On> The Star Chamber

After Rafe sent his message to McKenna, he turned his attention to the unexplored regions of space bordering the Python Sector. He found it thrilling to be so close to the unknown. He found himself wanting to be out there to explore. He opened up the sensors to start looking and listening to various areas of space.

He set the computer to start monitoring and filtering out the static of subspace to look for stray signals while activating the Astrometrics systems to look at the surrounding areas.

Rafe sat back and sipped on a cup of Earl Gray Tea and he watched the data come through.

Nancy Davers pointed the VLA to the area of space she was going to study that day. She had gotten a grant to continue the SETI project, and they had recently discovered a double system in the Western sky that promised to harbor life. The Very Large Array was lined up. She transmitted a binary code, prefaced by the prime numbers. The message simply said, "Are you out there?"

A string of numbers caught Rafe's eye. He focused in on the string and an enhanced the signal. He recognized them as the prime numbers... followed by a simple text message. Rafe smiled. He bounced back the string of numbers in reverse order.

Nancy's console lit up! She nearly spilled her coffee , setting it down and taking her feet off the desk! "Oh my Goddess, Oh my Goddess! Someone ANSWERED! JEANNIE! JEANNIE!" But Jeannie was out of town today.

Nancy, sat up and retyped the answer, with a twist in the middle, a simple addition problem.

Rafe waited to see if the numbers and message were legitimate, or just a prank from a freighter.

"Answer, me, Please answer me!" She whispered to herself. "Okay, Nan. Try this." She typed in another message, in her own language of American, "Who won the World Series in 2065?"

Rafe looked at it... and scratched his head.

"World Series... World Series... what is a World Series.?" He asked himself... the he decided to ask the sender. "What is a World Series?"

Rafe tapped his combadge. "Commodore Veritas, please report to CIC."

Meanwhile, Rafe began to triangulate the origin of the transmissions.

Nan was astounded! Here was an alien answering her in her own language! Yet he didn't know what the World Series was!

"On my way, Captain," Elsie nodded to Rh'vuarek to take the conn while she headed for the old Astrometrics lab. The door swooshed open to a dark starry sky, with a light flashing in the West. "What do you have?" She asked.

Rafe pointed at the text display of the conversation he was having. "I picked up a rudimentary subspace transmission. They are broadcasting much in the same way that Terran SETI scientists broadcast an monitored for evidence of ETs in the late 20th and early 21st centuries."

"I have located the source of the broadcast and am looking for additional signals." He added

"Prewarp?" Elsie asked.

"I cannot be certain... but if the have basic subspace, then basic warp drives area distinct possibility.

He focused in on the location of the star system and opened up the sensors to look for additional transmissions.

On the screen, a television image of a woman in the garb of a military officer was standing on a balcony, saluting parading soldiers. All around her on the black and white images were banners bearing swastikas.

"Look familiar to you?" Rafe asked.

Elsie's grimaced. "Yes, she said solemnly. There was a similar situation about a 100 years ago with James Kirk."

"The Nazis, but this is different. Look at the person standing up. She wears the same attire as Earth's Adolph Hitler..." He said. As he looked for other transmissions, he came across another... a better and stronger signal depicting a black woman. This time there was audio to join the video. "Free at last, free at last, thank Goddess all mighty, I am free at last!" She announced proudly before an audience of apparent supporters.

"Oh, Goddess! Parallel development. Only they are three hundred years behind us. Though, if they are already trying to contact extra terrestrials, they may be farther along than Terra was at the time."

"Indeed." Rafe said. "We have one of them hanging on our every word, though."

"You do? Where?"

Rafe pointed back at the text screen with his conversation. "I'm afraid I am not up on Terran sports, however."

"World Series...World Series..."Elsie Shrugged, "I don't know what that is, either."

"Perhaps we should ask the sender a question." Rafe said.

"Do we really want to answer and let them know we are here?"

"I already have." Rafe said.

"You ANSWERED?" Elsie was shocked. She did not need to say what was on her mind.

"The number of possibilities in this scenario are great." Rafe replied. "From her end, this can be viewed as a prank. Something not to believe. Terrans were very skeptical of the existence of aliens until the Vulcans arrived on Earth. Even then many though it was some king od joke. I'm willing to bet my combadge they will see this the same way. No proof, no belief." Rafe said.

Elsie peered at the data. " This is not quite parallel to Terra, however. The Fascist movement was not a major factor during the time of This person." She pointed to the dark-skinned preacher. "And so far, we have seen only two female leaders. There may be...severe...complications if a fascist government is in power."

Rafe continued to close in on the communications. Images arrived of the Twin Towers in New York collapsing, and minutes later he brought up some images of a woman with an American Flag behind her making a speech, denouncing tragedy and terrorism.

Elsie stepped up closer to the hologram. "I can't quite make out the emblem behind her. Can you isolate that image? Maybe we can find out the name of the government."

Rafe isolated the image. It was an American Flag.

He read the presidential seal. "United Canadian and American States."

Elsie mused. "So far, we see three concurrent events that spanned over fifty years on Terra. Clearly they diverged at some point that changed the military balance of powers."

"That much is apparent." Rafe said.

"I wonder if our friend is still listening?" He wondered.

"Shall we find out?"

Rafe turned to the keyboard. "What shall we ask the sender?"

"Ask her if she is alone and if she would like to meet us."

Rafe began to type: "Sender: Are you alone at this time and would you like to meet those whom you are speaking to?"

Nancy sat back hard in her chair, breathless. Was she ready to meet an extra-terrestrial? She remembered to breathe, leaned forward and typed, "Yes. How will you get here?"

Elsie grinned, "Shall we bring her here?"

"That may not be immediately advisable." Rafe said. "We do not want to completely scare her. A one person, covert away team would be in order to determine the safety of the lading zone and the validity of the person whom we are speaking with." Rafe said. He turned back to the keyboard.

"We have the capability to come to your world." Rafe looked up at the displays and made some quick calculations. "We can arrive in 7 of your days. We have already triangulated the position of your star system... and your own location."

Nancy answered, "I will be here. Uh, may I ask...what do you look like?"

Elsie said, "Tell her we look like her people."

Rafe typed in the response and sent it.

The Planet rotated out of communications range, and the signal faded away.

Rafe cursed under his breath. He had more he wanted to say, more questions to ask.

Elsie smirked. "A week is near enough. We still have to assess the military strength and the political climate of the planet."

"I will continue to monitor transmissions from the planet... and from out friend."

"If they all look 20th Century Terran, I should not have a problem wearing my Starfleet Uniform." Elsie said.

"With all due respect, Elsie, who said I was going to let you go on the first mission?" Rafe said.

"With all due respect, Captain, If their leaders are primarily women, it may be best that I go, as the CO of this ship representing the UFP. Besides, a short Betazoid woman poses no threat. I am the logical choice for First Contact."

"It also presents potential risk to the CO of this ship." Rafe replied. "We have heard only a voice in the night. There is no proof that this is even legitimate and we could be walking into a trap of some kind. I will allow the Commander of this vessel to be placed in harms way when other individuals on this ship are qualified to take part in this mission with minimal risk to the operations of this starship."

"You have seven days to assess the extent of the risk. If the risk is minimal, I will go." Elsie firmly stated. "Besides, you will have a lock on me at all times, and an open link. I will have a subdermal installed so you can hear everything."

"Must I cite regulations, Elsie?" Rafe asked.

"No you do not. However, anyone we send down there has to not only be non-threatening in appearance, but also must have diplomatic skills.

"They must be able to represent the UFP in the best light possible."

"Counselor Domina's father was a diplomat. She also has excellent diplomatic training as a Counselor." Rafe said.

"Are there any blue-skinned people down there?" Elsie countered. Remember the problems Terrans had with people of different pigmentation."

"Indeed. We can work around that." Rafe replied.

Rafe ran his fingers through his hair.

Elsie crossed her arms over her chest as she thought about it. After a long moment, she decided. "I can think of no other objections to Counselor Domina making first contact."

"I have an idea."

Elsie turned her eyes on Rafe. "Let's hear it."

"The Mudhen II has a hyperdrive. I can go to the planet in a matter of hours and begin a covert casing of the planet and our contact. By the time you catch up with the Cook, I will be able to tell you if the planet is ready for first contact or not."

"Excellent plan, Rafe. Make it so." Elsie nodded.

Rafe nodded. "Let's head to our quarters. I'll need to change my clothes... and shave.

Rafe stood and secured the computer screens in The Star Chamber and led Elsie out.

>>Minutes later, in their Quarters<<

Rafe opened his closet and started pulling out various items. First and foremost was a black, three-piece suit.

He started taking off his kimono and the accompanying garments in favor of the black suit.

Elsie eyed the suit. "How do you know that is suitable wear? Maybe the men wear red stripes." Elsie quipped.

I have a replicator in the Mudhen in case I need something different." Rafe replied. I won't know for certain until I arrive."

He took out a case and opened it, revealing a pair of black Rayban sunglasses. He took off his steel colored sunglasses and put them in the case. He placed the black ones on. "How do I look?"

Elsie chuckled, "Like you are trying out for an old holovid, 'Men In Black'!"

Rafe frowned. "Do you think it will not pass?"

"As you said, you will not know until you arrive."

Rafe opened a briefcase, where he placed his phaser, tricorder and lightsaber... as well as a few other gadgets Elsie did not recognize. "I will leave immediately."

Elsie gave him a kiss and whispered' "Be careful out there."

"I will." He replied as he turned to leave for the Mudhen.

OFF>

JP
Commodore Elsie Veritas
CO USS James Cook
&

Capt. Rafe Oosha
CIO - USS James Cook
_______________________

Commodore Elsie Veritas

CO U.S.S. James Cook
Python Fleet Flagship

On>
Bridge>

Tarmis had come to shift early hoping to catch Elsie before she got to busy with her duties. He nervously took a seat in his chair, while awaiting her arrival.

Elsie strode onto the bridge and down the ramp to the lower bridge. "Report!" She ordered.

Tarmis looked at Elsie with wide eyes. "Ma'am all depts. 100% operational, on course to Terra Mater".

Elsie sat comfortably in the center seat and gazed at the new Tarmis. "Number One, how do you feel?" She asked.

Tarmis turned to Elsie, struggling to word his emotions, finally opting for directness. " Ma'am physically I am fine, but there is many question which seem to be weighing on my mind of late." Tarmis tightly held two padds in his left hand.

"In my Ready Room?" Elsie asked, thinking he might want to talk in private.

Tarmis nodded, " Yes Ma'am that may be best. Tarmis took a deep breath as he stood following Elsie to the ready room.

In the Ready Room>

Elsie stepped to the replicator in the ready room, got herself a Raktajino then shot a questioning look at Tarmis.

Tarmis shook his head, " Thank you but no Ma'am." He wanted to proceed hoping for the best.

Elsie brought the hot drink to the table and sat. "What is on your mind, Tarmis?" She asked.

Tarmis sat down in the chair across the desk from Elsie. He adjusted his uniform slightly, but not appearing at ease. " Ma'am I have been off duty for a short time. During that time I have realized two things Ma'am. One I love my job, I love being you Xo and now part of the Fleet flagship. Two I love my son, Hogah means the world too me Ma'am and I mean that literally. My first issue lies along these line Ma'am. Should one allow their beliefs and or loves to hinder their jobs or duties here on the Cook?" Tarmis turned slightly in his chair, adjusting the padds he held.

Elsie cupped the mug of hot coffee in her hands for a moment thinking how she should answer this. "Tarmis, Your religious beliefs and your love for Hogah exist along side of your duty. Starfleet is a job. You do your job in order to protect your loved ones and your way of life. I do not see a conflict."

Tarmis looked deeply into Elsie's eyes, hoping the answer he seeked would spring forth. " Ma'am, but what if I felt they began to conflict one another, what do you believe would be the proper avenue for me then?"

"What you are doing right now, talking to me. I am not only your commanding officer. I am your friend. What ever is bothering you, Feel free to share it with me. Nothing is so great we cannot work out some kind of solution."

Tarmis gave a slight smile at her answer. " I am glad to hear you say that Ma'am. During my time off duty Ma'am I had believed little would change in respect to this crew and her captain, since my return I have questioned that statement. I have strong beliefs, which have been strengthened by recent events. One of those Beliefs Ma'am was you. I always believed you would struggle for the safety and well being of your crew, allowing nothing or no one to change that. If this is true and I should still believe this Ma'am explain to me please the incident which happened in ten forward. Because to be honest I do not understand it." Tarmis breathed deeply awaiting her backlash for his words.

Elsie sat back in the chair. "You are questioning why I did not prevent the duel and subsequent death of Ambassador Tamar in Ten-Forward."

Tarmis nodded with a sad expression. " Yes Ma'am I am."

"At the time, in the heat of emotions, I relied on Captain Oosha's wisdom in the situation. It was within Counselor Domina's rights to challenge the Ambassador, but not in the manner she did. However, the charge of rape was made against the Ambassador, and his aide took up the challenge in Domina's behalf. She challenged him for his position. Complicating this matter, pretty much taking it out of my hands and putting it firmly into Migichinan hands, was the presence of their Goddess Migichina. Apparently she bade the Captain to carry out Migichinan Law, forfeiture of the Ambassador's life for the crime of rape." Elsie could see the argument rising in Tarmis' eyes. "I made the decision to let them work it out, not only because I myself could physically do nothing to intervene, but also to prevent injury to the guards. The warning not to interfere was there."

Tarmis anger did not swell or raise it's ugly head. Instead he felt remorse for the incident in ten forward. " Ma'am then using this argument one could also say that any Klingon who were to come aboard, which claimed right of blood fued could battle any individual as well as killing any being or officer and claim Kah'less himself guided their hands could they not?"

Elsie sighed, "I followed Rafe's advice in this. If I had allowed the guards to interfere, knowing how powerful a light sabre can be, and dealing with unknown abilities in the Migichinan, there might have been more deaths than the Ambassador's. I did go to Admiral Holloway after I arrested both Domina and Rafe. He made the decision to reprimand them for the way they pursued personal issues on a Starfleet ship. However, he sided with the Migichinan in the matter."

Tarmis leaned forward his mouth agape. Shock splashed across his face as he tried to comprehend what Elsie had said. Tarmis took a long breath before speaking, " A reprimand Ma'am?" Tarmis took another long breath before trying for his words again. " If I am understanding you right Ma'am you allowed Capt.Oosha to direct the situation in the belief that more injuries or deaths could occur if you had not. In by doing so you allowed the death of one ambassador and the blatant disregard for this vessel by such acts occurring here. After the battle placing both under arrest and with out question followed Holloway's decision for only a reprimand. Is that correct Ma'am or am I way off base?"

Elsie knew what was coming, and looked Tarmis right in the eyes, her own frustration rising. "I was not happy with the situation! I went to Holloway because we were dealing with assault and murder of an Ambassador. That one of the accused is my husband, made it impossible for me to sit the hearing. Of COURSE I went to Holloway! What else was I supposed to do? He is my superior officer, and according to the book, a crime was committed on Federation Property. It was beyond my jurisdiction!"

Tarmis looked down with saddened eyes, for a long moment he stared at the floor before returning his gaze to Elsie. " Ma'am when I first came aboard I saw in you a woman, a captain, a being willing to take on any force or any other person in the name of Justice. I watched you many times show you were not afraid and would never back down. It was that as well as your instruction which made me believe Truth and Justice had a home aboard this vessel. I have seen you change alot Ma'am and to be honest I am afraid it may not be for the good. My position as Xo means I should also question and be a form of help in dire situations. I believe this to be one of those situations, but I also believe I am too late." Tarmis' eye became extremely sad, " Ma'am you have always showed me to follow what I

Believe, now is one such time I must do just that." Tarmis pressed his thumb against the padd. He then layed the padd on Elsie's desk. Gripping the other still tightly. " Ma'am as you can see this is a request for transfer out of Python Fleet at the next available opportunity."

Elsie's eyes saddened, "You believe I am unfit for command, and so rather than press charges against me, you would transfer?"

Tarmis shook his head, " No Ma'am I do not believe you unfit, quite the contrary I know you are fit. What I believe is for some reason you have lost your desire or fever or something for truth and justice I seen when I first came aboard. The reason for the request Ma'am is that I can not stand idly by and watch this occur to someone I have great regard and concern for."

Elsie took the PADD containing the transfer and laid it on the desk. "This will remain here for 24 hours. If in that time you still want a transfer, I will grant it." Elsie looked at Tarmis, "Someone once told me never to second-guess my decisions. I will not second guess my decision in Ten-Forward. Neither will I questions the decision of Admiral Holloway. Personally I agree with him. It was a matter of Migichinan Law. The problem arises where and by whom it was carried out." Elsie eyed the other PADD in Tarmis' hand. "I get the feeling there is more."

Tarmis slowly looked at the padd. He looked from it to Elsie, then taking a long deep breath he thumb printed the second padd. After he layed it on the desk Tarmis turned exiting Elsie's Ready room without a word. He knew no words could say the feeling of betrayal he felt from Star Fleet, Python Fleet or even Elsie herself. His mental barriers firmly closed he solemnly left never looking back.

Elsie picked up the second padd which contained Tarmis resignation from Star Fleet sighting personal matters as the reason for his resignation.

OFF>

Joint Post

Commodore Elsie Veritas
CO USS James Cook
&
 

===================
Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

On> The New Mexico Desert

0400 Hours

Rafe landed the Mudhen II in a mesa hollowed out by time and erosion. He secured the systems and lowered a ground vehicle for him to use. The Tyrusian technology of the vehicle allowed it to disguise its self as an indegineous vehicle, as to not rouse any suspicion of it being alien. Rafe had observed the primary form of ground transportation to be hover cars and trucks.

He drove the car out of a cave opening in the mesa and activated the Mudhen’s cloak behind him. He then proceeded in the direction of the small town of Socorro, New Mexico.

0515 Hours

Rafe pulled into the small town of Socorro. It was a town that had not grown much in size over the last hundred years. Technology, even with the NRAO’s VLA only 50 miles away, was still slow to come to Socorro. Rafe saw a mix of hover cars and wheeled vehicles. He pulled up to a small diner and got out.

Of the few people he saw, all were dressed in country attire. Jeans, button down shirts, boots and cowboy hats. True to what he had seen from the transmissions, it was a female dominated society.

Rafe walked in and sat down at a table. A waiter approached him.

“Morning, buddy. What can I get for ya?” He asked.

Rafe realized he had no money… but he did have some gold on him.

“I’m afraid I have nothing but this to offer in exchange for services.” He said, producing the hex shaped gold coins.

The waiter picked up the gold coins and looked at ‘em. “Lucy over there runs the city’s only bank. She can take care of you.” He said. The waiter walked over to the woman sitting on the other side of the diner and started to talk to her. Rafe turned his attention to the news being displayed on a television. It depicted a spacecraft similar to an old Terran space shuttle, but this one had twin pods mounted on the sides of the ship.

“Howdy stranger.” Lucy said as she sat down at the table. Rafe looked over to her. “Good morning.” He replied.

“You look like you’re from out of town.” She said, eyeing his suit.

“I’m from… Seattle.” Rafe replied. “My gold. Can you exchange it for currency? It seems that I lost my wallet and that is all I have.” He said.

“Sure thing, honey. I don’t open my bank for another couple of hours, but tell you what, I’ll buy ya breakfast and take your half out of what I give you back for the gold. Sound fair?” Lucy asked.

“Fair enough.” Rafe replied.

“So, what brings you down this way?” Lucy asked.

Rafe considered his answer. “I am doing some research on the SETI project.” Rafe replied. “I am on my way to the VLA.”

“That’s 50 miles west of here.” Lucy said. “A number of people here in town work there.”

Rafe nodded. He saw the VLA when he had flown in. He looked back up at the TV.

“Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” Lucy commented. “They say that ship can fly faster than the speed of light.”

“Indeed.” Rafe replied. “It should be interesting to see what happens.” A waiter brought them both a cup of coffee and took their orders. While Lucy ordered her usual, Rafe ordered a grapefruit.

“So Mister…” Lucy said expecting a name.

“Rafael… Rafael Veritas.” Rafe said on the fly.”

“That’s an odd name. Are you Italian?” Lucy asked.

“Yes.” Rafe replied.

“Cool. That probably explains the gold then.” Lucy said. “So, researching SETI… do you think these guys will find life out there? Or do you think we are the only ones in this crazy universe?” She asked.

“It would be arrogant to assume that we are the only ones existing in such a big universe.” Rafe replied. “My guess is that it will only be a matter of time. I think that the shuttle they will launch will be a turning point in space exploration.”

“You sound like some kind of astronaut.” Lucy said. Rafe only smiled in response. The news switched from the shuttle to an anchorwoman.

“The UN today is expected to announce for the first time in Terra Materian history a declaration of world peace. For the past 50 years, the UN has struggled to promote peace, stating continually that the survival of our world depends on it. As you might recall, a deal brokered 25 years ago by the UN saw the end of nuclear weapons, turning nuclear power over to private industry and the International Space Program, which is now a division of the UN. We go live to Washington DC where we are waiting a statement from President Dana Sterling.”

The screen changed to the seal of the US President and then to the podium. A blonde woman came out wearing a US Flag lapel pin on her business suit. Another woman off screen announced “The President of the United States!”

“Thank you. My fellow Americans, citizens of the world. Today marks a historic occasion as in only a few hours, the valiant crew of the UNSS Star Freedom will embark on a voyage and challenge the stars for a speed title that they only hold. The Star Freedom will be the first Terra Materian space vehicle to travel faster that the speed of light. It will become a messenger, announcing that we are no longer a people tied to a planet. Star Freedom will announce that we are citizens of the galaxy, children of the stars. It will announce that we will no longer sit silently by watching the galaxy pass before us. We will go into the galaxy to explore! We will go into the galaxy to discover other worlds which we know exist, and if alien life is out there, we will find that too.”

“I await patiently the declaration of world peace that will soon be made by the UN. A declaration that we as a people have matured beyond our petty differences. That we can work together to strike hunger, poverty, war and decay from our world. That we will nurture and care for each other. I urge all of you to support this declaration. Thank you.

The questions started to pour in after that. Rafe sat and watched.

“That’s pretty powerful stuff.” Lucy commented. “She’s been a good president.”

“I agree.” Rafe said absently. “I should be on my way.”

“You’re not coming by the bank?” Lucy asked.

“I really don’t have the time to.” Rafe said.

“Well… look, the going rate for gold is $425. I have $200 on me. If you come back through town I’ll give you the rest.” She said.

“That will do.” Rafe said, taking the money from her. “Thank you for breakfast.” He said.

“Anytime, handsome. If you come back this way, maybe we can get together for dinner.” She offered.

“I’ll consider it.” Rafe replied. He left her company and walked back out to the car.

0800 Hours

Rafe pulled up the parking lot of the NRAO’s VLA facility. He noted the visiting hours as he walked in and paid a fare for a tour of the facility.

Off>

Capt. Rafe Oosha

Chief Intelligence Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
"Wisdom begins in wonder."

On> Bridge.

Domina sat back in her chair next to the vacant CO and XO chairs. She could feel a wave of emotion emanating from the Commodore's Ready Room. She looked over as Tarmis Jeram walked out. He glanced at her, but then looked away. Domina felt no emotion from him... nothing. It scared her.

She considered getting up to go see the Commodore, or even to follow Tarmis to see what was going on, but something compelled her to stay put. Whatever happened was between the Commodore and Tarmis, not any of her business until called.

Elsie set the PADD's down and rubbed her eyes in frustration. With the resignation of Jeram, she had some candidates to look over. Elsie could not wait; she had to start screening the command officers for a replacement XO, right now. "Counselor, would you please come to the Ready Room?"

Domina stood up and straightened her dress and walked over to the Ready Room door. She took a breath and pressed the buzzer.

"Enter," Elsie answered.

Domina walked in and noted the look of concern on Elsie's face. "Commodore?"

"Please sit down, Counselor. We have a situation."

Domina took a seat and watched the Commodore's face.

"As Chief counselor, one of your duties is to aid in crew evaluations. I need you to help me choose a new Executive Officer until Starfleet can permanently assign one to the Cook. Tarmis tendered his resignation from Starfleet." Elsie frowned, clearly unhappy.

"Tarmy... Tarmis is resigning?" A sudden wave of shock and anguish swept over Domina.

"Yes. I was not expecting it at all. It seems he disagrees with my decisions enough to leave Starfleet."

Domina bowed her head. "Can I guess the reason why?" She asked.

"What are your thoughts, Counselor? I think there is more to it than a disagreement with command style."

"I can't speak immediately for the Captain's decision to leave. I'm assuming he did not agree with your handling of the situation I caused in Ten-Forward." She said.

"No. He was extremely unhappy with the incidents of violence that have occurred on this ship. Even though I did not condone them, I am ultimately responsible for everything that occurs on the Cook."

"Incidents of violence?" Domina said. "Well, first there was Edderly and McKenna. That was not within your control. The Admiral beat the crap out of Edderly because Edderly was too boneheaded to know when to quit... and Rafe... well... he was sticking up for me, but I caused that." She said

Domina put her had to her mouth. "I'm sorry, Commodore, I was out of line."

Elsie shook her head, dismissing the apology. "My immediate concern is finding a replacement XO. We are too far from Starbase to pick anyone up, and I need someone right now. This is where your expertise comes in. To help me pick the most qualified person for the job."

"Well, an interim XO would have to be selected. I could think of Rh'vaurek immediately, as he has the capability to command, but he is a Romulan officer and not a Federation one. I don't think Star Fleet Command would take kindly if you were to name him XO, even in the spirit of cooperation." She said.

Elsie thought about protocol and about the needs of the ship. "Rh'vaurek is imminently suited for the position he is in. It would be counter productive for me to pull him out of that position. He serves the ship and Starfleet best where he is."

"Right, right..." She agreed.

"There is Lt. Waverly on Navigation. He knows the stations very well."

"Yes, but does he know the crew? He is qualified as a bridge watch officer and knows the ship, but Star Fleet requires command school training and at least one tour as an active second officer prior to consideration for the position of Executive Officer." Domina said. "Waverly just submitted his application for command school and has scheduled an appointment with me for pre-entry psyche evaluations."

Elsie nodded, "Then a year or two down the line he will be ready, but not now. Who else is on the command list?"

Domina picked up a PADD and accessed the roster. "K'marh has the command school training, but not the time in service... There is the air boss, Lcdr. Joel Ogden. He's got command school and time logged as Second Officer on the USS Truxten.”

Elsie quietly added, "Then there is Captain Oosha."

Domina looked up. "Rafe?"

Domina saw a flash of Rafe in a business suit in a desert, standing next to a radio telescope.

"Rafe's not here." She said without thinking.

"No.. He is on assignment. However, he will be here soon."

Domina nodded. "Ok... Rafe... as XO. He is qualified... over qualified actually. He should have his own ship by now."

Elsie answered. "I can think of several reasons why he should not be my XO, but I also cannot discount his vast amount of knowledge and expertise. He has been my advisor and my confidant. He is superb with the crew. I could not ask for a better XO."

"But with his recent reprimand, would Star Fleet approve of the decision?" Domina asked.

Domina started to fidget with her thumbs.

"I don't know, Counselor. I need someone now, not later. I am inclined to put Rafe in there until Starfleet either approves it or assigns me another Executive Officer."

"It would be your prerogative to make the decision, Commodore." She said. "With the ship on a mission, you cannot sit and wait for the brass to make a decision."

"No, I cannot." Elsie gazed at Domina. "What are your thoughts, Counselor? You seem...distracted."

"I'm sorry... I was just thinking about Tarmis... Capt. Tarmis. He's gone through so much. I've been trying to get through to him since our first date, but he's... he's kinda avoided me." She replied.

"And after the way we connected, I'm not sure how to take all of this. I guess... I guess I'll have to move on, and be strong... be a survivor, you know?"

"He's...different..since his transformation. I think his life is following a different path now. He has to be free to seek that path." Elsie answered.

"I know. I just... well, I was tired of being alone."

"My mom resented the fact that I joined Star Fleet. She said I should have gone into politics like my father. She told me never to come home... so since then home has been where ever I had a bed for more then one night."

Elsie could feel her loneliness. "I know, Chiara. I know the feeling, like some nights so lonely you hurt. As you settle in here, eventually this ship, for a time, will be your home. And, at last count there were six-hundred and forty-three single male humanoids aboard the Ship." Elsie grinned.

"And one 'Blue-Lady'" Domina said with a slight smile. "Commodore... I blew it big time. I started that fight because I wanted vengeance. I didn't mean for Rafe to get involved, and I didn't mean for it to cause Tarmis to resign. It wasn't your fault, or Rafe's... it was mine. I screwed it up... just like everything else that went south in my life... it went wrong because I screwed up." She said.

"Counselor, sometimes we cannot help but do things the way we do, just like the decisions I made in Ten-Forward. There were bigger events unfolding in there, and we were only players. It was time to Tamar to pay the price for his crime. I do not think anything you or I could have done to change that. Justice was served in the end, and Admiral Holloway agrees with that."

Domina was quiet, not sure if she could accept that or not.

"Chiara, don't look back. Don't waste your life in what might have been. You make mistakes; you pick yourself up and learn from them. You keep going, one foot in front of the other."

"Easier said then done." She commented.

"If the journey was easy, it would not be worth traveling." Elsie said cryptically.

"I guess you're right."

Elsie rubbed her face tiredly, "This is going to be a long day."

Domina nodded.

"So, what next?" She asked.

"We continue on course to Terra Mater and decide along the way whether to establish formal First Contact."

Domina closed her eyes.

Elsie watched the Counselor closely.

She saw people gathered around a tall white pillar, a spaceship aimed to the heavens. The cheered as it lifted of, rocketing toward it's destiny. Domina watched as the ship climbed into space and jettisoned the booster rockets that carried it and powered up the warp engines that would carry it away from the delicate blue-green world from which it came. The ship jumped to warp speed and raced to the outer edges of the solar system... but then something happened... something terrible... when it slowed, one of the engines blew out... the ship began to tumble and drift into interstellar space... lost forever.

Domina opened her eyes... they were solid white. "On no... Commodore, we have to get there quickly! They're going to launch a warp shuttle for the first time and something is going to go wrong!"

"At Terra Mater?"

"Yes... The shuttle, it will launch and fly at warp... but it's going to loose and engine and won't be able to go home."

Chiara, I have a cot off the Ready Room. I'm going to take you there to rest until you have recovered. Kelso will see to your needs. I will watch for the shuttle." Elsie rose and took Chiara by the hand.

Chiara cautiously walked to the cot and laid down. "If we are not there in time, the crew of the shuttle will die."

"I will push this bucket as fast as it will go." Elsie reassured her.

"If we don't save them... the world peace... on... Terra Mater... war... terrible war.." Domina started drifting off to sleep as the tears began to flow.

Elsie strode out to the bridge and briskly ordered, "Maximum warp!" The tone of her voiced was laced with urgency, and the crew snapped to in response. a chorus of "Aye's" were heard round the bridge. She took the center seat and stared at the forward screen, ignoring the vertigo of watching the stars streak by in warp.

OFF>

JP

Commodore Elsie Veritas
CO USS James Cook
&
 

===================
Counselor Chiara Domina

USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
 

On> The VLA Visitor Center

Rafe walked into the air-conditioned Visitor's Center of the NRAO's VLA facility. He looked around at some of the photographs and looked through the brochures.

Nancy Devers straightened the name tag on her shoulder and shut down the lights in the lab. It was time for the facility to close. She would return tomorrow for her scheduled time on the telescope. The elevator took her to the main floor and opened to a visitor's center. She saw a few people still in the area, looking over brochures. "We are closing in five minutes, folks. It is time for you to leave. The facility will open at 8 AM tomorrow."

As she ushered people towards the door, she passed Rafe and gave him a second look. There was definitely something different about him. He was too tall, he seemed..odd somehow. The conversation she had had over the com flashed though her mind.

