She grinned, agreeing as she took off after Hayley, swimming after her in the water. The flight controller would most likely beat her to shore, but the younger, feeling a little playful, decides to try and tackle hug her once they're out of the water.

Hayley was in the lead as she ran to shore. She then felt an impact from behind and soon found herself face down in the sand. "What the bloody hell?"

Her reaction made the cadet recoil and she looked rather shy, turning Hayley over on her back. "A-are you okay? I'm sorry.." she whispered, her cheeks awash with a full blush..

"Don't be..." she enjoyed the warmth of the woman's body against hers as she rolled onto her back--she was feeling attracted to the younger woman! "We should do this again sometime."

Her face felt warm, and so did her cheeks, along with her body. She could barely feel her head nodding at the other's suggestion. "Y-yeah, that would be great." And she could feel butterflies in her tummy. These new feelings were confusing, yet pleasant, and unknown to her..but not unwelcome. For now, she would stand, and offered her hand to Hayley to help her up...

Hayley took the offered hand, not really knowing what else to say. She wasn't sure about these feelings. She never had them before. A part of her wanted to tell the other about them and the other part wanted to run away. She then realized she was still holding Mizuki's hand.

Mizuki's hazel eyes very briefly trailed up to Hayley's, before looking away. Gently, she released the hand and looked down at her feet. "I...suppose I'll see you again, then." The girl bowed her head to her and then turned, summoning the arch and walking out of there for several steps in a slower fashion, before her mind picked up on it and she ran the rest of the way out the door, blushing like mad.

Hayley sighed audibly to herself, wondering what were causing these feelings. She the exited and made her way to her quarters.

Commander Kristopher Kerouac sat in his Ready Room at his desk as he slaved away trying to become an instant science officer with a specialty in spaceborn lifeforms. It was to no avail and a lot of failure. The past five hours were spent learning about the Gekli, as much as he could as fast as he could. He felt like an Academy student all over again, trying to cram for an extensive final exam, and not the easy written ones either... the kind where you have to verbally explain something for an hour or so in front of a Professor. It made him shiver. I'm never going to set foot in an Academy classroom again thought Kris as he let out a heavy sigh.

The starship's two best science officers were both on an Away Mission. The Chief Science Officer had been snatched up by Lieutenant Maica to accompany her to Shira's home world. The Assistant Chief Science Officer was with Lieutenant Commander Tegan on the aeroshuttle ahead of the Katana, venturing out to study the Gekli. The Katana would soon be following once the necessary modifications were made but until then, there was a lot to learn. Starfleet Command had told informed him that they would be sending he and his starship a top-notch science officer to assist him on this mission. However, Kris was never informed of the arrival of said science officer. Unbeknownst to Kristopher, said science officer was indeed aboard and had been for sometime. She had come aboard with the latest transport.

Fuck this shit thought Kris as he pushed a stack of PADDs aside. "How the hell do they expect me to know any of this? I was a helmsmen for the majority of my career. I piloted shuttles and starships, I didn't park my ass at a nebula for a month and study it live a love sick science nerd" Kris said as he groaned. He departed from his seat and paced around his Ready Room for a while. It was 'Nigthwatch' on Katana and he had left Katana's new cybersecurity specialist, Mr. DeLancer in the command chair.

However, when Kristopher collected his cup of tea from the replicator pad and proceeded out of his Ready Room, onto the Bridge with intent to proceed to his quarters for the rest of the early hours of the morning, Kris had anticipated to see the man sitting in his command chair. "Have a good night, Mr. DeLancer" said Kris before looking at the command chair. When he did, however, Kris stopped dead in his tracks. There was not a man in his chair. There was a nightmare with brown hair and those damn eyes looked right into his.

You're seeing shit, Kris. That bottle of scotch was not a good idea and you fucking knew it he told himself. But try as he must to blink once, twice, and several more times. It did no good. she was still there. "I always wondered what hell would look like" said Kris as he looked at the woman sitting in his Captain's chair. "I am glad that my theories were correct" added Kris. He then pinched his arm. "Fuck, this is real" he said with dreadfully disappointed that he did not wake up.

The Ba'ku woman sitting in the Command chair smiled coyly as she rose, straightening out the long coat she wore, emblazoned with Command red. "Oh yes, this is real," the woman said in a wonderfully soft tone. "I wouldn't have abandoned my vacation for anyone else." With her hands tucked neatly behind her back, she strode towards Kris. "How are you?" she asked, a kind smile in her eyes of deep blue.

"Like I've seen an ex-fiance that I left at the alter in her wedding gown" replied Kris with a small smile. "Then I realized my eyes were not deceiving me" added Kris. "I've had better days. My ship just underwent repairs. We had a lovely time entertaining some Jem'Hadar 'guests' who thought it would be a blast to kill my First Officer and Ship's Counselor in front of me" added Kris with a heaviness.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Merith said with genuine sympathy. "I hear there was an incident. The reports downplayed the incident... I would have made contact had I known it was that bad," she offered.

Kris smiled nervously and shook his head "No, no it is fine. I mean it isn't fine but you had your own things to deal with. I mean Pandora, wow! I heard you were acting Task Force Executive Officer for a short while. That's crazy. Look at us, both Commanding starships. When the hell did you give up science and when the hell did I let them take me away from the helmsmen seat?" said Kris shaking his head. "What are you doing here anyways?" asked Kris. However, he quickly looked at her like he had been stabbed. "They are replacing me?! They sent you to command Katana, didn't they? Those fuckers!"

"No, they're not replacing you," Merith assured him with a smile. "Is there somewhere we can talk?" she asked.

Kris scoffed "Fuck if I know these days" said Kristopher with a bitter tone, though it was not directed at Merith, but generally projected. He felt the need to clear the response up immediately. "We've been having some security issues as of late aboard this here fine starship" explained Kris. However, he lowered his voice so that the few ensigns on the bridge stations couldn't hear. "Section 31 operatives are on my ship, Merith. I cannot express how pissed I am" added Kris.

He looked around and then shook his head. "yeah, come on. My Ready Room is probably the safest place we are going to get unless you want to hop in a shuttle and set sail for Risa" joked Commander Kerouac as he lead the Ba'ku woman into his Ready Room. "So, what has brought you to my fine Intrepid-class starship, Captain?"

"Well, maybe not Risa," Merith said with a chuckle. "I was bound for Trill. I had heard the Hoobishian Baths were quite relaxing. I've had my own share of stresses and needed to unwind..." she added as they entered Kris' Ready Room. "I was pulled away from my vacation because of the unique scientific expedition you are headed for. It was felt you did not have enough of a Scientific presence on Katana to do the gekli any justice. And, to be blunt, I am to observe how you conduct yourself as Commanding Officer and report back." That last bit she was supposed to keep to herself, but Kris was a friend and she felt it was necessary to be honest about why she was here.

Although, his mention of security issues and Section 31 did have Merith concerned. Her first order of business once she was done catching up with how Kris was doing would be to contact Krull Larkon. For a while, he had been her First Officer, and though he no longer was they were still close and kept in contact. If anyone could shed some light on this matter and offer means of dealing with it, it would be him.

Kris shook his head and stomped his foot against his desk "Son of a bitch!" he shouted, kicking his desk several more times for good measure of his frustration. Commander Kerouac then turned and looked at Merith. "How I conduct myself as Commanding Officer?" said Kris as he reached for a PADD on his desk and tossed it at Captain Merith.

"Here, ready? Take note of this. Commander Kristopher N. Kerouac, Officer Commanding, USS Katana to Read Admiral Vadosia Adislo, Task Force 9 Commanding Officer. Message: Go to hell! message complete" said Kris with a sigh. "Really? They pull my ex-fiance from her vacation to come play babysitter on me? Fuck that shit. I don't mind having you here I could use some extra help with the science bull shit, but if they want to know how I do as Commanding Officer, they should get off their asses and come observe me themselves."

"Actually, when I found out that they wanted to observe you, I asked to be the one to do it," Merith replied, placing the PaDD back on his desk unused. "It was the only way I knew to keep them from taking Katana from you, no one else is willing to give you a fair chance." She knew he was angry and had every right to be, but she still had a job to do and his reaction was not helping matters. "It was most inconvenient that they chose to interrupt my vacation to make good on my offer, but I was more than willing to do this for you.."

Kris scoffed and then a tiny little crescent of a smile formed with his lips. "I suppose it is better that I get evaluated from you as opposed to anyone else" replied Kris as he headed to the food and beverage replicator in his Ready Room. "One Jestral tea, hot. One white coffee, hot" ordered Kris for Merith and himself. He picked up the two hot beverages and offered Merith the tea.

He looked at her with a nervousness in his eyes. "I've got problems out the ass here, Merith. The security issues with Section 31 are the least of my concerns at this point" began Kris, slowly treading. "What do you know about Species 8472?" asked Katana's Commanding Officer.

"I've been granted access to some of the more classified reports," Merith admitted, then took a sip of the tea. Merith was a leader in the Stellar Science community, and the breaches in space that connected the two realms was within her area of study. "My focus was on the means of passage into fluidic space and the fluidic space itself, but I know a bit about Species 8472. Why do you ask?"

"Quantum singularity" replied Kris firmly. "Starfleet Intelligence and Starfleet Science believe that the Gelki came from or passed through fluidic space. We are concerned that Species 8472 will come through the singularity."

"I can see where that would be a concern," Merith said with an understanding nod. "Had Command seen fit to provide you with means of protecting yourself when they assigned this mission to you?" The more she heard about what was going on with the Katana, the more it seemed Command was trying to... What was the human term? Throw him under a bus?

Kris scoffed. "Shit you deal with when your in the Gamma Quadrant, closest Federation starship out this way. The Arizona is the best equipped to handle it but she's quite a distance away. The USS Black Hawk, an Akira class is on the other side of the Task Force's operations area with the majority of the Task Force. We are out here pretty much on out own."

"So they expect you to take on this mission ill equipped and then deride you when you have to get creative with how you handle your mission. What have you done to piss off Command?" Merith asked.

"Ended up with Katana" replied Kris. "I was to be First Officer, not Commanding Officer. The assigned Commanding Officer was involved in a shuttle incident on her way here. She was killed along with the helmsmen" explained Kris. "Katana was ready, Command did not have time to find a suitable command candidate to replace her and I was made Acting Commanding Officer until they made it official."

"That's no way to send a ship out, what were they thinking?" Merith said with an exasperated side. Now she could see why Command had it out for him, not that she condoned their attitude towards Kris, but now it made sense. "When it's time for me to submit my review, I'll do what I can to smooth things over," she added softly. She wished there was more she could do, but in this her hands were tied. "I guess the most important thing I need to know is this: do you want to be in Command of the Katana?" she asked. It was vital for her to know. maybe he had been a reluctant leader in the beginning, but if this was truly his ship now then she would do everything in her power to ensure it stayed that way.

Kris took a few moments to think about what she was asking him and how exactly to answer her. "Mer, this starship has been through hell time and time again during my command and before. Commander Dylan McCartney, Commander Nicholas Solo, and Captain Jonathan Goodwin were the men who held this seat before me. All of them had trials and tribulations. McCartney had command of her twice, and like me, his first Executive Officer was killed in the line of duty. This starship has been around for four years, she will be here for several more and I would like to be in my command chair to see as many of those years through. "

Merith smiled. He had the conviction to stay in command, so she would see this through with him. "Good. Command suits you," she said softly.

"The chair is nice" replied Kris with a small smile. "I don't know if I am suited for command, but I will make it work" added Commander Kerouac. "I'll try not to disappoint you, Merith. However, for the time being I need to get some rest."

"Then go. I will be around," she replied kindly, surrendering her cup of tea back to the replicator. She just hoped that as things progressed that he wouldn't forget that she was on his side...

Jhu didn't want to talk to another counselor. She'd had her fill of them after her stint as a prisoner of war, and they all said the same things. Most of it was psychobabble, and the rest? It just didn't seem to help. But Nathan had made her promise to go see Lia, so she'd gone. At least, she'd gone to the door but hadn't requested entry yet. Instead she lingered outside, not certain she wanted to go in.

Jhu's everpresent little shadow was there with her. With an unexpected tenderness, Vara rested her hand on Jhu's shoulder and spoke softly. "Commander, if you need anything I'll be right here, ok? And I do mean anything."

"I just don't know if I want to do this, Vara." Jhu's previous encounter with Lia wasn't helping either.

Nathan was also with the the two ladies. He looked to Jhu. "Do you want me to go in there with you or wait out here with Vara?"

"Come inside," Jhu replied with very little hesitation. "I don't want to be alone in there."

Nathan took her hand in his "What ever you want. Remember what we talked about. In and out right?"

"Right." Jhu didn't think it would be that easy, but she took a deep breath and pressed the chime button with her free hand.

From inside the Counselor's office, Lia Grae's eyes were focused on the computer monitor as she read up on a few new studies she had contributed to while on Starbase 723. As she was about to review the notes on the research her door chime went off. She blinked and broke her concentration on the monitor, deactivating the screen, allowing it to recede back into the desk. "Come in!" she called out.

No choice now. Jhu had to go in, and she did, practically dragging Nathan behind her. "Commander Tegan wanted me to see you."

Nathan stumbled in this Jhu then pat her hand that he was holding. " I told you I would stay, you don't have to drag me." he chuckled

Lia watched as Jhu, Nathan and Vara all walked in. "If this was about our debate during the briefing, I was holding no hard feelings." She smirked rising up from her chair.

"It's... not about that." But still, it was good to know. Jhu hesitated before continuing. "Something much more... personal."

Lia's smirk faded and a more serious expression formed her face, "Very well. Will your companions be joining us, or would you like this to be a one on one session."

"Vara usually waits outside, but she can stay if she wants." Jhu knew Vara well enough by now that she knew Vara would hear every word anyway. "I asked Nathan to come in. He can stay."

"Very well. Why not begin telling me what's wrong?" Lia asked as she sat back down gesturing the three to have a seat anywhere.

After scanning the room for possible threats, Vara again tenderly squeezed Jhu's shoulder before taking her usual place outside the door.

"Well." Jhu sat down in one of the chairs. "It's a little hard to talk about."

Lia nodded as she looked between Jhu and Nathan then back at Jhu. "Is this something you want to talk about? Or are you being...nudged to address it?"

Nathan took a seat next to Jhu and patted her hand gently. " I am just here for support."

"More like ordered. Tegan." Jhu sighed, glancing away from Lia. "Believe me, it's nothing against you. But when you've spoken to what feels like a billion counselors about something, it starts to feel like they can't help. Because really, they can't."

"Of course they can't. Most are bullshit con artists that only cares about the next milestone they can achieve with their patient than actually helping them." Lia agreed before looking straight into Jhu's eyes. "That being said, it's you. You need to want to be helped or else anything that I could do would be futile. Let me ask you this simple question, do you want help?"

Jhu thought about that for a moment. "I do... but not with moving past the event. You can't help me with that. But you can help me learn how to manage the anxiety."

Lia leaned forward on the chair, "Alright, why do you feel anxious?"

"Because the Changeling who boarded this ship is the same one who captured me during the war." Jhu sighed, leaning back in her chair. "The holosimulation was too much. I panicked."

Lia thought for a moment, "Having a panic attack after encountering an old captor, even if in a holodeck, is normal."

"Tell that to Tegan," Jhu suggested dryly, relaxing a little when she heard that it was normal. "Okay. So it's normal. Isn't there something I can do about it? Something that doesn't involve sedatives?"

"Sedatives don't work." Lia sighed, "believe me, if they did, we'd be experiencing a shortage by now."

"Thank you!" Jhu laughed a little, so relieved to hear a counselor say that. "They never worked for me. Not once."

"Of course. What you need is..." Her voice trailed off as she looked at her. "Tell me something, did you feel weak when you encountered that Changeling again?"

Jhu nodded slightly. "And I hated that feeling. But I got... trapped in it. And when I couldn't get out, that's when I lost control."

Lia glanced at Nathan for a moment before shifting her sights back at Jhu. "Have you ever considered reversing the table?"

"I'm... not sure what you mean." Unfamiliar with the terminology, Jhu gave Lia a curious look. "Can you explain it for me?"

"This is usually frowned upon and hardly ever suggested but I found it to be more effective then all the b-s..." Lia began as she leaned back in her chair, "He hurt you; it's time to hurt him back. Instead of you being the victim, he's your prisoner, your captive. You make him feel weak."

"Never thought about that," Jhu admitted, not saying how much she liked that idea. "I think it could work. I mean... I work in Intelligence. I think I could do it."

"If you don't mind me asking, what have the other counselors suggest you do?"

"They said, 'just wait', 'it takes time', and my personal favorite 'just don't think about it.' Like it's that simple." Jhu shook her head.

Nathan wondered what the glance was for, but he was not going to interrupt. Lia seemed to be getting threw to Jhu and that was great news.

Lia resisted the urge to roll her eyes and curse at each one of those expressions. "In other words, figure it out for yourselves, but when you do give me the credit." she muttered shaking her head. "And then once you manage to make your own breakthrough they try to throw you into a tangent with another issue.." Her voice trailed off, and she adjusted in her seat as she let out the breath she was holding. "Anywho...yeah i recommend going to the holodeck and torturing the shit out of that Changeling."

"I think I'll try it." Torture wasn't ethical by any means, but Jhu was pretty willing to try anything at this point.

Lia looked at Jhu, "Regardless what is done in the holodeck, the key to getting rid of anxiety is to conquer the fear. Ignoring it, or being patient with it won't do you any good."

"Then I'm done waiting," Jhu said firmly. "If it was going to work, it would have by now."

"Precisely." Lia nodded her head with a smile on her face. "I do want to see you after the holodeck visit though and continue our discussion."

Jhu sighed a little. "Okay. I can arrange that."

"I promise you, I will be more effective than the others." Lia reassured her.

"Well... so far I believe you. It's just... time. I don't have a lot of it... between my normal work and getting reports out to Starfleet Intelligence every week plus filtering through crew requests to talk with Kris..." Jhu shook her head slightly. "It'll be a tight squeeze."

Lia nodded, "Well, we won't have to do the session here. I do make house calls."

"Okay that will work better. Once I get home, I don't want to leave." Jhu laughed a little. "You'll have to put up with Lydek though. He's a little attention hog."

Lia blinked and her brow scrunched up with confusion, "Lydek?"

"My cat." Jhu commandeered a PADD off the desk, pulling up a picture of Lydek to show her. "He's a sweetheart."

Taking the PADD, Lia smiled wide, "Awww, he's cute."

"He's a troublemaker." Jhu grinned at her. "But he's my baby."

Lia chuckled, "I bet. Well, if you have nothing further to discuss with me. You two are free to go." She said as she rose up off the chair.

"No, nothing else. Thank you for listening." Still smiling a little, Jhu got up and headed for the door, pausing there to wait for Nathan so they could leave together.

Nathan stood and walked next to Jhu, his hand grasping hers. He smiled at her.

"Take care, you two, and if you need anything else. My door is always open." Lia smiled.

"Thanks. We'll remember that." Feeling much better than when she walked in, Jhu smiled as she left with Nathan, grateful to finally find a counselor who understood her.

"Computer, play "I've Got You Under My Skin" by Frank Sinatra," said Bridget as she walked into her quarters. She loved playing Sinatra after a long day; something about how he sang the songs always relaxed her. She made her way over to the replicator to order a glass of wine as Frank began to sing about "the thought of you". Already, she was beginning to enjoy her evening. At least she was until the screen on the computer sprang to life and her music stopped. **You have a subspace transmission** announced the computer. Bridget sighed and then startled, spilling wine down her front as the lights in her quarters dimmed to black. "What on earth?" she started. She turned her attention back to the screen but there was no image on the screen. There was only distortion and static. Uneasy, Bridget got to her feet, "Computer, lights," she said. No response. Now extremely uneasy, Bridget tried to make her way to the door in pitch blackness only to have the transmission begin to play.

At first, the small view screen against her wall projected static, while the audio system played a high-pitched shrill. When Bridged reached the door, she found that it refused to open. But then, a shadowy form masked in light and shadow came into focus on the screen. "Hello, Bridget." A disembodied and sinister voice greeted with a strange mixture of politeness. "Please do not be alarmed," the figure reached an arm to the doorway. "I've sealed you in momentarily, and have disconnected your comm-badge from the rest of the network, but I can assure you that you are in no danger."

Bridget froze and then slowly turned around to face the view screen. "How on earth do you expect me to believe that when you've locked me in my quarters, with the lights off, and have disconnected my comm-badge?" she ranted. "Why am I even bothering? It's not like the stupid transmission can hear me," she continued. She crossed her arms and took a small step toward the view screen. She didn't care what the figure said, she didn't trust it.

"Actually," the voice began. "This is a live feed." It appeared to shrug, but the details of the gesture were obscured between the shadows. "Let me ask you a question: Are you familiar with the organization known as Section 31?"