Rafe looked over at the woman, while he tucked away some brochures. "Miss... perhaps you can help me. My name is Rafael Veritas. I'm from Seattle and I'm here doing some research on SETI for... a private firm. Perhaps you could assist me in directing me to a person who can be of service."

Nancy smiled and answered, "Let me be of help. Look, the coffee shop across the street is open. Let's go there." She led the way out the door as the custodians locked the doors behind them.

"Lead the way." Rafe replied.

Nancy and Rafe stopped at the crosswalk while they waited for the "walk" light to activate. The vehicles and hovercars stopped, and they crossed to the cafe. She nodded to the owner as they went in and he pointed to a table in the corner.

Rafe waited for the lady to be seated before he himself sat down.

Once they were seated, the owner came over and took their orders. Nancy put her elbows on the table, folding her arms. "My name is Nancy Devers. I am the Senior SETI researcher here. What interest do you have in the program?"

"My firm... funds research and development projects. With the advent of the FTL technology that the UN is launching, my firm is very interested in stepping up the search for extra-terrestrial life. We are already aware that SETI is utilizing what is being called "Subspace" communications... is this true, Miss Devers?"

"Yes it is Mr. Veritas. Not only that, but if the launch is successful tomorrow, we may try to incorporate subspace communications in our space craft."

"A very good idea. I hear that subspace communications will be far superior to current means." Rafe replied, sipping his coffee. "Tell me, how long have you been a part of the program?"

"Ten years. I am very certain we will make contact, very soon." Nancy smiled wistfully.

"Indeed." Rafe said with interest. "Tell me... have you seen anything yet to support the idea that there may infact be anything out there?"

Nancy hesitated, and then answered quietly. "Yes."

Rafe cocked his head. "What did you find?" He asked.

"I....." Nancy hesitated, "Do you really believe in this stuff?"

"Yes." Rafe replied. "It would be arrogant for us to think we are alone in the galaxy."

Nancy looked this strange man in the eye and said, "I got an answer yesterday."

"Yesterday. Quite impressive. What did the message say?" He asked.

“First, the answer reversed my message, then I changed it and got an answer then I asked a question, and I got an answer in my own language!"

"Fascinating. There's no chance that this is simply some kind of hoax?" Rafe asked.

"I will find out. Whoever was on the other end of the transmission promised to meet me in 6 days." She shrugged. "Maybe I am a fool. If I am wrong, I'm walking away and finding something else to do with my life."

"6 Days. Why so long?" He asked.

"The signal was light years away. They must have FTL."

"That would explain it." Rafe said. "Given the distance they would probably need to travel."

"Tomorrow’s launch will tell everything. If that shuttle breaks the FTL barrier, then everything on Terra Mater changes. Our whole idea that we are bound to this planet goes out the window. That we can colonize Mars and the Moon and get there quickly, and explore Europa!" Nan realized she was getting too enthusiastic and abruptly stopped. "Sorry. I get excited sometimes and tend to ramble on."

"I fully understand." Rafe replied.

"You mentioned that your firm was interested in helping SETI. What did you have in mind?" Nancy asked.

She had Rafe in a corner with that question. "We... understand that SETI does not always get the funding it needs to continue to operate. We are interested in donating money to the project."

"More telescopes, money to hire communications developers, researchers to develop smaller and more efficient emitters....oh, there is so much we need!"

"We can get that for you... and more probably."

Nan sat back, astounded! "What company do you represent, Mr. Veritas?"

"They prefer to remain anonymous for security reasons, Miss Devers. I'm sorry." He said.

"Let me guess. Military. You don’t work for the Nazi's, do you?" Nancy frowned. Then a shaft of fear hit her belly. Oh Goddess! What if he were from the SS? She swallowed in a suddenly dry throat.

"No ma'am. I can assure you that I do not work for the US Military or the Nazis. My organization is dedicated to research and exploration. We have the funding and support to offer to right groups and individuals." Rafe said.

Nancy forced herself to calm, then reached in her purse, retrieving a card. "Here is my business card, Mr. Veritas. When your firm is ready to come aboard, you know where to find me." She handed him the small card.

Rafe took the card and looked at it. "Say... can you recommend a hotel around these parts?"

The Hilton is about a half mile north of here, this road." She gestured to the intersection just outside the window.

"Reasonable rates?" He asked.

"This time of year, yes. I imagine everyone in the world is at Cape Kennedy for the launch. You should not have any trouble finding a room."

"Good." Rafe said. "I hope to see you again real soon."

"It was a pleasure talking to you, Mr. Veritas."

Rafe nodded and walked out the door to his waiting car.

Nancy sat astounded at the conversation she just had! Finally, decent funding, and at the most opportune time!

Rafe brought the hovercar around and took one more look at Nancy Devers before driving off.

Instead of heading towards the Hilton, he turned and headed for the mesa where the Mudhen was parked.

Off>

JP

Commodore Elsie Veritas
CO USS James Cook
(As Nancy Devers)

&

Capt. Rafe Oosha

Chief Intelligence Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
"Wisdom begins in wonder."

On> Tarmis's Quarters.

Domina gathered her courage and pressed the chime on Tarmis's door.

Tarmis nodded to Hogah who quickly answered the door. Tarmis was tossing his uniforms in the recycler along with any thing remotely resembling Star Fleet. Hogah smiled wide eyed, " Hi Ms.Chiara. I have missed you." Hogah jumped, hugging Chiara tightly while Tarmis continued what he was doing.

"Hiya Hogie! Sorry I haven't been by but I've been really busy... is your dad around?" She asked.

Hogah nodded to Tarmis who was sorting things. Hogah whispered, " Dad is over there, but he is not very talkative right now Ms.Chiara."

"Why don't you head down to the ship's playroom while I talk to your dad." She said.

Hogah frowned slightly, but with a nod and one last hug ran off as he was told. Tarmis heard Chiara come in but continued packing.

Chiara walked into Tarmis's bedroom. "Tarmis Jeram, what in the name of the Great Green Arkleseizure are you doing!?!" She asked with authority.

Tarmis turned to look at Chiara, his eyes were red and bloodshot. He stared at her sadly for a long moment before turning around. He continued tossing uniforms and even awards in the recycler. " What do you mean Chiara? You know by now what I am doing." His voice cracked some what as he spoke.

"You are throwing away a long a distinguished career, that's what you are doing!" She said. "You didn't agree with the Commodore because of her actions? You didn't agree with Adm. Holloway because he decided not to throw the book at Capt. Rafe and I?"

Tarmis spun around, he held back his anger, struggling to keep balance and control. After taking a deep breath, " No Chiara it was not as simple as that. No I did not agree with the Commodore's actions in ten forward and No I did not agree with what the admiral did, but there is much more. I watched the commodore change from a self assured woman of power to one who allows such things as ten forward to happen as well as certain past incidents. One thing she showed me from the start was follow what you believe. I believe what I have seen shows me I have NO faith in Star Fleet any longer."

"Tarmis, sometimes things happen that are beyond our control. What happened in Ten-Forward was bound to happen, if not there then somewhere else. Vin Tamar was going to have to pay for what he did to me, if not by my hand or Rafe's, then by someone else's. The Commodore could have taken action, but what would she have done? Sent in the guards to get in the way of a Migichinan warrior who would have turned them all into coleslaw? Yeah, you should follow what you believe, and she believed in Rafe's ability to handle the situation, and she believed that he was right in allowing things to take its course. If anything, she was practicing the Prime Directive by not interfering."

"The Commodore is just as strong and self assured as she ever was, Tarmis Jeram! She knows what she is doing, otherwise McKenna would not have put her in Command of this ship, and Holloway wouldn't allow her to stay here!"

Tarmis stood there listening to Chiara. His chest heaved as he breathed deeply. Grabbing his medal for meritorious service he looked at it for a moment then angrily threw it into the recycler. " You sound just like her during our meeting. That is why I am leaving. I had no choice in what was said in the matter as I have none now. I had only to options for what to do about the Commodore, one declare her unfit and take command or request for transfer. I requested for transfer that way everyone involved wins. Then for reason of my own accord I signed the resignation padd and decided that was actually what would be best." Tarmis turned his back on Chiara continuing to pack.

"Every one wins? What the hell are you talking about? Nobody wins if you leave. Veritas is scrambling to find a replacement for you and its not very easy... in fact she only has one choice." Domina said. She gathered her thoughts. "Why would you consider declaring her unfit for command? For her lack of action?"

Tarmis slammed his hands onto the stacks of clothes and misc. belongings. Struggling to keep his emotions back, " Chiara, by my leaving the cook this will allow Commodore Veritas to find someone more suitable to her style of command and her beliefs. Maybe I am the one who is in the wrong here and it is my fault. Maybe I am the one who changed, but no matter whose fault I no longer believe I can serve as the cook's Xo." Tarmis emotions over came him and he spun around to face Chiara. " As to why I am leaving Star Fleet, I can't explain that. Tarmis stared blankly at Chiara.

"Tarmy... I'm your friend... and I hoped there was something more between us. You're turning your back on people who care for you. You're turning your back on a lot of things. You're running away. My daddy taught me one thing and that was to never run... to never hide. It gets you nowhere." She replied. "What kind of example are you setting for Hogie... by not standing up for what you believe in. This may be a protest, and its certainly driving the nail home, but is this the right way to do it?"

"You're not wrong, but you're not right either. I'm certain the same could be said for Elsie, Rafe and the others too."

"Diversity is what makes this ship strong... different viewpoints, different religions, different thoughts and actions. We may not always get it right, but we have to try."

"By leaving, you'll take with you some of that diversity..."

Tarmis' emotions churned and exploded. He felt emotions unknown course through his body. " Leave Hogah out of this. I will be giving him a better life by being able to be a good father to him and not always running off on missions unsure if I will ever return. I believed the Commodore should have stopped the fight, by allowing the fight to continue what does that say to others aboard the cook? By dismissing your Xo's request for transfer by saying you will give them 24 hours if they change their mind only showed me two things Chiara, one I am either a terrible XO and have no right to be serving or my time of service here did not mean shit to Elsie at all. I am leaving Chiara and that is that, now if you will excuse. I have much to do." Tarmis turned his back as he dropped his comm badge to the floor.

Tears started to stream down her face. "You've got a lot to learn, Tarmy. About yourself, about the people around you, and about life." She started to back towards the door. "Nothing's ever perfect, Tarmy. They teach that in the Academy, you know. They tell you can't always go by the book. You have to think for yourself. You have to be yourself. The Commodore knew she could trust you to be yourself. She trusted you! She believed in you, just like everyone on this ship believes in her and trusts her judgment as Commodore no matter what! I know, I'm the damn Counselor of this ship! I know what's on thier minds Tarmy... the only person I can't read is you! But that's the way you want it, isn't it. You just want to walk away from it all, no matter who you hurt, that's the way you want it, isn't it?" Domina walked to the door. "I was the one who screwed things up in Ten-Forward, Tarmy. Not Rafe, not Elsie. Don't blame them, don't blame Star Fleet... it wasn't thier fault. It was my fault for allowing Tamar to do what he did to me... it was my fault I decided to get revenge... and now I guess it's my fault you're leaving. Well, see ya around, I guess."

She stepped out of the quarters and ran down the corridor, sobbing all the way to her own quarters.

Tarmis bowed his head in submission, his own tears flowing at Chiara's words. He felt as if a knife had been plunged into his chest. ~ Maybe she is right maybe.~ Tarmis grabbed the stacks and began throwing them angrily about the room. He finally fell exhausted to the floor. ~ I have thrown them all away.~ Tarmis lied on the deck not wanting to get up.

Off>

JP

Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

&

===================
Counselor Chiara Domina

USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
 

On>
Jeram Quarters>

Hogah walked down the corridor, whistling to himself. He heard some loud crying towards the junction ahead. As he stared he saw Chiara run by crying, he tried to catch her but she was too fast for him. Silently Hogah turned heading for his quarters.

Once there Hogah slowly stepped inside the door. He looked around seeing clothes and things thrown about. Hogah went to Tarmis bedroom, hearing soft sobs coming from inside the bedroom. Peering carefully around the corner Hogah saw his father still on the ground. Without a word Hogah retrieved Tarmis' crystal. He lied it next to his father then sat next him.

Tarmis slowly reached for the crystal, touching it with one finger. As he did his mind began to clear and order. The crystal pulsed deep colors as time went on changing hues many times before returning to it's normal color. Tarmis felt his thoughts order so he was able to think through what he was doing. His emotions still rampaged through him but he was able to slow and view each emotion as it came.

Tarmis looked into his son's eyes. Hogah showed no fear nor anger, only love. As Hogah stared into Tarmis' eyes he spoke as if in a whisper, " Father I Love You, and I Love the Cook." Tarmis stared at Hogah, allowing the boys words to sink into his being. Tarmis felt his heart begin to swell from his sons words. Tarmis started to show a small grin, " I love you too son."

Hogah jumped on top of Tarmis, hugging him tightly. Tarmis gently leaned Hogah back, " Son do you like it here?" Hogah nodded his head quickly. Tarmis smiled, " Do you want me to leave Star Fleet son?" Hogah shook his head as he struggled for the words, " Father I want you to be home with me and playing and watching old holotoons, but I know so we can do that you have to make the universe safe. And dad to know my daddy protects the universe is enough for me."

Tarmis and Hogah held each other tightly. Their love embraced them like no other they had felt before. Tarmis smiled as his son's arms wrapped about his neck. As he and Hogah held each other Tarmis decided his future. " Son we will stay then, what job I will have I do not know but we will stay son." Tarmis said. Hogah smiled widely, " Good dad, I don't want to leave this new girl I met."

Tarmis chuckled, " It's always a girl some how." Tarmis and Hogah played for sometime. Once they had finished Tarmis smiled, " You go tell your girl you are staying son. I have business to take care of." Hogah's smile almost wrapped about his entire face as he ran out the quarters. Tarmis turned and began getting ready.


Bridge>

Tarmis walked onto the bridge, ignoring questioningly glares as he went directly to Elsie. Looking down at her, he stared hiding his real emotions. " Commodore Veritas."

Elsie looked up and saw the conflicting emotions in Tarmis' eyes. She rose and followed him as he walked to the ready room.

Once inside Tarmis walked behind Elsie's desk, and took her seat. He gestured to the chair across the desk. " Please be seated Commodore."

Elsie sat without any preliminaries. She knew what he had to say was important.

Tarmis leaned on her desk, moving memento's out of his way so he could stare into her eyes. " Ma'am first of all I would like to say I do not nor will I agree with the incident in ten forward, or the outcome. However I would like to ask you one question Elsie. With no rank nor any other agendas. Do you want me as your second?"

Elsie looked him right back without flinching and said firmly, "Yes."

Tarmis stared at her searching her facial expression for it truth. " When I came aboard Ma'am you had given me the impression you wanted me to support you at times and be your conscience during others is this still how you want it?"

"Yes, even if it is not what I want to hear. Even if you are questioning my fitness for command. Even if I am flat out wrong and you are right. It is your duty to make me see all sides of an issue so that I can make an informed decision."

Tarmis lowered his gaze, " Then I did as I should, but I did not do it in a manner which I should have Ma'am. I believed you were allowing you betrothal to Capt.Oosha to interfere with your decision in ten-forward, Instead of presenting this to you in a manner in which would not be attacking nor questioning like you were being interrogated. For that Ma'am I am sorry."

Elsie nodded. "I understand anger, Captain Jeram. All too well. It means you care."

Tarmis looked up to Elsie, " Ma'am I care for this ship and it's crew with such high regards prior to my evolution I allowed my duty to overcome the family I so desperately loved."

"And yet, when the opportunity arose, you found it in your heart to love an orphan boy. And you still remain a fine officer. There is room for both"

"That Elsie is the one thing I did not truly understand. But am beginning to learn. Tarmis withdrew a padd from the robe he wore and handed it to Elsie." Ma'am here is a letter placing myself under reprimand for my actions at our last meeting as well as my request to be returned to duty."

Elsie scanned the document then frowned. "I cannot sign this, Captain. The charges are false. You cannot be reprimanded for doing your duty, even though you were angry at the time. However, I can return these two." She held up the Padds Tarmis had left earlier.

Tarmis frowned slightly. " Understood Ma'am however to ensure this does not happen again I will be placing myself in counseling with Counselor Domina to learn control of my anger as well as that of what has happened to me."

Elsie smiled, "That would be wise, in the light of your transformation. You have many emotions dealing with your core beings that need to be addressed."

With that said Tarmis smiled widely as he dropped his robe, showing his uniform underneath. Withdrawing his phaser Tarmis pointed it to the padds he threw on the floor and disintegrated them. "Now that complete Ma'am we proverbially threw the past into the fire." Tarmis smiled as he strode out of the ready room, as the weapons alert sounded.

Off>

Joint Post

Commodore Elsie Veritas
CO USS James Cook
&

===================
Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

On> Counselor Domina's Office.

Following her visit with Commodore Veritas, Chiara returned to her office for a little peace and quiet before her next scheduled appointment, which turned out to be the ship's Chief Science Officer, LtJg Arianai K Vasata.

Arianai nervously approaches the Counselor's office. Straightening her uniform, she chimes for entry.

"Enter." Chiara said. She walked over to the replicator and ordered a pitcher of water and a pair of glasses. "You must be Lt. Vasata. Please have a seat... make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you Counselor." She takes a seat where indicated. "Welcome aboard by the way. Stations on the Cook are hard to come by. How did you get so lucky?"

"I kinda fell into it. I was assigned to the USS Viper before. I was onboard when she went rouge and the Commodore decided to keep me on as ship's counselor." Domina replied.

Arianai chuckled, "I heard about that." She takes a sip of water, trying to clear her throat. "So...This is the standard get to know you visit, right?" she asked.

"Pretty much. You're one of the few senior officers I've yet to get to know. I think we've only seen each other in passing." She said. "So, tell me a little about yourself."

Fidgeting a little, "As Vasata, this is my fourth joining. I have found Arianai to be an excellent fit. Although..." she replies, blushing a bit.

"Although?" Domina asked.

Still blushing, "I tend to get distracted by intriguing problems. Vasata is constantly pulling me back to awareness. Interestingly, this problem is usually reversed in joined Trill..." Her throat clears, and the faraway look in her eyes disappears. "See what I mean?"

"Reversed, meaning that the symbiote is the one to get distracted and not the host?" She asked.

"Exactly. We have been asked to join studies on it, but I'd rather be the scientist, and not the subject." she replies.

"Understandable." Domina replied. "I thought that the Trill had refined the joining to a precise science, though."

"I...we...must be unique in this regard. Under normal conditions, it poses no problem. Do you see it differently?" Arianai asks.

"Not at all. It's your personal preference and I am not one to tell someone that what they prefer is wrong." Domina replied.

"There isn't much more to tell then, really. Do you have any questions for me." she asks. She fidgets a little more, trying to find a comfortable position.

"There are relativley few Trill serving in Star Fleet, especially joined Trill. What made you decide to join?" Domina asked.

Mulling this over a bit, Arianai answered, "Being scientists, as Trill and symbiont, joining Starfleet gave us the best opportunities to explore strange new worlds, to boldly go...if I may quote poorly." She offers a slight smile.

"Good enough for me." Domina replied. "The dream of flying among the stars and discovering new things has been the driving force of many people over the last couple hundred years."

"Tell me... How do you feel about serving aboard the USS James Cook?" She asked.

Arianai sits a little straighter, "As flagship, the Cook has an impeccable reputation...and a fine crew."

Domina notes the show of pride. "How would you rate the efficiency of the ship?"

"I would say that we would not have received the commission we did, if there were problems. I'd say we rate pretty high in that regard.” She answered.

"Is there anything else you would like to discuss?" Domina asked. "Anything on your mind, or comments and opinions on recent ship's events?"

"It is not my place to comment on anything that may or may not have happened, outside my immediate sphere of influence. Although..." she paused, trying to read the Counselor, "I am concerned that we may become distracted if tempers cannot be controlled." she finished.

"Can you elaborate?" Domina asked.

Arianai hesitated only briefly, "The scuttle-butt aboard ship, is that we are losing our XO. I know that things happen, and I wasn't there, but...I don't want to get involved." she finally answered.

“I wouldn’t worry about that, Arianai. I trust the Commodore will be able to handle it.” Domina said.

"I know. All things work out, in the end. I have been working, in my space time, on an axiom that would prove that." she said.

"That they do." Domina replied. She looked at her PADD. "I have another appointment in 5 minutes. We can talk again later if you like. I'm always available." Domina said.

Quickly standing, Arianai replied, "Thank you Counselor. Again, welcome aboard. I trust I shall see you again sometime."

"Of course." Domina said with a smile. "I look forward to serving with you."

That said, Arianai left Domina's office, heading back to her Science station, to continue her analysis of the communications recently received.

Off>

JP

LtJG Arianai K Vasata
Chief Science Officer
 

===================
Counselor Chiara Domina

USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
 

On> McMurhy's Pub, Cape Kenndey, Florida, Terra Mater

Capt. Lisa Hayes sat with Lieutenants Sterling and Santiago
in a corner of the pub. It was hard to tell what there was more of on the table: beer bottles or technical manuals. The three had worked together for quite awhile on the Star Freedom Project and had all become close friends. That was good, as over the course of the last five months that had seen more of each other then thier husbands or thier families.

But they agreed that that was the price of the dream, and dream they all shared and believed in. A dream to be the first to venture beyond the confines of the solar system.

Hayes came from a Navy background. She started as a fighter pilot during the third Gulf War and had the disinction of over 100 confirmed kills in that conflict alone. She as an ace many times over and regarded as one of the best pilots in the world. She learned leadership as she rose through the ranks of her squadron. It was no wonder why NASA wanted her to fly the Star Freedom, and over the past ten years she has done just that, flying test runs in simulators, mock ups, and even taking the Star Freedom for a sub-light spin on two occasions, both of which to test the Ion drives that took her to the moon and back under the watchful eyes of Kennedy Station.

Lt. Sterling wasn't really a Lieutenant... she was a test pilot from Lockeed-Martina's Skunkworks. Though she was not the best, she was the best volunteer for the mission, a mission which on her merits alone earned her an honorary commission in the US Air Force.

Lt. Santiago was also UDSAF, serving at the beginning of her career as a flight engineer on long-range bombers, but her technical abilities quickly earned her a spot on the Star Freedom Team. Other pilots had been selected, but only as back up crews.

These three, in the eyes of NASA and in the eyes of Amorica, were the elite, best of the best. Their names would be forever immotalized in histroy, even if the mission was not a success.

Hayes looke up from her bottle of MGD. "Ok, let's go over this one more time... once we hit Waypoint Delta we..."

"We power up the warp core." Santiago Volunteered. "We switich power from the sublight to the FTL bus."

"After you program in the flight plan." Sterling said after polishing off her fifth beer.

"Which we recieve from Kennedy Station." Hayes finished. She was glad that her team knew her well enough. The mission required that they be able to think alike and act as one.

"Skipper... What do you think is out there... really?" Sterling asked.

"Hell, I don't know kid... Could be anything... Little Green Women... Klingons.... You know, those guys from 'Star Trek'.

"I can't believe you watch that stuff." Santiago interjected

"Hey, why not... I mean this is what that show was all about... A crew of women exploring the stars, going where no one had gone before... discovering exotic and alien worlds..."

"Yeah... and the captain was a slut." Santiago offered.

Hayes snickered... "Yeah, she was... but some of those aliens were pretty cute."

"Yeah, like the doctor on the Next Generation... Dr. Jack Crusher..."

"Hey, those shows are ancient..." Santiago griped.

"Yeah, but they're still good." Hayes defended. Santiago softened her hard expression... "So you think they're out there... Aliens...?" She said in a hush.

"I'm willing to bet my career on it." Hayes replied. "We'd be arrogant to think that we are truly alone in this universe. I am sure that in the Goddess's infinite wisdom, that there are other inhabited planets in our galaxy... and some day we will find them. If not us, then our children, or grandchildren... but some day we will make contact."

Santiago smiled. "That's a beautiful dream, Captain. I hope it does come true..."

Hayes held her hand out. "I'm living my dream."

Sterling laid her hand over Hayes' "I'm not living my dream, but this is gonna be one helluva ride."

Santiago put her hand on top. "Well, someone is going to have to go along to keep the ship running and the two of you in line."

They picked up fresh beers and clinked them together...

"To the Star Freedom... may she realize our dreams and the dreams of the world!"

"Cheers, then" Her crew replied and they all drank.

OFF>

On> Domina's Quarters.

Following a morning of appointments and mixed emotions, Domina collapsed on her bed and rubbed her temples. She was thankful she still had her vision, but the headaches from the blossoming psychic powers were getting out of hand. She reached for a bottle of painkillers and popped a few as she sat up.

She looked over to the coffee table in the living room and saw Vin Tamar's lightsaber that Rafe had given her in The Star Chamber. She remembered his comment that she had handled herself well during the fight.... the fight... she questioned herself as to why she wanted to remember an event that nearly ended her career, Rafe's career and nearly drove Tarmis out of Star Fleet.

She walked over to the lightsaber and picked it up. An idea danced across her thoughts and she quickly changed into the leather and latex uniform she had worn on the Klingon ship she was previously assigned to. With lightsaber in hand, she made her way to the holodeck.

Once there, she looked through the selection of combat training programs and found one that Rafe had put together... one dealing with lightsabers. She accessed the program and entered.

Elsie finally had some free time and headed for the holodeck for some down time. As she passed Holodeck 2, she noticed the menu was up for one of Rafe's lightsaber programs. "Who would be accessing that program?" She asked herself. "Computer, entrance." She stepped into the nearly-bare practice room.

Inside, Domina was locked in battle with a faceless, black robed figure. The two were a near even match for each other as they traded blows. The room was filled with the hisses and hums of the energy weapons crashing together.

Elsie watched Chiara's moves. The counselor was a natural, whereas she herself had to work at it. Even with martial arts training, using a blade was still awkward for Elsie.

Domina countered each attack, being able to see it coming. Her parries were clumsy, but adequate. She was spending more time on the defensive then trying to attack, however.

Elsie thought briefly perhaps she should be spending more time in practice, but her heart was not in it. She still reeled from the challenge in Ten-forward, and her mind raced over the previous events on her ship involving a lightsaber. A warrior she was not, nor would she ever be.

Domina reeled back from a heavy-handed attack. The fighter she was facing began to use more forceful attacks to overpower her rather than simply get past her. He pushed her off her feet, sending her to fall flat on her butt.

Elsie jumped up from her seated position and ordered, "Computer, freeze program!"

The fighter immediately froze. Domina was trying to recover on the deck, but was seriously fumbling around trying to find her lightsaber.

Elsie walked over to Chiara and stood over her. "You need a live instructor."

"I need to see, dammit!'" She spit as she was still fumbling around. She grabbed a leg, thinking it was the warrior, but instead it was Elsie. She grabbed hold of the leg and pulled Elsie down and placed her into a crude chokehold. Chiara was not aware of her mistake until a misplaced hand found its way to Elsie's breast. "Oh shit." She gasped and released the hold.

Elsie sat up and saw that Chiara was practicing blind. "How long have you been like this?" She asked, very concerned.

"I... I lost sight half way into the fight. I was still relying on my flashes and intuition up until he overpowered me." She said. "I'm sorry, Commodore... for tackling you and swearing."

Elsie chuckled, knowing she wouldn't see a smile. "That is all right, Chiara. You are off duty right now, and I have heard a lot worse than that!" Elsie leaned in close to peer in her face. “Perhaps you need to learn to rely on your other senses. Being blind does no one any good, and if it happens in an emergency, not only you, but others could be in danger, unless your abilities make up for your lack of sight."

"Yeah... it just sucks, you know?" She said. Domina crawled to the wall and climbed her way up. "Life was... so much easier before this. I didn't have to worry about nothin.' I didn't have to listen to other's problems... Just mom, Seattle and the woods and mountains." Domina leaned back on the wall. "Now I get these visions almost daily and the blindness gets longer each time."

"I guess now I get to be blind and alone... a freak." Tears started to stream down her face. "My family disowned me, Tamar thought he could get away with his crap, and now Tarmy has turned his back on me and everything else he loved... Elsie, what did I do to deserve all of this?" She cried as she sank down to the floor.

"I think you need to start seeing Dr. T'Khat. She might be able to perform a Vulcan healing or at least help you control your abilities in some way."

"I hope so." Domina said. "I don't know how much more I can take of this."

Elsie reached over and tucked a stray hair from Chiara's face behind her ear. "You are out of control. You must find a way to establish control of your abilities. I happen to know that Vulcan healers are quite good at that."

"Vulcans are creepy... they don't smile... they don't laugh... not even a 'he he' once in a while." She said. "Thier stiff as a board and bad in bed." She continued.

Elsie raised an eyebrow, "Oh you think so? I'll tell you a secret, Counselor. Vulcans are not all as calm as they appear in public. Without daily mediation, their body chemistry goes haywire and they lose complete control of their emotions. A few, however are able to manage some sort of emotional life. However, if you have a mental problem, trained healers are unsurpassed in the Alpha quadrant."

"Yeah? so what, do I like have to go to Vulcan or something? Wouldn't mind... since there's not much left for me here with Tarmy tucking tail and running."

"No, you can stay on the ship and see Dr. T'Khat. You can even continue your duties when you are physically able. Oh, and Counselor, Captain Tarmis rescinded his resignation. He and I have our differences, but I believe we can still work them out. And he wants to start seeing you professionally to work out his own emotions in the wake of his transformation."

"He's... He's staying?" She asked.

"Yes, "Elsie smiled, "He is staying."

Domina smiled... she couldn't express in words her relief. She tried to stand again.

"C'mon," Elsie said and she helped Domina up off the deck. "Let me get you to your quarters."

"Ok." She said.

Elsie tapped her commbadge, "Site-to-site transport, two to Counselor Domina's quarters."

Instantly, they were transported to Domina's quarters. The cabin was slightly messy, reflecting on the occupant's chaotic moods as of late, no to mention the emotional distress.

Elsie's commbadge chirped. =/\=Bridge to Commodore Veritas=/\=

Elsie tapped her commbadge, "Veritas here."

"Commodore, we're on the outer edges of the Terra Mater system." The bridge officer said.

"On my way. Veritas, out. Chiara, are you going to be all right alone?"

"I guess... I'll just sit here and sing to myself or something." She said. Domina hated being alone when she lost her sight.

Elsie thought a minute. "Wait. I have an idea. Something that Rafe does."

"What's that?" Domina asked.

Elsie went over to the replicator, and then typed in an order. She glanced over her shoulder, took an appraising look at Chiara, and then finished typing. IN the tray appeared a set of sunglasses with Terran sixty’s styling. She came back to Chiara and slipped them on her face. "There you go. Sunglasses!" Now when you can see again, you can order the style you are comfortable with. Care to accompany me to the bridge? We have a First Contact situation and I need you."

Domina adjusted the horn-rimmed sunglasses on her face. "Feels weird... is this supposed to help me see?"

"I didn't know Rafe was blind." She added.

"No, it is supposed to hide the condition of your eyes form the crew so they don't stare. Rafe uses them to hide his scar."

"Ok, I guess." Domina said.
OFF>
JP

Commodore Elsie Veritas
CO USS James Cook

&

===================
Counselor Chiara Domina

USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

Rafe sat in his car outside of the VLA. With binoculars, he watched Nancy Devers enter the shack that was serving as the SETI communications and monitoring center. Rafe knew that the time would come soon to reveal to her who he was and why he was there.

On his TV screen in the car, a special bulletin interrupted the soap opera he had been listening to.

“This is Rita Monroe, reporting live from Cape Kennedy. In about one minute’s time, the space shuttle Star Freedom will launch and fly into history, becoming the first Terra Materian space craft to ever travel faster then the speed of light. We now go live to mission control.”