"A live feed? Who on earth do you think you are doing this?" Bridget shouted at the figure. She was angry; this...thing had invaded her space and she was livid about it. "I don't know anything about Section 31 and, quite frankly, I have no desire to know anything about Section 31 so you can just end your little transmission and leave me alone!" Bridget turned to storm out of the room but had to come to abrupt stop as she remembered the stupid transmission had effectively locked her in her room. She turned back around and huffed, thoroughly irritated.

The shadowy figure chuckled lowly. "Well... putting it simply, Section 31 is a clandestine and paramilitary organization within the United Federation of Planets. We threats to the Federation; we end wars before they even have a chance to begin; and if war does break out, we do what's necessary to ensure that it ends on the Federation's terms. But we can't do that without information. Knowledge is power, after all. And that is why we need your help. Your participation could not only help ensure the Federation's influence throughout the Gamma quadrant, it could prevent another war with the Dominion."

"So let me get this straight," Bridget began, "you effectively barge into and lock me in my quarters and then have the gall to ask me to spy for you?" She was incredulous. "How do I even know you work for the Federation and not the Dominion?"

The figure didn't move or even say anything. It almost seemed like he/she was typing something in the background. A moment later, however, an image very familiar to Bridget appeared next to him. It was a woman in Starfleet uniform. Long dark brown hair. With very distinct characteristics of a Trill and a Romulan or Vulcan. "Do you recognize this woman?" He asked.

Bridget peered somewhat reluctantly at the screen. It seemed her attempts to cut short this conversation were going to be ignored. "Yes," she said shortly.

~Intelligence Office~

Jhu had ignored the 'secure comms' alarm that had gone off in her office; it went off a lot when Maica was in meetings anyway, and now she had people working in her department that used secure lines all the time. It was a different alert that caught her attention, one she didn't really remember setting. Curious, she pulled up her alarms on a desk console and blinked at them. Someone was accessing her classified files? Files on who, she wondered. Poking a little deeper, she quickly found the answer, swearing under her breath. Mine. It's my file. Wondering who would even want to see that, she began tracing the call to its origin.

~Personal Quarters~

"This woman, Lieutenant Commander Jhu t'Dharvanek, was a former operative of Section 31," the voice told Bridget. "She did good work for us, until she turned her back and walked away. We want her back in the fold, but she hasn't heeded our warnings."

"Why would any of that make me more inclined to work with you?" asked Bridget. "If Jhu has left your organization and won't return, that would signal that there is something wrong with your organization by my interpretation," Bridget said scathingly.

"She turned coward," the figure continued. "A problem with her, not us."

Bridget guffawed. "Somehow, given your current tactics, I highly doubt that." Bridget was growing even more irritated and angry at this invasion of privacy. "Look," she said, "I've made it very clear that I don't like your approach which leads me to believe that I'm not going to like your organization much better. So, let's save both of us the trouble and we can just end this conversation right now. I do not want to help you in any way." She crossed her arms and glared at the figure. Almost daring him to try to continue to recruit her.

"You don't have a choice, O'Connor! That half-Romulan bitch will kill all of you if given the chance, which means we need you to stop her." There was venom in his voice, a particular hatred for Jhu in particular.

~Intelligence Office~

O'Connor? That can't be right... Jhu didn't believe Bridget could be involved with them. Why the hell would they call her? Puzzled and concerned, Jhu got up, tapping her commbadge as she left her office to investigate. "t'Dharvanek to Tegan. I think we have a problem."

~Personal Quarters~

Bridget bristled at being addressed in such away. "I think you may be confused," she said coldly. "I most certainly do have a choice. Nothing you have said will induce me to work with you. So, release the locks on my quarter doors, reconnect my comm-badge, and leave me alone!" she all but shouted.

~XO's Office~

"t'Dharvanek to Tegan. I think we have a problem.". Cameron heard this and looked up from a PADD. His brows furrowed. The ship had barely gotten underway and there was already a new problem. Heaving an audible sigh, he touched his comm-badge. "What's up, Jhu?" He asked.

"I'm not completely certain yet. Secure comm line opened into O'Connor's cabin, and I can't shut it down remotely." Jhu didn't know if Cam knew about her Section 31 background or not, but now was no time to be shy about it. "I think she's in trouble. The sort that only comes from a certain shady intelligence organization."

Cameron nodded. A gesture that was lost over the audio communique. He knew Bridget. He also knew that there was no reason for her to want to establish a secure line with the amount of redundancies that would prevent the Chief of Intelligence from intervening. "I'm on my way. Join me at her quarters." He paused to consider another appropriate precaution. If Section 31 was involved, it would make sense to have a security team there as well... just in case. "And have Mr. Tonkin meet us as well. Be sure that he's armed."

"Yes, sir. He was my next call." Ending her call with Cameron, Jhu tapped her badge again. "t'Dharvanek to Tonkin. Meet me at Lieutenant O'Connor's quarters. And bring a phaser."

Nathan was wondering the ship's halls when the he got the call. "Ok Commander " he said with a slight chuckle. " On my way."

~Bridget's Quarters~

"You don't get it, do you? We have a presence on that ship. You'll help them or you'll be eliminated. Your choice."

That perked Bridget's curiosity and overrode any feelings of fear she had. It was also hard for her to be afraid of a projection. "If Jhu is no longer part of your organization then who do you have on the ship?" Bridget asked.

"You'll find out soon enough, my dear." The figure leaned toward the comm pickup, looming menacingly on the screen. "You have a choice to make."

Paige glared at the screen, "I am not your dear," she said. "I believe I've already made my choice multiple times over," she added.

~Corridor~

Cameron intercepted Jhu & Nathan enroute to Bridget's quarters and was glad to see that Nathan was armed. It wasn't as if he expected there to be an opposing force waiting for them inside. Section 31 had been a thorn at everybody's side since long before the organization's existence was revealed to certain circles of Starfleet. Then again, after what they'd done to Andy's alcove, he wasn't about to take any risks. Particularly if those risks involved Bridget O'Connor.

They arrived at her quarters. A part of Cameron wanted to lead from the front. Another part of him accepted the fact that since security was now involved, that he should allow Nathan the courtesy of performing his duty. "Your lead, Chief." He said, glad that the two had at least put aside their differences a few days earlier.

Nathan nodded. "Thank you, Commander. In that case, someone should let me know exactly whats going on and why I'm here."

He is such a lunkhead lately. Jhu gave Nathan a look that plainly displayed that thought. "Because O'Connor might be in trouble. She got a secure call that I can't shut off, and I'm betting your security codes aren't going to unlock her door. Section 31's toying with us. I'm certain of it."

"Section 31 again?" Nathan said, no real note of panic in his voice. He pressed his access code into the door controls and it beeped a negative response. " You are correct Commander, my codes are not working." He said standing aside. "Care to give it a try?" He asked the other two. They both had codes that had higher clearance then him.

Cameron moved and entered his command codes, and the door chirped back defiantly. "That's enough of that. We'll do this the hard way," he said, moving to one side of the doors and edging his fingers between the slit. He looked to Nathan. "Care to assist?"

"Absolutely." Nathan said, but instead of trying to muscle that door open he grabed the door control panel and ripped it from the wall. "Sometimes, brute force is not always the best option Commander. " He started pulling wires out and twisting them together. " Carter's going to love me for this..."

Jhu watched them for a moment, an amused look on her face. "Has it occurred to either of you that since I used to work for Section 31 I just might have the authorization code to unlock that thing memorized?"

Cameron and Nathan looked over to the Romulan/Trill hybrid, and then to each other. Cameron shrugged and backed away from the door. "After you, then."

"And if it doesn't work, feel free to try brute force again." Despite the situation, Jhu smirked slightly as she began working on the door panel.

Nathan shrugged at Tegan. "But it is more fun."

Cameron grinned and rolled his eyes.

"Guess what. We're being actively jammed." Jhu entered several codes in sequence, smiling grimly as the first level of the lockout flashed green and unlocked. "I'm about halfway through."

"I realize how resourceful Section 31 is," Cameron said, watching Jhu as she worked. "But just how in the damned hell did they manage to circumvent our security protocols so thoroughly? Once this is finished, I want both of you to work with Chief Carter and whoever else you need to in order to insulate our systems from further tampering." Cameron was getting angry. He was tired of their systems being vulnerable. "I don't care if you need to wipe the main computer core and start from scratch."

Nathan nodded to the Commander "Yes sir."

"Good question, Cam." Jhu gave Nathan a sidelong, somewhat suspicious look. How had Section 31 breached their systems so easily? Especially with his oft-repeated 'not on my watch' mantra. She kept her tone as lightly informal as she thought she could get away with, hoping Cameron didn't take any offense to her casual use of his shortened first name.

Nathan did not like the way Jhu had been looking at him lately, and his face showed it. Something was going on in this woman's head and he was not sure he liked it. He started to pace while waiting for the door to open.

~Bridget's Quarters~
Bridget thought she heard mumbling coming from outside her door. She sincerely hoped it was someone from the Katana and not the mystery Section 31 person supposedly aboard the ship. She strode over to the door and hollered, "hello!"

~Corridor~
Hearing a voice inside, Jhu paused in her work. It sounded like Bridget was alone. "We're trying to get the door open! Hang on!"

~Bridget's Quarters~
Bridget leaned against the wall, she was relieved to hear Jhu although she couldn't imagine how she knew to be here. "I can't tell you how glad I am someone's getting the darn door open," she replied.

~Corridor~
"Are you alright, Lieutenant?" Cameron asked, almost shouting through the bulkhead.

~Bridget's Quarters~
"I'm fine," she said. "But this transmission is both creeping me out and infuriating me so I'd really like to end it."

~Corridor~
Nathan still paced out side the door watching watching Jhu. He did not react to the fact that there was a transmission taking place in Bridget's room.

"I can do that once I get in. Ignore what he says, Bridget." Working through the second encryption, Jhu shook her head at Nathan's behavior.

"How much longer?" Cameron asked.

"Asking won't make it any faster," Jhu commented levelly just as she broke through the lockout. "I can't restore complete normal function. Try the manual release."

Nathan pulled his phaser and made sure it was set to maximum stun. "Commander, if you would please. " he didn't specify which Commander as he took his position in front on the door.

"She's alone, Nathan. You go in shooting, you're going to cause problems." Jhu didn't move, blocking his access to the cabin. "You wind up destroying her terminal... well. We won't find out who called, and their connection won't be broken."

"Are you suggesting I don't clear her quarters? " Nathan looked at Cameron. "You said this was my call, correct sir?"

Cameron heaved an inaudible sigh. Both officers had valid points. It would be irresponsible to assume that Bridget's quarters were perfectly safe, even though the Chief of Science gave no indication that there was a foreign presence in her quarters. Then again, if any of the materials were damaged, or Bridget wounded in some sort of friendly fire incident, the situation could be even more grave. "I trust the Lieutenant not to start shooting from the hip," Cameron admitted, gesturing towards the door while he moved to hit the manual release. "But injure Ms. O'Connor, or any equipment that might help Jhu find out how Section 31 is accessing our systems, and you'll not just my wrath but that of hers as well," Cameron finished, gesturing with a nod of his head to Jhu.

Jhu looked between them, deciding she trusted Cameron to keep his word on that. Reluctantly, she stepped aside, letting Nathan through."

As soon as the door was opend, Nathan grabed O'Connor and pulled her into the hall with Jhu and Cam. With out hesitation he went into the room. The space was small so it took only seconds before he hollered "Clear!"

Bridget looked at the three other officers gathered outside her quarters and blushed furiously. "I didn't expect a rescue party," she mumbled. "But thanks for getting my door open. The transmission, or whatever the hell it was, cut power to my door, my comm-badge, and my lights. I don't know how it was able to do that."

Cameron pushed past Bridget, Jhu, and Nathan, making his way deep inside her quarters. He knew what he was looking for, and found the terminal still on. The shadowy figure sat there looking back at him. Cameron, feeling a rise of anger building in his stomach, stabbed a finger at the image. "Get the fuck off my ship. Mess with my officers again, and I'll make it my purpose to end you," he spat coldly.

The shadowy figure seemed to smile, although it was difficult to tell between light and darkness. "I'd like to see you try," it replied. "Until next time, Commander. Do give my compliments to one of our former agents for me. Ms. O'Connor will be able to identify her." The image flickered out, the lights resumed, and an audible click behind him from the door indicated that the S31 presence had ended.

Nathan's head turned to Jhu. "Old friend of yours?"

"An acquaintance. One I'd like to forget." Jhu sighed a little.

Bridget grunted, "well he seemed quite keen to get you back and very eager for me to help him. Unfortunately for him, he chose the worst way to try and convince me. Not that I would have helped him anyway," she added hastily. "Commander," she turned to face Cameron, "should I let the captain know about this?"

Cameron ignored Bridget's question and looked to Jhu. The fact that she was part Romulan aside, it bothered him that she had at least one point in her life been associated with Section 31. This isn't the time... he thought to himself before he could say anything on the matter, and instead turned his attention back to Bridget. "I'll let him know. In the meantime, I want you two -" he said, pointing to Nathan and Jhu, "- to take Ms. O'Connor and get her statement. And then I want you to find out how Section 31 gained access to our systems so you can start working on closing those vulnerabilities. I want a report on my desk by tomorrow morning, understood?"

Jhu recognized that look, the one people gave her when they found out who she'd worked for in the past. "Of course, sir." Her tone had suddenly turned frosty, with a hard edge to it. "And since you're giving me that look, might I remind you that my service with Section 31 is public record on this ship? Anyone who cares to read my personnel file would know about it." It might be insubordinate, but she didn't care. She was damned tired of getting that look from people. "It's best we do this in my office. Ensign Cho'ren keeps it clear of any foreign intrusions," she said to Bridget and Nathan.

Nathan didn't want anything to do with what was going on between the two Commanders. " Yes sir, Ma'am." He looked at Bridget. " Perhaps we should wait for Commander t'Dharvanek near her office." He looked between the two ranking officers again. "Looks like she might have something to say to Commander Tegan."

Bridget looked between the two Commanders before turning to face Nathan. "Let's go," she said.

Nathan turned and walked off down the hall towards the turbo lift.

Bridget hurried to keep up with Nathan but was able to yell a quick "thank you" to the two Commanders. She wasn't overly thrilled to have to give a statement right now but didn't really want to be in her quarters either. She had a newfound wary respect for what Section 31 was able to do and had no desire to learn any more about their other 'talents'. One thing she was very sure of, any time she heard of or from Section 31 again would be too soon.

Nathan was on his patrol duty, wandering the halls with a PaDD in his hands. It was good for security to have a presents on the ship. As he walked a long he smiled and said hi to his fellow crew mates.

Mizuki was nearby and thought she'd go say hello to Nathan. But he wasn't in main security. Strange...so in her usual red uniform she went searching for him. And would wave hello once she saw him.

Nathan nodded at her. "Cadet." Then he walked on as if he didn't even know who she was.

She watched him as he passed. Cadet? She supposed that he was within his right to use rank, but..with her? What about their still-forming friendship? The girl follows him. "Oi...why the cold shoulder, sir?"

Nathan turned back to the young woman. " Excuse me?"

"You heard my question." Mizuki replied. "The last time we met, you were nothing but supportive and kind. This is a 180 degree opposite man that I see from the one I met. I'm disappointed."

"Oh, sorry. I'm just not really here." He smiled nicely to her and taped his PaDD. " How are you?"

"I'm fine...just confused by what I observed here. Is it a bad time for you? I could seek you out again later. And, did you hear anything about the tribble infestation?" She asked him, arms crossed underneath her chest.

Nathan rolled his eyes, but took a quick look at his PaDD. " Yeah, the Tribbles. They have me up all day and night right now. Chief Carter and I have been working non stop to get them under control, Muzuki."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that. Maybe I'll get to see one.." Oh, she shouldn't have said that...

Nathan grinned at Mizuki. " Well come on then Cadet." He turned and started walking back down the the hall.

They'd gotten half-way down the hall, when the cadet stopped, "Hmm...why is this little door ajar?" she questioned softly, moving towards it.

Nathan stopped and looked at the door. "Good question Cadet." Nathan drew his phaser

Moving to open it...she would soon regret this. Through the open door comes a large group of tribbles, and they all dogpile Mizuki, making her flail about a bit before falling to the ground, being nearly completely buried underneath the pile of cute.

"Don't open that..." But it was too late. Lucky for Mizuki it was nothing harmful. But Nathan could not help up crack up with laughter watching the girl get bowled over by the small wave of furryness.

Lucky for her indeed. When she'd try to move, they'd move...but when she remained still, so did they. "N-Nathan?" she managed to get out. "While they're distracted..catch them somehow.."

Nathan did what her could to control his laughter and holstered his phaser. He walked over and held his hand out for her who he easily pulled out of the Tribble pile. He set her down next to him and plucked one from her shoulder, tossing it back into the pile. He taped his com badge.

=/\= "Tonkin to transporter room 3, I have a cluster of Tribbles at my location to be transported to the cargo bay." =/\=

=/\= "Rodger that" =/\= Replied a voice over the com and the pile disappeared in a blue haze.

"Great work Mizuki!" Nathan said to her.

"Mou.." She trailed off as he pulled her to her feet, and quietly she dusts herself off out of embarrassment. When they were transported away, she smiled at the compliment. "Thank you...it was a rookie mistake but I guess I got lucky."

"Good thing your still a rookie huh?" Nathan smiled. " Don't go opening random doors ok?"

"Not until after the tribbles are gone, definitely. And after...I'll use more caution." she bowed her head, having learned well.

Ethan knocked on the door to the Chief of Operations' Office, waiting out in the hallway. After knocking, he stood there, nervously waiting for Carter to answer. He was called down to her office, but why? Ethan had only been slacking somewhat, and had at least a modest amount of work done today. Unless she needed his help with something, which was unlikely.

"Come in," Andy said as she made some adjustments to the power flow distribution on the Master System Display in her office. "Ah, Ensign!" she said when she saw Ethan enter the room, "glad you could make it! Take a seat, I'll be right with you."

Ethan nodded, and took a seat across from Andy's desk. He was relieved that the purpose of the meeting was not negative, but he was still confused as to why he was here.

Andy finished the adjustments on the MSD then picked up a PaDD from her desk looking it over. "I was looking over the inventory report you gave me. Very good work, quick and efficient," she said, but there was a hint of disappointment in her tone. "But it's come to my attention that sometimes you have a little too much free time on your hands."

Ethan raised his eyebrows as he listened to what Andy was saying. Oh, bother, this meant he got extra work. Ethan sighed audibly as he uttered a resigned response. "All right, all right. What do you want me to do?"

"Have you considered taking on additional duties?" Andy asked, finally taking a seat on her side of the desk. "I took a look at your service record and your studies at the Academy, and I would suggest Transporter Specialist, it complements your skill set well. You could start by maintaining the Transporter in the Cargo Bay until you learn how to balance your schedule, then we can go from there."

"Well, I don't know... I mean, that seems like a lot more work. My schedule is a bit loose, but that's how I like it."

"Serving Starfleet ain't exactly about 'how you like it'," Andy said. "If you ever want to see an extra pip on your collar, you're gonna have to show some initiative."

Ethan just kinda sat there for a few seconds, and then sighed even louder than before. "Chief, I don't think you understand. I'm not getting a promotion anytime soon." He frowned, and put his head in his hands. This conversation brought up a problem Ethan had avoided for a long time, and he wasn't looking forward to discussing it.

"Is there something I need to know about?" Andy asked, grabbing her mug of coffee from the desk and leaning back in her chair, sipping at her coffee as she studied this young man before her.

"Chief, it just can't be done. I didn't make very good grades in Academy, not nearly enough to be competitive. I served my cadet cruise as a supply clerk! Not an operations officer, a technician, or even a transporter specialist a I should have been. I was a fucking supply clerk!! Out of every job Starfleet could have picked me for, they decided to make me lift boxes and fill out forms, instead of doing any advanced work! The only reason I even was assigned as quartermaster on the Katana was because I groveled at the Academy assignment officer's feet, and that was out of pity. Even he admitted that I wasn't going anywhere in Starfleet, I'm just not remarkable at all!"

"Well, let's do something about that," Andy said with a resolved nod. "Starting tomorrow, the Cargo Bay transporter is your responsibility."

Ethan nodded reluctantly. "All right, if you say so. I can't guarantee that I'll be very good at it, though."

"That's why I'm starting small, one transporter. If you want to prove your superiors at the Academy wrong then you've got to do something about it, and it starts right here, right now. I don't tolerate slackers on my staff, so I'm gonna push you and some days you're gonna hate me, but one day you'll look back on this and thank me for it," Andy said. this kid definitely had some self-esteem issues, but she wasn't going to give up on him. Maybe he didn't have a glowing review from the academy, but he was competent, he had a good foundation that he could build on.

Ethan grimaced, and rolled his eyes. "I'm not sure about that, but all right. You're my boss. I take it that I am to start this new job now."

"I said starting tomorrow. Use the rest of today to get a jump on any of your regular duties so you don't get behind." Yep, he definitely needed some work. Andy wanted to believe he just needed someone to show a bit of confidence in his abilities, to give him the opportunity to be more, to be better. She just really hoped this wouldn't come to bite her in the ass later.