10…
“Star Freedom, Control, initiate main power sequence.”
“Main power sequence initiated.”

9…
“Control, Star Freedom. Pre-flight complete. All systems go.”

8…
“Star Freedom Control. Standby for control check.”

7…
“Star Freedom, Control. Main systems go. Main buss shows green.”

6…
“Main engine Startup…. Booster startup.”

The screen switched to a close up of the solid fuel rockets coming to life, belching out fire and smoke.

5…
“Star Freedom, control. Standby for launch.”

4…
“Retract Service arms.”

3…
“Mooring clamps retracted.”

2…
Star Freedom, Control… Goddess Speed.”

1…
“Control, Star Freedom… Goddess Speed Aye.”

0…
“Liftoff.”

The shuttle and underbelly fuel tank was lifted into the air by the massive booster rockets connected to the side of the ship. The shuttle trailed a pillar of smoke that would be seen for miles, but this time it would be a sign of a changing future for the planet.

Rafe watched as the shuttle broke free from her earthly bounds. He pressed a button and a small antenna unfolded from the top of the car and pointed to the heavens.

“Mother Cook, Mother Cook, Lone Wolf… Star Freedom has launched. Condition Bronze.” Rafe reported. He closed the channel immediately afterwards.

Rafe looked back over to the SETI shack... it was now only a matter of time.

Off>

Capt. Rafe Oosha

Chief Intelligence Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
"Wisdom begins in wonder."

ON> Bridge

"Entering Terra Mater system, Ma'am." Navigation announced.

"Standard Orbit."

"Standard Orbit, Aye."

"Ma'am, there is a launch taking place. Solid-rocket fuel." Rh'vaurek reported.

"On screen."

The crew watched as the cradled shuttle flew from it's Mother's nest on large booster rockets. The rockets fell away and the shuttlecraft pierced the invisible barrier between atmosphere and space.

It didn't take a Betazoid to realize that this was a turning point in Terra Mater's history. The crew held its collective breath as the shuttle paused, unfolded its warp nacelles, then leap into Warp one!

"Follow their trail, maintain distance."

The USS James Cook watched the tiny three-woman craft take its first leap into space.

Off>

Commodore Elsie Veritas

CO U.S.S. James Cook
Python Fleet Flagship

ON> COS office
Shi had walked over from her office to join the meeting with Daniel's family. She sat down and waited for Rh'vaurek

Rh'vaurek came down from the bridge on the turbolift. He walked into his office "Jolan'tru Shi, you ready?" Rh'vaurek asked in a welcoming voice.

Shi replied with a smile "Jolan'tru Rh'vaurek. Yes I am ready and I believe the two people approaching are Daniel's parents.

Rh'vaurek took a seat behind his desk and waited for them to arrive

LT Carrington looked nervous as he spoke to his wife "I guess this is the place it says COS office I can not imagine what he wants to speak to us about.

They walked in and looked at Rh'vaurek behind the desk. They backed away a little when they saw that he and the other officer were Romulan. ~These must be the Exchange officers he had heard so much about~.

Lt Carrington stood at attention. He spoke "Cmdr "I am Lt.Roger Carrington and this is my wife Linda. I understand you want to speak to us."

"Indeed i do and it is about your son" replied Rh'vaurek.

Lt. Carrington said "Oh I see you arrested my son and held him in the brig for 2 days I want an explanation."

"your son has been involved in sixteen fights and he finally ended up putting someone in sickbay" Rh'vaurek handed Lt. Carrington the medical report on the other youth involved in the fight.

Lt Carrington turned pale as he read the report and handed it to his wife. The injuries were serious and the other boy would be in sickbay for another week.

"You say my boy did this" asked Carrington.

"Yes he did" replied Rh'vaurek.

Mrs Carrington spoke up. "He must have attacked him. My boy would not do this unless he was attacked. Those rough boys especially the Alien ones are always picking on him" Lt Carrington looked daggers at her.

Rh'vaurek locked eyes with Linda "No Steven Cane is human, along with most of the other youths involved in the fights"

Mrs Carrington opened her mouth but Lt Carrington interrupted her with a look "Sorry Cmdr my wife is very defensive of our son. I want to know the truth. I taught Daniel to fight to defend himself. What you are saying does not sound like self-defense. Please lay it out for me. And Linda you stay out of it"

"Daniel has gone around finding other youths who are supposedly good at fighting, and challenging them" Rh'vaurek explained in his cold monotone voice.

Lt Carrington looked shocked. Why would he do such a thing?"

"He is claiming to be a warrior" Rh'vaurek answered.
Lt Carrington shook his headd "I do not understand my son. Why would he claim such a thing? He never learned that from me. I am not even sure what it means"

Linda put on a longsuffering look and shrugged her shoulders "I for one do not believe it" she stated

"he learnt it from a Klingon youth named Dog Tag, or something" replied Rh'vaurek.

Mrs Carrington now was shocked "why is he associating with a Klingon. There are none in his class. He is probably one of those alien street toughs."

"Linda I told you to stay out of this" said Lt. Carrington ~I wish she would realize we are speaking to two aliens~

He turned to Rh'vaurek "please excuse my wife she is very defensive of Daniel"
"I know who the boy Dor'Tog is I will see that my son does not associate with him from now on"

"Please, Dor'Tog is teaching him bad habits and poor fighting technique and nothing of the philosophies behind it" Explained Rh'vaurek "He even tried to fight me"

Lt Carrington looked puzzled "I do not know what to do with him. I am not a fighter. I taught him a little self-defense but nothing like this. I am a scientist not a soldier. I wish they still had the Academy on this ship instead of just the school. He would learn properly there."

"I run Self Defense classes on the ship for all ages and races. I not only teach that but the understanding that goes behind the fighting style. When to fight and when not to. So on and so forth" Rh'vaurek answered.

"Could he enroll in your classes? I know that would be just what he needs."

"he showed an interest in it before. I just wanted your permission before doing it" replied Rh'vaurek.

"Oh Cmdr you have it" replied a relieved Lt Carrington.

Linda looked skeptical "are these classes like the Terran martial arts classes or are they some Alien art?

"What does it matter?" asked Rh'vaurek.

Daniel glared at her as if he would like to shoot her.

"Believe me Cmdr it makes no difference. If you can teach my son self-discipline and new habits it is good enough for me" he again glared at Linda.

Shi sitting back listening ~I would never get away with that. I would be picking myself up off the floor~

"that i will, he will not even start to fight until i think he will not use them in outside fights for status on the ship, If he does I will not have him in the class" explained Rh'vaurek

"and if that happens he will deal with me" stated Lt Carrington. "I will send him back to Terra to a Military Academy"

Linda starts to protest but changes her mind. There is a very determined look in her husband's eyes.

Rh'vaurek smiled, he liked the way Roger was thinking

Shi smiled too. The man was showing courage. It was good. He was putting his wife in her place.

"do you have any questions?" asked Rh'vaurek

Linda started to speak. Roger gave her a silencing look.

"no Cmdr thank you for taking an interest in my son" replied Roger gratefully.

He turned to Shi "and you too Commander he told me you talked to him first".

Shi nodded her acknowledgement of his thanks.

"If nothing else, I bid you good evening" said Rh'vaurek.

Lt Carrington replied "and a good evening to you both." Linda said nothing

They quickly left the Security office. Roger could not wait to get Linda home where he could show her how much he disapproved of her actions.
she had embarrassed him for the last time.
OFF>

erei'Riov (Cmdr.) Rh'vaurek tr'Radaik
CTAC/OPS Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Flagship - Command Division

&

erei'Riov (Cmdr.) Shiarrael t'Radaik (also as Roger and Linda)
ASEC, Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Flagship - Command Division
 

ON - Main engineering

Llaiir had walked down to main engineering to see if Roma wanted to have lunch, as she walked in Roma spotted her "Hello Llaiir, Can I help you?" Roma asked climbing down the access ladder

"Just wanted to see if you were free for lunch" Llaiir answered cheerfully

"Sure, just give me 10 minutes, you can help if you like?" Roma responded

"Sure, what’s going on?" Llaiir inquired happy to help

"we’ve been getting some power surges through the consoles a couple of engineers have suffered energy burns or shocks but nothing too serious" Explained Roma glad to have the assistance

Llaiir went to work on a console pulling up diagnostics and running scans on the power systems trying to fine the culprit when she noticed Roma shaking her fingers, She made her way over to Roma "Are you all right?" Llaiir asked with concern

"YES" Roma said through gritted teeth "Stupid console, luckily I wasn’t touching it, or it could have been worse"

"Do you want me to kiss it better or do you want me to get Torbin over here for that?" Llaiir asked with a giggle

That drew a giggle from Roma too as she flexed her fingers to get the feeling back into them Llaiir went over to the console and traced the power surge back to where it came from "ah got it now all we have to do is ARGH!!" Llaiir screamed as the energy surge came back through the console sending the shock through her body and throwing her against the support pole behind her she fell to the floor limply

Roma rushed over to Llaiir’s side and tried to get a response by shaking her shoulders "Llaiir, Llaiir, can you hear me?"

Llaiir made no response and Roma taped her comm badge "Lt. J.G Ford to sickbay, medical emergency in Engineering, One to beam to sickbay"

Llaiir shimmered out of existence from engineering and rematerialized back in sickbay

OFF

Lt. Llaiir t’Rehu
CR&D
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship

"If it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad"
 

ON>
Genesis was in her office reading over the latest reports. She was happy to notice that the number of security personnel visits for injuries were down. "I think I owe Rh'vaurek an apology," she mutttered under her breath while smiling

Nurse Richardson ran into Genesis's offic. "Doctor, come quick we just recieved an injured crewperson, Lt. Llaiir t'Rehu!"

Genesis leaped up from her desk and hurried after Nurse Richardson. Genesis took one look at the unconscious girl and very pregnant girl and started barking orders to the medical staff. "I need a amniotic scan done to check on her child and someone tell me what the hell happened!" Genesis shouted as she ran a tricorder over the Lt.

Nurse Richardson started the amniotic scan "Doctor, there are only faint life signs from the child."

Lt. Ford came in to sick bay with Saren and Rh'vaurek

Genesis cursed under her breath. "Ok people first things first." Genesis tapped her badge. "Site to site transport from main area in sickbay to critical care area. People let's move," Genesis snapped at the team as Llaiir was beamed from the biobed to the critical care area. "Alright people I need more hands and we'll split this up. Nurse Richardson I need you to get the surgical arm and work on the Llaiir's ribs and internal bleeding. You," Genesis said pointing to the male nurse hovering nearby, "Get some dermagel and spray it on her hands but before you do that give me a hypospray. I don't want her to feel a thing."

The nurse handed Genesis the hypospray and she injected Llaiir. "We've got to hurry people and stablize her. I refuse to lose her and the baby."

Nurse Richardson pulled the surgical arm into place and began by first stopping the internal bleeding and then mending Llaiir's broken ribs. She quickly but efficiently completed her task while keeping an eye on the fetus. "Doctor, the baby's life signs are stablizing somewhat but still erratic."

Genesis looked at Richardson. "Give Llaiir some plasma. We need to fully stablize her first and then we'll do something for the baby. I will not lose either of them. Are you done Nurse...?" Genesis trailed off and looked at the male nurse helping her.

"Strong ma'am. My name is Samson Strong," he said quietly.

"Ok Samson. How are her hands doing?"

"The dermagel has been applied and her hands are healing nicely. No scarring ma'am."

"Good."

Saren watched on from a distance, the calm outlook on his face did not portray the internal turmoil going through his mind. Rh'vaurek placed a caalming hand on his shoulder "They are Starfleet meds, a lot more advanced than what she would have back at home" Rh'vaurek said trying to reasure Saren
cyberpurr: Genesis was checking on the fetus while her capable nurses were handling the rest. Genesis placed her hands on Llaiir's stomach and concentrated. She could faintly 'hear' the fetus' mental babble. The baby was frightened and was about to be born if Genesis didn't do something quickly. Genesis slowly withdrew her mental touch and became aware of fear and uncertainty coming from another source. Genesis whirled around and noticed Rh'vaurek along with another man standing in the doorway watching. Genesis marched over to them, her lips pressed together in anger. "Rh'vaurek you must leave. You shouldn't be in here right now. Wait outside until we are done and I'll come and update you on her status."

Rh'vaurek led Saren out into the main waiting area. He walked over to the replicator and brought him back a cup of Vulcan Spice tea. "Drink this, you must calm down, for her sake"

Saren accepted the cup and took a sip, then looked over to Roma as if to ask what haappened.

"Llaiir and Isha will be all right Saren, they are in good hands," Rh'vaurek said still reasuring Saren

Once Rh'vaurek and the younger man had left, Genesis returned to her patient. "Doctor we have her stablized but she is starting to have contractions. Course of action ma'am?" Richardson asked Genesis.
Genesis chewed on her lip. "Let's get an incubator in here and then we'll do a surgical transport. Llaiir will not be able to handle the stress of birth on top of her injuries. I want her to rest and she can't do that if she's delivering."

Richardson and Strong quickly set up the incubator and Genesis did the transport. Richardson monitored Llaiir's vitals while Genesis and Strong worked on the infant who let out an angry squall at being cleaned up. Genesis smiled at Strong. "Beautiful little girl isn't she? How's Llaiir doing?"

"Vitals still good and strong," Richardson replied.

"Ok I'm going to inform Rh'vaurek of the status of the child and mother. I'll be right back. Monitor both of their vitals. I don't want anymore surprises. I'm getting to the bottom of all this," Genesis said as she exited the critical care area and made a beeline for Rh'vaurek.

"How is she?" Saren stood up and asked as calmly as he could.

Genesis' emotions were high. She was still pissed about Llaiir's injuries and was barely holding on to her temper. "She and the child are both doing fine. Llaiir is resting comfortably and so is her daugther. I'll let you go visit in a moment. But first I want to know how the hell she got injured in the first place?" Some of Genesis' anger leaked out and she unconsciously projected it outward toward Saren and Rh'vaurek.

Rh'vaurek locked eyes with Genesis. "I do not know, I was not there."

Lt.J.G. Roma Ford stood up. "She came down to engineering to see if she could have lunch with me, there was a power surge through the console she was working on," she explained as calmly as she could rather relieved that Llaiir and the child were fine. "It was an accident, nothing more."

Genesis tapped her foot and looked at Ford. "Ok. I'll have to take her off duty for at least a week. The baby seems to be ok but she's early. I'll have to keep her here until the rest of her body matures." Genesis turned toward Saren. "And you are?"

"Husbanad and father" Saren replied.

Genesis stared up at him. "Ok. If you like you may come and visit briefly. Your daughter's asleep and your wife is sedated." Genesis finally let go of her anger and was sending out soothing calmly thoughts towards Saren. "They're both ok sir." Genesis turned Rh'vaurek. "I'll let you in to see her after he's finished. If you'll follow me," she said to Saren.

Rh'vaurek locked his eyes on Genesis. Her anger was ill placed and he did not like it.

As she reenentered the critical care room with Saren on her heels, Genesis asked, "What's your name?"

"Saren" he replied quietly walking behind Genesis.

"My name is Doctor Genesis Aquaramara and I will be taking care of your wife and daughter from here on out," Genesis said softly.

Richardson and Strong both nodded to Saren and stepped away from Lliiar and the baby to give him a moment alone. Saren stepped gently over to Llaiir's sedated form. ~She looks so peaceful laying there now~ He then stepped over to see the tiny sleeping form of his daughter and smiled slightly

Genesis felt his happiness and she was glad. ~Things could have gone badly if they hadn't gotten her here sooner~ she thought. Genesis walked out of the critical care room along with Nurse Strong. She left Richardson in the room in case something happened. She walked toward Rh'vaurek and felt something. His emotions were controlled but some of it still leaked through.

Rh'vaurek once again locked eyes on Genesis. Genesis could feel the weight of his gaze and returned his stare. ~I will not be intimidated~ she thought to herself as she glared up at Rh'vaurek.

"I did not deserve to be on the recieving end of your anger nor Saren, we had nothing to do with Llaiir's injuries."

Genesis broke contact and grimaced. She looked at Rh'vaurek while sending placating thoughts. "I apologize. Anytime a child is involved..." Genesis trailed off. "I have a tendency to get riled up. I owe you an apology and will give Saren one too when he comes out. I know it's not your fault."

Rh'vaurek nodded. "I accept your apology"

Genesis nodded to Strong. "Rh'vaurek if you will come with me, I'll let you visit her and the baby too." Genesis turned on her heel and went back into the critical care area, nodding to Richardson as she did. Richardson left the room. Genesis cleared her throat. "Saren?"

Rh'vaurek walked in as Saren walked out. "Yes Doctor?"

"I'd like to apologize for my display of temper. I know it wasn't your fault or Rh'vaurek's fault Llaiir got hurt. I'm overprotective of pregnant women and children. I'm sorry."

"I accept your apology, but thank you for saving them both, my life would have become very empty without them" Saren replied softly.

Genesis blushed.

Rh'vaurek bent over Llaiir ~ I will inform your parents and Stelam, he will likely fuss over you and her like when you father and aunt were born and then you ~ he telepathically informed her.

Genesis was cleaning up but then paused and frowned. For a moment she thought she had heard Rh'vaurek speak but all he was doing was standing over Llaiir's sleeping form.

Rh'vaurek walked back out after watching the sleeping form of his great grandniece "She looks like her mother Rh'vaurek said to Saren with a smile "she is going to break hearts when she gets older"

Genesis smiled peacefully at both men. "I'll keep you informed of their progress and the moment Llaiir wakes up I will contact you."

"Thank you Doctor," Rh'vaurek took Saren's arm. "This calls for a good stiff drink."

Saren gave Rh'vaurek a half smile as he left Sickbay with him

OFF>

Joint Post

Lt. Llaiir t’Rehu
CR&D
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship
&
erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik

CTAC/SEC Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship
&
Lt. Genesis Aquamara
ACMO
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship
 

On>
Bridge>

Tarmis finished reading over status and shift reports. He was slightly nervous for some unknown reason but pushing it to the back of his mind, he keyed up the location of Rh'vaurek.

Security office>

Rh'vaurek sat in the security office going over the reports his Security staff were showing great improvement in their testing scores

Tarmis watched as the console displayed Rh'vaurek's location. Closing and securing his console Tarmis exited the bridge for Security. As he walked in some officers in the outer office gave slightly but fleeting stares as he passed through. Without acknowledging the officer on duty Tarmis went to Rh'vaurek's door and pressed the chime.

"Enter" Rh'vaurek called out still looking at the reports

Tarmis stepped inside, seeing Rh'vaurek going over reports Tarmis halted for a moment. " Erie'Riov tr'Radiak, I would like to speak with you if you have time." Tarmis awaited the look of shock in Rh'vaurek's gaze or the diversion of the eyes many do around Tarmis.

Rh'vaurek looked up then Stood up and saluted Sharply "Sorry Rekkhai, I did not realize it was you, yes i have time to talk to you, nothing that can not wait" Rh'vaurek answered Tarmis

Tarmis returned Rh'vaurek's salute, with sharp rigidity. " Please be seated and Thank you." Tarmis walk over to the chair opposite Rh'vaurek's and took a seat. He held a few padds in his hand. " So tell me Erie'Riov tr'Radaik, first off how have things been going of late. I have been slightly away from my station one could say." Tarmis chuckled slightly.

Rh'vaurek sat back down "things in security are definitely picking up, test scores are on the improve"

Tarmis relaxed slightly in his chair, realizing Rh'vaurek would not be one of the officers to give hurtful stares. " Excellent, the programs you have initiated have done very well I see. Good job Erie'Riov. I take it also you are having no further issues with officers about having to report to a Rihannsu Chief security officer, or your Asec?"

"I think a good dose of fear has done them some good, they are too scared to step out of line" Rh'vaurek explained with a lopsided smile

Tarmis grin slightly sideways, " I would care to guess it has more to do with respect than out right fear. Showing them you are a fine respectable officer does make your point also drive home. But now down to business, I came down to see you for 2 reasons Erie'Riov. One was i wanted to be able to touch base as the Terrans and ensure things were running smoothly, the second was that i wanted to inform you about the nature of our mission." Tarmis sat up becoming business like.

Rh'vaurek Leant back in his chair listening intently to Tarmis "Go on Rekkhai"

Tarmis looked over the padds in his hand, removing one he leaned over handing it to Rh'vaurek. " As you can see we recently entered Terra Mater system. One thing of particular interest is the planet has recently discovered warp propulsion. We will be going into a first contact situation among other things. Where you are concerned is we need their vessel continually watched, also all Tac officer on alert in case something goes wrong. I would hate to see surprises as they are just beginning their jump into space. Also, there is something that is bothering me. We have seen increased Ferengi activity along this region. While we are babysitting the warp ship we also need to ensure no one else tries to interfere."

"Understood" Rh'vaurek nodded "I'll inform them ASAP"

Tarmis nodded contently, " Also on a side note try to keep track of the activity planet side, never hurts to be too safe."

"Very well Rekkhai" Rh'vaurek replied

Tarmis smiled, " Very good. Well I should be going I have other Dept. heads I will be meeting with." Tarmis stood from his chair.

"Understood Rekkhai, I'll have Tac and Sec alerted to the possible dangers ASAP" Rh'vaurek informed Tarmis

Tarmis nodded, " I know you will do a fine job Erie'Riov. Jolan'tru Wind to your wings." Tarmis turned and made his way to the door.

Rh'vaurek went back to his reports wondering when Llaiir was going to wake up

Tarmis exited Security, looking at his padds he realized his next stop was Engineering. ~Well now Mr.Kmarh let's see if you learned military bearing.~ He turned and left to Engineering.

Off>

Joint Post

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik

CTAC/SEC Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship
&

===================
Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

On>
Corridor>

Tarmis was on his way to engineering, when he remembered he had forgotten a PADD laying on his chair. He turned and made his way to the bridge. As exited the lift he notice Lt.Jg. Vasata at her station. Deciding to take a moment to speak with her Tarmis walked over. " Good day Lt. Vasata. How is everything going today?"
Barely glancing up, Arianai replied, "Fine...how are you?" Then she realized who it was that was addressing her. Fumbling to stand up "Ah, hello Sir."

Tarmis smiled warmly, " That's ok Lt. We have all made those minor errors when we were involved in something. What is it that seems to have your attention?"

Shifting thru the PADDs on her console, she says "I have been trying to analyze the possible causes for the Terra Mater FTL ship to have trouble. Near as we can tell from our preliminary scans, nothing should go wrong."
Tarmis showed some concern, " What types of problems has the vessel had? And can they be corrected?"
"Nothing in particular. The Commodore simply asked that I analyze what we know of its configuration, and come up with some scenarios."

Tarmis smiled slightly, " That is an excellent idea, we would not want any major catastrophes for this vessel would we. So what have your scenarios shown you so far Lt.?"

Looking downfallen, "Nothing. Short of sabotage before launching...nothing. Their construction is quite smart, really," she replied.

"I am getting ready to go to the holodeck, and try some programs there."

Tarmis scanned over the information she had on her console. " Excellent, if you like I could accompany you. I am on my way to engineering."

Arianai grabs up a few PADDS and turns towards the turbolift. Over her shoulder, she said, "That would be great sir." Pausing, "aren't you coming?"

Tarmis smiled as he shook his head slightly,~ Ahh to be a Lt. again with all the energy.~ Looking up he walked over to the lift with Lt. Vasata. " Ladies first Lt."

"Thank you." She entered the turbolift. Once the doors shut, she said, "Engineering deck." Looking sidelong at Capt. Jeram, "Excuse the impertinence Sir, but I am glad you decided to stay."

Tarmis turned to her, with slight shock. Which then turned to a warm smile. " Thank you Lt. sometimes we have to learn our lessons the hard way. This was one mistake I am glad was diverted before I did something I would have regretted later."

Smiling back, "Its a small ship, and tongues wag." The lift arrives, and the doors open. "I'll see you later Sir." she heads to the Engineering holodeck, and enters, without a backward glance.

Tarmis exits for engineering, smiling as he goes. As he makes his way to Engineering he smiles at the conversation he and Lt. Vasata had. ~She definitely knows her stuff, she is going to show much promise in the future I think.~

Off>
===================

Capt. Tarmis Jeram



Executive Officer

USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

and
 

LtJG Arianai K Vasata
Chief Science Officer

On>
Engineering>

Tarmis walked into engineering, with a good feeling. He enjoyed his conversation with Lt.Vasata. ~She will make a fine officer.~ Looking about Tarmis grabbed a nearby ensign, " Where is the Chief Engineer?"

Startled the ensign cried out "Whoa calm down dude!!"

Then it was then he seen it was the XO.

"He is in his office"

Tarmis scowled slightly at the ensign. Without a word he turned for the office. Walking up Tarmis noticed the door was open, he stepped inside as he rapped on the wall. "Lt.K'marh ?"

"Yes? What can I do for you?"

K'marh seemed to be in a good mood. Not grumpy as usual...His desk was swamped with PADDS...

Tarmis walked over, taking a seat. Leaning back slightly in the chair Tarmis stared at K'marh for a moment. " Lt. I am going to each dept. head to speak with them about our current mission." Flipping through his padds Tarmis pulls one out and hands it to K'marh . " As you can see we are now in the Terra mater system, currently following a vessel which is this planets first attempt at warp."

"I must apologize...i am a bit behind in my work" K'marh skimmed over the padd. "Yes I see...doesn't the Prime Directive apply in this matter to tell use to keep clear of the planet?"

K'marh set the Padd down on top of a priority pile that he had made. From a drawer in his desk he pulled out to glasses and a bottle of light wine. and poured a glass for each of them, then set the bottle back in the drawer.

Tarmis smirked slightly at K'marh , " In this type of situation, we follow first contact protocols. We will monitor the vessel and at which time the Captain sees fit we will initiate first contact. My concern is how ever that since this vessel is untested, we would like to ensure there is no possibility it could damage the cook in any form." Tarmis looked at his chrono, ~5 more minutes till of shift.~

"So were going to make first contact....I Highly doubt that a ship of that stature is going to harm a ship such as this sir" K'marh sipped his drink a bit, taking it nice and slow...

Tarmis nodded, and smirked. " Size does not always play a role Lt., and it is for that particular reason we would like you to initiate Readiness exercises for your team. They have shown a slight decline in performance in recent weeks and I would like to see that rectified." Tarmis looked at his chronometer, realizing his shift was over. He leaned forward taking the drink and swallowed half the glass. Smiling widely.

K'marh seen he still had a few hours to go but again filled each others glasses.

"Is there a specific area that is falling in performance or everything as a whole?"

Tarmis looked over his padds, producing one he skimmed over it quickly. " According to this it would seem repair times for preventive maintenance procedures have fallen 10.5%, while repair team times for minor repairs as fallen 6.7%. As these are not major declines I had hoped rectifying these problems now would stop it from becoming worse."

"Ill see what i can do"

Tarmis nodded, " Very good Lt, I would like a report within the next two weeks showing how your progress has gone. I also have something I would like to inform you of." Tarmis removed another padd and handed it to K'marh . " It appears Lt.Kurz and Lt.Ford will be leaving your dept. As you can see we just received orders transferring them to the Uss Alaska as soon as a transport vessel becomes ready. When exactly that is we are unsure of at this time."

"So i am losing 2 fairly decent engineers"

K'marh sipped the last of his wine and put the glass away.

"Well then, ill just have to work some others harder. Thank you for informing me"

Tarmis gave a slight nod. " You are losing fine crewman." Looking down Tarmis realizes he has nothing more. He slowly stood, " I have nothing further Lt. I will let you return to your duties." Tarmis turned making his way to the door.

"Do you like Challenges Tarmis?"

K'marh spoke a bit louder before he left the door.

Tarmis stopped in the doorway, hiding his smile as he turned to K'marh with a questioning expression. " Challenges? What type of Challenges?"

"I have a Program sir...And i have no opponents...and computers just do not cut it"

Tarmis smiled inwardly, remembering his training. " This program, what is it? A sports program or one of combat?"

"And...." K'marh added "you seem like a worthy opponent."

He let that sit for a moment.

"Sword Tournament"

Tarmis thought for a moment, " Sword Tournament Hmm? The swords is it only a set type or are any allowed?"

"Bring your own sword" K'marh could see the curiosity inside the man. K'marh smiled to himself. Maybe soon, they will be fighting a good fight. K'marh tried to remember the last time he fought a good fight....a good few years.

Tarmis thought to himself recalling his hand - hand training when he was in Intel. " I accept on one condition. If I win you have to follow military protocol to the letter when on duty. And if I lose you name your prize." Tarmis knew this battle would be one of great skill and strength.

K'marh pulled out 2 glasses and some Romulan ale.
He filled the 2 glasses and put the bottle away.

"It is done then....tomorrow at 0100..."

K'marh raised a glass

"May the best fighter win"

Tarmis walked over, downing the glass in one shot and putting the glass back down. " Aggh Yes it is done. We will meet in Holodeck 2 I will ensure we have no interruptions." Smiling Tarmis turned for the door, calling over his shoulder as he exited. " Be prepared Lt. I may surprise you."

"Good day to you"

K'marh smiled and picked up a padd once again.

OFF>

Joint Post

Lt K'marh Red Talon
Chief Engineer
&
 

===================
Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

ON> ASEC's office
Shiarrael looked at the chrono-calendar on her computer. There was an X on this date. She pushed the X key.

The notice read: urgent don't forget appointment with Dr. Merlose he will go to Rh'vaurek if I do.

Shiarrael shut down the program and activated her commbadge.

=/\= Sickbay, I have an appointment with Dr. Merlose is he available? =/\=

Sickbay answered =/\= Dr Merlose is on LOA would you like to see one of the staff doctors or will you wait until he returns.

Shi thought about it for a few minutes then remembered there was a new doctor in Sickbay an obstetrician..

She decided to go to sickbay and see if she was there

<<SICKBAY>>
Shiarrael walked in and sat down in the waiting area. A nurse approached her

"Do you have an appointment?"

Shi scowled "well I thought I did, but I understand Dr Merlose is on LOA.. You have a new doctor, Dr Aquamara, Would it be possible for her to see me,

The nurse replied "I will see if she can. Please wait.

Shi replied "of course" ~why not I have nothing more important to do except all of yesterday's reports and today's scheduling.~ "I will wait a short time. If not I will make an appointment for another day"

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Shiarrael t’Radaik
ASEC, Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Flagship – Command Division
 

(ooc this is a bit out of sync but it occurs right after the delivery in sickbay)

ON>
Ten forward>
Genesis had made her way to sickbay as soon as her shift was over. She was too wound up to go to her quarters and relax so she opted instead to go to Ten forward and get a good stiff drink. She'd ordered a frozen margarita and then made her way over to a corner. She sat there for a few minutes sipping on her drink and gazing off into space.

Brandon, who was already in 10 forward saw her come in. He sat at a table, hidden in a corner across from her, with a Padd in hand. He watched her to see if she was with anyone or was alone.

Genesis abruptly refocused on her surroundings. Someone was watching her, she wasn't sure who. She took a sip of her drink and scanned the room. Brandon went back to work on his Padd. Reviewing the engineering officers aboard. Getting to know specific talents of certain officers. A waiter came to him and he refused his service.

Genesis noticed Brandon. ~Well old girl it's now or never~ She stood up and made her way over to Brandon's table, drink in hand.

A young blonde girl with long hair beat her to Brandon's table. She sat down across from him and eyed him. They seemed to be chatting back and forth, she was smiling and nodding her head.

Genesis froze but then determinedly made her way over. Smiling politely she looked down at them. "Hi my name is Genesis Aquamara. I'm new here and I was wondering if I could join you guys?"

The blonde looked at Brandon and smiled. "I'll get going" and she left. Brandon signalled for Genesis to sit down. "Sure go right ahead"

Genesis plopped down in the chair and studied Brandon. ~He's so handsome but so unsure of himself~ "How has your day been today?"