"Okay, is there anything else?" His free time would take quite a hit from his new position, but he was willing to give his new schedule a chance instead of immediately saying no.

"No, that's it," Andy said to dismiss him. "Don't be afraid to come find me if you have any questions."

"Understood, Chief." Getting up from his chair, Ethan walked towards the door. He had a lot of work to catch up on.

Nathan had received a communication that he would be getting a new security officer. He wanted his second with him when they welcomed the new Ensign aboard.

"He's half Klingon half human." Nathan said to Arthur as they entered the bay to wait for his arrival. " Ensign Kadan Storm. It's very easy to lose ones temper in security, as I'm sure you know Chief. If you see anything that worries you about this one report it to me right away.

Arthur raised his eyebrows as Nathan spoke. From what he could tell from wht Nathan was telling him, this new security officer had quite the temper. He'd have to watch the new recruit closely, Starfleet Security had a reputation of diligence and conpetency that had to be upheld. "Of course, sir. Anything wrong, I'll report it immediately."

The transport arrived, and disgorged its cargo in short order. One of the men to arrive was dressed in the dull golden color of Security, with a gray long-coat incorporated into his uniform. It goes down to his knees. Peeking out from either side, are two holstered disruptor pistols, and his usual type two phaser, resting on his waist.

Noting the two in uniforms like his waiting nearby, he approaches with a solemn gait, piercing eyes taking in the features before... "Gentlemen." he nodded his head in greeting. "What a pleasant surprise to be greeted personally by my new friends." he added in the peculiar accent, standing tall. "Kadan Storm, Ensign. Reportin' for duty."

Arthur scratched his chin as the odd man appeared, and his gaze shifted to the disruptor pistols Kaden had holstered. His eyes lifted up to Kaden's face when he greeted them. The long-coat, extra weapons, and Kaden's weird accent left Arthur a bit bewildered. Arthur looked over at Nathan and flashed him a confused look, and nodded for Nathan to respond to the Ensign. His superior should introduce himself first, in Arthur's book.

"Welcome aboard Katana Ensign Storm. I am Chief of Security Nathan Tonkin. This is my second and Chief Warrant officer Arthur Waterson. I trust your trip was uneventful?" Nathan said to the man with a smile.

"Pleased to meet you, sah (sir, accent), Chief." Kadan gave, taking a moment to size them up, and look around for a moment. "Why yes. My trip was very uneventful. Sometimes I prefer it that way, but personal preference means little when the trouble comes." His posture remained cool and calm, addressing them as a gentleman would anyone he had business with.

"As long as the Captain is ok with your...colorful chose in uniform I'm ok with it as well, but you had better salute him when you see him." Nathan continued. " Report to Chief Andrea Carter for room assignment, and here is a copy of your work detail. Any questions Ensign?" He handed him a PaDD containing important info on Katana and his work schedule. "And you will need to check your weapons in at the arsenal." Nathan said pointing to Kaden's hip.

"I will salute who I am required to. Worry not." The man replied, before staring a little at him, having received the information on his padd. "Very well, I shall check in with her, and check these in as well. No questions at present. Just an observation: I hope that in time you will come to appreciate having one of the fastest draws around on your staff. It may help with any...issues that may arise." His accent was peculiar, certainly, but understandable, once one got used to it.

"Good, Make sure you report in on time, I do not tolerate tardiness. Ill see you tomorrow at 0900 sharp. Do you have anything to add Chief?" Nathan asked Waterson.

Arthur shook his head. "No, sir. You seem to have everything covered. "

3 large PaDDs, 2 medium PaDDs and 4 small PaDDs littered the floor of Bob. An assortment of tools was also haphazardly falling out of a large engineering kit, and two old fashioned bound hardback books. In the midst of all this was one Petty Officer Third Class Sabrina Corbin. Sprawled out on the deck with one hand over her head and a small drop of drool starting to form at the corner of her mouth.

Andy had seen a lot of things, but this took the cake. And here she thought she liked the Jefferies Tubes, but this kid took it to a whole different level. Not that Andy minded at all, this junction was non-vital and the kid's presence here wasn't causing any harm. A commissioned Officer might think otherwise, but as it was Andy wasn't one and had no objections to the kid napping and studying here, just so long as she wasn't doing it while on the clock. But, it was getting close to the next shift change which would undoubtedly mean Sabrina would need to be woken so she could go grab breakfast and a shower before getting to work, so Andy approached the young Petty Officer to nudge her awake from her drooling slumber.

"Hey, kid, wake up."

"Mhhrrmmphh." Sabrina yawned, then wiped at her mouth, still drowsily wondering where she was. It only took a moment to process she'd fallen asleep with Bob, it certainly wasn't the first time. Another moment and Chief Carter standing there registered. 'Oh no' she thought, and scrambled up to some sort of attention. "Ma'am."

"Take it easy, kid!" Andy said with a chuckle. "Just wakin' you so you won't be late for your shift." Andy shook her head at the girl. Such a flighty little thing, but a damned good Engineer.

Sabrina checked the time. Just enough to shower and eat. "Oh, thank you!" Sabrina started gathering up her PaDDs and books, shoving them into her overly full satchel.

"Do you sleep in the tubes often?" Andy asked curiously. She didn't mind, but she would be remiss in her duties if she didn't at least ask.

"Umm, well not often. But Bob is a good study partner. I love hanging out with Shira, but sometimes it's hard to study with all the questions." She answered.

"Bob?" Andy asked with a snicker. "And yeah, I hear ya, the Twig does asks too many questions. Makes teaching her about protocol a real pain in the ass." Andy looked about the junction before looking back at Sabrina. "So is it just this junction that's Bob?"

Sabrina blushed. "Yes. I didn't name all the Jeffries Tube junctions or anything, just this one."

"huh..." Andy said with a lopsided grin. "Well, Bob has a non-specified storage compartment behind that panel over there if you want to stow your stuff there," Andy suggested as she pointed to a panel, essentially giving Sabrina permission to keep camping out in the junction.

Sabrina opened the panel and pulled out a blanket and pillow with a grin. "Bob and I are well acquainted." She put the pillow and blanket back. "I better go, I need food and coffee before shift. Thank you ma'am."

"Alright, run along, kid..." Andy said with a chuckle, then headed down another tube to get to some work she needed to do.


Chief Petty Officer Andrea Carter
Chief of Operation

Petty Officer Third Class Sabrina Corbin
Repair Specialist

Andy was feeling bad about harping on Nathan all the time. She knew something was going on, but she just couldn’t figure out what! And sometimes Nathan would seem like his usual self and all would be right with the universe, then something would happen and they would go right back to square one. Maybe they both just needed to relieve some stress. If his excuse was to be believed, he was just overworked and overstressed, they all were, so maybe some time in the holodeck would help.

She had wanted to load up the program for the naked beaches of Risa like she suggested in the Jefferies tubes, but somehow she felt another run through the Colorado Rockies with the new bow she replicated for him would be more appropriate. It was where she had opened up to him. Maybe, just maybe, he would finally open up to her…

Once she was dressed and ready to go, she slung her quiver over her shoulder and grabbed the two bows, going straight for Nathan’s quarters and ringing the chime. Oh, he was so gonna like this!

Nathan answered the door with a towel sling over his shoulder. He stood in the door so it was hard to see into the darkened room. He gave her an odd look at how she was dressed. “No beach?”

“Consider this a ‘mea culpa’,” she said, extending the bow out for him to take. It was a replica of the one he used in the holodeck the last time, and she really hoped he would like it. “I’ve been really hard on you since that day at lunch and I just want things to go back the way they were,” she said with a sigh.

Nathan dropped the towel just on the other side of the door and stepped out into the hall with her, his door sliding shut. He took the bow from her and grinned “ Wow Andy, this is really great! Thanks!”

There was that goofy, excited Nathan she loved! “Yeah, it’s just replicated, it’s the best I could do on short notice, but I am working on a real bow like mine.” She was glad he was pleased with the offering. “I just hope this can help us put this… whatever it’s been, behind us.”

Nathan looked up at her from looking over the bow. “ And what exactly has it been?” He asked her.

“I don’t know, and that’s the thing,” Andy said honestly. “You just haven’t been yourself, and I know you said it was just stress, but…” She shook her head to banish her doubts. “You know, it doesn’t matter. You’re my friend and that’s all that matters. And like you said, even you have your off days.”

Nathan slid his arm over her shoulders and smiled, leading her down the hall. “ I agree, we need to just put it behind us and look forward. I don’t live in the past anymore.”

Again, his words were filling Andy with doubt, but she was doing her best to brush it off. If she just kept casting accusations at him, then she was just going to alienate a friend. “So, I guess that means you don’t mind the change in plans?” she asked.

“Are you going to be there?” He asked her

“Of course!” she said with a lopsided grin.

“Then I’m fine with it.” All thought the nude beach would have been better.

“Alright!” When they got to the holodeck, Andy pulled up her archery program and they entered, being greeted by the crisp mountain air. Andy handed him a quiver and they began their hike to her archery range. Already it was putting her at ease. “You know, this is- was my dad’s program,” she said idly as they walked. “It was where he taught me how to shoot before he died.”

"I did not know that. Tell me about him." Nathan was looking around a lot. This was a great program. He could tell that years had been spent working on it, it was so detailed.

“He was a scientist, like my mom,” Andy said, not really noticing that Nathan was looking around like he’d never been in here before. “They both hoped I would go into the sciences like them, but… it seemed everything I ever did just disappointed them…” No, her mom was the only one that was ever disappointed, her father had been proud of her all along. “Anyway, he was stationed on the Tsiolkovsky during the polywater intoxication incident. He died when the hatch was blown. I was supposed to be with him, but my mom convinced me to stay with her on her ship, so here I am…”

"I'm sorry for your loss." He said, his eyes moving back to her. "It's unfortunate that they felt you were a disappointment because without you, this ship would have stopped working a while ago."

“Ain’t that the truth,” she replied dryly. They finally came to the hay bales set up with targets. andy picked her target and grabbed an arrow. “Man, she was really pissed when I decided not to go to the Academy. But we were in the middle of a deep space exploration mission, what else was I supposed to do!”

Nathan shrugged and adjusted the quiver he had been given. "Parents can be like that. They think they have have a right to tell you how you should turn out. Do you talk to your mom?"

“No,” she replied simply. Truth was, she hadn’t spoken to her mom since she was assimilated. Adele Carter had it in her head that the thing rescued from the cargo bay that day was not her daughter, that Andy had died that day. To this day, they still weren’t talking.

"I'm sorry." Was all he could think to say.

“Don’t be, ain’t like it’s your fault,” she said as she fired at her target.

Nathan shrugged and pulled on the bow. "The draws a little light I think."

“Really?” she asked, lowering her bow. Had she replicated the wrong bow? “Here, let me see it,” she said.

He handed it over to her, watching her.

She shouldered her bow and took his, testing its draw weight. No, it was definitely the right bow, the weight was spot on for what she had set for him the last time. “No, it’s the right bow,” she said, handing it back to him. “Did the doc fix your shoulder? Maybe that’s why it feels too light.” There was that damned doubt again, that feeling of wrongness. Just ignore it!

shoulder? "Yeah, when I went in for my stress headache he fixed it for me." He rotated his right arm and took the bow back from her.

There it was, confirmation that something was definitely wrong. Nathan’s left shoulder was the one injured! And looking at him through her alternative visual spectrums, she could detect no residual inflammation associated with a recent injury. This man’s shoulder had never been injured! She fixed him with a hard glare, staring into his eyes. It only took a fraction of a second to cross reference his retinal pattern with those stored in memory. This was not Nathan!

Andy knew what she had to do! She drew an arrow on him. “Who are you and what have you done with Nathan?”

Nathan threw his hands in the air and took a step back from her. "Wow Andy, what are you talking about? Don't point that at me!"

It was all falling into place! He ‘forgot’ lunch, called her Carter, drinking tea, ‘forgetting’ about Jhu’s shower, how she had signs of sex that day but he didn’t… It all made sense! It had been an impostor all along. “How about we take a trip down to Sickbay and see if you’ve really seen the doctor,” she said.

He sighed and lowered his hands. "Will you stop pointing that at me if I go? I thought we just got past all this."

“Nathan injured his left arm, jackass,” Andy said, narrowing her eyes at him, “that prompted me to check your retinal pattern. Now who are you and where is Nathan?”

He hung his head in defeat. He opened his mouth to talk, but sprang away instead, diving behind a tree.

Andy didn’t even hesitate, as soon as she saw him move she fired at him. “Computer, intruder alert! Lock down Holodeck 2, authorization Carter Alpha two two six!” she called out, then pursued her target.

Lucky for him that arrow missed. He could not help but smirk at her attempt to lock down the holodeck, he knew he could easily override her code, but doing so and calling for the arch would be like shining a flashlight in her eyes. Time for a different approach. "We don't have have to be at odds here Andy. Just take it easy." He kept moving so his voice would bounce around making it harder to get a bead on him.

She didn’t need to follow his voice, she could see his heat signature through the trees. “I’d say fuck you, but that might make me blow chunks,” she yelled back at him, firing several shots through the trees.

The arrows flew right past his head. She was a damn good shot, he needed to be careful. "My employers see great potential in you Andy. One of my reasons for being here is to make contact with you and offer you an...upgraded position with us." Nathan, or whoever he was, offered to her.

If he knew anything about her, he’d know that offer meant nothing to her. She didn’t care about positions or status. “You can take that offer and shove it up your employer’s ass! Sideways!” she retorted, sending another volley of arrows his way. She was getting closer, she just needed to get a little closer!

"That's unfortunate, see the only way your Nathan is coming back here is in trade. Are you willing to let him die for personal satisfaction? If they don't hear from me in 12 hours..." the double said to her.

“Then that means we have 12 hours to find him, you goo guzzling cock jockey!”

She could hear him activate his combadge. "Zulu alpha one."

She was close enough and took her shot, her arrow flying through the foliage. “Gotcha!”

All he had to do was get back to his room and he was home free. But as he moved an arrow slammed into his left shoulder and pinned him to a tree. Ironically, the arrow had hit him exactly where Nathan had been hurt.

"Ahhh!" The double yelled out and tugged on the arrow with no luck. He was stuck, and that was definitely not a holographic arrow.

“If you were Nathan, you’d know I play with the safeties off,” she said, drawing another arrow and hitting him in the other shoulder in case he thought he could try to escape. She stalked closer to him and removed his commbadge, then tapped her own =/\=”Chief Carter to the Captain. Tonkin’s been compromised, I have his imposter,” she said, glaring at the man who had pretended to be her friend.

He glared right back, his jaw slowly moving.

“Oh no you fucking don’t,” Andy said, moving in on the imposter, shoving her fingers into his mouth and knocking out a tooth in the process. “You don’t get to take the easy way out,” she said coldly as she felt around for the cyanide capsule.

Commander Kristopher Kerouac was contemplating his decision to want to remain in command of the USS Katana inspite of all the problems that he and his starship were experiencing. He was in the Mess Hall behaving himself by having a simple coffee with cream and sweetener when he was contacted by Chief Petty Officer Andrea Carter.

Kris quickly shot forward in his seat and tapped his communications badge. “What the fuck does that mean? Compromised? Imposter?!” he shouted, drawing attention to himself. Kris did not waste any time. He quickly stood up, abandoned his cup of coffee and was on his way. “Where the hell are you and who or what the hell is the imposter?” he asked.

=/\=”I’m in holodeck 2, I have him secured,” Andy assured Kris. “But some back-up would be nice. ew, I have spy cooties on me!!!”

Kris contained a smirk at her remarks. It was easy not to smirk when he was so pissed. “Oh don’t you were yourself. I have someone coming to handle the situation” replied Kris.

Kris was quick to call for additional support. He contacted the only person aboard that he felt was capable to handle with a problem of this nature, a Section 31 nature. “Lieutenant Commander t’Dharvanek, where is your spotted ass?” asked Kris after opening his communications channel to her.

"My office. Where the hell do you think I am?" Jhu responded rather crossly. Dealing with Nathan's strange attitude lately had worn her temper precariously thin, and she had little patience left.

“The head, hell if I know. I need you to meet me in Holodeck 2. Guess what we have…a Section 31 imposter who has taken the identity of our Security Chief. So, hurry up and bring something to inflict pain” replied Commander Kerouac.

Jhu looked up from her work, a look of mixed relief and horror on her face. Relief because it meant it wasn't Nathan who had been such an asshole lately... and horror because that meant that the real Nathan was with them and this guy likely meant to kill her. "I'm on my way down. He is mine... no one else touches him."

Kris was quick with his reply. “Leave a piece for me.”

"You might find one if you hurry." With that, Jhu closed her end of the call as she left her desk, trading her usual pocket-sized knife for the exceptionally sharp and wicked-looking Romulan dagger her mother had given her.
She wasted no time in getting down to the holodeck, not knowing that Vara was already there.

“Believe me, I am moving my drunk ass” replied Kristopher Kerouac as he entered the armory and looked at some of the weapons in the display cases and mounted to bulk heads. They were of no interest to him. He went for the weapons replicator and ordered himself up a nice long Klingon pain stick. “Be there in a minute. I needed to stop by the armory and get a toy” added Kris with a small smirk on his face as he departed from the armory with Holodeck 2 his next destination.

Vara had heard the intruder alert and checking a terminal to find the location, terminated the rest of her security walkthrough and headed straight to Holodeck 2. If Andy had found someone, she wanted to be there. Soon after she had unlocked the doors with her override codes and was entering the holodeck, phaser drawn as she searched for them both through the trees.

Andy heard the holodeck doors open and looked around to see who had arrived first. Vara, nice! She finished fishing the capsule out of spy-Nathan’s mouth, along with the tooth she knocked loose, then waved at Vara. “Oi! Over here!” she called out, then handed the capsule and the tooth to Vara once she’d arrive. “Here, I got a present for you,” she said, then proceeded to wipe her bloody, drooly fingers on her pants to clean them off.

Quickly heading to the 2, Vara took the capsule and looked it over, her phaser leveled at the strange man. “Thanks Chief. Who is this supposed to be, anyway?”

As soon as the double looked over his shoulder and saw Vara come in the room, fear fell over his face. "I want to deal!" He pleaded to Andy.

“Nuh-uh,” Andy said with a grin, tousling his hair almost playfully. “You can wait for the Captain. And I believe there’s a certain Intel Chief who’d like a piece of you too. Then we can talk deals.”

"If you don't hurt me, or send send me back I'll tell you exactly how to bring Nathan back." The double offered.

“You’re already hurt and if I get any say in it, you’ll be spending some time outside without a suit.” Vara replied to his offer ‘cheerily’, the wolf in her eyes growing hungry. “I take it he’s supposed to fool people into thinking he’s my boss? 12% mass difference, 3 implants, eyes are wrong, dental and bone structure 4% off… He doesn’t even look like him.”

“He fooled me,” Andy said. But then again, she wanted to believe that this was still her friend, she hadn’t gone looking for the discrepancies until she had a reason to.

“You’ve gotten softer, then. He also had a small dimple on his chin. Right…” Vara gave the imposter a ‘gentle’ love tap with her fist. “There. I figured you and the Commander would have noticed immediately.”

“I’m noticing it all now,” Andy said, and she was going through all her interactions with this fraud and making mental notes of everything that had been wrong or even seemed innocuous at the time. “I didn’t want to believe it wasn’t Nathan. That’s what it means to trust.” And boy was this guy gonna get it for violating that trust!

Vara harumphed, uncharacteristically. “I trust my radar and sensors. They’re how I identify anyone anyway.”

The holodeck had already been unlocked by security when Jhu arrived, so she went immediately inside, finding Andy and Vara there with 'Nathan.' Jhu gave him an icy look a split second before she decked him. Hard. Right in the jaw. "Start talking."

Kris walked into the Holodeck with the pain stick and a look of hatred worn proudly on his face. He had an objective and that objective was revenge. It was time for someone in Section 31 to feel the pain that the crew of Katana had felt and experienced during the security breaches caused by Section 31. “He’s not going to talk easily, Jhu. You know that. Section 31 are trained to keep their mouths shut. Keep working on him” said Kris as he stood and watched the others. “I decided to bring this pain stick in case he has a high tolerance for pain.”

“I doubt he has a high pain tolerance, he screamed like a little girl when I shot him,” Andy said with a grin, flicking one of the carbon fiber shafts sticking out his shoulder to irritate the wound.

Kris chuckled. “Yeah, I don’t doubt that. He looks like one of their more pussy recruits” said Kris shaking his head. “I just want to know where the hell Nathan is.”

The double spit blood onto the ground and cringed when the arrow in his shoulder get flicked. "There is no need for all this! I'll tell you what you want want to know. Just don't send my back!" His eyes pleaded with Jhu. "You know what they will do to me if you send me back!"

“I know what they will do to you” replied Kris. “It will be like a vacation on Risa compared what will happen to you on my starship” added the Commanding Officer. “You have been pissing me off for quite a while.”

“I know a few ‘creative’ interrogation techniques from my training before Starfleet. Mind if I question him?” Vara asked rather sinisterly.