He eyed her closely. "Behind in work, Real Behind"

Genesis had to force herself to pay attention. "Sorry I'm woolgathering. I know the feeling. Today has been rough," she added the last part softly before sipping on her drink again.

"Rough hey?" Brandon smiled. "why so?"

"Well Lt. Llaiir was injured and we had to do a surgical transport to save her child." Genesis rubbed at her eyes. "To top it all off I kinda went off on Rh'vaurek and Saren who weren't to blame."

"Ohh wow...that does sound rough"

A waiter came up to him again, and he ordered a light alcoholic Drink, he motioned for 2 for the lady as well. "So is there anything i can do for you?"

"I guess I needed a friend. Is it always this crazy on this ship?"

"Really? Haven't noticed...You and my Chief are the only ones aboard I do know," Brandon finished getting down a few things on his Padd and set it down as the waiter brought the 2 drinks. "I geuss it gets a bit lonley on this ship...havent met to many people, geuss thats why," Brandon found himslef rambling on.

The waiter sat down their drinks and walked away. Genesis could sense Brandon's attraction to her so she decided to be blunt. "Are you dating anyone?"

"Well now that you mention it" He stopped there to add for some suspense. And sipped his drink. "I am" he finished and put down the glass on the table, watching her for a reaction. She just stared at him so he thought he should continue. "A wonderful lady i tell ya...Can drive a man at warp 9, a real wild ride." He smiled ever so deviously as he sipped his drink to try to cover his slight smile.

Genesis face fell. "Oh. Well since you're involved do you think she would be terribly upset if I borrowed you from time to time as a friend, if I need a shoulder to cry on?"

"Sure...Besides, I don't think my lady appreciates me as much as I appreciate her."

Genesis had missed Brandon's smile and continued on oblivious. "That's a shame. Point her out to me and I'll set her straight," Genesis said looking about.

"Sure...You sitt'n on her," Brandon began to chuckle at Genesis.

Genesis gave him a baffled look before blushing. "I feel a little stupid at this moment," she said looking into his eyes and grinning.

"Don't be, I was just playing with ya...but to honestly answer your question.....no i am not seeing anyone....no one else anyways."

Genesis glanced at Brandon shyly. "Would you like to give it a go? I mean as a couple?"

Brandon laughed and signaled with is finger to lean forward. Brandon leaned toward her as to tell her a secret. She leaned forward and he asked "Are you serious?"

Yes," she whispered and surprised him and her by kissing him gently.

She beat him to it, Brandon was gonna surprise her, but he missed his chance. He grabbed her anyways, and kissed her deeply.

"Sure, I'd love it!"

Genesis blushed and realized people were staring. She laughed out loud. "C'mon on let's get out of here. You can come to my place if you want," she added, standing up.

"Yeah...I think I would love to" Brandon not realizing he was getting to cought up in the moment was all to eager to leave.

Genesis interpreted his glance. "Ok look. We'll take things slow. How about same place, same time tomorrow?"

Brandon realizing he just embarassed himself in his first half date looked at her. "uhh...yeah sure...I gotta get myself to Engineering, I forgot I gotta get this done."

OFF>
Joint Post

Lt Brandon Metchooyeah
engineer
ACENG
USS James Cook

&

Lt Genesis Aquamara
ACMO
USS James Cook

ON>
Engineering>

Brandon so casually walked up to K'marh's office with smiles all over.

"what the hell happened to you?" K'marh said in a blunt tone of voice.

"Ohh nothing to much, i just had a good day, that's all"

K'marh smiled. "Get laid?"

"Uhh No" Brandon said giving him a warning look.

"Then what's so good about it?"

Brandon started to laugh "Its just good ok"

The computer chimed letting K'marh know that it was time.

He quickly changed into his home made battle uniform. It was grey, black and red, it had the sash like a Klingon traditional warrior, and light chainmail armor to cover the rest of the body. The chain mail was small and hidden under loose clothing, almost looking like a ninja warrior from old earth. He strapped a bandanna on his head and put on some gloves. From his secret closet he pulled out a unique looking sword. The handle was long, the hands were protected by 2 blades, to prevent someone from grabbing it. 2 smaller blades came up, much like the style of the Klingon Dak'tagh, and the main blade was long, and wide, double bladed and had some unique curves in it. It was spiked at the end.

K'marh strapped it on to his back and took off.

"What...What the hell is going on?"

"Just some leave time in the Holodeck" K'marh replied as the door closed behind him.

"Ohh really?" Brandon just watched as he left and sat down in the office chair.

Tarmis stood up from his meditation. He slowly opened his eyes staring almost blankly forward. Moving to the mirror Tarmis adjusted his black jeans, and pulled his loose shirt down some. The shirt was black with pockets all over it. Throwing on a small black vest Tarmis smiled as he grabbed is average looking sword. He strapped it in it's sheath to his waist. After checking his little extras he had he turned and left for Holodeck 2.

K'marh entered the Holodeck

"Computer begin Program, K'marh Battle Alpha"

"Acknowledged" The computer replied.

The room changed...

K'marh was standing on a rock face, one side was a deep and deadly cliff, the Background were volcanoes...and surrounding him were small and large rocks...which could be used as obstacles. It was dark and 4 moons shone above in the sky, the stars were bright and clear. Birds and animals could be heard in the distance.

Tarmis walked down the corridor to the Holodeck. Hearing loud conversation behind him he turned, noticing a group of crewman chatting and laughing. They followed to the Holodeck and stopped when he did. Tarmis turned to the group as he was entering, " sorry closed set." With that Tarmis walked inside sealing the doors. Tarmis smiled as he looked about the surroundings. ~Very interesting.~ He noticed K'marh and walked up next to him. " Let's do this." Tarmis said as he withdrew his smaller agile sword.

K'marh withdrew his sword and the 2 officers walked up to each other about 4 feet from each other, each one of them held the swords in front of them so they were touching.

"You ready" K'marh asked, smiling.

Tarmis did not say a word he only nodded. Keeping his eyes on K'marh to watch for body gestures which could give his impending moves away. Taking a readied stance he awaited K'marh's attack.

It seemed in the blink of an eye, as soon as he nodded, K'marh Spun around, bringing the sword around at waist level. His movements were so fast for an instant, it was all a blur.

Tarmis saw K'marh's left eye give him away. As K'marh's was spinning about Tarmis shoving his sword into the ground spun bringing his foot up and connecting with K'marh's jaw just as his blade pulled Tarmis sword out from under him. Tarmis like a cat dropped to his feet then to one knee. Standing his sword next to him.

K'marh stumbled back a bit.

"Nice Counter" Was all he said.

He charged Tarmis, and jumped for a high Jump kick, It was dodged and when he landed he swung his leg up and around for a high spin kick.

Tarmis rolled from the first attack into a standing position. As he did he saw K'marh's foot coming about. He knew he could not dodge it so he pulled his sword up and holding it with both hands allowed K'marh's foot to connect with the blunt edge of the sword. The momentum sent Tarmis stumbling back some, moments later regaining his composure.

K'marh didn't let him regain his balance, he Swung his sword down for a sweet to put him back to the floor.

Tarmis just regained his compose but not in time to stop the attack. Shoving his weapon into the ground K'marh's blade hit Tarmis but the momentum made Tarmis fall to the side. Seeing he could do nothing else Tarmis tucked into a roll and rolled down behind a rock approximately ten feet from K'marh. Taking the needed break Tarmis stood and focused knowing what K'marh would most likely do next.

K'marh fallowed suit and did the same, hiding behind a large 5 foot tall roundish rock. He felt his back to make sure it was still there....It was. and he simply smiled.

Tarmis prepared his next attack, then slowly started walking to where K'marh was. Something in Tarmis' mind gently shocked him. He did not know what it was but something told gave him the feeling K'marh was near. Tarmis took a deep silent breath then climbing a rock to the top he looked down on K'marh. Realizing K'marh hadn't seen him Tarmis jump, spinning in mid air and landing on his feet with his sword before him. With a large smile he began his attack with thrusts and parries.

K'marh didn't have time to react, The sword got him in the side cutting him open. He ignored it and dodged the sword a few more times. As Tarmis went for one final thrust of the sword, K'marh Grabbed it with his left hand, grabbed his wrist with his Right and with a move of his feet and nudge of his waist Tarmis flew over his back and hit the floor hard. K'marh came down elbow first to his stomach.

Tarmis exhaled hard as the wind was knocked out of him, then again when K'marh elbowed him. Through gritted teeth Tarmis use controlled anger to fuel his fight. Bringing his elbow down hard across the bridge of K'marh's nose he heard a crack. As K'marh moved back from the elbow Tarmis brought his feet up and using both feet kick K'marh as hard as he could in the face. Without waiting for K'marh's reaction Tarmis turned grabbing his sword and hurriedly moved to his feet, hold his stomach as he did.

Tears seemed to pour out of his eyes and his nose bled. He tried to stabilize himself. It wasn't working to well. He looked at Tarmis...only the tears made him see doubles and sometimes triple. K'marh Fell back stumbling and staggered leaning against a rock.

Tarmis eased his stance somewhat. His smirk was thin and hard, " Hurt's like hell don't it K'marh."

K'marh threw Tarmis his Sword, It flew about 20 feet up heading for Tarmis.

Tarmis stood stunned for a moment. with barely time to react he used his sword to shove the point slightly away from him. K'marh's blade continued it's fall right between Tarmis' legs, narrowly missing his manhood. The point did not miss his leg though and cut a gouge in Tarmis' leg before slamming into the ground. Tarmis' shock from being cut caused him to stumble back and fall. He landed near a pool of lava, his shoulder touching the edge of the pool. Tarmis screamed, jumping up. The lava burned a chunk of Tarmis' shoulder. The stench of burnt flesh wafted about as Tarmis ripped vest off and threw it to the ground. Tarmis turned to K'marh, " Safeties off, nice touch K'marh." Tarmis voice had the edge of anger about it.

K'marh, now being able to see a bit, Jumped forward, did a double forward ground roll, crashing into Tarmis sending him to the ground,

K'marh took the opportunity grabbed Tarmis' arm and Leg and Pinned him to the ground. "Games over" As he smiled.

Tarmis smiled widely at K'marh, " You truly believe that don't you. Tarmis used his free hand to grab K'marh's nose and pull hard on it from side to side then yanked it hard upwards.

K'marh with his right leg brought it up and down, knee connecting in the stomach, he Yanked the arm up and heard a subtle crack and with the other hand Punched the guy in the side of the head. He quickly then grabbed him by his cloths picked him up and tossed him.
"Is that all you can do? Don't be afraid to break more then just my nose because your the XO" K'marh laughed as he threw him.

Tarmis flew for a bit then landed hard. Shaking his head he growled, ~Ahh hell naw. This chit is over.~ Tarmis reached into one of his pockets, removing a small leather whip. With a word Tarmis unfurled the whip and slung it about K'marh's ankles. Yanking hard, K'marh fell to the ground. Tarmis jumped up, as blood began to trail along the side of his face and down his neck, while the gouge in his leg was now completely covered from dirt and debris. Dropping the whip Tarmis ran for K'marh.

K'marh reached behind him and Grabbed as et of Boas' and threw them, the wrapped around Tarmis and he fell flat on his face right beside K'marh. He knew now he was out of surprises and hoped he was as well.

Tarmis looked K'marh in the eyes. Both men locked eyes, for a moment a look of respect seemed to pass between them. Tarmis returned his mind to the moment at hand. Removing a small sharp dagger from his left wrist he began to cut the bolas about his ankles. Hoping to finish before K'marh got free.

K'marh watched him with aggravation. The bolas were made of strong material but in a matter of moments he would be free...He looked at his feet...seen the mess and tried to untie himself. It was now a race...he knew the first to be free would most likely win the match.

Tarmis finished cutting through his tangled mess of material. With out a moment to spare he stood, then flipped landing with his knees on K'marh's shoulders, pressing the small dagger against K'marh's neck , hard enough to trail a thin line of blood from the edge of Tarmis' blade.

"Big mistake"

K'marh brought up his feet above and over his head, so his head was trapped between K'marh's Legs and the rope. the rope between his ankles caught his neck as K'marh brought his feet back down sending Tarmis along with it, choking him slightly.

Tarmis flew backwards, somersaulting threw the air. He struggled to regain himself, but only did it partially. He landed rough on the ground, stumbling somewhat before he luckily was stopped by a large rock. Rubbing his neck and coughing Tarmis shook his head. ~Damn he getting on my nerves.~ Tarmis coughed some more as he withdrew the second dagger from his other wrist and slowly methodically made his way towards K'marh. A cold hardened look of frustration splashed across Tarmis' face.

Just then everything Quit....Everything was gone, they were standing in a room of black and yellow stripes, and it was dark...pitch black.

Tarmis looked about wide eyed. ~Damnit~ Tarmis felt something touch his mind again. Closing his eyes, somehow he knew K'marh was nearby. Tarmis starting running off to one side, coming about up behind where he felt K'marh would be. Reaching out he ran full force into K'marh knocking them both to the ground. Tarmis grabbed frantically and finding his dagger he stuck to K'marh's chest, the point slowly digging in just slightly. " This is done!"

"dammit!" K'marh almost shouted.

Tarmis smiled somewhat in the dark. " I take that as I won." Tarmis removed the blade from K'marh's chest, in the dark he fumbled and reached for K'marh's hand and pulled him up as both men stood. " You are and excellent warrior Lt and Honorable in battle." Tarmis put the dagger away.

"it was a good fight...Damn good..."

Tarmis felt around and retrieved his dagger, then slapped his badge, " Site top site transport. Two to beam directly to my quarters." A moment later both men disappeared, reappearing in Tarmis' quarters.

Tarmis walked over retrieving a medkit and a padd. Pulling up the medical information on the padd he and K'marh began using the kit to heal their wounds enough so no one would know the extent of their injuries.

OFF>

Joint Post

Lt K'marh Red Talon
Cheif Engineer
USS James Cook
&

===================
Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

On> Star Freedom Bridge

Hayes ran a final check over her control panels and gave a thumbs up to Sterling and Santiago as she readied the shuttle's stardrive. With the press of a button, the protective covers were blown off the twin warp engines, nestled above the space shuttle's wings and against the fuselage.

Santiago ran a final check and released the safety on the stardrive. She looked over to Hayes. "Let's do this, Skipper."

Elsie and Tarmis watched the shuttle on long-range scanners. "Report" She ordered

Hayes keyed the comm system. "Mission Control, Star Freedom. All systems go. Course laid in for the outer solar system."

Counselor Domina walked onto the bridge of the Cook and sat at her place next to Elsie. She leaned over and smiled to Tarmis before turning her attention to the viewscreen. She had her black sunglasses hooked onto the neck of her uniform.

The Tac Officer quickly scanned the readouts. Without looking up from his console, " Shuttle is preparing for warp now Ma'am. 100% operational."

The Operations Officer looked back to the Commodore. "Ma'am, we're tracking the Star Freedom. It looks like they are powering up for warp. Sensors are detecting a strong warp field emanating from the craft.

Tarmis smiled slightly as Chiara took her seat, ~ Sunglasses? I will have to ask about that one later.~

Aboard the Star Freedom Hayes activated the inertial dampening fields. "Mission Control, we are ready to rock."

Elsie replied, "Trail them but stay out of their sensor range."

The comm officer piped the shuttle's chatter to ground control in over the bridge speakers. Tarmis gave a
strange look, ~Ready to rock?~

"Copy Star Freedom. Goddess speed." Mission Control replied. With that, Hayes disengaged the ion drives and brought the warp drives up to military power. "What was once a boundary that womankind never thought she'd break past, now only becomes a mere memory as a voice in the night united under common goal claims space as her own." Hayes keyed the comm off and engaged the warp drive. The three pioneers were shoved back into their seats as the shuttle screamed forward into warp speed. They were dazzled by the warp tunnel and the following showers of rainbow light.

The Ops Officer looked up. "Commodore, they've gone to warp. Tracking."

"ECM and ECCM systems are on full Commodore." Rh'vaurek reported.

Domina watched the screen intently... and then her eyes began to fog over with the white..."Commodore, we need to go to red alert. We're about to have company." She said.

Tarmis leaned forward, as he watched the view screen with great intent. ~It is as if being there for Cochrane's first flight.~

"Rh'Vaurek, scan for other ships." Elsie said.

Tarmis quickly turned to Chiara, confused how she would know such a thing.

"Scanning..." he replied. "Commodore! There is a starship appearing from near the largest gas giant. They must have been hiding in the magnetic field.!"

"Identify!" Elsie barked.

"Stand by." Rh’Vaurek said. "Commodore... its the Inquisitor! They are on an intercept course for the Star Freedom!"

"Helm, Keep us between the Inquisitor and the Star Freedom."

Helm replied, " Aye Ma'am."

Tarmis stared at Chiara for a moment longer before he returned his gaze to the viewscreen. In a low voice, " Those Ferengi just don't quit. Like Terran cockroaches always under foot."

Hayes, Sterling and Santiago dismissed the shuddering of the tiny shuttle as it tore though space. Out the window, they could already see the massive gas giant Hera nearing... and a tiny orange spec coming towards them.

Domina put her sunglasses on, once again robbed of sight by her visions.

Elsie replied to Tarmis, "The Star Freedom would be a valuable antique to sell on the market."

Tarmis slightly ashamed he spoke that loud just replied , " Yes Ma'am."

Tork appeared on screen. "Hewman! Why do you torment me?"

The Inquisitor moved into position and fired a disruptor beam that knocked out the engines of the Star Freedom, forcing them to drop out of warp.

The Star Freedom's crew began to frantically work the controls to try and regain control of their ship, which was now tumbling towards the gas giant.

"Rh,Vaurek, report!"

"The shuttle has lost engine power... abruptly..."

Tarmis without turning from the view screen, " Get a Tractor beam on that shuttle."

Tork smiled on the viewscreen. "It seems we are now on a salvage mission, Commodore. I claim salvage rights! Do not approach or we will finish what we started with you!"

"We have to save them, Commodore." Domina said. "Tork plans to sell two of them to the Keldon'nar... and give another to... a Mac Phisto."

"Tork," Elsie challenged the figure on the screen, "The deal is off! You damaged the shuttle yourself! That is unfair business dealings. I don't think the FTC would appreciate my report on your unfair salvage practices!"

"They developed engine problems. They have no way to get home. I am certain their government will reward us dearly for their safe return." He said innocently.

Tarmis leaned over to Elsie, in a whisper," Ma'am we could launch the fighters to keep the Ferengi busy."

"Fighters will be ineffective. They are expecting us to do that. They have an ADD12 system installed. They'll tear the Wolves apart." Rh’Vaurek replied.

Elsie continued with Tork, "Do you think we did not detect your polarizing beam?"

"What polarizing beam were you speaking of, Commodore? We were simply collecting fuel from this gas giant when we saw the shuttle." Tork said.

Elsie looked over at Rh'Vaurek, who shook his head "no."

"Our sensors tell a different story, Tork. Stand down!" Elsie challenged.

Domina placed her hand on Elsie's arm. "Commodore... my eyes hurt."

Elsie leaned to Domina and whispered, "Can you blank out your perception? We are aware of the danger, now rest, and listen."

"I will try, Commodore." She said and leaned back.

Hayes activated the comm system and started broadcasting a distress signal on all channels.

Tarmis leaned over to his console. Quickly typing in a request to the Comm officer. The message read : Is it possible to send a virus or command through our comm channel into the Ferengi's computer core, allowing us to shut their systems down at least momentarily?.

The comm officer replied. "They have to be willing to accept the file, sir."

Elsie typed back: send it on a feedback loop if they try to tractor us or the shuttle

The Ops Officer and the Comm Officer both nodded to each other and turned to their consoles to get to work.

"Conn, Tactical... New contact... coming from the direction of the fourth planet." Rh'vaurek reported.

"Nazis" Domina whispered.

"On screen," Elsie ordered.

The screen split to show what looked like a naval battleship out of water, with large deck cannons and a larger star drive system. The on screen data showed no warp signature, but it did have a rudimentary impulse drive.

"Well that at least is in our favor..no warp drive." Elsie sighed.

Tork looked at his own sensors and started to become a little nervous.

"Take the shuttle in tow, then get us out of here!" He barked.

"Intercept!" Elsie spoke.

"Tactical systems ready." Rh'vaurek reported.

The helmsman nodded and opened up the throttle to full impulse.

"Tractor the shuttle into shuttlebay, now!"

The Ops Officer locked the tractor beam onto the shuttle as the Cook raced past the Inquisitor, stealing the shuttle away.

"We have them, Commodore!" The OpsO reported.

"Lock phasers on engines, Rh'Vaurek. If they twitch, fire!" Elsie ordered.

The Star Freedom's crew sat in amazement at the scene that was being played out.

"Number one, See to our guests. I have to take care of our little problem."

Ra's Al Ghul appeared on the screen. "You may have won yet again, Commodore, but I know your luck will not hold out."

Tarmis leaned over to Elsie. In a hushed voice, " Yes Ma'am, but Ma'am this act could appear to the other ship we are the ones who are trying to steal the shuttle."

"Let me deal with that. Right now we have three people who have never been in space inside a Federation Spacecraft." Elsie answered.

Al Ghul motioned for the Inquisitor to disengage and leave. The split screen's Ferengi side cut to the ship turning and breaking into warp speed.

"Commodore... the 'Nazi' ship is approaching. I am detecting energy spikes.' Rh'vaurek reported.

Tarmis rose, nodding to Chiara to Follow him. Then quickly made his way to the shuttle bay.

Domina remained in her seat, oblivious to what Tarmis was doing.

"Have they detected us?" Elsie asked.

"It's safe to assume they have, Commodore. They are approaching with caution." Rh'varuek replied.

“Avoid contact with them for now. Stay out of their sensor range.” Elsie said.

"We are being hailed... by the Star Freedom on a subspace channel." The Comm Officer reported.

Shuttle Bay>

Tarmis stood just inside the entrance to the shuttle bay. Two Security Officers standing slightly behind him. Phasers in their holsters, the two female guards remained prepared. Tarmis slowly walked over to the shuttle doors. He stood calmly awaiting the doors to open.

A woman of long light brown hair appeared on the screen. She wore a baby blue flight suit. "This is Lisa Hayes of the UNSS Star Freedom." She thought a minute about what she was going to say. "We are on a mission of peace and exploration and have no ill intentions. Please respond."

In the background, Sterling and Santiago could be seen readying sidearms.

Shuttle Bay>

Tarmis looked to the officers then shrugged. He leaned forward knocking on the shuttle’s hull. " You in there, We mean you no harm."

Santiago looked around "They talking at us, Skipper, from outside."

Hayes looked over. "Is there breathable atmosphere?"

Sterling nodded. "Just like ours."

On the forward screen Hayes appeared and Elsie answered, "I am Commodore Elsie Veritas of the Starship James Cook. My Executive Officer is outside your shuttle. He will do you no harm."

"Could be the Nazis." Santiago said.

Elsie answered over the screen, "We are not Nazi's. We are not from Terra Mater."

"Pipe down, San." Hayes said and turned back to the screen. "James Cook?" Hayes said. She turned to her crew. "They named a ship after Jane Cook's husband... you know, the famous explorer."

"Not Nazis? You may have to prove that 'Commodore.'" Hayes challenged.

Tarmis stepped back slightly from the shuttle to show he meant no ill will.

Elsie smiled a winning grin, "I am from the United Federation of Planets. Things are just a bit different from where we come."

Hayes looked down at Tarmis. For a moment, she considered opening the window and shooting at him.

"I'll bet." Hayes said. "It puzzles me that you would send a man to do a woman's work." she challenged.

Tarmis looked up to the female peering through the window of the shuttle. He gave is warmest smile, hoping to show his good intentions.

Elsie saw their frightened looks, "Why don’t you allow my executive officer to talk to you face-to-face? I will be there shortly and we can get you some food and drink and get introduced?"

Santiago tapped Hayes on the shoulder. "We don't have a choice, skipper. Whatever that other ship did knocked out our life support. We can't even get home."

"Rh’Vaurek, you have the conn." Elsie rose and headed for the turbolift. Momentarily she was in the shuttlebay and stood beside Tarmis.

The airlock of the Star Freedom hissed open, and Hayes appeared first with a large black rifle, pointed in the direction of Elsie and Tarmis.

Tarmis held up his hand as the two security officers drew their weapons and trained them on the shuttle crew.

Elsie held out her empty hands, "We are unarmed, Captain Hayes. We mean you no harm."

"All right, everyone keep your hands where I can see them... and no funny stuff... no alien Jedi mind tricks or anything like that crap!" Hayes barked.

"Put your weapons away!" Elsie ordered the guards.

The guards put their weapons away but stayed at the ready.

"All right. I know you are frightened. Let's take this slowly." Elsie said soothingly

The guards backed off, holstering their weapons. Santiago, the smallest of the three walked over to Elsie. She raised her arm in a Nazi salute. "Heil Hitler." She said, waiting for a response.

Hayes watched intently.

Tarmis raised an eyebrow slightly.

Elsie held out her hand for a handshake, "Welcome to the USS James Cook."

Santiago smiled and clasped Elsie's hand. "Hey Cap’n, they're cool."

Hayes smiled and slung her rifle over her shoulder. "Whew." She said. "That was tense!"

"Come, let's go to the officers' lounge for some refreshment. I think the sights you see will astound you." Elsie gestured the way to a turbolift. "This is my executive officer, Captain Tarmis Jeram."

Sterling looked around. "Certainly does look like something the Nazi's would have dreamed up... Or Barrette-Roddenberry... heck, or even Georgia Lucas."

Hayes walked over to Elsie and rendered a traditional military salute. "Commodore, Captain Lisa Hayes, Commanding Officer, UNSS Star Freedom."

Tarmis nodded pleasantly to the shuttle crew.

"Captain Hayes, " Elsie returned the salute.

Santiago winked at Tarmis.

Tarmis cheeks turned slightly red. As he turned to look forward.

"My apologies for our actions, Commodore. We had to be certain you were freindly. This does look like something the Nazis would do... and forgive me but you don't look alien."

Inside the turbolift, Elsie spoke, "Officers' Lounge," and it began to move sideways and up.

"I am a Betazoid. We look mostly human, but we have some differences." Elsie answered.

They arrived in the Officer's Lounge where Chiara Domina was waiting.

"Betazoid?" Hayes asked.

Sterling ribbed Hayes, "Hey boss, now we're seeing aliens."

They looked over at Domina who was sitting quietly at a table.

Elsie led them to Domina. "Yes, I will explain later. This is our ship's counselor, Chiara Domina. Her race is Nebari."

Tarmis felt awkward suddenly in the company of so many females at once, but tried to control his outward appearance.

Domina stood up, favoring the safety of the table. She looked in the direction of the voices. "Pleased ta meet ya." She said.

"Please everyone, sit down." Elsie offered.

Domina slowly sat down, along with the three Terra Materians.

Tarmis sat down next to Elsie.

Elsie signaled to the waiter. "Place your orders. Whatever you want."

"You guys don't like eat bugs do you?" Sterling asked.

"No, just me." Domina said.

Tarmis smirked shaking his head slightly, ~Eat Bugs.~

Hayes and her crew looked at the menus, and to their surprise they saw a number of things that looked appealing.

"What's Pizza?" Hayes asked.

Flat bread with lots of vegetables, meat, and melted cheese." Elsie answered.

"Sounds interesting..." Hayes looked to her crew. "Let's try it."

Sterling leaned over to Domina. "You don't really eat bugs, do you?" She asked.

"No, not really... I eat the same foods as everyone else."

"Supreme Pizza, all the toppings." Elsie ordered. "And a pitcher of beer, synthehol."

Tarmis leaned over to the waiter after everyone finished, " I'll have a Raktajino."

The crew smiled when the pitcher of beer came out. "The only thing good to come out of the Axis." They said , hoisting their pints. "To the Cook... we'd be dead otherwise."

"So, I imagine you have questions!" Elsie grinned.

Domina tried to get the beer to her lips and missed.

"Plenty of them, Commodore." Hayes asked. "Until an hour ago, we thought we were alone in the galaxy."

Elsie reached over and steadied Domina's mug.

Domina lowered the mug with Elsie's help. She then reached under the table to find Tarmis' hand and clasped it.

Tarmis almost jumped out of his skin as a hand touched his. Looking about unsure he realized Chiara had done it. He smiled warmly and continued holding her hand.

Tarmis took his Raktajino and raised it to the crew in salute. He took a small drink and placed it on the table, keeping his eyes low and staying quiet.

"There are millions of people in the galaxy, many of whom have formed an alliance for maintaining peace in this part of our galaxy." Elsie told them.

"Sounds like what the UN is trying to do." Hayes said. "If only the Axis would cooperate."

"We have whole planets like the Axis, only they are different races." Elsie answered.

"So what you're saying is there are good guys and bad guys out there?" Hayes replied. "I'm assuming the monkeys that came from Hera were not on your side."

"You saw them?" Elsie was surprised.

"Yeah, they nearly ran us over... then you swung by with your ship and got us away from them."

"Those are the Ferengi. There are bad ones and not so bad ones. Their culture is based solely on making money."

Hayes nodded. "So what's next?"

"We take you home and introduce ourselves to your people." Elsie suggested.

"We'd appreciate that." Hayes said. "I'm certain President Sterling will be very interested to meet you."

"I do not know the customs of your people that well, but it appears your culture is female dominated. Would it be all right for my executive officer to accompany me?"

"Sure. Men's suffrage has come along way to give men equal rights in the last three hundred years. They're catching up." She said.

Tarmis looked from Elsie to Hayes, unsure. ~Men's Suffrage? Oh boy.~

Elsie grinned at Tarmis, who was clearly uncomfortable with the situation. "Perhaps you should explain to our guests what you do on this ship?"

Hayes looked over to Tarmis.

Tarmis took a deep breath, " I am the second in command for Commodore Veritas. I help in her decisions and ensure the ship runs smoothly, among other things."

"Impressive." Hayes said.

Tarmis smiled. With a slight nod," Thank you Ma'am." Tarmis said to Hayes.

"Our collective society is based on equality among genders and species." Elsie offered.

"Cool." Sterling said. "My sister will like that. She's been fighting for men's rights for a long time."

"At one time on another planet similar to yours, women had to fight for their citizenship rights." Elsie said.

"Indeed?" Hayes replied.

"That would be an interesting history lesson."

The Pizza arrived, hot and steaming, with aromas to make one's mouth water.

Elsie took a piece and demonstrated how to eat it.

The others followed suit.

Tarmis took an extremely small piece and slowly ate it. Taking tiny bites as he did.

Tarmis sat his pizza down, looking at Hayes. " Could you tell us more about your Culture?"

"We are a culture on the verge of being able to declare world peace. We've had a long history, with periods of peace and war. We tend to favor peace more. It is more logical to create then to destroy. It was said that originally males dominated, but all they wanted was war... to see who could be better. Then womankind rose and took power."

Tarmis listened intently, " So you are saying only women are allowed to hold any type of office or positions of power?”

"No, men are slowly coming back into the fold, but many of the world leaders in the past and present have been women." Hayes replied.

"But it seems you are not united, in spite of women having the power." Elsie stated. "what problems are you facing?"

"150 years ago, we faced the Second World War... in which the Germans sought to take power over the world. The war lasted ten years and ended in a cease-fire and a cold war that has existed ever since. Nuclear weapons, space weapons. NATO was established to respond to the Axis threat, but now the cold war is beginning to become a thing of the past. We were hoping that the Star Freedom would make everyone realize that there is something more then petty differences."

"That is a worthy goal. One which many could stand to learn from." Tarmis said as he sipped his Raktajino.

"That has been the case on many worlds. They united when they discovered they were part of a larger, galactic community." Elsie said.

"We were hoping that would happen too." Hayes said.

"We shall see. We will meet with your President, then it will be up to her to decide if we should be introduced to the general population. If not, we go and leave you in peace."

"Should be easy enough." Sterling said. "She is my sister, after all."

Elsie grinned, and bit into her pizza.

Elsie glanced over her shoulder to the two female guards. "When they are finished eating, please show them to the bridge." Elsie then looked at Hayes. "I am going to head back to Terra Mater, and we will prepare to meet your President. If you will excuse me, I must return to the bridge."

Hayes nodded.

Elsie whispered to Domina as she rose, "Are you going to be all right, Chiara?"

"I'll be fine, I think." She whispered.

"I will see you later, then, Counselor. We are going to need you on the away mission."

Domina nodded. "Ok."

Tarmis saw the way Hayes and her crew enjoyed the beer. Emptying the last of the pitcher he asked Hayes, " Would you care for another pitcher Ma'am?" Tarmis gave Chiara a reassuring squeeze under the table.

Hayes, Sterling and Santiago began conferring among themselves as Elsie stood to leave.

Off>

JP

Capt. Tarmis Jeram
Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
&
Lt. Chiara Domina (also as astronauts and Bad guys)
Chief Counselor
USS James Cook
&
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

CO U.S.S. James Cook
Python Fleet Flagship

ON> SETI Lab

Nancy Devers, aimed a telescope in the direction of the Star Freedom's flight. She hoped to pick up not only the shuttle, but possibly another ship, an alien ship.

A knock at her door diverted her attention.

Devers called, "Come in," and continued to focus the scope.

Three people walked in. A woman in a leather trench coat and two larger men in black combat armor.
"Frau Devers, I presume?" The woman asked.

"Not looking up from the binocular eyepiece she absently said, "That is Nancy Devers."

"Of course, Frau Devers... ve vould like to speek vith you about a project you are vorking on." The woman said.

"One minute, Please." Nan made some final adjustments to the scope, then looked up, Her face paled at the sight of the SS uniforms. She swallowed and said, "What are YOU doing here?"

"Vhy Frau Devers... you know vhy we are here... you have been communicatiing vith aliens, have you not? Ve vould like to see your data of course. Ve can do zis zee esay vay, or ze hard vay. It is your decision."

Nancy laughed! "You are mistaken! I LOOK for aliens, I don’t SPEAK with aliens! I am not crazy, y’know."

The woman snapped her fingers and one of the Nazi thugs opened a laptop. She pressed a button which displayed the transcript of her conversation.

Nancy's eyes narrowed, then she peered at the Nazi leader. "That is a fabrication! This is absurd!"

"Come now, Frau Devers. Ve are not you enemies. Ve can vork together vith zis." The woman said. "Our own spies have detected your subspace communications. Ve have monitored zem for a very long time."

Trying not to be nervous Nan asked, "And what have you concluded?"

"We have concluded zat you have indeed communicated with aliens, unt zat zey are enterving our star system even now." She said.

"I see," Nan spoke condescendingly," And if they were, what is it to you?"

"Ve simply vish to be able to communicate vith them as vell. Zey seem to know you. Vith your help, ve will make fist contact, unt show zem that ve can be friends. The Fhurer does not believe zat ze UN vill be able to do ze job."

"Oh, and you Fascist pigs will?" Nan laughed derisively, "You will probably interrogate them, then start a war, just like the MEN who ruled us before!" She ended angrily.

"Ve varned you, Frau Devers. Ve could do zis ze easy vay, or ze hard vay. I tvied to be nice unt courteous, but you give me no alternative. Boyz..."

"Let me GO!" Nan yelled, but there was no one in this area of the labs to hear her.

There was a hiss and hum from behind the two men. One froze as a beam of energy protruded from his armor. He fell to his knees to reveal a man in a samurai outfit.

"Back away from the woman." He said calmly.

Nan's mouth fell open! "Who are you!" She gasped.

"Vat is zis!" the Nazi SS woman growled. "Get him!"

Rafe brought his lightsaber to the ready and went low as the Nazi thug charged him. Rafe brought the lightsaber across the mans gut, cutting him open but cauterizing the wound.

The SS Woman drew a laser blaster and aimed at Rafe. She fired and Rafe easily deflected it with the energy sword.

With a twirl of his blade, he attacked the woman and severed her hand holding the laser.

Nan gasped and covered her eyes in horror!

Rafe used a phaser to take care of the SS Woman. He then turned to Nancy.

He extended his hand to her. "Come with me if you want to live."

Nan's hand shook as she took Rafe's. Without a word she stepped to his side.

"There are more Nazis coming. They want your data. It has to be destroyed." Rafe said.

Helicopters could be heard off in the distance.

"They had a recording of my conversation. Wait!" Nan ran to her console and pulled the disk containing the evidence of the conversation with the James Cook." Ok I’m ready."

Rafe took from his kimono a small device. He set a dial and tossed it into the SETI computer room.

"Let's go." He said and grabbed her by the hand to lead her outside to his waiting car. It was the same car that she had seen Rafael Veritas drive, but it had stylistic differences that now made it look like something from a 20th century "Bat woman" movie.

"Get in." he said calmly. He looked up to see the helicopters getting closer.

Nan quickly got into the side that had the least amount of controls.

Rafe got in and check the systems. He pulled back the throttle and the car raced off across the New Mexico desert.

Nan looked over to the man driving..."You look..familiar. Mr. Veritas?"

"Yes." Rafe replied.

"Although Mr. Veritas is only a cover." He added.

"You...."she whispered, "You are the one from the spaceship, aren't you?"

The car was now travelling at about 200mph, leaving the choppers well behind.

"Yes, Nancy, I am." He said. "I am Rafe Oosha from the Federation Starship James Cook."

Minutes later, they arrived at the hollow mesa that served as the Mudhen's hideout.

Nan's heart beat fast in her chest. A real honest-to-Goddess extraterrestrial!

They pulled into the cave where the Mudhen was and underneath the ship of glowing lights. The hover car changed shape back to its original Tyrusian configuration and docked in an underside port, it's underside becoming one with the hull. The top opened to the interior of the Mudhen and Rafe motioned for Nancy to climb out.

"The Nazis are sure to have followed us here. I imagine they will be here soon. We have to leave." He said.

Nancy climbed out, but she was shaking so bad, she could barely make herself move. She stumbled out of the seat.

Rafe opened an icebox and pulled out a beer and some peanuts. "Here. It will help calm you down." He said, then took a seat at the shuttle's controls.

He activated the startup sequence for the shuttle. He then initiated the cloaking device to hide them from prying eyes.

"B...Beer and peanuts? I....uh...when are the antennae and tentacles going to appear?" She stared at Rafe with a deer-in-the-headlights look.

"I'm certain we can produce those for you later if it will make the experience more memorable, but right now I don't have the time. Sit down, drink and relax." He said, making a mental note to see if there was an Andorian on the Cook to introduce her to.

"Away we go." He said as the Mudhen began to rise from the mesa.

Nan examined the container, then pressed the top. It formed a small spout and she gulped the beer down, stifling a belch.

Rafe smiled as they flew past the unwitting Nazis and up into space.

"WHOOOOOEEEEHHHH!" She shouted! Only a select few had even been in space.

"Keep it down, please." He said.

"Sorry, "She whispered and blushed.

Rafe activated the secured channel to Cook. "Mudhen to Cook. Mudhen to Cook, respond please."

"This is Cook, come in Mudhen."

"I am returning to the ship. I have a guest."

"Understood, Mudhen. Shuttlebay is clear."

"Copy. I expect arrival in one hour. Mudhen out." he said, closing the channel. He turned back to Nancy. "Now you may party." He said.

Nancy was all eyes as she stared out into space. "My Goddess!" She gushed in awe, "It is even more beautiful from here!"

"We like to think so too." Rafe replied.

"We. How many of you are there?"

"On my ship, just over a thousand." Rafe said. "But the galaxy is teeming with life."

"I KNEW it! I KNEW it! Ever since I was a child, I just knew there had to be others out there....er...here...Y'know." She shrugged, at a loss for words.

Rafe smiled with her exclamation. "Which is what led you to work with SETI, right?"

"Yes. A few of us fanatics started up SETI. Only three of us are left. Lack of funding."

"You won't need funding anymore." Rafe said.

"I...wont?" But it takes a lot of money to build spaceships, telescopes, and communications.

"Terra Mater is about to join the galactic community." Rafe said. "With the advent of warp technology, your scientific advances will allow my people to make contact with yours."

"Let me guess....you guys don't contact people until they achieve FTL flight?" Nan asked

"Yes." Rafe said. "Our laws prohibit it. We do not want to disturb the natural development of a planet unless invited to do so."

"The Prime Directive!" Nan exclaimed.

"You know of the Prime Directive?" Rafe asked.

"Yes! We have this video show, "Trek to the Stars" and because of the ideas of its creator, we have striven to reach beyond our planet. Its has aliens, the Prime Directive, warp drive, and all that! I have been a fan for twenty years," She blushed. " A real hard-core Trekkie."

Rafe raised the eyebrow over his good eye. "Trek to the Stars. Fascinating."

"Most of our high-tech advances were first shown on Trek. I often wonder if Majel Barrette-Rodenberry was from the future."

"Anything is possible." Rafe said, relaxing in his seat.

Nan grinned. "I like that. Its good to hear it from an alien..I mean extraterrestrial."

They talked for an hour, Nan doing most of the babbling, like a star-struck Trekkie. She glanced up out of the forward window and pointed, "What's that! O my Goddess, what is that?"

"That... is the USS James Cook." Rafe said looking at the starship in the distance.

"It's.....HUGE! The Star Freedom barely hold three astronauts!" nan exclaimed.

"The Cook boasts a crew of just over a thousand, but in her previous missions she was a colonization ship capable of accommodating up to 15,000 people." He said.

"That is a small CITY! How can a ship support that many people?"

"We've refined the technology over the last couple hundred years." He offered.

"You use the power form the warp core to power your life support, right? And you have replicators that recycle your trash and......" Her voice drifted off as she suddenly realized that Trek was real!

"Yes." Rafe replied.

Nancy began to laugh and laugh! "Oh if the skeptics could see this!"

"Indeed." He said.

She turned to Rafe as far as her restraints would allow and exclaimed, "I want to see it all!"

"With luck, you will be able to." He said.

Nan grinned and laid her head back on the head support as they approached the Cook.

Off>

Capt. Rafe Oosha (also as Nazis)
CIO USS James Cook
&
Commodore Elsie Veritas (As Nancy Devers)
CO USS James Cook
 

On>
Domina's Quarters>

Domina's latest blind episode was still in full swing, with no end in sight. With the computer's help, she determined it was going into the fifth hour now. She stumbled her way to her bed and sat down.

Tarmis left the bridge, slowly making his way to the lift.. He got into the lift and was about to say his deck but changed his mind. Exiting the lift he decided to take the long way and go visit Chiara. Sometime later he gently pressed the chime to Chiara's door.

Chiara fumbled to get her sunglasses on. "Enter." She said finally. She knew her quarters had to already be a disaster from her fumbling.

Tarmis walked in to Chiara's quarters, stopping just inside the door. Clothes and belongings were strewn across the room and tables and things laid on the floor or half turned over. Tarmis looked about in shock, " Chiara? Are you ok?"

"Tarmy... yeah, I'm fine... I guess." She didn't move from the edge for the bed.

Tarmis heard her voice from the other room. After a moment he questioningly asked , " Huh Should I come back or are you busy or something?" ~Why hasn't she come in here, I wonder if she has someone in the bedroom with her?~

"No Tarmy... come to my bedroom." She said, trying to stand up. She was wobbly from her lack of sight.

Tarmis nervously made his way into the bedroom, looking about he realized it was even worse than the living room. Tarmis walked over stopping just before Chiara, " What happened, I mean you are ok right?" Tarmis gestured about the room.

"I'm fine Tarmy... Its just that... its just... I can't see." She said, bowing her head.

Tarmis looked strangely at her, moving his head from side to side trying to see if he could see her eyes. He slowly raised a hand and waved it before her face realizing she was telling the truth. " Chiara what happened, we should get you to sick bay." Tarmis said as he gently took her arm.

"No, Tarmy... they can't do anything for me." She said, putting her hand on his chest. "I have powers... brain powers... and when I use them, they affect my vision... and then when I see deep into the future, it makes me go blind... each time it lasts longer."

Tarmis stood, his mouth wide open in shock. He struggled for the words to say but they evaded him. He eventually stammered out, " Chiara I am so sorry." Then gently hugged her.

"Don't be sorry, please... I didn't want to tell you... I didn't want you to think of me as a freak." She said softly.

Tarmis smiled widely, stepping back he gestured to his face, forgetting she couldn't see. " You think I could think of you as a freak when I look like this now? No Chiara I could never."

Domina smiled. "Thank you Tarmy... thank you for being here... not leaving, you know?"

Tarmis smile seemed to almost glow warmly as he smiled upon Chiara. " Chiara it wasn't you I was leaving. It was alot of other things I could not or did not want to face in my life. This transformation pushed it to the breaking point and I felt alone and lonely somehow. I was just scared and afraid of the lonely feelings."

"I was alone, before I met you... and when I heard you wanted to leave, I was afraid I'd be alone again... and with my condition... well, I don't want to be alone again, you know?"

Tarmis gently took Chiara into his arms and hugged her tightly. Whispering in her ear, " I know Chiara I know." He held her rubbing her back, holding her in his arms.

"Are you in a hurry to get anywhere?" She asked.

Tarmis shook his head, " No Hogah is spending the night at a class mates tonight. I was just planning on eating some dinner and going over reports before bed."

"Would... would you lay down with me for a little bit. I like to sleep off the blindness and I'd feel better if you were here with me." she said

Tarmis looked about, unsure of wether he should or not. Taking a deep breath he smiled , " Sure come on." Tarmis gently took her hand, he lead he to the bed and lied down next to her. Tarmis held her close to him while he rubbed her back.

It didn't take long until Chiara was asleep, nestled close to him.

Tarmis whispered in Chiara's ear, " Sweet Dreams Chiara, I will see you in your dreams." Tarmis pulled slightly closer and after a short time fell safely into a deep sleep.

off>

Joint Post

Lt. Chiara Domina
Chief Counselor
USS James Cook
&

===================
Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

On> The Bridge of the Axis Naval Vessel Nuremberg

Hauptmann Klien watched as the Cook maintained orbit around Hera. She was warned by the alien Ra’s Al Ghul that the possibility of more aliens arriving was a reality, and that she should treat them with a level of caution. That warning was affirmed as the Cook rescued the Star Freedom from the clutches of Al Ghul’s ship and effectively stole the UN warp technology from Klien’s waiting hands. The hierarchy would not be pleased with this failure.

Klien sat back in her seat to weigh her options. The Cook looked like a fragile ship, with her engines outside the hull, unlike her own ship. The sensors read a number of weapons present, as well as defensive shields, which would defend them from the numerous plasma turrets of the Nuremberg. Given the size of the alien ship, larger then her own battleship, it would be a battle that she wasn’t sure if she could win.

Klien looked at the sensors that had been offered to her by the Ferengi. They were adequate in use, but a drain on the ship’s nuclear power plants. It was enough to show her that while the Inquisitor had left the system, they were not too far away. In fact, they were close enough to still do business with.

“Hail ze Ferengi zhip.” Klien ordered.

“Channel open, Hauptmann.” The Communications Officer replied.

“Inkvisitor, zis is ze Nuremberg. What is you situation?” she asked.

Ra’s Al Ghul appeared on screen. “Hauptmann, my Ferengi associates were deterred by the Federation presence in your system. We are currently working our way back in and using ECM to cover our trail. We should arrive over Terra Mater’s north pole within a couple of days.”

“Zat iz acceptable, Herr Al Ghul.” Klien replied. “Iz Herr Phisto still vith you?”

“Yes, he is. He is ready to continue our experiments. We are not pleased that our last batch of subjects were taken from us, nor are we pleased that the Cook rescued the Star Freedom.” Al Ghul said.

“Ve have plenty of ‘subjects’ for you on Terra Mater, Herr Al Ghul. Ve vill contact you again soon. Nuremberg out.” Klien closed the channel.

200 hundred years ago, the Nazis had attempted genetic cleansing when the tried to exterminate the Jews… and now with the arrival of Ra’s Al Ghul, Klien was certain that the Third Reich would be able to finish the job.

Off>

Capt. Rafe Oosha

Chief Intelligence Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
"Wisdom begins in wonder."

ON - Sick bay

Jake walks over to Llaiir, he inserts a hypo into her neck to wake her up.

Llaiir slowly opens her eyes she blinks them a couple of times before trying to sit up

Jake looks down at Llaiir, "How are you feeling?"

Finally opening her eyes she looks up "A little sore, what happened?" Llaiir could no longer hear the soft mind of her daughter from inside her looking down she noticed she was no longer carrying a child and started to panic

"You had an accident, they had to take your child out prematurely, it is being taken care of, and should develop correctly with the help of my self, and my staff"

Llaiir gave Jake a relieved smile "I know you can, I trust you with both our lives" Llaiir continued to smile with a sparkle coming to her eyes

Jake smiles, "I thank you for your confidence. I will be happy to see you take your child home"

"I have dreamed of this day for a long time, she will bring me many years filled with worry and joy

Jake nodded, "Some say the, a child is a gift from god, but at the same time they say, they take a lot out of you."

"She already has" Llaiir giggled "Can I see her"? she inquired

"you will have to come with me. She wont be able to leave the incubator for a few days if not weeks"

Llaiir nodded then slid her legs off the biobed holding on to Jake for support as she tried to Stand up "Thank you"

Jake helped Llaiir up and helped her over to the incubator. "there she is" he smiled as he pointed.

Llaiir looked down on her child which was sleeping peacefully, "She is so small!" she quietly exclaimed

"Yes, it is that size because of its early birth. It will grow over the next few weeks"

"Is she all right, apart from being born early?" Llaiir asked curiously

"Yeah, she seems fine. She might have a few problems breathing on her own, but that should heal up with some help"

Llaiir gave a relieved sigh "Thank you, I do not think either of us would have survived back home"

"Back home, you mean the Romulan Empire?"

"Yes" Llaiir nodded sadly

"well I hope with the exchange program they will be able to get more technology"

Llaiir looked up at Jake and smiled, hope flickering in her eyes

Jake smiles, "I think you should get some rest, if you would like to visit your daughter through out the day, you can ask one of the nurses, they'll gladly help you." He helped her, leading her back to the biobed

Llaiir took Jakes arm as he led her back to the biobed pulling her self back up with a little bit if effort then lay back down "thank you for letting me see her Jake

"It was my pleasure, if there isn’t anything else you need, I will get back to my work"

"No, that will be all, thank you once again, you are a wonderful friend" Llaiir Smiled at him

Jake helps her onto the biobed, "Well I will be off, I hope to see you later"

Llaiir roll onto her side hoping to relieve some of the pain in her back as she looks towards the incubator that houses her daughter

OFF

Dr. (Cmdr) Jake Merlose
Chief Medical officer
USS James Cook
&
Lt. Llaiir t’Rehu
CR&D
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship

"If it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad"

ON - Bridge, USS James Cook-A

Rh’vaurek sat in the command chair watching the screen carefully for any signs of the Ferengi ship then his subordinate spoke up "Rekkhai, I am getting a sensor jamming, it is coming from the last known coordinates of the Ferengi vessel but it is moving"

"Where abouts?" Rh’vaurek asked

"the Scrambled signal seems to be heading to Terra Mater Rekkhai" the Junior Tactical officer answered

Rh’vaurek tapped his Comm badge "Erei’Riov tr’Radaik to Lieutenant Surat, get a shuttle outside so we can see what is going on look towards the planet and tell us if you can see the Ferengi Vessel, and keep an open comm link once you see it come back imediatly"

"Aye sir" came the reply from Lt Surat

Lt. M'Row purred "Aye Sir" as Rh’vaurek looked at him to keep the comm link open

The bridge sat silent as it waited for a report from Lt. Surat finally the silence was broken with a crackly signal "Si…he Fereng…..ip is hea…g fo…he not….le of Terr…ter, ret….ng bac..o th..ook now"

Rh’vaurek sat anxiously as he waited for the shuttle to return, he tapped his comm badge "Erei’Riov tr’Radaik to Main shuttle bay, When Lieutenant Surat returns, tell him to report to the bridge"

"Aye Sir" came the reply from the Shuttle bay officer

Rh’vaurek continued the anxious wait for Surat to return, moments later Surat walked onto the bridge and over to Rh’vaurek ~ What’s happening out there? ~

~ The Ferengi ship is moving towards Terra Mater, Sir ~ Surat replied

Rh’vaurek nodded ~ Dismissed ~

Surat Nodded then walked off the bridge back down to the main shuttle bay

Rh’vaurek tapped his comm badge, then shook his head, the commodore was with the astronauts from Terra Mater he was not about to cause a panic among them he decided to contact her telepathically ~ Commodore, the Ferengi a using an ECM to block our sensors and are heading to Terra Mater, they will most likely head for the north pole using the planets magnetic field to hide once there ~

then he sat waiting for a reply

OFF
 

===============================
Erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik

CTAC/SEC Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship

"A little chaos is good for the soul"

On> Domina’s Quarters

Personal Log Supplemental.

Its been a while since I’ve shared a bed with anyone… I think the last time was when I was seeing Tarn Gamak before I entered the Academy. I was seeing him for a short time while living on my own in Seattle on Earth. He didn’t like the fact that I wanted to join Star Fleet so one morning I woke up alone. Nothing new to me.

This time it was very different. I woke up next to Tarmis Jeram. A respected Star Fleet captain and a man I am falling in love with. As I silently write this log with eyesight once again returning to me, he sleeps in my bed. He is so peaceful looking with his eyes closed… even his light snore is reassuring.

While we were not physically intimate this time around, his coming to me in an hour of need was very intimate. It made me feel safe when he put his arms around me. It made me realize for the first time in a long time that everything was going to be all right.

Its kinda the same way I feel when I see Capt. Oosha. If ever there was a man that reminded me of my father, its Rafe. Daddy was calm and cool, even when under a great deal of stress. He didn’t let anything get to him. Rafe himself is a kind of enigma, especially for a trained Counselor. It’s hard enough I cannot read him, let alone that the few files that exist on him with Star Fleet prior to his sacrifice for the crew are all classified. Makes my job of getting into his head a lot more difficult… but then again, I don’t think I should have to worry about Rafe’s mental health. He seems to have it very much together. He’s the old man of the boat… The father figure or the kind grandpa at the very least. A lot of people seek him out for advice or for words of encouragement, which he is happy to give. He may very well be backbone of the James Cook.

When I look at Elsie Veritas, I see a woman of the same caliber as Admiral Katherine Janeway. Strong, professional, but compassionate. Without a doubt she’s one of the best. I know she draws a lot of strength from Rafe, and its obvious that Rafe has a lot of strength to give. They are a team supreme… a dynamic duo… superheroes in their own right.

Then there’s Tarmis… my dear Tarmy. He’s got so much to learn. He’s made it to captain, but that doesn’t mean you’re the best. The only thing hindering him from being the best is himself. He’s made appointments with me, and I already know that he will need to focus on looking past himself and his own limitations and expand into his role as Executive Officer of the Cook and role model for the younger officers. Elsie needs him to be that. Much of the crew already looks up to Rafe and Rh’vaurek… Rh’vaurek especially.

Here’s a Romulan that’s looked past the tensions of the past… He’s looked past the hatred the UFP and the RSE had for each other and has strived to become a model officer. He is truly one of the strengths of this ship, and with the professionalism of Shiarrael, I can sleep better at night knowing that they are around.

But what about the ship’s counselor? Hey, I’ve sought Rafe out myself from time to time for advice. Someone needs to counsel the counselor… yeah, I can go to Elsie for girl talk, but talking to Rafe is like being able to talk to my Daddy again. I should make a point to get to know him better.

You know, the nap made me feel a lot better… especially about myself and especially about Tarmy… I’m looking at him now as he’s stirring in bed about to wake up…

Oh, I’m evil… just thought about a little something something I replicated from the Victoria’s Secret catalogue I was going to surprise Tarmy with. I guess there’s no time like the present.

Ciao. Chiara Domina, signing off.

Off>
 

===================
Counselor Chiara Domina

USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
 

ON> Bridge

Elsie strode onto the bridge. “Rh’Vaurek, keep an eye on the Inquisitor. I don’t want them disrupting our First Contact efforts.”

“Aye, Ma’am,” He said as he left the center seat and took his station on the upper bridge.

Elsie settled into Center seat. “Standard Orbit. Keep out of sensor range of any Terra Mater ships. What is the status of the away team?”

“Captain Rafe is safely back onto the ship…with a guest.”

“Have all the guests come to the Ready Room with Mr. Oosha and Counselor Domina at their earliest convenience.” Elsie ordered.

“Aye Ma’am.”

OFF>
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

CO U.S.S. James Cook
Python Fleet Flagship

ON>
Genesis had gotten a good night's sleep and was back on duty in sickbay again. She was shuffling through reports and laughing to herself. The crew at large seemed to be overjoyed that they had a certified ob doctor aboard. Genesis was thrilled. This would be her largest practice yet and she was looking forward to the challenge. She got up and stretched and went to check in on Llaiir and her newborn.

Critical care>
After checking Llaiir's vitals. Genesis walked over and checked on the baby. The little girl was doing fine. Genesis was still a bit worried about the premature birth but was confident with a lot of attention and care the little girl would develop fine. Genesis set the computer to alert her if Llaiir awoke and if the baby's vital signs changed. She walked out of critical care and back into the main sickbay and started checking on the other patients.

Tarmis' quarters>
Kmarh and Tarmis were playing with a dermal regenerator. It didn't do any good for the internal bleeding and the blood stained clothes, and sure didn't do much for a broken....a Really Broken Nose. So he had himself beamed on the same deck as sickbay and walked in to avoid gaining the attention of the crew.
Kmarh rounded the corner and entered sickaby

The doors whooshed open and Genesis looked up. She noticed the Klingon. ~Correction make that half-Klingon~ as he entered her sickbay. Genesis' eyes narrowed. He looked like he'd been in a fight. "May I help you crewman?"

Kmarh smiled...I got a few bumps and bruises I need you to fix" he said and he sat down on a biobed.

Genesis shook her head but snatched up a tricorder and walked over to Kmarh. Her eyes widened at the extent of his injuries. "You lie down right now. Bumps and bruises my azz!" she exclaimed as she pointed at the biobed and cursed him under her breath.

"Its nothing serious doctor...can we please do this so I can get to work" Kmarh laid down at the appointed spot.

"Nothing serious you say? Well let's try this on for size. Internal bleeding, fractured nose, various bruises and," Genesis said furiously.

"Dont get mad at me, its your job to do this stuff...if you want I'll do it myself"

Just then Brandon walked in with a hand behind his back and he was looking around.

Genesis straightened up to all her 5 feet height and glared at Kmarh as she poked him hard in the chest. "Listen here Klingon. I can let you die if you wish or you can shut up and let me do my job. I should write you up for this! But I won't. Next time I won't show the same weakness. Do I make myself clear?" Genesis said softly. So intent and focused on Kmarh was she that she hadn't noticed Brandon entering in sickbay.

"I am insulted, I'll have you know I am not klingon," Kmarh growled warningly at Genesis.

Brandon simply walked up behind Genesis and watched her not saying a word or making a move.

Genesis threw up her hands and slid the surgical arm into place. "Lie still then!" she commanded as she began to stop the internal bleeding. She turned to look for a nurse and ran into someone.

Brandon poked the Big Bright Beautiful smelly rose in her face, just to bug her. "Uhh Hi"\

Genesis sneezed and backed up. She was about to scold when she realized it was Brandon and her face softened. "Hi. Is it for me?"

"Uhh No, I figured Kmarh needed some comfort and I brought him a rose"

Kmarh frowned at him and laughed. "You are an honorable man Brandon"

Genesis started to chuckle at Brandon's antics and her anger left her in a rush. "You are silly Brandon," she said as she turned back around and grunted with satisfaction. The internal bleeding had stopped. "So Kmarh is your name then?" she asked her patient.

Brandon went behind her and tied the rose in her hair. "Thought I should come and apologize for my behaviour yesterday"

"Yes, Kmarh Red Talon, Son Of Ktec, Now, I must get going!"

Genesis looked at Brandon. "Hold that thought Brandon." Turning to the still prone Kmarh. "That's a no go Kmarh. I still have to fix your nose or would you like to explain that to Elsie?"

Kmarh looked baffled for a second...."Hm you may be correrct doctor...take your time" and he laid down and closed his eyes.

"Wow...I never seen him act that way before...." Brandon said "Must be the doctor" and he smiled.

Genesis walked over to a counter and came back with a miniature osteoregenerator. She placed it on Kmarh's nose while she ran over the broken area. It took her a moment but then she was done. "Now Kmarh, duck next time they take a swing at your nose. I don't like repeat visits for the same thing," Genesis said way too sweetily while giving Kmarh her best intimidating look.

"Well when you get time...I'll be in my quarters" Brandon said and left sickbay.

Kmarh was starting to get very agitated but he simply sat there waiting for the doctor to finish up. Genesis sighed and removed the surgical arm. She walked over to her stash drawer and came back over to Kmarh who was sitting up. "Here. You get this for behaving so well and now let's get rid of your bruises and you'll be all set." Genesis placed the lollipop in Kmarh's hand and quickly removed the bruises. "You're still going to be sore but at least nothing shows now. You're free to go."

Kmarh proudly walked out of sickaby and looked at the lollipop...he poped it in his mouth. He hit his comm badge. "Kmarh to all engineering officers, meeting in main engineering on the double."

Genesis sighed in exasperation. ~Never a dull moment. Hmm better give Brandon a holler~ =^=Brandon, this is Genesis. If you're available tonight I was wondering if we could have dinner at my place?=^=

"Well I want you to stop in at my place...preferably right now if you could? It's kind of important."

Genesis frowned. "Ok I'm on my way." Genesis nodded to the nurse. "I'll be back in hmm 20 minutes. If anyone has a change in condition you page me immediately." Genesis walked out of sickbay and headed for the turbolift. She had already memorized where Brandon's quarters were last night when she had looked up information on him. She arrived a few minutes later and pressed the door chime.

Brandon's quarters>
"Come" Brandon said. He was sitting at a table, it was a medium sized table with 2 chairs...one for Brandon, and one for Genesis...In the middle of the table was a package...wrapped in nice shiny wrapping and wrapped in a bow. The table consisted of 2 vanilla sented candles and 2 plates of food.

Genesis walked in and her eyes grew wide. "For me?" she whispered in shock and stood staring at Brandon.

"Well I woudl say it was for Kmarh, but he is not here" He chuckled a bit. "Yes...sit down."

Genesis sat down hard in the empty chair staring at Brandon in wonder.

Bandon picked up the package and gave it to her..."I just figured I should apologize...for my rushing things yesterday...and I thought I should try to make it up to you, and since I haven't exactly been on a first date, I figured this should be appropriate."

Genesis' eyes filled with tears but she started to unwrap the package. When she opened it, she let out a gasp of pleasant surprise and then burst into tears. Inside the package was a large white teddy bear with a red ribbon around it's neck. "Oh thank you Brandon! No one's ever done anything this nice for me before."

"Uhhh your crying...did I do something wrong?" A look of shock filled his face...."I can send it all back to the replicator!"

Genesis laughed through her tears. "I'm crying because I'm happy not because I'm hurt. Silly man," she said with a giggle and a grin. She got up and walked over to him and kissed him deeply.

"Well in tha........" The rest of his sentance was muffled through Genesis' lips...Brandon picked her up and walked over to the couch where they both fell. Strangely enough Brandon ordered a new couch rather then the old starfleet version that was twice as wide...specifically for this type of situation.

Genesis came up for air and smiled shyly at Brandon. "Are you sure?" was all she asked.

"Sure about what?...." Brandon seemed a bit confused...