“Anyone interested in what he said to me before I shot him?” Andy asked with a grin.

Kris looked at Andrea Carter. “I’m just curious why he didn’t just kill you” said Kris.

“Apparently, part of his job was to make contact with me. He made me an offer and I told him where he could shove it,” Andy replied.

“Well, I am about to get ready to make room for him to shove it with this pain stick” said the Commanding Officer with a look of frustration.

Andy tossed ‘Nathan’s commbadge to Kris. “Before I shot him, he used some kind of voice authorization code, I don’t know what for though. And he implied that Nathan will die if he don’t make contact with his people in 12 hours.”

The thought about a last ditch attempt to give an authorization code did not put Kris’ mind at peace at all. “I want the ship searched for explosive devices” ordered Kris immediately.

"No one touches him," Jhu growled, repeating her earlier remark to Kris as she neatly grabbed the impostor's collar and pulled him close to look directly into his eyes. "You betrayed their trust, yes. But it's me you have to worry about now, and what I'm going to do to you will make you wish you'd never heard my name."

As the double’s shoulders slid along the arrows he cried out in pain. "If you hurt me I will not talk." He warned.

"Oh yes you will. Don't you know who you're dealing with? Who they sent you after?" Jhu tightened her grip on him. "Pretending to be my boyfriend was a big mistake."

"Worst assignment of my life you green blooded bitch!" He yelled at her her and then spit a mouthful of blood and saliva at her.

“Hey!” shouted Kris moving forward towards the imposter. Kris jab the man with the pain stick right into the rib cage. “That is my friend you just called a green blooded bitch. Watch your mouth or you’ll be getting more than just poked in the ribs with this” said Kris firmly as he pulled the stick away.

Jhu turned her head just enough so that bloody saliva landed on her cheek, clear of her eye. When she looked at the impostor again, it was with pure malice. "You didn't answer my question." She gave him a quick tug then slammed him back into the tree, so hard the tree visibly tremored. "But that's all right. I have a better one. Where. Is. Nathan?"

That hurt bad and knocked the wind out of him. He gasped for air for a second. “ The nameless one has him.” Was all he gave up.

"You'll have to do better than that." Grasping one of the arrows, Jhu twisted it sharply. "Where? And don't try to lie to me, you little coward. I've done more interrogations than I can count. I'll know."

“Ahhh!” The double yelled out at the arrow being twisted. “ Then you know I’m telling the truth when I say I’m not telling you SHIT!”

“Andy, do the standard medkits still have those 3 meds that mix into a mild truth serum?” Vara asked thoughtfully.

“Yeah, but you heard him, he ain’t telling us shit,” Andy answer, but she had a trick up her sleeve. “I say we send him back to where he came from since we ain’t gettin’ anything outta him.” If she had to wink to any of them, then they were all dense.

Vara had to ask… “With all his extremities or without?”

“Well, we oughta leave something for his superiors to cut off,” Andy said after giving it some thought.

The double smirked. “It’s really too bad...he seemed like such a nice guy. Really liked you.” He said looking at Jhu.

Liked? Past tense? The sound Jhu made was akin to a feral cat's growl. "Wrong answer, dumbass." With her free hand, she drew that wicked-looking Romulan blade and held it to his throat. "Only question now is do I send you back whole or in pieces?"

“You think that scares me? If you value your boyfriend's life you will not send me back at all.” He glared at her.

"You think I can't find him if I send you back?" Jhu grinned wickedly, running the blade across his throat with barely enough pressure to cut the skin without harming the artery. "He's not far from where you would go. Simple matter of just tagging along for the ride."

“How are you going to send me anywhere? You dont even know where I came from and we got rid of all the transporters.” His eyes darted around to all the people around him. “ You all are screwed without me and I know it. I made sure of it. Always have a back up plan.”

“Like an exit plan?” Andy said, suddenly thinking over his actions. “You were headed straight for the arch, you clearly had an exit strategy…” And that code he called out. What if it wasn’t for explosives? And just who gave her the locations of all the transwarp devices? This guy! If he had one for his own use, he would have left it out of the reports. “You’ve got a device stashed somewhere on the ship, don’t you.”

Pulling out a PaDD from her cargo pocket, Vara looked over it, remotely checking all the monitors she had in place, as convoluted as they were. There was Andy and Jhu… Both offices and quarters… Jhu’s old quarters, the device was gone… Three others she had found in her systematic sweeps were gone… But not the one in Nathan’s room. Excellent. The tetryon scrambler she placed near the security offices apparently worked. “Captain, my apologies for not reporting them earlier, but over the past weeks I had found four more of those devices and used an old trick to monitor them. All but one are gone.”

Kris nodded “Understood” he replied simply. All Kris needed to know was that things were being taken care of. He did not care about how or when.

Jhu smirked slightly. "We aren't stupid. We know all about your little device... they aren't exactly hard to spot once you know what to look for. You see, we don't need you as much as you think we do."

Now the double just glared at them all. He was done talking.

Kris looked around at the others. They all seemed quite pissed and he was fairly confident that they all were willing enough to follow orders… well maybe not Andy. The Chief always had a problem with doing what she was told or asked to do. However, he believed that she would follow orders if she saw them acceptable. “My Chief Intelligence Officer is correct. We really do not need you at all considering your lot always leave a trail” explained Kris as he looked the double in the eyes.

Commander Kerouac shook his head. “You would have been better off just telling us what we needed to know” added Kris. He then looked at his crew “Which one of you ladies knows how to electrocute a human enough to kill him just enough so that he can be brought back to life?” asked Kris quite seriously.

"I think Andy and I could figure it out," Jhu replied evenly, not even blinking.

The double smirked at the Captain.

“Good” replied Kris as he studied the man and his shitty ass smirk. “Fry this piece of shit” said Commander Kerouac with very little reluctance.

“Gladly,” Andy said with a wide grin, grasping one of the arrows in fake-Nathan’s shoulder and ripping it out. This was gonna be fun!

Kris slowly turned on his heel and proceeded to walk away from the scene. For one brief moment he thought about his own past, the brutality he had experienced in a Breen prison camp, but it was nothing that a good bottle of scotch couldn’t handle. It would was his guilt away. He paused just once before leaving the holodeck, turned and looked at the man one last time. “If he dies, just send him to the Chief Medical Officer,” said Kris a bit coldly. I’ve had enough of this Section 31 shit. This ends here, thought the Commanding Officer.

“I recommend removing his implants first. I know firsthand the secondary damage from them being fried.” Vara said darkly. “Besides, they might be forced to activate and do something unexpected.”

“I don’t know. I kind of like the idea of secondary damage,” Jhu commented lightly, gently moving the sharp dagger a bit more south to encourage the impostor’s cooperation. “But we can’t have them activating on us and doing anything clever. We’ll take them out… for our safety. I don’t give a damn about his.”

“Computer, a spoon please,” Vara said holding her hand out as a spoon materialized in her hand. Offering it to Jhu, she grinned rather wickedly. “Is this tool enough?”

"Depends how sharp it is and how deep the implants are." Jhu took the offered spoon, tucking her dagger into its sheath. "Care to assist, Vara?"

The double huffed “A spoon? Really Jhu? I mean I know you were Section 31, and you know I am. I would think you would be better at this after all the training you have had.” He lowered his gaze at her. “Lets see what you really got Romulan.”

"Then you know a dull implement hurts a hell of a lot more than a sharp one. It tears instead of cutting... stretches the nerves until they snap under the pressure. Besides... don't you still appreciate creativity?" Jhu smiled darkly, carefully finding the first implant and steadily applying pressure at its edge with the edge of the spoon.

The double yelled out in pain. He was not sure what pissed him off more, the fact that this traitor was putting her hands on him, or that Section 31 had installed implants without telling him. "I don't know what those do..."

"Do I look like I care?" Prying the edge of the implant loose, Jhu popped the first one out with little regard to the pain it would cause as it came free. Catching it, she gave it a quick - but studious - look. "Haven't seen this design before..."

“I have,” Andy said, taking the implant from Jhu. “Beautiful, elegant design. This would have fucked him up really bad if it went off.”

"Suicide chip? Not very clever." Jhu tsked at the double. "Where's the other one? It has to go too."

“It’s more than a suicide chip,” Andy said, studying the device. “It’s based on a Borg design. It’s meant to destroy all neural connections in the brain so engrammatic retrieval can’t be performed on the dead. Basically liquefies the brain, very painful…”

“What!” Yelled the double. “Fuck! Get the other one out of me now!”

"Ouch. Nasty." Jhu felt for the edge of the second implant. "Quit whining, you coward." She paused momentarily, searching. "Aha. Under the shirt." Sticking the spoon in her pocket, Jhu drew her knife and sliced his shirt open before trading it for the spoon again. "All right then." Applying pressure the same way as before, she heard a 'click' and paused. "What was that?"

The doubles head jerked back and into the tree he was pinned to over and over and over again as he made some kind of weepy wet gurgling noise. Then after a moment he stopped moving all together and hung limp from the arrow in his shoulder.

As soon as the implant still in fake-Nathan activated, the one in Andy’s hand activated as well. She flinched and dropped it. “Sonofabitch!” she exclaimed as she shook her hand.

"...oops. Oh well, I was gonna kill him anyway." Jhu dropped the spoon, giving the impostor's body a rueful look. At least his death was painful. "I'm going to get Nathan back. I need one of you to come with me." She looked at Andy and Vara. "You can both tell me it's really him."

“I should go with you,” Andy said. “I know I ain’t some awesome Security officer, but… I can hold my own. Not just that, but I owe it to him to help bring him back. I should have seen the signs sooner that this fucker wasn’t him.”

"Consider yourself drafted then." With the impostor dead, Jhu had nowhere to direct her anger, and her voice grew cold. "I'll need someone from medical. Rose or Trayr, whoever's less jittery. There'll be a lot of shooting."

“I’ve never had the opportunity to work with either,” Andy said. “But then again, I avoid Sickbay and doctors like the plague,” she admitted shamelessly.

"I know Rose... he's pretty laid-back, but I don't know how he is in a fight." Jhu hadn't actually met Trayr yet, just knew she was Bajoran and decidedly not laid-back. "Rose then... wait, no. He went with Tegan. Guess it'll be Trayr then. Hope she's okay with fighting. Get ready." Not waiting for Andy's response, Jhu went to find Kris. They had plans to make.

[ON]

Cameron was running. Every breath he took made his chest feel like it was about to explode, but he knew he had to keep running. His fists were clenched, his heart pounding with anger and a desire for vengeance. Tucked into his belt was a rusty Kut’luch, a curved Klingon knife whose guard was almost as lethal as the blade itself. It was the only thing of his fathers he had, and he intended on using it.

After what felt like an eternity of searching the house of K’I’mez, Cameron stopped at the mouth of a great hall. Dozens of Klingon warriors laughed, fought, and talked to one another, completely ignorant of Cameron’s presence.

“I have come to declare Mauk-to ‘Vor!” the half-Klingon/half-Trill shouted into the mass.

The great hall, once churning with noise, became abruptly silent. Many warriors stood up to face Cameron. Some drew weapons. Others seemed content to see what he had to say.

Cameron swallowed, hard. But he steadied himself and hardened his resolve as soon as he saw an old man wearing a face very similar to his own enter the room. “As the son of Lok’oh, I seek ritual combat against my father.”

There was a short chortle. “You are a half-blood! Now be gone! Before I gut you like a Targ.” The entire great hall erupted into derisive laughter at this. Many Klingons sheathed their d’k tahg’s and moved to return to the table. Cameron growled. “I am the son of a coward and a traitor! And I demand the right to kill him.” He looked at the old man. “Face me, now!”

A movement out of the corner of Cameron’s eye caught him unprepared as a heavy fist slammed him into the ground. The pain was nearly intolerable. Cameron spit blood onto the floor and turned to his attacker – another warrior. This warrior had a bat’leth in one arm and looked eager to use it. He spit down at Cameron. “You are a foolish boy with nothing more than a death wish.”

“I-“Cameron started.

Before he could continue, the warrior kicked him in the gut, rolling him over. Cameron’s Kut’luch fell from his belt. The warrior picked it up and held it for the others to see. “This petaQ believes himself to be worthy of carrying a Klingon blade. Even though half his blood is that of a Trill QI’yah!”

The blood in Cameron’s veins were already red-hot. But hearing the warrior address his mother in such a foul way, one that defied translation, sent him into a seething fury. Defying his injuries, he jumped up, snatched the blade from the unsuspecting warrior’s grasp, and stabbed him. The warrior screamed, clenching the blade between his hands, and fell to the ground, dead. At once, other warriors stood again, growling heatedly, ready to kill Cameron for his transgression. But in the distance, Cameron could see that the old man had not so much as budged. Reaching over the dead Klingon, Cameron extracted the Kut’luch and held it at the ready. “I said face me, father!”

“Careful, Cameron.” A voice with a dialect very different from any Klingon addressed him. Cameron turned and found, not a Klingon, but a woman with red hair looking at him. She looked concerned and disappointed. She was also very naked. The contours of her body revealed, he found himself admiring her slim physique and ample breasts. “You will be needed," she spoke.

“Who are you?” Cameron asked.

The woman pointed to Cameron’s chest, and he only then became aware that his olive-green drabs had been replaced with a Starfleet uniform. But the uniform looked very different from the one his mother wore. it was made of a heavier material, had grey on the top, black everywhere else. He reached up to his collar and felt his way across three pips. “Who am I?” He asked. When he looked back to her, he saw that she was wearing a uniform nearly identical to his own, except it had a blue collar.

“You are needed. And you must not allow yourself to die here,”

A noise to Cameron’s left distracted his attention from the red-haired woman at the very same time the blunt end of a Bat’leth connected with his head. The last thing he saw were no less than five bloodthirsty Klingon warriors looking down at him.

”The time is 0700 hours,”

***

Cameron awoke from his dream, and found himself still in his quarters on board the USS Katana.

”The time is 0700 hours,” the computer repeated.

“I’m awake,” Cameron answered. The computer acknowledged his response, and disabled the alarm. Cameron held his hand over his head and tried to remember what he’d been dreaming about. But it was already slipping away. All he knew was that, for reasons unknown, Bridget O’Connor had been in it.
He sighed as the last of his dream faded.

No matter, he thought. It was time for him to get ready for his shift.

****

Bridget rolled out of bed and very sleepily got ready to start her shift. It was a little earlier than she really needed to be up but she liked to giver herself enough time to thoroughly enjoy a cup of coffee with breakfast in the mess hall before she had to interact with people. To put it mildly, she was not a morning person.

When she arrived at the mess hall, before she even glanced around to see who was in it, she walked straight up to the replicator and ordered her usual breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast with a large coffee. Turning around she grimaced to see Commander Tegan sitting at her usual table. She sighed. She liked her table because it let her sit with her back against the wall ensuring no one could sneak up on her as she slowly woke up and she could people watch if she wanted to. Reaching the table she set her tray down as she mumbled,"Commander." She looked at him grouchily as she took a first sip of coffee.

"Lieutenant," Cameron greeted as cheerfully as Bridget sat down across from him. He was working on a replicated variety of Racht. Sadly, this variety was not alive and didn't squirm as he swallowed them. "You know I had an interesting dream last night. You were in it, actually," he added, waggling a hand full of Racht in her direction, and reminding himself of the fact that, in his dream, she started out naked.

Bridget glanced at her coffee cup and sighed. "Commander, I believe we had this discussion last time we talked. I need coffee before I become and semblance of a human being. You can tell me all about your dream with me in it after I've had more than a few sips." She glared at the Racht in his hand, "also, please keep those.....things....out of my face.

Cameron complied, plopping the cluster of Racht back onto his plate. Although it would have been difficult for even her to wipe the grin off his face. "Fair enough," he said.

Bridget took a few more sips of the hot coffee, savory the taste of it. She was feeling more like a human being already. "Ok, better," she said. "Now, what on earth was I doing in your dream?" she asked, thoroughly curious.

Continuing to take small handfuls of Racht from his plate and deposit them into his mouth for chewing, Cameron filled her in on the details of his dream.

Bridget cocked an eyebrow at him, "that's...interesting," she said.

"Tell me about it," Cameron replied, slurping down on the last piece of Racht. The meal had been disappointing since the Racht wasn't alive, but at least it tasted close to the real thing. "I've dreamt of the day I returned to the Klingon home world thousands of times. But in those dreams, the only outsider present... is me." He wiped his cheek of an extra bit of sauce.

"Considering that you rarely eat anything other than Klingon food and that you follow other Klingon traditions, I wouldn't have guessed you'd feel like an outsider," Bridget observed as she handed him her napkin.

That revelation caused Cameron to stop what he was doing. His brows furrowed, and he looked back to Bridget. After a moment, he went back to his plate wordlessly and broke a piece of bread into two pieces before chewing on the first. "Whether I consider myself an outsider or not is irrelevant. They do."

Bridget shrugged. "I didn't say you considered yourself an outsider, I said you feel like you do. There's a difference."

"How so?" Cameron asked.

"Well," she said, "it is obvious in your dream that you feel like an outsider. That's why no one will take you seriously. But, in your regular day to day life you embrace your Klingon traditions. Unless it's some sort of subconscious way to force a sense of belonging, I'd say that you don't consider yourself an outsider. But I'm not a counselor so my opinion isn't worth a whole lot when it comes to these matters."

Cameron heaved an audible sigh. "You should have been a counselor," he paused to think. When he looked down to his empty plate of Racht, he began to wonder if she was right. He hated his father. Hated him. And yet he'd taken Klingon delicacies and even some of their traditions to heart, making them part of who he was. Why? It wasn't the first time he ever asked himself this. But every time he was forced to think about it, he did. "What you may not realize, Bridget, is that parts of that dream actually happened," he began. "I did travel to Kronos when I was a child to kill my father."

Bridget cringed. "I'm guessing it probably didn't turn out much better than your dream," she stated.

Chortling even though it sounded a little forced, Cameron nodded. His voice shifted away from the casual and towards a more quiet and serious tone. "I spent most of my trip back to Trill in a coma. My body had more broken bones than intact ones. As blood thirsty as the Klingon's reputation is, they know exactly how far they can wound you without killing you in the process."

Bridget just looked at Cameron; she didn't really know what to say to that. "You must be extremely stubborn to continue to follow your Klingon culture," Bridget said. "I probably would have given that part of me up for good if I had been in your shoes. And I'm Irish stubborn."

Cameron smacked his lips in contemplation, and then sighed audibly. When he looked up to Bridget, he decided to change the subject. "Are you ready for your trip to Shira's world?"

"I believe so," Bridget said. "I'm certainly looking forward to learning more about it. I think it will be fascinating."

"Glad to hear it," Cameron chimed in. His plate empty and mug of Raktajino growing cold, the Trill/Klingon stood. "Well try not to have too much fun. Just between you and me, I think I'd rather be the one go some alien world rather than chasing around giant space snails. Still... be safe while you're there."

Bridget rolled her eyes as she said, "I will." Then she grinned at him, "besides you have your own away mission to be careful on."

[OFF]

Lieutenant Commander Cameron Tegan
Executive Officer
USS Katana

&

Lieutenant Bridget O'Connor
Chief Science Officer
USS Katana

[ON]

As Bridget O'Connor and Nathan Tonkin vanished behind a turbo-lift door, Cameron searched for answers on not only how Section 31 was able circumvent the Katana's security protocols so easily, but why they would choose to target the Chief of Science. Re-entering Bridget's now-empty quarters, he found himself staring at the blank video screen that only moments earlier had an ominous figure representing Section 31's interests. He'd been so caught up in thought in fact that he hadn't even noticed Jhu t'Dharvanek beside him until she entered his peripheral vision. While she had been correct in saying that her profile with Section 31 was part of her public record, there were still too many unanswered questions regarding her past... and present... for him to casually ignore. There was also the matter of what had happened on the holodeck. In his mind, he couldn't help but consider a liability if not a direct threat. Then again, the Captain trusted her. Kerouac was a young leader in need of experience, but his judge of character was something that Cameron respected.

In a way, Cameron also knew that his distrust for her resided not merely in her past, but in her heritage as well. He was half Klingon; she was half Romulan. The two birthrights had been mortal enemies for hundreds of years. And as much as Cameron tried to remind himself that there was no rational reason for her to suspect on that basis alone, he couldn't shake the feeling. Perhaps Klingon suspicion of any and all things Romulan went beyond experience - perhaps it was part of his genetic structure as well.

Shaking the feeling off, Cameron stepped over to the table and picked up an empty glass of wine. He then looked to the floor and found where Bridget had spilled some of it, presumably due to the arrival of the S31 representative. He turned to Jhu. "Why her?" He asked her, keeping his voice tone neutral. "It sounds like Section 31 has it out for you. First the device in your quarters, then Andy, and now this. But why would your former employers-" he hadn't meant to say it that way, but carried on. "-reach out to someone like O'Connor? She might be brilliant. But she's no spy or soldier."

"They can turn anyone into a spy or soldier. You don't need previous experience. They give it to you." Jhu was not fooled by his neutral tone; she knew where this conversation was going. "They're pissed off because I left and won't come back. If they can't drag me back, they'll kill me." She crossed her arms, a defensive measure that showed her discomfort with the situation. "But they don't need Bridget. One of them is here. I know it... Kris knows it. We just haven't figured out who."

Cameron felt an anger form deep in his belly so quickly that he felt like a volcano. He clenched his fists. Resisting an urge to throw something across the room -- (dealing with Klingon aggressive tendencies was never easy) -- Cameron counted mentally to three, took a deep breath, and exhaled; the simple techniques were usually the most effective. But he was feeling very out of the loop on this. Kerouac and Jhu might have had their reasons to keep the fact that there was a spy on the Katana, but that didn't need to make it easy for him to accept. And it's only after an incident like this that I know it... he thought. "I think it's time you get me up to speed on the situation," he suggested tensely.

"Keeping it from you was not my idea," Jhu said quietly. "Frankly it took me a while to realize Kris was trying to keep it quiet." She could see that Klingon tendency to explode building up in him, but she counted on his Trill side keeping him mellow enough to listen. "And I didn't mind until things got weird. You know how it is... hoping something is over until it explodes in your face again."

"I'm sure that are reasons to keep your... situation, on a need-to-know basis," Cameron responded with a sigh even though it was still taking an effort to keep from blowing up. He promised himself one of two things after this: A romp, or one hell of a combat simulation. That had at least some kind of effect on him. Despite the fact that these were not his quarters, he gestured to a couch. It was likely that Bridget would be more concerned with them coming to a solution and less so with the fact that they were using her furniture. Still, whenever he wanted to say something, he knew to give himself an extra second or two to phrase it in a more... polite way. "But these last few 'explosions' have demonstrated a very real likelihood that this will not go away." He didn't want to just assume that she'd been sitting on the matter this whole time. "I assume you either have or are at least working on a plan?"

"We have one. Ensign Cho'ren is sweeping for eavesdropping and teleporting devices... she also stands guard for Chief Carter. And me, when Nathan can't. Or won't... he's been odd lately." Jhu sighed, not sitting down. She was too tense. "Something is going on, and I'm not the only one seeing it."

Cameron raised an eyebrow. "How so?" He asked.

"I know him better than anyone else on this ship, and he's not acting like himself. Little things... like drinking tea instead of coffee. Being grumpy and mad at everyone... Nathan's not like that. He's the bubbly cheerful sort you want to murder in the morning because he won't shut up." Jhu smiled a little then sobered again. "Then there's the water shower. He knows all about why I have one, but he asked about it again. And seemed surprised when I told him. It's just weird." She shook her head slightly. "And this... bravado. He's not like that. He listens. He loves his job and he's good at it, but I expected him to let me go in. I know these people, what they say and do. He knows that."

Cameron barely nodded. After the debacle on the holodeck, he'd given Tonkin a stern warning not to let his personal feelings affect his duties again, and had gone so far as to threaten to transfer one of them if he failed. Maybe Tonkin's recent behavior according to Jhu was his way of turning over a new leaf -- a way of redoubling on his part to both be a better CSO and to widen the gap between what was professional and what wasn't.

Then again...

"Well, you two are dating, and dating always makes things more complicated than they need to be," Cameron said, his words initially sounding dismissive, as though he wanted to close off the opened the tangent and get back to more important things. But then he took a breath and sounded more sincere when he continued. "Section 31 has a vendetta against you; you've said so yourself: they want you either back in their sleeve or dead. Between their threats, what happened to Carter, and even the Tribbles--" he spat that last word out like it had tasted bad in his mouth, “—I wouldn't be surprised if he's feeling some pressure."

"Of course he is. We all are, but I'm telling you... it's more than that, Cameron. It's like there's some... secret he doesn't want me to know, and I don't mean the good kind." As much as Jhu wanted to believe that Cameron was right and it was just stress, she didn't think it added up very well. "He forgets things, simple things. Even things I've sent him notes about." She sighed, shaking her head slightly. "He won't touch me. Barely looks at me, even."

Cameron wasn't sure what to say for a while; while the XO of a starship was supposed to ensure the moral welfare of the crew -- he was no counselor, and he wished suddenly that Lia Grae was nearby. He interlaced his knuckles and held his fists over his mouth. This was exactly why he avoided relationships. "Maybe he started working for Section 31?" He suggested, thinking that if he said something completely ridiculous that he'd have time to ponder a more serious way to suggest the possibility that Nathan might have found someone else to be with. It wouldn't have been the first time.

Jhu snorted at him. "He's not the type... he'd rather die. But the thought crossed my mind earlier. When you asked how they breached our defenses."

"Well, I'm not a counselor, Jhu. And I won't pretend to be one," Cameron began, deciding at a bit of informality with her by using her first name. The name rolled off his tongue in an interesting way. "It could be something simple. It could also be something else. I can talk to him if you'd like," he pointed out, even though the notion of delving into their personal relationship wasn't something he found entertaining. "Or if you'd really prefer, we can skip to the end and toss him out the nearest airlock. After you two figure out how to keep Section 31 from accessing our systems again."

Jhu grinned a little. "I think we're on the same page. Anyway, that's why I really sent them to the intelligence section... it automatically locks down if there's any sort of tampering with it. Besides, Weaver is there, and he won't let anyone cause trouble."

Cameron stood up. Maybe the half-Romulan wasn't so bad, after all. He was at least glad that the conversation seemed to be shifting away from her suspicions of Tonkin. "Good. I'd like you to let me know as soon as you make any headway, both in preventing Section 31 from accessing our systems in the future, and in determining who your spy is. Outside of that, I think we both have things to do."

"We certainly do. I'll keep you apprised." Jhu left quietly, going to meet Nathan and Bridget at her office.

One thought was clear... follow the pod. 'Seek. Destroy. They are weak. The weak shall perish!' Some of the weak creatures had not made it through the portal, and they did not fight back. They died meekly, flapping their tails and making pitiful noises of despair. The rest fled through the portal into empty space, but they would not be safe there for long. They were weak, an infestation like the creatures who lived in empty space. Imperfect. In need of purging.

A metal ship strayed near the portal. Weak, inferior beings! They fell easily, rent apart like the foul parasites they truly were. One less infested ship to bother with. Soon the threshold would be crossed, and they would all perish!

---

Jhu bolted suddenly awake, looking around her dark cabin for who had spoken. "Computer! Lights!" The lights blazed on, and she blinked, shielding her eyes. No one. She was alone; Nathan was sleeping in his own bed after his jerk-tastic behavior. And she'd been dreaming. Shaken by the dream's strange ferocity, she climbed out of bed and called up a mug of hot chocolate from the replicator and sipping from it.

There was no way she was going back to sleep, and she didn't think she could trust Nathan. Setting the mug down momentarily, she grabbed her robe and wrapped it around her shoulders, sliding her feet into a fuzzy pair of slippers before picking the mug back up. She had to talk to someone. Prove she wasn't insane. But who?

Maica, she decided, going out into the corridor and following it to Maica's quarters. Once there she gingerly rang the doorbell, hoping she wasn't interrupting anything.

When the door finally opened, Jhu was greeted not by the lovely, green skinned android, but by the surly ex-borg who did not take kindly to being woken in the middle of the night when she was having her own sleeping issues. But the second she saw the troubled look on Jhu's face, anything Andy had wanted to yell at her died on her tongue unspoken. "Come in," Andy said quietly, stepping aside to let Jhu into her quarters. "You alright?" she asked.

"I don't know." Her mostly untouched hot chocolate still in hand, Jhu hesitated only slightly before coming inside. "I had the weirdest dream... scared the hell out of me. And with Nathan being so weird, I thought of Maica... and she's not here, is she?"

"Nah, she'll be back tomorrow though," Andy said, leaning against the arm of the couch as she looked at Jhu. "Hey, I know I'm not Maica, but if you wanted to talk I promise I won't slap my hands over my ears and hum," she offered awkwardly. In a lot of ways, Andy was kind of new to having friends. Not like she hadn't had any friends before, but none that she felt comfortable sharing some of her darker secrets. "But fair warning, Vara's in the other room. My alcove is still vulnerable, so she's on guard duty tonight."

"Vara doesn't bother me. She wouldn't tell anyone anyway." Jhu took a tiny sip of her warm drink, sitting down on the couch. "I don't know how to explain it. Just this... feeling of hatred. And a really eerie voice."

"A voice?" Andy said uneasily. "You're hearing a voice?" that was it? Hell, Andy heard voices even outside her dreams. "So, freaky dream with voices. They saying anything in particular?"

"Um... the weak shall perish? And a bunch of stuff about inferior creatures... infestations. It was weird." Jhu shook her head slightly. "Freaky. But just a dream, right?"

Andy paled at Jhu's words, striking a chord with a distant memory that wasn't actually hers. Andy had no direct experience with the creatures that spoke those words, but the fear the Hive Mind felt in regards to them was very real and it reverberated through Andy now. "That's not a dream, Jhu..."

"What do you mean 'not a dream'?" Jhu gave Andy a curious and concerned look. "Andy, what's wrong?"

"Someone is talking to you," Andy warned. "In the darkness, when all other voices fade away..." Andy's eyes had a faraway look. She was speaking from experience. "You're half Romulan, Jhu, and someone is making use of your latent telepathic skills to communicate with us." Andy swallowed hard before revealing who. "Species 8472."

Jhu stared at her for a moment, slowly setting her mug down on the coffee table. "Okay... why? Why me? Why now? I haven't shown a lick of talent. Ever. Why not Verak?"

"Verak is off ship, with Maica," Andy reminded Jhu. "And it don't matter if you've never shown a lick of talent, it's in your genes, it's there... It's there telling you when someone's watching you. I've seen the way you look around sometimes. Most people would call it paranoia, but we both know better..."

"Are you suggesting that my 'paranoia' is really some sort of... telepathic warning system?" It sounded crazy and made sense at the same time, and Jhu didn't know whether to believe it or not.

"Really, is that the strangest thing you've ever heard of?" Andy countered. "And since it's not something you consciously use, it makes sense that it's active when you sleep. Dream and subconscious and all that mumbo jumbo..."

"On the Katana? Almost sounds normal," Jhu said dryly, still not thrilled about the concept of being contacted by Species 8472. "I wouldn't know how to use it consciously. Didn't know I could do it at all."

"Maybe you can't use it consciously," Andy replied. "Even Vulcans aren't overtly telepathic. They require a great deal of discipline and focus and physical contact, so who's to say you'll ever be able to use it consciously. But that don't mean 8472 can't speak to you. They've proven in the past that they can heighten latent skills of the recipient to make contact."

"We still haven't figured out why. All I got from it is they plan to kill us, and we knew that already!"

"No, all we had before was a vague possibility they might be involved with the space whales. Now we know, contact confirms it," Andy said.

"There was a Vulcan science vessel destroyed at that portal," Jhu said quietly. "Kris gave me the report... I don't think he told anyone else. Gekli don't have that kind of weaponry. They just don't. So I knew... it's why I asked you that favor."

Andy nodded. That made sense... "The science vessel is probably what's prompted this aggression," Andy thought aloud. "Still, even with that, there was no confirmation until now that they were planning on attacking. Now we know."

"It's what they do. And we have a team out there that might not know they've flown into a trap. If Kris didn't tell them... hell, even if he did. They don't have nanoprobe weapons..." Jhu's eyes went a bit wide. "Fire and ice, he's using them as bait! That sneaky bastard!"

"Yeah, that sounds right in line with something he'd do..." Andy huffed. "Though, I highly doubt he left them completely in the dark. Captain ain't that much of an ass."

"I hope he at least told Tegan. Sending them in blind... that'd be homicide. I don't think he's capable of that." Even so, Jhu shuddered slightly. "Tegan might be a jerk sometimes, but he doesn't deserve what 8472 did to the Vulcans... or the Gekli for that matter. Did you know Gekli can scream? Rather loudly?"

"No, I didn't know," Andy said softly. Somehow, knowing this little tidbit didn't make her anymore comfortable about all this. "Anyway, I refuse to believe that Kris would send the team in blind. He may be guilty of a lot of things, but not this..."

"I don't think he would. I'm just really freaked out." Setting her mug down again, Jhu ran her fingers through her hair. "I watched those three-legged demons kill the Gekli and the Vulcans. They wanted me to see it."

"Yeah... I know how that goes," Andy replied sadly.

"I can't get it out of my head..."

"You never will..."

"Great! More bodies to haunt me, and I didn't even kill them!" Having learned her lesson about punching solid objects, Jhu merely balled her hand into a fist against her knee. "We need to find out who else has been contacted."

"Hey, we've already been over this, right? The universe ain't fair in the shit it doles out to us. You think I like living with all the memories the Borg left me with? Fuck no! But I manage. Ain't like either of us is got a choice in the matter, you just do whatcha gotta do," Andy reminded Jhu. "And as soon as people start reporting in for Alpha shift, we can call them in any other telepaths to see if they're getting the same reception as you."

"That was more of a 'fuck these assholes', but thanks for the reminder anyway." This was a different rant, not a weepy 'this sucks' but rather a fury-driven 'not on my watch' feeling. "I don't think I'm going back to sleep. I'll get the list together."

"I don't think I'll be sleep anymore either..." For a moment, Andy wasn't sure if she could admit to Jhu that she was hearing things too. Well, hearing things other than the echoes of the Borg Collective... "You ain't the only one hearing things..."

"...you too? What'd you hear?"

"Normally I hear the whispers, echoes of the Hive Mind. Its something most ex-Borg hear at some point, but now..." Andy sighed and slid from the arm of the couch to the cushion, reclining back on the plush padding. "Now, I just keep hearing this clicking sound. When I'm the verge of sleep or about to wake, I hear it. And my dreams, the memories of the Collective, it's all wrong. I'm wondering if there wasn't some sort of residual damage from all that junk Section 31 dumped into my head."

"Sounds like a loose connection or a corrupted file... but I don't know who to send you to so it can be fixed." Jhu bit her lip, thinking. "One of the other engineers maybe?"

"Nah, I just gotta swallow my pride and go see a doctor..." Andy said, then grumbled something under her breath about 'fucking annoying bastards'.

"No one likes doctors, Andy."

"Yeah, well, after my umpteenth surgery, I was fucking done with doctors... I hate sickbay..." Andy grumbled.

Vara had mostly only been passively listening to the conversation as she sat there catching up with a few reports on a PaDD and guarding Andy's alcove. The mentioning of sickbay caught her attention however, and she chose then to step from the bedroom and interject. "After laying in a sickbay for months barely able to move or think, I feel about the same way. However, if I were hearing voices like that, I'd still go see a doctor, Andy." The look on Vara's face was one of worry over both of them. This was the first time she had heard of Andy's difficulties and she really hoped Lt Maica would be back soon.

"Thank you, Miss Eaves-dropper," Andy said. She had known Vara was there, knew she had been listening the whole time, but she just didn't like being told to go see the doctor. "The voices are normal for me," Andy reminded Vara. "Just that damned clicking sound... it's getting on my fucking nerves!"

"Then see a doctor about the clicking," Jhu said gently, glad the attention was off her for a moment. "I'll go with you if you want."

"If both of you are going, I might as well go too. I haven't been sleeping well lately," Vara said, a glimmer of a grin showing. "Not since I was mysteriously drugged, that is."

"No idea what you're talking about." Jhu gave her an innocent look then snickered. "Admit it. That was funny."

"Damn, I wish I coulda been a part of that," Andy laughed. She had heard about how Vara ended up naked on the bridge. It seriously bummed Andy out that she missed out on it. "But I don't wanna go to Sickbay," Andy added with a childish huff.

"You'd have loved it. She wouldn't let me pee by myself. How was I supposed to have sex with Mikhail?" Jhu laughed a little, shaking her head. "That was before Nathan, by the way."

"I took the 'hint' to heart. Now I reco... Wait... Who is Mikhail?" Vara almost didn't catch that, but she didn't know of any crewmembers named Mikhail.

"Aw, c'mon, even I heard about that one," Andy snickered. "Jhu visited one of Maica's holodeck friends for a little nookie."

"Yes. Yes I did. Mind you, I didn't know Nathan was interested at the time." Jhu shrugged slightly.

"I had assumed it was your first date with Nathan..." Vara would need to reconsider that event. If she had been drugged for a simple fling...

"Ah... no. That was the next night." Jhu could tell Vara was scheming, probably something about revenge.

Vara wasn't plotting revenge so much as just planning on standing outside her door with all her Lagashi cloud data implants on full. That should sufficiently confuse Jhu's replicator for hours before it got an order even close to right.

"Yeah..." Vara was up to something all right. Jhu was sure of it. "Anyway... I guess I should go home. Work on my list."

Mission Goals:
-be back to the ship inside 48 hours
-deliver the comm gear and get it setup for the Elder
-get wood
-----------------------------------

It was Maica's first time leading an away mission, but she'd been on several just like it without the crates of comm gear. She was confident that they could get it all done in short order, though. Stepping into the small runabout, she surveyed the crates that had already been delivered. It looked like everything was ready - she just needed the rest of her team now.

Shira entered the shuttle bay, all wide-eyed and gawking at the little shuttles parked about. She had been in one of these before when the crew found her captive to that greasy Ferengi troll. She gave that particular shuttle a wide berth as she made her way through the bay, spotting Maica right away and dashing closer, her eyes so vibrant and full of life. She was so excited to go back to her world, even if it was just a quick visit.

"Shira!" Maica called out. "Are you ready? Do you have everything you'll need? If you don't have enough food, you might have to eat from the replicator."

"I have plenty," Shira said with a bright smile. "Crewman Anderson made food in the galley. He called it a 'care package', and there is enough for all of us," she informed her friend.

Bridget made her way through the shuttle bay to where Shira and Lieutenant Maica stood. "Hello," she greeted Shira and Maica."Looks like everything is ready to go," she said looking at the many crates that occupied the shuttle they were to take.

"We're just waiting on 2 more people to show up," Maica said with a warm smile.

Lieutenant Verak had ensured that he had packed everything. Hours before, he had gone through his pre-flight inspections and had some crewmen assist him in fine tuning the shuttle to his likings. His likings were somewhat different than Lieutenant Collins. It was just typical 'flyboy' preferences, something that only Collins, Kerouac and he could really understand. There was just a whole different language among helmsmen and fighter pilots, past and present.

The half-Vulcan entered the Shuttlebay with a small swagger and pep to his step. It was very human of him and quite non-Vulcan. However, it was what it was and Verak was looking forward to piloting a shuttle again. Even more fascinating was the opportunity to travel with Shira to her home world. Verak's ears had caught Maica's words as he entered the Shuttle Bay to which he responded "Make that one, Lieutenant. Your shuttle pilot has arrived, well rested and ready to take you lovely ladies to Arborea."

Shira smiled brightly as Verak approached. She didn't know he would be the one to pilot the shuttle, but she was ever so excited now that she knew! "Verak," she greeted cheerfully, a slight blush rising to her cheeks.

Verak smiled nervously at Shira. His cheeks were showing indications of an emotional response as he too was blushing. "Hello, Shira" replied Lieutenant Verak.

Arthur entered the Shuttle Bay, carrying a small satchel over his shoulder. When Arthur heard that he was picked for the away mission, he was a bit surprised, but not exactly in a good way. Over the years, Arthur had served on numerous away teams, and quite a few had ended badly. Arthur was assured that the mission was only diplomatic, but he still had his doubts.

As Arthur stepped onto the runabout, he noted the people around him. A diplomat, a pilot, a scientist, and Shira. This would certainly be an interesting trip. Stepping over to Maica, Arthur extended his right hand. "Hello, I'm Chief Warrant Officer Waterson. I heard you were leading the mission."

Smiling warmly at the exchange between Verak and Shira, Maica took Arthur's hand and greeted him equally warmly. "Welcome aboard. With any luck at all, you'll have nothing to do but enjoy the sights and lift boxes." Surveying the collected team, Maica couldn't help but smile brighter. "Is everyone ready? Any questions about the goals of this mission?"

"I have only been informed to pilot the shuttle to Arborea. Seeing as you are in command of this, Lieutenant Maica, I am assuming this is some sort of diplomatic mission. Regardless, I will of course get us all to Arborea in one piece" commented the half-Vulcan helmsmen.

"None from me. I'm ready to get going," Bridget said. She was eager to see Arborea and do at least a little scientific observation.

"Excellent!" Sealing the runabout door, Maica smiled brightly as she looked everyone over. "Just to summarize, we have 3 goals. Speak with the Elder and get at least basic comm gear setup so Shira can call home. If all goes well, we'll be installing the long range gear so they have communication back to Earth as well. The second goal is to see if they'll help me with finding wood to build a violin out of for Andy. She gave up her 2 antique violins to save me and I really want to try to do something special for her. Lastly, I want to be back on board the Katana at the 48 hour mark."

Verak nodded. He understood the objectives, not that they were really much interest or concern to him. However, they were Shira's people and that alone would push him to place care in the objectives. However, the time frame did not make him feel very comfortable. Verak let out a frustrated sigh. "They never told me you had a 48 hour window" said Verak a bit agitated.