Genesis stared at him and then felt his emotions. She blushed and laughed shakily. "Sorry thought we were about to do something else. So Brandon, what did you have in mind?" Genesis asked, forcing Brandon to make the move now.

Brandon grinned deviously...."and what exactly did you think was going on?" The grin Brandon gave showed he knew exactly the answer,

Genesis blushed a nice shade of red to match her hair and refused to answer although she had a smile on her face.

"You know it would ALMOST be a shame to let our food get cold since I did take 4 hours to prepare for it."

Genesis grinned and then her stomach helped her out by growling rather loudly. "I totally agree."

"But...what's a few more minutes" and he climbed back on top of her to kiss her some more.

Genesis kissed him back, enjoying every moment of it. She had never dated much and liked it that way. ~Guess I never found a man I truly liked~ she thought. ~But Brandon, he's different.~

Brandon almsot started to feel like he was rushing things again....and got up...."Well...supper?"

Genesis grinned at his discomfort. ~He doesn't get much action either~ She obediently sat up and allowed him to lead her over to the table. She whistled appreciatively. "This smells heavenly." Genesis dug into her plate with gusto.

"So what is all this you prepared Brandon?"

"A good southern dinner: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potato pie and macaroni and cheese"

"It's great. Next time I'm cooking and you'll get to try my chicken alfredo."

"Ok, never heard of it, almost sounds.....unique" He smiled not thinking of a better word.

Genesis smiled and was about to say something when her comm badge beeped. She frowned and tapped it. "Genesis here."

"Ma'am we need you here to meet with one of the new children patients that have been added to your roster of visitors."

"Ok I'm on my way." Genesis turned to Brandon. "I apologize. I must go." Genesis stood up and picked up her teddy bear. "Thank you for the lovely dinner Brandon," she said as she left his quarters and headed back to sickbay.

Brandon watched as she left and the door closed leavnig him behind. "Well at least she enjoyed herself." And he continued with dinner by himself.

OFF>

Joint Post

Dr. (Lt.) Genesis Aquamara
ACMO
USS James Cook
&
Lt Brandon Metchooyeah
Assistant Chief Engineer
USS James Cook
&
Kmarh Red Talon
CEO
USS James Cook

ON>
Genesis made her way back to sickbay with a sappy look on her face as she cradled the white teddy bear to her chest. She entered sickbay and smiled at the nurse and her latest patient.

"Good day. My name is Dr. Genesis Aquamara. And you are?" she asked the young boy.

The boy looked up at her with wide eyes and whispered. "Tom."

Genesis smiled at him. "Well Tom how about you let me do a quick check on you and see if you're ticking ok," Genesis asked as she sent soothing thoughts to the young boy.

Tom with the help of his mother obediently climbed up on a biobed. Genesis picked up a tricorder and began to scan him.

Genesis smiled at Tom. She walked over to her stash drawer and brought over a grape flavored lollipop and handed to the five year old boy. "Here you go Tom. You did excellent." Turning to his mother, Genesis smiled. "He's as healthy as an ox. He'll have another checkup in 6 months."

"Thank you Dr. We'll see you then. C'mon Tom." The little boy obediently left with his mother.

Genesis smiled and went back to checking her PADD to see what was next. Suddenly she had a feeling of unease. She shook herself and went into the office. She sat down and blanked her mind. A few minutes she opened her eyes and opened a channel on her console. "Counselor Domina. This is Dr. Genesis Aquamara I was wondering if I could pay you a visit."

On the screen, Chiara Domina appeared. She set down her lipstick case and looked up. "Of course, Doctor. I'll meet you at my office in five minutes."

Domina made her way over to her office and sat down at her desk and waited for Dr. Aquamara to arrive.

Genesis left sickbay and made her way to Domina's office and pressed the door chime.

"Enter." Domina said. She looked up to Genesis as she walked in. "Hello Doctor. What can I do for you?"

Genesis sat down and smiled at the Counselor. "Well not much right now. I just felt an overwhelming urge to come and meet with you at this moment." Genesis shrugged. "I've learned to always trust my instincts. How have you been lately with everything that has been going on?"

"I'm getting by." Chiara replied. "The incident in 10-Forward kinda put my life in perspective... even more so now that I'm seeing someone." She said.

Genesis grinned at Domina. "I have to apologize for rushing down here and giving you a fright. Call me Genesis please. It still feels strange when people call me doctor."

"It feel's strange when people call me Doctor. My first assignment was CMO on the Viper... now I'm here on the Cook." Domina replied. "Well Genesis, guess you can call me Chiara."

Genesis reached over and shook her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Chiara I'm about to be blunt and you can tell me to stay out of your business but I get the strong sense that you aren't feeling well? I'm not sure what it is but I'd like to help if I may."

Domina considered her answer for a moment, but decided it wouldn't do any harm to tell her. She is a doctor after all. "I've been having spells of blindness lately." She said. "I think they are directly related to psychic powers I've been developing lately. I've had some headaches associated with them as well."

Genesis sat back and considered what Chiara said. "Hmm. In order to better help you I'd probably have to do a full medical workup on you. I can for the moment treat the headaches but the blindness in relation to the use of your psychic abilities I will have to ponder on very carefully."

"I talked to the Commodore about it. She suggested I look into Vulcan training to hone my abilities and control them... the problem is every time I have a deep vision of the future, I loose eyesight for hours at a time. Short flashes don't bother me though."

Genesis mind was already working on the problem. "This is just conjecture but your losing eyesight for hours after going really deep into the future could just be fate's way of balancing out the scales sort of. Maybe because we seek foreknowledge that we shouldn't have, something is exacted in return. Of course that is a religious answer. A medical answer I cannot truly provide as to the cause."

"Something Karmic in other words?" Chiara asked.

"Yes that would be a good word." Genesis sighed. "I don't think I've ever really wanted to know the future. Too afraid of what I might find I guess. I admire your bravery though in doing so."

"Bravery? I really didn't ask for this. On Nebaru, people with psychic powers are consider freaks or mutants. They're usually hunted down by the government and taken away, never to be seen again. It scares the crap out of me, Genesis! I can't ever go home again."

Genesis got up and projected soothing thoughts as she walked around the desk. She wrapped Chiara up in her arms like a child and hugged her tightly, still projecting soothing and accepting thoughts. "Chiara you are not a freak. No more than I am or anyone else with psychic ability. It makes you a very special lady, that's what it does."

"That's what everyone tells me, but it's not what I was raised to believe, you know. My father died knowing I was normal, but mama... she found out and disowned me... left me on the streets of Seattle to fend for myself." Domina replied.


"I can't change your past. Hmm maybe that's why you can see the future? To keep yourself from getting hurt," Genesis mused aloud.

"Maybe... But given my past, its not something I want to relive." Domina replied.

"There are so many theoretical possibilities and very few realities in this situation that have me stumped. But I swear by my personal honor that I will do the best I can for you Chiara," Genesis said solemnly.

"Thanks." Domina replied.

"No problem. Is there any other way I can help you or do anything for you?"

"Not really, I don't think." Domina said.

"Ok good. My office door is always open and if I need anything I'll definitely swing by your office Chiara. I'm glad I met you," Genesis said with a smile on her face.

"Ok." Domina replied.

The meeting with her presented even more questions, but none that she was ready to ask. "Feel free to drop by any time."

"I will. Chiara have a good day and I'll see you around some time," Genesis said as she stood up and turned to leave. She paused and turned back. "Oh yeah, one more thing," Genesis said as she pulled out an orange lollipop. "This is for you." She laid it down on Chiara's desk and left.

Domina picked up the lollipop and looked at it. After the door closed, she sniffed it. "What the hell is this?" She asked. Domina deposited the lollipop in her desk drawer and looked over her schedule. Her commbadge chirped with a general message from the Commodore.

“Capt. Rafe, Counselor Domina, please report to the Main Conference room.”

Domina tapped her badge. “On my way.” She rose and left her office.

Off>

JP


Dr. (Lt) Genesis Aquamara
ACMO, USS James Cook

&

On>

Rafe led Nancy through the corridors of the James Cook, past numerous officers and enlisted, making their way to the Main Conference room. Many of the people passing by stepped out of Rafe's way, some even with a look of reverence to the man.

Nancy couldn't help but stare at the different aliens she was seeing. Then she saw the Andorian. "Antennae..." She whispered. "I knew there had to be antennae somewhere out here!"

The Andorian stopped and handed Rafe a PADD, a small device that looked like a palm pilot. Rafe looked it over, signed it and handed it back to the Andorian with a kind comment. He then motioned for Nancy to continue following him.

Nancy looked behind her as she walked, morbidly watching the Andorian's antennae looking back at her.

From an adjoining corridor, a another blue skinned being appeared, with the difference being that this one did not have antennae on her head. She fell in along side Rafe.

"Captain, glad to see you back aboard." Chiara Domina said.

Nancy realized she was being rude by staring, but she could not help herself.

"Thank you, Counselor. Its good to be aboard. I get homesick easily.

Domina looked back at Nancy. "Captain, who's the dish?"

"A souvenir I brought back from Terra Mater." Rafe replied.

"Think the Commodore will let you keep her?" Domina asked.

Nancy got herself together and smiled politely. But inside, she suddenly got afraid.

"We'll find out. I have to see if my human hunting license is up to date, though. I haven't paid my dues this year. Besides, she's a little small. I may have to throw her back."

Nancy turned bone white and promptly fainted!

Rafe and Domina both stopped, turned and looked down at Nancy.

"Oh dear." Rafe said.

"Great, just great... You should take baths more often, Captain. You done knocked her out." Domina chided.

"No, she fainted 'cause of our jokes." Rafe replied.

"You're the one talking about human hunting licenses." Domina countered.

"You started it." Rafe said.

"Did not, you did, you dork!" Domina said slapping him playfully on the arm.

Nancy started to come around and opened her eyes with a snap! Oh my Goddess! It was not a dream! She scrambled to her feet and started to run!

Rafe and Domina looked at each other then ran after Nancy.

Nancy looked over her shoulder and kept running...until she ran smack into a Bolian crewman! "Let me go! Please, let me go home!" She pleaded!

The Bolian looked rather shocked at the human woman and started to back away from her. Rafe and Domina finally caught up to Nancy. Rafe motioned for the Bolian to carry on as he approached her.

"Nancy." Rafe said calmly. "It's all right. We're not going to harm you."

Nancy was beyond panic! She saw the two people approaching and she cowered in a doorway, shaking her head, "No."

Domina crouched down next to her. "Its okay, honey. I know its a strange place and you're out of your element, but we're all friends here. Like Rafe said, nobody's gonna hurt you. Heck, he'd put his own life on the line before he let anything happen to you... Isn't that right, Rafe?" Domina asked.

"Indeed." Rafe replied.

"I.....I " She swallowed. "I don't want to be eaten!" Nancy shut her eyes and tried to breathe.

"Nobody's gonna eat you." Domina said with a smile. "Rafe and I were just joking back there. It probably wasn't a good idea." She said.

Nancy's mind tried to process what the blue lady was telling her, but she could not slow her racing heart and her shallow breathing. All she could do was shed tears of relief.

Domina slowly massaged Nancy's shoulders to try and help her be at ease.

Nan flinched at Chiara's touch, then slowly relaxed, looking from Rafe to Chiara, then around at the pristine walls of the ship. "y...you have an odd way of greeting newcomers...." She finally was able to take a deep breath.

"We like to try and keep a sense of humor around here. Believe me, honey, we're just as scared as you are."

"Of me?" Nancy asked, "You are afraid of ME?"

"Sure. You're new to us. A new lifeform, from a new culture we've never seen before. It fills us with awe and wonder, but it also makes us wonder what lies in store for us. Will we face untold peril, or will everything turn out all right? We deal with that all the time, and it never gets easy." Domina said.

"You have never met humans before? From what I have seen so far, you've got nothing to fear from US! I guess our Trek shows were way off, if you never met humans..."Nancy frowned.

"Well, we've met humans before, but there are so many different kinds." Domina said. "Some good, like you, and some that are not good and not trusting."

"And how do we stack up against the rest of you?"

"What do you mean?" Rafe asked.

"Look, we are not angels. We got the Nazi's, we got the CIA, we got all kinds of people who are not very nice. So what about you all? Are you all perfect? Are we just specimens to be watched for signs of infection?"

"We're not perfect by far." Rafe replied. "You will learn more about us as time goes on. Come, we are late to meet with the Commodore."

Nancy forced herself to stand away from her niche in the bulkhead, forced herself to put one foot in front of the other. Whatever happened to her, she had to know, she had to see as much as she could before they did whatever they were going to do with her.

Domina smiled.

Rafe led the way to the Conference Room where they found Elsie waiting with the three Star Freedom crew members.

As Nancy stepped into the room, she saw the three heroes of her world sitting at a gleaming table! "Oh my Goddess!" She whispered, "What are they doing here? I....don't....understand!"

Elsie gazed at the woman, feeling her waves of confusion and the underlying panic, barely controlled. She gave Rafe and Chiara a hard stare, wondering what had frightened her so badly.

Domina immediately averted her eyes as Rafe showed Nancy to a seat. "Commodore, I apologize for our tardiness. Our guest became frightened by the number of crew members in the corridors as we made our way here. She is of course not used to such an onslaught of... seeing new life forms. Domina and I also engaged in some frivolous banter which may have also lent to her fright."

Hayes looked over at Nancy Devers.

Elsie held his gaze a few seconds after his explanation to make a point, then changed her expression to one of friendship. "I think introductions are in order. I cannot assume that you know each other, even though you are form Terra Mater. I am Commodore Elsie Veritas, Commanding officer of this vessel. This is Captain Rafe Oosha, my Intelligence officer, and this is Lt. Chiara Domina, Ship's counselor."

Rafe nodded point taken to Elsie. Domina only offered a weak smile to Elsie and then to Nancy.

Hayes looked up... and took another look at Nancy.

"Nan?" she asked.

Nancy swallowed and said, "You don't know me, but I am Dr. Nancy Devers, head of SETI in North America."

"Nan, its me, Lisa Hayes... Berkley, Class of '58... don't you remember? We both majored in Astrophysics." Hayes said.

Nancy's eyes snapped to the astronaut, "Lisa....Lisa? The one who never said a word all semester?"

Hayes smiled. "Yeah, that's me... You helped me with some of my homework, remember?"

Nan pulled her mind back to the years of college. "I did, didn't I? That was twenty years ago!"

"Yeah... I wouldn't have been able to get into the Navy or into NASA if it weren’t for you." she said.

Nan was astounded! She lowered her eyes to hide the threatening tears, blinked a couple times, then looked up at all three astronauts. "I never dreamed I would ever meet you three, me just a crazy alien believer. And here we all sit, in an extraterrestrial spaceship!"

"I didn't think you were crazy, Nan. You inspired me to become an astronaut... and now here we are, both making history... wild, isn't it?" She said. The doors opened to reveal the ship's caterers entering with a number of pizzas and beer.

Nan's eyes got big, "They got PIZZA here? and BEER?"

"Yes." Domina replied. "There is a planet in our United Federation of Planets... called Earth. It shares a history similar to your own planet. That's why we've taken such an interest in your home."

"Parallel evolution?" Nan mused. "Earth has a similar evolution as Terra Mater? Do they look like us? Do their woman hold the same offices?....Oh..I am babbling again. I’m sorry."

"It took a while for Earth to catch up with suffrage." Rafe offered.

Elsie shifted her body to indicate she wanted to change the subject. "We have a mission. I need you four to decide the best way to contact your leaders to initiate First Contact with your governments. Suggestions?"

"Well ma'am, my thinking is that we should repair the Star Freedom and fly her home, escorted by some of the fighters I saw in your shuttle bay." Hayes offered.

Elsie asked, "Will the presence of our fighters look like a hostile act?"

"I doubt it. Sterling should be allowed to contact her sister. She can set the wheels in motion. I'm certain that by now our people are beginning to wonder what happened to us. We missed out last two check-ins." Hayes replied.

Elsie said, "I can arrange for you to have a line of communications to Mission Control. Access will be patched through to your quarters."

"Thanks." Sterling said.

"I'll need to get started on repairs to the Star Freedom, Commodore." Santiago said. "Can I get some help from your engineering department?

Elsie answered, "absolutely. In fact, I have a few small friends I'd like to introduce you to. They are called Gashta. They look like overgrown Teddy Bears, but they know their engineering."

"Teddy bears?" Hayes asked.

"I wonder if they’re something like Smurfys?" Sterling said.

Elsie raised an amused eyebrow. "I imagine you will find out soon enough. All right. Who will we be speaking to?"

The three astronauts looked as Elsie questioningly.

Elsie explained, "Who is the person in authority we will be speaking to when we introduce ourselves?"

"Oh!" Sterling said... "My sister. President Dana Sterling." She said with a grin.

Elsie nodded. "Does the delegation have to be all females? Will anyone be offended if a male is in the First Contact team?"

"Probably not." Hayes said. "The vice president is male."

Elsie looked at Hayes. "Will the presence of Captain Jeram frighten anyone? He does look a bit different than the average Materian, "She smiled.

"Probably not. He's actually kinda cute." Hayes replied.

"How long do you estimate repairs on your shuttle?" Elsie asked.

"It depends on how bad we were damaged." Santiago said. "Maybe a few hours, maybe a few days."

"We will stay in standard orbit until you are ready for us to accompany you. Do any of you have questions about our mission?" Elsie asked.

"Nope. Just let us get to work." Hayes said.

Elsie smiled, "Then let's finish our pizza and get to work!"

OFF>

JP

Capt. Rafe Oosha (& as astronauts)
CIO - USS James Cook
&
Counselor Chiara Domina
USS James Cook
&
Commodore Elsie Veritas (& as Devers)
CO USS James Cook
Flagship Python Fleet
 

ON>Sickbay>
Genesis had returned from Chiara's office her mind full of questions. She was trying to figure out how best to help Chiara when a nurse popped her head through the office door. "Dr. you still have a few appointments. Shiarrael should be arriving shortly. She is pregnant and is coming in for a checkup," the nurse informed Genesis.

Genesis nodded. "Ok, just let me know when she gets here." Genesis went back to her PADD and tried to figure out ways to help Chiara.

Shiarrael walked into sickbay and took a seat in the waiting room.

When she was approached by the nurse she told her "I have an appointment to see Dr Aquamara."

The nurse nodded. "Name please," she asked politely.

"ereiRiov Shiarrael t'Radaik" answered Shi

"Thank you ma'am. I will inform the doctor." The nurse left the waiting room and went to Genesis' office. "Doctor, ereiRiov Shiarrael t'Radaik has arrived."

Genesis stood and stretched. "Thank you. I'll see her now." Genesis walked out of her office and into the main part of sickbay and waited for the nurse to bring Shiarrael in.

The nurse returned to the waiting room. "Ma'am if you will follow me the doctor is ready to see you."

Shi followed the nurse into the doctor's office.
"Doctor here is Shiarrael," the nurse announced.

Genesis looked up from the PADD she was reading and smiled. "Thank you. Hello Shiarrael. I'm Doctor Genesis Aquamara. If you like you can call me Genesis," she said extended her hand for a handshake.

Shi extended her hand and shook Genesis's hand. I am pleased to meet you Dr Aquamara.

"If you would have a seat on the biobed. I can get started on your prenatal exam," Genesis said as she gestured toward a bed.

Shi obediently sat on the biobed.

Genesis ran the tricorder over Shiarrael and recorded the results. "Alright if you'll please lie down I'm going to do an amniotic scan to determine the health of the baby. It will only take a moment," Genesis was explaining as she reached a hand behind Shiarrael's back to help her lie down.

Shi accepted her help to lie down.

Sharien made his presense known by sharply kicking his mother.

Genesis carefully adjusted the surgical arm to accommodated Shirrael's belly and took the sensor readings of the amniotic fluid. Genesis grinned as the baby kicked and she smiled. ~Don't worry little one. I will not harm you~ she directed the thought to the unbron child.

Shiarrael picked up on the thought and smiled at Dr Aquamara.

Genesis analyzed her readings and smiled down at Shiarrael. "He's healthy. No problems right now that I can see. You're about nine months along correct?"

Shi replied "Correct Doctor I have 3 months to go"

"I've checked your charts and you are eating healthy also. Your iron count is a bit low but that's not a bad thing. Just try to eat more meat or if you like I could give you iron supplement you can take instead," Genesis offered as she moved the surgical arm out of the way and assisted Shiarrael in sitting up.

As Shi sat up she replied. I will increase my consumption of meat that is definitely not a problem with me. Rihannsu are carnivores.

Genesis nodded. "Good. Personally I hate using supplements but sometimes they are a must. Do you have any questions for me right now?"

"Yes" Shi replied "something I am very concerned about. Does our sickbay have a birthing chair?"

Genesis smiled reassuringly at Shiarreal. "Yes we do. Is this the way you would prefer giving birth when it is time?"

"Yes definitely" Shi replied with a smile of relief.

"Ok that can be arranged," Genesis said as she made the notation on her PADD. "Are there any other things you want done for the birth? Any special ceremonies or rituals that I should be aware of?"

"I will let you know. I will discuss it with my deyhhan tonight." replied Shi.

"One question Doctor are you familiar with Rihannsu physiology in regards to placement of the heart and the possible problems in birthing.

Genesis looked at Shirrael startled. "Not yet. But I will be before you have your child three months from now," Genesis said confidently.

Shi reached into her bag. I have taken the liberty of having Rihannsu instruction sheets translated into standard" She hands her a PADD.

Genesis accepted the PADD with a smile. "Thank you. I'll read it this evening after my shift is done. If I have any questions I will definitely ask you. Now do you have any more questions for me?"

Shi replied "No doctor not at this time."

"Ok then before I let you go I have one more thing for you." Genesis walked over to her stash drawer and came back with a lemon lollipop and handed it to Shirrael. "This is for you. Don't worry it won't harm the baby." Genesis reached out a hand and gently touched Shiarrael's belly and said ~You behave yourself young man~. "That's it for this visit. Thank you for coming in Shiarrael."

One thing more Doctor I want my case transferred to you. Dr Merlose is a wonderful doctor. But both my husband and I want my care transferred to you." Shi requested

"That is easy to arrange. I will have the nurse do the necessary transfer care papers. There shouldn't be any problem. And if I may ask, who is your husband?"

"ereiRiov Rh'vaurek tr'Radaik CTAC/SEC." Shi said proudly.

Genesis grinned. "Oh ok. I didn't catch your last name when the nurse first came and got me. Yes I've met him. I'm going to be having some birthing classes for all the expectent mothers on board. Help everyone start getting prepared. I will inform everyone of the place and time. Husbands are encouraged to be there also."

Shi looks a little dubious. "I will discuss it with him. I will definitely be there."

Genesis patted Shirrael's hand. "Men are worse than women when it comes to birthing time. That's why I want the fathers-to-be to try and make it to the class. If nothing else, it will allay some of their fears."

Shirrael smiled at her. I will definitely encourage him to be there with me.

A nurse entered sickbay. "Doctor your next appointment has arrived."

"Thank you nurse, tell them I'll be with them in a moment," Genesis replied and the nurse walked off.

Genesis turned back to Shirrael. "Ok we'll schedule your next appointment for two weeks from today if that's ok with you?"

Shiarrael slid off the biobed. "thank you Doctor you have reassured me. I am much more easy with the thought of you doing my delivery. I will see you in two weeks" She walks out of the office and out of sickbay.

Genesis grinned. "Well life is definitely interesting around here," she muttered to herself as she went out to the waiting area to meet her next patient.
OFF>

Joint Post

Dr. Dr. (Lt.) Genesis Aquamara
ACMO, USS James Cook

&

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Shiarrael t’Radaik
ASEC, Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Flagship – Command Division
 

On>
Chiara's Quarters>

Tarmis stirred, slowly waking up. As Tarmis blinked and rubbed his eyes he realized where he was. Tarmis slowly made his way into the living room, only to see Chiara leaving, probably for shift.

As he looked about he shook his head. Looking at his chronometer he realized he had time before he had to evaluate Lt.Yowrr on second shift. Tarmis stared for a long moment before he could no longer take the mess in Chiara's quarters.

He quickly set to work, cleaning her entire quarters up. He became a cleaning tornado as he worked from one side of the quarters and top to bottom. Even washing the window which looked out into space. Tarmis finished cleaning the quarters, save for a large pile of things he could not decide what he should do with them. He smiled slightly as he surveyed the now immaculate quarters.

Once content in his work Tarmis retrieved a padd from the Chiara's desk drawer and typed her a note.

-----------------------------------------
Chiara,
First I would like to thank you for a restful night sleep. Last night was the first time in weeks I was allowed to sleep peacefully and for that I thank YOU. I also wanted to tell you, I meant it when I said you are not a freak. To be honest you are a very attractive and alluring woman. I am unsure of where our relationship is going Chiara, but I do know I feel closer to you every day.

Tarmy.

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

Tarmis smiled at his signature. Tarmis got up from the chair and went to Chiara's bed. He laid the padd down on her bed, then retrieved a scented rose from the replicator and placed it next to the padd. Next Tarmis went to Chiara's console and quickly typed in some commands. As he finished his small task on the console he smiled widely. ~ I hope she enjoys hearing the first song we danced to that night at the reception when she returns home.~

Looking about on last time Tarmis turned then left Chiara's quarters. He returned to his own, then taking the crystal and moving to a sitting position on the floor he began his meditation. As he sat there, he mind slowly moving to a higher plane an image flashed before his eyes, making Tarmis frantically open his eyes and look about him. Tarmis saw no one there but could not help but yell out, " LISIUS!" As Tarmis finished the word he leaned back exhausted, sweat pouring from his body.

Tarmis wiped the sweat from his brow, as he made his way to the shower, preparing for his shift. As Tarmis left the room . and got into the shower, his crystal began to pulse faster and darker colors, as the image of a screaming male appeared in the crystal, before returning to it's normal hues.

Off>
===================
Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

On>
Lt.Bata's Quarters>

Lt.Bata looked into her twin boys room. They were happily playing with Hogah. She smiled as she turned to her husband. " Well honey the kids and Hogah are play fine, I have to get to shift so give me a kiss." Bata's husband walked over, he placed a long loving kiss on her lips. The newly wed couple smiled with a special look before Lt.Bata left for her shift in engineering. Ferdan watched his wife leave, before he turned his attention to the homework he had to grade for his 3rd grade class.

Hogah climbed to the top of the bed, wrestling and giggling as he, Redar, and Derar played king of the Starship on their new bunk beds. They were all playing and laughing atop the bed, when Redar shoved Hogah playfully. Hogah started to fall backwards flailing about, but it was too late, he fell backwards off the top bunk bed onto the floor with a loud thud.

Ferdan heard the noise and the screaming. He jumped up and ran into the boys room, finding Hogah on the floor screaming. Scooping Hogah into his arms Ferdan rushed Hogah to sickbay immediately.

Jake saw Ferdan run into sickbay carrying Hogah, he quickly got up and ran over to him. He took him out of Ferdan's arms and carried Hogah to a Biobed. "What happened to him?" He said as he ran a dermal regenerator over the open wound.

Ferdan put his hands out, shrugging his shoulder. " I was in the living room grading papers when I heard a loud noise. I rushed into the twins room and found Hogah on the floor screaming. I grabbed him and rushed him here." Ferdan stared at the blood on his shirt from Hogah's head wound, then his eyes rolled back and Ferdan dropped to the floor.

Hogah wreathed around the bio bed screaming and holding his arm, " AHHHH IT HUUURTS!" Tears flowed down his cheeks in buckets.

"Somebody help that man up, and move him onto a chair." Jake commanded to anyone listening in sickbay. He turned back to Hogah and he stopped the bleeding in his head. He has a hypo fly over and he injected him with it. Then he scanned his arm and his head , to see if he had any brain trauma.

"It's ok Hogah, I'm right here to take care of you. You know I wouldn't let you be hurt to long. You and me are friends" he was trying to make small talk to keep Hogah's mind off the pain until the pain went away.

Hogah tears began to slow somewhat as a goofy looking smile started to cross his face. He sniffled , " Yeah Doc Friends." As Hogah stared forward, he began to giggle. " Fr.. R..Ieends." He laughed harder as he stretched and changed words.

A small trail of blood began to seep from behind Ferdan's head, as his breathing became shallow.

Hogah stared at his twisted arm. He pointed towards it and began laughing, " My arm, HaHa it don't go that way." Hogah began laughing loudly.

A medical officer came over and began treating Ferdan's head wound.

Jake looked at Hogah, and couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. He twisted the arm back into its right full position. Jake used the osteoregenator to heal the broken bones together. "Are you feeling better?"

Hogah giggled widely as he watched Merlose straighten his arm. " Hahaha I Feel Gooooodd." Hogah still giggling, touched a patch of blood on his shirt then wiped it along Merlose cheek. Then laughed so hard he peed himself. While smacking his hand to his mouth, "Awwww Awww Chief Merlose. Awwaaawaaa."

The blood on Ferdan's head seemed to stop but his breathing decreased even further.

Jake whipped the blood off his face, he turned to the medical officer. "he might have a concussion, try to wake him. He needs to be awake, so he can control his own breathing.."

As Merlose was not looking Hogah grabbed a hypo that was laying nearby. Leaning over he pressed the hypo on the Medical technician's butt. Almost immediately the officer fell to the floor, snoring loudly.

Jake quickly took control of Hogah's mind to calm him down. He ordered some of the medical staff to help Ferdan, they made sure he was taken care of.

As the medical officer lied on the floor snoring a bubble slowly appeared out of his nose. Growing and shrinking as he slept.

Hogah smiled widely as he turned to Merlose, " Doc why ya here n here?" Hogah pointed to Merlose then his head. " You should be there." Hogah pointed to the replicator, " I want Ice cream." Hogah still laughed playfully.

Ferdan groggily began to open his eyes. Absent mindedly he reached up to his head, " Son of a." Ferdan looked over to Hogah , " Gun."

Jake saw the medical staff carry Ferdan onto a Biobed and began working on him. He quickly replicated Hogah and ice cream and handed it to him. "Now are you gonna tell me what happened?"

Hogah took a bite of the Ice cream then spit it out onto Merlose shoe. " Chocolate makes me sick, YUCK!" Hogah tossed the bowl of Ice cream, Which flew threw the air, directly at Ferdan's head as Merlose watched. Hogah smiled up to Merlose, " Flying Cream" Then burst out in laughter again.

Jake quickly stopped the bowl in mid air. He then turned back to Hogah and gave him a different type of hypo to Hogah to counteract the drunken affects of the last one. He quickly wrote down in Hogah's personal file never, to use that hypo again.

Hogah began to pout as he stared at Merlose with puppy dog eyes, " You no Fair. I telling you no Play Fair." From the excitement and changes of medicine Hogah dropped to the bed, fast asleep.

Ferdan stared at the bowl just centimeters from his face. In a nervous shaky voice Ferdan said, " Uh thank you Dr.Merlose"

Jake smiles as the bowl flies back to him. "No problem, just doing my job" He sticks his his finger in the ice cream, then licks it off his finger. "Hmm.. too bad, I love chocolate ice cream.

Ferdan smiled somewhat, which quickly change to a grimace as he touched his head. " Maybe you should have let it hit, it might have helped my throbbing head. I am sorry for earlier to Dr.Merlose I can't handle the site of blood."

"Its quite alright, some people come in and and start to gag, I'm happy you didn't." He said with a wink.

Ferdan did his best to smile. A second later he turned serious, " Oh no the twins." With a sound of urgency Ferdan said, " Dr.Merlose the twins are alone in our Quarters and my wife is on duty. Oh no what will Capt.Tarmis think oh my." Ferdan became more excited as he thought.

Jake motioned for Dr. Bradshaw to go bring the kids to him. "Do not worry, I will take care of it for you."

Ferdan started taking deep breaths trying to calm himself. " But what about Capt.Jeram? What did he say when you told him?" Ferdan asked.