Arthur nodded in agreement with Verak. "Aye, I didn't realize that this would take so long. So, we'll be spending one night there, or two?"

Verak looked at Maica "We can take the new runabout. It is much faster and with me piloting it, I am sure we can get there and back in the 48 hour window."

"One night and I thought we were on the new runabout... Oh well. Let's get things moved then." Maica shrugged and once they had identified the other runabout, she had the crates just beamed over from one cargo hold to the other. With that done, she ordered their departure.

"It is too bad that we have so little time," commented Bridget. "I have to admit, I'm very intrigued to see Arborea."

"I think we're all looking forward to it," Maica said with a smile. "Especially Verak - he'll get to meet Shira's parents."

Lieutenant Verak raised a brow and shook his head. "Am I to understand it that you are aware of my interests in, Shira?" asked Verak with his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. He was slightly embarrassed that somehow word had gotten around to Maica. I hate scuttlebutt thought the half-Vulcan. "Meeting the parents is not something that should be done this early on. I am not even sure that I am in a proper relationship with Shira" said Verak as he prepared to take the new runabout out.

"With how you two look at each other? You're in a proper relationship whether it's official or not. You don't have to be a highly tuned sex android to realize that." Punching up the comm panel, she sent off a quick text message to the ship that they were now underway. "You two blush a lot and are tender with each other. The changes in heart rate and body temperature are also noticeable. Is it not logical for an outside party to assume you're both romantically interested in each other?" Asking that last question, she turned to look at Verak with one eyebrow raised in a Vulcan-esque manner.

Verak pursed his lips and focused on the task at hand. Piloting. He simply responded to Maica by look over his shoulder and giving her a look of consenting to defeat. "You make me hate logic, Lieutenant" he said as he turned back forward to concentrate on his duties. Some days, I hate being part Vulcan he thought to himself.

There was a lot of talking and Shira hadn't been keeping up with all of it, but she gathered that Maica was talking about her and Verak, and it did make her blush, unknowingly reinforcing Maica's assertions. But now it was time to leave, and that had Shira curious about something. She tugged lightly on Miaca's sleeve to get her attention. "Maica?" she spoke up softly. "May I sit next to Verak? I wish to see what it is that he is doing," she requested sheepishly. She suspected that Maica might assume that she wanted to sit by Verak merely to be near him, which was not altogether untrue, but she did want to learn and to learn she had to observe.

Maica just chuckled and shook her head at Verak's response. Shira's question took a bit of thought though. "If he doesn't mind, I don't see why not. Just don't make him blush too much, ok?"

Shira nodded, then approached Verak. "Verak, may I sit with you to watch what you do?" she asked, hoping he would let her watch him pilot the shuttle.

Verak was hesitant, even slightly reluctant. It made him nervous having someone watch him. However, he understood that Shira probably just wanted to see what he did and better understand his own personal function and duties. "Uh sure, Shira. Have a seat in that chair" said Verak looking at the seat next to him. "You can watch me from there. However, please try not to touch anything or you could unlock the weapons control and shoot things" said Verak trying not to make her out to be stupid, just not knowledgeable.

Shira nodded and fluttered over to the chair he indicated and took a seat, resting her hands on her knees so she wouldn't be tempted to touch anything. not that she wanted to touch anything, but accidents do happen and she didn't want to upset Verak by doing something she wasn't supposed to!

Verak continued about his work as he took the runabout out and away from Katana. "Course set for Arborea and bringing up to a quarter impulse away from the Katana... distancing us..." Verak turned his seat and looked at Maica "Ready to go to warp on your order, Ma'am."

Nodding serenely, Maica spoke only one word. "Engage."

"Aye, Ma'am. Going to maximum warp now" replied Verak before he 'floored it'


-=Four hours later=-

The trip had been thankfully uneventful and while Maica and Shira were the only ones that could speak or translate the native language, Maica had still created a series of PaDDs for the others. They wouldn't be able to fully translate the songs, but the text readout and sing-back she had installed on them would at least hopefully work well enough for now.

"Lieutenant Verak, please let me know when we're in a stable orbit over the designated coordinates. I'd like Shira and I to beam down initially with everyone else beaming down at your leisure. Just be sure you take one of these PaDDs with you for translation." Maica wasn't saying this was going to be a picnic, but she did want everyone to enjoy themselves.

Verak nodded. "We will be in a stable orbit shortly, Ma'am" replied Lieutenant Verak. "Is there anything else, Lieutenant?"

"I recommend waiting until we're away from the beam in site before beaming down yourselves. I expect we'll cause quite a stir once we get down there. Chief Waterson, I'll leave security arrangements to you. I'd like everyone to spend as much time as possible planetside, but do what you think is best." Punching the transporter coordinates into the transporter, Maica readied a couple small cases. "Ready Shira?"

Shira nodded excitedly. She was more than ready!

Arthur cleared his throat, and stood up from his chair. "I don't care who goes down first, as long as I come down with you. It may seem a bit unnecessary, but I insist upon it."

"I'd normally protest," Maica said with a grin. "But it's up to you. Safety first, right?" Stepping into the transporter alcove, Maica waited for Shira and Waterson before activating it, the three of them vanishing into the transporter sparkle effect.

Lieutenant Verak turned and looked at the Chief Science Officer. "So... you're a language specialist? I hear that the native language on Arboria is difficult to learn. Aside from Lieutenant Maica and your predecessor, Dr. Noah Evans, we haven't been able to learn much of Shira's language. It seems as though she's had an easier time learning our language than we have her native tongue."

"I am," Bridget nodded. "Although I haven't had much luck figuring out Shira's. It isn't like anything else I've heard." She shook her head, "I'm not even quite sure where to start."

Verak nodded "Yeah, that is understandable. It took Lieutenant Maica and Dr. Evans quite a while to learn some of Shira's language. I am sure that you'll be able to understand more the more you work with her. In fact, this seems like an excellent opportunity for you to observe the social structure and interaction between members of Shira's species."

"I agree," Bridget said. She checked her watch before looking back at Verak. "Do you think its safe for us to beam down now?" She grinned, "I guess I'm a little impatient to get down there."

Verak shrugged. "As far as I know, Shira's people are the only ones to live on the planet and they are friendly. I was in security for a little while on Katana. You're in safe hands... let's go" said Verak with a nod. "Patience has never been a strong trait of mine either" added Verak as he gathered his gear and proceeded to the transporter pad with the Chief Science Officer. "I have everything ready to maintain orbit. We can beam out should anything go wrong" commented Verak.

Nothing was going to stop Jhu from getting Nathan back, so it had been a minor relief when Kris immediately approved it. She was going to go anyway, so at least she wasn't doing it behind his back.

Once she found the device in Nathan's cabin, she called in the people she wanted to take along. The doctor had beaten everyone else there but hadn't been talkative beyond agreeing to go.

Andy had stopped by her quarters to pick up her toolkit so she could better inspect the device. She hadn't even bothered to drop off her bow and quiver, she went straight to Nathan's quarters still dressed for hunting in the holodeck. "Let me see it," she said to Jhu as she as she had been let into Nathan's quarters.

"Tucked in the bulkhead behind the only plant still alive in here." Jhu looked sadly at the dead and dessicated plants, then pointed at the still thriving tree in the corner. "It sounds like it's already active, we just have to engage it's teleportation function."

"As soon as I turn this tetryon scrambler off, that is," Vara said as she stepped into the room. She was holding a round device that was decidedly not of Federation origin, glowing a pale blue around the edges.

"We ain't going anywhere yet, guys," Andy said as she knelt beside the device in the wall to scan it, using a tricorder to confirm the readings her ocular implant were picking up. "I gotta make sure this thing will even work! We don't know what that code was he called out in the holodeck. For all we know, this thing could be ready to blow!"

"Make it quick. We don't know for sure how much time we have to find Nathan." Jhu was not good at waiting, and this was not a time when she was particularly willing to sit around doing nothing.

"Then let me work and it'll get done faster!" Andy didn't mean to be so sharp with Jhu, but she was worried about Nathan too. But panicking and rushing wouldn't save Nathan.

"We need to be calm. Losing control will only give them yet another tactical advantage. Having said that, expedience would aid in our maintaining a semblance of the element of surprise." Vara was calm and collected as she spoke.

"My boyfriend was kidnapped by Section 31. Don't tell me to be calm." Jhu scowled slightly, taking notice of Andy's empty quiver as she did so. She didn't care if Andy wanted to bring her bow, but she would need arrows too. Needing to do something, she went over to the replicator and started flipping through the available patterns for something suitable.

Meanwhile, Nolira mostly watched them, keeping quiet on the topic at hand. She hadn't met Nathan yet, and frankly she was only going with them in case he needed medical attention.

"You will be calm," Andy said as she studied the device in the wall. "You will hold that anger in and let it simmer so that when we face those bastards you can unleash an unholy vengeance on them." Andy definitely had her own way of dealing with the rage she felt towards Section 31, but it wasn't for everyone. "Alright, we're good to. The device is primed and ready for transport," she said once she confirmed that the device wouldn't blow the ship to hell if they tried to use it.

"Excellent," Vara said as she checked her own hidden arsenal. Clicking her device off, she clipped it to her belt and readied herself to go on a rampage. "Commander, I hope those arrow tips are horizontal. You get better penetration through the ribcage that way."

"I am as calm as I am going to get. Otherwise this replicator would be rather upset with me." Hearing Vara's advice, Jhu picked the arrow set with the horizontal tips and replicated them, then scooped them up and slid them into Andy's quiver. "They'll have energy weapons. They might have projectile weapons. My advice is not to get shot, no matter what sort of protective gear you have. It still hurts."

"Damn, makes me wish I still had adaptive shielding," Andy said with a snicker as she access the tricorder to input the commands into the device. "Alright, people, time for a field trip..."

Pulling out an applicator vial, Vara handed it to Andy. "Here's some concentrated tranquilizer cocktail. The Commander's formula, if I got it right. Coat your arrows with it or rub it on their lips and they'll be out for 8 hours. When we're in there, use me as a shield. I can take a few hits."

"Out for eight hours even if their buddies start smearing whipped cream on their faces," Jhu added innocently, a bit of a grin on her face. "Let's get going then."

Andy took the tranquilizer cocktail and shoved it in her pocket. she probably wouldn't need it, but she wasn't going to turn down Vara's help either. "Energizing," she said and sent the command to the device. And then they were whisked away by the shimmering blue light of the transwarp matter stream.

The four ladies re-materialized in a dark and dingy place. They were in a room that had several cells around them. They were all empty. There was a siren wailing, but it was going before they got there. A single door lead out of where they were.

As soon as Andy heard the siren, she shoved her tricorder in her pocket and grabbed her bow. She drew on arrow but left the bow at rest for now. She would let Jhu and Vara take point; she training in Security was minimal and they would do better investigating the area.

Between the siren and the open cells, it looked like there was already some sort of escape attempt going on. "Keep your eyes open... and stay close." Jhu cautiously went forward through the door, wondering what they were going to find.

As Jhu opened the door she could see they were at the bottom part of a T hall way. Vara's scanners light up as 8 guards come running down the top hall. All of them could hear one of the guards saying."...situation out of control, he's loose and killing everyone."

With no time to react, Jhu fell back on her extensive combat training, smoothly drawing a pair of throwing knives and whipping them toward two of the guards, drawing her phaser as the blades took flight.

Vara had her own blades in the air just as quickly, flying from her hidden snap away blades up her sleeves to the other 6 guards' throats. She almost casually drew her own phaser as all 8 flying blades struck their targets. "Commander, I request permission to use deadly force," she asked belatedly as she watched the bodies hit the floor. She was picking up the sounds of combat not far away, and by the sound of it Nathan was among the combatants. Motioning in that general direction, she approached the next doorway.

"Permission granted." Jhu looked over her shoulder at Andy and Nolira, noting a look of shock on the Bajoran doctor's face. She probably should have told her that things were going to be a bit messier than just phaser fire. Oh well. It's a rough universe. Letting Vara take point for the time being, Jhu followed toward the commotion, easily picking up on screams and what sounded like roars of rage.

The door in front of them was flung open and another 8 guards poured out. The screams and roars were coming from the room blocked only by the 8 terrified looking guards who started firing phasers at the 4 Starflet officers. Just after the door shut the screams stopped and they could clearly hear Nathans voice, ragged and tired but it was him. He was talking to a woman.

With Jhu and Vara offering cover fire, Andy fired off several arrows in rapid succession, each one precise and fatal. "Nathan!" she exclaimed when she heard his voice.

Opting to save the rest of her blades, Vara focused on using her phaser for the time being. Between the 3 of them though, they made short work of those 8 guards, each one falling in short order. Sprinting forward, Vara took up position at the door itself, making sure it was clear on the other side.

As soon as the guards were down, Jhu darted to the door, pausing only long enough to be sure no more guards were coming out before going through it. "Nathan!"

There Nathan was. He was kneeling in a pile of what was once other guards. He set a woman who had her throat ripped out on the ground and turned to face the 4 ladies. Nathan was only wearing a pare of ratty shorts. He was covered from head to toe in blood and gore. There was a large collar around his neck that had lights on it that blinked, a large chain hung from the collar. His body was covered in large burns, some seeped a bloody fluid, some were still large blisters full of the same bloody liquid. A poorly mended scar ran down the front of his chest along his sternum. But worst of all was his right arm, or lack of one. It had been cut clean off just below his shoulder.

As Nathan turned and looked at the ladies his eyes turned dark. "I have already been fooled once..." He wrapped the chain from his collar around his left hand, "I will not be fooled again."

"Fooled? Nathan, it's me. Jhu." Taking a risk, Jhu slid her phaser back into its holster and held her hands up to show him they were empty. "I came to get you."

"Be careful Jhu," Andy cautioned, her grip tightening on her bow. Somehow he was Nathan yet not... In his eyes, Andy could see something wild and feral. It was something she had seen in her own eyes from years ago.

Vara knew that look all too well. As she surveyed the room, she also scanned Nathan with her radar systems. "He's in a sort of berserker rage. All biosigns check out but I advise caution, Commander."

Nathan took a step back from them. His eyes darting around. "You're not the first Jhu I have had to face here." Nathan stated flatly. He was starting to feel light headed from blood loss.

"He's not looking so good," Andy commented. Fucking hell, how could anyone survive any of this?

Not the first? Jhu felt a wave of anger rising at that statement. Had they cloned her? She kept her expression carefully neutral, so that he wouldn't confuse her anger for the anger of someone being discovered. "That was cruel of them. But I'm not one of their clones, Nathan. I can prove it... ask me about something you haven't told anyone else."

Nathan tightened his grip on the chain and looked at each of the ladies. He ended on Jhu and simply said "The dream..."

"The one about the elven woman who shared my name?" Jhu smiled a little, well aware that the dream had been a big part of why they'd gotten together. "She helped you escape from a group of goblins. And she had a horse that called itself Wildfire."

Nathan stumbled over to her. "Get me the hell out of here." He wobbled on his feet a bit.

"We're going to. Come with me." Jhu held her hand out to him, disregarding the blood and various gory fluids he'd gotten covered in during his rampage. "We aren't far from the beam out point."

Vara was glad they had their Nathan back, but they weren't out of the frying pan yet. She just hoped the noises she was hearing wasn't going to send them from that frying pan into the fire. "May I recommend expedience, Commander? By the sounds of it, we have a small army coming to greet us."

Nathan took Jhu's hand. "The collar. You have got to get it off."

"On it," Andy said, shouldering her bow and reaching into her cargo pockets for her tools. "This might take a little bit longer than we have available," she said as she estimated time available by the distant thud of boots Vara had heard. Just looking at the collar, she was disgusted. What kind of sadist designed this piece of mind-fuckery? It was sick!

"I'll secure the far door then." Vara crossed the room, but by the time she got there 3 enemies had already filed in, weapons at the ready but obviously only expecting 1 escaped prisoner and not 5 people total. That was no problem... She was in a foul mood now and could use some stress relief. Shoving the door closed and jamming it shut with one of her remaining blades, she spun around with a roundhouse kick, neatly separating the first man's head from his torso and sending it flying. The second man, she used her momentum to grab and tear his arm off and strike the third man with it. The third man was only knocked off balance so she struck him twice more with the disembodied arm, breaking several ribs and knocking him unconscious.

Andy worked as fast as she could, but it wasn't until Vara had killed a few more that the collar finally fell away from Nathan's neck. "Got it!" she said as the torture device clattered uselessly to the floor.

Nathan sighed in relief. "I want to go home..."

"Then lets go home," she said to him. Then she looked to Jhu. "I'll need to access the controls from the room we beamed into," she said.

"Not yet," Nolira said firmly, the first words she'd said since they'd beamed in. "He's not going anywhere until I'm sure he'll survive transport."

Jhu bit her lip, listening to a far off sound of approaching guards. "Do it fast. We need to get out of here."

"Don't rush me," was the prompt - somewhat sharp - response as Nolira pulled out a tricorder and moved closer to Nathan.

The guards on the other side of the door had started getting through it so Vara just cut loose the rest of the way, her eyes almost glowing with the bloodlust as she grabbed the door and ripped it from the frame before stepping through and beating several guards to death with it before going after a few more bare handed. She could feel some pain in her left shoulder. They had hit her with a phaser on heavy stun. Shrugging it off as best she could, she grabbed one of them and used him as an improvised flail and shield as she fought to protect the doorway so no one could get through. Her radar was steadily counting down the biosigns in the area as she took out each one.

Vara's injury pinged off the connection shared with Andy and immediately her bow was in hand to help Vara fend off the enemies swarming in. She had a limited number of arrows, so she made each shot count.

"We're out of time, Doctor!" Jhu didn't remember drawing her phaser again, but it was in her hand and she fired in rapid succession over Vara's shoulder.

"Don't have to tell me twice." Nolira grimly traded her tricorder for a phaser instead. She wasn't a great shot, but every little bit helped.

As soon as Andy ran out of arrows, she returned to Nathan's side to help him out while the others provided cover fire. "Can you walk or do I gotta carry you?" she asked.

"I'll walk..." Nathan said, but he was leaning heavy on Andy.

"Jhu, Vara, lets blow this joint!" Andy supported Nathan and headed back to the room they beamed into, trusting that the team would cover them.

"Figures you would come rescue me with a bow. " Nathan said to Andy with a hint of a chuckle.

By this time Vara had taken 3 more hits, 1 of which seemed to have come from behind. She was reaching her limits and didn't think even her heavily augmented body could take much more. Throwing the last of her break away blades into as many people as she could, she began retreating, her phaser pistol now a shattered piece of metal and plastic. She knew better than to make a stand like that as it normally resulted in death, but she had to protect the others with all she had. She was just glad she had taken out at least 50 of them at that door.

Vara wasn't retreating fast enough to keep up, so Jhu grabbed the Lagashi woman's arm with her free hand, hauling her back toward their exit point. "You done good, now let's move. No sense in dying."

Andy and Nathan made it back to their point of entry rather quickly and Andy found the console that had access to the transporter controls. She was able to isolate the device on the Katana without too much trouble. Now they just needed to group together so she could get a clear transporter lock on them all. "Hurry it up in there, we ain't got all day!" Andy yelled to Jhu and Vara.

Vara was definitely at one limit or another - she actually stumbled as Jhu pulled her along faster. She felt rather lethargic too. They'd be out of there soon though. "Commander, If I don't please remember to reactivate this when we get back," she said, patting the tetryon scrambler still hooked to her belt.

"Don't worry, I will." Pulling Vara along and covering their retreat was taxing, and inevitably Jhu faltered, and one of the guards scored a grazing hit along the top of her shoulder. Clenching her teeth, she dropped him with a phaser blast and finally pulled Vara into the room they'd beamed into. "Tell me that thing is working, Andy."

"Working and ready to go," Andy replied as she again accessed the controls. "Energizing," she said once she got the pattern lock on everyone. they were swept up in the pale blue of the matter stream and deposited back into Nathan's quarters. As soon as she saw where they were, Andy immediately hit her commbadge. "Computer, emergency medical transport, 5 to sickbay!" she called out, and a moment later they found themselves in Sickbay.

As soon as they had materialized in Nathan's room and Andy had started speaking, Vara had enough sense to turn her scrambler back on and drop it to the floor. It would take a few seconds to warm up and actually be operational, so it wouldn't interfere with the emergency transport in progress. As soon as they had materialized the second time, Vara had had enough and dropped to her knees. "Ow... I think I broke something." Her blood stained uniform showed several phaser burn marks as well as cuts. Surprisingly little of the blood on her was her own, at least.

"I imagine you probably did." Back in her element, Nolira moved to Nathan's side and started helping Andy move him toward surgery. "He's first. Then the ensign, unless someone gets to her before I do. And then you." She pointed at Jhu, fixing her in place with a pointed glare. "No running off. I saw that phaser beam hit you."

Jhu didn't bother arguing, but she did try to follow Nathan until an orderly stopped her.

As soon as Nolira left the room with Nathan, Vara pressed a hand to her lower back. "I swear one of you hit me with a phaser set on kill. I can't feel anything below the waist."

"I didn't see anyone hit you with anything. Let's get you off the floor." Jhu didn't know if she could actually get Vara standing again, but it couldn't hurt to try.

With a little help from Jhu, Vara was able to get back to her feet. She wasn't going anywhere, but she was at least standing. "Next time remind me to grab a shield of some sort so I don't have to block the door with my body. Actually leaping into phaser blasts is pretty stupid, even if it might have hit someone else."

"You're in security, Vara. Stupid things like that come naturally for you lot." Jhu laughed a little, trying to ignore the insistent burning of the phaser wound and wondering why it hadn't knocked her out. "Can you walk if I help? You'll be more comfortable in a chair."

"That's true... Miniaturized supercomputer sitting in my brainpan but I never had much of that 'common sense' thing." Stumbling forward, Vara caught herself on the edge of a counter and eased herself into a nearby chair. "By the way, does it feel like where you got hit is burning? I think there might have been a lot of residual energy coming from those weapons. The tonal qualities weren't right for phasers of the type they were using."

"My whole arm feels like it's on fire, and up into my neck too." Jhu slid another chair over and sat down near Vara. "I don't feel dizzy though. Which I should, if it was set to stun..."

Vara rolled her head around to keep facing Jhu. "They were definitely set to heavy stun. It almost sounded multi-phasic though - I could pick out several harmonics with each blast. Do you have a tricorder handy? Most of my sensors are offline."

"Then I should be unconscious. Here." Jhu pulled her personal miniaturized tricorder out of her pocket and handed it to Vara.

As they were talking, Andy strolled back out to the main bay. "Hey," she said to Jhu as she approached. "They're taking good care of him," she said, pointing back to the surgical bay. "Since you two are injured, I'll head up to the Bridge to give the Captain a report. You can give him a more detailed report later, but he at least needs to know that we're back and we have Nathan. Then I need to get down to Nathan's quarters and tie up the loose ends," she added, referring to the last transwarp transporter on the ship.

"All right. Let me know when you get that... thing off the ship." Relieved that not only had they gotten Nathan back but that the doctors were already working on him, Jhu relaxed slightly, resting her head on the back of her chair. As the adrenaline faded, it was replaced with the woozy, lightheaded feeling she associated with the split second before a phaser on stun actually knocked her out. "I don't think I'm going anywhere for a while anyway."

Vara had been fiddling with the tricorder for a little while before she gave up. She didn't understand what it was saying so she just set it in Jhu's lap and let the lethargy sink over her the rest of the way, sitting there with her eyes closed.

As they materialized in the familiar location of Shira’s village, Maica looked around happily. It was good to be back here amongst these people and their fascinating songs and culture. “Welcome home Shira,” Maica said softly. She had one of the smaller comm units in a backpack and had her full diplomatic uniform on this time, a violin case slung at her hip. The others would be beaming down as they wanted, but she and Shira had work to get started on immediately.

Shira sang happily as she saw the familiar sight of her village. The tonal intonation of her song drew the attention of the villagers who flocked around, excited to see the return of their friend. A chorus of questions sounded off around them and Shira replied cheerfully, trying to sate their curiosity as best she could.

Maica tried to help with the questions too, but they were just so curious and numerous. In the end, all she could do was sing with the others and smile happily.

Hearing Maica had the villagers all excited! They had heard how she played her lyre for the Elder, and the Elder had said nothing but kind things about her. They were pleased to welcome her back as well!

Arthur materialized next to them, and instinctively put his hand to his phaser belt. He scanned the environment for any threats, but found none, as far as he could tell. The village was just a village, and the Arborials only Arborials. Taking his hand from his phaser, Arthur pulled out his translation PADD. He tried to make sense if what the Arborials were saying, but quickly have up. He wasn't there to talk, only to protect Maica and Shira.

The flock of fluttering tree people were curious about this newcomer. He hadn't been here last time! Shira did her best with her meager understanding of Security tried to explain to her people that Arthur was a protector, much like the Arboreal Guardians. There was a hush of awe throughout the gathering and the Arboreal villagers nodded in respect to Arthur.

Maica smiled to Arthur. "Congratulations Chief, they already respect and like you. Shira told them you're like the Guardians, our protector."

Arthur nodded appreciatively. "I'm glad that I won't have any issues with the locals, I appreciate their respect for my job." Looking around, he asked Maica and Shira "Where is the elder fellow you need to talk with?"

"Sanctuary," Shira said softly, pointing deep into the forest. She led Maica and Arthur through the village towards the sacred place where the Elder dwelled. Shira informed the villagers that they were here to see the Elder and they only had a limited amount of time to spend here before they had to return. The villagers were sad to hear that Maica and Shira were not staying, but they understood and accompanied the away team to Sanctuary. By the time they entered the sacred garden, word of their arrival had already made it to the ancient Arboreal’s ears.

“Shira, Maica, it is wonderful to see you again,” the Elder said softly. then her eyes fell onto Arthur. "And this must be your protector? I am the Elder and I welcome you to our village," she greeted kindly.

Glancing momentarily towards Shira, Maica couldn’t help but wonder if her comm badge UT was translating the Elder’s words ok. “Thank you Elder, it’s a privilege and an honor to be back,” she said with a smile. “How has everything been here? No more Ferengi have visited, I hope.”

“No, we have not seen anymore of their kind, however our village is still recovering somewhat from their interference,” the Elder assured Maica kindly. Shira, not caring for any form of propriety, fluttered right up to the aging Arboreal and gave her a hug. the Elder returned the embrace with a warm smile. “Yes, we have missed you as well, little one…”

Setting her bags aside, Maica pulled Arthur closer. "Elder, this is Arthur, our protector. There are 2 others on one of our smaller ships that would love to meet you later, if that's ok. One of them is a scientist named Bridget and the other is our pilot, Verak." She'd refrain from saying anything about Verak and Shira's relationship for now. The Elder would see it plain enough in due time.

"You are all welcome in our village," the Elder reiterated kindly. "Tell me, what is the nature of your visit?" she asked curiously. "As glad as I am to see our little sapling returned, I know there must be a reason for this visit."

"Officially, it's to see if your people have decided on the offer from last time and so Shira can visit. Unofficially, I have a personal favor to ask, but we can get to that later." Maica said with a warm smile.

"At first, our village leaders were reluctant to accept your offer, as was I, but we are defenseless compared to outsiders who would otherwise wish to prey on us. We would be most grateful to accept your protection," the Elder replied.

"Excellent. I have one of the emergency comm systems with me. I'd like to teach a few of your people how to operate it and the larger long range models, If you'll accept them. I've already loaded your people's language into them so they should respond well. The next step, I'll send a message back to our home and they'll send out a small team in a few weeks or so - mostly scientists and scholars. In the meantime, you can call the Katana with the comm systems if anything happens." Maica was excited at the prospects, though she did her best not too seem too overly enthusiastic.

"Perhaps you should leave your technology here, with me," Elder suggested. "The ways of technology and space travel are forgotten to my people, and while I have no experience with it myself, I believe I have a closer understanding with the knowledge passed down to me. This will be temporary until your scientists and scholars arrive, then a more permanent solution can be devised. Would that be acceptable?"

Arthur loudly cleared his throat, and narrowed his eyes as he heard the Elder's suggestion. "What is the current technological level of these people? We need to uphold the Prime Directive, as you both know."

The Elder looked up at Arthur curiously, then she remembered similar words from the Captain, the one who had sworn to protect Shira. "The Prime Directive? I do not understand this. Please explain."

Shira had learned about the Prime Directive during her studies with Chief Carter and explained it to Elder as best she could in their language. the Elder nodded her understanding.

"I see, a rule of non-interference. A wise rule," the Elder said softly. "I will not pretend to understand the full scope of this rule, but the Ferengi have already interfered in our culture, as have your people when they came to return Shira. Not to mention, our people once traversed the stars long ago. Our people know we came from the stars, though the details are forgotten to them. It is my responsibility to remember that history. But to answer your question directly, we have no technology, save for the barrier that protects our village. It is very old, put in place by our ancestors. Your Captain had it repaired when it became damaged."

Nodding, Arthur turned to face Maica. "You're in charge here, ma'am. If you think this is a good idea, I'll go along with it, but it will have to be noted in the after-mission report."

"Fine by me. The Diplomatic Corps has already put the Arboreals in the same class as the Baku and other prior tech races so it's already approved." Maica assured him as she carried the comm unit over to the elder.

the ancient Arboreal rose from where she sat in the grass with Shira, the shifting of her robes revealing that her feet were quite literally rooted into the ground. Maica had already seen this trait; it was both a strength and a weakness of her people, but it made it rather important to place the comm unit in a location where she could easily reach it without interfering with the normal activities of those in the Sanctuary. "You will show me how to use it, yes?" Elder asked.

"That's my intent," Maica said with a bright smile as she pulled the device out of the pouch and turned it on. She started going over the basic controls, making sure the Elder understood it all.

Once the Elder felt comfortable with the device, she thanked Maica in the way of her people with song, and the very forest seemed to echo that thanks all around them. "Thank you, Maica," the Elder added in the dead language of her ancestors, the only thing they could speak that the crew's UT could reliably translate. "And as always, you and your people are welcome to come and go as you please. Do not hesitate to ask if you require anything of us."

"Thank you, Elder. I do have a personal favor to ask of you. I almost died a little while ago and someone dear to me sacrificed something precious to obtain the parts needed to keep me alive. I was hoping your people could help me find the wood I need to build her a replacement violin. The 2 she gave up for me were antique masterpieces. I brought sound samples and a replica with me, if that helps." Maica explained all this with a somber expression, hoping the Elder understood what she was asking and why.

"Vi-o-lin?" the Elder said, unfamiliar with the term or how it translated to her. And seeing the violin Maica offered to her to show her, it was clear she had never seen anything like it, but she understood well enough what it was for. "Ah, you should go see the musicians on the far side of the village. Shira can show you the way, they will be able to help you find what you need."

"Thank you," Maica said with a big smile. "I'll head there soon, if that's ok."

"As I said, you are welcome here. Please, come and go as you see fit, we are always happy to see you, Maica," The elder replied warmly. "And I am sorry to hear that you nearly died. I hope that you are well now. One day, perhaps I can meet your friend who helped you so that I can offer my thanks."

"I'll make sure she comes along next time. She's an amazing woman." Maica said with a bit of a dreamy smile.

Aznihel had let Jhu get back to her duties some time ago and had reassured her that she'd be fine in the mess hall eating and watching others. She was enjoying something the computer called 'pizza' and while it was certainly unusual, it was tasty. The pepperoni was like nothing she had ever had before.

The doors parted, and the young, princess-like figure walked into the mess hall with a stack of padds on her right arm. She wore a red uniform, skirted variant with near knee high boots, and her hair was down. Her eyes scan the room for a place to sit down, and she noticed someone unfamiliar. After obtaining the food she desired from the replicator, the younger approached. "Hello...may I sit with you?"

Looking up at the small woman, Aznihel smiled happily. "Please, join me. I'm Aznihel of the Devoran Science Council. Perhaps you can answer some questions for me."

Ooh, someone from another race and organization. A test of her skills...but she needed to act naturally. Upon seating herself across from the other, Mizuki would speak. "I'm Cadet Mizuki Masterson, the Yeoman for the Captain of this vessel. I do not know how much help I will be, but by all means ask me what you would like."

"It should all be common knowledge things," Aznihel said with a smile before nibbling on a piece of her 'pizza' food. "How many sexes are common among your various species? Do all females have swim bladders? What function do they serve in mammalian species and why do the males not have any sign of them?"

The barrage of questions left her a little shocked, though she steeled her eyes and looked within, away from her gaze. To admit ignorance would only leave a bad impression, and yet to give in to her fear would make her, and by extension others here, seem weak. She raised hazel eyes to meet the other's and nodded slowly. "Common knowledge indeed. There are generally two sexes, male and female, but among some species there are exceptions to this rule. Since I am still learning more about other races myself, I cannot speak to specific examples. But I do know that I wouldn't think of one any less than another." Mizuki paused for a moment, considering the next questions carefully. "Swim bladders...I suppose you are talking about these." She points to her somewhat prominent chest. "They serve two functions. One, is to provide milk to the mother's child during its formative years. The second, is a more human thing. They serve as a pleasure point, of sorts. Though I would have little knowledge of that." Mizuki cracked a small smile, being surprisingly calm, though a small blush did come to her cheeks at the last sentence. "The males have no sign of such swim bladders, or breasts, in our language, because they do not give birth. They instead cause the female to do so."

Aznihel nodded and payed close attention to Mizuki's explanation. "Ah, I think I see. I'm sorry about it being so personal then. My people tend to keep to themselves so this is actually the first time I've met outsiders. Among my people, swim bladders are used for well... swimming and hydration. We store moisture in them. I suppose your people have to drink constantly."

"Yes. We drink a wide variety of liquids. Some are normal, like water, and the juices from various plants. Others, are artificially made. Alcohol is one example, though it is mainly used for celebration...and to forget. The side-effects are unpredictable, so I would not recommend that to you. And..you should not be sorry. While the topic might be personal, I must learn to set aside any personal misgivings, or shyness, in order to work for the greater good. In this case, entertaining a guest aboard my ship, and learning more about them, while affording you the same courtesy in turn, Aznihel." Mizuki began to poke at her food a little bit, a smile on her face.

"Very well put. Thank you." Aznihel couldn't help but smile brightly. "How about social interactions then? I notice a lot of physical contact. Is that normal? I'm used to only seeing it among close family."

"Social interactions are...unpredictable." Mizuki gave, to start. "We humans...and some other races, are explorers amongst the stars. But, this far from our homes and families, it can be...lonely. Each person has a different way of approaching their loneliness. Some try to ignore it. Some, get into physical relationships, sometimes with their own species, sometimes with others. Others, try for a deeper relationship. They choose who they like...or sometimes who they like just kind of...happens. It could be a male liking another male, or a female liking another female. Among our Starfleet, and the Federation, we believe in freedom and self-determination, so there are no taboos or stigmas associated with such things." Though the young lady had not touched on her own method of answering the "lonely" question.

Aznihel nodded thoughtfully for a moment. "That would make things interesting. I'll have to rethink my assessments. What about singular procreation activities? Are those common? And what about your egg nests? No, mammals don't do that, do they..."

That made her pause, and look a little uncomfortable. "No...we don't. We know of various animal species that do have eggs, or nests for them. As for..that other thing you mentioned, I think that would very much depend on personal choice. And I couldn't provide you with much in that regard."

"In that case, is there any way I could view the mating rituals of various peoples?" Aznihel had a wicked streak and it was starting to show. She thought she saw the girl's face change colors based on sensitive topics and this was definitely seeming like a sensitive topic so she wanted to confirm her suspicions.

Mizuki coughed slightly and tugged at the collar of her uniform. "Once arrangements are in place for your guest quarters, I will deliver instructions on how you can find this out yourself."

Yeah, it seemed Aznihel was right. "Are facial color changes normal among mammalian species? It seems your color changes are based on comfort level. Is that common?"

"It is common based on the individual. There is no set constant. Though I imagine if you wish to continue playing on my perceived discomfort that you might enjoy some success...until I get used to it." Mizuki replied. Yeah, a trip to Maica was definitely in the works now. This was getting in the way.

"That makes sense. Thank you very much." Aznihel smiled widely before munching on some more of her pizza food.

I still can't believe she left me thought Commander Kristopher Kerouac as he waited in the Turbolift heading down to the USS Katana's 11th deck. She had such a promising career here, but how can I, or anyone blame her? She was thinking about her career like any good Starfleet officer the Commanding Officer mentally told himself, the humming of the lift comforting him. I did this to myself. I promoted her and she had earned her decorations. Starfleet caught sight of that engineer and waved a meaty assignment in front of her. Hell, of course she would take it. "Damn it, Jennifer, I could use you now more than ever. You are a damned good Chief Engineer" muttered Commander Kerouac to himself as the lift soon came to a stop at deck 11.

It was true, the USS Katana had unexpectedly found herself without a Chief Engineer when Lieutenant Jennifer Matthews took a special assignment elsewhere with the fourth fleet. It was a golden opportunity for a young engineer. Personally, Kris saw a exceptionally bright future for the young lieutenant. She would likely earn her third rank pip on her collar in a couple of years if things went well for her. The void in Engineering was short lived, however, as Starfleet ensured Kris that a suitable replacement for Jennifer Matthews would be arriving with additional engineers.

Good. It is the least you can do for taking my Chief Engineer from me thought Kris bitterly. However, he would not hold anything against the replacement Chief Engineer. It was just the hand that Starfleet had dealt Kris and Katana. He would have to make peace with it and with whomever they had sent him. Commander Kristopher Kerouac was on his way to Engineering to meet with the starship's new Chief Engineer and Assistant Chief Engineer. Matthews has set my standards way too high. I may need some counseling sessions to deal with losing her to another starship Commanding Officer.

Kris arrived at the doors of Main Engineering. They opened easily and he walked in after a sigh. He put on his best 'cheerful' face even though it was not a cheerful experience to have to welcome a new Chief Engineer. It meant Matthews was not coming back. He looked around and saw engineering abuzz with life. Men and women scurrying about like little black and yellow worker bees.

"Excuse me" he said quietly. There was no response. "Excuse me, I..." still nothing. The noise in engineering muffled his calls. Oh screw it thought Kris as he whistled loudly. "EXCUSE ME!" he shouted and everyone stopped, a few dropping their engineering kits. Kris smiled. "Thank you" he said calmly. "I'm looking for a..." said Kris as he checked the PADD for names "...Lieutenant Rayze and Lieutenant Junior Grade Storm" he added.

In the small crowd of personnel that stood gathered around the front of the warp core, one head peaked up above the others and blinked in the sharp sound's direction. It was a young face, not yet thirty years for an average humanoid, and marked with a round figure on the center of his forehead. His expression was a curious one, as he was certain he knew all the noises in an engineering deck. Then his face split into a grin when the Captain called for him. Lieutenant Rayze said something, the engineers around him all laughed before moving on, and then Rayze was trotting over to stand in front of his new commanding officer. "Captain Kristopher Kerouac!" he said excitedly, offering a hand and an enthusiastic shake if taken. "It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Commander Kerouac was slightly taken aback by the man. He was so full of energy and enthusiasm. It was slightly alarming at first, however, it made sense when Kris recognized that the man was Risian. Okay... they sent me a Risian. Interesting thought Kris, studying the man as he extended his hand towards Kris. Might need to have a full Psych evaluation and physical done on you soon. Might be wise to slip you some
barbiturates in your morning coffee thought the Commanding Officer. Kris took the man's hand and gave it a firm shake. "Oh you say that now, Lieutenant, but you have a lot to learn."

Crawling out from a nearby Jeffries tube, the tall woman had her uniform jacket wrapped around her waist, combadge placed on her t-shirt instead. With a proud gait, she strides across to join the Risian and the Captain. "I'm sure we will. But I, Konora, am a quick study." she said firmly, giving a nod of her ridged head in introduction.


Kris nearly jumped out of his skin when the female engineer came out of the nearby jefferies tube. "Holy hell!" he shouted at being startled. He let out a small sigh. "There was once a time when a Klingon slidding out from a jefferies tube would scare a starship captain damn near shitless. Fortunately, times have changed" added Kris with a small smile. "A pleasure to meet you, Konora."

Oblivious to the thoughts going through his Captain's mind, Rayze had laughed along as if the man had made a good joke. There'd be no reason to be displeased that Kristopher was his commanding officer, right? He watched with a smile as Konora crawled out of the Jeffries tube, and inclined his head to her rather than offer a handshake, "So good to meet you both! And if I can be of any use to either of you, please don't hesitate to ask." Had he smiled and eyed the Captain a bit longer than his own new second in command there a bit longer? Probably, though it certainly didn't have anything to do with her technical expertise.

Kris nodded "Actually, I need to see you at your earliest availability, Lieutenant" said Kris in a rather business tone. "I have some matters to discuss with you seeing as Lieutenant Matthews is no longer here" added Kris with a small wincing on his face. Oh I'm going to miss that girl.

"Likewise, Captain, Lieutenant. And it is fortunate that times have changed indeed!" Konora gave in a little bit of a loud, hearty tone, though not by much. A smirk remained on her face. Good, Klingons..even half-Klingons, still knew how to make an entrance. And an impression. Observing the two for a little while reminded her of an old proverb..

tIqDaq HoSna' tu'lu' Real power comes from the heart What kind of power would they show? She would look forward to seeing it.

The eyes. Lieutenant to Captain...she knew exactly what was conveyed there. Something that her human side would know as 'checking them out.' "The Lieutenant you speak of...a pillar you relied upon?" Konora gave, a small chuckle trailing from her features. "In time, you will come to appreciate our work as well. If there is nothing else, I will return to my work and leave the two of you to speak."