"Well I haven't told him. He is busy with the first contact mission. I'm sure he will stop by in soon enough."

Ferdan gave Merlose a strange look but shrugged his shoulders. " If you say so Dr.Merlose. Could you please inform my wife Lt.Bata in engineering, I would like her here."

Tarmis was on the bridge when the report of a disturbance came in for the Bata quarters. His faced turned pale white as he stood in shock. Looking at the OOD he turned and ran, " My Son!" Tarmis ran to the Bata quarters, meeting Bradshaw as she got there as did security. A short time later Tarmis, the twins and Dr.Bradshaw enter sickbay.

Jake tapped in commbadge, "Lt. Bata, I would like to inform you that your husband and children are in sickbay. They are fine and you do not need to worry. You can wait until after your shift to visit."

Lt.Bata stared at Brandon with a strange look before turning and running out to sick bay. Moments later she ran in just behind Tarmis. She ran to her husbands side as the twins left Tarmis and hugged their parents, crying loudly.

Jake noticed Tarmis walk in, "Wow, news sure does travel fast on this ship?"

Tarmis looked at Merlose then went straight to his son. Looking Hogah over Tarmis turned to Merlose still holding Hogah's hand, " What happened Doctor?"

"your son is completely fine. He had a head wound and broken arm but as you can see he is perfectly fine and now sound asleep." Merlose looked around at all the people crowding around.

Tarmis stared still confused somewhat, " How did it happen?" The twins still crying loudly both walked to Tarmis and stared up. Both at once ," We were playing king of the Starship and Hogah fell off. We are sorry." Both turned and ran into their Mother's arms.

Jake looked at the twins, "Don't cry it happens to everyone." he rolled up his right arm sleeve to reveal a large scar. "See this happened when I was playing with my brother the same game. Of course I landed on a sharp pipe sticking out of the dirt mound we were playing."

The twins stared at Merlose arm wide eyed, as their tears slowed to a only sniffles. Tarmis looked about the scene, he turned to Merlose, " How long will they be in sick bay Doctor?" Tarmis asked as he gestured to Hogah and Ferdan.

"Oh just for the next 2 days." he turns his head slightly to Lt. Bata. "I wont mind having the twins here with me until your husband is capable of getting back to his normal self."

Tarmis ground his teeth in slight anger. ~Damn and the first contact mission is coming. But Hogah's health is more important. Yes it is.~ Tarmis controlled his emotions before speaking, " I will need a chair and a space to work while I watch over Hogah Dr.Merlose." His eyes stared at Merlose with a look that said it was not a request. Tarmis spied a chair and pulled it next to his son's bed.

Bata looked at Merlose and shook her head yes. She was unable to say anything as she looked from her husband to twins.

Jake gave out orders and turned to Bata, "You are welcome to stay," then to Tarmis, "I will try to accommodate your needs sir"

Tarmis nodded without turning from his son. " Thank you Doctor." Bata stood there shaking her head as a officer helped her into a chair, the twins jumping onto her lap as the families beside the beds looked lovingly to one another.

Both families stopped, looking down to a loud noise coming from the floor, seeing a medical officer snoring happily they all burst out in laughter.

Off>

Joint Post

Dr. (Cmdr) Jake Merlose
Chief Medical Officer
USS James Cook
&
(Npc'd Ferdan, Bata, Hogah)

===================
Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

ON> Sickbay
Shiarrael walked into sickbay carrying a large bouquet of Rihannsu wild flowers. She was finally going to be able to see Llairr. She walked up to a nurse. "Where will I find Llairr i-bratokka?"

"Follow me" the nurse replied

Shi followed her

She led Shiarrael off to Llaiirs' biobed, llaiir was laying on her side looking out to the incubator that held her child

Shi walked in almost a little shyly. "Jolan'tru Llaiir" she said softly.

Llaiir gingerly rolled onto her back "Jolan'tru Shi

Shi turned to the nurse who had led her here "Please put these in water, bring them back in so she can enjoy them thank you."

Llaiir's eyes sparkled as she saw Shi

Shi turned back to Llaiir she reached over and hugged her softly she whispered "You make a beautiful mother. I was so worried about you. Thank the Elements you are all right"

Llaiir tried to pull herself up into a sitting position.

Shi helped her to do this tucking the pillows around her so she would be comfortable.

"Thank you" said Shi as the nurse returned with the flowers in a vase and placed then on the bedside table "oh they are beautiful, thank you Shi" exclaimed Llaiir.

Shi smiled at her. She chose one of the biggest and most brilliant flowers and handed it to Llaiir. "lagga ch'jhu"

Llaiir blushed as she accepted the flower then held it to her nose taking in as much of the fragrance as her sore lungs would let her

Shi smiled at her.

"Thank you" Llaiir smiled her eyes sparkling with joy

"you deserve flowers my Llaiir" Shi leaned over and whispered to her.

Rh'vaurek silently walked up behind Shi then draped his arms over her shoulders and lightly kissed the top of her head "Jolan'tru Llaiir, i have informed Stelam of the birth he will pass on the message"

Llaiir looked up smiling "Jolan'tru Rh'vaurek"

Shi felt Rh'vaurek's arms over her shoulders. She looked up at him. She was glad he had come in when he did.

"Do you want to see Isha?" Llaiir asked them both

Shi replied "Oh yes definitely Llaiir"

Like a little girl, Llaiir held her arms up to Rh'vaurek for him to carry her Rh'vaurek obliged sliding his arms off Shi and scooping up llaiir gently "now where is she?"

Shi smiled to see the genuine love the two shared.

Llaiir pointed to the incubator "She is there

Shi walked over to the box and looked in. Isha was beautiful but she was so tiny. She looked so vulnerable.

Rh'vaurek carried Llaiir over to the incubator and looked down on the tiny sleeping form of Isha

Shi thought ~she will need all of us to protect her~

"I am glad we are all together, to help protect her" Llaiir announced

Shi replied "As am I"

"How long do you have left Shi?" Llaiir inquired

"3 months Dr Aquamara told me today."

"Oh that's right we should have been around the same time. Maybe you can get some practice at caring for a baby with Isha" llaiir smiled

Shi looks a little timid. "Maybe I can, I do not know much about it but I want to learn"

"Rh'vaurek can show you, he was always baby sitting" llaiir giggled

"Maybe Dr Aquamara could hold a class in that" She looked at Rh'vaurek "well he must be experienced then. Perhaps I can learn from him."

"It has beeen along time since I have changed a baby" Rh'vaurek replied giving llaiir a sideways glance but a smile broke on the corner of his lips

Shi looked at him "I hope they have better methods then in the Empire many women insist on using only the traditional methods. Which are time-consuming and labor intensive."

Rh'vaurek looked at Shi, then back at Llaiir and slightly shrugged.

Shi stoped abruptly she sensed Rh'vaurek was not happy with the conversation.

Rh'vaurek carried Llaiir back to the biobed and gently set her down then pulled the blankets over her.

Shi smoothed the pillows for her placing them around her.

Llaiir smiled at both of them "You are welcome to baby sit any time" llaiir giggled

Shi replied "I will wait until she is a little bigger"

"It will be nice when I can finally hold her in my arms" Llaiir sighed

"Yes I can understand that" Shi answered "I can hardly wait until I can hold Sharrien" She smiled at Rh'vaurek.

Rh'vaurek who remembers holding Ael, S'Tcaevra and Llaiir as newborn babies sighs he also can not wait to hold his own child.

Shi picks up on his thought. She squeezes his hand and whispers only 3 more months e'lev.

"Months that will seem like an eternity and a second all as once" he whispers back

Shi smiles at him "I know what you mean" she whispers

Llaiir gave a yawn and a painful stretch. ~ I think we had better go e'lev ~

Shi replied ~Yes she is getting tired and there are a couple of things I would like to talk to you about~

Shi bendt down and kissed Llaiir on the cheek "Get some rest you need it. I will be back."

Rh'vaurek bent down and lightly kissed her forehead "As will I, Stelam gives his love to you and Isha, and Saren will likely be in later to check on you both"

Rh'vurek gave Llaiir one last smile as he took Shi's hand and led her out of Sickbay.
OFF>

Lt. Llaiir t’Rehu
ACHENG/CR&D
USS James Cook
SB Python PS PFCD

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik
CTAC/OPS Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Flagship – Command Division

&

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Shiarrael t’Radaik
ASEC, Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Flagship – Command Division
 

ON> CMO's Office

Personal Log Supplemental

My new Assistant, Lt. Genesis Aquamara is a great addition to my crew. I am glad she was assigned to the ship. I have only spoken to her once. I hope to talk to her more often. She seems to have quickly become part of this little family we have in sickbay. Already the crew seems very fond of her. Her specialty in child medicine has made Shi and Llaiir more comfortable.

Speaking of Llaiir, it seems that she was forced to have her child prematurely because of an accident. I woke her up earlier and talked with her briefly. She was scared at first when she realized she didn't have the child in her any longer. But once she saw her small child. Her face seemed to lighten up. I am really glad that she, one of my first friends onboard this ship, is finally going to get the joy of having a child.

Now the first contact situation is kinda different. I have heard through the ship "grapevine" that the history of Terra Mater is closely related to that of Earth's. Growing up as a child on earth. I have learned a lot of its history. I would really enjoy to get to know one of these astronauts from the planet. I would really have enjoyed being part of the first contact team. I have no doubt that Counselor Domina will be a great addition to the First Contact team.

Well thats all I have to say for now. Computer End Log

OFF>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. (Cmdr) Jake Merlose
Chief Medical Officer
USS James Cook

On> Hauptmann Klien’s Readyroom.

“Tell me, Herr Al Ghul… how much of a threat is zis James Cook?” She asked, adjusting the collar of her Deutschen Kriegsmarine uniform.

“The Federation Starship is designed specifically for combat. The main phaser cannon under the primary hull is very powerful and is effective from a distance. Be cautious of that weapon. The vessel also carries a fair amount of additional energy weapons, torpedoes and drone missiles.” Al Ghul added. His face flickered on Klien’s monitor.

“Comm, boost the signal. Ve are passing through a UN Spacey jamming zone.” She ordered. Al Ghul’s image became clearer.

“As per our agreement, Herr Al Ghul, ve vill confront ze Cook and deter him from approaching Terra Mater. Zat vill give you enough cover to take your ship to ze planet unt conduct your business.”

“Excellent.” Ra’s Al Ghul replied. “I am transmitting additional specifications to you on the Galaxy ‘X’ class that I think you’ll find helpful.” He added.

“Goot.” Klien replied. “And von more thing, Herr Al Ghul. I vill remind you that you should not double cross zee Riech. Our fury towards our enemies is unparalleled. Klien out.”

The Hauptmann cut the channel and walked out to her spacious bridge. Her bridge crew was busy monitoring the James Cook, which had just broken away from orbit around the gas giant Hera.

“Tactical, ven the Cook comes vithin range, fire a varning shot across their bow… then transmit a message zat zey are not velcome to come to Terra Mater, by the authority of the Führer herself.”

“Hiel Hellmann!” The crew responded enthusiastically.

“Hiel Hellmann.” Klien replied. Her own enthusiasm had long since vanished, though.


The Starchamber – USS James Cook.

Rafe looked over the recorded conversation as he secured from the channel he was listening in on. He stopped the recording and pulled the isolinear chip out of the socket and left for the bridge.

Off>
 

Capt. Rafe Oosha

Chief Intelligence Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
"Wisdom begins in wonder."

ON > shuttlebay

Hayes, Sterling, and Santiago were in various contorted positions inside the shuttle, jockeying for room among the several Gashtan who were helping them replace or re-wire conduits.

"Wrench!" Santiago requested with an outstretched hand. Someone in the tangle of human and furry bodies placed one in her hand. "Thank you." She said smartly as her arm and the wrench disappeared into the console.

Jake decided he would meet the astronauts on board. They had to have a pre-mission checkup anyway. "Computer, Locate the Terra Mater crew"

The computer responded with, "Terra Mater crew located in shuttle bay 2"

Jake quickly grabbed a medkit and headed for the shuttlebay.

One of the Gashta reached over Lt. Sterling to attach a cable, and his fur tickled her nose. Try as she might, she could not stifle the sneeze! The gashta jumped and then chuckled as he realized what happened.

"Sorry, Lokka," She grinned and scratched her nose.

"No worry worry," Lokka said.

Jake walked into the shuttle bay to see arms and legs sticking out from consoles, and to see little furry creatures running around helping. Jake cleared his throat to get some attention.

No one heard him the commotion.

Jake flashed an image of him walking in, into everyone's mind to see if that worked.

Commander Hayes shook her head to clear it, wiped her sweaty brow with the back of a hand and poked her head back into a console.

Jake walked over to the group and peaked underneath a console. "Is anybody down here?"

Commander Hayes, her voice muffled from under the console answered, "Yeah. Although I imagine your view is better than mine right now!" She shimmied backwards out from under the console and got up onto her feet to come face-to-face with a handsome extraterrestrial in a lab coat. She broke out into a grin. "Well, well! And who might you be?"

Jake gave out a slight smile, "I am Commander Jake Merlose, Chief Medical Officer here on the James Cook. And you are?" He asked as he gave a slight glance around to see who else was in there. This was a sort of a special moment for him.

"I am Commander Lisa Hayes, skipper of this operation." She gestured back to the tangle of bodies and the shuttle. The legs on the left belong to my engineer Lt. Maria Santiago, and the legs over there belong to Lt. Carla Sterling."

"Well its nice to meet you. I'm here to make sure you guys are in tip top shape for your mission. So if you could have your crew come out here I would appreciate it." He pulled out his tricorder and got prepared.

"Hey, girls!" Hayes called. "There is this handsome Doctor out here who really wants to meet you!"

"Giggles and catcalls wafted out from under the machinery as Sterling and Santiago wiggled out with a little more wiggling than was needed. The two stood up and grinned at Dr. Merlose. "Pleased to meet ya!" Santiago said.

Jake couldn't help but chuckle slightly, his face turned a slight reddish color. "It is my pleasure to meet you all. This is a one in a life time opportunity."

Santiago stepped up real close to Jake and stroked his jaw. "Hey, wanna play Doctor? I promise to be a very very good patient..."

Sterling watched with her hands on her hips, grinning widely. "You gonna share, Maria?"

Jake winked and smacked her butt, "Maybe later, right now I have business to get to"

Santiago flashed an exaggerated frown. "Later, sweetie." She whispered.

Jake began scanning Santiago using his tricorder, "So have you been having any problems lately?"

Santiago eyed Jake, "Nothing that a little time with you won't cure."

Hayes frowned, pretending annoyance, but her amusement shown in her eyes, "Now Maria, lets observe protocol."

Jake was amused by the way these women acted. It was different then most of the women he has lived around. "I mean, have you been having any physical problems."

Santiago flashed a look at Hayes, who shook her head as if to say, "Don't go there!" Maria sighed, "No, I'm fine." But she was thinking a whole lot more. They had been secluded away from everyone, including their men, for two months before the mission.

Jake stifled a laugh as he could clearly hear what Lt. Santiago was thinking. "You are perfectly healthy." He went on to Lt. Sterling and began scanning her. "So how does it feel, to be the first of your kind to travel at the speed of light?"

Carla Sterling smiled, "It was scary as Hell! We certainly never expected to find anyone out here, much less be taken on a ride! I think we are in for a lot more than we bargained for!" She resisted the urge to grab Jake and kiss him soundly.

"Well you haven't been sleeping well have you?" As he said this a hypo flew over to him out of the medical kit. "This is a hypo similar to your needles. These are just less painful. This is full of a medicine that will help you until you are able to sleep on your own." He injected her in the neck with the hypo and had it float back into the pack.

The three stared in shock at the floating hypospray. All thoughts of romance promptly left them! "How did you do that?" Hayes asked hoarsely. She found herself backing up until she felt the bulkhead behind her.

Jake realized what he had done, he had done it subconsciously, it was like his second hand. "I'm from a race called Betazoid. We develop telepathic powers, and some few develop telekinesis. I am sorry, I didn't mean to scare you but its just my second nature. I believe you have met my Commanding Officer she is also a Betazoid. We are know for our love for fruit, we also make good counselors, and great lovers" He said the last part to try and keep their minds of his telepathic powers.

"B....Betazoid. But you look like us, except for the eyes." Santiago and Sterling moved closer to each other for reassurance.

"Oh, but I am like you, I even grew up on a planet similar to yours. Do not worry. It is quite understandable to be afraid of something you aren't used to. But there are quite a few races out there that have these kind of powers." Jake frowned as he didn't know how to get across to them.

Commander Hayes realized this was getting to be a bad situation, with her crew getting nervous. "Doctor, you need anything else from us? We gotta get back to work."

Jake frowned at how bad the situation ended up. "No, that will be all. I will be on my way, it was nice meeting you." He packed up his stuff and walked out of the shuttlebay.

The three astronauts gave each other wide-eyed stares and went back to work without a word.

OFF>

JP

Dr. (Cmdr) Jake Merlose
Chief Medical Officer
USS James Cook

&
Commodore Elsie Veritas (as astronauts)
CO USS James Cook
 

ON>
Genesis finished her shift and headed back to her quarters. Once there she changed into baggy jogging pants and a large tee shirt. Genesis ordered some chicken Alfredo with rolls and sat down and began to eat. She turned her console on and decided to do a personal entry.

"Computer begin recording personal log star date seven ten o one," Genesis said in between bites.

"Recording," the computer chimed.

I sit here today and wonder about everything that has happened in the last several days and I can't help but marvel. I delivered a premature infant, found romance and given comfort to a friend. Sometimes I wonder if everything is fated or as Chiara said karmic. If that is the case does it mean that I'm atoning for past sins?

Am I paying for not being there to save my sister's life when she needed me the most? I knew she was near time and she had even begged me to wait until after the birth to get reassigned. Instead I allowed my selfish desires to rule and took the new posting. Then she died. I've talked to counselors in the past and they have told me to let it go but I cannot. If the future is a vision imperfect then the past is perfect reminder of how unprepared we really are.

Speaking of the future reminds me of Chiara and her problem. I'm afraid at the rate she is going she will go permanently blind. Right now I'm at a loss as to how to tackle this problem. Should I treat her for the blindness and the headaches or do I take a leap of faith and pray that the powers above will intervene? Chiara has a beautiful soul and has been through so much. To have one's flesh and blood disown you is a horrible thing. I cannot imagine. Of course I never knew my parents since they died when my sister, my twin and I were only babies. *sighs* I'm not sure. Maybe her pain is fueling her desire to prevent suffering in others. Then too her pain could be manifesting itself in the form of blindness and headaches. I'm just not sure anymore.

"Computer pause recording," Genesis said as she got up and stretched and went to the replicator and ordered herself some earl grey before sitting back down and staring at the screen, tears in her eyes. Taking a deep breath she said, "Computer resume recording."

"Acknowledged."

I still miss Serene. We were always so close and together we could do anything. With her gifts of microtelekinesis and her intuitive understanding of genetics and my empathetic abilities we couldn't be beat. We were a great team and I was a little jealous when she married Jacob Knowledge. But then one night after getting drunk we hashed out both our reservations and back friends. Serene was so happy. But I digress. I now return to my current dilemma. What to do for Chiara? Hmm if I can get a chance I think I will send a message to Cassie. She always did have radical ideas when it came to medicine. She might have a solution.

The other thought on my mind is Brandon. It has been so long since I've been in a relationship that I'm wary. Of course Brandon is almost as hesitant as I. No matter. I'd rather not rush into things. Well I'm going to bed. Too many thoughts on the brain is not conducive to a good night's sleep.

"Computer end recording."

Genesis got up, cleaned up her dishes and went to bed.
OFF>

Personal log

Dr. (Lt.) Genesis Aquamara
ACMO, USS James Cook

On> Bridge.

Rafe walked on the bridge and looked around. Tarmis was leaning over the tactical console, chatting with Rh'vaurek.

"Tarmis, would you please come with me?" Rafe asked. Tarmis looked up and nodded. He patted Rh'vaurek on the shoulder and followed Rafe down to the Commodore's Ready Room. Rafe pressed the chime.

Rafe waited. There was no answer. He pressed the chime again.

Elsie woke from a doze and put her feet on the floor, "Enter" she said as she composed herself.

Rafe and Tarmis walked in. Tarmis looked a little lost, but Rafe's facial expression said much. Something was going on.

"Sit down, Gentlemen. What do you have, Rafe?"

Rafe tossed an orange isolinear chip on the Commodore's table. "The Nuremberg, Commodore. I intercepted a two-way transmission between that Nazi battleship out there and the Inquisitor.

Elsie put the chip into the reader and they listened to the conversation. Elsie grimaced and glanced at Jeram.

"The Nazi's plan to attack us, or at least deter us from approaching the planet." Tarmis said.

"In order to allow the Inquisitor to slip by unnoticed." Rafe added.

"We cannot delay First Contact. Nor can we allow the Inquisitor to interfere with Terra Mater. I wonder what this project is that Al'Ghul is involved with?" Elsie asked.

"I did some studying on the Nazis from Earth, Commodore." Tarmis offered. "During Earth's second World War, the Nazis actively engaged in a campaign of genocide against the Jews. I wonder if the Nazis of this world are trying to accomplish the same goal?"

"It would be a logical conclusion." Rafe said.

"Dear Goddess, I hope not!" Elsie exclaimed.

"I hope not either... but it may be a truth." Rafe said sadly.

"We can't allow it!" Tarmis reacted. "We're here, we can stop them." Jeram's eyes took on a haunted look.

Rafe looked over at Tarmis. "Something wrong?"

"I have heard of the disastrous results of genetic cleansing on other planets." Jeram answered." In some cases, the removal of a specific faction of the society resulted in the extinction of the entire population over time."

"On Spira, The Yevonites... the followers of Yu Tevon, tried to exterminate the Al Bhed simply because the Al Bhed were a technoligcal society that went against the religious teachings of Yevon." Rafe said.

"What happened?" Elsie asked.

"Towards the end of my time on Spira, I quested with a young lady and her guardians. We discovered on our quest that Yu Yevon manufactured his religion to serve more evil purposes... to serve his dark mistress Yunalesca and Syn, the great evil.

Elsie said. "We must find a way to prevent the Inquisitor from interfering with Terra Mater and still follow Starfleet Protocol."

"What about a direct confrontation? The Cook and the Wolf Pack should be more then a match for the Inquisitor." Tarmis said.

"They do need to be stopped." Rafe added.

"I would prefer that to be a last option. Ferengi do not like to fight if they calculate they are going to lose. My guess is that if we provide a superior front, they will back down."

"The presence of the Nuremberg, depending on the tactical ability of the ship, may give them encouragement." Rafe said

"It might." Jeram said. "I will have Rh'Vaurek run a tactical scenario and analyze the Nuremburg."

Elsie nodded. "And we must continue First Contact. Number One, I need you here on the Cook. You need to take care of this situation."

Tarmis slowly nodded. " Yes Ma'am I Will take care of it." Determination shown across Tarmis' face.

"Meanwhile, Chiara and I and a guard will meet with the President and introduce her to the Galactic community." Elsie said.

"I have already dealt with the Nazis once on Terra Mater, Commodore. They poses energy weapons on par with what we have... and possibly armor that can stop or absorb our phasers." Rafe said

Elsie was puzzled, "They have energy weapons and defenses comparable to our own, yet they are just now achieving warp drive?"

"It is possible that the Nazis had different priorities in technological development." Rafe said.

Jeram interjected, "It would appear that the strong presence of the military pushed their weapons development far beyond normal. In the event of global war, they just might have the capability of destroying them selves completely."

Rafe nodded.

Elsie did not like what she was hearing. "Do you think this planet is on the verge of war?"

"My observation is that if it was, it would have happened already. The UN is on the verge of declaring world peace, even thought the Nazis are still fighting a cold war with the Amoricans." Rafe said.

"The presence of the Ferengi in this cold war bothers me. It could easily tip the scales and drive them to war." Elsie frowned. "How soon will the shuttle be repaired? We cannot wait much longer. If we must, we will use one of our own."

"In about 5 hours, Commodore." Tarmis said.

"We will leave in 6 hours, then." Captain Jeram, the ship is yours. Do what you have to do, even if it means leaving us on Terra Mater."

"I will do my best, Commodore." Tarmis said. "Ma'am... who are you planning to take with you as a guard?"

"I had planned to present an all-female entourage." Elsie answered. "One of our female escorts, preferably Terran."

"With all due respect, Commodore, you should not sacrifice safety to appease their culture." Rafe said.

"What are you suggesting, Rafe?" Elsie knew the answer, from the expression on his face, even though he appeared calm and logical."

"You know what I am suggesting, Commodore." Rafe said, looking right into her eyes.

Tarmis stood up. "If you'll both excuse me, I've got a bridge to run."

Elsie looked at Tarmis. "He wants to go. There is no one I know who can defend the team better." Her shrug was a question, seeking Tarmis's opinion.

Tarmis looked back at Rafe and Elsie. "Commodore... permission to speak freely?"

"Always, Captain." Elsie answered.

"Ma'am, I think by know you know what my opinion is, and respectfully I shouldn't have to give it when it comes to you and Rafe..." Tarmis stopped short.

"You feel his being my husband is affecting my decision?" Elsie finished.

"No ma'am. I am comfortable with Rafe's professionalism, and as a fighter I am certain he will adequately protect you on the away mission. I am simply concerned about the success of the mission with Rafe involved."

"Frankly, I don't want to see another Ten-Forward." Tarmis added.

Elsie turned her head and locked eyes with Rafe. "You will come armed only with a phaser, and you will conduct yourself as a guard and not a warrior."

Rafe's eye locked with hers. He was not certain exactly how to react. "Understood." He said, almost grudgingly.

Elsie looked back at Tarmis with a raised eyebrow.

Tarmis nodded. "I need to get back to Rh'vaurek to see what the Nuremberg has in store for us. If you'll excuse me."

"Carry on, Number One."

Tarmis turned and walked for the door.

Elsie twirled the isochip in her hand. "I had better find out as much as I can about the faction we are about to meet. I need to understand their complicated politics."

"Study 20th century Earth history. I'm certain most of what you need will be right there." Rafe said.

"What do we have from the preliminary scans of Terra Mater? I should look over their transmissions and broadcasts. It is likely that their alliances are different from Earth's."

"Its all in the intelligence database, Commodore." Rafe replied.

Elsie nodded, satisfied. She gazed at Rafe. "Any thoughts?"

"None that would be appropriate, Commodore." Rafe said.

Elsie raised an eyebrow. "No rank, just you and me. What is on your mind?"

"Tarmis needs to grow up." Rafe said.

"In what way?"

"He needs to mature, Elsie. He is a Captain because of time in service and a clean record. I have yet to see him take charge in a situation, I have yet to see him stand out amongst the bridge crew and I have yet to see him grow a set. His standing up to you just now was the first inkling of strength I've seen out of him in a while." Rafe said with a rare hint of anger.

"Tarmis needs to realize that this universe is a lot bigger then what he was fed at the Academy. I had to learn the hard way. I had to pay and pay dearly for every lesson I learned, and I earned every single scar on my body. Now you're going to trim my claws simply because this... this pansy is afraid I will actually do my job on this away mission? If you want a phaser jockey, take Shiarrael or Rh'vaurek with you and don't waste my time."

Rafe walked over to the window... and punched the bulkhead next to it. He left a sizeable dent in the wall.

"We will do this by the book, Rafe. If you won't follow Starfleet regulations, then I will take another. The threat is out there in space, not in the President's chambers. We can not go in there brandishing Migichinan weapons! At all costs, we must make this a peaceful meeting."

"Rafe, what is the real issue here? Certainly not my choice of defensive weapons!"

Rafe stared off into space. He shook his head. "My apologies, Elsie. There is no issue... I simply... lost my temper."

"Someday I hope you trust me enough to share that with me, Rafe." Elsie said sadly.

"I trust you Elsie..." Rafe said, looking back at her. "I... I don't know what just came over me though... it was as if I was watching myself speak, but it was not me speaking." He said.

Elsie sat back in her chair and gave him a concerned stare. "Perhaps your true heart is speaking, and you are unwilling to let it speak its peace."

"I am who I am." Rafe said. "Though I sometimes wonder who I am. Am I Rafe, the product of a failed Tyrusian supersoldier program, or Rafe, Guardian of the Lady Yuna... or Rafe, CIO of the USS James Cook and husband of Elsie Veritas... or "am I someone else?

"I understand the intent of the mission, Elsie. And I understand it is a mission of peace. I am not a consummate warrior... I am not a Klingon. I simply... am." Rafe continued.

Elsie sat quietly, accepting his words, the ones he was willing to speak.

Rafe closed his eyes.

Elsie rose and kissed him gently on his eyelids.

"I will accept your conditions you have placed on me for this mission. It is my duty to do so, even if I do not like it. while you are my wife and I wish to protect you with every tool at my disposal, you are also my Commander, and I will respect your wishes, even if they go against what I think is right." He finally said.

"Thank you." Elsie whispered, then she left the Ready Room.

Off>

JP

Captain Rafe Oosha
CIO USS James Cook
&
Commodore Elsie Veritas
CO USS James Cook
&
Captain. Tarmis
(Played in absentia by both & with permission)

On> Elsie and Rafe's Quarters.

Rafe stood in front of the mirror, putting the finishing touches on his duty uniform. He affixed the Captain's pips to the gray collar and then adjusted the sleeves.

He had taken the time to shave, but not all the way... a goatee was now beginning to take shape around his mouth.

His long hair, normally braided, was now in a simply ponytail.

Elsie peered up at Rafe and stroked the growing goatee. "It is interesting," she mused.

"It is, perhaps for the better that I make changes in my life." Rafe said softly. My presence... my uniqueness is obviously making people uncomfortable." He said. "And it casts doubts on my integrity as an officer.

Elsie frowned. "IDIC is what Starfleet is all about. Without diversity, we lose our uniqueness."

"Perhaps." Rafe said.

"If IDIC embraces diversity, then why do the Vulcans conform to one train of thought, or why does Star Fleet insist on a uniform?" He asked.

Elsie smirked, "One must have an identity, as for Vulcans, well...Vulcans are Vulcans."

Rafe looked around... and frowned.

"What?" Elsie asked.

"There are no trees in here... no plants, no bushes. Its too... sterile in here." He said.

Elsie chuckled, "I never redecorated in this timeline."

Rafe deposited his lightsaber in his dresser drawer. "This timli... oh, right." He pulled out a phaser and put it on his belt.

Elsie tugged once more on her fresh uniform. "Well I am ready. Shall we head for the shuttlebay?"

"I guess." Rafe said. His voice was almost sullen.

Elsie frowned momentarily but brushed it off. It was time to go. She led the way to the main shuttlebay where the four Terra Materans were waiting.

Hayes was doing one final walk around of her shuttle with Sterling. Santiago was helping Nancy climb up the ladder to the cabin.

Devers could not believe it! She was going to ride with her heroes!

Rafe looked up at the two women getting into the shuttle, then over to Buckeye

Elsie strode over to Buckeye, then climbed in, finding a seat and buckling up.

Rafe climbed in afterwards. "Commodore... how exactly are we going to get past the Nuremberg... isn't that ship in the way?"

"You trained some of these pilots yourself! You know they can get past just about anything!" Elsie scolded.

Rafe nodded.

"I guess you're right." he said.

The rest of the Buckeye crew piled in and the door closed.

Off>

JP

Captain Rafe Oosha
CIO USS James Cook
&

Commodore Elsie Veritas

CO U.S.S. James Cook
Python Fleet Flagship

On>
Bridge>

Tarmis walked out of the ready room, directly to Rh'vaurek at the Tac station. He stopped, leaned over slightly, " Erie 'Riov I would like to speak with you in the conference room."