"Certainly Kris-, I mean Captain," Rayze caught himself that time. He was trying to make a good impression after all. "I can catch up with Konora afterward. He was eager to get to speak with her, figure out where their similarities were and their differences, when it came to their knowledge and ability. The better they could get to know each other and their staff, the better they all should perform. He was ready to follow the Captain if needed, but was curious to hear about this Lieutenant Matthews. "I hope that she is well."

You like calling me by my first name thought Commander Kerouac. "Let's step into Jennifer's...sorry. Your office and we can discuss some matters" said Kris. He then placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "Typically, one does not call their Commanding Officer by his first name. However, I may just have to make an exception for you. Were you close with your previous Commanding Officers?" asked Kris.

He noticed the slip of the tongue and Rayze became even more curious as to the fate of the former Chief Engineer, but still he followed on the Captain's heels. Rayze hadn't actually seen his office yet, having gone straight for the warp core. It was much nicer than his former ship had, and Ambassador Class vessel. Not the least bit perturbed by the hand on his shoulder, the engineer just smiled expectantly. "Yes, very close," he agreed with an enthusiastic nod. Then he frowned for a moment to consider. "Well, maybe not all of them. But Captain Daniels of the Gandhi is a good friend. I'd like for us to be too uh...Captain."

Konora chuckled to herself as the two of them walked off. Some humans, and those like them, really were all about the social aspect of things. The warrior would return to her work, while thinking of what she would do while off-duty. There was a run-about here. And she was going to investigate being allowed to use it as a test bed...

Kris smiled at the man. "I think that you and I will get along just fine, Lieutenant. I just may need some time to get used to seeing you down here instead of Lieutenant Matthews. She was one of the first crew members that I met when I came aboard" explained Kris. "I will be sure to contact Captain Daniels and show my gratitude for having such a great engineer" added Kris.

The engineer had a warm expression to the Captain's ideas about how they'd get along. He was easy to be around, an officer who didn't seem to run on an ego and straightforwardly friendly as to however he might be accepted by them. Rayze then beamed at the praise and stood up a little straighter, "Thank you Kristopher!" It didn't take much for the rank to disappear apparently. "He is a good man and always appreciates hearing from other fleet captains. I was just getting to know the Katana, starting with the warp core, but I know she and I will do all we can to live up to your expectations. The staff seems very capable as well, what I have seen of them so far."

One of the things he'd learned from being Assistant Chief Engineer on board the Gandhi had been that where possible and when allowed, give the Captain your honest assessment on not just the ship. Too many engineers could become so wrapped up in their work that they forgot the people who made it possible. Also, be aware of any potential difficulties. "I've not gone through the records of the entire engineering staff yet. Are there any problems I should be aware of?"

Kris thought about it for a moment. At first nothing nor anyone came to mind. Then, he stopped in his tracks. "Typically, no. Lieutenant Matthews was rather well liked down here an engineering. None of her engineers ever really gave her a hard time about anything. She had a type of personality that went well with others, rarely clashed with a soul. However, there may be one particular member of the Engineering department personnel that you may want to keep your eyes on" said Kris hesitantly. He was quick to add "It is not that she's a problem per say. It just is that she does not always do what one would expect from a Starfleet officer. I suppose it may be because she isn't an officer. She's non-com, and young. Petty Officer 3rd class Sabrina Corbin, a repair specialist. If something isn't working right or there is damage.... you'll want her on it. She's been out on a few Away Missions already. She was just a Crewmen Recruit when she joined Katana, but time and time again she has shown that she is meant to be here, and we've rewarded her along the way" explained Kris.

"Thank you for letting me know Kris, I'll be sure to keep an eye on Sabrina. If she has the talent like you describe I'll definitely see what we can do to help teach her more, and put her to good use. Is there anything in particular you want to see from my department in the near future then? I plan on having a duty roster submitted to the XO after I review the current one, no more than two days I'd say." Rayze was certain that there'd be plenty to do. Commanding officers often seemed to demand quite a lot out of their vessels and it was left to the engineers to make sure the ship went when the Captain said go. The challenge of operating an Intrepid Class warp core and systems was one he looked forward to though, as while it was no longer the newest model it was still one of the most complicated pieces of technology ever invented. For that he was going to need a good team, though he did wonder what exactly Kris meant when he said she didn't do things the Starfleet way sometimes. Rayze supposed he'd find out.

Kris nodded. "I am sure Lieutenant Commander Tegan will appreciate that roster" commented Kris. He then looked at the man, a heaviness in his posture was no doubt carried into his tone. "We need to make emergency preparations, Lieutenant. There is something afoot and I quite frankly am uncertain how to deal with this threat."

Rayze responded instinctively to the tone and body language by moving closer and offering a comforting squeeze of a shoulder in return, his own face one of compassion and a desire to help, "You mean with the Gelki and the rift?" He'd had a chance to read some of the mission reports on his way here, but the engineering really knew very little beyond that. "I ran some minor diagnostics earlier, everything appears to be in good condition. You give us the word, Kris, and we'll be ready down here. I have a feeling too that you're the right kind of captain to get us through whatever problems there are." The last sentence had been delivered with a warm smile.

Although he did want to find some way to restore the straightness of his captain's shoulders, already Rayze he was going over emergency procedures in his head. Evacuation routes, engine shutdown sequences, overloading engine methods, how they might be able to squeeze just a few more terrachochranes out of the warp core. Familiar he may be, but Rayze wasn't a wet behind the ears ensign fresh from the Academy, and he knew how to focus to get the job done. Most times. Now, did the primary EPS manifold have four or six major junctions on an Intrepid Class...?

Commander Kerouac looked at the man and shook his head. "No" replied Kris softly. He looked away for a brief moment and then back at the new Chief Engineer. "The Gekli are not much of a concern to me. I know they pose some sense of danger, but I have complete confidence that we can manage a situation with them. My concerns are with something entirely different, Lieutenant. We have reason to believe that the Gelki came through a quantum singularity... one that leads into fluidic space. There is a potential that we may run into Species 8472."

That information wiped the smile right off the Risian's face. "Oh, that's different then," he said worriedly. The beings from fluidic space were a grave threat and would change things. "I'll get a team into looking at how such singularities were closed in the past. There has got to be some record of that from when Voyager encountered them. And the shields...they're going to need shoring up."

"I have our Chief Intelligence Officer working on it. I plan to have Intel, Operations, Engineering and Tactical all making preparations for this potential danger to the ship. We are presently looking into using the Borg nanoprobes from the Chief of Operations, and turning them into weapons against 8472 in the event that we do come across them and they are hostile."

Lieutenant Rayze nodded his understanding, "Well, I still think you'll get us through this. Whatever you need from us, we'll be ready down here, Kris." He grinned again, his optimism and sense of humour quickly returning. "Nothing like a lazy first day with no problems to ease into a new job! We'll get to work right away then, with your permission Captain?"

"You may use any means and any personnel that you need to get this ship ready. You have a go, Lieutenant. If you need me, I'll be somewhere aboard this ship" said Kris as he proceeded to head out of the man's office. "I hope that you stick around. It would be nice to come down here and see your face here each time."

The last comment had the engineer smiling brightly as he followed after the Captain, "Thank you, Kris, and I plan on it! I'll keep you and Commander Tegan updated on our progress." Such a nice man, the Captain, and Rayze was pleased to see them hitting it off so well. He'd given some thought as to getting Kris to smile more some other time, but right now there was a lot of work ahead of him.

"Okay, listen up people..." Rayze called out to the engineering staff, gathering them around so they could figure out the best way to go about doing so.

Lieutenant Verak was quite pleased to be back in a Flight Control division uniform. The red felt more comfortable and suiting to him than when he had to slide on the dull golden departmental color of Security. It was difficult for Verak to hold back his excitement and gratitude towards Commander Kerouac for permitting Verak to return to Flight Control. Although he was still a Lieutenant Junior Grade in rank and only Assistant Chief Flight Controller, it was still more of a home than walking around the decks and corridors of the USS Katana with a phaser holstered to his person.

This would be one of his first larger assignment since returning to Flight Control. He was to prepare a shuttle and pilot said shuttle to Arborea as part of Lieutenant Maica's team. Though Verak did not know the exact details of the mission, he did know that Shira would be going with them. He was curious as to how the young Arboreal would feel about going back home and more so how the other Arboreals would feel about Shira.

Verak had pondered how it would feel for her. Emotions thought Verak with a small smile. Though he was quite pleased to now be accepting and even embracing his Vulcan heritage, Verak was also very much a human, perhaps even more human. He had been somewhat avoiding being alone with Shira after visiting her in Sickbay and making an ass of himself by leaving flowers and telling her things that Verak suspected his Commanding Officer had at least partially overheard.

However, Verak would be in a shuttle with her for a few days at the very least. Shira had started to take one more responsibilities and duties aboard Katana. She was becoming like an unofficial member of the crew rather than just a passenger. She'll soon be an official crewmen thought Verak. He had expected Shira to become some sort of botanist or something as she often was in the airponics and hydroponics Bays. She had instead begun to study under Lieutenant Commander t'Dharvanek in Astrometrics, learning stellar cartography and other matters.

The half-Vulcan had headed to Astrometrics to work with Shira. She had been helping the crew of Katana learn more about her planet, having been able to locate it using Astrometrics. Verak entered the room and saw that Shira was already there working as she fluttered about. He approached her from behind and placed a hand on the console beside her. "I'm sorry that I am late. I was picking out the shuttle that I wanted" explained Verak.

Shira gave him a special smile that was meant only for him. In her grassy hair, she wore the same type of flower he had given her in Sickbay. She didn't know why, but it just felt appropriate. After all this time, the original blossoms he had given her were long since expired, but the original plant was still flourishing in hydroponics and she had made it bloom just to wear one of the flowers now. "I was unaware that you had so many choices that it would cause a delay," Shira said, now curious about the types of shuttles and why he would want to chose one over the other. She shut down the Astrometrics console. She hadn't been doing anything terribly important, just learning to navigate the interface, something she could easily do on her own and pick up later once Verak was gone.

Lieutenant Verak looked at Shira with a peculiar glare. He was perplexed at her response and it invoked one of his human responses that he had been trying to show less of these days. He found humor in her response and wanted to laugh. However, he fought off the laughter and cocked his head slightly. Was that meant as a joke or is she generally questioning? This is a most interesting response. It almost could be perceived as snarky or bitchy if it were someone like Commander t'Dharvanaek or Chief Carter thought Verak.

"I..." began Verak. He then thought about how to explain what took so long for him. "I have personal preferences as far as the feel of the pilot's seat in the cockpit of every runabout and shuttle. They are supposed to be of standard size and height pending each model and class. However, I have noticed that one shuttle as a squeaky seat and one is .009 decimeters off from the standard seat model for said class of shuttle" explained Verak. It was what he did not say that took the longest time. I wanted to pick out a shuttle that was the safest and had the best defense capabilities in case something goes wrong. I want you to be as safe as possible thought Verak.

"So, you did not want a shuttle that made you uncomfortable to pilot?" Shira asked, genuinely interested in the matter. She nodded somewhat understandingly. That made sense she supposed. If he was supposed to sit in a seat for a long time to get to their destination, then he should be comfortable. "Well, then the delay was for a good reason, I am just glad you are here now," she offered with a cheerful smile.

"As am I, Shira" replied Verak as he looked up at the stars and nebulae that were being projected with a grid. "So, that's the Ubatta cluster" said Verak looking up and pointing out a large golden celestial object next to a purple one. He then used the controls on the console to enlarge a section between the Ubatta cluster and the purple object.

"There's the Kendian corridor and there's Kendi and Teplan" added Lieutenant Verak. "Kendi is the planet that you went to. That purple object is the Jenkata nebula... which means your home world is somewhere around there" said Verak. He looked at the Arboreal girl and blushed a little. "Have you been able to locate you home one here yet?" asked Verak.

Shira nodded. "Yes. I helped Jhu find it when I first came aboard," she said. She was still learning the controls, so she didn't find it right away, but she managed to isolate her home world and magnify it. "It is really beautiful, my world. It was beautiful from within the trees, but it is beautiful from here too."

Verak nodded "It looks like it is beautiful and if you are any indication, then the planet must be quite beautiful" commented the helmsmen. "I need to study some of these nebulae a bit. I need to plot a course to your planet that does not put us too much danger."

"Okay," she said shyly, moving aside so he could work at the console, observing what he was doing as it pertained to her own field of study. "Verak?" she said after a moment. "Would you like to share a meal with me?" she asked.

"I could use some nourishment" replied Verak with a small nod. "What did you have in mind, Shira?" he asked politely.

"I do not know. What is appropriate for a date in your culture?" she asked.

Verak shrugged. "It depends on the people involved. However, I think that a nice salad from the Mess Hall would be nice. We can continue working on this after we eat."

"That sounds nice," Shira said with a cheerful smile. "Then you will have a date with me?" she asked. She didn't know if she was doing this right. It was all so different than how things were done on her world.

Verak nodded. "If that is what you want, Shira. Then, Yes. I just do not want you to ask me because it is what I want" explained Verak. "I do not want to pressure you into doing things."

"Yes, this is what I want. Though I am not certain I am doing this right. Sabby said we must share a meal to see if we like each other enough to have sex," Shira said rather bluntly with a thoughtful expression.

"Ah... well, yes, that tends to be standard protocol for some. However, some people like Lieutenant Weaver do not seem to care much about a meal... at least that is what I have heard, not that I know from my own experience" replied Verak. This whole topic of sex had caught him quite off guard. "Shira, we can have many meals before we consider sex" said Verak, his mind racing with thoughts of how to even explain sex to her if she asked, and even if she understood... how would a half-Vulcan and an Arboreal do it.

"Ohhh..." Shira said as she listened. "Perhaps I did misunderstand something Sabby told me..." Again she looked thoughtful. "I still like spending time with you. Can we still go to the Mess Hall together?"

Verak nodded. "Of course, Shira. I will be honored to accompany you. We both have a lot to learn about one another."

Shira nodded. She looked forward to learning everything she could about Verak...

Nathan had been in bad shape when he had been beamed into sickbay. It took an hour to stabilize him, fix his arm to a point, and heal his many burns. But after an hour he was ok and awake.

Really glad to be home, Nathan was happily have have a long drink of water with the food that had been brought for him.

Jhu had hung around in the improvised waiting area while the doctors worked on Nathan’s injuries, either falling asleep or passing out while she waited. She’d been woken up by the Bajoran doctor’s not-so-gentle prodding of her injured shoulder, only to be told the nerve pathway needed time to repair itself. Then they’d asked her to leave.

Which she did, long enough to take a shower and change out of her charred uniform, swapping it for soft gray yoga pants and a pink sweatshirt she found in the back of her closet. Then she’d come back, slipping past the orderlies into the room where Nathan was resting.

Nathan looked up to her with a relieved smile. "Hey!" He said. "Boy have I missed you." He said lowering his voice.

“I missed you too. How are you feeling?” Jhu shoved one of the chairs closer to his bed before sitting down, setting a PADD down on his bedside table.

Nathan looked at her, wondering about the distance. "What happened here while I was gone?"

Jhu bit her lip, wondering how much detail she should really given him right now. “They sent a doppelganger to take your place. Caused some trouble, but we discovered him before he killed anyone.” She carefully skipped over how the double had apparently been responsible for the sabotage of Andy’s alcove; that wasn’t something he needed to hear about when he was supposed to be resting.

"Oh..." Nathan looked at his hand. "Are we ok?" He asked.

“Nathan, if I gave up on you because some jerk took your place here, I wouldn’t be the type of person to be dating you in the first place. Of course we’re okay.” Jhu reached over and took his hand. “He didn’t do anything to me that would hurt us.”

Nathan breathed a sigh of relief. "Then come here and let me kiss you!" He said gently tugging at her hand.

“You’re supposed to be resting!” Jhu laughed a little, trying not to wince at the pain signal the injured nerves chose to send as she moved from the chair to the edge of his bed instead. “There. Is that close enough?”

Nathan saw the wince. "What happened? " He asked, sliding his left hand along her jaw. "Did you get hurt saving me?"

“Phaser on heavy stun, with some sort of modification. Grazed the top of my shoulder when I was dragging Vara out.”

Nathan leaned up and kissed her slowly. He had been dreaming of this moment since they had taken him.

Jhu kissed him then sat up, grinning a bit crookedly. “I’ve been waiting for that.”

"Me too.." Nathan said with a grin. "Me too."

“Just what do you two think you’re doing?” a voice asked from the doorway, practically dripping with annoyance. “He is supposed to be resting. He can’t rest if you’re sitting on his bed!”

Jhu rolled her eyes. “I was kissing my boyfriend. I’m allowed to do that, right?”

Nathan slid the PaDD under his legs. "Hey, Doctor..." Nathan said sheepishly.

“No, you are not. Off the bed.” Nolira made a ‘shoo’ gesture with her hands. “Plenty of time for that outside of sickbay.”

Jhu scowled slightly but moved back to her chair, slyly scooting it over as close to the bed as it could get.

"Come on, Doctor, I still don't even know how long I have been gone." Nathan protested.

“Not terribly long. A week, maybe a week and a half?” Jhu had traced the doppelganger’s odd behavior back to a possible time frame, but no one was exactly certain when the switch had really been made.

Unimpressed by his pleas, Nolira gave them both a stern look. “You’re not even supposed to be in here, Commander. I sent you home.”

“Uh… my arm still hurts?” Jhu offered feebly, looking rather sheepish.

"What time are visiting hours Doctor?" Nathan asked. This was a battle no one was going to win unless him and Jhu relented to Nolira.

“That’s not the problem,” Jhu commented quietly, looking like a cat that had just been caught trying to catch a fish in a tank.

“No, it most certainly is not.” Unamused, Nolira was glaring at Jhu. “She gets in the way. Wanted to come in here before you’d woken up… almost got past me too. We can’t get any work done.”

Jhu snickered at her. “You should have just let me in.”

Nathan gave Jhu a grateful look. "Sorry, Doctor, she's just a very passionate person." Nathan said.

Nolira’s glare softened, but only slightly. “That very well might be, but if she’s going to stay, she has to follow the rules. Which means she stays off the bed and out of our way.”

Jhu sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Fine. I’ll stay off the bed.”

Nathan chuckled. "It's good to be home."

“Behave yourselves.” Looking over her shoulder to be sure Jhu wasn’t causing more trouble, Nolira left again.

“Behave?” Jhu giggled, leaning on the edge of the bed. “She doesn’t know me very well, does she?”

Nathan slid his arm around her waist and up her back, pulling her down into a deep hot kiss.

“Doesn’t know you either, apparently.” Grinning, Jhu shifted in her chair so that she could rest her head against his shoulder. “How long are they keeping you in here anyway?”

"48 hour observation for infection." Nathan said, holding her. "You're going to get kicked out of here you know?"

“I don’t doubt it,” Jhu said dryly. “She must be the ranking officer in here right now… flexing her authority.”

Nathan chuckled. He knew how that went. "I knew you would come for me." He said to her.

“I knew I’d find you. Your double was kind of stupid and not very good at his job… I figured wherever he came from was where you’d be.” Jhu grinned, looking a bit triumphant.

Nathan kissed her again. "Thank you."

“You’re welcome. I just wish I could have gotten there sooner.”

"You got there when you could. I never doubted you for a second."

“I know.” Still, Jhu couldn't help feeling a tiny bit guilty over the whole thing.

Nathan squeezed her. "Just be glad I'm home."

“I am,” Jhu said quietly, relaxing into his embrace. “And I’m glad I went after you. Only thing I’m not thrilled about is how the impostor died.”

"Oh he died?" Nathan said. He was not sure if he was relieved or sad. Ultimately he decided it was the least of his worry right now.

“Yeah. He died.” Jhu sighed lightly. “Suicide chip. It activated when I was trying to remove it.”

"Well maybe it's for the best. One less thing to worry about." Nathan said, his hand sliding through her hair.

“Maybe. But we didn’t get any information out of him, and that irritates me.”

"You got me..." Nathan offered. He placed a kiss on the top of her head.

“He wasn’t exactly helpful in that regard.” Jhu laughed a little, recalling how the impostor had practically begged her for mercy while offering nothing in return.

Nathan leaned in and kissed her again. He was just happy to be near her. "How much longer till the Doctor comes and crashes the party?" He asked.

“She’ll be here any second. She has ‘visitor on the bed’ radar, I swear.”

Nathan chuckled. "Weight sensors in the bed activate when they are over a certain threshold. It would not surprise me."

“...and she’s got it set for exactly how much I weigh. Sneaky.”

“Less than that, actually,” Nolira said from just beyond the door. “What did I just tell you?”

“Busted,” Jhu said under her breath, trying not to laugh. “I’m not on the bed!”

Nathan chuckled. "Totally busted." He shrugged to Nolira. "What's a guy supposed to do?"

Nolira gave them an unamused look. "I'll make her leave if you two keep this up."

Nathan whispered to Jhu. "You had better go, I don't think I can keep my hands off you."

"Message received." Jhu kissed him and got up. "Come see me when she lets you out."

"I promise." Nathan said.

"All right. I'll see you later then." Jhu retreated with a smile, opting to leave before Nolira gave up and called security.