Rh'vaurek nodded then motioned for his subordinate to take the Tac Station, following Tarmis to the conference room

Tarmis entered the room, as soon as Rh'vaurek stepped in he closed and sealed the doors. Tarmis went to the replicator, " Anything to drink before we start Erie'Riov?"

"No thank you" Rh'vaurek answered politely, then walked over to the conference table taking a seat and patiently waited for Tarmis to join him

Tarmis stopped momentarily at the replicator then shrugged it off, moving to the table and taking a seat. Removing a padd with notes on it from the meeting in Elsie's ready room, Tarmis handed it to Rh'vaurek. " Please read this over. Then we will proceed."

Rh'vaurek accepted the PADD's and quietly read over them "You want suggestions on how to get around the ship blocking our path to Terra Mater?"

Tarmis leaned back slightly, " I want suggestions on getting around it or disabling it. It would be in our best interests at this point to avoid conflict all together, however i believe they may attempt firing upon the buckeye and away team when they depart and that is unacceptable, also we need to get something on those Ferengi so we can put them and that al ghul away for good."

"The Ferengi are up to something, they are using an ECM to block our scans, and are all ready on course to Terra Mater, as for the other ship, my scans seem to detect plasma weapons, as all costs we must draw it's fire from Buckeye, It may take a while but if they can stay out of weapons range I believe Buckeye can out run the other ship to Terra Mater, leaving The cook and Fighters to deal with it" Rh'vaurek answered hopefully making sense

"Plasma weapons are devastating on Shields at close range, but the further away they have to be fired the less impact they have as the energy dissipates into space"

Tarmis shook his head in agreement, " That is exactly what I had thought as well, but if we can not draw their fire we will need alternative plans. Such as using the canon if need be to take the weapons offline?"

"They do not have shielding and it is basic titanium armour the cannon will absolutely destroy them"

Tarmis bit his lips slightly, " Excellent point i had over looked that. What is your suggestion to disable their weapons if need be?"

"i suggest we harass them with the fighters,
they are fast enough to get out of harms way and take a lot of the fire away from Buckeye."

Tarmis smiled slightly, " While the fighters are doing that it would allow us time to get closer to the Ferengi too. I am not sure exactly what they are planning but I have a feeling it is not good."

"One thing, with the ECM our sensors can not see them it scrambles the signal so we know they are out there, but i can not get a target lock on them i am in effect shooting blind, not that it has stopped me before"

Rh'vaurek gave Tarmis a lop sided grin with his last statement

Tarmis grinned devilishly, " That it hasn't. If we increase the sensor capacity we may be able to over come some of their jamming shouldn't we?"

"No, but I can probably work something out with a few torpedoes and scanning around the jammed area should give me an approximate area in which to fire

they are still giving off an ion trail from their impulse engines which i can lock the Torpedoes onto" Rh'vaurek answered

Tarmis nodded enthusiastically, " That would give us the edge we need. How long do you think it would take you to complete the modifications you will need?"

"Very little time and all I'll need is one or two torpedoes at most to reveal their location enough to get an affirmative Target Lock"

Tarmis nodded, " Good let's get this into effect immediately. I do not want the away team in any type of harms way."

"I better go to the Torpedo bay then" Rh'vaurek replied as he stood up

Tarmis, " Very Good, Keep me posted." Tarmis stood, walked to the door, unsealing it.

Rh'vaurek Walked to the door, he nodded to Tarmis then left for the torpedo bay

Tarmis seriously walked to the center chair. ~We will prevail.~

Off>

Joint Post

erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik

CTAC\SEC, Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship
 

===================
Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A

On>
Bridge>

Tarmis went to the center chair, standing in front of it. His insides were churning as he stared at the nemesis' before him. Looking over the shoulder, Rh'vaurek gave him a nod saying everything was done. Tarmis turned back to the view screen as they watched on split screen the Buckeye heading towards the planet. ~ Safe Journey Elsie, and Chiara, Come back to us in one piece. ~ Tarmis watched the screen intently, " Report?" Tarmis said to the crew without turning from the screen.

A chorus of all systems operational Sir could be heard from on bridge

Tarmis nodded as he studied the ships hovering before them. He eyed each vessel in turn. " If those Ferengi so much as breath to loud, I want to know about. Keep a close eye on the Buckeye Erei’Riov." Tarmis said to Rh’vaurek as he watched the screen.

Ie Rekkhai. And Rekkhai, I suggest scrambling the fighters ASAP, get their attention away from Buckeye" Rh'vaurek offered

Tarmis shook his head in agreement, " Make it so, If the Materian vessel provokes anything, inform the fighters only to disable the vessel.

"Erei’Riov tr'Radaik to the fighter bay, scramble immediately, harry the Materan ship if fired upon only fire to disable it" Rh'vaurek ordered

Tarmis tensely stared at the view screen, as the fighters flew from the cook like bees from a hive.

Rh'vaurek watched the fighters blip onto his screen as friendly contacts and race out to intercept the Materan vessel

Tarmis turned to Rh'vaurek sitting in the XO’s chair, his station covered by a relief officer. " It begins Erei’Riov." Tarmis voice was solemn awaiting what happened next.

"Sir, Buckeye is passing the Materian vessel, the Fighters are one minute from target and it is changing course to intercept Buckeye" the Tac officer announced

Tarmis gritted his teeth, " Fire a warning shot across the Materian's bow, if that has no effect target their weapons and fire."

The Tac officer fired a warning shot three thousand Km of their fore bow "Sir, they are still on course, Fighters thirty seconds away

"Do they have weapons lock on the Buckeye?" Tarmis asked quickly.

"No sir, but weapons are Charging" The Tac officer announced

"Put another shot five hundred meters off their bow, then target their weapons" Rh'vaurek ordered

Tarmis turned to Rh'vaurek, " My thought as well Erei’Riov."

~ A hit on the weapons while charging could cause more damage on them than we want to cause ~ Rh'vaurek imparted to Tarmis

Tarmis processed Rh'vaurek's words, " Then we take out their eyes. Tac target their sensor arrays, fire."

"Aye Sir" the TAC officer replied firing a shot scoring a direct on their primitive sensors knocking them out "Done sir, The fighters are now in position and harrying the Materan ship"

Tarmis nodded, " Good, What of the Ferengi?"

"I can not find them Sir, they are still using the ECM" The Tac officer replied

Tarmis clenched his jaw tightly, " Helm take us to the Ferengi's last known position. Rh'vaurek when in range begin our plan, Tac as we near the Materian vessel lay cover fire for the fighters, as we pass take their engines down.

Helm set a course for the last known coordinates of the Ferengi ship a few minutes later "Sir we are here" Helm announced

Tarmis turned to Rh'vaurek, " Your show Erei’Riov, find them."

Rh'vaurek got up from the XO chair and took over from the Junior TAC officer he quickly looked over the Scans "Helm, Bring us to baring 350 mark 009, ahead on full impulse" Rh'vaurek ordered

"Aye sir" The helm officer replied as he set the course and engaged the impulse drive

Rh'vaurek kept a constant watch on his scanners they were heading in the right general direction he just hoped the ECCM on the Torpedo worked

"Rh’vaurek looked up from the console "Helm All Stop"

Tarmis sat down in the Co chair, Pulling up all read outs they had on the Ferengi vessel and their actions.

"Aye sir" Helm replied and brought the ship to a full stop, Rh'vaurek charged weapons but in that moment he had looked up from the Console the Ferengi ship fired a Torpedo

Rh'vaurek just shook his head then grinned evilly as the torpedo came in and Rh'vaurek traced its trajectory back to the Ferengi ship, Rh'vaurek fired the main Phaser cannon in the direction the torpedo came from

The ship shuddered at the torpedo hit directly on the forward shields "Forward shields down to 78%, no other damage" Rh’vaurek Announced

Tarmis looked up in time to think , ~ Ahh Sh* ~ His thought was cut off as the torpedo slammed into the cook., Tarmis glared at the Ferengi vessel, " Return fire!"

Rh'vaurek fired of the homing Torpedo and watched it speed on it’s way to it's target, the ECCM and the homing device worked to lock onto the ion trail and then slam into the Ferengi shields uneffected by the ECM on the Ferengi ship, giving Rh'vaurek a better location to fire on, he fired the main phaser cannon as the Ferengi let loose another volley of Torpedoes "Incoming Torpedoes Rekkhai"

Tarmis jumped to his feet, " Evasive manoeuvres, Target the Ferengi vessel, fire at will."

Rh'vaurek let loose with the Forward Phaser and Torpedoes blowing big holes in the Ferengi shields some hitting on the hull "Rekkhai their shields down to 12%" the ship shuddered lightly as some of the torpedoes grazed the port shields "Our port shields down to 83%"

Rh'vaurek waited for the main phaser cannon to finish it's charge cycle before letting loose another volley of fire on the Ferengi, in that time a small unidentified shuttle craft exited the Ferengi ship and jumped into high warp

Tarmis stared as the shuttle disappeared. Tarmis looked over his shoulder, " Beam any Ferengi you can to the brig."

Rh'vaurek had just let loose with all the Cook had to offer against the Ferengi Vessel destroying it in a ball of flame "sorry Rekkhai, they were out of Transporter range" Rh'vaurek replied with an menacing grin

Tarmis watched the screen as the Ferengi vessel exploded. ~ Lisius cleanse your mind and soul. ~ Tarmis turned to Rh'vaurek, " Status of the Materian ship?"

"Fighters report it is disabled Rekkhai" Rh'vaurek reported

Tarmis nodded, " Good, Secure the vessel until the Commodore returns, or we are able to contact the Materian government."

"Helm, bring us about to the Materan ship " Rh'vaurek ordered

The Cook turned around and headed into tractor range "All Fighters return to Mother Cook" As the fighters left the space surrounding the Materan ship Rh'vaurek locked a tractor beam on it

Off>

Joint Post

Capt. Tarmis Jeram

Executive Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
&
 

===============================
Erei’Riov (Cmdr.) Rh’vaurek tr’Radaik

CTAC/SEC Exchange officer
USS James Cook
Python fleet Flag ship

"A little chaos is good for the soul"

ON>

Laura Allen or "Hotshot" stood before the squadron at the head of the briefing room located inside the Wolf's Den. Behind her was a graphic of what appeared to be a 20th century battle ship. Its name: the Nuremburg. It had the look of one ship that she knew all to well from her history on Earth. The name of that ship was the Bismarck. At the time it was the terror of the sea. The huge plasma deck guns looked menacing, but they were slow and cumbersome. There was a slight possibility of anti-aircraft guns, but the scans from their last encounter did not indicate any at that time. Laura looked out at the group. The whole squadron minus Hound was all there chatting quietly awaiting word from their commanding officer.

Laura: All right listen up you lunkheads!

The chatter stopped, and all eyes were on her.

Laura: All right don't laugh. Our target is this. *Points out the ancient looking ship, several smiles spread across the audience thinking it's a joke* This is not a joke ladies and gentlemen. This ship threatens the Commodore and first contact with an alien society, with shockingly similarities. As you may know they just achieved warp flight, what you may not know is the fascist Nazi government on that planet is in league with Ferengi privateers. We believe that the Nuremburg will attempt to stop the return of the Star Freedom. The Commodore is on that ship to make first contact we must distract the Nazi ship so the Cook can seek out the Ferengi and stop them. *Pauses hits a command on her control panel and a chart of the system appeared. Two colored dots and a com-badge indicated three known positions of ships, The blue indicating the Star Freedom, Red indicating the Nuremburg orbiting the planet. The com-badge of course indicated the Cook. * We will launch in twenty minutes. Approach the Nuremburg at warp one, which will place us just ahead of the Star Freedom. We engage until the shuttle has sufficiently reached the safety of the lower atmosphere and then boogie back to the Cook. Minimal threat encounter due to our maneuverability. The deck canons should not be able to follow us. The first flight will compose of Myself, Cat as my wingman, Thumper and Cav as Thumper's wingman. The rest of you rest on the flight deck on standby on the flight deck. Good luck and Godspeed. Dismissed.

The officers broke up and all headed out of the room. One hung around. It was Thumper.

Thumper: Permission to speak freely ma'am?

Laura: Granted.

Thumper: Why the sudden change? Do you no longer feel comfortable as having me as your wingman?

Laura: Not at all. I have all the confidence in the world in you, but I need the best of the best out there. You lead Cav, because that is where you belong.

Thumper: *nods* Thank you ma'am. I'll try not to let you down.

Laura: As will I. Now let's send our regards to the Fuehrer.

The two headed out of the room to get into their flight suits.


Ten Minutes later....

Laura ran up to Cat helmet in her hand, and wrapped her arm around the huge man. He was startled by the sudden embrace, but calmed when he discovered the owner of the arm, and smiled pleasantly.

Laura: Ready Cat!

Cat: As ready as I'll ever be.

Laura: *smiles and extends her helmet* Light the fires and kick the tires!

Cat: *thunks his helmet into hers* Bring it on!

The two officers split and jogged to their craft. Laura made a quick check of the weapons pods and the rest of the fighter's external systems. Suddenly the Chief Flight Engineer broke her from her thoughts.

Jake Spencer: You like the squadron markings? *Indicating a red horizontal stripe across the tail*

Laura: *looks at him and smiles* Hell no! Make the whole tail red, and I want fangs on the nose. Right now we look just like the rest of the squadrons in the fleet. I want all of our enemies know it's us and tremble in fear!

Jake: Understood ma'am.

Laura: *smiles and gives him a quick hug* We get the particulars when I return.

Laura climbs up the ladder and into the cockpit, and fired the fighter up and headed out into space, with three other fighters in trail.

In Orbit of Tera....

Laura: Wolf One to, Flight form up and prepare to engage.

The four fighters screamed in upon the slow cumbersome Nazi ship, expecting an un-even fight

Laura: Wolf 1 Fox One.

Thumper: Wolf 2 Fox One

Cat: Wolf 5 Fox One

Cav: Wolf 4 Fox One

Four missiles thundered towards the enemy ship and impacted upon the massive deck guns completely destroying them.

Laura: Wolf 1 to flight we got primary weapons lets keep them busy.

Suddenly a yellow orange beam lashed out and struck her shields. Alarms sounded all over the cockpit. Her readings indicated a direct phaser hit.

Laura: Wolf 1 to flight confirm phaser hit on my port shields!

Cat: Confirmed ma'am

Laura: Flight break! They have phasers! Wolf 1 to Mother Hen launch reinforcements on the double.

Another hit impacted the shields. Then she saw it. The weapons fire didn’t come from the Nuremburg it was the Ferengi.

Laura: Wolf One to Wolf 2 break and engage the Nuremburg. Cat and I'll go after the Ferengi!

Thumper: Understood Wolf 1.... Wolf 2, Fox Three!

Laura: Wolf 1, Fox 2!

Cat: They're all over you Hotshot let's disengage!

Laura: And let them take out the Commodore! Not on your life. Concentrate your fire on their port dorsal shields.

Cat: Understood Wolf 1, Wolf 5 fox 3

Thumper: Wolf 2 to Wolf 4 disengage from the Nuremburg. We got to bail out the boss!

Laura: Wolf 1, Fox 4. Out of missiles switching to phasers. Damn! They're good I can't keep ahead of them much longer. Where's the rest of the squadron?

Thumper: I don't know Hotshot but we're still here, and still packing missiles.

Laura: Good to hear from you Thumper!

Laura flew like she had never before but they were outmatched, and the Ferengi must have figured she was the leader, because they concentrated all fire upon her. She fought to stay out of the way of the deadly weapons, but soon she was out of missiles and luck. A third and final blow took her shields out and a fourth glancing shot took out her engines and inertial dampers.

Laura: *with static over the com* Wolf 1.... Wolf 2..... Squad-...-s yours.... hit.... ake care.... luck!

Frantically Laura fought the controls of her badly damaged fighter, but somehow she managed to close the faceplate to her helmet and pressurize her suit. The fighter slammed into the atmosphere like a ton of bricks, and the fighter fell apart around her she was running out of time. The nose of the fighter glowed white.

Computer: Warning exceeding hull temperatures!

Laura could feel the heat rise and the transparent aluminum started to glow to a dull red, but she managed to control the crippled fighter to bring it to a point where she could bail out. She set it to self-destruct and ejected. As slowly floated to the earth she watched as the plumes of smoke tail off and then explode in a ball of flame. After several minutes she collided with the ground and looked around a female solider ran up to her... Wearing a Nazi uniform...

OFF>
 

Laura J. Allen

Squadron CO
USS James Cook
"My What Big Teeth We have"

On> The Cockpit of Buckeye

Rafe looked refamiliarized himself with the runabout’s controls. Hound had left to take Chiara back to the ship with one of the Wolfpack escort fighters, leaving him to fly the Buckeye.

He looked over to the communications panel where he saw a report coming in from the Cook. Wolf 1 had been shot down over Germany. The last reports from the fighters in space were that Wolf 1 had survived re-entry and a solid transponder signal could be heard.

Rafe closed his eyes and collected himself. He knew what had to be done. Buckeye was the closest Starfleet vessel to respond for the search and rescue mission, and he wasn’t about to let Laura Allen be held as a prisoner by the Nazis.

They had yet to leave Kennedy Space Center, which left him the option of leaving the Amorican president behind. He got up from his seat and went aft to speak with Elsie and the president.

Off>

Capt. Rafe Oosha

Chief Intelligence Officer
USS James Cook NCC-2098-A
"Wisdom begins in wonder."

On> Buckeye.

Rafe walked into the aft cabin where Elsie was seated next to Pres. Sterling. They were discussing a preliminary peace and cooperation treaty.

"Excuse me ladies, but we have a situation." He said, walking in.

Elsie glanced at Rafe then at the President. "Excuse me Madam President." She said, "Rafe what do you have?"

"The Cook and the Wolfpack engaged the Nuremberg and the Inquisitor. They reported the Inquisitor destroyed, but a shuttle got away. They did take prisoners. The Nuremberg was disabled, but only after a firefight during which Wolf 1 was shot down. The fighter went down over Germany. Big Bird, our second Buckeye unit reports a strong transponder signal from Wolf 1 and a number of lifesigns in the area."

Elsie's eyes narrowed. "You must get her out, immediately. We cannot let Allen be captured by the Germans!"

"My thoughts exactly. Buckeye is the closest Starfleet vessel in the area and we can take off immediately." Rafe said. He turned to the president. "M'lady, I'm going to have to ask you to depart. I cannot risk you on this mission."

The president nodded. "Understandable, Captain." She said. "I will return to Washingtonia aboard Air Force 1."

"Rafe, I will be safe with the President. You go on ahead." Elsie said.

Rafe nodded. He turned to the main cabin and pulled two enlisted men from their seats.
"You and you. Get your phasers and go with the Commodore." He said, assigning them to guard duty.

Rafe went up forward. "Let's get a check on the tactical and defensive systems."

Elsie told Sterling. "You are about to experience the sensation of your life. Buckeye One, two to beam to Air Force one."

"What?" The cascade of transporter light gripped them and the guards. It was all the president could do but to say "WWWWHHHOOOOOAAAAA!!!" as the beam deposited them into the cabins of Air Force 1.

The president breathed hard.

Elsie grinned as they re-materialized, "Quite a trip, huh?"

"What in Goddess's name was that!?!" She asked.

Elsie replied, "We call it beaming. It is a way we transport people quickly from one place to another. It saves time."

"Wow..." She said. She looked out the window to see Buckeye lifting off with the last remaining Wolfpack escort. "Is your man Rafe a fighter pilot as well as a Samurai?" She asked.

"He has many talents, Madam." Elsie grinned.

"Indeed. He will face the Luftwaffe, Commodore. They are the best fighter pilots next to the Israeli Air Force."

Elsie nodded solemnly, then looked around the large airplane they were in.

The AF1 crew was startled that the President had appeared magically in their midst.

"We... beamed in." The president told her people."

"Umm... Like Star Trek?" One asked.

"Yes, like Star Trek." She replied. "Let's get moving... there may be one more war before there is world peace." She said.

Elsie countered. "I hope we can prevent that, Madam President."

"I hope so too. When we get to Washington, my first action will be to nail the Axis Ambassador's ass to the wall if she doesn't start cooperating with me."

"It is not our policy to get involved in what we call a civil war. We need to outline strategies to prevent this incident escalating into global war." Elsie commented.

"I know. I don't want a war, but the Nazis are pushing it." She said.

Elsie grimaced as she followed the President to a set of facing seats and a table. "Shall we continue then?"

"Yes, by all means."

OFF>

JP

Captain Rafe Oosha (Also as president)
CIO USS James Cook
&
 

Commodore Elsie Veritas

CO U.S.S. James Cook
Python Fleet Flagship

On> Evermore, Nebaru

Chiara woke up to the sounds of weapons fire from the streets. They had all been warned of the approaching Dominion forces, and while though the general sentiment of fear had coursed its way through the hearts of every Nebari citizen, the Hierarchy had continually assured the people that the war would never reach the cold climes of their beloved Homeworld…

That assurance was rendered a moot point to Chiara when a disruptor beam crashed through her bedroom window. The young Nebari daughter of esteemed Ambassador Domina didn’t have time to even scream as she rolled out of bed. The only thing that ran through her mind was realizing that her was as intense as it was during the October Revolution, a one-month civil war that occurred when she was all of 5 years old.

…The October Revolution…

Little Chiara had just turned 5, and as a gift from her father she was going to get a chance to meet with kind old King George, the leader of the Nebari. Her mother had dressed her in her finest dress with bows and ribbons attached to her short silvery hair. She stood at the entrance to the throne room when she saw a flash of light and soldiers breaking in. She wasn’t sure what she was seeing, but she was soldiers marching on the throne. Her father was standing next to King George, alongside a Klingon diplomat and Vin Tamar, an enigmatic human whom her father trusted. There was a flash again and her vision returned to normal… no soldiers, only music and laughter.

She walked along side her mother as they entered the throne room. She saw kind old King George sitting on his throne next to his wife the Queen. They were conversing merrily with the Klingon Ambassador and drinking what was called ‘Blood Wine.’ Chiara remembered this blood wine, as she had stolen a sip from the Klingon’s cup over dinner one time. She remembered it being very thick and tasting awful. She ended up being sick for an entire week.

She didn’t know what urged her to do so, but she ran up to kind old King George and climbed up to his lap. Before her father could react, King George scooped her up and gave her a hug.

“Well, my daughter…” He said. “It gladdens me to see your enthusiasm to meet me.” He said with a smile, motioning to Ambassador Domina that it was quite all right. Chiara reached up and stroked his long beard. It was warm and fuzzy and her favorite thing about the King. It made him seem like a jolly grandpa.

“Well, I hear you are five years old today.” He said. “What can I bestow upon you, young lady Domina? Shall I make you a Countess, or perhaps a Duchess?” He said with a chuckle. Domina wanted to smile at the offer, but she remembered the flash.

“Papa King, they’re coming!” She exclaimed.
“Who’s coming?” The Klingon asked.

“The October Guard.” Chiara said. “With guns and swords! They’re coming here!”

“Absurd.” Vin Tamar said. “The rebels would not dare march on the palace.”

“My daughter has never been wrong.” Ambassador Domina countered. “She seems to have a knack for knowing things before we do.” He continued. Just then, an explosion and screams were heard outside.

The three men turned to see soldiers breaking into the throne room. From his back, the Klingon crew his bat’leth, which to Domina was a demonic looking sword. Ambassador Domina, Vin Tamar and the King followed suit by drawing their own swords.

“Get behind me, Lady Domina, I’ll protect you.” Kind old King George said, as he stood tall. Domina did what she was told. She couldn’t see what was going on, but what she heard was intense… screaming, the shrill whines of energy weapons and the heat of the beams as they flew through the air. Then she felt the hands of the Queen lift her from the throne of King George and carry her back behind to a secret doorway.


…Evermore…

Vin Tamar laughed as he held Domina down on the bed. “Quit with your wiggling.” He said.

“Stop! Please stop!” Chiara cried. It was too much for a fifteen year old girl to handle. Tamar had already tore most of her clothes from her. He pulled a hypospray from his pocket and pressed it to her neck.

“That should make you more… friendly.” He said with a smile. Chiara’s body involuntarily relaxed due to the affects of the drugs. She was helpless to stop him. Tamar removed her undergarments, then started to take his own clothes off.

“Your father promised you to me, and I want to see what kind of woman I am getting.” He said. As he started to fondle her, she began to detach herself from the moment, focusing on other things rather then the intrusion of Vin Tamar, but she couldn’t help herself but to cry as Vin Tamar entered her…


…Evermore…

Chiara crawled out of her bedroom into the hallway, afraid that more Jem’Hadar disruptor beams would come through.

“Daddy!” She screamed. She saw her mother on the floor as well.

“Chiara, stay down!” Her mother said.

“Daddy! Where’s Daddy!?!” Chiara said in tears.

“Your father is downstairs getting his gun.” She said.

Chiara looked over between the railing to see her father and her boyfriend both armed with Klingon made rifles. They door busted open and Jem’Hadar soldiers. Her father and boyfriend opened fire on the invaders, taking down a good five of them before they were overwhelmed. The two Nebari men fought bravely, but it was not enough as the Jem’Hadar overtook them. The soldier beat them mercilessly as others came up stairs to round up Chiara and her mother.

Kicking and screaming they were led down stairs where Ambassador Domina stood facing a wall next to Myles Nebora, the man that had become Chiara’s first love. She wanted to rush to Myles’ side and hold him, but the strong hands of the Jem’Hadar prevented that. They were forced to watch as the Jem’Hadar First gave the execution order. The soldiers lined up, aim their rifles and gunned down her father and her love. Chiara screamed in anguish and her mother simply broke down in tears and sobs.
The soldier pulled the bodies of the two men aside and lined up Chiara and her mother against the wall. They took aim again, but this time their attention was diverted to battle crys from outside.

Klingons rushed into the house of the Ambassador and charged the Jem’Hadar, cutting the invaders down in the confusion that ensued. Two Klingon warriors went to the women’s side. One warrior looked at Chiara.

“I am Kurn, son of Mogh. Be not afraid, I am here to rescue you. A Federation Starship awaits in orbit.” With that, the warrior placed a transporter beacon on the women and they were beamed to safety.


USS James Cook – 10 Forward.

“A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.” Chiara told Elsie Veritas.

Elsie's mouth dropped open as she stared speechless at Domina, then the commbadge in her hand.

She turned and walked towards Rafe and Tamar. Tamar's aide turned and locked her eyes on the approaching Domina. She knew what she had to do. Tamar had to pay for what she did to her… he had to pay for the innocence he took from her.

Domina grabbed Rafe's lightsaber and shoved him away, catching him off guard. She lit the lightsaber and swung for Tamar's head. With lighting speed, Tamar's aide responded with her own blade, blocking the strike only inches away from Tamar's neck.

"Out of my way, Lady!" Domina growled. Chiara didn’t want to fight the Migichinan Aide, but wasn’t afraid to face her. She knew now that death would be easier to live with then to have to see Tamar’s rancid face one more time.

"Guards!" Elsie yelled! Chiara didn’t hear the Commodore’s summons of the guards… she was more intent on finding her own justice.

"You would do wise to cease and desist your actions, Counselor." The aide replied as Rafe got back on his feet. He looked at Domina, then over to Elsie. He placed his hand out warning Elsie and others to stay back.

Guards stationed at the door began to run to Domina, but stopped at Rafe's gesture.

They took out their phasers, and locked them on stun.

Domina lunged again, but the aide stood in defense and prepared for a counter attack. Domina managed to parry the aide's furious attack by using her clairvoyance to see the coming attacks.

"Your... your master is a rapist!" Domina sputtered at the aide. The aide's eyes went wide.

She looked over at Tamar and back to Domina.

The aide started to back off, obviously trying to sort things out. Domina's back was turned to Rafe and he saw his opening. Rafe extended his hand out and the lightsaber flew out of Domina's hand and into Rafe's

The confused guards continued to hold their phasers at ready, glancing at Elsie. She held her hand up that they should hold their fire.

"This fight is over. Tamar, if your aid wishes to continue the battle, she will have to face me." Rafe said. He knew whom he believed and walked to Domina's side.

The aide shook her head... and then she looked over at a woman with black hair sporting a red Star Fleet uniform. It was not someone Elsie immediately recognized, but the woman was wearing Captain's pips.

Elsie spoke to the guards, loud enough for Domina to hear. "Place Counselor Domina in the brig for attacking an Ambassador.


USS James Cook – The Brig.

Chiara sat crosslegged across from Rafe as they played a card game. They were silent at first, each going over the events of the reception in their minds.

“What’s going to happen to us?” She asked Rafe.

“Justice will happen.” Rafe replied. “The Fates will see to that.”

“I don’t understand.” Chiara said.

“Fate guides us. Fate controls us. Fate led Tamar here and Fate led you to confront Tamar.”

“I was… meant to attack him?” She asked.

“Probably. Tamar was guilty of a crime, and it was time for him to be brought to justice.” Rafe said.

“Do you think they’ll kick us out of Starfleet?” She asked. “I hope not… I really don’t have a home to go back to.” She said in tears.

“Home is where your heart is.” Rafe replied. “Besides… I have some land in Canada. You can always come and stay with me.”

Chiara smiled. “Thanks Rafe… that means a lot to me.”

Rafe smiled back. “Go fish.”



USS James Cook – Domina’s Quarters.

Chiara snuggled up next to Tarmis, who had fallen asleep. His strong arms wrapped around her, she felt truly safe. She felt wanted and needed for the first time in a very long time. It wasn’t like the embrace of her father, or of Kind Old King George, or even that of Myles… but it was comfortable none the less.

She rolled over to face Tarmis Jeram. His peaceful face was the first thing she saw as her vision came back into focus from the last clairvoyant episode. She kissed him gently about the lips and face, thankful that he was there.


Terra Mater – Kennedy Space Center.

"This day, this event, will always be remembered in history... but we now have the reason, we now have the chance to do something more with this occasion. We have a chance to end the tensions between the Axis and Nato. Though the UN is set to declare world peace, we still have a long way to go. We still have many differences to settle before that peace can be realized and that we can show to our newfound friends that we are ready to take our place in the galaxy. We.."

Domina looked up. She saw a flash, a flash of a laser piercing both Elsie and the President. She blinked her eyes and saw Elsie moving the President out of the way. "Watch out!" Domina shouted. The laser was fired and Domina tackled the President and Elsie, forcing them both to the ground. Domina yelped in pain as the smell of burned flesh crossed Elsie's nose.

Rafe immediately pulled out his phaser and started scanning the crowd.

Elsie shielded the President as best as she could while chaos erupted around them. "Madam, were you hit?" She asked.

"No... I'm fine, but you aide..."

Domina was lying prone and not moving. Rafe was standing off to the side, watching as the police quickly arrested the gunman. She could faintly hear what was going on, but the pain was too intense, and her body would respond to her desire to move… all she wanted was to be safe in Tarmis’s arms again… at least for one more time…

Elsie answered, "Then who...Oh, Goddess, Chiara!" Elsie took Chiara in her arms, looking for the wound.

Pulling the cloak back, Elsie immediately saw the wound. One single hole, entering from just behind Chiara's left breast and exiting out her back. The wound was cauterized from the laser bolt.

"We need to get her back to our ship!" Elsie exclaimed. "Rafe, call for a beam up!"

Rafe turned and looked at them. "I don't think so, Elsie."

He turned the phaser on them.

"What?" Elsie's voice turned cold. "I just gave you an order!"

"Take your order and shove it up you ass sideways, bitch."

Rafe shot Chiara with the phaser, causing even more damage to the already critically wounded Counselor.

Chiara convulsed with the blast of the phaser bolt. Every nerve ending had lit up at once, and all she could see was the white light of pain. She managed a scream again, but that she knew would be her last. The pain was too horrible… and the face of Rafe was burned into her mind as yet another betrayal… and probably the last time she would ever be betrayed…

“Father… I’m coming home…” She whispered to herself… as her vision faded to black one more time…

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